thewashingtonexaminer--2020-05-10--'Jesus isn’t running': Trump on track to secure vital evangelical vote despite personal flaws

Conservative Christians haven ’ t been able to get to church regularly because of the social distancing requirements in place to combat the coronavirus .
A key question facing Republicans in November is whether they will get to the polls .
There is little doubt that white evangelicals remain President Trump ’ s strongest demographic , but even among this group , turnout fluctuates .
In a close election , as strategists in both parties expect 2020 to be , that can make a big difference .
Republican campaign guru Karl Rove estimated that 4 million Christian conservatives stayed home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the popular vote and nearly the presidency , so they made boosting their turnout a major priority in the reelection race four years later — when 1 out of every 3 votes cast for Bush came from a white evangelical .
Last month , the organization Faith Wins held a Zoom conference call with over 750 pastors and religious community leaders from 49 of the 50 states featuring Reince Priebus , the former Republican National Committee chairman and Trump ’ s first White House chief of staff , aimed at mobilizing turnout through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to take a four-part pledge — “ to vote my values ; ” “ to register voters in my place of worship ; ” “ to inform others who on issues that have impacted faith and families ; ” and “ to mobilize fellow pro-faith voters to turn out and vote their values on Election Day.
” The voting registration drives are nonpartisan , as are those conducted by the conservative Faith and Freedom Coalition , the Ralph Reed-chaired organization that has pledged to register 5 million new voters this year and get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the target audience may be even more likely to vote Trump than in 2016 , when he won 81 % of white evangelicals .
“ Obviously , he ’ s won a lot of people over on the issues , ” said Chad Connelly , Faith Wins ’ founder and a former South Carolina Republican Party chairman .
A Northern Virginia pastor who requested anonymity to speak candidly agrees .
“ I still don ’ t like the way he talks or acts , ” the pastor said .
“ But he has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any other Republican president , maybe better.
” Four years ago , there was widespread skepticism about Trump .
He had been pro-choice on abortion .
His personal life was closer to Bill Clinton ’ s than Billy Graham ’ s .
He had no record of social conservatism .
Many religious conservatives preferred Ted Cruz in the primaries .
Trump had to recruit lesser-known pastors to stand by him , though Liberty University President Jerry Falwell Jr. , son of the founder of the Moral Majority , one of the first important @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years , became a prominent early supporter .
Trump has largely won them over .
According to , two-thirds of white evangelicals say it is important to have a president who stands up for their beliefs , and 8 in 10 say Trump has fit the bill .
They believe Trump has helped rather than hurt evangelical interests by a 52-point margin .
And 3 out of 4 say they mostly agree with him on the issues .
“ Jesus isn ’ t running , ” Connelly said .
“ By definition , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lesser of two evils.
” Hispanic Protestants , especially evangelicals , are also more Republican and have helped prevent the Latino vote from becoming more heavily Democratic during the Trump years .
The Trump campaign also held a virtual event this week featuring some of the black pastors who support the president , as well as retired baseball star Darryl Strawberry and senior campaign adviser Katrina Pierson .
In addition to compiling a socially conservative record , Trump has made increasing use of religious language in his speeches , especially to Christian audiences @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Prayer service , Trump vowed to defeat the “ invisible enemy ” that is the coronavirus with God ’ s help .
“ Once again , we call on our Creator to guide us through these very complex steps , ” Trump said .
Vice President Mike Pence , an evangelical , joined a roundtable on reopening churches and other religious services in Iowa on Friday .
Evangelicals have faced heavy criticism for their support of Trump .
Conservative writer David French , an evangelical himself , they had abandoned their commitment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democratic pundit Ed Kilgore in New York magazine that evangelicals liked Trump ’ s “ hatefulness.
” The New York Times published an arguing that evangelical hostility to science had crippled the country ’ s coronavirus response .
“ People are shocked by the hostility to the president , ” Connelly said .
“ I ’ ve had pastors tell me they ’ ve left churches over people being less rude .
”

Conservative Christians haven’t been able to get to church regularly because of the social distancing requirements in place to combat the coronavirus. A key question facing Republicans in November is whether they will get to the polls.
There is little doubt that white evangelicals remain President Trump’s strongest demographic, but even among this group, turnout fluctuates. In a close election, as strategists in both parties expect 2020 to be, that can make a big difference. Republican campaign guru Karl Rove estimated that 4 million Christian conservatives stayed home in 2000, costing George W. Bush the popular vote and nearly the presidency, so they made boosting their turnout a major priority in the reelection race four years later — when 1 out of every 3 votes cast for Bush came from a white evangelical.
Last month, the organization Faith Wins held a Zoom conference call with over 750 pastors and religious community leaders from 49 of the 50 states featuring Reince Priebus, the former Republican National Committee chairman and Trump’s first White House chief of staff, aimed at mobilizing turnout through evangelical churches. The group encourages pastors to take a four-part pledge — “to vote my values;” “to register voters in my place of worship;” “to inform others who on issues that have impacted faith and families;” and “to mobilize fellow pro-faith voters to turn out and vote their values on Election Day.”
The voting registration drives are nonpartisan, as are those conducted by the conservative Faith and Freedom Coalition, the Ralph Reed-chaired organization that has pledged to register 5 million new voters this year and get 18 million to the polls. But the target audience may be even more likely to vote Trump than in 2016, when he won 81% of white evangelicals.
“Obviously, he’s won a lot of people over on the issues,” said Chad Connelly, Faith Wins’ founder and a former South Carolina Republican Party chairman.
A Northern Virginia pastor who requested anonymity to speak candidly agrees. “I still don’t like the way he talks or acts,” the pastor said. “But he has been as good on the issues as any other Republican president, maybe better.”
Four years ago, there was widespread skepticism about Trump. He had been pro-choice on abortion. His personal life was closer to Bill Clinton’s than Billy Graham’s. He had no record of social conservatism. Many religious conservatives preferred Ted Cruz in the primaries. Trump had to recruit lesser-known pastors to stand by him, though Liberty University President Jerry Falwell Jr., son of the founder of the Moral Majority, one of the first important national Christian Right groups during the Reagan years, became a prominent early supporter.
Trump has largely won them over. According to Pew Research Center , two-thirds of white evangelicals say it is important to have a president who stands up for their beliefs, and 8 in 10 say Trump has fit the bill. They believe Trump has helped rather than hurt evangelical interests by a 52-point margin. And 3 out of 4 say they mostly agree with him on the issues.
“Jesus isn’t running,” Connelly said. “By definition, we’re always voting for the lesser of two evils.”
Hispanic Protestants, especially evangelicals, are also more Republican and have helped prevent the Latino vote from becoming more heavily Democratic during the Trump years. The Trump campaign also held a virtual event this week featuring some of the black pastors who support the president, as well as retired baseball star Darryl Strawberry and senior campaign adviser Katrina Pierson.
In addition to compiling a socially conservative record, Trump has made increasing use of religious language in his speeches, especially to Christian audiences. At Thursday’s National Day of Prayer service, Trump vowed to defeat the “invisible enemy” that is the coronavirus with God’s help. “Once again, we call on our Creator to guide us through these very complex steps,” Trump said. Vice President Mike Pence, an evangelical, joined a roundtable on reopening churches and other religious services in Iowa on Friday.
Evangelicals have faced heavy criticism for their support of Trump. Conservative writer David French, an evangelical himself, argued they had abandoned their commitment to personal character and competent governance. Democratic pundit Ed Kilgore speculated in New York magazine that evangelicals liked Trump’s “hatefulness.” The New York Times published an op-ed arguing that evangelical hostility to science had crippled the country’s coronavirus response.
“People are shocked by the hostility to the president,” Connelly said. “I’ve had pastors tell me they’ve left churches over people being less rude.”


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-05-10--Top Republican wants John Durham to speed up criminal inquiry with an eye on Biden

A top Republican wants U.S. Attorney John Durham to pick up the pace with his criminal inquiry into the Russia investigation .
Louisiana Rep. Steve Scalise , the minority whip , said people have a right to know the extent of any misconduct in the Obama administration before they go to the polls in November , particularly because former Vice President Joe Biden , the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee , could have been privy to the actions taken by the FBI to investigate the Trump campaign 's ties to Russia .
`` Joe Biden has serious questions to answer , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jeanine Pirro on Saturday .
Scalese explained that the role Republicans in Congress will play is drawing attention to the controversy while the Justice Department takes the lead in rooting out any criminal misconduct .
As for Durham 's investigation , Scalise said , `` I want to see it sped up .
I sure have been vocal about that . ''
He said it is because the election is coming up , and concerns have been raised about the appearances of such an inquiry reaching a climax right before the big event @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and not next December , '' Scalise said .
`` There is an election coming up and the American people have a lot of decisions to make .
All of this needs to be factored into what they decide .
To see some of the dirty stuff that went on all the way possibly to President Obama at the time and Joe Biden when he was vice president . ''
Pirro brought home the idea that Biden could have been a knowing player in the Russia controversy by noting the former vice president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Intelligence Community Assessment during the presidential transition period .
After that meeting , newly released notes show , former Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates was asked to stay behind along with then-FBI Director James Comey and was surprised to learn from Obama details about retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn 's intercepted phone calls with a Russian envoy .
`` Biden was very much a part of this , '' she said .
`` This is the Obama-Biden administration .
...
This was something that was discussed constantly . ''
Attorney General William Barr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russia investigation , has not dismissed the possibility of criminal prosecutions .
He told conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt last month that the 2020 election will have no bearing on the Connecticut prosecutor 's inquiry .
Barr also stressed that he does n't believe any major candidate for president was under scrutiny .
“ As far as I ’ m aware , none of the key people that , whose actions are being reviewed at this point by Durham , are running for president , ” Barr said .
`` I think , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , you don ’ t go after candidates , '' he added .
`` You don ’ t indict candidates or perhaps someone that ’ s sufficiently close to a candidate , that it ’ s essentially the same , you know , within a certain number of days before an election .
But , you know , as I say , I don ’ t think any of the people whose actions are under review by Durham fall into that category.
” In leaked audio obtained and reported by Yahoo News on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the `` rule of law is at risk '' after the Justice Department filed to drop its criminal case against retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn , who was President Trump 's first national security adviser .

A top Republican wants U.S. Attorney John Durham to pick up the pace with his criminal inquiry into the Russia investigation.
Louisiana Rep. Steve Scalise, the minority whip, said people have a right to know the extent of any misconduct in the Obama administration before they go to the polls in November, particularly because former Vice President Joe Biden, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, could have been privy to the actions taken by the FBI to investigate the Trump campaign's ties to Russia.
"Joe Biden has serious questions to answer," the congressman told Fox News host Jeanine Pirro on Saturday.
Scalise explained that the role Republicans in Congress will play is drawing attention to the controversy while the Justice Department takes the lead in rooting out any criminal misconduct.
As for Durham's investigation, Scalise said, "I want to see it sped up. I sure have been vocal about that."
He said it is because the election is coming up, and concerns have been raised about the appearances of such an inquiry reaching a climax right before the big event.
"Justice has to be served and not next December," Scalise said. "There is an election coming up, and the American people have a lot of decisions to make. All of this ought to be factored into what they decide. To see some of the dirty stuff that went on all the way possibly to President Obama at the time and Joe Biden when he was vice president."
Pirro brought home the idea that Biden could have been a knowing player in the Russia controversy by noting the former vice president attended a White House meeting about the Intelligence Community Assessment during the presidential transition period.
After that meeting, newly released notes show, former Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates was asked to stay behind along with then-FBI Director James Comey and was surprised to learn from Obama details about retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn's intercepted phone calls with a Russian envoy.
"Biden was very much a part of this," she said. "This is the Obama-Biden administration. ... This was something that was discussed constantly."
Attorney General William Barr, who appointed Durham to review the Russia investigation, has not dismissed the possibility of criminal prosecutions. He told conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt last month that the 2020 election will have no bearing on the Connecticut prosecutor's inquiry. Barr also stressed that he doesn't believe any major candidate for president was under scrutiny.
“As far as I’m aware, none of the key people that, whose actions are being reviewed at this point by Durham, are running for president,” Barr said.
"I think, in its core, the idea is, you don’t go after candidates," he added. "You don’t indict candidates or perhaps someone that’s sufficiently close to a candidate, that it’s essentially the same, you know, within a certain number of days before an election. But, you know, as I say, I don’t think any of the people whose actions are under review by Durham fall into that category.”
In leaked audio obtained and reported by Yahoo News on Friday, Obama told former administration officials the "rule of law is at risk" after the Justice Department filed to drop its criminal case against retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn, who was President Trump's first national security adviser.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-05-10--WATCH: Libertarian presidential debate featuring Justin Amash

The Libertarian Party of Kentucky is livestreaming a virtual debate Saturday evening between candidates for the Libertarian Party 's 2020 @ @ @ @ @ begins at 8 p.m. EDT and will feature the first appearance by Rep. Justin Amash @ @ @ @ @ joined the Libertarian Party and announced his intention to run for president in April .
@ @ @ @ @ former presidential candidate Vermin Supreme , Judge Jim Gray , attorney Jacob Hornberger , and @ @ @ @

The Libertarian Party of Kentucky is livestreaming a virtual debate Saturday evening between candidates for the Libertarian Party's 2020 presidential nomination.
The event begins at 8 p.m. EDT and will feature the first appearance by Rep. Justin Amash, a former Republican who joined the Libertarian Party and announced his intention to run for president in April. Amash will square off against former presidential candidate Vermin Supreme, Judge Jim Gray, attorney Jacob Hornberger, and professor Jo Jorgensen.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-05-10--Trump reelection campaign kicks off Mother's Day with new coalition for mothers

President Trump 's reelection campaign launched a coalition called “ Moms for Trump , ” as the country celebrates Mother ’ s Day .
“ Moms for Trump will mobilize and empower mothers , aunts , grandmothers , and nanas across the nation to re-elect President Donald J. Trump by sharing their stories and experiences of the President ’ s Pro-Family and Pro-America agenda .
Re-electing President Trump guarantees safer communities , stronger families , and the bright future our children and future generations deserve , ” the coalition ’ s website states .
The group was unveiled on Saturday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2020 advisers Lara Trump , Mercedes Schlapp , Katrina Pierson , and national chairwoman of Trump Victory Finance Committee Kimberly Guilfoyle .
“ President Trump built up our roaring economy once with his America First policies , and he is the only person who can do it again , ” Trump ’ s daughter-in-law Lara Trump said in a statement to the Daily Caller .
`` Mothers across the country are quickly recognizing that Joe Biden ’ s disastrous policies would be detrimental for our nation ’ s families and harmful to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also sent out a Mother ’ s Day tweet early Sunday morning .

President Trump's reelection campaign launched a coalition called “Moms for Trump,” as the country celebrates Mother’s Day.
“Moms for Trump will mobilize and empower mothers, aunts, grandmothers, and nanas across the nation to re-elect President Donald J. Trump by sharing their stories and experiences of the President’s Pro-Family and Pro-America agenda. Re-electing President Trump guarantees safer communities, stronger families, and the bright future our children and future generations deserve,” the coalition’s website states.
The group was unveiled on Saturday in a live broadcast that featured Trump 2020 advisers Lara Trump, Mercedes Schlapp, Katrina Pierson, and national chairwoman of Trump Victory Finance Committee Kimberly Guilfoyle.
“President Trump built up our roaring economy once with his America First policies, and he is the only person who can do it again,” Trump’s daughter-in-law Lara Trump said in a statement to the Daily Caller. "Mothers across the country are quickly recognizing that Joe Biden’s disastrous policies would be detrimental for our nation’s families and harmful to the future of our children.”
The president also sent out a Mother’s Day tweet early Sunday morning.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-05-10--Joe Biden could tap Val Demings as running mate, emphasizing fall importance of Florida

Rep. Val Demings , 63 , has represented parts of central Florida near Orlando since 2017 , after almost being the city 's first woman police chief for three-and-a-half years .
Following a high-profile turn as a House Democratic impeachment manager charged with prosecuting the case against President Trump during his Senate trial , Demings is now in the mix to become Biden 's running mate for November 's general election .
`` She is one of a group of close to a dozen really qualified and talented women who are on the list , '' Biden , the presumptive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ABC Orlando affiliate this week of Demings .
`` It 's going to take six to eight weeks to get that moving and to get through it .
But she 's a very competent , very capable person.
” Demings has welcomed the speculation , saying she `` would be honored to serve alongside Joe Biden and do everything within my power to get this country back on track . ''
`` Having served as a social worker , a career law enforcement officer , police chief , and now a member of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' she told MSNBC .
`` We 're dealing with a tough time right now .
We 're in the middle of a crisis .
I 've dealt with crisis before . ''
Demings has a lot of advantages in the `` pros '' column for putting her on the ticket and a handful of strikes against her in the `` con '' equivalent .
Demings , for one , has a compelling personal narrative that dovetails with Biden 's own working-class appeal .
The youngest of seven children born to a maid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a two-room house in Jacksonville before becoming a first-generation college student .
The mother of three and grandmother of five , who 's married to Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings , graduated from Florida State University with a criminology degree in 1979 before returning for a master 's in public administration years later .
While history 's stacked against a relatively junior House lawmaker becoming vice president , the Harley-Davidson motorcycle-riding marathon runner has quickly made a mark on Capitol Hill as one of only two representatives on both the House Intelligence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump 's impeachment .
During her time in Congress , she 's also allied herself with the New Democrat Coalition .
The group advocates for `` pro-economic growth , pro-innovation , and fiscally responsible policy ideas , '' making her ideologically in simpatico with Biden .
Questions , however , would be raised about million-dollar lawsuits brought against the Orlando Police Department for use of excessive force during her tenure .
And her record of reducing violent crime before she retired in 2011 could hurt Biden , who 's already under scrutiny for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Control and Law Enforcement Act .
There 's additionally the embarrassing incident of her being censured in 2009 for not properly securing her gun in her car parked outside her house .
In the game of hardball politics , University of Central Florida professor Aubrey Jewett said that past could haunt her , though the claims should be evaluated in context .
`` She was in law enforcement her whole life , and she backed up her officers for the most part as you would expect any good chief to do , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ perceived weakness was her lack of national exposure and experience compared to Sens .
Kamala Harris of California and Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota , for example .
Yet that requirement has waned in recent cycles , especially after former Alaska Gov .
Sarah Palin 's turn as John McCain 's running mate on the 2008 Republican ticket , according to Jewett .
Although her centrist policy and law enforcement credentials might fail to excite more liberal Democrats , Demings is an obvious candidate for consideration since she 's a black woman .
Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ figures to choose a minority woman as his No .
2 given their importance to a winning coalition .
Demings in the understudy role could boost Democratic efforts to flip Florida as well .
Florida 's home to 29 Electoral College votes and is crucial for Trump 's path back to the White House .
Biden , however , has an early 3 percentage point lead in the state , according to RealClearPolitics polling averages .
Trump clinched Florida in 2016 over then-rival Hillary Clinton by 1.2 percentage points , but recent surveys @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make the race even tighter in the state known for its retirees .
As part of a broader strategy shake-up , Biden this week targeted Florida , hosting a virtual roundtable with black leaders in Jacksonville and a glitch-riddled rally for Tampa Democrats .
Looking beyond the logistical challenges they will continue face , Biden 's campaign is outwardly bullish on their chances of turning states that supported Trump in 2016 blue in 2020 .
“ I think the battleground state map has gotten broader — I think there ’ s more opportunity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days ago , ” David Plouffe , former President Barack Obama ’ s 2008 campaign manager , said during a fundraiser , specifically name-checking Florida .
Despite Jewett cautioning against placing too much emphasis on the bottom of the ticket , he believes Demings `` would be a very solid choice . ''
`` She 's very inspirational and has a solid record of accomplishment through her life , including public life , and now in Congress , '' the Politics in Florida author said .
Having chosen his selection committee , Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the traditional announcement timeline , probably unveiling the 2020 vice presidential nominee in mid-August just before the convention Milwaukee .

Joe Biden's making a play for Florida, bolstering a House Democrat's case as a vice presidential pick.
Rep. Val Demings, 63, has represented parts of central Florida near Orlando since 2017, after being the city's first woman police chief for three-and-a-half years. Following a high-profile turn as a House Democratic impeachment manager charged with prosecuting the case against President Trump during his Senate trial, Demings is now in the mix to become Biden's running mate for November's general election.
"She is one of a group of close to a dozen really qualified and talented women who are on the list," Biden, the presumptive 2020 Democratic presidential nominee, told an ABC Orlando affiliate this week of Demings. "It's going to take six to eight weeks to get that moving and to get through it. But she's a very competent, very capable person.”
Demings has welcomed the speculation, saying she "would be honored to serve alongside Joe Biden and do everything within my power to get this country back on track."
"Having served as a social worker, a career law enforcement officer, police chief, and now a member of Congress, I chose tough jobs," she told MSNBC. "We're dealing with a tough time right now. We're in the middle of a crisis. I've dealt with crisis before."
“If asked, I would be honored to serve alongside Joe Biden...” https://t.co/ASnWcqbNlg — Willie Geist (@WillieGeist) May 6, 2020
Demings has a lot of advantages in the "pros" column for putting her on the ticket and a handful of strikes against her in the "con" equivalent.
Demings, for one, has a compelling personal narrative that dovetails with Biden's own working-class appeal. The youngest of seven children born to a maid and a janitor, she grew up in a two-room house in Jacksonville before becoming a first-generation college student. The mother of three and grandmother of five, who's married to Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, graduated from Florida State University with a criminology degree in 1979 before returning for a master's in public administration years later.
While history's stacked against a relatively junior House lawmaker becoming vice president, the Harley-Davidson motorcycle-riding marathon runner has quickly made a mark on Capitol Hill as one of only two representatives on both the House Intelligence and Judiciary committees, which pushed for Trump's impeachment. During her time in Congress, she's also allied herself with the New Democrat Coalition. The group advocates for "pro-economic growth, pro-innovation, and fiscally responsible policy ideas," making her ideologically in simpatico with Biden.
Questions, however, would be raised about million-dollar lawsuits brought against the Orlando Police Department for use of excessive force during her tenure. And her record of reducing violent crime before she retired in 2011 could hurt Biden, who's already under scrutiny for his work on the 1994 Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act. There's additionally the embarrassing incident of her being censured in 2009 for not properly securing her gun in her car parked outside her house.
In the game of hardball politics, University of Central Florida professor Aubrey Jewett said that past could haunt her, though the claims should be evaluated in context.
"She was in law enforcement her whole life, and she backed up her officers for the most part as you would expect any good chief to do," he told the Washington Examiner.
Another perceived weakness was her lack of national exposure and experience compared to Sens. Kamala Harris of California and Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, for example. Yet that requirement has waned in recent cycles, especially after former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's turn as John McCain's running mate on the 2008 Republican ticket, according to Jewett.
Although her centrist policy and law enforcement credentials might fail to excite more liberal Democrats, Demings is an obvious candidate for consideration since she's a black woman. Biden's facing mounting pressure from key party figures to choose a minority woman as his No. 2 given their importance to a winning coalition.
Demings in the understudy role could boost Democratic efforts to flip Florida as well.
Florida's home to 29 Electoral College votes and is crucial for Trump's path back to the White House. Biden, however, has an early 3 percentage point lead in the state, according to RealClearPolitics polling averages. Trump clinched Florida in 2016 over then-rival Hillary Clinton by 1.2 percentage points, but recent surveys suggest Biden's appeal among seniors could make the race even tighter in the state known for its retirees.
As part of a broader strategy shake-up, Biden this week targeted Florida, hosting a virtual roundtable with black leaders in Jacksonville and a glitch-riddled rally for Tampa Democrats.
Looking beyond the logistical challenges they will continue face, Biden's campaign is outwardly bullish on their chances of turning states that supported Trump in 2016 blue in 2020.
“I think the battleground state map has gotten broader — I think there’s more opportunity for Joe Biden than there was 60 days ago,” David Plouffe, former President Barack Obama’s 2008 campaign manager, said during a fundraiser, specifically name-checking Florida.
Despite Jewett cautioning against placing too much emphasis on the bottom of the ticket, he believes Demings "would be a very solid choice."
"She's very inspirational and has a solid record of accomplishment through her life, including public life, and now in Congress," the Politics in Florida author said.
Having chosen his selection committee, Biden has indicated he's unlikely to detour from the traditional announcement timeline, probably unveiling the 2020 vice presidential nominee in mid-August just before the convention Milwaukee.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-05-11--Attorney for Tara Reade calls on Biden to open Senate archives

The law firm representing Tara Reade sent a letter to Joe Biden calling on him to open up his University of Delaware archives for a search of all records related to Reade 's alleged sexual harassment claim .
The letter , which was obtained by the Washington Examiner , was emailed Monday by attorney Douglas Wigdor to Biden 's presidential campaign and says that `` Reade ... is entitled to the process she deserves . ''
Biden has unequivocally denied Reade 's allegation that he sexually harassed and assaulted her in 1993 when she worked as an aide in his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ riddled with `` inconsistencies '' and has `` changed repeatedly in both small and big ways . ''
`` We hereby request that you immediately open up your Archives at the University of Delaware and authorize a search to determine whether they contain any records related to Ms. Reade , including , but not limited to , Ms. Reade 's Request for Counseling and/or documents related thereto , '' the letter reads .
The University of Delaware has denied all access to the archives , which were donated in 2011 by Biden , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ until two years after the former vice president and 36-year Delaware senator `` retires from the public eye . ''
Despite that provision , members of the Biden campaign reportedly accessed the archives after he announced his presidential run .
In his letter , Wigdor attacked the secretary of the Senate for refusing to disclose any documents related to Reade 's time in the Senate due to confidentiality provisions , calling the rules `` draconian . ''
Earlier this month , Biden asked Senate record-keepers to release any files related to Reade 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with MSNBC 's Morning Joe .
`` If that document existed , it would be stored in the National Archives , where documents from the office she claimed to have filed a complaint with are stored , '' Biden said .
`` The Senate controls those archives .
So I 'm asking the secretary of the Senate today to identify if any such document exists .
If it does , make it public . ''
But on May 4 , Secretary of the Senate Julie Adams said the office has `` no discretion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an incorrect interpretation of the statutes , according to Wigdor .
`` We hope your apology to Professor [ Anita ] Hill and public statements about your shortcomings during Justice Thomas 's confirmation hearing do not ring hollow , and that you do not block a fair and diligent search of your Archives for records collaborating Ms. Reade 's allegations , '' Wigdor wrote .
Wigdor , who has worked on a number of high-profile sexual misconduct cases , including claims against Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein , began representing Reade on May 4 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Christine Blasey Ford in her allegations against Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh and also supported President Trump in the 2016 election .
`` Her harrowing account is credible and supported by numerous 'outcry ' witnesses from decades ago , '' a press release from the firm on Thursday said of Reade 's claims .
`` We at Wigdor LLP firmly believe that every survivor of sexual assault has the right to competent legal counsel , and we will represent Ms. Reade zealously , just as we would any other victim of sexual violence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mistreated by Biden in spring 2019 but did not say he forcibly kissed her or penetrated her with his fingers until March of this year .
In an interview with Megan Kelly released last week , Reade called on Biden to drop out of the presidential race .

The law firm representing Tara Reade sent a letter to Joe Biden calling on him to open up his University of Delaware archives for a search of all records related to Reade's alleged sexual harassment claim.
The letter, which was obtained by the Washington Examiner, was emailed Monday by attorney Douglas Wigdor to Biden's presidential campaign and says that "Reade ... is entitled to the process she deserves."
Biden has unequivocally denied Reade's allegation that he sexually harassed and assaulted her in 1993 when she worked as an aide in his Senate office and said her story is riddled with "inconsistencies" and has "changed repeatedly in both small and big ways."
"We hereby request that you immediately open up your Archives at the University of Delaware and authorize a search to determine whether they contain any records related to Ms. Reade, including, but not limited to, Ms. Reade's Request for Counseling and/or documents related thereto," the letter reads.
The University of Delaware has denied all access to the archives, which were donated in 2011 by Biden, saying they won't be made public until two years after the former vice president and 36-year Delaware senator "retires from the public eye." Despite that provision, members of the Biden campaign reportedly accessed the archives after he announced his presidential run.
In his letter, Wigdor attacked the secretary of the Senate for refusing to disclose any documents related to Reade's time in the Senate due to confidentiality provisions, calling the rules "draconian." Earlier this month, Biden asked Senate record-keepers to release any files related to Reade's alleged sexual assault complaint during an interview with MSNBC's Morning Joe.
"If that document existed, it would be stored in the National Archives, where documents from the office she claimed to have filed a complaint with are stored," Biden said. "The Senate controls those archives. So I'm asking the secretary of the Senate today to identify if any such document exists. If it does, make it public."
But on May 4, Secretary of the Senate Julie Adams said the office has "no discretion to disclose any such information," an incorrect interpretation of the statutes, according to Wigdor.
"We hope your apology to Professor [Anita] Hill and public statements about your shortcomings during Justice Thomas's confirmation hearing do not ring hollow, and that you do not block a fair and diligent search of your Archives for records collaborating Ms. Reade's allegations," Wigdor wrote.
Wigdor, who has worked on a number of high-profile sexual misconduct cases, including claims against Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, began representing Reade on May 4. He was a vocal advocate for Christine Blasey Ford in her allegations against Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh and also supported President Trump in the 2016 election.
"Her harrowing account is credible and supported by numerous 'outcry' witnesses from decades ago," a press release from the firm on Thursday said of Reade's claims. "We at Wigdor LLP firmly believe that every survivor of sexual assault has the right to competent legal counsel, and we will represent Ms. Reade zealously, just as we would any other victim of sexual violence."
Reade first alleged she was mistreated by Biden in spring 2019 but did not say he forcibly kissed her or penetrated her with his fingers until March of this year. In an interview with Megan Kelly released last week, Reade called on Biden to drop out of the presidential race.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-05-11--Biden likens vice presidential choices to calendar models

Joe Biden has used a not-so-woke analogy in evaluating female running mate choices .
The New York Times reported on Monday that the 2020 presumptive Democratic presidential nominee has previously compared potential vice presidential picks to `` calendar models , '' such as `` Mr. August , '' `` Mr. October , '' or `` Mr .
January . ''
Each of those months were coordinated to alleged strengths , with October meaning `` effective campaigners , '' August meaning `` a shot of momentum in the summer , '' and January translated to `` a governing partner , politics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to say that Biden is considering a combination of October and January , meaning someone who can help drive up turnout and eventually be a competent administrator in the White House .
Biden 's private remarks are reminiscent of Mitt Romney 's `` binders full of women '' line during the second presidential debate of the 2012 general election .
During a question-and-answer session with the audience , the Republican nominee , a former Massachusetts governor and now a Utah senator , was asked about professional opportunities for women .
Recalling his business @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff positions in Massachusetts state government , Romney recalled .
`` All of the applicants seem to be men .
And I said , 'Well , gosh , ca n't we find some women who are also qualified ? '
'' before adding that he `` went to a number of women 's groups , and I said , 'Can you help us find folks ? '
And they brought us binders full of women . ''
Those remarks were quickly mocked on social media , and some analysts said the remarks contributed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Barack Obama that November , along with the White House .
Biden has since promised to nominate a woman for vice president , announcing the decision during a March primary debate .
“ If I ’ m elected president , my Cabinet , my administration will look like the country , ” Biden said on March 15 .
“ I commit that I will … pick a woman to be vice president .
There are a number of women who are qualified to be president tomorrow .
I would pick a woman to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lawmakers are currently under consideration , including Sens .
Kamala Harris of California , Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota , and Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts .

Joe Biden has used a not-so-woke analogy in evaluating female running mate choices.
The New York Times reported on Monday that the 2020 presumptive Democratic presidential nominee has previously compared potential vice presidential picks to "calendar models," such as "Mr. August," "Mr. October," or "Mr. January." Each of those months were coordinated to alleged strengths, with October meaning "effective campaigners," August meaning "a shot of momentum in the summer," and January translated to "a governing partner, politics notwithstanding."
The report goes on to say that Biden is considering a combination of October and January, meaning someone who can help drive up turnout and eventually be a competent administrator in the White House.
Biden's private remarks are reminiscent of Mitt Romney's "binders full of women" line during the second presidential debate of the 2012 general election. During a question-and-answer session with the audience, the Republican nominee, a former Massachusetts governor and now a Utah senator, was asked about professional opportunities for women.
Recalling his business career in private equity and hiring for staff positions in Massachusetts state government, Romney recalled. "All of the applicants seem to be men. And I said, 'Well, gosh, can't we find some women who are also qualified?'" before adding that he "went to a number of women's groups, and I said, 'Can you help us find folks?' And they brought us binders full of women."
Those remarks were quickly mocked on social media, and some analysts said the remarks contributed to losing the female vote to President Barack Obama that November, along with the White House.
Biden has since promised to nominate a woman for vice president, announcing the decision during a March primary debate.
“If I’m elected president, my Cabinet, my administration will look like the country,” Biden said on March 15. “I commit that I will … pick a woman to be vice president. There are a number of women who are qualified to be president tomorrow. I would pick a woman to be my vice president.”
Several Democratic lawmakers are currently under consideration, including Sens. Kamala Harris of California, Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, and Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-05-11--Biden calls Trump coronavirus response 'childish'

Joe Biden took to the op-ed pages of the Washington Post to continue attacking the federal government 's coronavirus policies , which are led by President Trump .
`` [ Trump 's ] goal is as obvious as it is craven : He hopes to split the country into dueling camps , casting Democrats as doomsayers hoping to keep America grounded and Republicans as freedom fighters trying to liberate the economy , '' the former vice president and presumptive 2020 Democratic presidential nominee wrote in a Monday guest piece .
`` It ’ s a childish tactic — and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fall for . ''
Biden proceeded to knock the Trump administration for its lack of a comprehensive testing program , saying the president 's promise that `` anybody that wants a test can get a test '' has been exposed as a `` baldfaced lie . ''
Allowing businesses to conduct business , Biden argued , would n't matter if consumers feel nervous about entering public spaces .
`` States and cities that have attempted to reopen are discovering that the economy isn ’ t a light switch you can simply flip on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ run , and that confidence must be earned by credible leadership and demonstrable safety , '' he wrote about Georgia , which reopened its dine-in restaurants in late April but found that demand has barely ticked upward .
In the last two weeks , Biden 's allies have taken to the pages of major newspapers such as the New York Times to give advice to his campaign , which has been relocated to his home in Wilmington , Delaware .
But some Republican operatives questioned whether the op-ed would move votes .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ publishing an op-ed in the @ washingtonpost ?
Or , did he become President because he never did ? ''
tweeted Justin Sayfie , who was a spokesman for then-Gov .
Jeb Bush , a Republican .

Joe Biden took to the op-ed pages of the Washington Post to continue attacking the federal government's coronavirus policies, which are led by President Trump.
"[Trump's] goal is as obvious as it is craven: He hopes to split the country into dueling camps, casting Democrats as doomsayers hoping to keep America grounded and Republicans as freedom fighters trying to liberate the economy," the former vice president and presumptive 2020 Democratic presidential nominee wrote in a Monday guest piece. "It’s a childish tactic — and a false choice that none of us should fall for."
Biden proceeded to knock the Trump administration for its lack of a comprehensive testing program, saying the president's promise that "anybody that wants a test can get a test" has been exposed as a "baldfaced lie."
Allowing businesses to conduct business, Biden argued, wouldn't matter if consumers feel nervous about entering public spaces.
"States and cities that have attempted to reopen are discovering that the economy isn’t a light switch you can simply flip on — people need confidence to make it run, and that confidence must be earned by credible leadership and demonstrable safety," he wrote about Georgia, which reopened its dine-in restaurants in late April but found that demand has barely ticked upward.
In the last two weeks, Biden's allies have taken to the pages of major newspapers such as the New York Times to give advice to his campaign, which has been relocated to his home in Wilmington, Delaware.
But some Republican operatives questioned whether the op-ed would move votes.
"How did @realDonaldTrump become President without publishing an op-ed in the @washingtonpost? Or, did he become President because he never did?" tweeted Justin Sayfie, who was a spokesman for then-Gov. Jeb Bush, a Republican.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-05-12--Rush to mail-in voting set to create bureaucratic nightmare

Demand for mail-in absentee ballots for the November election is set to create a strain on election administrators that results in a bureaucratic nightmare on Election Day .
Due both to activists pushing for greater absentee voting and to the general population likely to be wary of going in public even after states lift social distancing restrictions , the sudden desire to change voting methods away from physical polling places creates a logistical challenge that may be insurmountable .
Five states already had total vote-by-mail systems before the coronavirus pandemic : Colorado , Hawaii , Oregon , Utah , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an executive order on Friday to send absentee ballots to every registered voter there for the November election , but the state already had high levels of mail-in absentee voting .
But many areas do not have the systems in place , or funds available , to accommodate an increase in absentee voting .
Ballots must be printed , so officials will need to find companies who can print millions more ballots and secure , verified envelopes than they expected to need .
Then , election workers will have to process those ballots @ @ @ @ @ @ @ matches that of the voter .
If there are questions about a valid signature , that envelope must go through another verification process .
Then , election workers must open each envelope and process each paper ballot .
“ There 'll be mistakes all the way along — getting them the ballots , getting them back , verifying their signatures , being able to report the results on election night , ” said Bob Stein , a political science professor at Rice University .
“ You need voting machines , in this case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the paper ballots , and poll workers are gon na open them up.
” The result : Delayed election results , missing ballots , voters who may be unaware that their ballot was rejected , and arguments about voter suppression .
Pennsylvania , one of the states that recently changed its laws before the coronavirus pandemic to allow absentee , mail-in voting for any reason , demonstrates the spike in demand , causing havoc for local administrators .
“ We ’ ve had 160,000 applications for mail-in ballots for the [ June 2 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Secretary of the Commonwealth Kathy Boockvar told New York Times Magazine in April .
“ For comparison , in 2016 , we got 19,000 in the same period.
” Achieving adequate preparations for smooth-going mass vote-by-mail for the November election at this point , six months before the election , especially for those states that do not already have robust systems to handle large numbers of absentee votes , is unrealistic , if not impossible .
“ It 's hard enough to get bread flour .
Where are you going to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or residentially appropriate ballots ?
” Stein said .
A trade organization called the National Association of Presort Mailers that the companies involved with creating and sorting the mail-in ballots may not have the time to scale up operations to meet all the demand , especially if election officials stall on placing orders due to legal and political battles on what levels of mail-in voting the election administrators should accommodate .
“ The machine that folds and inserts the ballot into the envelope can cost up to $ 1 million , ” Richard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president of the National Association of Presort Mailers New York Times Magazine .
“ It normally takes 90 days to order one piece of gear .
Then you have to get it installed and check everything , because the security and quality control has to be very , very high.
” Those pursuing legal challenges to increase absentee voting and vote-by-mail do so because they fear disenfranchisement in November due to the coronavirus keeping people from going to the polls .
But ironically , those political and legal fights are making it more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ systems because it adds uncertainty to the process and prevents them from making decisions .
“ There are things that they can do , but they need to know what the rules of the game are , ” Stein said .
There are some actions lawmakers can take to ease the burden on election administrators as the process causes a spike in absentee ballots .
Allowing administrators to process absentee ballots before the polls close on election day , for example , will allow final election results to be tallied and winners to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the contentious in-person Wisconsin primary and local elections in April , the Milwaukee City Council in late April to send every registered voter an absentee ballot application , hoping to reduce the workload for election administrators .
Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose , a Republican , is pushing for changes that could ease the burden on election administrators such as allowing online ballot requests , moving the deadline to request an absentee back to a week before the election , and releasing funds for personnel and equipment to handle the increased absentee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , officials will need to implement changes to in-person voting systems in order to accommodate changes in voting behavior amid the coronavirus pandemic , such as adding additional days and longer hours for early in-person voting locations .
“ Spread out the vote just like you spread out the virus , ” Stein said .

Demand for mail-in absentee ballots for the November election is set to create a strain on election administrators that results in a bureaucratic nightmare on Election Day.
Due both to activists pushing for greater absentee voting and to a general population likely to be wary of going in public even after states lift social distancing restrictions, the sudden desire to change voting methods away from physical polling places creates a logistical challenge that may be insurmountable.
Five states already had total vote-by-mail systems before the coronavirus pandemic: Colorado, Hawaii, Oregon, Utah, and Washington. California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed an executive order on Friday to send absentee ballots to every registered voter there for the November election, but the state already had high levels of mail-in absentee voting.
Many areas, though, do not have the systems in place, or funds available, to accommodate an increase in absentee voting.
Ballots must be printed, so officials will need to find companies that can print millions more ballots and secure, verified envelopes than they expected to need. Then, election workers will have to process those ballots by verifying the signature on the envelope matches that of the voter. If there are questions about a valid signature, that envelope must go through another verification process. Then, election workers must open each envelope and process each paper ballot.
“There'll be mistakes all the way along — getting them the ballots, getting them back, verifying their signatures, being able to report the results on election night,” said Bob Stein, a political science professor at Rice University. “You need voting machines, in this case, optical scanning machines that can read the paper ballots, and poll workers are gonna open them up.”
The result: Delayed election results, missing ballots, voters who may be unaware that their ballots were rejected, and arguments about voter suppression.
Pennsylvania, one of the states that recently changed its laws before the coronavirus pandemic to allow absentee, mail-in voting for any reason , demonstrates the spike in demand causing havoc for local administrators.
“We’ve had 160,000 applications for mail-in ballots for the [June 2] primary in the last week,” Secretary of the Commonwealth Kathy Boockvar told New York Times Magazine in April. “For comparison, in 2016, we got 19,000 in the same period.”
Achieving adequate preparations for smooth-going, mass voting by mail at this point, six months before the November election, especially for those states that do not already have robust systems to handle large numbers of absentee votes, is unrealistic, if not impossible.
“It's hard enough to get bread flour. Where are you going to get a vendor that can print up precinct-appropriate or residentially appropriate ballots?” Stein said.
A trade organization called the National Association of Presort Mailers warned that the companies involved with creating and sorting the mail-in ballots may not have the time to scale up operations to meet all the demand, especially if election officials stall on placing orders due to legal and political battles on what levels of mail-in voting the election administrators should accommodate.
“The machine that folds and inserts the ballot into the envelope can cost up to $1 million,” Richard Gebbie, of Midwest Presort Mailing Services and president of the National Association of Presort Mailers, told New York Times Magazine. “It normally takes 90 days to order one piece of gear. Then you have to get it installed and check everything, because the security and quality control has to be very, very high.”
Those pursuing legal challenges to increase absentee voting and voting by mail do so because they fear disenfranchisement in November due to the coronavirus keeping people from going to the polls.
But ironically, those political and legal fights are making it more difficult for election officials to prepare their systems because it adds uncertainty to the process and prevents them from making decisions.
“There are things that they can do, but they need to know what the rules of the game are,” Stein said.
There are some actions lawmakers can take to ease the burden on election administrators as the process causes a spike in absentee ballots. Allowing administrators to process absentee ballots before the polls close on Election Day, for example, will allow final election results to be tallied and winners to be announced without prolonged delays.
Following the contentious in-person Wisconsin primary and local elections in April, the Milwaukee City Council passed a resolution in late April to send every registered voter an absentee ballot application, hoping to reduce the workload for election administrators.
Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose, a Republican, is pushing for changes that could ease the burden on election administrators, such as allowing online ballot requests, moving the deadline to request an absentee ballots back to a week before the election, and releasing funds for personnel and equipment to handle the increased absentee ballot load.
Ultimately, Stein said, officials will need to implement changes to in-person voting systems in order to accommodate changes in voting behavior amid the coronavirus pandemic, such as adding additional days and longer hours for early in-person voting locations.
“Spread out the vote just like you spread out the virus,” Stein said.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-05-12--Repealing and replacing the Trump probes with the Durham investigation will stoke president's base

An issue Democrats once believed would be the undoing of President Trump could be his ticket back to the White House , as the investigation into alleged collusion between the Trump campaign in Russia turns into a probe of the investigators .
“ POTUS has been vindicated in the Senate , and now he is being further vindicated by DOJ , ” said Republican strategist Bradley Blakeman .
“ There was never any Russian collusion before or after the campaign .
It was an orchestrated effort to prevent Trump from winning and thereafter , keep him from governing .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the cat is chasing the dog .
U.S. Attorney for Connecticut John Durham is conducting an investigation into the origins of the Trump-Russia probe that dominated much of the president ’ s term , with results expected before November ’ s election .
Durham ’ s findings could be part of a broader unraveling of the Trump-Russia scandal , which alleged a by the Kremlin and the Trump campaign to swing public opinion against 2016 Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton .
Last week , the Justice Department against former national security adviser Michael Flynn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transcripts of over 50 interviews it conducted while investigating possible Trump-Russia collusion , with witnesses , including some former Obama administration officials who have sharply criticized the president on these issues in the media , repeatedly testifying they of such offenses .
The testimony also contained revelations about the dissemination of the discredited Christopher Steele dossier .
All this followed a Justice Department review that found widespread errors in applications the FBI used to surveil Trump campaign aide Carter Page , at least two of which lacked probable cause .
Trump-Russia special counsel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not establish that members of the Trump Campaign conspired or coordinated with the Russian government in its election interference activities , ” and House Democrats ultimately did not open an impeachment inquiry based on his report .
“ It paints a pretty damning picture of the political establishment and will further enrage those Trump supporters who believe that the deep state was part of a dangerous coup against the president that they love , ” said Republican strategist John Feehery .
“ The fact that President Obama now looks like he might have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the political establishment.
” Trump has frequently called the alleged collusion a “ hoax.
” He was eventually impeached by the Democrat-controlled House over delaying aid to Ukraine in an alleged attempt to force an investigation into Democratic challenger Joe Biden and failing to cooperate with the resulting impeachment inquiry .
The Senate acquitted him of both charges earlier this year .
Now , impeachment has receded into the background , and questions about the Trump-Russia investigations , and how quickly both investigators and Democratic critics of the president knew there was no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be added value to the Trump election fodder , ” Blakeman said .
“ So far , they are gaining more ammo to use against Biden and House and Senate Democrats this fall .
The election will be decided on the economy , but collateral issues like this are certainly going to help the president.
” Durham 's investigation could continue to bolster Trump 's claims that he was subject to a partisan `` witch hunt . ''
`` It was a very dangerous situation what they did , '' Trump told Fox @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are dirty politicians and dirty cops and some horrible people , and hopefully , they 're going to pay a big price in the not too distant future.
” Democrats counter that it is the Justice Department , under the leadership of Attorney General William Barr , that is conducting politicized investigations .
They say that there is substantial evidence against Flynn , who pleaded guilty , and that the Mueller report is a damning portrayal of the president , strongly suggesting that he obstructed justice , even if it stopped short of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ found Trump-Russia or impeachment to be a among voters , a fact unlikely to change in the middle of a global pandemic and resulting economic contraction .
But these issues resonate with the bases of both parties .
`` Resistance '' -minded progressive activists kept up pressure on House Speaker Nancy Pelosi until she agreed to an impeachment inquiry .
Trump ’ s strongest supporters believe that the inquiry and the Russia investigation were just tools to oust a duly elected president — and they now have momentum on their side .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an already highly polarized electorate , ” said Feehery .

An issue Democrats once believed would be the undoing of President Trump could be his ticket back to the White House, as the investigation into alleged collusion between the Trump campaign in Russia turns into a probe of the investigators.
“POTUS has been vindicated in the Senate, and now he is being further vindicated by DOJ,” said Republican strategist Bradley Blakeman. “There was never any Russian collusion before or after the campaign. It was an orchestrated effort to prevent Trump from winning and thereafter, keep him from governing. The American people get it.”
Now, the cat is chasing the dog. U.S. Attorney for Connecticut John Durham is conducting an investigation into the origins of the Trump-Russia probe that dominated much of the president’s term, with results expected before November’s election. Durham’s findings could be part of a broader unraveling of the Trump-Russia scandal, which alleged a coordinated effort by the Kremlin and the Trump campaign to swing public opinion against 2016 Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton.
Last week, the Justice Department dropped its case against former national security adviser Michael Flynn. The House Intelligence Committee also published transcripts of over 50 interviews it conducted while investigating possible Trump-Russia collusion, with witnesses, including some former Obama administration officials who have sharply criticized the president on these issues in the media, repeatedly testifying they lacked direct evidence of such offenses. The testimony also contained revelations about the dissemination of the discredited Christopher Steele dossier.
All this followed a Justice Department review that found widespread errors in applications the FBI used to surveil Trump campaign aide Carter Page, at least two of which lacked probable cause. Trump-Russia special counsel Robert Mueller concluded his “investigation did not establish that members of the Trump Campaign conspired or coordinated with the Russian government in its election interference activities,” and House Democrats ultimately did not open an impeachment inquiry based on his report.
“It paints a pretty damning picture of the political establishment and will further enrage those Trump supporters who believe that the deep state was part of a dangerous coup against the president that they love,” said Republican strategist John Feehery. “The fact that President Obama now looks like he might have been involved is a further indictment of the political establishment.”
Trump has frequently called the alleged collusion a “hoax.” He was eventually impeached by the Democrat-controlled House over delaying aid to Ukraine in an alleged attempt to force an investigation into Democratic challenger Joe Biden and failing to cooperate with the resulting impeachment inquiry. The Senate acquitted him of both charges earlier this year.
Now, impeachment has receded into the background, and questions about the Trump-Russia investigations, and how quickly both investigators and Democratic critics of the president knew there was no collusion, remain.
“This will be added value to the Trump election fodder,” Blakeman said. “So far, they are gaining more ammo to use against Biden and House and Senate Democrats this fall. The election will be decided on the economy, but collateral issues like this are certainly going to help the president.”
Durham's investigation could continue to bolster Trump's claims that he was subject to a partisan "witch hunt."
"It was a very dangerous situation what they did," Trump told Fox & Friends on Friday. "These are dirty politicians and dirty cops and some horrible people, and hopefully, they're going to pay a big price in the not too distant future.”
Democrats counter that it is the Justice Department, under the leadership of Attorney General William Barr, that is conducting politicized investigations. They say that there is substantial evidence against Flynn, who pleaded guilty, and that the Mueller report is a damning portrayal of the president, strongly suggesting that he obstructed justice, even if it stopped short of proving any collusion-related crimes.
Polling has never found Trump-Russia or impeachment to be a major priority among voters, a fact unlikely to change in the middle of a global pandemic and resulting economic contraction. But these issues resonate with the bases of both parties. "Resistance"-minded progressive activists kept up pressure on House Speaker Nancy Pelosi until she agreed to an impeachment inquiry. Trump’s strongest supporters believe that the inquiry and the Russia investigation were just tools to oust a duly elected president — and they now have momentum on their side.
“Practically speaking, this will further polarize an already highly polarized electorate,” said Feehery.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-05-12--'Clear double standard': GOP set to pound Democrats with Biden sexual assault allegations

Congressional Republicans are demanding Democrats answer for sexual assault accusations against Joe Biden , moving to neutralize Democratic attacks that charge Republicans with ignoring President Trump ’ s alleged misconduct .
Republicans are accusing Democratic congressional candidates of rank , “ # MeToo ” hypocrisy for standing by Biden amid allegations by Tara Reade that their presumptive presidential nominee sexually assaulted her in 1993 , when she worked in his Senate office .
The message is being delivered by the twin GOP congressional political outfits , the National Republican Congressional Committee and National Republican Senatorial Committee , in a barrage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Trump campaign is amplifying the message .
Republican operatives behind the attacks say the strategy , though hardly innovative , is ruthlessly efficient .
For three years , Democrats have put Republicans on the defensive with key voting blocs by highlighting their willingness to accommodate the multiple sexual misconduct allegations against Trump — and his other personal foibles .
With Democrats choosing to stick by Biden despite the seriousness of Reade ’ s accusations , Republicans are convinced they have landed on an effective way to disarm these attacks .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bind , ” NRSC spokesman Jesse Hunt said Monday .
Democrats counter that their opposition to Trump is not just based on his character , but on issues such as healthcare , immigration , and taxes .
Democrats are confident they can ride these differences , and the president ’ s handling of the coronavirus pandemic and the resulting economic fallout , to more congressional pickups and a White House win in November .
“ Republicans are working under the false notion that Democrats ’ only line of attack here is the president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nonissue in a lot of these races , ” a Democratic strategist said .
Republicans insist the politics are more complicated than Democrats suggest .
In 2018 , as the “ # MeToo ” movement to recognize and validate sexual assault survivors gained steam , most prominent Democrats took the position that women who came forward with allegations should be believed even in the absence of credible , corroborating evidence .
During hearings to confirm Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh , Christine Blasey Ford accused him of sexually assaulting her when both were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden , Kavanaugh vigorously denied the allegations .
But Senate Democrats , saying Blasey Ford deserved the benefit of the doubt , said they believed her and cited her accusation as a major reason for opposing Kavanaugh ’ s confirmation .
The Trump campaign spotlighted this in a press release Friday when they referred to Sen. Tammy Duckworth ’ s vote against Kavanaugh just before the midterm elections .
“ From the Senate floor , Duckworth calls on Senate to reject Judge Kavanaugh ’ s confirmation and believe survivors , ” read the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ position that fall .
In addition to helping Republicans overcome the ethical cloud that hangs over Trump , the GOP is optimistic that the Democrats ’ support for Biden in the midst of serious sexual misconduct allegations could shield vulnerable Senate incumbents from Democratic attacks based on their vote to confirm Kavanaugh .
In particular , Republicans believe Sen. Susan Collins of Maine might avoid blowback for her Kavanaugh vote .
Her Democratic challenger , state House Speaker Sara Gideon , is sticking with Biden .
Republicans say Gideon risks charges of political @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continued support for Biden if she attacks Collins for supporting the newest member of the Supreme Court .
“ It draws a very clear double standard as to how Democrats treated the Kavanaugh allegations , ” Republican strategist Matt Gorman said .

Congressional Republicans are demanding Democrats answer for sexual assault accusations against Joe Biden, moving to neutralize Democratic attacks that charge Republicans with ignoring President Trump’s alleged misconduct.
Republicans are accusing Democratic congressional candidates of rank, “#MeToo” hypocrisy for standing by Biden amid allegations by Tara Reade that their presumptive presidential nominee sexually assaulted her in 1993, when she worked in his Senate office. The message is being delivered by the twin GOP congressional political outfits, the National Republican Congressional Committee and National Republican Senatorial Committee, in a barrage of email blasts and local media hits. The Trump campaign is amplifying the message.
Republican operatives behind the attacks say the strategy, though hardly innovative, is ruthlessly efficient. For three years, Democrats have put Republicans on the defensive with key voting blocs by highlighting their willingness to accommodate the multiple sexual misconduct allegations against Trump — and his other personal foibles. With Democrats choosing to stick by Biden despite the seriousness of Reade’s accusations, Republicans are convinced they have landed on an effective way to disarm these attacks.
“This is putting Democrats in a massive bind,” NRSC spokesman Jesse Hunt said Monday.
Democrats counter that their opposition to Trump is not just based on his character, but on issues such as healthcare, immigration, and taxes. Democrats are confident they can ride these differences, and the president’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic and the resulting economic fallout, to more congressional pickups and a White House win in November.
“Republicans are working under the false notion that Democrats’ only line of attack here is the president’s character. This is a nonissue in a lot of these races,” a Democratic strategist said.
Republicans insist the politics are more complicated than Democrats suggest.
In 2018, as the “#MeToo” movement to recognize and validate sexual assault survivors gained steam, most prominent Democrats took the position that women who came forward with allegations should be believed even in the absence of credible, corroborating evidence. During hearings to confirm Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, Christine Blasey Ford accused him of sexually assaulting her when both were high school classmates decades ago.
Like Biden, Kavanaugh vigorously denied the allegations. But Senate Democrats, saying Blasey Ford deserved the benefit of the doubt, said they believed her and cited her accusation as a major reason for opposing Kavanaugh’s confirmation. The Trump campaign spotlighted this in a press release Friday when they referred to Sen. Tammy Duckworth’s vote against Kavanaugh just before the midterm elections.
“From the Senate floor, Duckworth calls on Senate to reject Judge Kavanaugh’s confirmation and believe survivors,” read the senator’s press release announcing her position that fall.
In addition to helping Republicans overcome the ethical cloud that hangs over Trump, the GOP is optimistic that the Democrats’ support for Biden in the midst of serious sexual misconduct allegations could shield vulnerable Senate incumbents from Democratic attacks based on their vote to confirm Kavanaugh.
In particular, Republicans believe Sen. Susan Collins of Maine might avoid blowback for her Kavanaugh vote. Her Democratic challenger, state House Speaker Sara Gideon, is sticking with Biden. Republicans say Gideon risks charges of political gamesmanship or of having to explain her continued support for Biden if she attacks Collins for supporting the newest member of the Supreme Court.
“It draws a very clear double standard as to how Democrats treated the Kavanaugh allegations,” Republican strategist Matt Gorman said.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-05-12--McConnell: Obama 'should have kept his mouth shut' about Trump

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell issued a scathing rebuke of former President Barack Obama for criticizing President Trump 's response to the coronavirus .
On Monday , McConnell appeared on Team Trump Online , a YouTube program hosted by the president 's daughter-in-law , Lara Trump , and slammed Obama for criticizing the Trump administration 's handling of the pandemic .
`` Generally , former presidents just do n't do that .
I remember that President George W. Bush and his father went right through eight years of Democratic administrations after they left office and kept their mouths shut because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for former presidents to even critique a president of another party , '' the Kentucky Republican began .
`` So , I think President Obama should have kept his mouth shut .
Now , we know he does n't like much what this administration is doing , that 's understandable .
But I think it 's a little bit classless , frankly , to critique an administration that comes after you .
You had your shot , you were there for eight years .
I think the tradition that the Bushes setup of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , is a good tradition , '' he added .
Last week , Obama referred to Trump 's response to the coronavirus pandemic as a `` chaotic disaster '' while discussing a variety of issues with ex-advisers .
`` It would have been bad even with the best of governments .
It has been an absolute chaotic disaster when that mindset — of 'what 's in it for me ? '
and 'to heck with everybody else ' — when that mindset is operationalized in our government , '' Obama said in a @ @ @ @ @ @

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell issued a scathing rebuke of former President Barack Obama for criticizing President Trump's response to the coronavirus.
On Monday, McConnell appeared on Team Trump Online, a YouTube program hosted by the president's daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, and slammed Obama for criticizing the Trump administration's handling of the pandemic.
"Generally, former presidents just don't do that. I remember that President George W. Bush and his father went right through eight years of Democratic administrations after they left office and kept their mouths shut because they didn't feel it was appropriate for former presidents to even critique a president of another party," the Kentucky Republican began.
"So, I think President Obama should have kept his mouth shut. Now, we know he doesn't like much what this administration is doing, that's understandable. But I think it's a little bit classless, frankly, to critique an administration that comes after you. You had your shot, you were there for eight years. I think the tradition that the Bushes setup of not critiquing the president comes after you, is a good tradition," he added.
Mitch McConnell hits Barack Obama over comments that the Trump admin's COVID-19 response has been a "chaotic disaster," says "I think President Obama should have kept his mouth shut...I think it's a little bit classless frankly, to critique an administration that comes after you" pic.twitter.com/bqljEbFigQ — DJ Judd (@DJJudd) May 12, 2020
Last week, Obama referred to Trump's response to the coronavirus pandemic as a "chaotic disaster" while discussing a variety of issues with ex-advisers.
"It would have been bad even with the best of governments. It has been an absolute chaotic disaster when that mindset — of 'what's in it for me?' and 'to heck with everybody else' — when that mindset is operationalized in our government," Obama said in a private call with his advisers.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-05-12--'Malarkey': Biden slams GOP claim Obama administration did not prep for pandemic

Joe Biden hit back on Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell 's claim that the Obama administration left the country unprepared for the coronavirus pandemic .
`` This is a bunch of malarkey and you know it , @ senatemajldr We left a 69-page playbook on how to fight pandemics .
You can read it here if you ’ d like , '' the former vice president tweeted Tuesday afternoon , reacting to a digital Trump campaign event in which McConnell , a Kentucky Republican , leveled the charge .
`` And make sure to pass along your notes to President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' In a Team Trump Livestream with Lara Trump , a daughter-in-law of the president , McConnell said that the `` Obama administration did not leave to this administration , any kind of game plan for something like this , '' referring to the coronavirus .
Biden 's Tuesday response included a link to a March Politico article that reported the Trump administration failed to follow a guide compiled by Obama 's National Security Council , instructing what the federal government should do during a pandemic .
According to that playbook , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protective equipment like masks and gloves for medical workers in January when China first reported cases of the coronavirus .
Biden has continually attacked Trump for the administration 's response to the coronavirus , while the president has claimed that his predecessor left him scrambling once the virus arrived in the United States .
Reports have also surfaced that the Trump administration `` wasted '' months at the beginning of the outbreak to stock up on N95 masks and respirators and did not start ordering medical supplies in bulk until March , leaving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In response , Trump has cited reports that the Obama administration failed to replenish its national mask stockpile after the H1N1 outbreak in 2009 .
That pandemic killed 12,469 people in the U.S. and hospitalized 274,304 .
On Monday , Biden called Trump 's coronavirus response `` childish '' in a Washington Post op-ed and wrote that the economy ca n't recover until the country has adequate testing .
`` [ Trump 's ] goal is as obvious as it is craven : He hopes to split the country into dueling camps , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ America grounded and Republicans as freedom fighters trying to liberate the economy , '' he wrote .

Joe Biden hit back on Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell's claim that the Obama administration left the country unprepared for the coronavirus pandemic.
"This is a bunch of malarkey and you know it, @senatemajldr We left a 69-page playbook on how to fight pandemics. You can read it here if you’d like," the former vice president tweeted Tuesday afternoon, reacting to a digital Trump campaign event in which McConnell, a Kentucky Republican, leveled the charge. "And make sure to pass along your notes to President Trump. He could use them."
In a Team Trump Livestream with Lara Trump, a daughter-in-law of the president, McConnell said that the "Obama administration did not leave to this administration, any kind of game plan for something like this," referring to the coronavirus.
This is a bunch of malarkey and you know it, @senatemajldr. We left a 69-page playbook on how to fight pandemics.
You can read it here if you’d like: https://t.co/zvRGv6ubWt
And make sure to pass along your notes to President Trump. He could use them. https://t.co/CooyBemPSv — Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) May 12, 2020
Biden's Tuesday response included a link to a March Politico article that reported the Trump administration failed to follow a guide compiled by Obama's National Security Council, instructing what the federal government should do during a pandemic.
According to that playbook, the federal government should have began stockpiling personal protective equipment like masks and gloves for medical workers in January when China first reported cases of the coronavirus.
Biden has continually attacked Trump for the administration's response to the coronavirus, while the president has claimed that his predecessor left him scrambling once the virus arrived in the United States.
Reports have also surfaced that the Trump administration "wasted" months at the beginning of the outbreak to stock up on N95 masks and respirators and did not start ordering medical supplies in bulk until March, leaving many hospitals desperate for necessary equipment.
In response, Trump has cited reports that the Obama administration failed to replenish its national mask stockpile after the H1N1 outbreak in 2009. That pandemic killed 12,469 people in the U.S. and hospitalized 274,304.
On Monday, Biden called Trump's coronavirus response "childish" in a Washington Post op-ed and wrote that the economy can't recover until the country has adequate testing.
"[Trump's] goal is as obvious as it is craven: He hopes to split the country into dueling camps, casting Democrats as doomsayers hoping to keep America grounded and Republicans as freedom fighters trying to liberate the economy," he wrote.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-05-12--Lincoln Project expands Mourning in America anti-Trump ad to swing states

Ads targeting President Trump 's handling of the coronavirus pandemic are set to flood the airwaves of swing states starting Tuesday .
The Lincoln Project , led by a group of Republicans and independents critical of Trump , expanded buys for its signature ad Mourning in America , which depicts the economic and public health devastation brought by the coronavirus .
The ad blames Trump 's leadership for the job losses and economic hardship faced by people in the United States due to the pandemic .
Mourning in America plays on a 1984 Ronald Reagan ad called Morning in America @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The ad has reached more than 20 million voters and has been the subject of scorn by Trump .
The ad will hit voters in Naples , Florida , and Columbus , Ohio , as well as Wausau and La Crosse in Wisconsin .
The Lincoln Project is founded by several longtime political strategists and consultants , including Rick Wilson , the author of Everything Trump Touches Dies , and George Conway , a New York City-based lawyer and the husband of Kellyanne Conway .
Trump blasted the group in a series @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them `` RINO Republicans '' who lost their attempts to beat President Barack Obama in 2008 and 2012 .
`` I did n't use any of them because they don ’ t know how to win , and their so-called Lincoln Project is a disgrace to Honest Abe , '' Trump said in a thread of tweets .
Kellyanne Conway also hit back at the group , saying none of them have experienced the success she 's had with the Trump campaign .
“ They ’ ve all failed , '' she said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` They never succeeded the way I did as campaign manager , and they never got their candidate where my candidate got .
He ’ s president of the United States . ''

Ads targeting President Trump's handling of the coronavirus pandemic are set to flood the airwaves of swing states starting Tuesday.
The Lincoln Project, led by a group of Republicans and independents critical of Trump, expanded buys for its signature ad Mourning in America, which depicts the economic and public health devastation brought by the coronavirus. The ad blames Trump's leadership for the job losses and economic hardship faced by people in the United States due to the pandemic.
Mourning in America plays on a 1984 Ronald Reagan ad called Morning in America, which depicts the country prospering economically.
The ad has reached more than 20 million voters and has been the subject of scorn by Trump. The ad will hit voters in Naples, Florida, and Columbus, Ohio, as well as Wausau and La Crosse in Wisconsin.
The Lincoln Project is founded by several longtime political strategists and consultants, including Rick Wilson, the author of Everything Trump Touches Dies, and George Conway, a New York City-based lawyer and the husband of Kellyanne Conway.
Trump blasted the group in a series of tweets earlier this month, calling them "RINO Republicans" who lost their attempts to beat President Barack Obama in 2008 and 2012.
"I didn't use any of them because they don’t know how to win, and their so-called Lincoln Project is a disgrace to Honest Abe," Trump said in a thread of tweets.
Kellyanne Conway also hit back at the group, saying none of them have experienced the success she's had with the Trump campaign.
“They’ve all failed," she said earlier this month on Fox News. "They never succeeded the way I did as campaign manager, and they never got their candidate where my candidate got. He’s president of the United States."


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-05-12--Biden holds narrow lead over Trump in Wisconsin: Poll

Joe Biden leads President Trump by three points in Wisconsin according to a new poll of voters in one of the nation 's premier battleground states .
The survey , conducted by Marquette University Law School , found that 46 % of Wisconsin voters say they would vote for the former vice president if the election were held today .
Forty-three percent said the same about Trump , with 4 % saying they 'd vote for neither and another 4 % saying they do n't know .
The margin of error of the poll , which asked 811 registered voters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ points .
Wisconsin is considered a key battleground state in the November presidential race .
Trump won the state by less than a percentage point against Clinton in 2016 .
Wisconsin , along with Pennsylvania and Michigan , helped Trump crack the `` blue wall '' of major industrialized states that voted for the Democratic nominee six straights times from 1992 to 2012 .
Both sides are contesting Wisconsin heavily in the fall .
Each party has been building up its get-out-the-vote infrastructure in Wisconsin for more than a year .
[ Read @ @ @ @ @ @ @ falls after Tara Reade sexual assault allegation ] Marquette 's findings also show that Biden 's lead over Trump has changed little since their last poll in March .
That study found 48 % of voters backing Biden with 45 % supporting the president .
Biden currently leads Trump 46 % -38 % among non-college educated women , a warning sign for the president 's reelection prospects .
In 2016 , exit polls had Trump winning those voters over Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton by 16 percentage points .
Among voters aged 60 and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ -37 % .
Voters aged 30-44 and 45-49 are the only demographics where Trump currently leads Biden in the Wisconsin poll .
`` In 2016 , according to exit polls , Trump won a substantial majority of voters who had a negative opinion of both Hillary Clinton and Trump , '' wrote pollster Charlie Franklin .
`` In the four Marquette Law School polls conducted in 2020 , a different pattern is apparent .
Among those with a favorable opinion of both Biden and Trump , Trump receives 61 percent to Biden ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unfavorable views of both candidates , Biden receives 62 percent to 15 percent for Trump . ''
A RealClearPolitics average of polls , weighted before the one released today , has Biden leading Trump by 2.7 points .
At this point in the race in 2016 , former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was leading Trump by 12 points , according to a Republican pollster .
A Marquette University survey conducted in June 2016 had Clinton leading by 9 points .
Voters appear to approve of Trump 's performance as president more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in November .
Forty-seven percent of voters approve of his job performance , while 49 % disapprove .
In March , 48 % approved and 49 % disapproved .
When asked about Trump 's handling of the coronavirus outbreak , 44 % approved .
Those numbers mark a 7-point drop from March when 51 % approved and 46 % disapproved .

Joe Biden leads President Trump by three points in Wisconsin according to a new poll of voters in one of the nation's premier battleground states.
The survey, conducted by Marquette University Law School, found that 46% of Wisconsin voters say they would vote for the former vice president if the election were held today. Forty-three percent said the same about Trump, with 4% saying they'd vote for neither and another 4% saying they don't know.
The margin of error of the poll, which asked 811 registered voters from May 3-7, was 4 percentage points.
Wisconsin is considered a key battleground state in the November presidential race. Trump won the state by less than a percentage point against Clinton in 2016. Wisconsin, along with Pennsylvania and Michigan, helped Trump crack the "blue wall" of major industrialized states that voted for the Democratic nominee six straights times from 1992 to 2012.
Both sides are contesting Wisconsin heavily in the fall. Each party has been building up its get-out-the-vote infrastructure in Wisconsin for more than a year.
[Read more: Biden's favorability among women falls after Tara Reade sexual assault allegation]
Marquette's findings also show that Biden's lead over Trump has changed little since their last poll in March. That study found 48% of voters backing Biden with 45% supporting the president.
Biden currently leads Trump 46%-38% among non-college educated women, a warning sign for the president's reelection prospects. In 2016, exit polls had Trump winning those voters over Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton by 16 percentage points.
Among voters aged 60 and over, Biden leads Trump 55%-37%. Voters aged 30-44 and 45-49 are the only demographics where Trump currently leads Biden in the Wisconsin poll.
"In 2016, according to exit polls, Trump won a substantial majority of voters who had a negative opinion of both Hillary Clinton and Trump," wrote pollster Charlie Franklin. "In the four Marquette Law School polls conducted in 2020, a different pattern is apparent. Among those with a favorable opinion of both Biden and Trump, Trump receives 61 percent to Biden’s 27 percent. For voters with unfavorable views of both candidates, Biden receives 62 percent to 15 percent for Trump."
A RealClearPolitics average of polls, weighted before the one released today, has Biden leading Trump by 2.7 points. At this point in the race in 2016, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was leading Trump by 12 points, according to a Republican pollster. A Marquette University survey conducted in June 2016 had Clinton leading by 9 points.
Voters appear to approve of Trump's performance as president more than they're willing to vote for him in November. Forty-seven percent of voters approve of his job performance, while 49% disapprove. In March, 48% approved and 49% disapproved.
When asked about Trump's handling of the coronavirus outbreak, 44% approved. Those numbers mark a 7-point drop from March when 51% approved and 46% disapproved.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-05-12--Biden's favorability among women falls after Tara Reade sexual assault allegation

Former Vice President Joe Biden 's support among women is declining amid allegations of sexual assault and harassment .
According to a newly released survey from Morning Consult , Biden 's favorability among women fell more than 6 points since mid-April , with only 44 % viewing him favorably and 46 % viewing him positively .
Overall , Morning Consult found the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee 's net favorability dropped approximately 5 percentage points among all voters since the release of their last poll , which was conducted from April 20-26 , a week before Biden personally acknowledged the allegations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an aide to Biden in the early 1990s when he was a senator .
Despite Biden 's declining support among women , he still holds an 8-point lead ahead of President Trump .
The poll was conducted from May 4-10 among 27,754 registered voters and has a margin of error of plus or minus 1 % .
In an interview with journalist Megyn Kelly , Reade said she would be willing to testify under oath about her claims .
She also said Biden should be subject to a polygraph test .
`` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should take the polygraph .
What kind of precedent does that set for survivors of violence ?
Does that mean we 're presumed guilty and we all have to take polygraphs ?
So , I will take one if Joe Biden takes one .
But I 'm not a criminal , '' Reade told Kelly .
Reade additionally told Kelly that she hopes Biden drops out of the presidential race , though the presidential candidate has rejected the call .
Biden and several members of his campaign have repeatedly denied Reade 's allegations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden currently holds a 4.4-point lead ahead of Trump in an expected general election matchup but has fallen by more than 3 points nationally since the beginning of April .

Former Vice President Joe Biden's support among women is declining amid allegations of sexual assault and harassment.
According to a newly released survey from Morning Consult, Biden's favorability among women fell more than 6 points since mid-April, with only 44% viewing him favorably and 46% viewing him positively.
Overall, Morning Consult found the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee's net favorability dropped approximately 5 percentage points among all voters since the release of their last poll, which was conducted from April 20-26, a week before Biden personally acknowledged the allegations levied by Tara Reade, who was an aide to Biden in the early 1990s when he was a senator.
Despite Biden's declining support among women, he still holds an 8-point lead ahead of President Trump. The poll was conducted from May 4-10 among 27,754 registered voters and has a margin of error of plus or minus 1%.
In an interview with journalist Megyn Kelly, Reade said she would be willing to testify under oath about her claims. She also said Biden should be subject to a polygraph test.
"I'm not a criminal. Joe Biden should take the polygraph. What kind of precedent does that set for survivors of violence? Does that mean we're presumed guilty and we all have to take polygraphs? So, I will take one if Joe Biden takes one. But I'm not a criminal," Reade told Kelly.
Reade additionally told Kelly that she hopes Biden drops out of the presidential race, though the presidential candidate has rejected the call.
Biden and several members of his campaign have repeatedly denied Reade's allegations.
According to the RealClearPolitics average, Biden currently holds a 4.4-point lead ahead of Trump in an expected general election matchup but has fallen by more than 3 points nationally since the beginning of April.