inquisitr--2020-02-09--Donald Trump Refers To Democrat Joe Manchin As ‘Munchkin,’ Says Senator ‘Couldn’t Understand The Tra

Donald Trump Refers To Democrat Joe Manchin As ‘Munchkin,’ Says Senator ‘Couldn’t Understand The Transcripts’

Recently acquitted in his impeachment trial , President Donald Trump is on the warpath against those he felt didn ’ t have his back .
His latest target is Sen. Joe Manchin , a Democratic from the state of West Virginia .
On Sunday morning , Trump tweeted about Manchin and gave him a derogatory nickname in the process .
The post calling Manchin small is a part of the usual tactics the president uses to taunt his political enemies .
In this case , literally belittling them .
While he ’ s used a number of derogatory attacks over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ candidate Joe Biden , “ Sleepy Joe , ” size is something he goes back to over and over .
Trump enjoys referring to congressman Adam Schiff as “ Liddle ” and has also taken aim at the perceived height of presidential candidate and former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg .
This particular attack clearly has to do with Manchin ’ s vote in the impeachment proceedings .
Because West Virginia is a majority Republican state , there were some who thought the Democratic senator might side with those pushing acquittal .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ evidence was too much to ignore .
The Sunday tweet was one of several over the last few days where President Trump has taken aim at the U.S. senator .
On Saturday night he posted an attack that appeared to be far more angry than taunting .
He later called the Democrat “ weak , ” while claiming he got a bill through that Manchin couldn ’ t .
On Friday night , the president announced he was surprised the senator had voted on the impeachment the way he did .
For his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to punch back at Donald Trump .
Rather than attacking , he ’ s been defending his record on Twitter and claiming it was he who got a pension bill through and not the president .
He later added that he read the transcripts thoroughly and listened to the witnesses .
He also alluded to his belief that witnesses and more evidence should have been allowed in the Senate trial .
While Joe Manchin is the latest target of President Donald Trump since his acquittal , he ’ s hardly the only one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off the White House grounds earlier this week and Ambassador Gordon Sondland was called home from his posting at the EU .

Recently acquitted in his impeachment trial, President Donald Trump is on the warpath against those he felt didn’t have his back. His latest target is Sen. Joe Manchin, a Democratic from the state of West Virginia. On Sunday morning, Trump tweeted about Manchin and gave him a derogatory nickname in the process.
“They are really mad at Senator Joe Munchkin in West Virginia. He couldn’t understand the Transcripts. Romney could, but didn’t want to!”
The post calling Manchin small is a part of the usual tactics the president uses to taunt his political enemies. In this case, literally belittling them. While he’s used a number of derogatory attacks over the years, including calling Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden, “Sleepy Joe,” size is something he goes back to over and over.
Trump enjoys referring to congressman Adam Schiff as “Liddle” and has also taken aim at the perceived height of presidential candidate and former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg. This particular attack clearly has to do with Manchin’s vote in the impeachment proceedings. Because West Virginia is a majority Republican state, there were some who thought the Democratic senator might side with those pushing acquittal.
In the end, Manchin said the evidence was too much to ignore.
The Sunday tweet was one of several over the last few days where President Trump has taken aim at the U.S. senator. On Saturday night he posted an attack that appeared to be far more angry than taunting.
“Can’t say I mind the fact that the great people of West Virginia are furious at their puppet Democrat Senator, Joe Manchin. They will never forget his phony vote on the Impeachment Hoax.”
He later called the Democrat “weak,” while claiming he got a bill through that Manchin couldn’t. On Friday night, the president announced he was surprised the senator had voted on the impeachment the way he did.
I’ve read the transcripts thoroughly & listened to the witnesses under oath. Where I come from a person accused defends themselves with witnesses and evidence. — Senator Joe Manchin (@Sen_JoeManchin) February 9, 2020
For his part, Joe Manchin has been trying to punch back at Donald Trump. Rather than attacking, he’s been defending his record on Twitter and claiming it was he who got a pension bill through and not the president.
He later added that he read the transcripts thoroughly and listened to the witnesses. He also alluded to his belief that witnesses and more evidence should have been allowed in the Senate trial.
While Joe Manchin is the latest target of President Donald Trump since his acquittal, he’s hardly the only one. Two impeachment trial witnesses were escorted off the White House grounds earlier this week and Ambassador Gordon Sondland was called home from his posting at the EU.


inquisitr--2020-02-09--Joe Biden Says He’ll ‘Work Like Hell’ For Bernie Sanders If He Secures The Nomination

During a Sunday interview with ABC News ’ George Stephanopoulos , former Vice President Joe Biden spoke about the candidacy of Bernie Sanders and the electability of his campaign ’ s Democratic socialism , Newsweek reports .
According to Biden , beating Donald Trump will be more challenging while defending the Democratic Socialist tag that Sanders has attached to himself .
However , he acknowledged that he would support a Sanders nomination as best as he could .
“ I think it ’ s going to be incredibly more difficult , ” he said .
“ Look , if I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bernie gets it , I ’ m going to work like hell for him.
” Nevertheless , the 77-year-old politician added that it would be a “ bigger uphill climb ” to run on a ticket associated with the Democratic Socialist tag and said that Trump would have a “ field day ” with such opposition .
While the centrist faction of the Democratic Party continues to fear a Sanders-Trump match-up , The Intercept previously reported that the president has been growing concerned about the Vermont senator and the possibility of facing his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more in the first few weeks of 2020 than in the entire period since last summer , with this increase notably observed amid a decrease in attention to Biden .
In a previous 2018 conversation with indicted Rudy Giuliani associate Lev Parnas , Trump revealed his nervousness on the possibility of facing Sanders as Hillary Clinton ‘ s running mate in 2016 .
“ I think Bernie as vice president would have been tougher .
He was the only one I didn ’ t want her to pick , ” he said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ communist ” — a label Sanders has brushed off , The Hill reported .
During a recent interview with Chris Wallace on Fox News Sunday , the 78-year-old politician suggested that Trump might not “ know the difference ” between a communist and a Democratic Socialist .
Sanders remains in a prime position ahead of the New Hampshire primary on Tuesday .
In the latest update to the 7 News/ Emerson College tracking poll , Sanders tops the field with 30 percent support , while Pete Buttigieg — his closest competitor in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Trailing Buttigieg is Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar , who has surged to third with 13 percent support .
In terms of age , Sanders leads with voters under 50 with 44 percent support , with Buttigieg in second with 17 percent , and Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren in third with 13 percent .

During a Sunday interview with ABC News’ George Stephanopoulos, former Vice President Joe Biden spoke about the candidacy of Bernie Sanders and the electability of his campaign’s Democratic socialism, Newsweek reports.
According to Biden, beating Donald Trump will be more challenging while defending the Democratic Socialist tag that Sanders has attached to himself. However, he acknowledged that he would support a Sanders nomination as best as he could.
“I think it’s going to be incredibly more difficult,” he said. “Look, if I don’t get the nomination and Bernie gets it, I’m going to work like hell for him.”
Nevertheless, the 77-year-old politician added that it would be a “bigger uphill climb” to run on a ticket associated with the Democratic Socialist tag and said that Trump would have a “field day” with such opposition.
While the centrist faction of the Democratic Party continues to fear a Sanders-Trump match-up, The Intercept previously reported that the president has been growing concerned about the Vermont senator and the possibility of facing his platform. He has reportedly addressed Sanders more in the first few weeks of 2020 than in the entire period since last summer, with this increase notably observed amid a decrease in attention to Biden.
In a previous 2018 conversation with indicted Rudy Giuliani associate Lev Parnas, Trump revealed his nervousness on the possibility of facing Sanders as Hillary Clinton‘s running mate in 2016.
“I think Bernie as vice president would have been tougher. He was the only one I didn’t want her to pick,” he said.
“You know, I got 20 percent of [the] Bernie vote, people don’t realize that, because of trade, because he’s a big trade guy.”
Bernie Sanders reacts to jabs from President Trump and Joe Biden on his self-proclaimed label of Democratic Socialist. #FNS #FoxNews pic.twitter.com/Y5obzwDcag — Fox News Sunday (@FoxNewsSunday) February 9, 2020
Trump has described Sanders as a “communist” — a label Sanders has brushed off, The Hill reported. During a recent interview with Chris Wallace on Fox News Sunday, the 78-year-old politician suggested that Trump might not “know the difference” between a communist and a Democratic Socialist.
Sanders remains in a prime position ahead of the New Hampshire primary on Tuesday. In the latest update to the 7 News/ Emerson College tracking poll, Sanders tops the field with 30 percent support, while Pete Buttigieg — his closest competitor in the Iowa caucuses – has 20 percent support. Trailing Buttigieg is Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar, who has surged to third with 13 percent support.
In terms of age, Sanders leads with voters under 50 with 44 percent support, with Buttigieg in second with 17 percent, and Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren in third with 13 percent.


inquisitr--2020-02-09--Bernie Sanders Takes 10-Point Lead Over Pete Buttigieg In Post-Debate New Hampshire Poll

During the 2020 Democratic Party presidential primary debate in New Hampshire on Friday night , Senator Bernie Sanders and former South Bend , Indiana , Mayor Pete Buttigieg sparred over campaign contributions .
Sanders criticized Buttigieg for accepting funds from billionaires , Wall Street , and the pharmaceutical industry .
Buttigieg surged in the polls after a strong showing in Iowa , and he endured attacks from fellow White House hopefuls throughout the entire debate .
According to the latest update to the 7 News/ Emerson College tracking poll , the Iowa effect is fading away , and Buttigieg appears @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leading the field with 30 percent support and a commanding 10-point lead over Buttigieg , per polling .
Since yesterday , according to the poll , Buttigieg has lost four points , while Sanders has lost one .
The debate went well for Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar , who has gained four points , surging to third place with 13 percent .
The fourth place belongs to Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts , who is polling at 12 percent support .
Former Vice President Joe Biden is also in fourth place with 12 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tulsi Gabbard , billionaire Tom Steyer , and former Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick are all polling in single digits .
In a statement , Spencer Kimball , Director of Emerson College Polling , said the following .
“ Both Sanders and Buttigieg received a bounce in our poll numbers since Iowa , but it looks like the debate on Friday may have stymied momentum for the front runners .
The candidate who seems to have been able to take advantage of the event is Klobuchar who gained four points.
” As in virtually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the popularity he enjoys among younger voters .
Among voters under 50 , he leads with 44 percent .
Buttigieg is in second place with 17 percent and Warren in third with 13 .
Among those older than 50 , Buttigieg is in the lead with 23 percent .
Sanders and Klobuchar are at 19 percent , Biden at 16 , and Warren is polling at 11 percent .
Sanders holds a commanding lead among “ very liberal ” voters , 53 percent of whom support him .
The Vermont senator is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at 24 percent in that demographic group .
No other candidate has managed to break out of the single-digit territory .
When it comes to “ somewhat liberal ” voters , Sanders leads with 37 percent and Buttigieg is in second place with 22 percent .
Klobuchar came in third with 12 percent , and Warren fourth with 11 .
Buttigieg holds a commanding lead among moderate and conservative voters , 26 percent of whom support him .
The second place in that group belongs to Klobuchar at 17 percent , third to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Sanders , who is polling at 14 percent .

During the 2020 Democratic Party presidential primary debate in New Hampshire on Friday night, Senator Bernie Sanders and former South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg sparred over campaign contributions. Sanders criticized Buttigieg for accepting funds from billionaires, Wall Street, and the pharmaceutical industry.
Buttigieg surged in the polls after a strong showing in Iowa, and he endured attacks from fellow White House hopefuls throughout the entire debate. According to the latest update to the 7 News/ Emerson College tracking poll, the Iowa effect is fading away, and Buttigieg appears to be losing momentum.
Sanders is leading the field with 30 percent support and a commanding 10-point lead over Buttigieg, per polling. Since yesterday, according to the poll, Buttigieg has lost four points, while Sanders has lost one. The debate went well for Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar, who has gained four points, surging to third place with 13 percent.
The fourth place belongs to Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, who is polling at 12 percent support. Former Vice President Joe Biden is also in fourth place with 12 percent. Entrepreneur Andrew Yang, Representative Tulsi Gabbard, billionaire Tom Steyer, and former Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick are all polling in single digits.
In a statement, Spencer Kimball, Director of Emerson College Polling, said the following.
“Both Sanders and Buttigieg received a bounce in our poll numbers since Iowa, but it looks like the debate on Friday may have stymied momentum for the front runners. The candidate who seems to have been able to take advantage of the event is Klobuchar who gained four points.”
As in virtually all polls, Sanders’ greatest strength is the popularity he enjoys among younger voters. Among voters under 50, he leads with 44 percent. Buttigieg is in second place with 17 percent and Warren in third with 13. Among those older than 50, Buttigieg is in the lead with 23 percent. Sanders and Klobuchar are at 19 percent, Biden at 16, and Warren is polling at 11 percent.
Sanders holds a commanding lead among “very liberal” voters, 53 percent of whom support him. The Vermont senator is followed by Warren, who is polling at 24 percent in that demographic group. No other candidate has managed to break out of the single-digit territory.
When it comes to “somewhat liberal” voters, Sanders leads with 37 percent and Buttigieg is in second place with 22 percent. Klobuchar came in third with 12 percent, and Warren fourth with 11.
Buttigieg holds a commanding lead among moderate and conservative voters, 26 percent of whom support him. The second place in that group belongs to Klobuchar at 17 percent, third to Biden with 15, and the fourth to Sanders, who is polling at 14 percent.


inquisitr--2020-02-09--Pete Buttigieg Says Democrats Are ‘Screwed’ If They Don’t Win Majorities In Congress

On Saturday , Democratic presidential candidate and former Mayor of South Bend , Indiana Pete Buttigieg weighed in on the Democratic Party ’ s electoral prospects .
Speaking at the Our Rights , Our Courts presidential forum , Buttigieg said that Democrats are “ screwed ” if they don ’ t win majorities in the United States Congress , according to The Hill .
“ If we can ’ t change Congress , we ’ re screwed , ” Buttigieg said , adding that the 2020 presidential election is the Democratic Party ’ s “ only chance to defeat Donald @ @ @ @ @ @ @ got to do it with a big enough margin that it sends Trumpism into the history books.
” “ Part of that means making sure that his enablers in Congress are rejected too , ” he added .
Buttigieg also weighed in on Trump ’ s impeachment trial , criticizing Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell for the way he handled the process .
“ It was a discouraging , dispiriting , exhausting experience to watch what happened in Mitch McConnell ’ s Senate when it came to this trial , this show trial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democrats need to win back the United States Senate in 2020 .
Buttigieg ’ s comments come following Trump ’ s acquittal in the GOP-controlled Senate .
The process reached its epilogue relatively quickly , without the additional witnesses the Democrats asked for , and while McConnell was openly coordinating with the White House .
All Democrats voted to convict Trump , while only one Republican , Senator Mitt Romney , broke ranks with the GOP , voted to convict the commander-in-chief on the charge of obstruction of justice .
The former South @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feels “ exhausted ” by impeachment , but — like most Democratic White House hopefuls — he has not extensively commented on the issue while on the campaign trail .
Buttigieg , who entered the race as an outsider with almost no name recognition , is now in a strong position ahead of the New Hampshire primary , having seemingly tied for first place in the Iowa caucuses .
In New Hampshire , according to the latest polling , Buttigieg is trailing Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont by seven points .
The two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the field , leaving candidates such as former Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts far behind .
Buttigieg ’ s rise comes largely at Biden ’ s expense , it seems , with the former vice president ’ s conservative and moderate supporters switching to the 38-year-old .
Biden has taken note of Buttigieg ’ s rise , and his campaign has released an attack ad targeting the former South Bend mayor ’ s lack of experience on the national stage .

On Saturday, Democratic presidential candidate and former Mayor of South Bend, Indiana Pete Buttigieg weighed in on the Democratic Party’s electoral prospects. Speaking at the Our Rights, Our Courts presidential forum, Buttigieg said that Democrats are “screwed” if they don’t win majorities in the United States Congress, according to The Hill.
“If we can’t change Congress, we’re screwed,” Buttigieg said, adding that the 2020 presidential election is the Democratic Party’s “only chance to defeat Donald Trump, but we’ve also got to do it with a big enough margin that it sends Trumpism into the history books.”
“Part of that means making sure that his enablers in Congress are rejected too,” he added.
Buttigieg also weighed in on Trump’s impeachment trial, criticizing Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell for the way he handled the process. “It was a discouraging, dispiriting, exhausting experience to watch what happened in Mitch McConnell’s Senate when it came to this trial, this show trial,” he said, reiterating that Democrats need to win back the United States Senate in 2020.
“The good news is it’s 2020, and we’re voters, and if the Senate was the jury this week, we the people are the jury now, and we get the final verdict.”
Buttigieg’s comments come following Trump’s acquittal in the GOP-controlled Senate. The process reached its epilogue relatively quickly, without the additional witnesses the Democrats asked for, and while McConnell was openly coordinating with the White House.
All Democrats voted to convict Trump, while only one Republican, Senator Mitt Romney, broke ranks with the GOP, voted to convict the commander-in-chief on the charge of obstruction of justice.
The former South Bend mayor has previously said that he feels “exhausted” by impeachment, but — like most Democratic White House hopefuls — he has not extensively commented on the issue while on the campaign trail.
Buttigieg, who entered the race as an outsider with almost no name recognition, is now in a strong position ahead of the New Hampshire primary, having seemingly tied for first place in the Iowa caucuses.
We cannot solve the problems before us by looking back. It’s time to meet this moment. #DemDebate pic.twitter.com/PnROcYid5w — Pete Buttigieg (@PeteButtigieg) February 8, 2020
In New Hampshire, according to the latest polling, Buttigieg is trailing Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont by seven points. The two men have separated themselves from the rest of the field, leaving candidates such as former Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts far behind.
Buttigieg’s rise comes largely at Biden’s expense, it seems, with the former vice president’s conservative and moderate supporters switching to the 38-year-old. Biden has taken note of Buttigieg’s rise, and his campaign has released an attack ad targeting the former South Bend mayor’s lack of experience on the national stage.


inquisitr--2020-02-09--Former Prosecutor Says Donald Trump Ousting Impeachment Witnesses Is ‘Criminal,’ Warns Things Could

Former Prosecutor Says Donald Trump Ousting Impeachment Witnesses Is ‘Criminal,’ Warns Things Could Get Worse

A former federal prosecutor said that Donald Trump ’ s actions to oust impeachment witnesses are “ criminal , ” and warns that things could get worse .
Just days after the U.S. Senate voted to acquit him on both articles of impeachment , Trump moved to remove two top members of his administration who had answered subpoenas and served as witnesses in his impeachment hearing .
Trump first removed Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman from his role on the National Security Council , and had both Vindman and his twin brother — who played no role in the impeachment proceedings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hours later , Trump recalled U.S .
Ambassador to the European Union Gordon Sondland , who had also testified in the House impeachment inquiry .
Sondland had been an ally of Trump , donating $ 1 million to his inauguration .
The moves were criticized as retribution against administration members who testified and provided damaging information about Trump , and one legal expert said the actions may have been illegal .
Elie Honig , a former state and federal prosecutor who now serves as a legal analyst at CNN , tweeted that Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ law .
Honig also warned that Trump may get even more brazen with his retribution now that he has been cleared of the impeachment charges .
“ I ’ m sounding this bell now .
It is disgraceful and criminal to demote / fire witnesses – as we are seeing with Vindman , his brother , Sondland , ” he wrote .
“ But this could get even worse – including bogus criminal charges against perceived Trump enemies in FBI and elsewhere .
Watch for this.
” Other legal experts have said that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in violation of federal law .
Former U.S. Attorney Joyce Vance tweeted that Trump ’ s actions seemed to be retaliation against a witness , which she pointed out was a federal crime .
“ I worked for a DOJ that prosecuted people who retaliated against witnesses , ” she added .
Even Trump ’ s allies in the Senate tried to stop him from carrying out the ousters , a report noted .
The New York Times reported that a group of Republican senators had tried to dissuade Trump from firing Sondland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hatched plans to leave his post — and urged Trump to let him leave on his own terms rather than appearing vindictive .
They did not attempt to stop Trump from removing Vindman , noting that his testimony against Trump would make it difficult for him to continue working in the White House , but Trump did not heed their requests to show restraint regarding Sondland .

A former federal prosecutor said that Donald Trump’s actions to oust impeachment witnesses are “criminal,” and warns that things could get worse.
Just days after the U.S. Senate voted to acquit him on both articles of impeachment, Trump moved to remove two top members of his administration who had answered subpoenas and served as witnesses in his impeachment hearing. Trump first removed Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman from his role on the National Security Council, and had both Vindman and his twin brother — who played no role in the impeachment proceedings — escorted from the White House.
Hours later, Trump recalled U.S. Ambassador to the European Union Gordon Sondland, who had also testified in the House impeachment inquiry. Sondland had been an ally of Trump, donating $1 million to his inauguration.
The moves were criticized as retribution against administration members who testified and provided damaging information about Trump, and one legal expert said the actions may have been illegal. Elie Honig, a former state and federal prosecutor who now serves as a legal analyst at CNN, tweeted that Trump’s actions may have broken the law. Honig also warned that Trump may get even more brazen with his retribution now that he has been cleared of the impeachment charges.
“I’m sounding this bell now. It is disgraceful and criminal to demote / fire witnesses – as we are seeing with Vindman, his brother, Sondland,” he wrote. “But this could get even worse – including bogus criminal charges against perceived Trump enemies in FBI and elsewhere. Watch for this.”
Other legal experts have said that Trump’s actions may have been in violation of federal law. Former U.S. Attorney Joyce Vance tweeted that Trump’s actions seemed to be retaliation against a witness, which she pointed out was a federal crime.
“I worked for a DOJ that prosecuted people who retaliated against witnesses,” she added.
Even Trump’s allies in the Senate tried to stop him from carrying out the ousters, a report noted. The New York Times reported that a group of Republican senators had tried to dissuade Trump from firing Sondland — noting that the ambassador had already hatched plans to leave his post — and urged Trump to let him leave on his own terms rather than appearing vindictive. They did not attempt to stop Trump from removing Vindman, noting that his testimony against Trump would make it difficult for him to continue working in the White House, but Trump did not heed their requests to show restraint regarding Sondland.


inquisitr--2020-02-09--Amy Klobuchar Raises $2M After New Hampshire Debate

Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar ’ s performance at Friday ’ s Democratic Party presidential primary debate in New Hampshire has apparently impressed voters across the country .
On Saturday , Klobuchar revealed that she ’ s raised $ 2 million since the event , according to The Hill .
In a statement , Klobuchar ’ s campaign manager , Justin Buoen , revealed that the senator is receiving donations from across the country , which demonstrates that she enjoys grassroots support .
During the debate , Klobuchar sparred with a number of other candidates , notably hitting former South Bend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inexperience .
“ I don ’ t have the biggest name on this stage , I don ’ t have the biggest bank account , I ’ m not a political newcomer with no record , but I have a record of fighting for people , ” the Minnesota senator said in her closing statements at the debate .
Klobuchar also attacked Buttigieg for flip-flopping on the issue of health care , quoting a three-year-old tweet in which the former mayor wrote that he supports Medicare for All , Sanders ’ signature proposal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Affordable Care Act .
A moderate Democrat with limited name recognition — until recently — Klobuchar has outperformed both expectations and the polls .
In the controversial Iowa caucuses earlier this week , she came in fifth , after former Vice President Joe Biden , Massachusetts Democrat Elizabeth Warren , Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont , and Buttigieg .
In New Hampshire , Klobuchar is hovering around sixth place .
According to latest polling , the Minnesota senator enjoys the support of 5 percent of the electorate .
Sanders and Buttigieg are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ State .
The Vermont Independent is leading the field with 28 percent of the vote .
Buttigieg is in second place , polling at 21 percent .
Biden is in third place , with 11 percent , and Warren in fourth , with 9 percent of the vote .
Biden ’ s collapse appears to have cleared the way for Buttigieg , who is cutting into the former vice president ’ s support among moderate and conservative voters .
Similarly , Warren ’ s collapse has benefited Sanders , who is seeing an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Much like Klobuchar , Sanders also sparred with Buttigieg during the New Hampshire debate , hitting the former South Bend mayor for accepting campaign contributions from Wall Street , billionaires — 40 of them , according to Sanders — and the pharmaceutical industry .

Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar’s performance at Friday’s Democratic Party presidential primary debate in New Hampshire has apparently impressed voters across the country. On Saturday, Klobuchar revealed that she’s raised $2 million since the event, according to The Hill.
In a statement, Klobuchar’s campaign manager, Justin Buoen, revealed that the senator is receiving donations from across the country, which demonstrates that she enjoys grassroots support.
“With proven grassroots support, Amy continues to outperform expectations and punch above her weight. Following her debate performance, we’ve raised $2 million and have seen an outpouring of donations from all 50 states, which will allow us to compete in New Hampshire and beyond.”
During the debate, Klobuchar sparred with a number of other candidates, notably hitting former South Bend, Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg over his inexperience.
“I don’t have the biggest name on this stage, I don’t have the biggest bank account, I’m not a political newcomer with no record, but I have a record of fighting for people,” the Minnesota senator said in her closing statements at the debate.
Klobuchar also attacked Buttigieg for flip-flopping on the issue of health care, quoting a three-year-old tweet in which the former mayor wrote that he supports Medicare for All, Sanders’ signature proposal. Buttigieg now claims to support expanding the Affordable Care Act.
A moderate Democrat with limited name recognition — until recently — Klobuchar has outperformed both expectations and the polls. In the controversial Iowa caucuses earlier this week, she came in fifth, after former Vice President Joe Biden, Massachusetts Democrat Elizabeth Warren, Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, and Buttigieg.
In New Hampshire, Klobuchar is hovering around sixth place. According to latest polling, the Minnesota senator enjoys the support of 5 percent of the electorate. Sanders and Buttigieg are ahead of the pack in the Granite State.
The Vermont Independent is leading the field with 28 percent of the vote. Buttigieg is in second place, polling at 21 percent. Biden is in third place, with 11 percent, and Warren in fourth, with 9 percent of the vote.
I am not a billionaire. I do not come from money. I am the granddaughter of an iron ore miner, the daughter of a teacher and a newspaperman, the first woman elected to the Senate from Minnesota, and someone who passed over 100 bills as the lead Democrat. pic.twitter.com/Xw8nAs05GR — Amy Klobuchar (@amyklobuchar) February 9, 2020
Biden’s collapse appears to have cleared the way for Buttigieg, who is cutting into the former vice president’s support among moderate and conservative voters. Similarly, Warren’s collapse has benefited Sanders, who is seeing an increase in support from liberal New Hampshirites.
Much like Klobuchar, Sanders also sparred with Buttigieg during the New Hampshire debate, hitting the former South Bend mayor for accepting campaign contributions from Wall Street, billionaires — 40 of them, according to Sanders — and the pharmaceutical industry.


inquisitr--2020-02-09--Joe Biden On Pete Buttigieg: ‘This Guy’s Not A Barack Obama’

On Saturday , during a campaign event in New Hampshire , former Vice President Joe Biden went on the offensive against fellow Democratic presidential candidate and former mayor of South Bend , Indiana Pete Buttigieg .
Per The Hill , Biden told reporters that comparisons between Buttigieg and former President Barack Obama — which Buttigieg has made on a number of occasions — do not hold water .
Biden told reporters that , unlike Obama , Buttigieg is not offering a “ vision ” as to what the international order should be , or what the United States economy needs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Buttigieg for being inexperienced , arguing that nominating the 38-year-old for president would put the Democratic Party at risk .
“ I do not believe we ’ re a party at risk if they nominate me , ” Biden said .
“ I do believe we ’ re a party at risk if we nominate someone who has never held a higher office than the mayor of South Bend , Indiana , ” he added .
Biden ’ s attacks on Buttigieg come as he continues to slide in the polls .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Buttigieg seemingly tied for first place with Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont , after what was considered a controversial race .
The strong showing in Iowa appears to have helped Buttigieg surge in New Hampshire , where he is in second place , trailing only Sanders .
According to latest polling , the Vermont senator holds a 7-point lead over the former South Bend mayor .
The two have separated themselves from the pack , however .
In the Granite State , Biden is in fourth place , polling at 11 percent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ polls came at Biden ’ s expense , given that he appears to have managed to cut into the former vice president ’ s support among moderates and conservatives .
In what appears to be an attempt to win back those voters , the Biden campaign has launched an attack ad against Buttigieg .
Released on Saturday , the advertisement takes aim at the 38-year-old ’ s lack of experience on the national stage , while touting Biden ’ s accomplishments .
Obama is prominently featured in the brief video , in which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the best vice president in American history .
Notably , the ad also points to controversies regarding Buttigieg ’ s relationship with the African American community in South Bend .

On Saturday, during a campaign event in New Hampshire, former Vice President Joe Biden went on the offensive against fellow Democratic presidential candidate and former mayor of South Bend, Indiana Pete Buttigieg.
Per The Hill, Biden told reporters that comparisons between Buttigieg and former President Barack Obama — which Buttigieg has made on a number of occasions — do not hold water. Biden told reporters that, unlike Obama, Buttigieg is not offering a “vision” as to what the international order should be, or what the United States economy needs to be like.
“This guy’s not a Barack Obama,” the Delaware Democrat began.
“Barack Obama had laid out a clear vision of what he thought the international society should look like and what the order should be. Barack Obama had laid out in detail what he thought should happen with regard to the economy.”
Biden also hit Buttigieg for being inexperienced, arguing that nominating the 38-year-old for president would put the Democratic Party at risk.
“I do not believe we’re a party at risk if they nominate me,” Biden said.
“I do believe we’re a party at risk if we nominate someone who has never held a higher office than the mayor of South Bend, Indiana,” he added.
Biden’s attacks on Buttigieg come as he continues to slide in the polls. The Delaware Democrat finished fourth in Iowa, and Buttigieg seemingly tied for first place with Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, after what was considered a controversial race.
The strong showing in Iowa appears to have helped Buttigieg surge in New Hampshire, where he is in second place, trailing only Sanders. According to latest polling, the Vermont senator holds a 7-point lead over the former South Bend mayor.
The two have separated themselves from the pack, however. In the Granite State, Biden is in fourth place, polling at 11 percent. Buttigieg’s rise in the polls came at Biden’s expense, given that he appears to have managed to cut into the former vice president’s support among moderates and conservatives.
Pete Buttigieg: "We would be well served if we could start to get Washington to work a little more like our best run cities and towns rather than the other way around… And we're running out of time." pic.twitter.com/hOHJ7g22mj — The Hill (@thehill) February 9, 2020
In what appears to be an attempt to win back those voters, the Biden campaign has launched an attack ad against Buttigieg. Released on Saturday, the advertisement takes aim at the 38-year-old’s lack of experience on the national stage, while touting Biden’s accomplishments.
Obama is prominently featured in the brief video, in which he can be heard describing Biden as the best vice president in American history. Notably, the ad also points to controversies regarding Buttigieg’s relationship with the African American community in South Bend.


inquisitr--2020-02-09--Democratic Presidential Candidates Make Final Pitch To New Hampshire Voters

On Saturday night , Democratic presidential candidates held speeches in the SNHU Arena in downtown Manchester , New Hampshire , making a final pitch to voters before the primary election .
According to The Hill , tensions were high with supporters of each candidate packed in the 12,000-person arena .
Notably , supporters of Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont and former South Bend , Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg ‘ s supporters clashed , chanting at rival candidates .
Correspondingly , all the candidates stressed the need to unite after the primary is over in order to defeat President Donald Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in opinion in the room , I see that , I detect that , ” Sanders said during his speech .
“ But despite the differences of opinion in the candidates we are supporting… we ’ ll come together to defeat the most dangerous president in the history of this country , ” the senator added .
Buttigieg pitched himself as a candidate of generational change , suggesting during his speech that Democrats need someone from a small town in the Midwest to defeat Trump in 2020 .
“ We ’ re tired @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Washington politics and are ready for someone to take our voice to the Washington capitol , ” he said .
Sanders supporters attempted to interrupt Buttigieg ’ s speech by chanting “ Wall Street Pete , ” but the 38-year-old ’ s supporters responded with chants of their own .
Former Vice President Joe Biden — who finished fourth in Iowa — delivered a passionate speech , receiving a standing ovation from the crowd .
Biden urged all Democrats to vote Trump out of office in 2020 , concluding his speech with , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , now , now !
” Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts — who has been plunging in the polls , both in New Hampshire and elsewhere — suggested that the Democratic Party needs to nominate a woman in order to beat Trump and the Republicans in November .
“ The way I see it , they ’ ll keep saying that [ a woman can ’ t win ] right up until the point we get in the fight , we persist , and we win , ” Warren said .
Sen. Amy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ importance of Democratic unity , becoming emotional while discussing her long-shot presidential campaign .
Entrepreneur Andrew Yang , who was greeted by his own and Sanders ’ supporters , also held a brief speech , as did billionaire Tom Steyer , who stressed the importance of running against Trump on economic issues .
Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard and former Massachusetts Gov .
Deval Patrick also spoke at the event .
According to the latest polling , Sanders is the favorite to win New Hampshire , having maintained a seven-point lead over Buttigieg .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 11 percent support , and Warren in fourth , polling at nine percent .

On Saturday night, Democratic presidential candidates held speeches in the SNHU Arena in downtown Manchester, New Hampshire, making a final pitch to voters before the primary election.
According to The Hill, tensions were high with supporters of each candidate packed in the 12,000-person arena. Notably, supporters of Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont and former South Bend, Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg‘s supporters clashed, chanting at rival candidates. Correspondingly, all the candidates stressed the need to unite after the primary is over in order to defeat President Donald Trump.
“I know there are differences in opinion in the room, I see that, I detect that,” Sanders said during his speech.
“But despite the differences of opinion in the candidates we are supporting… we’ll come together to defeat the most dangerous president in the history of this country,” the senator added.
Buttigieg pitched himself as a candidate of generational change, suggesting during his speech that Democrats need someone from a small town in the Midwest to defeat Trump in 2020.
“We’re tired of being reduced to a punchline in Washington politics and are ready for someone to take our voice to the Washington capitol,” he said.
Sanders supporters attempted to interrupt Buttigieg’s speech by chanting “Wall Street Pete,” but the 38-year-old’s supporters responded with chants of their own.
Former Vice President Joe Biden — who finished fourth in Iowa — delivered a passionate speech, receiving a standing ovation from the crowd. Biden urged all Democrats to vote Trump out of office in 2020, concluding his speech with, “Let’s do it now, now, now!”
Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts — who has been plunging in the polls, both in New Hampshire and elsewhere — suggested that the Democratic Party needs to nominate a woman in order to beat Trump and the Republicans in November.
“The way I see it, they’ll keep saying that [a woman can’t win] right up until the point we get in the fight, we persist, and we win,” Warren said.
Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota also talked about the importance of Democratic unity, becoming emotional while discussing her long-shot presidential campaign.
Had a wonderful time at the McIntyre-Shaheen dinner in Manchester tonight! New Hampshire feels like home for the #YangGang. pic.twitter.com/V9OvQ8JiF0 — Andrew Yang🧢⬆🇺🇸 (@AndrewYang) February 9, 2020
Entrepreneur Andrew Yang, who was greeted by his own and Sanders’ supporters, also held a brief speech, as did billionaire Tom Steyer, who stressed the importance of running against Trump on economic issues. Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard and former Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick also spoke at the event.
According to the latest polling, Sanders is the favorite to win New Hampshire, having maintained a seven-point lead over Buttigieg. Biden is in third place, with 11 percent support, and Warren in fourth, polling at nine percent.


inquisitr--2020-02-09--Jeanine Pirro Blasts ‘Snake’ Mitt Romney: ‘Get The Hell Out Of The United States Senate’

Earlier this week , in a 52-48 vote on the first article of impeachment and 53-47 on the second , the United States Senate acquitted President Donald Trump of all charges made by the House of Representatives .
Sen. Mitt Romney of Utah was the only Republican to break ranks with his party , voting to convict Trump on the charge of abuse of power .
Romney has since faced intense criticism from the president and Republican lawmakers alike .
Trump-aligned media figures are now ripping into the senator as well .
During the opening statement of her Fox News @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blasted Romney as a “ snake , ” urging him to vacate his seat in the Senate , according to Mediaite .
Pirro began the monologue by pointing out that Romney is the first senator in the history of the United States to vote to convict a member of his own party .
“ How dare he ?
!
How could he ?
!
And why would he ?
!
” she shouted , before suggesting that Romney only voted to convict Trump in order to “ impress ” the Democrats .
During @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Romney cited his conscience and his belief in God as the reasons he felt compelled to vote to convict the commander-in-chief .
According to Pirro , Romney was disingenuous and only brought up religion because he needed an “ excuse ” to justify his actions .
Pirro likened Romney to Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi , who has also suggested in the past that she “ prays ” for Trump .
“ Who do these people think they ’ re fooling ?
What a bunch of phonies !
” Pirro @ @ @ @ @ @ @ evidence uncovered in the impeachment probe .
The anchor concluded that Romney voted to convict Trump out of jealousy .
According to Pirro , the senator is jealous of Trump because he can “ never rise to the heights that he has.
” She also blasted Romney for “ choking ” during the 2012 presidential debates , when he ran against former President Barack Obama .
“ At your request Donald Trump supported you in 2012 and 2018 and like a snake in the grass , you turned on him , ” Pirro @ @ @ @ @ @ @ idea , you need to be removed from office !
How about you get the hell out of the United States Senate !
” she said .
“ The people in Utah are furious with you !
And your dream of endearing yourself to the Trump-hating left is a joke , ” Pirro added .
Some Republicans appreciate Romney ’ s vote .
Conservative advocacy group Republicans for the Rule of Law announced earlier this week that it will be launching an advertisement campaign , praising the senator for his vote to convict @ @

Earlier this week, in a 52-48 vote on the first article of impeachment and 53-47 on the second, the United States Senate acquitted President Donald Trump of all charges made by the House of Representatives. Sen. Mitt Romney of Utah was the only Republican to break ranks with his party, voting to convict Trump on the charge of abuse of power.
Romney has since faced intense criticism from the president and Republican lawmakers alike. Trump-aligned media figures are now ripping into the senator as well. During the opening statement of her Fox News show on Saturday, anchor Jeanine Pirro blasted Romney as a “snake,” urging him to vacate his seat in the Senate, according to Mediaite.
Pirro began the monologue by pointing out that Romney is the first senator in the history of the United States to vote to convict a member of his own party. “How dare he?! How could he?! And why would he?!” she shouted, before suggesting that Romney only voted to convict Trump in order to “impress” the Democrats.
During his speech on the Senate floor, Romney cited his conscience and his belief in God as the reasons he felt compelled to vote to convict the commander-in-chief. According to Pirro, Romney was disingenuous and only brought up religion because he needed an “excuse” to justify his actions.
Mitt dared to do what he thought was good for him individually. Not for the party, not for us and certainly not for America. He knew his vote would change nothing regarding impeachment but he tried to set himself up as a “leader” going against everyone else. #OpeningStatement pic.twitter.com/cuxJNlY3xH — Jeanine Pirro (@JudgeJeanine) February 9, 2020
Pirro likened Romney to Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi, who has also suggested in the past that she “prays” for Trump. “Who do these people think they’re fooling? What a bunch of phonies!” Pirro exclaimed, before dismissing witness testimonies and evidence uncovered in the impeachment probe.
The anchor concluded that Romney voted to convict Trump out of jealousy. According to Pirro, the senator is jealous of Trump because he can “never rise to the heights that he has.” She also blasted Romney for “choking” during the 2012 presidential debates, when he ran against former President Barack Obama.
“At your request Donald Trump supported you in 2012 and 2018 and like a snake in the grass, you turned on him,” Pirro blasted Romney. “I have an idea, you need to be removed from office! How about you get the hell out of the United States Senate!” she said.
“The people in Utah are furious with you! And your dream of endearing yourself to the Trump-hating left is a joke,” Pirro added.
Some Republicans appreciate Romney’s vote. Conservative advocacy group Republicans for the Rule of Law announced earlier this week that it will be launching an advertisement campaign, praising the senator for his vote to convict Trump.


inquisitr--2020-02-09--Alexander Vindman’s Attorney Accuses Donald Trump Of Carrying Out ‘Campaign Of Intimidation’

An attorney for Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman is firing back after President Donald Trump ousted the impeachment witness from his White House post and then insulted his job performance on Twitter .
Vindman , who answered a subpoena to testify during the House impeachment hearings and revealed some damaging information about Trump ’ s campaign to pressure Ukraine into digging up dirt on Joe Biden , was removed from his post on Friday and escorted from the White House grounds .
The dismissal came just days after the U.S. Senate voted to acquit Trump of both articles of impeachment , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ retribution .
Amid the criticism , Trump took to Twitter to explain his rationale for removing Vindman , admitting that his impeachment testimony played a part in that .
In a series of tweets posted early on Saturday , Trump said that the decision was not personal and claimed that Vindman received a poor job appraisal .
“ Fake News @ CNN & MSDNC keep talking about ‘ Lt .
Col. ’ Vindman as though I should think only how wonderful he was , ” Trump wrote .
“ Actually , I don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to him , or met him ( I don ’ t believe ! )
but , he was very insubordinate , reported contents of my ‘ perfect ’ calls incorrectly , & was given a horrendous report by his superior , the man he reported to , who publicly stated that Vindman had problems with judgement , adhering to the chain of command and leaking information .
In other words , ‘ OUT ’ .
” The attorney representing Vindman struck back later on Saturday .
As Politico reported , attorney David Pressman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Vindman ’ s job performance were unfounded .
During impeachment hearings , Republican Jim Jordan had raised a similar point , noting that National Security Council official Tim Morrison raised concerns about Vindman ’ s judgment .
That prompted Vindman to read verbatim a glowing performance review from his direct superior .
Pressman went further , calling out lawmakers for remaining silent after Trump ousted Vindman from his post while the president “ continues his campaign of intimidation.
” Maine Republican Susan Collins had spoken out ahead of Vindman ’ s ouster , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of any retribution against witnesses .
She did not release a statement after Trump ’ s decision to remove him .
In removing Alexander Vindman from his White House post , Trump also ousted Vindman ’ s twin brother , who also worked in the White House but played no part in the impeachment inquiry .
Hours later , Trump removed another impeachment witness from his post .
Gordon Sondland , the U.S. ambassador to the European Union , released a statement confirming that Trump recalled him from the position .

An attorney for Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman is firing back after President Donald Trump ousted the impeachment witness from his White House post and then insulted his job performance on Twitter.
Vindman, who answered a subpoena to testify during the House impeachment hearings and revealed some damaging information about Trump’s campaign to pressure Ukraine into digging up dirt on Joe Biden, was removed from his post on Friday and escorted from the White House grounds. The dismissal came just days after the U.S. Senate voted to acquit Trump of both articles of impeachment, drawing allegations that the president was seeking retribution.
Amid the criticism, Trump took to Twitter to explain his rationale for removing Vindman, admitting that his impeachment testimony played a part in that. In a series of tweets posted early on Saturday, Trump said that the decision was not personal and claimed that Vindman received a poor job appraisal.
“Fake News @CNN & MSDNC keep talking about ‘Lt. Col.’ Vindman as though I should think only how wonderful he was,” Trump wrote.
“Actually, I don’t know him, never spoke to him, or met him (I don’t believe!) but, he was very insubordinate, reported contents of my ‘perfect’ calls incorrectly, & was given a horrendous report by his superior, the man he reported to, who publicly stated that Vindman had problems with judgement, adhering to the chain of command and leaking information. In other words, ‘OUT’.”
The attorney representing Vindman struck back later on Saturday. As Politico reported, attorney David Pressman said that Trump’s claims about Vindman’s job performance were unfounded. During impeachment hearings, Republican Jim Jordan had raised a similar point, noting that National Security Council official Tim Morrison raised concerns about Vindman’s judgment. That prompted Vindman to read verbatim a glowing performance review from his direct superior.
Pressman went further, calling out lawmakers for remaining silent after Trump ousted Vindman from his post while the president “continues his campaign of intimidation.” Maine Republican Susan Collins had spoken out ahead of Vindman’s ouster, saying she would not be in favor of any retribution against witnesses. She did not release a statement after Trump’s decision to remove him.
In removing Alexander Vindman from his White House post, Trump also ousted Vindman’s twin brother, who also worked in the White House but played no part in the impeachment inquiry. Hours later, Trump removed another impeachment witness from his post. Gordon Sondland, the U.S. ambassador to the European Union, released a statement confirming that Trump recalled him from the position.


inquisitr--2020-02-09--Van Jones: Democrats Wasted Three Years On ‘Fantasy Football Politics’ With Robert Mueller And Impea

Van Jones: Democrats Wasted Three Years On ‘Fantasy Football Politics’ With Robert Mueller And Impeachment

Donald Trump is 'higher in the polls than he ’ s ever been , ' warns Jones .
In an interview with S.E .
Cupp broadcast on Saturday , CNN ‘ s Van Jones accused the Democratic Party of overlooking African-American voters , reports Mediaite .
Jones began the discussion by noting that both parties appear to be making an effort to appeal to black voters .
He pointed out that President Donald Trump recently launched an advertisement campaign touting his criminal justice measures , acknowledging that race was discussed during the most recent Democratic primary debate on Friday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to hear some acknowledgment , ” adding that both parties used to write off and ignore African-American voters , which does not seem to be the case this year .
However , the commentator suggested that Democrats wasted a tremendous amount of political capital by spending three years focusing on Trump and engaging in “ fantasy football politics.
” Jones also pointed to former special counsel Robert Mueller ’ s investigation into Russian election interference and related matters , and to impeachment .
“ After three years of all of that fantasy football @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is still in the White House , ” he said , adding that Democrats should have — instead of focusing on Trump — tried to understand why so many voters who voted for former President Barack Obama twice decided to back Trump in 2016 .
Instead of engaging in introspection , according to Jones , the Democrats spent the past three years launching investigations into Trump and accusing voters who voted for Obama and then Trump of being “ Nazis.
” They should have , instead , tried to figure out why the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton ’ s devastating defeat .
All of this has helped Trump , according to Jones , boosting his approval and favorability ratings , as the Democratic Party struggles to coalesce around a nominee to take him on in November of 2020 .
“ The reality is all the blood , sweat and tears over impeachment , Bob Mueller , has not done anything dent Trump , he ’ s higher in the polls than he ’ s ever been , and we still don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
Trump is indeed higher in the polls than he has ever been .
According to latest Gallup research , the president ’ s approval rating is at an all-time high of 49 percent .
Ninety-four percent of Republicans approve of the president ’ s job performance , as do 42 percent of independent voters .
The Republican Party is surging in the polls as well .
The GOP ’ s image has , for the first time since 2005 , exceeded 50 percent and 48 percent of Americans now identify as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of those who identify as Democrats .

In an interview with S.E. Cupp broadcast on Saturday, CNN‘s Van Jones accused the Democratic Party of overlooking African-American voters, reports Mediaite.
Jones began the discussion by noting that both parties appear to be making an effort to appeal to black voters. He pointed out that President Donald Trump recently launched an advertisement campaign touting his criminal justice measures, acknowledging that race was discussed during the most recent Democratic primary debate on Friday.
Jones said that it is “good to hear some acknowledgment,” adding that both parties used to write off and ignore African-American voters, which does not seem to be the case this year. However, the commentator suggested that Democrats wasted a tremendous amount of political capital by spending three years focusing on Trump and engaging in “fantasy football politics.”
“I would accuse my party at this point of having engaged in three years of fantasy football politics where we said, ‘OK, don’t worry. Trump is never going to be seated because the Electoral College won’t seat him.'”
Jones also pointed to former special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into Russian election interference and related matters, and to impeachment.
“After three years of all of that fantasy football, guess what we have? Trump is still in the White House,” he said, adding that Democrats should have — instead of focusing on Trump — tried to understand why so many voters who voted for former President Barack Obama twice decided to back Trump in 2016.
Instead of engaging in introspection, according to Jones, the Democrats spent the past three years launching investigations into Trump and accusing voters who voted for Obama and then Trump of being “Nazis.” They should have, instead, tried to figure out why the voters made the switch, which led to former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s devastating defeat.
All of this has helped Trump, according to Jones, boosting his approval and favorability ratings, as the Democratic Party struggles to coalesce around a nominee to take him on in November of 2020.
“The reality is all the blood, sweat and tears over impeachment, Bob Mueller, has not done anything dent Trump, he’s higher in the polls than he’s ever been, and we still don’t have a candidate,” the commentator said.
WATCH THIS VIDEO if you want my take on Trump's strategy with Black voters. I broke it down tonight with @SECupp on @UnfilteredSE. BOTTOM LINE: We've neglected the base of our party for WAY TOO LONG. Democrats need to stop taking black & brown votes for granted. @CNN pic.twitter.com/bTOeSwLn7k — Van Jones (@VanJones68) February 9, 2020
Trump is indeed higher in the polls than he has ever been. According to latest Gallup research, the president’s approval rating is at an all-time high of 49 percent. Ninety-four percent of Republicans approve of the president’s job performance, as do 42 percent of independent voters.
The Republican Party is surging in the polls as well. The GOP’s image has, for the first time since 2005, exceeded 50 percent and 48 percent of Americans now identify as Republicans, as opposed to 44 percent of those who identify as Democrats.


inquisitr--2020-02-09--Pete Buttigieg Is Reportedly Funded By Russian-Linked GOP Billionaire Who Supports Donald Trump

Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg has reportedly taken donations from Republican billionaire Leonard “ Len ” Blavatnik , Law & Crime reports .
According to the publication , Federal Election Commission ( FEC ) data reveals the funding from the infamous GOP donor , who allegedly has “ direct links to the Russian oligarchy ” and supports Donald Trump , as well as Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell .
In addition to Trump and McConnell , Blavatnik has reportedly donated to political action committees for Lindsey Graham , John McCain , Marco Rubio , John Kasich , and Scott Walker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the GOP reportedly took place during the 2015-2016 election , per Law & Crime .
Although Trump did not receive money from Blavatnik during his 2016 campaign , the billionaire reportedly made significant donations to the Republican National Committee ’ s legal fund .
Some of this money allegedly went to Trump ’ s legal team amid Robert Mueller ‘ s Russia probe .
Now , Blavatnik is apparently shifting his funds to Buttigieg , who has recently come under fire from Bernie Sanders for accepting campaign contributions from billionaires , big @ @ @ @ @ @ @ donating to Buttigieg , Law & Crime claims the Blavatnik family has “ attempted to purchase influence ” with the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee ( DCCC ) .
Writing for Dallas Morning News in 2017 , Ruth May outlined Blavatnik ’ s connections to Russia ’ s President Vladimir Putin and his allies .
As of now , Buttigieg has reportedly received more than $ 5,000 from Blavatnik , which is close to the maximum amount legally allowed .
Per Business Insider , Buttigieg ’ s campaign has received donations from more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the publication , a representative from the former South Bend mayor ’ s campaign claimed that the candidate believes in the necessity of campaign finance reforms , but thinks he can only achieve them with the “ necessary resources ” to beat Trump .
In the face of attacks on the debate stage , Buttigieg noted that he was the only person that isn ’ t a millionaire or billionaire at the debate .
According to Elena Botella , writing for Forbes , this claim is misleading because — for his age @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in “ practical terms ” aligned with the level of wealth of a millionaire in their 60s .
Buttigieg ’ s big-money ties have drawn scrutiny on many occasions .
When previously pressed if he would stop taking money from billionaires and participating in closed-door fundraisers , he gave the curt response of “ no .
”

Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg has reportedly taken donations from Republican billionaire Leonard “Len” Blavatnik, Law & Crime reports.
According to the publication, Federal Election Commission (FEC) data reveals the funding from the infamous GOP donor, who allegedly has “direct links to the Russian oligarchy” and supports Donald Trump, as well as Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.
In addition to Trump and McConnell, Blavatnik has reportedly donated to political action committees for Lindsey Graham, John McCain, Marco Rubio, John Kasich, and Scott Walker.
Most of Blavatnik’s donations to the GOP reportedly took place during the 2015-2016 election, per Law & Crime. Although Trump did not receive money from Blavatnik during his 2016 campaign, the billionaire reportedly made significant donations to the Republican National Committee’s legal fund. Some of this money allegedly went to Trump’s legal team amid Robert Mueller‘s Russia probe.
Now, Blavatnik is apparently shifting his funds to Buttigieg, who has recently come under fire from Bernie Sanders for accepting campaign contributions from billionaires, big pharma, and Wall Street.
Since donating to Buttigieg, Law & Crime claims the Blavatnik family has “attempted to purchase influence” with the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC).
Writing for Dallas Morning News in 2017, Ruth May outlined Blavatnik’s connections to Russia’s President Vladimir Putin and his allies.
“Blavatnik’s relationships with Russian oligarchs close to Putin, particularly Oleg Deripaska, should be worrisome for Trump and the six GOP leaders who took Blavatnik’s money during the 2016 presidential campaign.”
As of now, Buttigieg has reportedly received more than $5,000 from Blavatnik, which is close to the maximum amount legally allowed.
Bernie Sanders’ campaign turns up the heat on Pete Buttigieg, starting the hashtag #PetesBillionaires. This follows Sanders himself criticizing Buttigieg over his billionaire donors at an event today in New Hampshire. pic.twitter.com/R3FgiuJa4D — Holly Otterbein (@hollyotterbein) February 7, 2020
Per Business Insider, Buttigieg’s campaign has received donations from more than 40 billionaires and their spouses. Speaking to the publication, a representative from the former South Bend mayor’s campaign claimed that the candidate believes in the necessity of campaign finance reforms, but thinks he can only achieve them with the “necessary resources” to beat Trump.
In the face of attacks on the debate stage, Buttigieg noted that he was the only person that isn’t a millionaire or billionaire at the debate. According to Elena Botella, writing for Forbes, this claim is misleading because — for his age — Buttigieg’s six-figure salary is in “practical terms” aligned with the level of wealth of a millionaire in their 60s.
Buttigieg’s big-money ties have drawn scrutiny on many occasions. When previously pressed if he would stop taking money from billionaires and participating in closed-door fundraisers, he gave the curt response of “no.”


inquisitr--2020-02-09--Chris Matthews Slammed For Post-Debate Attacks On Bernie Sanders’ Democratic Socialist Agenda

After the Democratic presidential debate on Friday , MSNBC host Chris Matthews appeared on a post-debate panel and went on a rant about Bernie Sanders and his Democratic socialist platform , Common Dreams reports .
According to Matthews , who invoked the name of former Cuban President Fidel Castro , electing Sanders could lead to a dictatorship that would include the execution of political figures .
“ I believe if Castro and the reds had won the Cold War there would have been executions in Central Park and I might have been one of the ones getting executed .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supports over these years , I don ’ t know what he means by socialism.
” Matthews then noted that Sanders has suggested the United States will move in the direction of Denmark .
However , he acknowledged that Denmark is “ basically a capitalist country ” with the addition of “ good social programs.
” Many took to social media to slam Matthews for his comments and accuse him of fear-mongering .
“ You can ’ t say ‘ blue no matter who ’ and also insinuate that Bernie might execute people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” wrote radio host Austin Walker .
“ Matthews isn ’ t going to be held accountable for losing his mind on national television , ” wrote American video producer Carlos Maza , who claimed that “ peddling wild conspiracies about socialism ” is acceptable , unlike people who carry the socialist tag .
The controversy comes after Sanders used his debate appearance to express his desire to move the United States closer to developed Scandinavian countries and provide publicly-funded education and health care .
He also expressed the desire to implement guaranteed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Democratic socialist countries .
While other candidates suggested that Sanders ’ positions would make it more difficult to bring enough people together to take on Donald Trump , Sanders suggested the opposite— he claimed the politics were unifying .
According to the 78-year-old politician , the American people want to start cracking down on billionaires and large corporations and begin guaranteeing health care as a human right .
A recent CNN poll conducted by the University of New Hampshire Survey Center shows that Sanders maintains a healthy seven-point lead over his closest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Buttigieg — in the New Hampshire Democratic primary .
Unlike the pair of frontrunners , support for former Vice President Joe Biden and Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren has declined , with the former at 11 percent support and the latter at nine percent .
Although Sanders and Buttigieg are both in favorable positions , approximately half of the voters surveyed said they have yet to make up their minds on who to support for the nomination .

After the Democratic presidential debate on Friday, MSNBC host Chris Matthews appeared on a post-debate panel and went on a rant about Bernie Sanders and his Democratic socialist platform, Common Dreams reports.
According to Matthews, who invoked the name of former Cuban President Fidel Castro, electing Sanders could lead to a dictatorship that would include the execution of political figures.
“I believe if Castro and the reds had won the Cold War there would have been executions in Central Park and I might have been one of the ones getting executed. I don’t know who Bernie Sanders supports over these years, I don’t know what he means by socialism.”
Matthews then noted that Sanders has suggested the United States will move in the direction of Denmark. However, he acknowledged that Denmark is “basically a capitalist country” with the addition of “good social programs.”
Many took to social media to slam Matthews for his comments and accuse him of fear-mongering.
“You can’t say ‘blue no matter who’ and also insinuate that Bernie might execute people in the streets. Come on,” wrote radio host Austin Walker.
“Matthews isn’t going to be held accountable for losing his mind on national television,” wrote American video producer Carlos Maza, who claimed that “peddling wild conspiracies about socialism” is acceptable, unlike people who carry the socialist tag.
The controversy comes after Sanders used his debate appearance to express his desire to move the United States closer to developed Scandinavian countries and provide publicly-funded education and health care. He also expressed the desire to implement guaranteed paid leave and other social programs seen in Democratic socialist countries.
When discussing Bernie Sanders, MSNBC’s Chris Matthews goes on a rant against socialism: “I’ve seen what socialism is like and I don’t like it.”
pic.twitter.com/iUONfna47m — Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) February 8, 2020
While other candidates suggested that Sanders’ positions would make it more difficult to bring enough people together to take on Donald Trump, Sanders suggested the opposite— he claimed the politics were unifying. According to the 78-year-old politician, the American people want to start cracking down on billionaires and large corporations and begin guaranteeing health care as a human right.
A recent CNN poll conducted by the University of New Hampshire Survey Center shows that Sanders maintains a healthy seven-point lead over his closest competitor — former South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg — in the New Hampshire Democratic primary. Unlike the pair of frontrunners, support for former Vice President Joe Biden and Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren has declined, with the former at 11 percent support and the latter at nine percent.
Although Sanders and Buttigieg are both in favorable positions, approximately half of the voters surveyed said they have yet to make up their minds on who to support for the nomination.


inquisitr--2020-02-09--Encouraged By Donald Trump Acquittal And Strong Economy, Republicans Believe They Can Win Back House

Earlier this week , in a 52-48 vote on the first article of impeachment and 53-47 on the second , the GOP-controlled United States Senate acquitted President Donald Trump of all charges made by the House of Representatives .
Trump and the Republican Party ‘ s approval ratings have since gone up , and the GOP appears more unified than ever .
Encouraged by these developments and by the strength of Trump ’ s economy , Republicans believe they can win back the House , according to a new report from The Hill .
According to the report , GOP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the turmoil in the Democratic Party as the perfect opening to win seats in the House .
The past week was especially turbulent for the Democrats , who — apart from seeing Trump walk away from impeachment unscathed — went through a major scandal in Iowa , where both the local party and the Democratic National Committee fumbled to organized fair and impartial caucuses .
During the House Republican Conference meeting Wednesday morning , GOP lawmakers discussed the possibility of winning back the lower chamber .
“ Let ’ s do what we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ message and we ’ ll get the majority back , ” Rep. Roger Williams of Texas said , according to an aide .
On Thursday , House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy pointed to polls , suggesting that he feels good about the GOP ’ s prospects while taking a shot at House Democrats .
“ Look at our favorability rating — it ’ s the best it ’ s been since 2004 , 2005 .
Look at the successes we ’ ve had .
And then when you contrast that to the Democrats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he asked .
Trump is also optimistic about his party ’ s prospects .
During the Republican conference , he told McCarthy that impeachment will make him the next Speaker of the House of Representatives .
“ I will say that you ’ re going to be Speaker of the House because of this impeachment hoax , ” the president said , adding that the GOP will “ win a lot of seats.
” According to individuals briefed on the matter , Republicans feel confident and plan on attacking Democrats over impeachment and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ organizations are expected to air advertisements targeting vulnerable Democratic incumbents , casting the Democratic Party as incompetent and uninterested in governing .
According to Rep. Greg Walden of Oregon , who served as chairman of the House Republicans ’ campaign arm twice , it is still too early to tell what issues the elections will focus on .
“ I used to tell people when I ran the [ campaign arm ] , I can tell you in August or September what the issues in the election will be , not in February @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Earlier this week, in a 52-48 vote on the first article of impeachment and 53-47 on the second, the GOP-controlled United States Senate acquitted President Donald Trump of all charges made by the House of Representatives. Trump and the Republican Party‘s approval ratings have since gone up, and the GOP appears more unified than ever.
Encouraged by these developments and by the strength of Trump’s economy, Republicans believe they can win back the House, according to a new report from The Hill. According to the report, GOP lawmakers are brimming with optimism and see the turmoil in the Democratic Party as the perfect opening to win seats in the House.
The past week was especially turbulent for the Democrats, who — apart from seeing Trump walk away from impeachment unscathed — went through a major scandal in Iowa, where both the local party and the Democratic National Committee fumbled to organized fair and impartial caucuses.
During the House Republican Conference meeting Wednesday morning, GOP lawmakers discussed the possibility of winning back the lower chamber. “Let’s do what we’ve been doing, stay on message and we’ll get the majority back,” Rep. Roger Williams of Texas said, according to an aide.
On Thursday, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy pointed to polls, suggesting that he feels good about the GOP’s prospects while taking a shot at House Democrats.
“Look at our favorability rating — it’s the best it’s been since 2004, 2005. Look at the successes we’ve had. And then when you contrast that to the Democrats, what do they have?” he asked.
Trump is also optimistic about his party’s prospects. During the Republican conference, he told McCarthy that impeachment will make him the next Speaker of the House of Representatives. “I will say that you’re going to be Speaker of the House because of this impeachment hoax,” the president said, adding that the GOP will “win a lot of seats.”
According to individuals briefed on the matter, Republicans feel confident and plan on attacking Democrats over impeachment and the Iowa fiasco. GOP-aligned groups and organizations are expected to air advertisements targeting vulnerable Democratic incumbents, casting the Democratic Party as incompetent and uninterested in governing.
According to Rep. Greg Walden of Oregon, who served as chairman of the House Republicans’ campaign arm twice, it is still too early to tell what issues the elections will focus on.
“I used to tell people when I ran the [campaign arm], I can tell you in August or September what the issues in the election will be, not in February,” he told The Hill.


inquisitr--2020-02-08--After Acquittal, ‘Unhinged’ Donald Trump Thinks He Can ‘Get Away With Anything,’ Says Conservative W

After Acquittal, ‘Unhinged’ Donald Trump Thinks He Can ‘Get Away With Anything,’ Says Conservative Writer

In a Saturday op-ed for The Washington Post , conservative author Max Boot addressed Donald Trump ‘ s recent acquittal by the Senate and his fears that it positions the president to continue doing what he wants without consequence .
Boot said that Trump has “ barely survived ” Robert Mueller ‘ s investigation and the impeachment trial on the two articles of impeachment passed against him , as well as the president ’ s response to each .
“ Each time he should have emulated President Bill Clinton ’ s example by apologizing for his conduct , asking forgiveness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Boot wrote , adding that Trump instead pursued “ retribution ” over “ reconciliation.
” Boot then pointed to Trump ’ s attack on Utah Sen. Mitt Romney on Thursday and the “ Friday night massacre ” that came the following day .
The phrase refers to Trump ’ s firing or senior White House official Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman and former ambassador to the European Union Gordon Sondland — both of whom testified against the president in the impeachment probe .
The Russian-born author also pointed to Donald Trump Jr. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which thanked impeachment manager Adam Schiff for helping the White House determine who needed to be fired .
“ Were it not for his crack investigation skills , @ realDonaldTrump might have had a tougher time unearthing who all needed to be fired .
Thanks , Adam !
” Trump Jr. tweeted .
According to Boot , the Trumps confessed to violating 18 U.S. Code § 1513 , which he notes is a “ federal law that protects whistleblowers from retaliation.
” Regardless , Boot noted that Trump was not likely to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unchained and unhinged , ” Boot wrote in the conclusion of his article .
“ I fear for the future of our democracy with such a vindictive bully wielding the awesome powers of the presidency with less and less restraint .
He is making an example of all those who have exposed his misconduct in the past to ensure that he can get away with even greater wrongdoing in the future.
” Former Republican strategist Steve Schmidt has expressed his belief that Trump ’ s acquittal will grant him unprecedented powers , likening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Jon Meacham said he is now “ functionally ” a monarch .
Other experts and historians expressed worry over the precedent that the acquittal will set for future impeachments .
Attorney James Robenalt pointed to the arguments used by Trump ’ s team of lawyers — which included Alan Dershowitz — during the impeachment trial and suggested they created a “ huge danger ” that will have negative consequences on future impeachments .

In a Saturday op-ed for The Washington Post, conservative author Max Boot addressed Donald Trump‘s recent acquittal by the Senate and his fears that it positions the president to continue doing what he wants without consequence.
Boot said that Trump has “barely survived” Robert Mueller‘s investigation and the impeachment trial on the two articles of impeachment passed against him, as well as the president’s response to each.
“Each time he should have emulated President Bill Clinton’s example by apologizing for his conduct, asking forgiveness and trying to bring the country together,” Boot wrote, adding that Trump instead pursued “retribution” over “reconciliation.”
Boot then pointed to Trump’s attack on Utah Sen. Mitt Romney on Thursday and the “Friday night massacre” that came the following day. The phrase refers to Trump’s firing or senior White House official Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman and former ambassador to the European Union Gordon Sondland — both of whom testified against the president in the impeachment probe.
The Russian-born author also pointed to Donald Trump Jr.’s tweet on Frida evening, which thanked impeachment manager Adam Schiff for helping the White House determine who needed to be fired.
“Were it not for his crack investigation skills, @realDonaldTrump might have had a tougher time unearthing who all needed to be fired. Thanks, Adam!” Trump Jr. tweeted.
Trump's acquittal speech vs. Clinton's acquittal speech pic.twitter.com/D35omDgiwA — The Recount (@therecount) February 6, 2020
According to Boot, the Trumps confessed to violating 18 U.S. Code § 1513, which he notes is a “federal law that protects whistleblowers from retaliation.”
Regardless, Boot noted that Trump was not likely to be prosecuted.
“Trump is unchastened, unchained and unhinged,” Boot wrote in the conclusion of his article.
“I fear for the future of our democracy with such a vindictive bully wielding the awesome powers of the presidency with less and less restraint. He is making an example of all those who have exposed his misconduct in the past to ensure that he can get away with even greater wrongdoing in the future.”
Former Republican strategist Steve Schmidt has expressed his belief that Trump’s acquittal will grant him unprecedented powers, likening him to a king or emperor, while Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Jon Meacham said he is now “functionally” a monarch.
Other experts and historians expressed worry over the precedent that the acquittal will set for future impeachments. Attorney James Robenalt pointed to the arguments used by Trump’s team of lawyers — which included Alan Dershowitz — during the impeachment trial and suggested they created a “huge danger” that will have negative consequences on future impeachments.


inquisitr--2020-02-09--Former Libertarian Candidate Gary Johnson Pledges To Help Tulsi Gabbard Amid Rumors Of Third-Party R

Former Libertarian Candidate Gary Johnson Pledges To Help Tulsi Gabbard Amid Rumors Of Third-Party Run

Former Libertarian Party presidential candidate Gary Johnson is stepping into the Democratic primary , vowing his support for Tulsi Gabbard amid rumors that she could stake a third-party run .
Johnson spoke in New Hampshire ahead of Tuesday ’ s primary , telling a volunteer for the Hawaii congresswoman ’ s campaign that he would do whatever he could to help her campaign .
“ Hey , I was asked a long time ago to endorse Tulsi , and I did , and you know , whatever I can do — I ’ m not active on social media — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you know , whatever quote you wan na attribute to me to say vote for her , you got it , ” Johnson said .
The meeting sparked rumors of Gabbard seeking a third-party run for president , an idea that Hillary Clinton appeared to raise ahead of the start of the Democratic primary .
The 2016 presidential candidate suggested that Gabbard was being “ groomed ” as a third-party candidate who would serve as a spoiler to help re-elect Donald Trump .
Johnson had one of the more successful third-party runs in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 3 percent of the national vote .
Gabbard pushed aside the rumors at the time , saying she did not have any intention of launching a third-party run for president .
Tom Perez , the chairman of the Democratic National Committee , also tried to put rumors of a third-party run to rest , noting that she had pledged not to run if she does not win the Democratic nomination .
“ Tulsi Gabbard and every single candidate running for president understands that it ’ s not about them , ” Perez @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It ’ s about something much bigger , ” he added .
Gabbard , who languished near the bottom of primary polls over the course of the last few months , has been to a rough start now that the voting has begun .
She took no delegates in the Iowa caucus and zero percent of the final vote after backers of candidates with below 15 percent support were re-allocated to other candidates .
Gabbard is predicted to perform equally poorly in New Hampshire , with polls showing her near the bottom of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drawn controversy in the past for her divisive stances .
She quit her post at the Democratic National Committee in 2016 in protest of the treatment of Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders , and has been the most willing of major candidates to make overtures to Republican voters , appearing frequently on Fox News .
She also refused to vote in favor of Trump ’ s impeachment , instead voting “ present.
” Gabbard drew more controversy when she sued Hillary Clinton for defamation after Clinton ’ s apparent claim that Gabbard was being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spoiler to help re-elect Trump .

Former Libertarian Party presidential candidate Gary Johnson is stepping into the Democratic primary, vowing his support for Tulsi Gabbard amid rumors that she could stake a third-party run.
Johnson spoke in New Hampshire ahead of Tuesday’s primary, telling a volunteer for the Hawaii congresswoman’s campaign that he would do whatever he could to help her campaign.
“Hey, I was asked a long time ago to endorse Tulsi, and I did, and you know, whatever I can do — I’m not active on social media — but I did endorse her, and you know, whatever quote you wanna attribute to me to say vote for her, you got it,” Johnson said.
The meeting sparked rumors of Gabbard seeking a third-party run for president, an idea that Hillary Clinton appeared to raise ahead of the start of the Democratic primary. The 2016 presidential candidate suggested that Gabbard was being “groomed” as a third-party candidate who would serve as a spoiler to help re-elect Donald Trump. Johnson had one of the more successful third-party runs in recent presidential election history, capturing more than 3 percent of the national vote.
Gabbard pushed aside the rumors at the time, saying she did not have any intention of launching a third-party run for president. Tom Perez, the chairman of the Democratic National Committee, also tried to put rumors of a third-party run to rest, noting that she had pledged not to run if she does not win the Democratic nomination.
“Tulsi Gabbard and every single candidate running for president understands that it’s not about them,” Perez said, via the Associated Press.“It’s about something much bigger,” he added.
Gabbard, who languished near the bottom of primary polls over the course of the last few months, has been to a rough start now that the voting has begun. She took no delegates in the Iowa caucus and zero percent of the final vote after backers of candidates with below 15 percent support were re-allocated to other candidates. Gabbard is predicted to perform equally poorly in New Hampshire, with polls showing her near the bottom of the pack.
The Hawaii congresswoman has drawn controversy in the past for her divisive stances. She quit her post at the Democratic National Committee in 2016 in protest of the treatment of Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders and has been the most willing of major candidates to make overtures to Republican voters, appearing frequently on Fox News. She also refused to vote in favor of Trump’s impeachment, instead voting “present.”
Gabbard drew more controversy when she sued Hillary Clinton for defamation after Clinton’s apparent claim that Gabbard was being groomed by Russia to serve as a spoiler to help re-elect Trump.


inquisitr--2020-02-10--CPAC Chair Who Disinvited Mitt Romney From Conference Said His ‘Physical Safety’ Would Be At Risk Th

CPAC Chair Who Disinvited Mitt Romney From Conference Said His ‘Physical Safety’ Would Be At Risk There

The chair of the Conservative Political Action Conference who publicly disinvited Mitt Romney from the organization ’ s annual conference after his vote to allow witnesses at Donald Trump ’ s impeachment trial said he would be afraid for the Utah senator ’ s “ physical safety ” if he were to attend the event .
Matt Schlapp lashed out at Romney for breaking ranks with Republicans and voting to allow witnesses during the trial , a measure that ultimately failed .
Romney would later become the only member of the Republican Party to vote to convict Trump , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Huffington Post reported , Schlapp made the warning against Romney in an interview this weekend , saying he could not guarantee that the former Republican Party presidential nominee would even be safe if he attended .
The report added that Schlapp ’ s original tweet declaring that Romney was disinvited from the conference appeared dark and ominous .
Romney has been featured at the CPAC conference a number of times in the past , including 2012 when he delivered a keynote address ahead of the presidential election , but now has become persona @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the interview with Greta Van Susteren , Schlapp said that Romney would only be able to attend this year as a nonconservative .
“ We won ’ t credential him as a conservative .
I suppose if he wants to come as a nonconservative and debate an issue with us , maybe in the future we would have him come .
This year , I would actually be afraid for his physical safety because people hate him so much , ” Schlapp said .
The apparent threat is the latest bit of backlash @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to convict Trump .
As The Inquisitr reported earlier this week , the White House circulated anti-Romney talking points to supporters and surrogates for the president calling on them to attack his character in the wake of the vote .
Trump himself appeared to take aim at Romney ’ s faith while delivering remarks at a National Prayer Breakfast , claiming he was falsely hiding behind it .
Romney also came under attack from other members of the White House inner circle including Donald Trump Jr. , who shared an image on Instagram @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for his vote .
“ Mitt Romney is forever bitter that he will never be POTUS .
He was too weak to beat the Democrats then so he ’ s joining them now , ” he wrote .
“ He ’ s now officially a member of the resistance & should be expelled from the GOP .
”

The chair of the Conservative Political Action Conference who publicly disinvited Mitt Romney from the organization’s annual conference after his vote to allow witnesses at Donald Trump’s impeachment trial said he would be afraid for the Utah senator’s “physical safety” if he were to attend the event.
Matt Schlapp lashed out at Romney for breaking ranks with Republicans and voting to allow witnesses during the trial, a measure that ultimately failed. Romney would later become the only member of the Republican Party to vote to convict Trump, who would ultimately be acquitted. As The Huffington Post reported, Schlapp made the warning against Romney in an interview this weekend, saying he could not guarantee that the former Republican Party presidential nominee would even be safe if he attended. The report added that Schlapp’s original tweet declaring that Romney was disinvited from the conference appeared dark and ominous.
Romney has been featured at the CPAC conference a number of times in the past, including 2012 when he delivered a keynote address ahead of the presidential election, but now has become persona non grata with the organization. In the interview with Greta Van Susteren, Schlapp said that Romney would only be able to attend this year as a nonconservative.
“We won’t credential him as a conservative. I suppose if he wants to come as a nonconservative and debate an issue with us, maybe in the future we would have him come. This year, I would actually be afraid for his physical safety because people hate him so much,” Schlapp said.
The apparent threat is the latest bit of backlash that Romney has faced since his vote to convict Trump. As The Inquisitr reported earlier this week, the White House circulated anti-Romney talking points to supporters and surrogates for the president calling on them to attack his character in the wake of the vote. Trump himself appeared to take aim at Romney’s faith while delivering remarks at a National Prayer Breakfast, claiming he was falsely hiding behind it.
Romney also came under attack from other members of the White House inner circle including Donald Trump Jr., who shared an image on Instagram that called Romeny a “p*ssy” for his vote.
“Mitt Romney is forever bitter that he will never be POTUS. He was too weak to beat the Democrats then so he’s joining them now,” he wrote. “He’s now officially a member of the resistance & should be expelled from the GOP.”


inquisitr--2020-02-10--Pete Buttigieg Hits Back At Joe Biden: ‘This Isn’t 2008’

Former Vice President Joe Biden and former South Bend , Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg have spent the past week attacking and criticizing each other , contrasting records , and offering their own visions for the future of the country .
Per The Hill , Biden — who finished fourth in Iowa — recently dismissed the comparisons between Buttigieg and former President Barack Obama , stating that the 38-year-old mayor is “ no Barack Obama.
” Buttigieg is now hitting back at the Delaware Democrat .
Speaking with Fox News host Chris Wallace on Sunday , Buttigieg said , “ Well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ m not , and neither is he .
Neither is any of us running for president.
” Buttigieg also responded to Biden ’ s remarks about his lack of experience on the national stage , arguing that small towns in the industrial Midwest have been “ treated like a punchline ” by Washington politicians and that now is the time to “ turn the page.
” Biden ’ s campaign has made an attempt to cast Buttigieg as an inexperienced , young politician who does not have what it takes to lead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ former vice president ’ s campaign released an attack advertisement , mocking and ridiculing Buttigieg ’ s record , while contrasting it with Biden ’ s .
“ Under threat of a nuclear Iran , Joe Biden helped to negotiate the Iran deal .
And under threat of disappearing pets , Buttigieg negotiated lighter licensing regulations on pet chip scanners , ” the narrator can be heard saying in the ad , which lists a number of Biden ’ s perceived accomplishments , including the Affordable Care Act .
Obama is featured in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ describing Biden as the best vice president in United States history .
The brief video clip also mentions the controversies about Buttigieg ’ s relationship with the African-American community in South Bend .
The issue also came up during the New Hampshire presidential debate on Friday .
Grilled about the controversies , Buttigeg deflected , suggesting that gang activity was to blame for the spike in arrests when he was mayor .
Criminal justice reform advocates criticized his response .
Biden and Buttigieg have every reason to attack each other , given that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s collapse in Iowa happened largely thanks to Buttigieg , who cut into the former vice president ’ s support among moderate and conservative voters .
According to latest polling , the New Hampshire primary could play out in a similar fashion .
Buttigieg is surging , largely thanks to voters who have migrated from Biden to him .
Neither of the men is favored to win the competition , however .
Sen. Bernie Sanders is in first place , with a 10-point advantage over Buttigieg .
Biden is in fourth .

Former Vice President Joe Biden and former South Bend, Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg have spent the past week attacking and criticizing each other, contrasting records, and offering their own visions for the future of the country.
Per The Hill, Biden — who finished fourth in Iowa — recently dismissed the comparisons between Buttigieg and former President Barack Obama, stating that the 38-year-old mayor is “no Barack Obama.” Buttigieg is now hitting back at the Delaware Democrat.
“Well, he’s right. I’m not, and neither is he. Neither is any of us running for president,” Buttigieg said, speaking with Fox News host Chris Wallace on Sunday.
“This isn’t 2008. This is 2020.”
Buttigieg also responded to Biden’s remarks about his lack of experience on the national stage, arguing that small towns in the industrial Midwest have been “treated like a punchline” by Washington politicians and that now is the time to “turn the page.”
Biden’s campaign has made an attempt to cast Buttigieg as an inexperienced, young politician who does not have what it takes to lead the country. On Saturday, the former vice president’s campaign released an attack advertisement, mocking and ridiculing Buttigieg’s record and contrasting it with Biden’s.
“Under threat of a nuclear Iran, Joe Biden helped to negotiate the Iran deal. And under threat of disappearing pets, Buttigieg negotiated lighter licensing regulations on pet chip scanners,” the narrator can be heard saying in the ad, which lists a number of Biden’s perceived accomplishments, including the Affordable Care Act.
Obama is featured in the ad and can be heard describing Biden as the best vice president in United States history. The brief video clip also mentions the controversies about Buttigieg’s relationship with the African-American community in South Bend.
That issue also came up during the New Hampshire presidential debate on Friday. Grilled about the controversies, Buttigieg deflected, suggesting that gang activity was to blame for the spike in arrests when he was mayor. Criminal justice reform advocates criticized his response.
Biden and Buttigieg have every reason to attack each other, given that they seemingly share a base. Biden’s collapse in Iowa happened largely thanks to Buttigieg, who cut into the former vice president’s support among moderate and conservative voters.
According to latest polling, the New Hampshire primary could play out in a similar fashion. Buttigieg is surging, largely thanks to voters who have migrated from Biden to him. Neither of the men is favored to win the competition, however. Sen. Bernie Sanders is in first place, with a 10-point advantage over Buttigieg. Biden is in fourth.