westernjournal--2020-02-08--Sondland Becomes 3rd Impeachment-Tied Figure in 24 Hours To Get Boot from White House

The Trump administration acted Friday to purge its ranks of high-level staff who testified to House Democrats in President Donald Trump ’ s impeachment inquiry .
Gordon Sondland , who as the U.S .
Ambassador to the European Union was a central figure in the administration ’ s dealings with Ukraine , announced Friday that he was losing his job , according to Fox News .
The action came shortly after Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman , who also testified before House Democrats , was removed form his position as a member of the National Security Council and returned to duty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ twin brother Lt. Col. Yevgeny Vindman was also removed from an NSC post , Fox News quoted sources it did not name as saying .
“ I was advised today that the president intends to recall me effective immediately as United States ambassador to the European Union , ” Sondland said .
As of Friday , eight of 12 officials who testified publicly during the impeachment hearings have left the posts , either voluntarily or otherwise .
“ Well , I ’ m not happy with him .
Do you think I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
I ’ m not , ” Trump said , according to a White House media pool report .
Trump was repeatedly asked what would happen to Vindman and told reporters to stay tuned .
The changes raised the ire of some Democrats .
“ Those who suggested President Trump ’ s behavior would improve following his impeachment have been proven wrong , ” said New Jersey Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez , the ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee .
“ I sincerely hope that all members of Congress condemn this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by President Trump.
” Others said the changes were necessary .
RELATED : Trump Responds to Viral Image Circulating : 'This Was Photoshopped' Fox News host Laura Ingraham on Friday said on “ The Ingraham Angle ” that the actions were part of what she termed Trump ’ s “ best week ever ” and should continue .
“ He now has the best cabinet that I can recall any president having in my lifetime , and as we just discussed on the show , the White House is finally doing some much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ So keep it up .
Get rid of the radicals undermining from within and replace them with people who believe in your agenda , Mr. President , and are competent enough to carry it out , ” Ingraham said .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
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The Trump administration acted Friday to purge its ranks of high-level staff who testified to House Democrats in President Donald Trump’s impeachment inquiry.
Gordon Sondland, who as the U.S. Ambassador to the European Union was a central figure in the administration’s dealings with Ukraine, announced Friday that he was losing his job, according to Fox News.
The action came shortly after Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman, who also testified before House Democrats, was removed form his position as a member of the National Security Council and returned to duty at the Pentagon.
Vindman’s twin brother Lt. Col. Yevgeny Vindman was also removed from an NSC post, Fox News quoted sources it did not name as saying.
“I was advised today that the president intends to recall me effective immediately as United States ambassador to the European Union,” Sondland said.
As of Friday, eight of 12 officials who testified publicly during the impeachment hearings have left the posts, either voluntarily or otherwise.
Trump was asked Friday about Vindman.
“Well, I’m not happy with him. Do you think I’m supposed to be happy with him? I’m not,” Trump said, according to a White House media pool report.
Trump was repeatedly asked what would happen to Vindman and told reporters to stay tuned.
Do you think Donald Trump is right to clean house like this? Yes No
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The changes raised the ire of some Democrats.
“Those who suggested President Trump’s behavior would improve following his impeachment have been proven wrong,” said New Jersey Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez, the ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. “I sincerely hope that all members of Congress condemn this latest reprehensible, yet sadly predictable conduct by President Trump.”
Others said the changes were necessary.
Col. Vindman wasn’t “fired” he’s still an Army officer. He was assigned to NSC to serve the President who has a right to have people he trusts on his staff Sondland was a politically appointee. No point in having a political appointee who no longer has the Presidents confidence — Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) February 8, 2020
Allow me a moment to thank—and this may be a bit of a surprise—Adam Schiff. Were it not for his crack investigation skills, @realDonaldTrump might have had a tougher time unearthing who all needed to be fired. Thanks, Adam! ? #FullOfSchiff — Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) February 8, 2020
Fox News host Laura Ingraham on Friday said on “The Ingraham Angle” that the actions were part of what she termed Trump’s “best week ever” and should continue.
“He now has the best cabinet that I can recall any president having in my lifetime, and as we just discussed on the show, the White House is finally doing some much needed housecleaning,” she said.
“So keep it up. Get rid of the radicals undermining from within and replace them with people who believe in your agenda, Mr. President, and are competent enough to carry it out,” Ingraham said.
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westernjournal--2020-02-08--Remembering America’s Heroes: Police Officers Who Passed Away in January 2020

Those who choose to go into law enforcement know the amount of sacrifice that their career choice may require , yet they do it any way .
Here are some of the heroes who gave their lives to protect their communities in January 2020 .
Investigator Ryan Fortini , 42 , passed away on Jan. 1 after suffering from 9/11-related cancer .
He assisted with the search and recovery efforts at the World Trade Center following the Sept. 11 , 2001 , attacks , according to WABC .
He served with the New York State Police for over 15 years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his cancer .
He was survived by his fiancée , parents , brother and sister .
After pulling a car over for a traffic stop on Florence Airport property in South Carolina on Jan. 5 , Florence Airport Public Safety Officer Jackson Ryan Winkeler was shot and killed by a man in the car .
A suspect was later caught and has since been charged with murder , according to WLTX .
“ Officer Jackson Winkeler brought so much joy to our work family , ” Florence Airport director Connie Anderson said in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and infectious personality had the ability to brighten a room when walking in the door and he will forever impact those of us here at the Florence Regional Airport who had the pleasure of working with him.
” Officer Paul Dunn , 50 , died from injuries suffered in a motorcycle crash on his way to work on Jan. 9 , according to the Lakeland Police Department .
He is survived by his wife , two sons , a daughter and a stepdaughter .
RELATED : As Media Reacts to Vindman Ouster , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Said Dunn had served with the Lakeland Police Department since 2013 .
He was also a Marine Corps veteran .
Lubbock , Texas Police Department Officer Nicholas Reyna , 27 , had only served with the agency for less than a year before he was tragically struck by a vehicle while responding to a car wreck in icy conditions .
He died as a result of his injuries on Jan. 11 .
Lubbock Fire Rescue Lt. Eric Hill , a paramedic , also died in the accident .
Reyna is survived by his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ daughter , Catalina .
Weeks after his death , Reyna ’ s wife was gifted a mortgage-free home through the Tunnel to Towers Foundation ’ s Fallen First Responder Home Program , according to KCBD .
Detective Amber Joy Leist , 41 , was struck by a vehicle on Jan. 12 while she was helping an older woman who had fallen while crossing the street .
She died as a result of her injuries .
She had served with the Los Angeles County Sheriff ’ s Department in California for 12 years .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ go out that way , ” her son , Daniel Laney , told KTLA .
“ I love her for that .
She ’ s always had a kind heart.
” Bryan County Sheriff ’ s Deputy Jarid Taylor was responding to an emergency call on Jan. 14 near Durant , Oklahoma , when his vehicle went off the road , according to KXII .
He died as a result of his injuries .
He is survived by his two daughters , ages 6 and 5 .
Officer Tiffany-Victoria Bilon Enriquez died on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wounds sustained while responding to a stabbing near Diamond Head State Monument in Honolulu , Hawaii , according to KHON .
Enriquez served with the Honolulu Police Department for seven years and is survived by three children and one grandchild .
Honolulu Police Department lost two officers on Jan. 19 .
Officer Kaulike Kalama also died from gunshot wounds sustained at the shooting near Diamond Head .
He is survived by his wife and teenage son , according to KHON .
While assisting in a vehicle pursuit on Jan. 23 in Long County @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Whiteman died in a vehicle crash , according to WJCL .
He is survived by his wife and three sons .
Newport News Police Department Officer Katherine Thyne , 24 , was killed on Jan. 23 after questioning a couple she and her partner suspected were smoking marijuana while seated in a vehicle in a parking lot , according to the Daily Press in Virginia .
The driver allegedly refused to get out of the car , and instead attempted to drive away , which pinned Thyne against the car and a tree @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officer killed on duty in over 25 years , and the first woman officer to ever be killed on duty .
Sgt .
Steve Pennington , Thyne ’ s direct supervisor , wrote in a letter to the fallen officer ’ s 2-year-old daughter , “ Your mommy is a hero.
” Virginia Peninsula Regional Jail Major Angelanette Moore died while on duty on Jan. 23 .
She worked at the correctional facility for two decades before her death .
On Jan. 31 , 46-year-old Corpus Christi , Texas Police Department Officer Alan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conducting a traffic stop , KRISTV reported .
He is survived by his wife and three children .
“ Officer McCollum served with the Corpus Christi Police Department for seven-years and was a twenty-one-year highly decorated Veteran of the United States Army , ” the department wrote on Facebook .
“ Officer McCollum was awarded numerous decorations , medals , badges , citations , campaign ribbons ; to include being a recipient of the Bronze Star.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial @ @

Those who choose to go into law enforcement know the amount of sacrifice that their career choice may require, yet they do it any way.
Here are some of the heroes who gave their lives to protect their communities in January 2020.
Investigator Ryan D. Fortini
Investigator Ryan Fortini, 42, passed away on Jan. 1 after suffering from 9/11-related cancer.
He assisted with the search and recovery efforts at the World Trade Center following the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, according to WABC.
He served with the New York State Police for over 15 years before he retired in 2015 due to his cancer. He was survived by his fiancée, parents, brother and sister.
Public Safety Officer Jackson Ryan Winkeler
After pulling a car over for a traffic stop on Florence Airport property in South Carolina on Jan. 5, Florence Airport Public Safety Officer Jackson Ryan Winkeler was shot and killed by a man in the car.
A suspect was later caught and has since been charged with murder, according to WLTX.
“Officer Jackson Winkeler brought so much joy to our work family,” Florence Airport director Connie Anderson said in a statement. “His contagious laughter and infectious personality had the ability to brighten a room when walking in the door and he will forever impact those of us here at the Florence Regional Airport who had the pleasure of working with him.”
Officer Paul Dunn
Officer Paul Dunn, 50, died from injuries suffered in a motorcycle crash on his way to work on Jan. 9, according to the Lakeland Police Department. He is survived by his wife, two sons, a daughter and a stepdaughter.
Dunn had served with the Lakeland Police Department since 2013. He was also a Marine Corps veteran.
Officer Nicholas Reyna
Lubbock, Texas Police Department Officer Nicholas Reyna, 27, had only served with the agency for less than a year before he was tragically struck by a vehicle while responding to a car wreck in icy conditions. He died as a result of his injuries on Jan. 11.
Lubbock Fire Rescue Lt. Eric Hill, a paramedic, also died in the accident.
Reyna is survived by his wife, Christina, and their 1-year-old daughter, Catalina.
Weeks after his death, Reyna’s wife was gifted a mortgage-free home through the Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s Fallen First Responder Home Program, according to KCBD.
Detective Amber Joy Leist
Detective Amber Joy Leist, 41, was struck by a vehicle on Jan. 12 while she was helping an older woman who had fallen while crossing the street. She died as a result of her injuries.
She had served with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department in California for 12 years.
“It was heroic for her to go out that way,” her son, Daniel Laney, told KTLA. “I love her for that. She’s always had a kind heart.”
Deputy Jarid Taylor
Bryan County Sheriff’s Deputy Jarid Taylor was responding to an emergency call on Jan. 14 near Durant, Oklahoma, when his vehicle went off the road, according to KXII. He died as a result of his injuries.
He is survived by his two daughters, ages 6 and 5.
Officer Tiffany-Victoria Bilon Enriquez
Officer Tiffany-Victoria Bilon Enriquez died on Jan. 19 as a result of gunshot wounds sustained while responding to a stabbing near Diamond Head State Monument in Honolulu, Hawaii, according to KHON.
Enriquez served with the Honolulu Police Department for seven years and is survived by three children and one grandchild.
Officer Kaulike Kalama
Honolulu Police Department lost two officers on Jan. 19. Officer Kaulike Kalama also died from gunshot wounds sustained at the shooting near Diamond Head.
He is survived by his wife and teenage son, according to KHON.
Deputy Sheriff Sheldon Gordon Whiteman
While assisting in a vehicle pursuit on Jan. 23 in Long County, Georgia, Deputy Sheriff Sheldon Gordon Whiteman died in a vehicle crash, according to WJCL.
He is survived by his wife and three sons.
Officer Katherine Thyne
Newport News Police Department Officer Katherine Thyne, 24, was killed on Jan. 23 after questioning a couple she and her partner suspected were smoking marijuana while seated in a vehicle in a parking lot, according to the Daily Press in Virginia.
The driver allegedly refused to get out of the car, and instead attempted to drive away, which pinned Thyne against the car and a tree.
Thyne was the first Newport News officer killed on duty in over 25 years, and the first woman officer to ever be killed on duty.
Sgt. Steve Pennington, Thyne’s direct supervisor, wrote in a letter to the fallen officer’s 2-year-old daughter, “Your mommy is a hero.”
Major Angelanette Moore
Virginia Peninsula Regional Jail Major Angelanette Moore died while on duty on Jan. 23.
She worked at the correctional facility for two decades before her death.
Officer Alan McCollum
On Jan. 31, 46-year-old Corpus Christi, Texas Police Department Officer Alan McCollum was struck by a vehicle while conducting a traffic stop, KRISTV reported. He is survived by his wife and three children.
“Officer McCollum served with the Corpus Christi Police Department for seven-years and was a twenty-one-year highly decorated Veteran of the United States Army,” the department wrote on Facebook. “Officer McCollum was awarded numerous decorations, medals, badges, citations, campaign ribbons; to include being a recipient of the Bronze Star.”
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westernjournal--2020-02-08--GOP Gov. Abbott and Dem Mayor Adler Publicly Clashing over Homeless Crisis in Texas Capital

Texas Gov .
Greg Abbott is demanding that the city of Austin act to address the issue of violence linked to its growing homeless population .
Austin , with a population of about 950,000 , has about 2,500 people who are officially counted as homeless , NPR reported , athough Mayor Steve Adler told Fox News that about 7,000 homeless people pass through Austin at some time during the year .
Last June , Austin ended a ban on camping within the city limits , then in October sought to limit the areas where the homeless would be allowed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , homeless individuals have been linked to a number of crimes .
In early January , a homeless man died after committing a series of knife attacks , one of which caused a fatality , according to ABC .
Last week , a fire at a vast camp under a bridge used by homeless individuals shut down the roadway above for hours , KVUE reported .
Last month , a homeless woman was arrested after a series of stabbing in downtown Austin , KVUE reported .
Abbott sounded off after that attack .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ lawlessness throughout the capital city that is resulting in violence against Austin residents , including those who are homeless , ” Abbott said then .
“ Last night ’ s tragedy , leaving three injured , is just the most recent instance of this violence .
This rise in violence has corresponded with the revocation of the camping ban that the Austin City Council passed in June .
Public endangerment and murder can no longer be tolerated because of the actions — and inactions — by City officials .
Mayor Adler and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and restore the rule of law in Austin .
The City ’ s gamble on these reckless policies has been a loser and must end now , ” he said .
A few days later , another stabbing was reported , and another homeless individual was reportedly responsible , according to KEYE , triggering Abbott to tweet that if the city will not act , he will ask the state legislature to do so when it convenes next year .
“ Yet ANOTHER stabbing in downtown Austin .
Austin ’ s policies are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ else .
Their policies are dangerous for everyone .
You can expect the legislature to once again override Austin ’ s reckless policies , ” he tweeted .
Another tweet offered a recipe for fixing the problem .
“ Fixing homelessness in ATX is easy .
1 .
Put public safety first .
2 .
Open large shelters that can accommodate > 200 people .
3 .
Provide mental health , drug addiction help + job training skills .
4 .
Then focus on long term housing .
Austin doesn ’ t have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he tweeted .
RELATED : Breaking Report : Gunman Opens Fire in TX Church , Parishioners Respond with Own Weapons Abbott later tweeted that if the city won ’ t act , he would have to .
“ Next step should be to reinstate the ban on camping and work with non-profit organizations to assist with shelters .
That ’ s exactly what I will ask the Texas Legislature to do , ” he wrote .
“ It ’ s similar to making the statement that immigrants are criminals .
Neither of things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ false and harmful , ” he said , noting that the city will spend $ 63 million to help the homeless .
“ The city has identified dealing with the challenge of homelessness as the number one priority , ” Adler said .
“ A lot of it is money helping to subsidize places for people to be , coming up with vouchers for hotels , providing rental assistance , providing programs to people before they become homeless.
” But one Austin resident said incidents with the homeless happen “ all the time.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I think there are definitely things that we need to do to help the situation , ” Candace Cooper told Fox .
Fox News identified the Austin resident as both Candace Copper and Candace Cooper .
The Western Journal chose to identify her as Cooper , that being the more common last name .
— Ed .
note We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is demanding that the city of Austin act to address the issue of violence linked to its growing homeless population.
Austin, with a population of about 950,000, has about 2,500 people who are officially counted as homeless, NPR reported, athough Mayor Steve Adler told Fox News that about 7,000 homeless people pass through Austin at some time during the year. Last June, Austin ended a ban on camping within the city limits, then in October sought to limit the areas where the homeless would be allowed to camp.
However, in recent weeks, homeless individuals have been linked to a number of crimes.
In early January, a homeless man died after committing a series of knife attacks, one of which caused a fatality, according to ABC.
Last week, a fire at a vast camp under a bridge used by homeless individuals shut down the roadway above for hours, KVUE reported.
Last month, a homeless woman was arrested after a series of stabbing in downtown Austin, KVUE reported. Abbott sounded off after that attack.
“City of Austin leaders have allowed lawlessness throughout the capital city that is resulting in violence against Austin residents, including those who are homeless,” Abbott said then.
“Last night’s tragedy, leaving three injured, is just the most recent instance of this violence. This rise in violence has corresponded with the revocation of the camping ban that the Austin City Council passed in June. Public endangerment and murder can no longer be tolerated because of the actions — and inactions — by City officials. Mayor Adler and the city council should re-instate the camping ban and restore the rule of law in Austin. The City’s gamble on these reckless policies has been a loser and must end now,” he said.
Should Gov. Abbott take action to combat the homelessness problem in Austin? Yes No
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A few days later, another stabbing was reported, and another homeless individual was reportedly responsible, according to KEYE, triggering Abbott to tweet that if the city will not act, he will ask the state legislature to do so when it convenes next year.
“Yet ANOTHER stabbing in downtown Austin. Austin’s policies are not compassionate for the homeless or anyone else. Their policies are dangerous for everyone. You can expect the legislature to once again override Austin’s reckless policies,” he tweeted.
Yet ANOTHER stabbing in downtown Austin. Austin’s policies are not compassionate for the homeless or anyone else. Their policies are dangerous for everyone. You can expect the legislature to once again override Austin’s reckless policies. #txlege https://t.co/3tsUecpgpv — Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) February 1, 2020
Another tweet offered a recipe for fixing the problem.
“Fixing homelessness in ATX is easy. 1. Put public safety first. 2. Open large shelters that can accommodate > 200 people. 3. Provide mental health, drug addiction help + job training skills. 4. Then focus on long term housing. Austin doesn’t have the leadership to do this,” he tweeted.
Fixing homelessness in ATX is easy. 1. Put public safety first. 2. Open large shelters that can accommodate > 200 people. 3. Provide mental health, drug addiction help + job training skills. 4. Then focus on long term housing. Austin doesn’t have the leadership to do this. — Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) February 1, 2020
Abbott later tweeted that if the city won’t act, he would have to.
“Next step should be to reinstate the ban on camping and work with non-profit organizations to assist with shelters. That’s exactly what I will ask the Texas Legislature to do,” he wrote.
Next step should be to reinstate the ban on camping and work with non-profit organizations to assist with shelters. That’s exactly what I will ask the Texas Legislature to do. https://t.co/rHtaDL4eql — Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) February 6, 2020
Unsurprisingly, Adler has pushed back against Abbott’s comments.
“It’s similar to making the statement that immigrants are criminals. Neither of things are true. Both of them are false and harmful,” he said, noting that the city will spend $63 million to help the homeless.
“The city has identified dealing with the challenge of homelessness as the number one priority,” Adler said. “A lot of it is money helping to subsidize places for people to be, coming up with vouchers for hotels, providing rental assistance, providing programs to people before they become homeless.”
But one Austin resident said incidents with the homeless happen “all the time.”
“It’s a problem, I think there are definitely things that we need to do to help the situation,” Candace Cooper told Fox.
Fox News identified the Austin resident as both Candace Copper and Candace Cooper. The Western Journal chose to identify her as Cooper, that being the more common last name. — Ed. note
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westernjournal--2020-02-08--White House Wants an Investigation into Origin of Coronavirus

The White House has asked U.S. scientists and researchers to quickly investigate the origin of the coronavirus as misinformation spreads online and the first American has died from the virus .
In a letter sent to the National Academies of Sciences , Engineering , and Medicine on Monday , the director of the White House ’ s Office of Science and Technology Policy asked the society to “ rapidly examine information ” and “ identify data requirements ” that would help determine the origins of the virus .
“ These questions are important not only for this current situation , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ better understand animal/human and environmental transmission aspects of coronaviruses , ” director Kevin K. Droegemeier wrote .
“ This review will aid preparedness for future events by establishing a process that quickly assembles subject matter experts for evaluating other potentially threatening organisms.
” Droegemeir requested for NASEM — made up of private , nonprofit institutions charged with providing scientific support to the federal government — to hold a meeting of “ experts , particularly world class geneticists , coronavirus experts , and evolutionary biologists ” to draw its conclusions .
Marcia McNutt , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Droegemeir for the timeliness of his letter “ given the declaration of a public health emergency and potential for misinformation to confound the response , ” in her responding letter on Thursday .
McNutt was referencing the efforts made by governments and social media companies to stop the spread of misinformation about the virus that has infected over 34,000 people and killed at least 724 since December .
McNutt wrote that while the research of the origin of coronavirus was already underway , the organization “ consulted leading experts in the fields of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sciences , epidemiology , microbiology , immunobiology , coronaviruses , emerging infections , biosecurity , and global health ” to get their take on the data available .
The experts informed NASEM that additional “ genomic sequence data from geographically- and temporally-diverse viral samples ” was needed in order to properly identify the origin of the virus .
“ International collaboration of this kind is more important than ever to overcome these types of global challenges , ” McNutt wrote .
As these letters were exchanged in the United States , the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a hospital in Wuhan , according to the U.S. Embassy in Beijing .
Little information has been released about the victim .
The embassy did say he or she was about 60 years old .
“ We offer our sincerest condolences to the family on their loss , ” the embassy said in a statement to The New York Times .
RELATED : First Known American Coronavirus Death Confirmed in China “ Out of the respect for the family ’ s privacy , we have no further comment.
” The United States has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ China , where the virus emerged in December , CNN reported .
The evacuated citizens were quarantined upon their arrival and five were hospitalized with symptoms of coronavirus , the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Friday .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

The White House has asked U.S. scientists and researchers to quickly investigate the origin of the coronavirus as misinformation spreads online and the first American has died from the virus.
In a letter sent to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine on Monday, the director of the White House’s Office of Science and Technology Policy asked the society to “rapidly examine information” and “identify data requirements” that would help determine the origins of the virus.
“These questions are important not only for this current situation, but to inform future outbreak preparation and better understand animal/human and environmental transmission aspects of coronaviruses,” director Kevin K. Droegemeier wrote.
“This review will aid preparedness for future events by establishing a process that quickly assembles subject matter experts for evaluating other potentially threatening organisms.”
Droegemeir requested for NASEM — made up of private, nonprofit institutions charged with providing scientific support to the federal government — to hold a meeting of “experts, particularly world class geneticists, coronavirus experts, and evolutionary biologists” to draw its conclusions.
Marcia McNutt, the president of the organization, thanked Droegemeir for the timeliness of his letter “given the declaration of a public health emergency and potential for misinformation to confound the response,” in her responding letter on Thursday.
McNutt was referencing the efforts made by governments and social media companies to stop the spread of misinformation about the virus that has infected over 34,000 people and killed at least 724 since December.
McNutt wrote that while the research of the origin of coronavirus was already underway, the organization “consulted leading experts in the fields of virology, infectious disease genomics, genome sciences, epidemiology, microbiology, immunobiology, coronaviruses, emerging infections, biosecurity, and global health” to get their take on the data available.
The experts informed NASEM that additional “genomic sequence data from geographically- and temporally-diverse viral samples” was needed in order to properly identify the origin of the virus.
Do you think this virus can be stopped? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 83% (111 Votes) No: 17% (23 Votes)
“International collaboration of this kind is more important than ever to overcome these types of global challenges,” McNutt wrote.
As these letters were exchanged in the United States, the first U.S. citizen died Thursday from coronavirus at a hospital in Wuhan, according to the U.S. Embassy in Beijing.
Little information has been released about the victim.
The embassy did say he or she was about 60 years old.
“We offer our sincerest condolences to the family on their loss,” the embassy said in a statement to The New York Times.
“Out of the respect for the family’s privacy, we have no further comment.”
The United States has evacuated hundreds of Americans from Wuhan, China, where the virus emerged in December, CNN reported.
The evacuated citizens were quarantined upon their arrival and five were hospitalized with symptoms of coronavirus, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Friday.
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westernjournal--2020-02-08--‘Being John Malkovich’ Actor Orson Bean Dead After Being Struck by Multiple Vehicles in LA

Actor Orson Bean died Friday night after he was struck by multiple vehicles in Los Angeles , according to reports .
The “ Being John Malkovich ” actor was crossing Venice Boulevard when he was struck by an oncoming car , KNBC reported .
Passersby tried to warn a second car about the injured man in the road , but the driver also struck Bean .
Officer Tony Im of the Los Angeles Police Department said police were called to the 700 block of Venice Boulevard at around 7:35 p.m. , according to KTTV .
The collision happened just outside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ A car coming westbound did not see him and clipped him and he went down , ” LAPD Capt .
Brian Wendling told reporters .
“ A second vehicle was coming up , [ the driver ] was distracted by people trying to slow [ the driver ] down and then looked up and a second traffic collision occurred and that one was fatal.
” Bean was pronounced dead at the scene .
Bystanders seemed to be distraught as they consoled each other .
Both drivers remained on scene , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the New York Post .
Some reports say that Bean ’ s wife of 27 years , Alley Mills , was also at the scene .
RELATED : The Left Ca n't Help But Gush over Mitt Romney a Short 8 Years After Completely Trashing Him Investigators told KABC that the incident appears to just be a tragic accident .
Bean had over 100 acting credits to his name at the time of his death .
Along with “ Being John Malkovich , ” Bean also appeared in the films “ The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of “ Miracle on 34th Street.
” His television credits include roles in “ Modern Family , ” “ The Bold and the Beautiful , ” “ The Twilight Zone ” and “ Desperate Housewives.
” Most recently , Bean starred in the play “ Bad Habits ” alongside Mills in Santa Monica .
The show had just ended its run on Jan. 26 .
He is survived by his third wife , Mills , and his four children : Michele Bean , Max Bean , Susannah Bean and Ezekiel Bean .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Actor Orson Bean died Friday night after he was struck by multiple vehicles in Los Angeles, according to reports.
He was 91.
The “Being John Malkovich” actor was crossing Venice Boulevard when he was struck by an oncoming car, KNBC reported.
Passersby tried to warn a second car about the injured man in the road, but the driver also struck Bean.
Officer Tony Im of the Los Angeles Police Department said police were called to the 700 block of Venice Boulevard at around 7:35 p.m., according to KTTV.
RIP Orson Bean who died yesterday at the age of 91 ❤ pic.twitter.com/mT3xS10Iie — ClassicActorsOfHollywood (@CAOH110291) February 8, 2020
The collision happened just outside of Pacific Resident Theatre, KABC-TV reported.
“A car coming westbound did not see him and clipped him and he went down,” LAPD Capt. Brian Wendling told reporters.
“A second vehicle was coming up, [the driver] was distracted by people trying to slow [the driver] down and then looked up and a second traffic collision occurred and that one was fatal.”
Bean was pronounced dead at the scene.
Bystanders seemed to be distraught as they consoled each other.
Both drivers remained on scene, and no charges have been filed, according to the New York Post.
Some reports say that Bean’s wife of 27 years, Alley Mills, was also at the scene.
Investigators told KABC that the incident appears to just be a tragic accident.
Bean had over 100 acting credits to his name at the time of his death.
Along with “Being John Malkovich,” Bean also appeared in the films “The Equalizer 2” and the 1959 version of “Miracle on 34th Street.”
His television credits include roles in “Modern Family,” “The Bold and the Beautiful,” “The Twilight Zone” and “Desperate Housewives.”
Rest well and in peace, Orson Bean. Among other notable appearances, he starred in the Twilight Zone episode, ‘Mr. Bevis.’ Bean was hit and killed by a car while crossing the street in Venice, California this evening. Very sad. pic.twitter.com/EJETXv6F34 — James Allder (@JimAllder) February 8, 2020
Most recently, Bean starred in the play “Bad Habits” alongside Mills in Santa Monica.
The show had just ended its run on Jan. 26.
He is survived by his third wife, Mills, and his four children: Michele Bean, Max Bean, Susannah Bean and Ezekiel Bean.
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westernjournal--2020-02-08--First Known American Coronavirus Death Confirmed in China

Officials announced Saturday that the first death of an American from the coronavirus has taken place in Wuhan , China , the epicenter of the outbreak .
The U.S. Embassy in Beijing said that the woman , who was 60 , died Thursday .
No other information was released , according to CNN .
On Friday , 86 new deaths were reported , bringing the total to 722 .
Another 3,399 cases were reported , bringing the overall total to 34,546 people infected with the virus , according to China ’ s National Health Commission .
A Japanese national in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Japanese citizen whose death was linked to the virus .
Many Americans in Wuhan have been evacuated .
It was unclear why the American victim who died was not among them .
Some U.S. nationals who evacuated have shown signs of fever and are in quarantine at Travis Air Force Base in California , according to The Washington Post .
To date , there have been 12 confirmed cases of the coronavirus in the U.S .
In a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association that examined 138 cases in China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that 41 percent of the individuals infected caught the disease in a hospital , and noted one case in which one individual infected 14 people , including 10 health care workers .
In its attempt to deal with the disease , China has imposed travel restrictions in Hubei Province , where Wuhan is located , that impact about 60 million people .
However , Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar said that the U.S. is still waiting for China to get back to it on a Jan. 6 offer to have experts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chinese authorities .
“ It ’ s up to the Chinese , ” he said .
“ We continue to expect fully that President Xi will accept our offer .
We ’ re ready and willing and able to go.
” As the world sought to deal with the disease , World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus urged that only those in dire need of surgical masks seek to buy them .
“ There are now depleted stockpiles and backlogs of four to six months .
Global stocks of masks and respirators @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of WHO and our partners , ” he said .
Ghebreyesus said it was “ inappropriate ” for anyone not sick or a health care worker to wear a mask .
“ There is a moral issue here , ” he said .
RELATED : White House Wants an Investigation into Origin of Coronavirus Dr. Mark Siegel , a Fox News medical consultant , agreed that masks are not needed in the U.S. as of this moment , according to Fox News .
“ People are walking down the street with masks about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 12 people ” in the U.S , he said during an appearance on “ Fox & Friends Weekend.
” He had harsh words for China , though , saying its inability to stop the spread of the virus is causing a “ greater risk to the world.
” “ I think we ’ re going to see a worldwide pandemic from this .
I don ’ t think we are going to see anything here of the level of what is happening there , though , ” Siegel said .
“ We have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ though , over in China , which hasn ’ t happened yet , ” he said .
On Saturday , French Health Minister Agnès Buzyn said France confirmed five new cases of the coronavirus , making its total number of confirmed cases now 11 , according to The New York Times .
Buzyn said the cases were linked to an infected British citizen who was in Singapore in January before going to France .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Officials announced Saturday that the first death of an American from the coronavirus has taken place in Wuhan, China, the epicenter of the outbreak.
The U.S. Embassy in Beijing said that the woman, who was 60, died Thursday. No other information was released, according to CNN.
On Friday, 86 new deaths were reported, bringing the total to 722. Another 3,399 cases were reported, bringing the overall total to 34,546 people infected with the virus, according to China’s National Health Commission.
A Japanese national in China also died, becoming the first Japanese citizen whose death was linked to the virus.
Many Americans in Wuhan have been evacuated. It was unclear why the American victim who died was not among them. Some U.S. nationals who evacuated have shown signs of fever and are in quarantine at Travis Air Force Base in California, according to The Washington Post.
To date, there have been 12 confirmed cases of the coronavirus in the U.S.
In a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association that examined 138 cases in China, the study’s authors concluded that 41 percent of the individuals infected caught the disease in a hospital, and noted one case in which one individual infected 14 people, including 10 health care workers.
In its attempt to deal with the disease, China has imposed travel restrictions in Hubei Province, where Wuhan is located, that impact about 60 million people.
However, Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar said that the U.S. is still waiting for China to get back to it on a Jan. 6 offer to have experts from the Centers for Disease Control assist Chinese authorities.
Is China doing enough to stop this virus from spreading? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 6% (9 Votes) No: 94% (132 Votes)
“It’s up to the Chinese,” he said. “We continue to expect fully that President Xi will accept our offer. We’re ready and willing and able to go.”
As the world sought to deal with the disease, World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus urged that only those in dire need of surgical masks seek to buy them.
“There are now depleted stockpiles and backlogs of four to six months. Global stocks of masks and respirators are now insufficient to meet the needs of WHO and our partners,” he said.
Ghebreyesus said it was “inappropriate” for anyone not sick or a health care worker to wear a mask.
“There is a moral issue here,” he said.
Dr. Mark Siegel, a Fox News medical consultant, agreed that masks are not needed in the U.S. as of this moment, according to Fox News.
“People are walking down the street with masks about a virus that literally only has infected 12 people” in the U.S, he said during an appearance on “Fox & Friends Weekend.”
He had harsh words for China, though, saying its inability to stop the spread of the virus is causing a “greater risk to the world.”
“I think we’re going to see a worldwide pandemic from this. I don’t think we are going to see anything here of the level of what is happening there, though,” Siegel said.
“We have to get boots on the ground, though, over in China, which hasn’t happened yet,” he said.
On Saturday, French Health Minister Agnès Buzyn said France confirmed five new cases of the coronavirus, making its total number of confirmed cases now 11, according to The New York Times.
Buzyn said the cases were linked to an infected British citizen who was in Singapore in January before going to France.
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westernjournal--2020-02-08--‘Pelosi for Prison’: GOP Challenger Takes Flight Against Pelosi After Speaker’s Recent Antics

Two days after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ripped up a copy of President Donald Trump ’ s State of the Union address , a Republican candidate running to challenge her in 2020 flew an aerial banner over San Francisco that read , “ Pelosi for Prison.
” DeAnna Lorraine said the response her campaign to represent California ’ s 12th Congressional District , which encompasses parts of San Francisco , has received this week shows that many Americans can no longer identify with the Democrats ’ values .
“ I have seen an incredible response to my campaign , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that she ’ s seen an increase of nearly 30,000 social media followers this week .
Lorraine said she believes there is a direct correlation between the increase in support for her campaign and Trump ’ s acquittal in the Senate Wednesday , as well as Pelosi ’ s decision to tear up a copy the State of the Union address only seconds after Trump finished speaking on Tuesday night .
“ I have seen an incredible amount of people just flocking to me and saying that this is their breaking point , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they were quiet conservatives and they say , ‘ This is my breaking point to get out of the closet as a conservative , ' ” Lorraine continued .
“ There are some people that are actually moderate Democrats or independents that told me that this is their breaking point , that they could no longer stand behind a party that does these kinds of things .
They can no longer stand behind a party whose leader shreds up the State of the Union speech of the president right behind his back.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seen , Lorraine predicted there will be many people who vote Republican for the first time ever , or at least for the first time in a long time , in 2020 .
Lorraine said she thinks Pelosi is “ an enemy of the country.
” “ She has zero respect for Americans and for families and for veterans , ” she said .
Lorraine ’ s campaign has set up a petition calling for Pelosi to be imprisoned for her “ crimes against America.
” On the website of the “ Pelosi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pelosi of using her power for personal gain and forsaking “ American sovereignty with open borders policies.
” Lorraine said she believes Pelosi should not only be held accountable for initiating the “ sham ” impeachment process , but also for abandoning those she was elected to represent in the process .
“ What about her dereliction of duty ?
” she asked .
“ San Francisco — which has a homeless crisis — and is being 100 percent ignored by this congresswoman , ” Lorraine said .
RELATED : Democrats Call for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump “ As a national leader , Pelosi could use her spotlight , her voice , to shed a light upon this crisis and to California , but she ’ s not brought it up.
” On Thursday , Lorraine ’ s campaign paid for a 25 x 80-foot banner emblazoned with the words “ Pelosi For Prison ” to fly over the city of San Francisco .
The banner directed people to the “ Pelosi for Prison ” petition ’ s website .
“ I launched that banner yesterday as an attack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out , ” Lorraine told The Western Journal on Friday .
“ Trump finally got acquitted , again .
He ’ s exonerated , again , for crimes he didn ’ t commit and I thought there ’ s no better way than to start putting the spotlight on her — the one that led this impeachment and the one that ’ s actually behind all of these egregious , what I call , crimes against Americans.
” “ Yes , it ’ s a bold move especially in Nancy Pelosi ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she added , “ but at the same time we need to be bold at this point .
I ’ m tired of us being so polite.
” Since the banner was flown across the city ’ s sky , 11,000 people have visited the website , and over 2,500 people have signed the petition , Lorraine said .
Many even applauded Lorraine on Twitter : “ At what point do we start putting the spotlight on Nancy and the Democrats and their crimes ?
” she asked .
“ And at what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
” The Western Journal reached out to Pelosi for comment , but has not yet received a response .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Two days after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ripped up a copy of President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address, a Republican candidate running to challenge her in 2020 flew an aerial banner over San Francisco that read, “Pelosi for Prison.”
DeAnna Lorraine said the response her campaign to represent California’s 12th Congressional District, which encompasses parts of San Francisco, has received this week shows that many Americans can no longer identify with the Democrats’ values.
“I have seen an incredible response to my campaign,” she told The Western Journal, noting that she’s seen an increase of nearly 30,000 social media followers this week.
Lorraine said she believes there is a direct correlation between the increase in support for her campaign and Trump’s acquittal in the Senate Wednesday, as well as Pelosi’s decision to tear up a copy the State of the Union address only seconds after Trump finished speaking on Tuesday night.
“I have seen an incredible amount of people just flocking to me and saying that this is their breaking point, and some people were quiet before — they were quiet conservatives and they say, ‘This is my breaking point to get out of the closet as a conservative,'” Lorraine continued.
“There are some people that are actually moderate Democrats or independents that told me that this is their breaking point, that they could no longer stand behind a party that does these kinds of things. They can no longer stand behind a party whose leader shreds up the State of the Union speech of the president right behind his back.”
Based on the response she’s seen, Lorraine predicted there will be many people who vote Republican for the first time ever, or at least for the first time in a long time, in 2020.
Lorraine said she thinks Pelosi is “an enemy of the country.”
“She has zero respect for Americans and for families and for veterans,” she said.
Do you believe Pelosi should be put in prison for her actions? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 93% (4918 Votes) No: 7% (389 Votes)
Lorraine’s campaign has set up a petition calling for Pelosi to be imprisoned for her “crimes against America.”
On the website of the “Pelosi for Prison” petition, Lorraine accused Pelosi of using her power for personal gain and forsaking “American sovereignty with open borders policies.”
Lorraine said she believes Pelosi should not only be held accountable for initiating the “sham” impeachment process, but also for abandoning those she was elected to represent in the process.
“What about her dereliction of duty?” she asked.
“San Francisco — which has a homeless crisis — and is being 100 percent ignored by this congresswoman,” Lorraine said.
“As a national leader, Pelosi could use her spotlight, her voice, to shed a light upon this crisis and to California, but she’s not brought it up.”
On Thursday, Lorraine’s campaign paid for a 25 x 80-foot banner emblazoned with the words “Pelosi For Prison” to fly over the city of San Francisco.
The banner directed people to the “Pelosi for Prison” petition’s website.
“I launched that banner yesterday as an attack on Nancy Pelosi and to call her out,” Lorraine told The Western Journal on Friday.
“Trump finally got acquitted, again. He’s exonerated, again, for crimes he didn’t commit and I thought there’s no better way than to start putting the spotlight on her — the one that led this impeachment and the one that’s actually behind all of these egregious, what I call, crimes against Americans.”
“Yes, it’s a bold move especially in Nancy Pelosi’s very, very liberal district,” she added, “but at the same time we need to be bold at this point. I’m tired of us being so polite.”
Since the banner was flown across the city’s sky, 11,000 people have visited the website, and over 2,500 people have signed the petition, Lorraine said.
Up close: Flying over San Fran as we speak! It’s raining Liberal Tears in SF right now#PelosiForPrison let’s get it trending? pic.twitter.com/F7fKcaIES8 — DeAnna for Congress??vs Nancy (@DeAnna4Congress) February 6, 2020
Many even applauded Lorraine on Twitter:
Where do I sign,
She said if Trump was removed she was stepping down,
With the help of Schiff they destroyed their party.
Both should be making license plates.
?? — Rock Star Rick (@rockstudricky) February 6, 2020
It’s real — DeAnna for Congress??vs Nancy (@DeAnna4Congress) February 6, 2020
“At what point do we start putting the spotlight on Nancy and the Democrats and their crimes?” she asked. “And at what point are we going to seek justice?”
The Western Journal reached out to Pelosi for comment, but has not yet received a response.
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westernjournal--2020-02-08--Most Dem Voters Think a Woman Candidate Has No Chance Against Trump in November

In a perfect world , Susan Stepp , a 73-year-old retiree , would be voting vote for Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren in New Hampshire ’ s Democratic presidential primary Tuesday , she says .
But that won ’ t be happening .
“ I am not sure a woman is the best candidate to go up against Trump , ” Stepp said recently as she stood in the back of a conference room listening to tech entrepreneur Andrew Yang as part of her hunt for the best candidate to challenge the Republican incumbent .
Stepp ’ s concern has coursed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ registering in polling , interviews and , now , the first votes cast .
In Iowa ’ s caucuses last Monday , many Democrats did not prioritize breaking the gender barrier to the Oval Office , and they viewed being a woman as a hindrance rather than an advantage in the race .
Only about one-third of Iowa caucusgoers backed a female candidate .
Topping the caucus field were two men , former South Bend , Indiana , mayor Pete Buttigieg and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders , .
Women were only slightly more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the three women in the race , according to AP VoteCast , a survey of more than 3,000 Iowa voters .
Most Iowa Democrats said it was important for a woman to be president in their lifetimes .
But many voters , including about half of all women , said a female nominee would have a harder time beating Donald Trump in November .
“ He will just use that against her , like he did Hillary , ” Stepp said , looking back to Trump ’ s 2016 race against Hillary Clinton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t debate .
He just insults .
I don ’ t think he would have that same effect if he went up against a strong man.
” Stepp said she plans to vote for Sanders .
Those perceptions present an undeniable headwind for the women in the race , who have spent months making the case that a woman can win .
As they seek success in New Hampshire , both Warren and Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar must work to energize voters about the chance to make history and persuade them it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against this president .
“ In 2020 , we can and should have a woman for president , ” Warren said at a CNN town hall this past week , days after taking third in Iowa .
Klobuchar came in fifth .
The Associated Press has not called a winner in the Iowa caucus because the race is too close to call .
Iowans appeared open to that message .
Most Democratic voters in the state , 72 percent , said they thought it is important for the U.S. to elect a woman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ included roughly two-thirds of men .
RELATED : Audience Roars in Edited Buttigieg Video , But in Reality Not a Single Person Clapped But most were resolved to put it off for another election .
That was true of men and women .
The survey found 34 percent of women voted for Warren , Klobuchar or the longshot candidacy of Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard , compared with 28 percent of men .
Overall , many Democratic voters thought it would be harder for a woman to beat Trump .
About half of women @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have a harder time , compared with about 4 in 10 men .
Men who harbored that concern were significantly less likely to vote for a woman than a man .
Experts say the findings are in line with traditional patterns in voting by gender — women usually don ’ t coalesce around one of their own .
“ Nobody ’ s going to win an election by unifying women because women are not a unified bloc , ” said Kathy Dolan , a political scientist at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for us that women candidates vote much more for women candidates than men.
” Analysts say it ’ s no surprise that women express more anxiety about a woman defeating Trump , claiming that through personal experience , they ’ re familiar with the barriers of sexism .
“ Women are more likely to have experienced or observed gender discrimination or sexism , ” said Jill Lawless , a political scientist at the University of Virginia .
Notably , experts said , there ’ s no data showing that women underperform or outperform @ @ @ @ @ @ @ noted that having to fight that perception that a woman can not win may actually work against the female candidates in this race .
“ Anytime they ’ re trying to convince voters that a woman can beat Donald Trump , they ’ re not talking about health care or foreign affairs , ” she said .
Warren spent months trying to avoid the gender issue , seeing questions about pervasive sexism in politics as a lose-lose proposition .
Either she acknowledged that being a woman created all kinds of challenges because of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whining about it , or she said it wasn ’ t a problem and would therefore seem out of touch , she told aides .
But , since the New Year , Warren has shifted her strategy dramatically , taking the issue head on .
She raised it directly in asserting that Sanders had suggested a woman couldn ’ t win the White House , and , after they clashed about it during a debate in Iowa , refused to shake his hand on national television .
In the final days before Iowa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s electability .
She now repeats at every campaign stop that women have performed better in recent elections than men , underscoring the role of female candidates who helped Democrats retake control of the House in 2018 .
“ The world has changed since 2016 , ” Warren said during a rally this past week in Keene , New Hampshire .
“ Women have been outperforming men in competitive races .
Can women win ?
You bet women can win.
” Pushpa Mudan , a 68-year-old retired physician , is one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to her guns .
She attended a Warren rally on Wednesday at a community college in Nashua , New Hampshire .
She said she ’ s seen Warren three times in recent months , and also attended a recent Klobuchar rally , and is still deciding between the two , though she ’ ll likely pick Warren in the primary .
Mudan said electing a woman as president is a top issue for her , but she ’ s afraid that none will be able to compete with Trump .
“ I think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advanced country , is very far behind the rest of the world by not having a woman at the highest position , ” she said .
“ Places like Pakistan , Turkey have had a female president .
Not here .
“ But the way Trump puts them down , it is hard for any to make it , I think , ” she added .
“ It ’ s going to be very hard.
” The Associated Press contributed to this report .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ standards .

In a perfect world, Susan Stepp, a 73-year-old retiree, would be voting vote for Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren in New Hampshire’s Democratic presidential primary Tuesday, she says.
But that won’t be happening.
“I am not sure a woman is the best candidate to go up against Trump,” Stepp said recently as she stood in the back of a conference room listening to tech entrepreneur Andrew Yang as part of her hunt for the best candidate to challenge the Republican incumbent.
Stepp’s concern has coursed through the Democratic primary for months, registering in polling, interviews and, now, the first votes cast.
In Iowa’s caucuses last Monday, many Democrats did not prioritize breaking the gender barrier to the Oval Office, and they viewed being a woman as a hindrance rather than an advantage in the race.
Only about one-third of Iowa caucusgoers backed a female candidate. Topping the caucus field were two men, former South Bend, Indiana, mayor Pete Buttigieg and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders,.
Women were only slightly more likely than men to back one of the three women in the race, according to AP VoteCast, a survey of more than 3,000 Iowa voters.
Most Iowa Democrats said it was important for a woman to be president in their lifetimes. But many voters, including about half of all women, said a female nominee would have a harder time beating Donald Trump in November.
Do you think a woman will be the Democrats' presidential nominee in 2020? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 7% (3 Votes) No: 93% (42 Votes)
“He will just use that against her, like he did Hillary,” Stepp said, looking back to Trump’s 2016 race against Hillary Clinton in 2016. “He doesn’t debate. He just insults. I don’t think he would have that same effect if he went up against a strong man.”
Stepp said she plans to vote for Sanders.
Those perceptions present an undeniable headwind for the women in the race, who have spent months making the case that a woman can win. As they seek success in New Hampshire, both Warren and Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar must work to energize voters about the chance to make history and persuade them it is possible this year, in this race against this president.
“In 2020, we can and should have a woman for president,” Warren said at a CNN town hall this past week, days after taking third in Iowa. Klobuchar came in fifth.
The Associated Press has not called a winner in the Iowa caucus because the race is too close to call.
Iowans appeared open to that message. Most Democratic voters in the state, 72 percent, said they thought it is important for the U.S. to elect a woman president in their lifetimes, and that included roughly two-thirds of men.
But most were resolved to put it off for another election. That was true of men and women.
The survey found 34 percent of women voted for Warren, Klobuchar or the longshot candidacy of Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, compared with 28 percent of men.
Overall, many Democratic voters thought it would be harder for a woman to beat Trump. About half of women said they thought a female nominee would have a harder time, compared with about 4 in 10 men.
Men who harbored that concern were significantly less likely to vote for a woman than a man.
Experts say the findings are in line with traditional patterns in voting by gender — women usually don’t coalesce around one of their own.
“Nobody’s going to win an election by unifying women because women are not a unified bloc,” said Kathy Dolan, a political scientist at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. “There’s no evidence that suggests for us that women candidates vote much more for women candidates than men.”
Analysts say it’s no surprise that women express more anxiety about a woman defeating Trump, claiming that through personal experience, they’re familiar with the barriers of sexism.
“Women are more likely to have experienced or observed gender discrimination or sexism,” said Jill Lawless, a political scientist at the University of Virginia.
Notably, experts said, there’s no data showing that women underperform or outperform men in general elections. But Lawless noted that having to fight that perception that a woman cannot win may actually work against the female candidates in this race.
“Anytime they’re trying to convince voters that a woman can beat Donald Trump, they’re not talking about health care or foreign affairs,” she said.
Warren spent months trying to avoid the gender issue, seeing questions about pervasive sexism in politics as a lose-lose proposition. Either she acknowledged that being a woman created all kinds of challenges because of inherent bias, and appeared to be whining about it, or she said it wasn’t a problem and would therefore seem out of touch, she told aides.
But, since the New Year, Warren has shifted her strategy dramatically, taking the issue head on.
She raised it directly in asserting that Sanders had suggested a woman couldn’t win the White House, and, after they clashed about it during a debate in Iowa, refused to shake his hand on national television.
In the final days before Iowa, Warren began talking about a woman’s electability. She now repeats at every campaign stop that women have performed better in recent elections than men, underscoring the role of female candidates who helped Democrats retake control of the House in 2018.
“The world has changed since 2016,” Warren said during a rally this past week in Keene, New Hampshire. “Women have been outperforming men in competitive races. Can women win? You bet women can win.”
Pushpa Mudan, a 68-year-old retired physician, is one of those anxious women who’s sticking to her guns. She attended a Warren rally on Wednesday at a community college in Nashua, New Hampshire.
She said she’s seen Warren three times in recent months, and also attended a recent Klobuchar rally, and is still deciding between the two, though she’ll likely pick Warren in the primary.
Mudan said electing a woman as president is a top issue for her, but she’s afraid that none will be able to compete with Trump.
“I think this country, for considering itself an advanced country, is very far behind the rest of the world by not having a woman at the highest position,” she said. “Places like Pakistan, Turkey have had a female president. Not here.
“But the way Trump puts them down, it is hard for any to make it, I think,” she added. “It’s going to be very hard.”
The Western Journal has reviewed this Associated Press story and may have altered it prior to publication to ensure that it meets our editorial standards.
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westernjournal--2020-02-08--Olympics Chief Says People Need To Be ‘Cool-Headed’ Over Coronavirus Concerns in Tokyo

The Olympic Games in Tokyo this summer will be “ held as scheduled , ” according to the CEO of the Olympics , who said earlier this week he was “ seriously worried ” that the coronavirus outbreak could affect the games in a negative manner .
According to Fox News , Toshiro Muto sought to clear up any confusion Thursday regarding his previous comments .
“ In order to avoid any misunderstanding , I would like to say that the Olympic and Paralympic Games will be held as scheduled , ” he told reporters at a news conference with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people should be “ cool-headed ” about the situation .
Just one day earlier , Muto was singing a different tune .
“ I am seriously worried that the spread of the infectious disease caused by new coronavirus could throw cold water on the momentum of the games , ” he told reporters .
“ I hope it will subside as soon as possible .
As the organizing committee , we would like to take countermeasures against infectious diseases firmly.
” Fox reported that Tokyo Olympic officials have set up a task force @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to emphasize that the summer games will still be played .
There have been 89 cases of coronavirus reported in Japan as of Saturday , according to The New York Times , though no deaths have occurred there .
( A Japanese citizen was reported dead in Wuhan , China , The Washington Post reported . )
But as the virus has spread , the organizers have been faced with more and more questions about its potential affect on the games .
Officials say they will concede to the advice of the World @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put things into perspective , and until the World Health Organization tells us otherwise , we will proceed with business as usual , ” IPC spokesperson Craig Spence told Fox .
The 2020 Summer Olympic Games are scheduled to run from July 24 to Aug. 9 , while the Paralympics are scheduled to start Aug. 25 and end Sept. 6 .
RELATED : Baseball Legend Hank Aaron Rips Astros , Says They Should Be Banned for Life over Sign-Stealing According to Fox , some of the qualifying events have been postponed because of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ qualifying tournament set to include the women ’ s national soccer teams from China , Thailand , Australia and Taiwan was moved from Wuhan to Sydney , Australia because of the virus .
And China ’ s national women ’ s soccer team was placed under quarantine after traveling through Wuhan .
Though Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said the government would do its best keep the virus ’ impact on the games as low as possible , Reuters reported that vaccines might not be ready by the time the games begin .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

The Olympic Games in Tokyo this summer will be “held as scheduled,” according to the CEO of the Olympics, who said earlier this week he was “seriously worried” that the coronavirus outbreak could affect the games in a negative manner.
According to Fox News, Toshiro Muto sought to clear up any confusion Thursday regarding his previous comments.
“In order to avoid any misunderstanding, I would like to say that the Olympic and Paralympic Games will be held as scheduled,” he told reporters at a news conference with International Paralympic Committee officials.
Muto said people should be “cool-headed” about the situation.
Just one day earlier, Muto was singing a different tune.
“I am seriously worried that the spread of the infectious disease caused by new coronavirus could throw cold water on the momentum of the games,” he told reporters.
“I hope it will subside as soon as possible. As the organizing committee, we would like to take countermeasures against infectious diseases firmly.”
The spread of a new coronavirus could throw ‘cold water over the growing momentum of the 2020 Games,’ Tokyo Organising Committee CEO Toshiro Muto said https://t.co/E4EZhzEbZ8 pic.twitter.com/lvnLzbJ9Ok — Reuters (@Reuters) February 5, 2020
If you had tickets to the 2020 summer games, would you cancel your trip to Tokyo because of the coronavirus? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 80% (123 Votes) No: 20% (30 Votes)
Fox reported that Tokyo Olympic officials have set up a task force to address the virus and have continued to emphasize that the summer games will still be played.
There have been 89 cases of coronavirus reported in Japan as of Saturday, according to The New York Times, though no deaths have occurred there. (A Japanese citizen was reported dead in Wuhan, China, The Washington Post reported.)
But as the virus has spread, the organizers have been faced with more and more questions about its potential affect on the games. Officials say they will concede to the advice of the World Health Organization.
“We need to put things into perspective, and until the World Health Organization tells us otherwise, we will proceed with business as usual,” IPC spokesperson Craig Spence told Fox.
The 2020 Summer Olympic Games are scheduled to run from July 24 to Aug. 9, while the Paralympics are scheduled to start Aug. 25 and end Sept. 6.
According to Fox, some of the qualifying events have been postponed because of the coronavirus outbreak.
An Olympic regional qualifying tournament set to include the women’s national soccer teams from China, Thailand, Australia and Taiwan was moved from Wuhan to Sydney, Australia because of the virus.
And China’s national women’s soccer team was placed under quarantine after traveling through Wuhan.
Though Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said the government would do its best keep the virus’ impact on the games as low as possible, Reuters reported that vaccines might not be ready by the time the games begin.
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westernjournal--2020-02-08--Thai Soldier Opens Fire on Fellow Soldiers, Kills 20 North of Bangkok: Report

At least 20 people are dead following a Thai soldier ’ s shooting rampage Saturday just north of Bangkok .
A defense ministry spokesman told BBC that the soldier attacked his commanding officer , Col. Anantharot Krasae , before stealing guns and ammunition from the military camp and opening fire on his fellow soldiers .
He then shot people at a local Buddhist temple before moving onto a shopping center in Nakhon Ratchasima , 160 miles northeast of Bangkok .
Local media video footage showed the shooter getting out of a stolen Humvee-type vehicle at the Terminal 21 shopping center @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scene , according to BBC .
He also reportedly fired at a cooking glass cylinder , creating an explosion and fire .
This seems to be confirmed by a picture he posted on social media of him with the fire in the background .
The Bangkok Post reported that he had taken hostages in the mall , but that has not yet been officially confirmed .
More gunshots were reported inside the building .
The shooter has been identified as Jakraphanth Thomma and he remains at large .
The mall and surrounding areas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to catch Thomma .
Police have also located Thomma ’ s mother and are hoping she can persuade her son to surrender , the Bangkok Post reported .
An anonymous official from the Bangkok-based Erawan Center said the number of victims totaled “ 17 deaths and 14 injuries , ” according to the Bangkok Post .
Among the dead are Col. Krasae and a 63-year-old woman reported to be Krasae ’ s mother-in-law .
“ The gunman used a machine gun and shot innocent victims resulting in many injured and dead , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Bangkok Post .
RELATED : Man Who Stopped Church Shooter : Under Bloomberg 's Policies , Disaster Would Have Struck The shooter ’ s motives remain unclear , but part of the shooting was live-streamed on Facebook and it was reported that the shooter had also posted a picture of himself holding a firearm with the caption , “ So tired , ” according to Fox News .
He also asked his social media followers if he should surrender , BBC reported .
His Facebook page has since been taken down .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

At least 20 people are dead following a Thai soldier’s shooting rampage Saturday just north of Bangkok.
A defense ministry spokesman told BBC that the soldier attacked his commanding officer, Col. Anantharot Krasae, before stealing guns and ammunition from the military camp and opening fire on his fellow soldiers.
He then shot people at a local Buddhist temple before moving onto a shopping center in Nakhon Ratchasima, 160 miles northeast of Bangkok.
Local media video footage showed the shooter getting out of a stolen Humvee-type vehicle at the Terminal 21 shopping center and shooting people as they fled the scene, according to BBC.
He also reportedly fired at a cooking glass cylinder, creating an explosion and fire. This seems to be confirmed by a picture he posted on social media of him with the fire in the background.
The Bangkok Post reported that he had taken hostages in the mall, but that has not yet been officially confirmed. More gunshots were reported inside the building.
The shooter has been identified as Jakraphanth Thomma and he remains at large.
The mall and surrounding areas have been sealed off as authorities try to catch Thomma.
Do you think this attack could have been prevented? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 61% (17 Votes) No: 39% (11 Votes)
Police have also located Thomma’s mother and are hoping she can persuade her son to surrender, the Bangkok Post reported.
An anonymous official from the Bangkok-based Erawan Center said the number of victims totaled “17 deaths and 14 injuries,” according to the Bangkok Post.
Among the dead are Col. Krasae and a 63-year-old woman reported to be Krasae’s mother-in-law.
“The gunman used a machine gun and shot innocent victims resulting in many injured and dead,” police spokesman Pol Col Krissana Pattanacharoen told the Bangkok Post.
The shooter’s motives remain unclear, but part of the shooting was live-streamed on Facebook and it was reported that the shooter had also posted a picture of himself holding a firearm with the caption, “So tired,” according to Fox News.
He also asked his social media followers if he should surrender, BBC reported.
His Facebook page has since been taken down.
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westernjournal--2020-02-08--Insiders Blast Supposedly ‘Tolerant’ Warren Campaign for Mistreating Minorities

It was just a few months before Sen. Elizabeth Warren started running for president that the pleasant fiction that she was a woman of color completely collapsed .
In October 2018 , Warren released a DNA test that definitively proved she was between 1/64th and 1/1,024th Native American — something she was under the impression exonerated her from all of those Fauxcahontas claims that had haunted her political career .
This was , um , a bit of a miscalculation .
Not only has the test provided the right with a solid 16 months of memes , but liberal Native @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were incensed at her use of genetic testing to win a petty argument about her place in POC-dom .
An apology tour gradually attenuated the anger , but it ’ s never really gone away .
Whether or not this was somehow indicative of a larger problem with the Warren campaign when it comes to minority voters is a matter of opinion , but the fact is that a problem exists .
An August 2019 , Pew Research Center poll found that , of the four top-tier candidates at that time , Warren @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , compared to 56 percent for Joe Biden and 49 percent for Bernie Sanders .
( The fourth “ top-tier ” candidate then , California Sen. Kamala Harris , has since ended her run after a supernova cluster of bad decisions — but she was at 59 percent for whatever it ’ s worth . )
And yet , Warren ’ s made all the right noises .
She ’ s proposed a series of executive actions that she says would boost the wages of women of color .
She ’ s talked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” whatever that might mean nowadays .
She ’ s gotten “ squad ” member Rep. Ayanna Pressley , who ’ s black , to act as a campaign surrogate to the black community .
What ’ s not to like ?
Plenty , if you ’ re a woman of color and working for Warren in Nevada .
Six women of color out of the 70-odd members of Warren ’ s campaign in the state have quit in recent months because of what they saw as a work culture where they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Politico revealed .
“ During the time I was employed with Nevada for Warren , there was definitely something wrong with the culture , ” Megan Lewis , a field organizer who quit in December , said .
“ I filed a complaint with HR , but the follow-up I received left me feeling as though I needed to make myself smaller or change who I was to fit into the office culture.
” RELATED : Side-by-Side Video Proves Warren Is Least Genuine Candidate Since Hillary “ I felt like a problem — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ color into the space but not the knowledge and voice that comes with it , ” another field organizer , who remained anonymous , said .
“ We all were routinely silenced and not given a meaningful chance on the campaign .
Complaints , comments , advice , and grievances were met with an earnest shake of the head and progressive buzzwords but not much else.
” A third woman of color who had left cosigned these descriptions without going on the record herself , while the other three declined to comment for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ felt like a time-condensed version of its response to the DNA test controversy , the Warren campaign first handled the piece with a non-apology apology , followed by a thoroughly over-the-top apology once they realized how the original reaction sounded to the base .
First , the boilerplate statement that was included in the Politico article , in which a campaign spokeswoman didn ’ t contradict the claims made by the women but insisted that they didn ’ t represent the culture on the larger campaign : “ We strive for an inclusive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ improve , ” Kristen Orthman said in a statement .
“ We have an organization of more than a thousand people , and whenever we hear concerns , we take them seriously .
It ’ s important that everyone who is part of our team has a voice and can be heard .
That ’ s why we are proud that we have a unionized staff and clear processes for issues to be addressed.
” Between Thursday afternoon , when the piece was published , and Thursday night , someone probably realized how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the senator herself issued a more full-throated apology after a town hall meeting in Derry , New Hampshire .
“ I believe these women completely and without reservation and I apologize that they have had a bad experience on this campaign , ” she told reporters , according to CNN .
“ I also understand the long legacy of racism in this country and what it means and how it creates power dynamics and inequities that are toxic and dangerous .
And that ’ s why it ’ s so important that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do better .
I take personal responsibility for this and I ’ m working with my team to address these concerns.
” She also appeared on MSNBC Thursday night , where she similarly prostrated herself before the altar of intersectional regret .
“ I believe these women without any equivocation and I apologize personally that they had a bad experience on the campaign , ” she said .
“ I take responsibility for this , and I ’ m working with my team to address these concerns.
” The Politico article was the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sketch comedy series , “ The Whitest Candidates U Know.
” It wasn ’ t quite as funny as the last one , in which former South Bend , Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg , who ’ s struggled to gain traction with black voters , appeared to corral some of his few black supporters in Iowa to stand in a line behind him during a victory speech ( delivered before the vast majority of results come out ) in the most obvious and hilarious attempt to make it seem as though his # @ @ @ @ @ @ @ caves .
It also showed why Joe Biden — a guy who ’ s worked with legit segregationists on racial issues during his political career — still continues to enjoy the widest swath of African-American support in the Democratic field .
Time is the most valuable resource any Democratic candidate has at this point .
Money and favorable polling numbers can buy access to more time in the media spotlight , but there ’ s still only so many news cycles major networks can give you .
That ’ s why this is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Warren campaign .
In the run-up to the New Hampshire primary , the last thing her struggling candidacy needs to be talking about is how it treats its minority workers .
She ’ s almost certainly going to faceplant in the next two contests after New Hampshire — Nevada , where she ’ s cutting back resources , and South Carolina , where that lack of resonance with minority voters has continued to hurt her .
New Hampshire , therefore , is vitally important to keeping her campaign viable — but time ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , too .
Despite being from an adjacent state and a policy wonk in a contest where that ’ s generally an advantage , she ’ s lagging in a distant third-place tie with Joe Biden at 13 percent , according to the RealClearPolitics polling average .
Sanders and Buttigieg are sitting in first and second at 26 percent and 22.5 percent , respectively .
This , in short , is not the time to be offering endless apologies about allegations of a toxic campaign environment for women of color .
If you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talking about anything else during the next few days , your opinion of the situation is as wildly , inappropriately optimistic as that Warren campaign spokeswoman who thought that first “ apology ” she offered to Politico was really going to fly .
Just like that DNA test in October 2018 , this is all Warren ’ s going to be asked about for quite some time .
Unlike then , however , she doesn ’ t have 16 months before Democrats start voting to patch things up .
Now , they ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she ’ s only got a few days before a contest that could thoroughly break her campaign .
Short of a second DNA test just to make sure she wasn ’ t maybe , possibly 1/32nd Native American , I can not possibly think of anything Warren needed less than this .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

It was just a few months before Sen. Elizabeth Warren started running for president that the pleasant fiction that she was a woman of color completely collapsed.
In October 2018, Warren released a DNA test that definitively proved she was between 1/64th and 1/1,024th Native American — something she was under the impression exonerated her from all of those Fauxcahontas claims that had haunted her political career.
This was, um, a bit of a miscalculation.
Not only has the test provided the right with a solid 16 months of memes, but liberal Native American groups and others on the left were incensed at her use of genetic testing to win a petty argument about her place in POC-dom.
An apology tour gradually attenuated the anger, but it’s never really gone away.
Whether or not this was somehow indicative of a larger problem with the Warren campaign when it comes to minority voters is a matter of opinion, but the fact is that a problem exists.
An August 2019, Pew Research Center poll found that, of the four top-tier candidates at that time, Warren had the whitest base — 71 percent, compared to 56 percent for Joe Biden and 49 percent for Bernie Sanders. (The fourth “top-tier” candidate then, California Sen. Kamala Harris, has since ended her run after a supernova cluster of bad decisions — but she was at 59 percent for whatever it’s worth.)
And yet, Warren’s made all the right noises. She’s proposed a series of executive actions that she says would boost the wages of women of color.
She’s talked about the dangers of “white nationalism,” whatever that might mean nowadays.
Do you think Elizabeth Warren will win the Democratic nomination? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 1% (8 Votes) No: 99% (953 Votes)
She’s gotten “squad” member Rep. Ayanna Pressley, who’s black, to act as a campaign surrogate to the black community. What’s not to like?
Plenty, if you’re a woman of color and working for Warren in Nevada.
Six women of color out of the 70-odd members of Warren’s campaign in the state have quit in recent months because of what they saw as a work culture where they felt marginalized, a Thursday article in Politico revealed.
“During the time I was employed with Nevada for Warren, there was definitely something wrong with the culture,” Megan Lewis, a field organizer who quit in December, said.
“I filed a complaint with HR, but the follow-up I received left me feeling as though I needed to make myself smaller or change who I was to fit into the office culture.”
“I felt like a problem — like I was there to literally bring color into the space but not the knowledge and voice that comes with it,” another field organizer, who remained anonymous, said.
“We all were routinely silenced and not given a meaningful chance on the campaign. Complaints, comments, advice, and grievances were met with an earnest shake of the head and progressive buzzwords but not much else.”
A third woman of color who had left cosigned these descriptions without going on the record herself, while the other three declined to comment for the piece.
In a reaction that felt like a time-condensed version of its response to the DNA test controversy, the Warren campaign first handled the piece with a non-apology apology, followed by a thoroughly over-the-top apology once they realized how the original reaction sounded to the base.
First, the boilerplate statement that was included in the Politico article, in which a campaign spokeswoman didn’t contradict the claims made by the women but insisted that they didn’t represent the culture on the larger campaign: “We strive for an inclusive environment and work hard to learn and improve,” Kristen Orthman said in a statement.
“We have an organization of more than a thousand people, and whenever we hear concerns, we take them seriously. It’s important that everyone who is part of our team has a voice and can be heard. That’s why we are proud that we have a unionized staff and clear processes for issues to be addressed.”
Between Thursday afternoon, when the piece was published, and Thursday night, someone probably realized how that was going to go down, and the senator herself issued a more full-throated apology after a town hall meeting in Derry, New Hampshire.
“I believe these women completely and without reservation and I apologize that they have had a bad experience on this campaign,” she told reporters, according to CNN.
“I also understand the long legacy of racism in this country and what it means and how it creates power dynamics and inequities that are toxic and dangerous. And that’s why it’s so important that we be constantly vigilant and determined to do better. I take personal responsibility for this and I’m working with my team to address these concerns.”
She also appeared on MSNBC Thursday night, where she similarly prostrated herself before the altar of intersectional regret.
“I believe these women without any equivocation and I apologize personally that they had a bad experience on the campaign,” she said. “I take responsibility for this, and I’m working with my team to address these concerns.”
The Politico article was the latest episode in the Democrats’ new sketch comedy series, “The Whitest Candidates U Know.”
It wasn’t quite as funny as the last one, in which former South Bend, Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg, who’s struggled to gain traction with black voters, appeared to corral some of his few black supporters in Iowa to stand in a line behind him during a victory speech (delivered before the vast majority of results come out) in the most obvious and hilarious attempt to make it seem as though his #CandidacySoWhite appealed to anyone outside of wine caves.
It also showed why Joe Biden — a guy who’s worked with legit segregationists on racial issues during his political career — still continues to enjoy the widest swath of African-American support in the Democratic field.
Time is the most valuable resource any Democratic candidate has at this point.
Money and favorable polling numbers can buy access to more time in the media spotlight, but there’s still only so many news cycles major networks can give you.
That’s why this is pretty much an intersectional torpedo to the Warren campaign.
In the run-up to the New Hampshire primary, the last thing her struggling candidacy needs to be talking about is how it treats its minority workers.
She’s almost certainly going to faceplant in the next two contests after New Hampshire — Nevada, where she’s cutting back resources, and South Carolina, where that lack of resonance with minority voters has continued to hurt her.
New Hampshire, therefore, is vitally important to keeping her campaign viable — but time’s running out for her in there, too.
Despite being from an adjacent state and a policy wonk in a contest where that’s generally an advantage, she’s lagging in a distant third-place tie with Joe Biden at 13 percent, according to the RealClearPolitics polling average.
Sanders and Buttigieg are sitting in first and second at 26 percent and 22.5 percent, respectively.
This, in short, is not the time to be offering endless apologies about allegations of a toxic campaign environment for women of color.
If you think she’s going to be talking about anything else during the next few days, your opinion of the situation is as wildly, inappropriately optimistic as that Warren campaign spokeswoman who thought that first “apology” she offered to Politico was really going to fly.
Just like that DNA test in October 2018, this is all Warren’s going to be asked about for quite some time. Unlike then, however, she doesn’t have 16 months before Democrats start voting to patch things up.
Now, they’ve already started casting their ballots and she’s only got a few days before a contest that could thoroughly break her campaign.
Short of a second DNA test just to make sure she wasn’t maybe, possibly 1/32nd Native American, I cannot possibly think of anything Warren needed less than this.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
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* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.