thewashingtonexaminer--2020-09-01--In major shift, US Chamber of Commerce backs Democratic lawmakers for reelection

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce , the nation 's premier business lobby , will back nearly two dozen House Democrats for reelection , providing more evidence of the dramatic changes to America 's political coalitions .
That would represent a major change from the Chamber 's usual alignment with Republican lawmakers and candidates , as Politico reported Monday .
The move is a bow to the reality that House Democrats are likely to retain the majority they won in 2018 .
The 23 Democrats who will receive endorsements include first-term Reps. Joe Cunningham of South Carolina , Abby Finkenauer of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Abigail Spanberger of Virginia , according to a leaked internal memo from the group .
The group also plans on endorsing 29 Republican freshmen in the House , but the nearly even split of support marks a major ideological change .
Seats held by Cunningham and Finkenauer were once Republican strongholds in the suburbs and could potentially flip back to the GOP in November .
Since President Trump 's election in 2016 , the Chamber and congressional Republicans have often sparred over political issues , including free trade and immigration reform .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ president for withholding funding from the World Health Organization , saying the move was `` not in U.S .
interests . ''
“ The Chamber supports a reformed but functional World Health Organization , and U.S. leadership and involvement are essential to ensuring its transparency and accountability going forward , '' a Chamber official said in a statement at the time .
`` However , cutting the WHO ’ s funding during the COVID-19 pandemic is not in U.S. interests given the organization ’ s critical role assisting other countries — particularly in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
In the last decade , the Chamber has spent nearly $ 100 million on getting Republicans elected to office .
During the 2016 cycle , the group only donated money to Republican candidates for the first time .

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the nation's premier business lobby, will back nearly two dozen House Democrats for reelection, providing more evidence of the dramatic changes to America's political coalitions.
That would represent a major change from the Chamber's usual alignment with Republican lawmakers and candidates, as Politico reported Monday. The move is a bow to the reality that House Democrats are likely to retain the majority they won in 2018.
The 23 Democrats who will receive endorsements include first-term Reps. Joe Cunningham of South Carolina, Abby Finkenauer of Iowa, Kendra Horn of Oklahoma, and Abigail Spanberger of Virginia, according to a leaked internal memo from the group.
The group also plans on endorsing 29 Republican freshmen in the House, but the nearly even split of support marks a major ideological change. Seats held by Cunningham and Finkenauer were once Republican strongholds in the suburbs and could potentially flip back to the GOP in November.
Since President Trump's election in 2016, the Chamber and congressional Republicans have often sparred over political issues, including free trade and immigration reform. In April, the Chamber attacked the president for withholding funding from the World Health Organization, saying the move was "not in U.S. interests."
“The Chamber supports a reformed but functional World Health Organization, and U.S. leadership and involvement are essential to ensuring its transparency and accountability going forward," a Chamber official said in a statement at the time. "However, cutting the WHO’s funding during the COVID-19 pandemic is not in U.S. interests given the organization’s critical role assisting other countries — particularly in the developing world — in their response."
In the last decade, the Chamber has spent nearly $100 million on getting Republicans elected to office. During the 2016 cycle, the group only donated money to Republican candidates for the first time.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-09-01--Trump presidency a good reminder of why Biden is likely to govern from the Left

President Trump entered the political scene in 2015 without much of a grounding in conservatism .
In an earlier life , Trump had been adamantly pro-choice , to the point of backing partial-birth abortion .
He supported gun control and tax increases .
And he pointed to Canada 's socialist healthcare system as a `` prototype '' we should emulate .
Even during the 2016 election , he maintained some positions that were outside of the conservative orthodoxy .
He said the government should provide healthcare for everybody and negotiate drug prices , said the minimum wage should be higher @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the wealthy , and repeatedly promised massive infrastructure spending .
In practice , aside from being more protectionist on trade and taking a harder line on immigration , Trump largely abandoned these stances in office and pursued mostly conventional conservative policies .
He ended up being arguably the most pro-life president ever and avoided gun control in the face of high-profile mass shootings .
He fought unsuccessfully to repeal Obamacare , but pursued regulatory reform to open up markets in areas such as short-term and association health plans .
He did not try @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with drugmakers .
His tax reform , which lowered taxes on nearly everybody , brought down marginal rates , including on the wealthy .
It was something that easily could have been signed by Jeb Bush or Mitt Romney .
Why did this end up happening ?
Some of this is likely specific to Trump — both fact that he was a blank slate on many policy issues and his sense that he wanted to take care of `` his people '' and deliver on his promises to them .
But he certainly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on lots of new infrastructure spending , a more populist tax bill , and an assault on Big Pharma , as well as other unconventionally Republican policy proposals .
In reality , however , Trump ended up being forced to govern by the coalition and political infrastructure that made up his team .
That is , Trump 's side included gun rights groups and pro-life organizations .
It included business-oriented Republicans who were against taxing the wealthy or prescription drug negotiation .
And it included small-government types who were skeptical of trillion-dollar infrastructure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ package that was able to clear the GOP Congress .
And when Trump had to staff up his administration , it was inevitable that he 'd be drawing from various conservative think tanks and activist groups .
This is why I think that Joe Biden would largely govern to the Left .
It 's true that he would come into office with nearly a half-century in politics and a much more well-defined political philosophy than Trump .
But like Trump , he will come into office with a coalition , with a set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and constraints put on what he can get through Congress .
What ca n't pass through Congress will be done through executive actions drafted by political appointees .
In the mirror image of Trump , he 'll be influenced by unions , pro-abortion groups , climate activists , government healthcare advocates , anti-gun lobbyists , social justice activists , and so on .
He may appoint various older and traditionally liberal advisers , but he 's inevitably going to be filling out the staffing of his administration with young liberal and left-wing activists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an Obama-Biden Democrat , but he 'll essentially reflect the current Democratic Party , which is to the left of where it was under Obama .
He has already had to make a number of nods or accommodations to the Left .
Early in his candidacy , he abandoned his long-standing opposition to taxpayer funding for abortions and said he now believes abortions should be covered by Medicaid .
Long an institutionalist who boasted of his bipartisan record , he has floated the idea of nuking the filibuster to get the liberal agenda @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and closer to embracing the `` Green New Deal . ''
Rep. Pramila Jayapal , who served as a Bernie Sanders surrogate and is one of the most liberal members of the House , recently argued that using the Biden campaign task forces as a way to get him to embrace more left-wing policies was a preview of how progressives would pressure Biden once he ’ s president .
`` I will be pushing him , ” Jayapal Comedy Central host Trevor Noah .
“ As soon as we get him in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ task forces that we had , we were able to significantly push Joe Biden to do things that he had n't signed on to before .
So he is movable . ''
The way modern politics works , there is not much room for `` triangulation '' once in office .
Biden 's administration will be pushed by a coalition of liberal special interest groups , his administration will be staffed by many left-wing activists , and he 'll have to pass legislation through Congress with the votes of those on the Left @ @ @ @ @ @ @ current political environment , a vote in a presidential election is as much a vote for the coalition that a candidate is bringing into office as it is a vote for the candidate himself .

President Trump entered the political scene in 2015 without much of a grounding in conservatism.
In an earlier life, Trump had been adamantly pro-choice, to the point of backing partial-birth abortion. He supported gun control and tax increases. And he pointed to Canada's socialist healthcare system as a "prototype" we should emulate.
Even during the 2016 election, he maintained some positions that were outside of the conservative orthodoxy. He said the government should provide healthcare for everybody and negotiate drug prices, said the minimum wage should be higher, signaled openness to higher taxes on the wealthy, and repeatedly promised massive infrastructure spending.
In practice, aside from being more protectionist on trade and taking a harder line on immigration, Trump largely abandoned these stances in office and pursued mostly conventional conservative policies.
He ended up being arguably the most pro-life president ever and avoided gun control in the face of high-profile mass shootings. He fought unsuccessfully to repeal Obamacare, but pursued regulatory reform to open up markets in areas such as short-term and association health plans. He did not try to get Medicare to negotiate prices directly with drugmakers. His tax reform, which lowered taxes on nearly everybody, brought down marginal rates, including on the wealthy. It was something that easily could have been signed by Jeb Bush or Mitt Romney.
Why did this end up happening? Some of this is likely specific to Trump — both fact that he was a blank slate on many policy issues and his sense that he wanted to take care of "his people" and deliver on his promises to them. But he certainly could have sold "his people" on lots of new infrastructure spending, a more populist tax bill, and an assault on Big Pharma, as well as other unconventionally Republican policy proposals.
In reality, however, Trump ended up being forced to govern by the coalition and political infrastructure that made up his team.
That is, Trump's side included gun rights groups and pro-life organizations. It included business-oriented Republicans who were against taxing the wealthy or prescription drug negotiation. And it included small-government types who were skeptical of trillion-dollar infrastructure bills. He signed the tax reform package that was able to clear the GOP Congress. And when Trump had to staff up his administration, it was inevitable that he'd be drawing from various conservative think tanks and activist groups.
This is why I think that Joe Biden would largely govern to the Left. It's true that he would come into office with nearly a half-century in politics and a much more well-defined political philosophy than Trump. But like Trump, he will come into office with a coalition, with a set of people he'll need to govern and constraints put on what he can get through Congress. What can't pass through Congress will be done through executive actions drafted by political appointees.
In the mirror image of Trump, he'll be influenced by unions, pro-abortion groups, climate activists, government healthcare advocates, anti-gun lobbyists, social justice activists, and so on. He may appoint various older and traditionally liberal advisers, but he's inevitably going to be filling out the staffing of his administration with young liberal and left-wing activists.
He ran in the primary as an Obama-Biden Democrat, but he'll essentially reflect the current Democratic Party, which is to the left of where it was under Obama. He has already had to make a number of nods or accommodations to the Left.
Early in his candidacy, he abandoned his long-standing opposition to taxpayer funding for abortions and said he now believes abortions should be covered by Medicaid. Long an institutionalist who boasted of his bipartisan record, he has floated the idea of nuking the filibuster to get the liberal agenda passed. And he has gotten closer and closer to embracing the "Green New Deal."
Rep. Pramila Jayapal, who served as a Bernie Sanders surrogate and is one of the most liberal members of the House, recently argued that using the Biden campaign task forces as a way to get him to embrace more left-wing policies was a preview of how progressives would pressure Biden once he’s president. "I will be pushing him,” Jayapal told Comedy Central host Trevor Noah. “As soon as we get him in the White House and even before with these task forces that we had, we were able to significantly push Joe Biden to do things that he hadn't signed on to before. So he is movable."
The way modern politics works, there is not much room for "triangulation" once in office. Biden's administration will be pushed by a coalition of liberal special interest groups, his administration will be staffed by many left-wing activists, and he'll have to pass legislation through Congress with the votes of those on the Left. That's why, in the current political environment, a vote in a presidential election is as much a vote for the coalition that a candidate is bringing into office as it is a vote for the candidate himself.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-09-02--Democratic chances of Senate majority improving with Iowa moving to toss-up

Iowa ’ s tightening Senate race is becoming a battle of two farm-raised women that is reflective of the challenge for Republicans across the Senate map .
Republican Sen. Joni Ernst , an Army National Guard veteran who shot to the political scene with a 2014 campaign ad that said she grew up castrating hogs on a farm and hoped to make Washington “ , ” faces Democratic challenger Theresa Greenfield , a self-described “ farm kid with farm kid values ” who now runs a Des Moines-area real estate and development company .
A year ago , Ernst seemed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for election to a second Senate term .
But now , polls indicate that the race is neck-and-neck , with the RealClearPolitics showing Greenfield having about 45 % support to Ernst 's 44.7 % support .
Election forecasters at the Cook Political Report moved the race from “ lean Republican ” to “ toss-up ” in late June .
Inside Elections did the in July .
It isn ’ t only the Iowa Senate race that has moved from being favored for Republicans into the “ toss-up ” category this summer .
Races @ @ @ @ @ @ @ move .
Arizona , previously rated to be “ toss-up , ” moved into the “ lean Democratic ” category .
The result : Democrats have a very good shot at flipping four to five Republican-held Senate seats and winning a slim Senate majority in 2020 .
Christopher Larimer , a political science professor at the University of Northern Iowa , said that he believes the tightening of the race reflects “ growing frustration within the electorate of the direction of the country under the current administration.
” “ What has been interesting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ making a point of separating herself from the president on certain issues , notably ethanol and the renewable fuel standard as well as the renaming of military bases that are currently named for Confederate generals , ” Larimer told the Washington Examiner .
The Trump administration issued to oil refineries exempting them from infusing ethanol and biodiesel , reducing demand for Iowa corn .
And in a with Trump , Ernst said that renaming Confederate military bases is the “ right thing to do.
” Part of Ernst ’ s challenge stems from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parties for statewide offices .
President Barack Obama won Iowa in 2012 by 5.8 percentage points , and Trump took the state in 2016 by nearly 9.5 percentage points .
Ernst replaced Democratic Sen. Tom Harkin , who retired in 2015 .
“ This race was always going to be a challenge for Sen. Ernst , ” Larimer said .
“ A candidate 's first reelection bid tends to be competitive and for Sen. Ernst , unlike her initial campaign in 2014 , she is running in a presidential year when turnout will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ facing a slightly different electorate.
” Ernst has some bright spots in her race and a few tricks up her sleeve in an attempt to get back her edge in the race .
Last month , Ernst dinged Greenfield for skipping out on a small candidate that included only the incumbent senator and the two congressional candidates for Iowa ’ s 4th District seat .
Ernst ’ s campaign spun it as Greenfield skipping out on the first Senate .
The incumbent Iowa senator also received a Republican National Convention , one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ participate , a sign that she may be pinning her hopes on President Trump ’ s reelection chances .
She praised Trump ’ s trade deals and his signing of an emergency declaration after a catastrophic derecho storm that damaged about a third of Iowa crops .
“ Folks , this election is a choice between two very different paths , ” Ernst said about the presidential race .
“ Freedom , prosperity , and economic growth under a Trump-Pence administration .
Or the Biden-Harris path , paved by liberal coastal elites and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Ernst had a financial edge over Greenfield .
The most recent Federal Election Commission data available showed that Ernst had $ 9.1 million in her war chest and that Greenfield had $ 5.7 million .

Iowa’s tightening Senate race is becoming a battle of two farm-raised women that is reflective of the challenge for Republicans across the Senate map.
Republican Sen. Joni Ernst, an Army National Guard veteran who shot to the political scene with a 2014 campaign ad that said she grew up castrating hogs on a farm and hoped to make Washington “ squeal ,” faces Democratic challenger Theresa Greenfield, a self-described “farm kid with farm kid values” who now runs a Des Moines-area real estate and development company.
A year ago, Ernst seemed to be in a relatively safe spot for election to a second Senate term. But now, polls indicate that the race is neck-and-neck, with the RealClearPolitics average showing Greenfield having about 45% support to Ernst's 44.7% support.
Election forecasters at the Cook Political Report moved the race from “lean Republican” to “toss-up” in late June. Inside Elections did the same in July.
It isn’t only the Iowa Senate race that has moved from being favored for Republicans into the “toss-up” category this summer. Races in Montana and Colorado made the same move. Arizona, previously rated to be “toss-up,” moved into the “lean Democratic” category.
The result: Democrats have a very good shot at flipping four to five Republican-held Senate seats and winning a slim Senate majority in 2020.
Christopher Larimer, a political science professor at the University of Northern Iowa, said that he believes the tightening of the race reflects “growing frustration within the electorate of the direction of the country under the current administration.”
“What has been interesting to watch is how Sen. Ernst is making a point of separating herself from the president on certain issues, notably ethanol and the renewable fuel standard as well as the renaming of military bases that are currently named for Confederate generals,” Larimer told the Washington Examiner.
The Trump administration issued waivers to oil refineries exempting them from infusing ethanol and biodiesel, reducing demand for Iowa corn. And in a break with Trump, Ernst said that renaming Confederate military bases is the “right thing to do.”
Part of Ernst’s challenge stems from Iowa tending to flip its support between parties for statewide offices. President Barack Obama won Iowa in 2012 by 5.8 percentage points, and Trump took the state in 2016 by nearly 9.5 percentage points. Ernst replaced Democratic Sen. Tom Harkin, who retired in 2015.
“This race was always going to be a challenge for Sen. Ernst,” Larimer said. “A candidate's first reelection bid tends to be competitive and for Sen. Ernst, unlike her initial campaign in 2014, she is running in a presidential year when turnout will be much higher, thus she is facing a slightly different electorate.”
Ernst has some bright spots in her race and a few tricks up her sleeve in an attempt to get back her edge in the race.
Last month, Ernst dinged Greenfield for skipping out on a small candidate forum that included only the incumbent senator and the two congressional candidates for Iowa’s 4th District seat. Ernst’s campaign spun it as Greenfield skipping out on the first Senate debate opportunity .
The incumbent Iowa senator also received a featured speaking slot at the virtual Republican National Convention, one of the few candidates in tight races to participate, a sign that she may be pinning her hopes on President Trump’s reelection chances. She praised Trump’s trade deals and his signing of an emergency declaration after a catastrophic derecho storm that damaged about a third of Iowa crops.
“Folks, this election is a choice between two very different paths,” Ernst said about the presidential race. “Freedom, prosperity, and economic growth under a Trump-Pence administration. Or the Biden-Harris path, paved by liberal coastal elites and radical environmentalists.”
As of June 30, Ernst had a financial edge over Greenfield. The most recent Federal Election Commission data available showed that Ernst had $9.1 million in her war chest and that Greenfield had $5.7 million.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-09-02--Biden attempt to recast riots as right-wing extremism will run into trouble

Joe Biden is increasingly casting the violence in cities such as Portland and Kenosha as a right-wing phenomenon stoked by President Trump , in an effort to undercut the “ law and order ” case against the Democratic ticket .
“ I condemn this violence unequivocally .
I condemn violence of every kind by anyone , whether on the left or the right .
And I challenge Donald Trump to do the same , ” Biden said in a statement Sunday .
But in subsequent comments , such as his speech in Pittsburgh on Monday , critics say he has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than left-wing activists .
The former vice president spoke of the “ violence of extremists and opportunists , right-wing militias , ” and “ white nationalists.
” Biden said of Trump , “ He ’ s got no problem with right-wing militias , white supremacists , and vigilantes with assault weapons often better armed than the police.
” Trump campaign communications director Tim Murtaugh shot back : Biden “ failed to condemn antifa .
He failed to condemn people who called the police a ‘ cancer ’ or people on his campaign staff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ failed to apologize for his campaign staff donating to a fund which bailed violent criminals out of jail in Minneapolis.
” “ It will fail , ” Republican strategist and former Trump 2016 campaign official Bryan Lanza said of Biden ’ s tactic .
“ We all know it ’ s antifa and BLM.
” As the violence has continued in some cities throughout the summer , public approval of Black Lives Matter has dipped and violent crime has in some polls .
Biden ’ s campaign is emphasizing clashes between Trump supporters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kenosha where a 17-year-old was arrested for shooting to death two demonstrators during a physical altercation .
Democrats argue that Trump is similarly selective in the violence he condemns , focusing only on left-wing activists rather than anyone closer to his own political orbit .
This message has been amplified in the media .
MSNBC host Joy Reid Trump to leaders “ in the Muslim world ” who radicalize their followers with violent rhetoric .
“ As right-wing groups increasingly move to confront protesters in U.S. cities , demonstrators are assessing how to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ images of protesters harassing a Trump-supporting couple on their way back to their hotel from the White House or attacking Sen. Rand Paul , a Kentucky Republican , reinforced the left-wing character of the majority of those taking over the streets .
Trump has repeatedly pointed out that the cities where things are most out of control are governed by Democratic mayors and city councils , frequently in blue states .
Trump has ridiculed television reporters for describing protests as mostly peaceful while standing in front of burning buildings .
After speakers at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , preferring instead to highlight peaceful protesters they often argued the Trump administration was suppressing , the Biden campaign has moved toward tackling the issue head-on .
Some in the Trump camp believe this is for the Republican ticket to fight on , though Democrats disagree .
With the NFL season approaching , Democratic strategist Brad Bannon said it was time for Biden to “ abandon his prevent defense and turn up the heat to blitz the Trump campaign.
” He added , “ It was time for the former vice president to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” “ The Biden campaign 's laissez faire , ‘ let Trump be Trump ’ approach had worked like gangbusters through the summer , ” Bannon said .
“ But as we get into the fall , it was time for the Democratic standard-bearer to take off the gloves and be more aggressive .
Trump ’ s shaky hold on reality will get even more tenuous once the Democratic nominee turns up the heat on the president.
” Trump ’ s tone has repelled voters before , especially on race-related issues .
His @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s death in police custody as voters looked for a calming , unifying voice out of the White House .
But there are signs that the public , though sympathetic to racial justice issues , is growing weary of the rioting and looting taking place in some cities .
While Trump argues things will get worse if Biden is elected , the Democratic nominee counters that the incumbent is to blame for the current violence .
The president Kenosha on Tuesday to survey the damage from rioting that broke out after Jacob @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was shot seven times by police .
Trump to dole out federal aid to the area to help rebuild .
Biden continued to cast Trump as an instigator whose comments on the protests generate more heat than light .

Joe Biden is increasingly casting the violence in cities such as Portland and Kenosha as a right-wing phenomenon stoked by President Trump, in an effort to undercut the “law and order” case against the Democratic ticket.
“I condemn this violence unequivocally. I condemn violence of every kind by anyone, whether on the left or the right. And I challenge Donald Trump to do the same,” Biden said in a statement Sunday. But in subsequent comments, such as his speech in Pittsburgh on Monday, critics say he has condemned ostensibly right-wing actors with greater specificity than left-wing activists.
The former vice president spoke of the “violence of extremists and opportunists, right-wing militias,” and “white nationalists.” Biden said of Trump, “He’s got no problem with right-wing militias, white supremacists, and vigilantes with assault weapons often better armed than the police.”
Trump campaign communications director Tim Murtaugh shot back: Biden “failed to condemn antifa. He failed to condemn people who called the police a ‘cancer’ or people on his campaign staff who called them ‘pigs.’ He failed to apologize for his campaign staff donating to a fund which bailed violent criminals out of jail in Minneapolis.”
“It will fail,” Republican strategist and former Trump 2016 campaign official Bryan Lanza said of Biden’s tactic. “We all know it’s antifa and BLM.” As the violence has continued in some cities throughout the summer, public approval of Black Lives Matter has dipped and violent crime has reemerged as a top issue in some polls.
Biden’s campaign is emphasizing clashes between Trump supporters and protesters, especially an incident in Kenosha where a 17-year-old was arrested for shooting to death two demonstrators during a physical altercation. Democrats argue that Trump is similarly selective in the violence he condemns, focusing only on left-wing activists rather than anyone closer to his own political orbit.
This message has been amplified in the media. MSNBC host Joy Reid compared Trump to leaders “in the Muslim world” who radicalize their followers with violent rhetoric. “As right-wing groups increasingly move to confront protesters in U.S. cities, demonstrators are assessing how to keep themselves safe.”
Still, viral images of protesters harassing a Trump-supporting couple on their way back to their hotel from the White House or attacking Sen. Rand Paul, a Kentucky Republican, reinforced the left-wing character of the majority of those taking over the streets. Trump has repeatedly pointed out that the cities where things are most out of control are governed by Democratic mayors and city councils, frequently in blue states. Trump has ridiculed television reporters for describing protests as mostly peaceful while standing in front of burning buildings.
After speakers at the Democratic convention mostly ignored the violence, preferring instead to highlight peaceful protesters they often argued the Trump administration was suppressing, the Biden campaign has moved toward tackling the issue head-on. Some in the Trump camp believe this is more favorable ground for the Republican ticket to fight on, though Democrats disagree.
With the NFL season approaching, Democratic strategist Brad Bannon said it was time for Biden to “abandon his prevent defense and turn up the heat to blitz the Trump campaign.” He added, “It was time for the former vice president to get up into the president's grill.”
“The Biden campaign's laissez faire, ‘let Trump be Trump’ approach had worked like gangbusters through the summer,” Bannon said. “But as we get into the fall, it was time for the Democratic standard-bearer to take off the gloves and be more aggressive. Trump’s shaky hold on reality will get even more tenuous once the Democratic nominee turns up the heat on the president.”
Trump’s tone has repelled voters before, especially on race-related issues. His job approval numbers fell after George Floyd’s death in police custody as voters looked for a calming, unifying voice out of the White House. But there are signs that the public, though sympathetic to racial justice issues, is growing weary of the rioting and looting taking place in some cities. While Trump argues things will get worse if Biden is elected, the Democratic nominee counters that the incumbent is to blame for the current violence.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-09-02--Virginia residents accuse Kanye West's campaign of tricking them into signing ballot petition

A law firm in Virginia with links to the Democratic Party is working to keep Kanye West off the November presidential ballot .
Perkins Coie law firm , which rose to prominence `` representing the Democratic political leadership in the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate , '' filed a lawsuit in Richmond Circuit Court on behalf of two Virginia residents who said they were tricked into signing West 's ballot petition .
West filed the required 5,000 signatures with Virginia election officials and is set to appear on the ballot unless a court overturns the filing for errors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Bryan Wright claim that campaign volunteers obfuscated the reasons for gathering their signatures .
The two plaintiffs are hopeful that West 's name will be removed from ballots in Virginia that begin to be sent to absentee voters on Sept. 19 .
Wilson , a high school government teacher , said he was `` so embarrassed '' after he was named as one of 13 statewide electors on West 's filing .
“ I don ’ t want to be an elector for Kanye West , '' Wilson told the Washington Post @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to vote for Kanye West .
I only like one or two of his songs.
” Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring called for an emergency hearing to resolve the situation as the clock ticks toward the election .
“ This Court has had little patience for keeping candidates on the ballot who have used underhanded and fraudulent tactics to ‘ steal a spot on the ballot , ’ '' Herring said in a court filing .
West , who moved from Los Angeles to Wyoming in 2019 and has emphasized his relationship with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in his work , will appear on several state ballots , including Oklahoma , Utah , and Colorado .
Signatures filed by his campaign have been scrutinized in some states , and New Jersey officials kicked him off the state 's ballot after signature irregularities were found in his ballot petition .

A law firm in Virginia with links to the Democratic Party is working to keep Kanye West off the November presidential ballot.
Perkins Coie law firm, which rose to prominence "representing the Democratic political leadership in the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate," filed a lawsuit in Richmond Circuit Court on behalf of two Virginia residents who said they were tricked into signing West's ballot petition. West filed the required 5,000 signatures with Virginia election officials and is set to appear on the ballot unless a court overturns the filing for errors or irregularities.
Suffolk residents Matthan Wilson and Bryan Wright claim that campaign volunteers obfuscated the reasons for gathering their signatures. The two plaintiffs are hopeful that West's name will be removed from ballots in Virginia that begin to be sent to absentee voters on Sept. 19.
Wilson, a high school government teacher, said he was "so embarrassed" after he was named as one of 13 statewide electors on West's filing.
“I don’t want to be an elector for Kanye West," Wilson told the Washington Post. "I don’t want to vote for Kanye West. I only like one or two of his songs.”
Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring called for an emergency hearing to resolve the situation as the clock ticks toward the election.
“This Court has had little patience for keeping candidates on the ballot who have used underhanded and fraudulent tactics to ‘steal a spot on the ballot,’" Herring said in a court filing.
West, who moved from Los Angeles to Wyoming in 2019 and has emphasized his relationship with God over the past couple of years in his work, will appear on several state ballots, including Oklahoma, Utah, and Colorado. Signatures filed by his campaign have been scrutinized in some states, and New Jersey officials kicked him off the state's ballot after signature irregularities were found in his ballot petition.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-09-02--Trump narrows gap by 9 points in Pennsylvania

President Trump increased his standing in the critical swing state of Pennsylvania by 9 points in just over a month , according to a state poll .
A Monmouth University poll conducted Aug. 28-31 found that Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden had 49 % support from registered voters in Pennsylvania , with Trump 4 points behind at 45 % .
That figure is based on interviews with 400 registered Pennsylvania voters and has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.9 % .
In the last Monmouth Pennsylvania poll conducted in July , Trump was down by 13 points @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ This is really a game of inches .
The Trump campaign is looking to peel off a little bit of Biden support here and a little bit there .
It may be working , despite the fact that Pennsylvania voters personally like the Democrat more , although this gap has narrowed , ” said Patrick Murray , director of the independent Monmouth University Polling Institute .
With the Monmouth poll , the RealClearPolitics average of surveys in Pennsylvania also shows a tightening in the race .
Biden was 8.5 % ahead of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 4.2 % ahead on Wednesday .
Monmouth provided additional figures that modeled support for Biden and Trump among likely voters for both a high-turnout and low-turnout scenarios .
In a high-turnout scenario , Biden leads Trump 49 % to 46 % , while in a low turnout scenario , Trump is just 1 point behind Biden : 48 % to 47 % .
Those also show significant jumps for Trump compared to the July survey .
The Republican National Convention , which took place before the poll was conducted , may have had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Republican convention attempted to sow some seeds of doubt among core Democratic blocs , especially young and urban voters .
It looks like they may have had a small amount of success with that , at least for now , ” said Murray .

President Trump increased his standing in the critical swing state of Pennsylvania by 9 points in just over a month, according to a state poll.
A Monmouth University poll conducted Aug. 28-31 found that Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden had 49% support from registered voters in Pennsylvania, with Trump 4 points behind at 45%. That figure is based on interviews with 400 registered Pennsylvania voters and has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.9%.
In the last Monmouth Pennsylvania poll conducted in July, Trump was down by 13 points, 53% to 40%.
“This is really a game of inches. The Trump campaign is looking to peel off a little bit of Biden support here and a little bit there. It may be working, despite the fact that Pennsylvania voters personally like the Democrat more, although this gap has narrowed,” said Patrick Murray, director of the independent Monmouth University Polling Institute.
With the Monmouth poll, the RealClearPolitics average of surveys in Pennsylvania also shows a tightening in the race. Biden was 8.5% ahead of Trump on July 24, compared to 4.2% ahead on Wednesday.
Monmouth provided additional figures that modeled support for Biden and Trump among likely voters for both a high-turnout and low-turnout scenarios.
In a high-turnout scenario, Biden leads Trump 49% to 46%, while in a low turnout scenario, Trump is just 1 point behind Biden: 48% to 47%. Those also show significant jumps for Trump compared to the July survey.
The Republican National Convention, which took place before the poll was conducted, may have had an impact on the shift.
“The Republican convention attempted to sow some seeds of doubt among core Democratic blocs, especially young and urban voters. It looks like they may have had a small amount of success with that, at least for now,” said Murray.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-09-02--Biden dodges question about in-person March rallies after he warned about coronavirus in January

Joe Biden dodged a question from Fox News ’ s Peter Doocy on Wednesday concerning why he held rallies in March if he was concerned about the coronavirus in January .
“ I know you always ask a hostile question , but go ahead , ” Biden told Doocy after he concluded a press conference in Delaware .
Doocy went on to ask the former vice president why he held `` crowded '' rallies in March if he had warned President Trump about the coronavirus in January .
“ I said , ‘ You got to take this seriously .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ we have access to Wuhan .
Insist we have access in China to find out for ourselves , ’ ” Biden explained .
“ We had 44 people from the CDC there .
You can not continue to talk about the president of China saying he ’ s done a marvelous job , he ’ s doing a great job.
” Biden then spoke about how he was previously concerned that there wasn ’ t enough personal protective equipment in hospitals and added that he was the first person to call for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had a conversation .
I can ’ t remember when it was , I think it was March , maybe it was April .
In that range .
He said , ‘ If Biden wants to help , I want to talk to him.
’ So I talked to him , ” he added .
“ I laid out what I thought should be done to be able to reopen safely and the things we should do , and he was very polite , he listened and said he ’ d think about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of it.
” Biden then went on to explain that his campaign halted rallies after seeing the pandemic grow in severity .
“ As the science began to show that this was able to spread much more easily than people thought … two issues : Was a pandemic coming ?
And … what ’ s the way it did the most damage ?
And as that became clearer and clearer , we concluded that we just can ’ t continue to have these large rallies , ” he said .
Earlier during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proposed national mask mandate , saying it would not actually be a mandate at all .
`` There 's a question whether or not a president , under the Constitution , could mandate everyone wear a mask , '' he said .
`` And remember , all during the primary I 'd have a lot of people telling me , ' I would by executive order do . '
I 'm a constitutionalist .
You know , you ca n't do things the Constitution does n't allow you the power to do .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ is putting as much pressure as I could on every governor , every senator — I mean , excuse me , every mayor , every county executive , every local official , and everyone in business , putting pressure on them to say , 'What you 're doing is irresponsible .
Make sure you wear a mask and maintain social distancing , ” he continued .

Joe Biden dodged a question from Fox News’s Peter Doocy on Wednesday concerning why he held rallies in March if he was concerned about the coronavirus in January.
“I know you always ask a hostile question, but go ahead,” Biden told Doocy after he concluded a press conference in Delaware.
Doocy went on to ask the former vice president why he held "crowded" rallies in March if he had warned President Trump about the coronavirus in January.
“I said, ‘You got to take this seriously. You’ve got to insist that we have access to Wuhan. Insist we have access in China to find out for ourselves,’” Biden explained. “We had 44 people from the CDC there. You cannot continue to talk about the president of China saying he’s done a marvelous job, he’s doing a great job.”
. @pdoocy just grabbed Joe Biden on his way out and asked why he was still hosting rallies in MARCH if he was supposedly warning Trump about the seriousness of COVID-19 in JANUARY.
Biden had no response whatsoever and went on a long rant to deflect from his hypocrisy. pic.twitter.com/astVPWosGO — Kelb Hull (@CalebJHull) September 2, 2020
Biden then spoke about how he was previously concerned that there wasn’t enough personal protective equipment in hospitals and added that he was the first person to call for the Defense Production Act.
“We actually had a conversation. I can’t remember when it was, I think it was March, maybe it was April. In that range. He said, ‘If Biden wants to help, I want to talk to him.’ So I talked to him,” he added. “I laid out what I thought should be done to be able to reopen safely and the things we should do, and he was very polite, he listened and said he’d think about it, and that was the end of it.”
Biden then went on to explain that his campaign halted rallies after seeing the pandemic grow in severity.
“As the science began to show that this was able to spread much more easily than people thought … two issues: Was a pandemic coming? And … what’s the way it did the most damage? And as that became clearer and clearer, we concluded that we just can’t continue to have these large rallies,” he said.
Earlier during the press conference, Biden discussed his previously proposed national mask mandate, saying it would not actually be a mandate at all.
"There's a question whether or not a president, under the Constitution, could mandate everyone wear a mask," he said. "And remember, all during the primary I'd have a lot of people telling me, 'I would by executive order do.' I'm a constitutionalist. You know, you can't do things the Constitution doesn't allow you the power to do."
"What I would be doing is putting as much pressure as I could on every governor, every senator — I mean, excuse me, every mayor, every county executive, every local official, and everyone in business, putting pressure on them to say, 'What you're doing is irresponsible. Make sure you wear a mask and maintain social distancing,” he continued.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-09-02--'Dereliction of duty': Republican attorneys general accuse local Democrats of abetting rioters

The Republican Attorneys General Association is blaming Democrats for civil unrest that erupted in American cities over the summer , claiming there is little President Trump can do to quell the violence if local officials decline administration offers of federal assistance .
“ Politics has confused the issue , and it is very unfortunate that there are people that are clearly trying to prove their bona fides with one political party , with folks on the Left by saying : ‘ I ’ m not going to work with Donald Trump , ’ ” Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and it ’ s wrong , ” added Carr , vice chairman of the group .
“ It ’ s a dereliction of duty to not accept help to stop the violence and uphold the rule of law.
” He spoke during a conference call with reporters , as the Republican Attorneys General Association announced another round of television advertising centered around Trump ’ s “ law and order ” pitch .
Democrat Joe Biden is running television advertisements in key battleground states featuring news clips of urban rioting and describing the scenes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The president is pinning the responsibility for the rioting on local Democrats , saying they are refusing to accept federal law enforcement reinforcements he has made available to help subdue the violence .
Additionally , Trump is warning voters that Biden will not stand up to his allies on the Left who are abetting the rioters and will let violence proliferate in communities across the country .
That was the message Carr and Attorneys General Leslie Rutledge of Arkansas and Ashley Moody of Florida delivered to reporters as part of a Republican full-court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stick .
“ The only way that we can protect individual freedom in our communities is if there is law and order , ” Moody said .
“ Regardless of an election , President Trump has to speak out and support that .
”

The Republican Attorneys General Association is blaming Democrats for civil unrest that erupted in American cities over the summer, claiming there is little President Trump can do to quell the violence if local officials decline administration offers of federal assistance.
“Politics has confused the issue, and it is very unfortunate that there are people that are clearly trying to prove their bona fides with one political party, with folks on the Left by saying: ‘I’m not going to work with Donald Trump,’” Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr said Wednesday.
“That is dangerous, and it’s wrong,” added Carr, vice chairman of the group. “It’s a dereliction of duty to not accept help to stop the violence and uphold the rule of law.”
He spoke during a conference call with reporters, as the Republican Attorneys General Association announced another round of television advertising centered around Trump’s “law and order” pitch.
Democrat Joe Biden is running television advertisements in key battleground states featuring news clips of urban rioting and describing the scenes as “Trump’s America.” The president is pinning the responsibility for the rioting on local Democrats, saying they are refusing to accept federal law enforcement reinforcements he has made available to help subdue the violence.
Additionally, Trump is warning voters that Biden will not stand up to his allies on the Left who are abetting the rioters and will let violence proliferate in communities across the country. That was the message Carr and Attorneys General Leslie Rutledge of Arkansas and Ashley Moody of Florida delivered to reporters as part of a Republican full-court press to make Trump’s message stick.
“The only way that we can protect individual freedom in our communities is if there is law and order,” Moody said. “Regardless of an election, President Trump has to speak out and support that.”


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-09-02--'Crazier things have happened': Trump winning New York not out of the question, but almost

There 's a slim opportunity for President Trump to score a win in his home state , according to one New York Republican , but most political veterans think it 's very unlikely .
`` The electoral math in New York is pretty simple , '' said Gavin Wax , President of the New York Young Republican Club , who said he thought it was possible Trump reach the mid-40s .
`` If you get over 33 % of New York City as Republican , you could carry the state as a whole .
That 's held true the last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still holds true , especially upstate and Long Island , '' places that have solidified in terms of being more Republican in their party registration and their voter turnout .
`` So I do n't think it 's unheard of , '' he continued .
`` I think crazier things have happened .
People need to realize it is a big state , and if you just win on the margins and you run it up in the city like [ Trump 2016 ] did in Pennsylvania ... there 's a downstream effect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the whole state . ''
`` Not a chance in hell , '' said one New York strategist who requested anonymity to speak frankly .
`` You can not win New York statewide without going into Manhattan . ''
Trump , Wax said , `` flipped Pennsylvania because he was able to push the numbers up in Philly , in places like South Philly , with the white ethnic vote , which still exists in New York City as well . ''
Trump Victory , the joint Republican Party and Trump campaign effort @ @ @ @ @ @ @ New York districts , and there is talk of extending this across the state , according to details provided by the New York Republican Party .
They also have a statewide calling program in place .
Wax cited an internal poll that showed Trump down by 5 percentage points .
`` I do n't think that 's unrealistic , '' he said .
`` Biden 's campaign would be foolish to completely ignore stuff like this . ''
`` It 's clear that [ the race ] will be a lot tighter this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cut it , '' Wax said .
New York has not voted for a Republican president since Ronald Reagan in 1984 .
Another Republican called Trump 's hope to win his home state a `` pipe dream at best . ''
`` The campaign is sending no resources into New York , period , '' this person said .
`` We ca n't even get the campaign to send us yard signs . ''
`` They 've written off New York for swing states , '' he added .
`` It 's not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any Republican running for president right now .
That would be the game plan . ''
As for ground game , `` no sign of it , '' said another .
`` We ca n't even get yard signs '' from the Trump campaign , this person said .
`` A Republican can not win in New York statewide without getting greater than 30 % in New York City , '' said an operative .
`` He 's not doing that . ''
`` The electoral map is just way too hard , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republican has n't won a New York statewide race since Governor Pataki in 2002 . ''
In an interview with Fox News that aired Monday , Trump said , `` I 'm going to give New York a very good shot because the same people that voted against me like me now . ''
And in August , he told the New York Post that `` we 're putting New York in play . ''
One operative speculated that Trump may be trying to throw Biden off .
`` I think there are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some stronger showing , '' and that the turmoil in New York City may open more New Yorkers to the possibility of voting for him , this operative said .
`` And I would n't keep it past him that it 's a move to try to motivate the New York City donor class , as well . ''
He added : `` But I can tell you we 're starting to see polling come in from different districts , whether those be state legislative districts or congressional districts all over the state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those numbers do n't look anywhere near where he would need to be upstate and other places in the suburbs to even think to compete here . ''
Veteran Republican consultant Jessica Proud said that while it was unlikely Trump would win New York , `` there are many areas across the state where he will win and do well , and help down ballot . ''
She said that the last time Trump was on the ballot , in 2016 , was the first presidential year since the 1980s that Republicans did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` President Trump is working to make America great for all Americans , and his successful first term certainly gives New Yorkers a multitude of reasons to vote for him this November , '' said Samantha Zagar , deputy national press secretary for Trump 2020 .
`` Our campaign is always looking to expand the electoral map , and we won ’ t rule out any state ahead of this year ’ s election . ''
Trump campaign manager Bill Stepien told reporters Tuesday that the campaign will `` continue to monitor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''

There's a slim opportunity for President Trump to score a win in his home state, according to one New York Republican, but most political veterans think it's very unlikely.
"The electoral math in New York is pretty simple," said Gavin Wax, President of the New York Young Republican Club, who said he thought it was possible Trump reach the mid-40s. "If you get over 33% of New York City as Republican, you could carry the state as a whole. That's held true the last two, three decades, and it still holds true, especially upstate and Long Island," places that have solidified in terms of being more Republican in their party registration and their voter turnout.
"So I don't think it's unheard of," he continued. "I think crazier things have happened. People need to realize it is a big state, and if you just win on the margins and you run it up in the city like [Trump 2016] did in Pennsylvania ... there's a downstream effect across the state where you can flip the whole state."
"Not a chance in hell," said one New York strategist who requested anonymity to speak frankly. "You cannot win New York statewide without going into Manhattan."
Trump, Wax said, "flipped Pennsylvania because he was able to push the numbers up in Philly, in places like South Philly, with the white ethnic vote, which still exists in New York City as well."
Trump Victory, the joint Republican Party and Trump campaign effort, have headquarters and staff in eight New York districts, and there is talk of extending this across the state, according to details provided by the New York Republican Party. They also have a statewide calling program in place.
Wax cited an internal poll that showed Trump down by 5 percentage points. "I don't think that's unrealistic," he said. "Biden's campaign would be foolish to completely ignore stuff like this."
"It's clear that [the race] will be a lot tighter this year, no matter which way you cut it," Wax said.
New York has not voted for a Republican president since Ronald Reagan in 1984.
Another Republican called Trump's hope to win his home state a "pipe dream at best."
"The campaign is sending no resources into New York, period," this person said. "We can't even get the campaign to send us yard signs."
"They've written off New York for swing states," he added. "It's not a Trump thing — that would be any Republican running for president right now. That would be the game plan."
As for ground game, "no sign of it," said another. "We can't even get yard signs" from the Trump campaign, this person said.
"A Republican cannot win in New York statewide without getting greater than 30% in New York City," said an operative. "He's not doing that."
"The electoral map is just way too hard," one person said. "A Republican hasn't won a New York statewide race since Governor Pataki in 2002."
In an interview with Fox News that aired Monday, Trump said, "I'm going to give New York a very good shot because the same people that voted against me like me now."
And in August, he told the New York Post that "we're putting New York in play."
One operative speculated that Trump may be trying to throw Biden off.
"I think there are some places where the president has maybe some stronger showing," and that the turmoil in New York City may open more New Yorkers to the possibility of voting for him, this operative said. "And I wouldn't keep it past him that it's a move to try to motivate the New York City donor class, as well."
He added: "But I can tell you we're starting to see polling come in from different districts, whether those be state legislative districts or congressional districts all over the state, and I can tell you that those numbers don't look anywhere near where he would need to be upstate and other places in the suburbs to even think to compete here."
Veteran Republican consultant Jessica Proud said that while it was unlikely Trump would win New York, "there are many areas across the state where he will win and do well, and help down ballot."
She said that the last time Trump was on the ballot, in 2016, was the first presidential year since the 1980s that Republicans did not lose state Senate or assembly seats.
"President Trump is working to make America great for all Americans, and his successful first term certainly gives New Yorkers a multitude of reasons to vote for him this November," said Samantha Zagar, deputy national press secretary for Trump 2020. "Our campaign is always looking to expand the electoral map, and we won’t rule out any state ahead of this year’s election."
Trump campaign manager Bill Stepien told reporters Tuesday that the campaign will "continue to monitor data and base our decision making accordingly."


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-09-02--'I'm a constitutionalist': Biden says mask mandate would be 'pressure' rather than legal requirement

Joe Biden suggested that his proposed national mask mandate to combat the coronavirus pandemic would not take the form of any federal mandate at all , declaring that he is a `` constitutionalist '' that recognizes the limits of presidential authority .
`` There 's a question whether or not a president , under the Constitution , could mandate everyone wear a mask , '' the former vice president and Democratic presidential nominee said in a press conference on Wednesday .
`` And remember , all during the primary I 'd have a lot of people telling me , ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' I 'm a constitutionalist .
You know , you ca n't do things the Constitution does n't allow you the power to do . ''
Biden continued : `` What I would be doing is putting as much pressure as I could on every governor , every senator — I mean , excuse me , every mayor , every county executive , every local official , and everyone in business , putting pressure on them to say , 'What you 're doing is irresponsible .
Make sure you wear a mask and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flaunted the idea of a national mask mandate in his acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention two weeks ago .
`` We 'll have a national mandate to wear a mask , not as a burden , but as a patriotic duty to protect one another , '' Biden said .
The declaration was met with questions about whether the president would have any authority to mandate mask-wearing nationwide and how that would be enforced .
When asked about the legality of a national mask mandate , Biden 's running mate , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that no one would face federal consequences for not wearing a mask .
`` Nobody 's gon na be punished .
It 's a standard .
Come on .
Nobody likes to wear a mask .
This is a universal feeling , '' Harris said last week .
`` The point is , this is what we , as responsible people who love our neighbor , we have to just do that right now.
” Biden first brought up the idea of instituting `` a mask mandate nationwide '' in mid-August , saying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that says that `` every American should be wearing a mask when they ’ re outside for the next three months at a minimum . ''
`` It 's not about your rights .
It 's about your responsibilities as an American , '' Biden said .

Joe Biden suggested that his proposed national mask mandate to combat the coronavirus pandemic would not take the form of any federal mandate at all, declaring that he is a "constitutionalist" that recognizes the limits of presidential authority.
"There's a question whether or not a president, under the Constitution, could mandate everyone wear a mask," the former vice president and Democratic presidential nominee said in a press conference on Wednesday. "And remember, all during the primary I'd have a lot of people telling me, 'I would by executive order do.' I'm a constitutionalist. You know, you can't do things the Constitution doesn't allow you the power to do."
Biden continued: "What I would be doing is putting as much pressure as I could on every governor, every senator — I mean, excuse me, every mayor, every county executive, every local official, and everyone in business, putting pressure on them to say, 'What you're doing is irresponsible. Make sure you wear a mask and maintain social distancing.'"
Biden flaunted the idea of a national mask mandate in his acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention two weeks ago.
"We'll have a national mandate to wear a mask, not as a burden, but as a patriotic duty to protect one another," Biden said.
The declaration was met with questions about whether the president would have any authority to mandate mask-wearing nationwide and how that would be enforced.
When asked about the legality of a national mask mandate, Biden's running mate, Sen. Kamala Harris of California, indicated that no one would face federal consequences for not wearing a mask.
"Nobody's gonna be punished. It's a standard. Come on. Nobody likes to wear a mask. This is a universal feeling," Harris said last week. "The point is, this is what we, as responsible people who love our neighbor, we have to just do that right now.”
Biden first brought up the idea of instituting "a mask mandate nationwide" in mid-August, saying that every governor should issue a mandate that says that "every American should be wearing a mask when they’re outside for the next three months at a minimum."
He dismissed complaints that blanket mask orders infringed individual rights.
"It's not about your rights. It's about your responsibilities as an American," Biden said.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-09-02--Biden pitches live fact-checker for debates with Trump

Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden proposed on Wednesday a live fact-checker as part of the television presentation of his debate series with President Trump .
Seeking to dismiss questions about whether or not he intends to debate ahead of the 2020 election , the former vice president said he 's looking forward to the chance to spar with Trump .
But he also expressed hope for there to be a service that can fact-check statements made by both candidates during the debates that would appear on the TV screen .
`` What I 'd love to have is crawler at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fact checker , you know when we speak , if we really wanted to do something , '' Biden told a reporter in Wilmington , Delaware , who asked if there was anything that might keep him from debating Trump .
Speculation that Biden might seek to bypass the debates reached a fever pitch last week when House Speaker Nancy Pelosi openly called for the former Delaware senator to withdraw from the three events beginning at the end of September .
The moderator list for the debates , released on Wednesday , includes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Washington Journal host Steve Scully , and NBC News White House correspondent Kristen Welker .

Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden proposed on Wednesday a live fact-checker as part of the television presentation of his debate series with President Trump.
Seeking to dismiss questions about whether or not he intends to debate ahead of the 2020 election, the former vice president said he's looking forward to the chance to spar with Trump. But he also expressed hope for there to be a service that can fact-check statements made by both candidates during the debates that would appear on the TV screen.
"What I'd love to have is crawler at the bottom of the screen, a fact checker, you know when we speak, if we really wanted to do something," Biden told a reporter in Wilmington, Delaware, who asked if there was anything that might keep him from debating Trump.
Joe Biden says he is looking forward to debating President Trump:
"What I'd love to have at the bottom of the screen is a crawler, a fact checker." pic.twitter.com/SdoBtVewIB — Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) September 2, 2020
Speculation that Biden might seek to bypass the debates reached a fever pitch last week when House Speaker Nancy Pelosi openly called for the former Delaware senator to withdraw from the three events beginning at the end of September.
The moderator list for the debates, released on Wednesday, includes Fox News anchor Chris Wallace, C-SPAN Washington Journal host Steve Scully, and NBC News White House correspondent Kristen Welker.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-09-02--'Overwhelming requests': Biden says he'll be a 'positive influence' in Kenosha, Wisconsin

There 's a demand for Joe Biden to visit Kenosha , Wisconsin , as the city grapples with a police shooting , according to the 2020 Democratic presidential nominee .
“ There 's been overwhelming requests that I do come , ” Biden told reporters Wednesday , citing members of Congress and Wisconsin elected officials .
`` Because what we want to do is we 've got to heal , we 've got to put things together , bring people together .
My purpose in going is to do just that , to be a positive influence . ''
Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Kenosha for a community meeting on Thursday despite criticizing President Trump for making the trip Tuesday .
Kenosha has experienced civil unrest since Jacob Blake , a 29-year-old black man , was shot in the back seven times as a white police officer tried to arrest him .
Initial reports were that Blake had a knife .
Biden , the two-term vice president , agreed with running mate Kamala Harris that the officer involved should be afforded due process , but that the California senator believed there was enough evidence for him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we should let the judicial system work its way , ” Biden said during Wednesday 's stop in Wilmington , Delaware , adding that “ I do think there ’ s a minimum need to be charged . ''
His Kenosha plans were quickly followed by an announcement that he and former second lady Jill Biden would mark the anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks in Shanksville , Pennsylvania , next week .
Biden explained he would prefer to be on the campaign trail , but `` a president has the responsibility to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 've worked out a protocol where , how I get on a plane , what kind of plane I get on , how it 's sanitized , how I engage people , '' he said .
Biden took questions after a press conference called to rip Trump over his perceived lack of leadership regarding school reopenings .
He urged the president to `` get off Twitter '' and address the `` national emergency '' by securing , for starters , additional funding from congressional leaders so schools can buy personal protective equipment and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clear : If President Trump and his administration had done their jobs early on in this crisis , American schools would be open , and they ’ d be open safely , '' he said .

There's a demand for Joe Biden to visit Kenosha, Wisconsin, as the city grapples with a police shooting, according to the 2020 Democratic presidential nominee.
“There's been overwhelming requests that I do come,” Biden told reporters Wednesday, citing members of Congress and Wisconsin elected officials. "Because what we want to do is we've got to heal, we've got to put things together, bring people together. My purpose in going is to do just that, to be a positive influence."
Biden's campaign announced Wednesday he would travel to Kenosha for a community meeting on Thursday despite criticizing President Trump for making the trip Tuesday. Kenosha has experienced civil unrest since Jacob Blake, a 29-year-old black man, was shot in the back seven times as a white police officer tried to arrest him. Initial reports were that Blake had a knife.
Biden, the two-term vice president, agreed with running mate Kamala Harris that the officer involved should be afforded due process, but that the California senator believed there was enough evidence for him to be charged.
"I think we should let the judicial system work its way,” Biden said during Wednesday's stop in Wilmington, Delaware, adding that “I do think there’s a minimum need to be charged."
His Kenosha plans were quickly followed by an announcement that he and former second lady Jill Biden would mark the anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, next week.
Biden explained he would prefer to be on the campaign trail, but "a president has the responsibility to set the example."
"We've worked out a protocol where, how I get on a plane, what kind of plane I get on, how it's sanitized, how I engage people," he said.
Biden took questions after a press conference called to rip Trump over his perceived lack of leadership regarding school reopenings. He urged the president to "get off Twitter" and address the "national emergency" by securing, for starters, additional funding from congressional leaders so schools can buy personal protective equipment and sanitation supplies.
"Let me be clear: If President Trump and his administration had done their jobs early on in this crisis, American schools would be open, and they’d be open safely," he said.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-09-02--Karlie Kloss, Jared Kushner's sister-in-law, boosts Biden at campaign event

Model Karlie Kloss may have complicated Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner 's Thanksgiving plans .
Kloss , who 's married to Jared 's younger brother , Joshua Kushner , is hosting a campaign event Thursday for 2020 Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden and not President Trump , despite the family ties .
Kloss , a computer programmer who founded an initiative encouraging girls to code , will talk up Biden 's plans for women , post-high school education , and American manufacturing , research , and development during an event aimed at turning out young voters in the STEM community @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kloss started dating Joshua Kushner , a real estate developer and venture capitalist , in 2012 , long before the Trump administration .
The couple married six years later in 2018 , and Jared and Ivanka attended the wedding .
Kloss in particular has criticized Trump , voting for 2016 Democratic standard-bearer Hillary Clinton and promising to support the party 's candidate again in the Nov. 3 general election .
`` I ’ m sure I ’ m not the only person in this country who does not necessarily agree with their family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ What Happens Live in January .
Kloss added to British Vogue in 2019 , `` I choose to focus on the values that I share with my husband , and those are the same liberal values that I was raised with and that have guided me throughout my life.
” Joshua , a lifelong Democrat , also did n't cast a ballot for Trump last cycle .
Both Jared and Ivanka have prominent roles in the Trump White House .
Jared was tasked with a vast range of responsibilities from improving federal government @ @ @ @ @ @

Model Karlie Kloss may have complicated Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner's Thanksgiving plans.
Kloss, who's married to Jared's younger brother, Joshua Kushner, is hosting a campaign event Thursday for 2020 Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden and not President Trump, despite the family ties.
Kloss, a computer programmer who founded an initiative encouraging girls to code, will talk up Biden's plans for women, post-high school education, and American manufacturing, research, and development during an event aimed at turning out young voters in the STEM community, according to Biden's team.
Kloss started dating Joshua Kushner, a real estate developer and venture capitalist, in 2012, long before the Trump administration. The couple married six years later in 2018, and Jared and Ivanka attended the wedding.
Kloss in particular has criticized Trump, voting for 2016 Democratic standard-bearer Hillary Clinton and promising to support the party's candidate again in the Nov. 3 general election.
"I’m sure I’m not the only person in this country who does not necessarily agree with their family on politics," she told Watch What Happens Live in January.
Kloss added to British Vogue in 2019, "I choose to focus on the values that I share with my husband, and those are the same liberal values that I was raised with and that have guided me throughout my life.”
Joshua, a lifelong Democrat, also didn't cast a ballot for Trump last cycle.
Both Jared and Ivanka have prominent roles in the Trump White House. Jared was tasked with a vast range of responsibilities from improving federal government efficiency to Middle East peace.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-09-02--Biden faces heckler during campaign stop: 'Hey, Joe! You finally got out of the basement!'

Former Vice President Joe Biden was heckled on the campaign trail in Pennsylvania on Monday by a presumed Trump supporter who mocked the Democratic nominee over a variety of campaign issues .
“ Hey Joe !
You finally got out of the basement , ” a man could be heard yelling in the background as Biden during a photo-op with first responders in Pittsburgh .
“ Don ’ t jump , don ’ t jump , ” Biden yelled back at the heckler in response to indistinguishable jeers before walking over to meet with the first responders .
The heckling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re not going to win Pennsylvania .
Joe , you ’ re not going to win Michigan .
You ’ re not going to win Wisconsin.
” “ How 'bout that crime bill , Joe ?
” the heckler added , as Biden continued to meet and take pictures with first responders .
“ What did you do for the last 47 years ?
” The heckler added jabs about Biden ’ s , as well as a remark about a , before the former vice president got back into his car and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has largely refrained from holding campaign events and press conferences over the past few months , is set to head to Kenosha , Wisconsin , this week following the police shooting of Jacob Blake and the civil unrest that has resulted from it .
Biden ’ s wife Jill will also travel to Kenosha , where they plan to hold a meeting `` to bring together Americans to heal and address the challenges we face .
”

Former Vice President Joe Biden was heckled on the campaign trail in Pennsylvania on Monday by a presumed Trump supporter who mocked the Democratic nominee over a variety of campaign issues.
“Hey Joe! You finally got out of the basement,” a man could be heard yelling in the background as Biden exited a car while holding pizzas during a photo-op with first responders in Pittsburgh.
“Don’t jump, don’t jump,” Biden yelled back at the heckler in response to indistinguishable jeers before walking over to meet with the first responders.
Biden is stopping to deliver pizza to some local EMTs in Pittsburgh
A lone Trump supporter across the street is yelling through a megaphone: “It’s a peace protest Joe!” pic.twitter.com/iJxrDb4pSu — Johnny Verhovek (@JTHVerhovek) August 31, 2020
The heckling continued: “Joe, you’re not going to win Pennsylvania. Joe, you’re not going to win Michigan. You’re not going to win Wisconsin.”
“How 'bout that crime bill, Joe?” the heckler added, as Biden continued to meet and take pictures with first responders. “What did you do for the last 47 years?”
The heckler added jabs about Biden’s controversial son Hunter , as well as a remark about a story Biden told concerning a man named “Corn Pop” in 2017 , before the former vice president got back into his car and left the scene.
Biden, who has largely refrained from holding campaign events and press conferences over the past few months, is set to head to Kenosha, Wisconsin, this week following the police shooting of Jacob Blake and the civil unrest that has resulted from it.
Biden’s wife Jill will also travel to Kenosha, where they plan to hold a meeting "to bring together Americans to heal and address the challenges we face.”


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-09-03--For Trump, the perks of incumbency might not be enough

The de facto challenger in 2016 , this time around , President Trump has the power and pageantry of the presidency behind him — but even that may not be sufficient to get him over the top in a tough reelection contest .
Republican strategist Bradley Blakeman called the trappings of the office “ a powerful tool ” but added , “ It is just one advantage over a challenger.
” “ His incumbency is a net neutral , ” said Dennis Darnoi , a Republican consultant in Michigan .
Trump has increasingly sought to wield the advantages of incumbency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ challenger Joe Biden travels to Kenosha , he can only give speeches .
Trump was able to hold roundtable discussions behind the presidential seal and announce new rounds of federal money to aid rebuilding after the riots .
The administration also said Wednesday that it would use quarantine rules to halt most evictions , the latest in a series of executive actions Trump has undertaken to bypass Congress , where the latest phase of coronavirus relief legislation is stalled .
During the Republican National Convention , Trump presided over a naturalization ceremony for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on live national television .
He delivered his acceptance speech from the South Lawn of the White House , which was also the venue for first lady Melania Trump ’ s remarks .
He offered a full presidential pardon to Alice Johnson , whose sentence he had previously commuted , shortly after her supportive speech at the GOP convention .
But incumbency is a double-edged sword .
Trump now has a record his Democratic opponents are able to attack .
Democrats argue that as the sitting president , Trump bears responsibility for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that has claimed 180,000 lives , high unemployment , and widespread civil unrest .
“ Biden has the advantage of attacking the POTUS on his record because he does not have a contemporary record to attack , ” said Blakeman .
“ Advantages seem to balance themselves out.
” Democratic strategists also believe that nearly four years of Trump in the White House has helped them keep progressives in the fold who went third party or stayed home when the nominee was Hillary Clinton .
Biden has , so far , succeeded where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democratic ticket with fear and loathing of Trump .
Polling shows that Trump voters are far more enthusiastic about their candidate , but it hasn ’ t kept Biden from jumping out to a respectable lead or maintaining the support of Bernie Sanders voters .
According to Huffington Post/YouGov polling , 38 % thought the main message of the Democratic convention was that a vote for Biden would remove Trump from office to only 21 % who thought it was about Biden ’ s own competence , 11 % Biden ’ s character @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
That ’ s a message that only works with Trump as the incumbent .
The former vice president also built much of his polling lead while holed up in his basement , even as Trump used the bully pulpit , holding regular White House briefings on the coronavirus and weighing in on national controversies as city neighborhoods burned .
Republicans doubted Biden ’ s strategy was sustainable , and his recent forays outside of Delaware may be a sign that it is coming to an end , but it has so far @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issue with a campaign speech being given from the lawn of the White House , '' Darnoi said .
`` Well , that 's until a future Dem president does it .
They have no problem with President Trump going to cities and states in his official capacity and then using that forum to parrot campaign talking points .
Trump 's opponents see his using the tools of incumbency as confirmation of their immutably held belief that he is a con man who is doing to America what he has done to all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voters , in his view , are in short supply .
“ It would be interesting to know if there is a single voter in America who does not have an opinion , whether favorable or unfavorable , of Donald Trump , ” Darnoi continued .
“ I honestly do n't believe that person exists.
” Still , Republicans have hardly given up .
“ On Election Day this cycle , voters will have three things on their minds : COVID-19 , the economy , and law and order , ” said Blakeman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ‘ Am I better off today than I was four years ago ?
’ but instead , ‘ Who do I trust to bring us to brighter days ?
’ I believe Trump has the advantage .
”

The de facto challenger in 2016, this time around, President Trump has the power and pageantry of the presidency behind him — but even that may not be sufficient to get him over the top in a tough reelection contest.
Republican strategist Bradley Blakeman called the trappings of the office “a powerful tool” but added, “It is just one advantage over a challenger.”
“His incumbency is a net neutral,” said Dennis Darnoi, a Republican consultant in Michigan.
Trump has increasingly sought to wield the advantages of incumbency in his reelection bid. When Democratic challenger Joe Biden travels to Kenosha, he can only give speeches. Trump was able to hold roundtable discussions behind the presidential seal and announce new rounds of federal money to aid rebuilding after the riots. The administration also said Wednesday that it would use quarantine rules to halt most evictions, the latest in a series of executive actions Trump has undertaken to bypass Congress, where the latest phase of coronavirus relief legislation is stalled.
During the Republican National Convention, Trump presided over a naturalization ceremony for new American citizens and issued a pardon on live national television. He delivered his acceptance speech from the South Lawn of the White House, which was also the venue for first lady Melania Trump’s remarks. He offered a full presidential pardon to Alice Johnson, whose sentence he had previously commuted, shortly after her supportive speech at the GOP convention.
But incumbency is a double-edged sword. Trump now has a record his Democratic opponents are able to attack. Democrats argue that as the sitting president, Trump bears responsibility for the state of the country amid a pandemic that has claimed 180,000 lives, high unemployment, and widespread civil unrest.
“Biden has the advantage of attacking the POTUS on his record because he does not have a contemporary record to attack,” said Blakeman. “Advantages seem to balance themselves out.”
Democratic strategists also believe that nearly four years of Trump in the White House has helped them keep progressives in the fold who went third party or stayed home when the nominee was Hillary Clinton. Biden has, so far, succeeded where Clinton failed in substituting fervor for the Democratic ticket with fear and loathing of Trump. Polling shows that Trump voters are far more enthusiastic about their candidate, but it hasn’t kept Biden from jumping out to a respectable lead or maintaining the support of Bernie Sanders voters.
According to Huffington Post/YouGov polling, 38% thought the main message of the Democratic convention was that a vote for Biden would remove Trump from office to only 21% who thought it was about Biden’s own competence, 11% Biden’s character, and 7% his public policies. That’s a message that only works with Trump as the incumbent.
The former vice president also built much of his polling lead while holed up in his basement, even as Trump used the bully pulpit, holding regular White House briefings on the coronavirus and weighing in on national controversies as city neighborhoods burned. Republicans doubted Biden’s strategy was sustainable, and his recent forays outside of Delaware may be a sign that it is coming to an end, but it has so far worked.
“Trump supporters take no issue with a campaign speech being given from the lawn of the White House," Darnoi said. "Well, that's until a future Dem president does it. They have no problem with President Trump going to cities and states in his official capacity and then using that forum to parrot campaign talking points. Trump's opponents see his using the tools of incumbency as confirmation of their immutably held belief that he is a con man who is doing to America what he has done to all his other bankrupt businesses.”
Genuine swing voters, in his view, are in short supply. “It would be interesting to know if there is a single voter in America who does not have an opinion, whether favorable or unfavorable, of Donald Trump,” Darnoi continued. “I honestly don't believe that person exists.”
Still, Republicans have hardly given up.
“On Election Day this cycle, voters will have three things on their minds: COVID-19, the economy, and law and order,” said Blakeman. “They will ask themselves not, ‘Am I better off today than I was four years ago?’ but instead, ‘Who do I trust to bring us to brighter days?’ I believe Trump has the advantage.”


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-09-03--'I'm patriotic. I love this country': Man fired for wearing 'Trump 2020' hat to work

A Virginia man was fired last week after he refused to remove his `` Trump 2020 '' hat during a safety meeting at work .
Dave Sunderland , 55 , said the human resources department told him that his hat violated a policy banning shipyard workers from campaigning at work .
Sunderland told the Richmond Times-Dispatch that he was n't campaigning , he was just wearing a hat .
`` I wore a ball cap .
I was n't passing out bumper stickers .
I was n't asking people to vote .
I was n't doing anything , except for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' he said .
On Aug. 25 , Sunderland was leaving the safety meeting when a supervisor from a different division reportedly told him to take off the hat .
`` He said , 'You ca n't wear that .
And I said , ' I 've been wearing it for four years . '
'' After he refused to take off the hat , the supervisor conferred with the general foreman , who wrote a memo that ordered Sunderland to remove his `` Trump 2020 '' hat .
Foreman Lakesha Starks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was `` against company policy to wear political gear '' and that he would be fired if he refused .
Sunderland was suspended from his job for three days and was fired on Friday , according to the report .
The pipefitter said he would wear a wide variety of Trump-related hats , including a `` Make America Great Again '' hat , a `` Keep America Great '' hat , and the `` Trump 2020 '' hat from his car into the building where the builders would gather for a pre-shift @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his Trump hats while he was working in the shipyard .
His supervisor warned him not to wear a `` Make America a 'Shithole . '
Vote Democrat '' hat , to which he agreed , but he said he was never warned about any other hats .
Sunderland said that in his eight years of employment at Newport News Shipbuilding , he had seen employees wear clothing displaying political messages .
In 2012 , employees wore Barack Obama T-shirts , and in 2016 , workers wore `` I 'm with her '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hillary Clinton , he said .
In the 2020 election cycle , he has n't seen a Joe Biden shirt .
Sunderland added that he did n't have a problem with his former co-workers expressing their political views , but that the policy was n't being applied equally to all employees .
`` I do n't have a problem with anything anybody wears , '' Sunderland said .
`` That 's their First Amendment right to express themselves , you know , freedom of expression .
That 's their right .
But when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on me .
...
They take away my freedom of expression , but they do n't for other folks . ''
A spokesman for Newport News Shipbuilding told the Times-Dispatch that the company 's policy on political activity is shared with employees during training .
`` As we have previously communicated to our employees , we do not allow political campaign or partisan political activities on company property , such as wearing attire with messages that include a campaign slogan , '' the spokesman said .
Sunderland stands by his decision to refuse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` This is the United States of America , and we have those rights , and I could find another job , '' he said .
`` Why should they take away my rights ?
I 'm patriotic .
I love this country .
...
It 's a damn good place to be . ''

A Virginia man was fired last week after he refused to remove his "Trump 2020" hat during a safety meeting at work.
Dave Sunderland, 55, said the human resources department told him that his hat violated a policy banning shipyard workers from campaigning at work. Sunderland told the Richmond Times-Dispatch that he wasn't campaigning, he was just wearing a hat.
"I wore a ball cap. I wasn't passing out bumper stickers. I wasn't asking people to vote. I wasn't doing anything, except for wearing a ball cap going to work," he said.
On Aug. 25, Sunderland was leaving the safety meeting when a supervisor from a different division reportedly told him to take off the hat.
"He said, 'You can't wear that. And I said, 'I've been wearing it for four years.'"
After he refused to take off the hat, the supervisor conferred with the general foreman, who wrote a memo that ordered Sunderland to remove his "Trump 2020" hat.
Foreman Lakesha Starks wrote in the memo that she explained it was "against company policy to wear political gear" and that he would be fired if he refused.
Sunderland was suspended from his job for three days and was fired on Friday, according to the report.
The pipefitter said he would wear a wide variety of Trump-related hats, including a "Make America Great Again" hat, a "Keep America Great" hat, and the "Trump 2020" hat from his car into the building where the builders would gather for a pre-shift safety meeting.
He would take off his Trump hats while he was working in the shipyard. His supervisor warned him not to wear a "Make America a 'Shithole.' Vote Democrat" hat, to which he agreed, but he said he was never warned about any other hats.
Sunderland said that in his eight years of employment at Newport News Shipbuilding, he had seen employees wear clothing displaying political messages.
In 2012, employees wore Barack Obama T-shirts, and in 2016, workers wore "I'm with her" T-shirts in support of Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, he said. In the 2020 election cycle, he hasn't seen a Joe Biden shirt.
Sunderland added that he didn't have a problem with his former co-workers expressing their political views, but that the policy wasn't being applied equally to all employees.
"I don't have a problem with anything anybody wears," Sunderland said. "That's their First Amendment right to express themselves, you know, freedom of expression. That's their right. But when I wore something, they came down on me. ... They take away my freedom of expression, but they don't for other folks."
A spokesman for Newport News Shipbuilding told the Times-Dispatch that the company's policy on political activity is shared with employees during training.
"As we have previously communicated to our employees, we do not allow political campaign or partisan political activities on company property, such as wearing attire with messages that include a campaign slogan," the spokesman said.
Sunderland stands by his decision to refuse to take off his pro-Trump cap.
"This is the United States of America, and we have those rights, and I could find another job," he said. "Why should they take away my rights? I'm patriotic. I love this country. ... It's a damn good place to be."


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-09-03--Three-decade House Democrat Collin Peterson tries to save Trump-friendly seat in western Minnesota

Democratic Rep. Collin Peterson has represented Minnesota 's 7th Congressional District since 1991 , but his 2020 reelection bid could be the toughest race of his career .
Peterson , who is the chairman of the House Agriculture Committee , will face off against former Lt. Gov .
Michelle Fischbach , a Republican , in a deep-red district that President Trump won by a margin of over Hillary Clinton in 2016 .
The race has been deemed a by the Cook Political Report .
For nearly 30 years , Peterson has represented the 7th District in Washington .
The district @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , is predominantly rural , and agriculture is a top industry .
Throughout Peterson 's tenure , the district has leaned right , and the Republican presidential nominee has won the district in each cycle for decades .
Still , Peterson managed to win his own seat by 20-point margins throughout most of his career .
Peterson is one of the last remaining centrist-leaning Blue Dog Democrats in Congress .
He has routinely broken with the Democratic Party to vote against policies and In 2019 , he was one of two Democrats to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him to keep his seat in Minnesota , but his margins of victory have been slipping .
He beat Republican Dave Hughes by in 2018 .
While Hughes struggled to earn national fundraising support , Fischbach brings name recognition and to the 2020 race .
Fishbach 's political career began with her 1996 election to the Minnesota state Senate .
She quickly rose to leadership within the party and became the to serve as president of the Senate in Minnesota 's history .
In January 2018 , a bit of constitutional mayhem launched @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Sen. Al Franken , a Democrat , from his seat in 2017 amid allegations of sexual misconduct , prompting Democratic Gov .
Mark Dayton to appoint his lieutenant governor , Tina Smith , to replace Franken .
Minnesota 's constitution required that vacancies in the be filled by the president of the state Senate , which resulted in Dayton , a Democrat , finishing the remainder of his gubernatorial term with Fischbach , a Republican , as his lieutenant governor .
In 2018 , Fischbach ran as former Minnesota Gov .
Tim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ failed bid to take back the governor 's mansion .
Fischbach announced her congressional campaign in 2020 and earned an endorsement from Trump shortly after .
Fischbach 's campaign has closely aligned itself with Trump , and her campaign yard signs feature the message : `` Trump stands with Michelle Fischbach . ''
Peterson 's seat is one of the most vulnerable House seats held by Democrats who are working to keep their majority .
A lot of attention , and money , will be paid to the race .
With two additional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2nd congressional districts , one Senate seat up for grabs , and a between Trump and Joe Biden , Minnesota will play a pivotal role in 2020 .

Democratic Rep. Collin Peterson has represented Minnesota's 7th Congressional District since 1991, but his 2020 reelection bid could be the toughest race of his career.
Peterson, who is the chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, will face off against former Lt. Gov. Michelle Fischbach, a Republican, in a deep-red district that President Trump won by a margin of 30 percentage points over Hillary Clinton in 2016. The race has been deemed a "toss-up" by the Cook Political Report.
For nearly 30 years, Peterson has represented the 7th District in Washington. The district, which spans most of western Minnesota, is predominantly rural, and agriculture is a top industry. Throughout Peterson's tenure, the district has leaned right, and the Republican presidential nominee has won the district in each cycle for decades. Still, Peterson managed to win his own seat by 20-point margins throughout most of his career.
Peterson is one of the last remaining centrist-leaning Blue Dog Democrats in Congress. He has routinely broken with the Democratic Party to vote against policies such as Obamacare and statehood for Washington, D.C. In 2019, he was one of two Democrats to vote against President Trump's impeachment .
Peterson's independent streak has allowed him to keep his seat in Minnesota, but his margins of victory have been slipping. He beat Republican Dave Hughes by 4.2 points in 2018. While Hughes struggled to earn national fundraising support, Fischbach brings name recognition and fundraising firepower to the 2020 race.
Fishbach's political career began with her 1996 election to the Minnesota state Senate. She quickly rose to leadership within the party and became the first female to serve as president of the Senate in Minnesota's history.
In January 2018, a bit of constitutional mayhem launched Fischbach into the position of lieutenant governor. Sen. Al Franken, a Democrat, had stepped down from his seat in 2017 amid allegations of sexual misconduct, prompting Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton to appoint his lieutenant governor, Tina Smith, to replace Franken.
Minnesota's constitution required that vacancies in the position of lieutenant governor be filled by the president of the state Senate, which resulted in Dayton, a Democrat, finishing the remainder of his gubernatorial term with Fischbach, a Republican, as his lieutenant governor. In 2018, Fischbach ran as former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty's gubernatorial running mate during his failed bid to take back the governor's mansion.
Fischbach announced her congressional campaign in 2020 and earned an endorsement from Trump shortly after. Fischbach's campaign has closely aligned itself with Trump, and her campaign yard signs feature the message: "Trump stands with Michelle Fischbach."
Had a wonderful time visiting with people in Breckenridge. Thank you to @SenWestrom and Rep. @JeffBacker for joining me. Everyone is excited to retire Peterson and #firePelosi! #mn07 pic.twitter.com/94aQyFcqH8 — Michelle Fischbach (@FischbachMN7) August 24, 2020