talkingpointsmemo--2020-08-24--‘You Are Amazing’: Gaetz Turned To ‘Mentor’ Hannity During Cohen Tweet Scandal

After Rep. Matt Gaetz ( R-FL ) tweeted a threat to expose Michael Cohen ’ s alleged infidelity on the eve of the latter ’ s congressional hearing last March , he was facing an admonishment from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ( D-CA ) , an investigation by the Florida Bar and general reproach .
In his hour of need , he turned to … Sean Hannity .
“ Hey @ MichaelCohen212 – Do your wife & father-in-law know about your girlfriends ?
Maybe tonight would be a good time for that chat .
I wonder if she ’ ll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prison .
She ’ s about to learn a lot… ” Gaetz wrote in a now-deleted tweet .
As captured in the appendix of a report released Friday by an investigative subcommittee of the House Committee on Ethics , Gaetz immediately turned to Hannity after the Bar announced its investigation .
Hannity coached an obsequious Gaetz on his next moves , advising him to stay off of television for a while , but giving his blessing for Gaetz to speak at CPAC but to “ be smart ” there and “ never get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gaetz to send a private note to Cohen and gives him contact information for both Cohen and his then-lawyer Lanny Davis — but reminds Gaetz to “ send to me first !
!
” Gaetz follows Hannity ’ s advice and apologizes to Cohen , sending Cohen and Davis into a tizzy .
“ What a hypocrite !
” Davis exclaims in a group chat with Cohen and Gaetz after Gaetz sends his carefully-curated apology text .
“ Should we do anything to leak this ?
” Davis later apologizes for his “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Gaetz again after a Washington Examiner story revealed Gaetz telling Trump he was “ happy to do it for you ” about posting the original Cohen tweet .
Gaetz protests that the story is false , sending a screenshot of his call with Florida Gov .
Ron DeSantis ( R ) as an alibi .
At Davis ’ behest , he posts on Twitter that the story isn ’ t true .
Hannity isn ’ t the only one with whom Gaetz coordinated amid the tweet fallout .
According to screenshots attached @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Michael Tokes , a far-right activist , who wanted to coordinate “ influencers ” in their defense of Gaetz .
“ I ’ m testing the truthfulness of Michael Cohen , ” Gaetz responded .
“ That should still be allowed in Congress .
Let ’ s find out all the people Cohen lied to.
” Gaetz also couldn ’ t resist his moment in the limelight in another text exchange , telling the Wall Street Journal ’ s Alex Leary to “ stay tuned ” for more information about the marital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Ultimately , the investigative committee found that Gaetz had acted in a manner “ inconsistent ” with standards set by the House , and that his actions “ did not reflect credibly upon the House of Representatives.
” But , it also concluded that Gaetz did not go so far as to intimidate a witness or obstruct Congress ’ investigation , letting him off with an “ admonishment.
” “ While Representative Gaetz ’ s conduct did not violate the federal witness tampering and obstruction of congress [ sic ] laws , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the House when he made statements that were reasonably perceived threats to a witness , the day before that witness was scheduled to testify in a congressional hearing , ” the report concluded .
Read the report and attached screenshots here :

After Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) tweeted a threat to expose Michael Cohen’s alleged infidelity on the eve of the latter’s congressional hearing last March, he was facing an admonishment from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), an investigation by the Florida Bar and general reproach.
In his hour of need, he turned to … Sean Hannity.
“Hey @MichaelCohen212 – Do your wife & father-in-law know about your
girlfriends? Maybe tonight would be a good time for that chat. I wonder if she’ll
remain faithful when you’re in prison. She’s about to learn a lot…” Gaetz wrote in a now-deleted tweet.
As captured in the appendix of a report released Friday by an investigative subcommittee of the House Committee on Ethics, Gaetz immediately turned to Hannity after the Bar announced its investigation.
Hannity coached an obsequious Gaetz on his next moves, advising him to stay off of television for a while, but giving his blessing for Gaetz to speak at CPAC but to “be smart” there and “never get caught up with crowd.”
Hannity advises Gaetz to send a private note to Cohen and gives him contact information for both Cohen and his then-lawyer Lanny Davis — but reminds Gaetz to “send to me first!!”
“You’re amazing,” oozes Gaetz. “Thank you.”
Gaetz follows Hannity’s advice and apologizes to Cohen, sending Cohen and Davis into a tizzy.
“What a hypocrite!” Davis exclaims in a group chat with Cohen and Gaetz after Gaetz sends his carefully-curated apology text. “Should we do anything to leak this?” Davis later apologizes for his “excessive anger.”
Davis gets into it with Gaetz again after a Washington Examiner story revealed Gaetz telling Trump he was “happy to do it for you” about posting the original Cohen tweet.
Gaetz protests that the story is false, sending a screenshot of his call with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) as an alibi. At Davis’ behest, he posts on Twitter that the story isn’t true.
Hannity isn’t the only one with whom Gaetz coordinated amid the tweet fallout.
According to screenshots attached to the report, Gaetz was texted by Michael Tokes, a far-right activist, who wanted to coordinate “influencers” in their defense of Gaetz.
“I’m testing the truthfulness of Michael Cohen,” Gaetz responded. “That should still be allowed in Congress. Let’s find out all the people Cohen lied to.”
Gaetz also couldn’t resist his moment in the limelight in another text exchange, telling the Wall Street Journal’s Alex Leary to “stay tuned” for more information about the marital infidelities he alluded to in his tweet.
Ultimately, the investigative committee found that Gaetz had acted in a manner “inconsistent” with standards set by the House, and that his actions “did not reflect credibly upon the House of Representatives.” But, it also concluded that Gaetz did not go so far as to intimidate a witness or obstruct Congress’ investigation, letting him off with an “admonishment.”
“While Representative Gaetz’s conduct did not violate the federal witness tampering and obstruction of congress [sic] laws, he risked interfering with the work of the House when he made statements that were reasonably perceived threats to a witness, the day before that witness was scheduled to testify in a congressional hearing,” the report concluded.
Read the report and attached screenshots here:


talkingpointsmemo--2020-08-24--Trump Camp Promised ‘Optimistic And Upbeat’ Convention. Then Trump Took The Stage.

President Trump ’ s surprise address during the first day of the Republican National Convention on Monday was a big departure from what his re-election campaign billed as an “ optimistic and upbeat ” affair .
During an interview on “ Meet the Press ” on the eve of the RNC , Trump campaign senior adviser Jason Miller insisted that the GOP confab this week would be a “ very optimistic and upbeat convention.
” However , in his speech to the RNC during its first day , Trump aired a number of grievances that were anything but the optimism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the GOP convention .
Here are some examples of how Trump ’ s RNC appearance took on an ominous tone : Jabbing Biden for not going to Wisconsin for DNC Trump was quick to jab Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden for not traveling to Milwaukee , Wisconsin last week during the historically virtual Democratic National Convention .
The President said that he “ felt an obligation to come ” to Charlotte , North Carolina “ out of respect for your state , ” before going on to lash out at North Carolina Gov @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being in “ shutdown mode.
” As he continued his crusade against mail-in voting , Trump accused Democrats , without evidence , ” of “ using COVID to steal an election.
” “ They ’ re using COVID to defraud the American people , all of our people of a fair and free election , ” Trump said .
“ We can ’ t do that.
” The President also quipped that “ the only way they can take this election away from us , is if it ’ s a rigged election.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ slammed Democrats for taking climate change seriously After ripping into Democrats for supposedly trying to ruin how the country has “ achieved American energy independence ” by decrying fossil fuels , Trump made an absurd comparison invoking former Presidents .
“ So it ’ s no religion , no guns , right ?
No oil , no gas .
I don ’ t think you will do too good in Texas , ” Trump said as he slammed Democrats .
“ You know , George Washington could come back from the dead and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the late great Abraham Lincoln .
And you ’ re not going to win the state of Texas if you have no oil , no guns and no religion .
I don ’ t think so .
You ’ re not going to win too many places.
” Griping about Biden taking credit if he wins Trump said that it would be “ a kick in the ass ” if Biden wins the election in November and takes credit for his administration ’ s actions that he says will lower prescription costs .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ day after he held a press conference announcing a blood plasma treatment for COVID-19 that hasn ’ t been proven as an effective treatment for the novel coronavirus .
It ’ s worth noting that Trump has not guaranteed that he would accept the results of the election if Biden wins .

President Trump’s surprise address during the first day of the Republican National Convention on Monday was a big departure from what his re-election campaign billed as an “optimistic and upbeat” affair.
During an interview on “Meet the Press” on the eve of the RNC, Trump campaign senior adviser Jason Miller insisted that the GOP confab this week would be a “very optimistic and upbeat convention.”
However, in his speech to the RNC during its first day, Trump aired a number of grievances that were anything but the optimism that his campaign had teased heading into the GOP convention.
Here are some examples of how Trump’s RNC appearance took on an ominous tone:
Jabbing Biden for not going to Wisconsin for DNC
Trump was quick to jab Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden for not traveling to Milwaukee, Wisconsin last week during the historically virtual Democratic National Convention.
The President said that he “felt an obligation to come” to Charlotte, North Carolina “out of respect for your state,” before going on to lash out at North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper (D) for being in “shutdown mode.”
Baselessly accusing Democrats of “using COVID to steal” election
As he continued his crusade against mail-in voting, Trump accused Democrats, without evidence,” of “using COVID to steal an election.”
“They’re using COVID to defraud the American people, all of our people of a fair and free election,” Trump said. “We can’t do that.”
The President also quipped that “the only way they can take this election away from us, is if it’s a rigged election.”
Invoking Washington and Lincoln as he slammed Democrats for taking climate change seriously
After ripping into Democrats for supposedly trying to ruin how the country has “achieved American energy independence” by decrying fossil fuels, Trump made an absurd comparison invoking former Presidents.
“So it’s no religion, no guns, right? No oil, no gas. I don’t think you will do too good in Texas,” Trump said as he slammed Democrats. “You know, George Washington could come back from the dead and he could choose as his VP candidate the late great Abraham Lincoln. And you’re not going to win the state of Texas if you have no oil, no guns and no religion. I don’t think so. You’re not going to win too many places.”
Griping about Biden taking credit if he wins
Trump said that it would be “a kick in the ass” if Biden wins the election in November and takes credit for his administration’s actions that he says will lower prescription costs. The President’s remarks come a day after he held a press conference announcing a blood plasma treatment for COVID-19 that hasn’t been proven as an effective treatment for the novel coronavirus.
It’s worth noting that Trump has not guaranteed that he would accept the results of the election if Biden wins.


talkingpointsmemo--2020-08-24--‘Let’s Be Nice’: Trump Responds To Man Shouting During His Obama Rant

President Donald Trump chuckled after an audience member briefly shouted over Trump ’ s speech at the Republican National Convention ( RNC ) in Charlotte , North Carolina on Monday .
The incident happened as Trump was spewing his conspiracy theory about the previous administration “ spying ” on his 2016 campaign .
“ And that included President Obama– ” Trump said before he was suddenly interrupted .
An audience member shouted during Trump ’ s rant .
On Twitter , many accounts , including the Lincoln Project and VoteVets , initially interpreted the audience member as shouting “ monkey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ later clarified that it seemed the audience-member was shouting “ SpyGate , ” a reference to the false conspiracy theory that the Obama administration spied on Trump ’ s campaign .
Trump paused for a few seconds , then pointed and said “ Let ’ s be nice.
” As the audience laughed , the President joined in with a chuckle of his own .
“ This can only happen in North Carolina , ” he said .
The Trump campaign later said on Twitter that the audience member shouted “ SpyGate ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ initially heard .
Correction : This post initially reported that an audience member had shouted the word “ monkey ” during Trump ’ s comments on former President Obama .
We have updated this post to note that it appears the audience-member said “ SpyGate.
” We regret the error .

President Donald Trump chuckled after an audience member briefly shouted over Trump’s speech at the Republican National Convention (RNC) in Charlotte, North Carolina on Monday.
The incident happened as Trump was spewing his conspiracy theory about the previous administration “spying” on his 2016 campaign.
“And that included President Obama–” Trump said before he was suddenly interrupted.
An audience member shouted during Trump’s rant. On Twitter, many accounts, including the Lincoln Project and VoteVets, initially interpreted the audience member as shouting “monkey,” referring to Obama. Others later clarified that it seemed the audience-member was shouting “SpyGate,” a reference to the false conspiracy theory that the Obama administration spied on Trump’s campaign.
Trump paused for a few seconds, then pointed and said “Let’s be nice.”
As the audience laughed, the President joined in with a chuckle of his own.
“This can only happen in North Carolina,” he said.
The Trump campaign later said on Twitter that the audience member shouted “SpyGate” and not the slur that others had initially heard.
This is false. He shouted "spygate." https://t.co/TMoiVSHbrA pic.twitter.com/JMY6fjusUg — Trump War Room – Text TRUMP to 88022 (@TrumpWarRoom) August 24, 2020
Correction: This post initially reported that an audience member had shouted the word “monkey” during Trump’s comments on former President Obama. We have updated this post to note that it appears the audience-member said “SpyGate.” We regret the error.


talkingpointsmemo--2020-08-24--NY AG Probes Whether President Trump Inflated Assets For Loans

NEW YORK ( AP ) — New York ’ s Democratic attorney general asked a court Monday to enforce subpoenas into an investigation into whether President Donald Trump and his businesses inflated assets on financial statements .
Attorney General Letitia James filed a petition in state trial court in New York City naming the Trump Organization , an umbrella group for the Republican president ’ s holdings , as a respondent along with other business entities .
The filing also named Eric Trump and Seven Springs , a New York estate owned by the Trump family .
The attorney general @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump Organization and the president improperly inflated the value of assets to secure loans and obtain economic and tax benefits .
Investigators are looking into whether the Trump Organization and its agents improperly inflated the value of the Seven Springs north of the city .
In the court filings , the attorney general ’ s office wrote that “ information regarding the valuation of Seven Springs is significant ” to the office ’ s investigation .
Emails seeking comment were sent to lawyers for the Trump Organization and Eric Trump .
The investigation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s longtime personal lawyer Michael Cohen told Congress that Trump had inflated the value of his assets to obtain more favorable terms for loans and insurance coverage .
Since then , the attorney general ’ s office has issued “ a number of subpoenas and has taken testimony seeking information material to these matters , ” the court filing said .
Investigators have not yet determined whether the law was broken .
James ’ office issued subpoenas to the Trump Organization and to Seven Springs LLC in December 2019 , seeking financial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then , both have “ engaged in extensive good-faith discussions concerning the Trump Organization ’ s compliance with the subpoenas.
” The attorney general ’ s office is also attempting to collect information about several other Trump-related properties , including the Trump National Golf Club in Los Angeles , the Trump International Hotel and Tower in Chicago and an office building on Wall Street in Manhattan where the Trump Organization “ owns a ‘ ground lease ’ pertaining to the property .
”

NEW YORK (AP) — New York’s Democratic attorney general asked a court Monday to enforce subpoenas into an investigation into whether President Donald Trump and his businesses inflated assets on financial statements.
Attorney General Letitia James filed a petition in state trial court in New York City naming the Trump Organization, an umbrella group for the Republican president’s holdings, as a respondent along with other business entities. The filing also named Eric Trump and Seven Springs, a New York estate owned by the Trump family.
The attorney general’s office is investigating whether the Trump Organization and the president improperly inflated the value of assets to secure loans and obtain economic and tax benefits. Investigators are looking into whether the Trump Organization and its agents improperly inflated the value of the Seven Springs north of the city.
In the court filings, the attorney general’s office wrote that “information regarding the valuation of Seven Springs is significant” to the office’s investigation.
Emails seeking comment were sent to lawyers for the Trump Organization and Eric Trump.
The investigation was launched in March 2019 after Trump’s longtime personal lawyer Michael Cohen told Congress that Trump had inflated the value of his assets to obtain more favorable terms for loans and insurance coverage.
Since then, the attorney general’s office has issued “a number of subpoenas and has taken testimony seeking information material to these matters,” the court filing said. Investigators have not yet determined whether the law was broken.
James’ office issued subpoenas to the Trump Organization and to Seven Springs LLC in December 2019, seeking financial documents, the filing said. Since then, both have “engaged in extensive good-faith discussions concerning the Trump Organization’s compliance with the subpoenas.”
The attorney general’s office is also attempting to collect information about several other Trump-related properties, including the Trump National Golf Club in Los Angeles, the Trump International Hotel and Tower in Chicago and an office building on Wall Street in Manhattan where the Trump Organization “owns a ‘ground lease’ pertaining to the property.”
__
Hill reported from Albany, N.Y. Balsamo reported from Washington, D.C.


talkingpointsmemo--2020-08-24--Peccadillo Revealed: Pool Boy Dishes With New Allegations About Falwell’s Libertine Lifestyle

Evangelical leader and notorious finger-wagger Jerry Falwell Jr. would watch as his wife had sex with a south Florida pool boy , that pool boy alleged to Reuters in an article published Monday .
The report answers the question posed by a bizarre Sunday night statement that Falwell released , in which he confirmed on his wife ’ s behalf that she had had an affair with the former pool boy , Giancarlo Granda , but that it was “ something in which I was not involved.
” Granda told Reuters that Falwell would sit in the corner and watch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Becki , a relationship that took place over many years .
“ Becki and I developed an intimate relationship and Jerry enjoyed watching from the corner of the room , ” Granda told Reuters , saying that the relationship began in March 2012 and continued through 2018 .
Granda added in the report that he felt he had been targeted by the bible-thumpers .
“ Whether it was immaturity , naïveté , instability , or a combination thereof , it was this ‘ mindset ’ that the Falwells likely detected in deciding that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sexual escapades , ” he said .
The revelation comes on the first day of the Republican National Convention , an event at which Falwell spoke in 2016 .
The longtime Liberty University leader took a leave of absence on August 7 from the evangelical institution after he posted a photo on Instagram in which he was standing on a yacht with a young woman , who he later said was a female assistant of his wife ’ s , with both their pants unzipped .
Falwell ’ s wife Becki had her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re-election group Women for Trump .
Falwell denies the allegations , and emphasized in the Sunday statement that the claims were false and part of an extortion campaign that Granda denies .
Reuters said it had relied on photos and recordings of private conversations to verify aspects of Granda ’ s allegations , including screenshots of a FaceTime call during which , Granda told Reuters , a naked Becki chatted with Granda while Jerry peeked from behind a door .
The Reuters report offers extensive detail of the relationship between the three , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ university that banned any private contact between unmarried members of the opposite sex .
Falwell coached Granda on how to handle the relationship , Reuters reported .
In one case , the report describes Falwell ’ s wife complaining that Granda would describe other relationships of his .
“ He ’ s like telling me every time he hooks up with people .
Like I don ’ t have feelings or something , ” Becki Falwell reportedly said .
The Liberty University president then reportedly told Granda that “ you ’ re going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who broke the story and led up to it with numerous reports , Aram Rostom , appeared to earn an oblique mention from Falwell in his last-minute statement .
There , Falwell accused Granda of using “ false claims ” about their relationship to extort him for money .
“ He clearly moved forward with this plan through a specific member of the media who has continued to badger us , as well as other members of the media , regarding the false claims about the nature of the relationship based on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrote .
“ 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 .
”

Evangelical leader and notorious finger-wagger Jerry Falwell Jr. would watch as his wife had sex with a south Florida pool boy, that pool boy alleged to Reuters in an article published Monday.
The report answers the question posed by a bizarre Sunday night statement that Falwell released, in which he confirmed on his wife’s behalf that she had had an affair with the former pool boy, Giancarlo Granda, but that it was “something in which I was not involved.”
Granda told Reuters that Falwell would sit in the corner and watch as Granda had sex with his wife Becki, a relationship that took place over many years.
“Becki and I developed an intimate relationship and Jerry enjoyed watching from the corner of the room,” Granda told Reuters, saying that the relationship began in March 2012 and continued through 2018.
Granda added in the report that he felt he had been targeted by the bible-thumpers. “Whether it was immaturity, naïveté, instability, or a combination thereof, it was this ‘mindset’ that the Falwells likely detected in deciding that I was the ideal target for their sexual escapades,” he said.
The revelation comes on the first day of the Republican National Convention, an event at which Falwell spoke in 2016.
The longtime Liberty University leader took a leave of absence on August 7 from the evangelical institution after he posted a photo on Instagram in which he was standing on a yacht with a young woman, who he later said was a female assistant of his wife’s, with both their pants unzipped.
Falwell’s wife Becki had her own perch in Trumpworld, advising the re-election group Women for Trump.
Falwell denies the allegations, and emphasized in the Sunday statement that the claims were false and part of an extortion campaign that Granda denies. Reuters said it had relied on photos and recordings of private conversations to verify aspects of Granda’s allegations, including screenshots of a FaceTime call during which, Granda told Reuters, a naked Becki chatted with Granda while Jerry peeked from behind a door.
The Reuters report offers extensive detail of the relationship between the three, which took place as Falwell helmed a university that banned any private contact between unmarried members of the opposite sex.
Falwell coached Granda on how to handle the relationship, Reuters reported. In one case, the report describes Falwell’s wife complaining that Granda would describe other relationships of his.
“He’s like telling me every time he hooks up with people. Like I don’t have feelings or something,” Becki Falwell reportedly said. The Liberty University president then reportedly told Granda that “you’re going to make her jealous.”
The reporter who broke the story and led up to it with numerous reports, Aram Rostom, appeared to earn an oblique mention from Falwell in his last-minute statement. There, Falwell accused Granda of using “false claims” about their relationship to extort him for money.
“He clearly moved forward with this plan through a specific member of the media who has continued to badger us, as well as other members of the media, regarding the false claims about the nature of the relationship based on the individual’s misrepresentations,” Falwell wrote. “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.”


talkingpointsmemo--2020-08-25--Fauci Warns Against Rushing COVID Vaccine Amid Trump Pressure Campaign

Top infectious diseases expert Dr. Anthony Fauci on Monday warned against distributing a COVID-19 vaccine under special emergency use guidelines before it has been proved safe and effective in clinical trials , saying that it could jeopardize the testing of alternatives .
The cautioning follows pressure from President Donald Trump on the Food and Drug Administration to deliver a vaccine before November to boost his prospects for a second term .
Fauci who is the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases , told Reuters that jamming through a vaccine comes with its own risks , adding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a critical step ahead of any vaccine getting emergency use authorization .
“ One of the potential dangers if you prematurely let a vaccine out is that it would make it difficult , if not impossible , for the other vaccines to enroll people in their trial , ” Fauci told Reuters .
Top vaccine contenders including Moderna Inc , Pfizer Inc and AstraZeneca Plc , have launched large clinical trials in recent weeks hoping to enlist tens of thousands of volunteers .
Meanwhile Trump in tweets has sought to undermine the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deliberately delayed progress on vaccine trials until after the Nov. 3 election in order to damage his shot at re-election .
Trump ’ s effort to undercut the agency as a campaign tactic expands on a months-long effort to warp science and undercut scientific inquiry to fit his political objective just as the United States reports that roughly 177,000 people have died because of coronavirus .
On Sunday , the President announced emergency use authorization for plasma from recovered COVID-19 patients to treat current patients in a rush to curry electoral favor before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , placebo-controlled clinical trials .
Much like Fauci , many vaccine experts are concerned that White House pressure on the FDA could cause the agency to deliver a vaccine through emergency use authorization before it has been fully tested for safety and efficacy .
The FDA ’ s EUA mechanism has not historically been used to approve a vaccine intended for widespread use .
Fauci said the FDA ’ s guidance on vaccines explicitly requires a demonstration that it is both safe and effective .
He added that an EUA is typically used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and treat serious or life-threatening diseases where the known benefits outweigh the potential risks of the product , ” Fauci said .
The immunologist told Reuters that if studies demonstrate safety and effectiveness an EUA could eventually be appropriate , but only if “ you definitively show that a vaccine is safe and effective.
” While Fauci has remained consistent in his refusal to smear the President he added that he hoped that nothing “ interferes ” with the full demonstration of any potential vaccine ’ s safety and efficacy .

Top infectious diseases expert Dr. Anthony Fauci on Monday warned against distributing a COVID-19 vaccine under special emergency use guidelines before it has been proved safe and effective in clinical trials, saying that it could jeopardize the testing of alternatives.
The cautioning follows pressure from President Donald Trump on the Food and Drug Administration to deliver a vaccine before November to boost his prospects for a second term.
Fauci who is the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, told Reuters that jamming through a vaccine comes with its own risks, adding that a “signal of efficacy” is a critical step ahead of any vaccine getting emergency use authorization.
“One of the potential dangers if you prematurely let a vaccine out is that it would make it difficult, if not impossible, for the other vaccines to enroll people in their trial,” Fauci told Reuters.
Top vaccine contenders including Moderna Inc, Pfizer Inc and AstraZeneca Plc, have launched large clinical trials in recent weeks hoping to enlist tens of thousands of volunteers.
Meanwhile Trump in tweets has sought to undermine the FDA, suggesting that the agency has deliberately delayed progress on vaccine trials until after the Nov. 3 election in order to damage his shot at re-election.
Trump’s effort to undercut the agency as a campaign tactic expands on a months-long effort to warp science and undercut scientific inquiry to fit his political objective just as the United States reports that roughly 177,000 people have died because of coronavirus.
On Sunday, the President announced emergency use authorization for plasma from recovered COVID-19 patients to treat current patients in a rush to curry electoral favor before its benefits have been assessed in randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials.
Much like Fauci, many vaccine experts are concerned that White House pressure on the FDA could cause the agency to deliver a vaccine through emergency use authorization before it has been fully tested for safety and efficacy. The FDA’s EUA mechanism has not historically been used to approve a vaccine intended for widespread use.
Fauci said the FDA’s guidance on vaccines explicitly requires a demonstration that it is both safe and effective.
He added that an EUA is typically used for products to “diagnose, prevent and treat serious or life-threatening diseases where the known benefits outweigh the potential risks of the product,” Fauci said.
The immunologist told Reuters that if studies demonstrate safety and effectiveness an EUA could eventually be appropriate, but only if “you definitively show that a vaccine is safe and effective.”
While Fauci has remained consistent in his refusal to smear the President he added that he hoped that nothing “interferes” with the full demonstration of any potential vaccine’s safety and efficacy.


talkingpointsmemo--2020-08-25--Okay, Now It’s Finally Official: Falwell Says He’s Leaving Liberty U After All

It seems like the chaos over the fate of embattled Liberty University President Jerry Falwell Jr. , who is currently embroiled in a sex scandal with his wife Becki and their former pool boy , at the Evangelical school has finally come to an end .
After a head-spinning evening that saw Falwell defiantly deny reports of his ouster at Liberty while the school claimed that he had , in fact , resigned , Falwell finally confirmed to ABC News and the Wall Street Journal late Monday night that he had submitted a letter of resignation to the school ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Falwell told ABC News that he was “ never called to be a pastor ” after Giancarlo Granda , the Falwells ’ ex-pool boy and business partner , told Reuters on Monday afternoon that the Evangelical leader used to participate in his wife ’ s extramarital affair with Granada as a voyeur of their sexual escapades .
“ My calling was to use my legal and business expertise to make Liberty University the evangelical version of Note Dame , ” Falwell said .
“ Some of us are called to be preachers , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I was called to make Liberty University the greatest Christian university ’ s in the world and I couldn ’ t have done that as a preacher , ” he added .
Earlier on Monday evening , Falwell had told Virginia Business that reports of his resignation were “ completely false.
” Liberty issued a statement claiming that the Evangelical leader had “ agreed to resign ” but “ following media reports about the resignation , withdrew it.
” “ I call upon the University community and supporters to be in prayer for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , past , present and future , as we walk with the Lord through this stormy time of transition , ” acting Liberty University President Jerry Prevo said in the press release .

It seems like the chaos over the fate of embattled Liberty University President Jerry Falwell Jr., who is currently embroiled in a sex scandal with his wife Becki and their former pool boy, at the Evangelical school has finally come to an end.
After a head-spinning evening that saw Falwell defiantly deny reports of his ouster at Liberty while the school claimed that he had, in fact, resigned, Falwell finally confirmed to ABC News and the Wall Street Journal late Monday night that he had submitted a letter of resignation to the school’s board of directors.
Additionally, Falwell told ABC News that he was “never called to be a pastor” after Giancarlo Granda, the Falwells’ ex-pool boy and business partner, told Reuters on Monday afternoon that the Evangelical leader used to participate in his wife’s extramarital affair with Granada as a voyeur of their sexual escapades.
“My calling was to use my legal and business expertise to make Liberty University the evangelical version of Note Dame,” Falwell said. “Some of us are called to be preachers, that wasn’t mine.”
“I was called to make Liberty University the greatest Christian university’s in the world and I couldn’t have done that as a preacher,” he added.
Earlier on Monday evening, Falwell had told Virginia Business that reports of his resignation were “completely false.”
Liberty issued a statement claiming that the Evangelical leader had “agreed to resign” but “following media reports about the resignation, withdrew it.”
“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 University President Jerry Prevo said in the press release.


talkingpointsmemo--2020-08-25--On First Night Of RNC, GOPers Pounce On ‘Cancel Culture’ In Unison

Speakers during the first night of the 2020 Republican National Convention made it a point to slam Democrats for supposedly creating a “ cancel culture , ” despite President Trump ’ s history of attempting to get people and entities punished or banished over actions he disagrees with .
Just last week , the President called for a boycott against Goodyear Tire and Co. over a “ BAN ON MAGA HATS ” following a report on an anonymous Goodyear employee ’ s screenshot that the employee claimed was part of the company ’ s diversity training .
However , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ban targeting MAGA hats , and stated that it ’ s asked its employees to “ refrain from workplace expressions involving political campaigning or forms of advocacy that fall outside the scope of racial justice and equity issues.
” Republicans appeared to echo Trump ’ s sentiment on night one of the RNC as they decried that “ cancel culture ” that the President has repeatedly invoked in recent days .
The rhetoric surrounding conservatives disdain for what it perceives to be “ cancel culture ” was slotted in right around the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an anti-PC culture for the last two decades .
Here ’ s how they weighed in : After slamming “ woketopians ” such as Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez ( D-NY ) for supporting Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden “ because they will make him an extra in a movie written , produced and directed by others , ” Gaetz mocked the former VP for being a “ basement dweller ” before attacking “ cancel culture.
” Gaetz praised Trump as a “ visionary ” and compared him to former Presidents George Washington , Abraham @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cancel culture.
” Haley also went after Democrats over “ cancel culture ” as she praised Trump for supposedly knowing that “ political correctness and cancel culture are dangerous and just plain wrong.
” Trump Jr. accused Democrats of imposing a “ cancel culture ” over the growing movement to tear down monuments and rename military bases that pay tribute to racist figures .
Scott ended the first night of the RNC by warning that Biden winning the November election would encourage a “ culture that cancels everything.
” “ Do we want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a culture that cancels everything it even slightly disagrees with ?
” Scott said .

Speakers during the first night of the 2020 Republican National Convention made it a point to slam Democrats for supposedly creating a “cancel culture,” despite President Trump’s history of attempting to get people and entities punished or banished over actions he disagrees with.
Just last week, the President called for a boycott against Goodyear Tire and Co. over a “BAN ON MAGA HATS” following a report on an anonymous Goodyear employee’s screenshot that the employee claimed was part of the company’s diversity training.
However, the Ohio-based company has not officially implemented a ban targeting MAGA hats, and stated that it’s asked its employees to “refrain from workplace expressions involving political campaigning or forms of advocacy that fall outside the scope of racial justice and equity issues.”
Republicans appeared to echo Trump’s sentiment on night one of the RNC as they decried that “cancel culture” that the President has repeatedly invoked in recent days. The rhetoric surrounding conservatives disdain for what it perceives to be “cancel culture” was slotted in right around the same rhetoric that has encompassed its belief in an anti-PC culture for the last two decades.
Here’s how they weighed in:
Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL)
After slamming “woketopians” such as Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) for supporting Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden “because they will make him an extra in a movie written, produced and directed by others,” Gaetz mocked the former VP for being a “basement dweller” before attacking “cancel culture.”
Gaetz praised Trump as a “visionary” and compared him to former Presidents George Washington, Abraham Lincoln and Thomas Jefferson while decrying “cancel culture.”
Matt Gaetz, one of Trump’s fiercest supporters in the House, declared Trump a “visionary” and rebuked cancel culture in his #RNCConvention remarks. And he mocked a movement urging progressives to “settle for Biden." More key moments: https://t.co/MqraE6PQP7 pic.twitter.com/Hw8prjW05e — POLITICO (@politico) August 25, 2020
Nikki Haley
Haley also went after Democrats over “cancel culture” as she praised Trump for supposedly knowing that “political correctness and cancel culture are dangerous and just plain wrong.”
Nikki Haley on "cancel culture": "it's just plain wrong!" pic.twitter.com/JOoBIOlnD9 — TPM Livewire (@TPMLiveWire) August 25, 2020
Donald Trump Jr.
Trump Jr. accused Democrats of imposing a “cancel culture” over the growing movement to tear down monuments and rename military bases that pay tribute to racist figures.
Don Jr.: The Left wants the cancel the Founders. "Our founders believed there was nothing more important than protecting our god-given right to think for ourselves. Now, the left, they're trying to cancel all of those founders." pic.twitter.com/KLTgKJu7Gz — TPM Livewire (@TPMLiveWire) August 25, 2020
Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC)
Scott ended the first night of the RNC by warning that Biden winning the November election would encourage a “culture that cancels everything.”
“Do we want a society that breeds success, or a culture that cancels everything it even slightly disagrees with?” Scott said.


talkingpointsmemo--2020-08-25--Apocalypse Now: GOP Convention Night One Is Doom-And-Gloom Sesh Focused On Dem ‘Horror’

Riots , mobs , looters , MS-13 , totalitarian oppression — it ’ s all waiting for you on the far side of Nov. 3 , 2020 .
And the sole purpose of the first night of the Republican National Convention on Monday , it seemed , was to remind viewers of the perceived danger ahead .
The convention mashed up politicians , political commentators and “ regular folks ” vignettes that all uniformly praised President Donald Trump — but also , and more central to the night ’ s message , painted a near-apocalyptic picture of the United States @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s protective embrace atop the executive branch .
Kimberly Guilfoyle , the former Fox News host and Donald Trump Jr. ’ s girlfriend , was one of the most emphatic to make what became a painfully repetitive point .
Democrats , she shouted at the camera , “ want to destroy this country and everything that we have fought for and hold dear .
They want to steal your liberty , your freedom .
They want to control what you see and think and believe so that they can control how you live @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the weak , dependent , liberal victim ideology to the point that you will not recognize this country or yourself !
” Jarring , yes — but it was hardly any different than Rep. Matt Gaetz ’ s ( R-FL ) message just a few minutes earlier .
The Democratic party ’ s left flank , Gaetz figured , “ will settle for Biden because they will make him an extra in a movie written , produced and directed by others.
” “ It ’ s a horror film , really , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disarm you , empty the prisons , lock you in your home , and invite MS-13 to live next door .
And the police aren ’ t coming when you call in Democrat-run cities — they ’ re already being defunded , disbanded.
” The horror movie backdrop eventually melted into a sort of blur .
It was almost as noticeable when a more measured presence — say , closing speaker Sen. Tim Scott ( R-SC ) , former U.N .
Ambassador Nikki Haley , or even House Minority Whip Steve Scalise ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chaotic energy on display all around them .
“ Last time , Joe ’ s boss was Obama .
This time , it would be Pelosi , Sanders , and the squad , ” Haley read .
“ Their vision for America is socialism.
” “ Look what is happening in American cities , cities all run by Democrats , ” he said — sleepily , but his heart was in the right place .
“ Crime , violence and mob rule .
Democrats refuse to denounce the mob and the response to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defund Border Patrol and defund our military .
And while they ’ re doing all this , they ’ re also trying to take away your guns.
” It ’ s a far cry from the “ optimistic and upbeat ” convention we were promised , but perhaps the theatrical rage is better handled by a trained expert .
The President ’ s son Donald Jr. might have , in an alternate reality , used his precious few minutes in front of the nation to tell us a little bit about his dad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the scenes , perhaps , or what kind of father he was all those years ago .
But no — more doom-and-gloom .
“ It ’ s almost like this election is shaping up to be church , work , and school versus rioting , looting , and vandalism , ” he said .
“ Or in the words of Biden and the Democrats , ‘ peaceful protesting .
”

Riots, mobs, looters, MS-13, totalitarian oppression — it’s all waiting for you on the far side of Nov. 3, 2020. And the sole purpose of the first night of the Republican National Convention on Monday, it seemed, was to remind viewers of the perceived danger ahead.
The convention mashed up politicians, political commentators and “regular folks” vignettes that all uniformly praised President Donald Trump — but also, and more central to the night’s message, painted a near-apocalyptic picture of the United States in 2021 if left without Trump’s protective embrace atop the executive branch.
Kimberly Guilfoyle, the former Fox News host and Donald Trump Jr.’s girlfriend, was one of the most emphatic to make what became a painfully repetitive point.
Democrats, she shouted at the camera, “want to destroy this country and everything that we have fought for and hold dear. They want to steal your liberty, your freedom. They want to control what you see and think and believe so that they can control how you live. They want to enslave you to the weak, dependent, liberal victim ideology to the point that you will not recognize this country or yourself!”
"They want to control what you see and think and believe so that they can control how you live. They want to enslave you to the weak, dependent liberal victim ideology to the point that you will not recognize this country or yourself." pic.twitter.com/DMDyevi5mp — TPM Livewire (@TPMLiveWire) August 25, 2020
Jarring, yes — but it was hardly any different than Rep. Matt Gaetz’s (R-FL) message just a few minutes earlier.
The Democratic party’s left flank, Gaetz figured, “will settle for Biden because they will make him an extra in a movie written, produced and directed by others.”
“It’s a horror film, really,” he said. “They’ll disarm you, empty the prisons, lock you in your home, and invite MS-13 to live next door. And the police aren’t coming when you call in Democrat-run cities — they’re already being defunded, disbanded.”

The horror movie backdrop eventually melted into a sort of blur. It was almost as noticeable when a more measured presence — say, closing speaker Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC), former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, or even House Minority Whip Steve Scalise (R-LA) — tried to match the chaotic energy on display all around them.
“Last time, Joe’s boss was Obama. This time, it would be Pelosi, Sanders, and the squad,” Haley read. “Their vision for America is socialism.”
Yawn! Where’s the good stuff? Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH), expert haranguer?
“Look what is happening in American cities, cities all run by Democrats,” he said — sleepily, but his heart was in the right place. “Crime, violence and mob rule. Democrats refuse to denounce the mob and the response to the chaos? Defund the police, defund Border Patrol and defund our military. And while they’re doing all this, they’re also trying to take away your guns.”
It’s a far cry from the “optimistic and upbeat” convention we were promised, but perhaps the theatrical rage is better handled by a trained expert. The President’s son Donald Jr. might have, in an alternate reality, used his precious few minutes in front of the nation to tell us a little bit about his dad — what he’s like behind the scenes, perhaps, or what kind of father he was all those years ago. But no — more doom-and-gloom.
“It’s almost like this election is shaping up to be church, work, and school versus rioting, looting, and vandalism,” he said. “Or in the words of Biden and the Democrats, ‘peaceful protesting.”


talkingpointsmemo--2020-08-27--Dems Offer Further Concessions On COVID Relief, White House Again Rejects  Proposal

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ( D-CA ) said Thursday that during a call with White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows , she offered to drop the price tag on the top-line spending for COVID-19 relief legislation to $ 2.2 trillion , well down from the original $ 3.4 trillion .
The 25-minute phone call was the first significant contact the two have had since negotiations fell apart earlier this month .
“ Originally , House and Senate Democrats made clear we would be willing to cut a trillion dollars if the White House would add a trillion for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In order to meet in the middle , we have now said we would be willing to go to $ 2.2 trillion to meet the needs of the American people.
” “ Democrats are willing to resume negotiations once Republicans start to take this process seriously , ” she added .
Weeks ago , Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer ( D-NY ) offered to go down to $ 2.4 trillion from their initial $ 3.4 trillion proposal , if Meadows and Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin went up from $ 1 trillion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ House team rejected the compromise , causing the talks to break down .
There was some chatter that emergency funding for the USPS would serve as a vehicle to cram in pieces of economic relief .
Some Democrats have reportedly aired their view that Pelosi should allow for this kind of “ piecemeal ” approach , one Meadows and Mnuchin have been pushing .
The Democrats rejected the idea though ; Pelosi and Schumer have been candid about their concern that the White House will allow pieces of the economic relief package , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pass and then abandon the negotiating table .
The House passed a bill to give the USPS $ 25 billion last weekend , but Senate Republicans have been whipping against it .
Meanwhile , Meadows has been taking to the media circuit to proclaim the White House ’ s willingness to return to dealmaking .
“ It ’ s really been Speaker Pelosi really driving this train as a conductor more so than really anybody , ” Meadows told Politico on Wednesday .
“ And I think privately she says she wants a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a deal , but when it comes to dealing with Republicans and the administration , we haven ’ t seen a lot of action.
” Republicans have been working on a “ skinny ” bill that could possibly be attached to legislation to fund the government at the end of September .
It would include continuing the unemployment benefit at $ 300 a week — down from the original $ 600 a week — until the end of December , as well as money for the Paycheck Protection Program and $ 10 billion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the funds included fall far short of what Democrats say is needed as the country battles a pandemic and the resulting economic devastation .
The next organic date to force further negotiations is September 30 when Congress will have to either approve a new budget or , more likely , agree on a continuing resolution to keep the government funded at current levels for a few more months .

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) said Thursday that during a call with White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows, she offered to drop the price tag on the top-line spending for COVID-19 relief legislation to $2.2 trillion, well down from the original $3.4 trillion.
Meadows, Pelosi said, rejected the offer.
The 25-minute phone call was the first significant contact the two have had since negotiations fell apart earlier this month.
“Originally, House and Senate Democrats made clear we would be willing to cut a trillion dollars if the White House would add a trillion for a bill,” she said. “In order to meet in the middle, we have now said we would be willing to go to $2.2 trillion to meet the needs of the American people.”
“Democrats are willing to resume negotiations once Republicans start to take this process seriously,” she added.
Weeks ago, Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) offered to go down to $2.4 trillion from their initial $3.4 trillion proposal, if Meadows and Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin went up from $1 trillion to $2 trillion. The White House team rejected the compromise, causing the talks to break down.
There was some chatter that emergency funding for the USPS would serve as a vehicle to cram in pieces of economic relief. Some Democrats have reportedly aired their view that Pelosi should allow for this kind of “piecemeal” approach, one Meadows and Mnuchin have been pushing.
The Democrats rejected the idea though; Pelosi and Schumer have been candid about their concern that the White House will allow pieces of the economic relief package, like the unemployment insurance benefit, to pass and then abandon the negotiating table. The House passed a bill to give the USPS $25 billion last weekend, but Senate Republicans have been whipping against it.
Meanwhile, Meadows has been taking to the media circuit to proclaim the White House’s willingness to return to dealmaking.
“It’s really been Speaker Pelosi really driving this train as a conductor more so than really anybody,” Meadows told Politico on Wednesday. “And I think privately she says she wants a deal and publicly she says she wants a deal, but when it comes to dealing with Republicans and the administration, we haven’t seen a lot of action.”
Republicans have been working on a “skinny” bill that could possibly be attached to legislation to fund the government at the end of September. It would include continuing the unemployment benefit at $300 a week — down from the original $600 a week — until the end of December, as well as money for the Paycheck Protection Program and $10 billion for the USPS.
However, most of the funds included fall far short of what Democrats say is needed as the country battles a pandemic and the resulting economic devastation.
The next organic date to force further negotiations is September 30 when Congress will have to either approve a new budget or, more likely, agree on a continuing resolution to keep the government funded at current levels for a few more months.


talkingpointsmemo--2020-08-27--Harris Calls Out RNC’s ‘One Purpose’: ‘To Soothe Donald Trump’s Ego’

On the day of President Donald Trump ’ s official address at the Republican National Convention ( RNC ) on Thursday night , Democratic vice presidential candidate Sen. Kamala Harris ( D-CA ) jabbed at the convention ’ s focus on praising Trump over addressing the issues .
As she was delivering counter-remarks to Trump ’ s upcoming acceptance speech , Harris laid out how systemic racism , COVID-19 and widespread economic hardships caused by the pandemic are devastating the country .
“ That is the reality of America right now , ” the vice presidential candidate declared .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Republican National Convention.
” “ Because unlike the Democratic convention , which was very clear-eyed about the challenges we are facing and how we will tackle them , the Republican convention is designed for one purpose : to soothe Donald Trump ’ s ego , ” she said .
“ To make him feel good.
” Harris argued that “ its most basic level , ” Trump “ doesn ’ t understand the presidency.
” “ He thinks it ’ s all about him , ” she said .
“ Well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s about you .
It ’ s all about of us , the people .
”

On the day of President Donald Trump’s official address at the Republican National Convention (RNC) on Thursday night, Democratic vice presidential candidate Sen. Kamala Harris (D-CA) jabbed at the convention’s focus on praising Trump over addressing the issues.
As she was delivering counter-remarks to Trump’s upcoming acceptance speech, Harris laid out how systemic racism, COVID-19 and widespread economic hardships caused by the pandemic are devastating the country.
“That is the reality of America right now,” the vice presidential candidate declared. “A reality completely absent from this week’s Republican National Convention.”
“Because unlike the Democratic convention, which was very clear-eyed about the challenges we are facing and how we will tackle them, the Republican convention is designed for one purpose: to soothe Donald Trump’s ego,” she said. “To make him feel good.”
Harris argued that “its most basic level,” Trump “doesn’t understand the presidency.”
“He thinks it’s all about him,” she said. “Well, it’s not. It’s about you. It’s all about of us, the people.”
Watch Harris below:


talkingpointsmemo--2020-08-27--Michigan Investigating ‘Racially-Charged’ Robocalls Spreading Vote-By-Mail Disinfo

Detroit residents have been receiving sketchy robocalls spreading false and “ racially-charged ” claims about vote-by-mail , Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson said Thursday while announcing she and the Michigan Attorney General were reviewing the matter .
Who exactly is behind the calls is still unknown , Benson said .
But adding to the confusion is that the calls themselves claim to be from a group run by Jacob Wohl and Jack Burman , two conservative provocateurs who have attempted to use incredibly clownish schemes to spread false allegations against everyone from Robert Mueller to Elizabeth Warren .
Burkman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ involved with the robocalls , repeatedly claiming that “ nobody doing robo calls would ever put out their own cell number.
” “ [ I ] ’ d bet on a [ S ] oros group trying to embarrass us , ” Burkman said , referring to the philanthropist George Soros , who is often the targeted of far-right conspiracy theories .
Burkman offered no evidence to back that claim .
Wohl has also denied involvement , according to the Guardian .
The calls are being investigated by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be part of a nationwide effort .
“ This is an unfortunate but perfect example of just how low people will go to undermine this election , ” Nessel said in a statement .
“ This robocall is fraught with scare tactics designed to intimidate Black voters — and we are already working hard to find the bad actors behind this effort.
” The robocall , according to a recording released by Benson , tells recipients falsely that voting by mail will put their information in databases that will be used for tracking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mandatory vaccines.
” Benson called the calls an “ unconscionable , indefensible , blatant attempt to lie to citizens about their right to vote.
” “ The call preys on voters ’ fear and mistrust of the criminal justice system — at a moment of historic reckoning and confrontation of systemic racism and the generational trauma that results — and twists it into a fabricated threat in order to discourage people from voting , ” she said .
Listening to a recording of the robocall released by Benson :

Detroit residents have been receiving sketchy robocalls spreading false and “racially-charged” claims about vote-by-mail, Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson said Thursday while announcing she and the Michigan Attorney General were reviewing the matter.
Who exactly is behind the calls is still unknown, Benson said. But adding to the confusion is that the calls themselves claim to be from a group run by Jacob Wohl and Jack Burman, two conservative provocateurs who have attempted to use incredibly clownish schemes to spread false allegations against everyone from Robert Mueller to Elizabeth Warren.
Burkman in an email to TPM denied being involved with the robocalls, repeatedly claiming that “nobody doing robo calls would ever put out their own cell number.”
“[I]’d bet on a [S]oros group trying to embarrass us,” Burkman said, referring to the philanthropist George Soros, who is often the targeted of far-right conspiracy theories. Burkman offered no evidence to back that claim.
Wohl has also denied involvement, according to the Guardian.
The calls are being investigated by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, who raised concerns that it might be part of a nationwide effort.
“This is an unfortunate but perfect example of just how low people will go to undermine this election,” Nessel said in a statement. “This robocall is fraught with scare tactics designed to intimidate Black voters — and we are already working hard to find the bad actors behind this effort.”
The robocall, according to a recording released by Benson, tells recipients falsely that voting by mail will put their information in databases that will be used for tracking down warrants, debt collection and “mandatory vaccines.”
Benson called the calls an “unconscionable, indefensible, blatant attempt to lie to citizens about their right to vote.”
“The call preys on voters’ fear and mistrust of the criminal justice system — at a moment of historic reckoning and confrontation of systemic racism and the generational trauma that results — and twists it into a fabricated threat in order to discourage people from voting,” she said.
Listen to a recording of the robocall released by Benson:


talkingpointsmemo--2020-08-27--Pence Aide Clashes With MSNBC Host While Defending Maskless Crowd At VP’s RNC Speech

Marc Short , chief of staff to Vice President Mike Pence , got into a heated exchange during an interview on MSNBC Thursday morning as he fiercely defended the large maskless crowd who attended the VP ’ s RNC speech at Fort McHenry the night before .
When MSNBC anchor Hallie Jackson pressed Short on whether all attendees were tested for COVID-19 prior to Pence ’ s RNC speech — since Pence and President Trump interacted with the maskless crowd afterward , which included fist-bumping at least one attendee — Short replied that only those who were backstage with Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ falsely claimed that seating was socially distanced and insisted that guidance on mask wearing and that temperature checks were given prior to Pence ’ s speech .
He then directed his ire toward the media .
“ But you know , Hallie , I do think because the vice president gave such a strong speech and laid out such a stark difference it ’ s no surprise that the media wants to focus on mask shaming this morning , ” Short said .
Jackson pushed back at the notion that she was “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ speech that Pence — the head of the White House coronavirus task force — delivered and called Short out for dodging her question on COVID-19 testing .
Short continued talking over Jackson before arguing that because the man Pence fist-bumped was a wounded veteran , it was a gesture that the VP couldn ’ t refuse .
“ The fist bump is a wounded warrior who served our country and is a hero and if he puts his hand out to ask for a fist bump , I don ’ t think it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is going to do that , ” Short said .
Jackson then bluntly mentioned that nobody has an issue with Pence fist-bumping the veteran out of respect , but that the question is whether people in the front rows or the entire audience was tested for COVID-19 .
Short curtly replied that he answered the question , prompting Jackson to point out that he only mentioned that COVID-19 tests taken by those backstage .
“ So , no COVID testing then — let ’ s just put this in plain English , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ some ” weren ’ t tested .
“ There were some that weren ’ t , ” Short said .
“ And it was not universal because again , the buffer was there to keep the President and Vice President from the rest of the crowd.
” Short ’ s vehement defense of the large maskless crowd came after CNN reported that there was no COVID-19 testing requirement for attendees of Pence ’ s RNC speech before an audience of about 135 people .
The crowd exceeded the audience of first lady @ @ @ @ @ @ @ newly renovated Rose Garden the night before , which was attended by approximately 70 people .
On Tuesday , first lady chief of staff Stephanie Grisham told CNN that those who sat “ in the rows near ” Trump and Pence during Melania Trump ’ s speech were tested for COVID-19 prior to the event .
Following the Washington Post ’ s report on Wednesday that 1,000 people are expected to attend Trump ’ s Thursday night speech at the White House , where he will accept the GOP ’ s nomination for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ TPM that a coronavirus adviser has been consulted for in-person RNC events and necessary precautions are instituted based on their guidance .

Marc Short, chief of staff to Vice President Mike Pence, got into a heated exchange during an interview on MSNBC Thursday morning as he fiercely defended the large maskless crowd who attended the VP’s RNC speech at Fort McHenry the night before.
When MSNBC anchor Hallie Jackson pressed Short on whether all attendees were tested for COVID-19 prior to Pence’s RNC speech — since Pence and President Trump interacted with the maskless crowd afterward, which included fist-bumping at least one attendee — Short replied that only those who were backstage with Trump and Pence were tested.
Short then falsely claimed that seating was socially distanced and insisted that guidance on mask wearing and that temperature checks were given prior to Pence’s speech. He then directed his ire toward the media.
“But you know, Hallie, I do think because the vice president gave such a strong speech and laid out such a stark difference it’s no surprise that the media wants to focus on mask shaming this morning,” Short said.
Jackson pushed back at the notion that she was “mask shaming” attendees of the RNC speech that Pence — the head of the White House coronavirus task force — delivered and called Short out for dodging her question on COVID-19 testing.
Short continued talking over Jackson before arguing that because the man Pence fist-bumped was a wounded veteran, it was a gesture that the VP couldn’t refuse.
“The fist bump is a wounded warrior who served our country and is a hero and if he puts his hand out to ask for a fist bump, I don’t think it’s a surprise the vice president is going to do that,” Short said.
Jackson then bluntly mentioned that nobody has an issue with Pence fist-bumping the veteran out of respect, but that the question is whether people in the front rows or the entire audience was tested for COVID-19.
Short curtly replied that he answered the question, prompting Jackson to point out that he only mentioned that COVID-19 tests taken by those backstage.
“So, no COVID testing then — let’s just put this in plain English,” Jackson told Short, who conceded that “some” weren’t tested.
“There were some that weren’t,” Short said. “And it was not universal because again, the buffer was there to keep the President and Vice President from the rest of the crowd.”
Short’s vehement defense of the large maskless crowd came after CNN reported that there was no COVID-19 testing requirement for attendees of Pence’s RNC speech before an audience of about 135 people. The crowd exceeded the audience of first lady Melania Trump’s speech at the newly renovated Rose Garden the night before, which was attended by approximately 70 people.
On Tuesday, first lady chief of staff Stephanie Grisham told CNN that those who sat “in the rows near” Trump and Pence during Melania Trump’s speech were tested for COVID-19 prior to the event.
Following the Washington Post’s report on Wednesday that 1,000 people are expected to attend Trump’s Thursday night speech at the White House, where he will accept the GOP’s nomination for re-election, a Trump campaign official told TPM that a coronavirus adviser has been consulted for in-person RNC events and necessary precautions are instituted based on their guidance.
Watch Short’s remarks below:


talkingpointsmemo--2020-08-27--CDC Takes Step Back From Guidance Limiting COVID-19 Testing

The Trump administration walked back , slightly , from recommendations designed to limit access to COVID-19 testing on Thursday , after the administration ’ s top public health official said that he was under anesthesia when the changes were approved .
Centers for Disease Control Director Dr. Robert Redfield issued a statement to reporters on Thursday saying that “ testing may be considered for all close contacts of confirmed or probable Covid-19 patients.
” That ’ s a reversal from the guidance that the administration released on Monday , in which it recommended that people who had been in close @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be tested if they were asymptomatic .
The resulting controversy saw numerous public health experts and organizations criticize the change and call for its reversal , drawing attention to established science showing that people can transmit the virus asymptomatically .
They included Dr. Tony Fauci , who said on Wednesday that he was under anesthesia when the changes were approved and that he was concerned it would “ give people the incorrect assumption that asymptomatic spread is not of great concern .
In fact , it is.
” Redfield ’ s statement partly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the question of whether those who have been exposed to people who have tested positive for the virus should be tested .
The CDC director said only that “ testing may be considered.
” “ Everyone who wants a test does not necessarily need a test ; the key is to engage the needed public health community in the decision with the appropriate follow-up action , ” Redfield said .
He also added that the Trump administration wished to put more of a focus on “ testing individuals with symptomatic illness , individuals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ certain vulnerable populations .
HHS spokesman Michael Caputo is reportedly insisting that the statement “ amplifies the policy .
It in no way changes the policy.
” Public health experts say that clear and direct communication is crucial for resolving a pandemic .
But it ’ s only the latest example of blundering confusion around a change in guidance .
HHS Assistant Secretary for Health Adm. Brett Giroir told reporters on Wednesday that “ conceptually , we don ’ t believe the number of tests should go down ” but that the administration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ areas already experiencing a serious outbreak .
That call came amid reports that the guidance change was pushed on the CDC from the “ top down.
” Giroir pushed back on that , saying that Dr. Fauci and others signed off on the recommendations .
Fauci was on an operating room table , in surgery when the changes were approved .
He released a statement on Wednesday criticizing the shift .

The Trump administration walked back, slightly, from recommendations designed to limit access to COVID-19 testing on Thursday, after the administration’s top public health official said that he was under anesthesia when the changes were approved.
Centers for Disease Control Director Dr. Robert Redfield issued a statement to reporters on Thursday saying that “testing may be considered for all close contacts of confirmed or probable Covid-19 patients.”
That’s a reversal from the guidance that the administration released on Monday, in which it recommended that people who had been in close contact with someone positive for COVID-19 not be tested if they were asymptomatic.
The resulting controversy saw numerous public health experts and organizations criticize the change and call for its reversal, drawing attention to established science showing that people can transmit the virus asymptomatically.
They included Dr. Tony Fauci, who said on Wednesday that he was under anesthesia when the changes were approved and that he was concerned it would “give people the incorrect assumption that asymptomatic spread is not of great concern. In fact, it is.”
Redfield’s statement partly walks back the change, but leaves the question of whether those who have been exposed to people who have tested positive for the virus should be tested. The CDC director said only that “testing may be considered.”
“Everyone who wants a test does not necessarily need a test; the key is to engage the needed public health community in the decision with the appropriate follow-up action,” Redfield said.
He also added that the Trump administration wished to put more of a focus on “testing individuals with symptomatic illness, individuals with a significant exposure,” and certain vulnerable populations.
HHS spokesman Michael Caputo is reportedly insisting that the statement “amplifies the policy. It in no way changes the policy.”
Public health experts say that clear and direct communication is crucial for resolving a pandemic. But it’s only the latest example of blundering confusion around a change in guidance.
HHS Assistant Secretary for Health Adm. Brett Giroir told reporters on Wednesday that “conceptually, we don’t believe the number of tests should go down” but that the administration wanted to test those without symptoms to areas already experiencing a serious outbreak.
That call came amid reports that the guidance change was pushed on the CDC from the “top down.” Giroir pushed back on that, saying that Dr. Fauci and others signed off on the recommendations.
Fauci was on an operating room table, in surgery when the changes were approved. He released a statement on Wednesday criticizing the shift.


talkingpointsmemo--2020-08-27--Pelosi Doesn’t Think Biden Should ‘Dignify’ A Debate With Trump

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ( D-CA ) on Thursday said that she doesn ’ t think Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden should “ dignify ” a debate with President Donald Trump ahead of the November election .
“ I don ’ t think there should be any debates , ” Pelosi said in a news conference on Thursday .
“ I do not think the President of the United States has comported himself in a way that has any association with the truth , evidence , data , and facts .
I wouldn ’ t legitimize a conversation with him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the presidency of the United States.
” Pelosi ’ s scathing comments come as President Trump ’ s campaign has made the debates a key issue and made repeated efforts to influence the timing and makeup of this fall ’ s presidential debates , even providing a list of recommended moderators .
Those requests have been denied , with both the independent debate commission and the Biden campaign disinterested in changing direction .
The first of three presidential debates is scheduled to take place in Cleveland , Ohio , on Sept. 29 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that she found the behavior displayed by Trump when he faced then-Democratic rival Hillary Clinton “ disgraceful.
” “ He will probably act in a way that is beneath the dignity of the presidency .
He does that every day , ” Pelosi said .
She predicted that the President will also likely “ belittle ” the core intention of the debate .
“ They are not supposed to be about skulduggery on the part of somebody who has no respect for the office he holds , much less the democratic process , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to undermine the electoral process as evidence .
“ If Joe Biden asks you what I thought about it , I don ’ t think he should dignify that conversation with Donald Trump , ” Pelosi said .
But when asked later on Thursday if he agreed with Pelosi ’ s assessment , Biden said he would honor his commitment to go forward with the debates .
“ I will be a fact checker on the floor while I am debating him , ” Biden told MSNBC , conceding Pelosi ’ s point @ @ @ @ @ @ @ penchant for acknowledging facts .
He added that Pelosi ’ s comments echo the words of some Republicans who have told him not to honor Trump in debate in the absence of a fact-checker .
“ I think everybody knows this man has a somewhat pathological tendency not to tell the truth , ” Biden said .

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) on Thursday said that she doesn’t think Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden should “dignify” a debate with President Donald Trump ahead of the November election.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Thursday that she doesn't think presidential debates should be held because President Trump has ignored data and facts. "If Joe Biden asks you what I thought about it, I don't think he should dignify that conversation with Donald Trump," she said. pic.twitter.com/0UKK9SvIMO — TPM Livewire (@TPMLiveWire) August 27, 2020
“I don’t think there should be any debates,” Pelosi said in a news conference on Thursday. “I do not think the President of the United States has comported himself in a way that has any association with the truth, evidence, data, and facts. I wouldn’t legitimize a conversation with him, nor a debate in terms of the presidency of the United States.”
Pelosi’s scathing comments come as President Trump’s campaign has made the debates a key issue and made repeated efforts to influence the timing and makeup of this fall’s presidential debates, even providing a list of recommended moderators. Those requests have been denied, with both the independent debate commission and the Biden campaign disinterested in changing direction.
The first of three presidential debates is scheduled to take place in Cleveland, Ohio, on Sept. 29.
Looking back on 2016, Pelosi said that she found the behavior displayed by Trump when he faced then-Democratic rival Hillary Clinton “disgraceful.”
“He will probably act in a way that is beneath the dignity of the presidency. He does that every day,” Pelosi said. She predicted that the President will also likely “belittle” the core intention of the debate.
“They are not supposed to be about skulduggery on the part of somebody who has no respect for the office he holds, much less the democratic process,” Pelosi said, citing his efforts to undermine the electoral process as evidence.
“If Joe Biden asks you what I thought about it, I don’t think he should dignify that conversation with Donald Trump,” Pelosi said.
But when asked later on Thursday if he agreed with Pelosi’s assessment, Biden said he would honor his commitment to go forward with the debates.
“I will be a fact checker on the floor while I am debating him,” Biden told MSNBC, conceding Pelosi’s point that the President has not had a penchant for acknowledging facts. He added that Pelosi’s comments echo the words of some Republicans who have told him not to honor Trump in debate in the absence of a fact-checker.
“I think everybody knows this man has a somewhat pathological tendency not to tell the truth,” Biden said.


talkingpointsmemo--2020-08-27--Lindsey Graham Wants To ‘Sue QAnon’ For Inciting Violence

Sen. Lindsey Graham ( R-SC ) denounced the QAnon conspiracy theory in colorful terms Thursday , calling it “ batshit crazy.
” “ Well , QAnon is batshit crazy , ” he told journalist Peter Hamby for an interview published in Vanity Fair and on Snapchat .
“ Crazy stuff .
Inspiring people to violence.
” He went on to describe how difficult it is to tamp down untrue or dangerous information on social media websites like Twitter and TikTok , as opposed to in news outlets like CNN , and suggested removing section 230 of the 1996 Communications Decency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , often floated by conservatives , could make platforms legally liable for content they host .
“ I think it is a platform that plays off people ’ s fears , that compels them to do things they normally wouldn ’ t do , ” Graham said , seeming to suggest that QAnon is housed in a single place online .
It is , in fact , strewn across an ever-expanding number of social media sites and forums .
“ And it ’ s very much a threat , ” he added .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ shooting at Comet Ping Pong pizzeria in 2016 , where a gunman acted on the baseless belief that Hillary Clinton was running a child sex ring in the store ’ s ( nonexistent ) basement .
Pizzagate was soon subsumed into QAnon , which came along a bit later .
“ The pizza owner , under my theory , could sue QAnon for passing along garbage , ” he said .
“ That ’ s a pretty dramatic step .
But the only way I know to make people more responsible who run @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go too far.
” QAnon , a patchwork conspiracy theory that centers on President Donald Trump as protagonist and his political enemies as Satan-worshipping , cannibalistic pedophiles , is not siloed on any one website .
It was born in the fever swamps of the messaging board 4Chan , and has spread to all the major social media platforms .
It will also spread to Congress , in the form of Marjorie Greene , a businesswoman who won the Republican primary in Georgia ’ s deep-red 14th district , all but guaranteeing her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been struggling to position themselves in regard to the extreme conspiracy theory , perhaps wary of alienating its supporters or the President who has voiced his fondness for the believers .
With his denunciation , Graham has joined House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy ( R-CA ) and Rep. Denver Riggleman ( R-VA ) , both of whom have criticized the movement in recent days .
The White House , though , is being much friendlier to the devotees of Q , the conspiracy theory ’ s supposed leader , who makes cryptic posts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tonight , as Trump formally accepts the nomination of the Republican party at the White House , Greene will be in the audience .
“ Why aren ’ t @ Malinowski and @ RepRiggleman introducing a resolution condemning the # BLM / # ANTIFA terrorists who are burning churches , looting businesses and destroying everything in their path on a nightly basis ?
” she tweeted Tuesday , in response to a resolution denouncing QAnon .

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) denounced the QAnon conspiracy theory in colorful terms Thursday, calling it “batshit crazy.”
“Well, QAnon is batshit crazy,” he told journalist Peter Hamby for an interview published in Vanity Fair and on Snapchat. “Crazy stuff. Inspiring people to violence.”
He went on to describe how difficult it is to tamp down untrue or dangerous information on social media websites like Twitter and TikTok, as opposed to in news outlets like CNN, and suggested removing section 230 of the 1996 Communications Decency Act as a solution. That proposal, often floated by conservatives, could make platforms legally liable for content they host.
“I think it is a platform that plays off people’s fears, that compels them to do things they normally wouldn’t do,” Graham said, seeming to suggest that QAnon is housed in a single place online. It is, in fact, strewn across an ever-expanding number of social media sites and forums.
“And it’s very much a threat,” he added.
As an example, Graham described the shooting at Comet Ping Pong pizzeria in 2016, where a gunman acted on the baseless belief that Hillary Clinton was running a child sex ring in the store’s (nonexistent) basement. Pizzagate was soon subsumed into QAnon, which came along a bit later.
“The pizza owner, under my theory, could sue QAnon for passing along garbage,” he said. “That’s a pretty dramatic step. But the only way I know to make people more responsible who run these websites is allow lawsuits when they go too far.”
QAnon, a patchwork conspiracy theory that centers on President Donald Trump as protagonist and his political enemies as Satan-worshipping, cannibalistic pedophiles, is not siloed on any one website. It was born in the fever swamps of the messaging board 4Chan, and has spread to all the major social media platforms.
It will also spread to Congress, in the form of Marjorie Greene, a businesswoman who won the Republican primary in Georgia’s deep-red 14th district, all but guaranteeing her a general election win.
Republicans have been struggling to position themselves in regard to the extreme conspiracy theory, perhaps wary of alienating its supporters or the President who has voiced his fondness for the believers.
With his denunciation, Graham has joined House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) and Rep. Denver Riggleman (R-VA), both of whom have criticized the movement in recent days.
The White House, though, is being much friendlier to the devotees of Q, the conspiracy theory’s supposed leader, who makes cryptic posts in online forums that followers scrutinize. Tonight, as Trump formally accepts the nomination of the Republican party at the White House, Greene will be in the audience.
“Why aren’t @Malinowski and @RepRiggleman introducing a resolution condemning the #BLM / #ANTIFA terrorists who are burning churches, looting businesses and destroying everything in their path on a nightly basis?” she tweeted Tuesday, in response to a resolution denouncing QAnon.


talkingpointsmemo--2020-08-27--Biden Won’t Let Trump Hog The Whole Spotlight During His RNC Speech

Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden ’ s campaign plans to air its own counter-programming Thursday night to coincide with President Trump ’ s acceptance speech on the last night of the Republican National Convention .
According to the Washington Post , a new two-minute television ad from the Biden campaign will air on broadcast and cable networks on Thursday night as Trump accepts the GOP ’ s renomination at the RNC .
The ad is part of the Biden campaign ’ s $ 26 million ad buy for the week of the RNC .
The Biden campaign ’ s ad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ includes the former VP ’ s plans to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic .
It also portrays him as a high-energy campaigner as Republicans go after him for his elderly age and accuse him of lacking mental acuity .
“ When Joe Biden is president , America is just going to have to keep up , ” the ad ’ s narrator says , citing Biden ’ s COVID-19 response plans .
Although the ad takes on a more positive tone , it ’ s aimed at rebuking Trump on the day of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ despite not mentioning the President by name .
The ad features video clips of Trump juxtaposed with Biden .
The ad will also highlight Biden ’ s familiarity with loss based on his personal experiences — a message that became a recurring theme throughout last week ’ s DNC .
“ No one needs to tell Joe how hard life can hit you , ” the ad ’ s narrator says .
“ But he knows it ’ s in the pain you can find purpose.
” The ad is set to run @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fox News , according to the Post .
The Biden campaign ad won ’ t only air on the night of Trump ’ s acceptance speech , however .
According to the Post , it is scheduled to air Friday through Sunday in Arizona , Florida , Michigan , Nevada , North Carolina , Ohio , Pennsylvania , and Wisconsin .

Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden’s campaign plans to air its own counter-programming Thursday night to coincide with President Trump’s acceptance speech on the last night of the Republican National Convention.
According to the Washington Post, a new two-minute television ad from the Biden campaign will air on broadcast and cable networks on Thursday night as Trump accepts the GOP’s renomination at the RNC. The ad is part of the Biden campaign’s $26 million ad buy for the week of the RNC.
The Biden campaign’s ad centers around a positive message, which includes the former VP’s plans to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. It also portrays him as a high-energy campaigner as Republicans go after him for his elderly age and accuse him of lacking mental acuity.
“When Joe Biden is president, America is just going to have to keep up,” the ad’s narrator says, citing Biden’s COVID-19 response plans.
Although the ad takes on a more positive tone, it’s aimed at rebuking Trump on the day of the RNC’s grand finale, despite not mentioning the President by name. The ad features video clips of Trump juxtaposed with Biden.
The ad will also highlight Biden’s familiarity with loss based on his personal experiences — a message that became a recurring theme throughout last week’s DNC.
“No one needs to tell Joe how hard life can hit you,” the ad’s narrator says. “But he knows it’s in the pain you can find purpose.”
The ad is set to run on ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox News, according to the Post.
The Biden campaign ad won’t only air on the night of Trump’s acceptance speech, however. According to the Post, it is scheduled to air Friday through Sunday in Arizona, Florida, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.


talkingpointsmemo--2020-08-27--Kushner Gets Dunked On For Swipes At NBA Players’ ‘Luxury’ Of ‘Taking A Night Off’

Senior White House adviser Jared Kushner , President Donald Trump ’ s millionaire-son-in-law , wagged his finger at the Milwaukee Bucks and other NBA players during a CNBC interview on Thursday for having the “ luxury ” of boycotting their game the night before in solidarity with the protests in Kenosha , Wisconsin over the police shooting of Jacob Blake .
“ I think that the NBA players are very fortunate that they have the financial position where they ’ re able to take a night off from work without having to have the consequences to themselves financially , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 36 million with his wife and fellow White House adviser , Ivanka Trump , last year .
“ So they have that luxury , which is great.
” The White House official , heir to his father ’ s real estate empire , doubled down shortly afterward in a Politico interview , saying that the players “ have the luxury of taking a night off from work ” while “ most Americans don ’ t have the financial luxury to do that.
” But many people didn ’ t find the criticism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ estimated to be about $ 800 million , super compelling : Correction : The original draft contained a typo that erroneously stated Kushner and Ivanka Trump had made $ 136 million last year .
The figure is $ 36 million .

Senior White House adviser Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump’s millionaire-son-in-law, wagged his finger at the Milwaukee Bucks and other NBA players during a CNBC interview on Thursday for having the “luxury” of boycotting their game the night before in solidarity with the protests in Kenosha, Wisconsin over the police shooting of Jacob Blake.
“I think that the NBA players are very fortunate that they have the financial position where they’re able to take a night off from work without having to have the consequences to themselves financially,” said Kushner, who raked in some $36 million with his wife and fellow White House adviser, Ivanka Trump, last year. “So they have that luxury, which is great.”
The White House official, heir to his father’s real estate empire, doubled down shortly afterward in a Politico interview, saying that the players “have the luxury of taking a night off from work” while “most Americans don’t have the financial luxury to do that.”
But many people didn’t find the criticism from Kushner, with a net worth estimated to be about $800 million, super compelling:
Jared Kushner is a trust fund baby who hasn’t seen a hard days work in his entire life. Most NBA players are first generation wealth who worked their ass off to have a shot at the American dream https://t.co/MUmaiodjlE — MichaelStarr Hopkins (@Theonlyhonest) August 27, 2020
My Harvard ‘03 classmate Jared Kushner got in because his parents donated $2.5 million to Harvard. Me? I taught myself to take the SAT there was no $ for a class. Which one of us knows something about earning our position in life, Jared? https://t.co/AnwQNTGsuo — #JusticeforBreonna Prescod-Weinstein ??♀ (@IBJIYONGI) August 27, 2020
Jared Kushner, who has accomplished LITERALLY NOTHING in the 4 years he's been sycophanting around in the White House, says that LeBron James, who has, since 2005, been a champion of kids, opened a school, and runs a voting rights non-profit, should be "productive". Fuck. Off. https://t.co/5tPAB8Dhm9 — Holly Figueroa O'Reilly (@AynRandPaulRyan) August 27, 2020
No one knows more about “concrete solutions that are productive” than Jared Kushner, the man who solved the opioid crisis, brought peace to the Middle East, launched a flawless federal response to the coronavirus … I mean, we could spend all day talking about his successes! https://t.co/3NpuEe9eD3 — Kevin M. Kruse (@KevinMKruse) August 27, 2020
Give Kushner credit, he certainly knows what it’s like to be so financially well off that you never have to worry about working. But unlike those in the NBA, he was born into that. https://t.co/JVGjjZm6ti — Sam Stein (@samstein) August 27, 2020
Jared Kushner, born into wealth and married into even more wealth, who has failed at everything he’s been tasked to do and only gotten jobs because of daddy, thinks LeBron James should solve racism. https://t.co/Wljb5XFHGs — Russ Bengtson (@russbengtson) August 27, 2020
Chris Paul worked his whole life and won a scholarship to Wake Forest University. Jared Kushner’s father bought the spalpeen’s way into Harvard. https://t.co/kxEaWtIpFZ — Charles P. Pierce (@CharlesPPierce) August 27, 2020
Silver Spoon Jared Kushner calling NBA players “lucky for being able to take a night off from work” is too rich. These are grown men who have worked insanely hard to earn their jobs. Without rich parents. Unlike Jared…pic.twitter.com/9qIyRRyNZP — Rex Chapman?? (@RexChapman) August 27, 2020
Correction: The original draft contained a typo that erroneously stated Kushner and Ivanka Trump had made $136 million last year. The figure is $36 million.


talkingpointsmemo--2020-08-27--Intel Officials Debunk Barr Theory About Mass Foreign Counterfeiting Of Mail-In Ballots

The FBI has no evidence supporting a sensationalist theory pushed by President Trump and Attorney General Bill Barr that foreign powers could hijack mail-in elections by mass counterfeiting absentee ballots , according to reports of a press briefing held by U.S. intelligence officials Wednesday .
An FBI official told reporters on the briefing that the agency had “ no information about any nation state ” engaging in such a plot , according to NPR ’ s report on the briefing .
The comment came as the officials on the briefing more broadly described mail-in voting as safe from foreign intervention @ @ @ @ @ @ @ report .
However , the officials declined to address whether foreign actors , including Russia , were exploiting Trump ’ s baseless claims to help to spread disinformation about the election , according to CNN .
In the 2016 election , Russia ’ s election meddling on social media included messaging that amplified false claims about fraud , while using other tactics to suppress votes .
Both Justice Department and congressional investigators who have probed the 2016 meddling effort have noted that Russia social media disinformation campaign has continued .
Barr first floated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to foreign interference in a New York Times interview , after Trump had gone all in on attacking the expansion of mail-in voting that was happening due to the pandemic .
Trump has since echoed Barr ’ s false claim that vote-by-mail is vulnerable to foreign efforts to flood election officials with fake ballots .
Scores of election officials and other experts have pointed to all the flaws in Barr ’ s theory , including the U.S. ’ s localized approach to elections and the various security checks that are in place for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Barr described impossible to implement .
Barr has refused to back down from it , however .
At a July House hearing where lawmakers pressed him on theory , he claimed it was “ common sense ” that foreign actors could try such a maneuver , even while acknowledging that he had no evidence to back up the claims .

The FBI has no evidence supporting a sensationalist theory pushed by President Trump and Attorney General Bill Barr that foreign powers could hijack mail-in elections by mass counterfeiting absentee ballots, according to reports of a press briefing held by U.S. intelligence officials Wednesday.
An FBI official told reporters on the briefing that the agency had “no information about any nation state” engaging in such a plot, according to NPR’s report on the briefing.
The comment came as the officials on the briefing more broadly described mail-in voting as safe from foreign intervention, according to the New York Times report.
However, the officials declined to address whether foreign actors, including Russia, were exploiting Trump’s baseless claims to help to spread disinformation about the election, according to CNN.
In the 2016 election, Russia’s election meddling on social media included messaging that amplified false claims about fraud, while using other tactics to suppress votes.
Both Justice Department and congressional investigators who have probed the 2016 meddling effort have noted that Russia social media disinformation campaign has continued.
Barr first floated the theory that vote-by-mail could be vulnerable to foreign interference in a New York Times interview, after Trump had gone all in on attacking the expansion of mail-in voting that was happening due to the pandemic.
Trump has since echoed Barr’s false claim that vote-by-mail is vulnerable to foreign efforts to flood election officials with fake ballots.
Scores of election officials and other experts have pointed to all the flaws in Barr’s theory, including the U.S.’s localized approach to elections and the various security checks that are in place for absentee voting, that make the scheme Barr described impossible to implement.
Barr has refused to back down from it, however. At a July House hearing where lawmakers pressed him on theory, he claimed it was “common sense” that foreign actors could try such a maneuver, even while acknowledging that he had no evidence to back up the claims.