politicalwire--2020-12-18--Biden Will Get Vaccine on Monday

Biden Will Get Vaccine on Monday

President-elect Joe Biden will receive the Covid-19 vaccine in public on Monday , Politico reports .
“ Vice President-elect Kamala @ @ @ @ @ Emhoff will receive the shot the following week to avoid a situation in which all @ @ @ @ @ incoming administration experience side effects at the same time .
”

President-elect Joe Biden will receive the Covid-19 vaccine in public on Monday, Politico reports.
“Vice President-elect Kamala Harris and second gentleman Doug Emhoff will receive the shot the following week to avoid a situation in which all of the leaders of the incoming administration experience side effects at the same time.”


politicalwire--2020-12-18--The Next Tea Party Is Lurking

The Next Tea Party Is Lurking

Rosie Gray : “ It ’ s difficult to tell how many people will remain in the hard core of the election-denying camp , though surveys have shown that large numbers of Republicans don ’ t believe the results — which can range from believing there were some irregularities to believing a coup is taking place .
And it ’ s hard to know how much the most intense believers could influence the more ambivalent Republican , particularly as time goes on.
” “ But if this were not an important segment of the party , Republican leaders wouldn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nor would a channel like Newsmax have been able to attract a significant audience .
The incentives to keep this going are obvious ; supply is meeting demand.
” “ What would the goals of such a tea party 2.0 be ?
Republicans in Washington by and large played along with Trump… Unlike during the 2010 tea party movement , when the midterms provided the focus of ejecting ‘ RINOs ‘ from Congress , there is no obvious goal this uprising could pursue after Jan. 20 .
What we may see is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not in a future objective but in settling scores from the past , an expression of anger for anger ’ s sake , locked in a vicious cycle of extreme rhetoric .
Whatever it becomes , history shows there would likely be ample funding for it .
”

Rosie Gray: “It’s difficult to tell how many people will remain in the hard core of the election-denying camp, though surveys have shown that large numbers of Republicans don’t believe the results — which can range from believing there were some irregularities to believing a coup is taking place. And it’s hard to know how much the most intense believers could influence the more ambivalent Republican, particularly as time goes on.”
“But if this were not an important segment of the party, Republican leaders wouldn’t behave the way they have. Nor would a channel like Newsmax have been able to attract a significant audience. The incentives to keep this going are obvious; supply is meeting demand.”
“What would the goals of such a tea party 2.0 be? Republicans in Washington by and large played along with Trump… Unlike during the 2010 tea party movement, when the midterms provided the focus of ejecting ‘RINOs‘ from Congress, there is no obvious goal this uprising could pursue after Jan. 20. What we may see is a kind of ersatz tea party, rooted not in a future objective but in settling scores from the past, an expression of anger for anger’s sake, locked in a vicious cycle of extreme rhetoric. Whatever it becomes, history shows there would likely be ample funding for it.”


Pelosi Receives Vaccine

Just for members : .
This issue looks at the U.S. Senate runoffs in Georgia including the millions of dollars @ @ @ @ @ candidates ’ stances on policy issues , and the…

“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--2020-12-18--Trump Will Exit White House with Huge Slush Fund

“ Donald Trump will exit the White House as a private citizen next month perched atop a pile of campaign @ @ @ @ @ president , and with few legal limits on how he can spend it , ” @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Deflated by a loss he has yet to acknowledge , Mr. Trump has @ @ @ @ @ huge sums of money from his loyal supporters — often under dubious pretenses — raising @ @ @ @ @ Election Day along with the national party.
” “ More than $ 60 million of @ @ @ @ @ a new political action committee , which Mr. Trump will control after he leaves office @ @ @ @ @ far exceed what previous outgoing presidents had at their disposal , provide him with tremendous @ @ @ @ @ : He could use the money to quell rebel factions within the party , reward @ @ @ @ @ and rallies , hire staff , pay legal bills and even lay the groundwork for @ @ @ @ @ ”

“Donald Trump will exit the White House as a private citizen next month perched atop a pile of campaign cash unheard-of for an outgoing president, and with few legal limits on how he can spend it,” the New York Times reports.
“Deflated by a loss he has yet to acknowledge, Mr. Trump has cushioned the blow by coaxing huge sums of money from his loyal supporters — often under dubious pretenses — raising roughly $250 million since Election Day along with the national party.”
“More than $60 million of that sum has gone to a new political action committee, which Mr. Trump will control after he leaves office. Those funds, which far exceed what previous outgoing presidents had at their disposal, provide him with tremendous flexibility for his post-presidential ambitions: He could use the money to quell rebel factions within the party, reward loyalists, fund his travels and rallies, hire staff, pay legal bills and even lay the groundwork for a far-from-certain 2024 run.”


politicalwire--2020-12-18--Kushner Set Up Shell Company to Pay Trump Family

“ Jared Kushner approved the creation of a campaign shell company that secretly paid the president ’ s family members @ @ @ @ @ the campaign ’ s $ 1.26 billion war chest , ” Business Insider reports .
@ @ @ @ @ like a campaign within a campaign .
It paid some of Trump ’ s top @ @ @ @ @ shielding financial and operational details from public scrutiny .
”

“Jared Kushner approved the creation of a campaign shell company that secretly paid the president’s family members and spent almost half of the campaign’s $1.26 billion war chest,” Business Insider reports.
“The operation acted almost like a campaign within a campaign. It paid some of Trump’s top advisors and family members while shielding financial and operational details from public scrutiny.”


politicalwire--2020-12-18--Democrats Try to Sneak Waiver Into Funding Bill

“ Democrats are trying to tuck a waiver allowing retired Gen. Lloyd Austin to serve as President-elect Joe Biden ’ @ @ @ @ @ year-end government funding bill that must pass by tonight to avoid a shutdown , ” @ @ @ @ @ the waiver to the omnibus would give political cover to some Democrats , including at @ @ @ @ @ Armed Services Committee who have already gone on record opposing it .
”

“Democrats are trying to tuck a waiver allowing retired Gen. Lloyd Austin to serve as President-elect Joe Biden’s defense secretary into a year-end government funding bill that must pass by tonight to avoid a shutdown,” Axios reports.
“Attaching the waiver to the omnibus would give political cover to some Democrats, including at least four on the Senate Armed Services Committee who have already gone on record opposing it.”


politicalwire--2020-12-18--Relief Package Hits New Snag

Relief Package Hits New Snag

NBC News : “ Negotiators already dropped two contentious provisions that were holding up an agreement — liability protections for @ @ @ @ @ and local governments.
” “ But leaders had hit a new roadblock as Democrats on @ @ @ @ @ by Sen. Pat Toomey , R-Pa. , of seeking to hamstring the incoming Biden administration @ @ @ @ @ emergency lending facilities created by the CARES Act to protect the fragile economy.
” “ @ @ @ @ @ authority into the new year , describing it as an important tool to respond to @ @ @ @ @

NBC News: “Negotiators already dropped two contentious provisions that were holding up an agreement — liability protections for employers and funding for state and local governments.”
“But leaders had hit a new roadblock as Democrats on Friday accused Republicans, led by Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Pa., of seeking to hamstring the incoming Biden administration by cutting off Federal Reserve emergency lending facilities created by the CARES Act to protect the fragile economy.”
“Democrats want to extend that authority into the new year, describing it as an important tool to respond to an economic crisis.”


politicalwire--2020-12-18--GOP Attacks on ‘Defund the Police’ and ‘Socialism’ Worked

Cook Political Report : “ Throughout the cycle , Democrats rolled their eyes at Republicans ’ incessant ads on these @ @ @ @ @ a minuscule number of House Democrats actually identify as ‘ democratic socialists ’ or have @ @ @ @ @ “ But relatively few Democratic challengers aired ads inoculating themselves against these attacks .
Most @ @ @ @ @ offense ’ on healthcare and COVID in their messaging .
And , many paid the @ @ @ @ @ consultant , ‘ In 2018 , Dems were seen as normal .
But after the @ @ @ @ @ primaries and ‘ defund the police , ’ it was easier to paint them as @ @ @ @

Cook Political Report: “Throughout the cycle, Democrats rolled their eyes at Republicans’ incessant ads on these themes. After all, a minuscule number of House Democrats actually identify as ‘democratic socialists’ or have advocated reducing police funding.”
“But relatively few Democratic challengers aired ads inoculating themselves against these attacks. Most chose to stay on ‘offense’ on healthcare and COVID in their messaging. And, many paid the price. Says one GOP consultant, ‘In 2018, Dems were seen as normal. But after the rise of AOC, the primaries and ‘defund the police,’ it was easier to paint them as radical.'”
“Democrats’ genuinely progressive challengers fared the worst.”


politicalwire--2020-12-18--Why Would Biden Put a Republican in His Cabinet?

Jonathan Bernstein : “ It ’ s not unusual to put someone from the other party in the Cabinet ; @ @ @ @ @ nominated Republicans for Defense secretary , and not only after close elections .
Commerce , @ @ @ @ @ least important Cabinet position , at least in a Democratic administration.
” “ That said @ @ @ @ @ himself if he thought that adding a Republican to his administration would buy him goodwill @ @ @ @ @ And any Republican who would be willing to do it would be attacked as a @ @ @ @ @ belong in the party in the first place .
Nor is it remotely plausible that @ @ @ @ @ inclined to support Biden because of such a gesture .
Even for people who pay @ @ @ @ @ the selection of a Cabinet secretary is a barely noticeable one-day story.
” “ The @ @ @ @ @ good relations with interest groups is more worthwhile .
”

Jonathan Bernstein: “It’s not unusual to put someone from the other party in the Cabinet; indeed, Democrats have repeatedly nominated Republicans for Defense secretary, and not only after close elections. Commerce, however, might be the least important Cabinet position, at least in a Democratic administration.”
“That said, Biden would be fooling himself if he thought that adding a Republican to his administration would buy him goodwill from Republicans in Congress. And any Republican who would be willing to do it would be attacked as a RINO who doesn’t belong in the party in the first place. Nor is it remotely plausible that Republican voters would be more inclined to support Biden because of such a gesture. Even for people who pay close attention to politics, the selection of a Cabinet secretary is a barely noticeable one-day story.”
“The idea of seeking to build good relations with interest groups is more worthwhile.”


McConnell’s Stunning Admission

Dan Pfeiffer : “ On a recent conference call , Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the case for making a deal on COVID relief to his caucus of conspiracy mongering , COVID truthing plutocrats .
McConnell didn ’ t argue that 5 million more Americans would slip into poverty if unemployment insurance expired .
He didn ’ t persuade them with stories of local restaurants and small businesses in dire need of loans as bridges to our post-vaccine future .
Instead , McConnell — as politicians often do — personalized the pain and suffering of the pandemic and recession @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Kelly and David are getting hammered.
” “ It ’ s definitely gross that McConnell cares more about keeping power than keeping millions of Americans out of poverty .
However , we shouldn ’ t gloss over the fact that McConnell , a shrewd political operator , has decided that the only way Republicans can win in Georgia is for the GOP to sign off on the government sending money to people in need .
This stunning admission has implications for how Democrats can make progress in the Biden era as well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ”

Dan Pfeiffer: “On a recent conference call, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the case for making a deal on COVID relief to his caucus of conspiracy mongering, COVID truthing plutocrats. McConnell didn’t argue that 5 million more Americans would slip into poverty if unemployment insurance expired. He didn’t persuade them with stories of local restaurants and small businesses in dire need of loans as bridges to our post-vaccine future. Instead, McConnell — as politicians often do — personalized the pain and suffering of the pandemic and recession through the stories of two individuals.”
“Kelly and David are getting hammered.”
“It’s definitely gross that McConnell cares more about keeping power than keeping millions of Americans out of poverty. However, we shouldn’t gloss over the fact that McConnell, a shrewd political operator, has decided that the only way Republicans can win in Georgia is for the GOP to sign off on the government sending money to people in need. This stunning admission has implications for how Democrats can make progress in the Biden era as well as for our 2022 political strategy.”


politicalwire--2020-12-18--Pentagon Halts Briefings with Biden Transition

“ Acting Defense Secretary Chris Miller ordered a Pentagon-wide halt to cooperation with the transition of President-elect Biden , shocking @ @ @ @ @ , ” Axios reports .
“ Miller ’ s move , which stunned officials throughout @ @ @ @ @ biggest eruption yet of animus and mistrust toward the Biden team from the top level @ @ @ @ @ … A senior Defense Department official sought to downplay the move , calling it ‘ @ @ @ @ @ last few scheduled meetings until after the new year .
’ ”

“Acting Defense Secretary Chris Miller ordered a Pentagon-wide halt to cooperation with the transition of President-elect Biden, shocking officials across the Defense Department,” Axios reports.
“Miller’s move, which stunned officials throughout the Pentagon, was the biggest eruption yet of animus and mistrust toward the Biden team from the top level of the Trump administration. … A senior Defense Department official sought to downplay the move, calling it ‘a simple delay of the last few scheduled meetings until after the new year.’”


politicalwire--2020-12-19--Pompeo Blames Russia for Cyber Hack

Pompeo Blames Russia for Cyber Hack

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo publicly blamed Russia for the monthslong cyber hack of agencies across the U.S. government , @ @ @ @ @ : “ This was a very significant effort , and I think it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ can say pretty clearly that it was the Russians that engaged in this activity , @

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo publicly blamed Russia for the monthslong cyber hack of agencies across the U.S. government, Politico reports.
Said Pompeo: “This was a very significant effort, and I think it’s the case that now we can say pretty clearly that it was the Russians that engaged in this activity,”


politicalwire--2020-12-19--Biden to Unveil Climate and Energy Team

Biden to Unveil Climate and Energy Team

“ President-elect Joe Biden is scheduled to publicly introduce his climate and energy team on Saturday , a history-making group @ @ @ @ @ advancing his ambitious climate policy and strengthening safeguards against pollution , ” Reuters reports .
@ @ @ @ @ make tackling climate change one of the pillars of his Democratic administration .
But with @ @ @ @ @ U.S. House of Representatives and control of the U.S. Senate still undecided , Biden and @ @ @ @ @ little success in Congress and instead rely on rules from his regulatory agencies to enact @ @ @ @

“President-elect Joe Biden is scheduled to publicly introduce his climate and energy team on Saturday, a history-making group that will be tasked with advancing his ambitious climate policy and strengthening safeguards against pollution,” Reuters reports.
“Biden has promised to make tackling climate change one of the pillars of his Democratic administration. But with a slim majority in the U.S. House of Representatives and control of the U.S. Senate still undecided, Biden and his new team may see little success in Congress and instead rely on rules from his regulatory agencies to enact sweeping change.”


politicalwire--2020-12-19--America Is Coming Apart

America Is Coming Apart

Derek Thompson : “ People ask me if I ’ m optimistic about 2021 , and the answer is that , in a way , I ’ m ecstatically optimistic .
The economy will reopen , and life will reopen .
People will come out of their homes ; they will send their kids to school ; they will hug and kiss and live .
But underneath the high tide of economic growth and social normalization , I think we ’ ll feel something else , an eerie undertow of isolation and anxiety.
” “ The definition of community is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ” said someone I met , whose name I ’ ve forgotten , back in the days when it was normal to meet new people whose names you could forget .
I haven ’ t forgotten that line , though : Community is where you keep showing up .
What a lovely idea .
But where do people keep showing up , these days ?
Nowhere .
Not the office , not the COVID-aerosolized bars and gyms .
A lot of people have spent a year finding community via a glowing screen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ The empty bowling alleys and movie theaters ; the infinity buffet of entertainment and partisan media ; the dissolution of a shared American reality—these are distinct yet connected phenomena .
Digital technology has spawned a choose-your-own-adventure mediascape , which has flooded the electorate with alternate realities , at the same time that its community ties wither .
America is coming apart , and these pieces will not be easily reassembled .
”

Derek Thompson: “People ask me if I’m optimistic about 2021, and the answer is that, in a way, I’m ecstatically optimistic. The economy will reopen, and life will reopen. People will come out of their homes; they will send their kids to school; they will hug and kiss and live. But underneath the high tide of economic growth and social normalization, I think we’ll feel something else, an eerie undertow of isolation and anxiety.”
“The definition of community is ‘where you keep showing up,’” said someone I met, whose name I’ve forgotten, back in the days when it was normal to meet new people whose names you could forget. I haven’t forgotten that line, though: Community is where you keep showing up. What a lovely idea. But where do people keep showing up, these days? Nowhere. Not the office, not the COVID-aerosolized bars and gyms. A lot of people have spent a year finding community via a glowing screen in a room they never leave.”
“The empty bowling alleys and movie theaters; the infinity buffet of entertainment and partisan media; the dissolution of a shared American reality—these are distinct yet connected phenomena. Digital technology has spawned a choose-your-own-adventure mediascape, which has flooded the electorate with alternate realities, at the same time that its community ties wither. America is coming apart, and these pieces will not be easily reassembled.”


politicalwire--2020-12-20--Defense Officials Push to Separate NSA, Cyber Command

“ Some senior Defense Department officials are pressing to formally separate the leadership of the National Security Agency from U.S. @ @ @ @ @ apparent effort to weaken the military ’ s control of its top electronic spy agency @ @ @ @ @ Journal reports .
“ The proposal to split control of the two agencies before the @ @ @ @ @ and install a civilian atop the NSA is already facing resistance from lawmakers in Congress @ @ @ @ @ t clear how the separation could legally occur without the administration proving to Congress that @ @ @ @ @ law have been met , the people said .
”

“Some senior Defense Department officials are pressing to formally separate the leadership of the National Security Agency from U.S. Cyber Command, in an apparent effort to weaken the military’s control of its top electronic spy agency,” the Wall Street Journal reports.
“The proposal to split control of the two agencies before the end of the Trump administration and install a civilian atop the NSA is already facing resistance from lawmakers in Congress. It also isn’t clear how the separation could legally occur without the administration proving to Congress that certain conditions required under the law have been met, the people said.”


politicalwire--2020-12-20--Trump Promises ‘Wild’ Protest on January 6

Twitter has updated the labels it applies to election misinformation and now specifically names Joe Biden as president-elect rather than @ @ @ @ @ “ disputed.
” Save to FavoritesTwitterFacebookLinkedInEmail


Coup d’Etat


politicalwire--2020-12-19--Twitter Updates Labels for Election Misinformation

Rep. Ken Buck ( R-CO ) told Fox Business he will not be taking the coronavirus vaccine , explaining that @ @ @ @ @ about the safety of the vaccine ” than the “ side…


politicalwire--2020-12-19--Relief Package Hits Major Roadblock

Relief Package Hits Major Roadblock

“ Senior congressional lawmakers attempting to complete an emergency coronavirus relief package this weekend slammed into a major roadblock on @ @ @ @ @ limit the authority of the Federal Reserve , ” the Washington Post reports .
“ @ @ @ @ @ Patrick Toomey ( R-PA ) to rein in the nation ’ s central bank had @ @ @ @ @ last several days .
But the impasse appeared to grow significantly wider on Saturday , @ @ @ @ @ senators on both sides of the aisle dug in over the issue , imperiling prospects @ @ @ @ @

“Senior congressional lawmakers attempting to complete an emergency coronavirus relief package this weekend slammed into a major roadblock on Saturday over Republican demands to limit the authority of the Federal Reserve,” the Washington Post reports.
“A late push from Sen. Patrick Toomey (R-PA) to rein in the nation’s central bank had already divided lawmakers over the last several days. But the impasse appeared to grow significantly wider on Saturday, as congressional leadership and rank-and-file senators on both sides of the aisle dug in over the issue, imperiling prospects for a deal.”


politicalwire--2020-12-19--Officials Alarmed About Trump’s Power Grab

Jonathan Swan : “ Senior Trump administration officials are increasingly alarmed that President Trump might unleash — and abuse — @ @ @ @ @ an effort to overturn the clear result of the election.
” “ These officials tell @ @ @ @ @ too much time with people they consider crackpots or conspiracy theorists and flirting with blatant @ @ @ @ @ Their fears include Trump ’ s interest in former national security adviser Michael Flynn ’ @ @ @ @ @ law ; an idea floated of an executive order to commandeer voting machines ; and @ @ @ @ @ , the conspiracy-spewing election lawyer , obtaining governmental power and a top-level security clearance.
” @ @ @ @ @ who have gotten used to Trump ’ s eruptions over four years sound scared by @ @ @ @ @ the past week when I ’ ve talked to them .
”

Jonathan Swan: “Senior Trump administration officials are increasingly alarmed that President Trump might unleash — and abuse — the power of government in an effort to overturn the clear result of the election.”
“These officials tell me that Trump is spending too much time with people they consider crackpots or conspiracy theorists and flirting with blatant abuses of power.”
“Their fears include Trump’s interest in former national security adviser Michael Flynn’s wild talk of martial law; an idea floated of an executive order to commandeer voting machines; and the specter of Sidney Powell, the conspiracy-spewing election lawyer, obtaining governmental power and a top-level security clearance.”
Maggie Haberman: “Sources who have gotten used to Trump’s eruptions over four years sound scared by what’s transpired in the past week when I’ve talked to them.”


politicalwire--2020-12-19--Giuliani Urged Federal Seizure of Voting Machines

Rudy Giuliani pressed the Department of Homeland Security to seize possession of voting machines as part of a push to @ @ @ @ @ election , the New York Times reports .
Giuliani was told the department does not @ @ @ @ @ such a thing .
The Wall Street Journal reports deploying the military was also discussed @ @ @ @ @ but nixed .

Rudy Giuliani pressed the Department of Homeland Security to seize possession of voting machines as part of a push to overturn the results of the election, the New York Times reports.
Giuliani was told the department does not have the authority to do such a thing.
The Wall Street Journal reports deploying the military was also discussed at a White House meeting but nixed.


politicalwire--2020-12-19--Lance Bottoms Rejected Biden’s SBA Offer

Joe Biden implored Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms to accept a job heading the Small Business Administration earlier this week @ @ @ @ @ rejected after he characterized it as “ only the first step ” for her during @ @ @ @ @ .


politicalwire--2020-12-19--Trump Campaign Told to Preserve Documents

“ President Trump ’ s campaign legal team sent a memo to dozens of staffers Saturday instructing them to preserve @ @ @ @ @ Voting Systems and Sidney Powell in anticipation of potential litigation by the company against the @ @ @ @ @ reports .


politicalwire--2020-12-19--GOP Lawmaker Lets Voters Decide If He Gets Vaccine


politicalwire--2020-12-19--Trump Suddenly Shuts Consulates In Russia

“ The Trump administration has informed lawmakers of its plan to shutter its two remaining consulates in Russia , ” @ @ @ @ @ closures would leave the US with only one diplomatic outpost in Russia — the US @ @ @ @ @ a time of heightened tensions between the two nations and the notice comes as President-elect @ @ @ @ @ the helm of the US government .
”

“The Trump administration has informed lawmakers of its plan to shutter its two remaining consulates in Russia,” CNN reports.
“Their closures would leave the US with only one diplomatic outpost in Russia — the US Embassy in Moscow — at a time of heightened tensions between the two nations and the notice comes as President-elect Joe Biden prepares to take the helm of the US government.”


politicalwire--2020-12-19--Minnesota Lawmaker Dies from Virus

Minnesota Lawmaker Dies from Virus

“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--2020-12-19--GOP Lawmaker Says Vaccine Worse Than Virus

Rep. Ken Buck ( R-CO ) told Fox Business he will not be taking the coronavirus vaccine , explaining that @ @ @ @ @ about the safety of the vaccine ” than the “ side effects of the disease.
@ @ @ @ @ It is my choice .
I ’ m an American and I have the freedom @ @ @ @ @ m going to take a vaccine or not and , in this case , I @ @ @ @ @ take the vaccine .
”

Rep. Ken Buck (R-CO) told Fox Business he will not be taking the coronavirus vaccine, explaining that he is “more concerned about the safety of the vaccine” than the “side effects of the disease.”
Said Buck: “It is my choice. I’m an American and I have the freedom to decide if I’m going to take a vaccine or not and, in this case, I’m not going to take the vaccine.”


politicalwire--2020-12-19--Trump Contradicts Pompeo on Russian Hacking

President Trump appeared to contradict Secretary of State Mike Pompeo , tweeting that he has been “ fully briefed ” @ @ @ @ @ may be China ” that ’ s responsible for the hacking of federal agencies , @ @ @ @ @ Said Trump : “ The Cyber Hack is far greater in the Fake News Media @ @ @ @ @ have been fully briefed and everything is well under control.
” Axios : “ Cybersecurity @ @ @ @ @ policymakers universally agree the hack was the work of a unit of Russian cyber operators @ @ @ @ @ believed to be backed by Vladimir Putin ’ s intelligence services .
And there ’ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re still in U.S. government and corporate computer systems , undetected .
”

President Trump appeared to contradict Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, tweeting that he has been “fully briefed” and suggesting that “it may be China” that’s responsible for the hacking of federal agencies, the Washington Post reports.
Said Trump: “The Cyber Hack is far greater in the Fake News Media than in actuality. I have been fully briefed and everything is well under control.”
Axios: “Cybersecurity experts, intel officials and policymakers universally agree the hack was the work of a unit of Russian cyber operators known as Cozy Bear, believed to be backed by Vladimir Putin’s intelligence services. And there’s widespread concern that they’re still in U.S. government and corporate computer systems, undetected.”


politicalwire--2020-12-19--Trump Discussed Making Sidney Powell Special Counsel

“ President Trump on Friday discussed making Sidney Powell , who as a lawyer for his campaign team unleashed a @ @ @ @ @ a Venezuelan plot to rig voting machines in the United States , a special counsel @ @ @ @ @ the New York Times reports .
“ It was unclear if Mr. Trump will move @ @ @ @ @ ” “ Most of his advisers opposed the idea , two of the people briefed @ @ @ @ @ including Rudolph W. Giuliani , the president ’ s personal lawyer , who in recent @ @ @ @ @ Department of Homeland Security join the campaign ’ s efforts to overturn Mr. Trump ’ @ @ @ @ @ .
”

“President Trump on Friday discussed making Sidney Powell, who as a lawyer for his campaign team unleashed a series of conspiracy theories about a Venezuelan plot to rig voting machines in the United States, a special counsel investigating voter fraud,” the New York Times reports.
“It was unclear if Mr. Trump will move ahead with such a plan.”
“Most of his advisers opposed the idea, two of the people briefed on the discussion said, including Rudolph W. Giuliani, the president’s personal lawyer, who in recent days sought to have the Department of Homeland Security join the campaign’s efforts to overturn Mr. Trump’s loss in the election.”


politicalwire--2020-12-19--London Locks Down as New Variant of Virus Spreads

“ Alarmed by a what he called a faster-spreading variant of the coronavirus , Prime Minister Boris Johnson abruptly reversed @ @ @ @ @ a wholesale lockdown on London and most of England ’ s southeast , ” the @ @ @ @ @ “ The decision , which Mr. Johnson announced after an emergency meeting of his cabinet @ @ @ @ @ got new evidence of a variant first detected several weeks ago in Kent , southeast @ @ @ @ @ prime minister asserted was 70 percent more transmissible than previous versions.
” Bloomberg : “ @ @ @ @ @ virus mutation with his top officials , the prime minister canceled his plan to ease @ @ @ @ @ during the holiday .
Household mixing will be banned in London and the south-east and @ @ @ @ @ Day across the rest of England .
Residents across the country were told to stay @ @ @ @ @ ”

“Alarmed by a what he called a faster-spreading variant of the coronavirus, Prime Minister Boris Johnson abruptly reversed course on Saturday and imposed a wholesale lockdown on London and most of England’s southeast,” the New York Times reports.
“The decision, which Mr. Johnson announced after an emergency meeting of his cabinet, came after the government got new evidence of a variant first detected several weeks ago in Kent, southeast of London, which the prime minister asserted was 70 percent more transmissible than previous versions.”
Bloomberg: “After emergency talks on the virus mutation with his top officials, the prime minister canceled his plan to ease pandemic rules for five days during the holiday. Household mixing will be banned in London and the south-east and socializing restricted to just Christmas Day across the rest of England. Residents across the country were told to stay in their local areas.”


politicalwire--2020-12-19--Kudlow Will Return to TV

Kudlow Will Return to TV


politicalwire--2020-12-19--Turnout for Runoffs Reaches Presidential Levels

“ Almost as many Georgians have voted in the U.S. Senate runoffs as at the same point before the presidential @ @ @ @ @ that reflects the high stakes of the race , ” the Atlanta Journal Constitution reports @ @ @ @ @ people had voted through Thursday , most of them at early voting locations that opened @ @ @ @ @ Such high turnout is unusual for a runoff , especially when compared to presidential elections @ @ @ @ @ interest .
”

“Almost as many Georgians have voted in the U.S. Senate runoffs as at the same point before the presidential election, a huge turnout that reflects the high stakes of the race,” the Atlanta Journal Constitution reports.
“Over 1.1 million people had voted through Thursday, most of them at early voting locations that opened across the state this week… Such high turnout is unusual for a runoff, especially when compared to presidential elections that get the most voter interest.”


politicalwire--2020-12-19--Vaccine Distribution Goes Awry

Vaccine Distribution Goes Awry

As Vice President Mike Pence sat for his COVID-19 vaccine shot on Friday morning , governors ’ offices across the @ @ @ @ @ as to why their states were set to receive significantly fewer Pfizer doses than originally @ @ @ @ @ reports .
• Richmond Times-Dispatch : “ Virginia learns it will get fewer vaccine doses @ @ @ @ @ Journal Sentinel : “ Evers , health officials say state to get less vaccine than @ @


politicalwire--2020-12-19--MyPillow Guy Bankrolls Trump Election Challenges

“ With a month to go until Inauguration Day , Mike Lindell , the MyPillow CEO and a personal friend @ @ @ @ @ Donald Trump , says he ’ s poured more than $ 1 million of his @ @ @ @ @ to nullify Joe Biden ’ s win in the 2020 presidential race , ” the @ @ @ @


politicalwire--2020-12-20--Trump Will Hold Rally In Georgia

Trump Will Hold Rally In Georgia

President Trump said in a tweet that he will return to Georgia one day before two Senate runoffs in January @ @ @ @ @ the upper chamber .
Said Trump : “ As badly as we were treated in @ @ @ @ @ ’ Governor and ‘ Republican ’ Secretary of State , we must have a massive @ @ @ @ @ , Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue on January 5th .
I will be having a @ @ @ @ @ Monday night , January 4th .
”

President Trump said in a tweet that he will return to Georgia one day before two Senate runoffs in January that will determine control of the upper chamber.
Said Trump: “As badly as we were treated in Georgia by the ‘Republican’ Governor and ‘Republican’ Secretary of State, we must have a massive victory for two great people, Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue on January 5th. I will be having a big Rally for them on Monday night, January 4th.”


politicalwire--2020-12-20--Meadows Tried to Hide Positive Tests

Meadows Tried to Hide Positive Tests

The Washington Post reports on White House chief of staff Mark Meadows ’ efforts to keep a White House coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ .
Meadows worked to hide when members of the White House team had positive coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ his own diagnosis and told at least one other member of the White House team @ @ @ @ @ positive .

The Washington Post reports on White House chief of staff Mark Meadows’ efforts to keep a White House coronavirus outbreak secret from the public.
Meadows worked to hide when members of the White House team had positive coronavirus tests and attempted to hide his own diagnosis and told at least one other member of the White House team to keep quiet about testing positive.


politicalwire--2020-12-20--Is Trump Cracking Under the Weight of Losing?

Politico : “ It ’ s not just his odd behavior—the testy , tiny desk session with the press , @ @ @ @ @ ceremony that ended with his awkward exit , the cut-short trip to the Army-Navy football @ @ @ @ @ even more pointedly his conspicuous and ongoing absences.
” “ The narcissistic Trump has spent @ @ @ @ @ especially the last half a decade—making himself and keeping himself the most paid-attention-to person on @ @ @ @ @ the month and a half since Election Day , Trump has been seen and heard @ @ @ @ @ No-showing unexpectedly at a Christmas party , sticking to consistently sparse public schedules and speaking @ @ @ @ @ Twitter feed , he ’ s been fixated more than anything else on his baseless @ @ @ @ @ election when he did not .
”

Politico: “It’s not just his odd behavior—the testy, tiny desk session with the press, the stilted Medal of Freedom ceremony that ended with his awkward exit, the cut-short trip to the Army-Navy football game. It’s even more pointedly his conspicuous and ongoing absences.”
“The narcissistic Trump has spent the last half a century—but especially the last half a decade—making himself and keeping himself the most paid-attention-to person on the planet. But in the month and a half since Election Day, Trump has been seen and heard relatively sparingly and sporadically. No-showing unexpectedly at a Christmas party, sticking to consistently sparse public schedules and speaking mainly through his increasingly manic Twitter feed, he’s been fixated more than anything else on his baseless insistence that he won the election when he did not.”


politicalwire--2020-12-20--Senate Leaders Clear Last Hurdle on Relief Package

“ Senators reached an agreement on the Federal Reserve ’ s emergency lending powers late Saturday , clearing the last @ @ @ @ @ 900 billion coronavirus-relief package , according to aides from both parties , ” the Wall @ @ @ @ @ Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer ( D. , N.Y. ) and Sen. Pat Toomey ( @ @ @ @ @ finishing details on a compromise Saturday night .
Under the deal , the central bank @ @ @ @ @ set up emergency lending programs without congressional approval .
But it would face a narrower @ @ @ @ @ ’ t be able to replicate programs identical to the ones it started in March @ @ @ @ @ pandemic without the approval of Congress.
” “ Mr .
Schumer told reporters he thought @ @ @ @ @ would be able to vote Sunday on the relief bill , which is expected to @ @ @ @ @ bill needed to avoid a partial government shutdown .
The government ’ s current funding @ @ @ @ @ .
”

“Senators reached an agreement on the Federal Reserve’s emergency lending powers late Saturday, clearing the last major hurdle on a $900 billion coronavirus-relief package, according to aides from both parties,” the Wall Street Journal reports.
“Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D., N.Y.) and Sen. Pat Toomey (R., Pa.) were finishing details on a compromise Saturday night. Under the deal, the central bank would retain its ability to set up emergency lending programs without congressional approval. But it would face a narrower constraint: The Fed wouldn’t be able to replicate programs identical to the ones it started in March at the beginning of the pandemic without the approval of Congress.”
“Mr. Schumer told reporters he thought both the House and Senate would be able to vote Sunday on the relief bill, which is expected to be combined with a spending bill needed to avoid a partial government shutdown. The government’s current funding expires at 12:01 a.m. Monday.”


politicalwire--2020-12-20--Kemp Mocked for Attending White House Party

“ Georgia Gov .
Brian Kemp ( R ) faced a slew of social media criticism after he attended a @ @ @ @ @ his daughter on Friday , despite being repeatedly insulted by President Trump in the weeks @ @ @ @ @ , ” USA Today reports .
“ The morning of the Christmas party , Trump @ @ @ @ @ a special session of the Georgia Legislature to challenge the election result… Trump also called @ @ @ @ @ ’ in another tweet that morning .
”

“Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (R) faced a slew of social media criticism after he attended a White House Christmas party with his daughter on Friday, despite being repeatedly insulted by President Trump in the weeks since the Nov. 3 election,” USA Today reports.
“The morning of the Christmas party, Trump tweeted that Kemp should call a special session of the Georgia Legislature to challenge the election result… Trump also called him a so-called ‘Republican’ in another tweet that morning.”


politicalwire--2020-12-21--Ex-Justice Department Lawyer Apologizes

Ex-Justice Department Lawyer Apologizes

Erica Newland writes in the New York Times that she ’ s “ haunted by what I did ” as @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Justice Department .
“ No matter our intentions , we were complicit .
@ @ @ @ @ leader by conforming to his assault on reality .
We may have been victims of @ @ @ @ @ were also its instruments .
No matter how much any one of us pushed back @ @ @ @ @ so as members of a professional class of government lawyers who enabled an assault on @ @ @ @ @ that nearly ended it.
” “ We owe the country our honesty about that and @ @ @ @ @ We owe apologies .
I offer mine here .
”

Erica Newland writes in the New York Times that she’s “haunted by what I did” as a lawyer in President Trump’s Justice Department.
“No matter our intentions, we were complicit. We collectively perpetuated an anti-democratic leader by conforming to his assault on reality. We may have been victims of the system, but we were also its instruments. No matter how much any one of us pushed back from within, we did so as members of a professional class of government lawyers who enabled an assault on our democracy — an assault that nearly ended it.”
“We owe the country our honesty about that and about what we saw. We owe apologies. I offer mine here.”


politicalwire--2020-12-21--White House Secures ‘Three Martini Lunch’ Deduction

Peter Wehner : “ None of this should come as a surprise .
Some of us said , even before @ @ @ @ @ Donald Trump ’ s Rosetta Stone , the key to deciphering him , was…


politicalwire--2020-12-21--How Oddsmakers Made a Killing Off Trump Supporters

Slate : “ The odds-shifting bonanza on election night , with all that money on the line , was not @ @ @ @ @ knew something the mainstream media did not .
Instead , the Trump spike was the @ @ @ @ @ had been unfolding all year .
Many Trump supporters were certain he could not lose @ @ @ @ @ much money into betting on him that they distorted markets in his ( and ultimately @ @ @ @ @ favor.
” Said gambling writer Collin Sherwin : “ It ’ s the most irrational @ @ @ @ @ John Gruber : “ The MAGA types were still wagering real money on Trump after @ @ @ @ @ for Biden .
It was like taking candy from babies who deserved to have their @ @ @ @

Slate: “The odds-shifting bonanza on election night, with all that money on the line, was not a sign that the oddsmakers knew something the mainstream media did not. Instead, the Trump spike was the peak of a phenomenon that had been unfolding all year. Many Trump supporters were certain he could not lose, and they plowed so much money into betting on him that they distorted markets in his (and ultimately, the sportsbooks’) favor.”
Said gambling writer Collin Sherwin: “It’s the most irrational market I ever saw.”
John Gruber: “The MAGA types were still wagering real money on Trump after the election had been called for Biden. It was like taking candy from babies who deserved to have their candy stolen.”


politicalwire--2020-12-21--Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day


politicalwire--2020-12-20--McConnell Announces Deal on Relief Package

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell ( R-KY ) announced late Sunday night that lawmakers have finalized an approximately $ 900 @ @ @ @ @ the Washington Post reports .
Said McConnell : “ More help is on the way @ @ @ @ @ consultation with our committees , the four leaders of the Senate and House finalized an @ @ @ @ @ package for the American people.
” McConnell said lawmakers only have to “ promptly finalize @ @ @ @ @ any last minute obstacles .
”

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced late Sunday night that lawmakers have finalized an approximately $900 billion economic relief package, the Washington Post reports.
Said McConnell: “More help is on the way. Moments ago, in consultation with our committees, the four leaders of the Senate and House finalized an agreement for another major rescue package for the American people.”
McConnell said lawmakers only have to “promptly finalize text” and “avoid any last minute obstacles.”


politicalwire--2020-12-20--Trump Memoir Could Fetch a $100 Million Advance

Vanity Fair : “ Page Six got the speculation swirling with an item last month suggesting that Trump could land @ @ @ @ @ million .
Some in the publishing world find that figure laughable , but my colleague @ @ @ @ @ Rupert Murdoch ‘ is considering a plan to offer Trump a $ 100 million package @ @ @ @ @ Trump ’ s post presidential memoir and Fox News giving Trump a contributor deal or @ @ @ @ @ ” “ The other publisher to watch is Simon & Schuster , whose CEO , @ @ @ @ @ long-standing rapport with Trump and has published his books in the past .
”

Vanity Fair: “Page Six got the speculation swirling with an item last month suggesting that Trump could land book deal for $100 million. Some in the publishing world find that figure laughable, but my colleague Gabriel Sherman subsequently reported that Rupert Murdoch ‘is considering a plan to offer Trump a $100 million package that would include HarperCollins publishing Trump’s post presidential memoir and Fox News giving Trump a contributor deal or his own show.'”
“The other publisher to watch is Simon & Schuster, whose CEO, Jonathan Karp, has a long-standing rapport with Trump and has published his books in the past.”


politicalwire--2020-12-20--Maria Bartiromo Airs Fact Check of Her Own Claims


politicalwire--2020-12-20--How Do You Describe 2020?

How Do You Describe 2020?


politicalwire--2020-12-20--Bolsonaro Warns of Bizarre Vaccine Side Effects

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro criticized the Pfizer vaccine suggesting that it could result in strange side-effects , such as women @ @ @ @ @ into crocodiles , according to AFP .
Bolsonaro said that he does not intend to @ @ @

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro criticized the Pfizer vaccine suggesting that it could result in strange side-effects, such as women growing beards and people turning into crocodiles, according to AFP.
Bolsonaro said that he does not intend to be vaccinated.


politicalwire--2020-12-20--Large Numbers Say Trump Was One of the Worst Ever

A new Fox News poll finds that 42 % of voters say history will remember President Trump as one of @ @ @ @ @ An additional 8 % say he will be remembered as below average .
Harry Enten @ @ @ @ @ fairly resistant to giving such a low rating as they have assigned to Trump .
@ @ @ @ @ 20 % for the lowest rating .
The average percentage for the lowest rating ( @ @ @ @ @ the worst ) had been 14 % before Trump .
”

A new Fox News poll finds that 42% of voters say history will remember President Trump as one of the worst presidents ever.
An additional 8% say he will be remembered as below average.
Harry Enten: “Americans are usually fairly resistant to giving such a low rating as they have assigned to Trump. No other president hit even 20% for the lowest rating. The average percentage for the lowest rating (either poor or one of the worst) had been 14% before Trump.”


politicalwire--2020-12-20--Trump Spoke to Tuberville About Challenging Election

President Trump told WABC radio that he has spoken with Sen.-elect Tommy Tuberville , the Alabama Republican who suggested last @ @ @ @ @ potential challenge to the electoral vote count when the House and Senate convene next month @ @ @ @ @ Biden ’ s victory .
Washington Post : “ The conversation is the latest signal @ @ @ @ @ on Republicans to overturn the results of November ’ s presidential election .
”

President Trump told WABC radio that he has spoken with Sen.-elect Tommy Tuberville, the Alabama Republican who suggested last week that he supports a potential challenge to the electoral vote count when the House and Senate convene next month to formally affirm President-elect Joe Biden’s victory.
Washington Post: “The conversation is the latest signal that Trump is exerting pressure on Republicans to overturn the results of November’s presidential election.”


politicalwire--2020-12-20--Trump Is Losing His Mind

Trump Is Losing His Mind

Peter Wehner : “ None of this should come as a surprise .
Some of us said , even before he became president , that Donald Trump ’ s Rosetta Stone , the key to deciphering him , was his psychology—his disordered personality , his emotional and mental instability , and his sociopathic tendencies .
It was the main reason , though hardly the only reason , I refused to vote for him in 2016 or in 2020 , despite having worked in the three previous Republican administrations .
Nothing that Trump has done over the past four years has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a great deal has happened to confirm it.
” “ Given Trump ’ s psychological profile , it was inevitable that when he felt the walls of reality close in on him—in 2020 , it was the pandemic , the cratering economy , and his election defeat—he would detach himself even further from reality .
It was predictable that the president would assert even more bizarre conspiracy theories .
That he would become more enraged and embittered , more desperate and despondent , more consumed by his grievances .
That he would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ General Bill Barr and Georgia Governor Brian Kemp , and become more aggressive toward his perceived enemies .
That his wits would begin to turn , in the words of King Lear .
That he would begin to lose his mind.
” “ So he has .
And , as a result , President Trump has become even more destabilizing and dangerous .
”

Peter Wehner: “None of this should come as a surprise. Some of us said, even before he became president, that Donald Trump’s Rosetta Stone, the key to deciphering him, was his psychology—his disordered personality, his emotional and mental instability, and his sociopathic tendencies. It was the main reason, though hardly the only reason, I refused to vote for him in 2016 or in 2020, despite having worked in the three previous Republican administrations. Nothing that Trump has done over the past four years has caused me to rethink my assessment, and a great deal has happened to confirm it.”
“Given Trump’s psychological profile, it was inevitable that when he felt the walls of reality close in on him—in 2020, it was the pandemic, the cratering economy, and his election defeat—he would detach himself even further from reality. It was predictable that the president would assert even more bizarre conspiracy theories. That he would become more enraged and embittered, more desperate and despondent, more consumed by his grievances. That he would go against past supplicants, like Attorney General Bill Barr and Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, and become more aggressive toward his perceived enemies. That his wits would begin to turn, in the words of King Lear. That he would begin to lose his mind.”
“So he has. And, as a result, President Trump has become even more destabilizing and dangerous.”


politicalwire--2020-12-20--Birx Didn’t Follow Her Own Advice

Birx Didn’t Follow Her Own Advice

“ As COVID-19 cases skyrocketed before the Thanksgiving holiday weekend , Dr. Deborah Birx , coordinator of the White House @ @ @ @ @ to ‘ be vigilant ’ and limit celebrations to ‘ your immediate household , ' @ @ @ @ @ “ For many Americans that guidance has been difficult to abide , including for Birx @ @ @ @ @ after Thanksgiving , she traveled to one of her vacation properties on Fenwick Island in @ @ @ @ @ by three generations of her family from two households .
Birx , her husband Paige @ @ @ @ @ son-in-law and two young grandchildren were present .
”

“As COVID-19 cases skyrocketed before the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, Dr. Deborah Birx, coordinator of the White House coronavirus response, warned Americans to ‘be vigilant’ and limit celebrations to ‘your immediate household,'” the AP reports.
“For many Americans that guidance has been difficult to abide, including for Birx herself.”
“The day after Thanksgiving, she traveled to one of her vacation properties on Fenwick Island in Delaware. She was accompanied by three generations of her family from two households. Birx, her husband Paige Reffe, a daughter, son-in-law and two young grandchildren were present.”


politicalwire--2020-12-20--Brexit Talks Go to the Wire

Brexit Talks Go to the Wire

“ The pound is expected to plummet on the foreign-exchange markets if Boris Johnson abandons talks on a Brexit deal @ @ @ @ @ Times of London reports .
“ Last-ditch negotiations were continuing last night , with the @ @ @ @ @ deal to be agreed today to give time for the terms to be ratified by @ @ @ @ @ the year .
”

“The pound is expected to plummet on the foreign-exchange markets if Boris Johnson abandons talks on a Brexit deal by tomorrow,” the Times of London reports.
“Last-ditch negotiations were continuing last night, with the EU calling for a trade deal to be agreed today to give time for the terms to be ratified by politicians before the end of the year.”


politicalwire--2020-12-20--Romney Says GOP Has ‘Strayed’ from Core Values

Sen. Mitt Romney ( R-UT ) told CNN that the Republican Party “ has taken a different course ” from @ @ @ @ @ years .
Said Romney : “ The party that I knew was very concerned about @ @ @ @ @ Jong-un and North Korea and we pushed back aggressively against them .
We were a @ @ @ @ @ budget .
We believed in trade with other nations.
” He added : “ We @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t see us returning to that for a long time.
” However , @ @ @ @ @ he would ever leave the party .

Sen. Mitt Romney (R-UT) told CNN that the Republican Party “has taken a different course” from its core values in recent years.
Said Romney: “The party that I knew was very concerned about Russia and Putin and Kim Jong-un and North Korea and we pushed back aggressively against them. We were a party concerned about balancing the budget. We believed in trade with other nations.”
He added: “We strayed from that. I don’t see us returning to that for a long time.”
However, Romney stopped short of saying he would ever leave the party.


politicalwire--2020-12-20--Raised Voices In the Oval Office

Raised Voices In the Oval Office

There were “ raised voice levels and animated conversation ” during a chaotic Friday night meeting with President Trump in @ @ @ @ @ reports .
As the New York Times first reported , the meeting included — at @ @ @ @ @ , Gen. Michael Flynn and conspiracy-minded election lawyer Sidney Powell .
Said a source : @ @ @ @ @ Sidney versus everybody .
That is why voices were raised .
There is literally not @ @ @ @ @ ’ s entire orbit — his staunchest group of supporters and allies — who doesn @ @ @ @ @ Powell should be on that first rocket to Mars .
”

There were “raised voice levels and animated conversation” during a chaotic Friday night meeting with President Trump in the Oval Office, Axios reports.
As the New York Times first reported, the meeting included — at various times — Rudy Giuliani, Gen. Michael Flynn and conspiracy-minded election lawyer Sidney Powell.
Said a source: “It’s basically Sidney versus everybody. That is why voices were raised. There is literally not one motherfucker in the president’s entire orbit — his staunchest group of supporters and allies — who doesn’t think that Sidney Powell should be on that first rocket to Mars.”


politicalwire--2020-12-20--Trump Shifts His 2024 Thinking

Trump Shifts His 2024 Thinking

Jonathan Swan : Trump doesn ’ t want to announce a run before January 20 — an idea he had @ @ @ @ @ it would show his base he ’ s given up his fight to overturn the @ @ @ @ @ Trump definitely wants to hold out the possibility of running , he is not sure @ @ @ @ @ the official FEC process any time soon .
”

Jonathan Swan: Trump doesn’t want to announce a run before January 20 — an idea he had initially toyed with — because it would show his base he’s given up his fight to overturn the election.”
“And while Trump definitely wants to hold out the possibility of running, he is not sure he wants to go through the official FEC process any time soon.”


politicalwire--2020-12-20--Could Rudy Giuliani Face a Perjury Charge?

Mother Jones : “ On December 14 , Rudy Giuliani Zoomed into a Missouri legislative hearing .
His testimony was @ @ @ @ @ to overturn the election , and , as he has done so often in recent @ @ @ @ @ insisted there was massive fraud in the presidential contest .
Yet what made this appearance @ @ @ @ @ Donald Trump ’ s personal lawyer may have committed perjury .
”

Mother Jones: “On December 14, Rudy Giuliani Zoomed into a Missouri legislative hearing. His testimony was part of his endless roadshow to overturn the election, and, as he has done so often in recent weeks, he once again insisted there was massive fraud in the presidential contest. Yet what made this appearance notable is that this time Donald Trump’s personal lawyer may have committed perjury.”


politicalwire--2020-12-20--Trump Can’t Put Aside Grudges, Even for Good News

“ It was among the most consequential weeks of President Trump ’ s tenure : Across the country , health care workers began receiving a lifesaving coronavirus vaccine .
On Capitol Hill , lawmakers neared a deal on economic relief aimed at averting a deeper recession .
And on Friday , federal regulators authorized a second vaccine , ” the New York Times reports .
“ Yet Mr. Trump was largely absent from those events .
It was Vice President Mike Pence who held a call with governors on Monday to hail a ‘ medical miracle , ’ and who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s end on live television .
Legislative leaders were the ones working late into the nights on a stimulus deal.
” “ All the while Mr. Trump was conducting a Twitter-borne assault on Republicans for not helping him overturn the election results , even warning Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky , the majority leader , to ‘ get tougher , or you won ’ t have a Republican Party anymore.
’ By this weekend , the president was considering naming a conspiracy theorist as special counsel to investigate voting fraud , for which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his advisers about instituting martial law and downplaying a massive hack his own secretary of state attributed to Russia .
”

“It was among the most consequential weeks of President Trump’s tenure: Across the country, health care workers began receiving a lifesaving coronavirus vaccine. On Capitol Hill, lawmakers neared a deal on economic relief aimed at averting a deeper recession. And on Friday, federal regulators authorized a second vaccine,” the New York Times reports.
“Yet Mr. Trump was largely absent from those events. It was Vice President Mike Pence who held a call with governors on Monday to hail a ‘medical miracle,’ and who received the Pfizer vaccine at week’s end on live television. Legislative leaders were the ones working late into the nights on a stimulus deal.”
“All the while Mr. Trump was conducting a Twitter-borne assault on Republicans for not helping him overturn the election results, even warning Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the majority leader, to ‘get tougher, or you won’t have a Republican Party anymore.’ By this weekend, the president was considering naming a conspiracy theorist as special counsel to investigate voting fraud, for which there’s no evidence, asking his advisers about instituting martial law and downplaying a massive hack his own secretary of state attributed to Russia.”
Wall Street Journal: Amid vaccine rollout, Trump remains focused on overturning the election.


politicalwire--2020-12-20--Biden Won’t Discuss Probe of His Son with AG Candidates

“ President-elect Joe Biden isn ’ t discussing a federal investigation of his son Hunter Biden ’ s business dealings @ @ @ @ @ general , a decision the president-elect has not yet made , ” Politico reports .
@ @ @ @ @ secretary Jen Psaki : “ He will not be discussing an investigation of his son @ @ @ @ @ .
He will not be discussing it with anyone he is considering for the role @ @ @ @ @ be discussing it with a future attorney general .
”

“President-elect Joe Biden isn’t discussing a federal investigation of his son Hunter Biden’s business dealings with candidates to be attorney general, a decision the president-elect has not yet made,” Politico reports.
Said incoming White House press secretary Jen Psaki: “He will not be discussing an investigation of his son with any attorney general candidates. He will not be discussing it with anyone he is considering for the role. And he will not be discussing it with a future attorney general.”


politicalwire--2020-12-21--More Than 1.3 Million Have Voted In Georgia

“ More than 1.3 million Georgians have already voted in two Senate runoffs taking place next month — a number @ @ @ @ @ this point in the November election and points to intense enthusiasm in a pair of @ @ @ @ @ of Congress , ” the Washington Post reports .

“More than 1.3 million Georgians have already voted in two Senate runoffs taking place next month — a number that rivals the turnout at this point in the November election and points to intense enthusiasm in a pair of races that will determine control of Congress,” the Washington Post reports.
CNN: Pop-up super PACs flood Georgia runoff.


politicalwire--2020-12-21--Trump Leaves Behind Mess While Undermining Biden

“ When President-elect Joe Biden is sworn into office on Jan. 20 , the list of crises he will face @ @ @ @ @ , a still-raging global pandemic , a slowing economic recovery and a lingering reckoning over @ @ @ @ @ tensions , ” the Washington Post reports .
“ President Trump is not making his @ @ @ @ @ in several ways , appears to be actively making it harder — going to extraordinary @ @ @ @ @ the traditional transition from one administration to another despite the nation ’ s many crises @ @

“When President-elect Joe Biden is sworn into office on Jan. 20, the list of crises he will face includes a massive cyber intrusion, a still-raging global pandemic, a slowing economic recovery and a lingering reckoning over the nation’s racial tensions,” the Washington Post reports.
“President Trump is not making his job any easier and, in several ways, appears to be actively making it harder — going to extraordinary lengths to disrupt and undermine the traditional transition from one administration to another despite the nation’s many crises.”


politicalwire--2020-12-21--Spy Duped Into Revealing How Navalny Was Poisoned

“ A Russian agent sent to tail opposition leader Alexey Navalny has revealed how he was poisoned in August — @ @ @ @ @ Novichok planted in his underpants , ” CNN reports .
“ The stunning disclosure from @ @ @ @ @ an elite toxins team in Russia ’ s FSB security service came in a lengthy @ @ @ @ @ of the unit by CNN and the online investigative outfit Bellingcat last week .
”

“A Russian agent sent to tail opposition leader Alexey Navalny has revealed how he was poisoned in August — with the lethal nerve agent Novichok planted in his underpants,” CNN reports.
“The stunning disclosure from an agent who belonged to an elite toxins team in Russia’s FSB security service came in a lengthy phone call following the unmasking of the unit by CNN and the online investigative outfit Bellingcat last week.”


politicalwire--2020-12-21--Biden to Receive Vaccine Today

Biden to Receive Vaccine Today

“ For much of the economy — especially people and industries that have been insulated from the worst effects of @ @ @ @ @ provide a bridge to a vaccine-fueled…

“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…


U.K. In Crisis

“ At least 30 countries , including 17 in the neighboring European Union , have banned flights from the United @ @ @ @ @ warned that a new variant of the coronavirus could be up to 70 % more @ @ @ @ @ .
“ U.K .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson is set to hold an emergency meeting @ @ @ @ @ Sunday that it would close its borders for 48 hours , blocking off ports that @ @ @ @ @ of the U.K. ’ s trade in goods .
”

“At least 30 countries, including 17 in the neighboring European Union, have banned flights from the United Kingdom after the British government warned that a new variant of the coronavirus could be up to 70% more transmissible,” Axios reports.
“U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson is set to hold an emergency meeting of advisers after France announced Sunday that it would close its borders for 48 hours, blocking off ports that account for roughly 20% of the U.K.’s trade in goods.”


politicalwire--2020-12-21--Pollsters Disappear In Georgia

Pollsters Disappear In Georgia

Politico : “ Something ’ s missing from Georgia ’ s high-stakes Senate runoffs : the polls .
After a @ @ @ @ @ polling industry , when the polls again underestimated President Donald Trump ( who lost regardless @ @ @ @ @ candidates down the ballot , pollsters are mostly sidelined in the run-up to the Jan. @ @ @ @ @ most observers regard as toss-ups.
” “ The public polls that drove so much of @ @ @ @ @ November — and generated tremendous distrust afterward — have all but disappeared in Georgia , @ @ @ @ @ stay that way : Some of the most prolific , best-regarded media and academic pollsters @ @ @ @ @ plans to conduct pre-election surveys in Georgia .
”

Politico: “Something’s missing from Georgia’s high-stakes Senate runoffs: the polls. After a disastrous November election for the polling industry, when the polls again underestimated President Donald Trump (who lost regardless) as well as GOP candidates down the ballot, pollsters are mostly sidelined in the run-up to the Jan. 5 Georgia elections, which most observers regard as toss-ups.”
“The public polls that drove so much of the news coverage ahead of November — and generated tremendous distrust afterward — have all but disappeared in Georgia, and they are set to stay that way: Some of the most prolific, best-regarded media and academic pollsters told Politico they have no plans to conduct pre-election surveys in Georgia.”


politicalwire--2020-12-21--Inside Biden’s Cabinet Confirmation Drive

Politico : “ Already , Biden has tapped a vast network of current and former elected officials , interest groups @ @ @ @ @ take part in lobbying efforts for his Cabinet picks .
That has included dispatching nominees @ @ @ @ @ with interest groups , amplifying transition messaging on social media and reaching out to powerful @ @ @ @ @ key to the confirmation.
” “ The Biden transition team , which is expecting that @ @ @ @ @ will begin before the Jan. 20 inauguration , has already had hundreds of conversations with @ @ @ @ @ taken part in dozens of meetings with members of Congress .
Before Cabinet names go @ @ @ @ @ to bipartisan leadership , relevant committee offices and home state members of Congress .
Once @ @ @ @ @ are making dozens of calls , including to Republicans , who have signaled they could @ @ @ @ @ of picks .
”

Politico: “Already, Biden has tapped a vast network of current and former elected officials, interest groups, CEOs and others to take part in lobbying efforts for his Cabinet picks. That has included dispatching nominees to engage in Zoom meetings with interest groups, amplifying transition messaging on social media and reaching out to powerful Senate members who will be key to the confirmation.”
“The Biden transition team, which is expecting that at least some confirmation hearings will begin before the Jan. 20 inauguration, has already had hundreds of conversations with Hill members and staff and taken part in dozens of meetings with members of Congress. Before Cabinet names go public, notifications go out to bipartisan leadership, relevant committee offices and home state members of Congress. Once they are announced, nominees are making dozens of calls, including to Republicans, who have signaled they could put up resistance to some of picks.”


politicalwire--2020-12-21--How Trump Will Be Remembered

How Trump Will Be Remembered

“ The most improbable of presidents , Donald Trump reshaped the office and shattered its centuries-old norms and traditions while @ @ @ @ @ no one before , ” the AP reports .
“ Trump , governing by whim @ @ @ @ @ nation ’ s racial and cultural divides and undermined faith in its institutions .
His @ @ @ @ @ years that were marked by his impeachment , failures during the worst pandemic in a @ @ @ @ @ accept defeat .
He smashed conceptions about how presidents behave and communicate , offering unvarnished @ @ @ @ @ , pulling back the curtain for the American people while enthralling supporters and unnerving foes @ @ @ @ @ both at home and abroad.
” “ While the nation would be hard pressed to @ @ @ @ @ as Trump , it remains to be seen how much of his imprint on the @ @ @ @ @ only 44 other men , will be indelible .
”

“The most improbable of presidents, Donald Trump reshaped the office and shattered its centuries-old norms and traditions while dominating the national discourse like no one before,” the AP reports.
“Trump, governing by whim and tweet, deepened the nation’s racial and cultural divides and undermined faith in its institutions. His legacy: a tumultuous four years that were marked by his impeachment, failures during the worst pandemic in a century and his refusal to accept defeat. He smashed conceptions about how presidents behave and communicate, offering unvarnished thoughts and policy declarations alike, pulling back the curtain for the American people while enthralling supporters and unnerving foes — and sometimes allies — both at home and abroad.”
“While the nation would be hard pressed to elect another figure as disruptive as Trump, it remains to be seen how much of his imprint on the office itself, occupied by only 44 other men, will be indelible.”


politicalwire--2020-12-21--Stimulus Deal Provides Economic Relief, for Now

“ For much of the economy — especially people and industries that have been insulated from the worst effects of @ @ @ @ @ provide a bridge to a vaccine-fueled rebound .
That is especially likely if the vaccine @ @ @ @ @ , and the swelling number of coronavirus cases doesn ’ t force another round of @ @ @ @ @ New York Times reports .
“ The injection of money comes months too late for @ @ @ @ @ businesses , however , and it may not be enough to sustain unemployed workers until @ @ @ @ @ Moreover , it could be the last help from Washington the economy gets anytime soon @ @

“For much of the economy — especially people and industries that have been insulated from the worst effects of the pandemic — it may provide a bridge to a vaccine-fueled rebound. That is especially likely if the vaccine is quickly and widely distributed, and the swelling number of coronavirus cases doesn’t force another round of widespread shutdowns,” the New York Times reports.
“The injection of money comes months too late for tens of thousands of failed businesses, however, and it may not be enough to sustain unemployed workers until the labor market rebounds. Moreover, it could be the last help from Washington the economy gets anytime soon.”


politicalwire--2020-12-21--Trump Files Another Supreme Court Appeal

“ President Trump ’ s campaign team on Sunday filed an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court asking it to @ @ @ @ @ Pennsylvania Supreme Court to change the state ’ s mail ballot law before and after @ @ @ @ @ ” Fox News reports .
Rick Hasen : “ John Eastman should be ashamed of @ @ @ @ @ the Epoch Times in support of the choice of the alternative slate made me laugh @ @ @ @

“President Trump’s campaign team on Sunday filed an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court asking it to reverse several cases by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to change the state’s mail ballot law before and after the 2020 presidential election,” Fox News reports.
Rick Hasen: “John Eastman should be ashamed of this petition… The citation to the Epoch Times in support of the choice of the alternative slate made me laugh out loud.”


politicalwire--2020-12-21--What Books Should Biden Read?

What Books Should Biden Read?

Presidential historian Michael Beschloss tells the New York Times the incoming president should read Washington by Ron Chernow .
“ @ @ @ @ @ when our democracy was fragile , a human and courageous leader — through his acts @ @ @ @ @ — defined the office of the presidency in order to protect our liberties , defend @ @ @ @ @ threats , ensure the rule of law , bring our people together and inspire our @ @ @ @

Presidential historian Michael Beschloss tells the New York Times the incoming president should read Washington by Ron Chernow.
“This classic shows how, when our democracy was fragile, a human and courageous leader — through his acts, language and personal example — defined the office of the presidency in order to protect our liberties, defend the country from secret foreign threats, ensure the rule of law, bring our people together and inspire our next generation.”
It’s an excellent choice.


politicalwire--2020-12-21--‘The Last Republican President’

‘The Last Republican President’

Eric Bolling savaged “ establishment ” Republicans , telling his viewers on Sinclair they were the reason Donald Trump would @ @ @ @ @ for the foreseeable future .
Said Bolling : “ Donald Trump will be the last @ @ @ @ @ .
He may be the last GOP president ever again .
”

Eric Bolling savaged “establishment” Republicans, telling his viewers on Sinclair they were the reason Donald Trump would be the last Republican president for the foreseeable future.
Said Bolling: “Donald Trump will be the last Republican president in my lifetime. He may be the last GOP president ever again.”


politicalwire--2020-12-21--Trump Has Put the Lame In ‘Lame Duck’

Trump Has Put the Lame In ‘Lame Duck’

George Condon : “ President Trump is only the third incumbent to lose reelection since Inauguration Day was moved to @ @ @ @ @ ago .
He is the first to seemingly stop doing the job during the two-and-a-half @ @ @ @ @ , the first not to view those final days as a last opportunity to enact @ @ @ @ @ ” “ In stark contrast with the other presidents who lost their second-term bids , @ @ @ @ @ from public view .
Even worse , behind the scenes he has not pressed his @ @ @ @ @ right up to noon on Inauguration Day when his successor takes his oath of office @ @ @ @ @ dug in , refused to concede to President-elect Joe Biden , and is spending most @ @ @ @ @ he desperately seeks for a way to undo the verdict of the 84 million Americans @ @ @ @ @ presidency.
” “ The contrast with defeated incumbents Jimmy Carter in 1980 and George H.W @ @ @ @ @ both stark and undeniable .
”

George Condon: “President Trump is only the third incumbent to lose reelection since Inauguration Day was moved to Jan. 20 almost nine decades ago. He is the first to seemingly stop doing the job during the two-and-a-half months before he officially leaves, the first not to view those final days as a last opportunity to enact laws and cement his legacy.”
“In stark contrast with the other presidents who lost their second-term bids, Trump has all but disappeared from public view. Even worse, behind the scenes he has not pressed his own administration to keep working right up to noon on Inauguration Day when his successor takes his oath of office. Instead, he has dug in, refused to concede to President-elect Joe Biden, and is spending most of his time brooding as he desperately seeks for a way to undo the verdict of the 84 million Americans who voted to end his presidency.”
“The contrast with defeated incumbents Jimmy Carter in 1980 and George H.W. Bush in 1992 is both stark and undeniable.”


politicalwire--2020-12-21--Bonus Quote of the Day

Bonus Quote of the Day

“ It seems like the constant fight in the Republican Party is trying to stop the lunatics from taking over @ @ @ @ @ Denver Riggleman ( R-VA ) , quoted by the New York Times .

“It seems like the constant fight in the Republican Party is trying to stop the lunatics from taking over the asylum.”
— Rep. Denver Riggleman (R-VA), quoted by the New York Times.


politicalwire--2020-12-22--Biden Set to Nominate Cardona as Education Secretary

“ President-elect Joe Biden is poised to nominate Connecticut education commissioner Miguel Cardona as his education secretary , a decision @ @ @ @ @ the final Cabinet selections before Christmas , ” CNN reports .
“ Biden has set @ @ @ @ @ schools within the first 100 days of taking office , a position that has touched @ @ @ @ @ ’ unions .
Cardona has been a leading proponent of sending children back to school @ @ @ @ @ are falling behind during virtual learning amid the coronavirus pandemic .
”

“President-elect Joe Biden is poised to nominate Connecticut education commissioner Miguel Cardona as his education secretary, a decision that could be one of the final Cabinet selections before Christmas,” CNN reports.
“Biden has set a goal of reopening most schools within the first 100 days of taking office, a position that has touched off controversy with some teachers’ unions. Cardona has been a leading proponent of sending children back to school, saying too many students are falling behind during virtual learning amid the coronavirus pandemic.”


politicalwire--2020-12-22--Russian Hackers Targeted Top Officials at Treasury

“ The Russian hackers who penetrated United States government agencies broke into the email system used by the Treasury Department @ @ @ @ @ , the first detail of how deeply Moscow burrowed into the Trump administration ’ s @ @ @ @ @ York Times reports .


politicalwire--2020-12-22--Federal Prosecutors Seek Giuliani’s Communications

Federal prosecutors have discussed making a legal request for Rudy Giuliani ’ s electronic communications , two sources familiar with @ @ @ @ @ , a sign that the investigation into President Trump ’ s personal attorney remains active @ @ @ @ @ up .


politicalwire--2020-12-22--House Approves Huge Spending Package

House Approves Huge Spending Package

“ The House of Representatives on Monday passed a mammoth 5,593-page tax and spending package that packages together emergency economic @ @ @ @ @ tax cuts , ” the Washington Post reports .
“ The measure is one of @ @ @ @ @ ever passed by a chamber of Congress .
”

“The House of Representatives on Monday passed a mammoth 5,593-page tax and spending package that packages together emergency economic relief, government funding and tax cuts,” the Washington Post reports.
“The measure is one of the largest pieces of legislation ever passed by a chamber of Congress.”


politicalwire--2020-12-22--House Conservatives Strategize with Trump

Rep. Mo Brooks ( R-AL ) and fellow House conservatives met privately on Monday with President Trump and Vice President @ @ @ @ @ prepared to mount a long-shot bid in January to overturn the Electoral College results that @ @ @ @ @ winner of the election , CNN reports .
“ The discussion focused on Trump ’ @ @ @ @ @ that the election was stolen from him , participants said , and lawmakers emerged confident @ @ @ @ @ a contingent of House and Senate Republicans who would join the effort and prompt a @ @ @ @ @ on January 6 that would spill into January 7.
” “ Pence ’ s involvement @ @ @ @ @ because he will preside over the joint session of Congress that would count the electoral @ @ @ @ @

Rep. Mo Brooks (R-AL) and fellow House conservatives met privately on Monday with President Trump and Vice President Mike Pence as the lawmakers prepared to mount a long-shot bid in January to overturn the Electoral College results that made Joe Biden the official winner of the election, CNN reports.
“The discussion focused on Trump’s baseless claims and conspiracies that the election was stolen from him, participants said, and lawmakers emerged confident that there were would be a contingent of House and Senate Republicans who would join the effort and prompt a marathon debate on the floor on January 6 that would spill into January 7.”
“Pence’s involvement in the meeting is significant because he will preside over the joint session of Congress that would count the electoral votes that day.”


politicalwire--2020-12-22--Trump Assembles Ragtag Group of Conspiracy Theorists

“ With his baseless claims of widespread voter fraud rejected by dozens of judges and GOP leaders , President Trump @ @ @ @ @ group of conspiracy theorists , media-hungry lawyers and other political misfits in a desperate attempt @ @ @ @ @ after his election loss , ” the Washington Post reports .
“ Members of the @ @ @ @ @ Office on Friday for a marathon meeting that lasted for more than four hours and @ @ @ @ @ from imposing martial law in swing states to seizing voting machines through executive fiat .
@ @ @ @ @ matches as outside advisers and White House aides clashed over the lack of a cohesive @ @ @ @ @ constitutionality of some of the proposed solutions.
” “ Aides said Trump has been searching @ @ @ @ @ his loss — sidelining officials who try to level with him about it and embracing @ @ @ @ @ solution .
”

“With his baseless claims of widespread voter fraud rejected by dozens of judges and GOP leaders, President Trump has turned to a ragtag group of conspiracy theorists, media-hungry lawyers and other political misfits in a desperate attempt to hold on to power after his election loss,” the Washington Post reports.
“Members of the group assembled in the Oval Office on Friday for a marathon meeting that lasted for more than four hours and included discussion of tactics ranging from imposing martial law in swing states to seizing voting machines through executive fiat. The meeting exploded into shouting matches as outside advisers and White House aides clashed over the lack of a cohesive strategy and disagreed about the constitutionality of some of the proposed solutions.”
“Aides said Trump has been searching frantically for pathways to reverse his loss — sidelining officials who try to level with him about it and embracing those claiming to have a solution.”


politicalwire--2020-12-22--Pat Robertson Says Trump Is Living In ‘Alternate Reality’

“ Televangelist Pat Robertson , one of President Trump ’ s staunchest backers , on Monday described Trump as ‘ very erratic , ’ called on him to accept that President-elect Joe Biden won and said the Republican should not consider running again in 2024 , ” the Washington Post reports .
Said Robertson : “ You know , with all his talent and the ability to be able to raise money and grow large crowds , the president still lives in an alternate reality .
He really does .
People say , ‘ Well , he lies about this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no , he isn ’ t lying ; to him , that ’ s the truth.
” He added : “ You go down the line of things that really aren ’ t true .
And , you know , people kept pointing to them , but because they loved him so much and he was so strong for the evangelicals — the evangelicals were with him all the way — but there was something about him that was good , that God placed him in that office for the time .
”

“Televangelist Pat Robertson, one of President Trump’s staunchest backers, on Monday described Trump as ‘very erratic,’ called on him to accept that President-elect Joe Biden won and said the Republican should not consider running again in 2024,” the Washington Post reports.
Said Robertson: “You know, with all his talent and the ability to be able to raise money and grow large crowds, the president still lives in an alternate reality. He really does. People say, ‘Well, he lies about this, that and the other.’ But no, he isn’t lying; to him, that’s the truth.”
He added: “You go down the line of things that really aren’t true. And, you know, people kept pointing to them, but because they loved him so much and he was so strong for the evangelicals — the evangelicals were with him all the way — but there was something about him that was good, that God placed him in that office for the time.”


politicalwire--2020-12-22--Man Pretended to Be His Dead Mother to Vote for Trump

“ Bruce Bartman has been charged with unlawful voting and perjury over allegations that he pretended to be his dead @ @ @ @ @ in the November election for President Trump in Pennsylvania .
”


politicalwire--2020-12-21--Inside the Four Seasons Total Landscaping Fiasco

Olivia Nuzzi does a wonderful deep dive into the Trump campaign ’ s Four Seasons Total Landscaping press conference fiasco @ @ @ @ @ hard to know what counts as a fuckup when you work for Donald Trump .
@ @ @ @ @ of a traditional campaign with a traditional candidate who possesses a minor-to-moderate capacity for traditional @ @ @ @ @ , what happened at Four Seasons Total Landscaping , or the fact that it happened @ @ @ @ @ disaster .
A press conference is supposed to convince the public of whatever case you @ @ @ @ @ act of being — or more likely pretending to be —transparent.
” “ That is @ @ @ @ @ happened on the blacktop .
But looked at in terms of attention generated and relevance @ @ @ @ @ of a press conference , the thing was a clear success .
Plus it was @ @ @ @ @ appealed to everyone .
”

Olivia Nuzzi does a wonderful deep dive into the Trump campaign’s Four Seasons Total Landscaping press conference fiasco.
“It’s hard to know what counts as a fuckup when you work for Donald Trump. Looked at by the standards of a traditional campaign with a traditional candidate who possesses a minor-to-moderate capacity for traditional human feelings, like shame, what happened at Four Seasons Total Landscaping, or the fact that it happened at all, was a disaster. A press conference is supposed to convince the public of whatever case you’re making through the act of being — or more likely pretending to be —transparent.”
“That is, obviously, not what happened on the blacktop. But looked at in terms of attention generated and relevance sustained, two other goals of a press conference, the thing was a clear success. Plus it was the rare political joke that appealed to everyone.”


politicalwire--2020-12-21--West Point Accuses More Than 70 Cadets of Cheating

“ More than 70 cadets at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point were accused of cheating on a math @ @ @ @ @ scandal since the 1970s at the Army ’ s premier training ground for officers , @ @ @ @ @ “ The scandal strikes at the heart of the academy ’ s reputation for rectitude @ @ @ @ @ moral code , which is literally etched in stone : ‘ A cadet will not @ @ @ @ @ , or tolerate those who do . '
”

“More than 70 cadets at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point were accused of cheating on a math exam, the worst academic scandal since the 1970s at the Army’s premier training ground for officers,” USA Today reports.
“The scandal strikes at the heart of the academy’s reputation for rectitude, espoused by its own moral code, which is literally etched in stone: ‘A cadet will not lie, cheat, steal, or tolerate those who do.'”


politicalwire--2020-12-21--Some Advisers Fear Trump’s Final Days

Some Advisers Fear Trump’s Final Days

“ President Trump has turned to a fringe group of advisers peddling increasingly dubious tactics to overturn the results of @ @ @ @ @ dire situation that multiple senior officials and people close to the President say has led @ @ @ @ @ at how Trump will resist the coming end to his tenure , ” CNN reports @ @ @ @ @ “ No one is sure where this is heading .
He ’ s still the @ @ @ @ @ ”

“President Trump has turned to a fringe group of advisers peddling increasingly dubious tactics to overturn the results of the election, creating a dire situation that multiple senior officials and people close to the President say has led to new levels of uncertainty at how Trump will resist the coming end to his tenure,” CNN reports.
Said one official: “No one is sure where this is heading. He’s still the President for another month.”


politicalwire--2020-12-21--When 40% of the Country Makes No Sense

When 40% of the Country Makes No Sense

This piece is only available to Political Wire members .
Your support makes this site possible .
Join today for @ @ @ @ @ and get exclusive analysis , new features and no advertising .
Sign in to your @ @ @ @ @ If you ’ re already signed in and still seeing this message , your subscription @ @ @ @ @ your membership , navigate to your account , adjust your credit card information and click @ @ @ @ @ just $ 6 a month or $ 60 a year .

“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--2020-12-21--Kelly Will Seek Second Term as Kansas Governor

Tom Nichols : “ That may sound like a profoundly un-civic , even un-American , stance .
After all , @ @ @ @ @ what ’ s left of the last few sensible Republicans should not stop trying to…


politicalwire--2020-12-21--Relief Bill Is Over 5,000 Pages

Relief Bill Is Over 5,000 Pages

“ The House on Monday released the text of a $ 900 billion coronavirus relief package and $ 1.4 trillion @ @ @ @ @ expects to pass before the holidays , ” Axios reports .
“ The House will @ @ @ @ @ bill on Monday night , with the Senate likely to stay late to vote in @ @ @ @ @ morning .
This gives lawmakers and their staff just hours to review a 5,593-page bill @ @ @ @ @ rescue packages in U.S. history .
”

“The House on Monday released the text of a $900 billion coronavirus relief package and $1.4 trillion government spending bill that Congress expects to pass before the holidays,” Axios reports.
“The House will move quickly to pass the bill on Monday night, with the Senate likely to stay late to vote in the early hours of Tuesday morning. This gives lawmakers and their staff just hours to review a 5,593-page bill — one of the largest rescue packages in U.S. history.”


politicalwire--2020-12-21--Embassy Courtyard Named After Jared Kushner

“ The courtyard of the US Embassy in Jerusalem was named Monday in honor of White House Special Advisor Jared @ @ @ @ @ work on behalf of President Trump both for regional peace and in strengthening recognition of @ @ @ @ @ to the ancient biblical city which is also its capital , ” the Jerusalem Post @ @

“The courtyard of the US Embassy in Jerusalem was named Monday in honor of White House Special Advisor Jared Kushner in recognition of his work on behalf of President Trump both for regional peace and in strengthening recognition of the Israel’s connection to the ancient biblical city which is also its capital,” the Jerusalem Post reports.


politicalwire--2020-12-21--Trump Sets ‘Beautiful’ as Standard for Federal Buildings

“ President Trump signed an executive order on Monday making classical architecture the preferred style for federal buildings in Washington @ @ @ @ @ “ The presidential action stops short of mandating that all new federal buildings are built @ @ @ @ @ saying merely that they must be ‘ beautiful . '
”


politicalwire--2020-12-21--Engaging With Trump’s Supporters Isn’t Productive

Tom Nichols : “ That may sound like a profoundly un-civic , even un-American , stance .
After all , @ @ @ @ @ what ’ s left of the last few sensible Republicans should not stop trying to @ @ @ @ @ cease all political communication would not only be foolish , but our system of government @ @ @ @ @ Even in the minority , a party can help or hinder the process of governing.
@ @ @ @ @ people worn out by the dramas and lies of the past four years have a @ @ @ @ @ Trump ’ s most enthusiastic supporters seriously .
To reject further debate with people whose @ @ @ @ @ not only understandable , but sensible .
”

Tom Nichols: “That may sound like a profoundly un-civic, even un-American, stance. After all, Democrats, independents, and what’s left of the last few sensible Republicans should not stop trying to solve problems together. To cease all political communication would not only be foolish, but our system of government does not allow it. Even in the minority, a party can help or hinder the process of governing.”
“Nonetheless, ordinary people worn out by the dramas and lies of the past four years have a right to refuse to take Trump’s most enthusiastic supporters seriously. To reject further debate with people whose views are completely incoherent is not only understandable, but sensible.”


politicalwire--2020-12-21--It All Comes Down to Georgia

It All Comes Down to Georgia

Dan Pfeiffer : “ It is almost impossible to overstate the stakes in the two January 5th runoff elections in @ @ @ @ @ both races , Joe Biden has a chance to pass his economic , health care @ @ @ @ @ He will be able to confirm his cabinet and appoint judges .
Mitch McConnell will @ @ @ @ @ dour annoyance — a grumpy speed bump on the road to progress .
If Democrats @ @ @ @ @ races , well … things get much more difficult .
I can ’ t remember @ @ @ @ @ much consequence .
”

Dan Pfeiffer: “It is almost impossible to overstate the stakes in the two January 5th runoff elections in Georgia. If Democrats win both races, Joe Biden has a chance to pass his economic, health care, and climate plans. He will be able to confirm his cabinet and appoint judges. Mitch McConnell will be nothing more than a dour annoyance — a grumpy speed bump on the road to progress. If Democrats don’t win both races, well … things get much more difficult. I can’t remember a non-Presidential election of this much consequence.”


politicalwire--2020-12-21--Barr Sees No Basis for Special Counsel on Election Fraud

“ Outgoing Attorney General WilliamBarr said Monday he saw no basis for the federal government seizing voting machines and that @ @ @ @ @ appoint a special counsel to investigate allegations of voter fraud — again breaking with President @ @ @ @ @ chief entertains increasingly desperate measures to overturn the election , ” the Washington Post reports @ @ @ @ @ he was “ sure there was fraud in this election , ” he had not @ @ @ @ @ so “ systemic or broad-based ” that it would change the result .
Said Barr @ @ @ @ @ a special counsel at this stage was the right tool and was appropriate , I @ @ @ @ @ I haven ’ t , and I ’ m not going to .
”

“Outgoing Attorney General WilliamBarr said Monday he saw no basis for the federal government seizing voting machines and that he did not intend to appoint a special counsel to investigate allegations of voter fraud — again breaking with President Trump as the commander in chief entertains increasingly desperate measures to overturn the election,” the Washington Post reports.
Barr said that while he was “sure there was fraud in this election,” he had not seen evidence that it was so “systemic or broad-based” that it would change the result.
Said Barr: “If I thought a special counsel at this stage was the right tool and was appropriate, I would name one, but I haven’t, and I’m not going to.”


politicalwire--2020-12-22--Pivot Counties Are Warning Sign for Democrats

New York Times : “ Although Mr. Biden won the popular vote by a resounding seven million ballots , earning @ @ @ @ @ candidate ever , his inability to flip more than a handful of swing counties that @ @ @ @ @ nominee as recently as 2012 may be a yellow warning light for his party about @ @ @ @ @ on the electoral map.
” “ While pivot counties are spread among 33 states , @ @ @ @ @ idiosyncrasies , there are similarities that link many of them .
”

New York Times: “Although Mr. Biden won the popular vote by a resounding seven million ballots, earning more votes than any presidential candidate ever, his inability to flip more than a handful of swing counties that were carried by a Democratic nominee as recently as 2012 may be a yellow warning light for his party about the narrowness of his victory on the electoral map.”
“While pivot counties are spread among 33 states, and all have their own idiosyncrasies, there are similarities that link many of them.”


politicalwire--2020-12-22--Trump Turns on Everyone

Trump Turns on Everyone

“ President Trump , in his final days , is turning bitterly on virtually every person around him , griping @ @ @ @ @ indulge conspiracy theories or hopeless bids to overturn the election , ” Axios reports .
@ @ @ @ @ include Vice President Pence , chief of staff Mark Meadows , White House counsel Pat @ @ @ @ @ Pompeo and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.
” “ Trump thinks everyone around him is @ @ @ @ @ — and increasingly seeks comfort only in people who egg him on to overturn the @ @ @ @ @ not stress enough how unnerved Trump officials are by the conversations unfolding inside the White @ @ @

“President Trump, in his final days, is turning bitterly on virtually every person around him, griping about anyone who refuses to indulge conspiracy theories or hopeless bids to overturn the election,” Axios reports.
“Targets of his outrage include Vice President Pence, chief of staff Mark Meadows, White House counsel Pat Cipollone, Secretary of State Pompeo and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.”
“Trump thinks everyone around him is weak, stupid or disloyal — and increasingly seeks comfort only in people who egg him on to overturn the election results. We cannot stress enough how unnerved Trump officials are by the conversations unfolding inside the White House.”


politicalwire--2020-12-22--Democrats Lead In Georgia Senate Races

Democrats Lead In Georgia Senate Races

A new SurveyUSA poll in Goergia finds Jon Ossoff ( D ) leading Sen. David Perdue ( R ) in @ @ @ @ @ 51 % to 46 % .
In the other Senate runoff , Raphael Warnock ( @ @ @ @ @ Loeffler ( R ) , 52 % to 45 % From the pollster : “ @ @ @ @ @ and no opinion pollster could possibly say what will happen when votes are counted in @ @ @ @ @ possible , including victories for the 2 Republican incumbent US Senators .
But : the @ @ @ @ @ does not support that , and heading into Christmas week , Democratic challengers Jon Ossoff @ @ @ @ @ be benefiting — at least momentarily — from a GOP cacophony .
”

A new SurveyUSA poll in Goergia finds Jon Ossoff (D) leading Sen. David Perdue (R) in their U.S. Senate runoff, 51% to 46%.
In the other Senate runoff, Raphael Warnock (D) leads Sen. Kelly Loeffler (R), 52% to 45%
From the pollster: “Georgia is a hot mess and no opinion pollster could possibly say what will happen when votes are counted in 2 weeks… Any outcome is possible, including victories for the 2 Republican incumbent US Senators. But: the polling data at this hour does not support that, and heading into Christmas week, Democratic challengers Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock appear to be benefiting — at least momentarily — from a GOP cacophony.”


politicalwire--2020-12-22--Two Biden Nominees McConnell Might Shoot Down

This piece is only available to Political Wire members.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) gave an interview to the Louisville Courier Journal in which he confirms that Joe Biden will be the next president despite continued rumbling from many GOP lawmakers.