thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-18--US sanctions Russian energy giant doing business with Nicolas Maduro

The Trump administration announced new sanctions against Russia 's biggest oil producer and an executive at the company over its operations in Venezuela , an escalation of Trump 's promise in his State of the Union address to `` smash '' the rule of Nicolas Maduro .
The Russian energy giant Rosneft 's trading arm has handled over half the oil coming out of Venezuela and has actively helped the country evade sanctions through a variety of means , such as ship-to-ship transfers , which conceal the oil 's origin .
Tuesday 's action is aimed at `` putting everyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will not be tolerated , '' a senior administration said is a call Tuesday with reporters , citing the administration 's confidence that increased pressure will lead to continued movement toward a democratic transition .
The decision was cleared by President Trump and was discussed Saturday by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov .
Trump has spoken in the past with Russian President Vladimir Putin about the importance of a democratic transition in Venezuela and stressed the administration 's concerns about companies doing business with the Maduro government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against Russian-owned oil brokerage firm Rosneft Trading SA and chairman Didier Casimiro since at least early February as part of a maximum pressure campaign designed to hasten Maduro 's retreat from office .
`` We are at 50 % or 60 % , '' the senior administration said about the efforts to pressure the Venezuela leader .
The administration seeks the `` first fully democratic Western Hemisphere , '' this official said , as part of the Trump Doctrine foreign policy agenda .
The United States was one of more than 50 countries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Venezuela 's interim president after the country 's 2018 elections .
In his State of the Union address , Trump addressed Guaido as the “ true and legitimate president of Venezuela ” and later met with him in the Oval Office in a session that the White House called a state visit .

The Trump administration announced new sanctions against Russia's biggest oil producer and an executive at the company over its operations in Venezuela, an escalation of Trump's promise in his State of the Union address to "smash" the rule of Nicolas Maduro.
The Russian energy giant Rosneft's trading arm has handled over half the oil coming out of Venezuela and has actively helped the country evade sanctions through a variety of means, such as ship-to-ship transfers, which conceal the oil's origin. Tuesday's action is aimed at "putting everyone on notice that that kind of evasion will not be tolerated," a senior administration said is a call Tuesday with reporters, citing the administration's confidence that increased pressure will lead to continued movement toward a democratic transition.
The decision was cleared by President Trump and was discussed Saturday by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Trump has spoken in the past with Russian President Vladimir Putin about the importance of a democratic transition in Venezuela and stressed the administration's concerns about companies doing business with the Maduro government.
The administration has been mulling action against Russian-owned oil brokerage firm Rosneft Trading SA and chairman Didier Casimiro since at least early February as part of a maximum pressure campaign designed to hasten Maduro's retreat from office. "We are at 50% or 60%," the senior administration said about the efforts to pressure the Venezuela leader. The administration seeks the "first fully democratic Western Hemisphere," this official said, as part of the Trump Doctrine foreign policy agenda.
The United States was one of more than 50 countries to recognize opposition leader Juan Guaido as Venezuela's interim president after the country's 2018 elections. In his State of the Union address, Trump addressed Guaido as the “true and legitimate president of Venezuela” and later met with him in the Oval Office in a session that the White House called a state visit.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-18--Trump pardons former San Francisco 49ers owner Edward DeBartolo Jr.

President Trump granted a pardon to Edward DeBartolo Jr. , the former owner of the San Francisco 49ers .
DeBartolo , the owner of the 49ers NFL team when it won five Super Bowls in the 1980s-90s , got caught up in the 1998 corruption case against former Louisiana Gov .
Edwin Edwards .
He pleaded guilty to a charge of failing to report a felony after paying Edwards $ 400,000 in exchange for a riverboat gambling license .
DeBartolo gave control of the team to his sister , Marie Denise DeBartolo York , in 2000 .
A number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advocated for granting him clemency and some of them spoke at the White House following the announcement .
“ We are excited to be here for all the right reasons , ” former NFL player Ronnie Lott said as he stood in front of the White House .
“ You think of people who find their ways into your life to help you , deliver a certain compass .
You find yourself realizing that a day like this is great because of the fact that he ( DeBartolo ) understands his compass , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really excited for Mr. DeBartolo.
” He was joined by Hall of Fame receiver Jerry Rice , who said it 's `` all about family .
That 's really what they stood for .
And that 's the reason why I think we won so many championships . ''
`` Eddie was like that 12th man that was on that football field .
You know that this guy , you know , he wanted us to win , '' he added .
`` And I think he 's the main reason why we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ today is a great day for him .
I 'm glad to be here and be a part of that .
And , you know , it 's just something I 'll never forget .
You know , this man , he has done so much in the community , he has done so much in NFL football . ''
Trump has either commuted the sentence of or issued pardons for about a dozen people during his three years in office .
In addition to ending Alice Marie Johnson 's lifetime sentence for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also notched a bipartisan victory when he signed the First Step Act , a landmark package of criminal justice reforms .

President Trump granted a pardon to Edward DeBartolo Jr., the former owner of the San Francisco 49ers.
White House spokesman Hogan Gidley made the announcement on Tuesday.
DeBartolo, the owner of the 49ers NFL team when it won five Super Bowls in the 1980s-90s, got caught up in the 1998 corruption case against former Louisiana Gov. Edwin Edwards. He pleaded guilty to a charge of failing to report a felony after paying Edwards $400,000 in exchange for a riverboat gambling license.
DeBartolo gave control of the team to his sister, Marie Denise DeBartolo York, in 2000.
A number of former NFL players with ties to DeBartolo advocated for granting him clemency and some of them spoke at the White House following the announcement.
“We are excited to be here for all the right reasons,” former NFL player Ronnie Lott said as he stood in front of the White House. “You think of people who find their ways into your life to help you, deliver a certain compass. You find yourself realizing that a day like this is great because of the fact that he (DeBartolo) understands his compass, but what you can achieve. So really excited for Mr. DeBartolo.”
He was joined by Hall of Fame receiver Jerry Rice, who said it's "all about family. That's really what they stood for. And that's the reason why I think we won so many championships."
"Eddie was like that 12th man that was on that football field. You know that this guy, you know, he wanted us to win," he added. "And I think he's the main reason why we won so many Super Bowls. So today is a great day for him. I'm glad to be here and be a part of that. And, you know, it's just something I'll never forget. You know, this man, he has done so much in the community, he has done so much in NFL football."
Trump has either commuted the sentence of or issued pardons for about a dozen people during his three years in office. In addition to ending Alice Marie Johnson's lifetime sentence for a non-violent drug offense, the president also notched a bipartisan victory when he signed the First Step Act, a landmark package of criminal justice reforms.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-18--'Con job': Trump slams Obama for 'trying to take credit for the Economic Boom'

President Trump fired back at former President Barack Obama for taking credit for the recent economic gains , calling it the `` latest con job . ''
In a tweet Monday , Presidents Day , Obama said it had been 11 years since he signed the Recovery Act and claimed that this stimulus package allowed for the country ’ s longest-running streak of job creation , which stretches into the present .
`` I signed the Recovery Act , paving the way for more than a decade of economic growth and the longest streak of job creation in American history @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off a tweet in response , claiming that the Obama administration presided over the `` WEAKEST recovery since the Great Depression . ''
[ Also read : Bigger than Vindman : Trump scrubs 70 Obama holdovers from NSC ] “ President Obama is now trying to take credit for the Economic Boom taking place under the Trump Administration .
He had the WEAKEST recovery since the Great Depression , despite Zero Fed Rate & MASSIVE quantitative easing , ” Trump tweeted .
During the Great Recession , which began under President George W. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ peaked at around 10 % in 2010 before it began a steady fall under Obama .
The downward trend has continued under Trump .
The unemployment rate as of January sits at a low 3.6 % , with 225,000 new jobs added that month .

President Trump fired back at former President Barack Obama for taking credit for the recent economic gains, calling it the "latest con job."
In a tweet Monday, Presidents Day, Obama said it had been 11 years since he signed the Recovery Act and claimed that this stimulus package allowed for the country’s longest-running streak of job creation, which stretches into the present.
Eleven years ago today, near the bottom of the worst recession in generations, I signed the Recovery Act, paving the way for more than a decade of economic growth and the longest streak of job creation in American history. pic.twitter.com/BmdXrxUAUf — Barack Obama (@BarackObama) February 17, 2020
"I signed the Recovery Act, paving the way for more than a decade of economic growth and the longest streak of job creation in American history," Obama said.
Trump fired off a tweet in response, claiming that the Obama administration presided over the "WEAKEST recovery since the Great Depression."
[Also read: Bigger than Vindman: Trump scrubs 70 Obama holdovers from NSC]
Did you hear the latest con job? President Obama is now trying to take credit for the Economic Boom taking place under the Trump Administration. He had the WEAKEST recovery since the Great Depression, despite Zero Fed Rate & MASSIVE quantitative easing. NOW, best jobs numbers.... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 17, 2020
“President Obama is now trying to take credit for the Economic Boom taking place under the Trump Administration. He had the WEAKEST recovery since the Great Depression, despite Zero Fed Rate & MASSIVE quantitative easing,” Trump tweeted.
....ever. Had to rebuild our military, which was totally depleted. Fed Rate UP, taxes and regulations WAY DOWN. If Dems won in 2016, the USA would be in big economic (Depression?) & military trouble right now. THE BEST IS YET TO COME. KEEP AMERICA GREAT! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 17, 2020
During the Great Recession, which began under President George W. Bush, the unemployment rate surged and peaked at around 10% in 2010 before it began a steady fall under Obama. The downward trend has continued under Trump. The unemployment rate as of January sits at a low 3.6%, with 225,000 new jobs added that month.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-18--The Pretenders' lead singer lauds Trump for awarding Medal of Freedom to Limbaugh

Musician Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders released an open letter to President Trump , lauding him for giving conservative radio show host Rush Limbaugh the Presidential Medal of Freedom .
Hynde , 68 , tweeted her letter to the president on Monday , saying her father Melville “ Bud ” Hynde , who was a Marine , would have been thrilled with the president for awarding Limbaugh with the highest civilian honor in the nation .
“ He loved listening to Rush , which is why I allowed my song , 'My City Was Gone , ' to be used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrote of the song that has been a staple of Limbaugh 's show while noting that she and her father weren ’ t on the same page politically .
The open letter was far from the first time Hynde went on record about her late father ’ s love of Limbaugh ’ s radio show .
“ My dad loved Rush Limbaugh , ” she said in 2018 .
She said after being criticized over Limbaugh using her band ’ s song on air : “ We said if we ever get proceeds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them to [ People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals ] .
I don ’ t know because I don ’ t give a f -- - .
The whole idea for me to be in a band is subversive .
I ’ ll vote , but I ’ m not very vocal in my political opinions because I don ’ t give a f -- -.
” Hynde concluded in her Monday open letter that she would soon protest the extradition of Julian Assange in London , noting that her father would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that move .
“ What I believe is the right thing ; to protest further punishment of a man who sought to defend Freedom , albeit in a way you rightly disagree with .
I know Mr. Assange broke the law ( as i have done defending the treatment of animals ) but I believe [ p4 . ]
he has been duly punished and should now be set free .
Please consider my plea .
Yours truly , Chrissie Hynde of @ ThePretendersHQ ( @ MrsC_Assange ) , ” she tweeted .

Musician Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders released an open letter to President Trump, lauding him for giving conservative radio show host Rush Limbaugh the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Hynde, 68, tweeted her letter to the president on Monday, saying her father Melville “Bud” Hynde, who was a Marine, would have been thrilled with the president for awarding Limbaugh with the highest civilian honor in the nation.
“He loved listening to Rush, which is why I allowed my song, 'My City Was Gone,' to be used on his radio show,” she wrote of the song that has been a staple of Limbaugh's show while noting that she and her father weren’t on the same page politically.
An open Letter to @realDonaldTrump, President of the United States.
Dear Mr. President,
I often think of how much my father, Melville “Bud” Hynde, who proudly served his country as a Marine on Guadalcanal, would have enjoyed your Presidency. [p1.] — Chrissie Hynde (@ChrissieHynde) February 17, 2020
but isn’t that the American way? The right to disagree without having your head chopped off?
Soon, I will be participating in a protest in London against the extradition of #JulianAssange (@wikileaks). I know my father would be mortified, but I feel strongly enough to do [p3.] — Chrissie Hynde (@ChrissieHynde) February 17, 2020
The open letter was far from the first time Hynde went on record about her late father’s love of Limbaugh’s radio show.
“My dad loved Rush Limbaugh,” she said in 2018.
She said after being criticized over Limbaugh using her band’s song on air: “We said if we ever get proceeds from it, we’ll send them to [People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals]. I don’t know because I don’t give a f---. The whole idea for me to be in a band is subversive. I’ll vote, but I’m not very vocal in my political opinions because I don’t give a f---.”
Hynde concluded in her Monday open letter that she would soon protest the extradition of Julian Assange in London, noting that her father would be “mortified” with her for that move.
“What I believe is the right thing; to protest further punishment of a man who sought to defend Freedom, albeit in a way you rightly disagree with. I know Mr. Assange broke the law (as i have done defending the treatment of animals) but I believe [p4.] he has been duly punished and should now be set free. Please consider my plea. Yours truly, Chrissie Hynde of @ThePretendersHQ (@MrsC_Assange),” she tweeted.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-18--Susan Collins faces strong Democratic challenger in Senate race: Poll

Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine is facing an uphill climb to retain her seat , which has gone virtually uncontested since she was first elected in 1996 , and has been slammed from both the Left and the Right for toeing a line that seems to have pleased no one .
In a 2016 editorial , Collins called President Trump `` unworthy of being our president , '' declaring that she would not be voting for him .
She was one of several Republican senators who tried to stop Trump from ousting Ambassador to the European Union Gordon Sondland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and she has publicly chastised Trump , including for remarks calling on China to investigate political rival former Vice President Joe Biden .
But Collins 's stance on Trump 's impeachment , in which she voted to acquit him even as she called for more witnesses , was damaging to her support , especially with independents , who make up roughly 40 % of her state 's electorate .
A new poll shows Collins , a historically popular senator last reelected with 67 % of the vote , in a statistical dead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sara Gideon , the current speaker of the Maine House of Representatives .
Forty-two percent of respondents said they would vote for Collins , while 43 % said they would vote for her leading Democratic rival in the results published on Tuesday by Colby College .
Collins outperformed an unnamed Democrat other than Gideon on the ballot , however , at 40 % to 34 % .
Fifty-four percent of respondents rated Collins unfavorably , a sharp rise since Trump took office .
Among independents , Collins 's unfavorable rating was still higher @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of respondents said that Maine should be disappointed in her role in the president 's impeachment .
Dan Shea , Colby College professor of government and the lead researcher on the poll , said , `` The results indicate this could be the kind of race Sen. Collins has not had to deal with before . ''
In 2015 , Morning Consult recorded a 78 % approval rating for Collins , the highest of any Republican senator and second only to Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders , a Democrat .
This nearly halved by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Colby College surveyed 1,008 registered voters between Feb. 10 and 13 .
The poll has a margin of error of 3 % .

Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine is facing an uphill climb to retain her seat, which has gone virtually uncontested since she was first elected in 1996, and has been slammed from both the Left and the Right for toeing a line that seems to have pleased no one.
In a 2016 editorial, Collins called President Trump "unworthy of being our president," declaring that she would not be voting for him. She was one of several Republican senators who tried to stop Trump from ousting Ambassador to the European Union Gordon Sondland earlier this month, according to reports, and she has publicly chastised Trump, including for remarks calling on China to investigate political rival former Vice President Joe Biden.
But Collins's stance on Trump's impeachment, in which she voted to acquit him even as she called for more witnesses, was damaging to her support, especially with independents, who make up roughly 40% of her state's electorate.
A new poll shows Collins, a historically popular senator last reelected with 67% of the vote, in a statistical dead heat against the leading Democratic front-runner, Sara Gideon, the current speaker of the Maine House of Representatives. Forty-two percent of respondents said they would vote for Collins, while 43% said they would vote for her leading Democratic rival in the results published on Tuesday by Colby College. Collins outperformed an unnamed Democrat other than Gideon on the ballot, however, at 40% to 34%.
Fifty-four percent of respondents rated Collins unfavorably, a sharp rise since Trump took office. Among independents, Collins's unfavorable rating was still higher, at 57%.
Thirty-seven percent of respondents said that Maine should be disappointed in her role in the president's impeachment.
Dan Shea, Colby College professor of government and the lead researcher on the poll, said, "The results indicate this could be the kind of race Sen. Collins has not had to deal with before."
In 2015, Morning Consult recorded a 78% approval rating for Collins, the highest of any Republican senator and second only to Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, a Democrat. This nearly halved by January 2020, to 42%.
Colby College surveyed 1,008 registered voters between Feb. 10 and 13. The poll has a margin of error of 3%.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-18--Tea Party forum: Common Sense, common courtesy, common culture

A congressional candidates ’ forum in Theodore , Alabama ( near Mobile ) , last Saturday should serve as a reminder of just how Tea Party political groups still do admirable , tireless work as good citizens serving our republic .
Eleven years after the beginning of the Tea Party and 10 years beyond the point when it became trite ( although still true ) to complain about rampant media mistreatment of the movement , this still bears repeating : Most Tea Party groups represent the very essence of small- '' r '' republican constitutionalism .
The southern Alabama Tea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Campaign certainly does .
For election after election and year after year , for races ranging from the most local all the way up to federal , the organization has hosted forums for candidates , ballot propositions , and pending issues .
They are designed not just for Common Sense 's own membership , but for the broader public .
All participants are treated fairly .
Refreshments are often offered , creating a homey atmosphere .
Love of country is palpable .
Civic duty is taken seriously .
Granted , sometimes the audiences @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be on the wrong side of what might be described as the “ polite fury ” of Common Sense members can be uncomfortable .
But the emphasis is on `` polite . ''
The group proves that frank exchanges of views need not involve intimidation or disruption of speech .
This is participatory , representative democracy in the early-American “ town hall ” tradition .
This particular forum took place in the fellowship hall of Theodore ’ s Magnolia Springs Baptist Church .
It is a fairly common practice for church halls to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It is very much in the tradition of churches serving as community centers — not endorsing any one brand of politics , but serving as meeting places and safe spaces for a common culture .
In this case , candidates Jerry Carl , Wes Lambert , and Chris Pringle were remarkably cordial to each other .
( Long shot John Castorani was a no-show , and co-front-runner Bill Hightower was out with the flu , with wife Susan given the chance to make a quick pitch for her husband . )
There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Almighty Trump , but some interesting substance , too .
Asked whether a president should exercise carte blanche power to order , or interfere in , Justice Department investigations , Pringle , a longtime state legislator , offered a firm and decisive “ no.
” “ Look , I support President Trump , ” Pringle said , “ but what happens if you have a President Obama interfering in Department of Justice investigations ?
We have to protect the integrity of the judicial system.
” It was a good point , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opportunity for candidates to distinguish themselves from each other that these forums were designed for .
This particular forum , held on what turned out to be the only sunshiny Saturday afternoon in weeks , drew only about 40 attendees , but others have drawn hundreds .
No matter the size , though , certain Common Sense stalwarts are almost always there , usually doing the hard work of organizing , hosting , or manning informational tables .
As they rarely get the thanks they merit , I ’ ll name five of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were there Saturday , as they have been time and again for an entire decade : Lou Campomenosi , Kay Day , Linda King , Pete Riehm , and Steve Stone .
These five have counterparts in Tea Parties across the country , who continue to demonstrate a remarkable civic faith and commitment .
If the United States is to last for centuries more , it will be because citizens such as these worked to keep it alive .
Well done , good people , well done .

A congressional candidates’ forum in Theodore, Alabama (near Mobile), last Saturday should serve as a reminder of just how Tea Party political groups still do admirable, tireless work as good citizens serving our republic.
Eleven years after the beginning of the Tea Party and 10 years beyond the point when it became trite (although still true) to complain about rampant media mistreatment of the movement, this still bears repeating: Most Tea Party groups represent the very essence of small-"r" republican constitutionalism.
The southern Alabama Tea Party group known as the Common Sense Campaign certainly does.
For election after election and year after year, for races ranging from the most local all the way up to federal, the organization has hosted forums for candidates, ballot propositions, and pending issues. They are designed not just for Common Sense's own membership, but for the broader public. All participants are treated fairly. Refreshments are often offered, creating a homey atmosphere. Love of country is palpable. Civic duty is taken seriously.
It’s a tremendous public service.
Granted, sometimes the audiences make their preferences perfectly clear. To be on the wrong side of what might be described as the “polite fury” of Common Sense members can be uncomfortable. But the emphasis is on "polite." The group proves that frank exchanges of views need not involve intimidation or disruption of speech. This is participatory, representative democracy in the early-American “town hall” tradition.
This particular forum took place in the fellowship hall of Theodore’s Magnolia Springs Baptist Church. It is a fairly common practice for church halls to be used for events such as these. It is very much in the tradition of churches serving as community centers — not endorsing any one brand of politics, but serving as meeting places and safe spaces for a common culture.
In this case, candidates Jerry Carl, Wes Lambert, and Chris Pringle were remarkably cordial to each other. (Long shot John Castorani was a no-show, and co-front-runner Bill Hightower was out with the flu, with wife Susan given the chance to make a quick pitch for her husband.) There were plenty of boilerplate testimonials of fealty to the Almighty Trump, but some interesting substance, too. Asked whether a president should exercise carte blanche power to order, or interfere in, Justice Department investigations, Pringle, a longtime state legislator, offered a firm and decisive “no.”
“Look, I support President Trump,” Pringle said, “but what happens if you have a President Obama interfering in Department of Justice investigations? We have to protect the integrity of the judicial system.”
It was a good point, and it represented precisely the sort of opportunity for candidates to distinguish themselves from each other that these forums were designed for.
This particular forum, held on what turned out to be the only sunshiny Saturday afternoon in weeks, drew only about 40 attendees, but others have drawn hundreds. No matter the size, though, certain Common Sense stalwarts are almost always there, usually doing the hard work of organizing, hosting, or manning informational tables. As they rarely get the thanks they merit, I’ll name five of the regulars, the leaders, who were there Saturday, as they have been time and again for an entire decade: Lou Campomenosi, Kay Day, Linda King, Pete Riehm, and Steve Stone.
These five have counterparts in Tea Parties across the country, who continue to demonstrate a remarkable civic faith and commitment. If the United States is to last for centuries more, it will be because citizens such as these worked to keep it alive.
Well done, good people, well done.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-18--The strike on Soleimani was the right call, senators say

Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Jim Inhofe over the weekend , with stops in Baghdad and Erbil .
The all-Republican delegation included Sens .
Mike Rounds of South Dakota , John Boozman of Arkansas , Kevin Cramer of North Dakota , and Reps. Mike Kelly of Pennsylvania and Tim Walberg of Michigan .
The Republican lawmakers were briefed in Baghdad by Army Lt. Gen. Pat White , commander of the Combined Joint Task Force : Operation Inherent Resolve , the name of the U.S.-led , counter-Islamic State coalition .
It was the first congressional visit to Iraq since the U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Quds Force commander Gen. Qassem Soleimani .
“ Meeting with Gen. White in Baghdad made it even more clear , the strike against Soleimani was the right call , ” Inhofe said in a statement .
“ The briefings highlighted how his removal seriously disrupted Iran ’ s state supported terrorist networks in Iraq.
” on Saturday , Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif argued that Soleimani was “ murdered ” in “ a cowardly military attack ” that was “ an act of terror.
” “ They could n't face Soleimani at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when he was conducting a peace mission , ” Zarif said , noting Soleimani was traveling in a “ civilian car . ''
Zarif also disputed the U.S. account that two U.S. bases in Iraq were attacked in its reprisal missile attack by Iran , insisting only one base , Ain al Asad , was targeted .
Zarif said the killing of Soleimani stokes genuine outrage in the region .
“ These are not our proxies .
These are human beings who are tired of bullying , who are tired of lawlessness , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said , asserting his death has galvanized anti-U.S. sentiment .
“ Martyr Soleimani is much more effective than General Soleimani.
” In Munich , Germany , Esper said the strike appears to have served its purpose .
“ It 's fair to say we have seen a change in Iranians ' behavior , ” he said .
“ I think we restored deterrence.
” After meeting various Iraqi representatives , Esper said , he ’ s convinced most Iraqis don ’ t want U.S. troops to leave their country .
“ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ definitely want us there .
The Sunnis want us there .
And many of the Shia want us there .
But the challenge is the politics , given the influence of Iran through their proxies , is weighing heavily on Baghdad and how they move forward , ” Esper said in his session with reporters in Munich .
“ I believe most Iraqi officials want us there , ” he said .
“ What they want , and that we support , is an independent sovereign , strong , prosperous Iraq .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the street want too.
” Jamie McIntyre is the Washington Examiner 's senior writer on defense and national security .
His morning newsletter , `` Jamie McIntyre 's Daily on Defense , '' is free and available by email subscription at dailyondefense.com .

Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Jim Inhofe led a congressional delegation to Iraq over the weekend, with stops in Baghdad and Erbil. The all-Republican delegation included Sens. Mike Rounds of South Dakota, John Boozman of Arkansas, Kevin Cramer of North Dakota, and Reps. Mike Kelly of Pennsylvania and Tim Walberg of Michigan.
The Republican lawmakers were briefed in Baghdad by Army Lt. Gen. Pat White, commander of the Combined Joint Task Force: Operation Inherent Resolve, the name of the U.S.-led, counter-Islamic State coalition. It was the first congressional visit to Iraq since the U.S. drone strike last month that killed Iranian Quds Force commander Gen. Qassem Soleimani.
“Meeting with Gen. White in Baghdad made it even more clear, the strike against Soleimani was the right call,” Inhofe said in a statement. “The briefings highlighted how his removal seriously disrupted Iran’s state supported terrorist networks in Iraq.”
Speaking at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday, Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif argued that Soleimani was “murdered” in “a cowardly military attack” that was “an act of terror.”
“They couldn't face Soleimani at the war front, so they hit him when he was conducting a peace mission,” Zarif said, noting Soleimani was traveling in a “civilian car." Zarif also disputed the U.S. account that two U.S. bases in Iraq were attacked in its reprisal missile attack by Iran, insisting only one base, Ain al Asad, was targeted.
Zarif said the killing of Soleimani stokes genuine outrage in the region. “These are not our proxies. These are human beings who are tired of bullying, who are tired of lawlessness, who want to have dignity,” he said, asserting his death has galvanized anti-U.S. sentiment. “Martyr Soleimani is much more effective than General Soleimani.”
In Munich, Germany, Esper said the strike appears to have served its purpose. “It's fair to say we have seen a change in Iranians' behavior,” he said. “I think we restored deterrence.”
After meeting various Iraqi representatives, Esper said, he’s convinced most Iraqis don’t want U.S. troops to leave their country.
“I met with the Kurds earlier; they definitely want us there. The Sunnis want us there. And many of the Shia want us there. But the challenge is the politics, given the influence of Iran through their proxies, is weighing heavily on Baghdad and how they move forward,” Esper said in his session with reporters in Munich.
“I believe most Iraqi officials want us there,” he said. “What they want, and that we support, is an independent sovereign, strong, prosperous Iraq. I think that's what the people in the street want too.”
Jamie McIntyre is the Washington Examiner's senior writer on defense and national security. His morning newsletter, "Jamie McIntyre's Daily on Defense," is free and available by email subscription at dailyondefense.com.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-18--Trump decries proposed restrictions on China trade based on 'National Security excuse'

President Trump decried proposals that would restrict trade , specifically with China , on the basis of protecting national security .
`` I have seen some of the regulations being circulated , including those being contemplated by Congress , and they are ridiculous .
I want to make it EASY to do business with the United States , not difficult , '' the president tweeted Tuesday .
Without identifying the specific proposals , the president argued that they would make it impossible to do business with the U.S. and that foreign buyers would just look elsewhere .
`` As an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our jet engines , the best in the World , '' Trump tweeted .
The Wall Street Journal reported over the weekend that administration officials were considering halting sales of General Electric jet engines to China .
`` The United States can not , & will not , become such a difficult place to deal with in terms of foreign countries buying our product , including for the always used National Security excuse , that our companies will be forced to leave in order to remain competitive , '' Trump tweeted .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for comment .

President Trump decried proposals that would restrict trade, specifically with China, on the basis of protecting national security.
"I have seen some of the regulations being circulated, including those being contemplated by Congress, and they are ridiculous. I want to make it EASY to do business with the United States, not difficult," the president tweeted Tuesday.
....THE UNITED STATES IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 18, 2020
Without identifying the specific proposals, the president argued that they would make it impossible to do business with the U.S. and that foreign buyers would just look elsewhere.
"As an example, I want China to buy our jet engines, the best in the World," Trump tweeted. The Wall Street Journal reported over the weekend that administration officials were considering halting sales of General Electric jet engines to China.
"The United States cannot, & will not, become such a difficult place to deal with in terms of foreign countries buying our product, including for the always used National Security excuse, that our companies will be forced to leave in order to remain competitive," Trump tweeted.
A White House spokesman could not be reached for comment.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-18--'The Democrats have pretty much outmaneuvered us': Mike Braun wants to lead GOP on healthcare

When President Trump tried to brand Republicans as the `` party of healthcare '' last year , most GOP lawmakers looked the other way , unenthusiastic about reviving the failed Obamacare repeal effort of 2017 .
But Republican Mike Braun of Indiana , who was elected to the Senate in the 2018 midterm elections , thought the title was worth pursuing .
`` Of course no Republicans picked up the gauntlet , '' Braun said in an interview at his office .
While he acknowledged that creating a conservative alternative to Obamacare would be a risky political strategy ahead of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said the GOP would soon need to lay out its vision for healthcare .
Otherwise , the party would `` lose out , just like we did when Obamacare happened . ''
`` I think the Democrats have pretty much outmaneuvered us on [ healthcare ] over time , '' Braun said .
If Republicans are n't prepared , he warned , then the United States would move in the direction of putting everyone onto a government-funded healthcare plan similar to what Bernie Sanders proposes with `` Medicare for all . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ distribution company before coming to Congress , said he hoped his ideas would get more attention .
Like many conservatives , he wants to bring down costs through boosting competition , including by allowing less-expensive generic drugs to come to market faster , and by providing more information to patients so they can compare prices .
The healthcare industry , Braun said , should operate more similarly to other sectors where costs are n't hidden .
One of the bills he introduced , the True Price Act , would codify a Trump administration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that requires hospitals to post prices for their services .
But he also believes Congress does need to get far more aggressive on the healthcare industry , saying the medical sector was not truly `` free enterprise . ''
He supports the bipartisan Prescription Drug Pricing Reduction Act , a measure that has split Senate Republicans , and supports the passage of the Lower Health Care Costs Act that would limit what hospitals can charge so that patients do n't get massive medical bills they did n't expect .
Both of those measures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has n't pledged they 'll get a vote .
`` For me , all of this stuff is lite , '' Braun said .
`` If we do n't move more aggressively to help fix the industry , it ’ ll be a political cascade of a one-payer system , and then it 'll be a moot point . ''
He added : `` All of this stuff should be stuff the industry is fixing itself , but that 's not the case .
They have got such a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' During the impeachment deliberations , Braun frequently appeared on television networks to defend the president and to stress that Congress needed to turn to healthcare .
Now , he 's hoping he 'll be able to have more face time with Trump to discuss the issue .
He 's having conversations with Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar , also a fellow Hoosier , but has n't yet met with Vice President Mike Pence despite their shared ties to Indiana .
`` The only people really enthusiastic about healthcare are Democrats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't support Democrats ' plans for overhauling the healthcare system , which ranges from letting people buy into Medicare at a younger age , to , under `` Medicare for all , '' moving everyone living in the U.S. onto a government-funded plan .
Braun does n't yet have a large following in the Senate , and his ideas about posting prices and moving drugs to market faster do n't add up to a robust replacement to Obamacare or to the types of overhauls put forward by Democrats .
Instead , Braun spoke @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put forward ideas that would increase competition and transparency in healthcare so that it could become more `` consumer-driven . ''
But that does n't mean he wo n't face resistance , including from the healthcare industry .
Critics of his and the White House 's views on price transparency say they have n't been proved to work in healthcare , where the sick do n't have the wherewithal to shop for medical services .
Still , others counter that listing prices could actually increase costs if hospitals see that another facility across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Asked about the possibility of prices going up , Braun called it a `` faux argument '' and `` one of the dumbest things I 've ever heard . ''
`` There ’ s no other industry that I ’ m aware of where the consumer has no idea what it costs , '' he said .
The freshman senator is banking on Trump getting reelected .
He said the president probably would n't have to talk much about healthcare on the campaign trail other than to rally voters against `` Medicare for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be the `` simple way to do it . ''
`` But still at some point healthcare is not going to go away , '' he said .
`` It ’ ll come back to where we 'll have to roll up our sleeves and do something , and then I would hope in a second term that a lot of the stuff I 'm talking about would really have the legislative calendar available and by getting out early , like we have here , push a lot of the reforms .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Braun thinks the Trump administration should stop siding with Republican state officials in a lawsuit that seeks to throw out the entire healthcare law .
Braun is n't the only Republican in Congress who thinks that , but the comments contrast what he said when he was running for the Senate when he appeared to support the lawsuit .
But since that time , the rules in Obamacare that prevent insurers from turning away the sick or charging them more have become even more politically popular , to the notice of both Democrats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confusing for anybody to really believe that the administration is interested in covering preexisting conditions , '' Braun said of the White House 's position in the lawsuit .

When President Trump tried to brand Republicans as the "party of healthcare" last year, most GOP lawmakers looked the other way, unenthusiastic about reviving the failed Obamacare repeal effort of 2017.
But Republican Mike Braun of Indiana, who was elected to the Senate in the 2018 midterm elections, thought the title was worth pursuing.
"Of course no Republicans picked up the gauntlet," Braun said in an interview at his office. While he acknowledged that creating a conservative alternative to Obamacare would be a risky political strategy ahead of the 2020 elections, Braun, 65, said the GOP would soon need to lay out its vision for healthcare. Otherwise, the party would "lose out, just like we did when Obamacare happened."
"I think the Democrats have pretty much outmaneuvered us on [healthcare] over time," Braun said. If Republicans aren't prepared, he warned, then the United States would move in the direction of putting everyone onto a government-funded healthcare plan similar to what Bernie Sanders proposes with "Medicare for all."
Braun, who ran an auto parts distribution company before coming to Congress, said he hoped his ideas would get more attention. Like many conservatives, he wants to bring down costs through boosting competition, including by allowing less-expensive generic drugs to come to market faster, and by providing more information to patients so they can compare prices.
The healthcare industry, Braun said, should operate more similarly to other sectors where costs aren't hidden. One of the bills he introduced, the True Price Act, would codify a Trump administration rule, now facing a lawsuit, that requires hospitals to post prices for their services.
But he also believes Congress does need to get far more aggressive on the healthcare industry, saying the medical sector was not truly "free enterprise." He supports the bipartisan Prescription Drug Pricing Reduction Act, a measure that has split Senate Republicans, and supports the passage of the Lower Health Care Costs Act that would limit what hospitals can charge so that patients don't get massive medical bills they didn't expect. Both of those measures have advanced out of committee, but Majority Leader Mitch McConnell hasn't pledged they'll get a vote.
"For me, all of this stuff is lite," Braun said. "If we don't move more aggressively to help fix the industry, it’ll be a political cascade of a one-payer system, and then it'll be a moot point."
He added: "All of this stuff should be stuff the industry is fixing itself, but that's not the case. They have got such a gravy train they are resisting everything."
During the impeachment deliberations, Braun frequently appeared on television networks to defend the president and to stress that Congress needed to turn to healthcare. Now, he's hoping he'll be able to have more face time with Trump to discuss the issue. He's having conversations with Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar, also a fellow Hoosier, but hasn't yet met with Vice President Mike Pence despite their shared ties to Indiana.
"The only people really enthusiastic about healthcare are Democrats," Braun acknowledged. He doesn't support Democrats' plans for overhauling the healthcare system, which ranges from letting people buy into Medicare at a younger age, to, under "Medicare for all," moving everyone living in the U.S. onto a government-funded plan.
Braun doesn't yet have a large following in the Senate, and his ideas about posting prices and moving drugs to market faster don't add up to a robust replacement to Obamacare or to the types of overhauls put forward by Democrats. Instead, Braun spoke broadly about the need for Republicans to put forward ideas that would increase competition and transparency in healthcare so that it could become more "consumer-driven."
But that doesn't mean he won't face resistance, including from the healthcare industry. Critics of his and the White House's views on price transparency say they haven't been proved to work in healthcare, where the sick don't have the wherewithal to shop for medical services. Still, others counter that listing prices could actually increase costs if hospitals see that another facility across town charges more than they do.
Asked about the possibility of prices going up, Braun called it a "faux argument" and "one of the dumbest things I've ever heard."
"There’s no other industry that I’m aware of where the consumer has no idea what it costs," he said.
The freshman senator is banking on Trump getting reelected. He said the president probably wouldn't have to talk much about healthcare on the campaign trail other than to rally voters against "Medicare for all," an approach Braun said would be the "simple way to do it."
"But still at some point healthcare is not going to go away," he said. "It’ll come back to where we'll have to roll up our sleeves and do something, and then I would hope in a second term that a lot of the stuff I'm talking about would really have the legislative calendar available and by getting out early, like we have here, push a lot of the reforms."
Despite his criticisms of Obamacare, Braun thinks the Trump administration should stop siding with Republican state officials in a lawsuit that seeks to throw out the entire healthcare law. Braun isn't the only Republican in Congress who thinks that, but the comments contrast what he said when he was running for the Senate when he appeared to support the lawsuit.
But since that time, the rules in Obamacare that prevent insurers from turning away the sick or charging them more have become even more politically popular, to the notice of both Democrats and Republicans.
"It makes it confusing for anybody to really believe that the administration is interested in covering preexisting conditions," Braun said of the White House's position in the lawsuit.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-18--Public credits Trump more than Obama for booming economy

In the new fight between President Trump and former President Barack Obama over who did most for the economy , Gallup has an answer : Trump .
A solid majority said that Trump “ deserves '' the credit for the `` improvement in the state of the economy in the past few years.
” The survey found that 61 % give Trump credit .
Some 51 % said Obama deserves credit .
With polls over the last two months showing a surge in support for Trump ’ s handling of the economy and a general good feeling in the financial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been talking up the nation ’ s economic health .
But that was challenged this week when Obama tweeted that the economic boost started when he took steps to fix the banking and auto scare he inherited .
On Tuesday , he tweeted , `` Eleven years ago today , near the bottom of the worst recession in generations , I signed the Recovery Act , paving the way for more than a decade of economic growth and the longest streak of job creation in American history . ''
The Democrat included @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2009 stimulus package .
Trump responded : “ Did you hear the latest con job ?
President Obama is now trying to take credit for the Economic Boom taking place under the Trump Administration .
He had the WEAKEST recovery since the Great Depression , despite Zero Fed Rate & MASSIVE quantitative easing .
NOW , best jobs numbers ever .
Had to rebuild our military , which was totally depleted .
Fed Rate UP , taxes and regulations WAY DOWN .
If Dems won in 2016 , the USA would be in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ military trouble right now .
THE BEST IS YET TO COME .
KEEP AMERICA GREAT !
” Gallup found that the public is appreciative of both but credits Trump more .
In its “ bottom line , ” the Gallup analysis said , “ If Trump asks Americans whether they are better off than before he came into office , most would say they are .
Trump also gets more credit for recent economic improvements than Obama does , though majorities give both credit .
”

In the new fight between President Trump and former President Barack Obama over who did the most for the economy, Gallup has an answer: Trump.
A solid majority said that Trump “deserves" credit for the "improvement in the state of the economy in the past few years.”
The survey found that 62% give Trump credit. Some 51% said Obama deserves credit.
With polls over the last two months showing a surge in support for Trump’s handling of the economy and a general good feeling regarding the financial situation of the nation, the president has been talking up the nation’s economic health.
But that was challenged this week when Obama tweeted that the economic boost started when he took steps to fix the banking and auto scare he inherited.
Eleven years ago today, near the bottom of the worst recession in generations, I signed the Recovery Act, paving the way for more than a decade of economic growth and the longest streak of job creation in American history. pic.twitter.com/BmdXrxUAUf — Barack Obama (@BarackObama) February 17, 2020
On Tuesday, he tweeted, "Eleven years ago today, near the bottom of the worst recession in generations, I signed the Recovery Act, paving the way for more than a decade of economic growth and the longest streak of job creation in American history." The Democrat included a picture of his signature on the 2009 stimulus package.
Trump responded: “Did you hear the latest con job? President Obama is now trying to take credit for the Economic Boom taking place under the Trump Administration. He had the WEAKEST recovery since the Great Depression, despite Zero Fed Rate & MASSIVE quantitative easing. NOW, best jobs numbers ever. Had to rebuild our military, which was totally depleted. Fed Rate UP, taxes and regulations WAY DOWN. If Dems won in 2016, the USA would be in big economic (Depression?) & military trouble right now. THE BEST IS YET TO COME. KEEP AMERICA GREAT!”
Did you hear the latest con job? President Obama is now trying to take credit for the Economic Boom taking place under the Trump Administration. He had the WEAKEST recovery since the Great Depression, despite Zero Fed Rate & MASSIVE quantitative easing. NOW, best jobs numbers.... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 17, 2020
Gallup found that the public is appreciative of both but credits Trump more.
In its “bottom line,” the Gallup analysis said, “If Trump asks Americans whether they are better off than before he came into office, most would say they are. Trump also gets more credit for recent economic improvements than Obama does, though majorities give both credit.”


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-18--Bloomberg ‘taking all of Biden's support’ with women, moderates, older voters

Backed by $ 400 million in spending to build up his name recognition , former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg has surged into second place in the 2020 Democratic presidential race and is robbing onetime front-runner Joe Biden of his base of support , according to a new survey .
In his latest national survey , Sen. Bernie Sanders has a hold on the lead , with support from 24 % of likely Democratic primary voters .
Bloomberg is second , with 20 % and Biden at 18 % , according to a Zogby Analytics survey provided to Secrets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has jumped into second place with 20 % support , and has surpassed the damaged candidacy of former vice president Joe Biden.
” His poll is the latest to show the impact of Bloomberg ’ s frenzied spending to promote his campaign and Biden ’ s lackluster effort in the Iowa caucuses and New Hampshire primary .
As the race becomes a Bloomberg-Sanders fight to the finish , Zogby said that Biden was the victim and that voters who once backed his candidacy were switching to Bloomberg — not Sanders .
“ Bloomberg @ @ @ @ @ @ @ among key groups : mainly women , moderates , older voters , suburban voters , suburban women , and college-educated voters , ” Zogby said .
He added that Biden was promising to do better in the upcoming primaries , but added that it was fast becoming a do-or-die performance .
Biden , said Zogby in his analysis , “ is banking heavily on strong support from African American voters in South Carolina , and if he does n't win it outright his campaign could be game over .
”

Backed by $400 million in spending to build up his name recognition, former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg has surged into second place in the 2020 Democratic presidential race and is robbing onetime front-runner Joe Biden of his base of support, according to a new survey.
“Biden is hurting,” said pollster Jonathan Zogby.
In his latest national survey, Sen. Bernie Sanders has a hold on the lead, with support from 24% of likely Democratic primary voters.
Bloomberg is second, with 20% and Biden at 18%, according to a Zogby Analytics survey provided to Secrets.
Bloomberg, said Zogby, “has jumped into second place with 20% support, and has surpassed the damaged candidacy of former vice president Joe Biden.”
His poll is the latest to show the impact of Bloomberg’s frenzied spending to promote his campaign and Biden’s lackluster effort in the Iowa caucuses and New Hampshire primary.
As the race becomes a Bloomberg-Sanders fight to the finish, Zogby said that Biden was the victim and that voters who once backed his candidacy were switching to Bloomberg — not Sanders.
“Bloomberg is taking all of Biden's support among key groups: mainly women, moderates, older voters, suburban voters, suburban women, and college-educated voters,” Zogby said.
He added that Biden was promising to do better in the upcoming primaries, but added that it was fast becoming a do-or-die performance.
Biden, said Zogby in his analysis, “is banking heavily on strong support from African American voters in South Carolina, and if he doesn't win it outright his campaign could be game over.”


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-18--War auditor compares Afghan policy to ‘lobotomy’

The long-serving auditor of the U.S. war in Afghanistan said that administration after administration has swapped out top officials so often that it amounts to an “ annual lobotomy ” of institutional knowledge .
“ If we can not end the annual lobotomy , we should at least mitigate its impact , ” said John F. Sopko , the special inspector general for Afghanistan reconstruction .
“ I assumed my current post in 2012 .
I ’ m now working with my fifth U.S. ambassador to Afghanistan , my sixth NATO and U.S. commanding general , and eighth head of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assist command .
Some 80 % of the U.S. embassy departs each summer , and most of the U.S. military assigned to Afghanistan is deployed for a year or less , ” he told a hearing led by Republican war critic , Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul .
Just as bad , some diplomats are ignorant of the area .
One example : The United States sent in officials “ who did not know the difference between al Qaeda and the Taliban , ” he said , speaking before this week 's latest news @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a peace deal with the Taliban .
His audits have become famous inside some Washington circles for detailing corruption in the war-torn nation .
Paul called Sopko “ great.
” While he wouldn ’ t comment on leaving Afghanistan , Sopko did suggest that , short of a permanent U.S. staff , “ we should listen ” to Afghan officials “ who have greater institutional and historical knowledge than their U.S. counterparts .
”

The long-serving auditor of the U.S. war in Afghanistan said that administration after administration has swapped out top officials so often that it amounts to an “annual lobotomy” of institutional knowledge.
“If we cannot end the annual lobotomy, we should at least mitigate its impact,” said John F. Sopko, the special inspector general for Afghanistan reconstruction.
“I assumed my current post in 2012. I’m now working with my fifth U.S. ambassador to Afghanistan, my sixth NATO and U.S. commanding general, and eighth head of the U.S. train, advise, and assist command. Some 80% of the U.S. embassy departs each summer, and most of the U.S. military assigned to Afghanistan is deployed for a year or less,” he told a hearing led by Republican war critic, Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul.
Just as bad, some diplomats are ignorant of the area. One example: The United States sent in officials “who did not know the difference between al Qaeda and the Taliban,” he said, speaking before this week's latest news that the U.S. is newly hopeful for a peace deal with the Taliban.
His audits have become famous inside some Washington circles for detailing corruption in the war-torn nation. Paul called Sopko “great.”
While he wouldn’t comment on leaving Afghanistan, Sopko did suggest that, short of a permanent U.S. staff, “we should listen” to Afghan officials “who have greater institutional and historical knowledge than their U.S. counterparts.”


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-18--'Some guy wearing a dress': Bloomberg once called transgender people 'it'

Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg made controversial remarks about transgender people while discussing priorities of various issues within the Democratic Party .
Bloomberg chided the Democratic Party for its focus on social issues , such as gender dysphoria , during a March 2019 forum hosted by the Bermuda Business Development Agency .
`` If your conversation during a presidential election is about some guy wearing a dress and whether 'he , ' 'she , ' or 'it ' can go to the locker room with their daughter , that 's not a winning formula for most people .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ he believes voters care more about the issues of healthcare , education , and public safety .
He later blamed the Democratic Party for aiding the election of President Trump because they moved `` so far left . ''
“ You can understand if you take a look at the Democratic Party .
They are so far left that , two years ago , there was nobody on their side that would take these positions , and , today , virtually all the candidates for president of the Democratic Party have been so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know what 'progressive ' means.
” Bloomberg made the comments just months before announcing his candidacy for president .
A Bloomberg campaign representative addressed the comments in a statement to BuzzFeed : '' Mike understands that the transgender community has been under attack for decades and the advance of rights has not been equal .
In April 2002 , during his first year as mayor , Mike signed a sweeping transgender civil rights bill into law .
His company provides comprehensive healthcare coverage for his transgender employees .
As president , he has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transgender Americans , including passing the Equality Act , ensuring transgender people have access to affirming healthcare and working to end the crisis of violence against transgender women .
Mike is running to defeat Donald Trump and reverse the many policies he has implemented that attack the rights of the transgender community . ''
Bloomberg 's comments echo statements he made in 2016 while at an event at Oxford University in which he said the `` the vast bulk of people '' do n't empathize with issues raised by the `` intelligentsia .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ if somebody is a good salesman , give him the job of going to the Midwest and picking a town and selling to that town the concept that some man wearing a dress should be in a locker room with their daughter , '' Bloomberg said .
`` If you can sell that , you can sell anything .
They just look at you , and they say , 'What on Earth are you talking about ? '
''

Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg made controversial remarks about transgender people while discussing priorities of various issues within the Democratic Party.
Bloomberg chided the Democratic Party for its focus on social issues, such as gender dysphoria, during a March 2019 forum hosted by the Bermuda Business Development Agency. "If your conversation during a presidential election is about some guy wearing a dress and whether 'he,' 'she,' or 'it' can go to the locker room with their daughter, that's not a winning formula for most people."
Bloomberg then went on to say he believes voters care more about the issues of healthcare, education, and public safety. He later blamed the Democratic Party for aiding the election of President Trump because they moved "so far left."
“You can understand if you take a look at the Democratic Party. They are so far left that, two years ago, there was nobody on their side that would take these positions, and, today, virtually all the candidates for president of the Democratic Party have been so 'progressive.' I don’t know what 'progressive' means.” Bloomberg made the comments just months before announcing his candidacy for president.
A Bloomberg campaign representative addressed the comments in a statement to BuzzFeed:
"Mike understands that the transgender community has been under attack for decades and the advance of rights has not been equal. In April 2002, during his first year as mayor, Mike signed a sweeping transgender civil rights bill into law. His company provides comprehensive healthcare coverage for his transgender employees. As president, he has a comprehensive plan to secure rights for transgender Americans, including passing the Equality Act, ensuring transgender people have access to affirming healthcare and working to end the crisis of violence against transgender women. Mike is running to defeat Donald Trump and reverse the many policies he has implemented that attack the rights of the transgender community."
Bloomberg's comments echo statements he made in 2016 while at an event at Oxford University in which he said the "the vast bulk of people" don't empathize with issues raised by the "intelligentsia."
"If you want to know if somebody is a good salesman, give him the job of going to the Midwest and picking a town and selling to that town the concept that some man wearing a dress should be in a locker room with their daughter," Bloomberg said. "If you can sell that, you can sell anything. They just look at you, and they say, 'What on Earth are you talking about?'"


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-18--'Isn’t that called a payoff?': Trump accuses Bloomberg of 'illegal campaign' contributions

President Trump accused former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg of trying to buy the presidency and claimed the billionaire was guilty of illegal campaign spending .
`` What Mini Mike is doing is nothing less than a large scale illegal campaign contribution , '' Trump tweeted Tuesday .
`` He is 'spreading ' money all over the place , only to have recipients of his cash payments , many former opponents , happily joining or supporting his campaign .
Isn ’ t that called a payoff ? ''
`` Mini is illegally buying the Democrat Nomination .
They are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mini Mike , Major Party Nominations are not for sale !
Good luck in the debate tomorrow night and remember , no standing on boxes ! ''
he added .
Trump 's comments follow Bloomberg 's spending in the 2020 Democratic primary surpassing $ 400 million just for ads .
Sen. Bernie Sanders , one of the front-runners , has spent just over $ 40 million in comparison .
Bloomberg is currently third in the polls for the Democratic presidential nomination , with slightly under 15 % support .
Sanders has come out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the first two states that have voted , but he is behind Pete Buttigieg in the delegate count .

President Trump accused former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg of trying to buy the presidency and claimed the billionaire was guilty of illegal campaign spending.
"What Mini Mike is doing is nothing less than a large scale illegal campaign contribution," Trump tweeted Tuesday. "He is 'spreading' money all over the place, only to have recipients of his cash payments, many former opponents, happily joining or supporting his campaign. Isn’t that called a payoff?"
"Mini is illegally buying the Democrat Nomination. They are taking it away from Bernie again. Mini Mike, Major Party Nominations are not for sale! Good luck in the debate tomorrow night and remember, no standing on boxes!" he added.
.....Mini is illegally buying the Democrat Nomination. They are taking it away from Bernie again. Mini Mike, Major Party Nominations are not for sale! Good luck in the debate tomorrow night and remember, no standing on boxes! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 18, 2020
Trump's comments follow Bloomberg's spending in the 2020 Democratic primary surpassing $400 million just for ads. Sen. Bernie Sanders, one of the front-runners, has spent just over $40 million in comparison.
Bloomberg is currently third in the polls for the Democratic presidential nomination, with slightly under 15% support. Sanders has come out on top in the popular vote totals in the first two states that have voted, but he is behind Pete Buttigieg in the delegate count.
[Opinion: Mike Bloomberg's rise reveals the Democrats' rank hypocrisy]


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-18--Fascist Mussolini shirt pictured in Bernie Sanders campaign mailer

The Bernie Sanders campaign sent information to voters that included propaganda imagery from Italian dictator Benito Mussolini 's National Fascist Party .
A man pictured in the Sanders campaign leaflet sent to Nevada voters by mail ahead of the state 's Feb. 22 Democratic caucuses wears a black shirt with white lettering saying , `` SI SI SI '' ( translating to `` YES YES YES '' ) , and a white face under his tan suit jacket .
The image is a recreation of propaganda that pictured a large Mussolini stone face on the facade of the National Fascist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Braschi .
Similar shirts and clothing with the image of Mussolini 's head sell online for around $ 20 .
Mussolini , who was a socialist before founding Italy 's fascist party , became prime minister of Italy in 1922 , and in 1925 , made Italy a fascist state and himself the leader , `` Il Duce . ''
In the Italian fascist state , there was no free press , the influence of the courts were reduced , and political opponents were imprisoned .
Adolf Hitler modeled his fascist takeover of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the two were allies in World War II .
The `` SI SI SI '' facade was propaganda for the 1934 election , in which electors could only vote `` yes '' or `` no '' on a list of candidates created by Mussolini .
Critics of Mussolini made fun of Mussolini 's ominous face by calling him `` Testa di Morto , '' translating to `` Death 's Head , '' and he was removed from power in 1943 following weakened positioned in the war and bombing of Rome by Allied forces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ senator , who calls himself a `` democratic socialist , '' have warned that his radical ideas could lead to a disastrous situation similar to the failed Italian state , though Mussolini was expelled from the socialist party in 1914 .
`` Since so-called Democratic Socialists have forgotten or never learned the lessons of history , and how their ideology is incompatible with freedom , I guess we have to remind or teach them , '' Republican Texas Sen. John Cornyn tweeted last year , explaining why he tweeted a quote from Mussolini @ @ @ @ @ @ @ few Benito Mussolinis in the Democratic field , '' a Republican National Committee spokesperson said last year .
Sanders has pushed back on concerns that his democratic socialist label could harm his chances in the general election and down-ballot centrist Democrats if he is the nominee .
`` Our agenda is precisely the agenda that the overwhelming majority of the American people want , '' Sanders said on CNN 's State of the Union earlier this month .
He also pushed back on inaccurate descriptions of his ideology .
`` Obviously , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said on Fox News Sunday earlier this month while responding to President Trump calling him a communist , adding that Trump is a `` pathological liar '' and `` maybe he doesn ’ t '' know the difference between a socialist and a communist .
Sanders 's efforts to distance himself from brutal regimes , however , could be undermined by his Nevada operation distributing an image with the Mussolini propaganda .
The Sanders campaign did not respond to request for comment about the Mussolini shirt .

The Bernie Sanders campaign sent information to voters that included propaganda imagery from Italian dictator Benito Mussolini's National Fascist Party.
A man pictured in the Sanders campaign leaflet sent to Nevada voters by mail ahead of the state's Feb. 22 Democratic caucuses wears a black shirt with white lettering saying, "SI SI SI" (translating to "YES YES YES"), and a white face under his tan suit jacket. The image is a recreation of propaganda that pictured a large Mussolini stone face on the facade of the National Fascist Party headquarters in Rome, the Palazzo Braschi.
Bernie Sanders campaign liturature sent to voters that pictures man wearing Mussolini shirt.
Similar shirts and clothing with the image of Mussolini's head sell online for around $20.
Mussolini, who was a socialist before founding Italy's fascist party, became prime minister of Italy in 1922, and in 1925, made Italy a fascist state and himself the leader, "Il Duce." In the Italian fascist state, there was no free press, the influence of the courts were reduced, and political opponents were imprisoned. Adolf Hitler modeled his fascist takeover of Germany on Mussolini's ascent, and the two were allies in World War II.
The "SI SI SI" facade was propaganda for the 1934 election, in which electors could only vote "yes" or "no" on a list of candidates created by Mussolini. Critics of Mussolini made fun of Mussolini's ominous face by calling him "Testa di Morto," translating to "Death's Head," and he was removed from power in 1943 following weakened positioned in the war and bombing of Rome by Allied forces.
FILE - File photo dated Sept. 28, 1938 showing Italian dictator Benito Mussolini, at left in foreground, and Nazi leader Adolf Hitler, at right, taken just before the four power conference in Munich, Germany. As a gesture of friendship, Hitler met Mussolini with his car at the Italo-German frontier. Benito Mussolini was a fierce anti-Semite, who proudly said that his hatred for Jews preceded Adolf Hitler's and vowed to "destroy them all," according to previously unpublished diaries by the Fascist dictator's longtime mistress. According to the diaries, Mussolini also talked about the warm reception he got from Hitler at the 1938 Munich conference - he called the German leader a "softie" - and attacked Pope Pius XI for his criticism of Nazism and Fascism. The dairies kept by Claretta Petacci, Mussolini's mistress, between 1932 and 1938 are the subject of a book coming out the week beginning Monday Nov. 16, 2009, in Italy, entitled "Secret Mussolini." Excerpts were published Monday by Italy's leading daily Corriere della Sera and confirmed by publisher Rizzoli. On a more intimate note, Mussolini was explicit about his sexual appetites for his mistress and said he regretted having affairs with several other women. (AP Photo/File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Critics of Sanders, a Vermont senator, who calls himself a "democratic socialist," have warned that his radical ideas could lead to a disastrous situation similar to the failed Italian state, though Mussolini was expelled from the socialist party in 1914.
"Since so-called Democratic Socialists have forgotten or never learned the lessons of history, and how their ideology is incompatible with freedom, I guess we have to remind or teach them," Republican Texas Sen. John Cornyn tweeted last year, explaining why he tweeted a quote from Mussolini.
"I do see quite a few Benito Mussolinis in the Democratic field," a Republican National Committee spokesperson said last year.
Sanders has pushed back on concerns that his democratic socialist label could harm his chances in the general election and down-ballot centrist Democrats if he is the nominee.
"Our agenda is precisely the agenda that the overwhelming majority of the American people want," Sanders said on CNN's State of the Union earlier this month.
He also pushed back on inaccurate descriptions of his ideology.
"Obviously, I am not a communist," Sanders said on Fox News Sunday earlier this month while responding to President Trump calling him a communist, adding that Trump is a "pathological liar" and "maybe he doesn’t" know the difference between a socialist and a communist.
Sanders's efforts to distance himself from brutal regimes, however, could be undermined by his Nevada operation distributing an image with the Mussolini propaganda.
The Sanders campaign did not respond to request for comment about the Mussolini shirt.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-18--Warren blasts 'egomaniac billionaire' Bloomberg ahead of Nevada debate

Sen. Elizabeth Warren condemned rival Democratic presidential candidate Michael Bloomberg a day before the two will face off in a debate in Las Vegas , Nevada .
The Massachusetts Democrat criticized the inclusion of the former New York City mayor , saying he `` bought his way '' into the debate after the Democratic National Committee loosened the requirements for participation in the ninth Democratic debate .
`` It ’ s a shame Mike Bloomberg can buy his way into the debate , '' tweeted Warren .
`` But at least now primary voters curious about how each candidate will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ live demonstration of how we each take on an egomaniac billionaire . ''
Bloomberg has risen sharply in national and Super Tuesday polling , surpassing support for former Vice President Joe Biden , former South Bend , Indiana , Mayor Pete Buttigieg , Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar , and Warren .
Bloomberg is expected to be attacked over his support of stop and frisk and for the massive amount of money he has spent nationwide ahead of the critical Super Tuesday primaries in early March .
Warren has seen her support drop dramatically @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attacking Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont over comments he allegedly made about a woman being unable to beat President Trump in 2020 .

Sen. Elizabeth Warren condemned rival Democratic presidential candidate Michael Bloomberg a day before the two will face off in a debate in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The Massachusetts Democrat criticized the inclusion of the former New York City mayor, saying he "bought his way" into the debate after the Democratic National Committee loosened the requirements for participation in the ninth Democratic debate.
"It’s a shame Mike Bloomberg can buy his way into the debate," tweeted Warren. "But at least now primary voters curious about how each candidate will take on Donald Trump can get a live demonstration of how we each take on an egomaniac billionaire."
[Related: Warren trashes 'unlimited spending' of billionaire Bloomberg]
It’s a shame Mike Bloomberg can buy his way into the debate. But at least now primary voters curious about how each candidate will take on Donald Trump can get a live demonstration of how we each take on an egomaniac billionaire. https://t.co/H02radEZcv — Elizabeth Warren (@ewarren) February 18, 2020
Bloomberg has risen sharply in national and Super Tuesday polling, surpassing support for former Vice President Joe Biden, former South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg, Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar, and Warren. Bloomberg is expected to be attacked over his support of stop and frisk and for the massive amount of money he has spent nationwide ahead of the critical Super Tuesday primaries in early March.
Warren has seen her support drop dramatically after proposing a multitrillion-dollar healthcare plan and attacking Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont over comments he allegedly made about a woman being unable to beat President Trump in 2020.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-18--Hillary Clinton shuts down rumors of being Bloomberg running mate

Hillary Clinton said she would not consider being Michael Bloomberg ’ s vice presidential candidate should the former New York City mayor win the Democratic Party ’ s nomination .
“ Oh , no .
I ’ m just waiting and watching as this plays out .
I will support whoever the nominee is because I think , for all the reasons you can imagine , and here in Puerto Rico there are many , we need to have a new president for our country , ” the former secretary of state and 2016 Democratic presidential nominee said at a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Puerto Rico , on Tuesday .
Clinton ’ s remarks came in response to a moderator 's question about a report by Matt Drudge claiming Bloomberg , 78 , was considering asking Clinton , 72 , to join his presidential ticket .
On Saturday , Drudge posted a report on his site that sources close to the billionaire 's team said he was considering offering Clinton the slot after polling suggested the combo would go over well with voters .
Earlier this month , Clinton said she wouldn ’ t be running @ @ @ @ @ @ @ open to serving on another candidate ’ s ticket .
`` I never say never , because I do believe in serving my country , but it ’ s not going to happen , ” Clinton told talk show host Ellen DeGeneres .

Hillary Clinton said she would not consider being Michael Bloomberg’s vice presidential candidate should the former New York City mayor win the Democratic Party’s nomination.
“Oh, no. I’m just waiting and watching as this plays out. I will support whoever the nominee is because I think, for all the reasons you can imagine, and here in Puerto Rico there are many, we need to have a new president for our country,” the former secretary of state and 2016 Democratic presidential nominee said at a Clinton Global Initiative event in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on Tuesday.
Clinton’s remarks came in response to a moderator's question about a report by Matt Drudge claiming Bloomberg, 78, was considering asking Clinton, 72, to join his presidential ticket.
On Saturday, Drudge posted a report on his site that sources close to the billionaire's team said he was considering offering Clinton the slot after polling suggested the combo would go over well with voters.
Earlier this month, Clinton said she wouldn’t be running for president a third time but appeared open to serving on another candidate’s ticket.
"I never say never, because I do believe in serving my country, but it’s not going to happen,” Clinton told talk show host Ellen DeGeneres.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-18--Bernie Sanders crowd sizes dwarf 2020 Democratic rivals

Bernie Sanders 's presidential campaign , much like President Trump , loves to boast about crowd sizes .
Having attracted tens of thousands of people to a Presidents Day event , the Vermont senator and 2020 Democrat has some bragging rights .
A press release from the Sanders campaign claimed over 50,000 cumulatively attended rallies in five states from Saturday through Friday .
In addition , over 4 million viewed the livestreams of the events online , the campaign said .
“ Bernie has built a multiracial , multi-generational , people-driven movement for change that has broad support across the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Shakir said in a written statement .
“ This is the kind of energy and excitement that will defeat Donald Trump in November and usher in the political revolution that this country badly needs.
” Turnout was bolstered by a number of supporter events that were held in North Carolina , Nevada , Colorado , California , and Washington .
Celebrities such as Susan Sarandon and Danny Glover hosted events in North Carolina and South Carolina .
And the crew campaigning for Sanders in Nevada ahead of Saturday 's caucuses included New York @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Attorney General Keith Ellison , a doctor and former Michigan gubernatorial candidate , state Sen. Jessica Ramos of New York , labor activist Jose La Luz , and Missouri congressional candidate Cori Bush .
Political pros caution against reading too much into candidate crowd sizes , since they often distort actual Election Day support .
But previous crowd size estimates by the Sanders campaign have been largely accurate , after attempts to verify them by the Washington Examiner .
The Sanders campaign often points to its crowd sizes , akin to President Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that it has more energy than its rivals .
In October , Sanders held the largest rally of the campaign so far , in Queens , New York .
Nearly 26,000 came out to hear speeches by Sanders , 78 , liberal filmmaker Michael Moore , and Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez , 30 , which took place just weeks after the candidate suffered a heart attack .

Bernie Sanders's presidential campaign, much like President Trump, loves to boast about crowd sizes.
Having attracted tens of thousands of people to a Presidents Day event, the Vermont senator and 2020 Democrat has some bragging rights.
A press release from the Sanders campaign claimed over 50,000 cumulatively attended rallies in five states from Saturday through Friday. In addition, over 4 million viewed the livestreams of the events online, the campaign said.
“Bernie has built a multiracial, multi-generational, people-driven movement for change that has broad support across the country,” Sanders campaign manager Faiz Shakir said in a written statement. “This is the kind of energy and excitement that will defeat Donald Trump in November and usher in the political revolution that this country badly needs.”
Turnout was bolstered by a number of supporter events that were held in North Carolina, Nevada, Colorado, California, and Washington. Celebrities such as Susan Sarandon and Danny Glover hosted events in North Carolina and South Carolina. And the crew campaigning for Sanders in Nevada ahead of Saturday's caucuses included New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, a doctor and former Michigan gubernatorial candidate, state Sen. Jessica Ramos of New York, labor activist Jose La Luz, and Missouri congressional candidate Cori Bush.
Political pros caution against reading too much into candidate crowd sizes, since they often distort actual Election Day support. But previous crowd size estimates by the Sanders campaign have been largely accurate, after attempts to verify them by the Washington Examiner.
The Sanders campaign often points to its crowd sizes, akin to President Trump in the 2016 campaign, as evidence that it has more energy than its rivals.
In October, Sanders held the largest rally of the campaign so far, in Queens, New York. Nearly 26,000 came out to hear speeches by Sanders, 78, liberal filmmaker Michael Moore, and Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, 30, which took place just weeks after the candidate suffered a heart attack.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-18--Wife of reporter says Bloomberg tried to ‘ruin’ family after she spoke out against China

The wife of a former Bloomberg News reporter claimed Michael Bloomberg threatened to “ ruin ” her family to protect his company ’ s ties to China .
Leta Hong Fincher , whose husband , Michael Forsythe , now writes for the New York Times , accused the former New York City mayor of trying to ruin her family financially after she revealed that they had been threatened by Chinese authorities over negative coverage about Chinese Communist Party leader Xi Jinping .
In an editorial for the Intercept , Fincher explained that Forsythe had written a story for Bloomberg News @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s family became incredibly wealthy when he took over party leadership .
After that story was published , Fincher received threats against her young children , who were 6 and 8 years old at the time .
Bloomberg News urged the family not to speak out about the threats .
Fincher stayed quiet until October 2012 , when a separate story in the New York Times revealed that other reporters had been threatened .
She tweeted , “ Now that NYT has gone public about Chinese govt pressure , I can admit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ story on Xi Jinping.
” Bloomberg News demanded that Fincher pull the tweets down .
She refused but agreed to stop discussing the issue online .
In 2013 , Forsythe had been working on a story similar to the story about Xi ’ s family raking in cash .
Just before the story was set to publish , Bloomberg knifed the story over fears that they would be “ kicked out of China.
” Bloomberg , who was mayor of New York City at the time , denied that he had killed the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that we ’ re wusses and not willing to stand up and write stories that are of interest to the public and that are factually correct.
” Shortly after he made those remarks , Fincher and Forsythe were ordered to sign a nondisclosure agreement .
Fincher wrote , “ Bloomberg lawyers in Hong Kong threatened to devastate my family financially by forcing us to repay the company for our relocation fees to Hong Kong from Beijing and the advance on my husband ’ s salary that we took out , leave us with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take me to court if I did not sign a nondisclosure agreement — even though I had never been a Bloomberg employee.
” Fincher claimed that Bloomberg ’ s attorney was going to demand that they pay thousands of dollars to the company , including his legal fees , if she didn ’ t sign the agreement , despite not being an employee of the company .
She hired the same attorneys who defended Edward Snowden to help her with the case , which Bloomberg eventually dropped .
“ My story shows the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to in order to avoid offending Beijing , ” Fincher wrote .
“ Bloomberg ’ s company , Bloomberg LP , is so dependent on the vast China market for its business that its lawyers threatened to devastate my family financially if I didn ’ t sign an NDA silencing me about how Bloomberg News killed a story critical of Chinese Communist Party leaders.
” Fincher noted that she believed there were many similar stories out there against Bloomberg that have been silenced by nondisclosure agreements .
“ I haven ’ t met @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by disclosures ] , but I imagine that they , too , may have experienced the same terror of being threatened by a multibillion-dollar corporation , which could ruin their lives if they did not comply , ” Fincher wrote .
“ Even now , I am nervous about the consequences of speaking out .
But the more of us speak out , the stronger we are.
” The billionaire has been known to meddle in the newsroom owned by his company , Bloomberg LP .
When he announced his presidential bid , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its policy of not investigating Bloomberg or his finances .
Instead , it decided to halt all investigations into 2020 Democrats but agreed to continue digging into the Trump administration and campaign .
Bloomberg , 78 , in a recent national poll , trailing only Sen. Bernie Sanders .
The billionaire ’ s strong showing in the poll also qualified him for his first debate appearance on Wednesday in Nevada .

The wife of a former Bloomberg News reporter claimed Michael Bloomberg threatened to “ruin” her family to protect his company’s ties to China.
Leta Hong Fincher, whose husband, Michael Forsythe, now writes for the New York Times, accused the former New York City mayor of trying to ruin her family financially after she revealed that they had been threatened by Chinese authorities over negative coverage about Chinese Communist Party leader Xi Jinping.
In an editorial for the Intercept, Fincher explained that Forsythe had written a story for Bloomberg News in June 2012 that described how Xi’s family became incredibly wealthy when he took over party leadership. After that story was published, Fincher received threats against her young children, who were 6 and 8 years old at the time. Bloomberg News urged the family not to speak out about the threats.
Fincher stayed quiet until October 2012, when a separate story in the New York Times revealed that other reporters had been threatened. She tweeted, “Now that NYT has gone public about Chinese govt pressure, I can admit that we got death threats after Bloomberg story on Xi Jinping.”
Bloomberg News demanded that Fincher pull the tweets down. She refused but agreed to stop discussing the issue online. In 2013, Forsythe had been working on a story similar to the story about Xi’s family raking in cash. Just before the story was set to publish, Bloomberg knifed the story over fears that they would be “kicked out of China.”
Bloomberg, who was mayor of New York City at the time, denied that he had killed the story, saying, “Nobody thinks that we’re wusses and not willing to stand up and write stories that are of interest to the public and that are factually correct.”
Shortly after he made those remarks, Fincher and Forsythe were ordered to sign a nondisclosure agreement. Fincher wrote, “Bloomberg lawyers in Hong Kong threatened to devastate my family financially by forcing us to repay the company for our relocation fees to Hong Kong from Beijing and the advance on my husband’s salary that we took out, leave us with no health insurance or income, and take me to court if I did not sign a nondisclosure agreement — even though I had never been a Bloomberg employee.”
Fincher claimed that Bloomberg’s attorney was going to demand that they pay thousands of dollars to the company, including his legal fees, if she didn’t sign the agreement, despite not being an employee of the company. She hired the same attorneys who defended Edward Snowden to help her with the case, which Bloomberg eventually dropped.
“My story shows the lengths that the Bloomberg machine will go to in order to avoid offending Beijing,” Fincher wrote. “Bloomberg’s company, Bloomberg LP, is so dependent on the vast China market for its business that its lawyers threatened to devastate my family financially if I didn’t sign an NDA silencing me about how Bloomberg News killed a story critical of Chinese Communist Party leaders.”
Fincher noted that she believed there were many similar stories out there against Bloomberg that have been silenced by nondisclosure agreements.
“I haven’t met any of the other women [bound by disclosures], but I imagine that they, too, may have experienced the same terror of being threatened by a multibillion-dollar corporation, which could ruin their lives if they did not comply,” Fincher wrote. “Even now, I am nervous about the consequences of speaking out. But the more of us speak out, the stronger we are.”
The billionaire has been known to meddle in the newsroom owned by his company, Bloomberg LP. When he announced his presidential bid, Bloomberg News announced that it would continue its policy of not investigating Bloomberg or his finances. Instead, it decided to halt all investigations into 2020 Democrats but agreed to continue digging into the Trump administration and campaign.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-18--WATCH: The View cuts to commercial after Meghan McCain accuses hosts of 'piss-poor' job defending De

WATCH: The View cuts to commercial after Meghan McCain accuses hosts of 'piss-poor' job defending Democrats

Meghan McCain slammed her fellow co-hosts on The View for doing a poor job of convincing her to vote for a Democrat in the 2020 presidential election .
`` It ’ s so interesting that you have a problem that we are talking about a candidate the way we would any other candidate , '' McCain told Joy Behar of candidate Michael Bloomberg during Tuesday 's show .
`` He just happens to be at the top getting the attention right now , which is why we ’ re talking about him right now .
What ?
I ’ m @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Not on this show . ''
`` I would like to know who you are going to vote for .
Who are you voting for ? ''
Behar responded .
`` Who I vote for is none of your business , '' McCain fired back , nearly shouting .
`` But I am not voting for Trump , and I 'm sure as hell am not voting for Bloomberg . ''
Whoopi Goldberg then cut the segment short and sent the show to commercial after McCain told the rest of the panel they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of convincing her to vote for any 2020 Democrat .
The comments come during a time McCain has clashed fiercely with her co-hosts .
Earlier this month , sparks reportedly flew off-camera with McCain nearly walking off the set after Goldberg lectured her on the air .
The co-hosts ' most high-profile fight came in December when Goldberg told the conservative host to `` stop talking , '' which promoted McCain to say she would not speak for the rest of the show .
Goldberg later called the moment `` off-the-rails , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Meghan McCain slammed her fellow co-hosts on The View for doing a poor job of convincing her to vote for a Democrat in the 2020 presidential election.
"It’s so interesting that you have a problem that we are talking about a candidate the way we would any other candidate," McCain told Joy Behar of candidate Michael Bloomberg during Tuesday's show. "He just happens to be at the top getting the attention right now, which is why we’re talking about him right now. What? I’m supposed to give Bloomberg a pass? Not on this show."
"I would like to know who you are going to vote for. Who are you voting for?" Behar responded.
"Who I vote for is none of your business," McCain fired back, nearly shouting. "But I am not voting for Trump, and I'm sure as hell am not voting for Bloomberg."
[Related: Meghan McCain accuses Joy Behar of 'shilling' for Bloomberg]
Whoopi Goldberg then cut the segment short and sent the show to commercial after McCain told the rest of the panel they had done a "piss-poor" job of convincing her to vote for any 2020 Democrat.
The comments come during a time McCain has clashed fiercely with her co-hosts. Earlier this month, sparks reportedly flew off-camera with McCain nearly walking off the set after Goldberg lectured her on the air.
The co-hosts' most high-profile fight came in December when Goldberg told the conservative host to "stop talking," which promoted McCain to say she would not speak for the rest of the show. Goldberg later called the moment "off-the-rails," and the pair eventually made amends.