thewashingtonexaminer--2020-10-13--Can Jamie Harrison's stunning $57M three-month haul win him the election?

Democrats are once again hoping that an unprecedented influx of cash into a Republican stronghold can oust a high-profile Republican from the Senate — and this time , it ’ s looking more promising for Democrats than ever .
South Carolina Senate candidate Jaime Harrison , a 44-year-old longtime Democratic operative and lobbyist who is challenging incumbent Sen. Lindsey Graham , announced jaw-dropping , record-breaking fundraising of $ 57 million in the third quarter of the year from June through September .
That fundraising haul blew past the previous three-month record for a Senate candidate , when Texas Rep. Beto @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from June through September 2018 during his challenge to Republican Sen. Ted Cruz .
Harrison ’ s fundraising prowess has clearly rattled Graham , whose race was not expected to be so high-profile or close .
During recent Fox News interviews , a regular occurrence for the nearly 18-year senator and eight-year House member before that , Graham took the of asking viewers to donate to his campaign .
One Google campaign ad at the top of search results for Graham ’ s name read , “ Sen .
Graham Has Been Outraised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Graham has not yet reported his third-quarter fundraising haul .
As of June 30 , he had raised $ 29.2 million total for this election cycle and had $ 15 million in cash on hand .
O ’ Rourke ’ s fundraising haul could be a cautionary tale for Harrison .
The El Paso , Texas , native was unsuccessful in his quest to unseat Republican Sen. Ted Cruz , losing by 2.6 % — the statewide Texas race in 40 years .
A few months later , riding high on glowing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ O ’ Rourke launched a presidential campaign , which was also unsuccessful .
Harrison , though , is in a much more promising position than O ’ Rourke was .
Cruz in the run-up to the election , whereas recent polls find that the race between Harris and Graham is virtually tied .
A Sept. 24-28 Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee-commissioned found Harrison at 48 % and Graham at 47 % , while a Sept. 23-28 Data for Progress found Harrison at 46 % and Graham at 47 % .
A Sept. 23-27 Quinnipiac @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Harrison and Graham each at 48 % .
The dollar-to-voter ratio is also much better for Harrison .
There are 3.5 million in South Carolina , compared to 15.8 million in Texas in 2018 .
Harrison ’ s mountain of cash allowed him to start television ads boosting his own name recognition among voters , attack Graham early in April , and stay on the air .
That helped him make the race competitive .
The Cook Political Report last week moved its rating for the South Carolina Senate race to a “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ until Election Day , the bulk of Harrison ’ s major haul is likely to be spent on advertising , as there is little time to spend money in other ways such as by hiring additional staff members , purchasing voter data and equipment , or adding campaign offices .
According to ad-tracking firm Advertising Analytics , Harrison spent $ 19.6 million across broadcast , cable , digital , radio , and satellite platforms in September .
Graham spent $ 7.2 million on ads over the same period .
Harrison has already spent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ buys for the month of October through Election Day , compared to $ 9.8 million for Graham .
Some other campaign cash might be reserved for legal expenses relating to potential lawsuits about election results or the counting of ballots .
The question , though , is whether Harrison ’ s massive ad buys can push him to victory .
In an on Monday , one questioner noted that Harrison ’ s massive cash advantage had not been enough to push him definitively ahead of Graham in the polls and asked Harrison what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ few weeks of the election .
Harrison gave a vague , polished answer that is typical of professional politicians , saying that he plans to focus on the issues .
`` He 's being Mister Relevant in Washington , D.C. , ” Harrison said of Graham .
“ I just want to be Mister Relevant in South Carolina.
” Some campaign moves from Harrison prompted national attention that can ’ t be bought .
Following President Trump ’ s positive coronavirus diagnosis , Harrison brought his own to his first Harrison-Graham debate on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the two candidates was after Harrison blamed Graham for not taking a new coronavirus test .

Democrats are once again hoping that an unprecedented influx of cash into a Republican stronghold can oust a high-profile Republican from the Senate — and this time, it’s looking more promising for Democrats than ever.
South Carolina Senate candidate Jaime Harrison, a 44-year-old longtime Democratic operative and lobbyist who is challenging incumbent Sen. Lindsey Graham, announced jaw-dropping, record-breaking fundraising of $57 million in the third quarter of the year from June through September.
That fundraising haul blew past the previous three-month record for a Senate candidate, when Texas Rep. Beto O’Rourke raised $80 million from June through September 2018 during his challenge to Republican Sen. Ted Cruz.
Harrison’s fundraising prowess has clearly rattled Graham, whose race was not expected to be so high-profile or close.
During recent Fox News interviews, a regular occurrence for the nearly 18-year senator and eight-year House member before that, Graham took the unusual step of asking viewers to donate to his campaign. One Google campaign ad at the top of search results for Graham’s name read, “Sen. Graham Has Been Outraised — Please Make a $5 Donation.”
Graham has not yet reported his third-quarter fundraising haul. As of June 30, he had raised $29.2 million total for this election cycle and had $15 million in cash on hand.
O’Rourke’s fundraising haul could be a cautionary tale for Harrison. The El Paso, Texas, native was unsuccessful in his quest to unseat Republican Sen. Ted Cruz, losing by 2.6% — the closest statewide Texas race in 40 years. A few months later, riding high on glowing new profiles and support from celebrities, O’Rourke launched a presidential campaign, which was also unsuccessful.
Harrison, though, is in a much more promising position than O’Rourke was.
Cruz consistently polled ahead of O’Rourke in the run-up to the election, whereas recent polls find that the race between Harris and Graham is virtually tied.
A Sept. 24-28 Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee-commissioned poll found Harrison at 48% and Graham at 47%, while a Sept. 23-28 Data for Progress poll found Harrison at 46% and Graham at 47%. A Sept. 23-27 Quinnipiac University poll found a dead heat, with Harrison and Graham each at 48%.
The dollar-to-voter ratio is also much better for Harrison. There are 3.5 million registered voters in South Carolina, compared to 15.8 million in Texas in 2018.
Harrison’s mountain of cash allowed him to start television ads boosting his own name recognition among voters, attack Graham early in April, and stay on the air.
That helped him make the race competitive. The Cook Political Report last week moved its rating for the South Carolina Senate race to a “toss-up.”
With just three weeks left until Election Day, the bulk of Harrison’s major haul is likely to be spent on advertising, as there is little time to spend money in other ways such as by hiring additional staff members, purchasing voter data and equipment, or adding campaign offices.
According to ad-tracking firm Advertising Analytics, Harrison spent $19.6 million across broadcast, cable, digital, radio, and satellite platforms in September. Graham spent $7.2 million on ads over the same period. Harrison has already spent or placed $28.4 million in ad buys for the month of October through Election Day, compared to $9.8 million for Graham.
Some other campaign cash might be reserved for legal expenses relating to potential lawsuits about election results or the counting of ballots.
The question, though, is whether Harrison’s massive ad buys can push him to victory.
In an MSNBC interview on Monday, one questioner noted that Harrison’s massive cash advantage had not been enough to push him definitively ahead of Graham in the polls and asked Harrison what he planned to do in the last few weeks of the election.
Harrison gave a vague, polished answer that is typical of professional politicians, saying that he plans to focus on the issues.
"He's being Mister Relevant in Washington, D.C.,” Harrison said of Graham. “I just want to be Mister Relevant in South Carolina.”
Some campaign moves from Harrison prompted national attention that can’t be bought.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-10-13--Trump hurting prospects by clinging to Obamacare repeal, Republicans say

Three weeks before Election Day and with coronavirus infections rising , President Trump is highlighting his determination to repeal Obamacare , baffling Republican strategists who say the message undermines his reelection prospects .
On Monday , Trump reiterated plans to replace the Affordable Care Act with “ much better healthcare ” that would “ always protect preexisting conditions.
” But the president did not offer a blueprint .
Republican strategists say this glaring omission is only part of the political problem that the president is creating for himself on healthcare , a critical issue for voters amid a pandemic .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ cover preexisting medical conditions have grown popular with a majority of voters .
So have regulations allowing parents to insure their children through age 26 .
Vowing to undo the law and pursuing a federal court case to invalidate it on constitutional grounds , as well as bragging about it , reinforce a key advantage for Democratic nominee Joe Biden .
“ It ’ s a massive mistake , ” said a veteran Republican strategist who advises GOP congressional candidates .
“ Why do we keep talking about this when we have no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was unpopular when President Barack Obama enacted the law more than 10 years ago .
Insurance carriers canceled policies , and the Obama administration struggled to set up purchasing exchanges , driving voter dissatisfaction that fueled a Republican takeover of the House in 2010 and a GOP takeover of the Senate in 2014 — and , at least in some part , Trump ’ s victory over Democrat Hillary Clinton in 2016 .
In midterm elections two years later , Democrats won back the House on the strength of their effort to block @ @ @ @ @ @ @ replacing Obamacare .
Voters had come to appreciate the provisions of the law that they favored while overlooking deficiencies , such as soaring premiums and ( in some states ) a limited number of carriers .
Obamacare is so popular that Biden is basing his opposition to Trump 's Supreme Court nominee , Amy Coney Barrett , on the possibility that she would rule the statute unconstitutional and erase protections for preexisting conditions .
“ This president wants to get rid of the Affordable Care Act , ” Biden told reporters when asked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Senate confirmation hearings .
“ Americans are going to lose their health insurance.
” The former vice president leads Trump nationally by 10.2 percentage points in an average of recent polls , with that lead dropping to a smaller but still significant 4.7 points in the battleground states .
In a Gallup poll conducted Sept. 30 to Oct. 1 , 52 % of people trusted Biden more on healthcare , compared to just 39 % who trusted Trump .
On a related matter , in a Pew Research Center poll conducted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 57 % of voters expressed confidence in Biden to “ handle the public health impact ” of the coronavirus , compared to just 40 % who said the same about Trump .
The president is undaunted .
“ We will have health are which is far better than Obamacare at a far lower cost — big premium reduction , ” he tweeted .
“ People with preexisting conditions will be protected at an even higher level than now .
Highly unpopular and unfair individual mandate already terminated .
You ’ re welcome !
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Obamacare ’ s political evolution say Trump is waging a losing argument that is putting unnecessary pressure on the party ’ s candidates for House and Senate .
Vulnerable Republican incumbents acknowledged as much earlier this month , when five of them joined with Senate Democrats to support a bill that would have halted Justice Department support for the lawsuit seeking to invalidate Obamacare .
The legislation was defeated — but not before it received affirmative votes from Republican Sens .
Dan Sullivan of Alaska , Martha McSally of Arizona , Cory Gardner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and Susan Collins of Maine .
Sen. Lisa Murkowski , an Alaska Republican who is not up for reelection this year , also backed the Democratic bill .
“ Republicans can ’ t simply repeal Obamacare .
They have to put something in its place , ” a GOP pollster said .
“ It ’ s been a structural problem with the party for some time .
”

Three weeks before Election Day and with coronavirus infections rising, President Trump is highlighting his determination to repeal Obamacare, baffling Republican strategists who say the message undermines his reelection prospects.
On Monday, Trump reiterated plans to replace the Affordable Care Act with “much better healthcare” that would “always protect preexisting conditions.” But the president did not offer a blueprint. Republican strategists say this glaring omission is only part of the political problem that the president is creating for himself on healthcare, a critical issue for voters amid a pandemic.
Obamacare and its mandate that insurance companies cover preexisting medical conditions have grown popular with a majority of voters. So have regulations allowing parents to insure their children through age 26. Vowing to undo the law and pursuing a federal court case to invalidate it on constitutional grounds, as well as bragging about it, reinforce a key advantage for Democratic nominee Joe Biden.
“It’s a massive mistake,” said a veteran Republican strategist who advises GOP congressional candidates. “Why do we keep talking about this when we have no alternative?”
The Affordable Care Act was unpopular when President Barack Obama enacted the law more than 10 years ago. Insurance carriers canceled policies, and the Obama administration struggled to set up purchasing exchanges, driving voter dissatisfaction that fueled a Republican takeover of the House in 2010 and a GOP takeover of the Senate in 2014 — and, at least in some part, Trump’s victory over Democrat Hillary Clinton in 2016.
In midterm elections two years later, Democrats won back the House on the strength of their effort to block Trump and congressional Republicans from repealing and replacing Obamacare. Voters had come to appreciate the provisions of the law that they favored while overlooking deficiencies, such as soaring premiums and (in some states) a limited number of carriers.
Obamacare is so popular that Biden is basing his opposition to Trump's Supreme Court nominee, Amy Coney Barrett, on the possibility that she would rule the statute unconstitutional and erase protections for preexisting conditions. “This president wants to get rid of the Affordable Care Act,” Biden told reporters when asked to comment on Day One of Barrett’s Senate confirmation hearings. “Americans are going to lose their health insurance.”
The former vice president leads Trump nationally by 10.2 percentage points in an average of recent polls, with that lead dropping to a smaller but still significant 4.7 points in the battleground states.
In a Gallup poll conducted Sept. 30 to Oct. 1, 52% of people trusted Biden more on healthcare, compared to just 39% who trusted Trump. On a related matter, in a Pew Research Center poll conducted between Sept. 30 and Oct. 5, 57% of voters expressed confidence in Biden to “handle the public health impact” of the coronavirus, compared to just 40% who said the same about Trump. The president is undaunted.
“We will have health are which is far better than Obamacare at a far lower cost — big premium reduction,” he tweeted. “People with preexisting conditions will be protected at an even higher level than now. Highly unpopular and unfair individual mandate already terminated. You’re welcome!”
Republican insiders who have closely monitored Obamacare’s political evolution say Trump is waging a losing argument that is putting unnecessary pressure on the party’s candidates for House and Senate. Vulnerable Republican incumbents acknowledged as much earlier this month, when five of them joined with Senate Democrats to support a bill that would have halted Justice Department support for the lawsuit seeking to invalidate Obamacare.
The legislation was defeated — but not before it received affirmative votes from Republican Sens. Dan Sullivan of Alaska, Martha McSally of Arizona, Cory Gardner of Colorado, Joni Ernst of Iowa, and Susan Collins of Maine. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, an Alaska Republican who is not up for reelection this year, also backed the Democratic bill.
“Republicans can’t simply repeal Obamacare. They have to put something in its place,” a GOP pollster said. “It’s been a structural problem with the party for some time.”


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-10-13--GOP hopes Barrett hearings will switch election to Trump-friendly ground

Republicans are hopeful that this week ’ s confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett will help them turn the page on President Trump ’ s coronavirus diagnosis and other news that has left the party behind in the polls .
“ She is a star , and we ’ re confident that will shine through , ” said a Republican close to the hearings .
“ The Supreme Court hearings and the fact that Trump is going on the campaign trail can help Republicans create renewed momentum in the final weeks before the election , ” said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s turn in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee , which began Monday , comes as Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden faces increasing scrutiny over his refusal to say whether he would support legislation to add more liberal justices by expanding the Supreme Court .
A recent Washington Examiner/YouGov poll the public was opposed to the idea , and reporters have grown irritated with the Democratic ticket ’ s evasiveness when asked about it .
Biden has dismissed court-packing as a Trump-generated distraction .
He said last week that voters will “ know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is over .
It 's a great question , and I do n't blame you for asking it , but you know the moment I answer that question , the headline in every one of your papers will be about that . ''
`` He 's refusing to answer about whether he 's going to pack the Supreme Court , upending 150 years of our judicial standards , '' said Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel on CBS 's Face the Nation on Sunday .
At the same time , a Morning Consult @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nomination .
A plurality backs her confirmation , 46 % to 37 % , up 9 percentage points from a previous survey .
Democratic support is up 10 points to 24 % , and their preference for waiting to see who wins the presidential election before confirming anyone is down 20 points to 59 % .
The prevailing view among Republicans is that this is much more favorable ground on which to fight the election than the coronavirus and the controversies surrounding the presidential debates .
It is possible the Democrats will overreach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ religious faith .
And Republicans are happy to have an accomplished career woman front and center in the waning days of the 2020 campaign .
“ It will help some of our more vulnerable members , especially Lindsey Graham and Thom Tillis , ” said Republican strategist John Feehery .
“ And it helps to recast the debate to something other than Covid .
Barrett is such a high-quality person and high-quality pick , I think the Democrats look foolish attacking her , which is why they are mostly ignoring her.
” South @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Judiciary Committee , and North Carolinian Tillis is a member .
Both face difficult reelection races .
`` Democrats on the Judiciary Committee this morning revealed their support for activist judges who read rights like a right to late-term abortion into the Constitution , ” said Maureen Ferguson , a senior fellow with the Catholic Association , in a statement .
`` Sen. Whitehouse specifically praised Justice Ginsburg ’ s defense of late-term , partial-birth abortion in the Gonzales vs. Carhart case — the 2007 Supreme Court decision upholding the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gruesome procedure . ''
Sensitive to public opinion in some of the Rust Belt and upper Midwestern states that could decide the election , many Democrats have prioritized Obamacare over abortion in their arguments against Barrett ’ s nomination .
“ This nominee has said she wants to get rid of the Affordable Care Act — this president wants to get rid of the Affordable Care Act .
Let ’ s keep our eye on the ball , ” Biden in Ohio on Monday .
“ This is about less than one month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to lose their health insurance.
” Trump ’ s pledge to fill the late Justice Antonin Scalia ’ s seat with a proven conservative , backed by a list of prospective nominees compiled with the assistance of the conservative legal community , helped him win the 2016 election .
The president still faces an uphill battle for reelection .
He trails Biden by 10.2 points in the RealClearPolitics national polling average less than a month from Election Day .

Republicans are hopeful that this week’s confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett will help them turn the page on President Trump’s coronavirus diagnosis and other news that has left the party behind in the polls.
“She is a star, and we’re confident that will shine through,” said a Republican close to the hearings.
“The Supreme Court hearings and the fact that Trump is going on the campaign trail can help Republicans create renewed momentum in the final weeks before the election,” said GOP strategist Ron Bonjean.
Barrett’s turn in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee, which began Monday, comes as Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden faces increasing scrutiny over his refusal to say whether he would support legislation to add more liberal justices by expanding the Supreme Court. A recent Washington Examiner/YouGov poll found the public was opposed to the idea, and reporters have grown irritated with the Democratic ticket’s evasiveness when asked about it.
Biden has dismissed court-packing as a Trump-generated distraction. He said last week that voters will “know my opinion on court-packing when the election is over. It's a great question, and I don't blame you for asking it, but you know the moment I answer that question, the headline in every one of your papers will be about that."
"He's refusing to answer about whether he's going to pack the Supreme Court, upending 150 years of our judicial standards," said Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel on CBS's Face the Nation on Sunday.
At the same time, a Morning Consult poll found rising support for Barrett’s nomination. A plurality backs her confirmation, 46% to 37%, up 9 percentage points from a previous survey. Democratic support is up 10 points to 24%, and their preference for waiting to see who wins the presidential election before confirming anyone is down 20 points to 59%.
The prevailing view among Republicans is that this is much more favorable ground on which to fight the election than the coronavirus and the controversies surrounding the presidential debates. It is possible the Democrats will overreach in attacking Barrett, possibly questioning her religious faith. And Republicans are happy to have an accomplished career woman front and center in the waning days of the 2020 campaign.
“It will help some of our more vulnerable members, especially Lindsey Graham and Thom Tillis,” said Republican strategist John Feehery. “And it helps to recast the debate to something other than Covid. Barrett is such a high-quality person and high-quality pick, I think the Democrats look foolish attacking her, which is why they are mostly ignoring her.”
South Carolina’s Graham heads the Senate Judiciary Committee, and North Carolinian Tillis is a member. Both face difficult reelection races.
"Democrats on the Judiciary Committee this morning revealed their support for activist judges who read rights like a right to late-term abortion into the Constitution,” said Maureen Ferguson, a senior fellow with the Catholic Association, in a statement. "Sen. Whitehouse specifically praised Justice Ginsburg’s defense of late-term, partial-birth abortion in the Gonzales vs. Carhart case — the 2007 Supreme Court decision upholding the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act. A partial-birth abortion is a gruesome procedure."
Sensitive to public opinion in some of the Rust Belt and upper Midwestern states that could decide the election, many Democrats have prioritized Obamacare over abortion in their arguments against Barrett’s nomination. “This nominee has said she wants to get rid of the Affordable Care Act — this president wants to get rid of the Affordable Care Act. Let’s keep our eye on the ball,” Biden falsely claimed in Ohio on Monday. “This is about less than one month [in which] Americans are going to lose their health insurance.”
Trump’s pledge to fill the late Justice Antonin Scalia’s seat with a proven conservative, backed by a list of prospective nominees compiled with the assistance of the conservative legal community, helped him win the 2016 election.
The president still faces an uphill battle for reelection. He trails Biden by 10.2 points in the RealClearPolitics national polling average less than a month from Election Day.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-10-13--Alaska ballot witness rule dropped after decision by state Supreme Court

The Alaska Supreme Court upheld a lower court ruling that waives the witness requirement for Alaskans who submit absentee ballots .
The state 's Supreme Court issued a brief decision on Monday after hearing arguments in the case , which was brought forward by the Arctic Village Council , two individuals , and the League of Women Voters of Alaska , according to the Associated Press .
The ruling means that voters will no longer be required to have a witness over the age of 18 to confirm their vote .
The decision comes 22 days before the general election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been sent out across the Last Frontier , and about 11,000 of those have already been returned , according to the state 's Division of Elections .
The state of Alaska argued in favor of keeping the ballot witness requirement , with attorney Laura Fox arguing that the sudden rule change after voting has already commenced could “ cause confusion and distrust.
” The argument for trashing the witness requirement was that the coronavirus pandemic has made it more difficult to vote safely and some residents don ’ t live with someone who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when they vote absentee .
Alaska is a large state , with some communities of just dozens of people located miles away from other municipalities .
Superior Court Judge Dani Crosby , the lower court judge in the case , ruled on Oct. 5 that given the health crisis , the witness signature mandate “ impermissibly burdens the right to vote.
” During Monday ’ s oral arguments in the case , Natalie Landreth of the Native American Rights Fund said Arctic Village , a small unincorporated Alaska Native community , is under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Anchorage Daily News .
Landreth argued that if a resident wanted to get a ballot witness , “ you have to break quarantine , essentially break the law in Arctic Village.
” Fox countered that those in Arctic Village need to run errands and go to the store to get groceries regardless of coronavirus regulations and that they could just get a signature while out .
The Alaska Division of Elections is reportedly planning to distribute a video instructing Alaskans on how to vote properly by absentee ballot .
The decision comes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reinstated a requirement that South Carolina voters need a witness to sign their absentee ballots before they vote by mail .
That decision reversed a lower court ruling that the requirement of a witness signature created an undue burden for voters .

The Alaska Supreme Court upheld a lower court ruling that waives the witness requirement for Alaskans who submit absentee ballots.
The state's Supreme Court issued a brief decision on Monday after hearing arguments in the case, which was brought forward by the Arctic Village Council, two individuals, and the League of Women Voters of Alaska, according to the Associated Press.
The ruling means that voters will no longer be required to have a witness over the age of 18 to confirm their vote. The decision comes 22 days before the general election. More than 110,000 absentee ballots have been sent out across the Last Frontier, and about 11,000 of those have already been returned, according to the state's Division of Elections.
The state of Alaska argued in favor of keeping the ballot witness requirement, with attorney Laura Fox arguing that the sudden rule change after voting has already commenced could “cause confusion and distrust.”
The argument for trashing the witness requirement was that the coronavirus pandemic has made it more difficult to vote safely and some residents don’t live with someone who is able to act as a witness when they vote absentee. Alaska is a large state, with some communities of just dozens of people located miles away from other municipalities.
Superior Court Judge Dani Crosby, the lower court judge in the case, ruled on Oct. 5 that given the health crisis, the witness signature mandate “impermissibly burdens the right to vote.”
During Monday’s oral arguments in the case, Natalie Landreth of the Native American Rights Fund said Arctic Village, a small unincorporated Alaska Native community, is under a stringent coronavirus quarantine, according to the Anchorage Daily News. Landreth argued that if a resident wanted to get a ballot witness, “you have to break quarantine, essentially break the law in Arctic Village.”
Fox countered that those in Arctic Village need to run errands and go to the store to get groceries regardless of coronavirus regulations and that they could just get a signature while out.
The Alaska Division of Elections is reportedly planning to distribute a video instructing Alaskans on how to vote properly by absentee ballot.
The decision comes a week after the U.S. Supreme Court reinstated a requirement that South Carolina voters need a witness to sign their absentee ballots before they vote by mail. That decision reversed a lower court ruling that the requirement of a witness signature created an undue burden for voters.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-10-13--Biden works to undercut Trump with seniors in Florida

Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden reminded Florida seniors they have the most to lose if President Trump wins reelection in November .
Seniors are especially vulnerable to the coronavirus , and Trump 's mismanagement of the pandemic is putting them at greater risk , Biden told people gathered at a Pembroke Pines , Florida , community center on Tuesday .
`` The only senior Donald Trump cares about , the only senior , is senior Donald Trump , '' he said .
The two-term vice president and 36-year Delaware senator referenced Trump 's comments last month that claimed COVID-19 `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people with heart problems and other problems . ''
Biden said , `` He was talking about you .
He was talking about my family .
You ’ re expendable .
You ’ re forgettable .
You ’ re virtually nobody .
That ’ s how he sees seniors .
That ’ s how he sees you . ''
He added , `` While you ’ re losing precious time with your loved ones , he ’ s been stuck in the sand trap on his golf courses . ''
Seniors make up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a must-win state for Trump that offers 29 electoral votes .
Three weeks before the Nov. 3 election , Biden has an average lead of 3.7 percentage points on Trump in Florida , according to RealClearPolitics .
And that edge is augmented by his advantage with voters older than 65 years old .
In a Quinnipiac University survey released last week , Biden was ahead of the president by 15 points in that demographic , 55 % to 40 % .
The Democratic standard-bearer more broadly attacked Trump for his COVID-19 response as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economic stimulus negotiations and his administration 's mixed messages regarding the outbreak .
`` One day he 's tweeting that the relief package is too big .
The next day he 's saying it 's too small , '' he said .
`` It 's all a game .
He thinks he 's still on his game show .
No , really , he acts that way for real . ''
He continued , `` I prayed for his recovery when he got COVID-19 .
But what did he do ?
He doubled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's campaign also scheduled a drive-in rally in Miramar , Florida , for a total of two stops in Broward County , one of Florida 's most populous counties .

Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden reminded Florida seniors they have the most to lose if President Trump wins reelection in November.
Seniors are especially vulnerable to the coronavirus, and Trump's mismanagement of the pandemic is putting them at greater risk, Biden told people gathered at a Pembroke Pines, Florida, community center on Tuesday.
"The only senior Donald Trump cares about, the only senior, is senior Donald Trump," he said.
The two-term vice president and 36-year Delaware senator referenced Trump's comments last month that claimed COVID-19 "affects virtually nobody" except "elderly people with heart problems and other problems."
Biden said, "He was talking about you. He was talking about my family. You’re expendable. You’re forgettable. You’re virtually nobody. That’s how he sees seniors. That’s how he sees you."
He added, "While you’re losing precious time with your loved ones, he’s been stuck in the sand trap on his golf courses."
Seniors make up a crucial voting bloc in Florida, a must-win state for Trump that offers 29 electoral votes.
Three weeks before the Nov. 3 election, Biden has an average lead of 3.7 percentage points on Trump in Florida, according to RealClearPolitics. And that edge is augmented by his advantage with voters older than 65 years old. In a Quinnipiac University survey released last week, Biden was ahead of the president by 15 points in that demographic, 55% to 40%.
The Democratic standard-bearer more broadly attacked Trump for his COVID-19 response as well, including the incumbent's congressional economic stimulus negotiations and his administration's mixed messages regarding the outbreak.
"One day he's tweeting that the relief package is too big. The next day he's saying it's too small," he said. "It's all a game. He thinks he's still on his game show. No, really, he acts that way for real."
He continued, "I prayed for his recovery when he got COVID-19. But what did he do? He doubled down on his misinformation."
Biden's campaign also scheduled a drive-in rally in Miramar, Florida, for a total of two stops in Broward County, one of Florida's most populous counties.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-10-13--Lindsey Graham ahead 6 points in Senate race: Poll

Sen. Lindsey Graham has a widened lead against his Democratic opponent Jaime Harrison in what is expected to be one of the closest Senate races , according to a statewide poll released Tuesday .
The Republican from South Carolina has 48 % support , compared to Harrison ’ s 42 % support , the Morning Consult poll found .
The survey was conducted among 903 likely voters from Oct. 2 to Oct. 11 , after President Trump nominated Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court .
Graham has an outsize role in Barrett ’ s hearings , given that he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Committee .
Soon after Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg died and Trump expressed his intent to nominate a replacement , Graham said he was ready to confirm a justice prior to the Nov. 3 election .
Past Morning Consult polls of the race between Graham and Harrison have shown the race as being much closer , even statistically tied .
Quinnipiac University and CBS News/YouGov polls from September had candidates tied at 48 % support each and Graham leading by a 1-point margin , respectively .
The Cook Political Report moved the competitive South @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to “ Toss Up '' on Wednesday .
“ It ’ s a jump ball at this point , ” a South Carolina Republican strategist was quoted as saying .
“ Jaime is peaking at exactly the right time , and he ’ s got a deluge of money .
[ Harrison ] is blocking every pass there is from Republicans.
” Harrison has taken in massive amounts of funds during his campaign .
He reported a whopping $ 57 million raised during 2020 ’ s third quarter , shattering the U.S. record @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Senate candidate during a single-quarter period .
The Morning Consult poll had a margin of error of plus or minus 6 points .

Sen. Lindsey Graham has a widened lead against his Democratic opponent Jaime Harrison in what is expected to be one of the closest Senate races, according to a statewide poll released Tuesday.
The Republican from South Carolina has 48% support, compared to Harrison’s 42% support, the Morning Consult poll found. The survey was conducted among 903 likely voters from Oct. 2 to Oct. 11, after President Trump nominated Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court.
Graham has an outsize role in Barrett’s hearings, given that he is the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee. Soon after Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg died and Trump expressed his intent to nominate a replacement, Graham said he was ready to confirm a justice prior to the Nov. 3 election.
Past Morning Consult polls of the race between Graham and Harrison have shown the race as being much closer, even statistically tied. Quinnipiac University and CBS News/YouGov polls from September had candidates tied at 48% support each and Graham leading by a 1-point margin, respectively.
The Cook Political Report moved the competitive South Carolina race from “Lean Republican” to “Toss Up" on Wednesday.
“It’s a jump ball at this point,” a South Carolina Republican strategist was quoted as saying. “Jaime is peaking at exactly the right time, and he’s got a deluge of money. [Harrison] is blocking every pass there is from Republicans.”
Harrison has taken in massive amounts of funds during his campaign. He reported a whopping $57 million raised during 2020’s third quarter, shattering the U.S. record for the largest fundraising haul of a Senate candidate during a single-quarter period.
The Morning Consult poll had a margin of error of plus or minus 6 points.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-10-13--'Some other agenda in mind': Scott Atlas hits back at critics decrying Trump's Florida rally after c

'Some other agenda in mind': Scott Atlas hits back at critics decrying Trump's Florida rally after coronavirus recovery

White House coronavirus task force member Dr. Scott Atlas hit back at critics saying President Trump should not be back on the campaign trail after battling the coronavirus .
“ He meets that [ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ] definition , ” Atlas told the Spectator following Trump ’ s Florida rally on Monday evening .
“ I don ’ t even know what the controversy is about him being outside , doing his job .
I mean , he ’ s like all other Americans .
He knows he has to go to work .
And he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s not contagious.
” “ It ’ s obvious , I think , the people that don ’ t think he should be working , they have some other agenda in mind because that ’ s just not ... what the science says , ” he said .
Trump held his first rally on Monday since recovering from COVID-19 .
The president ’ s physician , Dr. Sean Conley , said he tested negative for the virus and had previously said Trump has clearance to return to the campaign trail .
“ Repeatedly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with additional clinical and laboratory data , including viral load , subgenomic RNA , and PCR cycle threshold measurements , as well as ongoing assessment of viral culture date , all indicate a lack of detectable viral replication , ” Conley wrote .
The return to public events has sparked some media outlets to pull their reporters from traveling to cover Trump .
“ White House reporters had safety concerns and were not comfortable traveling with the president at this time , ” Elisabeth Bumiller , the New York Times ’ s Washington @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A spokeswoman for the Washington Post added that the outlet will “ continue to evaluate our coverage plans.
” Others , such as in the medical field , said that Conley ’ s clearance isn ’ t enough to show that he ’ s ready to be among the general public .
“ The challenge is that the president ’ s physician is not a credible source , ” Joshua Sharfstein , a physician at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health , said .
“ It ’ s very clear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the positive ’ to heart .
For credibility , you need to release everything or have a totally credible person review everything.
” Atlas continued in his comments that “ there is no requirement to even be tested again.
” “ I think these people either are denying the data or they have simply lost rational thought to think that now we ’ re supposed to talk about what type of test we had .
There is no requirement to be tested again .
Period , ” he said .

White House coronavirus task force member Dr. Scott Atlas hit back at critics saying President Trump should not be back on the campaign trail after battling the coronavirus.
“He meets that [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] definition,” Atlas told the Spectator following Trump’s Florida rally on Monday evening. “I don’t even know what the controversy is about him being outside, doing his job. I mean, he’s like all other Americans. He knows he has to go to work. And he’s not infectious. He’s not contagious.”
“It’s obvious, I think, the people that don’t think he should be working, they have some other agenda in mind because that’s just not ... what the science says,” he said.
Trump held his first rally on Monday since recovering from COVID-19. The president’s physician, Dr. Sean Conley, said he tested negative for the virus and had previously said Trump has clearance to return to the campaign trail.
“Repeatedly negative antigen tests, taken in context with additional clinical and laboratory data, including viral load, subgenomic RNA, and PCR cycle threshold measurements, as well as ongoing assessment of viral culture date, all indicate a lack of detectable viral replication,” Conley wrote.
The return to public events has sparked some media outlets to pull their reporters from traveling to cover Trump.
“White House reporters had safety concerns and were not comfortable traveling with the president at this time,” Elisabeth Bumiller, the New York Times’s Washington bureau chief, said in a statement. A spokeswoman for the Washington Post added that the outlet will “continue to evaluate our coverage plans.”
Others, such as in the medical field, said that Conley’s clearance isn’t enough to show that he’s ready to be among the general public.
“The challenge is that the president’s physician is not a credible source,” Joshua Sharfstein, a physician at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, said. “It’s very clear that he’s taken ‘accentuate the positive’ to heart. For credibility, you need to release everything or have a totally credible person review everything.”
Atlas continued in his comments that “there is no requirement to even be tested again.”
“I think these people either are denying the data or they have simply lost rational thought to think that now we’re supposed to talk about what type of test we had. There is no requirement to be tested again. Period,” he said.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-10-13--'God help us': Palestinian prime minister worried that Trump will win second term

The prime minister of the Palestinian Authority is not a fan of President Trump ’ s foreign policy .
Mohammad Shtayyeh blasted Trump on Monday during a virtual appearance with European lawmakers , according to the Times of Israel .
He said that Trump ’ s policies in the Middle East have been damaging to Palestinians .
“ If we are going to live another four years with President Trump , God help us … and the whole world , ” Shtayyeh said .
Throughout his time in office , Trump has been a strident supporter of Israel and one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most loyal allies .
In one of Trump ’ s first major foreign policy moves as president , Jerusalem was recognized by the United States as Israel ’ s capital , and the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem was opened in 2018 .
The decision earned Trump plaudits in Israel but was angrily received by many Palestinians , some of whom died in violent protests over the embassy ’ s relocation .
Trump drew the ire of Palestinians earlier this year when he unveiled a peace plan for the region , which Trump dubbed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The plan calls for a Palestinian state with its capital in east Jerusalem in return for the recognition of major Israeli settlements , but Palestinians thought that the plan favored Israeli interests over their own .
“ After the nonsense that we heard today , we say a thousand noes to the deal of the century , ” said Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas after Trump ’ s plan was unveiled .
“ We will not kneel , and we will not surrender.
” Shtayyeh also blasted the proposed peace deal during his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s time in office has been a waste for Palestinians .
“ Four years have been really wasted , ” Shtayyeh said .
“ We were waiting for the ultimate deal , and everyone was hoping that the ultimate deal would really be a deal and be ultimate .
Unfortunately , it has not been.
” In August , the Trump administration unveiled news that it helped broker historic peace and normalization treaties between Israel , the United Arab Emirates , and Bahrain .
The treaty , dubbed the Abraham Accord , was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the number of Arab countries that have deals with Israel .
The agreements were met with anger by some Palestinians , and rockets were fired into southern Israel by terrorist groups in the Gaza Strip at about the time that the pact was signed .
There are 20 days until the U.S. presidential election , and world leaders are closely watching .
With regard to Israel , Democratic nominee Joe Biden has vowed not to move the U.S. Embassy from Jerusalem back to Tel Aviv , although he has been critical about the @ @ @ @

The prime minister of the Palestinian Authority is not a fan of President Trump’s foreign policy.
Mohammad Shtayyeh blasted Trump on Monday during a virtual appearance with European lawmakers, according to the Times of Israel. He said that Trump’s policies in the Middle East have been damaging to Palestinians.
“If we are going to live another four years with President Trump, God help us … and the whole world,” Shtayyeh said.
Throughout his time in office, Trump has been a strident supporter of Israel and one of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s most loyal allies.
In one of Trump’s first major foreign policy moves as president, Jerusalem was recognized by the United States as Israel’s capital, and the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem was opened in 2018. The decision earned Trump plaudits in Israel but was angrily received by many Palestinians, some of whom died in violent protests over the embassy’s relocation.
Trump drew the ire of Palestinians earlier this year when he unveiled a peace plan for the region, which Trump dubbed the “deal of the century.” The plan calls for a Palestinian state with its capital in east Jerusalem in return for the recognition of major Israeli settlements, but Palestinians thought that the plan favored Israeli interests over their own.
“After the nonsense that we heard today, we say a thousand noes to the deal of the century,” said Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas after Trump’s plan was unveiled. “We will not kneel, and we will not surrender.”
Shtayyeh also blasted the proposed peace deal during his Monday remarks and said that Trump’s time in office has been a waste for Palestinians.
“Four years have been really wasted,” Shtayyeh said. “We were waiting for the ultimate deal, and everyone was hoping that the ultimate deal would really be a deal and be ultimate. Unfortunately, it has not been.”
In August, the Trump administration unveiled news that it helped broker historic peace and normalization treaties between Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain. The treaty, dubbed the Abraham Accord, was signed at the White House and doubled the number of Arab countries that have deals with Israel. The agreements were met with anger by some Palestinians, and rockets were fired into southern Israel by terrorist groups in the Gaza Strip at about the time that the pact was signed.
There are 20 days until the U.S. presidential election, and world leaders are closely watching. With regard to Israel, Democratic nominee Joe Biden has vowed not to move the U.S. Embassy from Jerusalem back to Tel Aviv, although he has been critical about the 2018 relocation itself.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-10-13--Mitt Romney condemns Keith Olbermann and Trump for debasing political discourse

Keith Olbermann is one of Mitt Romney 's worst people in the world .
In a statement Tuesday morning over Twitter , the Utah Republican senator outlined his `` thoughts on the current state of our politics . ''
Romney , the only Republican senator to back impeachment and removal of President Trump in February said in a statement that he is troubled by the current political discourse .
`` It has moved away from spirited debate to a vile , vituperative , hate-filled morass that is unbecoming any free nation — let alone the birthplace of modern democracy , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ characterizations of California Sen. Kamala Harris and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi .
`` The President calls the Democratic Vice Presidential candidate ' a monster ; ' he repeatedly labels the Speaker of the House 'crazy ; ' he calls for the Justice Department to put the prior president in jail ; he attacks the Governor of Michigan on the very day a plot is discovered to kidnap her , '' Romney continued .
Romney then trained his attention on Democrats and left-wing media figures .
`` Democrats launch blistering attacks of their own @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stoop as low as others .
Pelosi tears up the President 's State of the Union speech on national television .
Keith Olbermann calls the president a 'terrorist . '
Media on the left and right amplify all of it . ''
Romney 's words come after former sportscaster and left-wing polemic Olbermann announced he was leaving ESPN to start an independent YouTube channel earlier this month .
In his premier episode , Olbermann called for Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrrett to be `` prosecuted and convicted and removed from our society @ @ @ @ @ @ @ must be expunged .
The hate he has triggered , the Pandora ’ s Box he has opened , they will not be so easily destroyed .
So , let us brace ourselves .
The task is twofold , ” said Olbermann , who peaked politically during the latter years of President George W. Bush 's time in office , when he lacerated the commander-in-chief nightly on his MSNBC show .
“ The terrorist Trump must be defeated , must be destroyed , must be devoured at the ballot box and then he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his collaborators , and the Mike Lees , and the William Barrs , and the Sean Hannitys , and the Mike Pences , and the Rudy Giulianis , and the Kyle Rittenhouses , and the Amy Coney Barretts must be prosecuted , and convicted , and removed from our society while we try and rebuild it and to rebuild the world Trump has nearly destroyed by turning it over to a virus.
” Since being elected to the Senate in 2018 , Romney , the 2012 GOP presidential nominee , has been a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Romney voted to convict Trump on abuse of power charges following his impeachment in the House .

Keith Olbermann is one of Mitt Romney's worst people in the world.
In a statement Tuesday morning over Twitter, the Utah Republican senator outlined his "thoughts on the current state of our politics."
Romney, the only Republican senator to back impeachment and removal of President Trump in February said in a statement that he is troubled by the current political discourse.
"It has moved away from spirited debate to a vile, vituperative, hate-filled morass that is unbecoming any free nation — let alone the birthplace of modern democracy," Romney said about Trump's negative characterizations of California Sen. Kamala Harris and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
"The President calls the Democratic Vice Presidential candidate 'a monster;' he repeatedly labels the Speaker of the House 'crazy;' he calls for the Justice Department to put the prior president in jail; he attacks the Governor of Michigan on the very day a plot is discovered to kidnap her," Romney continued.
Romney then trained his attention on Democrats and left-wing media figures.
"Democrats launch blistering attacks of their own — though their presidential nominee refuses to stoop as low as others. Pelosi tears up the President's State of the Union speech on national television. Keith Olbermann calls the president a 'terrorist.' Media on the left and right amplify all of it."
Romney's words come after former sportscaster and left-wing polemic Olbermann announced he was leaving ESPN to start an independent YouTube channel earlier this month. In his premier episode, Olbermann called for Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrrett to be "prosecuted and convicted and removed from our society."
“Trump can be and must be expunged. The hate he has triggered, the Pandora’s Box he has opened, they will not be so easily destroyed. So, let us brace ourselves. The task is twofold,” said Olbermann, who peaked politically during the latter years of President George W. Bush's time in office, when he lacerated the commander-in-chief nightly on his MSNBC show.
“The terrorist Trump must be defeated, must be destroyed, must be devoured at the ballot box and then he and his enablers and his supporters and his collaborators, and the Mike Lees, and the William Barrs, and the Sean Hannitys, and the Mike Pences, and the Rudy Giulianis, and the Kyle Rittenhouses, and the Amy Coney Barretts must be prosecuted, and convicted, and removed from our society while we try and rebuild it and to rebuild the world Trump has nearly destroyed by turning it over to a virus.”
Since being elected to the Senate in 2018, Romney, the 2012 GOP presidential nominee, has been a critic of the president. In February, Romney voted to convict Trump on abuse of power charges following his impeachment in the House.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-10-13--Public believes Pence more prepared to be president than Harris, Washington Examiner/YouGov poll fin

Public believes Pence more prepared to be president than Harris, Washington Examiner/YouGov poll finds

Voters have more confidence that Vice President Mike Pence is well prepared to assume the presidency than Democratic vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris , according to a new poll .
A Washington Examiner/YouGov poll found that the public trusts in Pence ’ s preparation by a 20-point margin , with 56 % saying he is well prepared to become president compared to 36 % who believe he is not well prepared .
This includes 91 % of Republicans who think the sitting vice president is well prepared to be president and 28 % of Democrats who agree .
Among independents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well prepared , to 36 % who do not .
The electorate is more split on Harris , who is a freshman senator from California .
According to the poll , 49 % think she is well prepared , while 44 % say she is not .
Independents are effectively tied on the question , with 44 % saying she is well prepared , to 42 % not .
Democrats do have confidence in her preparedness , however , as 86 % said she was well prepared .
If elected , Harris would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to ever serve as president .
Biden will turn 78 soon after the election , older than President Ronald Reagan when he left office after two terms .
The same poll found 60 % were concerned about Biden ’ s age .
Harris ’ s relative youth , she turns 56 later this month , was a factor in her selection .
Despite thinking Pence is more prepared , voters still believe Harris would be a better president .
Harris prevails over Pence on this question by 51 % to 43 % .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ preference for the Democratic ticket .
Biden and Harris lead President Trump and Pence in most polls , hovering just below 52 % in the RealClearPolitics national average .
Independents power the preference for Harris over Pence , favoring the Democrat by 11 points , with 48 % to 37 % for Pence .
Otherwise , the response breaks down along partisan lines : Harris beats Pence 91 % to 5 % among Democrats , while Pence bests Harris 92 % to 4 % among Republicans .
Pence and Harris debated last week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as being more conventional and civil than the first presidential debate between Trump and Biden .
Harris assailed the Trump administration 's response to the pandemic while Pence cast the Democrats as tax-and-spend liberals .
The vice president has taken on a larger role in the campaign since Trump tested positive for COVID-19 .
Harris is expected to be a major presence at Amy Coney Barrett 's Supreme Court confirmation hearings because she is a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee .
The survey was conducted among 1,195 registered voters and has a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3.7 %

Voters have more confidence that Vice President Mike Pence is well prepared to assume the presidency than Democratic vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris, according to a new poll.
A Washington Examiner/YouGov poll found that the public trusts in Pence’s preparation by a 20-point margin, with 56% saying he is well prepared to become president compared to 36% who believe he is not well prepared.
This includes 91% of Republicans who think the sitting vice president is well prepared to be president and 28% of Democrats who agree. Among independents, 53% believe that Pence is well prepared, to 36% who do not.
The electorate is more split on Harris, who is a freshman senator from California. According to the poll, 49% think she is well prepared, while 44% say she is not. Independents are effectively tied on the question, with 44% saying she is well prepared, to 42% not. Democrats do have confidence in her preparedness, however, as 86% said she was well prepared.
If elected, Harris would be vice president under the oldest man to ever serve as president. Biden will turn 78 soon after the election, older than President Ronald Reagan when he left office after two terms. The same poll found 60% were concerned about Biden’s age. Harris’s relative youth, she turns 56 later this month, was a factor in her selection.
Despite thinking Pence is more prepared, voters still believe Harris would be a better president. Harris prevails over Pence on this question by 51% to 43%. This likely reflects the electorate’s preference for the Democratic ticket. Biden and Harris lead President Trump and Pence in most polls, hovering just below 52% in the RealClearPolitics national average.
Independents power the preference for Harris over Pence, favoring the Democrat by 11 points, with 48% to 37% for Pence. Otherwise, the response breaks down along partisan lines: Harris beats Pence 91% to 5% among Democrats, while Pence bests Harris 92% to 4% among Republicans.
Pence and Harris debated last week in an exchange that was widely viewed as being more conventional and civil than the first presidential debate between Trump and Biden. Harris assailed the Trump administration's response to the pandemic while Pence cast the Democrats as tax-and-spend liberals.
The vice president has taken on a larger role in the campaign since Trump tested positive for COVID-19. Harris is expected to be a major presence at Amy Coney Barrett's Supreme Court confirmation hearings because she is a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee.
The survey was conducted among 1,195 registered voters and has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.7%


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-10-13--Public is worried about Biden's age for good reason

Among the findings of our latest Washington Examiner/YouGov poll is the unsurprising fact that voters are more concerned about Joe Biden 's age than they are with President Trump 's .
Sixty percent of respondents say that they are `` very '' or `` fairly '' concerned about Biden 's age , compared to just 45 % who are `` very '' or `` fairly '' worried about Trump 's age .
It stands to reason .
Trump is a spry 74 — whatever you think of him , you can not claim he is n't a bundle of energy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , is clearly slipping at age 77 .
I tuned in to his speech in Ohio yesterday just long enough to hear him use the word `` analys '' — he meant to say `` analysis , '' of course , but he seemed to forget about that last syllable .
The rest of the speech did n't sound that great , either .
Perhaps that 's not such a big deal .
But even if Biden is still mostly functional now , what 's he going to be like in 2023 or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ month reminded us , for whatever reason , that there 's a procedure for removing an incapacitated president .
But the Cabinet ( or the congressional panel , if she gets her way ) can not easily remove a president who is gradually losing his mental acuity .
The 25th Amendment 's standard is quite exacting and with good reason .
It is designed to deal with a president who is suddenly in a coma , not a president who is just a bit out of it — a bit more out of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than tomorrow , day by day .

Among the findings of our latest Washington Examiner/YouGov poll is the unsurprising fact that voters are more concerned about Joe Biden's age than they are with President Trump's. Sixty percent of respondents say that they are "very" or "fairly" concerned about Biden's age, compared to just 45% who are "very" or "fairly" worried about Trump's age.
It stands to reason. Trump is a spry 74 — whatever you think of him, you cannot claim he isn't a bundle of energy. Biden, on the other hand, is clearly slipping at age 77. I tuned in to his speech in Ohio yesterday just long enough to hear him use the word "analys" — he meant to say "analysis," of course, but he seemed to forget about that last syllable. The rest of the speech didn't sound that great, either.
Perhaps that's not such a big deal. But even if Biden is still mostly functional now, what's he going to be like in 2023 or 2024?
Nancy Pelosi has just this month reminded us, for whatever reason, that there's a procedure for removing an incapacitated president. But the Cabinet (or the congressional panel, if she gets her way) cannot easily remove a president who is gradually losing his mental acuity. The 25th Amendment's standard is quite exacting and with good reason. It is designed to deal with a president who is suddenly in a coma, not a president who is just a bit out of it — a bit more out of it than yesterday, a bit less than tomorrow, day by day.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-10-13--Public concerned about Biden's age, Washington Examiner/YouGov poll finds

A majority of voters are concerned about Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden ’ s age , according to a new poll .
A Washington Examiner/YouGov poll finds that 60 % of registered voters are very or fairly concerned about Biden ’ s age , compared to just 45 % who say the same about President Trump .
This suggests that Biden ’ s performance in the first presidential debate did not put the age issue to rest .
Biden is 77 , and the sitting president is 74 .
Biden ’ s verbal miscues and memory slips have been raised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the president himself questioning whether the former vice president remains mentally equipped for the presidency .
On Monday , Biden referred to 2012 Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney as “ the senator who was a Mormon … the governor , OK ?
” Romney , a former governor of Massachusetts , is currently serving as a U.S. senator from Utah .
The Washington Examiner/YouGov poll results break down along partisan lines , but Democrats are more worried about Biden ’ s age than Republicans are about Trump ’ s age : 38 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republicans fear Biden might be too old , while 61 % of Democrats and 26 % of Republicans say the same about Trump .
Among independents , 61 % have concerns about Biden ’ s age to 41 % for Trump .
The survey was conducted among 1,195 registered voters and had a margin of error of plus or minus 3.7 percentage points .
In 2016 , Trump broke Ronald Reagan ’ s record as the oldest man first elected president .
Reagan faced age-related questions during his campaign for a second term @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quip : “ I am not going to exploit , for political purposes , my opponent 's youth and inexperience.
” But Biden , who will turn 78 shortly after the election , would be older at his inauguration than Reagan was when he left office after two terms .
Biden would be beginning his first term at the same age Trump would be at the conclusion of a second term .
The Democrat would turn 80 soon after the 2022 midterm elections , an unprecedented age for an American president .
While @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , voters are not entirely sold on the president ’ s stamina .
According to the poll , 40 % think Trump looks weaker after his COVID-19 infection , 24 % say he looks energized , and 28 % say neither .
This also breaks down on party lines : 68 % of Democrats believe Trump looks weakened while 53 % of Republicans say energized .
Independents are split between 39 % weakened and 33 % who say neither .
Trump has tried to since testing positive for the coronavirus .
He returned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ National Military Medical Center after only a few days , has gone on a whirlwind media tour highlighted by an appearance on Rush Limbaugh ’ s nationally syndicated radio show , announced he would refuse to participate in a virtual debate with Biden , and teased a resumption of public events .
“ Feeling really good !
Don ’ t be afraid of Covid .
Don ’ t let it dominate your life , ” Trump tweeted ahead of his discharge from the hospital .
“ We have developed , under the Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ knowledge .
I feel better than I did 20 years ago !
” Throughout the campaign , Trump has tried to present himself as more vital and up to the challenges of the presidency than Biden .
He has also said that if Biden is elected president , the government will really be run by younger , more radical liberals .
“ You know , the difference is Joe is not going to be running the government .
He ’ s just going to be sitting in a home someplace , and people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him , and they will be radical-left socialists , ” Trump said in a speech to a conservative gathering in March .
“ So , that ’ s what you have to remember .
He ’ s — there ’ s no way he ’ s going to be running the government.
” Trump has doubled down on this rhetoric since his coronavirus diagnosis .
“ I ’ m back because I am a perfect physical specimen , and I ’ m extremely young , ” he said following his White House return @ @ @ @ @ @ @ m lucky in that way.
” The Washington Examiner/YouGov poll also finds that registered voters believe Vice President Mike Pence is better prepared for the presidency than Biden 's running mate Kamala Harris .
Pence was viewed as prepared by a 20-point margin , 56 % to 36 % .
The public was more closely divided on Harris , with 49 % seeing her as prepared while 44 % think she is not well prepared .

A majority of voters are concerned about Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden’s age, according to a new poll.
A Washington Examiner/YouGov poll finds that 60% of registered voters are very or fairly concerned about Biden’s age, compared to just 45% who say the same about President Trump. This suggests that Biden’s performance in the first presidential debate did not put the age issue to rest. Biden is 77, and the sitting president is 74.
Biden’s verbal miscues and memory slips have been raised during the campaign, with Trump supporters and the president himself questioning whether the former vice president remains mentally equipped for the presidency.
On Monday, Biden referred to 2012 Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney as “the senator who was a Mormon … the governor, OK?” Romney, a former governor of Massachusetts, is currently serving as a U.S. senator from Utah.
The Washington Examiner/YouGov poll results break down along partisan lines, but Democrats are more worried about Biden’s age than Republicans are about Trump’s age: 38% of Democrats and 86% of Republicans fear Biden might be too old, while 61% of Democrats and 26% of Republicans say the same about Trump. Among independents, 61% have concerns about Biden’s age to 41% for Trump.
The survey was conducted among 1,195 registered voters and had a margin of error of plus or minus 3.7 percentage points.
In 2016, Trump broke Ronald Reagan’s record as the oldest man first elected president. Reagan faced age-related questions during his campaign for a second term, which he diffused with a debate quip: “I am not going to exploit, for political purposes, my opponent's youth and inexperience.”
But Biden, who will turn 78 shortly after the election, would be older at his inauguration than Reagan was when he left office after two terms.
Biden would be beginning his first term at the same age Trump would be at the conclusion of a second term. The Democrat would turn 80 soon after the 2022 midterm elections, an unprecedented age for an American president.
While less bothered by Trump’s age, voters are not entirely sold on the president’s stamina. According to the poll, 40% think Trump looks weaker after his COVID-19 infection, 24% say he looks energized, and 28% say neither. This also breaks down on party lines: 68% of Democrats believe Trump looks weakened while 53% of Republicans say energized. Independents are split between 39% weakened and 33% who say neither.
Trump has tried to project strength since testing positive for the coronavirus. He returned to the White House from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center after only a few days, has gone on a whirlwind media tour highlighted by an appearance on Rush Limbaugh’s nationally syndicated radio show, announced he would refuse to participate in a virtual debate with Biden, and teased a resumption of public events.
“Feeling really good! Don’t be afraid of Covid. Don’t let it dominate your life,” Trump tweeted ahead of his discharge from the hospital. “We have developed, under the Trump Administration, some really great drugs & knowledge. I feel better than I did 20 years ago!”
Throughout the campaign, Trump has tried to present himself as more vital and up to the challenges of the presidency than Biden. He has also said that if Biden is elected president, the government will really be run by younger, more radical liberals.
“You know, the difference is Joe is not going to be running the government. He’s just going to be sitting in a home someplace, and people are going to be running it for him, and they will be radical-left socialists,” Trump said in a speech to a conservative gathering in March. “So, that’s what you have to remember. He’s — there’s no way he’s going to be running the government.”
Trump has doubled down on this rhetoric since his coronavirus diagnosis. “I’m back because I am a perfect physical specimen, and I’m extremely young,” he said following his White House return. “And so, I’m lucky in that way.”
The Washington Examiner/YouGov poll also finds that registered voters believe Vice President Mike Pence is better prepared for the presidency than Biden's running mate Kamala Harris. Pence was viewed as prepared by a 20-point margin, 56% to 36%. The public was more closely divided on Harris, with 49% seeing her as prepared while 44% think she is not well prepared.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-10-13--Trump hits Fauci's credibility after he complained campaign took him 'out of context'

President Trump attacked Dr. Anthony Fauci 's credibility Tuesday after the medical expert criticized the president 's campaign for taking statements from him and using them in political ads .
In response to a tweet that featured a news article about Fauci 's condemnation of the ad , which was released over the weekend , the president tweeted on Monday , `` Actually , Tony ’ s pitching arm is far more accurate than his prognostications .
'No problem , no masks ' .
WHO no longer likes Lockdowns - just came out against .
Trump was right .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Trump has repeatedly used Fauci 's old remarks , such as urging people not to wear masks in the beginning of the pandemic because experts were afraid medical workers would run out of supplies , in an effort to denigrate the health official .
Additionally , the president 's remarks about lockdowns come a couple of days after the World Health Organization envoy , Dr. David Nabarro , said that restrictive shutdown measures should only be used as a last resort , given the significant ramifications .
Earlier this week , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ March interview of Fauci on Fox News and spliced it together .
Fauci in the ad is quoted saying , `` I ca n't imagine that ... anybody could be doing any more , '' which is a reference to the president 's handling of the virus , although the fuller quote shows that he was speaking to the entire administration and not specifically to Trump .
`` We 've never had a threat like this .
The coordinated response has been ... there are a number of adjectives to describe it .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of them .
We 're talking about all hands on deck .
I , as one of many people on a team , I 'm not the only person .
Since the beginning , that we even recognized what this was , I have been devoting almost full time on this .
I 'm down at the White House virtually every day with the task force .
It 's every single day .
So , I ca n't imagine that under any circumstances that anybody could be doing more . ''
Even though @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be taken down and that his words were taken `` out of context , '' the Trump campaign dismissed his complaint .

President Trump attacked Dr. Anthony Fauci's credibility Tuesday after the medical expert criticized the president's campaign for taking statements from him and using them in political ads.
In response to a tweet that featured a news article about Fauci's condemnation of the ad, which was released over the weekend, the president tweeted on Monday, "Actually, Tony’s pitching arm is far more accurate than his prognostications. 'No problem, no masks'. WHO no longer likes Lockdowns - just came out against. Trump was right. We saved 2,000,000 USA lives!!!"
Actually, Tony’s pitching arm is far more accurate than his prognostications. “No problem, no masks”. WHO no longer likes Lockdowns - just came out against. Trump was right. We saved 2,000,000 USA lives!!! https://t.co/YyLyCsbZ7a — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 13, 2020
Trump has repeatedly used Fauci's old remarks, such as urging people not to wear masks in the beginning of the pandemic because experts were afraid medical workers would run out of supplies, in an effort to denigrate the health official. Additionally, the president's remarks about lockdowns come a couple of days after the World Health Organization envoy, Dr. David Nabarro, said that restrictive shutdown measures should only be used as a last resort, given the significant ramifications.
Earlier this week, the Trump campaign took two clips from a March interview of Fauci on Fox News and spliced it together.
Fauci in the ad is quoted saying, "I can't imagine that ... anybody could be doing any more," which is a reference to the president's handling of the virus, although the fuller quote shows that he was speaking to the entire administration and not specifically to Trump.
"We've never had a threat like this. The coordinated response has been ... there are a number of adjectives to describe it. Impressive, I think, is one of them. We're talking about all hands on deck. I, as one of many people on a team, I'm not the only person. Since the beginning, that we even recognized what this was, I have been devoting almost full time on this. I'm down at the White House virtually every day with the task force. It's every single day. So, I can't imagine that under any circumstances that anybody could be doing more."
Even though Fauci said he believes the ad should be taken down and that his words were taken "out of context," the Trump campaign dismissed his complaint.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-10-13--Open Montana House seat features rivals who have both sought seat before

Republican Montana state auditor Matt Rosendale and Democratic former state Rep. Kathleen Williams are running for Montana 's at-large House seat again .
The also-ran candidates have exchanged the polling lead since March ; their open race rated as a lean GOP contest by the Cook Political Report .
And they 're close in the money stakes too .
Williams raised $ 2.4 million by June 's end to Rosendale 's $ 1.8 million .
Rosendale , 60 , is an ex-Montana state senator and majority leader who launched his first bid for the at-large House seat in 2014 but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now-ousted Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke .
The Trump ally , who was once a realtor , also lost his challenge of incumbent Democratic Sen. Jon Tester in 2018 by 3.5 percentage points .
Williams , 59 , is a gun owner and shooting sportswoman , who tells voters she once supported Ronald Reagan .
She worked on natural resource policy and planning in the private , public , and government sectors before she was elected to Montana 's statehouse .
Williams first ran for the House seat last cycle , but she was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 4.7 points .
She did , however , earn the largest vote share of any Democrat since 2000 .
Two years later , Williams is focusing on healthcare , the economy , climate change , and Montana 's public lands .
Rosendale is similarly emphasizing healthcare , the economy , and public lands , but he has weaved border security and veterans issues into his stump speech as well .
He 's also vowing to overturn Obamacare while touting his economic plan of cutting taxes , regulation , and government spending .
Despite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2016 by backing him by more than 20 points over then-rival Hillary Clinton , Democrats perform well statewide .
History , though , is against Williams .
The last Democrat to hold the House seat was Pat Williams , who retired in 1997 .
Gianforte is vacating the seat to vie for the governorship .

Republican Montana state auditor Matt Rosendale and Democratic former state Rep. Kathleen Williams are running for Montana's at-large House seat again.
The also-ran candidates have exchanged the polling lead since March; their open race rated as a lean GOP contest by the Cook Political Report. And they're close in the money stakes too. Williams raised $2.4 million by June's end to Rosendale's $1.8 million.
Rosendale, 60, is an ex-Montana state senator and majority leader who launched his first bid for the at-large House seat in 2014 but failed to secure the Republican nomination against now-ousted Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke. The Trump ally, who was once a realtor, also lost his challenge of incumbent Democratic Sen. Jon Tester in 2018 by 3.5 percentage points.
Williams, 59, is a gun owner and shooting sportswoman, who tells voters she once supported Ronald Reagan. She worked on natural resource policy and planning in the private, public, and government sectors before she was elected to Montana's statehouse. Williams first ran for the House seat last cycle, but she was beaten by GOP Rep. Greg Gianforte by 4.7 points. She did, however, earn the largest vote share of any Democrat since 2000.
Two years later, Williams is focusing on healthcare, the economy, climate change, and Montana's public lands. Rosendale is similarly emphasizing healthcare, the economy, and public lands, but he has weaved border security and veterans issues into his stump speech as well. He's also vowing to overturn Obamacare while touting his economic plan of cutting taxes, regulation, and government spending.
Despite Montana helping Trump clinch the White House in 2016 by backing him by more than 20 points over then-rival Hillary Clinton, Democrats perform well statewide. History, though, is against Williams. The last Democrat to hold the House seat was Pat Williams, who retired in 1997.
Gianforte is vacating the seat to vie for the governorship.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-10-14--'It's looking very grim': Senate GOP braces for Democratic majority

The prognosis for the Republican Senate majority is dire , as well-funded Democratic challengers put red states in play and GOP incumbents feel dragged down by President Trump 's faltering reelection bid .
Senate Republicans are clinging to a three-seat majority .
They are poised to pick up one Democratic-held seat in Alabama and threatening to flip another in Michigan .
But it all starts to come apart from there .
Incumbent Republicans are endangered in Arizona , Colorado , Iowa , Maine , and North Carolina ; on their heels in Georgia and Montana ; and facing the prospect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Carolina .
Republicans could also lose an open-seat contest in ruby-red Kansas .
In Alaska , Kansas , Montana , and South Carolina , where Trump is heavily favored over Democratic nominee Joe Biden , the Republicans ’ problem is resources .
Energized grassroots liberals have flooded Democratic challengers in those states with hundreds of millions of dollars in contributions .
Republican candidates are completely outgunned .
In Arizona , Colorado , Iowa , Maine , North Carolina , and Georgia , all presidential battlegrounds , the problem is money — and Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden has suffered since the first televised debate and his bout with the coronavirus .
The fallout is impacting Senate Republicans .
“ Democrats are more likely than not going to win control of the Senate , ” said Nathan Gonzales , publisher of Inside Elections , a nonpartisan prognosticator .
“ It ’ s looking very grim for Republicans up and down the ballot , ” added a GOP operative privy to the party ’ s private polling .
“ The spending is a massive problem , and the president ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ debate performance.
” The Republicans are defending a 53-seat majority in the Nov. 3 elections .
Inside Elections is projecting Democratic Senate gains of three to five seats and leaning toward a Democratic takeover because of Biden ’ s strength versus Trump .
If Biden wins , Kamala Harris as vice president would cast the deciding votes in case of a 50-50 tie .
The Cook Political Report is projecting Democratic Senate gains of up to seven seats .
Some independent analysts on Wall Street are less bullish on Democrats winning the majority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
For instance , in the special Senate election in Georgia , Republican insiders now expect Democrat Raphael Warnock to advance to a January runoff , with the remaining spot going to just one of two Republicans in the race : appointed Sen. Kelly Loeffler or Rep. Doug Collins .
But Matt Schlapp , a Trump ally and head of the American Conservative Union , rejects those predictions , even though they are based on internal GOP polling .
“ Polling has [ been ] a mess for a few months , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a stronger position than is being described .
And @ RepDougCollins is in a much stronger leading position than some GA polls suggest .
These Senate races will be shifting our way in the final 2 weeks .
See you soon GA !
” The RealClearPolitics average of recent public opinion polls in Georgia shows Warnock receiving 29.7 % of the vote , followed by Loeffler with 23.5 % , and Collins with 21.7 % .
In the regularly scheduled Georgia Senate race , Republican Sen. David Perdue leads Democrat Jon Ossoff by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That race might also be headed for a runoff .
Trump and Biden are statistically tied .
The president heads to Georgia Friday to shore up support .
Veteran Republican operatives who have experienced political highs and lows are convinced Senate Republicans are headed for a crash landing .
The unknown is how much damage they are going to absorb .
The outcome could be merely “ bad ” like 2012 , when the GOP lost two seats — or a “ catastrophe ” like 2008 , when the party lost nine seats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hinge on Michigan and North Carolina .
In Michigan , Republican John James is in striking distance of Democratic Sen. Gary Peters .
A win there would give the GOP an insurance policy .
In North Carolina , Democratic challenger Cal Cunningham was seemingly headed to victory over Republican Sen. Thom Tillis until he was tripped up by revelations that he has engaged in extramarital affairs .
But Cunningham still leads Tillis in fresh polling .
“ If we hold the majority , it will be because of two people : Cal Cunningham @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republican strategist who advises congressional candidates .
They like their chances in the presidential battleground states and are high on races in Alaska , Kansas , and South Carolina .
Democrats are encouraged partly because they believe Republicans waited too long to call in the cavalry to rescue GOP candidates in traditionally red states .
In nearly every contest , Democrats are winning the candidate-to-candidate fundraising battle , with Democratic outside groups also throwing in more money than their Republican counterparts .
“ The question is : How many seats past the four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” a Democratic strategist working on Senate races said .

The prognosis for the Republican Senate majority is dire, as well-funded Democratic challengers put red states in play and GOP incumbents feel dragged down by President Trump's faltering reelection bid.
Senate Republicans are clinging to a three-seat majority. They are poised to pick up one Democratic-held seat in Alabama and threatening to flip another in Michigan. But it all starts to come apart from there. Incumbent Republicans are endangered in Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, Maine, and North Carolina; on their heels in Georgia and Montana; and facing the prospect of major upsets in Alaska and South Carolina. Republicans could also lose an open-seat contest in ruby-red Kansas.
In Alaska, Kansas, Montana, and South Carolina, where Trump is heavily favored over Democratic nominee Joe Biden, the Republicans’ problem is resources. Energized grassroots liberals have flooded Democratic challengers in those states with hundreds of millions of dollars in contributions. Republican candidates are completely outgunned. In Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, Maine, North Carolina, and Georgia, all presidential battlegrounds, the problem is money — and Trump.
The president’s standing versus Biden has suffered since the first televised debate and his bout with the coronavirus. The fallout is impacting Senate Republicans.
“Democrats are more likely than not going to win control of the Senate,” said Nathan Gonzales, publisher of Inside Elections, a nonpartisan prognosticator.
“It’s looking very grim for Republicans up and down the ballot,” added a GOP operative privy to the party’s private polling. “The spending is a massive problem, and the president’s numbers have plummeted since his disastrous first debate performance.”
The Republicans are defending a 53-seat majority in the Nov. 3 elections. Inside Elections is projecting Democratic Senate gains of three to five seats and leaning toward a Democratic takeover because of Biden’s strength versus Trump. If Biden wins, Kamala Harris as vice president would cast the deciding votes in case of a 50-50 tie.
The Cook Political Report is projecting Democratic Senate gains of up to seven seats. Some independent analysts on Wall Street are less bullish on Democrats winning the majority, skepticism shared by some Republican insiders.
For instance, in the special Senate election in Georgia, Republican insiders now expect Democrat Raphael Warnock to advance to a January runoff, with the remaining spot going to just one of two Republicans in the race: appointed Sen. Kelly Loeffler or Rep. Doug Collins. But Matt Schlapp, a Trump ally and head of the American Conservative Union, rejects those predictions, even though they are based on internal GOP polling.
“Polling has [been] a mess for a few months,” Schlapp tweeted. “Trump is in a stronger position than is being described. And @RepDougCollins is in a much stronger leading position than some GA polls suggest. These Senate races will be shifting our way in the final 2 weeks. See you soon GA!”
The RealClearPolitics average of recent public opinion polls in Georgia shows Warnock receiving 29.7% of the vote, followed by Loeffler with 23.5%, and Collins with 21.7%. In the regularly scheduled Georgia Senate race, Republican Sen. David Perdue leads Democrat Jon Ossoff by an average of 2.8 percentage points. That race might also be headed for a runoff. Trump and Biden are statistically tied. The president heads to Georgia Friday to shore up support.
Veteran Republican operatives who have experienced political highs and lows are convinced Senate Republicans are headed for a crash landing. The unknown is how much damage they are going to absorb. The outcome could be merely “bad” like 2012, when the GOP lost two seats — or a “catastrophe” like 2008, when the party lost nine seats. Some Republicans say the majority could hinge on Michigan and North Carolina.
In Michigan, Republican John James is in striking distance of Democratic Sen. Gary Peters. A win there would give the GOP an insurance policy. In North Carolina, Democratic challenger Cal Cunningham was seemingly headed to victory over Republican Sen. Thom Tillis until he was tripped up by revelations that he has engaged in extramarital affairs. But Cunningham still leads Tillis in fresh polling.
“If we hold the majority, it will be because of two people: Cal Cunningham and John James,” said a Republican strategist who advises congressional candidates.
Democrats are cautiously optimistic.
They like their chances in the presidential battleground states and are high on races in Alaska, Kansas, and South Carolina. Democrats are encouraged partly because they believe Republicans waited too long to call in the cavalry to rescue GOP candidates in traditionally red states. In nearly every contest, Democrats are winning the candidate-to-candidate fundraising battle, with Democratic outside groups also throwing in more money than their Republican counterparts.
“The question is: How many seats past the four that we need do we grab?” a Democratic strategist working on Senate races said.