politicususa--2020-07-23--1.4 Million More File for Unemployment in First Increase Since March as Benefits Due to Expire

The latest data from the United States Department of Labor ( DOL ) shows that 1.4 million more Americans have filed for unemployment , the first increase since the pandemic intensified in March .
DOL says about 32 million people are receiving unemployment benefits , though that figure could include double-counting by some states .
The current data is an increase from the 1.3 million reported last week .
Additionally , about 975,000 people have applied for assistance under a program that extends unemployment benefits to the self employed and gig workers .
The news comes as the $ 600 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ millions of people afloat as the economy founders , is due to expire by the end of the month .
Both Republicans and Democrats 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .

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The latest data from the United States Department of Labor (DOL) shows that 1.4 million more Americans have filed for unemployment, the first increase since the pandemic intensified in March. DOL says about 32 million people are receiving unemployment benefits, though that figure could include double-counting by some states.
The current data is an increase from the 1.3 million reported last week. Additionally, about 975,000 people have applied for assistance under a program that extends unemployment benefits to the self employed and gig workers.
The news comes as the $600 additional unemployment benefit, credited with keeping millions of people afloat as the economy founders, is due to expire by the end of the month.
Both Republicans and Democrats 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.


politicususa--2020-07-23--Ocasio-Cortez Drags Republican Congressman’s Non-Apology for Sexist Slur

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez harshly criticized Ted Yoho on Thursday after he issued a half-hearted apology to her for using insulting language in a confrontation .
The Democratic congresswoman was responding to the Republican congressman ’ s defensive comments on the House floor on Wednesday , which many saw as no apology at all .
“ I could not allow my nieces , I could not allow the little girls I go home to , I could not allow victims of verbal abuse and worse to see that , to see that excuse and to see our Congress accept it as legitimate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Ocasio-Cortez said .
“ I do not need Rep. Yoho to apologize to me , ” she said .
“ Clearly , he does not want to .
Clearly , when given the opportunity , he will not .
” “ And I will not stay up late at night waiting for an apology from a man who has no remorse over calling women & using abusive language toward women.
” “ Mr .
Yoho mentioned that he has a wife and two daughters , ” Ocasio-Cortez pointed out .
“ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s youngest daughter .
I am someone ’ s daughter , too .
My father , thankfully , is not alive to see how Mr. Yoho treated his daughter .
My mother got to see Mr. Yoho ’ s disrespect .
”

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Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez harshly criticized Ted Yoho on Thursday after he issued a half-hearted apology to her for using insulting language in a confrontation.
The Democratic congresswoman was responding to the Republican congressman’s defensive comments on the House floor on Wednesday, which many saw as no apology at all.
“I could not allow my nieces, I could not allow the little girls I go home to, I could not allow victims of verbal abuse and worse to see that, to see that excuse and to see our Congress accept it as legitimate and accept it as an apology,” Ocasio-Cortez said.
Watch the video:
.@AOC calls out Rep. Yoho: "I could not allow my nieces, I could not allow the little girls I go home to, I could not allow victims of verbal abuse and worse to see that, to see that excuse and to see our Congress accept it as legitimate and accept it as an apology." pic.twitter.com/lmhBtXRbJZ — Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) July 23, 2020
“I do not need Rep. Yoho to apologize to me,” she said.
“Clearly, he does not want to. Clearly, when given the opportunity, he will not. ”
“And I will not stay up late at night waiting for an apology from a man who has no remorse over calling women & using abusive language toward women.”
“Mr. Yoho mentioned that he has a wife and two daughters,” Ocasio-Cortez pointed out.
“I am two years younger than Mr. Yoho’s youngest daughter. I am someone’s daughter, too. My father, thankfully, is not alive to see how Mr. Yoho treated his daughter. My mother got to see Mr. Yoho’s disrespect.”
Follow Darragh Roche on Twitter


politicususa--2020-07-23--Trump Joins Attacks on Liz Cheney as House Republicans Try to Oust Her

Donald Trump became the latest and most high profile Republican to attack Liz Cheney on Thursday .
Several prominent members of the GOP have taken aim at her in recent days .
Cheney is chair of the House Republican Conference but some who consider her to be insufficiently pro-Trump have been seeking her ouster .
Trump joined in this morning .
“ Liz Cheney is only upset because I have been actively getting our great and beautiful Country out of the ridiculous and costly Endless Wars , ” Trump tweeted .
“ I am also making our so-called allies pay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ military costs .
They must , at least , treat us fairly !
!
!
” This is a thinly veiled reference to Cheney ’ s father , former Vice President Dick Cheney .
Serving during the Bush administration , Cheney is widely viewed as playing a major role in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars .
Conservatives in the House are gunning for Cheney and some have called for her resignation .
She ’ s so far refused to engage very much in public but the President ’ s criticism may make her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tries to sabotage everything he tries to do in foreign policy , so I don ’ t know whether she ’ s a good advocate for the President or not , ” he said .

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Donald Trump became the latest and most high profile Republican to attack Liz Cheney on Thursday. Several prominent members of the GOP have taken aim at her in recent days.
Cheney is chair of the House Republican Conference but some who consider her to be insufficiently pro-Trump have been seeking her ouster. Trump joined in this morning.
“Liz Cheney is only upset because I have been actively getting our great and beautiful Country out of the ridiculous and costly Endless Wars,” Trump tweeted.
Liz Cheney is only upset because I have been actively getting our great and beautiful Country out of the ridiculous and costly Endless Wars. I am also making our so-called allies pay tens of billions of dollars in delinquent military costs. They must, at least, treat us fairly!!! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 23, 2020
“I am also making our so-called allies pay tens of billions of dollars in delinquent military costs. They must, at least, treat us fairly!!!”
This is a thinly veiled reference to Cheney’s father, former Vice President Dick Cheney. Serving during the Bush administration, Cheney is widely viewed as playing a major role in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.
Conservatives in the House are gunning for Cheney and some have called for her resignation. She’s so far refused to engage very much in public but the President’s criticism may make her position untenable.
Republican Senator Rand Paul attacked her on Wednesday.
“I mean she tries to sabotage everything he tries to do in foreign policy, so I don’t know whether she’s a good advocate for the President or not,” he said.
Follow Darragh Roche on Twitter


politicususa--2020-07-23--Trump: I “Love Watching Pathetic Never Trumpers Squirm!”

President Donald Trump attacked Tom Ridge , the former Secretary of Homeland Security , after Ridge criticized the deployment of federal agents in Portland , Oregon .
“ Recently watched failed RINO Tom Ridge , former head of Homeland Security , trying to justify his sudden love of the Radical Left Mayor of Portland , who last night was booed & shouted out of existence by the agitators & anarchists , ” the president wrote in a tweet .
“ Love watching pathetic Never Trumpers squirm !
” Ridge , the nation ’ s first head of Homeland Security , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ XM radio that Homeland Security “ was established to protect America from the ever-present threat of global terrorism .
It was not established to be the president ’ s personal militia.
” Ridge said he would “ welcome the opportunity to work with any federal agency to reduce crime or lawlessness in the cities ” if he were governor , adding that “ it would be a cold day in hell before I would consent to an uninvited , unilateral intervention into one of my cities.
” “ And I wish the president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fighting this lawlessness than the unilateral approach he ’ s taken , ” he concluded .
Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler accused the federal government of “ occupation ” after he was teargassed last night .
“ This is not a de-escalation strategy .
This is flat-out urban warfare , ” Wheeler said .
“ And it ’ s being wrought on the people of this country by the president of the United States and it ’ s got to stop .
”

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President Donald Trump attacked Tom Ridge, the former Secretary of Homeland Security, after Ridge criticized the deployment of federal agents in Portland, Oregon.
“Recently watched failed RINO Tom Ridge, former head of Homeland Security, trying to justify his sudden love of the Radical Left Mayor of Portland, who last night was booed & shouted out of existence by the agitators & anarchists,” the president wrote in a tweet. “Love watching pathetic Never Trumpers squirm!”
Recently watched failed RINO Tom Ridge, former head of Homeland Security, trying to justify his sudden love of the Radical Left Mayor of Portland, who last night was booed & shouted out of existence by the agitators & anarchists. Love watching pathetic Never Trumpers squirm! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 23, 2020
Ridge, the nation’s first head of Homeland Security, remarked yesterday in an interview with Sirius XM radio that Homeland Security “was established to protect America from the ever-present threat of global terrorism. It was not established to be the president’s personal militia.”
Ridge said he would “welcome the opportunity to work with any federal agency to reduce crime or lawlessness in the cities” if he were governor, adding that “it would be a cold day in hell before I would consent to an uninvited, unilateral intervention into one of my cities.”
“And I wish the president would take a more collaborative approach toward fighting this lawlessness than the unilateral approach he’s taken,” he concluded.
Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler accused the federal government of “occupation” after he was teargassed last night.
“This is not a de-escalation strategy. This is flat-out urban warfare,” Wheeler said. “And it’s being wrought on the people of this country by the president of the United States and it’s got to stop.”


politicususa--2020-07-23--Former McCain Adviser Compares Acting Homeland Security Secretary to Infamous Nazi And Warns of Pote

Former McCain Adviser Compares Acting Homeland Security Secretary to Infamous Nazi And Warns of Potential Coup

Steve Schmidt has called for an urgent investigation of federal agents in cities like Portland and suggested some of them may not be law enforcement officers at all .
The former adviser to Republican Senator John McCain ’ s presidential campaign took to Twitter on Thursday to make an alarming comparison with Nazi Germany .
“ There is an urgent necessity for Congress and the media to investigate if there are ANY security contractors deployed alongside Federal ‘ Agents ’ thugs in any American city .
There should be no opaqueness around this operation , ” Schmidt wrote .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s equipped with Suppressors .
This is not law enforcement .
We are witnessing state ordered violence being loosed on the citizens of our Constitutional Republic.
” He went on to compare recent incidents to an infamous event in the history of Nazi Germany – the Reichstag Fire .
The burning of the German parliament was used as a pretext for Adolf Hitler ’ s government to rule by decree .
“ Their objective is to spread chaos and incite fear .
This is Trump ’ s rolling Reichstag fire , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one thing and one thing only .
It is about his failing reelection campaign and his looming repudiation at the hands of the American people.
” In a long thread , Schmidt also compared Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Chad Wolf to a Nazi .
“ He is now functioning as the American equivalent of Ernst Rohm , ” he said .
“ He has taken command of an American Sturmabteilung .
The men he commands are thuggish , violent and dangerous.
” “ They are an untrained illiberal and dangerous force .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ what Trumpistan looks like .
”

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Steve Schmidt has called for an urgent investigation of federal agents in cities like Portland and suggested some of them may not be law enforcement officers at all.
The former adviser to Republican Senator John McCain’s presidential campaign took to Twitter on Thursday to make an alarming comparison with Nazi Germany.
“There is an urgent necessity for Congress and the media to investigate if there are ANY security contractors deployed alongside Federal ‘Agents’ thugs in any American city. There should be no opaqueness around this operation,” Schmidt wrote.
There is an urgent necessity for Congress and the media to investigate if there are ANY security contractors deployed alongside Federal “Agents” thugs in any American city. There should be no opaqueness around this operation. Who are these men armed with M-4’s equipped with — Steve Schmidt (@SteveSchmidtSES) July 23, 2020
“Who are these men armed with M-4’s equipped with Suppressors. This is not law enforcement. We are witnessing state ordered violence being loosed on the citizens of our Constitutional Republic.”
He went on to compare recent incidents to an infamous event in the history of Nazi Germany – the Reichstag Fire. The burning of the German parliament was used as a pretext for Adolf Hitler’s government to rule by decree.
“Their objective is to spread chaos and incite fear. This is Trump’s rolling Reichstag fire,” Schmidt said.
“This is about one thing and one thing only. It is about his failing reelection campaign and his looming repudiation at the hands of the American people.”
In a long thread, Schmidt also compared Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Chad Wolf to a Nazi.
“He is now functioning as the American equivalent of Ernst Rohm,” he said.
“He has taken command of an American Sturmabteilung. The men he commands are thuggish, violent and dangerous.”
“They are an untrained illiberal and dangerous force. This must be stopped. This is what Trumpistan looks like.”
Follow Darragh Roche on Twitter


politicususa--2020-07-23--Philadelphia DA Says He’ll Charge Federal Agents Who Break the Law

Philadelphia ’ s District Attorney has warned that he ’ ll charge any federal officer sent into the city by the Trump administration if they commit a crime such as kidnapping .
Larry Krasner issued the stark warning as President Donald Trump has threatened to deploy federal law enforcement to various Democratically-controlled cities .
“ My dad volunteered and served in World War II to fight fascism , like most of my uncles , ” Krasner said in a statement .
“ So we would not have an American president brutalizing and kidnapping Americans for exercising their constitutional rights and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which is what patriots do.
” “ Anyone , including federal law enforcement , who unlawfully assaults and kidnaps people will face criminal charges from my office.
” Krasner ’ s comments raise the possibility of a clash between federal and local law enforcement officers .
This kid of conflict hasn ’ t been directly addressed either by the Trump administration or local leaders opposed to federal forces .
However , recent events in Portland , Oregon have heightened tensions as federal agents without proper identification carried out arrests and others engaged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ occupation ” .
“ 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 , ” said Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler .
The issue is likely to escalate as President Donald Trump pursues a “ law and order ” reelection agenda and protests continue following the death of George Floyd .

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Philadelphia’s District Attorney has warned that he’ll charge any federal officer sent into the city by the Trump administration if they commit a crime such as kidnapping.
Larry Krasner issued the stark warning as President Donald Trump has threatened to deploy federal law enforcement to various Democratically-controlled cities.
“My dad volunteered and served in World War II to fight fascism, like most of my uncles,” Krasner said in a statement.
“So we would not have an American president brutalizing and kidnapping Americans for exercising their constitutional rights and trying to make America a better place, which is what patriots do.”
“Anyone, including federal law enforcement, who unlawfully assaults and kidnaps people will face criminal charges from my office.”
Krasner’s comments raise the possibility of a clash between federal and local law enforcement officers. This kid of conflict hasn’t been directly addressed either by the Trump administration or local leaders opposed to federal forces.
However, recent events in Portland, Oregon have heightened tensions as federal agents without proper identification carried out arrests and others engaged in what’s been called “occupation”.
“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,” said Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler.
The issue is likely to escalate as President Donald Trump pursues a “law and order” reelection agenda and protests continue following the death of George Floyd.
Follow Darragh Roche on Twitter


politicususa--2020-07-23--William Barr Criticizes “Extreme Reaction” to George Floyd’s Death

William Barr has branded protests in the wake of George Floyd ’ s death “ extreme ” as protests continue throughout the country and federal agents teargas civilians .
The Attorney General won almost instant scorn for his remarks on Thursday , including from one conservative critic opposed to President Donald Trump .
He did acknowledge the tragedy of Floyd ’ s death , however .
“ We had that terrible death in Minneapolis , ” Barr said “ But then we had this extreme reaction that has demonized police and called for the defunding of police departments.
” “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a significant increase in violent crime in many cities , ” he said .
“ And this rise is a direct result of the attack on the police forces and the weakening of police forces.
” Former Republican strategist Rick Wilson was not impressed with Barr ’ s comments .
He took to Twitter early Thursday morning to voice his apparent disgust .
“ You know what ’ s ‘ extreme ’ ?
Begging for your life while a cop murders you by kneeling on your fucking throat for eight minutes , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ got my “ Fuck That Guy ” for tomorrow ’ s podcast .
”

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William Barr has branded protests in the wake of George Floyd’s death “extreme” as protests continue throughout the country and federal agents teargas civilians.
The Attorney General won almost instant scorn for his remarks on Thursday, including from one conservative critic opposed to President Donald Trump. He did acknowledge the tragedy of Floyd’s death, however.
“We had that terrible death in Minneapolis,” Barr said
“But then we had this extreme reaction that has demonized police and called for the defunding of police departments.”
You know what’s “extreme”? Begging for your life while a cop murders you by kneeling on your fucking throat for eight minutes. I’ve got my “Fuck That Guy” for tomorrow’s podcast. https://t.co/ypCFeGI7hc — Rick Wilson (@TheRickWilson) July 23, 2020
“And what we have seen then is a significant increase in violent crime in many cities,” he said.
“And this rise is a direct result of the attack on the police forces and the weakening of police forces.”
Former Republican strategist Rick Wilson was not impressed with Barr’s comments. He took to Twitter early Thursday morning to voice his apparent disgust.
“You know what’s ‘extreme’? Begging for your life while a cop murders you by kneeling on your fucking throat for eight minutes,” Wilson wrote.
“I’ve got my “Fuck That Guy” for tomorrow’s podcast.”
Follow Darragh Roche on Twitter


politicususa--2020-07-24--Oregon Judge Issues Temporary Restraining Order Against Federal Agents in Portland

A judge in Oregon has issued a temporary restraining order against federal agents in Portland .
The move comes amid growing criticism of federal law enforcement in the city .
District Judge Michael H. Simon issued a 14-day order to stop federal agents “ arresting , threatening to arrest , or using physical force ” journalists and legal observers .
The order does not apply to protesters .
“ Without journalists and legal observers , there is only the government ’ s side of the story to explain why a ‘ riot ’ was declared and the public streets were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ acted properly in effectuating that order , ” Judge Simon wrote .
“ The stated need to protect federal property and the safety of federal officers is not directly affected by allowing journalists and legal observers to stay , observe , and record events , ” the judge said .
The 22-page order paints a grim picture of federal actions and contained clear warnings about following the temporary restraining order .
“ [ T ] he Court considers any willful violation of this Order , or any express direction by a supervisor or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , to be a violation of a clearly established constitutional right and thus not subject to qualified immunity in any action brought against any individual employee , officer , or agent of the Federal Defendants , ” the document says .
The decision was handed down on Thursday – just a day after the Mayor of Portland , Ted Wheeler , was teargassed by federal officers after speaking to protesters .
“ This is flat-out urban warfare .
And it ’ s being wrought on the people of this country by the president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s got to stop , ” Wheeler said .

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A judge in Oregon has issued a temporary restraining order against federal agents in Portland. The move comes amid growing criticism of federal law enforcement in the city.
District Judge Michael H. Simon issued a 14-day order to stop federal agents “arresting, threatening to arrest, or using physical force” journalists and legal observers. The order does not apply to protesters.
Now: Oregon judge issues TRO against federal agents on the ground in Portland /// 14-day order restricts 'arresting, threatening to arrest, or using physical force' against journalists and legal observers https://t.co/ojv83d44iu pic.twitter.com/dna9osMOZW — Mike Scarcella (@MikeScarcella) July 24, 2020
“Without journalists and legal observers, there is only the government’s side of the story to explain why a ‘riot’ was declared and the public streets were ‘closed’ and whether law enforcement acted properly in effectuating that order,” Judge Simon wrote.
“The stated need to protect federal property and the safety of federal officers is not directly affected by allowing journalists and legal observers to stay, observe, and record events,” the judge said.
The 22-page order paints a grim picture of federal actions and contained clear warnings about following the temporary restraining order.
“[T]he Court considers any willful violation of this Order, or any express
direction by a supervisor or commander to disregard or violate this Order, to be a violation of a clearly established constitutional right and thus not subject to qualified immunity in any action brought against any individual employee, officer, or agent of the Federal Defendants,” the document says.
The decision was handed down on Thursday – just a day after the Mayor of Portland, Ted Wheeler, was teargassed by federal officers after speaking to protesters.
“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,” Wheeler said.
Follow Darragh Roche on Twitter


politicususa--2020-07-24--Trump Says It’s Too Dangerous For His Convention But Safe For Your Kids To Return To School

During the third day of Donald Trump ’ s second season of coronavirus press conferences , the president sent more mixed signals about the pandemic .
The big news , as PoliticusUSA ’ s Jason Easley noted , is the fact that Trump canceled his doomed convention in Jacksonville , Florida .
“ I looked at my team and I said the timing for this event is not right , just not right with what ’ s happened recently , ” Trump said .
But in nearly the same breath , Trump doubled down on his commitment to force schools @ @ @ @ @ @ @ direct funding away from schools that decide to remain closed because of the virus .
“ If schools do not reopen , the funding should go to parents to send their children to the public , private , charter , religious or home school , ” Trump said .
As CNN ’ s Jim Acosta pointed out , “ Trump is canceling part of his convention because of the threat posed by the virus while also pushing schools to reopen at the same time.
” The purpose of the highly-scripted , revived coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at least pretend he ’ s still focused on the pandemic as polls continue to show him slipping further behind Joe Biden .
But in just a few days , the president has reminded the American people why he stopped holding these stunts to begin with – because he is incapable of presenting a consistent , honest message to those tuning in .
If Donald Trump doesn ’ t feel safe spending a few days in Florida for his convention , then millions of school kids shouldn ’ t be forced to return @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country .

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During the third day of Donald Trump’s second season of coronavirus press conferences, the president sent more mixed signals about the pandemic.
The big news, as PoliticusUSA’s Jason Easley noted, is the fact that Trump canceled his doomed convention in Jacksonville, Florida.
“I looked at my team and I said the timing for this event is not right, just not right with what’s happened recently,” Trump said.
But in nearly the same breath, Trump doubled down on his commitment to force schools to reopen, even saying he would direct funding away from schools that decide to remain closed because of the virus.
“If schools do not reopen, the funding should go to parents to send their children to the public, private, charter, religious or home school,” Trump said.
As CNN’s Jim Acosta pointed out, “Trump is canceling part of his convention because of the threat posed by the virus while also pushing schools to reopen at the same time.”
Trump is canceling part of his convention because of the threat posed by the virus while also pushing schools to reopen at the same time. — Jim Acosta (@Acosta) July 23, 2020
More mixed messages from a floundering president
The purpose of the highly-scripted, revived coronavirus press briefings was for Donald Trump to at least pretend he’s still focused on the pandemic as polls continue to show him slipping further behind Joe Biden.
But in just a few days, the president has reminded the American people why he stopped holding these stunts to begin with – because he is incapable of presenting a consistent, honest message to those tuning in.
If Donald Trump doesn’t feel safe spending a few days in Florida for his convention, then millions of school kids shouldn’t be forced to return to school as the virus surges across the country.
Follow Sean Colarossi on Facebook and Twitter


politicususa--2020-07-24--Trump Admits His Twitter Activity Gets Him “Into Trouble”

In an interview with Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy , President Donald Trump acknowledged that his Twitter activity , known for being the subject of often controversial headlines , gets him “ into trouble.
” “ Do you sometimes — because I follow you on Twitter and I know I do this… do you ever tweet out and be like — you wake up and , ‘ Aw man , I wish I didn ’ t send that one out ’ ?
” Portnoy asked .
“ Often , too often , ” Trump replied .
“ It used to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , you ’ d write a letter and you ’ d say this letter is very big .
You put it on your desk and then you go back tomorrow and you say , ‘ Oh , I ’ m glad I didn ’ t send it , ’ right ?
But we don ’ t do that with Twitter , right ?
We put it out instantaneously , we feel great , and then you start getting phone calls — ‘ Did you really say this ?
’ I say , ‘ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ and you find out a lot of things.
” You ’ ve been caught retweeting people , being like , ‘ Oh , you just retweeted this crazy person , ’ so you don ’ t even look .
You just press retweet and you just fire from the hip , ” Portnoy followed up .
“ You see something that looks good and you don ’ t investigate it and you don ’ t know what ’ s on the helmet exactly , right , which is a miniature and you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it sometimes — I have found that almost always it ’ s the retweets that get you in trouble , ” Trump responded .
You can watch the clip below .
The president later tweeted the entire interview to his followers via several retweets .

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In an interview with Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy, President Donald Trump acknowledged that his Twitter activity, known for being the subject of often controversial headlines, gets him “into trouble.”
“Do you sometimes — because I follow you on Twitter and I know I do this… do you ever tweet out and be like — you wake up and, ‘Aw man, I wish I didn’t send that one out’?” Portnoy asked.
“Often, too often,” Trump replied. “It used to be in the old days before this, you’d write a letter and you’d say this letter is very big. You put it on your desk and then you go back tomorrow and you say, ‘Oh, I’m glad I didn’t send it,’ right? But we don’t do that with Twitter, right? We put it out instantaneously, we feel great, and then you start getting phone calls — ‘Did you really say this?’ I say, ‘What’s wrong with that?’ and you find out a lot of things.”
You’ve been caught retweeting people, being like, ‘Oh, you just retweeted this crazy person,’ so you don’t even look. You just press retweet and you just fire from the hip,” Portnoy followed up.
“You see something that looks good and you don’t investigate it and you don’t know what’s on the helmet exactly, right, which is a miniature and you don’t blow it up, it sometimes — I have found that almost always it’s the retweets that get you in trouble,” Trump responded.
You can watch the clip below.
The president later tweeted the entire interview to his followers via several retweets.


politicususa--2020-07-24--Trump Disapproval Jumps To 60% In Republican Poll

Even a poll done by a Republican polling firm found Trump ’ s disapproval at 60 % , with Joe Biden leading by 15 points , 53 % -38 % .
Biden leads by 15 points in the head to head matchup and Democrats lead the generic congressional ballot by 14 points : Trump is in a panic and ranting about passing dementia tests , suburban housewives , and confederate names on military bases because even Republican polls show that he is losing the election badly to Joe Biden .
Trump ’ s biggest problem is that the coronavirus pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make Biden the focus of the election .
The Donald Trump strategy is to make the election about Biden , and then have foreign governments interfere to spread misinformation about his opponent .
It is what he did in 2016 , and it is what he is trying to do now .
The pandemic has been a brick wall that he can ’ t get past to implement his strategy .
Trump is losing support across the board on every issue .
Even Republican pollsters who should come up with more optimistic results @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Trump is cratering , and his own path left to a second term may be to cheat his way to a win .
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group .

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Even a poll done by a Republican polling firm found Trump’s disapproval at 60%, with Joe Biden leading by 15 points, 53%-38%.
Echelon Insights found:
2/5: Trump’s disapproval👎 rating is now at 60%, up 6 points from May. The gap between this and his approval👍 rating is the largest it’s been all year at 23 points. pic.twitter.com/T1LifOmkP8 — Echelon Insights (@EchelonInsights) July 24, 2020
Biden leads by 15 points in the head to head matchup and Democrats lead the generic congressional ballot by 14 points:
3/5: Biden leads Trump by 15 points in a direct match-up✅, with 43% saying they would definitely vote for Biden. pic.twitter.com/yTyGqdQy6Z — Echelon Insights (@EchelonInsights) July 24, 2020
Trump is in a panic and ranting about passing dementia tests, suburban housewives, and confederate names on military bases because even Republican polls show that he is losing the election badly to Joe Biden. Trump’s biggest problem is that the coronavirus pandemic has made it impossible for him to make Biden the focus of the election.
The Donald Trump strategy is to make the election about Biden, and then have foreign governments interfere to spread misinformation about his opponent. It is what he did in 2016, and it is what he is trying to do now.
The pandemic has been a brick wall that he can’t get past to implement his strategy. Trump is losing support across the board on every issue. Even Republican pollsters who should come up with more optimistic results for Trump are matching the independent polling.
Trump is cratering, and his own path left to a second term may be to cheat his way to a win.
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.
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politicususa--2020-07-24--Eric Swalwell Warns Of A Specific Foreign Threat To The Election To Help Trump

Rep. Eric Swalwell ( D-CA ) said that he has been briefed on a specific foreign threat to the presidential election designed to help Trump .
Rep. Swalwell said on Deadline : White House : Well , I was briefed yesterday on election security threats that we have .
And there is a threat in particular that is specific , concerted and we have credible information about its goals and intent and we want the whole congress to receive this briefing .
I am very concerned , though , that today the president ’ s administration put out a statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Iran and they ’ re all interfering and gave this false equivalence to them .
And this would be like if a meteorologist saw that there was going to be snowflakes in the Rockies , lightning storm in the Midwest and a category 5 hurricane to hit the east coast and just put out an alert that there ’ s going to be a weather event this weekend .
That ’ s the equivalent of what they ’ ve done , I think , to politically protect the president .
Judging by how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ efforts to muddy the waters about foreign election threats , it is a safe bet that the threat involves Russia , and it is likely related to Sen. Ron Johnson ( R-WI ) and his Burisma investigation that is based on Russian propaganda .
The difference between 2016 and 2020 is that Democrats were blindsided in 2016 , but they have all eyes on Russia in 2020 .
The election threats are serious , but they won ’ t work as long as the activities to help Trump are exposed to the American @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back to make that Putin doesn ’ t elect Trump for a second time .
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group .

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Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) said that he has been briefed on a specific foreign threat to the presidential election designed to help Trump.
Rep. Swalwell said on Deadline: White House:
Well, I was briefed yesterday on election security threats that we have. And there is a threat in particular that is specific, concerted and we have credible information about its goals and intent and we want the whole congress to receive this briefing. I am very concerned, though, that today the president’s administration put out a statement that you have China and Russia and Iran and they’re all interfering and gave this false equivalence to them.
And this would be like if a meteorologist saw that there was going to be snowflakes in the Rockies, lightning storm in the Midwest and a category 5 hurricane to hit the east coast and just put out an alert that there’s going to be a weather event this weekend. That’s the equivalent of what they’ve done, I think, to politically protect the president.
Video:
Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) says that there is a specific, detailed, and credible threat from a foreign country against the presidential election. pic.twitter.com/lCbxRFhGW7 — Sarah Reese Jones (@PoliticusSarah) July 24, 2020
Judging by how far administration officials are going in their efforts to muddy the waters about foreign election threats, it is a safe bet that the threat involves Russia, and it is likely related to Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI) and his Burisma investigation that is based on Russian propaganda.
The difference between 2016 and 2020 is that Democrats were blindsided in 2016, but they have all eyes on Russia in 2020. The election threats are serious, but they won’t work as long as the activities to help Trump are exposed to the American people.
Democrats are ready to fight back to make that Putin doesn’t elect Trump for a second time.
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.
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politicususa--2020-07-24--Trump’s White House Just Got Fact-Checked By Nickelodeon’s PAW Patrol

After Trump Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany falsely claimed that Nickelodeon ’ s PAW Patrol was canceled the show corrected the @ @ @ @ @ McEnany making up lies about “ cancel culture : ” The PAW Patrol Twitter feed @ @ @ @ @ We have reached the point in 2020 where kids cartoons are fact-checking the White House @ @ @ @ @ is really going to try to make everyone forget about the pandemic by ranting about @ @ @ @ @ that they can do is not lie to America ’ s children .
The PAW @ @ @ @ @ Nickelodeon has done one hundred percent more fact checks of this White House today than @ @ @ @ @ be better informed if they watch PAW Patrol instead of Fox .
For more discussion @ @ @ @ @ Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group .

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After Trump Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany falsely claimed that Nickelodeon’s PAW Patrol was canceled the show corrected the White House.
Here is McEnany making up lies about “cancel culture:”
Here's the White House press secretary whining about how "cancel culture" resulted in the cancellation of "Live PD" and discontinuation of LEGO making a police station set pic.twitter.com/I3vdff4yBp — Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) July 24, 2020
The PAW Patrol Twitter feed was on the case:
No need to worry. PAW Patrol is not canceled. 🐶 — PAW Patrol (@pawpatrol) July 24, 2020
We have reached the point in 2020 where kids cartoons are fact-checking the White House. If the White House is really going to try to make everyone forget about the pandemic by ranting about cancel culture, the least that they can do is not lie to America’s children.
The PAW Patrol fact check means that Nickelodeon has done one hundred percent more fact checks of this White House today than Fox News.
Republicans would be better informed if they watch PAW Patrol instead of Fox.
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.
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politicususa--2020-07-24--Kayleigh McEnany Betrays US Troops And Lies About Russian Bounties

White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany refused to answer when asked if Trump stood up to Putin on placing bounties on US troops .
McEnany said , “ So as you know that intelligence is unverified still to this day .
There are dissenting opinions within the intel community .
I won ’ t get into the president ’ s private discussions with a foreign leader .
I was not on that call , but that intelligence is still unverified .
Rest assured our president will always stand with our military and protect them against any and every foreign adversary.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ up to Putin on the bounties and instead of directly answering the question , she tried to discredit the intelligence multiple times and then refused to comment .
Sometimes what a government official doesn ’ t say is the answer .
If Trump stood up to Putin , the press secretary could have said that the bounties were discussed and that Trump defended America .
By saying nothing , she said everything .
Trump didn ’ t defend the troops .
He caved to Putin , and the lives of American troops are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t stand up to Russia .
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group .

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White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany refused to answer when asked if Trump stood up to Putin on placing bounties on US troops.
McEnany said, “So as you know that intelligence is unverified still to this day. There are dissenting opinions within the intel community. I won’t get into the president’s private discussions with a foreign leader. I was not on that call, but that intelligence is still unverified. Rest assured our president will always stand with our military and protect them against any and every foreign adversary.”
Video:
.@kwelkernbc: Did Trump raise the issue of Russian bounties on American troops during his call with Putin? McENANY: "As you know, that intelligence is unverified still to this day … I won't get into the president's private discussions with a foreign leader." pic.twitter.com/bo2wThNaTn — Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) July 24, 2020
McEnany was asked if Trump stood up to Putin on the bounties and instead of directly answering the question, she tried to discredit the intelligence multiple times and then refused to comment. Sometimes what a government official doesn’t say is the answer.
If Trump stood up to Putin, the press secretary could have said that the bounties were discussed and that Trump defended America. By saying nothing, she said everything.
Trump didn’t defend the troops. He caved to Putin, and the lives of American troops are still at risk because compromised Trump won’t stand up to Russia.
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.
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politicususa--2020-07-24--Trump To Kill 3.4 Million Jobs By Not Extending Unemployment Benefits

A new study found that Trump and Senate Republicans will kill 3.4 million jobs next year by cutting unemployment benefits .
According to the Economic Policy Institute : Currently , Senate Republicans are offering a proposal to reduce this weekly $ 600 supplement to closer to $ 200 .
This is better than allowing the $ 600 benefit to go all the way to zero , but this would still lead to GDP that was lower by 2.5 % a year from now , and , would lead to 3.4 million fewer jobs created over the next year .
These @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the fact that the support this extra $ 600 has given tens of millions of working families is huge .
The economic shock of COVID-19 was enormous , but the large expansions to the UI system included in the CARES Act of March were incredibly effective in blunting the effect of this shock .
The only problem with these expansions was that they begin running out next week—while the job market remains fundamentally damaged .
People can ’ t find a new job , because there aren ’ t new jobs out there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can be cut and people will just “ find something new , ” represents a fundamental ignorance about the economy and where the labor market stands during a pandemic .
Unemployed workers are spending the additional $ 600/week and pouring it back into the economy .
Republicans are going take that money out of the economy , and the result will be more layoffs and job losses .
By lowering unemployment benefits , Trump and his party are going to create more unemployment .
Mitch McConnell and Donald Trump are about to unleash @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that has the potential to equal the Trump created public health crisis that is swallowing up the nation .

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A new study found that Trump and Senate Republicans will kill 3.4 million jobs next year by cutting unemployment benefits.
According to the Economic Policy Institute:
Currently, Senate Republicans are offering a proposal to reduce this weekly $600 supplement to closer to $200. This is better than allowing the $600 benefit to go all the way to zero, but this would still lead to GDP that was lower by 2.5% a year from now, and, would lead to 3.4 million fewer jobs created over the next year.
These are huge numbers—but they are driven by the fact that the support this extra $600 has given tens of millions of working families is huge. The economic shock of COVID-19 was enormous, but the large expansions to the UI system included in the CARES Act of March were incredibly effective in blunting the effect of this shock. The only problem with these expansions was that they begin running out next week—while the job market remains fundamentally damaged.
People can’t find a new job, because there aren’t new jobs out there, so the idea that unemployment benefits can be cut and people will just “find something new,” represents a fundamental ignorance about the economy and where the labor market stands during a pandemic.
Unemployed workers are spending the additional $600/week and pouring it back into the economy. Republicans are going take that money out of the economy, and the result will be more layoffs and job losses.
By lowering unemployment benefits, Trump and his party are going to create more unemployment. Mitch McConnell and Donald Trump are about to unleash an economic disaster on the American people that has the potential to equal the Trump created public health crisis that is swallowing up the nation.


politicususa--2020-07-24--Trump’s Attempt to Defy Congress on Confederate Names Could Delay Military Pay Raise

Donald Trump has said he won ’ t allow military bases to be renamed and he claimed one senior Republican senator agrees with him .
This is despite recent bills mandating the change .
The President is setting himself up for a conflict with the House and Senate .
Both bodies this week passed armed services bills by veto-proof majorities despite earlier threats from Trump .
Those bills require bases commemorating Confederates to be renamed .
If Trump decides to hold up or veto a bill , it could mean a delay in pay raises for members of the military @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( Chairman ) Senator Jim Inhofe , who has informed me that he WILL NOT be changing the names of our great Military Bases and Forts , places from which we won two World Wars ( and more ! )
, ” Trump tweeted .
“ Like me , Jim is not a believer in ‘ Cancel Culture ’ .
” The Senate passed the National Defense Authorization Act by a margin 86-14 – a landslide in Senate terms and far too large a majority for Trump to successfully veto .
The House @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 125 .
Again , this is a veto-proof majority .
Both bills contain provisions for the renaming of U.S. military bases and enjoyed bipartisan support .
There may be an opportunity for Trump to put his thumb on the scale , however , when the Armed Services Committees work to create a bill acceptable to both chambers .
Any attempt to remove the renaming provisions would take time and further delay pay raises .

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Donald Trump has said he won’t allow military bases to be renamed and he claimed one senior Republican senator agrees with him. This is despite recent bills mandating the change.
The President is setting himself up for a conflict with the House and Senate. Both bodies this week passed armed services bills by veto-proof majorities despite earlier threats from Trump.
Those bills require bases commemorating Confederates to be renamed.
If Trump decides to hold up or veto a bill, it could mean a delay in pay raises for members of the military.
“I spoke to highly respected (Chairman) Senator Jim Inhofe , who has informed me that he WILL NOT be changing the names of our great Military Bases and Forts, places from which we won two World Wars (and more!),” Trump tweeted.
I spoke to highly respected (Chairman) Senator @JimInhofe, who has informed me that he WILL NOT be changing the names of our great Military Bases and Forts, places from which we won two World Wars (and more!). Like me, Jim is not a believer in “Cancel Culture”. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 24, 2020
“Like me, Jim is not a believer in ‘Cancel Culture’.”
The Senate passed the National Defense Authorization Act by a margin 86-14 – a landslide in Senate terms and far too large a majority for Trump to successfully veto.
The House approved their bill by 295 votes to 125. Again, this is a veto-proof majority. Both bills contain provisions for the renaming of U.S. military bases and enjoyed bipartisan support.
There may be an opportunity for Trump to put his thumb on the scale, however, when the Armed Services Committees work to create a bill acceptable to both chambers.
Any attempt to remove the renaming provisions would take time and further delay pay raises.
Follow Darragh Roche on Twitter


politicususa--2020-07-24--Dr. Fauci on Threats to His Family: “Is This the United States of America?”

Dr. Anthony Fauci has spoken about “ serious threats ” he and his family have received over the course of the Coronavirus pandemic .
The infectious diseases expert says he ’ s disturbed by them .
The head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases spoke to CNN ’ s David Axelrod about the threats to himself , his wife and his family , which resulted in them getting more security .
“ I ’ ve seen a side of society that I guess is understandable , but it ’ s a little bit disturbing , ” Fauci @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
Is this the United States of America ?
” Fauci was a key figure during the fight against HIV/AIDS in the 1980s and he compared the threats he ’ s received during the pandemic to hate mail from that time .
He said “ stupid people saying stupid things ” but that things were different today – more serious than the threats from the ’ 80s .
“ It ’ s really a magnitude different now , ” Fauci said .
“ As much as people inappropriately , I think , make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are people who get really angry at thinking I ’ m interfering with their life because I ’ m pushing a public health agenda.
” The Trump administration has tried to discredit Fauci in recent weeks as President Donald Trump reportedly became angry at the media attention the doctor was getting .

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Dr. Anthony Fauci has spoken about “serious threats” he and his family have received over the course of the Coronavirus pandemic. The infectious diseases expert says he’s disturbed by them.
The head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases spoke to CNN’s David Axelrod about the threats to himself, his wife and his family, which resulted in them getting more security.
“I’ve seen a side of society that I guess is understandable, but it’s a little bit disturbing,” Fauci said.
“I mean, really? Is this the United States of America?”
Fauci was a key figure during the fight against HIV/AIDS in the 1980s and he compared the threats he’s received during the pandemic to hate mail from that time.
He said “stupid people saying stupid things” but that things were different today – more serious than the threats from the ’80s.
“It’s really a magnitude different now,” Fauci said.
“As much as people inappropriately, I think, make me somewhat of a hero … there are people who get really angry at thinking I’m interfering with their life because I’m pushing a public health agenda.”
The Trump administration has tried to discredit Fauci in recent weeks as President Donald Trump reportedly became angry at the media attention the doctor was getting.
Follow Darragh Roche on Twitter


politicususa--2020-07-24--Joe Biden Warns Trump Will “Try to Indirectly Steal the Election”

Joe Biden has warned that Donald Trump will try to steal the presidential election by alleging voter fraud and refusing to accept the validity of mail-in ballots .
The former Vice President made the claim during a virtual fundraiser on Thursday , hosted by actor and Veep star Julia Louis-Dreyfus .
Biden said the President would claim mail-in ballots were fraudulent and that “ they ’ re not real , they ’ re not fair.
” Trump has repeatedly made this claim over the past few weeks .
“ This president is going to try to indirectly steal the election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t work , ” he said .
This is at least the second time Biden has warned Trump might try to steal the election .
The President has attacked vote-by-mail , alleging it will cause mass voter fraud .
Despite Republican concerns that Trump ’ s attacks endanger their own electoral chances in November , the President has been relentless in his false assertions .
The Trump campaign , however , dismissed Biden ’ s comments out of hand .
“ Joe Biden is fearmongering and purposely misleading American voters , ” said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The only people trying to fundamentally change the way we vote and make our election system less secure are Democrats .
”

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Joe Biden has warned that Donald Trump will try to steal the presidential election by alleging voter fraud and refusing to accept the validity of mail-in ballots.
The former Vice President made the claim during a virtual fundraiser on Thursday, hosted by actor and Veep star Julia Louis-Dreyfus.
Biden said the President would claim mail-in ballots were fraudulent and that “they’re not real, they’re not fair.” Trump has repeatedly made this claim over the past few weeks.
“This president is going to try to indirectly steal the election by arguing that mail-in ballots don’t work,” he said.
This is at least the second time Biden has warned Trump might try to steal the election. The President has attacked vote-by-mail, alleging it will cause mass voter fraud.
Despite Republican concerns that Trump’s attacks endanger their own electoral chances in November, the President has been relentless in his false assertions.
The Trump campaign, however, dismissed Biden’s comments out of hand.
“Joe Biden is fearmongering and purposely misleading American voters,” said campaign general counsel Matthew Morgan.
“The only people trying to fundamentally change the way we vote and make our election system less secure are Democrats.”
Follow Darragh Roche on Twitter


politicususa--2020-07-24--Texas Governor Admits He Is Following Hannity’s Lead On Masks

The Governor of Texas has credited Sean Hannity with mask wearing in his state after the Fox News ’ personality urged viewers to don a face covering to fight Coronavirus .
Greg Abbott told Fox News ’ morning program Fox & Friends on Friday that Texas was now following Hannity ’ s suggestion .
“ What Texas has begun to do is exactly what Sean Hannity preaches every night , and that is to wear a mask , ” Abbot said .
Hannity discussed masks on his show earlier this month .
He presented himself as something of an authority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the practice .
“ Alright , so I ’ ve been saying all along , throughout the pandemic , COVID-19 , essential employees all across America , they never stopped working , ” Hannity said .
“ Masks , PPE , it kept them safe .
And I was right here in the epicenter , and every store I went to , everybody was wearing their mask , and thankfully , at my grocery store , nobody got COVID-19.
” “ So what did I learn ?
I don ’ t have a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it means we can go to a ballgame , or to defend grandma , grandpa , mom and dad.
” “ That ’ s why I choose to do it.
” However , Hannity ’ s Fox News colleagues have mocked Joe Biden for wearing a mask and downplayed their usefulness – as had the President .
Abbot ’ s response to the virus has been widely criticized .
He was accused of hypocrisy when he lectured young people despite not taking public health measures , while former Texas Congressman Beto O ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @

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The Governor of Texas has credited Sean Hannity with mask wearing in his state after the Fox News’ personality urged viewers to don a face covering to fight Coronavirus.
Greg Abbott told Fox News’ morning program Fox & Friends on Friday that Texas was now following Hannity’s suggestion.
“What Texas has begun to do is exactly what Sean Hannity preaches every night, and that is to wear a mask,” Abbot said.
Watch the video:
Gov. Greg Abbott: "What Texas has begun to do is exactly what Sean Hannity preaches every night, and that is to wear a mask." pic.twitter.com/KfkJRKN4Fs — Bobby Lewis (@revrrlewis) July 24, 2020
Hannity discussed masks on his show earlier this month. He presented himself as something of an authority on the Covid-19 pandemic and then endorsed the practice.
“Alright, so I’ve been saying all along, throughout the pandemic, COVID-19, essential employees all across America, they never stopped working,” Hannity said.
“Masks, PPE, it kept them safe. And I was right here in the epicenter, and every store I went to, everybody was wearing their mask, and thankfully, at my grocery store, nobody got COVID-19.”
“So what did I learn? I don’t have a problem wearing a mask, especially if it means we can go to a ballgame, or to defend grandma, grandpa, mom and dad.”
“That’s why I choose to do it.”
However, Hannity’s Fox News colleagues have mocked Joe Biden for wearing a mask and downplayed their usefulness – as had the President.
Abbot’s response to the virus has been widely criticized.
He was accused of hypocrisy when he lectured young people despite not taking public health measures, while former Texas Congressman Beto O’Rourke called for him to resign.
Follow Darragh Roche on Twitter


politicususa--2020-07-24--Dr. Deborah Birx: New Coronavirus Spikes Are Like “Three New Yorks”

Dr. Deborah Birx has warned that new Coronavirus outbreaks in some southern states are serious and compared them to devastating toll the virus took on New York .
The medical expert , who ’ s a member of the White House Coronavirus task force , spoke to NBC ’ s Savannah Guthrie on Friday and appeared to contradict the President ’ s optimism .
Guthrie asked Birx if things were really going to get worse before they get better , as Donald Trump has claimed .
“ Well it really depends on the next set of cities , ” she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are starting to see some plateauing in these critically four states that have suffered under the last four weeks , so Texas , California , Arizona , and Florida , those major metros and throughout their counties.
” “ And I just want to make it clear to the American public , what we have right now are essentially three New Yorks with these three major states , ” Birx said .
“ And so we ’ re really having to respond as an American people , and that ’ s why you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social distancing to really stop the spread of this epidemic.
” Guthrie asked her if these outbreaks were serious and echoed some of the President ’ s comments , which have been more positive than many experts .
“ Well it ’ s very serious and it ’ s very real , ” Birx said .
“ [ T ] his first wave that we see now across Florida , Texas , California , and Arizona began with under 30-year-olds , many who were asymptomatic and didn ’ t know they were spreading @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to assume that they are infected and positive , and we all need to protect those who need our protection right now , ” she said .

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Dr. Deborah Birx has warned that new Coronavirus outbreaks in some southern states are serious and compared them to devastating toll the virus took on New York.
The medical expert, who’s a member of the White House Coronavirus task force, spoke to NBC’s Savannah Guthrie on Friday and appeared to contradict the President’s optimism.
Guthrie asked Birx if things were really going to get worse before they get better, as Donald Trump has claimed.
“Well it really depends on the next set of cities,” she said.
“I mean we already are starting to see some plateauing in these critically four states that have suffered under the last four weeks, so Texas, California, Arizona, and Florida, those major metros and throughout their counties.”
“And I just want to make it clear to the American public, what we have right now are essentially three New Yorks with these three major states,” Birx said.
“And so we’re really having to respond as an American people, and that’s why you hear us calling for masks and increased social distancing to really stop the spread of this epidemic.”
Guthrie asked her if these outbreaks were serious and echoed some of the President’s comments, which have been more positive than many experts.
“Well it’s very serious and it’s very real,” Birx said.
“[T]his first wave that we see now across Florida, Texas, California, and Arizona began with under 30-year-olds, many who were asymptomatic and didn’t know they were spreading it.”
“And so they have to assume that they are infected and positive, and we all need to protect those who need our protection right now,” she said.
Follow Darragh Roche on Twitter


politicususa--2020-07-24--Trump: Not Reopening Schools Could “Lead to Greater Mortality”

Donald Trump has suggested that keeping schools closed could cost more lives than reopening them , despite the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic ’ s mounting death toll .
The President is still pushing to reopen the nation ’ s schools but many are uneasy about the prospect .
Nonetheless , he repeated his insistence on Thursday .
Trump said “ a permanent shutdown was never the strategy , which would ultimately lead to greater mortality and irreversible harm.
” Though he didn ’ t offer any evidence to support the claim that keeping schools closed would lead to a higher mortality @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his claims about the cure not being worse than the disease .
“ Reopening our schools is also critical to ensuring that parents can go to work and provide for their families , ” he said .
The President called teachers “ essential workers ” – a classification that other countries fighting the virus have not considered appropriate .
He also said “ every district should be actively making preparations to open.
” In stark contrast to his rhetoric on school reopening , Trump cancelled the Florida portion of the Republican National Convention @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the virus .

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Donald Trump has suggested that keeping schools closed could cost more lives than reopening them, despite the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic’s mounting death toll.
The President is still pushing to reopen the nation’s schools but many are uneasy about the prospect. Nonetheless, he repeated his insistence on Thursday.
Trump said “a permanent shutdown was never the strategy, which would ultimately lead to greater mortality and irreversible harm.”
Though he didn’t offer any evidence to support the claim that keeping schools closed would lead to a higher mortality rate, it’s consistent with his claims about the cure not being worse than the disease.
“Reopening our schools is also critical to ensuring that parents can go to work and provide for their families,” he said.
“It’s a tremendous problem. It’s a tremendous problem. Schools have to open safely.”
The President called teachers “essential workers” – a classification that other countries fighting the virus have not considered appropriate. He also said “every district should be actively making preparations to open.”
In stark contrast to his rhetoric on school reopening, Trump cancelled the Florida portion of the Republican National Convention on Thursday, citing a flare up of the virus.
Follow Darragh Roche on Twitter


politicususa--2020-07-27--Twitter is Illegally Making Me Look Bad Rages Trump

Donald Trump was one of the first celebrities to frequently use Twitter .
And he used it to build a political career by spreading his false birtherism claim .
But all isn ’ t right in the world with Trump and the website where he has amassed 84.2 million followers .
On Monday night , the President claimed that the social media site is intentionally out to make him look bad .
Trump tweeted , “ So disgusting to watch Twitter ’ s so-called ‘ Trending ’ , where sooo many trends are about me , and never a good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can find , make it as bad as possible , and blow it up , trying to make it trend .
Really ridiculous , illegal , and , of course , very unfair !
” Twitter says they don ’ t pick the trend , they are selected by an algorithm .
According to the site : “ Trends are determined by an algorithm and , by default , are tailored for you based on who you follow , your interests , and your location .
This algorithm identifies topics that are popular @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been popular for a while or on a daily basis , to help you discover the hottest emerging topics of discussion on Twitter.
” The President is also angry that the site has recently begun to fact-check his tweets .
In late May , Twitter marked a Trump claim about mail-in balloting to be false .
An angry Trump responded , “ Twitter ’ s now interfering in the 2020 Presidential Election .
They are saying my statement on Mail-In Ballots , which will lead to massive corruption and fraud , is incorrect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CNN and the Amazon Washington Post .
”

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Donald Trump was one of the first celebrities to frequently use Twitter. And he used it to build a political career by spreading his false birtherism claim.
But all isn’t right in the world with Trump and the website where he has amassed 84.2 million followers. On Monday night, the President claimed that the social media site is intentionally out to make him look bad.
Trump tweeted, “So disgusting to watch Twitter’s so-called ‘Trending’, where sooo many trends are about me, and never a good one. They look for anything they can find, make it as bad as possible, and blow it up, trying to make it trend. Really ridiculous, illegal, and, of course, very unfair!”
So disgusting to watch Twitter’s so-called “Trending”, where sooo many trends are about me, and never a good one. They look for anything they can find, make it as bad as possible, and blow it up, trying to make it trend. Really ridiculous, illegal, and, of course, very unfair! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 27, 2020
Twitter says they don’t pick the trend, they are selected by an algorithm. According to the site:
“Trends are determined by an algorithm and, by default, are tailored for you based on who you follow, your interests, and your location. This algorithm identifies topics that are popular now, rather than topics that have been popular for a while or on a daily basis, to help you discover the hottest emerging topics of discussion on Twitter.”
The President is also angry that the site has recently begun to fact-check his tweets. In late May, Twitter marked a Trump claim about mail-in balloting to be false.
An angry Trump responded, “Twitter’s now interfering in the 2020 Presidential Election. They are saying my statement on Mail-In Ballots, which will lead to massive corruption and fraud, is incorrect, based on fact-checking by Fake News CNN and the Amazon Washington Post.”


politicususa--2020-07-27--Trump Favorite Charlie Kirk: “Some Doctors Think Masks Make You Sicker”

After many months of skirting the issue , a number of prominent GOP officials have gone all in on masks .
On Sunday , Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell tweeted out a video extolling the virtues of face coverings .
Even Donald Trump , himself , posted a picture wearing a mask last week .
That does not mean , however , that many of the President ’ s fans are taking the issue seriously .
Charlie Kirk , the leader of Turning Point USA , went on an anti-mask rant during a Monday broadcast .
The young Conservative activist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in public , even to a grocery store and is often asked to wear a mask by other shoppers .
Kirk continued , “ The science around masks is very questionable .
Very questionable .
In fact , some people , some doctors , think that masks actually make you sicker…and actually more likely to be able to die sooner .
A lot of people believe that.
” “ Secondly , ” said the Conservative activist , “ we have a huge civil liberties issue .
Why do you have the authority to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my body ?
I thought it was my body , my choice.
” He then added , “ I just don ’ t like being told what to do , generally , by the Federal government .
” Kirk and Turning Point very important Donald Trump and the entire GOP .
TPUSA was founded by Kirk 8 years ago to influence students .
The organization claims that it has chapters on over 800 high school and college campuses .
Trump has spoken at a number of Turning Point USA events , including an @ @ @ @ @ @

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After many months of skirting the issue, a number of prominent GOP officials have gone all in on masks. On Sunday, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell tweeted out a video extolling the virtues of face coverings. Even Donald Trump, himself, posted a picture wearing a mask last week.
That does not mean, however, that many of the President’s fans are taking the issue seriously. Charlie Kirk, the leader of Turning Point USA, went on an anti-mask rant during a Monday broadcast.
The young Conservative activist claimed that he never wears a mask in public, even to a grocery store and is often asked to wear a mask by other shoppers.
Kirk continued, “The science around masks is very questionable. Very questionable. In fact, some people, some doctors, think that masks actually make you sicker…and actually more likely to be able to die sooner. A lot of people believe that.”
Charlie Kirk: "The science around masks is very questionable. Very questionable. In fact, some people, some doctors, think that masks actually make you sicker…and actually more likely to be able to die sooner. A lot of people believe that" pic.twitter.com/QDOOOt39VH — Jason S. Campbell (@JasonSCampbell) July 27, 2020
“Secondly,” said the Conservative activist, “we have a huge civil liberties issue. Why do you have the authority to tell me what I can do with my body? I thought it was my body, my choice.” He then added, “I just don’t like being told what to do, generally, by the Federal government. ”
Kirk and Turning Point very important Donald Trump and the entire GOP. TPUSA was founded by Kirk 8 years ago to influence students. The organization claims that it has chapters on over 800 high school and college campuses.
Trump has spoken at a number of Turning Point USA events, including an appearance in December of 2019.


politicususa--2020-07-27--Trump And Jared Kushner Are Trying To Smear Steve Schmidt

Trump and Jared Kushner are running a smear campaign against Steve Schmidt due to the effectiveness of the Lincoln Project ads .
Schmidt laid out the activities of Trump and Kushner and lengthy , but well worth the read , Twitter thread : The Lincoln Project ads have done more than gotten under Trump ’ s skin .
They have undermined the myth of universal support among Republicans that Trump has spent years cultivating .
I do not personally know Steve Schmidt , but those who do , speak of his integrity and character .
The Trump universe is full @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and attempt to smear the character of anyone who challenges him .
Trump is from the world of tabloids .
He has no legitimate political skills , so when he is threatened , he attempts to smear the threat tabloid-style .
The disgruntled job seeker is one of Trump ’ s favorite narratives against his critics .
Schmidt and the Lincoln Project are having a profound impact on this election , and Trump is so worried that he is trying to smear Steve Schmidt .
For more discussion about this story join our @ @ @ @ @ @

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Trump and Jared Kushner are running a smear campaign against Steve Schmidt due to the effectiveness of the Lincoln Project ads.
Schmidt laid out the activities of Trump and Kushner and lengthy, but well worth the read, Twitter thread:
Curious. Ms. Bowden described this meeting in her phone message as a job interview according to several sources. I did not go to the meeting for a job interview though I was offered to run Trump’s campaign on three occasions. Trump credited me with being the first person on 2/ — Steve Schmidt (@SteveSchmidtSES) July 27, 2020
Analyst for @MSNBC at the time of the invitation and I wanted to take his measure. Looking backwards from this moment of tragedy and with a full understanding of his depravity, ignorance and incompetence, it is hard to remember a time when there ever could have been any doubt. 4/ — Steve Schmidt (@SteveSchmidtSES) July 27, 2020
Trump University. My statements and condemnations of this vile man have been consistent throughout the 2016 campaign until now. I condemned him for the first time in 2012 as “the head clown in the republican clown car” over his racist birther conspiracy theories. @wolfblitzer — Steve Schmidt (@SteveSchmidtSES) July 27, 2020
….
Offered a second time. I said NO. I was offered the last time in June of 2016. I said NO. Hundreds of Wall Street Journal Reporters penned a letter about the constant disinformation and misinformation that flows like a toxic river from the editorial page. This is the culture — Steve Schmidt (@SteveSchmidtSES) July 27, 2020
….
Now and I say this with conviction. I’d rather be dead than disgrace myself and my children’s name by working for Trump, So help me God. — Steve Schmidt (@SteveSchmidtSES) July 27, 2020
The Lincoln Project ads have done more than gotten under Trump’s skin. They have undermined the myth of universal support among Republicans that Trump has spent years cultivating. I do not personally know Steve Schmidt, but those who do, speak of his integrity and character.
The Trump universe is full of people who will do his bidding and attempt to smear the character of anyone who challenges him. Trump is from the world of tabloids. He has no legitimate political skills, so when he is threatened, he attempts to smear the threat tabloid-style.
The disgruntled job seeker is one of Trump’s favorite narratives against his critics.
Schmidt and the Lincoln Project are having a profound impact on this election, and Trump is so worried that he is trying to smear Steve Schmidt.
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.
Follow Jason Easley on Facebook


politicususa--2020-07-27--Nancy Pelosi Confidently Tells Trump That He’s Leaving Office

Speaker Pelosi called Trump ’ s threat not to leave office a scare tactic that he is using to discourage people from voting in November .
Speaker Pelosi said on MSNBC ’ s Deadline : White House , “ And that ’ s what we hope to hear from him is , how this president is undermining the constitution of the United States , even suggesting that he might not leave if he doesn ’ t get elected .
Well , don ’ t worry about that .
It ’ s a tactic .
You know why they do that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vote , so people say , why should I vote , he ain ’ t leaving anyway .
He ’ s leaving , he ’ s leaving .
It ’ s a scare tactic.
” The Speaker was absolutely right .
Trump is trying to pull some 1980s style Art Of The Deal , which he didn ’ t write , con .
Trump is trying to change his reelection chances by making himself look inevitable .
The problem is that Trump loses all of his presidential power at noon on Inauguration Day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vote .
He wants Americans to become discouraged and not show up at the polls or send in their mail-in ballots .
Trump is on pace for what could be record-setting rejection , and if he loses , he is leaving either by choice or by force .
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group .

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Speaker Pelosi called Trump’s threat not to leave office a scare tactic that he is using to discourage people from voting in November.
Speaker Pelosi said on MSNBC’s Deadline: White House, “And that’s what we hope to hear from him is, how this president is undermining the constitution of the United States, even suggesting that he might not leave if he doesn’t get elected. Well, don’t worry about that. It’s a tactic. You know why they do that? They do that to discourage the vote, so people say, why should I vote, he ain’t leaving anyway. He’s leaving, he’s leaving. It’s a scare tactic.”
Video:
Speaker Nancy Pelosi confidently tells Trump that he is leaving office. pic.twitter.com/DP4gcV8Nun — Sarah Reese Jones (@PoliticusSarah) July 27, 2020
The Speaker was absolutely right. Trump is trying to pull some 1980s style Art Of The Deal, which he didn’t write, con. Trump is trying to change his reelection chances by making himself look inevitable. The problem is that Trump loses all of his presidential power at noon on Inauguration Day.
Trump is trying to depress the vote. He wants Americans to become discouraged and not show up at the polls or send in their mail-in ballots. Trump is on pace for what could be record-setting rejection, and if he loses, he is leaving either by choice or by force.
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.
Follow Jason Easley on Facebook


politicususa--2020-07-27--Trump Humiliated And Forced To Cancel Meeting After Drug Companies Refuse To Show Up

Trump was forced to cancel a meeting with the nation ’ s five largest pharmaceutical companies after they refused to show up .
A White House meeting with top pharmaceutical executives that President Donald Trump promised for Tuesday is off , five industry sources familiar with discussions told POLITICO .
Three said the drug-pricing discussion was canceled because the major drug lobbies , reeling from Friday ’ s cluster of executive orders on the topic , refused to send any members .
Drugmakers and Trump were slated to discuss an executive order , signed Friday but not yet released , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a plan linking Medicare payments for certain medicines to lower costs paid abroad .
The provision , known as a most-favored-nations rule , has been lambasted by the drug industry and some patient groups that say it would curb innovation and reduce drug access .
No one is happy with Trump ’ s executive order , but instead of coming to the White House to make their case to Trump , the drug companies think so little of Trump that they are blowing him off in a sure sign that they don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ retribution from him .
Trump ’ s power has diminished to such a degree that companies have gone from tripping over themselves to get some good publicity from one his tweets to not bothering to show up at the White House for a meeting .
There is no greater sign than a president is on his way to being voted out than when he is ignored .
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group .

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Trump was forced to cancel a meeting with the nation’s five largest pharmaceutical companies after they refused to show up.
Politico reported:
A White House meeting with top pharmaceutical executives that President Donald Trump promised for Tuesday is off, five industry sources familiar with discussions told POLITICO. Three said the drug-pricing discussion was canceled because the major drug lobbies, reeling from Friday’s cluster of executive orders on the topic, refused to send any members.
Drugmakers and Trump were slated to discuss an executive order, signed Friday but not yet released, that would order health officials to release a plan linking Medicare payments for certain medicines to lower costs paid abroad. The provision, known as a most-favored-nations rule, has been lambasted by the drug industry and some patient groups that say it would curb innovation and reduce drug access.
No one is happy with Trump’s executive order, but instead of coming to the White House to make their case to Trump, the drug companies think so little of Trump that they are blowing him off in a sure sign that they don’t fear this president or any potential retribution from him.
Trump’s power has diminished to such a degree that companies have gone from tripping over themselves to get some good publicity from one his tweets to not bothering to show up at the White House for a meeting.
There is no greater sign than a president is on his way to being voted out than when he is ignored.
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.
Follow Jason Easley on Facebook


politicususa--2020-07-27--Trump Refuses To Pay His Respects To John Lewis

When asked by reporters if he was going to go today or tomorrow to pay his respects to Rep. John Lewis , Trump said that he would not be going on either day .
The President was asked before he left for North Carolina if he was going to pay his respects to Rep. Lewis .
Trump answered , “ No , I won ’ t be going .
No.
” Trump didn ’ t say a word about paying his respects to the civil rights icon and American hero who was the embodiment of the fight for civil rights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a president not showing up to pay his respects to a sitting member of Congress whose body is at the Capitol Rotunda would have been unfathomable , but this behavior is typical for Trump , who didn ’ t want to order flags lowered to half-staff after John McCain passed away .
Donald Trump continues to lower the presidency through his inability to act like a human being .
Trump ’ s job is to lead the nation , and that involves showing respect to fallen heroes like John Lewis .
Trump is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ image .
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group .

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When asked by reporters if he was going to go today or tomorrow to pay his respects to Rep. John Lewis, Trump said that he would not be going on either day.
The President was asked before he left for North Carolina if he was going to pay his respects to Rep. Lewis. Trump answered, “No, I won’t be going. No.”
Video:
BREAKING: Asked if he planned to pay his respects to late civil rights icon Rep. John Lewis, who will lie in state at the U.S. Capitol, Pres. Trump says, “No, I won’t be going. No.” https://t.co/ri9eENlkAQ pic.twitter.com/JjGiPgHeju — ABC News (@ABC) July 27, 2020
Trump didn’t say a word about paying his respects to the civil rights icon and American hero who was the embodiment of the fight for civil rights and social justice.
Before Trump, a president not showing up to pay his respects to a sitting member of Congress whose body is at the Capitol Rotunda would have been unfathomable, but this behavior is typical for Trump, who didn’t want to order flags lowered to half-staff after John McCain passed away.
Donald Trump continues to lower the presidency through his inability to act like a human being. Trump’s job is to lead the nation, and that involves showing respect to fallen heroes like John Lewis. Trump is reshaping the presidency to fit his small image.
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.
Follow Jason Easley on Facebook


politicususa--2020-07-27--Trump Is Sending More Federal Troops To Portland To Make Things Even Worse

Trump is nearly doubling the number of federal troops in Portland in a move that will almost certainly escalate the conflict .
The Trump administration is sending more federal agents to Portland , Ore. , as officials consider pushing back harder and farther against the growing crowds and nightly clashes with protesters , vandals , and rioters , The Washington Post has learned .
To strengthen federal forces arrayed around the city ’ s downtown courthouse , the U.S .
Marshals Service decided last week to send 100 deputy U.S .
Marshals to Portland , according to an internal Marshals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ personnel began arriving Thursday night .
The Department of Homeland Security is also considering a plan to send an additional 50 U.S. Customs and Border Protection ( CBP ) personnel to the city , but a final decision on the deployment has not been made , according to senior administration officials involved in the federal response .
A pandemic is ravaging America and Trump is using his presidency , not to protect public health , but to attack protesters in an American city with federal troops .
Trump is attempting to fan the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign theme of “ law and order.
” The entire Trump presidency has been an effort to scare white people .
Trump launched his campaign by calling Mexicans rapists , but as his political situation has become grave , Trump is using the powers of the presidency to physically attack Americans .
Local and state political leaders want Trump and his paramilitary attacks out of Portland , but by sending more troops , Trump is hoping to provoke more violence .
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC @ @

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Trump is nearly doubling the number of federal troops in Portland in a move that will almost certainly escalate the conflict.
The Washington Post reported:
The Trump administration is sending more federal agents to Portland, Ore., as officials consider pushing back harder and farther against the growing crowds and nightly clashes with protesters, vandals, and rioters, The Washington Post has learned.
To strengthen federal forces arrayed around the city’s downtown courthouse, the U.S. Marshals Service decided last week to send 100 deputy U.S. Marshals to Portland, according to an internal Marshals email reviewed by The Post. The personnel began arriving Thursday night.
The Department of Homeland Security is also considering a plan to send an additional 50 U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) personnel to the city, but a final decision on the deployment has not been made, according to senior administration officials involved in the federal response.
A pandemic is ravaging America and Trump is using his presidency, not to protect public health, but to attack protesters in an American city with federal troops. Trump is attempting to fan the flames of conflict to play into his campaign theme of “law and order.”
The entire Trump presidency has been an effort to scare white people. Trump launched his campaign by calling Mexicans rapists, but as his political situation has become grave, Trump is using the powers of the presidency to physically attack Americans.
Local and state political leaders want Trump and his paramilitary attacks out of Portland, but by sending more troops, Trump is hoping to provoke more violence.
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.
Follow Jason Easley on Facebook


politicususa--2020-07-27--Trump Still Hasn’t Said Whether He’ll Attend John Lewis’ Lying in State at the Capitol

Donald Trump hasn ’ t said whether he ’ ll pay his respects to the late Congressman John Lewis as he lies in state in Washington , D.C. Other leaders have already announced they will .
The Civil Rights hero and long-serving Democratic representative will lie in state in the Capitol Rotunda – becoming the first African American lawmaker to ever be given that honor .
However , the President has yet to announce whether he ’ ll visit the Rotunda and offer his condolences for the congressman ’ s passing .
The two had clashed before Lewis ’ death @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lady Karen Pence will attend the lying in state on Monday evening when they return from a trip to Miami , Florida , where he ’ ll discuss Coronavirus vaccine trials .
The Vice President ’ s public schedule shows that he ’ ll attend but no such announcement has been made for Trump .
The President is traveling to North Carolina on Monday and there ’ s no indication so far that he ’ ll visit the Rotunda on Tuesday , either .
White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany said there were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s schedule when she was queried on the matter .
Former Vice President Joe Biden will pay his respects to Lewis on Monday along with other senior figures from both parties .
The potential absence of the President will be noted .
Trump had attacked Lewis during his lifetime .
“ Congressman John Lewis should spend more time on fixing and helping his district , which is in horrible shape and falling apart ( not to mention crime infested ) rather than falsely complaining about the election results , ” Trump said .

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Donald Trump hasn’t said whether he’ll pay his respects to the late Congressman John Lewis as he lies in state in Washington, D.C. Other leaders have already announced they will.
The Civil Rights hero and long-serving Democratic representative will lie in state in the Capitol Rotunda – becoming the first African American lawmaker to ever be given that honor.
However, the President has yet to announce whether he’ll visit the Rotunda and offer his condolences for the congressman’s passing. The two had clashed before Lewis’ death.
Vice President Mike Pence and Second Lady Karen Pence will attend the lying in state on Monday evening when they return from a trip to Miami, Florida, where he’ll discuss Coronavirus vaccine trials.
The Vice President’s public schedule shows that he’ll attend but no such announcement has been made for Trump. The President is traveling to North Carolina on Monday and there’s no indication so far that he’ll visit the Rotunda on Tuesday, either.
White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany said there were “no announcements” about Trump’s schedule when she was queried on the matter.
Former Vice President Joe Biden will pay his respects to Lewis on Monday along with other senior figures from both parties. The potential absence of the President will be noted.
Trump had attacked Lewis during his lifetime.
“Congressman John Lewis should spend more time on fixing and helping his district, which is in horrible shape and falling apart (not to mention crime infested) rather than falsely complaining about the election results,” Trump said.
“All talk, talk, talk – no action or results. Sad.”
Follow Darragh Roche on Twitter


politicususa--2020-07-27--Trump’s National Security Adviser is the Latest to Test Positive for Coronavirus

President Donald Trump ’ s national security adviser , Robert O ’ Brien , has tested positive for COVID-19 .
He is the highest-ranking official in the Trump administration known to have tested positive .
“ He has mild symptoms and has been self-isolating and working from a secure location off site , ” the White House said in an official statement .
“ There is no risk of exposure to the president or the vice-president .
The work of the National Security Council continues uninterrupted.
” Anyone who works closely with the president is tested regularly for the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus in the past , most notably Vice President Mike Pence ’ s press secretary Katie Miller , and Kimberly Guilfoyle , the girlfriend of the president ’ s oldest son .
Earlier this month , O ’ Brien traveled to Europe to meet with officials from the United Kingdom , France , Germany , and Italy .
He was photographed in close proximity to the officials ; none of them appeared to be wearing masks .
More than 149,000 Americans have died from the coronavirus since the first death in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus has continued to spread while the president and his administration continue to weather heavy criticism for their response .

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President Donald Trump’s national security adviser, Robert O’Brien, has tested positive for COVID-19. He is the highest-ranking official in the Trump administration known to have tested positive.
“He has mild symptoms and has been self-isolating and working from a secure location off site,” the White House said in an official statement. “There is no risk of exposure to the president or the vice-president. The work of the National Security Council continues uninterrupted.”
Anyone who works closely with the president is tested regularly for the coronavirus. Other officials have come down with the virus in the past, most notably Vice President Mike Pence’s press secretary Katie Miller, and Kimberly Guilfoyle, the girlfriend of the president’s oldest son.
Earlier this month, O’Brien traveled to Europe to meet with officials from the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Italy. He was photographed in close proximity to the officials; none of them appeared to be wearing masks.
Very productive meeting with my #French, #German, #Italian, and #UK counterparts. We discussed the major threats and challenges facing the United States and #Europe, as well as new ways to work together in the post-#COVID19 world. pic.twitter.com/DGrSUjYEQw — NSC 45 Archived (@WHNSC45) July 14, 2020
More than 149,000 Americans have died from the coronavirus since the first death in the U.S. was recorded in February. The virus has continued to spread while the president and his administration continue to weather heavy criticism for their response.


politicususa--2020-07-27--Conservative Bill Kristol Predicts Trump Will Drop Mike Pence as VP

Conservative Bill Kristol thinks Donald Trump will drop Mike Pence from the Republican ticket in an attempt to steal the Democratic National Convention ’ s thunder .
The veteran commentator linked the President ’ s decision not to throw out the first pitch at the Yankees game in New York next month .
“ Because of my strong focus on the China Virus , including scheduled meetings on Vaccines , our economy and much else , I won ’ t be able to be in New York to throw out the opening pitch for the Yankees on August 15th , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We will make it later in the season !
” Kristol saw an ulterior motive in this cancellation and was especially interested in the timing of the Yankees ’ game and what it could mean for the news cycle .
“ Aug .
15 is about when Trump will announce he ’ s replacing Pence with Haley or someone else , ” Kristol tweeted .
“ The timing would be intended to steal the spotlight from the Democratic convention which is the next week.
” The idea that Trump will drop Pence and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” for the Republican base has been floated before , including by prominent anti-Trump conservatives .
Though Kristol ’ s comments are at best informed speculation , Trump has had an uneasy relationship with Pence and his campaign is reportedly floundering amid collapsing poll numbers .

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Conservative Bill Kristol thinks Donald Trump will drop Mike Pence from the Republican ticket in an attempt to steal the Democratic National Convention’s thunder.
The veteran commentator linked the President’s decision not to throw out the first pitch at the Yankees game in New York next month.
“Because of my strong focus on the China Virus, including scheduled meetings on Vaccines, our economy and much else, I won’t be able to be in New York to throw out the opening pitch for the Yankees on August 15th,” Trump tweeted on Sunday.
Aug. 15 is about when Trump will announce he’s replacing Pence with Haley or someone else. The timing would be intended to steal the spotlight from the Democratic convention which is the next week. https://t.co/3w4vAfdaOr — Bill Kristol (@BillKristol) July 26, 2020
“We will make it later in the season!”
Kristol saw an ulterior motive in this cancellation and was especially interested in the timing of the Yankees’ game and what it could mean for the news cycle.
“Aug. 15 is about when Trump will announce he’s replacing Pence with Haley or someone else,” Kristol tweeted.
“The timing would be intended to steal the spotlight from the Democratic convention which is the next week.”
The idea that Trump will drop Pence and replace him with someone more “exciting” for the Republican base has been floated before, including by prominent anti-Trump conservatives.
Though Kristol’s comments are at best informed speculation, Trump has had an uneasy relationship with Pence and his campaign is reportedly floundering amid collapsing poll numbers.
Follow Darragh Roche on Twitter