usatoday--2020-03-03--President Trump to tour tornado damage in Tennessee on Friday

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump said he will travel to Tennessee on Friday to review recovery efforts from the `` horrible '' and `` very vicious '' tornadoes that killed at least 19 people .
`` We 're working with the leaders in Tennessee , '' Trump told the National Association of Counties Legislative Conference in a speech Tuesday that included discussion of his efforts to fight the spread of the coronavirus .
Proclaiming that the federal government will help Tennessee recover , Trump described tornadoes as `` vicious , '' and said : `` If you 're in their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bad things happen . ''
The tornadoes were part of a powerful storm system stretching from Texas to North Carolina .
One tornado slashed through Nashville for miles , leaving destroyed homes and downed powerlines in its wake .
At least 48 structures collapsed around Nashville , according to the Nashville Fire Department .
Tennessee Gov .
Bill Lee declared a state of emergency .
`` It is heartbreaking , '' Lee said .
“ We have had loss of life all across the state .
Four different counties , as of this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tornadoes : At least 19 killed as tornadoes rip through Nashville , Middle Tennessee , collapsing buildings Trump also spoke by phone Tuesday with Lee , offering the governor `` condolences for the lives lost and the families and communities impacted , '' the White House said in a statement .
`` The President underscored that the Federal Government will help the people of Tennessee respond to and recover from this tragic incident . ''
During Friday 's visit , Trump will `` tour some of the damage and offer support to Tennesseans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ presidents before him , Trump has often traveled to sites of tragedy in the role of `` comforter-in-chief . ''
Trump has visited cities that have suffered mass shootings , including Pittsburgh , El Paso and Las Vegas .
He also reviewed hurricane damage in Puerto Rico , Florida , Texas and the Carolinas .
He has been criticized on some of these trips , particularly Puerto Rico , for a lack of empathy and a slow federal response to the emergency .
The White House has added Tennessee to a Friday scheduled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta as it battles the spread of the coronavirus .
Later on Tuesday , Trump and Vice President Mike Pence will travel to the National Institutes of Health in Maryland , where they will talk with officials at the Vaccine Research Center .
In his speech to the national organization of county government executives , Trump said his team is `` moving aggressively '' to develop a vaccine against the coronavirus .
While Trump has said he hopes there can be a vaccine in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ administration say it is likely to take more than a year .
Trump also said the emergence of coronavirus shows how quickly things can change .
`` Six weeks ago , eight weeks ago , you never heard of this , '' Trump said .
`` All of a sudden , it 's got the world aflutter . ''
The speech to the National Association of Counties Legislative Conference was billed as a policy event , but some delegates at one point began chanting `` four more years '' at Trump .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump joked .
`` This is not supposed to be a political rally . ''

President Trump to tour tornado damage in Tennessee on Friday
Show Caption Hide Caption Nashville tornado: Extreme weather seen on camera A Nest camera caught extreme weather as a tornado ripped through Nashville, Tennessee. USA TODAY, Storyful
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump said he will travel to Tennessee on Friday to review recovery efforts from the "horrible" and "very vicious" tornadoes that killed at least 19 people.
"We're working with the leaders in Tennessee," Trump told the National Association of Counties Legislative Conference in a speech Tuesday that included discussion of his efforts to fight the spread of the coronavirus.
Proclaiming that the federal government will help Tennessee recover, Trump described tornadoes as "vicious," and said: "If you're in their path, bad things happen. Really bad things happen."
The tornadoes were part of a powerful storm system stretching from Texas to North Carolina. One tornado slashed through Nashville for miles, leaving destroyed homes and downed powerlines in its wake. At least 48 structures collapsed around Nashville, according to the Nashville Fire Department. Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee declared a state of emergency.
"It is heartbreaking," Lee said. “We have had loss of life all across the state. Four different counties, as of this morning, had confirmed fatalities.”
Tennessee tornadoes: At least 19 killed as tornadoes rip through Nashville, Middle Tennessee, collapsing buildings
Trump also spoke by phone Tuesday with Lee, offering the governor "condolences for the lives lost and the families and communities impacted," the White House said in a statement. "The President underscored that the Federal Government will help the people of Tennessee respond to and recover from this tragic incident."
During Friday's visit, Trump will "tour some of the damage and offer support to Tennesseans," the statement said.
Like presidents before him, Trump has often traveled to sites of tragedy in the role of "comforter-in-chief."
Trump has visited cities that have suffered mass shootings, including Pittsburgh, El Paso and Las Vegas. He also reviewed hurricane damage in Puerto Rico, Florida, Texas and the Carolinas.
He has been criticized on some of these trips, particularly Puerto Rico, for a lack of empathy and a slow federal response to the emergency.
The White House has added Tennessee to a Friday scheduled that already includes a Trump visit to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta as it battles the spread of the coronavirus.
Later on Tuesday, Trump and Vice President Mike Pence will travel to the National Institutes of Health in Maryland, where they will talk with officials at the Vaccine Research Center.
Super Tuesday: Coronavirus fears caused staffing issues at Super Tuesday polling sites in Texas
In his speech to the national organization of county government executives, Trump said his team is "moving aggressively" to develop a vaccine against the coronavirus. While Trump has said he hopes there can be a vaccine in a matter months, other officials in his administration say it is likely to take more than a year.
Trump also said the emergence of coronavirus shows how quickly things can change.
"Six weeks ago, eight weeks ago, you never heard of this," Trump said. "All of a sudden, it's got the world aflutter."
The speech to the National Association of Counties Legislative Conference was billed as a policy event, but some delegates at one point began chanting "four more years" at Trump.
"No, no, no," Trump joked. "This is not supposed to be a political rally."


usatoday--2020-03-03--Ex-Sen. Harry Reid endorses Joe Biden for president: 'A much-needed stabilizing force'

RENO , Nev. – Harry Reid is endorsing former Vice President Joe Biden for president , the ex-Nevada senator announced Monday .
In a statement , Reid said President Donald Trump has done `` unspeakable damage '' to the country .
Reid said the Democratic Party needs a candidate like Biden who can amass a large and diverse coalition to unseat the first-term Republican president .
“ Joe Biden ’ s strength of character and deep experience stand in the starkest contrast to Trump ’ s amorality , corruption and utter incompetence , '' Reid said in the statement .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ force following Trump ’ s disastrous term , offering a positive and progressive alternative to Trump ’ s dark vision of racism , xenophobia and policies built on cruelty and exclusion .
I believe Biden is best able to defeat Donald Trump and enact the policies we all care about . ''
Joe Biden seeks to consolidate moderate vote : Endorsements from Amy Klobuchar and Pete Buttigieg Opinion : Goodbye for now , Mayor Pete .
But this is not farewell .
Reid , a Democrat and former Senate majority leader , retired @ @ @ @ @ @ @ powerful political kingmaker in Nevada and has maintained a longstanding relationship with Biden , who also spent more than three decades in the Senate .
Monday 's announcement delivers on Reid 's promise not to endorse ahead of Nevada 's closely watched presidential caucus .
It also counts as the latest sign that establishment Democrats are rallying around Biden , and against progressive firebrand Bernie Sanders , ahead of Super Tuesday – when more than one-third of delegates to the Democratic National Convention are awarded .
Former South Bend , Indiana , Mayor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , D-Minn. , have both dropped their White House bids and indicated they would endorse Biden ahead of the crucial spate of presidential nominating contests .
Affordable Care Act : Supreme Court once again will decide fate

Ex-Sen. Harry Reid endorses Joe Biden for president: 'A much-needed stabilizing force'
Show Caption Hide Caption How the DNC changed its rules since Sanders, Clinton in 2016 The primaries are here! How does one get elected in the first place and what is in store for the Democratic National Convention in 2020? We explain. Just the FAQs
RENO, Nev. – Harry Reid is endorsing former Vice President Joe Biden for president, the ex-Nevada senator announced Monday.
In a statement, Reid said President Donald Trump has done "unspeakable damage" to the country. Reid said the Democratic Party needs a candidate like Biden who can amass a large and diverse coalition to unseat the first-term Republican president.
“Joe Biden’s strength of character and deep experience stand in the starkest contrast to Trump’s amorality, corruption and utter incompetence," Reid said in the statement.
"Biden will be a much-needed stabilizing force following Trump’s disastrous term, offering a positive and progressive alternative to Trump’s dark vision of racism, xenophobia and policies built on cruelty and exclusion. I believe Biden is best able to defeat Donald Trump and enact the policies we all care about."
Joe Biden seeks to consolidate moderate vote: Endorsements from Amy Klobuchar and Pete Buttigieg
Opinion: Goodbye for now, Mayor Pete. But this is not farewell.
Reid, a Democrat and former Senate majority leader, retired in 2016.
But he remains a powerful political kingmaker in Nevada and has maintained a longstanding relationship with Biden, who also spent more than three decades in the Senate.
Monday's announcement delivers on Reid's promise not to endorse ahead of Nevada's closely watched presidential caucus.
It also counts as the latest sign that establishment Democrats are rallying around Biden, and against progressive firebrand Bernie Sanders, ahead of Super Tuesday – when more than one-third of delegates to the Democratic National Convention are awarded.
Former South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg and U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., have both dropped their White House bids and indicated they would endorse Biden ahead of the crucial spate of presidential nominating contests.
Coronavirus: Live updates
Affordable Care Act: Supreme Court once again will decide fate


usatoday--2020-03-04--Joe Biden has big Super Tuesday, race clarified to two frontrunners

Former Vice President Joe Biden won the most states on Super Tuesday , and the race became clearly a contest @ @ @ @ @ .

Joe Biden takes most states on Super Tuesday
Joe Biden won the most states on Super Tuesday, and the race became clearly a contest between the former Vice President and Senator Bernie Sanders.
USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-03-04--Bad night for Elizabeth Warren capped by losing home state of Massachusetts

BOSTON – It was a disastrous Super Tuesday for Sen. Elizabeth Warren , headlined by an embarrassing loss in her home state of Massachusetts , where she finished a distant third and lost to former Vice President Joe Biden .
The U.S. senator from Massachusetts all but disappeared on a night when the Democratic presidential primary turned into a head-to-head race between Biden and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders .
Warren not only won zero states ; she didn ’ t finish second in any primary .
Her Massachusetts finish was actually her top performance and the only state where she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vote as of 1:30 a.m. EST .
But Warren 's campaign signaled she has no plans to drop out of the race Tuesday night , reminding supporters in an email appealing for donations that results are still trickling in and six more primaries are a week away .
Warren , who led national polls in the fall , appeared to finish above the 15 % viability threshold in only a handful of states , meaning she will leave Super Tuesday with far fewer delegates than the two frontrunners .
Biden was declared the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
With 80 % of the votes reporting , Biden had nearly 34 % of the vote , followed by Sanders with 26 % and Warren 21 % .
The former vice president did not campaign in Massachusetts , build out any organization or air any television ads in the state .
In fact , a WBUR poll last Friday showed him polling at 9 % in fifth place .
Biden ’ s rapid post-South Carolina surge was arguably on display in Massachusetts more than any other state .
Strong in the South @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday , building on South Carolina win Warren 's lackluster performance even attracted the attention of President Donald Trump : “ Elizabeth ‘ Pocahontas ’ Warren , other than Mini Mike , was the loser of the night .
She didn ’ t even come close to winning her home state of Massachusetts .
Well , now she can just sit back with her husband and have a nice cold beer !
” Warren , who has campaigned in the party ’ s progressive lane , has lost support among the party 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ instead focused on patching together delegates .
But it ’ s hard to find a pathway for her to win a majority of the 1,991 delegates needed to win the Democratic nomination , meaning she would have to win a brokered convention .
Nonetheless , she looked ahead in an early evening campaign speech in Detroit .
`` Predictions are a terrible business .
Pundits have gotten it wrong over and over , '' Warren said .
`` Cast a vote that will make you proud .
Vote from your heart .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will make the best president of the United States.
” Are you registered to vote ?
Check your status or register online now Before the polls closed in Massachusetts Tuesday night , Warren 's campaign forged ahead with an email outlining the senator 's travel schedule this week .
She plans to hold events in Michigan , Arizona and Idaho – three states that vote later this month .

Joey Garrison and Courtney Subramanian, USA TODAY

Bad night for Elizabeth Warren capped by losing home state of Massachusetts
Show Caption Hide Caption Super Tuesday exit polls put Biden in lead for Democratic nomination Super Tuesday exit polls place Biden far ahead with black voters, but results don't mean victory is a lock. Hannah Gaber, USA TODAY
BOSTON – It was a disastrous Super Tuesday for Sen. Elizabeth Warren, headlined by an embarrassing loss in her home state of Massachusetts, where she finished a distant third and lost to former Vice President Joe Biden.
The U.S. senator from Massachusetts all but disappeared on a night when the Democratic presidential primary turned into a head-to-head race between Biden and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders.
Warren not only won zero states; she didn’t finish second in any primary. Her Massachusetts finish was actually her top performance and the only state where she won more than 20% of the vote as of 1:30 a.m. EST.
But Warren's campaign signaled she has no plans to drop out of the race Tuesday night, reminding supporters in an email appealing for donations that results are still trickling in and six more primaries are a week away.
Warren, who led national polls in the fall, appeared to finish above the 15% viability threshold in only a handful of states, meaning she will leave Super Tuesday with far fewer delegates than the two frontrunners.
Biden was declared the winner of Massachusetts by the Associated Press. With 80% of the votes reporting, Biden had nearly 34% of the vote, followed by Sanders with 26% and Warren 21%.
What is Super Tuesday and why is it important? A previous version of this video displayed an incorrect date in a graphic. It was 1988 when 14 Southern and border states held their primaries. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
The former vice president did not campaign in Massachusetts, build out any organization or air any television ads in the state. In fact, a WBUR poll last Friday showed him polling at 9% in fifth place. Biden’s rapid post-South Carolina surge was arguably on display in Massachusetts more than any other state.
Strong in the South: Biden sweeps the south on Super Tuesday, building on South Carolina win
Warren's lackluster performance even attracted the attention of President Donald Trump: “Elizabeth ‘Pocahontas’ Warren, other than Mini Mike, was the loser of the night. She didn’t even come close to winning her home state of Massachusetts. Well, now she can just sit back with her husband and have a nice cold beer!”
Elizabeth “Pocahontas” Warren, other than Mini Mike, was the loser of the night. She didn’t even come close to winning her home state of Massachusetts. Well, now she can just sit back with her husband and have a nice cold beer! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 4, 2020
Warren, who has campaigned in the party’s progressive lane, has lost support among the party's left to Sanders. Her campaign has instead focused on patching together delegates. But it’s hard to find a pathway for her to win a majority of the 1,991 delegates needed to win the Democratic nomination, meaning she would have to win a brokered convention.
Nonetheless, she looked ahead in an early evening campaign speech in Detroit.
"Predictions are a terrible business. Pundits have gotten it wrong over and over," Warren said. "Cast a vote that will make you proud. Vote from your heart. And vote for the person who you think will make the best president of the United States.”
Warren tells voters to 'vote from your heart' In the most pivotal night of the Democratic presidential primary, Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren addressed an enthusiastic crowd in Detroit, Michigan - whose voters won't take to the polls until next week. (March 3) AP
Are you registered to vote? Check your status or register online now
Before the polls closed in Massachusetts Tuesday night, Warren's campaign forged ahead with an email outlining the senator's travel schedule this week. She plans to hold events in Michigan, Arizona and Idaho – three states that vote later this month.


usatoday--2020-03-04--Do former vice presidents like Joe Biden have Secret Service protection?

Two protestors who rushed the stage during Joe Biden ’ s remarks on Super Tuesday prompted a flurry of questions about whether the former vice president has protection from the U.S. Secret Service .
The answer is no .
As a former vice president , Biden was entitled to Secret Service protection for up to six months after the date he left office .
Though the Department of Homeland Security can extend that window , it did not do so in Biden ’ s case .
The Biden campaign did not immediately respond .
“ Major ” presidential and vice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 120 days of the general election under the law .
But in practice , many candidates receive it much earlier in the campaign cycle .
The decision is not made by the Secret Service itself , but rather the DHS secretary , in consultation with congressional leaders .
Super Tuesday : Keep up with the latest developments DHS considers several factors when deciding which candidates will be covered , according to the U.S. Secret Service website .
Among the factors is whether the candidate is polling at 15 % or higher for at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ request the protection , and sometimes they don ’ t because it can make it more difficult to connect with voters .
Then-Sen. Barack Obama received his Secret Service detail in mid-2007 , months before he won the 2008 Democratic nomination .
The campaigns of Ben Carson and Donald Trump sought Secret Service protection in October 2015 , according to news reports at the time .
Biden was only a few words into his Super Tuesday speech when he suddenly had an unexpected visitor on the platform – a protester .
A woman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ behind Biden and his wife Jill before the woman was grabbed and pulled down .
As she was led away another woman jumped onto the riser and was quickly surrounded .
It was long enough , however , for the women to wave a sign just as Biden was launching into his remarks and while a battery of cameras was trained on him .

John Fritze, Bart Jansen and Chris Woodyard, USA TODAY

Do former vice presidents like Joe Biden have Secret Service protection?
Show Caption Hide Caption Biden hecklers rush the stage at his Super Tuesday speech At Joe Biden's Super Tuesday speech, some "Let Dairy Die" protesters rushed the stage, and were escorted quickly off. Associated Press, USA TODAY
Two protestors who rushed the stage during Joe Biden’s remarks on Super Tuesday prompted a flurry of questions about whether the former vice president has protection from the U.S. Secret Service.
The answer is no.
As a former vice president, Biden was entitled to Secret Service protection for up to six months after the date he left office. Though the Department of Homeland Security can extend that window, it did not do so in Biden’s case.
The Biden campaign did not immediately respond.
“Major” presidential and vice presidential candidates automatically receive the protection within 120 days of the general election under the law. But in practice, many candidates receive it much earlier in the campaign cycle. The decision is not made by the Secret Service itself, but rather the DHS secretary, in consultation with congressional leaders.
Super Tuesday: Keep up with the latest developments
DHS considers several factors when deciding which candidates will be covered, according to the U.S. Secret Service website. Among the factors is whether the candidate is polling at 15% or higher for at least 30 days. Campaigns have to request the protection, and sometimes they don’t because it can make it more difficult to connect with voters.
Then-Sen. Barack Obama received his Secret Service detail in mid-2007, months before he won the 2008 Democratic nomination. The campaigns of Ben Carson and Donald Trump sought Secret Service protection in October 2015, according to news reports at the time.
Biden was only a few words into his Super Tuesday speech when he suddenly had an unexpected visitor on the platform – a protester.
A woman tried to climb onto the riser from behind Biden and his wife Jill before the woman was grabbed and pulled down. As she was led away another woman jumped onto the riser and was quickly surrounded.
It was long enough, however, for the women to wave a sign just as Biden was launching into his remarks and while a battery of cameras was trained on him.


usatoday--2020-03-04--Some Joe Biden hecklers rushed the stage at his Super Tuesday speech

Biden hecklers rush the stage at his Super Tuesday speech At Joe Biden 's Super Tuesday speech , some `` @ @ @ @ @ rushed the stage , and were escorted quickly off .

Biden hecklers rush the stage at his Super Tuesday speech
At Joe Biden's Super Tuesday speech, some "Let Dairy Die" protesters rushed the stage, and were escorted quickly off.
Associated Press, USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-03-04--George Conway donates maximum amount to Joe Biden's campaign

WASHINGTON – George Conway , conservative lawyer and husband of senior adviser to President Donald Trump Kellyanne Conway , tweeted Tuesday night that he donated the maximum amount to former Vice President Joe Biden 's campaign .
Citizens are only allowed to donate $ 2,800 per election to a candidate .
Conway also changed his Twitter banner to Biden 's campaign logo Tuesday night .
His support of Biden comes as the former vice president has so far won the most states on Super Tuesday , including some that Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders won in 2016 .
Conway supported Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of his fiercest critics in recent years , despite his wife ’ s prominent position within the administration .
He has repeatedly criticized the president and publicly supported impeaching him .
He told reporters he is supporting Biden , “ because the nation can ’ t afford four more years with a megalomaniacal moron in the White House ” and that he tried to to give `` $ 5600 but the website wouldn ’ t take it .
They need to change that.
” Biden has aimed to make himself the candidate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ independents who are sick of Trump 's politics , contrasting himself from Sanders — a self-proclaimed Democratic socialist .

George Conway donates maximum amount to Joe Biden's campaign
Show Caption Hide Caption Super Tuesday exit polls put Biden in lead for Democratic nomination Super Tuesday exit polls place Biden far ahead with black voters, but results don't mean victory is a lock. Hannah Gaber, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – George Conway, conservative lawyer and husband of senior adviser to President Donald Trump Kellyanne Conway, tweeted Tuesday night that he donated the maximum amount to former Vice President Joe Biden's campaign.
Citizens are only allowed to donate $2,800 per election to a candidate. Conway also changed his Twitter banner to Biden's campaign logo Tuesday night.
His support of Biden comes as the former vice president has so far won the most states on Super Tuesday, including some that Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders won in 2016.
Conway supported Trump in the 2016 election but has become one of his fiercest critics in recent years, despite his wife’s prominent position within the administration.
He has repeatedly criticized the president and publicly supported impeaching him.
He told reporters he is supporting Biden, “because the nation can’t afford four more years with a megalomaniacal moron in the White House” and that he tried to to give "$5600 but the website wouldn’t take it. They need to change that.”
Biden has aimed to make himself the candidate that can appeal to moderate conservatives and independents who are sick of Trump's politics, contrasting himself from Sanders — a self-proclaimed Democratic socialist.


usatoday--2020-03-04--Joe Biden sweeps the south on Super Tuesday, building on South Carolina win

WASHINGTON – Joe Biden ’ s blowout in South Carolina , it turns out , was n't a fluke .
It was just the beginning .
After being counted out in the race for the Democratic nomination for weeks , the former vice president was poised to sweep the south on Super Tuesday .
Biden picked up rapid and substantial wins in Virginia , North Carolina , Alabama .
He went on to win Arkansas and Tennessee as well .
Biden 's success in the South underscored his strategy after Iowa and New Hampshire : He had always argued that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` more diverse '' states .
That appears to have panned out : Biden led Sen. Bernie Sanders among black voters in Virginia by 71 % to 16 % , in North Carolina by 62 % to 17 % , in Alabama 72 % to 9 % and in Tennessee 53 % to 20 % , according to exit polls .
Live Super Tuesday results : Follow live Super Tuesday results from across the country Mark Jones , a political science professor at Rice University in Texas , said South Carolina erased any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Then Biden consolidated moderate white votes with the departures of Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota and Pete Buttigieg , former mayor of South Bend , Ind .
“ Biden has extremely strong support within the African American community , which is a major electoral force from South Carolina to Texas , as well as a consolidation of support from moderate whites within the Democratic Party , ” Jones said .
Jordan Ragusa , associate professor at the University of Charleston and author of First in the South : Why the South Carolina Presidential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feel like African Americans ( in South Carolina ) feel like they can just trust him , that he ’ s genuine and he ’ s someone who will look out for their interests , '' Ragusa said .
Klobuchar and Buttigieg supporters then “ rallied behind Biden as the most viable centrist candidate to block Sanders from capturing the Democratic nomination , as well as ensuring that Donald Trump is a one-term president , ” Jones said .
“ It feels good , ” Biden said when confronted with reporters at a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we ’ re going to do well in some other states . ''
African American voters traditionally account for about 60 % of South Carolina ’ s Democratic vote , and Biden was supported by about 3 in 5 , compared to 1 in 5 for Sanders , according to exit polling .
Political experts had predicted that South Carolina could foreshadow other states with large populations of black voters .
The victories overcome Biden 's early losses in Iowa , New Hampshire and Nevada .
`` Being the underdog does n't hurt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comeback story ?
That 's been the story of his life , '' said Marc Broklawski , a Democratic National Committee member celebrating at a cafe in Alexandria , Va. As good as the early signs are Biden , they were just as troubling for former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg , who staked his entire campaign on Super Tuesday .
Bloomberg spent $ 539 million on advertising through Thursday , according to the tracking firm Advertising Analytics , with a significant investment in Virginia .
The big prizes on Super Tuesday are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ FiveThirtyEight.com suggested that Sanders was supported by twice as many respondents as Biden in California .
But Biden was shown neck-and-neck with Sanders in polling averages in Texas , and racking up wins in some of the smaller states he could cement the narrative that the contest for the nomination is between Biden and Sanders .
Dave Wasserman , who tracks elections for the non-partisan Cook Political Report , said if Biden could avoid losing California and Texas by more than single digits , that he could build an insurmountable lead in delegates @

Joe Biden sweeps the south on Super Tuesday, building on South Carolina win
Show Caption Hide Caption Biden wins South Carolina on support of black voters Former Vice President Joe Biden posted a resounding victory in the South Carolina primary, largely on the strength of his support among black voters. USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – Joe Biden’s blowout in South Carolina, it turns out, wasn't a fluke.
It was just the beginning.
After being counted out in the race for the Democratic nomination for weeks, the former vice president was poised to sweep the south on Super Tuesday. Biden picked up rapid and substantial wins in Virginia, North Carolina, Alabama.
He went on to win Arkansas and Tennessee as well.
Biden's success in the South underscored his strategy after Iowa and New Hampshire: He had always argued that his campaign would benefit from voting in "more diverse" states. That appears to have panned out: Biden led Sen. Bernie Sanders among black voters in Virginia by 71% to 16%, in North Carolina by 62% to 17%, in Alabama 72% to 9% and in Tennessee 53% to 20%, according to exit polls.
Live Super Tuesday results: Follow live Super Tuesday results from across the country
Mark Jones, a political science professor at Rice University in Texas, said South Carolina erased any question about Biden’s viability. Then Biden consolidated moderate white votes with the departures of Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota and Pete Buttigieg, former mayor of South Bend, Ind.
“Biden has extremely strong support within the African American community, which is a major electoral force from South Carolina to Texas, as well as a consolidation of support from moderate whites within the Democratic Party,” Jones said.
Jordan Ragusa, associate professor at the University of Charleston and author of First in the South: Why the South Carolina Presidential Primary Matters, agreed.
"I feel like African Americans (in South Carolina) feel like they can just trust him, that he’s genuine and he’s someone who will look out for their interests," Ragusa said.
What is Super Tuesday and why is it important? A previous version of this video displayed an incorrect date in a graphic. It was 1988 when 14 Southern and border states held their primaries. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
Klobuchar and Buttigieg supporters then “rallied behind Biden as the most viable centrist candidate to block Sanders from capturing the Democratic nomination, as well as ensuring that Donald Trump is a one-term president,” Jones said.
More: Live Super Tuesday primary election results from 14 state primaries
More: Biden's blowout win in South Carolina could reshape nomination fight
“It feels good,” Biden said when confronted with reporters at a restaurant in California. “I think we’re going to do well in some other states."
African American voters traditionally account for about 60% of South Carolina’s Democratic vote, and Biden was supported by about 3 in 5, compared to 1 in 5 for Sanders, according to exit polling. Political experts had predicted that South Carolina could foreshadow other states with large populations of black voters.
The victories overcome Biden's early losses in Iowa, New Hampshire and Nevada.
"Being the underdog doesn't hurt. Who doesn't love a good comeback story? That's been the story of his life," said Marc Broklawski, a Democratic National Committee member celebrating at a cafe in Alexandria, Va.
As good as the early signs are Biden, they were just as troubling for former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who staked his entire campaign on Super Tuesday. Bloomberg spent $539 million on advertising through Thursday, according to the tracking firm Advertising Analytics, with a significant investment in Virginia.
The big prizes on Super Tuesday are California and Texas.
Polling averages at FiveThirtyEight.com suggested that Sanders was supported by twice as many respondents as Biden in California. But Biden was shown neck-and-neck with Sanders in polling averages in Texas, and racking up wins in some of the smaller states he could cement the narrative that the contest for the nomination is between Biden and Sanders.
Dave Wasserman, who tracks elections for the non-partisan Cook Political Report, said if Biden could avoid losing California and Texas by more than single digits, that he could build an insurmountable lead in delegates.
Contributing: Ryan Miller.


usatoday--2020-03-04--Jeff Sessions comeback? Here are the congressional races to watch Super Tuesday

WASHINGTON – Jeff Sessions wants his old Senate seat back .
Standing in his way is not only his strained relationship with President Donald Trump after serving as attorney general , but a host of Republicans who are also vying to go head-to-head with Sen. Doug Jones , the Alabama Democrat who won the seat by a small margin in 2017 .
The Senate primary race in Alabama is among several congressional races taking place on Super Tuesday .
High-profile races in Texas and California also could have major ramifications for incumbents trying to fend off primary challengers .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over six others Tuesday evening , including Roy Moore , the Republican candidate who lost in 2017 against Jones .
But it was n't enough to prevent a runoff election at the end of the month .
Sessions ' neck-and-neck race against former Auburn University football coach Tommy Tuberville will continue in a runoff race at the end of the month .
In the state , if no candidate wins more than 50 % of the vote , the top two candidates will face off in a runoff election .
More : Aides @ @ @ @ @ @ @ try to sway Trump on Jeff Sessions before Alabama Senate primary In Texas , Republican Sen. John Cornyn fended off a host of Republicans running against him .
But he will have to wait a bit longer to learn which Democratic challenger he 'll face in November .
The Associated Press declared Air Force veteran MJ Hegar will advance to a runoff race but has not declared who she will face later this month as of 1 a.m. EST .
Her rivals have included state Sen. Royce West , Latina activist Cristina Tzintzún @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and former congressman Chris Bell .
If no candidate gets more than 50 % of the vote , the top two candidates will face off in a run off election at the end of the month .
The race has piqued national interest due to the massive amount of funding in 2018 that helped Beto O ’ Rourke come within three points of ousting Republican Sen. Ted Cruz .
In North Carolina , voters decided which Democrat they believe can unseat Sen. Thom Tillis .
While Tillis managed to fend off three GOP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ five Democrats were seeking to challenge him in November .
Voters decisively chose former state legislator Cal Cunningham over current state Sen. Erica Smith , according to the Associated Press .
Cunningham , an Iraq War veteran and 2010 U.S. Senate candidate , was the leading fundraiser in the primary .
He was endorsed by the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee and benefited from more than $ 9 million in outside spending from two super PACs .
Where House incumbents could have trouble While many incumbents have been able to escape serious primary challengers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tough battles .
In Texas , one of the most high-profile races being watched nationally is that of Rep. Henry Cuellar , who represents a swath of southwest Texas along the U.S.-Mexico border .
He is facing a tough battle against immigration attorney Jessica Cisneros , a progressive whose been endorsed by both Sens .
Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren .
The race was still too close to call as of 2 a.m. EST .
The race is also a key test for Justice Democrats , the progressive group that helped elect freshman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2018 .
They are backing Cisneros .
Year of the woman ?
Not for Republican women in the House , where their ranks have plunged to a 25-year low Another race in Texas was eyed as possible trouble for an incumbent Republican .
Rep. Kay Granger , one of only about a dozen Republican women in the House , was able to fend off a fierce primary challenge against former technology executive Chris Putnam .
The Associated Press called the race in Granger 's favor shortly before 11 p.m. local time .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that includes Fort Worth since 1997 and while Trump has backed her , Putnam has posed a serious challenge .
In California , moderate Democratic Rep. Jim Costa faces a more progressive challenger in Esmeralda Soria .
The race was too close to call as of 1 a.m. EST .
Costa has served in the House since 2005 and represents the central California district that includes Santa Cruz .

Jeff Sessions comeback? Here are the congressional races to watch Super Tuesday
Show Caption Hide Caption How the DNC changed its rules since Sanders, Clinton in 2016 The primaries are here! How does one get elected in the first place and what is in store for the Democratic National Convention in 2020? We explain. Just the FAQs
WASHINGTON – Jeff Sessions wants his old Senate seat back. Standing in his way is not only his strained relationship with President Donald Trump after serving as attorney general, but a host of Republicans who are also vying to go head-to-head with Sen. Doug Jones, the Alabama Democrat who won the seat by a small margin in 2017.
The Senate primary race in Alabama is among several congressional races taking place on Super Tuesday. High-profile races in Texas and California also could have major ramifications for incumbents trying to fend off primary challengers.
Here's a rundown of major congressional primaries taking place Tuesday:
Key Senate races in Alabama, Texas, N.C.
In Alabama, Sessions eked out a victory over six others Tuesday evening, including Roy Moore, the Republican candidate who lost in 2017 against Jones. But it wasn't enough to prevent a runoff election at the end of the month.
Sessions' neck-and-neck race against former Auburn University football coach Tommy Tuberville will continue in a runoff race at the end of the month. In the state, if no candidate wins more than 50% of the vote, the top two candidates will face off in a runoff election.
More: Aides, lawmakers work behind the scenes to try to sway Trump on Jeff Sessions before Alabama Senate primary
Sessions, an Alabama icon, running for US Senate Former Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced Thursday he wants to reclaim his old Senate seat from Alabama, where he's been a conservative icon and dominant vote-getter since the 1990s. (Nov. 8) AP
In Texas, Republican Sen. John Cornyn fended off a host of Republicans running against him. But he will have to wait a bit longer to learn which Democratic challenger he'll face in November.
The Associated Press declared Air Force veteran MJ Hegar will advance to a runoff race but has not declared who she will face later this month as of 1 a.m. EST.
Her rivals have included state Sen. Royce West, Latina activist Cristina Tzintzún Ramirez, Houston city councilwoman Amanda Edwards and former congressman Chris Bell.
If no candidate gets more than 50% of the vote, the top two candidates will face off in a run off election at the end of the month. The race has piqued national interest due to the massive amount of funding in 2018 that helped Beto O’Rourke come within three points of ousting Republican Sen. Ted Cruz.
In North Carolina, voters decided which Democrat they believe can unseat Sen. Thom Tillis. While Tillis managed to fend off three GOP rivals who were little known statewide, five Democrats were seeking to challenge him in November.
Voters decisively chose former state legislator Cal Cunningham over current state Sen. Erica Smith, according to the Associated Press. Cunningham, an Iraq War veteran and 2010 U.S. Senate candidate, was the leading fundraiser in the primary. He was endorsed by the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee and benefited from more than $9 million in outside spending from two super PACs.
Where House incumbents could have trouble
While many incumbents have been able to escape serious primary challengers, a few House members are facing tough battles.
In Texas, one of the most high-profile races being watched nationally is that of Rep. Henry Cuellar, who represents a swath of southwest Texas along the U.S.-Mexico border. He is facing a tough battle against immigration attorney Jessica Cisneros, a progressive whose been endorsed by both Sens. Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren.
The race was still too close to call as of 2 a.m. EST.
The race is also a key test for Justice Democrats, the progressive group that helped elect freshman U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., in 2018. They are backing Cisneros.
Year of the woman? Not for Republican women in the House, where their ranks have plunged to a 25-year low
Another race in Texas was eyed as possible trouble for an incumbent Republican.
Rep. Kay Granger, one of only about a dozen Republican women in the House, was able to fend off a fierce primary challenge against former technology executive Chris Putnam. The Associated Press called the race in Granger's favor shortly before 11 p.m. local time.
She has represented the central Texas district that includes Fort Worth since 1997 and while Trump has backed her, Putnam has posed a serious challenge.
In California, moderate Democratic Rep. Jim Costa faces a more progressive challenger in Esmeralda Soria. The race was too close to call as of 1 a.m. EST.
Costa has served in the House since 2005 and represents the central California district that includes Santa Cruz.
Contributing: Associated Press


usatoday--2020-03-04--Michael Bloomberg under-performing in key Super Tuesday states despite massive investment

WASHINGTON – Democratic presidential candidate Michael Bloomberg was under-performing in several Super Tuesday states where he had spent heavily on staffing and advertising .
Speaking to supporters in West Palm Beach , Bloomberg vowed to press ahead .
“ No matter how many delegates we win tonight , we have done something no one thought was possible , '' the former New York City mayor said .
“ In just three months , we ’ ve gone from 1 % in the polls to being a contender for the Democratic nomination.
” With more than 95 % of precincts reported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden crushed his competitors , garnering 54 % followed by 23 % for Sen. Bernie Sanders and 11 % for Sen. Elizabeth Warren .
Bloomberg , a billionaire who is self-funding his campaigning , was in fourth place with 10 % .
Biden was also projected to win North Carolina , Tennessee , Minnesota , and Alabama .
So far , Bloomberg won a single contest – the caucuses in the territory of American Samoa , which will award him 5 delegates to the Democratic National Convention .
He also picked up at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Carolina , Tennessee , Texas and Colorado .
Larry Sabato , the director of the University of Virginia Center for Politics , said Bloomberg might not even clear the 15 % threshold to secure any delegates in Virginia – a potential “ embarrassment , ” he wrote on Twitter .
“ A hint to say bye-bye ?
” he quipped .
Some Democrats have called on him to drop out of the race as former Vice President Joe Biden has surged back into the race .

Michael Bloomberg under-performing in key Super Tuesday states despite massive investment
Show Caption Hide Caption Super Tuesday exit polls put Biden in lead for Democratic nomination Super Tuesday exit polls place Biden far ahead with black voters, but results don't mean victory is a lock. Hannah Gaber, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – Democratic presidential candidate Michael Bloomberg was under-performing in several Super Tuesday states where he had spent heavily on staffing and advertising.
Speaking to supporters in West Palm Beach, Bloomberg vowed to press ahead.
“No matter how many delegates we win tonight, we have done something no one thought was possible," the former New York City mayor said. “In just three months, we’ve gone from 1% in the polls to being a contender for the Democratic nomination.”
With more than 95% of precincts reported in Virginia, former Vice President Joe Biden crushed his competitors, garnering 54% followed by 23% for Sen. Bernie Sanders and 11% for Sen. Elizabeth Warren. Bloomberg, a billionaire who is self-funding his campaigning, was in fourth place with 10%. Biden was also projected to win North Carolina, Tennessee, Minnesota, and Alabama.
Super Tuesday: Joe Biden racks up several wins
So far, Bloomberg won a single contest – the caucuses in the territory of American Samoa, which will award him 5 delegates to the Democratic National Convention. He also picked up at least a dozen delegates total from North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Colorado.
BLOOMBERG MAY NOT HIT 15% IN VA. After Bloomberg's massive sums in VA--mainly for TV ads that you couldn't avoid no matter what you watched--it's an embarrassment not to get over 15% statewide. A hint to say bye-bye? #VirginiaPrimary — Larry Sabato (@LarrySabato) March 4, 2020
Larry Sabato, the director of the University of Virginia Center for Politics, said Bloomberg might not even clear the 15% threshold to secure any delegates in Virginia – a potential “embarrassment,” he wrote on Twitter.
“A hint to say bye-bye?” he quipped. Some Democrats have called on him to drop out of the race as former Vice President Joe Biden has surged back into the race.


usatoday--2020-03-04--Maine Republican Sen. Susan Collins won't say if she voted for Trump in Super Tuesday primary

WASHINGTON – Maine Sen. Susan Collins declined to comment Tuesday when asked if she voted for President Donald Trump in Maine 's primary election .
`` I already answered that question , '' she told CNN when asked about her presidential vote .
The cable news network said a Collins spokesperson referred reporters to an interview the senator gave Friday to a Portland , Maine , TV station .
When asked in that interview if she voted for Trump , Collins told WCSH that she had already voted absentee .
She said many Democratic candidates in Maine 's primary – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who is the favorite to become Collins ' challenger for Senate seat – have not divulged which Democratic presidential candidate they are supporting .
`` I 'm focused on my job and also on my own campaign , and I 'm just not going to get involved in presidential politics , '' Collins said .
Collins did not vote for Trump in 2016 Republican primary or in the general election that year .
`` Donald Trump does not reflect historical Republican values nor the inclusive approach to governing that is critical to healing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Collins said in an August 2016 op-ed for The Washington Post .
A moderate Republican in a battleground state that leans Democrat , Collins is considered one of the most vulnerable Senate incumbents .
Though she expressed reservations in each case , Collins voted with Trump on controversial issues such as impeachment , the confirmation of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh and the tax cuts in 2017 .
Her Democratic critics have slammed her for those votes , saying they demonstrate Collins is not the centrist she claims to be .

Maine Republican Sen. Susan Collins won't say if she voted for Trump in Super Tuesday primary
Show Caption Hide Caption Super Tuesday vote: Who's in, who's out, and how did we get here? Super Tuesday: who's in, who's out, and how did the field get narrowed to the candidates still in? Matthew Sobocinski, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – Maine Sen. Susan Collins declined to comment Tuesday when asked if she voted for President Donald Trump in Maine's primary election.
"I already answered that question," she told CNN when asked about her presidential vote. The cable news network said a Collins spokesperson referred reporters to an interview the senator gave Friday to a Portland, Maine, TV station.
When asked in that interview if she voted for Trump, Collins told WCSH that she had already voted absentee. She said many Democratic candidates in Maine's primary – including Maine House Speaker Sara Gideon, who is the favorite to become Collins' challenger for Senate seat – have not divulged which Democratic presidential candidate they are supporting.
"I'm focused on my job and also on my own campaign, and I'm just not going to get involved in presidential politics," Collins said.
Collins did not vote for Trump in 2016 Republican primary or in the general election that year.
"Donald Trump does not reflect historical Republican values nor the inclusive approach to governing that is critical to healing the divisions in our country," Collins said in an August 2016 op-ed for The Washington Post.
A moderate Republican in a battleground state that leans Democrat, Collins is considered one of the most vulnerable Senate incumbents.
Though she expressed reservations in each case, Collins voted with Trump on controversial issues such as impeachment, the confirmation of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh and the tax cuts in 2017. Her Democratic critics have slammed her for those votes, saying they demonstrate Collins is not the centrist she claims to be.


usatoday--2020-03-04--Chief Justice John Roberts scolds Chuck Schumer for 'threatening statements' against Gorsuch, Kavana

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

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


usatoday--2020-03-04--DOD linguist charged with espionage; accused of supplying U.S. intel sources to Hezbollah contact

WASHINGTON–A Defense Department linguist was charged with espionage Wednesday for allegedly supplying the names of U.S. intelligence sources to a foreign national linked to the Hebollah terrorist organization .
Federal prosecutors accused Mariam Taha Thompson , 61 , of compromising the sources ' identities by providing the information to a Lebanese citizen , placing their lives in `` grave danger . ''
`` If true , this conduct is a disgrace , especially for someone serving as a contractor with the Unites States military , '' Assistant Attorney General John Demers said .
`` This betrayal of country and colleagues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arrested by FBI agents at a U.S. military facility in Erbil , Iraq , where she held a top secret government security clearance .
Beginning Dec. 30 , the same day that protesters stormed the U.S. embassy in Iraq in response to U.S. airstrikes against Iranian-backed forces in Iraq , Thompson allegedly sought access to classified information that was unconnected to her duties in Erbil .
U.S. embassy targeted : Baghdad protests break out following deadly US airstrikes in Iraq and Syria ‘ Dangerous stalemate ’ : Attack on U.S. Embassy in Iraq @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Specifically , during a six-week period ... Thompson accessed dozens of files concerning human intelligence sources , including true names , personal identification data , background information and the photographs of the human assets , '' prosecutors claimed , She also obtained `` operational cables '' containing detailed information that the sources had provided to the U.S. government , as well as the techniques the sources were using to gather the information , according to court documents .
Prosecutors asserted that Thompson then transmitted the information `` in a handwritten note '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ involved in a `` romantic '' relationship with the linguist .
The Lebanese co-conspirator , prosecutors claimed , has `` apparent connections to Hezbollah . ''
Thompson , according to court documents , admitted to passing the information to the co-conspirator whose nephew was a member of the Lebanese Interior Ministry .
In interviews with FBI agents , the linguist first indicated that she was not aware that the nephew was affiliated with Hezbollah .
Under further questioning , however , she said there was an association .
Hezbollah , Thompson allegedly told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They can reach anybody . ''
District of Columbia U.S. Attorney Timothy Shea described the alleged conduct as representing a `` grave threat to national security ... that placed lives at risk . ''
In a written statement , the Pentagon said it was cooperating with the continuing criminal investigation , adding that military authorities were taking `` all necessary precautions . ''
An attorney representing Thompson could not be reached for comment Wednesday .
If convicted , Thompson faces a maximum punishment of life in prison .

DOD linguist charged with espionage; accused of supplying U.S. intel sources to Hezbollah contact
WASHINGTON–A Defense Department linguist was charged with espionage Wednesday for allegedly supplying the names of U.S. intelligence sources to a foreign national linked to the Hebollah terrorist organization.
Federal prosecutors accused Mariam Taha Thompson, 61, of compromising the sources' identities by providing the information to a Lebanese citizen, placing their lives in "grave danger."
"If true, this conduct is a disgrace, especially for someone serving as a contractor with the Unites States military," Assistant Attorney General John Demers said. "This betrayal of country and colleagues will be punished."
Thompson was arrested by FBI agents at a U.S. military facility in Erbil, Iraq, where she held a top secret government security clearance.
Beginning Dec. 30, the same day that protesters stormed the U.S. embassy in Iraq in response to U.S. airstrikes against Iranian-backed forces in Iraq, Thompson allegedly sought access to classified information that was unconnected to her duties in Erbil.
U.S. embassy targeted: Baghdad protests break out following deadly US airstrikes in Iraq and Syria
‘Dangerous stalemate’: Attack on U.S. Embassy in Iraq part of Iran’s escalating aggression
"Specifically, during a six-week period...Thompson accessed dozens of files concerning human intelligence sources, including true names, personal identification data, background information and the photographs of the human assets," prosecutors claimed,
She also obtained "operational cables" containing detailed information that the sources had provided to the U.S. government, as well as the techniques the sources were using to gather the information, according to court documents.
Prosecutors asserted that Thompson then transmitted the information "in a handwritten note" to the Lebanese national, who was involved in a "romantic" relationship with the linguist. The Lebanese co-conspirator, prosecutors claimed, has "apparent connections to Hezbollah."
Thompson, according to court documents, admitted to passing the information to the co-conspirator whose nephew was a member of the Lebanese Interior Ministry. In interviews with FBI agents, the linguist first indicated that she was not aware that the nephew was affiliated with Hezbollah. Under further questioning, however, she said there was an association.
Hezbollah, Thompson allegedly told FBI interrogators, is "like octopus. They can reach anybody."
District of Columbia U.S. Attorney Timothy Shea described the alleged conduct as representing a "grave threat to national security...that placed lives at risk."
In a written statement, the Pentagon said it was cooperating with the continuing criminal investigation, adding that military authorities were taking "all necessary precautions."
An attorney representing Thompson could not be reached for comment Wednesday.
If convicted, Thompson faces a maximum punishment of life in prison.


usatoday--2020-03-04--Jill Biden was the second lady for eight years, but she is much more than that

Jill Biden , Joe Biden 's wife , is more than a former second lady Dr. Jill Biden has championed @ @ @ @ @ Biden , throughout his political career , but the doctor of education is much more @ @ @

Jill Biden, Joe Biden's wife, is more than a former second lady
Dr. Jill Biden has championed for her husband, Joe Biden, throughout his political career. But she has her own incredible accomplishments.
USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-03-04--Michael Bloomberg's campaign was the most expensive self-funded campaign in history

WASHINGTON – In just more than three months in the presidential race , former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg spent over a half-billion dollars on ads alone on his bid for the Democratic presidential nomination , blowing through records for a self-funded presidential campaign .
He rejected all donations to his campaign , entirely self-funding the operation to the tune of $ 558 million on ads alone , according to ad-tracking firm Advertising Analytics , and making it the biggest self-funded campaign in history , according to the Center for Responsive Politics .
Businessman Tom Steyer 's 2020 bid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were the second and third-biggest self-funded races , according to Center for Responsive Politics estimates .
Bloomberg built a massive campaign apparatus with more than 2,400 staffers across 43 states and territories .
Businessman Tom Steyer , whose wealth Forbes says exceeds $ 1.6 billion , put $ 267.1 million of his own money into this year 's race before he dropped out after a disappointing finish in South Carolina last weekend .
President Donald Trump , the third-biggest self-funder spent $ 66.1 million of his own money on his own 2016 bid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Politics .
But it was n't enough .
The billionaire businessman dropped out of the race Wednesday after a disappointing showing on Super Tuesday .
Bloomberg , whose wealth Forbes estimates at more than $ 58 billion , entered the race too late to compete in the early states of Iowa , New Hampshire , Nevada , and South Carolina , so he staked his campaign 's future on a strong showing on Super Tuesday .
The campaign boasted having over 100 offices in Super Tuesday states .
More : Bloomberg ends his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Joe Biden More : Trump calls Super Tuesday a 'great comeback for Joe Biden , ' says Bloomberg is trying to 'save face' To try to make up for his campaign 's late start , Bloomberg drenched the country in advertising .
According to ad-tracking firm Advertising Analytics , Bloomberg shattered Obama 's 2012 ad-spending record of $ 338.3 million by mid-February .
After Super Tuesday , though , Bloomberg had only won a single race – the caucuses in American Samoa , which netted him five of the territory 's six delegates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the campaign spent a total of $ 558 million on radio , TV , and digital ads , the highest amount ever spent on ads in a political campaign .
The Bureau of Economic Analysis estimates American Samoa 's gross domestic product at $ 636 million in 2018 .

Michael Bloomberg's campaign was the most expensive self-funded campaign in history
Show Caption Hide Caption Mike Bloomberg ends campaign for president Former New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg ended his democratic presidential campaign the day after Super Tuesday. USA TODAY, Wochit
WASHINGTON – In just more than three months in the presidential race, former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg spent over a half-billion dollars on ads alone on his bid for the Democratic presidential nomination, blowing through records for a self-funded presidential campaign.
He rejected all donations to his campaign, entirely self-funding the operation to the tune of $558 million on ads alone, according to ad-tracking firm Advertising Analytics, and making it the biggest self-funded campaign in history, according to the Center for Responsive Politics. Businessman Tom Steyer's 2020 bid and President Donald Trump's 2016 bid were the second and third-biggest self-funded races, according to Center for Responsive Politics estimates.
Bloomberg built a massive campaign apparatus with more than 2,400 staffers across 43 states and territories.
Businessman Tom Steyer, whose wealth Forbes says exceeds $1.6 billion, put $267.1 million of his own money into this year's race before he dropped out after a disappointing finish in South Carolina last weekend. President Donald Trump, the third-biggest self-funder spent $66.1 million of his own money on his own 2016 bid, according to the Center for Responsive Politics.
What is Super Tuesday and why is it important? A previous version of this video displayed an incorrect date in a graphic. It was 1988 when 14 Southern and border states held their primaries. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
But it wasn't enough. The billionaire businessman dropped out of the race Wednesday after a disappointing showing on Super Tuesday.
Bloomberg, whose wealth Forbes estimates at more than $58 billion, entered the race too late to compete in the early states of Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada, and South Carolina, so he staked his campaign's future on a strong showing on Super Tuesday. The campaign boasted having over 100 offices in Super Tuesday states.
More: Bloomberg ends his bid for the Democratic nomination, endorses Joe Biden
More: Trump calls Super Tuesday a 'great comeback for Joe Biden,' says Bloomberg is trying to 'save face'
To try to make up for his campaign's late start, Bloomberg drenched the country in advertising.
According to ad-tracking firm Advertising Analytics, Bloomberg shattered Obama's 2012 ad-spending record of $338.3 million by mid-February.
.@MikeBloomberg is the highest spending presidential candidate of all time. According to our data, he has spent $338.7M on traditional media, surpassing @BarackObama's 2012 record of $338.3M. #Election2020 — Advertising Analytics (@Ad_Analytics) February 18, 2020
After Super Tuesday, though, Bloomberg had only won a single race – the caucuses in American Samoa, which netted him five of the territory's six delegates.
As of Wednesday, Advertising Analytics said the campaign spent a total of $558 million on radio, TV, and digital ads, the highest amount ever spent on ads in a political campaign.
The Bureau of Economic Analysis estimates American Samoa's gross domestic product at $636 million in 2018.


usatoday--2020-03-04--DOJ inspector general finds weaknesses in how the FBI identifies homegrown terrorists

WASHINGTON — The Justice Department 's inspector general found `` lapses '' in the FBI 's assessment of potential domestic terrorist threats , and the bureau `` has not taken sufficient action '' to fix these weaknesses , according to a report released Wednesday .
Since the Sept. 11 , 2001 , terrorist attacks , homegrown violent extremists have carried out more than 20 attacks in the United States , many of whom were suspects the FBI had previously investigated for possible terrorist links , according to the 47-page report .
After these attacks , the FBI reviewed practices in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which investigators did not sufficiently follow up or closed investigations into people who later carried out deadly attacks .
Even after reviewing its practices , `` nearly 40 percent of counterterrorism assessments went unaddressed for 18 months after deficiencies were known to the FBI , '' the report said .
Justice Department Inspector General Michael Horowitz 's assessment comes as threats from U.S. residents who radicalized have become the greatest terrorist threat to the United States .
These include homegrown violent extremists or those who are inspired by foreign militant groups like the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by racial and religious hatred and other personal grievances .
During testimony before the House Judiciary Committee last month , FBI Director Christopher Wray said that racially motivated extremists committed many of the terrorist attacks in the country in 2018 and 2019 , and such groups are now seen as being `` on the same footing '' as the Islamic State .
Jill Sanborn , assistant director of the FBI 's Counterterrorism Division , told members of another congressional committee last month that 2019 `` was the deadliest year for violent extremism '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The report also found that the FBI has had difficulty in determining whether those with mental health problems pose an actual threat to national security .
The report identified at least six terrorist attacks in the United States since 9/11 involving suspects whom the FBI had previously investigated for possible ties to terrorism .
Among these attacks were the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013 and the Pulse Nightclub mass shooting in Orlando in 2016 .
The FBI first investigated Pulse Nightclub shooter Omar Mateen in 2013 following statements suggesting extreme ideology .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ was closed in 2014 , did not properly address Mateen 's history of mental illness .
A similar lapse happened in the FBI 's investigation of Esteban Santiago , who shot and killed five people at Fort Lauderdale airport in Florida .
The report said the FBI began investigating Santiago in 2016 and found him to have severe mental health issues .
Santiago was referred to local law enforcement officers who took him to a psychiatric hospital .
The report also found `` divergent practices '' among field offices on checking its databases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ FBI must determine if some field offices may have missed opportunities to identify ( homegrown violent extremists ) , or if actions taken by other offices may have had implications for the civil liberties of subjects , '' Horowitz said .
The FBI did not respond to a request for comment .
But the report said the bureau agreed with the recommendations the inspector general 's office suggested , including giving clear guidance to field offices across the country .
Investigating potential terrorist acts by radicalized Americans has long been a challenge for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ largely untethered from specific organizations and protected from police scrutiny by free-speech rights , have proven more difficult for the government to investigate .
An affiliation with a designated international terrorist group makes someone fair game for U.S. criminal investigators ; expressing extreme , or even violent , views without such a connection typically does not .

DOJ inspector general finds weaknesses in how the FBI identifies homegrown terrorists
WASHINGTON — The Justice Department's inspector general found "lapses" in the FBI's assessment of potential domestic terrorist threats, and the bureau "has not taken sufficient action" to fix these weaknesses, according to a report released Wednesday.
Since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, homegrown violent extremists have carried out more than 20 attacks in the United States, many of whom were suspects the FBI had previously investigated for possible terrorist links, according to the 47-page report. After these attacks, the FBI reviewed practices in assessing terrorist threats and found instances in which investigators did not sufficiently follow up or closed investigations into people who later carried out deadly attacks.
Even after reviewing its practices, "nearly 40 percent of counterterrorism assessments went unaddressed for 18 months after deficiencies were known to the FBI," the report said.
Justice Department Inspector General Michael Horowitz's assessment comes as threats from U.S. residents who radicalized have become the greatest terrorist threat to the United States. These include homegrown violent extremists or those who are inspired by foreign militant groups like the Islamic State, and domestic terrorists motivated by racial and religious hatred and other personal grievances.
During testimony before the House Judiciary Committee last month, FBI Director Christopher Wray said that racially motivated extremists committed many of the terrorist attacks in the country in 2018 and 2019, and such groups are now seen as being "on the same footing" as the Islamic State.
Jill Sanborn, assistant director of the FBI's Counterterrorism Division, told members of another congressional committee last month that 2019 "was the deadliest year for violent extremism" since the Oklahoma City Bombing in 1995.
The report also found that the FBI has had difficulty in determining whether those with mental health problems pose an actual threat to national security.
The report identified at least six terrorist attacks in the United States since 9/11 involving suspects whom the FBI had previously investigated for possible ties to terrorism. Among these attacks were the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013 and the Pulse Nightclub mass shooting in Orlando in 2016.
The FBI first investigated Pulse Nightclub shooter Omar Mateen in 2013 following statements suggesting extreme ideology. The report said the investigation, which was closed in 2014, did not properly address Mateen's history of mental illness.
A similar lapse happened in the FBI's investigation of Esteban Santiago, who shot and killed five people at Fort Lauderdale airport in Florida. The report said the FBI began investigating Santiago in 2016 and found him to have severe mental health issues. Santiago was referred to local law enforcement officers who took him to a psychiatric hospital.
The report also found "divergent practices" among field offices on checking its databases.
"As a result, the FBI must determine if some field offices may have missed opportunities to identify (homegrown violent extremists), or if actions taken by other offices may have had implications for the civil liberties of subjects," Horowitz said.
The FBI did not respond to a request for comment. But the report said the bureau agreed with the recommendations the inspector general's office suggested, including giving clear guidance to field offices across the country.
Investigating potential terrorist acts by radicalized Americans has long been a challenge for the FBI.
Potential domestic attackers, largely untethered from specific organizations and protected from police scrutiny by free-speech rights, have proven more difficult for the government to investigate. An affiliation with a designated international terrorist group makes someone fair game for U.S. criminal investigators; expressing extreme, or even violent, views without such a connection typically does not.
Contributing: Kevin Johnson


usatoday--2020-03-04--Deeply divided Supreme Court debates limits on abortion providers

WASHINGTON – Abortion returned to the Supreme Court Wednesday after a four-year hiatus and the addition of two associate justices named by President Donald Trump , who predicted in 2016 his election would lead to the reversal of Roe v. Wade .
But after an hour 's debate that divided the court 's conservative and liberal justices , it appeared the result would be less of a revolution than abortion opponents had hoped .
And the result appeared to depend on Chief Justice John Roberts .
The issue was familiar : Should Louisiana be allowed to insist that doctors performing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
The court struck down a nearly identical law in Texas in 2016 , but Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh were not justices at the time .
None of the justices voiced a desire to overrule the Texas case , and there was little support evident for an even more radical notion : that abortion clinics and doctors lack legal standing to fight on their patients ' behalf .
Only Associate Justice Samuel Alito hammered home that argument .
Instead , the court 's decision appeared to depend on how Roberts , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's burdens and benefits .
A ruling is expected by late June .
`` The results could be different in different states , '' Roberts said at one point , referring to the burdens placed on women in Louisiana versus Texas and elsewhere as abortion clinics close and doctors stop performing the procedures .
But on the benefits of the law , he said , `` They 're not going to change from state to state . ''
Louisiana Solicitor General Elizabeth Murrill told the court those benefits include protecting the health and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strict standards for the doctors who treat them .
But Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg led the court 's four liberals in claiming that admitting privileges at a hospital within 30 miles of where an abortion is performed has no benefit , because women needing follow-up care generally use a hospital near their home .
`` Among medical procedures , first-trimester abortion is among the safest – far safer than childbirth , '' Ginsburg said .
While Gorsuch remained silent throughout the session , Kavanaugh asked whether state admitting privileges laws would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ burdened .
`` Could an admitting privileges law of this kind ever have a valid purpose ? ''
he asked Julie Rikelman , the lawyer representing June Medical Services , which operates a threatened abortion clinic in Shreveport .
`` These laws have no medical benefit whatsoever , '' Rikelman responded .
Sensing a new opportunity with a more conservative court , anti-abortion forces have mounted a frontal attack against the court 's precedents , starting with the Texas case and dating back to Roe v. Wade in 1973 , which legalized abortion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ produce the clear-cut victory they seek , the steady drumbeat of state laws limiting abortion promises to send more cases the high court 's way soon .
Disputes focus on the timing and type of abortions , regulations on clinics and doctors , requirements for patients – even the sex , race or disability of the fetus .
The laws threaten to extend a trend of abortion clinic closures that has slashed the number of independent clinics by one-third in the past eight years , from 510 to 344 , according to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mississippi , Missouri , North Dakota , South Dakota and West Virginia – each are down to one clinic .
Louisiana , which leads the nation with 89 abortion restrictions passed since 1973 , has three clinics left in New Orleans , Baton Rouge and Shreveport .
A federal district court judge who struck down the 2014 law found that it likely would force two out of business .
The law was resurrected by a federal appeals court panel , and the full appeals court refused to rehear the case .
Judges appointed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In the Texas case , a shorthanded court following the death of Associate Justice Antonin Scalia ruled 5-3 that requiring doctors to have hospital admitting privileges and clinics to meet surgical center standards imposed hardships on women without serving any medical purpose .
When the law was enacted , only six of the state 's 44 abortion clinics met the new requirements .
A court injunction allowed about 20 to remain open , but even after the high court victory , most of those that closed their doors never reopened .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ argued that the admitting privileges requirement would not have such a severe impact .
Still , the Supreme Court last February refused to let it take effect while legal challenges continued , with Roberts joining the court 's four liberal justices .
The state , backed by the Trump administration and scores of anti-abortion groups , contends the law is aimed at improving health and safety measures at abortion clinics .
But groups such as Americans United for Life are open about wanting to overturn Roe v. Wade .
Abortion rights groups say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provide abortions and unnecessary when just 1 in 400 patients needs hospitalization .
They also note that most of the nearly 10,000 women seeking abortions in Louisiana annually are poor and unable to travel long distances for the overnight stays state regulations require .
With Roberts and Kananaugh focused on the burdens and benefits of the law , it appeared they do not want to overrule the Texas case but believe at least the burdens – clinic closings , doctors failing to get admitting privileges , women being forced to drive long distances @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the same abortion restriction to be constitutional in some states but not others .
Much of the debate focused on the half dozen doctors who have performed abortions at the state 's three clinics and the efforts they made , or failed to make , to get admitting privileges .
Alito contended that some doctors lacked an incentive to gain those privileges because it would hurt their effort to get the Louisiana law struck down .
And U.S .
Principal Deputy Solicitor General Jeffrey Wall , representing the Trump administration , said several @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get hospital privileges .
It took almost 20 years after Roe v. Wade before the court reinforced both the right to abortion and states ' right to impose some restrictions in 1992 's Planned Parenthood v. Casey .
From 2000 to 2007 , the court struck down a state law banning late-term abortions , then upheld a similar federal law .
Last term , the justices upheld an Indiana law requiring the burial or cremation of fetal remains after an abortion .
But they refused to consider that state 's effort to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or disability , as well as Alabama 's effort to ban a particular second-term method of abortion .
At the Supreme Court , abortion opponents view Kavanaugh as the crucial fifth vote .
He praised Chief Justice William Rehnquist 's dissent in Roe , and he dissented as a federal appeals court judge from a decision in 2017 allowing an undocumented teenager in government custody to get an abortion .
But it may be a long way from Louisiana to the elimination of Roe v. Wade .
Roberts prefers to move slowly , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2018 referred to the high court 's abortion rulings as `` precedent on precedent . ''

Deeply divided Supreme Court debates limits on abortion providers
Show Caption Hide Caption Abortion laws: How different states use 'heartbeat' bills, Roe v. Wade The Supreme Court will review Mississippi abortion law, which bans abortions when a fetal heartbeat is detected. Here's how states handle abortion. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – Abortion returned to the Supreme Court Wednesday after a four-year hiatus and the addition of two associate justices named by President Donald Trump, who predicted in 2016 his election would lead to the reversal of Roe v. Wade.
But after an hour's debate that divided the court's conservative and liberal justices, it appeared the result would be less of a revolution than abortion opponents had hoped. And the result appeared to depend on Chief Justice John Roberts.
The issue was familiar: Should Louisiana be allowed to insist that doctors performing abortions have admitting privileges at nearby hospitals? The court struck down a nearly identical law in Texas in 2016, but Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh were not justices at the time.
None of the justices voiced a desire to overrule the Texas case, and there was little support evident for an even more radical notion: that abortion clinics and doctors lack legal standing to fight on their patients' behalf. Only Associate Justice Samuel Alito hammered home that argument.
Instead, the court's decision appeared to depend on how Roberts, and perhaps Kavanaugh, interpret the Louisiana law's burdens and benefits. A ruling is expected by late June.
"The results could be different in different states," Roberts said at one point, referring to the burdens placed on women in Louisiana versus Texas and elsewhere as abortion clinics close and doctors stop performing the procedures.
But on the benefits of the law, he said, "They're not going to change from state to state."
Louisiana Solicitor General Elizabeth Murrill told the court those benefits include protecting the health and safety of abortion clinic patients and demanding strict standards for the doctors who treat them.
But Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg led the court's four liberals in claiming that admitting privileges at a hospital within 30 miles of where an abortion is performed has no benefit, because women needing follow-up care generally use a hospital near their home.
"Among medical procedures, first-trimester abortion is among the safest – far safer than childbirth," Ginsburg said.
While Gorsuch remained silent throughout the session, Kavanaugh asked whether state admitting privileges laws would be constitutional if clinics and doctors were not burdened.
"Could an admitting privileges law of this kind ever have a valid purpose?" he asked Julie Rikelman, the lawyer representing June Medical Services, which operates a threatened abortion clinic in Shreveport.
"These laws have no medical benefit whatsoever," Rikelman responded.
Sensing a new opportunity with a more conservative court, anti-abortion forces have mounted a frontal attack against the court's precedents, starting with the Texas case and dating back to Roe v. Wade in 1973, which legalized abortion nationwide.
Even if Louisiana doesn't produce the clear-cut victory they seek, the steady drumbeat of state laws limiting abortion promises to send more cases the high court's way soon. Disputes focus on the timing and type of abortions, regulations on clinics and doctors, requirements for patients – even the sex, race or disability of the fetus.
The laws threaten to extend a trend of abortion clinic closures that has slashed the number of independent clinics by one-third in the past eight years, from 510 to 344, according to the Abortion Care Network. Five states – Mississippi, Missouri, North Dakota, South Dakota and West Virginia – each are down to one clinic.
Louisiana, which leads the nation with 89 abortion restrictions passed since 1973, has three clinics left in New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Shreveport. A federal district court judge who struck down the 2014 law found that it likely would force two out of business.
The law was resurrected by a federal appeals court panel, and the full appeals court refused to rehear the case. Judges appointed by Trump all voted with the majority.
In the Texas case, a shorthanded court following the death of Associate Justice Antonin Scalia ruled 5-3 that requiring doctors to have hospital admitting privileges and clinics to meet surgical center standards imposed hardships on women without serving any medical purpose.
When the law was enacted, only six of the state's 44 abortion clinics met the new requirements. A court injunction allowed about 20 to remain open, but even after the high court victory, most of those that closed their doors never reopened.
In Louisiana, state legislators and government officials argued that the admitting privileges requirement would not have such a severe impact. Still, the Supreme Court last February refused to let it take effect while legal challenges continued, with Roberts joining the court's four liberal justices.
The state, backed by the Trump administration and scores of anti-abortion groups, contends the law is aimed at improving health and safety measures at abortion clinics. But groups such as Americans United for Life are open about wanting to overturn Roe v. Wade.
Abortion rights groups say hospital privileges are elusive for physicians who provide abortions and unnecessary when just 1 in 400 patients needs hospitalization. They also note that most of the nearly 10,000 women seeking abortions in Louisiana annually are poor and unable to travel long distances for the overnight stays state regulations require.
With Roberts and Kananaugh focused on the burdens and benefits of the law, it appeared they do not want to overrule the Texas case but believe at least the burdens – clinic closings, doctors failing to get admitting privileges, women being forced to drive long distances – can vary. That would allow the same abortion restriction to be constitutional in some states but not others.
Much of the debate focused on the half dozen doctors who have performed abortions at the state's three clinics and the efforts they made, or failed to make, to get admitting privileges.
Alito contended that some doctors lacked an incentive to gain those privileges because it would hurt their effort to get the Louisiana law struck down. And U.S. Principal Deputy Solicitor General Jeffrey Wall, representing the Trump administration, said several doctors made only "modest efforts" to get hospital privileges.
It took almost 20 years after Roe v. Wade before the court reinforced both the right to abortion and states' right to impose some restrictions in 1992's Planned Parenthood v. Casey. From 2000 to 2007, the court struck down a state law banning late-term abortions, then upheld a similar federal law.
Last term, the justices upheld an Indiana law requiring the burial or cremation of fetal remains after an abortion. But they refused to consider that state's effort to ban abortions based on sex, race or disability, as well as Alabama's effort to ban a particular second-term method of abortion.
At the Supreme Court, abortion opponents view Kavanaugh as the crucial fifth vote. He praised Chief Justice William Rehnquist's dissent in Roe, and he dissented as a federal appeals court judge from a decision in 2017 allowing an undocumented teenager in government custody to get an abortion.
But it may be a long way from Louisiana to the elimination of Roe v. Wade. Roberts prefers to move slowly, and Kavanaugh during his confirmation hearings in 2018 referred to the high court's abortion rulings as "precedent on precedent."


usatoday--2020-03-04--Mike Bloomberg drops out of presidential race

Former New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg ended his democratic presidential campaign the day after Super Tuesday .

Mike Bloomberg ends campaign for president
Former New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg ended his democratic presidential campaign the day after Super Tuesday.
USA TODAY, Wochit