inquisitr--2020-04-16--Donald Trump’s New Chief Of Staff Is Reportedly Overwhelmed By Job, Has Cried In Meetings

President Donald Trump has appointed four White House chiefs of staff during his three years as president .
His latest , Mark Meadows , who has been in the role for just three weeks , is apparently having a difficult time managing both the new job and the devastating coronavirus crisis .
According to Maggie Haberman at the New York Times , Meadows is “ overwhelmed ” by the job and culture at the White House .
Reportedly , Meadows feels that his job revolves around appeasing Trump ’ s variable moods and dealing with infighting amongst the rest of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tough that he has reportedly burst into tears on at least two different times while meeting with White House staff – once with the president ’ s son-in-law Jared Kushner and once while meeting with a White House aide .
Meadows , who was friends with Trump before taking the position , has been tasked with ferreting out leaks within the administration and has changed up the way the departments communicate in an attempt to succeed at his job .
“ But administration officials say he has been overwhelmed at times by a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ revolves around the president ’ s moods , his desire to present a veneer of strength and his need for a sense of control , ” Haberman writes .
“ It is why , no matter who serves as chief of staff , the lack of formal processes and the constant infighting are unavoidable facts of life for those working for Mr. Trump.
” The former North Carolina congressman has a reputation for being emotional , and reportedly , he found the discussions surrounding staffing changes to be particular difficult .
Unfortunately for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a sign of weakness .
“ Mr .
Meadows ’ s penchant for displaying emotion and showing a sense of his humanity was part of his appeal to some of his colleagues , ” Haberman says .
But in the White House , it ’ s seen as a liability .
Haberman says Trump likes to “ project strength at all moments.
” For his part , Meadows has apparently found working under the sometimes chaotic nature of the administration challenging .
After Trump announced a list of people who were working on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ American economy , several of the people on the list reportedly said that they didn ’ t know they were on it until the president read their names in public .
Cleaning up the situation – and others – is said to have left Meadows “ reeling.
” While Meadows is said to have earned the respect of many people within the administration , some say they worry that the president will “ chew him up .
”

President Donald Trump has appointed four White House chiefs of staff during his three years as president. His latest, Mark Meadows, who has been in the role for just three weeks, is apparently having a difficult time managing both the new job and the devastating coronavirus crisis.
According to Maggie Haberman at the New York Times, Meadows is “overwhelmed” by the job and culture at the White House.
Reportedly, Meadows feels that his job revolves around appeasing Trump’s variable moods and dealing with infighting amongst the rest of the staff. Things have gotten so tough that he has reportedly burst into tears on at least two different occasions while meeting with White House staff, once with the president’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, and once while meeting with a White House aide.
Meadows, who was friends with Trump before taking the position, has been tasked with ferreting out leaks within the administration and has changed up the way the departments communicate in an attempt to succeed at his job.
“But administration officials say he has been overwhelmed at times by a permanent culture at the White House that revolves around the president’s moods, his desire to present a veneer of strength and his need for a sense of control,” Haberman writes. “It is why, no matter who serves as chief of staff, the lack of formal processes and the constant infighting are unavoidable facts of life for those working for Mr. Trump.”
The former North Carolina congressman has a reputation for being emotional, and reportedly, he found the discussions surrounding staffing changes to be particular difficult.
Unfortunately for Meadows, Trump reportedly sees emotion as a sign of weakness.
“Mr. Meadows’s penchant for displaying emotion and showing a sense of his humanity was part of his appeal to some of his colleagues,” Haberman says.
In the White House, it’s seen as a liability. Haberman says Trump likes to “project strength at all moments.”
For his part, Meadows has apparently found working under the sometimes chaotic nature of the administration challenging. After Trump announced a list of people who were working on a task force aimed at re-opening the American economy, several of the people on the list reportedly said that they didn’t know they were on it until the president read their names in public.
Cleaning up the situation — and others — is said to have left Meadows “reeling.”
While Meadows is said to have earned the respect of many people within the administration, some say they worry that the president will “chew him up.”


inquisitr--2020-04-16--Donald Trump Reverses Stance, Tells States ‘To Call Your Own Shots’ On Reopening

'You could open before the date of May 1 , ' Trump said .
The White House has been eyeing May 1 as the day the government might begin recommending that states relax social distancing standards .
But on a Thursday phone call with governors , President Donald Trump told states that they will be the ones to decide when to open , whether that ’ s earlier than the May 1 deadline or not .
Just three days prior , Trump had said that he , as the leader of the U.S. , would be the one to determine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had “ total ” authority , as The New York Times reported .
On Thursday ’ s call , he reversed that stance , saying it is up to the governors to decide when to open .
The paper described his tone as “ deferential ” to the state leaders , stepping back from his assertion that he would tell governors how and when to act .
Instead , he said that the federal government will support whatever they decide .
“ You ’ re going to call your own shots , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to be calling the shots .
We ’ ll be standing right alongside of you and we ’ re going to get our country open and get it working .
People want to get working.
” That doesn ’ t mean that he didn ’ t express a preference for when states should open .
“ Some of you are in very , very good shape to open quickly and , if you ’ d like , according to the guidelines , you could open before the date of May 1 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the other hand you want to take your time , ” he said , that would be fine .
As part of the president ’ s new goal of helping governors fight the novel coronavirus , it ’ s expected that he will announce an initiative to help states pay to track the spread of the disease , something that experts say is essential to easing social isolation guidelines .
The country still lacks the testing and personnel capacity to fully trace the disease .
An anonymous spokesperson said that Trump would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tracing and testing within the states .
They said that the goal was to help states “ beef up ” their capacity to perform these necessary functions so that “ we don ’ t have a resurgence of cases to require the country to shut back down.
” Trump later announced that there would be a press conference on Thursday evening to further discuss his plants to assist governors in re-opening the country .
There are no details , however , on what the new guidelines will entail .

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inquisitr--2020-04-16--Joe Biden Says He Will ‘Probably Not’ Be Able To Reach Donald Trump Supporters

On Wednesday , former Vice President Joe Biden discussed the 2020 presidential election , providing insight about his electoral strategy against President Donald Trump .
Per The Hill , speaking at a fundraiser hosted by founders of the Masimo Corporation , Joe and Sarah Kiani , Biden explained that he does not expect to win over Trump supporters .
“ His base ?
Probably not , ” the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee said , explaining that he believes Trump supporters back the president because he is “ engaged in the politics of division.
” Biden said that he is supported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people , ” but acknowledged that Trump won that demographic in 2016 .
The former vice president offered an analysis of the 2016 presidential election , arguing that Trump managed to beat Hillary Clinton by campaigning on taking care of ordinary Americans .
Nevertheless , the former vice president suggested that some of those who voted Republican in 2016 can be won over .
According to Biden , in 2016 , Trump depicted the Democratic Party as the party that failed the “ forgotten man , ” but “ as soon as he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voters .
Furthermore , the former vice president argued , health care is one of the top issues for most Americans , which is why Trump ’ s attempts to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act could backfire in November .
“ That ’ s why I think the Democratic Party will be able to win those folks back , ” Biden said , arguing that a number of those who backed Trump over Clinton in 2016 can be won over .
Biden said that those voters are “ looking for an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to God , I can provide that alternative.
” “ I really mean it .
I think there ’ s a chance , ” he said .
Biden managed to best a slew of other Democratic White House hopefuls , and he has consistently polled well against Trump .
According to the RealClearPolitics average of polling data , Biden is beating Trump in nearly every national poll .
But , as in all presidential elections , a handful of swing states will determine the outcome .
The apparent lack of enthusiasm among Democrats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
According to a ABC News/Washington Post poll released in late March , 53 percent of Trump supporters are highly enthusiastic about backing him in November .
In comparison , only 24 percent of Biden supporters say they are highly enthusiastic about voting for him , which is the lowest number on record for a Democrat .

On Wednesday, former Vice President Joe Biden discussed the 2020 presidential election, providing insight about his electoral strategy against President Donald Trump.
Per The Hill, speaking at a fundraiser hosted by founders of the Masimo Corporation, Joe and Sarah Kiani, Biden explained that he does not expect to win over Trump supporters.
“His base? Probably not,” the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee said, explaining that he believes Trump supporters back the president because he is “engaged in the politics of division.”
“They really support the notion that, you know, all Mexicans are rapists and all Muslims are bad and… dividing this nation based on ethnicity, race.”
Biden said that he is supported by “white working-class, high school-educated people,” but acknowledged that Trump won that demographic in 2016. The former vice president offered an analysis of the 2016 presidential election, arguing that Trump managed to beat Hillary Clinton by campaigning on taking care of ordinary Americans.
Nevertheless, the former vice president suggested that some of those who voted Republican in 2016 can be won over.
According to Biden, in 2016, Trump depicted the Democratic Party as the party that failed the “forgotten man,” but “as soon as he got elected” he abandoned those same voters. Furthermore, the former vice president argued, health care is one of the top issues for most Americans, which is why Trump’s attempts to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act could backfire in November.
“That’s why I think the Democratic Party will be able to win those folks back,” Biden said, arguing that a number of those who backed Trump over Clinton in 2016 can be won over. Biden said that those voters are “looking for an alternative and I think, I hope to God, I can provide that alternative.”
“I really mean it. I think there’s a chance,” he said.
Biden managed to best a slew of other Democratic White House hopefuls, and he has consistently polled well against Trump. According to the RealClearPolitics average of polling data, Biden is beating Trump in nearly every national poll. But, as in all presidential elections, a handful of swing states will determine the outcome.
The apparent lack of enthusiasm among Democrats could be a worrying sign for Biden. According to an ABC News/Washington Post poll released in late March, 53 percent of Trump supporters are highly enthusiastic about backing him in November. In comparison, only 24 percent of Biden supporters say they are highly enthusiastic about voting for him, which is the lowest number on record for a Democrat.


inquisitr--2020-04-16--Secret Military Force Is Preparing To Secure The Capital As DC Faces COVID-19 Spike, Newsweek Report

Secret Military Force Is Preparing To Secure The Capital As DC Faces COVID-19 Spike, Newsweek Reports

Washington D.C. is expected to face a major increase in the number of coronavirus cases in the coming weeks , and a secret military task force is preparing to secure the capital if things get intense .
As Newsweek exclusively reports , a department of the military tasked with evacuating Washington and securing the capital in the face of a threat has been mobilized .
“ No one wants to talk evacuation , especially when there ’ s nowhere to go , ” one senior military officer on the project said .
But if the situation becomes dire , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even move the White House and any other essential government departments out of the area if necessary .
The Joint Task Force National Capital Region was activated in mid-March .
It was around this time that the administration began scrambling to locate and secure face masks for government employees , even while advising the public not to use them .
Currently , the nearly 10,000 uniformed troops are delivering medical supplies and providing support within the city .
But in the background , it is preparing for “ homeland defense ” to act @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a foreign or domestic attack on the capitol .
The troops are also tasked with making sure the government can continue to function if there is a crisis , and if the city needs to be evacuated , it ’ s this task force that will step in to make sure that government leaders are able to move somewhere where they can continue to lead the United States .
Washington D.C. , like much of the country , is under a stay-at-home order that was recently extended another month by Mayor Muriel Bowser @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surge in COVID-19 infections .
Pentagon officials have said that the National Guard , which has been deployed across the country , isn ’ t there to enforce quarantine guidelines or exert martial law if necessary .
“ And yet the activation of Joint Task Force National Capital Region , including almost 10,000 uniformed personnel to carry out its special orders , contradicts those assurances .
JTF-NCR is not only real and operating , reporting directly to the Secretary of Defense for some of its mission , but some of its units are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on military bases and kept out of coronavirus support duties to ensure their readiness , ” Newsweek reports .
One military leader says that the task force is in place to help get people where they need to be if it becomes necessary .
“ We ’ re kind of like that big taxicab that makes sure everybody gets where they need to be and keeps the government going , ” he said .
Part of that action has been to make plans to move the government , which the task force has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ monitoring Washington airspace , with fighter jets ready to launch .
The task force is authorized to act even without formal directive , to “ save lives ” or “ mitigate great property damage .
”


inquisitr--2020-04-16--Ivanka Trump Broke Her Own Stay-At-Home Advice To Travel To New Jersey

Ivanka Trump ignored advice from the Centers for Disease Control ( CDC ) asking people to shelter-in-place in order to travel to New Jersey for Passover .
As The New York Times reports , Trump recently advised people to follow the CDC guidelines cautioning people to stay at home to avoid spreading the novel coronavirus .
“ Those lucky enough to be in a position to stay at home , please , please do so , ” she wrote on Twitter .
“ Each and every one of us plays a role in slowing the spread.
” In another social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think of others and help stop the spread of COVID-19 .
“ We ’ re all in this together , ” she said .
“ We ’ ll emerge from this stronger than ever before , and maybe more deeply and profoundly connected with our own humanity and our core values .
Let ’ s do everything we can to stop the spread.
” The CDC encourages Americans to maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet apart and to limit discretionary travel .
But the so-called first daughter did not follow those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to another one of her family ’ s homes in the Garden State .
Her husband Jared Kushner — a top White House adviser — and their three children joined her .
Trump has remained in their Bedminster , New Jersey home , where she is reportedly taking calls and working .
She participated in at least two calls with the president last week as the government discusses plans to re-open the economy .
Trump is reportedly focused on helping small businesses survive the pandemic , which has devastated them in particular .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ daughter helped create over 15 million jobs , a number that The New York Times called false .
Kushner has since returned to D.C .
The Trump home in New Jersey is located at the Trump National Golf Club , though the club is reportedly shut down .
Washington D.C. has issued a stay-at-home order for all residents that mandates people remain in place unless they are completing essential activities .
In mid-March , Trump faced criticism after posting a video of her and her children playing in a tent in their living @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to stay at home and avoid groups of people larger than ten , The Inquisitr previously reported .
Critics said the post seemed out of touch considering the dire situation many families were facing .
The White House didn ’ t respond to requests from The New York Times for comment about the first daughter ’ s travel .

Ivanka Trump ignored advice from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) asking people to shelter-in-place in order to travel to New Jersey for Passover.
As The New York Times reports, Trump recently advised people to follow the CDC guidelines cautioning people to stay at home to avoid spreading the novel coronavirus.
“Those lucky enough to be in a position to stay at home, please, please do so,” she wrote on Twitter. “Each and every one of us plays a role in slowing the spread.”
In another social media post, she urged people to think of others and help stop the spread of COVID-19.
“We’re all in this together,” she said. “We’ll emerge from this stronger than ever before, and maybe more deeply and profoundly connected with our own humanity and our core values. Let’s do everything we can to stop the spread.”
The CDC encourages Americans to maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet apart and to limit discretionary travel. But the so-called first daughter did not follow those guidelines when she left Washington to travel to another one of her family’s homes in the Garden State.
Her husband Jared Kushner — a top White House adviser — and their three children joined her. Trump has remained in their Bedminster, New Jersey home, where she is reportedly taking calls and working. She participated in at least two calls with the president last week as the government discusses plans to re-open the economy.
Trump is reportedly focused on helping small businesses survive the pandemic, which has devastated them in particular. Recently, President Donald Trump claimed his daughter helped create over 15 million jobs, a number that The New York Times called false.
Kushner has since returned to D.C.
The Trump home in New Jersey is located at the Trump National Golf Club, though the club is reportedly shut down.
Washington D.C. has issued a stay-at-home order for all residents that mandates people remain in place unless they are completing essential activities.
In mid-March, Trump faced criticism after posting a video of her and her children playing in a tent in their living room, as the government urged people to stay at home and avoid groups of people larger than ten, The Inquisitr previously reported.
Staying home today w/ kids? Plan living room camp out! Throw a bedsheet over some taped together brooms. Plan a menu & ‘pack’ sandwiches, salads (S’mores optional😜) A fun activity that also brings family together for a meal! Share your ideas & use the hashtag #TogetherApart pic.twitter.com/rgwCl8IIHY — Ivanka Trump (@IvankaTrump) March 17, 2020
Critics said the post seemed out of touch considering the dire situation many families were facing.
The White House didn’t respond to requests from The New York Times for comment about the first daughter’s travel.


inquisitr--2020-04-17--Donald Trump Approval Rating Plunges In New Gallup Poll

President Donald Trump ‘ s approval rating has slipped six points in the past month to 43 percent , according to a Gallup poll released Thursday .
Notably , this is the sharpest drop Gallup has recorded since Trump took office .
The 43 percent approval rating is still higher than his overall average of 40 percent .
The president ’ s rating has fallen to 7 percent among Democrats and to 39 percent among independent voters .
The vast majority of Republicans — 93 percent of them — approves of the president ’ s job performance .
It is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that has dropped .
Satisfaction with the way things are going in the United States has dropped 12 points .
Among Republicans , it has dropped 17 points to 60 percent .
Twenty-four percent of Independents are satisfied with the direction of the country — down 14 points since March .
The satisfaction level among Democrats has not changed and remains at 10 percent .
As Gallup notes , Trump ’ s approval ratings spiked when he decided to take action to tackle the coronavirus pandemic , urging Americans to stay at home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus .
“ But one month is a long time for Americans in quarantine , and the dip in the president ’ s ratings may be equally reflective of their assessment of his performance and an overall souring mood as the unemployment rate and death toll both continue to climb , ” read a statement from the analytics firm .
Read This : 10 Items You Can ( And Should ) Buy On Amazon Right Now Congressional job approval has gone up .
Thirty percent of Americans approve of the job Congress @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increase from March ’ s figures .
The cause of this surge — which is the most significant in 10 years — is likely the economic stimulus legislation passed by both chambers in a bipartisan way .
As Gallup wrote , “ Compared with other U.S. institutions ’ ratings , 30 percent might not seem impressive — but for the U.S. legislative branch , it ’ s a notable figure in a decades-long trend.
” In Gallup ’ s March poll , 60 percent of Americans approved of Trump ’ s response to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approval rating was at an all-time high of 49 percent .
Positive reviews among Democrats and Independents caused the surge , but it appears to have already faded away .
The drop in approval ratings could have implications for the November presidential election , as Trump will face Democratic Party ’ s presumptive presidential nominee Joe Biden .
A Fox News poll released last week suggests that the race is close , with both Biden and Trump polling at 42 percent nationwide .


inquisitr--2020-04-17--Gov. Jay Inslee Says Donald Trump Is ‘Fomenting Domestic Rebellion And Spreading Lies’

Washington Gov .
Jay Inslee is apparently frustrated with President Donald Trump ‘ s behavior amid the coronavirus pandemic .
Per The Hill , in a statement released Friday , Inslee blasted Trump for “ encouraging illegal and dangerous acts ” and putting millions of Americans in danger of being infected with COVID-19 .
“ The president ’ s call to action today threatens to undermine his own goal of recovery , ” Inslee continued , arguing that Trump is sabotaging the work of the White House Coronavirus Task Force .
Inslee released the statement in response to the tweets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the protesters who want social distancing measures relaxed , Trump urged them to “ LIBERATE ” the states of Minnesota , Michigan , and Virginia .
All three states have Democratic governors .
In Minnesota , which has been under a stay-at-home order since March 25 , the protesters planned on gathering before Gov .
Tim Waltz ’ s home .
Michigan Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer faced Trump-supporting protesters who chanted “ lock her up.
” There have been several similar protests in Virginia as well .
In his statement , Inslee — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also pointed out that the president ’ s calls to reopen the state could turn out to be unproductive , given that resuming normal activities too soon would likely lead to coronavirus outbreaks , which would further damper the entire process .
According to Inslee , “ if infections are increasing in those places , that will further postpone the 14 days of decline that his own guidance says is necessary before modifying any interventions.
” During a press conference on Thursday , Trump expressed sympathy for the protesters , but he noted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when it comes to reopening their states .
That appears to have changed , since Trump is now openly siding with those protesting in the three swing states with Democratic governors .
Trump has feuded with a number of other Democratic governors , expressing frustration with how they are handling the coronavirus pandemic .
According to the governors , the federal government is not doing enough to help .
In recent days , Trump has clashed with New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo .
On Friday , the president urged the governor to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his administration has done more for New York than for any other state in the nation .
Cuomo responded to Trump ’ s attacks , telling the president to “ go to work.
” The governor noted that he appreciates Trump ’ s help , but pushed back against the suggestion that the president has “ total ” authority over the states .


inquisitr--2020-04-17--Barack Obama And Bernie Sanders Endorsements May Provide Major Boost For Joe Biden, Poll Suggests

The past week has been historic for Joe Biden , the Democratic Party ’ s presumptive presidential nominee .
First , Sen. Bernie Sanders dropped out of the primary race , formally endorsing Biden days later .
Shortly afterwards , former President Barack Obama did the same .
According to a poll from The Economist and YouGov released on Thursday , the Sanders and Obama endorsements may prove critical for Biden as he takes on President Donald Trump in the general election .
The poll suggests that Biden has room for improvement among Sanders supporters , 50 percent of whom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sixty-nine percent of Sanders supporter say they will vote for Biden , and 15 percent say they will vote for Trump come November .
Eleven percent say they will vote for someone else , and only 2 percent say they don ’ t plan on voting .
Twenty-six percent of Sanders supporters say that the senator should try and extort concessions from Biden before taking an active role in the 2020 campaign .
Eighteen percent believe Sanders should stay on the sidelines and not help Biden .
Notably , the poll was conducted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Vermont senator is exceptionally popular among independents and young voters , so his support could help Biden expand his coalition .
As YouGov noted , “ it appears from this poll that Sanders will have to take a big role in the Biden campaign to bring his supporters along.
” In addition , the poll appears to demonstrate how important Obama ’ s endorsement will be going forward .
The vast majority of Democratic primary voters , 90 percent of them , hold a favorable view of the former president .
Former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as well — even more popular than her husband — with 92 percent of Democratic primary voters holding a favorable opinion of her .
Although not as popular as among Democrats , the Obamas are viewed favorably by a majority of Sanders supporters .
Twenty percent view the former president unfavorably , and only 12 percent view the former first lady unfavorably .
Overall , the survey suggests that the Obama and Sanders endorsements could be monumentally important for Biden — who is polling five points ahead of Trump nationwide — and help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ November election .
“ There is much work for Democrats to do this fall if they want to win in the general election .
Democratic primary voters are nearly as likely to say the party is more divided than usual as to think it is more united , ” YouGov wrote , noting that “ one thing may help in the end : 85 percent of Sanders supporters have an unfavorable opinion of President Trump .
”

The past week has been historic for Joe Biden, the Democratic Party’s presumptive presidential nominee. First, Sen. Bernie Sanders dropped out of the primary race, formally endorsing Biden days later. Shortly afterwards, former President Barack Obama did the same.
According to a poll from The Economist and YouGov released on Thursday, the Sanders and Obama endorsements may prove critical for Biden as he takes on President Donald Trump in the general election.
The poll suggests that Biden has room for improvement among Sanders supporters, 50 percent of whom have an unfavorable view of him. Sixty-nine percent of Sanders supporters say they will vote for Biden, and 15 percent say they will vote for Trump come November. Eleven percent say they will vote for someone else, and only 2 percent say they don’t plan on voting.
Twenty-six percent of Sanders supporters say that the senator should try and extort concessions from Biden before taking an active role in the 2020 campaign. Eighteen percent believe Sanders should stay on the sidelines and not help Biden.
Notably, the poll was conducted mostly before Sanders officially endorsed Biden.
The Vermont senator is exceptionally popular among independents and young voters, so his support could help Biden expand his coalition. As YouGov noted, “it appears from this poll that Sanders will have to take a big role in the Biden campaign to bring his supporters along.”
In addition, the poll appears to demonstrate how important Obama’s endorsement will be going forward. The vast majority of Democratic primary voters, 90 percent of them, hold a favorable view of the former president. Former First Lady Michelle Obama is remarkably popular as well — even more popular than her husband — with 92 percent of Democratic primary voters holding a favorable opinion of her.
Although not as popular as among Democrats, the Obamas are viewed favorably by a majority of Sanders supporters. Twenty percent view the former president unfavorably, and only 12 percent view the former first lady unfavorably.
Overall, the survey suggests that the Obama and Sanders endorsements could be monumentally important for Biden — who is polling five points ahead of Trump nationwide — and help unite the Democratic Party ahead of the November election.
“There is much work for Democrats to do this fall if they want to win in the general election. Democratic primary voters are nearly as likely to say the party is more divided than usual as to think it is more united,” YouGov wrote, noting that “one thing may help in the end: 85 percent of Sanders supporters have an unfavorable opinion of President Trump.”


inquisitr--2020-04-17--Barack Obama Is ‘The Leader Of The Right Wing, Corporate Wing Of The Democratic Party,’ Commentator

Barack Obama Is ‘The Leader Of The Right Wing, Corporate Wing Of The Democratic Party,’ Commentator Says

After Barack Obama endorsed presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden , progressive commentator Michael Brooks unleashed a blistering attack on the former president and the Democratic Party as a whole .
According to Brooks , Obama ’ s endorsement video , in which he praised Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders ‘ movement and suggested it will help move America toward “ progress and hope , ” is nothing but a “ bedtime story.
” “ Barack Obama is the leader of the right-wing , corporate wing of the Democratic Party , ” he said later in the video .
Brooks made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Obama ’ s role in rallying the former Democratic presidential nominees around Biden , echoing Glenn Greenwald , who made similar comments after Amy Klobuchar and Pete Buttigieg dropped from the race and endorsed the former vice president .
Reports also suggested that Obama pressed Sanders to drop from the primary .
Brooks also expressed his belief that the current Democratic Party can not be relied upon to enact genuinely progressive policies .
“ I don ’ t have any political or ethical expectations of the Democratic Party leadership , ” he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are not compatible with the ideology and policies pushed by the current Democratic Party .
“ They ’ ve worked for decades to create precisely the opposite , ” he said .
While Brooks acknowledged that Obama made history being the first black president and said his political talent is “ undeniable , ” he claims that his real legacy is less impressive .
This legacy , he argues , will be consolidating Wall Street and Silicon Valley , making a “ massive amount of money ” after his time in office , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Party .
Brooks also claimed that many of the younger people who supported the reforming of the Democratic Party pushed by Sanders were probably first exposed to politics by Obama .
As reported by The New York Post , Obama ’ s wife , Michelle Obama , is allegedly the next key endorsement for Biden .
According to the report , the former first lady is speaking with Biden on helping him with voter registration and virtual fundraising .
“ Any future announcement would reflect the incredible impact her voice has , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Obama ’ s support .
Per The New York Post , Michelle Obama is planning to attack her name to fundraising emails as early as next week .
In addition , she is allegedly considering an endorsement video similar to Obama ’ s .

After Barack Obama endorsed presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden, progressive commentator Michael Brooks unleashed a blistering attack on the former president and the Democratic Party as a whole.
According to Brooks, Obama’s endorsement video, in which he praised Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders‘ movement and suggested it will help move America toward “progress and hope,” is nothing but a “bedtime story.”
“Barack Obama is the leader of the right-wing, corporate wing of the Democratic Party,” he said later in the video.
Brooks made the comment after speaking on reports of Obama’s role in rallying the former Democratic presidential nominees around Biden, echoing Glenn Greenwald, who made similar comments after Amy Klobuchar and Pete Buttigieg dropped from the race and endorsed the former vice president. Reports also suggested that Obama pressed Sanders to drop from the primary.
Brooks also expressed his belief that the current Democratic Party cannot be relied upon to enact genuinely progressive policies.
“I don’t have any political or ethical expectations of the Democratic Party leadership,” he said.
“They’re gone. It’s not even that they’re gone, we just have completely different views of the world. We care about poverty; we care about delivering for everybody; we care about a democratized future.”
According to Brooks, these goals are not compatible with the ideology and policies pushed by the current Democratic Party.
“They’ve worked for decades to create precisely the opposite,” he said.
While Brooks acknowledged that Obama made history being the first black president and said his political talent is “undeniable,” he claims that his real legacy is less impressive. This legacy, he argues, will be consolidating Wall Street and Silicon Valley, making a “massive amount of money” after his time in office, and stopping the reform of the Democratic Party.
Brooks also claimed that many of the younger people who supported the reforming of the Democratic Party pushed by Sanders were probably first exposed to politics by Obama.
As reported by The New York Post, Obama’s wife, Michelle Obama, is allegedly the next key endorsement for Biden. According to the report, the former first lady is speaking with Biden on helping him with voter registration and virtual fundraising.
“Any future announcement would reflect the incredible impact her voice has,” a Biden aide reportedly said of Michelle Obama’s support.
Per The New York Post, Michelle Obama is planning to attach her name to fundraising emails as early as next week. In addition, she is allegedly considering an endorsement video similar to her husband’s.


inquisitr--2020-04-17--Donald Trump May Be Siding With Democrats Over Mitch McConnell On New Aid Bill, Report Says

As Donald Trump seeks to reach a bipartisan agreement with Democrats to create more aid to the Paycheck Protection Program ( PPP ) , which has already run out of money , MSNBC ‘ s Steve Benen claims that Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell may be the major roadblock .
Benen pointed to reporting from The Hill that suggested Trump expressed his openness to attaching Democrat-requested items to a new aid bill , which runs contrary to reports that Republicans are not open to such a move and want legislation exclusively focused on the PPP .
“ If accurate , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , ” Benen wrote .
According to Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer , a resolution on the bill will likely not be reached until at least the weekend .
Regardless , Benen notes that the presence of any negotiations is a departure from McConnell ’ s and other Republican leaders ’ desires on Capitol Hill .
Trump and his allies in the Senate moved to add $ 250 billion to the PPP fund last week , The Washington Times reported .
In response , the president slammed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and their allies in a tweet in which he lambasted their “ endless vacation ” from Capitol Hill amid the coronavirus pandemic .
“ It ’ s been so good that it ’ s almost depleted , and we want to replenish it , and we can ’ t get the Democrats to approve it , ” Trump said of the PPP earlier on Wednesday .
Democrats are reportedly requesting “ hundreds of billions ” for other forms of emergency coronavirus relief , including funding for states , hospitals , and families relying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Trump claimed late Thursday night that the White House was in talks with Democrats with regards to the bill and said said “ something ’ s going to be happening , ” per MSNBC .
As reported by National Review , McConnell and Trump also clashed recently on the issue of adjourning Congress .
While the president threatened to do so using the powers in Article 2 , Section 3 of the Constitution , the senate majority leader pushed back against the notion .
Although McConnell said he shared Trump ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he pointed to the Senate rules and suggested he did not agree with the White House ’ s proposal .
Conversely , the president claims that confirmation of his appointees is an essential matter as coronavirus ravages the nation .


inquisitr--2020-04-17--Donald Trump Tells Democrat Governors To ‘Liberate’ Their States

Several states across the nation have experienced protests from people who want to see stay-at-home orders lifted .
On Friday , President Donald Trump joined the protests , tweeting that the states should be liberated .
The tweet comes after conservatives in the state planned to rally around the home of Democratic Governor Tim Waltz in Saint Paul .
The state has been under a stay-at-home order since March 25 , which dictates that all non-essential businesses be closed .
“ LIBERATE MICHIGAN !
” he followed up with another tweet .
Michigan also saw protests at the capitol building @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer ’ s stay-at-home order .
Protestors in MAGA hats gathered in Lansing , chanting “ lock her up ” while waving Trump , Confederate , and American flags .
Individuals in cars caused gridlock on the streets for what is being called “ operation gridlock.
” “ LIBERATE VIRGINIA , and save your great 2nd Amendment .
It is under siege !
” Trump concluded .
Virginians have also expressed frustration with Governor Ralph Northam ’ s stay-at-home order , with local protests taking place this week , defying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ potentially be swing states in the upcoming election .
People reacted to Trump ’ s tweets with shock and concern that the president could be inciting outright rebellion in these states .
“ The media needs to be blunt here .
The president ’ s words are a danger to public safety .
There ’ s no ‘ both sides ’ here .
Trump is calling for uprisings against Democratic governors who have put in place measures that his own administration officially backs as necessary to save lives , ” tweeted Brian Klaas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and podcast host .
Greg Miller , National Security Correspondent for The Washington Post , echoed the sentiment .
He tweeted that the president was encouraging a possibly armed uprising against the Democratic leaders .
Bill Kristol also weighed in on the conversation .
Conservatives across the country and on channels like Fox News have expressed increasing frustration with the social isolation guidelines put in place by state leaders , arguing that the move is destroying the American economy .
Trump himself has said he would like to see states ease their stay-at-home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ though he has said that he will leave the decision on whether or not to ease guidelines up to the individual states , as The Inquisitr previously reported .
This is a reversal of his previous claim that he has “ total ” authority over the states and will determine when they should begin to re-open their economies .


inquisitr--2020-04-17--Donald Trump Slams Andrew Cuomo, Wants ‘Less Talk And More Action’ From NY Governor

President Donald Trump and New York Governor Andrew Cuomo have been battling for weeks over how to handle the coronavirus , as the state , which is the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic , begs for more federal assistance .
On Friday , Trump took another shot at Cuomo with a post on Facebook , saying that he should “ stop talking ” and get to work to address the pandemic .
“ Governor Cuomo should spend more time ‘ doing ’ and less time ‘ complaining ’ .
Get out there and get the job done .
Stop talking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ went on to say that the federal government has provided New York with ample assistance .
“ We built you thousands of hospital beds that you didn ’ t need or use , gave large numbers of Ventilators that you should have had , and helped you with testing that you should be doing .
We have given New York far more money , help and equipment than any other state , by far , & these great men & women who did the job never hear you say thanks , ” he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ York politician ’ s popularity .
“ Your numbers are not good .
Less talk and more action !
” Trump concluded .
Trump ’ s comments came shortly after Cuomo held a televised press conference on Friday in which he said that New York needed more funding to address the COVID-19 situation .
The governor also said that without testing , there was no effective way for states to ease social distancing guidelines , and he added that he believed the federal government should be assisting states to ramp up a nationwide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Cuomo addressed concerns that the prolonged quarantine was putting businesses in the state in jeopardy .
He said that while he wants to see New York back up and running , the safety of the people living there is paramount .
While Cuomo has thanked the president in the past for providing some needed assistance to his state , recently , he has been fiercely critical of Trump ’ s claim that the president has “ total ” authority over the states .
In response to Trump ’ s latest attack , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ If he ’ s sitting at home watching TV , maybe he should get up and go to work , ” Cuomo said , according to The Guardian , adding that the president is “ doing nothing.
” He also asserted that while he appreciates the work that Trump has done for his state , it ’ s the president ’ s job to assist the states .
While Cuomo has avoided taking direct shots at Trump in the past , his comments represent some of the strongest statements yet , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump has said that Cuomo appears to want independence to address the crisis but he won ’ t allow that to happen .
Trump tweeted after his initial comments that it is up to the states to address testing .
Experts , meanwhile , say that a nationwide system needs to be put in place before the country at large can ease social isolation guidelines .
Shortly after Trump ’ s tweet , Cuomo reiterated that the federal government needs to step in and assist the states with testing .

President Donald Trump and New York Governor Andrew Cuomo have been battling for weeks over how to handle the coronavirus, as the state, which is the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic, begs for more federal assistance. On Friday, Trump took another shot at Cuomo with a post on Facebook, saying that he should “stop talking” and get to work to address the pandemic.
“Governor Cuomo should spend more time ‘doing’ and less time ‘complaining’. Get out there and get the job done. Stop talking!” Trump wrote.
The president went on to say that the federal government has provided New York with ample assistance.
“We built you thousands of hospital beds that you didn’t need or use, gave large numbers of Ventilators that you should have had, and helped you with testing that you should be doing. We have given New York far more money, help and equipment than any other state, by far, & these great men & women who did the job never hear you say thanks,” he claimed.
He then slammed the New York politician’s popularity.
“Your numbers are not good. Less talk and more action!” Trump concluded.
Trump’s comments came shortly after Cuomo held a televised press conference on Friday in which he said that New York needed more funding to address the COVID-19 situation. The governor also said that without testing, there was no effective way for states to ease social distancing guidelines, and he added that he believed the federal government should be assisting states to ramp up a nationwide testing network.
During the press conference, Cuomo addressed concerns that the prolonged quarantine was putting businesses in the state in jeopardy. He said that while he wants to see New York back up and running, the safety of the people living there is paramount.
While Cuomo has thanked the president in the past for providing some needed assistance to his state, recently, he has been fiercely critical of Trump’s claim that the president has “total” authority over the states.
In response to Trump’s latest attack, Cuomo responded with his own criticism.
“If he’s sitting at home watching TV, maybe he should get up and go to work,” Cuomo said, according to The Guardian, adding that the president is “doing nothing.”
He also asserted that while he appreciates the work that Trump has done for his state, it’s the president’s job to assist the states.
While Cuomo has avoided taking direct shots at Trump in the past, his comments represent some of the strongest statements yet, the Guardian noted.
In the past, Trump has said that Cuomo appears to want independence to address the crisis but he won’t allow that to happen.
Trump tweeted after his initial comments that it is up to the states to address testing. Experts, meanwhile, say that a nationwide system needs to be put in place before the country at large can ease social isolation guidelines.
The States have to step up their TESTING! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 17, 2020
Shortly after Trump’s tweet, Cuomo reiterated that the federal government needs to step in and assist the states with testing.
“That’s a real problem,” he said.


inquisitr--2020-04-17--Donald Trump Calls On Democratic Lawmakers To Return From ‘Endless Vacation’

President Donald Trump went on Twitter on Friday morning and took aim at Democratic lawmakers , including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer , for remaining outside of Washington amid the coronavirus pandemic , Breitbart reported .
“ Today people started losing their jobs because of Crazy Nancy Pelosi , Cryin ’ Chuck Schumer , and the Radical Left , ” the president tweeted before calling on Pelosi , Schumer , and their fellow Democratic lawmakers to return to Washington to pass legislation and help American families .
“ End your ENDLESS VACATION !
” he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after Trump slammed Democratic lawmakers for blocking additional funds to the Treasury Department ’ s Paycheck Protection Program , which has already run out of money .
“ They are killing American small businesses .
Stop playing politics Dems !
Support Refilling PPP NOW — it is out of funds !
” he wrote .
As reported by Fox News , the Paycheck Protection Program helps businesses with under 500 employees secure loans to cover eight weeks of benefits , payroll , rent , and other expenses .
The legislation is just one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Aid , Relief and Economic Security ( CARES ) Act that was signed into law last month .
Pelosi claims that Democratic lawmakers are willing to provide the fund with more money but said that they require “ other money , ” referring to an “ interim emergency bill ” that would provide aid to hospitals and state governments .
She then accused the Republican Party of ignoring the people on the front lines who would benefit from such help .
Lawmakers are currently set to return to the Capitol on May 3 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump recently threatened to shut down the House and Senate for what he claimed was “ dereliction of duty ” on behalf of Democrats who are reportedly stalling his nominations .
“ The Senate should either fulfill its duty and vote on my nominees or it should formally adjourn so I can make recess appointments , ” he said during a coronavirus task force briefing on Wednesday .
According to Trump , the confirmation of his appointees is crucial amid the COVID-19 crisis .
“ Perhaps it ’ s never been done before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it has , ” he said .
“ But we ’ re going to do it .
We need these people here.
” The president claimed that such appointments are needed to deal with the pandemic and called for an end to “ any more political games.
” As noted by BizPac Review , Article II , Section 3 of the United States Constitution provides presidents with the power to adjourn Congress on “ extraordinary occasions.
” Regardless , Trump ’ s threat was met with criticism .
Notably , constitutional law professor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use such powers at this time .

President Donald Trump went on Twitter on Friday morning and took aim at Democratic lawmakers, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, for remaining outside of Washington amid the coronavirus pandemic, Breitbart reported.
“Today people started losing their jobs because of Crazy Nancy Pelosi, Cryin’ Chuck Schumer, and the Radical Left,” the president tweeted before calling on Pelosi, Schumer, and their fellow Democratic lawmakers to return to Washington to pass legislation and help American families.
“End your ENDLESS VACATION!” he concluded the tweet.
The attack comes after Trump slammed Democratic lawmakers for blocking additional funds to the Treasury Department’s Paycheck Protection Program, which has already run out of money.
“They are killing American small businesses. Stop playing politics Dems! Support Refilling PPP NOW — it is out of funds!” he wrote.
Nancy Pelosi is holding up paychecks for millions of Americans. She's playing politics and blaming President Trump rather than approving more money for small businesses to stay afloat. pic.twitter.com/yiVhyy5ORR — Kevin McCarthy (@SpeakerMcCarthy) April 16, 2020
As reported by Fox News, the Paycheck Protection Program helps businesses with under 500 employees secure loans to cover eight weeks of benefits, payroll, rent, and other expenses. The legislation is just one part of the $2.2 trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act that was signed into law last month.
Pelosi claims that Democratic lawmakers are willing to provide the fund with more money but said that they require “other money,” referring to an “interim emergency bill” that would provide aid to hospitals and state governments. She then accused the Republican Party of ignoring the people on the front lines who would benefit from such help.
Lawmakers are currently set to return to the Capitol on May 3. As reported by BizPac Review, Trump recently threatened to shut down the House and Senate for what he claimed was “dereliction of duty” on behalf of Democrats who are reportedly stalling his nominations.
“The Senate should either fulfill its duty and vote on my nominees or it should formally adjourn so I can make recess appointments,” he said during a coronavirus task force briefing on Wednesday.
According to Trump, the confirmation of his appointees is crucial amid the COVID-19 crisis.
“Perhaps it’s never been done before, nobody’s even sure if it has,” he said. “But we’re going to do it. We need these people here.”
The president claimed that such appointments are needed to deal with the pandemic and called for an end to “any more political games.”
As noted by BizPac Review, Article II, Section 3 of the United States Constitution provides presidents with the power to adjourn Congress on “extraordinary occasions.”
Regardless, Trump’s threat was met with criticism. Notably, constitutional law professor Jonathan Turley urged the president not to use such powers at this time.


inquisitr--2020-04-17--Donald Trump’s Former Attorney Michael Cohen To Be Released From Prison Due To Coronavirus

Michael Cohen , Donald Trump ’ s former personal attorney , is set to be released early from prison because of the spreading coronavirus pandemic .
As CNN reports , Cohen is serving three years for tax fraud , campaign finance violations , and lying to Congress .
He was slated to be released in November 2021 .
Cohen will get out 18 months early from a federal facility in Otisville , New York and will serve the rest of his time at home .
Before he can leave prison , he will spend 14 days in a prison camp @ @ @ @ @ @ @ releasing inmates over concerns that prison populations are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 .
Non-violent offenders and those who are medically at-risk are being released .
The virus can spread rapidly among prisons , which can be overcrowded , holding people in close proximity to one another .
The facility where Cohen is currently being held has had at least 14 inmates and seven guards test positive for the disease .
After reporting for his sentence in May 2019 , Cohen had previously requested early release last month , but it was rejected .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ wasn ’ t treating him fairly .
He also added he was concerned about contracting the novel coronavirus .
Cohen spoke with a House subcommittee before being put behind bars .
At the time , he testified he had made hush-money payments — which violated campaign finance laws — “ in coordination with and at the direction of ” the president .
“ The counts against Cohen included tax fraud , false statements to a bank and campaign finance violations tied to his work for Trump , including payments Cohen made or helped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who claimed affairs with the then-candidate , ” CNN reported at the time .
Trump ’ s former lawyer is among several high profile names getting out of prison because of the pandemic .
Michael Avenatti , who is being held in Manhattan while he awaits trial , is being released as well .
Avenatti became famous after representing Stormy Daniels , the woman who claims she had an affair with Trump and received hush-money payments from Cohen .
He will complete a period of quarantine and will be released as he awaits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to extort the sports brand Nike for $ 20 million .
He is also facing two other trials , including one for stealing money from Daniels — though he maintains his innocence .
Currently , 1,198 inmates have been released early because of the coronavirus crisis .
In the entire system of more than 143,000 inmates , 473 have tested positive for the virus and 18 have died .

Michael Cohen, Donald Trump’s former personal attorney, is set to be released early from prison because of the spreading coronavirus pandemic. As CNN reports, Cohen is serving three years for tax fraud, campaign finance violations, and lying to Congress. He was slated to be released in November 2021.
Cohen will get out 18 months early from a federal facility in Otisville, New York and will serve the rest of his time at home. Before he can leave prison, he will spend 14 days in a prison camp quarantine.
Facilities across the U.S. are releasing inmates over concerns that prison populations are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19. Non-violent offenders and those who are medically at-risk are being released.
The virus can spread rapidly among prisons, which can be overcrowded, holding people in close proximity to one another. The facility where Cohen is currently being held has had at least 14 inmates and seven guards test positive for the disease.
After reporting for his sentence in May 2019, Cohen had previously requested early release last month, but it was rejected. His legal team argued the Justice Department wasn’t treating him fairly. He also added he was concerned about contracting the novel coronavirus.
Cohen spoke with a House subcommittee before being put behind bars. At the time, he testified he had made hush-money payments — which violated campaign finance laws — “in coordination with and at the direction of” the president.
“The counts against Cohen included tax fraud, false statements to a bank and campaign finance violations tied to his work for Trump, including payments Cohen made or helped orchestrate that were designed to silence women who claimed affairs with the then-candidate,” CNN reported at the time.
Trump’s former lawyer is among several high profile names getting out of prison because of the pandemic. Michael Avenatti, who is being held in Manhattan while he awaits trial, is being released as well. Avenatti became famous after representing Stormy Daniels, the woman who claims she had an affair with Trump and received hush-money payments from Cohen.
He will complete a period of quarantine and will be released as he awaits sentencing. He was convicted of trying to extort the sports brand Nike for $20 million. He is also facing two other trials, including one for stealing money from Daniels — though he maintains his innocence.
Currently, 1,198 inmates have been released early because of the coronavirus crisis. In the entire system of more than 143,000 inmates, 473 have tested positive for the virus and 18 have died.


inquisitr--2020-04-17--Lou Dobbs Says US Should Declare War On China Over Coronavirus

Fox Business anchor Lou Dobbs apparently believes the United States should go to war with China over the coronavirus pandemic .
Per Mediaite , during Thursday ’ s edition of his show , Dobbs spoke with K.T .
McFarland , President Donald Trump ‘ s former deputy national security adviser .
The anchor suggested that COVID-19 could be a biological weapon created by the Chinese government .
Biological warfare , he said , is a “ significant part ” of the Chinese “ military doctrine.
” “ We have to have an answer now , ” Dobbs said , arguing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up with an appropriate response in case it turns out the coronavirus was created and deliberately unleashed by China .
“ If we don ’ t go to war over the loss of … 31,000 American lives , what do we go to war over ?
” the anchor asked , contending that “ sending strong letters ” and engaging in diplomacy is not enough to fight against China .
Regardless of whether the virus was released on purpose or not , Dobbs concluded , the United States should consider responding strongly .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ originated in a wet market in the city of Wuhan , where exotic animal meat is routinely sold .
Some theories suggest that the virus originated in a laboratory , however .
As The Washington Post reported , although there is no conclusive proof that the virus originated in a lab , U.S. officials have long expressed concerns about safety issues at a Wuhan lab dedicated to studying coronaviruses .
The officials do not claim that the virus was engineered or released on purpose , but apparently believe that it may have spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ notes , Gen. Mark Milley , the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff , said earlier this week that evidence indicates the coronavirus was not engineered .
On Wednesday , Fox News anchor Bret Baier seemingly agreed with the Washington Post ‘ s reporting , stating that his sources are “ increasingly confident ” that COVID-19 originated in a lab .
It is not only Dobbs that has taken an aggressive posture toward China .
Some Republican politicians apparently share the anchor ’ s sentiment .
For instance , Sen. Tom Cotton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , once the pandemic is over , China must be held accountable for “ unleashing ” the virus .
“ China unleashed this plague on the world , and there will be a reckoning when we ’ re on the backside of it , ” Cotton said .


inquisitr--2020-04-17--Amy Klobuchar Claims Joe Biden Sexual Assault Allegation ‘Has Been Investigated’

Sen. Amy Klobuchar , who is rumored to be a top pick for presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden ‘ s running mate , recently spoke to Ari Melber on MSNBC about the sexual assault allegations against the former vice president , Breitbart reported .
“ He has said , and I agree with this , you ’ ve got to get to the bottom of every case and all allegations , ” she began .
The report Klobuchar is referring to was released 19 days after Tara Reade ’ s accusation of sexual assault , which sparked criticism .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ‘ executive editor , Dean Baquet , said the extra time was used to make a more complete story .
Baquet also revealed that the paper removed a portion of the article that referred to Biden ’ s “ hugs , kisses and touching ” that women claimed made them uncomfortable at the request of Biden ’ s campaign .
After praising the investigation , Klobuchar pointed to her experience in the U.S. Senate and claimed to have done “ a lot of work ” on sexual assault accusations .
The initial silence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some to point to the different Democratic responses to accusations against Brett Kavanaugh before he was sworn in as a Supreme Court justice .
As The Inquisitr previously reported , # MeToo advocate Alyssa Milano faced criticism for her initial silence on the accusations after she vehemently argued for believing all women amid the hearings before Kavanaugh ’ s confirmation .
According to KNSI Radio , Klobuchar is currently “ auditioning ” to be Biden ’ s vice president .
The publication pointed to the praise she has been giving Biden during recent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plan to tackle the coronavirus pandemic in rural regions of America .
Reade claims that Biden sexually assaulted her while she was working for his U.S. Senate office .
She said that Time ’ s Up , a # MeToo advocacy group , refused to help take her claim public due to Biden ’ s presidential run as well as its status as a nonprofit organization .
Time ’ s Up reportedly has links to a top Biden campaign adviser , which has fueled theories that the decision to pass on Reade ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @


inquisitr--2020-04-18--Donald Trump Defends Anti-Lockdown Protesters: ‘They Seem To Be Very Responsible People To Me’

President Donald Trump is is once again voicing support for protest movements calling for an end to stay-at-home orders .
Per The Hill , speaking to reporters gathered at the White House for the daily press conference , Trump said that some states are imposing “ tough ” measures , adding that protests in Virginia are justified because of alleged concerns over the Second Amendment .
“ I think we do have sobering guidance , but I think some things are too tough .
It ’ s too tough .
Not only relative to this , but what they ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the second amendment is a horrible thing , ” the president said .
Protests have popped up in Michigan , Minnesota , Virginia , and Ohio , with hundreds demanding that government loosens restrictions imposed due to the coronavirus pandemic .
In photographs and video footage , the demonstrators — some of whom appear to be Trump supporters — can be seen standing in close proximity , clearly defying social distancing guidelines .
Downplaying the public dangers of such events , Trump suggested that the demonstrations are merely an expression of free speech @ @ @ @ @ @ @ previously voiced support for crowds gathered in the states of Minnesota , Michigan , and Virginia .
In a series of Twitter messages posted earlier today , the president encouraged the protesters to “ LIBERATE ” their states .
All three states have a Democratic governor , and each of them is a potential general election swing state .
Some fear that Trump is encouraging violence with his words .
Washington Gov .
Jay Inslee , a Democrat , released a statement accusing the president of “ fomenting domestic rebellion.
” According to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the crowds to protest , he is also undermining his own administration ’ s efforts to curb the virus .
“ The president is fomenting domestic rebellion and spreading lies even while his own administration says the virus is real and is deadly , and that we have a long way to go before restrictions can be lifted , ” Inslee said .
The governor pointed out that public gatherings are the perfect breeding ground for viruses , arguing that similar protests could lead to more coronavirus outbreaks , which would force the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ order to contain the disease .
As The Hill notes , Trump ’ s backing of the demonstrators is only the latest escalation in the feud between the president and Democratic governors .
Since the beginning of the coronavirus outbreak , Trump has been critical of the way state and local governments are handling the crisis .
Earlier this week , the president said that he has “ total authority ” to order states to reopen their economies .
Governors pushed back against the suggestion , with New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help from the federal government .


inquisitr--2020-04-18--Donald Trump Says Nancy Pelosi Is ‘Away On Vacation Or Something’

'The fact is , she ’ s not doing her job and there ’ s nothing unusual about that for her , ' says the president .
During Friday ’ s coronavirus press briefing at the White House , President Donald Trump blasted Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi .
Per The Hill , Trump accused Pelosi of abdicating her congressional duties , arguing that Democrats are to blame for the delay in legislation meant to help small businesses survive the crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic .
“ I think the Democrats are going to do it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s away on vacation or something and she should come back , ” the president said .
Trump has previously criticized Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer , telling both to “ immediately ” return to Capitol Hill in order to work on the legislation .
The United States Congress is on recess until May 4 , so it is likely that neither Democrats nor Republicans will return to Washington soon .
Trump appears to be frustrated that a deal to provide an additional $ 250 billion for the Paycheck Protection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democrats are asking for $ 250 billion in funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program , hospitals , and local governments .
The GOP wants the bill to focus on small businesses .
According to the president , however , $ 250 billion is more than enough .
“ It ’ s going to get us to a point that ’ s going to be rather beautiful .
It could be that they want more but maybe at a certain point we ’ re going to stop , ” he said at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suggestion that there are technical issues with the program .
“ It ’ s been a tremendous success .
It ’ s been executed flawlessly with few exceptions , it ’ s really been good , ” the commander-in-chief said .
As The Hill notes , the bipartisan program ran out of funds on Thursday .
Tensions between Trump and Congress have been brewing for quite some time .
Earlier this week , apparently frustrated with the fact that Congress is on recess , Trump threatened to adjourn both chambers .
The president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Section 3 of the United States Constitution , which no president has ever done .
According to experts , Senate Democrats would be able to block such a maneuver .
Trump has also argued that Congress is making it more difficult for the federal government to handle the coronavirus pandemic , pointing to vacancies that need to be filled .
Of the 749 key positions , 150 are reportedly vacant — not because of Congress , but because the president has refused to nominate full-time appointees , allowing officials in acting capacities @ @ @ @ @

During Friday’s coronavirus press briefing at the White House, President Donald Trump blasted Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi.
Per The Hill, Trump accused Pelosi of abdicating her congressional duties, arguing that Democrats are to blame for the delay in legislation meant to help small businesses survive the crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
“I think the Democrats are going to do it. Look, Nancy Pelosi, she’s away on vacation or something and she should come back,” the president said.
“She should come back and get this done. I don’t know why she’s not coming back. The fact is, she’s not doing her job and there’s nothing unusual about that for her.”
Trump has previously criticized Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, telling both to “immediately” return to Capitol Hill in order to work on the legislation. The United States Congress is on recess until May 4, so it is likely that neither Democrats nor Republicans will return to Washington soon.
Trump appears to be frustrated that a deal to provide an additional $250 billion for the Paycheck Protection Program has not been reached yet. Democrats are asking for $250 billion in funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, hospitals, and local governments. The GOP wants the bill to focus on small businesses.
According to the president, however, $250 billion is more than enough. “It’s going to get us to a point that’s going to be rather beautiful. It could be that they want more but maybe at a certain point we’re going to stop,” he said at the press conference, pushing back against the suggestion that there are technical issues with the program.
“It’s been a tremendous success. It’s been executed flawlessly with few exceptions, it’s really been good,” the commander-in-chief said.
As The Hill notes, the bipartisan program ran out of funds on Thursday.
Tensions between Trump and Congress have been brewing for quite some time. Earlier this week, apparently frustrated with the fact that Congress is on recess, Trump threatened to adjourn both chambers. The president said that he would use Article II, Section 3 of the United States Constitution, which no president has ever done. According to experts, Senate Democrats would be able to block such a maneuver.
Trump has also argued that Congress is making it more difficult for the federal government to handle the coronavirus pandemic, pointing to vacancies that need to be filled. Of the 749 key positions, 150 are reportedly vacant — not because of Congress, but because the president has refused to nominate full-time appointees, allowing officials in acting capacities to fill the vacuum.


inquisitr--2020-04-18--Protester At California Rally Against Lockdown Holds ‘COVID-19 Is A Lie’ Sign — While Wearing A Hazm

Protester At California Rally Against Lockdown Holds ‘COVID-19 Is A Lie’ Sign — While Wearing A Hazmat Suit

A protester who joined a California rally against social distancing rules put in place to slow the coronavirus gained some viral attention for holding a sign that read “ COVID-19 Is A Lie ” — while wearing what appeared to be a full hazmat suit .
The apparently mixed message was part of a controversial demonstration in Huntington Beach against the state ’ s social distancing rules , part of a small but growing movement against state governments for instituting shutdown measures meant to slow the spread of the coronavirus .
The movement has been pushed by conservative media figures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump , who on Friday shared tweets telling supporters to “ liberate ” a series of states with Democratic governors .
On Friday afternoon , more than 100 protesters gathered in Huntington Beach in defiance of the state ’ s guidelines against public gatherings , holding signs and chanting against the state ’ s stay-at-home orders .
As KTLA reported , the protests came a day after the city announced it was closing off parking along the Pacific Coast Highway to limit visitors to beaches there .
The report noted that many of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ masks , which have been recommended to wear in public in order to slow the spread of the virus .
“ We ’ re here in defiance of Gavin Newsom and his socialist agenda to ruin our economy , ” said a man hosting a livestream of the protest on Facebook , via KTLA .
“ We ’ re definitely not practicing social distancing , which is all right in my book .
Believe in Jesus — you won ’ t fear death.
” While many of the protesters repeated arguments made on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were a violation of constitutional rights and that people wanted the economy to reopen so they could work again , much of the viral attention was on one protester who seemed to send a mixed message about the safety of opening society back up .
The person held a sign that read “ COVID-19 Is A Lie ” — while wearing what appeared to be a hazmat suit to protect against the spread of the virus .
The person wore a full face shield with a blue medical mask underneath , with head-to-toe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appeared to be measures taken to prevent the spread of the virus that he sign claimed was a “ lie ” California Congressman Ted Lieu shared a picture of the protester , noting the apparent absurdity of the sign ’ s message juxtaposed with the person ’ s protective gear .
It is not likely that the protest will have much of an effect on when California will begin reopening businesses and allowing public gatherings .
Newsom has been working with other governors nationwide on when economies can behind to reopen , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for states outlining a gradual reopening .
As Fox News noted , California is yet to meet the measures to enter the first step .


inquisitr--2020-04-18--Donald Trump Says Democrats Should Stop Treating Coronavirus Pandemic Like ‘Russia Witch Hunt’

'Unfortunately with the other side , they are viewing it as an election , ' says the president .
On Saturday , during a press briefing at the White House , President Donald Trump warned Democratic governors and lawmakers against treating the federal government ’ s response to the coronavirus pandemic like the “ Russia witch hunt , ” reports Mediaite .
Trump called for cooperation between Republicans and Democrats , arguing that the latter view the crisis caused by the virus as their chance to win the November election .
“ Unfortunately with the other side , they are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I don ’ t know , I don ’ t think I ’ d do that on the other side .
I think here we have a crisis and that we have to work together , ” he said .
Trump then likened the criticism he has received from Democrats to former special counsel Robert Mueller ’ s investigation into Russian election interference , arguing that they should refrain from attacking the federal government over its response to the crisis .
As Mediaite notes , according to the RealClearPolitics average of polling data @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 47.4 percent approve of the way Trump is handling the response to the pandemic .
Trump discussed a number of other issues during the press briefing , attacking Democratic politicians , criticizing the media , and touting what he claims are some of his administration ’ s many accomplishments .
As Vox reporter Aaron Rupar pointed out via Twitter , Trump also argued that he “ inherited broken junk ” from former President Barack Obama .
During the briefing , Trump repeatedly blamed the former president for issues with logistics and for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic , claiming that the Obama administration did not even care to ensure that there are enough ventilators in hospitals across the country .
In January , long before the coronavirus pandemic broke out in the United States , The Guardian reported on the lack of preparedness to deal with COVID-19 .
Various agencies and offices necessary in public health crises have been gutted or completely eliminated by the Trump administration .
In May , for instance , then-national security adviser John Bolton eliminated the position of senior director for global health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ council , which was established in 2016 during the Ebola outbreak .
Nevertheless , the president has continued to shift the blame to Democratic Party politicians .
The president ’ s most recent remarks echo the statements he made earlier this week , when he suggested that Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi is “ on vacation ” instead of doing her job .

On Saturday, during a press briefing at the White House, President Donald Trump warned Democratic governors and lawmakers against treating the federal government’s response to the coronavirus pandemic like the “Russia witch hunt,” reports Mediaite.
Trump called for cooperation between Republicans and Democrats, arguing that the latter view the crisis caused by the virus as their chance to win the November election.
“Unfortunately with the other side, they are viewing it as an election. So I don’t know, I don’t think I’d do that on the other side. I think here we have a crisis and that we have to work together,” he said.
Trump then likened the criticism he has received from Democrats to former special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into Russian election interference, arguing that they should refrain from attacking the federal government over its response to the crisis.
“This should not be a partisan witch hunt. You know like the Russia witch hunt that turned out to be a total phony deal. Unfortunately, some of these voices though are attempting to bring this into politics — whether it’s testing, ventilators, or hospital beds.”
As Mediaite notes, according to the RealClearPolitics average of polling data, 49.9 percent of Americans disprove and 47.4 percent approve of the way Trump is handling the response to the pandemic.
Trump discussed a number of other issues during the press briefing, attacking Democratic politicians, criticizing the media, and touting what he claims are some of his administration’s many accomplishments. As Vox reporter Aaron Rupar pointed out via Twitter, Trump also argued that he “inherited broken junk” from former President Barack Obama.
Read This: 5 New Things We Learned About Coronavirus This Week
During the briefing, Trump repeatedly blamed the former president for issues with logistics and for the lack of resources necessary to respond to the pandemic, claiming that the Obama administration did not even care to ensure that there are enough ventilators in hospitals across the country.
"We started off with a broken system. We inherited a broken, terrible system. And I always say it — our cupboards were bare. We had very little in our stockpile": Trump tries to blame Obama, who left office in 2017, for a virus that reached the US in 2020 pic.twitter.com/YwMSPkjmw8 — Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) April 18, 2020
In January, long before the coronavirus pandemic broke out in the United States, The Guardian reported on the lack of preparedness to deal with COVID-19. Various agencies and offices necessary in public health crises have been gutted or completely eliminated by the Trump administration.
In May, for instance, then-national security adviser John Bolton eliminated the position of senior director for global health security and biothreats on the national security council, which was established in 2016 during the Ebola outbreak.
Nevertheless, the president has continued to shift the blame to Democratic Party politicians. The president’s most recent remarks echo the statements he made earlier this week when he suggested that Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi is “on vacation” instead of doing her job.


inquisitr--2020-04-18--Donald Trump Blasts ‘Rude And Nasty’ Democrats In String Of Tweets On Coronavirus Relief Efforts

Donald Trump took aim at Democrats in a string of tweets on Saturday , calling them “ RUDE and NASTY ” after some reportedly pressed Vice President Mike Pence during a call on coronavirus response and relief efforts .
The president took to Twitter on Saturday to blast members of his opposing party , saying they were not grateful for the updates that Pence gave them during a conference call on Friday on the progress against the coronavirus .
Trump said that Democrats were not satisfied with the update , and instead treated Pence poorly .
“ They were RUDE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ This is their political playbook , and they will use it right up to the election on November 3rd .
They will not change because they feel that this is the only way they can win .
America will not be fooled !
!
!
” Some Democrats had criticized Trump for what they saw as a lack of preparedness for the coronavirus pandemic , noting that there has not been adequate testing and the federal government has not done enough to help distribute needed medical supplies and equipment .
The call @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Friday report from Politico that noted some Senate Democrats had grown upset with Trump ’ s tweets calling for people to “ liberate ” a series of states led by Democratic governors .
The report noted that many have grown impatient with the Trump administration and that some involved on the call were “ livid ” with the lack of clear answers from Pence on national testing for the coronavirus .
The report noted that even the mild-mannered Angus King , an independent senator from Maine who caucuses with Democrats , grew angry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ dereliction of duty.
” “ I have never been so mad about a phone call in my life , ” King reportedly said after the call .
Others pressed Pence during the call to ask Trump to stop using Twitter to promote protests against state governments , as he had been accused of doing on Friday with calls to “ liberate ” states .
Many pushed back against Trump , accusing him of inciting violence and putting people in danger .
Trump ’ s tweet on Saturday blasting the “ RUDE and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surrounding the easing of coronavirus measures .
Trump has been joined by a number of conservative media figures in calling for society to begin reopening states , bringing people back to work , but a number of governors from both parties have stood firm on the idea of holding these measures in place for weeks to come .


inquisitr--2020-04-18--Donald Trump ‘Would Love To Be The Dictator-In-Chief,’ Says Legal Analyst

Since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic , President Donald Trump has been engaged in a war of sorts with governors across the nation , recently asserting that he has the authority to order states when to reopen their economies .
On Saturday , MSNBC legal analyst Maya Wiley weighed in on the issue .
Per Raw Story , anchor Ali Velshi opened the discussion by pointing out that the Tenth Amendment to the United States Constitution expresses the principle of states ’ rights , stating that “ powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution , nor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are reserved to the states respectively or to the people.
” “ I think that Trump would love to be the dictator-in-chief , ” Wiley responded , explaining that it appears Trump thinks he can run the country the way he ran his private businesses .
In the private sector , the legal analyst noted , business leaders are allowed to behave as dictators , but that is certainly not the case when it comes to the public sector .
But the real problem with Trump , Wiley argued , is that he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what the Constitution says .
The legal analyst then pointed to a number of examples she claims prove Trump has no regard for the supreme law of the land .
According to Wiley , Trump violated the Constitution when he pressured the Ukrainian government to launch an investigation into former Vice President Joe Biden .
Another good example of Trump violating the Constitution , Wiley said , is the United States Congress being forced to use its “ ability to say we ’ re going to stay in session , even when we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prevent Donald Trump from firing Jeff Sessions , that ’ s one of their fears was he was going to fire Jeff Sessions in order to protect himself.
” “ This is a president who is motivated by his interests , not the interests of the country , ” Wiley concluded .
In recent days , Trump has taken his feuds with governors to another level .
On Friday , the president sided with anti-lockdown demonstrators , encouraging them to “ liberate ” their states .
The president expressed support for the protesters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during the daily press briefing at the White House .
Trump has made sure to encourage the protests in Michigan , Minnesota , and Virginia .
All three are considered battleground states , and each of them has a Democratic governor .
According to video footage and photographs from the protests , a large number of those opposed to social distancing measures appear to be Trump supporters .
Democrats have criticized Trump for encouraging the protests .
Notably , Washington Gov .
Jay Inslee argued in a statement that Trump is sabotaging his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 by encouraging people to gather in large groups .


inquisitr--2020-04-18--Ted Cruz: ‘China Is Our Greatest Geopolitical Threat’

Texas Sen. Ted Cruz is calling for an overhaul of United States ’ foreign policy toward China .
Per The Washington Examiner , in a Twitter thread published Friday night , Cruz shared new information from the National Institutes of Health , according to which the laboratories where the coronavirus outbreak may have begun are funded by the U.S. government .
In fiscal year 2019 , $ 76,000 was allocated to a lab in the Chinese city of Wuhan , the senator pointed out .
“ Add this deeply troubling grant transfer to the growing list of reasons why the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ China , ” Cruz wrote , calling for a new approach to China .
President Donald Trump ’ s administration , the senator added , needs to halt any payments to Chinese virology labs .
As the publication notes , Cruz echoed his tweets during an interview with The Daily Wire ‘ s Michael Knowles .
Noting that it has not yet been confirmed that COVID-19 originated in a lab , Cruz read two statements provided to him by the National Institutes of Health .
“ The project included studying viral diversity in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surveying people that live in high-risk communities for evidence of bat , coronavirus infection , and conducting laboratory experiments to analyze and predict which newly discovered viruses pose the greatest threats to human health , ” said one of the statements Cruz shared .
As The Washington Examiner notes , evidence suggests that COVID-19 originated from one of Wuhan ’ s wet markets , where exotic animal meat — including bat meat — is routinely sold .
However , there has been speculation that the virus “ leaked ” from a lab in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reportedly concerned that some of the labs studying coronaviruses did not take necessary safety precautions , which allowed the virus to escape , from where it spread across Wuhan and then devastated the entire world .
The officials do not believe that the virus is a biological weapon , nor do they believe the Chinese government deliberately unleashed it .
The sentiment Cruz expressed , about China posing a major threat to the United States , is no longer uncommon on the right .
Speculation about the origins of COVID-19 has apparently made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and it is not only politicians that believe something needs to be done .
Earlier this week , Fox Business anchor Lou Dobbs went a step further than most , arguing that the United States needs to go to war with China over the coronavirus pandemic .
According to Dobbs , whether China released the virus on purpose or not , there needs to be a strong response .


inquisitr--2020-04-18--Donald Trump Slams Nancy Pelosi: ‘An Incompetent Political Hack’

As The Hill reports , Trump called out Pelosi over an appearance that she made on The Late Late Show With James Corden .
The House leader filmed a segment for the show in which she showed off her large freezer filled with ice cream , calling it her way of bringing herself joy during the coronavirus pandemic .
Critics on the right immediately jumped on the piece , saying that Pelosi should be working to fund relief efforts for Americans impacted by the pandemic rather than talking about ice cream .
Trump joined in the criticism , replying to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ shameful ” with a message of his own .
“ An incompetent political hack !
Come back to Washington & take care of our great American workers , ” Trump wrote .
Congress is currently battling over another stimulus bill to help ease the financial burden that the COVID-19 crisis has put on businesses and individuals .
Republicans have agreed to provide additional funding for the Paycheck Protection Funding program that was set up under the previous stimulus bill .
But Democrats have stalled the bill , arguing that the program needs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be additional funding for states to go to hospitals and local governments .
They also want to add funding to programs aimed at helping low-income families .
Pelosi said that while she and Democrats want more money to help people , they want to be sure that people on the front line of the battle against the disease , such as nurses , EMTs , and firefighters , are supported by the new stimulus bill .
“ Instead of trying to distract and divide , the President should focus on the public health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Speaker wrote to her colleagues last week ‘ The truth is a weak person , a poor leader , takes no responsibility .
A weak person blames others , ' ” Drew Hammill said .
Pelosi has been famously critical of Trump as well .
It ’ s not the first time that Trump has made the accusation that Pelosi and Democrats that they were failing to do their jobs .
On Friday , the president claimed that Pelosi was away vacationing .
“ She should come back and get this done @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she ’ s not coming back .
The fact is , she ’ s not doing her job and there ’ s nothing unusual about that for her , ” he said on Friday .
Congress is currently on recess until May 4 .

President Donald Trump attacked House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Friday, calling the California Democrat “an incompetent political hack.”
As The Hill reports, Trump called out Pelosi over an appearance that she made on The Late Late Show With James Corden. The House leader filmed a segment for the show in which she showed off her large freezer filled with ice cream, calling it her way of bringing herself joy during the coronavirus pandemic.
Critics on the right immediately jumped on the piece, saying that Pelosi should be working to fund relief efforts for Americans impacted by the pandemic rather than talking about ice cream.
Trump joined in the criticism, replying to a tweet from Charlie Kirk calling Pelosi “shameful” with a message of his own.
“An incompetent political hack! Come back to Washington & take care of our great American workers,” Trump wrote.
Congress is currently battling over another stimulus bill to help ease the financial burden that the COVID-19 crisis has put on businesses and individuals.
Republicans have agreed to provide additional funding for the Paycheck Protection Funding program that was set up under the previous stimulus bill. But Democrats have stalled the bill, arguing that the program needs to be reformed and that there should be additional funding for states to go to hospitals and local governments.
They also want to add funding to programs aimed at helping low-income families.
Pelosi said that while she and Democrats want more money to help people, they want to be sure that people on the front line of the battle against the disease, such as nurses, EMTs, and firefighters, are supported by the new stimulus bill.
Drew Hammill, a spokesperson for Pelosi, responded to Trump’s comment.
“Instead of trying to distract and divide, the President should focus on the public health crisis in front of him. As the Speaker wrote to her colleagues last week ‘The truth is a weak person, a poor leader, takes no responsibility. A weak person blames others,'” Hammill said.
Pelosi has been famously critical of Trump as well.
It’s not the first time that Trump has made the accusation that Pelosi and Democrats were failing to do their jobs. On Friday, the president claimed that Pelosi was away vacationing.
“She should come back and get this done. I don’t know why she’s not coming back. The fact is, she’s not doing her job and there’s nothing unusual about that for her,” he said.
Congress is currently on recess until May 4.


inquisitr--2020-04-18--Elizabeth Warren Says Donald Trump ‘Has Failed Abysmally’ As President

In an interview broadcast on Saturday , Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts slammed President Donald Trump , saying that his leadership amid the coronavirus pandemic is putting lives at risk .
Per The Hill , speaking with MSNBC anchor Joy Reid , Warren said that Trump is failing as president and not acting as a leader should during a crisis .
“ That is absolutely the wrong kind of leadership .
It is the kind of leadership that puts lives at risk , and it is the kind of leadership that undermines the very strength of this country , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s support for protesters in states such as Michigan , Minnesota and Virginia .
Trump has repeatedly voiced support for protest movements calling for an end to stay-at-home orders .
Notably , the president urged protesters to “ liberate ” a slew of states with Democratic governors .
According to Trump , some of the restrictions imposed by the governors are “ tough , ” and protesters have every right to oppose them .
All three states Trump apparently believes need to be liberated are potential general election swing states .
Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pushback from Democratic politicians , including Gov .
Jay Inslee of Washington , who said that the president is not only “ fomenting domestic rebellion , ” but also undermining his own administrations efforts to contain the coronavirus .
As Inslee pointed out , the main reason public gatherings have been banned is to stop the spread of COVID-19 and , unless Americans follow social distancing guidelines , the virus will keep coming back , which could force the government to impose even stricter measures in order to curb it .
After slamming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him and former Vice President Joe Biden , the Democratic Party ’ s presumptive presidential nominee .
Unlike Trump , Warren argued , Biden “ cares ” about all Americans and would know how to respond and govern during a crisis .
“ Right now we have a president of the United States who thinks only about himself , who has no empathy for other human beings , ” Warren said .
Once considered a strong contender in the Democratic Party ’ s presidential primaries , Warren failed to make a significant impact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not win a single state , coming in third in her home state of Massachusetts .
Biden — whom Warren has officially endorsed — has vowed to pick a female running mate , but the Massachusetts senator is apparently not being considered for the position .
According to reports , of the former White House hopefuls , Sens .
Kamala Harris of California and Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota have a decent chance of becoming Biden ’ s running mate .
Michigan Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer and Sen. Tammy Duckworth of Illinois are reportedly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well .


inquisitr--2020-04-18--Donald Trump Goes Scorched Earth On ‘Do Nothing Democrats’ And ‘Lamestream Media’

President Donald Trump is apparently growing increasingly frustrated with Democratic Party politicians and members of the press .
In a series of Twitter messages posted on Saturday , Trump went on a scorched earth tirade , arguing that the situation is worse than ever .
“ No matter what you do for the Do Nothing Democrats , no matter how GREAT a job you are doing , they will only respond to their Fake partners in the Lamestream Media in the negative , ” the president began , adding that he thought the Democrats and the media would behave differently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are actually “ even worse ” than before .
To prove his point , the president pointed to the conference call Vice President Mike Pence held with Democratic senators on Friday .
“ He gave them everything that they would have wanted to hear , ” Trump wrote , adding that “ nothing ” could have made the senators “ happy , or even a little bit satisfied.
” According to CNN ‘ s sources , the call between Pence and the senators was “ tense ” because the Democrats repeatedly pressed the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is doing about testing .
Sen. Angus King of Maine , an independent who caucuses with Democrats , reportedly said that he has “ never been so mad about a phone call.
” Testing was not the only issue discussed on the call .
Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine reportedly pressed Pence about Trump ’ s Friday tweets — the president sided with the protesters in Virginia , Minnesota and Michigan , urging them to “ LIBERATE ” their states and push back against lockdown measures imposed by Democratic governors .
According to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s question , deflecting and arguing that the administration has managed to collaborate with governors across the nation .
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer reportedly ended the call by saying that all Democratic senators agree with Kaine .
According to Trump , the senators are at fault .
The Democratic Party , Trump tweeted , is playing political games and doing all it can do ensure Republicans lose the upcoming election .
“ They were RUDE and NASTY .
This is their political playbook , and they will use it right up to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will not change because they feel that this is the only way they can win.
” For weeks , Trump has been sparring with congressional Democrats and Democratic governors .
During Friday ’ s coronavirus press briefing at the White House , he slammed Speaker of the House of Representative Nancy Pelosi , accusing her of going on “ vacation ” amid the coronavirus pandemic .
The United States Congress is on recess until May 4 , but Trump has been putting pressure on Pelosi and Schumer to return to Capitol Hill and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ additional $ 250 billion for the Paycheck Protection Program .
The program ran out of funds on Thursday .