thewashingtonexaminer--2020-06-19--Democrats wield Bolton book as shield against Trump 'Beijing Biden' attacks

Democrats are seizing on former national security adviser John Bolton ’ s new book to shield their presumptive nominee Joe Biden from attacks on his China record and turn the issue around on President Trump .
Even polls that show Trump trailing Biden in the presidential race often find pluralities prefer the president to confront China , second only to his advantage on jobs and the economy .
The Trump campaign has seen data that suggests their “ Beijing Biden ” jibes could be effective in the fall campaign .
The former vice president ’ s supporters would like to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ given them some new ammunition .
“ Today , we learned from John Bolton , the President ’ s former national security advisor , that President Trump sold out the American people to protect his political future , ” Biden said in a statement as details from Bolton ’ s The Room Where It Happened : A White House Memoir were first being widely reported .
“ He reportedly directly asked Xi Jinping , China ’ s leader , to help him get re-elected.
” Biden accused Trump of trading “ away our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ promise of a flimsy trade deal that bailed him out of his disastrous tariff war that did so much damage to our farmers , manufacturers , and consumers.
” He talked about Trump and China in terms Democrats once reserved for the Russia collusion charges .
“ In exchange , [ Trump ] condoned interning more than one million Uighurs in concentration camps , ” Biden added .
“ It ’ s no wonder that this week we ’ ve also seen reporting that China wants four more years of Donald Trump as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the United States.
” “ It fits .
Right after Trump signed the deal , I was critical of him and ... said it seems that he sold out for a bunch of soybeans , which our farmers will never see purchased , '' Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer , a New York Democrat , Politico .
`` Bolton indicates that that was true .
And the farmers aren ’ t even getting helped .
Xi played him like a fool . ''
Republicans have expressed skepticism about Bolton ’ s account , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ calling it “ ” by a “ warlord ” and Robert Lighthizer flatly contradicting claims that the president begged Xi for concessions in order to win reelection .
Trump has accused Bolton of lying and breaking the law .
“ The only people who will buy the claims in Bolton ’ s book are the people who already hate Trump , ” said conservative strategist Chris Barron .
“ Ironically , the people most likely to buy his claims happen to be the same people who spent two decades telling us Bolton is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be trusted .
Welcome to 2020.
” Bolton ’ s ouster from the Trump administration — there are conflicting accounts about whether he resigned or was fired — remains a sore point .
He also expressed skepticism about Trump ’ s diplomatic overtures to hostile foreign countries throughout his book .
Democrats have historically panned Bolton as an unreliable narrator who made faulty claims about U.S. intelligence in the run-up to the war in Iraq .
They blocked his Senate confirmation to the United Nations ambassadorship under George W. Bush , forcing him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Democrats remain disappointed with Bolton for not coming out with these claims during impeachment hearings against Trump earlier this year .
Still , some find Bolton ’ s story plausible because Trump is known to flatter leaders with whom he is trying to negotiate and has a history of unsentimental remarks about authoritarian governments , including a notorious 1990 Playboy interview in which he appeared to praise the “ vicious ” yet “ horrible ” Chinese response to Tiananmen Square .
“ That shows you the power of strength , ” he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for his willingness to confront China .
As his positions on other issues changed , he has remained consistent for many years , even before becoming president , in warning about unfair Chinese trade practices , currency manipulation , and intellectual property theft .
He has repeatedly hit Biden for supporting liberalized trade with China and calling coronavirus travel restrictions on the communist country xenophobic .
“ Beijing Biden ” is expected to be a major part of the general election campaign .
Now , Democrats will retort “ Bolton ’ s book @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ It 'll be fodder for Biden 's TV ads and for the Never Trumpers , and that 's about it , ” said a Washington , D.C.-based Republican operative .
“ I do n't think it 's a game changer .
It wo n't have any impact on the people who support Trump at all .
”

Democrats are seizing on former national security adviser John Bolton’s new book to shield their presumptive nominee Joe Biden from attacks on his China record and turn the issue around on President Trump.
Even polls that show Trump trailing Biden in the presidential race often find pluralities prefer the president to confront China, second only to his advantage on jobs and the economy. The Trump campaign has seen data that suggest its “Beijing Biden” jibes could be effective in the fall campaign. The former vice president’s supporters would like to blunt those charges and sense Bolton has given them some new ammunition.
“Today, we learned from John Bolton, the President’s former national security advisor, that President Trump sold out the American people to protect his political future,” Biden said in a statement as details from Bolton’s The Room Where It Happened: A White House Memoir were first being widely reported. “He reportedly directly asked Xi Jinping, China’s leader, to help him get re-elected.”
Biden accused Trump of trading “away our most cherished democratic values for the empty promise of a flimsy trade deal that bailed him out of his disastrous tariff war that did so much damage to our farmers, manufacturers, and consumers.”
He talked about Trump and China in terms Democrats once reserved for the Russia collusion charges.
“In exchange, [Trump] condoned interning more than one million Uighurs in concentration camps,” Biden added. “It’s no wonder that this week we’ve also seen reporting that China wants four more years of Donald Trump as president, because he has so weakened the United States.”
“It fits. Right after Trump signed the deal, I was critical of him and ... said it seems that he sold out for a bunch of soybeans, which our farmers will never see purchased," Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat, told Politico. "Bolton indicates that that was true. And the farmers aren’t even getting helped. Xi played him like a fool."
Republicans have expressed skepticism about Bolton’s account, with top Trump trade advisers Peter Navarro calling it “ revenge porn ” by a “warlord” and Robert Lighthizer flatly contradicting claims that the president begged Xi for concessions in order to win reelection. Trump has accused Bolton of lying and breaking the law.
“The only people who will buy the claims in Bolton’s book are the people who already hate Trump,” said conservative strategist Chris Barron. “Ironically, the people most likely to buy his claims happen to be the same people who spent two decades telling us Bolton is a dangerous liar who can’t be trusted. Welcome to 2020.”
Bolton’s ouster from the Trump administration — there are conflicting accounts about whether he resigned or was fired — remains a sore point. He also expressed skepticism about Trump’s diplomatic overtures to hostile foreign countries throughout his book.
Democrats have historically panned Bolton as an unreliable narrator who made faulty claims about U.S. intelligence in the run-up to the war in Iraq. They blocked his Senate confirmation to the United Nations ambassadorship under George W. Bush, forcing him to serve temporarily as a recess appointment. Democrats remain disappointed with Bolton for not coming out with these claims during impeachment hearings against Trump earlier this year.
Still, some find Bolton’s story plausible because Trump is known to flatter leaders with whom he is trying to negotiate and has a history of unsentimental remarks about authoritarian governments, including a notorious 1990 Playboy interview in which he appeared to praise the “vicious” yet “horrible” Chinese response to Tiananmen Square. “That shows you the power of strength,” he said.
Trump was elected in part for his willingness to confront China. As his positions on other issues changed, he has remained consistent for many years, even before becoming president, in warning about unfair Chinese trade practices, currency manipulation, and intellectual property theft. He has repeatedly hit Biden for supporting liberalized trade with China and calling coronavirus travel restrictions on the communist country xenophobic.
“Beijing Biden” is expected to be a major part of the general election campaign. Now, Democrats will retort “Bolton’s book,” though the impact is unclear.
“It'll be fodder for Biden's TV ads and for the Never Trumpers, and that's about it,” said a Washington, D.C.-based Republican operative. “I don't think it's a game changer. It won't have any impact on the people who support Trump at all.”


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-06-19--Joe Rogan: 'Media on the Left' has 'completely ignored' evidence of Biden cognitive decline

Joe Rogan accused left-leaning media of failing to admit that Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden is experiencing some level of `` cognitive decline . ''
Speaking with evolutionary biologist and former professor Bret Weinstein on the Thursday episode of his podcast , Rogan said media outlets have `` completely ignored '' repeated gaffes made by Biden on the campaign trail .
`` The news media on the Left has completely ignored all of these Biden speeches that clearly show some sort of kind of cognitive decline , '' Rogan said .
In May , Biden was criticized for telling The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people who voted for President Trump instead of him were n't black .
In March , the former Delaware senator could n't remember the words to the Declaration of Independence .
Rogan said that while Biden 's startling and repeated gaffes could simply be nerves , the overwhelming amount of mistakes that Biden has made points to a `` trend . ''
`` Sometimes people get really tongue-tied , and panic under pressure , and words come out all f -- -ed up , '' Rogan said .
`` That is possible .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ And if you go back to when he was a younger man , that trend didn ’ t exist .
You ’ re seeing a change .
And the idea that as you get older , you become less comfortable with the media , less comfortable with speaking publicly , that doesn ’ t jive with me .
That doesn ’ t make any sense . ''
Weinstein , who was forced to resign from Evergreen State College after refusing to leave campus during a `` Day of Absence '' for white members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saw the decline of Biden 's mental acuity .
`` I agree with you .
I see a decline , '' Weinstein said .
`` But irrespective of what that is , Joe Biden is an influence peddler .
He ’ s not an idea guy , right ?
He ’ s the same idea as Hillary Clinton in a different morphology . ''

Joe Rogan accused left-leaning media of failing to admit that Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden is experiencing some level of "cognitive decline."
Speaking with evolutionary biologist and former professor Bret Weinstein on the Thursday episode of his podcast, Rogan said media outlets have "completely ignored" repeated gaffes made by Biden on the campaign trail.
"The news media on the Left has completely ignored all of these Biden speeches that clearly show some sort of kind of cognitive decline," Rogan said.
In May, Biden was criticized for telling The Breakfast Club host Charlamagne tha God that people who voted for President Trump instead of him weren't black. In March, the former Delaware senator couldn't remember the words to the Declaration of Independence.
Rogan said that while Biden's startling and repeated gaffes could simply be nerves, the overwhelming amount of mistakes that Biden has made points to a "trend."
"Sometimes people get really tongue-tied, and panic under pressure, and words come out all f---ed up," Rogan said. "That is possible. But there’s a trend. And if you go back to when he was a younger man, that trend didn’t exist. You’re seeing a change. And the idea that as you get older, you become less comfortable with the media, less comfortable with speaking publicly, that doesn’t jive with me. That doesn’t make any sense."
Weinstein, who was forced to resign from Evergreen State College after refusing to leave campus during a "Day of Absence" for white members of the community, said he also saw the decline of Biden's mental acuity.
"I agree with you. I see a decline," Weinstein said. "But irrespective of what that is, Joe Biden is an influence peddler. He’s not an idea guy, right? He’s the same idea as Hillary Clinton in a different morphology."


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-06-19--Republicans far more passionate about Trump than Democrats are about Biden: Poll

Fears that President Trump might win a second term are a significantly bigger motivator for Democratic voters than genuine enthusiasm for Joe Biden , a new national poll found .
The Fox News poll released on Thursday revealed that 61 % of self-identified Democrats are planning to vote this November because they “ fear the other candidate might win . ''
Just 33 % said enthusiasm for Biden was their primary motivation for supporting the former vice president and presumptive Democratic nominee .
Democratic women are more concerned with Trump than Democratic men , with 67 % citing fear of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contrast , 55 % of Republicans cited enthusiasm for Trump as a “ bigger motivation ” for pulling the lever this fall , versus 38 % who said fear of Biden was driving their decision .
Majorities of Republican women ( 56 % ) and Republican men ( 54 % ) cited enthusiasm for the president as their reason for voting .
Meanwhile , just a quarter of independent voters are enthusiastic about their choice for president , with a slight majority of voters overall — 51 % — saying they are more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enthusiastic about their preferred candidate .
The poll surveyed registered voters June 13–16 and has a margin of error of 2.5 percentage points .

Fears that President Trump might win a second term are a significantly bigger motivator for Democratic voters than genuine enthusiasm for Joe Biden, a new national poll found.
The Fox News poll released on Thursday revealed that 61% of self-identified Democrats are planning to vote this November because they “fear the other candidate might win." Just 33% said enthusiasm for Biden was their primary motivation for supporting the former vice president and presumptive Democratic nominee. Democratic women are more concerned with Trump than Democratic men, with 67% citing fear of Trump as their main motivator.
By contrast, 55% of Republicans cited enthusiasm for Trump as a “bigger motivation” for pulling the lever this fall, versus 38% who said fear of Biden was driving their decision. Majorities of Republican women (56%) and Republican men (54%) cited enthusiasm for the president as their reason for voting.
Meanwhile, just a quarter of independent voters are enthusiastic about their choice for president, with a slight majority of voters overall — 51% — saying they are more fearful of the opposition than they are enthusiastic about their preferred candidate.
The poll surveyed registered voters June 13–16 and has a margin of error of 2.5 percentage points.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-06-19--Will Trump's debate gambit work?

Will Trump's debate gambit work?

As racial tensions and unrest sweep the nation against the backdrop of a pandemic and mass unemployment , President Trump is trailing presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden in the polls .
His plan to ensure he makes a comeback in the election ?
More debates .
Trump , with the help of his personal attorney Rudy Giuliani , is pressing the nonpartisan Commission on Presidential Debates to add at least one more Trump-Biden showdown to the three already scheduled on Sept. 29 , Oct. 15 , and Oct. 22 ahead of the election .
In a call with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wanted to move debates so they would not conflict with NFL games and so there was a debate before voting starts .
“ We want fair debates .
We want them sooner , and we want a bigger schedule .
We also don ’ t want them up against football games competing for viewers .
As many Americans as possible need to see the stark differences between the accomplishments and leadership of President Trump and the failed record and sleepiness of Joe Biden , ” Brad Parscale told the New York Times .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the campaign , rests on defining Biden , 77 , as a man too old and incompetent to be president .
The more Biden talks , the more he is likely to produce mockery-worthy soundbites that the Trump campaign can weaponize .
On Friday , the Trump campaign launched a new website poking fun at the former vice president called `` Barely There Biden , '' filled with embarrassing clips of Biden .
But that strategy only works if the campaign succeeds in increasing Biden 's time in the hot seat , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in to Trump 's demands .
`` Six months after announcing he did not want to debate , Donald Trump — now trailing in the polls — wants to change the subject from his failed leadership , and launch a 'campaign ' for many debates .
But there 's a catch : he 'll only do it if he can pick the moderators , '' Biden 's deputy campaign manager Kate Bedingfield said in a statement .
`` We will make this simple : like every other Democratic and Republican candidate since 1992 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ debates set by the Commission on Presidential Debates , at the places they have selected , on the dates they have selected , with the formats and moderators they designate — so long as Donald Trump does the same , and does not intimidate the Commission into changes from past practices . ''
Instead , the move has the potential to backfire .
Begging for more debates could make him look weak .
The new stance is a stark contrast from December when the New York Times reported that Trump was considering skipping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ commission on how the 2016 debates against Hillary Clinton were handled .
Trump was better-positioned for the 2020 race six months ago .
Trump also skipped a presidential debate in the 2016 Republican primary cycle , when he topped the polls in the field , and the move did not harm him .
But there is a move that Trump could make if he does fail to get another debate : renew his frequent complaint that the process is rigged against him .

As racial tensions and unrest sweep the nation against the backdrop of a pandemic and mass unemployment, President Trump is trailing presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden in the polls.
His plan to ensure he makes a comeback in the election? More debates.
Trump, with the help of his personal attorney Rudy Giuliani, is pressing the nonpartisan Commission on Presidential Debates to add at least one more Trump-Biden showdown to the three already scheduled on Sept. 29, Oct. 15, and Oct. 22 ahead of the election.
In a call with the commission, Politico reported, Giuliani also wanted to move debates so they would not conflict with NFL games and so there was a debate before voting starts.
“We want fair debates. We want them sooner, and we want a bigger schedule. We also don’t want them up against football games competing for viewers. As many Americans as possible need to see the stark differences between the accomplishments and leadership of President Trump and the failed record and sleepiness of Joe Biden,” Brad Parscale told the New York Times.
The strategy, according with officials close to the campaign, rests on defining Biden, 77, as a man too old and incompetent to be president. The more Biden talks, the more he is likely to produce mockery-worthy soundbites that the Trump campaign can weaponize. On Friday, the Trump campaign launched a new website poking fun at the former vice president called "Barely There Biden," filled with embarrassing clips of Biden.
But that strategy only works if the campaign succeeds in increasing Biden's time in the hot seat, and the Biden campaign is not giving in to Trump's demands.
"Six months after announcing he did not want to debate, Donald Trump — now trailing in the polls — wants to change the subject from his failed leadership, and launch a 'campaign' for many debates. But there's a catch: he'll only do it if he can pick the moderators," Biden's deputy campaign manager Kate Bedingfield said in a statement. "We will make this simple: like every other Democratic and Republican candidate since 1992, we will show up for the debates set by the Commission on Presidential Debates, at the places they have selected, on the dates they have selected, with the formats and moderators they designate — so long as Donald Trump does the same, and does not intimidate the Commission into changes from past practices."
Instead, the move has the potential to backfire. Begging for more debates could make him look weak.
The new stance is a stark contrast from December when the New York Times reported that Trump was considering skipping debates because of his disagreements with the commission on how the 2016 debates against Hillary Clinton were handled. Trump was better-positioned for the 2020 race six months ago.
Trump also skipped a presidential debate in the 2016 Republican primary cycle, when he topped the polls in the field, and the move did not harm him.
But there is a move that Trump could make if he does fail to get another debate: renew his frequent complaint that the process is rigged against him.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-06-19--Group to spend $1M on ad buy to convince GOP of mail-in voting benefits

A Republican former congressman who backs President Trump is the face of a new advertising campaign urging the GOP to embrace mail-in voting and support $ 1.5 billion in federal election assistance to cash-strapped states .
In an interview on Friday , Zach Wamp said a flood of mail-in ballots this November is inevitable because of the coronavirus , making it imperative Congress act quickly to ensure state budgets that were strained by the pandemic have enough money to finance the spike in absentee voting .
That was Wamp ’ s message in the ad he filmed for Issue One @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1 million to air the spot digitally and on television .
Trump and many Republicans in Congress are openly hostile to expanded mail-in voting .
The president told Politico that he views the development as the biggest threat to his reelection bid .
But Wamp , 62 , a staunch Tennessee conservative , said their suspicions are misplaced and that his years in grassroots organizing taught him that Republicans can excel with absentee voting .
To change GOP minds , Issue One is running the ad on Fox News beginning Saturday .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know this can be good for us , but it ’ s also necessary for the country in the middle of a pandemic , ” Wamp told the Washington Examiner .
Lingering health concerns related to the coronavirus and a corresponding decrease in physical polling places have spurred Republican officials in states and municipalities to welcome the shift to mail-in voting .
That includes Republican operatives working to reelect Trump and the party ’ s down-ticket candidates .
Their efforts to improve GOP absentee voting strategies have been frustrated by Trump ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fraud and should not be trusted .
“ The history and facts are not behind [ Trump ] on that , ” Wamp said .
“ Republicans have nothing to fear.
” Congress approved $ 400 million in election assistance to the states in an initial coronavirus rescue package .
The Democrat-controlled House passed additional legislation with another $ 3.6 billion in funding , but it has stalled in the Republican Senate .
While Wamp and Issue One would like to see the entire $ 3.6 billion make its way to the states @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be sufficient to provide for the fall elections .
In the ad , Wamp steers clear of criticizing Trump or congressional Republicans for their skepticism of absentee voting , hoping a soft touch can change minds .
To reach the intended audience , Issue One is planning to run the 30-second spot on Fox & Friends , Hannity , and Special Report w/ Bret Baier .
The ads that run on digital platforms will target voters in Iowa , Kentucky , North Carolina , and Ohio in a bid to influence key Republican @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

A Republican former congressman who backs President Trump is the face of a new advertising campaign urging the GOP to embrace mail-in voting and support $1.5 billion in federal election assistance to cash-strapped states.
In an interview on Friday, Zach Wamp said a flood of mail-in ballots this November is inevitable because of the coronavirus, making it imperative Congress act quickly to ensure state budgets that were strained by the pandemic have enough money to finance the spike in absentee voting. That was Wamp’s message in the ad he filmed for Issue One, a bipartisan group spending nearly $1 million to air the spot digitally and on television.
Trump and many Republicans in Congress are openly hostile to expanded mail-in voting. The president told Politico that he views the development as the biggest threat to his reelection bid. But Wamp, 62, a staunch Tennessee conservative, said their suspicions are misplaced and that his years in grassroots organizing taught him that Republicans can excel with absentee voting. To change GOP minds, Issue One is running the ad on Fox News beginning Saturday.
“A whole lot of seasoned Republican leaders know this can be good for us, but it’s also necessary for the country in the middle of a pandemic,” Wamp told the Washington Examiner.
Lingering health concerns related to the coronavirus and a corresponding decrease in physical polling places have spurred Republican officials in states and municipalities to welcome the shift to mail-in voting. That includes Republican operatives working to reelect Trump and the party’s down-ticket candidates. Their efforts to improve GOP absentee voting strategies have been frustrated by Trump’s claims that the process is rife with fraud and should not be trusted.
“The history and facts are not behind [Trump] on that,” Wamp said. “Republicans have nothing to fear.”
Congress approved $400 million in election assistance to the states in an initial coronavirus rescue package. The Democrat-controlled House passed additional legislation with another $3.6 billion in funding, but it has stalled in the Republican Senate. While Wamp and Issue One would like to see the entire $3.6 billion make its way to the states, they say $1.5 billion might be sufficient to provide for the fall elections.
In the ad, Wamp steers clear of criticizing Trump or congressional Republicans for their skepticism of absentee voting, hoping a soft touch can change minds.
To reach the intended audience, Issue One is planning to run the 30-second spot on Fox & Friends, Hannity, and Special Report w/ Bret Baier. The ads that run on digital platforms will target voters in Iowa, Kentucky, North Carolina, and Ohio in a bid to influence key Republican senators, including Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-06-19--Trump campaign schedules in-person fundraisers featuring Pence and Don Trump Jr.

President Trump ’ s campaign is accelerating in-person fundraising events in conjunction with his return to live political activities after months on lockdown because of the coronavirus .
A list transmitted to Republican donors Friday by the Trump campaign ’ s finance department previewed four upcoming fundraising events , beginning with a “ pre-rally ” reception on Saturday in Tulsa , Oklahoma , headlined by Vice President Mike Pence .
Also on tap is a “ Mountain West Retreat ” June 30–July 1 in Bozeman , Montana , and “ Rapid City Round-Up Retreat ” July 2–3 in Rapid City @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Interior Secretary David Bernhardt and Donald Trump Jr. , a major draw on the GOP fundraising circuit , and Kimberly Guilfoyle , a Trump campaign finance chairwoman .
Rounding out the list were reminders to plan for the Republican convention in Jacksonville , Florida , Aug. 24–27 , where events to finance Trump ’ s campaign are expected , and a “ Trump Victory Committee Fall Retreat ” in New York City scheduled for Oct. 9–10 .
Meanwhile , Trump Jr. and Guilfoyle are to host a virtual fundraiser on Tuesday .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mid-March after the coronavirus halted in-person political gatherings .
Although the president has returned to the trail this month , including for a high-dollar fundraiser in Dallas and Saturday ’ s rally in Oklahoma , the Trump campaign is continuing its daily staple of virtual programming .
This week , to commemorate Father ’ s Day , Trump Jr. interviewed the president for his weekly online campaign program Triggered .

President Trump’s campaign is accelerating in-person fundraising events in conjunction with his return to live political activities after months on lockdown because of the coronavirus.
A list transmitted to Republican donors Friday by the Trump campaign’s finance department previewed four upcoming fundraising events, beginning with a “pre-rally” reception on Saturday in Tulsa, Oklahoma, headlined by Vice President Mike Pence.
Also on tap is a “Mountain West Retreat” June 30–July 1 in Bozeman, Montana, and “Rapid City Round-Up Retreat” July 2–3 in Rapid City, South Dakota. Both events feature Interior Secretary David Bernhardt and Donald Trump Jr., a major draw on the GOP fundraising circuit, and Kimberly Guilfoyle, a Trump campaign finance chairwoman.
Rounding out the list were reminders to plan for the Republican convention in Jacksonville, Florida, Aug. 24–27, where events to finance Trump’s campaign are expected, and a “Trump Victory Committee Fall Retreat” in New York City scheduled for Oct. 9–10.
Meanwhile, Trump Jr. and Guilfoyle are to host a virtual fundraiser on Tuesday. The Trump campaign shifted to virtual footing in mid-March after the coronavirus halted in-person political gatherings. Although the president has returned to the trail this month, including for a high-dollar fundraiser in Dallas and Saturday’s rally in Oklahoma, the Trump campaign is continuing its daily staple of virtual programming.
This week, to commemorate Father’s Day, Trump Jr. interviewed the president for his weekly online campaign program Triggered.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-06-19--Oklahoma Supreme Court denies bid to stop Trump rally over coronavirus

The Oklahoma Supreme Court paved the way for President Trump 's Tulsa rally to take place .
The court rejected an appeal from a previous lawsuit on Friday that sought to block the campaign from holding a rally indoors on the basis that it could lead to the spread of the coronavirus .
The suit , which was filed on behalf of local residents in the historically black district of Greenwood earlier this week , demanded the arena to enforce social distancing guidelines .
The plaintiffs wanted the court to issue a temporary injunction against ASM Global , the parent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ BOK Center , `` to protect against a substantial , imminent , and deadly risk to the community , '' according to the Washington Post .
The court ruled in favor of the campaign , arguing that the state 's June 1 reopening plan allowed business owners to use discretion over social distancing measures and thus were not mandatory .
Tulsa Mayor G.T .
Bynum also implemented a curfew but later canceled it , Trump announced Friday afternoon .
The president 's rally has faced a litany of criticism in the lead-up to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was originally scheduled for Friday , which is Juneteenth .
Also known as Emancipation Day or Black Independence Day , Juneteenth is recognized as a holiday in 47 states and the District of Columbia on June 19 .
The date marks the anniversary of the day in 1865 when Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger announced the end of the Civil War and of slavery in Galveston , Texas .
Further , Tulsa is the city where one of the deadliest race massacres in the United States occurred in 1921 .
The campaign ultimately decided @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Additionally , amid criticism that the Trump campaign would put people 's health at risk , it announced that the temperatures of supporters entering the venue would be taken , and masks would be given out .
Face coverings , however , would not be required .

The Oklahoma Supreme Court paved the way for President Trump's Tulsa rally to take place.
The court rejected an appeal from a previous lawsuit on Friday that sought to block the campaign from holding a rally indoors on the basis that it could lead to the spread of the coronavirus. The suit, which was filed on behalf of local residents in the historically black district of Greenwood earlier this week, demanded the arena to enforce social distancing guidelines.
The plaintiffs wanted the court to issue a temporary injunction against ASM Global, the parent company of the organization that manages the BOK Center, "to protect against a substantial, imminent, and deadly risk to the community," according to the Washington Post.
The court ruled in favor of the campaign, arguing that the state's June 1 reopening plan allowed business owners to use discretion over social distancing measures and thus were not mandatory.
Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum also implemented a curfew but later canceled it, Trump announced Friday afternoon.
The president's rally has faced a litany of criticism in the lead-up to the event.
First, the event was originally scheduled for Friday, which is Juneteenth. Also known as Emancipation Day or Black Independence Day, Juneteenth is recognized as a holiday in 47 states and the District of Columbia on June 19. The date marks the anniversary of the day in 1865 when Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger announced the end of the Civil War and of slavery in Galveston, Texas. Further, Tulsa is the city where one of the deadliest race massacres in the United States occurred in 1921.
The campaign ultimately decided to push the event back a day.
Additionally, amid criticism that the Trump campaign would put people's health at risk, it announced that the temperatures of supporters entering the venue would be taken, and masks would be given out. Face coverings, however, would not be required.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-06-19--Biden campaign spending Juneteenth courting black voters

Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden is accelerating his outreach to black voters with tailored grassroots events and advertising dedicated to engaging this crucial bloc on Friday .
One day before President Trump was to rally in person with thousands of supporters in Tulsa , Oklahoma , the Biden campaign was holding virtual gatherings with black voters across 10 battleground states in which their participation is critical : Colorado , Florida , Michigan , North Carolina , New Hampshire , Ohio , Pennsylvania , Virginia , and Wisconsin .
The former vice president also unveiled a well-funded advertising campaign in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of full-page ads in the Oklahoma Eagle , a black-owned newspaper in Tulsa .
“ Vice President Biden and our campaign will be honoring Juneteenth through community action because we know that the best way to defeat Donald Trump is by coming together and doing the work to restore the soul of our nation , ” Biden campaign coalitions director Ashley Allison said Friday in a statement emailed to the Washington Examiner .
The effort is planned as a lead-up to Trump 's Saturday rally , a counterprogramming of sorts that will include @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as they occur by the Democratic National Committee .
The Biden campaign is coordinating the effort with the Democratic National Committee and the national party ’ s Oklahoma affiliate .
It is part of a three-pronged effort to commemorate Juneteenth , undercut Trump 's multimillion-dollar campaign to court black voters , and turn Trump ’ s rally into a political liability .
The president is gathering for a major live event for the first time since early March , when the coronavirus froze in-person political gatherings .
Trump is using the rally to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ amid a pandemic , economic decline , and civil unrest .
`` Big crowds and lines already forming in Tulsa .
My campaign hasn ’ t started yet .
It starts on Saturday night in Oklahoma ! ''
Trump tweeted Friday .
The Trump rally in Tulsa was originally scheduled for Friday .
But the event was pushed back one day out of respect for Juneteenth , which marks Union Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger 's announcement about the end of slavery in Texas and is observed annually on June 19 .
The commemoration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a black man , died in May after a white Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes .
ABC News first reported the news about the Democratic Party 's strategy to counterprogram Trump 's rally .

Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden is accelerating his outreach to black voters with tailored grassroots events and advertising dedicated to engaging this crucial bloc on Friday.
One day before President Trump was to rally in person with thousands of supporters in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the Biden campaign was holding virtual gatherings with black voters across 10 battleground states in which their participation is critical: Colorado, Florida, Michigan, North Carolina, New Hampshire, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Wisconsin. The former vice president also unveiled a well-funded advertising campaign in black media outlets that includes a week of full-page ads in the Oklahoma Eagle, a black-owned newspaper in Tulsa.
“Vice President Biden and our campaign will be honoring Juneteenth through community action because we know that the best way to defeat Donald Trump is by coming together and doing the work to restore the soul of our nation,” Biden campaign coalitions director Ashley Allison said Friday in a statement emailed to the Washington Examiner.
The effort is planned as a lead-up to Trump's Saturday rally, a counterprogramming of sorts that will include "fact-checking" the president's remarks as they occur by the Democratic National Committee.
The Biden campaign is coordinating the effort with the Democratic National Committee and the national party’s Oklahoma affiliate. It is part of a three-pronged effort to commemorate Juneteenth, undercut Trump's multimillion-dollar campaign to court black voters, and turn Trump’s rally into a political liability. The president is gathering for a major live event for the first time since early March, when the coronavirus froze in-person political gatherings.
Trump is using the rally to relaunch a reelection bid that has stalled amid a pandemic, economic decline, and civil unrest.
"Big crowds and lines already forming in Tulsa. My campaign hasn’t started yet. It starts on Saturday night in Oklahoma!" Trump tweeted Friday.
The Trump rally in Tulsa was originally scheduled for Friday. But the event was pushed back one day out of respect for Juneteenth, which marks Union Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger's announcement about the end of slavery in Texas and is observed annually on June 19. The commemoration has accumulated extra significance after George Floyd, a black man, died in May after a white Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes.
ABC News first reported the news about the Democratic Party's strategy to counterprogram Trump's rally.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-06-19--Buzz: CBS's Mark Knoller layoff in July, many see early dementia in Biden, Pence's 'Faith in America

Buzz: CBS's Mark Knoller layoff in July, many see early dementia in Biden, Pence's 'Faith in America' tour

It turns out that the rumors of CBS White House correspondent Mark Knoller ’ s layoff are true .
First hinted in May , he and CBS responded that , no , he was still on the job for the struggling network .
But now , he tells us that the reports were not wrong , just premature .
“ Not a mistake .
I got a layoff notice .
Will be on the job through the end of July .
Will see what happens then , ” he said .
Knoller is well-respected and beloved by reporters and White @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his historical knowledge about the institution he ’ s covered since Gerald Ford ’ s presidency .
... • Vice President Mike Pence is going on a revival tour of sorts .
As part of the expanded campaign outings by Trump and his team , Pence is kicking off a “ Faith in America ” tour to key cities to talk up the country ’ s comeback from the coronavirus crisis and economic fallout .
It begins June 23 in Pewaukee , Wisconsin .
... • It ’ s been whispered about for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has asked the question : “ How likely is it that Vice President Joe Biden is in the early stages of dementia ?
” Zogby Analytics pollster Jonathan Zogby put it to 1,007 likely voters and found that many do .
Some 55 % said yes , and 45 % said no in his Zogby Poll .
...

It turns out that the rumors of CBS White House correspondent Mark Knoller’s layoff are true.
First hinted in May, he and CBS responded that, no, he was still on the job for the struggling network. But now, he tells us that the reports were not wrong, just premature.
“Not a mistake. I got a layoff notice. Will be on the job through the end of July. Will see what happens then,” he said. Knoller is well-respected and beloved by reporters and White House staffs for his straight reporting and his historical knowledge about the institution he’s covered since Gerald Ford’s presidency. ...
“What a great place and open for business,” says VP Pence as he drops by The Engine House in Mount Clemens, MI., a restaurant run by former and current firefighters. Receives warm political welcome as patrons chant “four more years” and “Pence 2024.” pic.twitter.com/UE5BRu8JhZ — Mark Knoller (@markknoller) June 18, 2020
Vice President Mike Pence is going on a revival tour of sorts. As part of the expanded campaign outings by Trump and his team, Pence is kicking off a “Faith in America” tour to key cities to talk up the country’s comeback from the coronavirus crisis and economic fallout. It begins June 23 in Pewaukee, Wisconsin. ...


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-06-19--Trump warns that GOP senators who break from him will lose reelection

President Trump said he could leverage his base of support against senators who move to distance themselves from him , including incumbent Republicans who 'll share a ballot with him in the fall .
“ We will , on occasion , have some senators that want to be cute and they don ’ t want to embrace their president , ” Trump said in an interview with Politico before rattling off a list of Republicans who lost their seats after breaking away from him .
Trump assessed a chart that showed him outpacing senators he shared a primary ballot with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s great in North Carolina , huh ? ''
he said of placing 16 points ahead of Sen. Thom Tillis , a North Carolina Republican who is up for reelection in November .
“ If they don ’ t embrace , they ’ re going to lose , because , you know , I have a very hard base , '' Trump said .
`` I have the strongest base people have ever seen .
“ How did it work out for the great senator of Nevada ?
Not too good , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Heller .
Arizona Republican Jeff Flake , the president said , `` went from 54 percent to 3 . ''
And then , there was Tennessee Republican Bob Corker , who volunteered his support of Trump early before announcing himself as a leading critic .
“ So , anyway , I went after him , ” Trump said .
“ No longer a senator .
”

President Trump said he could leverage his base of support against senators who move to distance themselves from him, including incumbent Republicans who'll share a ballot with him in the fall.
“We will, on occasion, have some senators that want to be cute and they don’t want to embrace their president,” Trump said in an interview with Politico before rattling off a list of Republicans who lost their seats after breaking away from him.
Trump assessed a chart that showed him outpacing senators he shared a primary ballot with this year. "Wow, that’s great in North Carolina, huh?" he said of placing 16 points ahead of Sen. Thom Tillis, a North Carolina Republican who is up for reelection in November.
“If they don’t embrace, they’re going to lose, because, you know, I have a very hard base," Trump said. "I have the strongest base people have ever seen.
“How did it work out for the great senator of Nevada? Not too good," Trump said of Nevada Republican Dean Heller. Arizona Republican Jeff Flake, the president said, "went from 54 percent to 3."
And then, there was Tennessee Republican Bob Corker, who volunteered his support of Trump early before announcing himself as a leading critic. “So, anyway, I went after him,” Trump said. “No longer a senator.”


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-06-19--After riots, nearly 8 in 10 want to 'restore order,' blacks, Hispanics, and Democrats agree

People across the United States appear angry with the riots and looting that took over the protests of the death of George Floyd while in the custody of the Minneapolis police , and they want law enforcement funded and order restored , according to a new survey .
Despite liberal demands to “ defund the police ” and the cheering by some of Seattle ’ s police-free and chaotic “ Autonomous Zone , ” the latest poll from McLaughlin & Associates for Secure America Now showed strong support for get-tough policies championed by President Trump .
For example , 77 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said it is time to “ restore law and order ” after the rioting , which has cooled off .
And it was not just on the back of Republican support .
The pollsters found that restoring law and order was supported by 62 % of Democrats , 70 % of Hispanics , and 57 % of black people .
That may have helped to boost support to continue funding the police .
Asked if defunding was a good or a bad idea , 30 % said it was good , while 57 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ black people disagreed , with 46 % calling it a good idea and 34 % calling it a bad idea .
Also helping was a larger concern that defunding would lead to greater crime .
On that question , 68 % agreed , including 47 % of African Americans .
Some 41 % of blacks disagreed .
And those questions were also affected by how people viewed the looting and who was targeted .
The biggest majority in the survey , 83 % , said that “ small minority businesses were unfair victims @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place during the protests over George Floyd ’ s death.
” That included 79 % of blacks .
“ When put in the context of the violent protests , looting , and rioting , the majority of voters unequivocally believe in law and order , ” read the analysis of the survey of 1,000 likely general election voters , who were 36 % Democratic , 33 % Republican , and 31 % independent .
“ Candidates for political office should continue to support funding their local police departments as the best way to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the analysis from pollster John McLaughlin .

People across the United States appear angry with the riots and looting that took over the protests of the death of George Floyd while in the custody of the Minneapolis police, and they want law enforcement funded and order restored, according to a new survey.
Despite liberal demands to “defund the police” and the cheering by some of Seattle’s police-free and chaotic “Autonomous Zone,” the latest poll from McLaughlin & Associates for Secure America Now showed strong support for get-tough policies championed by President Trump.
For example, 77% of likely voters in the survey said it is time to “restore law and order” after the rioting, which has cooled off. And it was not just on the back of Republican support. The pollsters found that restoring law and order was supported by 62% of Democrats, 70% of Hispanics, and 57% of black people.
That may have helped to boost support to continue funding the police. Asked if defunding was a good or a bad idea, 30% said it was good, while 57% said it was bad. Only black people disagreed, with 46% calling it a good idea and 34% calling it a bad idea.
Also helping was a larger concern that defunding would lead to greater crime. On that question, 68% agreed, including 47% of African Americans. Some 41% of blacks disagreed.
And those questions were also affected by how people viewed the looting and who was targeted. The biggest majority in the survey, 83%, said that “small minority businesses were unfair victims of the looting and rioting that took place during the protests over George Floyd’s death.” That included 79% of blacks.
“When put in the context of the violent protests, looting, and rioting, the majority of voters unequivocally believe in law and order,” read the analysis of the survey of 1,000 likely general election voters, who were 36% Democratic, 33% Republican, and 31% independent.
“Candidates for political office should continue to support funding their local police departments as the best way to keep crime from rising,” added the analysis from pollster John McLaughlin.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-06-20--Trump urgently seeks to reverse a tough week with an exuberant rally

President Trump is going into Saturday ’ s “ Make America Great Again ” rally in Tulsa , his first since the coronavirus paused traditional campaigning in early March , with an urgent need to turn the page on a tough week of mostly bad news .
The conservative majority Trump has tried to build on the Supreme Court failed him twice , rebuffing him on reversing Barack Obama ’ s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals for younger undocumented immigrants and handing down an LGBT rights ruling that social conservatives widely believe will impinge their religious liberty and be a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nonprofit social services are not exactly awash with finances for litigation purposes , ” said Timothy Head , executive director of the conservative Faith and Freedom Coalition .
To add insult to injury , the opinion was authored by Justice Neil Gorsuch , Trump ’ s first appointee to the Supreme Court .
As this undermined one key rationale for Trump ’ s reelection — you can count on him to deliver conservative judges — the release of former national security adviser John Bolton ’ s book undercut another .
Bolton claimed that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a deal that would help him win reelection .
While the administration strongly denied the allegation , it plays into Democratic claims that the president encourages foreign powers to meddle in the U.S. election process and is a counterpoint to his case that he is uniquely tough on China .
All this comes as the country is struggling with a pandemic , economic slowdown , and widespread civil unrest in major cities following the death of an unarmed black man under the knee of a white police officer .
Not coincidentally , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fox News showed Trump falling below 40 % of the vote nationally and trailing presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden by 12 points .
Biden is now hovering around 50 % in the RealClearPolitics polling average , creating a new sense of urgency for the Trump camp .
“ What is clear is that the president has to put this week behind him and mount an offensive that will show he ’ s leading the country towards better times , ” said Republican strategist Ron Bonjean .
“ The rallies that he ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trying to recapture the narrative that he ’ s the one with the momentum heading to November.
” That ’ s exactly what Trump will be trying to accomplish onstage in Tulsa , with a rally that has been billed as a .
It ’ s part of a larger argument that America is mounting an economic comeback , in the hopes that it produces a similar turnaround for Trump in the polls .
“ The great American comeback is underway , ” said White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany as she opened @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before joining you all , we learned from the Bureau of Labor Statistics that unemployment has fallen in 43 states in May as Americans are going back to work.
” '' Joe Biden oversaw the slowest economic recovery since World War II and continues to champion policies that would crush American workers , '' said Trump campaign manager Brad Parscale in a statement accompanying the new “ Just Getting Started ” ad .
`` President Trump built the American economy to unprecedented levels before it was artificially interrupted by the coronavirus outbreak , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are already seeing the positive impacts of the Great American Comeback . ''
But it won ’ t be easy .
McEnany was peppered with questions about whether the huge indoor rally was safe as the coronavirus lingers and , in some states , seems to be spreading again during the economic reopening .
“ We 're taking appropriate measures like hand sanitizing and temperature checks and masks being provided at the door , ” she insisted .
Trump ’ s rally stemwinders have also been known to generate controversies in their own @ @ @ @ @ @ @ requesting a spot at Trump ’ s rally , it will be a chance to show grassroots enthusiasm for the president has survived all the country ’ s problems and offer a sharp contrast with Biden , who has done relatively few public appearances .
The New York Times described one recent Biden event as the former vice president “ playing to a nearly empty room.
” Trump supporters are incensed by media coverage that seems favorably disposed to protests but suggests their rallies are too dangerous during the coronavirus .
Republican operatives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that will drive down Biden ’ s favorability numbers while instilling confidence that national conditions , and especially the economy , are improving .
Both topics are expected to come up when Trump steps behind the podium .

President Trump is going into Saturday’s “Make America Great Again” rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma, his first since the coronavirus paused traditional campaigning in early March, with an urgent need to turn the page on a tough week of mostly bad news.
The conservative majority Trump has tried to build on the Supreme Court failed him twice, rebuffing him on reversing Barack Obama’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals for younger immigrants living in the country illegally and handing down a ruling on gay and transgender rights that social conservatives widely believe will impinge their religious liberty and be a legal nightmare for religious institutions.
“Nonprofit social services are not exactly awash with finances for litigation purposes,” said Timothy Head, executive director of the conservative Faith and Freedom Coalition. To add insult to injury, the opinion was authored by Justice Neil Gorsuch, Trump’s first appointee to the Supreme Court.
As this undermined one key rationale for Trump’s reelection — you can count on him to deliver conservative judges — the release of former national security adviser John Bolton’s book undercut another. Bolton claimed that Trump begged the Chinese government to cut a deal that would help him win reelection. While the administration strongly denied the allegation, it plays into Democratic claims that the president encourages foreign powers to meddle in the U.S. election process and is a counterpoint to his case that he is uniquely tough on China.
All this comes as the country is struggling with a pandemic, economic slowdown, and widespread civil unrest in major cities following the death of an unarmed black man under the knee of a white police officer. Not coincidentally, the week ended with discouraging poll numbers. Fox News showed Trump falling below 40% of the vote nationally and trailing presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden by 12 points. Biden is now hovering around 50% in the RealClearPolitics polling average, creating a new sense of urgency for the Trump camp.
“What is clear is that the president has to put this week behind him and mount an offensive that will show he’s leading the country towards better times,” said Republican strategist Ron Bonjean. “The rallies that he’s planning to do are a step towards trying to recapture the narrative that he’s the one with the momentum heading to November.”
That’s exactly what Trump will be trying to accomplish onstage in Tulsa, with a rally that has been billed as a campaign reboot . It’s part of a larger argument that America is mounting an economic comeback, in the hopes that it produces a similar turnaround for Trump in the polls.
“The great American comeback is underway,” said White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany as she opened Friday’s briefing. “Just before joining you all, we learned from the Bureau of Labor Statistics that unemployment has fallen in 43 states in May as Americans are going back to work.”
"Joe Biden oversaw the slowest economic recovery since World War II and continues to champion policies that would crush American workers," said Trump campaign manager Brad Parscale in a statement accompanying the new “Just Getting Started” ad. "President Trump built the American economy to unprecedented levels before it was artificially interrupted by the coronavirus outbreak, and under his bold leadership, we are already seeing the positive impacts of the Great American Comeback."
But it won’t be easy. McEnany was peppered with questions about whether the huge indoor rally was safe as the coronavirus lingers and, in some states, seems to be spreading again during the economic reopening. “We're taking appropriate measures like hand sanitizing and temperature checks and masks being provided at the door,” she insisted. Trump’s rally stemwinders have also been known to generate controversies in their own right.
With 1 million people reportedly requesting a spot at Trump’s rally, it will be a chance to show grassroots enthusiasm for the president has survived all the country’s problems and offer a sharp contrast with Biden, who has done relatively few public appearances. The New York Times described one recent Biden event as the former vice president “playing to a nearly empty room.” Trump supporters are incensed by media coverage that seems favorably disposed to protests but suggests their rallies are too dangerous during the coronavirus.
Republican operatives believe Trump needs to prosecute a case that will drive down Biden’s favorability numbers while instilling confidence that national conditions, and especially the economy, are improving. Both topics are expected to come up when Trump steps behind the podium.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-06-20--WATCH LIVE: Trump holds first campaign rally in months in Tulsa, Oklahoma

President Trump is holding his first campaign rally in months on Saturday in Tulsa , Oklahoma .
The event is @ @ @ @ @ of spreading the coronavirus remain .
The campaign will be providing masks , although there @ @ @ @ @ them and Trump has said he wants to leave that decision up to attendees .
@ @ @ @ @ tens of thousands of people in attendance .
Protesters are also expected to be at @ @ @ @ @ as protests continue across the country in the wake of George Floyd 's death .

President Trump is holding his first campaign rally in months on Saturday in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The event is mired in controversy as fears of spreading the coronavirus remain. The campaign will be providing masks, although there is no requirement to wear them and Trump has said he wants to leave that decision up to attendees.
There are expected to be tens of thousands of people in attendance. Protesters are also expected to be at the event, which comes as protests continue across the country in the wake of George Floyd's death.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-06-20--‘Look at this!’: Trump supporters heckle CNN reporter as he tries to report from Tulsa rally

Trump supporters were seen on video heckling a CNN reporter with signs and jeers as he attempted to report on the president ’ s rally in Tulsa , Oklahoma .
“ A lot of people harassing the CNN reporters here .
A guy putting the ‘ fake news ’ sign right behind there .
Look at this !
” a man saying in a recording along with boos and insults from the crowd .
President Trump , who has been a vocal critic of CNN and often refers to the network as “ fake news , ” is holding his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus on Saturday despite opposition from his detractors , who say that the virus is too dangerous to hold an event that large .
The Trump campaign says they a million requests for tickets , and the arena in Tulsa can seat almost 20,000 people .
Trump supporters began lining up for the event on Thursday , and many of them told reporters that they weren ’ t worried about wearing masks or social distancing .
“ I don ’ t fear anything .
If today is the day I die , today @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a 62-year-old Trump supporter who drove from Arkansas to attend the rally .
`` I 'm not paranoid .
I 'm not afraid . ''
“ When you ’ re in your 70s , you ca n't go hide in your basement .
You do n't have that many more years , ” another elderly supporter said .
“ If Trump felt comfortable having it here , then I ’ m comfortable.
” Trump has that he wants his supporters to “ do what they want ” when it comes to precautions at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ precautions in place at the arena .

Trump supporters were seen on video heckling a CNN reporter with signs and jeers as he attempted to report on the president’s rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
“A lot of people harassing the CNN reporters here. A guy putting the ‘fake news’ sign right behind there. Look at this!” a man can be heard saying in a recording along with boos and insults from the crowd.
Look at This ...😆...CNN Fake News go home!!
Reporters from CNN getting BOOED from Trump supporters on scene at the Trump rally line..
pic.twitter.com/YGJrzIqYpI — Ruthann (@TeaBoots) June 20, 2020
President Trump, who has been a vocal critic of CNN and often refers to the network as “fake news,” is holding his first rally since the outbreak of the coronavirus on Saturday despite opposition from his detractors, who say that the virus is too dangerous to hold an event that large.
The Trump campaign says they received a million requests for tickets, and the arena in Tulsa can seat almost 20,000 people.
Trump supporters began lining up for the event on Thursday, and many of them told reporters that they weren’t worried about wearing masks or social distancing.
“I don’t fear anything. If today is the day I die, today is the day I die," a 62-year-old Trump supporter who drove from Arkansas to attend the rally said . "I'm not paranoid. I'm not afraid."
“When you’re in your 70s, you can't go hide in your basement. You don't have that many more years,” another elderly supporter said. “If Trump felt comfortable having it here, then I’m comfortable.”


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-06-20--Six Trump campaign staffers test positive for coronavirus ahead of Tulsa rally

Several staffers on the Trump campaign have tested positive for the coronavirus only hours before the president is set to appear at his first campaign rally since March .
In a statement released by the Trump campaign team , officials say that they recorded six positive coronavirus tests out of hundreds performed on staffers who are organizing the Tulsa rally .
`` Per safety protocols , campaign staff are tested for COVID-19 before events , '' wrote Trump campaign communications director Tim Murtaugh .
`` Six members of the advance team tested positive out of hundreds of tests , performed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
No COVID-positive staffers or anyone in immediate contact will be at today 's rally or near attendees and elected officials . ''
Trump and his campaign team have been criticized for their decision to go ahead with a rally in spite of the coronavirus pandemic , but Murtaugh defended the measures taken to organize tonight 's event safely .
`` As previously announced , all rally attendees are given temperature checks before going through security , at which point they are given wristbands , face masks , and hand sanitizer , '' @ @ @

Several staffers on the Trump campaign have tested positive for the coronavirus only hours before the president is set to appear at his first campaign rally since March.
In a statement released by the Trump campaign team, officials say that they recorded six positive coronavirus tests out of hundreds performed on staffers who are organizing the Tulsa rally.
"Per safety protocols, campaign staff are tested for COVID-19 before events," wrote Trump campaign communications director Tim Murtaugh. "Six members of the advance team tested positive out of hundreds of tests, performed, and quarantine procedures were immediately implement. No COVID-positive staffers or anyone in immediate contact will be at today's rally or near attendees and elected officials."
Full statement from the Trump campaign’s @TimMurtaugh on the six advance staffers that tested positive ahead of tonight’s rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma pic.twitter.com/SIQnPrvIb0 — Monica Alba (@albamonica) June 20, 2020
Trump and his campaign team have been criticized for their decision to go ahead with a rally in spite of the coronavirus pandemic, but Murtaugh defended the measures taken to organize tonight's event safely.
"As previously announced, all rally attendees are given temperature checks before going through security, at which point they are given wristbands, face masks, and hand sanitizer," he said.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-06-20--Trump on masks at rally: 'I recommend people do what they want'

President Trump said the thousands of supporters gathering in Tulsa , Oklahoma , should be the ones to decide whether to wear coronavirus masks during his packed rally .
Trump told Axios on Friday that masks are a “ double-edged sword ” and said that while there are recommendations to wear face coverings , it will ultimately be up to those in attendance .
“ I recommend people do what they want , ” Trump said despite warnings from experts that people should continue to avoid large crowds and wear masks while out in public as the pandemic continues .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get back to living our lives . ''
However , he did acknowledge just how easy it is to spread COVID-19 while he discussed the recent uptick in coronavirus cases emerging in China , where the virus first originated late last year .
“ It ’ s hard to stop it .
It 's the most contagious virus anyone 's ever seen .
I could look at you , and all of a sudden , you have the virus .
Or vice versa , ” Trump said .
He also reiterated his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ treat protesters at the rally like police in other large cities , such as New York and Minneapolis , have .
“ Oklahoma 's much tougher on law and order ” than other areas in the United States , he said .
Trump ’ s rally is planned for Saturday evening and is expected to draw tens of thousands of supporters and a large contingent of protesters who oppose the president .
The rally comes as Oklahoma and other states have experienced a surge in new COVID-19 cases .
Oklahoma has had more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 368 deaths since the pandemic began , and the U.S. has had more than 2.2 million cases total and close to 120,000 deaths .

President Trump said the thousands of supporters gathering in Tulsa, Oklahoma, should be the ones to decide whether to wear coronavirus masks during his packed rally.
Trump told Axios on Friday that masks are a “double-edged sword” and said that while there are recommendations to wear face coverings, it will ultimately be up to those in attendance.
“I recommend people do what they want,” Trump said despite warnings from experts that people should continue to avoid large crowds and wear masks while out in public as the pandemic continues.
The president said that “we have to get back to living our lives." However, he did acknowledge just how easy it is to spread COVID-19 while he discussed the recent uptick in coronavirus cases emerging in China, where the virus first originated late last year.
People wait in downtown Tulsa to enter President Donald Trump's campaign rally June 20, 2020. (Mike Simons/Tulsa World/AP)
“It’s hard to stop it. It's the most contagious virus anyone's ever seen. I could look at you, and all of a sudden, you have the virus. Or vice versa,” Trump said.
He also reiterated his warnings that police in Tulsa will not treat protesters at the rally like police in other large cities, such as New York and Minneapolis, have.
“Oklahoma's much tougher on law and order” than other areas in the United States, he said.
Trump’s rally is planned for Saturday evening and is expected to draw tens of thousands of supporters and a large contingent of protesters who oppose the president.
The rally comes as Oklahoma and other states have experienced a surge in new COVID-19 cases. Oklahoma has had more than 10,000 confirmed cases and at least 368 deaths since the pandemic began, and the U.S. has had more than 2.2 million cases total and close to 120,000 deaths.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-06-20--Boom: $27.2M May haul for GOP, with Trump campaign raising more than $810M

Fundraising records continue to be challenged by Republicans , a firm sign that the GOP base is rallying behind President Trump as he steps back into campaign mode .
The latest example is from the Republican National Committee , which revealed to Secrets today that it took in the second-biggest haul ever for a May , $ 27.2 million .
Combined with the fundraising by the Trump campaign and its committees , the GOP operation raised $ 73.8 million in May and has a whopping $ 264.7 million in hand and no debt .
More impressive , said officials , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Team GOP has raised $ 816.7 million for the 2020 campaign , which is expected to cost several billion dollars .
And it has continued this month with the one-day fundraising record of $ 14 million by the Trump campaign and the RNC on Sunday , the president ’ s birthday and Flag Day .
The average donation was $ 46 .
“ Enthusiasm for President Trump and his bold leadership in a time of crisis remains strong as he fights to uphold the law and order of our nation , guides @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and continues to deliver on his promises , ” said RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel .
She added , “ Though hidden in his basement out of the spotlight , Joe Biden can not hide from the fact that President Trump is ushering in a transition to greatness , one that will propel us to victory this November.
” The fundraising numbers hint at the election enthusiasm for Trump and the GOP as they work to protect the party 's control of the Senate and White House .
The highest-ever May total came in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had President Barack Obama on the ropes and Mitt Romney was to become the party ’ s presidential nominee .
With its huge bankroll , the Republican National Committee is fielding its biggest program and data operation ever .
It recently announced a new wave of 300 additional field staff , bringing the total “ Trump Victory ” field team to over 1,100 in targeted states such as Wisconsin and Pennsylvania .
Overall , the effort has signed up 1.2 million volunteers and has made over 45 million voter contacts .
Last weekend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Summer Kick-Off ” and made over 3 million phone calls , knocked on 266,000 doors , held over 500 Trump Victory `` Leadership Initiative Trainings , '' and activated over 9,000 volunteers , said an RNC official .
What ’ s more , with the fat bank account , the GOP is doubling its legal budget to $ 20 million to challenge Democratic efforts to win mail-in voting and other voting compromises .
The GOP has set up a campaign to follow those at www.ProtectTheVote.com .
Officials said that the May fundraising @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to stay well ahead of Democratic challenger Joe Biden and dwarf his cash on hand .
The Republicans played up the “ staggering 64 % ” of contributions from small donations of $ 200 or less .
Big dollar contributors are also writing checks , part of the RNC effort led by McDaniel , Party Co-Chairman Thomas Hicks , Finance Chairman Todd Ricketts and the campaign 's national finance chair , Kimberly Guilfoyle .
And the party has started to hold in-person fundraisers , implementing coronavirus safety protocols .
Blair Brandt , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said that Republicans are eager to support in part because of the current news environment .
“ The polarization of the Democratic platform , which is now in many cases staying silent on illegal activities like looting and directly endorsing ideas like dismantling police , has even further fueled widespread support for the president , ” he told Secrets .
And , he added , “ Combining those extremes with the president ’ s proactive ‘ America First ’ stance on trade , prioritizing law and order here at home , and getting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all translates into unprecedented enthusiasm for his reelection .
”

Fundraising records continue to be challenged by Republicans, a firm sign that the GOP base is rallying behind President Trump as he steps back into campaign mode.
The latest example is from the Republican National Committee, which revealed to Secrets today that it took in the second-biggest haul ever for a May, $27.2 million.
Combined with the fundraising by the Trump campaign and its committees, the GOP operation raised $73.8 million in May and has a whopping $264.7 million in hand and no debt.
More impressive, said officials, is that for the 2019-2020 campaign cycle, Team GOP has raised $816.7 million for the 2020 campaign, which is expected to cost several billion dollars.
And it has continued this month with the one-day fundraising record of $14 million by the Trump campaign and the RNC on Sunday, the president’s birthday and Flag Day. The average donation was $46.
“Enthusiasm for President Trump and his bold leadership in a time of crisis remains strong as he fights to uphold the law and order of our nation, guides our country through a global pandemic, and continues to deliver on his promises,” said RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel.
She added, “Though hidden in his basement out of the spotlight, Joe Biden cannot hide from the fact that President Trump is ushering in a transition to greatness, one that will propel us to victory this November.”
RNC Chairman Ronna McDaniel and her fundraising team have broken several records. Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP
The fundraising numbers hint at the election enthusiasm for Trump and the GOP as they work to protect the party's control of the Senate and White House.
The highest-ever May total came in 2012, when the GOP felt it had President Barack Obama on the ropes and Mitt Romney was to become the party’s presidential nominee.
With its huge bankroll, the Republican National Committee is fielding its biggest program and data operation ever. It recently announced a new wave of 300 additional field staff, bringing the total “Trump Victory” field team to over 1,100 in targeted states such as Wisconsin and Pennsylvania.
Overall, the effort has signed up 1.2 million volunteers and has made over 45 million voter contacts.
Last weekend, the RNC-Trump Victory team held a “Summer Kick-Off” and made over 3 million phone calls, knocked on 266,000 doors, held over 500 Trump Victory "Leadership Initiative Trainings," and activated over 9,000 volunteers, said an RNC official.
What’s more, with the fat bank account, the GOP is doubling its legal budget to $20 million to challenge Democratic efforts to win mail-in voting and other voting compromises. The GOP has set up a campaign to follow those at www.ProtectTheVote.com.
Officials said that the May fundraising was an important demonstration of their effort to stay well ahead of Democratic challenger Joe Biden and dwarf his cash on hand.
The Republicans played up the “staggering 64%” of contributions from small donations of $200 or less.
Big dollar contributors are also writing checks, part of the RNC effort led by McDaniel, party co-Chairman Thomas Hicks, Finance Chairman Todd Ricketts, and the campaign's national finance Chairwoman Kimberly Guilfoyle. And the party has started to hold in-person fundraisers, implementing coronavirus safety protocols.
Blair Brandt, the Florida co-chair of the Trump Victory Finance Committee for 2020, said that Republicans are eager to support in part because of the current news environment.
“The polarization of the Democratic platform, which is now in many cases staying silent on illegal activities like looting and directly endorsing ideas like dismantling police, has even further fueled widespread support for the president,” he told Secrets.
And, he added, “Combining those extremes with the president’s proactive ‘America First’ stance on trade, prioritizing law and order here at home, and getting our country safely back to work, all translates into unprecedented enthusiasm for his reelection.”


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-06-20--Black Lives Matter co-founder says group's goal is 'to get Trump out'

One of the leaders of the Black Lives Matter movement said one of its goals is the removal of President Trump from office .
“ Trump not only needs to not be in office in November , but he should resign now , ” Black Lives Matter Global Network co-founder Patrisse Cullors told CNN ’ s Jake Tapper on Friday .
“ Trump needs to be out of office .
He is not fit for office .
And so , what we are going to push for is a move to get Trump out.
” She continued , “ While @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to push and pressure Vice President Joe Biden around his policies and relationship to policing and criminalization .
That ’ s going to be important .
But our goal is to get Trump out now.
” Cullors has been a vocal face of the Black Lives Matter movement following the death of George Floyd in police custody on May 25 , and she has expressed support for the push to defund police departments across the country .
“ The demand of defunding law enforcement becomes a central demand in how we actually get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said earlier this month .
“ Because it means we are reducing the ability of law enforcement to have resources that harm our communities.
” Cullors also criticized police officers who have knelt in solidarity with protesters , calling it “ disingenuous.
” “ [ Police officers ] taking a knee is not stopping the deaths of our community members , ” she argued .
“ We need transformation .
These things don ’ t happen through police taking a knee at protests and then , right after they take a knee , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us and beating us with batons.
” Support for the Black Lives Matter movement has been surging as of late , as donations have poured in from and polling shows support for the message has since 2016 .

One of the leaders of the Black Lives Matter movement said one of its goals is the removal of President Trump from office.
“Trump not only needs to not be in office in November, but he should resign now,” Black Lives Matter Global Network co-founder Patrisse Cullors told CNN’s Jake Tapper on Friday. “Trump needs to be out of office. He is not fit for office. And so, what we are going to push for is a move to get Trump out.”
She continued, “While we’re also going to continue to push and pressure Vice President Joe Biden around his policies and relationship to policing and criminalization. That’s going to be important. But our goal is to get Trump out now.”
President "Trump not only needs to not be in office in November but he should resign now," says co-founder of the Black Lives Matter Global Network Patrisse Cullors. "Trump needs to be out of office. He is not fit for office." pic.twitter.com/T6mLZ11cEv — The Lead CNN (@TheLeadCNN) June 19, 2020
Cullors has been a vocal face of the Black Lives Matter movement following the death of George Floyd in police custody on May 25, and she has expressed support for the push to defund police departments across the country.
“The demand of defunding law enforcement becomes a central demand in how we actually get real accountability and justice,” she said earlier this month. “Because it means we are reducing the ability of law enforcement to have resources that harm our communities.”
Cullors also criticized police officers who have knelt in solidarity with protesters, calling it “disingenuous.”
“[Police officers] taking a knee is not stopping the deaths of our community members,” she argued. “We need transformation. These things don’t happen through police taking a knee at protests and then, right after they take a knee, getting up and tear-gassing us and rubber-bulleting us and beating us with batons.”


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-06-20--White House Report Card: Trump whacked by Supreme Court, ex-aide John Bolton

In this week ’ s White House Report Card , President Trump is licking his wounds inflicted by the Supreme Court and his former national security adviser John Bolton .
But he has his eyes on a revived reelection campaign as he heads to Tulsa , Oklahoma , tonight for his first post-coronavirus rally .
Our graders , Democratic pollster John Zogby and conservative analyst Jed Babbin , agreed that the president had one of his worst weeks , which is saying a lot .
Leading the hits were two losses in the Supreme Court and the Bolton book .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ nation as President Trump defied his own aides , local Oklahoma officials , and common sense to host a campaign rally on Saturday in Tulsa .
June 19 is “ Juneteenth , ” the celebration of the end of slavery in the United States , and black people are furious about the president 's rally just a day later .
Trump lost two major Supreme Court cases this week : one about ending civil rights protections for transgender persons and the other rejecting the administration 's efforts to deny rights to children of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The new book from Bolton , Trump 's former national security adviser , portrayed the president in a very negative light — as in ignorant , narcissistic , ad incompetent .
Trump has unleashed the Justice Department against Bolton and his publisher , and the war of words has continued .
Whether anyone gets to read the book is less important right now than it is being talked about .
Another 1.5 million people in the U.S. applied for unemployment during the last week .
And Trump 's approval rating is in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Joe Biden by double digits nationwide and in six key battleground states .
It was another dismal week for Trump with two losses at the Supreme Court , a literary mugging by Bolton , and more unkept promises to clear out the protester-occupied zone in Seattle .
The Supreme Court rewrote an anti-discrimination in hiring law to include the gay and transgender crowd in yet another case in which “ conservative ” Chief Justice John Roberts sided with the liberals .
( Surprisingly , so did Trump appointee Neil Gorsuch . )
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ decision later in the week to preserve the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program that former President Barack Obama created by executive order .
The court , finding that the Trump administration hadn ’ t considered what would happen to DACA beneficiaries if the program were repealed , sent the action back to the administration for further consideration .
Trump promised it would happen .
Bolton ’ s memoir of his White House days isn ’ t the usual “ tell-all ” book .
One critic called it “ revenge porn , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mark .
( I received a review copy and am about halfway through it . )
Of the major criticisms of Trump , the supposedly biggest is that he asked Chinese President Xi Jinping for help in the 2020 election by buying more U.S. agricultural products .
But Special Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer , who was present for the conversation between the two leaders , said Bolton ’ s accusation is false .
Trump ’ s ( and the Justice Department ’ s ) risible efforts to prevent publication of Bolton ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Not only were copies sent to major media , resulting in large excerpts being printed , but a television special focused on Bolton and the book meant whatever in the book was damaging to Trump was going to be highly publicized .
Seattle ’ s “ Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone , ” renamed the “ Capitol Hill Occupied Protest ” or some such , is now more than a week old .
Within it , U.S. citizens are subjected to violent crime and extortion .
Washington Gov .
Jay Inslee and Seattle Mayor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the insurgents .
And Trump is doing precisely nothing about it .
And Trump signed a well-meant executive order on police reform that no one noticed .
John Zogby is the founder of the Zogby Poll and senior partner at John Zogby Strategies .
His weekly podcast with son and partner Jeremy Zogby can be heard here .
Follow him on Twitter @ TheJohnZogby Jed Babbin is a Washington Examiner contributor and former deputy undersecretary of defense in the administration of former President George H.W .
Bush .
Follow him on Twitter @ @

In this week’s White House Report Card, President Trump is licking his wounds inflicted by the Supreme Court and his former national security adviser John Bolton. But he has his eyes on a revived reelection campaign as he heads to Tulsa, Oklahoma, tonight for his first post-coronavirus rally.
Our graders, Democratic pollster John Zogby and conservative analyst Jed Babbin, agreed that the president had one of his worst weeks, which is saying a lot. Leading the hits were two losses in the Supreme Court and the Bolton book.
John Zogby
Grade F
More bad news about COVID-19 for the nation as President Trump defied his own aides, local Oklahoma officials, and common sense to host a campaign rally on Saturday in Tulsa. June 19 is “Juneteenth,” the celebration of the end of slavery in the United States, and black people are furious about the president's rally just a day later.
Trump lost two major Supreme Court cases this week: one about ending civil rights protections for transgender persons and the other rejecting the administration's efforts to deny rights to children of people who entered the U.S. illegally.
The new book from Bolton, Trump's former national security adviser, portrayed the president in a very negative light — as in ignorant, narcissistic, ad incompetent. Trump has unleashed the Justice Department against Bolton and his publisher, and the war of words has continued. Whether anyone gets to read the book is less important right now than it is being talked about.
Another 1.5 million people in the U.S. applied for unemployment during the last week. And Trump's approval rating is in the low 40s, and he is losing to Joe Biden by double digits nationwide and in six key battleground states.
Jed Babbin
Grade D-
It was another dismal week for Trump with two losses at the Supreme Court, a literary mugging by Bolton, and more unkept promises to clear out the protester-occupied zone in Seattle.
The Supreme Court rewrote an anti-discrimination in hiring law to include the gay and transgender crowd in yet another case in which “conservative” Chief Justice John Roberts sided with the liberals. (Surprisingly, so did Trump appointee Neil Gorsuch.) That was nothing in comparison with the decision later in the week to preserve the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program that former President Barack Obama created by executive order. The court, finding that the Trump administration hadn’t considered what would happen to DACA beneficiaries if the program were repealed, sent the action back to the administration for further consideration. Trump promised it would happen.
Bolton’s memoir of his White House days isn’t the usual “tell-all” book. One critic called it “revenge porn,” which isn’t far off the mark. (I received a review copy and am about halfway through it.) Of the major criticisms of Trump, the supposedly biggest is that he asked Chinese President Xi Jinping for help in the 2020 election by buying more U.S. agricultural products. But Special Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, who was present for the conversation between the two leaders, said Bolton’s accusation is false.
Trump’s (and the Justice Department’s) risible efforts to prevent publication of Bolton’s book were doomed before they began. Not only were copies sent to major media, resulting in large excerpts being printed, but a television special focused on Bolton and the book meant whatever in the book was damaging to Trump was going to be highly publicized.
Seattle’s “Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone,” renamed the “Capitol Hill Occupied Protest” or some such, is now more than a week old. Within it, U.S. citizens are subjected to violent crime and extortion. Washington Gov. Jay Inslee and Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan are doing everything to appease the insurgents. And Trump is doing precisely nothing about it.
And Trump signed a well-meant executive order on police reform that no one noticed.
John Zogby is the founder of the Zogby Poll and senior partner at John Zogby Strategies. His weekly podcast with son and partner Jeremy Zogby can be heard here. Follow him on Twitter @TheJohnZogby
Jed Babbin is a Washington Examiner contributor and former deputy undersecretary of defense in the administration of former President George H.W. Bush. Follow him on Twitter @jedbabbin


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-06-21--Biden campaign sinking real money trying to flip long-red Arizona

Joe Biden 's campaign is beefing up staffing in Arizona in its latest effort to flip the longtime-Republican state to the Democratic column .
On Friday , Biden 's campaign announced its first two Arizona staffers , signaling it 's serious about competing for the state in November against President Trump .
The presumptive 2020 Democratic nominee 's campaign also announced a $ 15 million five-week ad campaign in six states , including Arizona .
The other states included were Florida , Michigan , North Carolina , Pennsylvania , and Wisconsin .
Last month , Biden campaign manager Jen O'Malley @ @ @ @ @ @ @ electoral vote strategy , which gamed-out winning states like Florida and Pennsylvania .
Winning all of those states would make for a comfortable Biden win over Trump , with 270 needed to earn the White House keys .
“ I ’ m bullish about Arizona , ” O'Malley Dillon said , pointing to polls showing Biden maintaining a narrow lead in the state and the 2018 election of Sen. Kyrsten Sinema , the first time a Democrat won a Senate seat in Arizona since 1988 .
With its 11 Electoral College votes , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ political insurance policy in case other tightly-contested states do n't go his way , such as Wisconsin , with its 10 electoral votes .
But winning Arizona is far from a sure thing , as the state has backed the Democratic nominee only once since 1948 — in President Bill Clinton 's 1996 reelection victory romp .
Arizona political analysts cite Sinema 's win as a model for what Democrats need to do to finally flip the state in a presidential race , after Trump 's 48 % -45 % win there in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The key is putting in enough campaign resources , particularly get-out-the vote efforts , which they said is off to a good start since one of the Biden campaign 's new hires is Sinema 's 2018 campaign manager , Andrew Piatt .
Biden , a 36-year Delaware senator before two terms as President Barack Obama 's vice president , also.needs to campaign in Arizona , repeatedly , said Democratic strategist Paul Bentz .
`` If he wants to win Arizona he needs to come to Arizona .
Democrat Mark Kelly is outpolling Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ referring to the Senate race also coinciding with the presidential contest .
`` There ’ s a portion of the electorate that ’ s choosing to vote for the Democrat in the Senate and for Trump .
Biden has to deal with split ticketing .
There are concentrated efforts by various groups to activate and engage and contact less-likely voters to participate .
We saw high voter participation in off-cycle races . ''
Democrats say that Sinema 's strategy of running as a moderate and not letting Republicans define her as radical is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ states like Arizona that are traditionally right-leaning , but which is in the midst of rapid demographic changes .
During that race , Sinema was careful to distance herself from the rest of her party and ran on working with the president on issues like veteran healthcare and border security .
Despite polling showing Biden leading Trump by single digits , Democrats still say it 's an uphill battle .
Any gains Biden currently enjoys is largely due to Trump 's broad disapproval with responding to the coronavirus and unrest nationally in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I ’ m not sure what staff can do alone in messaging and everything else , to get that critical swing audience to go his way .
I don ’ t know if it ’ s a physical presence , or concentrating on Arizona issues , '' said Bentz .
`` If they want to spend early money they need to spend money on reasons to vote for Biden , not try to erode Trump ’ s support .
Sinema appealed to that swing demographic very early . ''
Although Republicans in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closer than they would like , many are happy to dismiss the polls and cite Trump 's 2016 surprise presidential victory .
Many also admit that the Democrats have fielded remarkably strong candidates for the Senate in the last three years and point out that despite Sinema 's victory in 2018 , Republican Gov .
Dough Ducey beat his challenger by over 14 points .
`` Conventional wisdom among the chattering class is that we are in play when it comes to presidential politics .
I believe we are .
I also believe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than Joe Biden when it comes to winning the state , '' said Arizona-based Republican strategist Stan Barnes .
`` Arizona is a center-right state and the center-right candidate has built-in advantages that I think will transcend Trump ’ s personality and eccentricities . ''
In 2016 , Trump 's 3.5 % Arizona win was , the smallest margin for a Republican presidential nominee in 20 years .
But like elsewhere in the nation , his base voters are extremely loyal , Barnes said .
`` When Sinema won that important race she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Martha ] McSally and never really ran as a Democrat .
That ’ s not exactly a ringing endorsement of Biden .
Donald Trump on the ballot changes everything .
The turn-out model will be different because Donald trump is there , '' Barnes said .
`` The Biden constituency in Arizona skews younger and perhaps more ethnically diverse and those constituencies , for all the hype and noise , do not show up at the same high percentages as the trump constituency . ''

Joe Biden's campaign is beefing up staffing in Arizona in its latest effort to flip the longtime-Republican state to the Democratic column.
On Friday, Biden's campaign announced its first two Arizona staffers, signaling it's serious about competing for the state in November against President Trump. The presumptive 2020 Democratic nominee's campaign also announced a $15 million, five-week ad campaign in six states, including Arizona. The other states included were Florida, Michigan, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.
Last month, Biden campaign manager Jen O'Malley Dillon included Arizona in its aggressive 318 electoral vote strategy, which gamed-out winning states such as Florida and Pennsylvania. Winning all of those states would make for a comfortable Biden win over Trump, with 270 needed to earn the White House keys.
“I’m bullish about Arizona,” O'Malley Dillon said, pointing to polls showing Biden maintaining a narrow lead in the state and the 2018 election of Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, the first time a Democrat won a Senate seat in Arizona since 1988.
With its 11 electoral votes, Arizona would provide the Biden ticket a political insurance policy in case other tightly-contested states don't go his way, such as Wisconsin, with its 10 electoral votes. But winning Arizona is far from a sure thing, as the state has backed the Democratic nominee only once since 1948 in President Bill Clinton's 1996 reelection victory romp.
Arizona political analysts cite Sinema's win as a model for what Democrats need to do to finally flip the state in a presidential race, after Trump's 48%-45% win there in 2016 over Democratic rival Hillary Clinton. The key is putting in enough campaign resources, particularly get-out-the-vote efforts, which they said is off to a good start since one of the Biden campaign's new hires is Sinema's 2018 campaign manager, Andrew Piatt.
Biden, a 36-year Delaware senator before two terms as President Barack Obama's vice president, also needs to campaign in Arizona, repeatedly, said Democratic strategist Paul Bentz.
"If he wants to win Arizona, he needs to come to Arizona. Democrat Mark Kelly is outpolling Biden," said the Arizona-based strategist, referring to the Senate race also coinciding with the presidential contest. "There’s a portion of the electorate that’s choosing to vote for the Democrat in the Senate and for Trump. Biden has to deal with split ticketing. There are concentrated efforts by various groups to activate and engage and contact less-likely voters to participate. We saw high voter participation in off-cycle races."
Democrats say that Sinema's strategy of running as a moderate and not letting Republicans define her as radical is the party's key to success in states such as Arizona that are traditionally right-leaning, but which is in the midst of rapid demographic changes. During that race, Sinema was careful to distance herself from the rest of her party and ran on working with the president on issues like veteran healthcare and border security.
Despite polling showing Biden leading Trump by single digits, Democrats still say it's an uphill battle. Any gains Biden currently enjoys is largely due to Trump's broad disapproval with responding to the coronavirus and unrest nationally in the wake of George Floyd's death.
"I’m not sure what staff can do alone in messaging and everything else, to get that critical swing audience to go his way. I don’t know if it’s a physical presence or concentrating on Arizona issues," said Bentz. "If they want to spend early money, they need to spend money on reasons to vote for Biden, not try to erode Trump’s support. Sinema appealed to that swing demographic very early."
Although Republicans in the state concede that the race is closer than they would like, many are happy to dismiss the polls and cite Trump's 2016 surprise presidential victory. Many also admit that the Democrats have fielded remarkably strong candidates for the Senate in the last three years and point out that despite Sinema's victory in 2018, Republican Gov. Doug Ducey beat his challenger by over 14 points.
"Conventional wisdom among the chattering class is that we are in play when it comes to presidential politics. I believe we are. I also believe I’d rather be Donald Trump than Joe Biden when it comes to winning the state," said Arizona-based Republican strategist Stan Barnes. "Arizona is a center-right state, and the center-right candidate has built-in advantages that I think will transcend Trump’s personality and eccentricities."
In 2016, Trump's 3.5% Arizona win was the smallest margin for a Republican presidential nominee in 20 years. But like elsewhere in the nation, his base voters are extremely loyal, Barnes said.
"When Sinema won that important race, she ran to the right of [Republican Martha] McSally and never really ran as a Democrat. That’s not exactly a ringing endorsement of Biden. Donald Trump on the ballot changes everything. The turnout model will be different because Donald Trump is there," Barnes said. "The Biden constituency in Arizona skews younger and perhaps more ethnically diverse and those constituencies, for all the hype and noise, do not show up at the same high percentages as the trump constituency."