freebeacon--2020-01-09--Dems in Disarray Over Pelosi’s Impeachment Strategy

The unified support among Democrats for House Speaker Nancy Pelosi 's impeachment strategy has cracked , with leading Senate Democrats publicly urging Pelosi to advance the articles of impeachment and signs that her own caucus is losing patience as well .
A group of top Democratic senators went to reporters Wednesday to urge Pelosi to end her three-week attempt to influence how Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell handles the impeachment trial .
`` If we ’ re going to do it , she should send them over , '' said fellow Californian Dianne Feinstein , whose message was echoed by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ct. ) , Chris Murphy ( D. , Ct. ) , Joe Manchin ( D. , W.Va. ) , and Angus King ( I. , Maine ) .
Early Thursday morning the calls appeared to have spread to the House when Rep. Adam Smith ( D. , Wash. ) was asked about the complaints from senators and said it was time for Pelosi to end the impasse .
`` At the end of the day just like we control it in the House , Mitch McConnell controls it in the Senate , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and saying he `` misspoke . ''
In an interview Thursday afternoon Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney ( D. , N.Y. ) appeared unwilling to voice an opinion on Pelosi 's strategy , saying `` she does n't need my help second guessing her decisions . ''
The pressure on Pelosi to end her gambit comes after McConnell successfully unified his majority caucus on impeachment , taking away Democratic hopes of impacting the trial 's format .
`` I don ’ t know what leverage we have , '' said Sen. Jon Tester ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also urged Pelosi to advance impeachment .
`` It looks like the cake is already baked . ''
Pelosi held her ground in a Thursday morning press conference , though she indicated that her hold on impeachment could come to an end soon .
`` I 'll send them over when I 'm ready , '' Pelosi said .
`` That may be soon . ''
Pelosi got the idea to hold onto the articles of impeachment even after the House voted from watching cable news , her office told TIME magazine , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ persuade McConnell to back down .
McConnell told Republicans Thursday that he expects the articles of impeachment to be sent over soon and for the trial to begin sometime next week .

The unified support among Democrats for House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's impeachment strategy has cracked, with leading Senate Democrats publicly urging Pelosi to advance the articles of impeachment and signs that her own caucus is losing patience as well.
A group of top Democratic senators went to reporters Wednesday to urge Pelosi to end her three-week attempt to influence how Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell handles the impeachment trial. "If we’re going to do it, she should send them over," said fellow Californian Dianne Feinstein, whose message was echoed by Sens. Richard Blumenthal (D., Conn.), Chris Murphy (D., Conn.), Joe Manchin (D., W. Va.), and Angus King (I., Maine).
Early Thursday morning the calls appeared to have spread to the House when Rep. Adam Smith (D., Wash.) was asked about the complaints from senators and said it was time for Pelosi to end the impasse.
"At the end of the day just like we control it in the House, Mitch McConnell controls it in the Senate," Smith said, before backtracking hours later and saying he "misspoke." In an interview Thursday afternoon Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney (D., N.Y.) appeared unwilling to voice an opinion on Pelosi's strategy, saying "she doesn't need my help second guessing her decisions."
The pressure on Pelosi to end her gambit comes after McConnell successfully unified his majority caucus on impeachment, taking away Democratic hopes of impacting the trial's format.
"I don’t know what leverage we have," said Sen. Jon Tester (D., Mont.), who also urged Pelosi to advance impeachment. "It looks like the cake is already baked."
Pelosi held her ground in a Thursday morning press conference, though she indicated that her hold on impeachment could come to an end soon.
"I'll send them over when I'm ready," Pelosi said. "That may be soon."
Pelosi got the idea to hold onto the articles of impeachment even after the House voted from watching cable news, her office told TIME magazine, which reported that Pelosi believed she could persuade McConnell to back down.
McConnell told Republicans Thursday that he expects the articles of impeachment to be sent over soon and for the trial to begin sometime next week.


freebeacon--2020-01-09--Iran: Missile Strikes Mark Beginning of ‘Major Operations’ Across Middle East

Top Iranian military figures on Thursday said the Islamic Republic 's recent missile strikes on U.S. outposts and assets are `` the start of big operations which will continue in the entire region . ''
`` The missile strikes on one of the United States 's most important bases within the framework of martyr [ Qassem ] Soleimani operation was the start of big operations which will continue in the entire region , '' said General Amir Ali Hajizadeh , commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps 's ( IRGC ) Aerospace Force .
Iran 's missile strike Wednesday on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the start of Tehran 's new offensive posture , according to Hajizadeh .
The military leader 's remarks are a sign that Tehran has no interest in de-escalation following President Donald Trump 's decision Wednesday to delay the launch of another U.S. attack on Iranian interests .
Iran says its goal is to remove every single American troop from the region through targeted strikes across the Middle East .
`` We were not after killing anyone although tens of U.S. troops have likely been killed and wounded and were transferred to Israel and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Hajizadeh was quoted as saying in the country 's state-controlled press .
The United States maintains that it has not suffered any casualties as a result of Iran 's strike .
Iranian leaders claim to have drawn up `` high casualty operations '' that could lead to the deaths of at least 500 U.S. military personnel `` in the first step . ''
Within 48 hours , the Iranian military claims , it could kill 4,000 to 5,000 Americans .
Iran fired at least 13 missiles at U.S. bases in Iraq @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` hundreds of missiles in the first hours '' of a second protracted attack , according to Iranian military officials .
Iran is urging the United States to stand down on any further attacks .
`` [ The United States ] will face a more painful and crushing response , '' the IRGC said in a statement this week , also reported by Iran 's state-run press organs .
`` All the U.S. allied states where the terrorist army has a base , any territory that becomes the origin of any hostile and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Iran in any way will be targeted , '' the IRGC said .
Iran also has threatened the `` total annihilation '' of Israel in response to the killing of Soleimani , a top Iranian commander who helmed Tehran 's regional terror operations for decades .
`` We believe that the Zionist regime by no means stands aside from the criminal U.S. regime in these crimes , '' the IRGC said in its latest remarks .

Top Iranian military figures on Thursday said the Islamic Republic's recent missile strikes on U.S. outposts and assets are "the start of big operations which will continue in the entire region."
"The missile strikes on one of the United States's most important bases within the framework of martyr [Qassem] Soleimani operation was the start of big operations which will continue in the entire region," said General Amir Ali Hajizadeh, commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps's (IRGC) Aerospace Force.
Iran's missile strike Wednesday on two American bases in Iraq is just the start of Tehran's new offensive posture, according to Hajizadeh.
The military leader's remarks are a sign that Tehran has no interest in de-escalation following President Donald Trump's decision Wednesday to delay the launch of another U.S. attack on Iranian interests.
Iran says its goal is to remove every single American troop from the region through targeted strikes across the Middle East.
"We were not after killing anyone although tens of U.S. troops have likely been killed and wounded and were transferred to Israel and Jordan on nine sorties of C-130 flights," Hajizadeh was quoted as saying in the country's state-controlled press.
The United States maintains that it has not suffered any casualties as a result of Iran's strike.
Iranian leaders claim to have drawn up "high casualty operations" that could lead to the deaths of at least 500 U.S. military personnel "in the first step." Within 48 hours, the Iranian military claims, it could kill 4,000 to 5,000 Americans.
Iran fired at least 13 missiles at U.S. bases in Iraq this week and is readying to launch "hundreds of missiles in the first hours" of a second protracted attack, according to Iranian military officials.
Iran is urging the United States to stand down on any further attacks.
"[The United States] will face a more painful and crushing response," the IRGC said in a statement this week, also reported by Iran's state-run press organs.
"All the U.S. allied states where the terrorist army has a base, any territory that becomes the origin of any hostile and aggressive action against the Islamic Republic of Iran in any way will be targeted," the IRGC said.
Iran also has threatened the "total annihilation" of Israel in response to the killing of Soleimani, a top Iranian commander who helmed Tehran's regional terror operations for decades.
"We believe that the Zionist regime by no means stands aside from the criminal U.S. regime in these crimes," the IRGC said in its latest remarks.


freebeacon--2020-01-09--U.S. Issued No-Fly Order Over Iran, Iraq Hours Before Ukrainian Plane Downed

Just hours before a Ukrainian plane was shot down Wednesday over Iran , the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration issued a no-fly order over Iran and Iraq , potentially saving scores of American lives .
A Notice to Airmen ( NOTAM ) warning of potential hazards along flight routes in the war-torn region was first issued Tuesday evening by the FAA , just before a Ukrainian plane crashed near Tehran .
U.S. officials believe Iran may have mistakenly shot down the plane in its airspace as tensions with the United States hit new levels .
`` Our NOTAMs were published roughly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an FAA spokesman confirmed to the Washington Free Beacon Thursday .
The no-fly order outlined `` flight restrictions that prohibit U.S. civil aviation operators from operating in the airspace over Iraq , Iran , and the waters of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman . ''
`` The FAA will continue closely monitoring events in the Middle East , '' the NOTAM said .
`` We continue coordinating with our national security partners and sharing information with U.S. air carriers and foreign civil aviation authorities . ''
While the FAA official @ @ @ @ @ @ @ [ the notice ] might have had , '' one senior congressional official who works on airline issues told the Free Beacon that the order `` may well have saved American lives . ''
`` Iran is not a normal country , and they regularly act in reckless and unprofessional ways , '' said the congressional source , who was not authorized to speak on record .
`` The FAA showed vigilance and competence in publishing the NOTAMs when they did , and they may well have saved American lives . ''

Just hours before a Ukrainian plane was shot down Wednesday over Iran, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration issued a no-fly order over Iran and Iraq, potentially saving scores of American lives.
A Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) warning of potential hazards along flight routes in the war-torn region was first issued Tuesday evening by the FAA, just before a Ukrainian plane crashed near Tehran. U.S. officials believe Iran may have mistakenly shot down the plane in its airspace as tensions with the United States hit new levels.
"Our NOTAMs were published roughly three hours before the accident," an FAA spokesman confirmed to the Washington Free Beacon Thursday.
The no-fly order outlined "flight restrictions that prohibit U.S. civil aviation operators from operating in the airspace over Iraq, Iran, and the waters of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman."
"The FAA will continue closely monitoring events in the Middle East," the NOTAM said. "We continue coordinating with our national security partners and sharing information with U.S. air carriers and foreign civil aviation authorities."
While the FAA official would not "speculate on what effect [the notice] might have had," one senior congressional official who works on airline issues told the Free Beacon that the order "may well have saved American lives."
"Iran is not a normal country, and they regularly act in reckless and unprofessional ways," said the congressional source, who was not authorized to speak on record. "The FAA showed vigilance and competence in publishing the NOTAMs when they did, and they may well have saved American lives."


freebeacon--2020-01-09--Polling Experts: Democrats More Likely to Nominate ‘No One’ Than Elizabeth Warren

The polling nerds at FiveThirtyEight unveiled their Democratic primary forecast on Thursday , and the results do n't look good for Sen. Elizabeth Warren ( D. , Mass. )
.
According to the FiveThirtyEight forecast , Warren has just a one-in-nine ( 12 percent ) chance of winning enough delegates to secure the Democratic Party 's presidential nomination .
That 's slightly worse than the forecast model 's odds—one-in-eight , or 13 percent—that no single candidate will win a majority of delegates , an outcome that could trigger a brokered convention in Milwaukee .
Former vice president Joe Biden remains @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The FiveThirtyEight model gives him a 42 percent chance to receive a majority of delegates before the convention .
Sen. Bernie Sanders ( I. , Vt. ) is the next most likely candidate to be the nominee ; the model gives the curmudgeonly socialist a one-in-five chance to lock it up .
Pete Buttigieg , an unemployed digeridoo aficionado , has a 1-in-10 chance of being nominated , according to the forecast .
That was not the only piece of bad news for Warren on the polling front .
Monmouth University on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in New Hampshire showing a 12-point decline in Warren 's support since September , when the poll was last taken .
She received 15 percent of the vote , which puts her in fourth place behind Sanders ( 18 percent ) , Biden ( 19 percent ) , and Buttigieg ( 20 percent ) .
The most recently available Iowa poll , from CBS News/YouGov , also had Warren in fourth place among registered Democrats , at 16 percent .
She trailed Biden , Buttigieg , and Sanders , who were locked in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to the poll .

The polling nerds at FiveThirtyEight unveiled their Democratic primary forecast on Thursday, and the results don't look good for Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D., Mass.).
According to the FiveThirtyEight forecast, Warren has just a one-in-nine (12 percent) chance of winning enough delegates to secure the Democratic Party's presidential nomination. That's slightly worse than the forecast model's odds—one-in-eight, or 13 percent—that no single candidate will win a majority of delegates, an outcome that could trigger a brokered convention in Milwaukee.
Former vice president Joe Biden remains the frontrunner to win the Democratic nomination. The FiveThirtyEight model gives him a 42 percent chance to receive a majority of delegates before the convention. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I., Vt.) is the next most likely candidate to be the nominee; the model gives the curmudgeonly socialist a one-in-five chance to lock it up. Pete Buttigieg, an unemployed digeridoo aficionado, has a 1-in-10 chance of being nominated, according to the forecast.
That was not the only piece of bad news for Warren on the polling front. Monmouth University on Thursday published a poll of registered Democrats in New Hampshire showing a 12-point decline in Warren's support since September, when the poll was last taken. She received 15 percent of the vote, which puts her in fourth place behind Sanders (18 percent), Biden (19 percent), and Buttigieg (20 percent).
The most recently available Iowa poll, from CBS News/YouGov, also had Warren in fourth place among registered Democrats, at 16 percent. She trailed Biden, Buttigieg, and Sanders, who were locked in a three-way tie at 23 percent, according to the poll.


freebeacon--2020-01-09--Trump on Iran’s Embassy Attack: ‘This Was the Anti-Benghazi’

President Donald Trump on Thursday said the attack by Iranian proxies on the U.S. embassy in Baghdad turned out to be `` the anti-Benghazi . ''
Trump took credit for preventing the situation from escalating the way the 2012 attack on the U.S. embassy in Benghazi , Libya , did .
`` Had they done what I did , you would n't know the name Benghazi .
It would not be a very famous name , '' he said during a press conference Thursday .
`` Now it 's a very famous name .
This was the anti-Benghazi . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ not protesters at all but `` rough warriors '' who would have done `` very serious harm '' if they were not stopped from breaching the embassy .
`` Had they gotten through I believe we would have either had a hostage situation , or worse , we would have had a lot of people killed , '' he said .
`` Those people were going to do very serious harm .
They were soldiers , they were warriors .
And we stopped it . ''
The siege caused American diplomats to take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Death to America . ''
Trump ordered a deployment of approximately 750 soldiers to protect the diplomats and disperse the aggressors .
`` We got the Apaches there very quickly , they were doing the flares .
People did n't know what was happening , '' Trump said .
`` They could have done that with Benghazi too , by the way . ''
He also pointed to the recent killing of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani , who he said organized the attack on the embassy .
`` That was a totally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it—that man right now is not around any longer .
And he had more than that particular embassy in mind , '' he said .
In 2012 , terrorists attacked the American embassy in Benghazi , Libya , resulting in the deaths of four Americans .
The Obama administration initially argued the attack was a protest over a video that unexpectedly turned violent , but subsequent evidence showed it was a terrorist operation .
Obama and then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton faced criticism for failing to respond quickly and forcefully , although the @ @ @ @ @ @

'Had they done what I did, you wouldn't know the name Benghazi'
President Donald Trump on Thursday said the attack by Iranian proxies on the U.S. embassy in Baghdad turned out to be "the anti-Benghazi."
Trump took credit for preventing the situation from escalating the way the 2012 attack on the U.S. embassy in Benghazi, Libya, did.
"Had they done what I did, you wouldn't know the name Benghazi. It would not be a very famous name," he said during a press conference Thursday. "Now it's a very famous name. This was the anti-Benghazi."
He also said the so-called protesters were not protesters at all but "rough warriors" who would have done "very serious harm" if they were not stopped from breaching the embassy.
"Had they gotten through I believe we would have either had a hostage situation, or worse, we would have had a lot of people killed," he said. "Those people were going to do very serious harm. They were soldiers, they were warriors. And we stopped it."
The siege caused American diplomats to take shelter inside the embassy amid chants of "Death to America." Trump ordered a deployment of approximately 750 soldiers to protect the diplomats and disperse the aggressors.
"We got the Apaches there very quickly, they were doing the flares. People didn't know what was happening," Trump said. "They could have done that with Benghazi too, by the way."
He also pointed to the recent killing of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani, who he said organized the attack on the embassy.
"That was a totally organized plot and you know who organized it—that man right now is not around any longer. And he had more than that particular embassy in mind," he said.
In 2012, terrorists attacked the American embassy in Benghazi, Libya, resulting in the deaths of four Americans. The Obama administration initially argued the attack was a protest over a video that unexpectedly turned violent, but subsequent evidence showed it was a terrorist operation. Obama and then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton faced criticism for failing to respond quickly and forcefully, although the administration argued it acted appropriately.


Beacon Extra

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NANCY ’ S FOLLY … `` Dems in Disarray Over Pelosi ’ s Impeachment Strategy , '' by WFB ’ s Brent Scher : A group of top Democratic senators went to reporters Wednesday to urge Pelosi to end her three-week attempt to influence how Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell handles the impeachment trial … '' I 'll send them over when I 'm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That may be soon . ''
Pelosi got the idea to hold onto the articles of impeachment from watching cable news , her office told TIME magazine .
WIPED WITH A CLOTH ?
… `` Jail video of Jeffrey Epstein ’ s first suicide attempt was deleted , prosecutors reveal , '' via CNBC : Surveillance video footage from outside the jail cell of accused child sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein at the time of his first reported suicide attempt in July has been deleted , federal prosecutors revealed Thursday … Epstein , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump and Bill Clinton , died in the Manhattan jail in August .
The New York City Medical Examiner ruled his death a suicide by hanging .
MR. CONGENIALITY … `` Around the Country in 17 Hours With Michael Bloomberg , '' via NYT : Asked for a picture after his event in Chicago , Mr. Bloomberg grimaced a bit : `` Yup .
Quickly . ''
… Other data points seemed less encouraging .
Several of the more than 100 people in the room said they had come as a favor to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` moral support , '' as one put it , in lieu of political support .
An aide approached two African-American men to ask if they might be more comfortable onstage , behind Mr. Bloomberg and in view of the cameras .
They did not bite .
NOT LIKABLE ENOUGH … `` Polling Experts : Democrats More Likely to Nominate ‘ No One ’ Than Elizabeth Warren , '' by WFB ’ s Andrew Stiles : According to the FiveThirtyEight forecast , Warren has just a one-in-nine ( 12 percent ) chance of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Party 's presidential nomination .
That 's slightly worse than the forecast model 's odds—one-in-eight , or 13 percent—that no single candidate will win a majority of delegates , an outcome that could trigger a brokered convention in Milwaukee .
VOTING WITH THEIR FEET … `` Second Amendment Sanctuary Movement Dwarfs Richmond Gun-Control Meeting , '' by WFB ’ s Stephen Gutowski : A gun-control event at the Virginia state capitol drew two hundred activists on Wednesday , a turnout dwarfed by the tens of thousands who have attended Second Amendment sanctuary meetings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Action , a subsidiary of Michael Bloomberg 's Everytown for Gun Safety , gathered supporters in Richmond to pressure lawmakers into passing stricter gun-control laws during the new legislative session .
An email to the group 's supporters included pictures showing several dozen activists at a meeting opening , and about 20 meeting with lawmakers and walking the halls of the Virginia state capitol building .
A spokeswoman for the group told the Washington Free Beacon that 200 volunteers showed up to lobby lawmakers .
SUPREME LEADER ’ S STRATEGERY … `` Iranians @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Evidence indicates it is `` highly likely '' that an Iranian anti-aircraft missile downed a Ukrainian jetliner near Tehran late Tuesday , U.S. , Canadian , and British officials said Thursday .
They said the strike , which killed all 176 people on board , could well have been a mistake amid missile launches and high tensions throughout the region .
FAST-ACTING FAA DECISION SAVED AMERICAN LIVES … `` U.S .
Issued No-Fly Order Over Iran , Iraq Hours Before Ukrainian Plane Downed , '' by WFB ’ s Adam Kredo : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ warning of potential hazards along flight routes in the war-torn region was first issued Tuesday evening by the FAA , just before a Ukrainian plane crashed near Tehran .
U.S. officials believe Iran may have mistakenly shot down the plane in its airspace as tensions with the United States hit new levels .
`` Our NOTAMs were published roughly three hours before the accident , '' an FAA spokesman confirmed to the Washington Free Beacon Thursday .
ESCALATION … `` Iran : Missile Strikes Mark Beginning of ‘ Major Operations ’ Across Middle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Adam Kredo : Iranian leaders claim to have drawn up `` high casualty operations '' that could lead to the deaths of at least 500 U.S. military personnel `` in the first step . ''
Within 48 hours , the Iranian military claims , it could kill 4,000 to 5,000 Americans .
Iran fired at least 13 missiles at U.S. bases in Iraq this week and is readying to launch `` hundreds of missiles in the first hours '' of a second protracted attack , according to Iranian military officials .
IF THEY @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` WaPo Reveals Photoshop Is Problematic If It Targets Dems , '' by WFB ’ s Alex Griswold : A Thursday Washington Post story attacked Rep. Elise Stefanik ( R. , N.Y. ) for `` manipulating '' an image of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ( D. , Calif. ) , even though such modifications are standard in political advertising on both sides of the aisle , including from Pelosi herself … Stefanik 's 2020 Democratic opponent Tedra Cobb , for example , has frequently tweeted images of the congresswoman that have been similarly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ filters without attracting negative attention from Capitol Hill reporters .
TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME IS REAL … `` U.S. Reporters Blame Trump for Iran Shooting Down Passenger Plane , '' via GRABIEN : CNN ’ s national security analyst , Susan Hennessy , said the tragedy resulted from `` reckless escalation , '' claiming the jetliner was downed in `` crossfire '' .
NBC ’ s Heidi Przybyla—in a tweet she later deleted—echoed Hennessy , blaming the tragedy on a `` crossfire '' between the United States and Iran … Another Washington Post columnist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make excuses for Iran killing these innocent people .
PRESCRIPTION NEEDED … `` Too woke ?
Nope—Doctor Who is more offensive than ever , '' via THE GUARDIAN : Now , though , a different group of fans are railing against Doctor Who .
Far from being too liberal , many believe this iteration has actually lost the morality that made the character so unique , and become problematic on social issues—engaging with them to an often offensive degree .
MADAM SPEECHLESS … `` How McConnell Outplayed Pelosi , '' by WFB ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] has [ Nancy ] Pelosi as an example of what not to do .
Since launching the impeachment inquiry in November , she 's seen independents turn against it , Trump 's numbers rise , a House Democrat switch parties , several Democrats join Republicans to vote against one or both of the articles of impeachment , and now her friends and lieutenants questioning her judgment in public .
The other day news broke that she got the idea for withholding the articles from an interview with John Dean on CNN .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nixon .
And look what happened to him .
DAYS SINCE JOE BIDEN DID A SUNDAY SHOW : 1,125 .
Come back , Joe !
`` You know who really doesn ’ t have it ?
Joe Biden . ''
—Former President Barack Obama Thanks for reading !
Send tips to rutz @ freebeacon.com .

Welcome to the Washington Free Beacon’s morning newsletter, your comprehensive briefing on the Enemies of Freedom. To get this newsletter sent straight to your inbox every morning, sign up here.
MENSHEVIKS PREPARE FOR LAST STAND … "Democratic Leaders Willing to Risk Party Damage to Stop Bernie Sanders," via NYT: Since Mr. Sanders’s victory in Nevada’s caucuses on Saturday, the Times has interviewed 93 party officials—all of them superdelegates … and found overwhelming opposition to handing the Vermont senator the nomination if he arrived with the most delegates but fell short of a majority …
Since Mr. Sanders won Nevada’s caucuses on Saturday, four donors have approached former representative Steve Israel of New York to ask if he can suggest someone to run a super PAC aimed at blocking Mr. Sanders. He declined their offer.
THE NEW NEW DEMOCRATS … "2020 Dem Plans Reflect Party of the ‘Professional Class’," by WFB’s Charles Fain Lehman: The [Manhattan Institute] report examines the distributive impacts of major proposals, including Medicare for All, student debt forgiveness, and the repeal of key components of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA). It argues that while Democratic candidates talk big about supporting workers and the poor, these programs primarily serve the interests of the wealthy …
Long branded as representatives of the working class, the Democratic Party has come to appeal primarily to the college-educated, often affluent residents of urban America, data indicate.
MIKE GOT IT DONE … "Bloomberg Locked Up Nearly Half a Million People on Marijuana Charges," by WFB’s Yuichiro Kakutani: The administrations of [Michael] Bloomberg's three predecessors … collectively arrested 226,000 people, or 25 people daily, for the same charge over a 24-year period between 1978 and 2001. During Bloomberg's tenure, approximately 471,000 people were arrested on possession charges …
The possession arrests for Bloomberg's tenure peaked in 2011 when the police hauled in more than 50,000 New Yorkers.
DOWNLOAD UNAVAILABLE IN WISCONSIN … "Coming to a podcast near you: Hillary Clinton," via POLITICO: The former first lady, secretary of State, and 2016 Democratic presidential nominee is planning to launch a new audio program in late spring, just in time for her to have a powerful new megaphone during the 2020 election …
Clinton’s show will feature her in conversation with a brand-name guest, who might be drawn from world leaders and politicians, of course, but also celebrities, authors and perhaps famous chefs.
BOOK THROWN … "Former Baltimore Mayor Catherine Pugh sentenced to 3 years for ‘Healthy Holly’ children’s book fraud scheme," via BALTIMORE SUN: [Pugh] told reporters: "This is not the last you’ll see of Catherine Pugh" …
Pugh’s political fall began in March when the Baltimore Sun revealed she had entered into a no-bid deal with the University of Maryland Medical System, where Pugh sat on the board of directors, to buy 100,000 copies of her sloppily self-published "Healthy Holly" books for $500,000.
YANG HOLDS OUT FOR BETTER OFFER … "Michael Bloomberg’s Campaign Sought Andrew Yang’s Backing, Floated Vice- Presidential Slot," via WSJ: Aides to the former New York City mayor reached out to discuss ways the two entrepreneurs-turned-politicians could work together as Mr. Bloomberg seeks the Democratic nomination, these people said.
Mr. Yang, who dropped out of the race earlier this month, didn’t commit to join forces, as he considers his own political future, a third person familiar with the discussions said.
NO SURRENDER … "Congressional Republicans Warn Trump Against Inking Peace Deal With Taliban," by WFB’s Adam Kredo: The lawmakers … are demanding they receive assurances the administration "will not place the security of the American people into the hands of the Taliban" …
The lawmakers are also demanding the release of so-called secret annexes in the draft agreement that they claim establish a set of unknown side deals with the Taliban, a move reminiscent of the Obama administration's secret agreements with Iran when the Iran nuclear deal was being negotiated.
TEHRAN MARY … "Iran Vice President Is One of 7 Officials to Contract Coronavirus," via NYT: The disclosure came a day after a cabinet meeting in which she was in close contact with other government leaders, including [Hassan] Rouhani. A photo posted by a BBC Persia reporter on Twitter showed she had been sitting a few yards from the president.
[Masoumeh] Ebtekar, one of four vice presidents, was known to Americans as "Mary" during the Tehran hostage crisis four decades ago, when, as a young revolutionary, she was a spokeswoman for the captors of the 52 Americans held at the United States Embassy.
PICTURE OF COWARDICE … "Sony World Photography Awards Removes Hong Kong Protest Images," via HYPERALLERGIC: Since pro-democracy protests prompted by the Hong Kong government’s now-scrapped extradition bill erupted across the city in spring 2019, China has tightened its grip on the media …
Now, some speculate WPO yielded to pressure from China to take down the photographs, especially because other entries featuring arguably graphic or politically sensitive content have not faced a similar fate in past competitions.
THE REAL VICTIMS … "Mark Halperin Says Murderers Are Treated More Fairly Than Canceled People," via MOTHER JONES: "I haven’t had a job interview in two years," Halperin said, adding that he has applied to work at restaurants and Target, trying to get health insurance for his three-year-old son …
When [asked to] differentiate between appropriate and inappropriate ways that he had been held accountable for his behavior … he said victims deserve "top priority" but complained again that there isn’t a mechanism for reintegrating canceled people.
THIS IS CNN … "Sasse Criticizes CNN for Referring to a Baby as a ‘Fetus That Was Born’," via CNN: "The Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act is about babies who have already been born," [Sen. Ben] Sasse said to the Washington Free Beacon. "I’m glad CNN finally made the correction, but there’s no reason this needed to take two days. Planned Parenthood desperately wants to misrepresent this bipartisan, pro-babies bill, and unfortunately too many reporters have bought their spin hook, line, and sinker."
PUNK IS DEAD … "Billy Idol is helping de Blasio take on idling cars in new campaign," via NY POST: Billy Idol has a new Rebel Yell: helping Mayor Bill de Blasio fight fume-spewing vehicles that idle on Big Apple streets …
The campaign will also publicize the city’s 2018 "Citizens Air Complaint Program," where individuals who see a bus or delivery truck idling for longer than four minutes can file a complaint and collect a 25 percent bounty off the fine, worth $87.50.
"The First Postmodern Pandemic," via WFB’s Matthew Continetti: We were better off when the media focused on impeachment. Now that it is interested in coronavirus, a familiar pattern will set in. Data will be publicized without the slightest sense of proportion. The most outrageous scenarios will receive the most attention. Speculation will be paraded as fact …
The Washington Post transcribes Democratic Party talking points when it suggests Vice President Mike Pence is incapable of overseeing the government's efforts because he opposes needle-sharing programs. Among the reasons [President Donald] Trump is said to have weakened public health? He defunded Planned Parenthood.
Thanks for reading! Send tips to rutz@freebeacon.com.


freebeacon--2020-01-10--NYPD Makes Just One Arrest for Every Four Anti-Semitic Crimes, Data Show

The New York Police Department makes roughly one arrest for every four complaints of an anti-Semitic hate crime , department data show , making anti-Semitic crimes one of the least likely to result in arrest .
Data released by the NYPD and covering three years ' worth of hate-crime complaints and arrests show that anti-Semitic hate crimes are by far the most common source of complaints , accounting for 49.2 percent of the total .
Anti-Semitic offenders , however , account for just 32.6 percent of hate crime arrests .
While it is hard to conclude from these data what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that not enough is being done to respond to anti-Semitic crime in New York City .
According to one Jewish community leader who spoke to the Washington Free Beacon , the source of this issue may not be the NYPD itself , but an `` impossibly progressive '' mayor who has not been serious enough about combating the issue .
The NYPD did not respond to multiple requests for comment for this article .
Since 2017 , the NYPD has released quarterly reports on complaints of and arrests for hate crimes , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 2019 .
In that time , anti-Semitic hate crimes have accounted for almost the majority of complaints , with 515 made in total .
The second-largest source of complaints is hate crimes committed against gay men , totaling 124 complaints over three years .
Anti-Semitic hate crimes account for the most arrests , too—143 in total .
But more informative than raw counts of each is the ratio of arrests to complaints , a rough measure of how frequently a claimed hate crime results in an arrest by the police .
Looking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most likely to be targeted by hate crimes—accounting for 95 percent of complaints in total—reveals a concerning disparity .
Specifically , there are just 0.28 arrests per anti-Semitic hate crime complaint , or 1 arrest per 3.57 complaints .
That is the second-lowest rate of the top 10 most-targeted groups , outpacing only anti-Arab hate crimes ( 31 complaints , 3 arrests over the time period covered ) .
By comparison , there is roughly one arrest per complaint of an anti-Muslim or anti-transgender hate crime , and roughly one arrest per two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crimes .
The underlying data show that arrests have risen and fallen in line with complaints , with both peaking most recently in the third quarter of 2018 .
At no point in the last three years , however , has the ratio risen above one arrest for every two complaints .
Any number of factors could explain this disparity between anti-Semitic and other hate crimes .
For example , anti-Semitic crimes may systematically vary in some way that makes them less likely to lead to arrest , or their victims may be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Just as likely is the possibility that the sheer number of anti-Semitic hate crimes strain NYPD resources , resulting in a lower clearance rate .
This under-resourcing theory seems supported by New York City mayor Bill de Blasio 's Dec. 29 announcement that he would order the NYPD to increase its presence in predominantly Jewish neighborhoods , adding an additional four to six officers in Borough Park , Midwood , Crown Heights , Bedford-Stuyvesant , and Williamsburg .
De Blasio 's order came just a day after an armed man broke into a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ N.Y. , during a Hanukah celebration , stabbing five .
Rabbi Yoel Schonfeld , rabbi of the Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills Synagogue in New York City and vice president of the Coalition for Jewish Values , told the Free Beacon that the NYPD has been `` extremely caring and vigilant , certainly in my community . ''
`` I would say that the fault does not lie with the NYPD , '' Schonfeld said , adding that `` the problem is that the media and our politicians have failed us until @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and prosecuting the attackers . ''
Schonfeld went on to suggest that under de Blasio , the police have been `` handcuffed in how they engage with criminals , '' which has `` given a tailwind to the common street thugs who have been assaulting Orthodox Jews with impunity . ''
While the mayor 's office takes steps to increase police activity , it has also pressed for criminal justice reforms which may fuel the renewed anti-Semitic violence .
Critics have been quick to point to the case of Tiffany Harris , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bail reform , was arrested and released on recognizance three times before she was conclusively detained in custody .
One of Harris 's offenses included slapping three Orthodox Jewish women , to whom Harris also admitted saying , `` F-U , Jews . ''
Harris is a beneficiary of the state 's recently implemented bail reform law , which compels judges to release many offenders who would previously have been detained , including those who have committed certain robberies , rapes , and assaults .
Sen. Tom Cotton ( R. , Ark .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ just many opponents to argue that the law will lead to more anti-Semitic violence .
New York governor Andrew Cuomo ( D. ) has suggested he would be open to adding hate crimes to the list of offenses exempted from bail reform .
Anti-Semitic hate crimes are on the rise not only in New York but across the United States .
According to the FBI 's Uniform Crime Reporting Program , such hate crimes rose 40 percent between 2014 and 2018 , with 2017 marking the high point on record .
Anti-Semitic crimes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hate crimes in 2018 .

The New York Police Department makes roughly one arrest for every four complaints of an anti-Semitic hate crime, department data show, making anti-Semitic crimes one of the least likely to result in arrest.
Data released by the NYPD and covering three years' worth of hate-crime complaints and arrests show that anti-Semitic hate crimes are by far the most common source of complaints, accounting for 49.2 percent of the total. Anti-Semitic offenders, however, account for just 32.6 percent of hate crime arrests.
While it is hard to conclude from these data what explains this disparity, they strongly suggest that not enough is being done to respond to anti-Semitic crime in New York City. According to one Jewish community leader who spoke to the Washington Free Beacon, the source of this issue may not be the NYPD itself, but an "impossibly progressive" mayor who has not been serious enough about combating the issue.
The NYPD did not respond to multiple requests for comment for this article.
Since 2017, the NYPD has released quarterly reports on complaints of and arrests for hate crimes, with the most recent covering the third quarter of 2019. In that time, anti-Semitic hate crimes have accounted for almost the majority of complaints, with 515 made in total. The second-largest source of complaints is hate crimes committed against gay men, totaling 124 complaints over three years.
Anti-Semitic hate crimes account for the most arrests, too—143 in total. But more informative than raw counts of each is the ratio of arrests to complaints, a rough measure of how frequently a claimed hate crime results in an arrest by the police. Looking at this ratio among the 10 groups most likely to be targeted by hate crimes—accounting for 95 percent of complaints in total—reveals a concerning disparity.
Specifically, there are just 0.28 arrests per anti-Semitic hate crime complaint, or 1 arrest per 3.57 complaints. That is the second-lowest rate of the top 10 most-targeted groups, outpacing only anti-Arab hate crimes (31 complaints, 3 arrests over the time period covered). By comparison, there is roughly one arrest per complaint of an anti-Muslim or anti-transgender hate crime, and roughly one arrest per two complaints of anti-white or anti-gay male hate crimes.
The underlying data show that arrests have risen and fallen in line with complaints, with both peaking most recently in the third quarter of 2018. At no point in the last three years, however, has the ratio risen above one arrest for every two complaints.
Any number of factors could explain this disparity between anti-Semitic and other hate crimes. For example, anti-Semitic crimes may systematically vary in some way that makes them less likely to lead to arrest, or their victims may be systematically more likely to report them. Just as likely is the possibility that the sheer number of anti-Semitic hate crimes strain NYPD resources, resulting in a lower clearance rate.
This under-resourcing theory seems supported by New York City mayor Bill de Blasio's Dec. 29 announcement that he would order the NYPD to increase its presence in predominantly Jewish neighborhoods, adding an additional four to six officers in Borough Park, Midwood, Crown Heights, Bedford-Stuyvesant, and Williamsburg. De Blasio's order came just a day after an armed man broke into a Hasidic rabbi's home in Monsey, N.Y., during a Hanukah celebration, stabbing five.
Rabbi Yoel Schonfeld, rabbi of the Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills Synagogue in New York City and vice president of the Coalition for Jewish Values, told the Free Beacon that the NYPD has been "extremely caring and vigilant, certainly in my community."
"I would say that the fault does not lie with the NYPD," Schonfeld said, adding that "the problem is that the media and our politicians have failed us until now, both in publicizing the problem and prosecuting the attackers."
Schonfeld went on to suggest that under de Blasio, the police have been "handcuffed in how they engage with criminals," which has "given a tailwind to the common street thugs who have been assaulting Orthodox Jews with impunity."
While the mayor's office takes steps to increase police activity, it has also pressed for criminal justice reforms which may fuel the renewed anti-Semitic violence. Critics have been quick to point to the case of Tiffany Harris, a Brooklyn woman who, thanks to statewide bail reform, was arrested and released on recognizance three times before she was conclusively detained in custody. One of Harris's offenses included slapping three Orthodox Jewish women, to whom Harris also admitted saying, "F-U, Jews."
Harris is a beneficiary of the state's recently implemented bail reform law, which compels judges to release many offenders who would previously have been detained, including those who have committed certain robberies, rapes, and assaults. Sen. Tom Cotton (R., Ark.) on Wednesday evening became one of just many opponents to argue that the law will lead to more anti-Semitic violence.
New York governor Andrew Cuomo (D.) has suggested he would be open to adding hate crimes to the list of offenses exempted from bail reform.
Anti-Semitic hate crimes are on the rise not only in New York but across the United States. According to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Program, such hate crimes rose 40 percent between 2014 and 2018, with 2017 marking the high point on record. Anti-Semitic crimes accounted for the majority of religiously motivated hate crimes in 2018.


Beacon Extra 1/9/20

Welcome to the Washington Free Beacon ’ s morning newsletter , your comprehensive briefing on the Enemies of Freedom .
To get this newsletter sent straight to your inbox every morning , sign up here .
SHE STILL WANTS TO SANCTION ISRAEL THOUGH … `` Ilhan Omar accuses Trump of ‘ economic warfare ' for threatening sanctions on Iran , '' via EXAMINER : `` This makes no sense .
Sanctions are economic warfare , '' the Minnesota Democrat said Wednesday on Twitter .
`` They have already caused medical shortages and countless deaths in Iran .
You can not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new sanctions with no clear goal .
This is not a measured response ! ''
AND GIGGLES WAY THROUGH BRIEFING … `` Ilhan Omar Says Iran Tensions Are Triggering Her PTSD , '' by WFB ’ s Alex Griswold : Rep. Ilhan Omar ( D. , Minn. ) said Wednesday that discussions about military tensions between Iran and the United States were triggering her post-traumatic stress disorder … Omar 's PTSD did not appear to affect her behavior later in the Wednesday press conference .
She was seen laughing and talking in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( D. , Tex . )
spoke about casualties during the Iraq War .
`` Absolutely disgusting , '' tweeted GOP rapid response director Steve Guest .
JAILBREAK … `` He Helped Torture and Murder a Child , Now PA Dems Want Him Eligible for Parole , '' by WFB ’ s Collin Anderson : In August 1996 , 13-year-old Richezza Williams was found dead in a Pennsylvania cemetery , her burned and beaten body dumped in a cardboard box after she was tortured with household items , including a heated clothes hanger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ baster .
Corey Maeweather admitted to authorities that he participated in the brutal crime , appearing `` void of emotion '' in a video as he described the victim 's screams and cries for help … More than two decades later , top Democrats are seeking to ease the process for criminals like Maeweather to walk free .
THE TEEPEE IS SHRINKING … `` How Elizabeth Warren Is Being Squeezed by the Left and Center , '' via NYT : It was part of a quiet recognition among her advisers and surrogates that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Iowa caucuses , Ms. Warren is being damaged by criticism and pressure from both moderates and liberals within the Democratic Party , whose doubts about her have fueled concerns about her ability to win .
These worries have also filtered down to voters , who , in more than two dozen interviews during Ms. Warren ’ s two most recent trips to Iowa , have expressed a growing fear that her candidacy is neither satisfying nor uniting the political factions in the party .
TOOLS OF TEHRAN … `` Warren , Sanders Hosting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by WFB ’ s Adam Kredo and David Rutz : Elizabeth Warren ’ s and Bernie Sanders ’ s willingness to engage with NIAC—a group that aggressively pushed the [ Iran nuclear ] accord and has strongly advocated against U.S. sanctions on the Islamic Republic—reflects their desire to see America reenter the nuclear deal , which released up to $ 150 billion in cash to the regime .
Much of that money has gone to fund Iran 's regional terror operations , including recent attacks on American personnel stationed in the region .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ regime , including senior officials like Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif .
Zarif worked closely with NIAC founder Trita Parsi , who , in turn , consulted with the Obama administration .
CRY MORE , LIB … `` Harvey Weinstein Wants A New Judge After He Was Scolded For Using His Cell Phone In Court , '' via BUZZFEED : Weinstein ’ s lawyer Arthur Aidala argued that by admonishing Weinstein for his cell phone use , Judge James Burke `` created a situation in which the Court ’ s ‘ impartiality might @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of New York State ’ s Rule of Judicial Conduct . ''
On Tuesday , Burke threatened to send Weinstein to jail for using his cell phone in court .
DETERRENCE WORKS … `` Trump says Iran ‘ appears to be standing down , ' vows new sanctions , '' via NBC NEWS : In a 10-minute White House speech , [ President ] Trump vowed to keep up the pressure on Iran with `` punishing '' new sanctions on top of the heavy economic restraints already in place , but didn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taking any additional military action in response … Trump made the comments in an address to the nation Wednesday from the White House less than a day after Iran fired more than a dozen ballistic missiles at two Iraqi air bases housing U.S. and coalition forces in retaliation for the killing of a top general .
RELATED … An MSNBC guest complains Trump is `` not graceful in victory . ''
AMERICAN BRINGS DOWN THE CROWN … `` Queen ’ s Shock as Harry and Meghan Quit ‘ Senior Royal ’ Roles—and Prepare @ @ @ @ @ @ @ DAILY BEAST : Prince Harry and Meghan Markle shocked the queen and the world by announcing they were `` stepping back '' as senior members of the royal family , with a view to splitting their time between the U.K. and North America—most likely Canada … Buckingham Palace was said to be `` disappointed '' by the announcement , according to BBC reporter Jonny Dymond .
No other member of the royal family was consulted prior to the announcement being made , he said .
THE VIEW FROM THE REICH … `` Joy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Trump , '' by WFB ’ s Andrew Kugle : Behar read [ Richard ] Spencer 's tweet renouncing his prior support for [ President ] Trump in reaction to Trump 's decision to eliminate Iranian terrorist leader Qassem Soleimani .
`` Wow , '' Behar said , as the audience applauded .
`` That 's big , that 's interesting . ''
TEEN VOGUE WITH ALL THE HOT NEW TRICKS TO PLEASE YOUR CORPORATE SPONSOR … `` An uncritical Teen Vogue story about Facebook caused bewilderment about whether it 's sponsored @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' via BI : An uncritical story in Teen Vogue about Facebook 's efforts to secure its social network ahead of the 2020 election caused bewilderment over contradictory messages about whether it was paid for by Facebook—before it just disappeared completely … Teen Vogue , meanwhile , did n't have answers either .
Spokespeople for the magazine did n't immediately respond to Business Insider 's request for comment , and an employee with access to its official Twitter account responded with befuddlement to an inquiry in a now deleted tweet : `` literally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` NYT Reporter : In Iran , Soleimani ’ s Death Is Like MLK ’ s Death in America , '' by WFB ’ s Graham Piro : New York Times reporter Farnaz Fassihi compared the mourning in Iran over the death of Qassem Soleimani to America 's reaction to the death of Martin Luther King Jr. during Tuesday 's episode of the podcast `` The Daily '' … She added that she spoke to a 22-year-old university student at the funeral who said `` knowing General Soleimani was out there '' made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ TIME FOR TRIPS TO SUBWAY !
… `` Jussie Smollett not returning to ‘ Empire ’ after alleged hate-crime hoax , '' via PAGE SIX : Jussie Smollett will never return to his hit TV show `` Empire '' —because the scandal of his alleged hate-crime hoax would `` overshadow '' the show which is `` bigger than him , '' a network boss has confirmed … It was ultimately decided that the actor ’ s scandal—in which he was accused of making up an attack in Chicago in which a noose was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` This is MAGA country !
`` —would be too damaging .
TAKE TWO … `` National Park Replaces Signs Predicting Disappearance of Glaciers By 2020 , '' by WFB ’ s Andrew Kugle : The signs were posted in the Montana park a decade ago because , at the time , climate change forecasts predicted the glaciers would be completely melted by 2020 … The new signs will still warn visitors that the glaciers are disappearing but wo n't offer an expected deadline this time .
BILLIONAIRE RENTS WOULD-BE GOVERNOR … `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by WFB ’ s Andrew Stiles : Abrams will host Democratic presidential contender Michael Bloomberg ( net worth : at least $ 50 billion ) at a voting rights summit in Atlanta on Friday .
The invite-only event is being organized by Fair Fight , the political action committee Abrams started after her failed gubernatorial run in 2018 .
Bloomberg , who contributed $ 500,000 to Abrams 's failed campaign , donated $ 5 million to Fair Fight in December … Bloomberg , who has appeared in photographs with many of the worst @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has faced criticism for using prison labor to make phone calls on behalf of his presidential campaign .
DAYS SINCE JOE BIDEN DID A SUNDAY SHOW : 1,124 .
Come back , Joe !
`` You know who really doesn ’ t have it ?
Joe Biden . ''
—Former President Barack Obama Thanks for reading !
Send tips to rutz @ freebeacon.com .

Iran is back on its heels, Omar chuckles through a briefing, and 'The View' cheers for a neo-Nazi
Welcome to the Washington Free Beacon’s morning newsletter, your comprehensive briefing on the Enemies of Freedom. To get this newsletter sent straight to your inbox every morning, sign up here.
SHE STILL WANTS TO SANCTION ISRAEL THOUGH … "Ilhan Omar accuses Trump of 'economic warfare' for threatening sanctions on Iran," via EXAMINER: "This makes no sense. Sanctions are economic warfare," the Minnesota Democrat said Wednesday on Twitter. "They have already caused medical shortages and countless deaths in Iran. You cannot claim to want deescalation and then announce new sanctions with no clear goal. This is not a measured response!"
AND GIGGLES WAY THROUGH BRIEFING … "Ilhan Omar Says Iran Tensions Are Triggering Her PTSD," by WFB’s Alex Griswold: Rep. Ilhan Omar (D., Minn.) said Wednesday that discussions about military tensions between Iran and the United States were triggering her post-traumatic stress disorder …
Omar's PTSD did not appear to affect her behavior later in the Wednesday press conference. She was seen laughing and talking in the background as fellow representative Sheila Jackson Lee (D., Tex.) spoke about casualties during the Iraq War. "Absolutely disgusting," tweeted GOP rapid response director Steve Guest.
JAILBREAK … "He Helped Torture and Murder a Child, Now PA Dems Want Him Eligible for Parole," by WFB’s Collin Anderson: In August 1996, 13-year-old Richezza Williams was found dead in a Pennsylvania cemetery, her burned and beaten body dumped in a cardboard box after she was tortured with household items, including a heated clothes hanger, cleaning chemicals, and a turkey baster.
Corey Maeweather admitted to authorities that he participated in the brutal crime, appearing "void of emotion" in a video as he described the victim's screams and cries for help … More than two decades later, top Democrats are seeking to ease the process for criminals like Maeweather to walk free.
THE TEEPEE IS SHRINKING … "How Elizabeth Warren Is Being Squeezed by the Left and Center," via NYT: It was part of a quiet recognition among her advisers and surrogates that, less than one month before the Iowa caucuses, Ms. Warren is being damaged by criticism and pressure from both moderates and liberals within the Democratic Party, whose doubts about her have fueled concerns about her ability to win.
These worries have also filtered down to voters, who, in more than two dozen interviews during Ms. Warren’s two most recent trips to Iowa, have expressed a growing fear that her candidacy is neither satisfying nor uniting the political factions in the party.
TOOLS OF TEHRAN … "Warren, Sanders Hosting Call With Pro-Tehran Lobby Group," by WFB’s Adam Kredo and David Rutz: Elizabeth Warren’s and Bernie Sanders’s willingness to engage with NIAC—a group that aggressively pushed the [Iran nuclear] accord and has strongly advocated against U.S. sanctions on the Islamic Republic—reflects their desire to see America reenter the nuclear deal, which released up to $150 billion in cash to the regime. Much of that money has gone to fund Iran's regional terror operations, including recent attacks on American personnel stationed in the region.
NIAC has deep ties to Iran's regime, including senior officials like Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif. Zarif worked closely with NIAC founder Trita Parsi, who, in turn, consulted with the Obama administration.
CRY MORE, LIB … "Harvey Weinstein Wants A New Judge After He Was Scolded For Using His Cell Phone In Court," via BUZZFEED: Weinstein’s lawyer Arthur Aidala argued that by admonishing Weinstein for his cell phone use, Judge James Burke "created a situation in which the Court’s ‘impartiality might reasonably be questioned,’ in violation of New York State’s Rule of Judicial Conduct."
On Tuesday, Burke threatened to send Weinstein to jail for using his cell phone in court.
DETERRENCE WORKS … "Trump says Iran 'appears to be standing down,' vows new sanctions," via NBC NEWS: In a 10-minute White House speech, [President] Trump vowed to keep up the pressure on Iran with "punishing" new sanctions on top of the heavy economic restraints already in place, but didn’t suggest the United States would be taking any additional military action in response …
Trump made the comments in an address to the nation Wednesday from the White House less than a day after Iran fired more than a dozen ballistic missiles at two Iraqi air bases housing U.S. and coalition forces in retaliation for the killing of a top general.
RELATED … An MSNBC guest complains Trump is "not graceful in victory."
AMERICAN BRINGS DOWN THE CROWN … "Queen’s Shock as Harry and Meghan Quit ‘Senior Royal’ Roles—and Prepare for North America Move," via DAILY BEAST: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle shocked the queen and the world by announcing they were "stepping back" as senior members of the royal family, with a view to splitting their time between the U.K. and North America—most likely Canada …
Buckingham Palace was said to be "disappointed" by the announcement, according to BBC reporter Jonny Dymond. No other member of the royal family was consulted prior to the announcement being made, he said.
THE VIEW FROM THE REICH … "Joy Behar Celebrates White Nationalist’s Opposition to Trump," by WFB’s Andrew Kugle: Behar read [Richard] Spencer's tweet renouncing his prior support for [President] Trump in reaction to Trump's decision to eliminate Iranian terrorist leader Qassem Soleimani.
"Wow," Behar said, as the audience applauded. "That's big, that's interesting."
TEEN VOGUE WITH ALL THE HOT NEW TRICKS TO PLEASE YOUR CORPORATE SPONSOR … "An uncritical Teen Vogue story about Facebook caused bewilderment about whether it's sponsored content before the entire article vanished," via BI: An uncritical story in Teen Vogue about Facebook's efforts to secure its social network ahead of the 2020 election caused bewilderment over contradictory messages about whether it was paid for by Facebook—before it just disappeared completely …
Teen Vogue, meanwhile, didn't have answers either. Spokespeople for the magazine didn't immediately respond to Business Insider's request for comment, and an employee with access to its official Twitter account responded with befuddlement to an inquiry in a now deleted tweet: "literally idk."
THE GRAY SATAN … "NYT Reporter: In Iran, Soleimani’s Death Is Like MLK’s Death in America," by WFB’s Graham Piro: New York Times reporter Farnaz Fassihi compared the mourning in Iran over the death of Qassem Soleimani to America's reaction to the death of Martin Luther King Jr. during Tuesday's episode of the podcast "The Daily" …
She added that she spoke to a 22-year-old university student at the funeral who said "knowing General Soleimani was out there" made him "feel safer."
MORE TIME FOR TRIPS TO SUBWAY! … "Jussie Smollett not returning to ‘Empire’ after alleged hate-crime hoax," via PAGE SIX: Jussie Smollett will never return to his hit TV show "Empire"—because the scandal of his alleged hate-crime hoax would "overshadow" the show which is "bigger than him," a network boss has confirmed …
It was ultimately decided that the actor’s scandal—in which he was accused of making up an attack in Chicago in which a noose was put around his neck by men shouting "This is MAGA country!"—would be too damaging.
TAKE TWO … "National Park Replaces Signs Predicting Disappearance of Glaciers By 2020," by WFB’s Andrew Kugle: The signs were posted in the Montana park a decade ago because, at the time, climate change forecasts predicted the glaciers would be completely melted by 2020 …
The new signs will still warn visitors that the glaciers are disappearing but won't offer an expected deadline this time.
BILLIONAIRE RENTS WOULD-BE GOVERNOR … "Stacey Abrams Kisses the Ring," by WFB’s Andrew Stiles: Abrams will host Democratic presidential contender Michael Bloomberg (net worth: at least $50 billion) at a voting rights summit in Atlanta on Friday. The invite-only event is being organized by Fair Fight, the political action committee Abrams started after her failed gubernatorial run in 2018.
Bloomberg, who contributed $500,000 to Abrams's failed campaign, donated $5 million to Fair Fight in December … Bloomberg, who has appeared in photographs with many of the worst villains of the #MeToo movement, has faced criticism for using prison labor to make phone calls on behalf of his presidential campaign.
DAYS SINCE JOE BIDEN DID A SUNDAY SHOW: 1,124. Come back, Joe!
"You know who really doesn’t have it? Joe Biden." —Former President Barack Obama
Thanks for reading! Send tips to rutz@freebeacon.com.


freebeacon--2020-01-10--Dem Rep Blames Trump for Iranian Plane Crash

Rep. Jackie Speier ( D. , Calif. ) on Thursday said that Iran 's shooting down of a Ukrainian airliner @ @ @ @ @ Donald Trump 's killing of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani .
`` If what is being @ @ @ @ @ is yet another example of collateral damage from the actions that have been taken in @ @ @ @ @ president of the United States , '' Speier told CNN .
CNN anchor Wolf Blitzer @ @ @ @ @ believed Iran confused the commercial flight for a U.S. military plane , suggesting that `` @ @ @ @ @ was a mistake by the Iranians . ''
Speier did not mention Iran in her @ @ @ @ @ in the downed flight .
U.S. officials are confident the crash , which resulted in @ @ @ @ @ people on board , was caused by an Iranian missile , possibly fired accidentally .
@ @ @ @ @ just hours after Iran launched missiles at a U.S. base in Iraq .

Rep. Jackie Speier (D., Calif.) on Thursday said that Iran's shooting down of a Ukrainian airliner was collateral damage from President Donald Trump's killing of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani.
"If what is being projected is true, this is yet another example of collateral damage from the actions that have been taken in a provocative way by the president of the United States," Speier told CNN.
CNN anchor Wolf Blitzer had asked Speier if she believed Iran confused the commercial flight for a U.S. military plane, suggesting that "it certainly sounds like it was a mistake by the Iranians." Speier did not mention Iran in her response, only implicating Trump in the downed flight.
U.S. officials are confident the crash, which resulted in the deaths of all 176 people on board, was caused by an Iranian missile, possibly fired accidentally. The plane was shot down just hours after Iran launched missiles at a U.S. base in Iraq.


freebeacon--2020-01-10--Virginia Governor Mum on Agenda as Democrats Introduce Radical Gun-Control Bills

Governor Ralph Northam ( D. , Va. ) wo n't say which of the gun-control bills introduced by his party in the last week he will support , despite an intense public focus on the issue .
While Northam outlined a general gun-control plan last year , he has yet to specify which of the proposals introduced by Democrats in the state legislature he will support in the coming year .
In recent days , Northam 's colleagues in the state legislature have introduced bills including an `` assault firearms '' sales-ban-and-registration scheme , a proposal to outlaw the NRA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blueprints for the confiscation of magazines holding more than 10 rounds , silencers , and certain kinds of ammunition .
The governor 's lack of clarity leaves his position on these controversial bills up in the air .
That has sowed confusion among both gun-rights leaders and average Virginians about how far to the left Democrats plan to move the state 's gun laws .
Northam 's silence has made it difficult for Virginians to know which bills will move forward in the legislature , despite his recent commitment to center the gun @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discussion begins , let ’ s have an honest conversation based on fact , not fear , '' Northam said in a speech opening the session on Wednesday .
`` We will engage in civil dialogue .
I ask all Virginians to refrain from promoting fear and intimidation . ''
Northam 's office has not publicly released a list of bills he supports , nor has it responded to repeated calls and emails from the Washington Free Beacon this week seeking clarification on which bills Northam endorses .
Northam had supported a ban @ @ @ @ @ @ @ firearms for over a year .
He appeared to backtrack , however , in the wake of the `` Second Amendment sanctuary '' movement , which has swept through the state , winning opposition to unconstitutional gun-control laws in 125 Virginia localities over the past two months .
`` In this case , the governor 's assault weapons ban will include a grandfather clause for individuals who already own assault weapons , with the requirement they register their weapons before the end of a designated grace period , '' Northam spokeswoman Alena Yarmosky @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Since those comments , a ban on new sales of `` assault firearms '' with a grandfather clause which requires current owners to register their firearms , H.B .
961 , has been introduced .
That bill also includes a total ban on possession of firearms suppressors , `` trigger activators , '' and magazines that hold more than 10 rounds .
The governor has not indicated if he will support that bill and did not respond to requests for comment on it .
He also did not indicate if he supports H.B @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even though those gun proposals drew significant coverage and criticism this week .
H.B .
899 would make it a felony to possess ammunition without a lead core .
H.B .
567 would make it illegal to operate a public indoor range in a building where more than 50 people work—an apparent effort to ban the NRA 's range in Fairfax , Va. , according to the Associated Press .
The first committee hearings on the various gun-control proposals will begin on Monday .
The NRA is urging its members to attend the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the governor 's agenda , however unclear it may be at the moment .

Governor Ralph Northam (D., Va.) won't say which of the gun-control bills introduced by his party in the last week he will support, despite an intense public focus on the issue.
While Northam outlined a general gun-control plan last year, he has yet to specify which of the proposals introduced by Democrats in the state legislature he will support in the coming year. In recent days, Northam's colleagues in the state legislature have introduced bills including an "assault firearms" sales-ban-and-registration scheme, a proposal to outlaw the NRA's range in northern Virginia, and blueprints for the confiscation of magazines holding more than 10 rounds, silencers, and certain kinds of ammunition.
The governor's lack of clarity leaves his position on these controversial bills up in the air. That has sowed confusion among both gun-rights leaders and average Virginians about how far to the left Democrats plan to move the state's gun laws. Northam's silence has made it difficult for Virginians to know which bills will move forward in the legislature, despite his recent commitment to center the gun debate around facts.
"As this discussion begins, let’s have an honest conversation based on fact, not fear," Northam said in a speech opening the session on Wednesday. "We will engage in civil dialogue. I ask all Virginians to refrain from promoting fear and intimidation."
Northam's office has not publicly released a list of bills he supports, nor has it responded to repeated calls and emails from the Washington Free Beacon this week seeking clarification on which bills Northam endorses.
Northam had supported a ban on the possession of AR-15s and other firearms for over a year. He appeared to backtrack, however, in the wake of the "Second Amendment sanctuary" movement, which has swept through the state, winning opposition to unconstitutional gun-control laws in 125 Virginia localities over the past two months.
"In this case, the governor's assault weapons ban will include a grandfather clause for individuals who already own assault weapons, with the requirement they register their weapons before the end of a designated grace period," Northam spokeswoman Alena Yarmosky told the Virginia Mercury in December.
Since those comments, a ban on new sales of "assault firearms" with a grandfather clause which requires current owners to register their firearms, H.B. 961, has been introduced. That bill also includes a total ban on possession of firearms suppressors, "trigger activators," and magazines that hold more than 10 rounds. The governor has not indicated if he will support that bill and did not respond to requests for comment on it.
He also did not indicate if he supports H.B. 899 or H.B. 567, even though those gun proposals drew significant coverage and criticism this week. H.B. 899 would make it a felony to possess ammunition without a lead core. H.B. 567 would make it illegal to operate a public indoor range in a building where more than 50 people work—an apparent effort to ban the NRA's range in Fairfax, Va., according to the Associated Press.
The first committee hearings on the various gun-control proposals will begin on Monday. The NRA is urging its members to attend the Senate Courts of Justice committee and oppose the governor's agenda, however unclear it may be at the moment.


freebeacon--2020-01-10--Kerry on $1.7 Billion Payment to Iran: ‘We Gave Them a Little Bit of Money’

Former secretary of state John Kerry , who along with his wife Teresa Heinz is estimated to be worth $ 1 billion , on Friday referred to the $ 1.7 billion payment the United States made to Iran in 2016 as a `` little bit of money . ''
Discussing President Donald Trump 's claims that the Obama administration helped fund the Iranian regime 's terror initiatives , Kerry told CNN that the Obama administration saved American taxpayers from accruing interest by settling old debt when it did .
`` We gave them a little bit of money that was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not as part of the nuclear arrangement , '' Kerry said .
`` But the fact is the [ Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps ] had all the money it wanted .
The IRGC was n't starving at that point in time , and in fact , Iran owed billions upon billions of dollars .
Most of that money went to pay off their debts and to facilitate their economic initiatives . ''
Kerry admitted in 2016 that the billions in sanctions relief Iran got under the nuclear deal would go partly to financing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any budget , '' he said on Friday .
The Obama administration paid Iran $ 400 million , plus an additional $ 1.3 billion in interest from taxpayer funds , ostensibly to settle a dispute over military equipment Iran purchased but never received following the shah 's fall in 1979 .
Critics , however , described the payment as a `` ransom '' to secure the freedom of American hostages being held by the Tehran regime .
`` Obama officials are the last people on earth who are pretending that the $ 1.7 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' one foreign policy consultant who worked with Congress on the nuclear deal told the Washington Free Beacon at the time .
`` Everyone else knows what happened , which is that we rewarded Iranian hostage takers . ''
The Obama administration denied the cash was a ransom , but the State Department later admitted it delayed the initial $ 400 million payment as `` leverage '' to secure the release of three prisoners held by Iran .
As part of the nuclear deal Kerry brokered , Iran received $ 150 billion in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assets held in banks around the globe .
The U.S. Treasury Department estimated Iran had roughly $ 55 billion left over of that amount after fulfilling its other financial obligations , according to the Washington Post .
Iran is the world 's largest state sponsor of terrorism , backing such proxy groups as Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in the Gaza Strip .
Tensions between the United States and Iran hit a boiling point after Trump last week ordered the killing of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani , the terrorist leader of the IRGC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with missile attacks on U.S. air bases in Iraq this week , although no Americans were killed or injured .
The United States and its allies also say Iran is responsible for bringing down a Ukrainian airliner with a surface-to-air missile it fired during its onslaught against Iraq , killing all 176 aboard .

Former secretary of state John Kerry, who along with his wife Teresa Heinz is estimated to be worth $1 billion, on Friday referred to the $1.7 billion payment the United States made to Iran in 2016 as a "little bit of money."
Discussing President Donald Trump's claims that the Obama administration helped fund the Iranian regime's terror initiatives, Kerry told CNN that the Obama administration saved American taxpayers from accruing interest by settling old debt when it did.
"We gave them a little bit of money that was released in that period of time, not as part of the nuclear arrangement," Kerry said. "But the fact is the [Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps] had all the money it wanted. The IRGC wasn't starving at that point in time, and in fact, Iran owed billions upon billions of dollars. Most of that money went to pay off their debts and to facilitate their economic initiatives."
Kerry admitted in 2016 that the billions in sanctions relief Iran got under the nuclear deal would go partly to financing terrorism.
"Money is fungible in any budget," he said on Friday.
The Obama administration paid Iran $400 million, plus an additional $1.3 billion in interest from taxpayer funds, ostensibly to settle a dispute over military equipment Iran purchased but never received following the shah's fall in 1979. Critics, however, described the payment as a "ransom" to secure the freedom of American hostages being held by the Tehran regime.
"Obama officials are the last people on earth who are pretending that the $1.7 billion wasn't a ransom payment," one foreign policy consultant who worked with Congress on the nuclear deal told the Washington Free Beacon at the time. "Everyone else knows what happened, which is that we rewarded Iranian hostage takers."
The Obama administration denied the cash was a ransom, but the State Department later admitted it delayed the initial $400 million payment as "leverage" to secure the release of three prisoners held by Iran.
As part of the nuclear deal Kerry brokered, Iran received $150 billion in sanctions relief in the form of unfrozen assets held in banks around the globe. The U.S. Treasury Department estimated Iran had roughly $55 billion left over of that amount after fulfilling its other financial obligations, according to the Washington Post.
Iran is the world's largest state sponsor of terrorism, backing such proxy groups as Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
Tensions between the United States and Iran hit a boiling point after Trump last week ordered the killing of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani, the terrorist leader of the IRGC's elite Quds Force. Iran retaliated with missile attacks on U.S. air bases in Iraq this week, although no Americans were killed or injured.
The United States and its allies also say Iran is responsible for bringing down a Ukrainian airliner with a surface-to-air missile it fired during its onslaught against Iraq, killing all 176 aboard.


freebeacon--2020-01-10--Kentucky Dem Praises McConnell-Backed Jobs Program, Then Deletes Tweet

Kentucky Democrat Amy McGrath deleted a tweet praising a jobs initiative that her opponent , Sen. Mitch McConnell , has championed for years—the second time she has unwittingly lauded the GOP majority leader 's effort to help struggling Kentucky residents .
McGrath on Tuesday tweeted in support of a McConnell-backed program that helps recovering opioid addicts learn job skills , calling it `` innovative '' and `` promising . ''
The tweet was deleted minutes later .
`` Kentucky communities are supporting innovative programs to assist in addiction recovery… and the results are promising , '' McGrath wrote .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Times article profiling an eastern Kentucky guitar factory that employs recovering drug addicts .
McConnell has been instrumental in securing funding for the factory , steering hundreds of millions of dollars into local agencies that helped launch it .
McGrath praised the program in October , calling it a `` great initiative '' that she would `` fight '' to replicate—that tweet remains active on her official account .
In 2019 , the factory received an $ 867,000 grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission ( ARC ) , an agency aiming to strengthen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ McConnell has helped steer nearly $ 618 million to the commission since 2015 , according to press releases from the Republican senator 's office .
The factory was also boosted by a $ 220,000 investment from the Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program ( EKCEP ) .
McConnell steered $ 11 million to the program in 2017 and an additional $ 1.75 million two years later .
Both the ARC and EKCEP have thanked McConnell directly for his support .
ARC co-chairman Tim Thomas credited McConnell and Rep. Hal Rogers ( R. , Ky. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' and EKCEP executive director Jeff Whitehead called McConnell 's support essential to `` help [ ing ] our displaced workers get back on their feet . ''
`` Sen. McConnell 's support for the work EKCEP is doing in Eastern Kentucky ca n't be overstated , '' Whitehead said .
`` We 're working every day not only to help our displaced workers get back on their feet , but also to provide our employers the support they need to find .
This is work we could not do without the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ level . ''
While McConnell 's support of the ARC has helped struggling coal miners in Kentucky , McGrath stirred controversy in September when two coal miners suffering from black lung accused her of exploiting their plight for political gain .
After traveling to Washington , D.C. , last summer to raise awareness about the disease , miners Randy Robbins and Albrow Hall were asked to participate in a reenactment they believed would be used for a Black Lung Association documentary .
When the footage appeared in a McGrath attack ad against McConnell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ McGrath campaign to pull the ad from the air .
The Kentucky Democrat went on to release a new ad in which the miners ' faces are obscured .
A failed House candidate in 2018 , McGrath has faced significant criticism since announcing her Senate bid in July .
Just days after her campaign launch , the Kentucky Democrat said she `` probably '' would have voted to confirm Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court , a position she retracted hours later .
The flip-flop attracted bipartisan criticism , with Washington Post reporter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ McGrath `` probably ca n't recover from this . ''

Kentucky Democrat Amy McGrath deleted a tweet praising a jobs initiative that her opponent, Sen. Mitch McConnell, has championed for years—the second time she has unwittingly lauded the GOP majority leader's effort to help struggling Kentucky residents.
McGrath on Tuesday tweeted in support of a McConnell-backed program that helps recovering opioid addicts learn job skills, calling it "innovative" and "promising." The tweet was deleted minutes later.
"Kentucky communities are supporting innovative programs to assist in addiction recovery… and the results are promising," McGrath wrote.
The now-deleted tweet linked to a New York Times article profiling an eastern Kentucky guitar factory that employs recovering drug addicts. McConnell has been instrumental in securing funding for the factory, steering hundreds of millions of dollars into local agencies that helped launch it. McGrath praised the program in October, calling it a "great initiative" that she would "fight" to replicate—that tweet remains active on her official account.
In 2019, the factory received an $867,000 grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), an agency aiming to strengthen economic growth in distressed Kentucky counties. McConnell has helped steer nearly $618 million to the commission since 2015, according to press releases from the Republican senator's office. The factory was also boosted by a $220,000 investment from the Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program (EKCEP). McConnell steered $11 million to the program in 2017 and an additional $1.75 million two years later.
Both the ARC and EKCEP have thanked McConnell directly for his support. ARC co-chairman Tim Thomas credited McConnell and Rep. Hal Rogers (R., Ky.) with "helping transform the region," and EKCEP executive director Jeff Whitehead called McConnell's support essential to "help[ing] our displaced workers get back on their feet."
"Sen. McConnell's support for the work EKCEP is doing in Eastern Kentucky can't be overstated," Whitehead said. "We're working every day not only to help our displaced workers get back on their feet, but also to provide our employers the support they need to find. This is work we could not do without the support of our leaders at the federal level."
While McConnell's support of the ARC has helped struggling coal miners in Kentucky, McGrath stirred controversy in September when two coal miners suffering from black lung accused her of exploiting their plight for political gain. After traveling to Washington, D.C., last summer to raise awareness about the disease, miners Randy Robbins and Albrow Hall were asked to participate in a reenactment they believed would be used for a Black Lung Association documentary. When the footage appeared in a McGrath attack ad against McConnell, the miners' lawyer asked the McGrath campaign to pull the ad from the air.
The Kentucky Democrat went on to release a new ad in which the miners' faces are obscured.
A failed House candidate in 2018, McGrath has faced significant criticism since announcing her Senate bid in July. Just days after her campaign launch, the Kentucky Democrat said she "probably" would have voted to confirm Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court, a position she retracted hours later. The flip-flop attracted bipartisan criticism, with Washington Post reporter and CNN political analyst Rachael Bade admitting McGrath "probably can't recover from this."


freebeacon--2020-01-10--Cocaine Mitch Drops Hemp-Filled B-Roll Montage for Supporters

For the first time since Senator Mitch McConnell ( R. , Ky. ) set the Internet aflame with B-roll footage in 2014 , his campaign has dropped new footage to supporters—this time filled exclusively with the longtime Republican leader shaking hands and hobnobbing with supporters in a large field of hemp .
McConnell 's 2014 B-roll instantly went viral , thanks to countless `` # McConnelling '' videos , which featured the Kentucky senator smiling at the camera set to different songs .
The trend started on Comedy Central 's The Daily Show , and his campaign took all the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them on his campaign site .
`` An Internet Meme Finally Makes Mitch McConnell a Star '' was the headline at the Atlantic .
At the New York Times it was `` Viral Video Turns Senator Into a Silent Comedy Star . ''
Now , with McConnell again up for reelection , emerges the B-roll sequel , posted quietly by the campaign to YouTube Friday .
The roughly three-minute video begins with about a minute of McConnell shaking hands .
The final two minutes take place in a giant field of hemp , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's support , is emerging as a major part of Kentucky 's economy .
Thomas Jefferson , a Founding Father of the United States , grew hemp on his Virginia plantations .
The majority of the McConnell GIFs deployed on social media by McConnell 's supporters all came from the same 2014 B-roll , which inexplicably has more than 250,000 views on YouTube .
B-roll is commonly released by political campaigns so it can be used in ads by outside groups , but it rarely garners any attention .
It 's a safe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will garner attention from supporters and detractors alike .
Below are some highlights .

For the first time since Senator Mitch McConnell (R., Ky.) set the Internet aflame with B-roll footage in 2014, his campaign has dropped new footage to supporters—this time filled exclusively with the longtime Republican leader shaking hands and hobnobbing with supporters in a large field of hemp.
McConnell's 2014 B-roll instantly went viral, thanks to countless "#McConnelling" videos, which featured the Kentucky senator smiling at the camera set to different songs. The trend started on Comedy Central's The Daily Show, and his campaign took all the videos made by his detractors and posted them on his campaign site. "An Internet Meme Finally Makes Mitch McConnell a Star" was the headline at the Atlantic. At the New York Times it was "Viral Video Turns Senator Into a Silent Comedy Star."
Now, with McConnell again up for reelection, emerges the B-roll sequel, posted quietly by the campaign to YouTube Friday.
The roughly three-minute video begins with about a minute of McConnell shaking hands. The final two minutes take place in a giant field of hemp, a cannabis crop that, with McConnell's support, is emerging as a major part of Kentucky's economy.
Thomas Jefferson, a Founding Father of the United States, grew hemp on his Virginia plantations.
The majority of the McConnell GIFs deployed on social media by McConnell's supporters all came from the same 2014 B-roll, which inexplicably has more than 250,000 views on YouTube. B-roll is commonly released by political campaigns so it can be used in ads by outside groups, but it rarely garners any attention.
It's a safe bet that the new B-roll from McConnell will garner attention from supporters and detractors alike. Below are some highlights.


freebeacon--2020-01-10--House Dems Block Measure to Protect Unborn Children

House Democrats blocked a bipartisan proposal to include unborn children under the Environmental Protection Agency 's definition of `` vulnerable populations . ''
The Democrat-controlled House voted 219 to 187 against approving the measure , which would have amended legislation designating a cancer-linked chemical as a hazardous substance .
Democrats were responsible for all 219 votes against the language , though four Democrats broke ranks and voted with Republicans to support the inclusion of unborn children in the bill .
Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers ( R. , Wash. ) introduced the measure using a procedural tool that allows the minority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bill .
The motion added the language , `` including any unborn child , '' to a section of the bill describing `` potentially vulnerable populations living near likely destruction or disposal sites . ''
McMorris Rodgers said it helped protect `` all Americans '' from exposure to toxic chemicals and inform pregnant women about risks to the health of their babies .
`` This amendment is a good faith effort to improve this legislation in a way that enhances its effort to protect all Americans from harmful chemicals , '' McMorris Rodgers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pregnant women who are at risk , there are two people at risk : the pregnant woman and the unborn child . ''
Friday 's vote comes as House Republicans petition House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ( D. , Calif. ) to hold a floor vote on the Born Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act , which would require doctors to provide life-saving care to babies who survive abortions .
Senate Democrats , including 2020 presidential hopefuls Sens .
Elizabeth Warren ( D. , Mass . )
, Bernie Sanders ( I. , Vt. ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) , and Cory Booker ( D. , N.J. ) , voted to block such care .
McMorris Rodgers said the threat of potentially harmful chemicals extends to the womb , regardless of pro-abortion rhetoric .
`` This motion to recommit is simple , it 's clear , it 's direct .
It clarifies the protection of vulnerable populations must include any unborn child , '' McMorris Rodgers said .
Reps. Dan Lipinski ( D. , Ill. ) , Ben McAdams ( D. , Utah ) , Henry Cuellar ( D. , Texas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Minn. ) voted in favor of the measure .
Lipinski and Cuellar are both facing significant primary challenges from further left candidates backed by Justice Democrats , the super PAC that is working to defeat moderate Democrats in Democratic primaries .
After defeating the amendment , the House eventually passed the legislation 247-159 .
The chemicals the legislation takes aim at are considered `` forever chemicals '' due to the extensive amount of time they take to degrade in the environment .

House Democrats blocked a bipartisan proposal to include unborn children under the Environmental Protection Agency's definition of "vulnerable populations."
The Democrat-controlled House voted 219 to 187 against approving the measure, which would have amended legislation designating a cancer-linked chemical as a hazardous substance. Democrats were responsible for all 219 votes against the language, though four Democrats broke ranks and voted with Republicans to support the inclusion of unborn children in the bill.
Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R., Wash.) introduced the measure using a procedural tool that allows the minority party to propose an amendment to a bill. The motion added the language, "including any unborn child," to a section of the bill describing "potentially vulnerable populations living near likely destruction or disposal sites." McMorris Rodgers said it helped protect "all Americans" from exposure to toxic chemicals and inform pregnant women about risks to the health of their babies.
"This amendment is a good faith effort to improve this legislation in a way that enhances its effort to protect all Americans from harmful chemicals," McMorris Rodgers said. "When it comes to pregnant women who are at risk, there are two people at risk: the pregnant woman and the unborn child."
Friday's vote comes as House Republicans petition House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D., Calif.) to hold a floor vote on the Born Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, which would require doctors to provide life-saving care to babies who survive abortions. Senate Democrats, including 2020 presidential hopefuls Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D., Mass.), Bernie Sanders (I., Vt.), Amy Klobuchar (D., Minn.), and Cory Booker (D., N.J.), voted to block such care.
McMorris Rodgers said the threat of potentially harmful chemicals extends to the womb, regardless of pro-abortion rhetoric.
"This motion to recommit is simple, it's clear, it's direct. It clarifies the protection of vulnerable populations must include any unborn child," McMorris Rodgers said.
BREAKING: Democrats JUST blocked us from protecting unborn children from hazardous chemicals that harm development. RT to tell them to stop denying the science that the development of a child starts in the womb. #prolife pic.twitter.com/G2a3q06uIN — CathyMcMorrisRodgers (@cathymcmorris) January 10, 2020
Reps. Dan Lipinski (D., Ill.), Ben McAdams (D., Utah), Henry Cuellar (D., Texas), and Collin Peterson (D., Minn.) voted in favor of the measure. Lipinski and Cuellar are both facing significant primary challenges from further left candidates backed by Justice Democrats, the super PAC that is working to defeat moderate Democrats in Democratic primaries.
After defeating the amendment, the House eventually passed the legislation 247-159. The chemicals the legislation takes aim at are considered "forever chemicals" due to the extensive amount of time they take to degrade in the environment.


freebeacon--2020-01-10--California Governor Newsom to Extend Health Care Coverage for Illegal Immigrants

California governor Gavin Newsom on Friday announced his state spending plan to extend health care coverage to illegal immigrants who @ @ @ @ @ s Medi-Cal program , a part of his most recent effort for statewide health care @ @ @ @ @ also moves the state toward universal coverage and furthers cost containment goals by expanding full-scope @ @ @ @ @ Californians aged 65 and above , '' Newsom ’ s office wrote in a statement @ @ @ @ @ Newsom has proven his commitment to spend taxpayer money on partisan agendas .
Last July @ @ @ @ @ for low-income illegal immigrants between the ages of 19 and 26 after expanding coverage in @ @ @ @ @ the age of 18 , including minors who are illegal immigrants .
In October , @ @ @ @ @ force all public university campuses to provide abortion pills for students .
Medi-Cal is funded @ @ @ @ @ as the federal government , but federal funds do not cover the cost of health @ @ @ @ @ the taxpayer-funded coverage will come from the state 's pocket .

California governor Gavin Newsom on Friday announced his state spending plan to extend health care coverage to illegal immigrants who are seniors under California’s Medi-Cal program, a part of his most recent effort for statewide health care coverage.
"The Budget also moves the state toward universal coverage and furthers cost containment goals by expanding full-scope Medi-Cal coverage to low-income undocumented Californians aged 65 and above," Newsom’s office wrote in a statement.
During his tenure, Newsom has proven his commitment to spend taxpayer money on partisan agendas. Last July, California expanded Medi-Cal coverage for low-income illegal immigrants between the ages of 19 and 26 after expanding coverage in 2016 for all children under the age of 18, including minors who are illegal immigrants. In October, Newsom signed a bill to force all public university campuses to provide abortion pills for students.
Medi-Cal is funded by the state as well as the federal government, but federal funds do not cover the cost of health care for illegal immigrants so the taxpayer-funded coverage will come from the state's pocket.