inquisitr--2020-02-19--Bernie Sanders’ Campaign Requests Recount Of Iowa Caucuses After Release Of Final Vote

After Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders requested a partial recanvass of the Iowa caucus results last week — along with former South Bend mayor Pete Buttigieg — the 78-year-old politician ’ s campaign said Tuesday night that he is requesting a recount of the Iowa Democratic Party ’ s recanvass results , Axios reports .
According to the recount , Sanders has 563.127 state delegate equivalents and Buttigieg has 563.207 , putting Buttigieg ahead by 0.08 , which Politico reports is less than one-hundredth of one percent .
“ We now believe a recount will give Sen. Sanders enough State Delegate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by that metric as well , ” Sanders senior adviser Jeff Weaver said in a statement .
“ We want to thank the people of Iowa , our supporters , our volunteers and everyone who made this possible.
” As of now , Buttigieg has 14 delegates , and Sanders has 12 , but these numbers could change following a recount .
Elsewhere , Sanders continues to lead in the first-choice alignment , as well as the final alignment of the popular vote .
“ Yet again these results confirm that Pete won @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leader in the Democratic primary , ” the Buttigieg campaign said , although Politico reports it did not comment on whether it would request a recount .
Speaking to Politico , Weaver appeared optimistic that a recount would help Sanders .
“ Look , it would have obviously been much better for the people of Iowa and people of this country to learn the results the night of the Iowa caucuses , ” he said , adding that he believes the audits they have pursued will show Sanders as the winner .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ roadblocks that The Associated Press said it was “ unable to declare a winner based on the available information , ” pointing to reports of accuracy problems and the possibility of a recount .
Per The New York Post , a recount would involve reviewing the preference cards that Iowa caucusgoers filled out on the night in question and a subsequent recalculation of the data in each precinct .
As The Inquisitr previously reported , the Iowa Democratic Party came under fire for alleged discrepancies in the results during the delayed rollout of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ County Supervisor Chris Schwartz took to social media to reveal the count for the region , which differed from those released by the Iowa Democrats .
The discrepancy was noted by civil rights activist Shaun King , who pointed to the apparent increase in votes for Tom Steyer and Deval Patrick in the Black Hawk County supervisor ’ s count .

After Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders requested a partial recanvass of the Iowa caucus results last week — along with former South Bend mayor Pete Buttigieg — the 78-year-old politician’s campaign said Tuesday night that he is requesting a recount of the Iowa Democratic Party’s recanvass results, Axios reports.
According to the recount, Sanders has 563.127 state delegate equivalents and Buttigieg has 563.207, putting Buttigieg ahead by 0.08, which Politico reports is less than one-hundredth of one percent.
“We now believe a recount will give Sen. Sanders enough State Delegate Equivalents to put him over the top by that metric as well,” Sanders senior adviser Jeff Weaver said in a statement. “We want to thank the people of Iowa, our supporters, our volunteers and everyone who made this possible.”
As of now, Buttigieg has 14 delegates, and Sanders has 12, but these numbers could change following a recount. Elsewhere, Sanders continues to lead in the first-choice alignment, as well as the final alignment of the popular vote.
“Yet again these results confirm that Pete won the Iowa caucuses and remains the delegate leader in the Democratic primary,” the Buttigieg campaign said, although Politico reports it did not comment on whether it would request a recount.
Speaking to Politico, Weaver appeared optimistic that a recount would help Sanders.
“Look, it would have obviously been much better for the people of Iowa and people of this country to learn the results the night of the Iowa caucuses,” he said, adding that he believes the audits they have pursued will show Sanders as the winner.
The rollout of the results hit so many roadblocks that The Associated Press said it was “unable to declare a winner based on the available information,” pointing to reports of accuracy problems and the possibility of a recount.
Per The New York Post, a recount would involve reviewing the preference cards that Iowa caucusgoers filled out on the night in question and a subsequent recalculation of the data in each precinct.
As The Inquisitr previously reported, the Iowa Democratic Party came under fire for alleged discrepancies in the results during the delayed rollout of precinct data. Notably, Black Hawk County Supervisor Chris Schwartz took to social media to reveal the count for the region, which differed from those released by the Iowa Democrats.
The discrepancy was noted by civil rights activist Shaun King, who pointed to the apparent increase in votes for Tom Steyer and Deval Patrick in the Black Hawk County supervisor’s count.


inquisitr--2020-02-19--William Barr Has ‘No Plans To Resign’ DOJ Says In Unusual Late-Night Statement

Attorney General William Barr has been under intense scrutiny after stepping in to ease the sentence against long-time Donald Trump ally Roger Stone .
On top of that , Barr has expressed frustration as Trump continues to tweet about the job that he is doing at the Department of Justice , saying that the president is making his job “ impossible.
” The Washington Post reports that things have gotten so bad that sources close to Barr say that he is thinking about quitting the job altogether .
But in a late-night tweet , a spokesperson for Barr said that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” and Barr had no plans to leave .
Typically , public statements about government business are released during the day , but Kerri Kupec , the director of communications and public affairs at the Department of Justice , sent out a tweet at 10:30 Washington , D.C. time .
“ Addressing Beltway rumors : The Attorney General has no plans to resign , ” she said .
The situation began when Trump complained on Twitter about Stone ’ s recommended sentence , calling it unfair .
Shortly after Barr stepped in and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says that he made the decision before the president tweeted about the situation .
Shortly after the move , Trump tweeted again , cheering Barr ’ s decision to reduce the sentence .
The situation caused the four prosecutors to resign from the case in protest and thousands of Justice Department officials signed onto a letter criticizing the decision and calling for Barr to resign .
They argue that he has violated the oath that he took when he stepped into the role of Attorney General and that the lines have been blurred @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ People close to Barr say he is unlikely to be moved by the letter from the former Justice Department employees , which bears the signatures of many who have long been vocal opponents of his .
But Barr , the people said , is deeply concerned about morale inside the department , and that is in part why he chastised the president publicly to ABC News , ” the Post reports .
Barr later said that Trump ’ s tweeting made his job difficult and said that he ’ d asked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still , yesterday , Trump said that he was essentially the head of the law enforcement in the United States , though this role is typically ascribed to the Attorney General .
As The Inquisitr previously reported , Trump said that he had the right to step in on a DOJ case if he wanted , further complicating Barr ’ s claims that he at the White House do not collaborate on decisions .
Trump also went on a tweet rant about the need to give Stone a new trial , despite Barr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about DOJ issues .
Even still , as the Post reports , Barr was still in his role as head of the department as of Wednesday evening .

Attorney General William Barr has been under intense scrutiny after stepping in to ease the sentence against long-time Donald Trump ally Roger Stone. On top of that, Barr has expressed frustration as Trump continues to tweet about the job that he is doing at the Department of Justice, saying that the president is making his job “impossible.”
The Washington Post reports that things have gotten so bad that sources close to Barr say that he is thinking about quitting the job altogether. But in a late-night tweet, a spokesperson for Barr said that the report was just “beltway rumors” and Barr had no plans to leave.
Typically, public statements about government business are released during the day, but Kerri Kupec, the director of communications and public affairs at the Department of Justice, sent out a tweet at 10:30 Washington, D.C. time.
“Addressing Beltway rumors: The Attorney General has no plans to resign,” she said.
The situation began when Trump complained on Twitter about Stone’s recommended sentence, calling it unfair. Shortly after Barr stepped in and had the sentence reduced, though he says that he made the decision before the president tweeted about the situation. Shortly after the move, Trump tweeted again, cheering Barr’s decision to reduce the sentence.
The situation caused the four prosecutors to resign from the case in protest and thousands of Justice Department officials signed onto a letter criticizing the decision and calling for Barr to resign. They argue that he has violated the oath that he took when he stepped into the role of Attorney General and that the lines have been blurred between the Oval Office and the DOJ.
“People close to Barr say he is unlikely to be moved by the letter from the former Justice Department employees, which bears the signatures of many who have long been vocal opponents of his. But Barr, the people said, is deeply concerned about morale inside the department, and that is in part why he chastised the president publicly to ABC News,” the Post reports.
Barr later said that Trump’s tweeting made his job difficult and said that he’d asked the president to stop tweeting. Even still, yesterday, Trump said that he was essentially the head of the law enforcement in the United States, though this role is typically ascribed to the Attorney General. As The Inquisitr previously reported, Trump said that he had the right to step in on a DOJ case if he wanted, further complicating Barr’s claims that he at the White House do not collaborate on decisions.
Trump also went on a tweet rant about the need to give Stone a new trial, despite Barr’s requests that he not tweet about DOJ issues. Even still, as the Post reports, Barr was still in his role as head of the department as of Wednesday evening.


inquisitr--2020-02-19--Pete Buttigieg Faces Criticism On His Job Performance From South Bend Residents: ‘He Couldn’t Run Ou

Pete Buttigieg Faces Criticism On His Job Performance From South Bend Residents: ‘He Couldn’t Run Our City’

The candidates for the Democratic nomination are gearing up for the debate stage in Las Vegas on Wednesday night , but South Bend residents are speaking up about Pete Buttigieg to warn the country that he may not be ready to take on the Oval Office .
Buttigieg currently leads the pack in number of delegates — just edging out Bernie Sanders — heading into the latest primary debate .
But as the New York Post reports , not everyone thinks his surge is a good thing .
Several residents spoke out about their experience under a Buttigieg administration in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in violent crime and a lack of attention for the challenges that face the black community in the city indicate that he isn ’ t ready to run the country .
“ Look at all the crime — he didn ’ t do anything about it .
Look at our quality of life .
If he becomes president , the United States will become one big South Bend — a giant sinkhole .
We ’ ll be in a new depression , ” said one resident who lives on South Bend ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s the next president , I fear for our country .
He couldn ’ t run our city .
How can he run the United States ?
” One person said that he would rate Buttigieg ’ s job performance low .
“ Rating him 1 to 10 , I ’ d give him a 2 , ” said Cornish Miller , 62 .
“ The street I live on is the only street around here that has lights .
That ’ s because we ’ re a gateway to Notre Dame.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , crime increased from 622 incidents to 1,088 over six years .
One resident and a local reverend told the publication that the city saw a record number of homicides and the Democratic nominee didn ’ t seem to understand the impact it was having on the community .
Another individual , who ran against Buttigieg in 2015 , said that it seems evident Buttigieg sees his role as mayor as a stepping stone to bigger things , claiming that the young Democrat has always had “ one foot out the door ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Others argued that Buttigieg has done some good for the city , including improving the streets and pedestrian access , along with the city parks .
He has also spearheaded river improvements and helped revitalize the downtown area .
However , critics say that those successes were largely from the governor ’ s efforts — not Buttigieg ’ s .
The mayor has also been criticized by residents for failing to address homelessness and food access in impoverished neighborhoods .
The military vet took office as mayor when he was just 29 and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ race for the Democratic nomination .

The candidates for the Democratic nomination are gearing up for the debate stage in Las Vegas on Wednesday night, but South Bend residents are speaking up about Pete Buttigieg to warn the country that he may not be ready to take on the Oval Office.
Buttigieg currently leads the pack in number of delegates — just edging out Bernie Sanders — heading into the latest primary debate. But as the New York Post reports, not everyone thinks his surge is a good thing.
Several residents spoke out about their experience under a Buttigieg administration in their city, saying that an increase in violent crime and a lack of attention for the challenges that face the black community in the city indicate that he isn’t ready to run the country.
“Look at all the crime — he didn’t do anything about it. Look at our quality of life. If he becomes president, the United States will become one big South Bend — a giant sinkhole. We’ll be in a new depression,” said one resident who lives on South Bend’s West Side. “If he’s the next president, I fear for our country. He couldn’t run our city. How can he run the United States?”
One person said that he would rate Buttigieg’s job performance low.
“Rating him 1 to 10, I’d give him a 2,” said Cornish Miller, 62. “The street I live on is the only street around here that has lights. That’s because we’re a gateway to Notre Dame.”
Under Buttigieg’s tenure as mayor, crime increased from 622 incidents to 1,088 over six years. One resident and a local reverend told the publication that the city saw a record number of homicides and the Democratic nominee didn’t seem to understand the impact it was having on the community.
Another individual, who ran against Buttigieg in 2015, said that it seems evident Buttigieg sees his role as mayor as a stepping stone to bigger things, claiming that the young Democrat has always had “one foot out the door” with an eye towards “something…larger.”
Others argued that Buttigieg has done some good for the city, including improving the streets and pedestrian access, along with the city parks. He has also spearheaded river improvements and helped revitalize the downtown area. However, critics say that those successes were largely from the governor’s efforts — not Buttigieg’s.
The mayor has also been criticized by residents for failing to address homelessness and food access in impoverished neighborhoods.
The military vet took office as mayor when he was just 29 and is the youngest candidate still in the race for the Democratic nomination.


inquisitr--2020-02-19--Michael Bloomberg Rep Slams Bernie Sanders Campaign’s ‘Trumpy Lie’ About Having Heart Attacks

While speaking on CNN ’ s New Day , Bernie Sanders ’ press secretary Briahna Joy Gray claimed that Michael Bloomberg has experienced multiple heart attacks , which the Bloomberg campaign isn ’ t taking it lying down .
According to Mediaite , the press secretary was attempting to defend Sanders ’ decision to not release additional medical records following his recent heart attack , despite calls to do so from both potential voters and opponents .
Host John Berman asked Gray why Sanders is refusing to release more medical information than the three letters from doctors he ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voters were entitled to know as much as every other candidate has released and that calls for more information were an attempt to smear Sanders .
“ And it ’ s really telling given that none of the same concern is being demonstrated for Michael Bloomberg , who ’ s the same age as Bernie Sanders , who has suffered heart attacks in the past , ” she said .
She continued , claiming that many people don ’ t support Sanders because he has made enemies in the health industry and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shot back at the claim , saying that the Sanders campaign was operating much like President Trump ’ s had in the past .
“ This is such a Trumpy lie from the Sanders camp , which rolls like Trump in many ways , ” Tim O ’ Brien , Bloomberg ’ s campaign senior adviser tweeted .
“ Mike Bloomberg has *never* had a heart attack .
Bernie Sanders , on the other hand , has had a heart attack .
Those are the facts , ” he continued .
“ It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goes all in with Trumpism.
” Gray has also claimed that Bloomberg has been accused 64 separate times of sexual assault , a claim that has been proven untrue .
While there is not evidence to support her claim about Bloomberg ’ s health at this point , it does appear that he had undergone a heart procedure in 2007 after he “ complained of discomfort and tiredness.
” The Sanders campaign has taken aim at Bloomberg in recent days .
As The Inquisitr previously reported , Sanders said that Bloomberg ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and frisk ” were “ racist ” and pointed out that the former New York City mayor had supported cuts to Medicare , Medicaid and Social Security in the past .
The two will finally go head-to-head for the first time on a debate stage in Las Vegas after Bloomberg qualified to appear at Wednesday ’ s Democratic primary debate .

While speaking on CNN’s New Day, Bernie Sanders’ press secretary Briahna Joy Gray claimed that Michael Bloomberg has experienced multiple heart attacks, which the Bloomberg campaign isn’t taking it lying down. According to Mediaite, the press secretary was attempting to defend Sanders’ decision to not release additional medical records following his recent heart attack, despite calls to do so from both potential voters and opponents.
Host John Berman asked Gray why Sanders is refusing to release more medical information than the three letters from doctors he’s already issued. Gray replied that the voters were entitled to know as much as every other candidate has released and that calls for more information were an attempt to smear Sanders.
“And it’s really telling given that none of the same concern is being demonstrated for Michael Bloomberg, who’s the same age as Bernie Sanders, who has suffered heart attacks in the past,” she said.
She continued, claiming that many people don’t support Sanders because he has made enemies in the health industry and the pharmaceutical industry.
Bloomberg’s campaign shot back at the claim, saying that the Sanders campaign was operating much like President Trump’s had in the past.
“This is such a Trumpy lie from the Sanders camp, which rolls like Trump in many ways,” Tim O’Brien, Bloomberg’s campaign senior adviser tweeted.
“Mike Bloomberg has *never* had a heart attack. Bernie Sanders, on the other hand, has had a heart attack. Those are the facts,” he continued. “It’s a dangerous time when Sanders goes all in with Trumpism.”
JUST NOW: Press Sec for @BernieSanders equates questions on his medical records to "smear" campaign. & claims @MikeBloomberg has "suffered heart attacks." Bloomberg had an irregular heartbeat & stents. But I've seen no record of attack. Checking now.pic.twitter.com/iW5Ag2xbUt — John Berman (@JohnBerman) February 19, 2020
Gray has also claimed that Bloomberg has been accused 64 separate times of sexual assault, a claim that has been proven untrue. While there is not evidence to support her claim about Bloomberg’s health at this point, it does appear that he had undergone a heart procedure in 2007 after he “complained of discomfort and tiredness.”
The Sanders campaign has taken aim at Bloomberg in recent days. As The Inquisitr previously reported, Sanders said that Bloomberg’s past support of policies like “stop and frisk” were “racist” and pointed out that the former New York City mayor had supported cuts to Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security in the past.
The two will finally go head-to-head for the first time on a debate stage in Las Vegas after Bloomberg qualified to appear at Wednesday’s Democratic primary debate.


inquisitr--2020-02-19--Michael Bloomberg Tells ‘Nice Person’ Donald Trump ‘I Love You’ In Chummy Unearthed Video

Michael Bloomberg has put Donald Trump in his crosshairs as he makes a bid for president in 2020 , but a recently unearthed video shows that the pair were once chummier than it appears today .
Politico published a clip of a video from Oxford University that was taken shortly after the 2016 election that shows Bloomberg chatting about a meeting with Trump .
The New York Democrat told the crowd that he thought Trump was fun to be around and that the now-president was a nice person .
In the video , Bloomberg said he met with Trump at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Trump approached the former New York City mayor and told him that he had seen his speech at the Democratic National Convention the year before .
In that speech , Bloomberg was critical of Trump and the real estate mogul asked Bloomberg about the comment .
“ But you really do love me , don ’ t ya ?
” Trump asked .
“ And I said , ‘ Yes , Donald , I do love you , I just disagree with everything you ’ ve ever said , ' ” Bloomberg @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to say the two laughed together , but he didn ’ t necessarily believe everything Trump said in conversation .
“ And we had a good laugh , ” Bloomberg continued .
“ If you ’ ve sat and had dinner with Donald Trump , you ’ d probably walk away saying everything he just said is bullshit , he can ’ t be doing that.
” Despite that , he said , Trump is a fun person to be around .
“ But you have a good time .
He is socially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a good president ?
I hope so .
Because we desperately need leadership in the country and the world , ” Bloomberg recalled .
The video comes to light after a picture of Bloomberg emerged showing him hanging out with Trump on a golf course , along with a clip of him speaking about the president .
“ I ’ m a friend of Donald Trump ’ s .
He is a New York icon.
” The image was released by Bernie Sanders ’ campaign .
Bloomberg ’ s campaign has said that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump to run a city golf course .
They also said he didn ’ t believe Trump was qualified for more responsibility beyond that .
A campaign adviser for Bloomberg explained that the former mayor had hoped the real estate mogul would rise to the job of being president , but that his presidency has been a “ failure , ” which is why he is hoping to replace him .
Bloomberg ’ s campaign declined to comment on his and Trump ’ s past friendliness , but said that Bloomberg is focused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The billionaire has also faced charges of trying to buy the election as he pumps his vast fortune into his campaign .
He has also recently been under fire due to some racist comments and policy decisions he made while mayor .

Michael Bloomberg has put Donald Trump in his crosshairs as he makes a bid for president in 2020, but a recently unearthed video shows that the pair were once chummier than it appears today.
Politico published a clip of a video from Oxford University that was taken shortly after the 2016 election that shows Bloomberg chatting about a meeting with Trump.
The New York Democrat told the crowd that he thought Trump was fun to be around and that the now-president was a nice person.
In the video, Bloomberg said he met with Trump at a September 11 memorial service in 2016. Trump approached the former New York City mayor and told him that he had seen his speech at the Democratic National Convention the year before. In that speech, Bloomberg was critical of Trump and the real estate mogul asked Bloomberg about the comment.
“But you really do love me, don’t ya?” Trump asked.
“And I said, ‘Yes, Donald, I do love you, I just disagree with everything you’ve ever said,'” Bloomberg said he replied.
Bloomberg went on to say the two laughed together, but he didn’t necessarily believe everything Trump said in conversation.
“And we had a good laugh,” Bloomberg continued. “If you’ve sat and had dinner with Donald Trump, you’d probably walk away saying everything he just said is bullshit, he can’t be doing that.”
Despite that, he said, Trump is a fun person to be around.
“But you have a good time. He is socially a nice person. Will he be a good president? I hope so. Because we desperately need leadership in the country and the world,” Bloomberg recalled.
The video comes to light after a picture of Bloomberg emerged showing him hanging out with Trump on a golf course, along with a clip of him speaking about the president.
“I’m a friend of Donald Trump’s. He is a New York icon.” The image was released by Bernie Sanders’ campaign.
Bloomberg’s campaign has said that, while as mayor, he hired Trump to run a city golf course. They also said he didn’t believe Trump was qualified for more responsibility beyond that. A campaign adviser for Bloomberg explained that the former mayor had hoped the real estate mogul would rise to the job of being president, but that his presidency has been a “failure,” which is why he is hoping to replace him.
Bloomberg’s campaign declined to comment on his and Trump’s past friendliness, but said that Bloomberg is focused on the future, not the past.
The billionaire has also faced charges of trying to buy the election as he pumps his vast fortune into his campaign. He has also recently been under fire due to some racist comments and policy decisions he made while mayor.


inquisitr--2020-02-21--Ben Shapiro Doesn’t Think Michael Bloomberg Is ‘Cheating’ With Campaign’s Advertising Blitz

Democratic presidential candidate Michael Bloomberg has been accused of attempting to buy the election due to his campaign ’ s strategy of spending millions on television advertising in Super Tuesday states .
Conservative commentator Ben Shapiro recently weighed in on the situation and expressed his belief that Bloomberg is doing nothing wrong .
“ Is Bloomberg doing something deeply wrong — is he “ cheating ” — by spending oodles of his own money on political advertising ?
” Shapiro asked in a Fox News op-ed .
“ The answer , of course , is no ” he continued , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spending — over $ 200 million on political advertising — that has not been as successful as Bloomberg ’ s .
According to Shapiro , Bloomberg ’ s success stems from his decision to play for the moderates around the same time that former Vice President Joe Biden began to falter in the polls and fall from the frontrunner position .
He claims that the difference in the success of Bloomberg ’ s campaign compared to Steyer ’ s proves that money isn ’ t the only thing that determines a campaign ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spending of Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren , both of whom have significant grassroots support .
Still , many believe that Bloomberg ’ s unprecedented spending is a threat to the integrity of the Democratic Party .
Journalist and political commentator Michael Tracey went so far as to say that Bloomberg is more of a threat to democracy than Donald Trump .
In an op-ed for Spectator USA , Tracey argues that Bloomberg ’ s strategy is to tap into the fears of older voting groups that are “ petrified ” of Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voters watch a “ disproportionate amount of TV , ” making them prime targets for Bloomberg ’ s advertising campaign , which has funneled $ 418 million into television ads to date .
“ Bloomberg — for all his effort to exude cool-headed competence and detached managerial wisdom — is a true chaos agent , ” Tracey concluded his piece .
Bloomberg also faced the wrath of Warren during Wednesday ’ s Democratic presidential debate .
As The Inquisitr reported , the Massachusetts Sen. attacked Bloomberg as an “ arrogant billionaire ” and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Bloomberg ’ s past comments about women as well as his support of the controversial stop-and-frisk policy during his time as Mayor of New York City .
Warren ’ s performance was cheered by the debate ’ s audience and also received praise from commentators afterward .

Democratic presidential candidate Michael Bloomberg has been accused of attempting to buy the election due to his campaign’s strategy of spending millions on television advertising in Super Tuesday states. Conservative commentator Ben Shapiro recently weighed in on the situation and expressed his belief that Bloomberg is doing nothing wrong.
“Is Bloomberg doing something deeply wrong — is he “cheating” — by spending oodles of his own money on political advertising?” Shapiro asked in a Fox News op-ed.
“The answer, of course, is no” he continued, pointing to billionaire Tom Steyer’s spending — over $200 million on political advertising — that has not been as successful as Bloomberg’s.
According to Shapiro, Bloomberg’s success stems from his decision to play for the moderates around the same time that former Vice President Joe Biden began to falter in the polls and fall from the frontrunner position. He claimed that the difference in the success of Bloomberg’s campaign, as compared to Steyer’s, proves that money isn’t the only thing that determines a campaign’s viability.
“Dollars plus a political case is better than no dollars plus a political case. But it’s also true that dollars become increasingly important in a political system in which candidates can gain outsized attention and vote share by spending money that doesn’t belong to them.”
Shapiro pointed to the spending of Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, both of whom have significant grassroots support.
Still, many believe that Bloomberg’s unprecedented spending is a threat to the integrity of the Democratic Party. Journalist and political commentator Michael Tracey went so far as to say that Bloomberg is more of a threat to democracy than Donald Trump.
In an op-ed for Spectator USA, Tracey argued that Bloomberg’s strategy is to tap into the fears of older voting groups that are “petrified” of Trump winning another term. He claims these voters watch a “disproportionate amount of TV,” making them prime targets for Bloomberg’s advertising campaign, which has funneled $418 million into television ads to date.
“Bloomberg — for all his effort to exude cool-headed competence and detached managerial wisdom — is a true chaos agent,” Tracey concluded his piece.
This is not just a question of Mike Bloomberg’s character—it’s a question about electability. We’re not going to beat Donald Trump with a man who silences women with who knows how many nondisclosure agreements. #DemDebate pic.twitter.com/ozPFghxU8s — Elizabeth Warren (@ewarren) February 20, 2020
Bloomberg also faced the wrath of Warren during Wednesday’s Democratic presidential debate. As The Inquisitr reported, the Massachusetts Sen. attacked Bloomberg as an “arrogant billionaire” and compared him to Trump. Warren pointed to Bloomberg’s past comments about women as well as his support of the controversial stop-and-frisk policy during his time as mayor of New York City.
Warren’s performance was cheered by the debate’s audience and also received praise from commentators afterward.


inquisitr--2020-02-21--2020 Presidential Poll: Donald Trump Holds Advantage In Key State Needed For Re-Election

A newly released 2020 presidential poll shows that Donald Trump holds an early lead in a state that is critical to his re-election — and one that his eventual Democratic opponent would likely need to flip back to blue .
In 2016 , Trump pulled off a surprising victory in Wisconsin after the state had been solidly blue for several election cycles .
A new poll from Quinnipiac University shows that the president is on pace to win again in the Badger State , polling ahead of all of his potential rivals and doing so by comfortable margins .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ margin of just 22,748 votes in the last selection , Trump would not have so close of a race this year .
The poll showed that Trump held the widest lead over Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar , winning 50 percent to 39 percent .
He held a 10-point lead over Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren , 8-point leads over former South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg , an 7-point leads over Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders as well as former Vice President Joe Biden .
Trump ’ s re-election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ states that he flipped from blue to red in the last cycle , which also include Michigan and Pennsylvania .
But the poll found that while Trump may be in good shape in Wisconsin , winning the others would be a more difficult task .
The Quinnipiac University poll showed that he was trailing all Democrats by single-digit margins in Pennsylvania .
Biden held the largest lead at 8 points , while Sanders and Buttigieg were the closest at 4-point leads over Trump in the Keystone State .
Trump trailed all of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Michigan , but USA Today noted that some of the top Democrats still have some work to do in those states .
“ In all three states , more voters had unfavorable opinions of Sanders , Biden , Warren and Bloomberg than favorable .
While Buttigieg and Klobuchar had higher favorable ratings in two of the three states ( Buttigieg had a higher unfavorable rating in Wisconsin and Klobuchar ’ s favorable/unfavorable rating there was tied 28 % -28 % ) , a high percentage of voters in all three states said they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strong early sign for Trump comes as there is still little clarity on who he will face in November .
Buttigieg holds a slim delegate lead over Sanders after the first two contests of the Democratic primary , but Sanders has taken a lead in national polling .
The next contest will be in Nevada , which holds a caucus on Saturday .

A newly released 2020 presidential poll shows that Donald Trump holds an early lead in a state that is critical to his re-election — and one that his eventual Democratic opponent would likely need to flip back to blue.
In 2016, Trump pulled off a surprising victory in Wisconsin after the state had been solidly blue for several election cycles. A new poll from Quinnipiac University shows that the president is on pace to win again in the Badger State, polling ahead of all of his potential rivals and doing so by comfortable margins. The poll found that after winning by a margin of just 22,748 votes in the last selection, Trump would not have so close of a race this year.
The poll showed that Trump held the widest lead over Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar, winning 50 percent to 39 percent. He held a 10-point lead over Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren, 8-point leads over former South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, an 7-point leads over Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders as well as former Vice President Joe Biden.
Trump’s re-election would hinge on winning the Rust Belt states that he flipped from blue to red in the last cycle, which also include Michigan and Pennsylvania. But the poll found that while Trump may be in good shape in Wisconsin, winning the others would be a more difficult task. The Quinnipiac University poll showed that he was trailing all Democrats by single-digit margins in Pennsylvania. Biden held the largest lead at 8 points, while Sanders and Buttigieg were the closest at 4-point leads over Trump in the Keystone State.
Trump trailed all of the top Democratic candidates by slimmer margins in Michigan, but USA Today noted that some of the top Democrats still have some work to do in those states.
“In all three states, more voters had unfavorable opinions of Sanders, Biden, Warren and Bloomberg than favorable. While Buttigieg and Klobuchar had higher favorable ratings in two of the three states (Buttigieg had a higher unfavorable rating in Wisconsin and Klobuchar’s favorable/unfavorable rating there was tied 28%-28%), a high percentage of voters in all three states said they had not heard of them.”
The strong early sign for Trump comes as there is still little clarity on who he will face in November. Buttigieg holds a slim delegate lead over Sanders after the first two contests of the Democratic primary, but Sanders has taken a lead in national polling. The next contest will be in Nevada, which holds a caucus on Saturday.


inquisitr--2020-02-20--Andrew Yang Says He Is ‘Definitely Starting A Podcast’

In June of last year , then-Democratic presidential candidate Andrew Yang revealed plans for a podcast , possibly titled Let Yang Speak .
On Thursday , the Venture for America founder confirmed that such a project is in the works and asked supporters for guest requests .
“ Now that we have our heads up I am definitely starting a podcast for the # yanggang .
Guest requests below .
Let ’ s do it .
# LetYangSpeak , ” he wrote .
The possible podcast name began as a reference to a hashtag that Yang ’ s supporters spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first Democratic presidential debate .
Back when Yang first spoke of the idea , he said it was proposed to him by a supporter that suggested “ annotated commentary ” on the debate as well as other topics .
Thus far , supporters have thrown out a variety of guest requests , including Tesla founder Elon Musk , comedian Dave Chappelle , Amazon founder Jeff Bezos , CNN commentator Van Jones , and Republican presidential candidate and transhumanist Zoltan Istvan .
The news comes not long after Yang revealed his new position @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first appearance on the network discussing Wednesday ’ s Democratic presidential debate .
The move surprised many of Yang ’ s supporters , who noted that CNN was , on many occasions , dismissive of his campaign and omitted him from various chyrons and graphics .
Regardless , The Washington Examiner reported that Yang has received positive feedback from many political observers .
“ CNN made a great decision to bring on @ AndrewYang as a political commentator .
he ’ s candid , speaks like normal people speak and i really like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stuff , ” tweeted YouTuber Casey Neistat .
“ Every list of ‘ Winners ’ tonight needs to include Andrew Yang who ’ s now a CNN contributor and I ’ ve been watching him crack himself up on a 7-person panel and nobody interrupts him and he has insightful things to say , ” wrote Washington Post reporter Hamza Shaban .
Per Hill Reporter , Yang predicted that than Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders , the primary ’ s current frontrunner , will underperform in swing states if he is the Democratic Party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pushed back on the assertion , pointing to reported polling numbers from such states that show Sanders outperforming Donald Trump , notably in Michigan , Pennsylvania , and Florida .
In addition , the publication noted that Sanders outpolled Trump nationally in a recent ABC News/Washington Post poll that was released this week .
On many occasions , Yang expressed his belief that Trump was elected in 2016 because of the automation of jobs in the swing states he won , per RealClearPolitics .

In June of last year, then-Democratic presidential candidate Andrew Yang revealed plans for a podcast, possibly titled Let Yang Speak. On Thursday, the Venture for America founder confirmed that such a project is in the works and asked supporters for guest requests.
“Now that we have our heads up I am definitely starting a podcast for the #yanggang. Guest requests below. Let’s do it. #LetYangSpeak,” he wrote.
The possible podcast name began as a reference to a hashtag that Yang’s supporters spread across Twitter after alleged mic issues at the first Democratic presidential debate. Back when Yang first spoke of the idea, he said it was proposed to him by a supporter that suggested “annotated commentary” on the debate as well as other topics.
Thus far, supporters have thrown out a variety of guest requests, including Tesla founder Elon Musk, comedian Dave Chappelle, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, CNN commentator Van Jones, and Republican presidential candidate and transhumanist Zoltan Istvan.
The news comes not long after Yang revealed his new position as a CNN commentator and made his first appearance on the network discussing Wednesday’s Democratic presidential debate. The move surprised many of Yang’s supporters, who noted that CNN was, on many occasions, dismissive of his campaign and omitted him from various chyrons and graphics.
Regardless, The Washington Examiner reported that Yang has received positive feedback from many political observers.
“CNN made a great decision to bring on @AndrewYang as a political commentator. he’s candid, speaks like normal people speak and i really like hearing what he has to say about stuff,” tweeted YouTuber Casey Neistat.
“Every list of ‘Winners’ tonight needs to include Andrew Yang who’s now a CNN contributor and I’ve been watching him crack himself up on a 7-person panel and nobody interrupts him and he has insightful things to say,” wrote Washington Post reporter Hamza Shaban.
Per Hill Reporter, Yang predicts that Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, the primary’s current front-runner, will underperform in swing states if he is the Democratic Party’s eventual nominee. The publication pushed back on the assertion, pointing to reported polling numbers from such states that show Sanders outperforming Donald Trump, notably in Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Florida.
In addition, the publication noted that Sanders outpolled Trump nationally in a recent ABC News/Washington Post poll that was released this week.
On many occasions, Yang expressed his belief that Trump was elected in 2016 because of the automation of jobs in the swing states he won, per RealClearPolitics.


inquisitr--2020-02-20--Elizabeth Warren Calls Mike Bloomberg An ‘Arrogant Billionaire’ In Nevada Debate, Compares Him To Do

Elizabeth Warren Calls Mike Bloomberg An ‘Arrogant Billionaire’ In Nevada Debate, Compares Him To Donald Trump

Sen. Elizabeth Warren attacked former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg in Wednesday night ’ s Democratic presidential debate , comparing the billionaire businessman ’ s platform and persona to those of President Donald Trump .
The audience responded with a collective gasp and some startled laughter , then followed by cheers and applause .
The Massachusetts senator said she would support any Democratic nominee .
However , she countered that if Bloomberg were nominated , Democrats would be taking a huge risk , one where “ we just substitute one arrogant billionaire for another , ” Rolling Stone reports @ @ @ @ @ @ @ debate in Las Vegas , Bloomberg accused the Democratic front-runner , Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders , of seeking to strip millions of Americans of the “ insurance plans that they love.
” He also claimed that nominating Sanders would ensure America “ has Donald Trump for another four years.
” “ I ’ d like to talk about who we are running against , a billionaire who calls women ‘ fat broads ’ and ‘ horse-faced lesbians — and no , I ’ m not talking about Donald Trump , I ’ m @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said in an even tone .
“ Democrats are not going to win if we have a nominee with a history of his tax returns of harassing women and of supporting racist policies like redlining and stop-and-frisk.
” Bloomberg attempted to change course , responding that a woman runs his foundation , Bloomberg Philanthropies , that the most senior member of his administration in city hall was a woman , and that 40 percent of his city commissioners were women .
Warren offered a blunt retort , “ I hope you heard what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been nice to some women.
” The debate exchange drew shock and praise on social media .
“ Holy .
Sh*t. Elizabeth .
Warren , ” Tommy Vietor , a former NSC spokesman for President Obama , wrote on Twitter .
“ EAT HIM LIZ , ” another user tweeted in all capital letters .
The assail on Bloomberg — who made his long-awaited debut on the debate stage last night — wasn ’ t over yet .
Democrats grilled Bloomberg through the course of the night over his refusal to retract nondisclosure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which reportedly also binds women who have accused the billionaire of harassment .
These accusations include allegations of “ profane , [ prejudiced ] comments , ” according to The Washington Post .
“ None of them accuse me of doing anything other than maybe they didn ’ t like a joke I told , ” Bloomberg retorted .
When Warren asked him point-blank if he would allow women to break their nondisclosure agreements , he refused .
“ If they wish now to speak out and tell their side of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , that ’ s now okay with you ?
” Warren asked .
“ You ’ re releasing them on television tonight ?
”

Sen. Elizabeth Warren attacked former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg in Wednesday night’s Democratic presidential debate, comparing the billionaire businessman’s platform and persona to those of President Donald Trump. The audience responded with a collective gasp and some startled laughter, then followed by cheers and applause.
The Massachusetts senator said she would support any Democratic nominee. However, she countered that if Bloomberg were nominated, Democrats would be taking a huge risk, one where “we just substitute one arrogant billionaire for another,” Rolling Stone reports.
During the opening minutes of the debate in Las Vegas, Bloomberg accused the Democratic front-runner, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, of seeking to strip millions of Americans of the “insurance plans that they love.” He also claimed that nominating Sanders would ensure America “has Donald Trump for another four years.”
Warren immediately raised her hand to offer a rebuke.
“I’d like to talk about who we are running against, a billionaire who calls women ‘fat broads’ and ‘horse-faced lesbians — and no, I’m not talking about Donald Trump, I’m talking about Mayor Bloomberg,” Warren said in an even tone. “Democrats are not going to win if we have a nominee with a history of his tax returns of harassing women and of supporting racist policies like redlining and stop-and-frisk.”
Bloomberg attempted to change course, responding that a woman runs his foundation, Bloomberg Philanthropies, that the most senior member of his administration in city hall was a woman, and that 40 percent of his city commissioners were women.
Warren offered a blunt retort, “I hope you heard what his defense was: I’ve been nice to some women.”
The debate exchange drew shock and praise on social media.
“Holy. Sh*t. Elizabeth. Warren,” Tommy Vietor, a former NSC spokesman for President Obama, wrote on Twitter.
“EAT HIM LIZ,” another user tweeted in all capital letters.
The assail on Bloomberg — who made his long-awaited debut on the debate stage last night — wasn’t over yet. Democrats grilled Bloomberg through the course of the night over his refusal to retract nondisclosure agreements signed by employees of Bloomberg L.P., which reportedly also binds women who have accused the billionaire of harassment. These accusations include allegations of “profane, [prejudiced] comments,” according to The Washington Post.
“None of them accuse me of doing anything other than maybe they didn’t like a joke I told,” Bloomberg retorted.
When Warren asked him point-blank if he would allow women to break their nondisclosure agreements, he refused.
“If they wish now to speak out and tell their side of the story about what it is they alleged, that’s now okay with you?” Warren asked. “You’re releasing them on television tonight?”
“Senator — no,” Bloomberg said.


inquisitr--2020-02-20--Mike Bloomberg Throws ‘Communism’ Jab At Bernie Sanders, Who Denies The Label, Calling It A ‘Cheap S

Mike Bloomberg Throws ‘Communism’ Jab At Bernie Sanders, Who Denies The Label, Calling It A ‘Cheap Shot’

Billionaire businessman and former New York mayor takes shot at 'democratic socialist ' Sanders in Democratic debate .
Wednesday night ’ s Democratic debate was the first of the campaign to include former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg , and the billionaire businessman wasted little time attacking new frontrunner Bernie Sanders , the Vermont senator who describes himself as a “ democratic socialist.
” In a discussion of Sanders ’ proposal that would require companies to transition to 20 percent employee ownership , Bloomberg scoffed at the entire conversation as “ ridiculous , ” according to an account by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discussion itself would “ make it easier for Donald Trump to get reelected , ” Bloomberg declared that the United States was not going to “ throw out capitalism.
” “ We tried that .
Other countries tried , ” the former mayor said .
“ That was called communism and it just didn ’ t work.
” Sanders responded , denying that he was advocating “ communism ” and stressing that his policies are actually examples of “ democratic socialism.
” But during his days as a political activist in Vermont , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ himself as a “ communist , ” according to a separate report .
“ I don ’ t mind people coming up and calling me a communist , ” Sanders said during a 1972 speech at a Vermont high school , as quoted by The Washington Examiner .
“ At least , they ’ re still alive.
” According to the Washington Examiner report , Sanders endorsed presidential candidates on the Socialist Workers Party ticket when he was mayor of Burlington , Vermont , in 1980 and 1984 .
The SWP originated as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the U.S. Sanders lashed back at Bloomberg ’ s “ communism ” remark , claiming that “ we are living in many ways in a socialist society right now , ” as quoted by ABC News .
The Vermont senator added that in his view , socialism exists in the U.S. “ for the very rich , ” while “ rugged individualism ” exists for the “ poor.
” Whether Sanders ’ policies are too “ left-wing ” to allow him to become “ electable ” in a one-on-one matchup with Trump has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2020 Democratic campaign .
On Wednesday , former Republican consultant Steve Schmidt — the 2008 campaign manager for Republican nominee John McCain — declared that nominating Sanders would be a “ death sentence ” for the Democratic Party , adding that the “ theory that there is some great base of people yearning for socialism in the United States of America is a fever dream and a fantasy.
” The “ communism ” exchange was sparked by a proposed Sanders policy that would let company employees elect 45 percent of a corporation ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to requiring that companies move to 20 percent employee ownership .
Sanders ’ campaign claimed that during the first hour of the debate , his supporters donated a total of nearly $ 300,000 from 15,218 individual donors — an average of approximately $ 20 per donation , according to the ABC News report .

Wednesday night’s Democratic debate was the first of the campaign to include former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, and the billionaire businessman wasted little time attacking new frontrunner Bernie Sanders, the Vermont senator who describes himself as a “democratic socialist.” In a discussion of Sanders’ proposal that would require companies to transition to 20 percent employee ownership, Bloomberg scoffed at the entire conversation as “ridiculous,” according to an account by The Washington Post.
Saying that the discussion itself would “make it easier for Donald Trump to get reelected,” Bloomberg declared that the United States was not going to “throw out capitalism.”
“We tried that. Other countries tried,” the former mayor said. “That was called communism and it just didn’t work.”
Sanders responded, denying that he was advocating “communism” and stressing that his policies are actually examples of “democratic socialism.” But during his days as a political activist in Vermont, Sanders appeared to welcome the description of himself as a “communist,” according to a separate report.
“I don’t mind people coming up and calling me a communist,” Sanders said during a 1972 speech at a Vermont high school, as quoted by The Washington Examiner. “At least, they’re still alive.”
According to the Washington Examiner report, Sanders endorsed presidential candidates on the Socialist Workers Party ticket when he was mayor of Burlington, Vermont, in 1980 and 1984. The SWP originated as a faction of the Communist Party in the U.S.
https://youtu.be/UqkIybsfwVM
Sanders lashed back at Bloomberg’s “communism” remark, claiming that “we are living in many ways in a socialist society right now,” as quoted by ABC News.
The Vermont senator added that in his view, socialism exists in the U.S. “for the very rich,” while “rugged individualism” exists for the “poor.”
Whether Sanders’ policies are too “left-wing” to allow him to become “electable” in a one-on-one matchup with Trump has been a subject of debate in the 2020 Democratic campaign. On Wednesday, former Republican consultant Steve Schmidt — the 2008 campaign manager for Republican nominee John McCain — declared that nominating Sanders would be a “death sentence” for the Democratic Party, adding that the “theory that there is some great base of people yearning for socialism in the United States of America is a fever dream and a fantasy.”
The “communism” exchange was sparked by a proposed Sanders policy that would let company employees elect 45 percent of a corporation’s board of directors, in addition to requiring that companies move to 20 percent employee ownership.
Sanders’ campaign claimed that during the first hour of the debate, his supporters donated a total of nearly $300,000 from 15,218 individual donors — an average of approximately $20 per donation, according to the ABC News report.


inquisitr--2020-02-21--Michael Bloomberg Surrogate Helped Elect Brazil’s Jair Bolsonaro, Says Report

A new report from The Grayzone claims that a Michael Bloomberg ‘ s surrogate , Arick Wierson , helped to elect Brazil ’ s President Jair Bolsonaro , which the publication says is known for his far-right views and use of violence against his political opponents .
Wierson reportedly joined Bolsonaro ’ s campaign in 2018 and was tasked with softening the right-wing leader ’ s image , which was marred by many controversial comments .
Before Bolsonaro , Wierson worked for Bloomberg on his 2001 political campaign .
Although Wierson reportedly doesn ’ t have an official position on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Grayzone notes that he has been “ aggressively promoting ” and advocating for him on corporate media networks .
“ In his media appearances and on his social media accounts , Wierson has vigorously attacked self-described socialist Senator Bernie Sanders , the most popular presidential candidate in the Democratic primary , ” the report reads .
The publication points to Wierson ’ s Twitter and Facebook posts , which it claims are riddled with “ nonstop pro-Bloomberg propaganda.
” It also notes that when Wierson worked on Bolsonaro ’ s campaign , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ efforts , including a 2018 piece titled “ Bolsonaro ’ s Message on Love and Peace Tested in Brazil Media.
” “ Michael Bloomberg himself has rubbed elbows with Bolsonaro henchmen like Sergio Moro , a mastermind of the political coup against Brazil ’ s left-wing Workers ’ Party government and the jailing of its leader , ” The Grayzone report reads .
Per National Review , Bloomberg — a former Republican — endorsed the reelection of George W. Bush in 2004 and has donated to many members of the GOP over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he has consistently given to both the Democratic and Republican Party up until 2018 .
Notably , he donated to $ 1,000 to George Bush in 1991 , $ 1,000 to Lamar Alexander in 1992 , $ 250 to Rudy Giuliani ’ s presidential bid in 2007 , and $ 2,700 to John McCain in 2016 .
“ Tomorrow night , one of his rivals may want to point out to Democratic primary voters that Bloomberg has been financing the opposition for many , many years , ” the report reads .
Bloomberg @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his former party affiliation as well as his record as New York City Mayor .
As The Inquisitr reported , Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren was particularly hard on Bloomberg , pointing to his treatment of women and comparing him to Donald Trump .
Bloomberg ’ s surging campaign , which has spent over $ 400 million on television advertisements , has been criticized by journalist Michael Tracey for threatening democracy .
Conversely , conservative commentator Ben Shapiro claims that Bloomberg has done nothing wrong by flooding the airwaves with campaign advertisements .
Shapiro @ @ @ @ @ @ @ billionaire Tom Steyer , who has not achieved the same level of success as Bloomberg , and suggested political strategy had a significant role in the 78-year-old ’ s success .

A new report from left-wing site The Grayzone claims that Michael Bloomberg‘s surrogate, Arick Wierson, helped to elect Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro, which the publication says is known for his far-right views and use of violence against his political opponents.
Wierson reportedly joined Bolsonaro’s campaign in 2018 and was tasked with softening the right-wing leader’s image, which was marred by many controversial comments. Before Bolsonaro, Wierson worked for Bloomberg on his 2001 political campaign.
Although Wierson reportedly doesn’t have an official position on Bloomberg’s 2020 presidential campaign, The Grayzone notes that he has been “aggressively promoting” and advocating for him on corporate media networks.
“In his media appearances and on his social media accounts, Wierson has vigorously attacked self-described socialist Senator Bernie Sanders, the most popular presidential candidate in the Democratic primary,” the report reads.
The publication points to Wierson’s Twitter and Facebook posts, which it claims are riddled with “nonstop pro-Bloomberg propaganda.” It also notes that when Wierson worked on Bolsonaro’s campaign, Bloomberg Media provided favorable coverage of his efforts, including a 2018 piece titled “Bolsonaro’s Message on Love and Peace Tested in Brazil Media.”
“Michael Bloomberg himself has rubbed elbows with Bolsonaro henchmen like Sergio Moro, a mastermind of the political coup against Brazil’s left-wing Workers’ Party government and the jailing of its leader,” The Grayzone report reads.
That Marina-naro Bloomberg story is still up this morning hours after she pointed out the video was hers not Bolsonaro's??? pic.twitter.com/2EPFmgRbG5 — Tom Phillips (@tomphillipsin) October 10, 2018
Per National Review, Bloomberg — a former Republican — endorsed the reelection of George W. Bush in 2004 and has donated to many GOP members over the years. According to the report, he has consistently given to both the Democratic and Republican Party up until 2018. Notably, he donated to $1,000 to President George Bush in 1991, $1,000 to Senator Lamar Alexander in 1992, $250 to Mayor Rudy Giuliani’s presidential bid in 2007, and $2,700 to Senator John McCain in 2016.
“Tomorrow night, one of his rivals may want to point out to Democratic primary voters that Bloomberg has been financing the opposition for many, many years,” the report reads.
Bloomberg indeed faced criticism at the debate for his former party affiliation, as well as his record as New York City mayor. As The Inquisitr reported, Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren was particularly hard on Bloomberg, pointing to his treatment of women and comparing him to President Donald Trump.
Bloomberg’s surging campaign, which has spent over $400 million on television advertisements, has been criticized by independent journalist Michael Tracey for threatening democracy. Conversely, conservative commentator Ben Shapiro claims that Bloomberg has done nothing wrong by flooding the airwaves with campaign advertisements.
Shapiro pointed to the high spending of fellow billionaire Tom Steyer, who has not achieved the same level of success as Bloomberg, and suggested political strategy had a significant role in the 78-year-old’s success.


inquisitr--2020-02-21--Donald Trump Blames Paul Ryan For Negative Fox News Coverage

In the wake of RealClearPolitics associate editor and columnist A.B .
Stoddard ’ s criticism of his past debate performances , Donald Trump took to Twitter Thursday and placed the blame on Fox News Channel board member and former House Speaker Paul Ryan .
According to Trump , Ryan — who joined the board in March of 2019 — is responsible for the network ’ s negative coverage of his 2016 presidential debate performances , per Breitbart .
“ Could somebody at @ foxnews please explain to Trump hater A.B .
Stoddard ( zero talent ! )
and @ TeamCavuto @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my debates , from beginning to end , ” the president tweeted .
“ Check the polls taken immediately after the debates .
The debates got me elected .
Must be Fox Board Member Paul Ryan !
” Stoddard ’ s criticism was expressed on a recent Fox Business Network panel on Your World with Neil Cavuto .
In response to Trump ’ s attack , Mediaite reports that Cavuto fired back at the closing of Thursday ’ s edition of his show .
“ He did not [ win the debates ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the reportedly unanimous opinion of experts and polls that agreed Trump lost his 2016 debates .
As for Trump blaming Ryan , the 50-year-old politician was reported to have spoken to Fox Corporation CEO Lachlan Murdoch about breaking with Trump .
Ryan allegedly said that a “ decisive split with Trump is the best path forward and preparation for “ life after Trump.
” According to Vanity Fair , an executive who has been in contact with Ryan claimed that he is “ embarrassed ” about the president and feels like he now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about it.
” Trump ’ s relationship with Fox News has been rocky for some time .
As The Inquisitr previously reported , he has shifted some of his attention to One America News Network ( OAN ) , which frequently attacks mainstream media and circulates theories that are often spread by Trump and his allies .
Charles Herring , president of Herring Broadcasting and son of OAN ’ s founder , Robert Herring , claims that the network is the only one that carries Trump ’ s speeches in their entirety — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any president in the future .
In response to the apparent breakup of Trump and Fox News , many have taken to social media to express their feelings .
“ This is going to be a really ugly breakup , ” tweeted former Republican presidential candidate Joe Walsh , who said that the network is going to dump the president when it discovers he ’ s a “ loser .
”

In the wake of RealClearPolitics associate editor and columnist A.B. Stoddard’s criticism of his past debate performances, Donald Trump took to Twitter Thursday and placed the blame on Fox News Channel board member and former House Speaker Paul Ryan.
According to Trump, Ryan — who joined the board in March of 2019 — is responsible for the network’s negative coverage of his 2016 presidential debate performances, per Breitbart.
“Could somebody at @foxnews please explain to Trump hater A.B. Stoddard (zero talent!) and @TeamCavuto, that I won every one of my debates, from beginning to end,” the president tweeted. “Check the polls taken immediately after the debates. The debates got me elected. Must be Fox Board Member Paul Ryan!”
Stoddard’s criticism was expressed on a recent Fox News panel on Your World with Neil Cavuto.
“I think that Donald Trump had disastrous debate performances.Many answers were so cringeworthy. You just couldn’t even believe that he was standing on the stage. And he’s president.”
In response to Trump’s attack, Mediaite reports that Cavuto fired back at the closing of Thursday’s edition of his show.
“He did not [win the debates],” Cavuto said, pointing to the reportedly unanimous opinion of experts and polls that agreed Trump lost his 2016 debates.
As for Trump blaming Ryan, the 50-year-old politician was reported to have spoken to Fox Corporation CEO Lachlan Murdoch about breaking with Trump. Ryan allegedly said that a “decisive split with Trump is the best path forward and preparation for “life after Trump.”
According to Vanity Fair, an executive who has been in contact with Ryan claimed that he is “embarrassed” about the president and feels like he now has the influence to “do something about it.”
Trump’s relationship with Fox News has been rocky for some time. As The Inquisitr previously reported, he has shifted some of his attention to One America News Network (OAN), which frequently attacks mainstream media and circulates theories that are often spread by Trump and his allies.
Charles Herring, president of Herring Broadcasting and son of OAN’s founder, Robert Herring, claims that the network is the only one that carries Trump’s speeches in their entirety — something he claims will be done for any president in the future.
In response to the apparent breakup of Trump and Fox News, many have taken to social media to express their feelings.
“This is going to be a really ugly breakup,” tweeted former Republican presidential candidate Joe Walsh, who said that the network is going to dump the president when it discovers he’s a “loser.”


inquisitr--2020-02-21--Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Defends Elizabeth Warren’s Fiery Debate Performance

On Thursday , New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez defended Elizabeth Warren against Washington Post opinion writer Jennifer Rubin , who took aim at the Massachusetts Senator ’ s performance at Wednesday ’ s Democratic presidential debate , Newsweek reports .
According to Rubin , Warren looked “ mean and angry ” during her fiery performance , which has received praise from many commentators .
Ocasio-Cortez responded to Rubin ’ s comment on Twitter and said that Warren ’ s performance was “ effective.
” She suggested that anger is a normal response to things like racial profiling , sexual harassment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at injustice is quite appropriate , ” the progressive firebrand tweeted .
The 3o-year-old congresswoman also touched on her belief that Rubin is feeding into misogyny .
“ It ’ s truly time to retire the misogynist trope that angry men are powerful , yet angry women are unhinged , ” she began .
In response , Rubin agreed that sometimes anger is an appropriate response but suggested that such outrage shouldn ’ t be thrown at “ everyone all the time.
” “ Necessary or fair to insult Klobuchar by saying her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
” she asked before pointing to Warren ’ s attacks on former Vice President Joe Biden .
Per BBC , Warren ’ s performance received praise on social media , with users noting her passion and attacks on billionaire Michael Bloomberg .
Notably , Warren blasted Bloomberg for his past comments on women as well as his record on women ’ s rights .
She called Bloomberg out for his private agreements with women who accused him of sexual harassment and others who filed hostile workplace lawsuits against him .
At one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would allow his past accusers to break their nondisclosure agreements , to which he refused .
After the debate , Warren continued to slam Bloomberg ’ s record .
According to RealClearPolitics , Warren ’ s polling support has been on the decline since October of 2019 .
While some commentators believe this dip is due to her support of Medicare for All , others suggest it stems from her equivocation on the issue .
She is currently fourth in national polling average with 12.3 percent support .
In terms of delegates , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ caucuses and New Hampshire primary , putting her in third place behind Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders ’ 21 and former South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg ’ s 22 .

On Thursday, New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez defended Elizabeth Warren against a Washington Post opinion writer who took aim at the Massachusetts senator’s performance at Wednesday’s Democratic presidential debate, Newsweek reports. According to Jennifer Rubin, Warren looked “mean and angry” during her highly praised fiery performance.
Ocasio-Cortez responded to Rubin’s comment on Twitter and said that Warren’s debating was “effective.” She suggested that anger is a normal response to things like racial profiling, sexual harassment and bank fraud.
“Anger at injustice is quite appropriate,” the progressive firebrand tweeted.
The 3o-year-old congresswoman also touched on her belief that Rubin is feeding into misogyny.
“It’s truly time to retire the misogynist trope that angry men are powerful, yet angry women are unhinged,” she began.
“It’s such gaslighting nonsense. You SHOULD be mad at abuse of power. The real question is how one channels that energy into positive change that creates justice.”
In response, Rubin agreed that sometimes anger is an appropriate response but suggested that such outrage shouldn’t be thrown at “everyone all the time.”
“Necessary or fair to insult Klobuchar by saying her healthcare proposal fits on a post it?” she asked, before pointing to Warren’s attacks on former Vice President Joe Biden.
Bloomberg went into the #DemDebate as the Titanic. And tonight? That Titanic met an iceberg named "Elizabeth Warren." pic.twitter.com/V7Vth9MWvP — Van Jones (@VanJones68) February 20, 2020
Per BBC, Warren’s performance received praise on social media, with users noting her attacks on billionaire Michael Bloomberg. Notably, Warren blasted the former mayor for his past comments on women, as well as his record on women’s rights. She called Bloomberg out for his private agreements with former employees who accused him of sexual harassment and others who filed hostile workplace lawsuits against him.
At one point, Warren asked Bloomberg if he would allow his past accusers to break their nondisclosure agreements, to which he refused.
“Senator — no,” he said.
After the debate, Warren continued to slam Bloomberg’s record.
“I hope you heard what Mayor Bloomberg’s defence of decades of mistreatment of women was: ‘I’ve been nice to some women.'”
According to RealClearPolitics, Warren’s polling support has been on the decline since October 2019. While some commentators believe this dip is due to her support of Medicare for All, others suggest it stems from her equivocation on the issue. She is currently fourth in national polling average with 12.3 percent support.
In terms of delegates, Warren has earned 8 from the Iowa caucuses and New Hampshire primary, putting her in third place behind Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders’ 21 and former South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg’s 22.


inquisitr--2020-02-21--Justin Amash Slams Donald Trump’s All Caps Tariff Tirade

President Donald Trump took to Twitter Friday to post an all caps rant about the necessity of federal government payments to farmers funded by tariffs .
In response , Independent Justin Amash , who has been critical of the Trump administration ’ s purported socialism , slammed Trump ’ s approach .
“ Using all caps to announce more corporate welfare doesn ’ t make it any better .
Tariff money doesn ’ t come from other countries ; it comes from other Americans , ” Amash tweeted .
In Trump ’ s tweet , he suggested that his funding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ until the trade deals with other countries kick in .
Amash previously took aim at U.S. Attorney General William Barr — a close Trump ally — and his suggestion that the U.S. and its allies seek a “ controlling stake ” in Finland ’ s Nokia and Sweden ’ s Ericsson .
The proposal was a response to Huwaei ’ s reportedly dominance in the realm of 5G telecoms technology .
“ This is called socialism .
One of the Trump administration ’ s greatest tricks has been to advance socialist policies while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ After Trump ’ s State of the Union Address , the Michigan Representative noted that — despite his alleged opposition to socialism — the president spent a significant amount of time touting federal intervention in nonfederal matters , central planning , and big-government spending .
According to Amash , such policies “ threaten ” the rights of Americans and “ undermine ” their “ long-term prosperity.
” Former presidential candidate Ralph Nader recently spoke to The Intercept and appeared to agree with the notion that Trump ’ s government employs socialism .
According @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a battle between the president ’ s “ corporate socialism ” and Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders ‘ democratic socialism .
The difference , Nader says , is that Trump ’ s socialism is more challenging to get rid of because of Wall Street ’ s control over Washington .
Amash has been critical of the Republican Party under Trump for some time .
He claims that the GOP , in its current form , cares more about pleasing Trump than promoting the traditional principles of the party , including limited government , fiscal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 39-year-old Michigan Rep. left the Republican Party to become an Independent back in July .
The move came after Amash took backlash for calling for Trump ’ s impeachment in the wake of Robert Mueller ’ s report on Russian interference in the 2016 election , Vox reported .

President Donald Trump took to Twitter Friday to post an all-caps rant about the necessity of federal government payments to farmers funded by tariffs. In response, independent Michigan Rep. Justin Amash, who has been critical of the Trump administration’s purported socialism, slammed the president’s approach.
“Using all caps to announce more corporate welfare doesn’t make it any better. Tariff money doesn’t come from other countries; it comes from other Americans,” Amash tweeted.
In Trump’s tweet, he suggested that his funding mechanism is intended to tide farmers over until the trade deals with other countries kick in.
“IF OUR FORMALLY TARGETED FARMERS NEED ADDITIONAL AID UNTIL SUCH TIME AS THE TRADE DEALS WITH CHINA, MEXICO, CANADA AND OTHERS FULLY KICK IN, THAT AID WILL BE PROVIDED BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, PAID FOR OUT OF THE MASSIVE TARIFF MONEY COMING INTO THE USA!”
Amash previously took aim at U.S. Attorney General William Barr — a close Trump ally — and his suggestion that the U.S. and its allies seek a “controlling stake” in Finland’s Nokia and Sweden’s Ericsson. The proposal was a response to Huwaei’s purported dominance in the realm of 5G telecoms technology.
“This is called socialism. One of the Trump administration’s greatest tricks has been to advance socialist policies while decrying socialism,” Amash tweeted.
After Trump’s State of the Union Address, the Michigan representative noted that — despite his alleged opposition to socialism — the president spent a significant amount of time touting federal intervention in nonfederal matters, central planning, and big-government spending. According to Amash, such policies “threaten” the rights of Americans and “undermine” their “long-term prosperity.”
Former presidential candidate Ralph Nader recently spoke to The Intercept and appeared to agree with the notion that Trump’s government employs socialism. According to Nader, the current election is a battle between the president’s “corporate socialism” and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders‘ democratic socialism. The difference, Nader says, is that Trump’s socialism is more challenging to get rid of because of Wall Street’s control over Washington.
GOP Rep. Justin Amash: "Congress has a duty to keep the president in check … And I think we owe it to the American people to represent them, to ensure that the people we have in office are doing the right thing, are of good character, aren't violating the public trust."
Via CNN pic.twitter.com/MVC8zKHHXY — Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) May 28, 2019
Amash has been critical of the Republican Party under Trump for some time. He claims that the GOP, in its current form, cares more about pleasing Trump than promoting the traditional principles of the party, including limited government, fiscal conservatism, and congressional authority.
The 39-year-old Michigan congressman left the Republican Party to become an independent back in July. The move came after Amash took backlash for calling for the president’s impeachment in the wake of Robert Mueller’s report on alleged Russian interference in the 2016 election, Vox reported.


inquisitr--2020-02-21--Donald Trump Is The ‘First Black President,’ Says Conservative Author

On a recent episode of his eponymous Newsmax TV show , conservative author Wayne Allyn Root said that Donald Trump is the “ first black president , ” per The Independent ’ s Indy100 .
Root noted the historically low employment for black Americans and pointed to a 2015 Fox News column he penned in which he claimed that Trump would be the “ ‘ the greatest black president ever.
” “ You ’ re gon na say I ’ m crazy , we know he ’ s not black but you remember Bill Clinton was white and they called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' ” he continued .
The Jerusalem Post reports that Root , who was the Libertarian Party ’ s vice presidential nominee in 2008 , previously stirred controversy when he said that Democratic Jews are showing a “ total lack of knowledge or great disloyalty.
” He called Trump the “ greatest president ” for both Jews and Israel in the history of the world and claimed that Jewish people view Trump as the “ second coming of God.
” Despite his controversial history , Root is not the only one to believe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ American community is effective .
CNN ’ s Van Jones previously noted Trump ’ s purported decision to focus on the African American community in what he called a play to divide them against Latinos using his border enforcement .
He also noted that the president ’ s approach to gaining the support of African American voters could work .
“ What he was saying to African Americans can be effective , ” he said .
Back in November , black author and Trump supporter Deneen Borelli suggested that Trump ’ s black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democrats .
The comment was a reference to a Rasmussen poll in which 34 percent of black likely voters said they approve of Trump ’ s presidency .
The survey came just one day after an Emerson poll in which 34.5 percent of black likely voters said the same .
Interestingly , Axios reported in January that a new Washington Post-Ipsos poll found that 83 percent of African Americans in the United States believe that Trump is a racist and has made the country ’ s racial problems worse .
According to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the state of their personal lives but worried about their communities , with 65 percent of respondents saying that it ’ s not a good time to be a black American .
Conversely , 77 percent of the survey respondents said it ’ s a good time for white Americans .

On a recent episode of his eponymous Newsmax TV show, conservative author Wayne Allyn Root said that Donald Trump is the “first black president,” per The Independent’s Indy100.
Root noted the historically low employment for black Americans and pointed to a 2015 Fox News column he penned in which he claimed that Trump would be the “the greatest black president ever.”
“You’re gonna say I’m crazy, we know he’s not black but you remember Bill Clinton was white and they called him ‘the first black president,'” he continued.
“So, I’m calling Trump ‘the first black president’ because he’s so good with money, he so good with the economy, he’s so good with jobs and I think you’ll find that once he is elected he will be the greatest president for black Americans ever.”
The Jerusalem Post reports that Root, who was the Libertarian Party’s vice presidential nominee in 2008, previously stirred controversy when he said that Democratic Jews are showing a “total lack of knowledge or great disloyalty.” Root called Trump the “greatest president” for both Jews and Israel in the history of the world and claimed that Jewish people view him as the “second coming of God.”
Despite his controversial history, Root is not the only one to believe Trump’s approach to the African American community is effective. CNN’s Van Jones previously noted Trump’s purported decision to focus on the black community in what he called a play to divide them against Latinos using his border enforcement. He also noted that the president’s approach to gaining the support of African American voters could work.
“What he was saying to African Americans can be effective,” he said.
Back in November, black author and Trump supporter Deneen Borelli suggested that the president’s African American support didn’t bode well for Democrats. The comment was a reference to a Rasmussen poll in which 34 percent of black likely voters said they approve of Trump’s presidency. The survey came just one day after an Emerson poll in which 34.5 percent of such voters said the same.
Interestingly, Axios reported in January that a new Washington Post-Ipsos poll found that 83 percent of African Americans in the United States believe that Trump is a racist and has made the country’s racial problems worse. According to the survey, African Americans are optimistic about the state of their personal lives but worried about their communities, with 65 percent of respondents saying that it’s not a good time to be a black American. Conversely, 77 percent of the survey respondents said it’s a good time for white Americans.


inquisitr--2020-02-21--Donald Trump Jr. Slams Michael Bloomberg’s Debate Performance: ‘You Can’t Buy Personality’

Billionaire Michael Bloomberg was attacked from all sides at Wednesday ’ s presidential debate and deemed the loser by many political commentators .
Donald Trump Jr. was also critical of Bloomberg ’ s performance and revealed his thoughts during a recent interview with Fox News ’ anchor Sean Hannity , Newsweek reports .
“ Mike Bloomberg can buy a lot , but you can ’ t buy personality , you can ’ t buy wit , ” he said , per Newsweek .
“ It ’ s not that he didn ’ t know these questions were coming , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t know how to answer them.
” Trump Jr. went on to compare Bloomberg to Donald Trump , who the billionaire has been taking aim at throughout his controversial campaign .
The former Apprentice personality claimed that Bloomberg ’ s campaign spending has already exceeded that of the Trump ’ campaign ’ s overall 2016 spending .
“ He has spent half a billion dollars to look like a jerk , ” Trump Jr. said .
The public sparring between Bloomberg and the Trump family doesn ’ t appear to be slowing down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ News , Bloomberg recently trolled Trump by purchasing billboard advertising in the West , where Trump will be campaigning this week .
The publication claims that the billboards reportedly appear in “ high visibility areas ” near one of Trump ’ s Las Vegas hotels , as well as along possible motorcade routes .
The billboards include phrases like “ Donald Trump cheats at golf ” and “ Donald Trump eats burnt steak.
” Others note Trump ’ s failure in the casino business as well as the fact that he lost the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against former secretary of state Hillary Clinton .
According to Vanity Fair , the battle between Trump and Bloomberg is escalating in cost , and Trump ’ s campaign is allegedly planning to raise $ 1 billion to match Bloomberg ’ s pledge to invest $ 1 billion to defeat Trump .
The publication claims that Trump ’ s son-in-law and campaign adviser , Jared Kushner , as well as Republican National Committee co-chair Tommy Hicks , have been brainstorming ways to match Bloomberg ’ s massive spending .
One strategy is reportedly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump , such as casino owner Sheldon Adelson and Oracle Corp. co-founder Larry Ellison .
Thus far , Trump ’ s campaign — with the help of the Republican National Committee — has raised $ 525 million .
The haul puts the campaign ahead of traditional Democratic candidates like Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders , the primary ’ s current frontrunner .

Billionaire Michael Bloomberg was attacked from all sides at Wednesday’s presidential debate and deemed the loser by many political commentators. Donald Trump Jr. was also critical of Bloomberg’s performance and revealed his thoughts during a recent interview with Fox News’ Sean Hannity, Newsweek reports.
“Mike Bloomberg can buy a lot, but you can’t buy personality, you can’t buy wit,” he said, per Newsweek. “It’s not that he didn’t know these questions were coming, it is just that he still doesn’t know how to answer them.”
Trump Jr. went on to compare Bloomberg to Donald Trump, who the billionaire has been taking aim at throughout his controversial campaign.
“Trump has a natural talent to do that…when they threw stuff at him, he came up with stuff on his feet, and that’s the difference. Mike Bloomberg doesn’t have that personality. It’s why he can’t relate to anyone.”
The former Apprentice personality claimed that Bloomberg’s campaign spending has already exceeded that of the Trump campaign’s overall 2016 spending.
“He has spent half a billion dollars to look like a jerk,” Trump Jr. said.
Donald Trump Jr.: "The difference between Mike Bloomberg and how he made his money and Donald Trump and how he made his money is that Donald Trump made it with workers." pic.twitter.com/LURwcLOXLw — The Hill (@thehill) February 20, 2020
The public sparring between Bloomberg and the Trump family doesn’t appear to be slowing down anytime soon. As reported by CBS News, Bloomberg recently trolled Trump by purchasing billboard advertising in the west, where Trump will be campaigning this week. The publication claims that the billboards reportedly appear in “high visibility areas” near one of Trump’s Las Vegas hotels, as well as along possible motorcade routes.
The billboards include phrases like “Donald Trump cheats at golf” and “Donald Trump eats burnt steak.” Others note Trump’s failure in the casino business, as well as the fact that he lost the popular vote in the 2016 presidential election against former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
According to Vanity Fair, the battle between Trump and Bloomberg is escalating in cost, and Trump’s campaign is allegedly planning to raise $1 billion to match Bloomberg’s pledge to invest $1 billion to defeat him.
The publication claims that Trump’s son-in-law and campaign adviser, Jared Kushner, as well as Republican National Committee co-chair Tommy Hicks, have been brainstorming ways to match Bloomberg’s massive spending. One strategy is reportedly to court billionaires who are supportive of Trump, such as casino owner Sheldon Adelson and Oracle Corp. co-founder Larry Ellison.
Thus far, Trump’s campaign — with the help of the Republican National Committee — has raised $525 million. The haul puts the campaign ahead of traditional Democratic candidates like Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, the current Democratic front-runner.


inquisitr--2020-02-21--Elizabeth Warren, Joe Biden, And Pete Buttigieg Are Nearly Broke As Super Tuesday Approaches

Several top tier Democratic presidential candidates , including former Vice President Joe Biden , Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren , and South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg , are dangerously close to running out of money , according to Politico .
Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar is another candidate that has reportedly nearly cleaned out her coffers .
At present , Biden only has $ 7.1 million remaining in his war chest .
Buttigieg comes next at $ 6.6 million , whereas Klobuchar and Warren stand at $ 2.9 million and $ 2.3 million , respectively .
Meanwhile , frontrunner Bernie Sanders has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and Warren combined at an estimated $ 17 million .
Moreover , the Vermont senator continues to earn more and more in donations as he rises in the polls .
However , even that pales in comparison to the amounts spent by billionaire rivals Michael Bloomberg and Tom Steyer .
Bloomberg in particular is reportedly committed to spending as much as $ 1 billion of his own money during the campaign , and is already going through as much as $ 7 million per day ( via NBC News ) .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to spending more than $ 1 million in television ads in a number of states with upcoming primaries , adding pressure for the Biden , Buttigieg , Warren , and Klobuchar campaigns to up their own ad spending .
The lack of funds in the multiple campaigns comes as Super Tuesday — where one third of delegates is up for grabs — is quickly approaching on March 3 .
“ There are only a couple candidates out there with the funds to compete in all of those Super Tuesday states , ” noted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Barack Obama ’ s 2008 campaign .
As a result , many of the aforementioned candidates are appealing to voters for yet more donations in order to make a last minute ad push before the big day .
“ We are now also up against a billionaire who is throwing colossal sums of money on television instead of doing the work of campaigning , ” Buttigieg wrote in a recent email to his supporters .
“ We need to raise a significant amount of money — about $ 13 million — before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to stay competitive , ” he added .
Warren reportedly resorted to taking out a loan to the tune of $ 400,000 to help fund her campaign through February .
The situation has become so dire that the former Harvard Law professor resorted to taking donations from a super PAC despite declarations earlier in the race that she would not .
“ If all the candidates want to get rid of super PACs ?
Count me in , I ’ ll lead the charge .
But that ’ s how it has to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the move .
That said , the mass spending by Bloomberg and Steyer has not gone without criticism .
Many have accused Bloomberg in particular of trying to “ buy ” the election , with conservative pundit Tucker Carlson calling it a “ nightmare scenario , ” as was previously reported by The Inquisitr .

Several top tier Democratic presidential candidates, including former Vice President Joe Biden, Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren, and South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg, are dangerously close to running out of money, according to Politico. Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar is another candidate that has reportedly nearly cleaned out her coffers.
At present, Biden only has $7.1 million remaining in his war chest. Buttigieg comes next at $6.6 million, whereas Klobuchar and Warren stand at $2.9 million and $2.3 million, respectively.
Meanwhile, frontrunner Bernie Sanders has more to spend than Biden, Buttigieg, and Warren combined at an estimated $17 million. Moreover, the Vermont senator continues to earn more and more in donations as he rises in the polls.
However, even that pales in comparison to the amounts spent by billionaire rivals Michael Bloomberg and Tom Steyer. Bloomberg, in particular, is reportedly committed to spending as much as $1 billion of his own money during the campaign and is already going through as much as $7 million per day (via NBC News).
In addition, both men have already committed to spending more than $1 million in television ads in a number of states with upcoming primaries, adding pressure for the Biden, Buttigieg, Warren, and Klobuchar campaigns to up their own ad spending.
The lack of funds in the multiple campaigns comes as Super Tuesday — where one-third of the delegates are up for grabs — is quickly approaching on March 3.
“There are only a couple candidates out there with the funds to compete in all of those Super Tuesday states,” noted Ami Copeland, deputy national finance director for Barack Obama’s 2008 campaign.
As a result, many of the aforementioned candidates are appealing to voters for yet more donations in order to make a last-minute ad push before the big day.
“We are now also up against a billionaire who is throwing colossal sums of money on television instead of doing the work of campaigning,” Buttigieg wrote in a recent email to his supporters.
“We need to raise a significant amount of money — about $13 million — before Super Tuesday on March 3rd in order to stay competitive,” he added.
Warren reportedly resorted to taking out a loan to the tune of $400,000 to help fund her campaign through February. The situation has become so dire that the former Harvard Law professor resorted to taking donations from a super PAC despite declarations earlier in the race that she would not.
“If all the candidates want to get rid of super PACs? Count me in, I’ll lead the charge. But that’s how it has to be,” Warren said in defense of the move.
That said, the mass spending by Bloomberg and Steyer has not gone without criticism. Many have accused Bloomberg in particular of trying to “buy” the election, with conservative pundit Tucker Carlson calling it a “nightmare scenario,” as was previously reported by The Inquisitr.


inquisitr--2020-02-21--Donald Trump Targets ‘Bad People’ And ‘Deep State’ For New Purge From His Administration, ‘Axios’ Re

Donald Trump Targets ‘Bad People’ And ‘Deep State’ For New Purge From His Administration, ‘Axios’ Reports

According to a new report , Trump has ordered a 'purge ' of anyone who opposes him from all cabinet agencies .
President Donald Trump has reportedly ordered sweeping personnel changes to cabinet agencies within his administration that will amount to a “ purge ” of what he calls “ bad people ” and the “ Deep State , ” according to an exclusive report by political news site Axios .
Trump has named his former “ body man ” Johnny McEntee to head the purported purge , according to the Friday morning Axios report .
McEntee — who is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s personal assistant in March 2018 , when he was being investigated by the Department of Homeland Security for financial crimes that could make him a security risk , according to legal news site Law & Crime .
After he was fired by Trump ’ s then-Chief of Staff John Kelly reportedly over concerns related to “ online gambling and mishandling of his taxes , ” McEntee was escorted out of the White House , according to a report cited by Law & Crime .
Those concerns made it impossible for McEntee to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thursday , according to the Axios report , Trump has brought McEntee — a former college football quarterback at the University of Connecticut — back into the White House .
He was purportedly assigned to head the presidential personnel office and has supposedly already held a meeting to announce the purge .
McEntee reportedly told staffers that he will be looking to identify any employees who hold “ anti-Trump ” views .
Those so-called “ Never Trumpers ” will supposedly then be denied promotions and shifted between agencies in an effort to purge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Friday ’ s report .
Trump has openly espoused a conspiracy theory in which members of what he calls a “ deep state ” within the government and military are constantly plotting against him .
At a November campaign rally in Florida , Trump told the audience that any military officials who oppose his decisions belong to this “ deep state ” and are conspiring to bring him down .
McEntee is just one of the people recently added to the administration largely because Trump considers them to be his most staunch loyalists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hicks was rehired earlier this month as an adviser to Trump .
On Thursday , it was also revealed that Trump has named ambassador to Germany Richard Grenell to serve as acting Director of National Intelligence , according to a report by NBC News .
Grenell replaces Joseph Maguire as the nation ’ s highest-ranking intelligence official — reportedly without previous experience in the intelligence community or with intelligence policy .
According to the reports on Thursday , Trump became angry at Maguire after an intelligence briefing to Congress warned about Russian interference @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was reportedly worried that Democrats would use that information against him in the election campaign , NBC News reported .

President Donald Trump has reportedly ordered sweeping personnel changes to cabinet agencies within his administration that will amount to a “purge” of what he calls “bad people” and the “Deep State,” according to an exclusive report by political news site Axios.
Trump has named his former “body man” Johnny McEntee to head the purported purge, according to the Friday morning Axios report. McEntee — who is 29-years-old — was fired as Trump’s personal assistant in March 2018, when he was being investigated by the Department of Homeland Security for financial crimes that could make him a security risk, according to legal news site Law & Crime.
After he was fired by Trump’s then-Chief of Staff John Kelly reportedly over concerns related to “online gambling and mishandling of his taxes,” McEntee was escorted out of the White House, according to a report cited by Law & Crime. Those concerns made it impossible for McEntee to obtain certain security clearances.
As of Thursday, according to the Axios report, Trump has brought McEntee — a former college football quarterback at the University of Connecticut — back into the White House. He was purportedly assigned to head the presidential personnel office and has supposedly already held a meeting to announce the purge.
McEntee reportedly told staffers that he will be looking to identify any employees who hold “anti-Trump” views. Those so-called “Never Trumpers” will supposedly then be denied promotions and shifted between agencies in an effort to purge them from the administration, according to Friday’s report.
Trump has openly espoused a conspiracy theory in which members of what he calls a “deep state” within the government and military are constantly plotting against him. At a November campaign rally in Florida, Trump told the audience that any military officials who oppose his decisions belong to this “deep state” and are conspiring to bring him down.
McEntee is just one of the people recently added to the administration largely because Trump considers them to be his most staunch loyalists. Former White House Communications Director Hope Hicks was rehired earlier this month as an adviser to Trump.
On Thursday, it was also revealed that Trump has named ambassador to Germany Richard Grenell to serve as acting Director of National Intelligence, according to a report by NBC News. Grenell replaces Joseph Maguire as the nation’s highest-ranking intelligence official — reportedly without previous experience in the intelligence community or with intelligence policy.
According to the reports on Thursday, Trump became angry at Maguire after an intelligence briefing to Congress warned about Russian interference in the 2020 presidential election. Trump was reportedly worried that Democrats would use that information against him in the election campaign, NBC News reported.