thepoliticalinsider--2020-10-05--Democrats May Soon Get the Electoral College Edge

“ You ’ re going to have to get rid of the Electoral College , ” CNN ’ s Don Lemon said recently , “ because the minority in this country decides who the judges are and they decide who the president is.
” Any Democratic activist will remind you that in two of the last five presidential elections , the Republican ticket won in the Electoral College without carrying the popular vote .
The argument that the Electoral College is biased towards Republicans has been further bolstered by FiveThirtyEight ’ s statistical modeling , which projects that if Joe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ percentage points or less , Donald Trump would nevertheless be favored to win the presidency .
If Biden wins by more than three points , as current polling presently suggests , then these arguments against the Electoral College won ’ t be instantly invalidated .
But a decisive win by Democrats in November could alter the political landscape .
Of course , one win doesn ’ t automatically portend successive wins of similar size and scope .
Barack Obama beat John McCain by seven points in 2008 — flipping states in the Midwest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ narrowed the Electoral College margin in 2012 before winning it outright in 2016 .
A Biden presidency could be rocky enough for Republicans to win the White House back in short order .
But there are indications of more sweeping changes in the American electorate .
As the Republican Party has become more populist and nativist , more college-educated suburban whites appear to be gravitating to the Democrats .
In addition , as these voters have migrated into the Southeast and Southwest , alongside significant nonwhite populations , formerly reliable GOP strongholds such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Even other deeply conservative states — Texas and South Carolina , for instance — are becoming increasingly hospitable to more liberal candidates .
Democrats had once convinced themselves that demographic changes made them destined to rule .
Obama ’ s 2008 victory , powered by a galvanized multiracial coalition , seemed to validate the 2002 book , “ The Emerging Democratic Majority , ” which posited that Democrats were poised to have a “ distinct advantage ” in the Electoral College .
“ Rural America is shrinking , ” the authors wrote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is growing.
” Democrats ran with that analysis , limiting the reach of their coalition .
Obama won a second term in 2012 in part by exploiting cultural divides , such as accusing Republicans of waging a “ war on women.
” But in winning reelection , he carried two fewer states and a popular vote margin half as large as it had been in 2008 .
Yet despite the relatively close popular vote margin , only four states were decided by five percentage points or less .
It is extremely unusual for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closely contested states ( 2016 had 10 close states ; 2000 had 12 ) .
Blue states becoming very blue , and red states becoming very red , was an indication of deepening political and cultural polarization .
The divide didn ’ t faze Democrats at the time , because they believed it worked in their favor .
Hillary Clinton ’ s “ basket of deplorables ” insult , in which she tagged half of Trump ’ s base as bigots , wasn ’ t a gaffe .
It was a core belief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ party ’ s standard-bearer .
And it grew out of this belief that the party had the permanent upper hand .
But in the 2016 campaign , Clinton couldn ’ t match Obama ’ s outstanding performance with nonwhite voters or his respectable showing with white non-college voters , leading to a collapse of the Electoral College “ Blue Wall ” in Pennsylvania , Ohio , Michigan , Wisconsin and Iowa .
Biden is running a campaign based on , treading very lightly on divisive cultural issues and eagerly welcoming support from Republicans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s shift from the last two Democratic campaigns is in tone , not substance .
He hasn ’ t diluted the party ’ s position on abortion ; he just talks about it infrequently .
He ’ s subtly inviting pro-life voters who have soured on Trump to feel more comfortable crossing party lines .
Recently the New York Times interviewed just such a Republican voter .
“ You ’ d think I ’ d be glad to hear that [ Trump ] nominated a judge who is pro-life , ” this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what we need more than anything else is someone who is broadly pro-life , not just worried about the unborn , but about the living.
” Politico talked to two women at an event for a Michigan Democratic congresswoman who described themselves as longtime Republicans primarily because of their abortion views , but have since rethought their party affiliation .
“ I ’ ve had it with this idea that you ’ re only pro-life if you fight against abortion , ” said one .
“ I can ’ t be that single-issue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the temperature on abortion , even in the face of a hotly contested Supreme Court nomination , some pro-life voters are finding it easier to voice nuanced views and shed any sense of obligation to choose a political team based on one ’ s abortion position .
Biden can be quite blunt when talking about race , even calling Trump a “ racist ” to his face in last week ’ s debate .
But he consistently balances his rhetoric on racism with reminders of his own white working-class roots .
During a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Biden was asked if he benefited from “ white privilege.
” Biden responded without hesitation , “ Sure , I ’ ve benefited just because I don ’ t have to go through what my black brothers and sisters have had to go through.
” But recognizing that many in the white working class bristle at the notion that they are privileged , Biden quickly added , “ Grow up here in Scranton , we ’ re used to guys who look down their nose at us .
… We are as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like Trump , who inherited everything and squandered what they inherited , are the people that I ’ ve always had a problem with.
” Without crudely equating the black and white working-class experiences , Biden is attempting to display understanding of both and close the racial divide .
RELATED : Top Civil Rights Attorney : Trump Has Done More In Three Years For The Black Community Than Obama Did In Eight If Biden ’ s de-polarization strategy works as intended , and polls show it is , he will win with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if Biden wins everywhere he is leading in the RealClearPolitics averages as of Saturday , he will win 375 Electoral College votes , 10 more than Obama did in his historic 2008 victory .
Democrats ran with that analysis , limiting the reach of their coalition .
Obama won a second term in 2012 in part by exploiting cultural divides , such as accusing Republicans of waging a “ war on women.
” But in winning reelection , he carried two fewer states and a popular vote margin half as large as it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the relatively close popular vote margin , only four states were decided by five percentage points or less .
It is extremely unusual for a close election to have so few closely contested states ( 2016 had 10 close states ; 2000 had 12 ) .
Blue states becoming very blue , and red states becoming very red , was an indication of deepening political and cultural polarization .
The divide didn ’ t faze Democrats at the time , because they believed it worked in their favor .
Hillary Clinton ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in which she tagged half of Trump ’ s base as bigots , wasn ’ t a gaffe .
It was a core belief of many prominent Democrats , including the party ’ s standard-bearer .
And it grew out of this belief that the party had the permanent upper hand .
But in the 2016 campaign , Clinton couldn ’ t match Obama ’ s outstanding performance with nonwhite voters or his respectable showing with white non-college voters , leading to a collapse of the Electoral College “ Blue Wall ” in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Iowa .
Biden is running a campaign based on , treading very lightly on divisive cultural issues and eagerly welcoming support from Republicans tired of Trump .
However , Biden ’ s shift from the last two Democratic campaigns is in tone , not substance .
He hasn ’ t diluted the party ’ s position on abortion ; he just talks about it infrequently .
He ’ s subtly inviting pro-life voters who have soured on Trump to feel more comfortable crossing party lines .
Recently the New York Times interviewed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You ’ d think I ’ d be glad to hear that [ Trump ] nominated a judge who is pro-life , ” this voter said .
“ But I think what we need more than anything else is someone who is broadly pro-life , not just worried about the unborn , but about the living.
” Politico talked to two women at an event for a Michigan Democratic congresswoman who described themselves as longtime Republicans primarily because of their abortion views , but have since rethought their party affiliation .
“ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that you ’ re only pro-life if you fight against abortion , ” said one .
“ I can ’ t be that single-issue Republican anymore.
” With Biden turning down the temperature on abortion , even in the face of a hotly contested Supreme Court nomination , some pro-life voters are finding it easier to voice nuanced views and shed any sense of obligation to choose a political team based on one ’ s abortion position .
Biden can be quite blunt when talking about race , even calling Trump a “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week ’ s debate .
But he consistently balances his rhetoric on racism with reminders of his own white working-class roots .
During a CNN town hall in Pennsylvania last month , Biden was asked if he benefited from “ white privilege.
” Biden responded without hesitation , “ Sure , I ’ ve benefited just because I don ’ t have to go through what my black brothers and sisters have had to go through.
” But recognizing that many in the white working class bristle at the notion that they are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Grow up here in Scranton , we ’ re used to guys who look down their nose at us .
… We are as good as anybody else .
And guys like Trump , who inherited everything and squandered what they inherited , are the people that I ’ ve always had a problem with.
” Without crudely equating the black and white working-class experiences , Biden is attempting to display understanding of both and close the racial divide .
If Biden ’ s de-polarization strategy works as intended , and polls show @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a geographically broad coalition .
In fact , if Biden wins everywhere he is leading in the RealClearPolitics averages as of Saturday , he will win 375 Electoral College votes , 10 more than Obama did in his historic 2008 victory .
A President Biden would certainly have challenges in maintaining a big tent party while being pressed by his left flank to move , and speak , aggressively on a slew of fronts .
But if successful , the Republican Electoral College advantage would be no more .
The Republican skew manifested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s environmental and gun control record — and Bill Clinton ’ s personal behavior — eroded gains Clinton had made in the Sunbelt and the Midwest .
Even though Gore won the popular vote , with the help of the Supreme Court he lost Florida and the Electoral College .
But Democrats are not without their own Electoral College advantages .
In 2004 , if 60,000 Ohioans who voted for George W. Bush had voted instead for John Kerry – out of 5.6 million votes cast – Kerry would have become president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have won 20 states , and Washington , D.C. , three times in row , totaling 232 electoral votes .
Democrats may have “ wasted votes ” in densely populated states like California , New York and Illinois , but that also gives Democrats a big head start in any election year .
Republicans have won 22 states three times in row , but only get 179 electoral votes out of them .
And some of those Republican states — Arizona , Georgia , Texas and South Carolina — have shown signs of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gains in 2018 and surprisingly close margins in presidential or Senate trial heat polling .
If one or more of these states turns firmly blue , while no currently blue states becomes less so , the Republican Party will be at a massive disadvantage , irrespective of the small shift in electoral votes that will come after the 2020 census .
RELATED : WalkAway Democrats-Turned-Trump Supporters Fill The Streets Of DC , Encourage The Silent Majority To Become ‘ Unsilent ’ Perhaps American democracy would be better off without the Electoral College , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ever come , as both parties would have to see the wisdom in abolishment at the same time to enact the necessary constitutional amendment , or adopt any sort of workaround on a state-by-state basis .
Fortunately for Democrats , they are perfectly capable of winning the Electoral College this year .
And after 2020 , if Democrats can continue to avoid the pitfalls of polarization , winning may become even easier .
The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of The @ @ @

By Bill Scher for RealClearPolitics
“You’re going to have to get rid of the Electoral College,” CNN’s Don Lemon said recently, “because the minority in this country decides who the judges are and they decide who the president is.” Any Democratic activist will remind you that in two of the last five presidential elections, the Republican ticket won in the Electoral College without carrying the popular vote.
The argument that the Electoral College is biased towards Republicans has been further bolstered by FiveThirtyEight’s statistical modeling, which projects that if Joe Biden wins the popular vote by three percentage points or less, Donald Trump would nevertheless be favored to win the presidency.
If Biden wins by more than three points, as current polling presently suggests, then these arguments against the Electoral College won’t be instantly invalidated. But a decisive win by Democrats in November could alter the political landscape.
Of course, one win doesn’t automatically portend successive wins of similar size and scope. Barack Obama beat John McCain by seven points in 2008 — flipping states in the Midwest, Southeast and Southwest — yet Republicans narrowed the Electoral College margin in 2012 before winning it outright in 2016. A Biden presidency could be rocky enough for Republicans to win the White House back in short order.
RELATED: Trump Beating Biden In Voter Registration In Key Battleground States
But there are indications of more sweeping changes in the American electorate. As the Republican Party has become more populist and nativist, more college-educated suburban whites appear to be gravitating to the Democrats.
In addition, as these voters have migrated into the Southeast and Southwest, alongside significant nonwhite populations, formerly reliable GOP strongholds such as Arizona and Georgia are now toss-ups. Even other deeply conservative states — Texas and South Carolina, for instance — are becoming increasingly hospitable to more liberal candidates.
Democrats had once convinced themselves that demographic changes made them destined to rule. Obama’s 2008 victory, powered by a galvanized multiracial coalition, seemed to validate the 2002 book, “The Emerging Democratic Majority,” which posited that Democrats were poised to have a “distinct advantage” in the Electoral College. “Rural America is shrinking,” the authors wrote, “and densely populated metropolitan America is growing.”
Democrats ran with that analysis, limiting the reach of their coalition. Obama won a second term in 2012 in part by exploiting cultural divides, such as accusing Republicans of waging a “war on women.” But in winning reelection, he carried two fewer states and a popular vote margin half as large as it had been in 2008.
Yet despite the relatively close popular vote margin, only four states were decided by five percentage points or less. It is extremely unusual for a close election to have so few closely contested states (2016 had 10 close states; 2000 had 12). Blue states becoming very blue, and red states becoming very red, was an indication of deepening political and cultural polarization.
The divide didn’t faze Democrats at the time, because they believed it worked in their favor. Hillary Clinton’s “basket of deplorables” insult, in which she tagged half of Trump’s base as bigots, wasn’t a gaffe. It was a core belief of many prominent Democrats, including the party’s standard-bearer. And it grew out of this belief that the party had the permanent upper hand.
But in the 2016 campaign, Clinton couldn’t match Obama’s outstanding performance with nonwhite voters or his respectable showing with white non-college voters, leading to a collapse of the Electoral College “Blue Wall” in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin and Iowa.
Biden is running a campaign based on de-polarization, treading very lightly on divisive cultural issues and eagerly welcoming support from Republicans tired of Trump. However, Biden’s shift from the last two Democratic campaigns is in tone, not substance. He hasn’t diluted the party’s position on abortion; he just talks about it infrequently. He’s subtly inviting pro-life voters who have soured on Trump to feel more comfortable crossing party lines.
Recently the New York Times interviewed just such a Republican voter. “You’d think I’d be glad to hear that [Trump] nominated a judge who is pro-life,” this voter said. “But I think what we need more than anything else is someone who is broadly pro-life, not just worried about the unborn, but about the living.”
Politico talked to two women at an event for a Michigan Democratic congresswoman who described themselves as longtime Republicans primarily because of their abortion views, but have since rethought their party affiliation.
“I’ve had it with this idea that you’re only pro-life if you fight against abortion,” said one. “I can’t be that single-issue Republican anymore.” With Biden turning down the temperature on abortion, even in the face of a hotly contested Supreme Court nomination, some pro-life voters are finding it easier to voice nuanced views and shed any sense of obligation to choose a political team based on one’s abortion position.
Biden can be quite blunt when talking about race, even calling Trump a “racist” to his face in last week’s debate. But he consistently balances his rhetoric on racism with reminders of his own white working-class roots. During a CNN town hall in Pennsylvania last month, Biden was asked if he benefited from “white privilege.”
Biden responded without hesitation, “Sure, I’ve benefited just because I don’t have to go through what my black brothers and sisters have had to go through.” But recognizing that many in the white working class bristle at the notion that they are privileged, Biden quickly added, “Grow up here in Scranton, we’re used to guys who look down their nose at us. … We are as good as anybody else. And guys like Trump, who inherited everything and squandered what they inherited, are the people that I’ve always had a problem with.” Without crudely equating the black and white working-class experiences, Biden is attempting to display understanding of both and close the racial divide.
RELATED: Top Civil Rights Attorney: Trump Has Done More In Three Years For The Black Community Than Obama Did In Eight
If Biden’s de-polarization strategy works as intended, and polls show it is, he will win with a geographically broad coalition. In fact, if Biden wins everywhere he is leading in the RealClearPolitics averages as of Saturday, he will win 375 Electoral College votes, 10 more than Obama did in his historic 2008 victory.
Democrats ran with that analysis, limiting the reach of their coalition. Obama won a second term in 2012 in part by exploiting cultural divides, such as accusing Republicans of waging a “war on women.” But in winning reelection, he carried two fewer states and a popular vote margin half as large as it had been in 2008. Yet despite the relatively close popular vote margin, only four states were decided by five percentage points or less.
It is extremely unusual for a close election to have so few closely contested states (2016 had 10 close states; 2000 had 12). Blue states becoming very blue, and red states becoming very red, was an indication of deepening political and cultural polarization.
The divide didn’t faze Democrats at the time, because they believed it worked in their favor. Hillary Clinton’s “basket of deplorables” insult, in which she tagged half of Trump’s base as bigots, wasn’t a gaffe. It was a core belief of many prominent Democrats, including the party’s standard-bearer.
And it grew out of this belief that the party had the permanent upper hand. But in the 2016 campaign, Clinton couldn’t match Obama’s outstanding performance with nonwhite voters or his respectable showing with white non-college voters, leading to a collapse of the Electoral College “Blue Wall” in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin and Iowa.
Biden is running a campaign based on de-polarization, treading very lightly on divisive cultural issues and eagerly welcoming support from Republicans tired of Trump. However, Biden’s shift from the last two Democratic campaigns is in tone, not substance. He hasn’t diluted the party’s position on abortion; he just talks about it infrequently. He’s subtly inviting pro-life voters who have soured on Trump to feel more comfortable crossing party lines.
Recently the New York Times interviewed just such a Republican voter. “You’d think I’d be glad to hear that [Trump] nominated a judge who is pro-life,” this voter said. “But I think what we need more than anything else is someone who is broadly pro-life, not just worried about the unborn, but about the living.”
Politico talked to two women at an event for a Michigan Democratic congresswoman who described themselves as longtime Republicans primarily because of their abortion views, but have since rethought their party affiliation. “I’ve had it with this idea that you’re only pro-life if you fight against abortion,” said one. “I can’t be that single-issue Republican anymore.”
With Biden turning down the temperature on abortion, even in the face of a hotly contested Supreme Court nomination, some pro-life voters are finding it easier to voice nuanced views and shed any sense of obligation to choose a political team based on one’s abortion position.
Biden can be quite blunt when talking about race, even calling Trump a “racist” to his face in last week’s debate. But he consistently balances his rhetoric on racism with reminders of his own white working-class roots. During a CNN town hall in Pennsylvania last month, Biden was asked if he benefited from “white privilege.” Biden responded without hesitation, “Sure, I’ve benefited just because I don’t have to go through what my black brothers and sisters have had to go through.”
But recognizing that many in the white working class bristle at the notion that they are privileged, Biden quickly added, “Grow up here in Scranton, we’re used to guys who look down their nose at us. … We are as good as anybody else. And guys like Trump, who inherited everything and squandered what they inherited, are the people that I’ve always had a problem with.” Without crudely equating the black and white working-class experiences, Biden is attempting to display understanding of both and close the racial divide.
If Biden’s de-polarization strategy works as intended, and polls show it is, he will win with a geographically broad coalition. In fact, if Biden wins everywhere he is leading in the RealClearPolitics averages as of Saturday, he will win 375 Electoral College votes, 10 more than Obama did in his historic 2008 victory.
A President Biden would certainly have challenges in maintaining a big tent party while being pressed by his left flank to move, and speak, aggressively on a slew of fronts. But if successful, the Republican Electoral College advantage would be no more.
The Republican skew manifested first in 2000, as Al Gore’s environmental and gun control record — and Bill Clinton’s personal behavior — eroded gains Clinton had made in the Sunbelt and the Midwest. Even though Gore won the popular vote, with the help of the Supreme Court he lost Florida and the Electoral College.
But Democrats are not without their own Electoral College advantages. In 2004, if 60,000 Ohioans who voted for George W. Bush had voted instead for John Kerry – out of 5.6 million votes cast – Kerry would have become president without a popular vote majority.
Democrats have won 20 states, and Washington, D.C., three times in row, totaling 232 electoral votes. Democrats may have “wasted votes” in densely populated states like California, New York and Illinois, but that also gives Democrats a big head start in any election year.
Republicans have won 22 states three times in row, but only get 179 electoral votes out of them. And some of those Republican states — Arizona, Georgia, Texas and South Carolina — have shown signs of shift, with Democratic House or Senate gains in 2018 and surprisingly close margins in presidential or Senate trial heat polling.
If one or more of these states turns firmly blue, while no currently blue states becomes less so, the Republican Party will be at a massive disadvantage, irrespective of the small shift in electoral votes that will come after the 2020 census.
RELATED: WalkAway Democrats-Turned-Trump Supporters Fill The Streets Of DC, Encourage The Silent Majority To Become ‘Unsilent’
Perhaps American democracy would be better off without the Electoral College, but that day is highly unlikely to ever come, as both parties would have to see the wisdom in abolishment at the same time to enact the necessary constitutional amendment, or adopt any sort of workaround on a state-by-state basis. Fortunately for Democrats, they are perfectly capable of winning the Electoral College this year. And after 2020, if Democrats can continue to avoid the pitfalls of polarization, winning may become even easier.
Bill Scher is a contributing editor to Politico Magazine, co-host of the Bloggingheads.tv show “The DMZ,” and host of the podcast “New Books in Politics.” He can be reached at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter @BillScher. Syndicated with permission from RealClearWire
Read this Next on ThePoliticalInsider.com Chris Wallace Loses It As He Clashes With Trump Campaign Advisor On First Family Not Wearing Masks At Debate
The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Political Insider.


thepoliticalinsider--2020-10-05--Chris Wallace Loses It As He Clashes With Trump Campaign Advisor On First Family Not Wearing Masks A

Chris Wallace Loses It As He Clashes With Trump Campaign Advisor On First Family Not Wearing Masks At Debate

An interview between Fox News host Chris Wallace and Steve Cortes , a senior adviser for the Trump campaign , went off the rails on Sunday as the two got into a heated exchange over the first family not wearing masks while attending last week ’ s debate .
Wallace Confronts Cortes About First Family Not Wearing Masks Wallace , who moderated the debate last Tuesday , confronted Cortes about why the first family did not wear masks during it , saying , “ Do they think that the health and safety rules for everybody else do not apply to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before that event , as you well know , ” Cortes replied .
“ Those of us who went first were tested by Cleveland Clinic directly .
Everybody who gets on Air Force One for any trip on Air Force One is tested before they get on.
” This did not sit well with Wallace , who visibly started to lose his temper : “ It doesn ’ t matter .
Everybody that was in that room was tested .
Steve , everybody that was in that room was tested and the Cleveland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t matter .
Everybody except for the three of us on the stage was to wear a mask and people from the Cleveland Clinic came over and offered the first family masks thinking maybe they didn ’ t have them .
They were waved away and the commission on presidential debates has issued a statement saying from now on if you don ’ t wear a mask , you ’ re going to be escorted from the hall .
“ Everybody was tested beforehand – no , I ’ m going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to wear a mask .
Why did the first family and the chief of staff feel that the rules for everybody else didn ’ t apply to them ?
” RELATED : Chris Wallace Says The ‘ Lesson ’ Of Trump Getting COVID-19 ‘ Is Wear The Damn Mask ’ “ We believe in masks that masks are very useful , the president has worn them on many occasions , including visiting the hospital where he is now a patient , when he was visiting as commander in chief as a guest to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” he said .
“ We also believe in some element of individual choice , people were distanced and they had been tested.
” Wallace continued to go after the Trump family , claiming that they did not practice social distancing and that “ they broke the rules ” set by the Cleveland Clinic .
That ’ s when Cortes hit Wallace right where it hurts by bringing up the debate itself .
“ Chris , the way you ’ re starting to harangue me now actually reminds me of what you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Tuesday night , ” Cortes said , adding that the president “ had to debate not just Joe Biden , but you as well.
” “ You were not a neutral moderator then , ” he added .
Critics on all sides of the political spectrum have widely panned Wallace ’ s performance as moderator .
“ People can make reasonable decisions for themselves , ” the campaign advisor said .
RELATED : Chris Wallace Blames The President For Debate Disaster , Trump Responds On Twitter A clearly frustrated Wallace replied , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interrupted me and the vice president 145 times , so I object to saying I harangued the president .
I know it ’ s the talking point.
” This piece was written by James Samson on October 5 , 2020 .
It originally appeared in LifeZette and is used by permission .
Read more at LifeZette : Mayor Announces Plans For City To Pay Some Pregnant Women $ 1K Per Month , But Only If They ’ re Black Or Pacific Islander Police Arrest NY Woman for Driving Kids Around County , Stealing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Update On Trump And Melania After Their Diagnoses – Reveals President ’ s Treatment Plan The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Political Insider .

An interview between Fox News host Chris Wallace and Steve Cortes, a senior adviser for the Trump campaign, went off the rails on Sunday as the two got into a heated exchange over the first family not wearing masks while attending last week’s debate.
Wallace Confronts Cortes About First Family Not Wearing Masks
Wallace, who moderated the debate last Tuesday, confronted Cortes about why the first family did not wear masks during it, saying, “Do they think that the health and safety rules for everybody else do not apply to them?”
“Everybody was tested before that event, as you well know,” Cortes replied. “Those of us who went first were tested by Cleveland Clinic directly. Everybody who gets on Air Force One for any trip on Air Force One is tested before they get on.”
This did not sit well with Wallace, who visibly started to lose his temper:
“It doesn’t matter. Everybody that was in that room was tested. Steve, everybody that was in that room was tested and the Cleveland Clinic’s regulation was it didn’t matter. Everybody except for the three of us on the stage was to wear a mask and people from the Cleveland Clinic came over and offered the first family masks thinking maybe they didn’t have them. They were waved away and the commission on presidential debates has issued a statement saying from now on if you don’t wear a mask, you’re going to be escorted from the hall. “Everybody was tested beforehand – no, I’m going to finish my question. Everybody was told to wear a mask. Why did the first family and the chief of staff feel that the rules for everybody else didn’t apply to them?”
RELATED: Chris Wallace Says The ‘Lesson’ Of Trump Getting COVID-19 ‘Is Wear The Damn Mask’
Cortes Fires Back
Cortes, however, stood his ground.
“We believe in masks that masks are very useful, the president has worn them on many occasions, including visiting the hospital where he is now a patient, when he was visiting as commander in chief as a guest to visit soldiers there he wore a mask,” he said. “We also believe in some element of individual choice, people were distanced and they had been tested.”
Wallace continued to go after the Trump family, claiming that they did not practice social distancing and that “they broke the rules” set by the Cleveland Clinic. That’s when Cortes hit Wallace right where it hurts by bringing up the debate itself.
“Chris, the way you’re starting to harangue me now actually reminds me of what you did to the president during the debate on Tuesday night,” Cortes said, adding that the president “had to debate not just Joe Biden, but you as well.”
“You were not a neutral moderator then,” he added. Critics on all sides of the political spectrum have widely panned Wallace’s performance as moderator.
“People can make reasonable decisions for themselves,” the campaign advisor said.
RELATED: Chris Wallace Blames The President For Debate Disaster, Trump Responds On Twitter
A clearly frustrated Wallace replied, “Let me simply say the president interrupted me and the vice president 145 times, so I object to saying I harangued the president. I know it’s the talking point.”
This piece was written by James Samson on October 5, 2020. It originally appeared in LifeZette and is used by permission.
Read more at LifeZette:
Mayor Announces Plans For City To Pay Some Pregnant Women $1K Per Month, But Only If They’re Black Or Pacific Islander
Police Arrest NY Woman for Driving Kids Around County, Stealing Trump Campaign Signs
White House Physician Gives Update On Trump And Melania After Their Diagnoses – Reveals President’s Treatment Plan
Read this Next on ThePoliticalInsider.com WalkAway Democrats-Turned-Trump Supporters Fill The Streets Of DC, Encourage The Silent Majority To Become ‘Unsilent’
The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Political Insider.


thepoliticalinsider--2020-10-05--WalkAway Democrats-Turned-Trump Supporters Fill The Streets Of DC, Encourage The Silent Majority To

WalkAway Democrats-Turned-Trump Supporters Fill The Streets Of DC, Encourage The Silent Majority To Become ‘Unsilent’

Hundreds of ‘ walkaway ’ Trump supporters filled the streets of Washington , D.C. this weekend and encouraged the ‘ silent majority ’ to stand tall just weeks before the election .
The # WalkAway campaign , founded by former liberal , Brandon Straka , encourages Democrats to leave their party behind and join Republicans and President Trump to make a better America .
And , as Straka states , the # WalkAway movement consists of people from various backgrounds coming together for one cause .
“ There ’ s so many lies and so much misinformation about who Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Straka claims .
“ We want people to see that we are every slice of America – gay , straight , transgender black , white , brown marching together , loving one another , loving this country , loving our president.
” WalkAway Democrats Encourage the Silent Majority To Become ‘ Unsilent ’ Straka encouraged other Democrats to WalkAway and noted it ’ s time for the ‘ silent majority ’ of Trump supporters to reveal themselves .
“ It ’ s time for the silent majority to become unsilent , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want is for common sense people , good-hearted , big-hearted , kind , loving , compassionate people to start speaking up.
” Straka told reporters that silence from the right is allowing the left to become more extreme .
“ What we mean when we say that [ become unsilent ] is , because of the silence of those not on the left … the left has been allowed to become radicalized , ” he explained .
A mild skirmish broke out between the WalkAway Democrats rally and a counterprotest by Black Lives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the incident was “ immediately neutralized by DC police , ” refusing to allow that to become the narrative of their event .
The DC Chapter of BLM complained that the WalkAway event was a “ white supremacy ” rally .
Which will come as a surprise to the many minority speakers who spoke at the event .
Christopher Anderson , a candidate for Baltimore City Council , tweeted about the rally .
“ For too long , our voices were silenced by incompetent and indifferent politicians , ” he said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] In Baltimore City , we are beyond ready for change !
” Earlier this month , the campaign for President Trump released a devastating ad touting several people involved with the “ # WalkAway ” movement .
“ His entire campaign works for all Americans , ” one woman states .
“ That was a turning point for me.
” “ One of the hardest things to do is to challenge your own beliefs , ” another explains .
“ I want people to hear my story and know that you can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a Trump supporter.
” The campaign has been focusing on the group knowing they view President Trump as the more free speech , anti-war candidate , something moderates can support over Joe Biden .

Hundreds of ‘walkaway’ Trump supporters filled the streets of Washington, D.C. this weekend and encouraged the ‘silent majority’ to stand tall just weeks before the election.
The #WalkAway campaign, founded by former liberal, Brandon Straka, encourages Democrats to leave their party behind and join Republicans and President Trump to make a better America.
And, as Straka states, the #WalkAway movement consists of people from various backgrounds coming together for one cause.
“There’s so many lies and so much misinformation about who Trump supporters are, who the president is,” Straka claims.
“We want people to see that we are every slice of America – gay, straight, transgender black, white, brown marching together, loving one another, loving this country, loving our president.”
The #WalkAwayCampaign March is making its way down Pennsylvania Avenue.
The group has been chanting #walkaway from the Democratic Party as well as “four more years” and “back the blue” The March almost has a #President Trump rally feel to it@wusa9 pic.twitter.com/9tYQTBv4nr — Kolbie Satterfield (@KolbieReports) October 3, 2020
RELATED: Watch: Trump Campaign Delivers Devastating Ad Touting ‘Walk Away’ Democrats
WalkAway Democrats Encourage the Silent Majority To Become ‘Unsilent’
Straka encouraged other Democrats to WalkAway and noted it’s time for the ‘silent majority’ of Trump supporters to reveal themselves.
“It’s time for the silent majority to become unsilent,” he encouraged.
“What we want is for common sense people, good-hearted, big-hearted, kind, loving, compassionate people to start speaking up.”
Straka told reporters that silence from the right is allowing the left to become more extreme.
“What we mean when we say that [become unsilent] is, because of the silence of those not on the left … the left has been allowed to become radicalized,” he explained.
An incredibly minor skirmish took place b4 yesterday’s event- immediately neutralized by DC police. Media on both sides trying to focus on this & I won’t have it. We put on an EPIC, spectacular, beautiful, & peaceful weekend-we’re so proud! Thousands had the best weekend ever! pic.twitter.com/yLKdLDXzx0 — Brandon Straka (@BrandonStraka) October 4, 2020
RELATED: Kayleigh McEnany Torches Fox News’ John Roberts, Proves Trump Has Disavowed White Supremacy Repeatedly
Trump Campaign Supporting the Group
A mild skirmish broke out between the WalkAway Democrats rally and a counterprotest by Black Lives Matter (BLM).
Straka tweeted that the incident was “immediately neutralized by DC police,” refusing to allow that to become the narrative of their event.
U.S. Park Police arrested #BlackLivesMatter protesters who assaulted officers at the #UnSilentMarch. BLM protesters came to disturb the rally using megaphones with sirens. pic.twitter.com/S61BvLC1jT — Kevin R Hogan (@KRHogan_NTD) October 3, 2020
The DC Chapter of BLM complained that the WalkAway event was a “white supremacy” rally.
Which will come as a surprise to the many minority speakers who spoke at the event.
Hey all! Don’t forget, tomorrow (Saturday) we meet at Freedom Plaza in DC at 11 AM and March to Sylvan theater for our big big big rally tomorrow beginning at 12:30 PM at Sylvan! Let’s do this!!!! pic.twitter.com/y0Fn6QLDxI — Brandon Straka (@BrandonStraka) October 3, 2020
Christopher Anderson, a candidate for Baltimore City Council, tweeted about the rally.
“For too long, our voices were silenced by incompetent and indifferent politicians,” he said. “We’ve [had enough] In Baltimore City, we are beyond ready for change!”
Happy to have joined @BrandonStraka , other members of the #UnsilentMajority in DC.For too long, our voices were silenced by incompetent and indifferent politicians.We’ve #HadEnough In Baltimore City,we are beyond ready for change! #WalkAway #WALKAWAY2020 pic.twitter.com/zWvNPgSpm4 — Christopher Anderson (@CAnderson2020) October 4, 2020
Earlier this month, the campaign for President Trump released a devastating ad touting several people involved with the “#WalkAway” movement.
“His entire campaign works for all Americans,” one woman states. “That was a turning point for me.”
“One of the hardest things to do is to challenge your own beliefs,” another explains. “I want people to hear my story and know that you can actually go from being a democratic socialist to a Trump supporter.”
The campaign has been focusing on the group knowing they view President Trump as the more free speech, anti-war candidate, something moderates can support over Joe Biden.


thepoliticalinsider--2020-10-05--President Trump Surprises Supporters Gathered Outside Hospital With SUV Drive-By

On Sunday , President Donald Trump surprised supporters by driving slowly by the crowd gathered to support him in an SUV during his treatment for COVID-19 at Walter Reed hospital .
Trump wore a mask inside the Secret Service SUV , as he waved at his supporters while they cheered and waved back at him .
RELATED : Liberal Voters Slam President Trump For Racist Statements – Learn That Biden Actually Made Those Comments White House staffers posted a video of Trump on Twitter prior to his visit previewing a “ special surprise.
” President Trump said in the video @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID , ” adding that “ I learned it by really going to school , this is the real school , this isn ’ t the ‘ Let ’ s read the book school ’ and I get it , and I understand it.
” Trump Gives Supporters A Kind Gesture – Will Voters At Large Do The Same In Return On Election Day ?
The left has been having a field day since it was announced that President Trump and members of his family and team contracted the coronavirus last week .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , many rank and file liberal Democrats have expressed negative and even hateful attitudes–which has been par for the course during his entire first term .
Don ’ t expect the hardcore Trump haters to be any less hateful between now and November .
Still , the many fans of the President who showed up outside Walter Reed hospital to express their support shows that significant segments of the population aren ’ t as cynical about politics , and more particularly , Trump catching COVID-19 .
RELATED : Michelle Obama Makes Surprising Admission @ @ @ @ @ @ @ To Push Barack Out Of The Window ’ President Trump rewarded the positivity shown toward him with a kind hello to his supporters outside Walter Reed hospital .
Will this outpouring of love and sympathy for the President translate to the ballot box in four weeks ?

On Sunday, President Donald Trump surprised supporters by driving slowly by the crowd gathered to support him in an SUV during his treatment for COVID-19 at Walter Reed hospital.
Trump wore a mask inside the Secret Service SUV, as he waved at his supporters while they cheered and waved back at him.
That’s Trump driving by his supporters outside Walter Reed military hospital. pic.twitter.com/eqA0RGkr6A — Philip Crowther (@PhilipinDC) October 4, 2020
RELATED: Liberal Voters Slam President Trump For Racist Statements – Learn That Biden Actually Made Those Comments
President Trump Promises A ‘Special Surprise’
White House staffers posted a video of Trump on Twitter prior to his visit previewing a “special surprise.”
President Trump: ‘I Learned A Lot About COVID’
President Trump said in the video, “I learned a lot about COVID,” adding that “I learned it by really going to school, this is the real school, this isn’t the ‘Let’s read the book school’ and I get it, and I understand it.”
The “little surprise” Trump teased? A ride outside of Walter Reed: pic.twitter.com/FZx0lKR810 — Philip Melanchthon Wegmann (@PhilipWegmann) October 4, 2020
Trump Gives Supporters A Kind Gesture – Will Voters At Large Do The Same In Return On Election Day?
The left has been having a field day since it was announced that President Trump and members of his family and team contracted the coronavirus last week. While many Democrat leaders wished him well, many rank and file liberal Democrats have expressed negative and even hateful attitudes–which has been par for the course during his entire first term.
Don’t expect the hardcore Trump haters to be any less hateful between now and November.
Still, the many fans of the President who showed up outside Walter Reed hospital to express their support shows that significant segments of the population aren’t as cynical about politics, and more particularly, Trump catching COVID-19.
RELATED: Michelle Obama Makes Surprising Admission About Her Marriage: ‘I Wanted To Push Barack Out Of The Window’
President Trump rewarded the positivity shown toward him with a kind hello to his supporters outside Walter Reed hospital.
Will this outpouring of love and sympathy for the President translate to the ballot box in four weeks?
Time will tell.


thepoliticalinsider--2020-10-05--CNN: Trump Doctors And Team ‘Are Hiding Things’ And ‘Purposely Misleading’

After the latest press conference from Donald Trump ’ s doctors on Sunday , CNN ’ s chief medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta said that White House physician Dr. Sean Conley was “ purposely misleading ” the public .
Gupta also insisted that Team Trump is “ hiding things.
” RELATED : ‘ Something Is Not Right ’ With Biden , Obama White House Doctor Claims ‘ Hiding things ?
’ What is that supposed to mean ?
CNN host Jake Tapper said of the doctors ’ press conference outside Walter Reed National Military Medical Center , “ Some interesting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this episode had an impeccable reputation.
” “ He was asked why he didn ’ t give all the information yesterday , and he said he was trying to , I ’ m quoting , trying to reflect the upbeat attitude of the team and not give any information that would steer the course of his illness , ” he added .
“ Is that what a physician is supposed to do ?
” Tapper asked .
That ’ s when CNN ’ s chief medical correspondent began his wild speculation about what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ replied , “ No .
I mean , you ’ ve got to be honest .
You ’ ve got to be transparent—all these details matter .
I mean , he is out and coming out to brief the public about the president .
That ’ s the briefing that ’ s happening.
” Gupta continued , “ If you are going to do that , then you have to be absolutely honest , ” Gupta said .
“ And it wasn ’ t just sort of conveying an upbeat attitude.
” “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that really part of CNN ’ s coverage here ?
Is that the doctor ’ s job ?
Gupta went on , “ He was — it was purposely misleading yesterday about a very basic issue , which is whether or not the president had been on supplemental oxygen is one of those issues.
” “ That ’ s important , Jake , because when you look at patients the way that doctors approach this , we know his age , we know his pre-existing risk factors , you can immediately start to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in that risk sort of stratification changes , ” Gupta said .
Gupta added , “ If he required oxygen , that definitely indicates that there was some impacts , significant impact on his lungs , and that puts him on a different trajectory.
” Jake Tapper then noted his own experience coming from a family of physicians .
Tapper somewhat sided with the doctors , but still made sure he bashed the President “ I am the son of a doctor and a nurse , and I understand the inclination in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ We want to believe doctors.
” “ We also have to note there is a long and ugly history in this country of presidents not being honest about their health with the American people and doctors being used as part of that cover-up , ” Tapper continued .
“ One hundred years ago , it was Woodrow Wilson , FDR , John F. Kennedy , Ronald Reagan , and on and on and on , ” the CNN host said .
RELATED : CNN ’ s Jake Tapper Allegedly Tried @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Run In Different District Gupta : ‘ I ’ d Have To Say That They Are Hiding Things , Jake ’ Tapper finished , “ It ’ s the reason when I interviewed Joe Biden , made him give a pledge , would he always be upfront about all aspects of his health in real time.
” “ We ’ re not getting that from Donald Trump and his team right now , ” Tapper declared .
“ We are not getting all of the facts .
Why ?
” Gupta responded , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to say that they are hiding things , Jake .
I mean , I hate to say it.
” Gupta continued to pedal the unfounded theory that President Trump is sicker than he is letting on throughout the rest of the weekend .
He did this despite having never examined the president himself , and having no firsthand knowledge of what his medical status may be .
Fair and objective journalists ’ job is to give us straight news – not some other narrative based on their own biases .
Did CNN @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Have the cable news outlet ever attempted to do it ?

After the latest press conference from Donald Trump’s doctors on Sunday, CNN’s chief medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta said that White House physician Dr. Sean Conley was “purposely misleading” the public.
Gupta also insisted that Team Trump is “hiding things.”
RELATED: ‘Something Is Not Right’ With Biden, Obama White House Doctor Claims
‘Hiding things?’ What is that supposed to mean?
CNN host Jake Tapper said of the doctors’ press conference outside Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, “Some interesting comments from Commander Conley, who before this episode had an impeccable reputation.”
“He was asked why he didn’t give all the information yesterday, and he said he was trying to, I’m quoting, trying to reflect the upbeat attitude of the team and not give any information that would steer the course of his illness,” he added.
“Is that what a physician is supposed to do?” Tapper asked.
That’s when CNN’s chief medical correspondent began his wild speculation about what the doctors were up to.
Gupta replied, “No. I mean, you’ve got to be honest. You’ve got to be transparent—all these details matter. I mean, he is out and coming out to brief the public about the president. That’s the briefing that’s happening.”
Gupta continued, “If you are going to do that, then you have to be absolutely honest,” Gupta said. “And it wasn’t just sort of conveying an upbeat attitude.”
“Conveying an upbeat attitude?” Is that really part of CNN’s coverage here? Is that the doctor’s job?
Nitpick any?
Gupta went on, “He was — it was purposely misleading yesterday about a very basic issue, which is whether or not the president had been on supplemental oxygen is one of those issues.”
“That’s important, Jake, because when you look at patients the way that doctors approach this, we know his age, we know his pre-existing risk factors, you can immediately start to assess his risk as more data comes in that risk sort of stratification changes,” Gupta said.
Sanjay Gupta on CNN: '[Doctors] are hiding things. They are being told what to say, and what not to say.' pic.twitter.com/pzkzwjKClh — The Daily Angle (@thedailyangle) October 4, 2020
Gupta added, “If he required oxygen, that definitely indicates that there was some impacts, significant impact on his lungs, and that puts him on a different trajectory.”
Jake Tapper then noted his own experience coming from a family of physicians. Tapper somewhat sided with the doctors, but still made sure he bashed the President
“I am the son of a doctor and a nurse, and I understand the inclination in the public to believe doctors,” Tapper said. “We want to believe doctors.”
“We also have to note there is a long and ugly history in this country of presidents not being honest about their health with the American people and doctors being used as part of that cover-up,” Tapper continued.
“One hundred years ago, it was Woodrow Wilson, FDR, John F. Kennedy, Ronald Reagan, and on and on and on,” the CNN host said.
Sanjay Gupta: “they are hiding things”…..”they are being told what to say, and what not to say” on Trump’s status. — Amy Siskind (@Amy_Siskind) October 4, 2020
RELATED: CNN’s Jake Tapper Allegedly Tried To Convince Republican Candidate Sean Parnell To Run In Different District
Gupta: ‘I’d Have To Say That They Are Hiding Things, Jake’
Tapper finished, “It’s the reason when I interviewed Joe Biden, made him give a pledge, would he always be upfront about all aspects of his health in real time.”
“We’re not getting that from Donald Trump and his team right now,” Tapper declared. “We are not getting all of the facts. Why?”
Gupta responded, “Well you know I’d have to say that they are hiding things, Jake. I mean, I hate to say it.”
Gupta continued to pedal the unfounded theory that President Trump is sicker than he is letting on throughout the rest of the weekend. He did this despite having never examined the president himself, and having no firsthand knowledge of what his medical status may be.
Fair and objective journalists’ job is to give us straight news – not some other narrative based on their own biases.
Did CNN even attempt to do this here? Have the cable news outlet ever attempted to do it?
“I think the President is sicker than the doctors are letting on,” said Sanjay Gupta today on CNN. So that’s where we’re at. Irresponsible speculation from DOCTOR SANJAY GUPTA about what he “thinks”… pic.twitter.com/xQuzMUUjE9 — Steve Krakauer (@SteveKrak) October 5, 2020


thepoliticalinsider--2020-10-06--Alyssa Milano Admits ‘Defund The Police’ Is Really A Call For A ‘Radical Reconstruction Of Society’

While appearing on Tuesday ’ s episode of the ABC talk show “ The View , ” Hollywood actress-turned-activist Alyssa Milano explained that her support for the so-called Defund the Police movement was really a call for a “ radical reconstruction of society.
” Milano Is Asked About Police Incident at Her Home During the show , cohost Sunny Hostin asked Milano about an incident that occurred last month in which the “ Charmed ” star was accused of being a hypocrite for calling the police to her home despite supporting the “ defund the police ” movement .
Police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about a suspected gunman in the area that turned out to be someone with a fake gun shooting at squirrels .
“ One of the other crises we ’ re going through is this sort of national debate on policing , ” Hostin said .
“ You were in the news a few weeks ago when police were called near your house to investigate a man walking around with a gun .
You tweeted you were targeted by right-wing media and trolls who reported that you called the police , which allegedly contradicted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ movement .
What really happened here ?
” Milano responded by giving her version of the incident : “ Someone that was staying in my neighbor ’ s house , house-sitting , saw a man dressed all in black with what appeared to be a shotgun .
She called the police .
We found out about it from helicopters overhead , and about seven SWAT cars came to the house .
By the way , you know there was reason to call the police in that moment .
I think what we ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for like almost a radical reconstruction of society.
” RELATED : Alyssa Milano Claims Ivanka Trump Called Her A ‘ Hero ’ Years Ago – Blasts Her As An ‘ Enabler To Her Father ’ Despite the fact that police were there for Milano and her family in their time of need , she still stood by her push to defund them .
“ I have used the hashtag Defund the Police , ” she explained .
“ I want to be clear what that means .
That means take funds—by the way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They are basically militarized at this point.
” “ We need to take some of that money and put it into the communities of color to chip away , the very least to chip away at the systemic racism and inequalities , ” Milano added .
RELATED : Alyssa Milano Questions If Trump Is ‘ Trying To Kill People ’ For Drive-By Outside Walter Reed Medical Center Somehow , Milano did not seem to see the hypocrisy of police being called to her home despite her defund the police movement .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my house was exactly the type of situation that police officers are trained for and should be responding to .
Of course , I will always support the police coming in and giving — making communities safe .
But what we would also love to see is equally trained , non-police professionals respond to things like addiction and mental health issues and nonviolent events so that these brave officers can do their jobs that they ’ re so good at doing , that they demonstrated at our house .
It was a scary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two hours as they were trying —by the way , it was a neighbor in the back that was shooting squirrels.
” The hypocrisy and ignorance of liberals never ceases to amaze .
The relevant portion starts at around the 3:44 mark in the video below .
This piece was written by James Samson on October 6 , 2020 .
It originally appeared in LifeZette and is used by permission .
Read more at LifeZette : Cop Drives Motorcycle Into Leftwing Rioter Blocking His Path – Her Comrades Go Wild Black Lives Matter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As President Fights COVID The Fake Biden Momentum Campaign Starts to Roll Out The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Political Insider .

While appearing on Tuesday’s episode of the ABC talk show “The View,” Hollywood actress-turned-activist Alyssa Milano explained that her support for the so-called Defund the Police movement was really a call for a “radical reconstruction of society.”
Milano Is Asked About Police Incident at Her Home
During the show, cohost Sunny Hostin asked Milano about an incident that occurred last month in which the “Charmed” star was accused of being a hypocrite for calling the police to her home despite supporting the “defund the police” movement. Police were called to Milano’s home about a suspected gunman in the area that turned out to be someone with a fake gun shooting at squirrels.
“One of the other crises we’re going through is this sort of national debate on policing,” Hostin said. “You were in the news a few weeks ago when police were called near your house to investigate a man walking around with a gun. You tweeted you were targeted by right-wing media and trolls who reported that you called the police, which allegedly contradicted your support for the Defund the Police movement. What really happened here?”
Milano responded by giving her version of the incident:
“Someone that was staying in my neighbor’s house, house-sitting, saw a man dressed all in black with what appeared to be a shotgun. She called the police. We found out about it from helicopters overhead, and about seven SWAT cars came to the house. By the way, you know there was reason to call the police in that moment. I think what we’re facing right now is the need for like almost a radical reconstruction of society.”
RELATED: Alyssa Milano Claims Ivanka Trump Called Her A ‘Hero’ Years Ago – Blasts Her As An ‘Enabler To Her Father’
Milano Stands By ‘Defund The Police
Despite the fact that police were there for Milano and her family in their time of need, she still stood by her push to defund them.
“I have used the hashtag Defund the Police,” she explained. “I want to be clear what that means. That means take funds—by the way. They’re funded very heavily. They are basically militarized at this point.”
“We need to take some of that money and put it into the communities of color to chip away, the very least to chip away at the systemic racism and inequalities,” Milano added.
RELATED: Alyssa Milano Questions If Trump Is ‘Trying To Kill People’ For Drive-By Outside Walter Reed Medical Center
Somehow, Milano did not seem to see the hypocrisy of police being called to her home despite her defund the police movement.
“In my opinion, the call to my house was exactly the type of situation that police officers are trained for and should be responding to. Of course, I will always support the police coming in and giving — making communities safe. But what we would also love to see is equally trained, non-police professionals respond to things like addiction and mental health issues and nonviolent events so that these brave officers can do their jobs that they’re so good at doing, that they demonstrated at our house. It was a scary incident. We were inactive lockdown for two hours as they were trying —by the way, it was a neighbor in the back that was shooting squirrels.”
The hypocrisy and ignorance of liberals never ceases to amaze. The relevant portion starts at around the 3:44 mark in the video below.
This piece was written by James Samson on October 6, 2020. It originally appeared in LifeZette and is used by permission.
Read more at LifeZette:
Cop Drives Motorcycle Into Leftwing Rioter Blocking His Path – Her Comrades Go Wild
Black Lives Matter And Antifa Disrupt Beverly Hills Trump Rally As President Fights COVID
The Fake Biden Momentum Campaign Starts to Roll Out
Read this Next on ThePoliticalInsider.com Charges Announced Against Judge In Pennsylvania Democrat Primary Election Tampering Case
The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Political Insider.


thepoliticalinsider--2020-10-06--Charges Announced Against Judge In Pennsylvania Democrat Primary Election Tampering Case

A Pennsylvania judge has been charged with two misdemeanors related to the tampering of a Democrat primary election in July .
Judge Everett “ Erika ” Bickford was accused and charged with two misdemeanours for tampering with the ballots of the Democrat primary race for the Pennsylvania state representative between incumbent Peter Schweyer and challenger Enid Santiago .
Lehigh County District Attorney Jim Martin announced the charges against Bickford on Monday .
They related to two violations of the electoral code : insertion and alteration of entries in documents , and prying into ballots , The Morning Call reported .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ interview with detectives , and said she had simply “ darkened ” the bubbles that some voters had chosen in their ballots , denying she had ever changed or altered ballots in any way .
She said the bubble darkening happened around 30 times , and she also “ trimmed ” the edges of ballots , supposedly so that they would be accepted into voting machines .
Bickford is set to plead not guilty , claiming her actions were moral and “ done with good intentions.
” RELATED : Democrat Operative Claims He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ For Decades Democrat Challenger Encourages Voters To Write Her In Bickford was not charged with changing the course of the election , of which Schweyer defeated Santiago by just 55 votes .
In the 3rd Ward overall , Santiago beat Schweyer 95-52 votes , but lost 22-65 at the 3rd Ward polling place Bickford oversaw .
In a Facebook post , Santiago said that “ the election was still certified despite fraud against my campaign , ” and encouraged her supporters to “ stand together against corruption , ” saying that they should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There has been no ruling that the elections must take place again , despite the charges against Bickford .
In August this year , a judge ruled that municipal elections must take place again in Patterson , New Jersey , after the elections were “ irreversibly tainted.
” Charges were brought against Alex Mendez , the supposed winner of the election , along with three other men , including a councilman .

A Pennsylvania judge has been charged with two misdemeanors related to the tampering of a Democrat primary election in July.
Judge Claims Innocence In Case
Judge Everett “Erika” Bickford was accused and charged with two misdemeanors for tampering with the ballots of the Democrat primary race for Pennsylvania state representative between incumbent Peter Schweyer and challenger Enid Santiago.
Lehigh County District Attorney Jim Martin announced the charges against Bickford on Monday.
They related to two violations of the electoral code: insertion and alteration of entries in documents, and prying into ballots, The Morning Call reported.
Bickford claimed she was innocent during an interview with detectives, and said she had simply “darkened” the bubbles that some voters had chosen in their ballots, denying she had ever changed or altered ballots in any way.
She said the bubble darkening happened around 30 times, and she also “trimmed” the edges of ballots, supposedly so that they would be accepted into voting machines.
Bickford is set to plead not guilty, claiming her actions were moral and “done with good intentions.”
RELATED: Democrat Operative Claims He Was Involved In Massive Mail-In Voting Fraud For Decades
Democrat Challenger Encourages Voters To Write Her In
Bickford was not charged with changing the course of the election, of which Schweyer defeated Santiago by just 55 votes. In the 3rd Ward overall, Santiago beat Schweyer 95-52 votes, but lost 22-65 at the 3rd Ward polling place Bickford oversaw.
In a Facebook post, Santiago said that “the election was still certified despite fraud against my campaign,” and encouraged her supporters to “stand together against corruption,” saying that they should write her in come polling day.
There has been no ruling that the elections must take place again, despite the charges against Bickford.
In August this year, a judge ruled that municipal elections must take place again in Patterson, New Jersey, after the elections were “irreversibly tainted.”
Charges were brought against Alex Mendez, the supposed winner of the election, along with three other men, including a councilman.


thepoliticalinsider--2020-10-06--John Cusack Compares Trump To Hitler – Says They Have Similar Political Styles

Hollywood star John Cusack , who acted as a surrogate for Senator Bernie Sanders ( I-VT ) , spoke out this week to compare President Donald Trump to Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler .
Showing that his Trump derangement syndrome is as bad as ever , Cusack nonsensically claimed that Trump has a similar political style to Hitler ’ s .
“ Hitler sort of stole from the avant-garde left , ” Cusack told the WTF with Marc Maron podcast .
“ He hated the message of the avant-garde left because it was anti-war , but he understood that politics was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ politics were going to be infused .
You can see Trump sort of doing the same thing.
” “ The first time he tore a child away from their mother ’ s arms and put them in a cage , this wasn ’ t a reality TV show anymore .
This was real fascism , ” Cusack continued .
RELATED : John Cusack Unravels – Trump ’ s ‘ A Test Run For True Evil : The Anti-Christ For Dummies ’ This comes after the star described Trump as “ the anti Christ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a test run for true evil : the anti christ for dummies , ” he tweeted back in August “ The gods saying We ’ re going to give you a version so obvious with such Unimaginable Stupididty & abject cretinism & sloth – to show how decadent & empty yr culture & institutions have become – change.
” Back in June , Cusack bizarrely claimed that the military had “ abandoned ” Trump while also smearing the president ’ s millions of supporters as “ racists.
” “ Trump is playing for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ miltary [ sic ] has abandoned his fascism—all he ’ s got left is rascists [ sic ] - He wants something to leverage – to stay out of jail , ” Cusack said .
RELATED : John Cusack Outrageously Claims Military Has ‘ Abandoned ’ Trump : Says Supporters He Still Has Are Racist Cusack is not above insulting President Trump for his looks , as that same day , he referred to him as a “ bloated punk.
” This just goes to show that Trump derangement syndrome is real , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the ugliest things in our country today .
This piece was written by James Samson on October 6 , 2020 .
It originally appeared in LifeZette and is used by permission .
Read more at LifeZette : Police Arrest NY Woman for Driving Kids Around County , Stealing Trump Campaign Signs Black Lives Matter And Antifa Disrupt Beverly Hills Trump Rally As President Fights COVID Cop Drives Motorcycle Into Leftwing Rioter Blocking His Path – Her Comrades Go Wild The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Political Insider .

Hollywood star John Cusack, who acted as a surrogate for Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT), spoke out this week to compare President Donald Trump to Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler.
Showing that his Trump derangement syndrome is as bad as ever, Cusack nonsensically claimed that Trump has a similar political style to Hitler’s.
Cusack Compares Trump To Hitler
“Hitler sort of stole from the avant-garde left,” Cusack told the WTF with Marc Maron podcast. “He hated the message of the avant-garde left because it was anti-war, but he understood that politics was the new art and that art and politics were going to be infused. You can see Trump sort of doing the same thing.”
“The first time he tore a child away from their mother’s arms and put them in a cage, this wasn’t a reality TV show anymore. This was real fascism,” Cusack continued.
RELATED: John Cusack Unravels – Trump’s ‘A Test Run For True Evil: The Anti-Christ For Dummies’
This comes after the Say Anything star described Trump as “the anti Christ for dummies.”
“Trump is basically a test run for true evil: the anti christ for dummies,” he tweeted back in August “The gods saying We’re going to give you a version so obvious with such Unimaginable Stupididty & abject cretinism & sloth – to show how decadent & empty yr culture & institutions have become – change.”
Trump is basically a test run for true evil: the anti christ for dummies –
The gods saying
We’re going to give you a version so obvious with such
Unimaginable Stupididty & abject cretinism & sloth – to show how decadent & empty yr culture & institutions have become – change — John Cusack (@johncusack) August 13, 2020
Cusack Called Trump Supporters ‘Racist’
Back in June, Cusack bizarrely claimed that the military had “abandoned” Trump while also smearing the president’s millions of supporters as “racists.”
“Trump is playing for an exit strategy—that keeps him from jail- miltary [sic] has abandoned his fascism—all he’s got left is rascists [sic]- He wants something to leverage – to stay out of jail,” Cusack said.
RELATED: John Cusack Outrageously Claims Military Has ‘Abandoned’ Trump: Says Supporters He Still Has Are Racist
Trump is playing for an exit strategy – that keeps him from jail- miltary has abandoned his fascism – all he’s got left is rascists-
He wants something to leverage – to stay out of jail – — John Cusack (@johncusack) June 12, 2020
Cusack is not above insulting President Trump for his looks, as that same day, he referred to him as a “bloated punk.”
As if this bloated punk had ever been in a fight – @farronbalanced: “So innocent and so perfect.” https://t.co/HBxOJwHEHg” — John Cusack (@johncusack) June 12, 2020
This just goes to show that Trump derangement syndrome is real, folks, and it’s one of the ugliest things in our country today.
This piece was written by James Samson on October 6, 2020. It originally appeared in LifeZette and is used by permission.
Read more at LifeZette:
Police Arrest NY Woman for Driving Kids Around County, Stealing Trump Campaign Signs
Black Lives Matter And Antifa Disrupt Beverly Hills Trump Rally As President Fights COVID
Cop Drives Motorcycle Into Leftwing Rioter Blocking His Path – Her Comrades Go Wild
Read this Next on ThePoliticalInsider.com CNN Hosts Melt Down Over Trump Removing His Mask, Demand Footage Be Censored
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thepoliticalinsider--2020-10-06--CNN Hosts Melt Down Over Trump Removing His Mask, Demand Footage Be Censored

Some of Trump ’ s loudest opponents in the media , including CNN hosts John Berman and Chris Cuomo , are having a collective freak-out over President Trump removing his mask as he stood alone on the White House balcony after returning from Walter Reed hospital Monday evening .
Tuesday morning , CNN host John Berman demanded that his channel not show footage of Trump taking off his face mask “ because that ’ s going to kill people.
” CNN ’ s John Berman Freaks Out About Trump Taking Off His Mask Berman teed up the news segment by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the panel he was hosting on his program .
“ Friends , there ’ s so much to talk about this morning , ” Berman sermonized .
“ Obviously , we will discuss the president ’ s health over the course of the show , but this morning , I think the bigger concern is for the public health.
” Then immediately jumped to his hot button issue of the day : Trump removing his mask on the balcony .
“ And we ’ re looking at 210,000 Americans dead , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ daily cases , and the president , in that Sunset Boulevard gesture , whipped his mask off in front of the American people on the nightly news last night.
” As Berman says these words , the video cuts over to footage of Trump outside on his balcony the night before .
That ’ s when Berman unravels , demanding that the footage of Trump removing his mask be taken off the screen – and it was .
“ Take it off !
Please don ’ t even put it on the screen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his producers .
“ Please take it off because that ’ s going to kill people , ” he said .
While President Trump is COVID-19 positive , reports indicate he was not standing close to anyone when he removed his mask briefly atop the White House balcony Monday evening .
That mention was left out of Berman ’ s rant on CNN .
Further , the footage itself appears to show no one within a 6-foot radius of Trump on the second story balcony .
CNN ’ s Chris Cuomo Also Loses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Of course , John Berman wasn ’ t alone in his over-the-top reaction .
The night before , CNN ’ s Chris Cuomo was also outraged over Trump ’ s mask removal .
“ There he is reshooting the scene for his own ad , ” Cuomo said and then mockingly pretended he was Trump .
“ I hold rallies and I tell you to ignore masks and I rip mine off as I vanquish the virus , for I am a leader .
Fear not , Covid !
” “ If you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ truth , okay , the virus is the truth , ” Cuomo ranted on .
“ The virus doesn ’ t care about left and right .
The virus does what ’ s reasonable .
You give me a chance I will spread.
” “ You keep away from me , you don ’ t give me a chance , ” Cuomo continued .
“ I run out of hosts .
I die .
I ’ m the truth .
If you are doing the right thing , you don ’ t see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doing the wrong thing , you do.
” Cuomo dug at the President , “ The White House is literally what we fear the most , a rash of contagion called a cluster.
” What About Those Pundits Who Speculated Trump Was Hiding His Condition ?
On Monday afternoon , President Trump shocked the masses by tweeting he would be leaving the hospital later that day , “ I will be leaving the great Walter Reed Medical Center today at 6:30 P.M. ” RELATED : Cuomo Bashes Trump Despite Once Praising Him On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Our Way Worked , It Was Beautiful ’ “ Feeling really good !
” Trump added .
“ Don ’ t be afraid of Covid .
Don ’ t let it dominate your life .
We have developed , under the Trump Administration , some really great drugs & knowledge .
I feel better than I did 20 years ago !
” Before Trump ’ s release from Walter Reed , there was media speculation about Trump ’ s actual condition .
In fact , some pundits and their special guest doctors were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” something about the President ’ s condition or “ purposely misleading ” the public .
Some even implied that White House doctor Sean Conley was up to no good .
All weekend , CNN implied that Trump was sicker than was being reported – or perhaps anti-Trump pundits wanted him to be more sick .
But when he showed up looking healthy and well , they found something else to melt down over .
Unbelievable .
The chances that President Trump put anyone at risk while standing alone outside on that second @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And CNN wonders why the President calls them “ fake news .
”

Some of Trump’s loudest opponents in the media, including CNN hosts John Berman and Chris Cuomo, are having a collective freak-out over President Trump removing his mask as he stood alone on the White House balcony after returning from Walter Reed hospital Monday evening.
Tuesday morning, CNN host John Berman demanded that his channel not show footage of Trump taking off his face mask “because that’s going to kill people.”
"Take it off, please. Don't even put it on the screen, please take it off. Because that's gonna kill people!"@JohnBerman tells his producers to stop showing a video of @realDonaldTrump taking off his mask to CNN viewers. pic.twitter.com/YygEupIRZr — Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) October 6, 2020
RELATED: Democrat Elizabeth Warren Unveils ‘Anti-Racism In Public Health Act’
CNN’s John Berman Freaks Out About Trump Taking Off His Mask
Berman teed up the news segment by suggesting public health should be the focus of the panel he was hosting on his program.
“Friends, there’s so much to talk about this morning,” Berman sermonized. “Obviously, we will discuss the president’s health over the course of the show, but this morning, I think the bigger concern is for the public health.”
Then immediately jumped to his hot button issue of the day: Trump removing his mask on the balcony.
“And we’re looking at 210,000 Americans dead, we’re seeing a rise in new daily cases, and the president, in that Sunset Boulevard gesture, whipped his mask off in front of the American people on the nightly news last night.”
As Berman says these words, the video cuts over to footage of Trump outside on his balcony the night before.
That’s when Berman unravels, demanding that the footage of Trump removing his mask be taken off the screen – and it was.
“Take it off! Please don’t even put it on the screen,” Berman insisted, presumably at his producers.
“Please take it off because that’s going to kill people,” he said.
While President Trump is COVID-19 positive, reports indicate he was not standing close to anyone when he removed his mask briefly atop the White House balcony Monday evening.
That mention was left out of Berman’s rant on CNN.
Further, the footage itself appears to show no one within a 6-foot radius of Trump on the second story balcony.
CNN’s Chris Cuomo Also Loses It Over Trump’s Mask Removal
Of course, John Berman wasn’t alone in his over-the-top reaction.
The night before, CNN’s Chris Cuomo was also outraged over Trump’s mask removal.
“There he is reshooting the scene for his own ad,” Cuomo said and then mockingly pretended he was Trump. “I hold rallies and I tell you to ignore masks and I rip mine off as I vanquish the virus, for I am a leader. Fear not, Covid!”
“What a bunch of BULLS***!” Cuomo declared.
‘What a Bunch of BULLSH*T!’: Chris Cuomo Torches Trump’s New ‘Vanquish the Virus’ Spin That He Got Covid Because He’s a Leaderhttps://t.co/b34v5WyA9o — Mediaite (@Mediaite) October 6, 2020
“If you want to know the reality, the truth, okay, the virus is the truth,” Cuomo ranted on. “The virus doesn’t care about left and right. The virus does what’s reasonable. You give me a chance I will spread.”
“You keep away from me, you don’t give me a chance,” Cuomo continued. “I run out of hosts. I die. I’m the truth. If you are doing the right thing, you don’t see me that much. If you are doing the wrong thing, you do.”
Cuomo dug at the President, “The White House is literally what we fear the most, a rash of contagion called a cluster.”
What About Those Pundits Who Speculated Trump Was Hiding His Condition?
On Monday afternoon, President Trump shocked the masses by tweeting he would be leaving the hospital later that day, “I will be leaving the great Walter Reed Medical Center today at 6:30 P.M.”
I will be leaving the great Walter Reed Medical Center today at 6:30 P.M. Feeling really good! Don’t be afraid of Covid. Don’t let it dominate your life. We have developed, under the Trump Administration, some really great drugs & knowledge. I feel better than I did 20 years ago! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 5, 2020
RELATED: Cuomo Bashes Trump Despite Once Praising Him On COVID-19, And Says In NY ‘Our Way Worked, It Was Beautiful’
“Feeling really good!” Trump added. “Don’t be afraid of Covid. Don’t let it dominate your life. We have developed, under the Trump Administration, some really great drugs & knowledge. I feel better than I did 20 years ago!”
Before Trump’s release from Walter Reed, there was media speculation about Trump’s actual condition.
In fact, some pundits and their special guest doctors were speculating that Team Trump was “hiding” something about the President’s condition or “purposely misleading” the public.
Some even implied that White House doctor Sean Conley was up to no good.
How dare CNN question the integrity of the president's doctors? They have no evidence to support this. https://t.co/ndUzm9ukZE — ThePoliticalInsider (@TPInsidr) October 5, 2020
All weekend, CNN implied that Trump was sicker than was being reported – or perhaps anti-Trump pundits wanted him to be more sick.
But when he showed up looking healthy and well, they found something else to melt down over. Unbelievable.
The chances that President Trump put anyone at risk while standing alone outside on that second story balcony are likely slim to none.
And CNN wonders why the President calls them “fake news.”


thepoliticalinsider--2020-10-06--Supreme Court Reinstates Witness Signatures For South Carolina Mail-In Ballots

The Supreme Court has upheld the requirement for witness signatures to be on mail-in ballots in South Carolina , overturning lower court rulings .
South Carolina had previously had the requirement for witness signatures for all mail-in and absentee ballots .
The signatures are meant to combat voter fraud , ensuring at least one other , trackable person has signed off that the ballot is legitimate .
However , lower courts had ruled that the requirement was a “ risky imposition ” during the current coronavirus pandemic , USA Today reported .
Republican legislators had urged the Supreme Court to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day increases the risk that ballots will be returned that , in mistaken reliance on the district court ’ s injunction , do not comply with the witness requirement , ” one Republican official argued .
South Carolina Democrats instead insisted the Supreme Court stick by the intial ruling of the lower courts , arguing that “ the witness requirement increases the risk of COVID-19 infection and transmission and unconstitutionally burdens the right to vote.
” Democrats also argued that ruling in favor of witness signaturies would put a “ burden ” on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been hit disproportionately hard by COVID-19.
” Temporary SCOTUS Ruling Keeps Signatures in SC , For Now While the case continues through the court , an initial ruling has been granted by the Supreme Court to ensure that witness signatures will be required on all ballots .
However , any ballots received in the next two days with no signature must be counted .
Conservative justices Thomas , Alito , and Gorsuch , have said that they would not have included this concession .
The ruling follows an upholding of Alabama ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which the votes fell along conservative and liberal lines .
However , the Supreme Court ruled 5-3 in August against similar rules in Rhode Island .
The vote breakdown for this specific ruling is not available , as it is considered to be an emergency ruling while the case continues .
Witness signatures are one of the ways in which states can combat the scourge of electoral fraud .
As I have reported previously , voters are extremely concerned about the security of their ballots this election , especially with recently reported mishaps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , voters received mail-in ballots with the incorrect name and address attached , something that could easily result in the ballot being invalidated if cast with the incorrect information .
While in Pennsylvania , seven military ballots cast for President Trump were found discarded by officials in Luzerne County .
And in New Jersey , 1600 ballots from a primary election this year were found in a bin , uncounted , months later .
The Supreme Court may continue to rule on these ballots way after the election , with a strong possibility @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country this electoral cycle .

The Supreme Court has upheld the requirement for witness signatures to be on mail-in ballots in South Carolina, overturning lower court rulings.
Democrats Claim Witness Signatures “Risky” During Pandemic
South Carolina had previously had the requirement for witness signatures for all mail-in and absentee ballots. The signatures are meant to combat voter fraud, ensuring at least one other, trackable person has signed off that the ballot is legitimate.
However, lower courts had ruled that the requirement was a “risky imposition” during the current coronavirus pandemic, USA Today reported.
Republican legislators had urged the Supreme Court to overturn these rulings.
“Each passing day increases the risk that ballots will be returned that, in mistaken reliance on the district court’s injunction, do not comply with the witness requirement,” one Republican official argued.
South Carolina Democrats instead insisted the Supreme Court stick by the intial ruling of the lower courts, arguing that “the witness requirement increases the risk of COVID-19 infection and transmission and unconstitutionally burdens the right to vote.”
Democrats also argued that ruling in favor of witness signaturies would put a “burden” on black voters, “whose communities have been hit disproportionately hard by COVID-19.”
Temporary SCOTUS Ruling Keeps Signatures in SC, For Now
While the case continues through the court, an initial ruling has been granted by the Supreme Court to ensure that witness signatures will be required on all ballots.
However, any ballots received in the next two days with no signature must be counted. Conservative justices Thomas, Alito, and Gorsuch, have said that they would not have included this concession.
BREAKING REPORT: Supreme Court RESTORES WITNESS SIGNATURE RULE for absentee ballots in South Carolina… — Chuck Callesto (@ChuckCallesto) October 6, 2020
The ruling follows an upholding of Alabama’s witness signature rules in July, of which the votes fell along conservative and liberal lines. However, the Supreme Court ruled 5-3 in August against similar rules in Rhode Island.
The vote breakdown for this specific ruling is not available, as it is considered to be an emergency ruling while the case continues.
The Importance Of Witness Signatures
Witness signatures are one of the ways in which states can combat the scourge of electoral fraud. As I have reported previously, voters are extremely concerned about the security of their ballots this election, especially with recently reported mishaps.
In New York City last month, voters received mail-in ballots with the incorrect name and address attached, something that could easily result in the ballot being invalidated if cast with the incorrect information.
While in Pennsylvania, seven military ballots cast for President Trump were found discarded by officials in Luzerne County. And in New Jersey, 1600 ballots from a primary election this year were found in a bin, uncounted, months later.
The Supreme Court may continue to rule on these ballots way after the election, with a strong possibility that results may be challenged across the country this electoral cycle.