usatoday--2020-06-09--Georgia voters report experiencing long lines, machine issues in twice-postponed primary

Voters in Georgia headed to the polls on Tuesday after their state 's primary was postponed two times due to the coronavirus pandemic , but were faced with more delays as voters reported hours-long lines and issues with voting machines , prompting calls for an investigation .
Georgia used its new ballot-marking machines on Tuesday , which consist of a digital touch-screen that issues a paper record of votes .
In some places , voters said none of the voting machines were working correctly , Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms said on Twitter .
`` Let ’ s all work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be a preview of November , '' Bottoms tweeted .
Georgia is among five states with primaries on Tuesday , and state officials urged voters to utilize absentee ballots to prevent the potential for spreading the virus that comes with in-person voting .
The state sent applications for absentee ballots to 6.9 million active registered voters .
Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger said Monday that more than 1.2 million Georgians had already voted , most of them with absentee ballots .
Some who showed up in person said they requested absentee ballots but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ primaries : Voters casting primary ballots in 5 states amid protests and a pandemic Voters in the state reported waiting for up to three hours or more to vote at their polling places .
The reduced number of voting locations and a shortage of poll workers were expected .
Raffensperger had predicted longer lines and said Monday that the outcome of the votes might not be available for days .
The primary was originally scheduled for March 24 .
One voter in Fulton County , which includes Atlanta , said he waited in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his relocated polling place .
Kendrick Hammond , a 38-year-old registered Democrat , said once he finally got inside to vote , machines were set up in a way that did n't allow for social distancing , putting him just a couple feet away from the next voter .
`` I don ’ t feel like the poll workers were probably properly prepared for doing this , '' Hammond said .
All Fulton County polling places ' voting hours were extended until 9 p.m. , and ballots will be placed in provisional envelopes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scanned , the county announced .
Precincts in other counties also extended their voting hours .
“ We are deeply disturbed by widespread reports of malfunctioning machines , long lines , polling sites that opened late and insufficient numbers of back up paper ballots in Georgia , '' said Kristen Clarke , president and executive director of the Lawyers ’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law , in a statement .
The key race in Georgia 's primary is among Democrats hoping to challenge Republican Sen. David Perdue , an ally of President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democratic candidates receives more than 50 % of the vote , the top two will proceed to a runoff Aug. 11 .
The contenders are Jon Ossoff , a former journalist who lost a close , and expensive , special congressional election in 2017 ; former Columbus Mayor Teresa Tomlinson ; former candidate for lieutenant governor Sarah Riggs Amico ; former ACLU of Georgia head Maya Dillard Smith ; Air Force veteran James Knox and former state Senate candidate Marckeith DeJesus .
Democratic National Committee Chairman Tom Perez told The Associated Press on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Republican , faced allegations of voter suppression in the 2018 elections when he was secretary of state , and that the current elections chief is also a Republican , so the voting issues were unsurprising .
`` Republicans want to ensure that it is as hard as possible for people to vote , '' Perez said .
Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse , D-R.I. , pointed to a 2013 Supreme Court decision that invalidated a portion of the Voting Rights Act requiring certain states and municipalities with a history of racial discrimination to clear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government , including Georgia .
`` We know Republicans want to suppress the vote – it ’ s the only way they think they can win .
That ’ s why the Supreme Court ’ s 5-4 partisan decision in Shelby County is so disturbing .
It made the problems we ’ re seeing in Georgia today more likely , '' Whitehouse tweeted .
Coronavirus : Republicans sue to block California Gov .
Newsom from mailing ballots to all voters Gabriel Sterling , who works as the chief operating officer in Raffensperger 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no `` actual equipment issues , '' attributing the reported problems to `` counties engaging in poor planning , limited training , and failures of leadership . ''
Raffensperger said Tuesday that he has launched an investigation in Fulton and DeKalb counties where a large number of problems were reported .
He called the issues `` unacceptable . ''
`` My office has opened an investigation to determine what these counties need to do to resolve these issues before November ’ s election , '' he said in a statement .
Georgia 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for an investigation into Tuesday 's election issues , particularly in Fulton County .
He said poll workers should not be blamed for `` systemic problems beyond their control . ''
Voters also cast ballots in Nevada , North Dakota , South Carolina and West Virginia on Tuesday .
The primaries come as states see massive protests against police brutality and racial injustice in the wake of George Floyd 's death , as well as the coronavirus pandemic , which has caused more than 111,000 deaths in the U.S. Los Angeles Lakers star @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the voting situation in Georgia , after voicing support for Black Lives Matter protests in recent days .
`` Everyone talking about 'how do we fix this ? '
They say 'go out and vote ? '
What about asking if how we vote is also structurally racist ? ''
James said .

Georgia voters report experiencing long lines, machine issues in twice-postponed primary
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
Long lines at polling stations and problems with voting machines prompted calls for an investigation after Georgia's primary election Tuesday.
Georgia, which had previously postponed the primary twice because of the coronavirus pandemic, used new digital touch screens that issue paper records of votes. In some places, voters said none of the voting machines were working correctly, Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms wrote on Twitter.
"Let’s all work, hope and pray that this not be a preview of November," Bottoms tweeted.
Georgia is among five states with primaries on Tuesday, and state officials urged voters to use absentee ballots to prevent the risk of a spread of the virus through in-person voting. The state sent applications for absentee ballots to 6.9 million active registered voters.
Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger said Monday that more than 1.2 million Georgians had already voted, most of them with absentee ballots. Some who showed up in person said they requested absentee ballots but never received them.
Eye on the primaries: Voters casting primary ballots in 5 states amid protests and a pandemic
Voters in the state reported waiting for up to three hours or more to vote at their polling places. The reduced number of voting locations and a shortage of poll workers were expected. Raffensperger had predicted longer lines and said Monday that the outcome of the votes might not be available for days. The primary was originally scheduled for March 24.
One voter in Fulton County, which includes Atlanta, said he waited in line for three hours after confusion over his relocated polling place. Kendrick Hammond, a 38-year-old registered Democrat, said once he finally got inside to vote, machines were set up in a way that didn't allow for social distancing, putting him just a couple feet away from the next voter.
"I don’t feel like the poll workers were probably properly prepared for doing this," Hammond said.
All Fulton County polling places' voting hours were extended until 9 p.m., and ballots will be placed in provisional envelopes starting at 7 p.m. instead of being scanned, the county announced. Precincts in other counties also extended their voting hours.
“We are deeply disturbed by widespread reports of malfunctioning machines, long lines, polling sites that opened late and insufficient numbers of back up paper ballots in Georgia," said Kristen Clarke, president and executive director of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, in a statement.
It took me 205 minutes — 3 hours and 25 minutes — to cast a ballot this morning. 110 people cast ballots in that time at my polling place.
To be clear, this is not surprising to me given fewer machines/poll workers/social distancing. #gapol pic.twitter.com/xuFNRS3hD2 — stephen fowler // voting+georgia politics (@stphnfwlr) June 9, 2020
If you are in line, PLEASE do not allow your vote to be suppressed. PLEASE stay in line. They should offer you a provisional ballot if the machines are not working. https://t.co/1lVu3rEsCg — Keisha Lance Bottoms (@KeishaBottoms) June 9, 2020
The key race in Georgia's primary is among Democrats hoping to challenge Republican Sen. David Perdue, an ally of President Donald Trump. If none of the Democratic candidates receives more than 50% of the vote, the top two will proceed to a runoff Aug. 11.
The contenders are Jon Ossoff, a former journalist who lost a close, and expensive, special congressional election in 2017; former Columbus Mayor Teresa Tomlinson; former candidate for lieutenant governor Sarah Riggs Amico; former ACLU of Georgia head Maya Dillard Smith; Air Force veteran James Knox and former state Senate candidate Marckeith DeJesus.
Democratic National Committee Chairman Tom Perez told The Associated Press on Tuesday that Gov. Brian Kemp, a Republican, faced allegations of voter suppression in the 2018 elections when he was secretary of state, and that the current elections chief is also a Republican, so the voting issues were unsurprising.
"Republicans want to ensure that it is as hard as possible for people to vote," Perez said.
Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., pointed to a 2013 Supreme Court decision that invalidated a portion of the Voting Rights Act requiring certain states and municipalities with a history of racial discrimination to clear changes in voting procedures with the federal government, including Georgia.
"We know Republicans want to suppress the vote – it’s the only way they think they can win. That’s why the Supreme Court’s 5-4 partisan decision in Shelby County is so disturbing. It made the problems we’re seeing in Georgia today more likely," Whitehouse tweeted.
Coronavirus: Republicans sue to block California Gov. Newsom from mailing ballots to all voters
Gabriel Sterling, who works as the chief operating officer in Raffensperger's office, said he had heard of no "actual equipment issues," attributing the reported problems to "counties engaging in poor planning, limited training, and failures of leadership."
Raffensperger said Tuesday that he has launched an investigation in Fulton and DeKalb counties where a large number of problems were reported. He called the issues "unacceptable."
"My office has opened an investigation to determine what these counties need to do to resolve these issues before November’s election," he said in a statement.
Georgia's Republican House Speaker David Ralston also called for an investigation into Tuesday's election issues, particularly in Fulton County. He said poll workers should not be blamed for "systemic problems beyond their control."
Voters also cast ballots in Nevada, North Dakota, South Carolina and West Virginia on Tuesday. The primaries come as states see massive protests against police brutality and racial injustice in the wake of George Floyd's death, as well as the coronavirus pandemic, which has caused more than 111,000 deaths in the U.S.
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James chimed in on Twitter about the voting situation in Georgia, after voicing support for Black Lives Matter protests in recent days.
"Everyone talking about 'how do we fix this?' They say 'go out and vote?' What about asking if how we vote is also structurally racist?" James said.
Contributing: William Cummings; The Associated Press


usatoday--2020-06-10--Georgia voters report experiencing long lines, machine issues in twice-postponed primary

Long lines at polling stations and problems with voting machines prompted calls for an investigation after Georgia 's primary election Tuesday .
Georgia , which had previously postponed the primary twice because of the coronavirus pandemic , used new digital touch screens that issue paper records of votes .
In some places , voters said none of the voting machines were working correctly , Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms wrote on Twitter .
`` Let ’ s all work , hope and pray that this not be a preview of November , '' Bottoms tweeted .
Georgia is among five @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state officials urged voters to use absentee ballots to prevent the risk of a spread of the virus through in-person voting .
The state sent applications for absentee ballots to 6.9 million active registered voters .
Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger said Monday that more than 1.2 million Georgians had already voted , most of them with absentee ballots .
Some who showed up in person said they requested absentee ballots but never received them .
Eye on the primaries : Voters casting primary ballots in 5 states amid protests and a pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up to three hours or more to vote at their polling places .
The reduced number of voting locations and a shortage of poll workers were expected .
Raffensperger had predicted longer lines and said Monday that the outcome of the votes might not be available for days .
The primary was originally scheduled for March 24 .
One voter in Fulton County , which includes Atlanta , said he waited in line for three hours after confusion over his relocated polling place .
Kendrick Hammond , a 38-year-old registered Democrat , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , machines were set up in a way that did n't allow for social distancing , putting him just a couple feet away from the next voter .
`` I don ’ t feel like the poll workers were probably properly prepared for doing this , '' Hammond said .
All Fulton County polling places ' voting hours were extended until 9 p.m. , and ballots will be placed in provisional envelopes starting at 7 p.m. instead of being scanned , the county announced .
Precincts in other counties also extended their voting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by widespread reports of malfunctioning machines , long lines , polling sites that opened late and insufficient numbers of back up paper ballots in Georgia , '' said Kristen Clarke , president and executive director of the Lawyers ’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law , in a statement .
The key race in Georgia 's primary is among Democrats hoping to challenge Republican Sen. David Perdue , an ally of President Donald Trump .
If none of the Democratic candidates receives more than 50 % of the vote , the top two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The contenders are Jon Ossoff , a former journalist who lost a close , and expensive , special congressional election in 2017 ; former Columbus Mayor Teresa Tomlinson ; former candidate for lieutenant governor Sarah Riggs Amico ; former ACLU of Georgia head Maya Dillard Smith ; Air Force veteran James Knox and former state Senate candidate Marckeith DeJesus .
Democratic National Committee Chairman Tom Perez told The Associated Press on Tuesday that Gov .
Brian Kemp , a Republican , faced allegations of voter suppression in the 2018 elections when he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the current elections chief is also a Republican , so the voting issues were unsurprising .
`` Republicans want to ensure that it is as hard as possible for people to vote , '' Perez said .
Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse , D-R.I. , pointed to a 2013 Supreme Court decision that invalidated a portion of the Voting Rights Act requiring certain states and municipalities with a history of racial discrimination to clear changes in voting procedures with the federal government , including Georgia .
`` We know Republicans want to suppress the vote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they think they can win .
That ’ s why the Supreme Court ’ s 5-4 partisan decision in Shelby County is so disturbing .
It made the problems we ’ re seeing in Georgia today more likely , '' Whitehouse tweeted .
Coronavirus : Republicans sue to block California Gov .
Newsom from mailing ballots to all voters Gabriel Sterling , who works as the chief operating officer in Raffensperger 's office , said he had heard of no `` actual equipment issues , '' attributing the reported problems to `` counties @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and failures of leadership . ''
Raffensperger said Tuesday that he has launched an investigation in Fulton and DeKalb counties where a large number of problems were reported .
He called the issues `` unacceptable . ''
`` My office has opened an investigation to determine what these counties need to do to resolve these issues before November ’ s election , '' he said in a statement .
Georgia 's Republican House Speaker David Ralston also called for an investigation into Tuesday 's election issues , particularly in Fulton County .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ blamed for `` systemic problems beyond their control . ''
Voters also cast ballots in Nevada , North Dakota , South Carolina and West Virginia on Tuesday .
The primaries come as states see massive protests against police brutality and racial injustice in the wake of George Floyd 's death , as well as the coronavirus pandemic , which has caused more than 111,000 deaths in the U.S. Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James chimed in on Twitter about the voting situation in Georgia , after voicing support for Black Lives Matter protests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about 'how do we fix this ? '
They say 'go out and vote ? '
What about asking if how we vote is also structurally racist ? ''
James said .


usatoday--2020-06-10--House Speaker Nancy Pelosi calls for Confederate statues to be removed from Capitol Building

WASHINGTON – As government and industry leaders across the country are moving away from associations with the Confederacy , Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi has called for the removal of 11 Confederate statues from the U.S. Capitol Building .
`` The statues in the Capitol should embody our highest ideals as Americans , expressing who we are and who we aspire to be as a nation .
Monuments to men who advocated cruelty and barbarism to achieve such a plainly racist end are a grotesque affront to these ideals , '' Pelosi , D-Calif. , said in a letter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Rep. Zoe Lofgren , D-Calif. , who lead the Joint Committee on the Library that oversees the National Statuary Hall Collection .
Earlier in the day , President Donald Trump said he would not consider renaming military bases that are currently named after Confederate generals , in a split from Pentagon leaders who said earlier his week they would be open to discussing the idea .
`` Our history as the Greatest Nation in the World will not be tampered with .
Respect our Military ! ''
Trump tweeted .
Statues in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are gifted by the 50 states , a process that usually begins with a resolution in that state putting forth an individual and their qualifications for being honored .
The process for replacing a statue also includes a resolution in the legislature of the state .
A state 's request to replace a statue can be approved or denied by the Joint Committee on the Library .
Statues in the collection are of deceased individuals `` illustrious for historic renown or for distinguished civic or military services , '' according to the Architect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Military ! '
: Trump says he wo n't consider renaming military bases named for Confederate generals Pelosi named the statues of President of the Confederate States Jefferson Davis and Vice President of the Confederacy Alexander Stephens as among the 11 statues she wants removed .
She noted portions of Stephens ' 1861 `` Cornerstone Speech , '' in which he outlined reasons for seceding from the union .
He said ideals of the U.S. based in racial equality were an `` error '' and defended the institution of slavery .
“ Our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opposite idea ; its foundations are laid , its corner-stone rests , upon the great truth that the negro is not equal to the white man ; that slavery subordination to the superior race is his natural and normal condition , '' Pelosi quoted from Stephens ' speech in the letter .
Confederate flag prohibited : NASCAR announces ban on Confederate flags from all races , events and properties It 's not the first time Pelosi has asked for the statues in the Capitol Statuary Hall collection to be removed ; in 2017 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ House Paul Ryan to do the same after the `` Unite the Right '' rally that ended in violence and tragedy in Charlottesville , Virginia .
`` While I believe it is imperative that we never forget our history lest we repeat it , I also believe that there is no room for celebrating the violent bigotry of the men of the Confederacy in the hallowed halls of the United States Capitol or in places of honor across the country , '' Pelosi said in her letter Wednesday .
Lofgren said in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` Indeed , what the Confederate statues in the National Statuary Hall Collection represent is anathema to who we are as a Congress and a country .
`` I agree that the Joint Committee and Architect of the Capitol should expediently remove these symbols of cruelty and bigotry from the halls of the Capitol .
I stand ready , and call on the Chair of the Joint Committee to swiftly approve the removal of these statues .
The Capitol building belongs to the American people and can not serve as a place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that tears at the fabric of our nation , the very poison that these statues embody.
” Renewed calls to remove memorials of Confederate figures come as the nation sees massive protests against racial inequality and police brutality in the wake of the death of George Floyd , a black man who was pinned down by a Minneapolis police officer as he cried he could not breathe .
In some places , officials have announced plans to remove memorials .
The Marine Corps last week banned the display of the Confederate battle flag @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Navy .
Also on Wednesday , NASCAR banned the Confederate flag at events and on its properties .

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi calls for Confederate statues to be removed from Capitol Building
Show Caption Hide Caption Confederate monuments are being taken down or defaced by protesters Historical Confederate monuments are being taken down and defaced from protests over the death of George Floyd. USA TODAY, Storyful
WASHINGTON – As government and industry leaders across the country are moving away from associations with the Confederacy, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi has called for the removal of 11 Confederate statues from the U.S. Capitol Building.
"The statues in the Capitol should embody our highest ideals as Americans, expressing who we are and who we aspire to be as a nation. Monuments to men who advocated cruelty and barbarism to achieve such a plainly racist end are a grotesque affront to these ideals," Pelosi, D-Calif., said in a letter to Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., and Rep. Zoe Lofgren, D-Calif., who lead the Joint Committee on the Library that oversees the National Statuary Hall Collection.
Earlier in the day, President Donald Trump said he would not consider renaming military bases that are currently named after Confederate generals, in a split from Pentagon leaders who said earlier his week they would be open to discussing the idea.
"Our history as the Greatest Nation in the World will not be tampered with. Respect our Military!" Trump tweeted.
The statues which fill the halls of Congress should reflect our highest ideals as Americans. Today, I am once again calling for the removal from the U.S. Capitol of the 11 statues representing Confederate soldiers and officials. These statues pay homage to hate, not heritage. — Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) June 10, 2020
Statues in the Statuary Hall collection of the Capitol are gifted by the 50 states, a process that usually begins with a resolution in that state putting forth an individual and their qualifications for being honored. The process for replacing a statue also includes a resolution in the legislature of the state. A state's request to replace a statue can be approved or denied by the Joint Committee on the Library.
Statues in the collection are of deceased individuals "illustrious for historic renown or for distinguished civic or military services," according to the Architect of the Capitol guidelines.
'Respect our Military!': Trump says he won't consider renaming military bases named for Confederate generals
Pelosi named the statues of President of the Confederate States Jefferson Davis and Vice President of the Confederacy Alexander Stephens as among the 11 statues she wants removed. She noted portions of Stephens' 1861 "Cornerstone Speech," in which he outlined reasons for seceding from the union. He said ideals of the U.S. based in racial equality were an "error" and defended the institution of slavery.
“Our new government is founded upon exactly the opposite idea; its foundations are laid, its corner-stone rests, upon the great truth that the negro is not equal to the white man; that slavery subordination to the superior race is his natural and normal condition," Pelosi quoted from Stephens' speech in the letter.
Confederate flag prohibited: NASCAR announces ban on Confederate flags from all races, events and properties
It's not the first time Pelosi has asked for the statues in the Capitol Statuary Hall collection to be removed; in 2017, she called on then-Speaker of the House Paul Ryan to do the same after the "Unite the Right" rally that ended in violence and tragedy in Charlottesville, Virginia.
"While I believe it is imperative that we never forget our history lest we repeat it, I also believe that there is no room for celebrating the violent bigotry of the men of the Confederacy in the hallowed halls of the United States Capitol or in places of honor across the country," Pelosi said in her letter Wednesday.
Lofgren said in a statement she agrees with Pelosi's request: "Indeed, what the Confederate statues in the National Statuary Hall Collection represent is anathema to who we are as a Congress and a country.
"I agree that the Joint Committee and Architect of the Capitol should expediently remove these symbols of cruelty and bigotry from the halls of the Capitol. I stand ready, and call on the Chair of the Joint Committee to swiftly approve the removal of these statues. The Capitol building belongs to the American people and cannot serve as a place of honor for the hatred and racism that tears at the fabric of our nation, the very poison that these statues embody.”
Renewed calls to remove memorials of Confederate figures come as the nation sees massive protests against racial inequality and police brutality in the wake of the death of George Floyd, a black man who was pinned down by a Minneapolis police officer as he cried he could not breathe. In some places, officials have announced plans to remove memorials.
The Marine Corps last week banned the display of the Confederate battle flag, a move followed on Tuesday by the Navy. Also on Wednesday, NASCAR banned the Confederate flag at events and on its properties.


usatoday--2020-06-10--Donald Trump plans rallies in Florida, Oklahoma, Arizona, Texas, North Carolina

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump said Wednesday he plans to headline his first political rallies of the COVID-19 era in five states in the weeks ahead , at least three of them key battlegrounds that could decide whether he remains in the White House .
Revivals of his signature political events will begin in Oklahoma , Florida , Texas , Arizona and North Carolina , Trump said , previewing a new phase in a race in which he has fallen behind Democratic challenger Joe Biden in several states – the main reason the president is eager to get back on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to start our rallies back up now , '' Trump told reporters at the White House .
`` We 've had a tremendous run at rallies .
...
It 's been an amazing thing to behold . ''
Trump plans to return to the stage on June 19 – a week from Friday – at a `` beautiful new venue '' in Tulsa , Oklahoma , a state that is considered very friendly to him .
The president said there will be future allies in Florida , Arizona and North Carolina – all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are expected to be closely contested this time around .
The campaign is also planning a rally in Texas , he said , a state that is viewed as reliably Republican but where recent polls show a tight race with Biden .
Just before Trump 's announcement , his re-election campaign put out a video showing clips of past rallies , and announcing that `` this month , we 're back . ''
On social media , critics of Trump noted that the June 19 rally in Tulsa is being scheduled on Juneteenth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of slavery in the United States .
Tulsa is also the site of an infamous race riot in 1921 in which whites attacked black residents .
These will be Trump 's first rallies since a March 2 event in Charlotte , North Carolina , right before nationwide lockdowns to limit the spread of COVID-19 , the coronavirus .
Since then , the presidential race has been transformed by Trump 's handling of the pandemic and nationwide protests sparked by a police killing of a black man in Minneapolis .
Trump has long been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and has credited rallies – and television coverage of them – with fueling his 2016 win over Democrat Hillary Clinton .
He and his aides hope revival of them will improve his standing as polls show Biden building a steady lead over the incumbent .
Some analysts questioned whether the rallies will help Trump much – after all , they are held mainly for the benefit of him and his most fervent supporters .
Critics also said Trump may be risking the health of his fans .
`` I think he ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his core base voters getting COVID-19 and dying , '' said Liz Mair , an anti-Trump Republican strategist .
`` Which is a bad way to win an election . ''
Frank Luntz , a pollster and communications adviser , said the rallies will probably be both good and bad for Trump – good in that will he will likely draw huge crowds and prove he retains intense support ; bad in that he will likely say outrageous things that will be used against him with undecided voters he desperately needs to win @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the messaging or the discipline to reach the people he needs , '' Luntz said .
Officials declined to discuss details of the rallies , including how they might assure the safety of Trump 's crowds as the coronavirus continues to spread .
They would not say whether masks or social distancing would be required , though Trump said `` they 've done a great job with COVID , as you know , in the state of Oklahoma . ''
More : Trump seeks to tie Biden to 'defund the police ' demands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ More : 'Law and order ' : Trump returns to 2016 theme as violence spreads after George Floyd death More : White House mood darkens as Trump battles with James Mattis , criticism over Bible photo op For now , the campaign is looking at rallies in a series of battleground states in the months ahead , particularly the ones that Trump narrowly carried in 2016 and provided him the margin of victory over Clinton in the Electoral College .
That group includes Florida as well as Pennsylvania , Michigan and Wisconsin , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where Trump was once considered a heavy favorite , such as Ohio and Georgia as well as Arizona .
Polls now show close races in those states .
Things also look tight in Republican-run Texas ; Trump is headlining a fundraiser in Dallas on Thursday .
North Carolina was to have been the state where Trump accepted re-nomination by the Republican Party .
But the president and his aides said the acceptance speech will be moved elsewhere because North Carolina will not permit a capacity crowd because of concerns about the spread of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will rally in North Carolina `` at the appropriate time . ''
While Trump is seen as struggling right now , aides are quick note that Clinton led in polls late in the 2016 election ; while she won the popular vote , Trump claimed the presidency with victory in the Electoral College .
The rallies are being planned to serve several purposes for Trump , officials said .
They will allow him to rev up his base , defend his record , and define Biden , they said , all on his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ current events , aides said Trump plans to use the new rallies to promote the re-opening of the country amid COVID-19 .
In a statement provided to reporters , Trump campaign manager Brad Parscale said both Trump and Americans in general are `` ready to get back to action . ''
`` The great American comeback is real and the rallies will be tremendous , ” Parscale said in a statement .
“ You ’ ll again see the kind of crowds and enthusiasm that sleepy Joe Biden can only dream of.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's rallies because they appeal mainly to people who are already for him – and Trump 's off-the-cuff rants and attacks on opponents may turn off moderates .
`` The things Trump says to fire up the crowds at his rallies turn off swing voters , so this isn ’ t going to help him with the people who have been leaving him , '' said Josh Schwerin of Priorities USA Action , a political action committee that supports Democratic candidates .
Trump renews his rallies at a time when he may well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Real Clear Politics website poll averages give Biden an 8 percentage point lead over Trump nationally .
Poll averages in states give Biden leads of more than 3 points in the pivotal states of Pennsylvania , Florida , Michigan , and Arizona , all within the margins of error of most polls .
Trump loves the rallies as a chance to deliver his message unfiltered , aides said , and to bask in the adulation of his supporters .
Anthony Scaramucci , once Trump 's communications director and now a fierce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rallies `` will help him psychologically , '' but the election itself will be decided by issues , While Biden is now the favorite , he said , Democrats could be undercut by calls to `` defund the police '' in the wake of the death of a black man at the hands of an officer in Minneapolis .

Trump will return to rallying, starting with a Juneteenth event in Tulsa, site of horrific attack on African Americans
Show Caption Hide Caption President Donald Trump gets defensive at coronavirus briefing President Donald Trump turned a coronavirus White House briefing into a defense of his response actions to the deadly pandemic and confronted media. USA TODAY, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump will kick off his first political rallies in more than three months in Tulsa, Oklahoma – a city with a brutal history of racial violence, on a date set aside to mark the end of slavery.
The selection of a rally in Tulsa, site of a 1921 massacre by whites that claimed at least 100 black lives, on June 19 – or Juneteenth, the date honoring the Emancipation Proclamation – did not go unnoticed.
"99 years ago a white mob massacred hundreds of Black people in the Greenwood District of Tulsa," tweeted Rep. Joe Kennedy, D-Mass. "The most racist President of my lifetime knows exactly what message he’s sending when he goes there on Juneteenth."
Trump told reporters "they've done a great job with the COVID" in Oklahoma, one of the reasons he picked Tulsa to lead off a string of rallies also planned for Texas, Florida, Arizona and North Carolina.
The last three of those states are key battlegrounds that could decide whether he remains in the White House. In scheduling the rallies, Trump is entering a new phase of the race in which he has fallen behind Democratic challenger Joe Biden in several states.
"We're going to start our rallies back up now," Trump told reporters at the White House on Wednesday. "We've had a tremendous run at rallies. ... It's been an amazing thing to behold."
Tulsa is the site of one of the most notorious acts of racial violence in American history, the 1921 attack by a white mob on a predominantly black neighborhood that killed hundreds of people, most of them African-American. The attack centered on a prominent area known as "Black Wall Street."
Trump's Tulsa rally is being scheduled on Juneteenth, a holiday to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States.
"So maybe they just didn't get the significance of June 19 and Tulsa put together," said Michael Tomasky, editor of "Democracy: A Journal of Ideas." "But if they did – it's a sick, vile, aggressively white supremacist gesture."
Katrina Pierson, senior advisor to the Trump Campaign, said in a statement : "As the party of Lincoln, Republicans are proud of the history of Juneteenth, which is the anniversary of the last reading of the Emancipation Proclamation."
Her statement did not mention the Tulsa attack on black citizens in 1921.
Olivia Hooker, one of the last survivors of the 1921 Tulsa riot, recalled the terror of the attack in a 2017 interview with the Journal News of New York.
“They were furious when they came in our home and my mother was cooking and not running away," she said. "They took the food and dumped it in the mud and then they came back and took her nice flaky biscuits out of the oven and dumped them out on the dirt... We were hiding under the table where she put us and we could see all this; well, it didn’t astonish my older sister and brother because they knew about things."
Historians are still learning things about the Tulsa attack, which featured prominently in the HBO series "Watchmen." Just last year, researchers discovered what appeared to be a mass grave of victims from the massacre.
Tulsa and the others will be Trump's first rallies since a March 2 event in Charlotte, North Carolina, right before nationwide lockdowns to limit the spread of COVID-19. Since then, the presidential race has been transformed by Trump's handling of the pandemic and nationwide protests sparked by a police killing of George Floyd, an African American man who died when a white Minneapolis police office knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes.
Trump has long been itching to return to the campaign trail and has credited rallies – and television coverage of them – with fueling his 2016 win over Democrat Hillary Clinton. He and his aides hope revival of them will improve his standing as polls show Biden building a steady lead over the incumbent.
The president said there will be future rallies in Florida, Arizona and North Carolina – all states he carried in 2016 but which are expected to be closely contested this time around.
The campaign is also planning a rally in Texas, he said, a state that is viewed as reliably Republican but where recent polls show a tight race with Biden.
Officials declined to discuss details of the rallies, including how they might assure the safety of Trump's crowds as the coronavirus continues to spread. They would not say whether masks or social distancing would be required, though Trump said "they've done a great job with COVID, as you know, in the state of Oklahoma."
BIG DEMAND! Starting up again soon, maybe next week! https://t.co/ToNLAGl5Fz — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 9, 2020
Some analysts questioned whether the rallies will help Trump much – after all, they are held mainly for the benefit of him and his most fervent supporters. Critics also said Trump may be risking the health of his fans.
"I think he’s going to wind up with more of his core base voters getting COVID-19 and dying," said Liz Mair, a Republican strategist. "Which is a bad way to win an election."
Frank Luntz, a pollster and communications adviser, said the rallies will probably be both good and bad for Trump – good in that he will likely draw huge crowds and prove he retains intense support; bad in that he'll be given the chance to say things that will be used against him with undecided voters he desperately needs to win over.
"He doesn't have the messaging or the discipline to reach the people he needs," Luntz said.
More: Trump seeks to tie Biden to 'defund the police' demands even though former vice president rejects idea
More: 'Law and order': Trump returns to 2016 theme as violence spreads after George Floyd death
More: White House mood darkens as Trump battles with James Mattis, criticism over Bible photo op
The campaign is also looking at rallies in a series of battleground states in the months ahead, particularly the ones that Trump narrowly carried in 2016 and provided him the margin of victory over Clinton in the Electoral College.
That group includes Florida as well as Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin, officials said.
It also includes states where Trump was once considered a heavy favorite, such as Ohio, Georgia and Arizona. Polls now show close races in those states. Things also look tight in Republican-run Texas; Trump is headlining a fundraiser in Dallas on Thursday.
North Carolina was to have been the state where Trump accepted re-nomination by the Republican Party. But the president and his aides said the acceptance speech will be moved elsewhere because North Carolina will not permit a capacity crowd because of concerns about the spread of coronavirus.
Instead, Trump said he will rally in North Carolina "at the appropriate time."
While Trump is seen as struggling in polls right now, aides are quick note that Clinton led in polls late in the 2016 election. Trump loves the rallies as a chance to deliver his message unfiltered, aides said.
The Real Clear Politics website poll averages give Biden an 8 percentage point lead over Trump nationally. Poll averages in states give Biden leads of more than 3 points in the pivotal states of Pennsylvania, Florida, Michigan, and Arizona, all within the margins of error of most polls.
"The great American comeback is real and the rallies will be tremendous,” Trump campaign manager Brad Parscale said in a statement. “You’ll again see the kind of crowds and enthusiasm that sleepy Joe Biden can only dream of.”
Democrats said they are unconcerned about Trump's rallies because they appeal mainly to people who already support him – and Trump's off-the-cuff rants and attacks on opponents may turn off moderates.
"The things Trump says to fire up the crowds at his rallies turn off swing voters, so this isn’t going to help him with the people who have been leaving him," said Josh Schwerin of Priorities USA Action, a political action committee that supports Democratic candidates.
Anthony Scaramucci, once Trump's communications director and now a fierce critic of the president, said the rallies "will help him psychologically," but the election itself will be decided by issues.


usatoday--2020-06-10--'They folded like a house of cards': McConnell slams New York Times' handling of Tom Cotton op-ed

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell lambasted The New York Times from the Senate floor Wednesday for the paper 's handling of an op-ed by Sen. Tom Cotton that called for a military response to violence at protests calling for an end to policy brutality and racial discrimination .
`` One of our nation ’ s most storied newspapers just had its intellectual independence challenged by an angry mob – and they folded like a house of cards , '' McConnell said .
`` A jury of people on Twitter indicted them as accessories to a thought crime , and instead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hike , the paper pleaded guilty and begged for mercy .
Their readers ’ comfortable bubble was reinflated .
Their safe space was safe again . ''
Protests erupted around the nation after George Floyd , an African-American man , died after a white police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes .
Violence broke out at some of those protests , prompting Cotton to pen an op-ed for the Times titled , `` Send in the Troops . ''
The Arkansas Republican called for President Donald Trump to invoke the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to use active-duty forces to quell unrest in U.S. states when governors request assistance , in order to stop the `` rioters '' who had `` plunged many American cities into anarchy . ''
The publication of Cotton 's op-ed was met with a flood of social media outrage and sparked a revolt among some of the Times ' journalists .
The uproar prompted the paper to `` review the piece and editing process . ''
That review determined the op-ed `` fell short of our standards and should not have been published @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I do not support invoking the Insurrection Act' The op-ed remains live online with a lengthy explanation and context about the controversy running at the top .
`` The basic arguments advanced by Senator Cotton – however objectionable people may find them – represent a newsworthy part of the current debate , '' it reads .
`` But given the life-and-death importance of the topic , the senator ’ s influential position and the gravity of the steps he advocates , the essay should have undergone the highest level of scrutiny .
Instead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flawed , and senior editors were not sufficiently involved . ''
James Bennet , the Times ' editorial page editor , resigned Sunday .
It was later revealed he hadn ’ t read the piece prior to publication .
McConnell pointed out that the Times has previously published controversial op-eds , including ones from Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif .
`` Vladimir Putin ?
No problem .
Iranian propaganda ?
Sure .
But nothing could have prepared them for 800 words from the junior Senator for Arkansas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' and 'dangerous ' : Sen. Cotton 's call for military response to protests receives criticism McConnell said Cotton 's `` view was controversial , no question .
But there is also no question it was a legitimate view for a Senator to express . ''
The Kentucky Republican said it was `` par for the course '' that Cotton 's position be met with criticism and opposition .
`` In a free and open society , speech begets speech .
Arguments beget counterarguments .
We discuss and debate as fellow citizens , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is not quite what happened .
Instead of trying to win the argument , the far left tried to end the discussion . ''
McConnell said liberal critics wanted to banish Cotton from `` polite society '' because of his opinion .
`` Remember , this is a sitting Senator discussing a proposition that had majority support from the American people discussing a power that Congress gave to presidents 213 years ago and which presidents in the past have exercised , '' he said .
`` But the facts couldn ’ t hold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The New York Times had erred grievously by making people confront a different viewpoint .
They had to atone . ''
McConnell said the `` left-wing obsession with banning heretics from the public square will be poison for this country if it persists . ''
`` Our Republic can survive a pandemic .
It can survive civil unrest .
But ideas and deliberation are our foundation .
America can not be America if civil disagreement becomes a contradiction in terms . ''
Who 's in charge ?
: National Guard troops surge into @ @ @ @ @

'They folded like a house of cards': McConnell slams New York Times' handling of Tom Cotton op-ed
Show Caption Hide Caption What Trump could do under the Insurrection Act and martial law President Trump threatened to implement the Insurrection Act to quell protests. What are the limits to his power and could he implement martial law? Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell lambasted The New York Times from the Senate floor Wednesday for the paper's handling of an op-ed by Sen. Tom Cotton that called for a military response to violence at protests calling for an end to policy brutality and racial discrimination.
"One of our nation’s most storied newspapers just had its intellectual independence challenged by an angry mob – and they folded like a house of cards," McConnell said. "A jury of people on Twitter indicted them as accessories to a thought crime, and instead of telling them to go take a hike, the paper pleaded guilty and begged for mercy. Their readers’ comfortable bubble was reinflated. Their safe space was safe again."
Protests erupted around the nation after George Floyd, an African-American man, died after a white police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes. Violence broke out at some of those protests, prompting Cotton to pen an op-ed for the Times titled, "Send in the Troops."
The Arkansas Republican called for President Donald Trump to invoke the 1807 Insurrection Act, which permits him to use active-duty forces to quell unrest in U.S. states when governors request assistance, in order to stop the "rioters" who had "plunged many American cities into anarchy."
The publication of Cotton's op-ed was met with a flood of social media outrage and sparked a revolt among some of the Times' journalists. The uproar prompted the paper to "review the piece and editing process." That review determined the op-ed "fell short of our standards and should not have been published."
Defense Secretary Esper: 'I do not support invoking the Insurrection Act'
The op-ed remains live online with a lengthy explanation and context about the controversy running at the top.
"The basic arguments advanced by Senator Cotton – however objectionable people may find them – represent a newsworthy part of the current debate," it reads. "But given the life-and-death importance of the topic, the senator’s influential position and the gravity of the steps he advocates, the essay should have undergone the highest level of scrutiny. Instead, the editing process was rushed and flawed, and senior editors were not sufficiently involved."
James Bennet, the Times' editorial page editor, resigned Sunday. It was later revealed he hadn’t read the piece prior to publication.
McConnell pointed out that the Times has previously published controversial op-eds, including ones from Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif.
"Vladimir Putin? No problem. Iranian propaganda? Sure. But nothing could have prepared them for 800 words from the junior Senator for Arkansas," McConnell said sardonically.
'Abhorrent' and 'dangerous': Sen. Cotton's call for military response to protests receives criticism
McConnell said Cotton's "view was controversial, no question. But there is also no question it was a legitimate view for a Senator to express."
The Kentucky Republican said it was "par for the course" that Cotton's position be met with criticism and opposition.
"In a free and open society, speech begets speech. Arguments beget counterarguments. We discuss and debate as fellow citizens," he said. "But that is not quite what happened. Instead of trying to win the argument, the far left tried to end the discussion."
McConnell said liberal critics wanted to banish Cotton from "polite society" because of his opinion.
"Remember, this is a sitting Senator discussing a proposition that had majority support from the American people discussing a power that Congress gave to presidents 213 years ago and which presidents in the past have exercised," he said. "But the facts couldn’t hold a candle to the hurt feelings. The New York Times had erred grievously by making people confront a different viewpoint. They had to atone."
McConnell said the "left-wing obsession with banning heretics from the public square will be poison for this country if it persists."
"Our Republic can survive a pandemic. It can survive civil unrest. But ideas and deliberation are our foundation. America cannot be America if civil disagreement becomes a contradiction in terms."
Contributing: The Associated Press
Who's in charge?: National Guard troops surge into DC for George Floyd protests


usatoday--2020-06-10--Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie called out by opponent for displaying Confederate battle flag at home

LOUISVILLE , Ky. — U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie 's primary opponent is calling attention to the GOP congressman 's display of a Confederate battle flag at his Kentucky home when it was under construction 14 years ago .
Massie previously criticized his opponent , attorney Todd McMurtry , for reportedly posting racist tweets in the past .
In an interview with local radio station WVXU on Monday , McMurtry responded to a question about the tweets by mentioning Massie 's flag .
`` I have personally seen photographs of Congressman Massie flying the Confederate flag over his Kentucky home , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is pretty ironic , '' McMurtry said .
Massie started documenting the construction of his home in Garrison , about 104 miles northeast of Lexington , in 2003 through a blog titled `` Building a timberframe home from scratch . ''
In posts from July , August , September and October of 2006 , Massie posted photos of the house without an exterior covering in its early stages .
Each photo , taken from outside of the house , features a Confederate battle flag hanging downward from a wooden frame next to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Additionally , one photo from July 2006 shows a second Confederate flag hanging by the opposite side of the house .
Massie 's staff did not respond to several phone calls and emails seeking comment on whether the flag is still displayed in the home and why the congressman put up the flag .
For many Americans , the Confederate flag represents racism , as the group consisted of southern slave-owning states .
The flag has been displayed today by those who want to express southern pride and white supremacists alike , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ classifies the flag as a hate symbol .
The comments on the Confederate battle flag in Massie 's home come as demonstrations have taken place across the United States demanding justice for those killed by police officers .
More : Marines order Confederate flags removed in ban that includes bumper stickers and clothing In response to these protests , Kentucky Gov .
Andy Beshear said Thursday that the statue of Jefferson Davis , president of the Confederacy and a Kentucky native , should be removed from the Rotunda of the state Capitol building @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mayor Greg Fischer removed an 107-year-old statue of Confederate soldier John Castleman from Cherokee Triangle , stating that `` the events of the past weeks have shown clearly that it ’ s not enough just to face our history – we ’ ve got to address its impact on our present . ''
And in Virginia , Democratic Gov .
Ralph Northam announced Thursday that the statue of Robert E. Lee , commander of the Confederate army and a Virginia native , `` will be removed as soon as possible '' from Richmond @ @ @ @ @ @ @ monument had been there for more than a century .
In the interview with the radio station , McMurtry also brought attention to Massie 's defense of U.S. Rep. Steve King , a Republican from Iowa with a history of racist remarks who lost his committee assignment in 2019 after questioning why white supremacy is considered offensive in an interview with The New York Times .
King lost the Republican primary for his reelection last week to Iowa state Sen. Randy Feenstra .
`` In my presence , he 's never said anything @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ready to censure a man based on a New York Times article , '' Massie told Fox Business Channel at the time .
The Kentucky congressman , who has served in the House of Representatives since 2012 , has earned the reputation of `` Mr. No '' for the frequency with which he votes against legislation .
Massie was one of four representatives to vote against a House bill in February designed to make lynching a federal hate crime .
`` I voted against ( the bill ) because the Constitution specifies only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leaves the rest to individual states to prosecute , '' Massie told The Courier Journal at the time .
`` In addition , this bill expands current federal 'hate crime ' laws .
A crime is a crime , and all victims deserve equal justice .
Adding enhanced penalties for 'hate ' tends to endanger other liberties such as freedom of speech . ''
Massie also voted against a coronavirus-relief package in April and threatened to hold up the vote on the CARES Act in March , earning him the wrath of President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ buzz during a radio interview on Thursday , in which he called many protesters demanding change in policing and racial inequities `` violent looters and lawless criminals . ''
`` Is there an articulate person among the group who are upset with the way things are going that can step up to a microphone and speak for all the people ? ''
Massie asked in the interview .
`` I 'm not seeing that person . ''

Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie called out by opponent for displaying Confederate battle flag at home
Show Caption Hide Caption Marine Corps bans public display of the confederate flag The Marine Corps announced on June 5 that it is banning public display of the confederate flag. It is the first military branch to do so. USA TODAY, Wochit
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie's primary opponent is calling attention to the GOP congressman's display of a Confederate battle flag at his Kentucky home when it was under construction 14 years ago.
Massie previously criticized his opponent, attorney Todd McMurtry, for reportedly posting racist tweets in the past. In an interview with local radio station WVXU on Monday, McMurtry responded to a question about the tweets by mentioning Massie's flag.
"I have personally seen photographs of Congressman Massie flying the Confederate flag over his Kentucky home, so him attacking me as a racist is pretty ironic," McMurtry said.
Massie started documenting the construction of his home in Garrison, about 104 miles northeast of Lexington, in 2003 through a blog titled "Building a timberframe home from scratch."
In posts from July, August, September and October of 2006, Massie posted photos of the house without an exterior covering in its early stages. Each photo, taken from outside of the house, features a Confederate battle flag hanging downward from a wooden frame next to a modern-day American flag, also hanging downward.
Additionally, one photo from July 2006 shows a second Confederate flag hanging by the opposite side of the house.
Massie's staff did not respond to several phone calls and emails seeking comment on whether the flag is still displayed in the home and why the congressman put up the flag.
For many Americans, the Confederate flag represents racism, as the group consisted of southern slave-owning states. The flag has been displayed today by those who want to express southern pride and white supremacists alike, according to the Anti-Defamation League, which classifies the flag as a hate symbol.
The comments on the Confederate battle flag in Massie's home come as demonstrations have taken place across the United States demanding justice for those killed by police officers.
More: Marines order Confederate flags removed in ban that includes bumper stickers and clothing
In response to these protests, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said Thursday that the statue of Jefferson Davis, president of the Confederacy and a Kentucky native, should be removed from the Rotunda of the state Capitol building in Frankfort.
On Monday, Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer removed an 107-year-old statue of Confederate soldier John Castleman from Cherokee Triangle, stating that "the events of the past weeks have shown clearly that it’s not enough just to face our history – we’ve got to address its impact on our present."
And in Virginia, Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam announced Thursday that the statue of Robert E. Lee, commander of the Confederate army and a Virginia native, "will be removed as soon as possible" from Richmond, the commonwealth's capital. The monument had been there for more than a century.
In the interview with the radio station, McMurtry also brought attention to Massie's defense of U.S. Rep. Steve King, a Republican from Iowa with a history of racist remarks who lost his committee assignment in 2019 after questioning why white supremacy is considered offensive in an interview with The New York Times. King lost the Republican primary for his reelection last week to Iowa state Sen. Randy Feenstra.
"In my presence, he's never said anything racist, and so I'm not ready to censure a man based on a New York Times article," Massie told Fox Business Channel at the time.
The Kentucky congressman, who has served in the House of Representatives since 2012, has earned the reputation of "Mr. No" for the frequency with which he votes against legislation.
Massie was one of four representatives to vote against a House bill in February designed to make lynching a federal hate crime.
"I voted against (the bill) because the Constitution specifies only a handful of federal crimes, and leaves the rest to individual states to prosecute," Massie told The Courier Journal at the time. "In addition, this bill expands current federal 'hate crime' laws. A crime is a crime, and all victims deserve equal justice. Adding enhanced penalties for 'hate' tends to endanger other liberties such as freedom of speech."
Massie also voted against a coronavirus-relief package in April and threatened to hold up the vote on the CARES Act in March, earning him the wrath of President Donald Trump.
Massie also created a buzz during a radio interview on Thursday, in which he called many protesters demanding change in policing and racial inequities "violent looters and lawless criminals."
"Is there an articulate person among the group who are upset with the way things are going that can step up to a microphone and speak for all the people?" Massie asked in the interview. "I'm not seeing that person."
Follow Ben Tobin on Twitter @TobinBen.


usatoday--2020-06-10--More than 1,200 former DOJ officials call for review of AG Barr's role in clearing protesters near W

More than 1,200 former Justice Department staffers have called for an internal review of Attorney General William Barr 's role in clearing a peaceful demonstration near the White House more than a week ago in an aggressive move against protesters .
The staffers , in a letter to Justice Inspector General Michael Horowitz , said they were `` disturbed '' by Barr 's involvement in the action that opened a path for President Donald Trump to stage a photograph outside nearby St. John 's Church .
`` Based on what we now know , these actions violated both the First @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which protects freedom of speech and the press , and the right to assemble ; and the Fourth Amendment , which prohibits unreasonable seizures , to include objectively unreasonable uses of force by law enforcement officers , '' the group wrote .
`` None of us would ever have considered directing or engaging in such actions to be consistent with our oaths to support and defend the Constitution . ''
The attorney general , who was in Lafayette Square at the time , has repeatedly defended the federal action .
While Barr has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the security perimeter around the square – requiring the movement of protesters – he has since said that he did not give the specific directive setting federal authorities in motion .
After the storm : AG Barr defends clearing protest near White House , disputes claims demonstration was peaceful To the bunker : Barr contradicts Trump 's claim he went to the White House bunker to inspect it , rejects calls to defund police The Justice Department and the inspector general declined to comment Wednesday .
As recently as Tuesday , Barr addressed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was necessary as televised images of rioting `` conveyed the impression that the United States was on the brink of losing control of its capital city . ''
The attorney general 's vivid description was contained in a letter to D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser , who has been sharply critical of the federal government 's response to the protests sparked by the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police .
In addition to Bowser , the federal reaction – including 5,000 National Guard troops and federal officers from at least @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from lawmakers and former military officials .
`` We are also disturbed by the Attorney General ’ s deployment of federal law enforcement officers throughout the country , and especially within the District of Columbia , to participate in quelling lawful First Amendment activity , '' the former Justice staffers wrote to the inspector general .
`` We have profound doubts that the personnel deployed from these agencies are adequately trained in policing mass protests or protecting the constitutional rights of individuals who are not subject to arrest or have not been convicted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` Moreover , reports from witnesses indicate that federal officers were blocking streets , guarding buildings , and interacting with civilians without displaying or otherwise providing identification , even when asked to do so by peaceful protesters .
Accountability requires law enforcement personnel to identify themselves and be identifiable . ''
Days after the Lafayette Square clash , the ACLU announced it was suing Trump and Barr in connection with the federal response .
The lawsuit was filed on behalf of Black Lives Matters D.C. and individual protesters .
“ What @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the nation ’ s capital , was an affront to all our rights , ” said April Goggans , an organizer with Black Lives Matter D.C .

More than 1,200 former DOJ officials call for review of AG Barr's role in clearing protesters near White House
Show Caption Hide Caption Bishop slams Trump after protesters forced out near St. John's church Police used gas to clear protesters from Lafayette Park before President Donald Trump walked over and held a Bible up at St. John's Episcopal Church. USA TODAY
More than 1,200 former Justice Department staffers have called for an internal review of Attorney General William Barr's role in clearing a peaceful demonstration near the White House more than a week ago in an aggressive move against protesters.
The staffers, in a letter to Justice Inspector General Michael Horowitz, said they were "disturbed" by Barr's involvement in the action that opened a path for President Donald Trump to stage a photograph outside nearby St. John's Church.
"Based on what we now know, these actions violated both the First Amendment of the United States Constitution, which protects freedom of speech and the press, and the right to assemble; and the Fourth Amendment, which prohibits unreasonable seizures, to include objectively unreasonable uses of force by law enforcement officers," the group wrote. "None of us would ever have considered directing or engaging in such actions to be consistent with our oaths to support and defend the Constitution."
The attorney general, who was in Lafayette Square at the time, has repeatedly defended the federal action. While Barr has acknowledged deciding earlier that day to expand the security perimeter around the square – requiring the movement of protesters – he has since said that he did not give the specific directive setting federal authorities in motion.
After the storm: AG Barr defends clearing protest near White House, disputes claims demonstration was peaceful
To the bunker: Barr contradicts Trump's claim he went to the White House bunker to inspect it, rejects calls to defund police
The Justice Department and the inspector general declined to comment Wednesday.
As recently as Tuesday, Barr addressed the matter, claiming the federal intervention was necessary as televised images of rioting "conveyed the impression that the United States was on the brink of losing control of its capital city."
The attorney general's vivid description was contained in a letter to D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, who has been sharply critical of the federal government's response to the protests sparked by the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police.
In addition to Bowser, the federal reaction – including 5,000 National Guard troops and federal officers from at least a dozen agencies –has drawn sharp criticism from lawmakers and former military officials.
"We are also disturbed by the Attorney General’s deployment of federal law enforcement officers throughout the country, and especially within the District of Columbia, to participate in quelling lawful First Amendment activity," the former Justice staffers wrote to the inspector general.
"We have profound doubts that the personnel deployed from these agencies are adequately trained in policing mass protests or protecting the constitutional rights of individuals who are not subject to arrest or have not been convicted of a crime," the staffers said. "Moreover, reports from witnesses indicate that federal officers were blocking streets, guarding buildings, and interacting with civilians without displaying or otherwise providing identification, even when asked to do so by peaceful protesters. Accountability requires law enforcement personnel to identify themselves and be identifiable."
Days after the Lafayette Square clash, the ACLU announced it was suing Trump and Barr in connection with the federal response. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of Black Lives Matters D.C. and individual protesters.
“What happened to our members... here in the nation’s capital, was an affront to all our rights,” said April Goggans, an organizer with Black Lives Matter D.C.


usatoday--2020-06-10--Just 27% of registered voters think President Donald Trump is a religious man, poll finds

Many people of faith in the U.S , particularly Evangelical Christians , regard President Donald Trump as an ally in the White House .
But only 27 % of voters think Trump is himself religious , according to a Politico/Morning Consult tracking poll released Wednesday .
Seventeen percent in the survey said they `` somewhat agree '' that Trump is religious and another 10 % said they `` strongly agree '' that he is .
Fifty-five percent did not agree , 14 % saying they `` somewhat disagree , '' 41 % said they `` strongly disagree '' and 18 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had no opinion .
Among voters who identified as Christian , 34 % thought the president is religious , 12 % of them strongly , and 50 % did not .
Two out of five Evangelicals agreed Trump is religious , making them the subgroup with the highest percentage believing so .
Sixteen percent of them said they strongly agree he is religious , and 24 % said they somewhat agree .
Sixty-two percent of Catholics said the president is not religious .
The poll was conducted from June 6-7 from a sample @ @ @ @ @ @ @ error of plus or minus 2 percentage points .
The survey found the president 's overall job approval rating at 39 % , the first time the tracking poll found it under 40 % since December .
Fact check : No , Donald Trump church photo op was not the same as Bill Clinton church photo Trump is counting on support from Christian voters in his bid for reelection against the presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden .
The president was widely criticized last week for posing for photographs while holding a Bible outside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ near the White House after peaceful protesters against police brutality were forcefully cleared from the area .
The church had sustained fire damage when protests turned violent the night before .
Trump told Fox News Radio that `` church leaders loved that I went there with a Bible . ''
But many religious leaders did not , including Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde , who heads the Episcopal Diocese of Washington , who told CNN she was `` outraged '' by the event .
`` The president just used a Bible , the most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and one of the churches of my diocese without permission as a backdrop for a message antithetical to the teachings of Jesus and everything that our churches stand for , '' Budde said .
Trump 's former White House press secretary Sean Spicer asked Trump about his faith in a June 3 NewsMax interview .
`` Since you 've been president , have you grown in your faith ? ''
Spicer asked .
`` Do you pray ?
Do you pray often ?
You 've talked a lot about religion this week .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' `` So , I think maybe I have , from the standpoint that I see so much that I can do , '' he replied .
`` I 've done so much for religion . ''

Just 27% of registered voters think President Donald Trump is a religious man, poll finds
Show Caption Hide Caption Bishop slams Trump after protesters forced out near St. John's church Police used gas to clear protesters from Lafayette Park before President Donald Trump walked over and held a Bible up at St. John's Episcopal Church. USA TODAY
Many people of faith in the U.S, particularly Evangelical Christians, regard President Donald Trump as an ally in the White House. But only 27% of voters think Trump is himself religious, according to a Politico/Morning Consult tracking poll released Wednesday.
Seventeen percent in the survey said they "somewhat agree" that Trump is religious and another 10% said they "strongly agree" that he is. Fifty-five percent did not agree, with 14% saying they "somewhat disagree" and 41% saying they "strongly disagree." Eighteen percent said they didn't know or had no opinion. Among voters who identified as Christian, 34% thought the president was religious, 12% of them strongly, while 50% did not.
Two out of five Evangelicals agreed Trump is religious, making them the subgroup with the highest percentage believing so. Sixteen percent of them said they strongly agree that he is religious, and 24% said they somewhat agree. Sixty-two percent of Catholics said the president was not religious.
The poll was conducted June 6-7 from a sample of 1,992 voters with a margin of error of plus or minus 2 percentage points. The survey found the president's overall job approval rating at 39%, the first time the tracking poll has found it under 40% since December.
Fact check: No, Donald Trump church photo op was not the same as Bill Clinton church photo
Trump is counting on support from Christian voters in his bid for reelection against the presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden.
The president was widely criticized this month for posing for photographs while holding a Bible outside the historic St. John's Episcopal Church near the White House after peaceful protesters against police brutality were forcefully cleared from the area. The church had sustained fire damage when protests turned violent the night before.
Trump told Fox News Radio that "church leaders loved that I went there with a Bible." But many religious leaders did not, including Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde, who heads the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, who told CNN she was "outraged" by the event.
"The president just used a Bible, the most sacred text of the Judeo-Christian tradition, and one of the churches of my diocese without permission as a backdrop for a message antithetical to the teachings of Jesus and everything that our churches stand for," Budde said.
Trump's former White House press secretary Sean Spicer asked Trump about his faith in a June 3 NewsMax interview.
"Since you've been president, have you grown in your faith?" Spicer asked. "Do you pray? Do you pray often? You've talked a lot about religion this week. What does it mean to you?"
He replied, "So, I think maybe I have, from the standpoint that I see so much that I can do. I've done so much for religion."


usatoday--2020-06-10--Justice Department showed 'gross abuse of prosecutorial power' in Michael Flynn case, court-appointe

WASHINGTON – The Justice Department showed a `` gross abuse of prosecutorial power '' in its push to drop the case against Michael Flynn , President Donald Trump 's former national security adviser , a court-appointed arbiter said Wednesday .
Retired federal judge John Gleeson said the Justice Department 's bid to dismiss Flynn 's case should be denied because its arguments `` are not credible , '' suggesting the government violated safeguards designed to prevent `` dubious dismissals of criminal cases that would benefit powerful and well-connected defendants . ''
`` The Department of Justice has a solemn responsibility @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other case – without fear or favor , ” Gleeson argued .
“ It has abdicated that responsibility through a gross abuse of prosecutorial power , attempting to provide special treatment to a favored friend and political ally of the President of the United States .
It has treated the case like no other , and in doing so has undermined the public ’ s confidence in the rule of law . ''
Not a 'rubber stamp ' : Michael Flynn judge defends decision to challenge DOJ request to drop case Challenging DOJ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Flynn should be held in contempt , challenge DOJ 's bid to drop case Gleeson 's searing rebuke is the latest in what has become a fraught and long-running prosecution of the former Army general .
U.S. District Judge Emmet Sullivan , who has been overseeing the case for the past three years , appointed Gleeson to challenge the Justice Department 's motion to drop the case and to examine whether Flynn committed perjury in declaring his innocence for a crime he had earlier admitted .
In his 82-page brief filed Wednesday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` for which he deserves punishment . ''
But instead of recommending that Flynn be charged , Gleeson said the court should consider that offense in sentencing Flynn for another crime – making false statements – to which he pleaded guilty earlier .
The false statements charge stemmed from Flynn ’ s communications with a former Russian ambassador .
The legal clash has reached the federal appeals court in Washington , D.C. , where Flynn accused Sullivan of abusing his discretion and asked the higher court judges to force the dismissal of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ News this week , Attorney General William Barr , who tapped an outside prosecutor to review the Flynn case , said Sullivan `` is trying to set himself up as an alternative prosecutor . ''
The decision on whether to prosecute a person `` is vested in the executive branch and not the courts , '' Barr said .
The Justice Department declined to comment on Gleeson 's filing , referring to its own court papers calling on the court to dismiss the case .
In that motion , the department argued that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Flynn made false statements to the FBI , was `` unjustified . ''
The interview did not have `` a legitimate investigative basis , '' making Flynn 's statements irrelevant `` even if untrue , '' the department argued .
The agency also pointed to recently unsealed documents showing investigators were prepared to close the Flynn investigation – code named Crossfire Razor – but decided to keep the probe open .
President claims exoneration : Trump says new FBI notes exonerate Michael Flynn , analysts say that 's not the case Abandoning the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump adviser Michael Flynn in boldest step yet to undermine Mueller probe Sullivan defended his decision to review the Justice Department 's effort to abandon the case , calling such a move `` unprecedented . ''
He argued that rules governing federal criminal cases do n't require him to `` serve as a mere rubber stamp . ''
Sullivan argued that federal district judges have the authority to appoint a third party in a case – a practice the Supreme Court has not called into question , particularly in situations in which both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to break down .
Flynn is one of a half-dozen Trump campaign aides and allies who were prosecuted as a result of the special counsel Russia investigation .
He later reversed course , withdrawing his guilty plea and accusing Justice Department officials of trapping him into making false statements and not disclosing evidence that would 've exonerated him .
In his brief , Gleeson cast the government 's reasons for dismissal as `` so irregular , and so obviously pretextual , that they are deficient '' and contradict the prosecutors ' own court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dismiss the case .
`` They reveal an unconvincing effort to disguise as legitimate a decision to dismiss that is based solely on the fact that Flynn is a political ally of President Trump , '' Gleeson argued .
Flynn attacks judge : Michael Flynn asks appeals court to intervene in his case and assign him to a different judge The FBI was conducting a counterintelligence investigation into possible ties between the Trump campaign and the Russian government when it interviewed Flynn in 2017 .
Flynn had made unusual back-channel communications with then-Russian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at odds with those of the outgoing Obama administration .
`` When the FBI repeatedly asked Flynn about those communications , he chose to lie about them – just as he had lied to various senior White House officials , '' Gleeson argued .
Flynn 's guilt `` is plain , '' Gleeson said , adding that he pleaded guilty twice under oath – first in 2017 and again in 2018 when he reaffirmed his plea – and , in the process , detailed all the facts he knew and lied about to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claim that FBI agents trapped him into making false statements .
`` If the agents were deviously trying to trick Flynn into lying , they did a terrible job , '' Gleeson said , adding that agents gave Flynn multiple chances to tell the truth .
`` One does n't need to be a senior national security official entrusted with the Nation 's secrets to know not to lie to the FBI . ''
Gleeson also said there is `` ample evidence '' that Flynn had committed perjury that could be prosecuted .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ simply try to withdraw his guilty plea , `` but did so by mounting a frontal assault on the integrity of the investigation . ''
But Gleeson urged the court not to weigh the issue , suggesting that `` the best response to Flynn 's perjury is not to respond in kind . ''
Instead , he asked the court to move on to sentencing , which has been postponed for two years .
`` To help restore confidence in the integrity of the judicial process , the Court should return regularity to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` And the Court can best do that by denying the government 's motion to dismiss , adjudicating any pending motions , proceeding to sentencing , and factoring the defendant 's contemptuous conduct into the appropriate punishment . ''

Kristine Phillips and Kevin Johnson, USA TODAY

Justice Department showed 'gross abuse of prosecutorial power' in Michael Flynn case, court-appointed arbiter says
Show Caption Hide Caption Justice Department dropping its case against Gen. Michael Flynn The DOJ will drop the criminal case against Gen. Michael Flynn for lying to the FBI about contact with a Russian Ambassador. Flynn pleaded guilty. USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – The Justice Department showed a "gross abuse of prosecutorial power" in its push to drop the case against Michael Flynn, President Donald Trump's former national security adviser, a court-appointed arbiter said Wednesday.
Retired federal judge John Gleeson said the Justice Department's bid to dismiss Flynn's case should be denied because its arguments "are not credible," suggesting the government violated safeguards designed to prevent "dubious dismissals of criminal cases that would benefit powerful and well-connected defendants."
"The Department of Justice has a solemn responsibility to prosecute this case – like every other case – without fear or favor,” Gleeson argued. “It has abdicated that responsibility through a gross abuse of prosecutorial power, attempting to provide special treatment to a favored friend and political ally of the President of the United States. It has treated the case like no other, and in doing so has undermined the public’s confidence in the rule of law."
Not a 'rubber stamp': Michael Flynn judge defends decision to challenge DOJ request to drop case
Challenging DOJ: Retired judge to examine if Michael Flynn should be held in contempt, challenge DOJ's bid to drop case
Gleeson's searing rebuke is the latest in what has become a fraught and long-running prosecution of the former Army general. U.S. District Judge Emmet Sullivan, who has been overseeing the case for the past three years, appointed Gleeson to challenge the Justice Department's motion to drop the case and to examine whether Flynn committed perjury in declaring his innocence for a crime he had earlier admitted.
In his 82-page brief filed Wednesday, Gleeson said Flynn did commit perjury, "for which he deserves punishment." But instead of recommending that Flynn be charged, Gleeson said the court should consider that offense in sentencing Flynn for another crime – making false statements – to which he pleaded guilty earlier. The false statements charge stemmed from Flynn’s communications with a former Russian ambassador.
The legal clash has reached the federal appeals court in Washington, D.C., where Flynn accused Sullivan of abusing his discretion and asked the higher court judges to force the dismissal of the case.
In an interview with Fox News this week, Attorney General William Barr, who tapped an outside prosecutor to review the Flynn case, said Sullivan "is trying to set himself up as an alternative prosecutor." The decision on whether to prosecute a person "is vested in the executive branch and not the courts," Barr said.
The Justice Department declined to comment on Gleeson's filing, referring to its own court papers calling on the court to dismiss the case.
In that motion, the department argued that its January 2017 interview, during which Flynn made false statements to the FBI, was "unjustified." The interview did not have "a legitimate investigative basis," making Flynn's statements irrelevant "even if untrue," the department argued.
The agency also pointed to recently unsealed documents showing investigators were prepared to close the Flynn investigation – code named Crossfire Razor – but decided to keep the probe open.
President claims exoneration: Trump says new FBI notes exonerate Michael Flynn, analysts say that's not the case
Abandoning the prosecution: DOJ drops case against former Trump adviser Michael Flynn in boldest step yet to undermine Mueller probe
Sullivan defended his decision to review the Justice Department's effort to abandon the case, calling such a move "unprecedented." He argued that rules governing federal criminal cases don't require him to "serve as a mere rubber stamp."
Sullivan argued that federal district judges have the authority to appoint a third party in a case – a practice the Supreme Court has not called into question, particularly in situations in which both sides agree, allowing the adversarial process to break down.
Flynn is one of a half-dozen Trump campaign aides and allies who were prosecuted as a result of the special counsel Russia investigation. He later reversed course, withdrawing his guilty plea and accusing Justice Department officials of trapping him into making false statements and not disclosing evidence that would've exonerated him.
In his brief, Gleeson cast the government's reasons for dismissal as "so irregular, and so obviously pretextual, that they are deficient" and contradict the prosecutors' own court filings before the Justice Department moved to dismiss the case.
"They reveal an unconvincing effort to disguise as legitimate a decision to dismiss that is based solely on the fact that Flynn is a political ally of President Trump," Gleeson argued.
Flynn attacks judge: Michael Flynn asks appeals court to intervene in his case and assign him to a different judge
The FBI was conducting a counterintelligence investigation into possible ties between the Trump campaign and the Russian government when it interviewed Flynn in 2017. Flynn had made unusual back-channel communications with then-Russian ambassador Sergey Kislyak about foreign policy positions at odds with those of the outgoing Obama administration.
"When the FBI repeatedly asked Flynn about those communications, he chose to lie about them – just as he had lied to various senior White House officials," Gleeson argued.
Flynn's guilt "is plain," Gleeson said, adding that he pleaded guilty twice under oath – first in 2017 and again in 2018 when he reaffirmed his plea – and, in the process, detailed all the facts he knew and lied about to the FBI.
Gleeson lambasted Flynn's claim that FBI agents trapped him into making false statements.
"If the agents were deviously trying to trick Flynn into lying, they did a terrible job," Gleeson said, adding that agents gave Flynn multiple chances to tell the truth. "One doesn't need to be a senior national security official entrusted with the Nation's secrets to know not to lie to the FBI."
Gleeson also said there is "ample evidence" that Flynn had committed perjury that could be prosecuted. The former national security adviser did not simply try to withdraw his guilty plea, "but did so by mounting a frontal assault on the integrity of the investigation."
But Gleeson urged the court not to weigh the issue, suggesting that "the best response to Flynn's perjury is not to respond in kind." Instead, he asked the court to move on to sentencing, which has been postponed for two years.
"To help restore confidence in the integrity of the judicial process, the Court should return regularity to the process," Gleeson said. "And the Court can best do that by denying the government's motion to dismiss, adjudicating any pending motions, proceeding to sentencing, and factoring the defendant's contemptuous conduct into the appropriate punishment."