usatoday--2020-03-04--Trump slams Jeff Sessions after Super Tuesday as ex-AG heads into run-off against Tommy Tuberville

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump slammed his ex-Attorney General Jeff Sessions following Super Tuesday voting , a hint he may work against his former ally in Sessions ' bid to reclaim his old Alabama Senate seat .
In tweets Wednesday , Trump highlighted how Sessions failed to get enough votes to win the GOP nomination outright , forcing him into a Republican run-off with former Auburn University football coach Tommy Tuberville .
`` This is what happens to someone who loyally gets appointed Attorney General of the United States & then doesn ’ t have the wisdom or courage to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Witch Hunt , '' Trump tweeted .
Blaming Sessions for the appointment of special counsel Robert Mueller to investigate Russia involvement in the 2016 election , Trump also tweeted of his former attorney general : `` Recuses himself on FIRST DAY in office , and the Mueller Scam begins ! ''
Super Tuesday latest : Trump weighs in on Super Tuesday , blasting Joe Biden and Elizabeth Warren Sessions and Tuberville will compete in a March 31 run-off for the Alabama Republican nomination to the Senate .
The winner faces incumbent Democrat Doug @ @ @ @ @ @ @ morning , Trump retweeted an AP story reporting that Tuberville had forced a run-off with Sessions .
While Trump did not explicitly endorse Tuberville in his anti-Sessions tweet , many Trump associates took it that way .
Trump on Sessions : Aides , lawmakers work behind the scenes to try to sway Trump on Jeff Sessions before Alabama Senate primary “ I think President Trump just ended the Alabama Senate contest with his tweet , '' said Jason Miller , a senior communications adviser for Trump 's campaign in 2016 .
`` Whether @ @ @ @ @ @ @ endorsement is secondary at this point.
” Trump aides have said in recent weeks they do expect Trump to back Sessions ' opponent , saying the president is still mad at his attorney general .
A former state attorney general and U.S. attorney in Alabama , Sessions won election to the Senate in 1996 .
He was the first member of that body to endorse Trump 's maverick presidential candidacy in 2016 , one of the reasons Trump appointed him U.S. attorney general .
Under fire from Trump over the Russia investigation , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2018 .
Sessions has said nice things about Trump during his current Senate campaign , but the flattery does not appear mutual .
While Sessions was never implicated in Russian election interference , as attorney general he recused himself from the investigation because he had spoken with Russian officials during the 2016 campaign .
The Justice Department itself initially investigated the Russia allegations , but officials decided to appoint a special counsel after Trump fired FBI Director James Comey in May of 2017 .
Sessions took no part in that decision .
Joe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden roared back on Super Tuesday and what it means for the next contests with Bernie Sanders But critics said Trump pressured Sessions to have Mueller fired .
They also said Trump is still attacking his former attorney general as part of an effort to obstruct investigations into Russia and his 2016 campaign .
`` 'Loyally appointed ' is the kind of servant Trump wants , one loyal to him *against* the Constitution and the American people , '' tweeted Walter Shaub , former director of the U.S. Office of Government Ethics .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ furious that Sessions recused when he had a conflict of interest , '' but he is also `` talking to his current appointees '' still in the administration .
`` Bow down to the one you serve , '' he wrote .

Trump slams Jeff Sessions after Super Tuesday as ex-AG heads into run-off against Tommy Tuberville
Show Caption Hide Caption Trump lashes out at Jeff Sessions over Ala. Senate primary results President Trump slammed Jeff Sessions. GeoBeats
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump slammed his ex-Attorney General Jeff Sessions following Super Tuesday voting, a hint he may work against his former ally in Sessions' bid to reclaim his old Alabama Senate seat.
In tweets Wednesday, Trump highlighted how Sessions failed to get enough votes to win the GOP nomination outright, forcing him into a Republican run-off with former Auburn University football coach Tommy Tuberville.
"This is what happens to someone who loyally gets appointed Attorney General of the United States & then doesn’t have the wisdom or courage to stare down & end the phony Russia Witch Hunt," Trump tweeted.
Blaming Sessions for the appointment of special counsel Robert Mueller to investigate Russia involvement in the 2016 election, Trump also tweeted of his former attorney general: "Recuses himself on FIRST DAY in office, and the Mueller Scam begins!"
Super Tuesday latest: Trump weighs in on Super Tuesday, blasting Joe Biden and Elizabeth Warren
This is what happens to someone who loyally gets appointed Attorney General of the United States & then doesn’t have the wisdom or courage to stare down & end the phony Russia Witch Hunt. Recuses himself on FIRST DAY in office, and the Mueller Scam begins! https://t.co/2jGnRgOS6h — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 4, 2020
Sessions and Tuberville will compete in a March 31 run-off for the Alabama Republican nomination to the Senate. The winner faces incumbent Democrat Doug Jones in November.
Early in the morning, Trump retweeted an AP story reporting that Tuberville had forced a run-off with Sessions.
While Trump did not explicitly endorse Tuberville in his anti-Sessions tweet, many Trump associates took it that way.
Trump on Sessions: Aides, lawmakers work behind the scenes to try to sway Trump on Jeff Sessions before Alabama Senate primary
“I think President Trump just ended the Alabama Senate contest with his tweet," said Jason Miller, a senior communications adviser for Trump's campaign in 2016. "Whether or not there’s a formal endorsement is secondary at this point.”
Trump aides have said in recent weeks they do expect Trump to back Sessions' opponent, saying the president is still mad at his attorney general.
A former state attorney general and U.S. attorney in Alabama, Sessions won election to the Senate in 1996. He was the first member of that body to endorse Trump's maverick presidential candidacy in 2016, one of the reasons Trump appointed him U.S. attorney general.
Under fire from Trump over the Russia investigation, Sessions left the Justice Department in late 2018.
Sessions has said nice things about Trump during his current Senate campaign, but the flattery does not appear mutual.
While Sessions was never implicated in Russian election interference, as attorney general he recused himself from the investigation because he had spoken with Russian officials during the 2016 campaign.
The Justice Department itself initially investigated the Russia allegations, but officials decided to appoint a special counsel after Trump fired FBI Director James Comey in May of 2017. Sessions took no part in that decision.
Joe Biden's Super Tuesday: How Joe Biden roared back on Super Tuesday and what it means for the next contests with Bernie Sanders
But critics said Trump pressured Sessions to have Mueller fired. They also said Trump is still attacking his former attorney general as part of an effort to obstruct investigations into Russia and his 2016 campaign.
"'Loyally appointed' is the kind of servant Trump wants, one loyal to him *against* the Constitution and the American people," tweeted Walter Shaub, former director of the U.S. Office of Government Ethics.
Shaub added that Trump is "still furious that Sessions recused when he had a conflict of interest," but he is also "talking to his current appointees" still in the administration. "Bow down to the one you serve," he wrote.


usatoday--2020-03-04--OnPolitics:  Super Tuesday was a total thing. Get caught up

Good lord , it 's been a night .
We literally wrote this at 3 a.m. in the hopes that you wonderful people take a moment to get caught up this morning .
What states did everybody win ?
Let 's get straight to the news .
Here are the states won during Super Tuesday .
As you can see , Biden had a big night .
How many delegates does each candidate have ?
The number of delegates will likely continue to change as Super Tuesday results keep rolling in .
But the Associated Press tracker shows Biden as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
These are the items all the cool kids will be talking about today .
Do n't be the person who went to sleep at a regular hour but woke up wondering what happened in California .
• Protesters try to rush the stage during Joe Biden speech on Super Tuesday • Joe Biden sweeps the South on Super Tuesday , building on South Carolina win • Many young voters sat out Super Tuesday , contributing to Bernie Sanders ' losses • How are winners declared with 0 % reporting ?
• Do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Secret Service protection ?

OnPolitics: Super Tuesday was a total thing. Get caught up
Show Caption Hide Caption What is Super Tuesday and why is it important? A previous version of this video displayed an incorrect date in a graphic. It was 1988 when 14 Southern and border states held their primaries. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
Good lord, it's been a night. We literally wrote this at 3 a.m. in the hopes that you wonderful people take a moment to get caught up this morning.
What states did everybody win?
Let's get straight to the news. Here are the states won during Super Tuesday. As you can see, Biden had a big night.
Joe Biden : Virginia, Alabama, Arkansas, Tennessee, Minnesota, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Texas
: Virginia, Alabama, Arkansas, Tennessee, Minnesota, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Texas Bernie Sanders : California, Vermont, Colorado, Utah
: California, Vermont, Colorado, Utah Mike Bloomberg: American Samoa
How many delegates does each candidate have?
The number of delegates will likely continue to change as Super Tuesday results keep rolling in. But the Associated Press tracker shows Biden as the leader following last night's results.
Biden 453
453 Sanders 382
382 Warren 50
50 Bloomberg 44
44 Tulsi Gabbard 1
So what happened Tuesday night?
These are the items all the cool kids will be talking about today. Don't be the person who went to sleep at a regular hour but woke up wondering what happened in California.


usatoday--2020-03-05--After 19 contests, here's what the Democratic primary electorate is telling us

WASHINGTON – For weeks , Joe Biden ’ s presidential campaign looked as if it might be hurtling towards its end .
But in the span of four days , the former vice president went from teetering on the brink to leading the race for delegates in the Democratic primary .
For many voters , there was never a doubt that Biden would succeed .
`` We know Joe , '' said Betty Cabrera , a Virginia resident .
Cabrera , who attended Biden ’ s watch party in Alexandria , Virginia , said she canvassed for Biden in Fairfax @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the past several days .
`` He 's the right moral leader for this country , ” the 56-year-old mother said .
More : Bloomberg ends his bid for the Democratic nomination , endorses Joe Biden After Sen. Bernie Sanders ' strong showing in the first three primary contests , Biden 's bounce back in South Carolina catapulted him to victory in 10 of the 15 contests held on Super Tuesday .
With Super Tuesday and the early states behind them , several trends have emerged that could offer a glimpse into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
As Democrats look to build a coalition of voters who can beat President Donald Trump in November , Biden has secured the support of several key constituencies , while Sanders is looking to regain his momentum and capitalize on his devoted grassroots support .
Black voters put Biden on the electoral map .
And after Tuesday , it 's clear they could keep him there .
According to exit polls , Biden overwhelmingly won black voters in all the states he competed in on Super Tuesday .
His pull with black voters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Texas – the state with the second largest number of delegates on Super Tuesday .
Israel Lucore , of Houston , Texas , voted for Biden on Tuesday , and said although he believes any candidate other than Trump would be the best for black voters , Sanders left `` a bad taste in my mouth . ''
He criticized Sanders ' delayed endorsement of Hillary Clinton in 2016 and partially blamed him for Trump 's election .
Lucore , 27 , is also worried that Sanders ' base will not support the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voted , I thought of everyone whose life is depending on this election , '' he said .
`` I felt more comfortable with Biden as I 've seen him work with and support one of the best presidents this country has had . ''
Tuesday 's trend follows black voters overwhelmingly supporting Biden in South Carolina .
Black voters are one of the largest voting blocs for the Democratic Party , and are often credited as the backbone of the party .
Even in states he lost , Biden had double the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ For example , Sanders won California and held a lead among white , Asian and Latino voters .
But among black voters , Sanders earned 15 % support , while Biden had 37 % , according to exit polls .
Sanders has so far struggled to amass widespread support among black voters , an issue he also faced in 2016 .
During a press conference in Vermont Wednesday , Sanders said “ there ’ s no denying that Joe Biden has done well with the African American community .
“ We are doing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Sanders said , who has garnered the majority of the Latino vote so far .
“ We are going to do better with the African American community.
” More : How Joe Biden roared back on Super Tuesday and what it means for the next contests with Bernie Sanders Sanders , however , has bashed Biden ’ s base as “ the corporate establishment ” – a criticism the Biden campaign has pushed back against .
Rep. Cedric Richmond of Louisiana , a co-chair of Biden ’ s campaign , told reporters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ African American voters have made a conscious decision that we fought and we earned civil rights through blood , sweat , and tears , but that it 's going to be common sense that keeps our civil rights .
” And so as ( Sanders ) rails against the establishment .
I just did not know that African Americans in the South were considered part of the establishment , '' Richmond continued .
Sanders press secretary Briahna Joy Gray on Wednesday said Sanders is not talking about the black community when he is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hates voter shaming more than Bernie , '' Gray wrote on Twitter .
She added `` the establishment '' does not equal black voters , `` who are some of the most structurally disempowered '' people in America .
Sanders holds on to his base Sanders has continued to hold on to the core base that propelled his campaign in 2016 : Younger voters , voters who identify as very liberal and voters who want to see a single-payer health care system .
Nearly half of voters ( 49 % ) who identify @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , according to exit polls that showed median support in Super Tuesday states .
In addition , 40 % of voters who support Sanders said they were in favor of a single-payer health care system -- a core tenant of Sanders ' campaign platform .
Among voters ages 18-29 , 60 % said they support Sanders .
Biden came in at a distant second with 17 % with that age group .
Sanders also held the lead with voters ages 30-44 , with 41 % saying they support the Vermont senator .
Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The issue , however , is that voter turnout among younger voters was down this year .
Sanders acknowledged the low turnout during his press conference Wednesday .
`` Have we been as successful as I would hope in bringing in young people in ?
And the answer is 'no ' , '' he said .
`` We ’ re making some progress but historically everybody knows that young people do not vote in the kind of numbers that older people vote , '' he continued .
`` I think that will change @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be honest with you , we have not done as well in bringing young people into the process .
It is not easy .
Throughout the course of the election , political experts and pundits have argued that moderate voters will need to come out in full force to defeat Trump .
And they did , for Biden .
Several states saw a surge in voting , particularly in the suburbs , where Democrats have seen some gains after Trump 's election in 2016 .
Virginia set a new voting turnout record Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out for the Democratic primary .
The last record was in 2008 , where nearly 1 million voted in for the party 's primary .
In addition , turnout was also up almost 17 % from 2016 levels in North Carolina , and at least 45 % in Texas from 2016 .
Rep. Jennifer Wexton , who flipped a Republican district for Virginia Democrats in 2018 , said that `` our country is at a crossroads . ''
`` I know Joe has the heart , grit , drive and courage ( to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
More : How Mike Bloomberg can put his massive campaign organization to boost Joe Biden In Wexton 's district , which includes several counties in northern Virginia , Biden won them all .
In the largest county in Wexton 's district , Loudon County , Biden won 50.5 % of the vote .
Sanders followed in second place at 25.2 % .
According to exit polls , Biden 's median support in Super Tuesday states among voters who are somewhat liberal was 39 % .
Among moderate and conservative voters , Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` What it shows is that Biden is the candidate who can build the biggest tent , and you know we need every one of those voters to turn out in November if we 're going to defeat Donald Trump , '' Biden deputy campaign Kate Bedingfield told reporters on a conference call .

After 19 contests, here's what the Democratic primary electorate is telling us
Show Caption Hide Caption What is Super Tuesday and why is it important? A previous version of this video displayed an incorrect date in a graphic. It was 1988 when 14 Southern and border states held their primaries. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – For weeks, Joe Biden’s presidential campaign looked as if it might be hurtling toward its end. But in the span of four days, the former vice president went from teetering on the brink to leading the race for delegates in the Democratic primary.
For many voters, there was never a doubt that Biden would succeed.
"We know Joe," said Betty Cabrera, a Virginia resident.
Cabrera, 56, who attended Biden’s watch party in Alexandria, Virginia, said she canvassed for Biden in Fairfax Country and made calls to South Carolina over the past several days.
"He's the right moral leader for this country,” she said.
More: Bloomberg ends his bid for the Democratic nomination, endorses Joe Biden
After Sen. Bernie Sanders' strong showing in the first three primary contests, Biden's bounce back in South Carolina catapulted him to victory in 10 of the 15 contests on Super Tuesday.
With Super Tuesday and the early states behind them, several trends have emerged that could offer a glimpse into what the future of the primary season holds. As Democrats look to build a coalition of voters who can beat President Donald Trump in November, Biden has secured the support of several key constituencies, while Sanders is looking to regain his momentum and capitalize on his devoted grassroots support.
Black voters are overwhelmingly choosing Biden
Black voters put Biden on the electoral map. And after Tuesday, it's clear they could keep him there.
According to exit polls, Biden overwhelmingly won black voters in all the states he competed in on Super Tuesday. His pull with black voters was part of the reason he won Texas – the state with the second-largest number of delegates on Super Tuesday.
Israel LaCour of Houston voted for Biden on Tuesday and said that although he believes any candidate other than Trump would be the best for black voters, Sanders left "a bad taste in my mouth." He criticized Sanders' delayed endorsement of Hillary Clinton in 2016 and partially blamed him for Trump's election.
LaCour, 27, is also worried that Sanders' base will not support the Democratic nominee.
"Yesterday as I voted, I thought of everyone whose life is depending on this election," he said. "I felt more comfortable with Biden, as I've seen him work with and support one of the best presidents this country has had."
Tuesday's trend follows black voters overwhelmingly supporting Biden in South Carolina. Black voters are one of the largest voting blocs for the Democratic Party and are often credited as the backbone of the party.
Even in states he lost, Biden had double the support of black voters over Sanders. For example, Sanders won California and held a lead among white, Asian and Latino voters. But among black voters, Sanders earned 15% support, while Biden had 37%, according to exit polls.
Sanders has struggled to amass widespread support among black voters, a problem he also faced in 2016. In a news conference in Vermont Wednesday, Sanders said “there’s no denying that Joe Biden has done well with the African American community."
“We are doing very well with people of color,” said Sanders, who has garnered the majority of the Latino vote so far. “We are going to do better with the African American community.”
More: How Joe Biden roared back on Super Tuesday and what it means for the next contests with Bernie Sanders
Sanders, however, has bashed Biden for being backed by “the corporate establishment” – a criticism the Biden campaign has pushed back against.
Rep. Cedric Richmond of Louisiana, a co-chair of Biden’s campaign, told reporters on a press call Wednesday that “African American voters have made a conscious decision that we fought and we earned civil rights through blood, sweat and tears, but that it's going to be common sense that keeps our civil rights."
”And so as (Sanders) rails against the establishment. I just did not know that African Americans in the South were considered part of the establishment," Richmond said.
Sanders press secretary Briahna Joy Gray tweeted Wednesday that Sanders is not talking about the black community when he is referencing the establishment.
"No one hates voter shaming more than Bernie," Gray wrote. She added that "the establishment" does not equal black voters, "who are some of the most structurally disempowered" people in America.
No one hates voter shaming more than Bernie. The "establishment" =/= not black voters, who are some of the most structurally disempowered ppl in America. (Just look at the voting lines in our neighborhoods).
It is the monied interests that work against the interests of the ppl. — Briahna Joy Gray (@briebriejoy) March 4, 2020
Sanders holds on to his base
Sanders has continued to hold on to the core base that propelled his campaign in 2016: younger voters, voters who identify as very liberal and voters who want to see a single-payer health care system.
Nearly half of voters (49%) who identify as very liberal said they supported Sanders, according to exit polls that showed median support in Super Tuesday states. In addition, 40% of voters who support Sanders said they were in favor of a single-payer health care system – a core tenant of Sanders' campaign platform.
Among voters ages 18-29, 60% said they support Sanders. Biden came in at a distant second with 17% with that age group. Sanders also held the lead with voters ages 30-44, with 41% saying they support the Vermont senator. Biden came in second at 23%.
The issue, however, is that voter turnout among younger voters was down this year. Sanders acknowledged the low turnout during his news conference Wednesday.
"Have we been as successful as I would hope in bringing in young people in? And the answer is no," he said.
"We’re making some progress, but historically everybody knows that young people do not vote in the kind of numbers that older people vote," he said. "I think that will change in the general election. But to be honest with you, we have not done as well in bringing young people into the process. It is not easy."
Sanders expresses confidence despite Biden surge Bernie Sanders told supporters with "absolute confidence" Tuesday night that he is going to "win the Democratic nomination." Sanders spoke to supporters in Vermont after rival Joe Biden racked up a number of Super Tuesday victories. (March 3) AP Domestic
Moderates and conservatives are backing Biden
Throughout the course of the election, political experts and pundits have argued that moderate voters will need to come out in full force to defeat Trump. And they did, for Biden.
Several states saw a surge in voting, particularly in the suburbs, where Democrats have seen some gains after Trump's election in 2016. Virginia set a new voting turnout record Tuesday, with more than 1.3 million turning out for the Democratic primary. The last record was in 2008, where nearly 1 million voted in for the party's primary.
In addition, turnout was also up almost 17% from 2016 levels in North Carolina, and at least 45% in Texas from 2016.
Rep. Jennifer Wexton, who flipped a Republican district for Virginia Democrats in 2018, said that "our country is at a crossroads."
"I know Joe has the heart, grit, drive and courage (to beat Trump)," she said.
More: How Mike Bloomberg can put his massive campaign organization to boost Joe Biden
In Wexton's district, which includes several counties in northern Virginia, Biden won them all. In the largest county in Wexton's district, Loudon County, Biden won 50.5% of the vote. Sanders followed in second place at 25.2%.
According to exit polls, Biden's median support in Super Tuesday states among voters who are somewhat liberal was 39%. Among moderate and conservative voters, Biden's median support was 47%.
"What it shows is that Biden is the candidate who can build the biggest tent, and you know we need every one of those voters to turn out in November if we're going to defeat Donald Trump," Biden deputy campaign Kate Bedingfield told reporters on a conference call.


usatoday--2020-03-05--Rep. Abby Finkenauer's fight against endometriosis now includes formation of caucus

Rep. Abby FInkenauer has suffered from endometriosis all her adult life .
She is taking her battle public and enlisting @ @ @ @

Abby Finkenauer's endometriosis fight takes a public turn
Rep. Abby FInkenauer has suffered from endometriosis all her adult life. She is taking her battle public and enlisting a caucus to help..
USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-03-05--Exclusive: Iowa congresswoman reveals painful endometriosis battle, new fight to increase funding

WASHINGTON – Rep. Abby Finkenauer sat in her Washington home last month , looking at the flight she was scheduled to take back to Iowa and the nearly eight-hour layover she 'd have to suffer through .
The pain worsened as she stretched into a yoga position called the child 's pose , a small trick she 's employed over the years battling endometriosis .
As she realized the pain would prevent her from returning to her district , Finkenauer also realized that she 'd had enough .
Phone in hand , the Iowa Democrat and newly engaged congresswoman started @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ultimate solution to a condition without a cure .
`` I 'm 31 and I am just tired of having this pain , and there just are n't many options , '' she explained on Wednesday , sitting in a chair in her Capitol Hill office .
`` I am somebody who was just recently engaged .
Daniel and I hope to have a family one day in Iowa and , you know , the fact that I went that far as to start googling that was just , it was frustrating .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ swing district that she helped turn blue in 2018 stared at the screen then started digging deeper .
She read that about 1 in 10 women have the same condition she was diagnosed with when she was a teen , that it was a leading cause for women to get hysterectomies , a procedure removing a woman 's uterus and thus taking away her ability to give birth , and that the condition was one of the least funded by Congress despite it affecting nearly 200 million women worldwide .
In a 30-minute @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the first time — publicly discussed the years of pain she 's endured and worries that talking about endometriosis , a painful disorder affecting women where the tissue that typically lines the uterus grows outside the uterus , would make her appear weak in a politically charged environment that tends to feed off such characteristics .
More : She made history with AOC but Congress ' second-youngest woman , Abby Finkenauer , is her own Democrat While noting she was very nervous to talk about something so personal , the Iowa Democrat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against endometriosis public , launching a new congressional caucus on Capitol Hill that aims to both promote education and bolster the small amount in funding the disorder receives from Congress .
'Like getting stabbed with a knife' Living with endometriosis is nothing new for Finkenauer but it still has n't gotten easier .
`` It feels like getting stabbed with a knife , '' she said , motioning as though she was being pierced in her abdomen .
She said while those sharp pains tend to subside , the pain in her lower @ @ @ @ @ @ @ almost like her back is in `` a vise grip . ''
She was diagnosed when she was 18 after spending four days in the hospital due to the intense pain .
She later had two surgeries where doctors burned off the affected tissue , which she said later grew back .
More about endometriosis : Fewer than a third of women really know about this common disorder She 's had to manage the pain while performing her duties in Washington .
Walking around the tunnels of the U.S. Capitol , going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ committee hearings have all come with a painful price .
Finkenauer never thought too deeply about speaking out about the condition , even suffering in silence for years while serving in the Iowa statehouse .
`` When you are young and a woman , sometimes there are , you know , you ca n't afford to have people think you ca n't do it , '' said Finkenauer , the second-youngest woman elected to Congress .
`` I mean they already think you ca n't do it because , maybe they think you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ woman , maybe they think you ca n't do it because you 're young . ''
`` I did n't want to give anybody another reason for them to think I could n't do my job , '' Finkeanauer said .
`` And so I never shared it . ''
Her fiance , Daniel Wasta , has been her rock , including when Finkenauer was debating having a hysterectomy .
He 's told her to do `` whatever you need to do .
I 'm with you , '' Finkenauer said .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he 's seen me have the pain , and it breaks his heart because there 's nothing he can do . ''
But that one flight and the internalization of her condition that came after changed everything .
The thought of eliminating her chances to give birth , the millions of women who shared this condition with her and the lack of money Congress spends researching the disorder led her to a conclusion .
`` I started thinking about it and I 'm like , Well , here I am in Congress @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this and say something about it and raise awareness of it because part of the reason that it 's been so frustrating is because there is n't really great treatment options , '' Finkenauer said .
Some doctors recommend surgery , pain relievers , hormone therapies , including sending your body into early menopause , but there is no cure for the condition .
The National Institute of Health , which gets most of its funding from Congress , spent about $ 13 million last year researching the condition , a far cry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ obesity , dementia and various cancer research .
She started reaching out to fellow members of Congress , talking to them about her story and the need to dedicate more resources to both researching the condition and raising awareness as many women who suffer from endometriosis have not been diagnosed or treated .
Finkenauer started off sending a message to a group of female lawmakers she 's grown close with since coming to Washington , which includes a number of frontline Democrats .
Rep. Susie Lee , a Democrat representing a swing district @ @ @ @ @ @ @ immediately offered her support , signing on as one of the more than two dozen inaugural members of the caucus .
Lee , who says she 's dealt with infertility—something many women with endometriosis experience—said she wanted to help .
`` I think it 's important for women around this country to see that their leaders experience some of the same struggles that they have . ''
Finkenauer also approached a host of others , including Puerto Rico 's resident commissioner Jenniffer González-Colón about the issue and told her story , which González-Colón @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
She noted that she also wanted to focus more attention on endometriosis due to a large number of Puerto Ricans who have the condition .
`` I think it 's a remarkable opportunity for somebody to spread and educate many other people , '' the Republican and nonvoting delegate said in an interview .
She will serve as co-chair of the caucus .
`` This condition will not ask what party you 're affiliated with , '' she said .
Finkenauer admits she is nervous talking openly about something so deeply personal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ others .
She plans to tell her story on the House floor Thursday afternoon and announce the formation of her new caucus , which will also mark one of the first days of endometriosis awareness month .
Her fiance plans to watch the speech from the public viewing gallery overhead .
`` It does n't make me weak that I have this , '' she said .
`` In fact , I hope folks see that , especially women who do have it or are people who love the women who have it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hell . ''
Finkenauer says she hopes her speech and the focus she 's putting on endometriosis will offer a glimmer of hope for those who suffer without a definitive cure .
`` You 're not alone in this and maybe there 's hope , '' she said .
`` When you have this kind of pain , sometimes a little bit of hope that there might be something someday , it goes a long way . ''

Exclusive: Iowa congresswoman reveals painful endometriosis battle, new fight to increase funding
Show Caption Hide Caption Abby Finkenauer's endometriosis fight takes a public turn Rep. Abby FInkenauer has suffered from endometriosis all her adult life. She is taking her battle public and enlisting a caucus to help.. USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – Rep. Abby Finkenauer sat in her Washington home last month, looking at the flight she was scheduled to take back to Iowa and the nearly eight-hour layover she'd have to suffer through.
The pain worsened as she stretched into a yoga position called the child's pose, a small trick she's employed over the years battling endometriosis.
As she realized the pain would prevent her from returning to her district, Finkenauer also realized that she'd had enough. Phone in hand, the Iowa Democrat and newly engaged congresswoman started googling hysterectomies, what could be the ultimate solution to a condition without a cure.
"I'm 31 and I am just tired of having this pain, and there just aren't many options," she explained on Wednesday, sitting in a chair in her Capitol Hill office. "I am somebody who was just recently engaged. Daniel and I hope to have a family one day in Iowa and, you know, the fact that I went that far as to start googling that was just, it was frustrating."
The freshman Democrat who represents a swing district that she helped turn blue in 2018 stared at the screen then started digging deeper.
She read that about 1 in 10 women have the same condition she was diagnosed with when she was a teen, that it was a leading cause for women to get hysterectomies, a procedure removing a woman's uterus and thus taking away her ability to give birth, and that the condition was one of the least funded by Congress despite it affecting nearly 200 million women worldwide.
In a 30-minute interview in her office, Finkenauer— for the first time — publicly discussed the years of pain she's endured and worries that talking about endometriosis, a painful disorder affecting women where tissue similar to what typically lines the uterus grows outside the uterus, would make her appear weak in a politically charged environment that tends to feed off such characteristics.
More: She made history with AOC but Congress' second-youngest woman, Abby Finkenauer, is her own Democrat
While noting she was very nervous to talk about something so personal, the Iowa Democrat outlined how she was taking her battle against endometriosis public, launching a new congressional caucus on Capitol Hill that aims to both promote education and bolster the small amount in funding the disorder receives from Congress.
'Like getting stabbed with a knife'
Living with endometriosis is nothing new for Finkenauer but it still hasn't gotten easier.
"It feels like getting stabbed with a knife," she said, motioning as though she was being pierced in her abdomen. She said while those sharp pains tend to subside, the pain in her lower back can last much longer and feels almost like her back is in "a vise grip."
She was diagnosed when she was 18 after spending four days in the hospital due to the intense pain. She later had two surgeries where doctors burned off the affected tissue, which she said later grew back.
More about endometriosis: Fewer than a third of women really know about this common disorder
More: Lena Dunham undergoes total hysterectomy following endometriosis battle
She's had to manage the pain while performing her duties in Washington. Walking around the tunnels of the U.S. Capitol, going to vote on the House floor and attending committee hearings have all come with a painful price.
Finkenauer never thought too deeply about speaking out about the condition, even suffering in silence for years while serving in the Iowa statehouse.
"When you are young and a woman, sometimes there are, you know, you can't afford to have people think you can't do it," said Finkenauer, the second-youngest woman elected to Congress. "I mean they already think you can't do it because, maybe they think you can't do it because you're woman, maybe they think you can't do it because you're young."
"I didn't want to give anybody another reason for them to think I couldn't do my job," Finkenauersaid. "And so I never shared it."
Her fiance, Daniel Wasta, has been her rock, including when Finkenauer was debating having a hysterectomy. He's told her to do "whatever you need to do. I'm with you," Finkenauer said. "Because he's watched it, right, he's seen me have the pain, and it breaks his heart because there's nothing he can do."
'Strong as hell'
But that one flight and the internalization of her condition that came after changed everything.
The thought of eliminating her chances to give birth, the millions of women who shared this condition with her and the lack of money Congress spends researching the disorder led her to a conclusion.
"I started thinking about it and I'm like, Well, here I am in Congress with the ability to do something about this and say something about it and raise awareness of it because part of the reason that it's been so frustrating is because there isn't really great treatment options," Finkenauer said.
Some doctors recommend surgery, pain relievers, hormone therapies, including sending your body into early menopause, but there is no cure for the condition. The National Institute of Health, which gets most of its funding from Congress, spent about $13 million last year researching the condition, a far cry from the billions spent on aging, obesity, dementia and various cancer research.
Abby Finkenauer is no AOC, and she is OK with that Abby Finkenauer doesn't think she fits into any of the ideological caucus groups, and that may be her strength. USA TODAY
She started reaching out to fellow members of Congress, talking to them about her story and the need to dedicate more resources to both researching the condition and raising awareness as many women who suffer from endometriosis have not been diagnosed or treated.
Finkenauer started off sending a message to a group of female lawmakers she's grown close with since coming to Washington, which includes a number of frontline Democrats. Rep. Susie Lee, a Democrat representing a swing district in Nevada, saw the message and immediately offered her support, signing on as one of the more than two dozen inaugural members of the caucus.
Lee, who says she's dealt with infertility—something many women with endometriosis experience—said she wanted to help. "I think it's important for women around this country to see that their leaders experience some of the same struggles that they have."
Finkenauer also approached a host of others, including Puerto Rico's resident commissioner Jenniffer González-Colón about the issue and told her story, which González-Colón called "very compelling" and personal. She noted that she also wanted to focus more attention on endometriosis due to a large number of Puerto Ricans who have the condition.
"I think it's a remarkable opportunity for somebody to spread and educate many other people," the Republican and nonvoting delegate said in an interview. She will serve as co-chair of the caucus. "This condition will not ask what party you're affiliated with," she said.
Finkenauer admits she is nervous talking openly about something so deeply personal.
But she hopes it can help others. She plans to tell her story on the House floor Thursday afternoon and announce the formation of her new caucus, which will also mark one of the first days of endometriosis awareness month. Her fiance plans to watch the speech from the public viewing gallery overhead.
"It doesn't make me weak that I have this," she said. "In fact, I hope folks see that, especially women who do have it or are people who love the women who have it, realize that they are strong as hell."
Finkenauer says she hopes her speech and the focus she's putting on endometriosis will offer a glimmer of hope for those who suffer without a definitive cure.
"You're not alone in this and maybe there's hope," she said. "When you have this kind of pain, sometimes a little bit of hope that there might be something someday, it goes a long way."


usatoday--2020-03-05--Super Tuesday shake-up: The suddenly tough road for Bernie Sanders with Joe Biden as front-runner

BOSTON – Riding a late-moving surge that stretched from the South , East Coast and into the Midwest , Joe Biden upended the race for the Democratic presidential nomination in one night and supplanted Bernie Sanders as the front-runner .
Defying polls that showed him trailing less than a week ago , the former vice president dominated Super Tuesday and racked up wins in 10 of 14 states , building a lead in delegates over Vermont 's independent senator , who had seemed poised to build an insurmountable lead himself .
The turnaround suddenly puts Sanders on his heels .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ needs to win states by wide margins to limit the delegates Biden could accumulate in those same states .
And the map works against him .
Biden could be favored in three of the four largest states that vote Tuesday : Missouri ( 68 delegates ) , where a poll in January showed him leading by 25 percentage points and a poll in February had him up 5 points ; Mississippi ( 36 delegates ) , which has a large African American population and where Hillary Clinton clobbered Sanders 82 % -17 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ delegates ) , which Sanders narrowly won in 2016 , but a poll this week showed Biden 6 percentage points ahead even before his Super Tuesday resurgence .
There are spots of hope for Sanders , an anti-establishment democratic socialist who campaigns on a political revolution .
Sanders , who outperformed Biden in the West , leads polls in Washington ( 89 delegates ) , which votes the same night .
He could fare well in North Dakota and Idaho , but those states have just a combined 34 delegates .
`` He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ night was pretty decisive in terms of reaction to Bernie Sanders as the potential nominee , '' said Joe Trippi , a longtime Democratic campaign operative .
`` I 'm not sure how or where Bernie can turn it from here .
That does not mean that he wo n't try and that it wo n't be a long , hard fight .
But in the end , I do n't see where the window turns for him . ''
The race arguably gets even tougher for Sanders on March 17 in primaries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hundreds of delegates at stake : Florida , 219 delegates ; Illinois , 155 ; Ohio , 136 ; and Arizona , 67 .
Biden holds double-digit polling leads in Florida , where Sanders lost by more than 30 percentage points to Clinton in 2016 and where his comments about Fidel Castro complicated his outlook .
The other leading candidate in Florida , former New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg , dropped out of the presidential race Wednesday and put his support behind Biden .
A poll last month had Biden trailing Sanders by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was taken at the peak of Sanders ' national lead after Biden 's early stumbles .
Illinois and Ohio have sizable African American voting populations , and black voters have overwhelmingly supported Biden in earlier races .
Biden led in Arizona in polls taken last fall , but the race has changed considerably , and Sanders could get a boost from Latino voters , who have backed him heartily in other states .
Michigan could be Sanders ' best shot to climb back Sanders ' next campaign stops include rallies in Phoenix on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Michigan , on Friday and Saturday , and Rockford , Illinois , next Tuesday .
Michigan presents Sanders ' best shot to change the trajectory of the race , according to Matt Grossman , a political scientist at Michigan State University , given the senator 's 50 % -48 % victory over Clinton there four years ago and the demographics of the state .
`` He 's going to be expected to have a good showing , '' Grossman said .
`` And I think because he won last time and this is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be the main story , and the expectation is Sanders needs to win . ''
Grossman said two factors could hurt Sanders ' chances – the lack of a competitive Republican primary that attracted some potential Clinton voters in 2016 , and evidence that suggests Sanders is doing worse among white working-class voters than in 2016 but better among Latino voters .
He called that a `` bad trade in Michigan . ''
`` If the election were held today , ( Biden 's ) certainly the favorite ( in Michigan ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , seven days , as we just learned this last week , is a long time .
So there is still an opportunity for Sanders to shift the narrative . ''
Biden 's big night came thanks to last-minute voters coalescing around his campaign after his blowout win in South Carolina on Saturday that solidified him as the main challenger to Sanders .
It brought exits and endorsements from Pete Buttigieg and Sen. Amy Klobuchar , as well as Rep. Beto O'Rourke .
D-Texas , a onetime presidential contender .
The former vice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Election Day rather than early .
He won Massachusetts , Minnesota and Maine where he did n't have organized campaigns , never visited and ran no television ads .
Particularly troubling for Sanders : He lost three states – Minnesota , Oklahoma and Maine – that he carried in the 2016 primary .
Above all , it was Biden 's strength among African Americans – the most reliable constituency in the Democratic coalition – that gave him landslide wins in South Carolina , then Virginia , North Carolina , Alabama and Tennessee .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ votes from African Americans , exit polls found .
After falling far short with black voters against Clinton in 2016 , Sanders tried to make inroads in the African American community .
But Biden 's commanding wins demonstrated a personal political brand – one tied to his association with Barack Obama – that was underestimated in the news media .
Sanders : A race about 'which side are you on ? '
Sanders has an enormous campaign war chest , the product of an unmatched grassroots fundraising machine , to mount a campaign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an enthusiastic base of young voters and liberals in his corner .
But after winning popular votes in Iowa , New Hampshire and Nevada , Sanders hoped for a big win in delegate-rich Texas and a landslide in the biggest draw , California , where his campaign invested enormous resources .
He ending up losing Texas to Biden and won California but led by less than 10 percentage points .
From his campaign headquarters in Vermont , Sanders said Wednesday , `` What this campaign is increasingly about is , which side are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign as an unprecedented operation powered by everyday people and Biden 's as one bankrolled by the `` corporate world . ''
Despite trailing Biden in delegates , he said he and Biden go forward `` neck-and-neck . ''
His remarks echoed his election night speech in which he looked ahead despite his disappointing Super Tuesday , insisting he has `` absolute confidence '' he will win the nomination .
He doubled down on his lines of attack against Biden .
Sanders slammed Biden 's vote for the Iraq War , efforts to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , support of NAFTA , views on health care and taking campaign contributions from 60 billionaires .
`` Does anyone seriously believe that a president backed by the corporate world is going to bring about the changes in this country that working families and the middle class and lower-income people desperately need ? ''
Sanders said .
Asked whether he has to win Michigan , Sanders said his campaign is going in with the `` expectation and hope '' he will win : `` Michigan is obviously an enormously important state , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' He said Biden 's support of trade agreements such as NAFTA will be among the issues he pushes in Michigan .
In contrast , Biden signaled where he intends to exert most of his attention – President Donald Trump .
Biden made only a couple of clear references to Sanders during his speech to supporters in California .
He said the party needs `` a Democrat , a lifelong Democrat , a proud Democrat , an Obama-Biden Democrat '' as the nominee .
`` People are talking about a revolution .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in another dig at Sanders .
`` We 've increased turnout .
The turnout turned out for us !
That can take us to a moment where we can do extraordinary , extraordinary things . ''
He framed himself as the candidate who can not only beat Trump but win Democratic control of the House and take back the Senate .
He said the next president has to unite the country .
Though Democrats must beat Trump , he said , they ca n't `` become like him . ''
`` We need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said .
`` Make no mistake I can fight – but we need as badly someone who can heal . ''

Super Tuesday shake-up: The suddenly tough road for Bernie Sanders with Joe Biden as front-runner
Show Caption Hide Caption Super Tuesday exit polls put Biden in lead for Democratic nomination Super Tuesday exit polls place Biden far ahead with black voters, but results don't mean victory is a lock. Hannah Gaber, USA TODAY
BOSTON – Riding a late-moving surge that stretched from the South, East Coast and into the Midwest, Joe Biden upended the race for the Democratic presidential nomination in one night and supplanted Bernie Sanders as the front-runner.
Defying polls that showed him trailing less than a week ago, the former vice president dominated Super Tuesday and racked up wins in 10 of 14 states, building a lead in delegates over Vermont's independent senator, who had seemed poised to build an insurmountable lead himself.
The turnaround suddenly puts Sanders on his heels. To make up his deficit, he needs to win states by wide margins to limit the delegates Biden could accumulate in those same states.
And the map works against him.
Biden could be favored in three of the four largest states that vote Tuesday: Missouri (68 delegates), where a poll in January showed him leading by 25 percentage points and a poll in February had him up 5 points; Mississippi (36 delegates), which has a large African American population and where Hillary Clinton clobbered Sanders 82%-17% in 2016; and Michigan (125 delegates), which Sanders narrowly won in 2016, but a poll this week showed Biden 6 percentage points ahead even before his Super Tuesday resurgence.
There are spots of hope for Sanders, an anti-establishment democratic socialist who campaigns on a political revolution.
Sanders, who outperformed Biden in the West, leads polls in Washington (89 delegates), which votes the same night. He could fare well in North Dakota and Idaho, but those states have just a combined 34 delegates.
"He'll keep going on, but last night was pretty decisive in terms of reaction to Bernie Sanders as the potential nominee," said Joe Trippi, a longtime Democratic campaign operative. "I'm not sure how or where Bernie can turn it from here. That does not mean that he won't try and that it won't be a long, hard fight. But in the end, I don't see where the window turns for him."
What is Super Tuesday and why is it important? A previous version of this video displayed an incorrect date in a graphic. It was 1988 when 14 Southern and border states held their primaries. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
The race arguably gets even tougher for Sanders on March 17 in primaries in three large states, each with hundreds of delegates at stake: Florida, 219 delegates; Illinois, 155; Ohio, 136; and Arizona, 67.
Biden holds double-digit polling leads in Florida, where Sanders lost by more than 30 percentage points to Clinton in 2016 and where his comments about Fidel Castro complicated his outlook. The other leading candidate in Florida, former New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg, dropped out of the presidential race Wednesday and put his support behind Biden.
A poll last month had Biden trailing Sanders by 8 percentage points in Illinois. It was taken at the peak of Sanders' national lead after Biden's early stumbles. Illinois and Ohio have sizable African American voting populations, and black voters have overwhelmingly supported Biden in earlier races. Biden led in Arizona in polls taken last fall, but the race has changed considerably, and Sanders could get a boost from Latino voters, who have backed him heartily in other states.
Michigan could be Sanders' best shot to climb back
Sanders' next campaign stops include rallies in Phoenix on Thursday, Detroit and Grand Rapids, Michigan, on Friday and Saturday, and Rockford, Illinois, next Tuesday.
Michigan presents Sanders' best shot to change the trajectory of the race, according to Matt Grossman, a political scientist at Michigan State University, given the senator's 50%-48% victory over Clinton there four years ago and the demographics of the state.
"He's going to be expected to have a good showing," Grossman said. "And I think because he won last time and this is a general election swing state that it will be the main story, and the expectation is Sanders needs to win."
Grossman said two factors could hurt Sanders' chances – the lack of a competitive Republican primary that attracted some potential Clinton voters in 2016, and evidence that suggests Sanders is doing worse among white working-class voters than in 2016 but better among Latino voters. He called that a "bad trade in Michigan."
"If the election were held today, (Biden's) certainly the favorite (in Michigan)," Grossman said. "However, seven days, as we just learned this last week, is a long time. So there is still an opportunity for Sanders to shift the narrative."
Biden's big night came thanks to last-minute voters coalescing around his campaign after his blowout win in South Carolina on Saturday that solidified him as the main challenger to Sanders. It brought exits and endorsements from Pete Buttigieg and Sen. Amy Klobuchar, as well as Rep. Beto O'Rourke. D-Texas, a onetime presidential contender.
The former vice president dominated among Democrats who voted on Election Day rather than early. He won Massachusetts, Minnesota and Maine where he didn't have organized campaigns, never visited and ran no television ads. Particularly troubling for Sanders: He lost three states – Minnesota, Oklahoma and Maine – that he carried in the 2016 primary.
Sanders expresses confidence despite Biden surge Bernie Sanders told supporters with "absolute confidence" Tuesday night that he is going to "win the Democratic nomination." Sanders spoke to supporters in Vermont after rival Joe Biden racked up a number of Super Tuesday victories. (March 3) AP Domestic
Above all, it was Biden's strength among African Americans – the most reliable constituency in the Democratic coalition – that gave him landslide wins in South Carolina, then Virginia, North Carolina, Alabama and Tennessee. He won more than 60% of votes from African Americans, exit polls found.
After falling far short with black voters against Clinton in 2016, Sanders tried to make inroads in the African American community. But Biden's commanding wins demonstrated a personal political brand – one tied to his association with Barack Obama – that was underestimated in the news media.
Sanders: A race about 'which side are you on?'
Sanders has an enormous campaign war chest, the product of an unmatched grassroots fundraising machine, to mount a campaign for the long haul. He has an enthusiastic base of young voters and liberals in his corner.
But after winning popular votes in Iowa, New Hampshire and Nevada, Sanders hoped for a big win in delegate-rich Texas and a landslide in the biggest draw, California, where his campaign invested enormous resources. He ending up losing Texas to Biden and won California but led by less than 10 percentage points.
From his campaign headquarters in Vermont, Sanders said Wednesday, "What this campaign is increasingly about is, which side are you on?" He described his campaign as an unprecedented operation powered by everyday people and Biden's as one bankrolled by the "corporate world." Despite trailing Biden in delegates, he said he and Biden go forward "neck-and-neck."
His remarks echoed his election night speech in which he looked ahead despite his disappointing Super Tuesday, insisting he has "absolute confidence" he will win the nomination. He doubled down on his lines of attack against Biden.
Sanders slammed Biden's vote for the Iraq War, efforts to cut Social Security and other social programs, support of NAFTA, views on health care and taking campaign contributions from 60 billionaires.
"Does anyone seriously believe that a president backed by the corporate world is going to bring about the changes in this country that working families and the middle class and lower-income people desperately need?" Sanders said.
Asked whether he has to win Michigan, Sanders said his campaign is going in with the "expectation and hope" he will win: "Michigan is obviously an enormously important state, a state I feel very comfortable in." He said Biden's support of trade agreements such as NAFTA will be among the issues he pushes in Michigan.
In contrast, Biden signaled where he intends to exert most of his attention – President Donald Trump.
Biden made only a couple of clear references to Sanders during his speech to supporters in California. He said the party needs "a Democrat, a lifelong Democrat, a proud Democrat, an Obama-Biden Democrat" as the nominee.
"People are talking about a revolution. We started a movement," Biden said in another dig at Sanders. "We've increased turnout. The turnout turned out for us! That can take us to a moment where we can do extraordinary, extraordinary things."
He framed himself as the candidate who can not only beat Trump but win Democratic control of the House and take back the Senate. He said the next president has to unite the country. Though Democrats must beat Trump, he said, they can't "become like him."
"We need a president who can fight," he said. "Make no mistake I can fight – but we need as badly someone who can heal."
Reach Joey Garrison and on Twitter @joeygarrison.


usatoday--2020-03-05--Rep. Matt Gaetz wore gas mask while House voted on coronavirus response bill

WASHINGTON – Congressman Matt Gaetz , R-FL.
, wore a gas mask on the House floor while the chamber voted on a coronavirus funding bill Wednesday .
It was n't clear whether Gaetz was wearing the gas mask to troll those panicking over the outbreak , as multiple health organizations have repeatedly stated not to wear face masks .
However , Gaetz , one of President Donald Trump 's staunchest supporters on Capitol Hill , reportedly told journalists that he believes `` members of congress are human petri dishes '' His office reiterated this to USA TODAY , saying that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taking selfies with other people ’ s phones…if there ’ s anybody that ’ s going to get coronavirus it ’ s going to be the United States Congress .
`` House rules do not explicitly allow medical headgear even at this time of heightened concern .
This is a rule that should be revisited , '' he continued .
Sharing a picture of the a gas mask covering his entire face , Gaetz tweeted , “ Reviewing the coronavirus supplemental appropriation and preparing to go vote.
” Coronavirus live updates : US @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in California ; LA declares state of emergency More than 130 cases have been confirmed across the nation and the U.S. death toll hit 11 Wednesday .
More than 95,000 people have become sick worldwide , with more than 3,000 dying .
So far , there have been no confirmed cases in Washington , D.C. Coronavirus live updates : US death toll hits 11 , including first in California ; LA declares state of emergency Infectious-disease experts say masks can offer only slight protection against airborne illness like the coronavirus .
Because of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has stated that they do not `` recommend that people who are well wear a facemask themselves from respiratory diseases , including COVID-19 . ''
`` Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others '' the CDC said .
Despite the warnings , the virus has sent citizens to mass-buy face masks , causing a severe and mounting disruption to the global supply of masks and other personal protective equipment that is putting lives at risk from the new coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Health Organization said .
Despite repeated cautions from health organizations that face masks are n't necessary , and just put sick people at risk , medical masks sales have spiked 319 % .
How to prepare for coronavirus : The shopping list for your own home quarantine kit Congressman Jim Hines , D-CT. , said that `` You won ’ t believe the shoes Matt Gaetz is wearing today '' with a picture of Gaetz wearing the gas mask .
Vice President Mike Pence reiterated today during a press conference about the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Americans to buy masks . ''
The House of Representatives voted 415-2 to pass the $ 8.3 billion emergency coronavirus response bill .
Approval is expected from the Senate and Trump .
The package approved by the Democrat-controlled House includes more than $ 3 billion for research and the development of vaccines and $ 2.2 billion that will help in prevention , preparedness and response .
It also allocates $ 1 billion for state and local response , about half of which would go to specific cities .
Each state would receive no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resolution passed by the House allocates more than triple the $ 2.5 billion Trump originally asked for last month .
More : Coronavirus concerns lead to hoarding , panic buying to stock 'panic pantries , ' Nielsen says Gaetz voted for the bill , but said he `` didn ’ t feel good about it .
$ 8Billion+ in spending without offsets .
The next generation will have to pay for their own pandemics ... .and ours too ... with interest . ''
The president has faced criticism for his initial response to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health officials in his own administration about the scope of the virus .
At a rally last week , Trump described opponents ' criticism of his administration 's response a `` hoax '' while members of his administration claimed the panic surrounding the virus was created by Democrats and the media to `` bring down the president . ''

Rep. Matt Gaetz wore gas mask while House voted on coronavirus response bill
Show Caption Hide Caption Coronavirus: Rep. Matt Gaetz wears gas mask on House floor Representative Matt Gaetz wore a large gask mask as the House voted on a coronavirus funding bill Wednesday. USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – Congressman Matt Gaetz, R-FL., wore a gas mask on the House floor while the chamber voted on a coronavirus funding bill Wednesday.
It wasn't clear whether Gaetz was wearing the gas mask to troll those panicking over the outbreak, as multiple health organizations have repeatedly stated not to wear face masks.
However, Gaetz, one of President Donald Trump's staunchest supporters on Capitol Hill, reportedly told journalists that he believes "members of congress are human petri dishes"
His office reiterated this to USA TODAY, saying that members "are always in airports, taking selfies with other people’s phones…if there’s anybody that’s going to get coronavirus it’s going to be the United States Congress.
"House rules do not explicitly allow medical headgear even at this time of heightened concern. This is a rule that should be revisited," he continued.
Sharing a picture of the a gas mask covering his entire face, Gaetz tweeted, “Reviewing the coronavirus supplemental appropriation and preparing to go vote.”
Coronavirus live updates: US death toll hits 11, including first in California; LA declares state of emergency
Reviewing the coronavirus supplemental appropriation and preparing to go vote. pic.twitter.com/wjJ4YY4VZz — Rep. Matt Gaetz (@RepMattGaetz) March 4, 2020
More than 130 cases have been confirmed across the nation and the U.S. death toll hit 11 Wednesday. More than 95,000 people have become sick worldwide, with more than 3,000 dying.
So far, there have been no confirmed cases in Washington, D.C.
Coronavirus live updates: US death toll hits 11, including first in California; LA declares state of emergency
Is the U.S. prepared for a coronavirus pandemic? A previous version of this video incorrectly stated how many people the 1918 Spanish influenza killed. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
Infectious-disease experts say masks can offer only slight protection against airborne illness like the coronavirus. Because of this, The Center for Disease Control has stated that they do not "recommend that people who are well wear a facemask themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19."
"Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others" the CDC said.
Despite the warnings, the virus has sent citizens to mass-buy face masks, causing a severe and mounting disruption to the global supply of masks and other personal protective equipment that is putting lives at risk from the new coronavirus and other infectious diseases, the World Health Organization said.
Despite repeated cautions from health organizations that face masks aren't necessary, and just put sick people at risk, medical masks sales have spiked 319%.
How to prepare for coronavirus: The shopping list for your own home quarantine kit
Congressman Jim Hines, D-CT., said that "You won’t believe the shoes Matt Gaetz is wearing today" with a picture of Gaetz wearing the gas mask.
You won’t believe the shoes Matt Gaetz is wearing today. #FloridaMan pic.twitter.com/VmFN7t0fjq — Jim Himes (@jahimes) March 4, 2020
Vice President Mike Pence reiterated today during a press conference about the coronavirus that there is "no need for Americans to buy masks."
The House of Representatives voted 415-2 to pass the $8.3 billion emergency coronavirus response bill. Approval is expected from the Senate and Trump.
The package approved by the Democrat-controlled House includes more than $3 billion for research and the development of vaccines and $2.2 billion that will help in prevention, preparedness and response. It also allocates $1 billion for state and local response, about half of which would go to specific cities. Each state would receive no less than $4 million.
The resolution passed by the House allocates more than triple the $2.5 billion Trump originally asked for last month.
More: Coronavirus concerns lead to hoarding, panic buying to stock 'panic pantries,' Nielsen says
Gaetz voted for the bill, but said he "didn’t feel good about it. $8Billion+ in spending without offsets. The next generation will have to pay for their own pandemics....and ours too...with interest."
The president has faced criticism for his initial response to the outbreak when he appeared to contradict health officials in his own administration about the scope of the virus. At a rally last week, Trump described opponents' criticism of his administration's response a "hoax" while members of his administration claimed the panic surrounding the virus was created by Democrats and the media to "bring down the president."
Rep. Matt Gaetz wearing a gas mask on the House floor during coronavirus funding vote https://t.co/URPlWtlWt1 pic.twitter.com/XgycdWkwrl — Roll Call (@rollcall) March 4, 2020
Contributing: Christal Hayes, Mike Snider, John Bacon


usatoday--2020-03-05--OnPolitics: Super Tuesday is over. What happens now?

OK , but it 's not over yet Former Vice President Joe Biden was the clear winner on Super Tuesday , but what happens now ?
Biden has already started running ads in Michigan , Missouri and Mississippi touting praise from former President Barack Obama .
He should get a boost March 17 in Florida where Sen. Bernie Sanders ' positive comments about a literacy program in Fidel Castro 's Cuba have not gone over well with the state 's Cuban American community , Sanders is hammering away at Biden 's vote to authorize the war in Iraq , his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
All dressed up and nowhere to go Mike Bloomberg rejected all donations to his campaign , entirely self-funding the operation to the tune of $ 558 million on ads alone , according to ad-tracking firm Advertising Analytics , and making it the biggest self-funded campaign in history , according to the Center for Responsive Politics .
Businessman Tom Steyer 's 2020 bid and President Donald Trump 's 2016 bid were the second- and third-biggest self-funded races , according to Center for Responsive Politics estimates .
But it was n't enough .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out of the race Wednesday after a disappointing showing on Super Tuesday .
Just a couple things before you go Did you know that a former linguist is accused of helping a terrorist organization ?
Well , you do now .
• DOD linguist charged with espionage ; accused of supplying U.S. intel sources to Hezbollah contact • Trump slams Jeff Sessions after Super Tuesday as ex-AG heads into run-off against Tommy Tuberville

OnPolitics: Super Tuesday is over. What happens now?
Show Caption Hide Caption Super Tuesday exit polls put Biden in lead for Democratic nomination Super Tuesday exit polls place Biden far ahead with black voters, but results don't mean victory is a lock. Hannah Gaber, USA TODAY
OK, but it's not over yet
Former Vice President Joe Biden was the clear winner on Super Tuesday, but what happens now?
Biden has already started running ads in Michigan, Missouri and Mississippi touting praise from former President Barack Obama.
He should get a boost March 17 in Florida where Sen. Bernie Sanders' positive comments about a literacy program in Fidel Castro's Cuba have not gone over well with the state's Cuban American community,
Sanders is hammering away at Biden's vote to authorize the war in Iraq, his record on trade issues and Social Security.
All dressed up and nowhere to go
Mike Bloomberg rejected all donations to his campaign, entirely self-funding the operation to the tune of $558 million on ads alone, according to ad-tracking firm Advertising Analytics, and making it the biggest self-funded campaign in history, according to the Center for Responsive Politics.
Businessman Tom Steyer's 2020 bid and President Donald Trump's 2016 bid were the second- and third-biggest self-funded races, according to Center for Responsive Politics estimates.
But it wasn't enough. The billionaire former New York City mayor dropped out of the race Wednesday after a disappointing showing on Super Tuesday.
Just a couple things before you go
Did you know that a former linguist is accused of helping a terrorist organization? Well, you do now.


usatoday--2020-03-05--Chief Justice John Roberts scolds Chuck Schumer for 'threatening statements' against Gorsuch, Kavana

WASHINGTON — Chief Justice John Roberts offered a rare rebuke of Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer on Wednesday after the New York Democrat made what Roberts called `` threatening statements '' against two conservative justices .
Schumer had spoken outside the Supreme Court earlier in the day as the justices were hearing a case about a Louisiana abortion law .
Schumer addressed two Trump-appointed associate justices , Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh .
`` I want to tell you , Gorsuch , I want to tell you , Kavanaugh , you have released the whirlwind and you will pay the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You wo n't know what hit you if you go forward with these awful decisions . ''
President Donald Trump also condemned Schumer on Twitter later on Wednesday .
`` This is a direct & dangerous threat to the U.S. Supreme Court by Schumer , '' Trump said .
`` If a Republican did this , he or she would be arrested , or impeached .
Serious action MUST be taken NOW ! ''
Schumer 's comments were widely criticized by conservatives and anti-abortion activists , including GOP Reps. Steve Scalise , Mark @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Critics accused Schumer of making threats against the justices , a position Robert also took in his statement .
`` Justices know that criticism comes with the territory , but threatening statements of this sort from the highest levels of government are not only inappropriate , they are dangerous , '' Roberts said .
The incident comes after President Donald Trump was also heavily criticized for comments he made about liberal associate justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Sonia Sotomayor , accusing them of bias against him and calling on them to recuse themselves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ginsburg should [ recuse herself ] because she went wild during the campaign when I was running , '' Trump said at the time .
Trump : Supreme Court Justices Sotomayor and Ginsburg should recuse themselves from cases involving him Roberts said Wednesday in his statement that the justices `` will continue to do their job , without fear or favor , from whatever quarter . ''
A Schumer spokesperson pushed back on the chief justice 's rebuke , accusing Roberts of following a `` deliberate misinterpretation '' of Schumer 's remarks .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ were a reference to the political price Senate Republicans will pay for putting these justices on the court , and a warning that the justices will unleash a major grassroots movement on the issue of reproductive rights against the decision , '' spokesperson Justin Goodman said in a statement to USA TODAY .
“ For Justice Roberts to follow the right wing ’ s deliberate misinterpretation of what Sen. Schumer said , while remaining silent when President Trump attacked Justices Sotomayor and Ginsberg last week , shows Justice Roberts does not just call @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In 2018 , Roberts also made a public statement that took issue with the president 's characterization of a federal judge who ruled against his administration as an `` Obama judge . ''
`` We do not have Obama judges or Trump judges , Bush judges or Clinton judges , '' Roberts said in a statement at the time .

Chief Justice John Roberts scolds Chuck Schumer for 'threatening statements' against Gorsuch, Kavanaugh
Show Caption Hide Caption Abortion laws: How different states use 'heartbeat' bills, Roe v. Wade The Supreme Court will review Mississippi abortion law, which bans abortions when a fetal heartbeat is detected. Here's how states handle abortion. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON — Chief Justice John Roberts offered a rare rebuke of Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer on Wednesday after the New York Democrat made what Roberts called "threatening statements" against two conservative justices.
Schumer had spoken outside the Supreme Court earlier in the day as the justices were hearing a case about a Louisiana abortion law. Schumer addressed two Trump-appointed associate justices, Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh.
"I want to tell you, Gorsuch, I want to tell you, Kavanaugh, you have released the whirlwind and you will pay the price," Schumer said. "You won't know what hit you if you go forward with these awful decisions."
President Donald Trump also condemned Schumer on Twitter later on Wednesday.
"This is a direct & dangerous threat to the U.S. Supreme Court by Schumer," Trump said. "If a Republican did this, he or she would be arrested, or impeached. Serious action MUST be taken NOW!"
Abortion access at stake?: Deeply divided Supreme Court debates limits on abortion providers
Schumer's comments were widely criticized by conservatives and anti-abortion activists, including GOP Reps. Steve Scalise, Mark Meadows and Jim Jordan on Twitter. Critics accused Schumer of making threats against the justices, a position Robert also took in his statement.
"Justices know that criticism comes with the territory, but threatening statements of this sort from the highest levels of government are not only inappropriate, they are dangerous," Roberts said.
🚨 UNHINGED → Schumer threatened conservative justices Kavanaugh & Gorsuch on the steps of the Supreme Court:
"You have released the whirlwind & you will pay the price. You won't know what hit you."
Enough. This rhetoric has dangerous consequences. Where's the media outrage? pic.twitter.com/SiGNHxG0iX — Steve Scalise (@SteveScalise) March 4, 2020
“I want to tell you Justice Kavanaugh and Justice Gorsuch: You have unleashed a whirlwind, and you will pay the price... you will not know what hit you if you go forward with these decisions” -Chuck Schumer
That is a threat. Period.
And Democrats should be asked to condemn it. — Mark Meadows (@RepMarkMeadows) March 4, 2020
The incident comes after President Donald Trump was also heavily criticized for comments he made about liberal associate justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Sonia Sotomayor, accusing them of bias against him and calling on them to recuse themselves from cases involving him.
“Justice Ginsburg should [recuse herself] because she went wild during the campaign when I was running," Trump said at the time.
Trump:Supreme Court Justices Sotomayor and Ginsburg should recuse themselves from cases involving him
Roberts said Wednesday in his statement that the justices "will continue to do their job, without fear or favor, from whatever quarter."
A Schumer spokesperson pushed back on the chief justice's rebuke, accusing Roberts of following a "deliberate misinterpretation" of Schumer's remarks.
“Sen. Schumer’s comments were a reference to the political price Senate Republicans will pay for putting these justices on the court, and a warning that the justices will unleash a major grassroots movement on the issue of reproductive rights against the decision," spokesperson Justin Goodman said in a statement to USA TODAY.
“For Justice Roberts to follow the right wing’s deliberate misinterpretation of what Sen. Schumer said, while remaining silent when President Trump attacked Justices Sotomayor and Ginsberg last week, shows Justice Roberts does not just call balls and strikes," Goodman added.
In 2018, Roberts also made a public statement that took issue with the president's characterization of a federal judge who ruled against his administration as an "Obama judge."
"We do not have Obama judges or Trump judges, Bush judges or Clinton judges," Roberts said in a statement at the time.


usatoday--2020-03-05--'Element of misogyny': Pelosi, others, lament that Warren exit leaves presidential race to men

WASHINGTON – Elizabeth Warren avoided what she called a `` trap question '' Thursday when asked whether sexism played a role in her failure to win the Democratic presidential nomination .
“ If you say , 'Yeah , there was sexism in this race , ' everyone says , 'Whiner , '' Warren told reporters after dropping out the race .
`` And if you say , 'No , there was no sexism , ' about a bazillion women think , 'What planet do you live on ? '
'' But House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , the nation 's highest-elected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the speaker 's gavel , was n't so reticent .
`` I do think there ’ s a certain element of misogyny that is there , '' Pelosi said at her weekly news conference on Capitol Hill Thursday .
It 's a particularly poignant question for women who are still upset that Hillary Clinton lost to Donald Trump in 2016 .
Women came roaring back in 2018 , providing much of the energy – through candidates , campaign donations and votes – that helped Democrats take back the House .
A record number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ donated a record amount of money to congressional candidates .
And while both men and women turned out at record rates in 2018 , women – who already voted at higher rates than man – increased their turnout even more .
Continuing that trend , a record number of women entered this year 's Democratic contest for president , with Warren the last significant female candidate to withdraw .
Rep. Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii is still competing along with Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and former Vice President Joe Biden but has no path @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's supporters ?
: Exit does n't necessarily benefit Bernie Sanders , experts say California Democratic Sen. Kamala Harris , who ended her presidential quest in December , said the 2020 cycle has presented `` very legitimate questions about the challenges of women running for president . ''
`` Look at what 's happened .
There are no women currently in this race , '' she said on CNN shortly after Warren 's withdrawal .
`` You know , we can have a longer discussion about it .
But the reality is there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be done to make it very clear that women are exceptionally qualified and capable of being the commander in chief in the United States of America . ''
The disappointment woman may feel that the race has come down to two men is magnified by the fact that it 's the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th amendment which gave women the right to vote .
`` I think it is especially bittersweet for the Democratic women candidates in this race , '' said Teri Finneman , author of `` Press @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` That just happened during what is supposed to be a celebration year of 100 years of women having finally their place in the spotlight , in the celebration of women 's rights in this country , and yet we still have not made as much progress as you would have thought in those 100 years . ''
Pelosi , who was scheduled to speak at Georgetown University on the impact of the 19th amendment , said she nearly cries every time she is introduced as the most powerful woman in the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not true , '' she said .
`` I so wish that we had a woman president of the United States .
And we came very close to doing that , a woman who was better qualified than so many people who have sought that office and even won it . ''
While 71 % of respondents to a national USA TODAY/Ipsos Poll in January said they personally would be comfortable with a female president , just 33 % say their neighbors would be – a telling and perhaps more candid measure , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , about half of likely Democratic primary voters thought a woman would have a harder time than a man running against Trump .
That could have been a handicap in a year when Democratic voters placed a high priority on finding the strongest opponent to Trump .
Kelly Dittmar , scholar at the Center for American Women and Politics at the Eagleton Institute of Politics at Rutgers University , said many of the female candidates showed that they ’ re prepared and qualified to be president .
Now , she said , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” and the media to do some self-reflection about how gender biases are “ informing our evaluation and expectations of candidates and our coverage of candidates.
” By Super Tuesday , when Warren 's prospects looked dim , most voters chose one of the three male candidates left .
Biden had the largest share of support from female voters , according to exit polls from 12 of the 14 states that voted .
Biden 's median support from female voters was 37 % compared to 15 % for Warren .
Biden also did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 36 % median support compared to 9 % for Warren .
Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar , who left the race Monday , argued during the campaign that Pete Buttigieg , the former mayor of South Bend , Indiana , would not have made it to the debate stage with his relative lack of experience if he 'd been female .
`` Women are held to a higher standard , '' Klobuchar said in a November debate .
`` Otherwise we could play a game called name your favorite woman president , which we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all been men.
” Warren , who famously always had `` a plan for that , '' built a reputation as one of the smartest candidates .
Anita Dunn , a senior adviser to Biden , has called Warren `` by far the best debater in this field . ''
Warren 's takedown of Michael Bloomberg in the two debates he participated in is viewed as one of the reasons the former New York City mayor had an embarrassing showing on Super Tuesday despite spending a record amount of his own money on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day .
Warren alluded to Bloomberg when she broke the news to her staff Thursday that she was suspending her campaign .
Listing her accomplishments , Warren said she showed she was willing to fight .
`` When necessary , we left plenty of blood and teeth on the floor , '' Warren said , according to a transcript of her private remarks .
`` And I can think of one billionaire who has been denied the chance to buy this election . ''
Jesse Lehrich , a former foreign policy spokesman for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see yet another should-be Madam President fall short despite outshining the competition . ''
`` The fact that I will not get to see either Elizabeth Warren , Amy Klobuchar , or Kamala Harris absolutely eviscerate Donald Trump on a debate stage makes me SO sad , '' he tweeted .
Pelosi said some of the misogyny that she sees is n't mean spirited .
Many men will tell you that they have strong mothers , sisters or daughters .
`` But they have their own insecurities , I guess you would say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pelosi said she has no doubt that America is ready for a female president .
But , she said , girls may need to start thinking about being president from the day they 're born , the way some men might .
Warren tried to instill that dream by making `` pinky promises '' with young girls she met on the campaign trial to remember that girls can run for president .
`` My name is Elizabeth and I 'm running for president , because that 's what girls do , '' she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ One of the most difficult parts of her decision to end her campaign was thinking about all the promises and `` all those little girls who are going to have to wait four more years . ''
But while she declined Thursday to elaborate on what obstacles still remain for women seeking the highest office , she made another pledge .
`` I promise you this , '' she said to the reporters .
`` I 'll have a lot more to say on that subject later on . ''

Maureen Groppe, Rebecca Morin and Ledyard King, USA TODAY

'Element of misogyny': Pelosi, others, lament that Warren exit leaves presidential race to men
Show Caption Hide Caption 2020 presidential race: Elizabeth Warren ending presidential campaign Sen. Elizabeth Warren is ending her presidential campaign after finishing third in her home state on Super Tuesday. USA TODAY, Wochit
WASHINGTON – Elizabeth Warren avoided what she called a "trap question" Thursday when asked whether sexism played a role in her failure to win the Democratic presidential nomination.
“If you say, 'Yeah, there was sexism in this race,' everyone says, 'Whiner," Warren told reporters after dropping out the race. "And if you say, 'No, there was no sexism,' about a bazillion women think, 'What planet do you live on?'"
But House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, the nation's highest-elected female politician and the first to hold the speaker's gavel, wasn't so reticent.
"I do think there’s a certain element of misogyny that is there," Pelosi said at her weekly news conference on Capitol Hill Thursday.
It's a particularly poignant question for women who are still upset that Hillary Clinton lost to Donald Trump in 2016.
Women came roaring back in 2018, providing much of the energy – through candidates, campaign donations and votes – that helped Democrats take back the House.
A record number of women ran for Congress. Women donated a record amount of money to congressional candidates. And while both men and women turned out at record rates in 2018, women – who already voted at higher rates than man – increased their turnout even more.
Continuing that trend, a record number of women entered this year's Democratic contest for president, with Warren the last significant female candidate to withdraw. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii is still competing along with Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and former Vice President Joe Biden but has no path to the nomination.
Who gets Warren's supporters?: Exit doesn't necessarily benefit Bernie Sanders, experts say
California Democratic Sen. Kamala Harris, who ended her presidential quest in December, said the 2020 cycle has presented "very legitimate questions about the challenges of women running for president."
"Look at what's happened. There are no women currently in this race," she said on CNN shortly after Warren's withdrawal. "You know, we can have a longer discussion about it. But the reality is there's still a lot of work to be done to make it very clear that women are exceptionally qualified and capable of being the commander in chief in the United States of America."
The disappointment woman may feel that the race has come down to two men is magnified by the fact that it's the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th amendment which gave women the right to vote.
"I think it is especially bittersweet for the Democratic women candidates in this race," said Teri Finneman, author of "Press Portrayals of Women Politicians, 1870s-2000s. "That just happened during what is supposed to be a celebration year of 100 years of women having finally their place in the spotlight, in the celebration of women's rights in this country, and yet we still have not made as much progress as you would have thought in those 100 years."
Pelosi, who was scheduled to speak at Georgetown University on the impact of the 19th amendment, said she nearly cries every time she is introduced as the most powerful woman in the country.
"Because I wish that was not true," she said. "I so wish that we had a woman president of the United States. And we came very close to doing that, a woman who was better qualified than so many people who have sought that office and even won it."
While 71% of respondents to a national USA TODAY/Ipsos Poll in January said they personally would be comfortable with a female president, just 33% say their neighbors would be – a telling and perhaps more candid measure,
Potentially more significant for the nominating contest, about half of likely Democratic primary voters thought a woman would have a harder time than a man running against Trump. That could have been a handicap in a year when Democratic voters placed a high priority on finding the strongest opponent to Trump.
Youth absence: Many young voters sat out Super Tuesday, contributing to Bernie Sanders' losses
Kelly Dittmar, scholar at the Center for American Women and Politics at the Eagleton Institute of Politics at Rutgers University, said many of the female candidates showed that they’re prepared and qualified to be president.
Now, she said, it’s “up to the electorate” and the media to do some self-reflection about how gender biases are “informing our evaluation and expectations of candidates and our coverage of candidates.”
By Super Tuesday, when Warren's prospects looked dim, most voters chose one of the three male candidates left.
Biden had the largest share of support from female voters, according to exit polls from 12 of the 14 states that voted. Biden's median support from female voters was 37% compared to 15% for Warren. Biden also did the best among male voters, getting 36% median support compared to 9% for Warren.
Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar, who left the race Monday, argued during the campaign that Pete Buttigieg, the former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, would not have made it to the debate stage with his relative lack of experience if he'd been female.
"Women are held to a higher standard," Klobuchar said in a November debate. "Otherwise we could play a game called name your favorite woman president, which we can’t do because it has all been men.”
Warren, who famously always had "a plan for that," built a reputation as one of the smartest candidates. Anita Dunn, a senior adviser to Biden, has called Warren "by far the best debater in this field." Warren's takedown of Michael Bloomberg in the two debates he participated in is viewed as one of the reasons the former New York City mayor had an embarrassing showing on Super Tuesday despite spending a record amount of his own money on the campaign. He withdrew the next day.
Warren alluded to Bloomberg when she broke the news to her staff Thursday that she was suspending her campaign. Listing her accomplishments, Warren said she showed she was willing to fight.
"When necessary, we left plenty of blood and teeth on the floor," Warren said, according to a transcript of her private remarks. "And I can think of one billionaire who has been denied the chance to buy this election."
Jesse Lehrich, a former foreign policy spokesman for Clinton, called it painful "to see yet another should-be Madam President fall short despite outshining the competition."
"The fact that I will not get to see either Elizabeth Warren, Amy Klobuchar, or Kamala Harris absolutely eviscerate Donald Trump on a debate stage makes me SO sad," he tweeted.
Pelosi said some of the misogyny that she sees isn't mean spirited. Many men will tell you that they have strong mothers, sisters or daughters.
"But they have their own insecurities, I guess you would say," she added.
Still, Pelosi said she has no doubt that America is ready for a female president. But, she said, girls may need to start thinking about being president from the day they're born, the way some men might.
Warren tried to instill that dream by making "pinky promises" with young girls she met on the campaign trial to remember that girls can run for president.
"My name is Elizabeth and I'm running for president, because that's what girls do," she would tell them while locking eyes.
One of the most difficult parts of her decision to end her campaign was thinking about all the promises and "all those little girls who are going to have to wait four more years."
But while she declined Thursday to elaborate on what obstacles still remain for women seeking the highest office, she made another pledge.
"I promise you this," she said to the reporters. "I'll have a lot more to say on that subject later on."