shareblue--2020-11-12--Tom Cotton: Trump doesn't have to concede because Democrats were mean to him

Sen. Tom Cotton ( R-AR ) claimed on Thursday that Donald Trump is justified in refusing to acknowledge his defeat and blocking President-elect Joe Biden from beginning his transition .
His false rationale : Democrats did it too .
Appearing on Fox News , Cotton referred to `` troubling instances of fraud '' in the 2020 presidential election , even though bipartisan election officials have found no instances of fraud playing any role in the outcome .
`` They are still counting votes in Arizona .
They 're gon na do a manual recount in Georgia .
There are lawsuits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Michigan .
I think we have the time to let the president pursue all of these remedies , '' he demanded .
Cotton then made a series of dishonest arguments that Trump 's attempt at a coup is no different from actions taken by Democrats in the past , comparing Trump 's attempts to stall the inevitable to a federal investigation into foreign interference in a U.S. election .
He continues to echo conspiracy theories that call the investigation a Democratic witch hunt against Trump .
`` I do n't remember these Democrats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after the election that it was time to concede and , of course , Democrats in 2016 never really did concede .
They immediately moved to the fake Russia collusion hoax and tried to undermine the legitimacy of the president 's first term , '' he charged .
`` So I think we have more than enough time to reach an orderly resolution using existing legal procedures to ensure that every legal vote counts and no illegal votes are counted . ''
Biden won the presidential 2020 election by a wide margin in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ College .
At this point after the 2000 election , a winner had not yet been determined in Florida , a few hundred votes separated Gore and George W. Bush , and elections officials had not completed their work .
The election results this year were nowhere near as close , and Trump 's margins of defeat , even in the states in which they were narrowest , were at least 10,000 votes .
Cotton 's claim about the 2016 election is absolutely false .
Hillary Clinton conceded defeat a day after that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be our president , '' she told the nation .
`` We owe him an open mind and a chance to lead . ''
President Barack Obama invited Trump to the White House and offered his help with an orderly transition .
Trump 's own Department of Justice — not `` Democrats '' — appointed special counsel Robert Mueller in May 2017 to investigate possible Russian interference in the 2016 election .
That investigation documented at least 10 distinct instances of possible obstruction of justice by Trump and yielded dozens of indictments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ While Trump has filed a series of lawsuits to give the impression that the election is still ongoing , most have already been rejected or would do nothing to meaningfully change the results .
GOP strategist Karl Rove acknowledged on Wednesday that Trump 's efforts `` are unlikely to move a single state from Mr. Biden 's column , and certainly they 're not enough to change the final outcome . ''
But while Cotton is fine with Trump 's delaying the inevitable , his intransigence is harming the incoming administration 's ability @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the outgoing administration refuses to acknowledge Biden as the president-elect , he is unable to receive classified briefings , talk to government agencies , or begin security clearance checks for possible hires .
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation .

Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR) claimed on Thursday that Donald Trump is justified in refusing to acknowledge his defeat and blocking President-elect Joe Biden from beginning his transition.
His false rationale: Democrats did it too.
Appearing on Fox News, Cotton referred to “troubling instances of fraud” in the 2020 presidential election, even though bipartisan election officials have found no instances of fraud playing any role in the outcome.
“They are still counting votes in Arizona. They’re gonna do a manual recount in Georgia. There are lawsuits filed in other states like Pennsylvania and Michigan. I think we have the time to let the president pursue all of these remedies,” he demanded.
Cotton then made a series of dishonest arguments that Trump’s attempt at a coup is no different from actions taken by Democrats in the past, comparing Trump’s attempts to stall the inevitable to a federal investigation into foreign interference in a U.S. election.
He continues to echo conspiracy theories that call the investigation a Democratic witch hunt against Trump.
“I don’t remember these Democrats in 2000 telling Al Gore the week after the election that it was time to concede and, of course, Democrats in 2016 never really did concede. They immediately moved to the fake Russia collusion hoax and tried to undermine the legitimacy of the president’s first term,” he charged. “So I think we have more than enough time to reach an orderly resolution using existing legal procedures to ensure that every legal vote counts and no illegal votes are counted.”
Biden won the presidential 2020 election by a wide margin in both the popular vote and the Electoral College.
At this point after the 2000 election, a winner had not yet been determined in Florida, a few hundred votes separated Gore and George W. Bush, and elections officials had not completed their work.
The election results this year were nowhere near as close, and Trump’s margins of defeat, even in the states in which they were narrowest, were at least 10,000 votes.
Cotton’s claim about the 2016 election is absolutely false. Hillary Clinton conceded defeat a day after that election. “Donald Trump is going to be our president,” she told the nation. “We owe him an open mind and a chance to lead.” President Barack Obama invited Trump to the White House and offered his help with an orderly transition.
Trump’s own Department of Justice — not “Democrats” — appointed special counsel Robert Mueller in May 2017 to investigate possible Russian interference in the 2016 election. That investigation documented at least 10 distinct instances of possible obstruction of justice by Trump and yielded dozens of indictments, convictions, and guilty pleas.
While Trump has filed a series of lawsuits to give the impression that the election is still ongoing, most have already been rejected or would do nothing to meaningfully change the results.
GOP strategist Karl Rove acknowledged on Wednesday that Trump’s efforts “are unlikely to move a single state from Mr. Biden’s column, and certainly they’re not enough to change the final outcome.”
But while Cotton is fine with Trump’s delaying the inevitable, his intransigence is harming the incoming administration’s ability to hit the ground running. Because the outgoing administration refuses to acknowledge Biden as the president-elect, he is unable to receive classified briefings, talk to government agencies, or begin security clearance checks for possible hires.
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.


shareblue--2020-11-12--Biden's new chief of staff actually takes viruses seriously

Ron Klain , the leader of former President Barack Obama 's Ebola response effort , has been chosen as President-elect Joe Biden 's chief of staff , Biden 's White House transition team announced on Wednesday evening .
Klain , who served as Biden 's chief of staff from 2009-2011 , served as the White House Ebola response coordinator for Obama in 2014 and 2015 .
`` Ron has been invaluable to me over the many years that we have worked together , including as we rescued the American economy from one of the worst downturns in our history in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health emergency in 2014 , '' Biden said in a statement .
`` His deep , varied experience and capacity to work with people all across the political spectrum is precisely what I need in a White House chief of staff as we confront this moment of crisis and bring our country together again . ''
Klain said he hopes to aid Biden in unifying the nation .
`` It 's the honor of a lifetime to serve President-elect Biden in this role , and I am humbled by his confidence .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Vice President-elect assemble a talented and diverse team to work in the White House , as we tackle their ambitious agenda for change , and seek to heal the divides in our country , '' he said in a statement .
Obama has applauded Klain 's work on the Ebola crisis , saying that he took on a `` challenge that many called insurmountable , and , in leading the team responsible for tremendous progress , helped remind the world what makes America exceptional , '' according to Klain 's lecturer bio at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Klain was a senior adviser to Biden 's 2020 presidential campaign .
Prior to that role , he was general counsel for investment firm Revolution LLC , which AOL founder Steve Case founded in 2005 .
Klain also previously worked as an adviser on Biden 's 1988 and 2008 presidential campaigns .
He served as former Vice President Al Gore 's chief of staff .
In 2016 , he served as a senior adviser to former secretary of state Hillary Clinton 's presidential campaign .
As infections from the coronavirus surpass a record @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the United States , Biden hopes to lean in on Klain 's former experience responding to an epidemic .
In February , Klain testified before the House Committee on Foreign Affairs on how to face the coronavirus crisis , specifically criticizing Donald Trump 's early restrictions on Chinese travelers , which Trump has bragged about repeatedly as paramount to his botched pandemic response .
`` Unless we think that the color of the passport someone carries is a meaningful public health restriction , we have not placed a meaningful public health restriction , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ noting that Americans were allowed to travel back and forth between the two countries freely at that same time .
Biden has vowed to take the COVID-19 pandemic seriously , having already assembled a coronavirus advisory panel with experts to guide his response .
`` Dealing with the coronavirus pandemic is one of the most important battles our administration will face , and I will be informed by science and by experts .
The advisory board will help shape my approach to managing the surge in reported infections ; ensuring vaccines are safe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ equitably , and free ; and protecting at-risk populations , '' Biden said in a statement Monday .
The president-elect has also said he will ask Dr. Anthony Fauci , director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases , to stay on to continue his response to the pandemic .
Fauci , currently a member of the White House coronavirus task force , said on Tuesday that he has `` no intention of leaving . ''
`` We need a president who actually listens to experts like Dr. Fauci , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Day .
Biden 's proactive response to the coronavirus and trust in scientists starkly contrasts with that of Trump , who has ignored experts ' advice and sidelined his own task force scientists .
Trump even said previously that he wanted to fire Fauci , who has served under multiple presidents , after the election .
`` People are tired of hearing Fauci and all these idiots , '' Trump said last month .
Meanwhile , according to Fauci , Trump has n't attended a White House coronavirus task force for months .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Foundation .

Ron Klain, the leader of former President Barack Obama’s Ebola response effort, has been chosen as President-elect Joe Biden’s chief of staff, Biden’s White House transition team announced on Wednesday evening.
Klain, who served as Biden’s chief of staff from 2009-2011, served as the White House Ebola response coordinator for Obama in 2014 and 2015.
“Ron has been invaluable to me over the many years that we have worked together, including as we rescued the American economy from one of the worst downturns in our history in 2009 and later overcame a daunting public health emergency in 2014,” Biden said in a statement. “His deep, varied experience and capacity to work with people all across the political spectrum is precisely what I need in a White House chief of staff as we confront this moment of crisis and bring our country together again.”
Klain said he hopes to aid Biden in unifying the nation.
“It’s the honor of a lifetime to serve President-elect Biden in this role, and I am humbled by his confidence. I look forward to helping him and the Vice President-elect assemble a talented and diverse team to work in the White House, as we tackle their ambitious agenda for change, and seek to heal the divides in our country,” he said in a statement.
Obama has applauded Klain’s work on the Ebola crisis, saying that he took on a “challenge that many called insurmountable, and, in leading the team responsible for tremendous progress, helped remind the world what makes America exceptional,” according to Klain’s lecturer bio at Harvard Law School.
Most recently, Klain was a senior adviser to Biden’s 2020 presidential campaign. Prior to that role, he was general counsel for investment firm Revolution LLC, which AOL founder Steve Case founded in 2005.
Klain also previously worked as an adviser on Biden’s 1988 and 2008 presidential campaigns. He served as former Vice President Al Gore’s chief of staff.
In 2016, he served as a senior adviser to former secretary of state Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign.
As infections from the coronavirus surpass a record 10 million cases and 240,000 deaths in the United States, Biden hopes to lean in on Klain’s former experience responding to an epidemic.
In February, Klain testified before the House Committee on Foreign Affairs on how to face the coronavirus crisis, specifically criticizing Donald Trump’s early restrictions on Chinese travelers, which Trump has bragged about repeatedly as paramount to his botched pandemic response.
“Unless we think that the color of the passport someone carries is a meaningful public health restriction, we have not placed a meaningful public health restriction,” he said at the time, noting that Americans were allowed to travel back and forth between the two countries freely at that same time.
Biden has vowed to take the COVID-19 pandemic seriously, having already assembled a coronavirus advisory panel with experts to guide his response.
“Dealing with the coronavirus pandemic is one of the most important battles our administration will face, and I will be informed by science and by experts. The advisory board will help shape my approach to managing the surge in reported infections; ensuring vaccines are safe, effective, and distributed efficiently, equitably, and free; and protecting at-risk populations,” Biden said in a statement Monday.
The president-elect has also said he will ask Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, to stay on to continue his response to the pandemic. Fauci, currently a member of the White House coronavirus task force, said on Tuesday that he has “no intention of leaving.”
“We need a president who actually listens to experts like Dr. Fauci,” Biden tweeted on the eve of Election Day.
Biden’s proactive response to the coronavirus and trust in scientists starkly contrasts with that of Trump, who has ignored experts’ advice and sidelined his own task force scientists.
Trump even said previously that he wanted to fire Fauci, who has served under multiple presidents, after the election. “People are tired of hearing Fauci and all these idiots,” Trump said last month.
Meanwhile, according to Fauci, Trump hasn’t attended a White House coronavirus task force for months.
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.


shareblue--2020-11-12--White House press secretary pretends she doesn't work for the White House

White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany refused to comment on Thursday morning on whether Donald Trump will end his transition blockade and allow President-elect Joe Biden to receive intelligence briefings , acting as if she is not a member of the White House staff .
`` I have n't spoken to the president about that , '' McEnany said when asked about the transition on `` Fox & Friends . ''
`` That would be a question more for the White House .
But I will say that all laws are being followed with regard to an expected transition , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Trump administration .
We will see how our litigation goes . ''
McEnany is still the White House press secretary , drawing a taxpayer-funded salary of $ 183,000 per year , according to White House records .
( McEnany appears on the list under her legal last name , Gilmartin . )
She has also been serving as an adviser to Trump 's 2020 campaign — a role that blurs the legal lines set by the Hatch Act , which prohibits federal employees from engaging in partisan political activity .
Multiple Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the law , including former White House senior counselor Kellyanne Conway , who was accused of violating the law multiple times .
Conway was never punished for her behavior before she left the administration in August , even though the U.S. Office of the Special Counsel found Conway did violate the law .
Meanwhile , Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is currently under investigation for his speech at the Republican National Convention , which he gave while on an official government trip to Israel .
And Trump himself has blurred ethical lines by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including part of the Republican National Convention , and even his election night watch party — which appears to have been yet another coronavirus superspreader event .
Trump is refusing to allow the General Services Administration to approve the release funds for Biden 's transition and is blocking his access to government buildings and employees .
Trump is trying to overturn the results of the election — which he is on pace to lose by a `` landslide , '' according to his own definition — by lying about nonexistent voter fraud @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defending Trump 's behavior .
Some , however , are admitting Trump lost and urging him to allow the transition to proceed .
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation .

White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany refused to comment on Thursday morning on whether Donald Trump will end his transition blockade and allow President-elect Joe Biden to receive intelligence briefings, acting as if she is not a member of the White House staff.
“I haven’t spoken to the president about that,” McEnany said when asked about the transition on “Fox & Friends.” “That would be a question more for the White House. But I will say that all laws are being followed with regard to an expected transition, though we expect to continue on as the Trump administration. We will see how our litigation goes.”
McEnany is still the White House press secretary, drawing a taxpayer-funded salary of $183,000 per year, according to White House records. (McEnany appears on the list under her legal last name, Gilmartin.)
She has also been serving as an adviser to Trump’s 2020 campaign — a role that blurs the legal lines set by the Hatch Act, which prohibits federal employees from engaging in partisan political activity.
Multiple Trump administration officials have been accused of violating the law, including former White House senior counselor Kellyanne Conway, who was accused of violating the law multiple times. Conway was never punished for her behavior before she left the administration in August, even though the U.S. Office of the Special Counsel found Conway did violate the law.
Meanwhile, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is currently under investigation for his speech at the Republican National Convention, which he gave while on an official government trip to Israel.
And Trump himself has blurred ethical lines by holding campaign events at the White House, including part of the Republican National Convention, and even his election night watch party — which appears to have been yet another coronavirus superspreader event.
Trump is refusing to allow the General Services Administration to approve the release funds for Biden’s transition and is blocking his access to government buildings and employees.
Trump is trying to overturn the results of the election — which he is on pace to lose by a “landslide,” according to his own definition — by lying about nonexistent voter fraud and filing lawsuits.
Many Republicans are defending Trump’s behavior. Some, however, are admitting Trump lost and urging him to allow the transition to proceed.
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.


shareblue--2020-11-13--Trump administration confirms election he lost was most secure in US history

A coalition of federal and state officials found no evidence that votes were compromised or altered in last week 's presidential election , rejecting unsubstantiated claims of widespread fraud advanced by Donald Trump and many of his supporters .
The statement late Thursday , by government and industry officials who coordinate election cybersecurity , trumpeted the Nov. 3 election as the most secure in American history .
It amounted to the most direct repudiation to date of Trump 's efforts to undermine the integrity of the contest , and echoed repeated assertions by election experts and state officials over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ without broad irregularities .
`` While we know there are many unfounded claims and opportunities for misinformation about the process of our elections , we can assure you we have the utmost confidence in the security and integrity of our elections , and you should too , '' the statement said .
`` When you have questions , turn to elections officials as trusted voices as they administer elections . ''
It was distributed by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency , which spearheaded federal election protection efforts , and tweeted by its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he was the subject of a Reuters story that said he had told associates he expected to be fired by Trump .
Krebs has been vocal on Twitter in repeatedly reassuring Americans that the election was secure and that their votes would be counted .
`` America , we have confidence in the security of your vote , you should , too , '' he wrote .
The statement 's authors said they had no evidence that any voting system had deleted or lost votes , had changed votes , or was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all of the states with close results have paper records , which allows for the recounting of each ballot , if necessary , and for `` the identification and correction of any mistakes or errors . ''
`` The November 3rd election was the most secure in American history .
Right now , across the country , election officials are reviewing and double checking the entire election process prior to finalizing the result , '' the statement said .
The message is in stark contrast to Trump 's unsupported claims of fraud and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vote totals .
The issues Trump 's campaign and its allies have pointed to are typical in every election : problems with signatures , secrecy envelopes , and postmarks on mail-in ballots , as well as the potential for a small number of ballots miscast or lost .
With Democrat Joe Biden leading Trump by wide margins in key battleground states , none of those issues would have any impact on the outcome of the election .
Trump 's campaign has also launched legal challenges complaining that their poll watchers were unable to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those challenges have been tossed out by judges , some within hours of their filing ; again , none of the complaints show any evidence that the outcome of the election was affected .
The statement 's authors include the presidents of the National Association of State Election Directors and the National Association of Secretaries of State — who run elections at the state level — and the executive committee of the government-industry coordinating council that includes all the major voting equipment vendors .

A coalition of federal and state officials found no evidence that votes were compromised or altered in last week’s presidential election, rejecting unsubstantiated claims of widespread fraud advanced by Donald Trump and many of his supporters.
The statement late Thursday, by government and industry officials who coordinate election cybersecurity, trumpeted the Nov. 3 election as the most secure in American history. It amounted to the most direct repudiation to date of Trump’s efforts to undermine the integrity of the contest, and echoed repeated assertions by election experts and state officials over the last week that the election unfolded smoothly without broad irregularities.
“While we know there are many unfounded claims and opportunities for misinformation about the process of our elections, we can assure you we have the utmost confidence in the security and integrity of our elections, and you should too,” the statement said. “When you have questions, turn to elections officials as trusted voices as they administer elections.”
It was distributed by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, which spearheaded federal election protection efforts, and tweeted by its director, Chris Krebs. Hours earlier, he was the subject of a Reuters story that said he had told associates he expected to be fired by Trump. Krebs has been vocal on Twitter in repeatedly reassuring Americans that the election was secure and that their votes would be counted.
“America, we have confidence in the security of your vote, you should, too,” he wrote.
The statement’s authors said they had no evidence that any voting system had deleted or lost votes, had changed votes, or was in any way compromised. They said all of the states with close results have paper records, which allows for the recounting of each ballot, if necessary, and for “the identification and correction of any mistakes or errors.”
“The November 3rd election was the most secure in American history. Right now, across the country, election officials are reviewing and double checking the entire election process prior to finalizing the result,” the statement said.
The message is in stark contrast to Trump’s unsupported claims of fraud and widespread problems that he insists could affect vote totals.
The issues Trump’s campaign and its allies have pointed to are typical in every election: problems with signatures, secrecy envelopes, and postmarks on mail-in ballots, as well as the potential for a small number of ballots miscast or lost. With Democrat Joe Biden leading Trump by wide margins in key battleground states, none of those issues would have any impact on the outcome of the election.
Trump’s campaign has also launched legal challenges complaining that their poll watchers were unable to scrutinize the voting process. Many of those challenges have been tossed out by judges, some within hours of their filing; again, none of the complaints show any evidence that the outcome of the election was affected.
The statement’s authors include the presidents of the National Association of State Election Directors and the National Association of Secretaries of State — who run elections at the state level — and the executive committee of the government-industry coordinating council that includes all the major voting equipment vendors.


shareblue--2020-11-13--Cartoon: Hanging on a vote count

Cartoon: Hanging on a vote count

Clay Jones is a nationally syndicated political cartoonist .
He has worked for the Honolulu Star-Bulletin and The Free Lance-Star @ @ @ @ @ draws a weekly cartoon for CNN Opinion .
He lives in the Washington suburbs of @ @ @

A decade after Sandy Hook, grief remains but hope grows
December, the anniversary of the worst grade school mass shooting in the U.S. is a difficult month for many in Newton. But in the face of heartbreak and grief, some survivors and families of victims feel hope for a brighter future.
By Associated Press - December 22, 2022


shareblue--2020-11-13--Trump says New York won't get the new COVID vaccine right away because he's mad

Donald Trump on Friday threatened to withhold the newly developed Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine from the state of New York , justifying his decision by suggesting Gov .
Andrew Cuomo had criticized the current administration .
`` As soon as April , the vaccine will be available to the entire general population with the exception of places like New York state , '' Trump said from the White House , in his first public remarks since losing his bid for reelection earlier this month .
Trump claimed that `` for political reasons '' Cuomo `` wants to take his time on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where the vaccine is coming from . ''
`` He does n't trust the fact that it 's this White House , this administration , so we wo n't be delivering it to New York until we have authorization to do so , '' Trump added .
But that is n't what Cuomo said .
In a Nov. 9 interview with ABC News , Cuomo said that any vaccine plan would have to be adopted by the incoming Joe Biden administration because Trump had failed to devise one of his own , despite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ result , he said he believes key communities will not receive the vaccine in a timely manner .
`` The bad news is that it 's about 2 months before Joe Biden takes over and that means this administration is going to be implementing a vaccine plan .
The vaccine plan is very important .
It 's probably the most ambitious undertaking since COVID began , '' Cuomo said .
`` The Trump administration denied COVID so they were never ready for it .
There was no mobilization of the government .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They 're going to take this vaccine and they 're going to go through the private mechanism : through hospitals , through drug market chains , et cetera .
That 's going to be slow and that 's going to bypass the communities that we call health care deserts . ''
In an interview on MSNBC Friday , following the White House press conference , Cuomo responded directly .
`` None of what he said is true , '' he said .
More than 33,000 people in New York have died of COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as April , the vaccine will be available to the entire general population with the exception of places like New York state , where , for political reasons , the governor decided to say , and I do n't think it 's good politically , I think it 's very bad from a health standpoint .
He wants to take his time on the vaccine , he does n't trust where the vaccine is coming from .
These are coming from the greatest companies anywhere in the world .
Greatest labs in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the fact that it 's this White House , this administration , so we wo n't be delivering it to New York until we have authorization to do so and that pains me to say that .
This is a very successful — amazing — vaccine .
90 % and more .
But — so the governor , Gov .
Cuomo , will have to let us know when he 's ready for it .
Otherwise , we ca n't be delivering it to a state that wo n't be giving it to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many , I know the people of New York very well , I know they want it .
So , the governor will let us know when he 's ready .
He 's had some very bad editorials recently about this statement and what 's happened with respect to nursing homes , and his handling of nursing homes and I hope he does n't handle this as badly as he 's handled the nursing homes .
But we 're ready to provide it as soon as they let us know that they 'll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it 's a very safe and a great vaccine .
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation .

Donald Trump on Friday threatened to withhold the newly developed Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine from the state of New York, justifying his decision by suggesting Gov. Andrew Cuomo had criticized the current administration.
“As soon as April, the vaccine will be available to the entire general population with the exception of places like New York state,” Trump said from the White House, in his first public remarks since losing his bid for reelection earlier this month.
Trump claimed that “for political reasons” Cuomo “wants to take his time on the vaccine, he doesn’t trust where the vaccine is coming from.”
“He doesn’t trust the fact that it’s this White House, this administration, so we won’t be delivering it to New York until we have authorization to do so,” Trump added.
But that isn’t what Cuomo said.
In a Nov. 9 interview with ABC News, Cuomo said that any vaccine plan would have to be adopted by the incoming Joe Biden administration because Trump had failed to devise one of his own, despite having months to prepare. As a result, he said he believes key communities will not receive the vaccine in a timely manner.
“The bad news is that it’s about 2 months before Joe Biden takes over and that means this administration is going to be implementing a vaccine plan. The vaccine plan is very important. It’s probably the most ambitious undertaking since COVID began,” Cuomo said.
“The Trump administration denied COVID so they were never ready for it. There was no mobilization of the government. They’re still doing the same thing. They’re going to take this vaccine and they’re going to go through the private mechanism: through hospitals, through drug market chains, et cetera. That’s going to be slow and that’s going to bypass the communities that we call health care deserts.”
In an interview on MSNBC Friday, following the White House press conference, Cuomo responded directly.
“None of what he said is true,” he said.
More than 33,000 people in New York have died of COVID-19 already.
From a Nov. 13 press conference:
DONALD TRUMP: As soon as April, the vaccine will be available to the entire general population with the exception of places like New York state, where, for political reasons, the governor decided to say, and I don’t think it’s good politically, I think it’s very bad from a health standpoint. He wants to take his time on the vaccine, he doesn’t trust where the vaccine is coming from. These are coming from the greatest companies anywhere in the world. Greatest labs in the world. But he doesn’t trust the fact that it’s this White House, this administration, so we won’t be delivering it to New York until we have authorization to do so and that pains me to say that. This is a very successful — amazing — vaccine. 90% and more. But — so the governor, Gov. Cuomo, will have to let us know when he’s ready for it. Otherwise, we can’t be delivering it to a state that won’t be giving it to his people immediately. And I know many, I know the people of New York very well, I know they want it. So, the governor will let us know when he’s ready. He’s had some very bad editorials recently about this statement and what’s happened with respect to nursing homes, and his handling of nursing homes and I hope he doesn’t handle this as badly as he’s handled the nursing homes. But we’re ready to provide it as soon as they let us know that they’ll actually use it. And again, it’s a very safe and a great vaccine.
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.


shareblue--2020-11-13--Marco Rubio is really mad about something that never actually happened

Sen. Marco Rubio ( R-FL ) on Friday criticized a CNN segment that he claimed likened all Trump supporters to Nazis — but CNN never said that .
Rubio reposted a clip from this week to Twitter , in which CNN anchor Christiane Amanpour offered a moment of remembrance for the 82-year-anniversary of Kristallnacht , a devastating organized attack during which Nazis burned and destroyed Jewish institutions and places of worship in Germany and murdered 91 Jews .
`` A glimpse of what so many of the people who control large corporations , the media and Hollywood really think , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the video .
`` That the over 72 million Americans who voted for Trump are supporters of the modern day equivalent of Nazi 's . ''
But in the clip , Amanpour simply said that during their reign of terror , Nazis waged war on `` fact , knowledge , history , and truth '' — and that there has been an attack during the Trump administration on `` those same values . ''
`` After four years of a modern-day assault on those same values by Donald Trump , the Biden-Harris team @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the truth , '' Amanpour observed in the segment .
Donald Trump has indeed accrued quite the track record of assaulting the values Amanpour mentions , and an extensive history of support from far-right white supremacist groups .
Trump has famously praised such groups , most notably in his remarks after the infamous `` Unite the Right '' rally in Charlottesville , Virginia , where a white nationalist rally turned to violence , killing an innocent bystander in August 2017 .
`` You had some very fine people on both sides , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ white nationalists .
More recently , in the first presidential debate with President-elect Joe Biden in September , Trump blatantly refused to condemn white supremacists when moderator Chris Wallace asked if he would .
`` Proud Boys , stand back and stand by , '' said Trump , referring to the radical right-wing white nationalist group that numbers itself among Trump 's greatest supporters .
He then immediately deflected , blaming `` the left '' for violence .
`` But I 'll tell you what , somebody 's got to do something about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
He also notoriously defended Kyle Rittenhouse , the white teenager who brought his gun to a Black Lives Matter protest in Kenosha , Wisconsin , and shot two of the protesters .
Trump has also backed senior policy adviser Stephen Miller 's white nationalist policies , and continued to support Miller even after 100 members of Congress and many civil rights groups called for Miller 's dismissal .
He has also promoted racist and xenophobic policies since he took office , campaigning on the promise of building a wall between the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unprecedented child separation policy .
Trump has demolished the Obama-era policy of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals , or DACA , imperiling the legal immigration status of some 643,000 Dreamers .
In 2017 , he implemented a Muslim ban , for years denying travel to the United States to those from predominantly Muslim countries .
Trump also reinstated the `` public charge '' test , a racist policy with roots in the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 , during a global pandemic .
The policy systematically denies green cards and visas to immigrants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Medicaid or food stamps .
His racist and antisemitic rhetoric has been noteworthy both before and during his time in office , referring to Black Americans as `` the blacks , '' calling Mexican immigrants `` rapists , '' and telling Jews , `` I 'm a negotiator like you people , '' among countless other examples .
Despite Trump 's well-documented legacy of racism and antisemitism , 72 million Americans still voted for him .
Just this week , a white supremacist citing Trump 's false election fraud claims was arrested for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer as `` the Jew from New York . ''
And back in June , three white supremacists were charged with planning to attack peaceful protesters in Las Vegas with Molotov cocktails .
Experts say the white supremacist threat in the U.S. has never been higher than it is under Trump , but Rubio does n't want anyone to talk about that .
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation .

Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) on Friday criticized a CNN segment that he claimed likened all Trump supporters to Nazis — but CNN never said that.
Rubio reposted a clip from this week to Twitter, in which CNN anchor Christiane Amanpour offered a moment of remembrance for the 82-year-anniversary of Kristallnacht, a devastating organized attack during which Nazis burned and destroyed Jewish institutions and places of worship in Germany and murdered 91 Jews.
“A glimpse of what so many of the people who control large corporations, the media and Hollywood really think,” wrote Rubio in a tweet accompanying the video. “That the over 72 million Americans who voted for Trump are supporters of the modern day equivalent of Nazi’s.”
But in the clip, Amanpour simply said that during their reign of terror, Nazis waged war on “fact, knowledge, history, and truth” — and that there has been an attack during the Trump administration on “those same values.”
“After four years of a modern-day assault on those same values by Donald Trump, the Biden-Harris team pledges a return to norms, including the truth,” Amanpour observed in the segment.
Donald Trump has indeed accrued quite the track record of assaulting the values Amanpour mentions, and an extensive history of support from far-right white supremacist groups.
Trump has famously praised such groups, most notably in his remarks after the infamous “Unite the Right” rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, where a white nationalist rally turned to violence, killing an innocent bystander in August 2017.
“You had some very fine people on both sides,” Trump said of the carnage instigated by white nationalists.
More recently, in the first presidential debate with President-elect Joe Biden in September, Trump blatantly refused to condemn white supremacists when moderator Chris Wallace asked if he would.
“Proud Boys, stand back and stand by,” said Trump, referring to the radical right-wing white nationalist group that numbers itself among Trump’s greatest supporters.
He then immediately deflected, blaming “the left” for violence.
“But I’ll tell you what, somebody’s got to do something about antifa and the left,” Trump said.
He also notoriously defended Kyle Rittenhouse, the white teenager who brought his gun to a Black Lives Matter protest in Kenosha, Wisconsin, and shot two of the protesters.
Trump has also backed senior policy adviser Stephen Miller’s white nationalist policies, and continued to support Miller even after 100 members of Congress and many civil rights groups called for Miller’s dismissal.
He has also promoted racist and xenophobic policies since he took office, campaigning on the promise of building a wall between the United States and Mexico and instituting the unprecedented child separation policy.
Trump has demolished the Obama-era policy of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, imperiling the legal immigration status of some 643,000 Dreamers.
In 2017, he implemented a Muslim ban, for years denying travel to the United States to those from predominantly Muslim countries.
Trump also reinstated the “public charge” test, a racist policy with roots in the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, during a global pandemic. The policy systematically denies green cards and visas to immigrants in need of public benefits such as Medicaid or food stamps.


shareblue--2020-11-13--11 people who might fill Kamala Harris' California Senate seat

Election Day is over , but California already is consumed with its next high-profile political contest — the competition to fill Kamala Harris ' soon-to-be-vacant U.S. Senate seat .
In this race , only one vote matters , because there is only one vote .
The selection falls to Democratic Gov .
Gavin Newsom , who is being pressured by rival interest groups , fellow Democrats , and even friends intent on swaying his decision .
Harris will be sworn in as President-elect Joe Biden 's vice president on Jan. 20 , and it 's not yet clear how soon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seat .
Newsom has said he has no timeline to make an announcement .
`` We are working through the cattle call of considerations , '' he told reporters this week .
`` I want to make sure it 's inclusive , I want to make sure that we are considerate of people 's points of view . ''
One of those points of view is coming from the state 's Black politicians , who are pushing Newsom to replace Harris with another Black female .
Harris , the daughter of immigrants from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just two Black women to ever serve in the Senate .
Carol Moseley Braun , who represented Illinois from 1993-1999 , is the other .
A group of Black California lawmakers have organized a lobbying drive behind U.S. Rep. Karen Bass , who represents parts of Los Angeles and its suburbs .
She is former speaker of the California Assembly , heads the Congressional Black Caucus , and was on Biden 's vice presidential short list .
She has also been mentioned as a possible pick for Biden 's Cabinet .
Following Harris @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` it just makes sense to continue a tradition , but particularly from the perspective of African-American women , '' said Los Angeles County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas , part of the group pushing Bass .
There also is a campaign to name California 's first Hispanic senator .
Latinos represent the largest single demographic group in California , outnumbering whites , Asians or Blacks .
The political action committee Latino Victory Fund is backing Secretary of State Alex Padilla , a Newsom confidant many see as a leading contender .
Padilla , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the American dream , '' the group says on its website that also promotes a # PickPadilla hashtag .
The Indian American Impact Fund , a political action committee , has endorsed Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna for the seat , the son of Indian immigrants who is a prominent member of the party 's progressive wing .
Newsom has an eye on history — he became a national figure in 2004 when as San Francisco mayor he decided the city would sidestep the law and issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ justice to the California Supreme Court .
`` It goes without saying it 's highly unlikely that this particular appointment will be a straight , white male , '' longtime Newsom friend and adviser Nathan Ballard said .
Filling the Senate seat is only part of Newsom 's considerations .
If he decides to select Padilla or state Attorney General Xavier Becerra , another Hispanic and a former congressman , he would need to fill that post , too , giving him a second opportunity to diversify state officeholders with a woman , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because Harris ' term runs through January 2023 , his Senate choice has to be ready to begin fundraising and campaigning for a 2022 election .
Competition to hold the seat could come from Democrats the governor bypassed , among others .
While there are abundant candidates for the Senate pick , Ballard said an existing relationship with the governor would be a plus — Newsom wants a senator who is `` simpatico '' and shares his progressive values — and the person should have a track record of running statewide .
With @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the threat of deadly wildfires , and budget challenges in Sacramento , he does n't have time to forge a new relationship .
`` It ca n't be somebody who needs a lot of babysitting and hand-holding , '' Ballard said .
The pick `` has to be able to defend themselves and run for re-election , '' as well as help Newsom secure a second term in 2022 .
`` There 's a way to make these appointments to maximize the diversity , '' he added .
`` If you are the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to play chess and add some qualified new blood to vacant offices . ''
Others likely to get consideration include Rep. Barbara Lee , another Black member of Congress with progressive credentials , and Lt. Gov .
Eleni Kounalakis , an ambassador to Hungary during the Obama administration who is a prolific fundraiser and , if chosen , would also give Newsom the opportunity for a double pick since he would choose her replacement .
Several mayors are possible contenders , including San Francisco 's London Breed , who is Black and has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's Robert Garcia , the city 's first openly gay mayor .
Picking Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti , who flirted with a presidential run and has Mexican-Jewish-Italian roots , would fill the seat as well as remove a potential Newsom rival in the future .
Others frequently mentioned as Senate candidates include U.S. Rep. Adam Schiff , who rose to national prominence during Donald Trump 's impeachment hearings ; and U.S. Rep. Katie Porter of Orange County , a rising Democratic star who had nearly $ 10 million stockpiled in her political @ @ @ @ @ @ @ white at a time when Newsom is expected to make a pick that highlights diversity .
And they could wait : California 's other Senate seat is held by 87-year-old Dianne Feinstein , the chamber 's oldest member .
Her term runs through January 2025 , but there is speculation she could step down early , given her age .
It 's also possible Newsom sidesteps the competition and installs a caretaker in the Senate from among party elders to hold the seat until after the 2022 election .
That person would step @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Padilla , who ran Newsom 's aborted campaign for governor in 2009 , might have an inside edge .
He and Newsom are personal friends and close in age — Padilla is 47 , Newsom 53 .
He 's run statewide before and has a national reputation for voting reform .
Bass has not run statewide .
He 's from Southern California , which would help balance statewide political power since Newsom , Harris , and Feinstein all have San Francisco Bay Area roots .
And he has a low-key style that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Does Newsom run the risk of angering groups who lose out on the Senate pick and who might make his re-election bid more difficult ?
Ballard does n't think so .
`` Gov .
Newsom is always playing the long game , '' he said .
`` This is not the only important appointment he is going to make as governor . ''

Election Day is over, but California already is consumed with its next high-profile political contest — the competition to fill Kamala Harris’ soon-to-be-vacant U.S. Senate seat.
In this race, only one vote matters, because there is only one vote. The selection falls to Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, who is being pressured by rival interest groups, fellow Democrats, and even friends intent on swaying his decision.
Harris will be sworn in as President-elect Joe Biden’s vice president on Jan. 20, and it’s not yet clear how soon before then she will give up her seat. Newsom has said he has no timeline to make an announcement.
“We are working through the cattle call of considerations,” he told reporters this week. “I want to make sure it’s inclusive, I want to make sure that we are considerate of people’s points of view.”
One of those points of view is coming from the state’s Black politicians, who are pushing Newsom to replace Harris with another Black female. Harris, the daughter of immigrants from Jamaica and India, is one of just two Black women to ever serve in the Senate. Carol Moseley Braun, who represented Illinois from 1993-1999, is the other.
A group of Black California lawmakers have organized a lobbying drive behind U.S. Rep. Karen Bass, who represents parts of Los Angeles and its suburbs. She is former speaker of the California Assembly, heads the Congressional Black Caucus, and was on Biden’s vice presidential short list. She has also been mentioned as a possible pick for Biden’s Cabinet.
Following Harris’ historic role in the Senate, “it just makes sense to continue a tradition, but particularly from the perspective of African-American women,” said Los Angeles County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas, part of the group pushing Bass.
There also is a campaign to name California’s first Hispanic senator. Latinos represent the largest single demographic group in California, outnumbering whites, Asians or Blacks.
The political action committee Latino Victory Fund is backing Secretary of State Alex Padilla, a Newsom confidant many see as a leading contender. Padilla, the son of Mexican immigrants, “embodies the American dream,” the group says on its website that also promotes a #PickPadilla hashtag.
The Indian American Impact Fund, a political action committee, has endorsed Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna for the seat, the son of Indian immigrants who is a prominent member of the party’s progressive wing.
Newsom has an eye on history — he became a national figure in 2004 when as San Francisco mayor he decided the city would sidestep the law and issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. He also recently nominated the first openly gay justice to the California Supreme Court.
“It goes without saying it’s highly unlikely that this particular appointment will be a straight, white male,” longtime Newsom friend and adviser Nathan Ballard said.
Filling the Senate seat is only part of Newsom’s considerations.
If he decides to select Padilla or state Attorney General Xavier Becerra, another Hispanic and a former congressman, he would need to fill that post, too, giving him a second opportunity to diversify state officeholders with a woman, a minority, or both.
And because Harris’ term runs through January 2023, his Senate choice has to be ready to begin fundraising and campaigning for a 2022 election. Competition to hold the seat could come from Democrats the governor bypassed, among others.
While there are abundant candidates for the Senate pick, Ballard said an existing relationship with the governor would be a plus — Newsom wants a senator who is “simpatico” and shares his progressive values — and the person should have a track record of running statewide.
With Newsom dealing with the coronavirus pandemic, the threat of deadly wildfires, and budget challenges in Sacramento, he doesn’t have time to forge a new relationship.
“It can’t be somebody who needs a lot of babysitting and hand-holding,” Ballard said. The pick “has to be able to defend themselves and run for re-election,” as well as help Newsom secure a second term in 2022.
“There’s a way to make these appointments to maximize the diversity,” he added. “If you are the governor, you want to use this to play chess and add some qualified new blood to vacant offices.”
Others likely to get consideration include Rep. Barbara Lee, another Black member of Congress with progressive credentials, and Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, an ambassador to Hungary during the Obama administration who is a prolific fundraiser and, if chosen, would also give Newsom the opportunity for a double pick since he would choose her replacement.
Several mayors are possible contenders, including San Francisco’s London Breed, who is Black and has ties to Harris, and Long Beach’s Robert Garcia, the city’s first openly gay mayor. Picking Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, who flirted with a presidential run and has Mexican-Jewish-Italian roots, would fill the seat as well as remove a potential Newsom rival in the future.
Others frequently mentioned as Senate candidates include U.S. Rep. Adam Schiff, who rose to national prominence during Donald Trump’s impeachment hearings; and U.S. Rep. Katie Porter of Orange County, a rising Democratic star who had nearly $10 million stockpiled in her political committee in mid-October.
But both are white at a time when Newsom is expected to make a pick that highlights diversity. And they could wait: California’s other Senate seat is held by 87-year-old Dianne Feinstein, the chamber’s oldest member. Her term runs through January 2025, but there is speculation she could step down early, given her age.
It’s also possible Newsom sidesteps the competition and installs a caretaker in the Senate from among party elders to hold the seat until after the 2022 election. That person would step aside after a new senator is elected.
Padilla, who ran Newsom’s aborted campaign for governor in 2009, might have an inside edge. He and Newsom are personal friends and close in age — Padilla is 47, Newsom 53. He’s run statewide before and has a national reputation for voting reform. Bass has not run statewide.
He’s from Southern California, which would help balance statewide political power since Newsom, Harris, and Feinstein all have San Francisco Bay Area roots. And he has a low-key style that would be unlikely to outshine the governor.
Does Newsom run the risk of angering groups who lose out on the Senate pick and who might make his re-election bid more difficult? Ballard doesn’t think so.
“Gov. Newsom is always playing the long game,” he said. “This is not the only important appointment he is going to make as governor.”


shareblue--2020-11-13--Sen. Perdue says he's working on COVID. He's confirming Trump judges instead.

Sen. David Perdue ( R-GA ) on Thursday pushed back on criticism that he 's been noticeably absent from his home state of late , his office claiming he was in Washington working on COVID-19 relief for Georgians .
In reality , Perdue has been hastily ramming through judges nominated by Donald Trump before President-elect Joe Biden takes office in January .
Perdue slammed his Democratic challenger Jon Ossoff on Thursday for criticizing his absence at home .
The Republican incumbent has been out of the public eye since he failed to win reelection on Nov. 3 .
He now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ossoff on Jan. 5 .
John Burke , the communications director for Perdue 's campaign , put out a statement criticizing Ossoff and claiming Perdue was not in Georgia because he was busy working on coronavirus relief in Washington .
`` It 's shameful to see Ossoff criticize Senator Perdue for doing his duty and working to pass much-needed COVID-19 relief for Georgians , '' the statement read .
`` It 's clear that Ossoff cares only about giving Chuck Schumer total control of our Senate and not about helping Georgia families .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ indeed at work on Capitol Hill this week — but instead of COVID relief negotiations , he was packing the courts with Trump 's lame-duck judicial nominees .
On Thursday , Perdue voted on the Senate floor to confirm Aileen Mercedes Cannon and James Ray Knepp II to federal judgeships .
The Senate , meanwhile , remains deadlocked on any new coronavirus relief .
Democrats are seeking at least a $ 2.2 trillion figure for their relief bill , mirroring the amount passed by the Democratic-led House of Representatives in October .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only the $ 500 billion figure to which they previously agreed .
With negotiations at a standstill , no votes are currently scheduled on the matter .
Sen. Kevin Cramer ( R-ND ) told The Hill on Friday that the chances of arriving at a deal before the end of the year were only `` 50-50 . ''
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin recently passed COVID relief negotiations on to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , and Senate Republicans are arguing that Democrats should compromise with the lower figure during the lame-duck period .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ week even as the Republican senator was in Washington cramming the courts with Trump 's top picks .
`` Georgians are hurting , and Senator Perdue is nowhere to be found , '' Ossoff tweeted Thursday morning .
`` We deserve better . ''
He also tweeted footage of himself telling supporters : `` Has anyone seen David Perdue ?
It 's been seven days since a majority of Georgians stood up and denied his request for reelection , and our senator is in hiding . ''
On Wednesday , Perdue did not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Majority '' rally , headlined by Sen. Marco Rubio ( R-FL ) and fellow Georgia Republican Sen. Kelly Loeffler .
His wife , Bonnie Perdue , appeared in his stead .
`` Um ... .
why is n't Senator Perdue at his own campaign rally ? ''
Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee communications director Lauren Passalacqua tweeted in response .
`` It 's been more than a week since he 's been seen or heard in Georgia and he 's got a runoff in 55 days . ''
A Perdue spokesperson later stated that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as usual .
Perdue 's insistence that he has been hard at work on issues related to COVID-19 is questionable given his track record on the pandemic .
In October , he said he `` absolutely '' backed Donald Trump 's bungled federal pandemic response , which largely relied on states to make up their own safety guidelines and a purposeful misconstruing of basic facts about the virus .
Earlier this year , he falsely claimed that the coronavirus was no worse than `` ordinary flu seasons '' and insisted on doing nothing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their ] own decisions . ''
`` Well , each of us in a representative democracy have the freedom to make that determination about the risk level for me as an individual , '' Perdue said .
`` We get in an automobile , we drive on our public roads , and a certain number of us will die on our public roads every year .
In a situation like this , as long as we have good information , we can make our own decisions . ''
Perdue was also famously accused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ company that produced personal protective equipment following a private congressional briefing on the coronavirus in January , even while publicly minimizing the severity of the virus .
He has repeatedly denied any allegation of wrongdoing .
A video of Ossoff grilling Perdue on those allegations went viral after their debate on Oct. 28 .
`` Perhaps Sen. Perdue would have been able to respond properly to the COVID-19 pandemic if you had n't been fending off multiple federal investigations for insider trading , '' Ossoff said during that debate .
`` It 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Senator .
It 's that you 're attacking the health of the people that you represent . ''
Perdue 's office did not immediately respond to a question from the American Independent Foundation on the specifics of his work on coronavirus relief in Washington this week .
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation .

Sen. David Perdue (R-GA) on Thursday pushed back on criticism that he’s been noticeably absent from his home state of late, his office claiming he was in Washington working on COVID-19 relief for Georgians.
In reality, Perdue has been hastily ramming through judges nominated by Donald Trump before President-elect Joe Biden takes office in January.
Perdue slammed his Democratic challenger Jon Ossoff on Thursday for criticizing his absence at home.
The Republican incumbent has been out of the public eye since he failed to win reelection on Nov. 3. He now moves on to a run-off election against Ossoff on Jan. 5.
John Burke, the communications director for Perdue’s campaign, put out a statement criticizing Ossoff and claiming Perdue was not in Georgia because he was busy working on coronavirus relief in Washington.
“It’s shameful to see Ossoff criticize Senator Perdue for doing his duty and working to pass much-needed COVID-19 relief for Georgians,” the statement read. “It’s clear that Ossoff cares only about giving Chuck Schumer total control of our Senate and not about helping Georgia families.”
Senate records indicate that Perdue was indeed at work on Capitol Hill this week — but instead of COVID relief negotiations, he was packing the courts with Trump’s lame-duck judicial nominees.
On Thursday, Perdue voted on the Senate floor to confirm Aileen Mercedes Cannon and James Ray Knepp II to federal judgeships.
The Senate, meanwhile, remains deadlocked on any new coronavirus relief. Democrats are seeking at least a $2.2 trillion figure for their relief bill, mirroring the amount passed by the Democratic-led House of Representatives in October.
But Republicans have rejected that proposal, offering only the $500 billion figure to which they previously agreed.
With negotiations at a standstill, no votes are currently scheduled on the matter.
Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-ND) told The Hill on Friday that the chances of arriving at a deal before the end of the year were only “50-50.”
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin recently passed COVID relief negotiations on to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, and Senate Republicans are arguing that Democrats should compromise with the lower figure during the lame-duck period.
Ossoff criticized Perdue’s priorities repeatedly this week even as the Republican senator was in Washington cramming the courts with Trump’s top picks.
“Georgians are hurting, and Senator Perdue is nowhere to be found,” Ossoff tweeted Thursday morning. “We deserve better.”
He also tweeted footage of himself telling supporters: “Has anyone seen David Perdue? It’s been seven days since a majority of Georgians stood up and denied his request for reelection, and our senator is in hiding.”
On Wednesday, Perdue did not appear at his own “Save Our Majority” rally, headlined by Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) and fellow Georgia Republican Sen. Kelly Loeffler. His wife, Bonnie Perdue, appeared in his stead.
“Um…. why isn’t Senator Perdue at his own campaign rally?” Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee communications director Lauren Passalacqua tweeted in response. “It’s been more than a week since he’s been seen or heard in Georgia and he’s got a runoff in 55 days.”
A Perdue spokesperson later stated that he was in Washington, conducting business as usual.
Perdue’s insistence that he has been hard at work on issues related to COVID-19 is questionable given his track record on the pandemic.
In October, he said he “absolutely” backed Donald Trump’s bungled federal pandemic response, which largely relied on states to make up their own safety guidelines and a purposeful misconstruing of basic facts about the virus.
Earlier this year, he falsely claimed that the coronavirus was no worse than “ordinary flu seasons” and insisted on doing nothing and allowing people to “make [their] own decisions.”
“Well, each of us in a representative democracy have the freedom to make that determination about the risk level for me as an individual,” Perdue said. “We get in an automobile, we drive on our public roads, and a certain number of us will die on our public roads every year. In a situation like this, as long as we have good information, we can make our own decisions.”
Perdue was also famously accused of insider trading for investing in a company that produced personal protective equipment following a private congressional briefing on the coronavirus in January, even while publicly minimizing the severity of the virus. He has repeatedly denied any allegation of wrongdoing.
A video of Ossoff grilling Perdue on those allegations went viral after their debate on Oct. 28.
“Perhaps Sen. Perdue would have been able to respond properly to the COVID-19 pandemic if you hadn’t been fending off multiple federal investigations for insider trading,” Ossoff said during that debate. “It’s not just that you’re a crook, Senator. It’s that you’re attacking the health of the people that you represent.”
Perdue’s office did not immediately respond to a question from the American Independent Foundation on the specifics of his work on coronavirus relief in Washington this week.
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.


shareblue--2020-11-13--Biden just won in a 'landslide' — according to Trump

In 2016 , Donald Trump won the Electoral College 306-232 , a margin of victory that Trump and his supporters deemed a `` landslide . ''
On Friday , President-elect Joe Biden officially won the Electoral College by the exact same margin , after NBC , CBS , and ABC all called Georgia for Biden .
Those outlets had called Arizona for Biden on Thursday , bringing Biden 's total Electoral College votes to 306 .
Biden won the popular vote by more than 4 million votes , compared to Trump , who in 2016 lost the popular vote to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ votes .
In three key swing states — Michigan , Pennsylvania , and Wisconsin — Biden more than doubled Trump 's margin of victory in 2016 .
Here are a few times Trump and his allies called his 306 Electoral College votes a `` landslide '' victory : Trump has called his 2016 victory a landslide numerous times over the past four years , often reminding people of his win in unrelated speeches .
Trump 's own biography on the White House website mentions that he `` was elected president in the largest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 28 years . ''
In the days after he was declared the winner in 2016 , Trump bragged about his victory — which came from less than 100,000 votes in a trio of states .
`` In addition to winning the Electoral College in a landslide , I won the popular vote if you deduct the millions of people who voted illegally , '' Trump tweeted falsely on Nov. 27 , 2016 .
`` @ CNN is so embarrassed by their total ( 100 % ) support of Hillary Clinton , and yet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they do n't know what to do , '' Trump tweeted on Nov. 28 , 2016 .
In December 2016 , Trump went on Fox News to brag about his Electoral College victory .
`` We had a massive landslide victory as you know in the Electoral College , '' Trump told Fox News ' Chris Wallace .
On Feb. 16 , 2017 , roughly a month after he was inaugurated , Trump again touted his Electoral College margin .
`` The Democrats had to come up with a story as to why @ @ @ @ @ @ @ badly ( 306 ) , so they made up a story - RUSSIA .
Fake news ! ''
Trump tweeted .
On Nov. 8 , 2017 , a year after his victory , Trump tweeted a photo with his aides with the caption , `` Congratulations to all of the `` DEPLORABLES '' and the millions of people who gave us a MASSIVE ( 304-227 ) Electoral College landslide victory ! ''
In October 2019 , Trump again brought up his 2016 margin .
`` The Do Nothing Democrats should be focused on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everyone ’ s time and energy on BULLSHIT , which is what they have been doing ever since I got overwhelmingly elected in 2016 , 223-306 .
Get a better candidate this time , you ’ ll need it ! ''
Trump tweeted .
Trump 's eldest son , who has been one of his loudest surrogates , also has touted his father 's `` landslide '' win in 2016 .
In 2018 , he mentioned it while tweeting about the addition of a staffer to the 2020 reelection campaign staff .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s landslide 2016 victory in Ohio and has been a true fighter for his America First agenda for the past 2 years as co-Chair of @ GOP , '' Trump Jr. tweeted .
`` Excited to see Bob join the 2020 campaign to help lead us to another Ohio victory !
# MAGA '' Conway , who served as a senior adviser in the Trump administration for nearly the entirety of his tenure before leaving last month , also called Trump 's 2016 Electoral College win a landslide .
Republican National Committee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` landslide '' victory in February 2020 , after Trump was impeached by the House but acquitted by the Senate .
`` Is it any surprise Democrats wo n't accept an acquittal of @ realDonaldTrump ?
They never accepted his electoral-vote landslide .
Never accepted there was no collusion .
Never accept his offers to work across the aisle .
It 's been the longest temper tantrum in American history ! ''
she tweeted .
In November 2019 , during the impeachment hearings , Jordan brought up Trump 's Electoral College win to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` @ SpeakerPelosi called the President of the United States an 'imposter . '
What an insult to the 63 million Americans who voted for President Trump and gave him an Electoral College landslide , '' Jordan said in an appearance on CBS News ' `` Face the Nation . ''
Former RNC chair and former Trump chief of staff also used the term `` landslide . ''
In a Nov. 14 , 2016 , appearance on ABC 's `` Good Morning America , '' Priebus said : Trump 's first press @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saying Trump had the largest inaugural crowd in history also called Trump 's 2016 victory `` massive '' and `` overwhelming . ''
In December 2016 , roughly a month after the election , Spicer said in an appearance on CNN : Back in February , after the 2020 New Hampshire GOP presidential primary , conservative activist and former Trump campaign aide David Bossie tweeted about Trump 's 2016 win .
`` Huge Victory last night , '' Bossie tweeted .
`` @ realDonaldTrump will win New Hampshire this November and expand his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation .

In 2016, Donald Trump won the Electoral College 306-232, a margin of victory that Trump and his supporters deemed a “landslide.”
On Friday, President-elect Joe Biden officially won the Electoral College by the exact same margin, after NBC, CBS, and ABC all called Georgia for Biden.
Those outlets had called Arizona for Biden on Thursday, bringing Biden’s total Electoral College votes to 306.
Biden won the popular vote by more than 4 million votes, compared to Trump, who in 2016 lost the popular vote to Hillary Clinton by more than 2.8 million votes. In three key swing states — Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin — Biden more than doubled Trump’s margin of victory in 2016.
Here are a few times Trump and his allies called his 306 Electoral College votes a “landslide” victory:
Donald Trump
Trump has called his 2016 victory a landslide numerous times over the past four years, often reminding people of his win in unrelated speeches.
Trump’s own biography on the White House website mentions that he “was elected president in the largest Electoral College landslide for a Republican in 28 years.”
In the days after he was declared the winner in 2016, Trump bragged about his victory — which came from less than 100,000 votes in a trio of states.
“In addition to winning the Electoral College in a landslide, I won the popular vote if you deduct the millions of people who voted illegally,” Trump tweeted falsely on Nov. 27, 2016.
“@CNN is so embarrassed by their total (100%) support of Hillary Clinton, and yet her loss in a landslide, that they don’t know what to do,” Trump tweeted on Nov. 28, 2016.
In December 2016, Trump went on Fox News to brag about his Electoral College victory.
“We had a massive landslide victory as you know in the Electoral College,” Trump told Fox News’ Chris Wallace.
On Feb. 16, 2017, roughly a month after he was inaugurated, Trump again touted his Electoral College margin.
“The Democrats had to come up with a story as to why they lost the election, and so badly (306), so they made up a story – RUSSIA. Fake news!” Trump tweeted.
On Nov. 8, 2017, a year after his victory, Trump tweeted a photo with his aides with the caption, “Congratulations to all of the “DEPLORABLES” and the millions of people who gave us a MASSIVE (304-227) Electoral College landslide victory!”
In October 2019, Trump again brought up his 2016 margin.
“The Do Nothing Democrats should be focused on building up our Country, not wasting everyone’s time and energy on BULLSHIT, which is what they have been doing ever since I got overwhelmingly elected in 2016, 223-306. Get a better candidate this time, you’ll need it!” Trump tweeted.
Donald Trump Jr.
Trump’s eldest son, who has been one of his loudest surrogates, also has touted his father’s “landslide” win in 2016.
In 2018, he mentioned it while tweeting about the addition of a staffer to the 2020 reelection campaign staff.
“@Paduch was instrumental to my father’s landslide 2016 victory in Ohio and has been a true fighter for his America First agenda for the past 2 years as co-Chair of @GOP,” Trump Jr. tweeted. “Excited to see Bob join the 2020 campaign to help lead us to another Ohio victory! #MAGA”
Kellyanne Conway
Conway, who served as a senior adviser in the Trump administration for nearly the entirety of his tenure before leaving last month, also called Trump’s 2016 Electoral College win a landslide.
“306. Landslide. Blowout. Historic,” Conway tweeted on Nov. 28, 2016.
Ronna McDaniel
Republican National Committee chair Ronna McDaniel tweeted about Trump’s “landslide” victory in February 2020, after Trump was impeached by the House but acquitted by the Senate.
“Is it any surprise Democrats won’t accept an acquittal of @realDonaldTrump? They never accepted his electoral-vote landslide. Never accepted there was no collusion. Never accept his offers to work across the aisle. It’s been the longest temper tantrum in American history!” she tweeted.
Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH)
In November 2019, during the impeachment hearings, Jordan brought up Trump’s Electoral College win to complain about Democrats’ treatment of Trump.
“@SpeakerPelosi called the President of the United States an ‘imposter.’ What an insult to the 63 million Americans who voted for President Trump and gave him an Electoral College landslide,” Jordan said in an appearance on CBS News’ “Face the Nation.”
Reince Priebus
Former RNC chair and former Trump chief of staff also used the term “landslide.”
In a Nov. 14, 2016, appearance on ABC’s “Good Morning America,” Priebus said:
And look what happened on Tuesday. I mean, it was an electoral landslide and the American people agreed that Donald Trump’s vision for America is what this country has been waiting for.
Sean Spicer
Trump’s first press secretary who is now infamous for falsely saying Trump had the largest inaugural crowd in history also called Trump’s 2016 victory “massive” and “overwhelming.”
In December 2016, roughly a month after the election, Spicer said in an appearance on CNN:
I get what the press wants, but the American people have understood exactly what they’re getting and they voted overwhelmingly for him. He has been very clear about what he owns, the role of his family and everything else since he announced that he was running for president, and they overwhelmingly elected him with all of that on the table.
David Bossie
Back in February, after the 2020 New Hampshire GOP presidential primary, conservative activist and former Trump campaign aide David Bossie tweeted about Trump’s 2016 win.
“Huge Victory last night,” Bossie tweeted. “@realDonaldTrump will win New Hampshire this November and expand his electoral map from his landslide in 2016.”
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.


shareblue--2020-11-13--Is there anything that will get Dakota governors to take coronavirus seriously?

Both North and South Dakota face record high numbers of cases , but neither governor will implement a statewide mask mandate .
In states with some of the worst COVID-19 numbers in the country , GOP governors are facing criticism for not implementing enough safety measures to curb the spread .
North Dakota , where Gov .
Doug Burgum has shied away from implementing a statewide mask mandate , has reported the most COVID-19 cases in the country over the last seven days , with 7,529 per 100,000 residents , according to the New York Times .
And in South @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continues to resist shelter-in-place or similar mask orders , the state has recorded the nation 's second-highest number of cases , 6,635 per 100,000 residents .
Those numbers are troubling to their neighbors .
Minnesota Gov .
Tim Walz on Tuesday implored the two governors to implement more public health guidelines , calling superspreader events like the massive motorcycle rally in South Dakota back in August `` absolutely unnecessary . ''
`` I want to be clear : I 'm not blaming other governors or blaming others states .
I am saying , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spread to a certain degree , '' Walz said at a news conference in St. Paul on Tuesday .
`` When people go over there , they are going to get infected and bring it back home . ''
`` And this one ’ s a little bit personal because the governor of South Dakota has taken to traveling to other states and criticizing others — now at a time when that state ’ s hospital capacity is overwhelmed , '' he added .
Late last month , a group of South Dakotan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ administrators , and businesses also came together to urge the public to wear masks , social distance , and handwash , an effort that runs counter to Noem 's lack of action .
`` Masking is a simple act that each one of us can participate in and it can save lives .
If you mask , that life could be your mother , father , your friend , or even your own , '' said , '' said South Dakota State Medical Association president Dr. Benjamin Aaker , according to the Associated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ office told the AP that the governor favors a `` nuanced '' approach to masks and does n't oppose all mask-wearing , but `` has not encouraged people to wear face coverings in public , as recommended by the CDC , '' according to the outlet .
Noem , who often appears in public maskless , has also discouraged masks in schools .
In October , she told the AP that her state had more COVID-19 cases because they were conducting more testing , echoing a misleading refrain pushed by Donald Trump .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ testing that we are doing in the state of South Dakota , which is why we 're seeing elevated positive cases , '' Noem said .
And just this summer , Noem allowed the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally to move forward as planned , despite the risks .
A recent study called it a `` superspreading event '' that likely led to $ 12 billion in public health costs .
Noem 's office has continued to defend the South Dakota governor 's coronavirus response , even amid the surge in cases and rising criticism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people with all of the science , facts , and data , and then trusted them to make the best decisions for themselves and their loved-ones , '' he told the Minnesota Star Tribune on Wednesday .
`` She will be continuing that approach . ''
In North Dakota , Burgum 's supporters similarly wish the governor would implement stricter guidelines to curb the rise in cases , including requiring masks and limiting social gatherings .
Burgum has urged the public to wear face coverings in the past , and has even spoken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ residents at a press conference back in May , `` If someone is wearing a mask , they ’ re not doing it to represent what political party they ’ re in or what candidates they support , they might be doing it because they ’ ve got a 5-year-old child who ’ s been going through cancer treatments .
They might have vulnerable adults in their life , who currently have COVID , and they 're fighting . ''
But Burgum has notably stopped short of issuing a statewide mask mandate , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a magic bullet to make this virus go away . ''
He has also come under fire for rolling back safety measures against expert advice .
Dr. Paul Mariani , a top health officer appointed by Burgum , resigned on Sept. 25 , a day after the North Dakota governor rescinded a new order enforcing a quarantine mandate for those in close contact with someone infected with the virus .
Two other experts have also left that position since May , according to the AP .
`` Our goal is compliance , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he would simply encourage communities to follow quarantine guidelines .
`` In order to get compliance , we have to get public support . ''
While Burgum and Noem hedge , cases of COVID-19 in the two states are soaring .
Hospitals in North Dakota are at 100 % capacity , and health care workers are so direly needed that the state will now allow infected health care workers who are n't showing symptoms to work in facilities treating COVID-19 , Burgum announced Monday .
To mitigate staff shortages and amid mounting pressure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extraordinary step to amend a previous order .
And in South Dakota , COVID-19 cases hit a new record high this week , with 2,020 new cases in a single day .
`` ... We are entering into the flu season , and that 's our biggest concern .
And we 've been exhorting all our communities to get the flu shot .
But the real risk here is at the rate of roughly 23 % or so statewide of positive rates , what I can conclude and we all can conclude epidemiologically @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Dr. Shankar Kurra , vice president of medical affairs at Rapid City Hospital , in an interview with NPR on Wednesday .
He continued , `` There 's no mitigation or suppression ... which means coming into November , December , and January , this is sad to say , but we will see an increase in cases and increase in hospitalizations .
Our biggest worry from a hospital standpoint is to maintain capacity , be able to take care of critically ill folks that need ICU level of care and will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ numbers continue .
And that seems to be the direction based on this high positivity rate . ''
GOP-run states across the country , where Republican leaders have been slow to implement safety measures , have experienced similar spikes in cases — and like North and South Dakota , they , too , have refused to act in spite of the numbers .
In Texas , where more than 1 million people are infected , several universities are still planning to have in-person college graduation ceremonies in the fall .
It 's a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opposed , calling on Gov .
Gregg Abbott to postpone the events or hold virtual ones .
Abbott has not yet responded publicly to those requests .
`` The last thing we need are more large public gatherings .
Universities should set the example for health and safety , '' association president Pat Heintzelman told Reform Austin .
In Florida , meanwhile , GOP Gov .
Ron DeSantis hired Kyle Lamb , an anti-mask sports blogger , to do COVID-19 data analysis for the state , which saw rising cases and a more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ past week alone .
`` I am hyperventilating into my mask at the thought of this person being part of @ GovRonDeSantis COVID data analysis team , '' Emilio M. Bruna , a University of Florida professor , tweeted Tuesday .
Across the country , nearly every region has seen huge spikes in COVID-19 cases .
Utah , Wisconsin , Indiana were forced to build overflow hospitals just last month .
At the time of publication , the United States has surpassed a record 10.4 million cases and 241,000 deaths from the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , national leadership as well has continued to downplay the coronavirus .
Instead of fighting COVID-19 , for example , Donald Trump has appeared solely focused on peddling his false claims of election fraud .
Likewise , Vice President Mike Pence , head of the White House coronavirus task force , has not had much on his public schedule to tackle the surge in cases .
He 's also reportedly skipping task force calls , but somehow made time to challenge the results of the presidential election .
Published with permission of The @ @ @ @

In states with some of the worst COVID-19 numbers in the country, GOP governors are facing criticism for not implementing enough safety measures to curb the spread.
North Dakota, where Gov. Doug Burgum has shied away from implementing a statewide mask mandate, has reported the most COVID-19 cases in the country over the last seven days, with 7,529 per 100,000 residents, according to the New York Times. And in South Dakota, where Gov. Kristi Noem continues to resist shelter-in-place or similar mask orders, the state has recorded the nation’s second-highest number of cases, 6,635 per 100,000 residents.
Those numbers are troubling to their neighbors.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz on Tuesday implored the two governors to implement more public health guidelines, calling superspreader events like the massive motorcycle rally in South Dakota back in August “absolutely unnecessary.”
“I want to be clear: I’m not blaming other governors or blaming others states. I am saying, they have made choices that have increased spread to a certain degree,” Walz said at a news conference in St. Paul on Tuesday. “When people go over there, they are going to get infected and bring it back home.”
“And this one’s a little bit personal because the governor of South Dakota has taken to traveling to other states and criticizing others — now at a time when that state’s hospital capacity is overwhelmed,” he added.
Late last month, a group of South Dakotan doctors, nurses, hospitals, school administrators, and businesses also came together to urge the public to wear masks, social distance, and handwash, an effort that runs counter to Noem’s lack of action.
“Masking is a simple act that each one of us can participate in and it can save lives. If you mask, that life could be your mother, father, your friend, or even your own,” said ,” said South Dakota State Medical Association president Dr. Benjamin Aaker, according to the Associated Press.
A spokesperson from Noem’s office told the AP that the governor favors a “nuanced” approach to masks and doesn’t oppose all mask-wearing, but “has not encouraged people to wear face coverings in public, as recommended by the CDC,” according to the outlet.
Noem, who often appears in public maskless, has also discouraged masks in schools.
In October, she told the AP that her state had more COVID-19 cases because they were conducting more testing, echoing a misleading refrain pushed by Donald Trump.
“We have triple the amount of testing that we are doing in the state of South Dakota, which is why we’re seeing elevated positive cases,” Noem said.
And just this summer, Noem allowed the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally to move forward as planned, despite the risks. A recent study called it a “superspreading event” that likely led to $12 billion in public health costs.
Noem’s office has continued to defend the South Dakota governor’s coronavirus response, even amid the surge in cases and rising criticism.
“Governor Noem has provided her people with all of the science, facts, and data, and then trusted them to make the best decisions for themselves and their loved-ones,” he told the Minnesota Star Tribune on Wednesday. “She will be continuing that approach.”


shareblue--2020-11-13--Trump devastates Secret Service by refusing to take pandemic seriously

Donald Trump 's superspreader campaign rallies have wreaked havoc on the Secret Service , with more than 130 officers now either infected or in quarantine because of exposure to the coronavirus , according to a report from the Washington Post .
The outbreak in the ranks of the team meant to protect the president amounts to roughly 10 % of the `` core security team , '' the Washington Post reported .
The news comes after Trump held multiple rallies across the country — including in states that were experiencing massive outbreaks — where both top Trump campaign officials , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , refused to wear masks or practice the social distancing that public health experts say slows the spread of the deadly virus .
Public health experts , as well as local officials where Trump held the rallies , begged him not to hold the rallies for fear of spreading the virus .
But Trump ignored those pleas , holding large events in the final weeks of the campaign in places like Wisconsin — which now is experiencing a public health crisis as cases rise and hospitals are run out of beds to treat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ University study found that Trump 's rallies led to more than 30,000 cases of the virus in the country from June to September .
Trump , for his part , has refused to take the coronavirus seriously from the start , publicly downplaying its dangers — despite knowing how deadly and contagious it was .
Trump has claimed that the virus would simply disappear , despite experts saying the exact opposite .
And in the final days of the campaign , he insisted that the virus was a media-driven ploy to hurt his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stop covering the pandemic after Election Day .
`` We have made tremendous progress with the China Virus , but the Fake News refuses to talk about it this close to the Election .
COVID , COVID , COVID is being used by them , in total coordination , in order to change our great early election numbers .
Should be an election law violation ! ''
Trump tweeted on Oct. 26 .
That , too , was not true .
The virus is currently spreading uncontrollably across almost the entirety of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tracker , with the increases setting new records daily .
`` Over the past week , there has been an average of 134,078 cases per day , an increase of 72 % from the average two weeks earlier , '' according to the New York Times ' coronavirus tracker .
Another 1,172 people died from the virus on Thursday , bringing the total number of virus deaths in the country to 242,861 , the New York Times reported .
That 's above the worst-case scenario of deaths Trump predicted the country would see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Independent Foundation .

Donald Trump’s superspreader campaign rallies have wreaked havoc on the Secret Service, with more than 130 officers now either infected or in quarantine because of exposure to the coronavirus, according to a report from the Washington Post.
The outbreak in the ranks of the team meant to protect the president amounts to roughly 10% of the “core security team,” the Washington Post reported.
The news comes after Trump held multiple rallies across the country — including in states that were experiencing massive outbreaks — where both top Trump campaign officials, as well as the thousands of attendees, refused to wear masks or practice the social distancing that public health experts say slows the spread of the deadly virus.
Public health experts, as well as local officials where Trump held the rallies, begged him not to hold the rallies for fear of spreading the virus.
But Trump ignored those pleas, holding large events in the final weeks of the campaign in places like Wisconsin — which now is experiencing a public health crisis as cases rise and hospitals are run out of beds to treat virus patients.
Meanwhile, a Stanford University study found that Trump’s rallies led to more than 30,000 cases of the virus in the country from June to September.
Trump, for his part, has refused to take the coronavirus seriously from the start, publicly downplaying its dangers — despite knowing how deadly and contagious it was.
Trump has claimed that the virus would simply disappear, despite experts saying the exact opposite.
And in the final days of the campaign, he insisted that the virus was a media-driven ploy to hurt his reelection campaign, saying the media would stop covering the pandemic after Election Day.
“We have made tremendous progress with the China Virus, but the Fake News refuses to talk about it this close to the Election. COVID, COVID, COVID is being used by them, in total coordination, in order to change our great early election numbers. Should be an election law violation!” Trump tweeted on Oct. 26.
That, too, was not true.
The virus is currently spreading uncontrollably across almost the entirety of the United States, according to the CovidExitStrategy.com tracker, with the increases setting new records daily.
“Over the past week, there has been an average of 134,078 cases per day, an increase of 72% from the average two weeks earlier,” according to the New York Times’ coronavirus tracker.
Another 1,172 people died from the virus on Thursday, bringing the total number of virus deaths in the country to 242,861, the New York Times reported.
That’s above the worst-case scenario of deaths Trump predicted the country would see.
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.