freebeacon--2020-11-13--Return of the Propeller Heads

Return of the Propeller Heads

Barack Obama had a nickname for the highly credentialed economists who surrounded him during his first term .
He called them `` propeller heads . ''
It was his way of joshing—and asserting superiority over—figures such as Larry Summers , Peter Orszag , Austan Goolsbee , Jason Furman , and other wonks with impeccable CVs and intimidating confidence in their own opinions .
The label reduced these résumé gods to propeller-beanie geeks .
Like most Obama statements , it was also a self-flattering way for the president to demonstrate the value he places on intellection , data , and expert @ @ @ @ @ @ @ love the idea that reason , logic , and science legitimize the power they wield through law and bureaucratic diktat .
The public was n't so enamored .
The weaknesses of the propeller heads became evident over time .
No doubt because of their glorious self-image , the propeller heads assumed that government could easily implement their ambitious theories and complicated schemes .
They assumed that human beings could be `` nudged '' into desired behaviors .
They placed one set of values—efficiency , equality , safety , carbon or gender neutrality—ahead of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ liberty .
They neglected or waved away unanticipated consequences .
They treated disagreement or disobedience as irrational or pathological—a manifestation of racism or sexism or greed .
They often went ahead with their plans regardless of disapproval or rejection .
The propeller-head mentality is `` we know best . ''
It dominated the administration .
It produced a stimulus that did not stimulate , an unpopular health care plan , a contraceptive mandate that inspired lawsuits against nuns , a cap-and-trade bill that never became law , a financial reform that squeezed community @ @ @ @ @ @ @ non-union pensioners , a series of coal and water regulations that put miners and farmers out of business , an immigration amnesty by fiat that set off a rush for the border , and a nuclear deal that rewarded Iran for its malign behavior .
Perhaps the most significant consequence of the imperious and heavy-handed manner in which experts ruled during the Obama years was the political reaction it inspired .
The propeller heads like to believe they are the stewards of a healthier , cleaner , safer , saner world .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ populism , the doulas of Donald Trump .
And now they are set for a comeback .
When you read the Biden-Sanders unity task force recommendations , go over Biden 's potential cabinet picks , or examine the membership of Biden 's COVID-19 advisory board , you see the outlines of an administration committed to the same technocratic principles and top-down , uniform , centralized style of governance as its Democratic precursor .
In some cases—if Susan Rice becomes secretary of state , for example—the very same people will be in charge .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ be new , but the methods will be similar .
The center-left views of academic , media , and cultural and foreign-policy elites will be ratified as sacrosanct .
Officials will attempt , not always successfully and with unpredictable effects , to turn these opinions into policy , through legislation if possible but through regulation mostly .
Dissenting forces will be problematized as disingenuous , malevolent , or not entirely sane .
The one place where the public will be able to register its opposition is the voting booth .
Many opinion leaders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They point to Biden 's reputation as a moderate , to his decades-long relationship with Mitch McConnell , to the constraints he will face with a narrow House majority and a potential Republican Senate .
They hope that the establishment , restored to its former fading glory , will reassert its control and `` turn down the temperature . ''
Biden , they add , will have a `` caretaker presidency . ''
He and McConnell will work out some small-bore tax changes .
Maybe an infrastructure plan will pass .
Otherwise things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tweeting furiously from the sidelines .
My pundit friends forget the nature of the propeller heads .
The propeller heads know they are right—their degrees and titles and offices and accolades prove it .
They know that government exists to perform the functions of social uplift and rational control .
They are not about to sit back and let the Delaware gang and the apex predator of American politics run the show .
There 's a virus to crush , a climate to save , a liberal international order to rebuild .
Two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transition advisory board , for instance , support another national lockdown .
Will Biden overrule them as cases mount and the media call for something to be done ?
Biden 's deputy campaign manager told Chuck Todd the other day that her boss `` campaigned on an incredibly progressive and aggressive agenda '' and that `` he 's going to make good on those commitments , '' including his `` big , aggressive '' climate plan .
Will Biden stand aside as this agenda runs into the maw of Joe Manchin and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that he , too , has `` a pen and a phone '' and instruct his EPA and Energy Departments to act accordingly ?
It was recently disclosed that Iran has 12 times the nuclear material allowed under the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action and installed advanced centrifuges in its underground research facility .
The theocratic government of Ayatollah Khamenei is isolated internationally .
Its economy is under tremendous strain from American sanctions .
And Biden and his team are ready to reenter the nuclear deal if Iran will have them , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in order to demonstrate to Europe that `` America is back . ''
`` There 's nothing more dangerous than a propeller head who does n't know his limitations , '' David Brooks wrote in 2009 .
Today 's propeller heads are more ambitious than they were a decade ago .
And far more moralistic .
Come January , they will return to their old offices and resume their old games .
Sure , a few of the names will be different .
But the results will be the same .

Barack Obama had a nickname for the highly credentialed economists who surrounded him during his first term. He called them "propeller heads." It was his way of joshing—and asserting superiority over—figures such as Larry Summers, Peter Orszag, Austan Goolsbee, Jason Furman, and other wonks with impeccable CVs and intimidating confidence in their own opinions. The label reduced these résumé gods to propeller-beanie geeks. Like most Obama statements, it was also a self-flattering way for the president to demonstrate the value he places on intellection, data, and expert knowledge. He and his fellow progressives love the idea that reason, logic, and science legitimize the power they wield through law and bureaucratic diktat.
The public wasn't so enamored. The weaknesses of the propeller heads became evident over time. No doubt because of their glorious self-image, the propeller heads assumed that government could easily implement their ambitious theories and complicated schemes. They assumed that human beings could be "nudged" into desired behaviors. They placed one set of values—efficiency, equality, safety, carbon or gender neutrality—ahead of others, especially individual freedom and religious liberty. They neglected or waved away unanticipated consequences. They treated disagreement or disobedience as irrational or pathological—a manifestation of racism or sexism or greed. They often went ahead with their plans regardless of disapproval or rejection.
The propeller-head mentality is "we know best." It dominated the administration. It produced a stimulus that did not stimulate, an unpopular health care plan, a contraceptive mandate that inspired lawsuits against nuns, a cap-and-trade bill that never became law, a financial reform that squeezed community banks, a GM bailout that stiffed non-union pensioners, a series of coal and water regulations that put miners and farmers out of business, an immigration amnesty by fiat that set off a rush for the border, and a nuclear deal that rewarded Iran for its malign behavior. Perhaps the most significant consequence of the imperious and heavy-handed manner in which experts ruled during the Obama years was the political reaction it inspired. The propeller heads like to believe they are the stewards of a healthier, cleaner, safer, saner world. But they are really the midwives of national populism, the doulas of Donald Trump.
And now they are set for a comeback. When you read the Biden-Sanders unity task force recommendations, go over Biden's potential cabinet picks, or examine the membership of Biden's COVID-19 advisory board, you see the outlines of an administration committed to the same technocratic principles and top-down, uniform, centralized style of governance as its Democratic precursor. In some cases—if Susan Rice becomes secretary of state, for example—the very same people will be in charge. In other cases, the personalities will be new, but the methods will be similar.
The center-left views of academic, media, and cultural and foreign-policy elites will be ratified as sacrosanct. Officials will attempt, not always successfully and with unpredictable effects, to turn these opinions into policy, through legislation if possible but through regulation mostly. Dissenting forces will be problematized as disingenuous, malevolent, or not entirely sane. The one place where the public will be able to register its opposition is the voting booth.
Many opinion leaders in Washington dispute the above scenario. They point to Biden's reputation as a moderate, to his decades-long relationship with Mitch McConnell, to the constraints he will face with a narrow House majority and a potential Republican Senate. They hope that the establishment, restored to its former fading glory, will reassert its control and "turn down the temperature." Biden, they add, will have a "caretaker presidency." He and McConnell will work out some small-bore tax changes. Maybe an infrastructure plan will pass. Otherwise things will drift merrily along, with Trump tweeting furiously from the sidelines.
My pundit friends forget the nature of the propeller heads. The propeller heads know they are right—their degrees and titles and offices and accolades prove it. They know that government exists to perform the functions of social uplift and rational control. They are not about to sit back and let the Delaware gang and the apex predator of American politics run the show. There's a virus to crush, a climate to save, a liberal international order to rebuild.
Two of Biden's appointees to the COVID-19 transition advisory board, for instance, support another national lockdown. Will Biden overrule them as cases mount and the media call for something to be done?
Biden's deputy campaign manager told Chuck Todd the other day that her boss "campaigned on an incredibly progressive and aggressive agenda" and that "he's going to make good on those commitments," including his "big, aggressive" climate plan. Will Biden stand aside as this agenda runs into the maw of Joe Manchin and the Senate Republicans? Or will he say that he, too, has "a pen and a phone" and instruct his EPA and Energy Departments to act accordingly?
It was recently disclosed that Iran has 12 times the nuclear material allowed under the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action and installed advanced centrifuges in its underground research facility. The theocratic government of Ayatollah Khamenei is isolated internationally. Its economy is under tremendous strain from American sanctions. And Biden and his team are ready to reenter the nuclear deal if Iran will have them, rewarding an authoritarian state sponsor of terrorism in order to demonstrate to Europe that "America is back."
"There's nothing more dangerous than a propeller head who doesn't know his limitations," David Brooks wrote in 2009. Today's propeller heads are more ambitious than they were a decade ago. And far more moralistic. Come January, they will return to their old offices and resume their old games. Sure, a few of the names will be different. But the results will be the same.


freebeacon--2020-11-13--Potential Biden Cabinet Pick a Frequent Guest on Chinese Propaganda Outlets

Jeffrey Sachs , an economist and potential progressive pick for a cabinet position under a Joe Biden administration , appeared on Chinese propaganda outlets throughout the 2020 campaign to blast U.S. foreign policy as an `` unholy crusade against China . ''
Sachs , a Columbia University economist , contributed to scathing articles in the Global Times , China Daily , and other regime mouthpieces and has done media hits on state-owned outlets such as the China Global Television Network ( CGTN ) .
Sachs has maintained a long relationship with the Chinese government and business elite , which can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ early 2000s .
Over the last few months , Sachs has criticized new U.S. restrictions on Huawei as undue `` punitive measures '' and condemned sanctions implemented after Beijing 's Hong Kong crackdown .
The academic has also lavished praise on China for its economic development programs , including the controversial Belt and Road Initiative , which critics fear is trapping developing countries in crippling debt .
He accused President Donald Trump of `` trying to incite a new cold war against China '' in comments published in the Global Times in May @ @ @ @ @ @ @ name for himself in the field of development economics , Sachs has made frequent appearances on mainstream U.S. media networks such as CNN and MSNBC , earning him a following among progressives .
His name has been floated as a potential cabinet member in a Biden White House .
Sachs did not respond to a request for comment .
Sachs has vehemently opposed tariffs against China , characterizing them as a politically motivated policy that undermines free trade .
Former U.S. ambassador to China Max Baucus also appears on Chinese propaganda outlets to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on China policy to the Biden campaign , indicating that the former vice president could soften the U.S. approach to China .
James Carafano , a foreign policy expert at the Heritage Foundation , said Sachs 's views on China are divergent from the mainstream national security consensus among both Democrats and Republicans .
`` I think both Republicans and Democrats see China 's malicious activity as a threat , '' Carafano told the Washington Free Beacon .
`` So , I think a lot of those comments are really out of mainstream @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have nothing to do with whether you liked this administration 's policies on China or not . ''
Sachs has maintained close ties to the Chinese elite for years .
The professor—who first consulted for the Chinese government between 2001 and 2002 on its `` Western Development Policy '' —is an advisory board member for the International Poverty Reduction Center in China , according to his official biography .
Meanwhile , documents from a 2016 United Nations forum indicate Sachs previously served on the advisory board of the nonprofit arm of an indicted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nonprofit to funnel bribes to African leaders .
Sachs denied ever being on the board in 2018 .
By the Free Beacon ‘ s count , Sachs has written articles for or been extensively quoted in Chinese propaganda outlets on at least five occasions and appeared on the state-owned CGTN 's broadcasts eight times .
Whenever Sachs was cited in CGTN web articles , Chinese propagandists ran headlines touting Beijing 's talking points : `` Expert : Trump suspending WHO funding is ‘ disgraceful ' and ‘ disgusting ' '' ; `` A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sanctions '' ; `` How can China 's anti-poverty experience inspire UN SDGs ? ''
Despite having written dozens of academic articles on the Chinese economy , Sachs expressed ignorance and mild skepticism in 2018 regarding human-rights atrocities in Xinjiang .
He conflated them with `` propaganda '' against the Chinese government at a time when several Western outlets had already reported about the detention of more than a million Muslim Uighurs in concentration camps .
`` Trying to understand situation .
Happy to read suggested books & articles , '' Sachs tweeted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Uighurs .
`` I 've not had occasion to visit Xinjiang in 15 yrs .
With so much glib USG propaganda & denial of US wars and misdeeds I strive for cooperation . ''
Sachs has also been a consistent supporter of the Chinese tech giant Huawei , brushing aside Western concerns that the firm poses a national security risk .
He quit Twitter in 2018 after receiving persistent criticism for an article he wrote defending Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou , whom the United States has accused of violating sanctions on Iran .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ defense , saying critics were guilty of `` neo-McCarthyism . ''
Carafano predicted that Sachs 's views on China will land him in hot water during a potential Senate confirmation hearing .
The position of Treasury secretary , a likely spot for Sachs should he receive a cabinet nomination , will be expected to enforce economic sanctions against China .
`` I think his views are going to raise the eyebrows of senators , '' Carafano said .
The Biden campaign did not respond to a request for comment .

Jeffrey Sachs, an economist and potential progressive pick for a cabinet position under a Joe Biden administration, appeared on Chinese propaganda outlets throughout the 2020 campaign to blast U.S. foreign policy as an "unholy crusade against China."
Sachs, a Columbia University economist, contributed to scathing articles in the Global Times, China Daily, and other regime mouthpieces and has done media hits on state-owned outlets such as the China Global Television Network (CGTN). Sachs has maintained a long relationship with the Chinese government and business elite, which can be traced back to at least the early 2000s.
Over the last few months, Sachs has criticized new U.S. restrictions on Huawei as undue "punitive measures" and condemned sanctions implemented after Beijing's Hong Kong crackdown. The academic has also lavished praise on China for its economic development programs, including the controversial Belt and Road Initiative, which critics fear is trapping developing countries in crippling debt. He accused President Donald Trump of "trying to incite a new cold war against China" in comments published in the Global Times in May.
Originally an economist who made a name for himself in the field of development economics, Sachs has made frequent appearances on mainstream U.S. media networks such as CNN and MSNBC, earning him a following among progressives. His name has been floated as a potential cabinet member in a Biden White House.
Sachs did not respond to a request for comment.
Sachs has vehemently opposed tariffs against China, characterizing them as a politically motivated policy that undermines free trade. Former U.S. ambassador to China Max Baucus also appears on Chinese propaganda outlets to criticize Trump. Baucus is an adviser on China policy to the Biden campaign, indicating that the former vice president could soften the U.S. approach to China.
James Carafano, a foreign policy expert at the Heritage Foundation, said Sachs's views on China are divergent from the mainstream national security consensus among both Democrats and Republicans.
"I think both Republicans and Democrats see China's malicious activity as a threat," Carafano told the Washington Free Beacon. "So, I think a lot of those comments are really out of mainstream for both Democrats and Republicans, and have nothing to do with whether you liked this administration's policies on China or not."
Sachs has maintained close ties to the Chinese elite for years. The professor—who first consulted for the Chinese government between 2001 and 2002 on its "Western Development Policy"—is an advisory board member for the International Poverty Reduction Center in China, according to his official biography. Meanwhile, documents from a 2016 United Nations forum indicate Sachs previously served on the advisory board of the nonprofit arm of an indicted Chinese energy company, which used the nonprofit to funnel bribes to African leaders. Sachs denied ever being on the board in 2018.
By the Free Beacon's count, Sachs has written articles for or been extensively quoted in Chinese propaganda outlets on at least five occasions and appeared on the state-owned CGTN's broadcasts eight times. Whenever Sachs was cited in CGTN web articles, Chinese propagandists ran headlines touting Beijing's talking points: "Expert: Trump suspending WHO funding is 'disgraceful' and 'disgusting'"; "A pandemic is no time for U.S. economic sanctions"; "How can China's anti-poverty experience inspire UN SDGs?"
Despite having written dozens of academic articles on the Chinese economy, Sachs expressed ignorance and mild skepticism in 2018 regarding human-rights atrocities in Xinjiang. He conflated them with "propaganda" against the Chinese government at a time when several Western outlets had already reported about the detention of more than a million Muslim Uighurs in concentration camps.
"Trying to understand situation. Happy to read suggested books & articles," Sachs tweeted when asked to condemn the detention of Uighurs. "I've not had occasion to visit Xinjiang in 15 yrs. With so much glib USG propaganda & denial of US wars and misdeeds I strive for cooperation."
Sachs has also been a consistent supporter of the Chinese tech giant Huawei, brushing aside Western concerns that the firm poses a national security risk. He quit Twitter in 2018 after receiving persistent criticism for an article he wrote defending Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou, whom the United States has accused of violating sanctions on Iran. The Global Times came to Sachs's defense, saying critics were guilty of "neo-McCarthyism."
Carafano predicted that Sachs's views on China will land him in hot water during a potential Senate confirmation hearing. The position of Treasury secretary, a likely spot for Sachs should he receive a cabinet nomination, will be expected to enforce economic sanctions against China. "I think his views are going to raise the eyebrows of senators," Carafano said.
The Biden campaign did not respond to a request for comment.


freebeacon--2020-11-14--Twitter Puts Warning Label on Nikki Haley’s Tweet But Lets Ayatollah Slide

Twitter slapped a warning label on a tweet from former U.N. ambassador Nikki Haley arguing that `` election fraud does happen , '' but the social media platform has looked the other way at tweets from Iran 's Ayatollah Khamenei denying the Holocaust .
The social media platform placed a `` disputed '' label on Haley 's statement that `` Despite what the media tells us , election fraud does happen , and policies like ballot harvesting and mailing ballots to people who do n't request them makes it easier . ''
The label links to a series of fact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claim about ballot harvesting .
Haley pushed back on the move , pointing to Twitter 's refusal to label tweets from Khamenei , who as recently as last month used the platform to spread misinformation about the Holocaust .
`` Why is it a crime to raise doubts about the Holocaust ?
Why should anyone who writes about such doubts be imprisoned while insulting the prophet ( pbuh ) is allowed ? ''
Khamenei tweeted on Oct. 28 .
The perception among conservatives that Twitter unfairly suppresses conservative speech has elicited blowback from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ report Wednesday chronicled the departure of thousands of conservatives from the platform to alternative social media sites like Parler , Newsmax , MeWe and Rumble .
Twitter did not respond to a request for comment .

Twitter slapped a warning label on a tweet from former U.N. ambassador Nikki Haley arguing that "election fraud does happen," but the social media platform has looked the other way at tweets from Iran's Ayatollah Khamenei denying the Holocaust.
The social media platform placed a "disputed" label on Haley's statement that "Despite what the media tells us, election fraud does happen, and policies like ballot harvesting and mailing ballots to people who don't request them makes it easier." The label links to a series of fact checks that do not address Haley's claim about ballot harvesting.
Despite what the media tells us, election fraud does happen, and
policies like ballot harvesting and mailing ballots to people who
don’t request them makes it easier. That needs to stop.@standamericanow Read more: https://t.co/CpTuLcPCmY — Nikki Haley (@NikkiHaley) November 13, 2020
Haley pushed back on the move, pointing to Twitter's refusal to label tweets from Khamenei, who as recently as last month used the platform to spread misinformation about the Holocaust.
"Why is it a crime to raise doubts about the Holocaust? Why should anyone who writes about such doubts be imprisoned while insulting the prophet (pbuh) is allowed?" Khamenei tweeted on Oct. 28.
The perception among conservatives that Twitter unfairly suppresses conservative speech has elicited blowback from the right: A New York Times report Wednesday chronicled the departure of thousands of conservatives from the platform to alternative social media sites like Parler, Newsmax, MeWe, and Rumble.
Twitter did not respond to a request for comment.


freebeacon--2020-11-13--Trump Administration Unleashes New Sanctions on China’s Military Industry

The Trump administration unleashed new sanctions on companies that contribute to China 's military-industrial base , the White House announced Thursday .
The executive order will prohibit Americans from owning shares of 31 companies that support the industrial , communications , and technological capabilities of China 's People 's Liberation Army .
Pentagon officials designated the firms as `` Communist Chinese military companies '' in June and August memos , according to the Wall Street Journal .
The targeted companies have enjoyed the support of American investors—many of the sanctioned firms are traded on Chinese stock exchanges , and two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ York Stock Exchange .
Even if the latest sanctions are reversed by a Biden administration next year , investment experts believe the White House 's order could deter further American investment in Chinese companies .
Sen. Marco Rubio ( R. , Fla. ) , a prominent China critic in Congress , welcomed the White House 's move .
`` The Chinese Communist Party 's exploitation of U.S. capital markets is a clear and ongoing risk to U.S. economic and national security , '' Rubio told the New York Times on Thursday .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clear marker for U.S. policy going forward—we can never put the interests of the Chinese Communist Party and Wall Street above American workers and mom-and-pop investors . ''
White House trade czar and China hawk Peter Navarro also applauded the decision as a strike against the Chinese military .
`` American capital should not be used to finance the construction of Chinese Communist weapons literally aimed at killing Americans and driving the U.S. military out of Asia , '' Navarro said .
`` This strong action by President Trump puts a stop to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sanctions are only the latest move in a larger effort to divorce American institutions from financial and information networks that strengthen the Chinese Communist Party .
In an interview this summer with the Washington Free Beacon , Undersecretary of State Keith Krach outlined the State Department 's strategy to combat Chinese influence from college campuses to Wall Street .
Through a series of `` clean '' initiatives , the federal government has worked to eliminate Chinese technology and influence in American private enterprise .

The Trump administration unleashed new sanctions on companies that contribute to China's military-industrial base, the White House announced Thursday.
The executive order will prohibit Americans from owning shares of 31 companies that support the industrial, communications, and technological capabilities of China's People's Liberation Army. Pentagon officials designated the firms as "Communist Chinese military companies" in June and August memos, according to the Wall Street Journal.
The targeted companies have enjoyed the support of American investors—many of the sanctioned firms are traded on Chinese stock exchanges, and two of them are listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Even if the latest sanctions are reversed by a Biden administration next year, investment experts believe the White House's order could deter further American investment in Chinese companies.
Sen. Marco Rubio (R., Fla.), a prominent China critic in Congress, welcomed the White House's move. "The Chinese Communist Party's exploitation of U.S. capital markets is a clear and ongoing risk to U.S. economic and national security," Rubio told the New York Times on Thursday. "Today's action also lays down a clear marker for U.S. policy going forward—we can never put the interests of the Chinese Communist Party and Wall Street above American workers and mom-and-pop investors."
White House trade czar and China hawk Peter Navarro also applauded the decision as a strike against the Chinese military. "American capital should not be used to finance the construction of Chinese Communist weapons literally aimed at killing Americans and driving the U.S. military out of Asia," Navarro said. "This strong action by President Trump puts a stop to that Wall Street insanity."
The sanctions are only the latest move in a larger effort to divorce American institutions from financial and information networks that strengthen the Chinese Communist Party. In an interview this summer with the Washington Free Beacon, Undersecretary of State Keith Krach outlined the State Department's strategy to combat Chinese influence from college campuses to Wall Street. Through a series of "clean" initiatives, the federal government has worked to eliminate Chinese technology and influence in American private enterprise.


freebeacon--2020-11-13--Alito Savages Democratic Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, Accusing Him of Orchestrating ‘Affront to the C

Alito Savages Democratic Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, Accusing Him of Orchestrating ‘Affront to the Constitution and the Rule of Law’

Justice Samuel Alito on Thursday night took aim at Democratic lawmakers over a brief they filed in a recent Second Amendment case , and condemned them for trying to strong-arm the Supreme Court .
In remarks to the Federalist Society Alito slammed Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse , one of the brief 's authors , for floating the prospect of `` restructur [ ing ] '' the Court in response to a pro-gun ruling .
Alito called the idea `` an affront to the Constitution and the rule of law . ''
The remarks from 70-year-old justice , nominated by President George @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heads : Supreme Court justices rarely trade barbs with politicians , and Alito ’ s candid comments provided a rare glimpse inside the Court after a contentious election cycle where court-packing was a major issue .
The justice also weighed in on issues from gun rights to the coronavirus , telling the crowd that for many Democrats , the Second Amendment is `` the ultimate second-tier constitutional right , '' and that the sweeping restrictions lawmakers have enacted to battle the coronavirus have revealed their contempt for religious freedom .
`` Take a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` You will see the free exercise clause of the First Amendment , which protects religious liberty .
You will not find a craps clause , or a blackjack clause , or a slot machine clause . ''
The justice was referring to a Nevada law that gave the green light for casinos to open but capped church attendance .
Rhode Island ’ s Sheldon Whitehouse came in for a special rebuke , with Alito singling out a recent brief filed by the senator and four colleagues on a New York @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his colleagues said that a pro-gun ruling would further incite the growing movement to `` restructure '' the Court .
`` The senators ' brief was extraordinary , '' Alito added .
`` I could say something about standards of professional conduct .
But the brief involved something even more important .
It was an affront to the Constitution and the rule of law . ''

Justice Samuel Alito on Thursday night took aim at Democratic lawmakers over a brief they filed in a recent Second Amendment case, and condemned them for trying to strong-arm the Supreme Court.
In remarks to the Federalist Society Alito slammed Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, one of the brief's authors, for floating the prospect of "restructur[ing]" the Court in response to a pro-gun ruling. Alito called the idea "an affront to the Constitution and the rule of law."
The remarks from 70-year-old justice, nominated by President George W. Bush in 2006, are turning heads: Supreme Court justices rarely trade barbs with politicians, and Alito’s candid comments provided a rare glimpse inside the Court after a contentious election cycle where court-packing was a major issue.
The justice also weighed in on issues from gun rights to the coronavirus, telling the crowd that for many Democrats, the Second Amendment is "the ultimate second-tier constitutional right," and that the sweeping restrictions lawmakers have enacted to battle the coronavirus have revealed their contempt for religious freedom.
"Take a quick look at the Constitution" Alito said. "You will see the free exercise clause of the First Amendment, which protects religious liberty. You will not find a craps clause, or a blackjack clause, or a slot machine clause." The justice was referring to a Nevada law that gave the green light for casinos to open but capped church attendance.
Rhode Island’s Sheldon Whitehouse came in for a special rebuke, with Alito singling out a recent brief filed by the senator and four colleagues on a New York City firearms transportation ordinance. Whitehouse and his colleagues said that a pro-gun ruling would further incite the growing movement to "restructure" the Court.
"The senators' brief was extraordinary," Alito added. "I could say something about standards of professional conduct. But the brief involved something even more important. It was an affront to the Constitution and the rule of law."


freebeacon--2020-11-13--Warnock in 2009: ‘Sick and Tired’ of Attacks on Socialism

Georgia Democratic Senate candidate Rev .
Raphael Warnock is battling accusations that he has embraced socialism , something he has dismissed out of hand .
`` It would be funny if it were n't sad , '' Warnock told MSNBC 's Joy Ann Reid on Thursday .
But Warnock 's denials appear to conflict with a 2009 sermon in which he argued that socialism is supported by Scripture and compared socialized health care to such run-of-the-mill government services as police protection .
Warnock , who is locked in a tight Senate race against Republican incumbent Kelly Loeffler , argued that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have `` all things in common . ''
`` You do n't solve the problem simply by calling something ‘ socialism . '
There are some things that we have in common , '' Warnock said .
`` We do n't ask people to buy their own police protection , their own fire protection .
We decided long ago that we ought to pool our resources and pick up everybody 's garbage so that free enterprise can take place .
There are some things we have in common . ''
Warnock added that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outbreak that was going on at the time , people tend to forget their concerns about socialized health care .
`` They 'll stand in a long line , they 'll leave their gated community , they 'll make their way to a free clinic in order to get an H1N1 vaccine , '' he said .
The Warnock campaign did not respond to a request for comment .
Warnock , the senior pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church , expressed frustration that many want to keep an arm 's length away from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ policies .
`` I 'm so sick and tired of all of these folk talking about ‘ socialistic medicine , ' '' he said in the sermon .
`` And I really get upset when I hear Christians in the midst of this debate , talking about socialism .
They ought to go back and read Acts Chapter Two , where the Bible says that the church had all things in common . ''
Warnock on Thursday seemed to do an about-face , brushing off the notion that he has embraced socialist policies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was befuddled by the accusation .
`` No , I do n't know what they mean , '' Warnock said , referring to Republican attack ads that have painted him as a socialist .
`` They do n't know , either .
This would be funny if it were n't sad .
And cynical . ''
Warnock is headed into a runoff election against Sen. Loeffler on January 5 .
National political organizations are expected to pour record-breaking funds and resources into the highly contested race , which is one of two runoff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ control of the U.S. Senate next year .
Warnock has recently faced scrutiny for calling Israel an `` oppressive regime '' that shoots unarmed Palestinians , praising Rev .
Jeremiah Wright 's `` God Damn America '' speech , and supporting his religious mentor James Hal Cone , who claimed that white Christians practice the `` theology of the Antichrist '' and described white people as `` satanic . ''

Georgia Democratic Senate candidate Rev. Raphael Warnock is battling accusations that he has embraced socialism, something he has dismissed out of hand. "It would be funny if it weren't sad," Warnock told MSNBC's Joy Ann Reid on Thursday.
But Warnock's denials appear to conflict with a 2009 sermon in which he argued that socialism is supported by Scripture and compared socialized health care to such run-of-the-mill government services as police protection.
Warnock, who is locked in a tight Senate race against Republican incumbent Kelly Loeffler, argued that the New Testament says church members should have "all things in common."
"You don't solve the problem simply by calling something 'socialism.' There are some things that we have in common," Warnock said. "We don't ask people to buy their own police protection, their own fire protection. We decided long ago that we ought to pool our resources and pick up everybody's garbage so that free enterprise can take place. There are some things we have in common."
Warnock added that during pandemics, such as the H1N1 outbreak that was going on at the time, people tend to forget their concerns about socialized health care. "They'll stand in a long line, they'll leave their gated community, they'll make their way to a free clinic in order to get an H1N1 vaccine," he said.
After publication of this article, a spokesman for Warnock said the sermon is consistent with his current views on health care.
"This sermon focused on the need for health care coverage, which Reverend Warnock said then is a human right, and something Kelly Loeffler has attacked throughout her short time in the Senate, where she's looked out only for herself," spokesman Terrence Clark said.
Warnock, the senior pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church, expressed frustration that many want to keep an arm's length away from the "socialist" label and from socialist policies.
"I'm so sick and tired of all of these folk talking about 'socialistic medicine,'" he said in the sermon. "And I really get upset when I hear Christians in the midst of this debate, talking about socialism. They ought to go back and read Acts Chapter Two, where the Bible says that the church had all things in common."
Warnock on Thursday seemed to do an about-face, brushing off the notion that he has embraced socialist policies and telling MSNBC's Reid that he was befuddled by the accusation.
"No, I don't know what they mean," Warnock said, referring to Republican attack ads that have painted him as a socialist. "They don't know, either. This would be funny if it weren't sad. And cynical."
Warnock is headed into a runoff election against Sen. Loeffler on January 5. National political organizations are expected to pour record-breaking funds and resources into the highly contested race, which is one of two runoff elections in Georgia that will determine party control of the U.S. Senate next year.
Warnock has recently faced scrutiny for calling Israel an "oppressive regime" that shoots unarmed Palestinians, praising Rev. Jeremiah Wright's "God Damn America" speech, and supporting his religious mentor James Hal Cone, who claimed that white Christians practice the "theology of the Antichrist" and described white people as "satanic."
UPDATE, Saturday, November 14: This piece was updated to incorporate comment from Warnock’s campaign.


freebeacon--2020-11-13--CNN Anchor Compares Trump Presidency to Nazi Germany

CNN chief international anchor Christiane Amanpour on Thursday compared President Donald Trump 's tenure to Nazi Germany on the anniversary of Kristallnacht , the 1938 prelude to the Holocaust .
`` [ Kristallnacht ] led to an attack on fact , knowledge , history , and truth , '' Amanpour said .
`` After four years of a modern-day assault on those same values by Donald Trump , the Biden-Harris team pledges a return to norms , including the truth . ''
Amanpour did not explain further why the Kristallnacht comparison was apt , merely saying the night of terror @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a genocide '' without naming who the victims were .
She quickly moved on to saying Trump was `` brooding '' and conducting a `` purge '' by making personnel changes , while `` Biden makes presidential announcements about good governance . ''
Members of the media and Democratic politicians have repeatedly linked President Trump 's term in office with Nazism , the political movement that systematically exterminated six million Jews and tried to conquer the world .
Most recently in the run-up to the election , former vice president Joe Biden said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Joseph ] Goebbels , '' the propaganda minister of the Third Reich .
A Yale professor and frequent CNN and MSNBC guest even tried to make the case last week that Trump was in some ways worse than Hitler .

CNN chief international anchor Christiane Amanpour on Thursday compared President Donald Trump's tenure to Nazi Germany on the anniversary of Kristallnacht, the 1938 prelude to the Holocaust.
"[Kristallnacht] led to an attack on fact, knowledge, history, and truth," Amanpour said. "After four years of a modern-day assault on those same values by Donald Trump, the Biden-Harris team pledges a return to norms, including the truth."
Amanpour did not explain further why the Kristallnacht comparison was apt, merely saying the night of terror against Jews was the start of "a genocide" without naming who the victims were. She quickly moved on to saying Trump was "brooding" and conducting a "purge" by making personnel changes, while "Biden makes presidential announcements about good governance."
Members of the media and Democratic politicians have repeatedly linked President Trump's term in office with Nazism, the political movement that systematically exterminated six million Jews and tried to conquer the world.
Most recently in the run-up to the election, former vice president Joe Biden said Trump was "sort of like [Joseph] Goebbels," the propaganda minister of the Third Reich. A Yale professor and frequent CNN and MSNBC guest even tried to make the case last week that Trump was in some ways worse than Hitler.


freebeacon--2020-11-13--Obama Blames Lib Strategist Steve Schmidt for Ruining Politics

Liberal strategist and Lincoln Project cofounder Steve Schmidt is perhaps single-handedly responsible for the political success of Donald Trump and the breakdown in American political discourse .
That is the assessment of former president Barack Obama , who argues in his forthcoming memoir that John McCain 's nomination of Sarah Palin to be his running mate in 2008 was a pivotal moment in American politics that unleashed an irreversible tide of ignorance and racism .
`` Through Palin , it seemed as if the dark spirits that had long been lurking on the edges of the modern Republican Party—xenophobia , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an antipathy toward Black and brown folks—were finding their way to center stage , '' Obama writes in A Promised Land , the first volume of his third memoir .
Palin 's elevation within the Republican Party , Obama argues , `` would provide a template for future politicians , shifting [ McCain 's ] party 's center and the country 's politics overall in a direction he abhorred . ''
In fact , Schmidt is largely responsible for the decision to nominate Palin .
Prior to becoming a lib , Schmidt worked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ presidential campaign , where his tireless advocacy on Palin 's behalf ultimately persuaded McCain to make her his running mate .
As the New York Times reported in 2012 : `` It was Mr. Schmidt who first championed Sarah Palin as Mr. McCain ’ s running mate , a bold move , he told Mr. McCain , that could win him the White House . ''
Schmidt went on to become an MSNBC contributor , where he appears as a `` Republican strategist '' who regurgitates liberal orthodoxy .
In 2019 , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ super PAC that raised millions of dollars by producing # Resistance pornography for deranged libs .
The Lincoln Project routinely boasted about the political impact its edgy ads were having on the 2020 election , often deploying the hashtag # LincolnProjectEffect in an effort to convince liberal donors that their money was being spent wisely .
It was n't .
The Lincoln Project talked a big game about its effort to unseat incumbent GOP senators in 2020 and spent about $ 12 million on seven key races in support of Democratic candidates .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ went an abysmal 0-7 in those races , only one of which was even close .
• South Carolina : $ 2.4 million spent ; Sen. Lindsey Graham ( R. , S.C. ) won reelection by more than 10 percentage points .
• Iowa : $ 226,000 spent ; Sen. Joni Ernst ( R. , Iowa ) won reelection by more than 6 percentage points .
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez ( D. , N.Y. ) is right—for once—to be pissed off at all the lib donors who enabled the Lincoln Project 's masturbatory grift @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she argued , was a `` scam '' that should not be taken seriously by anyone .

Liberal strategist and Lincoln Project cofounder Steve Schmidt is perhaps single-handedly responsible for the political success of Donald Trump and the breakdown in American political discourse.
That is the assessment of former president Barack Obama, who argues in his forthcoming memoir that John McCain's nomination of Sarah Palin to be his running mate in 2008 was a pivotal moment in American politics that unleashed an irreversible tide of ignorance and racism.
"Through Palin, it seemed as if the dark spirits that had long been lurking on the edges of the modern Republican Party—xenophobia, anti intellectualism, paranoid conspiracy theories, an antipathy toward Black and brown folks—were finding their way to center stage," Obama writes in A Promised Land, the first volume of his third memoir.
Palin's elevation within the Republican Party, Obama argues, "would provide a template for future politicians, shifting [McCain's] party's center and the country's politics overall in a direction he abhorred."
In fact, Schmidt is largely responsible for the decision to nominate Palin. Prior to becoming a lib, Schmidt worked as a senior adviser on McCain's presidential campaign, where his tireless advocacy on Palin's behalf ultimately persuaded McCain to make her his running mate.
As the New York Times reported in 2012: "It was Mr. Schmidt who first championed Sarah Palin as Mr. McCain’s running mate, a bold move, he told Mr. McCain, that could win him the White House."
Schmidt went on to become an MSNBC contributor, where he appears as a "Republican strategist" who regurgitates liberal orthodoxy. In 2019, he cofounded the Lincoln Project, a liberal super PAC that raised millions of dollars by producing #Resistance pornography for deranged libs.


freebeacon--2020-11-13--Southern Poverty Law Center: Teachers Are ‘Weaponizing’ Whiteness

The Southern Poverty Law Center published an article documenting the ways in which white teachers `` weaponize their whiteness '' to harm black students .
The article , published by SPLC 's `` Teaching Tolerance '' division , outlines how white people weaponize their `` entitlement , anger , … need for retaliation , feigned fear and , finally , white fragility . ''
It suggests that teachers—particularly white , female teachers—can stop the weaponization of whiteness by relinquishing control of their classrooms when a student questions their authority .
One teacher quoted in the piece says he has to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or control in [ his ] class , and especially to resist the anger that can bubble up in [ him ] when that control is called into question . ''
Other weaponizations of whiteness include crying in the classroom and disciplining students in a colorblind manner .
The article claims that if a white , female educator cries around her students , she is using the tears to `` gain sympathy or further assert [ her ] power . ''
`` History has viewed white women as prized possessions to be protected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , terror , and death for black people , '' the article reads .
It goes on to say that disciplining students re-creates `` the dynamics that were used as excuses for racial terror '' under Jim Crow laws .
Teaching Tolerance offers educators a free curriculum derived from critical race theory , which asserts that America was founded on racism .
In Virginia 's richest school district , teachers are using that curriculum in kindergarten classrooms .
SPLC says it supplies the materials to half a million educators nationwide , but the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as schools can access the curriculum online .

The Southern Poverty Law Center published an article documenting the ways in which white teachers "weaponize their whiteness" to harm black students.
The article, published by SPLC's "Teaching Tolerance" division, outlines how white people weaponize their "entitlement, anger, … need for retaliation, feigned fear and, finally, white fragility."
It suggests that teachers—particularly white, female teachers—can stop the weaponization of whiteness by relinquishing control of their classrooms when a student questions their authority. One teacher quoted in the piece says he has to "resist the urge to maintain power or control in [his] class, and especially to resist the anger that can bubble up in [him] when that control is called into question."
Other weaponizations of whiteness include crying in the classroom and disciplining students in a colorblind manner. The article claims that if a white, female educator cries around her students, she is using the tears to "gain sympathy or further assert [her] power."
"History has viewed white women as prized possessions to be protected, so their tears have represented danger, terror, and death for black people," the article reads. It goes on to say that disciplining students re-creates "the dynamics that were used as excuses for racial terror" under Jim Crow laws.
Teaching Tolerance offers educators a free curriculum derived from critical race theory, which asserts that America was founded on racism. In Virginia's richest school district, teachers are using that curriculum in kindergarten classrooms. SPLC says it supplies the materials to half a million educators nationwide, but the actual number is likely much higher, as schools can access the curriculum online.


freebeacon--2020-11-13--Chicago Mayor Goes After Weddings and Funerals But Defends Massive Election Party

Chicago mayor Lori Lightfoot ( D. ) on Friday expressed dismay that people are `` still '' meeting in private spaces but defended her choice to appear without a mask at a giant gathering of Joe Biden supporters .
Lightfoot justified the flouting of social distancing guidelines by telling MSNBC 's Stephanie Ruhle that `` everyone was wearing masks '' —a claim disproved by Lightfoot 's own video—and saying Saturday 's celebration came at a time `` when we actually do need to have relief and come together . ''
The mayor tweeted a video of her partying with other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You should absolutely celebrate this victory and savor every minute of it . ''
CDC guidelines state that masks are not a substitute for social distancing and should be worn in addition to observing six feet of distance .
Those around Lightfoot during her speech were flagrantly violating those guidelines , but on Friday Lightfoot expressed alarm that Chicagoans were continuing to meet in `` private places . ''
`` One of the biggest challenges we face now , which is different than in the spring , is the spread in private places—in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` People are still having gatherings like weddings and funerals . ''
On Thursday Lightfoot announced a new stay-at-home advisory , banning gatherings of more than 10 people and urging citizens to `` cancel traditional Thanksgiving plans . ''
Lightfoot drew ire for flouting state lockdown regulations in April by getting a haircut .
In a public service announcement , she had explicitly told Chicagoans that `` getting your roots done '' was not essential , but she said that did n't apply to her because she is `` the public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I 'm on national media and I 'm out in the public eye , '' Lightfoot told reporters in April .
`` I take my personal hygiene very seriously .
I felt like I needed to have a haircut .
I 'm not able to do that myself , and so , I got a haircut .
You want to talk more about that ? ''

Chicago mayor Lori Lightfoot (D.) on Friday expressed dismay that people are "still" meeting in private spaces but defended her choice to appear without a mask at a giant gathering of Joe Biden supporters.
Lightfoot justified the flouting of social distancing guidelines by telling MSNBC's Stephanie Ruhle that "everyone was wearing masks"—a claim disproved by Lightfoot's own video—and saying Saturday's celebration came at a time "when we actually do need to have relief and come together." The mayor tweeted a video of her partying with other Biden supporters and telling them, "You should absolutely celebrate this victory and savor every minute of it."
This is a great day for our city and our country. We are taking our democracy back. #BidenHarris2020 pic.twitter.com/OAZQPd1r4y — Lori Lightfoot (@LoriLightfoot) November 8, 2020
CDC guidelines state that masks are not a substitute for social distancing and should be worn in addition to observing six feet of distance. Those around Lightfoot during her speech were flagrantly violating those guidelines, but on Friday Lightfoot expressed alarm that Chicagoans were continuing to meet in "private places."
"One of the biggest challenges we face now, which is different than in the spring, is the spread in private places—in homes, event spaces," she said. "People are still having gatherings like weddings and funerals."
On Thursday Lightfoot announced a new stay-at-home advisory, banning gatherings of more than 10 people and urging citizens to "cancel traditional Thanksgiving plans."
- Stay home unless for essential reasons
- Stop having guests over—including family members you do not live with
- Avoid non-essential travel
- Cancel traditional Thanksgiving plans — Mayor Lori Lightfoot (@chicagosmayor) November 12, 2020
Lightfoot drew ire for flouting state lockdown regulations in April by getting a haircut. In a public service announcement, she had explicitly told Chicagoans that "getting your roots done" was not essential, but she said that didn't apply to her because she is "the public face of this city."
"I'm on national media and I'm out in the public eye," Lightfoot told reporters in April. "I take my personal hygiene very seriously. I felt like I needed to have a haircut. I'm not able to do that myself, and so, I got a haircut. You want to talk more about that?"


freebeacon--2020-11-14--This Week In Campus Insanity Vol. 19

This Week In Campus Insanity Vol. 19

Welcome back to Campus Insanity , a weekly roundup of the craziest developments at our nation 's 4,000-plus institutions of higher education .
6 .
University of Minnesota Students Demand George Floyd Prosecutor Be Removed From Dean 's Advisory Council | The Minnesota Daily Student activists at the University of Minnesota are demanding the school cut ties with attorney Mike Freeman—who sits on the dean 's advisory council—after he cited `` underlying health conditions '' as a potential reason for George Floyd ’ s death and opted not to charge all the officers at the scene .
5 .
Tufts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Beginning of ‘ Perfection ' of the American Union | The College Fix Tufts University professor Nassir Ghaemi said the 2020 presidential election results are indicative of the `` white male Christian power hierarchy '' losing its grip on political power and America becoming more equal as a result .
The head of Boston University 's Center for Antiracist Research , Ibram X. Kendi , claims the term `` legal vote '' is `` functionally racist , '' just like the words `` illegal alien , '' `` race-neutral , '' `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' and `` crack baby . ''
Students at Maine 's Bates College protested after the school posted a picture of the College Republican president on its Instagram page .
Northwestern University ’ s `` Community Not Cops , '' an anti-police activist group , organized an abolitionist breakfast where black students were served first .
A Kansas State University professor of gender , women , and sexuality studies alleged that the marginalization of minority communities presents a threat to dogs and called for recognition of `` interspecies intersectionality . ''
Want more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here .
If you have any suggestions for our Top 6 stories please email chrissy @ freebeacon.com & nester @ freebeacon.com .

Welcome back to Campus Insanity, a weekly roundup of the craziest developments at our nation's 4,000-plus institutions of higher education.
6. University of Minnesota Students Demand George Floyd Prosecutor Be Removed From Dean's Advisory Council | The Minnesota Daily
Student activists at the University of Minnesota are demanding the school cut ties with attorney Mike Freeman—who sits on the dean's advisory council—after he cited "underlying health conditions" as a potential reason for George Floyd’s death and opted not to charge all the officers at the scene.
5. Tufts University Psychiatrist: Trump's Loss is the Beginning of 'Perfection' of the American Union | The College Fix
Tufts University professor Nassir Ghaemi said the 2020 presidential election results are indicative of the "white male Christian power hierarchy" losing its grip on political power and America becoming more equal as a result.
4. Boston University Professor Calls the Term 'Legal Vote' Racist | Campus Reform
The head of Boston University's Center for Antiracist Research, Ibram X. Kendi, claims the term "legal vote" is "functionally racist," just like the words "illegal alien," "race-neutral," "handouts," "personal responsibility," and "crack baby."
3. Activists Protest Bates College's Instagram Post of College Republican President | The Bates Student
Students at Maine's Bates College protested after the school posted a picture of the College Republican president on its Instagram page.
2. Northwestern University Student Protesters Hosted Abolitionist Breakfast Meeting, Served Minority Students Food First | The Daily Northwestern
Northwestern University’s "Community Not Cops," an anti-police activist group, organized an abolitionist breakfast where black students were served first.
1. Kansas State University Professor: Pit Bulls, 'Bad Dogs' Face Marginalization Akin to Racism | The College Fix
A Kansas State University professor of gender, women, and sexuality studies alleged that the marginalization of minority communities presents a threat to dogs and called for recognition of "interspecies intersectionality."
Want more Campus Insanity? Read Vol. 18 here.
If you have any suggestions for our Top 6 stories please email chrissy@freebeacon.com & nester@freebeacon.com.


freebeacon--2020-11-14--Warnock: Americans Must ‘Repent’ for Backing Trump and ‘Worship of Whiteness’

Georgia Democrat Raphael Warnock argued in late 2016 that Americans needed to `` repent '' both for supporting Donald Trump and for the country 's `` worship of whiteness . ''
The comments came in an address at Atlanta 's Candler School of Theology shortly before Trump defeated Hillary Clinton in the 2016 presidential election .
`` If it is true that a man who has dominated the news and poisoned the discussion for months needs to repent , then it is doubly true that a nation that can produce such a man and make his vitriol go viral needs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ raucous applause .
`` No matter what happens next month , more than a third of the nation that would go along with this , is reason to be afraid .
America needs to repent for its worship of whiteness , on full display this season . ''
A full version of Warnock 's remarks can be found here .
The Warnock campaign did not respond to a request for comment .
While Trump 's support among white men eroded in the 2020 presidential race , he gained ground with African-Americans and Hispanics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Church , Warnock is now locked in a tight Senate race against Republican incumbent Kelly Loeffler .
He is already under fire for a bevy of his previous statements , from calling Israel an `` oppressive regime '' to his defense of the anti-Semitic Rev .
Jeremiah Wright .
He is also come under scrutiny for praising his religious mentor , Dr. James Cone , who argued that white Christians practice the `` theology of the Antichrist '' and described whites as `` satanic . ''
In the same sermon , Warnock also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ telling the audience that refusing to do so while demanding Americans work is dehumanizing .
`` Whenever we refuse to raise the minimum wage while demanding that people ought to work , we are saying , ‘ I can do with them whatever I want , ' '' he said .
Warnock is headed into a runoff election against Loeffler on Jan. 5 .
National political organizations are expected to pour record-breaking funds and resources into the highly contested race , which is one of two runoff elections in Georgia that will determine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year .

'If it is true that a man who has dominated the news and poisoned the discussion for months needs to repent, then it is doubly true that a nation that can produce such a man and make his vitriol go viral needs to repent'
Georgia Democrat Raphael Warnock argued in late 2016 that Americans needed to "repent" both for supporting Donald Trump and for the country's "worship of whiteness."
The comments came in an address at Atlanta's Candler School of Theology shortly before Trump defeated Hillary Clinton in the 2016 presidential election.
"If it is true that a man who has dominated the news and poisoned the discussion for months needs to repent, then it is doubly true that a nation that can produce such a man and make his vitriol go viral needs to repent," Warnock said to raucous applause. "No matter what happens next month, more than a third of the nation that would go along with this, is reason to be afraid. America needs to repent for its worship of whiteness, on full display this season."
A full version of Warnock's remarks can be found here. The Warnock campaign did not respond to a request for comment. While Trump's support among white men eroded in the 2020 presidential race, he gained ground with African-Americans and Hispanics.
The senior pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church, Warnock is now locked in a tight Senate race against Republican incumbent Kelly Loeffler. He is already under fire for a bevy of his previous statements, from calling Israel an "oppressive regime" to his defense of the anti-Semitic Rev. Jeremiah Wright. He is also come under scrutiny for praising his religious mentor, Dr. James Cone, who argued that white Christians practice the "theology of the Antichrist" and described whites as "satanic."
In the same sermon, Warnock also argued for raising the minimum wage, telling the audience that refusing to do so while demanding Americans work is dehumanizing. "Whenever we refuse to raise the minimum wage while demanding that people ought to work, we are saying, 'I can do with them whatever I want,'" he said.
Warnock is headed into a runoff election against Loeffler on Jan. 5. National political organizations are expected to pour record-breaking funds and resources into the highly contested race, which is one of two runoff elections in Georgia that will determine party control of the U.S. Senate next year.


freebeacon--2020-11-15--This Week in Leftist Violence and Intimidation Vol. 12

Last weekend , major media outlets declared Joe Biden the victor in the 2020 presidential election , but the celebrations that ensued did not put an end to the left 's rage .
Here are some of the instances of leftist violence and intimidation around the election .
In a protest signaling the national struggle between factions of the left , Antifa and Black Lives Matter protesters smashed windows and graffitied the Multnomah County Democrats ’ office building , calling for an end to constitutional government .
They spray-painted `` F— Biden '' beneath cardboard cutouts of the president-elect , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Portland Protesters Harass Homeowner : ‘ Asking for People to Be Peaceful Is White Supremacy' Black Lives Matter protesters in Portland invaded a residential area and screamed at a Biden supporter who begged for peace from his front porch , telling him that `` asking for people to be peaceful is white supremacy . ''
4 .
Wisconsin Demonstrators Dance With Beheaded Trump Effigy , Fight With Each Other A post-election demonstration in Madison , Wis. , marked Donald Trump ’ s defeat by dancing , cursing , and beheading an effigy of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out between a pro-Biden demonstrator and a supporter of the Black Lives Matter movement .
3 .
Minneapolis Election Protesters Kick Cop , Try to Blind Another With Laser Pointers Two protesters taking part in a demonstration that blocked an interstate highway were charged with gross misdemeanors after one shined a laser pointer into the eye of a police officer and the other kicked an officer in the groin .
2 .
Seattle BLM Activist Arrested for Breaking Into Seven Homes , Lighting Fires A Black Lives Matter activist broke into seven Seattle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arrested , according to a police report .
A local protest group started a crowdfunding page to provide her bail .
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez ( D. , N.Y. ) called for blacklisting members of the departing Trump administration and those in Congress who cooperated with the Trump White House .
`` Is anyone archiving these Trump sycophants for when they try to downplay or deny their complicity in the future ? ''
she tweeted .

Last weekend, major media outlets declared Joe Biden the victor in the 2020 presidential election, but the celebrations that ensued did not put an end to the left's rage. Here are some of the instances of leftist violence and intimidation around the election.
6. ‘F— BIDEN’: BLM and Antifa Vandalize Portland Democrats’ County Building
In a protest signaling the national struggle between factions of the left, Antifa and Black Lives Matter protesters smashed windows and graffitied the Multnomah County Democrats’ office building, calling for an end to constitutional government. They spray-painted "F— Biden" beneath cardboard cutouts of the president-elect, and three were arrested.
'No Presidents" - Portland protesters tonight move from Laurelhurst Park to the Multnomah County Democrats building. Multiple windows were damaged. #PortlandProtests #Portland #Protest #Elections2020 pic.twitter.com/kz7jNLz8pT — Independent Media PDX (@NDpendentPDX) November 9, 2020
5. Portland Protesters Harass Homeowner: 'Asking for People to Be Peaceful Is White Supremacy'
Black Lives Matter protesters in Portland invaded a residential area and screamed at a Biden supporter who begged for peace from his front porch, telling him that "asking for people to be peaceful is white supremacy."
4. Wisconsin Demonstrators Dance With Beheaded Trump Effigy, Fight With Each Other
A post-election demonstration in Madison, Wis., marked Donald Trump’s defeat by dancing, cursing, and beheading an effigy of the president. A fight later broke out between a pro-Biden demonstrator and a supporter of the Black Lives Matter movement.
A BLM protester holds effigy of a beheaded Donald Trump while Biden supporters sing "Fu*k Donald Trump" here in Madison, Wisconsin. pic.twitter.com/Z1of4ZcJ7T — Rebecca Brannon (@RebsBrannon) November 7, 2020
3. Minneapolis Election Protesters Kick Cop, Try to Blind Another With Laser Pointers
Two protesters taking part in a demonstration that blocked an interstate highway were charged with gross misdemeanors after one shined a laser pointer into the eye of a police officer and the other kicked an officer in the groin.
2. Seattle BLM Activist Arrested for Breaking Into Seven Homes, Lighting Fires
A Black Lives Matter activist broke into seven Seattle homes and lit fires inside before being arrested, according to a police report. A local protest group started a crowdfunding page to provide her bail.
Lisbeth De La Cruz Monegro (21) was arrested for arson and 3 counts of burglary. An organizer of bridge blocking BLM protests. Associated with Morning March Seattle Already begging for money.#seattleprotests #Seattle #seattleriots https://t.co/jtDWSOUnqr pic.twitter.com/MBh5SGmIwt — AntifaWatch (@AntifaWatch2) November 9, 2020
1. AOC Wants Trump-Era Officials Blacklisted
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D., N.Y.) called for blacklisting members of the departing Trump administration and those in Congress who cooperated with the Trump White House. "Is anyone archiving these Trump sycophants for when they try to downplay or deny their complicity in the future?" she tweeted.
Is anyone archiving these Trump sycophants for when they try to downplay or deny their complicity in the future? I foresee decent probability of many deleted Tweets, writings, photos in the future — Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) November 6, 2020


freebeacon--2020-11-17--Business Groups Plot Challenge to California Crackdown on Gig Workers

Small business advocacy organizations are suing California to overturn a controversial law that targets the gig economy—a lawsuit that could affect Joe Biden 's economic agenda in the White House .
The International Franchise Association and Asian American Hotel Association are preparing to challenge California Assembly Bill 5 ( AB5 ) , a 2019 bill that limits businesses ' ability to designate workers as independent contractors .
The groups argue that the California regulation will hurt vulnerable populations in an economy that has already been devastated by the coronavirus pandemic .
The proceedings could carry national implications , as President-elect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
These vulnerable populations do not just include contractors striving to hold multiple jobs at once in the `` gig economy '' but also enterprising business owners who set up national franchise locations , according to Robert Cresanti , president of the International Franchise Association .
`` Choosing to license a brand name and invest in starting a franchise business should not mean that these entrepreneurs are treated like employees of a corporation , '' Cresanti said in a Monday press conference .
`` In fact , they are independent risk-takers , entrepreneurs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new laws would treat hoteliers and other franchise owners as employees of national brands , a financial relationship desired by neither the operator nor the parent company .
Asian American Hotel Association spokesman Chirag Shah said that the legislation damages the prospects of hotel owners , many of whom are recent immigrants .
`` These hotels are their livelihoods , '' Shah said of the small-business owners .
`` As first , second , and now some third generation Americans , the hotel business is part of the fabric of our community … @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as immigrants with no money , and for many English was a third or even fourth language . ''
On the campaign trail , Biden said AB5 would serve as a model for his economic agenda .
He said a similar federal law would prevent employers from `` misclassifying '' workers to cut labor costs .
`` Employer misclassification of ‘ gig economy ' workers as independent contractors deprives these workers of legally mandated benefits and protections , '' his campaign website says .
`` States like California have already paved the way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ owns a 7-Eleven franchise , said the measures will only serve to weaken job opportunities for the unemployed and struggling .
She noted that AB5 has already led 7-Eleven to announce that it will not seek to create new franchises in the state , potentially costing Californians jobs .
`` My family has been in the business since 1957 , '' Sarola said .
`` We are living our American dream … [ AB5 ] would erode the franchise model and hurt franchise businesses across the Golden State . ''
The California law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
House minority leader Kevin McCarthy ( R. , Calif. ) has previously stood alongside small businesses and economists alike to prevent AB5 from taking continued effect .
`` With California 's shelter in place order in effect for nearly a month , it 's clearer than ever that the state 's AB5 policy continues to hurt gig-economy workers , '' McCarthy told the Washington Free Beacon in April .
`` Gig economy workers deserve to maintain their livelihoods throughout the duration of this pandemic and afterwards . ''
The legal team assembled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ case against Sacramento .
Cresanti said the lawsuit is a necessary step to prevent the state government from doing permanent damage to both business owners and workers .
`` Fundamentally , it just shocks the conscience that this unintended consequence could actually befall someone , '' Cresanti said .
`` It just [ strikes ] at the very core of fairness … this is a taking by the government . ''
The groups are expected to file the lawsuit on Tuesday .

Small business advocacy organizations are suing California to overturn a controversial law that targets the gig economy—a lawsuit that could affect Joe Biden's economic agenda in the White House.
The International Franchise Association and Asian American Hotel Association are preparing to challenge California Assembly Bill 5 (AB5), a 2019 bill that limits businesses' ability to designate workers as independent contractors. The groups argue that the California regulation will hurt vulnerable populations in an economy that has already been devastated by the coronavirus pandemic. The proceedings could carry national implications, as President-elect Joe Biden endorsed similar measures in March.
These vulnerable populations do not just include contractors striving to hold multiple jobs at once in the "gig economy" but also enterprising business owners who set up national franchise locations, according to Robert Cresanti, president of the International Franchise Association.
"Choosing to license a brand name and invest in starting a franchise business should not mean that these entrepreneurs are treated like employees of a corporation," Cresanti said in a Monday press conference. "In fact, they are independent risk-takers, entrepreneurs, and job creators."
The new laws would treat hoteliers and other franchise owners as employees of national brands, a financial relationship desired by neither the operator nor the parent company. Asian American Hotel Association spokesman Chirag Shah said that the legislation damages the prospects of hotel owners, many of whom are recent immigrants.
"These hotels are their livelihoods," Shah said of the small-business owners. "As first, second, and now some third generation Americans, the hotel business is part of the fabric of our community … These people came to the United States as immigrants with no money, and for many English was a third or even fourth language."
On the campaign trail, Biden said AB5 would serve as a model for his economic agenda. He said a similar federal law would prevent employers from "misclassifying" workers to cut labor costs.
"Employer misclassification of 'gig economy' workers as independent contractors deprives these workers of legally mandated benefits and protections," his campaign website says. "States like California have already paved the way."
Hotelier Jyoti Sarola said the measures will only serve to weaken job opportunities for the unemployed and struggling. She noted that AB5 has already led 7-Eleven to announce that it will not seek to create new franchises in the state, potentially costing Californians jobs.
"My family has been in the business since 1957," Sarola said. "We are living our American dream … [AB5] would erode the franchise model and hurt franchise businesses across the Golden State."
The California law has already drawn opposition on Capitol Hill. House minority leader Kevin McCarthy (R., Calif.) has previously stood alongside small businesses and economists alike to prevent AB5 from taking continued effect.
"With California's shelter in place order in effect for nearly a month, it's clearer than ever that the state's AB5 policy continues to hurt gig-economy workers," McCarthy told the Washington Free Beacon in April. "Gig economy workers deserve to maintain their livelihoods throughout the duration of this pandemic and afterwards."
The legal team assembled by the organizations spoke confidently about its case against Sacramento. Cresanti said the lawsuit is a necessary step to prevent the state government from doing permanent damage to both business owners and workers.
"Fundamentally, it just shocks the conscience that this unintended consequence could actually befall someone," Cresanti said. "It just [strikes] at the very core of fairness … this is a taking by the government."
The groups are expected to file the lawsuit on Tuesday.


freebeacon--2020-11-16--Israel Demands Apology From CNN Anchor For Holocaust Comparison

Israel demanded an apology from CNN anchor Christiane Amanpour on Sunday for her comments comparing the Trump presidency to Kristallnacht , a violent pogrom perpetrated against Jews in Nazi Germany that killed dozens and left synagogues and Jewish-owned businesses destroyed .
`` Using the memory of the Holocaust for cheap headlines or a political agenda is concerning and distorts the historical and moral truth , '' Diaspora Affairs minister Omer Yankelevich said , according to the Jerusalem Post .
She added that CNN `` should be a partner in the global effort to fight anti-Semitism and not fuel the fire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after Amanpour ’ s Friday comments that likened President Donald Trump 's tenure to the night of violence against Jews .
`` [ Kristallnacht ] led to an attack on fact , knowledge , history , and truth , '' Amanpour said .
`` After four years of a modern-day assault on those same values by Donald Trump , the Biden-Harris team pledges a return to norms , including the truth . ''
Following the comments , prominent American and Israeli commentators slammed Amanpour for the analogy .
White House press secretary Kayleigh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' demanding CNN `` apologize for trivializing the Holocaust and the tragic genocide of millions of Jews . ''
`` They must also apologize for slandering the most pro-Israel President in history , '' she added .
`` Shame on you [ Amanpour and CNN ] for invoking the Holocaust in such manner , '' Ostrovsky tweeted Friday .
`` Whatever policy differences you may have with Trump , to compare his [ administration ] to Kristallnacht is grossly offensive & only demeans the memory of the 6 million Jews systematically murdered in @ @ @ @

Israel demanded an apology from CNN anchor Christiane Amanpour on Sunday for her comments comparing the Trump presidency to Kristallnacht, a violent pogrom perpetrated against Jews in Nazi Germany that killed dozens and left synagogues and Jewish-owned businesses destroyed .
"Using the memory of the Holocaust for cheap headlines or a political agenda is concerning and distorts the historical and moral truth," Diaspora Affairs minister Omer Yankelevich said, according to the Jerusalem Post. She added that CNN "should be a partner in the global effort to fight anti-Semitism and not fuel the fire."
Jerusalem’s rebuke comes after Amanpour’s Friday comments that likened President Donald Trump's tenure to the night of violence against Jews.
"[Kristallnacht] led to an attack on fact, knowledge, history, and truth," Amanpour said. "After four years of a modern-day assault on those same values by Donald Trump, the Biden-Harris team pledges a return to norms, including the truth."
Following the comments, prominent American and Israeli commentators slammed Amanpour for the analogy. White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany called the comparison "despicable," demanding CNN "apologize for trivializing the Holocaust and the tragic genocide of millions of Jews."
"They must also apologize for slandering the most pro-Israel President in history," she added.
Israeli human-rights lawyer and political analyst Arsen Ostrovsky also condemned Amanpour’s comments.
"Shame on you [Amanpour and CNN] for invoking the Holocaust in such manner," Ostrovsky tweeted Friday. "Whatever policy differences you may have with Trump, to compare his [administration] to Kristallnacht is grossly offensive & only demeans the memory of the 6 million Jews systematically murdered in the Holocaust!"


freebeacon--2020-11-16--Far-Left Activist Launches Super PAC to Boost Ossoff, Warnock

A far-left former congressional candidate often called `` Atlanta 's AOC '' has launched a super PAC that plans to spend millions backing Georgia Democratic Senate candidates Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock .
Georgia-based activist Nabilah Islam , who unsuccessfully ran for Congress with the support of liberal `` Squad '' members Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez ( D. , N.Y. ) and Ilhan Omar ( D. , Minn. ) , formed a super PAC in the immediate aftermath of the November election .
She has pledged to spend millions to help Democrats win the state 's closely watched January runoffs .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ electoral undertaking since her failed congressional campaign , which centered on support for far-left proposals such as defunding police and implementing the Green New Deal .
Tens of millions of dollars in outside money are expected to flood Georgia as Democrats look to gain control of the Senate by unseating Republican senators David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler .
While Ossoff and Warnock have attempted to distance themselves from the far-left policies backed by Islam , the Democrats have leaned on the party 's progressive wing to raise money .
The pair courted progressive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virtual fundraiser .
Sen. Bernie Sanders ( I. , Vt. ) said that winning the races would allow Democrats to `` put forth a progressive agenda '' that includes `` a Green New Deal '' in a recent fundraising email .
Islam most recently ran to represent Georgia 's Seventh Congressional District .
She backed a number of far-left policies during the race , including defunding the police , Medicare for All , and the Green New Deal .
Ocasio-Cortez praised Islam for not being `` afraid to fight against the status quo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's Courage to Change PAC gave Islam $ 5,000 in May .
She received just 12 percent of the vote in Georgia 's June Democratic primary .
Islam has criticized Loeffler 's `` law and order '' rhetoric , accusing the Republican of `` encouraging violence . ''
She publicly backed defunding police in a June interview with the Atlanta-based NRI Pulse .
`` I believe that we need to defund the police and divest that money towards racial bias training , de-escalation training , and not just one time , but an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Islam registered the Save our Senate PAC with the Federal Elections Commission on November 6 .
Along with cofounder and Gwinnett County Democratic chairwoman Bianca Keaton , the progressive activist told the Georgia Recorder that the group will spend `` seven figures '' to rally Georgia voters behind Ossoff and Warnock .
Save our Senate PAC could not be reached for comment using the information provided in its Federal Elections Commission filing .
Islam did not immediately return a request for comment .

A far-left former congressional candidate often called "Atlanta's AOC" has launched a super PAC that plans to spend millions backing Georgia Democratic Senate candidates Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock.
Georgia-based activist Nabilah Islam, who unsuccessfully ran for Congress with the support of liberal "Squad" members Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D., N.Y.) and Ilhan Omar (D., Minn.), formed a super PAC in the immediate aftermath of the November election. She has pledged to spend millions to help Democrats win the state's closely watched January runoffs. The super PAC is Islam's most ambitious electoral undertaking since her failed congressional campaign, which centered on support for far-left proposals such as defunding police and implementing the Green New Deal.
Tens of millions of dollars in outside money are expected to flood Georgia as Democrats look to gain control of the Senate by unseating Republican senators David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler. While Ossoff and Warnock have attempted to distance themselves from the far-left policies backed by Islam, the Democrats have leaned on the party's progressive wing to raise money. The pair courted progressive Silicon Valley donors during a November 9 virtual fundraiser. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I., Vt.) said that winning the races would allow Democrats to "put forth a progressive agenda" that includes "a Green New Deal" in a recent fundraising email.
Islam most recently ran to represent Georgia's Seventh Congressional District. She backed a number of far-left policies during the race, including defunding the police, Medicare for All, and the Green New Deal. Ocasio-Cortez praised Islam for not being "afraid to fight against the status quo," and the New York Democrat's Courage to Change PAC gave Islam $5,000 in May. She received just 12 percent of the vote in Georgia's June Democratic primary.
Islam has criticized Loeffler's "law and order" rhetoric, accusing the Republican of "encouraging violence." She publicly backed defunding police in a June interview with the Atlanta-based NRI Pulse.
"I believe that we need to defund the police and divest that money towards racial bias training, de-escalation training, and not just one time, but an ongoing training program," Islam said.
Islam registered the Save our Senate PAC with the Federal Elections Commission on November 6. Along with cofounder and Gwinnett County Democratic chairwoman Bianca Keaton, the progressive activist told the Georgia Recorder that the group will spend "seven figures" to rally Georgia voters behind Ossoff and Warnock.
Save our Senate PAC could not be reached for comment using the information provided in its Federal Elections Commission filing. Islam did not immediately return a request for comment.


freebeacon--2020-11-16--Biden Meets with Leadership of Union Under Fire for Corruption

President-elect Joe Biden met with United Auto Workers leaders Monday just hours after federal authorities moved to sentence an ex-union official to 34 months in jail in connection with a corruption probe .
Biden told a gathering of business and labor leaders that his administration would be in `` lockstep '' with them on reviving the economy after the coronavirus pandemic .
The meeting between the Democrat and UAW leadership came the same day that federal prosecutors recommended a jail term of almost three years for former UAW vice president Joe Ashton , who received hundreds of thousands of dollars @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has also ensnared the UAW 's last two presidents .
A total of 14 top union officials pleaded guilty to or were convicted of accepting illegal gifts , misusing millions in union funds , or embezzlement .
The probe found that former UAW president Dennis Williams , who served from 2014 to 2018 , used union funds to pay for personal expenses .
Federal prosecutors called for government oversight of the union to root out corruption .
A labor watchdog questioned whether Biden 's meeting with current UAW president Rory Gamble could influence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ activities .
`` The next administration should be just as committed to fixing what ails the UAW as the current one , '' Charlyce Bozzello , communications director for the Center for Union Facts , told the Washington Free Beacon .
`` That means Joe Biden needs to prioritize rank-and-file workers instead of cutting his political allies in union leadership a break . ''
The Biden campaign did not respond to a request for comment on the UAW 's potential federal oversight .
When asked for comment on the meeting and what was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Free Beacon to a June statement about negotiations between Gamble and the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan to reform the union 's practices .
The union declined to comment on the content of the meeting .
The union endorsed Biden 's candidacy in April , touting Biden 's support for unionization and collective bargaining rights .
`` UAW Members need a federal government that ensures that members have both a good job to go to , and that they come home to their families at night having earned a fair @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and secure place , '' Gamble said in the statement .
The union donated nearly $ 6 million to Democratic political causes in 2020 .
The question of union influence has dogged Biden in the past .
The Obama administration eased federal oversight of the Teamsters shortly after Obama and Biden arrived in the White House .
The decision drew scrutiny , particularly because the Teamsters union was one of the first major labor groups to endorse Obama in the 2008 campaign .
Bozzello said Biden owes it to rank-and-file auto workers to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` After two former union presidents and numerous other officials have pleaded guilty to helping embezzle hundreds of thousands of members ' dues dollars , government oversight of the UAW may be the only way to reverse years of entrenched corruption at the union , '' Bozzello said .

President-elect Joe Biden met with United Auto Workers leaders Monday just hours after federal authorities moved to sentence an ex-union official to 34 months in jail in connection with a corruption probe.
Biden told a gathering of business and labor leaders that his administration would be in "lockstep" with them on reviving the economy after the coronavirus pandemic. The meeting between the Democrat and UAW leadership came the same day that federal prosecutors recommended a jail term of almost three years for former UAW vice president Joe Ashton, who received hundreds of thousands of dollars in kickbacks.
The federal corruption probe has also ensnared the UAW's last two presidents. A total of 14 top union officials pleaded guilty to or were convicted of accepting illegal gifts, misusing millions in union funds, or embezzlement. The probe found that former UAW president Dennis Williams, who served from 2014 to 2018, used union funds to pay for personal expenses. Federal prosecutors called for government oversight of the union to root out corruption.
A labor watchdog questioned whether Biden's meeting with current UAW president Rory Gamble could influence the decision to monitor the union's activities.
"The next administration should be just as committed to fixing what ails the UAW as the current one," Charlyce Bozzello, communications director for the Center for Union Facts, told the Washington Free Beacon. "That means Joe Biden needs to prioritize rank-and-file workers instead of cutting his political allies in union leadership a break."
The Biden campaign did not respond to a request for comment on the UAW's potential federal oversight.
When asked for comment on the meeting and what was discussed, a UAW spokesman referred the Free Beacon to a June statement about negotiations between Gamble and the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan to reform the union's practices. The union declined to comment on the content of the meeting.
The union endorsed Biden's candidacy in April, touting Biden's support for unionization and collective bargaining rights. "UAW Members need a federal government that ensures that members have both a good job to go to, and that they come home to their families at night having earned a fair day’s wage in a safe and secure place," Gamble said in the statement. The union donated nearly $6 million to Democratic political causes in 2020.
The question of union influence has dogged Biden in the past. The Obama administration eased federal oversight of the Teamsters shortly after Obama and Biden arrived in the White House. The decision drew scrutiny, particularly because the Teamsters union was one of the first major labor groups to endorse Obama in the 2008 campaign. Bozzello said Biden owes it to rank-and-file auto workers to protect them against the perception of corruption.
"After two former union presidents and numerous other officials have pleaded guilty to helping embezzle hundreds of thousands of members' dues dollars, government oversight of the UAW may be the only way to reverse years of entrenched corruption at the union," Bozzello said.