talkingpointsmemo--2020-06-26--State Coronavirus Data Doesn’t Support Trump’s Misleading Testing Claims

Thist story first appeared at ProPublica .
ProPublica is a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative newsroom .
Sign up for The Big Story newsletter to receive stories like this one in your inbox .
President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence have repeatedly attributed the increase in the coronavirus case count in the United States to an increase in testing .
“ We ’ re doing so much testing , so much more than any other country , ” Trump said in an interview with CBN News on Monday .
“ And to be honest with you , when you do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And then they report our cases are through the roof.
” “ I would just encourage you all , as we talk about these things , to make sure and continue to explain to your citizens the magnitude of increase in testing , ” Pence said on a call with the nation ’ s governors last week , according to audio obtained by The New York Times .
“ And that in most of the cases where we are seeing some marginal rise in number , that ’ s more a result @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doing.
” These assertions are not backed up by the data , a ProPublica analysis shows .
While it is true that there has been a dramatic increase in testing since the start of the coronavirus pandemic , the increase in positive cases in recent weeks can not be attributed to the rise in testing alone .
After weeks in which coronavirus cases and deaths were slowly declining , the tide has turned .
On Wednesday , the United States surpassed its previous record high number of cases , reached in April when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to data gathered from states by The COVID Tracking Project .
Hospitalizations are also increasing , though they are far from their peak nationally in April .
“ The tip of the iceberg can ’ t be growing with the iceberg shrinking , ” said Dr. Sten Vermund , dean of the Yale School of Public Health .
“ It violates laws of physics and oceanography.
” A White House spokesman did not return an email seeking comment .
Deaths have not increased , but they are considered a lagging indicator .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ someone with COVID-19 to show symptoms and an additional five to seven days , on average , for the illness to be severe enough to require hospitalization .
After that , it can take a couple days to a week to progress to intensive care , and a patient can linger there for some time before recovering or dying .
“ Just speaking as an epidemiologist , if I saw rising testing , rising case numbers and declining hospitalizations and deaths , I would say that Donald Trump and Vice President Pence are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , if those measures are rising , “ I would say that they are blowing smoke.
” ProPublica looked at changes in the seven-day average of COVID-19 tests performed and the change in the overall number of positive tests in each state from Memorial Day , May 25 , to Tuesday .
By Memorial Day , most states had reopened and news reports noted that groups were congregating again .
In some states , such as New York , Illinois and Indiana , testing has stayed about the same or increased while the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In recent days , for instance , New York has performed , on average , more than 64,000 tests , about 50 % more than it was performing in the seven days leading up to Memorial Day .
But only about 1 % of those cases have been positive for the coronavirus , indicating that community spread of the virus in the state has greatly decreased .
To be sure , the virus exacted a tremendous toll on New York state and on New York City .
Though COVID-19 now appears to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of New York state were infected and more than 24,700 died .
In other states , including Arizona , Texas and Florida , which did not see a wave of early cases and deaths , the increase in positive results has far surpassed testing growth .
In Florida , testing has even decreased a bit comparing the seven days through Tuesday to the same period before Memorial Day .
( Florida recorded an abnormally high number of new tests on May 20 , which may have inflated the rolling average on May 25 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than 5,000 new cases Wednesday .
Hospitalizations are also on the rise in these states .
Florida Gov .
Ron DeSantis told reporters on Saturday that testing alone does not account for the increase in COVID-19 cases in his state .
“ Even with the testing increasing or being flat , the number of people testing positive is accelerating faster than that , ” DeSantis said at a briefing at the state Capitol .
“ You know that ’ s evidence that there ’ s transmission within those communities.
” Texas Gov @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state is experiencing a “ massive outbreak ” and that additional restrictions may be needed to ensure hospitals don ’ t become overloaded .
On Thursday , he paused the state ’ s reopening and ordered a halt to elective surgeries in four large counties .
As of Thursday morning , the state reported that 4,739 patients were hospitalized with confirmed COVID-19 infections .
That compares to 1,511 on Memorial Day .
The Texas Medical Center , which encompasses several major teaching hospitals in Houston , reported that 97 % of its 1,330 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It expects to exceed its ICU capacity by Thursday and then run through its “ sustainable surge capacity ” in about 12 days .
The situation is so dire that Texas Children ’ s Hospital is now admitting adult patients because of the spike in cases in the Houston region .
A handful of states , including California and North Carolina , saw increases in both testing and in positive results that roughly tracked each other , though the increase in positive cases outpaced the increase in testing .
In the case of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has recently pulled away from any increase in testing .
California reported more than 7,000 new infections on Wednesday .
Caitlin Rivers , an assistant professor at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health , said she considers three factors when assessing the pandemic ’ s direction in a state : the number of new cases , the percentage of tests that are positive and hospitalizations .
If cases are going up and everything else is declining or remaining flat , Rivers said , there may not be reason to be concerned .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ are in trouble and it looks like exponential growth has resumed , it looks like those other indicators are headed in the wrong direction , ” she said .
It ’ s difficult to compare what ’ s happening in states experiencing current waves with what occurred in New York , New Jersey and Michigan in late March and early April .
Because of severe shortages in testing and problems with the accuracy of tests , many people who were sick or exposed to someone who was sick weren ’ t able to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ image tweeted Thursday by New Jersey Gov .
Phil Murphy shows the shape of the curve of positive tests .
At one point , one in every two tests came back positive for the coronavirus .
By comparison , more than 20 % of tests are coming back positive in Arizona ; the figure has topped 10 % in Texas .
( View data from your state here . )
If anything , experts say , the increase in testing over the past two months should bring with it a lower rate of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ readily available , people can get tested , whether they have symptoms of COVID-19 or not .
This includes the “ worried well , ” meaning people with no known exposure and no symptoms who are nervous that they may have the virus .
If the virus is under control , “ the likelihood of an increasing positivity rate with substantial increase in testing is low , ” Vermund said .

Thist story first appeared at ProPublica. ProPublica is a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative newsroom. Sign up for The Big Story newsletter to receive stories like this one in your inbox.
President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence have repeatedly attributed the increase in the coronavirus case count in the United States to an increase in testing.
“We’re doing so much testing, so much more than any other country,” Trump said in an interview with CBN News on Monday. “And to be honest with you, when you do more testing, you find more cases. And then they report our cases are through the roof.”
“I would just encourage you all, as we talk about these things, to make sure and continue to explain to your citizens the magnitude of increase in testing,” Pence said on a call with the nation’s governors last week, according to audio obtained by The New York Times. “And that in most of the cases where we are seeing some marginal rise in number, that’s more a result of the extraordinary work you’re doing.”
These assertions are not backed up by the data, a ProPublica analysis shows.
While it is true that there has been a dramatic increase in testing since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, the increase in positive cases in recent weeks cannot be attributed to the rise in testing alone.
After weeks in which coronavirus cases and deaths were slowly declining, the tide has turned. On Wednesday, the United States surpassed its previous record high number of cases, reached in April when the virus was battering the Northeast, according to data gathered from states by The COVID Tracking Project. Hospitalizations are also increasing, though they are far from their peak nationally in April.
“The tip of the iceberg can’t be growing with the iceberg shrinking,” said Dr. Sten Vermund, dean of the Yale School of Public Health. “It violates laws of physics and oceanography.”
A White House spokesman did not return an email seeking comment.
Deaths have not increased, but they are considered a lagging indicator. It takes several days after exposure for someone with COVID-19 to show symptoms and an additional five to seven days, on average, for the illness to be severe enough to require hospitalization. After that, it can take a couple days to a week to progress to intensive care, and a patient can linger there for some time before recovering or dying.
“Just speaking as an epidemiologist, if I saw rising testing, rising case numbers and declining hospitalizations and deaths, I would say that Donald Trump and Vice President Pence are correct,” Vermund said. Conversely, if those measures are rising, “I would say that they are blowing smoke.”
ProPublica looked at changes in the seven-day average of COVID-19 tests performed and the change in the overall number of positive tests in each state from Memorial Day, May 25, to Tuesday. By Memorial Day, most states had reopened and news reports noted that groups were congregating again.
In some states, such as New York, Illinois and Indiana, testing has stayed about the same or increased while the share of positive tests has dropped.
In recent days, for instance, New York has performed, on average, more than 64,000 tests, about 50% more than it was performing in the seven days leading up to Memorial Day. But only about 1% of those cases have been positive for the coronavirus, indicating that community spread of the virus in the state has greatly decreased.
To be sure, the virus exacted a tremendous toll on New York state and on New York City. Though COVID-19 now appears to be under control, more than 389,000 residents of New York state were infected and more than 24,700 died.
In other states, including Arizona, Texas and Florida, which did not see a wave of early cases and deaths, the increase in positive results has far surpassed testing growth. In Florida, testing has even decreased a bit comparing the seven days through Tuesday to the same period before Memorial Day. (Florida recorded an abnormally high number of new tests on May 20, which may have inflated the rolling average on May 25.)
Texas and Florida each logged more than 5,000 new cases Wednesday. Hospitalizations are also on the rise in these states.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis told reporters on Saturday that testing alone does not account for the increase in COVID-19 cases in his state. “Even with the testing increasing or being flat, the number of people testing positive is accelerating faster than that,” DeSantis said at a briefing at the state Capitol. “You know that’s evidence that there’s transmission within those communities.”
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott acknowledged Wednesday that the state is experiencing a “massive outbreak” and that additional restrictions may be needed to ensure hospitals don’t become overloaded. On Thursday, he paused the state’s reopening and ordered a halt to elective surgeries in four large counties.
As of Thursday morning, the state reported that 4,739 patients were hospitalized with confirmed COVID-19 infections. That compares to 1,511 on Memorial Day. The Texas Medical Center, which encompasses several major teaching hospitals in Houston, reported that 97% of its 1,330 ICU beds were full on Wednesday. It expects to exceed its ICU capacity by Thursday and then run through its “sustainable surge capacity” in about 12 days. The situation is so dire that Texas Children’s Hospital is now admitting adult patients because of the spike in cases in the Houston region.
A handful of states, including California and North Carolina, saw increases in both testing and in positive results that roughly tracked each other, though the increase in positive cases outpaced the increase in testing. In the case of California, the share of positive results has recently pulled away from any increase in testing. California reported more than 7,000 new infections on Wednesday.
Caitlin Rivers, an assistant professor at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, said she considers three factors when assessing the pandemic’s direction in a state: the number of new cases, the percentage of tests that are positive and hospitalizations.
If cases are going up and everything else is declining or remaining flat, Rivers said, there may not be reason to be concerned.
“For the states that we know are in trouble and it looks like exponential growth has resumed, it looks like those other indicators are headed in the wrong direction,” she said.
It’s difficult to compare what’s happening in states experiencing current waves with what occurred in New York, New Jersey and Michigan in late March and early April. Because of severe shortages in testing and problems with the accuracy of tests, many people who were sick or exposed to someone who was sick weren’t able to get tested.
Even still, this image tweeted Thursday by New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy shows the shape of the curve of positive tests. At one point, one in every two tests came back positive for the coronavirus.
By comparison, more than 20% of tests are coming back positive in Arizona; the figure has topped 10% in Texas. (View data from your state here.)
If anything, experts say, the increase in testing over the past two months should bring with it a lower rate of positive results. Now that tests are readily available, people can get tested, whether they have symptoms of COVID-19 or not. This includes the “worried well,” meaning people with no known exposure and no symptoms who are nervous that they may have the virus.
If the virus is under control, “the likelihood of an increasing positivity rate with substantial increase in testing is low,” Vermund said.


talkingpointsmemo--2020-06-28--Trump Campaign Removed Thousands Of Social Distancing Stickers Before Tulsa Rally

In the hours before President Trump ’ s controversial rally in Tulsa , Oklahoma last week , his campaign directed workers to remove thousands of “ Do Not Sit Here , Please !
” stickers from seats , which were put in place by the venue to encourage social distancing , the Washington Post reported .
According to video and photos obtained by the Post and a person familiar with the matter , staff at the BOK Center in downtown Tulsa had already placed nearly 12,000 distancing stickers on every other seat in the arena when the Trump campaign put @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign staffers then reportedly started removing the stickers from the chairs themselves .
The Post obtained a video that reportedly showed two unidentified men pulling the stickers off the seats ahead of the rally .
While there were thousands of empty seats at Trump ’ s June 20 rally , social distancing efforts were largely ignored during the event , which was billed as a masks-optional affair .
Trump was widely criticized for holding such a large rally amid the pandemic .
Since the event , several staffers and even Secret Service agents @ @ @ @ @ @

In the hours before President Trump’s controversial rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma last week, his campaign directed workers to remove thousands of “Do Not Sit Here, Please!” stickers from seats, which were put in place by the venue to encourage social distancing, the Washington Post reported.
According to video and photos obtained by the Post and a person familiar with the matter, staff at the BOK Center in downtown Tulsa had already placed nearly 12,000 distancing stickers on every other seat in the arena when the Trump campaign put a stop to the effort. Trump campaign staffers then reportedly started removing the stickers from the chairs themselves.
The Post obtained a video that reportedly showed two unidentified men pulling the stickers off the seats ahead of the rally.
While there were thousands of empty seats at Trump’s June 20 rally, social distancing efforts were largely ignored during the event, which was billed as a masks-optional affair.
Trump was widely criticized for holding such a large rally amid the pandemic. Since the event, several staffers and even Secret Service agents have tested positive for COVID-19.


talkingpointsmemo--2020-06-28--Biden Calls Trump’s Knowledge Of Bounties On US Troops A ‘Betrayal Of The Most Sacred Duty’

WASHINGTON ( AP ) — Joe Biden attacked President Donald Trump on Saturday over a report that he said , if true , contains a “ truly shocking revelation ” about the commander in chief and his failure to protect U.S. troops in Afghanistan and stand up to Russia .
The New York Times reported Friday that American intelligence officials concluded months ago that a Russian military intelligence unit secretly offered bounties to Taliban-linked militants for killing U.S. troops in Afghanistan .
The report said the Russians offered rewards for successful attacks last year , at a time when the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end the long-running war .
“ The truly shocking revelation that if the Times report is true , and I emphasize that again , is that President Trump , the commander in chief of American troops serving in a dangerous theater of war , has known about this for months , according to the Times , and done worse than nothing , ” Biden , the presumptive Democratic nominee , said during a virtual town hall .
The White House said neither Trump nor Vice President Mike Pence was briefed on such intelligence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the merit of the alleged intelligence but to the inaccuracy of the New York Times story erroneously suggesting that President Trump was briefed on this matter , ” press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said in a statement .
“ This unsophisticated plant clearly illustrates the low intellectual abilities of the propagandists of American intelligence , who instead of inventing something more plausible have to make up this nonsense , ” the Russian Foreign Ministry said .
The Times quoted a Taliban spokesman denying that its militants have such a deal with the Russian intelligence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials familiar with the intelligence , said the findings were presented to Trump and discussed by his National Security Council in late March .
Officials developed potential responses , starting with a diplomatic complaint to Russia , but the White House has yet to authorize any step , the report said .
Biden slammed Trump over his reported failure to act .
“ Not only has he failed to sanction and impose any kind of consequences on Russia for this egregious violation of international law , Donald Trump has continued his embarrassing campaign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Putin , ” the former vice president said .
Biden called it a “ betrayal of the most sacred duty we bear as a nation — to protect and equip our troops when we send them into harm ’ s way.
” He said Americans who serve in the military put their life on the line .
“ But they should never , never , never ever face a threat like this with their commander in chief turning a blind eye to a foreign power putting a bounty on their heads , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quite frankly outraged by the report , ” Biden said .
He promised that if he is elected , “ Putin will be confronted and we ’ ll impose serious costs on Russia .
”

WASHINGTON (AP) — Joe Biden attacked President Donald Trump on Saturday over a report that he said, if true, contains a “truly shocking revelation” about the commander in chief and his failure to protect U.S. troops in Afghanistan and stand up to Russia.
The New York Times reported Friday that American intelligence officials concluded months ago that a Russian military intelligence unit secretly offered bounties to Taliban-linked militants for killing U.S. troops in Afghanistan. The report said the Russians offered rewards for successful attacks last year, at a time when the U.S. and Taliban were holding talks to end the long-running war.
“The truly shocking revelation that if the Times report is true, and I emphasize that again, is that President Trump, the commander in chief of American troops serving in a dangerous theater of war, has known about this for months, according to the Times, and done worse than nothing,” Biden, the presumptive Democratic nominee, said during a virtual town hall.
The White House said neither Trump nor Vice President Mike Pence was briefed on such intelligence. “This does not speak to the merit of the alleged intelligence but to the inaccuracy of the New York Times story erroneously suggesting that President Trump was briefed on this matter,” press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said in a statement.
Russia called the report “nonsense.”
“This unsophisticated plant clearly illustrates the low intellectual abilities of the propagandists of American intelligence, who instead of inventing something more plausible have to make up this nonsense,” the Russian Foreign Ministry said.
The Times quoted a Taliban spokesman denying that its militants have such a deal with the Russian intelligence agency.
The newspaper, citing unnamed officials familiar with the intelligence, said the findings were presented to Trump and discussed by his National Security Council in late March. Officials developed potential responses, starting with a diplomatic complaint to Russia, but the White House has yet to authorize any step, the report said.
Biden slammed Trump over his reported failure to act.
“Not only has he failed to sanction and impose any kind of consequences on Russia for this egregious violation of international law, Donald Trump has continued his embarrassing campaign of deference and debasing himself before Vladimir Putin,” the former vice president said.
Biden called it a “betrayal of the most sacred duty we bear as a nation — to protect and equip our troops when we send them into harm’s way.”
He said Americans who serve in the military put their life on the line. “But they should never, never, never ever face a threat like this with their commander in chief turning a blind eye to a foreign power putting a bounty on their heads,” he said.
“I’m quite frankly outraged by the report,” Biden said. He promised that if he is elected, “Putin will be confronted and we’ll impose serious costs on Russia.”


talkingpointsmemo--2020-06-27--Mississippi Takes Step Toward Dropping Confederate Image From Flag

JACKSON , Miss .
( AP ) — Spectators at the Mississippi Capitol broke into applause Saturday as lawmakers took a big step toward erasing the Confederate battle emblem from the state flag , a symbol that has come under intensifying criticism in recent weeks amid nationwide protests against racial injustice .
“ The eyes of the state , the nation and indeed the world are on this House , ” the second-ranking office in the Mississippi House , Jason White , told his colleagues .
The House and Senate voted by more than the required two-thirds majority to suspend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ change the flag .
That would allow debate on a bill as soon as Sunday .
Saturday ’ s vote was the big test , though , because of the margin .
Only a simple majority is needed to pass a bill .
Republican Gov .
Tate Reeves said Saturday for the first time that he would sign a bill to change the flag if the Republican-controlled Legislature sends him one .
He had previously said that he would not veto one — a more passive stance .
“ The legislature has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new state flag , ” Reeves said on social media .
“ The argument over the 1894 flag has become as divisive as the flag itself and it ’ s time to end it .
If they send me a bill this weekend , I will sign it.
” A bill will say that the current flag will be removed from state law .
A commission would design a new flag that can not include the Confederate battle emblem but must include the phrase “ In God We Trust.
” The new design @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3 .
If a majority voting that day accept the new design , it would become the state flag .
If a majority reject it , the commission would design a new flag using the same guidelines .
“ I know there are many good people who … believe that this flag is a symbol of our Southern pride and heritage , ” said White , the Republican speaker pro tempore of the House .
“ But for most people throughout our nation and the world , they see that flag and think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Republican Rep. Chris Brown of Nettleton appeared at a 2016 rally outside the state Capitol for people who want to keep the Confederate emblem on the flag .
He said Saturday that the current flag and a proposed new design should both go on the ballot .
“ I don ’ t think we can move forward together if we say , ‘ Ýou can have any flag you want except … this one , ' ” Brown said .
“ If we put the current flag on the ballot with another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will change it .
I believe that .
Let ’ s not steal their joy .
They want to show the world that they ’ re moving on.″ Mississippi has the last state flag that includes the Confederate battle emblem — a red field topped by a blue X with 13 white stars .
The battle emblem has been in the upper-left corner of the Mississippi flag since 1894 .
White supremacists in the Legislature put it there during backlash to the political power that African Americans gained after the Civil War .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the flag lacked official status .
State laws were updated in 1906 , and portions dealing with the flag were not carried forward .
Legislators set a flag election in 2001 , and voters kept the rebel-themed design .
Democratic state Rep. Ed Blackmon of Canton told the House on Saturday that threats were made against him and others who served on a flag design commission in 2000 .
Blackmon , who is African American , said Mississippi needs a design without the Confederate design so his children and grandchildren can stand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We ’ ll all be proud to say , ‘ That ’ s my flag , too , ' ” Blackmon said .
The current flag has remained divisive in a state with a 38 % Black population .
All of the state ’ s public universities and several cities and counties have stopped flying it because of the Confederate symbol .
Influential business , religious , education and sports groups are calling on Mississippi to drop the Confederate symbol .
Flag supporters say the banner should be left alone or put @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decide its fate .
People for and against the current flag filled the Capitol on Saturday .
Karen Holt of Edwards , Mississippi , was with several people asking lawmakers to adopt a new banner with a magnolia , which is both the state tree and the state flower .
She said it would represent “ joy of being a citizen of the United States , ” unlike the current flag .
“ We don ’ t want anything flying over them , lofty , exalting itself , that grabs onto a deadly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hartness of Ellisville , Mississippi , walked outside the Capitol carrying a pole that with the American flag and the current Mississippi flag .
He said the state flag pays tribute to those who fought in the Civil War .
“ Being a veteran , that ’ s important to me — that you remember these guys that fought in battle , whether they ’ re on the right side or the wrong side , ” Hartness said .

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Spectators at the Mississippi Capitol broke into applause Saturday as lawmakers took a big step toward erasing the Confederate battle emblem from the state flag, a symbol that has come under intensifying criticism in recent weeks amid nationwide protests against racial injustice.
“The eyes of the state, the nation and indeed the world are on this House,” the second-ranking office in the Mississippi House, Jason White, told his colleagues.
The House and Senate voted by more than the required two-thirds majority to suspend legislative deadlines and file a bill to change the flag. That would allow debate on a bill as soon as Sunday.
Saturday’s vote was the big test, though, because of the margin. Only a simple majority is needed to pass a bill.
Republican Gov. Tate Reeves said Saturday for the first time that he would sign a bill to change the flag if the Republican-controlled Legislature sends him one. He had previously said that he would not veto one — a more passive stance.
“The legislature has been deadlocked for days as it considers a new state flag,” Reeves said on social media. “The argument over the 1894 flag has become as divisive as the flag itself and it’s time to end it. If they send me a bill this weekend, I will sign it.”
A bill will say that the current flag will be removed from state law. A commission would design a new flag that cannot include the Confederate battle emblem but must include the phrase “In God We Trust.” The new design would be put on the ballot Nov. 3. If a majority voting that day accept the new design, it would become the state flag. If a majority reject it, the commission would design a new flag using the same guidelines.
“I know there are many good people who … believe that this flag is a symbol of our Southern pride and heritage,” said White, the Republican speaker pro tempore of the House. “But for most people throughout our nation and the world, they see that flag and think that it stands for hatred and oppression.”
Republican Rep. Chris Brown of Nettleton appeared at a 2016 rally outside the state Capitol for people who want to keep the Confederate emblem on the flag. He said Saturday that the current flag and a proposed new design should both go on the ballot.
“I don’t think we can move forward together if we say, ‘Ýou can have any flag you want except … this one,'” Brown said. “If we put the current flag on the ballot with another good design, the people of Mississippi will change it. I believe that. Let’s not steal their joy. They want to show the world that they’re moving on.″
Mississippi has the last state flag that includes the Confederate battle emblem — a red field topped by a blue X with 13 white stars.
The battle emblem has been in the upper-left corner of the Mississippi flag since 1894. White supremacists in the Legislature put it there during backlash to the political power that African Americans gained after the Civil War.
The Mississippi Supreme Court ruled in 2000 that the flag lacked official status. State laws were updated in 1906, and portions dealing with the flag were not carried forward. Legislators set a flag election in 2001, and voters kept the rebel-themed design.
Democratic state Rep. Ed Blackmon of Canton told the House on Saturday that threats were made against him and others who served on a flag design commission in 2000. Blackmon, who is African American, said Mississippi needs a design without the Confederate design so his children and grandchildren can stand at attention when they see it.
“We’ll all be proud to say, ‘That’s my flag, too,'” Blackmon said.
The current flag has remained divisive in a state with a 38% Black population. All of the state’s public universities and several cities and counties have stopped flying it because of the Confederate symbol.
Influential business, religious, education and sports groups are calling on Mississippi to drop the Confederate symbol. Flag supporters say the banner should be left alone or put on the statewide ballot for voters to decide its fate.
People for and against the current flag filled the Capitol on Saturday.
Karen Holt of Edwards, Mississippi, was with several people asking lawmakers to adopt a new banner with a magnolia, which is both the state tree and the state flower. She said it would represent “joy of being a citizen of the United States,” unlike the current flag.
“We don’t want anything flying over them, lofty, exalting itself, that grabs onto a deadly past,” Holt said.
Dan Hartness of Ellisville, Mississippi, walked outside the Capitol carrying a pole that with the American flag and the current Mississippi flag. He said the state flag pays tribute to those who fought in the Civil War.
“Being a veteran, that’s important to me — that you remember these guys that fought in battle, whether they’re on the right side or the wrong side,” Hartness said.


talkingpointsmemo--2020-06-27--As TX Spike Grows Dire, Gohmert Says He Won’t Wear A Mask Unless He Gets COVID

Texas Republican Rep. Louie Gohmert has no plans to slow the spread of the coronavirus personally by wearing a mask , even as infection rates reach catastrophic levels in his home state .
Gohmert , who is 66-years-old , regularly attends sessions on the House floor sans-mask .
The lawmaker told CNN on Friday that he has no intention of wearing one unless he contracts the deadly virus , despite the fact that health experts and even fellow Republicans are urging Americans to wear masks in public to combat the spread .
“ I don ’ t have the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ve never had it .
But if I get it , you ’ ll never see me without a mask , ” he said .
When asked about concerns about asymptomatic spread , Gohmert dug his heels in : “ But I keep being tested and I don ’ t have it .
So I ’ m not afraid of you , but if I get it I ’ ll wear a mask.
” The remarks follow moves by the governor of Texas this week to pause the state ’ s reopening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nearly every day this week the state saw more than 5,000 new infections .

Texas Republican Rep. Louie Gohmert has no plans to slow the spread of the coronavirus personally by wearing a mask, even as infection rates reach catastrophic levels in his home state.
Gohmert, who is 66-years-old, regularly attends sessions on the House floor sans-mask. The lawmaker told CNN on Friday that he has no intention of wearing one unless he contracts the deadly virus, despite the fact that health experts and even fellow Republicans are urging Americans to wear masks in public to combat the spread.
“I don’t have the coronavirus, turns out as of yesterday I’ve never had it. But if I get it, you’ll never see me without a mask,” he said.
When asked about concerns about asymptomatic spread, Gohmert dug his heels in: “But I keep being tested and I don’t have it. So I’m not afraid of you, but if I get it I’ll wear a mask.”
The remarks follow moves by the governor of Texas this week to pause the state’s reopening as COVID-19 cases reach record highs — nearly every day this week the state saw more than 5,000 new infections.


talkingpointsmemo--2020-06-27--Barr Joins Trump Effort To Will Antifa Into Existence With New ‘Anti-Gov Extremists’ Task Force

Attorney General Bill Barr is hopping aboard President Trump ’ s effort to go after “ antifa , ” an amorphous “ anti-facist ” movement that has become a bugaboo for some on the far-right , including Trump .
According to a memo obtained by the Washington Post , Barr on Friday directed staff to create a task force focused specifically on countering “ anti-government extremists.
” The “ extremists ” reportedly include groups “ of all persuasions.
” The task force will focus specifically on the nebulous “ antifa ” movement as well as supporters of a far-right mentality @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a movement that openly advocates for a civil war , according to the Post .
“ Among other lawless conduct , these extremists have violently attacked police officers and other government officials , destroyed public and private property , and threatened innocent people , ” Barr wrote in a memo that , according to the Post , was sent to all the DOJ ’ s law enforcement officials and U.S. attorneys .
“ Although these extremists profess a variety of ideologies , they are united in their opposition to the core constitutional values @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
… Some pretend to profess a message of freedom and progress , but they are in fact forces of anarchy , destruction , and coercion.
” The move comes in the wake of nationwide protests speaking out against police brutality and racial injustice , and follows Trump ’ s efforts to brand “ antifa ” as a terrorist organization .
As violence broke out at protests in various cities across the U.S. , Trump blamed the movement for inciting riots .
Since Trump ’ s Twitter terrorist designation , there have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ residents of local communities have lashed out against other citizens , over a misguided — and oftentimes patently false — belief in their allegiance to “ antifa.
” In the memo on Friday , Barr also suggested that “ foreign entities ” might be involved in the creation of the extremists groups , but , as the Post noted , he cited no evidence or specifics related to such a claim .

Attorney General Bill Barr is hopping aboard President Trump’s effort to go after “antifa,” an amorphous “anti-facist” movement that has become a bugaboo for some on the far-right, including Trump.
According to a memo obtained by the Washington Post, Barr on Friday directed staff to create a task force focused specifically on countering “anti-government extremists.” The “extremists” reportedly include groups “of all persuasions.” The task force will focus specifically on the nebulous “antifa” movement as well as supporters of a far-right mentality referred to as “Boogaloo,” a movement that openly advocates for a civil war, according to the Post.
“Among other lawless conduct, these extremists have violently attacked police officers and other government officials, destroyed public and private property, and threatened innocent people,” Barr wrote in a memo that, according to the Post, was sent to all the DOJ’s law enforcement officials and U.S. attorneys. “Although these extremists profess a variety of ideologies, they are united in their opposition to the core constitutional values of a democratic society governed by law. … Some pretend to profess a message of freedom and progress, but they are in fact forces of anarchy, destruction, and coercion.”
The move comes in the wake of nationwide protests speaking out against police brutality and racial injustice, and follows Trump’s efforts to brand “antifa” as a terrorist organization. As violence broke out at protests in various cities across the U.S., Trump blamed the movement for inciting riots. Since Trump’s Twitter terrorist designation, there have been multiple incidents around the country in which residents of local communities have lashed out against other citizens, over a misguided — and oftentimes patently false — belief in their allegiance to “antifa.”
In the memo on Friday, Barr also suggested that “foreign entities” might be involved in the creation of the extremists groups, but, as the Post noted, he cited no evidence or specifics related to such a claim.


talkingpointsmemo--2020-06-27--A Brave Trump Takes ‘Strong’ Action To Protect Inanimate Statues

WASHINGTON ( AP ) — President Donald Trump signed an executive order Friday to protect monuments , memorials and statues facing new scrutiny amid fresh debate over the nation ’ s racist beginnings .
Trump had promised to take action earlier this week after police thwarted an attempt by protesters to pull down a statue of Andrew Jackson in a park across from the White House .
The order calls on the attorney general to prosecute to the fullest extent of the law any person or group that destroys or vandalizes a monument , memorial or statue .
Federal law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years in prison for the “ willful injury ” of federal property .
The order also calls for maximum prosecution for anyone who incites violence and illegal activity , and it threatens state and local law enforcement agencies that fail to protect monuments with the loss of federal funding .
Trump announced earlier Friday on Twitter that he had signed the order and called it “ strong.
” Earlier in the day , the president used Twitter to call for the arrest of protesters involved with the attempt to bring down the Jackson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an FBI wanted poster showing pictures of 15 protesters who are wanted for “ vandalization of federal property.
” Trump wrote , “ MANY people in custody , with many others being sought for Vandalization of Federal Property in Lafayette Park .
10 year prison sentences !
” He also said on Twitter that he had scrapped plans to spend the weekend at his central New Jersey home to stay in Washington “ to make sure LAW & ORDER is enforced.
” “ These arsonists , anarchists , looters , and agitators have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ I am doing what is necessary to keep our communities safe — and these people will be brought to Justice !
” Protesters on Monday night attempted to drag the Jackson statue down with ropes and chains .
Police repelled the protesters and sealed off Lafayette Park , which had been reopened to the public for more than a week after protests against the death of George Floyd at police hands in Minnesota .
On Tuesday , police cleared out the entire area around the corner of 16th and H streets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intersection , which had recently been renamed Black Lives Matter Plaza by the city .
Statistics released by the Metropolitan Police Department show that nine people were arrested Tuesday night and a total of 12 arrested between Monday and Wednesday .
There were no protest-related arrests Thursday , according to the MPD data .
Demonstrators have grown increasingly emboldened about targeting statues deemed offensive or inappropriate .
On June 19 , or Juneteenth , the day marking the end of slavery in the United States , cheering crowds puled down a statue of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stood on federal land and had withstood previous attempts by the Washington , D.C. , government to remove it .
According to participants , police officers were on the scene but did not attempt to interfere .
The targeting of the statues has become a rallying cry for Trump and other conservatives .
Immediately after the Pike statute was toppled and set ablaze , Trump called the incident a “ disgrace to our Country !
” on Twitter .
On Tuesday he tweeted , “ I have authorized the Federal Government to arrest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , statue or other such Federal property in the U.S. with up to 10 years in prison , per the Veteran ’ s Memorial Preservation Act , or such other laws that may be pertinent .
”

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump signed an executive order Friday to protect monuments, memorials and statues facing new scrutiny amid fresh debate over the nation’s racist beginnings.
Trump had promised to take action earlier this week after police thwarted an attempt by protesters to pull down a statue of Andrew Jackson in a park across from the White House.
The order calls on the attorney general to prosecute to the fullest extent of the law any person or group that destroys or vandalizes a monument, memorial or statue. Federal law authorizes a penalty of up to 10 years in prison for the “willful injury” of federal property.
The order also calls for maximum prosecution for anyone who incites violence and illegal activity, and it threatens state and local law enforcement agencies that fail to protect monuments with the loss of federal funding.
Trump announced earlier Friday on Twitter that he had signed the order and called it “strong.”
Earlier in the day, the president used Twitter to call for the arrest of protesters involved with the attempt to bring down the Jackson statue from Lafayette Park.
He retweeted an FBI wanted poster showing pictures of 15 protesters who are wanted for “vandalization of federal property.”
Trump wrote, “MANY people in custody, with many others being sought for Vandalization of Federal Property in Lafayette Park. 10 year prison sentences!”
He also said on Twitter that he had scrapped plans to spend the weekend at his central New Jersey home to stay in Washington “to make sure LAW & ORDER is enforced.”
“These arsonists, anarchists, looters, and agitators have been largely stopped,” Trump tweeted. “I am doing what is necessary to keep our communities safe — and these people will be brought to Justice!”
Protesters on Monday night attempted to drag the Jackson statue down with ropes and chains. Police repelled the protesters and sealed off Lafayette Park, which had been reopened to the public for more than a week after protests against the death of George Floyd at police hands in Minnesota. On Tuesday, police cleared out the entire area around the corner of 16th and H streets — and pushed demonstrators away from the intersection, which had recently been renamed Black Lives Matter Plaza by the city.
Statistics released by the Metropolitan Police Department show that nine people were arrested Tuesday night and a total of 12 arrested between Monday and Wednesday. There were no protest-related arrests Thursday, according to the MPD data.
Demonstrators have grown increasingly emboldened about targeting statues deemed offensive or inappropriate. On June 19, or Juneteenth, the day marking the end of slavery in the United States, cheering crowds puled down a statue of Confederate Gen. Albert Pike. The statue stood on federal land and had withstood previous attempts by the Washington, D.C., government to remove it. According to participants, police officers were on the scene but did not attempt to interfere.
The targeting of the statues has become a rallying cry for Trump and other conservatives. Immediately after the Pike statute was toppled and set ablaze, Trump called the incident a “disgrace to our Country!” on Twitter.
On Tuesday he tweeted, “I have authorized the Federal Government to arrest anyone who vandalizes or destroys any monument, statue or other such Federal property in the U.S. with up to 10 years in prison, per the Veteran’s Memorial Preservation Act, or such other laws that may be pertinent.”


talkingpointsmemo--2020-06-27--Once Again, Congress Is Unable To Act During National Trauma

WASHINGTON ( AP ) — For a moment , Congress had a chance to act on a policing overhaul , mobilized by a national trauma and overwhelming public support .
Those efforts have stalled now and seem unlikely to be revived in an election year .
It ’ s latest example of how partisanship and polarization on Capitol Hill have hamstrung Congress ’ ability to meet the moment and respond meaningfully to public opinion .
Major changes in policing policy appear likely to join gun control and immigration as social issues where even with Americans ’ overwhelming support , their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go along , especially when President Donald Trump is indifferent or opposed .
“ In this moment , as it was with gun violence and immigration reform , we don ’ t know where the president really is , ” said Sen. Chris Coons , D-Del.
, who weeks ago was expressing skepticism weeks ago about a breakthrough .
“ If this were the first time we were in this situation , I ’ d be more hopeful , ” he said then .
The bipartisan outcry over the deaths of George Floyd @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a chance for Congress to reshape its reputation .
Polls showed nearly all Americans in a favor of some measure of change to the criminal justice system , and both chambers moved quickly to draft legislation .
There were common elements in the House Democratic proposal and the Senate Republican bill , including a national database of use-of-force incidents by law enforcement and restrictions on police chokeholds .
But efforts to bridge the divides bogged down in a predictable fight over process and exposed again how little trust there is between the Senate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ R-Ky. , and Chuck Schumer , D-N.Y. McConnell said Democrats refused to take him at his word that he was willing to negotiate over the final bill , and he pitched a supposedly fair and freewheeling floor debate .
Schumer and other Democrats saw little that was genuine in McConnell ’ s overtures , noting that during his tenure as GOP leader , the sharp-elbowed Kentucky Republican has permitted almost no open floor debate on legislation .
The swift rise and fall of prospects for the police bill showed how lawmakers are often @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parties ’ hard-liners than overall public opinion .
“ The incentive structure is misaligned for compromise .
That ’ s the reality of it .
Members are more likely to be rewarded electorally for representing their base primary voters than for reaching out to voters in the middle , ” said Michael Steel , who was a top aide to former House Speaker John Boehner , R-Ohio .
“ The giants of yesteryear are remembered as such because voters rewarded them for successfully legislating .
And that just seems to be less and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some kind of policing overhaul after Floyd ’ s death is overwhelming .
An Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll shows 29 % of Americans say the criminal justice system needs a complete overhaul , 40 % say it needs major changes and 25 % say it needs minor changes .
There are other high-profile examples where public support has been unable to overcome partisanship in Congress — most notably on gun control .
An AP-NORC survey from March 2019 found 83 % of Americans in favor of a federal law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ buyers .
Trump has also supported the idea .
But gun control legislation has gone nowhere in Washington .
The parties have also failed to make progress in overhauling immigration laws , despite broad public support .
The most overwhelmingly popular measure — granting legal protections to young people brought to the U.S. illegally as children — has gotten caught in the fray , with hundreds of thousands of such “ Dreamer ” immigrants caught in legal limbo .
This gridlock has been exacerbated by Trump ’ s reputation on Capitol Hill as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
On policing , he spoke generally about supporting legislation but exerted little political capital when the process hit a roadblock .
“ To do really hard things you always need a president leaning in and engaged , ” said Brendan Buck , a top aide to former Speaker Paul Ryan , R-Wis. , during Trump ’ s first two years in office .
“ And on the really hard things he has not shown a willingness to get engaged.
” The police debate also suffered from the realities of the political calendar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ progressive activists and the civil rights community all calling the Republican bill too weak to be salvaged , some Democrats saw little incentive to give ground now when they might be able to get more if their party has sweeping successes in the November elections , now just over four months away .
“ Why cut a bad deal now when you could potentially be in the driver ’ s seat to write a real bill that effects real change in just a few months ?
” said Matt House , a former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ found ways to navigate the fierce partisanship on Capitol Hill .
GOP Sen. Lamar Alexander , chairman of the Senate Health , Education , Labor and Pensions Committee , and the committee ’ s top Democrat , Patty Murray of Washington , have shepherded a major education policy rewrite and legislation to combat opioids through a McConnell-led Senate .
They did so by building sweeping consensus among lawmakers in both parties before committee or floor action .
Murray said in an interview that there was little attempt to do that kind of behind-the-scenes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t even smell like an attempt to get something done , ” Murray said .
“ The feeling that you want to accomplish something , that you want to get something done … is a very different feeling than we saw with policing reform.
” AP Director of Public Opinion Research Emily Swanson contributed to this report .

WASHINGTON (AP) — For a moment, Congress had a chance to act on a policing overhaul, mobilized by a national trauma and overwhelming public support. Those efforts have stalled now and seem unlikely to be revived in an election year.
It’s latest example of how partisanship and polarization on Capitol Hill have hamstrung Congress’ ability to meet the moment and respond meaningfully to public opinion.
Major changes in policing policy appear likely to join gun control and immigration as social issues where even with Americans’ overwhelming support, their elected representatives are unable or unwilling to go along, especially when President Donald Trump is indifferent or opposed.
“In this moment, as it was with gun violence and immigration reform, we don’t know where the president really is,” said Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., who weeks ago was expressing skepticism weeks ago about a breakthrough. “If this were the first time we were in this situation, I’d be more hopeful,” he said then.
The bipartisan outcry over the deaths of George Floyd and other Black Americans appeared to be a chance for Congress to reshape its reputation. Polls showed nearly all Americans in a favor of some measure of change to the criminal justice system, and both chambers moved quickly to draft legislation.
There were common elements in the House Democratic proposal and the Senate Republican bill, including a national database of use-of-force incidents by law enforcement and restrictions on police chokeholds. But efforts to bridge the divides bogged down in a predictable fight over process and exposed again how little trust there is between the Senate’s leaders, Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., and Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.
McConnell said Democrats refused to take him at his word that he was willing to negotiate over the final bill, and he pitched a supposedly fair and freewheeling floor debate. Schumer and other Democrats saw little that was genuine in McConnell’s overtures, noting that during his tenure as GOP leader, the sharp-elbowed Kentucky Republican has permitted almost no open floor debate on legislation.
The swift rise and fall of prospects for the police bill showed how lawmakers are often driven more by the views of their parties’ hard-liners than overall public opinion.
“The incentive structure is misaligned for compromise. That’s the reality of it. Members are more likely to be rewarded electorally for representing their base primary voters than for reaching out to voters in the middle,” said Michael Steel, who was a top aide to former House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio. “The giants of yesteryear are remembered as such because voters rewarded them for successfully legislating. And that just seems to be less and less the case.”
Public support for some kind of policing overhaul after Floyd’s death is overwhelming. An Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll shows 29% of Americans say the criminal justice system needs a complete overhaul, 40% say it needs major changes and 25% say it needs minor changes.
There are other high-profile examples where public support has been unable to overcome partisanship in Congress — most notably on gun control. An AP-NORC survey from March 2019 found 83% of Americans in favor of a federal law requiring background checks on all potential gun buyers. Trump has also supported the idea.
But gun control legislation has gone nowhere in Washington.
The parties have also failed to make progress in overhauling immigration laws, despite broad public support. The most overwhelmingly popular measure — granting legal protections to young people brought to the U.S. illegally as children — has gotten caught in the fray, with hundreds of thousands of such “Dreamer” immigrants caught in legal limbo.
This gridlock has been exacerbated by Trump’s reputation on Capitol Hill as an unreliable negotiating partner on major issues. On policing, he spoke generally about supporting legislation but exerted little political capital when the process hit a roadblock.
“To do really hard things you always need a president leaning in and engaged,” said Brendan Buck, a top aide to former Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., during Trump’s first two years in office. “And on the really hard things he has not shown a willingness to get engaged.”
The police debate also suffered from the realities of the political calendar. With the Congressional Black Caucus, progressive activists and the civil rights community all calling the Republican bill too weak to be salvaged, some Democrats saw little incentive to give ground now when they might be able to get more if their party has sweeping successes in the November elections, now just over four months away.
“Why cut a bad deal now when you could potentially be in the driver’s seat to write a real bill that effects real change in just a few months?” said Matt House, a former Schumer aide.
Some veteran lawmakers have found ways to navigate the fierce partisanship on Capitol Hill.
GOP Sen. Lamar Alexander, chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, and the committee’s top Democrat, Patty Murray of Washington, have shepherded a major education policy rewrite and legislation to combat opioids through a McConnell-led Senate. They did so by building sweeping consensus among lawmakers in both parties before committee or floor action.
Murray said in an interview that there was little attempt to do that kind of behind-the-scenes work on policing.
“This didn’t even smell like an attempt to get something done,” Murray said. “The feeling that you want to accomplish something, that you want to get something done … is a very different feeling than we saw with policing reform.”
___
AP Director of Public Opinion Research Emily Swanson contributed to this report.


talkingpointsmemo--2020-06-28--Pence Shifts From Trump: ‘Wearing A Mask Is Just A Good Idea’

Vice President Mike Pence on Sunday said that he is now on board with encouraging the public to wear masks after initially punting to local health officials for guidance amid recent spikes in coronavirus cases .
After praising Texas Gov .
Greg Abbott ’ s ( R ) efforts to restart the economy last month during a press conference at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center , Pence acknowledged the surge of coronavirus cases in the state and touted Abbott ’ s efforts to promote social distancing in light of it .
“ When we issued guidelines to open @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a phased re-opening plan , ” Pence said .
“ Texas took that plan and implemented it here in a safe and responsible way.
” Pence added that “ there was guidance throughout that applied to all of the phases ” which includes practicing good hygiene , hand washing , avoiding face touching and wearing “ a mask wherever it ’ s indicated.
” “ Or wherever you ’ re not able to practice the kind of social distancing that would prevent the spread of the coronavirus , ” Pence said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The VP went on to note that “ roughly half the state is under local ordinances strongly recommending ” mask wearing , before saying that complying with the ordinances is “ just a good idea.
” “ If your local officials — in consultation with the state — are directing you to wear a mask , we encourage everyone to wear a mask in affected areas , ” Pence said .
“ Where you can ’ t maintain social distancing , wearing a mask is just a good idea .
It will , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the spread.
” Pence ’ s latest remarks strongly recommending mask wearing demonstrates a notable shift within the Trump administration to encourage the practice in an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus .
Earlier Sunday , Pence defended Trump ’ s refusal to encourage Americans to wear masks to prevent the spread of coronavirus by saying during an interview on CBS ’ “ Face the Nation ” that the White House wants “ to defer to governors ” and local officials .
The VP previously shared the same stance during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the White House Coronavirus Task Force on Friday .
“ One of the elements of the genius of America is the principle of federalism , of state and local control , ” Pence told CBS .
“ We ’ ve made it clear that we want to defer to governors .
We want to defer to local officials , and people should listen to them.
” HHS Secretary Alex Azar also dodged when grilled on whether the President is undercutting the message of his own health officials that masks should be worn in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ I am the President ’ s health secretary and I am telling people just what President Trump has said from day one in the reopening guidelines , ” Azar said .
“ Social distance , wear facial covering where you can ’ t practice social distancing , engage in appropriate personal hygiene .
”

Vice President Mike Pence on Sunday said that he is now on board with encouraging the public to wear masks after initially punting to local health officials for guidance amid recent spikes in coronavirus cases.
After praising Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s (R) efforts to restart the economy last month during a press conference at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Pence acknowledged the surge of coronavirus cases in the state and touted Abbott’s efforts to promote social distancing in light of it.
“When we issued guidelines to open up America again, we laid out a phased re-opening plan,” Pence said. “Texas took that plan and implemented it here in a safe and responsible way.”
Pence added that “there was guidance throughout that applied to all of the phases” which includes practicing good hygiene, hand washing, avoiding face touching and wearing “a mask wherever it’s indicated.”
“Or wherever you’re not able to practice the kind of social distancing that would prevent the spread of the coronavirus,” Pence said. “We would strongly reiterate that today.”
The VP went on to note that “roughly half the state is under local ordinances strongly recommending” mask wearing, before saying that complying with the ordinances is “just a good idea.”
“If your local officials — in consultation with the state — are directing you to wear a mask, we encourage everyone to wear a mask in affected areas,” Pence said. “Where you can’t maintain social distancing, wearing a mask is just a good idea. It will, we know from experience, will slow the spread.”
Pence’s latest remarks strongly recommending mask wearing demonstrates a notable shift within the Trump administration to encourage the practice in an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
Earlier Sunday, Pence defended Trump’s refusal to encourage Americans to wear masks to prevent the spread of coronavirus by saying during an interview on CBS’ “Face the Nation” that the White House wants “to defer to governors” and local officials. The VP previously shared the same stance during the first briefing in nearly two months from the White House Coronavirus Task Force on Friday.
“One of the elements of the genius of America is the principle of federalism, of state and local control,” Pence told CBS. “We’ve made it clear that we want to defer to governors. We want to defer to local officials, and people should listen to them.”
HHS Secretary Alex Azar also dodged when grilled on whether the President is undercutting the message of his own health officials that masks should be worn in public to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
“I am the President’s health secretary and I am telling people just what President Trump has said from day one in the reopening guidelines,” Azar said. “Social distance, wear facial covering where you can’t practice social distancing, engage in appropriate personal hygiene.”
Watch Pence’s remarks below:


talkingpointsmemo--2020-06-28--Azar Dodges When Grilled On Trump’s Refusal To Wear Mask As Coronavirus Cases Surge

HHS Secretary Alex Azar on Sunday wouldn ’ t answer whether President Trump is undercutting the message of health officials that masks should be worn in public to reduce the spread of COVID-19 .
When pressed by CNN ’ s Jake Tapper on whether Trump is undermining his administration ’ s health officials by refusing to wear a mask , and citing Sen. Lamar Alexander ( R-TN ) saying earlier Sunday that it would “ help ” if the President wore a mask to stop the political debate surrounding the matter as coronavirus cases surge in several cities , Azar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the President ’ s health secretary and I am telling people just what President Trump has said from day one in the reopening guidelines , ” Azar said .
“ Social distance , wear facial covering where you can ’ t practice social distancing , engage in appropriate personal hygiene.
” Azar later added that people should “ examine your own individual circumstances ” whenever they ’ re out in public .
Azar echoed his sentiments during an interview on MSNBC on Sunday .
When MSNBC ’ s Chuck Todd pressed Azar on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during the COVID-19 pandemic , Azar once again brought up that he ’ s the President ’ s secretary of health .
“ I ’ m telling you , practice social distancing where you can ’ t appropriately social distance , ” Azar said .
“ We encourage you to wear a facial covering .
The Vice President of the United States stood on stage , walked up on stage wearing a mask even though he doesn ’ t need to , in the sense that everyone around him is tested and he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Todd brought up Trump ’ s decision to hold two indoor campaign rallies in the last week , he grilled Azar for avoiding his question on whether he ’ s asked the President to “ at least ask the country to wear a mask.
” Azar dodged by saying that he ’ s “ not going to talk about politics ” but that he is encouraging those who are participating in any large gathering to “ consider your individual circumstance.
” “ Consider the circumstance of those you live with and take appropriate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your community , ” Azar said .

HHS Secretary Alex Azar on Sunday wouldn’t answer whether President Trump is undercutting the message of health officials that masks should be worn in public to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
When pressed by CNN’s Jake Tapper on whether Trump is undermining his administration’s health officials by refusing to wear a mask, and citing Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-TN) saying earlier Sunday that it would “help” if the President wore a mask to stop the political debate surrounding the matter as coronavirus cases surge in several cities, Azar sidestepped the question.
“I am the President’s health secretary and I am telling people just what President Trump has said from day one in the reopening guidelines,” Azar said. “Social distance, wear facial covering where you can’t practice social distancing, engage in appropriate personal hygiene.”
Azar later added that people should “examine your own individual circumstances” whenever they’re out in public.
Azar is pressed on Trump's reluctance to wear a mask pic.twitter.com/7CCFlA1xtb — Talking Points Memo (@TPM) June 28, 2020
Azar echoed his sentiments during an interview on MSNBC on Sunday.
When MSNBC’s Chuck Todd pressed Azar on Trump contradicting public health officials regarding mask-wearing during the COVID-19 pandemic, Azar once again brought up that he’s the President’s secretary of health.
“I’m telling you, practice social distancing where you can’t appropriately social distance,” Azar said. “We encourage you to wear a facial covering. The Vice President of the United States stood on stage, walked up on stage wearing a mask even though he doesn’t need to, in the sense that everyone around him is tested and he’s in a bubble.”
After Todd brought up Trump’s decision to hold two indoor campaign rallies in the last week, he grilled Azar for avoiding his question on whether he’s asked the President to “at least ask the country to wear a mask.”
Azar dodged by saying that he’s “not going to talk about politics” but that he is encouraging those who are participating in any large gathering to “consider your individual circumstance.”
“Consider the circumstance of those you live with and take appropriate precautions that are appropriate to yourself and your community,” Azar said.


talkingpointsmemo--2020-06-28--GOP Sen: It’d Help If Trump Would Wear A Mask To ‘Get Rid Of This Political Debate’

Sen. Lamar Alexander ( R-TN ) on Sunday said that it would “ help ” if President Donald Trump wore a mask to stop the political debate surrounding the matter as coronavirus cases surge in several cities .
Asked about seeing Trump rally attendees not wearing masks during a call aired on CNN Sunday , the chair of Senate Committee on Health , Education , Labor and Pensions , said it ’ s up to the President to “ lead more by example.
” “ I don ’ t expect the President to tell us what to do in that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He has Dr. Fauci and other experts who are going to be testifying Tuesday before our committee .
They ’ ll be wearing masks , telling people to wear masks .
The health experts are the ones who can do that.
” Alexander then argued that it would “ help ” if the President — who has yet to wear a mask in public and has repeatedly expressed reluctance to do so — would wear a mask to “ help us get rid of this political debate.
” “ I ’ m just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all the health experts tell us that it is in containing the disease in 2020 , it would help if from time to time the President would wear one to help us get rid of this political debate that says if you ’ re for Trump , you don ’ t wear a mask , if you ’ re against Trump , you do , ” Alexander said .
On Sunday , House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ( D-CA ) said that it ’ s “ definitely long overdue ” for a federal mandate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in several states

Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-TN) on Sunday said that it would “help” if President Donald Trump wore a mask to stop the political debate surrounding the matter as coronavirus cases surge in several cities.
Asked about seeing Trump rally attendees not wearing masks during a call aired on CNN Sunday, the chair of Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, said it’s up to the President to “lead more by example.”
“I don’t expect the President to tell us what to do in that sense,” Alexander said. “He has Dr. Fauci and other experts who are going to be testifying Tuesday before our committee. They’ll be wearing masks, telling people to wear masks. The health experts are the ones who can do that.”
Alexander then argued that it would “help” if the President — who has yet to wear a mask in public and has repeatedly expressed reluctance to do so — would wear a mask to “help us get rid of this political debate.”
“I’m just saying if wearing masks is important and all the health experts tell us that it is in containing the disease in 2020, it would help if from time to time the President would wear one to help us get rid of this political debate that says if you’re for Trump, you don’t wear a mask, if you’re against Trump, you do,” Alexander said.
On Sunday, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) said that it’s “definitely long overdue” for a federal mandate on wearing masks as coronavirus cases spike in several states
Watch Alexander’s remarks below:


talkingpointsmemo--2020-06-28--Cuomo Jabs Trump Admin For Being ‘In Denial’ About COVID-19 Pandemic

New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo ( D ) criticized the Trump administration for being “ in denial ” about the coronavirus pandemic as cases surge in several cities during an interview on MSNBC Sunday .
Asked by MSNBC ’ s Chuck Todd about HHS Sec .
Alex Azar suggesting earlier Sunday that the country ’ s contact-tracing problem in the South is on the states , Cuomo pushed back on the notion of a “ second surge.
” “ We ’ re worried about a second wave , ” Cuomo said .
“ I think we ’ re still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a continuation of the first wave , and it was a failed effort to stop the first wave in the country .
And as you pointed out , New York is in a totally different place.
” Cuomo then railed against the Trump administration for its response to the COVID-19 pandemic , citing the first briefing in nearly two months from the White House Coronavirus Task Force on Friday when Vice President Mike Pence tried to spin good news as several states hit daily records exceeding those first set in states like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you listen to what ( Azar ) said , if you listen to what the President says , what they said at the White House briefing , they ’ re saying what they said three months ago , ” Cuomo said .
“ They ’ re basically in denial about the problem .
They don ’ t want to tell the American people the truth.
” On Thursday , Cuomo ripped into Florida Gov .
Ron DeSantis ( R ) and other Republican governors for “ playing politics with the virus ” in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in their states .

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) criticized the Trump administration for being “in denial” about the coronavirus pandemic as cases surge in several cities during an interview on MSNBC Sunday.
Asked by MSNBC’s Chuck Todd about HHS Sec. Alex Azar suggesting earlier Sunday that the country’s contact-tracing problem in the South is on the states, Cuomo pushed back on the notion of a “second surge.”
“We’re worried about a second wave,” Cuomo said. “I think we’re still in the first wave, and this is a continuation of the first wave, and it was a failed effort to stop the first wave in the country. And as you pointed out, New York is in a totally different place.”
Cuomo then railed against the Trump administration for its response to the COVID-19 pandemic, citing the first briefing in nearly two months from the White House Coronavirus Task Force on Friday when Vice President Mike Pence tried to spin good news as several states hit daily records exceeding those first set in states like New York in March.
“If you listen to what (Azar) said, if you listen to what the President says, what they said at the White House briefing, they’re saying what they said three months ago,” Cuomo said. “They’re basically in denial about the problem. They don’t want to tell the American people the truth.”
On Thursday, Cuomo ripped into Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) and other Republican governors for “playing politics with the virus” in light of a spike in coronavirus cases in their states.
Watch Cuomo’s remarks below:


talkingpointsmemo--2020-06-28--Pelosi Says It’s ‘Definitely Long Overdue’ For Mask Wearing Mandate

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ( D-CA ) on Sunday said that it ’ s “ definitely long overdue ” for a federal mandate on wearing masks as coronavirus cases spike in several states during an interview on ABC News .
After acknowledging that the Centers for Disease Control recommended the use of masks because it didn ’ t want to “ offend the President , ” Pelosi proceeded to tear into President Trump .
“ And the President should be example , ” Pelosi said .
“ You know , real men wear masks .
Be an example to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only to pro — it ’ s not about protecting yourself .
It ’ s about protecting others and their families.
” According to the CDC , everyone “ should wear a cloth face cover when they have to go out in public ” to reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus .
Trump , however , has yet to wear a mask in public .
On Sunday , Pence deferred to state and local officials when asked about wearing masks in public during an interview on CBS , echoing his remarks during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the White House Coronavirus Task Force two days before .
“ President Trump and I , after asking the American people to embrace 45 days to slow the spread , we issued guidelines to reopen America and since that day , nearly two months ago , we ’ ve made it clear that we want to defer to governors , we want to defer to local officials and people should listen to them , ” Pence said on CBS .
Pence added in his interview on CBS that “ we believe people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not possible.
” The VP also claimed that he has worn a mask on “ several occasions this week ” and that Trump has done so as well .

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) on Sunday said that it’s “definitely long overdue” for a federal mandate on wearing masks as coronavirus cases spike in several states during an interview on ABC News.
After acknowledging that the Centers for Disease Control recommended the use of masks because it didn’t want to “offend the President,” Pelosi proceeded to tear into President Trump.
“And the President should be example,” Pelosi said. “You know, real men wear masks. Be an example to the country and wear the mask, not only to pro — it’s not about protecting yourself. It’s about protecting others and their families.”
According to the CDC, everyone “should wear a cloth face cover when they have to go out in public” to reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Trump, however, has yet to wear a mask in public.
On Sunday, Pence deferred to state and local officials when asked about wearing masks in public during an interview on CBS, echoing his remarks during the first briefing in nearly two months from the White House Coronavirus Task Force two days before.
“President Trump and I, after asking the American people to embrace 45 days to slow the spread, we issued guidelines to reopen America and since that day, nearly two months ago, we’ve made it clear that we want to defer to governors, we want to defer to local officials and people should listen to them,” Pence said on CBS.
Pence added in his interview on CBS that “we believe people should wear masks wherever social distancing is not possible.” The VP also claimed that he has worn a mask on “several occasions this week” and that Trump has done so as well.
Watch Pelosi’s remarks below:


talkingpointsmemo--2020-06-28--Pence Blames The Media When Pressed On Trump’s Baseless COVID-19 Testing Claims

Vice President Mike Pence on Sunday continued backing President Trump ’ s misleading claims on COVID-19 testing by blaming the media .
On Friday , Pence insisted during the first briefing in nearly two months from the White House Coronavirus Task Force that despite the country setting a new daily record for new COVID-19 cases , “ this moment is different.
” The VP also argued that states such as Florida , Texas and Arizona emerging as coronavirus hot spots can be attributed to more people under 35 years old testing positive .
“ In many cases , they have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and confirming they have contracted the coronavirus , ” Pence said on Friday .
Pence sang a similar tune during an interview on CBS that aired on Sunday morning .
When pressed on Trump ’ s misleading claim that there would be no coronavirus cases if testing wasn ’ t being done , Pence doubled down by blaming the media ’ s reporting of it .
“ The President was observing the fact that rising cases , which is — which the media has focused exclusively on has been in part a result @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ What the media doesn ’ t focus on at all is because of the sacrifices the American people made in those 45 days to slow the spread and the good commonsense measures they continue to do.
” Pence then insisted that “ we ’ ve continued to see fatalities decline , ” echoing his remarks on Friday .
“ I grieve for every American family that lost a loved one , for the more than 125,000 Americans that we ’ ve lost in this , ” Pence said .
“ We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ steps to protect the most vulnerable and testing will be a critical part of that going forward.
” CBS ’ John Dickerson pointed out how testing is critical to protect and to open the economy , before pressing Pence again on why the President continues to undermine confidence in testing .
“ I just disagree that the President ’ s undermining confidence in testing , ” Pence said .
“ He observed that the volume of new cases is in part a result of all of the rapid scaling of testing that we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Last week , Pence defended Trump ’ s claim during his Tulsa campaign rally that he asked his administration to “ slow the testing down , please ” on the coronavirus was a “ passing observation .
”

Vice President Mike Pence on Sunday continued backing President Trump’s misleading claims on COVID-19 testing by blaming the media.
On Friday, Pence insisted during the first briefing in nearly two months from the White House Coronavirus Task Force that despite the country setting a new daily record for new COVID-19 cases, “this moment is different.” The VP also argued that states such as Florida, Texas and Arizona emerging as coronavirus hot spots can be attributed to more people under 35 years old testing positive.
“In many cases, they have no symptoms but they are coming forward and confirming they have contracted the coronavirus,” Pence said on Friday.
Pence sang a similar tune during an interview on CBS that aired on Sunday morning.
When pressed on Trump’s misleading claim that there would be no coronavirus cases if testing wasn’t being done, Pence doubled down by blaming the media’s reporting of it.
“The President was observing the fact that rising cases, which is — which the media has focused exclusively on has been in part a result of increased testing,” Pence said. “What the media doesn’t focus on at all is because of the sacrifices the American people made in those 45 days to slow the spread and the good commonsense measures they continue to do.”
Pence then insisted that “we’ve continued to see fatalities decline,” echoing his remarks on Friday.
“I grieve for every American family that lost a loved one, for the more than 125,000 Americans that we’ve lost in this,” Pence said. “We’re going to continue to take steps to protect the most vulnerable and testing will be a critical part of that going forward.”
CBS’ John Dickerson pointed out how testing is critical to protect and to open the economy, before pressing Pence again on why the President continues to undermine confidence in testing.
“I just disagree that the President’s undermining confidence in testing,” Pence said. “He observed that the volume of new cases is in part a result of all of the rapid scaling of testing that we’ve done around the country.”
Last week, Pence defended Trump’s claim during his Tulsa campaign rally that he asked his administration to “slow the testing down, please” on the coronavirus was a “passing observation.”
Watch Pence’s remarks below:


talkingpointsmemo--2020-06-28--Tim Scott: Trump Retweet Of Supporter Chanting ‘White Power’ Is ‘Indefensible’

Sen. Tim Scott ( R-SC ) condemned President Trump ’ s retweet earlier Sunday morning of a video showing a supporter in Florida chanting “ white power ” during an interview on CNN .
When asked about his reaction to the President ’ s retweet , Scott first replied that “ there is no question he should not have retweeted it ” and that it should be taken down .
Pressed again by CNN ’ s Jake Tapper about whether the retweet offends him , given how he ’ s asking the question as a white person who ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CNN couldn ’ t air the video in its entirety due to excessive profanity before conceding that “ the entire thing was offensive.
” “ There is no question , we can play politics with it or we can ’ t — I ’ m not going to , ” Scott said .
“ It is indefensible .
We should take it down .
That ’ s what I think.
” Scott ’ s remarks come three days after the House passed its police reform bill a day after Senate Democrats blocked a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only Black Republican senator .
On Wednesday , Senate Democrats failed to give Republicans the 60 votes needed on a procedural vote to begin debate on the bill .

Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) condemned President Trump’s retweet earlier Sunday morning of a video showing a supporter in Florida chanting “white power” during an interview on CNN.
When asked about his reaction to the President’s retweet, Scott first replied that “there is no question he should not have retweeted it” and that it should be taken down.
Pressed again by CNN’s Jake Tapper about whether the retweet offends him, given how he’s asking the question as a white person who’s offended by it, Scott noted that CNN couldn’t air the video in its entirety due to excessive profanity before conceding that “the entire thing was offensive.”
“There is no question, we can play politics with it or we can’t — I’m not going to,” Scott said. “It is indefensible. We should take it down. That’s what I think.”
Scott’s remarks come three days after the House passed its police reform bill a day after Senate Democrats blocked a Republican policing reform measure led by the only Black Republican senator. On Wednesday, Senate Democrats failed to give Republicans the 60 votes needed on a procedural vote to begin debate on the bill.
Watch Scott’s remarks below:


talkingpointsmemo--2020-06-28--Protester Fatally Shot At Demonstration Against Breonna Taylor’s Death

LOUISVILLE , Ky. ( AP ) — Authorities were investigating a fatal shooting Saturday night at a park in downtown Louisville , Kentucky , where demonstrators had gathered to protest the death of Breonna Taylor .
Reports of shots fired at Jefferson Square Park came in around 9 p.m. , Louisville Metro police said in a statement , followed by calls that the Jefferson County Sheriff ’ s Department was performing life-saving measures on a male who died at the scene .
Shortly after , police were told of a shooting victim across the street at the Hall of Justice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ injuries .
Video posted on social media appeared to show a man opening fire into the park as people scrambled for cover .
The footage later showed at least one person bleeding profusely on the ground .
Officers cleared the park and police “ are trying to gather as much information as possible in order to identify all who were involved in the incident , ” the statement said .
No information about arrests , possible suspects and the victims ’ identities and ages was immediately released .
Officials did not immediately release @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saddened by the violence that erupted in Jefferson Square Park tonight , where those who have been voicing their concerns have been gathered , ” Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer said in a statement .
“ It is a tragedy that this area of peaceful protest is now a crime scene.
” The park has for weeks been the epicenter for protests in the city after the police killings of Taylor and George Floyd .
The Saturday night shooting was at least the second during nearly a month of protests in Louisville over Taylor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wounded May 28 when gunfire erupted near City Hall , prompting a statement from Taylor ’ s mother asking people to demand justice “ without hurting each other.
” “ Praying for our city , ” tweeted Kentucky state Rep. Charles Booker of Louisville late Saturday .
The Democrat is running for his party ’ s nomination to challenge Republican Senate leader Mitch McConnell in the fall .
Taylor , a 26-year-old Black woman , was killed in her Louisville home in March by police who were serving a no-knock warrant .
Protesters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in her death to be charged .
One of the officers was recently fired .
Kenneth Walker , Taylor ’ s boyfriend , was originally charged with attempted murder after he fired a shot at one of the officers who came into the home .
Walker has said he thought he was defending from an intruder .
The no-knock search warrant that allows police to enter without first announcing their presence was recently banned by Louisville ’ s Metro Council .

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Authorities were investigating a fatal shooting Saturday night at a park in downtown Louisville, Kentucky, where demonstrators had gathered to protest the death of Breonna Taylor.
Reports of shots fired at Jefferson Square Park came in around 9 p.m., Louisville Metro police said in a statement, followed by calls that the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department was performing life-saving measures on a male who died at the scene. Shortly after, police were told of a shooting victim across the street at the Hall of Justice. That person was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.
Video posted on social media appeared to show a man opening fire into the park as people scrambled for cover. The footage later showed at least one person bleeding profusely on the ground.
Officers cleared the park and police “are trying to gather as much information as possible in order to identify all who were involved in the incident,” the statement said. No information about arrests, possible suspects and the victims’ identities and ages was immediately released. Officials did not immediately release additional information.
“I am deeply saddened by the violence that erupted in Jefferson Square Park tonight, where those who have been voicing their concerns have been gathered,” Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer said in a statement. “It is a tragedy that this area of peaceful protest is now a crime scene.”
The park has for weeks been the epicenter for protests in the city after the police killings of Taylor and George Floyd. The Saturday night shooting was at least the second during nearly a month of protests in Louisville over Taylor’s death. Seven people were wounded May 28 when gunfire erupted near City Hall, prompting a statement from Taylor’s mother asking people to demand justice “without hurting each other.”
“Praying for our city,” tweeted Kentucky state Rep. Charles Booker of Louisville late Saturday. The Democrat is running for his party’s nomination to challenge Republican Senate leader Mitch McConnell in the fall.
Taylor, a 26-year-old Black woman, was killed in her Louisville home in March by police who were serving a no-knock warrant. Protesters have been calling for the officers involved in her death to be charged. One of the officers was recently fired.
Kenneth Walker, Taylor’s boyfriend, was originally charged with attempted murder after he fired a shot at one of the officers who came into the home. Walker has said he thought he was defending from an intruder.
The no-knock search warrant that allows police to enter without first announcing their presence was recently banned by Louisville’s Metro Council.


talkingpointsmemo--2020-06-28--Trump Praises Supporters By Retweeting Video Of Them Screaming ‘White Power’

President Trump kicked off Sunday morning by going on a Twitter spree that included retweeting a video of a supporter in Florida agreeing that he ’ s a racist and chanting “ white power.
” Trump continued his ongoing attacks against Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden in his retweet of the video , which shows his supporters at a retirement community in Florida appearing to hold a pro-Trump golf cart parade while critics of the President shout back at them .
Trump deleted the retweet later Sunday morning .
White House deputy press secretary Judd Deere issued a cleanup statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a big fan of The Villages .
He did not hear the one statement made on the video , ” Deere said , according to a statement obtained by TPM .
“ What he did see was tremendous enthusiasm from his many supporters.
” The Trump campaign did not immediately respond to TPM ’ s request for comment .
The President ’ s retweet came amid other tweets on Sunday morning that not only bash Biden , but the New York Times as well .
Trump also touted his executive order on Friday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people who damage federal monuments .
Trump ’ retweet also comes just three days after the House passed its police reform bill in the wake of George Floyd ’ s death .

President Trump kicked off Sunday morning by going on a Twitter spree that included retweeting a video of a supporter in Florida agreeing that he’s a racist and chanting “white power.”
Trump continued his ongoing attacks against Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden in his retweet of the video, which shows his supporters at a retirement community in Florida appearing to hold a pro-Trump golf cart parade while critics of the President shout back at them.
Thank you to the great people of The Villages. The Radical Left Do Nothing Democrats will Fall in the Fall. Corrupt Joe is shot. See you soon!!! https://t.co/4Gg1iGOhyG — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 28, 2020
Trump deleted the retweet later Sunday morning. White House deputy press secretary Judd Deere issued a cleanup statement shortly after.
“President Trump is a big fan of The Villages. He did not hear the one statement made on the video,” Deere said, according to a statement obtained by TPM. “What he did see was tremendous enthusiasm from his many supporters.”
The Trump campaign did not immediately respond to TPM’s request for comment.
The President’s retweet came amid other tweets on Sunday morning that not only bash Biden, but the New York Times as well. Trump also touted his executive order on Friday directing federal law enforcement agencies to prosecute people who damage federal monuments.
Trump’ retweet also comes just three days after the House passed its police reform bill in the wake of George Floyd’s death.


talkingpointsmemo--2020-06-29--Trump Now Claiming Intel Community Did Not Find Russia-Taliban Reports To Be Credible

President Donald Trump further dug into his claim late Sunday night that he had been unaware of the intelligence community ’ s reports that Russia paid Taliban forces to kill U.S. troops , asserting that intelligence officers had not found the reports to be credible and therefore did not inform him of them .
“ Intel just reported to me that they did not find this info credible , and therefore did not report it to me or @ VP , ” Trump tweeted in response to Sen. Lindsey Graham calling on Congress to investigate the reports .
“ Possibly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Fake News @ nytimesbooks , wanting to make Republicans look bad !
!
!
” the President continued .
Trump ’ s new claim confirms the existence of the intelligence officials ’ findings .
His tweet also runs alongside his and the White House ’ s denial of the Times ’ bombshell revelation that intelligence officials had briefed him all the way back in late March on Russia ’ s operations with the terrorist group and that he had declined to take any action on the matter .
“ Nobody briefed or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or Chief of Staff @ MarkMeadows about the so-called attacks on our troops in Afghanistan by Russians , as reported through an “ anonymous source ” by the Fake News @ nytimes , ” Trump tweeted on Sunday morning .
The New York Times ’ report was backed up by the Wall Street Journal .
Additionally , unnamed sourced told the Washington Post on Sunday night that Russia ’ s dealings with the Taliban had led to the killings of several American forces , of which the White House had been informed in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to withdraw U.S. forces from Afghanistan in the fall .
The office of Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe , a Trump loyalist who has also denied that Trump knew of intelligence community ’ s reports on Russia and the Taliban , did not immediately respond to TPM ’ s request for comment .

President Donald Trump further dug into his claim late Sunday night that he had been unaware of the intelligence community’s reports that Russia paid Taliban forces to kill U.S. troops, asserting that intelligence officers had not found the reports to be credible and therefore did not inform him of them.
“Intel just reported to me that they did not find this info credible, and therefore did not report it to me or @VP,” Trump tweeted in response to Sen. Lindsey Graham calling on Congress to investigate the reports.
“Possibly another fabricated Russia Hoax, maybe by the Fake News @nytimesbooks, wanting to make Republicans look bad!!!” the President continued.
Trump’s new claim confirms the existence of the intelligence officials’ findings.
His tweet also runs alongside his and the White House’s denial of the Times’ bombshell revelation that intelligence officials had briefed him all the way back in late March on Russia’s operations with the terrorist group and that he had declined to take any action on the matter.
“Nobody briefed or told me, @VP Pence, or Chief of Staff
@MarkMeadows about the so-called attacks on our troops in Afghanistan by Russians, as reported through an “anonymous source” by the Fake News
@nytimes,” Trump tweeted on Sunday morning.
The New York Times’ report was backed up by the Wall Street Journal.
Additionally, unnamed sourced told the Washington Post on Sunday night that Russia’s dealings with the Taliban had led to the killings of several American forces, of which the White House had been informed in late March.
The Trump administration plans to withdraw U.S. forces from Afghanistan in the fall.
The office of Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe, a Trump loyalist who has also denied that Trump knew of intelligence community’s reports on Russia and the Taliban, declined to comment.