politicususa--2020-07-22--Trump Pressured The British Government To Drum Up Business For His Scotland Golf Resort

A stunning report published Tuesday by The New York Times revealed that Donald Trump used the power of the presidency to pressure a foreign government into ginning up business for his golf resort in Scotland .
According to the report , “ The American ambassador to Britain , Robert Wood Johnson IV , told multiple colleagues in February 2018 that President Trump had asked him to see if the British government could help steer the world-famous and lucrative British Open golf tournament to the Trump Turnberry resort in Scotland , according to three people with knowledge of the episode.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , this scheme to rake in a massive amount of money for his golf resort is similar to the Ukraine scandal over which he was impeached last year .
In this case , Trump was seeking a favor that would put money directly in his pocket , as opposed to a political favor related to his current Democratic opponent , Joe Biden .
“ He wanted the British government to help put money in his pocket by sending major , major business to his golf resort in Britain , ” Maddow said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ State Department that they should talk to the British government about drumming up business for his resort .
” I know what you ’ re thinking , right ?
President Trump using his power as president , using the U.S. government , to pressure a foreign government to do him a favor , using the office of the presidency to benefit himself .
Career civil servants forced from their posts after raising alarms about what was happening .
We have seen a version of the movie before , right , we have .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ being impeached in December .
But what this new report in The New York Times tonight describes does differ from the Ukraine debacle in one key way .
When President Trump was pressuring the Ukrainian government , using the powers of the U.S. government to pressure the Ukrainian government to give him dirt on Joe Biden that he could use in the election , he was pushing that foreign government for a political favor .
What he appears to have been trying to get from the British government here was money , was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a basically a personal financial favor that would put money in his own pocket .
He wanted the British government to help put money in his pocket by sending major , major business to his golf resort in Britain .
And so he used the presidency , he used the U.S. government , he directed employees of the U.S. State Department that they should talk to the British government about drumming up business for his resort .
So far the White House has no comment on this reporting from The Times .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ refused to do : Remove Trump from office Donald Trump behaves this way in part because it ’ s the way he ’ s conducted himself his entire life .
It ’ s just who he is .
To Trump , all that matters is lining his pockets , no matter what laws are skirted or people are hurt along the way .
Since becoming president , however , Trump has the added bonus of being protected by a Republican Party that has no problem with his constant abuses of power for personal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Trump ’ s foreign pressure scheme with Ukraine was impeachment by the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives .
But it was followed by a quick acquittal via the Senate GOP ’ s sham trial .
In November , voters will have the opportunity to rewrite the end of that story and do what Republicans refused to do when it mattered most : remove Donald Trump from office .

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A stunning report published Tuesday by The New York Times revealed that Donald Trump used the power of the presidency to pressure a foreign government into ginning up business for his golf resort in Scotland.
According to the report, “The American ambassador to Britain, Robert Wood Johnson IV, told multiple colleagues in February 2018 that President Trump had asked him to see if the British government could help steer the world-famous and lucrative British Open golf tournament to the Trump Turnberry resort in Scotland, according to three people with knowledge of the episode.”
As Rachel Maddow pointed out on Tuesday, this scheme to rake in a massive amount of money for his golf resort is similar to the Ukraine scandal over which he was impeached last year.
In this case, Trump was seeking a favor that would put money directly in his pocket, as opposed to a political favor related to his current Democratic opponent, Joe Biden.
“He wanted the British government to help put money in his pocket by sending major, major business to his golf resort in Britain,” Maddow said. “He directed employees of the U.S. State Department that they should talk to the British government about drumming up business for his resort. ”
Video:
Rachel Maddow explains another bombshell piece of reporting from The New York Times that reveals Trump pressured a foreign government to drum up business for his golf resort in Scotland. #ctl #p2 #maddow pic.twitter.com/8sTnf7K8I8 — PoliticusUSA (@politicususa) July 22, 2020
Maddow said:
I know what you’re thinking, right? President Trump using his power as president, using the U.S. government, to pressure a foreign government to do him a favor, using the office of the presidency to benefit himself. Career civil servants forced from their posts after raising alarms about what was happening. We have seen a version of the movie before, right, we have. The last time it ended with him being impeached in December. But what this new report in The New York Times tonight describes does differ from the Ukraine debacle in one key way. When President Trump was pressuring the Ukrainian government, using the powers of the U.S. government to pressure the Ukrainian government to give him dirt on Joe Biden that he could use in the election, he was pushing that foreign government for a political favor. What he appears to have been trying to get from the British government here was money, was a business favor for his business, was a basically a personal financial favor that would put money in his own pocket. He wanted the British government to help put money in his pocket by sending major, major business to his golf resort in Britain. And so he used the presidency, he used the U.S. government, he directed employees of the U.S. State Department that they should talk to the British government about drumming up business for his resort. So far the White House has no comment on this reporting from The Times.
The American people must do what Republicans refused to do: Remove Trump from office
Donald Trump behaves this way in part because it’s the way he’s conducted himself his entire life. It’s just who he is. To Trump, all that matters is lining his pockets, no matter what laws are skirted or people are hurt along the way.
Since becoming president, however, Trump has the added bonus of being protected by a Republican Party that has no problem with his constant abuses of power for personal or political gain.
The end result of Trump’s foreign pressure scheme with Ukraine was impeachment by the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives. But it was followed by a quick acquittal via the Senate GOP’s sham trial.
In November, voters will have the opportunity to rewrite the end of that story and do what Republicans refused to do when it mattered most: remove Donald Trump from office.
Follow Sean Colarossi on Facebook and Twitter


politicususa--2020-07-23--Trump Says He Will “Pressure” Governors to Reopen Schools

Speaking at a White House event earlier today , President Donald Trump said he will “ pressure ” governors to reopen schools amid the coronavirus pandemic .
The president suggested , without evidence , areas that support closures are doing so for “ political reasons.
” “ They think it ’ s going to be good for them politically , so they keep the schools closed , ” he said .
“ No way .
We ’ re very much going to put pressure on governors and everybody else to open the schools , to get them open.
” Republicans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s call to withhold federal funds from schools that don ’ t reopen .
“ I ’ m not a big fan of doing anything where the federal government impacts local , state governments or schools , ” Sen. Mike Braun , an Indiana Republican , said earlier today .
“ I want schools to reopen , but I don ’ t like that .
I don ’ t like the federal government getting involved.
” According to a new poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs , most Americans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only about 1 in 10 Americans think daycare centers , preschools or K-12 schools should open this fall without restrictions .
Despite this , the president has continued to push for an outcome that health experts say would endanger more lives .
Yesterday , Surgeon General Jerome Adams said the transmission rate of the novel coronavirus must be lowered before schools can consider reopening .
“ The biggest determinant of whether or not we can go back to school actually has little to do with the actual schools , ” Adams told CBS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ background transmission rate.
” Adams acknowledged that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) has released recommendations for reopening schools safely , but cautioned that “ the most important thing is what we do outside of schools before we reopen to lower the transmission rate.
” “ We know the risk is low to the actual students , ” Adams continued .
“ But we know they can transmit to others .
… We need to take measures to make sure we protect those who are vulnerable either because they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conditions .
”

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Speaking at a White House event earlier today, President Donald Trump said he will “pressure” governors to reopen schools amid the coronavirus pandemic. The president suggested, without evidence, areas that support closures are doing so for “political reasons.”
“They think it’s going to be good for them politically, so they keep the schools closed,” he said. “No way. We’re very much going to put pressure on governors and everybody else to open the schools, to get them open.”
Republicans in the Senate are dismissing the president’s call to withhold federal funds from schools that don’t reopen.
“I’m not a big fan of doing anything where the federal government impacts local, state governments or schools,” Sen. Mike Braun, an Indiana Republican, said earlier today. “I want schools to reopen, but I don’t like that. I don’t like the federal government getting involved.”
According to a new poll from , most Americans do not support reopening schools, and only about 1 in 10 Americans think daycare centers, preschools or K-12 schools should open this fall without restrictions.
Despite this, the president has continued to push for an outcome that health experts say would endanger more lives.
Yesterday, Surgeon General Jerome Adams said the transmission rate of the novel coronavirus must be lowered before schools can consider reopening.
“The biggest determinant of whether or not we can go back to school actually has little to do with the actual schools,” Adams told CBS This Morning. “It is your background transmission rate.” Adams acknowledged that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released recommendations for reopening schools safely, but cautioned that “the most important thing is what we do outside of schools before we reopen to lower the transmission rate.”
“We know the risk is low to the actual students,” Adams continued. “But we know they can transmit to others. … We need to take measures to make sure we protect those who are vulnerable either because they are older or they have chronic medical conditions.”


politicususa--2020-07-22--Poll: Majority of Americans, Including Republicans, Believe People Should Be Jailed or Fined for Not

Poll: Majority of Americans, Including Republicans, Believe People Should Be Jailed or Fined for Not Wearing Masks

According to the latest Politico/Morning Consult poll , the majority of Americans believe authorities should jail or fine people who don ’ t wear face masks to ward off the novel coronavirus .
The poll found that 53 percent of survey participants said they would “ strongly support ” mandatory mask orders that include jail time or fines for people who don ’ t comply .
19 percent said they ’ d “ somewhat ” support a proposal .
21 percent either opposed or somewhat opposed a mandate .
Most Republicans support the idea too , with 59 percent saying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 35 percent of Republicans said they would oppose a mandate .
86 percent of Democrats and 68 percent of Independents agree there should be punishments for those who don ’ t wear masks .
33 percent of Independents and only nine percent of Democrats said otherwise .
Those who said they “ strongly approve ” President Donald Trump ’ s job performance made up the only group saying they disapproved of the measure than approved .
48 percent said they ’ d oppose mask orders with jail or fines and 46 percent signaled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of those who said they support Trump and 67 percent of those who said they “ somewhat approve ” of him said they ’ d support a mandate .
The president has changed his rhetoric on masks in recent days though he still faces criticism for downplaying the severity of the pandemic .
“ Whether you like the mask or not , they have an impact , ” he said during yesterday ’ s coronavirus briefing , adding that he “ will use it gladly , no problem with it.
” “ Some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ others doing less well .
It will probably , unfortunately , get worse before it gets better .
I don ’ t like saying that , but that ’ s the way it is , ” he observed .

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According to the latest Politico/Morning Consult poll, the majority of Americans believe authorities should jail or fine people who don’t wear face masks to ward off the novel coronavirus.
The poll found that 53 percent of survey participants said they would “strongly support” mandatory mask orders that include jail time or fines for people who don’t comply. 19 percent said they’d “somewhat” support a proposal. 21 percent either opposed or somewhat opposed a mandate.
Most Republicans support the idea too, with 59 percent saying they’d support a mandate. 35 percent of Republicans said they would oppose a mandate.
86 percent of Democrats and 68 percent of Independents agree there should be punishments for those who don’t wear masks. 33 percent of Independents and only nine percent of Democrats said otherwise.
Those who said they “strongly approve” President Donald Trump’s job performance made up the only group saying they disapproved of the measure than approved. 48 percent said they’d oppose mask orders with jail or fines and 46 percent signaled their support. However, 55 percent of those who said they support Trump and 67 percent of those who said they “somewhat approve” of him said they’d support a mandate.
The president has changed his rhetoric on masks in recent days though he still faces criticism for downplaying the severity of the pandemic.
“Whether you like the mask or not, they have an impact,” he said during yesterday’s coronavirus briefing, adding that he “will use it gladly, no problem with it.”
“Some areas of country doing very well, others doing less well. It will probably, unfortunately, get worse before it gets better. I don’t like saying that, but that’s the way it is,” he observed.


politicususa--2020-07-22--Trump Faces Backlash for Commemorating Civil Rights Icon Amid Racial Tensions

President Donald Trump tweeted a message commemorating Charles Evers , the older brother of slain civil rights leader Medgar Evers and a prominent figure in Mississippi politics .
The message courted controversy immediately : The president has in recent weeks tweeted support for flying Confederate flags has continued to disparage the Black Lives Matter movement , and has faced heated criticism for sending federal agents into Portland to quell protests there .
Evers was a Republican who courted controversy in recent years for supporting Trump ’ s 2016 presidential bid .
“ I am deeply saddened by the loss of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a trail blazer in politics and a fearless leader , alongside his brother Medgar , for Civil Rights , ” the president wrote .
The president has often been accused of stoking racial tensions .
These criticisms have taken the spotlight over the last several weeks given the president ’ s response to protests against racial injustice and police brutality that have raged since George Floyd , an unarmed black man , was killed by police officers in Minneapolis .
Federal agents in Portland and in Chicago have tear-gassed peaceful protesters in recent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kidnapping and detaining protesters against their will .
Earlier today , the president claimed he ’ s done more for the black community than any other president .
“ We did criminal justice reform .
We passed criminal justice reform .
Something Obama and Biden were unable to do .
We did opportunity cities .
We did the greatest if you look at opportunity Zones , nobody has ever even thought of a plan like that , ” he said , in part , during today ’ s coronavirus briefing .
“ Prior @ @ @ @ @ @ @ floating in , coming into our country and really doing terrible things all over the world , we had the best African-American , Hispanic American , Asian-American , almost every group was the best for unemployment .
The unemployment numbers were the best.
” In May , the president suggested he faces worse treatment from the press than Abraham Lincoln , the United States ’ 16th president .
“ I am greeted with a hostile press , the likes of which no president has ever seen .
The closest would be that gentleman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during Fox News ’ s virtual town hall , pointing up to Lincoln Memorial for emphasis .
“ They always said , ‘ Lincoln , nobody got treated worse than Lincoln .
I believe I am treated worse , ” he added .

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President Donald Trump tweeted a message commemorating Charles Evers, the older brother of slain civil rights leader Medgar Evers and a prominent figure in Mississippi politics. The message courted controversy immediately: The president has in recent weeks tweeted support for flying Confederate flags has continued to disparage the Black Lives Matter movement, and has faced heated criticism for sending federal agents into Portland to quell protests there.
Evers was a Republican who courted controversy in recent years for supporting Trump’s 2016 presidential bid.
“I am deeply saddened by the loss of my friend Charles Evers. Charles was a trail blazer in politics and a fearless leader, alongside his brother Medgar, for Civil Rights,” the president wrote.
I am deeply saddened by the loss of my friend Charles Evers. Charles was a trail blazer in politics and a fearless leader, alongside his brother Medgar, for Civil Rights. pic.twitter.com/rL4bLbCY1D — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 22, 2020
The president has often been accused of stoking racial tensions. These criticisms have taken the spotlight over the last several weeks given the president’s response to protests against racial injustice and police brutality that have raged since George Floyd, an unarmed black man, was killed by police officers in Minneapolis. Federal agents in Portland and in Chicago have tear-gassed peaceful protesters in recent days as well and face allegations of kidnapping and detaining protesters against their will.
Earlier today, the president claimed he’s done more for the black community than any other president.
“We did criminal justice reform. We passed criminal justice reform. Something Obama and Biden were unable to do. We did opportunity cities. We did the greatest if you look at opportunity Zones, nobody has ever even thought of a plan like that,” he said, in part, during today’s coronavirus briefing. “Prior to the China plague coming in, floating in, coming into our country and really doing terrible things all over the world, we had the best African-American, Hispanic American, Asian-American, almost every group was the best for unemployment. The unemployment numbers were the best.”
In May, the president suggested he faces worse treatment from the press than Abraham Lincoln, the United States’ 16th president.
“I am greeted with a hostile press, the likes of which no president has ever seen. The closest would be that gentleman right up there,” Trump said during Fox News’s virtual town hall, pointing up to Lincoln Memorial for emphasis.
“They always said, ‘Lincoln, nobody got treated worse than Lincoln. I believe I am treated worse,” he added.


politicususa--2020-07-22--Trump Proclaims Himself The Best President For Black Americans In History

Trump proclaimed himself the president who has done more for Black Americans than any other president outside of maybe Lincoln .
We did criminal justice reform .
We passed criminal justice reform .
Something Obama and Biden were unable to do .
We did opportunity cities .
We did the greatest if you look at opportunity Zones , nobody has ever even thought of a plan like that .
Prior to the China plague coming in , floating in , coming into our country and really doing terrible things all over the world , we had the best African-American , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ group was the best for unemployment .
The unemployment numbers were the best .
So you look at employment , opportunity Zones , and maybe most importantly , you look at criminal justice reform .
Prison reform .
I ’ ve done things that nobody else .
And I ’ ve said this .
I say it openly and not a lot of people dispute it .
I ’ ve done more for black Americans than anybody with the possible exception of Abraham Lincoln .
Nobody has even been close .
Thank you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made similar claims before , but they seem to be growing .
Trump used to concede that he was the best outside of Lincoln , but now he seems to think that he has overtaken Lincoln .
Trump seems to believe that the crashed economy and pandemic that has ripped through African-American communities are great achievements .
Donald Trump has not been a good president for anyone outside of rich white people , but he has convinced himself that he is right up there with or better than Abe Lincoln .
Trump isn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to vote for Joe Biden in overwhelming numbers in November .
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group .

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Trump proclaimed himself the president who has done more for Black Americans than any other president outside of maybe Lincoln.
Trump said:
We did criminal justice reform. We passed criminal justice reform. Something Obama and Biden were unable to do. We did opportunity cities. We did the greatest if you look at opportunity Zones, nobody has ever even thought of a plan like that. Prior to the China plague coming in, floating in, coming into our country and really doing terrible things all over the world, we had the best African-American, Hispanic American, Asian-American, almost every group was the best for unemployment. The unemployment numbers were the best.
So you look at employment, opportunity Zones, and maybe most importantly, you look at criminal justice reform. Prison reform. I’ve done things that nobody else. And I’ve said this. I say it openly and not a lot of people dispute it. I’ve done more for black Americans than anybody with the possible exception of Abraham Lincoln. Nobody has even been close. Thank you very much, everybody.
Video:
Trump calls himself the best president for Black Americans in history. He says maybe Abraham Lincoln was better. pic.twitter.com/zsIFj82wC5 — Sarah Reese Jones (@PoliticusSarah) July 22, 2020
Trump has made similar claims before, but they seem to be growing. Trump used to concede that he was the best outside of Lincoln, but now he seems to think that he has overtaken Lincoln.
Trump seems to believe that the crashed economy and pandemic that has ripped through African-American communities are great achievements. Donald Trump has not been a good president for anyone outside of rich white people, but he has convinced himself that he is right up there with or better than Abe Lincoln.
Trump isn’t Lincoln, and African-Americans are going to vote for Joe Biden in overwhelming numbers in November.
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.
Follow Jason Easley on Facebook


politicususa--2020-07-22--Trump Tries To Kill Grandparents By Claiming Kids Can’t Spread The Virus

Trump falsely claimed during the coronavirus briefing that children can ’ t easily catch the coronavirus and spread it to their grandparents .
Trump said , “ They don ’ t transmit very easily , a lot of people say they don ’ t transmit .
We ’ re I had doing that very hard , that particular sub .
That they don ’ t bring it home with them .
They don ’ t catch it easily , they don ’ t bring it home easily , and if they do catch it , they get better fast .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
That is a factor and we ’ re looking at that very strongly .
We ’ ll be reporting about that over the next week.
” None of what Trump said is true .
Children have gotten the coronavirus .
Children can spread the coronavirus .
Kids do not have super immune systems that prevent them from getting the virus .
Trump wants schools to reopen , so he is lying about the risk to children , their parents , and their grandparents .
It is not complicated .
The President stood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people in the eye , and lied to them about the risks involved with reopening schools and going back to normal .

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Trump falsely claimed during the coronavirus briefing that children can’t easily catch the coronavirus and spread it to their grandparents.
Trump said, “They don’t transmit very easily, a lot of people say they don’t transmit. We’re I had doing that very hard, that particular sub. That they don’t bring it home with them. They don’t catch it easily, they don’t bring it home easily, and if they do catch it, they get better fast. We’re looking at that fact. That is a factor and we’re looking at that very strongly. We’ll be reporting about that over the next week.”
Video:
Trump claims that children don't get the coronavirus and can't easily spread it to their grandparents. None of this is true. pic.twitter.com/t6jvhibj7H — Sarah Reese Jones (@PoliticusSarah) July 22, 2020
None of what Trump said is true. Children have gotten the coronavirus. Children can spread the coronavirus. Kids do not have super immune systems that prevent them from getting the virus. Trump wants schools to reopen, so he is lying about the risk to children, their parents, and their grandparents.
It is not complicated. The President stood at the podium, looked the American people in the eye, and lied to them about the risks involved with reopening schools and going back to normal.


politicususa--2020-07-22--Sen. Ron Wyden Tells Trump To Attack The Virus As Hard As He Is Attacking Portland

Sen. Ron Wyden ( D-OR ) said that he wished that Trump was attacking the coronavirus half as hard as he is attacking the city of Portland .
Wyden said on MSNBC ’ s Meet The Press Daily , “ No , the vast bulk of people on the streets are peaceful protesters .
We know there ’ s always a subset interested in violence .
You heard me this morning making it clear , I don ’ t take a backseat to anybody in terms of fighting violence .
What Chad Wolf and Donald Trump has done is basically @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it with these paramilitary squads .
I will tell you , I wish Donald Trump would attack the coronavirus half as hard as he ’ s attacking our city.
” Sen. Wyden was correct .
Trump is attacking American cities , and he announced that he is sending hundreds of federal officers into Chicago .
Trump is attacking American cities to take attention away from the “ war ” against the virus that he has already surrendered on .
The virus has won , which is why Trump has come with a new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the constitution and the rights of every American with his attacks on American cities .
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group .

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Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) said that he wished that Trump was attacking the coronavirus half as hard as he is attacking the city of Portland.
Wyden said on MSNBC’s Meet The Press Daily, “No, the vast bulk of people on the streets are peaceful protesters. We know there’s always a subset interested in violence. You heard me this morning making it clear, I don’t take a backseat to anybody in terms of fighting violence. What Chad Wolf and Donald Trump has done is basically inflame this situation. They have escalated it with these paramilitary squads. I will tell you, I wish Donald Trump would attack the coronavirus half as hard as he’s attacking our city.”
Video:
Sen. Ron Wyden, "I wish Donald Trump would attack the coronavirus even half as hard as he's attacking our city. " pic.twitter.com/vhn2LdZclw — Sarah Reese Jones (@PoliticusSarah) July 22, 2020
Sen. Wyden was correct. Trump is attacking American cities, and he announced that he is sending hundreds of federal officers into Chicago. Trump is attacking American cities to take attention away from the “war” against the virus that he has already surrendered on.
The virus has won, which is why Trump has come with a new imaginary war, as he is trampling the constitution and the rights of every American with his attacks on American cities.
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.
Follow Jason Easley on Facebook


politicususa--2020-07-22--Trump Is Losing So Badly In Swing States That He Flip-Flopped On Masks

The reason why Trump flip-flopped and started supporting mask-wearing is that Joe Biden is crushing him in the swing states .
The flip-flop is Trump ’ s biggest concession yet to the fact that his erratic coronavirus response has damaged him politically .
“ For the longest time , he didn ’ t want to be told what to do , ” a former West Wing official told me .
An Economist/YouGov poll released on Tuesday showed Trump trailing Joe Biden by seven points .
“ It ’ s simple .
Trump voters are old and they don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ close to the White House said .
According to sources , Trump came around to mask wearing after intense lobbying by his new campaign chiefs , Bill Stepien and Jason Miller .
“ They showed him polling that things are so bad in the swing states .
It was enough to get Trump to move on from the mask issue , ” a campaign adviser told me .
Trump was losing so badly in swing states to Biden that he had no choice but to stop being a mask denier .
All of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and whined about masks being a violation of their freedom now look like idiots , as Trump sold them out as soon as he saw bad poll numbers in the swing states .
Joe Biden is crushing Trump , and the president ’ s panicked veering to whatever position he thinks might get him more votes only confirms that he is not mentally capable of handling the coronavirus pandemic .
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group .

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The reason why Trump flip-flopped and started supporting mask-wearing is that Joe Biden is crushing him in the swing states.
Gabriel Sherman of Vanity Fair reported:
The flip-flop is Trump’s biggest concession yet to the fact that his erratic coronavirus response has damaged him politically. “For the longest time, he didn’t want to be told what to do,” a former West Wing official told me. An Economist/YouGov poll released on Tuesday showed Trump trailing Joe Biden by seven points. “It’s simple. Trump voters are old and they don’t want to die,” a Republican close to the White House said.
According to sources, Trump came around to mask wearing after intense lobbying by his new campaign chiefs, Bill Stepien and Jason Miller. “They showed him polling that things are so bad in the swing states. It was enough to get Trump to move on from the mask issue,” a campaign adviser told me.
Trump was losing so badly in swing states to Biden that he had no choice but to stop being a mask denier. All of the Trump supporters who followed his lead and whined about masks being a violation of their freedom now look like idiots, as Trump sold them out as soon as he saw bad poll numbers in the swing states.
Joe Biden is crushing Trump, and the president’s panicked veering to whatever position he thinks might get him more votes only confirms that he is not mentally capable of handling the coronavirus pandemic.
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.
Follow Jason Easley on Facebook


politicususa--2020-07-22--Trump Is Sending Hundreds Of Unwanted Federal Law Enforcement Officers To Chicago

Trump announced at the White House that he is going to be sending hundreds of federal enforcement officers that the city doesn ’ t want to Chicago .
Every American no matter their race , their income , or their zip code should be able to walk their city streets free from violence and free from fear .
For this reason today , I am announcing that the Department of Justice will immediately surge federal law enforcement to the city of Chicago .
The FBI , ATF , DEA , US Marshals Service , and Homeland Security will together be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Chicago to help drive down violent crime , and murderers and violent criminals are breaking a wide range of federal laws .
We have that .
It ’ s as wide as it can be .
We will find them , arrest them , and prosecute them .
They will be in jail for many years to come.
” If Trump took out the words crime , law enforcement , and Chicago , and substituted , testing , coronavirus , and nationwide , he would have an announcement that meant something .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ crime in American cities is a fantasy that he is using to distract from the pandemic that he has completely screwed up and scare white suburban voters .
Trump is illegally deploying unwanted federal law enforcement officers to cities as a way of creating a new crisis to distract from the one that he failing on .
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot vowed yesterday to no allow federal troops into her city : Expect the mayor to quickly take action against Trump , as cities around the country are not going to let him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group .

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Trump announced at the White House that he is going to be sending hundreds of federal enforcement officers that the city doesn’t want to Chicago.
Trump said:
Every American no matter their race, their income, or their zip code should be able to walk their city streets free from violence and free from fear. For this reason today, I am announcing that the Department of Justice will immediately surge federal law enforcement to the city of Chicago.
The FBI, ATF, DEA, US Marshals Service, and Homeland Security will together be sending hundreds of skilled law enforcement officers to Chicago to help drive down violent crime, and murderers and violent criminals are breaking a wide range of federal laws. We have that. It’s as wide as it can be. We will find them, arrest them, and prosecute them. They will be in jail for many years to come.”
Video:
TRUMP: "The FBI, ATF, DEA, US Marshals service, and Homeland Security will together be sending hundreds of skilled law enforcement officers to Chicago to help drive down violent crime." pic.twitter.com/0xijEEi5aG — Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) July 22, 2020
If Trump took out the words crime, law enforcement, and Chicago, and substituted, testing, coronavirus, and nationwide, he would have an announcement that meant something. Trump’s imaginary war on violent crime in American cities is a fantasy that he is using to distract from the pandemic that he has completely screwed up and scare white suburban voters.
Trump is illegally deploying unwanted federal law enforcement officers to cities as a way of creating a new crisis to distract from the one that he failing on.
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot vowed yesterday to no allow federal troops into her city:
Under no circumstances will I allow Donald Trump’s troops to come to Chicago and terrorize our residents. — Mayor Lori Lightfoot (@chicagosmayor) July 21, 2020
Expect the mayor to quickly take action against Trump, as cities around the country are not going to let him trample the rights of their citizens.
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.
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politicususa--2020-07-22--Republicans Are Destroying Trump By Refusing To Pass More Virus Relief

Senate Republicans are refusing to pass more aid to the American people during the pandemic and it is costing Donald @ @ @ @ @ this quote from Sen. Ron Johnson : Mitch McConnell is refusing to pass a bill @ @ @ @ @ protection from being sued by their employees during the pandemic : Donald Trump needs another @ @ @ @ @ now .
Contrary to the folk tales coming out of the White House and the @ @ @ @ @ isn ’ t going to bounce back on its own .
Trump and his party @ @ @ @ @ .
If Republicans don ’ t pass a bill in the next three weeks , @ @ @ @ @ to pass and implement any large scale relief package before the election .
Republicans think @ @ @ @ @ their base by pushing the fantasy that the economy will come back on its own @ @ @ @ @ are doing is getting themselves and Trump voted out of office in November .
For @ @ @ @ @ join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group .

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Senate Republicans are refusing to pass more aid to the American people during the pandemic and it is costing Donald Trump.
Manu Raju had this quote from Sen. Ron Johnson:
More pushback within GOP. Ron Johnson: “I am not going to authorize a dime until I understand what we’ve done.” “I don’t think at this point in time, in the next three weeks, (we can) quickly rush through another trillion dollars of spending. I just don’t see the need for it.” — Manu Raju (@mkraju) July 22, 2020
Mitch McConnell is refusing to pass a bill unless big corporations get liability protection from being sued by their employees during the pandemic:
Ensuring the health and safety of families, workers, and communities should be Congress’ top priority. Period. But yet, @senatemajldr cares more about protecting big businesses and their bottom line. This is unacceptable—and I’ll keep pushing back. https://t.co/UCZuDEG9AY — Senator Patty Murray (@PattyMurray) July 22, 2020
Donald Trump needs another pandemic relief bill passed right now. Contrary to the folk tales coming out of the White House and the Republican Party, the economy isn’t going to bounce back on its own.
Trump and his party are running out of time. If Republicans don’t pass a bill in the next three weeks, it will be too late to pass and implement any large scale relief package before the election. Republicans think that they are playing to their base by pushing the fantasy that the economy will come back on its own, but all that they are doing is getting themselves and Trump voted out of office in November.
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.
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politicususa--2020-07-22--Schumer Calls Republican Party “Disorganized, Chaotic, and Unprepared” on Coronavirus Relief

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer ( D-N.Y. ) slammed his Republican colleagues earlier today as Democrats and Republicans struggle to come to an agreement over coronavirus relief funds .
“ It ’ s in the middle of the week , and the Republican Party is so disorganized , chaotic and unprepared that they can barely cobble together a partisan bill in their own conference , ” Schumer said from the Senate floor .
Both sides of the aisle plan to pass a coronavirus relief bill by the end of the month .
Both sides agree on direct payment to Americans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and shoring up the Paycheck Protection Program , a crucial lifeline for small businesses that have been hurt by the virus .
Where the two parties disagree is on liability protections .
Republicans have proposed passing legislation that would protect businesses and other organizations from personal injury lawsuits related to the virus .
President Donald Trump is also advocating for a payroll tax cut , but neither party has shown interest in his proposal .
Republicans also want to keep the cost of the bill low––they ’ re proposing a bill that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aid , a significant drop from the $ 3 trillion in federal aid the House voted on in March .
“ Democrats included funding for the U.S .
Postal Service , the November elections , food assistance , transit systems , student loan relief , and a wide range of other programs .
Republicans , who aim to keep the overall cost of the bill down , are unlikely to support these proposals , ” according to Reuters .
“ The economy needs another shot of adrenaline , ” Senate Majority Leader Mitch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ If we lose control of the virus…everything else will be window dressing.
” McConnell has received heavy criticism for his stance on allowing a $ 600 additional unemployment benefit , credited with keeping millions of people afloat as the economy founders , to expire by the end of the month .
He has appeared to walk this back , though has no offered no specifics as of yet .

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Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) slammed his Republican colleagues earlier today as Democrats and Republicans struggle to come to an agreement over coronavirus relief funds.
“It’s in the middle of the week, and the Republican Party is so disorganized, chaotic and unprepared that they can barely cobble together a partisan bill in their own conference,” Schumer said from the Senate floor.
Both sides of the aisle plan to pass a coronavirus relief bill by the end of the month. Both sides agree on direct payment to Americans, aid for schools, health spending, and shoring up the Paycheck Protection Program, a crucial lifeline for small businesses that have been hurt by the virus.
Where the two parties disagree is on liability protections. Republicans have proposed passing legislation that would protect businesses and other organizations from personal injury lawsuits related to the virus. President Donald Trump is also advocating for a payroll tax cut, but neither party has shown interest in his proposal. Republicans also want to keep the cost of the bill low––they’re proposing a bill that would offer roughly $1 trillion in aid, a significant drop from the $3 trillion in federal aid the House voted on in March.
“Democrats included funding for the U.S. Postal Service, the November elections, food assistance, transit systems, student loan relief, and a wide range of other programs. Republicans, who aim to keep the overall cost of the bill down, are unlikely to support these proposals,” according to Reuters.
“The economy needs another shot of adrenaline,” Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said yesterday. “If we lose control of the virus…everything else will be window dressing.”
McConnell has received heavy criticism for his stance on allowing a $600 additional unemployment benefit, credited with keeping millions of people afloat as the economy founders, to expire by the end of the month. He has appeared to walk this back, though has no offered no specifics as of yet.
Follow Alan on Twitter.


politicususa--2020-07-22--NPR Business Journalist: Ivanka Trump’s Jobs Plan Is Stupid, Wrong and Lazy

NPR business journalist Adam Davidson has slammed Ivanka Trump ’ s jobs plan for America .
He says the plan is filled with bad ideas and misconceptions about work .
Davidson is a contributor to NPR ’ S Planet Money and has a newsletter that usually covers business rather than politics .
But he took a hatchet to the “ Find Something New ” plan on Wednesday .
“ Ivanka Trump ’ s jobs plan is not only stupid and wrong , it ’ s lazy , ” Davidson wrote .
“ Find Something New embodies every wrong and dumb @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Donald Trump ’ s daughter has been the face of the initiative , which essentially tells people to go find a job .
Davidson explained why that tactic won ’ t work and why the plan was perpetuating falsehoods about employment .
He also took the time to dissect Ivanka Trump ’ s career and suggest she had no idea about real work .
“ Her first big real estate job was with a money-launderer , ” Davidson charges .
“ Another major project she oversaw involved a likely money-laundering scheme for Iran @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ She also ran a jewelry business with a fraudster .
She barely avoided getting arrested for a different real estate scheme in New York.
” “ And there are many , many , many other sketchy deals she ’ s participated in over the years.
” He goes on to explain why nobody should take career advice from Trump and trashes the initiative ’ s website .
“ For all its laziness and uselessness , the site is a perfect distillation of a lot of the inherited , poorly thought-through ideas that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says .

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NPR business journalist Adam Davidson has slammed Ivanka Trump’s jobs plan for America. He says the plan is filled with bad ideas and misconceptions about work.
Davidson is a contributor to NPR’S Planet Money and has a newsletter that usually covers business rather than politics. But he took a hatchet to the “Find Something New” plan on Wednesday.
“Ivanka Trump’s jobs plan is not only stupid and wrong, it’s lazy,” Davidson wrote.
“Find Something New embodies every wrong and dumb idea about how jobs work.”
President Donald Trump’s daughter has been the face of the initiative, which essentially tells people to go find a job. Davidson explained why that tactic won’t work and why the plan was perpetuating falsehoods about employment.
He also took the time to dissect Ivanka Trump’s career and suggest she had no idea about real work.
“Her first big real estate job was with a money-launderer,” Davidson charges.
“Another major project she oversaw involved a likely money-laundering scheme for Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.”
“She also ran a jewelry business with a fraudster. She barely avoided getting arrested for a different real estate scheme in New York.”
“And there are many, many, many other sketchy deals she’s participated in over the years.”
He goes on to explain why nobody should take career advice from Trump and trashes the initiative’s website.
“For all its laziness and uselessness, the site is a perfect distillation of a lot of the inherited, poorly thought-through ideas that govern much career advice,” he says.
Follow Darragh Roche on Twitter


politicususa--2020-07-22--Putin Is Running The Republican Senate Investigation Into Biden

Sen. Ron Johnson is being given propaganda and misinformation from pro-Putin Ukrainians that he is using in his investigation of the Bidens .
The Republican-controlled Senate acquitted Trump of the charges , and allies including Johnson have vowed to press forward with investigations into the Bidens ’ connections to Ukraine .
Johnson has asked several former State Department officials to testify and could issue subpoenas as soon as this week if they refuse to voluntarily appear .
In recent media reports , pro-Russian Ukrainians said they ’ ve passed materials to the committee .
A committee staffer told NBC News @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has received any “ oppo , ” or opposition research , without responding directly to whether that covers any materials from foreign sources .
Sen. Johnson is trying to revive the debunked Burisma scandal , and he is using his position in the Senate to try to shine up a conspiracy theory as legitimate .
Johnson ’ s office didn ’ t deny that he was accepting information from foreign sources .
Opposition research is not the same as getting Russian propaganda from Putin that Johnson and the Republicans on the Homeland Security @ @ @ @ @ @ @ smear Biden .
The Russians aren ’ t just using social media to interfere in the presidential election .
They now have willing assets like Sen. Ron Johnson who are happy to do Putin and Trump ’ s bidding for them .
Ron Johnson should be under investigation , not conducting investigations into anyone .
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group .

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Sen. Ron Johnson is being given propaganda and misinformation from pro-Putin Ukrainians that he is using in his investigation of the Bidens.
NBC News reported:
The Republican-controlled Senate acquitted Trump of the charges, and allies including Johnson have vowed to press forward with investigations into the Bidens’ connections to Ukraine. Johnson has asked several former State Department officials to testify and could issue subpoenas as soon as this week if they refuse to voluntarily appear.
In recent media reports, pro-Russian Ukrainians said they’ve passed materials to the committee.
A committee staffer told NBC News it is “false” the committee has received any “oppo,” or opposition research, without responding directly to whether that covers any materials from foreign sources.
Sen. Johnson is trying to revive the debunked Burisma scandal, and he is using his position in the Senate to try to shine up a conspiracy theory as legitimate.
Johnson’s office didn’t deny that he was accepting information from foreign sources. Opposition research is not the same as getting Russian propaganda from Putin that Johnson and the Republicans on the Homeland Security Committee can use in an effort to smear Biden.
The Russians aren’t just using social media to interfere in the presidential election. They now have willing assets like Sen. Ron Johnson who are happy to do Putin and Trump’s bidding for them.
Ron Johnson should be under investigation, not conducting investigations into anyone.
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.
Follow Jason Easley on Facebook


politicususa--2020-07-22--Texas GOP Congressman Calls Trump’s Ghislaine Maxwell Comments “Unacceptably Obtuse”

Representative Chip Roy ( R-Texas ) criticized President Donald Trump for wishing alleged Jeffrey Epstein co-conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell “ well , ” calling the president ’ s comment “ unacceptably obtuse.
” “ This is unacceptably obtuse for a woman accused of the most morally depraved of crimes , @ realDonaldTrump , ” he wrote on Twitter .
“ She needs to be severely punished… and justice must be served for the girls she abused .
For ALL involved.
” The president courted controversy during yesterday ’ s coronavirus briefing when he offered words of support for Maxwell , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that she procured underage girls for Epstein , who died in prison last year , to sexually abuse .
“ I don ’ t know .
I haven ’ t been following it too much I just wish her well I ’ ve met her numerous times over the years especially since I lived in Palm Beach I guess they lived in Palm , ” Trump said at the time .
“ I wish her well .
I don ’ t know the situation with Prince Andrew .
Just don ’ t know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ today , Fox News personality Geraldo Rivera received criticism for praising the president ’ s comments about Maxwell .
“ With media mob eager to see her lynched it was brave to weigh in .
Fact : cases vs her are for crimes allegedly committed more than 25 years ago , ” he wrote .
“ She deserved bail & got solitary confinement : woke politics .
”

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Representative Chip Roy (R-Texas) criticized President Donald Trump for wishing alleged Jeffrey Epstein co-conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell “well,” calling the president’s comment “unacceptably obtuse.”
Roy issued his criticisms earlier this morning.
“This is unacceptably obtuse for a woman accused of the most morally depraved of crimes, @realDonaldTrump,” he wrote on Twitter. “She needs to be severely punished… and justice must be served for the girls she abused. For ALL involved.”
This is unacceptably obtuse for a woman accused of the most morally depraved of crimes, @realDonaldTrump. She needs to be severely punished… and justice must be served for the girls she abused. For ALL involved. https://t.co/IslnKso0Gg — Chip Roy (@chiproytx) July 22, 2020
The president courted controversy during yesterday’s coronavirus briefing when he offered words of support for Maxwell, who was arrested earlier this month on charges that she procured underage girls for Epstein, who died in prison last year, to sexually abuse.
“I don’t know. I haven’t been following it too much I just wish her well I’ve met her numerous times over the years especially since I lived in Palm Beach I guess they lived in Palm,” Trump said at the time. “I wish her well. I don’t know the situation with Prince Andrew. Just don’t know. Not aware of it.”
Earlier today, Fox News personality Geraldo Rivera received criticism for praising the president’s comments about Maxwell.
“With media mob eager to see her lynched it was brave to weigh in. Fact: cases vs her are for crimes allegedly committed more than 25 years ago,” he wrote. “She deserved bail & got solitary confinement: woke politics.”
When asked @realDonaldTrump said he wished #GhislaineMaxwellArrested well. With media mob eager to see her lynched it was brave to weigh in. Fact: cases vs her are for crimes allegedly committed more than 25 years ago. She deserved bail & got solitary confinement: woke politics. — Geraldo Rivera (@GeraldoRivera) July 22, 2020
Follow Alan on Twitter.


politicususa--2020-07-22--Republican Rep. Ted Yoho Gives Half-Hearted Apology for Calling Ocasio-Cortez a “F*cking B*tch”

Ted Yoho apologized to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez from the House floor on Wednesday after he called her “ disgusting ” and used a sexist epithet to describe her .
The Republican congressman issued the apology but he was less than candid about the language he used .
He also pivoted to defending his own beliefs and his faith .
“ I rise to apologize for the abrupt manner of the conversation I had with my colleague from New York , ” Yoho said .
“ It is true that we disagree with the policies and visions for America , but that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” “ The offensive name calling words attributed to me by the press were never spoken to my colleagues , and if they were construed that way , I apologize for their misunderstanding , ” he said .
Yoho was heard saying the Democratic congresswoman was a “ fucking bitch ” after their confrontation on the stairs at the Capitol .
They had clashed because Ocasio-Cortez had suggested poverty was a cause of crime .
“ I know the face of poverty and for a time it was mine .
That is why @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still , with all its faults rise up and succeed , and not be encouraged to break the law , ” Yoho went on .
“ I can not apologize for my passion or for loving my God , my family , and my country , ” he said .

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Ted Yoho apologized to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez from the House floor on Wednesday after he called her “disgusting” and used a sexist epithet to describe her.
The Republican congressman issued the apology but he was less than candid about the language he used. He also pivoted to defending his own beliefs and his faith.
“I rise to apologize for the abrupt manner of the conversation I had with my colleague from New York,” Yoho said.
Watch the video:
Rep. Yoho apologizes for "abrupt manner of the conversation I had" with Rep. Ocasio-Cortez, but adds "the offensive name-calling words attributed to me by the press were never spoken to my colleagues and if they were construed that way, I apologize for their misunderstanding." pic.twitter.com/m3NRkFUbsh — ABC News Politics (@ABCPolitics) July 22, 2020
“It is true that we disagree with the policies and visions for America, but that does not mean we should be disrespectful.”
“The offensive name calling words attributed to me by the press were never spoken to my colleagues, and if they were construed that way, I apologize for their misunderstanding,” he said.
Yoho was heard saying the Democratic congresswoman was a “fucking bitch” after their confrontation on the stairs at the Capitol. They had clashed because Ocasio-Cortez had suggested poverty was a cause of crime.
“I know the face of poverty and for a time it was mine. That is why I know people in this country can still, with all its faults rise up and succeed, and not be encouraged to break the law,” Yoho went on.
“I cannot apologize for my passion or for loving my God, my family, and my country,” he said.
Follow Darragh Roche on Twitter


politicususa--2020-07-22--Analysis: Enforcing GOP-Supported Voter ID Laws Have Now Cost Taxpayers At Least $36 Million

An analysis of information obtained through open records requests from The Guardian found that enforcing Republican-supported voter identification laws is an extraordinarily expensive endeavor , already costing taxpayers at least $ 36 million in several states .
Expenses pile up because of “ the partial costs of litigation , free identification cards , public education and other fees , ” The Guardian observed .
Kentucky is one of several states that has spent millions enforcing voter identification laws , even while states make heavy budget cuts to contend with the current economic crisis .
“ While the rest of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because of coronavirus , the Kentucky legislature convened in early March and April in order to pass its voter ID bill and then again to override the governor ’ s veto , ” The Guardian noted .
The law , SB2 , requires voters to present identification at the polls as well as when sending in absentee ballots .
The mere provision of the law would cost at least $ 3.6 million per year .
In Indiana , implementing voter identification legislation has cost nearly $ 30.5 million since January 2006 .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ implementing a strict voter ID law dragged on for almost seven years , during which the state spent at least $ 3.5m on attorney ’ s fees , outside counsel , travel expenses , and expert witnesses.
” The case dragged on so long that the state ’ s attorney-general had to enlist the help of lawyers from other departments .
Although the law survived these legal challenges , the state was ultimately ordered to pay plaintiffs $ 6.8 million in fees .
Public outreach has also added to the expense .
For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 430,000 on its public outreach during the first three years of passing its voter identification laws .
Wisconsin spent $ 631,899 in its first year alone .
“ Even with heavily discounted rates from TV and radio stations , the critical swing state has spent nearly $ 1.2m on its “ Bring It to the Ballot ” campaign , which includes radio spots , brochures , and TV ads , ” The Guardian notes .
Voter identification laws have been criticized as both ineffective and discriminatory .
For example , an April 2017 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ found that strict identification laws have a differentially negative impact on the turnout of racial and ethnic minorities in primaries and general elections.
” Moreover , these laws “ skew democracy toward those on the political right .
”

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An analysis of information obtained through open records requests from The Guardian found that enforcing Republican-supported voter identification laws is an extraordinarily expensive endeavor, already costing taxpayers at least $36 million in several states. Expenses pile up because of “the partial costs of litigation, free identification cards, public education and other fees,” The Guardian observed.
Kentucky is one of several states that has spent millions enforcing voter identification laws, even while states make heavy budget cuts to contend with the current economic crisis.
“While the rest of the state was under “stay-at-home” advisories because of coronavirus, the Kentucky legislature convened in early March and April in order to pass its voter ID bill and then again to override the governor’s veto,” The Guardian noted. The law, SB2, requires voters to present identification at the polls as well as when sending in absentee ballots. The mere provision of the law would cost at least $3.6 million per year.
In Indiana, implementing voter identification legislation has cost nearly $30.5 million since January 2006. And in Texas, “the process of implementing a strict voter ID law dragged on for almost seven years, during which the state spent at least $3.5m on attorney’s fees, outside counsel, travel expenses, and expert witnesses.” The case dragged on so long that the state’s attorney-general had to enlist the help of lawyers from other departments. Although the law survived these legal challenges, the state was ultimately ordered to pay plaintiffs $6.8 million in fees.
Public outreach has also added to the expense. For instance, Kansas spent at least $430,000 on its public outreach during the first three years of passing its voter identification laws. Wisconsin spent $631,899 in its first year alone. “Even with heavily discounted rates from TV and radio stations, the critical swing state has spent nearly $1.2m on its “Bring It to the Ballot” campaign, which includes radio spots, brochures, and TV ads,” The Guardian notes.
Voter identification laws have been criticized as both ineffective and discriminatory. For example, an April 2017 study published in The Journal of Politics found that strict identification laws have a differentially negative impact on the turnout of racial and ethnic minorities in primaries and general elections.” Moreover, these laws “skew democracy toward those on the political right.”


politicususa--2020-07-22--Republicans Are Worried Trump’s Attacks on Mail-In Ballots Will Hurt Their Election Chances

Some Republicans are concerned that Donald Trump ’ s attacks on mail-in ballots have been too successful and could end up hurting the party in November ’ s elections .
Trump has repeatedly attacked vote-by-mail and claimed that it ’ s open to massive voter fraud , including by hostile foreign actors .
There is no evidence of this , but his claims seem to be having a real effect on potential GOP voters .
Phil Cox , former head of the Republican Governors Association , told The Hill newspaper that there ’ s concern about the situation .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increased vote-by-mail is going to be a reality this fall , ” Cox said .
“ Successful campaigns will need an integrated mail-in ballot strategy that blends messaging , modeling , and targeting.
” “ Anything short of that will be conceding votes , ” he said .
Cox is referring to the fact that Republican parties throughout the country have worked hard to sign people up to vote-by-mail and there ’ s strong evidence that mail-in ballots are beneficial to the party .
However , President Trump continued to rail against the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , unless changed by the courts , will lead to the most CORRUPT ELECTION in our Nation ’ s History !
# RIGGEDELECTION , ” he tweeted on Tuesday .

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Some Republicans are concerned that Donald Trump’s attacks on mail-in ballots have been too successful and could end up hurting the party in November’s elections.
Trump has repeatedly attacked vote-by-mail and claimed that it’s open to massive voter fraud, including by hostile foreign actors. There is no evidence of this, but his claims seem to be having a real effect on potential GOP voters.
Phil Cox, former head of the Republican Governors Association, told The Hill newspaper that there’s concern about the situation.
“Whether we like it or not, increased vote-by-mail is going to be a reality this fall,” Cox said.
“Successful campaigns will need an integrated mail-in ballot strategy that blends messaging, modeling, and targeting.”
“Anything short of that will be conceding votes,” he said.
Cox is referring to the fact that Republican parties throughout the country have worked hard to sign people up to vote-by-mail and there’s strong evidence that mail-in ballots are beneficial to the party.
However, President Trump continued to rail against the process this week.
“Mail-In Voting, unless changed by the courts, will lead to the most CORRUPT ELECTION in our Nation’s History! #RIGGEDELECTION,” he tweeted on Tuesday.
Follow Darragh Roche on Twitter


politicususa--2020-07-22--Obama and Biden Criticize Trump in New Video, Tease More to Come

The Biden campaign has released a teaser video of a conversation between Joe Biden and Barack Obama where the two men will apparently critique Donald Trump .
The socially distant conversation will be released on Thursday , 23 July but the the former Vice President ’ s campaign released some quotes and a short video clip on Wednesday .
“ Can you imagine standing up when you were president and saying ‘ it ’ s not my responsibility .
I take no responsibility .
Literally .
Literally , ” Biden says in the video .
“ Those words didn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we were in office , ” Obama replies .
“ No .
I don ’ t understand his inability to get a sense of what people are going through , ” Biden says .
“ He can ’ t relate in any way.
” “ Well , and one of the things I have always known about you Joe , it ’ s the reason I wanted you to be my vice president , and the reason why you were so effective , ” Obama says .
“ It all starts with being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been careful in his criticism of President Trump .
The full conversation may focus more on Biden ’ s qualities than Trump ’ s flaws .
Still , the footage released so far suggests he will be an important topic .

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The Biden campaign has released a teaser video of a conversation between Joe Biden and Barack Obama where the two men will apparently critique Donald Trump.
The socially distant conversation will be released on Thursday, 23 July but the the former Vice President’s campaign released some quotes and a short video clip on Wednesday.
“Can you imagine standing up when you were president and saying ‘it’s not my responsibility. I take no responsibility. Literally. Literally,” Biden says in the video.
Watch the video:
“Those words didn’t come out of our mouths when we were in office,” Obama replies.
“No. I don’t understand his inability to get a sense of what people are going through,” Biden says. “He can’t relate in any way.”
“Well, and one of the things I have always known about you Joe, it’s the reason I wanted you to be my vice president, and the reason why you were so effective,” Obama says.
“It all starts with being able to relate.”
The former President has been careful in his criticism of President Trump. The full conversation may focus more on Biden’s qualities than Trump’s flaws. Still, the footage released so far suggests he will be an important topic.
Follow Darragh Roche on Twitter


politicususa--2020-07-22--Former Presidents of D.C. Bar Association Call for Investigation of Bill Barr

Four former presidents of the D.C. Bar Association have called for the body to investigate Attorney General William Barr .
They accuse him of unethical behavior and violating his oath to uphold the Constitution .
In a lengthy complaint published on Wednesday , the signatories point to Barr ’ s actions on the Special Counsel ’ s Russia probe , the clearing of protesters from Lafayette Square and other issues .
The letter is signed by a slew of legal personalities and experts , including former government lawyers , as well as four former heads of the D.C. Bar Association @ @ @ @ @ @ @ client is the United States , and not the president , ” they write .
“ Yet , Mr. Barr has consistently made decisions and taken action to serve the personal and political self-interests of President Donald Trump , rather than the interest of the United States.
” “ Indeed , the notion that the legitimacy of an FBI investigation ’ s initiation should be judged by its end , if applied broadly , could easily chill the initiation of wholly legitimate inquiries for fear of being second-guessed , ” the letter goes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with criticisms of Barr supported by examples from his time as President Donald Trump ’ s attorney general .
“ These violations of Mr. Barr ’ s ethical duties are not haphazard or by chance .
They embody a consistent pattern , ” it says .
“ Where a lawyer in Mr. Barr ’ s position has violated the basic standards of honesty , trustworthiness , and other guideposts of ethical conduct governing lawyers , the Office of Disciplinary Counsel is in a unique , independent position to investigate his conduct .
”

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Four former presidents of the D.C. Bar Association have called for the body to investigate Attorney General William Barr. They accuse him of unethical behavior and violating his oath to uphold the Constitution.
In a lengthy complaint published on Wednesday, the signatories point to Barr’s actions on the Special Counsel’s Russia probe, the clearing of protesters from Lafayette Square and other issues.
The letter is signed by a slew of legal personalities and experts, including former government lawyers, as well as four former heads of the D.C. Bar Association.
“Mr. Barr’s client is the United States, and not the president,” they write.
“Yet, Mr. Barr has consistently made decisions and taken action to serve the personal and political self-interests of President Donald Trump, rather than the interest of the United States.”
“Indeed, the notion that the legitimacy of an FBI investigation’s initiation should be judged by its end, if applied broadly, could easily chill the initiation of wholly legitimate inquiries for fear of being second-guessed,” the letter goes on.
The 40-page document is filled with criticisms of Barr supported by examples from his time as President Donald Trump’s attorney general.
“These violations of Mr. Barr’s ethical duties are not haphazard or by chance. They embody a consistent pattern,” it says.
“Where a lawyer in Mr. Barr’s position has violated the basic standards of honesty, trustworthiness, and other guideposts of ethical conduct governing lawyers, the Office of Disciplinary Counsel is in a unique, independent position to investigate his conduct.”
Follow Darragh Roche on Twitter


politicususa--2020-07-23--Portland Mayor Accuses Trump Administration of “Urban Warfare” and “Occupation”

The Mayor of Portland has lashed out at the Trump administration after he was teargassed in the city on Wednesday night .
He accused the federal government of running an occupation .
Ted Wheeler spoke to protesters in Oregon and was later teargassed along with them by federal agents .
He made some remarks to the New York Times which were publicized on Thursday morning .
“ I ’ m not afraid , but I am pissed off , ” Wheeler said .
“ This is an egregious overreaction on the part of the federal officers.
” “ This is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ This is flat-out urban warfare .
And it ’ s being wrought on the people of this country by the president of the United States and it ’ s got to stop.
” Earlier on Wednesday night he had thanked protesters who had come together to fight for Black Lives Matter and “ oppose the Trump administration ’ s occupation of this city.
” Wheeler denied the protesters had done anything to provoke the reaction from federal agents .
President Donald Trump has said he will send more federal law @ @ @ @ @ @

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The Mayor of Portland has lashed out at the Trump administration after he was teargassed in the city on Wednesday night. He accused the federal government of running an occupation.
Ted Wheeler spoke to protesters in Oregon and was later teargassed along with them by federal agents. He made some remarks to the New York Times which were publicized on Thursday morning.
“I’m not afraid, but I am pissed off,” Wheeler said.
“This is an egregious overreaction on the part of the federal officers.”
Watch the video:
Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler says the tear gas stings. Says egregious overreaction from feds. Calls it urban warfare. pic.twitter.com/hrRICiNGHn — Mike Baker (@ByMikeBaker) July 23, 2020
“This is not a de-escalation strategy,” Wheeler said.
“This is flat-out urban warfare. And it’s being wrought on the people of this country by the president of the United States and it’s got to stop.”
Earlier on Wednesday night he had thanked protesters who had come together to fight for Black Lives Matter and “oppose the Trump administration’s occupation of this city.”
Wheeler denied the protesters had done anything to provoke the reaction from federal agents. President Donald Trump has said he will send more federal law enforcement to Portland and elsewhere.
Follow Darragh Roche on Twitter


politicususa--2020-07-23--Vulnerable Republican Senator Susan Collins Refuses to Endorse Donald Trump

Susan Collins has refused to formally endorse Donald Trump for president in 2020 .
She ’ s withheld her endorsement citing her own difficult reelection bid this November .
The Republican senator for Maine is seen as vulnerable this cycle and her association with the President has hurt her .
However , refusing to endorse Trump is a big move .
Collins endorsed Trump in 2016 but now says she ’ s focused on her own election .
“ I was not up for reelection , ” Collins said of 2016 .
“ I didn ’ t have my own @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” However , Collins did endorse the late Senator John McCain in 2008 when she was up for reelection .
Her explanation for this discrepancy is unlikely to please the President .
“ As I said , I have a difficult race , ” she said .
“ And I am concentrating my efforts on that race.
” “ In addition , I have known John McCain since the 1970s , when I worked for [ former senator ] Bill Cohen , ” Collins said .
“ We were very close friends , @ @ @ @ @ @

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Susan Collins has refused to formally endorse Donald Trump for president in 2020. She’s withheld her endorsement citing her own difficult reelection bid this November.
The Republican senator for Maine is seen as vulnerable this cycle and her association with the President has hurt her. However, refusing to endorse Trump is a big move.
Collins endorsed Trump in 2016 but now says she’s focused on her own election.
“I was not up for reelection,” Collins said of 2016.
“I didn’t have my own race to worry about at that point.”
However, Collins did endorse the late Senator John McCain in 2008 when she was up for reelection. Her explanation for this discrepancy is unlikely to please the President.
“As I said, I have a difficult race,” she said. “And I am concentrating my efforts on that race.”
“In addition, I have known John McCain since the 1970s, when I worked for [former senator] Bill Cohen,” Collins said.
“We were very close friends,” she said of McCain.
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politicususa--2020-07-23--Florida Gut Punches Trump As Biden Opens Up 13 Point Lead

A new poll of Florida showed Trump collapsing in his new home state as the coronavirus outbreak has destroyed Trump ’ s numbers .
In the race for the White House , former Vice President Joe Biden opens up a big lead over President Trump .
Voters back Biden 51 – 38 percent over Trump .
In an April 22nd poll , it was close with Biden at 46 percent and Trump at 42 percent .
Democrats back Biden 89 – 2 percent , independents back Biden 48 – 32 percent , compared to 44 – 37 percent in April @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10 percent .
In five direct matchups , the President scores his best numbers on the economy , while Biden holds wide leads on handling a crisis , health care , response to the coronavirus , and addressing racial inequality .
Asked who would do a better job handling … The Florida poll is a direct result of the coronavirus tearing through the state , and Trump ’ s poor response to the crisis .
It would be a shock if Joe Biden won Florida by 13 points , but Trump didn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had a lot to say .
The briefings are back because Trump is getting pummeled in places like Florida .
Biden could win Florida .
Obama won Florida , and the Sunshine State is least predictable of all of the swing states .
The margin is an indication of the level of dissatisfaction with Trump .
The polls weren ’ t wrong in 2016 .
It was a fluke election that the Russians helped Trump win .
The polls should tell Democrats to work even harder .
They have Trump on the ropes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up until Election Day .
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group .

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A new poll of Florida showed Trump collapsing in his new home state as the coronavirus outbreak has destroyed Trump’s numbers.
Via: Quinnipiac University:
In the race for the White House, former Vice President Joe Biden opens up a big lead over President Trump. Voters back Biden 51 – 38 percent over Trump. In an April 22nd poll, it was close with Biden at 46 percent and Trump at 42 percent.
Democrats back Biden 89 – 2 percent, independents back Biden 48 – 32 percent, compared to 44 – 37 percent in April, and Republicans back Trump 88 – 10 percent.
In five direct matchups, the President scores his best numbers on the economy, while Biden holds wide leads on handling a crisis, health care, response to the coronavirus, and addressing racial inequality.
Asked who would do a better job handling …
The Economy: Trump 50 percent, Biden 47 percent.
A Crisis: Biden 55 percent, Trump 42 percent.
Health Care: Biden 57 percent, Trump 39 percent.
Response to the Coronavirus: Biden 58 percent, Trump 38 percent.
Addressing Racial Inequality: Biden 58 percent, Trump 35 percent.
The Florida poll is a direct result of the coronavirus tearing through the state, and Trump’s poor response to the crisis. It would be a shock if Joe Biden won Florida by 13 points, but Trump didn’t restart the coronavirus briefings because he had a lot to say. The briefings are back because Trump is getting pummeled in places like Florida.
Biden could win Florida. Obama won Florida, and the Sunshine State is least predictable of all of the swing states. The margin is an indication of the level of dissatisfaction with Trump. The polls weren’t wrong in 2016. It was a fluke election that the Russians helped Trump win.
The polls should tell Democrats to work even harder. They have Trump on the ropes, but they need to not let up until Election Day.
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.
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politicususa--2020-07-23--Trump Cracks Up And Rants About Baseball When Asked If He Reopened The Country Too Fast

Trump was asked if he pushed too far too fast to reopen the country , and he responded by ranting about baseball and the Yankees .
Well , baseball is an example .
We were discussing it .
You ’ ll be at an empty stadium .
I agree , Randy Levin is with the Yankees .
He asked me to throw out the first pitch .
I think I ’ m doing that August 15th at Yankee stadium .
How is the crowd going to be ?
And you know , it is like , you don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such thing .
It will be interesting , Mariano .
He ’ s not used to that .
I ’ ve been many places , the crowd goes crazy .
I think it will be just as good without the crowd .
Some people are born with it .
I don ’ t think .
This is only for the baseball players but I ’ ve never seen a pitcher throw a ball where so many bats were broken as Mariano .
How do you do that ?
He said great parents when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ How do you do that ?
It ’ s called parents .
Yeah .
Just to finish , I think that we have to all set examples .
I think major league baseball is setting an example by playing to empty stadiums and so are other sports .
Then they ’ ll allow a certain number in .
I see golf soon will be allowing people to come in in percentages and all of a sudden we want to get back to normal .
The key is to get back to normal .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ think it is really good that baseball is opening .
It looks like football is opening .
It looks like sports are opening .
We have , it ’ s a tremendous thing psychologically for our country , and we ’ re all , we ’ re going to see now some beautiful young little leaguers outside with a great future ahead of them .
Trump didn ’ t want to talk about how he screwed up the entire pandemic , so the country was treated to a rant about sports and baseball @ @ @ @ @ @ @ His rant was a dodge .
Of course , the country is in the mess that it is currently in because Donald Trump never led nationally on the pandemic and he pushed to reopen too soon .
Trump ’ s bad judgment is why the US is the world leader in coronavirus cases .
Trump created this human tragedy , and he can ’ t BS his way out of it by babbling about baseball .

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Trump was asked if he pushed too far too fast to reopen the country, and he responded by ranting about baseball and the Yankees.
Trump said:
Well, baseball is an example. We were discussing it. You’ll be at an empty stadium. I agree, Randy Levin is with the Yankees. He asked me to throw out the first pitch. I think I’m doing that August 15th at Yankee stadium. How is the crowd going to be? And you know, it is like, you don’t have a crowd. There is no such thing. It will be interesting, Mariano. He’s not used to that. I’ve been many places, the crowd goes crazy. I think it will be just as good without the crowd. Some people are born with it. I don’t think. This is only for the baseball players but I’ve never seen a pitcher throw a ball where so many bats were broken as Mariano. How do you do that? He said great parents when you get right down to it. How do you do that? It’s called parents.
Yeah. Just to finish, I think that we have to all set examples. I think major league baseball is setting an example by playing to empty stadiums and so are other sports. Then they’ll allow a certain number in. I see golf soon will be allowing people to come in in percentages and all of a sudden we want to get back to normal. The key is to get back to normal. Nobody wants to see this. I think it is really good that baseball is opening. It looks like football is opening. It looks like sports are opening. We have, it’s a tremendous thing psychologically for our country, and we’re all, we’re going to see now some beautiful young little leaguers outside with a great future ahead of them.
Video:
Trump was asked if he pushed too hard and reopened the country too fast, and he responded with an unhinged rant on baseball. pic.twitter.com/M8GbeUD9O7 — Sarah Reese Jones (@PoliticusSarah) July 23, 2020
Trump didn’t want to talk about how he screwed up the entire pandemic, so the country was treated to a rant about sports and baseball. Trump never answered the question. His rant was a dodge. Of course, the country is in the mess that it is currently in because Donald Trump never led nationally on the pandemic and he pushed to reopen too soon.
Trump’s bad judgment is why the US is the world leader in coronavirus cases. Trump created this human tragedy, and he can’t BS his way out of it by babbling about baseball.


politicususa--2020-07-23--Trump Cancels His Doomed Convention In Jacksonville

Trump officially canceled his Republican convention in Jacksonville .
He claimed it was to protect people , but the real reason is he couldn ’ t get security .
This afternoon my political team came to me and laid out our plans for the convention in Jacksonville , Florida .
It ’ s a place I love .
And I love that state .
The drawings look absolutely I never thought we could have something look so good , so fast , with everything going on .
And everything was going well .
A tremendous list of speakers .
Thousands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and I mean , in some cases , desperately be there .
They wanted to attend .
People making travel arrangements all over the country , they wanted to be there .
The pageantry , the signs , the excitement , were really , really top of the line .
But I looked at my team and I said , the timing for this event is not right , it ’ s just not right with what ’ s happened recently , the flareup in Florida , to have a big convention is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s , uh , really something that for me , have to protect the American people .
That ’ s what I ’ ve always done , that ’ s what I always will do , that ’ s what I ’ m about .
They said , sir , we can make this work very easily .
We have great enthusiasm , incredible enthusiasm .
Even the polls say about the most enthusiasm they ’ ve seen .
We can do this safely and we can do it responsibly .
I said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in our country than keeping our people safe , whether that ’ s from the China virus or the radical left mob that you see in Portland .
The truth is that Trump ’ s convention was doomed as soon as the sheriff indicated that he could not provide security for Trump ’ s convention .
Delegates did not want to attend , and residents of Jacksonville didn ’ t want the dangerous event .
Trump ’ s campaign has been planning to cancel the convention for a month .
Trump has zero @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He canceled the convention because he had to , not because he wanted to .
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group .

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Trump officially canceled his Republican convention in Jacksonville. He claimed it was to protect people, but the real reason is he couldn’t get security.
Trump said:
This afternoon my political team came to me and laid out our plans for the convention in Jacksonville, Florida. It’s a place I love. And I love that state. The drawings look absolutely I never thought we could have something look so good, so fast, with everything going on. And everything was going well. A tremendous list of speakers. Thousands of people wanting to be there, and I mean, in some cases, desperately be there. They wanted to attend. People making travel arrangements all over the country, they wanted to be there. The pageantry, the signs, the excitement, were really, really top of the line. But I looked at my team and I said, the timing for this event is not right, it’s just not right with what’s happened recently, the flareup in Florida, to have a big convention is not the right time. It’s, uh, really something that for me, have to protect the American people.
That’s what I’ve always done, that’s what I always will do, that’s what I’m about. They said, sir, we can make this work very easily. We have great enthusiasm, incredible enthusiasm. Even the polls say about the most enthusiasm they’ve seen. We can do this safely and we can do it responsibly. I said, there’s nothing more important in our country than keeping our people safe, whether that’s from the China virus or the radical left mob that you see in Portland.
Video:
Trump totally lies about why he is canceling the Republican convention. The real reason is that the Sheriff said that he could not provide security for his convention, and his campaign has been planning to cancel the event for a month. pic.twitter.com/I9MWkorW4G — Sarah Reese Jones (@PoliticusSarah) July 23, 2020
The truth is that Trump’s convention was doomed as soon as the sheriff indicated that he could not provide security for Trump’s convention. Delegates did not want to attend, and residents of Jacksonville didn’t want the dangerous event. Trump’s campaign has been planning to cancel the convention for a month.
Trump has zero interest in protecting the American people. He canceled the convention because he had to, not because he wanted to.
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.
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politicususa--2020-07-23--Obama Triggers A Trump Meltdown With New Support For Biden

Trump is spending the workday melting down over a new burst of support from Barack Obama for his former vice @ @ @ @ @ of what Trump said is true .
Obama refused to endorse anyone during the primaries @ @ @ @ @ want to tip the scales .
He thought that Democratic voters should decide , and @ @ @ @ @ Joe Biden .
Obama and Biden doing a terrible job were not the reason that @ @ @ @ @ is still confusing an election that he lost the popular vote by 2.9 million votes @ @ @ @ @ Trump was elected due to Russian interference in the campaign on his behalf and sexism @ @ @ @ @ up to a fluke 77,000 vote victory in three states .
Trump is so scared @ @ @ @ @ mention of the former presidents sends him off into a delusional rage .
Trump is @ @ @ @ @ Barack Obama .
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC @ @

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Trump is spending the workday melting down over a new burst of support from Barack Obama for his former vice president Joe Biden.
Trump tweeted:
Obama, who wouldn’t even endorse Biden until everyone else was out of the primaries (and even then waited a long time!), is now making a commercial of support. Remember, I wouldn’t even be here if it weren’t for them. I wouldn’t be President. They did a terrible job! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 23, 2020
None of what Trump said is true. Obama refused to endorse anyone during the primaries because he didn’t want to tip the scales. He thought that Democratic voters should decide, and Democratic primary voters overwhelmingly chose Joe Biden.
Obama and Biden doing a terrible job were not the reason that Trump was elected. Trump is still confusing an election that he lost the popular vote by 2.9 million votes with an overwhelming mandate. Trump was elected due to Russian interference in the campaign on his behalf and sexism against Hillary Clinton that added up to a fluke 77,000 vote victory in three states.
Trump is so scared of Obama that even the mention of the former presidents sends him off into a delusional rage. Trump is both jealous and terrified of Barack Obama.
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.
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politicususa--2020-07-23--Doctor Shatters Trump’s Boasts About Passing Memory Test

Dr. Kavita Patel explained that Trump is boasting about passing a simple short term memory test that is the same as a blood pressure screening .
Trump said during a recent Fox News interview , “ Like a memory question .
It ’ s like you ’ ll go person , woman , man , camera , TV .
Ten minutes , 15 minutes later they ’ ll say remember the first question ?
Not the first , but the tenth .
Give us that again .
Person , woman , man , camera , TV .
They say , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you do that ?
I do it because I have like a good memory .
Because I ’ m cognitively there.
” And just very simply , this is a test of memory recall .
It ’ s something that I commonly do .
It ’ s three objects .
You can do more , but it ’ s three objects and usually , I ’ ll say things like pen , watch , paper and then it ’ s really to test for that short-term memory recall .
Candidly , we ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as dementia or , again , something that could be prohibiting a person from having the ability to remember something from ten minutes ago .
So this is not meant to be some sort of detailed neurocognitive think of it like a screening .
Almost like a blood pressure test .
It ’ s something to give you a signal and then you look for more .
The bar is really low if this simple test is what Trump thinks proves that he is all there .
Trump brought this on himself by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s cognitive ability to be president .
The questions about mental impairment blew back on Trump and have resulted in him spending weeks trying to prove that he is not in mental decline .
Trump trapped himself , which is why he is bragging about cognitive screenings that don ’ t prove what he thinks they prove .

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Dr. Kavita Patel explained that Trump is boasting about passing a simple short term memory test that is the same as a blood pressure screening.
Trump said during a recent Fox News interview, “Like a memory question. It’s like you’ll go person, woman, man, camera, TV. Ten minutes, 15 minutes later they’ll say remember the first question? Not the first, but the tenth. Give us that again. Person, woman, man, camera, TV. They say, that’s amazing. How did you do that? I do it because I have like a good memory. Because I’m cognitively there.”
Dr. Patel explained:
And just very simply, this is a test of memory recall. It’s something that I commonly do. It’s three objects. You can do more, but it’s three objects and usually, I’ll say things like pen, watch, paper and then it’s really to test for that short-term memory recall.
Candidly, we’re looking for much deeper issues such as dementia or, again, something that could be prohibiting a person from having the ability to remember something from ten minutes ago. So this is not meant to be some sort of detailed neurocognitive think of it like a screening. Almost like a blood pressure test. It’s something to give you a signal and then you look for more.
Video:
Dr. Kavita Patel explains why Trump shouldn't be bragging about passing a dementia screening test. pic.twitter.com/3VSuTmOPli — Sarah Reese Jones (@PoliticusSarah) July 23, 2020
The bar is really low if this simple test is what Trump thinks proves that he is all there. Trump brought this on himself by trying to raise questions about Biden’s cognitive ability to be president. The questions about mental impairment blew back on Trump and have resulted in him spending weeks trying to prove that he is not in mental decline.
Trump trapped himself, which is why he is bragging about cognitive screenings that don’t prove what he thinks they prove.


politicususa--2020-07-23--Judge Rules Trump Threw Michael Cohen In Prison In Retaliation For Book

A federal judge ordered Michael Cohen released from prison and found that the DOJ imprisoned Cohen as retaliation for his upcoming book on Trump .
The New York Daily News reported : In a virtual court hearing , Manhattan Federal Court Judge Alvin Hellerstein fumed at a Justice Department attorney who struggled to explain why Cohen was returned into custody earlier this month after objecting to home confinement conditions that barred him from writing a book about Trump , speaking to journalists or using social media .
“ I ’ ve never seen such a clause .
In 21 years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ve never seen such a clause , ” Hellerstein said .
“ How can I take any other inference than that it was retaliatory ?
” “ I make the finding that the purpose of transferring Mr. Cohen from home confinement to jail is retaliatory , and it ’ s retaliatory because of his desire to exercise his First Amendment rights to publish a book , ” he said .
Cohen has a First Amendment right to publish a book about Trump .
If Barr shows up at the House Judiciary Committee hearing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week , he is going to face some intense questioning about why the DOJ tossed Michael Cohen back in prison because he wrote a book about Trump .
Michael Cohen is living proof that Trump is serious about throwing his political critics and enemies in prison .
He did it to try to silence Michael Cohen , so it would be wise to not dismiss as out of hand his calls to throw James Comey , Barack Obama , Joe Biden , and others behind bars .
Never underestimate the undemocratic and authoritarian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group .

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A federal judge ordered Michael Cohen released from prison and found that the DOJ imprisoned Cohen as retaliation for his upcoming book on Trump.
The New York Daily News reported:
In a virtual court hearing, Manhattan Federal Court Judge Alvin Hellerstein fumed at a Justice Department attorney who struggled to explain why Cohen was returned into custody earlier this month after objecting to home confinement conditions that barred him from writing a book about Trump, speaking to journalists or using social media.
“I’ve never seen such a clause. In 21 years of being a judge … I’ve never seen such a clause,” Hellerstein said. “How can I take any other inference than that it was retaliatory?”
….
“I make the finding that the purpose of transferring Mr. Cohen from home confinement to jail is retaliatory, and it’s retaliatory because of his desire to exercise his First Amendment rights to publish a book,” he said.
Cohen has a First Amendment right to publish a book about Trump. If Barr shows up at the House Judiciary Committee hearing where he is supposed to testify next week, he is going to face some intense questioning about why the DOJ tossed Michael Cohen back in prison because he wrote a book about Trump.
Michael Cohen is living proof that Trump is serious about throwing his political critics and enemies in prison. He did it to try to silence Michael Cohen, so it would be wise to not dismiss as out of hand his calls to throw James Comey, Barack Obama, Joe Biden, and others behind bars.
Never underestimate the undemocratic and authoritarian impulses of Donald Trump.
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.
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