usatoday--2020-01-28--Justice Department says Bolton 'grossly mischaracterizes' Barr's take on Trump's talks with Xi, Erdo

WASHINGTON – Attorney General William Barr 's Justice Department denied a claim he had expressed concerns about President Donald Trump 's conduct with world leaders , details that were reported Monday in The New York Times .
The Times reported that former national security adviser John Bolton says in an unpublished book manuscript that he had a conversation with Barr in which Bolton expressed concerns Trump was granting `` personal favors '' to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Chinese President Xi Jinping .
The Times report says Barr `` was worried '' Trump `` created the appearance that he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ based in those countries .
But a Justice Department spokeswoman said Bolton 's characterization of Barr 's remarks was inaccurate .
`` While the Department of Justice has not reviewed Mr. Bolton ’ s manuscript , the New York Times ’ account of this conversation grossly mischaracterizes what Attorney General Barr and Mr. Bolton discussed , '' the Justice Department 's Kerri Kupec said in a statement early Tuesday .
The Times cited a draft of an unpublished manuscript of Bolton 's book that had been given to the White House for review @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people familiar with the manuscript '' described what it said .
Bolton 's book , according to The Times , says Barr raised concerns about Trump 's conversations with Xibefore lifting the tough penalties imposed on the Chinese telecommunications company ZTE for violating U.S. sanctions on Iran .
The state-owned company had been banned from doing business with U.S. companies .
But after a request from Xi , Trump reduced the penalty to a $ 1 billion fine in 2018 .
Trump 's decision to reduce that penalty sparked criticism from Republicans and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a bipartisan effort in the Senate to block the move .
At the time , Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer , D-N.Y. , said that by reducing the penalty , Trump was `` helping make China great again . ''
The Times report on Bolton 's book said Barr also referred to a conversation Trump had with Erdogan about an investigation into the Turkish state-owned Halkbank .
U.S. officials were investigating the bank on suspicion of money laundering and fraud in an alleged multibillion-dollar scheme to evade sanctions on Iran .
Erdogan personally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , The Times and Bloomberg reported .
According to Bloomberg , Trump told Erdogan in an April phone call that he would have Barr and Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin look into it .
Erdogan 's lobbying proved unsuccessful , and in October federal prosecutors in New York issued a six-count indictment against Halkbank .
That same month , the Trump administration imposed temporary sanctions on Turkey amid the uproar over Erdogan 's attacks on Kurds across the Syrian border , which followed Trump 's abrupt decision to pull U.S. troops out of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 'personal favors ' or 'undue influence ' on investigations , nor did Attorney General Barr state that the President ’ s conversations with foreign leaders ( were ) improper , '' Kupec said .
`` If this is truly what Mr. Bolton has written , then it seems he is attributing to Attorney General Barr his own current views – views with which Attorney General Barr does not agree . ''
Bombshell book : What we know about John Bolton 's allegations about Trump and Ukraine Who is John Bolton ?
Former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump 's impeachment trial During his time in the Trump administration , Bolton – a fierce advocate for an aggressive U.S. foreign policy – often clashed with the president .
Trump has sought to limit U.S. military intervention regarding Turkey , China , North Korea and Iran .
Since Bolton 's acrimonious exit from the administration in September , he has become a key figure in Trump 's impeachment on allegations he withheld military aid to Ukraine to pressure that country into conducting investigations for personal political gain .
Bolton followed the White @ @ @ @ @ @ @ testify in the House impeachment inquiry .
But in a statement explaining his decision not to voluntarily appear before the investigating committees , his lawyer Charles Cooper indicated Bolton had direct knowledge related to the allegations .
After the House impeached the president , Bolton changed his stance and said earlier this month that he was prepared to testify in the Senate trial if he were subpoenaed .
The Senate debate over whether to call Bolton and other witnesses to testify intensified this week after the Times reported Sunday that in his book @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him in August the aid was tied to the investigations .
That contradicts key elements of Trump 's defense .
Bolton ’ s reported discussions with Barr , as outlined by the Times account , raises new questions about the attorney general and his knowledge about Trump ’ s alleged pressure campaign in Ukraine .
In Sunday 's report , The Times said that after Trump ’ s July 25 phone call with the Ukrainian president , Bolton went to Barr to express concerns about Trump ’ s personal lawyer , Rudy Giuliani @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the lawyer was pressing in Ukraine .
According to The Times , Bolton claims in his book he told Barr the president had mentioned Barr on the call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky .
The Justice Department denied that Barr learned of the call from Bolton , maintaining that the attorney general had been informed of the call in mid-August .
A summary of the Trump-Zelensky call showed Trump told Zelensky that Barr would follow up with him .
When a summary of the Trump-Zelensky call was released in September , the Justice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The president has not asked the attorney general to contact Ukraine – on this or any other matter .
The attorney general has not communicated with Ukraine – on this or any other subject .
Nor has the attorney general discussed this matter , or anything relating to Ukraine , with Rudy Giuliani . ''
On Monday , Trump sharply denied telling Bolton he was linking the aid to the investigations .
White House Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham implied during a Fox News interview that Bolton and his publisher told The Times about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effort to boost sales .
In a statement , Bolton and his publishers insisted there was `` absolutely no coordination with The New York Times or anyone else regarding the appearance of information about his book . ''
Cooper said his client gave the White House a copy of the manuscript for security review on Dec. 30 and said The Times report showed the `` review process has been corrupted and that information has been disclosed by persons other than those properly involved in reviewing the manuscript . ''
National Security Council spokesman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff and no other White House personnel had seen the manuscript .
`` The Times does not discuss its sources , but I should point out that no one has questioned the accuracy of our report , '' said Dean Baquet , the executive editor of The Times .

William Cummings and Kevin Johnson, USA TODAY

Justice Department says Bolton 'grossly mischaracterizes' Barr's take on Trump's talks with Xi, Erdogan
Show Caption Hide Caption Pres. Trump's impeachment defense tries to invalidate charges The impeachment trial of President Donald Trump received a dose of defense in an attempt to invalidate the charges against him. USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – Attorney General William Barr's Justice Department denied a claim he had expressed concerns about President Donald Trump's conduct with world leaders, details that were reported Monday in The New York Times.
The Times reported that former national security adviser John Bolton says in an unpublished book manuscript that he had a conversation with Barr in which Bolton expressed concerns Trump was granting "personal favors" to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Chinese President Xi Jinping. The Times report says Barr "was worried" Trump "created the appearance that he had undue influence" over investigations into companies based in those countries.
But a Justice Department spokeswoman said Bolton's characterization of Barr's remarks was inaccurate.
"While the Department of Justice has not reviewed Mr. Bolton’s manuscript, the New York Times’ account of this conversation grossly mischaracterizes what Attorney General Barr and Mr. Bolton discussed," the Justice Department's Kerri Kupec said in a statement early Tuesday.
The Times cited a draft of an unpublished manuscript of Bolton's book that had been given to the White House for review. The Times also said anonymous "people familiar with the manuscript" described what it said.
Bolton's book, according to The Times, says Barr raised concerns about Trump's conversations with Xi before lifting the tough penalties imposed on the Chinese telecommunications company ZTE for violating U.S. sanctions on Iran. The state-owned company had been banned from doing business with U.S. companies. But after a request from Xi, Trump reduced the penalty to a $1 billion fine in 2018.
Trump's decision to reduce that penalty sparked criticism from Republicans and Democrats on Capitol Hill and led to a bipartisan effort in the Senate to block the move. At the time, Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., said that by reducing the penalty, Trump was "helping make China great again."
The Times report on Bolton's book said Barr also referred to a conversation Trump had with Erdogan about an investigation into the Turkish state-owned Halkbank. U.S. officials were investigating the bank on suspicion of money laundering and fraud in an alleged multibillion-dollar scheme to evade sanctions on Iran.
Erdogan personally lobbied Trump to intervene in the case, The Times and Bloomberg reported. According to Bloomberg, Trump told Erdogan in an April phone call that he would have Barr and Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin look into it.
Erdogan's lobbying proved unsuccessful, and in October federal prosecutors in New York issued a six-count indictment against Halkbank. That same month, the Trump administration imposed temporary sanctions on Turkey amid the uproar over Erdogan's attacks on Kurds across the Syrian border, which followed Trump's abrupt decision to pull U.S. troops out of the region.
"There was no discussion of 'personal favors' or 'undue influence' on investigations, nor did Attorney General Barr state that the President’s conversations with foreign leaders (were) improper," Kupec said. "If this is truly what Mr. Bolton has written, then it seems he is attributing to Attorney General Barr his own current views – views with which Attorney General Barr does not agree."
Bombshell book: What we know about John Bolton's allegations about Trump and Ukraine
Who is John Bolton? Former national security adviser now a focus in Trump's impeachment trial
China's ZTE: Trump strikes deal, imposes $1B fine and installs compliance team
During his time in the Trump administration, Bolton – a fierce advocate for an aggressive U.S. foreign policy – often clashed with the president. Trump has sought to limit U.S. military intervention regarding Turkey, China, North Korea and Iran.
Since Bolton's acrimonious exit from the administration in September, he has become a key figure in Trump's impeachment on allegations he withheld military aid to Ukraine to pressure that country into conducting investigations for personal political gain.
Bolton followed the White House directive for administration officials not to testify in the House impeachment inquiry. But in a statement explaining his decision not to voluntarily appear before the investigating committees, his lawyer Charles Cooper indicated Bolton had direct knowledge related to the allegations.
After the House impeached the president, Bolton changed his stance and said earlier this month that he was prepared to testify in the Senate trial if he were subpoenaed.
The Senate debate over whether to call Bolton and other witnesses to testify intensified this week after the Times reported Sunday that in his book manuscript, Bolton says that Trump told him in August the aid was tied to the investigations. That contradicts key elements of Trump's defense.
Bolton’s reported discussions with Barr, as outlined by the Times account, raises new questions about the attorney general and his knowledge about Trump’s alleged pressure campaign in Ukraine.
In Sunday's report, The Times said that after Trump’s July 25 phone call with the Ukrainian president, Bolton went to Barr to express concerns about Trump’s personal lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, and the so-called shadow foreign policy the lawyer was pressing in Ukraine.
According to The Times, Bolton claims in his book he told Barr the president had mentioned Barr on the call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
The Justice Department denied that Barr learned of the call from Bolton, maintaining that the attorney general had been informed of the call in mid-August.
A summary of the Trump-Zelensky call showed Trump told Zelensky that Barr would follow up with him.
When a summary of the Trump-Zelensky call was released in September, the Justice Department said in a statement: "The president has not asked the attorney general to contact Ukraine – on this or any other matter. The attorney general has not communicated with Ukraine – on this or any other subject. Nor has the attorney general discussed this matter, or anything relating to Ukraine, with Rudy Giuliani."
On Monday, Trump sharply denied telling Bolton he was linking the aid to the investigations.
White House Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham implied during a Fox News interview that Bolton and his publisher told The Times about the book's contents in an orchestrated effort to boost sales.
In a statement, Bolton and his publishers insisted there was "absolutely no coordination with The New York Times or anyone else regarding the appearance of information about his book."
Cooper said his client gave the White House a copy of the manuscript for security review on Dec. 30 and said The Times report showed the "review process has been corrupted and that information has been disclosed by persons other than those properly involved in reviewing the manuscript."
National Security Council spokesman John Ullyot said Monday that only NSC staff and no other White House personnel had seen the manuscript.
"The Times does not discuss its sources, but I should point out that no one has questioned the accuracy of our report," said Dean Baquet, the executive editor of The Times.
Contributing: John Fritze and Deirdre Shesgreen


usatoday--2020-01-28--Sen. Tim Kaine says he confronted Trump attorney Robert Ray about 'offensive' 1619 project remarks

Sen. Tim Kaine was so taken aback when President Donald Trump 's defense attorney Robert Ray criticized a New York Times series about the history of slavery during his presentation in the Senate impeachment trial that he later confronted Ray about the remarks .
`` To me , it seemed like an ad hominem attack on people trying to get at the roots of the effects of slavery in the United States , '' the 2016 Democratic vice presidential nominee told USA TODAY .
`` And it did not bear at all on the impeachment or anything else . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the articles of impeachment passed in the House against Trump on abuse of power and obstruction of Congress were illegitimate because they were not based on a violation of thelaw .
He criticized a passage from the House Judiciary Committee ’ s impeachment inquiry report , which argued the 1868 impeachment of President Andrew Johnson was not motivated by his violation of the Tenure of Office Act , `` but on his illegitimate use of power to undermine Reconstruction and subordinate Africa-Americans following the Civil War . ''
Ray said the argument @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worthy only of The New York Times recent 1619 series , '' referring to an interactive project on the 400th anniversary of the arrival of the first African slaves in what would become the United States .
In December , The New Times Magazine published a letter from five historians who said the project contained factual errors .
Two of those professors , James McPherson and Sean Wilentz , are from Princeton .
In response , the magazine 's editor-in-chief Jake Silverstein wrote , `` we disagree with their claim that our project @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by ideology rather than historical understanding . ''
Ray 's comments about the slavery project caused Kaine to throw his hands up in the air in a giant shrug before leaning back in his chair and shaking his head as he looked up at the ceiling .
The Backstory : Confronting the heartbreaking history of 1619 Kaine said that as a Democratic senator from Virginia , where that first landing occurred in 1619 , and the co-sponsor of a bill commemorating the anniversary , he found it both `` puzzling '' and `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over to Robert Ray after and I said , 'Hey , I did n't get that .
Why were you doing that ? '
'' Kaine said .
Ray responded that the project was `` too politically correct , '' according to Kaine .
`` What does that have to do with the articles of impeachment ? ''
he asked .
`` I was stunned by it . ''
Impeachment trial updates : Trump team hopes to wind up last day of defense in 2-3 hours

Christal Hayes and William Cummings, USA TODAY

Sen. Tim Kaine says he confronted Trump attorney Robert Ray about 'offensive' 1619 project remarks
Show Caption Hide Caption Pres. Trump's impeachment defense tries to invalidate charges The impeachment trial of President Donald Trump received a dose of defense in an attempt to invalidate the charges against him. USA TODAY
Sen. Tim Kaine was so taken aback when President Donald Trump's defense attorney Robert Ray criticized a New York Times series about the history of slavery during his presentation in the Senate impeachment trial that he later confronted Ray about the remarks.
"To me, it seemed like an ad hominem attack on people trying to get at the roots of the effects of slavery in the United States," the 2016 Democratic vice presidential nominee told USA TODAY. "And it did not bear at all on the impeachment or anything else."
Ray made the remarks during his argument that the articles of impeachment passed in the House against Trump on abuse of power and obstruction of Congress were illegitimate because they were not based on a violation of thelaw.
He criticized a passage from the House Judiciary Committee’s impeachment inquiry report, which argued the 1868 impeachment of President Andrew Johnson was not motivated by his violation of the Tenure of Office Act, "but on his illegitimate use of power to undermine Reconstruction and subordinate Africa-Americans following the Civil War."
Ray said the argument was an "ahistorical sleight of hand worthy only of The New York Times recent 1619 series," referring to an interactive project on the 400th anniversary of the arrival of the first African slaves in what would become the United States.
Who's who on Trump's legal team: Patrick Cipollone, Jay Sekulow, Alan Dershowitz, Ken Starr, Pam Bondi
In December, The New Times Magazine published a letter from five historians who said the project contained factual errors. Two of those professors, James McPherson and Sean Wilentz, are from Princeton. In response, the magazine's editor-in-chief Jake Silverstein wrote, "we disagree with their claim that our project contains significant factual errors and is driven by ideology rather than historical understanding."
Ray's comments about the slavery project caused Kaine to throw his hands up in the air in a giant shrug before leaning back in his chair and shaking his head as he looked up at the ceiling.
Founding family you’ve never heard of: The black Tuckers of Hampton, Virginia
The Backstory: Confronting the heartbreaking history of 1619
Kaine said that as a Democratic senator from Virginia, where that first landing occurred in 1619, and the co-sponsor of a bill commemorating the anniversary, he found it both "puzzling" and "offensive."
"I actually went over to Robert Ray after and I said, 'Hey, I didn't get that. Why were you doing that?'" Kaine said.
Ray responded that the project was "too politically correct," according to Kaine.
"What does that have to do with the articles of impeachment?" he asked. "I was stunned by it."
Impeachment trial updates: Trump team hopes to wind up last day of defense in 2-3 hours


usatoday--2020-01-28--Impeachment Monday: Trump defense tries to invalidate impeachment

The impeachment trial of President Donald Trump received a dose of defense in an attempt to invalidate the charges against @ @

Pres. Trump's impeachment defense tries to invalidate charges
The impeachment trial of President Donald Trump received a dose of defense in an attempt to invalidate the charges against him.
USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-01-28--OnPolitics: The day impeachment witnesses became a maybe

If you 've been sitting in the shadows , waiting for John Bolton-impeachment crossover news , now is your time to shine .
Heads up , it 's a lot to sort out .
Heads up part 2 , we 'll sort it out for you , so please do n't panic .
Or , do .
We do n't know your life .
Will Bolton be called to testify , or nah ?
The news of a Bolton-authored book broke Sunday and the details suggest President Donald Trump told the former national security advisory that aid to Ukraine was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
What that meant for impeachment on Monday is that the only question being asked of Senators was would they now agree to allow for more witnesses and documents .
It 'd been a hard pass on that so far , but all signs point to a reconsideration following news of the Bolton book .
Several lawmakers dodged the question about Bolton but Maine Independent Sen. Angus King said he expects as many as 10 Senators to vote in favor of allowing witnesses , including Bolton , once the Trump team is finished @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was n't all Bolton today on impeachment , was it ?
Not everybody has hitched their impeachment interest to the Bolton wagon , right ?
That 's cool .
We have that covered , too .
Here 's what you missed today if you decided to live your life free of binge-watching the trial .
• Mike Purpura , a deputy White House counsel defending President Donald Trump in the trial , argued that House Democrats ignored the president ’ s well-known concern about corruption in Ukraine • Ken Starr , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impeachment trial , urged senators to step back from an “ age of impeachment ” with three presidential inquiries in 50 years by rejecting the partisan investigation .
• The Senate chaplain , retired Rear Adm. Barry Black , opened the impeachment trial by mentioning it was Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts ’ birthday .
He turned 65 .
“ Thank you for giving our chief justice another birthday , ” Black said , as Roberts smiled .
• Trump ’ s lawyers focused on Hunter Biden , the son of his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden , during their arguments in the Senate impeachment trial .
Eric Herschmann , a private lawyer representing Trump , questioned why Hunter Biden was hired and paid so much by Burisma without any experience in the natural gas industry Prince Andrew is ghosting the FBI in Epstein inquiry Prince Andrew has not responded to interview requests from the FBI and federal prosecutors in the government 's investigation into accused child sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein , Manhattan 's chief federal prosecutor said Monday .
U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Berman said the embattled Duke of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he would assist law enforcement authorities with inquires into his former friend 's activities , has provided `` zero '' cooperation .
Facing allegations that Epstein once forced a 17-year-old girl to have sex with the prince , Andrew announced in November that he was stepping away from his public duties as a royal .
The prince and Buckingham Palace have cast the allegations as `` false and without any foundation . ''
Have you ever wanted to join a Facebook group dedicated entirely to the calm discussion of politics ?
We asked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Across the Nation '' Facebook group what questions they wanted to know about the impeachment trial .
Nick Wu , USA TODAY political reporter , came through with the answers .
Phyllis Brown asked : Why is Trump not there ?
Answer : Trump isn ’ t actually required to be at the trial .
He said earlier this week he ’ d “ love ” to be at the trial , but his lawyers have poured cold water on that idea .
Dennis Stevens asked : Why won ’ t they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ past allowed witnesses ?
Answer : The Senate hasn ’ t actually decided on witnesses yet — they have to get through this first stage of the trial , when both the prosecution and defense will make their cases , then they ’ ll take a separate vote early next week on whether to allow witnesses or documents .
That vote only requires a simple majority , though Republicans control the Senate 53-47 .
Want to read more about the questions people asked ?
Join our Facebook group .

OnPolitics: The day impeachment witnesses became a maybe
Show Caption Hide Caption Presidential impeachment: Clinton, Johnson, Nixon test U.S. democracy Presidents have been impeached, but none have been removed from office due to impeachment. Confusing? Here's how. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
If you've been sitting in the shadows, waiting for John Bolton-impeachment crossover news, now is your time to shine.
Heads up, it's a lot to sort out. Heads up part 2, we'll sort it out for you, so please don't panic. Or, do. We don't know your life.
Will Bolton be called to testify, or nah?
The news of a Bolton-authored book broke Sunday and the details suggest President Donald Trump told the former national security advisory that aid to Ukraine was indeed held up pending a Biden investigation.
What that meant for impeachment on Monday is that the only question being asked of Senators was would they now agree to allow for more witnesses and documents. It'd been a hard pass on that so far, but all signs point to a reconsideration following news of the Bolton book.
Several lawmakers dodged the question about Bolton but Maine Independent Sen. Angus King said he expects as many as 10 Senators to vote in favor of allowing witnesses, including Bolton, once the Trump team is finished making its case.
Okay, but it wasn't all Bolton today on impeachment, was it?
Not everybody has hitched their impeachment interest to the Bolton wagon, right? That's cool. We have that covered, too. Here's what you missed today if you decided to live your life free of binge-watching the trial.
Mike Purpura , a deputy White House counsel defending President Donald Trump in the trial, argued that House Democrats ignored the president’s well-known concern about corruption in Ukraine
, a deputy White House counsel defending in the trial, argued that House Democrats ignored the president’s well-known concern about corruption in Ukraine Ken Starr , a private lawyer representing Trump in the Senate impeachment trial, urged senators to step back from an “age of impeachment” with three presidential inquiries in 50 years by rejecting the partisan investigation.
, a private lawyer representing Trump in the Senate impeachment trial, urged senators to step back from an “age of impeachment” with three presidential inquiries in 50 years by rejecting the partisan investigation. The Senate chaplain, retired Rear Adm. Barry Black , opened the impeachment trial by mentioning it was Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts’ birthday. He turned 65. “Thank you for giving our chief justice another birthday,” Black said, as Roberts smiled.
, opened the impeachment trial by mentioning it was Supreme Court Chief Justice birthday. He turned 65. “Thank you for giving our chief justice another birthday,” Black said, as Roberts smiled. Trump’s lawyers focused on Hunter Biden, the son of his Democratic rival, former Vice President Joe Biden, during their arguments in the Senate impeachment trial. Eric Herschmann, a private lawyer representing Trump, questioned why Hunter Biden was hired and paid so much by Burisma without any experience in the natural gas industry
Prince Andrew is ghosting the FBI in Epstein inquiry
Prince Andrew has not responded to interview requests from the FBI and federal prosecutors in the government's investigation into accused child sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein, Manhattan's chief federal prosecutor said Monday.
U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Berman said the embattled Duke of York, who indicated last year that he would assist law enforcement authorities with inquires into his former friend's activities, has provided "zero" cooperation.
Facing allegations that Epstein once forced a 17-year-old girl to have sex with the prince, Andrew announced in November that he was stepping away from his public duties as a royal. The prince and Buckingham Palace have cast the allegations as "false and without any foundation."
Have you ever wanted to join a Facebook group dedicated entirely to the calm discussion of politics?
You've got impeachment questions. We've got answers
We asked members of our "Across the Aisle, Across the Nation" Facebook group what questions they wanted to know about the impeachment trial. Nick Wu, USA TODAY political reporter, came through with the answers.
Phyllis Brown asked: Why is Trump not there? Answer: Trump isn’t actually required to be at the trial. He said earlier this week he’d “love” to be at the trial, but his lawyers have poured cold water on that idea.
Dennis Stevens asked: Why won’t they let witnesses when they have in the past allowed witnesses? Answer: The Senate hasn’t actually decided on witnesses yet — they have to get through this first stage of the trial, when both the prosecution and defense will make their cases, then they’ll take a separate vote early next week on whether to allow witnesses or documents. That vote only requires a simple majority, though Republicans control the Senate 53-47.
Want to read more about the questions people asked? Join our Facebook group.


usatoday--2020-01-29--Donald Trump slams Democrats' 'deranged partisan crusades' but says they will suffer 'crushing defea

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump claimed Tuesday that while he has been busy creating jobs and killing terrorists , Democrats have been focused on “ demented hoaxes , crazy witch hunts and deranged partisan crusades.
” Speaking at a political rally in deep-blue New Jersey , Trump told a crowd of cheering supporters that Democrats have been working for three years to overturn the results of the 2016 election .
He vowed they would not succeed .
“ We will make sure they face another crushing defeat in the next election , ” Trump said .
“ We are going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ greater than 2016.
” “ We are going to keep on winning , winning , winning , '' he promised .
Trump 's rally in Wildwood , N.J. , a resort city on the southern Jersey coast , came just hours after his legal team wrapped up its defense in his Senate impeachment trial , which Trump dismissed as `` a hoax '' and a `` scam . ''
While New Jersey is considered Democratic territory , the southern part of the state skews more conservative and is considered friendlier terrain for Republicans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a long shot for Trump in this fall 's election .
Four years ago , he lost the Garden State to Hillary Clinton by 14 percentage points .
One side benefit of the Tuesday 's rally : The location enabled the Trump campaign to receive media coverage from nearby eastern Pennsylvania , a key state in the 2020 race .
Delivering what has become his standard stump speech , Trump told the crowd at the Wildwoods Convention Center that he has cut taxes , rebuilt the military , reduced illegal border crossings and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ build a wall along the southern border with Mexico .
The hour-long rally also gave Trump a chance to repay a political favor to Rep. Jeff Van Drew , a freshman party-switching congressman from southern New Jersey .
Party switcher : Meet Jeff Van Drew , the party-switching lawmaker who will join Trump at his New Jersey rally Van Drew , who traveled to New Jersey rally with Trump aboard Air Force One , was one of only two House Democrats to break ranks and vote against both articles of impeachment .
Van @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the GOP , a move that Trump welcomed during a visit between the two in the Oval Office on Dec. 19 , the day after the House 's historic vote .
Trump , whose surrogates encouraged the congressman to join the Republicans , will return the favor by campaign for Van Drew ’ s re-election bid at Tuesday ’ s rally .
At the rally , Trump called Van Drew `` a courageous '' and `` principled '' leader who , like many voters , got tired of the Democrats ' `` vile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has had enough of their extremism , '' Trump said .
Van Drew , who took the stage to cheers and received an embrace from Trump , said this fall 's election will be a `` flash-point election . ''
`` Are we going to allow ourselves to be just like every nation the world ? ''
he asked .
`` Or are we going to keep America great ? ''
Offering a New Jersey version of his stump speech , Trump recited a record that included new trade deals , a bigger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economy .
Trump also introduced aides who hail from New Jersey , including presidential adviser Kellyanne Conway , who told the crowd : `` Two new trade deals , two Supreme Court justices , two dead terrorists – that 's two terms ! ''
In their rebuttal , Democrats returned fire by slamming Trump on health care .
`` Trump , yet again , lied to people with pre-existing conditions about protecting their health care when he 's done everything he can to put it at risk , '' Democratic strategist Jesse Ferguson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's scary that he 'll lie to patients but it 's terrifying that he might be narcissistic enough to have started believing it . ''
While Trump portrayed himself as a friend of New Jersey , Rep. Frank Pallone , D-N.J. , took to Twitter and urged Garden State residents not to forget what he called Trump 's `` broken promises that hurt New Jerseyans . ''
Earlier Tuesday , the line to get inside the convention center began forming even before daylight .
Nick Ruggiero of Staten Island took his place in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drove two and a half hours with a friend to Wildwood and was able to secure a hotel room .
`` We were in the room for about an hour and saw the line start to form and figured if we want a good spot we better get down there , '' said Ruggiero , who was dressed in all red .
`` We 're a country divided right now between the Left and the Right , and we have to come and show support .
A lot of people my age , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than I do and I 'm just excited to show my support for the president . ''
Jenn Korndoerfer , 41 , of Waretown , N.J. , stood deeper in line with her mother , fingers crossed they would make it inside the convention center .
Refund please : New Jersey Democrats gave thousands to Jeff Van Drew before he switched parties .
Now they 're mad .
`` Just to be a part of the excitement and to support Donald Trump , it 's worth it , ” Korndoerfer said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ great , and we just want to show him that New Jersey loves him . ''
Michael Collins and David Jackson cover the White House .
Reach Collins on Twitter @ mcollinsNEWS and Jackson @ djusatoday .
Friend or foe ?
: Donald Trump again hits Fox News – and Chris Wallace – this time over impeachment coverage

Michael Collins and David Jackson, USA TODAY

Donald Trump slams Democrats' 'deranged partisan crusades' but says they will suffer 'crushing defeat'
Show Caption Hide Caption Lawyer: framers said few offenses are impeachable President Donald Trump's legal team was presenting its final day of arguments in his impeachment trial Tuesday as Republicans wrestled with whether to allow witnesses, including John Bolton who appeared ready to contradict a key Trump claim. (Jan. 28) AP
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump claimed Tuesday that while he has been busy creating jobs and killing terrorists, Democrats have been focused on “demented hoaxes, crazy witch hunts and deranged partisan crusades.”
Speaking at a political rally in deep-blue New Jersey, Trump told a crowd of cheering supporters that Democrats have been working for three years to overturn the results of the 2016 election. He vowed they would not succeed.
“We will make sure they face another crushing defeat in the next election,” Trump said. “We are going to have a victory that is even greater than 2016.”
“We are going to keep on winning, winning, winning," he promised.
Trump's rally in Wildwood, N.J., a resort city on the southern Jersey coast, came just hours after his legal team wrapped up its defense in his Senate impeachment trial, which Trump dismissed as "a hoax" and a "scam."
While New Jersey is considered Democratic territory, the southern part of the state skews more conservative and is considered friendlier terrain for Republicans. Even so, New Jersey is a long shot for Trump in this fall's election. Four years ago, he lost the Garden State to Hillary Clinton by 14 percentage points.
One side benefit of the Tuesday's rally: The location enabled the Trump campaign to receive media coverage from nearby eastern Pennsylvania, a key state in the 2020 race.
Delivering what has become his standard stump speech, Trump told the crowd at the Wildwoods Convention Center that he has cut taxes, rebuilt the military, reduced illegal border crossings and lived up to his campaign promise to build a wall along the southern border with Mexico.
The hour-long rally also gave Trump a chance to repay a political favor to Rep. Jeff Van Drew, a freshman party-switching congressman from southern New Jersey.
Party switcher: Meet Jeff Van Drew, the party-switching lawmaker who will join Trump at his New Jersey rally
Van Drew, who traveled to New Jersey rally with Trump aboard Air Force One, was one of only two House Democrats to break ranks and vote against both articles of impeachment.
Van Drew later switched his party affiliation to the GOP, a move that Trump welcomed during a visit between the two in the Oval Office on Dec. 19, the day after the House's historic vote. Trump, whose surrogates encouraged the congressman to join the Republicans, will return the favor by campaign for Van Drew’s re-election bid at Tuesday’s rally.
At the rally, Trump called Van Drew "a courageous" and "principled" leader who, like many voters, got tired of the Democrats' "vile hoaxes and scams."
“He has had enough of their extremism," Trump said.
Van Drew, who took the stage to cheers and received an embrace from Trump, said this fall's election will be a "flash-point election."
"Are we going to allow ourselves to be just like every nation the world?" he asked. "Or are we going to keep America great?"
Offering a New Jersey version of his stump speech, Trump recited a record that included new trade deals, a bigger defense budget, counter-terrorism actions and the economy.
Trump also introduced aides who hail from New Jersey, including presidential adviser Kellyanne Conway, who told the crowd: "Two new trade deals, two Supreme Court justices, two dead terrorists – that's two terms!"
In their rebuttal, Democrats returned fire by slamming Trump on health care.
"Trump, yet again, lied to people with pre-existing conditions about protecting their health care when he's done everything he can to put it at risk," Democratic strategist Jesse Ferguson said after the rally. "It's scary that he'll lie to patients but it's terrifying that he might be narcissistic enough to have started believing it."
While Trump portrayed himself as a friend of New Jersey, Rep. Frank Pallone, D-N.J., took to Twitter and urged Garden State residents not to forget what he called Trump's "broken promises that hurt New Jerseyans."
As @realDonaldTrump travels to New Jersey, do not forget his broken promises that hurt New Jerseyans. He has said he supports negotiating lower drug prices, but has declined to support my bill, H.R. 3, the Lower Drug Costs Now Act, that would allow @HHSgov to do just that. — Rep. Frank Pallone (@FrankPallone) January 28, 2020
Bolton's book: Trump lawyer Sekulow says Bolton book manuscript 'inadmissable' – live Trump impeachment trial updates
Earlier Tuesday, the line to get inside the convention center began forming even before daylight.
Nick Ruggiero of Staten Island took his place in line around 3 a.m. The 20-year-old drove two and a half hours with a friend to Wildwood and was able to secure a hotel room.
"We were in the room for about an hour and saw the line start to form and figured if we want a good spot we better get down there," said Ruggiero, who was dressed in all red. "We're a country divided right now between the Left and the Right, and we have to come and show support. A lot of people my age, in my generation, think very differently than I do and I'm just excited to show my support for the president."
Jenn Korndoerfer, 41, of Waretown, N.J., stood deeper in line with her mother, fingers crossed they would make it inside the convention center.
Refund please: New Jersey Democrats gave thousands to Jeff Van Drew before he switched parties. Now they're mad.
"Just to be a part of the excitement and to support Donald Trump, it's worth it,” Korndoerfer said. “The whole experience so far has been great, and we just want to show him that New Jersey loves him."
Michael Collins and David Jackson cover the White House. Reach Collins on Twitter @mcollinsNEWS and Jackson @djusatoday.
Contributing: Anthony V. Coppola of the Cherry Hill Courier-Post
Friend or foe?: Donald Trump again hits Fox News – and Chris Wallace – this time over impeachment coverage


usatoday--2020-01-29--McConnell: Republicans don't have the votes to block witnesses in impeachment trial, reports say

WASHINGTON – Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell told Republicans in a closed-door meeting Tuesday that they did not have the votes to block additional witnesses from being called in the president ’ s impeachment trial , according to multiple media reports .
The revelation , first reported by the Wall Street Journal , means that a host of witnesses could be considered as part of the trial , potentially lengthening the proceedings significantly .
Allowing witnesses would give Democrats a major win .
Democrats hold 47 seats in the Senate and have been attempting to attract at least four Republicans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ give them the 51 votes needed to consider additional witnesses and documents .
If there are 51 votes , senators could propose hearing from a variety of witnesses and asking for a host of documents .
It could open the door for both Democrats and Republicans to call those at the top of their list , including John Bolton , the president ’ s former national security adviser , Mick Mulvaney , Trump ’ s acting chief of staff , along with GOP-witnesses , such as the whistleblower whose complaint helped launch the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ former vice president ’ s son .
A senior Republican aide noted the headlines and pointed out that a lot could change in the days before the vote on witnesses , which currently is planned for Friday .
A number of moderate Republicans have publicly acknowledged a willingness to hear from additional witnesses , something that Senate leadership was hoping to prevent against .
The most vocal has been Sen. Mitt Romney , R-Utah , whose comments about the matter only intensified after a manuscript of Bolton 's book was leaked to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ personally told Bolton that $ 400 in military aid for Ukraine was tied to investigations that could help him politically .
Opinion : John Bolton is a firsthand witness in Trump impeachment trial .
Subpoena him for the people .
`` I 'd like to hear from John Bolton , '' Romney told reporters Tuesday , adding that he believed that witnesses should be paired , one from Republicans and one from Democrats .
`` I think if you 're going to have one side call witnesses , the other side 'ought to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Republicans have been particularly wary of opening the door to witnesses , both due to the uncertain nature of what people like Bolton could say and also due to the circus it would create in the more-reserved Senate .
If the Senate votes to consider witnesses later this week , it would open the door to votes on witnesses ranging from Bolton to the Bidens and the whistleblower .
Democrats have railed against the prospect of calling witnesses such as the Bidens , saying the testimony would have nothing to do with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is one of the Republicans supporting a possible one-for-one deal , which would allow each side to call for one witness .
So far , Democrats have said they are not in support of such a deal .

McConnell: Republicans don't have the votes to block witnesses in impeachment trial, reports say
Show Caption Hide Caption Impeachment trial: Trump defense team wraps arguments President Trump's defense team uses its final day of arguments summarizing that the impeachment is not constitutional and based on false premises. USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell told Republicans in a closed-door meeting Tuesday that they did not have the votes to block additional witnesses from being called in the president’s impeachment trial, according to multiple media reports.
The revelation, first reported by the Wall Street Journal, means that a host of witnesses could be considered as part of the trial, potentially lengthening the proceedings significantly.
Allowing witnesses would give Democrats a major win. Democrats hold 47 seats in the Senate and have been attempting to attract at least four Republicans to voting with them, which would give them the 51 votes needed to consider additional witnesses and documents.
If there are 51 votes, senators could propose hearing from a variety of witnesses and asking for a host of documents. It could open the door for both Democrats and Republicans to call those at the top of their list, including John Bolton, the president’s former national security adviser, Mick Mulvaney, Trump’s acting chief of staff, along with GOP-witnesses, such as the whistleblower whose complaint helped launch the impeachment inquiry and Hunter Biden, the former vice president’s son.
More: Trump lawyer Sekulow says Bolton book manuscript 'inadmissable' – live Trump impeachment trial updates
More: Key Senate Democrat says Trump team made 'persuasive' argument against obstruction article
Presidential impeachment: Clinton, Johnson, Nixon test U.S. democracy Presidents have been impeached, but none have been removed from office due to impeachment. Confusing? Here's how. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
A senior Republican aide noted the headlines and pointed out that a lot could change in the days before the vote on witnesses, which currently is planned for Friday.
A number of moderate Republicans have publicly acknowledged a willingness to hear from additional witnesses, something that Senate leadership was hoping to prevent against.
The most vocal has been Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, whose comments about the matter only intensified after a manuscript of Bolton's book was leaked to the media and included details that the president personally told Bolton that $400 in military aid for Ukraine was tied to investigations that could help him politically.
Opinion: John Bolton is a firsthand witness in Trump impeachment trial. Subpoena him for the people.
"I'd like to hear from John Bolton," Romney told reporters Tuesday, adding that he believed that witnesses should be paired, one from Republicans and one from Democrats. "I think if you're going to have one side call witnesses, the other side 'ought to be able to do the same."
Republicans have been particularly wary of opening the door to witnesses, both due to the uncertain nature of what people like Bolton could say and also due to the circus it would create in the more-reserved Senate.
If the Senate votes to consider witnesses later this week, it would open the door to votes on witnesses ranging from Bolton to the Bidens and the whistleblower. Democrats have railed against the prospect of calling witnesses such as the Bidens, saying the testimony would have nothing to do with the charges against the president.
Romney is one of the Republicans supporting a possible one-for-one deal, which would allow each side to call for one witness. So far, Democrats have said they are not in support of such a deal.


usatoday--2020-01-29--OnPolitics: Trump's defense team took things back to 1998

You guys !
President Trump 's defense team finished their opening arguments early and sent the Senate impeachment trial to the Q & A stage .
It 's kind of a big deal for those of us who have literally watched every moment of the trial as part of our jobs to help you good people stay informed .
So let 's discuss how that happened .
Pat Cipollone , the White House counsel , closed the defense of President Donald Trump in the Senate trial with a warning that lowering the bar for impeachment and removal from office would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ future presidents vulnerable to a Congress led by a different party .
Rep. Jerry Nadler , for example , warned against an impeachment of Clinton that would be supported by one party .
So far no Republicans have supported Trump ’ s impeachment in committee or on the House floor .
Be real , you would eat Cheetos too Throughout the trial , senators have dozed off , passed notes , munched on snacks and sometimes laughed or shaken their heads in disapproval .
Here 's some of what else you could n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on TV .
• Senators , including Tom Cotton , R-Ark.
, Richard Burr , R-N.C. , and Pat Toomey , R-Pa. , were spotted with the spinners during the trial • Sen. Rand Paul , R-Ky. , filled out a crossword puzzle , surreptitiously putting it under a piece of paper on his desk .
• Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand , D-N.Y. , got up and walked to the back of the chamber , taking off her black heels and taking a deep sigh .
When she went back to her desk , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
• Sen. Jim Inhofe , R-Okla. , snacked on a bag of Cheetos in the back row of the chamber one evening last week , quietly crunching as proceedings resumed after a dinner break .
• Sen. Jim Risch , R-Idaho , shut his eyes during a presentation by House impeachment managers and was the first spotted by USA TODAY to fall asleep .
But he was n't the only one .
Expect us back in your inboxes tomorrow .
Think we should be in someone else 's inbox ?
Have them @ @ @ @ @ @

OnPolitics: Trump's defense team took things back to 1998
Show Caption Hide Caption Schumer calls on GOP senators to rise to occasion President Donald Trump's legal team argued against the relevance of testimony from Trump's former national security adviser John Bolton on Tuesday while the Senate braced for debate on whether to summon witnesses into the impeachment trial. (Jan. 28) AP
You guys! President Trump's defense team finished their opening arguments early and sent the Senate impeachment trial to the Q&A stage.
It's kind of a big deal for those of us who have literally watched every moment of the trial as part of our jobs to help you good people stay informed. So let's discuss how that happened.
Trump's team with receipts from 1998
Pat Cipollone, the White House counsel, closed the defense of President Donald Trump in the Senate trial with a warning that lowering the bar for impeachment and removal from office would set a historic precedent that would leave future presidents vulnerable to a Congress led by a different party.
Rep. Jerry Nadler, for example, warned against an impeachment of Clinton that would be supported by one party. So far no Republicans have supported Trump’s impeachment in committee or on the House floor.
Be real, you would eat Cheetos too
Throughout the trial, senators have dozed off, passed notes, munched on snacks and sometimes laughed or shaken their heads in disapproval. Here's some of what else you couldn't see if you've watched the trial on TV.
Senators, including Tom Cotton , R-Ark., Richard Burr , R-N.C., and Pat Toomey , R-Pa., were spotted with the spinners during the trial
, R-Ark., , R-N.C., and , R-Pa., were spotted with the spinners during the trial Sen. Rand Paul , R-Ky., filled out a crossword puzzle, surreptitiously putting it under a piece of paper on his desk.
, R-Ky., filled out a crossword puzzle, surreptitiously putting it under a piece of paper on his desk. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand , D-N.Y., got up and walked to the back of the chamber, taking off her black heels and taking a deep sigh. When she went back to her desk, she wrapped herself in a red shawl.
, D-N.Y., got up and walked to the back of the chamber, taking off her black heels and taking a deep sigh. When she went back to her desk, she wrapped herself in a red shawl. Sen. Jim Inhofe , R-Okla., snacked on a bag of Cheetos in the back row of the chamber one evening last week, quietly crunching as proceedings resumed after a dinner break.
, R-Okla., snacked on a bag of Cheetos in the back row of the chamber one evening last week, quietly crunching as proceedings resumed after a dinner break. Sen. Jim Risch, R-Idaho, shut his eyes during a presentation by House impeachment managers and was the first spotted by USA TODAY to fall asleep. But he wasn't the only one.
Expect us back in your inboxes tomorrow. Think we should be in someone else's inbox? Have them sign up for OnPolitics here.


usatoday--2020-01-29--Scarlett Johansson, John Legend, Mark Ruffalo. Which presidential candidates have Hollywood star sup

PALM SPRINGS , Calif. — Presidential contenders are flocking to California to appear at top-dollar fundraisers alongside celebrity supporters , hoping the star power will give them the wattage needed to shine bright come Super Tuesday .
Everyone from Leonardo DiCaprio to Mark Ruffalo to Tom Ford has opened their wallets .
So who 's backing whom ?
The Desert Sun .
part of the USA TODAY Network , examined a list of individual donors from California who contributed $ 2,800 to presidential candidates from January to September 2019 — the last time candidates filed reports with the FEC .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to presidential campaigns in the first nine months of 2019 , the maximum contribution amount FEC rules allow donors to funnel to presidential campaign committees annually .
The crowded field of candidates has fragmented the liberal entertainment industry , most of whom lined up behind former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and President Barack Obama in recent election cycles .
Before her withdrawal from the race , Sen. Kamala Harris , D-Calif. , received almost 1,300 contributions in California at the $ 2,800 level , leading the field in her home state .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pete Buttigieg and former Vice President Joe Biden amassed 991 and 973 contributions , respectively , at that amount , far more than Sen. Amy Klobuchar , D-Minn. , ( 154 ) , Sen. Elizabeth Warren , D-Mass.
, ( 131 ) , entrepreneur Andrew Yang ( 54 ) , businessman Tom Steyer ( 40 ) and Sen. Bernie Sanders , I-Vt. , ( 34 ) .
Each of the candidates drew contributions from notable entertainment industry figures .
Aside from Drew Carey , who contributed to former Massachusetts Gov .
Bill Weld @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and `` The Simpsons '' creator Matt Groening , who gave to author Marianne Williamson , most gave to the now-frontrunners with many lining up behind Warren and Buttigieg in particular .
Many contributors also did n't exhibit clear preferences in their contributions , preferring instead to hand out $ 2,800 checks to multiple candidates .
Warren and Sanders have eschewed top-dollar fundraisers this election cycle .
Former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg has identified California as a key target , but since he 's self-funding his campaign , he has n't hosted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Although he counts few in the entertainment industry among his supporters — with the exceptions of Jon Voight and Kanye West — even President Donald Trump ventured to Los Angeles last year to raise funds for his reelection campaign .
Here 's a guide to some of the celebrities and notable Californians financially backing presidential hopefuls ahead of the 2020 election .
Even before he mingled with Rob Reiner and Martin Sheen and maybe even tried some Goop products at Gwyneth Paltrow 's Los Angeles home in May , the 38-year-old former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supporters .
Lesbian power couple Ellen DeGeneres and Portia DeRossi each contributed $ 2,800 to Buttigieg .
DeGeneres co-hosted a fundraiser him in July along with actor Sean Hayes .
Talk show host Chelsea Handler and actor Jason Bateman also attended , according to NBC News .
DeGeneres , a veteran Democratic donor , is n't the only LGBTQ entertainment industry titan to throw support behind Buttigieg .
George Takei , Matthew Bomer , Dustin Lance Black and Jane Lynch also maxxed out in contributions to Mayor Pete in 2019 .
Buttigieg has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Ted Danson , Michael J .
Fox and Alyssa Milano .
Although Warren and Sanders ' `` hot mic '' incident after the January debate could 've been written in a Hollywood writers ' room , the Los Angeles donor circuit has n't figured largely in either of their campaigns .
Scarlett Johansson has contributed to Warren 's campaign and told the Hollywood Reporter the Massachusetts senator `` was thoughtful and progressive but realistic . ''
Warren has received contributions from Trump foe Rosie O'Donnell as well as actresses Amy Schumer and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cash from John Legend and Chrissy Teigen .
Filmmaker Rob Reiner may have contributed to several candidates , but he 's lined up squarely behind Biden .
He told entertainment news site The Blast he believes the former vice president has the best chance at unseating Trump .
Many of the notable Californians who 've contributed to Biden have also funneled cash to other campaigns .
Former HP CEO Meg Whitman , a longtime Republican activist and 2010 gubernatorial candidate , worked for John McCain in 2008 and Mitt Romney in 2012 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2016 to back former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton against Trump .
She endorsed former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa against Gavin Newsom in California 's 2018 governor 's race and has contributed $ 2,800 to Biden 's bid to be the Democratic Party 's 2020 nominee .
Sanders has received large contributions from several Hollywood progressives , including actress Shailene Woodley , who in 2016 was arrested while protesting the Keystone XL pipeline in North Dakota ; `` Dark Waters '' actor Mark Ruffalo ; and actress Susan Sarandon , who also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ criticism for spreading misinformation about voter registration .
Many campaign financiers with the resources spread the wealth rather than back one candidate .
Dreamworks ' co-founder Jeffrey Katzenberg and his wife , philanthropist Marilyn Katzenberg , have contributed the maximum amount allowed to 14 candidates running in the Democratic presidential primary , including rBiden , Warren , Klobuchar and Buttigieg .
Venture capitalist and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has contributed the maximum amount to Warren and Buttigieg and , before their withdrawals , Harris and Sen. Cory Booker , D-N.J. Television writer and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Harris and Klobuchar .
Berlanti , who directed the 2018 coming out film `` Love Simon , '' told Variety it meant a `` tremendous amount '' to see LGBTQ representation in a presidential race .
Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey has contributed $ 2,800 to Yang , Gabbard and Washington Gov .
Jay Inslee before he exited the race .
Vox Recode reported that Dorsey denied Gabbard 's request that he host a fundraiser on her behalf .
Venture capitalist and LinkedIn founder Reed Hoffman has contributed to Sen. Michael Bennet , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their withdrawals , Harris , Inslee , Booker , and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand , D-N.Y. POM Wonderful and Fiji Water 's Lynda Resnick contributed to Bennet , Booker , Klobuchar , Biden and former Colorado Gov .
John Hickenlooper .
Resnick and her husband , Stewart Resnick , own more water rights than any other party in California , including the city of Los Angeles .
Designer and filmmaker Tom Ford contributed to both Biden and Buttigieg , who declined Ford 's offer to dress him on the campaign trail , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of celebs lined up behind Harris , their home state senator , and Booker , a longtime Hollywood favorite who 's dating Rosario Dawson , before the two dropped out of the race .
Ben Affleck , Michael Douglas , and Leonardo DiCaprio all contributed the maximum amount to both Harris and Booker before both withdrew from the race .
Affleck joined up with Katzenberg to host a benefit for Booker in May .
Star Wars director J.J. Abrams , actress Elizabeth Banks and actor Michael Douglas contributed to Harris .
DJ Steve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to the Los Angeles Times , contributed more than $ 33,000 to Harris while she campaigned to be California attorney general and U.S. senator .
Sam Metz covers politics .
Reach him at samuel.metz @ desertsun.com or on Twitter @ metzsam .

Scarlett Johansson, John Legend, Mark Ruffalo. Which presidential candidates have Hollywood star support?
Show Caption Hide Caption Electoral College vs. the popular vote, explained President Trump and President George W. Bush won the electoral vote during the election, but not the popular vote. How does the electoral college work? Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
PALM SPRINGS, Calif. — Presidential contenders are flocking to California to appear at top-dollar fundraisers alongside celebrity supporters, hoping the star power will give them the wattage needed to shine bright come Super Tuesday. Everyone from Leonardo DiCaprio to Mark Ruffalo to Tom Ford has opened their wallets. So who's backing whom?
The Desert Sun. part of the USA TODAY Network, examined a list of individual donors from California who contributed $2,800 to presidential candidates from January to September 2019 — the last time candidates filed reports with the FEC. More than 4,800 Californians contributed $2,800 to presidential campaigns in the first nine months of 2019, the maximum contribution amount FEC rules allow donors to funnel to presidential campaign committees annually.
The crowded field of candidates has fragmented the liberal entertainment industry, most of whom lined up behind former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and President Barack Obama in recent election cycles.
Before her withdrawal from the race, Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., received almost 1,300 contributions in California at the $2,800 level, leading the field in her home state. Former South Bend, Ind., Mayor Pete Buttigieg and former Vice President Joe Biden amassed 991 and 973 contributions, respectively, at that amount, far more than Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., (154), Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., (131), entrepreneur Andrew Yang (54), businessman Tom Steyer (40) and Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., (34).
Each of the candidates drew contributions from notable entertainment industry figures. Aside from Drew Carey, who contributed to former Massachusetts Gov. Bill Weld and Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, D-Hawaii, and "The Simpsons" creator Matt Groening, who gave to author Marianne Williamson, most gave to the now-frontrunners with many lining up behind Warren and Buttigieg in particular. Many contributors also didn't exhibit clear preferences in their contributions, preferring instead to hand out $2,800 checks to multiple candidates.
Warren and Sanders have eschewed top-dollar fundraisers this election cycle. Former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg has identified California as a key target, but since he's self-funding his campaign, he hasn't hosted celebrity-dense fundraisers like some of his opponents.
Although he counts few in the entertainment industry among his supporters — with the exceptions of Jon Voight and Kanye West — even President Donald Trump ventured to Los Angeles last year to raise funds for his reelection campaign.
Here's a guide to some of the celebrities and notable Californians financially backing presidential hopefuls ahead of the 2020 election.
Pete Buttigieg
Even before he mingled with Rob Reiner and Martin Sheen and maybe even tried some Goop products at Gwyneth Paltrow's Los Angeles home in May, the 38-year-old former mayor had attracted a wealth of celebrity supporters.
Lesbian power couple Ellen DeGeneres and Portia DeRossi each contributed $2,800 to Buttigieg. DeGeneres co-hosted a fundraiser him in July along with actor Sean Hayes. Talk show host Chelsea Handler and actor Jason Bateman also attended, according to NBC News.
DeGeneres, a veteran Democratic donor, isn't the only LGBTQ entertainment industry titan to throw support behind Buttigieg. George Takei, Matthew Bomer, Dustin Lance Black and Jane Lynch also maxxed out in contributions to Mayor Pete in 2019.
Buttigieg has also received max contributions from Kevin Bacon, Ted Danson, Michael J. Fox and Alyssa Milano.
Elizabeth Warren
Although Warren and Sanders' "hot mic" incident after the January debate could've been written in a Hollywood writers' room, the Los Angeles donor circuit hasn't figured largely in either of their campaigns. Scarlett Johansson has contributed to Warren's campaign and told the Hollywood Reporter the Massachusetts senator "was thoughtful and progressive but realistic." Warren has received contributions from Trump foe Rosie O'Donnell as well as actresses Amy Schumer and Amber Tamblyn. She's also gotten cash from John Legend and Chrissy Teigen.
Joe Biden
Filmmaker Rob Reiner may have contributed to several candidates, but he's lined up squarely behind Biden. He told entertainment news site The Blast he believes the former vice president has the best chance at unseating Trump. Many of the notable Californians who've contributed to Biden have also funneled cash to other campaigns.
We have a great field of candidates running for President. We should be supportive of them all. But if ever there was a time in our nation’s history that we needed someone to restore our soul & standing as leader of the free world, it’s now. Joe Biden will do that on day one. — Rob Reiner (@robreiner) April 25, 2019
Former HP CEO Meg Whitman, a longtime Republican activist and 2010 gubernatorial candidate, worked for John McCain in 2008 and Mitt Romney in 2012, but broke with the Republican Party in 2016 to back former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton against Trump. She endorsed former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa against Gavin Newsom in California's 2018 governor's race and has contributed $2,800 to Biden's bid to be the Democratic Party's 2020 nominee.
Bernie Sanders
Sanders has received large contributions from several Hollywood progressives, including actress Shailene Woodley, who in 2016 was arrested while protesting the Keystone XL pipeline in North Dakota; "Dark Waters" actor Mark Ruffalo; and actress Susan Sarandon, who also supported Sanders' 2016 bid and faced criticism for spreading misinformation about voter registration.
'Equal opportunity' donors
Many campaign financiers with the resources spread the wealth rather than back one candidate.
Dreamworks' co-founder Jeffrey Katzenberg and his wife, philanthropist Marilyn Katzenberg, have contributed the maximum amount allowed to 14 candidates running in the Democratic presidential primary, including rBiden, Warren, Klobuchar and Buttigieg.
Venture capitalist and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has contributed the maximum amount to Warren and Buttigieg and, before their withdrawals, Harris and Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J.
Television writer and producer Greg Berlanti has contributed to Buttigieg, Harris and Klobuchar. Berlanti, who directed the 2018 coming out film "Love Simon," told Variety it meant a "tremendous amount" to see LGBTQ representation in a presidential race.
Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey has contributed $2,800 to Yang, Gabbard and Washington Gov. Jay Inslee before he exited the race. Vox Recode reported that Dorsey denied Gabbard's request that he host a fundraiser on her behalf.
Venture capitalist and LinkedIn founder Reed Hoffman has contributed to Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Colo., and Klobuchar, and before their withdrawals, Harris, Inslee, Booker, and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y.
POM Wonderful and Fiji Water's Lynda Resnick contributed to Bennet, Booker, Klobuchar, Biden and former Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper. Resnick and her husband, Stewart Resnick, own more water rights than any other party in California, including the city of Los Angeles.
Designer and filmmaker Tom Ford contributed to both Biden and Buttigieg, who declined Ford's offer to dress him on the campaign trail, according to the New York Times.
People who backed candidates who've dropped out
A lot of celebs lined up behind Harris, their home state senator, and Booker, a longtime Hollywood favorite who's dating Rosario Dawson, before the two dropped out of the race.
Ben Affleck, Michael Douglas, and Leonardo DiCaprio all contributed the maximum amount to both Harris and Booker before both withdrew from the race. Affleck joined up with Katzenberg to host a benefit for Booker in May.
Star Wars director J.J. Abrams, actress Elizabeth Banks and actor Michael Douglas contributed to Harris. DJ Steve Aoki contributed to Booker. Abrams, according to the Los Angeles Times, contributed more than $33,000 to Harris while she campaigned to be California attorney general and U.S. senator.
Sam Metz covers politics. Reach him at samuel.metz@desertsun.com or on Twitter @metzsam.


usatoday--2020-01-29--Joe Biden to Iowa Democrats: Ruin Joni Ernst's night by caucusing for me

MUSCATINE , Ia .
— Former Vice President Joe Biden said U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst `` spilled the beans '' when she questioned whether the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump might make Iowa Democrats decide against caucusing for Biden .
`` By the way , did anyone see what your senator , Joni Ernst , did yesterday ?
She spilled the beans , '' he said at a campaign stop in Muscatine on Tuesday morning .
`` She just came out and flat said it .
You know , the whole impeachment trial for Trump is just a political @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , because he is scared to death to run against me and he has good reason to be concerned . ''
Then he read out loud the comments Ernst made to reporters in Washington , D.C. , Monday .
`` Iowa caucuses , folks .
Iowa caucuses are this next Monday evening and I ’ m really interested to see how this discussion today informs and influences the Iowa caucus voters , '' Ernst said .
`` Those democratic caucusgoers , will they be supporting Vice President Biden at this point ? ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ showed Republicans are more focused on weakening Biden than in weighing the president 's actions in a fair and impartial trial .
`` Let me tell you something , '' he continued .
`` You Iowa caucusgoers have a chance for a twofer .
You can ruin Donald Trump ’ s night by caucusing for me , and you can ruin Joni Ernst ’ s night as well . ''
On Twitter Tuesday morning , Ernst doubled down on her statement from the previous day .
`` @ JoeBiden thinks my comments prove @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she wrote .
`` Wrong .
Yesterday the president 's counsel showcased that the Bidens were knee deep in corruption .
Corruption is n't good politics nor is it good for the American people . ''
Biden appeared eager to respond to Ernst — his campaign hung a sign that said `` Joni , we 're w/ Joe '' — and he used the moment to further his case that Trump is most concerned to face him in a general election matchup .
He 's continually made the case to Iowa Democrats that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ candidate among the field of remaining Democrats , and his closing argument in the final days of the campaign has elevated that pitch even further on TV and in person .
Former Iowa First Lady Christie Vilsack made the same appeal , speaking at Biden 's Muscatine event Tuesday .
`` ( The Democratic nominee ) has to be someone that my very best favorite Republican friend in Mount Pleasant or in any town in this state will be able to look over and at least think about voting for in order to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` And so I 'm asking people who may not have made up your minds or as you 're talking to people to ask your friends and colleagues to think not just about themselves in making this decision , but to think about a broad range of people that we need to invite into this conversation . ''
Eric Zillig , a 43-year-old Muscatine resident who said he agreed with Vilsack '' The selling point is I think he can beat Trump , '' he said .
`` I 'm worried if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that they 'll lose to Trump . ''
Brianne Pfannenstiel is the chief politics reporter for the Register .
Reach her at bpfann @ dmreg.com or 515-284-8244 .
Follow her on Twitter at @ brianneDMR .

Brianne Pfannenstiel, Des Moines Register

Joe Biden to Iowa Democrats: Ruin Joni Ernst's night by caucusing for me
Show Caption Hide Caption Iowa caucus: Just how much influence does it have on the primary? The Iowa caucus is sure to be competitive this year. But what makes caucuses different from primaries? Just the FAQs
MUSCATINE, Ia. — Former Vice President Joe Biden said U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst "spilled the beans" when she questioned whether the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump might make Iowa Democrats decide against caucusing for Biden.
"By the way, did anyone see what your senator, Joni Ernst, did yesterday? She spilled the beans," he said at a campaign stop in Muscatine on Tuesday morning. "She just came out and flat said it. You know, the whole impeachment trial for Trump is just a political hit job to try to smear me, because he is scared to death to run against me and he has good reason to be concerned."
Then he read out loud the comments Ernst made to reporters in Washington, D.C., Monday.
"Iowa caucuses, folks. Iowa caucuses are this next Monday evening and I’m really interested to see how this discussion today informs and influences the Iowa caucus voters," Ernst said. "Those democratic caucusgoers, will they be supporting Vice President Biden at this point?"
ERNST: "IA caucuses are this next Monday evening. And I'm really interested to see how this discussion today informs and influences the Iowa caucus voters, those Demcaucus goers. Will they be supporting VP Biden at this point?"
H/T @JaxAlemany pic.twitter.com/tYYkSPuIDY — Alan He (@alanhe) January 28, 2020
Democrats immediately criticized her, saying it showed Republicans are more focused on weakening Biden than in weighing the president's actions in a fair and impartial trial.
"Pretty subtle, huh?" Biden said.
"Let me tell you something," he continued. "You Iowa caucusgoers have a chance for a twofer. You can ruin Donald Trump’s night by caucusing for me, and you can ruin Joni Ernst’s night as well."
On Twitter Tuesday morning, Ernst doubled down on her statement from the previous day.
"@JoeBiden thinks my comments prove his point about @realDonaldTrump," she wrote. "Wrong. Yesterday the president's counsel showcased that the Bidens were knee deep in corruption. Corruption isn't good politics nor is it good for the American people."
.@JoeBiden thinks my comments prove his point about @realDonaldTrump. Wrong. Yesterday the president’s counsel showcased that the Bidens were knee deep in corruption. Corruption isn’t good politics nor is it good for the American people. — Joni Ernst (@joniernst) January 28, 2020
Biden appeared eager to respond to Ernst — his campaign hung a sign that said "Joni, we're w/ Joe" — and he used the moment to further his case that Trump is most concerned to face him in a general election matchup. He's continually made the case to Iowa Democrats that he's the most "electable" candidate among the field of remaining Democrats, and his closing argument in the final days of the campaign has elevated that pitch even further on TV and in person.
Former Iowa First Lady Christie Vilsack made the same appeal, speaking at Biden's Muscatine event Tuesday.
"(The Democratic nominee) has to be someone that my very best favorite Republican friend in Mount Pleasant or in any town in this state will be able to look over and at least think about voting for in order to win this election," she said. "And so I'm asking people who may not have made up your minds or as you're talking to people to ask your friends and colleagues to think not just about themselves in making this decision, but to think about a broad range of people that we need to invite into this conversation."
Eric Zillig, a 43-year-old Muscatine resident who said he agreed with Vilsack
"The selling point is I think he can beat Trump," he said. "I'm worried if the Democratic candidate is too far left that they'll lose to Trump."
Brianne Pfannenstiel is the chief politics reporter for the Register. Reach her at bpfann@dmreg.com or 515-284-8244. Follow her on Twitter at @brianneDMR.


usatoday--2020-01-29--Why is Iowa first? A brief history of the state's caucuses

Five months before the July Democratic National Convention , when there ’ s still snow on the ground , Iowans traditionally gather across the state in school gymnasiums , community centers and other locations to decide who in their party they support for president .
Some other states do n't have their primaries until June , a month before the national convention .
So why does Iowa start so early ?
More importantly , out of all the states , why is Iowa first ?
The answer to those questions involves a little bit of pragmatism , a little bit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days , a strong desire to stick to tradition .
More : The Democratic Party is planning to reject Iowa 's virtual caucus plan .
Here 's how we got here .
Iowa has almost always held caucuses for presidential selection rather than the primary system used in other states like New Hampshire , which is the second state to vote on presidential picks .
But it was n't always first in the nation .
After the tumultuous 1968 Democratic convention , the DNC decided it needed to open up its process to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ involve more grassroots activists .
That paved the way for the shake-up that led to Iowa moving to first on the calendar .
In the late 1960s and early 1970s , Democrats in Iowa said they were frustrated with the state 's caucus system , which they felt was run by party bosses and did n't respond to grassroots voices and desires .
Changes to address this problem involved holding separate district and state conventions , which meant that the whole caucus process needed to start earlier .
Kathie Obradovich , the Register @ @ @ @ @ @ @ video about Iowa 's caucus history , says that `` the old story is that they figured out how long it would take to print all the paperwork on their elderly mimeograph machine . ''
So Iowa was first .
When did the caucuses become powerful ?
The question remained : who cared ?
In 1972 , Gary Hart cared .
Obradovich recounts the story : `` In the 1972 presidential race , Sen. George McGovern ’ s campaign was managed by a young political whiz kid named Gary Hart .
Hart noticed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the nation and decided to make a bid here as a way to get ( McGovern ) a media boost before the New Hampshire primary .
It worked . ''
In 1976 , Jimmy Carter replicated McGovern 's success .
The media paid attention paid to his performance in Iowa and it illustrated the caucuses as an important metric of a candidate 's strength .
Carter went on to become president .
But Iowa had to fight for its right to be first However , this first-in-the-nation status was n't set in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loss in 1980 , the national Democratic Party theorized that the drawn-out nomination process was more of a hindrance than a help to their party 's nominee .
They rolled out new rules that would restrict how early any state 's nomination processes could be held , but still allowed Iowa to caucus first .
At that point , it seemed like everyone was happy .
Then , Vermont moved up the date of its straw poll .
In response , New Hampshire made its primary earlier .
In defiance of the national @ @ @ @ @ @ @ caucuses earlier than its nationally assigned date to maintain the buffer between the Iowa caucuses and the New Hampshire primary .
In November of 1983 , with the caucuses ( whatever their date was to be ) soon approaching , state party officials gathered to resolve the disagreement and vote on the official date .
Those in favor of the earlier date wanted to preserve both Iowa and New Hampshire 's unique roles in the nomination process .
Those in favor of the later date wanted the whole process shortened to help the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 20-10 for the earlier date .
Iowa 's status as first in the nation was , at least for the moment , secured .
`` Today , '' Obradovich said , `` Iowa caucuses are first-in-the-nation mainly because the state insists on remaining first . ''
because of the outsized media attention on Iowa , many candidates build their strategy around it , seeing it as a way to give them a catapult of momentum through the primaries .
Barack Obama credits the Iowa caucuses for giving him the initial momentum that propelled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long as the state is first , it 's seen as the first serious litmus test of a candidate .
And as Iowa indicates or influences later success , candidates will keep coming , journalists will keep reporting , and in February , the eyes of the nation will stay on Iowa .
Clare Ulmer is a politics reporter for the Register .
Reach her at culmer @ registermedia.com or at 515-284-8724 .
Your subscription makes work like this possible .
Subscribe today at DesMoinesRegister.com/Deal .

Why is Iowa first? A brief history of the state's caucuses
Show Caption Hide Caption Iowa caucus: Just how much influence does it have on the primary? The Iowa caucus is sure to be competitive this year. But what makes caucuses different from primaries? Just the FAQs
Iowa's position as the first state to weigh in on the country's presidential nominees was under scrutiny again Tuesday, after chaos and confusion around reporting the vote count in the previous night's caucuses forced the state's Democratic Party to delay the release of the official results.
Some other states don't have their primaries until June, a month before the national convention. So why does Iowa start so early? More importantly, out of all the states, why is Iowa first?
The answer to those questions involves a little bit of pragmatism, a little bit of political conflict, and, these days, a strong desire to stick to tradition.
More: The Democratic Party is planning to reject Iowa's virtual caucus plan. Here's how we got here.
Iowa has almost always held caucuses for presidential selection rather than the primary system used in other states like New Hampshire, which is the second state to vote on presidential picks. But it wasn't always first in the nation.
Roots in the 1960s
After the tumultuous 1968 Democratic convention, the DNC decided it needed to open up its process to lessen the power of party leaders and involve more grassroots activists. That paved the way for the shake-up that led to Iowa moving to first on the calendar.
In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Democrats in Iowa said they were frustrated with the state's caucus system, which they felt was run by party bosses and didn't respond to grassroots voices and desires.
Changes to address this problem involved holding separate district and state conventions, which meant that the whole caucus process needed to start earlier.
Kathie Obradovich, the Register's opinion editor, speaking for a video about Iowa's caucus history, says that "the old story is that they figured out how long it would take to print all the paperwork on their elderly mimeograph machine."
So Iowa was first.
When did the caucuses become powerful?
The question remained: who cared? In 1972, Gary Hart cared. Obradovich recounts the story: "In the 1972 presidential race, Sen. George McGovern’s campaign was managed by a young political whiz kid named Gary Hart. Hart noticed that Iowa was going to be first in the nation and decided to make a bid here as a way to get (McGovern) a media boost before the New Hampshire primary. It worked."
In 1976, Jimmy Carter replicated McGovern's success. The media paid attention paid to his performance in Iowa and it illustrated the caucuses as an important metric of a candidate's strength. Carter went on to become president.
Iowa caucuses: A look back at the history of the Iowa caucuses The Iowa caucuses are not first because they're important; they're important because they're first. former Des Moines Register opinion editor Kathie Obradovich explains. Kelsey Kremer, Des Moines Register
But Iowa had to fight for its right to be first
However, this first-in-the-nation status wasn't set in stone.
Prompted by Carter's re-election loss in 1980, the national Democratic Party theorized that the drawn-out nomination process was more of a hindrance than a help to their party's nominee. They rolled out new rules that would restrict how early any state's nomination processes could be held, but still allowed Iowa to caucus first. At that point, it seemed like everyone was happy.
Then, Vermont moved up the date of its straw poll. In response, New Hampshire made its primary earlier. In defiance of the national party, Iowa chose to move the caucuses earlier than its nationally assigned date to maintain the buffer between the Iowa caucuses and the New Hampshire primary.
In November of 1983, with the caucuses (whatever their date was to be) soon approaching, state party officials gathered to resolve the disagreement and vote on the official date. Those in favor of the earlier date wanted to preserve both Iowa and New Hampshire's unique roles in the nomination process. Those in favor of the later date wanted the whole process shortened to help the eventual nominee.
The party leaders voted 20-10 for the earlier date. Iowa's status as first in the nation was, at least for the moment, secured.
"Today," Obradovich said, "Iowa caucuses are first-in-the-nation mainly because the state insists on remaining first."
because of the outsized media attention on Iowa, many candidates build their strategy around it, seeing it as a way to give them a catapult of momentum through the primaries. Barack Obama credits the Iowa caucuses for giving him the initial momentum that propelled him to the White House.
As long as the state is first, it's seen as the first serious litmus test of a candidate. And as Iowa indicates or influences later success, candidates will keep coming, journalists will keep reporting, and in February, the eyes of the nation will stay on Iowa.
Clare Ulmer is a politics reporter for the Register. Reach her at culmer@registermedia.com or at 515-284-8724.
Your subscription makes work like this possible. Subscribe today at DesMoinesRegister.com/Deal.


usatoday--2020-01-29--'Be prepared for anything': Klobuchar surge could turn Iowa caucuses into 5-way race, Monmouth poll

WASHINGTON – Sen. Amy Klobuchar receives double-digit support in Iowa caucus polling , according to a Monmouth University survey released Wednesday , possibly creating a five-way fight for the state 's delegates Monday .
In the caucuses , the first in the 2020 race , a candidate must get at least 15 % of the votes in a given precinct to move on to the second , final vote , that determines how many delegates they receive .
The Monmouth poll found four Democratic presidential hopefuls who are at or above the 15 % viability threshold : former Vice President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont ( 21 % ) , former South Bend , Indiana , Mayor Pete Buttigieg ( 16 % ) and Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts ( 15 % ) .
Klobuchar is close behind at 10 % , followed by billionaire Tom Steyer at 4 % and entrepreneur Andrew Yang at 3 % .
USA TODAY/Suffolk University poll : A week before the caucuses , Joe Biden leads an Iowa race that remains unsettled It 's the first time a Monmouth poll found Klobuchar with double-digit support in Iowa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10 % or more since December : two from Iowa State University , two from Emerson College and one from Focus on Rural America .
Her RealClearPolitics polling average in the state shows her at 9 % with a steady climb since November .
The final outcome in Iowa will hinge on how many candidates make the 15 % cut and whom the supporters of those who do n't make the cut vote for in the second round .
Turnout , which has fluctuated widely in recent elections , will have a major @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as few of 10,000 voters could determine who ‘ wins ’ the caucus if it is driven by a specific demographic group , '' says Patrick Murray , the director of Monmouth University Polling Institute .
The 2020 candidates : Who is running for president ?
An interactive guide Almost half ( 45 % ) of likely participants say they could change their mind on caucus night .
`` Caucus electorates are the most difficult to model in polling , '' Murray says .
`` The smartest takeaway from this , or any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be prepared for anything on Monday . ''
Asked who they 'll vote for if Klobuchar and Yang make the viability threshold in their precinct , along with the top four polling candidates , 22 % of likely caucusgoers say Biden , 22 % say Sanders , 17 % say Buttigieg , 16 % say Warren , 12 % say Klobuchar and 5 % say Yang .
If Klobuchar and Yang do n't make the cut , Biden jumps ahead of Sanders , 29 % to 25 % , while 20 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Klobuchar ’ s performance could be a real game changer in the final delegate allocation out of Iowa , '' Murray says .
The poll of 544 likely Democratic caucusgoers was conducted from Jan. 23-27 .
It has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.2 percentage points .
2020 candidates on the issues : A voter 's guide to where they stand on health care , gun control and more

'Be prepared for anything': Klobuchar surge could turn Iowa caucuses into 5-way race, Monmouth poll says
Show Caption Hide Caption How do you win the Iowa caucus? Organize, organize, organize. The 2020 Iowa caucuses will come down to one thing: the candidates' ground game. Hannah Gaber, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – Sen. Amy Klobuchar receives double-digit support in Iowa caucus polling, according to a Monmouth University survey released Wednesday, possibly creating a five-way fight for the state's delegates Monday.
In the caucuses, the first in the 2020 race, a candidate must get at least 15% of the votes in a given precinct to move on to the second, final vote, that determines how many delegates they receive.
The Monmouth poll found four Democratic presidential hopefuls who are at or above the 15% viability threshold: former Vice President Joe Biden (23%), Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont (21%), former South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg (16%) and Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts (15%). Klobuchar is close behind at 10%, followed by billionaire Tom Steyer at 4% and entrepreneur Andrew Yang at 3%.
USA TODAY/Suffolk University poll: A week before the caucuses, Joe Biden leads an Iowa race that remains unsettled
It's the first time a Monmouth poll found Klobuchar with double-digit support in Iowa. Other polls have found her at 10% or more since December: two from Iowa State University, two from Emerson College and one from Focus on Rural America. Her RealClearPolitics polling average in the state shows her at 9% with a steady climb since November.
Iowa caucus: Just how much influence does it have on the primary? The Iowa caucus is sure to be competitive this year. But what makes caucuses different from primaries? Just the FAQs
The final outcome in Iowa will hinge on how many candidates make the 15% cut and whom the supporters of those who don't make the cut vote for in the second round. Turnout, which has fluctuated widely in recent elections, will have a major impact.
"A turnout swing of as few of 10,000 voters could determine who ‘wins’ the caucus if it is driven by a specific demographic group," says Patrick Murray, the director of Monmouth University Polling Institute.
The 2020 candidates: Who is running for president? An interactive guide
Almost half (45%) of likely participants say they could change their mind on caucus night.
"Caucus electorates are the most difficult to model in polling," Murray says. "The smartest takeaway from this, or any Iowa poll for that matter, is to be prepared for anything on Monday."
Asked who they'll vote for if Klobuchar and Yang make the viability threshold in their precinct, along with the top four polling candidates, 22% of likely caucusgoers say Biden, 22% say Sanders, 17% say Buttigieg, 16% say Warren, 12% say Klobuchar and 5% say Yang.
If Klobuchar and Yang don't make the cut, Biden jumps ahead of Sanders, 29% to 25%, while 20% back Buttigieg and 19% choose Warren.
“Klobuchar’s performance could be a real game changer in the final delegate allocation out of Iowa," Murray says.
The poll of 544 likely Democratic caucusgoers was conducted from Jan. 23-27. It has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.2 percentage points.
2020 candidates on the issues: A voter's guide to where they stand on health care, gun control and more