usatoday--2020-11-11--'It's an embarrassment': Joe Biden responds to Donald Trump's refusal to concede presidential race

WASHINGTON – President-elect Joe Biden on Tuesday dismissed President Donald Trump 's refusal to concede the election as not very consequential to his efforts to begin transition planning and said it did not reflect well on Trump .
`` I just think it 's an embarrassment , quite frankly , '' Biden said .
`` How can I say this tactfully ?
I think it will not help the president 's legacy . ''
Biden , the Democratic nominee , racked up the 270 Electoral College votes to clinch presidency on Saturday .
Trump has falsely claimed the election was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ challenges in several states , including Pennsylvania , Michigan , Georgia and Nevada .
More : 'Time to heal in America ' : President-elect Joe Biden , VP-elect Kamala Harris talk of unity Biden is preparing for his Jan. 20 inauguration , including assembling an advisory panel to guide his efforts to fight the COVID-19 pandemic .
He said he would likely make his first Cabinet announcements by Thanksgiving .
Biden on Tuesday spoke to leaders of the United Kingdom , Germany , France and other European nations who congratulated him on a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discussions with foreign leaders thus far that they are hopeful that the United States ' democratic institutions are viewed once again as being strong and endured , '' Biden said .
`` But I think at the end of the day , it 's going to all come to fruition on Jan .
20 . ''
More : Supreme Court appears unlikely to topple Affordable Care Act in latest challenge by Republicans Biden , speaking in Wilmington , Delaware , took questions from reporters for the first time since he was declared the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He had just delivered remarks about the Affordable Care Act , which the Supreme Court held oral arguments on Tuesday and appeared likely to uphold for the third time in eight years .
Biden said Trump 's unwillingness to acknowledge his election victory is `` not of much consequence '' to his transition team 's ability to plan and that he 's communicated to world leaders that `` America 's back . ''
`` We are already beginning the transition .
We 're well underway , '' the former vice president said , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to recognize our win does not change the dynamics of what we 're able to do . ''
Asked what his message is for Trump , Biden said : `` Mr. President , I look forward to speaking with you . ''
More : 'Hopefully it will calm down ' : The election is over .
Now a stressed nation looks for normalcy under Joe Biden Biden says he does n't need transition funding Biden would win with a comfortable 306 electoral votes if a 12,427-vote lead for the former vice president holds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to call and subject to a recount .
On election night , Fox News and the Associated Press declared that Biden had won Arizona , but the counting continues there , where Biden leads by less than 15,000 votes and other organizations are waiting to declare a winner .
Even if Biden were to lose both states , he would still exceed 270 electoral votes .
But that has n't stopped the Trump campaign and other Republicans from digging in .
Attorney General Bill Barr announced he 's authorized prosecutors to `` pursue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ irregularities '' despite a lack of evidence of widespread voter fraud .
The U.S. General Services Administration , an agency instrumental in presidential transitions , has not begun the initial steps in the process , delaying funding and resources that are typically provided to an incoming administration .
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo echoed Trump 's false assertions about the election outcome , telling reporters `` there will be a smooth transition to a second Trump administration '' when asked whether the Trump administration would cooperate with the Biden transition .
More : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump-to-Biden transition .
What is it ?
More : Despite election results showing Biden win , Pompeo said he expects 'transition to a second Trump administration' Biden dismissed Pompeo ’ s remarks .
“ Secretary of State Pompeo , '' he said with a laugh .
He also said his team will be fine without the federal transition funding or access to presidential daily briefings known as `` PDBs . ''
He said he “ doesn ’ t see a need for legal action ” to force the Trump administration to cooperate .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ funding , ” Biden said .
“ We ’ re in a position that we feel very good about .
There ’ s nothing that slows up our efforts to put things together .
Obviously , the PDB would be useful , but it ’ s not necessary .
“ We ’ re going to do exactly what we ’ d be doing if he had conceded and said we have won , which we have , ” Biden said .
Only four Republican senators – Ben Sasse of Nebraska , Susan Collins @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska – have congratulated Biden on winning .
Others like Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , Lindsey Graham of South Carolina , Ted Cruz of Texas and Tom Cotton of Arkansas have said the election had not been decided .
`` President Trump is 100 % within his rights to look into allegations of irregularities and weigh his legal options , '' McConnell said on the floor Monday .
He said the winner of the election is n't decided until the Electoral College meets Dec. 14 .
More : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of State to resign — election updates Biden said he hadn ’ t had a chance to speak to McConnell but expects to soon .
“ I think that the whole Republican Party has been put in a position , with a few notable exceptions , of being mildly intimidated by the sitting president , '' Biden said .
`` But there ’ s only one president at a time .
He ’ s president .
The Electoral College will be making their judgement in December and it will be announced in January.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and bringing a divided nation together , said he 's optimistic the two parties will be able to work together once he takes office to tackle issues such as health care .
`` Look , I am not a pessimist , as you know , '' he said .
`` And I think there are a enough Republicans who 've already spoken out .
And I think there will be many more – not many more , a larger number – once the election is declared and I 'm sworn in to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think they understand . ''
`` They will , '' Biden said when pressed on how expects to work with Republicans if they do n't recognize him as president-elect .
`` They will . ''
More : How Joe Biden flipped the electoral map and won the presidency with room to spare

'It's an embarrassment': Joe Biden responds to Donald Trump's refusal to concede presidential race
Show Caption Hide Caption 'Its an embarrassment:' President-elect Biden on Trump not conceding President-elect Joe Biden says 'it's an embarrassment' that President Donald Trump is still refusing to concede the presidential race. USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – President-elect Joe Biden on Tuesday dismissed President Donald Trump's refusal to concede the election as not very consequential to his efforts to begin transition planning and said it did not reflect well on Trump.
"I just think it's an embarrassment, quite frankly," Biden said. "How can I say this tactfully? I think it will not help the president's legacy."
Biden, the Democratic nominee, racked up the 270 Electoral College votes to clinch presidency on Saturday. Trump has falsely claimed the election was stolen, as his campaign mounts legal challenges in several states, including Pennsylvania, Michigan, Georgia and Nevada.
More: 'Time to heal in America': President-elect Joe Biden, VP-elect Kamala Harris talk of unity
Biden is preparing for his Jan. 20 inauguration, including assembling an advisory panel to guide his efforts to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. He said he would likely make his first Cabinet announcements by Thanksgiving. Biden on Tuesday spoke to leaders of the United Kingdom, Germany, France and other European nations who congratulated him on a victory.
"I know from my discussions with foreign leaders thus far that they are hopeful that the United States' democratic institutions are viewed once again as being strong and endured," Biden said. "But I think at the end of the day, it's going to all come to fruition on Jan. 20."
More: Supreme Court appears unlikely to topple Affordable Care Act in latest challenge by Republicans
Message to foreign leaders: 'America's back'
Biden, speaking in Wilmington, Delaware, took questions from reporters for the first time since he was declared the winner of the presidential election Saturday. He had just delivered remarks about the Affordable Care Act, which the Supreme Court held oral arguments on Tuesday and appeared likely to uphold for the third time in eight years.
Biden said Trump's unwillingness to acknowledge his election victory is "not of much consequence" to his transition team's ability to plan and that he's communicated to world leaders that "America's back."
"We are already beginning the transition. We're well underway," the former vice president said, adding that the administration's "failure to recognize our win does not change the dynamics of what we're able to do."
Asked what his message is for Trump, Biden said: "Mr. President, I look forward to speaking with you."
More: 'Hopefully it will calm down': The election is over. Now a stressed nation looks for normalcy under Joe Biden
Biden says he doesn't need transition funding
Biden would win with a comfortable 306 electoral votes if a 12,427-vote lead for the former vice president holds in Georgia, which is too close to call and subject to a recount. On election night, Fox News and the Associated Press declared that Biden had won Arizona, but the counting continues there, where Biden leads by less than 15,000 votes and other organizations are waiting to declare a winner. Even if Biden were to lose both states, he would still exceed 270 electoral votes. But that hasn't stopped the Trump campaign and other Republicans from digging in.
Concession speeches: A look back on history Scott Farris, author of "Almost President: The Men Who Lost the Race but Changed the Nation," describes the tradition of offering a concession speech. USA TODAY
Attorney General Bill Barr announced he's authorized prosecutors to "pursue substantial allegations of voting and vote tabulation irregularities" despite a lack of evidence of widespread voter fraud.
'FRAUD' FACT CHECKS:
"WE WILL WIN," Trump tweeted Tuesday morning.
The U.S. General Services Administration, an agency instrumental in presidential transitions, has not begun the initial steps in the process, delaying funding and resources that are typically provided to an incoming administration. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo echoed Trump's false assertions about the election outcome, telling reporters "there will be a smooth transition to a second Trump administration" when asked whether the Trump administration would cooperate with the Biden transition.
More: The GSA holds the keys to the Trump-to-Biden transition. What is it?
More: Despite election results showing Biden win, Pompeo said he expects 'transition to a second Trump administration'
Biden dismissed Pompeo’s remarks. “Secretary of State Pompeo," he said with a laugh.
He also said his team will be fine without the federal transition funding or access to presidential daily briefings known as "PDBs." He said he “doesn’t see a need for legal action” to force the Trump administration to cooperate.
“We can get through without the funding,” Biden said. “We’re in a position that we feel very good about. There’s nothing that slows up our efforts to put things together. Obviously, the PDB would be useful, but it’s not necessary.
“We’re going to do exactly what we’d be doing if he had conceded and said we have won, which we have,” Biden said.
Biden: Republicans 'mildly intimidated' by Trump
Only four Republican senators – Ben Sasse of Nebraska, Susan Collins of Maine, Mitt Romney of Utah and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska – have congratulated Biden on winning. Others like Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, Ted Cruz of Texas and Tom Cotton of Arkansas have said the election had not been decided.
"President Trump is 100% within his rights to look into allegations of irregularities and weigh his legal options," McConnell said on the floor Monday. He said the winner of the election isn't decided until the Electoral College meets Dec. 14.
More: Georgia senators facing runoffs call on Secretary of State to resign — election updates
Biden said he hadn’t had a chance to speak to McConnell but expects to soon.
“I think that the whole Republican Party has been put in a position, with a few notable exceptions, of being mildly intimidated by the sitting president," Biden said. "But there’s only one president at a time. He’s president. The Electoral College will be making their judgement in December and it will be announced in January.”
Biden, who campaigned on bipartisanship and bringing a divided nation together, said he's optimistic the two parties will be able to work together once he takes office to tackle issues such as health care.
"Look, I am not a pessimist, as you know," he said. "And I think there are a enough Republicans who've already spoken out. And I think there will be many more – not many more, a larger number – once the election is declared and I'm sworn in to be able to get things done. I think they understand."
"They will," Biden said when pressed on how expects to work with Republicans if they don't recognize him as president-elect. "They will."
More: How Joe Biden flipped the electoral map and won the presidency with room to spare
Reach Joey Garrison on Twitter @joeygarrison.


usatoday--2020-11-10--Attorney General William Barr's election fraud memo brings new storm to Justice Department

In the weeks before the election , President Donald Trump had made no secret that he was looking for Attorney General William Barr to boost his sagging reelection bid .
At his most extreme , Trump called for Barr last month to bring criminal charges against Obama administration officials based on debunked allegations that they spied on his 2016 campaign .
“ Unless Bill Barr indicts these people for crimes ... then we ’ re gon na get little satisfaction unless I win , ” Trump told Fox News in an interview .
All the while , Barr remained unusually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after Election Day , with Trump scrambling to contest the victory claimed by President-elect Joe Biden , an attorney general accustomed to controversy brought a new storm to the Justice Department .
By authorizing federal prosecutors in a two-page memorandum to pursue allegations of voting irregularities before election results have been certified , Barr bucked decades of Justice Department policy that prohibited interventions that could influence election results .
And it opened the department to claims of partisan interference that could delay the traditional post-election transfer of power .
• No evidence that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ballots in video of `` Trump ballots '' being burned are fake , city officials say • Nine military ballots were incorrectly discarded , but it was n't an instance of fraud —and they were n't in a ditch • Arizona election department : Sharpies can be used on ballots Less than 24 hours later , Barr ’ s action has prompted rebukes from inside and outside his own department .
“ The attorney general ’ s memo represents another instance of his sacrificing the reputation of the Department of Justice to serve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Sen. Dick Durbin , D-Ill. , said Tuesday .
Sen. Amy Klobuchar , D-Minn. , called Barr ’ s directive “ disheartening ” and said it fed a false narrative that “ something is wrong with this election.
” Election expert Q & A : No evidence of fraud and 'fail-safes everywhere' The most stinging admonishment , however , came from the Justice Department ’ s own director of the Election Crimes Branch , who resigned his post shortly after Barr issued the directive late Monday .
With the attorney general @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the department was effectively “ abrogating the 40-year-old non-interference policy for ballot fraud investigations.
” '' Having familiarized myself with the new policy and its ramifications ...
I must regretfully resign from my role as director of the Election Crimes Branch , '' Pilger said in an email to colleagues .
A Justice Department official said Trump had not directed Barr to take the action , but the timing of Barr 's memo drew nearly as much notice as its contents , with Trump 's legal team largely failing in their efforts to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Georgia .
Trump 's lawsuits : Where they stand in each swing state Biden won In Monday 's directive , the attorney general told federal prosecutors they could open inquiries `` if there are clear and apparently-credible allegations of irregularities that , if true , could potentially impact the outcome of a federal election in an individual State . ''
Last month , the department issued separate guidance allowing prosecutors more authority to take action on voter fraud allegations even as voting was underway .
Spokesman Matt Lloyd said last month that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` routinely '' provided to federal prosecutors in an election season .
Though Trump and his campaign have repeatedly made claims of fraud , there has been no evidence of widespread voter irregularities .
In fact , election officials from both political parties have publicly stated the election went well , despite minor problems that are typical in elections , including voting machine breakdowns or ballots that were miscast and lost .
Barr noted in the carefully worded memo that the Justice Department had not concluded that `` voting irregularities '' compromised the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is imperative that credible allegations be addressed in a timely and effective manner , it is equally imperative that department personnel exercise appropriate caution and maintain the Department 's absolute commitment to fairness , neutrality and non-partisanship , '' Barr wrote , adding that `` specious , speculative , fanciful or far-fetched claims should not be a basis for initiating federal inquiries . ''
Still , Barr 's action gives federal prosecutors ample latitude to intervene before Dec. 8 , the deadline for states to resolve election disputes .
Members of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 14 to finalize the outcome .
Biden holds substantial leads in five battleground states , and election law experts have said it 's unlikely that any legal action the Trump campaign pursues would affect the outcome .
The closest state , Georgia , which will hold a recount , has Biden ahead by 12,651 votes as of Tuesday afternoon .
Biden 's legal team has dismissed Barr 's move , suggesting it would serve only to produce the same `` specious '' claims that the attorney general cautioned against .
Pennsylvania suit : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are On Tuesday afternoon , Biden also said there was `` no evidence '' to support any of Trump 's fraud claims .
Matthew Miller , who was a spokesman for Attorney General Eric Holder in the Obama administration , tweeted Monday : `` I don ’ t think Barr can do anything to change the outcome of the election , but I ’ m surprised by how many people think this memo was just to satisfy Trump .
Hope I ’ m wrong , but I assume there is some flashy investigation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , acting chief of the department 's Civil Rights Division in the Obama administration , said Barr ’ s memo had “ no factual basis , ” adding that states , not the federal government , are in charge of elections .
She said Pilger 's resignation , prompted by Barr 's memo , underscored `` how grossly politicized and partisan the Barr DOJ is , in service of Trump . ''
Protect Democracy , a nonpartisan group that monitors allegations of election manipulation , said the department 's own manual for prosecuting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investigating and prosecuting election fraud takes a back seat to ensuring that states have the ability to count votes and certify election results free from federal interference . ''
`` It is not uncommon for DOJ to investigate alleged election crimes , including potential fraud , '' the group concluded in it analysis of Barr 's memo .
`` But it would be unusual for DOJ to investigate in a way that interferes with the completion of the election . ''
It is not the first time that the attorney general ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ department .
Earlier this year , Justice lawyers withdrew from the prosecutions of longtime Trump adviser Roger Stone and former national security adviser Michael Flynn after Barr ’ s intervention in those cases .
Pilger ’ s decision to step down from his post after Barr ’ s memo is only the latest such demonstration .
“ This is definitely one of those cases worth resigning over , ” said Bruce Udolf , a former federal prosecutor who was an associate independent counsel in the Clinton Whitewater investigation .
“ I don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it or anybody to be indicted in the next two months , but it ’ s definitely worth making a statement .
It ’ s that offensive .
”

Kevin Johnson and Kristine Phillips, USA TODAY

Attorney General William Barr's election fraud memo brings new storm to Justice Department
Show Caption Hide Caption Concession speeches: A look back on history Scott Farris, author of "Almost President: The Men Who Lost the Race but Changed the Nation," describes the tradition of offering a concession speech. USA TODAY
In the weeks before the election, President Donald Trump had made no secret that he was looking for Attorney General William Barr to boost his sagging reelection bid.
At his most extreme, Trump called for Barr last month to bring criminal charges against Obama administration officials based on debunked allegations that they spied on his 2016 campaign.
“Unless Bill Barr indicts these people for crimes ... then we’re gonna get little satisfaction unless I win,” Trump told Fox News in an interview.
All the while, Barr remained unusually silent – until now.
A week after Election Day, with Trump scrambling to contest the victory claimed by President-elect Joe Biden, an attorney general accustomed to controversy brought a new storm to the Justice Department.
By authorizing federal prosecutors in a two-page memorandum to pursue allegations of voting irregularities before election results have been certified, Barr bucked decades of Justice Department policy that prohibited interventions that could influence election results. And it opened the department to claims of partisan interference that could delay the traditional post-election transfer of power.
'FRAUD' FACT CHECKS:
Less than 24 hours later, Barr’s action has prompted rebukes from inside and outside his own department.
“The attorney general’s memo represents another instance of his sacrificing the reputation of the Department of Justice to serve the political interests of President Donald Trump,” Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., said Tuesday.
Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., called Barr’s directive “disheartening” and said it fed a false narrative that “something is wrong with this election.”
Election expert Q&A: No evidence of fraud and 'fail-safes everywhere'
The most stinging admonishment, however, came from the Justice Department’s own director of the Election Crimes Branch, who resigned his post shortly after Barr issued the directive late Monday.
With the attorney general’s memo, Richard Pilger said the department was effectively “abrogating the 40-year-old non-interference policy for ballot fraud investigations.”
"Having familiarized myself with the new policy and its ramifications ... I must regretfully resign from my role as director of the Election Crimes Branch," Pilger said in an email to colleagues.
'Riding a tiger': William Barr's politically charged tenure puts DOJ on ballot with Trump
'Far-fetched claims'
A Justice Department official said Trump had not directed Barr to take the action, but the timing of Barr's memo drew nearly as much notice as its contents, with Trump's legal team largely failing in their efforts to contest voting in Nevada, Michigan and Georgia.
Trump's lawsuits: Where they stand in each swing state Biden won
In Monday's directive, the attorney general told federal prosecutors they could open inquiries "if there are clear and apparently-credible allegations of irregularities that, if true, could potentially impact the outcome of a federal election in an individual State."
Last month, the department issued separate guidance allowing prosecutors more authority to take action on voter fraud allegations even as voting was underway. Spokesman Matt Lloyd said last month that the guidance was part of communication that is "routinely" provided to federal prosecutors in an election season.
Though Trump and his campaign have repeatedly made claims of fraud, there has been no evidence of widespread voter irregularities. In fact, election officials from both political parties have publicly stated the election went well, despite minor problems that are typical in elections, including voting machine breakdowns or ballots that were miscast and lost.
Bipartisan effort: How states protect against election fraud
Barr noted in the carefully worded memo that the Justice Department had not concluded that "voting irregularities" compromised the outcome of any election.
"While it is imperative that credible allegations be addressed in a timely and effective manner, it is equally imperative that department personnel exercise appropriate caution and maintain the Department's absolute commitment to fairness, neutrality and non-partisanship," Barr wrote, adding that "specious, speculative, fanciful or far-fetched claims should not be a basis for initiating federal inquiries."
Still, Barr's action gives federal prosecutors ample latitude to intervene before Dec. 8, the deadline for states to resolve election disputes. Members of the Electoral College, meanwhile, meet Dec. 14 to finalize the outcome.
Trump isn't Gore: Why 2020 legal challenges don't match 2000
Biden holds substantial leads in five battleground states, and election law experts have said it's unlikely that any legal action the Trump campaign pursues would affect the outcome. The closest state, Georgia, which will hold a recount, has Biden ahead by 12,651 votes as of Tuesday afternoon.
Biden's legal team has dismissed Barr's move, suggesting it would serve only to produce the same "specious" claims that the attorney general cautioned against.
Pennsylvania suit: What 9 legal experts think its chances are
On Tuesday afternoon, Biden also said there was "no evidence" to support any of Trump's fraud claims.
Matthew Miller, who was a spokesman for Attorney General Eric Holder in the Obama administration, tweeted Monday: "I don’t think Barr can do anything to change the outcome of the election, but I’m surprised by how many people think this memo was just to satisfy Trump. Hope I’m wrong, but I assume there is some flashy investigation coming as well."
Vanita Gupta, acting chief of the department's Civil Rights Division in the Obama administration, said Barr’s memo had “no factual basis,” adding that states, not the federal government, are in charge of elections.
She said Pilger's resignation, prompted by Barr's memo, underscored "how grossly politicized and partisan the Barr DOJ is, in service of Trump."
"It is a total travesty," Gupta tweeted.
Protect Democracy, a nonpartisan group that monitors allegations of election manipulation, said the department's own manual for prosecuting voting fraud "makes clear that ... investigating and prosecuting election fraud takes a back seat to ensuring that states have the ability to count votes and certify election results free from federal interference."
"It is not uncommon for DOJ to investigate alleged election crimes, including potential fraud," the group concluded in it analysis of Barr's memo. "But it would be unusual for DOJ to investigate in a way that interferes with the completion of the election."
'It's that offensive'
It is not the first time that the attorney general’s action has triggered protest within his own department.
Earlier this year, Justice lawyers withdrew from the prosecutions of longtime Trump adviser Roger Stone and former national security adviser Michael Flynn after Barr’s intervention in those cases.
Pilger’s decision to step down from his post after Barr’s memo is only the latest such demonstration.
“This is definitely one of those cases worth resigning over,” said Bruce Udolf, a former federal prosecutor who was an associate independent counsel in the Clinton Whitewater investigation.
“I don’t really expect anything to come of it or anybody to be indicted in the next two months, but it’s definitely worth making a statement. It’s that offensive.”


usatoday--2020-11-10--GOP Sen. Tillis reelected to North Carolina seat, boosting GOP chances to keep majority. Cunningham

Republican Sen. Thom Tillis fended off a tough battle to win a second term against Democrat Cal Cunningham , prevailing in a race Democrats had hoped to pick up in their quest to recapture the majority .
Tillis won 49 % -47 % , or by about 100,000 votes out of more than 5.3 million cast , a slightly wider margin than President Donald Trump 's lead in the Tar Heel State .
“ The voters have spoken and I respect their decision , '' Cunningham said Tuesday in a news release shortly after calling Tillis to concede .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there remain deep political divisions in our state and nation , the more complete story of our country lies in what unites us : our faith and sense of confidence in our democracy , our civic values and common humanity , our shared aspiration to care for one another , and our belief that we live in a country that does exceptional things . ''
The loss means Democrats ’ only hopes of taking the majority are several longshot races .
They still have a chance to take a seat in Alaska , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ races in Georgia , which has been solidly red for about two decades .
Both races in Georgia will go to a Jan. 5 runoff .
Democrats bested Republicans in Colorado , where John Hickenlooper beat Republican Sen. Cory Gardner ; and in Arizona , where Sen. Martha McSally was defeated by Democrat Mark Kelly .
But the party faced a setback in Alabama , where Republicans captured the Senate seat held by Sen. Doug Jones .
The North Carolina Senate race was filled with last-minute surprises that included the disclosure of Cunningham @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contracting COVID-19 .
It was on track to be the most expensive congressional race in U.S. history , according to the Center for Responsive Politics .
As in other races , Cunningham focused on health care , using the campaign to criticize Tillis over Republicans ' efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act and for Tillis ' role as state House Speaker in opposing the expansion of Medicaid .
Tillis , for his part , tried to link Cunningham to national Democratic controversies and attacked him for not immediately disclosing the affair .

GOP Sen. Tillis reelected to North Carolina seat, boosting GOP chances to keep majority. Cunningham concedes
Show Caption Hide Caption Georgia runoffs will decide who controls U.S. Senate Millions in campaign contributions are rolling into Georgia as its Senate races have national implications. USA TODAY
Republican Sen. Thom Tillis fended off a tough battle to win a second term against Democrat Cal Cunningham, prevailing in a race Democrats had hoped to pick up in their quest to recapture the majority.
Tillis won 49%-47%, or by about 100,000 votes out of more than 5.3 million cast, a slightly wider margin than President Donald Trump's lead in the Tar Heel State.
“The voters have spoken and I respect their decision," Cunningham said Tuesday in a news release shortly after calling Tillis to concede. "While the results of this election suggest there remain deep political divisions in our state and nation, the more complete story of our country lies in what unites us: our faith and sense of confidence in our democracy, our civic values and common humanity, our shared aspiration to care for one another, and our belief that we live in a country that does exceptional things."
The loss means Democrats’ only hopes of taking the majority are several longshot races. They still have a chance if they take two races in Georgia, which has been solidly red for about two decades. Both races in Georgia are set for a Jan. 5 runoff.
Democrats bested Republicans in Colorado, where John Hickenlooper beat Republican Sen. Cory Gardner; and in Arizona, where Sen. Martha McSally was defeated by Democrat Mark Kelly. But the party faced a setback in Alabama, where Republicans captured the seat held by Sen. Doug Jones.
The North Carolina race was filled with last-minute surprises that included the disclosure of Cunningham admitting to an extra-marital affair and Tillis contracting COVID-19. It was on track to be the most expensive congressional race in U.S. history, according to the Center for Responsive Politics.
Cunningham focused on health care, using the campaign to criticize Tillis over Republicans' efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act and for Tillis' role as state House Speaker in opposing the expansion of Medicaid.
Tillis, for his part, tried to link Cunningham to national Democratic controversies and attacked him for not immediately disclosing the affair.
Contributing: Ledyard King


usatoday--2020-11-11--'The Bachelorette' recap: Tayshia's takeover comes with a few twists – including more men

My fellow Americans : We have a new `` Bachelorette . ''
While not as pivotal to our nation 's history as a new president – though some may argue otherwise – the role of a new Bachelor or Bachelorette each season ushers in a wave of viewer excitement or fatigue .
We 're happy to report that Tayshia Adams is very much the former .
And the men take quick notice .
They might as well have `` Clare who ? ''
written on their foreheads as Tayshia strolls into the room to meet them .
She thanks them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , let 's try this again – she insists she wants to find love .
The men are eager to spend time with her , especially Ivan .
He felt like he was about to be sent home , but tells Tayshia , `` you are definitely more my speed . ''
He already likes her way more than Clare .
Not everyone warms up immediately .
Blake tells her to be patient with him – remember , he was the one so over-eager to meet Clare he reached out during quarantine – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still has feelings for Clare .
Our interview with Tayshia : 'Bachelorette ' Tayshia Adams reflects on 'whirlwind ' season , push for diversity Shortly after Tayshia begins chatting with Brendan , Chris Harrison interrupts with a surprise .
Four more men ( ! )
will join the house , bringing the contestant total from 16 to 20 .
Have these men quarantined , too ?
!
For a show that made a huge deal about quarantining and COVID-19 testing the initial group , its on-screen narrative has thrown ( pre- ) caution @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Montel , Peter and Noah .
Spencer 's looks enamor Tayshia – and us – but his toxic personality might be his undoing , given his brash attitude with the other guys .
Noah just wanted to take one more look at Tayshia before he enters the building , a la `` A Star Is Born , '' which made us chuckle and want to rewatch it .
Zac C. refers to a `` stanky-ass energy '' in the room , and we confirm the sentiment .
Later , Tayshia also bonds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( who is our favorite at this point ) , though Spencer snags the first impression rose … and a kiss !
But the other men need not fret just yet .
Tayshia cancels the rose ceremony to spend more time with the whole gang .
Awwww .
In case you missed last week 's episode : 'The Bachelorette ' recap : Mind-blowing proposal and a long-anticipated debut shock Bachelor Nation We pause watching Tayshia 's journey , which feels like a typical season of `` The Bachelorette , '' to check on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` a dream come true , '' Clare says , and feels like it was love at first sight .
Dale agrees .
How has it worked out so well ?
`` Everything he was looking for was everything I was looking for , '' Clare says .
The night before , she was feeling anxious and was pacing around her pool .
He found her and paced with her , apparently giving her what she needed in that moment .
Clare wishes people could be happy for them and says she 100 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when she said they did n't speak before the show .
This feels super contrived and we are not here for it .
Perhaps a wrinkle in their future : Clare mentions she wants babies and Dale artfully manages to skirt giving her a clear answer .
The week before : 'The Bachelorette ' bombshell recap : Clare calls Dale Moss her fiancé .
And Tayshia .
Is .
Back Tayshia goes on her first dates – and one contestant leaves Anyway , back to Tayshia .
The first date card arrives for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jordan , Noah , Peter , Kenny , Jay , Eazy , Spencer .
The guys all head to the pool together , and while at first they just splash around and look hot , the men split into two teams to play `` splash ball , '' aka water basketball .
Spencer is aggressive but gets sympathy from Tayshia after Riley elbows him in the face and he starts bleeding .
Tayshia grows giddy when talking with Eazy , but the physical chemistry sizzles with Zac C. and the pair kiss .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ rose .
Other kinds of sparks ignite when several men confront Spencer about his attitude , including Kenny , Zac C. and Riley .
Spencer says he was n't going out of his way to make enemies .
Elsewhere , Jason thinks he fell in love with Clare and decides to leave the show .
He seems like a decent guy – maybe why he does n't belong here – and tells the other men they all deserve their time with Tayshia .
These men have clearly bonded ; it is refreshing to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ affection for each other on national television .
Jason breaks the news to Tayshia and says she deserves someone amazing .
She tells him that this was one of her fears , that they would n't all be invested in her .
He reassures her the other 19 men are here for her , but does n't quite manage to assuage her fears .
`` I 've been on such a high that I did n't even that realize some of the guys might view me as a second choice , '' Tayshia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feel that way and I have in the past . ''
Tayshia invites Brendan on her first one-on-one date .
The two ride horses together around the resort property , a creative way to get around the quarantine bubble and keep dates interesting .
Chris interrupts the date frequently , in what is supposed to be funny because he interrupted their one-on-one time on Tayshia 's first night .
Thankfully , he leaves them alone so they can take a dip in a pool and kiss .
At dinner , the pair reveal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This commonality , plus the fact they both want children , suggests they could be a solid match .
We consider Brendan too nice for the show but maybe he 'll prove us wrong .
She gives him a rose and they watch fireworks together .
Tayshia says kissing him feels like she is kissing her person , and she thinks she could marry him .
Ugh , please do n't pull a Clare .
She was right : ' I do n't settle ' : Clare Crawley teases pandemic 'Bachelorette ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ show

'The Bachelorette' recap: Tayshia's takeover comes with a few twists – including more men
Show Caption Hide Caption 'Bachelorette' Clare Crawley is looking for love... again Clare Crawley will make her fifth appearance in "Bachelor" nation as season 16's "Bachelorette" star. USA TODAY
My fellow Americans: We have a new "Bachelorette." While not as pivotal to our nation's history as a new president – though some may argue otherwise – the role of a new Bachelor or Bachelorette each season ushers in a wave of viewer excitement or fatigue. We're happy to report that Tayshia Adams is very much the former.
And the men take quick notice. They might as well have "Clare who?" written on their foreheads as Tayshia strolls into the room to meet them.
She thanks them for staying for her and – yes, let's try this again – she insists she wants to find love.
The men are eager to spend time with her, especially Ivan. He felt like he was about to be sent home, but tells Tayshia, "you are definitely more my speed." He already likes her way more than Clare.
Not everyone warms up immediately. Blake tells her to be patient with him – remember, he was the one so over-eager to meet Clare he reached out during quarantine – and Jason cautions that he had and still has feelings for Clare.
Did you see? 'Bachelorette' suitor Peter Giannikopoulos tests positive for COVID-19, crashes car after test results
Our interview with Tayshia: 'Bachelorette' Tayshia Adams reflects on 'whirlwind' season, push for diversity
Shortly after Tayshia begins chatting with Brendan, Chris Harrison interrupts with a surprise. Four more men (!) will join the house, bringing the contestant total from 16 to 20. Have these men quarantined, too?! For a show that made a huge deal about quarantining and COVID-19 testing the initial group, its on-screen narrative has thrown (pre-)caution to the wind.
Our new arrivals are making waves 🌊😳 #TheBachelorette pic.twitter.com/6Eh3rFlkFu — The Bachelorette (@BacheloretteABC) November 11, 2020
We meet Spencer, Montel, Peter and Noah. Spencer's looks enamor Tayshia – and us – but his toxic personality might be his undoing, given his brash attitude with the other guys. Noah just wanted to take one more look at Tayshia before he enters the building, a la "A Star Is Born," which made us chuckle and want to rewatch it.
Zac C. refers to a "stanky-ass energy" in the room, and we confirm the sentiment.
Later, Tayshia also bonds with Zac C., Chasen and Ben (who is our favorite at this point), though Spencer snags the first impression rose … and a kiss!
But the other men need not fret just yet. Tayshia cancels the rose ceremony to spend more time with the whole gang. Awwww.
In case you missed last week's episode: 'The Bachelorette' recap: Mind-blowing proposal and a long-anticipated debut shock Bachelor Nation
Clare, Dale talk engagement with Chris Harrison
We pause watching Tayshia's journey, which feels like a typical season of "The Bachelorette," to check on lovebirds Clare and Dale. It's "a dream come true," Clare says, and feels like it was love at first sight. Dale agrees.
How has it worked out so well? "Everything he was looking for was everything I was looking for," Clare says. The night before, she was feeling anxious and was pacing around her pool. He found her and paced with her, apparently giving her what she needed in that moment.
Clare wishes people could be happy for them and says she 100% did not lie to Bachelor Nation when she said they didn't speak before the show. This feels super contrived and we are not here for it.
Perhaps a wrinkle in their future: Clare mentions she wants babies and Dale artfully manages to skirt giving her a clear answer.
The week before: 'The Bachelorette' bombshell recap: Clare calls Dale Moss her fiancé. And Tayshia. Is. Back
Tayshia goes on her first dates – and one contestant leaves
Anyway, back to Tayshia. The first date card arrives for Blake, Riley, Zac C., Jordan, Noah, Peter, Kenny, Jay, Eazy, Spencer. The guys all head to the pool together, and while at first they just splash around and look hot, the men split into two teams to play "splash ball," aka water basketball.
Time to pull out the speedos 💦 #TheBachelorette pic.twitter.com/F0stmgXpfU — The Bachelorette (@BacheloretteABC) November 11, 2020
Spencer is aggressive but gets sympathy from Tayshia after Riley elbows him in the face and he starts bleeding.
Tayshia grows giddy when talking with Eazy, but the physical chemistry sizzles with Zac C. and the pair kiss. Eazy squeaks by with the group date rose.
Other kinds of sparks ignite when several men confront Spencer about his attitude, including Kenny, Zac C. and Riley. Spencer says he wasn't going out of his way to make enemies.
Elsewhere, Jason thinks he fell in love with Clare and decides to leave the show. He seems like a decent guy – maybe why he doesn't belong here – and tells the other men they all deserve their time with Tayshia. These men have clearly bonded; it is refreshing to see straight men show actual emotion and affection for each other on national television.
Jason breaks the news to Tayshia and says she deserves someone amazing. She tells him that this was one of her fears, that they wouldn't all be invested in her. He reassures her the other 19 men are here for her, but doesn't quite manage to assuage her fears.
"I've been on such a high that I didn't even that realize some of the guys might view me as a second choice," Tayshia says. "I never want to feel that way and I have in the past."
Tayshia invites Brendan on her first one-on-one date. The two ride horses together around the resort property, a creative way to get around the quarantine bubble and keep dates interesting. Chris interrupts the date frequently, in what is supposed to be funny because he interrupted their one-on-one time on Tayshia's first night.
Thankfully, he leaves them alone so they can take a dip in a pool and kiss.
At dinner, the pair reveal they have each been married and divorced. This commonality, plus the fact they both want children, suggests they could be a solid match. We consider Brendan too nice for the show but maybe he'll prove us wrong.
She gives him a rose and they watch fireworks together. Tayshia says kissing him feels like she is kissing her person, and she thinks she could marry him. Ugh, please don't pull a Clare.
Remember the premiere? 'Bachelorette' premiere recap: Clare Crawley debuts in unprecedented pandemic season
She was right: 'I don't settle': Clare Crawley teases pandemic 'Bachelorette' season, talks 'blowing up' the show


usatoday--2020-11-10--Edmund Fitzgerald crew memorialized across Great Lakes 45 years after ship sank

The 29 men who died when the Edmund Fitzgerald sank 45 years ago are being memorialized this week throughout the Midwest in events from Detroit to Whitefish Point to Two Harbors , Minnesota .
The Rev .
Jeffrey M. Hubbard , rector of the Mariners ’ Church of Detroit , said so many Michiganders still remember the Fitz — out of thousands of Great Lakes shipwrecks — because the story is part of our collective consciousness .
`` It 's stuck in the memories of folks in Michigan , and the Great Lakes are so integrally connected to our area @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the story of the brave men who lost their lives resonates with people . ''
The tragedy , he said , is embedded in our history from the initial reports of the massive freighter battling high winds and waves on Nov. 10 , 1975 , to the beautiful , but haunting , Gordon Lightfoot song released a year later .
`` The legend lives on from the Chippewa on down / Of the big lake they called Gitche Gumee , '' Lightfoot sang .
`` The lake , it is said , never @ @ @ @ @ @ @ skies of November turn gloomy . ''
Sunday , the Mariners ’ Church held its annual memorial service .
The gathering , which started 45 years ago to remember the crew , was live-streamed this year for the first time on Facebook .
Two events are planned at the Dossin Great Lakes Museum on Belle Isle .
From 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday , the museum plans to hold a lantern vigil at the Edmund Fitzgerald anchor followed by the live Honor Guard escort of a memorial wreath to the Detroit River .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Great Lakes balladeer , also is scheduled and a talk about how storms have claimed the lives of Great Lakes sailors by Valerie van Heest , an underwater explorer and maritime historian .
On Saturday , the museum is set to hold a radio event from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. to also commemorate the Fitzgerald 's sinking .
The Livonia Amateur Radio Club will operate Special Event Station W8F .
When launched in 1958 , the SS Edmund Fitzgerald was the largest ship on the Great Lakes , and is still the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ freighter sank in a terrible Lake Superior storm .
More than 10,000 lives have been lost in 6,000 wrecks on the Great Lakes , sometimes called the inland seas because of their rolling waves , high winds , strong currents , great depths , and distant horizons .
In fact , earlier this year , the state launched and interactive map , Michigan Shipwrecks StoryMap , and app to help you find Great Lakes shipwrecks and learn about the mystery and tragedy surrounding them .
At Split Rock Lighthouse in Two Harbors , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Tuesday on Facebook to commemorate the sinking of the Fitzgerald , and all the other vessels lost on the Great Lakes .
The lighthouse flashed each night at 10-second intervals for 20 miles of Lake Superior 's waters , but now , the beacon is only used for ceremonial purposes , such as the event Tuesday .
`` It 's important to remember those men who passed away on that ship , '' Hayes Scriven , the lighthouse site manager , said .
`` We have to keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lake and it 's a very dangerous body of water . ''
Remembering the past , he added , helps prevent future deaths by encouraging others to continue thinking about what could go wrong and keep making safety improvements that could save other lives .
Detroit police seeking witnesses in fatal crash involving a car and two motorcycles Birmingham mayor breaks 3-3 tie by voting to reappoint himself as mayor At Whitefish Point , within 15 miles from where the Edmund Fitzgerald went down , the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society also is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be seen virtually .
The society operates a Shipwreck Museum , which , among its exhibits includes the 200-pound bell from the Edmund Fitzgerald that was recovered from the wreckage and meticulously restored .
`` The incident reminds us that man is not the controlling force on earth , '' said Sean Lay , the historical society 's development officer .
`` Nature has a mind of her own , and that 's what the loss of the Fitzgerald was all about . ''
Tuesday 's anniversary event is expected to include some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a performance of Lightfoot 's song and a Call to the Last Watch .
In the Last Watch ceremony , the Fitzgerald 's bell will toll 30 times , 29 for each man lost , and a final time for all who died on the Great Lakes .

Edmund Fitzgerald crew memorialized across Great Lakes 45 years after ship sank
Show Caption Hide Caption Today in History for November 10th Highlights of this day in history: The Edmund Fitzgerald sinks in Lake Superior; Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev dies; Henry Stanley finds David Livingstone in central Africa; Film composer Ennio Morricone born; 'Sesame Street' premieres. (Nov. 10) AP
The 29 men who died when the Edmund Fitzgerald sank 45 years ago are being memorialized this week throughout the Midwest in events from Detroit to Whitefish Point to Two Harbors, Minnesota.
The Rev. Jeffrey M. Hubbard, rector of the Mariners’ Church of Detroit, said so many Michiganders still remember the Fitz — out of thousands of Great Lakes shipwrecks — because the story is part of our collective consciousness.
"It's stuck in the memories of folks in Michigan, and the Great Lakes are so integrally connected to our area," Hubbard said. "Hearing the story of the brave men who lost their lives resonates with people."
The tragedy, he said, is embedded in our history from the initial reports of the massive freighter battling high winds and waves on Nov. 10, 1975, to the beautiful, but haunting, Gordon Lightfoot song released a year later.
"The legend lives on from the Chippewa on down / Of the big lake they called Gitche Gumee," Lightfoot sang. "The lake, it is said, never gives up her dead / When the skies of November turn gloomy."
Sunday, the Mariners’ Church held its annual memorial service. The gathering, which started 45 years ago to remember the crew, was live-streamed this year for the first time on Facebook.
Two events are planned at the Dossin Great Lakes Museum on Belle Isle.
From 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, the museum plans to hold a lantern vigil at the Edmund Fitzgerald anchor followed by the live Honor Guard escort of a memorial wreath to the Detroit River.
A performance by Lee Murdock, a Great Lakes balladeer, also is scheduled and a talk about how storms have claimed the lives of Great Lakes sailors by Valerie van Heest, an underwater explorer and maritime historian.
On Saturday, the museum is set to hold a radio event from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. to also commemorate the Fitzgerald's sinking. The Livonia Amateur Radio Club will operate Special Event Station W8F.
When launched in 1958, the SS Edmund Fitzgerald was the largest ship on the Great Lakes, and is still the largest to have sunk there. The freighter sank in a terrible Lake Superior storm.
More than 10,000 lives have been lost in 6,000 wrecks on the Great Lakes, sometimes called the inland seas because of their rolling waves, high winds, strong currents, great depths, and distant horizons.
In fact, earlier this year, the state launched and interactive map, Michigan Shipwrecks StoryMap, and app to help you find Great Lakes shipwrecks and learn about the mystery and tragedy surrounding them.
At Split Rock Lighthouse in Two Harbors, the lighthouse will hold its annual remembrance from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Tuesday on Facebook to commemorate the sinking of the Fitzgerald, and all the other vessels lost on the Great Lakes.
The lighthouse flashed each night at 10-second intervals for 20 miles of Lake Superior's waters, but now, the beacon is only used for ceremonial purposes, such as the event Tuesday.
"It's important to remember those men who passed away on that ship," Hayes Scriven, the lighthouse site manager, said. "We have to keep in mind Lake Superior is a giant lake and it's a very dangerous body of water."
Remembering the past, he added, helps prevent future deaths by encouraging others to continue thinking about what could go wrong and keep making safety improvements that could save other lives.
Read more:
Detroit police seeking witnesses in fatal crash involving a car and two motorcycles
Birmingham mayor breaks 3-3 tie by voting to reappoint himself as mayor
At Whitefish Point, within 15 miles from where the Edmund Fitzgerald went down, the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society also is planning a memorial ceremony that also can be seen virtually.
The society operates a Shipwreck Museum, which, among its exhibits includes the 200-pound bell from the Edmund Fitzgerald that was recovered from the wreckage and meticulously restored.
"The incident reminds us that man is not the controlling force on earth," said Sean Lay, the historical society's development officer. "Nature has a mind of her own, and that's what the loss of the Fitzgerald was all about."
Tuesday's anniversary event is expected to include some of the crew's surviving family, a performance of Lightfoot's song and a Call to the Last Watch.
In the Last Watch ceremony, the Fitzgerald's bell will toll 30 times, 29 for each man lost, and a final time for all who died on the Great Lakes.
Contact Frank Witsil: 313-222-5022 or fwitsil@freepress.com.


usatoday--2020-11-11--Opinion: Tony La Russa's managerial comeback got a lot more uncomfortable with DUI arrest

It ’ s quite possible that , come mid-February under the unrelenting sun of Camelback Ranch , Tony La Russa will look his Chicago White Sox players in the eyes and sufficiently explain himself .
He ’ ll assure them that , at 76 , baseball has not passed him by .
That he can abide a game that now belongs to a generation far removed from his own , a game liberated from the eyewash of rigid conformity .
That , beyond the sound bites , he has learned why Colin Kaepernick ’ s voice and Black lives both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he ’ ll expect from his players .
And that , despite a second arrest for driving under the influence after a spring training night this year filled with one or several too many pops , he can demand discipline from them while providing accountability for his own actions .
Yet the revelation late Monday that La Russa faces charges of driving under the influence in Phoenix , some 20 miles from where he ’ ll meet his full squad in February , raises the question of whether La Russa can credibly manage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of young men coming off a breakthrough season .
At the least , it has placed the burden of proof on La Russa , and not his players .
OPINION : Renaming AL and NL MVP awards after Josh Gibson is the right thing to do His hiring after the firing of Rick Renteria – who may win American League Manager of the Year honors Monday evening – was widely panned across Chicago , with White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf perhaps supplanting Bears quarterback Mitch Trubisky as the most ridiculed sports figure in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Sure , it ’ s been a decade since La Russa last managed , light years , really , given the warp speed evolution of baseball in that time .
Yes , the famously testy skipper will inherit a team that ’ s dynamic on the field and engaging off it , epitomizing the “ We play loud ” ethos that ’ s gone from a flouting of the unwritten rules to a marketing tool for Major League Baseball .
But as a three-time World Series champion with Hall of Fame dugout @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to imagine a common cause emerging between the kids and their septuagenarian skipper .
Now , though ?
That just got a lot harder .
Just ask free agent pitcher Marcus Stroman , who tweeted Tuesday that `` no amount '' of money could compel him to play for La Russa .
Beyond the Xs and Os , La Russa ’ s hiring peeled back a lot of old wounds in the game , revolving around privilege , patriarchy , second and third chances and who gets them .
It was impossible to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ manager of color .
And impossible to ignore he 'd be inheriting a team whose heart and soul , shortstop Tim Anderson — who like Stroman is Black — took a knee before the season opener and inspired seven teammates and coaches to join him , this three years after La Russa ’ s derisive comments regarding Kaepernick .
La Russa aimed to allay those concerns in his introductory press briefing , lauding the protest movement but sprinkling in caveats such as “ action-oriented results ” and his desire for ever-nebulous sincerity and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has not a “ racist bone in my body.
” Fair enough .
Yet the conditions surrounding his latest DUI arrest — on Feb. 24 — are just so hard to ignore .
According to court records obtained by USA TODAY Sports , La Russa refused breath and blood tests at the scene of his single-car incident , forcing an officer to obtain a warrant to take two tubes of La Russa 's blood .
More than two hours after his arrest , La Russa 's blood-alcohol content registered 0.095 .
La Russa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coming from dinner with colleagues employed by the Angels , for whom he worked as a special adviser , when his car struck an impediment , puncturing a tire .
An affidavit obtained by ESPN noted La Russa became `` argumentative '' with officers and told one , `` Do you see my ring ?
I 'm a Hall of Famer , brother . ''
The conditions of February ’ s arrest and his March 2007 arrest – and subsequent guilty plea – in Jupiter , Florida are remarkably similar .
In Florida @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after dinner at an Italian restaurant , recording a blood-alcohol level of 0.093 .
There are no longer days in sports than spring training , which start before 7 a.m. for figures like La Russa and often end in a river of Cabernet , what with the industry assembled for 40 days , limitless time for grizzled baseball men to swap stories and gossip .
That ’ s what makes his second arrest all the more galling .
If a 76-year-old man can not learn from the lessons his 62-year-old self provided , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a man who blew out his tire while allegedly driving drunk feel so much privilege as to argue with a police officer ?
To try and duck the consequences of his actions by refusing a breath test , forcing them to essentially subpoena his blood ?
And how , then , can that man convince a group of talented ballplayers — some one-third who took a knee before the season began to protest privilege and inequality — that he can relate to their struggles in life , let alone credibly lead them ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ has already answered .
They knew of the arrest before it became public knowledge and a high-ranking official told USA TODAY Sports La Russa will keep his job .
Perhaps he ’ ll do it well .
But it just got a lot more uncomfortable — perhaps untenable — for all parties involved .

Opinion: Tony La Russa's managerial comeback got a lot more uncomfortable with DUI arrest
Show Caption Hide Caption MLB's $8.3 billion debt will have major impact on free agency SportsPulse: Former NBPA Executive Director Charles Grantham stops by to discuss the MLB's $8.3 billion debt and how it will effect free agency and the future of the CBA. USA TODAY
It’s quite possible that, come mid-February under the unrelenting sun of Camelback Ranch, Tony La Russa will look his Chicago White Sox players in the eyes and sufficiently explain himself.
He’ll assure them that, at 76, baseball has not passed him by. That he can abide a game that now belongs to a generation far removed from his own, a game liberated from the eyewash of rigid conformity. That, beyond the sound bites, he has learned why Colin Kaepernick’s voice and Black lives both matter, exuding the sincerity he says he’ll expect from his players.
And that, despite a second arrest for driving under the influence after a spring training night this year filled with one or several too many pops, he can demand discipline from them while providing accountability for his own actions.
REPORT: Tony La Russa told officer, 'I'm a Hall of Famer' during DUI arrest
Yet the revelation late Monday that La Russa faces charges of driving under the influence in Phoenix, some 20 miles from where he’ll meet his full squad in February, raises the question of whether La Russa can credibly manage this talented, hungry and diverse group of young men coming off a breakthrough season.
At the least, it has placed the burden of proof on La Russa, and not his players.
OPINION: Renaming AL and NL MVP awards after Josh Gibson is the right thing to do
His hiring after the firing of Rick Renteria – who may win American League Manager of the Year honors Monday evening – was widely panned across Chicago, with White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf perhaps supplanting Bears quarterback Mitch Trubisky as the most ridiculed sports figure in town.
The move was not indefensible. Sure, it’s been a decade since La Russa last managed, light years, really, given the warp speed evolution of baseball in that time. Yes, the famously testy skipper will inherit a team that’s dynamic on the field and engaging off it, epitomizing the “We play loud” ethos that’s gone from a flouting of the unwritten rules to a marketing tool for Major League Baseball.
But as a three-time World Series champion with Hall of Fame dugout chops, it wasn’t hard to imagine a common cause emerging between the kids and their septuagenarian skipper.
Now, though? That just got a lot harder.
Just ask free agent pitcher Marcus Stroman, who tweeted Tuesday that "no amount" of money could compel him to play for La Russa.
Beyond the Xs and Os, La Russa’s hiring peeled back a lot of old wounds in the game, revolving around privilege, patriarchy, second and third chances and who gets them. It was impossible to ignore that La Russa was replacing a manager of color. And impossible to ignore he'd be inheriting a team whose heart and soul, shortstop Tim Anderson — who like Stroman is Black — took a knee before the season opener and inspired seven teammates and coaches to join him, this three years after La Russa’s derisive comments regarding Kaepernick.
La Russa aimed to allay those concerns in his introductory press briefing, lauding the protest movement but sprinkling in caveats such as “action-oriented results” and his desire for ever-nebulous sincerity and noting that, of course, he has not a “racist bone in my body.”
Fair enough. Yet the conditions surrounding his latest DUI arrest — on Feb. 24 — are just so hard to ignore.
According to court records obtained by USA TODAY Sports, La Russa refused breath and blood tests at the scene of his single-car incident, forcing an officer to obtain a warrant to take two tubes of La Russa's blood. More than two hours after his arrest, La Russa's blood-alcohol content registered 0.095.
La Russa told the officer on scene he was coming from dinner with colleagues employed by the Angels, for whom he worked as a special adviser, when his car struck an impediment, puncturing a tire. An affidavit obtained by ESPN noted La Russa became "argumentative" with officers and told one, "Do you see my ring? I'm a Hall of Famer, brother."
The conditions of February’s arrest and his March 2007 arrest – and subsequent guilty plea – in Jupiter, Florida are remarkably similar.
In Florida, he fell asleep at a stoplight after dinner at an Italian restaurant, recording a blood-alcohol level of 0.093.
There are no longer days in sports than spring training, which start before 7 a.m. for figures like La Russa and often end in a river of Cabernet, what with the industry assembled for 40 days, limitless time for grizzled baseball men to swap stories and gossip.
That’s what makes his second arrest all the more galling. If a 76-year-old man cannot learn from the lessons his 62-year-old self provided, when will he ever?
How can a man who blew out his tire while allegedly driving drunk feel so much privilege as to argue with a police officer? To try and duck the consequences of his actions by refusing a breath test, forcing them to essentially subpoena his blood?
And how, then, can that man convince a group of talented ballplayers — some one-third who took a knee before the season began to protest privilege and inequality — that he can relate to their struggles in life, let alone credibly lead them?
That is a question White Sox leadership has already answered. They knew of the arrest before it became public knowledge and a high-ranking official told USA TODAY Sports La Russa will keep his job.
Perhaps he’ll do it well. But it just got a lot more uncomfortable — perhaps untenable — for all parties involved.
Contributing: Tom Schad


usatoday--2020-11-10--Florida principal refused to call the Holocaust a 'historical event,' appealed termination and was f

WEST PALM BEACH , Fla. – A former principal whose Holocaust remarks outraged people around the country has been fired for a second time .
Palm Beach County School Board members voted unanimously Tuesday to terminate former Spanish River High Principal William Latson , little more than a year after their first vote to fire him .
The veteran administrator was ousted October 2019 after telling a parent he `` ca n't say the Holocaust is a factual , historical event because I am not in a position to do so as a school district employee . ''
Latson appealed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him , concluding in August that Latson ’ s action did not merit termination .
But board members on Tuesday rejected the judge ’ s recommendation , adopting a final order in the case that maintains Latson ’ s actions did merit termination .
“ Contrary to the [ judge ’ s ] conclusions , Dr. Latson did commit misconduct in office , incompetency , and gross insubordination , providing just cause for his suspension and termination , ” the final order stated .
Oct. 2019 : Principal fired after refusing to call @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The judge 's decision was based , in part , on an assumption that the school district had a `` progressive discipline '' policy for principals , meaning most initial incidents of misconduct are punished lightly , and subsequent violations punished more harshly .
But while the district has a progressive discipline policy for teachers and other unionized workers , board members said the policy does not apply to principals .
`` There is also no mandatory progressive discipline policy requiring any heightened showing for termination to be appropriate , '' the board @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concludes a chaotic month in which board members struggled to navigate widespread outrage over Latson 's actions and the legal complexities of what was their first effort to fire a principal in years .
But it may not be the end of the legal battle over his fate .
Board members have acknowledged Latson is likely to appeal in state court .
His attorney did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment .
When the administrative law judge ruled the board had gone too far in firing him , a split school @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him .
That decision drew a new outpouring of outrage from around the nation .
Embarrassed and chastened , board members quickly moved to reconsider .
Last week , they unanimously voted to rescind their acceptance of the judge 's recommendation to rehire Latson .
Then , on Tuesday , board members formally adopted the new `` final order , '' formally terminate Latson once more .

Florida principal refused to call the Holocaust a 'historical event,' appealed termination and was fired again
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – A former principal whose Holocaust remarks outraged people around the country has been fired for a second time.
Palm Beach County School Board members voted unanimously Tuesday to terminate former Spanish River High Principal William Latson, little more than a year after their first vote to fire him.
The veteran administrator was ousted October 2019 after telling a parent he "can't say the Holocaust is a factual, historical event because I am not in a position to do so as a school district employee."
Latson appealed and an administrative law judge sided with him, concluding in August that Latson’s action did not merit termination.
But board members on Tuesday rejected the judge’s recommendation, adopting a final order in the case that maintains Latson’s actions did merit termination.
“Contrary to the [judge’s] conclusions, Dr. Latson did commit misconduct in office, incompetency, and gross insubordination, providing just cause for his suspension and termination,” the final order stated.
Oct. 27: Former principal embroiled in Holocaust controversy apologizes
Oct. 2019: Principal fired after refusing to call the Holocaust a 'factual, historical event'
The judge's decision was based, in part, on an assumption that the school district had a "progressive discipline" policy for principals, meaning most initial incidents of misconduct are punished lightly, and subsequent violations punished more harshly.
But while the district has a progressive discipline policy for teachers and other unionized workers, board members said the policy does not apply to principals.
"There is also no mandatory progressive discipline policy requiring any heightened showing for termination to be appropriate," the board's final order stated.
The vote concludes a chaotic month in which board members struggled to navigate widespread outrage over Latson's actions and the legal complexities of what was their first effort to fire a principal in years.
But it may not be the end of the legal battle over his fate. Board members have acknowledged Latson is likely to appeal in state court. His attorney did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment.
When the administrative law judge ruled the board had gone too far in firing him, a split school board reluctantly voted Oct. 7 to reinstate him.
That decision drew a new outpouring of outrage from around the nation. Embarrassed and chastened, board members quickly moved to reconsider.
Last week, they unanimously voted to rescind their acceptance of the judge's recommendation to rehire Latson.
Then, on Tuesday, board members formally adopted the new "final order," formally terminate Latson once more.
Follow Andrew Marra on Twitter: @AMarranara


usatoday--2020-11-11--Alex Cora apologizes as he's reintroduced as Red Sox manager: 'I disappointed a lot of people'

Alex Cora ’ s second chance started on Tuesday afternoon at Fenway Park , his reintroduction news conference as Boston Red Sox manager .
The 45-year-old sat on a stool near home plate in front of an official club backdrop .
Cora was socially distanced from Boston president and CEO Sam Kennedy , chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom and general manager Brian O ’ Halloran while taking questions virtually .
It was far from normal .
Nothing has been in 2020 , and Red Sox fans had a head start in the sports world two months before the COVID-19 pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ serious and all-consuming manner .
Cora and the franchise mutually parted ways in January after a suspension imposed by Major League Baseball , punishment for his central role in an electronic sign-stealing scandal as bench coach for the Houston Astros during their 2017 championship season .
“ It ’ s not back to normal , ” Cora said .
“ It will never get back to normal .
I know that .
But as a manager , it ’ s back to normal .
As a person , I have a lot of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tony La Russa told officer , ' I 'm a Hall of Famer ' during DUI arrest , report says “ I disappointed a lot of people .
We ’ ll be talking about this in a month , four months , in years to come .
I ’ ve got to deal with it .
But as a manager , it feels close to it.
” Boston ’ s front office reportedly interviewed nine candidates and cut down to five finalists .
Cora was among them and met in person with Bloom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rico home .
The Red Sox ultimately decided that , after 10 months and a shortened 60-game season , the exile was a sufficient period for Cora to spend outside the spotlight .
“ I think you saw today how remorseful he is about what happened and how appreciative he is of the opportunity to come back , ” Kennedy said .
“ I am personally a big believer in second chances and I ’ m very excited Alex is going to have a second chance with us.
” Cora led Boston to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ championship this century during his storybook 2018 debut .
It was no secret he was the favorite of ownership and the clubhouse to make a triumphant return , but Bloom and his baseball operations staff were given control of the managerial search after declining to exercise Ron Roenicke ’ s club option for 2021 .
Bloom met with owner John Henry , chairman Tom Werner and Kennedy among others before compiling his list of potential candidates .
“ We kept them looped in where we stood , who we were interviewing , what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Bloom said .
“ They were emphatic that it was very important this be a baseball operations decision .
They would totally back whatever decision we came to.
” Cora was prohibited to have any contact with club officials throughout his suspension .
Bloom sent him a text message and followed with a phone call soon after the Dodgers finished off the Rays in the World Series .
That led to setting a date for an extended interview , as Bloom and O ’ Halloran made a private flight on Henry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we were headed to the meeting , I was really telling myself , ‘ You need to make sure you get every question answered that ’ s on your mind — that you ask everything you need to ask , ’ ” Bloom said .
“ Not just for determining his fit as a manager , but because this is a big deal what happened .
“ It took its toll on all of us .
Obviously , Alex has described that with respect to himself , but we all went through something @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Cora had retreated to the embrace of his family and a garage he converted into a home gym .
His penance included regular conversations with his long-time girlfriend , Angelica Feliciano , his teenage daughter , Camila , and his toddler twin sons , Xander and Isander .
Cora also spoke with his mother , Iris , and his brother , Joey , while reflecting upon the professional shame he had visited upon them .
“ A lot of people were saying , ‘ OK , you spent time with your family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cora said .
“ It was great for them .
It was great for me .
But I was there for the wrong reasons .
I ’ m not proud of that .
“ I want to make sure everybody knows this situation is part of who I am for the rest of my career .
As a man , I have to deal with it .
I don ’ t want people to make it seem like it ’ s a great comeback story .
I don ’ t want that.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ winner when he was introduced in November 2017 .
This time he takes over a club that just suffered through its fourth season in the divisional basement since 2012 .
Boston went 24-36 and posted the worst earned-run average in franchise history .
“ As a leader , as a person who enjoys the game and loves to manage , I put this organization in a tough spot , ” Cora said .
“ For that , I ’ m sorry .
“ To baseball , the baseball fans , I ’ m @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whole situation .
”

Bill Koch, The Providence (R.I.) Journal

Alex Cora apologizes as he's reintroduced as Red Sox manager: 'I disappointed a lot of people'
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Alex Cora’s second chance started on Tuesday afternoon at Fenway Park, his reintroduction news conference as Boston Red Sox manager.
The 45-year-old sat on a stool near home plate in front of an official club backdrop. Cora was socially distanced from Boston president and CEO Sam Kennedy, chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom and general manager Brian O’Halloran while taking questions virtually.
It was far from normal. Nothing has been in 2020, and Red Sox fans had a head start in the sports world two months before the COVID-19 pandemic claimed our attention in a far more serious and all-consuming manner. Cora and the franchise mutually parted ways in January after a suspension imposed by Major League Baseball, punishment for his central role in an electronic sign-stealing scandal as bench coach for the Houston Astros during their 2017 championship season.
“It’s not back to normal,” Cora said. “It will never get back to normal. I know that. But as a manager, it’s back to normal. As a person, I have a lot of work to do.
MANAGERS OF THE YEAR: Rays' Kevin Cash, Marlins' Don Mattingly win
WHITE SOX: Tony La Russa told officer, 'I'm a Hall of Famer' during DUI arrest, report says
“I disappointed a lot of people. We’ll be talking about this in a month, four months, in years to come. I’ve got to deal with it. But as a manager, it feels close to it.”
Boston’s front office reportedly interviewed nine candidates and cut down to five finalists. Cora was among them and met in person with Bloom and O’Halloran at his Puerto Rico home. The Red Sox ultimately decided that, after 10 months and a shortened 60-game season, the exile was a sufficient period for Cora to spend outside the spotlight.
“I think you saw today how remorseful he is about what happened and how appreciative he is of the opportunity to come back,” Kennedy said. “I am personally a big believer in second chances and I’m very excited Alex is going to have a second chance with us.”
Cora led Boston to a franchise-record 108 wins and their fourth championship this century during his storybook 2018 debut. It was no secret he was the favorite of ownership and the clubhouse to make a triumphant return, but Bloom and his baseball operations staff were given control of the managerial search after declining to exercise Ron Roenicke’s club option for 2021. Bloom met with owner John Henry, chairman Tom Werner and Kennedy among others before compiling his list of potential candidates.
“We kept them looped in where we stood, who we were interviewing, what stage of the process we were at,” Bloom said. “They were emphatic that it was very important this be a baseball operations decision. They would totally back whatever decision we came to.”
Cora was prohibited to have any contact with club officials throughout his suspension. Bloom sent him a text message and followed with a phone call soon after the Dodgers finished off the Rays in the World Series. That led to setting a date for an extended interview, as Bloom and O’Halloran made a private flight on Henry’s chartered jet.
“As we were headed to the meeting, I was really telling myself, ‘You need to make sure you get every question answered that’s on your mind — that you ask everything you need to ask,’” Bloom said. “Not just for determining his fit as a manager, but because this is a big deal what happened.
“It took its toll on all of us. Obviously, Alex has described that with respect to himself, but we all went through something. There was a lot to process.”
Cora had retreated to the embrace of his family and a garage he converted into a home gym. His penance included regular conversations with his long-time girlfriend, Angelica Feliciano, his teenage daughter, Camila, and his toddler twin sons, Xander and Isander. Cora also spoke with his mother, Iris, and his brother, Joey, while reflecting upon the professional shame he had visited upon them.
“A lot of people were saying, ‘OK, you spent time with your family — that's good,’” Cora said. “It was great for them. It was great for me. But I was there for the wrong reasons. I’m not proud of that.
“I want to make sure everybody knows this situation is part of who I am for the rest of my career. As a man, I have to deal with it. I don’t want people to make it seem like it’s a great comeback story. I don’t want that.”
Cora inherited a two-time American League East winner when he was introduced in November 2017. This time he takes over a club that just suffered through its fourth season in the divisional basement since 2012. Boston went 24-36 and posted the worst earned-run average in franchise history.
“As a leader, as a person who enjoys the game and loves to manage, I put this organization in a tough spot,” Cora said. “For that, I’m sorry.
“To baseball, the baseball fans, I’m here. I was humbled by this whole situation.”


usatoday--2020-11-10--Worst outrage yet: Barr enlists Justice to advance Trump's baseless election fraud claims

Attorney General William Barr has launched an attack on the Nov. 3 election .
It is unprecedented , highly technical and very bad .
In short , Barr authorized U.S. attorneys to begin immediate investigations into “ apparently credible allegations of irregularities that , if true , could potentially impact the outcome of a federal election in an individual state.
” Ostensibly , Barr provided this new authority `` to emphasize the need to timely and appropriately address allegations of voting irregularities so that all of the American people ... can have full confidence in the results of our elections @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new authority is in direct contradiction of Department of Justice policy .
DOJ already has a procedure in place for allegations of election fraud .
Before commencing anything beyond a preliminary inquiry , “ United States attorneys shall consult with the Public Integrity Section.
” Once the investigation is completed , U.S. attorneys must once again consult with the Public Integrity Section before charges can be brought .
The reason for all this caution is that charges of election fraud can affect the elections they are trying to protect .
The Public Integrity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to ensure that federal investigations and prosecutions involving judges , elected officials and elections are handled correctly and do not damage our democratic institutions in the process .
So Barr ’ s decision to abrogate long-standing DOJ policy and turn U.S. attorneys loose on election fraud allegations , while the election is still going on and ballots are still being counted , is already shocking .
That alone completely eliminates one of the guardrails keeping the Justice Department from becoming a political tool .
A toxic spell : Republicans are n't fleeing Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Biden 's limited win .
Unfortunately , it gets worse .
Barr hasn ’ t cut the Public Integrity Section out of the loop to save U.S. attorneys a little bureaucratic hassle .
He has cut the section out of the loop because it would never approve any of the election fraud investigations that Barr says could take place .
Barr claims that “ the United States Department of Justice has an obligation to ensure that federal elections are conducted in such a way that the American people can have full confidence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Except it doesn ’ t .
That ’ s not Department of Justice policy .
In fact , it is the exact opposite of Department of Justice policy .
Let me quote directly from the Public Integrity Section ’ s policy manual on the federal prosecution of election offenses : “ The principal responsibility for overseeing the election process rests with the states .
...
It is the states that have primary authority to ensure that only qualified individuals register and vote , that the polling process is conducted fairly , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ valid votes is certified as the winner .
The federal prosecutor ’ s role in matters involving corruption of the process by which elections are conducted , on the other hand , focuses on prosecuting individuals who commit federal crimes in connection with an election .
Deterrence of future similar crimes is an important objective of such federal prosecutions .
However , this deterrence is achieved by public awareness of the Department ’ s prosecutive interest in , and prosecution of , election fraud — not through interference with the process itself .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ function in the area of election fraud is not primarily preventative , any criminal investigation by the department must be conducted in a way that minimizes the likelihood that the investigation itself may become a factor in the election .
The mere fact that a criminal investigation is being conducted may impact upon the adjudication of election litigation and contests in state courts .
...
Accordingly , it is the general policy of the department not to conduct overt investigations ... until after the outcome of the election allegedly affected by the fraud @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Public Integrity Section was preventing Barr from putting the federal government ’ s thumb on the scale in support of President Donald Trump ’ s claims of massive election fraud .
Therefore , it had to go .
I ’ m not the only person who has reached this conclusion .
Attorney Richard Pilger , a 28-year DOJ veteran and head of the Election Crimes Branch of the Public Integrity Section for the past 10 years , resigned from the division within hours of receiving Barr ’ s memo .
Attacks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump 's fraud claims are baseless , offensive and dangerous for election workers Pilger joins a long line of career federal prosecutors who have found it ethically impossible to follow Barr ’ s instructions .
I doubt he will be the last .
This latest outrage — casting aside long-standing Justice Department policies in an effort to help Trump claw back a lost election — is by far the worst yet .
Barr can not be allowed to pervert the justice system in the service of Donald Trump .
This isn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It ’ s about using the DOJ as a political tool in direct contradiction of standing policies intended to prevent just that .
If there were ever a time for the House to step in and hold the administration accountable , this is it .
Your move , Madam Speaker .
Republican Chris Truax , an appellate lawyer in San Diego and CEO of CertifiedVoter.com , is a member of USA TODAY 's Board of Contributors .

Worst outrage yet: Barr enlists Justice to advance Trump's baseless election fraud claims Barr cannot be allowed to pervert the justice system to help Trump. This isn’t about rooting out 'election fraud.' It’s about using the DOJ as a political tool.
Attorney General William Barr has launched an attack on the Nov. 3 election. It is unprecedented, highly technical and very bad.
In short, Barr authorized U.S. attorneys to begin immediate investigations into “apparently credible allegations of irregularities that, if true, could potentially impact the outcome of a federal election in an individual state.” Ostensibly, Barr provided this new authority "to emphasize the need to timely and appropriately address allegations of voting irregularities so that all of the American people ... can have full confidence in the results of our elections."
The problem is that this new authority is in direct contradiction of Department of Justice policy. DOJ already has a procedure in place for allegations of election fraud. Before commencing anything beyond a preliminary inquiry, “United States attorneys shall consult with the Public Integrity Section.” Once the investigation is completed, U.S. attorneys must once again consult with the Public Integrity Section before charges can be brought.
Smashing Public Integrity Section
The reason for all this caution is that charges of election fraud can affect the elections they are trying to protect. The Public Integrity Section’s reason for existing is to ensure that federal investigations and prosecutions involving judges, elected officials and elections are handled correctly and do not damage our democratic institutions in the process.
So Barr’s decision to abrogate long-standing DOJ policy and turn U.S. attorneys loose on election fraud allegations, while the election is still going on and ballots are still being counted, is already shocking. That alone completely eliminates one of the guardrails keeping the Justice Department from becoming a political tool.
A toxic spell: Republicans aren't fleeing Trump or Trumpism. That's the tragedy of Biden's limited win.
Unfortunately, it gets worse. Barr hasn’t cut the Public Integrity Section out of the loop to save U.S. attorneys a little bureaucratic hassle. He has cut the section out of the loop because it would never approve any of the election fraud investigations that Barr says could take place.
Barr claims that “the United States Department of Justice has an obligation to ensure that federal elections are conducted in such a way that the American people can have full confidence in their electoral process and their government.”
Except it doesn’t. That’s not Department of Justice policy. In fact, it is the exact opposite of Department of Justice policy. Let me quote directly from the Public Integrity Section’s policy manual on the federal prosecution of election offenses:
“The principal responsibility for overseeing the election process rests with the states. ... It is the states that have primary authority to ensure that only qualified individuals register and vote, that the polling process is conducted fairly, and that the candidate who received the most valid votes is certified as the winner. The federal prosecutor’s role in matters involving corruption of the process by which elections are conducted, on the other hand, focuses on prosecuting individuals who commit federal crimes in connection with an election. Deterrence of future similar crimes is an important objective of such federal prosecutions. However, this deterrence is achieved by public awareness of the Department’s prosecutive interest in, and prosecution of, election fraud — not through interference with the process itself.
"Because the federal prosecutor’s function in the area of election fraud is not primarily preventative, any criminal investigation by the department must be conducted in a way that minimizes the likelihood that the investigation itself may become a factor in the election. The mere fact that a criminal investigation is being conducted may impact upon the adjudication of election litigation and contests in state courts. ... Accordingly, it is the general policy of the department not to conduct overt investigations ... until after the outcome of the election allegedly affected by the fraud is certified."
DOJ thumb on the scale
In other words, the Public Integrity Section was preventing Barr from putting the federal government’s thumb on the scale in support of President Donald Trump’s claims of massive election fraud. Therefore, it had to go.
I’m not the only person who has reached this conclusion. Attorney Richard Pilger, a 28-year DOJ veteran and head of the Election Crimes Branch of the Public Integrity Section for the past 10 years, resigned from the division within hours of receiving Barr’s memo.
Attacks on what really makes America great: Trump's fraud claims are baseless, offensive and dangerous for election workers
Pilger joins a long line of career federal prosecutors who have found it ethically impossible to follow Barr’s instructions. I doubt he will be the last. This latest outrage — casting aside long-standing Justice Department policies in an effort to help Trump claw back a lost election — is by far the worst yet.
Barr cannot be allowed to pervert the justice system in the service of Donald Trump. This isn’t about rooting out “election fraud.” It’s about using the DOJ as a political tool in direct contradiction of standing policies intended to prevent just that. If there were ever a time for the House to step in and hold the administration accountable, this is it. Your move, Madam Speaker.
Republican Chris Truax, an appellate lawyer in San Diego and CEO of CertifiedVoter.com, is a member of USA TODAY's Board of Contributors.


usatoday--2020-11-10--5 fascinating US election facts and the complications of picking a president

5 fascinating US election facts and the complications of picking a president Democratically choosing a commander in chief has n't @ @ @ @ @ process .

5 US election historical facts when it comes to picking a president
Democratically choosing a commander in chief hasn't historically always been a straightforward process.
USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-11-10--Teacher welcomes students to class in awesome way

Teacher welcomes students to class in awesome way Mary Schulz had n't seen her students in person for months , @ @ @ @ @ count with these safe and amazing greetings .

Teacher welcomes students to class in awesome way
Mary Schulz hadn't seen her students in person for months, so she makes every morning count with these safe and amazing greetings.
USA Today


usatoday--2020-11-10--How to protect boots and shoes from damage during winter

How to protect boots and shoes from damage during winter Preserve your boots and keep them damage free with these @ @

Protect boots this winter with these tips
Preserve your boots and keep them damage free with these tips.
ProblemSolved, USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-11-10--Presidential pardons: Which president used their power the most?

Presidential pardons : Which president used their power the most ?
From Roger Stone to Chelsea Manning to Thanksgiving turkeys @ @ @ @ @ need to know about presidential pardons and executive clemency .

The history of presidential pardons and executive clemency
From Roger Stone to Chelsea Manning to Thanksgiving turkeys, here's all you need to know about presidential pardons and executive clemency.
Just the FAQs, USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-11-10--Mike Pompeo says there will be a 'smooth transition to the second Trump administration'

Mike Pompeo says there will be a 'smooth transition to the second Trump administration' Secretary of State Mike Pompeo says @ @ @ @ @ smooth transition to the second Trump administration '' when asked about Biden transition .

Pompeo ready for 'smooth transition' to second Trump administration
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo says "there will be a smooth transition to the second Trump administration" when asked about Biden transition.
USA TODAY, Associated Press