thewashingtonexaminer--2020-01-24--Trump campaign warns president could skip debates if moderator picks not ‘fair’

Top Trump campaign officials warned the nonpartisan presidential debate commission last month that President Trump could snub the debates if the moderator choices and process are not deemed “ fair.
” The December conversation included Trump campaign manager Brad Parscale , campaign operating officer Michael Glassner , and Frank Fahrenkopf , the co-chairman of the Commission on Presidential Debates , according to the Washington Post .
The meeting happened as Trump attacked the commission on Twitter and considered whether he would sit out of the three debates scheduled for the fall .
Parscale complained to Fahrenkopf that the board of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the commission to select debate moderators who were viewed as impartial to Trump .
“ We want to have debates that are fair and are more geared toward informing the American people than to boosting the careers of the moderators , ” campaign spokesman Tim Murtaugh said .
Parscale has since discussed with other aides about trying to hold debates outside the commission .
Trump has told his advisers that he does not trust the commission and worries about the moderators .
He repeatedly complained about the debates in the 2016 general election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the polls after each of their matchups .
Trump blamed a “ defective mic ” and questioned whether it was done “ on purpose ” to help Clinton after his debate performance in September 2016 was criticized .
The commission acknowledged that a technical malfunction affected the volume of his microphone during the debate , but only in the debate hall and not on the broadcast of the event .
His debate team also clashed with the commission over a group of women who accused President Bill Clinton of sexual assault and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ invited the women to the second debate against Hillary Clinton and wanted them seated in the VIP box , where the former president would have to walk past them .
The commission threatened to have the women removed if they sat in Trump ’ s box .
The VIP box is exclusively family seating , according to the commission .
Debate officials said they would stay in touch with Trump ’ s team but did not yield control over the board of directors or the choice of moderators .
Former Republican Sens .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Maine , former Democratic congresswoman Jane Harman , and former Time Warner chief executive Richard Parsons are on the board .
Commission rules prohibit members from supporting or contributing to political candidates .
The commission has already scheduled the dates and locations for three presidential debates : Sept. 29 at the University of Notre Dame , Oct. 7 at the University of Utah , and Oct. 15 at the University of Michigan .
Presidential debates have occurred every year since 1976 , when Republican President Gerald Ford faced Democratic challenger ( and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ presidential debates took place in 1960 between Democratic candidate John F. Kennedy and Republican challenger Richard Nixon .

Top Trump campaign officials warned the nonpartisan presidential debate commission last month that President Trump could snub the debates if the moderator choices and process are not deemed “fair.”
The December conversation included Trump campaign manager Brad Parscale, campaign operating officer Michael Glassner, and Frank Fahrenkopf, the co-chairman of the Commission on Presidential Debates, according to the Washington Post.
The meeting happened as Trump attacked the commission on Twitter and considered whether he would sit out of the three debates scheduled for the fall.
Parscale complained to Fahrenkopf that the board of directors was anti-Trump and that he wanted the commission to select debate moderators who were viewed as impartial to Trump.
“We want to have debates that are fair and are more geared toward informing the American people than to boosting the careers of the moderators,” campaign spokesman Tim Murtaugh said.
Parscale has since discussed with other aides about trying to hold debates outside the commission.
Trump has told his advisers that he does not trust the commission and worries about the moderators. He repeatedly complained about the debates in the 2016 general election, which gave Hillary Clinton a boost in the polls after each of their matchups.
Trump blamed a “defective mic” and questioned whether it was done “on purpose” to help Clinton after his debate performance in September 2016 was criticized. The commission acknowledged that a technical malfunction affected the volume of his microphone during the debate, but only in the debate hall and not on the broadcast of the event.
His debate team also clashed with the commission over a group of women who accused President Bill Clinton of sexual assault and sexual harassment. Trump’s campaign invited the women to the second debate against Hillary Clinton and wanted them seated in the VIP box, where the former president would have to walk past them. The commission threatened to have the women removed if they sat in Trump’s box. The VIP box is exclusively family seating, according to the commission.
Debate officials said they would stay in touch with Trump’s team but did not yield control over the board of directors or the choice of moderators.
Former Republican Sens. John Danforth of Missouri and Olympia Snowe of Maine, former Democratic congresswoman Jane Harman, and former Time Warner chief executive Richard Parsons are on the board. Commission rules prohibit members from supporting or contributing to political candidates.
The commission has already scheduled the dates and locations for three presidential debates: Sept. 29 at the University of Notre Dame, Oct. 7 at the University of Utah, and Oct. 15 at the University of Michigan.
Presidential debates have occurred every year since 1976, when Republican President Gerald Ford faced Democratic challenger (and winner) Jimmy Carter. The first presidential debates took place in 1960 between Democratic candidate John F. Kennedy and Republican challenger Richard Nixon.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-01-25--Democratic senators send letter to Pompeo condemning 'insulting' behavior toward NPR reporter

A group of Democratic senators on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee sent a letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo condemning him for blasting a journalist for NPR .
NPR 's Mary Louise Kelly conducted an interview with Pompeo on Friday morning that abruptly ended after she turned her questions to former Ambassador Marie Yovanovitch and Ukraine , according to the outlet .
Pompeo then yelled at her in a moment that they have disputed as to whether it was off the record .
After NPR published the additional remarks , the secretary of state rebuked Kelly and the publication @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by ranking committee member Bob Menendez of New Jersey and Sens .
Cory Booker of New Jersey , Tim Kaine of Virginia , Ed Markey of Massachusetts , and Jeff Merkley of Oregon , began with them expressing their `` profound disappointment and concern '' surrounding his response to Kelly .
They also referenced journalists who are imprisoned or have been killed for their reporting and said his `` insulting and contemptuous comments are beneath the office of the Secretary of State . ''
`` The importance of a free press is enshrined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recognized how vital a free press is for the public to hold their government accountable , '' the letter continued .
`` Such accountability is paramount to any free and democratic nation .
Instead of calling journalists 'liars ' and insulting their intelligence when they ask you hard questions you would rather not answer , your oath of office places on you a duty and obligation to engage respectfully and transparently . ''

A group of Democratic senators on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee sent a letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo condemning him for blasting a journalist for NPR.
NPR's Mary Louise Kelly conducted an interview with Pompeo on Friday morning that abruptly ended after she turned her questions to former Ambassador Marie Yovanovitch and Ukraine, according to the outlet. Pompeo then yelled at her in a moment that they have disputed as to whether it was off the record. After NPR published the additional remarks, the secretary of state rebuked Kelly and the publication.
The letter, which was signed by ranking committee member Bob Menendez of New Jersey and Sens. Cory Booker of New Jersey, Tim Kaine of Virginia, Ed Markey of Massachusetts, and Jeff Merkley of Oregon, began with them expressing their "profound disappointment and concern" surrounding his response to Kelly.
They also referenced journalists who are imprisoned or have been killed for their reporting and said his "insulting and contemptuous comments are beneath the office of the Secretary of State."
"The importance of a free press is enshrined in our Constitution precisely because the Founders recognized how vital a free press is for the public to hold their government accountable," the letter continued. "Such accountability is paramount to any free and democratic nation. Instead of calling journalists 'liars' and insulting their intelligence when they ask you hard questions you would rather not answer, your oath of office places on you a duty and obligation to engage respectfully and transparently."


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-01-25--Schumer: 'Hard road' to win GOP support for impeachment trial witnesses

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer signaled it will be difficult for Democrats to find four Republicans needed to win a vote to summon impeachment witnesses .
Schumer , a New York Democrat , told reporters Saturday it would be “ a hard road ” to win over enough GOP lawmakers . ''
Schumer said the defense team “ made a really compelling case for why the Senate should call witnesses and documents.
” Trump ’ s lawyers argued their case for only two hours against two impeachment articles accusing President Trump of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to end without calling four Trump administration officials to testify .
They are also seeking four sets of documents .
All of the additional evidence is related to allegations by Democrats that Trump used security aid to pressure Ukraine to investigate former Vice President Joe Biden .
`` If you 're a Republican and you think that the case that was that was made today was strong , then why not have witnesses and documents ?
” Schumer said after the defense concluded for the day .
Only a handful of GOP lawmakers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
No Republican has announced yet that they will vote in favor of calling witnesses .

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer signaled it will be difficult for Democrats to find four Republicans needed to win a vote to summon impeachment witnesses.
Schumer, a New York Democrat, told reporters Saturday it would be “a hard road” to win over enough GOP lawmakers."
Schumer said the defense team “made a really compelling case for why the Senate should call witnesses and documents.”
Trump’s lawyers argued their case for only two hours against two impeachment articles accusing President Trump of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.
Democrats don’t want the trial to end without calling four Trump administration officials to testify. They are also seeking four sets of documents. All of the additional evidence is related to allegations by Democrats that Trump used security aid to pressure Ukraine to investigate former Vice President Joe Biden.
"If you're a Republican and you think that the case that was that was made today was strong, then why not have witnesses and documents?” Schumer said after the defense concluded for the day.
Only a handful of GOP lawmakers have expressed interest in hearing from witnesses. No Republican has announced yet that they will vote in favor of calling witnesses.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-01-25--Turley: Democrats made a 'huge blunder' insulting GOP during impeachment trial

Legal scholar Jonathan Turley said this week that Democratic House impeachment manager Jerry Nadler made a “ huge blunder ” during the Senate impeachment trial of President Trump .
`` One of the things you teach law students is that when you make arguments to juries , make sure you don ’ t insult the jury , '' Turley .
`` That is , you don ’ t want to make statements that make them feel stupid or ascribe any bad motivations to them . ''
Turley , whom Republicans called to testify in the House impeachment trial , was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Senate floor where he accused his political opponents of coordinating a “ cover-up.
” “ The question is if the Senate will be complicit in the president 's crimes by covering them up , ” Nadler said .
“ Any senator who votes against any relevant testimony shows that he and she are part of the cover-up .
What other possible reason is there to prohibit a relevant witness to testify here ? ''
“ Well , I was stunned by Congressman Nadler 's approach , and it reminded me that if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Senate that the rule will be invoked to strike the words of the senator , for impugning another senator in this case , '' GOP Maine Sen. Susan Collins said .
Nadler ’ s comment inspired Collins to write a note that eventually found its way to the desk of the Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts , who rebuked both sides and reminded them to “ remember where they are .
”

Legal scholar Jonathan Turley said this week that Democratic House impeachment manager Jerry Nadler made a “huge blunder” during the Senate impeachment trial of President Trump.
"One of the things you teach law students is that when you make arguments to juries, make sure you don’t insult the jury," Turley told CBS News . "That is, you don’t want to make statements that make them feel stupid or ascribe any bad motivations to them."
Prof. Turley: Nadler made a “major blunder” by insulting senatorshttps://t.co/A82urQTV6P pic.twitter.com/ApcCOTvbDL — RNC Research (@RNCResearch) January 23, 2020
Turley, whom Republicans called to testify in the House impeachment trial, was referring to a statement Nadler made on the Senate floor where he accused his political opponents of coordinating a “cover-up.”
“The question is if the Senate will be complicit in the president's crimes by covering them up,” Nadler said. “Any senator who votes against any relevant testimony shows that he and she are part of the cover-up. What other possible reason is there to prohibit a relevant witness to testify here?"
The remark agitated several Republican senators.
“Well, I was stunned by Congressman Nadler's approach, and it reminded me that if we were in a normal debate in the Senate that the rule will be invoked to strike the words of the senator, for impugning another senator in this case," GOP Maine Sen. Susan Collins said.
Nadler’s comment inspired Collins to write a note that eventually found its way to the desk of the Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts, who rebuked both sides and reminded them to “remember where they are.”


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-01-25--'C'mon guys!': McCaskill dismisses GOP anger toward Schiff for pushing 'head will be on a pike' repo

'C'mon guys!': McCaskill dismisses GOP anger toward Schiff for pushing 'head will be on a pike' report

Former Democratic Sen. Claire McCaskill dismissed outrage by some GOP senators who were offended by comments California Rep. Adam Schiff made during the president 's impeachment trial .
A multitude of GOP senators expressed their outrage that Schiff repeated a CBS News report citing an unnamed Trump source who said GOP senators were warned not to vote against the president during the House managers ' final day of opening arguments on Friday .
`` CBS News reported last night that a Trump confidant said that GOP senators were warned ... 'vote against the president and your head will be on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democrat said .
Schiff added that he does not know if the report is true and hopes it is unfounded .
McCaskill , who now works for MSNBC , argued that Sens .
Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska , who were both outraged at Schiff 's comments , do n't have room to complain as a result of the president 's actions .
`` Come on , guys , '' she argued .
`` You know , listen , for anybody in the Republican Party to complain about overreach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , really ?
It just doesn ’ t — it — you know , as we say in the Ozarks , that dog doesn ’ t hunt .
Here ’ s the reality .
This president goes after you if you oppose him .
That ’ s clear .
I mean , ask Jeff Flake .
Let ’ s call Bob Corker .
How about [ Mark ] Sanford .
How about Jeff Sessions . ''

Former Democratic Sen. Claire McCaskill dismissed outrage by some GOP senators who were offended by comments California Rep. Adam Schiff made during the president's impeachment trial.
A multitude of GOP senators expressed their outrage that Schiff repeated a CBS News report citing an unnamed Trump source who said GOP senators were warned not to vote against the president during the House managers' final day of opening arguments on Friday.
"CBS News reported last night that a Trump confidant said that GOP senators were warned ... 'vote against the president and your head will be on a pike,'" the California Democrat said. Schiff added that he does not know if the report is true and hopes it is unfounded.
McCaskill, who now works for MSNBC, argued that Sens. Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, who were both outraged at Schiff's comments, don't have room to complain as a result of the president's actions.
"Come on, guys," she argued. "You know, listen, for anybody in the Republican Party to complain about overreach with President Trump in the White House, really? It just doesn’t — it — you know, as we say in the Ozarks, that dog doesn’t hunt. Here’s the reality. This president goes after you if you oppose him. That’s clear. I mean, ask Jeff Flake. Let’s call Bob Corker. How about [Mark] Sanford. How about Jeff Sessions."


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-01-25--Trump defense team: Schiff not credible

Trump defense team: Schiff not credible

President Trump ’ s defense team opened their arguments against impeachment by attacking the credibility of lead Democratic impeachment manager Adam Schiff .
A group of Trump ’ s defense team argued for only two hours against the two articles of impeachment charging Trump with obstruction of Congress and abuse of power .
The lawyers said the House case left out exonerating facts and included evidence provided by Schiff , who they argued has credibility problems .
“ His credibility is going to start to tank through this whole process , ” Sen. Mike Braun , an Indiana Republican , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the day .
The managers read the transcript of Schiff ’ s mock translation of President Trump ’ s July 25 call with Ukraine ’ s president .
Schiff was widely criticized for rewriting the transcript to make it sound more incriminating .
Trump ’ s lawyers read both the transcript of Trump ’ s call , followed by Schiff ’ s false version , which Schiff read at the opening of a critical hearing .
“ The most effective thing that happened was when they first read the transcript of the phone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Sen. John Barrasso , a Wyoming Republican , said .
“ From where I was sitting , the blood drained from Adam Schiff ’ s face as they played that video and the made-up words.
” The defense team also questioned Schiff ’ s relationship with the anonymous whistleblower .
They played a video of Schiff claiming his Intelligence Committee had no contact with the whistleblower .
Schiff later admitted his staff had been in contact with the whistleblower before he filed a complaint with the inspector general about Trump ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ They are certainly going to make the case that the main protagonist , Adam Schiff , has to be looked at , ” Braun said .

President Trump’s defense team opened their arguments against impeachment by attacking the credibility of lead Democratic impeachment manager Adam Schiff.
“Impeachment shouldn’t be a shell game,” lead impeachment attorney Pat Cipollone told senators.
A group of Trump’s defense team argued for only two hours against the two articles of impeachment charging Trump with obstruction of Congress and abuse of power.
The lawyers said the House case left out exonerating facts and included evidence provided by Schiff, who they argued has credibility problems.
“His credibility is going to start to tank through this whole process,” Sen. Mike Braun, an Indiana Republican, told reporters after the trial adjourned for the day.
The managers read the transcript of Schiff’s mock translation of President Trump’s July 25 call with Ukraine’s president. Schiff was widely criticized for rewriting the transcript to make it sound more incriminating.
Trump’s lawyers read both the transcript of Trump’s call, followed by Schiff’s false version, which Schiff read at the opening of a critical hearing.
“The most effective thing that happened was when they first read the transcript of the phone call, and then played the video,” Sen. John Barrasso, a Wyoming Republican, said. “From where I was sitting, the blood drained from Adam Schiff’s face as they played that video and the made-up words.”
The defense team also questioned Schiff’s relationship with the anonymous whistleblower. They played a video of Schiff claiming his Intelligence Committee had no contact with the whistleblower. Schiff later admitted his staff had been in contact with the whistleblower before he filed a complaint with the inspector general about Trump’s call with the president of Ukraine.
“They are certainly going to make the case that the main protagonist, Adam Schiff, has to be looked at,” Braun said.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-01-25--Klobuchar: Elected officials sometimes 'have to show as much courage as someone in battle'

Democratic Minnesota senator and 2020 presidential candidate Amy Klobuchar commented that “ there are times in your life when you ’ re an elected official , you have to show as much courage as someone in battle.
” “ Whether or not anyone said that to them directly , let ’ s face it .
It ’ s kind of a metaphor for what ’ s going on , ” Klobuchar told CNN ’ s Manu Raju .
“ What Adam Schiff was saying is there are times in your life when you ’ re an elected official where you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ someone in battle.
” '' I think about the example of John McCain voting against the repeal of the Affordable Care Act .
I think of some of the Republicans that actually voted for Sonia Sotomayor or voted for Elena Kagan , ” Klobuchar continued .
“ I think about Claire McCaskill and Heidi Heitkamp when they voted with their party but against their own political interest when they voted against Judge Kavanaugh .
There are so many examples of that in our country ’ s history of profiles of courage , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s pleaded to them.
” Klobuchar was addressing the recent inflammatory rhetoric that has taken place during the Senate impeachment trial of President Trump .
During his closing argument , House impeachment manager Adam Schiff referenced a that Senate Republicans were told their heads will be on a “ pike ” if they vote against the president .
The report has been by Republicans .
Also this week , House impeachment manager Jerry Nadler labeled President Trump a `` dictator '' during remarks on the Senate floor .
Chief Justice John Roberts of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to “ remember where they are .
”

Democratic Minnesota senator and 2020 presidential candidate Amy Klobuchar commented that “there are times in your life when you’re an elected official, you have to show as much courage as someone in battle.”
“Whether or not anyone said that to them directly, let’s face it. It’s kind of a metaphor for what’s going on,” Klobuchar told CNN’s Manu Raju. “What Adam Schiff was saying is there are times in your life when you’re an elected official where you have to show as much courage as someone in battle.”
"I think about the example of John McCain voting against the repeal of the Affordable Care Act. I think of some of the Republicans that actually voted for Sonia Sotomayor or voted for Elena Kagan,” Klobuchar continued.
“I think about Claire McCaskill and Heidi Heitkamp when they voted with their party but against their own political interest when they voted against Judge Kavanaugh. There are so many examples of that in our country’s history of profiles of courage, and that’s what Adam Schiff’s pleaded to them.”
Klobuchar was addressing the recent inflammatory rhetoric that has taken place during the Senate impeachment trial of President Trump.
During his closing argument, House impeachment manager Adam Schiff referenced a CBS News report that Senate Republicans were told their heads will be on a “pike” if they vote against the president. The report has been widely denied by Republicans.
Also this week, House impeachment manager Jerry Nadler labeled President Trump a "dictator" during remarks on the Senate floor.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-01-25--Even DC is ignoring impeachment: 63% have watched ‘none’ of trial

You ’ d think that the city that brought the nation the impeachment of President Trump would care enough to @ @ @ @ @ some TV analysts have called “ dazzling.
” According to an online `` InstaPoll '' @ @ @ @ @ whopping 63 % haven ’ t watched a lick of the trial .
And 15 @ @ @ @ @ updates , '' but from the `` news , '' not the televised trial .
@ @ @ @ @ data that found daily soap operas twice as popular as the impeachment trial .

You’d think that the city that brought the nation the impeachment of President Trump would care enough to watch the Senate trial that some TV analysts have called “dazzling.”
But you’d be wrong.
According to an online "InstaPoll" from Fox 5, a whopping 63% haven’t watched a lick of the trial.
Another 22% are watching “some.”
And 15% check in for “updates," but from the "news," not the televised trial.
Those poor ratings echo Nielsen data that found daily soap operas twice as popular as the impeachment trial.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-01-25--Weekly Trump Report Card: Stage set for Middle East peace plan and impeachment acquittal

In our weekly White House Report Card , President Trump fought off the Democratic impeachment team in the Senate trial with an unlikely ally — media polls .
Both Gallup and the Washington Post said that the president hasn ’ t been dinged by the trial and in fact is buoyed by his highest approval ratings yet .
Conservative grader Jed Babbin noted that the trial hasn ’ t caught on in the country .
And Trump is already moving ahead with his 2020-and-beyond agenda , announcing plans to unveil his Middle East peace plan soon .
Democratic grader , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but in his new podcast , he revealed details of his latest poll of younger voters and found that all Democratic challengers except Sen. Bernie Sanders are n't wowing millennials and Generation Z.
What ’ s more , he found that many younger voters remain undecided .
Said Zogby on his podcast , “ They may not vote at all , that could be deadly , that could be deadly for a Democratic candidate.
” President Trump had a very good week with regulatory actions further spurring the economy , a very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economic conference , and despite the opening acts of the Democrats ’ impeachment melodrama .
Trump ’ s boffo speech to the World Economic Forum ( held , as usual , at the Davos ski resort in Switzerland ) was pure Trump .
He boasted about the U.S. economy ’ s boom since he became president , threatened the European Union with tariffs ( saying China was easier to deal with ) , and ridiculed the prophets of doom who are whining about “ climate change.
” His remarks were unpopular among the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the regulatory front , Trump ’ s administration approved construction of the Keystone XL pipeline over federal land ( which had been held up seemingly forever by the Obama administration ) and announced a new EPA rule regarding U.S. waterways .
In September , Trump ’ s EPA revoked the Obama-era rule that gave the federal government control over every water-filled ditch and stream .
The new rule is far better at leaving control of local waters to private owners .
Trump ’ s Senate impeachment trial began .
Despite the media ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the world , most people are ignoring the amazingly boring show .
( Some senators are playing with fidget spinners and reading books during the proceedings . )
The highlight so far was Rep. Adam Schiff ’ s opening statement in which he mentioned the totally debunked “ Russia collusion ” theory about 15 times .
He said that senators who don ’ t pay attention to the trial could go to jail .
The week ended with Trump ’ s invitation to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ( and his political rival @ @ @ @ @ @ @ House next week to be briefed on the long-awaited Middle East peace plan .
It was a good move to invite both because Israel has held two elections ( and is headed to a third ) in which neither Netanyahu nor Gantz has been able to form a majority-coalition government .
Jed Babbin is a.Washington Examiner contributor and former deputy undersecretary of defense in the administration of former President George H.W .
Bush .
Follow him on Twitter @ jedbabbin

In our weekly White House Report Card, President Trump fought off the Democratic impeachment team in the Senate trial with an unlikely ally — media polls. Both Gallup and the Washington Post said that the president hasn’t been dinged by the trial and in fact is buoyed by his highest approval ratings yet.
Conservative grader Jed Babbin noted that the trial hasn’t caught on in the country. And Trump is already moving ahead with his 2020-and-beyond agenda, announcing plans to unveil his Middle East peace plan soon.
Survey shows how voters 18-29 would vote in head-to-head matchups. (Forbes/John Zogby Strategies)
Democratic grader, John Zogby, wasn’t available, but in his new podcast, he revealed details of his latest poll of younger voters and found that all Democratic challengers except Sen. Bernie Sanders aren't wowing millennials and Generation Z. What’s more, he found that many younger voters remain undecided. Said Zogby on his podcast, “They may not vote at all, that could be deadly, that could be deadly for a Democratic candidate.”
Jed Babbin
Grade B+
President Trump had a very good week with regulatory actions further spurring the economy, a very strong speech in Davos at a glitzy economic conference, and despite the opening acts of the Democrats’ impeachment melodrama.
Trump’s boffo speech to the World Economic Forum (held, as usual, at the Davos ski resort in Switzerland) was pure Trump. He boasted about the U.S. economy’s boom since he became president, threatened the European Union with tariffs (saying China was easier to deal with), and ridiculed the prophets of doom who are whining about “climate change.” His remarks were unpopular among the attendees whose disdain Trump savors.
On the regulatory front, Trump’s administration approved construction of the Keystone XL pipeline over federal land (which had been held up seemingly forever by the Obama administration) and announced a new EPA rule regarding U.S. waterways. In September, Trump’s EPA revoked the Obama-era rule that gave the federal government control over every water-filled ditch and stream. The new rule is far better at leaving control of local waters to private owners.
Trump’s Senate impeachment trial began. Despite the media’s booming it around the country and the world, most people are ignoring the amazingly boring show. (Some senators are playing with fidget spinners and reading books during the proceedings.) The highlight so far was Rep. Adam Schiff’s opening statement in which he mentioned the totally debunked “Russia collusion” theory about 15 times. He said that senators who don’t pay attention to the trial could go to jail.
The week ended with Trump’s invitation to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (and his political rival Gen. Benny Gantz) to the White House next week to be briefed on the long-awaited Middle East peace plan. It was a good move to invite both because Israel has held two elections (and is headed to a third) in which neither Netanyahu nor Gantz has been able to form a majority-coalition government.
Jed Babbin is a.Washington Examiner contributor and former deputy undersecretary of defense in the administration of former President George H.W. Bush. Follow him on Twitter @jedbabbin


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-01-25--Biden rebukes Trump 'headaches' comment on troop brain injuries

SALEM , New Hampshire — Joe Biden slammed President Trump for brushing off brain injuries sustained by U.S. troops after Iranian missile strikes on Iraqi bases earlier this month .
`` When he was asked about it , he said , 'It 's not very serious , it 's just bad headaches . '
Folks , this ca n't be sustained , '' Biden , 77 , said at a presidential campaign town hall in Salem , New Hampshire , on Saturday .
`` Let 's be clear about something .
Hundreds of thousands of troops have suffered traumatic brain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still are dealing with the issue .
They 're real , and they are deadly serious .
And our troops deserve a commander in chief who understands them and their needs . ''
While no U.S. forces were killed in the Iranian attack earlier this month following Trump 's ordered strike that killed Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani , the Pentagon said last week that some service members `` displayed concussion-like symptoms . ''
Trump on Wednesday explained why he originally said the attack resulted in no injuries .
“ I heard that they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ things , but I can report it is not very serious , ” Trump said .
“ I ’ ve seen people with no legs and with no arms .
I ’ ve seen people that were horribly , horribly injured in that area , that war .
… I don ’ t consider that to be bad injuries.
” On Friday , the Pentagon revealed that the exact number diagnosed with traumatic head injuries was 34 .
`` There 's 300,000 people come back with post-traumatic stress from these wars .
Twenty-one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week in the United States of America , '' Biden said .
`` We only have one truly sacred obligation , '' Biden added .
`` To protect those we send to war , care for them when they come home , and care for their families .
And it requires the one thing — they do n't ask for anything , just a little respect , just to be treated with a little bit of decency . ''

SALEM, New Hampshire — Joe Biden slammed President Trump for brushing off brain injuries sustained by U.S. troops after Iranian missile strikes on Iraqi bases earlier this month.
"When he was asked about it, he said, 'It's not very serious, it's just bad headaches.' Folks, this can't be sustained," Biden, 77, said at a presidential campaign town hall in Salem, New Hampshire, on Saturday. "Let's be clear about something. Hundreds of thousands of troops have suffered traumatic brain injuries. At this day, we still are dealing with the issue. They're real, and they are deadly serious. And our troops deserve a commander in chief who understands them and their needs."
While no U.S. forces were killed in the Iranian attack earlier this month following Trump's ordered strike that killed Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani, the Pentagon said last week that some service members "displayed concussion-like symptoms."
Trump on Wednesday explained why he originally said the attack resulted in no injuries.
“I heard that they had headaches and a couple of other things, but I can report it is not very serious,” Trump said. “I’ve seen people with no legs and with no arms. I’ve seen people that were horribly, horribly injured in that area, that war. … I don’t consider that to be bad injuries.”
On Friday, the Pentagon revealed that the exact number diagnosed with traumatic head injuries was 34.
"There's 300,000 people come back with post-traumatic stress from these wars. Twenty-one present and former military committing suicide a week in the United States of America," Biden said.
"We only have one truly sacred obligation," Biden added. "To protect those we send to war, care for them when they come home, and care for their families. And it requires the one thing — they don't ask for anything, just a little respect, just to be treated with a little bit of decency."


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-01-25--'Transgender equality is the civil rights issue of our time': Biden capitalizes on Bernie Sanders-Jo

'Transgender equality is the civil rights issue of our time': Biden capitalizes on Bernie Sanders-Joe Rogan blowback

Joe Biden took an indirect jab at Bernie Sanders by stressing the importance of transgender rights amid backlash to the Sanders campaign touting support from comedian and podcast host Joe Rogan .
`` Transgender equality is the civil rights issue of our time , '' the former vice president said in a tweet Saturday .
`` There is no room for compromise when it comes to basic human rights . ''
Biden 's tweet comes as Sanders , a Vermont senator and his 2020 rival , faces criticism for amplifying Rogan 's semi-endorsement .
In a recent podcast episode , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' vote for Sanders .
`` He ’ s been insanely consistent his entire life .
He ’ s basically been saying the same thing , been for the same thing his whole life .
And that in and of itself is a very powerful structure to operate from , '' Rogan said .
The Sanders campaign shared a clip from Rogan 's show on Thursday .
Rogan , who has 7.3 million subscribers on YouTube and has interviewed Sanders in addition to Democratic presidential hopefuls Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard and entrepreneur Andrew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ political correctness and high-profile stories about transgender issues that spark outrage among conservatives .
Far-left activists have called him a `` bigot '' or accused him of embracing bigots .
The Human Rights Campaign on Friday condemned the `` endorsement . ''
`` Rogan 's vicious rhetoric has dehumanized transgender people by misgendering them and promoting misinformation , '' HRC President Alphonso David said in a statement .
`` It is disappointing that the Sanders campaign has accepted and promoted the endorsement .
The Sanders campaign must reconsider this endorsement and the decision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has consistently attacked and dehumanized marginalized people . ''
The Sanders campaign defended itself from backlash in a statement on Friday .
`` Sharing a big tent requires including those who do not share every one of our beliefs , while always making clear that we will never compromise our values , '' a top Sanders aide said .
`` The truth is that by standing together in solidarity , we share the values of love and respect that will move us in the direction of a more humane , more equal world @ @

Joe Biden took an indirect jab at Bernie Sanders by stressing the importance of transgender rights amid backlash to the Sanders campaign touting support from comedian and podcast host Joe Rogan.
"Transgender equality is the civil rights issue of our time," the former vice president said in a tweet Saturday. "There is no room for compromise when it comes to basic human rights."
Let’s be clear: Transgender equality is the civil rights issue of our time. There is no room for compromise when it comes to basic human rights. — Joe Biden (Text Join to 30330) (@JoeBiden) January 25, 2020
Biden's tweet comes as Sanders, a Vermont senator and his 2020 rival, faces criticism for amplifying Rogan's semi-endorsement. In a recent podcast episode, Rogan said that he will "probably" vote for Sanders.
"He’s been insanely consistent his entire life. He’s basically been saying the same thing, been for the same thing his whole life. And that in and of itself is a very powerful structure to operate from," Rogan said.
The Sanders campaign shared a clip from Rogan's show on Thursday.
“I think I'll probably vote for Bernie... He’s been insanely consistent his entire life. He’s basically been saying the same thing, been for the same thing his whole life. And that in and of itself is a very powerful structure to operate from.” -Joe Rogan pic.twitter.com/fuQP0KwGGI — Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) January 23, 2020
Rogan, who has 7.3 million subscribers on YouTube and has interviewed Sanders in addition to Democratic presidential hopefuls Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard and entrepreneur Andrew Yang on his podcast, often discusses political correctness and high-profile stories about transgender issues that spark outrage among conservatives. Far-left activists have called him a "bigot" or accused him of embracing bigots.
The Human Rights Campaign on Friday condemned the "endorsement."
"Rogan's vicious rhetoric has dehumanized transgender people by misgendering them and promoting misinformation," HRC President Alphonso David said in a statement. "It is disappointing that the Sanders campaign has accepted and promoted the endorsement. The Sanders campaign must reconsider this endorsement and the decision to publicize the views of someone who has consistently attacked and dehumanized marginalized people."
The Sanders campaign defended itself from backlash in a statement on Friday.
"Sharing a big tent requires including those who do not share every one of our beliefs, while always making clear that we will never compromise our values," a top Sanders aide said. "The truth is that by standing together in solidarity, we share the values of love and respect that will move us in the direction of a more humane, more equal world.”


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-01-25--Bernie Sanders: Cost for 'Medicare for all' is 'impossible to predict'

Bernie Sanders was confronted on the mathematics of funding his socialist-inspired agenda , including programs such as `` Medicare for all . ''
Sanders , a Vermont senator who has pitched the ideas of free healthcare and free college as a front-runner for the Democratic 2020 presidential nomination , was pressed on his proposals ' estimated $ 60 trillion price tag over 10 years during an interview with CBS News .
`` Well , look , we have political opponents , '' he started before host Norah O ’ Donnell cut in , asking whether he did n't know how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 78 , replied : `` You do n't know .
Nobody knows .
This is impossible to predict . ''
He added that his `` 'Medicare for all ' single-payer system '' would be less expensive than the status quo .
Embracing Sanders 's signature legislation has hurt his rivals in the Democratic race for the White House , including Sens .
Kamala Harris of California and Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts .
Harris , 55 , took a hit for being inconsistent regarding her vision for the role of private health insurers in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was grilled for refusing to acknowledge middle-class taxes would increase under the framework .
Sanders , however , has emerged unscathed by questions concerning its practicality .
Sanders also told CBS News late Friday he would n't apologize to Joe Biden , 77 , for his campaign 's attacks on the former vice president 's Social Security record .
Sanders 's team pushed out a conveniently clipped video of Biden mocking former House Speaker Paul Ryan 's position on the entitlements program , not `` lauding '' it as the senator 's camp @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I wo n't , not on that one , I wo n't .
For many , many years as a United States senator , Joe Biden has been on the floor and elsewhere talking about the need to freeze or cut Social Security benefits , '' Sanders said .
On average , less than a percentage point separates Biden and Sanders in Iowa a week before Democrats in the first-in-the-nation state gather to caucus , according to RealClearPolitics data .

Bernie Sanders was confronted on the mathematics of funding his socialist-inspired agenda, including programs such as "Medicare for all."
Sanders, a Vermont senator who has pitched the ideas of free healthcare and free college as a front-runner for the Democratic 2020 presidential nomination, was pressed on his proposals' estimated $60 trillion price tag over 10 years during an interview with CBS News.
"Well, look, we have political opponents," he started before host Norah O’Donnell cut in, asking whether he didn't know how much his plans cost.
Sanders, 78, replied: "You don't know. Nobody knows. This is impossible to predict."
He added that his "'Medicare for all' single-payer system" would be less expensive than the status quo.
Tough CBS interview tn
O’DONNELL: You don't know how much your plan costs?
SANDERS: You don't know. Nobody knows. This is impossible to predict. pic.twitter.com/KN2S1RG2Cu — Alex Thompson (@AlxThomp) January 25, 2020
Embracing Sanders's signature legislation has hurt his rivals in the Democratic race for the White House, including Sens. Kamala Harris of California and Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts. Harris, 55, took a hit for being inconsistent regarding her vision for the role of private health insurers in the future. Warren, 70, was grilled for refusing to acknowledge middle-class taxes would increase under the framework. Sanders, however, has emerged unscathed by questions concerning its practicality.
Sanders also told CBS News late Friday he wouldn't apologize to Joe Biden, 77, for his campaign's attacks on the former vice president's Social Security record. Sanders's team pushed out a conveniently clipped video of Biden mocking former House Speaker Paul Ryan's position on the entitlements program, not "lauding" it as the senator's camp claimed.
"No, of course I won't, not on that one, I won't. For many, many years as a United States senator, Joe Biden has been on the floor and elsewhere talking about the need to freeze or cut Social Security benefits," Sanders said.
On average, less than a percentage point separates Biden and Sanders in Iowa a week before Democrats in the first-in-the-nation state gather to caucus, according to RealClearPolitics data.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-01-25--AOC speaks of a nation 'in decline' in speech for Bernie Sanders

IOWA CITY , Iowa — Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez spoke of an unhealthy country nearly teetering on the brink of collapse in a speech on behalf of Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders at an Iowa campaign rally , saying radical change is necessary to reverse the bipartisan policies that have deeply hurt the economic circumstances of the average person in the United States .
AOC cited the falling life expectancy of white people and stagnated wages as evidence that the U.S. is a `` nation in decline '' and said `` it ’ s up to us to turn it around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will not get us out . ''
In her remarks , AOC also spoke about the `` lock her up '' chants often heard at President Trump 's rallies .
Rather than chastise the individuals responsible , AOC said systemic forces are responsible for driving people to such rhetoric .
`` That phrase came from somewhere but what this society does to people .
The worst thing we can think to do to a person .
It stems from a culture of mass incarceration and culture .
These things are connected , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it is societal .
And really what we are seeing when generations have worse outcomes or are predicted to have worse outcomes than before , when billionaires coexist with the highest rates of homelessness since the Great Depression . ''
Although she never once said Sanders 's name throughout the speech , she called on the audience to assist in generating turnout for the upcoming caucuses on Feb. 3 .
AOC also attacked both Republicans and Democrats in Congress for their priorities , saying both parties are focused on increasing defense spending @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drugs such as insulin .
`` What am I here to say is that when we hedge our bets , we get more of the same , and the same hasn ’ t been helping any of us , '' she said in a packed auditorium of roughly 1,000 people at the University of Iowa .
`` Our job now is to come together and we need to organize , because at the end of the day , that 's what ’ s going to get us all the progress we fight for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ left , 10 days . ''
Sanders , who is stuck in Washington , D.C. , for the impeachment trial against Trump , has been relying on high-profile names such as left-wing filmmaker Michael Moore , musician Mike Posner , and AOC to gin up excitement in early primary states for his second White House bid .
Both Moore and Posner spoke before AOC headlined the event .
At the beginning of the rally , Sanders phoned in from Washington and gave his thanks to the three speakers .
He then predicted victory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We are going to win because we are developing an unprecedented multigenerational , multiracial , working-class movement which is prepared to take on the corporate elite and the entire 1 % and put together an administration that stands for justice , '' he said .
`` Economic justice , social justice , racial justice , and environmental justice . ''

IOWA CITY, Iowa — Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez spoke of an unhealthy country nearly teetering on the brink of collapse in a speech on behalf of Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders at an Iowa campaign rally, saying radical change is necessary to reverse the bipartisan policies that have deeply hurt the economic circumstances of the average person in the United States.
AOC cited the falling life expectancy of white people and stagnated wages as evidence that the U.S. is a "nation in decline" and said "it’s up to us to turn it around. The trends that got us here will not get us out."
In her remarks, AOC also spoke about the "lock her up" chants often heard at President Trump's rallies. Rather than chastise the individuals responsible, AOC said systemic forces are responsible for driving people to such rhetoric.
"That phrase came from somewhere but what this society does to people. The worst thing we can think to do to a person. It stems from a culture of mass incarceration and culture. These things are connected," she said. "It is cultural, it is societal. And really what we are seeing when generations have worse outcomes or are predicted to have worse outcomes than before, when billionaires coexist with the highest rates of homelessness since the Great Depression."
Although she never once said Sanders's name throughout the speech, she called on the audience to assist in generating turnout for the upcoming caucuses on Feb. 3. AOC also attacked both Republicans and Democrats in Congress for their priorities, saying both parties are focused on increasing defense spending rather than lowering the costs of prescription drugs such as insulin.
"What am I here to say is that when we hedge our bets, we get more of the same, and the same hasn’t been helping any of us," she said in a packed auditorium of roughly 1,000 people at the University of Iowa. "Our job now is to come together and we need to organize, because at the end of the day, that's what’s going to get us all the progress we fight for. We’ve got 10 days left, 10 days."
Sanders, who is stuck in Washington, D.C., for the impeachment trial against Trump, has been relying on high-profile names such as left-wing filmmaker Michael Moore, musician Mike Posner, and AOC to gin up excitement in early primary states for his second White House bid. Both Moore and Posner spoke before AOC headlined the event.
At the beginning of the rally, Sanders phoned in from Washington and gave his thanks to the three speakers. He then predicted victory in the caucuses and the general election.
"We are going to win because we are developing an unprecedented multigenerational, multiracial, working-class movement which is prepared to take on the corporate elite and the entire 1% and put together an administration that stands for justice," he said. "Economic justice, social justice, racial justice, and environmental justice."


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-01-25--'Do everything you can': Sanders rallies supporters as he surpasses Biden and Buttigieg in new Iowa

'Do everything you can': Sanders rallies supporters as he surpasses Biden and Buttigieg in new Iowa poll

Bernie Sanders is urging his supporters not to become complacent after a new poll finds him with a wide lead on the rest of the Democratic presidential pack a week out from the Iowa caucuses .
`` We ’ ve got a long way to go .
It ’ s going to be a tough fight and we ca n't take anything for granted .
Knock on doors .
Make phone calls .
Do everything you can , '' Sanders , 78 , tweeted .
The Vermont senator , who suffered a heart attack last year , is the No @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nomination for a quarter of likely caucusgoers , according to a New York Times/Siena College poll released Saturday .
That support marks a jump of 6 percentage points for him since the survey was last conducted in October .
Pete Buttigieg , 38 , is Sanders 's closest rival as the first choice for 18 % of Iowa Democrats likely to caucus on Feb. 3 .
The former mayor of South Bend , Indiana , is followed by former Vice President Joe Biden , 77 , who was the preferred candidate for 17 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the vote remains exactly the same compared to the fall survey .
Meanwhile , Elizabeth Warren , Sanders 's ideological ally , has hemorrhaged support , dropping from 22 % in October to 15 % as White House hopefuls make their closing arguments to Democrats in the first-in-the-nation state .
The Massachusetts senator , 70 , topped the poll last time it was fielded , but she has struggled to regain momentum after she was confronted regarding her plan to fund her vision of `` Medicare for all . ''
Although Sanders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , finishing first in the gold-standard Des Moines Register/CNN/Mediacom poll earlier in January , Saturday 's survey found 55 % of Iowa Democrats wanted a standard-bearer “ more moderate than most Democrats '' in comparison to 38 % who wished for one who was “ more liberal than most Democrats , '' though 40 % of respondents could still change their mind .
Researchers for the New York Times and Siena College polled 584 Democratic likely caucusgoers between Jan. 20 to Jan. 23 .
Its findings have a margin of error of plus @ @ @ @ @ @

Bernie Sanders is urging his supporters not to become complacent after a new poll finds him with a wide lead on the rest of the Democratic presidential pack a week out from the Iowa caucuses.
"We’ve got a long way to go. It’s going to be a tough fight and we can't take anything for granted. Knock on doors. Make phone calls. Do everything you can," Sanders, 78, tweeted.
We’ve got a long way to go. It’s going to be a tough fight and we can't take anything for granted. Knock on doors. Make phone calls. Do everything you can. https://t.co/Xl1lQHiLog — Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) January 25, 2020
The Vermont senator, who suffered a heart attack last year, is the No. 1 pick for the 2020 Democratic nomination for a quarter of likely caucusgoers, according to a New York Times/Siena College poll released Saturday. That support marks a jump of 6 percentage points for him since the survey was last conducted in October.
Pete Buttigieg, 38, is Sanders's closest rival as the first choice for 18% of Iowa Democrats likely to caucus on Feb. 3. The former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, is followed by former Vice President Joe Biden, 77, who was the preferred candidate for 17% of those polled. Their share of the vote remains exactly the same compared to the fall survey.
Meanwhile, Elizabeth Warren, Sanders's ideological ally, has hemorrhaged support, dropping from 22% in October to 15% as White House hopefuls make their closing arguments to Democrats in the first-in-the-nation state. The Massachusetts senator, 70, topped the poll last time it was fielded, but she has struggled to regain momentum after she was confronted regarding her plan to fund her vision of "Medicare for all."
Although Sanders is experiencing a late surge in Iowa, finishing first in the gold-standard Des Moines Register/CNN/Mediacom poll earlier in January, Saturday's survey found 55% of Iowa Democrats wanted a standard-bearer “more moderate than most Democrats" in comparison to 38% who wished for one who was “more liberal than most Democrats," though 40% of respondents could still change their mind.
Researchers for the New York Times and Siena College polled 584 Democratic likely caucusgoers between Jan. 20 to Jan. 23. Its findings have a margin of error of plus or minus 4.8 percentage points.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-01-25--Biden snags coveted endorsement from swing-district Iowa congresswoman Cindy Axne

Iowa congresswoman Cindy Axne endorsed Joe Biden for president , giving the former vice president a sought-after vote of confidence with just nine days until the Feb. 3 first-in-the-nation Iowa caucuses .
`` I decided to run for Congress in 2018 because I was frustrated with the decisions being made in Washington which were hurting hard-working , Iowa families — decisions that made life easier for corporations and billionaires , but much harder for Iowa ’ s middle class , '' the Iowa Democrat said in a statement Saturday .
`` Joe Biden knows how to fix this : He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ household similar to mine and so many of my constituents ’ .
And he has never forgotten where he is from . ''
Axne , 54 , is a first-term congresswoman and represents a swing district in the southwestern part of the state that includes Des Moines , elected in 2018 as part of the `` blue wave '' that flipped the House from an eight-year Republican control to Democratic control .
She is the second of three Democratic Iowa House members to endorse Biden .
Iowa Rep. Abby Finkenauer , 31 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ despite being engaged to the Iowa political director for Biden 's 2020 rival Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren , 70 .
The third Iowa congressional Democrat , Rep. Dave Loebsack , 67 , endorsed former South Bend , Indiana , Mayor Pete Buttigieg , 38 , earlier this month .
`` Joe is a man of honor and dignity , who has the strength and courage to bring people together and deliver results for working families across Iowa and the country .
He is someone who appeals not only to Democrats , but to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Axne said .
`` Iowans know that he will be ready on day one to lead this country . ''
It is unclear how much endorsements from local officials sway voters , but backing from prominent Democrats could give a boost of legitimacy to candidates .
Other notable Iowa endorsements for Biden include former agriculture secretary and Iowa Gov .
Tom Vilsack and Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller .
Polls indicate that the race in Iowa is highly volatile and a historic number of caucusgoers say that they could still change their minds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Iowa polls with 20 % support , while Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders has 19.3 % , Buttigieg has 16.8 % , and Warren has 16.3 % .

Iowa congresswoman Cindy Axne endorsed Joe Biden for president, giving the former vice president a sought-after vote of confidence with just nine days until the Feb. 3 first-in-the-nation Iowa caucuses.
"I decided to run for Congress in 2018 because I was frustrated with the decisions being made in Washington which were hurting hard-working, Iowa families — decisions that made life easier for corporations and billionaires, but much harder for Iowa’s middle class," the Iowa Democrat said in a statement Saturday. "Joe Biden knows how to fix this: He was born and raised in a middle-class household similar to mine and so many of my constituents’. And he has never forgotten where he is from."
Axne, 54, is a first-term congresswoman and represents a swing district in the southwestern part of the state that includes Des Moines, elected in 2018 as part of the "blue wave" that flipped the House from an eight-year Republican control to Democratic control. She is the second of three Democratic Iowa House members to endorse Biden.
Iowa Rep. Abby Finkenauer, 31, endorsed Biden at the beginning of January despite being engaged to the Iowa political director for Biden's 2020 rival Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, 70. The third Iowa congressional Democrat, Rep. Dave Loebsack, 67, endorsed former South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg, 38, earlier this month.
"Joe is a man of honor and dignity, who has the strength and courage to bring people together and deliver results for working families across Iowa and the country. He is someone who appeals not only to Democrats, but to independents and Republicans as well," Axne said. "Iowans know that he will be ready on day one to lead this country."
It is unclear how much endorsements from local officials sway voters, but backing from prominent Democrats could give a boost of legitimacy to candidates.
Other notable Iowa endorsements for Biden include former agriculture secretary and Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack and Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller.
Polls indicate that the race in Iowa is highly volatile and a historic number of caucusgoers say that they could still change their minds. Biden barely leads the RealClearPolitics average of Iowa polls with 20% support, while Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders has 19.3%, Buttigieg has 16.8%, and Warren has 16.3%.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-01-25--Michael Bloomberg has burrowed his way under President Trump's skin

Michael Bloomberg may have entered the Democratic race too late to make a showing in the early primary states , but he can already claim one victory : baiting President Trump into a very public war of words .
Since Bloomberg ’ s team announced it was buying a 60-second Super Bowl ad spot to “ get under Trump ’ s skin ” two weeks ago , Trump has launched a string of Twitter broadsides against the former New York mayor , and his campaign has bought its own Super Bowl ad — valued at $ 10 million .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of whom rose to prominence in Manhattan by slapping their names on their business empires , slugging it out in classic New York style .
So where Trump has dismissed Bloomberg as a “ clown ” and made fun of his short stature , the Democrat targeted Trump where it hurts most , questioning his wealth .
“ Who ’ s the other one ?
” was his response when asked about the prospect of two billionaires going head-to-head in the election .
Hank Sheinkopf , a veteran political operative in New York @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 60 billion , according to Forbes , was everything Trump , with his estimated $ 3 billion fortune , wanted to be .
“ Mike Bloomberg is a real billionaire .
He ’ s put together a real team , a real operation , and he ’ s built it fast , ” he said .
“ There is no doubt he has got under the president ’ s skin .
Trump is scared that Bloomberg could be the real thing.
” Bloomberg ’ s campaign says it is no accident .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Bloomberg spokesman Michael Frazier told the New York Times , “ The biggest point is getting under Trump ’ s skin.
” When Bloomberg announced his run , he bought ad time in the West Palm Beach , Florida , media market so that the viewer-in-chief would see his message during his time at Mar-a-Lago .
And this week , aides chose Trump ’ s favorite morning news show to unveil another a new anti-Trump ad .
It meant viewers of Fox and Friends were the first to see a provocative clip @ @ @ @ @ @ @ administration led by an “ out of control president.
” The ad is based on a new book , A Very Stable Genius , which describes how Trump verbally abused senior military officers during a Pentagon briefing in 2017 .
The response came in short order — in the form of a presidential tweet deploying Trump ’ s favored nickname for his rival .
“ Mini Mike Bloomberg is playing poker with his foolhardy and unsuspecting Democrat rivals .
He says that if he loses ( he really means when ! )
in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ helping whoever the Democrat nominee is , ” he wrote .
The attention does not reflect Bloomberg ’ s standing in the Democratic race , where he is still polling in single digits .
However , he is spending big .
Data from Advertising Analytics suggests he has spent almost a quarter of a billion dollars on commercials since announcing his run in November , far more than any of his rivals for the Democratic nomination .

Michael Bloomberg may have entered the Democratic race too late to make a showing in the early primary states, but he can already claim one victory: baiting President Trump into a very public war of words.
Since Bloomberg’s team announced it was buying a 60-second Super Bowl ad spot to “get under Trump’s skin” two weeks ago, Trump has launched a string of Twitter broadsides against the former New York mayor, and his campaign has bought its own Super Bowl ad — valued at $10 million.
The result is two wealthy men, both of whom rose to prominence in Manhattan by slapping their names on their business empires, slugging it out in classic New York style. So where Trump has dismissed Bloomberg as a “clown” and made fun of his short stature, the Democrat targeted Trump where it hurts most, questioning his wealth.
“Who’s the other one?” was his response when asked about the prospect of two billionaires going head-to-head in the election.
Mini Mike Bloomberg ads are purposely wrong - A vanity project for him to get into the game. Nobody in many years has done for the USA what I have done for the USA, including the greatest economy in history, rebuilding our military, biggest ever tax & regulation cuts, & 2nd A! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 17, 2020
Hank Sheinkopf, a veteran political operative in New York, said Bloomberg, worth an estimated $60 billion, according to Forbes, was everything Trump, with his estimated $3 billion fortune, wanted to be.
“Mike Bloomberg is a real billionaire. He’s put together a real team, a real operation, and he’s built it fast,” he said. “There is no doubt he has got under the president’s skin. Trump is scared that Bloomberg could be the real thing.”
Bloomberg’s campaign says it is no accident.
When it revealed its Super Bowl buy, Bloomberg spokesman Michael Frazier told the New York Times, “The biggest point is getting under Trump’s skin.”
When Bloomberg announced his run, he bought ad time in the West Palm Beach, Florida, media market so that the viewer-in-chief would see his message during his time at Mar-a-Lago.
And this week, aides chose Trump’s favorite morning news show to unveil another a new anti-Trump ad. It meant viewers of Fox and Friends were the first to see a provocative clip about the “chaos” of an administration led by an “out of control president.” The ad is based on a new book, A Very Stable Genius, which describes how Trump verbally abused senior military officers during a Pentagon briefing in 2017.
The response came in short order — in the form of a presidential tweet deploying Trump’s favored nickname for his rival.
“Mini Mike Bloomberg is playing poker with his foolhardy and unsuspecting Democrat rivals. He says that if he loses (he really means when!) in the primaries, he will spend money helping whoever the Democrat nominee is,” he wrote.
The attention does not reflect Bloomberg’s standing in the Democratic race, where he is still polling in single digits. However, he is spending big. Data from Advertising Analytics suggests he has spent almost a quarter of a billion dollars on commercials since announcing his run in November, far more than any of his rivals for the Democratic nomination.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-01-26--WATCH: Trump tells Giuliani associates to 'get rid' of Ukraine ambassador during private dinner

President Trump can be heard calling for the firing of former U.S .
Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch in footage from a private dinner that was attended by two associates of Rudy Giuliani .
`` Get rid of her .
Get her out tomorrow .
I do n't care .
Get her out tomorrow .
Take her out .
OK ?
Do it , '' the president can be heard saying in the footage obtained and released by Fox News on Saturday .
Trump 's comment came during an April 30 , 2018 , conversation in which Giuliani associates Lev @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the ambassador had been talking badly about him .
`` The biggest problem there , where you need to start , is we got to get rid of the ambassador .
She 's still left over from the Clinton administration , '' Parnas can be heard saying .
`` She 's basically walking around telling everyone , 'Wait , he 's going to get impeached . '
'' ABC News reported Friday about the existence of a recording of the conversation taken by Fruman , which the outlet later released .
Parnas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Beast Saturday .
Parnas 's lawyer Joseph Bondy provided the tape to Fox News , saying , `` Given its importance to the national interest , we decided to release this recording in a manner intended to ensure equal public access , and in an effort to provide clarity to the American people and the Senate as to the need to conduct a fair trial , with witnesses and evidence . ''
`` I am not a fan of that ambassador , '' Trump told The Ingraham Angle Friday when asked about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not relying on Parnas to get rid of Yovanovitch .
`` I want ambassadors that are chosen by me .
I have a right to hire and fire ambassadors . ''
His remark echoed a statement from White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham , which read , `` Every president in our history has had the right to place people who support his agenda and his policies within his administration . ''
Yovanovitch was recalled from her position in May 2019 .
She went on to testify in the House impeachment hearings into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ July 25 , 2019 , phone call with the nation 's leader , whom he asked to open an investigation into former Vice President Joe Biden while withholding crucial military aid .
The House then impeached Trump on two articles , abuse of power and obstruction of Congress , in December .
His Senate trial began this week .

President Trump can be heard calling for the firing of former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch in footage from a private dinner that was attended by two associates of Rudy Giuliani.
"Get rid of her. Get her out tomorrow. I don't care. Get her out tomorrow. Take her out. OK? Do it," the president can be heard saying in the footage obtained and released by Fox News on Saturday.
Trump's comment came during an April 30, 2018, conversation in which Giuliani associates Lev Parnas and Igor Fruman informed the president that the ambassador had been talking badly about him.
"The biggest problem there, where you need to start, is we got to get rid of the ambassador. She's still left over from the Clinton administration," Parnas can be heard saying. "She's basically walking around telling everyone, 'Wait, he's going to get impeached.'"
ABC News reported Friday about the existence of a recording of the conversation taken by Fruman, which the outlet later released. Parnas also released the recording to the Daily Beast Saturday.
Parnas's lawyer Joseph Bondy provided the tape to Fox News, saying, "Given its importance to the national interest, we decided to release this recording in a manner intended to ensure equal public access, and in an effort to provide clarity to the American people and the Senate as to the need to conduct a fair trial, with witnesses and evidence."
"I am not a fan of that ambassador," Trump told The Ingraham Angle Friday when asked about the recording, while adding that he was not relying on Parnas to get rid of Yovanovitch. "I want ambassadors that are chosen by me. I have a right to hire and fire ambassadors."
His remark echoed a statement from White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham, which read, "Every president in our history has had the right to place people who support his agenda and his policies within his administration."
Yovanovitch was recalled from her position in May 2019. She went on to testify in the House impeachment hearings into Trump's conduct toward Ukraine following his July 25, 2019, phone call with the nation's leader, whom he asked to open an investigation into former Vice President Joe Biden while withholding crucial military aid.
The House then impeached Trump on two articles, abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, in December. His Senate trial began this week.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-01-26--'Making me think about things': Joe Manchin says Trump legal team did a 'good job'

West Virginia Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin told reporters he thought Trump 's legal team did a `` good job '' with its opening arguments .
`` A good job .
I thought they did a good job .
They gave us a lot to think about , and I think it gives us more reasons why the one thing that stuck in my mind is they said that there was n't a witness that they 've had so far that had direct contact with the president , '' he said Saturday .
`` So , I think that it reaffirms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ [ Mick ] Mulvaney and [ John ] Bolton . ''
Senate Democrats have argued that former Trump national security adviser John Bolton and Director of the Office of Management and Budget Mick Mulvaney are among witnesses necessary to the impeachment trial that members of the Senate should vote to subpoena to testify .
Republicans , however , have resisted taking action on witnesses , preferring to wait until the middle of the trial to vote on whether calling people to testify will be necessary .
Manchin 's reaction to Trump 's legal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of his caucus , and it is not the first time he has done this on a major issue .
He previously parted ways with his fellow Democrats when he voted to confirm then-nominees Brett Kavanaugh and Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court .
When asked if the president 's legal team could potentially convince him to vote against the articles of impeachment , he responded : `` I just think that we have to let this play out and see what [ Trump 's legal team ] is doing .
They 're @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about and making me think about things that have been said . ''
`` I think it really reaffirms that we need to see the redacted documents .
We need to see people that have firsthand information , '' he said .
`` I said all along I would be very impartial , and you have to be .
We have to have an open mind about how innocence and guilt based on the facts you see and the rebuttal that you hear , '' he added .

West Virginia Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin told reporters he thought Trump's legal team did a "good job" with its opening arguments.
"A good job. I thought they did a good job. They gave us a lot to think about, and I think it gives us more reasons why the one thing that stuck in my mind is they said that there wasn't a witness that they've had so far that had direct contact with the president," he said Saturday. "So, I think that it reaffirms why I would love to hear from [Mick] Mulvaney and [John] Bolton."
Senate Democrats have argued that former Trump national security adviser John Bolton and Director of the Office of Management and Budget Mick Mulvaney are among witnesses necessary to the impeachment trial that members of the Senate should vote to subpoena to testify.
Republicans, however, have resisted taking action on witnesses, preferring to wait until the middle of the trial to vote on whether calling people to testify will be necessary.
Manchin's reaction to Trump's legal defense appears to split with the rest of his caucus, and it is not the first time he has done this on a major issue. He previously parted ways with his fellow Democrats when he voted to confirm then-nominees Brett Kavanaugh and Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court.
When asked if the president's legal team could potentially convince him to vote to acquit the president, he responded: "I just think that we have to let this play out and see what [Trump's legal team] is doing. They're doing a good job of basically talking about and making me think about things that have been said."
"I think it really reaffirms that we need to see the redacted documents. We need to see people that have firsthand information," he said.
"I said all along I would be very impartial, and you have to be. We have to have an open mind about how innocence and guilt based on the facts you see and the rebuttal that you hear," he added.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-01-26--Why won't Hillary Clinton just go away?

Why won't Hillary Clinton just go away?

Hillary Clinton promised in 2016 that she would make history , and she did .
She lost a winnable election where she enjoyed every conceivable advantage over her opponent , including a roughly 2-to-1 edge in campaign spending .
Clinton then went on to become the first failed nominee in modern American history who can not manage to move on .
John McCain returned to the Senate after his loss in 2008 to Barack Obama .
John Kerry similarly went back to work in the Senate after the 2004 election and later joined Obama 's administration .
Al Gore still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ W. Bush , but he also found a new calling and made his mark as a ( self-appointed ) spokesman for the planet .
Bob Dole left politics altogether after his defeat in 1996 and went on to star in commercials for Pepsi and Viagra .
George H. W. Bush split his time after 1992 between charitable work and his vacation home in Kennebunkport , Maine .
Walter Mondale returned to his law firm .
Jimmy Carter has Habitat for Humanity .
Each accepted failure and moved on with life — some more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a score to settle with the world .
The former secretary of state 's many public appearances over the past three years have served the sole purpose of allowing her to name and blame persons , places , and things she believes caused her to lose in 2016 .
Many of them , she says , robbed her of her rightful spot behind the Resolute Desk .
Clinton lives now to mourn her failed candidacy and to lash out at anyone she deems to have been insufficiently loyal .
Clinton 's postelection grievances @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She has now focused her ire on her chief 2016 primary opponent , Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont , and his supporters , both of whom Clinton excoriated recently in a new docuseries .
“ Honestly , ” she said , “ Bernie just drove me crazy .
He was in Congress for years .
He had one senator support him [ in the 2016 primary ] .
Nobody likes him .
Nobody wants to work with him .
He got nothing done .
He was a career politician.
” She added , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was like 41 , and then he got elected to something .
It was all just baloney , and I feel so bad that people got sucked into it.
” Clinton did not leave it at that , but she continued her attacks during a promotional event for her docuseries .
“ [ Sanders ’ [ supporters ] were relentless , ruthless , in not just attacking me but people who supported me , ” she said .
“ And he seems to turn a blind eye , to approve , the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other candidates , particularly women candidates , are being treated online by his rabid followers.
” The Vermont lawmaker , who was one of the most active and engaged surrogates for the Clinton 2016 general election campaign , is not alone in finding himself on the receiving end of the former secretary 's fury .
He is merely the latest entity in a long list that Clinton has attacked since she lost to President Trump .
To date , she has gone after the FBI , the Electoral College , systemic sexism , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her campaign , alleged voter suppression tactics , “ fake news , ” and even the voters themselves , accusing them all of depriving her of the White House .
Clinton ’ s obsession with naming her enemies even saw her attack U.S. combat veteran and congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii , calling her a “ Russian asset ” amid a broader discussion about how former Green Party nominee Jill Stein allegedly cost the Democrats the election ( also untrue ) .
Try as Clinton might to relitigate that campaign , she wo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ great campaign , that she was a great candidate , that she did not really lose , and that the world conspired to keep her out of the Oval Office .
This is unprecedented behavior for a failed nominee .
It is deranged even .
Somewhere in her Chappaqua home must be a room hung with cobwebs where , like Miss Havisham , she laments the perfidy of everyone who dumped her at the Election Day altar .
The thing about Hillary Clinton clinging bitterly to her place in political history is that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sour grapes .
It is not the occasional complaint amid a larger personal pursuit of new things .
Clinton , who is now a self-appointed leader in the anti-Trump “ resistance , ” is not fulfilling rhetoric about continuing to fight for her or the Democratic Party ’ s values .
She is not particularly engaged in activist causes .
She wants only to argue in public that she is right and that everyone else is wrong .
Clinton 's continued presence in public life serves only her own interests , and it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and even her own party .
Though unprecedented , it is not unexpected .
Indeed , we should expect nothing less from the hopeless candidate whose campaign slogan was “ I 'm with her .
”

Hillary Clinton promised in 2016 that she would make history, and she did.
She lost a winnable election where she enjoyed every conceivable advantage over her opponent, including a roughly 2-to-1 edge in campaign spending. Clinton then went on to become the first failed nominee in modern American history who cannot manage to move on.
John McCain returned to the Senate after his loss in 2008 to Barack Obama. John Kerry similarly went back to work in the Senate after the 2004 election and later joined Obama's administration. Al Gore still complains about losing in 2000 to George W. Bush, but he also found a new calling and made his mark as a (self-appointed) spokesman for the planet. Bob Dole left politics altogether after his defeat in 1996 and went on to star in commercials for Pepsi and Viagra. George H. W. Bush split his time after 1992 between charitable work and his vacation home in Kennebunkport, Maine. Walter Mondale returned to his law firm. Jimmy Carter has Habitat for Humanity.
Each accepted failure and moved on with life — some more begrudgingly than others.
But Clinton has a score to settle with the world.
The former secretary of state's many public appearances over the past three years have served the sole purpose of allowing her to name and blame persons, places, and things she believes caused her to lose in 2016. Many of them, she says, robbed her of her rightful spot behind the Resolute Desk. Clinton lives now to mourn her failed candidacy and to lash out at anyone she deems to have been insufficiently loyal.
Clinton's postelection grievances are not limited just to Republicans. She has now focused her ire on her chief 2016 primary opponent, Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, and his supporters, both of whom Clinton excoriated recently in a new docuseries.
“Honestly,” she said, “Bernie just drove me crazy. He was in Congress for years. He had one senator support him [in the 2016 primary]. Nobody likes him. Nobody wants to work with him. He got nothing done. He was a career politician.”
She added, “He did not work until he was like 41, and then he got elected to something. It was all just baloney, and I feel so bad that people got sucked into it.”
Clinton did not leave it at that, but she continued her attacks during a promotional event for her docuseries. “[Sanders’ [supporters] were relentless, ruthless, in not just attacking me but people who supported me,” she said. “And he seems to turn a blind eye, to approve, the same kind of behavior with respect to how other candidates, particularly women candidates, are being treated online by his rabid followers.”
The Vermont lawmaker, who was one of the most active and engaged surrogates for the Clinton 2016 general election campaign, is not alone in finding himself on the receiving end of the former secretary's fury. He is merely the latest entity in a long list that Clinton has attacked since she lost to President Trump. To date, she has gone after the FBI, the Electoral College, systemic sexism, the news media’s coverage of her campaign, alleged voter suppression tactics, “fake news,” and even the voters themselves, accusing them all of depriving her of the White House.
Clinton’s obsession with naming her enemies even saw her attack U.S. combat veteran and congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii, calling her a “Russian asset” amid a broader discussion about how former Green Party nominee Jill Stein allegedly cost the Democrats the election (also untrue).
Try as Clinton might to relitigate that campaign, she won't convince people that she ran a great campaign, that she was a great candidate, that she did not really lose, and that the world conspired to keep her out of the Oval Office. This is unprecedented behavior for a failed nominee. It is deranged even. Somewhere in her Chappaqua home must be a room hung with cobwebs where, like Miss Havisham, she laments the perfidy of everyone who dumped her at the Election Day altar.
The thing about Hillary Clinton clinging bitterly to her place in political history is that, unlike Gore, it is only sour grapes. It is not the occasional complaint amid a larger personal pursuit of new things. Clinton, who is now a self-appointed leader in the anti-Trump “resistance,” is not fulfilling rhetoric about continuing to fight for her or the Democratic Party’s values. She is not particularly engaged in activist causes. She wants only to argue in public that she is right and that everyone else is wrong.
Clinton's continued presence in public life serves only her own interests, and it comes to the detriment of former allies and even her own party. Though unprecedented, it is not unexpected. Indeed, we should expect nothing less from the hopeless candidate whose campaign slogan was “I'm with her.”


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-01-26--Des Moines Register snubs Bernie Sanders amid Iowa surge, backs Warren for Democratic nod

Bernie Sanders has missed out on the Des Moines Register 's endorsement in two consecutive election cycles despite a late surge in Iowa ahead of the Feb. 3 kickoff caucuses .
The newspaper announced late Saturday its editorial board was backing Elizabeth Warren , 70 , in the race for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination , taking a dig at the Vermont senator , 78 , in the process .
`` With Warren , the Oval Office will be occupied by someone who has made rebuilding the middle class her life ’ s work , '' the board wrote of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ however , qualified its endorsement .
`` Some of her ideas for 'big , structural change ' go too far .
This board could not endorse the wholesale overhaul of corporate governance or cumulative levels of taxation she proposes .
While the board has long supported single-payer health insurance , it believes a gradual transition is the more realistic approach .
But Warren is pushing in the right direction , '' it said .
The New York Times this week broke with precedent and declined to pick one candidate to back .
Instead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sen. Amy Klobuchar , 59 , and liberal firebrand Warren , overlooking the two front-runners in the race : former Vice President Joe Biden , 77 , and Sanders , 78 .
Yet Biden and Sanders may consider themselves lucky .
Democratic Des Moines Register endorsees have a dismal record when it comes to winning the state 's caucuses and clinching the party 's nomination .
In 1988 , the newspaper backed then-Illinois Sen. Paul Simon before the horn-rimmed glasses and bow-tie-wearing lawmaker lost in Iowa to Missouri Rep. Dick Gephardt .
Massachusetts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nomination that year .
Similarly , retired professional basketball player and New Jersey Sen. Bill Bradley earned the outlet 's support in 2000 before former Vice President Al Gore secured the most delegates in Iowa and the party 's nod .
Prior to admitting he had a love child with a staffer in the 2008 cycle , North Carolina Sen. John Edwards had the same experience with Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry in 2004 .
Hillary Clinton was also endorsed by the Des Moines Register in 2008 and 2016 .
While she emerged victorious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's standard-bearer in 2016 over Sanders , she lost both honors to future President Barack Obama in 2008 .
With a little more than a week before the opening caucuses , less than 1 percentage point separates Biden and Sanders in Iowa , according to polling averages compiled by RealClearPolitics .
Yet in a slew of recent polls fielded in the state , the former Vermont congressman and mayor of Burlington has demonstrated leads on the rest of the White House hopefuls .
Earlier in January , he had a narrow advantage of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Des Moines Register/CNN/Mediacom poll , considered to the gold-standard survey in Iowa .
Then , on Saturday morning , the New York Times/Siena College poll had him at 7 percentage points ahead of second-most popular candidate former South Bend , Indiana , Mayor Pete Buttigieg , which was outside the margin of error .

Bernie Sanders has missed out on the Des Moines Register's endorsement in two consecutive election cycles despite a late surge in Iowa ahead of the Feb. 3 kickoff caucuses.
The newspaper announced late Saturday its editorial board was backing Elizabeth Warren, 70, in the race for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination, taking a dig at the Vermont senator, 78, in the process.
"With Warren, the Oval Office will be occupied by someone who has made rebuilding the middle class her life’s work," the board wrote of the Massachusetts senator.
The outlet, however, qualified its endorsement.
"Some of her ideas for 'big, structural change' go too far. This board could not endorse the wholesale overhaul of corporate governance or cumulative levels of taxation she proposes. While the board has long supported single-payer health insurance, it believes a gradual transition is the more realistic approach. But Warren is pushing in the right direction," it said.
The New York Times this week broke with precedent and declined to pick one candidate to back. Instead, the newspaper chose moderately center-left Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar, 59, and liberal firebrand Warren, overlooking the two front-runners in the race: former Vice President Joe Biden, 77, and Sanders, 78.
Yet Biden and Sanders may consider themselves lucky. Democratic Des Moines Register endorsees have a dismal record when it comes to winning the state's caucuses and clinching the party's nomination.
In 1988, the newspaper backed then-Illinois Sen. Paul Simon before the horn-rimmed glasses and bow-tie-wearing lawmaker lost in Iowa to Missouri Rep. Dick Gephardt. Massachusetts Gov. Michael Dukakis claimed the Democratic nomination that year.
Similarly, retired professional basketball player and New Jersey Sen. Bill Bradley earned the outlet's support in 2000 before former Vice President Al Gore secured the most delegates in Iowa and the party's nod. Prior to admitting he had a love child with a staffer in the 2008 cycle, North Carolina Sen. John Edwards had the same experience with Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry in 2004.
Hillary Clinton was also endorsed by the Des Moines Register in 2008 and 2016. While she emerged victorious from the caucuses and became the party's standard-bearer in 2016 over Sanders, she lost both honors to future President Barack Obama in 2008.
With a little more than a week before the opening caucuses, less than 1 percentage point separates Biden and Sanders in Iowa, according to polling averages compiled by RealClearPolitics.
Yet in a slew of recent polls fielded in the state, the former Vermont congressman and mayor of Burlington has demonstrated leads on the rest of the White House hopefuls.
Earlier in January, he had a narrow advantage of 3 percentage points over closest rival Warren in the Des Moines Register/CNN/Mediacom poll, considered to the gold-standard survey in Iowa. Then, on Saturday morning, the New York Times/Siena College poll had him at 7 percentage points ahead of second-most popular candidate former South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg, which was outside the margin of error.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-01-26--James Lankford offers worst possible example of where Trump is supposedly fighting corruption

Turkey .
Why did he say Turkey ?
Republican Sen. James Lankford of Oklahoma was asked this weekend to address the White House ’ s impeachment defense that President Trump withheld foreign aid to Ukraine as part of a broader effort to fight corruption .
The senator was asked first whether he believes the president held up the aid for truly noble reasons .
“ Yes , I do actually think he ’ s concerned about corruption and the people of Ukraine , ” Lankford said .
The Republican lawmaker was asked then to name additional examples of the White @ @ @ @ @ @ @ abroad .
“ Can you give me one more example , one other example of anywhere where President Trump has ever expressed concern about corruption ?
” asked CNN host Jake Tapper .
“ Russia , Saudi Arabia , Israel — is there any example you can point to where President Trump expressed any concern about corruption ?
” “ Sure I can , if you want me to send you a long list , I can send you a long list .
But you ’ re trying to put me on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You ’ re trying to put me on the spot to be able to talk about international world policy , ” Lankford repeated .
The segment ended without the senator giving an example .
Later , following his appearance on CNN , Lankford went on Twitter to clarify his position , writing , “ I was asked this morning on [ CNN ] where [ the president ] is fighting corruption .
I think it ’ s obvious but here ’ s the list Iran , Venezuela , Turkey , North Korea , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ name a few.
” Lankford could not have picked a worse example .
Truly .
The White House 's accommodating approach to Turkey has been so bad , and so deferential , that it nearly overshadows all of the good foreign policy accomplishments by the Trump administration .
Consider the following articles : • The New York Times : “ Behind Trump ’ s Dealings With Turkey : Sons-in-Law Married to Power ” • Time magazine : “ President Trump Said in 2015 That He Has a 'Little Conflict of Interest ' in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the way , still exist .
A more cynical person would say these explain the White House ’ s persistent kid-glove treatment of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan , whom Trump called in 2017 to congratulate on winning an election that saw the Turkish tyrant consolidate even more power and control .
Also , do n't forget that Erdogan 's personal guards beat protesters on U.S. soil in 2017 with nary a word of protest from the White House .
In fact , Turkish officials claim Trump apologized to Erdogan for the disturbance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The administration may be doing a lot of work behind the scenes to fight corruption in foreign governments .
The Erdogan regime does not seem to be one of them .

Turkey. Why did he say Turkey?
Republican Sen. James Lankford of Oklahoma was asked this weekend to address the White House’s impeachment defense that President Trump withheld foreign aid to Ukraine as part of a broader effort to fight corruption.
The senator was asked first whether he believes the president held up the aid for truly noble reasons.
“Yes, I do actually think he’s concerned about corruption and the people of Ukraine,” Lankford said.
The Republican lawmaker was asked then to name additional examples of the White House’s efforts to fight corruption abroad.
“Can you give me one more example, one other example of anywhere where President Trump has ever expressed concern about corruption?” asked CNN host Jake Tapper. “Russia, Saudi Arabia, Israel — is there any example you can point to where President Trump expressed any concern about corruption?”
“Sure I can, if you want me to send you a long list, I can send you a long list. But you’re trying to put me on the spot,” Lankford responded.
The host persisted, “Just give me a couple examples.”
“You’re trying to put me on the spot to be able to talk about international world policy,” Lankford repeated.
The segment ended without the senator giving an example.
Later, following his appearance on CNN, Lankford went on Twitter to clarify his position, writing, “I was asked this morning on [CNN] where [the president] is fighting corruption. I think it’s obvious but here’s the list Iran, Venezuela, Turkey, North Korea, Cuba, China, Columbia, Libya…to name a few.”
I was asked this morning on @CNN where @RealDonaldTrump is fighting corruption. I think it’s obvious but here’s the list Iran, Venezuela, Turkey, North Korea, Cuba, China, Columbia, Libya…to name a few. — Sen. James Lankford (@SenatorLankford) January 24, 2020
Turkey? Turkey!
Lankford could not have picked a worse example. Truly.
The White House's accommodating approach to Turkey has been so bad, and so deferential, that it nearly overshadows all of the good foreign policy accomplishments by the Trump administration.
Consider the following articles:
Those conflicts of interest, by the way, still exist. A more cynical person would say these explain the White House’s persistent kid-glove treatment of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, whom Trump called in 2017 to congratulate on winning an election that saw the Turkish tyrant consolidate even more power and control.
Also, don't forget that Erdogan's personal guards beat protesters on U.S. soil in 2017 with nary a word of protest from the White House. In fact, Turkish officials claim Trump apologized to Erdogan for the disturbance (the White House denies this).
The administration may be doing a lot of work behind the scenes to fight corruption in foreign governments. The Erdogan regime does not seem to be one of them.