thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-28--South Carolina voters calculate: Biden or Bernie?

GEORGETOWN , South Carolina — The polls say Joe Biden is regaining a solid lead in South Carolina after a slump that followed dismal showings in Iowa and New Hampshire .
In three new surveys , all taken in the last five days , Biden leads Bernie Sanders by 15 points , 16 points , and 20 points .
( In two others , he leads by 8 points and 4 points . )
Biden 's support does not appear to be particularly deep , but that does not really matter if the vote Saturday aligns with the polls .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a few days until Super Tuesday .
Still , it is striking how tenuous some of Biden 's support in South Carolina appears to be .
Yes , some wholeheartedly believe he is a great choice for president .
But many others are making calculations , trying to game out the Democratic race and find the magic formula to beat President Trump .
They 're guessing , hoping , that Biden might be the one .
`` It 's a strategic vote for me for Joe because I do not want Bernie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mary DeVey , of Georgetown , after Biden spoke in this historic coastal town a day after the ugly Democratic debate an hour down the road in Charleston .
`` I voted for him because I thought he was the best bet to win against Trump , '' added Janice Coward , of Pawleys Island , who had just cast an early ballot for Biden .
Other voters are conducting their own internal debates .
`` Policy-wise , from a personal point of view , I would love to see Bernie Sanders be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a professor at Coastal Carolina University , in Conway , where Biden spoke Thursday night .
Describing himself as not yet decided , Killian said he was concerned that Congress would kill the Sanders agenda .
`` So I worry about throwing away my vote . ''
From that calculation might come another vote for Biden .
`` My politics are way more aligned with Bernie or Warren , '' said Sara Rich , a professor who came to the Biden event with Killian .
`` I 'm less concerned that once Bernie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ineffective — my concern is that he would not be able to get into office at all . ''
And from that calculation might come yet another vote for Biden .
By the way , some of the ones who felt most strongly that Biden did well in the debate , and that he is the best candidate , happened to have moved to South Carolina from earlier lives up north , especially in Pennsylvania .
South Carolina 's population is growing rapidly , and a significant amount of that is from domestic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the last decade .
Pennsylvania is one of the main sources of those new South Carolinians .
Biden , originally from Scranton , Pennsylvania , before moving to Delaware , is a known quantity to them .
All of them , incidentally , were white .
Another striking thing about some of Biden 's events is that , even though much attention has been paid to the role of black voters in South Carolina , and even though those voters have been described as Biden 's `` firewall '' after Iowa and New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be very large numbers of black voters coming to his events .
That is not always visible from videos of Biden 's speeches .
In Georgetown , for example , Biden had Rep. Carl Anderson , an African American state lawmaker who is also a minister , deliver a rousing sermon-like introduction which ended with Anderson declaring the need for everyone to vote for Joe and moving around the room shouting , `` Are you with me ?
Are you with me ?
Are you with me ?
Are you with me ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ gave the room a bit of the atmosphere of a black church , albeit with mostly white parishioners .
Some of Biden 's black supporters appear drawn to him for more old-fashioned and frankly political reasons than his white supporters .
Some appreciate his eight years of service to President Barack Obama .
But many said that as president , Biden will simply do more for their communities , whereas Sanders offers pie in the sky .
Florence Linnen , of Brown 's Ferry , described her son 's work in dredging and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to find a job close to home on a big project in the port of Georgetown .
A vote for Biden might help with that .
As for Sanders 's pledges of free college tuition , universal healthcare , and more , Linnen was unimpressed .
`` It 's impossible for Bernie Sanders to give free education and free medical care , '' she said .
`` It 's impossible .
The United States just do n't have that kind of money .
I could see you paying something .
But free ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ People want to work for what they need to have .
They do n't want to always have something given to them . ''
A few hours before Biden spoke in Georgetown , Sanders spoke at the convention center in North Charleston .
It was a bigger crowd than Biden 's , with a different vibe .
For example , where Biden began his events with the Pledge of Allegiance , Sanders chose another way .
`` My name is Emilio Vicente , '' one of his warmup speakers announced .
`` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
The crowd cheered .
A lot of people expressed deep personal loyalty to Sanders ; they were n't doing any electoral math .
`` I just like the man 's integrity , '' said Dave Telega , of Moncks Corner .
`` I just seem to trust him for some reason .
Not your normal politician . ''
Telega said he voted for Green Party candidate Jill Stein in 2016 because `` I did n't like the way the DNC stole that election from Bernie . ''
Victoria O'Byrne , from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , has supported Bernie since 2016 .
She watched the Democratic debate the night before — `` I kinda thought it was a shit show , to be honest '' — and none of it changed her mind .
`` I 've been a Bernie supporter since the last election , so I 'm not really going to change now , '' she said .
Originally from Glasgow , O'Byrne is a naturalized U.S. citizen for whom universal healthcare is the most important issue .
`` I believe in healthcare for everyone , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Democratic socialism .
I come from a place that has all these things , and I know it can work . ''
David Sarnoff , of James Island , said he had never contributed to any political candidate in his 68 years — until 2016 , when he started giving to Sanders .
The Vermont senator can truly address climate change , inequality , and other issues , Sarnoff explained , but he hoped Sanders would bring about even more fundamental change .
`` He wants to make real changes to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` I mean , America has never been a good country , since the get-go .
We 've been brainwashed .
Our founders are so great , right ?
George Washington and all these guys ?
What they did was they came and committed genocide against the natives , stole their land , kidnapped Africans and enslaved them , and founded our great nation .
Our nation is rotten to the core .
We need a good re-foundation .
We need to have love among all people .
We 've got @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sanders voters are not calculating .
They are not transactional .
They are deeply committed .
Sanders 's rallies are bigger , the support stronger .
But there are still the polls showing Biden going up and Sanders going down .
South Carolina Democrats know what happened in Iowa , and New Hampshire , and Nevada .
But many are still nervous about Bernie Sanders .
They throw that into the equation , and also the possibility that Sanders can not beat Trump , while Biden might .
That question , finally — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ behind all the calculations .
One final example : At the Sanders rally , Carol Privette , from Summerville , fell into the category of a voter who defied the `` lanes '' theory of the election .
For months , the pundits have talked about a `` moderate lane '' and a `` progressive lane '' in the Democratic race .
Voters supposedly stayed within those lanes .
If a moderate lane voter lost faith in Biden , for example , he or she would migrate to Amy Klobuchar or Pete Buttigieg @ @ @ @ @ @ @ faith in Sanders , he or she would move to Elizabeth Warren .
Not Privette .
`` I 'm between Biden and Bernie , '' she told me .
`` I 'm trying to decide . ''
Her thinking was simple and straightforward .
More than anything , she wants the `` stronger in personality '' candidate who will be able to defeat the president .
`` That 's the bottom line , '' she said .
`` That 's what we 're looking for . ''
By temperament , Privette seemed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ characterized Sanders ' big-dollar proposals as `` free that , free school , free whatever , '' and said they are `` not realistic to me . ''
But she still hesitated to commit to Biden .
`` He has the most even keel , but he just does n't have that 'Bam ! '
effect , '' Privette said .
That 's what she believes it will take to beat Trump , and that is why she is ignoring the pundits ' lanes altogether .
Biden versus Bernie .
An even keel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are right , more South Carolina voters are leaning toward the even keel .
If that is what happens , Biden might win a new , and very short-term , lease on life , to fight on through Tuesday .

GEORGETOWN, South Carolina — The polls say Joe Biden is regaining a solid lead in South Carolina after a slump that followed dismal showings in Iowa and New Hampshire. In three new surveys, all taken in the last five days, Biden leads Bernie Sanders by 15 points, 16 points, and 20 points. (In two others, he leads by 8 points and 4 points.)
Biden's support does not appear to be particularly deep, but that does not really matter if the vote Saturday aligns with the polls. He will win and survive at least for a few days until Super Tuesday.
Still, it is striking how tenuous some of Biden's support in South Carolina appears to be. Yes, some wholeheartedly believe he is a great choice for president. But many others are making calculations, trying to game out the Democratic race and find the magic formula to beat President Trump. They're guessing, hoping, that Biden might be the one.
"It's a strategic vote for me for Joe because I do not want Bernie to win South Carolina," said Mary DeVey, of Georgetown, after Biden spoke in this historic coastal town a day after the ugly Democratic debate an hour down the road in Charleston.
"I voted for him because I thought he was the best bet to win against Trump," added Janice Coward, of Pawleys Island, who had just cast an early ballot for Biden.
Other voters are conducting their own internal debates. "Policy-wise, from a personal point of view, I would love to see Bernie Sanders be president," said Jeremy Killian, a professor at Coastal Carolina University, in Conway, where Biden spoke Thursday night. Describing himself as not yet decided, Killian said he was concerned that Congress would kill the Sanders agenda. "So I worry about throwing away my vote." From that calculation might come another vote for Biden.
"My politics are way more aligned with Bernie or Warren," said Sara Rich, a professor who came to the Biden event with Killian. "I'm less concerned that once Bernie got into office that he would be ineffective — my concern is that he would not be able to get into office at all." And from that calculation might come yet another vote for Biden.
By the way, some of the ones who felt most strongly that Biden did well in the debate, and that he is the best candidate, happened to have moved to South Carolina from earlier lives up north, especially in Pennsylvania. South Carolina's population is growing rapidly, and a significant amount of that is from domestic migration — more than 400,000 people in the last decade. Pennsylvania is one of the main sources of those new South Carolinians. Biden, originally from Scranton, Pennsylvania, before moving to Delaware, is a known quantity to them.
All of them, incidentally, were white. Another striking thing about some of Biden's events is that, even though much attention has been paid to the role of black voters in South Carolina, and even though those voters have been described as Biden's "firewall" after Iowa and New Hampshire, there don't seem to be very large numbers of black voters coming to his events.
That is not always visible from videos of Biden's speeches. In Georgetown, for example, Biden had Rep. Carl Anderson, an African American state lawmaker who is also a minister, deliver a rousing sermon-like introduction which ended with Anderson declaring the need for everyone to vote for Joe and moving around the room shouting, "Are you with me? Are you with me? Are you with me? Are you with me? Are you with me?" It gave the room a bit of the atmosphere of a black church, albeit with mostly white parishioners.
Some of Biden's black supporters appear drawn to him for more old-fashioned and frankly political reasons than his white supporters. Some appreciate his eight years of service to President Barack Obama. But many said that as president, Biden will simply do more for their communities, whereas Sanders offers pie in the sky. Florence Linnen, of Brown's Ferry, described her son's work in dredging and her hope that he will be able to find a job close to home on a big project in the port of Georgetown. A vote for Biden might help with that. As for Sanders's pledges of free college tuition, universal healthcare, and more, Linnen was unimpressed.
"It's impossible for Bernie Sanders to give free education and free medical care," she said. "It's impossible. The United States just don't have that kind of money. I could see you paying something. But free? I don't see that happening. People want to work for what they need to have. They don't want to always have something given to them."
A few hours before Biden spoke in Georgetown, Sanders spoke at the convention center in North Charleston. It was a bigger crowd than Biden's, with a different vibe. For example, where Biden began his events with the Pledge of Allegiance, Sanders chose another way. "My name is Emilio Vicente," one of his warmup speakers announced. "I'm undocumented, queer, and unashamed." The crowd cheered.
A lot of people expressed deep personal loyalty to Sanders; they weren't doing any electoral math. "I just like the man's integrity," said Dave Telega, of Moncks Corner. "I just seem to trust him for some reason. Not your normal politician." Telega said he voted for Green Party candidate Jill Stein in 2016 because "I didn't like the way the DNC stole that election from Bernie."
Victoria O'Byrne, from Folly Beach, said she, too, has supported Bernie since 2016. She watched the Democratic debate the night before — "I kinda thought it was a shit show, to be honest" — and none of it changed her mind. "I've been a Bernie supporter since the last election, so I'm not really going to change now," she said. Originally from Glasgow, O'Byrne is a naturalized U.S. citizen for whom universal healthcare is the most important issue. "I believe in healthcare for everyone," she said. "I believe in Democratic socialism. I come from a place that has all these things, and I know it can work."
David Sarnoff, of James Island, said he had never contributed to any political candidate in his 68 years — until 2016, when he started giving to Sanders. The Vermont senator can truly address climate change, inequality, and other issues, Sarnoff explained, but he hoped Sanders would bring about even more fundamental change.
"He wants to make real changes to make America a good country," Sarnoff said. "I mean, America has never been a good country, since the get-go. We've been brainwashed. Our founders are so great, right? George Washington and all these guys? What they did was they came and committed genocide against the natives, stole their land, kidnapped Africans and enslaved them, and founded our great nation. Our nation is rotten to the core. We need a good re-foundation. We need to have love among all people. We've got to start over again."
The Sanders voters are not calculating. They are not transactional. They are deeply committed. Sanders's rallies are bigger, the support stronger. But there are still the polls showing Biden going up and Sanders going down. South Carolina Democrats know what happened in Iowa, and New Hampshire, and Nevada. But many are still nervous about Bernie Sanders. They throw that into the equation, and also the possibility that Sanders cannot beat Trump, while Biden might.
That question, finally — Who can beat Trump? — looms behind all the calculations. One final example: At the Sanders rally, Carol Privette, from Summerville, fell into the category of a voter who defied the "lanes" theory of the election. For months, the pundits have talked about a "moderate lane" and a "progressive lane" in the Democratic race. Voters supposedly stayed within those lanes. If a moderate lane voter lost faith in Biden, for example, he or she would migrate to Amy Klobuchar or Pete Buttigieg. If a progressive lane voter lost faith in Sanders, he or she would move to Elizabeth Warren.
Not Privette. "I'm between Biden and Bernie," she told me. "I'm trying to decide." Her thinking was simple and straightforward. More than anything, she wants the "stronger in personality" candidate who will be able to defeat the president. "That's the bottom line," she said. "That's what we're looking for."
By temperament, Privette seemed to fit into the moderate lane. She characterized Sanders' big-dollar proposals as "free that, free school, free whatever," and said they are "not realistic to me." But she still hesitated to commit to Biden. "He has the most even keel, but he just doesn't have that 'Bam!' effect," Privette said. That's what she believes it will take to beat Trump, and that is why she is ignoring the pundits' lanes altogether.
Biden versus Bernie. An even keel versus "Bam!" If the polls are right, more South Carolina voters are leaning toward the even keel. If that is what happens, Biden might win a new, and very short-term, lease on life to fight on through Tuesday.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-28--'The majority is in play': House Republicans clamor for more Bernie Sanders

The rise of Democratic contender Bernie Sanders has top House Republicans optimistic the party will recapture the majority this November , and they have their fingers crossed he will seize the nomination .
The Republican Party lost the House in 2018 amid heavy defections from key voting blocs dissatisfied with President Trump .
With Sanders emerging as the Democratic front-runner this month , House Republican leaders are convinced the GOP is now poised to win back the chamber .
In interviews Thursday , they characterized the socialist Vermont senator as a virtual panacea for nearly every political challenge the party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his success is helping them whether he gains the nomination or not .
“ The majority is in play , ” House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy of California told the Washington Examiner before speaking at a gathering in D.C. to boost female Republican congressional candidates .
Added McCarthy ’ s deputy , House Minority Whip Steve Scalise of Louisiana : “ Bernie puts the House even more in play than it already is .
I can ’ t think of one swing district Democrat that would want to invite Bernie Sanders into their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what a terrible nominee Bernie Sanders would be ] Republicans need to flip at least 18 seats to win the House and are honed in on 30 held by Democrats that voted for Trump in 2016 .
Congressional leaders typically hedge when discussing their party ’ s prospects , wary of raising expectations this far from Election Day .
But , after Sanders , 78 , jumped out to a sizable lead in the Democratic presidential primary following nominating contests in Iowa , New Hampshire , and Nevada , House Republicans were gleeful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ democratic socialist ” and is proposing to nationalize healthcare and significantly increase taxes .
Republicans credit his surge and growing influence inside the Democratic Party for minimizing their intraparty divisions and boosting support for Trump with critical voting blocs .
Senior House Republicans insist that whoever wins the Democratic nomination is going to be saddled with the “ socialist ” label and pave the way for considerable GOP gains .
Still , they concede there is no Democrat they would rather run against .
“ This actually is going to be a choice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rep. Tom Emmer of Minnesota , chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee , who is unequivocally predicting a House takeover .
“ If it is Bernie Sanders , you couldn ’ t get a better distinction between the two choices.
” Sanders has opened up an 11-point lead among Democratic voters nationally on the cusp of Super Tuesday .
More than 15 states and U.S. territories are scheduled on March 3 to hold primaries that could put the senator on an unstoppable march toward the nomination .
The mood in the Republican @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this time last year , when the GOP was still sifting through the wreckage of the midterm elections .
In particular , House Republicans were grappling with a steep drop in support among female voters that cost them the House , a problem magnified by how few GOP women were left in the chamber,13 , after the drubbing .
Rep. Elise Stefanik of New York responded by launching E-PAC , a political action committee designed to recruit and fund female candidates in contested GOP primaries .
Sanders and a Democratic primary influenced by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made that task exceedingly easier , Stefanik said during a conversation with reporters after hosting a gathering for E-PAC to showcase some of her recruits .
“ The atmospherics have changed , ” she said .
“ The fact that the president has a record of significant results — he has historic high approval ratings — and you have a nominee that ’ s likely to be Bernie Sanders , someone who is a self-identified socialist , that makes the choice very crystal clear .
”

The rise of Democratic contender Bernie Sanders has top House Republicans optimistic the party will recapture the majority this November, and they have their fingers crossed he will seize the nomination.
The Republican Party lost the House in 2018 amid heavy defections from key voting blocs dissatisfied with President Trump. With Sanders emerging as the Democratic front-runner this month, House Republican leaders are convinced the GOP is now poised to win back the chamber. In interviews Thursday, they characterized the socialist Vermont senator as a virtual panacea for nearly every political challenge the party faces heading into the fall, and his success is helping them whether he gains the nomination or not.
“The majority is in play,” House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy of California told the Washington Examiner before speaking at a gathering in D.C. to boost female Republican congressional candidates. Added McCarthy’s deputy, House Minority Whip Steve Scalise of Louisiana: “Bernie puts the House even more in play than it already is. I can’t think of one swing district Democrat that would want to invite Bernie Sanders into their district.”
[LIST: Democrats saying what a terrible nominee Bernie Sanders would be]
Republicans need to flip at least 18 seats to win the House and are honed in on 30 held by Democrats who voted for Trump in 2016. Congressional leaders typically hedge when discussing their party’s prospects, wary of raising expectations this far from Election Day.
But, after Sanders, 78, jumped out to a sizable lead in the Democratic presidential primary following nominating contests in Iowa, New Hampshire, and Nevada, House Republicans were gleeful. Sanders describes himself as a “democratic socialist” and is proposing to nationalize healthcare and significantly increase taxes. Republicans credit his surge and growing influence inside the Democratic Party for minimizing their intraparty divisions and boosting support for Trump with critical voting blocs.
Senior House Republicans insist that whoever wins the Democratic nomination is going to be saddled with the “socialist” label and pave the way for considerable GOP gains. Still, they concede there is no Democrat they would rather run against.
“This actually is going to be a choice between freedom and socialism,” said Rep. Tom Emmer of Minnesota, chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee, who is unequivocally predicting a House takeover. “If it is Bernie Sanders, you couldn’t get a better distinction between the two choices.”
Sanders has opened up an 11-point lead among Democratic voters nationally on the cusp of Super Tuesday. More than 15 states and U.S. territories are scheduled on March 3 to hold primaries that could put the senator on an unstoppable march toward the nomination.
The mood in the Republican Party is remarkably different than it was this time last year, when the GOP was still sifting through the wreckage of the midterm elections. In particular, House Republicans were grappling with a steep drop in support among female voters that cost them the House, a problem magnified by how few GOP women were left in the chamber, 13, after the drubbing.
Rep. Elise Stefanik of New York responded by launching E-PAC, a political action committee designed to recruit and fund female candidates in contested GOP primaries. Sanders and a Democratic primary influenced by the left wing of the party has made that task exceedingly easier, Stefanik said during a conversation with reporters after hosting a gathering for E-PAC to showcase some of her recruits.
“The atmospherics have changed,” she said. “The fact that the president has a record of significant results — he has historic high approval ratings — and you have a nominee that’s likely to be Bernie Sanders, someone who is a self-identified socialist, that makes the choice very crystal clear.”


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-28--Biden suggests funding abortion access in poor countries during response to overpopulation question

CONWAY , South Carolina — Joe Biden said that the United States should fund organizations that help women in poor countries get abortions as part of an answer to a question about overpopulation and women 's empowerment .
The former vice president appeared to be wrapping up his town hall on Thursday before being prompted to answer one last question .
`` Climate change is a very serious breath for the environment .
Another serious issue is overpopulation , '' an audience member said .
`` The majority of the world 's population growth takes place in the poorest countries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't being empowered .
What will you do to help empower women in the world 's poorest countries ? ''
The question prompted a long , 20-minute response from the 2020 Democratic presidential candidate .
Biden noted that the populations in many developed countries have declined , stated that the U.S. should be an example of a global standard for treatment of women , and said programs that help women generate economic growth in those countries should be funded .
He then subtly suggested that the U.S. should help those women get access @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the limitations on the ability for the United States to contribute to organizations in these countries that , in fact , provide women 's health alternatives for choice , '' Biden said , prompting applause from the crowd of more than 1,900 people .
Biden was referencing the Mexico City policy , or `` global gag rule , '' which prevents federal funds from going to foreign organizations that promote or practice abortion , including by giving counseling on abortion or referrals for abortions .
President Trump reinstated the policy when he took @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on to talk about crafting and passing the Violence Against Women Act , one of his more famous accomplishments , the history of women 's equality , and the changing culture surrounding gender issues .
`` No man has a right to lay a hand on a woman for any reason other than self-defense , '' Biden said .
`` If someone in this room got up , took off all their clothes , and walked out the door , no man has a right to touch her . ''
Several dozen attendees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ delivered his final answer of the evening .

CONWAY, South Carolina — Joe Biden said that the United States should fund organizations that help women in poor countries get abortions as part of an answer to a question about overpopulation and women's empowerment.
The former vice president appeared to be wrapping up his town hall on Thursday before being prompted to answer one last question.
"Climate change is a very serious breath for the environment. Another serious issue is overpopulation," an audience member said. "The majority of the world's population growth takes place in the poorest countries in the world, where women aren't being empowered. What will you do to help empower women in the world's poorest countries?"
The question prompted a long, 20-minute response from the 2020 Democratic presidential candidate.
Biden noted that the populations in many developed countries have declined, stated that the U.S. should be an example of a global standard for treatment of women, and said programs that help women generate economic growth in those countries should be funded. He then subtly suggested that the U.S. should help those women get access to abortions.
"I strongly oppose the limitations on the ability for the United States to contribute to organizations in these countries that, in fact, provide women's health alternatives for choice," Biden said, prompting applause from the crowd of more than 1,900 people.
Biden was referencing the Mexico City policy, or "global gag rule," which prevents federal funds from going to foreign organizations that promote or practice abortion, including by giving counseling on abortion or referrals for abortions. President Trump reinstated the policy when he took office.
The former vice president went on to talk about crafting and passing the Violence Against Women Act, one of his more famous accomplishments, the history of women's equality, and the changing culture surrounding gender issues.
"No man has a right to lay a hand on a woman for any reason other than self-defense," Biden said. "If someone in this room got up, took off all their clothes, and walked out the door, no man has a right to touch her."
Several dozen attendees trickled out of the room as Biden delivered his final answer of the evening.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-27--Steyer teases support from one of the Central Park Five

NORTH CHARLESTON , South Carolina — Tom Steyer teased an announcement of support for his criminal justice plan from one of the men exonerated in the 1980s Central Park jogger case .
“ And , by the way , I think one of the Central Park Five is going to endorse our criminal justice program , ” the billionaire Democratic presidential hopeful said at a campaign event on Thursday , speaking to a predominantly black audience of about 60 people .
The Central Park Five were black and Latino teenagers who were convicted for charges relating to the rape and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trisha Meili , in 1989 despite no physical evidence linking them to the crime .
Each had confessed but then retracted and pleaded not guilty .
They were each exonerated in 2002 after Matias Reyes , who was already serving life in prison for murder and rape , confessed to the crime and his DNA matched that found at the scene .
The men then sued New York City for malicious prosecution , racial discrimination , and emotional distress .
Then-Mayor Michael Bloomberg , now a Democratic presidential candidate , said he thought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against the men , but , after Mayor Bill de Blasio came into office , the city settled in 2014 for $ 41 million .
The stories of the men — Antron McCray , Kevin Richardson , Yusef Salaam , Raymond Santana , and Korey Wise — were featured in the 2019 Netflix series When They See Us .
When the original case was being litigated , President Trump , then a real estate developer , purchased full-page ads in New York newspapers with a headline that read , `` BRING BACK THE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Trump has refused to apologize to the five men .
It is not clear which of the exonerated men Steyer was referring to or whether the endorsement would be of Steyer 's candidacy as a whole or only the criminal justice reform portion of his platform .
The five men and Steyer 's campaign did not respond to requests for comment .
His plan calls for $ 100 million in Department of Labor reentry employment opportunity grants , eliminating the death penalty , legalizing marijuana , ending cash bail , eliminating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million for public defender offices , among other goals .
As for the Central Park Five figures , representatives with Yusef Salaam said , `` Yusef has not endorsed a candidate , and has no plans to do so today .
Whoever Yusef decides to support will align with his goals of giving formerly incarcerated individuals their voices back .
His experience made him realize how incarcerated individuals can lose their voice , and how hard it is to find it again.
” Steyer on Thursday stressed that his commitment to addressing racial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ justice issues .
`` Climate justice is racial justice .
Economic justice .
You ca n't look at a policy area in the United States , honestly , without recognizing that there 's a huge racial subtext to it .
And if you do n't deal with the racial subtext , you 're not going to deal with the policy issue , '' Steyer said .
He said that criminal Justice has `` a huge racial component to it from start to finish , '' but , `` So is there in housing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ single digits in national polls , he is in third place with 14.5 % support in the RealClearPolitics average of South Carolina polls due in part to his popularity with black voters in the state .

NORTH CHARLESTON, South Carolina — Tom Steyer teased an announcement of support for his criminal justice plan from one of the men exonerated in the 1980s Central Park jogger case.
“And, by the way, I think one of the Central Park Five is going to endorse our criminal justice program,” the billionaire Democratic presidential hopeful said at a campaign event on Thursday, speaking to a predominantly black audience of about 60 people.
The Central Park Five were black and Latino teenagers who were convicted for charges relating to the rape and assault of a 28-year-old white woman, Trisha Meili, in 1989 despite no physical evidence linking them to the crime. Each had confessed but then retracted and pleaded not guilty. They were each exonerated in 2002 after Matias Reyes, who was already serving life in prison for murder and rape, confessed to the crime and his DNA matched that found at the scene.
The men then sued New York City for malicious prosecution, racial discrimination, and emotional distress. Then-Mayor Michael Bloomberg, now a Democratic presidential candidate, said he thought that the city could win in court against the men, but, after Mayor Bill de Blasio came into office, the city settled in 2014 for $41 million. The stories of the men — Antron McCray, Kevin Richardson, Yusef Salaam, Raymond Santana, and Korey Wise — were featured in the 2019 Netflix series When They See Us.
When the original case was being litigated, President Trump, then a real estate developer, purchased full-page ads in New York newspapers with a headline that read, "BRING BACK THE DEATH PENALTY. BRING BACK OUR POLICE." Trump has refused to apologize to the five men.
It is not clear which of the exonerated men Steyer was referring to or whether the endorsement would be of Steyer's candidacy as a whole or only the criminal justice reform portion of his platform. The five men and Steyer's campaign did not respond to requests for comment.
His plan calls for $100 million in Department of Labor reentry employment opportunity grants, eliminating the death penalty, legalizing marijuana, ending cash bail, eliminating court fees, and providing $100 million for public defender offices, among other goals.
As for the Central Park Five figures, representatives with Yusef Salaam said, "Yusef has not endorsed a candidate, and has no plans to do so today. Whoever Yusef decides to support will align with his goals of giving formerly incarcerated individuals their voices back. His experience made him realize how incarcerated individuals can lose their voice, and how hard it is to find it again.”
Steyer on Thursday stressed that his commitment to addressing racial disparities goes far beyond dealing with criminal justice issues.
"Climate justice is racial justice. Economic justice. You can't look at a policy area in the United States, honestly, without recognizing that there's a huge racial subtext to it. And if you don't deal with the racial subtext, you're not going to deal with the policy issue," Steyer said. He said that criminal Justice has "a huge racial component to it from start to finish," but, "So is there in housing."
Though Steyer is in the single digits in national polls, he is in third place with 14.5% support in the RealClearPolitics average of South Carolina polls due in part to his popularity with black voters in the state.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-28--Ohio lawmakers want to ban transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports

A pair of Ohio lawmakers plan to introduce legislation that would bar transgender athletes from competing in female sports , a move they say would preserve the integrity of school athletics .
But opponents of the measure say it prohibits students from participating in their favorite sports .
State Reps. Jena Powell , R-Arcanum , and Reggie Stoltzfus , R-Paris Twp.
, announced the Save Women ’ s Sports Act , which would designate male and female sports teams based on the biological sex of a person .
“ The Save Women ’ s Sports Act is a fairness issue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a news release .
“ This bill ensures that every little girl who works hard to make it on a podium is not robbed of her chance by a biological male competing against her in a biological female sport .
We want every little girl to achieve her athletic dream here in the state of Ohio.
” The legislation would apply to public schools and colleges .
It would also apply to private schools or colleges that belong to a state or national athletic association .
In introducing the bill , the lawmakers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ used to hold the 15 women ’ s state championship titles .
Today , a pair of biological males hold those titles .
“ It is not my desire to hurt anyone or punish those who may be affected by this legislation in some way , but to protect fair competition , ” Stoltzfus said in a news release .
“ I seek to treat all people with dignity and respect by promoting a level playing field in Ohio ’ s inter-scholastic athletics.
” The lawmakers said the legislation protects schools and colleges @ @ @ @ @ @ @ levying punishment under state or local nondiscrimination laws .
It also protects the student from any retaliatory measures a school might take , the lawmakers said .
The bill also establishes “ a process to resolve any disputes over a student ’ s sex ” and “ respectfully accommodates those who have an intersex condition or disorder of sexual development to demonstrate they are , in fact , a female , ” according to a news release .
LGBTQ advocates , however , are asking their supporters to call lawmakers and tell them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ students just want to play their favorite sports with their peers and have fun , ” TransOhio said in a Facebook post .
“ The attacks on transgender children by our state lawmakers needs to stop .
Please contact the bill ’ s sponsors today and tell them why all children in Ohio should be granted equal opportunity to participate in school activities .
”

A pair of Ohio lawmakers plan to introduce legislation that would bar transgender athletes from competing in female sports, a move they say would preserve the integrity of school athletics.
But opponents of the measure say it prohibits students from participating in their favorite sports.
State Reps. Jena Powell, R-Arcanum, and Reggie Stoltzfus, R-Paris Twp., announced the Save Women’s Sports Act, which would designate male and female sports teams based on the biological sex of a person.
“The Save Women’s Sports Act is a fairness issue for women,” Powell said in a news release. “This bill ensures that every little girl who works hard to make it on a podium is not robbed of her chance by a biological male competing against her in a biological female sport. We want every little girl to achieve her athletic dream here in the state of Ohio.”
The legislation would apply to public schools and colleges. It would also apply to private schools or colleges that belong to a state or national athletic association.
In introducing the bill, the lawmakers cited Connecticut, where nine different girls used to hold the 15 women’s state championship titles. Today, a pair of biological males hold those titles.
“It is not my desire to hurt anyone or punish those who may be affected by this legislation in some way, but to protect fair competition,” Stoltzfus said in a news release. “I seek to treat all people with dignity and respect by promoting a level playing field in Ohio’s inter-scholastic athletics.”
The lawmakers said the legislation protects schools and colleges that preserve women-only teams from the government levying punishment under state or local nondiscrimination laws. It also protects the student from any retaliatory measures a school might take, the lawmakers said.
The bill also establishes “a process to resolve any disputes over a student’s sex” and “respectfully accommodates those who have an intersex condition or disorder of sexual development to demonstrate they are, in fact, a female,” according to a news release.
LGBTQ advocates, however, are asking their supporters to call lawmakers and tell them to oppose the proposal.
“These students just want to play their favorite sports with their peers and have fun,” TransOhio said in a Facebook post. “The attacks on transgender children by our state lawmakers needs to stop. Please contact the bill’s sponsors today and tell them why all children in Ohio should be granted equal opportunity to participate in school activities.”


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-28--Trump to renominate John Ratcliffe for director of national intelligence

President Trump is renominating Texas Rep. John Ratcliffe to become the next director of national intelligence .
`` I am pleased to announce the nomination of @ RepRatcliffe ( Congressman John Ratcliffe ) to be Director of National Intelligence ( DNI ) , '' the president tweeted on Friday .
`` Would have completed process earlier , but John wanted to wait until after IG Report was finished .
John is an outstanding man of great talent ! ''
Trump had previously nominated the Texas Republican to replace Dan Coats as the director last summer , but Ratcliffe was forced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a partisan nomination process after senators , including Republicans , questioned his credentials .
He was also accused of overstating his professional record regarding the prosecution of Hamas terrorists .
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer , who at the time said the congressman was only qualified because he was “ blindly loyal ” to the president , also sounded off on his renomination in a statement later on Friday .
`` Replacing one highly partisan operative with another does nothing to keep our country safe .
At a time when the Russians @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need a nonpartisan leader at the helm of the Intelligence Community who sees the world objectively and speaks truth to power , and unfortunately neither Acting Director Grenell nor Rep. Ratcliffe comes even close to that , '' he wrote .
“ With this nomination , President Trump has shown once again his lack of respect for the rule of law and the intelligence community .
Republicans must join Democrats in swiftly rejecting the nomination of Mr. Ratcliffe , '' the New York Democrat added .
The Texas congressman was first elected in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Homeland Security committees in the House .
He is an ardent defender of the president , which was reflected and in .
Trump previously appointed Richard Grenell , the U.S. ambassador to Germany , as the acting director of national intelligence , but he acknowledged he would not permanently be in the position .

President Trump is renominating Texas Rep. John Ratcliffe to become the next director of national intelligence.
"I am pleased to announce the nomination of @RepRatcliffe (Congressman John Ratcliffe) to be Director of National Intelligence (DNI)," the president tweeted on Friday. "Would have completed process earlier, but John wanted to wait until after IG Report was finished. John is an outstanding man of great talent!"
I am pleased to announce the nomination of @RepRatcliffe (Congressman John Ratcliffe) to be Director of National Intelligence (DNI). Would have completed process earlier, but John wanted to wait until after IG Report was finished. John is an outstanding man of great talent! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 28, 2020
Trump had previously nominated the Texas Republican to replace Dan Coats as the director last summer, but Ratcliffe was forced to withdraw, blaming what he described as a partisan nomination process after senators, including Republicans, questioned his credentials. He was also accused of overstating his professional record regarding the prosecution of Hamas terrorists.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, who at the time said the congressman was only qualified because he was “blindly loyal” to the president, also sounded off on his renomination in a statement later on Friday.
"Replacing one highly partisan operative with another does nothing to keep our country safe. At a time when the Russians are interfering in our elections, we need a nonpartisan leader at the helm of the Intelligence Community who sees the world objectively and speaks truth to power, and unfortunately neither Acting Director Grenell nor Rep. Ratcliffe comes even close to that," he wrote.
“With this nomination, President Trump has shown once again his lack of respect for the rule of law and the intelligence community. Republicans must join Democrats in swiftly rejecting the nomination of Mr. Ratcliffe," the New York Democrat added.
The Texas congressman was first elected in 2014 and sits on both the Judiciary and Homeland Security committees in the House. He is an ardent defender of the president, which was reflected throughout the House impeachment process and in his questioning of then-special counsel Robert Mueller .
Trump previously appointed Richard Grenell, the U.S. ambassador to Germany, as the acting director of national intelligence, but he acknowledged he would not permanently be in the position.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-28--Illinois lawmakers could remove religious exemption for child vaccination

State lawmakers could make Illinois the sixth state to remove a religious or philosophical objection to vaccines required to attend school .
In Illinois and most other states , it ’ s required by law that children be up to date on their vaccination schedule to attend school .
As of January , 45 states and Washington D.C allowed religious exemptions for immunizations and 15 of those allowed for philosophical exemptions , according to the National Council of State Legislatures .
If lawmakers approve of Senate Bill 3668 and it ’ s signed by Gov .
J.B. Pritzker , parents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a letter to their child ’ s school objecting to the vaccination requirement .
Supporters of removing the exemption have said some parents have used it improperly .
“ Back in 2014 , we had about 14,000 religious exemptions , ” said Tom Hughes , director of the Illinois Public Health Association .
“ In 2018 , it ’ s up to over 19,000.
” This increase came even after public health officials increased the steps required for parents to obtain religious exemptions , including verification that they had talked with a medical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vaccinations quote a number of scripture verses but , Hughes stressed , often use them to mask beliefs about GMOs or mercury content in vaccines .
Nearly all child vaccinations contain no Thimerosal , the preservative ingredient that contains ethylmercury .
That is relatively harmless , according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , compared to methylmercury , which is found in fish and can be detrimental in higher doses .
Activists have been contacting lawmakers , pressuring them to withdraw the legislation , saying it infringes on their religious freedom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 98 percent of students enrolled in school are up to date vaccinations .
However , that means more than 40,000 students – mostly concentrated in private , religious , or inner-city public schools – are not .
Some schools have rates as low as 7 percent inoculated .
Herd immunity , Hughes said , is the goal .
That ’ s the term for a high enough percentage of vaccinations in a particular community where a contagious disease will generally not spread .
It varies by disease , but the Centers for Disease @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 83 percent and 94 percent .
Earlier this month , lawmakers in Connecticut heard from parents who want them retain that state 's religious exemption .
A committee of Connecticut lawmakers advanced the bill , but it faces opposition from Republicans .

State lawmakers could make Illinois the sixth state to remove a religious or philosophical objection to vaccines required to attend school.
In Illinois and most other states, it’s required by law that children be up to date on their vaccination schedule to attend school. As of January, 45 states and Washington D.C allowed religious exemptions for immunizations and 15 of those allowed for philosophical exemptions, according to the National Council of State Legislatures.
If lawmakers approve of Senate Bill 3668 and it’s signed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker, parents would no longer be able to submit a letter to their child’s school objecting to the vaccination requirement.
Supporters of removing the exemption have said some parents have used it improperly.
“Back in 2014, we had about 14,000 religious exemptions,” said Tom Hughes, director of the Illinois Public Health Association. “In 2018, it’s up to over 19,000.”
This increase came even after public health officials increased the steps required for parents to obtain religious exemptions, including verification that they had talked with a medical professional about the decision.
Opponents of vaccinations quote a number of scripture verses but, Hughes stressed, often use them to mask beliefs about GMOs or mercury content in vaccines. Nearly all child vaccinations contain no Thimerosal, the preservative ingredient that contains ethylmercury. That is relatively harmless, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, compared to methylmercury, which is found in fish and can be detrimental in higher doses.
Activists have been contacting lawmakers, pressuring them to withdraw the legislation, saying it infringes on their religious freedom.
In Illinois, 96 percent to 98 percent of students enrolled in school are up to date vaccinations. However, that means more than 40,000 students – mostly concentrated in private, religious, or inner-city public schools – are not. Some schools have rates as low as 7 percent inoculated.
Herd immunity, Hughes said, is the goal. That’s the term for a high enough percentage of vaccinations in a particular community where a contagious disease will generally not spread. It varies by disease, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention generally put it between 83 percent and 94 percent.
Earlier this month, lawmakers in Connecticut heard from parents who want them retain that state's religious exemption. A committee of Connecticut lawmakers advanced the bill, but it faces opposition from Republicans.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-28--Lee proposes constitutional carry legislation

Tennessee Gov .
Bill Lee on Thursday proposed constitutional carry gun legislation that would permit law-abiding residents who are at least 21 years old to carry a handgun without a permit , except in certain restricted areas .
Constitutional carry applies to both open carry and concealed carry .
Current state law requires a permit for both .
“ The Second Amendment is clear and concise and secures the freedoms of law-abiding citizens to keep and bear arms , ” Lee said in his announcement .
“ I am pleased to announce constitutional carry legislation today that will protect the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also stiffening penalties on criminals who steal or illegally possess firearms .
I appreciate Lt .
Governor [ Randy ] McNally and Speaker [ Cameron ] Sexton for helping to lead the way on this important issue.
” Lee also proposed stricter penalties for people who violate gun laws , including increasing the penalty for stealing a firearm to a felony and increasing the mandatory minimum sentence for firearm theft from 30 days to 189 days , among other things .
“ A big part of protecting the Second Amendment for law-abiding citizens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guns , ” said Lt. Gov .
Randy McNally , R-Oak Ridge .
“ We will make sure those who commit crimes with firearms serve their full sentences and nothing less .
Many states across the nation are moving towards permitless carry , and I support the governor in this initiative.
” Democrats in the General Assembly criticized the governor ’ s gun proposal , suggesting it would increase gun violence .
“ Whether you live in a city or a suburb , no family is made safer by laws that encourage more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ firearms , ” Sen. Raumesh Akbari , D-Memphis , said in a news release .
“ Tennesseans support the Second Amendment , but they also believe firmly in responsible gun ownership and policies , like mandatory background checks , that promote accountability .
Permitless carry is a bad idea that endangers every Tennessean.
” Republicans have a 73-26 majority in the House and a 28-5 majority in the Senate .

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee on Thursday proposed constitutional carry gun legislation that would permit law-abiding residents who are at least 21 years old to carry a handgun without a permit, except in certain restricted areas.
Constitutional carry applies to both open carry and concealed carry. Current state law requires a permit for both.
“The Second Amendment is clear and concise and secures the freedoms of law-abiding citizens to keep and bear arms,” Lee said in his announcement. “I am pleased to announce constitutional carry legislation today that will protect the Second Amendment rights of Tennesseans, while also stiffening penalties on criminals who steal or illegally possess firearms. I appreciate Lt. Governor [Randy] McNally and Speaker [Cameron] Sexton for helping to lead the way on this important issue.”
Lee also proposed stricter penalties for people who violate gun laws, including increasing the penalty for stealing a firearm to a felony and increasing the mandatory minimum sentence for firearm theft from 30 days to 189 days, among other things.
“A big part of protecting the Second Amendment for law-abiding citizens is cracking down on criminals who use guns,” said Lt. Gov. Randy McNally, R-Oak Ridge. “We will make sure those who commit crimes with firearms serve their full sentences and nothing less. Many states across the nation are moving towards permitless carry, and I support the governor in this initiative.”
Democrats in the General Assembly criticized the governor’s gun proposal, suggesting it would increase gun violence.
“Whether you live in a city or a suburb, no family is made safer by laws that encourage more untrained and unlicensed people to carry lethal firearms,” Sen. Raumesh Akbari, D-Memphis, said in a news release. “Tennesseans support the Second Amendment, but they also believe firmly in responsible gun ownership and policies, like mandatory background checks, that promote accountability. Permitless carry is a bad idea that endangers every Tennessean.”
Republicans have a 73-26 majority in the House and a 28-5 majority in the Senate.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-28--Jared Kushner promises 'no drama' and 'no leaks' during Trump second term

White House adviser Jared Kushner predicted a smoother second term for President Trump if he wins reelection in November .
`` There 's no leaks .
There 's no drama .
I would say it 's high-competence , low-drama , '' the president 's son-in-law told a crowd at the Conservative Political Action Conference on Friday about Trump 's 2020 campaign .
`` Everything is very efficiently run .
And I think that 's exemplary of how President Trump would run his second term in office . ''
Kushner said the administration has `` doubled and tripled down '' on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which has allowed it to run more efficiently .
While Trump has seen fewer leaks from his White House since the beginning of his term , he has recently pointed the finger at congressional Democrats when information was leaked .
Last week , the president accused Rep. Adam Schiff of leaking a report that Russia is interfering in the 2020 presidential election to the benefit of Sen. Bernie Sanders 's campaign for the Democratic nomination .
`` Adam Schiff and his group , they leaked it to the papers .
As usual , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leaking that information , '' he said .
Kushner , who is the senior adviser to the president , has helped Trump with passing major legislation , particularly criminal justice reform .
The president referred to his son-in-law this month as the `` father of criminal justice reform . ''

White House adviser Jared Kushner predicted a smoother second term for President Trump if he wins reelection in November.
"There's no leaks. There's no drama. I would say it's high-competence, low-drama," the president's son-in-law told a crowd at the Conservative Political Action Conference on Friday about Trump's 2020 campaign. "Everything is very efficiently run. And I think that's exemplary of how President Trump would run his second term in office."
Kushner said the administration has "doubled and tripled down" on good ideas while discarding bad ones, which has allowed it to run more efficiently. While Trump has seen fewer leaks from his White House since the beginning of his term, he has recently pointed the finger at congressional Democrats when information was leaked.
Last week, the president accused Rep. Adam Schiff of leaking a report that Russia is interfering in the 2020 presidential election to the benefit of Sen. Bernie Sanders's campaign for the Democratic nomination.
"Adam Schiff and his group, they leaked it to the papers. As usual, they ought to investigate Adam Schiff for leaking that information," he said.
Kushner, who is the senior adviser to the president, has helped Trump with passing major legislation, particularly criminal justice reform. The president referred to his son-in-law this month as the "father of criminal justice reform."


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-28--Black supporters cheer Trump as former NFL player anoints him 'first black president'

Former NFL player Jack Brewer declared that President Trump , not President Barack Obama , was the first black president .
`` Mr. President , I got to interrupt , '' Brewer said Thursday during a roundtable event to celebrate Black History Month .
`` But I 've got to say this because this is Black History Month : Man , you the first black president . ''
The former NFL player 's comment elicited a round of applause from the other black supporters of the president at the table .
`` Still president of the United States , absolutely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Brewer added that he was a lifelong Democrat until Trump `` inspired '' a change in him that made him support his campaign .
`` You ’ ve changed me .
You touched me .
And you made my work go to another level .
You inspire me .
And every time I go into those prisons , and I ask my guys how many of them had their sentences reduced and they raise their hands , I know I ’ m doing God ’ s work , and I thank you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The president 's campaign is looking to win over black voters and announced this week that it would be creating new outreach centers for the black community in 15 different cities .
In 1998 , novelist Toni Morrison declared then-President Bill Clinton `` our first black president . ''

Former NFL player Jack Brewer declared that President Trump, not President Barack Obama, was the first black president.
"Mr. President, I got to interrupt," Brewer said Thursday during a roundtable event to celebrate Black History Month. "But I've got to say this because this is Black History Month: Man, you the first black president."
The former NFL player's comment elicited a round of applause from the other black supporters of the president at the table.
"Still president of the United States, absolutely," Diamond and Silk chimed in.
Brewer added that he was a lifelong Democrat until Trump "inspired" a change in him that made him support his campaign.
"You’ve changed me. You touched me. And you made my work go to another level. You inspire me. And every time I go into those prisons, and I ask my guys how many of them had their sentences reduced and they raise their hands, I know I’m doing God’s work, and I thank you for that," he said.
The president's campaign is looking to win over black voters and announced this week that it would be creating new outreach centers for the black community in 15 different cities.
In 1998, novelist Toni Morrison declared then-President Bill Clinton "our first black president."


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-28--Wisconsin among states to settle with opioid pain pill maker

The state of Wisconsin is going to get a share of a $ 1.6 billion settlement with the largest maker @ @ @ @ @ in the U.S .
The company , Mallinckrodt , will pay $ 1.6 billion into @ @ @ @ @ used to help cover the costs of the opioid crisis in individual states .
“ @ @ @ @ @ is an important part of our strategy for fighting the opioid epidemic , ” Kaul @ @ @ @ @ agreement , more resources will be available to help combat this crisis.
” The settlement @ @ @ @ @ limits on how it can market and sell its opioid pain pills .
Wisconsin is @ @ @ @ @ the makers of opioid pain pills for the damage those drugs caused .
Last year @ @ @ @ @ investigation into opioid distributors AmerisourceBergen , Cardinal Health and McKesson .
Wisconsin also joined the @ @ @ @ @ entities , and the company 's Richard Sackler for deceptive and false marketing practices in @ @ @ @ @

The state of Wisconsin is going to get a share of a $1.6 billion settlement with the largest maker of generic opioid pain pills in the U.S.
Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul announced the settlement framework on Wednesday.
The company, Mallinckrodt, will pay $1.6 billion into a trust that will be used to help cover the costs of the opioid crisis in individual states.
“Getting accountability from pharmaceutical companies is an important part of our strategy for fighting the opioid epidemic,” Kaul said. “With this agreement, more resources will be available to help combat this crisis.”
The settlement also binds Mallinckrodt to future limits on how it can market and sell its opioid pain pills.
Wisconsin is one of several states suing the makers of opioid pain pills for the damage those drugs caused.
Last year, Kaul joined a multi-state investigation into opioid distributors AmerisourceBergen, Cardinal Health and McKesson. Wisconsin also joined the lawsuit against two Purdue Pharma entities, and the company's Richard Sackler for deceptive and false marketing practices in the sale of opioids.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-28--FBI agents raid Houston school district's administration building

The FBI spent more than three hours Thursday at the Houston Independent School District 's administration building .
FBI agents came out of the Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center carrying three large boxes and an Apple Mac computer monitor , ABC-13 News Houston first reported .
According to the FBI , its presence at the HISD location was a “ court authorized law enforcement matter.
” It reiterated that there was no public danger at the building , nor to HISD students or staff .
“ The FBI is conducting court authorized law enforcement activity at the Hattie Mae @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the FBI said in a brief statement .
`` We want to assure the public there is no danger to the HISD students , staff or greater Houston community .
We will provide any additional information once it becomes public .
We have no further comment at this time.
” SkyEye13 also recorded on video FBI agents outside of the home of Brian Busby , HISD 's Chief Operating Office .
Busby worked at HISD for 21 years until December 2016 .
In his role , Busby was responsible for a $ 260 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
HISD confirmed in a prepared statement that the FBI was at the Hattie Mae White location and that the district was fully cooperating .
Last fall , the Texas Education Agency ( TEA ) took over HISD , the state ’ s largest school district .
According to a 319-page report TEA published last October , HISD 's Board of Trustees violated contract procurement rules and attempted to tamper with contracts , among other violations .
According to the report , `` Government contracts are easily susceptible to fraud and therefore contract @ @ @ @ @ @ @ … HISD manipulated contract procurement rules through the abuse of Job Order Contracts and multiple change orders . ''
Splitting contract orders , for example , the report found , appeared to be a way for HISD to make hires without receiving prior school board approval .
Neither the FBI nor HISD have confirmed or denied if the FBI matter is related to the findings of the TEA 's investigation .

The FBI spent more than three hours Thursday at the Houston Independent School District's administration building.
FBI agents came out of the Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center carrying three large boxes and an Apple Mac computer monitor, ABC-13 News Houston first reported.
According to the FBI, its presence at the HISD location was a “court authorized law enforcement matter.” It reiterated that there was no public danger at the building, nor to HISD students or staff.
“The FBI is conducting court authorized law enforcement activity at the Hattie Mae White, HISD Administration Building," the FBI said in a brief statement. "We want to assure the public there is no danger to the HISD students, staff or greater Houston community. We will provide any additional information once it becomes public. We have no further comment at this time.”
SkyEye13 also recorded on video FBI agents outside of the home of Brian Busby, HISD's Chief Operating Office. Busby worked at HISD for 21 years until December 2016.
In his role, Busby was responsible for a $260 million budget and more than 7,000 employees.
HISD confirmed in a prepared statement that the FBI was at the Hattie Mae White location and that the district was fully cooperating.
Last fall, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) took over HISD, the state’s largest school district. According to a 319-page report TEA published last October, HISD's Board of Trustees violated contract procurement rules and attempted to tamper with contracts, among other violations.
According to the report, "Government contracts are easily susceptible to fraud and therefore contract procurement rules should be followed accordingly. … HISD manipulated contract procurement rules through the abuse of Job Order Contracts and multiple change orders."
Splitting contract orders, for example, the report found, appeared to be a way for HISD to make hires without receiving prior school board approval.
Neither the FBI nor HISD have confirmed or denied if the FBI matter is related to the findings of the TEA's investigation.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-28--Florida won’t divulge COVID-19 test details, but will disclose ‘confirmed cases’

Floridians are being tested for the COVID-19 virus but state officials are not disclosing details , citing federal and state privacy laws .
But the good news is “ there is still no known cases of coronavirus in the state of Florida , ” Gov .
Ron DeSantis reported Thursday .
DeSantis , flanked by Lt. Gov .
Jeanette Nuñez , state Surgeon General Dr. Scott Rivkees and Deputy Secretary for Health Dr. Shamarial Roberson , said state health officials are prepared in the event of a COVID-19 , or coronavirus , outbreak .
The governor attempted to quell mounting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of state officials for not disclosing details about suspected cases .
“ Obviously , if there is – and , hopefully , we don ’ t have – any identified cases , it is something we would notify the public about , ” DeSantis said , adding confidentiality laws restrict what type of information about individuals and statistical data can be disclosed .
“ We strictly respect the confidentiality of persons under investigation , ” he said .
“ I actually wanted to give all the numbers , but they pointed me to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you can ’ t list all the numbers.
” DeSantis said “ from the beginning of this in January , we ’ ve been monitoring people coming in .
Obviously , HHS ( U.S. Department of Health & Human Services ) has said , ‘ This person may have been in China , ’ and all those people were monitored , and anybody who tested , tested negative , and that ’ s been true up to this point.
” Rivkees told the Senate Health Policy Committee on Feb. 18 that 17 Floridians @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but he would not say Thursday whether any others have been tested or investigated since then .
He said confirmed cases would be posted on a webpage .
DeSantis said flights originating from China are restricted to 11 U.S. airports and have not been allowed to land in Florida since early February .
On Feb. 18 , Rivkees said since Chinese flights have been restricted , the number of Chinese nationals moving through Florida – visiting , on business or passing through airports – had declined from 20,000 a day to less than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Rivkees said the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) was sending Florida new test kits after previously provided kits produced inconclusive results or none at all .
Rivkees and DeSantis , however , said Thursday the state still is sending potential cases to Atlanta for testing .
Democratic state lawmakers and U.S. Rep. Stephanie Murphy , D-Orlando , demanded more clarity , if not transparency , in the state ’ s coronavirus preparations and prospective response .
“ I was disappointed that at today ’ s briefing , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the public about suspected cases in Florida , ” Murphy said in a statement .
“ As a top tourist destination and home to many vulnerable seniors , Florida is uniquely at risk from the threat of this illness.
” “ Why are they waiting for a confirmed case to share aggregate data ?
” asked Sen. Jose Javier Rodriguez , D-Miami .
“ The management of public information from the Governor ’ s Office and the Department of Public Health is not helping us.
” The DOH ’ s prior practice , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was to release aggregate numbers with regional breakdowns .
“ No one is asking for specific facilities to be named , for specific individuals to be named , but in order to have an appropriate management of the public information , and not make things worse , we need the governor and surgeon general to back off on how they ’ re interpreting public information statutes , ” Rodriguez said .
“ No one is inciting anyone to panic , ” but without transparency , it “ may end up doing the opposite @ @

Floridians are being tested for the COVID-19 virus but state officials are not disclosing details, citing federal and state privacy laws.
But the good news is “there is still no known cases of coronavirus in the state of Florida,” Gov. Ron DeSantis reported Thursday.
DeSantis, flanked by Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez, state Surgeon General Dr. Scott Rivkees and Deputy Secretary for Health Dr. Shamarial Roberson, said state health officials are prepared in the event of a COVID-19, or coronavirus, outbreak.
The governor attempted to quell mounting apprehension about the virus and blunt criticism of state officials for not disclosing details about suspected cases.
“Obviously, if there is – and, hopefully, we don’t have – any identified cases, it is something we would notify the public about,” DeSantis said, adding confidentiality laws restrict what type of information about individuals and statistical data can be disclosed.
“We strictly respect the confidentiality of persons under investigation,” he said. “I actually wanted to give all the numbers, but they pointed me to the regulation or the statute that said you can’t list all the numbers.”
DeSantis said “from the beginning of this in January, we’ve been monitoring people coming in. Obviously, HHS (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services) has said, ‘This person may have been in China,’ and all those people were monitored, and anybody who tested, tested negative, and that’s been true up to this point.”
Rivkees told the Senate Health Policy Committee on Feb. 18 that 17 Floridians had tested negative for the virus, but he would not say Thursday whether any others have been tested or investigated since then. He said confirmed cases would be posted on a webpage.
DeSantis said flights originating from China are restricted to 11 U.S. airports and have not been allowed to land in Florida since early February.
On Feb. 18, Rivkees said since Chinese flights have been restricted, the number of Chinese nationals moving through Florida – visiting, on business or passing through airports – had declined from 20,000 a day to less than 1,000 a day.
In that presentation, Rivkees said the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was sending Florida new test kits after previously provided kits produced inconclusive results or none at all.
Rivkees and DeSantis, however, said Thursday the state still is sending potential cases to Atlanta for testing.
Democratic state lawmakers and U.S. Rep. Stephanie Murphy, D-Orlando, demanded more clarity, if not transparency, in the state’s coronavirus preparations and prospective response.
“I was disappointed that at today’s briefing, state officials failed to be forthcoming with the public about suspected cases in Florida,” Murphy said in a statement. “As a top tourist destination and home to many vulnerable seniors, Florida is uniquely at risk from the threat of this illness.”
“Why are they waiting for a confirmed case to share aggregate data?” asked Sen. Jose Javier Rodriguez, D-Miami. “The management of public information from the Governor’s Office and the Department of Public Health is not helping us.”
The DOH’s prior practice, such as during the Zika outbreak, was to release aggregate numbers with regional breakdowns.
“No one is asking for specific facilities to be named, for specific individuals to be named, but in order to have an appropriate management of the public information, and not make things worse, we need the governor and surgeon general to back off on how they’re interpreting public information statutes,” Rodriguez said. “No one is inciting anyone to panic,” but without transparency, it “may end up doing the opposite.”


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-28--Illinois lawmakers discuss ethics rules as some grow impatient

An Illinois Joint Commission on Ethics and Lobbying Reform hearing Thursday got into the nuances of elected officials prohibited activities , including what kinds of elected or appointed positions already elected officials can take on , but a Republican state lawmaker said she was concerned by the seeming lack of urgency to address corruption .
The commission was created amid wide-ranging federal corruption probes that have ensnared elected officials and lobbyists .
“ I did not understand just how many restrictions are already in law about persons holding more than one political office , ” Harris said .
“ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those situations were actually permitted by law.
” The commission has met several times already .
The last hearing focused on the state ’ s various inspectors general and the Legislative Ethics Commission .
Another hearing delved into the state 's lobbying regulations .
The next hearing is set for March 5 .
“ I think the last remaining chapter is Section 50 of the procurement code that deals with ethics and conflicts with the procurement system , ” Harris said .
The commission is required to deliver a report with recommendations for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Harris said he hopes to meet that deadline .
Later Thursday on the House floor , state Rep. Deanne Mazzochi , R-Elmhurst , said it seemed the legislature was n't doing anything about real instances of corruption , such as ghost payrolling .
Mazzochi referenced a 2012 email , first reported by WBEZ last month , that a lobbyist sent to members of then-Gov .
Pat Quinn 's staff vouching for a state employee , Forest Ashby , who was facing a disciplinary hearing .
Lobbyist Mike McClain wrote in the email @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” about a rape in Champaign and ghost payroll practices .
`` Yesterday at the Public Appropriations Committee hearing meeting was the first time we have on our side of the aisle had an opportunity to actually ask someone from the administration what was going on with that , '' Mazzochi said .
`` And as it turned out , this same person was given a $ 60,000 a year , no-bid job , based on his personal connections to the executive director of the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Enforcement Training Standards Board was suspended in January after the email made headlines across the state .
“ We ’ ve called for investigations , and you ’ ve done nothing , ” Mazzochi said .
“ You haven ’ t convened any committees , you haven ’ t done any investigations , you haven ’ t made sure that this is not happening throughout all levels of our government.
” “ And I would like this body , because you said you were upset , you said you were concerned , to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ This was two months ago , that you found out about this , and you ’ ve done nothing .
It ’ s unacceptable , and I would really like to know when you ’ re going to finally tell your leadership that this kind of corrupt culture is not acceptable here in Springfield , and finally start doing something about it .
”

An Illinois Joint Commission on Ethics and Lobbying Reform hearing Thursday got into the nuances of elected officials prohibited activities, including what kinds of elected or appointed positions already elected officials can take on, but a Republican state lawmaker said she was concerned by the seeming lack of urgency to address corruption.
The commission was created amid wide-ranging federal corruption probes that have ensnared elected officials and lobbyists.
House Majority Leader Greg Harris, D-Chicago, said Thursday’s hearing was revealing.
“I did not understand just how many restrictions are already in law about persons holding more than one political office,” Harris said. “I didn’t understand how many of those situations were actually permitted by law.”
The commission has met several times already. The last hearing focused on the state’s various inspectors general and the Legislative Ethics Commission. Another hearing delved into the state's lobbying regulations.
The next hearing is set for March 5.
“I think the last remaining chapter is Section 50 of the procurement code that deals with ethics and conflicts with the procurement system,” Harris said.
The commission is required to deliver a report with recommendations for ethics reforms by the end of March. Harris said he hopes to meet that deadline.
Later Thursday on the House floor, state Rep. Deanne Mazzochi, R-Elmhurst, said it seemed the legislature wasn't doing anything about real instances of corruption, such as ghost payrolling.
Mazzochi referenced a 2012 email, first reported by WBEZ last month, that a lobbyist sent to members of then-Gov. Pat Quinn's staff vouching for a state employee, Forest Ashby, who was facing a disciplinary hearing. Lobbyist Mike McClain wrote in the email Ashby had “kept his mouth shut” about a rape in Champaign and ghost payroll practices.
"Yesterday at the Public Appropriations Committee hearing meeting was the first time we have on our side of the aisle had an opportunity to actually ask someone from the administration what was going on with that," Mazzochi said. "And as it turned out, this same person was given a $60,000 a year, no-bid job, based on his personal connections to the executive director of the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board."
Ashby's contract with the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board was suspended in January after the email made headlines across the state.
“We’ve called for investigations, and you’ve done nothing,” Mazzochi said. “You haven’t convened any committees, you haven’t done any investigations, you haven’t made sure that this is not happening throughout all levels of our government.”
“And I would like this body, because you said you were upset, you said you were concerned, to actually do something,” Mazzochi said. “This was two months ago, that you found out about this, and you’ve done nothing. It’s unacceptable, and I would really like to know when you’re going to finally tell your leadership that this kind of corrupt culture is not acceptable here in Springfield, and finally start doing something about it.”
Lawmakers return to Springfield on Tuesday.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-28--White House mulls economic stimulus measures as coronavirus fears grow

The Trump administration is considering a range of economic measures to prevent the growing coronavirus emergency from sparking a financial slowdown after a week of market turmoil but is not close to any major announcements , according to a senior adviser .
Global uncertainty about the extent of the health crisis has sent markets into free fall for the past week .
On Friday , President Trump called for the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates , and the Washington Post reported that targeted tax cuts were being floated by officials as a means to keep money flowing .
Another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on China .
Both present problems , not least that any tax package would need to be negotiated with Congress , making it a more likely candidate for a second-term Trump project than an emergency fillip in a time of need .
Director of the National Economic Council Larry Kudlow said conversations were continuing on how best to respond .
“ There is nothing definite I can report .
There ’ s a lot of conversations in and out of the Oval Office , ” he said when asked whether the president was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I was with him the other day talking about one thing or another .
We are dealing with this almost a day at a time , and we have no precipitous actions right now.
” However , he said the underlying fundamentals , including jobs and consumer spending , remain strong .
Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell signaled that the central bank would cut interest rates if needed to help the economy .
“ The Federal Reserve is closely monitoring developments and their implications for the economic outlook , ” he said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ act as appropriate to support the economy .
”

The Trump administration is considering a range of economic measures to prevent the growing coronavirus emergency from sparking a financial slowdown after a week of market turmoil but is not close to any major announcements, according to a senior adviser.
Global uncertainty about the extent of the health crisis has sent markets into free fall for the past week.
On Friday, President Trump called for the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates, and the Washington Post reported that targeted tax cuts were being floated by officials as a means to keep money flowing.
Another option is believed to include suspending tariffs on China.
Both present problems, not least that any tax package would need to be negotiated with Congress, making it a more likely candidate for a second-term Trump project than an emergency fillip in a time of need.
Director of the National Economic Council Larry Kudlow said conversations were continuing on how best to respond.
“There is nothing definite I can report. There’s a lot of conversations in and out of the Oval Office,” he said when asked whether the president was considering lifting sanctions on China.
“I was with him the other day talking about one thing or another. We are dealing with this almost a day at a time, and we have no precipitous actions right now.”
However, he said the underlying fundamentals, including jobs and consumer spending, remain strong.
Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell signaled that the central bank would cut interest rates if needed to help the economy.
“The Federal Reserve is closely monitoring developments and their implications for the economic outlook,” he said. “We will use our tools and act as appropriate to support the economy.”


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-28--Federal appeals court rules against House Democrats' effort to force Don McGahn testimony

A federal appeals court blocked efforts from the House of Representatives to force testimony from former White House lawyer Don @ @ @ @ @ of Appeals for the District of Columbia issued a 2-1 decision on Friday that stated @ @ @ @ @ comply with a House subpoena , overruling a previous lower court decision .
The House @ @ @ @ @ testimony from McGahn in April on matters relating to special counsel Robert Mueller 's investigation @ @ @ @ @ but the White House blocked him from testifying .
While the subpoena came well before @ @ @ @ @ , Democrats viewed a potential testimony from the former White House counsel as important to @ @ @ @ @ of impeachment centering around events that occurred after McGahn left the White House .
“ @ @ @ @ @ forbids federal courts from resolving this kind of interbranch information dispute , '' the Friday @ @ @ @ @ agree and dismiss this case . ''
The ruling could still face additional appeals , @ @ @ @ @ Supreme Court .

A federal appeals court blocked efforts from the House of Representatives to force testimony from former White House lawyer Don McGahn.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia issued a 2-1 decision on Friday that stated McGahn does not have to comply with a House subpoena, overruling a previous lower court decision. The House Judiciary Committee attempted to obtain testimony from McGahn in April on matters relating to special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into Russian election interference, but the White House blocked him from testifying.
While the subpoena came well before the chamber's impeachment investigation, Democrats viewed a potential testimony from the former White House counsel as important to the process despite the articles of impeachment centering around events that occurred after McGahn left the White House.
“Article III of the Constitution forbids federal courts from resolving this kind of interbranch information dispute," the Friday decision read. “We agree and dismiss this case."
The ruling could still face additional appeals, however, including to the Supreme Court.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-28--'Not true': White House denies it cut funding for CDC to fight infectious diseases

White House officials hit back at allegations that cuts to infectious disease budgets were putting people at risk from a coronavirus outbreak in the latest effort to ease public concern .
The Trump administration has been under growing scrutiny for claims it had cut funding at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , making it more difficult to respond to an epidemic .
Acting Director of the Office of Management and Budget Russ Vought said in a White House briefing that the headlines were untrue .
He said savings were made through trimming waste and unnecessary programs rather than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Things like climate change research , things like occupational health research , that is not going to go away but is something that we do not need to jump-start.
” Instead , the CDC ’ s work on infectious diseases and preparedness saw a bump in funding by 3 % to $ 4.317 billion for 2021 , he said .
“ It is not true that we have cut CDC ’ s infectious disease fighting ” capability , he said .
The administration is trying to draw a line under growing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through the United States .
Markets have been in free fall as confidence plummets , and shoppers have been stocking up on food in anticipation of a crisis .
President Trump put Vice President Mike Pence in charge of the response on Wednesday amid criticism that fears were growing due to mixed messaging .
On Friday , three senior officials briefed reporters on resources available to tackle the virus .
Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar said 62 people tested positive for COVID-19 , the majority were patients repatriated from China or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ played down forecasts from elsewhere that the disease could infect 70 % of the world 's population with a 2 % fatality rate .
The U.S. had the benefit of having time to prepare for cases as the scale of the emergency emerged in China , he said .
“ It ’ s not clear we ’ ll see the same fatality rates in our healthcare system , ” he said .
“ And it ’ s not clear we ’ ll see the same attack rates or penetration rates … with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s best public health system that identifies cases early on , contains , and mitigates.
” The result , he added , was that the risk to the public was low .
“ But we have all repeatedly emphasized that has the potential to change , ” he said .

White House officials hit back at allegations that cuts to infectious disease budgets were putting people at risk from a coronavirus outbreak in the latest effort to ease public concern.
The Trump administration has been under growing scrutiny for claims it had cut funding at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, making it more difficult to respond to an epidemic.
Acting Director of the Office of Management and Budget Russ Vought said in a White House briefing that the headlines were untrue. He said savings were made through trimming waste and unnecessary programs rather than cutting anything connected to fighting infectious disease.
“Things like climate change research, things like occupational health research, that is not going to go away but is something that we do not need to jump-start.”
Instead, the CDC’s work on infectious diseases and preparedness saw a bump in funding by 3% to $4.317 billion for 2021, he said.
“It is not true that we have cut CDC’s infectious disease fighting” capability, he said.
[Click here for complete coronavirus coverage]
The administration is trying to draw a line under growing fears that coronavirus will cut a swath through the United States. Markets have been in free fall as confidence plummets, and shoppers have been stocking up on food in anticipation of a crisis.
President Trump put Vice President Mike Pence in charge of the response on Wednesday amid criticism that fears were growing due to mixed messaging.
On Friday, three senior officials briefed reporters on resources available to tackle the virus.
Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar said 62 people tested positive for COVID-19, the majority were patients repatriated from China or the Diamond Princess cruise liner.
He played down forecasts from elsewhere that the disease could infect 70% of the world's population with a 2% fatality rate.
The U.S. had the benefit of having time to prepare for cases as the scale of the emergency emerged in China, he said.
“It’s not clear we’ll see the same fatality rates in our healthcare system,” he said. “And it’s not clear we’ll see the same attack rates or penetration rates … with the type of early, advanced, world’s best public health system that identifies cases early on, contains, and mitigates.”
The result, he added, was that the risk to the public was low.
“But we have all repeatedly emphasized that has the potential to change,” he said.