usatoday--2020-05-20--Which president would you pick to fight coronavirus? Many historians give FDR the nod

If you were picking the best president in history to battle the coronavirus pandemic , who would you choose ?
George Washington , who led his troops through the smallpox pandemic ?
Abraham Lincoln , who steered the nation through the Civil War ?
Franklin Delano Roosevelt , who guided the nation through the Great Depression and much of World War II ?
Or Donald Trump , who is managing the pandemic right now ?
Historian Douglas Brinkley , who has written about many of the nation ’ s presidents , picked Roosevelt .
As a victim of the polio @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ he really understood how a virus could attack a human body , ” Brinkley said .
“ He was a voice of optimism and reassurance , but not in a blind and foolish way .
He would tell the American people what was really happening in his fireside chats.
” In 1933 , when 1 in 4 Americans were unemployed , Roosevelt started the Civilian Conservation Corps that provided jobs planting billions of trees and establishing more than 800 parks .
In keeping with that idea , Brinkley said the U.S. needs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Peace Corps and AmeriCorps , to serve as an emergency pandemic force .
“ We ’ re going to have millions who have already had coronavirus who could volunteer and be trained to alleviate some of hospital workplace pressures that are engulfing our country right now , ” he said .
“ Getting Americans to volunteer for public service — that ’ s the way FDR ’ s mind would have thought.
” Historian John Barry , who wrote `` The Great Influenza : The Story of the Deadliest Pandemic in History , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ a proven ability to marshal unprecedented resources and unite the country to confront an emergency , and at the same time the flexibility to shift course if something isn ’ t working.
” Woodrow Wilson , who was president during the Spanish flu pandemic of 1918 , “ had the first two qualities , not the last , ” he said .
About 675,000 Americans died in the outbreak , which killed 50 million or more worldwide .
More : Trump threatens to permanently cut WHO funding and withdraw US membership More @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claims , as coronavirus layoffs wind on More : In a pandemic , the digital divide separates too many Americans from relief Historian Patrick J. Maney , who wrote `` The Roosevelt Presence : The Life and Legacy of FDR '' , praised Roosevelt for his empathy .
“ At Warm Springs ( Georgia ) , he would get in the water with the other polio victims , ” he said .
“ He was one of them.
” He said Roosevelt respected science and “ demonstrated before and during World War II @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coalition to fight a war , ” appointing two prominent Republicans to his administration : Henry L. Stimson as secretary of war and Frank Knox as secretary of the Navy .
“ Can you imagine appointing to your cabinet someone who had been the vice-presidential candidate against you in the last election ?
” he asked , referring to Knox .
“ Roosevelt remained the partisan when necessary , but also realized that you could not wage or win a war without national unity.
” For historian Stephanie Rolph , it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Their strength “ lay in their ability to know what they didn ’ t know , ” she said .
“ Out of that informed leadership came clear directives , unified objectives , and a commitment to long term success.
” She noted that both received “ their fair share of criticism , but when the health , welfare , and stability of the nation was at stake the strength of the federal government was the asset best situated to manage the crisis .
They knew that , and they unapologetically leveraged that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has written about presidents throughout U.S. history , said Lincoln , Ulysses S. Grant and Lyndon B. Johnson all had good qualities to take on the pandemic , but they also had flaws .
The best for such a crisis ?
Roosevelt , he said .
“ When he became president in 1933 , the economy was in freefall , poverty was metastasizing , there was no national safety net , and Americans widely feared complete social collapse.
” He won the public ’ s trust as “ perhaps the most politically creative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” he said .
“ He turned pragmatism into a political art .
He sought out the ablest men and a few women as advisors , listened to them and took their advice , … and was always willing to change course when circumstances demanded it.
” Historian Ibram X. Kendi said he would choose the president “ who has a proven track record of overcoming a viral crisis , in the Ebola virus , and an economic crisis , in the Great Depression ( of 2008 ) .
And that president is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ author of `` Carry Me Home : Birmingham , Alabama : The Climactic Battle of the Civil Rights Revolution '' , believes the president who championed major national initiatives—especially civil rights—would be the best president to tackle the pandemic .
Johnson had real empathy and “ wouldn ’ t have seen the COVID-19 pandemic as a social Darwinist choice between money and life , ” she said .
“ Yet he knew how to tie moral imperatives to economic realism , framing his human rights program as a War on Poverty.
” Historian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been best to prevent the spread of COVID-19 .
“ He would have ramped up protection against the coronavirus from the first word of its outbreak in Wuhan , ” he said .
“ He was the first president to take disaster preparedness planning seriously and the first to show any interest in global health issues , ” said Alter , whose book , `` His Very Best : Jimmy Carter , a Life '' , comes out this fall .
“ At home , he continued Gerald Ford 's vaccination program against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whose books have centered on America ’ s founding fathers , said the nation ’ s first president knew how to battle a pandemic .
He had beaten smallpox , which continued to ravage the world .
“ George Washington ’ s most strategic decision was to make sure all recruits to the Continental Army were inoculated against smallpox , ” Ellis said .
“ He understood smallpox , disease and contagion.
” Among 20th century presidents , Theodore Roosevelt would be best because no task proved too big for the former Rough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Canal when nobody thought it could be done , ” he said .
“ He is on Mount Rushmore and deserves to be.
” Historian Gary Wills believes Dwight D. Eisenhower , the general who led the successful D-Day invasion and later became president , would have been best at battling the current pandemic .
“ He knew how to read intelligence reports , how to respond to the unexpected , and how to delegate to the right specialists , ” he said .
Historian H.W .
Brands , who has written about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ picked a less likely candidate : Herbert Hoover , who has drawn his share of criticism for his handling of the Great Depression .
“ Few presidents were smarter than Hoover ; none had more respect for science and experts ; and none came even close in demonstrating what he could do in response to a public health crisis , ” Brands said .
“ Hoover headed humanitarian relief efforts in Europe during and after World War I , and in doing so helped save millions of lives .
“ Hoover was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agencies in the United States and abroad to work together toward a common goal .
Precisely what is needed today.
” Historian Anne Applebaum believes if Harry Truman were charge of the White House now , “ we ’ d be in much better shape , ” she said .
“ Truman had the three qualities most needed right now : humility and a willingness to take responsibility , as well an ability to innovate , rapidly , on a grand international scale.
” She said Truman rejected flatterers and listened to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sign on his desk : “ The buck stops here.
” The same president who created NATO and the Marshall Plan “ would have been able to pull together America ’ s alliances and reinvent global institutions in order to deal with this crisis , ” she said .
Truman , who understood the early Soviet threat , would have anticipated COVID-19 early as well , she said , “ avoiding the disaster that we find ourselves in right now .
”

Jerry Mitchell, Mississippi Center for Investigative Reporting

Which president would you pick to fight coronavirus? Many historians give FDR the nod
Show Caption Hide Caption Coronavirus: Trump says high case numbers is 'badge of honor' President Trump called the number of COVID-19 cases in the U.S., which is the highest in the world, a 'badge of honor.' USA TODAY
If you were picking the best president in history to battle the coronavirus pandemic, who would you choose?
George Washington, who led his troops through the smallpox pandemic? Abraham Lincoln, who steered the nation through the Civil War? Franklin Delano Roosevelt, who guided the nation through the Great Depression and much of World War II? Or Donald Trump, who is managing the pandemic right now?
Historian Douglas Brinkley, who has written about many of the nation’s presidents, picked Roosevelt.
As a victim of the polio epidemic of the early 20th century, “he really understood how a virus could attack a human body,” Brinkley said. “He was a voice of optimism and reassurance, but not in a blind and foolish way. He would tell the American people what was really happening in his fireside chats.”
In 1933, when 1 in 4 Americans were unemployed, Roosevelt started the Civilian Conservation Corps that provided jobs planting billions of trees and establishing more than 800 parks.
In keeping with that idea, Brinkley said the U.S. needs a medical corps, similar to the Peace Corps and AmeriCorps, to serve as an emergency pandemic force.
“We’re going to have millions who have already had coronavirus who could volunteer and be trained to alleviate some of hospital workplace pressures that are engulfing our country right now,” he said. “Getting Americans to volunteer for public service — that’s the way FDR’s mind would have thought.”
Historian John Barry, who wrote "The Great Influenza: The Story of the Deadliest Pandemic in History," pointed to Roosevelt as one with “a proven ability to marshal unprecedented resources and unite the country to confront an emergency, and at the same time the flexibility to shift course if something isn’t working.”
Woodrow Wilson, who was president during the Spanish flu pandemic of 1918, “had the first two qualities, not the last,” he said. About 675,000 Americans died in the outbreak, which killed 50 million or more worldwide.
More: Trump threatens to permanently cut WHO funding and withdraw US membership
More: Millions more expected to file jobless claims, as coronavirus layoffs wind on
More: In a pandemic, the digital divide separates too many Americans from relief
Historian Patrick J. Maney, who wrote "The Roosevelt Presence: The Life and Legacy of FDR", praised Roosevelt for his empathy. “At Warm Springs (Georgia), he would get in the water with the other polio victims,” he said. “He was one of them.”
He said Roosevelt respected science and “demonstrated before and during World War II how to build a national, bipartisan coalition to fight a war,” appointing two prominent Republicans to his administration: Henry L. Stimson as secretary of war and Frank Knox as secretary of the Navy.
“Can you imagine appointing to your cabinet someone who had been the vice-presidential candidate against you in the last election?” he asked, referring to Knox. “Roosevelt remained the partisan when necessary, but also realized that you could not wage or win a war without national unity.”
For historian Stephanie Rolph, it’s a tossup between Lincoln and Roosevelt. Their strength “lay in their ability to know what they didn’t know,” she said. “Out of that informed leadership came clear directives, unified objectives, and a commitment to long term success.”
She noted that both received “their fair share of criticism, but when the health, welfare, and stability of the nation was at stake the strength of the federal government was the asset best situated to manage the crisis. They knew that, and they unapologetically leveraged that asset.”
Historian Fergus Bordewich, who has written about presidents throughout U.S. history, said Lincoln, Ulysses S. Grant and Lyndon B. Johnson all had good qualities to take on the pandemic, but they also had flaws.
The best for such a crisis? Roosevelt, he said. “When he became president in 1933, the economy was in freefall, poverty was metastasizing, there was no national safety net, and Americans widely feared complete social collapse.”
He won the public’s trust as “perhaps the most politically creative president the country has ever had,” he said. “He turned pragmatism into a political art. He sought out the ablest men and a few women as advisors, listened to them and took their advice, … and was always willing to change course when circumstances demanded it.”
Historian Ibram X. Kendi said he would choose the president “who has a proven track record of overcoming a viral crisis, in the Ebola virus, and an economic crisis, in the Great Depression (of 2008). And that president is Barack Obama.”
Historian Diane McWhorter, author of "Carry Me Home: Birmingham, Alabama: The Climactic Battle of the Civil Rights Revolution", believes the president who championed major national initiatives—especially civil rights—would be the best president to tackle the pandemic.
Johnson had real empathy and “wouldn’t have seen the COVID-19 pandemic as a social Darwinist choice between money and life,” she said. “Yet he knew how to tie moral imperatives to economic realism, framing his human rights program as a War on Poverty.”
Historian Jonathan Alter believes Jimmy Carter would have been best to prevent the spread of COVID-19. “He would have ramped up protection against the coronavirus from the first word of its outbreak in Wuhan,” he said.
“He was the first president to take disaster preparedness planning seriously and the first to show any interest in global health issues,” said Alter, whose book, "His Very Best: Jimmy Carter, a Life", comes out this fall. “At home, he continued Gerald Ford's vaccination program against swine flu.”
Historian Joseph Ellis, whose books have centered on America’s founding fathers, said the nation’s first president knew how to battle a pandemic.
He had beaten smallpox, which continued to ravage the world. “George Washington’s most strategic decision was to make sure all recruits to the Continental Army were inoculated against smallpox,” Ellis said. “He understood smallpox, disease and contagion.”
Among 20th century presidents, Theodore Roosevelt would be best because no task proved too big for the former Rough Rider. “He built the Panama Canal when nobody thought it could be done,” he said. “He is on Mount Rushmore and deserves to be.”
Historian Gary Wills believes Dwight D. Eisenhower, the general who led the successful D-Day invasion and later became president, would have been best at battling the current pandemic.
“He knew how to read intelligence reports, how to respond to the unexpected, and how to delegate to the right specialists,” he said.
Historian H.W. Brands, who has written about presidents from Lincoln to Ronald Reagan, picked a less likely candidate: Herbert Hoover, who has drawn his share of criticism for his handling of the Great Depression.
“Few presidents were smarter than Hoover; none had more respect for science and experts; and none came even close in demonstrating what he could do in response to a public health crisis,” Brands said. “Hoover headed humanitarian relief efforts in Europe during and after World War I, and in doing so helped save millions of lives.
“Hoover was a genius at organizing and motivating people and agencies in the United States and abroad to work together toward a common goal. Precisely what is needed today.”
Historian Anne Applebaum believes if Harry Truman were charge of the White House now, “we’d be in much better shape,” she said. “Truman had the three qualities most needed right now: humility and a willingness to take responsibility, as well an ability to innovate, rapidly, on a grand international scale.”
She said Truman rejected flatterers and listened to the experts, following the advice of the sign on his desk: “The buck stops here.”
The same president who created NATO and the Marshall Plan “would have been able to pull together America’s alliances and reinvent global institutions in order to deal with this crisis,” she said. Truman, who understood the early Soviet threat, would have anticipated COVID-19 early as well, she said, “avoiding the disaster that we find ourselves in right now.”


usatoday--2020-05-20--Trump wants to bring G-7 gathering of world leaders back to Camp David for in-person meeting

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump said Wednesday he may invite world leaders to the United States for an in-person meeting of the G-7 next month , a move intended to signal the country is reopening but that drew lukewarm responses from his counterparts .
Trump canceled the in-person meeting , which had been scheduled to take place next month at Camp David , at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic .
At the time , the White House said the meeting would likely take place by video conference instead .
But the president , who has pressed for a return @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resurgence of the virus , indicated that rescheduling the annual meeting would send a powerful symbol to the world that the USA and other countries are on the mend .
`` I am considering rescheduling the G-7 , on the same or similar date , '' Trump wrote on Twitter , adding that the Camp David presidential retreat in Maryland would be the ideal site .
`` It would be a great sign to all – normalization ! ''
'Frustrated ' : Ousted health official dismisses Trump 's claim he is disgruntled More @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trip , but coronavirus got in the way Trump 's G-7 counterparts remained noncommittal .
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that world leaders need more detail before deciding whether to meet in person .
He said it ’ s important that the leaders meet in June in some capacity so they can discuss the coronavirus pandemic as well as restoring global economic activity .
`` We need to keep meeting as leaders .
Whether that 's virtual or in person we will certainly take a look at what the U.S. is proposing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what kind of measures will be in place to keep people safe , what kind of recommendations the experts are giving in terms of how that might function , '' Trudeau said .
The White House said Trump also raised the idea with French President Emmanuel Macron during a phone call on Wednesday .
White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany declined to characterize the response Trump had received from other world leaders or to discuss the logistics of putting an in-person meeting back on the calendar .
`` The president really wants to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
The G-7 meeting is an annual gathering , usually scheduled in the summer , of leaders from the world 's largest industrialized economies : The United States , Italy , Japan , France , the United Kingdom , Canada and Germany .
The leaders most recent met together in August in the resort town of Biarritz , France , last year .
White House officials initially announced they would hold the meeting at the president 's Doral golf resort in Miami , but then backed off after the decision prompted ethical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republican lawmakers .

Trump wants to bring G-7 gathering of world leaders back to Camp David for in-person meeting
Show Caption Hide Caption President Trump addresses not wearing mask at Honeywell plant Clarification: A previous headline unclearly attributed comments about Trump wearing a mask at a Honeywell manufacturing plant. Honeywell officials had not commented on the matter. Trump addressed criticism that he was not seen wearing a mask while touring the Honeywell manufacturing plant. USA TODAY, Wochit
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump said Wednesday he may invite world leaders to the United States for an in-person meeting of the G-7 next month, a move intended to signal the country is reopening but that drew lukewarm responses from his counterparts.
Trump canceled the in-person meeting, which had been scheduled to take place next month at Camp David, at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic. At the time, the White House said the meeting would likely take place by video conference instead.
But the president, who has pressed for a return to normalcy despite warnings of a possible resurgence of the virus, indicated that rescheduling the annual meeting would send a powerful symbol to the world that the USA and other countries are on the mend.
"I am considering rescheduling the G-7, on the same or similar date," Trump wrote on Twitter, adding that the Camp David presidential retreat in Maryland would be the ideal site. "It would be a great sign to all – normalization!"
'Frustrated': Ousted health official dismisses Trump's claim he is disgruntled
More: Pence aimed to project normalcy during trip, but coronavirus got in the way
Trump's G-7 counterparts remained noncommittal. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that world leaders need more detail before deciding whether to meet in person. He said it’s important that the leaders meet in June in some capacity so they can discuss the coronavirus pandemic as well as restoring global economic activity.
"We need to keep meeting as leaders. Whether that's virtual or in person we will certainly take a look at what the U.S. is proposing as host of the G-7 to see what kind of measures will be in place to keep people safe, what kind of recommendations the experts are giving in terms of how that might function," Trudeau said.
The White House said Trump also raised the idea with French President Emmanuel Macron during a phone call on Wednesday. White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany declined to characterize the response Trump had received from other world leaders or to discuss the logistics of putting an in-person meeting back on the calendar.
"The president really wants to see the G-7 happen," she said.
The G-7 meeting is an annual gathering, usually scheduled in the summer, of leaders from the world's largest industrialized economies: The United States, Italy, Japan, France, the United Kingdom, Canada and Germany. The leaders most recent met together in August in the resort town of Biarritz, France, last year.
White House officials initially announced they would hold the meeting at the president's Doral golf resort in Miami, but then backed off after the decision prompted ethical questions and swift condemnation from Democratic and Republican lawmakers.
Contributing: Associated Press


usatoday--2020-05-20--House plans to vote on changes to small business loan program to offer more flexibility

WASHINGTON – The House is preparing to vote on changes to the government 's small business loan program next week that will offer more flexibility to companies affected by the coronavirus after widespread concerns by some businesses about strict mandates .
The changes to the Paycheck Protection Program ( PPP ) , designed to help struggling businesses stay alive and keep paying their workers during the pandemic , is likely to garner bipartisan support in both the House and Senate as lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have voiced support for fixes to the landmark program .
It 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ measures the House will vote on by proxy to limit the number of lawmakers gathering in the U.S. Capitol , though exact timing on the vote has n't been released yet .
`` We saw a quick fix on how we could make this work better , '' House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , D-Calif. , said Wednesday on the need to address changes with the PPP at her weekly press conference .
`` We couldn ’ t ignore that.
” The bill , from Reps. Dean Phillips , D-Minn. and Chip Roy , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time businesses have to have to rehire employees beyond the June 30 deadline while also extending the loan forgiveness period as some business are unable to reopen as quickly as others .
Opinion : SBA : PPP processed more than 14 years worth of loans in less than 14 days The legislation would also offer other flexibilities , such as on the mandate that in order for loans to be forgivable by the government , businesses must spend 75 % of the funds on payroll .
Phillips and Roy noted that payroll does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some businesses ' expenses and the 25 % leftover might not leave enough for rent and other expenses .
`` These common-sense solutions will provide the flexibility necessary to weather the storm and prepare for uncertain times ahead , '' Phillips said in a statement announcing the bill last week .
The PPP was part of the $ 2.2 trillion emergency stimulus package approved in March .
It provides business owners with 500 or fewer workers low-interest loans to stay afloat .
Those loans would be forgiven by the government if at least @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keeping employees on the payroll , which would basically amount to grants for these businesses .
More : Feds arrest 2 men in first fraud case involving PPP loan program for small businesses hurt by coronavirus More : J. Alexander 's to return $ 15.1 million in COVID-19 loans meant for small businesses The House passed a $ 3 trillion measure last week that addressed some of these changes to the PPP but the Senate is not planning to take up the bill , with many Republicans decrying the legislation as a Democratic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stressed they want to hit pause on passing more funds to address the pandemic in order to examine how the nearly $ 3 trillion already passed is working and whether more money will be needed as the country works to reopen .
But Republicans have shown an openness to addressing some changes to PPP .
Sen. Marco Rubio , who helped craft the program as chairman of the Senate Small Business Committee , signaled that addressing some of these concerns could garner near-unanimous support in the Senate if the legislation focused solely on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are hearing of course now from a lot of small businesses who got PPP loans but are saying to us , that they can ’ t spend all the money on payroll — 75 percent of the money on payroll — within 8 weeks .
They need 12 weeks or 16 weeks because they are just starting to reopen now because there are different rules in different places , '' he explained .
`` And what I have found is that up here , if we just had a straight up vote on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ change the bill to say instead of 8 weeks you have 12 weeks or 16 weeks to spend money on payroll , it would probably get 99 or 98 votes . ''
Rubio , R-Fla. , told reporters that he hoped the fixes could be addressed soon by the Senate and did not expect it to be a controversial vote .

House plans to vote on changes to small business loan program to offer more flexibility
Show Caption Hide Caption Senate approves nearly $500B virus aid deal A nearly $500 billion coronavirus aid package flew through the Senate on Tuesday after Congress and the White House reached a deal to replenish a small-business payroll fund and provided new money for hospitals and testing. (April 21) AP
WASHINGTON – The House is preparing to vote on changes to the government's small business loan program next week that will offer more flexibility to companies affected by the coronavirus after widespread concerns by some businesses about strict mandates.
The changes to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), designed to help struggling businesses stay alive and keep paying their workers during the pandemic, is likely to garner bipartisan support in both the House and Senate as lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have voiced support for fixes to the landmark program. It's likely to be one of the first measures the House will vote on by proxy to limit the number of lawmakers gathering in the U.S. Capitol, though exact timing on the vote hasn't been released yet.
"We saw a quick fix on how we could make this work better," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said Wednesday on the need to address changes with the PPP at her weekly press conference. "We couldn’t ignore that.”
The bill, from Reps. Dean Phillips, D-Minn. and Chip Roy, R-Texas, would extend the amount of time businesses have to have to rehire employees beyond the June 30 deadline while also extending the loan forgiveness period as some business are unable to reopen as quickly as others.
More: Senate approves measure to replenish halted coronavirus small-business loan program
Opinion: SBA: PPP processed more than 14 years worth of loans in less than 14 days
The legislation would also offer other flexibilities, such as on the mandate that in order for loans to be forgivable by the government, businesses must spend 75% of the funds on payroll. Phillips and Roy noted that payroll does not represent such a large amount of some businesses' expenses and the 25% leftover might not leave enough for rent and other expenses.
"These common-sense solutions will provide the flexibility necessary to weather the storm and prepare for uncertain times ahead," Phillips said in a statement announcing the bill last week.
The PPP was part of the $2.2 trillion emergency stimulus package approved in March. It provides business owners with 500 or fewer workers low-interest loans to stay afloat. Those loans would be forgiven by the government if at least 75% of the money goes to keeping employees on the payroll, which would basically amount to grants for these businesses.
More: Feds arrest 2 men in first fraud case involving PPP loan program for small businesses hurt by coronavirus
More: J. Alexander's to return $15.1 million in COVID-19 loans meant for small businesses
The House passed a $3 trillion measure last week that addressed some of these changes to the PPP but the Senate is not planning to take up the bill, with many Republicans decrying the legislation as a Democratic wish list.
Many Senate Republicans have stressed they want to hit pause on passing more funds to address the pandemic in order to examine how the nearly $3 trillion already passed is working and whether more money will be needed as the country works to reopen.
But Republicans have shown an openness to addressing some changes to PPP. Sen. Marco Rubio, who helped craft the program as chairman of the Senate Small Business Committee, signaled that addressing some of these concerns could garner near-unanimous support in the Senate if the legislation focused solely on PPP and bipartisan fixes.
Virtually everyone agrees now that we need to change #PPP to give #SmallBusiness longer than 8 weeks to hire back workers. The only question is will getting it done be blocked by demands we make other changes to PPP that don’t have the same level of support. pic.twitter.com/hLCBLFpbBG — Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) May 20, 2020
"We are hearing of course now from a lot of small businesses who got PPP loans but are saying to us, that they can’t spend all the money on payroll — 75 percent of the money on payroll — within 8 weeks. They need 12 weeks or 16 weeks because they are just starting to reopen now because there are different rules in different places," he explained. "And what I have found is that up here, if we just had a straight up vote on whether or not we should extend or change the bill to say instead of 8 weeks you have 12 weeks or 16 weeks to spend money on payroll, it would probably get 99 or 98 votes."
Rubio, R-Fla., told reporters that he hoped the fixes could be addressed soon by the Senate and did not expect it to be a controversial vote.
More: Los Angeles Lakers return $4.6 million loan received from Paycheck Protection Program


usatoday--2020-05-20--'A dose of his own medicine': Pelosi defends calling Trump obese, says it was 'factual' and 'sympath

WASHINGTON – The war of words between House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and President Donald Trump escalated Wednesday as the California Democrat defended calling the president `` morbidly obese , '' explaining she was giving him a dose of his own medicine .
At her Wednesday news conference , Pelosi said her criticism of the president taking hydroxychloroquine , a drug that has not been proven to work against the coronavirus , was meant to be `` factual '' in a `` very sympathetic way . ''
On Monday , Pelosi said it was `` not a good idea '' for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it can pose a risk for people with heart conditions and he is `` morbidly obese . ''
Earlier that same day , the president disclosed that he was taking the drug for more than a week to prevent infection from the coronavirus – a revelation that stunned health experts due to the drug 's uncertain effects on the virus .
Trump hit back at Pelosi Tuesday , calling her a `` waste of time . ''
`` I gave him a dose of his own medicine , '' Pelosi said of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those who disagree or criticize him .
She added that she was `` only quoting what doctors had said about him , so I was being factual in a very sympathetic way '' because `` we do n't want our president taking something that could be dangerous . ''
' I think she 's a waste of time ' : Trump dismisses Nancy Pelosi calling him 'morbidly obese' More : Hydroxychloroquine and coronavirus : Everything to know about the drug Trump says he 's taking Despite the lack of clinical testing , Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus for more than a month , saying he had a `` feeling '' it was effective and telling Americans , `` What do you have to lose ?
Take it . ''
But on April 24 , the Food and Drug Administration said the drug has `` not been shown to be safe and effective for treating or preventing COVID-19 '' and that it should not be used `` outside of the hospital setting or a clinical trial due to risk of heart rhythm problems . ''
During the press conference , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ child with dog poop on his shoes .
`` It 's like a child that comes in with mud on their pants or something , '' Pelosi said of Trump 's conduct .
`` He comes in with doggy doo on his shoes and everybody who works with him has that on their shoes , too . ''
She continued : `` The things he says are so inappropriate for a president of the United States , comments he makes about women , '' Pelosi said , noting that the president is catering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a market for it obviously and that 's what he plays to . ''
More : Trump says he 's taking hydroxychloroquine , the drug he touted as coronavirus treatment , despite FDA warnings

'A dose of his own medicine': Pelosi defends calling Trump obese, says it was 'factual' and 'sympathetic'
Show Caption Hide Caption Trump defends unproven drug, calls Pelosi 'a waste of time' President Donald Trump doubled down Tuesday on his decision to take a malaria drug. He also called House Speaker Nancy Pelosi "a sick woman." AP
WASHINGTON – The war of words between House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and President Donald Trump escalated Wednesday as the California Democrat defended calling the president "morbidly obese," explaining she was giving him a dose of his own medicine.
At her Wednesday news conference, Pelosi said her criticism of the president taking hydroxychloroquine, a drug that has not been proven to work against the coronavirus, was meant to be "factual" in a "very sympathetic way."
On Monday, Pelosi said it was "not a good idea" for the president to be taking hydroxychloroquine because it can pose a risk for people with heart conditions and he is "morbidly obese." Earlier that same day, the president disclosed that he was taking the drug for more than a week to prevent infection from the coronavirus – a revelation that stunned health experts due to the drug's uncertain effects on the virus.
Trump hit back at Pelosi Tuesday, calling her a "waste of time."
"I gave him a dose of his own medicine," Pelosi said of the president, who frequently lashes out at those who disagree or criticize him.
She added that she was "only quoting what doctors had said about him, so I was being factual in a very sympathetic way" because "we don't want our president taking something that could be dangerous."
'I think she's a waste of time': Trump dismisses Nancy Pelosi calling him 'morbidly obese'
More: Hydroxychloroquine and coronavirus: Everything to know about the drug Trump says he's taking
FDA: Hydroxychloroquine will not prevent COVID-19 Despite President Trump's thoughts, drug and disease experts seem to agree that hydroxychloroquine is not a proven preventative measure for COVID-19. USA TODAY
Despite the lack of clinical testing, Trump touted the drug for use against the virus for more than a month, saying he had a "feeling" it was effective and telling Americans, "What do you have to lose? Take it."
But on April 24, the Food and Drug Administration said the drug has "not been shown to be safe and effective for treating or preventing COVID-19" and that it should not be used "outside of the hospital setting or a clinical trial due to risk of heart rhythm problems."
During the press conference, Pelosi also compared the president to a child with dog poop on his shoes.
"It's like a child that comes in with mud on their pants or something," Pelosi said of Trump's conduct. "He comes in with doggy doo on his shoes and everybody who works with him has that on their shoes, too."
She continued: "The things he says are so inappropriate for a president of the United States, comments he makes about women," Pelosi said, noting that the president is catering to his base. "There's a market for it obviously and that's what he plays to."
Contributing: William Cummings
More: Trump says he's taking hydroxychloroquine, the drug he touted as coronavirus treatment, despite FDA warnings


usatoday--2020-05-20--Trump threatens to stop funding for Michigan if absentee ballot forms sent to all voters

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump on Wednesday threatened funding for Michigan amid a global health pandemic if state officials move ahead with plans to send absentee ballot applications to every state voter .
Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson on Tuesday morning said she and local clerks will send absentee ballot applications to all of the state 's 7.7 million voters so they can , if they choose to do so , take part in the Aug. 4 and Nov. 3 elections without going to polling places .
Doing so , she said , would allow voters to avoid the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the COVID-19 coronavirus .
But Trump , who has railed against widespread voting by mail , posted on Twitter Wednesday morning a suggestion that if she did so , he would move to block funding for Michigan .
In his first post , it was unclear whether the president understood what he was talking about , as he suggested Michigan was in the process of sending absentee ballots themselves – not the applications for people to ask for absentee ballots if they wish – to voters .
Please vote by mail : Indiana @ @ @ @ @ @ @ e wrote it 's illegal for anyone to send unsolicited absentee ballots to voters and said if it occurs , he will `` ask to hold up funding to Michigan if they want to go down this Voter Fraud path ! ''
He also referred to Benson as a `` rogue Secretary of State , '' without mentioning her by name .
Trump made a similar threat on Twitter about efforts in Nevada to ensure voters get absentee ballots .
Hours later , on Wednesday afternoon , Trump edited and reposted the comment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ applications . ''
Calling that illegal , however , is on far shakier ground than sending out absentee ballots themselves .
While it is illegal in Michigan to send absentee ballots to voters who do not formally request them , it is far from clear that there are the same legal hurdles to sending applications for the absentee ballots to registered voters , though it could be challenged in court .
Benson and some local clerks sent out applications to voters before the May 5 local elections in response to the pandemic .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ president in August and the national general election is on the first Tuesday of November .
The state authorized no-reason absentee voting in a referendum in 2018 .
Riffing off earlier criticism of Trump when he referred to Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer as `` the woman from Michigan , '' Benson responded on Twitter to Trump 's early morning post , saying , `` Hi !
I also have a name , it ’ s Jocelyn Benson .
And we sent applications , not ballots .
Just like my GOP colleagues in Iowa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Jake Rollow , Benson 's spokesman , also put out a statement saying Trump had the legal argument wrong .
`` Applications are mailed nearly every election cycle by both major parties and countless advocacy and nonpartisan organizations .
Just like them , we have full authority to mail applications to ensure voters know they have the right to vote safely by mail , '' he said .
Trump was n't clear about what funding he was referring to , but Michigan is expected to receive billions in coronavirus aid from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Congress , including a portion of $ 400 million set aside to the states to prepare for this year 's elections under the threat of the pandemic .
Speaking to reporters at the White House , Trump press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said Wednesday afternoon the president 's tweets were `` meant to alert ( Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin and acting Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought ) about his concerns '' with trillions in funding headed out to the states .
Whitmer and other governors also have been clamoring for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ direct aid for states now seeing sharp revenue declines from the coronavirus shutdowns and layoffs .
Last week , the state projected its revenues will take a staggering $ 3.2 billion hit from the pandemic in the current fiscal year .
Benson 's office has said it will cost about $ 4.5 million to send out absentee ballot applications to every voter , with some funding expected to come from that earlier legislation passed by Congress and signed into law by the president – so it is possible that was the funding to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday declined to specify what funding he might withhold .
`` You 'll be finding out ... very soon if it 's necessary '' to withhold funding , he said after a meeting with Arkansas Gov .
Asa Hutchinson and Kansas Gov .
Laura Kelly , according to a White House pool report .
`` I do n't think it 's going to be necessary . ''
`` Mail-in ballots are a very dangerous thing .
They 're , they 're subject of massive fraud , '' Trump said .
While there have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republicans , about the potential for corruption and missing ballots , there has been little evidence of widespread fraud caused by an increase in the use of absentee ballots .
Trump has complained of corruption , but he has voted by mail himself in New York when he lived there and , this year , in Florida , which he has officially made his state of residence .
Democrats say generally that Republican opposition to voting by mail is intended to hold down turnout , especially among supporters of Democratic candidates .
Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1 % of the vote four years ago .
On Wednesday , McEnany said there is `` a lot of fraud potentially at play when you have mass absentee balloting '' and that the president only supports absentee balloting for a reason .
As to why he has n't criticized some other states – including those led by Republican governors – for encouraging more absentee voting , she referred the question to the Trump campaign .
Asked specifically what laws Trump believed Benson was violating , McEnany refused to answer saying it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ threat was clearly made as president – not as a candidate .
McEnany also quoted criticism of widespread absentee voting included in a 2005 report by the Commission on Federal Election Reform , led by former President Jimmy Carter , a Democrat , and former U.S. Secretary of State James Baker , a Republican .
That report , in one section , said absentee ballots `` remain the largest source of potential voter fraud . ''
But the report also made clear that admonition was about ballots – not applications – and that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restrictions on who has access to ballots and taking campaign workers out of the process .
It noted Oregon had `` avoided significant fraud '' by putting in place safeguards , including signature verification , similar to that required in Michigan .
By receiving absentee ballot applications at home , as proposed by Benson , voters could fill them out and mail or drop them off at local clerks ' offices or take a photo of them and email them to clerks , saving them an in-person visit .
Clerks would then compare @ @ @ @ @ @ @ file in their offices and mail them an absentee ballot , which then could be mailed back or dropped off .

Trump threatens to stop funding for Michigan if absentee ballot forms sent to all voters
Show Caption Hide Caption Elections 2020: Mail-in voting could decide next president Many states are planning on drastically different elections this year and mail-in ballots could be a big game changer. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump on Wednesday threatened funding for Michigan amid a global health pandemic if state officials move ahead with plans to send absentee ballot applications to every state voter.
Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson on Tuesday morning said she and local clerks will send absentee ballot applications to all of the state's 7.7 million voters so they can, if they choose to do so, take part in the Aug. 4 and Nov. 3 elections without going to polling places.
Doing so, she said, would allow voters to avoid the potential threat posed by the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus.
But Trump, who has railed against widespread voting by mail, posted on Twitter Wednesday morning a suggestion that if she did so, he would move to block funding for Michigan.
In his first post, it was unclear whether the president understood what he was talking about, as he suggested Michigan was in the process of sending absentee ballots themselves – not the applications for people to ask for absentee ballots if they wish – to voters.
Please vote by mail: Indiana election officials have a message for Hoosiers
USA TODAY/Suffolk Poll: Americans overwhelmingly support vote-by-mail push, but Republicans more wary
He wrote it's illegal for anyone to send unsolicited absentee ballots to voters and said if it occurs, he will "ask to hold up funding to Michigan if they want to go down this Voter Fraud path!"
He also referred to Benson as a "rogue Secretary of State," without mentioning her by name.
Trump made a similar threat on Twitter about efforts in Nevada to ensure voters get absentee ballots.
Hours later, on Wednesday afternoon, Trump edited and reposted the comment, adding the phrase "absentee ballot applications." Calling that illegal, however, is on far shakier ground than sending out absentee ballots themselves.
Breaking: Michigan sends absentee ballots to 7.7 million people ahead of Primaries and the General Election. This was done illegally and without authorization by a rogue Secretary of State. I will ask to hold up funding to Michigan if they want to go down this Voter Fraud path!.. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 20, 2020
While it is illegal in Michigan to send absentee ballots to voters who do not formally request them, it is far from clear that there are the same legal hurdles to sending applications for the absentee ballots to registered voters, though it could be challenged in court. Benson and some local clerks sent out applications to voters before the May 5 local elections in response to the pandemic.
Michigan holds primaries for offices other than president in August and the national general election is on the first Tuesday of November. The state authorized no-reason absentee voting in a referendum in 2018.
Riffing off earlier criticism of Trump when he referred to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer as "the woman from Michigan," Benson responded on Twitter to Trump's early morning post, saying, "Hi! I also have a name, it’s Jocelyn Benson. And we sent applications, not ballots. Just like my GOP colleagues in Iowa, Georgia, Nebraska and West Virginia."
Hi! 👋🏼 I also have a name, it’s Jocelyn Benson. And we sent applications, not ballots. Just like my GOP colleagues in Iowa, Georgia, Nebraska and West Virginia. https://t.co/kBsu4nHvOy — Jocelyn Benson (@JocelynBenson) May 20, 2020
Jake Rollow, Benson's spokesman, also put out a statement saying Trump had the legal argument wrong.
"Applications are mailed nearly every election cycle by both major parties and countless advocacy and nonpartisan organizations. Just like them, we have full authority to mail applications to ensure voters know they have the right to vote safely by mail," he said.
Trump wasn't clear about what funding he was referring to, but Michigan is expected to receive billions in coronavirus aid from the federal government under legislation previously approved by Congress, including a portion of $400 million set aside to the states to prepare for this year's elections under the threat of the pandemic.
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said Wednesday afternoon the president's tweets were "meant to alert (Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin and acting Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought) about his concerns" with trillions in funding headed out to the states.
Whitmer and other governors also have been clamoring for Trump and congressional Republicans to support more direct aid for states now seeing sharp revenue declines from the coronavirus shutdowns and layoffs. Last week, the state projected its revenues will take a staggering $3.2 billion hit from the pandemic in the current fiscal year.
Benson's office has said it will cost about $4.5 million to send out absentee ballot applications to every voter, with some funding expected to come from that earlier legislation passed by Congress and signed into law by the president – so it is possible that was the funding to which Trump referred.
Trump himself later Wednesday declined to specify what funding he might withhold.
"You'll be finding out ... very soon if it's necessary" to withhold funding, he said after a meeting with Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson and Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly, according to a White House pool report. "I don't think it's going to be necessary."
"Mail-in ballots are a very dangerous thing. They're, they're subject of massive fraud," Trump said.
While there have been concerns raised nationally, especially among Republicans, about the potential for corruption and missing ballots, there has been little evidence of widespread fraud caused by an increase in the use of absentee ballots.
Trump has complained of corruption, but he has voted by mail himself in New York when he lived there and, this year, in Florida, which he has officially made his state of residence.
Democrats say generally that Republican opposition to voting by mail is intended to hold down turnout, especially among supporters of Democratic candidates. Trump won Michigan by less than two-tenths of 1% of the vote four years ago.
On Wednesday, McEnany said there is "a lot of fraud potentially at play when you have mass absentee balloting" and that the president only supports absentee balloting for a reason. As to why he hasn't criticized some other states – including those led by Republican governors – for encouraging more absentee voting, she referred the question to the Trump campaign.
Asked specifically what laws Trump believed Benson was violating, McEnany refused to answer saying it was a campaign matter, though Trump's threat was clearly made as president – not as a candidate.
McEnany also quoted criticism of widespread absentee voting included in a 2005 report by the Commission on Federal Election Reform, led by former President Jimmy Carter, a Democrat, and former U.S. Secretary of State James Baker, a Republican. That report, in one section, said absentee ballots "remain the largest source of potential voter fraud."
But the report also made clear that admonition was about ballots – not applications – and that states could overcome those criticisms by passing restrictions on who has access to ballots and taking campaign workers out of the process. It noted Oregon had "avoided significant fraud" by putting in place safeguards, including signature verification, similar to that required in Michigan.
By receiving absentee ballot applications at home, as proposed by Benson, voters could fill them out and mail or drop them off at local clerks' offices or take a photo of them and email them to clerks, saving them an in-person visit. Clerks would then compare the person's signature with that on file in their offices and mail them an absentee ballot, which then could be mailed back or dropped off.
Follow Todd Spangler on Twitter @tsspangler.


usatoday--2020-05-20--President Trump won't unveil Barack Obama's White House portrait, report says

Former President Barack Obama has `` no interest '' in taking part in the portrait tradition while Trump is in @ @ @ @ @ .

Trump will reportedly not unveil Obama's White House portrait
Former President Barack Obama has "no interest" in taking part in the portrait tradition while Trump is in office, a report says.
USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-05-20--Trump calls high number of coronavirus cases in the USA a 'badge of honor,' attributes it to testing

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump called the number of COVID-19 cases in the USA – the highest in the world – a “ badge of honor ” Tuesday , arguing that the increasing number of cases is simply evidence the country is testing more people .
“ By the way , you know , when you say that we lead in cases , that ’ s because we have more testing than anybody else , ” the president said at the White House .
“ When we have a lot of cases , I don ’ t look at that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at that in a certain respect as being a good thing , because it means our testing is much better .
So if we were testing a million people instead of 14 million people , it would have far few cases , right ?
“ So I view it as a badge of honor .
Really , it ’ s a badge of honor , ” Trump said .
'This will kill you ' : People warn others after Trump 's apparent use of hydroxychloroquine The USA has performed more than 12 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Project .
The country still faces testing shortages after months of hurdles in development and access .
At a Senate hearing last week , Sen. Mitt Romney , R-Utah , said U.S. testing for coronavirus is “ nothing to celebrate ” because the country “ treaded water ” during the early stages of the pandemic while nations such as South Korea tested people aggressively to curb the outbreak .
'Worse than any recession since World War II ' : Mnuchin , Powell questioned on coronavirus response Romney said that by March 6 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while South Korea had completed 140,000 .
South Korea has had 263 COVID-19 deaths ; the USA surpassed 92,000 as of Wednesday , according to data from Johns Hopkins University .
It took the USA until mid-April to pass South Korea in testing and until April 25 to surpass Finland .
The USA still trails many nations in per capita testing , including the United Kingdom , Italy and Germany .
Despite the increase in national testing , health experts raised concerns that not enough is being done for states to safely reopen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Harvard Global Health Institute , told a congressional panel monitoring the federal response to the COVID-19 pandemic last week , `` The U.S. needs more than 900,000 tests every day to safely open up again .
We are doing about a third of that . ''
More : Trump threatens to permanently cut WHO funding and withdraw US membership On May 6 , Trump said , `` If we did very little testing , [ America ] would n't have the most cases .
So , in a way , by doing all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ look bad . ''

Trump calls high number of coronavirus cases in the USA a 'badge of honor,' attributes it to testing
Show Caption Hide Caption Coronavirus: Trump says high case numbers is 'badge of honor' President Trump called the number of COVID-19 cases in the U.S., which is the highest in the world, a 'badge of honor.' USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump called the number of COVID-19 cases in the USA – the highest in the world – a “badge of honor” Tuesday, arguing that the increasing number of cases is simply evidence the country is testing more people.
“By the way, you know, when you say that we lead in cases, that’s because we have more testing than anybody else,” the president said at the White House. “When we have a lot of cases, I don’t look at that as a bad thing. I look at that in a certain respect as being a good thing, because it means our testing is much better. So if we were testing a million people instead of 14 million people, it would have far few cases, right?
“So I view it as a badge of honor. Really, it’s a badge of honor,” Trump said.
'This will kill you': People warn others after Trump's apparent use of hydroxychloroquine
President Trump: "So, when we have a lot of cases I don't look at that as a bad thing. I look at that, in a certain respect, as being a good thing because it means our testing is much better...I view it as a badge of honor. Really it's a badge of honor..." pic.twitter.com/fUJJ2gQ2Ry — CSPAN (@cspan) May 19, 2020
The USA has performed more than 12 million tests, according to the COVID Tracking Project. The country still faces testing shortages after months of hurdles in development and access.
At a Senate hearing last week, Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, said U.S. testing for coronavirus is “nothing to celebrate” because the country “treaded water” during the early stages of the pandemic while nations such as South Korea tested people aggressively to curb the outbreak.
'Worse than any recession since World War II': Mnuchin, Powell questioned on coronavirus response
Romney said that by March 6, the USA had conducted only 2,000 tests while South Korea had completed 140,000.
South Korea has had 263 COVID-19 deaths; the USA surpassed 92,000 as of Wednesday, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.
It took the USA until mid-April to pass South Korea in testing and until April 25 to surpass Finland.
'Unrivaled'? Fact-checking Donald Trump's claims about COVID-19 testing
The USA still trails many nations in per capita testing, including the United Kingdom, Italy and Germany.
Trump says he's taking hydroxychloroquine to prevent coronavirus President Donald Trump said Monday he is taking the anti-malaria drug despite warnings about its effectiveness. USA TODAY
Despite the increase in national testing, health experts raised concerns that not enough is being done for states to safely reopen.
Ashish Jha, director of the Harvard Global Health Institute, told a congressional panel monitoring the federal response to the COVID-19 pandemic last week, "The U.S. needs more than 900,000 tests every day to safely open up again. We are doing about a third of that."
More: Trump threatens to permanently cut WHO funding and withdraw US membership
On May 6, Trump said, "If we did very little testing, [America] wouldn't have the most cases. So, in a way, by doing all of this testing, we make ourselves look bad."


usatoday--2020-05-20--Report: Trump won't unveil Obama's official White House portrait anytime soon

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump will not be unveiling his predecessor Barack Obama ’ s official White House portrait , a report says .
NBC first reported that the event to unveil Obama 's official portrait was n't currently on the calendar , and may not even occur while Trump is in office , including potentially throughout the duration of a second term if he wins re-election .
This would mean `` it could be 2025 '' before Obama 's portrait unveiling happens , the report states , despite Obama leaving office in 2017 .
The tradition of first-term presidents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many administrations and is supposed to represent a rare moment of harmony and camaraderie in Washington .
Whitmer : I had 'conversation ' with Biden campaign about vice presidency Most recently , Obama hosted former President George W. Bush and former first lady Laura Bush for the unveiling of their official portraits .
During that ceremony , Obama said , `` We may have our differences politically , but the presidency transcends those differences . ''
The 45th and 44th presidents have broken some precedents as their relationship has remained tense through Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ escalated even more in the past few weeks .
More : Trump says if Pompeo 's 'wife is n't there ' a staffer should do the dishes so he can work Trump has repeatedly accused Obama of unjustly targeting his associates in what he calls `` Obamagate , '' and has called on the Senate Judiciary Committee to call his predecessor to testify in hearings about the origins of the investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election .
Trump , however , has yet to explain what crime he thinks Obama @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` committed the biggest political crime in American history . ''
Barr : Obama , Biden not under criminal investigation despite Trump 's claims NBC also reported that Obama has “ no interest ” in taking part in the portrait tradition while Trump occupies the White House .
Obama , who has usually remained quiet about Trump since leaving the White House , has taken some veiled swipes in recent weeks during the coronavirus pandemic .
Addressing a virtual event Saturday for historically black colleges and universities , Obama said many U.S. leaders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be in charge '' during the pandemic .
About a week ago , Obama called the response to the coronavirus pandemic an `` absolute chaotic disaster '' in a call with 3,000 people who served in his administration .
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , R-Ky. , said Obama `` should have kept his mouth shut '' over the Trump administration 's handling of coronavirus , continuing that he thinks `` it 's a little bit classless , frankly , to critique an administration that comes after you . ''
Obama and Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since Trump 's Inauguration Day , and that was at the funeral for President George H.W .
Bush in 2018 .
During a Fox News town hall , Trump said of their interaction : `` Sat next to him , and I said , 'Hello . '
And then I said , 'goodbye . '
That 's about it . ''
' I think she 's a waste of time ' : Trump dismisses Nancy Pelosi calling him 'morbidly obese' The official White House portraits are different from the portraits that hang in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' were particularly popular in the nation 's capital after their unveiling in February 2018 , prompting a record number of visitors .
The most recent president to not attend a official portrait unveiling was Jimmy Carter , who requested not to have a ceremony .
According to the report , the portrait process for the Obama 's `` stalled '' in 2017 , after they went through the process of selecting the artist , and finalizing a contract .
Both a spokesperson for Obama and the White House declined to comment to @ @

Report: Trump won't unveil Obama's official White House portrait anytime soon
Show Caption Hide Caption Trump will reportedly not unveil Obama's White House portrait Former President Barack Obama has "no interest" in taking part in the portrait tradition while Trump is in office, a report says. USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump will not be unveiling his predecessor Barack Obama’s official White House portrait, a report says.
NBC first reported that the event to unveil Obama's official portrait wasn't currently on the calendar, and may not even occur while Trump is in office, including potentially throughout the duration of a second term if he wins re-election.
This would mean "it could be 2025" before Obama's portrait unveiling happens, the report states, despite Obama leaving office in 2017.
The tradition of first-term presidents hosting their predecessor dates back decades through many administrations and is supposed to represent a rare moment of harmony and camaraderie in Washington.
Whitmer: I had 'conversation' with Biden campaign about vice presidency
Most recently, Obama hosted former President George W. Bush and former first lady Laura Bush for the unveiling of their official portraits.
During that ceremony, Obama said, "We may have our differences politically, but the presidency transcends those differences."
The 45th and 44th presidents have broken some precedents as their relationship has remained tense through Trump's tenure thus far, and has escalated even more in the past few weeks.
More: Trump says if Pompeo's 'wife isn't there' a staffer should do the dishes so he can work
Trump has repeatedly accused Obama of unjustly targeting his associates in what he calls "Obamagate," and has called on the Senate Judiciary Committee to call his predecessor to testify in hearings about the origins of the investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election.
Trump, however, has yet to explain what crime he thinks Obama committed specifically, but said his predecessor "committed the biggest political crime in American history."
Barr: Obama, Biden not under criminal investigation despite Trump's claims
NBC also reported that Obama has “no interest” in taking part in the portrait tradition while Trump occupies the White House.
Obama, who has usually remained quiet about Trump since leaving the White House, has taken some veiled swipes in recent weeks during the coronavirus pandemic.
Addressing a virtual event Saturday for historically black colleges and universities, Obama said many U.S. leaders "aren’t even pretending to be in charge" during the pandemic.
About a week ago, Obama called the response to the coronavirus pandemic an "absolute chaotic disaster" in a call with 3,000 people who served in his administration.
Reporter challenges Trump claims about 'Obamagate' A reporter from the Washington Post challenged President Donald Trump about his accusation over the weekend that former President Barack Obama, "committed the biggest political crime in American history." (May 11) AP
More: Democrats outline election plan to make health care their top issue amid coronavirus
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said Obama "should have kept his mouth shut" over the Trump administration's handling of coronavirus, continuing that he thinks "it's a little bit classless, frankly, to critique an administration that comes after you."
Obama and Trump have reportedly only met once in person since Trump's Inauguration Day, and that was at the funeral for President George H.W. Bush in 2018.
During a Fox News town hall, Trump said of their interaction: "Sat next to him, and I said, 'Hello.' And then I said, 'goodbye.' That's about it."
'I think she's a waste of time': Trump dismisses Nancy Pelosi calling him 'morbidly obese'
The official White House portraits are different from the portraits that hang in the National Portrait Gallery. The Obamas' were particularly popular in the nation's capital after their unveiling in February 2018, prompting a record number of visitors.
The most recent president to not attend a official portrait unveiling was Jimmy Carter, who requested not to have a ceremony.
According to the report, the portrait process for the Obama's "stalled" in 2017, after they went through the process of selecting the artist, and finalizing a contract.
Both a spokesperson for Obama and the White House declined to comment to NBC.
Contributing: Doug Stanglin, Joel Shannon, Sara M Moniuszko, Kristine Phillips, USA TODAY; Billy Kobin, Louisville Courier Journal


usatoday--2020-05-20--House tells Supreme Court its investigation into possible impeachable offenses isn't over

WASHINGTON – House Democrats told the Supreme Court that it needs grand jury evidence from the Russia probe as they continue to investigate whether President Donald Trump had committed additional impeachable offenses .
In a court filing Monday , the House Judiciary Committee said the secret grand jury evidence gathered by former special counsel Robert Mueller 's Russia investigation `` is central '' to its inquiry into possible obstruction of justice by the president .
`` If this material reveals new evidence supporting the conclusion that President Trump committed impeachable offenses ... the Committee will proceed accordingly – including , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recommend new articles of impeachment , '' Douglas Letter , the House 's general counsel , wrote .
Letter said the committee is also looking into improper political influence in the Justice Department 's handling of the cases of Roger Stone and Michael Flynn , two presidential allies who were indicted as a result of the Mueller investigation .
Court sides with Congress : DC appeals court allows release of secret Mueller grand jury testimony to Congress The Justice Department has argued the House committee is n't entitled to grand jury evidence , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ specific testimony it needs access to or how it would help its investigation into potential obstruction by the president .
`` Not only does the public have an interest in protecting grand-jury secrecy , but ( the House committee ) has provided no basis to conclude that it has urgent need of the requested materials for a hypothetical second impeachment , '' Solicitor General Noel Francisco wrote .
House Democrats and the Justice Department have been locked in a legal battle over the grand jury evidence .
In March , a federal appeals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the House committee is entitled to the evidence .
The Justice Department has asked the Supreme Court to review the lower court 's ruling .
Letter told the Supreme Court that the committee still needs the grand jury material even if the impeachment proceedings , which focused on the Trump administration 's dealings with Ukraine , have concluded .
`` The Committee ’ s investigation did not cease with the conclusion of the impeachment trial , '' Letter wrote .
The House committee 's investigation focuses on instances of possible obstruction of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , released last year .
A separate but related subpoena seeks testimony from former White House counsel Donald McGahn , a key witness on possible obstruction by Trump .
The Trump administration has blocked McGahn from testifying , saying Congress ca n't force high-ranking presidential aides to testify .
In February , a three-judge appeals court panel ruled that McGahn does not have to testify , saying the judiciary ca n't be an `` ombudsman '' who resolves disputes between the executive and legislative branches of government .
The full appeals reheard the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ filing , Letter suggested that the committee 's investigation has expanded to include the Justice Department 's handling of the cases of Stone and Flynn .
Separation of powers : Trump administration faces tough questions from federal court in separation of powers disputes with Congress The department was met with swift backlash in February after it backed away from a stiff prison recommendation for Stone , who was convicted in November of lying to Congress and obstructing the Russia investigation to protect Trump and his 2016 presidential campaign .
Four career attorneys who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protest .
The Justice Department , again , sparked a political firestorm when it sought to drop the prosecution of Flynn , Trump 's former national security adviser .
Flynn pleaded guilty in 2017 to lying to the FBI about his communications with a former Russian ambassador .
Flynn later reversed course , claiming investigators trapped him into making a false statement .
Last week , U.S. District Judge Emmet Sullivan tapped a retired federal judge to challenge the Justice Department 's bid to dismiss Flynn 's case and to address whether the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ innocence from a crime he had earlier admitted .

House tells Supreme Court its investigation into possible impeachable offenses isn't over
Show Caption Hide Caption Chairman Nadler: Fight is 'not just about Mueller report' During the House Judiciary Committee meeting, Chairman Nadler said Congress' fight is "not just about the Mueller report." USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – House Democrats told the Supreme Court that it needs grand jury evidence from the Russia probe as they continue to investigate whether President Donald Trump had committed additional impeachable offenses.
In a court filing Monday, the House Judiciary Committee said the secret grand jury evidence gathered by former special counsel Robert Mueller's Russia investigation "is central" to its inquiry into possible obstruction of justice by the president. "If this material reveals new evidence supporting the conclusion that President Trump committed impeachable offenses ... the Committee will proceed accordingly – including, if necessary, by considering whether to recommend new articles of impeachment," Douglas Letter, the House's general counsel, wrote.
Letter said the committee is also looking into improper political influence in the Justice Department's handling of the cases of Roger Stone and Michael Flynn, two presidential allies who were indicted as a result of the Mueller investigation.
Court sides with Congress: DC appeals court allows release of secret Mueller grand jury testimony to Congress
The Justice Department has argued the House committee isn't entitled to grand jury evidence, saying it has failed to explain which specific testimony it needs access to or how it would help its investigation into potential obstruction by the president.
"Not only does the public have an interest in protecting grand-jury secrecy, but (the House committee) has provided no basis to conclude that it has urgent need of the requested materials for a hypothetical second impeachment," Solicitor General Noel Francisco wrote.
House Democrats and the Justice Department have been locked in a legal battle over the grand jury evidence. In March, a federal appeals court in Washington, D.C., ruled that the House committee is entitled to the evidence. The Justice Department has asked the Supreme Court to review the lower court's ruling.
Letter told the Supreme Court that the committee still needs the grand jury material even if the impeachment proceedings, which focused on the Trump administration's dealings with Ukraine, have concluded.
"The Committee’s investigation did not cease with the conclusion of the impeachment trial," Letter wrote.
The House committee's investigation focuses on instances of possible obstruction of justice detailed in Mueller's voluminous report, released last year. A separate but related subpoena seeks testimony from former White House counsel Donald McGahn, a key witness on possible obstruction by Trump. The Trump administration has blocked McGahn from testifying, saying Congress can't force high-ranking presidential aides to testify.
In February, a three-judge appeals court panel ruled that McGahn does not have to testify, saying the judiciary can't be an "ombudsman" who resolves disputes between the executive and legislative branches of government. The full appeals reheard the case last month.
In the Monday filing, Letter suggested that the committee's investigation has expanded to include the Justice Department's handling of the cases of Stone and Flynn.
Separation of powers: Trump administration faces tough questions from federal court in separation of powers disputes with Congress
The department was met with swift backlash in February after it backed away from a stiff prison recommendation for Stone, who was convicted in November of lying to Congress and obstructing the Russia investigation to protect Trump and his 2016 presidential campaign. Four career attorneys who prosecuted Stone left the case in apparent protest.
The Justice Department, again, sparked a political firestorm when it sought to drop the prosecution of Flynn, Trump's former national security adviser. Flynn pleaded guilty in 2017 to lying to the FBI about his communications with a former Russian ambassador. Flynn later reversed course, claiming investigators trapped him into making a false statement.
Last week, U.S. District Judge Emmet Sullivan tapped a retired federal judge to challenge the Justice Department's bid to dismiss Flynn's case and to address whether the former Army general committed perjury after claiming innocence from a crime he had earlier admitted.


usatoday--2020-05-21--Trump to visit home state of Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, a frequent target of his attacks amid p

Trump to visit home state of Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, a frequent target of his attacks amid pandemic

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump will visit Michigan on Thursday , the home turf of Democratic Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer , a frequent target of his attacks , as he looks to tout his response to the coronavirus pandemic in a pivotal battleground state .
Whitmer , who has emerged as one of Trump 's most prominent foils in his bid to pressure states to reopen for business , has sparred with the president throughout the pandemic over the administration 's handling of the crisis and protests in Michigan against stay-at-home restrictions .
The first-term Democratic governor was thrust into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dismissed her as `` the woman in Michigan '' and `` Gretchen 'Half ' Whitmer '' after she repeatedly criticized the federal government for a lack of planning and a slow response to the pandemic .
Trump has also cheered on protesters demanding a rollback of stay-at-home orders , calling on supporters to `` LIBERATE MICHIGAN ! ''
even as his task force released new guidelines recommending states adopt a phased approach to reopening only after experiencing a downward trajectory of new coronavirus cases for two weeks .
Michigan has the fourth highest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and thousands were ordered to evacuate this week over dam failures that triggered record flooding in Midland .
Trump and Whitmer spoke by phone Wednesday , and Trump later told reporters he may visit flood-stricken Midland soon .
Trump will tour a Ford Motor Co. plant in Ypsilanti repurposed to make ventilators needed to treat COVID-19 patients , despite an order put in place by Whitmer requiring manufacturing facilities to `` suspend all non-essential in-person visits , including tours '' as part of the state 's battle against the spread of the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump threatened to withhold relief funding when he erroneously accused Michigan of preparing to send out absentee ballots to its 7.7 million voters in a Wednesday morning tweet .
State officials , in fact , sent out applications for those who wish to request to vote by mail ahead of its August and November elections .
Trump later deleted his initial tweet and posted a new one alleging the state committed voter fraud by sending out the applications .
Asked why the president did not invite Whitmer to the event at the Ford @ @ @ @ @ @ @ McEnany said she wasn ’ t aware of a “ particular reason ” and said “ it didn ’ t come up.
” “ The president has done quite a bit for Michigan , ” McEnany said .
“ She should be thanking the president for all the supplies that he 's delivered to her state.
” More : Anti-quarantine protests , Trump pressure put governors on political tightrope over coronavirus The trip marks Trump ’ s third visit to a 2020 battleground state in as many weeks , as he looks to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state led by a popular Democratic governor .
Before the visit to the Ford plant , Trump will meet with national and local African American leaders to discuss efforts to assist distressed communities recovering from the pandemic , according to White House spokesman Judd Deere .
The president earlier this month visited manufacturing plants in Allentown , Pa. and Phoenix , where songs usually heard at Trump 's trademark political rallies blared from the speakers .
He was criticized when the Guns ' N ' Roses version of `` Live and Let Die @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It was left off the playlist in Pennsylvania .
Pennsylvania and Arizona are both considered key to Trump 's reelection chances in November , During a visit to a medical supply distributor in Allentown , Trump 's veered into political rhetoric as he attacked `` Sleepy Joe Biden , '' his nickname for Vice President Joe Biden , whose hails from nearby Scranton .
Vice President Mike Pence has employed a similar strategy , visiting Florida , Wisconsin , Iowa , Minnesota , Virginia and Colorado since he began leading the White @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said he 's eager to return to the campaign trail and has accused some Democratic governors of `` playing politics '' in their phased plans to allow businesses and schools to reopen .
With the suspension of Trump 's raucous rallies that were held weekly before the coronavirus crisis unfolded , the campaign is taking advantage of the president 's official visits to swing states that put him in front of critical voters who could determine November 's outcome .
“ Americans can see that President Trump is fighting to protect their safety @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump campaign communications director Tim Murtaugh .
`` He is doing his job as President and critics would complain if he didn ’ t go visit states .
Critics are the ones playing politics . ''
Michigan Democrats slammed Trump 's visit , saying that it shows he is `` tone deaf '' to economic turmoil states are facing in the coronavirus crisis .
`` He should not be going on a parade to highlight himself at a time when people are dying , when people are getting very sick , when people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' said Michigan state Rep. Yousef Rabhi .
`` Instead of parading around the country like he 's doing , President Trump should be in Washington trying to solve these , you know , vital issues and get us the resources that we need to be able to preserve jobs . ''
The fiery exchanges between the president and Whitmer , who is widely popular at the moment , have been unsettling to some Republicans in the state , several political consultants said .
“ In a crisis it ’ s time to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really don ’ t do anybody any good , ” said John Truscott , a consultant who served as a spokesman to former Gov .
John Engler , a Republican .
“ I hope he can focus his message on these auto manufacturers and ... how they mobilized at the president ’ s request.
” Where coronavirus is n't : What 's kept cases officially at zero in these 200 counties ?
Angering even small share of persuadable voters , he said , could cost Trump the state in the November .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5 % of the electorate that can be swayed at this point – that ’ s who he ’ s targeting , ” Truscott said .
“ If they ’ re that indecisive then they can probably be swayed by this.
” On the other hand , Truscott said , Michigan has been under some of the strictest lock down orders in the country , which have not only inspired protests at the state capitol but may also slow the state ’ s economic recovery in coming months .
“ On an economic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that when the country gets sick , Michigan gets the flu , ” Truscott said , suggesting that the Rust Belt state ’ s industries can take longer to recover from a downturn .
And that can make for uncertain politics .
A Fox News poll last month put Biden up 8 points over Trump among registered voters in Michigan .
Meanwhile , Whitmer has received high marks for her handling of the coronavirus outbreak , despite criticism over her strict stay-at-home orders and anti-lockdown protests .
A Washington Post-Ipsos poll last week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Whitmer 's response to the pandemic compared to 43 % who said Trump was doing a good job , although the survey sample was not large enough to distinguish partisan lines .
Last month , a Fox News poll found 64 % of registered voters approved of the Michigan governor 's handling , which included 90 % of Democrats compared with 35 % of Republicans .
“ Every Republican I talk to is pulling their hair out silently , ” said Joe DiSano , a Democratic political consultant in Michigan .
“ No @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here about who is exhibiting leadership .
But what ’ s happening now is you ’ re starting to see a hardening of opinion .
”

Courtney Subramanian and John Fritze, USA TODAY

Trump to visit home turf of a frequent target amid pandemic: Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer
Show Caption Hide Caption Coronavirus: Trump says high case numbers is 'badge of honor' President Trump called the number of COVID-19 cases in the U.S., which is the highest in the world, a 'badge of honor.' USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump will visit Michigan on Thursday, the home turf of Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, a frequent target of his attacks, as he looks to tout his response to the coronavirus pandemic in a pivotal battleground state.
Whitmer, who has emerged as one of Trump's most prominent foils in his bid to pressure states to reopen for business, has sparred with the president throughout the pandemic over the administration's handling of the crisis and protests in Michigan against stay-at-home restrictions.
The first-term Democratic governor was thrust into the national spotlight in March when Trump dismissed her as "the woman in Michigan" and "Gretchen 'Half' Whitmer" after she repeatedly criticized the federal government for a lack of planning and a slow response to the pandemic.
Trump has also cheered on protesters demanding a rollback of stay-at-home orders, calling on supporters to "LIBERATE MICHIGAN!" even as his task force released new guidelines recommending states adopt a phased approach to reopening only after experiencing a downward trajectory of new coronavirus cases for two weeks.
Michigan has the fourth highest number of COVID-19 deaths in the U.S. and thousands were ordered to evacuate this week over dam failures that triggered record flooding in Midland.
Trump and Whitmer spoke by phone Wednesday, and Trump later told reporters he may visit flood-stricken Midland soon.
Trump will tour a Ford Motor Co. plant in Ypsilanti repurposed to make ventilators needed to treat COVID-19 patients, despite an order put in place by Whitmer requiring manufacturing facilities to "suspend all non-essential in-person visits, including tours" as part of the state's battle against the spread of the coronavirus.
The visit comes a day after Trump threatened to withhold relief funding when he erroneously accused Michigan of preparing to send out absentee ballots to its 7.7 million voters in a Wednesday morning tweet. State officials, in fact, sent out applications for those who wish to request to vote by mail ahead of its August and November elections.
Trump later deleted his initial tweet and posted a new one alleging the state committed voter fraud by sending out the applications.
Asked why the president did not invite Whitmer to the event at the Ford factory, White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said she wasn’t aware of a “particular reason” and said “it didn’t come up.”
“The president has done quite a bit for Michigan,” McEnany said. “She should be thanking the president for all the supplies that he's delivered to her state.”
More: Anti-quarantine protests, Trump pressure put governors on political tightrope over coronavirus
President Trump says COVID-19 treatments show positive results President Trump shared his positive outlook on COVID-19 treatment results and the recovering economy during a roundtable with business leaders. Wochit
The trip marks Trump’s third visit to a 2020 battleground state in as many weeks, as he looks to boost his political standing in a pivotal state led by a popular Democratic governor.
Before the tour at the Ford plant, Trump will meet with national and local African American leaders to discuss efforts to assist distressed communities recovering from the pandemic, according to White House spokesman Judd Deere.
The president earlier this month visited manufacturing plants in Allentown, Pa. and Phoenix, where songs usually heard at Trump's trademark political rallies blared from the speakers. He was criticized when the Guns 'N' Roses version of "Live and Let Die" was played during the Phoenix event. It was left off the playlist in Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania and Arizona are both considered key to Trump's reelection chances in November,
During a visit to a medical supply distributor in Allentown, Trump's veered into political rhetoric as he attacked "Sleepy Joe Biden," his nickname for Vice President Joe Biden, whose hails from nearby Scranton.
Vice President Mike Pence has employed a similar strategy, visiting Florida, Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota, Virginia and Colorado since he began leading the White House coronavirus task force.
Trump has said he's eager to return to the campaign trail and has accused some Democratic governors of "playing politics" in their phased plans to allow businesses and schools to reopen. With the suspension of Trump's raucous rallies that were held weekly before the coronavirus crisis unfolded, the campaign is taking advantage of the president's official visits to swing states that put him in front of critical voters who could determine November's outcome.
“Americans can see that President Trump is fighting to protect their safety and reopen the economy," said Trump campaign communications director Tim Murtaugh. "He is doing his job as President and critics would complain if he didn’t go visit states. Critics are the ones playing politics."
Michigan Democrats slammed Trump's visit, saying that it shows he is "tone deaf" to economic turmoil states are facing in the coronavirus crisis.
"He should not be going on a parade to highlight himself at a time when people are dying, when people are getting very sick, when people are continuing to lose their jobs," said Michigan state Rep. Yousef Rabhi.
"Instead of parading around the country like he's doing, President Trump should be in Washington trying to solve these, you know, vital issues and get us the resources that we need to be able to preserve jobs."
The fiery exchanges between the president and Whitmer, who is widely popular at the moment, have been unsettling to some Republicans in the state, several political consultants said.
“In a crisis it’s time to put politics aside and gratuitous political shots really don’t do anybody any good,” said John Truscott, a consultant who served as a spokesman to former Gov. John Engler, a Republican. “I hope he can focus his message on these auto manufacturers and ... how they mobilized at the president’s request.”
Where coronavirus isn't: What's kept cases officially at zero in these 200 counties?
Angering even small share of persuadable voters, he said, could cost Trump the state in the November.
“We’re talking about less than 5% of the electorate that can be swayed at this point – that’s who he’s targeting,” Truscott said. “If they’re that indecisive then they can probably be swayed by this.”
On the other hand, Truscott said, Michigan has been under some of the strictest lock down orders in the country, which have not only inspired protests at the state capitol but may also slow the state’s economic recovery in coming months.
“On an economic front, the phrase has always been that when the country gets sick, Michigan gets the flu,” Truscott said, suggesting that the Rust Belt state’s industries can take longer to recover from a downturn.
And that can make for uncertain politics.
A Fox News poll last month put Biden up 8 points over Trump among registered voters in Michigan.
Meanwhile, Whitmer has received high marks for her handling of the coronavirus outbreak, despite criticism over her strict stay-at-home orders and anti-lockdown protests. A Washington Post-Ipsos poll last week found 72% of residents approved of Whitmer's response to the pandemic compared to 43% who said Trump was doing a good job, although the survey sample was not large enough to distinguish partisan lines. Last month, a Fox News poll found 64% of registered voters approved of the Michigan governor's handling, which included 90% of Democrats compared with 35% of Republicans.
“Every Republican I talk to is pulling their hair out silently,” said Joe DiSano, a Democratic political consultant in Michigan. “No one’s mind is being changed here about who is exhibiting leadership. But what’s happening now is you’re starting to see a hardening of opinion.”


usatoday--2020-05-21--Trump threatens to stop funding for Michigan if absentee ballot forms sent to all voters

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump on Wednesday threatened funding for Michigan amid a global health pandemic if state officials move ahead with plans to send absentee ballot applications to every state voter .
Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson on Tuesday morning said she and local clerks will send absentee ballot applications to all of the state 's 7.7 million voters so they can , if they choose to do so , take part in the Aug. 4 and Nov. 3 elections without going to polling places .
Doing so , she said , would allow voters to avoid the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the COVID-19 coronavirus .
But Trump , who has railed against widespread voting by mail , posted on Twitter Wednesday morning a suggestion that if she did so , he would move to block funding for Michigan .
In his first post , it was unclear whether the president understood what he was talking about , as he suggested Michigan was in the process of sending absentee ballots themselves – not the applications for people to ask for absentee ballots if they wish – to voters .
Please vote by mail : Indiana @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He wrote it 's illegal for anyone to send unsolicited absentee ballots to voters and said if it occurs , he will `` ask to hold up funding to Michigan if they want to go down this Voter Fraud path ! ''
He also referred to Benson as a `` rogue Secretary of State , '' without mentioning her by name .
Trump made a similar threat on Twitter about efforts in Nevada to ensure voters get absentee ballots .
Hours later , on Wednesday afternoon , Trump edited and reposted the comment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ applications . ''
Calling that illegal , however , is on far shakier ground than sending out absentee ballots themselves .
While it is illegal in Michigan to send absentee ballots to voters who do not formally request them , it is far from clear that there are the same legal hurdles to sending applications for the absentee ballots to registered voters , though it could be challenged in court .
Benson and some local clerks sent out applications to voters before the May 5 local elections in response to the pandemic .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ president in August and the national general election is on the first Tuesday of November .
The state authorized no-reason absentee voting in a referendum in 2018 .
Riffing off earlier criticism of Trump when he referred to Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer as `` the woman from Michigan , '' Benson responded on Twitter to Trump 's early morning post , saying , `` Hi !
I also have a name , it ’ s Jocelyn Benson .
And we sent applications , not ballots .
Just like my GOP colleagues in Iowa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Jake Rollow , Benson 's spokesman , also put out a statement saying Trump had the legal argument wrong .
`` Applications are mailed nearly every election cycle by both major parties and countless advocacy and nonpartisan organizations .
Just like them , we have full authority to mail applications to ensure voters know they have the right to vote safely by mail , '' he said .
Trump was n't clear about what funding he was referring to , but Michigan is expected to receive billions in coronavirus aid from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Congress , including a portion of $ 400 million set aside to the states to prepare for this year 's elections under the threat of the pandemic .
Speaking to reporters at the White House , Trump press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said Wednesday afternoon the president 's tweets were `` meant to alert ( Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin and acting Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought ) about his concerns '' with trillions in funding headed out to the states .
Whitmer and other governors also have been clamoring for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ direct aid for states now seeing sharp revenue declines from the coronavirus shutdowns and layoffs .
Last week , the state projected its revenues will take a staggering $ 3.2 billion hit from the pandemic in the current fiscal year .
Benson 's office has said it will cost about $ 4.5 million to send out absentee ballot applications to every voter , with some funding expected to come from that earlier legislation passed by Congress and signed into law by the president – so it is possible that was the funding to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday declined to specify what funding he might withhold .
`` You 'll be finding out ... very soon if it 's necessary '' to withhold funding , he said after a meeting with Arkansas Gov .
Asa Hutchinson and Kansas Gov .
Laura Kelly , according to a White House pool report .
`` I do n't think it 's going to be necessary . ''
`` Mail-in ballots are a very dangerous thing .
They 're , they 're subject of massive fraud , '' Trump said .
While there have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republicans , about the potential for corruption and missing ballots , there has been little evidence of widespread fraud caused by an increase in the use of absentee ballots .
Trump has complained of corruption , but he has voted by mail himself in New York when he lived there and , this year , in Florida , which he has officially made his state of residence .
Democrats say generally that Republican opposition to voting by mail is intended to hold down turnout , especially among supporters of Democratic candidates .
Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1 % of the vote four years ago .
On Wednesday , McEnany said there is `` a lot of fraud potentially at play when you have mass absentee balloting '' and that the president only supports absentee balloting for a reason .
As to why he has n't criticized some other states – including those led by Republican governors – for encouraging more absentee voting , she referred the question to the Trump campaign .
Asked specifically what laws Trump believed Benson was violating , McEnany refused to answer saying it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ threat was clearly made as president – not as a candidate .
McEnany also quoted criticism of widespread absentee voting included in a 2005 report by the Commission on Federal Election Reform , led by former President Jimmy Carter , a Democrat , and former U.S. Secretary of State James Baker , a Republican .
That report , in one section , said absentee ballots `` remain the largest source of potential voter fraud . ''
But the report also made clear that admonition was about ballots – not applications – and that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restrictions on who has access to ballots and taking campaign workers out of the process .
It noted Oregon had `` avoided significant fraud '' by putting in place safeguards , including signature verification , similar to that required in Michigan .
By receiving absentee ballot applications at home , as proposed by Benson , voters could fill them out and mail or drop them off at local clerks ' offices or take a photo of them and email them to clerks , saving them an in-person visit .
Clerks would then compare @ @ @ @ @ @ @ file in their offices and mail them an absentee ballot , which then could be mailed back or dropped off .