usatoday--2020-01-22--Joe Biden says he would not 'make the deal' to testify in impeachment trial in exchange for Republic

OSAGE , Ia .
— Former Vice President Joe Biden said Wednesday that he would not offer to testify in the Senate impeachment trial of President Donald Trump in exchange for securing Republican witnesses .
Some Democrats in the U.S. Senate were weighing whether to agree to have Biden or Biden 's son , Hunter Biden , testify in Trump 's impeachment trial if Republicans would agree to allow witnesses that the Democrats want to hear from .
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer shot down the idea Wednesday .
At a Biden campaign event Wednesday in Osage , Stephen Delgado @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Iowa to see the presidential candidates , asked Biden if he would consider `` calling the Republicans ' bluff '' and agreeing to testify if Trump administration officials like Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney , former national security adviser John Bolton , and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo testified first .
`` Have you ever thought of just calling their bluff ? ''
Delgado asked .
`` And maybe even you and your son , and that might just take the gas right out of them . ''
Biden said he would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reason why I would not make the deal — and the bottom line is this is a constitutional issue and we ’ re not going to turn it into a farce , into some kind of political theater , '' Biden said .
`` They ’ re trying to turn it into political theater but I want no part of being any part of that . ''
Biden also defended his son , Hunter , from Republican criticism that he had acted inappropriately by taking a position on the board of a Ukrainian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Nobody has indicated that there was a single , solitary thing that he did that was inappropriate ... other than the appearance .
It looked bad because he was there , '' Biden said .
`` He did not sign up for a second term on that board but he acknowledges , he acknowledges that he in fact made a mistake going on the board . ''
Stephen Gruber-Miller covers the Iowa Statehouse and politics for the Register .
He can be reached by email at sgrubermil @ registermedia.com or by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Twitter at @ sgrubermiller .

Stephen Gruber-Miller, Des Moines Register

Joe Biden says he would not 'make the deal' to testify in impeachment trial in exchange for Republican testimony
Show Caption Hide Caption Presidential impeachment: Clinton, Johnson, Nixon test U.S. democracy Presidents have been impeached, but none have been removed from office due to impeachment. Confusing? Here's how. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
OSAGE, Ia. — Former Vice President Joe Biden said Wednesday that he would not offer to testify in the Senate impeachment trial of President Donald Trump in exchange for securing Republican witnesses.
Some Democrats in the U.S. Senate were weighing whether to agree to have Biden or Biden's son, Hunter Biden, testify in Trump's impeachment trial if Republicans would agree to allow witnesses that the Democrats want to hear from. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer shot down the idea Wednesday.
At a Biden campaign event Wednesday in Osage, Stephen Delgado, a Democrat from Arizona who traveled to Iowa to see the presidential candidates, asked Biden if he would consider "calling the Republicans' bluff" and agreeing to testify if Trump administration officials like Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney, former national security adviser John Bolton, and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo testified first.
"Have you ever thought of just calling their bluff?" Delgado asked. "And maybe even you and your son, and that might just take the gas right out of them."
Biden said he would not consider that strategy.
"The reason why I would not make the deal — and the bottom line is this is a constitutional issue and we’re not going to turn it into a farce, into some kind of political theater," Biden said. "They’re trying to turn it into political theater but I want no part of being any part of that."
Biden also defended his son, Hunter, from Republican criticism that he had acted inappropriately by taking a position on the board of a Ukrainian gas company while Biden was vice president.
"Nobody has indicated that there was a single, solitary thing that he did that was inappropriate ... other than the appearance. It looked bad because he was there," Biden said. "He did not sign up for a second term on that board but he acknowledges, he acknowledges that he in fact made a mistake going on the board."
Stephen Gruber-Miller covers the Iowa Statehouse and politics for the Register. He can be reached by email at sgrubermil@registermedia.com or by phone at 515-284-8169. Follow him on Twitter at @sgrubermiller.


usatoday--2020-01-22--Supreme Court hears school choice, religious freedom case

The Supreme Court hears oral arguments in Espinoza v. Montana , a case over state scholarship funds and the prohibition @ @ @ @ @ .

Supreme Court hears school choice, religious freedom case
The Supreme Court hears oral arguments in Espinoza v. Montana, a case over state scholarship funds and the prohibition of use at parochial schools.
USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-01-23--Rep. Adam Schiff opens Trump impeachment trial arguments with a quote from Alexander Hamilton

WASHINGTON — Rep. Adam Schiff , D-Calif. , a House manager in the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump , opened the first day of arguments with a nod to the country 's founders .
Quoting Alexander Hamilton , as he did just over a month ago during the House impeachment hearings , Schiff argued that the founder had warned against a leader who would `` pursue his own interests '' by seeking office .
Hamilton wrote on Aug. 18 , 1792 , in his `` Objections and Answers Respecting the Administration '' letter to George Washington : '' When @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in his fortune , bold in his temper , possessed of considerable talents , having the ability of military habits—despotic in his ordinary demeanor—known to have scoffed in private at the principles of liberty—when such a man is seen to mount the hobby horse of popularity—to join in the cry of danger to liberty—to take every opportunity of embarrassing the General Government & bringing it under suspicion—to flatter and fall in with all the non sense of the zealots of the day—It may justly be suspected that his object is to throw things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ storm and direct the whirlwind . '
'' Schiff said Trump `` has acted precisely as Hamilton and his contemporaries feared . ''
Hamilton , who was secretary of the treasury in 1792 , was writing to Washington in response to concerns raised about the country 's policies during the panic caused by the debt crisis of the time .
Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have used Hamilton and other founders to make their case for and against the impeachment of Trump , who is accused of pressuring Ukraine to open @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2020 campaign and leveraging official U.S. acts to do so .
The House impeached Trump last month on two articles : abuse of power and obstruction of Congress .
On Dec. 18 in the House , Schiff warned against a leader using the power of office for personal gain and corruption .
But by Republicans ' interpretation of Hamilton 's words , he was warning against an impeachment with as much partisan division as today 's .
Rep. Gregory Murphy , R-N.C. , called the House impeachment `` a mockery of American justice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this time in the Federalist Papers when he wrote about impeachment .
Murphy quoted : '' What does this mean ? ''
Murphy said last month .
`` It means that the majority can exert its influence regardless of justice .
In this statement , Hamilton warned us about the danger of mob rule . ''
Rep. John Garamendi , D-Calif. said at the time , `` As Alexander Hamilton wrote in the Federalist Papers , the impeachment clause in the Constitution exists to address 'the misconduct of public men , ' which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public trust . '
'' `` The investigations and hearings conducted by the House Intelligence and Judiciary Committees provide overwhelming evidence that President Trump abused his power and endangered our national security ... , '' Garamendi continued .
Catch up : Chief Justice John Roberts drops 'pettifogging ' bomb while reprimanding both sides in impeachment trial Quoting Hamilton again in the Federalist papers , Schiff read at the trial Wednesday , `` Where else than in the Senate could have been found a tribunal sufficiently dignified , or sufficiently independent ? ''
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feel confidence enough in its own situation , to preserve , unawed and uninfluenced , the necessary impartiality between an individual accused , and the representatives of the people , his accusers ? ''
Hamilton wrote .
`` It is up to you to be the tribunal that Hamilton envisioned , '' Schiff argued , addressing the senators and calling for impartial judgment .
Democrats have heavily criticized some Republican senators , including Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , who have publicly indicated they do not intend to remain impartial during the trial .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democratic senators , particularly those running for president , also have a conflict of interest .

Jerry Nadler, Adam Schiff use Alexander Hamilton quote to make case in Trump impeachment trial
Show Caption Hide Caption Presidential impeachment: Clinton, Johnson, Nixon test U.S. democracy Presidents have been impeached, but none have been removed from office due to impeachment. Confusing? Here's how. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON — Democratic House managers in the impeachment trial of Donald Trump are hoping to impress upon senators that the president's alleged conduct in Ukraine was a fear of the country's founders.
Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., opened the first day of arguments Wednesday with a nod to Alexander Hamilton, and Rep. Jerry Nadler, D-N.Y., followed suit on Thursday.
Quoting Hamilton, as he did just over a month ago during the House impeachment hearings, Schiff argued that the founder had warned against a leader who would "pursue his own interests" by seeking office. Nadler repeated this quote the next day.
Hamilton wrote on Aug. 18, 1792, in his "Objections and Answers Respecting the Administration" letter to George Washington:
"When a man unprincipled in private life desperate in his fortune, bold in his temper, possessed of considerable talents, having the ability of military habits—despotic in his ordinary demeanor—known to have scoffed in private at the principles of liberty—when such a man is seen to mount the hobby horse of popularity—to join in the cry of danger to liberty—to take every opportunity of embarrassing the General Government & bringing it under suspicion—to flatter and fall in with all the non sense of the zealots of the day—It may justly be suspected that his object is to throw things into confusion that he may 'ride the storm and direct the whirlwind.'"
Schiff said Trump "has acted precisely as Hamilton and his contemporaries feared."
Hamilton, who was secretary of the treasury in 1792, was writing to Washington in response to concerns raised about the country's policies during the panic caused by the debt crisis of the time.
Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have used Hamilton and other founders to make their case for and against the impeachment of Trump, who is accused of pressuring Ukraine to open investigations that would be beneficial to his 2020 campaign and leveraging official U.S. acts to do so. The House impeached Trump last month on two articles: abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.
Impeachment trial: Read USA TODAY's live coverage
On Dec. 18 in the House, Schiff warned against a leader using the power of office for personal gain and corruption. But by Republicans' interpretation of Hamilton's words, he was warning against an impeachment with as much partisan division as today's.
Rep. Gregory Murphy, R-N.C., called the House impeachment "a mockery of American justice," citing another Hamilton work, this time in the Federalist Papers when he wrote about impeachment. Murphy quoted:
In many cases, [impeachment] will connect itself with the preexisting factions . . . and in such cases, there will always be the greatest danger that the decision will be regulated more by the comparable strength of parties, [majority and minority,] than by real demonstrations of innocence or guilt.
"What does this mean?" Murphy said last month. "It means that the majority can exert its influence regardless of justice. In this statement, Hamilton warned us about the danger of mob rule."
Rep. John Garamendi, D-Calif. said at the time, "As Alexander Hamilton wrote in the Federalist Papers, the impeachment clause in the Constitution exists to address 'the misconduct of public men,' which involves 'the abuse or violation of some public trust.'"
"The investigations and hearings conducted by the House Intelligence and Judiciary Committees provide overwhelming evidence that President Trump abused his power and endangered our national security...," Garamendi continued.
Catch up: Chief Justice John Roberts drops 'pettifogging' bomb while reprimanding both sides in impeachment trial
Quoting Hamilton again in the Federalist papers, Schiff read at the trial Wednesday, "Where else than in the Senate could have been found a tribunal sufficiently dignified, or sufficiently independent?"
"What other body would be likely to feel confidence enough in its own situation, to preserve, unawed and uninfluenced, the necessary impartiality between an individual accused, and the representatives of the people, his accusers?" Hamilton wrote.
"It is up to you to be the tribunal that Hamilton envisioned," Schiff argued, addressing the senators and calling for impartial judgment.
Democrats have heavily criticized some Republican senators, including Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who have publicly indicated they do not intend to remain impartial during the trial. In turn, Republicans have argued that Democratic senators, particularly those running for president, also have a conflict of interest.


usatoday--2020-01-22--Tulsi Gabbard sues Hillary Clinton over Russia comment

WASHINGTON – Democratic presidential candidate and Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard is suing 2016 Democratic nominee and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton for defamation , escalating a feud between the two lawmakers after Clinton appeared to call Gabbard `` a favorite of the Russians '' last year .
In the lawsuit filed Wednesday in the U.S. District Court in Manhattan , Gabbard claims that Clinton made her remarks as `` retribution '' for the Hawaii congresswoman endorsening Sen. Bernie Sanders over Clinton in 2016 .
`` Clinton has not gotten over her loss in that election and still dwells on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , adding that `` Clinton blames many persons for her loss , '' including Sanders .
`` But Clinton reserves a special hatred and animosity for Tulsi—who never endorsed Clinton , did not campaign for her , and to top it off , gave the nomination speech for Senator Sanders at the 2016 Democratic National Convention . ''
Asked to comment on the lawsuit , Clinton spokesman Nick Merrill told USA TODAY , “ That 's ridiculous.
” Gabbard in the lawsuit claims she has `` suffered significant actual damages , personally and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 50 million—and continue to this day '' because of Clinton 's comments .
Clinton gave a wide-ranging interview on Democratic strategist David Plouffe 's podcast in October , where she suggested that the GOP was `` grooming '' a Democratic presidential candidate to run as a third-party candidate .
Although Clinton did n't name Gabbard specifically , the comment was seemingly directed to the Hawaii Democrat .
More : Bernie Sanders surges into first in CNN national poll ; Joe Biden maintains lead in another '' She 's the favorite of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sites and bots and other ways of supporting her so far , and that 's assuming Jill Stein will give it up , which she might not , because she 's also a Russian asset , '' Clinton said .
`` Yeah , she 's a Russian asset , I mean totally .
They know they ca n't win without a third party candidate . ''
Following Clinton 's comments , Gabbard wrote in a tweet : `` Great !
Thank you @ HillaryClinton .
You , the queen of warmongers , embodiment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rot that has sickened the Democratic Party for so long , have finally come out from behind the curtain . ''
Gabbard over the past several months has struggled to make the Democratic primary debate stage , missing both the December and January debates .
.
She has said she will not run for president as a third-party candidate .
Want to talk more about politics ?
: Join our Facebook group : ‘ Across the Aisle , Across the Nation .
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Tulsi Gabbard sues Hillary Clinton over Russia comment
Show Caption Hide Caption 5 things to know about Tulsi Gabbard The congresswoman from Hawaii is joining a growing pool of Democrats ready to take on President Trump. Here are 5 things to know about Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – Democratic presidential candidate and Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard is suing 2016 Democratic nominee and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton for defamation, escalating a feud between the two lawmakers after Clinton appeared to call Gabbard "a favorite of the Russians" last year.
In the lawsuit filed Wednesday in the U.S. District Court in Manhattan, Gabbard claims that Clinton made her remarks as "retribution" for the Hawaii congresswoman endorsening Sen. Bernie Sanders over Clinton in 2016.
"Clinton has not gotten over her loss in that election and still dwells on what happened," the lawsuit says, adding that "Clinton blames many persons for her loss," including Sanders. "But Clinton reserves a special hatred and animosity for Tulsi—who never endorsed Clinton, did not campaign for her, and to top it off, gave the nomination speech for Senator Sanders at the 2016 Democratic National Convention."
Asked to comment on the lawsuit, Clinton spokesman Nick Merrill told USA TODAY, “That's ridiculous.”
Gabbard in the lawsuit claims she has "suffered significant actual damages, personally and professionally, that are estimated to exceed $50 million—and continue to this day" because of Clinton's comments.
How Russian interference could affect the 2020 election, too Russia interfered in the 2016 presidential election and helped Donald Trump win. We look back at history and ask: Will they do it again? Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
Clinton gave a wide-ranging interview on Democratic strategist David Plouffe's podcast in October, where she suggested that the GOP was "grooming" a Democratic presidential candidate to run as a third-party candidate. Although Clinton didn't name Gabbard specifically, the comment was seemingly directed to the Hawaii Democrat.
More: Bernie Sanders surges into first in CNN national poll; Joe Biden maintains lead in another
"She's the favorite of the Russians, they have a bunch of sites and bots and other ways of supporting her so far, and that's assuming Jill Stein will give it up, which she might not, because she's also a Russian asset," Clinton said. "Yeah, she's a Russian asset, I mean totally. They know they can't win without a third party candidate."
Following Clinton's comments, Gabbard wrote in a tweet: "Great! Thank you @HillaryClinton. You, the queen of warmongers, embodiment of corruption, and personification of the rot that has sickened the Democratic Party for so long, have finally come out from behind the curtain."
Gabbard over the past several months has struggled to make the Democratic primary debate stage, missing both the December and January debates. . She has said she will not run for president as a third-party candidate.
Want to talk more about politics?: Join our Facebook group: ‘Across the Aisle, Across the Nation.’
Contributing: The Associated Press


usatoday--2020-01-22--Supreme Court's conservative justices show support for religious schools in landmark Montana case

WASHINGTON – The Supreme Court 's conservative majority decried discrimination against religious schools Wednesday in a case that could upend bans in many states against funding religious education .
Though the high court ’ s decision in the school choice case remained in doubt , Chief Justice John Roberts and his conservative colleagues voiced concern about dozens of state constitutional amendments that block religious schools from receiving tax dollars .
“ They ’ re certainly rooted in grotesque religious bigotry against Catholics , ” Associate Justice Brett Kavanaugh said in reference to 19th-century provisions in 37 states , including Montana @ @ @ @ @ @ @ schools are fighting at the high court to receive scholarships funded by tax credits .
Roberts , who could be the swing vote in the case as in so many others , compared the parents ’ plight to racial discrimination .
“ How is that different from religion , which is also protected under the First Amendment ?
” Roberts asked Adam Unikowsky , Montana 's lawyer .
The high court ’ s four liberal justices defended the ruling of the Montana Supreme Court , which struck down the entire scholarship program – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keep the state from funding religious schools , even indirectly .
“ There is no discrimination at this point going on , is there ?
” Associate Justice Elena Kagan asked Richard Komer , the lawyer representing Kendra Espinoza and other parents who want the scholarships for their children ’ s religious school education .
Secular and religious schools , she said , “ are both being treated the same way.
” What Espinoza , the other parents and the state are fighting over may seem small : a discontinued state program that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spur $ 500 tuition scholarships .
But the stakes are high for both sides in the national debate over public aid for religious schools .
Conservative groups flooded the high court with arguments supporting the Montana parents ' cause .
Having long sought legislative backing for voucher and tax credit programs , they see the case as a judicial promised land .
Teachers unions and civil rights groups worry that if the floodgates open for religious school funding , public schools will suffer .
They say a ruling for the religious school parents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ separation of church and state .
What 's not in dispute is the potential impact of the high court 's ruling .
Among the 37 states that have constitutional prohibitions against state funding of religious schools , 17 specifically block school choice programs .
Nationwide , tax credits and vouchers help about 500,000 students attend religious schools .
The Trump administration sided with Espinoza and the other Montana parents .
President Donald Trump has long championed prayer in schools and expanded religious freedom .
And Wednesday 's argument before the high court was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Betsy DeVos , a longtime proponent of religious schools .
More : Bible classes in public schools ?
Why Christian lawmakers are pushing a wave of new bills Jeffrey Wall , the Justice Department 's principal deputy solicitor general , likened the case to a Supreme Court ruling in 2017 that made a Missouri church eligible for state playground resurfacing aid .
`` That rule applies equally to schools as to playgrounds , '' Wall said .
When the Montana Supreme Court ruled the program in violation of the state 's constitution in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ program rather than exclude only religious schools .
That , state officials said , should end the challenge .
Some justices questioned whether the challenging parents have the right to bring the case , since money from the tax credit program winds up with the schools .
`` We do n't have a school in this case , '' Roberts said .
The Supreme Court under Roberts has looked kindly on religion .
The court upheld public prayer at government meetings and exempted religious objectors from laws regarding contraception and prohibiting discrimination against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ man 's right to keep his beard in prison and a Muslim teen 's right to wear a hijab at work .
Last year , it ruled 7-2 that a mammoth Latin cross on government land in Bladensburg , Maryland , does not have to be moved or altered in the name of church-state separation .
And in the 2017 case , the justices ruled 7-2 that a Lutheran church in Missouri was eligible for public funds to resurface its playground , just like other applicants .
Roberts called the state 's exclusion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Constitution . ''
That ruling opened the door to the current challenge , religious conservatives claim , even though Roberts added in a footnote , `` We do not address religious uses of funding or other forms of discrimination . ''
Civil rights groups and teachers unions opposed to the use of tax dollars for religious purposes point to a different 7-2 decision from the high court in 2004 .
Then , the justices upheld a public scholarship program that excluded students pursuing theology degrees .
A ruling in favor of religious school @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the court may be poised to deliver it .
Kavanaugh , the newest associate justice , is a devout Catholic , leaving the court with five Catholics and three Jews .
Associate Justice Neil Gorsuch was raised Catholic but attends an Episcopal church .

Supreme Court's conservative justices show support for religious schools in landmark Montana case
Show Caption Hide Caption Supreme Court hears school choice, religious freedom case The Supreme Court hears oral arguments in Espinoza v. Montana, a case over state scholarship funds and the prohibition of use at parochial schools. USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – The Supreme Court's conservative majority decried discrimination against religious schools Wednesday in a case that could upend bans in many states against funding religious education.
Though the high court’s decision in the school choice case remained in doubt, Chief Justice John Roberts and his conservative colleagues voiced concern about dozens of state constitutional amendments that block religious schools from receiving tax dollars.
“They’re certainly rooted in grotesque religious bigotry against Catholics,” Associate Justice Brett Kavanaugh said in reference to 19th-century provisions in 37 states, including Montana, where parents of children attending religious schools are fighting at the high court to receive scholarships funded by tax credits.
Roberts, who could be the swing vote in the case as in so many others, compared the parents’ plight to racial discrimination.
“How is that different from religion, which is also protected under the First Amendment?” Roberts asked Adam Unikowsky, Montana's lawyer.
The high court’s four liberal justices defended the ruling of the Montana Supreme Court, which struck down the entire scholarship program – including for secular private schools – to keep the state from funding religious schools, even indirectly.
“There is no discrimination at this point going on, is there?” Associate Justice Elena Kagan asked Richard Komer, the lawyer representing Kendra Espinoza and other parents who want the scholarships for their children’s religious school education. Secular and religious schools, she said, “are both being treated the same way.”
Small aid, big stakes
What Espinoza, the other parents and the state are fighting over may seem small: a discontinued state program that offered $150 tax credits to help spur $500 tuition scholarships. But the stakes are high for both sides in the national debate over public aid for religious schools.
Conservative groups flooded the high court with arguments supporting the Montana parents' cause. Having long sought legislative backing for voucher and tax credit programs, they see the case as a judicial promised land.
Teachers unions and civil rights groups worry that if the floodgates open for religious school funding, public schools will suffer. They say a ruling for the religious school parents would violate the Constitution's principle of separation of church and state.
What's not in dispute is the potential impact of the high court's ruling. Among the 37 states that have constitutional prohibitions against state funding of religious schools, 17 specifically block school choice programs. Nationwide, tax credits and vouchers help about 500,000 students attend religious schools.
The Trump administration sided with Espinoza and the other Montana parents. President Donald Trump has long championed prayer in schools and expanded religious freedom. And Wednesday's argument before the high court was attended by Trump's education secretary, Betsy DeVos, a longtime proponent of religious schools.
More: Bible classes in public schools? Why Christian lawmakers are pushing a wave of new bills
Jeffrey Wall, the Justice Department's principal deputy solicitor general, likened the case to a Supreme Court ruling in 2017 that made a Missouri church eligible for state playground resurfacing aid.
"That rule applies equally to schools as to playgrounds," Wall said.
When the Montana Supreme Court ruled the program in violation of the state's constitution in 2018, officials shut down the entire program rather than exclude only religious schools. That, state officials said, should end the challenge.
Some justices questioned whether the challenging parents have the right to bring the case, since money from the tax credit program winds up with the schools.
"We don't have a school in this case," Roberts said.
Justices get religion
The Supreme Court under Roberts has looked kindly on religion.
The court upheld public prayer at government meetings and exempted religious objectors from laws regarding contraception and prohibiting discrimination against same-sex marriages. It upheld a Muslim man's right to keep his beard in prison and a Muslim teen's right to wear a hijab at work.
Last year, it ruled 7-2 that a mammoth Latin cross on government land in Bladensburg, Maryland, does not have to be moved or altered in the name of church-state separation.
And in the 2017 case, the justices ruled 7-2 that a Lutheran church in Missouri was eligible for public funds to resurface its playground, just like other applicants. Roberts called the state's exclusion of the church "odious to our Constitution."
That ruling opened the door to the current challenge, religious conservatives claim, even though Roberts added in a footnote, "We do not address religious uses of funding or other forms of discrimination."
Civil rights groups and teachers unions opposed to the use of tax dollars for religious purposes point to a different 7-2 decision from the high court in 2004. Then, the justices upheld a public scholarship program that excluded students pursuing theology degrees.
A ruling in favor of religious school choice would be a game-changer, and the court may be poised to deliver it. Kavanaugh, the newest associate justice, is a devout Catholic, leaving the court with five Catholics and three Jews. Associate Justice Neil Gorsuch was raised Catholic but attends an Episcopal church.


usatoday--2020-01-22--Bernie Sanders surges into first in CNN national poll; Joe Biden maintains lead in another

WASHINGTON – The fight for the Democratic presidential nomination remains in flux as voters in early states prepare to cast the first ballots in the race next month , according to a pair of national polls released Wednesday .
Sen. Bernie Sanders , I-Vt. , surged into first place in a CNN poll conducted by SSRS , marking the first time a CNN poll did not find former vice president Joe Biden alone at the head of the field since the race began .
The CNN poll found Sanders was the choice of 27 % of registered Democrats and Democratic-leaning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ preferred Biden .
That represented a seven-point leap ahead for Sanders and a two-point drop for Biden from CNN 's poll in December .
Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts was third at 14 % ( down two percentage points from the month before ) and former South Bend , Indiana , Mayor Pete Buttigieg was fourth at 11 % ( up three percentage points from December ) .
Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg came in at 5 % , and Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota tied entrepreneur Andrew Yang at 4 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had 2 % or less support .
A poll from Monmouth University , however , found Biden not only still had the lead at 30 % but appeared to be gaining momentum since falling out of first place in Monmouth University national polling in August .
The 2020 candidates : Who is running for president ?
An interactive guide That month he finished one percentage point behind Warren and Sanders , who tied at 20 % .
Warren briefly held first place by herself in Monmouth 's September poll at 28 % , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the top .
And in December , the former vice president was again in the lead at 26 % , while Sanders had climbed into second .
Sanders was again in second behind Biden in Wednesday 's poll , which found him as the choice of 23 % of Democratic and Democratic-leaning voters .
Warren was in third at 14 % , followed by Bloomberg at 9 % , Buttigieg at 6 % , Klobuchar at 5 % , Yang at 3 % and the rest of the pack at 1 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Bloomberg ’ s entry , this race looks pretty much like it did six months ago , '' Monmouth University Polling Institute director Patrick Murray said .
`` But that stability masks the potential for sizable swings once the first contests are held .
Iowa and New Hampshire will play a major role in shaping national voter preferences . ''
It may not take much to sway some voters .
The CNN poll found 58 % registered Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents still think they might change their mind , while 42 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for their chosen candidate .
Those voters positions appearing to be softening rather than hardening as the time to vote approaches .
In November , 47 % said they definitely planned to vote for their candidate , while 52 % said they were still open to switching their support .
By comparison , only 37 % told CNN they might still change their mind at this point in 2016 .
Sanders ' support in the CNN poll is surprising given that 57 % of Democratic primary and caucus voters say the most important @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump , while 35 % say what matters is whether they agree with the candidate on all the issues .
Forty-five percent thought Biden had the best chance to beat Trump , compared with 24 % who said Sanders does .
But more ( 30 % ) said Sanders agrees with them on the issues that matter most The CNN poll found every top Democratic candidate would beat Trump in a hypothetical matchup .
Here 's how those broke down : The Monmouth poll found that Democratic voters are not happy with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and caucuses .
Fifty-eight percent said they would prefer a national primary , while just 11 % favored keeping the current system .
The CNN poll was conducted Jan. 16-19 with a margin of error of plus or minus 3.4 percentage points .
The margin of error for Democratic voters and Democratic-leaning independents was 5.3 percentage points .
The Monmouth University poll was conducted Jan. 16-20 with a margin of error of plus or minus 3.4 percentage points overall and a margin of error of plus or minus 5.1 percentage points among Democratic @ @ @ @ @

Bernie Sanders surges into first in CNN national poll; Joe Biden maintains lead in another
Show Caption Hide Caption Difference between caucus and primary, explained The 2020 election is nearing and with that, comes the caucuses and primary elections. But what’s the difference? Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – The fight for the Democratic presidential nomination remains in flux as voters in early states prepare to cast the first ballots in the race next month, according to a pair of national polls released Wednesday.
Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., surged into first place in a CNN poll conducted by SSRS, marking the first time a CNN poll did not find former vice president Joe Biden alone at the head of the field since the race began.
The CNN poll found Sanders was the choice of 27% of registered Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents, compared with 24% who preferred Biden. That represented a seven-point leap ahead for Sanders and a two-point drop for Biden from CNN's poll in December.
Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts was third at 14% (down two percentage points from the month before) and former South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg was fourth at 11% (up three percentage points from December). Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg came in at 5%, and Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota tied entrepreneur Andrew Yang at 4%. The rest of the field had 2% or less support.
A poll from Monmouth University, however, found Biden not only still had the lead at 30% but appeared to be gaining momentum since falling out of first place in Monmouth University national polling in August.
The 2020 candidates: Who is running for president? An interactive guide
That month he finished one percentage point behind Warren and Sanders, who tied at 20%. Warren briefly held first place by herself in Monmouth's September poll at 28%, but by November Biden had tied her at the top. And in December, the former vice president was again in the lead at 26%, while Sanders had climbed into second.
Sanders was again in second behind Biden in Wednesday's poll, which found him as the choice of 23% of Democratic and Democratic-leaning voters. Warren was in third at 14%, followed by Bloomberg at 9%, Buttigieg at 6%, Klobuchar at 5%, Yang at 3% and the rest of the pack at 1% or less.
"With the exception of Bloomberg’s entry, this race looks pretty much like it did six months ago," Monmouth University Polling Institute director Patrick Murray said. "But that stability masks the potential for sizable swings once the first contests are held. Iowa and New Hampshire will play a major role in shaping national voter preferences."
It may not take much to sway some voters. The CNN poll found 58% registered Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents still think they might change their mind, while 42% say they will "definitely" vote for their chosen candidate.
Those voters positions appearing to be softening rather than hardening as the time to vote approaches. In November, 47% said they definitely planned to vote for their candidate, while 52% said they were still open to switching their support. By comparison, only 37% told CNN they might still change their mind at this point in 2016.
Sanders' support in the CNN poll is surprising given that 57% of Democratic primary and caucus voters say the most important thing is that the nominee can beat Trump, while 35% say what matters is whether they agree with the candidate on all the issues. Forty-five percent thought Biden had the best chance to beat Trump, compared with 24% who said Sanders does. But more (30%) said Sanders agrees with them on the issues that matter most
The CNN poll found every top Democratic candidate would beat Trump in a hypothetical matchup. Here's how those broke down:
Biden 53%, Trump 44%
Sanders 52%, Trump 45%
Warren 50%, Trump 45%
Bloomberg 52%, Trump 43%
Buttigieg 49%, Trump 45%
Klobuchar 48%, Trump 45%
The Monmouth poll found that Democratic voters are not happy with the current calendar for their party's primaries and caucuses. Fifty-eight percent said they would prefer a national primary, while just 11% favored keeping the current system.
The CNN poll was conducted Jan. 16-19 with a margin of error of plus or minus 3.4 percentage points. The margin of error for Democratic voters and Democratic-leaning independents was 5.3 percentage points.
The Monmouth University poll was conducted Jan. 16-20 with a margin of error of plus or minus 3.4 percentage points overall and a margin of error of plus or minus 5.1 percentage points among Democratic voters and Democratic-leaning independents.


usatoday--2020-01-22--Trump says he will add 'a couple' countries to his controversial travel ban

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump said Wednesday he plans to add yet-to-be-named countries to his divisive travel ban , an intensely contested policy that roiled his early days in the White House .
`` We are adding a couple of countries to it , '' Trump told reporters at the end of an international economic conference in Davos , Switzerland .
`` Our country has to be safe . ''
Trump added that `` it 's going to be announced very shortly . ''
The third anniversary of the president 's initial announcement of the travel ban is Monday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ administration re-worked during a series of court challenges , indefinitely suspends the issuance of immigrant and non-immigrant visas to applicants from Libya , Iran , Somalia , Syria , Yemen , North Korea and Venezuela .
Immigrant advocacy groups , noting that most of the affected countries are majority Muslim , said the current ban affects about 135 million people .
Trump did not specify Wednesday which countries he 's considering adding to the list .
But as the administration now considers changes , the list could be expanded to include countries dropped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including Iraq , Sudan and Chad , administration officials said .
Live impeachment trial updates : Senate trial of President Donald Trump resumes with House Democrats arguing their case The initial travel ban triggered a 17-month political and legal battle in which critics accused Trump of unconstitutionally targeting Muslims .
The initial uproar included protests in cities and chaos at airports where some passengers from affected countries were detained .
After several changes by the administration , the Supreme Court upheld the ban on a 5-4 vote in 2018 .
By returning to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during his 2016 campaign , he is once again moving legal immigration to the fore in an election year .
The announcement comes as the Senate holds an impeachment trial of Trump on charges he abused the power of his office and obstructed Congress .
It also comes on the heels of an international crisis with Iran in which that country launched more than a dozen missiles at Iraqi airbases housing U.S. soldiers earlier this month .
Iranian officials said the strike was retaliation for Trump ordering the killing of Iranian Gen. Qasem @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for saying Democrats 'are in love with terrorists' Trump 's first plan , in January of 2017 , included a 90-day ban on travelers from Iran , Iraq , Libya , Somalia , Sudan , Syria and Yemen , and a 120-day ban on refugees worldwide .
After a series of lower courts struck down that plan , Trump came up with a second version .
It dropped Iraq from the banned list , and exempted visa- and green-card-holders .
Courts also struck down that version .
A third travel ban dropped Sudan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and government officials of Venezuela .
That plan worked its way to the narrow Supreme Court approval rendered on June 26 , 2018 , though Chad was dropped from the list earlier that year and the case did not affect North Korea and Venezuela .
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo would not elaborate on what countries Trump plans to add to the travel ban list .
During a news conference in Jamaica , where he visited with that country ’ s leaders , Pompeo said only : “ Our policy is to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right … Our obligation is to ensure that from where people are traveling to the United States , we protect America.
” Pompeo also said “ we are constantly evaluating ” security risks presented by travelers coming to the U.S .

David Jackson and John Fritze, USA TODAY

Trump says he will add 'a couple' countries to his controversial travel ban
Show Caption Hide Caption Trump tweets his administration played role in lower cancer death rate President Donald Trump suggested that he and his administration were a factor in the U.S. cancer death rate hitting a record low in 2017. USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump said Wednesday he plans to add yet-to-be-named countries to his divisive travel ban, an intensely contested policy that roiled his early days in the White House.
"We are adding a couple of countries to it," Trump told reporters at the end of an international economic conference in Davos, Switzerland. "Our country has to be safe."
Trump added that "it's going to be announced very shortly." The third anniversary of the president's initial announcement of the travel ban is Monday.
The current travel ban, which the administration re-worked during a series of court challenges, indefinitely suspends the issuance of immigrant and non-immigrant visas to applicants from Libya, Iran, Somalia, Syria, Yemen, North Korea and Venezuela.
Immigrant advocacy groups, noting that most of the affected countries are majority Muslim, said the current ban affects about 135 million people.
Trump did not specify Wednesday which countries he's considering adding to the list. But as the administration now considers changes, the list could be expanded to include countries dropped from previous versions of the ban, including Iraq, Sudan and Chad, administration officials said.
Live impeachment trial updates: Senate trial of President Donald Trump resumes with House Democrats arguing their case
The initial travel ban triggered a 17-month political and legal battle in which critics accused Trump of unconstitutionally targeting Muslims. The initial uproar included protests in cities and chaos at airports where some passengers from affected countries were detained.
After several changes by the administration, the Supreme Court upheld the ban on a 5-4 vote in 2018.
By returning to the ban, which Trump had promised during his 2016 campaign, he is once again moving legal immigration to the fore in an election year. The announcement comes as the Senate holds an impeachment trial of Trump on charges he abused the power of his office and obstructed Congress.
It also comes on the heels of an international crisis with Iran in which that country launched more than a dozen missiles at Iraqi airbases housing U.S. soldiers earlier this month. Iranian officials said the strike was retaliation for Trump ordering the killing of Iranian Gen. Qasem Soleimani.
More: Trump administration hits Iran with new economic sanctions
More: GOP congressman apologizes for saying Democrats 'are in love with terrorists'
Trump's first plan, in January of 2017, included a 90-day ban on travelers from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen, and a 120-day ban on refugees worldwide.
After a series of lower courts struck down that plan, Trump came up with a second version. It dropped Iraq from the banned list, and exempted visa- and green-card-holders. Courts also struck down that version.
A third travel ban dropped Sudan, and added Chad, North Korea and government officials of Venezuela. That plan worked its way to the narrow Supreme Court approval rendered on June 26, 2018, though Chad was dropped from the list earlier that year and the case did not affect North Korea and Venezuela.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo would not elaborate on what countries Trump plans to add to the travel ban list. During a news conference in Jamaica, where he visited with that country’s leaders, Pompeo said only: “Our policy is to make sure that we’re getting security right … Our obligation is to ensure that from where people are traveling to the United States, we protect America.”
Pompeo also said “we are constantly evaluating” security risks presented by travelers coming to the U.S.
Contributing: Deirdre Shesgreen


usatoday--2020-01-22--Impeachment trial of President Trump begins with a warning from Chief Justice Roberts

Impeachment trial rules are established after a marathon session , including a warning from Chief Justice John Roberts to senators @ @ @ @

Trump impeachment trial begins with warning from Chief Justice Roberts
Impeachment trial rules are established after a marathon session, including a warning from Chief Justice John Roberts to senators on their conduct.
Hannah Gaber, USA TODAY