freebeacon--2020-11-11--George Soros Looms Large Over Biden Transition

Joe Biden 's transition team includes several people affiliated with organizations bankrolled by the left-wing billionaire George Soros .
Biden 's `` Agency Review Teams , '' which include lists of individuals `` responsible for understanding the operations '' of each government agency , will prepare `` President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris … to hit the ground running on Day One . ''
Soros is well represented on those lists .
Sarah Cross , an advocacy director at Soros 's Open Society Foundations , received a seat on Biden 's State Department transition team .
Michael Pan , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Open Society Foundations , will join the United States Mission to the United Nations team .
Diane Thompson , who is listed as `` self-employed '' and a member of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau team , is a current Leadership in Government Fellow at the Open Society Foundations .
Soros poured more than $ 70 million into election activity backing Biden 's candidacy this past cycle , more than three times his previous high of $ 22 million in the 2016 election cycle .
Soros and the Democracy Alliance donor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Obama administration ; under a Biden administration , that access will likely return .
Other members of Biden 's transition team work for groups that receive heavy funding from the billionaire .
Sharon Burke and Viv Graubard , both at the New America think tank , will join Biden 's Department of Defense and Department of Labor teams .
Soros 's Open Society Foundations gave New America more than $ 1 million last year , according to the group 's disclosures .
Soros 's son , Jonathan , sits on New America 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ includes six employees from John Podesta 's Center for American Progress who are sprinkled across the Treasury , Federal Reserve , Department of Labor , Department of the Interior , National Security Council , and Office of the United States Trade Representative .
Soros 's most recent tax forms show that nonprofits in his sprawling network gave more than $ 1 million to Podesta 's group in 2018 .
Finally , three people from the Center for Strategic and International Studies and two from the Roosevelt Institute received seats on Biden 's team @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thousands from Soros 's nonprofits .
The Democracy Alliance , a network of millionaire and billionaire donors of which Soros is a cofounder , mapped out a $ 275 million spending blitz against President Donald Trump for the 2020 elections , according to confidential documents previously obtained by the Washington Free Beacon .
Vox described the Democracy Alliance as the `` closest thing that exists to a ‘ left-wing conspiracy ' '' in the United States .
The network is led by Gara LaMarche , the former director of U.S. programs for Soros @ @ @ @ @ @ @ steer the billionaire 's agenda .
Biden 's campaign did not respond to a request for comment about the Soros-tied individuals on the transition team .

Joe Biden's transition team includes several people affiliated with organizations bankrolled by the left-wing billionaire George Soros.
Biden's "Agency Review Teams," which include lists of individuals "responsible for understanding the operations" of each government agency, will prepare "President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris ... to hit the ground running on Day One." Soros is well represented on those lists.
Sarah Cross, an advocacy director at Soros's Open Society Foundations, received a seat on Biden's State Department transition team. Michael Pan, a special adviser in the executive office of the Open Society Foundations, will join the United States Mission to the United Nations team. Diane Thompson, who is listed as "self-employed" and a member of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau team, is a current Leadership in Government Fellow at the Open Society Foundations.
Soros poured more than $70 million into election activity backing Biden's candidacy this past cycle, more than three times his previous high of $22 million in the 2016 election cycle. Soros and the Democracy Alliance donor club previously enjoyed close access to the Obama administration; under a Biden administration, that access will likely return.
Other members of Biden's transition team work for groups that receive heavy funding from the billionaire. Sharon Burke and Viv Graubard, both at the New America think tank, will join Biden's Department of Defense and Department of Labor teams. Soros's Open Society Foundations gave New America more than $1 million last year, according to the group's disclosures. Soros's son, Jonathan, sits on New America's board emeriti.
Biden's team also includes six employees from John Podesta's Center for American Progress who are sprinkled across the Treasury, Federal Reserve, Department of Labor, Department of the Interior, National Security Council, and Office of the United States Trade Representative. Soros's most recent tax forms show that nonprofits in his sprawling network gave more than $1 million to Podesta's group in 2018.
Finally, three people from the Center for Strategic and International Studies and two from the Roosevelt Institute received seats on Biden's team. Both groups recently received hundreds of thousands from Soros's nonprofits.
The Democracy Alliance, a network of millionaire and billionaire donors of which Soros is a cofounder, mapped out a $275 million spending blitz against President Donald Trump for the 2020 elections, according to confidential documents previously obtained by the Washington Free Beacon. Vox described the Democracy Alliance as the "closest thing that exists to a 'left-wing conspiracy'" in the United States.
The network is led by Gara LaMarche, the former director of U.S. programs for Soros's Open Society Foundations, and helps steer the billionaire's agenda.
Biden's campaign did not respond to a request for comment about the Soros-tied individuals on the transition team.


freebeacon--2020-11-11--Ossoff’s ‘Voter Suppression’ Complaints Shut Down by Record Turnout

Georgia 's record turnout in 2020 brought a sudden end to Democratic Senate candidate Jon Ossoff 's repeated complaints that voter suppression would hurt his chances .
In interview after interview during the 2020 campaign , Ossoff bemoaned voter suppression in Republican-run Georgia .
Since forcing a runoff with Sen. David Perdue ( R. , Ga. ) last week , though , he has not mentioned the subject in a series of national interviews with MSNBC , CNN , and ABC 's The View , according to a review of transcripts .
About five million votes were cast in Georgia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state record .
Although Democrat Joe Biden appears likely to win the state over President Donald Trump , Ossoff is about 87,000 votes behind Perdue .
While he has been quiet in his interviews this week , Ossoff did tweet Wednesday that voter suppression should be a `` federal crime '' and requested donations to his campaign .
Ossoff 's campaign did not respond to a request for comment .
The previous record for state voter turnout was in 2016 , at 4.1 million , in the middle of then-Secretary of State Brian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ governor in 2018 over Democrat Stacey Abrams in what Ossoff and other Democrats regard as an illegitimate election .
Abrams never conceded and blamed her defeat on voter suppression , despite the state 's automatic voter registration policy and record-shattering midterm turnout that year .
Kemp was also blamed for precinct closings outside his purview and for enforcing voter roll laws passed by the Democratic-controlled Georgia legislature in the 1990s .

Georgia's record turnout in 2020 brought a sudden end to Democratic Senate candidate Jon Ossoff's repeated complaints that voter suppression would hurt his chances.
In interview after interview during the 2020 campaign, Ossoff bemoaned voter suppression in Republican-run Georgia. Since forcing a runoff with Sen. David Perdue (R., Ga.) last week, though, he has not mentioned the subject in a series of national interviews with MSNBC, CNN, and ABC's The View, according to a review of transcripts.
About five million votes were cast in Georgia in 2020, easily breaking the former state record. Although Democrat Joe Biden appears likely to win the state over President Donald Trump, Ossoff is about 87,000 votes behind Perdue.
While he has been quiet in his interviews this week, Ossoff did tweet Wednesday that voter suppression should be a "federal crime" and requested donations to his campaign.
Ossoff's campaign did not respond to a request for comment.
The previous record for state voter turnout was in 2016, at 4.1 million, in the middle of then-Secretary of State Brian Kemp's tenure. Kemp was elected governor in 2018 over Democrat Stacey Abrams in what Ossoff and other Democrats regard as an illegitimate election. Abrams never conceded and blamed her defeat on voter suppression, despite the state's automatic voter registration policy and record-shattering midterm turnout that year.
Kemp was also blamed for precinct closings outside his purview and for enforcing voter roll laws passed by the Democratic-controlled Georgia legislature in the 1990s.


freebeacon--2020-11-11--MD School District to Spend Over $450,000 on ‘Anti-Racist Audit’

Maryland 's Montgomery County plans to spend more than $ 450,000 on an `` anti-racist audit '' intended to create `` equitable outcomes for every student 's academic and social-emotional well-being . ''
According to a Tuesday memo from the county 's superintendent of schools , Montgomery County Public Schools will award a one-year `` anti-racist '' consulting contract to the Mid-Atlantic Equity Consortium for $ 454,680 .
The consulting firm will investigate the district 's culture , hiring practices , and pre-K-12 curriculum , which Montgomery County says should be tailored so that it `` strengthens students ' sense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ identities , helps students understand and resist systems of oppression , and empowers students to see themselves as change agents . ''
The Mid-Atlantic Equity Consortium 's website states that it promotes `` equity in education to achieve social justice '' and touts a handful of left-leaning education partnerships .
Among those partners is the Southern Poverty Law Center 's `` Teaching Tolerance '' arm , which pushes for students to learn about slavery beginning in kindergarten .
The school district awarded the lucrative contract despite anticipating a budget cut of up to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Magazine , the district 's enrollment is down more than 2,000 students from the 2019 school year , which will decrease the required government funding to schools .
The one-year audit will be the largest such initiative reported to date .
In nearby Loudoun County , Va. , the district spent $ 422,500 over two years on equity training inspired by critical race theory , which claims racism is intrinsic to nearly every aspect of American life .
On Sept. 21 , Montgomery County Public Schools issued a `` request for proposal '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deep knowledge and expertise in … racial equity . ''
A district spokeswoman declined to tell the Washington Free Beacon how many consulting firms submitted a proposal .
Despite mounting budget cuts and an already-existing `` Equity Initiatives Unit , '' district spokeswoman Gboyinde Onijala said the anti-racist audit is considered `` critical work . ''
`` Whether we are providing instruction virtually or in person , we remain committed to ensuring that our students ' academic success is not predictable by race , ethnicity , gender , socioeconomic status , language proficiency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Free Beacon .
`` We will continue to strive in these efforts until all gaps have been eliminated for all groups . ''

Maryland's Montgomery County plans to spend more than $450,000 on an "anti-racist audit" intended to create "equitable outcomes for every student's academic and social-emotional well-being."
According to a Tuesday memo from the county's superintendent of schools, Montgomery County Public Schools will award a one-year "anti-racist" consulting contract to the Mid-Atlantic Equity Consortium for $454,680. The consulting firm will investigate the district's culture, hiring practices, and pre-K-12 curriculum, which Montgomery County says should be tailored so that it "strengthens students' sense of racial, ethnic, and tribal identities, helps students understand and resist systems of oppression, and empowers students to see themselves as change agents."
The Mid-Atlantic Equity Consortium's website states that it promotes "equity in education to achieve social justice" and touts a handful of left-leaning education partnerships. Among those partners is the Southern Poverty Law Center's "Teaching Tolerance" arm, which pushes for students to learn about slavery beginning in kindergarten.
The school district awarded the lucrative contract despite anticipating a budget cut of up to $155 million. According to Bethesda Magazine, the district's enrollment is down more than 2,000 students from the 2019 school year, which will decrease the required government funding to schools.
The one-year audit will be the largest such initiative reported to date. In nearby Loudoun County, Va., the district spent $422,500 over two years on equity training inspired by critical race theory, which claims racism is intrinsic to nearly every aspect of American life.
On Sept. 21, Montgomery County Public Schools issued a "request for proposal" document to hire a consultant "with deep knowledge and expertise in … racial equity." A district spokeswoman declined to tell the Washington Free Beacon how many consulting firms submitted a proposal.
Despite mounting budget cuts and an already-existing "Equity Initiatives Unit," district spokeswoman Gboyinde Onijala said the anti-racist audit is considered "critical work."
"Whether we are providing instruction virtually or in person, we remain committed to ensuring that our students' academic success is not predictable by race, ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, language proficiency, or disability," Onijala told the Free Beacon. "We will continue to strive in these efforts until all gaps have been eliminated for all groups."


freebeacon--2020-11-11--BIGGEST LOSERS: Lincoln-Themed Liberal Super PAC Goes 0-7 in Key Senate Races

The Lincoln Project , a liberal Super PAC founded by shlubby white dudes who were n't very good at sports growing up but compensated for that as adults by owning people on Twitter , went an abysmal 0-7 in key Senate races this cycle despite spending almost $ 12 million in support of Democratic candidates .
In addition to trolling President Donald Trump by running ads in Washington , D.C. , the Lincoln Project bros also targeted seven U.S. Senate races .
Media outlets published `` exclusive '' reports about the group 's ad campaigns as if they mattered : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bragged about how much money they raised and how awesome and influential their ads were .
For example : It did n't matter .
The Lincoln Project spent a total of $ 2.4 million trying to unseat Lindsey Graham , who ended up winning by more than 10 percentage points .
The group 's track record in other key Senate races was just as embarrassing .
In every state where the Lincoln Project spent at least $ 200,000 , the Republican candidate won .
The group spent $ 4.3 million on the Alaska @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the form of attack ads against incumbent Sen. Dan Sullivan ( R. , Alaska ) and ads supporting the Democrat-aligned independent candidate , Al Gross .
The race was finally called on Wednesday , with Sullivan winning reelection by 20 percentage points .
The Lincoln Project joins Michael Bloomberg ‘ s political organization as a prominent example of liberal groups that spent an extraordinary amount of money on the 2020 election , yet accomplished next to nothing .
Here 's how the Lincoln Project fared in other close races Democrats were hoping to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Senate , an outcome that now seems increasingly out of reach : • Iowa : $ 226,000 spent ; Sen. Joni Ernst ( R. , Iowa ) won reelection by more than 6 percentage points .
If the goal was to spend millions of dollars to pad the bank accounts of some shlubby white dudes and to produce some sick owns of Trump on social media , Lincoln Project donors certainly got their money 's worth .
If the goal was to actually accomplish something meaningful , then no , they certainly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Project raised $ 67 million in 2020 but only spent about two thirds of that amount ( $ 47 million ) , which is totally reasonable .
Because what would be the point of our political system if shlubby white dudes could n't get rich by pretending to have principles ?
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez ( D. , N.Y. ) called out the Lincoln Project on Twitter , saying the liberal Super PAC was `` in scam territory '' and suggesting they should `` do the right thing … and publicly pledge to give @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people who actually made a big difference . ''
Her naiveté is almost adorable .
Here 's what the Lincoln Project is actually up to , according to Axios : Grifters , as the saying goes , gon na grift .

The Lincoln Project, a liberal Super PAC founded by shlubby white dudes who weren't very good at sports growing up but compensated for that as adults by owning people on Twitter, went an abysmal 0-7 in key Senate races this cycle despite spending almost $12 million in support of Democratic candidates.
In addition to trolling President Donald Trump by running ads in Washington, D.C., the Lincoln Project bros also targeted seven U.S. Senate races. Media outlets published "exclusive" reports about the group's ad campaigns as if they mattered:
Exclusive: The Lincoln Project is making its biggest blitz to date, airing ads against Senate Republican incumbents in Alaska, Montana and Maine: "Maine deserves a leader, not a Trump stooge." https://t.co/fyNbBjciYu — Axios (@axios) July 29, 2020
Meanwhile, the Lincoln Project bros routinely bragged about how much money they raised and how awesome and influential their ads were. For example:
You gave us $1MIL to go after @LindseyGrahamSC. So, we created one of our hardest hitting ads to date and we blanketed South Carolina with it. Now Harrison is tied with Graham. #LincolnProjectEffect https://t.co/PCS11OES9z — The Lincoln Project (@ProjectLincoln) September 16, 2020
It didn't matter. The Lincoln Project spent a total of $2.4 million trying to unseat Lindsey Graham, who ended up winning by more than 10 percentage points. The group's track record in other key Senate races was just as embarrassing. In every state where the Lincoln Project spent at least $200,000, the Republican candidate won.
The group spent $4.3 million on the Alaska Senate race, for example, in the form of attack ads against incumbent Sen. Dan Sullivan (R., Alaska) and ads supporting the Democrat-aligned independent candidate, Al Gross. The race was finally called on Wednesday, with Sullivan winning reelection by 20 percentage points.
The Lincoln Project joins Michael Bloomberg's political organization as a prominent example of liberal groups that spent an extraordinary amount of money on the 2020 election, yet accomplished next to nothing.
Here's how the Lincoln Project fared in other close races Democrats were hoping to win in order to regain control of the Senate, an outcome that now seems increasingly out of reach:
Montana : $2.7 million spent; Sen. Steve Daines (R., Mont.) won reelection by 10 percentage points.
: $2.7 million spent; Sen. Steve Daines (R., Mont.) won reelection by 10 percentage points. Maine : $1.7 million spent; Sen. Susan Collins (R., Maine) won reelection by 8 percentage points.
: $1.7 million spent; Sen. Susan Collins (R., Maine) won reelection by 8 percentage points. Kentucky : $464,000 spent; Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R., Ky.) won reelection by almost 20 percentage points.
: $464,000 spent; Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R., Ky.) won reelection by almost 20 percentage points. Iowa : $226,000 spent; Sen. Joni Ernst (R., Iowa) won reelection by more than 6 percentage points.
: $226,000 spent; Sen. Joni Ernst (R., Iowa) won reelection by more than 6 percentage points. North Carolina: $197,000 spent; Sen. Thom Tillis won reelection.
If the goal was to spend millions of dollars to pad the bank accounts of some shlubby white dudes and to produce some sick owns of Trump on social media, Lincoln Project donors certainly got their money's worth. If the goal was to actually accomplish something meaningful, then no, they certainly did not.
Overall, the Lincoln Project raised $67 million in 2020 but only spent about two thirds of that amount ($47 million), which is totally reasonable. Because what would be the point of our political system if shlubby white dudes couldn't get rich by pretending to have principles?
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D., N.Y.) called out the Lincoln Project on Twitter, saying the liberal Super PAC was "in scam territory" and suggesting they should "do the right thing ... and publicly pledge to give a lot of their fundraising to the people who actually made a big difference."
Her naiveté is almost adorable. Here's what the Lincoln Project is actually up to, according to Axios:
The group is in talks with the United Talent Agency (UTA) to help build out Lincoln Media and is weighing offers from different television studios, podcast networks and book publishers.
Grifters, as the saying goes, gonna grift.


freebeacon--2020-11-11--Warnock Senior Adviser: Nothing Radical About ‘Defund the Police’

A senior adviser to Georgia Democratic Senate candidate Raphael Warnock has said defunding the police is not a radical policy .
Dasheika Ruffin , a consultant with the left-wing American Civil Liberties Union , in June tweeted an article by fellow ACLU adviser Paige Fernandez that argued divesting resources from law enforcement would improve public safety .
`` The movement to defund the police isn ’ t as radical as some may think , '' Ruffin tweeted .
`` It ’ s about a complete reimagining of law enforcement in the United States . ''
Ruffin also tweeted , `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ call for the New York City Council to reduce the police budget by $ 1 billion over the next four years .
The next day , she retweeted a woman using the hashtag # DefundThePolice .
Warnock 's campaign did not respond to a request for comment .
Warnock says he does not support defunding police , although he does support `` responsibly '' funding it .
Warnock came under fire for calling police `` thugs '' and `` gangsters '' during sermons at Ebenezer Baptist Church in 2015 , and he also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the police to virtually address Ebenezer in September .
Calls on the left to defund the police grew following George Floyd 's death in Minneapolis police custody in May .
The movement proved unpopular with voters , however , and some House Democrats blamed the movement for their disappointing showing in the 2020 election .
Warnock is headed to a Georgia Senate runoff race against Sen. Kelly Loeffler ( R. , Ga. ) .
Loeffler has touted her pro-police record on the campaign trail .
Democrats need to win that seat as well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Senate majority under a Joe Biden administration .

A senior adviser to Georgia Democratic Senate candidate Raphael Warnock has said defunding the police is not a radical policy.
Dasheika Ruffin, a consultant with the left-wing American Civil Liberties Union, in June tweeted an article by fellow ACLU adviser Paige Fernandez that argued divesting resources from law enforcement would improve public safety.
"The movement to defund the police isn’t as radical as some may think," Ruffin tweeted. "It’s about a complete reimagining of law enforcement in the United States."
Must read from my sister-in-service @paigejfernandez. The movement to defund the police isn’t as radical as some may think. It’s about a complete reimagining of law enforcement in the United States. https://t.co/1t8WWupOXO — Dasheika Ruffin (@DasheikaRuffin) June 6, 2020
Ruffin also tweeted, "Leadership" on June 1 to a call for the New York City Council to reduce the police budget by $1 billion over the next four years. The next day, she retweeted a woman using the hashtag #DefundThePolice.
https://twitter.com/DasheikaRuffin/status/1267530528552554497?s=20
Warnock's campaign did not respond to a request for comment. Warnock says he does not support defunding police, although he does support "responsibly" funding it.
Warnock came under fire for calling police "thugs" and "gangsters" during sermons at Ebenezer Baptist Church in 2015, and he also invited a Texas preacher who supported defunding the police to virtually address Ebenezer in September.
Calls on the left to defund the police grew following George Floyd's death in Minneapolis police custody in May. The movement proved unpopular with voters, however, and some House Democrats blamed the movement for their disappointing showing in the 2020 election.
Warnock is headed to a Georgia Senate runoff race against Sen. Kelly Loeffler (R., Ga.). Loeffler has touted her pro-police record on the campaign trail. Democrats need to win that seat as well as another Georgia runoff to control the Senate majority under a Joe Biden administration.


freebeacon--2020-11-11--Leandra English, Who Pretended to Run CFPB, Leads Biden CFPB Transition

Leandra English , who spent months trying to seize control of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ( CFPB ) from President Donald Trump , will lead Joe Biden 's transition team for the agency , the Biden campaign announced Tuesday .
English will be in charge of a team of seven others , including the legislative director for the United Autoworkers and six alums of the Obama-era CFPB .
The group will advise the Biden campaign on taking over the agency when Biden assumes office in January .
English rose to public attention in 2017 , when she claimed the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ departure of Obama-era director Richard Cordray , in direct contention with Trump appointee Mick Mulvaney .
In the ensuing months , English lost multiple court battles but continued her claim despite a lack of clarity on what , if anything , she was actually doing day-to-day .
This stance made her a hero of the anti-Trump `` resistance , '' with even Democratic leadership calling her the `` rightful acting director . ''
English 's appearance on the CFPB , therefore , is a harsh rebuttal to the Trump administration 's regulatory agenda @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with other Obama alums—indicates that a Biden-era CFPB will return to the aggressive regulatory posture adopted during the Obama administration .
English 's protracted battle for control of the CFPB began when Cordray , inspired by two left-wing blog posts , appointed her as acting director just before the end of his term .
When Trump appointed Mulvaney , English launched a legal challenge , funded by a mysterious third party , with the goal of denying Trump control of the agency .
English spent the following seven months claiming to be the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by congressional Democrats who ignored multiple rulings against her claim .
After numerous court losses , English finally departed the agency following Trump 's nomination of current director Kathy Kraninger to fill the role full time .
English and Cordray 's extended legal fight represents the left 's desire to retain control of the CFPB .
The agency was the brainchild of Sen. Elizabeth Warren ( D. , Mass . )
, whose protégé is English .
But conservatives have long decried its mission and legal structure , which they argue violate the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and creating an illegal fourth branch of government .
In addition to English , many of the same people who staffed Cordray and Obama 's CFPB are now advising Biden 's transition .
These include former CIO Ashwin Vasan , consumer advisory board chair Bill Bynum , spokesman David Mayorga , counsel and adviser Brian Shearer , office of regulations boss and current Open Society fellow Diane Thompson , and former CFPB enforcement attorney Manny Alvarez , current commissioner of the California Department of Business Oversight , who is thought to be in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A Biden CFPB , then , would look a lot like its Obama-era equivalent , an agency that Mulvaney said tried too hard to `` push the envelope '' and went `` looking for excuses to bring lawsuits . ''
It also pushed an `` overreaching '' regulatory agenda , Sens .
Mike Lee ( R. , Utah ) and Ben Sasse ( R. , Neb . )
wrote in a letter seeking Cordray 's firing , that denied credit access to millions of Americans .
During Cordray 's tenure , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ These included hundreds of hacks exposing sensitive financial data , criticism for its $ 215 million office , and whistleblower charges of falsifying documents and a culture of `` widespread racism and gender discrimination . ''

Leandra English, who spent months trying to seize control of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) from President Donald Trump, will lead Joe Biden's transition team for the agency, the Biden campaign announced Tuesday.
English will be in charge of a team of seven others, including the legislative director for the United Autoworkers and six alums of the Obama-era CFPB. The group will advise the Biden campaign on taking over the agency when Biden assumes office in January.
English rose to public attention in 2017, when she claimed the role of acting CFPB director following the departure of Obama-era director Richard Cordray, in direct contention with Trump appointee Mick Mulvaney. In the ensuing months, English lost multiple court battles but continued her claim despite a lack of clarity on what, if anything, she was actually doing day-to-day. This stance made her a hero of the anti-Trump "resistance," with even Democratic leadership calling her the "rightful acting director."
English's appearance on the CFPB, therefore, is a harsh rebuttal to the Trump administration's regulatory agenda. Her appearance on the transition team—along with other Obama alums—indicates that a Biden-era CFPB will return to the aggressive regulatory posture adopted during the Obama administration.
English's protracted battle for control of the CFPB began when Cordray, inspired by two left-wing blog posts, appointed her as acting director just before the end of his term. When Trump appointed Mulvaney, English launched a legal challenge, funded by a mysterious third party, with the goal of denying Trump control of the agency.
English spent the following seven months claiming to be the legitimate leader of the CFPB, bolstered by congressional Democrats who ignored multiple rulings against her claim. After numerous court losses, English finally departed the agency following Trump's nomination of current director Kathy Kraninger to fill the role full time.
English and Cordray's extended legal fight represents the left's desire to retain control of the CFPB. The agency was the brainchild of Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D., Mass.), whose protégé is English. But conservatives have long decried its mission and legal structure, which they argue violate the Constitution by denying the president exclusive oversight and creating an illegal fourth branch of government.
In addition to English, many of the same people who staffed Cordray and Obama's CFPB are now advising Biden's transition. These include former CIO Ashwin Vasan, consumer advisory board chair Bill Bynum, spokesman David Mayorga, counsel and adviser Brian Shearer, office of regulations boss and current Open Society fellow Diane Thompson, and former CFPB enforcement attorney Manny Alvarez, current commissioner of the California Department of Business Oversight, who is thought to be in the running for comptroller of the currency.
A Biden CFPB, then, would look a lot like its Obama-era equivalent, an agency that Mulvaney said tried too hard to "push the envelope" and went "looking for excuses to bring lawsuits." It also pushed an "overreaching" regulatory agenda, Sens. Mike Lee (R., Utah) and Ben Sasse (R., Neb.) wrote in a letter seeking Cordray's firing, that denied credit access to millions of Americans.
During Cordray's tenure, the agency also faced numerous internal issues. These included hundreds of hacks exposing sensitive financial data, criticism for its $215 million office, and whistleblower charges of falsifying documents and a culture of "widespread racism and gender discrimination."


freebeacon--2020-11-11--Why a Cabinet Nom for a Member of Congress Would Create Headaches for Democrats

If Joe Biden wants to tap a member of Congress for his cabinet , he will face some hurdles .
In the House , Speaker Nancy Pelosi ’ s ( D. , Calif. ) narrow margin is likely to prove a stumbling block , while in the Senate Democrats would face the complicated dynamics of replacing a sitting senator .
Thanks to their unexpectedly strong showings in congressional races across the country , Republicans have narrowed Pelosi ’ s margin by at least 10 seats and are expected to win at least one of the Senate runoffs in Georgia , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
That means a number of House members gunning for a post in the Biden administration may be overlooked , from Obama- and Clinton-world veterans , such as Reps. Tom Malinowski ( D. , N.J. ) , Josh Gottheimer ( D. , N.J. ) , and Elissa Slotkin ( D. , Mich. ) , to Senators Elizabeth Warren ( D. , Mass . )
and Bernie Sanders ( I. , Vermont ) .
Tapping a House member would trigger a special election guaranteed to be competitive if Biden selects a moderate from a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ greenlight .
Choosing a senator would trigger a series of events that in some cases would force Democrats to change the laws in states like Massachusetts and Vermont to ensure the seat remains in Democratic hands .
Moderate Democrats are more likely to come from swing districts—like Reps. Abigail Spanberger ( Va. ) or Conor Lamb ( Pa. ) , who both won close-fought races this cycle—while left-wingers like Rep. Karen Bass ( Calif. ) are unlikely to be confirmed by a Republican-controlled Senate .
That tension is likely to be a major @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him to look outside the halls of Congress .
The departure of any lawmaker is likely to trigger millions in Republican spending on a special election .
That could be dangerous to Biden ’ s agenda : In 2010 , Republican Scott Brown won a surprise victory over Democrat Martha Coakley to clinch the seat left open after the death of Ted Kennedy .
That denied Democrats a filibuster-proof majority in the Senate , frustrating their plans to pass a public option of the sort Biden favors as part of Obamacare .
If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , then , they are more likely to be from a solidly blue district—and therefore more progressive .
The top name regularly mentioned is Bass , considered a contender for secretary of Housing and Urban Development after she lost her chance to be Biden 's VP , due in part to her sympathies for out-and-out socialism .
Another possibility at Labor is Rep. Andy Levin ( D. , Mich. ) , a former labor organizer and green energy investor .
The same dynamic is at play in the Senate , where progressives would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for top slots—Warren is reportedly campaigning hard for Treasury secretary .
Either might enjoy senatorial courtesy in their appointment , although McConnell has signaled his hostility to progressive picks generally , causing the Biden campaign to weigh a ban on progressive senators in his cabinet .
Both Sanders and Warren come from states with Republican governors , who would in theory get to appoint replacements , swinging the balance of the Senate .
State legislatures in both states , where Democrats hold veto-proof majorities , could change the laws to compel Govs .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democrats , but both seats would also go through special elections—a major risk in an evenly divided Senate .
This dynamic likely raises the profile of otherwise long-shot Senate picks from deep-blue states .
Biden protégé Sen. Chris Coons ( D. , Del . )
, who has an outside chance at secretary of state , may benefit from the fact that his replacement would be picked by a Democratic governor and then elected by a deep-blue electorate .
The same goes for Sen. Amy Klobuchar ( D. , Minn. ) , an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the running for Agriculture secretary , and whose home state broke for Biden and has not sent a Republican to the Senate since 2002 .
Look for such picks—which benefit from senatorial courtesy , are perceived as more `` moderate , '' and are unlikely to endanger Democrats ' position in the House or Senate—to lead Biden 's nominations .
But it is also possible that , given congressional dynamics , Biden may be the first president in 75 years to not nominate a member of Congress to his cabinet : an unprecedented @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

If Joe Biden wants to tap a member of Congress for his cabinet, he will face some hurdles. In the House, Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s (D., Calif.) narrow margin is likely to prove a stumbling block, while in the Senate Democrats would face the complicated dynamics of replacing a sitting senator.
Thanks to their unexpectedly strong showings in congressional races across the country, Republicans have narrowed Pelosi’s margin by at least 10 seats and are expected to win at least one of the Senate runoffs in Georgia, thereby maintaining control of the upper chamber.
That means a number of House members gunning for a post in the Biden administration may be overlooked, from Obama- and Clinton-world veterans, such as Reps. Tom Malinowski (D., N.J.), Josh Gottheimer (D., N.J.), and Elissa Slotkin (D., Mich.), to Senators Elizabeth Warren (D., Mass.) and Bernie Sanders (I., Vermont).
Tapping a House member would trigger a special election guaranteed to be competitive if Biden selects a moderate from a swing district—a risk Pelosi is unlikely to greenlight. Choosing a senator would trigger a series of events that in some cases would force Democrats to change the laws in states like Massachusetts and Vermont to ensure the seat remains in Democratic hands.
Moderate Democrats are more likely to come from swing districts—like Reps. Abigail Spanberger (Va.) or Conor Lamb (Pa.), who both won close-fought races this cycle—while left-wingers like Rep. Karen Bass (Calif.) are unlikely to be confirmed by a Republican-controlled Senate. That tension is likely to be a major factor in Biden's nominations, forcing him to look outside the halls of Congress.
The departure of any lawmaker is likely to trigger millions in Republican spending on a special election. That could be dangerous to Biden’s agenda: In 2010, Republican Scott Brown won a surprise victory over Democrat Martha Coakley to clinch the seat left open after the death of Ted Kennedy. That denied Democrats a filibuster-proof majority in the Senate, frustrating their plans to pass a public option of the sort Biden favors as part of Obamacare.
If Biden picks a representative for his cabinet, then, they are more likely to be from a solidly blue district—and therefore more progressive. The top name regularly mentioned is Bass, considered a contender for secretary of Housing and Urban Development after she lost her chance to be Biden's VP, due in part to her sympathies for out-and-out socialism. Another possibility at Labor is Rep. Andy Levin (D., Mich.), a former labor organizer and green energy investor.
The same dynamic is at play in the Senate, where progressives would like to see Warren or Sanders tapped for top slots—Warren is reportedly campaigning hard for Treasury secretary. Either might enjoy senatorial courtesy in their appointment, although McConnell has signaled his hostility to progressive picks generally, causing the Biden campaign to weigh a ban on progressive senators in his cabinet.
Both Sanders and Warren come from states with Republican governors, who would in theory get to appoint replacements, swinging the balance of the Senate. State legislatures in both states, where Democrats hold veto-proof majorities, could change the laws to compel Govs. Phil Scott and Charlie Baker to appoint Democrats, but both seats would also go through special elections—a major risk in an evenly divided Senate.
This dynamic likely raises the profile of otherwise long-shot Senate picks from deep-blue states. Biden protégé Sen. Chris Coons (D., Del.), who has an outside chance at secretary of state, may benefit from the fact that his replacement would be picked by a Democratic governor and then elected by a deep-blue electorate. The same goes for Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D., Minn.), an early Biden endorser who is reportedly in the running for Agriculture secretary, and whose home state broke for Biden and has not sent a Republican to the Senate since 2002.
Look for such picks—which benefit from senatorial courtesy, are perceived as more "moderate," and are unlikely to endanger Democrats' position in the House or Senate—to lead Biden's nominations. But it is also possible that, given congressional dynamics, Biden may be the first president in 75 years to not nominate a member of Congress to his cabinet: an unprecedented choice occasioned by an unprecedentedly narrow victory.


freebeacon--2020-11-11--BEASTMODE: McConnell: Haven’t Thought About Vote Fraud in My Race Because ‘It Wasn’t Very Close’

Asked by a reporter about whether he believes voter fraud played a part in his reelection , Senate Majority Leader @ @ @ @ @ Ky. ) said he had n't thought about it due to his enormous margin of @ @

Asked by a reporter about whether he believes voter fraud played a part in his reelection, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R., Ky.) said he hadn't thought about it due to his enormous margin of victory.
Published under: Mitch McConnell


freebeacon--2020-11-11--New York Times Columnist Urges Democrats to Commit Voter Fraud in Georgia

New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman urged national Democrats to move to Georgia and vote in its upcoming Senate runoff elections—a clear violation of state law , should the voters leave after the races conclude .
`` I hope everybody moves to Georgia , you know , in the next month or two , registers to vote , and votes for these two Democratic senators , '' Friedman said during a Monday-night CNN appearance .
Georgia election law does not include a length-of-residency requirement in order to vote in the state .
It does , however , prohibit prospective voters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the intention just to vote and then move away . ''
`` You do not have to establish residency for a period of time before an election in order to qualify to vote , but you do have to establish intent to remain a resident , '' Honest Elections Project executive director Jason Snead told the Washington Free Beacon .
`` You ca n't bus yourself in , register at the Holiday Inn , vote , and then leave two days later .
That would clearly constitute fraud . ''
Party control @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the January 5 runoffs .
Republican Sens .
David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler will face Democratic challengers Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock , respectively , after all four candidates failed to receive a majority of votes in the November election .
Both Ossoff and Warnock have relied on out-of-state donors to fund their campaigns , and the Democrats launched their runoff bids by fundraising with Silicon Valley progressives just days ago .
Some local activists have responded warmly to the call for non-Georgians to vote in the runoffs .
Handmaids Coalition of Georgia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' and `` West Coast Liberals '' to flock to the state in order to vote in a recent Facebook post .
`` You are all invited to spend the Winter in Georgia , '' Stevens wrote .
`` Come on down and we will cook for you too !
!
! ''
Failed presidential candidate Andrew Yang announced on Saturday that he would be `` moving to Georgia to help Ossoff and Warnock win . ''
While he did not disclose if he plans to vote for the Democrats , he did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time '' before the state 's December 7 registration deadline in a previous tweet .
Snead lambasted the strategy to coax out-of-state Democrats to move to Georgia to vote , calling it a `` naked political power grab . ''
`` My general reaction to this is , are you kidding me ? ''
he said .
`` It 's supposed to be the senator from the state of Georgia , and I think that Georgians have a right to select their representatives and have a government that is by and for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nor Warnock returned requests for comment .

New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman urged national Democrats to move to Georgia and vote in its upcoming Senate runoff elections—a clear violation of state law, should the voters leave after the races conclude.
"I hope everybody moves to Georgia, you know, in the next month or two, registers to vote, and votes for these two Democratic senators," Friedman said during a Monday-night CNN appearance.
Georgia election law does not include a length-of-residency requirement in order to vote in the state. It does, however, prohibit prospective voters from "residing in the state briefly with the intention just to vote and then move away."
"You do not have to establish residency for a period of time before an election in order to qualify to vote, but you do have to establish intent to remain a resident," Honest Elections Project executive director Jason Snead told the Washington Free Beacon. "You can't bus yourself in, register at the Holiday Inn, vote, and then leave two days later. That would clearly constitute fraud."
Party control of the Senate will be determined in the January 5 runoffs. Republican Sens. David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler will face Democratic challengers Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock, respectively, after all four candidates failed to receive a majority of votes in the November election. Both Ossoff and Warnock have relied on out-of-state donors to fund their campaigns, and the Democrats launched their runoff bids by fundraising with Silicon Valley progressives just days ago.
Some local activists have responded warmly to the call for non-Georgians to vote in the runoffs. Handmaids Coalition of Georgia organizer Tamara Stevens invited "Northern Democrats" and "West Coast Liberals" to flock to the state in order to vote in a recent Facebook post.
"You are all invited to spend the Winter in Georgia," Stevens wrote. "Come on down and we will cook for you too!!!"
Failed presidential candidate Andrew Yang announced on Saturday that he would be "moving to Georgia to help Ossoff and Warnock win." While he did not disclose if he plans to vote for the Democrats, he did note that there "isn't much time" before the state's December 7 registration deadline in a previous tweet.
Snead lambasted the strategy to coax out-of-state Democrats to move to Georgia to vote, calling it a "naked political power grab."
"My general reaction to this is, are you kidding me?" he said. "It's supposed to be the senator from the state of Georgia, and I think that Georgians have a right to select their representatives and have a government that is by and for the people of Georgia."
Neither Ossoff nor Warnock returned requests for comment.


freebeacon--2020-11-11--Georgia to Conduct a Full Recount of Election Ballots

( Reuters ) – Georgia ’ s top election official on Wednesday said the state will conduct a recount of @ @ @ @ @ the Nov. 3 presidential election .
`` Mathematically , you actually have to do a @ @ @ @ @ because the margin is so close , '' Georgia ’ s Secretary of State Brad @ @ @ @ @ conference .
`` We want to start this before the week is up . ''

(Reuters) - Georgia’s top election official on Wednesday said the state will conduct a recount of all paper ballots cast in the Nov. 3 presidential election.
"Mathematically, you actually have to do a full hand-by-hand recount of all because the margin is so close," Georgia’s Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger said at a news conference. "We want to start this before the week is up."
(Reporting by Jason Lange and Tim Ahmann in Washington; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama)


freebeacon--2020-11-11--CNN Features Anti-Semite Lawrence Wilkerson

CNN on Tuesday featured a Quincy Institute fellow known for making spurious claims about American Jews and the state of Israel .
Lawrence Wilkerson , a former chief of staff to Secretary of State Colin Powell , has argued that `` the Jewish lobby in America '' and `` AIPAC in particular '' played an outsized influence in the run-up to the Iraq war and that Syrian chemical-weapons use `` could 've been an Israeli false-flag operation . ''
While CNN host Erin Burnett did not press Wilkerson on those baseless claims , she did ask him about Secretary of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of `` trying to capture that little kernel of Trump 's base '' for a potential presidential run .
Wilkerson added that Biden is `` one of the most experienced people , certainly in security and foreign policy , to come to the White House in a long time . ''
In a 2007 documentary Wilkerson said the `` Jewish lobby '' had more influence on the Bush administration 's decision to invade Iraq than the administration 's belief that Saddam Hussein possessed weapons of mass destruction .
He specifically criticized Jewish officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , former deputy secretary of defense Paul Wolfowitz , and former undersecretary of defense Doug Feith .
The Quincy Institute is funded by billionaires Charles Koch and George Soros and promotes isolationist American foreign policy .
Launched in December of 2019 , it has come under fire for providing anti-Semites a platform .
In addition to Wilkerson , the institute has featured several experts who have accused American Jews of being more loyal to Israel than to America , an anti-Semitic trope , and who have repeatedly blamed the `` Israel lobby '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pillar , a veteran CIA officer and now a Quincy Institute expert on intelligence and terrorism , has argued that Republican megadonor Sheldon Adelson ’ s first loyalty is to Israel .
Retired diplomat Chas Freeman , who authored the Quincy Institute ’ s first policy brief in December , blamed the Israel lobby for scuttling his appointment to lead Barack Obama ’ s National Intelligence Council in 2009 , arguing in a statement after his withdrawal that `` the tactics of the Israel Lobby plumb the depths of dishonor and indecency .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ speech in Moscow , he accused American Jews of comprising an Israeli `` fifth column '' inside the United States .

CNN on Tuesday featured a Quincy Institute fellow known for making spurious claims about American Jews and the state of Israel.
Lawrence Wilkerson, a former chief of staff to Secretary of State Colin Powell, has argued that "the Jewish lobby in America" and "AIPAC in particular" played an outsized influence in the run-up to the Iraq war and that Syrian chemical-weapons use "could've been an Israeli false-flag operation."
While CNN host Erin Burnett did not press Wilkerson on those baseless claims, she did ask him about Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, whom Wilkerson accused of "trying to capture that little kernel of Trump's base" for a potential presidential run. Wilkerson added that Biden is "one of the most experienced people, certainly in security and foreign policy, to come to the White House in a long time."
In a 2007 documentary Wilkerson said the "Jewish lobby" had more influence on the Bush administration's decision to invade Iraq than the administration's belief that Saddam Hussein possessed weapons of mass destruction. He specifically criticized Jewish officials including Bush national security aide Elliott Abrams, former deputy secretary of defense Paul Wolfowitz, and former undersecretary of defense Doug Feith.
The Quincy Institute is funded by billionaires Charles Koch and George Soros and promotes isolationist American foreign policy. Launched in December of 2019, it has come under fire for providing anti-Semites a platform. In addition to Wilkerson, the institute has featured several experts who have accused American Jews of being more loyal to Israel than to America, an anti-Semitic trope, and who have repeatedly blamed the "Israel lobby" for American foreign policy decisions.
Paul Pillar, a veteran CIA officer and now a Quincy Institute expert on intelligence and terrorism, has argued that Republican megadonor Sheldon Adelson’s first loyalty is to Israel. Retired diplomat Chas Freeman, who authored the Quincy Institute’s first policy brief in December, blamed the Israel lobby for scuttling his appointment to lead Barack Obama’s National Intelligence Council in 2009, arguing in a statement after his withdrawal that "the tactics of the Israel Lobby plumb the depths of dishonor and indecency." Later that year, in a speech in Moscow, he accused American Jews of comprising an Israeli "fifth column" inside the United States.


freebeacon--2020-11-12--Goodman: Warnock Can’t Distance Himself From ‘God Damn America’ Sermon

Washington Free Beacon senior investigative reporter Alana Goodman on Wednesday said Georgia Senate candidate Raphael Warnock ( D. ) can not distance himself from Rev .
Jeremiah Wright 's controversial preaching as easily as Barack Obama did .
`` Warnock was actually going out on television and defending [ Wright ] , defending his ‘ Damn America ' speech back in 2008 , '' Goodman said on Fox News 's The Ingraham Angle .
`` Obama in contrast claimed that he did n't know about that speech . ''
`` Warnock was going on TV on different shows saying that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it a ‘ very fine sermon , ' '' Goodman continued .
`` This is a sermon where Jeremiah Wright compared the U.S. government to al Qaeda , said that the U.S. government had invented HIV as a way to genocide the black community , so I think that Warnock is going to have a much harder time explaining that to voters in Georgia . ''
Warnock , who is pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta , publicly defended Wright 's famous `` God Damn America '' sermon for years .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if you can find and read , as I have , the entire sermon .
It was a very fine sermon .
And Jeremiah Wright was right when he said the attack on him was in a real sense an attack on the black church , '' he said in 2014 .
`` The message of Jeremiah Wright was that public policy has consequences . ''
He also described Wright 's speech as `` a very fine homily '' in a 2013 book .
In Wright 's infamous 2003 sermon , he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` is the same al Qaeda is doing under a different color flag , '' and that the U.S. government invented `` the HIV virus as a means of genocide against people of color . ''
Wright also blamed the United States for the September 11 terror attacks , saying they were `` America ’ s chickens coming home to roost '' as a result of America 's actions against the Palestinians .
Warnock , for his part , signed a March 2019 letter criticizing Israel 's actions in the West Bank and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Africa .

Washington Free Beacon senior investigative reporter Alana Goodman on Wednesday said Georgia Senate candidate Raphael Warnock (D.) cannot distance himself from Rev. Jeremiah Wright's controversial preaching as easily as Barack Obama did.
"Warnock was actually going out on television and defending [Wright], defending his 'Damn America' speech back in 2008," Goodman said on Fox News's The Ingraham Angle. "Obama in contrast claimed that he didn't know about that speech."
"Warnock was going on TV on different shows saying that the speech was fine, he called it a 'very fine sermon,'" Goodman continued. "This is a sermon where Jeremiah Wright compared the U.S. government to al Qaeda, said that the U.S. government had invented HIV as a way to genocide the black community, so I think that Warnock is going to have a much harder time explaining that to voters in Georgia."
Warnock, who is pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, publicly defended Wright's famous "God Damn America" sermon for years.
"You ought to go back and see if you can find and read, as I have, the entire sermon. It was a very fine sermon. And Jeremiah Wright was right when he said the attack on him was in a real sense an attack on the black church," he said in 2014. "The message of Jeremiah Wright was that public policy has consequences."
He also described Wright's speech as "a very fine homily" in a 2013 book.
In Wright's infamous 2003 sermon, the Chicago pastor said that U.S. action in the Middle East "is the same al Qaeda is doing under a different color flag," and that the U.S. government invented "the HIV virus as a means of genocide against people of color."
Wright also blamed the United States for the September 11 terror attacks, saying they were "America’s chickens coming home to roost" as a result of America's actions against the Palestinians. Warnock, for his part, signed a March 2019 letter criticizing Israel's actions in the West Bank and likening them to those of apartheid South Africa.


freebeacon--2020-11-12--Continetti: ‘Break Out the Popcorn’ for Liberal Infighting

Washington Free Beacon founding editor Matthew Continetti said Wednesday that Joe Biden will likely face pressure from the left as he struggles to get things done in a divided government .
`` There is every likelihood that in January , a President Biden will be facing pressure from a frustrated left with the diminished House majority and Mitch McConnell in control of the Senate , '' Continetti said during an appearance on Fox News 's Special Report .
`` And if you 're a conservative , break out the popcorn . ''
With Speaker Nancy Pelosi 's ( D. , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the House , and the Senate likely to remain under the leadership of McConnell , Biden is set to face an uncooperative Congress .
But left-wing organizations have already begun pressuring the former vice president to govern as a progressive .
The Justice Democrats and the Sunrise Movement on Wednesday unveiled a list of their preferred choices for Biden ’ s cabinet—among them are Sen. Elizabeth Warren ( D. , Mass . )
, Sen. Bernie Sanders ( I. , Vt. ) , and Rep. Rashida Tlaib ( D. , Mich. ) .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ majority from McConnell , they would need to win both Georgia runoff elections in January .
Continetti said they might not even want Biden leading the charge to take those seats , with some behind the scenes preferring former president Barack Obama in that role .
`` The scuttlebutt is that Democrats would rather Biden stay away and Obama go , '' he said .

Washington Free Beacon founding editor Matthew Continetti said Wednesday that Joe Biden will likely face pressure from the left as he struggles to get things done in a divided government.
"There is every likelihood that in January, a President Biden will be facing pressure from a frustrated left with the diminished House majority and Mitch McConnell in control of the Senate," Continetti said during an appearance on Fox News's Special Report. "And if you're a conservative, break out the popcorn."
With Speaker Nancy Pelosi's (D., Calif.) influence set to dwindle in the House, and the Senate likely to remain under the leadership of McConnell, Biden is set to face an uncooperative Congress. But left-wing organizations have already begun pressuring the former vice president to govern as a progressive. The Justice Democrats and the Sunrise Movement on Wednesday unveiled a list of their preferred choices for Biden’s cabinet—among them are Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D., Mass.), Sen. Bernie Sanders (I., Vt.), and Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D., Mich.).
For Democrats to wrest control of the majority from McConnell, they would need to win both Georgia runoff elections in January. Continetti said they might not even want Biden leading the charge to take those seats, with some behind the scenes preferring former president Barack Obama in that role.
"The scuttlebutt is that Democrats would rather Biden stay away and Obama go," he said.


freebeacon--2020-11-12--Lib Celebrity: Giving to Dems More Important Than Giving to Charity

Singer John Legend said on Thursday that donating to Democratic candidates hoping to flip the U.S. Senate is more important @ @ @ @ @ .
`` The bottom line is that the Senate flipping would be far more impactful @ @ @ @ @ , '' Legend tweeted in reply to liberal billionaire Mark Cuban .
`` We need @ @ @ @ @ individuals and small businesses .
Government needs to do this .
Charity isn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ looking to funnel a massive amount of money from deep-pocketed , out-of-state donors into the @ @ @ @ @ part of a last-gasp bid to flip the Senate .
Last quarter , both Raphael @ @ @ @ @ Jon Ossoff ( D. ) raised over $ 21 million each , most of it @ @ @ @ @ endorsed Sen. Elizabeth Warren ( D. , Mass . )
for president earlier this year @ @ @ @ @ the South Carolina Democratic primary .
He also headlined a three-day Democratic retreat last year @

Singer John Legend said on Thursday that donating to Democratic candidates hoping to flip the U.S. Senate is more important than giving to the needy.
"The bottom line is that the Senate flipping would be far more impactful than a food bank donation," Legend tweeted in reply to liberal billionaire Mark Cuban. "We need massive stimulus and aid to individuals and small businesses. Government needs to do this. Charity isn’t sufficient."
I get that politics is annoying and contentious, but the bottom line is that the Senate flipping would be far more impactful than a food bank donation. We need massive stimulus and aid to individuals and small businesses. Government needs to do this. Charity isn’t sufficient — John Legend (@johnlegend) November 12, 2020
Democrats are looking to funnel a massive amount of money from deep-pocketed, out-of-state donors into the runoff races in Georgia as part of a last-gasp bid to flip the Senate. Last quarter, both Raphael Warnock (D.) and Jon Ossoff (D.) raised over $21 million each, most of it from out-of-state groups.
Legend endorsed Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D., Mass.) for president earlier this year and campaigned with her during the South Carolina Democratic primary. He also headlined a three-day Democratic retreat last year.


freebeacon--2020-11-12--Member of Biden Transition Contradicted Biden’s Claim That Trump Gutted CDC

A member of Joe Biden 's presidential transition team fact-checked Biden in February when the Democratic candidate falsely claimed President Donald Trump had defunded the CDC .
Health policy expert John Auerbach corrected Democrats who were saying earlier this year that President Donald Trump dismantled the CDC 's infrastructure , a claim the Associated Press found factually inaccurate .
`` The CDC ’ s response has been excellent , as it has been in the past , '' Auerbach said .
The AP 's fact check used Auerbach 's words in concluding Biden was wrong to say the Obama administration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was `` wiped out . ''
Auerbach also said staff at the top of the CDC had remained constant for the duration of the Trump administration and that the agency had not been gutted as Democrats alleged .
Auerbach has been appointed to Biden 's agency review team for the Department of Health and Human Services .
Auerbach was the CDC 's associate director for policy in the Obama administration before he became the president of Trust for America 's Health , a health policy organization .
The Biden campaign also made a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alleged silencing of a top CDC official .
A Washington Post fact check awarded the claim four Pinocchios and said the campaign had created a false narrative .
Auerbach and the Biden transition team did not respond to requests for comment .

A member of Joe Biden's presidential transition team fact-checked Biden in February when the Democratic candidate falsely claimed President Donald Trump had defunded the CDC.
Health policy expert John Auerbach corrected Democrats who were saying earlier this year that President Donald Trump dismantled the CDC's infrastructure, a claim the Associated Press found factually inaccurate.
"The CDC’s response has been excellent, as it has been in the past," Auerbach said.
The AP's fact check used Auerbach's words in concluding Biden was wrong to say the Obama administration's increase in funding for the agency was "wiped out." Auerbach also said staff at the top of the CDC had remained constant for the duration of the Trump administration and that the agency had not been gutted as Democrats alleged.
Auerbach has been appointed to Biden's agency review team for the Department of Health and Human Services. Auerbach was the CDC's associate director for policy in the Obama administration before he became the president of Trust for America's Health, a health policy organization.
The Biden campaign also made a false claim in late March concerning the alleged silencing of a top CDC official. A Washington Post fact check awarded the claim four Pinocchios and said the campaign had created a false narrative.
Auerbach and the Biden transition team did not respond to requests for comment.


freebeacon--2020-11-12--NYC Democrat Max Rose Concedes House Race to Republican Challenger

After holding out for more than a week , Democratic New York City congressman Max Rose conceded Thursday to Staten Island challenger Nicole Malliotakis .
A longtime New York assemblywoman , Malliotakis bested Rose in New York 's 11th District by a nearly 16-point margin with about 85 percent of the votes counted , according to the New York Times .
Despite Rose 's best efforts to distance himself from such radical Democrats as New York City mayor Bill de Blasio , former Texas congressman Beto O'Rourke , and New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez , the Marine veteran fell far @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we continue to count every ballot and are on track to dramatically narrow the gap by tens of thousands of votes to a 4-5 point margin , it is now clear that we will fall short of 50.1 % , '' Rose 's official statement reads .
`` I have called to to congratulate Congresswoman-elect Malliotakis on her win and concede the race . ''
Even before Rose 's concession , local outlets speculated that the Democrat is considering running for New York City mayor .
Malliotakis is one of over 20 women @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 1 of 7 who have flipped House seats .
The daughter of Cuban and Greek immigrants , Malliotakis will join an ascendant GOP class with a major increase in ethnic diversity .
Fellow New York Republican Elise Stefanik has championed electing more GOP women to national office since 2018 .
Her E-PAC has built up female Republicans ' campaign infrastructure , secured endorsements from prominent party leaders , and requested donations to push these candidates across the finish line .
`` One interesting theme in my early conversations with these women candidates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they said ] the party of Nancy Pelosi does not represent the vast majority of women in America , '' Stefanik told the Washington Free Beacon .
`` The Democratic Party does not have a monopoly on women candidates or women voters . ''
Of the seven remaining House races not yet called in New York , ballot returns show Republican candidates up in five , including two districts that would flip .
New York also showed significant improvement in presidential returns for Republicans .
With only 80 percent of the vote in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ New York than he did in 2016 , reducing his margin of loss to Democratic challenger Joe Biden to about 13 points .
That 's a closer margin than the one Sen. Mitch McConnell ( R. ) enjoyed in his Kentucky race , in which Democrats spent tens of millions to support losing candidate Amy McGrath .

After holding out for more than a week, Democratic New York City congressman Max Rose conceded Thursday to Staten Island challenger Nicole Malliotakis.
A longtime New York assemblywoman, Malliotakis bested Rose in New York's 11th District by a nearly 16-point margin with about 85 percent of the votes counted, according to the New York Times.
Despite Rose's best efforts to distance himself from such radical Democrats as New York City mayor Bill de Blasio, former Texas congressman Beto O'Rourke, and New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the Marine veteran fell far short of winning reelection.
"As we continue to count every ballot and are on track to dramatically narrow the gap by tens of thousands of votes to a 4-5 point margin, it is now clear that we will fall short of 50.1%," Rose's official statement reads. "I have called to to congratulate Congresswoman-elect Malliotakis on her win and concede the race."
Even before Rose's concession, local outlets speculated that the Democrat is considering running for New York City mayor.
Malliotakis is one of over 20 women in the next Congress's Republican conference and 1 of 7 who have flipped House seats. The daughter of Cuban and Greek immigrants, Malliotakis will join an ascendant GOP class with a major increase in ethnic diversity.
Fellow New York Republican Elise Stefanik has championed electing more GOP women to national office since 2018. Her E-PAC has built up female Republicans' campaign infrastructure, secured endorsements from prominent party leaders, and requested donations to push these candidates across the finish line.
"One interesting theme in my early conversations with these women candidates on the Republican side is that [they said] the party of Nancy Pelosi does not represent the vast majority of women in America," Stefanik told the Washington Free Beacon. "The Democratic Party does not have a monopoly on women candidates or women voters."
Of the seven remaining House races not yet called in New York, ballot returns show Republican candidates up in five, including two districts that would flip.
New York also showed significant improvement in presidential returns for Republicans.
With only 80 percent of the vote in, Trump has collected more votes in New York than he did in 2016, reducing his margin of loss to Democratic challenger Joe Biden to about 13 points. That's a closer margin than the one Sen. Mitch McConnell (R.) enjoyed in his Kentucky race, in which Democrats spent tens of millions to support losing candidate Amy McGrath.


freebeacon--2020-11-12--California Set to Reopen Strip Clubs Before Churches

A California judge ordered San Diego to reopen strip clubs even as local officials crack down on churches .
San Diego Superior Court judge Joel R. Wohlfeil ordered the state to end any actions that prevent the clubs from `` being allowed to provide live adult entertainment , '' according to the decision .
The owners of two strip clubs argued that their business is legally protected speech guaranteed by the First Amendment—the same argument that churches have been making about their own services .
The judge 's decision is not final as that in a full hearing , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ month , but it temporarily allows the strip clubs to reopen for indoor services , as other institutions close .
In their legal complaint , strip-club owners argued they have complied with social distancing requirements .
They also warned that another shutdown would mean financial ruin .
The judge temporarily sided with them .
Religious-liberty advocates said that the case could pave the way for lifting coronavirus restrictions against churches .
Paul Jonna , special counsel for the Thomas More Society , which is representing churches challenging the restrictions , expressed confidence that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
If strip clubs are entitled to constitutional protections , then churches are as well , he told the Free Beacon .
`` If you 're going to accept that argument that dancing nude is protected speech that 's so significant that it overcomes the government 's interest in regulating its citizens with COVID-19 orders , then obviously the divine worship of God , which is expressly mentioned in the First Amendment , should be held to a higher standard , '' Jonna said .
The decision comes as San Diego moves back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdown in the midst of an increase in coronavirus cases .
Churches , gyms , and schools are all closing their indoor services as the county attempts to combat the spread of the virus .
The lockdown requires nonessential businesses such as churches , restaurants , and gyms to move to outdoor-only services while permitting businesses such as salons and barber shops to remain open .
Churches in California have been locked in legal struggles with state authorities for months as churches of different denominations take legal action to try to end the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said that the San Diego decision highlights `` the absurdity '' and double standards that have defined the state 's approach to lockdowns .
`` A judge who understands the Constitution will recognize the absurdity of the current state of the law , '' he said .
`` I think it 's a good sign that judges are starting to question whether the government has a legitimate interest in regulating any business or industry at this point . ''

A California judge ordered San Diego to reopen strip clubs even as local officials crack down on churches.
San Diego Superior Court judge Joel R. Wohlfeil ordered the state to end any actions that prevent the clubs from "being allowed to provide live adult entertainment," according to the decision. The owners of two strip clubs argued that their business is legally protected speech guaranteed by the First Amendment—the same argument that churches have been making about their own services.
The judge's decision is not final as that in a full hearing, which will occur at the end of the month, but it temporarily allows the strip clubs to reopen for indoor services, as other institutions close. In their legal complaint, strip-club owners argued they have complied with social distancing requirements. They also warned that another shutdown would mean financial ruin. The judge temporarily sided with them.
Religious-liberty advocates said that the case could pave the way for lifting coronavirus restrictions against churches. Paul Jonna, special counsel for the Thomas More Society, which is representing churches challenging the restrictions, expressed confidence that this decision bodes well for the churches. If strip clubs are entitled to constitutional protections, then churches are as well, he told the Free Beacon.
"If you're going to accept that argument that dancing nude is protected speech that's so significant that it overcomes the government's interest in regulating its citizens with COVID-19 orders, then obviously the divine worship of God, which is expressly mentioned in the First Amendment, should be held to a higher standard," Jonna said.
The decision comes as San Diego moves back into a "Purple Tier" of lockdown in the midst of an increase in coronavirus cases. Churches, gyms, and schools are all closing their indoor services as the county attempts to combat the spread of the virus. The lockdown requires nonessential businesses such as churches, restaurants, and gyms to move to outdoor-only services while permitting businesses such as salons and barber shops to remain open.
Churches in California have been locked in legal struggles with state authorities for months as churches of different denominations take legal action to try to end the indefinite limitations on indoor services. Jonna said that the San Diego decision highlights "the absurdity" and double standards that have defined the state's approach to lockdowns.
"A judge who understands the Constitution will recognize the absurdity of the current state of the law," he said. "I think it's a good sign that judges are starting to question whether the government has a legitimate interest in regulating any business or industry at this point."


freebeacon--2020-11-12--In Contrast to Obama, Trump’s Healthy Lifestyle Sets Positive Example for America’s Youth

Editor 's Note : The controversial views expressed in this article , which depict smoking as a vice rather than a virtue , do not necessarily reflect the views of the Free Beacon editorial staff .
President Donald J. Trump has worked tirelessly over the past four years to alleviate the damage inflicted by his controversial predecessor , Barack Obama .
This heroic effort to undo the Obama legacy has involved policy achievements as well as Trump 's personal commitment to healthy living in order to set a more positive example for America 's children .
The leaked contents of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CNN on Thursday , contain alarming details about how `` the stress of the White House '' enabled some of his `` bad tendencies , '' such as his smoking addiction .
According to CNN , Obama writes `` somewhat lightheartedly '' about inhaling as many as 10 cancer-causing cigarettes a day and seeking out a `` discreet location to grab an evening smoke '' at the White House .
He claims to have quit his cigarette habit by becoming addicted to nicotine gum , which he chewed `` ceaselessly '' after one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` smelling cigarettes on my breath . ''
The 768-page book , titled A Promised Land , is the first of two volumes and is due out later this month .
Obama , who has already written two memoirs , will become the first U.S. president since Dwight Eisenhower to publish a multi-volume memoir about his time in office .
The revelations about Obama 's smoking and nicotine addictions reinforce a hard truth that most liberals have been loath to accept : Obama was a terrible role model for our nation 's children @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sports , he also pursued an unhealthy lifestyle that impressionable youngsters might be tempted to emulate .
Given his position of great influence , Obama 's behavior was nothing short of irresponsible .
Trump 's decision to emphasize healthy habits is another example of his dedication to making this country great again .
He promoted the benefits of exercise by playing golf far more often than his predecessor and never touched alcohol or cigarettes .
Unlike Obama , he chose to believe in science , which tells us that drinking and smoking are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` vices '' —partaking in the occasional diet soft drink or fast food meal—were extensively reported in the press , whereas Obama 's smoking appears to have been swept under the rug , just like John F. Kennedy 's depraved philandering .
The complicit media allowed rumors of Obama 's physical prowess to persist without the slightest concern for the truth .
It is too early to say whether Trump will go down as the most successful president in American history .
But even his liberal critics must acknowledge that his tireless effort @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's disdain for scientifically approved healthy habits , such as not smoking , is one of his most laudable achievements .

Editor's Note: The controversial views expressed in this article, which depict smoking as a vice rather than a virtue, do not necessarily reflect the views of the Free Beacon editorial staff.
President Donald J. Trump has worked tirelessly over the past four years to alleviate the damage inflicted by his controversial predecessor, Barack Obama. This heroic effort to undo the Obama legacy has involved policy achievements as well as Trump's personal commitment to healthy living in order to set a more positive example for America's children.
The leaked contents of Obama's forthcoming memoir, published by CNN on Thursday, contain alarming details about how "the stress of the White House" enabled some of his "bad tendencies," such as his smoking addiction.
According to CNN, Obama writes "somewhat lightheartedly" about inhaling as many as 10 cancer-causing cigarettes a day and seeking out a "discreet location to grab an evening smoke" at the White House. He claims to have quit his cigarette habit by becoming addicted to nicotine gum, which he chewed "ceaselessly" after one of his daughters "frowned" after "smelling cigarettes on my breath."
The 768-page book, titled A Promised Land, is the first of two volumes and is due out later this month. Obama, who has already written two memoirs, will become the first U.S. president since Dwight Eisenhower to publish a multi-volume memoir about his time in office.
The revelations about Obama's smoking and nicotine addictions reinforce a hard truth that most liberals have been loath to accept: Obama was a terrible role model for our nation's children. In addition to being bad at sports, he also pursued an unhealthy lifestyle that impressionable youngsters might be tempted to emulate. Given his position of great influence, Obama's behavior was nothing short of irresponsible.
Trump's decision to emphasize healthy habits is another example of his dedication to making this country great again. He promoted the benefits of exercise by playing golf far more often than his predecessor and never touched alcohol or cigarettes. Unlike Obama, he chose to believe in science, which tells us that drinking and smoking are bad for you.
Trump's so-called "vices"—partaking in the occasional diet soft drink or fast food meal—were extensively reported in the press, whereas Obama's smoking appears to have been swept under the rug, just like John F. Kennedy's depraved philandering. The complicit media allowed rumors of Obama's physical prowess to persist without the slightest concern for the truth.
It is too early to say whether Trump will go down as the most successful president in American history. But even his liberal critics must acknowledge that his tireless effort to reverse the damage caused by Obama's disdain for scientifically approved healthy habits, such as not smoking, is one of his most laudable achievements.
Thank you, President Trump!


freebeacon--2020-11-12--Iran to Block Inspectors at Nuclear Sites

Iran will reduce the access international nuclear inspectors have to its sites following a new watchdog report indicating Tehran is stockpiling more than 12 times the amount of enriched uranium allowed under the 2015 nuclear agreement .
Mojtaba Zonnour , chair of the Iranian parliament ’ s national security and foreign policy committee , said on Wednesday that the Islamic Republic will continue to reduce the access granted to inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency ( IAEA ) , which is tasked with performing oversight on Iran ’ s contested nuclear sites .
The agency will only be permitted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the IAEA ’ s ability to keep tabs on Iran ’ s nuclear advancements .
The move comes just days after a confidential IAEA report indicated Iran is hoarding large amounts of enriched uranium , the key component in a nuclear weapon .
Iran has been steadily increasing its uranium stockpiles in breach of the nuclear accord since President Donald Trump withdrew the United States from the deal .
The IAEA concluded that Iran ’ s reasons for producing this amount of uranium are `` not credible , '' furthering suspicions Tehran has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Recent reports from the Institute for Science and International Security , a nuclear watchdog group that analyzes Tehran ’ s activities , noted increased activity at the Natanz facility , a military site known to have housed Iran ’ s nuclear weapons research infrastructure .
Aside from performing supervisory work , the IAEA `` will not have any further access '' to Iran ’ s nuclear sites , Zonnour said , according to reports in Iran ’ s state-controlled press .
Meanwhile , Iran continues to insist the United States pay it reparations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during Trump ’ s tenure in office .
Former vice president Joe Biden , if he takes office , has promised to reenter the nuclear deal and roll back American sanctions on Iran .

Iran will reduce the access international nuclear inspectors have to its sites following a new watchdog report indicating Tehran is stockpiling more than 12 times the amount of enriched uranium allowed under the 2015 nuclear agreement.
Mojtaba Zonnour, chair of the Iranian parliament’s national security and foreign policy committee, said on Wednesday that the Islamic Republic will continue to reduce the access granted to inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which is tasked with performing oversight on Iran’s contested nuclear sites. The agency will only be permitted to perform supervisory actions, severely limiting the IAEA’s ability to keep tabs on Iran’s nuclear advancements.
The move comes just days after a confidential IAEA report indicated Iran is hoarding large amounts of enriched uranium, the key component in a nuclear weapon. Iran has been steadily increasing its uranium stockpiles in breach of the nuclear accord since President Donald Trump withdrew the United States from the deal. The IAEA concluded that Iran’s reasons for producing this amount of uranium are "not credible," furthering suspicions Tehran has resumed work on an atomic weapon.
Recent reports from the Institute for Science and International Security, a nuclear watchdog group that analyzes Tehran’s activities, noted increased activity at the Natanz facility, a military site known to have housed Iran’s nuclear weapons research infrastructure.
Aside from performing supervisory work, the IAEA "will not have any further access" to Iran’s nuclear sites, Zonnour said, according to reports in Iran’s state-controlled press.
Meanwhile, Iran continues to insist the United States pay it reparations for the sanctions that have been imposed during Trump’s tenure in office. Former vice president Joe Biden, if he takes office, has promised to reenter the nuclear deal and roll back American sanctions on Iran.


freebeacon--2020-11-12--Warnock’s Spiritual Mentor Called for the ‘Destruction of Everything White’

Georgia Democratic Senate candidate Rev .
Raphael Warnock has praised his religious mentor , Dr. James Hal Cone , as a `` poignant and powerful voice '' of high `` spiritual magnitude . ''
Cone , however , was a controversial theologian who argued that white Christians are `` satanic '' and advocated for the `` destruction of everything white '' in society .
Warnock has described Cone , who served as his academic adviser at the Union Theological Seminary , as his `` mentor . ''
The candidate 's ties to radical theologians , including Rev .
Jeremiah Wright @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a hotly contested Senate race that could tip the balance of the upper chamber .
Cone ’ s divisive rhetoric , and Warnock ’ s subsequent praise for him , may pose new challenges for Warnock , a political unknown until earlier this year .
Warnock 's public defense of Wright 's `` God Damn America '' speech in 2008—which President Obama denounced as offensive after his own ties to Wright came to light—has also come under scrutiny .
Wright has also credited Cone 's work for inspiring his own religious philosophy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ later in a 2018 eulogy , Warnock lavished praise on Cone .
`` How blessed we are that someone of the spiritual magnitude and power and commitment of Dr. James Hal Cone passed our way , '' Warnock said in the eulogy .
Warnock 's campaign did not respond to a request for comment .
Cone , who is widely considered the `` father of black theology , '' outlined his controversial views in his 1970 book A Black Theology of Liberation .
There , he argues that `` American white theology is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advocates for a new `` black theology '' that will usher in a revolution to eradicate whiteness from society .
`` There will be no peace in America until white people begin to hate their whiteness , asking from the depths of their being : ‘ How can we become black ? '
'' Cone wrote .
Warnock cited the work over a dozen times in the chapters and footnotes of his own 2013 book The Divided Mind of the Black Church .
One of Cone ’ s central arguments is that whites @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and follow an anti-Christian `` white theology . ''
In reality , he wrote , `` God is black '' and `` has nothing to do with the God worshiped in white churches . ''
`` The white God is an idol created by racists , and we blacks must perform the iconoclastic task of smashing false idols , '' wrote Cone .
`` White religionists are not capable of perceiving the blackness of God , because their satanic whiteness is a denial of the very essence of divinity . ''
The book @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the `` destruction of everything white . ''
`` If there is one brutal fact that the centuries of white oppression have taught blacks , it is that whites are incapable of making any valid judgements about human existence , '' wrote Cone .
`` The goal of black theology is the destruction of everything white , so that blacks can be liberated from alien gods . ''
In order for any theology to be truly Christian , Cone said , it must `` [ deny ] whiteness as a proper form @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blackness as God ’ s intention for humanity . ''
Cone also argued that black people should use any means , including violence , to overthrow American society , which he described as systemically racist .
`` With the assurance that God is on our side , we can begin to make ready for the inevitable—the decisive encounter between white and black existence .
White appeals to ‘ wait and talk it over ' are irrelevant when children are dying and men and women are being tortured , '' he wrote .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one with his pious love ethic but will seek to enhance our hostility , bringing it to its full manifestation . ''
In another part of the book , he wrote : `` We have reached our limit of tolerance , and if it means death with dignity , or life with humiliation , we choose the former .
And if that is the choice , we will take out some honkies with us . ''

Georgia Democratic Senate candidate Rev. Raphael Warnock has praised his religious mentor, Dr. James Hal Cone, as a "poignant and powerful voice" of high "spiritual magnitude."
Cone, however, was a controversial theologian who argued that white Christians are "satanic" and advocated for the "destruction of everything white" in society.
Warnock has described Cone, who served as his academic adviser at the Union Theological Seminary, as his "mentor."
The candidate's ties to radical theologians, including Rev. Jeremiah Wright, now threaten to complicate his candidacy in a hotly contested Senate race that could tip the balance of the upper chamber. Cone’s divisive rhetoric, and Warnock’s subsequent praise for him, may pose new challenges for Warnock, a political unknown until earlier this year. Warnock's public defense of Wright's "God Damn America" speech in 2008—which President Obama denounced as offensive after his own ties to Wright came to light—has also come under scrutiny. Wright has also credited Cone's work for inspiring his own religious philosophy.
First in his 2013 book and later in a 2018 eulogy, Warnock lavished praise on Cone. "How blessed we are that someone of the spiritual magnitude and power and commitment of Dr. James Hal Cone passed our way," Warnock said in the eulogy.
Warnock's campaign did not respond to a request for comment.
Cone, who is widely considered the "father of black theology," outlined his controversial views in his 1970 book A Black Theology of Liberation.
There, he argues that "American white theology is a theology of the Antichrist" and advocates for a new "black theology" that will usher in a revolution to eradicate whiteness from society.
"There will be no peace in America until white people begin to hate their whiteness, asking from the depths of their being: 'How can we become black?'" Cone wrote.
Warnock cited the work over a dozen times in the chapters and footnotes of his own 2013 book The Divided Mind of the Black Church.
One of Cone’s central arguments is that whites worship a false "white God" and follow an anti-Christian "white theology." In reality, he wrote, "God is black" and "has nothing to do with the God worshiped in white churches."
"The white God is an idol created by racists, and we blacks must perform the iconoclastic task of smashing false idols," wrote Cone. "White religionists are not capable of perceiving the blackness of God, because their satanic whiteness is a denial of the very essence of divinity."
The book argued that the purpose of black theology is the "destruction of everything white."
"If there is one brutal fact that the centuries of white oppression have taught blacks, it is that whites are incapable of making any valid judgements about human existence," wrote Cone. "The goal of black theology is the destruction of everything white, so that blacks can be liberated from alien gods."
In order for any theology to be truly Christian, Cone said, it must "[deny] whiteness as a proper form of human existence and [affirm] blackness as God’s intention for humanity."
Cone also argued that black people should use any means, including violence, to overthrow American society, which he described as systemically racist.
"With the assurance that God is on our side, we can begin to make ready for the inevitable—the decisive encounter between white and black existence. White appeals to 'wait and talk it over' are irrelevant when children are dying and men and women are being tortured," he wrote. "We will not let whitey cool this one with his pious love ethic but will seek to enhance our hostility, bringing it to its full manifestation."
In another part of the book, he wrote: "We have reached our limit of tolerance, and if it means death with dignity, or life with humiliation, we choose the former. And if that is the choice, we will take out some honkies with us."


freebeacon--2020-11-12--Is Jeremiah Wright an Anti-Semite? Raphael Warnock Can’t Say

Georgia 's Democratic Senate candidate Raphael Warnock evaded a question about whether the Rev .
Jeremiah Wright , whom he has defended numerous times over the years , is an anti-Semite .
Pressed on his support for Wright , Warnock told MSNBC 's Morning Joe : `` I 'm not an anti-Semite . ''
Wright , who found a national spotlight during President Barack Obama 's 2008 presidential bid , has blamed `` them Jews '' for driving a wedge between himself and Obama , his onetime congregant .
`` Them Jews ai n't going to let him talk to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that he 'll talk to me in five years when he 's a lame duck , or in eight years when he 's out of office , '' Wright said in 2009 .
Warnock , now competing in a hotly contested Senate race that could tip the political balance of the upper chamber , is under fire for praising Wright 's infamous `` God Damn America '' sermon , in which the pastor compared the United States to al Qaeda and accused the U.S. government of creating the HIV virus to enact a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the sermon needs to be understood in context .
`` You ought to go back and see if you can find and read , as I have , the entire sermon .
It was a very fine sermon .
And Jeremiah Wright was right when he said the attack on him was in a real sense an attack on the black church , '' Warnock said in 2014 .

Georgia's Democratic Senate candidate Raphael Warnock evaded a question about whether the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, whom he has defended numerous times over the years, is an anti-Semite.
Pressed on his support for Wright, Warnock told MSNBC's Morning Joe: "I'm not an anti-Semite."
Wright, who found a national spotlight during President Barack Obama's 2008 presidential bid, has blamed "them Jews" for driving a wedge between himself and Obama, his onetime congregant.
"Them Jews ain't going to let him talk to me. I told my baby daughter that he'll talk to me in five years when he's a lame duck, or in eight years when he's out of office," Wright said in 2009.
Warnock, now competing in a hotly contested Senate race that could tip the political balance of the upper chamber, is under fire for praising Wright's infamous "God Damn America" sermon, in which the pastor compared the United States to al Qaeda and accused the U.S. government of creating the HIV virus to enact a genocide against minorities.
Warnock has argued that the sermon needs to be understood in context. "You ought to go back and see if you can find and read, as I have, the entire sermon. It was a very fine sermon. And Jeremiah Wright was right when he said the attack on him was in a real sense an attack on the black church," Warnock said in 2014.