usatoday--2020-02-14--OnPolitics: The Roger Stone sentencing storyline is getting good

Has your boss ever tried to help ?
There has been a significant amount of talk about how a tweet from President Trump directly impacted the sentencing agreement in place for Roger Stone .
Whelp , it would appear this story is n't going away any time soon .
Attorney General William Barr said that the president is making it `` impossible for me to do my job '' in an ABC News interview that posted Thursday .
• How prosecutors came up with a stiff sentence for Roger Stone Anybody just now realize that Nevada , the next primary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ caucus .
Iowa was a caucus .
Just saying .
How are Nevada officials going to make sure they carefully control caucus circumstances ?
Yes , we did that alliteration on purpose .
Our friends at the Reno Gazette-Journal have asked that very question .
In part , they 're planning to use a “ caucus calculator ” , among other things .
Serious question .
Are you better off ?
A Gallup poll found more than 6 in 10 Americans say they are better off than they were three years ago when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same number credit him for the improvement .
No other incumbent president in the past three decades has enjoyed such a high percentage of people saying they feel better about their situation .
In 2012 , when President Barack Obama was in the White House , 45 % of Americans told Gallup they were better off than they were three years ago .
In 2004 , 1996 and 1992 , the number was 50 % .
Political news you might have missed • Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg again apologized for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conducted during his tenure • The House of Representatives voted Thursday to remove the 1982 deadline for ratifying the Equal Rights Amendment for women • Eight Senate Republicans broke with Trump on Thursday – joining all the chamber 's Democrats to support legislation that would restrict the president 's ability to wage war with Iran .

OnPolitics: The Roger Stone sentencing storyline is getting good
Show Caption Hide Caption Roger Stone: Prosecutors quit case against Donald Trump ally In a short period, the Justice Department changed their prison recommendation for Roger Stone while four attorneys abruptly quit the prosecution team. USA TODAY
Has your boss ever tried to help?
There has been a significant amount of talk about how a tweet from President Trump directly impacted the sentencing agreement in place for Roger Stone.
Whelp, it would appear this story isn't going away any time soon. Attorney General William Barr said that the president is making it "impossible for me to do my job" in an ABC News interview that posted Thursday.
How prosecutors came up with a stiff sentence for Roger Stone
Don't panic but Nevada is a caucus
Anybody just now realize that Nevada, the next primary up for Democrats, is also a caucus. Iowa was a caucus. Just saying.
How are Nevada officials going to make sure they carefully control caucus circumstances? Yes, we did that alliteration on purpose.
Our friends at the Reno Gazette-Journal have asked that very question. In part, they're planning to use a “caucus calculator”, among other things.
Serious question. Are you better off?
A Gallup poll found more than 6 in 10 Americans say they are better off than they were three years ago when he took office, and about the same number credit him for the improvement.
No other incumbent president in the past three decades has enjoyed such a high percentage of people saying they feel better about their situation. In 2012, when President Barack Obama was in the White House, 45% of Americans told Gallup they were better off than they were three years ago. In 2004, 1996 and 1992, the number was 50%.
Political news you might have missed
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usatoday--2020-02-13--Nevada's powerful Culinary Union won't endorse in Democratic presidential primary

LAS VEGAS – Nevada 's most politically powerful labor union is staying out of the 2020 Democratic presidential nominating race .
The Culinary Union on Thursday announced it would not back a contender in the wide-open race to challenge President Donald Trump .
Union Secretary-Treasurer Geoconda Argüello-Kline revealed the decision in a press conference streamed live on Facebook .
`` We 've worked really hard to make sure members know what 's going on with the candidates , and we 're not stopping that , '' she said .
`` We 're going to endorse our goals , what we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to endorse a political candidate .
`` We 're going to make sure people vote and we 're going to work really hard to defeat President Trump . ''
The announcement deals a blow to longtime Nevada poll-leader Joe Biden , whose campaign is reeling from unexpectedly poor support in the nation ’ s first two presidential nominating contests .
The former vice president was once considered the frontrunner for a Culinary endorsement , especially after securing early backing from Nevada state Sen. Yvanna Cancela , the union ’ s influential former political @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relationship with political kingmaker and ex-Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid , though Reid , too , has sworn off of a pre-caucus endorsement .
Related : Klobuchar , Buttigieg , Steyer to campaign to Culinary Union in Las Vegas Progressive Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren was also thought to be a top contender for the union ’ s backing , but her own lackluster showings in Iowa and New Hampshire appear to have scuttled that possibility .
Thursday ’ s decision may come as a relief to fellow New England progressive Sanders , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bosses worried about his plan to provide Medicare to all Americans .
Culinary members fear the proposal would immediately dismantle the union ’ s top-tier private insurance plan .
Their decision to stay out of the race spares Sanders a potentially devastating , union-orchestrated campaign to nominate a more moderate contender .
The Culinary Union represents 60,000 housekeepers , porters and bartenders working in Las Vegas casinos .
Unite Here , the parent of the Culinary Union , announced in January that it is not planning to endorse a candidate in the Democratic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of the more influential forces in Democratic politics in the state .
Democratic candidates have been aggressive in courting the group 's support .
But the local sat out the 2016 Democratic primary after a divisive endorsement eight years earlier undermined its image as a well-oiled political machine .
Early caucusing in Nevada begins on Feb. 15 at any one of 80 locations around the state .
In-person caucusing is scheduled to start at 10 a.m. on Feb. 22 .
Nevada ’ s closed caucus system is open to registered Democrats who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Nov. 3 .

Ed Komenda and James DeHaven, Reno Gazette-Journal

Nevada's powerful Culinary Union won't endorse in Democratic presidential primary The move comes just two days before ballots are cast in Nevada's closely watched caucus
Show Caption Hide Caption Super PACs explained: How big money is affecting US elections Super PACs are some of the biggest players in American politics. Here's how they affect elections in the U.S. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
LAS VEGAS – Nevada's most politically powerful labor union is staying out of the 2020 Democratic presidential nominating race.
The Culinary Union on Thursday announced it would not back a contender in the wide-open race to challenge President Donald Trump.
Union Secretary-Treasurer Geoconda Argüello-Kline revealed the decision in a press conference streamed live on Facebook.
"We've worked really hard to make sure members know what's going on with the candidates, and we're not stopping that," she said. "We're going to endorse our goals, what we're doing. We're not going to endorse a political candidate.
"We're going to make sure people vote and we're going to work really hard to defeat President Trump."
The announcement deals a blow to longtime Nevada poll-leader Joe Biden, whose campaign is reeling from unexpectedly poor support in the nation’s first two presidential nominating contests.
The former vice president was once considered the frontrunner for a Culinary endorsement, especially after securing early backing from Nevada state Sen. Yvanna Cancela, the union’s influential former political director. Biden also has a longstanding relationship with political kingmaker and ex-Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, though Reid, too, has sworn off of a pre-caucus endorsement.
More: Nevada's most powerful labor union warns workers of Bernie Sanders' health care plan
Related: Klobuchar, Buttigieg, Steyer to campaign to Culinary Union in Las Vegas
Progressive Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren was also thought to be a top contender for the union’s backing, but her own lackluster showings in Iowa and New Hampshire appear to have scuttled that possibility.
Thursday’s decision may come as a relief to fellow New England progressive Sanders, who had become a top target for union bosses worried about his plan to provide Medicare to all Americans.
Culinary members fear the proposal would immediately dismantle the union’s top-tier private insurance plan. Their decision to stay out of the race spares Sanders a potentially devastating, union-orchestrated campaign to nominate a more moderate contender.
The Culinary Union represents 60,000 housekeepers, porters and bartenders working in Las Vegas casinos. Unite Here, the parent of the Culinary Union, announced in January that it is not planning to endorse a candidate in the Democratic presidential primary.
The Culinary is considered one of the more influential forces in Democratic politics in the state. Democratic candidates have been aggressive in courting the group's support.
But the local sat out the 2016 Democratic primary after a divisive endorsement eight years earlier undermined its image as a well-oiled political machine.
Early caucusing in Nevada begins on Feb. 15 at any one of 80 locations around the state. In-person caucusing is scheduled to start at 10 a.m. on Feb. 22. Nevada’s closed caucus system is open to registered Democrats who will be over the age of 18 by Nov. 3.
Contributing: The Associated Press.


usatoday--2020-02-13--Trump says he may stop allowing aides to listen to foreign leader calls following infamous Ukraine c

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump said Thursday he is considering ending the practice of allowing aides and administration officials to listen in on calls with foreign leaders , after a whistleblower complaint over his phone conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky triggered his impeachment .
`` That ’ s what they ’ ve done over the years when you call a foreign leader , people listen , '' he told Geraldo Rivera in a radio interview that aired Thursday .
`` I may end the practice entirely . ''
The White House has long allowed aides , National Security Council @ @ @ @ @ @ @ members of the intelligence community to sit in on the president 's calls with world leaders to take notes and prepare a summary that serves as an official record of the call .
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was among the administration officials who sat in on Trump 's July 25 call with Zelensky , in which Trump solicited his Ukrainian counterpart to publicly announce investigations that would politically benefit him .
The call prompted an anonymous whistleblower to file a complaint about the call , which launched a House impeachment inquiry .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ records kept for the president 's conversations with world leaders ?
His comments came in response to a question about last week 's White House dismissal of Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman , a Ukraine expert on the National Security Council who provided pivotal testimony in the House impeachment inquiry last fall .
Vindman was among several aides who listened to Trump ’ s call with Zelensky .
At the time , Vindman reported concerns to superiors that Trump requested investigations of Biden and his son Hunter , who had business interests in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's actions as `` insubordinate '' and said that after he was escorted from the White House Friday , `` many people in the building started applauding . ''
In the week since his acquittal on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress , Trump has looked to settle the score with those who testified against him during the impeachment saga .
Vindman and his brother Yevgeny , who worked as a lawyer an ethics official at the NSC , were fired on the same day .
Trump also dismissed Gordan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Union who became a high-profile witness during the impeachment inquiry .

Trump says he may stop allowing aides to listen to foreign leader calls following infamous Ukraine call
Show Caption Hide Caption Trump's Ukraine phone call: U.S. and Ukraine relationship, explained U.S. and Ukraine relations go further back than the now infamous phone call between Trump and Zelensky. We explain their relationship. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump said Thursday he is considering ending the practice of allowing aides and administration officials to listen in on calls with foreign leaders, after a whistleblower complaint over his phone conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky triggered his impeachment.
"That’s what they’ve done over the years when you call a foreign leader, people listen," he told Geraldo Rivera in a radio interview that aired Thursday. "I may end the practice entirely."
The White House has long allowed aides, National Security Council personnel, top State Department officials and members of the intelligence community to sit in on the president's calls with world leaders to take notes and prepare a summary that serves as an official record of the call.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was among the administration officials who sat in on Trump's July 25 call with Zelensky, in which Trump solicited his Ukrainian counterpart to publicly announce investigations that would politically benefit him. The call prompted an anonymous whistleblower to file a complaint about the call, which launched a House impeachment inquiry.
Trump's Ukraine call: How are records kept for the president's conversations with world leaders?
His comments came in response to a question about last week's White House dismissal of Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman, a Ukraine expert on the National Security Council who provided pivotal testimony in the House impeachment inquiry last fall. Vindman was among several aides who listened to Trump’s call with Zelensky. At the time, Vindman reported concerns to superiors that Trump requested investigations of Biden and his son Hunter, who had business interests in the country.
Trump said he viewed Vindman's actions as "insubordinate" and said that after he was escorted from the White House Friday, "many people in the building started applauding."
In the week since his acquittal on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, Trump has looked to settle the score with those who testified against him during the impeachment saga.
Vindman and his brother Yevgeny, who worked as a lawyer an ethics official at the NSC, were fired on the same day. Trump also dismissed Gordan Sondland, the ambassador to the European Union who became a high-profile witness during the impeachment inquiry.


usatoday--2020-02-13--Nevada Democrats to use 'caucus calculators' in latest bid to avoid repeat of Iowa fiasco

RENO — The Nevada State Democratic Party plans to use a “ caucus calculator ” during the state ’ s crucial presidential nominating contest .
Party officials on Thursday sent a memo to campaigns explaining the calculator will be downloaded to party-purchased iPads and only available for use by precinct chairs charged with completing sometimes complicated caucus math .
It will also help caucus organizers incorporate early vote totals into the results tallied on Caucus Day .
The missive marks officials ’ latest effort to avoid a repeat of Iowa ’ s tech-troubled caucus .
The state party last week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blamed for that fiasco .
It has since confirmed that Nevada ’ s early voters will fill out paper ballots that will later be sent to party-run “ processing hubs ” for scanning and storage .
More : Nevada Democrats turn to Scantron-style paper ballots after Caucus Day chaos in Iowa A copy of a Monday caucus memo obtained by the Reno Gazette Journal says early caucusgoers will check in at their voting precinct on a “ PDF voter roll ” downloaded to party-purchased iPads .
Voters will then be handed a card @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needed to correctly fill out a Google Form that will help “ track participants and streamline data collection.
” Officials said paper sign-in sheets will be available if needed .
Thursday ’ s update offers new details on how the party plans to count those results while preventing an Iowa-style pileup on caucus phone lines .
Officials say they will implement a two-source verification process where Caucus Day data is reported “ through a secure hotline to a trained operator ” and verified by paper vote reporting sheets or the caucus calculator .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ release of three different vote tallies on Feb 22 : raw votes from the first alignment of caucusgoers , raw votes from the final alignment , and a tally of county delegates that roughly corresponds with the first two results .
Silver State Democrats have long since committed to retaining a raft of new voter-friendly changes meant to supercharge participation in the state ’ s typically low-turnout presidential nominating contest .
Those tweaks include the addition of new workplace caucus sites on the Las Vegas Strip , an expanded , four-day early caucusing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Spanish and Tagalog .
“ We understand just how important it is that we get this right and protect the integrity of Nevadans ’ votes , ” Alana Mounce , the state party 's executive director , wrote in Thursday 's memo .
“ We are confident in our backup plans and redundancies .
“ In choosing the best path forward our guiding principles have been security , efficiency and simplicity .
To ensure that we fulfill these principles , we are strengthening our processes to address the main challenges that have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said last-minute wrinkles added to Nevada 's caucus process have been tested by security experts `` of varying backgrounds , experienced volunteers , first-time precinct chairs and community leaders . ''
Early caucusing in Nevada begins on Feb. 15 at any one of 80 locations around the state .
In-person caucusing is scheduled to start at 10 a.m. on Feb. 22 .
Nevada ’ s closed caucus system is open to registered Democrats who will be over the age of 18 by Nov. 3 .
James DeHaven is the politics reporter for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Nevada Legislature and everything in between .
Support his work by subscribing to RGJ.com right here .

Nevada Democrats to use 'caucus calculators' in latest bid to avoid repeat of Iowa fiasco Nevada Democrats unveil another late twist in preparations for closely watched caucus
Show Caption Hide Caption Watch: The three things that led to the Iowa caucus disaster Three things led to a disastrous caucus night for Democrats. The Des Moines Register
RENO — The Nevada State Democratic Party plans to use a “caucus calculator” during the state’s crucial presidential nominating contest.
Party officials on Thursday sent a memo to campaigns explaining the calculator will be downloaded to party-purchased iPads and only available for use by precinct chairs charged with completing sometimes complicated caucus math. It will also help caucus organizers incorporate early vote totals into the results tallied on Caucus Day.
The missive marks officials’ latest effort to avoid a repeat of Iowa’s tech-troubled caucus. The state party last week ditched the cell phone app software widely blamed for that fiasco.
It has since confirmed that Nevada’s early voters will fill out paper ballots that will later be sent to party-run “processing hubs” for scanning and storage.
But Nevada Democrats aren’t completely abandoning caucus day technology.
Difference between caucus and primary, explained The 2020 election is nearing and with that, comes the caucuses and primary elections. But what’s the difference? Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
More: Nevada Democrats turn to Scantron-style paper ballots after Caucus Day chaos in Iowa
A copy of a Monday caucus memo obtained by the Reno Gazette Journal says early caucusgoers will check in at their voting precinct on a “PDF voter roll” downloaded to party-purchased iPads.
Voters will then be handed a card with a “voter PIN” number needed to correctly fill out a Google Form that will help “track participants and streamline data collection.” Officials said paper sign-in sheets will be available if needed.
Thursday’s update offers new details on how the party plans to count those results while preventing an Iowa-style pileup on caucus phone lines.
Officials say they will implement a two-source verification process where Caucus Day data is reported “through a secure hotline to a trained operator” and verified by paper vote reporting sheets or the caucus calculator.
The party plan to proceed with the release of three different vote tallies on Feb 22: raw votes from the first alignment of caucusgoers, raw votes from the final alignment, and a tally of county delegates that roughly corresponds with the first two results.
Silver State Democrats have long since committed to retaining a raft of new voter-friendly changes meant to supercharge participation in the state’s typically low-turnout presidential nominating contest.
Those tweaks include the addition of new workplace caucus sites on the Las Vegas Strip, an expanded, four-day early caucusing period and caucus materials printed in English, Spanish and Tagalog.
“We understand just how important it is that we get this right and protect the integrity of Nevadans’ votes,” Alana Mounce, the state party's executive director, wrote in Thursday's memo. “We are confident in our backup plans and redundancies.
“In choosing the best path forward our guiding principles have been security, efficiency and simplicity. To ensure that we fulfill these principles, we are strengthening our processes to address the main challenges that have arisen in the primary process.”
They said last-minute wrinkles added to Nevada's caucus process have been tested by security experts "of varying backgrounds, experienced volunteers, first-time precinct chairs and community leaders."
Early caucusing in Nevada begins on Feb. 15 at any one of 80 locations around the state. In-person caucusing is scheduled to start at 10 a.m. on Feb. 22. Nevada’s closed caucus system is open to registered Democrats who will be over the age of 18 by Nov. 3.
James DeHaven is the politics reporter for the Reno Gazette Journal. He covers campaigns, the Nevada Legislature and everything in between. Support his work by subscribing to RGJ.com right here.


usatoday--2020-02-13--Ex-OSU wrestler says Rep. Jim Jordan begged him to deny OSU sexual abuse claims

Ex-wrestler : Rep. Jim Jordan begged me to deny abuse claims at OSU Adam DiSabato testified before Ohio lawmakers and @ @ @ @ @ '' for denying he knew of the abuse by late Dr. Strauss at Ohio State @ @

Ex-wrestler: Rep. Jim Jordan begged me to deny abuse claims at OSU
Adam DiSabato testified before Ohio lawmakers and called Jordan a "liar" for denying he knew of the abuse by late Dr. Strauss at Ohio State University.
USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-02-13--Eight Republicans join Democrats to pass Senate measure to limit President Trump's war powers agains

WASHINGTON – Eight Senate Republicans broke with President Donald Trump on Thursday – joining all the chamber 's Democrats to support legislation that would restrict the president 's ability to wage war with Iran .
The 55-45 vote marked a rare bipartisan effort to curb Trump 's powers and underscored lawmakers ' concerns that U.S. tensions with Iran could escalate into a full-fledged war .
Democrats said Congress had to act to rein in an unpredictable president , arguing Trump brought the United States to the brink of war with Iran when he green-lighted a deadly strike targeting Tehran ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Qasem Soleimani .
“ I fear that the president ’ s erratic decision-making , his lack of strategy , his inability to control his impulses may bumble us into a war … even if he doesn ’ t intend it , ” Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer , D-N.Y. , said during Thursday ’ s debate .
Schumer said Thursday 's vote was `` a clear shot across the bow '' to Trump that Congress will not support another `` endless war '' in the Middle East .
Sen. Todd Young , an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump 's decision to target Soleimani but said lawmakers have an obligation to debate the use of U.S. military force .
`` For nearly two decades , Congress has been AWOL on certain matters of national security and attempted to pass the buck to our commander in chief when things go wrong , '' Young said .
`` It ’ s time for us to do our job . ''
Most of the Senate 's 53 Republicans voted against the measure , which would direct the president to terminate the use of U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Iran ” unless explicitly authorized by Congress .
Speaker Nancy Pelosi , D-Calif. , said Thursday that she would bring the Senate measure up for a House vote this month .
Even if it passes the House , Trump is almost certain to veto it .
There 's little chance that proponents of the measure could get the two-thirds House and Senate supermajority needed to override a veto .
`` It is very important for our Country ’ s SECURITY that the United States Senate not vote for the Iran War Powers Resolution @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We are doing very well with Iran and this is not the time to show weakness . ''
Republican opponents said the Senate proposal would severely limit the Pentagon 's ability to defend the USA against threats posed by Iran .
They blasted Democrats for their criticism of the Soleimani killing .
`` This was not some reckless act .
It was a calculated and limited response to a significant , growing threat of attack against U.S. personnel in Iraq by an emboldened adversary , '' Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , R-Ky. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this week .
Trump 's decision , he said , restored deterrence and reduced the risk of war .
The chief sponsor of the measure , Sen. Tim Kaine , D-Va. , said the debate was less about Trump ’ s Iran strategy and more about Congress exercising its constitutional responsibilities to declare war .
`` An offensive war requires a congressional debate and vote .
This should not be a controversial proposition , '' Kaine said during Wednesday 's debate .
`` If we 're to order our young men and women @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and war , it should be on the basis of careful deliberation by the people 's elected legislature and not on the say-so of any one person . ''
Kaine conceded he did n't have enough support to override a veto but said he hoped Trump would be influenced by the congressional vote .
`` We ’ re listening to our constituents , and we ’ re telling him blundering into another war '' would be a mistake , Kaine said .
In addition to Young , the other Republicans who voted “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sens .
Lamar Alexander of Tennessee , Bill Cassidy of Louisiana , Susan Collins of Maine , Mike Lee of Utah , Rand Paul of Kentucky , Jerry Moran of Kansas and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska .
Lee dismissed criticism from his fellow GOP lawmakers that the measure would tie Trump 's hands or signal `` weakness '' on the part of the United States .
`` We don ’ t send a message of weakness when we stand up for the rule of law , '' Lee said Wednesday .
`` That @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Eight Republicans join Democrats to pass Senate measure to limit President Trump's war powers against Iran
Show Caption Hide Caption Are we really ready for a World War III? Fears are mounting around the world following the assassination of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani - but is World War 3 about to happen? Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – Eight Senate Republicans broke with President Donald Trump on Thursday – joining all the chamber's Democrats to support legislation that would restrict the president's ability to wage war with Iran.
The 55-45 vote marked a rare bipartisan effort to curb Trump's powers and underscored lawmakers' concerns that U.S. tensions with Iran could escalate into a full-fledged war.
Democrats said Congress had to act to rein in an unpredictable president, arguing Trump brought the United States to the brink of war with Iran when he green-lighted a deadly strike targeting Tehran’s most powerful military leader, Gen. Qasem Soleimani.
“I fear that the president’s erratic decision-making, his lack of strategy, his inability to control his impulses may bumble us into a war … even if he doesn’t intend it,” Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., said during Thursday’s debate.
Schumer said Thursday's vote was "a clear shot across the bow" to Trump that Congress will not support another "endless war" in the Middle East.
Sen. Todd Young, an ex-Marine and conservative Indiana Republican, praised Trump's decision to target Soleimani but said lawmakers have an obligation to debate the use of U.S. military force.
"For nearly two decades, Congress has been AWOL on certain matters of national security and attempted to pass the buck to our commander in chief when things go wrong," Young said. "It’s time for us to do our job."
Most of the Senate's 53 Republicans voted against the measure, which would direct the president to terminate the use of U.S. military force engaged in “hostilities against Iran” unless explicitly authorized by Congress.
Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said Thursday that she would bring the Senate measure up for a House vote this month. Even if it passes the House, Trump is almost certain to veto it. There's little chance that proponents of the measure could get the two-thirds House and Senate supermajority needed to override a veto.
"It is very important for our Country’s SECURITY that the United States Senate not vote for the Iran War Powers Resolution," Trump tweeted Wednesday. "We are doing very well with Iran and this is not the time to show weakness."
Republican opponents said the Senate proposal would severely limit the Pentagon's ability to defend the USA against threats posed by Iran. They blasted Democrats for their criticism of the Soleimani killing.
"This was not some reckless act. It was a calculated and limited response to a significant, growing threat of attack against U.S. personnel in Iraq by an emboldened adversary," Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said in a Senate floor speech this week. Trump's decision, he said, restored deterrence and reduced the risk of war.
The chief sponsor of the measure, Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., said the debate was less about Trump’s Iran strategy and more about Congress exercising its constitutional responsibilities to declare war.
"An offensive war requires a congressional debate and vote. This should not be a controversial proposition," Kaine said during Wednesday's debate. "If we're to order our young men and women ... to risk their lives in health and war, it should be on the basis of careful deliberation by the people's elected legislature and not on the say-so of any one person."
Kaine conceded he didn't have enough support to override a veto but said he hoped Trump would be influenced by the congressional vote.
"We’re listening to our constituents, and we’re telling him blundering into another war" would be a mistake, Kaine said.
In addition to Young, the other Republicans who voted “yes” on the resolution were: Sens. Lamar Alexander of Tennessee, Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, Susan Collins of Maine, Mike Lee of Utah, Rand Paul of Kentucky, Jerry Moran of Kansas and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska.
Lee dismissed criticism from his fellow GOP lawmakers that the measure would tie Trump's hands or signal "weakness" on the part of the United States.
"We don’t send a message of weakness when we stand up for the rule of law," Lee said Wednesday. "That's a message of strength."


usatoday--2020-02-13--Here's why the Equal Right Amendment is making a comeback

House to bring back debate on the Equal Right Amendment The House is expected to remove the 1982 deadline for @ @ @ @ @ in a move that would be mostly symbolic .

House to bring back debate on the Equal Right Amendment
The House is expected to remove the 1982 deadline for ratifying the Equal Rights Amendment in a move that would be mostly symbolic.
USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-02-13--Senate poised to pass bill curbing Trump's war powers with Iran after Soleimani strike, but a veto i

WASHINGTON – The Senate is expected to approve a resolution Thursday that would restrict President Donald Trump 's ability to wage war with Iran in a rare bipartisan effort to curb executive powers .
The debate over the president 's war powerscomes amid ongoing questions about Trump 's controversial decision to authorize a drone strike killing Iran 's most powerful military leader in January .
Senate Democrats say they have enough Republican support to win passage of the measure , which would bar Trump from using military force against Iran unless Congress specifically voted to authorize such action .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and vote .
This should not be a controversial proposition , '' Sen. Tim Kaine , D-Va. , said during Wednesday 's debate .
`` If we 're to order our young men and women ... to risk their lives in health and war , it should be on the basis of careful deliberation by the people 's elected legislature and not on the say-so of any one person . ''
Democrats say the issue has become more urgent , after Trump green-lighted the deadly attack on Iranian Gen. Qasem Soleimani – a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fears of a broader conflict in the Middle East .
“ For years , I ’ ve been deeply concerned about President Trump stumbling into a war with Iran .
We ’ re now at a boiling point , '' Kaine said when he introduced his resolution .
Takeaways from New Hampshire : Amy Klobuchar 's surprising strength and other takeaways from the New Hampshire primary Republicans hold a 53-seat majority , and most GOP senators are likely to oppose the resolution , arguing it 's unnecessary and unconstitutional .
Senate Majority Leader @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bill would `` severely limit '' the Pentagon 's ability to defend the U.S. against threats posed by Iran .
And he blasted Democrats for their criticism of the Soleimani killing .
`` This was not some reckless act .
It was a calculated and limited response to a significant , growing threat of attack against U.S. personnel in Iraq by an emboldened adversary , '' McConnell said in a Senate floor speech Tuesday .
Trump 's decision , he added , has restored deterrence and reduced the risk of war .
Even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the House , Trump is almost certain to veto it .
`` It is very important for our Country ’ s SECURITY that the United States Senate not vote for the Iran War Powers Resolution , '' Trump tweeted .
`` We are doing very well with Iran and this is not the time to show weakness . ''
And there 's little chance Kaine and his allies could get the two-thirds supermajority needed to override a veto .
The House approved a bill on Jan. 30 that would block Trump from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ military force against Iran . ''
Trump is also likely to veto that measure , which passed 228-175 .
What happened in New Hampshire : Bernie Sanders wins New Hampshire , while Buttigieg , Klobuchar finishes are keeping the field muddled Kaine , the chief sponsor of the resolution , has long advocated for a more assertive congressional role in the use of American military might .
Kaine said at least four GOP senators agreed to support his resolution : Sens .
Rand Paul of Kentucky , Mike Lee of Utah , Susan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Indiana .
Lee dismissed criticism from his fellow GOP lawmakers that the measure would tie Trump 's hands or signal `` weakness '' on the part of the United States .
`` We don ’ t send a message of weakness when we stand up for the rule of law , '' Lee said Wednesday .
`` That 's a message of strength . ''

Senate poised to pass bill curbing Trump's war powers with Iran after Soleimani strike, but a veto is likely
Show Caption Hide Caption House votes yes to limit Trump's war powers after killing Soleimani The House passed a vote to limit President Trump's ability to wage war against Iran after concerns following the killing of Gen. Qasem Soleimani. USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – The Senate is expected to approve a resolution Thursday that would restrict President Donald Trump's ability to wage war with Iran in a rare bipartisan effort to curb executive powers.
The debate over the president's war powerscomes amid ongoing questions about Trump's controversial decision to authorize a drone strike killing Iran's most powerful military leader in January.
Senate Democrats say they have enough Republican support to win passage of the measure, which would bar Trump from using military force against Iran unless Congress specifically voted to authorize such action.
"An offensive war requires a congressional debate and vote. This should not be a controversial proposition," Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., said during Wednesday's debate. "If we're to order our young men and women ... to risk their lives in health and war, it should be on the basis of careful deliberation by the people's elected legislature and not on the say-so of any one person."
Democrats say the issue has become more urgent, after Trump green-lighted the deadly attack on Iranian Gen. Qasem Soleimani – a decision that heightened U.S.-Iranian tensions and sparked fears of a broader conflict in the Middle East.
“For years, I’ve been deeply concerned about President Trump stumbling into a war with Iran. We’re now at a boiling point," Kaine said when he introduced his resolution.
Takeaways from New Hampshire: Amy Klobuchar's surprising strength and other takeaways from the New Hampshire primary
Republicans hold a 53-seat majority, and most GOP senators are likely to oppose the resolution, arguing it's unnecessary and unconstitutional.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said the bill would "severely limit" the Pentagon's ability to defend the U.S. against threats posed by Iran. And he blasted Democrats for their criticism of the Soleimani killing.
"This was not some reckless act. It was a calculated and limited response to a significant, growing threat of attack against U.S. personnel in Iraq by an emboldened adversary," McConnell said in a Senate floor speech Tuesday. Trump's decision, he added, has restored deterrence and reduced the risk of war.
Are we really ready for a World War III? Fears are mounting around the world following the assassination of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani - but is World War 3 about to happen? Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
Even if Kaine's bill passes the Senate and the House, Trump is almost certain to veto it.
The president blasted Kaine's resolution on Wednesday.
"It is very important for our Country’s SECURITY that the United States Senate not vote for the Iran War Powers Resolution," Trump tweeted. "We are doing very well with Iran and this is not the time to show weakness."
And there's little chance Kaine and his allies could get the two-thirds supermajority needed to override a veto.
The House approved a bill on Jan. 30 that would block Trump from using any federal funds for "unauthorized military force against Iran." Trump is also likely to veto that measure, which passed 228-175.
What happened in New Hampshire: Bernie Sanders wins New Hampshire, while Buttigieg, Klobuchar finishes are keeping the field muddled
Kaine, the chief sponsor of the resolution, has long advocated for a more assertive congressional role in the use of American military might.
Kaine said at least four GOP senators agreed to support his resolution: Sens. Rand Paul of Kentucky, Mike Lee of Utah, Susan Collins of Maine and Todd Young of Indiana.
Lee dismissed criticism from his fellow GOP lawmakers that the measure would tie Trump's hands or signal "weakness" on the part of the United States.
"We don’t send a message of weakness when we stand up for the rule of law," Lee said Wednesday. "That's a message of strength."


usatoday--2020-02-13--Ex-Trump Chief of Staff John Kelly defends Alexander Vindman and the media

MORRISTOWN , New Jersey – Retired Gen. John Kelly defended Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman , a key witness in President Donald Trump 's impeachment , while pushing back on his ex-boss ' claim that the media is the `` enemy of the state .
For more than an hour , Kelly avoided the elephant in the room , focusing on the `` Governance Versus Politics '' topic promised during his speaking appearance Wednesday at the Mayo Performing Arts Center .
But after admitting he clashed on several issues with Trump during his tumultuous term as his chief of staff , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ audience about the difficulties he encountered in the West Wing .
`` I 'm disappointed in myself for leaving , but it was a killer , I mean , no joke , '' Kelly said about serving Trump , starting as Secretary of Homeland Security before replacing Reince Priebus as White House chief of staff in June 2017 .
During the appearance , he commented on Vindman , the National Security Council aide who testified in the House impeachment inquiry into allegations that Trump used military assistance to pressure Ukraine into opening investigations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fired from his NSC post days after Trump was acquitted by the Senate on two articles of impeachment stemming from the inquiry .
The conversation Vindman overheard between Trump and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky , in which Trump reportedly asked for a favor , `` essentially changed U.S. policy towards Ukraine , '' Kelly said .
`` He did exactly what we teach them to do , from cradle to grave : He told his boss , '' he said .
Like many key West Wing staffers , Kelly eventually left his position @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he had fallen out of favor with Trump .
In Morristown , Kelly spoke for 45 minutes as a featured speaker in the Drew University Forum lecture series , followed by a 30-minute audience Q & A .
Equal Rights Amendment : House to vote to allow ratification of Equal Rights Amendment for women Kelly identified a few key issues where he clashed with Trump , including the Muslim immigration ban and the president 's repeated characterization of the media as `` the enemy of the state . ''
`` The media , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very strongly about this , is not the enemy of the people , '' he said .
`` We need a free media .
That said , you have to be careful about what you are watching and reading , because the media has taken sides .
So if you only watch Fox News , because it 's reinforcing what you believe , you are not an informed citizen . ''
' I believe John Bolton ' : Former Trump chief of staff John Kelly backs Bolton in Ukraine dispute Trump fired back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thursday , belittling the retired general he used to describe as a “ tough cookie ” and “ one of our great stars.
” “ When I terminated John Kelly , which I couldn ’ t do fast enough , he knew full well that he was way over his head , ” Trump posted on Twitter .
“ He came in with a bang , went out with a whimper , but like so many X ’ s , he misses the action & just can ’ t keep his mouth shut.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Navy SEAL Eddie Gallagher , whose demotion for posing for a photo with a combatant 's corpse was reversed by Trump .
Gallagher , he said , `` Was not a guy that represents our military in any way , shape or form .
He should have been ashamed of himself .
The idea that the commander in chief intervened there , in my opinion , was exactly the wrong thing to do . ''
The Q & A session included an extended confrontation about separating immigrant families on the U.S. southern border @ @ @ @ @ @ @ co-president of Wind of the Spirit , a Morristown nonprofit immigrant resource center .
Other Wind of the Spirit members joined several other groups outside the theater to protest Kelly 's appearance , including divinity students from the Drew University Theological School .
Inside , Kelly was twice interrupted by protesters who stood up and shouted , `` Hey Kelly , separating families is inhumane . ''
Both were removed by security .
More : Nikki Haley says she rebuffed efforts by Tillerson , Kelly to thwart Trump

William Westhoven, Morristown Daily Record

Ex-Trump Chief of Staff John Kelly defends Alexander Vindman and the media
Show Caption Hide Caption Nikki Haley discusses being enlisted by John Kelly and Rex Tillerson Nikki Haley, the former Governor of South Carolina and the former UN ambassador, discusses White House intrigue and attempts to undermine Trump. USA TODAY
MORRISTOWN, New Jersey – Retired Gen. John Kelly defended Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman, a key witness in President Donald Trump's impeachment, while pushing back on his ex-boss' claim that the media is the "enemy of the state.
For more than an hour, Kelly avoided the elephant in the room, focusing on the "Governance Versus Politics" topic promised during his speaking appearance Wednesday at the Mayo Performing Arts Center.
But after admitting he clashed on several issues with Trump during his tumultuous term as his chief of staff, Kelly finally addressed repeated questions from the audience about the difficulties he encountered in the West Wing.
"I'm disappointed in myself for leaving, but it was a killer, I mean, no joke," Kelly said about serving Trump, starting as Secretary of Homeland Security before replacing Reince Priebus as White House chief of staff in June 2017.
During the appearance, he commented on Vindman, the National Security Council aide who testified in the House impeachment inquiry into allegations that Trump used military assistance to pressure Ukraine into opening investigations for his political benefit. Vindman was fired from his NSC post days after Trump was acquitted by the Senate on two articles of impeachment stemming from the inquiry.
The conversation Vindman overheard between Trump and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky, in which Trump reportedly asked for a favor, "essentially changed U.S. policy towards Ukraine," Kelly said.
"He did exactly what we teach them to do, from cradle to grave: He told his boss," he said.
Like many key West Wing staffers, Kelly eventually left his position at the end of 2018 amid reports he had fallen out of favor with Trump.
In Morristown, Kelly spoke for 45 minutes as a featured speaker in the Drew University Forum lecture series, followed by a 30-minute audience Q&A.
Equal Rights Amendment: House to vote to allow ratification of Equal Rights Amendment for women
Kelly identified a few key issues where he clashed with Trump, including the Muslim immigration ban and the president's repeated characterization of the media as "the enemy of the state."
"The media, in my view, and I feel very strongly about this, is not the enemy of the people," he said. "We need a free media. That said, you have to be careful about what you are watching and reading, because the media has taken sides. So if you only watch Fox News, because it's reinforcing what you believe, you are not an informed citizen."
Read senators' impeachment notes: 7 senators’ handwritten notes offer a new view of President Trump's impeachment trial
'I believe John Bolton': Former Trump chief of staff John Kelly backs Bolton in Ukraine dispute
Trump fired back on Kelly in a pair of tweets Thursday, belittling the retired general he used to describe as a “tough cookie” and “one of our great stars.”
“When I terminated John Kelly, which I couldn’t do fast enough, he knew full well that he was way over his head,” Trump posted on Twitter. “He came in with a bang, went out with a whimper, but like so many X’s, he misses the action & just can’t keep his mouth shut.”
Kelly also mentioned the case of Navy SEAL Eddie Gallagher, whose demotion for posing for a photo with a combatant's corpse was reversed by Trump.
Gallagher, he said, "Was not a guy that represents our military in any way, shape or form. He should have been ashamed of himself. The idea that the commander in chief intervened there, in my opinion, was exactly the wrong thing to do."
The Q&A session included an extended confrontation about separating immigrant families on the U.S. southern border with Karol Ruiz, an attorney and co-president of Wind of the Spirit, a Morristown nonprofit immigrant resource center.
Other Wind of the Spirit members joined several other groups outside the theater to protest Kelly's appearance, including divinity students from the Drew University Theological School.
Inside, Kelly was twice interrupted by protesters who stood up and shouted, "Hey Kelly, separating families is inhumane." Both were removed by security.
Email: wwesthoven@dailyrecord.com Twitter: @wwesthoven
More: Nikki Haley says she rebuffed efforts by Tillerson, Kelly to thwart Trump


usatoday--2020-02-13--Head of Iowa Democratic Party resigns after caucus results debacle

DES MOINES — The chairman of the Iowa Democratic Party resigned his position on Wednesday as the organization grapples with the fallout of a botched caucus process that has left the party and state reeling .
`` While it is my desire to stay in this role and see this process through to completion , I do believe it is time for the Iowa Democratic Party to begin looking forward , and my presence in my current role makes that more difficult .
Therefore , I will resign as chair of the Iowa Democratic Party effective upon the election of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a letter to the Iowa Democratic Party 's State Central Committee .
Price , an Iowa native , worked as political director for Barack Obama 's 2012 Iowa campaign and Hillary Clinton 's 2016 Iowa campaign .
He served as executive director of the Iowa Democratic Party before being elected its chair in July 2017 and reelected in 2018 .
More than a week after the party 's Feb. 3 caucuses , final results from the night are still not available .
Results from Tuesday 's New Hampshire primary have already been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into Nevada and South Carolina .
Candidates have called for a recanvass of 143 precincts , including all in-state satellite precincts .
The party also reviewed results from 95 precincts independent of the campaigns ' requests .
The Associated Press still has not called a winner in the race .
More : Iowa Democratic Party accepts recanvass requests of all precincts highlighted by Sanders , Buttigieg campaigns Preliminary results show that former South Bend , Indiana , Mayor Pete Buttigieg holds a slim lead over U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont in state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ success in Iowa .
Sanders had more individual support at the caucus sites , a metric he aligned with a traditional primary election .
The unprecedented delay in reporting follows an organizational collapse on caucus night .
Problems with a new cellphone app used to report results were rampant ; chaos enveloped a call center that should have acted as a fail-safe backup ; and the data presented to the public even after days of `` quality control '' checks remained riddled with errors .
More : Iowa caucus 2020 : Inside the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' where 'hell ' preceded the results catastrophe '' The challenges of reporting data and delays of publicizing the results were categorically unacceptable , '' Price said in a news conference Friday afternoon .
`` Iowa Democrats demand better of us .
Quite frankly , we demand better of ourselves . ''
Price announced Democrats would commission an independent investigation of `` what went right , what went wrong , from start to finish '' with the entire caucus process .
Tom Perez , the Democratic National Committee chairman , has taken to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the caucuses .
Though he said he takes some responsibility for the meltdown , he said he would `` absolutely not '' step down from his role .
`` I 'm frustrated .
I 'm mad as hell .
Everybody is , '' Perez said during a recent appearance on CNN .
`` And I think what we 're going to do at the end of this cycle ... is have a further conversation about whether or not state parties should be running elections . ''
With Perez among those leading the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , calls to replace caucuses with primaries and remove Iowa from its coveted first-in-the-nation status have grown increasingly forceful .
Concerns over diversity and inclusion have risen to the forefront this caucus cycle as a presidential field that was at one point the most diverse in history has winnowed to a nearly all-white pool of candidates .
The problems with this month 's results have shifted the focus back to Iowa 's arcane rules and complex process and will undoubtedly have repercussions for future election cycles .
Brianne Pfannenstiel is the chief politics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at bpfann @ dmreg.com or 515-284-8244 .
Follow her on Twitter at @ brianneDMR .

Brianne Pfannenstiel, The Des Moines Register

Head of Iowa Democratic Party resigns after caucus results debacle
Show Caption Hide Caption Iowa caucus: DNC chair Tom Perez calls for recanvass Democratic National Committee chair Tom Perez calls for a closer look at the Iowa Caucuses results, as Pete Buttigieg and Bernie Sanders lead. USA TODAY
DES MOINES — The chairman of the Iowa Democratic Party resigned his position on Wednesday as the organization grapples with the fallout of a botched caucus process that has left the party and state reeling.
"While it is my desire to stay in this role and see this process through to completion, I do believe it is time for the Iowa Democratic Party to begin looking forward, and my presence in my current role makes that more difficult. Therefore, I will resign as chair of the Iowa Democratic Party effective upon the election of my replacement," Troy Price said in a letter to the Iowa Democratic Party's State Central Committee.
Price, an Iowa native, worked as political director for Barack Obama's 2012 Iowa campaign and Hillary Clinton's 2016 Iowa campaign. He served as executive director of the Iowa Democratic Party before being elected its chair in July 2017 and reelected in 2018.
More than a week after the party's Feb. 3 caucuses, final results from the night are still not available. Results from Tuesday's New Hampshire primary have already been called and Democratic presidential campaigns have moved into Nevada and South Carolina.
Candidates have called for a recanvass of 143 precincts, including all in-state satellite precincts. The party also reviewed results from 95 precincts independent of the campaigns' requests.
The Associated Press still has not called a winner in the race.
Iowa caucus: Just how much influence does it have on the primary? The Iowa caucus is sure to be competitive this year. But what makes caucuses different from primaries? Just the FAQs
More: Iowa Democratic Party accepts recanvass requests of all precincts highlighted by Sanders, Buttigieg campaigns
Preliminary results show that former South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg holds a slim lead over U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont in state delegate equivalents, the traditional measure of success in Iowa. Sanders had more individual support at the caucus sites, a metric he aligned with a traditional primary election.
The unprecedented delay in reporting follows an organizational collapse on caucus night. Problems with a new cellphone app used to report results were rampant; chaos enveloped a call center that should have acted as a fail-safe backup; and the data presented to the public even after days of "quality control" checks remained riddled with errors.
More: Iowa caucus 2020: Inside the Iowa Democratic Party's 'boiler room,' where 'hell' preceded the results catastrophe
"The challenges of reporting data and delays of publicizing the results were categorically unacceptable," Price said in a news conference Friday afternoon. "Iowa Democrats demand better of us. Quite frankly, we demand better of ourselves."
Price announced Democrats would commission an independent investigation of "what went right, what went wrong, from start to finish" with the entire caucus process.
Tom Perez, the Democratic National Committee chairman, has taken to publicly criticizing the Iowa party's handling of the caucuses. Though he said he takes some responsibility for the meltdown, he said he would "absolutely not" step down from his role.
"I'm frustrated. I'm mad as hell. Everybody is," Perez said during a recent appearance on CNN. "And I think what we're going to do at the end of this cycle ... is have a further conversation about whether or not state parties should be running elections."
With Perez among those leading the charge to review the presidential nominating process, calls to replace caucuses with primaries and remove Iowa from its coveted first-in-the-nation status have grown increasingly forceful.
Concerns over diversity and inclusion have risen to the forefront this caucus cycle as a presidential field that was at one point the most diverse in history has winnowed to a nearly all-white pool of candidates. The problems with this month's results have shifted the focus back to Iowa's arcane rules and complex process and will undoubtedly have repercussions for future election cycles.
Brianne Pfannenstiel is the chief politics reporter for the Register. Reach her at bpfann@dmreg.com or 515-284-8244. Follow her on Twitter at @brianneDMR.


usatoday--2020-02-13--Trump says Bernie Sanders is the Democratic frontrunner after strong showings in Iowa, New Hampshire

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump weighed in on the state of the Democratic primary on Wednesday after Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders won his party 's New Hampshire primary .
Asked who is the Democratic frontrunner , Trump said he thought Sanders was the one to beat at this point in the race .
`` It would certainly seem that Bernie Sanders has the advantage right now , '' Trump said .
Sanders was announced the winner of New Hampshire 's race Tuesday night , in a tight lead over former South Bend , Ind .
Mayor Pete Buttigieg with Minnesota @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Sanders and Buttigieg left New Hampshire with the same number of delegates .
The New Hampshire primary came a week after the muddled Iowa caucus results , and a Wednesday agreement to recanvass requests for certain precincts .
Buttigieg and Sanders were close together at the top of that race with Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren in third .
Current projections have Buttigieg ahead in Iowa delegates with 14 to Sanders ' 12 .
`` I would say Bernie looks like he 's doing very well , '' Trump said .
`` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's got energy , his people have energy . ''
`` But they like his message , but a lot of people don ’ t like that particular message .
But there is a group that probably agrees with it and you know , whoever it is , we ’ ll take them on , '' he said .
On Tuesday before polls had closed , Trump said he would rather see `` lightweight '' former New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg win the Democratic nomination than Sanders .
`` Sanders has real followers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you like him or not , whether you agree with him or not—I happen to think it ’ s terrible what he says—but he has followers .
Bloomberg is just buying his way in . ''
On Wednesday , the president also touted his own results in Iowa and New Hampshire , which he has accused the media of ignoring in favor of Democratic primary coverage .
He tweeted that his receiving a larger total number of votes than any previous incumbent in a New Hampshire primary was `` not an insignificant fact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Republican Party it was a tremendous success , '' Trump told reporters .
`` It was really incredible , the love in New Hampshire . ''
'It was a total mess ' : What happened the night of the Iowa caucuses Trump added that he would debate Sanders or whoever the eventual Democratic nominee is .
`` I look forward to it , actually , '' Trump said .

Trump says Bernie Sanders is the Democratic frontrunner after strong showings in Iowa, New Hampshire
Show Caption Hide Caption New Hampshire: Sanders victorious, Yang and Bennet bow out Bernie Sanders beats out Pete Buttigieg to win the New Hampshire primary. Andrew Yang and Michael Bennet drop out of the race. USA TODAY
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump weighed in on the state of the Democratic primary on Wednesday after Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders won his party's New Hampshire primary.
Asked who is the Democratic frontrunner, Trump said he thought Sanders was the one to beat at this point in the race.
"It would certainly seem that Bernie Sanders has the advantage right now," Trump said.
Sanders was announced the winner of New Hampshire's race Tuesday night, in a tight lead over former South Bend, Ind. Mayor Pete Buttigieg with Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar in third. However, Sanders and Buttigieg left New Hampshire with the same number of delegates.
New Hampshire updates: Bernie Sanders camp defends narrow win
The New Hampshire primary came a week after the muddled Iowa caucus results, and a Wednesday agreement to recanvass requests for certain precincts. Buttigieg and Sanders were close together at the top of that race with Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren in third. Current projections have Buttigieg ahead in Iowa delegates with 14 to Sanders' 12.
How the DNC changed its rules since Sanders, Clinton in 2016 The primaries are here! How does one get elected in the first place and what is in store for the Democratic National Convention in 2020? We explain. Just the FAQs
"I would say Bernie looks like he's doing very well," Trump said. "I think people like his message. He's got energy, his people have energy."
"But they like his message, but a lot of people don’t like that particular message. But there is a group that probably agrees with it and you know, whoever it is, we’ll take them on," he said.
'Impeachment King Steyer': Donald Trump mocks Democrats after New Hampshire primary
On Tuesday before polls had closed, Trump said he would rather see "lightweight" former New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg win the Democratic nomination than Sanders.
"Sanders has real followers," Trump said. "Whether you like him or not, whether you agree with him or not—I happen to think it’s terrible what he says—but he has followers. Bloomberg is just buying his way in."
On Wednesday, the president also touted his own results in Iowa and New Hampshire, which he has accused the media of ignoring in favor of Democratic primary coverage. He tweeted that his receiving a larger total number of votes than any previous incumbent in a New Hampshire primary was "not an insignificant fact."
"From the standpoint of the Republican Party it was a tremendous success," Trump told reporters. "It was really incredible, the love in New Hampshire."
'It was a total mess': What happened the night of the Iowa caucuses
Trump added that he would debate Sanders or whoever the eventual Democratic nominee is.
"I look forward to it, actually," Trump said.


usatoday--2020-02-13--Nevada's most powerful labor union warns workers about Bernie Sanders' health care plan

LAS VEGAS – Nevada ’ s most powerful labor union is warning workers about Democratic presidential frontrunner Bernie Sanders ' health care views .
On Tuesday night , before New Hampshire ’ s primary was called in favor of the Vermont senator , Culinary Union workers received leaflets describing Sander ’ s intentions for union health care this way : The Culinary Union represents 60,000 housekeepers , porters and bartenders working in Las Vegas casinos .
At the top of the union ’ s presidential asks is to maintain the robust health care plans members have fought hard to negotiate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sarah Michelson , Sanders ’ Nevada campaign director , defended the senator ’ s stance with union workers .
`` Bernie has stood with workers his entire career , fighting on picket lines against pension cuts and corporate greed , ” Michelson said .
“ Medicare for All will be no different ; the program is crafted with the working class and particularly union members in mind.
” Medicare for All , she said , will guarantee that coverage is as comprehensive or more so than the health care benefits union workers currently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including the Culinary 's health clinic , will remain open to serve their members , ” Michelson .
“ With health care as a human right , unions will have more leverage to negotiate better wages and benefits . ''
Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren , the union says , would “ Replace Culinary Healthcare after 3-year transition or at end of collective bargaining agreements.
” The leaflets noted that former vice president Joe Biden , former mayor Pete Buttigieg , Sen. Amy Klobuchar and billionaire activist Tom Steyer would “ Protect Culinary Healthcare.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ endorsed a candidate .
Nevada ’ s Democratic caucuses are Feb. 22 .
In New Hampshire 's first-in-the-nation primary Tuesday , Sanders edged former South Bend , Indiana , mayor Buttigieg – a closer-than-expected finish that leaves the race for the Democratic presidential nomination still muddled .
Sanders topped Buttigieg by about a point when the Associated Press declared him the winner just before midnight Tuesday .
Klobuchar came in a surprising third , a finish that built on her well-received performance at Friday 's debate in New Hampshire .
That could keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unsettled than it often is after the first two contests.Five candidates have at least six national delegates , lead by Buttigieg and Sanders .

Nevada's most powerful labor union warns workers about Bernie Sanders' health care plan
Show Caption Hide Caption Warren, Sanders' Medicare for All plan, explained Medicare for All is one of the most hotly debated topics in the 2020 election. But what is it? And how will it work? We explain. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
LAS VEGAS – Nevada’s most powerful labor union is warning workers about Democratic presidential frontrunner Bernie Sanders' health care views.
On Tuesday night, before New Hampshire’s primary was called in favor of the Vermont senator, Culinary Union workers received leaflets describing Sander’s intentions for union health care this way:
“End Culinary Healthcare” and “Require ‘Medicare For All.’”
The Culinary Union represents 60,000 housekeepers, porters and bartenders working in Las Vegas casinos. At the top of the union’s presidential asks is to maintain the robust health care plans members have fought hard to negotiate and win.
In a statement, Sarah Michelson, Sanders’ Nevada campaign director, defended the senator’s stance with union workers.
"Bernie has stood with workers his entire career, fighting on picket lines against pension cuts and corporate greed,” Michelson said. “Medicare for All will be no different; the program is crafted with the working class and particularly union members in mind.”
Medicare for All, she said, will guarantee that coverage is as comprehensive or more so than the health care benefits union workers currently receive.
“Union health clinics, including the Culinary's health clinic, will remain open to serve their members,” Michelson. “With health care as a human right, unions will have more leverage to negotiate better wages and benefits."
Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, the union says, would “Replace Culinary Healthcare after 3-year transition or at end of collective bargaining agreements.”
The leaflets noted that former vice president Joe Biden, former mayor Pete Buttigieg, Sen. Amy Klobuchar and billionaire activist Tom Steyer would “Protect Culinary Healthcare.”
The Culinary Union has not yet endorsed a candidate. Nevada’s Democratic caucuses are Feb. 22.
In New Hampshire's first-in-the-nation primary Tuesday, Sanders edged former South Bend, Indiana, mayor Buttigieg – a closer-than-expected finish that leaves the race for the Democratic presidential nomination still muddled.
Sanders topped Buttigieg by about a point when the Associated Press declared him the winner just before midnight Tuesday. Klobuchar came in a surprising third, a finish that built on her well-received performance at Friday's debate in New Hampshire.
That could keep the race for the Democratic nominee more unsettled than it often is after the first two contests.Five candidates have at least six national delegates, lead by Buttigieg and Sanders.
Contributing: USA TODAY, Associated Press.


usatoday--2020-02-14--AG Barr says President Trump's criticism about criminal cases makes his job 'impossible'

William Barr : Trump 's tweets make it 'impossible for me to do my job' Attorney General Barr claims he @ @ @ @ @ President Trump does not intervene in criminal cases , including Roger Stone 's case .

William Barr: Trump's tweets make it 'impossible for me to do my job'
Attorney General Barr claims he makes his own decisions and President Trump does not intervene in criminal cases, including Roger Stone's case.
USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-02-15--Roger Stone asks for a new trial after Trump accuses juror of bias

WASHINGTON — Roger Stone , President Donald Trump 's longtime ally , sought a new trial Friday , a day after the president accused one of the jurors of `` significant bias . ''
The motion for a new trial could delay Stone 's sentencing , scheduled for next week .
His case has been at the center of a firestorm this week after the Justice Department backtracked on prosecutors ' request for a stiff prison sentence .
On Thursday , Trump attacked a woman who revealed on Facebook she had been the forewoman of the jury that convicted Stone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like the fore person in the jury , in the Roger Stone case , had significant bias , '' Trump tweeted .
`` Add that to everything else , and this is not looking good for the 'Justice ' Department . ''
That woman is Tomeka Hart , a former school board member in Memphis , Tennessee .
On Facebook , Hart defended the prosecutors who handled Stone 's case and recommended he serve seven to nine years in prison .
“ I want to stand up for Aaron Zelinsky , Adam Jed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — the prosecutors on the Roger Stone trial , '' Hart wrote .
`` It pains me to see the DOJ now interfere with the hard work of the prosecutors .
They acted with the utmost intelligence , integrity , and respect for our system of justice.
” Roger Stone sentence : How prosecutors came up with a stiff sentence for Roger Stone Early Tuesday morning , Trump slammed prosecutors ' recommendation .
The Justice Department soon overruled them , saying their proposed sentence was excessive .
One by one , the prosecutors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Justice Department entirely .
Democrats accused the department 's leadership , including Attorney General William Barr , of meddling in a criminal case to serve the president 's political interests .
Barr pushed back , telling ABC News the president `` has never asked me to do anything in a criminal case . ''
Stone 's motion for a new trial and the accompanying exhibits were filed under seal .
U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson gave federal prosecutors until Tuesday to submit a response to the motion .
Stone , 67 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lying to Congress and obstructing the Russia investigation to protect Trump and his presidential campaign .
His convictions stem from his actions during the presidential campaign in 2016 , when he sought to create back-channel communications with WikiLeaks to push for the release of stolen emails that were damaging to then-Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton .
Stone repeatedly lied to the House Intelligence Committee about his efforts , falsely denying that he talked to the Trump campaign about them .
He also urged a possible congressional witness to either lie or scuttle his testimony @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was investigating Russia 's election interference .
Federal prosecutors argued that Stone 's crimes and behavior warranted a sentence of seven to nine years in prison .
Stone 's attorneys argued that guideline for first-time offenders convicted of these crimes is 15 to 21 months .
They asked for probation .
Stone had previously asked for a new trial based on alleged bias of another juror , a tax attorney .
Stone 's defense lawyers alleged that the juror was biased because he or she worked with Justice Department lawyers in prosecuting tax @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Roger Stone asks for a new trial after Trump accuses juror of bias
Show Caption Hide Caption Roger Stone: Prosecutors quit case against Donald Trump ally In a short period, the Justice Department changed their prison recommendation for Roger Stone while four attorneys abruptly quit the prosecution team. USA TODAY
WASHINGTON — Roger Stone, President Donald Trump's longtime ally, sought a new trial Friday, a day after the president accused one of the jurors of "significant bias."
The motion for a new trial could delay Stone's sentencing, scheduled for next week. His case has been at the center of a firestorm this week after the Justice Department backtracked on prosecutors' request for a stiff prison sentence.
On Thursday, Trump attacked a woman who revealed on Facebook she had been the forewoman of the jury that convicted Stone last year.
"Now it looks like the fore person in the jury, in the Roger Stone case, had significant bias," Trump tweeted. "Add that to everything else, and this is not looking good for the 'Justice' Department."
That woman is Tomeka Hart, a former school board member in Memphis, Tennessee. On Facebook, Hart defended the prosecutors who handled Stone's case and recommended he serve seven to nine years in prison.
“I want to stand up for Aaron Zelinsky, Adam Jed, Michael Marando, and Jonathan Kravis — the prosecutors on the Roger Stone trial," Hart wrote. "It pains me to see the DOJ now interfere with the hard work of the prosecutors. They acted with the utmost intelligence, integrity, and respect for our system of justice.”
Prosecutors quit: DOJ backtracks on prison recommendation for Trump ally
Roger Stone sentence: How prosecutors came up with a stiff sentence for Roger Stone
Early Tuesday morning, Trump slammed prosecutors' recommendation. The Justice Department soon overruled them, saying their proposed sentence was excessive.
One by one, the prosecutors quit the case. One resigned from the Justice Department entirely.
Democrats accused the department's leadership, including Attorney General William Barr, of meddling in a criminal case to serve the president's political interests.
Barr pushed back, telling ABC News the president "has never asked me to do anything in a criminal case."
Stone's motion for a new trial and the accompanying exhibits were filed under seal. U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson gave federal prosecutors until Tuesday to submit a response to the motion.
Stone, 67, was found guilty in November of lying to Congress and obstructing the Russia investigation to protect Trump and his presidential campaign.
His convictions stem from his actions during the presidential campaign in 2016, when he sought to create back-channel communications with WikiLeaks to push for the release of stolen emails that were damaging to then-Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton.
Stone repeatedly lied to the House Intelligence Committee about his efforts, falsely denying that he talked to the Trump campaign about them. He also urged a possible congressional witness to either lie or scuttle his testimony. At the time, the committee was investigating Russia's election interference.
Federal prosecutors argued that Stone's crimes and behavior warranted a sentence of seven to nine years in prison. Stone's attorneys argued that guideline for first-time offenders convicted of these crimes is 15 to 21 months. They asked for probation.
Stone had previously asked for a new trial based on alleged bias of another juror, a tax attorney. Stone's defense lawyers alleged that the juror was biased because he or she worked with Justice Department lawyers in prosecuting tax cases. The judge denied the motion.


usatoday--2020-02-14--Bernie Sanders endorsed by NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio ahead of Nevada caucuses

WASHINGTON – New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio is endorsing Sen. Bernie Sanders , I-Vt. , for president , and will be working as a surrogate of the campaign , a source familiar told USA TODAY Friday .
The New York Times was first to report the endorsement .
De Blasio had a short stint of his own on the campaign trail running for president in 2019 when he sought the Democratic nomination .
However , he ended his bid just a few months after announcing his candidacy , saying , `` I feel like I 've contributed all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it 's clearly not my time so I 'm going to end my presidential campaign . ''
' A plan to fight back ' : How Elizabeth Warren stumbled in New Hampshire and her plan for 'the long haul' The mayor will be traveling to Nevada with the Sanders ' campaign this weekend , ahead of next week 's caucuses , including at a Sunday event in Carson City .
The source also told USA TODAY that the plan is for de Blasio to travel with the campaign to other parts of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ undetermined '' at the moment .
In a statement obtained originally by CNN , Sen. Sanders said of the endorsement , `` Jane and I grew up in Brooklyn and we are so proud to have the support of a New York City Mayor fighting every day to improve the lives of New Yorkers .
Bill is a leading example of what bringing the Democratic Party together around so-called 'radical ideas ' like universal pre-K , paid family and sick leave , and defending immigrant neighbors can do for our country . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ running for the Democratic nomination , De Blasio said he thought Sanders would have won the presidential election in 2016 if he were the party 's nominee instead of former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton .
`` In my heart , yeah , '' the mayor answered to POLITICO at the time .
`` You know , hindsight ’ s 20/20 , but I think when we look at it now , that was a moment where there was such desire for change . ''
A statement sent to supports from the Sanders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` standing with Bernie because he stands with working families , and always has.
” '' New Yorkers know all too well the damage caused by Donald Trump ’ s xenophobia , bigotry and recklessness , and Bernie is the candidate to take him on and take him down .
I have called for a bold , progressive agenda , and that ’ s exactly what Senator Sanders has championed for decades .
I am proud to endorse a true progressive leader who will fight for working New Yorkers and families across the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The two have kept in communication since the mayor ended his campaign in September , and have had a public relationship the past few years .
In 2018 , de Blasio was sworn in for his final term with Sanders administering the oath of office .
The endorsement of Sanders comes on the heels of the Vermont senator having strong showings in the Iowa caucuses and New Hampshire primary .

Bernie Sanders endorsed by NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio ahead of Nevada caucuses
Show Caption Hide Caption How the DNC changed its rules since Sanders, Clinton in 2016 The primaries are here! How does one get elected in the first place and what is in store for the Democratic National Convention in 2020? We explain. Just the FAQs
WASHINGTON – New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio is endorsing Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., for president, and will be working as a surrogate of the campaign, a source familiar told USA TODAY Friday.
The New York Times was first to report the endorsement.
De Blasio had a short stint of his own on the campaign trail running for president in 2019 when he sought the Democratic nomination.
However, he ended his bid just a few months after announcing his candidacy, saying, "I feel like I've contributed all I can to this primary election and it's clearly not my time so I'm going to end my presidential campaign."
'A plan to fight back': How Elizabeth Warren stumbled in New Hampshire and her plan for 'the long haul'
The mayor will be traveling to Nevada with the Sanders' campaign this weekend, ahead of next week's caucuses, including at a Sunday event in Carson City.
The source also told USA TODAY that the plan is for de Blasio to travel with the campaign to other parts of the country, but those places are "undetermined" at the moment.
In a statement obtained originally by CNN, Sen. Sanders said of the endorsement, "Jane and I grew up in Brooklyn and we are so proud to have the support of a New York City Mayor fighting every day to improve the lives of New Yorkers. Bill is a leading example of what bringing the Democratic Party together around so-called 'radical ideas' like universal pre-K, paid family and sick leave, and defending immigrant neighbors can do for our country."
In 2019, while he was still running for the Democratic nomination, De Blasio said he thought Sanders would have won the presidential election in 2016 if he were the party's nominee instead of former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
"In my heart, yeah," the mayor answered to POLITICO at the time. "You know, hindsight’s 20/20, but I think when we look at it now, that was a moment where there was such desire for change."
A statement sent to supports from the Sanders' campaign said that de Blasio is "standing with Bernie because he stands with working families, and always has.”
"New Yorkers know all too well the damage caused by Donald Trump’s xenophobia, bigotry and recklessness, and Bernie is the candidate to take him on and take him down. I have called for a bold, progressive agenda, and that’s exactly what Senator Sanders has championed for decades. I am proud to endorse a true progressive leader who will fight for working New Yorkers and families across the country,” the statement continued.
The two have kept in communication since the mayor ended his campaign in September, and have had a public relationship the past few years. In 2018, de Blasio was sworn in for his final term with Sanders administering the oath of office.
The endorsement of Sanders comes on the heels of the Vermont senator having strong showings in the Iowa caucuses and New Hampshire primary.


usatoday--2020-02-14--Army Secretary: No investigation into Vindman, Army aide and impeachment witness fired by Trump

WASHINGTON – Army Sec .
Ryan McCarthy on Friday said Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman , the former National Security Council staffer who testified in President Trump 's impeachment inquiry , is not under investigation , a stance seemingly at odds with the White House .
Trump directed his wrath at Vindman after the former National Security Council staffer and Ukraine expert testified before Congress about concerns with Trump 's phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky .
That conversation triggered Trump 's impeachment .
Last week , Trump tweeted that he had fired Vindman , whom he described as `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continued to rail against Vindman , saying he `` did a lot of bad things , '' and that the military would review his performance .
That does not appear to be the case , according to McCarthy , the Army 's senior civilian official .
`` There is no investigation into him , '' McCarthy said .
What did he say ?
: Takeaways from Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman 's impeachment testimony McCarthy told an audience at the National Press Club Friday that Vindman will complete an interim assignment before he enrolls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The military sends its promising officers to schools such as the Army 's War College to prepare them for promotion to more senior posts .
Vindman 's interim job will be in the Washington , D.C.-area , according to a Defense Department official who was not authorized to speak publicly about personnel issues .
Vindman , along with other White House staffers , listened to Trump ’ s July 25 call with Zelensky .
Vindman reported his concerns to the council 's top lawyer about Trump demanding investigations of former Vice President Joe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Meet the witnesses : Who were the witnesses in the impeachment inquiry and what did they say ?
“ I did not think it was proper to demand that a foreign government investigate a U.S. citizen , and I was worried about the implications for the U.S. government ’ s support of Ukraine , ” Vindman said .
`` It does n't take a rocket scientist to see where the gain would be for the president in investigating the son of a political opponent . ''
After his acquittal in the Senate , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Yevgeny , another Army officer on the national security staff .
He also fired the U.S. ambassador to the European Union , Gordon Sondland , who also had testified in the impeachment inquiry .

Army Secretary: No investigation into Vindman, Army aide and impeachment witness fired by Trump
Show Caption Hide Caption Impeachment: Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman denounces character attacks Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman, one of the National Security Council staff who listened to Trump's call with Zelensky, begins public impeachment testimony USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – Army Sec. Ryan McCarthy said Friday that Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman, the former National Security Council staffer who testified in President Donald Trump's impeachment inquiry, is not under investigation, a stance seemingly at odds with the White House.
Trump directed his wrath at Vindman after the Ukraine expert testified before Congress about concerns with Trump's phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. That conversation triggered Trump's impeachment.
Last week, Trump tweeted that he had ousted Vindman, whom he described as "insubordinate." On Tuesday, Trump continued to rail against Vindman, saying that he "did a lot of bad things" and that the military would review his performance.
That does not appear to be the case, according to McCarthy, the Army's senior civilian official.
"There is no investigation into him," McCarthy said.
What did he say?: Takeaways from Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman's impeachment testimony
McCarthy told an audience at the National Press Club Friday that Vindman will complete an interim assignment before he enrolls at a senior service war college. The military sends its promising officers to schools such as the Army's War College to prepare them for promotion to more senior posts.
Vindman's interim job will be in the Washington, D.C.-area, according to a Defense Department official who was not authorized to speak publicly about personnel matters.
Vindman, along with other White House staffers, listened to Trump’s July 25 call with Zelensky. Vindman reported his concerns to the council's top lawyer about Trump demanding investigations of former Vice President Joe Biden and his son Hunter.
Post-impeachment: Clinton was 'humbled.' Trump unloaded on a 'phony, rotten deal.'
Meet the witnesses: Who were the witnesses in the impeachment inquiry, and what did they say?
“I did not think it was proper to demand that a foreign government investigate a U.S. citizen, and I was worried about the implications for the U.S. government’s support of Ukraine,” Vindman said. "It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see where the gain would be for the president in investigating the son of a political opponent."
After his acquittal in the Senate, Trump fired Vindman and his twin brother Yevgeny, another Army officer on the national security staff. He also fired the U.S. ambassador to the European Union, Gordon Sondland, who also had testified in the impeachment inquiry.