freebeacon--2020-02-14--Congressman Calls on California to Fire Pension Official Tied to Chinese Spy Program

A Republican lawmaker urged California to fire a top pension fund official because he participated in a Chinese program that the FBI has called `` non-traditional espionage against the United States . ''
Rep. Jim Banks ( R. , Ind . )
asked Gov .
Gavin Newsom to investigate Yu Ben Meng , the chief investment officer at California Public Employees ' Retirement System ( CalPERS ) , for his `` long and cozy relationship '' with the Chinese Communist Party .
The letter also decried CalPERS 's investment in Chinese companies that built up the regime 's military presence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sea and produced surveillance equipment used for China 's brutal crackdown in Xinjiang .
`` Governor Newsom , if it were up to me , I would fire Mr. Meng immediately , '' Banks said in a letter to the governor .
`` At the least , I think a thorough investigation of Mr. Meng ’ s relationship to the Chinese Communist Party and a comparison of CalPERS investments in Chinese companies before and after Mr. Meng ’ s 2008 hiring are both warranted . ''
CalPERS is the largest public pension fund @ @ @ @ @ @ @ billion in assets that provide retirement benefits to more than 2 million Californians and health care to 1.5 million members and their families .
Meng , a China-born U.S. citizen , is in charge of the financial behemoth 's investment portfolio , which today retains billions of dollars ' worth of shares in Chinese companies .
He worked at CalPERS for seven years until 2015 before being recruited by China 's Thousand Talents Program ( TTP ) , a program widely accused of serving as an arm of Chinese spy agencies .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's State Administration of Foreign Exchange from 2015 to 2018 .
He returned to CalPERS in January 2019 .
Meng 's ascent at CalPERS is the latest example of how TTP recruits have penetrated American institutions .
A Senate report found that the program partnered with more than 7,000 `` high-end professionals , '' including many Nobel laureates , to give China an edge in the technology race .
The program specifically instructed numerous researchers on its payroll to illegally deliver research funded by U.S. taxpayers to China while hiding its ties with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In response , the FBI started a crackdown on U.S. researchers participating in the program .
Federal agents arrested the chair of Harvard University 's chemistry department for lying to law enforcement about his multimillion-dollar research partnership with TTP in January .
Meng was public about his fierce loyalty to China when he was participating in TTP .
He told People 's Daily , the propaganda organ of the Chinese Communist Party , that his patriotic devotion to the regime convinced him to leave CalPERS in 2015 .
`` In a person @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an opportunity to work for the motherland , this responsibility and honor is unmatched by anything , '' Meng told the propaganda organ , according to a translation of the Chinese-language article included in the letter .
CalPERS CEO Marcie Frost told the Washington Free Beacon that Meng has `` CalPERS ' full and unwavering support . ''
She added that the pension fund complies with all federal and state laws and that only 1 percent of the fund 's portfolio is Chinese public equities .
`` CalPERS Chief Investment Officer Ben Meng @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a proud citizen of the United States , '' she said in a statement .
`` His commitment to California ’ s public servants is extraordinary and his integrity above reproach . ''
CalPERS possessed shares in at least 172 Chinese companies with a total value of $ 3.2 billion in market value in 2018 , according to the California Globe .
Banks singled out several of these investments as objectionable , especially given CalPERS 's commitment to a socially conscious investment strategy .
He criticized CalPERS for investing in companies such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tools used in the crackdown in Xinjiang , as well as China Communication Construction Company , which constructed military bases in the South China Sea .
`` CalPERS investments don ’ t just threaten America ’ s national security , '' Banks wrote .
`` They bolster China ’ s ongoing human rights violations , including its genocide of Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang Province . ''
Newsom 's office did not respond to requests for comment .

A Republican lawmaker urged California to fire a top pension fund official because he participated in a Chinese program that the FBI has called "non-traditional espionage against the United States."
Rep. Jim Banks (R., Ind.) asked Gov. Gavin Newsom to investigate Yu Ben Meng, the chief investment officer at California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS), for his "long and cozy relationship" with the Chinese Communist Party. The letter also decried CalPERS's investment in Chinese companies that built up the regime's military presence in contested waters of the South China Sea and produced surveillance equipment used for China's brutal crackdown in Xinjiang.
"Governor Newsom, if it were up to me, I would fire Mr. Meng immediately," Banks said in a letter to the governor. "At the least, I think a thorough investigation of Mr. Meng’s relationship to the Chinese Communist Party and a comparison of CalPERS investments in Chinese companies before and after Mr. Meng’s 2008 hiring are both warranted."
CalPERS is the largest public pension fund in the country, controlling $370 billion in assets that provide retirement benefits to more than 2 million Californians and health care to 1.5 million members and their families. Meng, a China-born U.S. citizen, is in charge of the financial behemoth's investment portfolio, which today retains billions of dollars' worth of shares in Chinese companies. He worked at CalPERS for seven years until 2015 before being recruited by China's Thousand Talents Program (TTP), a program widely accused of serving as an arm of Chinese spy agencies. He served as the deputy CIO of China's State Administration of Foreign Exchange from 2015 to 2018. He returned to CalPERS in January 2019.
Meng's ascent at CalPERS is the latest example of how TTP recruits have penetrated American institutions. A Senate report found that the program partnered with more than 7,000 "high-end professionals," including many Nobel laureates, to give China an edge in the technology race. The program specifically instructed numerous researchers on its payroll to illegally deliver research funded by U.S. taxpayers to China while hiding its ties with Chinese institutions, according to the report. In response, the FBI started a crackdown on U.S. researchers participating in the program. Federal agents arrested the chair of Harvard University's chemistry department for lying to law enforcement about his multimillion-dollar research partnership with TTP in January.
Meng was public about his fierce loyalty to China when he was participating in TTP. He told People's Daily, the propaganda organ of the Chinese Communist Party, that his patriotic devotion to the regime convinced him to leave CalPERS in 2015.
"In a person’s life, if there is an opportunity to work for the motherland, this responsibility and honor is unmatched by anything," Meng told the propaganda organ, according to a translation of the Chinese-language article included in the letter.
CalPERS CEO Marcie Frost told the Washington Free Beacon that Meng has "CalPERS' full and unwavering support." She added that the pension fund complies with all federal and state laws and that only 1 percent of the fund's portfolio is Chinese public equities.
"CalPERS Chief Investment Officer Ben Meng, Ph.D. is a globally-respected financial expert and a proud citizen of the United States," she said in a statement. "His commitment to California’s public servants is extraordinary and his integrity above reproach."
CalPERS possessed shares in at least 172 Chinese companies with a total value of $3.2 billion in market value in 2018, according to the California Globe. Banks singled out several of these investments as objectionable, especially given CalPERS's commitment to a socially conscious investment strategy. He criticized CalPERS for investing in companies such as Hikvision, which built the surveillance tools used in the crackdown in Xinjiang, as well as China Communication Construction Company, which constructed military bases in the South China Sea.
"CalPERS investments don’t just threaten America’s national security," Banks wrote. "They bolster China’s ongoing human rights violations, including its genocide of Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang Province."
Newsom's office did not respond to requests for comment.


freebeacon--2020-02-14--REPORT: Obama’s Bird-Killing Death Machines Bad for Environment

Nearly all of President Barack H. Obama 's `` accomplishments '' have been nullified by his physically and intellectually superior successor , Donald J. Trump .
But while Obama 's so-called legacy has been largely erased , majestic birds continue to suffer as a result of his bloodthirsty obsession with wind turbines .
The Obama administration , in the name of `` climate justice , '' bent over backwards to install massive turbine farms across the country .
As Obama 's spinning death machines systematically dismembered countless bald eagles and other protected species , in what some have argued amounts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ waivers to exempt wind farms from federal laws prohibiting the murder of endangered birds .
The slaughter continued .
Many have argued that , when it comes Obama 's insatiable lust for bird flesh , the cruelty is the point .
A recent Bloomberg report substantiates this assessment .
Turns out the wind turbines are n't as environmentally sustainable as advertised .
The massive fiberglass blades—some as long as football fields—need to be replaced after several years but ca n't easily be recycled or even transported .
As a result , they 're @ @ @ @ @ @ @ corpses of murdered birds in landfills across the country , where they 'll remain `` forever , '' in the words of one expert : Tens of thousands of aging blades are coming down from steel towers around the world and most have nowhere to go but landfills .
In the U.S. alone , about 8,000 will be removed in each of the next four years .
Europe , which has been dealing with the problem longer , has about 3,800 coming down annually through at least 2022 , according to BloombergNEF .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Most were built more than a decade ago , when installations were less than a fifth of what they are now .
Again , the cruelty is the point .
Obama did n't coddle the wind industry because he wanted to save the planet .
He did it because he wanted to eliminate the most uniquely American creatures on this earth by putting guillotines in their flight path .
And he almost succeeded .
Time will tell if President Trump has the backbone to deliver justice for America 's heroic birds .

Nearly all of President Barack H. Obama's "accomplishments" have been nullified by his physically and intellectually superior successor, Donald J. Trump. But while Obama's so-called legacy has been largely erased, majestic birds continue to suffer as a result of his bloodthirsty obsession with wind turbines.
The Obama administration, in the name of "climate justice," bent over backwards to install massive turbine farms across the country. As Obama's spinning death machines systematically dismembered countless bald eagles and other protected species, in what some have argued amounts to genocide, the Democratic administration granted waivers to exempt wind farms from federal laws prohibiting the murder of endangered birds. The slaughter continued.
Many have argued that, when it comes Obama's insatiable lust for bird flesh, the cruelty is the point. A recent Bloomberg report substantiates this assessment. Turns out the wind turbines aren't as environmentally sustainable as advertised. The massive fiberglass blades—some as long as football fields—need to be replaced after several years but can't easily be recycled or even transported. As a result, they're starting to pile up like the discarded corpses of murdered birds in landfills across the country, where they'll remain "forever," in the words of one expert:
Tens of thousands of aging blades are coming down from steel towers around the world and most have nowhere to go but landfills. In the U.S. alone, about 8,000 will be removed in each of the next four years. Europe, which has been dealing with the problem longer, has about 3,800 coming down annually through at least 2022, according to BloombergNEF. It's going to get worse: Most were built more than a decade ago, when installations were less than a fifth of what they are now.
Again, the cruelty is the point. Obama didn't coddle the wind industry because he wanted to save the planet. He did it because he wanted to eliminate the most uniquely American creatures on this earth by putting guillotines in their flight path. And he almost succeeded. Time will tell if President Trump has the backbone to deliver justice for America's heroic birds.


freebeacon--2020-02-14--Pro-Choice PAC EMILY’s List Testing Attack Ad on Bernie Sanders

A powerful Democratic PAC was testing attack ads against presidential frontrunner Bernie Sanders until details of the ad leaked late Thursday , highlighting tensions between the socialist Vermont senator and the Democratic establishment .
Sanders supporter Brendan James posted an image of what he claimed were the plans for `` an anti-Bernie TV campaign next week '' prepared by Women Vote , the independent expenditure operation of pro-choice PAC EMILY 's List .
`` The ad fools the viewer at the top into believing that we are talking about Trump , '' reads the document James posted .
`` The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are talking about Sanders . ''
EMILY 's List is a heavy hitter in Democratic politics , spending more than $ 76 million to elect abortion supporters in 2016 and 2018 .
The attack ad was tested despite Sanders 's staunch support for abortion .
The Vermont senator enjoys a 100 percent rating from NARAL .
EMILY 's List confirmed the authenticity of the image , but deflected blame to a contractor .
In a carefully worded statement , EMILY 's List acknowledged the script attacking Sanders was genuine .
`` Earlier tonight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was posted online , '' the group wrote .
`` This script was drafted by a vendor , presumably leaked by vendor , has not been approved and has not been tested .
That being said , every sophisticated political organization tests negative messages , whether you agree with them or not , because our job is to know what impact they will have on the race , wherever they come from . ''
EMILY 's List vowed to back the eventual Democratic nominee , but the organization 's stated mission to support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ toward senators Amy Klobuchar ( D. , Minn. ) or Elizabeth Warren ( D. , Mass . )
over Sanders in a heated primary .
Tensions between the Sanders camp and EMILY 's List have remained high ever since the organization endorsed Hillary Clinton mere hours after she announced her 2016 presidential campaign .
EMILY 's List acted as Clinton 's enforcer during the primary , accusing the Sanders campaign of sexism and saying that Sanders `` believes the political revolution is built by calling women leaders ‘ unqualified ' and calling abortion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sanders and EMILY 's List continued to clash after the campaign , with the organization blasting the 2017 Women 's Convention 's decision to invite the Vermont senator to speak .
`` This announcement sends the wrong message to women everywhere .
We have reached out to the organizers of the Women 's Convention directly to share our surprise and disappointment , and to offer our help to strengthen the program , '' it said in a statement .
In 2019 , EMILY 's List president Stephanie Schriock responded to attacks on Warren @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I have seen Senator Sanders .
And I 'm just going to tell you , he 's not that likable . ''
One male candidate that EMILY 's List may be more amenable to is Michael Bloomberg .
The billionaire has contributed more than $ 5.8 million to Women Vote since 2012 .
Bloomberg headlined EMILY 's List 's 2018 New York City convention , despite the fact that he had questioned the # MeToo allegations against PBS 's Charlie Rose that same week .
It 's not just Sanders supporters crying foul @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump .
`` We rate this ad as half true , '' said the pro-life American Principles Project in a statement to the Washington Free Beacon .
`` While Bernie Sanders 's radical support for the abortion industry—which makes most of its profits from poor and minority women—does make him incredibly anti-woman , to suggest that President Trump is anti-woman is complete fiction . ''

A powerful Democratic PAC was testing attack ads against presidential frontrunner Bernie Sanders until details of the ad leaked late Thursday, highlighting tensions between the socialist Vermont senator and the Democratic establishment.
Sanders supporter Brendan James posted an image of what he claimed were the plans for "an anti-Bernie TV campaign next week" prepared by Women Vote, the independent expenditure operation of pro-choice PAC EMILY's List.
"The ad fools the viewer at the top into believing that we are talking about Trump," reads the document James posted. "The truth that is revealed is that we are talking about Sanders."
The Dem superPAC Women’s Vote is preparing an anti-Bernie TV campaign next week, calling Bernie and Trump the same person pic.twitter.com/qrIoCx0mUO — Brendan james (@deep_beige) February 14, 2020
EMILY's List is a heavy hitter in Democratic politics, spending more than $76 million to elect abortion supporters in 2016 and 2018. The attack ad was tested despite Sanders's staunch support for abortion. The Vermont senator enjoys a 100 percent rating from NARAL. EMILY's List confirmed the authenticity of the image, but deflected blame to a contractor.
In a carefully worded statement, EMILY's List acknowledged the script attacking Sanders was genuine. "Earlier tonight a script with our name on it was posted online," the group wrote. "This script was drafted by a vendor, presumably leaked by vendor, has not been approved and has not been tested. That being said, every sophisticated political organization tests negative messages, whether you agree with them or not, because our job is to know what impact they will have on the race, wherever they come from."
EMILY's List vowed to back the eventual Democratic nominee, but the organization's stated mission to support pro-choice women would presumably tilt the scales toward senators Amy Klobuchar (D., Minn.) or Elizabeth Warren (D., Mass.) over Sanders in a heated primary.
Tensions between the Sanders camp and EMILY's List have remained high ever since the organization endorsed Hillary Clinton mere hours after she announced her 2016 presidential campaign. EMILY's List acted as Clinton's enforcer during the primary, accusing the Sanders campaign of sexism and saying that Sanders "believes the political revolution is built by calling women leaders 'unqualified' and calling abortion a 'social issue.'"
Sanders and EMILY's List continued to clash after the campaign, with the organization blasting the 2017 Women's Convention's decision to invite the Vermont senator to speak. "This announcement sends the wrong message to women everywhere. We have reached out to the organizers of the Women's Convention directly to share our surprise and disappointment, and to offer our help to strengthen the program," it said in a statement.
In 2019, EMILY's List president Stephanie Schriock responded to attacks on Warren by criticizing Sanders, saying, "I have seen Senator Sanders. And I'm just going to tell you, he's not that likable."
One male candidate that EMILY's List may be more amenable to is Michael Bloomberg. The billionaire has contributed more than $5.8 million to Women Vote since 2012. Bloomberg headlined EMILY's List's 2018 New York City convention, despite the fact that he had questioned the #MeToo allegations against PBS's Charlie Rose that same week.
It's not just Sanders supporters crying foul at the group's comparison to Donald Trump. "We rate this ad as half true," said the pro-life American Principles Project in a statement to the Washington Free Beacon. "While Bernie Sanders's radical support for the abortion industry—which makes most of its profits from poor and minority women—does make him incredibly anti-woman, to suggest that President Trump is anti-woman is complete fiction."


freebeacon--2020-02-14--Joy Behar: ‘Every Single’ Democratic Presidential Candidate Has a Race Problem

ABC 's The View cohost Joy Behar on Friday said `` every single '' Democratic presidential candidate has a race problem .
`` Every single one who 's running probably has—this is a racist country , right ?
Every single one of them has something in their background that does n't look good for race , '' Behar said .
Behar , who admitted to supporting two of the Democrats accused of supporting racially biased legislation , received pushback from some of her cohosts after she attempted to defend Michael Bloomberg .
`` He created an office to tackle poverty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expanded city contracts with businesses owned by minorities and women , '' Behar said .
`` He created the Young Men 's Initiative to help black and Latino men stay on track for success , and he reduced incarceration by 40 percent and juvenile confinement by more than 60 percent , so that is the balance to the stop-and-frisk . ''
Cohost Sunny Hostin responded to Behar 's defense of Bloomberg by calling his record on race `` problematic . ''
Hostin cited Bloomberg 's previous support for `` stop-and-frisk '' and comments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ending of redlining .
Redlining was a discriminatory practice by banks against people of color trying to borrow money to buy homes .
`` Someone that I guess stands by this ‘ stop-and-frisk ' policy just months before he then denounces it because he 's running for presidency of the United States—I do n't find that genuine .
I do n't find that authentic , '' Hostin said .
Bloomberg has received criticism from many Democrats over his redlining comments , including one of his Democratic presidential challengers .
Sen. Elizabeth Warren ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` would not have been averted if the banks had been able to be bigger racists , and anyone who thinks that should not be the leader of our party . ''

ABC's The View cohost Joy Behar on Friday said "every single" Democratic presidential candidate has a race problem.
"Every single one who's running probably has—this is a racist country, right? Every single one of them has something in their background that doesn't look good for race," Behar said.
Behar, who admitted to supporting two of the Democrats accused of supporting racially biased legislation, received pushback from some of her cohosts after she attempted to defend Michael Bloomberg.
"He created an office to tackle poverty when he was mayor. He greatly expanded city contracts with businesses owned by minorities and women," Behar said. "He created the Young Men's Initiative to help black and Latino men stay on track for success, and he reduced incarceration by 40 percent and juvenile confinement by more than 60 percent, so that is the balance to the stop-and-frisk."
Cohost Sunny Hostin responded to Behar's defense of Bloomberg by calling his record on race "problematic." Hostin cited Bloomberg's previous support for "stop-and-frisk" and comments linking the 2008 financial crisis to the ending of redlining. Redlining was a discriminatory practice by banks against people of color trying to borrow money to buy homes.
"Someone that I guess stands by this 'stop-and-frisk' policy just months before he then denounces it because he's running for presidency of the United States—I don't find that genuine. I don't find that authentic," Hostin said.
Bloomberg has received criticism from many Democrats over his redlining comments, including one of his Democratic presidential challengers. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (Mass.) said the financial crisis "would not have been averted if the banks had been able to be bigger racists, and anyone who thinks that should not be the leader of our party."


freebeacon--2020-02-14--Warren Issues Broadside Against Mainstream Media as Campaign Falters

Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Elizabeth Warren ( D. , Mass . )
issued a scathing denunciation of the mainstream media on Friday , accusing several outlets of ignoring her campaign in favor of lesser candidates and blaming that coverage in part for her campaign 's failure to gain traction with primary voters .
In an email to supporters on Friday , Warren 's campaign said it could no longer `` count on the media to cover our campaign fairly . ''
It argued that other candidates , such as former vice president Joe Biden , received more coverage despite posting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` The night of the Iowa Caucuses , CNN did n't air Elizabeth 's full speech .
But they aired the speeches of other candidates she beat , '' the email said .
`` In New Hampshire on Tuesday night , networks played Vice President Biden 's speech from South Carolina despite the fact that he left the state before polls closed—but not Elizabeth 's even though she outperformed him , again . ''
The campaign 's criticism comes after Warren 's disappointing performances in Iowa and New Hampshire .
Despite surging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ third and fourth , respectively .
She amassed no delegates in the Granite State despite its proximity to her home state of Massachusetts .
There are also signs her campaign faces financial trouble .
Over the past week , Warren has canceled or shifted more than $ 1.2 million in ad buys in Nevada and South Carolina .
Warren has enjoyed favorable coverage during the primary .
In January , CNN released a report alleging that Democratic presidential frontrunner Sen. Bernie Sanders ( I. , Vt. ) told Warren `` that he did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a private conversation .
Despite adamant denials from Sanders , the network repeated the story .
When Sanders denied the comment in a CNN debate the day after the report was released , moderator Abby Phillip stated the accusation as fact .
`` Senator Warren , what did you think when Senator Sanders told you a woman could not win the election ? ''
Phillip said after Sanders 's denial .
CNN political commentator Jess McIntosh doubled down after the debate , portraying the report as fact .
`` I think what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a he-said , she-said story , '' McIntosh said .
`` This is a reported out story that CNN was part of breaking , so to have him just flat out say ‘ no ' I think was n't nearly enough to address that for the women watching . ''
Media outlets have also dismissed potentially damaging stories about Warren .
When the Washington Free Beacon released government records in October that appeared to contradict Warren 's claim that she was fired from a New Jersey public school for being pregnant , CNN @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Warren 's defense , calling the report `` conspiracy theories '' from `` right-wing media sites . ''
`` Of course it 's our job as reporters to check out every story , as we do , but you know this is so much a part of the different treatment that female candidates often get on the campaign trail , '' she said .
Reston also defended Warren 's much-criticized Medicare for All plan , downplaying the Massachusetts senator 's weakened support for the policy as a `` rhetorical shift . ''
MSNBC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` the ultimate clapback . ''
Multiple mainstream outlets have praised Warren for taking photos with supporters .
CNN , CBS , MSNBC , the Washington Post , and the New York Times have all expressed amazement at the Massachusetts senator 's ability to pose for `` selfies . ''
`` The fact that she can do this for even four hours … in and of itself is pretty remarkable , '' CNN correspondent MJ Lee—who broke the story accusing Sanders of making sexist remarks—said in September .
CNN and the Warren campaign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D., Mass.) issued a scathing denunciation of the mainstream media on Friday, accusing several outlets of ignoring her campaign in favor of lesser candidates and blaming that coverage in part for her campaign's failure to gain traction with primary voters.
In an email to supporters on Friday, Warren's campaign said it could no longer "count on the media to cover our campaign fairly." It argued that other candidates, such as former vice president Joe Biden, received more coverage despite posting less impressive results in early primary states.
"The night of the Iowa Caucuses, CNN didn't air Elizabeth's full speech. But they aired the speeches of other candidates she beat," the email said. "In New Hampshire on Tuesday night, networks played Vice President Biden's speech from South Carolina despite the fact that he left the state before polls closed—but not Elizabeth's even though she outperformed him, again."
The campaign's criticism comes after Warren's disappointing performances in Iowa and New Hampshire. Despite surging national polls in September, Warren finished third and fourth, respectively. She amassed no delegates in the Granite State despite its proximity to her home state of Massachusetts. There are also signs her campaign faces financial trouble. Over the past week, Warren has canceled or shifted more than $1.2 million in ad buys in Nevada and South Carolina.
Warren has enjoyed favorable coverage during the primary. In January, CNN released a report alleging that Democratic presidential frontrunner Sen. Bernie Sanders (I., Vt.) told Warren "that he did not believe a woman could win" in a private conversation. Despite adamant denials from Sanders, the network repeated the story. When Sanders denied the comment in a CNN debate the day after the report was released, moderator Abby Phillip stated the accusation as fact.
"Senator Warren, what did you think when Senator Sanders told you a woman could not win the election?" Phillip said after Sanders's denial.
CNN political commentator Jess McIntosh doubled down after the debate, portraying the report as fact.
"I think what Bernie forgot was that this isn't a he-said, she-said story," McIntosh said. "This is a reported out story that CNN was part of breaking, so to have him just flat out say 'no' I think wasn't nearly enough to address that for the women watching."
Media outlets have also dismissed potentially damaging stories about Warren. When the Washington Free Beacon released government records in October that appeared to contradict Warren's claim that she was fired from a New Jersey public school for being pregnant, CNN national political reporter Maeve Reston leapt to Warren's defense, calling the report "conspiracy theories" from "right-wing media sites."
"Of course it's our job as reporters to check out every story, as we do, but you know this is so much a part of the different treatment that female candidates often get on the campaign trail," she said.
Reston also defended Warren's much-criticized Medicare for All plan, downplaying the Massachusetts senator's weakened support for the policy as a "rhetorical shift." MSNBC initially referred to Warren's plan as "the ultimate clapback."
Multiple mainstream outlets have praised Warren for taking photos with supporters. CNN, CBS, MSNBC, the Washington Post, and the New York Times have all expressed amazement at the Massachusetts senator's ability to pose for "selfies."
"The fact that she can do this for even four hours … in and of itself is pretty remarkable," CNN correspondent MJ Lee—who broke the story accusing Sanders of making sexist remarks—said in September.
CNN and the Warren campaign did not respond to requests for comment.


freebeacon--2020-02-14--Landmark Peace Pact With Taliban to Come Into Effect ‘Soon’

MUNICH—A tentative peace pact between the United States and the Taliban in Afghanistan will `` very soon '' be put into place in what U.S. officials are describing as a landmark move that could pave the way for a significant reduction in violence across the war-torn country .
The new truce , which will mark a significant reduction in violence for at least a seven-day-period , could set the stage for wide-ranging peace negotiations and a mass drawdown of the U.S. military presence in Afghanistan , according to senior Trump administration officials who briefed reporters Friday on the sidelines of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reduction in violence , officials say , will pave the way for comprehensive talks on a peace agreement that could finally end the nearly two-decade-long war .
President Donald Trump campaigned on a promise to withdraw U.S. troops from the region and has struggled to find a way to scale down the American military footprint there over the past three years .
Taliban leaders , who have rebuffed past overtures by the Trump administration , now `` want the agreement , '' according to the senior administration official , who spoke about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They will support those arrangements for the rest of Afghanistan . ''
The U.S. military will continue serving in a monitoring roll to ensure the reduction in violence agreement is kept in place .
`` If we see something we should be able to determine and if we can ’ t determine , we raise questions , '' the official said .
`` We will not allow Afghanistan to become a threat to the United States again . ''
A previous round of negotiations led by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ apart in September after the president proposed bringing senior Taliban leaders to Washington , D.C. , for a signing ceremony against the opposition of some of his top foreign policy advisers , including former national security adviser John Bolton .
At the time , Taliban leaders said they would agree to travel to Washington only after a deal was announced .
Negotiations fell apart when the Taliban took credit for a suicide bombing attack that left a dozen dead , including an American soldier .

MUNICH—A tentative peace pact between the United States and the Taliban in Afghanistan will "very soon" be put into place in what U.S. officials are describing as a landmark move that could pave the way for a significant reduction in violence across the war-torn country.
The new truce, which will mark a significant reduction in violence for at least a seven-day-period, could set the stage for wide-ranging peace negotiations and a mass drawdown of the U.S. military presence in Afghanistan, according to senior Trump administration officials who briefed reporters Friday on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference.
The weeklong reduction in violence, officials say, will pave the way for comprehensive talks on a peace agreement that could finally end the nearly two-decade-long war. President Donald Trump campaigned on a promise to withdraw U.S. troops from the region and has struggled to find a way to scale down the American military footprint there over the past three years.
Taliban leaders, who have rebuffed past overtures by the Trump administration, now "want the agreement," according to the senior administration official, who spoke about the developing situation only on background. "They will support those arrangements for the rest of Afghanistan."
The U.S. military will continue serving in a monitoring roll to ensure the reduction in violence agreement is kept in place.
"If we see something we should be able to determine and if we can’t determine, we raise questions," the official said. "We will not allow Afghanistan to become a threat to the United States again."
A previous round of negotiations led by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and his lead negotiator, Zalmay Khalilzad, fell apart in September after the president proposed bringing senior Taliban leaders to Washington, D.C., for a signing ceremony against the opposition of some of his top foreign policy advisers, including former national security adviser John Bolton.
At the time, Taliban leaders said they would agree to travel to Washington only after a deal was announced. Negotiations fell apart when the Taliban took credit for a suicide bombing attack that left a dozen dead, including an American soldier.


freebeacon--2020-02-14--Sanders a No-Show for Amendment Commending U.S. Forces for Soleimani Strike

Sen. Bernie Sanders ( I. , Vt. ) was a no-show Thursday to vote on an amendment commending the U.S. armed forces and intelligence community for the strike that killed top Iranian general Qassem Soleimani .
Sanders was one of only two senators to skip the vote , with Ed Markey ( D. , Mass . )
also absent .
Sanders 's fellow 2020 presidential candidates in the Senate , Amy Klobuchar ( D. , Minn. ) and Elizabeth Warren ( D. , Mass . )
, attended and voted `` nay '' on the amendment , which passed 64 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10 Democrats , and Independent Angus King ( Maine ) supported the amendment introduced by Sen. Ted Cruz ( R. , Tex. )
.
It expressly praised President Donald Trump , who ordered the Jan. 3 strike that took out the terrorist leader of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps .
The amendment was attached to a resolution curbing Trump 's war powers regarding Iran .
The resolution passed 55 to 45 , which left it short of a veto-proof majority .
Sanders 's office did not respond to a request for comment .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Soleimani , calling it an `` assassination '' and likening it to Russia 's killing of dissidents under Vladimir Putin .
He also called it an escalation that could lead the United States into war with Iran .
Sanders , who sits on the Senate Veterans ' Affairs Committee , is coming off a narrow victory over former South Bend , Ind.
, mayor Pete Buttigieg in the New Hampshire primary .
Klobuchar finished in third place , while Warren took fourth .

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I., Vt.) was a no-show Thursday to vote on an amendment commending the U.S. armed forces and intelligence community for the strike that killed top Iranian general Qassem Soleimani.
Sanders was one of only two senators to skip the vote, with Ed Markey (D., Mass.) also absent. Sanders's fellow 2020 presidential candidates in the Senate, Amy Klobuchar (D., Minn.) and Elizabeth Warren (D., Mass.), attended and voted "nay" on the amendment, which passed 64 to 34.
All 53 Republicans, 10 Democrats, and Independent Angus King (Maine) supported the amendment introduced by Sen. Ted Cruz (R., Tex.). It expressly praised President Donald Trump, who ordered the Jan. 3 strike that took out the terrorist leader of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
The amendment was attached to a resolution curbing Trump's war powers regarding Iran. The resolution passed 55 to 45, which left it short of a veto-proof majority.
Sanders's office did not respond to a request for comment.
Sanders was critical of the killing of Soleimani, calling it an "assassination" and likening it to Russia's killing of dissidents under Vladimir Putin. He also called it an escalation that could lead the United States into war with Iran.
Sanders, who sits on the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, is coming off a narrow victory over former South Bend, Ind., mayor Pete Buttigieg in the New Hampshire primary. Klobuchar finished in third place, while Warren took fourth.


freebeacon--2020-02-16--U.S. Vows to Continue Backing Fight Against Islamic Terror in Africa

DAKAR , Senegal – The United States is committed to sending counter-terrorism resources to Africa to aid the continent ’ s ongoing fight against radical Islamic forces , according to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo .
Speaking Sunday alongside senior Senegalese officials during the first stop of a multi-nation visit to Africa , Pompeo said the Trump administration is currently reviewing its security plans for West Africa and will ensure nations in the region receive all the support they need in the fight against Islamic terrorist forces .
In his meetings with the Senegalese president and foreign minister , Pompeo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which endangers 350 million people right here in West Africa .
It threatens Americans , too , and we are counting on Senegal .
It is an important ally in this fight .
And I assured our friends that the U.S. will keep this fight up as well . ''
Pompeo ’ s comments are being viewed as a dose of much-needed reassurance to African nations concerned about America ’ s ongoing commitment to their safety and security .
`` We did have a lot of conversation about the security situation here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Pompeo told reporters .
`` We made it clear we ’ re looking at West Africa to make sure we have our force levels right . ''
Pompeo traveled to the region in his previous role as CIA director .
`` We ’ ll get it right and we ’ ll get it right collectively , '' Pompeo said of the number of American forces likely to be sent to the region to assist with security .
As the lead stop on his first-ever tour of sub-Saharan Africa as secretary of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issues , as well as private investment opportunities for American businesses .
`` We have an obligation to get security right here in the region that will permit economic growth , '' Pompeo said .
Senegal remains a `` vibrant democracy rich in culture and history , '' he added .
`` The United States is proud to have Senegal as one of our closest friends on the continent . ''
In addition to regional security issues , the Trump administration is seeking to let Africa know that it is not pulling back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ start of several multimillion-dollar projects and will continue to advocate for American businesses as he continues through the region .
`` President Trump ’ s ‘ Prosper Africa ’ initiative is making the kinds of deals signed this morning possible , '' Pompeo said .

DAKAR, Senegal – The United States is committed to sending counter-terrorism resources to Africa to aid the continent’s ongoing fight against radical Islamic forces, according to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.
Speaking Sunday alongside senior Senegalese officials during the first stop of a multi-nation visit to Africa, Pompeo said the Trump administration is currently reviewing its security plans for West Africa and will ensure nations in the region receive all the support they need in the fight against Islamic terrorist forces.
In his meetings with the Senegalese president and foreign minister, Pompeo said he "talked about Islamist terrorism, which endangers 350 million people right here in West Africa. It threatens Americans, too, and we are counting on Senegal. It is an important ally in this fight. And I assured our friends that the U.S. will keep this fight up as well."
Pompeo’s comments are being viewed as a dose of much-needed reassurance to African nations concerned about America’s ongoing commitment to their safety and security.
"We did have a lot of conversation about the security situation here and America’s role in those," Pompeo told reporters. "We made it clear we’re looking at West Africa to make sure we have our force levels right."
Pompeo traveled to the region in his previous role as CIA director.
"We’ll get it right and we’ll get it right collectively," Pompeo said of the number of American forces likely to be sent to the region to assist with security.
As the lead stop on his first-ever tour of sub-Saharan Africa as secretary of state, Pompeo discussed key regional security issues, as well as private investment opportunities for American businesses.
"We have an obligation to get security right here in the region that will permit economic growth," Pompeo said.
Senegal remains a "vibrant democracy rich in culture and history," he added. "The United States is proud to have Senegal as one of our closest friends on the continent."
In addition to regional security issues, the Trump administration is seeking to let Africa know that it is not pulling back its economic investment. Pompeo announced the start of several multimillion-dollar projects and will continue to advocate for American businesses as he continues through the region.
"President Trump’s ‘Prosper Africa’ initiative is making the kinds of deals signed this morning possible," Pompeo said.


freebeacon--2020-02-16--Klobuchar: Obama Admin ‘Went Way Too Far’ on Deporting Illegal Immigrants

Sen. Amy Klobuchar ( D. , Minn. ) said Sunday that the Obama administration `` went way too far '' on deporting illegal immigrants .
`` I think that went way too far , yes , and I think you 've seen a lot of that across our country , '' Klobuchar said on Face The Nation .
`` The question is what do we do going forward ?
To me the very straightforward answer is comprehensive immigration reform . ''
Under President Barack Obama , the United States deported three million illegal immigrants , including many who had not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ entry .
Former vice president Joe Biden said Saturday that the administration made a `` big mistake '' and `` we took far too long to get it right '' on deportation policy .
Klobuchar 's remark comes in the wake of the reemergence of a clip of her taking a more aggressive line on illegal immigration .
In a 2006 debate during her first Senate run , Klobuchar called for `` order at the border '' and supported building a `` fence . ''
While she supported a pathway to citizenship for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , she also said they should learn English , a nonstarter for top Democrats in the party today .
The Democratic 2020 nomination fight has been marked by a sharp swing to the left on immigration policy .
Two of the top five candidates in the delegate count to date , Sen. Bernie Sanders ( I. , Vt. ) and Sen. Elizabeth Warren ( D. , Mass . )
, support decriminalizing illegal border entries .

Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D., Minn.) said Sunday that the Obama administration "went way too far" on deporting illegal immigrants.
"I think that went way too far, yes, and I think you've seen a lot of that across our country," Klobuchar said on Face The Nation. "The question is what do we do going forward? To me the very straightforward answer is comprehensive immigration reform."
Under President Barack Obama, the United States deported three million illegal immigrants, including many who had not committed criminal offenses aside from their illegal entry.
Former vice president Joe Biden said Saturday that the administration made a "big mistake" and "we took far too long to get it right" on deportation policy.
Klobuchar's remark comes in the wake of the reemergence of a clip of her taking a more aggressive line on illegal immigration.
In a 2006 debate during her first Senate run, Klobuchar called for "order at the border" and supported building a "fence." While she supported a pathway to citizenship for illegal immigrants living in the United States, she also said they should learn English, a nonstarter for top Democrats in the party today.
The Democratic 2020 nomination fight has been marked by a sharp swing to the left on immigration policy. Two of the top five candidates in the delegate count to date, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I., Vt.) and Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D., Mass.), support decriminalizing illegal border entries.


freebeacon--2020-02-16--Stelter: Was I Stupid to Take Avenatti Seriously as Possible 2020 Candidate?

CNN media correspondent Brian Stelter asked his Reliable Sources guests Sunday if he was `` stupid '' to take disgraced attorney Michael Avenatti seriously as a possible 2020 presidential candidate .
Avenatti , who was found guilty this week of trying to extort up to $ 25 million from Nike , was a media darling in 2018 , making hundreds of television appearances as he promoted client Stormy Daniels 's litigation against President Donald Trump .
He used his newfound fame to flirt with a presidential run , and Stelter told him during one Reliable Sources appearance that he took @ @ @ @ @ @ @ presence on cable news .
On Sunday , Stelter told Daily Beast reporters Lachlan Markay and Asawin Suebsaeng that he got `` grief '' for that remark .
`` Give me a media critique , '' Stelter said .
`` Was that stupid on my part ?
What do you make of how Avenatti was covered by CNN and MSNBC ? ''
Markay said Trump had succeeded at times in `` Trumpifying '' his opposition , allowing his foes to buy into conspiracy theories and get taken in by shady figures like Avenatti @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , they were being played by that very strategy , his ability to manipulate the media , '' Markay said .
Stelter was hardly alone in boosting Avenatti .
Panelists on MSNBC 's Deadline : White House said the political novice should be given attention as a possible 2020 hopeful because he was a `` fighter . ''
Pundits called him a `` beast , '' the `` savior of the republic , '' and an `` existential threat to the Trump presidency . ''
Avenatti constantly promised news nuggets that would bring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump would not serve out his first term in office .
It was not uncommon to see Avenatti on multiple programs in a single day .
In one two-month span , he earned $ 175 million in free media from CNN and MSNBC alone .
He also made appearances on Today , CBS This Morning , Good Morning America , The View , Real Time with Bill Maher , The Late Show with Stephen Colbert , The Circus , and other shows outside of cable .
However , his reputation began to fall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of domestic violence in November 2018 .
The charges were later dropped , but Daniels 's lawsuit against Trump failed and the former porn star eventually accused Avenatti of stealing $ 300,000 from her .
In 2019 , he was indicted in California and New York for multiple financial crimes , including tax evasion , fraud , and embezzlement .
Vanity Fair , which reported in 2018 on Avenatti 's style and skincare routine , published a story in 2019 alleging he physically abused his ex-girlfriend and terrorized media figures behind the scenes @

CNN media correspondent Brian Stelter asked his Reliable Sources guests Sunday if he was "stupid" to take disgraced attorney Michael Avenatti seriously as a possible 2020 presidential candidate.
Avenatti, who was found guilty this week of trying to extort up to $25 million from Nike, was a media darling in 2018, making hundreds of television appearances as he promoted client Stormy Daniels's litigation against President Donald Trump. He used his newfound fame to flirt with a presidential run, and Stelter told him during one Reliable Sources appearance that he took his potential candidacy seriously because of his presence on cable news.
On Sunday, Stelter told Daily Beast reporters Lachlan Markay and Asawin Suebsaeng that he got "grief" for that remark.
"Give me a media critique," Stelter said. "Was that stupid on my part? What do you make of how Avenatti was covered by CNN and MSNBC?"
Markay said Trump had succeeded at times in "Trumpifying" his opposition, allowing his foes to buy into conspiracy theories and get taken in by shady figures like Avenatti.
"By virtue of granting that, they were being played by that very strategy, his ability to manipulate the media," Markay said.
Stelter was hardly alone in boosting Avenatti. Panelists on MSNBC's Deadline: White House said the political novice should be given attention as a possible 2020 hopeful because he was a "fighter." Pundits called him a "beast," the "savior of the republic," and an "existential threat to the Trump presidency."
Avenatti constantly promised news nuggets that would bring down the president and promised several times Trump would not serve out his first term in office. It was not uncommon to see Avenatti on multiple programs in a single day.
In one two-month span, he earned $175 million in free media from CNN and MSNBC alone. He also made appearances on Today, CBS This Morning, Good Morning America, The View, Real Time with Bill Maher, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, The Circus, and other shows outside of cable.
However, his reputation began to fall apart when he was arrested on suspicion of domestic violence in November 2018. The charges were later dropped, but Daniels's lawsuit against Trump failed and the former porn star eventually accused Avenatti of stealing $300,000 from her.
In 2019, he was indicted in California and New York for multiple financial crimes, including tax evasion, fraud, and embezzlement.
Vanity Fair, which reported in 2018 on Avenatti's style and skincare routine, published a story in 2019 alleging he physically abused his ex-girlfriend and terrorized media figures behind the scenes.


freebeacon--2020-02-16--Johnson: Biden’s Backpedaling on Obama Immigration Policy Is a ‘Fail for Him’

Former vice president Joe Biden 's lack of a forceful defense for Obama administration immigration policies is a failure of messaging , Washington Free Beacon editor in chief Eliana Johnson said Sunday .
Ed O'Keefe argued on Face The Nation that Biden is now calling the detainment of children a mistake because of Nevada 's large Latino population , but Johnson replied Biden is missing an opportunity to address immigration in a way more moderate voters would appreciate .
`` The problem with Biden and immigration is his response to it , '' Johnson said .
`` If he wanted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should be vocally defending the Obama administration 's policies on this by saying , ‘ This is an endemic problem that multiple administrations , Democrat and Republican , have been dealing with—we dealt with it the best we could . '
'' `` Trump 's strongest supporters are on the issue of immigration .
Biden needs to win some of those Obama-Trump voters back , and I think explaining and backpedaling , and doing so in such a tentative way , is a fail for him , '' she added .
Biden told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interview that the Obama administration made a `` big mistake '' by deporting undocumented immigrants who did n't have a criminal record .
While Biden defended the administration 's record regarding young migrants and their families , he said it 's not truthful to compare the Obama administration 's detainments to those of the Trump administration .
O'Keefe said Biden was `` happily '' discussing the issue now that the campaign has turned to Nevada , since he needs to shore up support among young and Latino voters .

Former vice president Joe Biden's lack of a forceful defense for Obama administration immigration policies is a failure of messaging, Washington Free Beacon editor in chief Eliana Johnson said Sunday.
Ed O'Keefe argued on Face The Nation that Biden is now calling the detainment of children a mistake because of Nevada's large Latino population, but Johnson replied Biden is missing an opportunity to address immigration in a way more moderate voters would appreciate.
"The problem with Biden and immigration is his response to it," Johnson said. "If he wanted to own that moderate lane, he should be vocally defending the Obama administration's policies on this by saying, 'This is an endemic problem that multiple administrations, Democrat and Republican, have been dealing with—we dealt with it the best we could.'"
"Trump's strongest supporters are on the issue of immigration. Biden needs to win some of those Obama-Trump voters back, and I think explaining and backpedaling, and doing so in such a tentative way, is a fail for him," she added.
Biden told Univision's Jorge Ramos in a new interview that the Obama administration made a "big mistake" by deporting undocumented immigrants who didn't have a criminal record.
While Biden defended the administration's record regarding young migrants and their families, he said it's not truthful to compare the Obama administration's detainments to those of the Trump administration. O'Keefe said Biden was "happily" discussing the issue now that the campaign has turned to Nevada, since he needs to shore up support among young and Latino voters.


freebeacon--2020-02-16--Former DNC Chair ‘Extremely Dismayed’ at Bloomberg’s Record on Race, Sexism in Workplace

Former chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee Donna Brazile said Sunday that Democratic presidential candidate Michael Bloomberg 's history of racially discriminatory policies and mistreatment of women in the workplace has her `` dismayed . ''
Fox News anchor Chris Wallace asked whether the Washington Post ‘ s latest report on sexist behavior at Bloomberg L.P. would hurt his campaign , and Brazile said it would be `` extremely damaging . ''
`` I am extremely dismayed at the information I read over the weekend about his sexist work environment , '' she said .
`` It 's one thing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ policy , stop-and-frisk—it was ruled unconstitutional .
And it has taken him years to say , ‘ I 'm sorry about that . '
He has the resources , but I am very uncomfortable with his record .
Very uncomfortable . ''
Brazile argued Bloomberg 's recent bump in the polls is due to his money .
Not only has he paid for a vast ad campaign all over the country , but he is also attractive to voters who want a powerful campaigner to take on President Donald Trump .
`` There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who are looking at Mr. Bloomberg because he has the resources to take on President Trump , but the question in my judgment is his record , '' Brazile said .

Former chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee Donna Brazile said Sunday that Democratic presidential candidate Michael Bloomberg's history of racially discriminatory policies and mistreatment of women in the workplace has her "dismayed."
Fox News anchor Chris Wallace asked whether the Washington Post's latest report on sexist behavior at Bloomberg L.P. would hurt his campaign, and Brazile said it would be "extremely damaging."
"I am extremely dismayed at the information I read over the weekend about his sexist work environment," she said. "It's one thing to have this so-called top law enforcement policy, stop-and-frisk—it was ruled unconstitutional. And it has taken him years to say, 'I'm sorry about that.' He has the resources, but I am very uncomfortable with his record. Very uncomfortable."
Brazile argued Bloomberg's recent bump in the polls is due to his money. Not only has he paid for a vast ad campaign all over the country, but he is also attractive to voters who want a powerful campaigner to take on President Donald Trump.
"There are many people in the Democratic Party who are looking at Mr. Bloomberg because he has the resources to take on President Trump, but the question in my judgment is his record," Brazile said.


freebeacon--2020-02-16--Steyer Frustrated by Poll Showing High Economic Satisfaction

Democratic 2020 candidate Tom Steyer on Sunday accused ABC News anchor Martha Raddatz of `` standing up for '' President Donald Trump 's `` version of the economy '' after she cited a poll showing high satisfaction with the economy .
Raddatz , noting Steyer has campaigned on challenging Trump on the economy , pointed to a new Quinnipiac poll showing 70 percent of respondents felt the economy was excellent or good .
That mark was only slightly lower than the 73 percent who answered that way in December , an all-time high .
`` How do you convince them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think they 're doing so well under Donald Trump ? ''
she asked .
Steyer said that Trump 's talking points on the economy sounded true but were actually `` a lie . ''
He argued that low unemployment disguises poor wage growth , while stock market growth largely benefits the most wealthy .
Raddatz reiterated the `` 70 percent '' economic approval rating , noting that respondents were not `` all wealthy people . ''
`` Here we are on a show , and you 're standing up for Mr. Trump 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` I 'm telling you about a national poll , '' Raddatz cut in .
`` I 'm not standing up for anybody . ''
`` There is a different story of this economy and this country that has to be told , '' Steyer said .
`` Mr. Trump has to be faced down about what he 's saying on the economy… .
He 's going to say , ‘ I 'm great on the economy and Democrats stink . '
… I can take him on in that because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economy actually is n't working for the vast bulk of Americans . ''
Steyer is one of eight Democrats remaining in the race despite his dismal showings in the Iowa caucus and New Hampshire primary .
The billionaire candidate spent a combined $ 36.4 million on advertising in the two states yet came away with zero delegates .

Democratic 2020 candidate Tom Steyer on Sunday accused ABC News anchor Martha Raddatz of "standing up for" President Donald Trump's "version of the economy" after she cited a poll showing high satisfaction with the economy.
Raddatz, noting Steyer has campaigned on challenging Trump on the economy, pointed to a new Quinnipiac poll showing 70 percent of respondents felt the economy was excellent or good. That mark was only slightly lower than the 73 percent who answered that way in December, an all-time high.
"How do you convince them that a change is needed when they think they're doing so well under Donald Trump?" she asked.
Steyer said that Trump's talking points on the economy sounded true but were actually "a lie." He argued that low unemployment disguises poor wage growth, while stock market growth largely benefits the most wealthy.
Raddatz reiterated the "70 percent" economic approval rating, noting that respondents were not "all wealthy people."
"Here we are on a show, and you're standing up for Mr. Trump's version of the economy," Steyer said.
"I'm telling you about a national poll," Raddatz cut in. "I'm not standing up for anybody."
"There is a different story of this economy and this country that has to be told," Steyer said. "Mr. Trump has to be faced down about what he's saying on the economy.... He's going to say, 'I'm great on the economy and Democrats stink.' ... I can take him on in that because it has to be shown that this economy actually isn't working for the vast bulk of Americans."
Steyer is one of eight Democrats remaining in the race despite his dismal showings in the Iowa caucus and New Hampshire primary. The billionaire candidate spent a combined $36.4 million on advertising in the two states yet came away with zero delegates.


freebeacon--2020-02-16--Chuck Todd to Biden: ‘Can You Say This Is Not a Cookie-Cutter Campaign?’

Meet the Press anchor Chuck Todd on Sunday asked former vice president Joe Biden whether his campaign is faltering because he is playing it safe .
`` Can you say this is not a cookie-cutter campaign ? ''
the NBC News broadcaster asked .
`` Some of your supporters feel like there 's not the urgency they want out of you . ''
Biden said he understands his supporters ' concerns but argued he has only seemed less aggressive because he has not wanted to smear his opponents .
`` I was viewed as the front-runner , I had the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been put through the test , '' Biden said .
`` And they have thrown a lot at me , some misrepresentations , and so I have to ask myself whether or not it has been wise to be as sort of polite and not negative as I have not been [ sic ] . ''
He then argued that his policy proposals are actually some of the boldest and most progressive in history , while those of current frontrunner Sen. Bernie Sanders ( I. , Vt. ) are `` fanciful . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the progressive in the race—I mean , my lord , if I get elected president of the United States with my position on health care , my position on global warming , my position on foreign policy , my position on the middle class , this will go down as one of the most progressive administrations in American history , '' he said .
`` But what you 're up against is things that are almost fanciful , like Medicare for All—35 , 40 trillion dollars ?
Even Bernie is now saying , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Who knows , we 'll find out . '
I think that 's the phrase he used . ''
Biden correctly captured Sanders 's description of Medicare for All 's costs .
In January , CBS anchor Norah O ’ Donnell asked how much the program would cost ; Sanders replied , `` You do n't know .
Nobody knows .
This is impossible to predict . ''

Meet the Press anchor Chuck Todd on Sunday asked former vice president Joe Biden whether his campaign is faltering because he is playing it safe.
"Can you say this is not a cookie-cutter campaign?" the NBC News broadcaster asked. "Some of your supporters feel like there's not the urgency they want out of you."
Biden said he understands his supporters' concerns but argued he has only seemed less aggressive because he has not wanted to smear his opponents.
"I was viewed as the front-runner, I had the target on my back, I had been put through the test," Biden said. "And they have thrown a lot at me, some misrepresentations, and so I have to ask myself whether or not it has been wise to be as sort of polite and not negative as I have not been [sic]."
He then argued that his policy proposals are actually some of the boldest and most progressive in history, while those of current frontrunner Sen. Bernie Sanders (I., Vt.) are "fanciful."
"This idea that I'm not the progressive in the race—I mean, my lord, if I get elected president of the United States with my position on health care, my position on global warming, my position on foreign policy, my position on the middle class, this will go down as one of the most progressive administrations in American history," he said. "But what you're up against is things that are almost fanciful, like Medicare for All—35, 40 trillion dollars? Even Bernie is now saying, 'How much will it cost? Who knows, we'll find out.' I think that's the phrase he used."
Biden correctly captured Sanders's description of Medicare for All's costs. In January, CBS anchor Norah O’Donnell asked how much the program would cost; Sanders replied, "You don't know. Nobody knows. This is impossible to predict."


freebeacon--2020-02-16--In Africa, Pompeo Oversees Multi-Million Dollar Business Deals

DAKAR , Senegal—A group of U.S.-based companies inked several multi-million dollar deals with Senegal on Sunday , a move meant to promote American values in the developing world .
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo , in the first leg of a 10-day trip through Africa and the Middle East , oversaw the signing of several agreements that will see U.S. companies partner with the Senegalese government to build critical infrastructure projects .
Pompeo 's stops in Africa are meant to pushback against mounting criticism that the Trump administration is backing away from the global stage and focusing inward on America @ @ @ @ @ @ @ speech on Saturday in Munich , Germany , Pompeo argued that the Trump administration 's criticism of historical alliances such as NATO is not part of a foreign policy that seeks to limit America 's role in the world .
In Africa , Pompeo is looking to promote American business interests and push back against economic gains made by nations such as China , which has invested heavily in the developing world .
`` The private sectors drive economic growth and value for the United States , '' Pompeo said ahead of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ partnerships .
`` They 're important because not only will they deliver value here in Senegal , it will be good for these American global companies '' and benefits workers in both countries .
Pompeo 's presence as the business deals were inked appears to be part of his push to show the world America still values free enterprise and the spirit of capitalism across the developing world .
The first agreement was inked between the U.S. Bechtel Corporation and Ageroute , Senegal 's road construction agency .
The deal will see the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ highway linking Dakar to the more northern city of Saint-Louis .
The State Department says the deal will create up to 4,000 Senegalese jobs and support around 1,500 back in America .
The second deal was signed between the Philadelphia-based ABD Group and Senegal 's Ministry of Economy , Planning , and International Partnerships .
The $ 320 million deal will spark social infrastructure projects across Senegal , including in the education , housing , and health care sectors .
Another $ 100 million electric grid project was established between the Weldy-Lamont corporation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also announced the signing of two agreements with the Senegalese government , including one to upgrade the country 's power plants and increase access to gas resources .
A second agreement will be centered in the health care sector and provide Senegal with diagnostic technology .
The combined value of the deals is around $ 200 million , according to U.S. officials .

DAKAR, Senegal—A group of U.S.-based companies inked several multimillion-dollar deals with Senegal on Sunday, a move meant to promote American values in the developing world.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, in the first leg of a 10-day trip through Africa and the Middle East, oversaw the signing of several agreements that will see U.S. companies partner with the Senegalese government to build critical infrastructure projects.
Pompeo's stops in Africa are meant to push back against mounting criticism that the Trump administration is backing away from the global stage and focusing inward on America domestically. In a major foreign policy speech on Saturday in Munich, Pompeo argued that the Trump administration's criticism of historical alliances such as NATO is not part of a foreign policy that seeks to limit America's role in the world.
In Africa, Pompeo is looking to promote American business interests and push back against economic gains made by nations such as China, which has invested heavily in the developing world.
"The private sectors drive economic growth and value for the United States," Pompeo said ahead of the signing in Dakar of five new economic partnerships. "They're important because not only will they deliver value here in Senegal, it will be good for these American global companies" and benefits workers in both countries.
Pompeo's presence as the business deals were inked appears to be part of his push to show the world America still values free enterprise and the spirit of capitalism across the developing world.
The first agreement was inked between the U.S. Bechtel Corporation and Ageroute, Senegal's road construction agency. The deal will see the American firm build some 100 miles of highway linking Dakar to the more northern city of Saint-Louis. The State Department says the deal will create up to 4,000 Senegalese jobs and support around 1,500 in the United States.
The second deal was signed between the Philadelphia-based ABD Group and Senegal's Ministry of Economy, Planning, and International Partnerships. The $320 million deal will spark social infrastructure projects across Senegal, including in the education, housing, and health care sectors.
Another $100 million electric grid project was established between the Weldy Lamont corporation and Senelec.
General Electric also announced the signing of two agreements with the Senegalese government, including one to upgrade the country's power plants and increase access to gas resources. A second agreement will be centered in the health care sector and provide Senegal with diagnostic technology. The combined value of the deals is around $200 million, according to U.S. officials.


freebeacon--2020-02-16--Bloomberg Touts Warm Words From Obama, Whom He Once Called Disappointing and Divisive

Former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg 's national ad campaign includes praise from former president Barack Obama , but Bloomberg was once sharply critical of the man he 's now embracing in his bid for the Democratic presidential nomination .
A new ad titled `` Steady Leadership '' features Obama lauding Bloomberg in 2013 as a `` leader throughout the country for the past 12 years '' and in 2008 for his `` extraordinary leadership '' in bringing people together for `` pragmatic solutions . ''
A narrator says Bloomberg and Obama worked together on gun control and improving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ publicly criticized Obama 's `` divisive populist '' policies , called his first term a disappointment , allegedly called Obama the most arrogant man he 'd ever met , and told friends that Republican Mitt Romney would be a superior president when the candidate challenged Obama in 2012 .
Obama and Romney sought Bloomberg 's endorsement in 2012 , given his independent label and connections with Wall Street .
The New York Times reported in June of that year that Bloomberg was overheard telling friends at a charity event that Romney would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he said he could n't endorse Romney because of their disagreements on social issues such as abortion and gun control .
Bloomberg acknowledged he had more agreements with Obama than with Romney .
However , he ripped Obama 's economic rhetoric— '' Who are you to say ‘ Somebody else ’ s fair share ? '
'' he told the Times—and criticized his lack of leadership on social issues .
For example , he said then-vice president Joe Biden deserved the credit for pushing the White House to back gay marriage in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the time .
`` Let ’ s get serious here : it was Joe Biden that forced that issue .
Some people say he just goes off ; I would say he ’ s a principled guy , '' Bloomberg said , praising one of his chief rivals for the 2020 nomination .
Bloomberg waited until Nov. 1 , 2012—five days before the election–to endorse Obama , pointing to Superstorm Sandy 's damage to New York and Obama 's stance on addressing climate change .
In his endorsement , Bloomberg said he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ four years and accused Obama of `` a divisive populist agenda focused more on redistributing income than creating it . ''
The day Bloomberg endorsed Obama in 2012 , Politico published some of his sharpest attacks against Obama , which included telling the Atlantic the then-president had wrongly alienated Wall Street with his policies .
He called Obama 's greatest success to date `` just getting elected , '' and he also was n't impressed Obama ordered the raid that killed 9/11 mastermind Osama bin Laden , saying any president would have done @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a clear foreign policy worldview , as well .
`` [ There ’ s ] no Obama Doctrine that I know of , '' Bloomberg said at the time .
`` I don ’ t know that anybody has enunciated a worldview the way that Henry Kissinger did in his day , or George Shultz , or even [ James ] Baker . ''
Bloomberg accused Obama of alienating Israel in 2011 with his Middle East policy address , and he suggested in 2010 in the wake of the Tea Party revolution that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaigns ‘ I 'm gon na do A , ' and then he does n't do it , '' Bloomberg told GQ .
`` Now he 's pissed off the supporters and the opponents .
You go for it . ''
In 2010 , Bloomberg had to deny reports that he 'd told media mogul Rupert Murdoch of Obama , `` I never met in my life such an arrogant man , '' after he and Obama played golf at Martha 's Vineyard .
Bloomberg 's campaign did not respond to a request @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Obama now makes sense politically , given Obama 's high approval within the Democratic Party after two terms in office .
Despite entering the 2020 race late and skipping the first four primary and caucus states , Bloomberg has quickly ascended in national and Super Tuesday state polls , thanks to his barrage of advertising .
His rise has particularly cut into Joe Biden 's advantage with black voters , which was owed largely to Biden 's role as Obama 's vice president .
Bloomberg now faces scrutiny for his support of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ office , which he has since renounced for unfairly targeting minorities .
Like Donald Trump , Bloomberg has switched parties multiple times , going from Democrat to Republican when he first ran for mayor in 2001 .
He became an independent in 2007 and then a Democrat again in 2018 .
In 2004 , when New York City hosted the Republican National Convention , Bloomberg spoke and endorsed former president George W. Bush .
He backed Hillary Clinton at the 2016 Democratic National Convention and joined her party two years later .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I 've been them all , '' Bloomberg told CBS 's Face the Nation in 2018 .
Obama 's not the most recent president Bloomberg has expressed varying sentiments about .
He had kind words for Trump in 2011 , telling Fox News Sunday he was a `` New York icon '' and a `` friend . ''
At the time , Trump was flirting with a White House bid and pushing the conspiracy theory that Obama was born outside the United States .
Bloomberg said Republicans pushing that theory were making a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says Trump was always secretly mocked by their mutual New York friends .
`` Behind your back they laugh at you & call you a carnival barking clown .
They know you inherited a fortune & squandered it with stupid deals and incompetence , '' he tweeted on Thursday .
`` I have the record & the resources to defeat you .
And I will . ''

Former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg's national ad campaign includes praise from former president Barack Obama, but Bloomberg was once sharply critical of the man he's now embracing in his bid for the Democratic presidential nomination.
A new ad titled "Steady Leadership" features Obama lauding Bloomberg in 2013 as a "leader throughout the country for the past 12 years" and in 2008 for his "extraordinary leadership" in bringing people together for "pragmatic solutions." A narrator says Bloomberg and Obama worked together on gun control and improving education.

But as mayor, Bloomberg publicly criticized Obama's "divisive populist" policies, called his first term a disappointment, allegedly called Obama the most arrogant man he'd ever met, and told friends that Republican Mitt Romney would be a superior president when the candidate challenged Obama in 2012.
Obama and Romney sought Bloomberg's endorsement in 2012, given his independent label and connections with Wall Street. The New York Times reported in June of that year that Bloomberg was overheard telling friends at a charity event that Romney would be better at running the country. However, he said he couldn't endorse Romney because of their disagreements on social issues such as abortion and gun control.
Bloomberg acknowledged he had more agreements with Obama than with Romney. However, he ripped Obama's economic rhetoric—"Who are you to say ‘Somebody else’s fair share?'" he told the Times—and criticized his lack of leadership on social issues. For example, he said then-vice president Joe Biden deserved the credit for pushing the White House to back gay marriage in 2012, a sore spot for Obama at the time.
"Let’s get serious here: it was Joe Biden that forced that issue. Some people say he just goes off; I would say he’s a principled guy," Bloomberg said, praising one of his chief rivals for the 2020 nomination.
Bloomberg waited until Nov. 1, 2012—five days before the election–to endorse Obama, pointing to Superstorm Sandy's damage to New York and Obama's stance on addressing climate change. In his endorsement, Bloomberg said he was "disappointed" in the last four years and accused Obama of "a divisive populist agenda focused more on redistributing income than creating it."
The day Bloomberg endorsed Obama in 2012, Politico published some of his sharpest attacks against Obama, which included telling the Atlantic the then-president had wrongly alienated Wall Street with his policies.
He called Obama's greatest success to date "just getting elected," and he also wasn't impressed Obama ordered the raid that killed 9/11 mastermind Osama bin Laden, saying any president would have done it.
He said the administration lacked a clear foreign policy worldview, as well.
"[There’s] no Obama Doctrine that I know of," Bloomberg said at the time. "I don’t know that anybody has enunciated a worldview the way that Henry Kissinger did in his day, or George Shultz, or even [James] Baker."
Bloomberg accused Obama of alienating Israel in 2011 with his Middle East policy address, and he suggested in 2010 in the wake of the Tea Party revolution that Obama needed better advisers.
"He campaigns 'I'm gonna do A,' and then he doesn't do it," Bloomberg told GQ. "Now he's pissed off the supporters and the opponents. You go for it."
In 2010, Bloomberg had to deny reports that he'd told media mogul Rupert Murdoch of Obama, "I never met in my life such an arrogant man," after he and Obama played golf at Martha's Vineyard.
Bloomberg's campaign did not respond to a request for comment.
Bloomberg's embrace of Obama now makes sense politically, given Obama's high approval within the Democratic Party after two terms in office. Despite entering the 2020 race late and skipping the first four primary and caucus states, Bloomberg has quickly ascended in national and Super Tuesday state polls, thanks to his barrage of advertising.
His rise has particularly cut into Joe Biden's advantage with black voters, which was owed largely to Biden's role as Obama's vice president. Bloomberg now faces scrutiny for his support of the controversial "stop-and-frisk" policy while in office, which he has since renounced for unfairly targeting minorities.
Like Donald Trump, Bloomberg has switched parties multiple times, going from Democrat to Republican when he first ran for mayor in 2001. He became an independent in 2007 and then a Democrat again in 2018.
In 2004, when New York City hosted the Republican National Convention, Bloomberg spoke and endorsed former president George W. Bush. He backed Hillary Clinton at the 2016 Democratic National Convention and joined her party two years later.
"I know something about partisan politics. I've been them all," Bloomberg told CBS's Face the Nation in 2018.
Obama's not the most recent president Bloomberg has expressed varying sentiments about. He had kind words for Trump in 2011, telling Fox News Sunday he was a "New York icon" and a "friend."
At the time, Trump was flirting with a White House bid and pushing the conspiracy theory that Obama was born outside the United States. Bloomberg said Republicans pushing that theory were making a "terrible mistake."
Bloomberg now says Trump was always secretly mocked by their mutual New York friends.
"Behind your back they laugh at you & call you a carnival barking clown. They know you inherited a fortune & squandered it with stupid deals and incompetence," he tweeted on Thursday. "I have the record & the resources to defeat you. And I will."


freebeacon--2020-02-15--In Germany, Pompeo Says ‘the West is Winning’

MUNICH—Secretary of State Mike Pompeo categorically rejected mounting concerns from international leaders that the United States is retreating from the world stage , telling a gathering of top foreign policy leaders from across the globe that the `` West is winning '' due to bold leadership from the Trump administration .
Speaking Saturday at the Munich Security Conference , Germany 's premiere foreign policy gathering , Pompeo pushed back against claims that the Western world has lost its way , a main topic of conversation at the conference .
From the outset of his administration , President Donald Trump has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United States 's standing on the world stage .
Trump has called out the financial contributions of NATO countries , maintaining that they must pay their fair share .
Foreign policy experts have also been critical of Trump 's exit from the United Nations Human Rights Council and the Iran Nuclear Deal , which many European partners are still a part of , and of Trump 's withdrawal of troops from Syria .
`` I 'm happy to report that the death of the transatlantic alliance is grossly exaggerated , '' Pompeo said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and we 're winning together . ''
Pompeo went on to outline steps the Trump administration is taking to combat Iran 's regional terrorism , pushback against Russian aggression , and challenge China 's rise as a global economic powerhouse .
His remarks represented one of the clearest declarations to date of the Trump administration 's global priorities , which are centered on promoting Western power .
`` Over the past few years , democratic leaders have questioned America 's commitment to the transatlantic alliance , and our leadership in the world , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do n't reflect reality . ''
`` ‘ Westlessness'—whatever that means—is the core theme of this year 's conference , '' he continued .
`` I 'm sure there are a lot of folks here who would call themselves foreign policy realists .
Well here 's realism for you : the West is winning !
And by that , I do n't just mean just the nations of the geographical ‘ west . '
'' `` Any nation that adopts the Western model—a respect for individual freedom , free enterprise , and national @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' '' he said .
`` Free nations are simply more successful than any other model that 's been tried .
Our governments respect basic human rights , foster economic prosperity , and keep us secure . ''
The weekend in Munich featured several major firsts for Pompeo , including the announcement that a landmark truce had been brokered between the United States and Taliban in Afghanistan , potentially bringing an end to that 18-year-old war .
It is not America , but Russia , China , and Iran that pose the greatest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , arguing that the Trump administration 's past four years in power have not harmed America 's standing in the world .
`` Let 's talk about territorial integrity … or rather , contempt for it : Russia has seized Crimea and parts of Eastern Ukraine and Georgia , '' Pompeo said .
`` Iran 's missiles explode on Saudi oil facilities , and its proxy forces are present in Iraq , Lebanon , Syria , and Yemen . ''
`` China encroaches on the exclusive economic zones of Vietnam , the Philippines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` And on that point , China has had a border or maritime dispute with nearly every nation bordering it . ''
The secretary of state also warned nations against cozying up to China 's Huawei , which is angling to provide the next generation of 5G mobile service to leading nations .
Countries such as Britain , which recently agreed to partner with Huawei , are handing over their most sensitive networks to China 's Communist Party , Pompeo cautioned .
Conversations about Huawei and cyber security featured prominently into Pompeo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials said .
In addition to tackling China 's rise , Pompeo also worked to address Iranian cyberhacks across the Middle East .
`` But here 's the good news , '' Pompeo said in his speech .
`` The United States has stared these dangerous threats in the face , and has n't blinked .
We 're protecting our citizens .
We 're protecting our freedoms .
We 're protecting our sovereign right to choose how we live . ''
`` The United States has worked to deprive the Islamic Republic of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to fuel its campaigns of terror—both in the Middle East and on the European continent , '' Pompeo said .
`` The United States has woken up the world to China 's unfair trading practices and the Chinese Communist Party 's newly aggressive turn , whether on the military , diplomatic , or economic front . ''
`` The United States has armed Ukraine to help that brave nation defend itself from Russian aggression , and has worked with Baltic nations on cybersecurity to defend against Moscow 's repeated cyberattacks , '' he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up the United States 's global alliances , Pompeo announced that the Trump administration would soon provide up to $ 1 billion in financing to the Central and Eastern European countries of the Three Seas Initiative .
`` Our aim is to galvanize private sector investment in their energy sectors , '' Pompeo said .
The United States , led by the Trump administration , will not back down from its leadership role on the international stage , Pompeo vowed .
`` The United States has led 81 other nations and partners to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` We took out al-Baghdadi .
We took out the leader of al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula just this month .
Is this an America that ‘ rejects the international community ? '
'' `` The United States is fighting for sovereignty and freedom , '' Pompeo said .
`` We should have confidence in the transatlantic alliance .
The free West has a brighter future than illiberal alternatives .
We are winning—and we 're doing it together . ''
`` The momentum is on our side , '' he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ further .
Let 's not be fooled : When so-called Iranian moderates play the victim , remember their assassination and terror campaigns against innocent Iranian civilians , and on European soil itself .
When Russia suggests Nord Stream 2 is purely a ‘ commercial endeavor , ' consider the deprivations caused in the winters of 2006 , 2008 , 2009 , or 2015 .
When Huawei executives show up at your door , they say you 'll lose out if you do n't buy in .
Do n't believe the hype . ''

MUNICH—Secretary of State Mike Pompeo categorically rejected mounting concerns from international leaders that the United States is retreating from the world stage, telling a gathering of top foreign policy leaders from across the globe that the "West is winning" due to bold leadership from the Trump administration.
Speaking Saturday at the Munich Security Conference, Germany's premiere foreign policy gathering, Pompeo pushed back against claims that the Western world has lost its way, a main topic of conversation at the conference.
From the outset of his administration, President Donald Trump has faced criticism that he has lowered the United States's standing on the world stage. Trump has called out the financial contributions of NATO countries, maintaining that they must pay their fair share. Foreign policy experts have also been critical of Trump's exit from the United Nations Human Rights Council and the Iran Nuclear Deal, which many European partners are still a part of, and of Trump's withdrawal of troops from Syria.
"I'm happy to report that the death of the transatlantic alliance is grossly exaggerated," Pompeo said. "The West is winning, and we're winning together."
Pompeo went on to outline steps the Trump administration is taking to combat Iran's regional terrorism, pushback against Russian aggression, and challenge China's rise as a global economic powerhouse. His remarks represented one of the clearest declarations to date of the Trump administration's global priorities, which are centered on promoting Western power.
"Over the past few years, democratic leaders have questioned America's commitment to the transatlantic alliance, and our leadership in the world," Pompeo said. "Those statements don't reflect reality."
"'Westlessness'—whatever that means—is the core theme of this year's conference," he continued. "I'm sure there are a lot of folks here who would call themselves foreign policy realists. Well here's realism for you: the West is winning! And by that, I don't just mean just the nations of the geographical 'west.'"
"Any nation that adopts the Western model—a respect for individual freedom, free enterprise, and national sovereignty—is part of the 'west,'" he said. "Free nations are simply more successful than any other model that's been tried. Our governments respect basic human rights, foster economic prosperity, and keep us secure."
The weekend in Munich featured several major firsts for Pompeo, including the announcement that a landmark truce had been brokered between the United States and Taliban in Afghanistan, potentially bringing an end to that 18-year-old war.
It is not America, but Russia, China, and Iran that pose the greatest threats to Western supremacy, Pompeo said, arguing that the Trump administration's past four years in power have not harmed America's standing in the world.
"Let's talk about territorial integrity ... or rather, contempt for it: Russia has seized Crimea and parts of Eastern Ukraine and Georgia," Pompeo said. "Iran's missiles explode on Saudi oil facilities, and its proxy forces are present in Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen."
"China encroaches on the exclusive economic zones of Vietnam, the Philippines, and Indonesia," he said. "And on that point, China has had a border or maritime dispute with nearly every nation bordering it."
The secretary of state also warned nations against cozying up to China's Huawei, which is angling to provide the next generation of 5G mobile service to leading nations. Countries such as Britain, which recently agreed to partner with Huawei, are handing over their most sensitive networks to China's Communist Party, Pompeo cautioned.
Conversations about Huawei and cyber security featured prominently into Pompeo's schedule at the Munich conference, officials said. In addition to tackling China's rise, Pompeo also worked to address Iranian cyberhacks across the Middle East.
"But here's the good news," Pompeo said in his speech. "The United States has stared these dangerous threats in the face, and hasn't blinked. We're protecting our citizens. We're protecting our freedoms. We're protecting our sovereign right to choose how we live."
"The United States has worked to deprive the Islamic Republic of Iran of diplomatic sanctuary and financial ability to fuel its campaigns of terror—both in the Middle East and on the European continent," Pompeo said. "The United States has woken up the world to China's unfair trading practices and the Chinese Communist Party's newly aggressive turn, whether on the military, diplomatic, or economic front."
"The United States has armed Ukraine to help that brave nation defend itself from Russian aggression, and has worked with Baltic nations on cybersecurity to defend against Moscow's repeated cyberattacks," he said.
In a bid to shore up the United States's global alliances, Pompeo announced that the Trump administration would soon provide up to $1 billion in financing to the Central and Eastern European countries of the Three Seas Initiative.
"Our aim is to galvanize private sector investment in their energy sectors," Pompeo said.
The United States, led by the Trump administration, will not back down from its leadership role on the international stage, Pompeo vowed.
"The United States has led 81 other nations and partners to defeat the ISIS caliphate," he said. "We took out al-Baghdadi. We took out the leader of al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula just this month. Is this an America that 'rejects the international community?'"
"The United States is fighting for sovereignty and freedom," Pompeo said. "We should have confidence in the transatlantic alliance. The free West has a brighter future than illiberal alternatives. We are winning—and we're doing it together."
"The momentum is on our side," he continued. "But we must go further. Let's not be fooled: When so-called Iranian moderates play the victim, remember their assassination and terror campaigns against innocent Iranian civilians, and on European soil itself. When Russia suggests Nord Stream 2 is purely a 'commercial endeavor,' consider the deprivations caused in the winters of 2006, 2008, 2009, or 2015. When Huawei executives show up at your door, they say you'll lose out if you don't buy in. Don't believe the hype."