usatoday--2020-12-07--In Georgia, Democrats have a fresh shot at the Senate after Election Day losses

WASHINGTON – Democrats were forecast to win big on Election Day .
But in congressional races across the country , they saw loss after loss even as President-elect Joe Biden defeated Donald Trump in the White House race .
At least 10 Democratic incumbents fell to Republicans in the House , though the party clung on to control of the chamber .
Aspirations to take the Senate majority seemed to wither as race after race was called for Republicans – even in states where Democrats polled significantly higher than incumbents .
Democrats have promised methodical after-action reports to examine what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ learn from it .
But the party is still in the midst of a battle over the Senate with the majority hanging in the balance – all coming down to Georgia and two runoff races on Jan. 5 .
While Democrats are still licking their wounds from the Nov. 3 Election Day , experts say the party will need to make changes and resist making some of the same errors in hopes of claiming victory in the state .
Flipping the seats held by incumbent Republicans David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Raphael Warnock , but a victory will give Democrats the power to pass Biden ’ s legislative agenda .
`` You rarely get a second chance in politics but Democrats have gotten one in Georgia , '' said Jim Manley , a Democratic strategist and former senior aide to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid , D-Nev. Manley pointed to Biden ’ s ability to flip the state blue this year for the first time since 1992 .
`` It ’ s definitely doable for us .
But I think we as a party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of worst urges , '' he said .
A host of issues divided Americans as they voted by mail and at the ballot box .
Health care , the coronavirus pandemic and racial justice were all rated as the key issues that decided people 's vote .
But one issue at top of the list in many exit polls seemed to trouble Democrats : the economy .
The split among Republican and Democratic voters seemed to rest on a choice between getting a handle on the coronavirus pandemic or reopening efforts to help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , one of the few red-state Democrats still in Congress , said the split displayed a clear issue the party needs to address .
“ When you do n't have a message on the economy , ( voters ) believe that that ( Democratic ) brand basically is more concerned and interested in people that do n't work or wo n't work , more so than the people that do work and will work , '' the West Virginia Democrat said .
`` There 's a problem.
” More : Failing to convince @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump vows to 'win back the White House ' at Georgia rally But while the party will have several years before the next election battle , Democrats in Georgia are already in the middle of campaigning , with only weeks until the runoff races .
Experts argue shifts in messaging simply won ’ t be able to move voters this late in the race .
`` I think it ’ s too late in the game for a policy shift , '' Manley said .
Democratic strategists across the board and in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and beating the coronavirus pandemic was largely successful , but candidates had issues fending off GOP attacks focusing on socialism and the defund the police movement , attacks that have been blamed for some Democrats ' losses .
`` Republicans have worked very hard to tar these slogans , '' said Danny Barefoot , a Democratic strategist , admitting that Democrats need to learn from the struggles they saw in this cycle .
`` We have a branding problem . ''
He said Ossoff and Warnock should veer away from `` dabbling in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clear where they stand .
While messaging on socialism has been blamed for some losses , including within the Hispanic communities of South Florida , it might not be as big of an issue in Georgia , Barefoot said .
`` Both of these candidates need to ignore the noise .
They understand their communities and what voters are hoping to see from them , '' he added .
'It was a failure ' : Furious House Democrats unload as leadership promises answers after election losses Barefoot said in a post-election focus group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the country could again impose strict mandates as COVID-19 cases rise .
`` I think we really missed the COVID fatigue , '' he explained .
`` I think Trump ’ s reopening message resonated more than we thought . ''
With cases rising and some communities already issuing restrictions that force businesses to close and residents to stay home again , that is likely to weigh heavily on voters ’ minds .
`` There ’ s a middle ground approach here on being empathetic , being worried about the economy and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Barefoot said .
`` There ’ s a way to safely live your life and not isolate at home . ''
Many have also attributed Democratic losses on Election Day to a lack of ground game .
As COVID-19 ravaged the country and continued to spread , campaigns had to shift to a more digitally focused operation than ever before .
Most restrained from holding in-person events or having campaign workers knock on doors , key aspects that help turn out voters .
As the pandemic wore on , Republicans were quicker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Donald Trump led the way with packed rallies , not mandating face masks or social distancing .
Trump appeared in Georgia Saturday to rally for Loeffler and Perdue , urging voters to cast their ballots for the Republicans , railing against election integrity and highlighting what is at stake with the two races .
More : Biden plans to campaign in Georgia for Senate candidates '' This election is control of the U.S. Senate and that really means control of this country , ” Trump said .
`` The voters of Georgia will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ writes every piece of legislation , controls every single taxpayer dollar . ''
Democrats have been resistant to holding such large in-person events over safety concerns amid the pandemic but have focused on virtual rallies and drive-in events where voters can stay in their cars .
Biden said he plans to campaign in the state for the Senate race , though it ’ s unclear whether he will do so virtually or in-person .
Democrats are keenly aware of the dynamics in the state that allowed Biden to win , including shifts in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ victory are turning out more voters and energizing African Americans in the state .
Democrats and liberal groups have invested millions into the race , allowing Democrats to hire more staff and recruit more volunteers for a wide on-the-ground organization , which includes more voter calls and texts .
`` Up until now , the reality is we weren ’ t knocking on doors or really doing a ton of connecting with voters , '' said Stefan Turkheimer , a Democratic strategist in Georgia .
`` The No .
1 question is how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ turned out for you and a strong ground game is key to that . ''
'They have not earned your vote ' : Trump allies urge Georgia Republicans to sit out Senate runoffs 'We 're going to keep fighting ' : Pence tells Georgia voters presidential election not over Republicans have similarly been investing heavily in Georgia , promising to build a presidential-level voter contact operation with staff embedded to work with both campaigns .
Both Loeffler and Perdue have continued to host large events , including appearing with Trump on Saturday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ crisis in the state over Trump ’ s unfounded claims of widespread voter fraud and that the election was stolen from him , something that could help Democrats if Trump voters don ’ t turn out due to distrust in the electoral process .
`` When the talking points are all about internal party mechanics in D.C. , that just turns people off .
It ’ s the last thing you want , '' Turkheimer said .
He said Trump ’ s claims have caused a mess for the GOP because their messaging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ve told them that their votes haven ’ t counted .
Why would they waste their time to vote then ?
” Typically , Republicans have been successful in such runoff races , winning seven out of eight in Georgia since 1992 , including two U.S. Senate races .
Loeffler and Perdue have supported Trump ’ s baseless election fraud claims , hoping Trump 's passionate followers back them in January .
Despite concerns over voter turnout , Trump continued to rail about the Nov. 3 election on Saturday at his rally in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials in Georgia , including Gov .
Brian Kemp , over the unproven claims of fraud .
Trump urged voters to elect Loeffler and Perdue , insisting the two races will determine control of the Senate – something that would only be true if Biden did indeed win the presidential race since Democratic wins would mean the vice president will have to break a 50-50 Senate tie .
“ They rigged our presidential election , but we will still win it , ” Trump said at his rally in Valdosta , Georgia , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , `` Stop the steal . ''
`` They ’ re going to try and rig this election , too , '' the president continued before pulling a piece of paper from his coat with statistics aiming to discredit Biden ’ s presidential win .
Key to the race : Voter turnout and resisting urges It was about eight years ago that Stacey Abrams offered a 20-page PowerPoint presentation outlining a multiyear strategy to turn Georgia blue .
Steve Phillips , a Democratic donor and founder of the progressive organization Democracy in Color @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proposal .
Abrams ' plan worked and was critical to Biden ’ s victory in the state , he said .
At the heart of the effort : energizing the state ’ s large African American population .
`` It ’ s not rocket science .
It ’ s also what is going to make these Senate races , '' he said .
`` This is going to be 90 % about turnout .
That ’ s what this battle will be .
It ’ s a labor-intensive , person-to-person movement . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ back on track ' : How Joe Biden turned Georgia purple Phillips said the biggest variable is that Trump and Biden wo n't be on the Jan. 5 ballot .
Many voters were not only energized to vote for Biden but against another four years under Trump .
`` The votes are clearly there to win , '' he said .
`` But now the question is , can you get them back out ? ''
Millions have poured into the race for both Republicans and Democrats and with control of the Senate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have gotten involved in fundraising for the race – a concern for some strategists .
“ We always want to send in these D.C. hotshots , but I really think we have to let the folks on the ground take the lead .
They know the state best , ” Manley said .
“ We need to empower the folks down there to get the job done.
” Manley added : “ Raising money hand over fist does not equal victory , '' pointing to races lost by Amy McGrath in Kentucky and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pouring in this cycle to unseat Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Sen. Lindsey Graham , R-S.C. , a close ally of Trump .

In Georgia, Democrats have a fresh shot at the Senate after Election Day losses
Show Caption Hide Caption Georgia Senate candidates attack each other's backgrounds All eyes are on Georgia as control of the Senate is up for grabs during runoff elections on Jan. 5. USA TODAY Handout
WASHINGTON – Democrats were forecast to win big on Election Day. But in congressional races across the country, they saw loss after loss even as President-elect Joe Biden defeated Donald Trump in the White House race.
At least 10 Democratic incumbents fell to Republicans in the House, though the party clung on to control of the chamber. Aspirations to take the Senate majority seemed to wither as race after race was called for Republicans – even in states where Democrats polled significantly higher than incumbents.
Democrats have promised methodical after-action reports to examine what went wrong and how to how to learn from it. But the party is still in the midst of a battle over the Senate with the majority hanging in the balance – all coming down to Georgia and two runoff races on Jan. 5.
While Democrats are still licking their wounds from the Nov. 3 Election Day, experts say the party will need to make changes and resist making some of the same errors in hopes of claiming victory in the state. Flipping the seats held by incumbent Republicans David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler will be an uphill battle for Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock, but a victory will give Democrats the power to pass Biden’s legislative agenda.
"You rarely get a second chance in politics but Democrats have gotten one in Georgia," said Jim Manley, a Democratic strategist and former senior aide to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev. Manley pointed to Biden’s ability to flip the state blue this year for the first time since 1992.
"It’s definitely doable for us. But I think we as a party have to be cautious and resist some of worst urges," he said.
Runoffs: History, how they work, and their roots in racism As Georgia heads towards a highly anticipated runoff election, it begs the question: Why do some states have runoffs? And what's the purpose of them? Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
Struggle with economy, defending against GOP attacks
A host of issues divided Americans as they voted by mail and at the ballot box. Health care, the coronavirus pandemic and racial justice were all rated as the key issues that decided people's vote.
But one issue at top of the list in many exit polls seemed to trouble Democrats: the economy.
The split among Republican and Democratic voters seemed to rest on a choice between getting a handle on the coronavirus pandemic or reopening efforts to help rescue the economy.
Sen. Joe Manchin, one of the few red-state Democrats still in Congress, said the split displayed a clear issue the party needs to address.
“When you don't have a message on the economy, (voters) believe that that (Democratic) brand basically is more concerned and interested in people that don't work or won't work, more so than the people that do work and will work," the West Virginia Democrat said. "There's a problem.”
More: Failing to convince Gov. Kemp to flip election, Trump vows to 'win back the White House' at Georgia rally
Opinion: Georgia, if you’re listening, ignore conservatives peddling socialist Senate hallucinations
But while the party will have several years before the next election battle, Democrats in Georgia are already in the middle of campaigning, with only weeks until the runoff races. Experts argue shifts in messaging simply won’t be able to move voters this late in the race.
"I think it’s too late in the game for a policy shift," Manley said.
Democratic strategists across the board and in the state say the focus on health care and beating the coronavirus pandemic was largely successful, but candidates had issues fending off GOP attacks focusing on socialism and the defund the police movement, attacks that have been blamed for some Democrats' losses.
"Republicans have worked very hard to tar these slogans," said Danny Barefoot, a Democratic strategist, admitting that Democrats need to learn from the struggles they saw in this cycle. "We have a branding problem."
He said Ossoff and Warnock should veer away from "dabbling in these issues," but should make clear where they stand.
While messaging on socialism has been blamed for some losses, including within the Hispanic communities of South Florida, it might not be as big of an issue in Georgia, Barefoot said.
"Both of these candidates need to ignore the noise. They understand their communities and what voters are hoping to see from them," he added.
'It was a failure': Furious House Democrats unload as leadership promises answers after election losses
Barefoot said in a post-election focus group he conducted, many voters were wary that the country could again impose strict mandates as COVID-19 cases rise. "I think we really missed the COVID fatigue," he explained. "I think Trump’s reopening message resonated more than we thought."
With cases rising and some communities already issuing restrictions that force businesses to close and residents to stay home again, that is likely to weigh heavily on voters’ minds.
"There’s a middle ground approach here on being empathetic, being worried about the economy and continuing to live amid the pandemic," Barefoot said. "There’s a way to safely live your life and not isolate at home."
Ground efforts, money and GOP's conflicting message
Many have also attributed Democratic losses on Election Day to a lack of ground game. As COVID-19 ravaged the country and continued to spread, campaigns had to shift to a more digitally focused operation than ever before.
Most restrained from holding in-person events or having campaign workers knock on doors, key aspects that help turn out voters. As the pandemic wore on, Republicans were quicker to restart holding typical events. President Donald Trump led the way with packed rallies, not mandating face masks or social distancing.
Trump appeared in Georgia Saturday to rally for Loeffler and Perdue, urging voters to cast their ballots for the Republicans, railing against election integrity and highlighting what is at stake with the two races.
More: Biden plans to campaign in Georgia for Senate candidates
Voters look to Georgia to decide if GOP or Democrats will run Senate Phillip M Bailey and Rana Cash discuss Georgia's effect on control of the Senate, its journey to becoming a purple state and Stacey Abrams' impact. States of America, USA TODAY
"This election is control of the U.S. Senate and that really means control of this country,” Trump said. "The voters of Georgia will determine which party runs every committee, writes every piece of legislation, controls every single taxpayer dollar."
Democrats have been resistant to holding such large in-person events over safety concerns amid the pandemic but have focused on virtual rallies and drive-in events where voters can stay in their cars. Biden said he plans to campaign in the state for the Senate race, though it’s unclear whether he will do so virtually or in-person.
Democrats are keenly aware of the dynamics in the state that allowed Biden to win, including shifts in the suburbs and know the keys to victory are turning out more voters and energizing African Americans in the state. Democrats and liberal groups have invested millions into the race, allowing Democrats to hire more staff and recruit more volunteers for a wide on-the-ground organization, which includes more voter calls and texts.
"Up until now, the reality is we weren’t knocking on doors or really doing a ton of connecting with voters," said Stefan Turkheimer, a Democratic strategist in Georgia. "The No. 1 question is how do you turn out people that previously turned out for you and a strong ground game is key to that."
'They have not earned your vote': Trump allies urge Georgia Republicans to sit out Senate runoffs
'We're going to keep fighting': Pence tells Georgia voters presidential election not over
Former President Obama rallies for Georgia Dems Former President Barack Obama took part in a virtual rally for two Georgia Senate races that will determine control of the U.S. Senate. (Dec. 4) AP
Republicans have similarly been investing heavily in Georgia, promising to build a presidential-level voter contact operation with staff embedded to work with both campaigns. Both Loeffler and Perdue have continued to host large events, including appearing with Trump on Saturday.
But the party is weathering an internal crisis in the state over Trump’s unfounded claims of widespread voter fraud and that the election was stolen from him, something that could help Democrats if Trump voters don’t turn out due to distrust in the electoral process.
"When the talking points are all about internal party mechanics in D.C., that just turns people off. It’s the last thing you want," Turkheimer said.
He said Trump’s claims have caused a mess for the GOP because their messaging boils down to: “You’ve told them that their votes haven’t counted. Why would they waste their time to vote then?”
Typically, Republicans have been successful in such runoff races, winning seven out of eight in Georgia since 1992, including two U.S. Senate races. Loeffler and Perdue have supported Trump’s baseless election fraud claims, hoping Trump's passionate followers back them in January.
Despite concerns over voter turnout, Trump continued to rail about the Nov. 3 election on Saturday at his rally in the state.
He also targeted Republican officials in Georgia, including Gov. Brian Kemp, over the unproven claims of fraud. Trump urged voters to elect Loeffler and Perdue, insisting the two races will determine control of the Senate – something that would only be true if Biden did indeed win the presidential race since Democratic wins would mean the vice president will have to break a 50-50 Senate tie.
“They rigged our presidential election, but we will still win it,” Trump said at his rally in Valdosta, Georgia, as those in the audience started chanting, "Stop the steal."
"They’re going to try and rig this election, too," the president continued before pulling a piece of paper from his coat with statistics aiming to discredit Biden’s presidential win.
Key to the race: Voter turnout and resisting urges
It was about eight years ago that Stacey Abrams offered a 20-page PowerPoint presentation outlining a multiyear strategy to turn Georgia blue.
Steve Phillips, a Democratic donor and founder of the progressive organization Democracy in Color, still remembers that day and her proposal. Abrams' plan worked and was critical to Biden’s victory in the state, he said. At the heart of the effort: energizing the state’s large African American population.
"It’s not rocket science. It’s also what is going to make these Senate races," he said. "This is going to be 90% about turnout. That’s what this battle will be. It’s a labor-intensive, person-to-person movement."
More: Former President Obama rallies for Georgia Dems
'The place where we put this country back on track': How Joe Biden turned Georgia purple
Stacey Abrams says investments pay off in Georgia The voting rights advocate says she's been dedicating her life to fighting for equal access to the ballot, especially for Black voters. (Nov. 6) AP
Phillips said the biggest variable is that Trump and Biden won't be on the Jan. 5 ballot. Many voters were not only energized to vote for Biden but against another four years under Trump.
"The votes are clearly there to win," he said. "But now the question is, can you get them back out?"
Millions have poured into the race for both Republicans and Democrats and with control of the Senate at stake, some high profile Democrats have gotten involved in fundraising for the race – a concern for some strategists.
“We always want to send in these D.C. hotshots, but I really think we have to let the folks on the ground take the lead. They know the state best,” Manley said. “We need to empower the folks down there to get the job done.”
Manley added: “Raising money hand over fist does not equal victory," pointing to races lost by Amy McGrath in Kentucky and Jaime Harrison in South Carolina despite millions pouring in this cycle to unseat Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., a close ally of Trump.
More: How Stacey Abrams blew up Georgia’s electoral map


usatoday--2020-12-07--Live politics updates: SCOTUS sets Tuesday deadline in Trump ally's Pennsylvania election challenge

USA TODAY 's coverage of the 2020 election and President-elect Joe Biden 's transition continues this week as he rolls out more of his picks for top jobs in his administration and the final states certify their vote counts before the Electoral College ballots are officially cast on Dec. 14 .
President Donald Trump has cleared the way for Biden 's team to use federal resources and get briefings during the transition , although Trump has yet to formally concede the race .
Be sure to refresh this page often to get the latest information on the election and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mayor of New York City and President Donald Trump ’ s personal attorney , has tested positive for COVID-19 .
Trump shared the news by tweet , writing `` Get better soon Rudy , we will carry on !
!
! ''
Since the presidential election , Giuliani , 76 , has traveled the country challenging the election results and integrity of the electoral system itself .
During much of his travels , Giuliani was seen not wearing a mask and flouting social distancing guidelines .
Giuliani , 76 , was admitted to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Andrew Giuliani tweeted that his father was `` resting , getting great care and feeling well . ''
Later Sunday , Giuliani expressed appreciation for `` the prayers and kind wishes '' on Twitter , adding that he is `` recovering quickly and keeping up with everything . ''
Along with a cadre of lawyers affiliated with the Trump campaign , Giuliani has held regular news conferences claiming , without evidence , various conspiracy theories and baseless allegations of mass voter fraud .
The Supreme Court on Sunday changed a key deadline in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to overturn the results of the presidential election in Pennsylvania from Wednesday to Tuesday .
That schedule change was significant because Tuesday is the cutoff for states to resolve any election disputes , known as the `` safe harbor '' deadline under federal election law .
The safe harbor deadline also holds that Congress can not challenge any electors named under state law by that date .
Some had interpreted the originally scheduled date after that deadline as a sign the high court had no intention of ruling on the appeal .
Pennsylvania @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , on Nov. 24 certified the election results for Biden over Trump .
Kelly 's longshot appeal claims that the 2019 state law that authorized universal , no-excuses mail-in voting is unconstitutional and that only an amendment to the state constitution would have made universal mail-in voting legal in Pennsylvania .
Kelly and seven other Republicans sued to get the mail-in ballots invalidated or have the courts direct the GOP-controlled Pennsylvania General Assembly to pick Pennsylvania ’ s 20 presidential electors , who all favor Biden as a result of the election .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ unanimously dismissed Kelly 's case , ruling he waited too long to challenge the 2019 law , which the General Assembly passed with bipartisan support .
Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito , an appointee of Republican George W. Bush , filed the scheduling order .
He handles emergency requests that originate in the states that make up the Philadelphia-based 3rd U.S .
Circuit Court of Appeals , whose jurisdiction includes Pennsylvania , New Jersey and Delaware .
Manchin : Dems tagged with inaccurate slogans like 'defund the police' When asked why Democrats across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden in the November election , Sen. Joe Machin , D-W.V.
, claimed the party had been inaccurately connected to slogans like `` defund the police . ''
`` The bottom line is that we ’ ve been identified is something we are not , '' Manchin argued .
`` I ’ m a proud West Virginia Democrat and I don ’ t know of any Democrat who would ever defund the police . ''
He said that `` extreme '' ideas were not who Democrats were as a party , `` but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said .
Manchin listed a series of principles the senator contended were Democratic `` bedrocks , ” including , `` how do we protect workers , how do we protect families , how do we give people opportunity , how do we have inclusion , income inequality , '' arguing that those issues were lost in most Americans ' idea of the Democratic Party .
`` The message we have is not for all Americans , '' Manchin said .
`` If you ’ re a Democrat , why are you a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I am fiscally responsible and socially compassionate . '
Can ’ t you be both ? ''
Manchin asked .
`` Do you want to give everything away without any accountability ?
It 's not who I am .
It 's not the Democrats I was raised with .
And that 's basically what we have lost : who we are . ''
The West Virginia senator ’ s comments as Democrats face a reckoning over their underperformance in the 2020 election .
Moderate Democrats have largely echoed Manchin ’ s assertion that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ progressive ideas , while the party ’ s left wing blames poor messaging and organizing for its shortcomings .
`` We ’ re trying to bring everyone together with the same opportunities , '' Machin argued .
`` We ’ re not explaining in a way that the average American understands and we ’ re allowing other people to tag us .
And that ’ s just unfair . ''
Georgia Lt. Gov .
Geoff Duncan underscored that there was no malfeasance in the Georgia November election during a Sunday interview on CNN @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
While Duncan voted and campaigned for President Donald Trump in the Peach State , he said `` unfortunately , President Trump did not win the state , '' a reality that many Georgia voters and the president himself have not acknowledged .
`` If I had the chance to spend five minutes with every single person in Georgia that doubted the election results , I think I ’ d be able to win their hearts over , '' Duncan said .
While he is disappointed in the election results , `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sworn in as president of the United States and the Constitution is still in place .
This is still America , '' Duncan underscored .
`` As Lieutenant Governor and as a Georgian , I am proud that we are able to look up after three recounts and watch and be able to see that this election was fair , '' he argued .
`` Was it perfect ?
Absolutely not .
I don ’ t know if any election was perfect in the history of this country .
But certainly it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ve had three recounts . ''
The lieutenant governor ’ s comments come as Republicans and Democrats in the state are seeking to rally their bases for an upcoming Senate runoff on Jan. 5 that will determine control of Congress .
Some Republican strategists worry that accusations of election fraud from Trump and Sens .
Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue may hurt turnout .
Duncan poured water on the idea Gov .
Brian Kemp was not going to call a special session of the Georgia Legislature to overturn the election results , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kemp to perform in a phone call .
The lieutenant governor said Trump ’ s `` fanning of the flames around misinformation '' at his rally in Valdosta , Georgia , was `` concerning '' and that “ the mountains of misinformation are not helping . ''
Alex Azar , head of the Health and Human Services Department , called President-elect Joe Biden “ the vice president ” during an interview on `` Fox News Sunday '' and demurred to amend his statement when pressed by moderator Chris Wallace .
Asked about Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wear a mask for 100 days to contain the spread of coronavirus juxtaposed with Trump ’ s refusal to wear one , Azar responded `` I welcome Vice President Biden to the club . ''
The comment is in line with those in President Donald Trump ’ s close orbit , who continue to ignore or deny Biden ’ s victory in the presidential election .
Azar blamed rising coronavirus case numbers on Americans growing tired of public health measures like social distancing and stay-at-home orders .
Colder weather has also played a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interview on ABC News ’ “ This Week , ” Azar declined to call for stricter coronavirus measures as are being re-implemented in some parts of the country , arguing that “ we need to build trust in these measures again ” and that “ all our interventions need to be science and evidence-based.
” Azar expressed hope about HHS ’ s vaccine approval process , stating that if a vaccine was approved on December 10 , the expected date for an independent review to be published , the department would deploy millions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of millions would be available going into 2021 , Azar predicted .
He also denounced speculation from Biden that the COVID-19 vaccine approval process was being influenced by the Trump administration , calling the comments `` nonsense . ''
The administration has been criticized for interference in messaging and coordination with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention throughout the pandemic .
Dr. Deborah Birx said she was concerned about the large numbers of Americans who `` parrot '' incorrect public health claims they have heard from President Donald Trump during an interview @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Press . ''
In response to a question about Trump and other administration officials flouting rules and downplaying the threat posed by the virus , Birx , the coordinator of the White House Coronavirus Task Force , noted that in her travels around the country she hears `` community members parroting back '' similar talking points , `` parroting back that masks don ’ t work , parroting back we should work towards herd immunity , parroting back that gatherings don ’ t result in super-spreading events . ''
The top infectious disease @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is to constantly say , ‘ those are myths . '
'' Birx also expressed frustration with Sun Belt leaders for inaction , arguing that `` not only do we know what works '' but that `` governors and mayors used those tools to stem the tide in the spring and the summer , ” actions they are now avoiding amid a worse surge of the virus .
Birx ’ s comments come as the USA enters another brutal wave of the pandemic .
While governments and pharmaceutical companies prepare to deploy coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2,000 Americans on average are dying each day .
`` This is not just the worst public health event , this is the worst event that this country will face , '' Birx , a career public health bureaucrat who worked as U.S. global AIDS coordinator under President Barack Obama , warned .
Birx also expressed optimism , noting `` we know what behaviors will change the spread and we know how to change those behaviors , '' contending that it is a matter of public resolve in the face of the disease @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from this current surge .
And we know precisely what to do . ''
Trump focuses on his own unfounded election gripes at Georgia rally for GOP incumbent senators Faced with possible Republican loss of the Senate , President Donald Trump spent more time at a campaign rally Saturday ranting about his election loss and ripping Georgia Republican leaders who refused his demands to subvert the results in the Peach State .
Trump did promote incumbent Georgia Sens .
David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler – whose Jan. 5 re-election bids will decide control @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the rally around his own legacy and false allegations about the election .
The 100-minute rally came just hours after he re-inserted himself into Georgia politics by again trying – and again failing – to reverse his loss in the state by pressuring the Republican Gov .
Brian Kemp and the state legislature .
Kemp rejected Trump 's request to call a special legislative session to approve the appointment of a pro-Trump slate to the Electoral College , earning repeated rebukes from Trump during an airport rally in Valdosta , Ga. , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just need somebody with courage to do what they have to do , '' said Trump , who has pressured legislators in several Biden states to push for pro-Trump electors , despite the fact that state officials lack the legal authority to do that in defiance of their states ' voters .
While Trump falsely claimed he really `` won '' the presidential election , he tacitly admitted at times that Biden will become president and Kamala Harris will become vice president on Jan. 20 .
At one point , he described Perdue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of defense '' for the Republican Senate , but Democrats can only take control when Biden and Harris take office .
Trump , who has discussed another presidential campaign in 2024 with his aides , joked in Valdosta that does n't want to run in four years because `` we 're gon na win back the White House '' in the next several weeks .
A federal appeals court rejected attorney L. Lin Wood ’ s request to block the certification of President-elect Joe Biden ’ s win in Georgia .
The judges @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because he fails to allege a particularized injury , '' upholding a lower court ruling .
Wood sued Georgia election officials seeking `` extraordinary relief '' to block Georgia officials from certifying election results and establish new rules for the two Senate runoff elections that will occur Jan. 5 .
In his lawsuit , Wood claimed that the absentee ballot and recount procedures violated state laws and his constitutional rights .
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit agreed with the district county ’ s decision to deny Wood ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ explain how the absentee ballot and recount procedure personally affected him .
The court also said that Wood ’ s requests are `` moot '' because Georgia already certified its election results .
U.S. District Judge Steven Grimberg , a Trump nominated judge , previously said that there was no evidence of irregularities in the election process that would have affected a substantial number of votes .
`` It harms the public interest in countless ways , particularly in the environment in which this election occurred .
To halt the certification at literally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ potentially disenfranchisement that I find has no basis in fact or in law , '' Grimberg said during the case ’ s hearing .
In addition to his failed lawsuit , Wood made news last week when he encouraged Georgia Republicans not to vote in the Jan. 5 runoff as a form of protest in response to state GOP officials 's refusal to change the election results based on unsubstantiated fraud claims .
`` Saturday Night Live '' wasted no time spoofing the hearing that took place before the Michigan State Senate on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ open , a farting Rudy Giuliani ( played by Kate McKinnon ) called on his star witness , Melissa Carone ( Cecily Strong ) , to discuss baseless voter fraud allegations .
Carone went viral shortly after her appearance for her eyebrow-raising testimony .
`` I personally saw hundreds if not thousands of dead people vote , '' she said .
`` I remember because I was walking out and they were walking out and they gave their votes to Democrats . ''
Strong 's Carone maintained she was n't lying , saying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opposed to an affidavit .
`` David signed and then I signed right after David , '' she explained .
A University of Georgia student who was working as a field staffer on Sen. Kelly Loeffler 's election campaign was killed in a car wreck Friday .
Harrison Deal , 20 , who expected to graduate from UGA in 2022 , worked in the Athens office for the Loeffler campaign .
Deal was killed about 10 a.m. in a fiery three-vehicle crash in the eastbound lane of Interstate 16 in Chatham County near @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Three other people sustained minor injuries .
Georgia Gov .
Brian Kemp , whose daughter Lucy Kemp called Deal her `` best friend , '' canceled his plans to attend a rally in Savannah Friday with Vice President Mike Pence .
The Kemp family said in a statement : “ Today we lost a member of our ‘ Kemp Strong ’ family and words can not express how much Harrison Deal ’ s life , love and support meant to us .
He was a person of deep faith , unmatched in integrity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kemp son and brother we never had.
” President Donald Trump offered his condolences to Deal 's family during his rally for Loeffler and Sen. Perdue Saturday in Valdosta , Georgia , calling him `` an incredible , magnificent young man .
`` I just want to say our prayers are with his friends and loved ones , and we will keep his memory in our hearts , '' Trump said .

Live politics updates: SCOTUS sets Tuesday deadline in Trump ally's Pennsylvania election challenge
Show Caption Hide Caption New voter registrations could make the difference in Georgia runoffs | States of America Could the U.S. Senate runoff elections in Georgia be decided by voters who weren't registered on Election Day in November, but will be for the runoff? States of America, USA TODAY
USA TODAY's coverage of the 2020 election and President-elect Joe Biden's transition continues this week as he rolls out more of his picks for top jobs in his administration and the final states certify their vote counts before the Electoral College ballots are officially cast on Dec. 14.
President Donald Trump has cleared the way for Biden's team to use federal resources and get briefings during the transition, although Trump has yet to formally concede the race.
Be sure to refresh this page often to get the latest information on the election and the transition.
Rudy Giuliani tests positive for COVID-19
Rudy Giuliani, the former mayor of New York City and President Donald Trump’s personal attorney, has tested positive for COVID-19. Trump shared the news by tweet, writing "Get better soon Rudy, we will carry on!!!"
Since the presidential election, Giuliani, 76, has traveled the country challenging the election results and integrity of the electoral system itself. During much of his travels, Giuliani was seen not wearing a mask and flouting social distancing guidelines.
Giuliani, 76, was admitted to Georgetown University Medical Center on Sunday. Andrew Giuliani tweeted that his father was "resting, getting great care and feeling well."
Later Sunday, Giuliani expressed appreciation for "the prayers and kind wishes" on Twitter, adding that he is "recovering quickly and keeping up with everything."
.@RudyGiuliani, by far the greatest mayor in the history of NYC, and who has been working tirelessly exposing the most corrupt election (by far!) in the history of the USA, has tested positive for the China Virus. Get better soon Rudy, we will carry on!!! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 6, 2020
Along with a cadre of lawyers affiliated with the Trump campaign, Giuliani has held regular news conferences claiming, without evidence, various conspiracy theories and baseless allegations of mass voter fraud.
– Matthew Brown
Supreme Court moves deadline on GOP Rep. Mike Kelly's emergency request in Pa. election suit
The Supreme Court on Sunday changed a key deadline in Republican Rep. Mike Kelly's lawsuit seeking to overturn the results of the presidential election in Pennsylvania from Wednesday to Tuesday. That schedule change was significant because Tuesday is the cutoff for states to resolve any election disputes, known as the "safe harbor" deadline under federal election law.
The safe harbor deadline also holds that Congress cannot challenge any electors named under state law by that date. Some had interpreted the originally scheduled date after that deadline as a sign the high court had no intention of ruling on the appeal.
Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf, a Democrat, on Nov. 24 certified the election results for Biden over Trump. Kelly's longshot appeal claims that the 2019 state law that authorized universal, no-excuses mail-in voting is unconstitutional and that only an amendment to the state constitution would have made universal mail-in voting legal in Pennsylvania.
Kelly and seven other Republicans sued to get the mail-in ballots invalidated or have the courts direct the GOP-controlled Pennsylvania General Assembly to pick Pennsylvania’s 20 presidential electors, who all favor Biden as a result of the election.
On Saturday, the state Supreme Court unanimously dismissed Kelly's case, ruling he waited too long to challenge the 2019 law, which the General Assembly passed with bipartisan support.
Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito, an appointee of Republican George W. Bush, filed the scheduling order. He handles emergency requests that originate in the states that make up the Philadelphia-based 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, whose jurisdiction includes Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware.
– Ed Palattella, Erie Times-News
Manchin: Dems tagged with inaccurate slogans like 'defund the police'
When asked why Democrats across the nation fared worse than President-elect Joe Biden in the November election, Sen. Joe Machin, D-W.V., claimed the party had been inaccurately connected to slogans like "defund the police."
"The bottom line is that we’ve been identified is something we are not," Manchin argued. "I’m a proud West Virginia Democrat and I don’t know of any Democrat who would ever defund the police."
He said that "extreme" ideas were not who Democrats were as a party, "but we were tagged with that," he said.
Manchin listed a series of principles the senator contended were Democratic "bedrocks,” including, "how do we protect workers, how do we protect families, how do we give people opportunity, how do we have inclusion, income inequality," arguing that those issues were lost in most Americans' idea of the Democratic Party.
"The message we have is not for all Americans," Manchin said. "If you’re a Democrat, why are you a Democrat? I tell people, 'I am fiscally responsible and socially compassionate.' Can’t you be both?" Manchin asked. "Do you want to give everything away without any accountability? It's not who I am. It's not the Democrats I was raised with. And that's basically what we have lost: who we are."
The West Virginia senator’s comments as Democrats face a reckoning over their underperformance in the 2020 election. Moderate Democrats have largely echoed Manchin’s assertion that the party was caricatured by attacks on progressive ideas, while the party’s left wing blames poor messaging and organizing for its shortcomings.
"We’re trying to bring everyone together with the same opportunities," Machin argued. "We’re not explaining in a way that the average American understands and we’re allowing other people to tag us. And that’s just unfair."
– Matthew Brown
Georgia Republican Lt. Gov. Duncan reiterates that Biden won state
Georgia Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan underscored that there was no malfeasance in the Georgia November election during a Sunday interview on CNN’s "State of the Union."
While Duncan voted and campaigned for President Donald Trump in the Peach State, he said "unfortunately, President Trump did not win the state," a reality that many Georgia voters and the president himself have not acknowledged.
"If I had the chance to spend five minutes with every single person in Georgia that doubted the election results, I think I’d be able to win their hearts over," Duncan said.
While he is disappointed in the election results, "on Jan. 20 Joe Biden will be sworn in as president of the United States and the Constitution is still in place. This is still America," Duncan underscored.
"As Lieutenant Governor and as a Georgian, I am proud that we are able to look up after three recounts and watch and be able to see that this election was fair," he argued. "Was it perfect? Absolutely not. I don’t know if any election was perfect in the history of this country. But certainly it’s only been nominal changes since we’ve had three recounts."
The lieutenant governor’s comments come as Republicans and Democrats in the state are seeking to rally their bases for an upcoming Senate runoff on Jan. 5 that will determine control of Congress. Some Republican strategists worry that accusations of election fraud from Trump and Sens. Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue may hurt turnout.
Duncan poured water on the idea Gov. Brian Kemp was not going to call a special session of the Georgia Legislature to overturn the election results, an unprecedented move that Trump reportedly asked Kemp to perform in a phone call.
The lieutenant governor said Trump’s "fanning of the flames around misinformation" at his rally in Valdosta, Georgia, was "concerning" and that “the mountains of misinformation are not helping."
– Matthew Brown
HHS Secretary Azar dismisses Biden vaccine 'nonsense,' doesn't call him president-elect
Alex Azar, head of the Health and Human Services Department, called President-elect Joe Biden “the vice president” during an interview on "Fox News Sunday" and demurred to amend his statement when pressed by moderator Chris Wallace.
Asked about Biden’s call for the public to wear a mask for 100 days to contain the spread of coronavirus juxtaposed with Trump’s refusal to wear one, Azar responded "I welcome Vice President Biden to the club."
The comment is in line with those in President Donald Trump’s close orbit, who continue to ignore or deny Biden’s victory in the presidential election.
Azar blamed rising coronavirus case numbers on Americans growing tired of public health measures like social distancing and stay-at-home orders. Colder weather has also played a part, he noted.
During an interview on ABC News’ “This Week,” Azar declined to call for stricter coronavirus measures as are being re-implemented in some parts of the country, arguing that “we need to build trust in these measures again” and that “all our interventions need to be science and evidence-based.”
Azar expressed hope about HHS’s vaccine approval process, stating that if a vaccine was approved on December 10, the expected date for an independent review to be published, the department would deploy millions of doses within 24 hours. Hundreds of millions would be available going into 2021, Azar predicted.
He also denounced speculation from Biden that the COVID-19 vaccine approval process was being influenced by the Trump administration, calling the comments "nonsense." The administration has been criticized for interference in messaging and coordination with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention throughout the pandemic.
– Matthew Brown
Dr. Birx expresses worry over Americans 'parroting' Trump misinformation
Dr. Deborah Birx said she was concerned about the large numbers of Americans who "parrot" incorrect public health claims they have heard from President Donald Trump during an interview on NBC News’ "Meet the Press."
In response to a question about Trump and other administration officials flouting rules and downplaying the threat posed by the virus, Birx, the coordinator of the White House Coronavirus Task Force, noted that in her travels around the country she hears "community members parroting back" similar talking points, "parroting back that masks don’t work, parroting back we should work towards herd immunity, parroting back that gatherings don’t result in super-spreading events."
The top infectious disease expert said it is "our job is to constantly say, ‘those are myths.'"
Birx also expressed frustration with Sun Belt leaders for inaction, arguing that "not only do we know what works" but that "governors and mayors used those tools to stem the tide in the spring and the summer,” actions they are now avoiding amid a worse surge of the virus.
Birx’s comments come as the USA enters another brutal wave of the pandemic. While governments and pharmaceutical companies prepare to deploy coronavirus vaccines across the country, more than 2,000 Americans on average are dying each day.
"This is not just the worst public health event, this is the worst event that this country will face," Birx, a career public health bureaucrat who worked as U.S. global AIDS coordinator under President Barack Obama, warned.
Birx also expressed optimism, noting "we know what behaviors will change the spread and we know how to change those behaviors," contending that it is a matter of public resolve in the face of the disease.
"Only we can save us from this current surge. And we know precisely what to do."
– Matthew Brown
Trump focuses on his own unfounded election gripes at Georgia rally for GOP incumbent senators
Faced with possible Republican loss of the Senate, President Donald Trump spent more time at a campaign rally Saturday ranting about his election loss and ripping Georgia Republican leaders who refused his demands to subvert the results in the Peach State.
Trump did promote incumbent Georgia Sens. David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler – whose Jan. 5 re-election bids will decide control of the Senate – but framed most of the rally around his own legacy and false allegations about the election.
The 100-minute rally came just hours after he re-inserted himself into Georgia politics by again trying – and again failing – to reverse his loss in the state by pressuring the Republican Gov. Brian Kemp and the state legislature.
Kemp rejected Trump's request to call a special legislative session to approve the appointment of a pro-Trump slate to the Electoral College, earning repeated rebukes from Trump during an airport rally in Valdosta, Ga., that lasted 100 minutes.
"We just need somebody with courage to do what they have to do," said Trump, who has pressured legislators in several Biden states to push for pro-Trump electors, despite the fact that state officials lack the legal authority to do that in defiance of their states' voters.
While Trump falsely claimed he really "won" the presidential election, he tacitly admitted at times that Biden will become president and Kamala Harris will become vice president on Jan. 20.
At one point, he described Perdue and Loeffler as the "last line of defense" for the Republican Senate, but Democrats can only take control when Biden and Harris take office.
Trump, who has discussed another presidential campaign in 2024 with his aides, joked in Valdosta that doesn't want to run in four years because "we're gonna win back the White House" in the next several weeks.
– David Jackson
Trump ally's Georgia election appeal rejected by federal court
A federal appeals court rejected attorney L. Lin Wood’s request to block the certification of President-elect Joe Biden’s win in Georgia. The judges found Wood "lacks standing to sue because he fails to allege a particularized injury," upholding a lower court ruling.
Wood sued Georgia election officials seeking "extraordinary relief" to block Georgia officials from certifying election results and establish new rules for the two Senate runoff elections that will occur Jan. 5. In his lawsuit, Wood claimed that the absentee ballot and recount procedures violated state laws and his constitutional rights.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit agreed with the district county’s decision to deny Wood’s motion, stating the attorney fails to explain how the absentee ballot and recount procedure personally affected him.
The court also said that Wood’s requests are "moot" because Georgia already certified its election results.
U.S. District Judge Steven Grimberg, a Trump nominated judge, previously said that there was no evidence of irregularities in the election process that would have affected a substantial number of votes.
"It harms the public interest in countless ways, particularly in the environment in which this election occurred. To halt the certification at literally the 11th hour would breed confusion and potentially disenfranchisement that I find has no basis in fact or in law," Grimberg said during the case’s hearing.
In addition to his failed lawsuit, Wood made news last week when he encouraged Georgia Republicans not to vote in the Jan. 5 runoff as a form of protest in response to state GOP officials's refusal to change the election results based on unsubstantiated fraud claims.
– Sarah Elbeshbishi
Trump legal team's Michigan hearing gets 'SNL' treatment
"Saturday Night Live" wasted no time spoofing the hearing that took place before the Michigan State Senate on Tuesday.
During the episode's cold open, a farting Rudy Giuliani (played by Kate McKinnon) called on his star witness, Melissa Carone (Cecily Strong), to discuss baseless voter fraud allegations.
Carone went viral shortly after her appearance for her eyebrow-raising testimony.
"I personally saw hundreds if not thousands of dead people vote," she said. "I remember because I was walking out and they were walking out and they gave their votes to Democrats."
Strong's Carone maintained she wasn't lying, saying she "signed an after-David" as opposed to an affidavit.
"David signed and then I signed right after David," she explained.
– Sara M Moniuszko
Sen. Loeffler campaign staffer killed in car wreck
A University of Georgia student who was working as a field staffer on Sen. Kelly Loeffler's election campaign was killed in a car wreck Friday.
Harrison Deal, 20, who expected to graduate from UGA in 2022, worked in the Athens office for the Loeffler campaign.
Deal was killed about 10 a.m. in a fiery three-vehicle crash in the eastbound lane of Interstate 16 in Chatham County near Pooler Parkway, according to police. Three other people sustained minor injuries.
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, whose daughter Lucy Kemp called Deal her "best friend," canceled his plans to attend a rally in Savannah Friday with Vice President Mike Pence.
The Kemp family said in a statement: “Today we lost a member of our ‘Kemp Strong’ family and words cannot express how much Harrison Deal’s life, love and support meant to us. He was a person of deep faith, unmatched in integrity and incredible kindness. Harris was the Kemp son and brother we never had.”
President Donald Trump offered his condolences to Deal's family during his rally for Loeffler and Sen. Perdue Saturday in Valdosta, Georgia, calling him "an incredible, magnificent young man.
"I just want to say our prayers are with his friends and loved ones, and we will keep his memory in our hearts," Trump said.
– Wayne Ford and Will Peebles, Athens Banner-Herald


usatoday--2020-12-08--Most notable quotes of 2020

Most notable quotes of 2020

NEW HAVEN , Conn. — A plea from Dr. Anthony Fauci for people to “ wear a mask ” to slow the spread of the coronavirus tops a Yale Law School librarian ’ s list of the most notable quotes of 2020 .
The list assembled by Fred Shapiro , an associate director at the library , is an annual update to “ The Yale Book of Quotations , ” which was first published in 2006 .
Also on the list is “ I can ’ t breathe , ” the plea George Floyd made repeatedly to police officers holding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Several quotes from the presidential campaign appear including Joe Biden telling a student : `` You ’ re a lying dog-faced pony soldier.
” Shapiro said he picks quotes that are not necessarily admirable or eloquent , but rather because they are famous or particularly revealing of the spirit of the times .
List of Yale 's most notable quotes of 2020 : 3 .
`` One day — it ’ s like a miracle — it will disappear , ” President Donald Trump , referring to the coronavirus in remarks at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the White House , Feb. 27 .
4 .
“ I see the disinfectant that knocks it out in a minute , one minute .
And is there a way we can do something like that by injection inside or almost a cleaning ? ''
— Trump , in remarks at a White House Coronavirus Task Force news briefing , April 23 .
5 .
“ I will never lie to you .
You have my word on that.
” — White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany , at her first press briefing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ My most fervent wish is that I will not be replaced until a new president is installed.
” — Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg , statement dictated to granddaughter Clara Spera , September .
7 .
“ If you have a problem figuring out whether you ’ re for me or Trump , then you ain ’ t Black.
” — Joe Biden , in an interview with “ The Breakfast Club ” radio program , May 22 .
8 .
“ The science should not stand in the way of this.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ reopenings in a news briefing , July 16 .
9 .
“ You 're a lying dog-faced pony soldier.
” — Biden , in a remark to student at campaign event , Hampton , N.H. , Feb. 9 .
10 .
“ We are all Lakers today.
” — Los Angeles Clippers coach Doc Rivers , in a remark to reporters after the death of Kobe Bryant , Orlando , Fla. , Jan. 26 .

Fauci's 'wear a mask' plea tops Yale's list of most notable quotes of 2020
NEW HAVEN, Conn. — A plea from Dr. Anthony Fauci for people to “wear a mask” to slow the spread of the coronavirus tops a Yale Law School librarian’s list of the most notable quotes of 2020.
The list assembled by Fred Shapiro, an associate director at the library, is an annual update to “The Yale Book of Quotations,” which was first published in 2006.
Also on the list is “I can’t breathe,” the plea George Floyd made repeatedly to police officers holding him down on a Minneapolis street corner. Several quotes from the presidential campaign appear including Joe Biden telling a student: "You’re a lying dog-faced pony soldier.”
Shapiro said he picks quotes that are not necessarily admirable or eloquent, but rather because they are famous or particularly revealing of the spirit of the times.
List of Yale's most notable quotes of 2020:
1. “Wear a mask.” — Dr. Anthony Fauci, CNN interview, May 21.
2. “I can’t breathe.” — George Floyd, plea to police officer, Minneapolis, May 25.
3. "One day — it’s like a miracle — it will disappear,” President Donald Trump, referring to the coronavirus in remarks at an African American History Month reception at the White House, Feb. 27.
4. “I see the disinfectant that knocks it out in a minute, one minute. And is there a way we can do something like that by injection inside or almost a cleaning?" — Trump, in remarks at a White House Coronavirus Task Force news briefing, April 23.
5. “I will never lie to you. You have my word on that.” — White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany, at her first press briefing, May 1.
6. “My most fervent wish is that I will not be replaced until a new president is installed.” — Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, statement dictated to granddaughter Clara Spera, September.
7. “If you have a problem figuring out whether you’re for me or Trump, then you ain’t Black.” — Joe Biden, in an interview with “The Breakfast Club” radio program, May 22.
8. “The science should not stand in the way of this.” — McEnany, referring to school reopenings in a news briefing, July 16.
9. “You're a lying dog-faced pony soldier.” — Biden, in a remark to student at campaign event, Hampton, N.H., Feb. 9.
10. “We are all Lakers today.” — Los Angeles Clippers coach Doc Rivers, in a remark to reporters after the death of Kobe Bryant, Orlando, Fla., Jan. 26.


Shipping questions answered

PHOENIX – With COVID-19 surging across the country , holidays are being spent away from family .
This year , shipping packages to loved ones might be the most prudent way to send holiday cheer .
But don ’ t wait too long to get those goodies in the mail .
The deadline to get your package to its U.S. destination by Christmas is Dec. 15 for ground shipments via UPS , FedEx and the U.S .
Postal Service .
You can find complete information on shipping deadlines and requirements at usps.com , fedex.com and ups.com .
These packing and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to family and friends a little easier .
Will gifts arrive in time for Christmas ?
Target , Macy 's , other stores offering same-day delivery for holiday rush Pack your gifts with care – cushioning such as bubble wrap can help keep items from moving around in the box .
If you don ’ t have bubble wrap , use packing peanuts , those air bags that you probably got in your last Amazon or other delivery , or even crumpled wrapping paper and newspaper .
If your item comes in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , more durable box and fill the void with packing peanuts or crumpled paper .
Wrap glass items separately , using bubble wrap inside and outside each item .
Make sure your recipient 's address is correct on the package , and include a return address .
For added security , place an extra address label with the delivery and return addresses inside the package as well .
If you reuse an old box make sure the previous labels and bar codes are removed .
Use 2-inch-wide tape to close the openings of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use is clear , brown or reinforced packaging tape .
Do not use cellophane tape .
Shipping stores and services such as Pak Mail , UPS and Shipping With Purpose can do the work for you .
Just bring what you wish to ship and they can package and send it on its way .
Prices vary in addition to the postage .
Shipping stores and post offices also carry a selection of cushioning material , boxes , envelopes , tape and other packaging supplies .
The easiest way to ship a gift @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sent directly to your recipient .
Just remember to check the website carefully so you understand the delivery date .
Ordering sooner is better if you want your gift to be received by Dec. 25 in this year of unprecedented online shopping .

When should you mail gifts for Christmas? Your shipping questions answered
Show Caption Hide Caption Here’s how to avoid scams and protect your data this holiday season Online sales are expected to surge this holiday season. So how do we gear up to keep our data safe and avoid holiday shopping scams? Buzz60
PHOENIX – With COVID-19 surging across the country, holidays are being spent away from family. This year, shipping packages to loved ones might be the most prudent way to send holiday cheer.
But don’t wait too long to get those goodies in the mail.
The deadline to get your package to its U.S. destination by Christmas is Dec. 15 for ground shipments via UPS, FedEx and the U.S. Postal Service. You can find complete information on shipping deadlines and requirements at usps.com, fedex.com and ups.com.
These packing and shopping tips can make shipping your packages to family and friends a little easier.
Will gifts arrive in time for Christmas? Target, Macy's, other stores offering same-day delivery for holiday rush
Bubble wrap is your friend
Pack your gifts with care – cushioning such as bubble wrap can help keep items from moving around in the box.
If you don’t have bubble wrap, use packing peanuts, those air bags that you probably got in your last Amazon or other delivery, or even crumpled wrapping paper and newspaper.
If your item comes in a box, place it in a larger, more durable box and fill the void with packing peanuts or crumpled paper. Wrap glass items separately, using bubble wrap inside and outside each item.
Double-check the tape, address and labels
Make sure your recipient's address is correct on the package, and include a return address. For added security, place an extra address label with the delivery and return addresses inside the package as well.
If you reuse an old box make sure the previous labels and bar codes are removed.
Use 2-inch-wide tape to close the openings of your box. The best tape to use is clear, brown or reinforced packaging tape. Do not use cellophane tape.
Let a shipping company handle it
Shipping stores and services such as Pak Mail, UPS and Shipping With Purpose can do the work for you. Just bring what you wish to ship and they can package and send it on its way. Prices vary in addition to the postage.
Shipping stores and post offices also carry a selection of cushioning material, boxes, envelopes, tape and other packaging supplies.
More: Don't make these mistakes when addressing holiday cards
'Dear Santa' documentary: Unwrap US Postal Service’s Operation Santa program
Do your holiday shopping online
The easiest way to ship a gift is by ordering online and having it sent directly to your recipient.
Just remember to check the website carefully so you understand the delivery date. Ordering sooner is better if you want your gift to be received by Dec. 25 in this year of unprecedented online shopping.
Follow Elizabeth Montgomeryon Twitter @emontnews.


usatoday--2020-12-08--'They pointed guns at my kids': Florida police raid home of fired data scientist who built state's C

TALLAHASSEE , Fla. — Florida police brandishing firearms raided the home of Rebekah Jones , the former state Department of Health employee who built the state 's much-praised COVID-19 dashboard before being fired over what she said was refusing to manipulate data .
`` They pointed a gun in my face .
They pointed guns at my kids , '' Jones tweeted shortly before 5 p.m. Monday .
Jones — who launched her own COVID-19 dashboard after she was fired , and used crowdsourcing to raise money to support it — said agents knocked on her door around 8:30 a.m. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tech '' after showing her a warrant based on a complaint filed by the Florida Department of Health .
A video accompanying the post shows Florida Department of Law Enforcementagents in vests entering the house with guns drawn , asking who else was in the house .
She said her husband and two children were inside as they escorted her out of the house .
The video shows an agent entering the house with his gun drawn , calling for her husband to come down the stairs .
When an agent told her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` He just pointed a gun at my children ! ''
FDLE spokeswoman Gretl Plessinger sent a statement confirming the seizure of computer equipment at Jones ' Tallahassee home and said agents are investigating .
`` FDLE began an investigation November 10 , 2020 after receiving a complaint from the Department of Health regarding unauthorized access to a Department of Health messaging system which is part of an emergency alert system , to be used for emergencies only , '' Plessinger said .
Plessinger said when agents arrived , they knocked and waited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Ms. Jones refused to come to the door for 20 minutes and hung-up on agents .
After several attempts and verbal notifications that law enforcement officers were there to serve a legal search warrant , Ms. Jones eventually came to the door and allowed agents to enter , '' Plessinger said .
`` Ms. Jones ' family was upstairs when agents made entry into the home . ''
The investigation is active , she added .
`` As in all cases , our role is to determine the facts of what happened @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not charges are filed . ''
The FDLE affidavit for the search warrant said a special agent spoke to a DOH official with the Preparedness and Response office about a suspected breach of the custom-made communications system for emergency management .
An unidentified subject gained access to the system and sent out a group text saying : `` It 's time to speak up before another 17,000 people are dead .
You know this is wrong .
You do n't have to be a part of this .
Be a hero .
Speak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' The text message was sent from the ESF-8 mail account , the state 's emergency support function for public health and medical services , to 1,750 recipients before the software vendor could stop the message from being transmitted further , the affidavit said .
The ESF-8 account is used by many people from several agencies , including DOH and Emergency Management .
`` Once they are no longer associated with ESF-8 they are no longer authorized to access the multi-user group , '' the FDLE affidavit said .
All authorized users use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jones told a USA TODAY Network-Florida reporter she is not a hacker .
`` I do n't know how to do that stuff , '' she said .
Jones was fired for insubordination in May after being reprimanded several times , state officials said .
Her paperwork does n't state a cause for her being fired .
But she claims she was fired for refusing to manipulate health data to cast Florida in a more favorable light .
She tweeted : `` They took my phone and the computer I use every day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and school cases for the entire country .
They took evidence of corruption at the state level .
They claimed it was about a security breach .
This was ( Gov . )
DeSantis .
He sent the gestapo . ''
Jones also said she has backups of the data and files that power her websites that were stored on the seized hardware .
`` This is what happens to scientists who do their job honestly , '' Jones tweeted .
`` This is what happens to people who speak truth to @ @ @

'They pointed guns at my kids': Florida police raid home of fired data scientist who built state's COVID-19 dashboard
Show Caption Hide Caption Florida police raid home of fired coronavirus data scientist Florida police raid the home of Rebekah Jones, a former state Department of Health employee who built the state's COVID dashboard before she was fired. USA TODAY, Associated Press
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida police brandishing firearms raided the home of Rebekah Jones, the former state Department of Health employee who built the state's much-praised COVID-19 dashboard before being fired over what she said was refusing to manipulate data.
"They pointed a gun in my face. They pointed guns at my kids," Jones tweeted shortly before 5 p.m. Monday.
Jones – who launched her own COVID-19 dashboard after she was fired, and used crowdsourcing to raise money to support it – said agents knocked on her door around 8:30 a.m., took all her "hardware and tech" after showing her a warrant based on a complaint filed by the Florida Department of Health.
A video accompanying the post shows Florida Department of Law Enforcement agents in vests entering the house with guns drawn, asking who else was in the house. She said her husband and two children were inside as they escorted her out of the house.
The video shows an agent entering the house with his gun drawn, calling for her husband to come down the stairs. When an agent told her to calm down, Jones said, "He just pointed a gun at my children!"
Who is Rebekah Jones? Former Florida COVID-19 data scientist had home raided by authorities
FDLE spokeswoman Gretl Plessinger sent a statement confirming the seizure of computer equipment at Jones' Tallahassee home and said agents are investigating.
"FDLE began an investigation November 10, 2020 after receiving a complaint from the Department of Health regarding unauthorized access to a Department of Health messaging system which is part of an emergency alert system, to be used for emergencies only," Plessinger said.
Plessinger said when agents arrived, they knocked and waited for Jones to answer the door.
"Ms. Jones refused to come to the door for 20 minutes and hung-up on agents. After several attempts and verbal notifications that law enforcement officers were there to serve a legal search warrant, Ms. Jones eventually came to the door and allowed agents to enter," Plessinger said. "Ms. Jones' family was upstairs when agents made entry into the home."
The investigation is active, she added.
"As in all cases, our role is to determine the facts of what happened and a State Attorney determines whether or not charges are filed."
The FDLE affidavit for the search warrant said a special agent spoke to a Department of Health official with the Preparedness and Response office about a suspected breach of the custom-made communications system for emergency management.
An unidentified subject gained access to the system and sent out a group text saying: "It's time to speak up before another 17,000 people are dead. You know this is wrong. You don't have to be a part of this. Be a hero. Speak out before it's too late."
The text message was sent from the ESF-8 mail account, the state's emergency support function for public health and medical services, to 1,750 recipients before the software vendor could stop the message from being transmitted further, the affidavit said.
The ESF-8 account is used by many people from several agencies, including the Department of Health and Emergency Management.
"Once they are no longer associated with ESF-8 they are no longer authorized to access the multi-user group," the FDLE affidavit said. All authorized users use the same user name and password.
Jones told a USA TODAY Network-Florida reporter she is not a hacker.
"I don't know how to do that stuff," she said.
Jones was fired for insubordination in May after being reprimanded several times, state officials said. Her paperwork doesn't state a cause for her being fired. But she claims she was fired for refusing to manipulate health data to cast Florida in a more favorable light.
She tweeted: "They took my phone and the computer I use every day to post the case numbers in Florida, and school cases for the entire country. They took evidence of corruption at the state level. They claimed it was about a security breach. This was (Gov.) DeSantis. He sent the gestapo."
Jones also said she has backups of the data and files that power her websites that were stored on the seized hardware.
"This is what happens to scientists who do their job honestly," Jones tweeted. "This is what happens to people who speak truth to power."
Contributing: Alessandro Sassoon, Florida Today; Chris Persaud, Palm Beach Post


usatoday--2020-12-08--President Trump to hold White House COVID-19 summit as pressure mounts for FDA vaccine approval

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump is set to kick off a summit at the White House on Tuesday to highlight the rapid development of a COVID-19 vaccine he is eager to take credit for despite criticism for his handling of the coronavirus pandemic .
The summit , designed to provide an update on the status of the administration 's ambitious plan to vaccinate all Americans against the coronavirus , comes two days before the FDA advisory committee will meet to review Pfizer and BioNTech 's application for emergency authorization of their COVID-19 vaccine and distribution is expected to begin within @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will also meet on Dec. 17 to review Moderna 's emergency request for its vaccine .
Trump has repeatedly credited Operation Warp Speed , his administration 's public-private coronavirus response initiative , for the record development of vaccines but has not acknowledged a deadly surge in COVID-19 cases that 's led to more than 282,000 deaths in the U.S. Tuesday 's event will be split into sessions and is expected to include drug manufacturers , transportation companies like UPS and FedEx , drug store chains CVS and Walgreens , and a group of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the two U.S. companies behind the vaccine candidates , told USA TODAY that officials will not attend the summit .
The White House was initially in talks to include both drugmakers but determined their participation was not required after the decision to include Peter Marks , director of the FDA 's Center for Biologics Evaluation .
`` It was more appropriate not to have one or more vaccine companies with pending applications before the FDA also participating , '' a senior administration official said on a briefing call with reporters Tuesday evening .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ order designed to ensure that all Americans have access to vaccines before the U.S. government begins aiding other nations with their inoculation efforts .
It was not immediately clear how Trump would enforce the directive .
The order comes after administration officials reportedly passed on buying additional doses of Pfizer 's COVID-19 vaccine , according to a New York Times report .
As the global race for a vaccine heats up , the U.S. may not be able to buy additional doses of Pfizer 's vaccine until June because of the drugmaker 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported .
Senior administration officials told reporters Tuesday the story was `` false , '' adding that they could n't comment publicly on ongoing negotiations to purchase additional doses .
`` We feel absolutely confident that we will get the vaccine doses , for which we 've contracted , and we 'll have sufficient number of doses to vaccinate all Americans who desire one before the end of the second quarter 2021 , '' a senior administration official said .
Pressure is mounting for the FDA to move faster on approving the emergency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and BioNTech and Moderna before Trump leaves office on Jan. 20 .
The president has even suggested without proof that Pfizer intentionally withheld clinical trial data showing its success until after the election to undercut his chances at a second term .
Albert Bourla , Pfizer 's CEO , told Axios that he would 've released the results before Election Day on Nov. 3 , had he been able to .
The data came two or three days after Election Day , and as a result , he said , the soonest the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was Nov. 8 , after Biden had been declared president-elect .
WHAT WE KNOW : There are now three promising COVID vaccine candidates .
FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn was summoned to the White House last week to brief White House chief of staff Mark Meadows on the status of the federal agency 's review of the vaccine candidates after the U.K. became the first country to authorize Pfizer 's candidate vaccine for emergency use .
About 50 hospitals in the United Kingdom will receive the first batch of the coronavirus vaccine created by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beginning on Tuesday , according to the BBC .
Hahn told Reuters he understood the pressure his federal agency is under from the president , the administration and others but said he had a `` robust discussion '' with Meadows about the FDA process and ensuring the vaccine is `` safe and effective . ''
He also said he was `` hopeful '' that the FDA could authorize a vaccine in December and the advisory committee expects `` to move very quickly '' on approval .
Senior administration officials told reporters they expect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first week of authorization of emergency use of a vaccine .
Officials said they expect 20 million people vaccinated and 40 million doses available in the month of December .
Every dose has been paid for by the federal government and there will be no co-pays , deductibles or co-insurance associated with vaccinations , senior administration officials said .
The government plans to reimburse vaccination sites up to $ 12 billion over the next six to seven months to help cover the cost .
The president will open the event by delivering remarks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vaccine priority , senior administration officials said .
Vice President Mike Pence , who leads the White House COVID-19 task force , Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar and Adm. Brett Giroir , the administration 's COVID-19 testing czar , are also slated to speak .
CVS and Walgreens plan to discuss their “ mobile vaccination service ” designed to vaccinate people in every nursing home and long-term care facility in the country .
Governors are developing their own “ micro-plans ” for vaccine distribution within their states , administration officials said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the summit are Republicans : Ron DeSantis of Florida , Bill Lee of Tennessee , and Greg Abbot of Texas .
John Bel Edwards of Louisiana , a Democrat , is also on the guest list .
No one from President-elect Joe Biden 's transition team was invited to the summit , even though the Biden administration will oversee the distribution program after it takes office next month .
One goal of the summit is to persuade people that vaccines are safe , aides said .
To that end , they added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be devoted to how the Food and Drug Administration is evaluating the vaccines .
Administration officials also are expected to clarify the priority lists for receipt of vaccines – that is , which groups get it first , and why .

David Jackson and Courtney Subramanian, USA TODAY

President Trump to hold White House COVID-19 summit as pressure mounts for FDA vaccine approval
Show Caption Hide Caption COVID-19 vaccines: What are the potential side effects? Experts say side effects from the COVID-19 vaccine range from soreness to fatigue. USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump is set to kick off a summit at the White House on Tuesday to highlight the rapid development of a COVID-19 vaccine he is eager to take credit for despite criticism for his handling of the coronavirus pandemic.
The summit, designed to provide an update on the status of the administration's ambitious plan to vaccinate all Americans against the coronavirus, comes two days before the FDA advisory committee will meet to review Pfizer and BioNTech's application for emergency authorization of their COVID-19 vaccine and distribution is expected to begin within 24 hours of authorization. The FDA will also meet on Dec. 17 to review Moderna's emergency request for its vaccine.
The FDA released a comprehensive report Tuesday supporting earlier findings that Pfizer's vaccine candidate is safe and will prevent 95% of people from becoming sick with COVID-19.
Trump has repeatedly credited Operation Warp Speed, his administration's public-private coronavirus response initiative, for the record development of vaccines but has not acknowledged a deadly surge in COVID-19 cases that's led to more than 282,000 deaths in the U.S.
Tuesday's event will be split into sessions and is expected to include drug manufacturers, transportation companies like UPS and FedEx, drug store chains CVS and Walgreens, and a group of state governors. Moderna and Pfizer, the two U.S. companies behind the vaccine candidates, told USA TODAY that officials will not attend the summit.
The White House was initially in talks to include both drugmakers but determined their participation was not required after the decision to include Peter Marks, director of the FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation.
"It was more appropriate not to have one or more vaccine companies with pending applications before the FDA also participating," a senior administration official said on a briefing call with reporters Tuesday evening.
Trump also plans to sign an executive order designed to ensure that all Americans have access to vaccines before the U.S. government begins aiding other nations with their inoculation efforts. It was not immediately clear how Trump would enforce the directive.
The order comes after administration officials reportedly passed on buying additional doses of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine, according to a New York Times report. As the global race for a vaccine heats up, the U.S. may not be able to buy additional doses of Pfizer's vaccine until June because of the drugmaker's commitments to other countries, the newspaper reported.
Senior administration officials told reporters Tuesday the story was "false," adding that they couldn't comment publicly on ongoing negotiations to purchase additional doses.
"We feel absolutely confident that we will get the vaccine doses, for which we've contracted, and we'll have sufficient number of doses to vaccinate all Americans who desire one before the end of the second quarter 2021," a senior administration official said.
Pressure is mounting for the FDA to move faster on approving the emergency use of the two vaccines from Pfizer and BioNTech and Moderna before Trump leaves office on Jan. 20.
The president has even suggested without proof that Pfizer intentionally withheld clinical trial data showing its success until after the election to undercut his chances at a second term.
Albert Bourla, Pfizer's CEO, told Axios that he would've released the results before Election Day on Nov. 3, had he been able to. The data came two or three days after Election Day, and as a result, he said, the soonest the independent monitoring committee could analyze the data was Nov. 8, after Biden had been declared president-elect.
FACT CHECK: Pfizer received COVID-19 vaccine data after Election Day, released within days
WHAT WE KNOW: There are now three promising COVID vaccine candidates.
Trump: Pfizer misrepresented deal on vaccine President Donald Trump said on Friday the pharmaceutical giant Pfizer misrepresented a deal it struck with the US government over a vaccine to combat the coronavirus pandemic. (Nov. 13) AP
FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn was summoned to the White House last week to brief White House chief of staff Mark Meadows on the status of the federal agency's review of the vaccine candidates after the U.K. became the first country to authorize Pfizer's candidate vaccine for emergency use.
About 50 hospitals in the United Kingdom will receive the first batch of the coronavirus vaccine created by American drugmaker Pfizer and Germany's BioNTech beginning on Tuesday, according to the BBC.
Hahn told Reuters he understood the pressure his federal agency is under from the president, the administration and others but said he had a "robust discussion" with Meadows about the FDA process and ensuring the vaccine is "safe and effective." He also said he was "hopeful" that the FDA could authorize a vaccine in December and the advisory committee expects "to move very quickly" on approval.
Senior administration officials told reporters they expect about 6 million doses available in the first week of authorization of emergency use of a vaccine. Officials said they expect 20 million people vaccinated and 40 million doses available in the month of December.
Every dose has been paid for by the federal government and there will be no co-pays, deductibles or co-insurance associated with vaccinations, senior administration officials said. The government plans to reimburse vaccination sites up to $12 billion over the next six to seven months to help cover the cost.
The president will open the event by delivering remarks and signing the executive order ensuring American vaccine priority, senior administration officials said. Vice President Mike Pence, who leads the White House COVID-19 task force, Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar and Adm. Brett Giroir, the administration's COVID-19 testing czar, are also slated to speak.
CVS and Walgreens plan to discuss their “mobile vaccination service” designed to vaccinate people in every nursing home and long-term care facility in the country.
Governors are developing their own “micro-plans” for vaccine distribution within their states, administration officials said. Three of the four governors invited to the summit are Republicans: Ron DeSantis of Florida, Bill Lee of Tennessee, and Greg Abbot of Texas. John Bel Edwards of Louisiana, a Democrat, is also on the guest list.
No one from President-elect Joe Biden's transition team was invited to the summit, even though the Biden administration will oversee the distribution program after it takes office next month.
More: When might a COVID-19 vaccine be authorized? FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn answers common questions
One goal of the summit is to persuade people that vaccines are safe, aides said. To that end, they added, one session of the summit will be devoted to how the Food and Drug Administration is evaluating the vaccines.
Administration officials also are expected to clarify the priority lists for receipt of vaccines – that is, which groups get it first, and why.
Contributing: Karen Weintraub