freebeacon--2020-10-22--Liberal Alaska Senate Candidate Falsely Claims He Never Backed Medicare for All

Alaska Senate candidate Al Gross ( I . )
used to boast of being an `` outspoken advocate '' of single-payer health care , but now that he 's running for statewide office his position is that he `` never '' supported such a system .
`` Some of you may know me as an outspoken advocate for a single-payer system in Alaska or national , '' Gross said in 2017 at a public policy forum addressing health care .
He also tweeted in 2018 that America needed `` a Medicare for all type of health care system , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Alaska Public Media read Gross his own words , he denied ever saying them .
`` I never said that , '' he told the radio audience .
`` I ’ ve never said that I support Medicare for All as a policy for America . ''
But the tweet he was asked about is still posted on his Twitter .
In his radio appearance , Gross claimed he is more in favor of a public option and is a `` a strong proponent of incremental change in our health care system .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ saying his previous declarations of support for single payer were merely `` a means of highlighting what the expensive health care system is doing to our economy . ''
In 2017 , he framed his support for a single-payer system as a reaction against the `` greed '' of the existing system , saying he , an orthopedic surgeon , might rightly be considered a `` hypocrite for having profited '' from it .
`` I was being paid three-to-five times the national average of my colleagues , who were equally trained , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s a ton of money on the table .
You ’ d be a fool not to take it—everyone else is . ''
Gross , who is trying to unseat Republican incumbent Dan Sullivan , admitted in August he is `` to the left '' on issues and will caucus with Democrats if he is elected , as Sens .
Bernie Sanders ( I. , Vt. ) and Angus King ( I. , Maine ) do .

Alaska Senate candidate Al Gross (I.) used to boast of being an "outspoken advocate" of single-payer health care, but now that he's running for statewide office his position is that he "never" supported such a system.
"Some of you may know me as an outspoken advocate for a single-payer system in Alaska or national," Gross said in 2017 at a public policy forum addressing health care. He also tweeted in 2018 that America needed "a Medicare for all type of health care system," but last month when a questioner on Alaska Public Media read Gross his own words, he denied ever saying them.
"I never said that," he told the radio audience. "I’ve never said that I support Medicare for All as a policy for America."
But the tweet he was asked about is still posted on his Twitter.
After the recent federal court decision in Texas striking down the ACA, I can’t think of a more compelling reason to push forward for a single payer system and a Medicare for all type of health care system. It is the only way we can truly cover preexisting conditions — Dr. Al Gross (@DrAlGrossAK) December 16, 2018
In his radio appearance, Gross claimed he is more in favor of a public option and is a "a strong proponent of incremental change in our health care system."
Gross has justified his about-face by saying his previous declarations of support for single payer were merely "a means of highlighting what the expensive health care system is doing to our economy."
In 2017, he framed his support for a single-payer system as a reaction against the "greed" of the existing system, saying he, an orthopedic surgeon, might rightly be considered a "hypocrite for having profited" from it.
"I was being paid three-to-five times the national average of my colleagues, who were equally trained," he said. "There’s a ton of money on the table. You’d be a fool not to take it—everyone else is."
Gross, who is trying to unseat Republican incumbent Dan Sullivan, admitted in August he is "to the left" on issues and will caucus with Democrats if he is elected, as Sens. Bernie Sanders (I., Vt.) and Angus King (I., Maine) do.


freebeacon--2020-10-22--Black Women Slam Biden and Harris

Black Women Slam Biden and Harris

MSNBC anchor Chris Jansing spoke with a group of undecided black women in Georgia who said they are not keen on voting for Joe Biden and Sen. Kamala Harris ( D. , Calif ) .
They criticized Biden on multiple counts , including his failure to tell them where he stands on key issues .
`` I want to hear an ironclad plan , '' she said .
`` I do n't want to hear ‘ if this ' or ‘ if that ' or ‘ after the election . '
'' When the women were asked whether Harris being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ simultaneously answered in the negative .
`` I do n't know who said [ Harris ] had our vote , '' one woman said .
`` We were supposed to grab onto Kamala with the black girl magic , but that did n't happen because she did n't right our wrongs . ''
`` I hold officials accountable—I do n't care what color you are , '' said another woman .
`` Too often we automatically think that because someone looks like you they 'll have your best interests at heart , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Harris has taken criticism on criminal justice in particular , since she moved aggressively to put people behind bars when she was a prosecutor in California .
Her record as a prosecutor dogged her presidential campaign and has remained a common line of criticism since she joined Biden 's ticket .
Two women on MSNBC also expressed frustration toward Biden for his support of the 1994 crime bill .
`` Let 's start at the crime bill and the fact that he has not only not apologized , '' one said .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well the Black Caucus members and the church they were with it too . '
Okay , you fooled them as well . ''

'I don't want to hear 'if this' or 'if that' or 'after the election''
MSNBC anchor Chris Jansing spoke with a group of undecided black women in Georgia who said they are not keen on voting for Joe Biden and Sen. Kamala Harris (D., Calif).
They criticized Biden on multiple counts, including his failure to tell them where he stands on key issues.
"I want to hear an ironclad plan," she said. "I don't want to hear 'if this' or 'if that' or 'after the election.'"
When the women were asked whether Harris being on the ticket swayed them, they simultaneously answered in the negative.
"I don't know who said [Harris] had our vote," one woman said. "We were supposed to grab onto Kamala with the black girl magic, but that didn't happen because she didn't right our wrongs."
"I hold officials accountable—I don't care what color you are," said another woman. "Too often we automatically think that because someone looks like you they'll have your best interests at heart, and that's not always true."
Harris has taken criticism on criminal justice in particular, since she moved aggressively to put people behind bars when she was a prosecutor in California. Her record as a prosecutor dogged her presidential campaign and has remained a common line of criticism since she joined Biden's ticket.
Two women on MSNBC also expressed frustration toward Biden for his support of the 1994 crime bill.
"Let's start at the crime bill and the fact that he has not only not apologized," one said. "Every time he reverts back to 'well the Black Caucus members and the church they were with it too.' Okay, you fooled them as well."


freebeacon--2020-10-22--Majority of Democrats in Congress Praise Trump’s Middle East Peace Deal

A majority of House and Senate Democrats supported a resolution praising a key diplomatic achievement of the Trump administration .
Over the past month , 93 Senators and 372 House members—amounting to over 90 percent of the Senate and 85 percent of the House—cosponsored legislation supporting the signing of the Abraham Accords , a series of peace agreements between the United Arab Emirates , Bahrain , and Israel brokered by the Trump administration .
Both the Senate and House resolutions affirm the desire for a peaceful solution to issues between Israel and Palestinians , and encourage other Gulf countries to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The chief cosponsors of the House bill include prominent Republicans and Democrats alike , including Reps. Michael McCaul ( R. , Texas ) , Lee Zeldin ( R. , N.Y. ) , Eliot Engel ( D. , N.Y. ) , and Max Rose ( D. , N.Y. ) .
`` I am proud to co-lead this bipartisan resolution with Chairman Engel recognizing these historic accomplishments , '' McCaul said in September .
`` The recent diplomatic agreements between Israel and UAE and Israel and Bahrain are transformational developments for the Middle East .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ our partners is a major win for U.S. national interests . ''
Zeldin added his own praise for the peace agreements .
`` The United States and world are safer when America effectively leads on the world stage , and these historic agreements between Israel and the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain forward the cause of peace and security in the Middle East and represent real progress in this centuries-long mission , '' he said .
Since the September signing of the Abraham Accords , rapid normalization between Israel and the UAE has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ commercial flight from the UAE to Israel landed in Tel Aviv .
Since September , Washington and Jerusalem have brokered separate deals opening the door to varying degrees of diplomatic normalization with Sudan , Kosovo , and Serbia , with the end goal of a Saudi Arabian-Israeli peace deal in mind .
When initial reports of the accords broke , the media establishment consistently downplayed the monumental nature of the agreements , ignoring the accords in September to cover other issues .
Many of Barack Obama ’ s top foreign-policy advisers consistently spoke @ @ @ @ @ @ @ East policy , with some previously considering a peace deal between Gulf countries and Israel impossible .
As a result of the accords , a Norwegian lawmaker nominated President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize .

A majority of House and Senate Democrats supported a resolution praising a key diplomatic achievement of the Trump administration.
Over the past month, 93 Senators and 372 House members—amounting to over 90 percent of the Senate and 85 percent of the House—cosponsored legislation supporting the signing of the Abraham Accords, a series of peace agreements between the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Israel brokered by the Trump administration. Both the Senate and House resolutions affirm the desire for a peaceful solution to issues between Israel and Palestinians, and encourage other Gulf countries to consider fully normalizing relations with Jerusalem.
The chief cosponsors of the House bill include prominent Republicans and Democrats alike, including Reps. Michael McCaul (R., Texas), Lee Zeldin (R., N.Y.), Eliot Engel (D., N.Y.), and Max Rose (D., N.Y.).
"I am proud to co-lead this bipartisan resolution with Chairman Engel recognizing these historic accomplishments," McCaul said in September. "The recent diplomatic agreements between Israel and UAE and Israel and Bahrain are transformational developments for the Middle East. We all agree that building relationships between our partners is a major win for U.S. national interests."
Zeldin added his own praise for the peace agreements. "The United States and world are safer when America effectively leads on the world stage, and these historic agreements between Israel and the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain forward the cause of peace and security in the Middle East and represent real progress in this centuries-long mission," he said.
Since the September signing of the Abraham Accords, rapid normalization between Israel and the UAE has occurred. This week, the first commercial flight from the UAE to Israel landed in Tel Aviv. Since September, Washington and Jerusalem have brokered separate deals opening the door to varying degrees of diplomatic normalization with Sudan, Kosovo, and Serbia, with the end goal of a Saudi Arabian-Israeli peace deal in mind.
When initial reports of the accords broke, the media establishment consistently downplayed the monumental nature of the agreements, ignoring the accords in September to cover other issues. Many of Barack Obama’s top foreign-policy advisers consistently spoke against the Trump administration’s Middle East policy, with some previously considering a peace deal between Gulf countries and Israel impossible.
As a result of the accords, a Norwegian lawmaker nominated President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize.


freebeacon--2020-10-22--PREVIEW: Everything You Need to Know About the Final Trump-Biden Presidential Debate

Scroll down to learn everything you need to know… • Donald J. Trump , successful businessman , COVID-19 survivor , and President of the United States .
• The final presidential debate before Election Day on Nov. 3 , 2020 .
• A safe space for Joe Biden to issue a rehearsed , emotional response to allegations that Hunter Biden was selling access to his father and sharing profits with `` The Big Guy . ''
• One last chance ( perhaps ) for news networks to point their cameras at Donald Trump and relive the glory days of 2016 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ single-handedly revived their dying industry and inspired them to investigate powerful figures again after eight years of feckless complacency .
• How much does it cost to attend Germantown Friends School from grades K-12 ?
( $ 498,700 . )
• Where did Kristen Welker go to college ?
( Harvard . )
• Do the media have an elitism problem that pervades their coverage and inhibits their ability to relate to the vast majority of American voters ?
( Yes , thanks for asking . )
• Donald Trump has denounced white @ @ @ @ @ @ @ media asked Joe Biden to denounce Satanic pedophiles ?
( Good question !
Makes you wonder , does n't it ? )
• Speaking of pedophiles , is n't the only reason Jeffrey Epstein got arrested because a local paper in Florida started investigating his connection to one of Trump 's cabinet appointees ?
( Yes . )
• If Hillary Clinton had won the 2016 election , would Jeffrey Epstein still be alive and free ?
( Definitely . )
• Why is Joe Biden even debating if Kamala Harris is going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one ?
( Good question !
I guess they do n't want to spoil the surprise . )
What Trump Must Do to Win : • Thwart the debate commission 's ability to mute his microphone .
• Contract COVID-19 again and cure himself by the end of the debate .
• Recapture the salad days of the 2016 GOP primary when the insults flowed freely and his weakling opponents like Jeb Bush and Rand Paul cowered before him , awaiting their just fates : humiliation , followed by annihilation .
• Make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ faffing about and finally put Hillary Clinton in prison where she belongs .
What Biden Must Do to Win : • Spread the ball around .
He need n't do all the work to secure a victory .
Let the moderator share the burden of debating Trump while he recharges and injects more amphetamines to stay alert .
• Do n't say the first thing that pops into his head .
Specifically : `` Look , I was U.S. senator for 36 years .
I did n't even make $ 200,000 a year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Just $ 235,000 a year .
It 's embarrassing when all your friends are so much richer than you are .
So what if Hunter helped me pocket a few million on the side ?
It 's not like I did n't deserve it .
C'mon , man . ''
• Who is more annoying and unfair : Lesley Stahl ?
Or Bette Midler ?
• Have you ever used a laptop ?
No ?
Does n't that prove you 're not corrupt ?
• Will the Republican plan to replace Obamacare be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ great , or C ) better than anything you 've ever seen ?
• You have repeatedly claimed to be 6′ 1″ , but according to medical records , you 're only 5′ 11″ .
Why must you continue to deny science ?
• A court-ordered DNA test revealed that you are the biological grandfather of `` NJR , '' the little boy Hunter fathered with an exotic dancer known as `` Dallas . ''
The boy deserves to be loved , and yet you refuse to acknowledge his existence .
Why must @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Barack and Michelle Obama are multimillionaires .
Why have n't they donated to your campaign ?

Scroll down to learn everything you need to know...
WHO:
Donald J. Trump, successful businessman, COVID-19 survivor, and President of the United States.
Joseph R. Biden, 77-year-old Democratic politician and Hunter's dad, aka "The Big Guy."
Kristen Welker, NBC News correspondent and Germantown Friends School graduate.
WHAT:
The final presidential debate before Election Day on Nov. 3, 2020.
WHERE:
Belmont University in Nashville, Tenn.
WHEN:
9:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 22.
WHY:
A safe space for Joe Biden to issue a rehearsed, emotional response to allegations that Hunter Biden was selling access to his father and sharing profits with "The Big Guy."
One last chance (perhaps) for news networks to point their cameras at Donald Trump and relive the glory days of 2016, paying tribute to the man who single-handedly revived their dying industry and inspired them to investigate powerful figures again after eight years of feckless complacency.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How much does it cost to attend Germantown Friends School from grades K-12? ($498,700.)
Where did Kristen Welker go to college? (Harvard.)
Do the media have an elitism problem that pervades their coverage and inhibits their ability to relate to the vast majority of American voters? (Yes, thanks for asking.)
Donald Trump has denounced white supremacy, so why haven't the media asked Joe Biden to denounce Satanic pedophiles? (Good question! Makes you wonder, doesn't it?)
Speaking of pedophiles, isn't the only reason Jeffrey Epstein got arrested because a local paper in Florida started investigating his connection to one of Trump's cabinet appointees? (Yes.)
If Hillary Clinton had won the 2016 election, would Jeffrey Epstein still be alive and free? (Definitely.)
Why is Joe Biden even debating if Kamala Harris is going to take over as president on day one? (Good question! I guess they don't want to spoil the surprise.)
What Trump Must Do to Win:
Hunter Biden, Hunter Biden, Hunter Biden, Hunter Biden.
Thwart the debate commission's ability to mute his microphone.
Contract COVID-19 again and cure himself by the end of the debate.
Recapture the salad days of the 2016 GOP primary when the insults flowed freely and his weakling opponents like Jeb Bush and Rand Paul cowered before him, awaiting their just fates: humiliation, followed by annihilation.
Make headlines by announcing his intention to stop faffing about and finally put Hillary Clinton in prison where she belongs.
What Biden Must Do to Win:
Cheat.
Amphetamines.
Spread the ball around. He needn't do all the work to secure a victory. Let the moderator share the burden of debating Trump while he recharges and injects more amphetamines to stay alert.
Don't say the first thing that pops into his head. Specifically: "Look, I was U.S. senator for 36 years. I didn't even make $200,000 a year. Eight years as vice president? Just $235,000 a year. It's embarrassing when all your friends are so much richer than you are. So what if Hunter helped me pocket a few million on the side? It's not like I didn't deserve it. C'mon, man."
Key Questions for Trump:
Who is more annoying and unfair: Lesley Stahl? Or Bette Midler?
You've denounced white supremacy. Why hasn't your opponent denounced pedophiles?
Have you ever used a laptop? No? Doesn't that prove you're not corrupt?
Will the Republican plan to replace Obamacare be A) great, B) really great, or C) better than anything you've ever seen?
Key Questions for Biden:


freebeacon--2020-10-22--74 Percent of MS-13 Gang Members Charged Were In United States Illegally

Seventy-four percent of MS-13 gang members charged by federal prosecutors between 2016 and 2020 were in the country illegally , according to a Wednesday Justice Department report .
The report details law enforcement agencies ' efforts to take down MS-13 , one of the world 's most violent gangs , during President Donald Trump 's term .
The department charged 749 MS-13 members between 2016 and 2020 .
Of those charged , only 11 percent were legally present in the United States .
Eight percent were U.S. citizens , and the other 3 percent were otherwise in the country legally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gang members , though , had entered the United States illegally through the southern border , the report noted .
During the Trump administration , critics have painted the president as anti-immigration for his efforts to ramp up border security .
Federal authorities , however , have cited `` weaknesses '' in immigration policies as reasons for the expansion of MS-13 and other international crime organizations across the United States and Central America .
Murder , human trafficking , assault , conspiracy to commit terrorism , felony possession of a firearm , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ federal authorities brought against the gang .
Of gang members charged , 504 have been convicted , and federal authorities are seeking the death penalty for two who have been charged with murder .
In a 2017 executive order , President Trump instructed the Justice Department to coordinate efforts with other federal law enforcement agencies , including the FBI and Department of Homeland Security , to begin cracking down on `` Transnational Crime Organizations '' such as MS-13 .
In a statement , Attorney General William Barr said that while the United States @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MS-13 , U.S. law enforcement agencies have successfully thwarted key elements of the gang 's `` command and control '' and `` significantly degraded '' its capabilities .
Started in the late 1970s by Salvadoran immigrants to Los Angeles , MS-13 is notorious for its brutal and indiscriminate murders , often by machete .
Its operations extend across 24 U.S. states as well as El Salvador , Guatemala , Honduras , and Mexico , and some believe MS-13 cells now exist in Italy and Spain .

Seventy-four percent of MS-13 gang members charged by federal prosecutors between 2016 and 2020 were in the country illegally, according to a Wednesday Justice Department report.
The report details law enforcement agencies' efforts to take down MS-13, one of the world's most violent gangs, during President Donald Trump's term.
The department charged 749 MS-13 members between 2016 and 2020. Of those charged, only 11 percent were legally present in the United States. Eight percent were U.S. citizens, and the other 3 percent were otherwise in the country legally.
Most of the federally prosecuted MS-13 gang members, though, had entered the United States illegally through the southern border, the report noted.
During the Trump administration, critics have painted the president as anti-immigration for his efforts to ramp up border security.
Federal authorities, however, have cited "weaknesses" in immigration policies as reasons for the expansion of MS-13 and other international crime organizations across the United States and Central America.
Murder, human trafficking, assault, conspiracy to commit terrorism, felony possession of a firearm, and narcotics distribution were among the primary charges federal authorities brought against the gang.
Of gang members charged, 504 have been convicted, and federal authorities are seeking the death penalty for two who have been charged with murder.
In a 2017 executive order, President Trump instructed the Justice Department to coordinate efforts with other federal law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and Department of Homeland Security, to begin cracking down on "Transnational Crime Organizations" such as MS-13.
In a statement, Attorney General William Barr said that while the United States still has work to do in dismantling MS-13, U.S. law enforcement agencies have successfully thwarted key elements of the gang's "command and control" and "significantly degraded" its capabilities.
Started in the late 1970s by Salvadoran immigrants to Los Angeles, MS-13 is notorious for its brutal and indiscriminate murders, often by machete. Its operations extend across 24 U.S. states as well as El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico, and some believe MS-13 cells now exist in Italy and Spain.


freebeacon--2020-10-22--Detroit News Endorses John James for Senate

A major Detroit newspaper endorsed Republican challenger John James over Democratic incumbent Gary Peters in Michigan 's Senate race after backing Peters in 2014 .
On Wednesday , the editorial board of the Detroit News endorsed James , a West Point grad and Detroit native , arguing that his unique background as a black Republican will bring fresh ideas to a country in the middle of a racial reckoning .
It 's the second endorsement James has received from the News , which also supported his 2018 campaign against Sen. Debbie Stabenow ( D. , Mich. ) .
`` This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' the editorial board wrote .
`` He is waging his campaign at a time when America is trying to work through its long history of racial animus .
As an African American , a conservative , and a Republican , James would add an important perspective to policy-making aimed at vanquishing racial inequity . ''
In an election cycle that has forced many Republican incumbents on the defensive , James has emerged as a credible challenger to the freshman Peters , threatening Democrats ' chances of retaking the Senate .
RealClearPolitics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Peters is only five percentage points ahead of James on average .
Both parties have poured money into the race , with Peters raising $ 35 million and James $ 33 million .
Detroit community leaders told the Washington Free Beacon that enthusiasm for Peters 's campaign has been lackluster among the city 's African-American voters , a key demographic that composes nearly 80 percent of the city 's population .
The News endorsement , however , might help shift voter support towards James .
The News , one of two major @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Senate run against Republican Terri Lynn Land in 2014 , citing Land 's lackluster campaigning and Peters 's bipartisan record .
In its Wednesday endorsement , the News credited Peters for his senatorial successes but argued that the Senate needs more diverse voices , such as James , who would oppose the progressive agenda in Congress .
`` Peters is one of 73 white males in the Senate .
It 's a demographic that 's well represented , '' the endorsement read .
`` Clearly , the Senate would benefit from more Black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as would the Republican Party .
The GOP ca n't survive as a whites-only institution .
Nor can the racial divide close if only one party represents the interests of Black Americans . ''

A major Detroit newspaper endorsed Republican challenger John James over Democratic incumbent Gary Peters in Michigan's Senate race after backing Peters in 2014.
On Wednesday, the editorial board of the Detroit News endorsed James, a West Point grad and Detroit native, arguing that his unique background as a black Republican will bring fresh ideas to a country in the middle of a racial reckoning.
It's the second endorsement James has received from the News, which also supported his 2018 campaign against Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D., Mich.).
"This is the right moment for John James," the editorial board wrote. "He is waging his campaign at a time when America is trying to work through its long history of racial animus. As an African American, a conservative, and a Republican, James would add an important perspective to policy-making aimed at vanquishing racial inequity."
In an election cycle that has forced many Republican incumbents on the defensive, James has emerged as a credible challenger to the freshman Peters, threatening Democrats' chances of retaking the Senate.
RealClearPolitics rates the race a tossup, finding that Peters is only five percentage points ahead of James on average. Both parties have poured money into the race, with Peters raising $35 million and James $33 million.
Detroit community leaders told the Washington Free Beacon that enthusiasm for Peters's campaign has been lackluster among the city's African-American voters, a key demographic that composes nearly 80 percent of the city's population.
The News endorsement, however, might help shift voter support towards James.
The News, one of two major Detroit newspapers, endorsed Peters's successful Senate run against Republican Terri Lynn Land in 2014, citing Land's lackluster campaigning and Peters's bipartisan record.
In its Wednesday endorsement, the News credited Peters for his senatorial successes but argued that the Senate needs more diverse voices, such as James, who would oppose the progressive agenda in Congress.
"Peters is one of 73 white males in the Senate. It's a demographic that's well represented," the endorsement read. "Clearly, the Senate would benefit from more Black voices as it addresses this national crisis, as would the Republican Party. The GOP can't survive as a whites-only institution. Nor can the racial divide close if only one party represents the interests of Black Americans."


Slip of the Gun

The Democratic nominee for New York 's 21st Congressional District stumbled over a question about gun bans during a Wednesday-night debate .
Tedra Cobb , who is again facing off against Rep. Elise Stefanik ( R. ) , appeared to contradict herself while discussing whether she supports banning guns like the popular AR-15 .
After attacking Stefanik 's opposition to several gun-control bills , Cobb initially said she did not support banning `` assault rifle [ s ] '' before saying she wants some sort of ban .
`` I believe that we should respect responsible gun owners ' rights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pass meaningful legislation banning … uh , '' Cobb said before pausing .
The slip-up could put her campaign in hot water with gun owners—a group she alienated in her unsuccessful 2018 run after admitting to volunteers she was concealing her support for a ban from the public .
Her fumble comes with less than two weeks until the election .
Stefanik interjected to say Cobb 's comments showed that the Democrat supports banning AR-15s and other firearms .
`` She said it herself , banning assault weapons , '' Stefanik said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a request for comment .
Cobb pushed back against Stefanik in the debate , claiming that she does not support a gun ban .
She insisted that she only backs a ban on `` gun-show loopholes . ''
She called the Republican incumbent `` childish '' and accused Stefanik of lying about her .
`` Just listen to what my opponent said , '' Stefanik responded .
`` She said banning when it comes to assault weapons , when it comes to guns .
She knew as soon as the word ‘ banning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was going to be a problem . ''
The National Rifle Association has endorsed Stefanik for reelection after giving her an A+ rating .
Cobb has received an F rating from the gun-rights group .

The Democratic nominee for New York's 21st Congressional District stumbled over a question about gun bans during a Wednesday-night debate.
Tedra Cobb, who is again facing off against Rep. Elise Stefanik (R.), appeared to contradict herself while discussing whether she supports banning guns like the popular AR-15. After attacking Stefanik's opposition to several gun-control bills, Cobb initially said she did not support banning "assault rifle[s]" before saying she wants some sort of ban.
"I believe that we should respect responsible gun owners' rights but I also believe that we should pass meaningful legislation banning ... uh," Cobb said before pausing. The slip-up could put her campaign in hot water with gun owners—a group she alienated in her unsuccessful 2018 run after admitting to volunteers she was concealing her support for a ban from the public. Her fumble comes with less than two weeks until the election.
Stefanik interjected to say Cobb's comments showed that the Democrat supports banning AR-15s and other firearms. "She said it herself, banning assault weapons," Stefanik said.
Cobb's campaign did not respond to a request for comment.
Cobb pushed back against Stefanik in the debate, claiming that she does not support a gun ban. She insisted that she only backs a ban on "gun-show loopholes." She called the Republican incumbent "childish" and accused Stefanik of lying about her.
"Just listen to what my opponent said," Stefanik responded. "She said banning when it comes to assault weapons, when it comes to guns. She knew as soon as the word 'banning' came out of her mouth it was going to be a problem."
The National Rifle Association has endorsed Stefanik for reelection after giving her an A+ rating. Cobb has received an F rating from the gun-rights group.


freebeacon--2020-10-22--Prominent Dem Sees ‘Big Fight Coming’ Over Dems’ Attempt to Slash Defense Budget

A prominent Democratic congressman said he sees a `` big fight coming '' over Democrats ' attempts to slash the defense budget , American Military News reported Thursday .
Rep. Adam Smith ( D. , Wash. ) , who chairs the powerful House Armed Services Committee , made the prediction Wednesday in a call with reporters .
He said that many of his fellow Democrats have made `` an aggressive push '' to cut military spending by as much as 20 percent , while many Republicans just want to `` spend more money . ''
The armed services committee first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Authorization Act , which sets forth the annual military budget .
While Democrats already control the committee , they have been divided on military spending .
Left-wing Democrats have proposed shrinking the defense budget in an attempt to `` defund the Pentagon '' and redirecting the money toward social services .
In the call , Smith distanced himself from more radical members of his party .
`` There has to be national security policy behind the cuts , '' he said .
`` It ca n't just be ‘ I want to spend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Defense Department . '
'' Smith has proposed a cut amounting to $ 10 to $ 20 billion annually .
Experts warn that a smaller defense budget may be detrimental to national security .
Congressional Democrats caused last year 's NDAA to authorize funding $ 12 million short of the White House 's stated goal—a likely reason for former acting Navy Secretary Tom Modley 's statement that his branch lacked funds .
Rep. Smith 's comments come as the Pentagon is planning on increased competition with China and Russia , especially in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sea and outer space .
In an interview with the Washington Free Beacon , Heritage Foundation foreign policy expert Dean Cheng expressed concern that nascent and innovative military programs could be on the chopping block under a Biden administration .
`` The Biden folks seem to say that they will probably limit defense spending , '' Cheng said .
`` You could rescind the Space Force if you control both houses [ of Congress ] . ''

A prominent Democratic congressman said he sees a "big fight coming" over Democrats' attempts to slash the defense budget, American Military News reported Thursday.
Rep. Adam Smith (D., Wash.), who chairs the powerful House Armed Services Committee, made the prediction Wednesday in a call with reporters. He said that many of his fellow Democrats have made "an aggressive push" to cut military spending by as much as 20 percent, while many Republicans just want to "spend more money."
The armed services committee first marks up and drafts the National Defense Authorization Act, which sets forth the annual military budget. While Democrats already control the committee, they have been divided on military spending.
Left-wing Democrats have proposed shrinking the defense budget in an attempt to "defund the Pentagon" and redirecting the money toward social services.
In the call, Smith distanced himself from more radical members of his party. "There has to be national security policy behind the cuts," he said. "It can't just be 'I want to spend money elsewhere because I don't like the Defense Department.'"
Smith has proposed a cut amounting to $10 to $20 billion annually.
Experts warn that a smaller defense budget may be detrimental to national security.
Congressional Democrats caused last year's NDAA to authorize funding $12 million short of the White House's stated goal—a likely reason for former acting Navy Secretary Tom Modley's statement that his branch lacked funds.
Rep. Smith's comments come as the Pentagon is planning on increased competition with China and Russia, especially in such flashpoint areas as the South China Sea and outer space.
In an interview with the Washington Free Beacon, Heritage Foundation foreign policy expert Dean Cheng expressed concern that nascent and innovative military programs could be on the chopping block under a Biden administration.
"The Biden folks seem to say that they will probably limit defense spending," Cheng said. "You could rescind the Space Force if you control both houses [of Congress]."


freebeacon--2020-10-22--Cotton, Loeffler Ask Justice Department to Investigate Racial Segregation on College Campuses

Arkansas senator Tom Cotton ( R. ) and Georgia Senator Kelly Loeffler ( R. ) are calling on the Department of Justice to investigate racially segregated events on college campuses in a letter first obtained by the Washington Free Beacon .
Cotton and Loeffler are urging Attorney General William Barr to investigate the University of Michigan-Dearborn , the University of Kentucky , and other universities for allegedly violating Title VI of the Civil Rights Act , which prohibits racial discrimination at federally funded institutions .
`` I write to bring your attention to an alarming trend of apparent racial segregation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I urge the [ DOJ ] to investigate these and similar cases as part of our nation 's commitment to equality before the law . ''
Colleges across the nation have sponsored and even mandated racially segregated events .
In September , the University of Michigan-Dearborn 's Center for Social Justice and Inclusion held two optional diversity seminars , one for white students and another for students of color , for which the school later apologized .
Similarly , the University of Kentucky held two separate training sessions for residential assistants— '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Indigenous , Person of Color [ sic ] and one for RAs who identify as White . ''
The senators cite a report by the National Association of Scholars , which found numerous instances of college campuses segregating residence halls , commencement ceremonies , cultural centers , alumni groups , and classes on the basis of race .
`` College administrators often rationalize these forms of racial segregation , claiming they give members of certain racial groups , especially minority groups , spaces where they can discuss shared concerns and issues , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thus , these defenders attempt to portray racial segregation as a tool to further diversity . ''
The letter to the DOJ was also shared with the Department of Education , which recently launched an investigation into Princeton University after the school declared it suffers from `` embedded '' structural racism .

Arkansas senator Tom Cotton (R.) and Georgia Senator Kelly Loeffler (R.) are calling on the Department of Justice to investigate racially segregated events on college campuses in a letter first obtained by the Washington Free Beacon.
Cotton and Loeffler are urging Attorney General William Barr to investigate the University of Michigan-Dearborn, the University of Kentucky, and other universities for allegedly violating Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits racial discrimination at federally funded institutions. "I write to bring your attention to an alarming trend of apparent racial segregation in schools," Cotton said. "I urge the [DOJ] to investigate these and similar cases as part of our nation's commitment to equality before the law."
Colleges across the nation have sponsored and even mandated racially segregated events. In September, the University of Michigan-Dearborn's Center for Social Justice and Inclusion held two optional diversity seminars, one for white students and another for students of color, for which the school later apologized. Similarly, the University of Kentucky held two separate training sessions for residential assistants—"one for RAs who identify as Black, Indigenous, Person of Color [sic] and one for RAs who identify as White."
The senators cite a report by the National Association of Scholars, which found numerous instances of college campuses segregating residence halls, commencement ceremonies, cultural centers, alumni groups, and classes on the basis of race. "College administrators often rationalize these forms of racial segregation, claiming they give members of certain racial groups, especially minority groups, spaces where they can discuss shared concerns and issues," Cotton and Loeffler said. "Thus, these defenders attempt to portray racial segregation as a tool to further diversity."
The letter to the DOJ was also shared with the Department of Education, which recently launched an investigation into Princeton University after the school declared it suffers from "embedded" structural racism.


freebeacon--2020-10-22--Senate Panel Unanimously Approves Barrett While Democrats Boycott

WASHINGTON ( Reuters ) – The Republican-led U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday approved President Donald Trump 's nomination of Amy Coney Barrett to a lifetime Supreme Court seat despite a Democratic boycott , clearing the way for a final Senate confirmation vote planned for Monday .
By a 12-0 vote , the panel approved Barrett with all Republican members voting yes and the 10 committee Democrats boycotting the meeting after calling the confirmation process a sham .
With Trump 's fellow Republicans holding a 53-47 Senate majority , Barrett 's confirmation appears certain .
Trump , who asked the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3 U.S. election in which he is being challenged by Democrat Joe Biden , applauded the committee vote , writing on Twitter : `` Big day for America ! ''
Barrett , 48 , has been a federal appeals court judge since 2017 and previously was a legal scholar the University of Notre Dame in Indiana .
Her confirmation would give the top U.S. judicial body a 6-3 conservative majority , including three justices named by Trump .
`` The Senate majority is conducting the most rushed , the most partisan and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Supreme Court nominations , '' Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer told reporters after the vote .
Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham said the Democratic boycott was `` their choice . ''
`` It will be my choice to vote the nominee out of committee .
We 're not going to allow them to take over the committee , '' Graham said .
The empty seats for the Democratic committee members had posters placed upon them bearing photographs of people who they argue would be hurt if the Affordable Care Act healthcare law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ struck down as Trump has sought in a case to be argued before the justices on Nov. 10 .
Barrett , nominated on Sept. 26 to succeed the late liberal Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg , has criticized previous rulings upholding Obamacare but said during her confirmation hearing she has no agenda to invalidate the measure .
Democrats were incensed that Senate Republicans moved forward with Barrett 's confirmation process so near an election after refusing in 2016 to allow the chamber to act on a Supreme Court nomination by Trump 's Democratic predecessor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an election year .
Schumer called the Republican hurry to confirm Barrett `` a naked power grab '' through a `` sham vote , '' arguing that Republicans broke the committee 's own rules by approving the nomination without Democrats present .
No nominee to the Supreme Court has ever been confirmed by the Senate this close to a presidential election .
More than 45 million ballots already have been cast .
Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has planned a confirmation vote on the Senate floor on Monday .
Calling the committee vote `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said of Barrett : `` The ‘ law of Amy ' will not be applied to a case in controversy .
It will be the law as written in the Constitution or by statute or whatever regulatory body she 's going to review .
She will take her job on without agenda . ''
A favorite of Christian conservatives , Barrett frustrated Committee Democrats during her confirmation hearing last week by sidestepping questions on abortion , presidential powers , climate change , voting rights , Obamacare and other issues .
Trump has said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the election 's outcome and has made clear he wants Barrett on the bench for any election-related cases .
Republicans are hoping Barrett 's confirmation can give a boost to incumbent senators in the party facing tough re-election fights , including Graham in South Carolina and Judiciary Committee members Joni Ernst in Iowa and Thom Tillis in North Carolina .
Some on the left have floated the idea of expanding the number of justices – fixed by federal law at nine – if Biden wins to counter the court 's rightward drift in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2016 and now .
Republicans have decried the idea as `` court-packing . ''
Biden told the CBS program `` 60 Minutes '' that if elected he would create a bipartisan commission of constitutional scholars to examine reforms for the `` out of whack '' federal judiciary , saying there could be various alternatives to consider besides expanding the Supreme Court .
Graham said expanding the number of justices after presidential elections would mark `` the end of the independence of the court . ''

By Richard Cowan
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Republican-led U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday approved President Donald Trump's nomination of Amy Coney Barrett to a lifetime Supreme Court seat despite a Democratic boycott, clearing the way for a final Senate confirmation vote planned for Monday.
By a 12-0 vote, the panel approved Barrett with all Republican members voting yes and the 10 committee Democrats boycotting the meeting after calling the confirmation process a sham. With Trump's fellow Republicans holding a 53-47 Senate majority, Barrett's confirmation appears certain.
Trump, who asked the Senate to confirm Barrett before the Nov. 3 U.S. election in which he is being challenged by Democrat Joe Biden, applauded the committee vote, writing on Twitter: "Big day for America!"
Barrett, 48, has been a federal appeals court judge since 2017 and previously was a legal scholar the University of Notre Dame in Indiana. Her confirmation would give the top U.S. judicial body a 6-3 conservative majority, including three justices named by Trump.
"The Senate majority is conducting the most rushed, the most partisan and the least legitimate process in the long history of Supreme Court nominations," Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer told reporters after the vote.
Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham said the Democratic boycott was "their choice."
"It will be my choice to vote the nominee out of committee. We're not going to allow them to take over the committee," Graham said.
The empty seats for the Democratic committee members had posters placed upon them bearing photographs of people who they argue would be hurt if the Affordable Care Act healthcare law, also known as Obamacare, is struck down as Trump has sought in a case to be argued before the justices on Nov. 10.
Barrett, nominated on Sept. 26 to succeed the late liberal Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, has criticized previous rulings upholding Obamacare but said during her confirmation hearing she has no agenda to invalidate the measure.
Democrats were incensed that Senate Republicans moved forward with Barrett's confirmation process so near an election after refusing in 2016 to allow the chamber to act on a Supreme Court nomination by Trump's Democratic predecessor, Barack Obama, because it was an election year.
Schumer called the Republican hurry to confirm Barrett "a naked power grab" through a "sham vote," arguing that Republicans broke the committee's own rules by approving the nomination without Democrats present.
No nominee to the Supreme Court has ever been confirmed by the Senate this close to a presidential election. More than 45 million ballots already have been cast. Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has planned a confirmation vote on the Senate floor on Monday.
'LAW OF AMY'
Calling the committee vote "a groundbreaking historic moment," Graham said of Barrett: "The 'law of Amy' will not be applied to a case in controversy. It will be the law as written in the Constitution or by statute or whatever regulatory body she's going to review. She will take her job on without agenda."
A favorite of Christian conservatives, Barrett frustrated Committee Democrats during her confirmation hearing last week by sidestepping questions on abortion, presidential powers, climate change, voting rights, Obamacare and other issues.
Trump has said he believes the Supreme Court will decide the election's outcome and has made clear he wants Barrett on the bench for any election-related cases.
Republicans are hoping Barrett's confirmation can give a boost to incumbent senators in the party facing tough re-election fights, including Graham in South Carolina and Judiciary Committee members Joni Ernst in Iowa and Thom Tillis in North Carolina.
Some on the left have floated the idea of expanding the number of justices - fixed by federal law at nine - if Biden wins to counter the court's rightward drift in light of the actions of Senate Republicans in 2016 and now. Republicans have decried the idea as "court-packing."
Biden told the CBS program "60 Minutes" that if elected he would create a bipartisan commission of constitutional scholars to examine reforms for the "out of whack" federal judiciary, saying there could be various alternatives to consider besides expanding the Supreme Court.
Graham said expanding the number of justices after presidential elections would mark "the end of the independence of the court."
(Reporting by Richard Cowan and Lawrence Hurley; Editing by Will Dunham)


freebeacon--2020-10-22--Trade Ruling Gives Trump an Opening in Georgia

An International Trade Commission ruling that could scuttle upwards of 2,000 jobs in Georgia offers President Donald Trump an opportunity to intervene and boost his electoral prospects in a must-win state .
The pending decision from the ITC centers on a patent dispute between two Korean companies , LG Chem and SK Innovation , that supply electric car batteries for U.S. companies—and an unfavorable decision for SKI would scuttle its shiny new manufacturing plant that will employ thousands of Georgia residents .
The plant has already signed a contract to supply batteries to a Volkswagen plant in neighboring Tennessee .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ITC is inclined to rule against SKI on Oct. 26 , when a decision is expected .
But the president has two months to review all ITC decisions , as well as the power to reverse them .
A move like that would provide Trump a potential avenue to save thousands of local jobs in a key swing state just a week before an election where the state of Georgia will play a pivotal role not just in the presidential race but in Republicans ' quest to hold the Senate .
Georgia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both considered must-wins for Republicans .
Sen. David Perdue ( R. , Georgia ) currently leads Democratic challenger Jon Ossoff by less than a point in the RealClearPolitics polling average .
In the other race , Sen. Kelly Loeffler ( R. , Georgia ) has consistently lagged behind her Democratic challenger , Rev .
Raphael Warnock .
The presidential race is neck-in-neck in the Peach State , where Democrats have funneled resources for several years now in a bid to turn the historically red state blue .
Biden currently leads Trump by one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ though a reversal of the ITC decision later this month could help the president close the gap .

An International Trade Commission ruling that could scuttle upwards of 2,000 jobs in Georgia offers President Donald Trump an opportunity to intervene and boost his electoral prospects in a must-win state.
The pending decision from the ITC centers on a patent dispute between two Korean companies, LG Chem and SK Innovation, that supply electric car batteries for U.S. companies—and an unfavorable decision for SKI would scuttle its shiny new manufacturing plant that will employ thousands of Georgia residents. The plant has already signed a contract to supply batteries to a Volkswagen plant in neighboring Tennessee.
According to the Wall Street Journal, the ITC is inclined to rule against SKI on Oct. 26, when a decision is expected. But the president has two months to review all ITC decisions, as well as the power to reverse them. A move like that would provide Trump a potential avenue to save thousands of local jobs in a key swing state just a week before an election where the state of Georgia will play a pivotal role not just in the presidential race but in Republicans' quest to hold the Senate.
Georgia is host to two Senate races, both considered must-wins for Republicans. Sen. David Perdue (R., Georgia) currently leads Democratic challenger Jon Ossoff by less than a point in the RealClearPolitics polling average. In the other race, Sen. Kelly Loeffler (R., Georgia) has consistently lagged behind her Democratic challenger, Rev. Raphael Warnock.
The presidential race is neck-in-neck in the Peach State, where Democrats have funneled resources for several years now in a bid to turn the historically red state blue. Biden currently leads Trump by one percentage point in the RealClearPolitics average, though a reversal of the ITC decision later this month could help the president close the gap.


freebeacon--2020-10-22--Biden Proposes Commission to Explore Changes to Court System

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden said in an interview released Thursday that he will create a commission to review possible reforms to the courts .
`` If elected , what I 'll do is I 'll put together a national bipartisan commission of scholars , constitutional scholars , Democrats , Republicans … and I will ask them to over 180 days come back to me with recommendations as to how to reform the court system because it 's getting out of whack , the way it 's being handled , '' Biden said during an interview with 60 Minutes .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Biden added , saying he would consider a number of alternative court reforms `` that go well beyond packing . ''
Biden 's answer comes after weeks of dodging questions about court packing .
After advocating against it during his time in the Senate and at the beginning of his presidential run , Biden began to leave open the possibility of adding more justices to the Supreme Court after Ruth Bader Ginsburg 's death .
Biden repeatedly declined to reveal his position , saying his answer would distract from Senate Republicans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't deserve to know his stance on the issue .
Recent polling shows a majority of voters oppose expansion of the Supreme Court , including nearly two-thirds of independent voters .

Former VP says he will consider reforms “well beyond” court packing
Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden said in an interview released Thursday that he will create a commission to review possible reforms to the courts.
"If elected, what I'll do is I'll put together a national bipartisan commission of scholars, constitutional scholars, Democrats, Republicans ... and I will ask them to over 180 days come back to me with recommendations as to how to reform the court system because it's getting out of whack, the way it's being handled," Biden said during an interview with 60 Minutes.
"It's not about court packing," Biden added, saying he would consider a number of alternative court reforms "that go well beyond packing."
Biden's answer comes after weeks of dodging questions about court packing. After advocating against it during his time in the Senate and at the beginning of his presidential run, Biden began to leave open the possibility of adding more justices to the Supreme Court after Ruth Bader Ginsburg's death.
Biden repeatedly declined to reveal his position, saying his answer would distract from Senate Republicans filling Ginsburg's seat and voters don't deserve to know his stance on the issue.
Recent polling shows a majority of voters oppose expansion of the Supreme Court, including nearly two-thirds of independent voters.


freebeacon--2020-10-22--The Squad Telegraphs Its Priorities

The Squad Telegraphs Its Priorities

With time waning before the November election , politicians are being judicious in the use of their time .
It says something about the worldview and priorities of Squad darling Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez ( D. , N.Y. ) that she spent Tuesday evening headlining a get-out-the-vote event with the obscure political commentator Hasan Piker , best known for his remark that `` America deserved 9/11 . ''
At one point , Ocasio-Cortez had other plans for Tuesday evening , but , under pressure from left-wing activists , the socialist bartender-cum-lawmaker pulled out of an event honoring the legacy of the late @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rabin event , hosted by the decidedly left-wing Americans for Peace Now , was no Zionist affair .
It was attended by teachers ' union president Randi Weingarten and Minnesota attorney general Keith Ellison , who honored Rabin 's legacy as a peacemaker .
This was an event for those who loathe what the Zionist project has become—confident , capitalist , and prosperous—but nonetheless wish to associate themselves with the kind of progressive Zionism that Rabin has come to represent .
But even progressive Zionism , the support for the hypothetical Jewish state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ isolate and boycott and berate Israelis into living with unacceptable threats , is intolerable to AOC and her allies .
As Jewish Insider reported earlier this month , the congresswoman has shunned New York 's progressive Jewish leaders , some of whom have spent two years trying to get on her calendar .
Those leaders are `` perplexed '' and `` befuddled , '' the report says .
Tuesday evening 's antics should bring some clarity .
In addition to Piker , AOC was joined by her colleague Ilhan Omar ( D. , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ American support for Israel is solely a product of Jewish money—shared values and enemies do n't factor for a congresswoman who rejects those values and embraces those enemies—and that it constitutes `` allegiance to a foreign country . ''
She believes that `` Israel has hypnotized the world . ''
For Omar , 9/11 was an attack perpetrated by `` some people '' who `` did something . ''
For Piker , it was the attack America deserved .
AOC , who never seems to be at a loss for words , has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ atrocity inflicted on America that day but has never failed to defend her allies , like Omar , when they provoke criticism and backlash .
Her actions suggest that she believes the United States had it coming , that U.S. support for Israel is driven only by Jews and the support they can buy , and that Yitzhak Rabin was an irredeemable colonizer and occupier .
As the saying goes , when someone shows you who they are : believe them .

With time waning before the November election, politicians are being judicious in the use of their time.
It says something about the worldview and priorities of Squad darling Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D., N.Y.) that she spent Tuesday evening headlining a get-out-the-vote event with the obscure political commentator Hasan Piker, best known for his remark that "America deserved 9/11."
At one point, Ocasio-Cortez had other plans for Tuesday evening, but, under pressure from left-wing activists, the socialist bartender-cum-lawmaker pulled out of an event honoring the legacy of the late Israeli prime minister Yitzhak Rabin.
The Rabin event, hosted by the decidedly left-wing Americans for Peace Now, was no Zionist affair. It was attended by teachers' union president Randi Weingarten and Minnesota attorney general Keith Ellison, who honored Rabin's legacy as a peacemaker. This was an event for those who loathe what the Zionist project has become—confident, capitalist, and prosperous—but nonetheless wish to associate themselves with the kind of progressive Zionism that Rabin has come to represent.
But even progressive Zionism, the support for the hypothetical Jewish state that might exist if its proponents could isolate and boycott and berate Israelis into living with unacceptable threats, is intolerable to AOC and her allies. As Jewish Insider reported earlier this month, the congresswoman has shunned New York's progressive Jewish leaders, some of whom have spent two years trying to get on her calendar. Those leaders are "perplexed" and "befuddled," the report says.
Tuesday evening's antics should bring some clarity. In addition to Piker, AOC was joined by her colleague Ilhan Omar (D., Minn.), who has argued that American support for Israel is solely a product of Jewish money—shared values and enemies don't factor for a congresswoman who rejects those values and embraces those enemies—and that it constitutes "allegiance to a foreign country." She believes that "Israel has hypnotized the world."
For Omar, 9/11 was an attack perpetrated by "some people" who "did something." For Piker, it was the attack America deserved.
AOC, who never seems to be at a loss for words, has had precious little to say about the atrocity inflicted on America that day but has never failed to defend her allies, like Omar, when they provoke criticism and backlash.
Her actions suggest that she believes the United States had it coming, that U.S. support for Israel is driven only by Jews and the support they can buy, and that Yitzhak Rabin was an irredeemable colonizer and occupier. As the saying goes, when someone shows you who they are: believe them.


freebeacon--2020-10-23--Dark Money Group Behind Kendra Horn’s Rise

Oklahoma congresswoman Kendra Horn ( D. ) raised hundreds of thousands of dollars in dark money for a pair of progressive advocacy groups , kickstarting her 2018 run for office .
The Democrat now claims to be `` fundamentally opposed '' to dark money .
Horn served as executive director of Sally 's List—a group that aims to `` train , support , and elect progressive women to public office in Oklahoma '' —from 2015 to 2017 , according to the Oklahoma Daily .
The Democrat also founded Women Lead Oklahoma in 2015 , a nonprofit that `` encourages women @ @ @ @ @ @ @ With Horn at the helm , the groups combined to raise nearly $ 540,000 without disclosing a single donor on their tax forms .
Horn placed financial transparency at the center of her 2018 campaign against former Republican congressman Steve Russell , claiming she would `` get dark money out of our elections '' to `` restore a balance of power . ''
The Democrat 's rhetoric continued as a member of Congress—after defeating Russell by less than 2 points , Horn said she was `` fundamentally opposed '' to conservative dark money @ @ @ @ @ @ @ President Donald Trump .
`` These dark money groups—we do n't know who 's behind them , they do n't have to report who 's given them money , '' Horn told the Oklahoman .
`` That 's why I 'm fundamentally opposed to them . ''
But dark money played a key role in Horn 's political ascent to Congress .
Roughly one-quarter of the dark money Horn raised for the two groups—more than $ 131,000—went to the Democrat directly , according to tax forms reviewed by the Washington Free Beacon .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ lucrative relationships with wealthy business leaders in the state .
Sonic Drive-In president Claudia San Pedro contributed thousands of dollars to Horn 's campaign after speaking at a Women Lead Oklahoma luncheon in March 2018 .
Oklahoma trial attorney Susan Carns Curtiss , who also addressed the group at a 2018 event , has given Horn thousands since 2017 .
Horn did not respond to a request for comment .
According to a 2018 Oklahoma Gazette interview , Horn `` knew she wanted to run for office '' based on her work with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ left Sally 's List and Women Lead Oklahoma to focus on her campaign against Russell , both groups saw significant dips in dark money funding , raising a combined $ 48,924 in 2018 .
Neither group has registered with the Oklahoma Ethics Commission , and Women Lead Oklahoma 's website is no longer live .
Horn 's anti-dark money crusade has bled into her tough reelection fight against Republican state senator Stephanie Bice .
The Democrat dinged outside `` dark money groups '' tying her to a single-payer health care system in an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has benefited from roughly $ 1.7 million in outside spending from Nancy Pelosi 's House Majority PAC—the PAC has received $ 2.5 million from the dark money House Majority Forward in 2020 .
Despite Horn 's extensive ties to dark money , the Democrat is backed by End Citizens United PAC , which works to fight against the `` corrupting influence '' of big money in politics .
The group has spent more than $ 516,000 backing Horn in the 2020 cycle , according to the Center for Responsive Politics .
Sally 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ phenomenal '' victory over Russell in a November 2018 Facebook post and continues to support the Democrat in 2020 .
The group claims to be both `` progressive '' and `` nonpartisan . ''
In a 2019 interview with the Oklahoma Daily , founder Sara Jane Rose said that `` women of either party can get an endorsement '' so long as they support `` affordable health care , safe and legal abortion services , and criminal justice reform . ''
All 22 of the candidates the group has endorsed in 2020 are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the group decided to give its donors `` the option to stay anonymous '' because `` some Oklahomans can be punitive when it comes to the political affiliations of their neighbors . ''
She added that only two donors have asked to be removed from the group 's `` program sponsor lists '' at Sally 's List events .
While the group has occasionally posted event sponsors on its Facebook page in the past , its website does not include a list of general donors , nor does its tax forms .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the group 's policies regarding the disclosure of donors `` were well in place when Kendra arrived in 2015 and have not changed since she departed . ''
Horn in 2019 became the first Democrat to represent Oklahoma 's Fifth Congressional District in more than four decades .
She is now a top target for Republicans looking to regain a House majority in 2021 .
The nonpartisan Cook Political Report rates the race as a `` toss up . ''

Oklahoma congresswoman Kendra Horn (D.) raised hundreds of thousands of dollars in dark money for a pair of progressive advocacy groups, kickstarting her 2018 run for office. The Democrat now claims to be "fundamentally opposed" to dark money.
Horn served as executive director of Sally's List—a group that aims to "train, support, and elect progressive women to public office in Oklahoma"—from 2015 to 2017, according to the Oklahoma Daily. The Democrat also founded Women Lead Oklahoma in 2015, a nonprofit that "encourages women to participate in civic life." With Horn at the helm, the groups combined to raise nearly $540,000 without disclosing a single donor on their tax forms.
Horn placed financial transparency at the center of her 2018 campaign against former Republican congressman Steve Russell, claiming she would "get dark money out of our elections" to "restore a balance of power." The Democrat's rhetoric continued as a member of Congress—after defeating Russell by less than 2 points, Horn said she was "fundamentally opposed" to conservative dark money groups criticizing her 2019 vote to impeach President Donald Trump.
"These dark money groups—we don't know who's behind them, they don't have to report who's given them money," Horn told the Oklahoman. "That's why I'm fundamentally opposed to them."
But dark money played a key role in Horn's political ascent to Congress. Roughly one-quarter of the dark money Horn raised for the two groups—more than $131,000—went to the Democrat directly, according to tax forms reviewed by the Washington Free Beacon. The groups also allowed Horn to form lucrative relationships with wealthy business leaders in the state. Sonic Drive-In president Claudia San Pedro contributed thousands of dollars to Horn's campaign after speaking at a Women Lead Oklahoma luncheon in March 2018. Oklahoma trial attorney Susan Carns Curtiss, who also addressed the group at a 2018 event, has given Horn thousands since 2017.
Horn did not respond to a request for comment.
According to a 2018 Oklahoma Gazette interview, Horn "knew she wanted to run for office" based on her work with Sally's List. After the Democrat left Sally's List and Women Lead Oklahoma to focus on her campaign against Russell, both groups saw significant dips in dark money funding, raising a combined $48,924 in 2018. Neither group has registered with the Oklahoma Ethics Commission, and Women Lead Oklahoma's website is no longer live.
Horn's anti-dark money crusade has bled into her tough reelection fight against Republican state senator Stephanie Bice. The Democrat dinged outside "dark money groups" tying her to a single-payer health care system in an October tweet. Horn, however, has benefited from roughly $1.7 million in outside spending from Nancy Pelosi's House Majority PAC—the PAC has received $2.5 million from the dark money House Majority Forward in 2020.
Despite Horn's extensive ties to dark money, the Democrat is backed by End Citizens United PAC, which works to fight against the "corrupting influence" of big money in politics. The group has spent more than $516,000 backing Horn in the 2020 cycle, according to the Center for Responsive Politics.
Sally's List credited itself with Horn's "phenomenal" victory over Russell in a November 2018 Facebook post and continues to support the Democrat in 2020. The group claims to be both "progressive" and "nonpartisan." In a 2019 interview with the Oklahoma Daily, founder Sara Jane Rose said that "women of either party can get an endorsement" so long as they support "affordable health care, safe and legal abortion services, and criminal justice reform." All 22 of the candidates the group has endorsed in 2020 are Democrats.
Rose told the Free Beacon that the group decided to give its donors "the option to stay anonymous" because "some Oklahomans can be punitive when it comes to the political affiliations of their neighbors." She added that only two donors have asked to be removed from the group's "program sponsor lists" at Sally's List events. While the group has occasionally posted event sponsors on its Facebook page in the past, its website does not include a list of general donors, nor does its tax forms.
Rose also told the Free Beacon that the group's policies regarding the disclosure of donors "were well in place when Kendra arrived in 2015 and have not changed since she departed."
Horn in 2019 became the first Democrat to represent Oklahoma's Fifth Congressional District in more than four decades. She is now a top target for Republicans looking to regain a House majority in 2021. The nonpartisan Cook Political Report rates the race as a "toss up."


freebeacon--2020-10-23--Biden Claims He Never Opposed Fracking (He Did)

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden claimed Thursday that he never opposed fracking , but he said last year there would @ @ @ @ @ industry in his administration .
David Rutz is senior writer at the Washington Free Beacon @ @ @ @ @ sports reporter for two years in Atlanta and has done freelance sports reporting for the @ @ @ @ @ from Vanderbilt University in 2010 and lives in Marietta , Ga. His Twitter handle is @ @ @ @ @ be reached at rutz @ freebeacon.com .

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden claimed Thursday that he never opposed fracking, but he said last year there would be no place for the industry in his administration.


freebeacon--2020-10-23--‘We’re About to Go Into a Dark Winter’: Joe Biden Lays Out Positive Vision for America’s Future

`` To all you teachers out there : Not that many of you are going to die , so do n't worry about it .
C'mon ! ''
So said former Vice President Joe Biden during the final presidential debate on Thursday , defying the Democrat-aligned teachers ' unions that have fought to keep schools closed across the country .
`` Social Security will be bankrupt by 2023 , with no way to make up for it , '' said Biden , who could have pushed for Social Security reform during his decades-long career in federal office .
`` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ winter , '' Biden said , laying out his vision for America 's future , which was rife with criticism of his former boss , President Barack H. Obama .
`` I support private [ health ] insurance , '' said Biden , who conspicuously refused to condemn pedophiles during the debate .
`` I beat all those other people [ in the Democratic primary ] because I disagreed with them . ''
In addition to dissing his running mate , failed presidential candidate Kamala Harris , the former VP boasted that if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Supreme Court strikes down Obamacare , the U.S. health care system will `` become Bidencare , '' which unlike Obamacare `` will , in fact , provide for … affordable health care . ''
Asked why the Obama administration failed to deliver comprehensive immigration reform , Biden suggested Obama did n't have what it took to get it done , and that he would do a better job as president .
`` We made a mistake , it took too long to get it right , '' Biden said .
`` I 'll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not vice president of the United States . ''
Biden attempted to position himself as above the fray of partisan politics , but did n't always succeed in doing so .
`` I do n't look at this as red states , blue states .
These are the United States , '' Biden said in response to a question about increasing rates of COVID-19 infections .
`` But look at where the spikes are happening , they 're all the red states . ''
Once again , Biden refused to accept the consensus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of his seventh grandchild , a boy identified in Arkansas court documents as `` NJR '' —the son Hunter Biden fathered with an exotic dancer who goes by the stage name `` Dallas . ''
Speaking of Hunter Biden , the former VP insisted that there was nothing `` inappropriate or unethical '' about his renegade son 's international business dealings in China and Ukraine , and denounced President Donald J. Trump 's efforts to `` bring up all this malarky . ''
At the end of the day , Biden 's dark @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the president 's expectations-shattering performance on the debate stage .
Trump concluded the evening by reiterating his pledge to make America great again .
`` If [ Biden ] gets in , you will have a depression the likes of which you have never seen , '' Trump said .
Update 11:52 p.m. : This post was originally published at 11:30 p.m .

"To all you teachers out there: Not that many of you are going to die, so don't worry about it. C'mon!"
So said former Vice President Joe Biden during the final presidential debate on Thursday, defying the Democrat-aligned teachers' unions that have fought to keep schools closed across the country.
"Social Security will be bankrupt by 2023, with no way to make up for it," said Biden, who could have pushed for Social Security reform during his decades-long career in federal office.
"We're about to go into a dark winter," Biden said, laying out his vision for America's future, which was rife with criticism of his former boss, President Barack H. Obama.
"I support private [health] insurance," said Biden, who conspicuously refused to condemn pedophiles during the debate. "I beat all those other people [in the Democratic primary] because I disagreed with them."
In addition to dissing his running mate, failed presidential candidate Kamala Harris, the former VP boasted that if he wins the election, and the Supreme Court strikes down Obamacare, the U.S. health care system will "become Bidencare," which unlike Obamacare "will, in fact, provide for ... affordable health care."
Asked why the Obama administration failed to deliver comprehensive immigration reform, Biden suggested Obama didn't have what it took to get it done, and that he would do a better job as president. "We made a mistake, it took too long to get it right," Biden said. "I'll be president of the United States, not vice president of the United States."
Biden attempted to position himself as above the fray of partisan politics, but didn't always succeed in doing so. "I don't look at this as red states, blue states. These are the United States," Biden said in response to a question about increasing rates of COVID-19 infections. "But look at where the spikes are happening, they're all the red states."
Once again, Biden refused to accept the consensus of scientific experts and acknowledge the existence of his seventh grandchild, a boy identified in Arkansas court documents as "NJR"—the son Hunter Biden fathered with an exotic dancer who goes by the stage name "Dallas."
Speaking of Hunter Biden, the former VP insisted that there was nothing "inappropriate or unethical" about his renegade son's international business dealings in China and Ukraine, and denounced President Donald J. Trump's efforts to "bring up all this malarky."
At the end of the day, Biden's dark vision for American was "trumped" by the president's expectations-shattering performance on the debate stage. Trump concluded the evening by reiterating his pledge to make America great again. "If [Biden] gets in, you will have a depression the likes of which you have never seen," Trump said.
Update 11:52 p.m.: This post was originally published at 11:30 p.m.


freebeacon--2020-10-23--Twelve Days That Will Shake the World

Twelve Days That Will Shake the World

President Trump needed a strong debate performance to have any hope of slowing Joe Biden 's momentum in the closing days of the 2020 campaign .
And a strong debate performance is what he delivered .
Trump did n't interrupt Biden or moderator Kristen Welker of NBC News .
There was considerably less shouting than at the first debate .
You could actually understand what was going on .
And Trump was on message .
He contrasted his record , policies , and outsider persona with Biden 's .
He argued for coping with the pandemic while reopening the economy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ important , he defined Biden as a typical politician who is all talk and no action .
And he seized on Biden 's unforced error toward the end of the debate , when the former vice president admitted that he wants to `` transition '' from an economy fueled by oil and gas .
This time the expectations game favored Trump .
The bar had been set so low for Biden prior to the first debate that all he had to do was demonstrate mental fitness and grasp of the issues .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fared worse .
He took a dive in the polls afterward .
And his subsequent coronavirus diagnosis and hospitalization did n't help matters .
Biden 's lead grew .
Trump entered the second debate largely written off .
What Mickey Kaus calls `` Over-ism '' is abroad in the land .
Washington and New York have decided that the race is over and Joe Biden won .
A peevish Trump who spent the entire 90 minutes ranting about Hunter Biden would have done a lot to prove their point .
But that 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The story of the `` laptop from hell '' and Hunter Biden 's overseas businesses was debated , but Trump did n't launch into the personal attacks against the younger Biden that soured the last debate .
Rather , Trump said the story was evidence of the Biden family 's swampiness , and further confirmation of Biden 's status in the political establishment .
Trump began to define Biden as a career official whose lifetime in professional politics resulted in the very conditions that produced the Trump phenomenon .
Trump adviser Jason Miller @ @ @ @ @ @ @ victory in 2016 began with a good performance at that year 's third presidential debate .
The Trump campaign hopes 2020 will turn out to be a replay of 2016 : a last-minute scandal dogging the Democratic nominee , a disciplined Trump criss-crossing the nation on behalf of the forgotten man , and an unexpected Electoral College win .
Maybe they will get their wish .
What 's more certain is that after Trump 's performance tonight , the race for the White House—and just as important for Republicans , the race for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or another , the last 12 days of the 2020 campaign will shake the world .
Update 11:51 p.m. : This post was originally published at 11:44 p.m .

President Trump needed a strong debate performance to have any hope of slowing Joe Biden's momentum in the closing days of the 2020 campaign. And a strong debate performance is what he delivered. Trump didn't interrupt Biden or moderator Kristen Welker of NBC News. There was considerably less shouting than at the first debate. You could actually understand what was going on. And Trump was on message. He contrasted his record, policies, and outsider persona with Biden's. He argued for coping with the pandemic while reopening the economy and resuming in-person schooling. Perhaps most important, he defined Biden as a typical politician who is all talk and no action. And he seized on Biden's unforced error toward the end of the debate, when the former vice president admitted that he wants to "transition" from an economy fueled by oil and gas.
This time the expectations game favored Trump. The bar had been set so low for Biden prior to the first debate that all he had to do was demonstrate mental fitness and grasp of the issues. That shout-fest benefited neither candidate. But Trump fared worse. He took a dive in the polls afterward. And his subsequent coronavirus diagnosis and hospitalization didn't help matters. Biden's lead grew.
Trump entered the second debate largely written off. What Mickey Kaus calls "Over-ism" is abroad in the land. Washington and New York have decided that the race is over and Joe Biden won. A peevish Trump who spent the entire 90 minutes ranting about Hunter Biden would have done a lot to prove their point. But that's not the Trump who showed up. The story of the "laptop from hell" and Hunter Biden's overseas businesses was debated, but Trump didn't launch into the personal attacks against the younger Biden that soured the last debate. Rather, Trump said the story was evidence of the Biden family's swampiness, and further confirmation of Biden's status in the political establishment. Trump began to define Biden as a career official whose lifetime in professional politics resulted in the very conditions that produced the Trump phenomenon.
Trump adviser Jason Miller mentioned on Twitter that Trump's underdog victory in 2016 began with a good performance at that year's third presidential debate. The Trump campaign hopes 2020 will turn out to be a replay of 2016: a last-minute scandal dogging the Democratic nominee, a disciplined Trump criss-crossing the nation on behalf of the forgotten man, and an unexpected Electoral College win. Maybe they will get their wish. What's more certain is that after Trump's performance tonight, the race for the White House—and just as important for Republicans, the race for the Senate—is not over. One way or another, the last 12 days of the 2020 campaign will shake the world.
Update 11:51 p.m.: This post was originally published at 11:44 p.m.


freebeacon--2020-10-23--Biden Claims Son Never Profited From China Deals; Records Say Otherwise

Joe Biden during the presidential debate on Thursday denied that his son Hunter Biden profited from business deals with China , a claim that conflicts with financial documents , assessments of Chinese corporate records , and banking information released by Senate investigators .
`` My son [ Hunter ] has not made money in terms of this thing about—what are you talking about , China , '' Biden said .
`` I have not had , the only guy that made money from China is this guy [ President Donald Trump ] .
He 's the only one .
Nobody @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Biden ’ s claims contradict corporate records and other documents indicating that his son Hunter Biden has received between several hundred thousand dollars and up to millions of dollars from China-based investments and ventures in the years during and after Joe Biden ’ s vice presidential tenure .
Hunter Biden currently owns a 10 percent stake in BHR Partners , a Chinese private equity firm that is co-owned by the Bank of China , a state-controlled commercial bank , according to corporate records .
The investment firm is believed to oversee as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , according to LinkedIn statements from one of the firm ’ s alleged co-founders , Michael Lin .
Hunter Biden also acknowledged in an interview with the New Yorker last July that he received a 2.8-carat diamond , from Ye Jianming , the then-head of state-connected Chinese energy company CEFC China Energy , in 2017 .
Ye , a well-connected businessman , vanished in China in 2018 , after one of his top employees pleaded guilty in a U.S. bribery case .
Corporate banking records reviewed by the Senate Homeland Security and Government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hunter Biden ’ s legal firm , Owasco PC , received financial wires from a subsidiary of Ye ’ s company called CEFC China Energy in 2017 .
`` On Aug. 4 , 2017 , CEFC Infrastructure Investment ( US ) LLC , a subsidiary of Ye Jianming ’ s CEFC China Energy Company that listed Gongwen Dong as its director , sent Hunter Biden ’ s law firm , Owasco , a payment for $ 100,000 , '' said the committee , in a report detailing the transactions earlier this month .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , was also retained by Patrick Ho , a U.S.-based CEFC official who pleaded guilty in U.S. court in 2018 to money laundering and bribing officials in Africa in order to obtain business contracts .
According to banking records obtained by the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee , a $ 1 million payment was sent through a third party company to Hunter Biden on March 22 , 2018 , with a memo line describing it as payment for `` Dr Patrick Ho Chi Ping Representation . ''
Hunter Biden has acknowledged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the bribery case .
He was not named as an active attorney on public court records filed during the trial .

Joe Biden during the presidential debate on Thursday denied that his son Hunter Biden profited from business deals with China, a claim that conflicts with financial documents, assessments of Chinese corporate records, and banking information released by Senate investigators.
"My son [Hunter] has not made money in terms of this thing about—what are you talking about, China," Biden said. "I have not had, the only guy that made money from China is this guy [President Donald Trump]. He's the only one. Nobody else has made money from China."
Biden’s claims contradict corporate records and other documents indicating that his son Hunter Biden has received between several hundred thousand dollars and up to millions of dollars from China-based investments and ventures in the years during and after Joe Biden’s vice presidential tenure.
Hunter Biden currently owns a 10 percent stake in BHR Partners, a Chinese private equity firm that is co-owned by the Bank of China, a state-controlled commercial bank, according to corporate records.
The investment firm is believed to oversee as much as $6.5 billion in investments, according to LinkedIn statements from one of the firm’s alleged co-founders, Michael Lin.
Hunter Biden also acknowledged in an interview with the New Yorker last July that he received a 2.8-carat diamond, from Ye Jianming, the then-head of state-connected Chinese energy company CEFC China Energy, in 2017. Ye, a well-connected businessman, vanished in China in 2018, after one of his top employees pleaded guilty in a U.S. bribery case.
Corporate banking records reviewed by the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee earlier this year indicate that Hunter Biden’s legal firm, Owasco PC, received financial wires from a subsidiary of Ye’s company called CEFC China Energy in 2017.
"On Aug. 4, 2017, CEFC Infrastructure Investment (US) LLC, a subsidiary of Ye Jianming’s CEFC China Energy Company that listed Gongwen Dong as its director, sent Hunter Biden’s law firm, Owasco, a payment for $100,000," said the committee, in a report detailing the transactions earlier this month.
Hunter Biden, who is an attorney, was also retained by Patrick Ho, a U.S.-based CEFC official who pleaded guilty in U.S. court in 2018 to money laundering and bribing officials in Africa in order to obtain business contracts.
According to banking records obtained by the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee, a $1 million payment was sent through a third party company to Hunter Biden on March 22, 2018, with a memo line describing it as payment for "Dr Patrick Ho Chi Ping Representation."
Hunter Biden has acknowledged doing legal work for Patrick Ho in the bribery case. He was not named as an active attorney on public court records filed during the trial.


freebeacon--2020-10-23--Joe Biden Promises to End the Oil Industry

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden said Thursday he would aim to end the oil industry by transitioning completely to renewable @ @ @ @ @ Donald Trump during Thursday night 's final presidential debate whether he would `` close down @ @ @ @ @ Biden said he would .
`` I would transition from the oil industry , yes @ @ @ @ @ adding that `` the oil industry pollutes '' and `` has to be replaced by @ @ @ @ @ '' Biden added that he would end subsidies for the oil and gas industry .
@ @ @ @ @ biggest statement in terms of business '' of the debate .

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden said Thursday he would aim to end the oil industry by transitioning completely to renewable energy.
Asked by President Donald Trump during Thursday night's final presidential debate whether he would "close down the oil industry," Biden said he would.
"I would transition from the oil industry, yes," Biden said, adding that "the oil industry pollutes" and "has to be replaced by renewable energy over time."
Biden added that he would end subsidies for the oil and gas industry. Trump called it "the biggest statement in terms of business" of the debate.


freebeacon--2020-10-23--Biden: $15 Minimum Wage Will ‘Bail Out’ Small Businesses

Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden said a $ 15 federal minimum wage—which studies say will kill as many as two million jobs—was needed to `` bail out '' small businesses .
Biden again said that he would support a $ 15 minimum wage during Thursday night 's debate , saying such a policy would help alleviate small businesses struggling amidst the coronavirus .
`` I do because I think one of the things we 're gon na have to do is we 're gon na have to bail them out too , '' Biden said .
`` We should be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ businesses . ''
A recent study from the pro-free market Employment Policies Institute ( EPI ) found that a $ 15 minimum wage would eliminate millions of jobs .
The majority of jobs lost will be held by women , with the states of Texas , Pennsylvania , Florida , North Carolina , Ohio , and Georgia projected to be the hardest hit , according to the report .
President Donald Trump pushed back on Biden 's claim , arguing that a $ 15 minimum wage would cripple small businesses hurt by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to help our small businesses—by raising the minimum wage ?
That 's not helping , '' Trump said .
`` How are you helping our small businesses when you 're forcing wages ?
What 's gon na happen—and what 's been proven to happen—is when you do that , these small businesses fire many of their employees . ''
`` Doubling the federal minimum wage during a pandemic is a terrible idea , '' Saltsman told the Washington Free Beacon .
`` Two million jobs are at risk from a $ 15 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jobs are in the hospitality industry .
This is n't the time to play politics and back a harmful policy as a favor to your labor backers . ''

Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden said a $15 federal minimum wage—which studies say will kill as many as two million jobs—was needed to "bail out" small businesses.
Biden again said that he would support a $15 minimum wage during Thursday night's debate, saying such a policy would help alleviate small businesses struggling amidst the coronavirus.
"I do because I think one of the things we're gonna have to do is we're gonna have to bail them out too," Biden said. "We should be bailing them out now, those small businesses."
A recent study from the pro-free market Employment Policies Institute (EPI) found that a $15 minimum wage would eliminate millions of jobs. The majority of jobs lost will be held by women, with the states of Texas, Pennsylvania, Florida, North Carolina, Ohio, and Georgia projected to be the hardest hit, according to the report.
President Donald Trump pushed back on Biden's claim, arguing that a $15 minimum wage would cripple small businesses hurt by the coronavirus pandemic.
"He said we have to help our small businesses—by raising the minimum wage? That's not helping," Trump said. "How are you helping our small businesses when you're forcing wages? What's gonna happen—and what's been proven to happen—is when you do that, these small businesses fire many of their employees."
EPI managing director Michael Saltsman called a $15 minimum wage a "terrible idea."
"Doubling the federal minimum wage during a pandemic is a terrible idea," Saltsman told the Washington Free Beacon. "Two million jobs are at risk from a $15 minimum wage, and half of those jobs are in the hospitality industry. This isn't the time to play politics and back a harmful policy as a favor to your labor backers."


freebeacon--2020-10-23--Biden Falsely Claims No One Lost Private Health Insurance Under Obamacare

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden falsely claimed Thursday that no one lost their private insurance plans because of Obamacare .
`` The reason why I had such a fight with 20 candidates for the nomination was I support private insurance , '' he said .
`` Not one single person with private insurance would lose their insurance under my plan , nor did they under Obamacare .
They did not lose their insurance unless they chose they wanted to go to something else . ''
However , more than six million Americans had their individual health care plans canceled when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to not meeting the law 's new standards .
President Barack Obama 's oft-repeated claim that `` if you like your health care plan , you can keep your health care plan '' was called the Lie of the Year by PolitiFact in 2013 .
Obama apologized in an interview that year for the cancellations .
Biden 's health care plan calls for adding a `` public option '' to Obamacare , giving Americans the ability to buy into Medicare regardless of age .
President Donald Trump has criticized it as a form @ @ @ @

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden falsely claimed Thursday that no one lost their private insurance plans because of Obamacare.
"The reason why I had such a fight with 20 candidates for the nomination was I support private insurance," he said. "Not one single person with private insurance would lose their insurance under my plan, nor did they under Obamacare. They did not lose their insurance unless they chose they wanted to go to something else."
However, more than six million Americans had their individual health care plans canceled when Obamacare took effect in 2013, due to not meeting the law's new standards. President Barack Obama's oft-repeated claim that "if you like your health care plan, you can keep your health care plan" was called the Lie of the Year by PolitiFact in 2013.
Obama apologized in an interview that year for the cancellations.
Biden's health care plan calls for adding a "public option" to Obamacare, giving Americans the ability to buy into Medicare regardless of age. President Donald Trump has criticized it as a form of socialized medicine.