talkingpointsmemo--2020-08-23--Trump Will Announce Emergency Authorization For COVID-19 Plasma Treatment

WASHINGTON ( AP ) — After expressing frustration at the slow pace of approval for coronavirus treatments , President Donald Trump was set to announce on Sunday the emergency authorization of convalescent plasma for COVID-19 patients .
The announcement will come after days of White House officials suggesting there were politically motivated delays by the Food and Drug Administration in approving a vaccine and therapeutics for the disease that has upended Trump ’ s reelection chances .
On the eve of the Republican National Convention , Trump was set to issue the emergency order — which would make it easier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — in a news conference Sunday evening , according to White House officials .
The blood plasma , taken from patients who have recovered from the coronavirus and rich in antibodies , may provide benefits to those battling with the disease .
But the evidence has been inconclusive as to how it works or how best to administer it .
Many scientists and physicians believe that convalescent plasma might provide some benefit but it is far from a breakthrough .
It is rich in antibodies that could be helpful in fighting the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not been conclusive about whether it works , when to administer it and what dose is needed .
The White House had grown agitated with the pace of the plasma approval , but the accusations of a slowdown , which were presented without evidence , were just the latest assault from Trump ’ s team on the so-called “ deep state ” bureaucracy .
White House chief of staff Mark Meadows did not deal in specifics , but said “ we ’ ve looked at a number of people that are not being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ terms of getting to the bottom of it.
” “ This president is about cutting red tape , ” said Meadows in an interview on ABC ’ s “ This Week .
“ He had to make sure that they felt the heat .
If they don ’ t see the light , they need to feel the heat because the American people are suffering.
” The push on Sunday came a day after Trump tweeted sharp criticism on the process to treat the virus , which has killed more than 175,000 Americans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ White House has sunk vast resources into an expedited process to develop a vaccine and Trump aides have been banking on it being an “ October surprise ” that could help the president make up ground in the polls .
“ The deep state , or whoever , over at the FDA is making it very difficult for drug companies to get people in order to test the vaccines and therapeutics , ” Trump tweeted .
“ Obviously , they are hoping to delay the answer until after November 3rd .
Must focus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Earlier this month , Mayo Clinic researchers reported a strong hint that blood plasma from COVID-19 survivors helps other infected patients recover .
But it wasn ’ t considered proof .
More than 64,000 patients in the U.S. have been given convalescent plasma , a century-old approach to fend off flu and measles before vaccines .
It ’ s a go-to tactic when new diseases come along , and history suggests it works against some , but not all , infections .
There ’ s no solid evidence yet that it fights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how best to use it .
The Mayo Clinic reported preliminary data from 35,000 coronavirus patients treated with plasma , and said there were fewer deaths among people given plasma within three days of diagnosis , and also among those given plasma containing the highest levels of virus-fighting antibodies .
But it wasn ’ t a formal study .
The patients were treated in different ways in hospitals around the country as part of an FDA program designed to speed access to the experimental therapy .
That so-called “ expanded access ” program @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but it can not prove the plasma — and not other care they received — was the real reason for improvement .
There ’ s been little data on how effective it is or whether it must be administered fairly early in an illness to make a significant difference , said Dr. William Schaffner , an infectious diseases expert at Vanderbilt University .
Rigorous studies underway around the country are designed to get that proof , by comparing similar patients randomly assigned to get plasma or a dummy infusion in addition to regular @ @ @ @ @ @ @ difficult to finish as the virus waxes and wanes in different cities .
Also , some patients have requested plasma rather than agreeing to a study that might give them a placebo instead .
Meanwhile , former FDA commissioner Scott Gottlieb dismissed the suggestion of a slowdown .
“ I firmly reject the idea they would slow-walk anything or accelerate anything based on any political consideration or any consideration other than what is best for the public health and a real sense of mission to patients , ” Gottlieb told CBS ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drugs are currently being developed as possible treatments against the coronavirus infection , taking a range of approaches .
Trump , in press conferences , “ has made all kinds of therapeutic suggestions , ” which have not proven to be supported by science — and are even dangerous , Schaffner said .
That includes statements about the possible value of treating COVID-19 patients with ultraviolet light and bleach .
Trump reportedly also recently became enthusiastic about oleandrin , a plant extract derived from a toxic shrub that scientists immediately warned against .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ for his early and ardent embrace of the malaria drugs hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine .
The FDA in late March granted emergency authorization for distribution of the drugs for treating COVID .
But in June , the agency revoked the authorization in light of growing evidence they don ’ t work and could cause serious side effects .
Not only that , the FDA warned doctors against prescribing the drugs in combination with remdesivir , a drug that was shown to help patients with COVID-19 .
The FDA said the anti-malaria drugs can reduce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ FDA cleared for emergency use in May .
Earlier this month , Hahn emphasized that routine evaluation procedures will remain in place to evaluate COVID vaccine candidates .
A top FDA official who is overseeing COVID vaccine trials had vowed to resign if the Trump administration approves a vaccine before it is shown to be safe and effective .
Peter Marks , director of the FDA ’ s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research , made his promise during a conference call earlier in the month with pharmaceutical executives , government officials and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I think this administration has put more pressure on the Food and Drug Administration than I can remember ” ever happening in the past , Schaffner said .
“ Everybody is just a little bit nervous , ” he said .

WASHINGTON (AP) — After expressing frustration at the slow pace of approval for coronavirus treatments, President Donald Trump was set to announce on Sunday the emergency authorization of convalescent plasma for COVID-19 patients.
The announcement will come after days of White House officials suggesting there were politically motivated delays by the Food and Drug Administration in approving a vaccine and therapeutics for the disease that has upended Trump’s reelection chances.
On the eve of the Republican National Convention, Trump was set to issue the emergency order — which would make it easier for some patients to obtain the treatment — in a news conference Sunday evening, according to White House officials.
The blood plasma, taken from patients who have recovered from the coronavirus and rich in antibodies, may provide benefits to those battling with the disease. But the evidence has been inconclusive as to how it works or how best to administer it.
Many scientists and physicians believe that convalescent plasma might provide some benefit but it is far from a breakthrough. It is rich in antibodies that could be helpful in fighting the coronavirus, but the evidence so far has not been conclusive about whether it works, when to administer it and what dose is needed.
The White House had grown agitated with the pace of the plasma approval, but the accusations of a slowdown, which were presented without evidence, were just the latest assault from Trump’s team on the so-called “deep state” bureaucracy. White House chief of staff Mark Meadows did not deal in specifics, but said “we’ve looked at a number of people that are not being as diligent as they should be in terms of getting to the bottom of it.”
“This president is about cutting red tape,” said Meadows in an interview on ABC’s “This Week. “He had to make sure that they felt the heat. If they don’t see the light, they need to feel the heat because the American people are suffering.”
The push on Sunday came a day after Trump tweeted sharp criticism on the process to treat the virus, which has killed more than 175,000 Americans and imperiled his reelection chances. The White House has sunk vast resources into an expedited process to develop a vaccine and Trump aides have been banking on it being an “October surprise” that could help the president make up ground in the polls.
“The deep state, or whoever, over at the FDA is making it very difficult for drug companies to get people in order to test the vaccines and therapeutics,” Trump tweeted. “Obviously, they are hoping to delay the answer until after November 3rd. Must focus on speed, and saving lives!”
Earlier this month, Mayo Clinic researchers reported a strong hint that blood plasma from COVID-19 survivors helps other infected patients recover. But it wasn’t considered proof.
More than 64,000 patients in the U.S. have been given convalescent plasma, a century-old approach to fend off flu and measles before vaccines. It’s a go-to tactic when new diseases come along, and history suggests it works against some, but not all, infections.
There’s no solid evidence yet that it fights the coronavirus and, if so, how best to use it.
The Mayo Clinic reported preliminary data from 35,000 coronavirus patients treated with plasma, and said there were fewer deaths among people given plasma within three days of diagnosis, and also among those given plasma containing the highest levels of virus-fighting antibodies.
But it wasn’t a formal study. The patients were treated in different ways in hospitals around the country as part of an FDA program designed to speed access to the experimental therapy. That so-called “expanded access” program tracks what happens to the recipients, but it cannot prove the plasma — and not other care they received — was the real reason for improvement.
There’s been little data on how effective it is or whether it must be administered fairly early in an illness to make a significant difference, said Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious diseases expert at Vanderbilt University.
Rigorous studies underway around the country are designed to get that proof, by comparing similar patients randomly assigned to get plasma or a dummy infusion in addition to regular care. But those studies have been difficult to finish as the virus waxes and wanes in different cities. Also, some patients have requested plasma rather than agreeing to a study that might give them a placebo instead.
Meanwhile, former FDA commissioner Scott Gottlieb dismissed the suggestion of a slowdown.
“I firmly reject the idea they would slow-walk anything or accelerate anything based on any political consideration or any consideration other than what is best for the public health and a real sense of mission to patients,” Gottlieb told CBS’s “Face the Nation.”
Hundreds of drugs are currently being developed as possible treatments against the coronavirus infection, taking a range of approaches.
Trump, in press conferences, “has made all kinds of therapeutic suggestions,” which have not proven to be supported by science — and are even dangerous, Schaffner said. That includes statements about the possible value of treating COVID-19 patients with ultraviolet light and bleach. Trump reportedly also recently became enthusiastic about oleandrin, a plant extract derived from a toxic shrub that scientists immediately warned against.
But the president is perhaps best known for his early and ardent embrace of the malaria drugs hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine.
The FDA in late March granted emergency authorization for distribution of the drugs for treating COVID. But in June, the agency revoked the authorization in light of growing evidence they don’t work and could cause serious side effects.
Not only that, the FDA warned doctors against prescribing the drugs in combination with remdesivir, a drug that was shown to help patients with COVID-19. The FDA said the anti-malaria drugs can reduce the effectiveness of remdesivir, which the FDA cleared for emergency use in May.
Earlier this month, Hahn emphasized that routine evaluation procedures will remain in place to evaluate COVID vaccine candidates.
A top FDA official who is overseeing COVID vaccine trials had vowed to resign if the Trump administration approves a vaccine before it is shown to be safe and effective. Peter Marks, director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, made his promise during a conference call earlier in the month with pharmaceutical executives, government officials and others, Reuters reported Friday.
“I think this administration has put more pressure on the Food and Drug Administration than I can remember” ever happening in the past, Schaffner said.
“Everybody is just a little bit nervous,” he said.


talkingpointsmemo--2020-08-23--WH Walks Back Trump Claim That Sheriffs Will Patrol Polling Places

White House chief of staff Mark Meadows and acting DHS secretary Chad Wolf on Sunday shot down President Trump ’ s claim that law enforcement will be at polling places on Election Day .
During an interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity last week , the self-proclaimed President of “ law and order ” was asked whether there would be “ poll watchers ” ensuring all voters were registered .
“ We ’ re going to have everything , ” Trump told Hannity .
“ We ’ re going to have sheriffs , and we ’ re going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re going to have , hopefully , U.S. attorneys , and we ’ re going to have everybody and attorneys general .
But it ’ s very hard.
” Meadows , however , denied the notion of “ thousands of sheriffs ” at polling places on Nov. 3 during an interview on Fox News Sunday .
After Fox News ’ Chris Wallace pointed out that law enforcement at polling places has a history of being used as a voter suppression tactic especially in the South , Meadows argued that the President was trying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to show up and vote in person , we ’ re going to make sure that that is safe.
” Meadows then pivoted to absurdly suggesting , without citing specific evidence , that social distancing requirements at polling places may lead to “ aggressive behavior.
” “ Sometimes in this new COVID response what we ’ re finding is that because of social distancing , we see a lot more aggressive behavior than I ’ ve ever seen in a grocery store , ” Meadows said , before denying that thousands of sheriffs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Election Day .
“ And so to the extent that we are going to deploy thousands of sheriffs — no , we are not going to do that , ” Meadows said .
“ To the extent that we are going to make sure it ’ s safe and if the judges at those polling places need any kind of security , we are going to make sure they have the resources to do that.
” Wolf similarly denied that the President brought up deploying any of the DHS ’ armed agents to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ No , absolutely he has not .
Again , that ’ s not what we do at the Department of Homeland Security , ” Wolf said .
“ We have law enforcement authorities and law enforcement officers at the department .
We have express authorities given to us by Congress .
And this is not one of them .
”

White House chief of staff Mark Meadows and acting DHS secretary Chad Wolf on Sunday shot down President Trump’s claim that law enforcement will be at polling places on Election Day.
During an interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity last week, the self-proclaimed President of “law and order” was asked whether there would be “poll watchers” ensuring all voters were registered.
“We’re going to have everything,” Trump told Hannity. “We’re going to have sheriffs, and we’re going to have law enforcement, and we’re going to have, hopefully, U.S. attorneys, and we’re going to have everybody and attorneys general. But it’s very hard.”
Meadows, however, denied the notion of “thousands of sheriffs” at polling places on Nov. 3 during an interview on Fox News Sunday.
After Fox News’ Chris Wallace pointed out that law enforcement at polling places has a history of being used as a voter suppression tactic especially in the South, Meadows argued that the President was trying to convey that “if you want to show up and vote in person, we’re going to make sure that that is safe.”
Meadows then pivoted to absurdly suggesting, without citing specific evidence, that social distancing requirements at polling places may lead to “aggressive behavior.”
“Sometimes in this new COVID response what we’re finding is that because of social distancing, we see a lot more aggressive behavior than I’ve ever seen in a grocery store,” Meadows said, before denying that thousands of sheriffs would be deployed to polling places on Election Day.
“And so to the extent that we are going to deploy thousands of sheriffs — no, we are not going to do that,” Meadows said. “To the extent that we are going to make sure it’s safe and if the judges at those polling places need any kind of security, we are going to make sure they have the resources to do that.”
White House chief of staff Mark Meadows denies Trump's claim that sheriffs will be at polling places on Election Day pic.twitter.com/QrOsn1C4Wl — Talking Points Memo (@TPM) August 23, 2020
Wolf similarly denied that the President brought up deploying any of the DHS’ armed agents to polling places during an interview on CNN.
“No, absolutely he has not. Again, that’s not what we do at the Department of Homeland Security,” Wolf said. “We have law enforcement authorities and law enforcement officers at the department. We have express authorities given to us by Congress. And this is not one of them.”


talkingpointsmemo--2020-08-23--WH Downplays FBI Warning Of QAnon Posing Threat: ‘I Had To Google’ It

White House chief of staff Mark Meadows and acting DHS secretary Chad Wolf on Sunday echoed President Trump ’ s claim that he “ doesn ’ t know much about ” the far-right conspiracy QAnon despite the FBI labeling it as a potential domestic terrorism threat .
Last week during a briefing at the White House , Trump wouldn ’ t condemn supporters of QAnon — the baseless far-right conspiracy theory that alleges the President is secretly saving the world from a cult of pedophiles and cannibals — amid a growing trend of GOP candidates who have pledged their adherence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t know much about the movement other than I understand that they like me very much , which I appreciate , ” Trump said last week .
When asked about whether Trump condemns QAnon , Meadows took a cue from the President by claiming that he doesn ’ t even know what it is during an interview on Fox News Sunday .
Meadows then slammed the media for its coverage on QAnon , which he claimed that he “ had to actually Google.
” “ I find it appalling that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ important things going on , a list of Top 20s , that the first question at a press briefing would be about QAnon , which I had to actually Google to figure out what it is , ” Meadows said .
“ It ’ s not an essential part of what the President is talking about .
I don ’ t know anything about it — I don ’ t even know that it ’ s credible.
” Meadows added that he ’ d be “ glad to speak ” about “ how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spied on the Trump campaign ” instead , before going on to insist that if QAnon is a “ hate group , I can tell you that this president is not for hate.
” Wolf also appeared unbothered by the QAnon movement during an interview on CNN .
When asked whether he agrees with the FBI ’ s assessment that it ’ s a domestic terror threat , Wolf replied that he has no reason to believe anything different from the FBI .
Pressed on Trump and Vice President Pence claiming that they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Wolf downplayed the severity of the threat that QAnon poses .
“ Again , when I look at all the threats facing the homeland , this is not one that rises to a significant level , ” Wolf said .
“ There are many other threats here domestically , as well as overseas , that we ’ re focused on .
And we will continue to look at those and address those .
So , I can ’ t comment and not going to comment on every fringe element and fringe group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There are very — there are many.
” After CNN ’ s Jake Tapper pointed out that adherents of QAnon have been responsible for kidnapping , for murder , for attempted assassinations and asked whether he condemns them , Wolf replied “ right , absolutely.
” “ Any individual group that ’ s kidnapping , murdering or doing any number of criminal and illegal attacks absolutely is not — I absolutely condemn , ” Wolf said .

White House chief of staff Mark Meadows and acting DHS secretary Chad Wolf on Sunday echoed President Trump’s claim that he “doesn’t know much about” the far-right conspiracy QAnon despite the FBI labeling it as a potential domestic terrorism threat.
Last week during a briefing at the White House, Trump wouldn’t condemn supporters of QAnon — the baseless far-right conspiracy theory that alleges the President is secretly saving the world from a cult of pedophiles and cannibals — amid a growing trend of GOP candidates who have pledged their adherence to the far-right conspiracy.
“I don’t know much about the movement other than I understand that they like me very much, which I appreciate,” Trump said last week.
When asked about whether Trump condemns QAnon, Meadows took a cue from the President by claiming that he doesn’t even know what it is during an interview on Fox News Sunday.
Meadows then slammed the media for its coverage on QAnon, which he claimed that he “had to actually Google.”
“I find it appalling that the media when we have all of the important things going on, a list of Top 20s, that the first question at a press briefing would be about QAnon, which I had to actually Google to figure out what it is,” Meadows said. “It’s not an essential part of what the President is talking about. I don’t know anything about it — I don’t even know that it’s credible.”
Meadows added that he’d be “glad to speak” about “how the FBI and others within the FBI spied on the Trump campaign” instead, before going on to insist that if QAnon is a “hate group, I can tell you that this president is not for hate.”
White House chief of staff Mark Meadows says he had to "actually Google" QAnon to "figure out what it is" pic.twitter.com/mFRFXQKG0Q — Talking Points Memo (@TPM) August 23, 2020
Wolf also appeared unbothered by the QAnon movement during an interview on CNN.
When asked whether he agrees with the FBI’s assessment that it’s a domestic terror threat, Wolf replied that he has no reason to believe anything different from the FBI.
Pressed on Trump and Vice President Pence claiming that they don’t know anything about QAnon, Wolf downplayed the severity of the threat that QAnon poses.
“Again, when I look at all the threats facing the homeland, this is not one that rises to a significant level,” Wolf said. “There are many other threats here domestically, as well as overseas, that we’re focused on. And we will continue to look at those and address those. So, I can’t comment and not going to comment on every fringe element and fringe group out there. There are many. There are very — there are many.”
After CNN’s Jake Tapper pointed out that adherents of QAnon have been responsible for kidnapping, for murder, for attempted assassinations and asked whether he condemns them, Wolf replied “right, absolutely.”
“Any individual group that’s kidnapping, murdering or doing any number of criminal and illegal attacks absolutely is not — I absolutely condemn,” Wolf said.


talkingpointsmemo--2020-08-23--Meadows ‘Applauds’ Trump For Tweet Stoking Unfounded ‘Deep State’ At FDA

White House chief of staff Mark Meadows on Sunday defended President Trump ’ s tweet the day before that baselessly accuses the “ deep state ” at the Federal Drug Administration of forcing drug companies to delay clinical trials for COVID-19 vaccines in an effort to hurt his re-election campaign .
Trump ’ s tweet on Saturday morning , which tagged FDA commissioner Steve Hahn , came after a policy change at HHS that blocks the FDA ’ s authority to regulate lab-developed tests .
HHS stated that it implemented the policy change as part of a broader review by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unnecessary policies.
” When pressed on Trump ’ s tweet during an interview on Fox News Sunday , pointing our how Hahn will join the President later in the day to announce “ a major breakthrough on therapeutics , ” Meadows responded that the administration won ’ t “ cut corners in any kind of research we can do ” but that it will “ cut the red tape.
” “ And what the President was specifically addressing is something that I ’ ve been involved with over the last three or four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the bureaucrats who think that they can just do this the way they normally do it , ” Meadows said .
“ We are facing unprecedented times , which require unprecedented action.
” Meadows argued that Trump is “ right to call it out ” and that the announcement the President will make later Sunday “ should have been made several weeks ago.
” “ It was a fumble by a number of people in the federal government that should have done it differently and having been personally involved with it , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the heat if they don ’ t see the light , ” Meadows said .
“ I applaud the President for putting out the tweet and I can tell you it ’ s not just on the announcement that ’ s coming today , ” Meadows said .
“ There are other actions that need to be taken to make sure that we get the protections for the American people quickly , safely and securely .
And we will do that , but it ’ s only with the unrelenting pressure of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
”

White House chief of staff Mark Meadows on Sunday defended President Trump’s tweet the day before that baselessly accuses the “deep state” at the Federal Drug Administration of forcing drug companies to delay clinical trials for COVID-19 vaccines in an effort to hurt his re-election campaign.
The deep state, or whoever, over at the FDA is making it very difficult for drug companies to get people in order to test the vaccines and therapeutics. Obviously, they are hoping to delay the answer until after November 3rd. Must focus on speed, and saving lives! @SteveFDA — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 22, 2020
Trump’s tweet on Saturday morning, which tagged FDA commissioner Steve Hahn, came after a policy change at HHS that blocks the FDA’s authority to regulate lab-developed tests. HHS stated that it implemented the policy change as part of a broader review by the administration of “duplicative actions and unnecessary policies.”
When pressed on Trump’s tweet during an interview on Fox News Sunday, pointing our how Hahn will join the President later in the day to announce “a major breakthrough on therapeutics,” Meadows responded that the administration won’t “cut corners in any kind of research we can do” but that it will “cut the red tape.”
“And what the President was specifically addressing is something that I’ve been involved with over the last three or four weeks: a real frustration with some of the bureaucrats who think that they can just do this the way they normally do it,” Meadows said. “We are facing unprecedented times, which require unprecedented action.”
Meadows argued that Trump is “right to call it out” and that the announcement the President will make later Sunday “should have been made several weeks ago.”
“It was a fumble by a number of people in the federal government that should have done it differently and having been personally involved with it, sometimes you have to make them feel the heat if they don’t see the light,” Meadows said.
Meadows then continued defending Trump’s tweet.
“I applaud the President for putting out the tweet and I can tell you it’s not just on the announcement that’s coming today,” Meadows said. “There are other actions that need to be taken to make sure that we get the protections for the American people quickly, safely and securely. And we will do that, but it’s only with the unrelenting pressure of the President to make sure that gets done.”
Watch Meadows’ remarks below:


talkingpointsmemo--2020-08-23--RNC Chair Rips Biden For ‘Elite’ View On COVID Restrictions Ahead Of Mass RNC Gathering

Republican National Committee chair Ronna McDaniel on Sunday ripped Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden while insisting that the 300-something people gathering in Charlotte , North Carolina for the GOP ’ s convention this week are protected from COVID-19 .
When pressed on how people in Charlotte for the RNC will be protected from COVID-19 given the mass gathering that will take place — appearing to refer to the 336 delegates gathering in person and will nominate President Trump — McDaniel was quick to throw Biden under the bus .
.
” I think it ’ s really important to understand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said we ’ re going to shut this country down again , ” McDaniel said , referring to remarks by the Democratic presidential nominee in an interview with ABC News that will air Sunday night .
In a video preview of his ABC News interview , Biden said he is willing to “ shut down ” the country if elected president to slow the spread of COVID-19 and “ would listen to scientists ” to make that decision .
McDaniel argued that Biden has “ a really elite view of America right now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everybody coming to Charlotte for the RNC has been tested for the coronavirus .
“ We are doing the things that are allowing people to live their lives , have a convention and do it in a healthy and safe way , which most Americans are doing going back to work because they ’ re going to the grocery store , as they ’ re going to hospitals , ” McDaniel said .
“ This is a realistic way of opening up our country and doing it in a healthy and safe way.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ against Democrats over Biden ’ s views that he ’ s willing to “ shut down ” the country to contain the coronavirus .
“ Well , that ’ s easy for Hollywood celebrities and privileged politicians , but that ’ s not good for average Americans , ” McDaniel said .

Republican National Committee chair Ronna McDaniel on Sunday ripped Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden while insisting that the 300-something people gathering in Charlotte, North Carolina for the GOP’s convention this week are protected from COVID-19.
When pressed on how people in Charlotte for the RNC will be protected from COVID-19 given the mass gathering that will take place — appearing to refer to the 336 delegates gathering in person and will nominate President Trump — McDaniel was quick to throw Biden under the bus.
.”I think it’s really important to understand that the Democrats and Joe Biden just said we’re going to shut this country down again,” McDaniel said, referring to remarks by the Democratic presidential nominee in an interview with ABC News that will air Sunday night.
In a video preview of his ABC News interview, Biden said he is willing to “shut down” the country if elected president to slow the spread of COVID-19 and “would listen to scientists” to make that decision.
McDaniel argued that Biden has “a really elite view of America right now” before going on to say that everybody coming to Charlotte for the RNC has been tested for the coronavirus.
“We are doing the things that are allowing people to live their lives, have a convention and do it in a healthy and safe way, which most Americans are doing going back to work because they’re going to the grocery store, as they’re going to hospitals,” McDaniel said. “This is a realistic way of opening up our country and doing it in a healthy and safe way.”
McDaniel then went back to railing against Democrats over Biden’s views that he’s willing to “shut down” the country to contain the coronavirus.
“Well, that’s easy for Hollywood celebrities and privileged politicians, but that’s not good for average Americans,” McDaniel said.
Watch McDaniel’s remarks below:


talkingpointsmemo--2020-08-23--What We Know So Far About The Unconventional 2020 RNC

Republicans are set to hold their own part digital , part in-person convention Aug. 24-27 as the party officially nominates President Trump as its presidential candidate .
Unlike the 2016 RNC that hosted more than 2,400 delegates , this year 336 delegates will gather in person in Charlotte , North Carolina to conduct the roll call vote and formally nominate Trump .
The planning process for this year ’ s RNC has proved tumultuous as the GOP ’ s original plans to hold it in full capacity in Charlotte were floundered after North Carolina Gov .
Roy Cooper ( D @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus restrictions .
The RNC then changed its primary location to Jacksonville , Florida , but was abruptly canceled in late July by Trump amid surging COVID-19 cases in the state .
The 2020 RNC will focus on the theme of “ Honoring the Great American Story ” and will feature everyday Americans who support the President ’ s re-election , Trump campaign officials told the Associated Press .
RNC events will be live streamed each day , with the main programming scheduled between 8:30pm and 11pm ET nightly .
Although plans for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ formalized , Trump will speak every night in the 10 p.m. hour , according to the New York Times , ahead of his acceptance speech that is expected to be held at the White House South Lawn on the final night .
According to the Associated Press , Donald Trump Jr. will speak on the opening night of the RNC on Monday , which is themed “ the Land of Promise.
” On Tuesday , first lady Melania Trump will deliver the marquee address from the White House Rose Garden .
Trump ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expected to speak that night as well , which may also include Trump ’ s son-in-law and senior adviser Jared Kushner .
• Former Ambassador to the U.N. Nikki Haley • None Tanya Weinreis , a Montana coffee shop owner who received federal loans to pay her employees during the coronavirus • None Andrew Pollack , a parent whose daughter was killed in the 2018 school shooting in Parkland , Florida • Nicholas Sandmann , who sued news networks that accused him of harassing a Native American protester at the Lincoln Memorial in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump will deliver the marquee address of the night from a newly renovated White House Rose Garden • None Vice President Mike Pence will deliver the keynote from Baltimore ’ s Fort McHenry , which inspired “ The Star-Spangled Banner ” in 1814 • Alice Johnson , the criminal justice advocate whose sentence on drug crimes was commuted by Trump after celebrity Kim Kardashian pushed for it • Carl and Marsha Mueller , the parents of human rights activist Kayla Mueller , who died while being held by the Islamic State group in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during the final night of the RNC , ahead of President Trump ’ s acceptance speech from an “ elaborate stage ” in front of the Executive Mansion .

Republicans are set to hold their own part digital, part in-person convention Aug. 24-27 as the party officially nominates President Trump as its presidential candidate.
Unlike the 2016 RNC that hosted more than 2,400 delegates, this year 336 delegates will gather in person in Charlotte, North Carolina to conduct the roll call vote and formally nominate Trump.
The planning process for this year’s RNC has proved tumultuous as the GOP’s original plans to hold it in full capacity in Charlotte were floundered after North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper (D) refused to do so due to coronavirus restrictions. The RNC then changed its primary location to Jacksonville, Florida, but was abruptly canceled in late July by Trump amid surging COVID-19 cases in the state.
The 2020 RNC will focus on the theme of “Honoring the Great American Story” and will feature everyday Americans who support the President’s re-election, Trump campaign officials told the Associated Press. RNC events will be live streamed each day, with the main programming scheduled between 8:30pm and 11pm ET nightly.
Trump will speak every night
Although plans for the RNC have yet to be fully formalized, Trump will speak every night in the 10 p.m. hour, according to the New York Times, ahead of his acceptance speech that is expected to be held at the White House South Lawn on the final night.
It’s largely a Trump family affair According to the Associated Press, Donald Trump Jr. will speak on the opening night of the RNC on Monday, which is themed “the Land of Promise.” On Tuesday, first lady Melania Trump will deliver the marquee address from the White House Rose Garden. Trump’s adult children Eric and Tiffany are expected to speak that night as well, which may also include Trump’s son-in-law and senior adviser Jared Kushner.
Two producers of ‘The Apprentice’ are involved The New York Times reported that Sadoux Kim, a longtime deputy to the “Apprentice” creator Mark Burnett and once served as a Miss Universe judge when Trump owned the pageant, is a lead consultant on the 2020 RNC’s production. The Times also notes that Chuck LaBella, a former NBC entertainment executive who helped produce “The Comedy Central Roast of Donald Trump,” is also involved in the RNC’s production.
Featured speakers and themes of the night Below is the tentative schedule that the AP outlined, citing Trump officials. Monday, August 24, “Land of Promise”
South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott
Former Ambassador to the U.N. Nikki Haley
Presidential son Donald Trump, Jr.
Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL)
Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH)
Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel
Tanya Weinreis, a Montana coffee shop owner who received federal loans to pay her employees during the coronavirus
Andrew Pollack, a parent whose daughter was killed in the 2018 school shooting in Parkland, Florida
Tuesday, August 25, “Land of Opportunity”
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo
Trump children Eric and Tiffany Trump
Nicholas Sandmann, who sued news networks that accused him of harassing a Native American protester at the Lincoln Memorial in January 2019
First lady Melania Trump will deliver the marquee address of the night from a newly renovated White House Rose Garden
Wednesday, August 26, “Land of Heroes”
South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem
White House counselor Kellyanne Conway
former acting Director of National Intelligence Richard Grenell
Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-NY)
Presidential daughter-in-law Lara Trump
Clarence Henderson, a civil rights figure from the 1960s
Vice President Mike Pence will deliver the keynote from Baltimore’s Fort McHenry, which inspired “The Star-Spangled Banner” in 1814
Thursday, August 27, 2020, “Land of Greatness”
Alice Johnson, the criminal justice advocate whose sentence on drug crimes was commuted by Trump after celebrity Kim Kardashian pushed for it
Carl and Marsha Mueller, the parents of human rights activist Kayla Mueller, who died while being held by the Islamic State group in Syria
Evangelist Rev. Franklin Graham
Rudy Giuliani
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY)
Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA)
Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ)
Ultimate Fighting Championship President Dana White
Ivanka Trump will introduce her father during the final night of the RNC, ahead of President Trump’s acceptance speech from an “elaborate stage” in front of the Executive Mansion.


talkingpointsmemo--2020-08-23--House Passes Bill Reversing Postal Service Changes During Rare Session

WASHINGTON ( AP ) — With heated debate over mail delays , the House approved legislation in a rare Saturday session that would reverse recent changes in U.S .
Postal Service operations and send $ 25 billion to shore up the agency ahead of the November election .
Speaker Nancy Pelosi recalled lawmakers to Washington over objections from Republicans dismissing the action as a stunt .
President Donald Trump urged a no vote , including in a Saturday tweet , railing against mail-in ballots expected to surge in the COVID-19 crisis .
He has said he wants to block extra @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Don ’ t pay any attention to what the president is saying , because it is all designed to suppress the vote , ” Pelosi said at the Capitol .
Pelosi called the Postal Service the nation ’ s “ beautiful thread ” connecting Americans and said voters should “ ignore ” the president ’ s threats .
The daylong session came as an uproar over mail disruptions puts the Postal Service at the center of the nation ’ s tumultuous election year , with Americans rallying around one of the nation ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Millions of people are expected to opt for mail-in ballots to avoid polling places during the coronavirus pandemic .
Ahead of voting the president tweeted , “ This is all another HOAX.
” More than two dozen Republicans broke with the president and backed the bill , which passed 257-150 .
Democrats led approval , but the legislation is certain to stall in the GOP-held Senate .
The White House said the president would veto it .
Facing a backlash over operational changes , new Postmaster General Louis DeJoy testified Friday in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ priority ” is to ensure election mail arrives on time .
But the new postal leader , a Trump ally , said he would not restore the cuts to mailboxes and sorting equipment that have already been made .
He could not provide senators with a plan for handling the ballot crush for the election .
DeJoy is set to return Monday to testify before the House Oversight Committee .
“ The American people don ’ t want anyone messing with the post office , ” said Rep. Carolyn Maloney , D-N.Y. , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ author of the bill .
“ They just want their mail.
” But Republicans countered that complaints about mail delivery disruptions are overblown , and no emergency funding is needed right now .
Despite the postmaster general ’ s vow election mail will arrive on time , Democrats remain skeptical .
Maloney ’ s committee on Saturday released internal Postal Service documents warning about steep declines and delays in a range of mail services since early July , shortly after DeJoy took the helm .
He acknowledged at the Senate hearing there has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but disputed reports of widespread problems .
The Board of Governors of the Postal Service announced a bipartisan committee to oversee mail voting .
The bill would reverse the cuts by prohibiting any changes made after January , and provide funds to the agency .
In a memo to House Republicans , leaders derided the legislation as a postal “ conspiracy theory ” act .
Many GOP lawmakers echoed such sentiments during a lively floor debate .
“ I like the post office , I really do , ” said Rep. Glenn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , “ We have no crisis here.
” Nevertheless , Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell is eyeing a $ 10 billion postal rescue as part of the next COVID-19 relief package .
While Trump has said he wants to block emergency funding for the agency , the White House has said it would be open to more postal funding as part of a broader bill .
Hundreds of lawmakers returned to Washington for the weekend session , but dozens cast votes by proxy under House rules that allow them to stay away during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rep. Dan Meuser , R-Pa. , announced Saturday he had tested positive for the virus .
Trump ’ s chief of staff , Mark Meadows , was on Capitol Hill meeting Saturday with GOP House leader Kevin McCarthy and other lawmakers , according to a Republican aide granted anonymity to discuss the private sessions .
The Postal Service has been struggling financially under a decline in mail volume , COVID-19-related costs and a rare and cumbersome congressional requirement to fund in advance its retiree health care benefits .
For many , the Postal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just cards and letters but also prescription drugs , financial statements and other items that are especially needed by mail during the pandemic .
The postal board of governors , appointed by Trump , selected DeJoy to take the job as postmaster general .
A GOP donor , he previously owned a logistics business that was a longtime Postal Service contractor .
He maintains significant financial stakes in companies that do business or compete with the agency , raising conflict of interest questions .
In a statement , the Postal Service said DeJoy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but he might have to divest some holdings if conflicts arise .
Republicans have long sought changes to have the agency run more like a private company , and Trump often complains the Postal Service should be charging Amazon and other companies higher rates for package deliveries .
The founder of Amazon , Jeff Bezos , also owns The Washington Post , a publication that Trump frequently derides as “ fake news ” over critical stories of him .
Others say the Postal Service is not expected to be solely a money-making enterprise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is not efficient to operate .

WASHINGTON (AP) — With heated debate over mail delays, the House approved legislation in a rare Saturday session that would reverse recent changes in U.S. Postal Service operations and send $25 billion to shore up the agency ahead of the November election.
Speaker Nancy Pelosi recalled lawmakers to Washington over objections from Republicans dismissing the action as a stunt. President Donald Trump urged a no vote, including in a Saturday tweet, railing against mail-in ballots expected to surge in the COVID-19 crisis. He has said he wants to block extra funds to the Postal Service.
“Don’t pay any attention to what the president is saying, because it is all designed to suppress the vote,” Pelosi said at the Capitol.
Pelosi called the Postal Service the nation’s “beautiful thread” connecting Americans and said voters should “ignore” the president’s threats.
The daylong session came as an uproar over mail disruptions puts the Postal Service at the center of the nation’s tumultuous election year, with Americans rallying around one of the nation’s oldest and more popular institutions. Millions of people are expected to opt for mail-in ballots to avoid polling places during the coronavirus pandemic.
Ahead of voting the president tweeted, “This is all another HOAX.”
More than two dozen Republicans broke with the president and backed the bill, which passed 257-150. Democrats led approval, but the legislation is certain to stall in the GOP-held Senate. The White House said the president would veto it.
Facing a backlash over operational changes, new Postmaster General Louis DeJoy testified Friday in the Senate that his “No. 1 priority” is to ensure election mail arrives on time.
But the new postal leader, a Trump ally, said he would not restore the cuts to mailboxes and sorting equipment that have already been made. He could not provide senators with a plan for handling the ballot crush for the election. DeJoy is set to return Monday to testify before the House Oversight Committee.
“The American people don’t want anyone messing with the post office,” said Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-N.Y., the chair of the Oversight Committee and author of the bill. “They just want their mail.”
But Republicans countered that complaints about mail delivery disruptions are overblown, and no emergency funding is needed right now.
“It’s a silly, silly bill,” said Rep. Tom Cole, R-Okla.
Despite the postmaster general’s vow election mail will arrive on time, Democrats remain skeptical. Maloney’s committee on Saturday released internal Postal Service documents warning about steep declines and delays in a range of mail services since early July, shortly after DeJoy took the helm. He acknowledged at the Senate hearing there has been a “dip” in service, but disputed reports of widespread problems. The Board of Governors of the Postal Service announced a bipartisan committee to oversee mail voting.
The bill would reverse the cuts by prohibiting any changes made after January, and provide funds to the agency.
In a memo to House Republicans, leaders derided the legislation as a postal “conspiracy theory” act. Many GOP lawmakers echoed such sentiments during a lively floor debate.
“I like the post office, I really do,” said Rep. Glenn Grothman, R-Wis. But he said, “We have no crisis here.”
Nevertheless, Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell is eyeing a $10 billion postal rescue as part of the next COVID-19 relief package. While Trump has said he wants to block emergency funding for the agency, the White House has said it would be open to more postal funding as part of a broader bill.
Hundreds of lawmakers returned to Washington for the weekend session, but dozens cast votes by proxy under House rules that allow them to stay away during the COVID-19 crisis. Another lawmaker, Rep. Dan Meuser, R-Pa., announced Saturday he had tested positive for the virus.
Trump’s chief of staff, Mark Meadows, was on Capitol Hill meeting Saturday with GOP House leader Kevin McCarthy and other lawmakers, according to a Republican aide granted anonymity to discuss the private sessions.
The Postal Service has been struggling financially under a decline in mail volume, COVID-19-related costs and a rare and cumbersome congressional requirement to fund in advance its retiree health care benefits.
For many, the Postal Service provides a lifeline, delivering not just cards and letters but also prescription drugs, financial statements and other items that are especially needed by mail during the pandemic.
The postal board of governors, appointed by Trump, selected DeJoy to take the job as postmaster general. A GOP donor, he previously owned a logistics business that was a longtime Postal Service contractor. He maintains significant financial stakes in companies that do business or compete with the agency, raising conflict of interest questions.
In a statement, the Postal Service said DeJoy has made all required financial disclosures, but he might have to divest some holdings if conflicts arise.
Republicans have long sought changes to have the agency run more like a private company, and Trump often complains the Postal Service should be charging Amazon and other companies higher rates for package deliveries. The founder of Amazon, Jeff Bezos, also owns The Washington Post, a publication that Trump frequently derides as “fake news” over critical stories of him.
Others say the Postal Service is not expected to be solely a money-making enterprise, often delivering to far-flung places where it is not efficient to operate.


talkingpointsmemo--2020-08-24--DC’s Most Complicated Couple Retreats From Public Life After Daughter Erupts On Twitter

Longtime White House senior adviser Kellyanne Conway and her husband , George Conway , a co-founder of the anti-Trump Lincoln Project , announced on Sunday night their departures from their high-profile posts following their teenage daughter ’ s outburst on Twitter over the weekend .
“ We disagree about plenty but we are united on what matters most : the kids , ” Kellyanne said in her announcement , pointing to her husband ’ s separate statement on his withdrawal from the Lincoln Project .
The White House official asserted that her departure “ is completely my choice and my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will announce future plans .
For now , and for my beloved children , it will be less drama , more mama , ” Conway said .
In his announcement on Twitter , George Conway stated that he was leaving his organization to “ devote more time to family matters.
” “ Needless to say , I continue to support the Lincoln Project and its mission .
Passionately , ” he said .
The couple ’ s decision came after their daughter posted a series of emotional tweets on Saturday about her parents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pushing for emancipation.
” The teenager stated that her mother ’ s career has “ ruined my life ” and that it was “ heartbreaking that she continues to go down that path after years of watching her children suffer.
” She also said that she and her father , an outspoken “ Never Trump ” Republican , agree on “ absolutely nothing.
” Later , the daughter signed off with a softer note toward her parents .
“ Thank you for the love and support .
No hate to my parents please @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emoji .
For years , Kellyanne and George Conway have publicly clashed over their conflicting views of President Donald Trump , who has attacked George on several occasions in response to the attorney ’ s vocal criticism of him .

Longtime White House senior adviser Kellyanne Conway and her husband, George Conway, a co-founder of the anti-Trump Lincoln Project, announced on Sunday night their departures from their high-profile posts following their teenage daughter’s outburst on Twitter over the weekend.
“We disagree about plenty but we are united on what matters most: the
kids,” Kellyanne said in her announcement, pointing to her husband’s separate statement on his withdrawal from the Lincoln Project.
The White House official asserted that her departure “is completely my choice and my voice.”
“In time, I will announce future plans. For now, and for my beloved children, it will be less drama, more mama,” Conway said.
In his announcement on Twitter, George Conway stated that he was leaving his organization to “devote more time to family matters.”
“Needless to say, I continue to support the Lincoln Project and its mission. Passionately,” he said.
The couple’s decision came after their daughter posted a series of emotional tweets on Saturday about her parents and declaring that she was “officially pushing for emancipation.”
The teenager stated that her mother’s career has “ruined my life” and that it was “heartbreaking that she continues to go down that path after years of watching her children suffer.”
She also said that she and her father, an outspoken “Never Trump” Republican, agree on “absolutely nothing.”
Later, the daughter signed off with a softer note toward her parents.
“Thank you for the love and support. No hate to my parents please,” she tweeted with a heart emoji.
For years, Kellyanne and George Conway have publicly clashed over their conflicting views of President Donald Trump, who has attacked George on several occasions in response to the attorney’s vocal criticism of him.


talkingpointsmemo--2020-08-24--What A Mess! Official Says Falwell Leaving Liberty; Falwell Says He’s Not

RICHMOND , Va. ( AP ) — Jerry Falwell Jr. ’ s future at evangelical Liberty University was unclear late Monday , with a senior school official saying he had resigned from his leadership post but Falwell telling several news outlets that he does not plan to leave permanently .
A formal announcement from the school was expected later in the day , according to the school official , who spoke with The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the matter .
The disclosure of Falwell ’ s resignation followed the publication of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sexual encounters with a much younger business partner .
On Monday night , attorneys for Falwell and the school were negotiating the details of a possible departure , according to a person close to the school ’ s board of trustees who also spoke on condition of anonymity because the person was not authorized to discuss it .
But several news outlets quoted Falwell as saying that he has not agreed to leave the post permanently , nor does he plan to .
Falwell , who was already on an indefinite leave of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the AP seeking comment .
The uncertainty developed a day after Falwell issued a statement to The Washington Examiner publicly disclosing that his wife had an extramarital affair and saying the man involved had been threatening to reveal the relationship “ to deliberately embarrass my wife , family , and Liberty University unless we agreed to pay him substantial monies.
” Falwell said he was seeking mental health counseling after dealing with fallout from the affair , which he said he had no role in .
“ Over the course of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ behavior has reached a level that we have decided the only way to stop this predatory behavior is to go public , ” the statement said .
But hours before the school official confirmed Falwell ’ s resignation , Reuters reported that he knew of his wife ’ s affair and participated in some of the liaisons as a voyeur .
The news agency based the information on an interview with Giancarlo Granda , whom they identified as the man involved in the affair .
Falwell , an early and ardent supporter of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of absence from the university on Aug. 7 after an uproar sparked by a photo he posted on social media showing him with his pants unzipped , stomach exposed and arm high around the waist of his wife ’ s pregnant assistant .
Falwell has said the photo was taken at a costume party during a family vacation .
Critics of the photo said it was evidence of hypocritical behavior from the leader of a university where students must follow a strict code of conduct that includes modest dress and a ban on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possible break with Falwell came amid growing calls for an overhaul of leadership at the school , where alumni recently launched a campaign urging him to step aside .
“ I really think the board of directors should have done this a long time ago , and if there ’ s anybody who needs to go next , it needs to be them , ” said Maina Mwaura , a Liberty graduate who helped organize a June letter from Black alumni criticizing Falwell .
“ This school has become the laughingstock of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the board could have prevented the current furor had it acted more quickly to rein in Falwell .
The founder ’ s son was given a long leash for poor behavior , Mwaura said , “ because he was the rainmaker ” who brought in significant financial resources .
Falwell ’ s work to shore up Liberty ’ s finances after taking over as president in 2007 bolstered his already significant goodwill among the school ’ s board members , several of whom were close to his late father .
But as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ divisive public behavior grew — and particularly after his endorsement of Trump in early 2016 — dissatisfaction built up with what some critics saw as a shift toward being conservative first and Christian second .
Associated Press religion coverage receives support from the Lilly Endowment through the Religion News Foundation .
The AP is solely responsible for this content .

This article has been updated.
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Jerry Falwell Jr.’s future at evangelical Liberty University amid a sex scandal was uncertain Monday, after the school said he had offered his resignation but then reversed course.
Falwell agreed to “resign immediately as President of Liberty University today but then instructed his attorneys to not tender the letter for immediate resignation,” according to a university news release distributed late Monday night.
The news of Falwell’s possible departure followed the publication of news stories about his wife’s sexual encounters with a much younger business partner. They marked the latest in a series of controversies related to the couple to roil the school founded by Falwell’s late father, the Rev. Jerry Falwell Sr.
“I call upon the University community and supporters to be in prayer for the University and for all its leadership, past, present and future, as we walk with the Lord through this stormy time of transition,” Acting Liberty President Jerry Prevo said in the news release.
Falwell had already been on an indefinite leave of absence since Aug. 7, following an uproar over a photo he posted on social media, and then deleted, showing him with his pants unzipped, stomach exposed and arm high around the waist of his wife’s pregnant assistant.
“Since that time, additional matters came to light that made it clear that it would not be in the best interest of the University for him to return from leave and serve as President,” according to the news release, which said the school’s board was meeting Tuesday.
On Monday night, attorneys for Falwell and the school were negotiating the details of a possible departure, according to a person close to the school’s board of trustees who also spoke on condition of anonymity because the person was not authorized to discuss it.
Falwell did not return a call from the AP seeking comment, but several news outlets quoted Falwell as saying that he has not agreed to leave the post permanently.
The uncertainty developed a day after Falwell issued a statement to The Washington Examiner publicly disclosing that his wife had an extramarital affair and saying the man involved had been threatening to reveal the relationship “to deliberately embarrass my wife, family, and Liberty University unless we agreed to pay him substantial monies.”
Falwell said he was seeking mental health counseling after dealing with fallout from the affair, which he said he had no role in.
“Over the course of the last few months this person’s behavior has reached a level that we have decided the only way to stop this predatory behavior is to go public,” the statement said.
But hours before the school official confirmed Falwell’s resignation, Reuters reported that he knew of his wife’s affair and participated in some of the liaisons as a voyeur. The news agency based the information on an interview with Giancarlo Granda, whom they identified as the man involved in the affair.
Falwell, an early and ardent supporter of President Donald Trump, started his leave of absence shortly after the photo with his wife’s assistant drew widespread criticism and calls for his resignation. Falwell has said the photo was taken in good fun at a costume party during a family vacation.
Critics of the photo said it was evidence of hypocritical behavior from the leader of a university where students must follow a strict code of conduct that includes modest dress and a ban on alcohol consumption and premarital sex.
The possible break with Falwell came amid growing calls for an overhaul of leadership at the school, where alumni recently launched a campaign urging him to step aside.
“I really think the board of directors should have done this a long time ago, and if there’s anybody who needs to go next, it needs to be them,” said Maina Mwaura, a Liberty graduate who helped organize a June letter from Black alumni criticizing Falwell.
“This school has become the laughingstock of the country,” Mwaura added, noting that the board could have prevented the current furor had it acted more quickly to rein in Falwell. The founder’s son was given a long leash for poor behavior, Mwaura said, “because he was the rainmaker” who brought in significant financial resources.
Falwell’s work to shore up Liberty’s finances after taking over as president in 2007 bolstered his already significant goodwill among the school’s board members, several of whom were close to his late father. But as the younger Falwell’s propensity toward divisive public behavior grew — and particularly after his endorsement of Trump in early 2016 — dissatisfaction built up with what some critics saw as a shift toward being conservative first and Christian second.
___
Schor reported from New York.
___
Associated Press religion coverage receives support from the Lilly Endowment through the Religion News Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for this content.


talkingpointsmemo--2020-08-24--Feds Charge Lobbyist, Alleging Scheme To Extradite Bannon’s Chinese Dissident Yacht Buddy

Federal prosecutors last week revealed a lobbying campaign targeting the highest levels of the Trump administration aimed at removing a Chinese dissident from the U.S. Hawaii federal prosecutors charged Nickie Lum Davis with failing to inform the Justice Department that she had been hired by a Malaysian financier with extensive interests in China and who was involved in the billion-dollar 1MDB scandal .
But in the criminal information , filed August 17 in Hawaii federal district court , prosecutors allege that Davis and a top GOP fundraiser worked together on a complicated scheme to convince high-ranking members of the Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the U.S. Court papers do not identify either the GOP fundraiser or the dissident , though the Wall Street Journal reported that they are former Trump Victory Committee Vice Chairman Eliott Broidy and exiled Chinese businessman Guo Wengui .
Neither of them have been charged with any wrongdoing .
Broidy ’ s attorneys have denied wrongdoing in the past .
The document says that Person B — Broidy , per the Journal — allegedly met with a Chinese minister about potentially arranging to have Guo extradited .
Guo , who also goes by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yacht on which former Trump campaign chairman Stephen Bannon was arrested last week .
The alleged effort to have Guo extradited continued throughout the summer and fall of 2017 , as the Chinese billionaire ramped up a campaign alleging corruption among the Beijing political elite .
The allegations also come amid an investigation into Broidy .
The FBI raided Broidy ’ s offices in July 2018 , and a search warrant for the raid obtained by ProPublica showed that the feds were interested in his lobbying work regarding Guo .
The longtime GOP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work at President Trump ’ s inauguration , in which he has faced scrutiny for allegedly hawking access to the event to foreign government officials .
The Hawaii charging documents suggest that Broidy , among other things , tried to schedule a meeting with a Chinese minister and then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions to promote “ bi-lateral cooperation with the US with respect to law enforcement including cyber security.
” That meeting did not take place , prosecutors said .
Guo was never extradited , and continues to remain in the U.S .
Prosecutors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Guo culminated in a call with Broidy , President Trump , and an unnamed person aboard that unnamed person ’ s yacht .
The Wall Street Journal reported that that person is casino magnate Steve Wynn .

Federal prosecutors last week revealed a lobbying campaign targeting the highest levels of the Trump administration aimed at removing a Chinese dissident from the U.S.
Hawaii federal prosecutors charged Nickie Lum Davis with failing to inform the Justice Department that she had been hired by a Malaysian financier with extensive interests in China and who was involved in the billion-dollar 1MDB scandal.
But in the criminal information, filed August 17 in Hawaii federal district court, prosecutors allege that Davis and a top GOP fundraiser worked together on a complicated scheme to convince high-ranking members of the Trump administration to remove the Chinese dissident from the U.S.
Court papers do not identify either the GOP fundraiser or the dissident, though the Wall Street Journal reported that they are former Trump Victory Committee Vice Chairman Eliott Broidy and exiled Chinese businessman Guo Wengui.
Neither of them have been charged with any wrongdoing. Broidy’s attorneys have denied wrongdoing in the past.
The document says that Person B — Broidy, per the Journal — allegedly met with a Chinese minister about potentially arranging to have Guo extradited.
Guo, who also goes by the alias Miles Kwok, owns the yacht on which former Trump campaign chairman Stephen Bannon was arrested last week.
The alleged effort to have Guo extradited continued throughout the summer and fall of 2017, as the Chinese billionaire ramped up a campaign alleging corruption among the Beijing political elite.
The allegations also come amid an investigation into Broidy. The FBI raided Broidy’s offices in July 2018, and a search warrant for the raid obtained by ProPublica showed that the feds were interested in his lobbying work regarding Guo.
The longtime GOP fundraiser has also attracted attention for his work at President Trump’s inauguration, in which he has faced scrutiny for allegedly hawking access to the event to foreign government officials.
The Hawaii charging documents suggest that Broidy, among other things, tried to schedule a meeting with a Chinese minister and then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions to promote “bi-lateral cooperation with the US with respect to law enforcement including cyber security.”
That meeting did not take place, prosecutors said. Guo was never extradited, and continues to remain in the U.S.
Prosecutors did say that the effort to extradite Guo culminated in a call with Broidy, President Trump, and an unnamed person aboard that unnamed person’s yacht.
The Wall Street Journal reported that that person is casino magnate Steve Wynn.
Read the criminal information here:


talkingpointsmemo--2020-08-24--Why Trump’s Pressure Campaign On The FDA Will Damage Any COVID-19 Vaccine To Come

President Trump ’ s pressure campaign to get the Food and Drug Administration to approve a vaccine before Election Day has likely already damaged public confidence in what may be the most effective tool to fight COVID-19 , epidemiologists say .
“ This is incredibly reckless and shows a lack of understanding of the consequences of talking this way , ” said Gary Slutkin , a former WHO epidemiologist who fought outbreaks in Africa .
Slutkin added that there is no reason to doubt that the vaccine trials themselves are going well .
Rather , he said , the messaging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — tying it explicitly to political objectives — would likely sow doubt in its use among those who would normally want to be vaccinated , and further fan the flames of denial among those who think all vaccines are unsafe .
“ The trials that are ongoing are being , as far as I and my colleagues are concerned , done very well , and the results should be trusted , ” Slutkin said .
“ But the issue is that now , people who will want to get it under normal circumstances @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said that he wants a vaccine approved before the election , and tweeted Sunday that “ the deep state , or whoever , over at the FDA is making it very difficult for drug companies to get people in order to test the vaccines and therapeutics .
Obviously , they are hoping to delay the answer until after November 3rd.
” He tagged his FDA commissioner , Stephen Hahn , in the tweet .
White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows later told ABC ’ s George Stephanopoulos that the tweet was Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ feel the heat.
” Separately , on Sunday the FDA issued an emergency use authorization for convalescent plasma to treat COVID-19 , though some experts said more data was needed .
And the FT reported that the Trump administration was mulling whether to skirt U.S. regulatory standards to issue an emergency approval for a potential vaccine before still-ongoing trials are complete .
The situation comes days after top FDA vaccine official Dr. Peter Marks said that he would resign if the FDA were pressured into approving a vaccine that was ineffective or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before clinical trials concluded could “ undermine confidence ” not only in COVID-19 vaccines , but “ our entire vaccine supply , ” Dr. Peter Hotez , professor of Tropical Medicine at Baylor , said on CNN Monday .
“ If you try to release the vaccine head of that time , say with only a few thousand [ people tested ] , you could start seeing safety problems after you ’ re starting to immunize large numbers of individuals , ” Dr. Hotez said .
“ Things could go wrong quickly if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vaccines are currently undergoing phase three trials , which test the efficacy and safety of the vaccine candidates in pools of 30,000 people each .
The trials administer the test vaccine and placebos to the group ; once enough data is gathered on whether the vaccine protects people without hurting them , it goes on to submission for licensing .
But federal law allows the FDA to issue emergency use authorizations for treatments that are not fully tested but could prove effective in fighting an illness .
Trump ’ s pressure on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confusion in what processes typically ensure vaccine safety and efficacy , Slutkin , the former WHO epidemiologist , told TPM .
“ There shouldn ’ t be too much confusion among the experts as to how much efficacy and safety is expected , ” Slutkin said .
“ The whole process on drugs and vaccines is very well-laid out , but the public doesn ’ t know it so well .
So it ’ s reckless confusion.
” Ultimately , any COVID-19 vaccine would likely be approved by emergency use authorization , Deputy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Vaccines Dr. Doran Fink said at a July 26 hearing of the CDC ’ s vaccine committee .
Dr. Fink outlined a scenario for the COVID-19 vaccine where the huge preponderance of cases in some areas could “ rapidly prove efficacy , but not safety.
” More time would be needed for that .
He added that the COVID-19 vaccine trials “ could rapidly accrue enough cases ” to hit the criteria for effectiveness without enough data for the FDA to know what risk it would be taking in approving the vaccine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ explained , would be ascertaining the safety of the vaccine .
The issue for regulators , he added , is that the wide use of a COVID-19 vaccine likely means the safety standard for an emergency use approval would be far closer to the standard needed for normal licensure — a process that typically takes years .
“ If you ’ re talking about a vaccine that ’ s intended to be used in tens to hundreds of millions of individuals who are not infected at the time they ’ re vaccinated , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ data available for that vaccine and some additional uncertainties and risks , then the may-be-effective standard gets much closer to the type of evidence that we would need to support licensure , ” Fink said .

President Trump’s pressure campaign to get the Food and Drug Administration to approve a vaccine before Election Day has likely already damaged public confidence in what may be the most effective tool to fight COVID-19, epidemiologists say.
“This is incredibly reckless and shows a lack of understanding of the consequences of talking this way,” said Gary Slutkin, a former WHO epidemiologist who fought outbreaks in Africa.
Slutkin added that there is no reason to doubt that the vaccine trials themselves are going well. Rather, he said, the messaging around the vaccine from the White House — tying it explicitly to political objectives — would likely sow doubt in its use among those who would normally want to be vaccinated, and further fan the flames of denial among those who think all vaccines are unsafe.
“The trials that are ongoing are being, as far as I and my colleagues are concerned, done very well, and the results should be trusted,” Slutkin said. “But the issue is that now, people who will want to get it under normal circumstances might distrust it.”
President Trump has said that he wants a vaccine approved before the election, and tweeted Sunday that “the deep state, or whoever, over at the FDA is making it very difficult for drug companies to get people in order to test the vaccines and therapeutics. Obviously, they are hoping to delay the answer until after November 3rd.” He tagged his FDA commissioner, Stephen Hahn, in the tweet.
White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows later told ABC’s George Stephanopoulos that the tweet was Trump’s way of making the FDA “feel the heat.”
The deep state, or whoever, over at the FDA is making it very difficult for drug companies to get people in order to test the vaccines and therapeutics. Obviously, they are hoping to delay the answer until after November 3rd. Must focus on speed, and saving lives! @SteveFDA — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 22, 2020
Separately, on Sunday the FDA issued an emergency use authorization for convalescent plasma to treat COVID-19, though some experts said more data was needed. And the FT reported that the Trump administration was mulling whether to skirt U.S. regulatory standards to issue an emergency approval for a potential vaccine before still-ongoing trials are complete.
The situation comes days after top FDA vaccine official Dr. Peter Marks said that he would resign if the FDA were pressured into approving a vaccine that was ineffective or unsafe.
Rushing to release a vaccine before clinical trials concluded could “undermine confidence” not only in COVID-19 vaccines, but “our entire vaccine supply,” Dr. Peter Hotez, professor of Tropical Medicine at Baylor, said on CNN Monday.
“If you try to release the vaccine head of that time, say with only a few thousand [people tested], you could start seeing safety problems after you’re starting to immunize large numbers of individuals,” Dr. Hotez said. “Things could go wrong quickly if we try to rush this.”
Two vaccines are currently undergoing phase three trials, which test the efficacy and safety of the vaccine candidates in pools of 30,000 people each. The trials administer the test vaccine and placebos to the group; once enough data is gathered on whether the vaccine protects people without hurting them, it goes on to submission for licensing.
But federal law allows the FDA to issue emergency use authorizations for treatments that are not fully tested but could prove effective in fighting an illness.
Trump’s pressure on the FDA — even if unsuccessful — stokes confusion in what processes typically ensure vaccine safety and efficacy, Slutkin, the former WHO epidemiologist, told TPM.
“There shouldn’t be too much confusion among the experts as to how much efficacy and safety is expected,” Slutkin said. “The whole process on drugs and vaccines is very well-laid out, but the public doesn’t know it so well. So it’s reckless confusion.”
Ultimately, any COVID-19 vaccine would likely be approved by emergency use authorization, Deputy Director of the FDA’s Division of Vaccines Dr. Doran Fink said at a July 26 hearing of the CDC’s vaccine committee.
Dr. Fink outlined a scenario for the COVID-19 vaccine where the huge preponderance of cases in some areas could “rapidly prove efficacy, but not safety.” More time would be needed for that.
He added that the COVID-19 vaccine trials “could rapidly accrue enough cases” to hit the criteria for effectiveness without enough data for the FDA to know what risk it would be taking in approving the vaccine.
The issue then, Dr. Fink explained, would be ascertaining the safety of the vaccine. The issue for regulators, he added, is that the wide use of a COVID-19 vaccine likely means the safety standard for an emergency use approval would be far closer to the standard needed for normal licensure — a process that typically takes years.
“If you’re talking about a vaccine that’s intended to be used in tens to hundreds of millions of individuals who are not infected at the time they’re vaccinated, and there are much more limited safety data available for that vaccine and some additional uncertainties and risks, then the may-be-effective standard gets much closer to the type of evidence that we would need to support licensure,” Fink said.


talkingpointsmemo--2020-08-24--Reports: Falwell Resigns From Liberty U After Salacious New Details Surface

Update : There ’ s now some confusion over whether Jerry Falwell Jr. really is resigning .
Read more about that » Jerry Falwell Jr. , the prominent evangelical and president of Liberty University , resigned from his post Monday following a new wave of reports about sexual trysts involving Falwell , his wife Becki , and a former pool boy with whom they went into business .
The Washington Post and Religion News Service reported the news Monday evening , citing university sources .
Monday was also the first day back to classes for Liberty students .
Giancarlo Granda @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Reuters in an article posted Monday that Falwell would watch while Granda had sex with Becki Falwell , an arrangement that went on for years .
“ Becki and I developed an intimate relationship and Jerry enjoyed watching from the corner of the room , ” Granda told Reuters .
During the six-year relationship , Falwell had helmed the Evangelical university that expressly bans private interactions between unmarried members of the opposite sex .
On Sunday evening , Falwell had confirmed that his wife had had an affair with Granda , claiming that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ false claims about the nature of the relationship ” to blackmail the couple .
Falwell was quick to add that the relationship was “ something in which I was not involved.
” Falwell has been on “ indefinite leave ” from Liberty since August 7 , a career change that came soon after he posted an Instagram picture of himself with his arm around another woman , both of them with their pants unzipped .
He has said that the woman in the picture is his “ wife ’ s assistant.
” Allegations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have long been circulating — President Donald Trump ’ s former attorney Michael Cohen has alluded to work he did to keep racy pictures of Becki Falwell , that may have been in Granda ’ s possession , under wraps .
The deal allegedly was struck during the 2016 Republican primary , casting suspicion on Falwell ’ s full-throated endorsement of President Donald Trump at a critical moment for Sen. Ted Cruz ’ s ( R-TX ) campaign .
Falwell was a magnet for more than scandals of a sexual nature , however @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for his insistence on welcoming students back to Liberty in the spring as the COVID-19 pandemic exploded in the United States and most colleges shut their gates .
He flirted with police action against reporters who wrote about that decision .
Soon after , he engendered rage and resignations of staff members after tweeting a picture of a mask emblazoned with someone in a Ku Klux Klan outfit and another in blackface , a taunt of Virginia Gov .
Ralph Northam ( D ) .
And in 2015 , he said during Liberty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , California shooting could have been prevented if people had guns to “ end those Muslims before they walked in killing .
”

Update: There’s now some confusion over whether Jerry Falwell Jr. really is resigning. Read more about that »
Original story:
Jerry Falwell Jr., the prominent evangelical and president of Liberty University, resigned from his post Monday following a new wave of reports about sexual trysts involving Falwell, his wife Becki, and a former pool boy with whom they went into business.
The Washington Post and Religion News Service reported the news Monday evening, citing university sources. Monday was also the first day back to classes for Liberty students.
Giancarlo Granda, the former business partner, told Reuters in an article posted Monday that Falwell would watch while Granda had sex with Becki Falwell, an arrangement that went on for years.
“Becki and I developed an intimate relationship and Jerry enjoyed watching from the corner of the room,” Granda told Reuters. During the six-year relationship, Falwell had helmed the Evangelical university that expressly bans private interactions between unmarried members of the opposite sex.
On Sunday evening, Falwell had confirmed that his wife had had an affair with Granda, claiming that the former pool boy was using “false claims about the nature of the relationship” to blackmail the couple. Falwell was quick to add that the relationship was “something in which I was not involved.”
Falwell has been on “indefinite leave” from Liberty since August 7, a career change that came soon after he posted an Instagram picture of himself with his arm around another woman, both of them with their pants unzipped. He has said that the woman in the picture is his “wife’s assistant.”
Allegations about Falwell’s wife and Granda have long been circulating — President Donald Trump’s former attorney Michael Cohen has alluded to work he did to keep racy pictures of Becki Falwell, that may have been in Granda’s possession, under wraps.
The deal allegedly was struck during the 2016 Republican primary, casting suspicion on Falwell’s full-throated endorsement of President Donald Trump at a critical moment for Sen. Ted Cruz’s (R-TX) campaign.
Falwell was a magnet for more than scandals of a sexual nature, however. He gained infamy earlier this year for his insistence on welcoming students back to Liberty in the spring as the COVID-19 pandemic exploded in the United States and most colleges shut their gates. He flirted with police action against reporters who wrote about that decision.
Soon after, he engendered rage and resignations of staff members after tweeting a picture of a mask emblazoned with someone in a Ku Klux Klan outfit and another in blackface, a taunt of Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam (D).
And in 2015, he said during Liberty’s convocation that the San Bernadino, California shooting could have been prevented if people had guns to “end those Muslims before they walked in killing.”


talkingpointsmemo--2020-08-24--House Struggles To Get Details From DeJoy About Election Mail Promises

The House ’ s turn to grill embattled Postmaster General Louis DeJoy brought little new insight into how the U.S .
Postal Service will approach an unprecedented surge in vote-by-mail this fall , amid turmoil that has been caused , in part , by some of the policies DeJoy has implemented .
After DeJoy gave several key assurances to the Senate in testimony on Friday , he resisted requests from House Democrats that he flesh out for them the details of those plans and put them in writing .
Asked by Rep. Ro Khanna ( D-CA ) to share USPS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on time , DeJoy stumbled , murmuring something about “ normal processing procedures ” and “ enhanced ” election procedures before saying simply , “ I can probably give you some type of summarized objectives that we ’ ll try to fulfill.
” Much of the hearing focused on DeJoy ’ s move to roll out a plan this July that emphasized trucks sticking to their delivery schedules , which DeJoy himself acknowledged had caused slowdowns in service that USPS is still working on fixing .
DeJoy refused to take accountability for other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of delivery boxes and the decommissioning of the mail sorting machines — that have fueled widespread concern about how slower service could hamper the ability for ballots to get to and from voters .
While DeJoy touted his move to suspend those changes , Democrats struggled to elicit any new answers about why they were ordered and why the sorting machines weren ’ t being reinstated .
Senate Promises Don ’ t Match What USPS Has Put In Writing Even getting more clarity from DeJoy about election-mail specific promises he made to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Election wonks have questioned whether USPS will continue its past , informal practice of expediting ballots sent to voters using the cheaper marketing mail service — which is usually slower — so that they ’ re given priority akin to first class mail .
Despite a shift in messaging in recent months indicating that USPS would not be delivering ballots sent via marketing mail any more quickly than its standard guidelines , DeJoy promised on Friday that USPS would employ “ processes and procedures to advance the election mail , in some cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as Rep. John Sarbenes ( D-MD ) noted , a USPS election mail website launched hours after DeJoy ’ s Senate testimony still uses the rhetoric that had set off the initial alarm bells by warning election officials that using marketing mail “ will result in slower delivery times ” and heighten risks of voters not having enough time to send their ballots back .
Asked for a written memo outlining the USPS ’ plan to guarantee the treatment of all election mail as if it were first-class , DeJoy didn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t — our processes to do that , physically … I ’ ll have to get back to you on what I can give you in writing on that , ” he said .
DeJoy did bring some clarity to an election-related issue that had previously gone unaddressed , but ironically it was in response to a GOP line of questioning that appeared designed to criticize Democrats for voting on a USPS bill on Saturday before DeJoy had even come to testify before them .
Rep. Fred Keller ( R-PA ) brought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ primaries .
Because USPS doesn ’ t typically postmark mail sent with prepaid postage , some ballot envelopes that have been prepaid by elections officials for their trip back from voters did not get postmarks , causing headaches in states that otherwise allow ballots that come in a few days after an election to be counted as long as they have a proper postmark .
Keller brought up the debacle to point out that the Democratic legislation adopted by the House would not have let USPS keep working on a fix for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confirmed that USPS is working on a process “ to postmark as much as we can.
” But with the lack of details , and with his reluctance to commit to providing additional information on other related election issues , Democrats weren ’ t convinced that he was up to the task of managing USPS while it was playing such a critical role in the election .
Several Democratic members asked for his resignation .
Concerns About DeJoy ’ s ‘ Understanding of This Agency ’ Toward the end of the hearing , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ DeJoy on a series of basic Postal Service questions : What ’ s the cost of a first-class stamp ?
The cost to mail a postcard ?
What ’ s the postage square envelope ?
” Exasperated , DeJoy eventually said : “ I will submit that I know very little about a postage stamp.
” Porter was just getting started .
She asked whether DeJoy knew , “ within a million or so , ” how many people had voted by mail in 2016 .
He didn ’ t .
What about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asked .
DeJoy chuckled to himself then said , “ I would be guessing .
And I don ’ t want to guess.
” “ I ’ m concerned , ” Porter responded .
“ I ’ m glad you know the price of a stamp .
But I ’ m concerned about your understanding of this agency .
”

The House’s turn to grill embattled Postmaster General Louis DeJoy brought little new insight into how the U.S. Postal Service will approach an unprecedented surge in vote-by-mail this fall, amid turmoil that has been caused, in part, by some of the policies DeJoy has implemented.
After DeJoy gave several key assurances to the Senate in testimony on Friday, he resisted requests from House Democrats that he flesh out for them the details of those plans and put them in writing.
Asked by Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) to share USPS’ specific plan to deliver election mail on time, DeJoy stumbled, murmuring something about “normal processing procedures” and “enhanced” election procedures before saying simply, “I can probably give you some type of summarized objectives that we’ll try to fulfill.”
Much of the hearing focused on DeJoy’s move to roll out a plan this July that emphasized trucks sticking to their delivery schedules, which DeJoy himself acknowledged had caused slowdowns in service that USPS is still working on fixing.
DeJoy refused to take accountability for other USPS changes — and particularly the removal of delivery boxes and the decommissioning of the mail sorting machines — that have fueled widespread concern about how slower service could hamper the ability for ballots to get to and from voters. While DeJoy touted his move to suspend those changes, Democrats struggled to elicit any new answers about why they were ordered and why the sorting machines weren’t being reinstated.
Senate Promises Don’t Match What USPS Has Put In Writing
Even getting more clarity from DeJoy about election-mail specific promises he made to the Senate proved challenging for House Democrats. Election wonks have questioned whether USPS will continue its past, informal practice of expediting ballots sent to voters using the cheaper marketing mail service — which is usually slower — so that they’re given priority akin to first class mail.
Despite a shift in messaging in recent months indicating that USPS would not be delivering ballots sent via marketing mail any more quickly than its standard guidelines, DeJoy promised on Friday that USPS would employ “processes and procedures to advance the election mail, in some cases ahead of first-class mail.”
However, as Rep. John Sarbenes (D-MD) noted, a USPS election mail website launched hours after DeJoy’s Senate testimony still uses the rhetoric that had set off the initial alarm bells by warning election officials that using marketing mail “will result in slower delivery times” and heighten risks of voters not having enough time to send their ballots back.
Asked for a written memo outlining the USPS’ plan to guarantee the treatment of all election mail as if it were first-class, DeJoy didn’t have an answer.
“I don’t — our processes to do that, physically … I’ll have to get back to you on what I can give you in writing on that,” he said.
A Vow To Work On Postmark Issues
DeJoy did bring some clarity to an election-related issue that had previously gone unaddressed, but ironically it was in response to a GOP line of questioning that appeared designed to criticize Democrats for voting on a USPS bill on Saturday before DeJoy had even come to testify before them.
Rep. Fred Keller (R-PA) brought up an issue that has plagued some primaries. Because USPS doesn’t typically postmark mail sent with prepaid postage, some ballot envelopes that have been prepaid by elections officials for their trip back from voters did not get postmarks, causing headaches in states that otherwise allow ballots that come in a few days after an election to be counted as long as they have a proper postmark.
Keller brought up the debacle to point out that the Democratic legislation adopted by the House would not have let USPS keep working on a fix for the issue. In the process, DeJoy confirmed that USPS is working on a process “to postmark as much as we can.”
But with the lack of details, and with his reluctance to commit to providing additional information on other related election issues, Democrats weren’t convinced that he was up to the task of managing USPS while it was playing such a critical role in the election. Several Democratic members asked for his resignation.
Concerns About DeJoy’s ‘Understanding of This Agency’
Toward the end of the hearing, Rep. Katie Porter (D-CA) quizzed DeJoy on a series of basic Postal Service questions: What’s the cost of a first-class stamp? The cost to mail a postcard? What’s the postage square envelope?”
Exasperated, DeJoy eventually said: “I will submit that I know very little about a postage stamp.”
Rep. Porter questions Postmaster General DeJoy: pic.twitter.com/mc0j367zb0 — Matt Shuham (@mattshuham) August 24, 2020
Porter was just getting started. She asked whether DeJoy knew, “within a million or so,” how many people had voted by mail in 2016. He didn’t. What about to the nearest 10 million? She asked. DeJoy chuckled to himself then said, “I would be guessing. And I don’t want to guess.”
“I’m concerned,” Porter responded. “I’m glad you know the price of a stamp. But I’m concerned about your understanding of this agency.”