thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-07--Iowa Democratic Party extends deadline to challenge muddled caucus results

MANCHESTER , New Hampshire — The Iowa Democratic Party extended the deadline to challenge official results from the state 's caucuses just 30 minutes before the original deadline .
Campaigns now have until Saturday at noon CST to submit evidence of inconsistencies in reported precinct data and until Monday at noon to request a recanvass or recount of results .
The previous deadline to request a recanvass was noon CST on Friday .
With 100 % of precincts reporting , former South Bend , Indiana , Mayor Pete Buttigieg held a razor-thin lead of less than one-tenth of 1 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bernie Sanders .
Sanders won the popular vote .
The results were delayed due to technical problems with an app meant to transmit results from precincts to headquarters , and each precinct was instead verified manually by the Iowa Democratic Party .
But more than 100 precincts showed obvious errors , such as incorrect allocation of state delegate equivalents to numbers of voters on first and final alignment that are inconsistent with caucus rules .
Democratic National Committee Chairman Tom Perez called on Thursday for a recanvass of the Iowa caucus results , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they were tabulated correctly .
`` Enough is enough , '' he said .
The Iowa Democratic Party swiftly responded with a statement on Thursday that noted only a candidate could request a recount , and if they did so , the campaign would have to pay for the cost of the recanvass .
The deadline to do so after full reporting on Thursday night was noon CST on Friday .
Buttigieg was supportive of a recanvass or recount , saying `` whatever they need to do in order to make sure that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during CNN 's town hall on Thursday — but indicated that he would not be the candidate to request one .
`` I 'll leave it to the party to get into that .
But you know , what I 'll say is nothing can take away what happened on Monday , just an extraordinary moment for the movement that we have built , and now , we 're looking ahead to New Hampshire and beyond , '' Buttigieg said .
Sanders also did not express a desire to take on the responsibility @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there are clear errors in official results .
`` What I expect will most definitely happen is that Mr. Buttigieg and I will end up with the same amount of delegates — 11 now , each probably a little bit more .
That 's what will happen , ai n't going to change , and what certainly is not going to change is the fact that in terms of the popular vote , we won a decisive victory , '' Sanders said in a press conference on Thursday .
In a CNN town @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the idea of taking on a recanvass .
`` We have got enough of Iowa .
I think we should move on to New Hampshire , '' he said .

MANCHESTER, New Hampshire — The Iowa Democratic Party extended the deadline to challenge official results from the state's caucuses just 30 minutes before the original deadline.
Campaigns now have until Saturday at noon CST to submit evidence of inconsistencies in reported precinct data and until Monday at noon to request a recanvass or recount of results.
The previous deadline to request a recanvass was noon CST on Friday.
With 100% of precincts reporting, former South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg held a razor-thin lead of less than one-tenth of 1% in state delegate equivalents over Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders. Sanders won the popular vote.
The results were delayed due to technical problems with an app meant to transmit results from precincts to headquarters, and each precinct was instead verified manually by the Iowa Democratic Party. But more than 100 precincts showed obvious errors, such as incorrect allocation of state delegate equivalents to numbers of voters on first and final alignment that are inconsistent with caucus rules.
Democratic National Committee Chairman Tom Perez called on Thursday for a recanvass of the Iowa caucus results, which entails double-checking reported totals to ensure they were tabulated correctly. "Enough is enough," he said.
The Iowa Democratic Party swiftly responded with a statement on Thursday that noted only a candidate could request a recount, and if they did so, the campaign would have to pay for the cost of the recanvass. The deadline to do so after full reporting on Thursday night was noon CST on Friday.
Buttigieg was supportive of a recanvass or recount, saying during CNN's town hall on Thursday that the party should do "whatever they need to do in order to make sure that the information is clear and verified" — but indicated that he would not be the candidate to request one.
"I'll leave it to the party to get into that. But you know, what I'll say is nothing can take away what happened on Monday, just an extraordinary moment for the movement that we have built, and now, we're looking ahead to New Hampshire and beyond," Buttigieg said.
Sanders also did not express a desire to take on the responsibility of requesting a recanvass despite noting that there are clear errors in official results.
"What I expect will most definitely happen is that Mr. Buttigieg and I will end up with the same amount of delegates — 11 now, each probably a little bit more. That's what will happen, ain't going to change, and what certainly is not going to change is the fact that in terms of the popular vote, we won a decisive victory," Sanders said in a press conference on Thursday.
In a CNN town hall on Thursday, Sanders shot down the idea of taking on a recanvass. "We have got enough of Iowa. I think we should move on to New Hampshire," he said.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-07--Joe Walsh’s five minutes of fame are over

Six months and dozens of media hits later , Joe Walsh has ended his primary bid against President Trump .
Walsh ’ s campaign , which won him a grand total of 348 votes in the Iowa caucuses , never had a chance .
Trump is wildly popular among Republican voters , and his base is arguably as unified behind him as it has been at any point in his presidency .
But even if Walsh did have a shot at the Republican nomination , he would still have been the wrong man for the job .
Conservatives who oppose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of principle and temperament .
Walsh ’ s controversial history proves that he is a man without principle , or reason , or tact .
During Barack Obama ’ s presidency , Walsh made a slew of racist and bigoted comments , questioning whether Obama was a Muslim and insinuating that this would be a bad thing if it were true .
He called Obama an “ enemy , ” complained about the fact that racial slurs aren ’ t socially acceptable , and even advocated for violence against the “ Black Lives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conservatives to believe he was the reasonable alternative to Trump .
`` No other Republican stepped up , ” he told voters in Iowa earlier this week .
“ No other Republican stepped up to say , 'This is not my Republican Party.
’ ” Then , Walsh tried to distance himself from the Joe Walsh who , as of two years ago , was still insisting he “ has a right to call Obama a Muslim.
” He told Iowa voters , “ I ’ m not cruel , I 'm not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ racist , I do n't lie , I do n't invite Russia and China and Ukraine to screw with our elections.
” In 2016 , Walsh avidly supported Trump .
Right before the election , he tweeted , “ On November 8th , I ’ m voting for Trump .
On November 9th , if Trump loses , I ’ m grabbing my musket .
You in ?
” He later turned on Trump when it became politically convenient .
This opened up an entirely new audience for his radio career .
Walsh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ too .
His run for the White House might have failed , as he knew it would , but Walsh still made the most of it .
His short-lived candidacy made him somewhat relevant , if only for a moment .
But that was all Walsh needed : He made the rounds on cable networks , eager to dunk on Trump , and in doing so , he made a name for himself beyond just the unhinged former congressman who lost his seat in 2012 .
Walsh lost to Trump , but he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In politics , everyone wins .
It just depends on what you make of it .

Six months and dozens of media hits later, Joe Walsh has ended his primary bid against President Trump.
Walsh’s campaign, which won him a grand total of 348 votes in the Iowa caucuses, never had a chance. Trump is wildly popular among Republican voters, and his base is arguably as unified behind him as it has been at any point in his presidency. But even if Walsh did have a shot at the Republican nomination, he would still have been the wrong man for the job. Conservatives who oppose Trump tend to dislike him for reasons of principle and temperament. Walsh’s controversial history proves that he is a man without principle, or reason, or tact.
During Barack Obama’s presidency, Walsh made a slew of racist and bigoted comments, questioning whether Obama was a Muslim and insinuating that this would be a bad thing if it were true. He called Obama an “enemy,” complained about the fact that racial slurs aren’t socially acceptable, and even advocated for violence against the “Black Lives Matter punks.”
Yet, Walsh expected conservatives to believe he was the reasonable alternative to Trump. "No other Republican stepped up,” he told voters in Iowa earlier this week. “No other Republican stepped up to say, 'This is not my Republican Party.’”
Then, Walsh tried to distance himself from the Joe Walsh who, as of two years ago, was still insisting he “has a right to call Obama a Muslim.” He told Iowa voters, “I’m not cruel, I'm not a bigot, I'm not a racist, I don't lie, I don't invite Russia and China and Ukraine to screw with our elections.”
In 2016, Walsh avidly supported Trump. Right before the election, he tweeted, “On November 8th, I’m voting for Trump. On November 9th, if Trump loses, I’m grabbing my musket. You in?”
He later turned on Trump when it became politically convenient. This opened up an entirely new audience for his radio career. Walsh’s presidential bid grew that audience too. His run for the White House might have failed, as he knew it would, but Walsh still made the most of it. His short-lived candidacy made him somewhat relevant, if only for a moment. But that was all Walsh needed: He made the rounds on cable networks, eager to dunk on Trump, and in doing so, he made a name for himself beyond just the unhinged former congressman who lost his seat in 2012.
Walsh lost to Trump, but he still won his five minutes of fame. In politics, everyone wins. It just depends on what you make of it.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-07--Presidential debates are circuses. Here's how to make them useful again

Friday night , amid the aftermath of the Iowa caucuses chaos , seven of the top presidential candidates will again take the stage for a debate in New Hampshire .
During and immediately following the debate , media outlets and pundits will no doubt offer their hot takes and instant analysis of the `` winners . ''
In the days following , much will be made of interactions between Pete Buttigieg and Bernie Sanders .
Two more debates are scheduled this month , but as they devolve further and further into a circus , the usefulness of debates is questionable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ walk away from these debates with no idea who the best candidate is or what their individual beliefs or strengths are .
Even Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez vented her frustration .
In an Instagram story , she said she prefers `` to engage ideas more deeply and at length.
” She continued , “ I personally haven ’ t found these TV debates super informative or helpful , aside from giving people clips to post on social the week after.
” While televised debates have helped define many of our nation ’ s elections @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they ’ ve become less and less useful as a tool to understand candidates ’ policy positions .
We need to reexamine their format in our new digital age , where more news breaks on Twitter than TV and young people are talking about politics on Tik Tok .
The way we set up these debates has allowed them to devolve from calm , civilized debates over important political issues into a competition to see who can walk away with the best “ viral moment.
” The public gets to see the candidates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but that ’ s about it .
The substance of the candidates ’ policies are hard to determine , even if you watch the whole debate .
To be well-informed on where each candidate stands on the day ’ s most pressing issues , you would need to do some serious Google searches on your own .
Unfortunately , most people don ’ t have the time or patience to do this type of research .
On a daily basis , your average citizen is busy dropping their kids off at school , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and worrying about commuter traffic and what to make for dinner .
The last thing they want to do at the end of the day is wade through policy proposals .
We need to change the format of these debates to allow for longer conversations and one-on-one interactions .
Doing so will motivate candidates to speak with more depth about what they believe and will push us away from the performative air that many of these debates have taken on .
The debates can be restructured in several ways to achieve these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be featured in a one-on-one interview on the likes of 60 Minutes or NBC Nightly News .
These interviews air during prime time and offer a golden opportunity for candidates to talk at length about their policy ideas .
Creating a standard format for these interviews and inviting as many ( serious ) candidates as possible to take part in them would be an excellent way for the public to get to know the candidates better .
A given segment or even an hourlong special could cover either one issue or a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should , of course , be someone who is as objective and knowledgeable as possible about the issues selected .
Toward the end of the presidential races , the party nominees and their chosen running mates are given the chance to debate each other one-on-one .
This provides an excellent chance for the public to hear more from the nominees , but it would also be a useful format to deploy at the beginning stages of the race .
Once the pool of candidates reaches a reasonable number , holding a series of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conversations for the public to watch and consider .
A potential format is the 1948 presidential primary debate between New York Gov .
Thomas Dewey and Minnesota Gov .
Harold Stassen , during which there was a 20-minute opening statement from each candidate , an eight-minute rebuttal , and a focus on one specific topic .
Town hall-style forums are also a useful format that can help the public learn more about each candidate .
CNN has aired several of them on topics such as climate change and gay and transgender issues .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but their content has been helpful to the voters who tune in .
A fresh take on the format may help attract more viewers .
Shortening the segments or pairing candidates with another famous person or subject matter expert could make the format more appealing .
TV networks don ’ t have to be the only ones hosting town halls — with nearly everyone having access to the internet and social media , it would be quite easy for a newspaper or other media outlet to host town halls and broadcast them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Citizens have a duty to pay attention to elections , but candidates and media outlets also have a duty to make doing so as easy as possible .
Instead of creating an environment that encourages rehearsed talking points , viral clips , and clap backs , let ’ s push our presidential candidates to educate us on what they really believe so that we end up with the right candidate instead of the one with the most Twitter followers .
Ann Phelan ( @ annmphelan ) is the associate communications director for the @ @ @ @

Friday night, amid the aftermath of the Iowa caucuses chaos, seven of the top presidential candidates will again take the stage for a debate in New Hampshire. During and immediately following the debate, media outlets and pundits will no doubt offer their hot takes and instant analysis of the "winners." In the days following, much will be made of interactions between Pete Buttigieg and Bernie Sanders. Two more debates are scheduled this month, but as they devolve further and further into a circus, the usefulness of debates is questionable at best.
Unsurprisingly, many viewers walk away from these debates with no idea who the best candidate is or what their individual beliefs or strengths are. Even Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez vented her frustration. In an Instagram story, she said she prefers "to engage ideas more deeply and at length.” She continued, “I personally haven’t found these TV debates super informative or helpful, aside from giving people clips to post on social the week after.”
While televised debates have helped define many of our nation’s elections since they began airing in 1960, they’ve become less and less useful as a tool to understand candidates’ policy positions. We need to reexamine their format in our new digital age, where more news breaks on Twitter than TV and young people are talking about politics on Tik Tok.
The way we set up these debates has allowed them to devolve from calm, civilized debates over important political issues into a competition to see who can walk away with the best “viral moment.” The public gets to see the candidates and hear their well-practiced talking points, but that’s about it. The substance of the candidates’ policies are hard to determine, even if you watch the whole debate. To be well-informed on where each candidate stands on the day’s most pressing issues, you would need to do some serious Google searches on your own.
Unfortunately, most people don’t have the time or patience to do this type of research. On a daily basis, your average citizen is busy dropping their kids off at school, working 9-to-5 jobs outside the Beltway bubble, and worrying about commuter traffic and what to make for dinner. The last thing they want to do at the end of the day is wade through policy proposals.
We need to change the format of these debates to allow for longer conversations and one-on-one interactions. Doing so will motivate candidates to speak with more depth about what they believe and will push us away from the performative air that many of these debates have taken on.
The debates can be restructured in several ways to achieve these results.
Occasionally, a presidential candidate will be featured in a one-on-one interview on the likes of 60 Minutes or NBC Nightly News. These interviews air during prime time and offer a golden opportunity for candidates to talk at length about their policy ideas. Creating a standard format for these interviews and inviting as many (serious) candidates as possible to take part in them would be an excellent way for the public to get to know the candidates better. A given segment or even an hourlong special could cover either one issue or a set of related issues. The interviewer should, of course, be someone who is as objective and knowledgeable as possible about the issues selected.
Toward the end of the presidential races, the party nominees and their chosen running mates are given the chance to debate each other one-on-one. This provides an excellent chance for the public to hear more from the nominees, but it would also be a useful format to deploy at the beginning stages of the race. Once the pool of candidates reaches a reasonable number, holding a series of one-on-one debates would offer interesting contrasts and conversations for the public to watch and consider. A potential format is the 1948 presidential primary debate between New York Gov. Thomas Dewey and Minnesota Gov. Harold Stassen, during which there was a 20-minute opening statement from each candidate, an eight-minute rebuttal, and a focus on one specific topic.
Town hall-style forums are also a useful format that can help the public learn more about each candidate. CNN has aired several of them on topics such as climate change and gay and transgender issues. These town halls have suffered low ratings, but their content has been helpful to the voters who tune in. A fresh take on the format may help attract more viewers.
Shortening the segments or pairing candidates with another famous person or subject matter expert could make the format more appealing. TV networks don’t have to be the only ones hosting town halls — with nearly everyone having access to the internet and social media, it would be quite easy for a newspaper or other media outlet to host town halls and broadcast them live on the internet for free.
Citizens have a duty to pay attention to elections, but candidates and media outlets also have a duty to make doing so as easy as possible. Instead of creating an environment that encourages rehearsed talking points, viral clips, and clap backs, let’s push our presidential candidates to educate us on what they really believe so that we end up with the right candidate instead of the one with the most Twitter followers.
Ann Phelan (@annmphelan) is the associate communications director for the R Street Institute.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-07--Buttigieg got the result he needed in Iowa, but he has more to prove

MANCHESTER , New Hampshire — Pete Buttigieg needed to win big in the Iowa caucuses .
And he did .
Final results released Thursday show Buttigieg in first place in state delegate equivalents , the traditional way of winning delegates and the Iowa caucuses , with less than one-tenth of a percent lead over Bernie Sanders .
The Vermont senator , 78 , also claims victory based on the popular vote , and inconsistencies cast doubt on the final results .
But one thing is certain : Buttigieg outperformed expectations and demonstrated the strength of his organizing team .
Massachusetts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in third place , and former Vice President Joe Biden , 77 , was in fourth .
Buttigieg , 38 , a newcomer to the national political stage , skyrocketed to stardom last year after he announced his presidential ambitions due in part to extensive media coverage highlighting his unique characteristics : a Midwestern millennial with executive experience , a Navy Reserve Afghanistan veteran , a Harvard graduate , a Rhodes Scholar , and a married gay man .
But as Buttigieg has spent the last few days touting his victory — `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on to New Hampshire victorious , '' he said Monday night when no precincts had been reported — the pressure has never been higher for his campaign .
The former mayor and his campaign acknowledged that a lackluster result in Iowa would be detrimental for his White House hopes .
Falling behind in the Feb. 11 New Hampshire primary would have the same effect , chalking up his Iowa success to an outlier and a result of Biden 's ineffective organization rather than his strength as a candidate .
Buttigieg acknowledged the urgency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supporters on Wednesday evening .
`` If Iowa was our first chance to show that we have the ability to win , New Hampshire is the place where we demonstrate that we have sustained momentum .
It 's our chance to prove that we 're in this race for the long haul , '' Buttigieg said , before asking those on the call to chip in a donation .
`` We 're still the underdog in this effort . ''
National primary polls conducted before the caucuses show Buttigieg in single digits nationally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sparks their interest , he simply does not have the national experience they want in a nominee .
Concerns about his ability to appeal to minority voters reached Iowans , who asked him about the issue .
Following his shock Iowa failure , Biden awoke to the threat of Buttigieg capturing voters who might otherwise vote for him and directly attacked the former South Bend , Indiana , mayor on Wednesday .
`` It 's a risk , to be just straight up with you , for this party to nominate someone who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mayor of a town of 100,000 people in Indiana , '' Biden said .
Buttigieg 's post-Iowa path is further complicated by the Iowa Democratic Party 's disastrous result- reporting mishaps .
Because of the delay , he was denied an immediate boost in attention from Iowa results before the news cycle turned to President Trump 's State of the Union speech and acquittal in his Senate impeachment trial .
Sanders 's own claim to victory further muddles consensus about the ultimate winner and stunts Buttigieg 's momentum .
In a press conference @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sanders said that the final state delegate equivalent count `` is meaningless because we are both likely to receive the same number of national delegates to the Democratic National Convention in Milwaukee . ''
`` When 6,000 more people come out for you in an election than your nearest opponent , we here in northern New England call that a victory , '' Sanders said , referencing his lead over Buttigieg in Iowa 's first alignment vote .
Even if he does well in the New Hampshire primary , he will be tested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 29 South Carolina contests , which have a higher proportion of minority voters .
Issues that have followed Buttigieg through his bid are likely to keep haunting him .
Rival operatives and journalists will likely continue to dig into Buttigieg 's record with the minority community in South Bend , such as the killing of a black man last summer , and Buttigieg 's firing of a black police chief who was involved in a scandal about illegally recorded conversations .
And despite being the youngest candidate in the race , Buttigieg does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — with some even making fun of him for being too vanilla and not proposing bold enough ideas .

MANCHESTER, New Hampshire — Pete Buttigieg needed to win big in the Iowa caucuses. And he did.
Final results released Thursday show Buttigieg in first place in state delegate equivalents, the traditional way of winning delegates and the Iowa caucuses, with less than one-tenth of a percent lead over Bernie Sanders.
The Vermont senator, 78, also claims victory based on the popular vote, and inconsistencies cast doubt on the final results. But one thing is certain: Buttigieg outperformed expectations and demonstrated the strength of his organizing team.
Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, 70, finished in third place, and former Vice President Joe Biden, 77, was in fourth.
Buttigieg, 38, a newcomer to the national political stage, skyrocketed to stardom last year after he announced his presidential ambitions due in part to extensive media coverage highlighting his unique characteristics: a Midwestern millennial with executive experience, a Navy Reserve Afghanistan veteran, a Harvard graduate, a Rhodes Scholar, and a married gay man.
But as Buttigieg has spent the last few days touting his victory — "By all indications, we are going on to New Hampshire victorious," he said Monday night when no precincts had been reported — the pressure has never been higher for his campaign.
The former mayor and his campaign acknowledged that a lackluster result in Iowa would be detrimental for his White House hopes. Falling behind in the Feb. 11 New Hampshire primary would have the same effect, chalking up his Iowa success to an outlier and a result of Biden's ineffective organization rather than his strength as a candidate.
Buttigieg acknowledged the urgency of the moment in a call with supporters on Wednesday evening.
"If Iowa was our first chance to show that we have the ability to win, New Hampshire is the place where we demonstrate that we have sustained momentum. It's our chance to prove that we're in this race for the long haul," Buttigieg said, before asking those on the call to chip in a donation. "We're still the underdog in this effort."
National primary polls conducted before the caucuses show Buttigieg in single digits nationally. For many voters, while Buttigieg sparks their interest, he simply does not have the national experience they want in a nominee. Concerns about his ability to appeal to minority voters reached Iowans, who asked him about the issue.
Following his shock Iowa failure, Biden awoke to the threat of Buttigieg capturing voters who might otherwise vote for him and directly attacked the former South Bend, Indiana, mayor on Wednesday.
"It's a risk, to be just straight up with you, for this party to nominate someone who've never held an office higher than mayor of a town of 100,000 people in Indiana," Biden said.
Buttigieg's post-Iowa path is further complicated by the Iowa Democratic Party's disastrous result-reporting mishaps.
Because of the delay, he was denied an immediate boost in attention from Iowa results before the news cycle turned to President Trump's State of the Union speech and acquittal in his Senate impeachment trial.
Sanders's own claim to victory further muddles consensus about the ultimate winner and stunts Buttigieg's momentum. In a press conference declaring his own victory on Thursday, Sanders said that the final state delegate equivalent count "is meaningless because we are both likely to receive the same number of national delegates to the Democratic National Convention in Milwaukee."
"When 6,000 more people come out for you in an election than your nearest opponent, we here in northern New England call that a victory," Sanders said, referencing his lead over Buttigieg in Iowa's first alignment vote.
Even if he does well in the New Hampshire primary, he will be tested in the Feb. 22 Nevada and Feb. 29 South Carolina contests, which have a higher proportion of minority voters. Issues that have followed Buttigieg through his bid are likely to keep haunting him.
Rival operatives and journalists will likely continue to dig into Buttigieg's record with the minority community in South Bend, such as the killing of a black man last summer, and Buttigieg's firing of a black police chief who was involved in a scandal about illegally recorded conversations. And despite being the youngest candidate in the race, Buttigieg does not have outsize support among younger voters — with some even making fun of him for being too vanilla and not proposing bold enough ideas.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-07--Navy secretary fired by Trump endorses Bloomberg

Former Navy Secretary Richard Spencer endorsed Michael Bloomberg ’ s presidential campaign months after being ousted by President Trump .
Spencer announced his support for the former New York mayor Thursday morning , saying , `` I have the utmost confidence that Mike will faithfully execute his duty as commander in chief . ''
Spencer , 66 , was secretary of the Navy from August 2017 to November 2019 , including when Trump pardoned , who had been accused of several war crimes and found guilty of taking a photograph with a corpse of an Islamic State fighter .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gallagher to retire with his coveted Trident pin , but Trump ordered Gallagher to retire with full honors .
Spencer side-stepped Defense Secretary Mark Esper to raise his concerns about Gallagher to the White House and was asked to resign by Esper in November .
In a parting op-ed , Spencer ripped Trump for his into the Navy ’ s affairs .
Prior to his endorsement of Bloomberg , Spencer had donated to Republican causes , including donations to George W. Bush , Mitt Romney , and the Republican National Committee .
While @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a Republican when he was mayor of New York City .
“ We need a leader who can bring the country together , ” Spencer told the New York Times .
“ This is not about a party .
This is not about left and right .
It ’ s about where can we find a solution to get the country working together and be unified , with an operable political system.
” Bloomberg accepted Spencer ’ s endorsement and lauded him for breaking with Trump , saying , “ I salute @ @ @ @ @ @ @ duties .
But the fact remains , we have a president , a commander in chief , who has no respect for the rule of law and no concern whatsoever for ethics or honor , or for the values that truly make America great.
” Spencer is slated to join Bloomberg on the campaign trail on Friday in Norfolk , Virginia .
Bloomberg , a 78-year-old billionaire , has made a relatively strong showing in nationwide polls , despite not participating in early state elections such as the Iowa caucuses .
The RealClearPolitics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % nationwide .

Former Navy Secretary Richard Spencer endorsed Michael Bloomberg’s presidential campaign months after being ousted by President Trump.
Spencer announced his support for the former New York mayor Thursday morning, saying, "I have the utmost confidence that Mike will faithfully execute his duty as commander in chief."
Spencer, 66, was secretary of the Navy from August 2017 to November 2019, including when Trump pardoned Navy SEAL Eddie Gallagher , who had been accused of several war crimes and found guilty of taking a photograph with a corpse of an Islamic State fighter.
It was unclear if the Navy would allow Gallagher to retire with his coveted Trident pin, but Trump ordered Gallagher to retire with full honors. Spencer side-stepped Defense Secretary Mark Esper to raise his concerns about Gallagher to the White House and was asked to resign by Esper in November .
In a parting op-ed, Spencer ripped Trump for his “shocking and unprecedented intervention” into the Navy’s affairs.
Prior to his endorsement of Bloomberg, Spencer had donated to Republican causes, including donations to George W. Bush, Mitt Romney, and the Republican National Committee. While Bloomberg is a Democrat today, he was a Republican when he was mayor of New York City.
“We need a leader who can bring the country together,” Spencer told the New York Times. “This is not about a party. This is not about left and right. It’s about where can we find a solution to get the country working together and be unified, with an operable political system.”
Bloomberg accepted Spencer’s endorsement and lauded him for breaking with Trump, saying, “I salute Secretary Spencer for not flinching from his duties. But the fact remains, we have a president, a commander in chief, who has no respect for the rule of law and no concern whatsoever for ethics or honor, or for the values that truly make America great.”


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-07--Joe Walsh ends campaign for White House, saying 'any Democrat would be better than Trump'

Former Illinois Republican Rep. Joe Walsh has dropped his primary bid against President Trump for the White House , he announced Friday .
`` I ’ m suspending my campaign , but our fight against the Cult of Trump is just getting started .
I ’ m committed to doing everything I can to defeat Trump and his enablers this November .
I can ’ t do it alone , '' Walsh , 58 , tweeted .
In an exit interview with CNN , he said he would be supporting the 2020 Democratic nominee in the fall , spending the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and independents to do the same .
He suggested former Vice President Joe Biden and Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar were the most palatable to members of the GOP such as him .
`` Donald Trump is a dictator , he 's a king .
He literally is the greatest threat to our country right now .
Any Democrat would be better than Trump in the White House .
That 's not an easy thing for me to say , but that tells you how seriously this moment is , '' he said , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a former talk radio host and social worker in inner-city Chicago who had contested Iowa and was promoting a busy schedule in New Hampshire , launched his campaign in August .
But after five months on the trail , he received only 1.1 % of the state delegate equivalents in this week 's first-in-the-nation caucuses .
During his announcement , Walsh slammed Trump for being `` completely unfit '' and took aim at the president in a two-minute video on his own website over the incumbent 's incessant use of social media @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the N-word , and racist Obama voters : Joe Walsh 's long history of incendiary statements ] “ We ’ re tired of a president waking up every morning and tweeting ugly insults at ordinary Americans , ” Walsh told ABC News at the time .
“ We ’ re tired of a president who is tweeting this country into a recession.
” However , his stance against the president was a political reversal , as the former congressman supported the president ’ s 2016 run for the White House .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ On November 9th , if Trump loses , I ’ m grabbing my musket .
You in ?
” The Illinois Republican , who won his seat in Congress in 2010 at the height of the Tea Party movement , lost his 2012 reelection to a Democrat , now Sen. Tammy Duckworth .
Following his defeat , he returned to Illinois to start a radio show only to lose the program after he launched his bid for the 2020 presidency .
Walsh became the second Republican challenger to Trump , joining former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who announced his run for the White House earlier in the year .

Former Illinois Republican Rep. Joe Walsh has dropped his primary bid against President Trump for the White House, he announced Friday.
"I’m suspending my campaign, but our fight against the Cult of Trump is just getting started. I’m committed to doing everything I can to defeat Trump and his enablers this November. I can’t do it alone," Walsh, 58, tweeted.
I’m suspending my campaign, but our fight against the Cult of Trump is just getting started. I’m committed to doing everything I can to defeat Trump and his enablers this November. I can’t do it alone. Join me at https://t.co/d40HA9h2Kz. — Joe Walsh (@WalshFreedom) February 7, 2020
In an exit interview with CNN, he said he would be supporting the 2020 Democratic nominee in the fall, spending the rest of the cycle encouraging centrist Republicans and independents to do the same. He suggested former Vice President Joe Biden and Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar were the most palatable to members of the GOP such as him.
"Donald Trump is a dictator, he's a king. He literally is the greatest threat to our country right now. Any Democrat would be better than Trump in the White House. That's not an easy thing for me to say, but that tells you how seriously this moment is," he said, without endorsing a specific candidate.
Former US Rep. Joe Walsh ends his Republican primary challenge against Trump
"[Trump] can't be stopped within the Republican Party. Nobody can beat him. It's Trump's party... It's not a party. It's a cult."https://t.co/VntLFoYj9U pic.twitter.com/JagOIRBFvo — New Day (@NewDay) February 7, 2020
Walsh, a former talk radio host and social worker in inner-city Chicago who had contested Iowa and was promoting a busy schedule in New Hampshire, launched his campaign in August. But after five months on the trail, he received only 1.1% of the state delegate equivalents in this week's first-in-the-nation caucuses.
During his announcement, Walsh slammed Trump for being "completely unfit" and took aim at the president in a two-minute video on his own website over the incumbent's incessant use of social media.
[Also read: Beheading journalists, the N-word, and racist Obama voters: Joe Walsh's long history of incendiary statements]
“We’re tired of a president waking up every morning and tweeting ugly insults at ordinary Americans,” Walsh told ABC News at the time. “We’re tired of a president who is tweeting this country into a recession.”
However, his stance against the president was a political reversal, as the former congressman supported the president’s 2016 run for the White House. In a past tweet, Walsh stated, “On November 9th, if Trump loses, I’m grabbing my musket. You in?”
The Illinois Republican, who won his seat in Congress in 2010 at the height of the Tea Party movement, lost his 2012 reelection to a Democrat, now Sen. Tammy Duckworth.
Following his defeat, he returned to Illinois to start a radio show only to lose the program after he launched his bid for the 2020 presidency.
Walsh became the second Republican challenger to Trump, joining former Massachusetts Republican Gov. Bill Weld, who announced his run for the White House earlier in the year.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-07--Sorry, you cannot compel Americans to vote

Democratic California Assemblyman Marc Levine has introduced a clearly unconstitutional bill which mandates that anyone registered to vote must attend a voting booth and file a response .
Levine says his intended law is justified and necessary because `` democracy is not a spectator sport — it requires the active participation of all its citizens ... Those rights come with a responsibility by registered voters to cast their ballot and make sure that their voice is heard by their government . ''
While registered voters would not have to select a candidate in order to conform with Levine 's desired @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a ballot return , even if unmarked .
But as I say , this bill is patently unconstitutional .
The key here is that the government can not compel citizens to enter a voting center or file a vote .
To do so would be to compel their conformity with a specific political act .
Consider the so-called `` sovereign citizen '' movement .
While those individuals are obliged to observe civil and criminal law to protect others and the land/government , they are otherwise given wide latitude to express their disdain for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ show deference to government in their conduct of normal political activity .
But for many of these individuals , even if they left their ballots unmarked , the very act of attending a voting booth would be tantamount to a compelled endorsement of the state .
And that 's why Levine 's bill breaches First Amendment rights .
It would n't simply compel speech — it would undermine the right to a particular choice of speech .
After all , those forced to attend a voting booth would no longer be able to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the booth .
I would suggest that the right to protest against the political class is an intrinsic element of any functioning democracy .
Let alone the greatest on Earth .
In this sense , filing a voting ballot is an act of inherent political intercourse .
And one that , were its action forced by government , would break the First Amendment 's ultimate guardianship against compelled speech .
Levine 's law deserves overwhelming repudiation .
But should it ever progress , it is a dead-on-federal-judiciary-arrival joke .

Democratic California Assemblyman Marc Levine has introduced a clearly unconstitutional bill which mandates that anyone registered to vote must attend a voting booth and file a response.
Levine says his intended law is justified and necessary because "democracy is not a spectator sport — it requires the active participation of all its citizens ... Those rights come with a responsibility by registered voters to cast their ballot and make sure that their voice is heard by their government."
While registered voters would not have to select a candidate in order to conform with Levine's desired law, they would have to file a ballot return, even if unmarked.
But as I say, this bill is patently unconstitutional.
The key here is that the government cannot compel citizens to enter a voting center or file a vote. To do so would be to compel their conformity with a specific political act. Consider the so-called "sovereign citizen" movement. While those individuals are obliged to observe civil and criminal law to protect others and the land/government, they are otherwise given wide latitude to express their disdain for government. They are not compelled to show deference to government in their conduct of normal political activity.
But for many of these individuals, even if they left their ballots unmarked, the very act of attending a voting booth would be tantamount to a compelled endorsement of the state. And that's why Levine's bill breaches First Amendment rights. It wouldn't simply compel speech — it would undermine the right to a particular choice of speech. After all, those forced to attend a voting booth would no longer be able to protest the political class by staying away from the booth. I would suggest that the right to protest against the political class is an intrinsic element of any functioning democracy. Let alone the greatest on Earth.
In this sense, filing a voting ballot is an act of inherent political intercourse. And one that, were its action forced by government, would break the First Amendment's ultimate guardianship against compelled speech.
Levine's law deserves overwhelming repudiation. But should it ever progress, it is a dead-on-federal-judiciary-arrival joke.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-09--Florida man arrested for threatening to 'assassinate' Trump outside White House

Police arrested a Florida man near the White House for threatening to kill President Trump .
Authorities took Roger Hedgpeth @ @ @ @ @ after he approached a Secret Service agent outside of the commander in chief ’ s @ @ @ @ @ he was there to “ assassinate ” Trump .
`` I am here to assassinate @ @ @ @ @ he told the Secret Service agent , according to a police report .
`` I @ @ @ @ @ it with . ''
Police confiscated a 3.5 in .
knife from Hedgpeth , as @ @ @ @ @ Hedgpeth also had an empty pistol holster on his hip .
He was charged with @ @ @ @ @ a prohibited weapon .
Police described Hedpeth as a “ critically missing/endangered person as well @ @ @ @ @ ” He was sent to a hospital for a mental health evaluation .

Police arrested a Florida man near the White House for threatening to kill President Trump.
Authorities took Roger Hedgpeth, 25, into custody after he approached a Secret Service agent outside of the commander in chief’s residence on Saturday and said he was there to “assassinate” Trump.
"I am here to assassinate President Donald Trump," he told the Secret Service agent, according to a police report. "I have a knife to do it with."
Police confiscated a 3.5 in. knife from Hedgpeth, as well as his car. Hedgpeth also had an empty pistol holster on his hip. He was charged with threatening bodily harm and possessing a prohibited weapon.
Police described Hedpeth as a “critically missing/endangered person as well as a mental health consumer.” He was sent to a hospital for a mental health evaluation.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-09--Lindsey Graham: Trump ousting of Vindman 'was justified'

Sen. Lindsey Graham said President Trump was within his rights to fire Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman from the National Security Council last week .
`` I think his reassignment was justified .
I do n't think he could be effective at the NSC , '' Graham said Sunday on CBS 's Face the Nation .
`` As much as I support our military people telling the truth when asked — it 's important they do — what have I learned in the last two years ? ''
He continued by listing off a number of recent failures by top Justice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including the applications of Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act warrants to monitor former Trump campaign aide Carter Page .
`` CIA agents , Department of State , Department of Justice lawyers , FBI agents have a political agenda , and they acted on it , '' he said .
`` We found that out through the FISA investigation . ''
Vindman was ousted on Friday after testifying during a House impeachment hearing last year about his knowledge of a July 2019 phone call between Trump and the president of Ukraine .
On the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to investigate his political rival .
Graham , a Republican ally of Trump , has been one of the president 's defenders who claim a so-called deep state exists in the highest levels of government and seeks to undermine Trump .
`` He was not allowed to be asked questions about his connections to the alleged whistleblower , '' Graham said of Vindman 's testimony , later continuing .
`` They did not allow Republicans to go down that road ... People in his chain of command have been suspicious of him regarding @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Sen. Lindsey Graham said President Trump was within his rights to fire Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman from the National Security Council last week.
"I think his reassignment was justified. I don't think he could be effective at the NSC," Graham said Sunday on CBS's Face the Nation. "As much as I support our military people telling the truth when asked — it's important they do — what have I learned in the last two years?"
He continued by listing off a number of recent failures by top Justice Department, FBI, and CIA officials, including the applications of Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act warrants to monitor former Trump campaign aide Carter Page.
"CIA agents, Department of State, Department of Justice lawyers, FBI agents have a political agenda, and they acted on it," he said. "We found that out through the FISA investigation."
Vindman was ousted on Friday after testifying during a House impeachment hearing last year about his knowledge of a July 2019 phone call between Trump and the president of Ukraine. On the call, Trump pressured the foreign leader to investigate his political rival.
.@LindseyGrahamSC on Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman's ouster from the White House: "I think his reassignment was justified. I don't think he could be effective as the NSC." https://t.co/Bu1zxgliQV pic.twitter.com/p1wsI0Sojd — Face The Nation (@FaceTheNation) February 9, 2020
Graham, a Republican ally of Trump, has been one of the president's defenders who claim a so-called deep state exists in the highest levels of government and seeks to undermine Trump.
"He was not allowed to be asked questions about his connections to the alleged whistleblower," Graham said of Vindman's testimony, later continuing. "They did not allow Republicans to go down that road ... People in his chain of command have been suspicious of him regarding his political point of view."


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-09--White House mulls new trade weapon for EU talks: 'Carousel' tariffs

The Trump administration is reportedly considering a novel source of leverage against the European Union in seeking a trade deal : `` carousel '' retaliation , meaning tariffs applied to a shifting set of products .
The practice is rarely used but considered particularly disruptive because it would create uncertainty across a range of industries that would have to cope with the prospect of tariffs .
`` Anything that creates significant chaos and uncertainty can have a significant chilling effect on trade , '' said Jennifer Hillman , a senior fellow for trade and international political economy at the Council @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Law Center professor .
`` Particularly if there is little advanced notice because the tariffs will apply to goods on the water , so shipping anything from the EU to the U.S. becomes risky . ''
U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer is contemplating using the practice if talks between the United States and the EU fail to produce results , Bloomberg reported Friday .
A senior USTR official told reporters in October that the administration had the authority to periodically revise the retaliatory targets and tariff rates .
The administration is embroiled in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ industry subsidies and has placed tariffs on $ 7.5 billion worth of EU goods .
The tariffs range from 10 % to 25 % , but following a World Trade Organization ruling in its favor , the U.S. may raise several as high as 100 % .
The WTO ruling says the U.S. may retaliate but , as is standard in such cases , leaves the specific method to America 's discretion .
Carousel retaliation has rarely been used by any country and never before by the U.S. , though the Clinton administration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Europe in 1998 over beef imports .
Mexico employed it against the U.S. a decade ago during a trucking dispute .
But the number of cases are so few that trade policy experts contacted by the Washington Examiner said the idea still existed more in the realm of theory than practice .
`` I don ’ t think they ’ ve actually been applied often enough to draw a conclusion about their effectiveness , '' said Bill Reinsch , the Scholl Chair in International Business for the Center for Strategic and International @ @ @ @ @ @ @ annoy business because they increase uncertainty and expand the universe of parties that are hurt . ''
Derek Scissors , senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute , said the carousel practice is allowed under WTO rulings such as the U.S.-EU airline one .
`` You are permitted to punish the offending country and do n't want the tariff burden falling on a single group of your importers , so you rotate what goods and services face the tariffs , '' he said .
Simon Lester , a senior fellow at the Cato @ @ @ @ @ @ @ practice 's legality but said there was little to prevent the Trump administration from trying it .
`` There were questions about WTO legality , but it was never litigated , '' Lester said .
Hillman said carousel retaliation would most likely involve the White House simply announcing the latest tariffs rates .
The items and the rates would be at the president 's discretion .
The idea has apparently contemplated by the White House in other trade fights too .
The administration considered carousel retaliation against Beijing last year , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ House official referred questions to the USTR .
A spokesperson for the agency could not be reached for comment .

The Trump administration is reportedly considering a novel source of leverage against the European Union in seeking a trade deal: "carousel" retaliation, meaning tariffs applied to a shifting set of products.
The practice is rarely used but considered particularly disruptive because it would create uncertainty across a range of industries that would have to cope with the prospect of tariffs.
"Anything that creates significant chaos and uncertainty can have a significant chilling effect on trade," said Jennifer Hillman, a senior fellow for trade and international political economy at the Council on Foreign Relations and a Georgetown University Law Center professor. "Particularly if there is little advanced notice because the tariffs will apply to goods on the water, so shipping anything from the EU to the U.S. becomes risky."
U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer is contemplating using the practice if talks between the United States and the EU fail to produce results, Bloomberg reported Friday. A senior USTR official told reporters in October that the administration had the authority to periodically revise the retaliatory targets and tariff rates.
The administration is embroiled in a fight with the EU over airline industry subsidies and has placed tariffs on $7.5 billion worth of EU goods. The tariffs range from 10% to 25%, but following a World Trade Organization ruling in its favor, the U.S. may raise several as high as 100%. The WTO ruling says the U.S. may retaliate but, as is standard in such cases, leaves the specific method to America's discretion.
Carousel retaliation has rarely been used by any country and never before by the U.S., though the Clinton administration did consider using it during a dispute with Europe in 1998 over beef imports. Mexico employed it against the U.S. a decade ago during a trucking dispute. But the number of cases are so few that trade policy experts contacted by the Washington Examiner said the idea still existed more in the realm of theory than practice.
"I don’t think they’ve actually been applied often enough to draw a conclusion about their effectiveness," said Bill Reinsch, the Scholl Chair in International Business for the Center for Strategic and International Studies. "They do manage to annoy business because they increase uncertainty and expand the universe of parties that are hurt."
Derek Scissors, senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, said the carousel practice is allowed under WTO rulings such as the U.S.-EU airline one. "You are permitted to punish the offending country and don't want the tariff burden falling on a single group of your importers, so you rotate what goods and services face the tariffs," he said.
Simon Lester, a senior fellow at the Cato Institute, was less certain of the practice's legality but said there was little to prevent the Trump administration from trying it. "There were questions about WTO legality, but it was never litigated," Lester said.
Hillman said carousel retaliation would most likely involve the White House simply announcing the latest tariffs rates. The items and the rates would be at the president's discretion.
The idea has apparently contemplated by the White House in other trade fights too. The administration considered carousel retaliation against Beijing last year, according to the New York Times.
A White House official referred questions to the USTR. A spokesperson for the agency could not be reached for comment.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-09--'Khamenei and his regime are going down': Hundreds rally near White House in opposition to Iranian g

'Khamenei and his regime are going down': Hundreds rally near White House in opposition to Iranian government

Demonstrators rallied near the White House to raise awareness for dissidents imprisoned in Iran and to highlight the significance of Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani ’ s death .
A few hundred people gathered in Lafayette Park in Washington , D.C. , at a Saturday event that was organized by those opposed to the government of Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei .
The demonstration came the month after the United States conducted a drone strike that killed Soleimani .
The demonstrators present showed support for the People ’ s Mujahedin of Iran , known as the MEK , the most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Islamic Republic .
Retired Col. Wesley Martin , who was the senior anti-terrorism and force protection officer for coalition forces in Iraq , spoke at the event and hailed the importance of Soleimani ’ s death .
He also pointed out the plight of protesters in Iran after hundreds were killed recently .
Standing on a podium adorned with the number 1,500 — representing those killed in recent protests — Martin pointed out the “ extreme brutality ” exercised by security forces and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in stifling demonstrations .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to move throughout the Middle East with immunity from accountability .
The last thing this leader of a now-declared terrorist organization expected when he arrived in Baghdad airport was a drone strike , ” he said to applause from the crowd .
In retaliation for the killing , Iran launched missiles at Iraqi bases housing American troops last month , causing brain injuries for dozens .
Following the attack , Iran accidentally shot down a Ukrainian airliner , killing all 176 on board .
Initially , the regime lied and said it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the downing .
“ The streets filled once again with Iranian citizens , ” the colonel said of the revelation .
“ Proof has been given to the Iranian people that no one in the regime is invincible , and all can and will be brought to justice .
This is a serious blow for an organization that rules with brutality and fear.
” Another speaker , former Republican Rep. Ted Poe of Texas , told the Washington Examiner that “ the world is safer ” because Soleimani , who was responsible for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , is dead .
“ He was the No .
1 terrorist in the world .
He has killed not only Iranian and Syrians , but Americans , ” Poe said .
“ Our national security is better , and so is the freedom of the people of Iran .
Their lives are safer because he is gone.
” The former congressman , who retired last year , said that in addition to verbal support , Congress should help the Iranian people by putting more sanctions on Iran and companies that do business @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the demonstration was Amir Emadi , whose father Ali Asghar Emadi was a leader among the MEK and was killed in 2013 on direct orders from Soleimani .
Emadi and his parents fled Iran to Iraq to escape prosecution in 1988 when he was a 1-year-old .
Despite the volatility and bloodshed of the region at the time , his family then made the decision to send him to live with another family in the U.S. Emadi told the Washington Examiner that his parents were not alone in that decision .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sacrifice , ” he said .
On Sept. 1 , 2013 , Iranian-backed militias led by Abu Mahdi al Muhandis , who was also killed in the January drone strike against Soleimani , stormed Camp Ashraf in Iraq , which once housed supporters of the resistance group , and killed more than 50 people .
Emadi said that his father heard about the possibility of an attack and urged some of the younger members to flee , but he stayed behind with dozens of others .
“ He went there to the front @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of his friends , ” Emadi said .
“ The Iraqi [ militia ] forces came in and just shot him up .
Using assault rifles , came in , it was a shoot-to-kill order from Soleimani down to Muhandis , and my father was killed fighting for a cause he sacrificed his entire life for , he sacrificed being a father for , he sacrificed being a husband for.
” Emadi said that his father ’ s life set “ such a high bar ” for him and that he tries to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ awareness and fighting for the regime ’ s downfall .
He also pointed out the significance of Soleimani ’ s death .
“ It was a relief , ” Emadi said about learning the major general had been killed .
“ This guy is responsible for the death of my father .
He is responsible for the imprisonment and crackdown of many of my relatives in Iran , and he ’ s responsible for the deaths of many Americans.
” Emadi said he is hopeful that protests will continue in Iran and believes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ numbered , a sentiment echoed by Martin in his speech on Saturday .
“ Khamenei and his regime are going down , and we ’ re going to live to see it , ” Martin said .

Demonstrators rallied near the White House to raise awareness for dissidents imprisoned in Iran and to highlight the significance of Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani’s death.
A few hundred people gathered in Lafayette Park in Washington, D.C., at a Saturday event that was organized by those opposed to the government of Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The demonstration came the month after the United States conducted a drone strike that killed Soleimani.
The demonstrators present showed support for the People’s Mujahedin of Iran, known as the MEK, the most prominent resistance group actively working to overthrow the Islamic Republic.
Retired Col. Wesley Martin, who was the senior anti-terrorism and force protection officer for coalition forces in Iraq, spoke at the event and hailed the importance of Soleimani’s death. He also pointed out the plight of protesters in Iran after hundreds were killed recently.
Standing on a podium adorned with the number 1,500 — representing those killed in recent protests — Martin pointed out the “extreme brutality” exercised by security forces and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in stifling demonstrations.
“For decades, Soleimani was able to move throughout the Middle East with immunity from accountability. The last thing this leader of a now-declared terrorist organization expected when he arrived in Baghdad airport was a drone strike,” he said to applause from the crowd.
Retired Col. Wesley Martin speaks at an event in Washington, D.C. (Washington Examiner)
In retaliation for the killing, Iran launched missiles at Iraqi bases housing American troops last month, causing brain injuries for dozens. Following the attack, Iran accidentally shot down a Ukrainian airliner, killing all 176 on board. Initially, the regime lied and said it was a mechanical failure but later admitted to the downing.
“The streets filled once again with Iranian citizens,” the colonel said of the revelation. “Proof has been given to the Iranian people that no one in the regime is invincible, and all can and will be brought to justice. This is a serious blow for an organization that rules with brutality and fear.”
Another speaker, former Republican Rep. Ted Poe of Texas, told the Washington Examiner that “the world is safer” because Soleimani, who was responsible for the deaths of hundreds of American troops, is dead.
“He was the No. 1 terrorist in the world. He has killed not only Iranian and Syrians, but Americans,” Poe said. “Our national security is better, and so is the freedom of the people of Iran. Their lives are safer because he is gone.”
The former congressman, who retired last year, said that in addition to verbal support, Congress should help the Iranian people by putting more sanctions on Iran and companies that do business with the regime.
People in Washington, D.C., attend a demonstration against the Iranian government. (Washington Examiner)
Also in attendance at the demonstration was Amir Emadi, whose father Ali Asghar Emadi was a leader among the MEK and was killed in 2013 on direct orders from Soleimani.
Emadi and his parents fled Iran to Iraq to escape prosecution in 1988 when he was a 1-year-old. Despite the volatility and bloodshed of the region at the time, his family then made the decision to send him to live with another family in the U.S. Emadi told the Washington Examiner that his parents were not alone in that decision.
“A lot of parents made the ultimate sacrifice,” he said.
On Sept. 1, 2013, Iranian-backed militias led by Abu Mahdi al Muhandis, who was also killed in the January drone strike against Soleimani, stormed Camp Ashraf in Iraq, which once housed supporters of the resistance group, and killed more than 50 people.
Emadi said that his father heard about the possibility of an attack and urged some of the younger members to flee, but he stayed behind with dozens of others.
“He went there to the front gates and stood there with another one of his friends,” Emadi said. “The Iraqi [militia] forces came in and just shot him up. Using assault rifles, came in, it was a shoot-to-kill order from Soleimani down to Muhandis, and my father was killed fighting for a cause he sacrificed his entire life for, he sacrificed being a father for, he sacrificed being a husband for.”
Emadi said that his father’s life set “such a high bar” for him and that he tries to maintain his legacy by working to raise awareness and fighting for the regime’s downfall.
He also pointed out the significance of Soleimani’s death.
“It was a relief,” Emadi said about learning the major general had been killed. “This guy is responsible for the death of my father. He is responsible for the imprisonment and crackdown of many of my relatives in Iran, and he’s responsible for the deaths of many Americans.”
Emadi said he is hopeful that protests will continue in Iran and believes that the days of the regime are numbered, a sentiment echoed by Martin in his speech on Saturday.
“Khamenei and his regime are going down, and we’re going to live to see it,” Martin said.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-08--'Photoshopped': Trump slams 'orangeface' image of himself

President Trump blasted a photo of himself that circulated online in which he appeared to have odd tan lines on his face .
`` More Fake News .
This was photoshopped , obviously , '' Trump said Saturday on Twitter about the photo .
`` But the wind was strong and the hair looks good ?
Anything to demean ! ''
The president responded with the comment to a tweet that referred to his tan as `` orangeface . ''
The photo originated online Friday with the unverified account White House Photos .
The photo the account posted matches up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that day by the Associated Press and others , but the skin tone in the unverified photo appears more starkly contrasted .
`` Today , @ realDonaldTrump was dancing with the sunset and strong winds when he walked to the Oval Office from the Marine One on the South Lawn , '' the account said in a tweet .
Online critics of Trump used the photo to poke fun at the president .
`` @ realDonaldTrump you look GORGEOUS tonight !
!
!
!
!
! ''
actor Billy Eichner said mockingly .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ compared the look to blackface , calling it `` Trumpface . ''
Vox editor Nisha Chittal warned people to be `` skeptical '' of the photo 's authenticity .
`` Lots of people sharing that tan line photo of Trump as though it 's legitimate , '' she said on Twitter .
`` It 's from an unverified account , and the photographer named — William Moon — has no affiliation with the White House or any press outlet .
Let 's be more skeptical , people . ''

President Trump blasted a photo of himself that circulated online in which he appeared to have odd tan lines on his face.
"More Fake News. This was photoshopped, obviously," Trump said Saturday on Twitter about the photo. "But the wind was strong and the hair looks good? Anything to demean!"
The president responded with the comment to a tweet that referred to his tan as "orangeface."
More Fake News. This was photoshopped, obviously, but the wind was strong and the hair looks good? Anything to demean! https://t.co/t8ptYMCYHf — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 8, 2020
The photo originated online Friday with the unverified account White House Photos. The photo the account posted matches up with similar photos of the president taken that day by the Associated Press and others, but the skin tone in the unverified photo appears more starkly contrasted.
"Today, @realDonaldTrump was dancing with the sunset and strong winds when he walked to the Oval Office from the Marine One on the South Lawn," the account said in a tweet. Online critics of Trump used the photo to poke fun at the president.
Today, @realDonaldTrump was dancing with the sunset and strong winds when he walked to the Oval Office from the Marine One on the South Lawn. — White House Photos (@photowhitehouse) February 8, 2020
"@realDonaldTrump you look GORGEOUS tonight!!!!!!" actor Billy Eichner said mockingly. Dennis Herring, a record producer, compared the look to blackface, calling it "Trumpface."
LOL never go full Trumpface. https://t.co/KArMtoAelS — Dennis Herring (@dcherring) February 8, 2020
If any female politician of any party put on their makeup like Trump it would be endless fodder, yet without social media we would never know Trump’s face looked like that because the press is covering for him pic.twitter.com/TvMfkee3Iv — Oliver Willis (@owillis) February 8, 2020
Vox editor Nisha Chittal warned people to be "skeptical" of the photo's authenticity. "Lots of people sharing that tan line photo of Trump as though it's legitimate," she said on Twitter. "It's from an unverified account, and the photographer named — William Moon — has no affiliation with the White House or any press outlet. Let's be more skeptical, people."


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-08--Trump: Vindman is 'out' because he had 'problems with judgment'

President Trump explained he fired Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman because of his lack of judgment and insubordination .
`` Fake News @ CNN & MSDNC keep talking about 'Lt .
Col. ' Vindman as though I should think only how wonderful he was , '' the president said Saturday in a tweet .
`` Actually , I don ’ t know him , never spoke to him , or met him ( I don ’ t believe ! )
but , he was very insubordinate , reported contents of my 'perfect ' calls incorrectly , & was given a horrendous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he reported to , who publicly stated that Vindman had problems with judgement , adhering to the chain of command and leaking information .
In other words , 'OUT ' . ''
Vindman , a key witness in the impeachment trial against Trump , was fired and escorted out of the White House on Friday .
His dismissal came two days after the president was acquitted on all impeachment charges by the Senate .
Trump also fired U.S .
Ambassador to the European Union Gordon Sondland on Friday .
Sondland was a Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the impeachment investigation .
He initially gave testimony in favor of the president before changing his statements .

President Trump explained he fired Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman because of his lack of judgment and insubordination.
"Fake News @CNN & MSDNC keep talking about 'Lt. Col.' Vindman as though I should think only how wonderful he was," the president said Saturday in a tweet. "Actually, I don’t know him, never spoke to him, or met him (I don’t believe!) but, he was very insubordinate, reported contents of my 'perfect' calls incorrectly, & was given a horrendous report by his superior, the man he reported to, who publicly stated that Vindman had problems with judgement, adhering to the chain of command and leaking information. In other words, 'OUT'."
....was given a horrendous report by his superior, the man he reported to, who publicly stated that Vindman had problems with judgement, adhering to the chain of command and leaking information. In other words, “OUT”. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 8, 2020
Vindman, a key witness in the impeachment trial against Trump, was fired and escorted out of the White House on Friday. His dismissal came two days after the president was acquitted on all impeachment charges by the Senate.
Trump also fired U.S. Ambassador to the European Union Gordon Sondland on Friday. Sondland was a Trump donor and also a key witness in the impeachment investigation. He initially gave testimony in favor of the president before changing his statements.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-08--Pelosi 'stunned' by White House firing of 'patriotic' Alexander Vindman

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi responded to news that President Trump relieved impeachment witness Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman of his White House duties by saying that she was “ stunned ” to learn such a “ patriotic person ” had been fired .
“ What a patriotic person , ” Pelosi said .
“ This goes too far.
” “ I ’ m stunned by it .
I ’ ll talk to my colleagues about this because I know they have some concern about some of the interventions that the president has with our military .
That ’ s such a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” the California Democrat added .
Pelosi ’ s office also reminding the public that President Trump ’ s House impeachment is “ forever ” and mourning the loss of Vindman ’ s White House influence as a “ sad and shameless loss for America ’ s security . ''
Vindman , a key figure in the House impeachment case against President Trump , was of his White House duties , reassigned to the Army , and escorted out of the White House by security on Friday afternoon .
Vindman was on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ukrainian officials , and he testified during the impeachment trial that he was “ concerned ” about the conversation .
“ I was concerned by the call , ” he .
`` I did not think it was proper to demand that a foreign government investigate a U.S. citizen , and I was worried about the implications for the U.S. government ’ s support of Ukraine . ''
`` Today , Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Vindman was escorted out of the White House where he has dutifully served his country and his President , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement .
`` He came into the public eye only when subpoenaed to testify before Congress , and he did what the law demanded . ''
Other Democratic leaders slammed the decision to remove Vindman as well .
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton the move “ appalling , ” and 2020 presidential candidate Joe Biden the crowd at Friday night ’ s debate to stand and applaud Vindman .
Hours before the news of Vindman ’ s removal broke , Trump expressed his displeasure over the situation to reporters .
“ Well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him , ” Trump said .
“ Do you think I ’ m supposed to be happy with him ?
I ’ m not.
” The president did receive vocal support from prominent media and political figures .
Fox News host Laura Ingraham praised the decision and told her viewers that “ getting rid of radicals ” is the right move .
`` Get rid of the radicals undermining from within and replace them with people who believe in your agenda , Mr. President , '' Ingraham on her show Friday night .

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi responded to news that President Trump relieved impeachment witness Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman of his White House duties by saying that she was “stunned” to learn such a “patriotic person” had been fired.
“What a patriotic person,” Pelosi said. “This goes too far.”
Pelosi on WH removing Vindman from NSC:
I’m stunned by it. I’ll talk to my colleagues. They have concerns about (President Trump’s) interventions with the military.
Pelosi on Vindman:
What a patriotic person. This goes too far. — Chad Pergram (@ChadPergram) February 7, 2020
“I’m stunned by it. I’ll talk to my colleagues about this because I know they have some concern about some of the interventions that the president has with our military. That’s such a shame. What a patriotic person,” the California Democrat added.
Pelosi on Vindman’s expected departure from WH: “I’m stunned by it. I’ll talk to my colleagues about this because I know they have some concern about some of the interventions that the president has with our military. That’s such a shame. What a patriotic person,” per @jeremyherb — Manu Raju (@mkraju) February 7, 2020
Pelosi’s office also released a statement reminding the public that President Trump’s House impeachment is “forever” and mourning the loss of Vindman’s White House influence as a “sad and shameless loss for America’s security."
Vindman, a key figure in the House impeachment case against President Trump, was relieved of his White House duties, reassigned to the Army, and escorted out of the White House by security on Friday afternoon.
Vindman was on the controversial phone call between President Trump and Ukrainian officials, and he testified during the impeachment trial that he was “concerned” about the conversation. “I was concerned by the call,” he said . "I did not think it was proper to demand that a foreign government investigate a U.S. citizen, and I was worried about the implications for the U.S. government’s support of Ukraine."
"Today, Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Vindman was escorted out of the White House where he has dutifully served his country and his President," Vindman’s lawyer said a statement. "He came into the public eye only when subpoenaed to testify before Congress, and he did what the law demanded."
Other Democratic leaders slammed the decision to remove Vindman as well.
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called the move “appalling,” and 2020 presidential candidate Joe Biden demanded the crowd at Friday night’s debate to stand and applaud Vindman.
Hours before the news of Vindman’s removal broke, Trump expressed his displeasure over the situation to reporters.
“Well, I’m not happy with him,” Trump said. “Do you think I’m supposed to be happy with him? I’m not.”
The president did receive vocal support from prominent media and political figures.
Fox News host Laura Ingraham praised the decision and told her viewers that “getting rid of radicals” is the right move.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-08--'He is not a racist': Ben Carson says Trump driven by 'kindness and compassion'

Housing Secretary Ben Carson defended President Trump against charges he is a racist , saying that the president fought for the rights of minorities in clubs near his home .
`` You know , people say he 's a racist , he is not a racist , '' Carson said .
`` When he bought Mar-a-Lago , he was the one who fought for Jews and blacks to be included in the clubs that were trying to exclude them . ''
Speaking at a Charlotte , North Carolina , community college event , Carson suggested Trump gets along with minorities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know , talking to the people who drive the cars and park the cars at Mar-a-Lago , they love him — the people who wash the dishes , because he 's kind and compassionate , '' Carson said .
Trump `` reminds me so much of my mother , '' said Carson , who is black .
`` He recognizes that if you get an education , you write your own ticket . ''
Trump is `` a man deeply driven by a sense of kindness and compassion , '' Carson said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ president at an event promoting the administration 's opportunity zone programs , designed to stimulate investment and growth in underserved areas .
Trump has long incurred charges of racism .
Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg said in August that his supporters are “ at best looking the other way on racism , ” a sentiment Buttigieg doubled down on over the weekend .
North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis , who is up for reelection this year , was in attendance .
Tillis , Trump said , is “ a great friend except for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ joking , `` Of course , I won ’ t put up with it for long , Thom Tillis .
”

Housing Secretary Ben Carson defended President Trump against charges he is a racist, saying that the president fought for the rights of minorities in clubs near his home.
"You know, people say he's a racist, he is not a racist," Carson said. "When he bought Mar-a-Lago, he was the one who fought for Jews and blacks to be included in the clubs that were trying to exclude them."
Speaking at a Charlotte, North Carolina, community college event, Carson suggested Trump gets along with minorities who work for him. "You know, talking to the people who drive the cars and park the cars at Mar-a-Lago, they love him — the people who wash the dishes, because he's kind and compassionate," Carson said.
Trump "reminds me so much of my mother," said Carson, who is black. "He recognizes that if you get an education, you write your own ticket." Trump is "a man deeply driven by a sense of kindness and compassion," Carson said.
Carson spoke as he opened for the president at an event promoting the administration's opportunity zone programs, designed to stimulate investment and growth in underserved areas.
Trump has long incurred charges of racism. Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg said in August that his supporters are “at best looking the other way on racism,” a sentiment Buttigieg doubled down on over the weekend.
North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis, who is up for reelection this year, was in attendance. Tillis, Trump said, is “a great friend except for a couple of minor disagreements," joking, "Of course, I won’t put up with it for long, Thom Tillis.”


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-08--Trump impeachment lawyer admits trusting Giuliani with foreign policy was 'an error in judgment'

One of the lawyers who worked on President Trump 's defense team during the impeachment trial acknowledged that the president should n't have trusted his personal attorney Rudy Giuliani to conduct foreign policy .
Giuliani traveled to Ukraine in order to dig up evidence of alleged wrongdoing by former Vice President Joe Biden and his son Hunter while also engaging in a campaign dedicated to tarnishing former U.S .
Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch as anti-Trump .
Robert Ray appeared on the radio program of ABC News ' chief legal analyst Dan Abrams Friday and defended the president 's phone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a mistake , according to Mediaite .
Ray acknowledged that some people will view the president 's call as not being `` perfect '' despite his claims , but added that it argued that it did n't meet the threshold worthy of removal from office .
“ It ’ s not just the call , ” Abrams noted .
“ It ’ s putting Giuliani in charge of foreign policy.
” “ And in that context , what I did say is that that constituted an error in judgment , OK ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ about .
Traveling outside of proper channels has consequence , ” Ray responded .
Earlier this week , Giuliani announced that he 's planning on “ ramping up ” the investigations on the Bidens despite it playing a major role in the president 's impeachment in the House of Representatives .

One of the lawyers who worked on President Trump's defense team during the impeachment trial acknowledged that the president shouldn't have trusted his personal attorney Rudy Giuliani to conduct foreign policy.
Giuliani traveled to Ukraine in order to dig up evidence of alleged wrongdoing by former Vice President Joe Biden and his son Hunter while also engaging in a campaign dedicated to tarnishing former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch as anti-Trump.
Robert Ray appeared on the radio program of ABC News' chief legal analyst Dan Abrams Friday and defended the president's phone call while admitting that Giuliani's role was a mistake, according to Mediaite.
Ray acknowledged that some people will view the president's call as not being "perfect" despite his claims, but added that it argued that it didn't meet the threshold worthy of removal from office.
“It’s not just the call,” Abrams noted. “It’s putting Giuliani in charge of foreign policy.”
“And in that context, what I did say is that that constituted an error in judgment, OK? For all the reasons that we talked about. Traveling outside of proper channels has consequence,” Ray responded.
Earlier this week, Giuliani announced that he's planning on “ramping up” the investigations on the Bidens despite it playing a major role in the president's impeachment in the House of Representatives.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-07--Second impeachment witness sacked: Trump recalls Ambassador Gordon Sondland

President Trump recalled U.S .
Ambassador to the European Union Gordon Sondland , who was an impeachment witness , on Friday evening .
Sondland , a Trump donor who became a top envoy , made the announcement that he has been recalled `` effective immediately . ''
“ I am grateful to President Trump for having given me the opportunity to serve , to Secretary Pompeo for his consistent support , and to the exceptional and dedicated professionals at the U.S. Mission to the European Union , ” Sondland said in a statement , according to ABC News .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Our work here has been the highlight of my career.
” During his testimony , Sondland initially said there was no quid pro quo agreement between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky about allowing preapproved aid to transfer to Ukraine in exchange for an investigation into former Vice President Joe Biden .
However , he later clarified the record , saying he “ presumed that the aid suspension had become linked to the proposed anti-corruption statement.
” It was the second significant move of the evening by the Trump administration days after Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impeachment .
Hours earlier , the White House ousted Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman , another government official who testified in the House 's impeachment investigation , from the National Security Council along with his identical twin brother Yevgeny .
Vindman played a prominent role in the investigation into the president over Trump 's July 25 phone call with Zelensky .

President Trump recalled U.S. Ambassador to the European Union Gordon Sondland, who was an impeachment witness, on Friday evening.
Sondland, a Trump donor who became a top envoy, made the announcement that he has been recalled "effective immediately."
“I am grateful to President Trump for having given me the opportunity to serve, to Secretary Pompeo for his consistent support, and to the exceptional and dedicated professionals at the U.S. Mission to the European Union,” Sondland said in a statement, according to ABC News. “I am proud of our accomplishments. Our work here has been the highlight of my career.”
During his testimony, Sondland initially said there was no quid pro quo agreement between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky about allowing preapproved aid to transfer to Ukraine in exchange for an investigation into former Vice President Joe Biden. However, he later clarified the record, saying he “presumed that the aid suspension had become linked to the proposed anti-corruption statement.”
It was the second significant move of the evening by the Trump administration days after Trump was acquitted of two Ukraine-related articles of impeachment.
Hours earlier, the White House ousted Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman, another government official who testified in the House's impeachment investigation, from the National Security Council along with his identical twin brother Yevgeny.
Vindman played a prominent role in the investigation into the president over Trump's July 25 phone call with Zelensky.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-09--The toxic feminism of AOC and Pelosi doesn't represent young women like me

Toxic feminism made its mark on this year 's State of the Union , thanks to the Democrats .
Some Democrats wore white in protest , meant to evoke memories of the suffragettes as they showed off their “ Equal Rights Amendment Yes ” buttons .
Meanwhile , Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez refused to attend .
Topping it all off , Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi openly shredded her copy of the State of the Union address .
These are just a few of the distasteful actions I witnessed from the feminist Left as I watched the speech .
As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rate , two single mothers , a young girl who has the opportunity to choose her school , and a paid family leave program , many of the supposed feminists Democrats in attendance offered up little to no positive reaction .
2020 marks the 100th anniversary of women winning the right to vote in America .
Why aren ’ t these women celebrating the wonderful strides they ’ ve made ?
Democratic Rep. Debbie Dingell of Michigan claimed that Trump ’ s speech “ really depressed me.
” Women such as Dingell hold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ positions in the nation .
Why is it that they claim oppression in our society ?
President Trump ’ s speech was a positive affirmation of women ’ s accomplishments and highlighted groundbreaking progress toward a pro-woman agenda .
The response of liberal feminists was to disrespect and degrade the magnitude of even their own sex 's accomplishments .
According to Pelosi , ripping up the State of the Union address was “ the courteous thing to do considering the alternative.
” I am curious to know the “ alternative ” of which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be more disrespectful than the actions she chose .
Liberal feminists hate to admit that not only are American women thriving under conservative policies , but that minorities are also benefiting .
It is deeply troubling that these are the people that young women such as me are supposed to be looking up to not only for inspiration , but for leadership .
Their actions don ’ t make their cause compelling .
They make it repulsive .
Regardless of whether one supports or opposes Trump , all women should be committed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
These feats should never be partisan ; rather , they should be shared victories .
As a young woman today , I do not wish to reflect the temperament on display by the female leaders of the Democratic Party .
Through dignity , grace , and class , I can make a more powerful argument for women ’ s empowerment .
I can earn the respect of others , rather than openly act like I deserve it .
Neither success nor respect is attained through the kind of antics that were on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And for Pelosi ’ s dramatic ripping of the speech , well , she disrespected the accomplishments not only of women , but of all people in the United States .
Former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley said it best in her tweet : These distasteful actions from the feminist Left are old and tired .
If female Democratic leaders so terribly hated the president ’ s message , what exactly makes their message better ?
Or better yet , do they have a message at all ?
Charlotte Townsend is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She was previously published by the Network of Enlightened Women ( NeW ) in She ’ s Conservative : Stories of Trials and Triumphs on America ’ s College Campuses .

Toxic feminism made its mark on this year's State of the Union, thanks to the Democrats.
Some Democrats wore white in protest, meant to evoke memories of the suffragettes as they showed off their “Equal Rights Amendment Yes” buttons. Meanwhile, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez refused to attend. Topping it all off, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi openly shredded her copy of the State of the Union address. These are just a few of the distasteful actions I witnessed from the feminist Left as I watched the speech.
As President Trump commended a record-low female unemployment rate, two single mothers, a young girl who has the opportunity to choose her school, and a paid family leave program, many of the supposed feminists Democrats in attendance offered up little to no positive reaction. 2020 marks the 100th anniversary of women winning the right to vote in America. Why aren’t these women celebrating the wonderful strides they’ve made?
Democratic Rep. Debbie Dingell of Michigan claimed that Trump’s speech “really depressed me.” Women such as Dingell hold some of the most respectable, prestigious positions in the nation. Why is it that they claim oppression in our society? President Trump’s speech was a positive affirmation of women’s accomplishments and highlighted groundbreaking progress toward a pro-woman agenda.
The response of liberal feminists was to disrespect and degrade the magnitude of even their own sex's accomplishments. According to Pelosi, ripping up the State of the Union address was “the courteous thing to do considering the alternative.” I am curious to know the “alternative” of which Pelosi speaks. It certainly could not be more disrespectful than the actions she chose.
Liberal feminists hate to admit that not only are American women thriving under conservative policies, but that minorities are also benefiting. It is deeply troubling that these are the people that young women such as me are supposed to be looking up to not only for inspiration, but for leadership. Their actions don’t make their cause compelling. They make it repulsive.
Regardless of whether one supports or opposes Trump, all women should be committed to celebrating any president's successes for women. These feats should never be partisan; rather, they should be shared victories.
As a young woman today, I do not wish to reflect the temperament on display by the female leaders of the Democratic Party. Through dignity, grace, and class, I can make a more powerful argument for women’s empowerment. I can earn the respect of others, rather than openly act like I deserve it. Neither success nor respect is attained through the kind of antics that were on display at the State of the Union.
And for Pelosi’s dramatic ripping of the speech, well, she disrespected the accomplishments not only of women, but of all people in the United States. Former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley said it best in her tweet:
Disappointed to see @SpeakerPelosi rip up the speech that mentioned lives we’ve lost and heroes we celebrated at the SOTU. No matter how you feel or what you disagree with, remember others are watching. This was unbecoming of someone at her level in office. — Nikki Haley (@NikkiHaley) February 5, 2020
These distasteful actions from the feminist Left are old and tired. If female Democratic leaders so terribly hated the president’s message, what exactly makes their message better? Or better yet, do they have a message at all?
Charlotte Townsend is a junior at the College of Charleston. She was previously published by the Network of Enlightened Women (NeW) in She’s Conservative: Stories of Trials and Triumphs on America’s College Campuses.