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Trump’s Approval Slides

Gallup : “ As President Trump works to contain the damage from the novel coronavirus outbreak in the U.S. , @ @ @ @ @ enjoyed as the nation entered a virtual lockdown has faded .
His job approval rating @ @ @ @ @ has slipped six percentage points since mid-March when he earned 49 % approval , which @ @ @ @ @ “ The six-point decline in the president ’ s approval rating is the sharpest drop @ @ @ @ @ Trump presidency so far , largely because Trump ’ s ratings have been highly stable @ @ @ @ @ the historical average for presidents ( back to 1945 ) of 53 % .
”

Gallup: “As President Trump works to contain the damage from the novel coronavirus outbreak in the U.S., the rally in support he enjoyed as the nation entered a virtual lockdown has faded. His job approval rating, now 43%, has slipped six percentage points since mid-March when he earned 49% approval, which tied his personal best.”
“The six-point decline in the president’s approval rating is the sharpest drop Gallup has recorded for the Trump presidency so far, largely because Trump’s ratings have been highly stable and have yet to reach the historical average for presidents (back to 1945) of 53%.”


politicalwire--2020-04-16--Business Leaders Keep Their Distance from Trump

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This piece is only available to Political Wire members.
The “task force” advising President Trump on how to reopen the economy was assembled so quickly that many members were not formally invited and only heard their names mentioned at the president’s daily coronavirus briefing.


politicalwire--2020-04-17--Testing Must Double or Triple Before Reopening

“ Testing for the coronavirus would have to be at least doubled or tripled from its current levels to allow @ @ @ @ @ of America ’ s economy , public health experts say , but it is unclear @ @ @ @ @ goal could be reached amid persistent shortages of testing supplies and a lack of coordination @ @ @ @ @ ” NBC News reports .
“ Without diagnostic testing on a massive scale , federal @ @ @ @ @ companies will lack a clear picture of who has been infected , who can safely @ @ @ @ @ the virus is spreading and when stay-at-home orders can be eased , public health experts @ @ @

“Testing for the coronavirus would have to be at least doubled or tripled from its current levels to allow for even a partial reopening of America’s economy, public health experts say, but it is unclear how soon such an ambitious goal could be reached amid persistent shortages of testing supplies and a lack of coordination from the Trump administration,” NBC News reports.
“Without diagnostic testing on a massive scale, federal and state officials and private companies will lack a clear picture of who has been infected, who can safely return to work, how the virus is spreading and when stay-at-home orders can be eased, public health experts say.”


politicalwire--2020-04-17--Most Disapprove of Trump on Pandemic

Most Disapprove of Trump on Pandemic

A new ABC News/Ipsos poll finds 44 % of Americans approve of President Trump ’ s handling of the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ disapprove .

“At least two brands have said they will suspend advertising on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, after their ads and those of other companies were run on an…


politicalwire--2020-04-17--Biden Says He Could Name His Cabinet If Needed

Joe Biden told donors he “ would consider announcing some cabinet members before the election , ” but clarified that @ @ @ @ @ made that commitment ” yet , the Washington Post reports .
“ Still , he @ @ @ @ @ good idea of who would fill the positions.
” Said Biden : “ If the @ @ @ @ @ , I tell you what .
You have to decide in three hours what your @ @ @ @ @ re going to be bounced out of the race , ’ I could write down @ @ @ @ @ cabinet .
There are at least two or three people qualified for every one of @ @ @ @

Joe Biden told donors he “would consider announcing some cabinet members before the election,” but clarified that he hasn’t “made that commitment” yet, the Washington Post reports.
“Still, he signaled that he has a good idea of who would fill the positions.”
Said Biden: “If the Lord Almighty said ‘Joe, I tell you what. You have to decide in three hours what your cabinet is or you’re going to be bounced out of the race,’ I could write down who could be in the cabinet. There are at least two or three people qualified for every one of those positions.”


politicalwire--2020-04-17--Falwell Warns Reporter In Midnight Message

Jerry Falwell Jr. called a New York Times reporter around midnight and left an ominous voicemail , the HuffPost reports @ @ @ @ @ You ’ re in some serious trouble .
”


politicalwire--2020-04-17--Trump Avoids All Non-Fox Interviews

Trump Avoids All Non-Fox Interviews

CNN : “ Trump hasn ’ t granted an interview to a non-Fox employee since January 22 , when he @ @ @ @ @ Joe Kernen in Davos .
Kernen began by asking about the coronavirus : ‘ Are @ @ @ @ @ at this point ?
’ ” Said Trump : “ No .
Not at all @ @ @ @ @ re — we have it totally under control .
It ’ s one person coming @ @ @ @ @ we have it under control .
It ’ s — going to be just fine.
@ @ @ @ @ Trump has been interviewed a dozen times on Fox News and Fox Business .
”

CNN: “Trump hasn’t granted an interview to a non-Fox employee since January 22, when he chatted with CNBC’s Joe Kernen in Davos. Kernen began by asking about the coronavirus: ‘Are there worries about a pandemic at this point?’”
Said Trump: “No. Not at all. And — we’re — we have it totally under control. It’s one person coming in from China, and we have it under control. It’s — going to be just fine.”
“Since then, Trump has been interviewed a dozen times on Fox News and Fox Business.”


politicalwire--2020-04-17--Coronavirus Drug Shows Early Promise

Coronavirus Drug Shows Early Promise

“ A Chicago hospital treating severe Covid-19 patients with Gilead Sciences ’ antiviral medicine remdesivir in a closely watched clinical @ @ @ @ @ in fever and respiratory symptoms , with nearly all patients discharged in less than a @ @ @ @ @ .


politicalwire--2020-04-17--Coronavirus Deaths Reach Record 4,591 in 24 Hours

“ The number of reported deaths in the U.S. from the new coronavirus spiked to nearly double the prior record @ @ @ @ @ their lockdown orders , and the Trump administration released new federal guidelines to reopen the @ @ @ @ @ Street Journal reports .
“ In the 24 hours ending at 8 p.m. Eastern time @ @ @ @ @ reported to have died from Covid-19 , according to a Wall Street Journal analysis of @ @ @ @ @ .
The prior record was 2,569 on Wednesday .

“The number of reported deaths in the U.S. from the new coronavirus spiked to nearly double the prior record Thursday, as governors extended their lockdown orders, and the Trump administration released new federal guidelines to reopen the economy,” the Wall Street Journal reports.
“In the 24 hours ending at 8 p.m. Eastern time Thursday, 4,591 people were reported to have died from Covid-19, according to a Wall Street Journal analysis of data from Johns Hopkins University. The prior record was 2,569 on Wednesday.


politicalwire--2020-04-17--Meat Processing Plants Are Closing Due to Outbreaks

“ The coronavirus has sickened workers and forced slowdowns and closures of some of the country ’ s biggest meat @ @ @ @ @ by as much as 25 percent , industry officials say , and sparking fears of @ @ @ @ @ , ” the Washington Post reports .
Several of the country ’ s largest beef-packing @ @ @ @ @ .
”

“The coronavirus has sickened workers and forced slowdowns and closures of some of the country’s biggest meat processing plants, reducing production by as much as 25 percent, industry officials say, and sparking fears of a further round of hoarding,” the Washington Post reports.
Several of the country’s largest beef-packing companies have announced plant closures.”


politicalwire--2020-04-17--Gaetz Rents Office From Friend and Donor

Rep. Matt Gaetz ( R-FL ) “ has spent nearly $ 200,000 in taxpayer funds renting an office from a @ @ @ @ @ campaign donor and legal client , ” Politico reports .
“ Both men said in @ @ @ @ @ market rent for the space — although Gaetz later shifted , saying the rent was @ @ @ @ @ rate.
’ House rules explicitly state such arrangements are not allowed.
” “ House rules @ @ @ @ @ district offices must be ‘ at fair market value as the result of a bona @ @ @ @ @ transaction .
The Lessor and Lessee certify that the parties are not relatives nor have @ @ @ @ @ have , a professional or legal relationship ( except as a landlord and tenant ) @ @ @

Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) “has spent nearly $200,000 in taxpayer funds renting an office from a longtime friend, adviser, campaign donor and legal client,” Politico reports.
“Both men said in separate interviews Gaetz paid below market rent for the space — although Gaetz later shifted, saying the rent was ‘at or below market rate.’ House rules explicitly state such arrangements are not allowed.”
“House rules state that all leases for district offices must be ‘at fair market value as the result of a bona fide, arms-length, marketplace transaction. The Lessor and Lessee certify that the parties are not relatives nor have had, or continue to have, a professional or legal relationship (except as a landlord and tenant).’”


politicalwire--2020-04-17--Inside Congress’ Coronavirus Breakdown

Inside Congress’ Coronavirus Breakdown

Politico : “ It ’ s a tried and true tradition in politics for leaders to harangue the other side @ @ @ @ @ the scenes to clinch a bipartisan deal .
But the institution is hindered by the @ @ @ @ @ thereof — between the four leaders.
” “ For Pelosi and McConnell , there are @ @ @ @ @ the last round of coronavirus negotiations played out .
Pelosi and McCarthy have a limited @ @ @ @ @ and McConnell are standoffish at the best of times.
” “ That dynamic makes governing @ @ @ @ @ .
But now , some lawmakers note , the consequences are literally life and death @ @ @ @ @ , critical funds for small businesses , hospitals and state and local governments are running @ @ @

Politico: “It’s a tried and true tradition in politics for leaders to harangue the other side publicly while quietly working behind the scenes to clinch a bipartisan deal. But the institution is hindered by the interpersonal relationships — or lack thereof — between the four leaders.”
“For Pelosi and McConnell, there are still hard feelings over how the last round of coronavirus negotiations played out. Pelosi and McCarthy have a limited working relationship, while Schumer and McConnell are standoffish at the best of times.”
“That dynamic makes governing in ordinary times a challenge. But now, some lawmakers note, the consequences are literally life and death. While party leaders bicker, critical funds for small businesses, hospitals and state and local governments are running out.”


politicalwire--2020-04-17--What It’s Like to Attend a Trump Briefing

Ryan Lizza : “ Watching these events on television doesn ’ t capture how surreal they really are , so @ @ @ @ @ I ventured to the White House to see them up close.
” “ There was @ @ @ @ @ enter the White House grounds , as there often is on a day when Trump @ @ @ @ @ Pebble Beach , the row of TV standup locations along the driveway to the West @ @ @ @ @ .
A White House staffer wielding another thermometer greeted me and other reporters as we @ @ @ @ @ the briefing room .
”

Ryan Lizza: “Watching these events on television doesn’t capture how surreal they really are, so on Monday and Thursday, I ventured to the White House to see them up close.”
“There was no line of reporters to enter the White House grounds, as there often is on a day when Trump holds a news conference. Pebble Beach, the row of TV standup locations along the driveway to the West Wing, was eerily quiet. A White House staffer wielding another thermometer greeted me and other reporters as we arrived outside the door to the briefing room.”


politicalwire--2020-04-17--Michael Cohen to Be Released from Prison

“ The federal Bureau of Prisons has notified Michael Cohen , President Trump ’ s former personal attorney , that @ @ @ @ @ from prison due to the coronavirus pandemic , ” CNN reports .
“ Cohen was @ @ @ @ @ 2021 , but he will be allowed to serve the remainder of his sentence from @ @ @ @

“The federal Bureau of Prisons has notified Michael Cohen, President Trump’s former personal attorney, that he will be released early from prison due to the coronavirus pandemic,” CNN reports.
“Cohen was scheduled for release in November 2021, but he will be allowed to serve the remainder of his sentence from home confinement.”


Note to Readers


Florida Reopens Beaches

“ Florida ’ s governor on Friday gave the green light for some beaches and parks to reopen if it @ @ @ @ @ and north Florida beaches became among the first to allow people to return since closures @ @ @ @ @ ” the AP reports .

“Florida’s governor on Friday gave the green light for some beaches and parks to reopen if it can be done safely, and north Florida beaches became among the first to allow people to return since closures because of the coronavirus,” the AP reports.


politicalwire--2020-04-18--Live Event: Front Row at the White House

This event is only available to Political Wire members .
I ’ m pleased to invite you to a live @ @ @ @ @ at the Trump Show : A Conversation with ABC News ’ Jonathan Karl Jon Karl @ @ @ @ @ and the author of Front Row at the White House , will be interviewed by @ @ @ @ @ from graduate school and host of Chris Riback ’ s Conversations .
The event is @ @ @ @ @ s Institute of Politics and Global Affairs .
Join us on Thursday , April 23 @ @ @ @ @ .
Register to attend and you ’ ll be sent the link and a reminder @


politicalwire--2020-04-18--Trump Campaign Secretly Paying Sons’ Significant Others

President Trump ’ s campaign is secretly paying one Trump son ’ s wife and another one ’ s girlfriend @ @ @ @ @ through the campaign manager ’ s private company , the HuffPost reports .


politicalwire--2020-04-18--GOP Rift Grows Over Social Distancing

GOP Rift Grows Over Social Distancing

“ A growing number of Republican lawmakers across the country are pushing for a more rapid reboot of the American @ @ @ @ @ , arguing that the risk of spreading more sickness — and even death — is @ @ @ @ @ damage that widespread stay-at-home orders have wrought , ” the Washington Post reports .
“ @ @ @ @ @ and breathing energy into a grass-roots conservative movement of resistance against government-ordered quarantine measures — @ @ @ @ @ to back in several tweets Friday — but are facing defiance within their own party @ @ @ @ @ governors and fellow lawmakers who warn that a rash reopening could reinvigorate the virus ’ @ @ @ @ @ : Trump says some state orders are “ too tough .
”

“A growing number of Republican lawmakers across the country are pushing for a more rapid reboot of the American economy amid the coronavirus pandemic, arguing that the risk of spreading more sickness — and even death — is outweighed by the broader economic damage that widespread stay-at-home orders have wrought,” the Washington Post reports.
“They are taking cues from and breathing energy into a grass-roots conservative movement of resistance against government-ordered quarantine measures — one that President Trump appeared to back in several tweets Friday — but are facing defiance within their own party from Republican congressional leaders, governors and fellow lawmakers who warn that a rash reopening could reinvigorate the virus’s spread.”
NBC News: Trump says some state orders are “too tough.”


politicalwire--2020-04-18--Republicans Fret as Mnuchin Bargains With Democrats

“ Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and top Democrats negotiated on Friday to break an impasse over replenishing a stimulus program @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus pandemic , even as some Republicans privately worried that Mr. Mnuchin would concede @ @ @ @ @ to unfreeze a critical aid initiative , ” the New York Times reports .
“ @ @ @ @ @ to discuss a deal with Democrats on their demands to couple an infusion for the @ @ @ @ @ Protection Program — with more money for states , cities and hospitals to combat the @ @ @ @ @ funding lapsed on Thursday , they expressed the first hints of openness to accepting additional @ @ @ @ @ the administration ’ s request for $ 250 billion to keep the small-business program afloat @ @

“Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and top Democrats negotiated on Friday to break an impasse over replenishing a stimulus program to help small businesses weather the coronavirus pandemic, even as some Republicans privately worried that Mr. Mnuchin would concede too much in his zeal to unfreeze a critical aid initiative,” the New York Times reports.
“Top Republicans had steadfastly refused to discuss a deal with Democrats on their demands to couple an infusion for the small-business program — the Paycheck Protection Program — with more money for states, cities and hospitals to combat the virus. But after the funding lapsed on Thursday, they expressed the first hints of openness to accepting additional hospital or grant funding beyond the administration’s request for $250 billion to keep the small-business program afloat.”


politicalwire--2020-04-17--Extremists See ‘the Boogaloo’ In Trump’s Tweets

NBC News : “ Trump ’ s tweets came after small protests by Trump supporters broke out in a handful @ @ @ @ @ which were fueled by anti-vaccination and anti-government groups .
Anti-government sentiment has percolated among far-right @ @ @ @ @ the stay-at-home orders governors have issued to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
” “ @ @ @ @ @ however , pushed many online extremist communities to speculate whether the president was advocating for @ @ @ @ @ they ’ ve termed ‘ the boogaloo , ’ for which many far-right activists have @ @ @ @ @ since last year .
”

NBC News: “Trump’s tweets came after small protests by Trump supporters broke out in a handful of states, many of which were fueled by anti-vaccination and anti-government groups. Anti-government sentiment has percolated among far-right extremists in recent weeks over the stay-at-home orders governors have issued to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.”
“Trump’s tweets, however, pushed many online extremist communities to speculate whether the president was advocating for armed conflict, an event they’ve termed ‘the boogaloo,’ for which many far-right activists have been gearing up and advocating since last year.”


Trump the Tyrant

Andrew Sullivan : “ Trump claims the powers of a tyrant , behaves like one , talks like one , @ @ @ @ @ broken every norm a liberal democracy requires , and set dangerous precedents that could enable @ @ @ @ @ norms in the future.
” “ But he doesn ’ t actually want to be @ @ @ @ @ s way too much work .
It requires real management skills — and Trump has @ @ @ @ @ be treated like a king , regarded as a king , and fawned on like @ @ @ @ @ ’ s about it .
He seems only attached to power insofar as power is @ @ @ @ @ fame without criticism helps assuage his acute and disordered psychic needs .
”

Andrew Sullivan: “Trump claims the powers of a tyrant, behaves like one, talks like one, struts like one, has broken every norm a liberal democracy requires, and set dangerous precedents that could enable a serious collapse in constitutional norms in the future.”
“But he doesn’t actually want to be a tyrant. It’s way too much work. It requires real management skills — and Trump has none. He wants to be treated like a king, regarded as a king, and fawned on like a king, but that’s about it. He seems only attached to power insofar as power is attached to fame, and fame without criticism helps assuage his acute and disordered psychic needs.”


politicalwire--2020-04-17--Republicans Are ‘Full Steam Ahead’ on Convention Plans

RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel told the Washington Examiner there are no plans to scale down the August convention to renominate @ @ @ @ @ : “ We are full steam ahead .
We ’ re ready to go.
” @ @ @ @ @ virtual convention is not on the table for us .
So no matter what , @ @ @ @ @ physical convention — or , a physical nominating process .
”

RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel told the Washington Examiner there are no plans to scale down the August convention to renominate President Trump.
Said McDaniel: “We are full steam ahead. We’re ready to go.”
She added: “A virtual convention is not on the table for us. So no matter what, we will be having a physical convention — or, a physical nominating process.”


politicalwire--2020-04-17--Bonus Quote of the Day

Bonus Quote of the Day

“ People aren ’ t going to put up with this .
People instinctively know we got to get back @ @ @ @ @ to reopen the economy .
People instinctively know now that however bad this is , @ @ @ @ @ bad as they all told us.
” — Rush Limbaugh , encouraging protests against social @ @ @ @ @ .

“People aren’t going to put up with this. People instinctively know we got to get back to work. We have to reopen the economy. People instinctively know now that however bad this is, it isn’t as bad as they all told us.”
— Rush Limbaugh, encouraging protests against social distancing on his radio show.


politicalwire--2020-04-17--Economic Confidence Collapses In Record Drop

Gallup : “ Americans ’ evaluations of the economy have abruptly turned negative amid the coronavirus pandemic .
Gallup ’ @ @ @ @ @ now -32 , down from +22 in March.
” “ The 54-point drop is the @ @ @ @ @ ’ s trend dating back to 1992.. Just two months ago , economic confidence was @ @ @ @ @ in 20 years .
”

Gallup: “Americans’ evaluations of the economy have abruptly turned negative amid the coronavirus pandemic. Gallup’s Economic Confidence Index is now -32, down from +22 in March.”
“The 54-point drop is the largest one-month change in Gallup’s trend dating back to 1992.. Just two months ago, economic confidence was the highest it had been in 20 years.”


politicalwire--2020-04-17--Africa Could See 3.3 Million Coronavirus Deaths

Associated Press : “ Under the worst-case scenario with no interventions against the virus , Africa could see 3.3 million @ @ @ @ @ Even with ‘ intense social distancing , ’ under the best-case scenario the continent could @ @ @ @ @ infections.
” “ Any of the scenarios would overwhelm Africa ’ s largely fragile and @ @ @ @ @

Associated Press: “Under the worst-case scenario with no interventions against the virus, Africa could see 3.3 million deaths and 1.2 billion infections… Even with ‘intense social distancing,’ under the best-case scenario the continent could see more than 122 million infections.”
“Any of the scenarios would overwhelm Africa’s largely fragile and underfunded health systems.”


politicalwire--2020-04-17--Trump Campaign Pledges to Hold Rallies Again

“ President Trump ’ s re-election campaign says it ’ s still planning to hold rallies leading up to November @ @ @ @ @ public health experts warning large gatherings should be put on hold until as late as @ @ @ @ @ News reports .
“ Behind closed doors , Trump campaign officials have discussed holding rallies @ @ @ @ @ deemed low risk and even ways to implement social distancing precautions at future rallies .
@

“President Trump’s re-election campaign says it’s still planning to hold rallies leading up to November’s election, despite public health experts warning large gatherings should be put on hold until as late as next year,” ABC News reports.
“Behind closed doors, Trump campaign officials have discussed holding rallies in certain states that are deemed low risk and even ways to implement social distancing precautions at future rallies.”


politicalwire--2020-04-17--Loeffler Blames Socialism for Decision to Dump Stock

In a Fox News interview , Sen. Kelly Loeffler ( R-GA ) blamed socialism for her decision to dump her @ @ @ @ @ private briefing on the coronavirus earlier this year .
Said Loeffler : “ This was @ @ @ @ @ take away from the issue at hand .
And to use this outbreak to play @ @ @ @ @ this and taken extraordinary measures to make sure that we can ’ t be attacked @ @ @ @ @ gets at the very heart of why I came to Washington , to defend free @ @ @ @ @ .
This is a socialist attack .
”

In a Fox News interview, Sen. Kelly Loeffler (R-GA) blamed socialism for her decision to dump her stock holdings after receiving a private briefing on the coronavirus earlier this year.
Said Loeffler: “This was a political attack designed to take away from the issue at hand. And to use this outbreak to play politics. We have addressed this and taken extraordinary measures to make sure that we can’t be attacked for our success. This gets at the very heart of why I came to Washington, to defend free enterprise, to defend capitalism. This is a socialist attack.”


Shakespeare and Trump

Out soon : Shakespeare and Trump by Jeffrey R. Wilson .
“ Should we draw an analogy between Shakespeare ’ @ @ @ @ @ Caesar , Macbeth , and King Lear—and Donald Trump ?
In Shakespeare and Trump , @ @ @ @ @ to real life , examining plot , character , villainy , soliloquy , tragedy , @ @ @ @ @ identify the formal features of the Trump phenomenon , and its hidden causes , structure @ @ @ @ @

Out soon: Shakespeare and Trump by Jeffrey R. Wilson.
“Should we draw an analogy between Shakespeare’s tyrants—Richard III, Julius Caesar, Macbeth, and King Lear—and Donald Trump? In Shakespeare and Trump, Jeffrey Wilson applies literary criticism to real life, examining plot, character, villainy, soliloquy, tragedy, myth, and metaphor to identify the formal features of the Trump phenomenon, and its hidden causes, structure, and meanings.”


politicalwire--2020-04-17--Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day

“ There is no question that if we ’ d had a president in charge who actually took their responsibility @ @ @ @ @ probably be looking at a lot less damage than we have incurred .
We watch @ @ @ @ @ people infected and the number of people who are dead .
We are every day @ @ @ @ @ body bags .
So , look , the buck stops with the president.
” — @ @ @ @ @ an interview with Vice .

“There is no question that if we’d had a president in charge who actually took their responsibility seriously, that we would probably be looking at a lot less damage than we have incurred. We watch every day the number of people infected and the number of people who are dead. We are every day hearing and watching stories about body bags. So, look, the buck stops with the president.”
— Sen. Kamala Harris, in an interview with Vice.


politicalwire--2020-04-17--Cuomo and Trump Exchange Barbs

Cuomo and Trump Exchange Barbs

Gov .
Andrew Cuomo said at his daily briefing that New York could not fully reopen its economy without more @ @ @ @ @ not be done “ without federal help , ” the New York Times reports .
@ @ @ @ @ government was “ passing the buck without passing the bucks.
” Before the briefing was @ @ @ @ @ : “ Governor Cuomo should spend more time ‘ doing ’ and less time ‘ @ @ @ @ @ there and get the job done .
Stop talking !
” Which allowed Cuomo to @ @ @ @ @ all , if he ’ s sitting home watching TV , maybe he should get @ @ @ @ @ , right ?
Second , let ’ s keep emotion and politics out of this @ @ @ @ @ we can .
Because this is about the people .
”

Gov. Andrew Cuomo said at his daily briefing that New York could not fully reopen its economy without more widespread testing, which could not be done “without federal help,” the New York Times reports.
He explained that the federal government was “passing the buck without passing the bucks.”
Before the briefing was over, President Trump tweeted: “Governor Cuomo should spend more time ‘doing’ and less time ‘complaining’. Get out there and get the job done. Stop talking!”
Which allowed Cuomo to respond: “First of all, if he’s sitting home watching TV, maybe he should get up and go to work, right? Second, let’s keep emotion and politics out of this, and personal ego if we can. Because this is about the people.”


Heartland Hotspots

“ Just as cases are starting to plateau in some big cities and along the coasts , the coronavirus is @ @ @ @ @ across the American heartland , where there has been a small but significant spike this @ @ @ @ @ CNN reports .
“ Playing out amid these outbreaks is a clash between a frontier @ @ @ @ @ and personal responsibility , and the onerous but necessary restrictions to contain a novel biological @ @ @

“Just as cases are starting to plateau in some big cities and along the coasts, the coronavirus is catching fire in rural states across the American heartland, where there has been a small but significant spike this week in cases,” CNN reports.
“Playing out amid these outbreaks is a clash between a frontier culture that values individual freedom and personal responsibility, and the onerous but necessary restrictions to contain a novel biological threat.”


politicalwire--2020-04-17--Smugglers Sawed Through Trump’s Wall 18 Times

“ Smugglers sawed into new sections of President Trump ’ s border wall 18 times in the San Diego area @ @ @ @ @ late last year , ” the Washington Post reports .
“ The breaches and attempted @ @ @ @ @ 27 and Oct. 27 , according to CBP records , with five of the incidents @ @ @ @ @ , Oct. 10 .
The agency withheld information about the specific locations of the incidents @ @ @ @ @ .
”

“Smugglers sawed into new sections of President Trump’s border wall 18 times in the San Diego area during a single one-month span late last year,” the Washington Post reports.
“The breaches and attempted breaches were made between Sept. 27 and Oct. 27, according to CBP records, with five of the incidents occurring on a single day, Oct. 10. The agency withheld information about the specific locations of the incidents, citing law enforcement sensitivities.”


politicalwire--2020-04-17--Biden Attacks Trump on Coronavirus Response

Joe Biden is mounting a new offensive against President Trump and his allies over the administration ’ s response to @ @ @ @ @ reports .
The new digital campaign argues that Trump “ was more worried about protecting @ @ @ @ @ than he was about the virus that had already come to America .
”

Joe Biden is mounting a new offensive against President Trump and his allies over the administration’s response to the coronavirus, NBC News reports.
The new digital campaign argues that Trump “was more worried about protecting his trade deal with China than he was about the virus that had already come to America.”


It’s Classic Trump

Susan Glasser : “ His two most memorable lines of the COVID-19 pandemic , proclaiming ‘ absolute authority ’ and @ @ @ @ @ , ’ are wildly contradictory , and yet also completely consistent with his approach to @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus is truly a new type of American crisis , but it has been met @ @ @ @ @ same old from America ’ s President : unhinged press conferences and unfounded conspiracy theories @ @ @ @ @ and bizarre non sequiturs ; and abrupt , seemingly incomprehensible policy shifts from a leader @ @ @ @ @ course at the expense of his own credibility .
”

Susan Glasser: “His two most memorable lines of the COVID-19 pandemic, proclaiming ‘absolute authority’ and ‘no responsibility at all,’ are wildly contradictory, and yet also completely consistent with his approach to governing.”
“The novel coronavirus is truly a new type of American crisis, but it has been met by the same old, same old from America’s President: unhinged press conferences and unfounded conspiracy theories; lies, attacks, and bizarre non sequiturs; and abrupt, seemingly incomprehensible policy shifts from a leader who has no problem changing course at the expense of his own credibility.”


politicalwire--2020-04-18--Cohen Writing Book to ‘Spill the Beans’ on Trump

Michael Cohen has been spending his time behind bars writing an explosive tell-all book about his stint as President Trump @ @ @ @ @ plans on releasing it before the election , the Daily Beast reports .

“At least two brands have said they will suspend advertising on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, after their ads and those of other companies were run on an…


politicalwire--2020-04-18--New Surge Threatens to Collapse Japan’s Hospitals

“ Hospitals in Japan are increasingly turning away sick people as the country struggles with surging coronavirus infections and its @ @ @ @ @ ” the AP reports .
“ Japan initially seemed to have controlled the outbreak by @ @ @ @ @ in specific places , usually enclosed spaces such as clubs , gyms and meeting venues @ @ @ @ @ virus outpaced this approach and most new cases are untraceable .
”

“Hospitals in Japan are increasingly turning away sick people as the country struggles with surging coronavirus infections and its emergency medical system collapses,” the AP reports.
“Japan initially seemed to have controlled the outbreak by going after clusters of infections in specific places, usually enclosed spaces such as clubs, gyms and meeting venues. But the spread of virus outpaced this approach and most new cases are untraceable.”


politicalwire--2020-04-18--Biden May Let Sanders Keep His Delegates

“ Seeking to avoid the bitter feelings that marred the 2016 Democratic convention , Joe Biden ’ s campaign is @ @ @ @ @ to keep some of the delegates he would otherwise forfeit by dropping out of the @ @ @ @ @ AP reports .

“Seeking to avoid the bitter feelings that marred the 2016 Democratic convention, Joe Biden’s campaign is angling to allow Bernie Sanders to keep some of the delegates he would otherwise forfeit by dropping out of the presidential race,” the AP reports.


politicalwire--2020-04-18--Trump Leads Pro-Plague States to a COVID Civil War

Rick Wilson : “ Donald Trump fired the first shots in the COVID Civil War this week , a modern-day @ @ @ @ @ States of America sending his opening salvo from Fort Twitter at Democratic governors who dared @ @ @ @ @ ’ t just a wee bit early to end the stay-at-home orders in states still @ @ @ @ @ the peak.
” “ He started the week with claims of ‘ total authority ’ @ @ @ @ @ supposed mutiny by mouthy state leaders .
By Friday , he was up to calls @ @ @ @ @ ” “ Who does he want people to rise up against , exactly : People @ @ @ @ @ to die ?
People who don ’ t want protesters spreading a deadly disease that @ @ @ @ @ Americans ?
Governors who swore an oath to serve their states and protect their citizens @ @ @ @ @ ”

Rick Wilson: “Donald Trump fired the first shots in the COVID Civil War this week, a modern-day Jefferson Davis of the Pro-Plague States of America sending his opening salvo from Fort Twitter at Democratic governors who dared to question if it wasn’t just a wee bit early to end the stay-at-home orders in states still far to the left of the peak.”
“He started the week with claims of ‘total authority’ and then cried about a supposed mutiny by mouthy state leaders. By Friday, he was up to calls to ‘liberate’ states.”
“Who does he want people to rise up against, exactly: People who don’t want to die? People who don’t want protesters spreading a deadly disease that’s already killed 34,000 Americans? Governors who swore an oath to serve their states and protect their citizens? Science? Medicine?”


politicalwire--2020-04-18--Top House Republican Backs More Hospital Funding

“ A standoff over replenishing a popular loan program for small businesses showed signs of easing Friday , as a @ @ @ @ @ with hospital funding , one of the measures sought by Democrats in their negotiations with @ @ @ @ @ the next round of coronavirus aid , ” the Wall Street Journal reports .
“ @ @ @ @ @ negotiations , House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy ( R-CA ) said that he would support @ @ @ @ @ additional $ 250 billion for the Paycheck Protection Program , or PPP , a small-business @ @ @ @ @ workers employed that exhausted its initial $ 350 billion allocation on Thursday .
”

“A standoff over replenishing a popular loan program for small businesses showed signs of easing Friday, as a top Republican backed pairing it with hospital funding, one of the measures sought by Democrats in their negotiations with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin over the next round of coronavirus aid,” the Wall Street Journal reports.
“Reflecting a shift in the negotiations, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) said that he would support combining hospital funding with an additional $250 billion for the Paycheck Protection Program, or PPP, a small-business loan program aimed at keeping workers employed that exhausted its initial $350 billion allocation on Thursday.”


politicalwire--2020-04-18--Masturbating Man Zooms Into Election Meeting

“ Something unexpected popped up during Friday ’ s virtual meeting of the Indiana Election Commission on the Zoom online @ @ @ @ @ Lincoln Journal Star reports .
“ An unidentified participant took over the single screen shared @ @ @ @ @ state and county election officials and members of the media and used it to display @ @ @ @ @ masturbating .
”

“Something unexpected popped up during Friday’s virtual meeting of the Indiana Election Commission on the Zoom online video platform,” the Lincoln Journal Star reports.
“An unidentified participant took over the single screen shared among commission members, numerous state and county election officials and members of the media and used it to display a video of a man masturbating.”


politicalwire--2020-04-18--There’s Absolutely No Plan

There’s Absolutely No Plan

This piece is only available to Political Wire members .
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politicalwire--2020-04-18--Virus Claims at Least 7,000 in U.S. Nursing Homes

New York Times : “ Overall , about a fifth of deaths from the virus in the United States have @ @ @ @ @ or other long-term care facilities , the Times review of cases shows .
And more @ @ @ @ @ across the nation have contracted it .
”

New York Times: “Overall, about a fifth of deaths from the virus in the United States have been tied to nursing homes or other long-term care facilities, the Times review of cases shows. And more than 36,500 residents and employees across the nation have contracted it.”


politicalwire--2020-04-19--Trump Says China Could Face ‘Consequences’

President Trump said on Saturday that China should face unspecified consequences if it was “ knowingly responsible ” for the @ @ @ @ @ Said Trump : “ If it was a mistake , a mistake is a mistake @ @ @ @ @ knowingly responsible , yeah , I mean , then sure there should be consequences .
@

President Trump said on Saturday that China should face unspecified consequences if it was “knowingly responsible” for the coronavirus pandemic, Reuters reports..
Said Trump: “If it was a mistake, a mistake is a mistake. But if they were knowingly responsible, yeah, I mean, then sure there should be consequences.”


politicalwire--2020-04-19--Small Business Loan Funds Ran Out In Minutes

“ Much of the $ 350 billion in the Small Business Administration ’ s emergency coronavirus relief fund was effectively @ @ @ @ @ minutes of launch , ” NBC News reports .
Said a JPMorgan Chase executive : @ @ @ @ @ even get through the first five minutes of applications.
” Key takeaway : “ An @ @ @ @ @ ultimately be required to meet the needs of small business owners .
”

“Much of the $350 billion in the Small Business Administration’s emergency coronavirus relief fund was effectively spoken for within the first minutes of launch,” NBC News reports.
Said a JPMorgan Chase executive: “We didn’t even get through the first five minutes of applications.”
Key takeaway: “An estimated $1.8 trillion may ultimately be required to meet the needs of small business owners.”
ABC News: Pelosi signals bipartisan deal “very close” for relief on small business fund.


politicalwire--2020-04-19--South Carolina to Reopen Beaches and Stores

South Carolina Gov .
Henry McMaster ( R ) on Monday will announce the reopening of public beaches and retail @ @ @ @ @ due to the coronavirus pandemic , the Charleston Post and Courier reports .


politicalwire--2020-04-19--Trump Campaign Plans Broad Attack on Biden

“ President Trump ’ s campaign is preparing to launch a broad effort aimed at linking Joe Biden to China @ @ @ @ @ would be more politically effective than defending or promoting Trump ’ s response to the @ @ @ @ @ Washington Post reports .
“ The decision by top campaign advisers , which has met @ @ @ @ @ officials and donors , reflects polling showing a declining approval rating for Trump among key @ @ @ @ @ supporting Biden in recent weeks , according to officials familiar with the data who spoke @ @ @ @ @ to discuss internal deliberations .
”

“President Trump’s campaign is preparing to launch a broad effort aimed at linking Joe Biden to China, after concluding that it would be more politically effective than defending or promoting Trump’s response to the coronavirus pandemic,” the Washington Post reports.
“The decision by top campaign advisers, which has met pushback from some White House officials and donors, reflects polling showing a declining approval rating for Trump among key groups and growing openness to supporting Biden in recent weeks, according to officials familiar with the data who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations.”


politicalwire--2020-04-19--Rhode Island Is Only State That Could Safely Reopen

“ Rhode Island is the only state conducting enough coronavirus tests right now to safely reopen the economy , according @ @ @ @ @ at Harvard University , ” WPRI reports .


politicalwire--2020-04-19--Trump Lashes Out at Governors Over Testing

“ President Trump on Saturday repeatedly blamed governors for not making full use of coronavirus testing capacity in their states @ @ @ @ @ and Republican governors said they are facing shortages of critical supplies to conduct tests , @ @ @ @ @ Trump : “ They don ’ t want to use all of the capacity that @ @ @ @ @ We have tremendous capacity .
They know that .
The governors know that .
The @ @ @ @ @ They ’ re the ones that are complaining .
”

“President Trump on Saturday repeatedly blamed governors for not making full use of coronavirus testing capacity in their states, even as several Democrat and Republican governors said they are facing shortages of critical supplies to conduct tests,” CNN reports.
Said Trump: “They don’t want to use all of the capacity that we’ve created. We have tremendous capacity. They know that. The governors know that. The Democrat governors know that. They’re the ones that are complaining.”


politicalwire--2020-04-18--Extra Bonus Quote of the Day

Extra Bonus Quote of the Day

“ It ’ s OK that we have different governors making different decisions in different states , but let me @ @ @ @ @ t OK… There was never a national strategy to prepare our country.
” — Sen. @ @ @ @ @ interview with CNN on President Trump ’ s coronavirus response .

“It’s OK that we have different governors making different decisions in different states, but let me tell you what isn’t OK… There was never a national strategy to prepare our country.”
— Sen. Amy Klobuchar, in an interview with CNN on President Trump’s coronavirus response.


politicalwire--2020-04-18--Record Debt Risks ‘Tipping Point’ After Pandemic

“ The United States is embarking on a rapid-fire experiment in borrowing without precedent , as the government and corporations @ @ @ @ @ of debt to offset the economic damage from the coronavirus pandemic , ” the Washington @ @ @ @ @ federal government is on its way this year to spending $ 4 trillion more than @ @ @ @ @ analysts say , a budget deficit roughly twice as large relative to the economy as @ @ @ @ @ ” “ Business borrowing also is setting records .
Giant corporations such as ExxonMobil and @ @ @ @ @ debt over the past decade , now are exhausting their credit lines and are tapping @ @ @ @ @ .
”

“The United States is embarking on a rapid-fire experiment in borrowing without precedent, as the government and corporations take on trillions of dollars of debt to offset the economic damage from the coronavirus pandemic,” the Washington Post reports.
“The federal government is on its way this year to spending $4 trillion more than it collects in revenue, analysts say, a budget deficit roughly twice as large relative to the economy as in any year since 1945.”
“Business borrowing also is setting records. Giant corporations such as ExxonMobil and Walgreens, which binged on debt over the past decade, now are exhausting their credit lines and are tapping bondholders for even more cash.”


politicalwire--2020-04-18--Biden Launches New Ad In Battlegrounds

Biden Launches New Ad In Battlegrounds

With sights set on the general election , Joe Biden ’ s campaign is launching its first set of targeted @ @ @ @ @ that focus on President Trump ’ s lack of preparation in handling coronavirus , NBC @ @ @ @ @ , Unprepared will play in Arizona , Florida , Michigan , North Carolina , Pennsylvania @ @ @

With sights set on the general election, Joe Biden’s campaign is launching its first set of targeted digital ads in battleground states that focus on President Trump’s lack of preparation in handling coronavirus, NBC News reports.
The ad, Unprepared will play in Arizona, Florida, Michigan, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.


politicalwire--2020-04-18--U.S. Shipped Millions of Face Masks to China

“ U.S .
manufacturers shipped millions of dollars of face masks and other protective medical equipment to China in January @ @ @ @ @ the federal government , ” the Washington Post reports .
“ The move underscores the @ @ @ @ @ to recognize and prepare for the growing pandemic threat.
” “ In those two months @ @ @ @ @ masks and related items exported from the United States to China grew more than 1,000 @ @ @ @ @ time last year — from $ 1.4 million to about $ 17.6 million.
” Wall @ @ @ @ @ high prices for masks from unproven vendors .

“U.S. manufacturers shipped millions of dollars of face masks and other protective medical equipment to China in January and February with encouragement from the federal government,” the Washington Post reports.
“The move underscores the Trump administration’s failure to recognize and prepare for the growing pandemic threat.”
“In those two months, the value of protective masks and related items exported from the United States to China grew more than 1,000 percent compared with the same time last year — from $1.4 million to about $17.6 million.”
Wall Street Journal: U.S. pays high prices for masks from unproven vendors.


politicalwire--2020-04-18--Trump Adviser Compares Protesters to Rosa Parks

Trump adviser Stephen Moore compared social~distancing protesters — some of whom carried Confederate flags — to Rosa Parks , Mediaite @ @ @ @ @ “ I call these people the modern-day Rosa Parks — they are protesting against injustice @ @ @ @ @ .
”


My Vanishing Country

Out next month : My Vanishing Country : A Memoir by Bakari Sellers .
“ An eye-opening journey through the @ @ @ @ @ present , and future .
”


politicalwire--2020-04-18--Trump Muddles His ‘Blame China’ Strategy

“ The strategy could not be clearer : From the Republican lawmakers blanketing Fox News to new ads from President @ @ @ @ @ to the biting criticism on Donald Trump Jr. ’ s Twitter feed , the G.O.P @ @ @ @ @ attention from the administration ’ s heavily criticized response to the coronavirus by pinning the @ @ @ @ @ the New York Times reports .
“ But there is a potential impediment to the @ @ @ @ @ leader of the party himself.
” “ Eager to continue trade talks , uneasy about @ @ @ @ @ hungry to protect his relationship with President Xi Jinping at a moment when the United @ @ @ @ @ ’ s manufacturers for lifesaving medical supplies , Mr. Trump has repeatedly muddied Republican efforts @ @ @ @ @

“The strategy could not be clearer: From the Republican lawmakers blanketing Fox News to new ads from President Trump’s super PAC to the biting criticism on Donald Trump Jr.’s Twitter feed, the G.O.P. is attempting to divert attention from the administration’s heavily criticized response to the coronavirus by pinning the blame on China,” the New York Times reports.
“But there is a potential impediment to the G.O.P. plan — the leader of the party himself.”
“Eager to continue trade talks, uneasy about further rattling the markets and hungry to protect his relationship with President Xi Jinping at a moment when the United States is relying on China’s manufacturers for lifesaving medical supplies, Mr. Trump has repeatedly muddied Republican efforts to fault China.”


politicalwire--2020-04-18--Bonus Quote of the Day

Bonus Quote of the Day

“ They were putting people at risk .
That selfishness must stop… They have freedom , but other people have @ @ @ @ @ should .
And they shouldn ’ t be inflicting or putting others at risk.
” @ @ @ @ @ Jennifer Granholm , on CNN , on those who protested Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer ’ @ @ @ @ @ in the week .

“They were putting people at risk. That selfishness must stop… They have freedom, but other people have freedom to live — or should. And they shouldn’t be inflicting or putting others at risk.”
— Former Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm, on CNN, on those who protested Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s extended stay-at-home order earlier in the week.


politicalwire--2020-04-18--Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day

“ Right now we have a president of the United States who thinks only about himself , who has no @ @ @ @ @ .
Joe Biden is a man who cares about others.
” — Sen. Elizabeth Warren @ @ @ @ @ MSNBC .

“Right now we have a president of the United States who thinks only about himself, who has no empathy for other human beings. Joe Biden is a man who cares about others.”
— Sen. Elizabeth Warren, in an interview with MSNBC.


politicalwire--2020-04-18--Why Biden Should Make a Hard Play for Florida

Harry Enten : “ The story of the 2016 election has often been told like this : ‘ Donald Trump @ @ @ @ @ the big blue wall in Michigan , Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.
’ It ’ s how @ @ @ @ @ those stories about Trump voters in Midwest diners .
Heading into 2020 , there ’ @ @ @ @ @ focus on those pivotal states.
” “ But when you look at the electoral math @ @ @ @ @ clear that former Vice President Joe Biden would be wise to look beyond those states @ @ @ @ @ in Florida.
” See how this plays out on the interactive electoral vote map .

Harry Enten: “The story of the 2016 election has often been told like this: ‘Donald Trump secured victory by breaking through the big blue wall in Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.’ It’s how you end up with all those stories about Trump voters in Midwest diners. Heading into 2020, there’s still a lot of focus on those pivotal states.”
“But when you look at the electoral math, it’s pretty clear that former Vice President Joe Biden would be wise to look beyond those states and make a heavy investment in Florida.”
See how this plays out on the interactive electoral vote map.


politicalwire--2020-04-18--House Republicans Take Aim at Thomas Massie

“ Always one to start a revolt , Rep. Thomas Massie ( R-KY ) is now facing one down — @ @ @ @ @ less than two months away from his election , ” the New York Times reports @ @ @ @ @ , a libertarian from Kentucky known for his contrarian streak , last month drew the @ @ @ @ @ and President Trump when he objected to the passage of a $ 2.2 trillion coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ vote , forcing scores of lawmakers to defy public health guidance and drive or fly @ @ @ @ @ the rapidly spreading pandemic.
” “ The move so infuriated members of his own party @ @ @ @ @ , Rep. Liz Cheney ( R-WY ) , donated to his primary challenger , Todd @ @ @ @ @ repudiation of a sitting lawmaker by a member of the leadership .
”

“Always one to start a revolt, Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) is now facing one down — from his own colleagues — less than two months away from his election,” the New York Times reports.
“Mr. Massie, a libertarian from Kentucky known for his contrarian streak, last month drew the wrath of Democrats, Republicans and President Trump when he objected to the passage of a $2.2 trillion coronavirus relief package without a recorded vote, forcing scores of lawmakers to defy public health guidance and drive or fly back to the Capitol amid the rapidly spreading pandemic.”
“The move so infuriated members of his own party that the third-ranking House Republican, Rep. Liz Cheney (R-WY), donated to his primary challenger, Todd McMurtry, in a stunning repudiation of a sitting lawmaker by a member of the leadership.”


politicalwire--2020-04-18--Stock Market and Economy Head In Different Directions

Wall Street Journal : “ The Dow Jones Industrial Average staged its best two-week performance since the 1930s , a @ @ @ @ @ many investors with a confounding reality : soaring share prices and a floundering economy .
@

“At least two brands have said they will suspend advertising on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, after their ads and those of other companies were run on an…


politicalwire--2020-04-18--Klobuchar Won’t Talk About Being Biden’s Veep

Sen. Amy Klobuchar sidestepped the question of whether she ’ d accept a position as Joe Biden ’ s running @ @ @ @ @ was not going to “ engage in hypotheticals.
” Earlier for members : Who you @ @ @ @ @

Sen. Amy Klobuchar sidestepped the question of whether she’d accept a position as Joe Biden’s running mate, telling CNN she was not going to “engage in hypotheticals.”
Earlier for members: Who you think Biden will pick.


politicalwire--2020-04-18--Putin Leverages Chaos to Get Closer to Trump

“ President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin appear to have had more sustained contact with each other in the @ @ @ @ @ any time since 2016 , as the Kremlin tries to use the coronavirus pandemic and @ @ @ @ @ two leaders to normalize long-strained relations with Washington , ” CNN reports .
“ The @ @ @ @ @ phone at least four times over a two-week period , beginning March 30 and ending @ @ @ @ @ pace for publicly known phone calls between the leaders .
”

“President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin appear to have had more sustained contact with each other in the past two weeks than at any time since 2016, as the Kremlin tries to use the coronavirus pandemic and close personal ties between the two leaders to normalize long-strained relations with Washington,” CNN reports.
“The two leaders spoke on the phone at least four times over a two-week period, beginning March 30 and ending on Sunday, a record pace for publicly known phone calls between the leaders.”


politicalwire--2020-04-19--Pandemic Could Keep Third Parties Off Ballot

“ The pandemic may have robbed Donald Trump of a growing economy .
It may have trapped Joe Biden in @ @ @ @ @ may yet do something even worse to the Libertarian and Green party nominees : keep @ @ @ @ @ many of this year ’ s key states , ” Politico reports .
“ Several @ @ @ @ @ are in states that in 2016 were either narrowly won or flipped from red-to-blue .
@

“The pandemic may have robbed Donald Trump of a growing economy. It may have trapped Joe Biden in his basement. But it may yet do something even worse to the Libertarian and Green party nominees: keep them off the ballot in many of this year’s key states,” Politico reports.
“Several of the elusive ballot lines are in states that in 2016 were either narrowly won or flipped from red-to-blue.”


politicalwire--2020-04-19--The Military Has Voted by Mail Since the Civil War

NBC News : “ It was the 1860s , the Civil War was raging and Republicans , led by President @ @ @ @ @ let Union soldiers vote from the battlefield .
The opposition Democrats balked .
They warned @ @ @ @ @ a scheme ’ by Republicans ‘ to gain some great advantage to their party , @ @ @ @ @ senator put it before the legislature voted on party lines to become the first state @ @ @ @ @ “ About 150,000 of the 1 million Union soldiers were able to vote absentee in @ @ @ @ @ what became the first widespread use of non-in person voting in American history.
” “ @ @ @ @ @ later , amidst a new debate over vote-by-mail as the country prepares to hold an @ @ @ @ @ of war — this one against the coronavirus , America ’ s long history of @ @ @ @ @ war zones shows the issue has always been controversial , but that the worst fears @ @ @ @ @ to pass .
”

NBC News: “It was the 1860s, the Civil War was raging and Republicans, led by President Abraham Lincoln, wanted to let Union soldiers vote from the battlefield. The opposition Democrats balked. They warned of rampant fraud and ‘a scheme’ by Republicans ‘to gain some great advantage to their party,’ as one Wisconsin state senator put it before the legislature voted on party lines to become the first state to legalize absentee voting.”
“About 150,000 of the 1 million Union soldiers were able to vote absentee in the 1864 presidential election in what became the first widespread use of non-in person voting in American history.”
“A century and a half later, amidst a new debate over vote-by-mail as the country prepares to hold an election during a different kind of war — this one against the coronavirus, America’s long history of letting soldiers vote from far-flung war zones shows the issue has always been controversial, but that the worst fears of critics have never come to pass.”


politicalwire--2020-04-19--Millions Lose Health Insurance During Pandemic

“ In a nation where most health coverage is hinged to employment , the economy ’ s vanishing jobs are @ @ @ @ @ midst of a pandemic , ” the Washington Post reports .
“ No one has @ @ @ @ @ many people have lost their health plans , but there are clues .
About 22 @ @ @ @ @ claims since mid-March , according to the most recent federal figures , and that includes @ @ @ @ @ gotten through to clogged state workforce offices .
The latest census data show that job-based @ @ @ @ @ of Americans ’ health insurance , though the kinds of work disappearing the most — @ @ @ @ @ the service industry — have always been less likely to offer health benefits .
”

“In a nation where most health coverage is hinged to employment, the economy’s vanishing jobs are wiping out insurance in the midst of a pandemic,” the Washington Post reports.
“No one has a count of exactly how many people have lost their health plans, but there are clues. About 22 million workers have filed unemployment claims since mid-March, according to the most recent federal figures, and that includes only the people who have gotten through to clogged state workforce offices. The latest census data show that job-based coverage accounted for 55 percent of Americans’ health insurance, though the kinds of work disappearing the most — restaurant jobs and others in the service industry — have always been less likely to offer health benefits.”


politicalwire--2020-04-19--Trump Now Claims He Saved ‘Billions’

Trump Now Claims He Saved ‘Billions’

President Trump absurdly claimed he saved “ billions ” of lives with his measures against the coronavirus .
Said Trump @ @ @ @ @ been billions of people if we had not done what we did.
” The entire @ @ @ @ @ just 330 million .

President Trump absurdly claimed he saved “billions” of lives with his measures against the coronavirus.
Said Trump: “It could have been billions of people if we had not done what we did.”
The entire population of the U.S. is just 330 million.


politicalwire--2020-04-19--Boris Johnson Skipped Emergency Meetings on Virus

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson missed multiple emergency meetings on the coronavirus as it spread rapidly and ignored warnings from @ @ @ @ @ the Sunday Times reports .
The result was Britain lost “ a crucial five weeks @ @ @ @ @ the dangerous threat of coronavirus ” and my have cost thousands of lives .
Johnson @ @ @ @ @ from Covid-19 , skipped five of the government ’ s emergency meetings in January and @ @ @ @ @ pandemic .

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson missed multiple emergency meetings on the coronavirus as it spread rapidly and ignored warnings from scientists about its lethality, the Sunday Times reports.
The result was Britain lost “a crucial five weeks in the fight to tackle the dangerous threat of coronavirus” and my have cost thousands of lives.
Johnson, who is still recovering from Covid-19, skipped five of the government’s emergency meetings in January and February held to discuss the pandemic.


politicalwire--2020-04-20--Democrats Tighten Grip on House Majority

“ Recruitment flops and lackluster fundraising have weakened Republicans ’ chances in over a dozen competitive House districts , leaving @ @ @ @ @ path back to power , ” Politico reports .
“ Though GOP strategists feel confident @ @ @ @ @ this cycle , the latest fundraising reports out last week painted a bleak picture of @ @ @ @ @ 18 seats needed to recapture the House , particularly with campaigning frozen by a global @ @ @

“Recruitment flops and lackluster fundraising have weakened Republicans’ chances in over a dozen competitive House districts, leaving them with an increasingly narrow path back to power,” Politico reports.
“Though GOP strategists feel confident they will see some gains this cycle, the latest fundraising reports out last week painted a bleak picture of their odds of netting the 18 seats needed to recapture the House, particularly with campaigning frozen by a global pandemic.”


politicalwire--2020-04-20--Pro-Gun Activists Push Anti-Quarantine Protests

“ A trio of far-right , pro-gun provocateurs is behind some of the largest Facebook groups calling for anti-quarantine protests @ @ @ @ @ the latest illustration that some seemingly organic demonstrations are being engineered by a network of @ @ @ @ @ Washington Post reports .
“ The Facebook groups target Wisconsin , Ohio , Pennsylvania and @ @ @ @ @ appear to be the work of Ben Dorr , the political director of a group @ @ @ @ @ , ’ and his siblings , Christopher and Aaron .
By Sunday , the groups @ @ @ @ @ , and they continued to expand quickly , days after President Trump endorsed such protests @ @ @ @ @ liberate ’ their states .
”

“A trio of far-right, pro-gun provocateurs is behind some of the largest Facebook groups calling for anti-quarantine protests around the country, offering the latest illustration that some seemingly organic demonstrations are being engineered by a network of conservative activists,” the Washington Post reports.
“The Facebook groups target Wisconsin, Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York, and they appear to be the work of Ben Dorr, the political director of a group called ‘Minnesota Gun Rights,’ and his siblings, Christopher and Aaron. By Sunday, the groups had roughly 200,000 members combined, and they continued to expand quickly, days after President Trump endorsed such protests by suggesting citizens should ‘liberate’ their states.”


politicalwire--2020-04-19--Trump, Democrats Near Deal on Small Business Aid

“ The White House and congressional Democrats on Sunday closed in on an agreement for a $ 450 billion economic @ @ @ @ @ depleted emergency fund for small businesses and to expand coronavirus testing around the country , @ @ @ @ @ possible early this week , ” the New York Times reports .
“ The agreement @ @ @ @ @ to replenish the emergency fund , called the Paycheck Protection Program ; $ 50 billion @ @ @ @ @ ’ s disaster relief fund ; $ 75 billion for hospitals and $ 25 billion @ @ @ @

“The White House and congressional Democrats on Sunday closed in on an agreement for a $450 billion economic relief package to replenish a depleted emergency fund for small businesses and to expand coronavirus testing around the country, with votes on the measure possible early this week,” the New York Times reports.
“The agreement would include $300 billion to replenish the emergency fund, called the Paycheck Protection Program; $50 billion for the Small Business Administration’s disaster relief fund; $75 billion for hospitals and $25 billion for testing.”


politicalwire--2020-04-19--Coronavirus Deaths Surge Past 40,000

Coronavirus Deaths Surge Past 40,000

As of this afternoon , 41,379 people have died from the coronavirus pandemic in the United States .


politicalwire--2020-04-19--Trump Tries to Gin Up a New Tea Party

Trump Tries to Gin Up a New Tea Party

Will Bunch : “ A decade ago I was so fascinated by a right-wing protest movement with similar , sometimes @ @ @ @ @ origins — the Tea Party —that I wrote an entire book about it , The @ @ @ @ @ learned back then is why I ’ m troubled by the way the Times , @ @ @ @ @ are covering 2020′s ‘ spontaneous ’ -not-really-right-wing rallies , because the real story is who @ @ @ @ @ why… ” “ But the endgame and the shared interests are very much the same @ @ @ @ @ diversion of anger in the Heartland — an anger with legitimate and understandable roots — @ @ @ @ @ hopefully onto the political enemies who threaten their power .
If it all sounds painfully @ @ @ @ @ This is the Tea Party Redux , except this time with the added thrill of @ @ @ @ @ the participants .
Maybe we should call this one the Ventilator Party , or maybe @ @ @ @ @

Will Bunch: “A decade ago I was so fascinated by a right-wing protest movement with similar, sometimes irrational demands and similar nebulous origins — the Tea Party —that I wrote an entire book about it, The Backlash. But what I learned back then is why I’m troubled by the way the Times, cable TV and other outlets are covering 2020′s ‘spontaneous’-not-really-right-wing rallies, because the real story is who stands behind them, and why…”
“But the endgame and the shared interests are very much the same. Distraction, and a diversion of anger in the Heartland — an anger with legitimate and understandable roots — away from them, and hopefully onto the political enemies who threaten their power. If it all sounds painfully familiar, it should. This is the Tea Party Redux, except this time with the added thrill of a seeming death wish among the participants. Maybe we should call this one the Ventilator Party, or maybe the Branch COVID-ians.”


politicalwire--2020-04-19--Trump Campaign Stiffs El Paso for $500K

Trump Campaign Stiffs El Paso for $500K

El Paso city officials tell KTSM that President Trump ’ s campaign still not not paid the $ 569,204 bill @ @ @ @ @ rally at the El Paso County Coliseum .
The bill mostly included overtime for El @ @ @ @ @ personnel .

El Paso city officials tell KTSM that President Trump’s campaign still not not paid the $569,204 bill for his February 2019 campaign rally at the El Paso County Coliseum.
The bill mostly included overtime for El Paso Police and Fire Department personnel.


politicalwire--2020-04-19--Live Event: The Problem Solvers Caucus

Live Event: The Problem Solvers Caucus

This online event is only available to Political Wire members .
Your support makes this site possible .
Join today @ @ @ @ @ experience and get exclusive analysis , new features and no advertising .
Sign in to @ @ @ @ @ !
If you ’ re already signed in and still seeing this message , your @ @ @ @ @ renew your membership , navigate to your account , adjust your credit card information and @ @ @ @ @ for just $ 5 a month or $ 50 a year .


politicalwire--2020-04-19--North Korea Denies Sending ‘Nice Note’ to Trump

North Korea on Sunday denied President Trump ’ s assertion that its leader , Kim Jong-un , had sent a @ @ @ @ @ suggested that Mr. Trump was using his vaunted relationship with Mr. Kim for “ selfish @ @ @ @ @ York Times reports .


politicalwire--2020-04-19--Trump Insists He’s Right on Testing

Trump Insists He’s Right on Testing

President Trump asserted he was “ right on testing ” just like he was “ right on Ventilators ” in @ @ @ @ @ faces criticism for saying the country has the needed testing capacity to reopen


politicalwire--2020-04-19--Americans at WHO Gave Info to U.S. In Real-Time

“ More than a dozen U.S. researchers , physicians and public health experts , many of them from the Centers @ @ @ @ @ , were working full time at the Geneva headquarters of the World Health Organization as @ @ @ @ @ last year and transmitted real-time information about its discovery and spread in China to the @ @ @ @ @ Washington Post reports .
“ The presence of so many U.S. officials undercuts President Trump @ @ @ @ @ WHO ’ s failure to communicate the extent of the threat , born of a @ @ @ @ @ is largely responsible for the rapid spread of the virus in the United States .
@

“More than a dozen U.S. researchers, physicians and public health experts, many of them from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, were working full time at the Geneva headquarters of the World Health Organization as the novel coronavirus emerged late last year and transmitted real-time information about its discovery and spread in China to the Trump administration,” the Washington Post reports.
“The presence of so many U.S. officials undercuts President Trump’s charge that the WHO’s failure to communicate the extent of the threat, born of a desire to protect China, is largely responsible for the rapid spread of the virus in the United States.”


politicalwire--2020-04-19--Trump Has Begun His Corona Campaign

Trump Has Begun His Corona Campaign

Ben Smith : “ What Mr. Trump can do , it turns out , is host rolling , raucous , two-plus-hour daily television variety shows to keep his connection with the faithful and , incidentally , to variously entertain and appall the rest of the homebound American public .
He can rally gun owners in Virginia as well as angry suburbanites in Michigan .
He can attack the news media to make sure its paying attention.
” “ This is it — the corona campaign .
The most effective form of direct presidential communication since Franklin Roosevelt ’ s fireside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a radio show , my colleague Elaina Plott reported , but really , television was the medium that made him and the one he knows and loves .
Get used to it , because given its power , he ’ s not going to stop in November , win or lose .
He ’ ll most likely broadcast on his favorite medium until the day he dies.
” “ So how do we , citizens and — to stick to my particular beat here at The Times — journalists , handle this ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ briefings are important ; Mr. Trump is important .
But the big story — of this year , of this decade — is the coronavirus .
That isn ’ t a story about Mr. Trump , and there ’ s no reason to cover it that way .
”

Ben Smith: “What Mr. Trump can do, it turns out, is host rolling, raucous, two-plus-hour daily television variety shows to keep his connection with the faithful and, incidentally, to variously entertain and appall the rest of the homebound American public. He can rally gun owners in Virginia as well as angry suburbanites in Michigan. He can attack the news media to make sure its paying attention.”
“This is it — the corona campaign. The most effective form of direct presidential communication since Franklin Roosevelt’s fireside chats. Mr. Trump wanted to start a radio show, my colleague Elaina Plott reported, but really, television was the medium that made him and the one he knows and loves. Get used to it, because given its power, he’s not going to stop in November, win or lose. He’ll most likely broadcast on his favorite medium until the day he dies.”
“So how do we, citizens and — to stick to my particular beat here at The Times — journalists, handle this? We keep it in perspective. The briefings are important; Mr. Trump is important. But the big story — of this year, of this decade — is the coronavirus. That isn’t a story about Mr. Trump, and there’s no reason to cover it that way.”


politicalwire--2020-04-19--Senator Accused Pence of ‘Dereliction Of Duty’

Sen. Angus King ( I-ME ) told Vice President Mike Pence on a private call the administration ’ s failure @ @ @ @ @ testing regime for coronavirus infections is a “ dereliction of duty , ” the AP @ @ @ @ @ officials : “ I have never been so mad about a phone call in my @ @ @

Sen. Angus King (I-ME) told Vice President Mike Pence on a private call the administration’s failure to develop an adequate national testing regime for coronavirus infections is a “dereliction of duty,” the AP reports.
King later told officials: “I have never been so mad about a phone call in my life.”


politicalwire--2020-04-19--Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day

“ Frankly , I don ’ t pay that much attention to the president ’ s tweets against me .
@ @ @ @ @ , he ’ s a poor leader .
He ’ s always trying to avoid @ @ @ @ @ ”


politicalwire--2020-04-19--Virginia Governor Says Trump ‘Delusional’ on Testing

Virginia Gov .
Ralph Northam ( D ) told CNN that his state does not have the necessary coronavirus testing @ @ @ @ @ made by President Trump yesterday .
Said Northam : “ That ’ s just delusional @ @ @ @ @ that.
” He added : “ Our president has been unable to deliver on tests @ @ @ @ @ to focus on protests , and this is not the time for protests .
”

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam (D) told CNN that his state does not have the necessary coronavirus testing capacity, directly challenging comments made by President Trump yesterday.
Said Northam: “That’s just delusional to be making statements like that.”
He added: “Our president has been unable to deliver on tests, now he has chosen to focus on protests, and this is not the time for protests.”


politicalwire--2020-04-19--Mnuchin Says Economy Will Rebound Within Months

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told CNN that he thinks the economy will rebound from the coronavirus pandemic within months .
@ @ @ @ @ think it will be months .
I definitely don ’ t think it will be @ @ @

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told CNN that he thinks the economy will rebound from the coronavirus pandemic within months.
Said Mnuchin: “I think it will be months. I definitely don’t think it will be years.”


Dewey Defeats Truman

Coming soon : Dewey Defeats Truman : The 1948 Election and the Battle for America ’ s Soul by A.
@ @ @ @ @ thrilling story of the 1948 presidential election , one of the greatest election stories of @ @ @ @ @ mounted a history-making comeback and staked a claim for a new course for America .
@

Coming soon: Dewey Defeats Truman: The 1948 Election and the Battle for America’s Soul by A. J. Baim.
“The thrilling story of the 1948 presidential election, one of the greatest election stories of all time, as Truman mounted a history-making comeback and staked a claim for a new course for America.”


politicalwire--2020-04-19--Trump Thinks Quick Restart Will Help His Re-Election

Politico : “ Trump aides and allies say they are growing confident that an earlier restart amid the coronavirus pandemic @ @ @ @ @ his reelection campaign.
” “ They point to emerging signs around the country .
Trump-supported @ @ @ @ @ orders .
Conservative groups ’ internal polling in red-leaning and swing states show a significant @ @ @ @ @ reopening the country .
A growing chorus of Republican lawmakers across the nation are on @ @ @ @ @ economic restart , however , could backfire politically for Trump if it causes a flare @ @ @

Politico: “Trump aides and allies say they are growing confident that an earlier restart amid the coronavirus pandemic could help the president in his reelection campaign.”
“They point to emerging signs around the country. Trump-supported activists are protesting strict stay-at-home orders. Conservative groups’ internal polling in red-leaning and swing states show a significant uptick in Americans who favor reopening the country. A growing chorus of Republican lawmakers across the nation are on board.”
“A swift economic restart, however, could backfire politically for Trump if it causes a flare up.”


politicalwire--2020-04-19--Trump’s Approval Bump Is Gone

Trump’s Approval Bump Is Gone

Harry Enten : “ Trump received a clear boost in his approval rating as the coronavirus pandemic began to grip @ @ @ @ @ approval rating ( approval – disapproval ) among voters shot up to its highest point @ @ @ @ @ his presidency .
But now , just weeks later , Trump ’ s popularity has @ @ @ @ @ at the data , Trump seems to have had one of the fastest retreats of @ @ @ @ @ effect in modern polling history.
” The FiveThirtyEight polling average shows Trump ’ s approval @ @ @ @ @ % .

Harry Enten: “Trump received a clear boost in his approval rating as the coronavirus pandemic began to grip the country. His net approval rating (approval – disapproval) among voters shot up to its highest point since the first month of his presidency. But now, just weeks later, Trump’s popularity has been dropping.”
“Looking at the data, Trump seems to have had one of the fastest retreats of a rally around the flag effect in modern polling history.”
The FiveThirtyEight polling average shows Trump’s approval at 44% to 52%.


politicalwire--2020-04-19--Jim Jordan Calls for Hearings Over State Lockdowns

Rep. Jim Jordan ( R-OH ) told Fox News he believes Congress should return to work and the House Judiciary @ @ @ @ @ governors who issued stay-at-home orders .

“At least two brands have said they will suspend advertising on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, after their ads and those of other companies were run on an…


politicalwire--2020-04-19--Biden Maintains National Lead Over Trump

A new NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll finds Joe Biden leading President Trump by 7 points nationally among registered voters @ @ @ @ @ % .
“ Looking inside the overall numbers , Biden ’ s biggest advantages are @ @ @ @ @ he leads Trump , 85 % to 7 % ) , Latinos ( 60 % @ @ @ @ @ voters ages 18-34 ( 54 % to 31 % ) , women ( 56 % @ @ @ @ @ whites with a college degree ( 55 % to 37 % ) .
” “ @ @ @ @ @ are with white voters ( 51 % to 42 % ) , men ( 50 @ @ @ @ @ and whites without a college degree ( 60 % to 33 % ) .
”

A new NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll finds Joe Biden leading President Trump by 7 points nationally among registered voters, 49% to 42%.
“Looking inside the overall numbers, Biden’s biggest advantages are with African-American voters (where he leads Trump, 85% to 7%), Latinos (60% to 26%), voters ages 18-34 (54% to 31%), women (56% to 35%) and whites with a college degree (55% to 37%).”
“Trump’s greatest strengths are with white voters (51% to 42%), men (50% to 41%) and whites without a college degree (60% to 33%).”


politicalwire--2020-04-20--Trump Leans Into Antigovernment Message

Trump Leans Into Antigovernment Message

“ First he was the self-described ‘ wartime president.
’ Then he trumpeted the ‘ total ’ authority of the @ @ @ @ @ the past few days , President Trump has nurtured protests against state-issued stay-at-home orders aimed @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus , ” the New York Times reports .
“ Hurtling from one position @ @ @ @ @ Mr. Trump ’ s approach to the presidency over the past three years .
Even @ @ @ @ @ appear to change the dynamics that the country is facing , Mr. Trump remains unbowed @ @ @ @ @ a day or two , only to return to nursing grievances .
”

“First he was the self-described ‘wartime president.’ Then he trumpeted the ‘total’ authority of the federal government. But in the past few days, President Trump has nurtured protests against state-issued stay-at-home orders aimed at curtailing the spread of the coronavirus,” the New York Times reports.
“Hurtling from one position to another is consistent with Mr. Trump’s approach to the presidency over the past three years. Even when external pressures and stresses appear to change the dynamics that the country is facing, Mr. Trump remains unbowed, altering his approach for a day or two, only to return to nursing grievances.”


politicalwire--2020-04-20--Trump Still Can’t Explain Lost Month

Trump Still Can’t Explain Lost Month

“ When President Trump was asked at Sunday ’ s White House coronavirus task force briefing why he didn ’ @ @ @ @ @ that the virus was spreading and implement social distancing earlier , Trump ’ s response @ @ @ @ @ late January , when he issued the travel restrictions on Chinese people coming to the @ @ @ @ @ Washington Post reports .
“ In other words : More than two months into this @ @ @ @ @ t have an answer for why he didn ’ t do more in this crucial @ @ @ @ @ for the coronavirus.
” “ On Sunday , Trump got defensive when a reporter asked @ @ @ @ @ not done more to prepare .
”

“When President Trump was asked at Sunday’s White House coronavirus task force briefing why he didn’t warn Americans in February that the virus was spreading and implement social distancing earlier, Trump’s response was to go back to late January, when he issued the travel restrictions on Chinese people coming to the United States,” the Washington Post reports.
“In other words: More than two months into this crisis, Trump doesn’t have an answer for why he didn’t do more in this crucial window to prepare the country for the coronavirus.”
“On Sunday, Trump got defensive when a reporter asked him why his administration had not done more to prepare.”


politicalwire--2020-04-20--Trump Revs Up for State-by-State Fight

Trump Revs Up for State-by-State Fight

“ President Trump is preparing for a long battle with America ’ s governors to save himself from the political @ @ @ @ @ Politico reports .
“ Over the next two weeks at the urging of the Trump @ @ @ @ @ the U.S. will start to resemble a patchwork quilt , with some states open for @ @ @ @ @ down because of the spread of the virus.
” “ Trump has said the onus @ @ @ @ @ their leaders , but he has simultaneously tried to pressure governors into restarting businesses and @ @ @ @ @ as possible .
”

“President Trump is preparing for a long battle with America’s governors to save himself from the political fallout from coronavirus,” Politico reports.
“Over the next two weeks at the urging of the Trump administration, the map of the U.S. will start to resemble a patchwork quilt, with some states open for business while others remain locked down because of the spread of the virus.”
“Trump has said the onus for reopening states lies with their leaders, but he has simultaneously tried to pressure governors into restarting businesses and relaxing health guidelines as soon as possible.”


politicalwire--2020-04-20--The Senate Is In Play

The Senate Is In Play

Politico : “ Republicans started this election cycle as heavy favorites to keep their Senate majority , with a lineup @ @ @ @ @ states and GOP incumbents favored over a slate of relatively unknown and untested challengers .
@ @ @ @ @ out from the election , Democrats are making them sweat.
” “ Republicans are still @ @ @ @ @ maintain control , but Democrats strengthened their hand with a slate of challengers raising massive @ @ @ @ @ that represent the heart of the battle for the majority , putting control of the @ @ @ @ @ remain modest favorites to keep the Senate , with incumbents holding cash advantages in most @ @ @ @ @ targets potentially cushioning their majority.
” Key takeaway : Maine ’ s Senate race from @ @ @ @ @ to “ Toss Up , ” opening up a Democratic path to the majority , @ @ @ @ @ .

Politico: “Republicans started this election cycle as heavy favorites to keep their Senate majority, with a lineup of elections mostly in red-tinted states and GOP incumbents favored over a slate of relatively unknown and untested challengers. Now, nearly six months out from the election, Democrats are making them sweat.”
“Republicans are still more likely than not to maintain control, but Democrats strengthened their hand with a slate of challengers raising massive sums of money in races that represent the heart of the battle for the majority, putting control of the Senate within reach. Republicans remain modest favorites to keep the Senate, with incumbents holding cash advantages in most competitive races and several offensive targets potentially cushioning their majority.”
Key takeaway: Maine’s Senate race from a “Lean R” to “Toss Up,” opening up a Democratic path to the majority, though Republicans are still favored.


politicalwire--2020-04-20--Trump Keeps Raising Money

Trump Keeps Raising Money

Politico : “ The Republican National Committee raised a record $ 24 million last month , an early indication that @ @ @ @ @ machine could be able to withstand the economic collapse brought on by the coronavirus.
” @ @ @ @ @ that has shuttered much of the U.S. economy , the RNC ’ s total represented @ @ @ @ @ in history .
The figures will be part of a federal campaign finance filing due @ @ @

Politico: “The Republican National Committee raised a record $24 million last month, an early indication that President Trump’s fundraising machine could be able to withstand the economic collapse brought on by the coronavirus.”
“Despite a global pandemic that has shuttered much of the U.S. economy, the RNC’s total represented its best March fundraising performance in history. The figures will be part of a federal campaign finance filing due Monday.”


politicalwire--2020-04-20--Confidence Needed Before Life Returns to Normal

Washington Post : “ Last week , President Trump released a set of guidelines for beginning to reopen the country @ @ @ @ @ But what Trump says won ’ t much matter if skittish elected leaders , business @ @ @ @ @ t trust that they will be safe returning to their daily lives — and at @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t have that confidence.
” Jacqueline Alemany : “ There ’ s a @ @ @ @ @ s vision of the post-peak future — as painted in his daily White House press @ @ @ @ @ reality described by small business owners , restaurateurs , and essential workers on the front @ @ @ @ @ in some of the cities hit the hardest are still overwhelmed .
”

Washington Post: “Last week, President Trump released a set of guidelines for beginning to reopen the country amid the coronavirus pandemic. But what Trump says won’t much matter if skittish elected leaders, business owners and customers don’t trust that they will be safe returning to their daily lives — and at the moment, most Americans don’t have that confidence.”
Jacqueline Alemany: “There’s a serious break between Trump’s vision of the post-peak future — as painted in his daily White House press briefings — and the grim reality described by small business owners, restaurateurs, and essential workers on the front lines. Especially as hospitals in some of the cities hit the hardest are still overwhelmed.”


politicalwire--2020-04-20--Oil Price Plunges to 20-Year Low

Oil Price Plunges to 20-Year Low

Financial Times : “ As markets opened in Europe on Monday , West Texas Intermediate — the U.S. oil benchmark @ @ @ @ @ cent at $ 14.99 a barrel , its lowest level since 1999 .
It had @ @ @ @ @ 14.47 in Asian trade .
”


politicalwire--2020-04-20--IRS Struggles Amid Shutdown

IRS Struggles Amid Shutdown

Politico : “ The IRS is piling unopened business tax refund requests into storage trailers and advising companies to file @ @ @ @ @ ’ s stopped answering phone calls on taxpayer assistance lines .
And it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ tax returns filed by individual Americans.
” “ The coronavirus pandemic has nearly crippled the @ @ @ @ @ relies on antiquated technology and still does a lot of business on paper , just @ @ @ @ @ to help pump money into the ailing economy .
”

Politico: “The IRS is piling unopened business tax refund requests into storage trailers and advising companies to file by fax instead. It’s stopped answering phone calls on taxpayer assistance lines. And it’s not processing millions of paper tax returns filed by individual Americans.”
“The coronavirus pandemic has nearly crippled the tax collection agency, which relies on antiquated technology and still does a lot of business on paper, just as it is most needed to help pump money into the ailing economy.”


politicalwire--2020-04-20--Trump Won’t Say If He’ll Pardon Manafort, Stone

President Trump would not say whether he will pardon several former associates who were convicted after being charged as part @ @ @ @ @ including former campaign chairman Paul Manafort and long-time adviser Roger Stone , CNN reports .
@ @ @ @ @ officials as “ human scum ” for how they conducted the investigation of whether Russia @ @ @ @ @ the 2016 election .

President Trump would not say whether he will pardon several former associates who were convicted after being charged as part of the Mueller probe, including former campaign chairman Paul Manafort and long-time adviser Roger Stone, CNN reports.
Said Trump: “You will find out.”
Trump also harshly criticized FBI officials as “human scum” for how they conducted the investigation of whether Russia was trying to interfere in the 2016 election.


politicalwire--2020-04-20--Bets Against Stocks Rise to Highest Level in Years

“ Short sellers have revived their wagers against the stock market in recent weeks , taking their most aggressive positions @ @ @ @ @ Wall Street Journal reports .


politicalwire--2020-04-20--More Than 1,800 Inmates Test Positive at Single Prison

More than 1,800 inmates at a single Ohio correctional facility — almost three-quarters of its detainees — have tested positive @ @ @ @ @ Washington Post reports .


politicalwire--2020-04-21--Most Say Trump Has Made America Less Respected

A National Security Action poll designed to test President Trump ’ s vulnerabilities on foreign policy finds that 56 % @ @ @ @ @ states believe he has made America less respected in the world , compared to 31 @ @ @ @ @ now more respected .
Also interesting : “ Standing up to China ranked last , @ @ @ @ @ campaign to brand Joe Biden as ‘ soft ’ on China may not resonate strongly @ @

A National Security Action poll designed to test President Trump’s vulnerabilities on foreign policy finds that 56% of voters in 12 battleground states believe he has made America less respected in the world, compared to 31% who say America is now more respected.
Also interesting: “Standing up to China ranked last, suggesting Trump’s recent campaign to brand Joe Biden as ‘soft’ on China may not resonate strongly.”


politicalwire--2020-04-21--White House Sidelines Surgeon General

White House Sidelines Surgeon General

“ The Trump administration took Surgeon General Jerome Adams off television last week after his controversial remarks on Covid-19 ’ @ @ @ @ @ silencing the White House ’ s loudest voice on racial disparities even as concerns mount @ @ @ @ @ color , ” Politico reports .
“ Adams also hasn ’ t made an appearance @ @ @ @ @ briefing since April 10 .
”

“The Trump administration took Surgeon General Jerome Adams off television last week after his controversial remarks on Covid-19’s threat to minorities, silencing the White House’s loudest voice on racial disparities even as concerns mount about risks to communities of color,” Politico reports.
“Adams also hasn’t made an appearance at a White House press briefing since April 10.”


politicalwire--2020-04-21--New Small Business Funding May Run Out In Two Days

“ Lawmakers are nearing a deal to restart an emergency small-business loan program that exhausted its funding last week — @ @ @ @ @ a few days before the program screeches to a halt once again , ” Politico @ @ @ @ @ warning their customers they might not be able to secure loans even if Congress provides @ @ @ @ @ as soon as this week .
Banking industry representatives say the program has a burn @ @ @ @ @ per day and needs closer to $ 1 trillion to meet demand , with hundreds @ @ @ @ @ .
”

“Lawmakers are nearing a deal to restart an emergency small-business loan program that exhausted its funding last week — but it may buy only a few days before the program screeches to a halt once again,” Politico reports.
“Lenders are warning their customers they might not be able to secure loans even if Congress provides an additional $300 billion as soon as this week. Banking industry representatives say the program has a burn rate of $50 billion per day and needs closer to $1 trillion to meet demand, with hundreds of thousands of applications pending.”


politicalwire--2020-04-20--Bloomberg Spent $1 Billion In 100 Days

Bloomberg Spent $1 Billion In 100 Days

“ Mike Bloomberg ended his ill-fated presidential bid on March 4 , but his campaign still shelled out nine figures @ @ @ @ @ his total spending to more than $ 1 billion in a losing run for the @ @ @ @ @ reports .


politicalwire--2020-04-20--GOP Should Be Nervous About the Senate

GOP Should Be Nervous About the Senate

Stuart Rothenberg : “ Democrats no longer need an ‘ upset or two ’ to win control of the Senate @ @ @ @ @ fact , while the fight for Senate control in November is a toss-up , I @ @ @ @ @ pinkie on the scale for Democrats right now.
” “ It ’ s not really @ @ @ @ @ playing field , though they have .
Those ‘ extra ’ races on the board @ @ @ @ @ like Montana and Georgia , aren ’ t the greatest of opportunities.
” “ It @ @ @ @ @ Democrats ’ initial top prospects have succeeded in proving their fundraising mettle and have taken @ @ @ @ @ s GOP .
”

Stuart Rothenberg: “Democrats no longer need an ‘upset or two’ to win control of the Senate later this year. In fact, while the fight for Senate control in November is a toss-up, I’d probably put a pinkie on the scale for Democrats right now.”
“It’s not really that Democrats have widened the playing field, though they have. Those ‘extra’ races on the board for Democrats, in places like Montana and Georgia, aren’t the greatest of opportunities.”
“It’s simply that the Democrats’ initial top prospects have succeeded in proving their fundraising mettle and have taken advantage of Donald Trump’s GOP.”


politicalwire--2020-04-20--Big Majority Are Willing to Wait to Lift Restrictions

A new Yahoo News/YouGov Poll finds that 71 % of Americans are more worried about lifting the restrictions too quickly @ @ @ @ @ worried it will happen too slowly .
“ A majority of Democrats ( 87 % @ @ @ @ @ Republicans ( 51 % ) agree that the country should only reopen once public-health officials @ @ @ @ @ and trace new cases and outbreaks—and most Americans ( 52 % ) recognize that the @ @ @ @ @ enough COVID-19 testing to track future outbreaks of the virus.
” Related for members : @ @ @ @ @ at Risk

A new Yahoo News/YouGov Poll finds that 71% of Americans are more worried about lifting the restrictions too quickly, while 29% are worried it will happen too slowly.
“A majority of Democrats (87%) and about half of Republicans (51%) agree that the country should only reopen once public-health officials are fully able to test and trace new cases and outbreaks—and most Americans (52%) recognize that the country is not currently conducting enough COVID-19 testing to track future outbreaks of the virus.”
Related for members: Now Trump Is Putting Americans at Risk


politicalwire--2020-04-20--Trump’s Company Suggests Vodka Can Kill Coronavirus

President Trump ’ s company tweeted out a video where pro golfer John Daly said he believed you can “ @ @ @ @ @ a bottle of vodka every day .


politicalwire--2020-04-20--Small Business Rescue Deal Hits Snag Over Testing

“ A new small business rescue package taking shape on Capitol Hill is expected to include $ 25 billion to @ @ @ @ @ how to structure that money emerged as one of the final sticking points on Monday @ @ @ @ @ reports .
Democrats were pushing for a “ comprehensive national testing strategy , ” including @ @ @ @ @ , and expanding reporting and contact tracing .
But Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and other @ @ @ @ @ a “ state-driven approach and flexibility .
”

“A new small business rescue package taking shape on Capitol Hill is expected to include $25 billion to expand coronavirus testing, but how to structure that money emerged as one of the final sticking points on Monday,” the Washington Post reports.
Democrats were pushing for a “comprehensive national testing strategy,” including “free testing for all, and expanding reporting and contact tracing. But Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and other Trump administration officials were seeking a “state-driven approach and flexibility.”


politicalwire--2020-04-20--Idaho Lawmaker Calls Governor ‘Little Hitler’

Idaho state Rep. Heather Scott ( R ) has suggested workers deemed “ nonessential ” during the coronavirus pandemic are @ @ @ @ @ the Holocaust , the Idaho Spokesman Review reports .
Scott compared Gov .
Brad Little @ @ @ @ @ shutdown orders to Nazi Germany , referred to the governor as “ Little Hitler ” @ @ @ @ @ decide who can and can ’ t continue working during the pandemic .
Said Scott @ @ @ @ @ that ’ s no different than Nazi Germany , where you had government telling people @ @ @ @ @ essential worker or a nonessential worker , ’ and the nonessential workers got put on @ @ @ @

Idaho state Rep. Heather Scott (R) has suggested workers deemed “nonessential” during the coronavirus pandemic are being treated like Jews during the Holocaust, the Idaho Spokesman Review reports.
Scott compared Gov. Brad Little’s (R) shutdown orders to Nazi Germany, referred to the governor as “Little Hitler” and questioned his authority to decide who can and can’t continue working during the pandemic.
Said Scott: “I mean, that’s no different than Nazi Germany, where you had government telling people, ‘You are an essential worker or a nonessential worker,’ and the nonessential workers got put on a train.”


politicalwire--2020-04-20--Southern States Move to Reopen Businesses

Tennessee Gov .
Bill Lee ( R ) announced that he will not be extending the state ’ s stay-at-home @ @ @ @ @ that businesses will be permitted to re-open next week , the Tennessean reports .
Georgia @ @ @ @ @ R ) said that gyms , bowling alleys , hair salons , barber shops , @ @ @ @ @ businesses can reopen statewide on Friday , WSB-TV reports .
South Carolina Gov .
Henry @ @ @ @ @ his April 6 order calling for many types of stores to close , Fox Carolina @ @

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee (R) announced that he will not be extending the state’s stay-at-home order past April 30 and that businesses will be permitted to re-open next week, the Tennessean reports.
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (R) said that gyms, bowling alleys, hair salons, barber shops, nail salons and other similar businesses can reopen statewide on Friday, WSB-TV reports.
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster (R) canceled his April 6 order calling for many types of stores to close, Fox Carolina reports.