thewashingtonexaminer--2020-12-08--Kristi Noem rebuts coronavirus critics during budget speech

Gov .
Kristi Noem rebuked critics of her hands-off response to the coronavirus in South Dakota and mocked some states facing hard times after taking robust action to defeat the pandemic during a speech unveiling her latest budget proposal .
After leading the South Dakota Legislature in a moment of silence to honor residents who died from COVID-19 , the Republican chief executive defended her decision to resist mask mandates , economic lockdowns , or gathering limits to slow the spread of the coronavirus .
That approach , Noem said , left her state economically resilient and socially vibrant , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ imposed severe restrictions are now experiencing twin health and fiscal calamities .
“ Following months of economic lockdowns , sheltering in place , and huge numbers of businesses being forced to close permanently , many of my peers are likely not looking forward to standing before their legislators like I am today , ” Noem said Tuesday .
“ Some are going to propose tax increases , others will take on billions of dollars more in debt , and a few will be forced to make significant budget cuts.
” She continued , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mandating harsh rules , South Dakota provides our residents with information about what is happening on the ground in our state , the science , the facts , and the data .
Then , we ask each of our South Dakotans to take personal responsibility for their health , the health of their loved ones , and in turn , our communities.
” Throughout the pandemic , Noem has been unique among Democratic and Republican governors .
While most adopted policies that shuttered businesses and put strict curbs on social gatherings , South @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approach , insisting that the state had no jurisdiction to make such decisions and saying that the people of her state could be trusted to take the necessary precautions .
Noem ’ s strategy turned her into a folk hero among grassroots conservatives across the country who have been frustrated by economic lockdowns and mask mandates .
After hosting President Trump for a speech on patriotism at Mount Rushmore in July , Noem hit the trail to campaign for him in key battleground states , sparking speculation that the 49-year-old could be a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2024 .
Tuesday ’ s speech , an annual address to the legislature , focused mostly on state spending priorities .
But Noem took the opportunity to swipe at critics in the media and elsewhere who have accused her of putting lives at risk by refusing to order businesses to close and implement mask mandates , policies supported by most health experts to reduce COVID-19 deaths .
“ Since March , many of my peers have attempted to stop the spread of the virus without considering their citizens ' social or their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economies , ” Noem said .
“ Even amid a pandemic , public policy ought to be holistic .
Daily needs must still be met .
People need to eat .
They need to keep a roof over their heads .
That means that policymakers can not have tunnel vision.
” She added , “ Many in the media have criticized this approach .
They have labeled me ill-informed , a denier , and reckless .
Some have even asserted that South Dakota is as bad as it gets anywhere in the world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a demonstrably false statement.
” Noem pointed to California , Illinois , and New Jersey as three states that have maintained aggressive lockdowns and other mandates on personal behavior for several months but are now experiencing record surges in COVID-19 infections .
These states , led by Democratic governors , are doing no better than South Dakota , and in some cases , they are worse off , the governor claimed during her remarks .
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , that is not necessarily the case .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ South Dakota ’ s infections at 9,805 per 100,000 and deaths at 125 per 100,000 .
In California , the corresponding figures stood at 3,454 infections per 100,000 and 50 deaths per 100,000 .
And in Illinois , they were at 6,250 and 111 .
In New Jersey , the infection rate was lower than South Dakota ’ s , but the death rate was higher , at 194 per 100,000 .
Meanwhile , Noem acknowledged that Trump lost reelection to President-elect Joe Biden , a sensitive topic for most Republicans , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the topic .
He has refused to concede , claiming massive voter fraud and a broad conspiracy to deny him a second term .
But toward the end of her address , Noem warned that Biden would be hostile for South Dakota ’ s economy and said she wrote her budget blueprint accordingly .
“ I expect that the road could be a little bit rough under the Biden administration , ” Noem said .
“ I expect that federal agencies will see South Dakota not necessarily as a partner but as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already communicated with us .
So , we are preparing for that .
”

Gov. Kristi Noem rebuked critics of her hands-off response to the coronavirus in South Dakota and mocked some states facing hard times after taking robust action to defeat the pandemic during a speech unveiling her latest budget proposal.
After leading the South Dakota Legislature in a moment of silence to honor residents who died from COVID-19, the Republican chief executive defended her decision to resist mask mandates, economic lockdowns, or gathering limits to slow the spread of the coronavirus. That approach, Noem said, left her state economically resilient and socially vibrant, while states led by Democratic governors who imposed severe restrictions are now experiencing twin health and fiscal calamities.
“Following months of economic lockdowns, sheltering in place, and huge numbers of businesses being forced to close permanently, many of my peers are likely not looking forward to standing before their legislators like I am today,” Noem said Tuesday. “Some are going to propose tax increases, others will take on billions of dollars more in debt, and a few will be forced to make significant budget cuts.”
She continued, “Rather than following the pack and mandating harsh rules, South Dakota provides our residents with information about what is happening on the ground in our state, the science, the facts, and the data. Then, we ask each of our South Dakotans to take personal responsibility for their health, the health of their loved ones, and in turn, our communities.”
Throughout the pandemic, Noem has been unique among Democratic and Republican governors. While most adopted policies that shuttered businesses and put strict curbs on social gatherings, South Dakota’s governor took the opposite approach, insisting that the state had no jurisdiction to make such decisions and saying that the people of her state could be trusted to take the necessary precautions.
Noem’s strategy turned her into a folk hero among grassroots conservatives across the country who have been frustrated by economic lockdowns and mask mandates. After hosting President Trump for a speech on patriotism at Mount Rushmore in July, Noem hit the trail to campaign for him in key battleground states, sparking speculation that the 49-year-old could be a dark-horse candidate for president if she runs in 2024.
Tuesday’s speech, an annual address to the legislature, focused mostly on state spending priorities. But Noem took the opportunity to swipe at critics in the media and elsewhere who have accused her of putting lives at risk by refusing to order businesses to close and implement mask mandates, policies supported by most health experts to reduce COVID-19 deaths.
“Since March, many of my peers have attempted to stop the spread of the virus without considering their citizens' social or their mental well-being or the state of their economies,” Noem said. “Even amid a pandemic, public policy ought to be holistic. Daily needs must still be met. People need to eat. They need to keep a roof over their heads. That means that policymakers cannot have tunnel vision.”
She added, “Many in the media have criticized this approach. They have labeled me ill-informed, a denier, and reckless. Some have even asserted that South Dakota is as bad as it gets anywhere in the world when it comes to COVID-19. That is a demonstrably false statement.”
Noem pointed to California, Illinois, and New Jersey as three states that have maintained aggressive lockdowns and other mandates on personal behavior for several months but are now experiencing record surges in COVID-19 infections. These states, led by Democratic governors, are doing no better than South Dakota, and in some cases, they are worse off, the governor claimed during her remarks.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, that is not necessarily the case.
Statistics compiled by the federal agency showed South Dakota’s infections at 9,805 per 100,000 and deaths at 125 per 100,000. In California, the corresponding figures stood at 3,454 infections per 100,000 and 50 deaths per 100,000. And in Illinois, they were at 6,250 and 111. In New Jersey, the infection rate was lower than South Dakota’s, but the death rate was higher, at 194 per 100,000.
Meanwhile, Noem acknowledged that Trump lost reelection to President-elect Joe Biden, a sensitive topic for most Republicans, who have followed the president’s lead on the topic. He has refused to concede, claiming massive voter fraud and a broad conspiracy to deny him a second term. But toward the end of her address, Noem warned that Biden would be hostile for South Dakota’s economy and said she wrote her budget blueprint accordingly.
“I expect that the road could be a little bit rough under the Biden administration,” Noem said. “I expect that federal agencies will see South Dakota not necessarily as a partner but as a subordinate based on what they have already communicated with us. So, we are preparing for that.”


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-12-08--Supreme Court rejects attempt to throw out Biden win in Pennsylvania

The Supreme Court on Tuesday rejected a Republican-led attempt to overturn the election results showing a win for President-elect Joe Biden .
In orders released Tuesday afternoon , the court rejected Rep. Mike Kelly 's request for injunctive relief .
Kelly petitioned Justice Samuel Alito last week to take up the case , claiming that Pennsylvania 's mail-in ballots violated the state constitution .
Pennsylvania responded to Kelly 's appeal on Tuesday , calling it `` fundamentally frivolous . ''
`` They make that request without any acknowledgment of the staggering upheaval , turmoil , and acrimony it would unleash @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Andrew Wiygul , wrote of Republican attempts to throw out the ballots .
The court 's decision came just as the Dec. 8 `` safe harbor deadline '' came to a close , effectively killing the Trump team 's ability to appeal other election disputes to the high court .
Alito briefly gave Republicans hope for the case on Sunday when he ordered that the requirements for Pennsylvania to respond be moved from Wednesday to Tuesday , giving the court a chance to weigh in before the cutoff .
Kelly 's lawyer , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Washington Examiner that Trump supporters will continue to protest the election results .
`` We do not consider the passage of that date as precluding relief by the court as to the 2020 presidential election , '' he said shortly before the decision was reached .
`` The only options we are pursuing at this point are in the U.S. Supreme Court . ''
The Trump legal team made a similar statement on Tuesday , pointing out that the safe harbor deadline is a federal law , not a constitutional requirement .
Jenna @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Trump campaign , and Rudy Giuliani , Trump 's top lawyer , said that they plan to push their election disputes beyond the Electoral College 's Dec. 14 vote and all the way to Biden 's January inauguration .
`` The only fixed day in the U.S. Constitution is the inauguration of the President on January 20 at noon , '' they said in a joint statement .
`` Despite the media trying desperately to proclaim that the fight is over , we will continue to champion election integrity until the legal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' The Trump team 's attempts to fight election results have overwhelmingly failed , and Trump has seemed to acknowledge several times since the election that his chances for overturning the loss have become increasingly slim .
The president , on Monday , while he was presenting the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Olympic wrestler Dan Gable , nodded toward the possibility of failure .
`` You know , in politics , I won two , so I 'm 2-and-0 .
And that 's pretty good , too , '' Trump said , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see how that turns out . ''

The Supreme Court on Tuesday rejected a Republican-led attempt to overturn the election results showing a win for President-elect Joe Biden.
In orders released Tuesday afternoon, the court rejected Rep. Mike Kelly's request for injunctive relief. Kelly petitioned Justice Samuel Alito last week to take up the case, claiming that Pennsylvania's mail-in ballots violated the state constitution.
Pennsylvania responded to Kelly's appeal on Tuesday, calling it "fundamentally frivolous."
"They make that request without any acknowledgment of the staggering upheaval, turmoil, and acrimony it would unleash," the state's attorney, Andrew Wiygul, wrote of Republican attempts to throw out the ballots.
The court's decision came just as the Dec. 8 "safe harbor deadline" came to a close, effectively killing the Trump team's ability to appeal other election disputes to the high court. Alito briefly gave Republicans hope for the case on Sunday when he ordered that the requirements for Pennsylvania to respond be moved from Wednesday to Tuesday, giving the court a chance to weigh in before the cutoff.
Kelly's lawyer, Greg Teufel, on Tuesday told the Washington Examiner that Trump supporters will continue to protest the election results.
"We do not consider the passage of that date as precluding relief by the court as to the 2020 presidential election," he said shortly before the decision was reached. "The only options we are pursuing at this point are in the U.S. Supreme Court."
The Trump legal team made a similar statement on Tuesday, pointing out that the safe harbor deadline is a federal law, not a constitutional requirement. Jenna Ellis, a senior legal adviser to the Trump campaign, and Rudy Giuliani, Trump's top lawyer, said that they plan to push their election disputes beyond the Electoral College's Dec. 14 vote and all the way to Biden's January inauguration.
"The only fixed day in the U.S. Constitution is the inauguration of the President on January 20 at noon," they said in a joint statement. "Despite the media trying desperately to proclaim that the fight is over, we will continue to champion election integrity until the legal vote is counted fairly and accurately."
The Trump team's attempts to fight election results have overwhelmingly failed, and Trump has seemed to acknowledge several times since the election that his chances for overturning the loss have become increasingly slim. The president, on Monday, while he was presenting the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Olympic wrestler Dan Gable, nodded toward the possibility of failure.
"You know, in politics, I won two, so I'm 2-and-0. And that's pretty good, too," Trump said, soon adding: "But we'll see how that turns out."


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-12-08--Liberals have a short memory when it comes to accepting election outcomes

For all the cries that President Trump 's challenge to November 's election result constitutes an unprecedented attack on political norms , it was only four years ago that influential Democratic politicians and left-leaning pundits were calling for him to be stopped from entering the Oval Office .
In 2017 , the late Rep. John Lewis , a Georgia Democrat who died this year , refused to attend the president 's inauguration out of his belief that Trump was an `` illegitimate president . ''
Then-House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi tweeted in May 2017 : `` Our election was hijacked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Just over a week following this year 's election , Pelosi sang a different tune in a joint news conference with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer , a New York Democrat , calling Trump 's legal challenges `` an absurd circus . ''
“ The longer Senate Republicans are playing this sad game is the longer they are denying families much-needed relief from the COVID health and economic crisis , ” Schumer added .
Prominent economist and New York Times columnist Paul Krugman opined earlier this month that presumptive President-elect Joe Biden `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. president trying to govern in the face of an opposition that refuses to accept his legitimacy . ''
Contrary to Krugman 's claims , a number of those on the Left refused to recognize Trump 's victory .
In the immediate aftermath , the Atlantic 's Peter Beinart floated the idea of stopping Trump 's ascension to the presidency via the Electoral College and having state electors simply cast their votes for Hillary Clinton due to the existential risk of climate change or nuclear war .
`` The prospect of a Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , terrifying in unprecedented ways .
Which is why , for the first time in modern American history , there ’ s a plausible case for urging the electors to vote their consciences , '' he wrote on Nov. 21 , 2016 .
`` The case is not overwhelming .
But it ’ s not absurd .
It all depends on how dangerous you think President Trump would be . ''
Shortly after that column , a coalition of a half-dozen Democratic electors signed a pledge to block Trump from achieving an Electoral @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a popular vote win and the supposedly unique threats he posed to the country .
A week before that effort , California Sen. Barbara Boxer , a Democrat , quietly proposed a bill to abolish the Electoral College altogether in a not-so-subtle-effort to potentially deny Trump a win months before his inauguration .
Various Electoral College schemes reached the airwaves of MSNBC , with prime-time host Chris Hayes surmising that states Trump won could simply refuse to send GOP electors to Congress in a heroic effort to save the country .
`` There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hard who think that because of some of the constitutional perils of the emoluments clause , because of the popular vote margin , because of fundamentals they think are a threat to liberal democracy that electors should be persuaded and pressured on Monday and to part to what their pledge is and vote against Donald Trump , '' Hayes said in an interview with left-wing filmmaker Michael Moore , who applauded the idea .
His interview with Moore was followed by a tweet in December , mentioning the technically constitutional but unprecedented scenario @ @ @ @ @ @ @ picked for president .
`` Fun fact : states decide how to apportion their electors .
They could give them all to , say , whichever candidate won majority of counties ! ''
he tweeted in December .
When the time came to formally certify Trump 's Electoral College victory In January 2017 , a number of House Democrats voiced objections .
Lawmakers from Michigan , Florida , Mississippi , Alabama , and North and South Carolina all motioned against formalizing the election 's results , citing Russian interference and alleged voter suppression @ @ @ @ @ @ @ activities engaged by the government of Russia designed to interfere with our election and the widespread violations of the voting rights act that unlawfully suppressed thousands of votes in the state of Alabama , '' Massachusetts Rep. Jim McGovern said on the House floor before being overruled by then-Vice President Biden , who said the Democratic lawmaker 's objections were out of order .
Much of the discussion about denying Trump an Electoral College was fueled by the conspiracy theory Trump was an agent of Russia or that the country interfered with voting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strong majority of Democratic voters agreed .
A 2018 poll from YouGov found 66 % of Democrats believed Russia tampered with the election results to hand Trump a victory .
Hillary Clinton potentially did as well , who initially waited a night to concede to Trump in November 2016 .
Three years later , she still referred to her former opponent as an `` illegitimate president . ''
In an interview with Hardball 's Chris Matthews , Rep. Eric Swalwell , a Democrat , was asked by the host if he believes Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , akin to domestic Soviet spies in the 1940s .
`` He 's working on behalf of the Russians , yeah , '' the lawmaker responded .
For all the complaints about Trump 's legal hijinks , Democrats remain supportive of Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams 's refusal to concede her race against Republican Brian Kemp in 2018 .
That race was decided by fewer than 55,000 votes , and Abrams remains insistent that voter suppression cost her a win , despite record-high turnout .
In Sunday 's debate between Georgia Sen .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kelly Loeffler , the Democrat alleged Abrams 's complaints differed from the president 's .
`` Listen , suppression is something that happens all across our country .
It 's happened here in the state of Georgia , '' he said .

For all the cries that President Trump's challenge to November's election result constitutes an unprecedented attack on political norms, it was only four years ago that influential Democratic politicians and left-leaning pundits were calling for him to be stopped from entering the Oval Office.
In 2017, the late Rep. John Lewis, a Georgia Democrat who died this year, refused to attend the president's inauguration out of his belief that Trump was an "illegitimate president."
Then-House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi tweeted in May 2017: "Our election was hijacked. There is no question." Just over a week following this year's election, Pelosi sang a different tune in a joint news conference with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat, calling Trump's legal challenges "an absurd circus."
“The longer Senate Republicans are playing this sad game is the longer they are denying families much-needed relief from the COVID health and economic crisis,” Schumer added.
Prominent economist and New York Times columnist Paul Krugman opined earlier this month that presumptive President-elect Joe Biden "[will] be the first modern U.S. president trying to govern in the face of an opposition that refuses to accept his legitimacy."
Contrary to Krugman's claims, a number of those on the Left refused to recognize Trump's victory. In the immediate aftermath, the Atlantic's Peter Beinart floated the idea of stopping Trump's ascension to the presidency via the Electoral College and having state electors simply cast their votes for Hillary Clinton due to the existential risk of climate change or nuclear war.
"The prospect of a Trump presidency, however, is terrifying too, terrifying in unprecedented ways. Which is why, for the first time in modern American history, there’s a plausible case for urging the electors to vote their consciences," he wrote on Nov. 21, 2016. "The case is not overwhelming. But it’s not absurd. It all depends on how dangerous you think President Trump would be."
Shortly after that column, a coalition of a half-dozen Democratic electors signed a pledge to block Trump from achieving an Electoral College majority, citing his lack of a popular vote win and the supposedly unique threats he posed to the country. A week before that effort, California Sen. Barbara Boxer, a Democrat, quietly proposed a bill to abolish the Electoral College altogether in a not-so-subtle-effort to potentially deny Trump a win months before his inauguration.
Various Electoral College schemes reached the airwaves of MSNBC, with prime-time host Chris Hayes surmising that states Trump won could simply refuse to send GOP electors to Congress in a heroic effort to save the country.
"There are people who have been pushing very hard who think that because of some of the constitutional perils of the emoluments clause, because of the popular vote margin, because of fundamentals they think are a threat to liberal democracy that electors should be persuaded and pressured on Monday and to part to what their pledge is and vote against Donald Trump," Hayes said in an interview with left-wing filmmaker Michael Moore, who applauded the idea.
Fun fact: states decide how to apportion their electors. They could give them all to, say, whichever candidate won majority of counties! — Chris Hayes (@chrislhayes) December 6, 2016
His interview with Moore was followed by a tweet in December, mentioning the technically constitutional but unprecedented scenario where states can simply ignore who voters picked for president.
"Fun fact: states decide how to apportion their electors. They could give them all to, say, whichever candidate won majority of counties!" he tweeted in December.
When the time came to formally certify Trump's Electoral College victory In January 2017, a number of House Democrats voiced objections. Lawmakers from Michigan, Florida, Mississippi, Alabama, and North and South Carolina all motioned against formalizing the election's results, citing Russian interference and alleged voter suppression.
"... The confirmed and illegal activities engaged by the government of Russia designed to interfere with our election and the widespread violations of the voting rights act that unlawfully suppressed thousands of votes in the state of Alabama," Massachusetts Rep. Jim McGovern said on the House floor before being overruled by then-Vice President Biden, who said the Democratic lawmaker's objections were out of order.
Much of the discussion about denying Trump an Electoral College was fueled by the conspiracy theory Trump was an agent of Russia or that the country interfered with voting totals in key swing states.
A strong majority of Democratic voters agreed. A 2018 poll from YouGov found 66% of Democrats believed Russia tampered with the election results to hand Trump a victory.
Hillary Clinton potentially did as well, who initially waited a night to concede to Trump in November 2016. Three years later, she still referred to her former opponent as an "illegitimate president."
In an interview with Hardball's Chris Matthews, Rep. Eric Swalwell, a Democrat, was asked by the host if he believes Trump is an espionage asset of Vladimir Putin, akin to domestic Soviet spies in the 1940s.
"He's working on behalf of the Russians, yeah," the lawmaker responded.
For all the complaints about Trump's legal hijinks, Democrats remain supportive of Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams's refusal to concede her race against Republican Brian Kemp in 2018. That race was decided by fewer than 55,000 votes, and Abrams remains insistent that voter suppression cost her a win, despite record-high turnout.
In Sunday's debate between Georgia Sen. Candidate Raphael Warnock and incumbent GOP Sen. Kelly Loeffler, the Democrat alleged Abrams's complaints differed from the president's.
"Listen, suppression is something that happens all across our country. It's happened here in the state of Georgia," he said.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-12-08--Arizona GOP denies urging activists to die to keep Trump in office

After suggesting on Twitter that Republican activists should be willing to die to support President Trump ’ s challenge of his loss to President-elect Joe Biden , the Arizona GOP is saying the posts should not be taken literally .
“ The Republican Party of Arizona condemns all forms of violence in the strongest terms , ” party spokesman Zachery Henry told the Washington Examiner on Tuesday via email .
After conservative activist Ali Alexander tweeted on Monday , “ I am willing to give my life for this fight , ” the Arizona Republican Party retweeted the post with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Are you ?
” Hours later , in a since-deleted tweet , the Arizona GOP posted a scene from an action movie featuring Sylvester Stallone with the highlighted quote : “ This is what we do , who we are .
Live for nothing or die for something.
” Trump has refused to concede to Biden , claiming a broad conspiracy is at work to steal votes , to manufacture votes , and to deny him a second term .
That has led some of the outgoing president ’ s staunch supporters to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in extraordinary measures to keep him in the White House .
Asked to comment on the Arizona Republican Party ’ s social media posts , a spokesman said that is not what the party was encouraging .
“ Fictional movie scenes should be weighed in their proper context , ” Henry said , adding that his statement applied to both tweets in question .
Biden won the White House on Nov. 3 with 306 votes in the Electoral College , a victory that was bolstered by a lead in the national popular vote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump is fighting the results , with his legal team filing lawsuits in the half-dozen swing states that made the difference in the race .
Arizona , where Trump lost by 10,457 votes , is one of them .
Led by Chairwoman Kelli Ward , the Arizona GOP has filed lawsuits of its own , although none are expected to succeed in overturning the results in the state , which has already certified its results .
Biden became the first Democrat to win Arizona since 1996 .

After suggesting on Twitter that Republican activists should be willing to die to support President Trump’s challenge of his loss to President-elect Joe Biden, the Arizona GOP is saying the posts should not be taken literally.
“The Republican Party of Arizona condemns all forms of violence in the strongest terms,” party spokesman Zachery Henry told the Washington Examiner on Tuesday via email.
After conservative activist Ali Alexander tweeted on Monday, “I am willing to give my life for this fight,” the Arizona Republican Party retweeted the post with the comment: “He is. Are you?” Hours later, in a since-deleted tweet, the Arizona GOP posted a scene from an action movie featuring Sylvester Stallone with the highlighted quote: “This is what we do, who we are. Live for nothing or die for something.”
He is. Are you? https://t.co/OY8qxNMPxm — Arizona Republican Party (@AZGOP) December 8, 2020
Trump has refused to concede to Biden, claiming a broad conspiracy is at work to steal votes, to manufacture votes, and to deny him a second term. That has led some of the outgoing president’s staunch supporters to suggest they would be willing to engage in extraordinary measures to keep him in the White House. Asked to comment on the Arizona Republican Party’s social media posts, a spokesman said that is not what the party was encouraging.
“Fictional movie scenes should be weighed in their proper context,” Henry said, adding that his statement applied to both tweets in question.
Biden won the White House on Nov. 3 with 306 votes in the Electoral College, a victory that was bolstered by a lead in the national popular vote that has surpassed 7 million. But Trump is fighting the results, with his legal team filing lawsuits in the half-dozen swing states that made the difference in the race. Arizona, where Trump lost by 10,457 votes, is one of them.
Led by Chairwoman Kelli Ward, the Arizona GOP has filed lawsuits of its own, although none are expected to succeed in overturning the results in the state, which has already certified its results. Biden became the first Democrat to win Arizona since 1996.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-12-08--Fired DHS cybersecurity chief sues Trump campaign and lawyer who said he should be shot

The former Homeland Security Department cybersecurity chief who was fired by President Trump is suing the president 's campaign and one of its lawyers .
Chris Krebs , who was fired last month after asserting there was no election fraud , filed a lawsuit on Tuesday in Montgomery County , Maryland , Circuit Court , alleging defamation and the infliction of emotional distress about a week after campaign lawyer Joe diGenova said in a Newsmax interview that he should be `` drawn and quartered , taken out at dawn , and shot . ''
DiGenova has since claimed he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign , and DiGenova have a symbiotic relationship , ” reads the lawsuit , first reported by the New York Times .
“ Newsmax disseminates and amplifies the campaign ’ s and DiGenova ’ s attacks on perceived political threats and allegations of election stealing , which pleases viewers , prompts endorsements from President Trump , increases ratings , supports the political goals of the campaign , and helps raise more money from duped supporters.
” In the suit , which seeks monetary damages and the removal of the video from Newsmax archives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ threats and that he and his family have been forced to leave their home for their own safety .
It also claims that the president , his campaign , and Newsmax itself have been engaging in “ a calculated and pernicious conspiracy ” to defame Republicans who have stood up against their pursuit to overturn the election .
DiGenova told the Washington Examiner that he meant no harm to Krebs .
`` For anyone listening to the Howie Carr Show , it was obvious that my remarks were sarcastic and made in jest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr. Krebs no harm .
This was hyperbole during political discourse , '' he said .
The Trump campaign did not respond to an immediate request for comment on the lawsuit .
DiGenova declined to comment .

The former Homeland Security Department cybersecurity chief who was fired by President Trump is suing the president's campaign and one of its lawyers.
Chris Krebs, who was fired last month after asserting there was no election fraud, filed a lawsuit on Tuesday in Montgomery County, Maryland, Circuit Court, alleging defamation and the infliction of emotional distress about a week after campaign lawyer Joe diGenova said in a Newsmax interview that he should be "drawn and quartered, taken out at dawn, and shot." DiGenova has since claimed he was being sarcastic.
“Newsmax, the campaign, and DiGenova have a symbiotic relationship,” reads the lawsuit, first reported by the New York Times. “Newsmax disseminates and amplifies the campaign’s and DiGenova’s attacks on perceived political threats and allegations of election stealing, which pleases viewers, prompts endorsements from President Trump, increases ratings, supports the political goals of the campaign, and helps raise more money from duped supporters.”
In the suit, which seeks monetary damages and the removal of the video from Newsmax archives, Krebs claims he has received death threats and that he and his family have been forced to leave their home for their own safety. It also claims that the president, his campaign, and Newsmax itself have been engaging in “a calculated and pernicious conspiracy” to defame Republicans who have stood up against their pursuit to overturn the election.
DiGenova told the Washington Examiner that he meant no harm to Krebs. "For anyone listening to the Howie Carr Show, it was obvious that my remarks were sarcastic and made in jest. I, of course, wish Mr. Krebs no harm. This was hyperbole during political discourse," he said.
The Trump campaign did not respond to an immediate request for comment on the lawsuit. DiGenova declined to comment.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-12-09--Liberals start to get a seat at Biden’s table

After initial major appointments went to centrists and pillars of the Democratic establishment , liberals are starting to leave their mark on President-elect Joe Biden ’ s evolving Cabinet .
The wing of the Democratic Party best represented by Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is still underrepresented among Biden ’ s announced picks for the Cabinet and senior White House staff .
But the Department of Health and Human Services , where liberal California Attorney General Xavier Becerra will take charge , is not a consolation prize .
And Sanders ’ s 2016 campaign press secretary Symone Sanders ( no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Harris ’ s chief spokeswoman after spending 2020 on the Biden team , while liberals have vetoed foes from assuming key positions at the Office of Management and Budget and the Department of Defense .
“ The keyword for Joe Biden 's Cabinet picks is balance , ” said Democratic strategist Brad Bannon .
“ Progressives did n't get the pick they loved , Elizabeth Warren , as treasury secretary , but they did get someone they liked in Janet Yellen , who did n't alienate moderates in the party.
” “ Party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of defense , and the president-elect scored big with them on racial diversity with his choices of Xavier Becerra at Health and Human Services and Lloyd Austin at Defense , ” Bannon added .
Liberals similarly played a role in keeping Bruce Reed , a centrist linked to the Democrats ’ 1990s embrace of deficit reduction , from becoming White House budget director .
That doesn ’ t mean the left wing of the party always got who it wanted even in these cases : Neera Tanden , who is slated for OMB @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and some liberals have balked at Austin ’ s recent military service in a post central to civilian control of the armed forces .
Rep. Elissa Slotkin , a Michigan Democrat , tweeted that “ choosing another recently retired general to serve in a role designed for a civilian just feels off.
” Slotkin , a former Defense Department official in the Obama administration while Biden was vice president , didn ’ t come out against a waiver allowing Austin to serve in the Cabinet .
But she said she will “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden Administration plan to do to address these concerns before I can vote for his waiver.
” “ The fact is , Austin ’ s many strengths and his intimate knowledge of the Department of Defense and our government are uniquely matched to the challenges and crises we face , ” Biden wrote in the Atlantic in anticipation of Democratic critics .
“ He is the person we need in this moment.
” If confirmed , Austin would be the first black secretary of defense .
Flournoy would have been the first woman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in assembling the Biden team , part of the tradition begun with Bill Clinton ’ s pledge to appoint a Cabinet that “ looks like America.
” “ This kind of infighting is crazy , ” said a second Democratic strategist .
“ It is unnecessary .
We are all on the same team .
It is going to hurt us.
” At Health and Human Services , Becerra would oversee vast social welfare programs that are essential to Democrats .
He would also play a large role in abortion policy , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” “ As attorney general of California , he continued what his predecessor Kamala Harris started by persecuting citizen journalists who exposed Planned Parenthood ’ s role in baby parts trafficking , ” said Marjorie Dannenfelser , president of the anti-abortion Susan B. Anthony List , in a statement .
“ Not only that , he went all the way to the Supreme Court to try to force California ’ s pro-life pregnancy centers to advertise and refer for abortion — a policy the Court rejected as unconstitutional .
In Congress , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Lily Eskelsen Garcia , president of the National Education Association , is said to be a front-runner for secretary of education .
The Congressional Hispanic Caucus praised her as a “ visionary leader who understands education from bottom to top.
” If nominated and confirmed , it would be a teachers union leader in charge of the Department of Education .
Still , as rumors of Warren or Sanders making it into the Cabinet have faded in favor of speculation about former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel , who has long brawled with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ satisfied with its recent inroads .
But it could be worse .
“ They ’ re putting forward more weather vanes and operatives than ideologues , ” Waleed Shahid of the left-wing Justice Democrats NBC News .
“ The kinds of people Obama appointed who were most ideologically hostile to the left wing of the party are not being appointed this time.
” Depending on the outcome of two runoff elections in Georgia , the Senate could range from a 52-48 Republican majority to a 50-50 chamber controlled by Democrats through Harris ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ win the Senate , then I do think the administration should be open to more aggressive appointments , or rather , appointments who would support a more aggressive agenda to help working families , '' Ocasio-Cortez told CNN .

After initial major appointments went to centrists and pillars of the Democratic establishment, liberals are starting to leave their mark on President-elect Joe Biden’s evolving Cabinet.
The wing of the Democratic Party best represented by Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is still underrepresented among Biden’s announced picks for the Cabinet and senior White House staff. But the Department of Health and Human Services, where liberal California Attorney General Xavier Becerra will take charge, is not a consolation prize. And Sanders’s 2016 campaign press secretary Symone Sanders (no relation) will be Vice President-elect Kamala Harris’s chief spokeswoman after spending 2020 on the Biden team, while liberals have vetoed foes from assuming key positions at the Office of Management and Budget and the Department of Defense.
“The keyword for Joe Biden's Cabinet picks is balance,” said Democratic strategist Brad Bannon. “Progressives didn't get the pick they loved, Elizabeth Warren, as treasury secretary, but they did get someone they liked in Janet Yellen, who didn't alienate moderates in the party.”
“Party progressives stopped Michele Flournoy from becoming secretary of defense, and the president-elect scored big with them on racial diversity with his choices of Xavier Becerra at Health and Human Services and Lloyd Austin at Defense,” Bannon added.
Liberals similarly played a role in keeping Bruce Reed, a centrist linked to the Democrats’ 1990s embrace of deficit reduction, from becoming White House budget director. That doesn’t mean the left wing of the party always got who it wanted even in these cases: Neera Tanden, who is slated for OMB, has rankled progressives in intraparty feuds, and some liberals have balked at Austin’s recent military service in a post central to civilian control of the armed forces.
Rep. Elissa Slotkin, a Michigan Democrat, tweeted that “choosing another recently retired general to serve in a role designed for a civilian just feels off.” Slotkin, a former Defense Department official in the Obama administration while Biden was vice president, didn’t come out against a waiver allowing Austin to serve in the Cabinet. But she said she will “need to understand what he and the Biden Administration plan to do to address these concerns before I can vote for his waiver.”
“The fact is, Austin’s many strengths and his intimate knowledge of the Department of Defense and our government are uniquely matched to the challenges and crises we face,” Biden wrote in the Atlantic in anticipation of Democratic critics. “He is the person we need in this moment.”
If confirmed, Austin would be the first black secretary of defense. Flournoy would have been the first woman. Demographic diversity is a major consideration in assembling the Biden team, part of the tradition begun with Bill Clinton’s pledge to appoint a Cabinet that “looks like America.”
“This kind of infighting is crazy,” said a second Democratic strategist. “It is unnecessary. We are all on the same team. It is going to hurt us.”
At Health and Human Services, Becerra would oversee vast social welfare programs that are essential to Democrats. He would also play a large role in abortion policy, riling social conservatives who view him as a “pro-abortion extremist.”
“As attorney general of California, he continued what his predecessor Kamala Harris started by persecuting citizen journalists who exposed Planned Parenthood’s role in baby parts trafficking,” said Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of the anti-abortion Susan B. Anthony List, in a statement. “Not only that, he went all the way to the Supreme Court to try to force California’s pro-life pregnancy centers to advertise and refer for abortion — a policy the Court rejected as unconstitutional. In Congress, he even voted in favor of partial-birth abortion.”
Lily Eskelsen Garcia, president of the National Education Association, is said to be a front-runner for secretary of education. The Congressional Hispanic Caucus praised her as a “visionary leader who understands education from bottom to top.” If nominated and confirmed, it would be a teachers union leader in charge of the Department of Education.
Still, as rumors of Warren or Sanders making it into the Cabinet have faded in favor of speculation about former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, who has long brawled with liberals, the Left isn’t satisfied with its recent inroads. But it could be worse.
“They’re putting forward more weather vanes and operatives than ideologues,” Waleed Shahid of the left-wing Justice Democrats told NBC News. “The kinds of people Obama appointed who were most ideologically hostile to the left wing of the party are not being appointed this time.”
Depending on the outcome of two runoff elections in Georgia, the Senate could range from a 52-48 Republican majority to a 50-50 chamber controlled by Democrats through Harris’s tie-breaking vote.
"If we win the Senate, then I do think the administration should be open to more aggressive appointments, or rather, appointments who would support a more aggressive agenda to help working families," Ocasio-Cortez told CNN.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-12-09--Josh Hawley carves niche in 2024 GOP field by demanding COVID-19 stimulus payments

Joining socialist Sen. Bernie Sanders ’ s call for cash payments to people as part of coronavirus relief is unusual for a conservative , but Sen. Josh Hawley is not the typical Republican many expected when he arrived in Washington .
Lurking beneath the elite pedigree — Stanford University , Yale Law School , clerk for Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts — is a conservative populist .
It is a surprise to Republicans who thought the Senate was gaining a movement conservative when Hawley was elected from Missouri in 2018 .
But party insiders familiar with Hawley ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of his portfolio going back a decade , when the notion of a President Trump was laughable .
“ He really is a populist at heart , ” said Gregg Keller , a Republican operative in Missouri who advised Hawley ’ s Senate campaign .
With bipartisan negotiators working furiously to reach agreement on coronavirus relief before year ’ s end , Sanders and Hawley announced separately opposition to any package that does not include $ 1,200 in direct payments to people in financial straights because of the pandemic .
But their messages @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spending taxpayer dollars to rescue struggling businesses , so that employers can hire and retain workers , is insufficient and immoral .
It was exactly what you would expect from Sanders .
As a two-time presidential candidate , the Vermont independent enjoyed the adulation of liberal activists as he pushed the Democratic Party to embrace socialist policies .
But it was unusual coming from a Republican .
Indeed , most Senate Republicans oppose this policy .
Hawley went so far as to encourage Trump to veto any bill that does not earmark cash @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Congress bail out Big Government ; why would we shovel billions of dollars to corporations and government and not help individuals ?
” Hawley said in comments shared with KY3 , a television station in Springfield , Missouri .
“ It makes absolutely no sense whatsoever .
These are the people who are most in need , and I told [ Republicans ] , I just can ’ t support any bill that does not include direct relief , direct assistance to working families.
” Hawley has proposed a larger role for Washington @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The senator has introduced legislation to stiffen regulations on the technology industry ; international trade ; and the administration of elections in the states .
Additionally , Hawley supports a lighter footprint for the United States military overseas , endorsing Trump ’ s plan to withdraw troops from Afghanistan despite failing to achieve victory over the Jihadist terrorists there .
This sort of populism , a philosophy that champions a more activist federal government at home and dovish foreign policy abroad , has left some Republicans scratching their heads .
When the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recruited to run for Senate in 2017 , some Republicans were convinced that he was a Ronald Reagan-era conservative — a libertarian ’ s preference for reducing the size and scope of government and internationalist in foreign affairs .
They have watched this rising GOP populist suspiciously , viewing it as a timely response to the influence Trump has had on the party .
“ He wasn ’ t a populist .
He was a conservative intellectual , ” a Republican operative said , warning , “ the greatest challenge for young political @ @ @ @ @ @ @ retrofit their views to the politics of the moment and exercise the patience to wait for the moment to fit their authentic self.
” Hawley ’ s supporters disagree , emphasizing that despite the strong backing of the Republican establishment in his Senate campaign , his roots have always been populist — ideologically and intellectually .
That includes launching a state investigation of Google ’ s competitive practices during his first year as Missouri attorney general and writing a book about the 26th president , Theodore Roosevelt : Preacher of Righteousness , published @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Washington Examiner , Hawley spokesman Kelli Ford defended the senator ’ s legislative agenda , throwing shade at Democrats and Republicans in the process .
“ Since the 1990 ’ s , leaders in both parties have sold out America ’ s heartland to Wall Street and Silicon Valley globalists , and their never-ending quest for cheaper labor and bigger profits , ” Ford said .
“ That ’ s got to stop .
Josh won ’ t quit and he won ’ t apologize for fighting for the families Washington @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long tradition of conservative populists within the Republican Party , but they were historically a junior partner in its governing coalition .
That changed with Trump ’ s nomination in 2016 .
Republicans in Washington are still predominantly Reagan conservatives who are foreign policy hawks and fiscally prudent .
But Trump ’ s presidency , and popularity with the party ’ s grassroots , has given rise to the populists .
Or , at least , it has elevated populist policies .
Among others , leaders on this front in the Senate include @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Marco Rubio .
Both are potential 2024 presidential candidates .
However , some conservative populists view Cotton and Rubio as “ reformicons ” — Republicans who want to appeal to populist voters by developing reforms grounded in traditional conservative policies .
Then , there is Hawley .
His populist legislative proposals , many focused on cultural issues , are filling a void left by Trump , whose populism is often more attitudinal than substantive .
The senator ’ s approach has sparked interest in him as a 2024 contender among some Republicans , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the GOP , who are searching for a Trump heir who can bridge both the intraparty divide .
With young children at home , Hawley , 40 , is unlikely to mount a presidential campaign , although he would instantly make the shortlist for vice presidential running mate .
Meanwhile , he is continuing to receive rave reviews from conservatives who believe the Republican Party needs to modernize its agenda and move away from the Reagan-era conservatism that , necessary then , is out of step with where the country , and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ What I find so encouraging in Sen. Hawley 's work is his willingness to apply conservative principles to modern challenges , rather than simply recycling the policy agenda developed when applying those principles to the challenges of 40 years ago , ” said Oren Cass , executive director of American Compass , a reformist think tank .
“ The COVID relief debates are a perfect example of this .
”

Joining socialist Sen. Bernie Sanders’s call for cash payments to people as part of coronavirus relief is unusual for a conservative, but Sen. Josh Hawley is not the typical Republican many expected when he arrived in Washington.
Lurking beneath the elite pedigree — Stanford University, Yale Law School, clerk for Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts — is a conservative populist. It is a surprise to Republicans who thought the Senate was gaining a movement conservative when Hawley was elected from Missouri in 2018. But party insiders familiar with Hawley’s career insist populism has been a staple of his portfolio going back a decade, when the notion of a President Trump was laughable.
“He really is a populist at heart,” said Gregg Keller, a Republican operative in Missouri who advised Hawley’s Senate campaign.
With bipartisan negotiators working furiously to reach agreement on coronavirus relief before year’s end, Sanders and Hawley announced separately opposition to any package that does not include $1,200 in direct payments to people in financial straights because of the pandemic. But their messages were similar: Addressing economic hardship by spending taxpayer dollars to rescue struggling businesses, so that employers can hire and retain workers, is insufficient and immoral.
It was exactly what you would expect from Sanders. As a two-time presidential candidate, the Vermont independent enjoyed the adulation of liberal activists as he pushed the Democratic Party to embrace socialist policies. But it was unusual coming from a Republican. Indeed, most Senate Republicans oppose this policy. Hawley went so far as to encourage Trump to veto any bill that does not earmark cash for those struggling.
“Why would Congress bail out Big Government; why would we shovel billions of dollars to corporations and government and not help individuals?” Hawley said in comments shared with KY3, a television station in Springfield, Missouri. “It makes absolutely no sense whatsoever. These are the people who are most in need, and I told [Republicans], I just can’t support any bill that does not include direct relief, direct assistance to working families.”
Hawley has proposed a larger role for Washington in governing the economy and the states. The senator has introduced legislation to stiffen regulations on the technology industry; international trade; and the administration of elections in the states. Additionally, Hawley supports a lighter footprint for the United States military overseas, endorsing Trump’s plan to withdraw troops from Afghanistan despite failing to achieve victory over the Jihadist terrorists there.
This sort of populism, a philosophy that champions a more activist federal government at home and dovish foreign policy abroad, has left some Republicans scratching their heads.
When the young, telegenic Missouri attorney general was recruited to run for Senate in 2017, some Republicans were convinced that he was a Ronald Reagan-era conservative — a libertarian’s preference for reducing the size and scope of government and internationalist in foreign affairs. They have watched this rising GOP populist suspiciously, viewing it as a timely response to the influence Trump has had on the party.
“He wasn’t a populist. He was a conservative intellectual,” a Republican operative said, warning, “the greatest challenge for young political stars is to resist the temptation to retrofit their views to the politics of the moment and exercise the patience to wait for the moment to fit their authentic self.”
Hawley’s supporters disagree, emphasizing that despite the strong backing of the Republican establishment in his Senate campaign, his roots have always been populist — ideologically and intellectually. That includes launching a state investigation of Google’s competitive practices during his first year as Missouri attorney general and writing a book about the 26th president, Theodore Roosevelt: Preacher of Righteousness, published in 2008.
In a statement emailed to the Washington Examiner, Hawley spokesman Kelli Ford defended the senator’s legislative agenda, throwing shade at Democrats and Republicans in the process.
“Since the 1990’s, leaders in both parties have sold out America’s heartland to Wall Street and Silicon Valley globalists, and their never-ending quest for cheaper labor and bigger profits,” Ford said. “That’s got to stop. Josh won’t quit and he won’t apologize for fighting for the families Washington likes to forget.”
There is a long tradition of conservative populists within the Republican Party, but they were historically a junior partner in its governing coalition. That changed with Trump’s nomination in 2016. Republicans in Washington are still predominantly Reagan conservatives who are foreign policy hawks and fiscally prudent. But Trump’s presidency, and popularity with the party’s grassroots, has given rise to the populists. Or, at least, it has elevated populist policies.
Among others, leaders on this front in the Senate include Arkansas Sen. Tom Cotton and Florida Sen. Marco Rubio. Both are potential 2024 presidential candidates. However, some conservative populists view Cotton and Rubio as “reformicons” — Republicans who want to appeal to populist voters by developing reforms grounded in traditional conservative policies. Then, there is Hawley.
His populist legislative proposals, many focused on cultural issues, are filling a void left by Trump, whose populism is often more attitudinal than substantive. The senator’s approach has sparked interest in him as a 2024 contender among some Republicans, in both establishment and populist wings of the GOP, who are searching for a Trump heir who can bridge both the intraparty divide.
With young children at home, Hawley, 40, is unlikely to mount a presidential campaign, although he would instantly make the shortlist for vice presidential running mate. Meanwhile, he is continuing to receive rave reviews from conservatives who believe the Republican Party needs to modernize its agenda and move away from the Reagan-era conservatism that, necessary then, is out of step with where the country, and the party’s base, is today.
“What I find so encouraging in Sen. Hawley's work is his willingness to apply conservative principles to modern challenges, rather than simply recycling the policy agenda developed when applying those principles to the challenges of 40 years ago,” said Oren Cass, executive director of American Compass, a reformist think tank. “The COVID relief debates are a perfect example of this.”


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-12-09--Michigan Supreme Court rejects another post-election lawsuit

Michigan ’ s highest court in a 4-3 decision tossed another lawsuit that raised concerns about electoral malfeasance .
The Wednesday ruling adds to the growing number of losses from President Trump ’ s campaign and Republican allies who are hoping to use the judicial system to contest President-elect Joe Biden ’ s apparent Electoral College and popular vote victory .
The conservative legal group that filed the litigation had hoped the state ’ s highest court would take possession of all election-related materials such as ballots and poll books to give the legislature time to investigate allegations of fraud @ @ @ @ @ @ @ finish its constitutionally-mandated work to pick Michigan 's electors , ” according to the Detroit News .
Justice Elizabeth Clement , an appointee of former Republican Gov .
Rick Snyder , joined with three justices appointed by Democrats in rejecting the legal effort , which was filed after the state ’ s board of canvassers voted to certify Biden ’ s win in the state .
“ I do not think it is an appropriate exercise of this Court ’ s discretion to prolong the uncertainty over the legal status of this election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in her concurring opinion .
“ This Court routinely chooses not to hear cases which raise interesting and unsettled legal questions in the abstract when we conclude the case would be a poor practical vehicle for addressing those questions.
” “ I consider it imprudent to hear this matter , a conclusion only amplified by my view that it is irresponsible to continue holding out the possibility of a judicial solution to a political dispute that needs to be resolved with finality , ” she continued .
The three justices who voted not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to at least hear arguments in the case , according to the Associated Press .
“ The case before the court is no small matter .
Election disputes pose a unique test of a representative democracy ’ s ability to reflect the will of the people when it matters most , ” said Justice David Viviano , who was also appointed by Snyder .
On Tuesday , the U.S. Supreme Court rejected a Republican-led attempt to overturn Pennsylvania ’ s election , the highest-level rejection since the election but one of several that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Trump has refused to concede and has spread doubt about the integrity of the election despite pushback from officials in several battleground states .

Michigan’s highest court in a 4-3 decision tossed another lawsuit that raised concerns about electoral malfeasance.
The Wednesday ruling adds to the growing number of losses from President Trump’s campaign and Republican allies who are hoping to use the judicial system to contest President-elect Joe Biden’s apparent Electoral College and popular vote victory.
The conservative legal group that filed the litigation had hoped the state’s highest court would take possession of all election-related materials such as ballots and poll books to give the legislature time to investigate allegations of fraud, audit the vote, and “finish its constitutionally-mandated work to pick Michigan's electors,” according to the Detroit News.
Justice Elizabeth Clement, an appointee of former Republican Gov. Rick Snyder, joined with three justices appointed by Democrats in rejecting the legal effort, which was filed after the state’s board of canvassers voted to certify Biden’s win in the state.
“I do not think it is an appropriate exercise of this Court’s discretion to prolong the uncertainty over the legal status of this election’s outcome,” Clement wrote in her concurring opinion. “This Court routinely chooses not to hear cases which raise interesting and unsettled legal questions in the abstract when we conclude the case would be a poor practical vehicle for addressing those questions.”
“I consider it imprudent to hear this matter, a conclusion only amplified by my view that it is irresponsible to continue holding out the possibility of a judicial solution to a political dispute that needs to be resolved with finality,” she continued.
The three justices who voted not to reject the lawsuit said they wanted to at least hear arguments in the case, according to the Associated Press.
“The case before the court is no small matter. Election disputes pose a unique test of a representative democracy’s ability to reflect the will of the people when it matters most,” said Justice David Viviano, who was also appointed by Snyder.
On Tuesday, the U.S. Supreme Court rejected a Republican-led attempt to overturn Pennsylvania’s election, the highest-level rejection since the election but one of several that the campaign and its allies have faced.
Trump has refused to concede and has spread doubt about the integrity of the election despite pushback from officials in several battleground states.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-12-09--Kristi Noem latest potential 2024 presidential candidate to campaign in Georgia

South Dakota Gov .
Kristi Noem traveled to Georgia to stump for Sen. Kelly Loeffler , one of two Republicans in Georgia 's key Senate runoff elections set for Jan. 5 that will decide the balance of power on Capitol Hill .
Noem , also a Republican and a possible 2024 presidential contender , has been traveling the country for months to boost the GOP .
Prior to the Nov. 3 elections , Noem campaigned for President Trump .
This past weekend , she was in Georgia to assist Loeffler , who is facing a stiff challenge from Democrat Raphael @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Argus Leader , the governor also traveled to Texas to preside over the opening ceremonies of a rodeo .
Noem is the latest in a string of potential presidential contenders to parachute into Georgia , where the GOP can only afford to lose one seat and still preserve its Senate majority .
If Loeffler , who was appointed to the Senate last January by Georgia Gov .
Brian Kemp , loses to Warnock and Sen. David Perdue falls to Democrat Jon Ossoff , Democrats would win the Senate by virtue of Vice President-elect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Noem has been a fixture on the campaign trail for several months .
The first-term governor ’ s decision to resist mask mandates , economic lockdowns , and gathering limits to slow the spread of the coronavirus in South Dakota turned her into a folk hero in conservative circles and prompted speculation that she could seek the White House in four years .
Noem , a House member from 2011-19 , defended her handling of the pandemic in an annual address to the state legislature on Tuesday .
“ My critics praise states @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mandated masks and shutdown businesses , lauding these states as having taken the right steps to mitigate the spread of the virus , ” the governor said .
“ As we can continue to see spikes move throughout the country , the course of the virus does not seem to be quantifiably different in the states that , according to the media , did everything right .
”

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem traveled to Georgia to stump for Sen. Kelly Loeffler, one of two Republicans in Georgia's key Senate runoff elections set for Jan. 5 that will decide the balance of power on Capitol Hill.
Noem, also a Republican and a possible 2024 presidential contender, has been traveling the country for months to boost the GOP. Prior to the Nov. 3 elections, Noem campaigned for President Trump. This past weekend, she was in Georgia to assist Loeffler, who is facing a stiff challenge from Democrat Raphael Warnock. According to Sioux Falls's Argus Leader, the governor also traveled to Texas to preside over the opening ceremonies of a rodeo.
Noem is the latest in a string of potential presidential contenders to parachute into Georgia, where the GOP can only afford to lose one seat and still preserve its Senate majority. If Loeffler, who was appointed to the Senate last January by Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, loses to Warnock and Sen. David Perdue falls to Democrat Jon Ossoff, Democrats would win the Senate by virtue of Vice President-elect Kamala Harris’s tiebreaking vote.
Noem has been a fixture on the campaign trail for several months.
The first-term governor’s decision to resist mask mandates, economic lockdowns, and gathering limits to slow the spread of the coronavirus in South Dakota turned her into a folk hero in conservative circles and prompted speculation that she could seek the White House in four years. Noem, a House member from 2011-19, defended her handling of the pandemic in an annual address to the state legislature on Tuesday.
“My critics praise states that have issued lockdowns, that have mandated masks and shutdown businesses, lauding these states as having taken the right steps to mitigate the spread of the virus,” the governor said. “As we can continue to see spikes move throughout the country, the course of the virus does not seem to be quantifiably different in the states that, according to the media, did everything right.”


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-12-09--Nearly two dozen House Republicans urge Trump to demand special counsel investigate 2020 election in

Nearly two dozen House Republicans urge Trump to demand special counsel investigate 2020 election integrity

Nearly two dozen House Republicans are urging President Trump to direct Attorney General William Barr to appoint a special counsel to investigate election integrity .
The group of Republicans , led by Rep. Lance Gooden of Texas , sent a letter to the president on Wednesday morning , which was obtained by the Washington Examiner .
The letter , which is nearly identical to a letter Gooden recently sent to the president alone , was signed by 22 House Republicans .
Five others agreed to the letter but did n't sign it .
The letter comes on the heels of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Trump campaign and GOP-adjacent groups that have sought to overturn the election , which President-elect Joe Biden won with 306 Electoral College votes .
The letter requests that the president directs “ Attorney General Barr to appoint a Special Counsel to investigate irregularities in the 2020 election ” because “ the American people deserve a definitive resolution to the uncertainty hovering over the outcome of our election , but legitimate questions of voter fraud remain unanswered.
” It does not go into details about the `` legitimate questions '' surrounding allegations of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ago , Barr said the Justice Department has “ not seen fraud on a scale that could have affected a different outcome in the election.
” He also shot down the conspiracy theory that voting machines “ were programmed essentially to skew the election results , ” adding that the Department of Homeland Security and the DOJ investigated it and found nothing that “ substantiates ” it .
Despite Barr 's statement , the House Republicans ' letter to the president claims that `` the Department of Justice has been asked on multiple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ matter , but inaction from the Department along with public comments made by the Attorney General indicate a lack of willingness to investigate the irregularities your campaign and other elected officials across the nation have alleged . ''
A number of the Republicans who signed their name to the letter are taking additional measures in a last-ditch attempt to hold off the inevitability of a Biden presidency .
Rep. Alex Mooney of West Virginia , whose name is on the letter , but did n't sign it , introduced a resolution on Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prematurely '' declares Trump should concede .
It specifically says that neither candidate should `` concede until all investigations of fraud are completed . ''
Additionally , a handful of Republicans on the letter have signaled their intent to challenge Electoral College returns when Congress counts the votes next month .
Rep. Mo Brooks of Alabama was the first lawmaker to say he would object on Jan. 6 when the vote-counting process takes place in front of the joint session of Congress .
The process requires a member of the Senate for it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they 'd do so .
“ In my judgment , if only lawful votes by eligible American citizens were cast , Donald Trump won the Electoral College by a significant margin , and Congress ’ s certification should reflect that , ” Brooks said .
“ This election was stolen by the socialists engaging in extraordinary voter fraud and election theft measures.
” Rep. Andy Biggs of Arizona , another lawmaker whose name was on the letter although he had n't signed it , told Newsmax last week that people should n't be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ results and that he is `` sure kicking it around . ''
“ This is madness .
We have a process , recounts are appropriate , going to the court is approp & pursuing every legal avenue is appropriate , but trying to get electors not to do what the people voted to do is madness , '' he said before adding that he was confident no senator would join their efforts , according to a tweet from NBC .
Democrats tried the same tactic in 2001 and in 2017 — when Al @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lost the Electoral College vote but won the popular vote .
In both years , Democratic House members objected to the certification , but no senators joined them .
Neither the White House nor the Department of Justice responded to requests for comment .

Nearly two dozen House Republicans are urging President Trump to direct Attorney General William Barr to appoint a special counsel to investigate election integrity.
The group of Republicans, led by Rep. Lance Gooden of Texas, sent a letter to the president on Wednesday morning, which was obtained by the Washington Examiner. The letter, which is nearly identical to a letter Gooden recently sent to the president alone, was signed by 22 House Republicans. Five others agreed to the letter but didn't sign it.
The letter comes on the heels of a continuing string of legal defeats for the Trump campaign and GOP-adjacent groups that have sought to overturn the election, which President-elect Joe Biden won with 306 Electoral College votes.
The letter requests that the president directs “Attorney General Barr to appoint a Special Counsel to investigate irregularities in the 2020 election” because “the American people deserve a definitive resolution to the uncertainty hovering over the outcome of our election, but legitimate questions of voter fraud remain unanswered.”
It does not go into details about the "legitimate questions" surrounding allegations of voter fraud.
More than a week ago, Barr said the Justice Department has “not seen fraud on a scale that could have affected a different outcome in the election.” He also shot down the conspiracy theory that voting machines “were programmed essentially to skew the election results,” adding that the Department of Homeland Security and the DOJ investigated it and found nothing that “substantiates” it.
Despite Barr's statement, the House Republicans' letter to the president claims that "the Department of Justice has been asked on multiple occasions to launch an investigation into this matter, but inaction from the Department along with public comments made by the Attorney General indicate a lack of willingness to investigate the irregularities your campaign and other elected officials across the nation have alleged."
A number of the Republicans who signed their name to the letter are taking additional measures in a last-ditch attempt to hold off the inevitability of a Biden presidency.
Rep. Alex Mooney of West Virginia, whose name is on the letter, but didn't sign it, introduced a resolution on Tuesday that would condemn any Republican who "prematurely" declares Trump should concede. It specifically says that neither candidate should "concede until all investigations of fraud are completed."
Additionally, a handful of Republicans on the letter have signaled their intent to challenge Electoral College returns when Congress counts the votes next month. Rep. Mo Brooks of Alabama was the first lawmaker to say he would object on Jan. 6 when the vote-counting process takes place in front of the joint session of Congress. The process requires a member of the Senate for it to work, and none have said they'd do so.
“In my judgment, if only lawful votes by eligible American citizens were cast, Donald Trump won the Electoral College by a significant margin, and Congress’s certification should reflect that,” Brooks said. “This election was stolen by the socialists engaging in extraordinary voter fraud and election theft measures.”
Rep. Andy Biggs of Arizona, another lawmaker whose name was on the letter although he hadn't signed it, told Newsmax last week that people shouldn't be "surprised" if Republicans challenge the results and that he is "sure kicking it around."
Republican Sen. Mitt Romney rebuked his colleagues' plans to object.
“This is madness. We have a process, recounts are appropriate, going to the court is approp & pursuing every legal avenue is appropriate, but trying to get electors not to do what the people voted to do is madness," he said before adding that he was confident no senator would join their efforts, according to a tweet from NBC.
Democrats tried the same tactic in 2001 and in 2017 — when Al Gore and Hillary Clinton, respectively, lost the Electoral College vote but won the popular vote. In both years, Democratic House members objected to the certification, but no senators joined them.
Neither the White House nor the Department of Justice responded to requests for comment.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-12-10--Supreme Court rulings on election may sow conservative fury

If President Trump ’ s attempts to challenge the election results fail at the Supreme Court , it could have lasting consequences for the Republican Party by demoralizing Trump voters with high hopes for conservative judges .
Trump campaign efforts to contest the results in multiple close battleground states over a month after the presidential election now hinge on the Supreme Court , where conservatives hold a 6-3 majority thanks to the president ’ s nominations .
“ If Trump judges and GOP SC justices continue to reject all pleas for legal relief in this corrupted election , the political @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lot of sway , ” tweeted Julie Kelly , an American Greatness writer and prominent pro-Trump social media influencer after the justices denied a request to stop the certification of the Pennsylvania vote .
“ The Court ducked , ” tweeted Mark Levin , an influential conservative talk show host who served as chief of staff for Attorney General Ed Meese in the Reagan Justice Department in the 1980s .
The focus now shifts to a lawsuit filed by Texas challenging President-elect Joe Biden ’ s win on the basis that Pennsylvania @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mishandled mail-in ballots and violated their own election laws .
Sixteen other states Trump won in November — Alabama , Arkansas , Florida , Indiana , Kansas , Louisiana , Mississippi , Montana , Nebraska , North Dakota , Oklahoma , South Carolina , South Dakota , Tennessee , Utah , and West Virginia — threw their support behind the Texas suit on Wednesday , as did Trump himself .
`` President Trump is fully committed to ensuring election integrity and fulfilling his oath to defend and protect the United States Constitution against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ law that irredeemably compromised this election , ” said Trump attorney and senior campaign legal adviser Jenna Ellis in a statement .
“ We look forward to the Supreme Court resolving these important issues of election integrity that ultimately affect all Americans , and providing a remedy to the corruption that occurred . ''
Polls regularly show that rank-and-file Republicans and Trump voters have about the fairness and accuracy of the 2020 election , in which Biden was declared the winner even as the GOP generally performed well in down-ballot races .
Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ challenging the results , though his lawyers have so far had little success in court .
This could become a major issue for Republicans as Trump appointees , including most recently Justice Amy Coney Barrett , and other conservative justices prepare to weigh in .
The country is already in uncharted territory with the legal dispute now that the “ safe harbor ” date by which states are required by federal law to settle on their slates of electors has already passed .
The Bush v. Gore Supreme Court decision resolving the 2000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day of the safe harbor date , and Democratic presidential nominee Al Gore conceded the following day .
The Texas lawsuit keeps the legal challenges going and emboldens those who want to drag the dispute into January .
The Electoral College will vote for president and vice president on Monday .
Biden would win 306 electoral votes , more than the 270 required to win , with the disputed states still in his column .
Then , there will be a pair of Senate runoffs in Georgia determining which party holds the majority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t lose faith in conservative judges even if the Supreme Court rules against Trump .
“ We ’ ve already seen that the U.S. Supreme Court sided with religious organizations in a dispute over COVID-19 restrictions put in place by New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo limiting the number of people attending religious services , ” said Ron Bonjean , a Republican strategist who led the communications push for Justice Neil Gorsuch during his confirmation hearings .
“ Aside from Trump ’ s failed election challenge , there will likely be other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden administration that Trump voters will be enthusiastic about in the long run.
” “ Anytime a judge makes a ruling the base doesn ’ t like , it loses enthusiasm temporarily , ” said Republican strategist John Feehery .
“ Look at what has been happening with John Roberts .
Conservatives really don ’ t like him . ''
“ That being the case , these lawsuits were always going to be a long shot , and I don ’ t think that conservatives are going to suddenly lose faith in Amy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rule against the president , which seems likely to me , ” Feehery added .
Win or lose , conservative judges will be a , with more than 220 confirmed under his watch .
This includes three Supreme Court justices : Barrett , Gorsuch , and Brett Kavanaugh .
Some argue that during the election challenges , conservative judges have vindicated the idea that they are impartial umpires calling balls and strikes .
“ The role of the judge is to decide these cases , not deliver policy results , ” said a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ results .
”

If President Trump’s attempts to challenge the election results fail at the Supreme Court, it could have lasting consequences for the Republican Party by demoralizing Trump voters with high hopes for conservative judges.
Trump campaign efforts to contest the results in multiple close battleground states over a month after the presidential election now hinge on the Supreme Court, where conservatives hold a 6-3 majority thanks to the president’s nominations.
“If Trump judges and GOP SC justices continue to reject all pleas for legal relief in this corrupted election, the political case for ‘conservative judges’ loses a lot of sway,” tweeted Julie Kelly, an American Greatness writer and prominent pro-Trump social media influencer after the justices denied a request to stop the certification of the Pennsylvania vote.
“The Court ducked,” tweeted Mark Levin, an influential conservative talk show host who served as chief of staff for Attorney General Ed Meese in the Reagan Justice Department in the 1980s.
The focus now shifts to a lawsuit filed by Texas challenging President-elect Joe Biden’s win on the basis that Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Georgia mishandled mail-in ballots and violated their own election laws.
Sixteen other states Trump won in November — Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, and West Virginia — threw their support behind the Texas suit on Wednesday, as did Trump himself.
"President Trump is fully committed to ensuring election integrity and fulfilling his oath to defend and protect the United States Constitution against state officials' misconduct and violations of law that irredeemably compromised this election,” said Trump attorney and senior campaign legal adviser Jenna Ellis in a statement. “We look forward to the Supreme Court resolving these important issues of election integrity that ultimately affect all Americans, and providing a remedy to the corruption that occurred."
Polls regularly show that rank-and-file Republicans and Trump voters have substantial doubts about the fairness and accuracy of the 2020 election, in which Biden was declared the winner even as the GOP generally performed well in down-ballot races. Trump has refused to concede and is still challenging the results, though his lawyers have so far had little success in court.
This could become a major issue for Republicans as Trump appointees, including most recently Justice Amy Coney Barrett, and other conservative justices prepare to weigh in. The country is already in uncharted territory with the legal dispute now that the “safe harbor” date by which states are required by federal law to settle on their slates of electors has already passed. The Bush v. Gore Supreme Court decision resolving the 2000 presidential election was handed down on the day of the safe harbor date, and Democratic presidential nominee Al Gore conceded the following day.
The Texas lawsuit keeps the legal challenges going and emboldens those who want to drag the dispute into January. The Electoral College will vote for president and vice president on Monday. Biden would win 306 electoral votes, more than the 270 required to win, with the disputed states still in his column. Then, there will be a pair of Senate runoffs in Georgia determining which party holds the majority.
Republicans are hopeful the base won’t lose faith in conservative judges even if the Supreme Court rules against Trump.
“We’ve already seen that the U.S. Supreme Court sided with religious organizations in a dispute over COVID-19 restrictions put in place by New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo limiting the number of people attending religious services,” said Ron Bonjean, a Republican strategist who led the communications push for Justice Neil Gorsuch during his confirmation hearings. “Aside from Trump’s failed election challenge, there will likely be other high-profile decisions during the course of the Biden administration that Trump voters will be enthusiastic about in the long run.”
“Anytime a judge makes a ruling the base doesn’t like, it loses enthusiasm temporarily,” said Republican strategist John Feehery. “Look at what has been happening with John Roberts. Conservatives really don’t like him."
“That being the case, these lawsuits were always going to be a long shot, and I don’t think that conservatives are going to suddenly lose faith in Amy Coney Barrett or Clarence Thomas if they rule against the president, which seems likely to me,” Feehery added.
Win or lose, conservative judges will be a big part of Trump’s legacy , with more than 220 confirmed under his watch. This includes three Supreme Court justices: Barrett, Gorsuch, and Brett Kavanaugh. Some argue that during the election challenges, conservative judges have vindicated the idea that they are impartial umpires calling balls and strikes.
“The role of the judge is to decide these cases, not deliver policy results,” said a conservative court watcher. “Or election results.”


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-12-10--The Republican Party doesn't need to be the Trump Party

Now that the 2020 election is over , this question remains : Will President Trump run again in four years ?
Though the prospect may appeal to many in the Republican Party , it should not be encouraged .
There is no denying the power of the Trump brand .
A combination of charisma and controversy propelled him from a long-shot candidate in June 2015 to the man who would permanently change the face of politics .
Even though he will not be in the White House this next term , Trump 's effect will be sizable .
Like it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shaped by his presidency far into the future .
But this does not mean his history-making turn as leader of the nation should be repeated .
Among other things , a second Trump term would commence when he is 78 .
President-elect Joe Biden is 78 now , and Republicans rightly criticize his age .
The same concern for mental and physical sharpness should be applied to any politician regardless of party .
But in the larger picture , this is a minor factor .
Most of all , the country desperately needs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been brewing for the past several years .
This strain is neither good nor the fault of one side .
Politicians , the media , and regular citizens alike have become far too invested and obsessively combative , to the detriment of all .
The relationship between Trump and the media is symbiotic .
We have a leader who spends far too much time sharing opinions , conspiracies , and insults on social media .
This is unbecoming of the office he holds .
At the same time , a media dominated by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ every word and action that it is often incapable of anything resembling unbiased journalism .
The cycle must end or at least be significantly reduced .
And with his loss to Biden , Trump is exiting the stage .
During his time in office , Trump has enjoyed a fair amount of success as a Republican politician .
While these victories have his name attached to them , they could be expected of any GOP president .
It is possible to have similar wins at the national level without the division that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that , the party needs to find another leader instead of trying to elect Trump again .
Trump enjoys enormous popularity within the Republican Party .
At the same time , his very demeanor has pushed away an untold number of voters who otherwise would have unquestionably supported him at the polls .
His behavior and the rationalization of it created a type of disaffected Republican who simply could not join the crowd .
The Trump era has brought with it a number of wins but has also weakened the GOP .
To @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this has yet to be determined .
If the party desires to rebuild after its presidential election loss , it should accept the defeat and look elsewhere for 2024 hopes .
This mindset should apply to Trump family members as well in both presidential and other races .
Lara Trump has shown interest in running for the Senate for North Carolina , and voters favor her as well .
However , family connections do not signify capability and should not be rewarded with elected office .
As Trump exits the political stage , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president has floated the idea of running in 2024 , and a majority of Republicans and independents believe he will do just that .
But what can be done and what should be done are two entirely different things .
For a variety of reasons , the Republican Party should begin a new chapter that does n't include the de facto leader of the GOP as its next presidential candidate .
There are other , younger , capable politicians who would n't often make a wild embarrassment out of their time in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the nation and the party , this is the only viable direction .
Kimberly Ross ( @ SouthernKeeks ) is a contributor to the Washington Examiner 's Beltway Confidential blog and a columnist at Arc Digital .

Now that the 2020 election is over, this question remains: Will President Trump run again in four years? Though the prospect may appeal to many in the Republican Party, it should not be encouraged.
There is no denying the power of the Trump brand. A combination of charisma and controversy propelled him from a long-shot candidate in June 2015 to the man who would permanently change the face of politics. Even though he will not be in the White House this next term, Trump's effect will be sizable. Like it or not, the GOP will be shaped by his presidency far into the future. But this does not mean his history-making turn as leader of the nation should be repeated.
Among other things, a second Trump term would commence when he is 78. President-elect Joe Biden is 78 now, and Republicans rightly criticize his age. The same concern for mental and physical sharpness should be applied to any politician regardless of party. But in the larger picture, this is a minor factor. Most of all, the country desperately needs to move past the toxicity that has been brewing for the past several years. This strain is neither good nor the fault of one side. Politicians, the media, and regular citizens alike have become far too invested and obsessively combative, to the detriment of all.
The relationship between Trump and the media is symbiotic. We have a leader who spends far too much time sharing opinions, conspiracies, and insults on social media. This is unbecoming of the office he holds. At the same time, a media dominated by the Left is so enraged at almost every word and action that it is often incapable of anything resembling unbiased journalism. The cycle must end or at least be significantly reduced. And with his loss to Biden, Trump is exiting the stage.
During his time in office, Trump has enjoyed a fair amount of success as a Republican politician. While these victories have his name attached to them, they could be expected of any GOP president. It is possible to have similar wins at the national level without the division that the current president actively promotes. To do that, the party needs to find another leader instead of trying to elect Trump again.
Trump enjoys enormous popularity within the Republican Party. At the same time, his very demeanor has pushed away an untold number of voters who otherwise would have unquestionably supported him at the polls. His behavior and the rationalization of it created a type of disaffected Republican who simply could not join the crowd. The Trump era has brought with it a number of wins but has also weakened the GOP. To what extent and for how long, this has yet to be determined. If the party desires to rebuild after its presidential election loss, it should accept the defeat and look elsewhere for 2024 hopes.
This mindset should apply to Trump family members as well in both presidential and other races. Lara Trump has shown interest in running for the Senate for North Carolina, and voters favor her as well. However, family connections do not signify capability and should not be rewarded with elected office. As Trump exits the political stage, so too should his family.
The president has floated the idea of running in 2024, and a majority of Republicans and independents believe he will do just that. But what can be done and what should be done are two entirely different things. For a variety of reasons, the Republican Party should begin a new chapter that doesn't include the de facto leader of the GOP as its next presidential candidate. There are other, younger, capable politicians who wouldn't often make a wild embarrassment out of their time in the Oval Office. For the future of the nation and the party, this is the only viable direction.
Kimberly Ross (@SouthernKeeks) is a contributor to the Washington Examiner's Beltway Confidential blog and a columnist at Arc Digital.