usatoday--2020-11-29--Progressives are pushing for a bold Biden agenda. They might have to work around Congress to do it.

After helping to mobilize election turnout of young people and left-leaning Democrats , progressive leaders want to hold the Biden administration to promises made on the campaign trail : addressing climate change , combatting the COVID-19 pandemic and offering student debt relief .
“ This isn ’ t 2015 anymore .
This isn ’ t 2010 anymore .
It ’ s not 2005 anymore , ” Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez , a Democratic socialist from New York , said at a rally with progressives last week .
“ The movement got us here .
You all got us a seat at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into their policy demands , one roadblock remains : Who will control the Senate ?
Two runoffs in Georgia will determine whether Republicans maintain control of the chamber when the new Congress is sworn in in January .
If the Republican majority holds , not only will it be difficult for Democrats to pass legislation , it will likely mean the progressive wish list will be left on the backburner .
More : President-elect Biden seeks a diverse Cabinet .
Here 's who will join his administration and who might be top contenders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Revolving Door Project , a group that scrutinizes personnel in the executive branch , said progressives understand there will be substantial challenges in getting legislation passed and that `` this is not a time for peace and prosperity . ''
`` The Senate picture is somewhere between bad and not good , '' he said .
And even if Democrats do control the Senate , progressive legislation might still face an uphill battle , said Ross Baker , a political science professor at Rutgers University '' I think it 's going to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Speaker Nancy ) Pelosi , Baker said .
`` The big problem is managing the expectations of progressives . ''
Baker noted passing legislation that makes both wings of the Democratic Party happy is n't a given , pointing to the infighting between moderate and progressive Democrats days following the November election .
He specifically pointed to the `` defund the police '' movement , which calls on funding for police departments to be reallocated for other social services .
Many establishment and centrist Democrats said that term , in addition to Democrats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ House seats in the general election .
`` The language of progressives becomes an issue to all Democrats , '' Baker said .
As a result , progressives are turning to processes where they believe they can make the most impact : The use of executive power and who Biden appointments to serve in his administration .
Adam Green , co-founder of Progressive Change Campaign Committee , said progressives have urged Biden specifically to limit the appointments of people who have a lobbying or corporate background .
Green said if progressive legislation ca @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden has to use executive power instead , former lobbyists from key industries could hinder that progress .
`` If our desire is that ( Biden ) use executive power to take on Big Pharma but there is a pharma lobbyist in charge of policies , that will likely get slow walked or vetoed from within , '' Green told USA TODAY .
`` If we want to create clean energy jobs but former Big Oil lobbyists are now in charge of the levers of power , then that will get slow walked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between urging him to advance what he can do with executive power and urging him to not appoint corporate lobbyists who are not fully aligned with his campaign promises . ''
Progressive activists have been vocal about appointments they believe will hinder movement in key policies areas .
Justice Democrats , along with Social Security Works and Data for Progress , launched a campaign petitioning against Bruce Reed , Biden 's former chief of staff , from joining the administration .
The petition has the support of not only progressive activists , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ilhan Omar , Rashida Tlaib and newly elected Reps. Cori Bush and Jamaal Bowman .
The Sunrise Movement , an organization focused on climate change that spurred out of Sen. Bernie Sanders ’ 2016 campaign , criticized Biden ’ s appointment earlier this month of Rep. Cedric Richmond as a senior adviser to the president and director of the White House Office of Public Engagement .
The group called Richmond ’ s appointment a “ betrayal , ” claiming that the congressman “ cozied up to Big Oil and Gas ” more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Capitol Hill .
Richmond , who represents a Louisiana district that spans from New Orleans to Baton Rouge , was national co-chairman of Biden 's campaign Other groups , like Justice Democrats , have hit Biden for some appointments that they say are “ corporate friendly , '' including Steve Ricchetti being named as counselor to the president .
Ricchetti is a former lobbyist , and his firm Richetti Inc. has represented the American Hospital Association and the Health Insurance Association of America , drugmakers such as Eli Lilly , Novartis , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such as AT & T and Nextel .
“ If Joe Biden continues making corporate-friendly appointments to his White House , he will risk quickly fracturing the hard-earned goodwill his team built with progressives to defeat Donald Trump , ” Justice Democrats executive director Alexandra Rojas said in a statementearlier this month .
Two weeks ago more than 40 activist groups released a list of 400 progressive policy experts they want Biden to consider for positions in his administration .
This week , five progressive organizations led by Demand Progress and the Revolving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign called “ No Corporate Cabinet , ” which aims to keep corporate insiders out of the Biden administration .
In similar messaging , a rally of activists and some members of congress , including Ocasio-Cortez , called on Biden to reject appointing people who have corporate ties and called for bold action on the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change .
“ Let ’ s cut to the chase , ” Anthony Karefa Rogers-Wright , policy coordinator for Climate Justice Alliance said at the rally .
“ Marginalized Black , brown , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which is the only reason there will even be a Biden administration .
The President-elect must center these communities and dismantle the root causes of interlinked crises including COVID and climate change : white supremacy , patriarchy , and colonization . ''
Biden is seemingly listening to some of the concerns .
The president-elect nominated former Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen as his Treasury secretary , a move that will likely make both progressives and moderates happy .
Yellen , who will be the first woman to lead the department , headed the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also appointed John Kerry as special presidential envoy for climate , which Varshini Prakash , co-founder and executive director of Sunrise Movement , said in a statement was `` an encouraging sign of President-Elect Biden ’ s commitment to addressing the climate crisis . ''
Prakash , however , also noted that progressives want to see a domestic counterpart to Kerry 's position .
But Biden is also tempering progressives ' expectations .
He tamped down the possibility of nominating Sens .
Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders to Cabinet positions last week , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ among progressives in our administration.
” He added that “ taking someone out of the Senate , taking someone out of the House , particularly a person of consequence , is a really difficult decision that would have to be made.
” '' I have a very ambitious , very progressive agenda , and it 's going to take really strong leaders in the House and Senate to get it done , ” Biden said .
Sanders is vying to be Biden ’ s Labor Secretary , while some progressives also had hoped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Joe Biden picks for top jobs : A spy chief who fixes cars , an envoy who practices 'gumbo diplomacy' Some progressives believe the greatest progress could be made through Biden 's executive power and federal laws already in place .
Hauser , of the Revolving Door Project , said he hopes Biden `` does the most that he can with the tools that he has '' to get progressive policies enacted .
For example , he noted that a Biden Administration can change the poverty line to an income like $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Medicare .
But Baker , the professor , noted that Biden will need to “ temper expectations ” from the progressive wing of the party .
He noted that while Biden can `` give it his best shot , '' progressive policies will likely have to be pushed through in other legislative packages rather than their own bills .
`` You ca n't do it wholesale , you have to do it retail , '' Baker said .
While progressives are aware of the challenges that are facing them in the upcoming administration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fully prepared with his options that could help him pass policies that he promised on the campaign trail , especially if there is a Republican-controlled Senate .
`` We do n't want to see the government sputter into worthlessness because of Mitch McConnell , '' Hauser said .

Liberals push for bold Biden agenda. They might have to work around Congress to get it
Show Caption Hide Caption Biden calls on Senate to consider Cabinet promptly President-elect Joe Biden rolled out Cabinet picks for his national security team Tuesday, saying his choices will "make us proud to be Americans." Biden also called on the Senate to take up his nominations quickly and "in good faith." (Nov. 24) AP
Liberals aren't interested in giving President-elect Joe Biden a honeymoon.
After helping to mobilize election turnout of young people and left-leaning Democrats, leaders of the self-described "progressive" wing of the party want to hold the Biden administration to promises made on the campaign trail: addressing climate change, combating the COVID-19 pandemic and offering student debt relief.
“This isn’t 2015 anymore. This isn’t 2010 anymore. It’s not 2005 anymore,” Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a Democratic socialist from New York, said at a rally last week. “The movement got us here. You all got us a seat at the table.”
As liberals lean into their policy demands, one roadblock remains: Who will control the Senate?
Two runoffs in Georgia will determine whether Republicans maintain control of the chamber when the new Congress is sworn in in January. If the Republican majority holds, not only will it be difficult for Democrats to pass legislation, it will probably mean the progressive wish list will be left on the backburner.
More: President-elect Biden seeks a diverse Cabinet. Here's who will join his administration and who might be top contenders
Jeff Hauser, executive director of the Revolving Door Project, a group that scrutinizes personnel in the executive branch, said liberals understand there will be substantial challenges in getting legislation passed and "this is not a time for peace and prosperity."
"The Senate picture is somewhere between bad and not good," he said.
Even if Democrats do control the Senate, far-left legislation might still face an uphill battle, said Ross Baker, a political science professor at Rutgers University
"I think it's going to be a big management problem for (House Speaker Nancy) Pelosi, Baker said. "The big problem is managing the expectations of progressives."
Baker noted passing legislation that makes both wings of the party happy isn't a given, pointing to the infighting between moderate and liberal Democrats days after the election this month.
He specifically pointed to the "defund the police" movement, which wants funding for police departments to be reallocated for other social services. Many establishment and centrist Democrats said that term, in addition to Democrats being linked to socialism, cost them House seats in the general election.
"The language of progressives becomes an issue to all Democrats," Baker said.
Joe Biden's family: An in depth look at the first family Meet President Joe Biden's family. USA TODAY
As a result, liberals are turning to processes where they hope they can make the most impact: the use of executive power and whom Biden appoints to serve in his administration.
Adam Green, co-founder of the Progressive Change Campaign Committee, said progressives urged Biden to limit the appointments of people who have a lobbying or corporate background. Green said if legislation can't get passed through Congress, and Biden has to use executive power instead, former lobbyists from industries could hinder progress.
"If our desire is that (Biden) use executive power to take on Big Pharma but there is a pharma lobbyist in charge of policies, that will likely get slow walked or vetoed from within," Green told USA TODAY. "If we want to create clean energy jobs but former Big Oil lobbyists are now in charge of the levers of power, then that will get slow walked. So there's a direct correlation between urging him to advance what he can do with executive power and urging him to not appoint corporate lobbyists who are not fully aligned with his campaign promises."
Activists have been vocal about appointments they say will hinder movement in policy areas.
Justice Democrats, along with Social Security Works and Data for Progress, launched a campaign against Bruce Reed, Biden's former chief of staff, from joining the administration. The petition has the support of not only activists but lawmakers such as Reps. Ocasio-Cortez, Ilhan Omar, Rashida Tlaib and newly elected Reps. Cori Bush and Jamaal Bowman.
The Sunrise Movement, an organization focused on climate change that spurred out of Sen. Bernie Sanders’ 2016 campaign, criticized Biden’s appointment this month of Rep. Cedric Richmond, D-La., as a senior adviser and director of the White House Office of Public Engagement.
'Almost impossible': As education divide deepens, Democrats fear a demographic problem for future power
The group called Richmond’s appointment a “betrayal,” claiming that the congressman “cozied up to Big Oil and Gas” more than nearly any other Democrat during his time on Capitol Hill. Richmond, who represents a Louisiana district that spans New Orleans to Baton Rouge, was national co-chairman of Biden's campaign
The presidential transition process: What happens next Joe Biden reached the 270 electoral votes needed to make him president-elect. Here’s what happens next in the presidential transition process. USA TODAY
Justice Democrats hit Biden for appointments that the group called “corporate-friendly," including Steve Ricchetti being named as counselor to the president. Ricchetti is a former lobbyist, and his firm Richetti Inc. represented the American Hospital Association and the Health Insurance Association of America, drugmakers such as Eli Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer and Sanofi-Aventis, and communication firms such as AT&T and Nextel.
“If Joe Biden continues making corporate-friendly appointments to his White House, he will risk quickly fracturing the hard-earned goodwill his team built with progressives to defeat Donald Trump,” Justice Democrats Executive Director Alexandra Rojas said in a statement this month.
Two weeks ago more than 40 activist groups released a list of 400 policy experts they want Biden to consider for positions in his administration. This week, five organizations led by Demand Progress and the Revolving Door Project launched a website for a campaign called “No Corporate Cabinet,” which aims to keep corporate insiders out of the Biden administration.
Activists rally in DC to pressure Biden on climate Activists from a number of progressive groups rallied in Washington to push President-elect Joe Biden to uphold his commitments on climate change. (Nov. 19) AP
In similar messaging, a rally of activists and some members of Congress, including Ocasio-Cortez, called on Biden to reject people who have corporate ties and called for bold action on the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change.
“Let’s cut to the chase,” Anthony Karefa Rogers-Wright, policy coordinator for Climate Justice Alliance, said at the rally. “Marginalized Black, brown and Indigenous folk came out to vote, which is the only reason there will even be a Biden administration. The president-elect must center these communities and dismantle the root causes of interlinked crises including COVID and climate change: white supremacy, patriarchy and colonization."
President-elect Biden nominated former Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen as his Treasury secretary, a move that will probably make both liberals and moderates happy. Yellen, who would be the first woman to lead the department, headed the Fed from 2014 to 2018.
Biden appointed John Kerry as special presidential envoy for climate, which Varshini Prakash, co-founder and executive director of the youth-oriented Sunrise Movement, said in a statement was "an encouraging sign of President-elect Biden’s commitment to addressing the climate crisis." Prakash noted that progressives want to see a domestic counterpart to Kerry's position.
Biden is also tempering liberal expectations. He tamped down the possibility of nominating Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders to Cabinet positions last week, saying “we already have significant representation among progressives in our administration.”
He said, “Taking someone out of the Senate, taking someone out of the House, particularly a person of consequence, is a really difficult decision that would have to be made.
"I have a very ambitious, very progressive agenda, and it's going to take really strong leaders in the House and Senate to get it done,” Biden said.
Sanders vied to be Biden’s labor secretary, and some liberals hoped Biden would choose Warren as Treasury secretary.
Joe Biden picks for top jobs: A spy chief who fixes cars, an envoy who practices 'gumbo diplomacy'
Some liberals said the greatest progress could be made through Biden's executive power and federal laws in place.
Hauser of the Revolving Door Project said he hopes Biden "does the most that he can with the tools that he has" to get progressive policies enacted. He said a Biden administration could change the poverty line to an income of $30,000, which would increase access to Medicare.
Baker said that although Biden can "give it his best shot," progressive policies will probably have to be pushed through in other legislative packages rather than their own bills.
"You can't do it wholesale, you have to do it retail," Baker said.
Though liberals are aware of the challenges they face in the upcoming administration, they want Biden to be fully prepared with his options that could help him pass policies that he promised on the campaign trail, especially if there is a Republican-controlled Senate.
"We don't want to see the government sputter into worthlessness because of (Republican leader) Mitch McConnell," Hauser said.


usatoday--2020-11-29--David Prowse, the original Darth Vader in 'Star Wars,' dies at 85

LONDON – David Prowse , the British weightlifter-turned-actor who was the body , though not the voice , of arch-villain Darth Vader in the original `` Star Wars '' trilogy , has died .
He was 85 .
Prowse died Saturday after a short illness , his agent Thomas Bowington said Sunday .
Born in Bristol , southwest England , in 1935 , Prowse was a three-time British weightlifting champion and represented England in weightlifting at the 1962 Commonwealth Games before breaking into movies with roles that emphasized his commanding size , including Frankenstein 's monster in a pair of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lucas saw Prowse in a small part in `` A Clockwork Orange '' and asked the 6-foot-6 actor to audition for the villainous Vader or the Wookie Chewbacca ( a role ultimately played by 7-foot-2 Peter Mayhew , who died last year ) in `` Star Wars . ''
Prowse later told the BBC he chose Darth Vader because `` you always remember the bad guys . ''
Physically , Prowse was perfect for the part .
His lilting English West Country accent was considered less ideal , and his lines were dubbed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the role as recently as 2019 's `` The Rise of Skywalker . ''
Prowse donned Darth Vader 's black armor and helmet for `` Star Wars '' ( 1977 ) , `` The Empire Strikes Back '' ( 1980 ) and `` Return of the Jedi '' ( 1983 ) .
Ranked The 50 best 'Star Wars ' characters ever He expressed some regret that , thanks to Vader 's mask , `` I can walk around with complete anonymity . ''
`` All actors crave recognition and I 'd like to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Solo , '' he told The Associated Press in 1980 .
`` Fortune tends to follow fame . ''
Prowse also worked as a trainer for other actors , helping Christopher Reeve prepare to be the Man of Steel in 1978 's `` Superman . ''
Prowse was also known to a generation of British children as the Green Cross Code Man , a superhero in a series of road safety advertisements during the 1970s and '80s .
He was a regular at `` Star Wars '' fan events , but was banned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after the pair had a falling out .
Mark Hamill , who played Luke Skywalker in the `` Star Wars '' films , tweeted that Prowse was `` a kind man & much more than Darth Vader . ''
Hamill said the actor `` loved his fans as much as they loved him . ''
`` Ant-Man '' director Edgar Wright also paid tribute to Prowse on Twitter .
`` As a kid Dave Prowse could n't be more famous to me ; stalking along corridors as evil incarnate in the part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of kiddies from being mown down in street as the Green Cross Code man , '' he wrote .
`` Rest in Peace , Bristol 's finest . ''
Prowse is survived by his wife Norma and their three children .
Happy holidays , Star Wars fans !
Disney+ 's 'Lego Star Wars Holiday Special , ' unlike its 1978 predecessor , plays it safe with the kitsch

George Lucas, Mark Hamill pay tribute to 'Star Wars' actor David Prowse, the original Darth Vader
Show Caption Hide Caption David Prowse death: 'Star Wars' actor who played Darth Vader was 85 David Prowse's towering physique landed him roles as villains and monsters, but his most famous was the iconic "Star Wars" character Darth Vader. USA TODAY, Wochit
David Prowse, the British weightlifter-turned-actor whose physique gave life (though not voice) to the villainous Darth Vader in the original "Star Wars" trilogy, has died at 85.
Prowse died Saturday after a short illness, his agent Thomas Bowington, announced Sunday.
"It's with great regret and heart-wrenching sadness for us and million of fans around the world, to announce that our client DAVE PROWSE M.B.E. has passed away at the age of 85," Bowington Management tweeted.
The official "Star Wars" site paid tribute to Prowse as the news spread.
“David brought a physicality to Darth Vader that was essential for the character,” "Star Wars" creator George Lucas said in a statement. “He made Vader leap off the page and on to the big screen, with an imposing stature and movement performance to match the intensity and undercurrent of Vader’s presence. David was up for anything and contributed to the success of what would become a memorable, tragic figure. May he rest in peace.”
Prowse, born in Bristol in 1935, was a three-time British weightlifting champion and represented England in weightlifting at the 1962 Commonwealth Games before breaking into movies with roles that emphasized his commanding size.
Pre-"Star Wars," his bulk earned him the role of Frankenstein's monster in several films, including "The Horror of Frankenstein" (1970), "Frankenstein and the Monster From Hell" (1974) and an uncredited part in the James Bond spy parody "Casino Royale" (1967). He also made appearances on "The Edge of Night," "Doctor Who," "The Saint" and "The Beverly Hillbillies."
'Star Wars': Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker have perfect Father's Day tweets
Ranked The 50 best 'Star Wars' characters ever
Director George Lucas saw Prowse in a small part in "A Clockwork Orange" and asked the 6-foot-6 actor to audition for the villainous Vader or the Wookie Chewbacca (a role ultimately played by 7-foot-2 Peter Mayhew, who died last year) in "Star Wars."
Prowse later told the BBC he chose Darth Vader because "you always remember the bad guys."
Physically, Prowse was perfect for the part. His lilting English West Country accent was considered less ideal, and his lines were dubbed by James Earl Jones, who voiced the role as recently as 2019's "The Rise of Skywalker."
Prowse donned Darth Vader's black armor and helmet for "Star Wars" (1977), "The Empire Strikes Back" (1980) and "Return of the Jedi" (1983).
He expressed some regret that, thanks to Vader's mask, "I can walk around with complete anonymity."
"All actors crave recognition and I'd like to have some like Luke Skywalker and Han Solo," he told The Associated Press in 1980. "Fortune tends to follow fame."
"I Am Your Father," a 2016 Netflix documentary about the role, aimed to give the "Star Wars" actor the recognition he hadn't received, and he wrote about his "Star Wars" experience in a 2011 memoir, "Straight From the Force's Mouth."
Prowse also worked as a trainer for other actors, helping Christopher Reeve prepare to be the Man of Steel in 1978's "Superman."
Prowse, made a Member of the Order of the British Empire in 2000, was famous to British children for his role as the Green Cross Code Man, a superhero in a series of public service advertisements about road safety during the 1970s and '80s.
He was a regular at "Star Wars" fan events but was banned from official conventions by Lucas in 2010 after the pair had a falling out.
Mark Hamill, who played Luke Skywalker in the "Star Wars" films, tweeted that Prowse was "a kind man & much more than Darth Vader." Hamill said the actor "loved his fans as much as they loved him."
So sad to hear David Prowse has passed. He was a kind man & much more than Darth Vader. Actor-Husband-Father-Member of the Order of the British Empire-3 time British Weightlifting Champion & Safety Icon the Green Cross Code Man. He loved his fans as much as they loved him. #RIP pic.twitter.com/VbDrGu6iBz — Mark Hamill (@HamillHimself) November 29, 2020
"Ant-Man" director Edgar Wright also paid tribute to Prowse on Twitter.
"As a kid Dave Prowse couldn't be more famous to me; stalking along corridors as evil incarnate in the part of Darth Vader & stopping a whole generation of kiddies from being mown down in street as the Green Cross Code man," he wrote. "Rest in Peace, Bristol's finest."
As a kid Dave Prowse couldn’t be more famous to me; stalking along corridors as evil incarnate in the part of Darth Vader & stopping a whole generation of kiddies from being mown down in street as the Green Cross Code man. Rest in Peace, Bristol’s finest. https://t.co/VYdxM37JWb — edgarwright (@edgarwright) November 29, 2020
"RIP Dave Prowse," Mayhew's family tweeted from his account, @TheWookieeRoars, sharing a photo of Prowse with Mayhew and Kenny Baker, who played R2-D2 and died in 2016. "I hope you’re up there sharing a pint and a story with the boys."
RIP Dave Prowse. I hope you’re up there sharing a pint and a story with the boys. #DarthVader #DaveProwse #RIPDaveProwse #StarWars pic.twitter.com/XoUtq2YihW — Peter Mayhew Foundation (@TheWookieeRoars) November 29, 2020
Prowse is survived by his wife, Norma, and their three children.
Contributing: Jill Lawless, The Associated Press, and Kim Willis, USA TODAY
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usatoday--2020-11-30--Oregon nurse placed on leave after showing 'cavalier disregard' for COVID-19 protocols in TikTok vid

An oncology nurse in Oregon has been placed on administrative leave after posting a video on social media showing disregard for COVID-19 restrictions .
In the video , uploaded Friday to TikTok , the nurse , identified by Salem Health hospital officials as Ashley Grames , says she does n't wear a mask in public outside of work , continues to travel and allows her children to have playdates .
Grames ' original post , on her account @ loveiskind05 , has been taken down , but a `` duet '' recorded by another user includes the original footage .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ coworkers ' response to her lack of COVID-19 precautions through a lip-dub of Dr. Seuss 's The Grinch from `` How the Grinch Stole Christmas . ''
User @ loveiskind05 's account has been deleted from TikTok .
The video sparked controversy and swift outcry in the community .
Marion County has had among the highest number of cases in Oregon , and Salem Hospital has been on the Oregon Health Authority 's list of workplaces with the highest number of employee-related cases since May .
'It 's frightening ' : St. Louis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the end of their life ' in Twitter video .
According to the state 's latest weekly report , Salem Hospital has the highest employee-related count of any hospital in the state .
Salem Health officials addressed the video on Facebook , calling it a `` cavalier disregard for the seriousness of the pandemic . ''
They thanked community members who brought the video to their attention .
`` This one careless statement does not reflect the position of Salem Health or the hardworking and dedicated caregivers who work here , '' officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , social distancing , screening and infectious disease protocols in place , officials said .
`` These policies are strictly enforced among staff from the moment they leave their cars at work to the moment they start driving home . ''
An investigation is pending while Grames is on leave .
There are more than 800 comments on Salem Health 's post — most scolding the nurse 's actions , many calling for her to be fired and her license to be revoked .
One comment read : `` She is putting her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ behavior .
Firing her is the only acceptable response .
People could lose their lives/their loved ones because of her carelessness .
I hope you value your patients enough to rid your environment of those who don ’ t care for their safety .
`` I know everyone is upset and wants her fired , but be patient , '' one individual wrote .
`` Salem Health is following protocol and going to investigate the matter ... as they should .
While we want justice quickly and swiftly , we all do have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
At least she ’ s not working while the administration completes its investigation . ''
Multiple community members took to the hospital 's Facebook to write negative reviews .
One person wrote : `` Ashley Grames should have her nursing license revoked for bragging about not wearing a mask or practicing social distancing while being an oncology nurse — exposing some of the most immunocompromised people is absolutely disgusting and embarrassing behavior for a medical professional . ''
`` Who would ever go to a Hospital where their nurses do n't understand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reviewer wrote .
`` If your staff does n't 'believe ' in science how can you be a medical facility .
Wonder how dirty this place is . ''
Virginia Barreda is the breaking news and public safety reporter for the Statesman Journal .
Follow her on Twitter at @ vbarreda2 .

Virginia Barreda, Salem Statesman Journal

Oregon nurse placed on leave after showing 'cavalier disregard' for COVID-19 protocols in TikTok video
Show Caption Hide Caption COVID-19 cases: Unsettling statistics about coronavirus in the US Coronavirus cases are surging across the country ahead of the holiday season. Here are some unsettling statistics from the month of November. USA TODAY
An oncology nurse in Oregon has been placed on administrative leave after posting a video on social media showing disregard for COVID-19 restrictions.
In the video, uploaded Friday to TikTok, the nurse, identified by Salem Health hospital officials as Ashley Grames, says she doesn't wear a mask in public outside of work, continues to travel and allows her children to have playdates.
Grames' original post, on her account @loveiskind05, has been taken down, but a "duet" recorded by another user includes the original footage. The video shows the nurse mocking her co-workers' response to her lack of COVID-19 precautions through a lip-dub of Dr. Seuss's The Grinch from "How the Grinch Stole Christmas."
User @loveiskind05's account has been deleted from TikTok.
The video sparked controversy and swift outcry in the community.
Marion County has had among the highest number of COVID-19 cases in Oregon, and Salem Hospital has been on the Oregon Health Authority's list of workplaces with the highest number of employee-related cases since May.
'It's frightening': St. Louis doctor simulates what COVID-19 patients see 'at the end of their life' in Twitter video.
According to the state's latest weekly report, Salem Hospital has the highest employee-related count of any hospital in the state.
Salem Health officials addressed the video on Facebook, calling it a "cavalier disregard for the seriousness of the pandemic." They thanked community members who brought the video to their attention.
"This one careless statement does not reflect the position of Salem Health or the hardworking and dedicated caregivers who work here," officials said.
Hospital staff has strict masking, social distancing, screening and infectious disease protocols in place, officials said. "These policies are strictly enforced among staff from the moment they leave their cars at work to the moment they start driving home."
An investigation is pending while Grames is on leave.
'Vulnerable.' 'Lonely.': Photo shows doctor embracing COVID-19 patient on Thanksgiving
There are more than 800 comments on Salem Health's post – most scolding the nurse's actions, many calling for her to be fired and her license to be revoked.
One comment read: "She is putting her patients at risk- CANCER patients. Unacceptable behavior. Firing her is the only acceptable response. People could lose their lives/their loved ones because of her carelessness. I hope you value your patients enough to rid your environment of those who don’t care for their safety.
Some applauded the hospital's response.
"I know everyone is upset and wants her fired, but be patient," one individual wrote. "Salem Health is following protocol and going to investigate the matter...as they should. While we want justice quickly and swiftly, we all do have to remember that justice often requires patience. At least she’s not working while the administration completes its investigation."
Multiple community members took to the hospital's Facebook to write negative reviews.
One person wrote: "Ashley Grames should have her nursing license revoked for bragging about not wearing a mask or practicing social distancing while being an oncology nurse – exposing some of the most immunocompromised people is absolutely disgusting and embarrassing behavior for a medical professional."
"Who would ever go to a Hospital where their nurses don't understand basic public health protocols?" another reviewer wrote. "If your staff doesn't 'believe' in science how can you be a medical facility. Wonder how dirty this place is."
Virginia Barreda is the breaking news and public safety reporter for the Statesman Journal. Follow her on Twitter at @vbarreda2.


usatoday--2020-11-30--Dolly Parton is bringing 'a little light into the darkness' this Christmas

Nothing about Christmas could be difficult for Dolly Parton , right ?
The pop culture icon dishes out warm-and-fuzzy holiday feelings — in a year where everyone seems to need an extra helping of holiday cheer — with a fervor that may only be matched by Kris Kringle .
Still , there 's one thing about the holidays that this master storyteller from East Tennessee finds tough , and it 's what she 's always done to turn heads and crack smiles .
`` You would be surprised , '' Parton told The Tennessean , part of the USA TODAY @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been surprised , through when I try to write Christmas music for everybody else .
Because , of course , everybody wants to write the next Christmas classic .
But it seems like everything 's been written about Christmas . ''
She continued , `` It 's harder .
It 's harder for me .
It 's been harder , except when some songs have a true message . ''
Cue the Christmas music .
What 's new from Dolly Parton , Jonas Brothers , Carrie Underwood and more That `` true @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
On her aptly titled new record , `` A Holly Dolly Christmas , '' Parton invites listeners to come home , cuddle up and embrace the calming — sometimes silly — joy reserved for the season 's best tunes .
Featuring a supporting cast from Billy Ray Cyrus and Miley Cyrus to `` The Tonight Show '' host Jimmy Fallon and holiday music 's modern crooning king Michael Bublé , `` A Holly Dolly Christmas '' marks Parton 's first holiday release in three decades .
It debuted earlier this fall at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and country album charts .
`` I think it 's something really special , '' Parton said .
`` I 'm proud of it . ''
She teams the record with an all-out seasonal takeover : A Netflix musical special `` Christmas On the Square '' ( also the name of a `` Holly Dolly '' song ) ; an hourlong CBS network event in December ; and a line of ho-ho-holiday merch — because no stocking is actually stuffed until it comes with a Parton Christmas jigsaw puzzle wrapped in `` Holly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ above — plus helping fund a COVID-19 vaccine — is n't keep Parton busy enough , she also released `` Songteller , '' a coffee-table book that dives into decades of stories that fueled her songs .
`` Even with as bad as things have been during the COVID , I 've been very productive , '' Parton said .
`` I feel like I 'm doing things to try to uplift people .
[ Doing ] things to bring a little light into the darkness .
That 's kind of my purpose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it done . ''
It would n't be Christmas for Parton without family .
She 's held on to traditions , like a big meal on Christmas Eve , since childhood .
She 's started new holiday favorites with her nieces and nephews , too .
There 's cookie night , where Parton reprises her annual role of `` Granny Claus . ''
She 'll bring the children to her house for a night in December where they bake and open gifts , she said .
`` I dress up like Santa , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a chimney , '' Parton said .
`` I come down in my Santa suit with my bag of toys .
They 're sittin ' at the bottom , waiting for the elevator to come down .
That 's been going on for years and years . ''
And it would n't be `` A Holly Dolly Christmas '' record without a little family , either .
Parton enlisted Billy Ray Cyrus , who 's `` like a brother , '' and goddaughter Miley Cyrus for respective duets , `` Christmas Where We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Her brother Randy Parton joined for an emotional duet , `` You Are My Christmas . ''
More : Dolly Parton on her holiday movie musical , 'Christmas on the Square ' : 'We need some joy' '' Randy , he was born around Christmastime , '' Parton said .
`` He was our Christmas baby , so we always called him 'Christmas ' just for fun . ''
A visit to `` The Tonight Show '' during the holiday season a few years ago incidentally sparked Parton 's collaboration with Fallon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sing part of Mariah Carey 's holiday megahit `` All I Want for Christmas Is You '' and Parton admitted at the time that she `` did n't know it well enough to tackle it . ''
She made it up to Fallon by inviting him to sing `` All I Want '' on the album .
He was her `` first thought '' for collaborators on the project .
`` Oh , he did fantastic , '' Parton .
`` He was real nervous .
He was real shy about it .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , or anything .
But I think he was real proud of the way it turned out . ''
She added with a laugh , `` He might be my new duet partner . ''
And Parton dips her toe into a bit of bluegrass with `` Christmas on the Square , '' a jolly standout that sets the scene in a small town worthy of a snow globe .
The song anchors Parton 's new Netflix special of the same name ; the album version transforms it from a Broadway-size production to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bluegrass staples Rhonda and Darrin Vincent on the song .
`` I loved the song and I thought , 'Well , we needed to have Christmas on a country square , ' `` Parton said .
`` I love bluegrass and I love country , so I country-fied it and put it on the album . ''
What 's on TV and when ?
Rudolph , Snoopy , Mariah Carey and Dolly Parton help celebrate the holidays In releasing a new book , Parton faithful can reflect with the global star this holiday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Songteller : My Life In Lyrics , '' a 380-page coffee-table book that chronicles the tales behind more than 170 Parton songs .
The pages span more than six decades , from her first song , `` Little Tiny Tasseltop , '' to the world famous `` Jolene '' and newfound holiday favorite `` Circle of Love . ''
Parton 's delivers her musical memories alongside never-before-seen photos and memorabilia callbacks .
( Open the book for a photo of Parton 's `` real hair '' and stay for the goofy notes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda . )
Parton co-authored `` Songteller '' with country music historian Robert K. Oermann .
The book `` was like a therapy for me , '' Parton said .
`` You do n't really know how your life 's gon na turn out , '' Parton said .
`` You hope everything goes the way you want it to .
You do n't know until you start going back to talk about that . ''
She continued , `` It was very emotional at times .
Some things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ things I probably wanted to forgot . ''
Still , cruising down memory lane , much like listening to a favorite Christmas song , can be cathartic .
`` I felt at the end of it like [ I ] had a workout , '' Parton said .
`` I bet I slept good that night .
… I was hoping that I did it good and I did n't wan na hold back anything .
I 'm pretty much an open book . ''
• None Watch now : `` Christmas On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ starring Parton , can be streamed on Netflix • None Out now : `` Songteller : My Life In Lyrics , '' a coffee table book co-authored by Parton with Robert K. Oermann

Matthew Leimkuehler, Nashville Tennessean

Dolly Parton is bringing 'a little light into the darkness' this Christmas
Nothing about Christmas could be difficult for Dolly Parton, right?
The pop culture icon dishes out warm-and-fuzzy holiday feelings — in a year where everyone seems to need an extra helping of holiday cheer — with a fervor that may only be matched by Kris Kringle.
Still, there's one thing about the holidays that this master storyteller from East Tennessee finds tough, and it's what she's always done to turn heads and crack smiles.
Songwriting.
"You would be surprised," Parton told The Tennessean, part of the USA TODAY Network. "In fact, I have been surprised, through when I try to write Christmas music for everybody else. Because, of course, everybody wants to write the next Christmas classic. But it seems like everything's been written about Christmas."
She continued, "It's harder. It's harder for me. It's been harder, except when some songs have a true message."
Cue the Christmas music. What's new from Dolly Parton, Jonas Brothers, Carrie Underwood and more
That "true message" thing? She nails it.
On her aptly titled new record, "A Holly Dolly Christmas," Parton invites listeners to come home, cuddle up and embrace the calming — sometimes silly — joy reserved for the season's best tunes.
Featuring a supporting cast from Billy Ray Cyrus and Miley Cyrus to "The Tonight Show" host Jimmy Fallon and holiday music's modern crooning king Michael Bublé, "A Holly Dolly Christmas" marks Parton's first holiday release in three decades.
It debuted earlier this fall at No. 1 on Billboard's holiday and country album charts.
"I think it's something really special," Parton said. "I'm proud of it."
She teams the record with an all-out seasonal takeover: A Netflix musical special "Christmas On the Square" (also the name of a "Holly Dolly" song); an hourlong CBS network event in December; and a line of ho-ho-holiday merch — because no stocking is actually stuffed until it comes with a Parton Christmas jigsaw puzzle wrapped in "Holly Dolly" paper.
And if the above — plus helping fund a COVID-19 vaccine — isn't keep Parton busy enough, she also released "Songteller," a coffee-table book that dives into decades of stories that fueled her songs.
"Even with as bad as things have been during the COVID, I've been very productive," Parton said. "I feel like I'm doing things to try to uplift people. [Doing] things to bring a little light into the darkness. That's kind of my purpose in life. Hopefully I'm getting it done."
More: Dolly Parton helped fund 95% effective Moderna COVID-19 vaccine that could end pandemic
'Holly Dolly Christmas'
It wouldn't be Christmas for Parton without family. She's held on to traditions, like a big meal on Christmas Eve, since childhood.
She's started new holiday favorites with her nieces and nephews, too. There's cookie night, where Parton reprises her annual role of "Granny Claus." She'll bring the children to her house for a night in December where they bake and open gifts, she said.
"I dress up like Santa, I've got my elevator decorated like a chimney," Parton said. "I come down in my Santa suit with my bag of toys. They're sittin' at the bottom, waiting for the elevator to come down. That's been going on for years and years."
And it wouldn't be "A Holly Dolly Christmas" record without a little family, either.
Parton enlisted Billy Ray Cyrus, who's "like a brother," and goddaughter Miley Cyrus for respective duets, "Christmas Where We Are" and "Christmas Is." Her brother Randy Parton joined for an emotional duet, "You Are My Christmas."
More: Dolly Parton on her holiday movie musical, 'Christmas on the Square': 'We need some joy'
"Randy, he was born around Christmastime," Parton said. "He was our Christmas baby, so we always called him 'Christmas' just for fun."
A visit to "The Tonight Show" during the holiday season a few years ago incidentally sparked Parton's collaboration with Fallon. The late-night host asked her to sing part of Mariah Carey's holiday megahit "All I Want for Christmas Is You" and Parton admitted at the time that she "didn't know it well enough to tackle it."
She made it up to Fallon by inviting him to sing "All I Want" on the album. He was her "first thought" for collaborators on the project.
"Oh, he did fantastic," Parton. "He was real nervous. He was real shy about it. He didn't want to be embarrassed, or anything. But I think he was real proud of the way it turned out."
She added with a laugh, "He might be my new duet partner."
And Parton dips her toe into a bit of bluegrass with "Christmas on the Square," a jolly standout that sets the scene in a small town worthy of a snow globe.
The song anchors Parton's new Netflix special of the same name; the album version transforms it from a Broadway-size production to seasonal country romp. She teamed with bluegrass staples Rhonda and Darrin Vincent on the song.
"I loved the song and I thought, 'Well, we needed to have Christmas on a country square,' " Parton said. "I love bluegrass and I love country, so I country-fied it and put it on the album."
What's on TV and when? Rudolph, Snoopy, Mariah Carey and Dolly Parton help celebrate the holidays
'Songteller'
In releasing a new book, Parton faithful can reflect with the global star this holiday season.
Earlier in November she unveiled "Songteller: My Life In Lyrics," a 380-page coffee-table book that chronicles the tales behind more than 170 Parton songs. The pages span more than six decades, from her first song, "Little Tiny Tasseltop," to the world famous "Jolene" and newfound holiday favorite "Circle of Love."
Parton's delivers her musical memories alongside never-before-seen photos and memorabilia callbacks. (Open the book for a photo of Parton's "real hair" and stay for the goofy notes from "9 to 5" co-stars Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda.)
Parton co-authored "Songteller" with country music historian Robert K. Oermann. The book "was like a therapy for me," Parton said.
"You don't really know how your life's gonna turn out," Parton said. "You hope everything goes the way you want it to. You don't know until you start going back to talk about that."
She continued, "It was very emotional at times. Some things I thought I had forgotten, some things I probably wanted to forgot."
Still, cruising down memory lane, much like listening to a favorite Christmas song, can be cathartic.
"I felt at the end of it like [I] had a workout," Parton said. "I bet I slept good that night. … I was hoping that I did it good and I didn't wanna hold back anything. I'm pretty much an open book."
Dolly Parton's Christmas


usatoday--2020-11-29--Joe and Jill Biden want to unite America. They'll start by adding a cat to family dogs Champ, Major

President-elect Joe Biden will have to bring a divided country together when he steps into the White House .
Biden and future first lady Jill Biden will bring a cat into the White House along with German shepherds Champ and Major .
`` And now some breaking news , '' anchor Jane Pauley announced on the `` CBS Sunday Morning '' Instagram page Sunday .
`` President-elect Joe Biden and his wife Dr. Jill Biden won ’ t just be bringing their German shepherds , Major and Champ to the White House .
The Bidens tell us exclusively that soon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cat . ''
No specifics on the new cat were revealed .
The White House : Has been without dogs for four years – that 's changing with Joe Biden The news comes as the president-elect slipped and twisted his ankle on Sunday , coincidentally ( we think ) while playing with Major .
`` Out of an abundance of caution , he will be examined this afternoon by an orthopedist , '' Biden 's team told reporters .
Jill Biden had already signaled the cat move during a Fox interview in September @ @ @ @ @ @ @ love to get a cat .
I love having animals around the house . ''
Biden has already emerged as a pet president just by restoring the tradition of dogs back to the White House after the Trump administration went canine-free for the last four years .
The last cat to live in the White House was a black cat , India `` Willie '' Bush , during the George W. Bush administration .
The cat was a beloved member of the family for 18 years before dying in 2009 .
Socks was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ famous cat during their tenure in the White House , and even addressed the media on one occasion .
Socks was the only White House pet until the Clintons adopted a chocolate Labrador named Buddy in 1997 .
Socks had no public comment on that adoption .

Joe and Jill Biden want to unite America. They'll start by adding a cat to family dogs Champ, Major
Show Caption Hide Caption The White House is getting its first rescue dog When President-elect Joe Biden moves into the White House, he'll bring his German shepherd Major with him, making him the first rescue dog to live there. Animalkind, USA TODAY
President-elect Joe Biden will have to bring a divided country together when he steps into the White House.
He's starting with the pets.
Biden and future first lady Jill Biden will bring a cat into the White House along with German shepherds Champ and Major.
"And now some breaking news," anchor Jane Pauley announced on the "CBS Sunday Morning" Instagram page Sunday. "President-elect Joe Biden and his wife Dr. Jill Biden won’t just be bringing their German shepherds, Major and Champ, to the White House. The Bidens tell us exclusively that soon they’ll be joined by a cat."
No specifics on the new, White House-bound feline were revealed.
The White House: Has been without dogs for four years – that's changing with Joe Biden
And now some breaking news on #SundayMorning...
President-elect @JoeBiden and his wife @DrBiden won’t just be bringing their German shepherds, Major and Champ to the White House. The Bidens tell us exclusively that soon they’ll be joined by a cat. #sundaypets pic.twitter.com/KCkNV6jNpH — CBS Sunday Morning 🌞 (@CBSSunday) November 28, 2020
The news comes as the 78-year-old president-elect slipped and twisted his ankle on Sunday, coincidentally (we think) while playing with Major.
"Out of an abundance of caution, he will be examined this afternoon by an orthopedist," Biden's team told reporters.
Jill Biden had already signaled the cat move during a pet portion of a pre-election Fox interview saying, "Well, I'd love to get a cat. I love having animals around the house."
Biden has already emerged as a pet president just by restoring the tradition of dogs back to the White House after the Trump administration went canine-free for the last four years.
The last cat to live in the White House was a black cat, India "Willie" Bush, during the George W. Bush administration. The cat was a beloved member of the Bush family for 18 years before dying in 2009.
Socks was President Bill Clinton, wife Hilary and daughter Chelsea's famous cat during the family's tenure in the White House. The feline even addressed the media on one occasion when placed on the lectern of the White House briefing room.
The bicolor cat was the Clinton's only White House pet until the family adopted a chocolate Labrador named Buddy in 1997. Socks had no public comment on that adoption, but the arch back posture said it all when puppy met cat for the first time in an unsuccessful photo call.


usatoday--2020-11-29--After hearing from Billie Jean King, Mia Hamm, Hope Solo, Vandy's Sarah Fuller to keep kicking

But her story is hardly history .
Now that Sarah Fuller has added football uniform to a sports wardrobe that also includes goalie garb for the soccer team , what 's next for the first woman to appear in a Power 5 football game ?
For one she plans to remain part of the Vanderbilt football team for the foreseeable future , kicking until `` they kick me off . ''
`` I 'll stay around as long as they want me , '' said Fuller , who added Sunday she discussed that with coaches during Saturday 's game and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NFL kickers .
Wearing a white jersey donning the No .
32 — the number she wears on the soccer field — a gold helmet adorned with the words `` Play like a girl '' on the back and football pants , Fuller kicked off for the Commodores to begin the second half of their game Saturday at Missouri .
More : Vanderbilt fires Derek Mason as football coach after seven losing seasons More : Opinion : Texas has n't come close to reaching its potential under Tom Herman When her right foot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ college football lore was permanently penned .
Fuller had a premonition before joining the football team , her place solidified after COVID-19 caused a shortened roster .
She was riding a bus with her soccer teammates , watching the Vanderbilt football team , when she announced she thought she could kick .
Fuller also used her `` goalie voice '' during a halftime speech Saturday , on the heels of helping the Commodores win the SEC women 's soccer tournament last week .
Fuller , who did n't have the opportunity to record @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , was n't the first woman to appear in a college football game .
Aside from kicking field goals with soccer balls last semester , Fuller had n't thought much about football since she was in a grade school punt , pass and kick competition .
Her foot , she said , could give volume to her mouth .
`` I would love to continue telling my story because it 's been a long road for me , '' she said .
`` It has n't been easy at times .
I would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people about what it 's like to be a college athlete .
...
There are hard times when you want to quit . ''
Fuller hopes her historic story and the platform that comes with it is just beginning .
While she does n't want to get too far ahead of herself , and wants to keep up with her studies , Fuller said she may choose to hire an agent when NCAA name , image and likeness rules allow , possibly as soon as Jan. 31 , when legislation is expected to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't been focusing on that , '' she said .
`` I 've been focusing on learning football .
...
I think my next smartest move would be to get an agent of some type and take the smartest approach .
...
Right now I 'm here for the team . ''
While Fuller has almost overnight become a role model for female athletes , she has a few role models herself , some of whom she has heard from in the last several days .
`` I had a little talk back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I was like , ' I 'm talking to Tim Howard right now , how insane , ' `` Fuller said .
`` Hope Solo was defending me on Twitter at one point .
I was like , 'What ?
Hope Solo ! '
So cool . '
`` She 's also faced her share of critics on social media , which she said she understands comes with the territory .
`` I 've been through the wringer , '' she said .
`` All these little comments people are saying , whatever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 21 , is n't the first woman to take a football field in college .
She was preceded by New Mexico 's Katie Hnida in 2003 and Kent State 's April Goss in 2015 .
Both scored points as kickers in FBS games , though in Group of Five conferences .
Liz Heaston kicked two extra points for Willamette , at the time an NAIA program , in 1997 .
`` I was like , ' I feel like I could do that , ' '' Fuller said of kicking while watching @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bus ride .
`` My teammates were like , 'No .
That 's fine . '
I was like , 'No , I really do think I could do that , ' and then it happened , so that was crazy . ''

After hearing from Billie Jean King, Mia Hamm, Hope Solo, Vandy's Sarah Fuller to keep kicking
Show Caption Hide Caption Clemson passes Ohio State in Amway Coaches Poll USA TODAY Sports' Paul Myerberg breaks down the latest Amway Coaches Poll. USA TODAY
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — History is her story.
But her story is hardly history.
Now that Sarah Fuller has added football uniform to a sports wardrobe that also includes goalie garb for the soccer team, what's next for the first woman to appear in a Power 5 football game?
For one she plans to remain part of the Vanderbilt football team for the foreseeable future, kicking until "they kick me off."
"I'll stay around as long as they want me," said Fuller, who added Sunday she discussed that with coaches during Saturday's game and is planning to begin studying film of NFL kickers.
Wearing a white jersey donning the No. 32 — the number she wears on the soccer field — a gold helmet adorned with the words "Play like a girl" on the back and football pants, Fuller kicked off for the Commodores to begin the second half of their game Saturday at Missouri.
More: Vanderbilt fires Derek Mason as football coach after seven losing seasons
More: Opinion: Texas hasn't come close to reaching its potential under Tom Herman
When her right foot struck the ball, her place in college football lore was permanently penned.
Fuller had a premonition before joining the football team, her place solidified after COVID-19 caused a shortened roster. She was riding a bus with her soccer teammates, watching the Vanderbilt football team, when she announced she thought she could kick.
Fuller also used her "goalie voice" during a halftime speech Saturday, on the heels of helping the Commodores win the SEC women's soccer tournament last week.
Fuller, who didn't have the opportunity to record a point Saturday during the 41-0 loss, wasn't the first woman to appear in a college football game. Aside from kicking field goals with soccer balls last semester, Fuller hadn't thought much about football since she was in a grade school punt, pass and kick competition.
Her foot, she said, could give volume to her mouth.
"I would love to continue telling my story because it's been a long road for me," she said. "It hasn't been easy at times. I would love to go around and talk to people about what it's like to be a college athlete. ... There are hard times when you want to quit."
Fuller hopes her historic story and the platform that comes with it is just beginning. While she doesn't want to get too far ahead of herself, and wants to keep up with her studies, Fuller said she may choose to hire an agent when NCAA name, image and likeness rules allow, possibly as soon as Jan. 31, when legislation is expected to be approved.
"I really haven't been focusing on that," she said. "I've been focusing on learning football. ... I think my next smartest move would be to get an agent of some type and take the smartest approach. ... Right now I'm here for the team."
While Fuller has almost overnight become a role model for female athletes, she has a few role models herself, some of whom she has heard from in the last several days.
Tennis legend Billie Jean King, "a trailblazer herself." Soccer legends Mia Hamm and Tim Howard.
"I had a little talk back and forth (with Howard) and I was like, 'I'm talking to Tim Howard right now, how insane,' " Fuller said.
"Hope Solo was defending me on Twitter at one point. I was like, 'What? Hope Solo!' So cool.' "
She's also faced her share of critics on social media, which she said she understands comes with the territory.
"I've been through the wringer," she said. "All these little comments people are saying, whatever. It's nothing."
Fuller, 21, isn't the first woman to take a football field in college. She was preceded by New Mexico's Katie Hnida in 2003 and Kent State's April Goss in 2015. Both scored points as kickers in FBS games, though in Group of Five conferences. Liz Heaston kicked two extra points for Willamette, at the time an NAIA program, in 1997.
"I was like, 'I feel like I could do that,'" Fuller said of kicking while watching the Vanderbilt football team on that recent bus ride. "My teammates were like, 'No. That's fine.' I was like, 'No, I really do think I could do that,' and then it happened, so that was crazy."


usatoday--2020-11-29--Ditch the Electoral College? It's a bad plan — rural interests might never matter again.

There is a movement afoot to eliminate the Electoral College and replace it with a popular vote .
It is a very bad idea .
To proceed , we need to leave our naiveté at the door and recognize that voting methods that allow the “ correct ” side to win are preferred by that side .
A pure popular voting system appears appealing , but there are sound reasons why the Electoral College system was created to select a president .
Allowing everyone to have an equal voice in an election is a worthy goal , if everyone has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reasons why this wouldn ’ t occur .
If the voters are randomly distributed by secondary aspects , then a democratic vote might be fair , but if voters are “ blocked ” by pertinent characteristics , then losing groups would be essentially disenfranchised .
If there were more women than men , and they voted as a bloc , then men ’ s votes would mean nothing .
If all whites voted as a group , then people of color would be disenfranchised .
It wouldn ’ t matter what they wanted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This bloc “ solidarity ” has been characterized as three hungry wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for dinner .
In the last several presidential elections , there has been a distinct pattern of rural voters preferring a different candidate than urban voters .
Urban voters are different .
They are more dependent upon governments in almost all aspects of their lives .
Consider Nevada as an example .
Clark County is Las Vegas .
It contains 75 % of the entire population of the state .
The two largest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the population .
If you are a Nevada rancher , it doesn ’ t matter what you want or even if you vote … if you want something different than the people in those two cities .
If ranchers don ’ t conform , they are disenfranchised and have been removed from the democratic process .
Now expand this to the nation as a whole .
The ten largest metro areas in the United States contain almost 110 million people .
If every single person in Iowa , my home state , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it wouldn ’ t matter what Iowa wanted .
Whether everyone in Iowa even voted would make no difference at all .
At a federal level , the entire state would be disenfranchised .
As long as the people of Iowa are randomly the same as the urbanites , then there is no problem .
However , if metro areas want something different from states such as Iowa , then voting in Iowa becomes essentially meaningless .
In relationship to national elections , unless they conformed , the people of Iowa would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ democratic system .
The Electoral College was created to give people in diverse states influence in selecting a national leader , so that leader would be beholden to the people of Iowa and not just to whatever is wanted in New York and Los Angeles .
Dennis Clayson is professor emeritus at the University of Northern Iowa .
This column originally appeared in the Des Moines Register .

Ditch the Electoral College? It's a bad plan — rural interests might never matter again. If metro areas want something different from states such as Iowa, then voting in Iowa becomes essentially meaningless.
Show Caption Hide Caption Electoral College vs. the popular vote, explained President Trump and President George W. Bush won the electoral vote during the election, but not the popular vote. How does the electoral college work? Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
There is a movement afoot to eliminate the Electoral College and replace it with a popular vote. It is a very bad idea.
To proceed, we need to leave our naiveté at the door and recognize that voting methods that allow the “correct” side to win are preferred by that side.
A pure popular voting system appears appealing, but there are sound reasons why the Electoral College system was created to select a president.
Allowing everyone to have an equal voice in an election is a worthy goal, if everyone has an equal voice. There are numerous reasons why this wouldn’t occur.
A new kind of disenfranchisement
If the voters are randomly distributed by secondary aspects, then a democratic vote might be fair, but if voters are “blocked” by pertinent characteristics, then losing groups would be essentially disenfranchised.
Election 2020: Republicans as a multicultural working class party? That's Trump-level delusional thinking.
If there were more women than men, and they voted as a bloc, then men’s votes would mean nothing. If all whites voted as a group, then people of color would be disenfranchised. It wouldn’t matter what they wanted, or even if they voted.
This bloc “solidarity” has been characterized as three hungry wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for dinner.
In the last several presidential elections, there has been a distinct pattern of rural voters preferring a different candidate than urban voters. Urban voters are different. They are more dependent upon governments in almost all aspects of their lives.
Consider Nevada as an example. Clark County is Las Vegas. It contains 75% of the entire population of the state. The two largest cities in the state have 90% of the population. If you are a Nevada rancher, it doesn’t matter what you want or even if you vote … if you want something different than the people in those two cities. If ranchers don’t conform, they are disenfranchised and have been removed from the democratic process.
Harry S. Truman's grandson: The messy, impolite history of presidential transitions
Now expand this to the nation as a whole.
Diverse states, diverse interests
The ten largest metro areas in the United States contain almost 110 million people. If every single person in Iowa, my home state, wanted X and the urbanites wanted Y, it wouldn’t matter what Iowa wanted. Whether everyone in Iowa even voted would make no difference at all. At a federal level, the entire state would be disenfranchised.
As long as the people of Iowa are randomly the same as the urbanites, then there is no problem. However, if metro areas want something different from states such as Iowa, then voting in Iowa becomes essentially meaningless.
In relationship to national elections, unless they conformed, the people of Iowa would no longer be living in a meaningful democratic system.
The Electoral College was created to give people in diverse states influence in selecting a national leader, so that leader would be beholden to the people of Iowa and not just to whatever is wanted in New York and Los Angeles.
Dennis Clayson is professor emeritus at the University of Northern Iowa. This column originally appeared in the Des Moines Register.


usatoday--2020-11-29--Three major developments in President-elect Joe Biden's transition to the White House

Since President-elect Joe Biden ’ s victory earlier this month , President Donald Trump has refused to concede and continues to make baseless claims of voter fraud –– pushing election lawsuit battles across the country , further challenging the validity of the results .
But the conversation changed last week when Biden ’ s transition to power officially kicked off .
Trump ’ s administration acknowledged Biden ’ s win , granting the new administration access to intelligence briefings and other government services to allow for a smooth transition .
Several states have also certified their election results this week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some states are still approaching deadlines to certify results , all results must be certified before the Electoral College meets Dec. 14 .
Challenges to any results must also be resolved by Dec. 8 .
Here ’ s what else you need to know about Biden ’ s ongoing transition to power .
Emily Murphy , the head of the General Services Administration , announced Monday that the Trump administration formally recognized that Biden won this year ’ s election , signaling the start of the transition process for the Biden administration .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. government agency , mainly works behind the scenes to support other federal agencies or departments .
When it comes down to the transition of power between the outgoing president and incoming president-elect , the GSA plays a crucial role in providing the new administration ’ s transition team with office space and other resources needed to allow for a smooth transition .
Over the last few weeks , Trump has continuously refused to concede to Biden , still arguing that he won the election and that voter fraud ran rampant on Election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ several states raced to count ballots .
Trump ’ s actions , though , led to a major stall for the Biden administration to begin the transition process ahead of the inauguration in January .
More : Former Pence adviser : 'It does not ' surprise her Trump would n't commit to peaceful transfer of power Murphy ’ s announcement allocated more than $ 6 million to Biden ’ s transition team , which will allow it to hire new staff and cover other transition-related expenses .
The Biden administration has also gained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to hit the ground running in January .
Murphy ’ s announcement also came after weeks of criticism from national security officials and members of Congress , including Republicans , who questioned the delay of Biden ’ s transition and highlighted national security concerns .
Shortly after Murphy ’ s announcement , Trump tweeted that current election lawsuits will continue and he believes they will “ prevail.
” Trump also acknowledged Murphy ’ s announcement , adding , “ Nevertheless , in the best interest of our Country , I am recommending that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be done with regard to initial protocols , and have told my team to do the same . ''
Still , Trump aides say the president 's approval of the transition may be the closest the president comes to conceding to Biden .
Since then , the president has continued to make unsubstantiated claims of voter fraud on Twitter .
Throughout Biden 's campaign , he said he sought to create a government as diverse as America and on Monday , he began doing just that with the announcement of picks for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chose Alejandro Mayorkas , a Cuban American , to be the first Latino head of the Department of Homeland Security .
Avril Haines will be the first female director of national intelligence and Linda Thomas-Greenfield , a Black woman , will serve as Biden 's ambassador to the United Nations .
Biden has also announced that Antony Blinken will act as secretary of state , Jake Sullivan as national security advisor , Janet Yellen as treasury secretary , Ron Klain as chief of staff and John Kerry as the climate change envoy .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ including the Justice Department chief and the secretaries of agriculture , commerce , defense , education , energy , health and human services , housing and urban development , interior , labor , transportation and veterans affairs .
On Tuesday , Biden also shot down the possibility of nominating Sens .
Elizabeth Warren , D-Mass.
, and Bernie Sanders , I-Vt. , to cabinet positions .
Instead , Biden suggested he would like to keep Warren and Sanders in the Senate to push his progressive policy ideas .
Two Wisconsin counties finished their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , adding 87 votes to Biden 's margin of victory over the president in the state , the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported .
On Monday , the Michigan Board of State Canvassers voted to certify the state 's election results after a Republican member of the board joined two Democrats in voting to certify .
Republican Norm Shinkle abstained from voting , which allowed the state to certify its results that show Biden won .
A day later , Pennsylvania and Nevada also certified their results .
In Pennsylvania , Biden won with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about 33,600 more votes in Nevada compared to Trump .
Several other states also certified their results this week like North Carolina and Indiana , both of which went to Trump .
Maine also certified its results and went to Biden .
Some states have yet to certify their results , but deadlines are fast approaching for states like California and New York in the coming weeks .

Three major developments in President-elect Joe Biden's transition to the White House
Show Caption Hide Caption Trump says finally he will take part in peaceful transfer of power President Trump acknowledged for the first time that he would leave the White House when the Electoral College casts its formal vote for Joe Biden. USA TODAY, Associated Press
Since President-elect Joe Biden’s victory earlier this month, President Donald Trump has refused to concede and continues to make baseless claims of voter fraud –– pushing election lawsuit battles across the country, further challenging the validity of the results.
But the conversation changed last week when Biden’s transition to power officially kicked off. Trump’s administration acknowledged Biden’s win, granting the new administration access to intelligence briefings and other government services to allow for a smooth transition.
Several states have also certified their election results this week, including a few battlegrounds. While some states are still approaching deadlines to certify results, all results must be certified before the Electoral College meets Dec. 14. Challenges to any results must also be resolved by Dec. 8.
Here’s what else you need to know about Biden’s ongoing transition to power.
GSA formally recognizes Biden victory
Emily Murphy, the head of the General Services Administration, announced Monday that the Trump administration formally recognized that Biden won this year’s election, signaling the start of the transition process for the Biden administration.
The GSA, which is an independent U.S. government agency, mainly works behind the scenes to support other federal agencies or departments. When it comes down to the transition of power between the outgoing president and incoming president-elect, the GSA plays a crucial role in providing the new administration’s transition team with office space and other resources needed to allow for a smooth transition.
Over the last few weeks, Trump has continuously refused to concede to Biden, still arguing that he won the election and that voter fraud ran rampant on Election Day and the days that followed as several states raced to count ballots. Trump’s actions, though, led to a major stall for the Biden administration to begin the transition process ahead of the inauguration in January.
More: Former Pence adviser: 'It does not' surprise her Trump wouldn't commit to peaceful transfer of power
Murphy’s announcement allocated more than $6 million to Biden’s transition team, which will allow it to hire new staff and cover other transition-related expenses. The Biden administration has also gained access to important briefings and information needed to hit the ground running in January.
Murphy’s announcement also came after weeks of criticism from national security officials and members of Congress, including Republicans, who questioned the delay of Biden’s transition and highlighted national security concerns.
Shortly after Murphy’s announcement, Trump tweeted that current election lawsuits will continue and he believes they will “prevail.” Trump also acknowledged Murphy’s announcement, adding, “Nevertheless, in the best interest of our Country, I am recommending that Emily and her team do what needs to be done with regard to initial protocols, and have told my team to do the same."
Still, Trump aides say the president's approval of the transition may be the closest the president comes to conceding to Biden. Since then, the president has continued to make unsubstantiated claims of voter fraud on Twitter.
Biden announces his picks for top cabinet positions
Throughout Biden's campaign, he said he sought to create a government as diverse as America and on Monday, he began doing just that with the announcement of picks for some of his cabinet positions.
Biden chose Alejandro Mayorkas, a Cuban American, to be the first Latino head of the Department of Homeland Security. Avril Haines will be the first female director of national intelligence and Linda Thomas-Greenfield, a Black woman, will serve as Biden's ambassador to the United Nations.
Biden has also announced that Antony Blinken will act as secretary of state, Jake Sullivan as national security advisor, Janet Yellen as treasury secretary, Ron Klain as chief of staff and John Kerry as the climate change envoy.
Biden still has several positions to fill including the Justice Department chief and the secretaries of agriculture, commerce, defense, education, energy, health and human services, housing and urban development, interior, labor, transportation and veterans affairs.
On Tuesday, Biden also shot down the possibility of nominating Sens. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., to cabinet positions. Instead, Biden suggested he would like to keep Warren and Sanders in the Senate to push his progressive policy ideas.
States continue to certify election results ahead of Dec. 14
Two Wisconsin counties finished their recounts of the presidential election vote tally, adding 87 votes to Biden's margin of victory over the president in the state, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported.
On Monday, the Michigan Board of State Canvassers voted to certify the state's election results after a Republican member of the board joined two Democrats in voting to certify. Republican Norm Shinkle abstained from voting, which allowed the state to certify its results that show Biden won.
A day later, Pennsylvania and Nevada also certified their results. In Pennsylvania, Biden won with more than 80,000 votes while also winning about 33,600 more votes in Nevada compared to Trump.
Several other states also certified their results this week like North Carolina and Indiana, both of which went to Trump. Maine also certified its results and went to Biden.
Some states have yet to certify their results, but deadlines are fast approaching for states like California and New York in the coming weeks.


usatoday--2020-11-25--The White House is getting its first rescue dog

The White House is getting its first rescue dog When President-elect Joe Biden moves into the White House , he @ @ @ @ @ Major with him , making him the first rescue dog to live there .

The White House is getting its first rescue dog
When President-elect Joe Biden moves into the White House, he'll bring his German shepherd Major with him, making him the first rescue dog to live there.
Animalkind, USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-11-27--Couple finds prohibition-era booze hidden behind house walls

A couple restoring a house in Montgomery County , New York , say they were surprised to find bottles of @ @ @ @ @ walls .

Couple finds prohibition-era booze hidden behind house walls
A couple restoring a house in Montgomery County, New York, say they were surprised to find bottles of prohibition-era booze hidden behind their walls.
Storyful


usatoday--2020-11-29--Liberals push for bold Biden agenda. They might have to work around Congress to get it

After helping to mobilize election turnout of young people and left-leaning Democrats , leaders of the self-described `` progressive '' wing of the party want to hold the Biden administration to promises made on the campaign trail : addressing climate change , combating the COVID-19 pandemic and offering student debt relief .
“ This isn ’ t 2015 anymore .
This isn ’ t 2010 anymore .
It ’ s not 2005 anymore , ” Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez , a Democratic socialist from New York , said at a rally last week .
“ The movement got us here .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the table.
” As liberals lean into their policy demands , one roadblock remains : Who will control the Senate ?
Two runoffs in Georgia will determine whether Republicans maintain control of the chamber when the new Congress is sworn in in January .
If the Republican majority holds , not only will it be difficult for Democrats to pass legislation , it will probably mean the progressive wish list will be left on the backburner .
More : President-elect Biden seeks a diverse Cabinet .
Here 's who will join his administration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hauser , executive director of the Revolving Door Project , a group that scrutinizes personnel in the executive branch , said liberals understand there will be substantial challenges in getting legislation passed and `` this is not a time for peace and prosperity . ''
`` The Senate picture is somewhere between bad and not good , '' he said .
Even if Democrats do control the Senate , far-left legislation might still face an uphill battle , said Ross Baker , a political science professor at Rutgers University '' I think it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ problem for ( House Speaker Nancy ) Pelosi , Baker said .
`` The big problem is managing the expectations of progressives . ''
Baker noted passing legislation that makes both wings of the party happy is n't a given , pointing to the infighting between moderate and liberal Democrats days after the election this month .
He specifically pointed to the `` defund the police '' movement , which wants funding for police departments to be reallocated for other social services .
Many establishment and centrist Democrats said that term , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , cost them House seats in the general election .
`` The language of progressives becomes an issue to all Democrats , '' Baker said .
As a result , liberals are turning to processes where they hope they can make the most impact : the use of executive power and whom Biden appoints to serve in his administration .
Adam Green , co-founder of the Progressive Change Campaign Committee , said progressives urged Biden to limit the appointments of people who have a lobbying or corporate background .
Green said if legislation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Biden has to use executive power instead , former lobbyists from industries could hinder progress .
`` If our desire is that ( Biden ) use executive power to take on Big Pharma but there is a pharma lobbyist in charge of policies , that will likely get slow walked or vetoed from within , '' Green told USA TODAY .
`` If we want to create clean energy jobs but former Big Oil lobbyists are now in charge of the levers of power , then that will get slow walked .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ urging him to advance what he can do with executive power and urging him to not appoint corporate lobbyists who are not fully aligned with his campaign promises . ''
Activists have been vocal about appointments they say will hinder movement in policy areas .
Justice Democrats , along with Social Security Works and Data for Progress , launched a campaign against Bruce Reed , Biden 's former chief of staff , from joining the administration .
The petition has the support of not only activists but lawmakers such as Reps. Ocasio-Cortez , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ elected Reps. Cori Bush and Jamaal Bowman .
The Sunrise Movement , an organization focused on climate change that spurred out of Sen. Bernie Sanders ’ 2016 campaign , criticized Biden ’ s appointment this month of Rep. Cedric Richmond , D-La.
, as a senior adviser and director of the White House Office of Public Engagement .
The group called Richmond ’ s appointment a “ betrayal , ” claiming that the congressman “ cozied up to Big Oil and Gas ” more than nearly any other Democrat during his time on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Louisiana district that spans New Orleans to Baton Rouge , was national co-chairman of Biden 's campaign Justice Democrats hit Biden for appointments that the group called “ corporate-friendly , '' including Steve Ricchetti being named as counselor to the president .
Ricchetti is a former lobbyist , and his firm Richetti Inc. represented the American Hospital Association and the Health Insurance Association of America , drugmakers such as Eli Lilly , Novartis , Pfizer and Sanofi-Aventis , and communication firms such as AT & T and Nextel .
“ If Joe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ White House , he will risk quickly fracturing the hard-earned goodwill his team built with progressives to defeat Donald Trump , ” Justice Democrats Executive Director Alexandra Rojas said in a statementthis month .
Two weeks ago more than 40 activist groups released a list of 400 policy experts they want Biden to consider for positions in his administration .
This week , five organizations led by Demand Progress and the Revolving Door Project launched a website for a campaign called “ No Corporate Cabinet , ” which aims to keep corporate insiders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ similar messaging , a rally of activists and some members of Congress , including Ocasio-Cortez , called on Biden to reject people who have corporate ties and called for bold action on the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change .
“ Let ’ s cut to the chase , ” Anthony Karefa Rogers-Wright , policy coordinator for Climate Justice Alliance , said at the rally .
“ Marginalized Black , brown and Indigenous folk came out to vote , which is the only reason there will even be a Biden administration .
The president-elect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ root causes of interlinked crises including COVID and climate change : white supremacy , patriarchy and colonization . ''
President-elect Biden nominated former Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen as his Treasury secretary , a move that will probably make both liberals and moderates happy .
Yellen , who would be the first woman to lead the department , headed the Fed from 2014 to 2018 .
Biden appointed John Kerry as special presidential envoy for climate , which Varshini Prakash , co-founder and executive director of the youth-oriented Sunrise Movement , said in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of President-elect Biden ’ s commitment to addressing the climate crisis . ''
Prakash noted that progressives want to see a domestic counterpart to Kerry 's position .
Biden is also tempering liberal expectations .
He tamped down the possibility of nominating Sens .
Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders to Cabinet positions last week , saying “ we already have significant representation among progressives in our administration.
” He said , “ Taking someone out of the Senate , taking someone out of the House , particularly a person of consequence , is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be made .
`` I have a very ambitious , very progressive agenda , and it 's going to take really strong leaders in the House and Senate to get it done , ” Biden said .
Sanders vied to be Biden ’ s labor secretary , and some liberals hoped Biden would choose Warren as Treasury secretary .
Joe Biden picks for top jobs : A spy chief who fixes cars , an envoy who practices 'gumbo diplomacy' Some liberals said the greatest progress could be made through Biden 's executive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hauser of the Revolving Door Project said he hopes Biden `` does the most that he can with the tools that he has '' to get progressive policies enacted .
He said a Biden administration could change the poverty line to an income of $ 30,000 , which would increase access to Medicare .
Baker said that although Biden can `` give it his best shot , '' progressive policies will probably have to be pushed through in other legislative packages rather than their own bills .
`` You ca n't do it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ retail , '' Baker said .
Though liberals are aware of the challenges they face in the upcoming administration , they want Biden to be fully prepared with his options that could help him pass policies that he promised on the campaign trail , especially if there is a Republican-controlled Senate .
`` We do n't want to see the government sputter into worthlessness because of ( Republican leader ) Mitch McConnell , '' Hauser said .