usatoday--2020-01-30--Scarlett Johansson, John Legend, Mark Ruffalo. Which presidential candidates have Hollywood star sup

PALM SPRINGS , Calif. — Presidential contenders are flocking to California to appear at top-dollar fundraisers alongside celebrity supporters , hoping the star power will give them the wattage needed to shine bright come Super Tuesday .
Everyone from Leonardo DiCaprio to Mark Ruffalo to Tom Ford has opened their wallets .
So who 's backing whom ?
The Desert Sun .
part of the USA TODAY Network , examined a list of individual donors from California who contributed $ 2,800 to presidential candidates from January to September 2019 — the last time candidates filed reports with the FEC .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to presidential campaigns in the first nine months of 2019 , the maximum contribution amount FEC rules allow donors to funnel to presidential campaign committees annually .
The crowded field of candidates has fragmented the liberal entertainment industry , most of whom lined up behind former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and President Barack Obama in recent election cycles .
Before her withdrawal from the race , Sen. Kamala Harris , D-Calif. , received almost 1,300 contributions in California at the $ 2,800 level , leading the field in her home state .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pete Buttigieg and former Vice President Joe Biden amassed 991 and 973 contributions , respectively , at that amount , far more than Sen. Amy Klobuchar , D-Minn. , ( 154 ) , Sen. Elizabeth Warren , D-Mass.
, ( 131 ) , entrepreneur Andrew Yang ( 54 ) , businessman Tom Steyer ( 40 ) and Sen. Bernie Sanders , I-Vt. , ( 34 ) .
Each of the candidates drew contributions from notable entertainment industry figures .
Aside from Drew Carey , who contributed to former Massachusetts Gov .
Bill Weld @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and `` The Simpsons '' creator Matt Groening , who gave to author Marianne Williamson , most gave to the now-frontrunners with many lining up behind Warren and Buttigieg in particular .
Many contributors also did n't exhibit clear preferences in their contributions , preferring instead to hand out $ 2,800 checks to multiple candidates .
Warren and Sanders have eschewed top-dollar fundraisers this election cycle .
Former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg has identified California as a key target , but since he 's self-funding his campaign , he has n't hosted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Although he counts few in the entertainment industry among his supporters — with the exceptions of Jon Voight and Kanye West — even President Donald Trump ventured to Los Angeles last year to raise funds for his reelection campaign .
Here 's a guide to some of the celebrities and notable Californians financially backing presidential hopefuls ahead of the 2020 election .
Even before he mingled with Rob Reiner and Martin Sheen and maybe even tried some Goop products at Gwyneth Paltrow 's Los Angeles home in May , the 38-year-old former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supporters .
Lesbian power couple Ellen DeGeneres and Portia DeRossi each contributed $ 2,800 to Buttigieg .
DeGeneres co-hosted a fundraiser him in July along with actor Sean Hayes .
Talk show host Chelsea Handler and actor Jason Bateman also attended , according to NBC News .
DeGeneres , a veteran Democratic donor , is n't the only LGBTQ entertainment industry titan to throw support behind Buttigieg .
George Takei , Matthew Bomer , Dustin Lance Black and Jane Lynch also maxxed out in contributions to Mayor Pete in 2019 .
Buttigieg has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Ted Danson , Michael J .
Fox and Alyssa Milano .
Although Warren and Sanders ' `` hot mic '' incident after the January debate could 've been written in a Hollywood writers ' room , the Los Angeles donor circuit has n't figured largely in either of their campaigns .
Scarlett Johansson has contributed to Warren 's campaign and told the Hollywood Reporter the Massachusetts senator `` was thoughtful and progressive but realistic . ''
Warren has received contributions from Trump foe Rosie O'Donnell as well as actresses Amy Schumer and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cash from John Legend and Chrissy Teigen .
Filmmaker Rob Reiner may have contributed to several candidates , but he 's lined up squarely behind Biden .
He told entertainment news site The Blast he believes the former vice president has the best chance at unseating Trump .
Many of the notable Californians who 've contributed to Biden have also funneled cash to other campaigns .
Former HP CEO Meg Whitman , a longtime Republican activist and 2010 gubernatorial candidate , worked for John McCain in 2008 and Mitt Romney in 2012 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2016 to back former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton against Trump .
She endorsed former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa against Gavin Newsom in California 's 2018 governor 's race and has contributed $ 2,800 to Biden 's bid to be the Democratic Party 's 2020 nominee .
Sanders has received large contributions from several Hollywood progressives , including actress Shailene Woodley , who in 2016 was arrested while protesting the Keystone XL pipeline in North Dakota ; `` Dark Waters '' actor Mark Ruffalo ; and actress Susan Sarandon , who also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ criticism for spreading misinformation about voter registration .
Many campaign financiers with the resources spread the wealth rather than back one candidate .
Dreamworks ' co-founder Jeffrey Katzenberg and his wife , philanthropist Marilyn Katzenberg , have contributed the maximum amount allowed to 14 candidates running in the Democratic presidential primary , including rBiden , Warren , Klobuchar and Buttigieg .
Venture capitalist and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has contributed the maximum amount to Warren and Buttigieg and , before their withdrawals , Harris and Sen. Cory Booker , D-N.J. Television writer and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Harris and Klobuchar .
Berlanti , who directed the 2018 coming out film `` Love Simon , '' told Variety it meant a `` tremendous amount '' to see LGBTQ representation in a presidential race .
Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey has contributed $ 2,800 to Yang , Gabbard and Washington Gov .
Jay Inslee before he exited the race .
Vox Recode reported that Dorsey denied Gabbard 's request that he host a fundraiser on her behalf .
Venture capitalist and LinkedIn founder Reed Hoffman has contributed to Sen. Michael Bennet , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their withdrawals , Harris , Inslee , Booker , and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand , D-N.Y. POM Wonderful and Fiji Water 's Lynda Resnick contributed to Bennet , Booker , Klobuchar , Biden and former Colorado Gov .
John Hickenlooper .
Resnick and her husband , Stewart Resnick , own more water rights than any other party in California , including the city of Los Angeles .
Designer and filmmaker Tom Ford contributed to both Biden and Buttigieg , who declined Ford 's offer to dress him on the campaign trail , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of celebs lined up behind Harris , their home state senator , and Booker , a longtime Hollywood favorite who 's dating Rosario Dawson , before the two dropped out of the race .
Ben Affleck , Michael Douglas , and Leonardo DiCaprio all contributed the maximum amount to both Harris and Booker before both withdrew from the race .
Affleck joined up with Katzenberg to host a benefit for Booker in May .
Star Wars director J.J. Abrams , actress Elizabeth Banks and actor Michael Douglas contributed to Harris .
DJ Steve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to the Los Angeles Times , contributed more than $ 33,000 to Harris while she campaigned to be California attorney general and U.S. senator .
Sam Metz covers politics .
Reach him at samuel.metz @ desertsun.com or on Twitter @ metzsam .

Scarlett Johansson, John Legend, Mark Ruffalo. Which presidential candidates have Hollywood star support?
Show Caption Hide Caption Electoral College vs. the popular vote, explained President Trump and President George W. Bush won the electoral vote during the election, but not the popular vote. How does the electoral college work? Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
PALM SPRINGS, Calif. — Presidential contenders are flocking to California to appear at top-dollar fundraisers alongside celebrity supporters, hoping the star power will give them the wattage needed to shine bright come Super Tuesday. Everyone from Leonardo DiCaprio to Mark Ruffalo to Tom Ford has opened their wallets. So who's backing whom?
The Desert Sun. part of the USA TODAY Network, examined a list of individual donors from California who contributed $2,800 to presidential candidates from January to September 2019 — the last time candidates filed reports with the FEC. More than 4,800 Californians contributed $2,800 to presidential campaigns in the first nine months of 2019, the maximum contribution amount FEC rules allow donors to funnel to presidential campaign committees annually.
The crowded field of candidates has fragmented the liberal entertainment industry, most of whom lined up behind former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and President Barack Obama in recent election cycles.
Before her withdrawal from the race, Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., received almost 1,300 contributions in California at the $2,800 level, leading the field in her home state. Former South Bend, Ind., Mayor Pete Buttigieg and former Vice President Joe Biden amassed 991 and 973 contributions, respectively, at that amount, far more than Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., (154), Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., (131), entrepreneur Andrew Yang (54), businessman Tom Steyer (40) and Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., (34).
Each of the candidates drew contributions from notable entertainment industry figures. Aside from Drew Carey, who contributed to former Massachusetts Gov. Bill Weld and Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, D-Hawaii, and "The Simpsons" creator Matt Groening, who gave to author Marianne Williamson, most gave to the now-frontrunners with many lining up behind Warren and Buttigieg in particular. Many contributors also didn't exhibit clear preferences in their contributions, preferring instead to hand out $2,800 checks to multiple candidates.
Warren and Sanders have eschewed top-dollar fundraisers this election cycle. Former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg has identified California as a key target, but since he's self-funding his campaign, he hasn't hosted celebrity-dense fundraisers like some of his opponents.
Although he counts few in the entertainment industry among his supporters — with the exceptions of Jon Voight and Kanye West — even President Donald Trump ventured to Los Angeles last year to raise funds for his reelection campaign.
Here's a guide to some of the celebrities and notable Californians financially backing presidential hopefuls ahead of the 2020 election.
Pete Buttigieg
Even before he mingled with Rob Reiner and Martin Sheen and maybe even tried some Goop products at Gwyneth Paltrow's Los Angeles home in May, the 38-year-old former mayor had attracted a wealth of celebrity supporters.
Lesbian power couple Ellen DeGeneres and Portia DeRossi each contributed $2,800 to Buttigieg. DeGeneres co-hosted a fundraiser him in July along with actor Sean Hayes. Talk show host Chelsea Handler and actor Jason Bateman also attended, according to NBC News.
DeGeneres, a veteran Democratic donor, isn't the only LGBTQ entertainment industry titan to throw support behind Buttigieg. George Takei, Matthew Bomer, Dustin Lance Black and Jane Lynch also maxxed out in contributions to Mayor Pete in 2019.
Buttigieg has also received max contributions from Kevin Bacon, Ted Danson, Michael J. Fox and Alyssa Milano.
Elizabeth Warren
Although Warren and Sanders' "hot mic" incident after the January debate could've been written in a Hollywood writers' room, the Los Angeles donor circuit hasn't figured largely in either of their campaigns. Scarlett Johansson has contributed to Warren's campaign and told the Hollywood Reporter the Massachusetts senator "was thoughtful and progressive but realistic." Warren has received contributions from Trump foe Rosie O'Donnell as well as actresses Amy Schumer and Amber Tamblyn. She's also gotten cash from John Legend and Chrissy Teigen.
Joe Biden
Filmmaker Rob Reiner may have contributed to several candidates, but he's lined up squarely behind Biden. He told entertainment news site The Blast he believes the former vice president has the best chance at unseating Trump. Many of the notable Californians who've contributed to Biden have also funneled cash to other campaigns.
We have a great field of candidates running for President. We should be supportive of them all. But if ever there was a time in our nation’s history that we needed someone to restore our soul & standing as leader of the free world, it’s now. Joe Biden will do that on day one. — Rob Reiner (@robreiner) April 25, 2019
Former HP CEO Meg Whitman, a longtime Republican activist and 2010 gubernatorial candidate, worked for John McCain in 2008 and Mitt Romney in 2012, but broke with the Republican Party in 2016 to back former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton against Trump. She endorsed former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa against Gavin Newsom in California's 2018 governor's race and has contributed $2,800 to Biden's bid to be the Democratic Party's 2020 nominee.
Bernie Sanders
Sanders has received large contributions from several Hollywood progressives, including actress Shailene Woodley, who in 2016 was arrested while protesting the Keystone XL pipeline in North Dakota; "Dark Waters" actor Mark Ruffalo; and actress Susan Sarandon, who also supported Sanders' 2016 bid and faced criticism for spreading misinformation about voter registration.
'Equal opportunity' donors
Many campaign financiers with the resources spread the wealth rather than back one candidate.
Dreamworks' co-founder Jeffrey Katzenberg and his wife, philanthropist Marilyn Katzenberg, have contributed the maximum amount allowed to 14 candidates running in the Democratic presidential primary, including rBiden, Warren, Klobuchar and Buttigieg.
Venture capitalist and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has contributed the maximum amount to Warren and Buttigieg and, before their withdrawals, Harris and Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J.
Television writer and producer Greg Berlanti has contributed to Buttigieg, Harris and Klobuchar. Berlanti, who directed the 2018 coming out film "Love Simon," told Variety it meant a "tremendous amount" to see LGBTQ representation in a presidential race.
Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey has contributed $2,800 to Yang, Gabbard and Washington Gov. Jay Inslee before he exited the race. Vox Recode reported that Dorsey denied Gabbard's request that he host a fundraiser on her behalf.
Venture capitalist and LinkedIn founder Reed Hoffman has contributed to Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Colo., and Klobuchar, and before their withdrawals, Harris, Inslee, Booker, and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y.
POM Wonderful and Fiji Water's Lynda Resnick contributed to Bennet, Booker, Klobuchar, Biden and former Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper. Resnick and her husband, Stewart Resnick, own more water rights than any other party in California, including the city of Los Angeles.
Designer and filmmaker Tom Ford contributed to both Biden and Buttigieg, who declined Ford's offer to dress him on the campaign trail, according to the New York Times.
People who backed candidates who've dropped out
A lot of celebs lined up behind Harris, their home state senator, and Booker, a longtime Hollywood favorite who's dating Rosario Dawson, before the two dropped out of the race.
Ben Affleck, Michael Douglas, and Leonardo DiCaprio all contributed the maximum amount to both Harris and Booker before both withdrew from the race. Affleck joined up with Katzenberg to host a benefit for Booker in May.
Star Wars director J.J. Abrams, actress Elizabeth Banks and actor Michael Douglas contributed to Harris. DJ Steve Aoki contributed to Booker. Abrams, according to the Los Angeles Times, contributed more than $33,000 to Harris while she campaigned to be California attorney general and U.S. senator.
Sam Metz covers politics. Reach him at samuel.metz@desertsun.com or on Twitter @metzsam.


usatoday--2020-01-30--Joe Biden to Iowa Democrats: Ruin Joni Ernst's night by caucusing for me

MUSCATINE , Ia .
— Former Vice President Joe Biden said U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst `` spilled the beans '' when she questioned whether the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump might make Iowa Democrats decide against caucusing for Biden .
`` By the way , did anyone see what your senator , Joni Ernst , did yesterday ?
She spilled the beans , '' he said at a campaign stop in Muscatine on Tuesday morning .
`` She just came out and flat said it .
You know , the whole impeachment trial for Trump is just a political @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , because he is scared to death to run against me and he has good reason to be concerned . ''
Then he read out loud the comments Ernst made to reporters in Washington , D.C. , Monday .
`` Iowa caucuses , folks .
Iowa caucuses are this next Monday evening and I ’ m really interested to see how this discussion today informs and influences the Iowa caucus voters , '' Ernst said .
`` Those democratic caucusgoers , will they be supporting Vice President Biden at this point ? ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ showed Republicans are more focused on weakening Biden than in weighing the president 's actions in a fair and impartial trial .
`` Let me tell you something , '' he continued .
`` You Iowa caucusgoers have a chance for a twofer .
You can ruin Donald Trump ’ s night by caucusing for me , and you can ruin Joni Ernst ’ s night as well . ''
On Twitter Tuesday morning , Ernst doubled down on her statement from the previous day .
`` @ JoeBiden thinks my comments prove @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she wrote .
`` Wrong .
Yesterday the president 's counsel showcased that the Bidens were knee deep in corruption .
Corruption is n't good politics nor is it good for the American people . ''
Biden appeared eager to respond to Ernst — his campaign hung a sign that said `` Joni , we 're w/ Joe '' — and he used the moment to further his case that Trump is most concerned to face him in a general election matchup .
He 's continually made the case to Iowa Democrats that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ candidate among the field of remaining Democrats , and his closing argument in the final days of the campaign has elevated that pitch even further on TV and in person .
Former Iowa First Lady Christie Vilsack made the same appeal , speaking at Biden 's Muscatine event Tuesday .
`` ( The Democratic nominee ) has to be someone that my very best favorite Republican friend in Mount Pleasant or in any town in this state will be able to look over and at least think about voting for in order to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` And so I 'm asking people who may not have made up your minds or as you 're talking to people to ask your friends and colleagues to think not just about themselves in making this decision , but to think about a broad range of people that we need to invite into this conversation . ''
Eric Zillig , a 43-year-old Muscatine resident who said he agreed with Vilsack '' The selling point is I think he can beat Trump , '' he said .
`` I 'm worried if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that they 'll lose to Trump . ''
Brianne Pfannenstiel is the chief politics reporter for the Register .
Reach her at bpfann @ dmreg.com or 515-284-8244 .
Follow her on Twitter at @ brianneDMR .

Brianne Pfannenstiel, Des Moines Register

Joe Biden to Iowa Democrats: Ruin Joni Ernst's night by caucusing for me
Show Caption Hide Caption Iowa caucus: Just how much influence does it have on the primary? The Iowa caucus is sure to be competitive this year. But what makes caucuses different from primaries? Just the FAQs
MUSCATINE, Ia. — Former Vice President Joe Biden said U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst "spilled the beans" when she questioned whether the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump might make Iowa Democrats decide against caucusing for Biden.
"By the way, did anyone see what your senator, Joni Ernst, did yesterday? She spilled the beans," he said at a campaign stop in Muscatine on Tuesday morning. "She just came out and flat said it. You know, the whole impeachment trial for Trump is just a political hit job to try to smear me, because he is scared to death to run against me and he has good reason to be concerned."
Then he read out loud the comments Ernst made to reporters in Washington, D.C., Monday.
"Iowa caucuses, folks. Iowa caucuses are this next Monday evening and I’m really interested to see how this discussion today informs and influences the Iowa caucus voters," Ernst said. "Those democratic caucusgoers, will they be supporting Vice President Biden at this point?"
ERNST: "IA caucuses are this next Monday evening. And I'm really interested to see how this discussion today informs and influences the Iowa caucus voters, those Demcaucus goers. Will they be supporting VP Biden at this point?"
H/T @JaxAlemany pic.twitter.com/tYYkSPuIDY — Alan He (@alanhe) January 28, 2020
Democrats immediately criticized her, saying it showed Republicans are more focused on weakening Biden than in weighing the president's actions in a fair and impartial trial.
"Pretty subtle, huh?" Biden said.
"Let me tell you something," he continued. "You Iowa caucusgoers have a chance for a twofer. You can ruin Donald Trump’s night by caucusing for me, and you can ruin Joni Ernst’s night as well."
On Twitter Tuesday morning, Ernst doubled down on her statement from the previous day.
"@JoeBiden thinks my comments prove his point about @realDonaldTrump," she wrote. "Wrong. Yesterday the president's counsel showcased that the Bidens were knee deep in corruption. Corruption isn't good politics nor is it good for the American people."
.@JoeBiden thinks my comments prove his point about @realDonaldTrump. Wrong. Yesterday the president’s counsel showcased that the Bidens were knee deep in corruption. Corruption isn’t good politics nor is it good for the American people. — Joni Ernst (@joniernst) January 28, 2020
Biden appeared eager to respond to Ernst — his campaign hung a sign that said "Joni, we're w/ Joe" — and he used the moment to further his case that Trump is most concerned to face him in a general election matchup. He's continually made the case to Iowa Democrats that he's the most "electable" candidate among the field of remaining Democrats, and his closing argument in the final days of the campaign has elevated that pitch even further on TV and in person.
Former Iowa First Lady Christie Vilsack made the same appeal, speaking at Biden's Muscatine event Tuesday.
"(The Democratic nominee) has to be someone that my very best favorite Republican friend in Mount Pleasant or in any town in this state will be able to look over and at least think about voting for in order to win this election," she said. "And so I'm asking people who may not have made up your minds or as you're talking to people to ask your friends and colleagues to think not just about themselves in making this decision, but to think about a broad range of people that we need to invite into this conversation."
Eric Zillig, a 43-year-old Muscatine resident who said he agreed with Vilsack
"The selling point is I think he can beat Trump," he said. "I'm worried if the Democratic candidate is too far left that they'll lose to Trump."
Brianne Pfannenstiel is the chief politics reporter for the Register. Reach her at bpfann@dmreg.com or 515-284-8244. Follow her on Twitter at @brianneDMR.


usatoday--2020-02-05--5 bizarre moments from State of the Union including Trump refusing to shake Pelosi's hand

President Donald Trump 's State of the Union had some bizarre moments , including his refusal to shake House Speaker @ @ @ @ @

State of the Union includes Pelosi ripping speech, soldier homecoming
President Donald Trump's State of the Union had several unusual moments, including his refusal to shake House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's hand.
USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-02-05--Buttigieg holds slim lead over Sanders after new wave of Iowa results released — updates

Former mayor Pete Buttigieg held a narrow lead over Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders after the release Tuesday of a fresh wave of results from the Iowa Democratic caucuses .
Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren was in third place followed by former Vice President Joe Biden and Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar .
Results were in for 71 % of all precincts across Iowa 's 99 counties .
After a massive meltdown in producing the results for Monday 's Iowa caucuses , state Democratic party officials were still unable to declare a winner .
An initial set of results accounting for 62 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday afternoon followed a few hours later by additional results .
The partial results showed Buttigieg with 26.8 % of state delegate equivalents .
Sanders had 25.2 % followed by Warren with 18.4 % , Biden with 15.4 % and Klobuchar with 12.6 % .
Campaigns , party volunteers and regular Iowans expressed confusion and frustration at the lack of clarity on what is often one of the most closely-watched nights in American presidential politics .
`` I apologize deeply for this , '' said Iowa Democratic Party chairman Troy Price .
At @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chairs said failed to work properly , a back-up phone system for relaying results that was bogged down with callers and a new reporting structure that left Democrats working to verify three times the results as previous years .
It wasn ’ t the first time the Iowa caucuses have produced late results , but issues come after months of heightened criticism of the caucus process and calls for Iowa to lose its vaunted first-in-the-nation status .
`` I 've said this entire time that we ’ re going to have to evaluate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ debate thresholds , the order of the states , the caucus versus primary , '' said former housing secretary Julián Castro , a surrogate for Warren 's campaign .
`` What happened ( Monday night ) made the argument for itself .
Nobody can deny this is a broken way to do it .
It was a total mess . ''
The Iowa Democratic Party said the `` underlying data collected '' on the app used to report caucus results `` was sound '' but the system was only reporting out partial data @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
After the problems emerged in Iowa , frustrated candidates and their campaigns headed to New Hampshire , which holds its primary on Tuesday .
While speaking at an event in Laconia , New Hampshire , Buttigieg choked up after speaking about the preliminary results .
`` It validates the idea that we can expand a coalition not only unified around who it is we 're against but around what it is that we 're for , '' he said .
Sanders ' senior advisor Jeff Weaver praised the Vermont senator 's standing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state delegate equivalents .
“ We want to thank the people of Iowa .
We are gratified that in the partial data released so far it ’ s clear that in the first and second round more people voted for Bernie than any other candidate in the field , '' Weaver said in a statement .
Contributing : Rebecca Morin of USA TODAY and Barbara Rodriguez of the Des Moines Register

Annah Aschbrenner, Joey Garrison and Caren Bohan, USA TODAY

96% of Iowa precincts are reported, but there's still no caucus winner; Buttigieg, Sanders neck and neck — updates
Show Caption Hide Caption Candidates give speeches amid Democratic Iowa caucus delays With no winner declared on the night of the Democratic Iowa caucuses amid delays, the candidates still gave speeches. USA TODAY
Pete Buttigieg and Sen. Bernie Sanders are separated by the slimmest of margins in the latest update to Iowa's Democratic caucus results.
A fresh round of results around 12:15 a.m. ET Thursday showed the former mayor's state delegate equivalent lead down to 3 over the Vermont senator. Sanders, meanwhile, maintained a lead of more than 2,000 votes in the final alignment popular vote.
The partial results almost counted be closer: Buttigieg has 26.2% of state delegate equivalents, while Sanders has 26.1%.
The Associated Press reported that results had been published from 96.43% of all precincts, but the number of state delegate equivalents still available to be won means they will not yet call a winner in the race.
In a press release sent at just before 1:30 a.m. Thursday, the Iowa Democratic Party said it has reported "1,711 precincts across the state, nation, and overseas – accounting for 97 percent of the precincts. We have collected information from all but one precinct, and those records are in transit"
The release went on to say "the IDP implemented an immediate, large-scale effort to collect results for precincts that were not received on caucus night. We started with 500 outstanding precincts and now have 53 that are in the process of being reviewed."
Sen. Elizabeth Warren was in third place with 18.2%, former Vice President Joe Biden was fourth with 15.8% and Sen. Amy Klobuchar was fifth with 12.2%.
The partial update early Thursday was the latest round in a dribbling in of results since the Iowa Democratic Party on Tuesday announced only some results would be announced that day. And it hasn't been smooth sailing.
Minutes after an update came in around 4:40 p.m. ET Wednesday, the Iowa Democratic Party tweeted that there was a small error, and updated results would be coming soon. The error in results briefly showed Buttigieg taking the lead in the popular vote of the final alignment. But within 15 minutes, updated results showed Sanders maintaining the lead in popular vote he has held since Tuesday.
In Des Moines' 55th precinct caucus, which was held in the lobby of the office building home to the Des Moines Register, the results issued before the correction showed Deval Patrick earning the support of 191 people in the first alignment and 218 in the final alignment. Those numbers actually belonged to Sanders.
The numbers reported by the party also showed Tom Steyer earning support that actually belonged to Warren. And no support was tallied for Yang or "uncommitted," though there were some supporters in the room.
After a massive meltdown in producing the results for Monday's Iowa caucuses, state Democratic party officials were still unable to declare a winner that night. An initial set of results accounting for 62% of the state's precincts was released Tuesday afternoon followed a few hours later by additional results.
The popular vote vs. state delegate equivalents
The Sanders campaign has made a point on several occasions to note that while Buttigieg has a lead in state delegate equivalents (or SDEs), the Vermont senator is leading in the final alignment popular vote.
"We want to thank the people of Iowa. We are gratified that in the partial data released so far it’s clear that in the first and second round more people voted for Bernie than any other candidate in the field," Sanders senior advisor Jeff Weaver said in a statement Tuesday.
But how can that be?
Dig deeper: Could multiple candidates 'win' the Iowa Democratic caucus? New rules make it possible.
Well, you remember 2016, when Democrat Hillary Clinton won the popular vote but Republican Donald Trump won the Electoral College? Iowa SDEs are awarded in a similar Electoral College-style system based on prior Democratic votes in the area.
After the final alignment at a caucus precinct, the number of people in a candidate's preference group, as well as the total number of people at the precinct, are entered into a formula that spits out the SDEs each candidate can be awarded from that precinct.
Those state delegate equivalents are used to allocate how many delegates to the Democratic National Convention each candidate earned and to determine who won the caucuses.
So while Buttigieg has the current lead in SDEs, and Sanders currently has the popular vote lead in the final alignment numbers, both have so far earned the same number of delegate to the national convention (10), which is what will eventually determine who the Democratic nominee is.
As of noon ET Wednesday, there were still roughly 30% of the results yet to be reported — and 17 national delegates yet to be awarded — so no overall winner has been named.
– Annah Aschbrenner, USA TODAY
Biden: 'We took a gut punch in Iowa'
Former Vice President Joe Biden made light of Iowa's vote counting problems at an event in New Hampshire Wednesday, but conceded the results have been a blow to his campaign.
"At this rate, New Hampshire will be the first in the country to get to vote," he quipped before adding, "I'm not going to sugarcoat it. We took a gut punch in Iowa. The whole process took a gut punch. But this isn't the first time in my life I've been knocked down."
Biden, who is in fourth place with 71% of the precincts reporting, had previously tried to put a more positive spin on his performances in the caucuses.
"We had a good night last night in Iowa," he said Tuesday. "We think we’re going to come out of there really doing well."
"But be careful what you say, because it's not done yet."
–William Cummings, USA TODAY
Lots of frustration at results delays
Campaigns, party volunteers and regular Iowans have expressed confusion and frustration at the lack of clarity on what is often one of the most closely-watched nights in American presidential politics.
"I apologize deeply for this," said Iowa Democratic Party chairman Troy Price.
At issue: an app that caucus precinct chairs said failed to work properly, a back-up phone system for relaying results that was bogged down with callers and a new reporting structure that left Democrats working to verify three times the results as previous years.
It wasn’t the first time the Iowa caucuses have produced late results, but issues come after months of heightened criticism of the caucus process and calls for Iowa to lose its vaunted first-in-the-nation status.
"I've said this entire time that we’re going to have to evaluate after this primary is done … the debate thresholds, the order of the states, the caucus versus primary," said former housing secretary Julián Castro, a surrogate for Warren's campaign. "What happened (Monday night) made the argument for itself. Nobody can deny this is a broken way to do it. It was a total mess."
Iowa caucus: Just how much influence does it have on the primary? The Iowa caucus is sure to be competitive this year. But what makes caucuses different from primaries? Just the FAQs
The Iowa Democratic Party said the "underlying data collected" on the app used to report caucus results "was sound" but the system was only reporting out partial data. Democrats were manually recounting the results.
After the problems emerged in Iowa, frustrated candidates and their campaigns headed to New Hampshire, which holds its primary on Tuesday.
While speaking at an event in Laconia, New Hampshire, Buttigieg choked up after speaking about the preliminary results.
"It validates the idea that we can expand a coalition not only unified around who it is we're against but around what it is that we're for," he said.
Sanders' senior advisor Jeff Weaver praised the Vermont senator's standing with the raw vote totals, not state delegate equivalents.
“We want to thank the people of Iowa. We are gratified that in the partial data released so far it’s clear that in the first and second round more people voted for Bernie than any other candidate in the field," Weaver said in a statement.
- Caren Bohan, USA TODAY
Shadow, Inc. regrets its role in vote count delay
The tech firm behind the app that contributed to the reporting delays said on Twitter Tuesday, "We sincerely regret the delay in the reporting of the results" and "the uncertainty it has caused to the candidates, their campaigns, and Democratic caucus-goers."
The company also said it had "corrected the underlying technology issue."
"We take these issues very seriously, and are committed to improving and evolving to support the Democratic Party’s goal of modernizing its election processes," read one post from Shadow Inc.'s official account.
Shadow is an independent, for-profit technology company that contracted with the Iowa Democratic Party to build a caucus reporting mobile app, which was optional for local officials to use. The goal of the app was to ensure accuracy in a complex reporting process. — Shadow, Inc. (@ShadowIncHQ) February 4, 2020
– William Cummings, USA TODAY
Contributing: Rebecca Morin of USA TODAY and Barbara Rodriguez of the Des Moines Register


usatoday--2020-02-05--In Democratic response to Trump's speech, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer attacks GOP on health care

WASHINGTON – Delivering the Democrats ’ response to President Donald Trump ’ s State of the Union address , Michigan Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer described the difference between the two parties as “ pretty simple.
” “ Democrats are trying to make your health care better , ” Whitmer said.
“ Republicans in Washington are trying to take it away.
” Her focus on policy issues came after an acrimonious State of the Union address that began with a refusal by Trump to shake House Speaker Nancy Pelosi 's hand and ended with the speaker ripping up the text of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her remarks by referencing the vote the Republican-led Senate is expected to take Wednesday to acquit Trump of the two articles of impeachment approved by the Democrat-controlled House .
`` The truth matters .
Facts matter .
And no one should be above the law , '' she said .
`` It ’ s time for action .
Generations of Americans are counting on us .
Let ’ s not let them down . ''
But on the eve of the conclusion of Democrats ' effort to remove Trump through impeachment , Whitmer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trying to pivot to issues like health care that helped them take back the House in 2018 .
Lawmakers brought more than 80 patients , doctors and health care advocates from across the country to sit in the spectators ’ gallery as Trump spoke .
“ Health care .
Health care .
Health care , ” Pelosi said before the speech .
“ The three most important issues for America ’ s working families.
” Freshman Rep. Veronica Escobar of Texas , who delivered the party ’ s Spanish language response , accused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lift a finger to improve access to health care .
Texas is one of the largest states that has not expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act .
A pending lawsuit , which Trump supports , aims at undoing Democrats ’ landmark 2010 health care law .
The law stopped health insurers from denying coverage to sick people .
Sitting behind Trump as he spoke , Pelosi wryly smiled as Republicans stood to applaud when the president promised to protect patients with pre-existing conditions .
Many other Democrats laughed , booed and crossed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health care .
Reps. Julia Brownley , D-Calf.
, and Norma Torres , D-Calif. , both lifted their arms into a giant shrug .
As the president said he was combating pharmaceutical companies , Democrats started to loudly laugh .
Rising to their feet , some Democrats loudly shouted and cut off the president ’ s speech for several seconds as they chanted “ H.R .
3 , ” legislation aimed at reducing drug prices that passed the House last year and has not been taken up in the Senate .
Trump accused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' of health care through a single-payer system that would replace private health insurance plans .
Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders ' advocacy of `` Medicare for All '' is one of the main issues fueling his presidential campaign .
Whitmer , who opposed Medicare for All in her competitive 2018 primary , described her own challenges with the health care system .
Soon after being elected to the state House at age 29 , Whitmer got married , had a baby and took care of her dying mother .
She had to figure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and fight the insurance company that refused to pay for chemotherapy for her mother while learning how to do her new job .
“ It exposed the harsh realities of our workplaces , our health care system and our child care system .
And it changed me , ” Whitmer , 48 , said .
“ I lost patience for people who are just talk and no action . ''
Whitmer pitched Democrats as the party trying to solve problems , whether that ’ s climate change , gun violence , stagnating wages @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Twitter doesn ’ t fix bridges .
It burns them , '' Whitmer said in her remarks , delivered from her daughters ' public school in Michigan .
`` Our energy should be used to solve problems.
” Trump and congressional Democrats have both said fixing infrastructure is a top priority .
But neither side has said how they would pay for it .
In Michigan , Whitmer ’ s proposal for a 45-cent gas tax increase was rejected by the Republican-controlled Legislature .
Whitmer recently announced a $ 3.5 million borrowing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Aaron Kall , director of debate at the University of Michigan and editor of a book on State of the Union addresses , said Whitmer drew sharp political contrasts on major issues like health care and infrastructure , which were responsible for Democratic congressional gains in 2018 and need to be replicated for success in the 2020 election .
But Kall thought it was a mistake for Whitmer to end on the upcoming impeachment vote .
`` The endgame is already a forgone conclusion tomorrow , and recent public opinion polls show @ @ @ @ @ @ @ question of removal from office , '' Kall said .
Whitmer 's 2018 election was seen as an early test of whether Democrats could come back in a state that gave Trump a surprising – though narrow – victory in 2016 .
Trump beat Hillary Clinton by a margin of less than 11,000 votes as part of the sweep of Michigan , Wisconsin and Pennsylvania that earned him the White House .
Trump was the first Republican presidential candidate to carry Michigan since 1988 .
`` Michigan invented the middle class , so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t work for working people , it just doesn ’ t work , '' Whitmer said in her criticism of Trump 's handling of the economy .
Besides taking back the governor 's mansion in 2018 , Michigan Democrats also kept the Senate seat on the ballot and flipped control of two congressional districts and the secretary of state and attorney general offices .
All winning Democrats in those races were women .
Democrats ’ choice of two women – Whitmer and Escobar – to deliver the responses to Trump reflects the party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have before , many Democratic women – including Pelosi – wore white .
“ This is a sign of women empowerment and unity , ” Rep. Nydia Velázquez , D-N.Y. , said before the speech .
“ It is important for everyone , including the president , to understand that we play an important role here in the Congress and elsewhere .
”

In Democratic response to Trump's speech, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer attacks GOP on health care
WASHINGTON – Delivering the Democrats’ response to President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer described the difference between the two parties as “pretty simple.”
“Democrats are trying to make your health care better,” Whitmer said.“Republicans in Washington are trying to take it away.”
Her focus on policy issues came after an acrimonious State of the Union address that began with a refusal by Trump to shake House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's hand and ended with the speaker ripping up the text of the president's speech.
Whitmer ended her remarks by referencing the vote the Republican-led Senate is expected to take Wednesday to acquit Trump of the two articles of impeachment approved by the Democrat-controlled House.
"The truth matters. Facts matter. And no one should be above the law," she said. "It’s time for action. Generations of Americans are counting on us. Let’s not let them down."
But on the eve of the conclusion of Democrats' effort to remove Trump through impeachment, Whitmer's speech showed how the party is trying to pivot to issues like health care that helped them take back the House in 2018.
Lawmakers brought more than 80 patients, doctors and health care advocates from across the country to sit in the spectators’ gallery as Trump spoke.
“Health care. Health care. Health care,” Pelosi said before the speech. “The three most important issues for America’s working families.”
Freshman Rep. Veronica Escobar of Texas, who delivered the party’s Spanish language response, accused Republicans in her state of refusing to lift a finger to improve access to health care. Texas is one of the largest states that has not expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act.
A pending lawsuit, which Trump supports, aims at undoing Democrats’ landmark 2010 health care law. The law stopped health insurers from denying coverage to sick people.
Sitting behind Trump as he spoke, Pelosi wryly smiled as Republicans stood to applaud when the president promised to protect patients with pre-existing conditions.
Many other Democrats laughed, booed and crossed their arms while the president talked about health care. Reps. Julia Brownley, D-Calf., and Norma Torres, D-Calif., both lifted their arms into a giant shrug.
As the president said he was combating pharmaceutical companies, Democrats started to loudly laugh.
Rising to their feet, some Democrats loudly shouted and cut off the president’s speech for several seconds as they chanted “H.R. 3,” legislation aimed at reducing drug prices that passed the House last year and has not been taken up in the Senate.
Trump accused Democrats of pushing a "socialist takeover" of health care through a single-payer system that would replace private health insurance plans.
Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders' advocacy of "Medicare for All" is one of the main issues fueling his presidential campaign.
Whitmer, who opposed Medicare for All in her competitive 2018 primary, described her own challenges with the health care system.
Soon after being elected to the state House at age 29, Whitmer got married, had a baby and took care of her dying mother. She had to figure out how to keep nursing her infant and fight the insurance company that refused to pay for chemotherapy for her mother while learning how to do her new job.
“It exposed the harsh realities of our workplaces, our health care system and our child care system. And it changed me,” Whitmer, 48, said. “I lost patience for people who are just talk and no action."
Whitmer pitched Democrats as the party trying to solve problems, whether that’s climate change, gun violence, stagnating wages or crumbling infrastructure.
“Bullying people on Twitter doesn’t fix bridges. It burns them," Whitmer said in her remarks, delivered from her daughters' public school in Michigan. "Our energy should be used to solve problems.”
Nancy Pelosi rips up Trump's State of the Union speech Speaker Nancy Pelosi ripped up President Donald Trump's State of the Union script as he ended his speech. USA TODAY, Associated Press
Trump and congressional Democrats have both said fixing infrastructure is a top priority. But neither side has said how they would pay for it.
In Michigan, Whitmer’s proposal for a 45-cent gas tax increase was rejected by the Republican-controlled Legislature. Whitmer recently announced a $3.5 million borrowing plan that does not require legislative approval.
Aaron Kall, director of debate at the University of Michigan and editor of a book on State of the Union addresses, said Whitmer drew sharp political contrasts on major issues like health care and infrastructure, which were responsible for Democratic congressional gains in 2018 and need to be replicated for success in the 2020 election.
But Kall thought it was a mistake for Whitmer to end on the upcoming impeachment vote.
"The endgame is already a forgone conclusion tomorrow, and recent public opinion polls show Americans are at best divided on the question of removal from office," Kall said.
Whitmer's 2018 election was seen as an early test of whether Democrats could come back in a state that gave Trump a surprising – though narrow – victory in 2016. Trump beat Hillary Clinton by a margin of less than 11,000 votes as part of the sweep of Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania that earned him the White House.
Trump was the first Republican presidential candidate to carry Michigan since 1988.
"Michigan invented the middle class, so we know if the economy doesn’t work for working people, it just doesn’t work," Whitmer said in her criticism of Trump's handling of the economy.
Besides taking back the governor's mansion in 2018, Michigan Democrats also kept the Senate seat on the ballot and flipped control of two congressional districts and the secretary of state and attorney general offices. All winning Democrats in those races were women.
Democrats’ choice of two women – Whitmer and Escobar – to deliver the responses to Trump reflects the party’s female-driven enthusiasm.
As they have before, many Democratic women – including Pelosi – wore white.
“This is a sign of women empowerment and unity,” Rep. Nydia Velázquez, D-N.Y., said before the speech. “It is important for everyone, including the president, to understand that we play an important role here in the Congress and elsewhere.”
Contributing: Christal Hayes, USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-02-05--FACT CHECK: Looking at Trump's claims in his State of Union address

WASHINGTON ( AP ) — President Donald Trump 's portrayal of American renewal Tuesday night drew on falsehoods about American energy supremacy , health care and the economy as well as distortions about his predecessor 's record .
The Associated Press fact-checked remarks from Trump 's State of the Union speech .
A look at some of the claims examined : TRUMP : “ Before I came into office , if you showed up illegally on our southern border and were arrested , you were simply released and allowed into our country , never to be seen again .
My @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come illegally , you will now be promptly removed.
” THE FACTS : Not true .
Under previous administrations , Mexicans were quickly returned back over the U.S.-Mexico border , while others were held in detention until they were deported .
Some migrants from other countries were released into the interior of the United States to wait out their immigration cases .
And despite Trump 's claims that all migrants are now “ promptly ” removed , there is a 1 million immigration court case backlog , which means many migrants wait up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before a judge who will determine whether someone is deported .
And after a judge rules a migrant deported , travel papers must be obtained , which often leads to further delays .
More : Trump-Pelosi drama was on full display at the State of the Union address .
As for ending “ catch and release , ” Trump actually expanded that policy last year during a surge in migrants , releasing thousands of migrants who flooded shelters along the border .
The surge has since passed , so fewer people are being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ released .
But an effort by immigration officials to detain children indefinitely was blocked by a judge , so children are still released into the country .
TRUMP : “ The USMCA will create nearly 100,000 new high-paying American auto jobs , and massively boost exports for our farmers , ranchers and factory workers.
” THE FACTS : The president is exaggerating .
The U.S. International Trade Commission examined the deal with Canada and Mexico in an April report .
The report estimated that the deal would add only 28,000 auto industry jobs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Separately , government officials are quoted in the report saying they believe the sector would add 76,000 jobs based on their methodology .
It ’ s still not the 100,000 jobs claimed by Trump .
TRUMP : “ In eight years under the last administration , over 300,000 working-age people dropped out of the workforce .
In just three years of my Administration , 3.5 million working-age people have joined the workforce.
” THE FACTS : Trump is being misleading with numbers to tarnish his predecessor ’ s record .
It ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ working-age.
” But the total size of the U.S. labor force shows that the president is just wrong .
During the eight years of Barack Obama ’ s presidency , the labor force rose by 5.06 million , according to the Labor Department .
The improvement reflected a rebounding economy from the Great Recession and population growth .
More : Nancy Pelosi rips up Trump 's speech and other top moments from the 2020 State of the Union address As the unemployment rate has fallen , more people are finding it attractive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This has enabled the labor force to climb by an impressive 4.86 million in just three years under Trump .
TRUMP : “ From the instant I took office , I moved rapidly to revive the U.S. economy — slashing a record number of job killing-regulations , enacting historic and record-setting tax cuts , and fighting for fair and reciprocal trade agreements .
THE FACTS : The U.S. economy indeed is healthy , but it ’ s had plenty of hiccups during the Trump administration .
Trump never quite managed to achieve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ election .
Instead , gains have largely followed along the same lines of an expansion that started more than a decade ago under Obama .
Total economic growth last year was 2.3 % .
That is roughly in line with the average gains achieved after the Great Recession — and a far cry from growth of as much 3 % , 4 % or more that Trump told voters he could deliver .
More : Democrats to respond to Trump State of the Union by focusing on health care The tax cuts did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spending increased .
But the administration claimed its tax plan would increase business investment in way that could fuel lasting growth .
For the past three quarters , business investment has instead declined .
It ’ s too soon to judge the impact of the updated trade agreement with Mexico and Canada as well as the pact with China .
But Trump premised his economic policy on wiping out the trade gap .
Instead , the trade deficit has worsened under Trump .
TRUMP : “ For the first time in 51 years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ went down . ''
THE FACTS : Prices for prescription drugs have edged down , but that is driven by declines for generics .
Prices for brand-name medications are still going up , although more moderately .
Nonpartisan government experts at the Department of Health and Human Services reported last year that prices for pharmacy prescriptions went down by 1 % in 2018 , the first such price drop in 45 years .
The department said the last time retail prescription drug prices declined was in 1973 , when they went down by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are restoring our nation ’ s manufacturing might , even though predictions were that this could never be done .
After losing 60,000 factories under the previous two administrations , America has now gained 12,000 new factories under my administration.
” THE FACTS : Not quite .
Manufacturing has slumped in the past year , after having advanced in the prior two years .
The president ’ s tariffs regime and slower growth worldwide hurt the sector in ways that suggest that Trump ’ s policies robbed it of some of its previous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the past 12 months , according to the Federal Reserve .
Manufacturing job gains went from more than 260,000 at the end of 2018 to a paltry 46,000 for the 12 months ended in December , according to the Labor Department .
Manufacturers lost jobs last year in Michigan , Ohio , Pennsylvania and Wisconsin — the older industrial states where Trump had promised a renaissance .
TRUMP : “ Thanks to our bold regulatory reduction campaign , the United States has become the number one producer of oil and natural gas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ far.
” THE FACTS : Trump is taking credit for a U.S. oil and gas production boom that started under Obama .
The U.S. Energy Information Administration says the U.S. has been the world ’ s top natural gas producer since 2009 , top petroleum hydrocarbon producer since 2013 , and top crude oil producer since 2018 .
That ’ s owing to a U.S. shale boom that has driven production up since 2011 , not to deregulation or any other new effort by the Trump administration .
TRUMP : “ We will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ THE FACTS : That 's a promise , not a guarantee .
The Trump administration is backing a lawsuit by conservative-led states that would overturn the entire Affordable Care Act , including its guarantees that people can not be turned down or charged more for health insurance because of preexisting medical problems .
Trump and congressional Republicans have vowed they will protect people with preexisting conditions , but they have not specified how they would do that .
Estimates of how many people could potentially be affected if “ Obamacare 's ” protections @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about 54 million working-age adults , in a study last year from the Kaiser Family Foundation , to as many as 133 million people in a 2017 government study that also included children .
Associated Press writers Colleen Long , Ellen Knickmeyer , Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar and Cal Woodward contributed to this report .

Josh Boak and Hope Yen, Associated Press

FACT CHECK: Looking at Trump's claims in his State of Union address
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump's portrayal of American renewal Tuesday night drew on falsehoods about American energy supremacy, health care and the economy as well as distortions about his predecessor's record.
The Associated Press fact-checked remarks from Trump's State of the Union speech. A look at some of the claims examined:
IMMIGRATION
TRUMP: “Before I came into office, if you showed up illegally on our southern border and were arrested, you were simply released and allowed into our country, never to be seen again. My administration has ended catch-and-release. If you come illegally, you will now be promptly removed.”
THE FACTS: Not true. Under previous administrations, Mexicans were quickly returned back over the U.S.-Mexico border, while others were held in detention until they were deported. Some migrants from other countries were released into the interior of the United States to wait out their immigration cases.
And despite Trump's claims that all migrants are now “promptly” removed, there is a 1 million immigration court case backlog, which means many migrants wait up to three years before a court hearing before a judge who will determine whether someone is deported. And after a judge rules a migrant deported, travel papers must be obtained, which often leads to further delays.
More: Trump-Pelosi drama was on full display at the State of the Union address.
As for ending “catch and release,” Trump actually expanded that policy last year during a surge in migrants, releasing thousands of migrants who flooded shelters along the border. The surge has since passed, so fewer people are being held and fewer would need to be released. But an effort by immigration officials to detain children indefinitely was blocked by a judge, so children are still released into the country.
JOBS and ECONOMY
TRUMP: “The USMCA will create nearly 100,000 new high-paying American auto jobs, and massively boost exports for our farmers, ranchers and factory workers.”
THE FACTS: The president is exaggerating.
The U.S. International Trade Commission examined the deal with Canada and Mexico in an April report. The report estimated that the deal would add only 28,000 auto industry jobs six years after the deal is implemented. Separately, government officials are quoted in the report saying they believe the sector would add 76,000 jobs based on their methodology.
It’s still not the 100,000 jobs claimed by Trump.
___
TRUMP: “In eight years under the last administration, over 300,000 working-age people dropped out of the workforce. In just three years of my Administration, 3.5 million working-age people have joined the workforce.”
THE FACTS: Trump is being misleading with numbers to tarnish his predecessor’s record. It’s not clear what he means by “working-age.” But the total size of the U.S. labor force shows that the president is just wrong.
During the eight years of Barack Obama’s presidency, the labor force rose by 5.06 million, according to the Labor Department. The improvement reflected a rebounding economy from the Great Recession and population growth.
More: Nancy Pelosi rips up Trump's speech and other top moments from the 2020 State of the Union address
As the unemployment rate has fallen, more people are finding it attractive to work and joining the labor force. This has enabled the labor force to climb by an impressive 4.86 million in just three years under Trump.
___
TRUMP: “From the instant I took office, I moved rapidly to revive the U.S. economy — slashing a record number of job killing-regulations, enacting historic and record-setting tax cuts, and fighting for fair and reciprocal trade agreements.
THE FACTS: The U.S. economy indeed is healthy, but it’s had plenty of hiccups during the Trump administration.
Trump never quite managed to achieve the liftoff he promised during the 2016 election. Instead, gains have largely followed along the same lines of an expansion that started more than a decade ago under Obama.
Total economic growth last year was 2.3%. That is roughly in line with the average gains achieved after the Great Recession — and a far cry from growth of as much 3%, 4% or more that Trump told voters he could deliver.
More: Democrats to respond to Trump State of the Union by focusing on health care
The tax cuts did temporarily boost growth in 2018 as deficit spending increased. But the administration claimed its tax plan would increase business investment in way that could fuel lasting growth. For the past three quarters, business investment has instead declined.
It’s too soon to judge the impact of the updated trade agreement with Mexico and Canada as well as the pact with China. But Trump premised his economic policy on wiping out the trade gap. Instead, the trade deficit has worsened under Trump.
DRUG PRICES
TRUMP: “For the first time in 51 years, the cost of prescription drugs actually went down."
THE FACTS: Prices for prescription drugs have edged down, but that is driven by declines for generics. Prices for brand-name medications are still going up, although more moderately.
Nonpartisan government experts at the Department of Health and Human Services reported last year that prices for pharmacy prescriptions went down by 1% in 2018, the first such price drop in 45 years.
The department said the last time retail prescription drug prices declined was in 1973, when they went down by 0.2%.
MANUFACTURING
TRUMP: “We are restoring our nation’s manufacturing might, even though predictions were that this could never be done. After losing 60,000 factories under the previous two administrations, America has now gained 12,000 new factories under my administration.”
THE FACTS: Not quite.
Manufacturing has slumped in the past year, after having advanced in the prior two years. The president’s tariffs regime and slower growth worldwide hurt the sector in ways that suggest that Trump’s policies robbed it of some of its previous strength.
Factory output fell 1.3% over the past 12 months, according to the Federal Reserve. Manufacturing job gains went from more than 260,000 at the end of 2018 to a paltry 46,000 for the 12 months ended in December, according to the Labor Department. Manufacturers lost jobs last year in Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin — the older industrial states where Trump had promised a renaissance.
OIL AND GAS
TRUMP: “Thanks to our bold regulatory reduction campaign, the United States has become the number one producer of oil and natural gas, anywhere in the world, by far.”
THE FACTS: Trump is taking credit for a U.S. oil and gas production boom that started under Obama. The U.S. Energy Information Administration says the U.S. has been the world’s top natural gas producer since 2009, top petroleum hydrocarbon producer since 2013, and top crude oil producer since 2018.
That’s owing to a U.S. shale boom that has driven production up since 2011, not to deregulation or any other new effort by the Trump administration.
HEALTH CARE
TRUMP: “We will always protect patients with preexisting conditions.”
THE FACTS: That's a promise, not a guarantee.
The Trump administration is backing a lawsuit by conservative-led states that would overturn the entire Affordable Care Act, including its guarantees that people cannot be turned down or charged more for health insurance because of preexisting medical problems.
Trump and congressional Republicans have vowed they will protect people with preexisting conditions, but they have not specified how they would do that.
Estimates of how many people could potentially be affected if “Obamacare's” protections for preexisting conditions are eliminated range from about 54 million working-age adults, in a study last year from the Kaiser Family Foundation, to as many as 133 million people in a 2017 government study that also included children.
___
Associated Press writers Colleen Long, Ellen Knickmeyer, Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar and Cal Woodward contributed to this report.


usatoday--2020-02-05--Woman withdraws her Iowa caucus vote for candidate Pete Buttigieg after learning he's gay

Iowa Caucus-Goer withdraws Buttigieg support after learning he is gay An Iowa caucus-goer who voted for presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg @ @ @ @ @ caucus changed her mind after learning he is gay .

Iowa Caucus-Goer withdraws Buttigieg support after learning he is gay
An Iowa caucus-goer who voted for presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg in the state’s caucus changed her mind after learning he is gay.
Storyful


usatoday--2020-02-05--Speaker Nancy Pelosi rips up Pres. Trump's State of the Union speech

Nancy Pelosi appears to rip up Trump 's State of the Union speech Speaker Nancy Pelosi ripped up President Donald @ @ @ @ @ Union script as he ended his speech .

Nancy Pelosi rips up Trump's State of the Union speech
Speaker Nancy Pelosi ripped up President Donald Trump's State of the Union script as he ended his speech.
USA TODAY, Associated Press


usatoday--2020-02-05--Surprise, emotional military reunion for family during State of the Union

A wife was brought to tears during the State of the Union after they were surprised with her husband who @ @ @ @ @ seven months .

State of the Union: Emotional surprise military reunion brings tears
A wife was brought to tears during the State of the Union after they were surprised with her husband who was deployed for the past seven months.
USA TODAY, Associated Press