freebeacon--2020-01-23--Chinese Propaganda Organ Defies Feds

Chinese Propaganda Organ Defies Feds

A Republican congressman is asking the Justice Department to investigate a Chinese propaganda organ that has defied a federal order to register as a foreign agent .
In a letter to Attorney General William Barr , Rep. Jim Banks ( R. , Ind . )
said it was `` extremely troubling '' that Xinhua News Agency , the `` largest news organization in all of China , '' has yet to register as a foreign agent .
He asked Barr to investigate whether the department could force the media organization to register as a foreign agent .
`` Rep. Banks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ begin fully utilizing their anti-foreign propaganda tools , '' Banks spokesman Mitchell Hailstone told the Washington Free Beacon .
The Justice Department previously ordered Xinhua News Agency and CGTN America , a state-owned television network , to register as foreign agents following an appeal from a bipartisan group of senators led by Marco Rubio ( R. , Fla. ) and Patrick Leahy ( D. , Vt. ) .
While CGTN has complied with the order , Xinhua News Agency continues to avoid registration , according to the letter .
Xinhua News Agency is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ operation in the United States .
The effort has penetrated the nation 's media organizations and the halls of Congress .
China Daily , the propaganda paper of the Chinese Communist Party , has given millions to the New York Times , Wall Street Journal , and Washington Post to publish more than 500 print advertorials .
China Daily also delivers its newspaper to nearly all members of Congress every day , despite Banks 's efforts to restrict its distribution on Capitol Hill .
The Foreign Agents Registration Act requires all U.S. entities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a foreign government to register as foreign agents and provide detailed disclosures about their activities , including funding sources and expenditures .
Originally enacted to track German-sponsored Nazi propaganda during the 1930s , the law allows the general public to review these disclosures at any time .
While disclosures filed by CGTN America and China Daily can be found on the FARA website , a search inquiry for Xinhua News Agency returned no results .
Xinhua News Agency did not respond to a request for comment .
Banks requested that the Justice Department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ registered as a foreign agent and asked what actions the department can take to ensure the propaganda outfit complies with federal law .
`` Xinhua , and other Chinese propaganda rags , wo n't be able to evade FARA registration for much longer , '' Hailstone , the congressman 's spokesman , said .
This is not the first time a Chinese propaganda organ has failed to comply with federal disclosure requirements .
The Free Beacon previously found that China Daily failed to disclose details about its media purchases for 30 years .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ foreign agent for roughly six years before the Justice Department order .

A Republican congressman is asking the Justice Department to investigate a Chinese propaganda organ that has defied a federal order to register as a foreign agent.
In a letter to Attorney General William Barr, Rep. Jim Banks (R., Ind.) said it was "extremely troubling" that Xinhua News Agency, the "largest news organization in all of China," has yet to register as a foreign agent. He asked Barr to investigate whether the department could force the media organization to register as a foreign agent.
"Rep. Banks expects agencies like the Justice Department to begin fully utilizing their anti-foreign propaganda tools," Banks spokesman Mitchell Hailstone told the Washington Free Beacon.
The Justice Department previously ordered Xinhua News Agency and CGTN America, a state-owned television network, to register as foreign agents following an appeal from a bipartisan group of senators led by Marco Rubio (R., Fla.) and Patrick Leahy (D., Vt.). While CGTN has complied with the order, Xinhua News Agency continues to avoid registration, according to the letter.
Xinhua News Agency is part of China's shadowy multimillion-dollar influence operation in the United States. The effort has penetrated the nation's media organizations and the halls of Congress. China Daily, the propaganda paper of the Chinese Communist Party, has given millions to the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Washington Post to publish more than 500 print advertorials. China Daily also delivers its newspaper to nearly all members of Congress every day, despite Banks's efforts to restrict its distribution on Capitol Hill.
The Foreign Agents Registration Act requires all U.S. entities funded by or under the influence of a foreign government to register as foreign agents and provide detailed disclosures about their activities, including funding sources and expenditures. Originally enacted to track German-sponsored Nazi propaganda during the 1930s, the law allows the general public to review these disclosures at any time.
While disclosures filed by CGTN America and China Daily can be found on the FARA website, a search inquiry for Xinhua News Agency returned no results. Xinhua News Agency did not respond to a request for comment.
Banks requested that the Justice Department verify that Xinhua News Agency is not registered as a foreign agent and asked what actions the department can take to ensure the propaganda outfit complies with federal law.
"Xinhua, and other Chinese propaganda rags, won't be able to evade FARA registration for much longer," Hailstone, the congressman's spokesman, said.
This is not the first time a Chinese propaganda organ has failed to comply with federal disclosure requirements. The Free Beacon previously found that China Daily failed to disclose details about its media purchases for 30 years. CGTN America failed to register as a foreign agent for roughly six years before the Justice Department order.


freebeacon--2020-01-23--Father Confronts Warren on Free College: People Who Did the Right Thing Get Screwed

Sen. Elizabeth Warren ( D. , Mass . )
is running for president promising to cancel student debt , but a father in Iowa argued this week that her policy would be unfair to people who did n't take out loans .
`` My daughter is getting out of school .
I saved all my money .
She does n't have any student loans .
Am I going to get any money back ? ''
the man asked Warren after an Iowa campaign event Monday .
`` Of course not , '' Warren responded .
`` So you 're going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ save any money , and those of us who did the right thing get screwed , '' he said .
Warren told the man her policy would not disadvantage him , but he described how he and his daughter sacrificed to avoid going into debt , while others spent money on cars and vacations .
`` My buddy had fun , bought a car , went on vacations .
I saved my money , '' he said .
`` He made more than I did .
But I worked a double shift , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10 .
So , you 're laughing . ''
`` No , I 'm not , '' Warren said .
`` Yeah , that 's exactly what you 're doing , '' he said .
`` We did the right thing , and we get screwed . ''
Warren told the man she appreciated his time as he walked away .
The Massachusetts senator has proposed tuition-free higher education and student-debt cancellation , which would cost taxpayers an estimated $ 1.25 trillion .
A study by the National Bureau of Economic Research found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hikes and leave 86 percent of American households in a worse financial position .

Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D., Mass.) is running for president promising to cancel student debt, but a father in Iowa argued this week that her policy would be unfair to people who didn't take out loans.
"My daughter is getting out of school. I saved all my money. She doesn't have any student loans. Am I going to get any money back?" the man asked Warren after an Iowa campaign event Monday.
"Of course not," Warren responded.
"So you're going to pay for people who didn't save any money, and those of us who did the right thing get screwed," he said.
Warren told the man her policy would not disadvantage him, but he described how he and his daughter sacrificed to avoid going into debt, while others spent money on cars and vacations.
"My buddy had fun, bought a car, went on vacations. I saved my money," he said. "He made more than I did. But I worked a double shift, worked extra—my daughter worked since she was 10. So, you're laughing."
"No, I'm not," Warren said.
"Yeah, that's exactly what you're doing," he said. "We did the right thing, and we get screwed."
Warren told the man she appreciated his time as he walked away.
The Massachusetts senator has proposed tuition-free higher education and student-debt cancellation, which would cost taxpayers an estimated $1.25 trillion. A study by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that free college would require radical tax hikes and leave 86 percent of American households in a worse financial position.


freebeacon--2020-01-23--Iran-Backed Militias Continue Attacks on U.S. Outposts in Iraq

Iran-backed militias continue to wage attacks on American outposts in Iraq , according to senior U.S. officials .
James Jeffrey , the Trump administration ’ s special representative for Syria engagement and special envoy for the global coalition to defeat ISIS , said the United States continues to experience targeted strikes by Iran-backed militia groups seeking to foment unrest in Iraq .
In the weeks since U.S. forces killed top Iranian general Qassem Soleimani , Iran-backed militants have scaled down their attacks but continue to launch strikes at U.S. positions in the war-torn country , Jeffrey told reporters in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we ’ ve seen a few shellings of coalition—or bases where coalition forces are located , '' Jeffrey said on Thursday .
`` Other than several at the American embassy compound a couple of days ago , they have been intermittent , the kind of thing that we have—or all been used to in our years in Iraq .
Nothing like the very targeted , precise , 30-plus rocket attacks we were seeing in those 11 incidents that led up to our response last month , so—this month .
So—well , last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the moment , that front is fairly quiet . ''
Asked if these attacks have been orchestrated by Iran , Jeffrey told reporters , `` We think so . ''
The United States , while still engaged in the fight to defeat the ISIS terror group in Iraq , remains primarily focused on protecting American forces in the region from retaliatory strikes by Iran .
`` The focus of our forces right now is force protection , '' Jeffrey said .
`` They suffered first 11 quite serious attacks from Iranian-supported militias @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Iraqi security system , then the assault on the embassy , then the two Iranian long-range intermediate missile strikes on our forces in Erbil and Ayn al-Asad .
So in a situation like that , obviously , the commanders are going to focus , as they have so successfully , on force protection .
And as the threat diminishes , they ’ ll review that . ''
In addition to the threat posed by Iran , U.S. officials remain concerned ISIS could bounce back following major territorial defeats in the past @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resurgence of ISIS is a very big problem , '' Jeffrey said .
`` We have emphasized that ever since the physical caliphate was defeated along the Euphrates in March of last year .
We are very concerned about the number of forces there and how they coordinate among each other .
The Iraqis are concerned about that .
Our SDF partners in northeast Syria are concerned about that .
The Turks are concerned about that because they now have forces in the northeast .
Everyone is looking into this and watching it @ @ @

Iran-backed militias continue to wage attacks on American outposts in Iraq, according to senior U.S. officials.
James Jeffrey, the Trump administration’s special representative for Syria engagement and special envoy for the global coalition to defeat ISIS, said the United States continues to experience targeted strikes by Iran-backed militia groups seeking to foment unrest in Iraq.
In the weeks since U.S. forces killed top Iranian general Qassem Soleimani, Iran-backed militants have scaled down their attacks but continue to launch strikes at U.S. positions in the war-torn country, Jeffrey told reporters in a briefing.
"In terms of attacks, we’ve seen a few shellings of coalition—or bases where coalition forces are located," Jeffrey said on Thursday. "Other than several at the American embassy compound a couple of days ago, they have been intermittent, the kind of thing that we have—or all been used to in our years in Iraq. Nothing like the very targeted, precise, 30-plus rocket attacks we were seeing in those 11 incidents that led up to our response last month, so—this month. So—well, last month and this month. But so for the moment, that front is fairly quiet."
Asked if these attacks have been orchestrated by Iran, Jeffrey told reporters, "We think so."
The United States, while still engaged in the fight to defeat the ISIS terror group in Iraq, remains primarily focused on protecting American forces in the region from retaliatory strikes by Iran.
"The focus of our forces right now is force protection," Jeffrey said. "They suffered first 11 quite serious attacks from Iranian-supported militias, who are by and large parts of the Iraqi security system, then the assault on the embassy, then the two Iranian long-range intermediate missile strikes on our forces in Erbil and Ayn al-Asad. So in a situation like that, obviously, the commanders are going to focus, as they have so successfully, on force protection. And as the threat diminishes, they’ll review that."
In addition to the threat posed by Iran, U.S. officials remain concerned ISIS could bounce back following major territorial defeats in the past year.
"The risk of the resurgence of ISIS is a very big problem," Jeffrey said. "We have emphasized that ever since the physical caliphate was defeated along the Euphrates in March of last year. We are very concerned about the number of forces there and how they coordinate among each other. The Iraqis are concerned about that. Our SDF partners in northeast Syria are concerned about that. The Turks are concerned about that because they now have forces in the northeast. Everyone is looking into this and watching it closely."


freebeacon--2020-01-23--CNN Silent on Contributor’s False Viral Tweet

CNN has remained silent about a contributor 's viral tweet that misleadingly claimed to relay a conversation between Republican senators .
Former Clinton White House press secretary Joe Lockhart received more than 9,000 retweets and 36,000 likes for a tweet claiming to report an overheard conversation between two Fox News-watching GOP senators .
`` Is this stuff real ?
I have n't heard any of this before .
I thought it was all about a server , '' the senators supposedly said .
`` If half the stuff Schiff is saying is true , we 're up shit 's creek @ @ @ @ @ @ @ evidence . ''
Replies to the tweet indicate that many people took Lockhart 's scoop seriously .
When reached for comment about the episode , a CNN spokesman redirected the Washington Free Beacon to a communications director for the network who ignored multiple requests for comment .
In follow-up tweets , Lockhart acknowledged that he `` made up '' the overheard conversation and called it satire .
Lockhart did not delete the misleading tweet even as it went viral , and the clarifying tweets did not achieve the same reach as the original @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from conservative and liberal journalists alike , Lockhart characterized his detractors as `` purveyors of Pizzagate and the Seth Rich conspiracy . ''
CNN reporters on the media and `` disinformation '' beats have repeatedly said that satire is no excuse for spreading `` fake news , '' particularly if some internet users mistake it for genuine news .
Some have accused comedy websites of hiding behind satire to mislead voters while dodging punishment from social media companies .
Brian Stelter , the network 's media critic and host of Reliable Sources , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ although he did tweet about President Donald Trump 's `` false claims . ''
Lockhart , who has made frequent appearances during the network 's impeachment coverage , also sparked controversy on Tuesday when he said that Sen. Ted Cruz ( R. , Texas ) should face prison time for tweeting while he was on the Senate floor .
The former public relations executive was seemingly unaware that most politicians have dedicated press staffers who handle their social media accounts , and that senators can not be imprisoned for breaking Senate floor rules @ @ @ @ @ @ @ graphic of a cell phone reading , `` Come and Take It '' —a mock-up of a popular flag commemorating the famous victory at the Battle of Gonzales that sparked the Texas Revolution .

CNN has remained silent about a contributor's viral tweet that misleadingly claimed to relay a conversation between Republican senators.
Former Clinton White House press secretary Joe Lockhart received more than 9,000 retweets and 36,000 likes for a tweet claiming to report an overheard conversation between two Fox News-watching GOP senators. "Is this stuff real? I haven't heard any of this before. I thought it was all about a server," the senators supposedly said. "If half the stuff Schiff is saying is true, we're up shit's creek. Hope the White House has exculpatory evidence."
Overheard convo between two Republican Senators who only watch Fox News. "is this stuff real? I haven't heard any of this before. I thought it was all about a server. If half the stuff Schiff is saying is true, we're up shit's creek. Hope the White House has exculpatory evidence — Joe Lockhart (@joelockhart) January 22, 2020
Replies to the tweet indicate that many people took Lockhart's scoop seriously. When reached for comment about the episode, a CNN spokesman redirected the Washington Free Beacon to a communications director for the network who ignored multiple requests for comment.
In follow-up tweets, Lockhart acknowledged that he "made up" the overheard conversation and called it satire. Lockhart did not delete the misleading tweet even as it went viral, and the clarifying tweets did not achieve the same reach as the original.
Ok maybe I made up the convo, but you know that's exactly what they're thinking. — Joe Lockhart (@joelockhart) January 22, 2020
After he continued to receive criticism from conservative and liberal journalists alike, Lockhart characterized his detractors as "purveyors of Pizzagate and the Seth Rich conspiracy."
Seems like I poked the bear today. The purveyors of Pizzagate and the Seth Rich conspiracy are lecturing me on honesty. I told a joke, you guys are a destructive joke that is killing our democracy. Other than that, hope you’re enjoying the trial and have a nice evening — Joe Lockhart (@joelockhart) January 22, 2020
CNN reporters on the media and "disinformation" beats have repeatedly said that satire is no excuse for spreading "fake news," particularly if some internet users mistake it for genuine news. Some have accused comedy websites of hiding behind satire to mislead voters while dodging punishment from social media companies.
Having a disclaimer buried somewhere on your site that says it’s 'satire" seems like a good way to get around a lot of the changes Facebook has made to reduce the spread of clickbait and misinformation. — Donie O'Sullivan (@donie) January 5, 2020
Brian Stelter, the network's media critic and host of Reliable Sources, was also silent on the matter, although he did tweet about President Donald Trump's "false claims."
Lockhart, who has made frequent appearances during the network's impeachment coverage, also sparked controversy on Tuesday when he said that Sen. Ted Cruz (R., Texas) should face prison time for tweeting while he was on the Senate floor. The former public relations executive was seemingly unaware that most politicians have dedicated press staffers who handle their social media accounts, and that senators cannot be imprisoned for breaking Senate floor rules.
Senators on the floor are sworn to silence and have no electronic devices. So how is this Senator tweeting? Did he sneak a phone in. Is he willing to go to prison? Or is the tweet from someone other than Cruz. @jack you should investigate — Joe Lockhart (@joelockhart) January 21, 2020
Cruz mocked the tweet with a graphic of a cell phone reading, "Come and Take It"—a mock-up of a popular flag commemorating the famous victory at the Battle of Gonzales that sparked the Texas Revolution.


freebeacon--2020-01-23--U.S. Envoy: Successor to Slain Iran General Faces Same Fate If He Kills Americans

DUBAI ( Reuters ) – The successor to the Iranian commander killed in a U.S. drone strike would suffer the same fate if he followed a similar path by killing Americans , the U.S. special representative for Iran said , according to Asharq al-Awsat newspaper .
Washington blamed General Qassem Soleimani for masterminding attacks by Iran-aligned militias on U.S. forces in the region .
U.S. President Donald Trump ordered the Jan. 3 drone strike in Iraq after an escalation that began last month with missile strikes that killed an American contractor , which Washington blamed on an Iranian-aligned militia in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Soleimani by launching missiles at U.S. targets in Iraq on Jan. 8 , although no U.S. soldiers were killed .
After Soleimani 's death , Tehran swiftly appointed Esmail Ghaani as the new head of the Quds Force , an elite unit in the Revolutionary Guards that handles actions abroad .
Ghaani has pledged to pursue Soleimani 's course .
`` If Ghaani follows the same path of killing Americans then he will meet the same fate , '' U.S. envoy Brian Hook told the Arabic-language daily Asharq al-Awsat .
He said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Trump had long made it clear `` that any attack on Americans or American interests would be met with a decisive response .
`` This is n't a new threat .
The president has always said that he will always respond decisively to protect American interests , '' Hook said .
`` I think the Iranian regime understands now that they can not attack America and get away with it . ''
After his appointment , Ghaani said he would `` continue in this luminous path '' taken by Soleimani and that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out of the region , Iran 's long-stated policy .
The U.S threat to kill Ghaani is a sign of `` governmental terrorism '' , Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said on Thursday , according to the official IRIB news agency .
`` These words are an official announcement and a clear unveiling of America 's targeted and governmental terrorism , '' Mousavi said , calling on the international community to condemn Hook 's comments .
The Revolutionary Guards aerospace division commander said four U.S. military bases in the region were used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Jan. 3 attack that killed Soleimani , including two bases in Iraq and another in Kuwait .
`` Most of the drones '' had taken off from Kuwait , Amirali Hajizadeh told state television , without saying if a drone from Kuwait was ultimately responsible for the hit on Soleimani .
U.S.-Iranian tensions have steadily increased since Trump withdrew the United States from Iran 's nuclear deal with world powers in 2018 and imposed tough news sanctions that have hammered the Iranian economy .
The military flare-up began in December when rockets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a U.S. contractor .
Washington blamed pro-Iran militia and carried out air strikes that killed at least 25 fighters .
After the militia surrounded the U.S. embassy in Baghdad for two days , Trump ordered the drone strike on Soleimani .

By Nafisa Eltahir
DUBAI (Reuters) - The successor to the Iranian commander killed in a U.S. drone strike would suffer the same fate if he followed a similar path by killing Americans, the U.S. special representative for Iran said, according to Asharq al-Awsat newspaper.
Washington blamed General Qassem Soleimani for masterminding attacks by Iran-aligned militias on U.S. forces in the region. U.S. President Donald Trump ordered the Jan. 3 drone strike in Iraq after an escalation that began last month with missile strikes that killed an American contractor, which Washington blamed on an Iranian-aligned militia in Iraq.
Iran responded to the killing of Soleimani by launching missiles at U.S. targets in Iraq on Jan. 8, although no U.S. soldiers were killed.
After Soleimani's death, Tehran swiftly appointed Esmail Ghaani as the new head of the Quds Force, an elite unit in the Revolutionary Guards that handles actions abroad. Ghaani has pledged to pursue Soleimani's course.
"If Ghaani follows the same path of killing Americans then he will meet the same fate," U.S. envoy Brian Hook told the Arabic-language daily Asharq al-Awsat.
He said in the interview in Davos, Switzerland that Trump had long made it clear "that any attack on Americans or American interests would be met with a decisive response.
"This isn't a new threat. The president has always said that he will always respond decisively to protect American interests," Hook said. "I think the Iranian regime understands now that they cannot attack America and get away with it."
After his appointment, Ghaani said he would "continue in this luminous path" taken by Soleimani and that the goal was to drive U.S. forces out of the region, Iran's long-stated policy.
The U.S threat to kill Ghaani is a sign of "governmental terrorism", Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said on Thursday, according to the official IRIB news agency.
"These words are an official announcement and a clear unveiling of America's targeted and governmental terrorism," Mousavi said, calling on the international community to condemn Hook's comments.
The Revolutionary Guards aerospace division commander said four U.S. military bases in the region were used to deploy aircraft and drones involved in the Jan. 3 attack that killed Soleimani, including two bases in Iraq and another in Kuwait.
"Most of the drones" had taken off from Kuwait, Amirali Hajizadeh told state television, without saying if a drone from Kuwait was ultimately responsible for the hit on Soleimani.
U.S.-Iranian tensions have steadily increased since Trump withdrew the United States from Iran's nuclear deal with world powers in 2018 and imposed tough news sanctions that have hammered the Iranian economy.
The military flare-up began in December when rockets fired at U.S. bases in Iraq killed a U.S. contractor. Washington blamed pro-Iran militia and carried out air strikes that killed at least 25 fighters. After the militia surrounded the U.S. embassy in Baghdad for two days, Trump ordered the drone strike on Soleimani.
(Reporting by Nafisa Eltahir and Parisa Hafezi with additional reporting by Babak Dehghanpisheh; Writing by Edmund Blair; Editing by Michael Perry and Mark Heinrich)


freebeacon--2020-01-23--I’m a Gordon Sondland Republican

I’m a Gordon Sondland Republican

Like many Republicans , I like rich guys , especially rich white guys .
For me , they 're the original ballers .
The egg-heads in Washington might talk about smaller government and lower taxes .
But when it 's primary season , this Republican is looking for a cool rich Caucasian male , what we used to call a leader .
That 's why I started the Draft Sondland Movement back in 2015 ( we called ourselves the DSM mafia ) .
There were only a few of us , but we set up some key pre-endorsement meetings with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Netflix .
It 's a shame , we did n't get anywhere .
This guy had it all .
Trump only pretends to own his hotels and give to charity .
Here was the real deal .
A hotelier who cares .
Sondland had the goods .
Eventually , the DSM mafia realized Sondland and his family were not taking the steps necessary to run for president , but we stayed in touch over the months .
I would email him YouTube video clips of Gordon Ramsey shows , and he would inform @ @ @ @ @ @ @ using was no longer in service .
But I still kept tabs on my guy .
It turns out Gordon Sondland was working to effect change behind the scenes .
He was a donor .
And that made perfect sense .
If there 's one thing all rich men love to do , it 's giving away money .
I wrote a memo in 2015 about how Sondland could destroy Trump in South Carolina if he ran on his philanthropy record .
We 're talking about the Gordon Sondland and Katherine J. Durant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ When Sondland 's generosity turned to the Trump inaugural , I was surprised .
Following Gordon 's lead , I was a Never Trumper for most of the summer of 2016 .
But he was making a bet on the guy who just won the presidency , now .
This was different .
Would it work ?
Per usual , Sondland was three steps ahead .
His donation to the inauguration committee unlocked a lot of doors .
The Gordon Sondland brand was a rocket ship in D.C. And with Sondland getting into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here was a diplomatic dream team about to make history .
At least that 's what I hoped .
It turned out that Sondland got caught in the middle of some of Trump 's classic seven dimensional chess .
You 've all read about him in the papers—he had to witness against the man whose inauguration he made possible .
Well , guess what .
I do n't care .
I 'm a Gordon Sondland Republican .
I watched every minute of his testimony and read all the stories .
It was classic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dancer with a whimsical smile .
That 's why he gave two different accounts to the House Intelligence Committee .
He 's got a story for everyone .
That 's what a hotelier does : He keeps the doors open .
That 's why he was such a damn good diplomat .
That 's why he always picked up the check at Ukrainian restaurants .
So in honor of a great man going through a rough patch , please allow this verse , inspired by Billy Joel 's , `` She 's Always @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and defuse a tense têt-à-têt He will smile like a man who is prone to forget Gives more than one version of testimony He 'll fund you , he 'll text you , he 's always a Sondland to me .

Like many Republicans, I like rich guys, especially rich white guys. For me, they're the original ballers. The egg-heads in Washington might talk about smaller government and lower taxes. But when it's primary season, this Republican is looking for a cool rich Caucasian male, what we used to call a leader.
That's why I started the Draft Sondland Movement back in 2015 (we called ourselves the DSM mafia). There were only a few of us, but we set up some key pre-endorsement meetings with contacts at the National Hospitality Association and Netflix. It's a shame, we didn't get anywhere. This guy had it all. Trump only pretends to own his hotels and give to charity. Here was the real deal. A hotelier who cares. Sondland had the goods.
Eventually, the DSM mafia realized Sondland and his family were not taking the steps necessary to run for president, but we stayed in touch over the months. I would email him YouTube video clips of Gordon Ramsey shows, and he would inform me that the email address I was using was no longer in service. But I still kept tabs on my guy.
It turns out Gordon Sondland was working to effect change behind the scenes. He was a donor. And that made perfect sense. If there's one thing all rich men love to do, it's giving away money. I wrote a memo in 2015 about how Sondland could destroy Trump in South Carolina if he ran on his philanthropy record. We're talking about the Gordon Sondland and Katherine J. Durant Foundation here—a name synonymous with giving.
When Sondland's generosity turned to the Trump inaugural, I was surprised. Following Gordon's lead, I was a Never Trumper for most of the summer of 2016. But he was making a bet on the guy who just won the presidency, now. This was different. Would it work?
Per usual, Sondland was three steps ahead. His donation to the inauguration committee unlocked a lot of doors. The Gordon Sondland brand was a rocket ship in D.C. And with Sondland getting into Trump's inner circle on Ukraine, here was a diplomatic dream team about to make history.
At least that's what I hoped. It turned out that Sondland got caught in the middle of some of Trump's classic seven dimensional chess. You've all read about him in the papers—he had to witness against the man whose inauguration he made possible.
Well, guess what. I don't care. I'm a Gordon Sondland Republican. I watched every minute of his testimony and read all the stories. It was classic Gordon. He's a master tap dancer with a whimsical smile. That's why he gave two different accounts to the House Intelligence Committee. He's got a story for everyone. That's what a hotelier does: He keeps the doors open.
That's why he was such a damn good diplomat. That's why he always picked up the check at Ukrainian restaurants. So in honor of a great man going through a rough patch, please allow this verse, inspired by Billy Joel's, "She's Always A Woman."
He can shrug and defuse a tense têt-à-têt
He will smile like a man who is prone to forget
Gives more than one version of testimony
He'll fund you, he'll text you, he's always a Sondland to me.


Beacon Extra

Welcome to the Washington Free Beacon ’ s morning newsletter , your comprehensive briefing on the Enemies of Freedom .
To get this newsletter sent straight to your inbox every morning , sign up here .
LIFE UNDER CHIEF WARREN NOT FAIR … `` Warren Confronted By Man At Campaign Event Over Tuition Reimbursement , '' via THE HILL : A man confronted Sen. Elizabeth Warren ( D. , Mass . )
after a campaign event in Grimes , Iowa , earlier this week to vent frustration that her promise to wipe out student loan debt would not reimburse him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already paid … '' My daughter is in school , '' the man said .
`` I saved all my money just to pay my student loans .
Can I have my money back ? ''
`` Of course not , '' Warren responded .
`` So you want to help those who do n't save any money and the ones that do the right thing get screwed ? ''
he responded .
PETE PROWLS … `` Top Cory Booker Supporters Are Accusing Pete Buttigieg Of ‘ Chasing Ambulances ' , '' via @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not appropriate and calling me four hours after [ Booker dropped out ] was not appropriate , '' said [ Democratic Iowa state representative Amy ] Nielsen , who provided a copy of Buttigieg ’ s voicemail … Monica Kurth , a state representative from Davenport who endorsed Booker in August , said she was `` speechless '' when she picked up the phone and heard from Buttigieg about four hours after the campaign ended .
SHE ’ S NOT SWITCHING , CHUCK … `` Jerry Nadler ‘ stunned ' Susan Collins into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' via POLITICO : Sen. Susan Collins was `` stunned '' by Rep. Jerry Nadler ’ s late-night diatribe this week against what he deemed a `` cover-up '' by Senate Republicans for President Donald Trump—so much so that she wrote a note to Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts … Collins said she believed the back and forth between House Judiciary Chairman Nadler ( D. , N.Y. ) and White House Counsel Pat Cipollone violated Senate rules and felt compelled to point that out , even though senators are required to stay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the trial .
NOT PEACHY … `` Two Months Ahead Of Primary , Georgia Democrats Worry About Division , '' via AJC : Two months before Georgia holds its presidential primary , top state Democrats still have no clear favorite in the race for the White House—and are increasingly worried the bitter race could further strain tensions between moderates and liberals dueling for the nomination .
Many of the party ’ s grassroots leaders are wrestling over whom to back in the field of presidential hopefuls and mindful that the internal fissures could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s chances of flipping Georgia for the first time since 1992 , dozens of activists told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution .
NOW BERNIE REALLY WON ’ T SHAKE YOUR HAND … `` Tom Steyer Exaggerates Fossil Fuel Divestment , '' via NYT : Most directly , Mr. Steyer has assets worth between $ 1,001 and $ 15,000 in Direct Petroleum Exploration Inc. , a Colorado company that `` operates oil and gas field properties , '' according to Bloomberg … He also has a stake of between $ 1.25 million and $ 5.5 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ & Co. , an Australian firm that is the second largest shareholder of the oil and gas exploration company Strike Energy Limited .
And HMI Capital Partners , where Mr. Steyer has invested between $ 5 million and $ 25 million , owned stocks in Texas-based Summit Midstream Partners , which focuses primarily on shale infrastructure , according to a 2018 form filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission .
OY VEY … `` Once Pushed Out of Washington , Valerie Plame Is Asking Voters to Send Her Back , '' via NYT @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the campaign got its start in 2017 , when Ms. Plame raised an uproar for a tweet linking to an article , `` America ’ s Jews Are Driving America ’ s Wars , '' in a publication that has been criticized for publishing anti-Semitic material .
Ms. Plame continues to get questions about her shifting response to the controversy … In an interview , Ms. Plame said her grandfather was from a Ukrainian Jewish family `` right out of ‘ Fiddler on the Roof , ’ '' an ancestral connection she only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said that she began attending events at the synagogue in the `` aftermath '' of the outcry over her tweet , but disputed that this decision involved political expediency .
THE STRUGGLE TO STAY AWAKE IS REAL … `` In Marathon Impeachment Trial , Senators Walk To Stay Focused Or Pass The Time With A Fidget Spinner , '' via WAPO : On either side of the chamber , [ Pat ] Toomey and [ Cory ] Booker stood at their desks , with Booker occasionally pacing back and forth .
Rather than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Booker were just trying to stay loose and focused , as the House managers crossed the five-hour mark in that phase of opening arguments in President Trump ’ s impeachment trial .
`` I think that it ’ s just healthy .
On an airplane I stand up for a six-hour flight .
It ’ s just healthy to stand and let the blood flow , '' Booker explained Thursday afternoon … Age is definitely a cause of concern for [ Pat ] Roberts and Senate leaders trying to manage the trial load @ @ @ @ @ @ @ turns 87 in June , is the oldest senator , but there are four others in their 80s and nine more who are older than 75 .
SEND THE BOMBERS … `` Iran-Backed Militias Continue Attacks on U.S. Outposts in Iraq , '' by WFB ’ s Adam Kredo : James Jeffrey , the Trump administration ’ s special representative for Syria engagement and special envoy for the global coalition to defeat ISIS , said the United States continues to experience targeted strikes by Iran-backed militia groups seeking to foment unrest in Iraq @ @ @ @ @ @ @ killed top Iranian general Qassem Soleimani , Iran-backed militants have scaled down their attacks but continue to launch strikes at U.S. positions in the war-torn country , Jeffrey told reporters in a briefing .
HOW DARE YOU … `` Treasury Secretary Mnuchin says climate activist Greta Thunberg should go study economics , '' via WAPO : U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin mocked the Swedish climate change activist Greta Thunberg on Thursday , urging her to go to college and study economics before she tells countries what to do … Thunberg and numerous European @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is in a state of emergency and urgent action is required .
The European Union has pledged to be carbon neutral by 2050 .
THEY ’ RE ALL IN , BABY … `` Adam Schiff Dazzles the Press , '' by WFB ’ s David Rutz : Mainstream media and liberal commentators said Rep. Adam Schiff ( D. , Calif. ) would be remembered for `` generations to come '' and was `` dazzling , '' `` masterful , '' `` very very good , '' `` very very powerful , '' `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' `` brilliant , '' `` absolutely brilliant , '' and `` virtuoso '' in his opening statement for President Donald Trump 's impeachment trial .
FAKE NEWS , SCHMAKE NEWS … `` CNN Silent on Contributor ’ s False Viral Tweet , '' by WFB ’ s Alex Griswold : Former Clinton White House press secretary Joe Lockhart received more than 9,000 retweets and 36,000 likes for a tweet claiming to report an overheard conversation between two Fox News-watching GOP senators … Replies to the tweet indicate that many people took Lockhart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comment about the episode , a CNN spokesman redirected the Washington Free Beacon to a communications director for the network who ignored multiple requests for comment .
DEATH OF TERRORIST BOTHERS LAWYER … `` EX-CIA Lawyer : The Soleimani Hit Was a Homicide Under U.S. Criminal Law , '' via DAILY BEAST : Unchastened by impeachment , and emboldened by the Justice Department 's dusty old opinion that he can not be indicted while in office , Trump nonetheless ordered the killing of [ Qassem ] Soleimani , a senior Iranian official , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1116 .
The Department of Justice has jurisdiction to prosecute a violation of that statute … If proven , that fact pattern would violate 18 USC Section 1116—our criminal code does not discriminate among victims ( Iranian/German ) and places ( Iraq/France ) .
Perhaps the president is wrong this time , and voters will care that he is bragging about committing cold-blooded murder .
ACQUITTAL IN A NEW YORK MINUTE … `` Nadler ’ s Folly , '' by WFB ’ s Matthew Continetti : The House Democrat made a critical error @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He did n't just say that Republican senators , who voted to begin the proceedings without calling witnesses , were part of a cover up .
He said they had committed treason … The contemptuous attitude of Democrats toward Republicans , and the pass-the-buck mentality that drove the House to impeach Trump before the evidence was in and inter-branch disputes settled by the courts , give GOP senators every reason to vote on the charges sooner rather than later .
No one doubts that it 's a vote Trump will win .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ SHOW : 1,139 .
Come back , Joe !
`` You know who really doesn ’ t have it ?
Joe Biden . ''
—Former President Barack Obama Thanks for reading !
Send tips to rutz @ freebeacon.com .

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


freebeacon--2020-01-24--Health Care Overhaul Unpopular in Suburban Districts

A Democratic congressional candidate has backpedaled from her support of Medicare for All since launching her campaign , reflecting the proposal 's political toxicity in swing districts that could determine the House majority in 2020 .
As a state representative in 2012 , Jill Schupp sponsored a Missouri resolution urging Congress to pass the Improved and Expanded Medicare for All Act , which would have established a nationwide single-payer health care system and made it illegal for private insurance companies to offer competing plans .
Schupp , who is looking to unseat GOP representative Ann Wagner , also advocated for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she signed on to a Progressive States Network letter demanding `` progressive health care reform '' that went further than Obamacare .
But the Democratic state senator has refused to take a stance on Medicare for All since launching her congressional campaign in December .
In an interview with CBS affiliate KMOV , Schupp mentioned health care as a key issue , but waffled when asked if she would keep Obamacare in place .
`` Look , I think we can find common ground—what people in this district and in this country really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people of our nation are healthy , '' Schupp said .
She was even more vague when the Kansas City Star asked her about Medicare for All in a January interview .
`` There 's a lot of sausage making that goes into complex issues like this , '' Schupp said .
`` And we need to let the sausage-making happen , so that we do n't have a plan that then someone turns around and tries to undo . ''
The Schupp campaign did not respond to a request for comment .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ All 's vulnerability in suburban districts .
More than 80 percent of adults in Missouri 's Second Congressional District have private health insurance , according to the Census Bureau .
Wagner was narrowly reelected in 2018 , two years after her district voted for Trump by 11 points , as Republicans lost control of the House .
The unpopularity of Medicare for All—support falls dramatically when respondents learn more details about the system—could allow the GOP to win back many of the suburban voters it lost in 2018 .
Schupp is not the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Medicare for All .
In June , Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Elizabeth Warren ( D. , Mass . )
faced criticism for saying she would eliminate private health insurance .
She amended her proposal in November to delay a single-payer system for three years as the government expands public health insurance .
Warren 's $ 20.5 trillion cost estimate for Medicare for All has also been widely disputed even in progressive circles .
The liberal Urban Institute estimated that a government-run system would cost taxpayers $ 34 trillion , an estimate Sen. Bernie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agreed with .
The Massachusetts senator has since refrained from discussing health care on the campaign trail .
Suburban Democrats like Schupp would be justified in retreating from Medicare for All , according to Manhattan Institute health care expert Chris Pope .
Pope said broken promises like former president Obama 's assurance that `` if you like your plan , you can keep your plan '' have bred `` cynicism or wariness '' even among left-leaning voters .
`` Upscale Democrats have a degree of comfort with paying higher taxes to subsidize care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` That 's very different from telling these same people that their quality of care will be reduced , that they 're not going to have access to medical care as easily as they have traditionally .
That 's going to be politically very unpopular . ''
Several suburban Democrats have criticized Medicare for All as they attempt to hold their seats .
Rep. Elissa Slotkin ( D. , Mich. ) , whose district favored Trump by 7 points in 2016 , dismissed the proposal as contradicting `` the American way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it makes her constituents `` nervous . ''
At the start of the 2020 presidential primary , Rep. Elaine Luria ( D. , Va. ) said she was `` not on board '' with Medicare for All .
Her constituents also voted for Trump over Hillary Clinton in 2016 .
Rep. Anthony Brindisi ( D. , N.Y. ) , whose district went to Trump by 15 points , said in July that the leftward drift of Democratic presidential contenders could hurt Democrats down the ballot .
`` I think [ Medicare for All @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and I think the Democratic presidential candidates have to realize that this is not a far-left country nor is it a far-right country , '' Brindisi said .
`` I think we 're all very vulnerable the further to the left some of the presidential candidates go . ''

A Democratic congressional candidate has backpedaled from her support of Medicare for All since launching her campaign, reflecting the proposal's political toxicity in swing districts that could determine the House majority in 2020.
As a state representative in 2012, Jill Schupp sponsored a Missouri resolution urging Congress to pass the Improved and Expanded Medicare for All Act, which would have established a nationwide single-payer health care system and made it illegal for private insurance companies to offer competing plans. Schupp, who is looking to unseat GOP representative Ann Wagner, also advocated for a public option in 2009, when she signed on to a Progressive States Network letter demanding "progressive health care reform" that went further than Obamacare.
But the Democratic state senator has refused to take a stance on Medicare for All since launching her congressional campaign in December. In an interview with CBS affiliate KMOV, Schupp mentioned health care as a key issue, but waffled when asked if she would keep Obamacare in place.
"Look, I think we can find common ground—what people in this district and in this country really want is to make sure that the people of our nation are healthy," Schupp said. She was even more vague when the Kansas City Star asked her about Medicare for All in a January interview.
"There's a lot of sausage making that goes into complex issues like this," Schupp said. "And we need to let the sausage-making happen, so that we don't have a plan that then someone turns around and tries to undo."
The Schupp campaign did not respond to a request for comment.
Schupp's campaign rhetoric reflects Medicare for All's vulnerability in suburban districts. More than 80 percent of adults in Missouri's Second Congressional District have private health insurance, according to the Census Bureau. Wagner was narrowly reelected in 2018, two years after her district voted for Trump by 11 points, as Republicans lost control of the House. The unpopularity of Medicare for All—support falls dramatically when respondents learn more details about the system—could allow the GOP to win back many of the suburban voters it lost in 2018.
Schupp is not the first progressive to walk back support for Medicare for All. In June, Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D., Mass.) faced criticism for saying she would eliminate private health insurance. She amended her proposal in November to delay a single-payer system for three years as the government expands public health insurance. Warren's $20.5 trillion cost estimate for Medicare for All has also been widely disputed even in progressive circles. The liberal Urban Institute estimated that a government-run system would cost taxpayers $34 trillion, an estimate Sen. Bernie Sanders (I., Vt.) has agreed with. The Massachusetts senator has since refrained from discussing health care on the campaign trail.
Suburban Democrats like Schupp would be justified in retreating from Medicare for All, according to Manhattan Institute health care expert Chris Pope. Pope said broken promises like former president Obama's assurance that "if you like your plan, you can keep your plan" have bred "cynicism or wariness" even among left-leaning voters.
"Upscale Democrats have a degree of comfort with paying higher taxes to subsidize care for lower income individuals," he said. "That's very different from telling these same people that their quality of care will be reduced, that they're not going to have access to medical care as easily as they have traditionally. That's going to be politically very unpopular."
Several suburban Democrats have criticized Medicare for All as they attempt to hold their seats. Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D., Mich.), whose district favored Trump by 7 points in 2016, dismissed the proposal as contradicting "the American way of life," and polls revealed it makes her constituents "nervous." At the start of the 2020 presidential primary, Rep. Elaine Luria (D., Va.) said she was "not on board" with Medicare for All. Her constituents also voted for Trump over Hillary Clinton in 2016. Rep. Anthony Brindisi (D., N.Y.), whose district went to Trump by 15 points, said in July that the leftward drift of Democratic presidential contenders could hurt Democrats down the ballot.
"I think [Medicare for All is] a losing message for 2020, and I think the Democratic presidential candidates have to realize that this is not a far-left country nor is it a far-right country," Brindisi said. "I think we're all very vulnerable the further to the left some of the presidential candidates go."
Wagner's campaign declined to comment.


Beacon Extra 1/23/20

Welcome to the Washington Free Beacon ’ s morning newsletter , your comprehensive briefing on the Enemies of Freedom .
To get this newsletter sent straight to your inbox every morning , sign up here .
NASTY WOMAN !
… `` Tulsi Gabbard sues Hillary Clinton for defamation , '' via NY POST : Democratic presidential hopeful Tulsi Gabbard has filed a defamation suit against Hillary Clinton for calling her a `` Russian asset , '' according to newly filed court papers .
`` Tulsi Gabbard is running for President of the United States , a position Clinton has long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to attain , '' Wednesday ’ s Manhattan federal lawsuit reads .
`` In October 2019—whether out of personal animus , political enmity , or fear of real change within a political party Clinton and her allies have long dominated—Clinton lied about her perceived rival Tulsi Gabbard .
She did so publicly , unambiguously , and with obvious malicious intent . ''
THE SILENT MAJORITY … `` Poll : Two-Thirds of Americans Want Candidate Who Supports ‘ Significant Restrictions ’ on Abortion , '' by WFB ’ s Yuichiro Kakutani : The annual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Columbus showed that 55 percent of Americans identify as pro-choice .
However , 70 percent of the country , including nearly half of self-described pro-choice respondents , oppose all abortions or believe they should be permitted only during the first 12 weeks , in medical emergencies , or in cases of rape or incest .
The data do not bode well for the leading Democratic presidential candidates , all of whom espouse ambitious pro-abortion policy platforms .
Sen. Elizabeth Warren ( D. , Mass . )
wants to install a federal statutory right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Roe v. Wade '' and prohibit states from restricting abortion in later months of pregnancy .
TOUGH BOSS … `` Klobuchar Pledges to Fire Betsy DeVos in First 100 Days , '' by WFB ’ s David Rutz : Sen. Amy Klobuchar ( D. , Minn. ) in a new ad released Wednesday pledged to fire Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos within her first 100 days as president—a likely unnecessary move given that DeVos would depart with sitting president Donald Trump … Klobuchar 's odd promise recalls failed 2020 hopeful , Rep. Eric @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who told the New York Times he would fire Trump adviser Jared Kushner on his first day in office .
ABRAMS DELIVERS CONCESSION SPEECH … `` Stacey Abrams : Time to stop fighting past elections , '' via AP : Democratic politician and voting rights advocate Stacey Abrams told a college crowd Wednesday that it 's time to move beyond past elections and ensure future ones are fair .
DEADBEAT DAD … `` Appear in Arkansas court , explain , judge orders Hunter Biden , '' via DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE : Hunter Biden must appear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ explain why he should n't be held in contempt for violating court orders to provide financial information in his Arkansas paternity case … Biden , son of former vice president Joe Biden , is being ordered to appear in the Arkansas courtroom days after President Donald Trump 's impeachment trial began in the Senate .
Hunter Biden has been mentioned as a possible witness in the impeachment proceedings .
CHASER … `` Hunter Biden renting $ 12,000-per-month Hollywood home while refusing to pay child support , '' via EXAMINER : Hunter Biden is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ financial information as part of a child support fight while renting a $ 3.8 million designer home in Hollywood Hills , Los Angeles , for $ 12,000 per month .
DEBBIE DOWNERS OF THE WORLD UNITE !
… `` Trump Roars , and Davos Shrugs , '' via POLITICO : An annual survey known as the `` Trust barometer '' sponsored by the Edelman public affairs firm—collecting views from 34,000 people in 28 countries—captured the downbeat assumptions that pervaded many conversations at Davos .
Some 56 percent of respondents say they believe that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fewer than one in three people in developed markets believe they and their families will be better off in five years ’ time .
Nearly 80 percent agree that `` elites are getting richer while regular people struggle to pay their bills . ''
CHICOM CONTAGION … `` China quarantines Wuhan amid coronavirus outbreak , '' via FOX NEWS : The Chinese government has quarantined the city of Wuhan and plans to shut down the airport and public transportation within hours amid an outbreak of the coronavirus , state media reported .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 17 deaths and has sickened over 500 others .
Xinhua News Agency said on Thursday that the city had asked people not to leave Wuhan without specific reasons , with the People 's Daily newspaper then tweeting that no one would be allowed to leave the city starting at 10 a.m. and that train stations and the airport will shut down .
CNN FINDS THE REAL CRIME … `` Media Interest in Jeffrey Epstein Heightens Amid Scrutiny of Environmental Record , '' by WFB ’ s Andrew Stiles : CNN reports that a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pervert 's estate accuses Epstein of having `` potentially damaged the delicate environment with illegal construction projects and brushed aside fines and other efforts to curb his behavior . ''
These alleged environmental offenses , according to the lawsuit , were `` part of a pattern of behavior in flouting the laws of the Virgin Islands and holding [ Epstein ] above the law . ''
Perhaps if American journalists had known of Epstein 's environmental crimes much earlier , they might have been compelled to report on the massive international sex-trafficking ring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden to CBS reporter : ‘ Why , why , why , why , why ? '
, '' via THE HILL : `` Yesterday , you said you accepted Bernie 's apology , now you 're attacking him , '' said Ed O'Keefe , the veteran reporter … `` Why are you doing that ?
Why was n't his apology enough , Mr. Vice President ?
Why attack Sanders ? ''
… '' Why , why , why , why , why , why , why ? ''
Biden said , waving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him slightly .
`` You 're getting nervous , man .
Calm down , it 's OK ! ''
Biden said , putting his hands gently on O'Keefe 's shoulder .
BEACON MAN OF THE YEAR MAKING A COMEBACK … `` Chris Hughes wants another chance , '' via VOX : He blew more than $ 4 million on his husband ’ s congressional campaign , which lost to the Republican incumbent by nearly 30 percentage points in a district President Barack Obama had won two years prior .
He bought the New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the venerable but ailing magazine , and when he tried to remove his handpicked editor , almost the entire staff resigned in protest … Since those debacles , Hughes has settled into a different niche , one that harks back to his long-ago role as Facebook ’ s house `` empath . ''
He ’ s now a philanthropist , and a convener of other philanthropists and organizations .
His full-time job , he says , is trying to craft a world `` after neoliberalism '' —one with a heavier hand of government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , one perhaps without Twitter monopolizing our sidewalks .
THOSE WHO CAN ’ T , TEACH … `` STUDY : Profs donate to Dems over Republicans by 95:1 ratio , '' via CAMPUS REFORM : Two researchers , Heterodox Academy director of research Sean Stevens and Brooklyn College professor Mitchell Langbert … looked at the political donations of 12,372 college professors at universities in 31 states and the District of Columbia during the past two election cycles in 2015-16 and 2017-18 .
Of those professors , 2,301 made political donations , 2,081 of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 22 of those 2,301 professors donated to Republicans … Nearly half of the 12,372 professors—48.5 percent—are registered Democrats while just 5.7 percent are registered Republicans .
LOVE TRUMPS HATE … `` Fifteen Years Ago Today , Hillary Clinton Learned the Meaning of True Love , '' by WFB ’ s Andrew Stiles : [ Yesterday ] in 2005 , Donald J. Trump married the love of his life , Melania Knauss , in a tasteful church ceremony in Palm Beach , Fla. A grateful nation wishes them all the best as they celebrate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the attendees at the wedding happened to be a U.S. senator who would go on to become one of the least successful female presidential candidates in American history … One can only imagine the pride Hillary must feel at having witnessed such a historic event , the joy she must have felt at seeing true love manifested for perhaps the first time in her life .
DAYS SINCE JOE BIDEN DID A SUNDAY SHOW : 1,138 .
Come back , Joe !
`` You know who really doesn ’ t have it ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Obama Thanks for reading !
Send tips to rutz @ freebeacon.com .

Welcome to the Washington Free Beacon’s morning newsletter, your comprehensive briefing on the Enemies of Freedom. To get this newsletter sent straight to your inbox every morning, sign up here.
NASTY WOMAN! … "Tulsi Gabbard sues Hillary Clinton for defamation," via NY POST: Democratic presidential hopeful Tulsi Gabbard has filed a defamation suit against Hillary Clinton for calling her a "Russian asset," according to newly filed court papers.
"Tulsi Gabbard is running for President of the United States, a position Clinton has long coveted, but has not been able to attain," Wednesday’s Manhattan federal lawsuit reads. "In October 2019—whether out of personal animus, political enmity, or fear of real change within a political party Clinton and her allies have long dominated—Clinton lied about her perceived rival Tulsi Gabbard. She did so publicly, unambiguously, and with obvious malicious intent."
THE SILENT MAJORITY … "Poll: Two-Thirds of Americans Want Candidate Who Supports ‘Significant Restrictions’ on Abortion," by WFB’s Yuichiro Kakutani: The annual Marist poll commissioned by the Knights of Columbus showed that 55 percent of Americans identify as pro-choice. However, 70 percent of the country, including nearly half of self-described pro-choice respondents, oppose all abortions or believe they should be permitted only during the first 12 weeks, in medical emergencies, or in cases of rape or incest.
The data do not bode well for the leading Democratic presidential candidates, all of whom espouse ambitious pro-abortion policy platforms. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D., Mass.) wants to install a federal statutory right that "parallels the constitutional right in Roe v. Wade" and prohibit states from restricting abortion in later months of pregnancy.
TOUGH BOSS … "Klobuchar Pledges to Fire Betsy DeVos in First 100 Days," by WFB’s David Rutz: Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D., Minn.) in a new ad released Wednesday pledged to fire Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos within her first 100 days as president—a likely unnecessary move given that DeVos would depart with sitting president Donald Trump …
Klobuchar's odd promise recalls failed 2020 hopeful, Rep. Eric Swalwell (D., Calif.), who told the New York Times he would fire Trump adviser Jared Kushner on his first day in office.
ABRAMS DELIVERS CONCESSION SPEECH … "Stacey Abrams: Time to stop fighting past elections," via AP: Democratic politician and voting rights advocate Stacey Abrams told a college crowd Wednesday that it's time to move beyond past elections and ensure future ones are fair.
CHASER … "Abrams: I’m Comfortable Saying ‘I Won’ Georgia Governor’s Race Because ‘Something Happened"
DEADBEAT DAD … "Appear in Arkansas court, explain, judge orders Hunter Biden," via DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE: Hunter Biden must appear Jan. 29 in a Batesville courtroom and explain why he shouldn't be held in contempt for violating court orders to provide financial information in his Arkansas paternity case …
Biden, son of former vice president Joe Biden, is being ordered to appear in the Arkansas courtroom days after President Donald Trump's impeachment trial began in the Senate. Hunter Biden has been mentioned as a possible witness in the impeachment proceedings.
CHASER … "Hunter Biden renting $12,000-per-month Hollywood home while refusing to pay child support," via EXAMINER: Hunter Biden is defying a court order to disclose his financial information as part of a child support fight while renting a $3.8 million designer home in Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles, for $12,000 per month.
DEBBIE DOWNERS OF THE WORLD UNITE! … "Trump Roars, and Davos Shrugs," via POLITICO: An annual survey known as the "Trust barometer" sponsored by the Edelman public affairs firm—collecting views from 34,000 people in 28 countries—captured the downbeat assumptions that pervaded many conversations at Davos. Some 56 percent of respondents say they believe that capitalism does more harm than good. Fewer than one in three people in developed markets believe they and their families will be better off in five years’ time. Nearly 80 percent agree that "elites are getting richer while regular people struggle to pay their bills."
CHICOM CONTAGION … "China quarantines Wuhan amid coronavirus outbreak," via FOX NEWS: The Chinese government has quarantined the city of Wuhan and plans to shut down the airport and public transportation within hours amid an outbreak of the coronavirus, state media reported. The virus has been linked to at least 17 deaths and has sickened over 500 others.
Xinhua News Agency said on Thursday that the city had asked people not to leave Wuhan without specific reasons, with the People's Daily newspaper then tweeting that no one would be allowed to leave the city starting at 10 a.m. and that train stations and the airport will shut down.
CNN FINDS THE REAL CRIME … "Media Interest in Jeffrey Epstein Heightens Amid Scrutiny of Environmental Record," by WFB’s Andrew Stiles: CNN reports that a U.S. Virgin Islands lawsuit against the multi-millionaire pervert's estate accuses Epstein of having "potentially damaged the delicate environment with illegal construction projects and brushed aside fines and other efforts to curb his behavior." These alleged environmental offenses, according to the lawsuit, were "part of a pattern of behavior in flouting the laws of the Virgin Islands and holding [Epstein] above the law."
Perhaps if American journalists had known of Epstein's environmental crimes much earlier, they might have been compelled to report on the massive international sex-trafficking ring Epstein allegedly oversaw.
SHORT-CIRCUIT … "Biden to CBS reporter: 'Why, why, why, why, why?'," via THE HILL: "Yesterday, you said you accepted Bernie's apology, now you're attacking him," said Ed O'Keefe, the veteran reporter … "Why are you doing that? Why wasn't his apology enough, Mr. Vice President? Why attack Sanders?" …
"Why, why, why, why, why, why, why?" Biden said, waving his hands toward O'Keefe and bending toward him slightly.
"You're getting nervous, man. Calm down, it's OK!" Biden said, putting his hands gently on O'Keefe's shoulder.
BEACON MAN OF THE YEAR MAKING A COMEBACK … "Chris Hughes wants another chance," via VOX: He blew more than $4 million on his husband’s congressional campaign, which lost to the Republican incumbent by nearly 30 percentage points in a district President Barack Obama had won two years prior. He bought the New Republic in an attempt to turn around the venerable but ailing magazine, and when he tried to remove his handpicked editor, almost the entire staff resigned in protest …
Since those debacles, Hughes has settled into a different niche, one that harks back to his long-ago role as Facebook’s house "empath." He’s now a philanthropist, and a convener of other philanthropists and organizations. His full-time job, he says, is trying to craft a world "after neoliberalism"—one with a heavier hand of government and a smaller role for corporate power, one perhaps without Twitter monopolizing our sidewalks.
THOSE WHO CAN’T, TEACH … "STUDY: Profs donate to Dems over Republicans by 95:1 ratio," via CAMPUS REFORM: Two researchers, Heterodox Academy director of research Sean Stevens and Brooklyn College professor Mitchell Langbert … looked at the political donations of 12,372 college professors at universities in 31 states and the District of Columbia during the past two election cycles in 2015-16 and 2017-18.
Of those professors, 2,301 made political donations, 2,081 of which were donated to Democrats. Just 22 of those 2,301 professors donated to Republicans … Nearly half of the 12,372 professors—48.5 percent—are registered Democrats while just 5.7 percent are registered Republicans.
LOVE TRUMPS HATE … "Fifteen Years Ago Today, Hillary Clinton Learned the Meaning of True Love," by WFB’s Andrew Stiles: [Yesterday] in 2005, Donald J. Trump married the love of his life, Melania Knauss, in a tasteful church ceremony in Palm Beach, Fla. A grateful nation wishes them all the best as they celebrate 15 happy years together.
One of the attendees at the wedding happened to be a U.S. senator who would go on to become one of the least successful female presidential candidates in American history … One can only imagine the pride Hillary must feel at having witnessed such a historic event, the joy she must have felt at seeing true love manifested for perhaps the first time in her life.
DAYS SINCE JOE BIDEN DID A SUNDAY SHOW: 1,138. Come back, Joe!
"You know who really doesn’t have it? Joe Biden." —Former President Barack Obama
Thanks for reading! Send tips to rutz@freebeacon.com.


Nadler’s Folly

Jerry Nadler must have missed the day in law school where they teach you about persuasion .
The House Democrat made a critical error early in the trial of President Trump .
He did n't just say that Republican senators , who voted to begin the proceedings without calling witnesses , were part of a cover up .
He said they had committed treason : `` So far , I 'm sad to say , I see a lot of senators voting for a coverup .
Voting to deny witnesses and obviously a treacherous vote .
A vote against honest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A vote against an honest trial .
A vote against the United States . ''
Easy , Tiger .
All Republicans did was follow the precedent of the Clinton trial .
They also admitted the House evidence into the record .
The vote on witnesses will arrive next week .
Hysterical accusations of national betrayal wo n't win the Democrats any converts .
When Trump counsel Pat Cipollone said Nadler should feel embarrassed after insulting 53 U.S. senators , Chief Justice Roberts intervened to `` admonish the House managers and the president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that they are addressing the world 's greatest deliberative body . ''
Roberts played it safe .
He rebuked both sides .
Nadler , though , was the reason he intervened .
Roberts had company .
Nadler 's comments also bothered Lisa Murkowski , who said his accusation was `` offensive . ''
Susan Collins put out a similar statement .
Murkowski went further , saying she was puzzled the House did n't go to court to force testimony from administration officials .
`` The House made the decision that they did n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to go through the courts , '' she said .
`` And yet now they 're basically saying you guys got ta go through the courts .
We did n't , but we need you to . ''
Why , it 's almost as if the Democrats are out for political gain rather than justice .
The cynicism behind the Democratic strategy has brought Republicans together .
There is little sign that the unity of the opening votes has dissipated .
That can change , of course .
Democrats hope to convince four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ witnesses and requesting documents from the Trump administration .
But they are having trouble .
You can tell because Chuck Schumer 's press conferences are louder than usual .
He 's not using them to convince the undecided ( if such people exist ) .
He 's taking the opportunity to draw a partisan contrast that he hopes will hurt Republicans in the fall .
I 'm dubious .
Impeachment is likely to be long forgotten by November .
No one seems to be paying attention to it now .
Not even the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plugged in .
At least four of them would rather be in Iowa .
A trial that ends by February 1 would give Bernie Sanders , Elizabeth Warren , Amy Klobuchar , and Michael Bennet 48 hours to make the final argument to caucus-goers .
Sanders and Warren need that time if they want to spoil Joe Biden 's chances .
The calendar has shaped impeachment from the beginning .
It 's why the House rushed to vote before the Christmas recess .
And it 's why Nancy Pelosi seized on the whistleblower @ @ @ @ @ @ @ perfect way to unite the growing number of Democrats for impeachment with freshmen from swing districts whose constituents are more interested in protecting coverage of pre-existing conditions .
Pelosi wants to remain speaker of the House .
She knows that a failure to impeach President Trump would invite a challenge from the left .
Especially if Trump wins a second term .
Jerry Nadler and fellow impeachment manager Hakeem Jeffries are both from New York , where the Democratic establishment lives in fear of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and her woke brigades .
Impeachment is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protect your flank from accusations of anti-Resistance activity .
It has also boosted the reputation of Adam Schiff in Democratic circles .
He seems right at home in the Senate .
A Republican senator told me before the trial began that the conduct of the House managers would play a major role in forming senators ' judgments .
Nadler 's eruption proved the point .
The contemptuous attitude of Democrats toward Republicans , and the pass-the-buck mentality that drove the House to impeach Trump before the evidence was in and inter-branch disputes settled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ every reason to vote on the charges sooner rather than later .
No one doubts that it 's a vote Trump will win .

Jerry Nadler must have missed the day in law school where they teach you about persuasion. The House Democrat made a critical error early in the trial of President Trump. He didn't just say that Republican senators, who voted to begin the proceedings without calling witnesses, were part of a cover up. He said they had committed treason: "So far, I'm sad to say, I see a lot of senators voting for a coverup. Voting to deny witnesses and obviously a treacherous vote. A vote against honest consideration of the evidence against the president. A vote against an honest trial. A vote against the United States."
Easy, Tiger. All Republicans did was follow the precedent of the Clinton trial. They also admitted the House evidence into the record. The vote on witnesses will arrive next week. Hysterical accusations of national betrayal won't win the Democrats any converts. When Trump counsel Pat Cipollone said Nadler should feel embarrassed after insulting 53 U.S. senators, Chief Justice Roberts intervened to "admonish the House managers and the president's counsel in equal terms to remember that they are addressing the world's greatest deliberative body." Roberts played it safe. He rebuked both sides. Nadler, though, was the reason he intervened.
Roberts had company. Nadler's comments also bothered Lisa Murkowski, who said his accusation was "offensive." Susan Collins put out a similar statement. Murkowski went further, saying she was puzzled the House didn't go to court to force testimony from administration officials. "The House made the decision that they didn't want to slow things down by having to go through the courts," she said. "And yet now they're basically saying you guys gotta go through the courts. We didn't, but we need you to." Why, it's almost as if the Democrats are out for political gain rather than justice.
The cynicism behind the Democratic strategy has brought Republicans together. There is little sign that the unity of the opening votes has dissipated. That can change, of course. Democrats hope to convince four Republicans to extend the trial by calling witnesses and requesting documents from the Trump administration. But they are having trouble. You can tell because Chuck Schumer's press conferences are louder than usual. He's not using them to convince the undecided (if such people exist). He's taking the opportunity to draw a partisan contrast that he hopes will hurt Republicans in the fall.
I'm dubious. Impeachment is likely to be long forgotten by November. No one seems to be paying attention to it now. Not even the senators who will decide the case are plugged in. At least four of them would rather be in Iowa. A trial that ends by February 1 would give Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, Amy Klobuchar, and Michael Bennet 48 hours to make the final argument to caucus-goers. Sanders and Warren need that time if they want to spoil Joe Biden's chances.
The calendar has shaped impeachment from the beginning. It's why the House rushed to vote before the Christmas recess. And it's why Nancy Pelosi seized on the whistleblower complaint. The Ukraine business was the perfect way to unite the growing number of Democrats for impeachment with freshmen from swing districts whose constituents are more interested in protecting coverage of pre-existing conditions.
Pelosi wants to remain speaker of the House. She knows that a failure to impeach President Trump would invite a challenge from the left. Especially if Trump wins a second term. Jerry Nadler and fellow impeachment manager Hakeem Jeffries are both from New York, where the Democratic establishment lives in fear of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and her woke brigades. Impeachment is a base play, a way to protect your flank from accusations of anti-Resistance activity. It has also boosted the reputation of Adam Schiff in Democratic circles. He seems right at home in the Senate.
A Republican senator told me before the trial began that the conduct of the House managers would play a major role in forming senators' judgments. Nadler's eruption proved the point. The contemptuous attitude of Democrats toward Republicans, and the pass-the-buck mentality that drove the House to impeach Trump before the evidence was in and inter-branch disputes settled by the courts, give GOP senators every reason to vote on the charges sooner rather than later. No one doubts that it's a vote Trump will win.


freebeacon--2020-01-24--Continetti: Despite ‘Slickly Produced’ Impeachment Case, Republicans Unlikely to Be Convinced

Washington Free Beacon founding editor Matthew Continetti said Thursday that despite a `` slickly produced '' presentation , the impeachment case made by the Democrats is unlikely to sway Republican senators .
`` The question is , behind all this , does the conduct that President Trump initiated rise to the level of an impeachable offense ? ''
Continetti said during an appearance on Fox News 's Special Report .
`` Even though this story may be slickly produced and well told , at the end of the day I do n't think it 's going to convince any Republicans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ President Trump 's defense team has yet to present their case against removing Trump from office .
`` Part of the reason is right now we are in the part of the trial where the platform is entirely given to the prosecution , '' Continetti said .
`` That will change over the weekend .
I think once the defense has an opportunity to present its side of the story and its case , I think Republicans will feel the wind in their sails . ''
This week marked the start of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not President Trump will be removed from office .
The House impeachment managers have 24 hours over three days to present their case for removal before the president 's own team of litigators will be able to respond .
A vote could occur on Wednesday , Jan. 29th at the earliest .

Washington Free Beacon founding editor Matthew Continetti said Thursday that despite a "slickly produced" presentation, the impeachment case made by the Democrats is unlikely to sway Republican senators.
"The question is, behind all this, does the conduct that President Trump initiated rise to the level of an impeachable offense?" Continetti said during an appearance on Fox News's Special Report. "Even though this story may be slickly produced and well told, at the end of the day I don't think it's going to convince any Republicans."
Continetti also pointed out that President Trump's defense team has yet to present their case against removing Trump from office.
"Part of the reason is right now we are in the part of the trial where the platform is entirely given to the prosecution," Continetti said. "That will change over the weekend. I think once the defense has an opportunity to present its side of the story and its case, I think Republicans will feel the wind in their sails."
This week marked the start of the Senate trial that will determine whether or not President Trump will be removed from office. The House impeachment managers have 24 hours over three days to present their case for removal before the president's own team of litigators will be able to respond. A vote could occur on Wednesday, Jan. 29th at the earliest.


freebeacon--2020-01-24--Missouri House to Investigate Dem State Auditor Over Alleged Political Bias in Hawley Audit

The Missouri state legislature announced on Thursday that it would investigate Democratic state auditor Nicole Galloway 's alleged misconduct during her audit of Sen. Josh Hawley 's ( R. , Mo . )
time as the state 's attorney general , according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch .
Robert Ross , a Republican state representative and chairman of the state House Special Committee on Government Oversight , said in a letter to Galloway that the committee would be looking into the allegations that her office allowed politics to influence its investigation of Hawley , who publicly made the allegations through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a member who relies heavily on the findings of fact-based , unbiased audits that are meant to be performed by your office , I am concerned by the recent claim that political ramifications were considered in altering the conclusion of one of your recent audits , '' Ross wrote .
Hawley 's accusation , first reported by the Washington Free Beacon , was that Galloway filled her office with partisan actors who were openly hostile to Hawley .
The accusations from Hawley center on the political nature of the audit carried out by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she was running for governor .
Barnes argues that Galloway filled the auditor 's office with partisan actors openly hostile to Hawley as the investigation into his office was underway , raising serious questions about the impartiality of the audit .
The chief piece of evidence presented is an email by Galloway 's lead investigator on the case , Pamela Allison , in which she admits to altering the audit 's conclusions .
The email was inadvertently sent by Allison to a member of the attorney general 's office , the letter states @ @ @ @ @ @ @ removed from the audit after Allison learned Hawley was not guilty of any wrongdoing .
`` Such alteration of a state audit is deeply inappropriate , unethical , and potentially a violation of state law , '' the letter says .
`` That this misconduct was committed while the auditor was herself conducting a political campaign for governor only underscores the impropriety . ''
`` This allegation would constitute an extreme breach in the confidence the people of Missouri place in the role of your office , '' Ross said in his letter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ holding to our mission to ensure the good people of our state can trust their government , the House of Representatives Special Committee on Government oversight will hold a hearing on January 29th to look into these claims . ''
Galloway 's audit investigated the accusation that Hawley was using his official office to boost his 2018 campaign for U.S. Senate .
The accusation came from the liberal nonprofit American Democracy Legal Fund and was used extensively by former senator Claire McCaskill during her campaign against Hawley .
Galloway went on to hire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a senior employee in the state auditor 's office and accepted a $ 2,600 campaign contribution from McCaskill while the investigation was being carried out .
Galloway is currently running for governor of Missouri .

The Missouri state legislature announced on Thursday that it would investigate Democratic state auditor Nicole Galloway's alleged misconduct during her audit of Sen. Josh Hawley's (R., Mo.) time as the state's attorney general, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Robert Ross, a Republican state representative and chairman of the state House Special Committee on Government Oversight, said in a letter to Galloway that the committee would be looking into the allegations that her office allowed politics to influence its investigation of Hawley, who publicly made the allegations through his counsel last Tuesday.
"As a member who relies heavily on the findings of fact-based, unbiased audits that are meant to be performed by your office, I am concerned by the recent claim that political ramifications were considered in altering the conclusion of one of your recent audits," Ross wrote.
Hawley's accusation, first reported by the Washington Free Beacon, was that Galloway filled her office with partisan actors who were openly hostile to Hawley.
The accusations from Hawley center on the political nature of the audit carried out by Galloway, who announced in August that she was running for governor. [Hawley's lawyer Brian Barnes] argues that Galloway filled the auditor's office with partisan actors openly hostile to Hawley as the investigation into his office was underway, raising serious questions about the impartiality of the audit. The chief piece of evidence presented is an email by Galloway's lead investigator on the case, Pamela Allison, in which she admits to altering the audit's conclusions. The email was inadvertently sent by Allison to a member of the attorney general's office, the letter states, and reveals that a section was removed from the audit after Allison learned Hawley was not guilty of any wrongdoing. "Such alteration of a state audit is deeply inappropriate, unethical, and potentially a violation of state law," the letter says. "That this misconduct was committed while the auditor was herself conducting a political campaign for governor only underscores the impropriety."
"This allegation would constitute an extreme breach in the confidence the people of Missouri place in the role of your office," Ross said in his letter to Galloway. "Therefore, in holding to our mission to ensure the good people of our state can trust their government, the House of Representatives Special Committee on Government oversight will hold a hearing on January 29th to look into these claims."
Galloway's audit investigated the accusation that Hawley was using his official office to boost his 2018 campaign for U.S. Senate. The accusation came from the liberal nonprofit American Democracy Legal Fund and was used extensively by former senator Claire McCaskill during her campaign against Hawley. Galloway went on to hire McCaskill's former campaign manager David Kirby as a senior employee in the state auditor's office and accepted a $2,600 campaign contribution from McCaskill while the investigation was being carried out.
Galloway is currently running for governor of Missouri.


freebeacon--2020-01-24--Warren Team Lowers Expectations Ahead of Iowa Caucus

Sen. Elizabeth Warren 's ( D. , Mass . )
campaign warned the candidate 's supporters Friday about potential `` breathless media narratives '' following the first caucus votes in Iowa , moving to dampen expectations about her electoral performance .
In a fundraising memo to supporters , campaign manager Roger Lau highlighted the Warren team 's `` robust staff footprint '' in the early voting states of Iowa , New Hampshire , South Carolina , and Nevada , while noting in a graphic that the states ' combined 155 delegates represented just 3.9 percent of the total .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ built and executed our plan to win , '' Lau wrote .
`` We expect this to be a long nomination fight and have built our campaign to sustain well past Super Tuesday and stay resilient no matter what breathless media narratives come when voting begins . ''
`` The four early states contests are just the beginning , '' he added .
Lau stressed the importance of the `` Super Tuesday '' states and beyond , saying the campaign apparatus was also focused on winning the general election and boosting Democrats nationally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ progressive enthusiasm and positive media attention for the candidate 's policy proposals—is struggling in the polls , both nationally and in the early states .
She led the FiveThirtyEight polling average in Iowa as recently as Nov. 11 but has since sunk to fourth place , behind former vice president Joe Biden , Sen. Bernie Sanders ( I. , Vt. ) and former South Bend , Ind.
, mayor Pete Buttigieg .
The Democratic winner in Iowa in the past four open nominating contests ( 2000 , 2004 , 2008 and 2016 ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A new New Hampshire poll showed Sanders ( 29 percent ) well ahead of Warren , who was in fourth place at 13 percent behind Buttigieg ( 17 percent ) and Biden ( 14 percent ) .
Given that the state borders Massachusetts , a poor finish there would be particularly disappointing for Warren .
Nationally , Warren has gone from leading the field at 26.6 percent in the RealClearPolitics polling average on Oct. 8 to third place at 14.6 percent as of Friday .
Her standing began to suffer following the November @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which calls for the eventual elimination of private health insurance in favor of a single-payer Medicare for All system .
Experts said her estimated price tag of $ 20.5 trillion was unrealistically low .
Democratic voters consistently rate beating President Donald Trump as their top priority in choosing a candidate .
A recent Reuters-Ipsos survey found 35 percent of respondents choosing Biden as the best candidate to do that , well ahead of Sanders ( 15 percent ) and Warren ( 12 percent ) .

Sen. Elizabeth Warren's (D., Mass.) campaign warned the candidate's supporters Friday about potential "breathless media narratives" following the first caucus votes in Iowa, moving to dampen expectations about her electoral performance.
In a fundraising memo to supporters, campaign manager Roger Lau highlighted the Warren team's "robust staff footprint" in the early voting states of Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina, and Nevada, while noting in a graphic that the states' combined 155 delegates represented just 3.9 percent of the total.
"For the last 13 months we have built and executed our plan to win," Lau wrote. "We expect this to be a long nomination fight and have built our campaign to sustain well past Super Tuesday and stay resilient no matter what breathless media narratives come when voting begins."
"The four early states contests are just the beginning," he added.
Lau stressed the importance of the "Super Tuesday" states and beyond, saying the campaign apparatus was also focused on winning the general election and boosting Democrats nationally.
Warren's campaign—once soaring thanks to progressive enthusiasm and positive media attention for the candidate's policy proposals—is struggling in the polls, both nationally and in the early states.
She led the FiveThirtyEight polling average in Iowa as recently as Nov. 11 but has since sunk to fourth place, behind former vice president Joe Biden, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I., Vt.) and former South Bend, Ind., mayor Pete Buttigieg.
The Democratic winner in Iowa in the past four open nominating contests (2000, 2004, 2008 and 2016) went on to clinch the nomination.
A new New Hampshire poll showed Sanders (29 percent) well ahead of Warren, who was in fourth place at 13 percent behind Buttigieg (17 percent) and Biden (14 percent). Given that the state borders Massachusetts, a poor finish there would be particularly disappointing for Warren.
Nationally, Warren has gone from leading the field at 26.6 percent in the RealClearPolitics polling average on Oct. 8 to third place at 14.6 percent as of Friday.
Her standing began to suffer following the November release of her health care plan, which calls for the eventual elimination of private health insurance in favor of a single-payer Medicare for All system. Experts said her estimated price tag of $20.5 trillion was unrealistically low.
Democratic voters consistently rate beating President Donald Trump as their top priority in choosing a candidate. A recent Reuters-Ipsos survey found 35 percent of respondents choosing Biden as the best candidate to do that, well ahead of Sanders (15 percent) and Warren (12 percent).