usatoday--2020-02-21--Survey: Democrats confident the primaries are being conducted fairly despite Iowa caucus debacle

Despite the chaos surrounding Iowa 's delayed caucus results , voters ' confidence on whether the Democratic primary is being conducted fairly has n't changed significantly .
More than half of Democrats believe their party 's primary is being conducted fairly , according to new data released by Nationscape , a large-scale survey that aims to conduct 500,000 interviews leading up to the 2020 election .
In mid-January , 43 % of all people surveyed said they were very or somewhat confident that the Democratic primary was being conducted fairly , including 57 % of Democrats , the Nationscape data @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with 6,395 people .
In the days directly after Iowa , 42 % of Americans and 57 % of Democrats continued to express their confidence in the fairness of the Democratic primary .
That data was compiled Feb.6-13 from interviews with 6,395 people .
More : What the Mike Bloomberg pile-on says about Bernie Sanders ' frontrunner status in Nevada – and beyond Iowa 's first-in-the-nation caucus results were delayed due to the software app used to record results malfunctioning .
The backup phone hotline was also plagued with calls pranksters , reporters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the process .
In addition , errors and inconsistencies were found in the caucus data released during the week of the caucus .
There has since been a partial recanvass after requests from former mayor Pete Buttigieg and Sen. Bernie Sanders , and there will likely be a recount at the request of Sanders ' campaign .
Buttigieg and Sanders were the top two candidates for Iowa 's state delegate equivalents .
Get ready : Register to voter or check your status here Preliminary results from the caucus did not come in until @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the evening of Feb. 3 .
Now more than two weeks later , the Associated Press has not called a winner in the Iowa race .
Candidates have since competed in New Hampshire and are now moving on to the rest of the early voting states and into Super Tuesday .
As a result of the botched caucus , a number of Democrats , including some former and current presidential candidates , have called into question whether Iowa should hold the first-in-the-nation primary contest .
According to the Nationscape survey , among @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or not at all confident that the Democratic primary was being conducted fairly , a similar percentage said that the process is not biased towards any particular before and after the caucus .
In mid-January , 33 % of Democrats said the primary was not biased toward any candidate .
That number was 37 % when Democrats were asked the same question in the days after the Iowa caucus .
The data from January and February have a margin of error adjusted for design effect of +/- 2.1 percentage points .
Nationscape is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a bipartisan foundation that aims to improve the Democratic process , and researchers from the University of California , Los Angeles .

Survey: Democrats confident the primaries are being conducted fairly despite Iowa caucus debacle
Show Caption Hide Caption What is Super Tuesday and why is it important? A previous version of this video displayed an incorrect date in a graphic. It was 1988 when 14 Southern and border states held their primaries. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
Despite the chaos surrounding Iowa's delayed caucus results, voters' confidence on whether the Democratic primary is being conducted fairly hasn't changed significantly.
More than half of Democrats believe their party's primary is being conducted fairly, according to new data released by Nationscape, a large-scale survey that aims to conduct 500,000 interviews leading up to the 2020 election.
In mid-January, 43% of all people surveyed said they were very or somewhat confident that the Democratic primary was being conducted fairly, including 57% of Democrats, the Nationscape data shows.The data was compiled Jan.16-22 from interviews with 6,395 people.
In the days directly after Iowa, 42% of Americans and 57% of Democrats continued to express their confidence in the fairness of the Democratic primary. That data was compiled Feb.6-13 from interviews with 6,395 people.
More: What the Mike Bloomberg pile-on says about Bernie Sanders' frontrunner status in Nevada – and beyond
Iowa's first-in-the-nation caucus results were delayed due to the software app used to record results malfunctioning. The backup phone hotline was also plagued with calls pranksters, reporters and precinct chairs alike, further delaying the process.
In addition, errors and inconsistencies were found in the caucus data released during the week of the caucus. There has since been a partial recanvass after requests from former mayor Pete Buttigieg and Sen. Bernie Sanders, and there will likely be a recount at the request of Sanders' campaign.
Buttigieg and Sanders were the top two candidates for Iowa's state delegate equivalents.
Get ready: Register to voter or check your status here
Preliminary results from the caucus did not come in until nearly 24 hours after the caucuses began in the evening of Feb. 3. Now more than two weeks later, the Associated Press has not called a winner in the Iowa race. Candidates have since competed in New Hampshire and are now moving on to the rest of the early voting states and into Super Tuesday.
As a result of the botched caucus, a number of Democrats, including some former and current presidential candidates, have called into question whether Iowa should hold the first-in-the-nation primary contest.
According to the Nationscape survey, among those who said they were not too or not at all confident that the Democratic primary was being conducted fairly, a similar percentage said that the process is not biased towards any particular before and after the caucus.
In mid-January, 33% of Democrats said the primary was not biased toward any candidate. That number was 37% when Democrats were asked the same question in the days after the Iowa caucus.
The data from January and February have a margin of error adjusted for design effect of +/- 2.1 percentage points.
Nationscape is a survey conducted by the Democracy Fund, a bipartisan foundation that aims to improve the Democratic process, and researchers from the University of California, Los Angeles.


usatoday--2020-02-21--Michael Bloomberg agrees to release three women from nondisclosure agreements his firm signed over c

WASHINGTON – Two days after political rivals excoriated him about the issue during the debate in Las Vegas , Democratic presidential candidate Michael Bloomberg has agreed to release three women from confidentiality agreements his company signed related to comments they accused him of making .
After refusing on the debate stage to make those `` nondisclosure agreements '' ( NDAs ) public , the former New York City mayor has directed his namesake media company to review the use of such contracts and approve their release .
`` They 've identified 3 NDAs that we signed over the past 30-plus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comments they said I had made , '' the billionaire businessman said in a statement .
`` If any of them want to be released from their NDA so that they can talk about those allegations , they should contact the company and they ’ ll be given a release . ''
Bloomberg said he had done `` a lot of reflecting on this issue over the past few days '' and pledged his company would no longer offer confidentiality agreements to resolve claims of sexual harassment or misconduct .
Nondisclosure agreements are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ businesses to pay employees not to speak about a host off issues including sexual harassment and competitive businessmen practices .
`` I recognize that NDAs , particularly when they are used in the context of sexual harassment and sexual assault , promote a culture of silence in the workplace and contribute to a culture of women not feeling safe or supported , '' he said .
`` It is imperative that when problems occur , workplaces not only address the specific incidents , but the culture and practices that led to those incidents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' His campaign announced the decision to release the women from the agreements Friday afternoon , a day before the Nevada Caucuses .
Nevada debate : Bloomberg attacked , Warren fights back , Sanders holds steady : How each candidate fared in a rowdy debate The billionaire businessman is not competing in Nevada but many political analysts say his shaky performance on the debate stage Wednesday , where he was confronted about the agreements , could stunt his surge in the polls that have been fueled by his aggressive television ad campaign in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during the Las Vegas debate , Sen. Elizabeth Warren , D-Mass.
, pressed Bloomberg about women who worked for him being subject to non-disclosure agreements that made them unable to talk about harassment and abuse in the workplace .
Earlier in the debate , Bloomberg had been asked about some of his past comments about women and the way women were treated at his company .
Caucus explainer : What you need to know about the Nevada Democratic caucuses Bloomberg said his company , Bloomberg LP , had “ no tolerance for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exposed .
And anybody that does anything wrong in our company , we investigate it , and if it 's appropriate , they 're gone that day . ''
“ I hope you heard what his defense was : ‘ I ’ ve been nice to some women , ’ ” Warren shot back .
`` The mayor needs to stand on his record.
” Warren pounces : Warren drafts document for Bloomberg to sign that would release employees from NDAs Both Warren and former Vice President Joe Biden called on Bloomberg to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bloomberg declined .
“ They decided , when they made an agreement , that they wanted to keep it quiet for everyone ’ s interest , ” Bloomberg said .
Reporting by ABC News , The Washington Post and other outlets revealed a history of allegations of sexism , pregnancy discrimination and a hostile work environment in Bloomberg ’ s company .
ABC reported that numerous former employees have filed lawsuits against Bloomberg or Bloomberg LP .
The outlet also reported it had spoken to `` several '' women who feared telling their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not sign an NDA but requested anonymity from ABC , told the outlet she was `` sidelined '' for her pregnancy .
`` Going to work was uncomfortable , everything was awful at that time , '' she said .
`` It was the worst thing that has ever happened to me . ''

Ledyard King and Jeanine Santucci, USA TODAY

Michael Bloomberg agrees to release three women from nondisclosure agreements his firm signed over comments he made
Show Caption Hide Caption Battered by Dem debate, Bloomberg doubles down Analysts say New York billionaire Michael Bloomberg has to find better defenses for his record on race and gender issues as he hits the campaign trail heading to Super Tuesday. (Feb. 21) AP
WASHINGTON – Two days after political rivals excoriated him about the issue during the debate in Las Vegas, Democratic presidential candidate Michael Bloomberg has agreed to release three women from confidentiality agreements his company signed related to comments they accused him of making.
After refusing on the debate stage to make those "nondisclosure agreements" (NDAs) public, the former New York City mayor has directed his namesake media company to review the use of such contracts and approve their release.
"They've identified 3 NDAs that we signed over the past 30-plus years with women to address complaints about comments they said I had made," the billionaire businessman said in a statement. "If any of them want to be released from their NDA so that they can talk about those allegations, they should contact the company and they’ll be given a release."
Bloomberg said he had done "a lot of reflecting on this issue over the past few days" and pledged his company would no longer offer confidentiality agreements to resolve claims of sexual harassment or misconduct. Nondisclosure agreements are a legally binding contract often used by businesses to pay employees not to speak about a host off issues including sexual harassment and competitive business practices.
"I recognize that NDAs, particularly when they are used in the context of sexual harassment and sexual assault, promote a culture of silence in the workplace and contribute to a culture of women not feeling safe or supported," he said. "It is imperative that when problems occur, workplaces not only address the specific incidents, but the culture and practices that led to those incidents. And then leaders must act."
His campaign announced the decision to release the women from the agreements Friday afternoon, a day before the Nevada Caucuses.
Nevada debate: Bloomberg attacked, Warren fights back, Sanders holds steady: How each candidate fared in a rowdy debate
The billionaire businessman is not competing in Nevada but many political analysts say his shaky performance on the debate stage Wednesday, where he was confronted about the agreements, could stunt his surge in the polls that have been fueled by his aggressive television ad campaign in key states.
In a testy exchange during the Las Vegas debate, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., pressed Bloomberg about women who worked for him being subject to non-disclosure agreements that made them unable to talk about harassment and abuse in the workplace. Earlier in the debate, Bloomberg had been asked about some of his past comments about women and the way women were treated at his company.
Caucus explainer: What you need to know about the Nevada Democratic caucuses
Bloomberg said his company, Bloomberg LP, had “no tolerance for the kind of behavior the MeToo movement has exposed. And anybody that does anything wrong in our company, we investigate it, and if it's appropriate, they're gone that day."
“I hope you heard what his defense was: ‘I’ve been nice to some women,’” Warren shot back. "The mayor needs to stand on his record.”
Warren pounces: Warren drafts document for Bloomberg to sign that would release employees from NDAs
Both Warren and former Vice President Joe Biden called on Bloomberg to release women from the non-disclosure agreements. Bloomberg declined.
“They decided, when they made an agreement, that they wanted to keep it quiet for everyone’s interest,” Bloomberg said.
Bloomberg fallout: Mike Bloomberg getting black support despite stop-and-frisk controversy
Reporting by ABC News, The Washington Post and other outlets revealed a history of allegations of sexism, pregnancy discrimination and a hostile work environment in Bloomberg’s company.
ABC reported that numerous former employees have filed lawsuits against Bloomberg or Bloomberg LP. The outlet also reported it had spoken to "several" women who feared telling their stories publicly.
One, who did not sign an NDA but requested anonymity from ABC, told the outlet she was "sidelined" for her pregnancy. "Going to work was uncomfortable, everything was awful at that time," she said. "It was the worst thing that has ever happened to me."


usatoday--2020-02-21--No, you step aside: Democratic competitors 'shocked' by Bloomberg suggesting they leave the race

WASHINGTON – Before former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg joined his fellow presidential hopefuls on the debate stage for the first time Wednesday , his campaign had a not-so-subtle message for the other center-left candidates .
They should stop acting like spoilers and let Bloomberg take on Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders before it ’ s too late to stop him from winning the Democratic nomination .
The argument , laid out in a memo by Bloomberg ’ s campaign aides , didn ’ t go over well .
Former Vice President Joe Biden pointed to a recent NBC News/Wall Street @ @ @ @ @ @ @ best in a matchup against President Donald Trump .
Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar said voters don ’ t “ look at Donald Trump and say , 'We need someone richer in the White House.
’ ” Pete Buttigieg agreed with Bloomberg that there should be one alternative to Sanders , but said he – and not Bloomberg – is the obvious choice “ Maybe he should step aside for the person who ’ s got the most delegates , ” Buttigieg , in a Fox News interview , said of the small lead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Iowa and New Hampshire .
Poll : Trump defeats all 2020 Democrats in Wisconsin but loses in Pennsylvania and Michigan Matt Grossmann , director of Michigan State University ’ s Institute for Public Policy and Social Research , said there ’ s a lot of merit to Bloomberg ’ s argument that Sanders is the most likely nominee , in part because Democrats who want a different candidate haven ’ t coalesced around an alternative .
But that ’ s also because no alternative candidate has a clear case for why it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ putting forward their best argument , ” Grossmann said .
“ None of them sound particularly good to me as to why the other candidates should get out.
” Bloomberg ’ s case , laid out in a memo that was first reported by Axios , is that Sanders could come out of Super Tuesday with an insurmountable lead .
Bloomberg , who is skipping competing in the first four contests but has been spending heavily elsewhere , is best positioned after Sanders to pick up delegates in those states , his aides @ @ @ @ @ @ @ presented himself as the leading alternative to Bernie Sanders , ” campaign manager Kevin Sheekey said in a statement after Wednesday ’ s debate , despite a shaky performance by Bloomberg .
“ It took Mike just three months to build a stronger campaign than the rest of the field had built in more than a year ...
He was just warming up tonight.
” Josh Putnam , a political scientist who writes the blog FrontloadingHQ , which tracks the details of the primary process , said Bloomberg ’ s memo is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But it doesn ’ t take into account how things could change after Nevada ’ s caucuses Saturday or South Carolina ’ s primary at the end of the month .
“ Those events are potentially likely to change the dynamics of the race and change that rosy scenario that the Bloomberg folks painted , ” Putnam said .
“ That ’ s not even counting how things are affected by last night ’ s debate performance.
” Debate fallout : What the Mike Bloomberg pile-on says about Bernie Sanders ' frontrunner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ memo at the beginning of the debate , showed how galling it was to the candidates who have been campaigning for the past year .
“ I don ’ t think that ’ s really the way to make friends and influence people , ” she told Fox News after the debate .
“ I was just shocked ... We ’ ve worked hard .
We ’ ve got strong campaigns.
” Buttigieg countered Bloomberg with his own warning about what could happen if the dynamics of the race don ’ t change @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to wake up as a party , ” he said at the debate .
“ We could wake up two weeks from today , the day after Super Tuesday , and the only candidates left standing will be Bernie Sanders and Mike Bloomberg , the two most polarizing figures on this stage.
” A memo countering Bloomberg 's that Buttigieg ’ s campaign put out Thursday argues Buttigieg is the only candidate who has shown – through his delegate lead from Iowa – that he can beat Sanders .
In the debate , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ best general election candidate because he ’ s a New Yorker .
“ I know how to take on an arrogant conman like Donald Trump that comes from New York , ” Bloomberg said .
Bloomberg entered the race in November after Biden ’ s campaign showed signs of the struggles that became more apparent when he came in fourth in Iowa and fifth in New Hampshire .
Biden had started with the strongest potential coalition – African Americans , white moderates and older voters – to defeat Sanders .
But as Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said , it ’ s unclear whether another candidate can reconstitute that coalition .
And even if all but one center-left candidate left the race , Sanders could still win .
He may be more popular with the most liberal voters but he ’ s not unpopular with moderates , Grossmann said .
“ It ’ s not the case that you just add up the moderates and you get to a potential majority , ” he said .
In fact , a Monmouth University poll released Thursday shows Sanders not only leading @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when pitted solely against Biden , Bloomberg , Buttigieg or Klobuchar .
“ Sanders may get a decent delegate haul in the currently crowded field , ” said Patrick Murray , director of the Monmouth University Polling Institute .
“ But if it comes down to a two-person contest in California , Sanders could rack up two-thirds of available delegates and be well on his way to the nomination.
” The longer the race remains crowded , the more likely it is that no one will amass a majority of delegates before the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that happens , the party officials known as superdelegates would get to vote .
While the superdelegates wouldn ’ t have to back the leading candidate , not doing so could cause an uproar within the party , especially among Sanders ’ supporters .
When the candidates were asked at the debate about the possibility of a contested convention , only one emphasized that the nomination should go to the candidate who showed up with the most votes .
“ I think , ” Sanders said , “ the will of the people @ @ @ @

No, you step aside: Democratic competitors 'shocked' by Bloomberg suggesting they leave the race
Show Caption Hide Caption Michael Bloomberg takes debate stage and brunt of attacks The Democratic Primary Debate in Las Vegas, Nevada featured former NYC mayor Michael Bloomberg, who took the majority of attacks for the evening. USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – Before former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg joined his fellow presidential hopefuls on the debate stage for the first time Wednesday, his campaign had a not-so-subtle message for the other center-left candidates.
They should stop acting like spoilers and let Bloomberg take on Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders before it’s too late to stop him from winning the Democratic nomination.
The argument, laid out in a memo by Bloomberg’s campaign aides, didn’t go over well.
Former Vice President Joe Biden pointed to a recent NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll showing he’d do best in a matchup against President Donald Trump.
Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar said voters don’t “look at Donald Trump and say, 'We need someone richer in the White House.’”
Pete Buttigieg agreed with Bloomberg that there should be one alternative to Sanders, but said he – and not Bloomberg – is the obvious choice
“Maybe he should step aside for the person who’s got the most delegates,” Buttigieg, in a Fox News interview, said of the small lead he has over Sanders from the voting in Iowa and New Hampshire.
Poll: Trump defeats all 2020 Democrats in Wisconsin but loses in Pennsylvania and Michigan
Matt Grossmann, director of Michigan State University’s Institute for Public Policy and Social Research, said there’s a lot of merit to Bloomberg’s argument that Sanders is the most likely nominee, in part because Democrats who want a different candidate haven’t coalesced around an alternative. But that’s also because no alternative candidate has a clear case for why it should be them.
“Everyone is putting forward their best argument,” Grossmann said. “None of them sound particularly good to me as to why the other candidates should get out.”
Bloomberg’s case, laid out in a memo that was first reported by Axios, is that Sanders could come out of Super Tuesday with an insurmountable lead. Bloomberg, who is skipping competing in the first four contests but has been spending heavily elsewhere, is best positioned after Sanders to pick up delegates in those states, his aides argue.
“Today, Mike Bloomberg presented himself as the leading alternative to Bernie Sanders,” campaign manager Kevin Sheekey said in a statement after Wednesday’s debate, despite a shaky performance by Bloomberg. “It took Mike just three months to build a stronger campaign than the rest of the field had built in more than a year...He was just warming up tonight.”
Josh Putnam, a political scientist who writes the blog FrontloadingHQ, which tracks the details of the primary process, said Bloomberg’s memo is a “somewhat convincing” snapshot in time. But it doesn’t take into account how things could change after Nevada’s caucuses Saturday or South Carolina’s primary at the end of the month.
“Those events are potentially likely to change the dynamics of the race and change that rosy scenario that the Bloomberg folks painted,” Putnam said. “That’s not even counting how things are affected by last night’s debate performance.”
Debate fallout: What the Mike Bloomberg pile-on says about Bernie Sanders' frontrunner status
Difference between caucus and primary, explained The 2020 election is nearing and with that, comes the caucuses and primary elections. But what’s the difference? Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
Klobuchar, who brought up the memo at the beginning of the debate, showed how galling it was to the candidates who have been campaigning for the past year.
“I don’t think that’s really the way to make friends and influence people,” she told Fox News after the debate. “I was just shocked ... We’ve worked hard. We’ve got strong campaigns.”
Buttigieg countered Bloomberg with his own warning about what could happen if the dynamics of the race don’t change soon.
“We’ve got to wake up as a party,” he said at the debate. “We could wake up two weeks from today, the day after Super Tuesday, and the only candidates left standing will be Bernie Sanders and Mike Bloomberg, the two most polarizing figures on this stage.”
A memo countering Bloomberg's that Buttigieg’s campaign put out Thursday argues Buttigieg is the only candidate who has shown – through his delegate lead from Iowa – that he can beat Sanders.
In the debate, Bloomberg pitched that he’s the best general election candidate because he’s a New Yorker.
“I know how to take on an arrogant conman like Donald Trump that comes from New York,” Bloomberg said.
Bloomberg entered the race in November after Biden’s campaign showed signs of the struggles that became more apparent when he came in fourth in Iowa and fifth in New Hampshire.
Biden had started with the strongest potential coalition – African Americans, white moderates and older voters – to defeat Sanders. But as Biden’s support has dropped, Grossmann said, it’s unclear whether another candidate can reconstitute that coalition.
And even if all but one center-left candidate left the race, Sanders could still win. He may be more popular with the most liberal voters but he’s not unpopular with moderates, Grossmann said.
“It’s not the case that you just add up the moderates and you get to a potential majority,” he said.
In fact, a Monmouth University poll released Thursday shows Sanders not only leading in California, but growing his support when pitted solely against Biden, Bloomberg, Buttigieg or Klobuchar.
“Sanders may get a decent delegate haul in the currently crowded field,” said Patrick Murray, director of the Monmouth University Polling Institute. “But if it comes down to a two-person contest in California, Sanders could rack up two-thirds of available delegates and be well on his way to the nomination.”
The longer the race remains crowded, the more likely it is that no one will amass a majority of delegates before the party’s July convention. If that happens, the party officials known as superdelegates would get to vote.
While the superdelegates wouldn’t have to back the leading candidate, not doing so could cause an uproar within the party, especially among Sanders’ supporters.
When the candidates were asked at the debate about the possibility of a contested convention, only one emphasized that the nomination should go to the candidate who showed up with the most votes.
“I think,” Sanders said, “the will of the people should prevail.”
California poll: Bernie Sanders surging ahead of the pack


usatoday--2020-02-22--Man tied to former Rep. Katie Hill's campaign arrested for hacking website of opponent in 2018

Federal agents arrested a man in California on Friday on a charge of computer hacking for attacks that disrupted the website of a California Democratic congressional candidate in 2018 .
The man , Arthur Dam , is married to a former fundraiser for the campaign of former Rep. Katie Hill , who won the race for California 's 25th District , according to a criminal complaint .
Hill later resigned from office after nude photos of her were published on a conservative blog and allegations surfaced of an inappropriate relationship with staffers .
Dam is accused of conducting Distributed Denial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's opponents .
In such an attack , a website is overloaded with traffic , causing it to crash and go offline .
Hill said she was “ surprised and disturbed ” by the news .
`` I have no information or knowledge about any of the conduct alleged , '' she said in a written statement .
`` These charges do not reflect in any way on the thousands of honest , hard-working staff , volunteers and supporters who worked on my campaign , to whom I owe so much . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 25,000 bond , with an arraignment set for March 19 , according to the Central District of California U.S. Attorney 's Office .
USA TODAY has reached out to his lawyer .
The criminal complaint says the attacks were traced to Dam 's Amazon Web Services account , which he logged into at the time of the attacks .
Federal Election Commission records show Dam donated hundreds of dollars to Hill 's campaign , including one contribution with a memo line reading , `` In kind : Graphic design and website security consultation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' : California Rep. Katie Hill gives final speech in Congress Democrat Bryan Caforio , a California attorney who lost to Hill in the primary by less than 3,000 votes , said he was the target of the attacks .
Reports at the time said his website was compromised during a candidate debate , which the complaint notes .
The four attacks took down the website for a total of about 21 hours , according to the complaint .
`` The Victim reported suffering losses , including website downtime , a reduction in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign staff and others conducting critical incident response , '' the complaint reads .
Caforio told USA TODAY that he cooperated with the FBI investigation .
He said he was `` shocked and saddened '' to learn who the FBI says was responsible .
`` Of course , what was on everybody 's minds after 2016 was Russia , '' Caforio said , referring to his reaction at the time .
`` It 's really disappointing to see that this actually is traced back to a Democrat , and it 's really a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russia who 's a threat to our democracy .
`` There are bad actors on all sides who are willing to do anything for their own personal gain , and we need to come together as Americans to defend our country . ''
The criminal complaint alleges that the URLs sending the traffic to Caforio 's website appeared to come from USA TODAY , Google and Engadget , `` all of which are legitimate information companies . ''
But the referring URLs on those sites did n't exist , suggesting they were spoofed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sure whether his website 's downtime contributed to his narrow loss in the primary , but he said his campaign spent significant resources trying to address the issue .
`` You never know what ultimately made the final difference , '' he said .
`` At key parts of the election , our campaign was spending days and resources not talking to voters , but dealing with this criminal attack . ''
California 's 25th District encompasses parts of northern Los Angeles County and extends into Ventura County .
It was represented by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Hill 's 2018 victory , in what was considered a swing district race .

Jeanine Santucci and Nicholas Wu, USA TODAY

Man tied to former Rep. Katie Hill's campaign arrested for hacking website of opponent in 2018
Show Caption Hide Caption Katie Hill gives final Congress speech after announcing resignation Katie Hill, a Democrat from California's 25th district, resigned following allegations she had an inappropriate sexual relationship with staffers. USA TODAY
Federal agents arrested a man in California on Friday on a charge of computer hacking for attacks that disrupted the website of a California Democratic congressional candidate in 2018.
The man, Arthur Dam, is married to a former fundraiser for the campaign of former Rep. Katie Hill, who won the race for California's 25th District, according to a criminal complaint.
Hill later resigned from office after nude photos of her were published on a conservative blog and allegations surfaced of an inappropriate relationship with staffers.
Dam is accused of conducting Distributed Denial of Service attacks against one of Hill's opponents. In such an attack, a website is overloaded with traffic, causing it to crash and go offline.
Hill said she was “surprised and disturbed” by the news.
"I have no information or knowledge about any of the conduct alleged," she said in a written statement. "These charges do not reflect in any way on the thousands of honest, hard-working staff, volunteers and supporters who worked on my campaign, to whom I owe so much."
Dam is being released on a $25,000 bond, with an arraignment set for March 19, according to the Central District of California U.S. Attorney's Office. USA TODAY has reached out to his lawyer.
The criminal complaint says the attacks were traced to Dam's Amazon Web Services account, which he logged into at the time of the attacks.
Federal Election Commission records show Dam donated hundreds of dollars to Hill's campaign, including one contribution with a memo line reading, "In kind: Graphic design and website security consultation."
Leaving because of 'double standard': California Rep. Katie Hill gives final speech in Congress
Democrat Bryan Caforio, a California attorney who lost to Hill in the primary by less than 3,000 votes, said he was the target of the attacks. Reports at the time said his website was compromised during a candidate debate, which the complaint notes.
The four attacks took down the website for a total of about 21 hours, according to the complaint.
"The Victim reported suffering losses, including website downtime, a reduction in campaign donations, and time spent by campaign staff and others conducting critical incident response," the complaint reads.
Caforio told USA TODAY that he cooperated with the FBI investigation. He said he was "shocked and saddened" to learn who the FBI says was responsible.
"Of course, what was on everybody's minds after 2016 was Russia," Caforio said, referring to his reaction at the time. "It's really disappointing to see that this actually is traced back to a Democrat, and it's really a somber reminder that it isn't just Russia who's a threat to our democracy.
"There are bad actors on all sides who are willing to do anything for their own personal gain, and we need to come together as Americans to defend our country."
The criminal complaint alleges that the URLs sending the traffic to Caforio's website appeared to come from USA TODAY, Google and Engadget, "all of which are legitimate information companies." But the referring URLs on those sites didn't exist, suggesting they were spoofed.
Caforio said he can't be sure whether his website's downtime contributed to his narrow loss in the primary, but he said his campaign spent significant resources trying to address the issue.
"You never know what ultimately made the final difference," he said. "At key parts of the election, our campaign was spending days and resources not talking to voters, but dealing with this criminal attack."
California's 25th District encompasses parts of northern Los Angeles County and extends into Ventura County. It was represented by Republicans for more than two decades prior to Hill's 2018 victory, in what was considered a swing district race.


usatoday--2020-02-22--Michael Bloomberg agrees to release three women from nondisclosure agreements his firm signed over c

WASHINGTON – Two days after political rivals excoriated him about the issue during the debate in Las Vegas , Democratic presidential candidate Michael Bloomberg has agreed to release three women from confidentiality agreements his company signed related to comments they accused him of making .
After refusing on the debate stage to make those `` nondisclosure agreements '' ( NDAs ) public , the former New York City mayor has directed his namesake media company to review the use of such contracts and approve their release .
`` They 've identified 3 NDAs that we signed over the past 30-plus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comments they said I had made , '' the billionaire businessman said in a statement .
`` If any of them want to be released from their NDA so that they can talk about those allegations , they should contact the company and they ’ ll be given a release . ''
Bloomberg said he had done `` a lot of reflecting on this issue over the past few days '' and pledged his company would no longer offer confidentiality agreements to resolve claims of sexual harassment or misconduct .
Nondisclosure agreements are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ businesses to pay employees not to speak about a host off issues including sexual harassment and competitive business practices .
`` I recognize that NDAs , particularly when they are used in the context of sexual harassment and sexual assault , promote a culture of silence in the workplace and contribute to a culture of women not feeling safe or supported , '' he said .
`` It is imperative that when problems occur , workplaces not only address the specific incidents , but the culture and practices that led to those incidents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' His campaign announced the decision to release the women from the agreements Friday afternoon , a day before the Nevada Caucuses .
Nevada debate : Bloomberg attacked , Warren fights back , Sanders holds steady : How each candidate fared in a rowdy debate The billionaire businessman is not competing in Nevada but many political analysts say his shaky performance on the debate stage Wednesday , where he was confronted about the agreements , could stunt his surge in the polls that have been fueled by his aggressive television ad campaign in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during the Las Vegas debate , Sen. Elizabeth Warren , D-Mass.
, pressed Bloomberg about women who worked for him being subject to non-disclosure agreements that made them unable to talk about harassment and abuse in the workplace .
Earlier in the debate , Bloomberg had been asked about some of his past comments about women and the way women were treated at his company .
Caucus explainer : What you need to know about the Nevada Democratic caucuses Bloomberg said his company , Bloomberg LP , had “ no tolerance for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exposed .
And anybody that does anything wrong in our company , we investigate it , and if it 's appropriate , they 're gone that day . ''
“ I hope you heard what his defense was : ‘ I ’ ve been nice to some women , ’ ” Warren shot back .
`` The mayor needs to stand on his record.
” Warren pounces : Warren drafts document for Bloomberg to sign that would release employees from NDAs Both Warren and former Vice President Joe Biden called on Bloomberg to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bloomberg declined .
“ They decided , when they made an agreement , that they wanted to keep it quiet for everyone ’ s interest , ” Bloomberg said .
Reporting by ABC News , The Washington Post and other outlets revealed a history of allegations of sexism , pregnancy discrimination and a hostile work environment in Bloomberg ’ s company .
ABC reported that numerous former employees have filed lawsuits against Bloomberg or Bloomberg LP .
The outlet also reported it had spoken to `` several '' women who feared telling their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not sign an NDA but requested anonymity from ABC , told the outlet she was `` sidelined '' for her pregnancy .
`` Going to work was uncomfortable , everything was awful at that time , '' she said .
`` It was the worst thing that has ever happened to me . ''


usatoday--2020-02-22--Nevada caucus results don't mean victory, or defeat, but may indicate lifespan

Nevada caucus results mean viability more than victory Nevada caucus results are not about numbers , but momentum , and @ @ @ @ @ candidate can win the national Democratic base .

Nevada caucus results mean viability more than victory
Nevada caucus results are not about numbers, but momentum, and making a case that a candidate can win the national Democratic base.
Hannah Gaber, USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-02-22--Latino caucus-goers overwhelmingly supported Bernie Sanders in Nevada, according to entrance polls

WASHINGTON – Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders is trouncing other candidates with Latino and Hispanic caucus-goers in Nevada , according to NBC News entrance polling results that showed him with 53 % of the vote with that demographic in the seven-person race .
Sanders has a large lead in the Nevada caucus with 3.1 % of precincts reporting .
The entrance polls showed former Vice President Joe Biden at 16 % of the Latino and Hispanic vote , former South Bend , Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg at 9 % , billionaire activist Tom Steyer with 8 % and Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sanders leads among nonwhite voters as well .
Nevada , the third state to vote , is the first with a significant minority population .
About three in 10 Nevadans are Latinos , 10 % of the population is black , and 10 % is Asian American and Pacific Islander .
Not sure if you ’ re registered to vote ?
: Check here so you can Caucus .
The entrance polls showed that about one in five Nevada caucus-goers is Latino , and that Latino caucus-goers are younger and less likely to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ counterparts .
More than half are younger than 45 years old , and 63 % of 2020 Latino caucus-goers said in entrance polls they were attending their first caucuses .
Latino caucus-goers were also more likely to support Medicare for All , one of Sanders ’ flagship policy proposals .
And of the Latinos who identify as moderate or conservative , 47 % supported Sanders ; his closest rival for this subset of Latino voters is Biden , who trails at 19 % .
During the campaign for the Nevada caucus , Sanders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fact that the powerful Culinary Union , the state ’ s largest labor organization , had criticized Medicare for All , warning that workers would have to give up their hard-fought health care benefits for coverage that might not be as good .
But the Culinary Union ultimately decided not to endorse a candidate in the Nevada caucus .
In 2016 , Sanders also led among Latino voters with 53 % to Hillary Clinton ’ s 45 % , according to entrance polling .

Sanders wins Nevada and also trounces competitors with Latino and Hispanic caucus-goers
Show Caption Hide Caption Nevada caucus results mean viability more than victory Nevada caucus results are not about numbers, but momentum, and making a case that a candidate can win the national Democratic base. Hannah Gaber, USA TODAY
Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders won the Nevada caucuses, accelerating the momentum and strengthening his position heading into next week’s primary in South Carolina and the March 3 Super Tuesday contests.
He also showed his strength with minority voters.
In entrance polls, he was trouncing other candidates with Latino and Hispanic caucus-goers in Nevada, according to NBC News entrance polling results that showed him with 53% of the vote with that demographic in the seven-person race.
The entrance polls showed former Vice President Joe Biden at 16% of the Latino and Hispanic vote, former South Bend, Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg at 9%, billionaire activist Tom Steyer with 8% and Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren with 7%.
Overall, Sanders leads among nonwhite voters as well. Nevada, the third state to vote, is the first with a significant minority population. About three in 10 Nevadans are Latinos, 10% of the population is black, and 10% is Asian American and Pacific Islander.
Not sure if you’re registered to vote?: Check here so you can cast a ballot
The entrance polls showed that about one in five Nevada caucus-goers is Latino, and that Latino caucus-goers are younger and less likely to hold a college degree than their white counterparts. More than half are younger than 45 years old, and 63% of 2020 Latino caucus-goers said in entrance polls they were attending their first caucuses.
Difference between caucus and primary, explained The 2020 election is nearing and with that, comes the caucuses and primary elections. But what’s the difference? Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
Latino caucus-goers were also more likely to support Medicare for All, one of Sanders’ flagship policy proposals. And of the Latinos who identify as moderate or conservative, 47% supported Sanders; his closest rival for this subset of Latino voters is Biden, who trails at 19%.
During the campaign for the Nevada caucus, Sanders' rivals sought to benefit from the fact that the powerful Culinary Union, the state’s largest labor organization, had criticized Medicare for All, warning that workers would have to give up their hard-fought health care benefits for coverage that might not be as good.
But the Culinary Union ultimately decided not to endorse a candidate in the Nevada caucus.
In 2016, Sanders also led among Latino voters with 53% to Hillary Clinton’s 45%, according to entrance polling.


usatoday--2020-02-22--Inside a Nevada Democratic caucus: Cookies, calm and no Iowa-level data malfunctions

CARSON CITY , Nev. — Democracy was on full display in Nevada 's state capital Saturday .
Despite fears of an Iowa-style meltdown , caucusgoers here enjoyed a caucus experience that largely was low on technological glitches and high on spirited discussions .
“ Hanging out here this morning , we have had some wonderful debates with Bernie ( Sanders ) supporters and we all agreed that the number one goal is to beat Donald Trump in November , ” said Jamie Hutchinson , a precinct captain who supported former mayor Pete Buttigieg .
Hutchinson spent her day at Eagle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ caucus locations in this town of 55,000 that is just south of Reno and east of Lake Tahoe .
As with Eagle Valley , Carson Middle School and Pioneer High School had no lines as doors opened to caucus voters around 10 a.m. PT .
That stands in stark contrast with reports from caucus veterans here who say lines in 2016 wrapped around the block and lasted hours , causing some people to give up .
This year , Nevada allowed early voting , which wound up accounting for some 75,000 votes , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in total four years ago .
Supporters of a range of Democratic candidates set up shop in the early chill , some offering coffee and donuts along with T-shirts and signs .
Unlike a simple private primary vote , caucusing amounts to a gathering of neighbors aligned by precincts .
During the actual caucus — which as anticipated lasted from noon to 2 p.m. PT — caucusgoers have the opportunity to try to convince supporters of less viable candidates to align with theirs .
But passions ran hot among those hoping to capture @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We are talking to people who maybe are n't sure who to vote for yet , giving them the message that with his entrepreneurial background , Tom is the best person to take on Trump and the economy , '' said Ivet Contreras , Nevada press secretary for billionaire businessman Tom Steyer .
Brandishing cookies and buttons outside Eagle Valley Middle School , Contreras and her team had just finished giving a hug to 92-year-old Hal Sayler .
“ I like that Steyer supports term limits , ” said Sayler , sporting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those guys in Washington worry about is getting reelected , while they ’ re there spending our money.
” Sayler , who served in the military everywhere from Hawaii to Alaska before turning to a career in education , added that he was “ tired of corporations running the show and making politicians millionaires.
” Asked why Steyer and not some of the other Democrats who have found more success with voters so far , such as Sanders , Sayler said someone like the Vermont senator was “ a bit too far to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the school caucus site , Justin Vest , a precinct captain for Sanders , dismissed the concern that if Sanders wins the Democratic nomination Republicans would derail his bid by seizing on the senator ’ s most liberal views .
“ I think if you look at younger voters they ’ re going to look at his positions on climate change and the economy and the whole socialist label will fall flat , ” Sayler said .
Bundled up against the cold as she waited for the caucus site doors to open at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a middle school teacher who was acting Saturday as precinct lead for the campaign of Pete Buttigieg .
Jensick had already made her caucus preference days before but agreed to help when the campaign said it needed her .
“ On election night in 2016 , I cried ” when President Donald Trump was elected , Jensick said .
“ I was raised believing that we are all in this together , on a community level , state level , national level and world level , '' she said .
`` But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Washington today understand what it means to truly be a citizen .
It seems to just be all about , what can you do for me ?
” Although she is a lifelong Democrat , she admits that she has not yet put a bumper sticker on her car that still sits in her kitchen reading , “ Proud Democrat.
” She says that 's because of the party allowing former New York mayor Mike Bloomberg to jump into the race late on the back of millions of dollars of campaign advertising @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the White House to be bought , ” she said as the doors opened to let caucusgoers inside .
`` Is there going to be heat in there ? ''
she asked as others cheered .
At Carson Middle School , a woman who previously had been sitting with caucusing Nevadans , stood in silence in the makeshift “ Observers ” section of the gym .
Asked why she ’ d left the group , Erin Epperson smiled and whispered , “ Shhh , I ’ m a Republican . ''
Epperson , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with her Democrat boyfriend – the two work at the same small manufacturing company in Carson City and have been dating since before Trump took office .
She says she and her boyfriend differ in many ways – he ’ s an atheist and she ’ s a practicing Christian – but have learned to manage the vast political gap between them .
“ He likes Bernie Sanders , because the idealistic side of him that I love wants fairness for all people , ” says Epperson .
“ I ’ m glad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
As for us , we have learned to manage , otherwise we would be fighting all the time and who wants to do that.
” Not sure if you ’ re registered to vote ?
: Check here so you can Caucus .
She says she ’ s not a fan on Sanders ' more socialist policies as that approach “ doesn ’ t let people stand up for themselves.
” For Epperson , her support of Trump boils down to one word : economics .
She calls herself “ a capitalist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says she appreciates how things have been going financially .
“ And I like his brashness , I ’ ll admit it .
But he can also seem like a blustering idiot.
” As the actual caucus got underway , a far more grassroots version of the electoral process took shape .
After an initial grouping that saw people select their first choice , volunteers carefully explained that those candidates who received too few votes were deemed not viable .
Those caucusgoers then had a chance to switch groups , selecting a candidate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There were the inevitable delays , as precinct captains reiterated how the rules worked and some caucusgoers grumbled about the process .
When it came to tabulating results , some captains found there were issues with the iPads issued by the state 's Democratic party : They were having a tough time getting reception inside the schools .
But there was hand-tabulating going on as well , and eventually votes were tallied as a picture began to take shape of who Democrats in this state would like in the White House next year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 23-year-old Sydney Fillippini , who was practically skipping out of Carson Middle School as the proceedings came to a close .
`` This was just amazing , it was a place your opinion mattered compared to the voting booths where you hide your face , '' she said .
`` This is all about being loud and proud , and that 's what Nevada is , loud and proud . ''
Fillippini says she supports Sanders , for whom she canvassed last summer , even getting a milkshake thrown at her by a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ volunteering , and would love to be a delegate from the state at the national convention .
Fillippini says she 's a cancer survivor , and is particularly moved by Sanders ' MediCare for All plan .
`` I 'm tired of having a panic attack every month , worried that I wo n't have the medications that I need , '' she says .
`` This election is about the young in particular .
Because it 's our future on the line , so why not get involved and take control .
@

Inside a Nevada Democratic caucus: Cookies, calm and no Iowa-level data malfunctions
Show Caption Hide Caption Nevada caucus results mean viability more than victory Nevada caucus results are not about numbers, but momentum, and making a case that a candidate can win the national Democratic base. Hannah Gaber, USA TODAY
CARSON CITY, Nev. — Democracy was on full display in Nevada's state capital Saturday. Despite fears of an Iowa-style meltdown, caucusgoers here enjoyed a caucus experience that largely was low on technological glitches and high on spirited discussions.
“Hanging out here this morning, we have had some wonderful debates with Bernie (Sanders) supporters and we all agreed that the number one goal is to beat Donald Trump in November,” said Jamie Hutchinson, a precinct captain who supported former mayor Pete Buttigieg.
Hutchinson spent her day at Eagle Valley Middle School, one of three caucus locations in this town of 55,000 that is just south of Reno and east of Lake Tahoe. As with Eagle Valley, Carson Middle School and Pioneer High School had no lines as doors opened to caucus voters around 10 a.m. PT.
That stands in stark contrast with reports from caucus veterans here who say lines in 2016 wrapped around the block and lasted hours, causing some people to give up. This year, Nevada allowed early voting, which wound up accounting for some 75,000 votes, in contrast to the 84,000 who caucused in total four years ago.
Supporters of a range of Democratic candidates set up shop in the early chill, some offering coffee and donuts along with T-shirts and signs.
Unlike a simple private primary vote, caucusing amounts to a gathering of neighbors aligned by precincts. During the actual caucus — which as anticipated lasted from noon to 2 p.m. PT — caucusgoers have the opportunity to try to convince supporters of less viable candidates to align with theirs.
But passions ran hot among those hoping to capture any last minute hearts and minds.
Nevada Democratic Caucus Results: Follow live updates from the Nevada Democratic caucuses
"We are talking to people who maybe aren't sure who to vote for yet, giving them the message that with his entrepreneurial background, Tom is the best person to take on Trump and the economy," said Ivet Contreras, Nevada press secretary for billionaire businessman Tom Steyer.
Brandishing cookies and buttons outside Eagle Valley Middle School, Contreras and her team had just finished giving a hug to 92-year-old Hal Sayler. “I like that Steyer supports term limits,” said Sayler, sporting a Navy veteran hat. “All those guys in Washington worry about is getting reelected, while they’re there spending our money.”
Sayler, who served in the military everywhere from Hawaii to Alaska before turning to a career in education, added that he was “tired of corporations running the show and making politicians millionaires.”
Asked why Steyer and not some of the other Democrats who have found more success with voters so far, such as Sanders, Sayler said someone like the Vermont senator was “a bit too far to the left.”
Live blog: Sen. Bernie Sanders holds double-digit lead in early Nevada caucus results
As Sayler walked inside the school caucus site, Justin Vest, a precinct captain for Sanders, dismissed the concern that if Sanders wins the Democratic nomination Republicans would derail his bid by seizing on the senator’s most liberal views.
“I think if you look at younger voters they’re going to look at his positions on climate change and the economy and the whole socialist label will fall flat,” Sayler said.
Bundled up against the cold as she waited for the caucus site doors to open at Pioneer High was Alyssa Jensick, 45, a middle school teacher who was acting Saturday as precinct lead for the campaign of Pete Buttigieg.
Jensick had already made her caucus preference days before but agreed to help when the campaign said it needed her. “On election night in 2016, I cried” when President Donald Trump was elected, Jensick said.
“I was raised believing that we are all in this together, on a community level, state level, national level and world level," she said. "But I don’t feel that many in Washington today understand what it means to truly be a citizen. It seems to just be all about, what can you do for me?”
Although she is a lifelong Democrat, she admits that she has not yet put a bumper sticker on her car that still sits in her kitchen reading, “Proud Democrat.”
She says that's because of the party allowing former New York mayor Mike Bloomberg to jump into the race late on the back of millions of dollars of campaign advertising. “I don’t want the White House to be bought,” she said as the doors opened to let caucusgoers inside. "Is there going to be heat in there?" she asked as others cheered.
At Carson Middle School, a woman who previously had been sitting with caucusing Nevadans, stood in silence in the makeshift “Observers” section of the gym. Asked why she’d left the group, Erin Epperson smiled and whispered, “Shhh, I’m a Republican."
Epperson, 39, had come to the school with her Democrat boyfriend – the two work at the same small manufacturing company in Carson City and have been dating since before Trump took office. She says she and her boyfriend differ in many ways – he’s an atheist and she’s a practicing Christian – but have learned to manage the vast political gap between them.
“He likes Bernie Sanders, because the idealistic side of him that I love wants fairness for all people,” says Epperson. “I’m glad he’s participating in this process. As for us, we have learned to manage, otherwise we would be fighting all the time and who wants to do that.”
Not sure if you’re registered to vote?: Check here so you can Caucus.
She says she’s not a fan on Sanders' more socialist policies as that approach “doesn’t let people stand up for themselves.”
For Epperson, her support of Trump boils down to one word: economics. She calls herself “a capitalist, I have stocks,” and says she appreciates how things have been going financially. “And I like his brashness, I’ll admit it. But he can also seem like a blustering idiot.”
As the actual caucus got underway, a far more grassroots version of the electoral process took shape. After an initial grouping that saw people select their first choice, volunteers carefully explained that those candidates who received too few votes were deemed not viable. Those caucusgoers then had a chance to switch groups, selecting a candidate that had hit the viability threshold.
There were the inevitable delays, as precinct captains reiterated how the rules worked and some caucusgoers grumbled about the process. When it came to tabulating results, some captains found there were issues with the iPads issued by the state's Democratic party: They were having a tough time getting reception inside the schools.
But there was hand-tabulating going on as well, and eventually votes were tallied as a picture began to take shape of who Democrats in this state would like in the White House next year.
Difference between caucus and primary, explained The 2020 election is nearing and with that, comes the caucuses and primary elections. But what’s the difference? Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
This caucus was the first-ever for 23-year-old Sydney Fillippini, who was practically skipping out of Carson Middle School as the proceedings came to a close.
"This was just amazing, it was a place your opinion mattered compared to the voting booths where you hide your face," she said. "This is all about being loud and proud, and that's what Nevada is, loud and proud."
Fillippini says she supports Sanders, for whom she canvassed last summer, even getting a milkshake thrown at her by a Trump supporter. She plans to keep volunteering, and would love to be a delegate from the state at the national convention. Fillippini says she's a cancer survivor, and is particularly moved by Sanders' MediCare for All plan.
"I'm tired of having a panic attack every month, worried that I won't have the medications that I need," she says. "This election is about the young in particular. Because it's our future on the line, so why not get involved and take control."
Follow USA TODAY national correspondent Marco della Cava: @marcodellacava


usatoday--2020-02-22--How do you break a tie in the Nevada caucuses? Drawing cards from a deck

TYSONS CORNER , Va. – Precinct captains in Nevada have been provided with a unique piece of equipment to break ties in Saturday 's caucuses – a deck of cards .
According to the Nevada Democratic Party , if two caucus groups are tied , each group will “ draw a single card from a deck of cards to break the tie.
” The high card decides the winner , with aces high .
If the same ranked card is drawn , then the suit determines the higher card , going from the highest to lowest suit : spades , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ card are drawn , Every deck must be shuffled at least seven times by a precinct chair or site captain .
Caucus live updates : Elizabeth Warren campaign says it doubled fundraising goal ahead of Nevada caucuses All jokers or direction cards must be removed from the deck before it can be used .
After the card draws are completed , the result , as well as the cards drawn , are to be `` recorded and reported to the Nevada State Democratic Party . ''
The Nevada caucuses have been using decks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the party says .
The Iowa caucuses had a similarly scientific way of breaking ties – a coin toss , though few races were actually decided by the toss .
Thirty-six delegates will be allocated by today 's caucuses , and Sen. Bernie Sanders , I-Vt. , has led in polling averages of the state .
Want to talk more about politics ?
: Join our Facebook group : ‘ Across the Aisle , Across the Nation .
’

How do you break a tie in the Nevada caucuses? Drawing cards from a deck
Show Caption Hide Caption Difference between caucus and primary, explained The 2020 election is nearing and with that, comes the caucuses and primary elections. But what’s the difference? Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
TYSONS CORNER, Va. – Precinct captains in Nevada have been provided with a unique piece of equipment to break ties in Saturday's caucuses – a deck of cards.
According to the Nevada Democratic Party, if two caucus groups are tied, each group will “draw a single card from a deck of cards to break the tie.”
The high card decides the winner, with aces high. If the same ranked card is drawn, then the suit determines the higher card, going from the highest to lowest suit: spades, hearts, diamonds, clubs.
Before card are drawn, Every deck must be shuffled at least seven times by a precinct chair or site captain.
Caucus live updates: Elizabeth Warren campaign says it doubled fundraising goal ahead of Nevada caucuses
All jokers or direction cards must be removed from the deck before it can be used.
After the card draws are completed, the result, as well as the cards drawn, are to be "recorded and reported to the Nevada State Democratic Party."
The Nevada caucuses have been using decks of cards to break ties since 2008, the party says.
The Iowa caucuses had a similarly scientific way of breaking ties – a coin toss, though few races were actually decided by the toss.
Thirty-six delegates will be allocated by today's caucuses, and Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., has led in polling averages of the state.
Want to talk more about politics?: Join our Facebook group: ‘Across the Aisle, Across the Nation.’


usatoday--2020-02-22--Blagojevich calling himself a political prisoner is 'nuts,' Cooper says in heated interview

Ex-Illinois Gov .
Rod Blagojevich again proclaimed himself a `` political prisoner '' Friday night in a heated interview with CNN 's Anderson Cooper .
Blagojevich , a one-time contestant on `` The Celebrity Apprentice , '' was convicted in 2011 of federal charges of using his powers as governor to extract campaign money and other political favors in exchange for naming a successor to fill the Illinois Senate seat left open when Barack Obama became president .
Blagojevich walked out of federal prison Tuesday after President Donald Trump commuted his 14-year sentence .
He served nearly eight years .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Blagojevich said on CNN , echoing claims he made earlier in the week .
`` Wait a minute , you 're a political prisoner ?
Nelson Mandela was a political prisoner .
Political prisoners have no due process and are unjustly jailed , '' Cooper said .
`` You 're hardly a political prisoner . ''
Blagojevich was charged with corruption and removed from office in 2009 by a unanimous vote in the Illinois Senate .
He was indicted by a federal grand jury and convicted in 2011 on 17 charges , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospital for contributions .
In 2015 , he appealed his case to the Seventh Circuit in Chicago , which called the evidence against him `` overwhelming . ''
The Supreme Court twice denied to take up Blagojevich 's appeal .
Nelson Mandela , the former president of South Africa , spent 27 years in prison for fighting apartheid and won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 .
Blagojevich responded to Cooper by saying that Mandela had , in fact , been convicted in a court of law .
Cooper fired back that Mandela @ @ @ @ @ @ @ apartheid government , and not a jury of his peers . ''
`` As someone who 's worked in South Africa and saw apartheid , the idea that you are comparing yourself to somebody that has actually been railroaded by an apartheid system , it just nuts and , frankly , offensive , '' Cooper said .
Blagojevich repeatedly said Cooper was `` putting words in his mouth . ''
He claimed that he was sent to prison by `` a handful of corrupt prosecutors who were abusing their power . ''
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nearly eight years in prison for practicing politics – for seeking campaign contributions without a quid pro quo , '' Blagojevich said .
Blagojevich compared the investigation of his case to `` a dirty cop planting a murder weapon . ''
Cooper pressed Blagojevich to admit guilt , but Blagojevich maintained his innocence .
`` You got out .
You do have an obligation to at least admit what you did wrong , and you refuse to do that .
And you 're creating a whole new alternate universe of facts , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ four people to receive commutations , or reduced prison sentences , from the president this week .
Trump granted pardons to seven others .
Some had political ties to the president 's allies ; others have become advocates for changing the criminal justice system .
Trump clemency spree : Who got pardoned , who got shorter prison sentences ?

Blagojevich calling himself a political prisoner is 'nuts,' Cooper says in heated interview
Show Caption Hide Caption Blagojevich: Says he's a 'Trumpocrat' after Trump commutes sentence Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, who was convicted in 2011 of trying to sell Barack Obama's Senate seat, received a commutation from Pres. Trump. USA TODAY
Ex-Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich again proclaimed himself a "political prisoner" Friday night in a heated interview with CNN's Anderson Cooper.
Blagojevich, a one-time contestant on "The Celebrity Apprentice," was convicted in 2011 of federal charges of using his powers as governor to extract campaign money and other political favors in exchange for naming a successor to fill the Illinois Senate seat left open when Barack Obama became president.
Blagojevich walked out of federal prison Tuesday after President Donald Trump commuted his 14-year sentence. He served nearly eight years.
"I am a political prisoner," Blagojevich said on CNN, echoing claims he made earlier in the week.
Cooper wasn't having it.
"Wait a minute, you're a political prisoner? Nelson Mandela was a political prisoner. Political prisoners have no due process and are unjustly jailed," Cooper said. "You're hardly a political prisoner."
Blagojevich was charged with corruption and removed from office in 2009 by a unanimous vote in the Illinois Senate. He was indicted by a federal grand jury and convicted in 2011 on 17 charges, including trying to extort a children's hospital for contributions. In 2015, he appealed his case to the Seventh Circuit in Chicago, which called the evidence against him "overwhelming." The Supreme Court twice denied to take up Blagojevich's appeal.
Nelson Mandela, the former president of South Africa, spent 27 years in prison for fighting apartheid and won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993.
'Freed political prisoner': Rod Blagojevich speaks after Trump commutes sentence
Blagojevich responded to Cooper by saying that Mandela had, in fact, been convicted in a court of law. Cooper fired back that Mandela had been convicted "by a racist apartheid government, and not a jury of his peers."
"As someone who's worked in South Africa and saw apartheid, the idea that you are comparing yourself to somebody that has actually been railroaded by an apartheid system, it just nuts and, frankly, offensive," Cooper said.
Blagojevich repeatedly said Cooper was "putting words in his mouth." He claimed that he was sent to prison by "a handful of corrupt prosecutors who were abusing their power."
"I was thrown in prison and spent nearly eight years in prison for practicing politics – for seeking campaign contributions without a quid pro quo," Blagojevich said.
Blagojevich compared the investigation of his case to "a dirty cop planting a murder weapon."
Cooper pressed Blagojevich to admit guilt, but Blagojevich maintained his innocence.
"You got out. You do have an obligation to at least admit what you did wrong, and you refuse to do that. And you're creating a whole new alternate universe of facts," Cooper said.
Blagojevich was one of four people to receive commutations, or reduced prison sentences, from the president this week. Trump granted pardons to seven others. Some had political ties to the president's allies; others have become advocates for changing the criminal justice system.
Trump clemency spree: Who got pardoned, who got shorter prison sentences?
Follow Grace Hauck on Twitter @grace_hauck.


usatoday--2020-02-23--Pete Buttigieg left Nevada gunning for Bernie Sanders before it's too late

WASHINGTON – Pete Buttigieg went hard after Bernie Sanders Saturday night , stepping up his recent criticisms as the window narrows for another Democratic hopeful to stop Sanders from getting the nomination .
In remarks after Sanders dominated the Nevada caucuses , Buttigieg said the only way Democrats can deliver on the progressive changes the party wants is with a nominee “ who actually gives a damn about the effect you are having '' on races from the top of the ticket to the competitive House and Senate races Democrats need to win .
He accused Sanders of ignoring , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democrats that we absolutely must send to Capitol Hill . ''
“ Let ’ s listen to what they are telling us and support them from the top of the ticket , ” said Buttigieg , who won more delegates than Sanders in Iowa and collected the same amount as him in New Hampshire .
“ It is too important.
” Even before the caucus results turbocharged Sanders ' momentum , Buttigieg had gotten more aggressive .
After going after Sanders in Wednesday ’ s debate , Buttigieg started airing in South Carolina @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as he continues has attack on Sanders ’ signature health care plan : Medicare for All .
`` He ’ s the frontrunner right now , and we need to make sure that we challenge his vision , '' Buttigieg told CNN Saturday .
Sanders ’ campaign accused Buttigieg Friday of resorting “ to the same lies about Medicare that we hear from Donald Trump . ''
Buttigieg is echoing the concerns of center-left Democrats who worry that having a democratic socialist leading the ticket will make it harder for Democrats to win @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team Trump is going to go after whoever we nominate but if we ’ re going to go with a socialist it ’ s like we ’ re leading with our chin , '' Democratic strategist Jim Manley said Saturday .
`` It ’ s going to be so easy to demonize the entire ballot . ''
Buttigieg criticized what he called Sanders ’ “ inflexible , ideological revolution , ” saying his view of “ capitalism as the root of all evil ” would reorder the economy in the ways most Americans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he also went after what he described as the divisive nature of Sanders ’ campaign .
“ We must change what it feels like to live in the United States of America , ” Buttigieg said .
“ And that is a real difference from Senator Sanders ’ revolution with the tenor of combat and division , and polarization , leading to a future where whoever wins the day , nothing changes the toxic tone of our politics.
” “ We can either call people names online or we can call them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ We can either tighten a narrow and hardcore base or open the tent to a new , and broad and big-hearted American coalition.
” At the Nevada debate Wednesday , Sanders was asked about the behavior of some of his supporters , including those who attacked leaders of the state 's powerful culinary union after they criticized Sanders ' health care plan .
Sanders said `` 99.9 percent '' of his backers are decent human beings and he disowns the few who make ugly remarks .
At a debate earlier this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would reassure worried Democrats about his electability since President Donald is already attacking the fact that he 's a democratic socialist .
Sanders responded that Trump will `` say terrible things '' about whoever is the nominee .
The way to beat Trump , Sanders said , is for Democrats to stay united .

Pete Buttigieg left Nevada gunning for Bernie Sanders before it's too late
Show Caption Hide Caption Nevada caucus results mean viability more than victory Nevada caucus results are not about numbers, but momentum, and making a case that a candidate can win the national Democratic base. Hannah Gaber, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – Pete Buttigieg went hard after Bernie Sanders Saturday night, stepping up his recent criticisms as the window narrows for another Democratic hopeful to stop Sanders from getting the nomination.
In remarks after Sanders dominated the Nevada caucuses, Buttigieg said the only way Democrats can deliver on the progressive changes the party wants is with a nominee “who actually gives a damn about the effect you are having" on races from the top of the ticket to the competitive House and Senate races Democrats need to win.
He accused Sanders of ignoring, dismissing and even attacking “the very Democrats that we absolutely must send to Capitol Hill."
“Let’s listen to what they are telling us and support them from the top of the ticket,” said Buttigieg, who won more delegates than Sanders in Iowa and collected the same amount as him in New Hampshire. “It is too important.”
Even before the caucus results turbocharged Sanders' momentum, Buttigieg had gotten more aggressive. After going after Sanders in Wednesday’s debate, Buttigieg started airing in South Carolina his first ad criticizing Sanders by name as he continues his attack on Sanders’ signature health care plan: Medicare for All.
"He’s the frontrunner right now, and we need to make sure that we challenge his vision," Buttigieg told CNN Saturday.
Sanders’ campaign accused Buttigieg Friday of resorting “to the same lies about Medicare that we hear from Donald Trump."
Buttigieg is echoing the concerns of center-left Democrats who worry that having a democratic socialist leading the ticket will make it harder for Democrats to win in November.
"I get that team Trump is going to go after whoever we nominate but if we’re going to go with a socialist it’s like we’re leading with our chin," Democratic strategist Jim Manley said Saturday. "It’s going to be so easy to demonize the entire ballot."
Buttigieg criticized what he called Sanders’ “inflexible, ideological revolution,” saying his view of “capitalism as the root of all evil” would reorder the economy in the ways most Americans wouldn’t support.
Beyond ideology, he also went after what he described as the divisive nature of Sanders’ campaign.
“We must change what it feels like to live in the United States of America,” Buttigieg said. “And that is a real difference from Senator Sanders’ revolution with the tenor of combat and division, and polarization, leading to a future where whoever wins the day, nothing changes the toxic tone of our politics.”
Sanders declares victory in Nevada caucuses Nevada caucus results showed Bernie Sanders as the winner in the nation's most diverse-yet voting bloc. Associated Press
“We can either call people names online or we can call them into our movement,” he continued. “We can either tighten a narrow and hardcore base or open the tent to a new, and broad and big-hearted American coalition.”
At the Nevada debate Wednesday, Sanders was asked about the behavior of some of his supporters, including those who attacked leaders of the state's powerful culinary union after they criticized Sanders' health care plan.
Sanders said "99.9 percent" of his backers are decent human beings and he disowns the few who make ugly remarks.
At a debate earlier this month, Sanders was asked how he would reassure worried Democrats about his electability since President Donald is already attacking the fact that he's a democratic socialist.
Sanders responded that Trump will "say terrible things" about whoever is the nominee. The way to beat Trump, Sanders said, is for Democrats to stay united.
Contributing: Christal Hayes.


usatoday--2020-02-23--NJ Gov. Phil Murphy to undergo surgery for a tumor on his kidney

WOODLAND PARK , N.J. – New Jersey Gov .
Phil Murphy likely has cancer after doctors found a tumor on his kidney , he said Saturday night .
Murphy , 62 , plans to undergo surgery in early March to have the tumor removed and is expected to make a full recovery .
`` The prognosis is very good and I 'm profoundly grateful to my doctors for detecting the tumor early , '' Murphy said on Twitter .
`` Over 50,000 New Jerseyans will hear the words 'you have cancer ' this year , so I ’ m far @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` It ’ s a situation that far too many families find themselves in .
That ’ s why we ’ re fighting for them each and every day . ''
Doctors found a 3-centimeter wide tumor on Murphy 's left kidney during a recent CAT scan , according to his communications director , Mahen Gunaratna .
About 90 % of such tumors are cancerous , Gunaratna said .
The disclosure of the tumor comes just days before the Democratic governor is scheduled to deliver his annual budget address for the 2021 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said he is still expected to deliver the speech , but shortly after that he will retreat from public duties .
Murphy is expected to undergo surgery at a New York City hospital , Gunaratna said , during which time Lt. Gov .
Sheila Oliver will become acting governor .
Murphy is expected to be in the hospital for a `` couple days '' and will slowly ease back into his role for several weeks after the surgery , he said .
Oliver addressed the governor 's Cabinet on Saturday night on behalf @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said on Twitter that he 's `` a fighter '' and thanked the `` amazing '' team of doctors who detected the tumor .
She and Murphy 's office used the moment to make a statement on health care as well .
`` He 's more committed than ever to fighting for these families by standing up for the Affordable Care Act , reducing the cost of health care and making high-quality health care affordable and accessible to all , '' Gunaratna said .
Many people reacted to the news on social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Murphy .
But the Twitter account of Todd Christie , the brother of Murphy 's predecessor , Republican Gov .
Chris Christie , did not care for Tammy Murphy 's message .
`` Did you really end a heartfelt tweet about your husband having a tumor with a liberal talking point blah , blah , blah ?
My God you two are a match made in political BS heaven , '' Todd Christie wrote .

NJ Gov. Phil Murphy to undergo surgery for a tumor on his kidney
WOODLAND PARK, N.J. – New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy likely has cancer after doctors found a tumor on his kidney, he said Saturday night.
Murphy, 62, plans to undergo surgery in early March to have the tumor removed and is expected to make a full recovery.
"The prognosis is very good and I'm profoundly grateful to my doctors for detecting the tumor early," Murphy said on Twitter.
"Over 50,000 New Jerseyans will hear the words 'you have cancer' this year, so I’m far from alone here," said Murphy. "It’s a situation that far too many families find themselves in. That’s why we’re fighting for them each and every day."
Doctors found a 3-centimeter wide tumor on Murphy's left kidney during a recent CAT scan, according to his communications director, Mahen Gunaratna. About 90% of such tumors are cancerous, Gunaratna said.
Friends – I’ve got a tumor on my left kidney and will undergo a partial nephrectomy in early March to remove it. The prognosis is very good and I’m profoundly grateful to my doctors for detecting the tumor early. — Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) February 23, 2020
The disclosure of the tumor comes just days before the Democratic governor is scheduled to deliver his annual budget address for the 2021 fiscal year. Murphey’s office said he is still expected to deliver the speech, but shortly after that he will retreat from public duties.
Murphy is expected to undergo surgery at a New York City hospital, Gunaratna said, during which time Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver will become acting governor. Murphy is expected to be in the hospital for a "couple days" and will slowly ease back into his role for several weeks after the surgery, he said.
Oliver addressed the governor's Cabinet on Saturday night on behalf of Murphy.
His wife, Tammy, said on Twitter that he's "a fighter" and thanked the "amazing" team of doctors who detected the tumor.
She and Murphy's office used the moment to make a statement on health care as well.
"He's more committed than ever to fighting for these families by standing up for the Affordable Care Act, reducing the cost of health care and making high-quality health care affordable and accessible to all," Gunaratna said.
Many people reacted to the news on social media with prayers and warm wishes for Murphy. But the Twitter account of Todd Christie, the brother of Murphy's predecessor, Republican Gov. Chris Christie, did not care for Tammy Murphy's message.
"Did you really end a heartfelt tweet about your husband having a tumor with a liberal talking point blah, blah, blah? My God you two are a match made in political BS heaven," Todd Christie wrote.


usatoday--2020-02-23--Sanders declares victory in Nevada caucuses

Nevada caucus results showed Bernie Sanders as the winner in the nation 's most diverse-yet voting bloc .

Sanders declares victory in Nevada caucuses
Nevada caucus results showed Bernie Sanders as the winner in the nation's most diverse-yet voting bloc.
Associated Press


usatoday--2020-02-23--Sanders wins Nevada and also trounces competitors with Latino and Hispanic caucus-goers

Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders won the Nevada caucuses , accelerating the momentum and strengthening his position heading into next week ’ s primary in South Carolina and the March 3 Super Tuesday contests .
He also showed his strength with minority voters .
In entrance polls , he was trouncing other candidates with Latino and Hispanic caucus-goers in Nevada , according to NBC News entrance polling results that showed him with 53 % of the vote with that demographic in the seven-person race .
The entrance polls showed former Vice President Joe Biden at 16 % of the Latino and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg at 9 % , billionaire activist Tom Steyer with 8 % and Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren with 7 % .
Overall , Sanders leads among nonwhite voters as well .
Nevada , the third state to vote , is the first with a significant minority population .
About three in 10 Nevadans are Latinos , 10 % of the population is black , and 10 % is Asian American and Pacific Islander .
Not sure if you ’ re registered to vote ?
: Check here so you can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that about one in five Nevada caucus-goers is Latino , and that Latino caucus-goers are younger and less likely to hold a college degree than their white counterparts .
More than half are younger than 45 years old , and 63 % of 2020 Latino caucus-goers said in entrance polls they were attending their first caucuses .
Latino caucus-goers were also more likely to support Medicare for All , one of Sanders ’ flagship policy proposals .
And of the Latinos who identify as moderate or conservative , 47 % supported Sanders ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Latino voters is Biden , who trails at 19 % .
During the campaign for the Nevada caucus , Sanders ' rivals sought to benefit from the fact that the powerful Culinary Union , the state ’ s largest labor organization , had criticized Medicare for All , warning that workers would have to give up their hard-fought health care benefits for coverage that might not be as good .
But the Culinary Union ultimately decided not to endorse a candidate in the Nevada caucus .
In 2016 , Sanders also led among @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Clinton ’ s 45 % , according to entrance polling .


usatoday--2020-02-23--Inside a Nevada Democratic caucus: Cookies, calm and no Iowa-level data malfunctions


usatoday--2020-02-23--Twitter suspends 70 pro-Michael Bloomberg accounts citing its 'platform manipulation' rule

Twitter took steps to get rid of dozens of accounts supporting Democratic presidential candidate Michael Bloomberg on Friday for breaking its rules , according to media reports .
The social networking site claimed that the accounts violated its policies related to `` platform manipulation . ''
In total , 70 accounts were suspended , the Los Angeles Times first reported .
The profiles were said to be part of a concerted effort to blast the Internet with identical pro-Bloomberg messaging .
USA TODAY reached out to Twitter for comment .
The report said some of the accounts are suspended permanently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who runs them before being reactivated .
Many of the accounts in question were created in recent months and they posted the same messages , images , links and hashtags , the Times said .
The former New York mayor previously hired hundreds of workers in California to post daily on social media in support of his political mission , the Times reports .
The staffers receive $ 2,500 a month to post on their personal profiles , the publication said .
Bloomberg campaign spokeswoman Sabrina Singh told the Times that its social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anyone .
`` We ask that all of our deputy field organizers identify themselves as working on behalf of the Mike Bloomberg 2020 campaign on their social media accounts , '' the spokesperson said in a statement .
Twitter 's spam policy went into effect in 2019 .
It states that duplicative content and artificial engagement are off-limits .
The policy is primarily meant to crack down on large-scale activity that misleads followers .
Facebook has taken a different approach to the pro-Bloomberg posts .
For now , it lets the posts stay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` branded content , '' the Times said .

Twitter suspends 70 pro-Michael Bloomberg accounts citing its 'platform manipulation' rule
Show Caption Hide Caption Trump campaign manager deletes Air Force One photo from 2004 President Trump's campaign manager deleted a tweet of Air Force One at Daytona 500 after Twitter users pointed out the photo was from 2004. USA TODAY
Twitter took steps to get rid of dozens of accounts supporting Democratic presidential candidate Michael Bloomberg on Friday for breaking its rules, according to media reports.
The social networking site claimed that the accounts violated its policies related to "platform manipulation."
In total, 70 accounts were suspended, the Los Angeles Times first reported. The profiles were said to be part of a concerted effort to blast the Internet with identical pro-Bloomberg messaging.
"We have taken enforcement action on a group of accounts for violating our rules against platform manipulation and spam," a Twitter spokesperson said in a statment.
The report said some of the accounts are suspended permanently, while others will have to verify who runs them before being reactivated. Many of the accounts in question were created in recent months and they posted the same messages, images, links and hashtags, the Times said.
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The former New York mayor previously hired hundreds of workers in California to post daily on social media in support of his political mission, the Times reports. The staffers receive $2,500 a month to post on their personal profiles, the publication said.
Bloomberg campaign spokeswoman Sabrina Singh told the Times that its social networking team wasn't trying to mislead anyone.
"We ask that all of our deputy field organizers identify themselves as working on behalf of the Mike Bloomberg 2020 campaign on their social media accounts," the spokesperson said in a statement.
Twitter's spam policy went into effect in 2019. It states that duplicative content and artificial engagement are off-limits. The policy is primarily meant to crack down on large-scale activity that misleads followers.
Facebook has taken a different approach to the pro-Bloomberg posts. For now, it lets the posts stay up, as it views them as "branded content," the Times said.
Follow Dalvin Brown on Twitter: @Dalvin_Brown.


usatoday--2020-02-23--India-bound Donald Trump takes poke at Bernie Sanders and Democrats - over Russia

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump left for India on Sunday by seeking to drive a wedge between the Democratic Party and primary front-runner Bernie Sanders over new allegations regarding Russia .
Claiming – without evidence – that Democrats are leaking information that Russia wants to interfere in Democratic primaries to benefit Sanders , Trump told reporters that the Democrats `` do n't want Bernie Sanders to represent them . ''
Sanders and aides , confirming that they were briefed about Russian election efforts , cited evidence that President Vladimir Putin and his government favored Trump in the 2016 election and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I do n't care , frankly , who Putin wants to be president , '' Sanders told reporters Friday .
`` My message to Putin is clear : stay out of American elections , and as president I will make sure that you do . ''
Sanders won the Nevada caucuses this weekend and enjoys the early lead in the Democratic nomination process .
In a wide-ranging Q-and-A with reporters Sunday at the White House , Trump also : • Said he was looking forward to his whirlwind trip to India @ @ @ @ @ @ @ peace agreement with the Taliban and Afghanistan if the two sides can work out a deal .
`` Nineteen years , that 's a long time , '' he said of the Afghanistan war .
• Again said he is considering a pardon for former political adviser Roger Stone , who faces 40 months in prison for a perjury conviction .
Stone has appealed his conviction , claiming an unfair trial , and Trump said he wants to see how that process plays out before he makes a decision .
Keeping the focus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his Nevada win and again sought to sow divisions among his opponents by claiming the Democrats would work to deny him the nomination .
`` I hope they treat him fairly , '' Trump said .
Trump and campaign aides have indicated they would prefer to run against Sanders in the fall , seeing him as the easiest to beat .
Trump has repeatedly accused the Democratic Party of rigging the system against Sanders in his 2016 race against Hillary Clinton .
In some cases , Trump cited evidence hacked by Russians .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sanders said his growing coalition of young people and progressives will sweep him and the Democrats to victory in November .
`` We are building an unprecedented grassroots movement , and together , there is nothing we can not accomplish '' he tweeted .
Trump spoke ahead of a two-day diplomatic display in India aimed at easing trade frictions between the two countries .
He will kick off the high-profile visit with a rally at the world ’ s largest cricket stadium in the western city of Ahmedabad in Prime Minister Narendra Modi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ More than 100,000 people are expected to attend “ Namaste Trump , ” which will mirror the “ Howdy Modi ” rally in Houston held in honor of Modi last fall .
Modi has promised Trump a spectacle in which the president has boasted about for days .
“ He told me we ’ ll have 7 million people between the airport and the event , ” Trump told reporters at the White House Tuesday before increasing that number to 10 million at a Thursday night rally .
An enthusiastic welcome was already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lined the streets ahead of Trump ’ s arrival .
India is one just six countries where majority of those polled approved of his foreign policies , according to the Pew Research Center .
The president will then fly to Agra , where he ’ ll join First Lady Melania Trump for a sunset tour of the iconic Taj Mahal .
On Tuesday Trump will participate in ceremonial events , including laying a wreath at the memorial for Mahatma Gandhi , and meet with government officials and Indian business leaders .
Trump will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a dinner at the presidential palace before a late-night flight back to Washington .
The nearly 36-hour trip is the shortest a U.S. president to has taken to India since President Richard Nixon ’ s 22-hour stay in 1969 .
Trump will become the seventh president to make the trip to India .

David Jackson and Courtney Subramanian, USA TODAY

India-bound Donald Trump takes poke at Bernie Sanders and Democrats - over Russia
Show Caption Hide Caption Trump ridicules Democrat opponents at Vegas rally Rallying supporters in the battleground state of Nevada, President Donald Trump mocked almost every one of his Democratic opponents and rejected a new intelligence community assessment that Russia is again seeking to interfere in the 2020 race. (Feb. 21) AP
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump left for India on Sunday by seeking to drive a wedge between the Democratic Party and primary front-runner Bernie Sanders over new allegations regarding Russia.
Claiming – without evidence – that Democrats are leaking information that Russia wants to interfere in Democratic primaries to benefit Sanders, Trump told reporters that the Democrats "don't want Bernie Sanders to represent them."
Sanders and aides, confirming that they were briefed about Russian election efforts, cited evidence that President Vladimir Putin and his government favored Trump in the 2016 election and plan to do so again this year.
"I don't care, frankly, who Putin wants to be president," Sanders told reporters Friday. "My message to Putin is clear: stay out of American elections, and as president I will make sure that you do."
Sanders won the Nevada caucuses this weekend and enjoys the early lead in the Democratic nomination process.
In a wide-ranging Q-and-A with reporters Sunday at the White House, Trump also:
Said he was looking forward to his whirlwind trip to India.
Pledged to sign a new peace agreement with the Taliban and Afghanistan if the two sides can work out a deal. "Nineteen years, that's a long time," he said of the Afghanistan war.
Again said he is considering a pardon for former political adviser Roger Stone, who faces 40 months in prison for a perjury conviction. Stone has appealed his conviction, claiming an unfair trial, and Trump said he wants to see how that process plays out before he makes a decision.
Keeping the focus on politics, Trump congratulated Sanders on his Nevada win and again sought to sow divisions among his opponents by claiming the Democrats would work to deny him the nomination.
"I hope they treat him fairly," Trump said.
Trump and campaign aides have indicated they would prefer to run against Sanders in the fall, seeing him as the easiest to beat.
Trump has repeatedly accused the Democratic Party of rigging the system against Sanders in his 2016 race against Hillary Clinton. In some cases, Trump cited evidence hacked by Russians.
In claiming his victory in Nevada, Sanders said his growing coalition of young people and progressives will sweep him and the Democrats to victory in November.
"We are building an unprecedented grassroots movement, and together, there is nothing we cannot accomplish" he tweeted.
Trump spoke ahead of a two-day diplomatic display in India aimed at easing trade frictions between the two countries.
He will kick off the high-profile visit with a rally at the world’s largest cricket stadium in the western city of Ahmedabad in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s home state of Gujarat.
More than 100,000 people are expected to attend “Namaste Trump,” which will mirror the “Howdy Modi” rally in Houston held in honor of Modi last fall. Modi has promised Trump a spectacle in which the president has boasted about for days.
“He told me we’ll have 7 million people between the airport and the event,” Trump told reporters at the White House Tuesday before increasing that number to 10 million at a Thursday night rally.
An enthusiastic welcome was already underway in Ahmedabad, where huge posters lined the streets ahead of Trump’s arrival. India is one just six countries where majority of those polled approved of his foreign policies, according to the Pew Research Center.
The president will then fly to Agra, where he’ll join First Lady Melania Trump for a sunset tour of the iconic Taj Mahal.
On Tuesday Trump will participate in ceremonial events, including laying a wreath at the memorial for Mahatma Gandhi, and meet with government officials and Indian business leaders.
Trump will join Modi and other Indian officials for a dinner at the presidential palace before a late-night flight back to Washington.
The nearly 36-hour trip is the shortest a U.S. president to has taken to India since President Richard Nixon’s 22-hour stay in 1969.
Trump will become the seventh president to make the trip to India.