politicalwire--2020-09-29--Tennessee Ends All Virus Restrictions

Tennessee Ends All Virus Restrictions

Tennessee Gov .
Bill Lee ( R ) is ending all statewide coronavirus restrictions on businesses and gatherings , the @ @ @ @ @ : “ I want the economy to move forward .
I don ’ t want @ @ @ @ @ reason to not function as fully as they possibly can .
”

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee (R) is ending all statewide coronavirus restrictions on businesses and gatherings, the Tennessean reports.
Said Lee: “I want the economy to move forward. I don’t want any business to have any reason to not function as fully as they possibly can.”


politicalwire--2020-09-29--‘America Has Already Collapsed’

‘America Has Already Collapsed’

Indi Sajarajiva : “ I lived through the end of a civil war — I moved back to Sri Lanka in my twenties , just as the ceasefire fell apart .
Do you know what it was like for me ?
Quite normal .
I went to work , I went out , I dated .
This is what Americans don ’ t understand .
They ’ re waiting to get personally punched in the face while ash falls from the sky .
That ’ s not how it happens.
” “ This is how it happens .
Precisely what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ numbing litany of bad news .
The ever rising outrages .
People suffering , dying , and protesting all around you , while you think about dinner .
If you ’ re trying to carry on while people around you die , your society is not collapsing .
It ’ s already fallen down… ” “ As someone who ’ s already experienced societal breakdown , here ’ s the truth : America has already collapsed .
What you ’ re feeling is exactly how it feels .
It ’ s Saturday and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the world is on fire .
This is normal .
This is life during collapse .
”

Indi Sajarajiva: “I lived through the end of a civil war — I moved back to Sri Lanka in my twenties, just as the ceasefire fell apart. Do you know what it was like for me? Quite normal. I went to work, I went out, I dated. This is what Americans don’t understand. They’re waiting to get personally punched in the face while ash falls from the sky. That’s not how it happens.”
“This is how it happens. Precisely what you’re feeling now. The numbing litany of bad news. The ever rising outrages. People suffering, dying, and protesting all around you, while you think about dinner. If you’re trying to carry on while people around you die, your society is not collapsing. It’s already fallen down…”
“As someone who’s already experienced societal breakdown, here’s the truth: America has already collapsed. What you’re feeling is exactly how it feels. It’s Saturday and you’re thinking about food while the world is on fire. This is normal. This is life during collapse.”


politicalwire--2020-09-29--Trump’s Supreme Court Pick Meets with GOP Senators

Judge Amy Coney Barrett “ was slated to meet with nine GOP senators in her first foray to the Capitol @ @ @ @ @ Trump ’ s pick in a Rose Garden ceremony Saturday — visits that were largely @ @ @ @ @ publicly affirmed the near-unanimous Republican support for the appellate court judge , ” the Washington @ @ @ @ @ , behind the scenes , GOP officials were working at a rapid clip to move @ @ @ @ @ Judiciary Committee , which had sent Barrett the usual nominee questionnaire on Sunday as lawyers @ @ @ @ @ her paperwork ahead of at least three days of confirmation hearings beginning Oct. 12 .
@

Judge Amy Coney Barrett “was slated to meet with nine GOP senators in her first foray to the Capitol since she was unveiled as Trump’s pick in a Rose Garden ceremony Saturday — visits that were largely ceremonial in nature and only publicly affirmed the near-unanimous Republican support for the appellate court judge,” the Washington Post reports.
“Meanwhile, behind the scenes, GOP officials were working at a rapid clip to move her nomination through the Senate Judiciary Committee, which had sent Barrett the usual nominee questionnaire on Sunday as lawyers and aides continued to vet her paperwork ahead of at least three days of confirmation hearings beginning Oct. 12.”


politicalwire--2020-09-29--Parscale Under Investigation for ‘Stealing’ Campaign Funds

“ Donald Trump ’ s demoted campaign boss Brad Parscale is under investigation for ‘ stealing ’ between $ 25- @ @ @ @ @ ’ s 2020 presidential campaign , ” the Daily Mail reports .
“ The 44-year-old @ @ @ @ @ ‘ pocketing ’ nearly another $ 10 million from the Republican National Committee.
” Meanwhile @ @ @ @ @ “ before Parscale ’ s meltdown on Sunday that landed him in police custody , @ @ @ @ @ Trump campaign official had been under scrutiny.
” “ It ’ s unclear whether a @ @ @ @ @ his luxurious purchases precipitated Parscale ’ s latest troubles .
”

“Donald Trump’s demoted campaign boss Brad Parscale is under investigation for ‘stealing’ between $25-$40 million from Trump’s 2020 presidential campaign,” the Daily Mail reports.
“The 44-year-old is also being investigated for ‘pocketing’ nearly another $10 million from the Republican National Committee.”
Meanwhile, Business Insider reports that “before Parscale’s meltdown on Sunday that landed him in police custody, his spending as a top Trump campaign official had been under scrutiny.”
“It’s unclear whether a campaign-spending audit and scrutiny over his luxurious purchases precipitated Parscale’s latest troubles.”


politicalwire--2020-09-29--More Battleground State Polls

More Battleground State Polls

“ The Trump administration is preparing an immigration enforcement blitz next month that would target arrests in U.S. cities and @ @ @ @ @ sanctuary ’ policies , according to three U.S. officials…

“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--2020-09-29--The World’s Biggest Con

The World’s Biggest Con

Jonathan Chait : “ In the mid-1970s , the Trump family set out to sell the world on a character of its own creation : Donald J. Trump , dashing and brilliant business genius .
The story ’ s protagonist was the child of multimillionaire developer Fred Trump , a son who had accomplished almost nothing in business , and whose taxable income was under $ 25,000 .
The trick was quite simple : young Donald would squire reporters around his father ’ s business empire and claim he had built it himself.
” “ In reality , Donald Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The strategy was to convert Fred Trump ’ s fortune into publicity , which Donald could then monetize .
The lies used to construct Trump ’ s image were massive .
In 1984 , Donald concocted a series of lies to persuade Forbes he was worth $ 900 million .
Its reporter , Jonathan Greenberg , diligently unraveled every exaggeration and reduced the published sum to $ 100 million , only to discover decades later that the actual amount was a mere $ 5 million .
The power of the lie was its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exaggerating his wealth tenfold , but the idea he was exaggerating it 180-fold beggared imagination .
”

Jonathan Chait: “In the mid-1970s, the Trump family set out to sell the world on a character of its own creation: Donald J. Trump, dashing and brilliant business genius. The story’s protagonist was the child of multimillionaire developer Fred Trump, a son who had accomplished almost nothing in business, and whose taxable income was under $25,000. The trick was quite simple: young Donald would squire reporters around his father’s business empire and claim he had built it himself.”
“In reality, Donald Trump was in the money-inheriting business…”
“The strategy was to convert Fred Trump’s fortune into publicity, which Donald could then monetize. The lies used to construct Trump’s image were massive. In 1984, Donald concocted a series of lies to persuade Forbes he was worth $900 million. Its reporter, Jonathan Greenberg, diligently unraveled every exaggeration and reduced the published sum to $100 million, only to discover decades later that the actual amount was a mere $5 million. The power of the lie was its scale. Greenberg could imagine Trump was exaggerating his wealth tenfold, but the idea he was exaggerating it 180-fold beggared imagination.”


politicalwire--2020-09-29--Fox News Analyst Sued Over ‘Bizarre Sex Act’


politicalwire--2020-09-29--Trump Met with Michael Flynn’s Lawyer

Trump Met with Michael Flynn’s Lawyer

“ The defense lawyer for Michael Flynn told a judge on Tuesday that she talked about his criminal case in @ @ @ @ @ , who has been highly critical of the prosecution of his former national security advisor @ @ @ @ @ , ” CNBC reports .


politicalwire--2020-09-29--Mueller Pushes Back on Tell-All Book by Ex-Prosecutor

Former special counsel Robert Mueller pushed back against a prosecutor in his office whose tell-all book alleges investigators should have @ @ @ @ @ Trump accountable , suggesting the account was “ based on incomplete information ” and asserting @ @ @ @ @ decisions in the case , the Washington Post reports .
“ The rare public statement @ @ @ @ @ day Andrew Weissmann , a former prosecutor in the special counsel ’ s office , @ @ @ @ @ group failed to fully investigate Trump ’ s financial ties and should have stated explicitly @ @ @ @ @ justice .
”

Former special counsel Robert Mueller pushed back against a prosecutor in his office whose tell-all book alleges investigators should have done more to hold President Trump accountable, suggesting the account was “based on incomplete information” and asserting that he stood by his decisions in the case, the Washington Post reports.
“The rare public statement from Mueller came on the day Andrew Weissmann, a former prosecutor in the special counsel’s office, released a book alleging the group failed to fully investigate Trump’s financial ties and should have stated explicitly that they believed he obstructed justice.”


politicalwire--2020-09-29--Which State May Indicate a Biden Victory First?

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The vast majority of voters don’t expect to know the winner of the presidential race on Election Night due to the flood of mail ballots that may take time to count.


politicalwire--2020-09-30--Trump Plans Big Wisconsin Rallies Despite Virus Surge

President Trump has scheduled large campaign rallies this weekend in Wisconsin despite recommendations from the White House Coronavirus Task Force @ @ @ @ @ distancing in the state “ to the maximal degree possible , ” the Washington Post @ @ @ @ @ listed in the document as the state with the third-highest rate of new cases in @ @ @ @ @ new cases per 100,000 people over the previous week , about 2.6 times greater than @ @ @ @ @

President Trump has scheduled large campaign rallies this weekend in Wisconsin despite recommendations from the White House Coronavirus Task Force that call for increasing social distancing in the state “to the maximal degree possible,” the Washington Post reports.
“Wisconsin is listed in the document as the state with the third-highest rate of new cases in the country, with 243 new cases per 100,000 people over the previous week, about 2.6 times greater than the national average.”


politicalwire--2020-09-30--Undecided Voter Says Trump Acted Like a ‘Crackhead’

New York Times : “ President Trump did for the Tuesday debate what he has done for the political life @ @ @ @ @ four years : supply as much rampaging volume , …


politicalwire--2020-09-30--Biden Cashes In on Debate

Biden Cashes In on Debate


politicalwire--2020-09-30--The Worst Presidential Debate In Living Memory

Dan Balz : “ No one alive has ever seen a presidential debate like Tuesday night ’ s unseemly shout @ @ @ @ @ former vice president Joe Biden — 90 minutes of invective , interruptions and personal insults @ @ @ @ @ to the public as well , and a sad example of the state of American @ @ @ @ @ election.
” “ On the margins , the debate probably did more to help Biden @ @ @ @ @ a moment when Trump needed to change the shape and trajectory of the campaign .
@ @ @ @ @ what people will remember .
Even partisans locked into their choices were probably dispirited at @ @ @ @ @ One can only imagine what the next two debates between the two men will look @ @ @ @ @ “ I am old enough to have watched —as boy and man— every fall presidential @ @ @ @ @ up against Richard Nixon and his five o ’ clock shadow in 1960 .
And @ @ @ @ @ guttersnipe , bully-boy performance like Trump ’ s on the debate stage .
”

Dan Balz: “No one alive has ever seen a presidential debate like Tuesday night’s unseemly shout fest between President Trump and former vice president Joe Biden — 90 minutes of invective, interruptions and personal insults. It was an insult to the public as well, and a sad example of the state of American democracy five weeks before the election.”
“On the margins, the debate probably did more to help Biden than the president, at a moment when Trump needed to change the shape and trajectory of the campaign. But that’s not what people will remember. Even partisans locked into their choices were probably dispirited at what they were witnessing. One can only imagine what the next two debates between the two men will look like.”
Walter Shapiro: “I am old enough to have watched —as boy and man— every fall presidential debate since John Kennedy went up against Richard Nixon and his five o’clock shadow in 1960. And never have I witnessed a guttersnipe, bully-boy performance like Trump’s on the debate stage.”


politicalwire--2020-09-30--The Debate Was Always Going to Be About Trump

New York Times : “ President Trump did for the Tuesday debate what he has done for the political life @ @ @ @ @ four years : supply as much rampaging volume , custom-busting obtrusion and outright fiction as @ @ @ @ @ on the proceedings .
”

New York Times: “President Trump did for the Tuesday debate what he has done for the political life of the country in his four years: supply as much rampaging volume, custom-busting obtrusion and outright fiction as necessary to impose his will on the proceedings.”


politicalwire--2020-09-30--An Epic Moment of National Shame

An Epic Moment of National Shame

John Harris : “ At frequent intervals on Tuesday night , the natural human reaction—lower the sound , wince and @ @ @ @ @ the first presidential debate of the 2020 general election became nearly unwatchable.
” “ Those @ @ @ @ @ were rewarded , in a perverse way : They witnessed history in the making .
@ @ @ @ @ spectacle , a new low in presidential politics , a new high watermark in national @ @ @ @ @ will be visible for many years to come .
It will serve as a reminder @ @ @ @ @ broke , and currents of contempt that have been building in public life for many @ @ @ @ @ tens of millions of Americans viewing President Donald Trump , Democratic nominee Joe Biden , @ @ @ @ @ live television .
”

John Harris: “At frequent intervals on Tuesday night, the natural human reaction—lower the sound, wince and look away—took over, and the first presidential debate of the 2020 general election became nearly unwatchable.”
“Those who did persist in watching were rewarded, in a perverse way: They witnessed history in the making. The proceeding was an epic spectacle, a new low in presidential politics, a new high watermark in national shame.”
“The stain will be visible for many years to come. It will serve as a reminder of the night the dam broke, and currents of contempt that have been building in public life for many years flooded the stage with tens of millions of Americans viewing President Donald Trump, Democratic nominee Joe Biden, and an overwhelmed moderator on live television.”


politicalwire--2020-09-30--House Affirms Peaceful Transfer of Power

“ The House adopted a resolution on Tuesday to affirm the chamber ’ s support for a peaceful transfer of @ @ @ @ @ week declined to commit to it if he loses reelection , ” The Hill reports @ @ @ @ @ measure in a bipartisan 397-5 vote , with all of the votes in opposition coming @ @ @ @

“The House adopted a resolution on Tuesday to affirm the chamber’s support for a peaceful transfer of power after President Trump last week declined to commit to it if he loses reelection,” The Hill reports.
“Lawmakers adopted the measure in a bipartisan 397-5 vote, with all of the votes in opposition coming from Republicans.”


politicalwire--2020-09-30--Health and Human Services Ad Blitz Sputters

Politico : “ The health department ’ s $ 300 million-plus , taxpayer-funded vehicle to boost confidence in President Trump @ @ @ @ @ pandemic is sputtering .
Celebrities are refusing to participate , and staff are arraying against @ @ @ @ @ the unstated aim of helping Trump ’ s re-election.
” “ Others point to an @ @ @ @ @ 22-year-old political appointee who has repeatedly asserted control despite having no public health expertise .
@

Politico: “The health department’s $300 million-plus, taxpayer-funded vehicle to boost confidence in President Trump’s response to the pandemic is sputtering. Celebrities are refusing to participate, and staff are arraying against it. Some complain of the unstated aim of helping Trump’s re-election.”
“Others point to an ill-prepared video team and a 22-year-old political appointee who has repeatedly asserted control despite having no public health expertise.”


politicalwire--2020-09-30--Proud Boys ‘Stand By’ After Trump Debate Call-Out

The Proud Boys , a far-right extremist group , pledged allegiance to President Trump on Tuesday night after he told @ @ @ @ @ back and stand by ” during the evening ’ s debate , NBC News reports @ @ @ @ @ by debate moderator Chris Wallace to disavow white supremacy during a portion of the debate @ @ @ @ @ did not denounce any far-right or white supremacist groups , and then pivoted to talk @ @ @ @

The Proud Boys, a far-right extremist group, pledged allegiance to President Trump on Tuesday night after he told the group to “stand back and stand by” during the evening’s debate, NBC News reports.
“Trump was asked by debate moderator Chris Wallace to disavow white supremacy during a portion of the debate focused on race… But Trump did not denounce any far-right or white supremacist groups, and then pivoted to talk about antifa.”
Daily Beast: Trump refuses to condemn white supremacists.


politicalwire--2020-09-30--Instant Polls Finds Biden Won Tonight’s Debate


politicalwire--2020-09-30--My Reaction to the First Presidential Debate


politicalwire--2020-10-01--Another Bonus Quote of the Day

Another Bonus Quote of the Day

“ There was fault on both sides .
The interrupting on both sides , the name-calling was very unbecoming for @ @ @ @ @ Sen , Susan Collins ( R-ME ) , quoted by the Washington Post , on @ @ @ @ @ debate .

“There was fault on both sides. The interrupting on both sides, the name-calling was very unbecoming for a presidential debate.”
— Sen, Susan Collins (R-ME), quoted by the Washington Post, on last night’s presidential debate.


politicalwire--2020-10-01--More Than 73 Million Watched Debate

More Than 73 Million Watched Debate

Wall Street Journal : “ About 73.1 million people watched Tuesday night ’ s presidential debate… Viewership of the debate @ @ @ @ @ for the first presidential debate of the 2016 election cycle.
” “ The figures from @ @ @ @ @ the debate on TV as well as through streaming apps on internet-connected TVs , known @ @ @ @ @ they exclude some digital viewers , such as those who watched the debate on devices @ @ @ @ @ and smartphones , when they aren ’ t connected to smart TVs .
”

Wall Street Journal: “About 73.1 million people watched Tuesday night’s presidential debate… Viewership of the debate was 13% lower than for the first presidential debate of the 2016 election cycle.”
“The figures from Nielsen include people who watched the debate on TV as well as through streaming apps on internet-connected TVs, known as smart TVs. But they exclude some digital viewers, such as those who watched the debate on devices such as computers, tablets and smartphones, when they aren’t connected to smart TVs.”


politicalwire--2020-10-01--Parscale Leaves Trump Campaign

Parscale Leaves Trump Campaign

“ Brad Parscale , a senior adviser to Donald Trump ’ s campaign who was involuntarily detained by police this @ @ @ @ @ stepping away from the reelection effort and seeking help for what he called ‘ overwhelming @ @ @ @ @ his family , ” Politico reports .

“Brad Parscale, a senior adviser to Donald Trump’s campaign who was involuntarily detained by police this weekend, said he is stepping away from the reelection effort and seeking help for what he called ‘overwhelming stress’ on him and his family,” Politico reports.


An Inflection Point?

Gabriel Sherman : “ Inside Trumpworld there ’ s a view that the past week is an inflection point in @ @ @ @ @ on Sunday night with the bombshell New York Times report that Trump paid just $ @ @ @ @ @ in 2016 and 2017.
” Said a GOP source : “ For Trump the Times @ @ @ @ @ reelection .
If you had told Donald back in 2015 that his tax returns would @ @ @ @ @ d have all these investigations , I guarantee you he wouldn ’ t have run @ @

Gabriel Sherman: “Inside Trumpworld there’s a view that the past week is an inflection point in the campaign. It started on Sunday night with the bombshell New York Times report that Trump paid just $750 in federal income taxes in 2016 and 2017.”
Said a GOP source: “For Trump the Times story was worse than losing reelection. If you had told Donald back in 2015 that his tax returns would be exposed and he’d have all these investigations, I guarantee you he wouldn’t have run.”


politicalwire--2020-09-30--Voting Machine Memory Sticks Stolen In Philadelphia

“ A laptop and several memory sticks used to program Philadelphia ’ s voting machines were stolen from a city @ @ @ @ @ setting off a scramble among elections officials to investigate the theft and ensure the machines @ @ @ @ @ Election Day , ” the Philadelphia Inquirer reports .
“ The equipment appeared to be @ @ @ @ @ said .
Officials immediately began checking to make sure none of the voting machines had @ @ @ @ @ to contain the fallout for fear of how President Donald Trump and his allies might @ @ @ @ @ doubt on the integrity of the city ’ s elections .
”

“A laptop and several memory sticks used to program Philadelphia’s voting machines were stolen from a city warehouse in East Falls, setting off a scramble among elections officials to investigate the theft and ensure the machines could not be compromised before Election Day,” the Philadelphia Inquirer reports.
“The equipment appeared to be taken this week, sources said. Officials immediately began checking to make sure none of the voting machines had been compromised while also working to contain the fallout for fear of how President Donald Trump and his allies might use the news to cast doubt on the integrity of the city’s elections.”


politicalwire--2020-09-30--Republicans Seek Distance from Trump

Republicans Seek Distance from Trump

“ I ’ m just sad with the way last night turned out .
I never dreamt that it would @ @ @ @ @ way it did.
” — Fox New anchor Chris Wallace , …


politicalwire--2020-09-30--Trump’s Chances Are Dwindling

Trump’s Chances Are Dwindling

Nate Silver : “ Now , I ’ m not predicting this will happen , but if Biden ’ s national lead were to expand to 9 or 10 points , which is consistent with the sorts of polling bounces we ’ ve seen in the past for candidates who were perceived to win debates — especially challengers debating an incumbent for the first time — Trump ’ s situation could become quite desperate.
” “ To be clear , none of this means that Trump ’ s chances are kaput .
As of this writing , our forecast still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of winning the Electoral College .
That ’ s not great , but it ’ s a lot better than zero.
” “ But it ’ s possible Trump ’ s chances may decline further after post-debate polling begins to roll into our forecast .
Furthermore , the mere passage of time helps Biden in our model , because every day that Trump doesn ’ t gain ground is a day when his fate becomes slightly more sealed .
( Lots of people have already voted ! )
Case in point : In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no more time to make up ground — his chances would be 9 percent , not 21 percent , according to our forecast .
”

Nate Silver: “Now, I’m not predicting this will happen, but if Biden’s national lead were to expand to 9 or 10 points, which is consistent with the sorts of polling bounces we’ve seen in the past for candidates who were perceived to win debates — especially challengers debating an incumbent for the first time — Trump’s situation could become quite desperate.”
“To be clear, none of this means that Trump’s chances are kaput. As of this writing, our forecast still gives him around a 21 percent chance of winning the Electoral College. That’s not great, but it’s a lot better than zero.”
“But it’s possible Trump’s chances may decline further after post-debate polling begins to roll into our forecast. Furthermore, the mere passage of time helps Biden in our model, because every day that Trump doesn’t gain ground is a day when his fate becomes slightly more sealed. (Lots of people have already voted!) Case in point: In an election held today — Trump has no more time to make up ground — his chances would be 9 percent, not 21 percent, according to our forecast.”


politicalwire--2020-09-30--‘The Family is Worried Brad Will Start Talking’

Gabriel Sherman : “ Parscale ’ s public meltdown happened while he is reportedly under investigation for stealing from the @ @ @ @ @ .
According to the source close to the campaign , the Trump family is worried @ @ @ @ @ them and cooperate with law enforcement about possible campaign finance violations.
” Said a source @ @ @ @ @ worried Brad will start talking .
”

Gabriel Sherman: “Parscale’s public meltdown happened while he is reportedly under investigation for stealing from the Trump campaign and the RNC. According to the source close to the campaign, the Trump family is worried that Parscale could turn on them and cooperate with law enforcement about possible campaign finance violations.”
Said a source: “The family is worried Brad will start talking.”


New Battleground Polls

“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--2020-09-30--Trump Thinks He Won the Debate

Trump Thinks He Won the Debate

Gabriel Sherman : “ Trump advisers agree on what he needs to do differently at the next debate… But Republicans are resigned to the fact that Trump is unlikely––or unwilling––to course-correct .
Said one Republican : “ Trump thinks he won .
He didn ’ t .
But does anyone have the balls to tell him that ?
No .
They ’ d be fired.
” “ Trump doesn ’ t accept the consensus that the debate was a disaster because… he was unabashedly himself.
” Said the source : “ The thing about the debate is people got to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ integrity can work for Trump .
This is what Trump is like in the Oval Office every day .
It ’ s why John Kelly left .
It ’ s why Jim Mattis quit .
Trump doesn ’ t let anyone else speak .
He really doesn ’ t care what you have to say .
He demeans people .
He talks over them .
And everyone around him thinks it ’ s getting worse.
” Washington Post : A reminder of how badly Trump needed to have the good debate that he @ @ @ @

Gabriel Sherman: “Trump advisers agree on what he needs to do differently at the next debate… But Republicans are resigned to the fact that Trump is unlikely––or unwilling––to course-correct.
Said one Republican: “Trump thinks he won. He didn’t. But does anyone have the balls to tell him that? No. They’d be fired.”
“Trump doesn’t accept the consensus that the debate was a disaster because… he was unabashedly himself.”
Said the source: “The thing about the debate is people got to see why no one that has any integrity can work for Trump. This is what Trump is like in the Oval Office every day. It’s why John Kelly left. It’s why Jim Mattis quit. Trump doesn’t let anyone else speak. He really doesn’t care what you have to say. He demeans people. He talks over them. And everyone around him thinks it’s getting worse.”
Washington Post: A reminder of how badly Trump needed to have the good debate that he didn’t.


politicalwire--2020-09-30--Biden Leads By Enough to Avoid Polling Misfire

Nate Cohn : “ For the first time since we started our poll tracker several weeks ago , Joe Biden @ @ @ @ @ a repeat of the polling error in 2016.
” “ If the polls were exactly @ @ @ @ @ four years ago , Mr. Biden would hold the Clinton states and flip Michigan , @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Second District , giving him more than the 270 electoral votes needed to @ @ @ @ @ , the polls won ’ t be exactly as wrong as they were in 2016 @ @ @ @ @ for Donald Trump by an even greater degree .
But there are good reasons to @ @ @ @ @ 2016 ’ s poll misfire are less likely this time around .
”

Nate Cohn: “For the first time since we started our poll tracker several weeks ago, Joe Biden leads by enough to withstand a repeat of the polling error in 2016.”
“If the polls were exactly as wrong as they were four years ago, Mr. Biden would hold the Clinton states and flip Michigan, Pennsylvania, Arizona and Nebraska’s Second District, giving him more than the 270 electoral votes needed to win.”
“Of course, the polls won’t be exactly as wrong as they were in 2016. They could understate support for Donald Trump by an even greater degree. But there are good reasons to believe that many causes of 2016’s poll misfire are less likely this time around.”


politicalwire--2020-09-30--Inside Trump’s Debate Clean Up

Inside Trump’s Debate Clean Up

“ President Trump ’ s advisers feel the president needs to outright condemn far-right extremists and white supremacy during his @ @ @ @ @ ” Axios reports .
“ The Trump campaign ’ s view is that he was @ @ @ @ @ that the president doesn ’ t even know who the Proud Boys are.
” “ @ @ @ @ @ also planning to encourage the president to interrupt Joe Biden less in the next two @ @ @

“President Trump’s advisers feel the president needs to outright condemn far-right extremists and white supremacy during his rally tonight in Minnesota,” Axios reports.
“The Trump campaign’s view is that he was ambushed by the question and that the president doesn’t even know who the Proud Boys are.”
“Trump’s advisers are also planning to encourage the president to interrupt Joe Biden less in the next two debates.”


politicalwire--2020-09-30--Biden Prepares Ad Onslaught to Overwhelm Trump

“ Joe Biden and his Democratic allies are preparing an advertising blitz that threatens to overwhelm President Trump in the @ @ @ @ @ for the White House , an onslaught of cash aimed at blowing up what Trump @ @ @ @ @ Death Star , ” The Hill reports .
“ Biden ’ s campaign alone has @ @ @ @ @ dollars in advertising over the next five weeks in 18 swing states .
Outside groups @ @ @ @ @ off $ 112 million in their own airtime .
”

“Joe Biden and his Democratic allies are preparing an advertising blitz that threatens to overwhelm President Trump in the closing weeks of the race for the White House, an onslaught of cash aimed at blowing up what Trump campaign officials once called their Death Star,” The Hill reports.
“Biden’s campaign alone has reserved nearly a quarter billion dollars in advertising over the next five weeks in 18 swing states. Outside groups that support Biden have blocked off $112 million in their own airtime.”


politicalwire--2020-09-30--Spy Chief Ignored Advice to Not Disclose Intelligence


politicalwire--2020-09-30--Extra Bonus Quote of the Day

Extra Bonus Quote of the Day

“ I ’ m just sad with the way last night turned out .
I never dreamt that it would @ @ @ @ @ way it did.
” — Fox New anchor Chris Wallace , quoted by the New @ @ @ @ @ night ’ s presidential debate .

“I’m just sad with the way last night turned out. I never dreamt that it would go off the tracks the way it did.”
— Fox New anchor Chris Wallace, quoted by the New York Times, on last night’s presidential debate.


politicalwire--2020-09-30--Biden Unveils Transition Ethics Plan

Biden Unveils Transition Ethics Plan

“ Joe Biden ’ s transition team on Wednesday unveiled an ethics plan aimed at responding to recent stock-trading scandals @ @ @ @ @ sharp contrast with President Donald Trump ’ s administration , ” Bloomberg reports .
“ @ @ @ @ @ s transition team must pledge not to trade individual stocks without the approval of the @ @ @ @ @ .
Biden ’ s campaign has a similar stock-trading rule in place .
”

“Joe Biden’s transition team on Wednesday unveiled an ethics plan aimed at responding to recent stock-trading scandals in Congress and striking a sharp contrast with President Donald Trump’s administration,” Bloomberg reports.
“Anyone who joins Biden’s transition team must pledge not to trade individual stocks without the approval of the transition’s general counsel. Biden’s campaign has a similar stock-trading rule in place.”


politicalwire--2020-09-30--Bonus Quote of the Day

Bonus Quote of the Day

“ I hear he doesn ’ t want to go forward , but that ’ s up to him .
@ @ @ @ @ like to .
By every measure , we won the debate easily last night .
@ @ @ @ @ weak , he looked weak , he was whining .
Yeah , we won the @ @ @ @ @ that I saw.
” — President Trump , quoted by The Hill , claiming he @ @ @ @ @ night ’ s presidential debate .

“I hear he doesn’t want to go forward, but that’s up to him. I mean, I would like to. By every measure, we won the debate easily last night. I think he was very weak, he looked weak, he was whining. Yeah, we won the debate by almost every poll that I saw.”
— President Trump, quoted by The Hill, claiming he “easily” won last night’s presidential debate.


politicalwire--2020-09-30--No Deal on New Pandemic Relief Package

No Deal on New Pandemic Relief Package


politicalwire--2020-09-30--Another Poll Shows Biden Clear Winner of Debate

A new FiveThirtyEight/Ipsos poll found debate watchers were pretty decisive in their verdict of last night ’ s performances : @ @ @ @ @ ’ s performance was “ somewhat good ” or “ very good , ” and @ @ @ @ @ “ very poor.
” Biden ’ s performance was more positively received , with around @ @ @ @ @ he performed well .

A new FiveThirtyEight/Ipsos poll found debate watchers were pretty decisive in their verdict of last night’s performances: Only about one-third said Trump’s performance was “somewhat good” or “very good,” and 50% said it was “very poor.”
Biden’s performance was more positively received, with around 60% saying they thought he performed well.


politicalwire--2020-09-30--Trump Claims He Doesn’t Know ‘Proud Boys’

President Trump claimed he doesn ’ t know who the “ Proud Boys ” are , after saying at the @ @ @ @ @ the far-right group should “ stand back and stand by ” in response to a @ @ @ @ @ white supremacists , Axios reports .
Said Trump : “ I don ’ t know @ @ @ @ @ .
You ’ ll have to give me a definition because I really don ’ @ @ @ @ @ .
I can only say they have to stand down and let law enforcement do @ @ @ @

President Trump claimed he doesn’t know who the “Proud Boys” are, after saying at the presidential debate last night that the far-right group should “stand back and stand by” in response to a question asking him to condemn white supremacists, Axios reports.
Said Trump: “I don’t know who the Proud Boys are. You’ll have to give me a definition because I really don’t know who they are. I can only say they have to stand down and let law enforcement do their work.”


politicalwire--2020-10-02--Parscale Told Friends He Was Under Investigation

An open letter from more than 1,600 former prosecutors said that Attorney General William Barr is using the power of @ @ @ @ @ President Trump win reelection .
Save…


politicalwire--2020-10-02--Hope Hicks Tests Positive for Virus

Hope Hicks Tests Positive for Virus

Hope Hicks , one of President Trump ’ s closest advisers , has tested positive for the coronavirus , ABC @ @ @ @ @ tested positive this week after traveling with the president on Tuesday to and from the @ @ @ @ @ Force One.
” “ Hicks was also on Marine One , the president ’ s @ @ @ @ @ the White House to fly to Joint Base Andrews on Wednesday.
” Bloomberg : “ @ @ @ @ @ riding maskless in a staff van with White House senior adviser Stephen Miller , campaign @ @ @ @ @ .
”

Hope Hicks, one of President Trump’s closest advisers, has tested positive for the coronavirus, ABC News reports.
“Hicks tested positive this week after traveling with the president on Tuesday to and from the first presidential debate on Air Force One.”
“Hicks was also on Marine One, the president’s helicopter, when it left the White House to fly to Joint Base Andrews on Wednesday.”
Bloomberg: “Hicks was seen on Tuesday riding maskless in a staff van with White House senior adviser Stephen Miller, campaign adviser Jason Miller and others.”


politicalwire--2020-10-01--Trump Leans Into Playing the Victim

Trump Leans Into Playing the Victim

New York Times : “ The one constant has been the president portraying himself as a victim at every turn.
@ @ @ @ @ Democrats or Republican foes like the late Senator John McCain , the news media or @ @ @ @ @ , the impeachment inquiry or , now , the debate commission , Mr. Trump has @ @ @ @ @ and self-inflicted wounds , something he hopes will appeal to a shared sense of grievance @ @ @ @ @ That instinct is now increasingly on display as he faces ominous polling showing him behind @ @ @ @ @ a position that aides say is unfathomable for someone who has long staked his personal @ @ @ @ @ Mr. Trump , some advisers inside and outside the White House say , has telegraphed @ @ @ @ @ scared of losing — and in particular , scared of losing to Mr. Biden , @ @ @ @ @ .
”

New York Times: “The one constant has been the president portraying himself as a victim at every turn.”
“Be it congressional Democrats or Republican foes like the late Senator John McCain, the news media or the standards enforcers at Twitter, the impeachment inquiry or, now, the debate commission, Mr. Trump has repeatedly blamed others for problems and self-inflicted wounds, something he hopes will appeal to a shared sense of grievance among his supporters.”
“That instinct is now increasingly on display as he faces ominous polling showing him behind in his re-election campaign, a position that aides say is unfathomable for someone who has long staked his personal brand on ‘winning.’ Mr. Trump, some advisers inside and outside the White House say, has telegraphed to them that he is scared of losing — and in particular, scared of losing to Mr. Biden, whom he does not respect.”


politicalwire--2020-10-01--Why Kimberly Guilfoyle Departed from Fox News

Jane Mayer : “ A daunting gender gap : according to a recent Washington Post/ABC News poll , he trails @ @ @ @ @ points among female voters .
As part of his campaign , Trump has been doing @ @ @ @ @ female stars in the Republican Party , from nominating Amy Coney Barrett for the Supreme @ @ @ @ @ , the former Fox News host and legal analyst , his campaign ’ s finance @ @ @ @ @ however , may not be an ideal emissary .
In November , 2018 , a @ @ @ @ @ one of Guilfoyle ’ s assistants at Fox News sent company executives a confidential , @ @ @ @ @ Guilfoyle of repeated sexual harassment , and demanded monetary relief .
The document , which @ @ @ @ @ settlement , raises serious questions about Guilfoyle ’ s fitness as a character witness for @ @ @ @ @ a top campaign official .
”

Jane Mayer: “A daunting gender gap: according to a recent Washington Post/ABC News poll, he trails Joe Biden by thirty percentage points among female voters. As part of his campaign, Trump has been doing all he can to showcase female stars in the Republican Party, from nominating Amy Coney Barrett for the Supreme Court to naming Kimberly Guilfoyle, the former Fox News host and legal analyst, his campaign’s finance chair.”
“Guilfoyle, however, may not be an ideal emissary. In November, 2018, a young woman who had been one of Guilfoyle’s assistants at Fox News sent company executives a confidential, forty-two-page draft complaint that accused Guilfoyle of repeated sexual harassment, and demanded monetary relief. The document, which resulted in a multimillion-dollar out-of-court settlement, raises serious questions about Guilfoyle’s fitness as a character witness for Trump, let alone as a top campaign official.”


politicalwire--2020-10-01--More Battleground State Polls

More Battleground State Polls


politicalwire--2020-10-01--Doomsday Has Arrived for Thousands of Workers

“ Federal coronavirus aid for airlines expires on Thursday with no renewal in sight , meaning massive layoffs for the @ @ @ @ @ behind , ” Axios reports .
“ Airline workers aren ’ t alone on the @ @ @ @ @ , tire manufacturers , book publishers and insurers are among those that have announced tens @ @ @ @ @ Federal aid through the CARES Act earlier this year delayed most layoffs — until now @ @

“Federal coronavirus aid for airlines expires on Thursday with no renewal in sight, meaning massive layoffs for the industry aren’t far behind,” Axios reports.
“Airline workers aren’t alone on the unemployment line. Oil companies, tire manufacturers, book publishers and insurers are among those that have announced tens of thousands of layoffs. Federal aid through the CARES Act earlier this year delayed most layoffs — until now.”


politicalwire--2020-10-01--Conservative Hoaxers Face Charges Over False Robocalls

“ Two notorious conservative operatives were charged Thursday with felonies in connection with false robocalls that aimed to dissuade residents @ @ @ @ @ cities from voting by mail , ” the AP reports .
“ Jacob Wohl and @ @ @ @ @ felony counts in Detroit , including conspiring to intimidate voters in violation of election law @ @ @ @ @ commit crimes.
” “ The calls falsely warned residents in majority-Black Detroit and urban areas @ @ @ @ @ states that voting by mail in the Nov. 3 election could subject people to arrest @ @ @ @ @ vaccination .
”

“Two notorious conservative operatives were charged Thursday with felonies in connection with false robocalls that aimed to dissuade residents in Detroit and other U.S. cities from voting by mail,” the AP reports.
“Jacob Wohl and Jack Burkman each face four felony counts in Detroit, including conspiring to intimidate voters in violation of election law and using a computer to commit crimes.”
“The calls falsely warned residents in majority-Black Detroit and urban areas in at least four other states that voting by mail in the Nov. 3 election could subject people to arrest, debt collection and forced vaccination.”


politicalwire--2020-10-01--1,600 Former Prosecutors Call Out Bill Barr

An open letter from more than 1,600 former prosecutors said that Attorney General William Barr is using the power of @ @ @ @ @ President Trump win reelection .


politicalwire--2020-10-01--Biden Sets Another Fundraising Record

Biden Sets Another Fundraising Record

“ Joe Biden ’ s presidential campaign and the Democratic National Committee set another fundraising record for the month of @ @ @ @ @ $ 364.5 million haul it raised in August , ” Bloomberg reports .
“ An @ @ @ @ @ available .
”

“Joe Biden’s presidential campaign and the Democratic National Committee set another fundraising record for the month of September, surpassing the massive $364.5 million haul it raised in August,” Bloomberg reports.
“An exact number was not yet available.”


politicalwire--2020-10-01--Steve King Defends His White Nationalist Remarks

Rep. Steve King ( R-IA ) defended his past remarks on white nationalism during a fiery speech on the House @ @ @ @ @ “ I ’ ll say two years ago when this came down , people didn @ @ @ @ @ s happening .
But today western civilization is under assault , and I have been @ @ @ @ @ .
I ’ ve been more correct on this than I thought I was going @ @ @ @

Rep. Steve King (R-IA) defended his past remarks on white nationalism during a fiery speech on the House floor.
Said King: “I’ll say two years ago when this came down, people didn’t understand what’s happening. But today western civilization is under assault, and I have been 100 percent correct on this. I’ve been more correct on this than I thought I was going to be.”


politicalwire--2020-10-01--Third Party Candidate Backs Graham In South Carolina

Sen. Lindsey Graham ( R-SC ) “ is getting campaign support from a third-party candidate , potentially bringing with him @ @ @ @ @ backers who could propel Graham over his Democratic challenger in a tightening race , ” @ @ @ @ @ Bill Bledsoe , who had been running as the Constitution Party candidate seeking to block @ @ @ @ @ , dropped out to endorse Graham.
” However , Bledsoe ’ s name “ will @ @ @ @ @ which have already been printed .
”

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) “is getting campaign support from a third-party candidate, potentially bringing with him a narrow margin of conservative backers who could propel Graham over his Democratic challenger in a tightening race,” the AP reports.
“Bill Bledsoe, who had been running as the Constitution Party candidate seeking to block Graham from a fourth term, dropped out to endorse Graham.”
However, Bledsoe’s name “will still appear on ballots, which have already been printed.”


politicalwire--2020-10-01--White House Briefing Goes Off the Rails

White House Briefing Goes Off the Rails

“ For the second time in a week , the United States bore witness to an animated and interruption-filled political @ @ @ @ @ was Tuesday ’ s debate , but Thursday ’ s White House briefing wasn ’ @ @ @ @ @ the Washington Post reports .
“ And perhaps more than any briefing before it , @ @ @ @ @ ’ s credibility problem.
” “ Press secretary Kayleigh McEnany ’ s briefing was contentious @ @ @ @ @ ve rarely seen , even in this White House .
McEnany attempted to turn aside @ @ @ @ @ wishy-washy comments on self-declared white supremacists and his dubious claims about mail-in voting , while @ @ @ @ @ , Judge Amy Coney Barrett .
”

“For the second time in a week, the United States bore witness to an animated and interruption-filled political discussion. The first one was Tuesday’s debate, but Thursday’s White House briefing wasn’t that different,” the Washington Post reports.
“And perhaps more than any briefing before it, it reinforced the White House’s credibility problem.”
“Press secretary Kayleigh McEnany’s briefing was contentious on a level we’ve rarely seen, even in this White House. McEnany attempted to turn aside questions about Trump’s wishy-washy comments on self-declared white supremacists and his dubious claims about mail-in voting, while playing up Supreme Court nominee, Judge Amy Coney Barrett.”


politicalwire--2020-10-01--Rubio Calls Debate a Mirror of America

Rubio Calls Debate a Mirror of America

Sen. Marco Rubio ( R-FL ) described the first presidential debate on the Hugh Hewitt Show as a “ mirror @ @ @ @ @ what we look like as a nation and as a people in which we ’ @ @ @ @ @ other and over each other , but not to each other .
”

Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) described the first presidential debate on the Hugh Hewitt Show as a “mirror that sort of showed us what we look like as a nation and as a people in which we’re all talking at each other and over each other, but not to each other.”


politicalwire--2020-10-01--Biden Landslide More Likely Than Trump Win

The latest FiveThirtyEight forecast gives Joe Biden an 80 % chance to win the presidential race and Donald Trump a @ @ @ @ @ model also gives Biden a 29 % chance he ’ ll win in a landslide @ @ @ @ @ vote by at least 10 percentage points .

The latest FiveThirtyEight forecast gives Joe Biden an 80% chance to win the presidential race and Donald Trump a 20% chance.
The model also gives Biden a 29% chance he’ll win in a landslide, meaning winning the popular vote by at least 10 percentage points.


politicalwire--2020-10-01--Pelosi Says Biden Shouldn’t Debate Anymore

Speaker Nancy Pelosi told Bloomberg that she did not believe Joe Biden should participate in the remaining presidential debates .
@ @ @ @ @ never thought he shouldn ’ t do it because I didn ’ t think he @ @ @ @ @ thought he shouldn ’ t do it because I thought something like this could happen @ @

Speaker Nancy Pelosi told Bloomberg that she did not believe Joe Biden should participate in the remaining presidential debates.
Said Pelosi: “I never thought he shouldn’t do it because I didn’t think he would do well. I thought he shouldn’t do it because I thought something like this could happen.”


politicalwire--2020-10-01--Texas Governor Orders Ballot Drop Off Sites Closed

Texas Gov .
Greg Abbott ( R ) “ issued an order Thursday requiring counties to close multiple locations where @ @ @ @ @ mail-in ballots , ” the Austin American Statesman reports .
“ As an election security @ @ @ @ @ limited to one dropoff site where poll watchers — designated by political parties and candidates @ @ @ @ @ observe ballot deliveries by voters .
”

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) “issued an order Thursday requiring counties to close multiple locations where voters can drop off completed mail-in ballots,” the Austin American Statesman reports.
“As an election security measure, counties will be limited to one dropoff site where poll watchers — designated by political parties and candidates — must be allowed to observe ballot deliveries by voters.”


politicalwire--2020-10-01--South Carolina GOP Asks Supreme Court to Intervene

“ South Carolina Republicans asked the Supreme Court on Thursday to reinstate the witness signature requirement for mail ballots ahead @ @ @ @ @ extending the legal turmoil over the rule even as tens of thousands of ballots have @ @ @ @ @ the state , ” the Washington Post reports .
“ The request to the high @ @ @ @ @ Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit on Wednesday left in place an order blocking @ @ @ @ @ risks associated with in-person voting during the coronavirus pandemic .
”

“South Carolina Republicans asked the Supreme Court on Thursday to reinstate the witness signature requirement for mail ballots ahead of the November election, extending the legal turmoil over the rule even as tens of thousands of ballots have been sent to voters across the state,” the Washington Post reports.
“The request to the high court comes after the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit on Wednesday left in place an order blocking the requirement because of the risks associated with in-person voting during the coronavirus pandemic.”


politicalwire--2020-10-01--Trump May Have Canceled Wisconsin Rally

Trump May Have Canceled Wisconsin Rally

“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--2020-10-01--‘I’m Tired of It’

‘I’m Tired of It’

John Roberts of Fox News is tired of the White House refusing to denounce white supremacy and for being hammered @ @ @ @ @ for asking the question .


politicalwire--2020-10-01--Biden Expands His National Lead

Biden Expands His National Lead

A new CNBC/Change Research poll finds Joe Biden expanding his national lead over Donald Trump to 13 percentage points , @ @ @ @ @ .
That ’ s a wider lead than the polling averages show , but it @ @ @ @ @ national poll conducted entirely after the first presidential debate .


politicalwire--2020-10-02--Trump’s Aides Sensed He Wasn’t Feeling Well

“ I ’ m working my ass off on the Christmas stuff , that you know , who gives a @ @ @ @ @ and decorations ?
But I need to do it , right ?
” —…


politicalwire--2020-10-02--Putin Praises Trump’s ‘Inherent Vitality’


politicalwire--2020-10-02--Pence Tests Negative for Virus

Pence Tests Negative for Virus


politicalwire--2020-10-02--Biden to Be Tested This Morning

Biden to Be Tested This Morning

Joe Biden is expected to get tested for coronavirus this morning , CNN reports .
“ Earlier this week , @ @ @ @ @ the debate stage during the first presidential debate .
The candidates did not shake hands @ @ @ @ @ not shake hands with the moderator .
Biden nor Trump wore masks on stage .
@

Joe Biden is expected to get tested for coronavirus this morning, CNN reports.
“Earlier this week, President Trump and Biden shared the debate stage during the first presidential debate. The candidates did not shake hands with each other and did not shake hands with the moderator. Biden nor Trump wore masks on stage.”


politicalwire--2020-10-02--Trump Went Ahead With Golf Club Fundraiser

“ Just hours before President Trump announced that he had tested positive for COVID-19 , he was mingling with fundraisers @ @ @ @ @ his New Jersey golf club—and even posed for personal photo-ops with supporters , ” the @ @ @ @ @ The event went ahead after the White House learned that one of the president ’ @ @ @ @ @ Hicks , had tested positive for the disease.
” Washington Post : “ After White @ @ @ @ @ ’ s symptoms , Trump and his entourage flew Thursday to New Jersey , where @ @ @ @ @ his golf club in Bedminster and delivered a speech .
Trump was in close contact @ @ @ @ @ , including campaign supporters , at a roundtable event .
”

“Just hours before President Trump announced that he had tested positive for COVID-19, he was mingling with fundraisers at an event held at his New Jersey golf club—and even posed for personal photo-ops with supporters,” the Daily Beast reports.
“The event went ahead after the White House learned that one of the president’s closest aides, Hope Hicks, had tested positive for the disease.”
Washington Post: “After White House officials learned of Hicks’s symptoms, Trump and his entourage flew Thursday to New Jersey, where he attended a fundraiser at his golf club in Bedminster and delivered a speech. Trump was in close contact with dozens of other people, including campaign supporters, at a roundtable event.”


politicalwire--2020-10-02--It’s Not Clear When Trump Contracted Virus

New York Times : “ “ It is not yet clear when and how Mr. Trump contracted the virus .
@ @ @ @ @ lady said they had both tested positive hours after one of his closest aides , @ @ @ @ @ positive .
Ms. Hicks received the diagnosis after she began experiencing symptoms on Wednesday while @ @ @ @ @ rally in Minnesota .
Mr. Trump kept his appearance there to about 45 minutes , @ @ @ @ @ one of his typical rally speeches.
” “ Early Friday morning , it was still @ @ @ @ @ who had come into close contact with Mr. Trump had tested positive , but the @ @ @ @ @ unit was conducting contact tracing .
Top advisers to the president described themselves as in @ @ @ @ @ said they expected a number of additional cases among people in Mr. Trump ’ s @ @ @ @ @ had hoped to keep the news about Ms. Hicks from becoming public , to no @ @ @

New York Times: ““It is not yet clear when and how Mr. Trump contracted the virus. The president and the first lady said they had both tested positive hours after one of his closest aides, Hope Hicks, also tested positive. Ms. Hicks received the diagnosis after she began experiencing symptoms on Wednesday while attending the president’s rally in Minnesota. Mr. Trump kept his appearance there to about 45 minutes, roughly half the length of one of his typical rally speeches.”
“Early Friday morning, it was still unclear how many other aides who had come into close contact with Mr. Trump had tested positive, but the White House said its medical unit was conducting contact tracing. Top advisers to the president described themselves as in a state of shock and said they expected a number of additional cases among people in Mr. Trump’s orbit. White House officials had hoped to keep the news about Ms. Hicks from becoming public, to no avail.”


politicalwire--2020-10-02--Trump’s Positive Coronavirus Test Upends Campaign

New York Times : “ Mr .
Trump had already been trailing in the polls to Joseph R. Biden Jr. @ @ @ @ @ his mishandling of a virus that has unsettled the day-to-day lives of voters for over @ @ @ @ @ his difficulties by disregarding and at times belittling the basic precautions , such as wearing @ @ @ @ @ health advisers were urging Americans to take to protect themselves.
” “ Now , though @ @ @ @ @ the virus could threaten his own health , the stability of the country and his @ @ @ @ @ ” Washington Post : “ The virus could further challenge Trump ’ s reelection bid @ @ @ @ @ to close the gap in upcoming weeks with an aggressive travel schedule and a message @ @ @ @ @ passed .
”

New York Times: “Mr. Trump had already been trailing in the polls to Joseph R. Biden Jr., in part because of his mishandling of a virus that has unsettled the day-to-day lives of voters for over six months. He compounded his difficulties by disregarding and at times belittling the basic precautions, such as wearing a mask, that his health advisers were urging Americans to take to protect themselves.”
“Now, though, his personal indifference toward the virus could threaten his own health, the stability of the country and his already dimming hopes for re-election.”
Washington Post: “The virus could further challenge Trump’s reelection bid, because advisers were hoping to close the gap in upcoming weeks with an aggressive travel schedule and a message that the coronavirus had largely passed.”
Bloomberg: Trump’s diagnosis reshapes election a month from vote.


politicalwire--2020-10-02--What Happens If the Party Nominees Die?

What Happens If the Party Nominees Die?

This piece is only available to Political Wire members .
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Join today for @ @ @ @ @ and get exclusive analysis , new features and no advertising .
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This piece is only available to Political Wire members.
President Trump tested positive for the novel coronavirus just a couple of days after he spent nearly two hours within 8 to 10 feet of Joe Biden. While Biden hasn’t tested positive, it seems certain the presidential campaign will be disrupted regardless with Trump in quarantine.


politicalwire--2020-10-02--Trump Tests Positive for Novel Coronavirus

“ President Trump said early Friday that he and the first lady have tested positive for the coronavirus , throwing the nation ’ s leadership into uncertainty and escalating the crisis posed by a pandemic that has already killed more than 207,000 Americans and devastated the economy , ” the New York Times reports .
“ Mr .
Trump received the test result after one of his closest advisers , Hope Hicks , became infected , bringing the virus into his inner circle and underscoring the difficulty of containing it even with the resources of a president.
” “ Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could pose immediate difficulties for the future of his campaign against Joe Biden , with just 33 days before the election on Nov. 3 .
Even if Mr. Trump remains asymptomatic , he will have to withdraw from the campaign trail and stay isolated in the White House for an unknown period of time .
If he becomes sick , it could raise questions about whether he should remain on the ballot at all.
” Washington Post : “ Aides said all of his political events will be canceled for the foreseeable future @ @

“President Trump said early Friday that he and the first lady have tested positive for the coronavirus, throwing the nation’s leadership into uncertainty and escalating the crisis posed by a pandemic that has already killed more than 207,000 Americans and devastated the economy,” the New York Times reports.
“Mr. Trump received the test result after one of his closest advisers, Hope Hicks, became infected, bringing the virus into his inner circle and underscoring the difficulty of containing it even with the resources of a president.”
“Mr. Trump’s positive test result could pose immediate difficulties for the future of his campaign against Joe Biden, with just 33 days before the election on Nov. 3. Even if Mr. Trump remains asymptomatic, he will have to withdraw from the campaign trail and stay isolated in the White House for an unknown period of time. If he becomes sick, it could raise questions about whether he should remain on the ballot at all.”
Washington Post: “Aides said all of his political events will be canceled for the foreseeable future.”


politicalwire--2020-10-02--Trump Finally Condemns ‘All White Supremacists’

President Trump condemned “ all White supremacists ” Thursday evening after pointedly refusing to do so at Tuesday ’ s @ @ @ @ @ days since , CNN reports .
Said Trump : “ I condemn the KKK , @ @ @ @ @ , I condemn the Proud Boys .
I don ’ t know much about the @ @ @ @ @ , but I condemn that .
”

President Trump condemned “all White supremacists” Thursday evening after pointedly refusing to do so at Tuesday’s presidential debate and in the days since, CNN reports.
Said Trump: “I condemn the KKK, I condemn all White supremacists, I condemn the Proud Boys. I don’t know much about the Proud Boys, almost nothing, but I condemn that.”


politicalwire--2020-10-02--Pete Wilson Endorses Trump

Pete Wilson Endorses Trump

Former California Gov .
Pete Wilson ( R ) endorsed Donald Trump for reelection , arguing in an interview that @ @ @ @ @ a badly needed realism to American security policy , ” Politico reports .
He added @ @ @ @ @ judgment , and very good people around him making honest calls — and alerting him @ @ @ @ @ country to the fact that we are facing greater dangers than at any time since @ @ @ @ @ Cold War .
”

Former California Gov. Pete Wilson (R) endorsed Donald Trump for reelection, arguing in an interview that the president has “brought a badly needed realism to American security policy,” Politico reports.
He added Trump “has very good judgment, and very good people around him making honest calls — and alerting him and the rest of the country to the fact that we are facing greater dangers than at any time since Ronald Reagan dealt with the Cold War.”


politicalwire--2020-10-02--Extra Bonus Quote of the Day

Extra Bonus Quote of the Day

“ I ’ m working my ass off on the Christmas stuff , that you know , who gives a @ @ @ @ @ and decorations ?
But I need to do it , right ?
” — Melania @ @ @ @ @ , on audio recordings made by her former friend , Stephanie Winston Wolkoff .

“I’m working my ass off on the Christmas stuff, that you know, who gives a fuck about the Christmas stuff and decorations? But I need to do it, right?”
— Melania Trump, quoted by CNN, on audio recordings made by her former friend, Stephanie Winston Wolkoff.


Trump Is Quarantining

“ Hope Hicks , who has been working so hard without even taking a small break , has just tested @ @ @ @ @ Terrible !
The First Lady and I are waiting for our test results .
In @ @ @ @ @ begin our quarantine process !
”

President Trump on Twitter:
“Hope Hicks, who has been working so hard without even taking a small break, has just tested positive for Covid 19. Terrible! The First Lady and I are waiting for our test results. In the meantime, we will begin our quarantine process!”


politicalwire--2020-10-03--Not Wearing Mask May Make Virus Worse for Trump

“ President Trump may experience worse symptoms because of his failure to wear a mask , ” the New York @ @ @ @ @ .
David Nace , a geriatrics expert at the University of Pittsburgh , said in @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t wear masks are exposed to higher concentrations of the virus , which @ @ @ @ @ the disease .
”

“President Trump may experience worse symptoms because of his failure to wear a mask,” the New York Times reports.
“Dr. David Nace, a geriatrics expert at the University of Pittsburgh, said in an interview that people who don’t wear masks are exposed to higher concentrations of the virus, which can worsen the course of the disease.”


politicalwire--2020-10-03--White House Staff Frustrated by Lack of Info

Axios : “ Some current and former White House officials have been privately complaining about the reckless attitude internally toward @ @ @ @ @ , feeling they are being put at risk unnecessarily every day when they show up @ @ @ @ @ White House has still not adequately explained why Trump went to a donor event in @ @ @ @ @ learning that one of his closest aides contracted the virus.
” “ Even some top @ @ @ @ @ in the dark about the chain of events that started with Hope Hicks feeling symptoms @ @ @ @ @ One on Wednesday , and culminated with the president ’ s 1 a.m. tweet that @ @ @ @ @ ”

Axios: “Some current and former White House officials have been privately complaining about the reckless attitude internally toward social distancing and mask wearing, feeling they are being put at risk unnecessarily every day when they show up to work.”
“The White House has still not adequately explained why Trump went to a donor event in New Jersey on Thursday after learning that one of his closest aides contracted the virus.”
“Even some top West Wing aides were left in the dark about the chain of events that started with Hope Hicks feeling symptoms and isolating on Air Force One on Wednesday, and culminated with the president’s 1 a.m. tweet that he had tested positive.”


politicalwire--2020-10-03--Thom Tillis Tests Positive

Thom Tillis Tests Positive

Sen. Thom Tillis ( R-NC ) announced he has tested positive for the novel coronavirus , the Washington Post reports @ @ @ @ @ member of the Judiciary Committee and was at the White House event last weekend to @ @ @ @ @ of Amy Coney Barrett .
Sen. Chuck Schumer ( D-NY ) tweets : “ We @ @ @ @ @ the Senate Judiciary Committee who have tested positive for COVID , and there may be @ @ @ @ @ colleagues well .
It is irresponsible and dangerous to move forward with a hearing , @ @ @ @ @ good reason to do so .
”

Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) announced he has tested positive for the novel coronavirus, the Washington Post reports.
Tillis is also a member of the Judiciary Committee and was at the White House event last weekend to unveil the Supreme Court nomination of Amy Coney Barrett.
Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) tweets: “We now have two members of the Senate Judiciary Committee who have tested positive for COVID, and there may be more. I wish my colleagues well. It is irresponsible and dangerous to move forward with a hearing, and there is absolutely no good reason to do so.”


politicalwire--2020-10-02--Trump Will Spend ‘a Few Days’ at Hospital

President Trump arrived Friday evening at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center , where the White House says he will @ @ @ @ @ next few days , ” CNN reports .
“ The development came roughly 15 hours @ @ @ @ @ tested positive for coronavirus .
The White House described the move as precautionary and not @ @ @ @ @ deterioration in Trump ’ s condition.
” “ Trump walked out of the White House @ @ @ @ @ ET — his first public appearance since announcing his diagnosis — wearing a mask and @ @ @ @ @ on his own , without assistance , and displayed no outward signs of illness .
@

President Trump arrived Friday evening at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, where the White House says he will remain hospitalized for “the next few days,” CNN reports.
“The development came roughly 15 hours after Trump disclosed he had tested positive for coronavirus. The White House described the move as precautionary and not the product of an urgent deterioration in Trump’s condition.”
“Trump walked out of the White House residence at 6:16 p.m. ET — his first public appearance since announcing his diagnosis — wearing a mask and a suit. He walked on his own, without assistance, and displayed no outward signs of illness.”


politicalwire--2020-10-02--Biden Campaign Lodges Health Objection Over VP Debate

“ The Biden campaign has raised a health and safety objection with the Commission on Presidential Debates ahead of next @ @ @ @ @ match-up between Kamala Harris and Mike Pence , arguing the two would not be spaced @ @ @ @ @ by medical guidelines , ” Politico reports .
“ The two campaigns and the commission @ @ @ @ @ Friday when the Biden camp balked at a plan to have the two positioned 7 @ @ @ @

“The Biden campaign has raised a health and safety objection with the Commission on Presidential Debates ahead of next week’s vice presidential match-up between Kamala Harris and Mike Pence, arguing the two would not be spaced far enough apart to abide by medical guidelines,” Politico reports.
“The two campaigns and the commission were negotiating the terms on Friday when the Biden camp balked at a plan to have the two positioned 7 feet apart.”


politicalwire--2020-10-02--Reality Ends The Reality Show

Reality Ends The Reality Show

Andrew Sullivan : “ It ’ s a terrible thing for an elderly person to get this disease , and @ @ @ @ @ him in an even more vulnerable category .
No one deserves this , even those @ @ @ @ @ openly defied prudent measures to reduce risk , and thereby helped infect and kill countless @ @ @ @ @ like any human being , deserves sympathy and support.
” “ But there is something @ @ @ @ @ about reality reasserting itself in this last twist of the viral knife .
The man @ @ @ @ @ with reality : living in delusions , perpetuating fantasies , imagining hoaxes , constructing conspiracies @ @ @ @ @ history constantly as self-serving myth .
At some point , reality was going to get @ @ @ @ @

Andrew Sullivan: “It’s a terrible thing for an elderly person to get this disease, and Trump’s obesity puts him in an even more vulnerable category. No one deserves this, even those, like Trump, who openly defied prudent measures to reduce risk, and thereby helped infect and kill countless others. The president, like any human being, deserves sympathy and support.”
“But there is something salutary in the Trump era about reality reasserting itself in this last twist of the viral knife. The man has spent years at war with reality: living in delusions, perpetuating fantasies, imagining hoaxes, constructing conspiracies, accruing debt, rewriting history constantly as self-serving myth. At some point, reality was going to get personal in return.”


politicalwire--2020-10-02--Biden Pulls All Negative Ads

Biden Pulls All Negative Ads

“ Donald Trump had done everything possible to shift the focus of the presidential campaign away from his handling of @ @ @ @ @ reports .
“ His own infection now ensures that he…

“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--2020-10-02--Trump Headed to Walter Reed

Trump Headed to Walter Reed


politicalwire--2020-10-02--An Epically Bad Day for the Trump Campaign

Philip Bump : “ I am substantially younger than these United States , but I am nonetheless at a loss @ @ @ @ @ for a presidential campaign than Oct. 2 , 2020 , was for the reelection campaign @ @ @ @ @ ” “ The most immediate problem for Trump ’ s campaign is that the candidate @ @ @ @ @ the disease caused by the novel coronavirus at the heart of the global pandemic… Trump @ @ @ @ @ he ’ ll be in isolation at the White House for the immediate term — @ @ @ @ @ actively campaigning.
” “ It gets worse for Trump ’ s campaign .
After all @ @ @ @ @ focus of the race be on the pandemic , but it will specifically be on @ @ @ @ @ repeatedly downplay the threat the virus poses as he pushed for America to return to @ @ @

Philip Bump: “I am substantially younger than these United States, but I am nonetheless at a loss to identify a worse day for a presidential campaign than Oct. 2, 2020, was for the reelection campaign of President Donald J. Trump.”
“The most immediate problem for Trump’s campaign is that the candidate himself has contracted covid-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus at the heart of the global pandemic… Trump’s illness means that he’ll be in isolation at the White House for the immediate term — and, therefore, not actively campaigning.”
“It gets worse for Trump’s campaign. After all, not only will the focus of the race be on the pandemic, but it will specifically be on Trump’s decision to repeatedly downplay the threat the virus poses as he pushed for America to return to normal.”


politicalwire--2020-10-02--Trump Given Antibody Cocktail

Trump Given Antibody Cocktail

The White House doctor said President Trump “ received a single 8 gram dose of Regeneron ’ s polyclonal antibody @ @ @ @ @ .
Wall Street Journal : “ Regeneron said that Mr. Trump received the drug under @ @ @ @ @ allows unapproved medicines to be used in patients with serious diseases who don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ ”


politicalwire--2020-10-02--Few Wore Masks at Receptions for Barrett

There were at least two private receptions at the White House last Saturday to celebrate the nomination of Amy Coney @ @ @ @ @ , the Washington Post reports .
The events were attended by “ lots of VIPs @ @ @ @ @ masks or observed social distancing .

There were at least two private receptions at the White House last Saturday to celebrate the nomination of Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court, the Washington Post reports.
The events were attended by “lots of VIPs” and few guests wore masks or observed social distancing.


politicalwire--2020-10-02--Vice Presidential Debate Will Go On

Vice Presidential Debate Will Go On

The University of Utah is set to host the vice presidential debate between Vice President Mike Pence and Sen. Kamala @ @ @ @ @ , BuzzFeed News reports .
Their policy will require everybody inside the security perimeter — @ @ @ @ @ onstage — “ to wear masks at all times .
”

The University of Utah is set to host the vice presidential debate between Vice President Mike Pence and Sen. Kamala Harris as planned next week, BuzzFeed News reports.
Their policy will require everybody inside the security perimeter — except for the three people onstage — “to wear masks at all times.”


politicalwire--2020-10-02--Trump Faces an Uncertain Road Ahead

Trump Faces an Uncertain Road Ahead

Stat : “ The news that President Trump is showing mild signs of Covid-19 infection after testing positive tell us @ @ @ @ @ might have in store for the commander-in-chief… And they suggest people the president ’ s @ @ @ @ @ — who develop Covid-19 often have more subtle symptoms initially that may give way to @ @ @ @ @ “ One of the common early symptoms among elderly Covid patients is a drop in @ @ @ @ @ mild confusion — which would be a disconcerting turn of events , if it were @ @ @ @ @ president.
” “ The critical time to know whether Trump will remain in the former @ @ @ @ @ serious disease is a window of between about eight to 12 days after symptoms begin @ @

Stat: “The news that President Trump is showing mild signs of Covid-19 infection after testing positive tell us nothing about what the disease might have in store for the commander-in-chief… And they suggest people the president’s age — he is 74 — who develop Covid-19 often have more subtle symptoms initially that may give way to pneumonia and severe illness.”
“One of the common early symptoms among elderly Covid patients is a drop in mental acuity or periods of mild confusion — which would be a disconcerting turn of events, if it were to happen to a sitting president.”
“The critical time to know whether Trump will remain in the former group or progress to more serious disease is a window of between about eight to 12 days after symptoms begin.”


politicalwire--2020-10-02--New Battleground State Polls

New Battleground State Polls


politicalwire--2020-10-02--Officials Planning for Election Day Violence

“ Bracing for possible civil unrest on Election Day , the Justice Department is planning to station officials in a @ @ @ @ @ to coordinate the federal response to any disturbances or other problems with voting that may @ @ @ @ @ ” the Washington Post reports .

“Bracing for possible civil unrest on Election Day, the Justice Department is planning to station officials in a command center at FBI headquarters to coordinate the federal response to any disturbances or other problems with voting that may arise across the country,” the Washington Post reports.


politicalwire--2020-10-02--Audio Tapes Bust the ‘Free Melania’ Myth

Vox : “ On a tape secretly recorded in 2018 and released Thursday night by CNN , the first lady @ @ @ @ @ Wolkoff that the media is bothering her about the Trump administration ’ s policy of @ @ @ @ @ parents at the US border.
” Said Melania Trump : “ They said , ‘ @ @ @ @ @ children that they were separated ?
’ Give me a fucking break .
Where they @ @ @ @ @ did that ?
” “ The Obama administration did not , in fact , pursue @ @ @ @ @ from their parents at the border .
And Trump ’ s statements on the tape @ @ @ @ @ secretly disapproving of her husband ’ s administration , she is actually on board with @ @ @ @ @ those who criticize them .
She ’ s also mad about the ‘ liberal media @ @ @ @ @ are treating her unfairly .
”

Vox: “On a tape secretly recorded in 2018 and released Thursday night by CNN, the first lady complains to then-friend Stephanie Winston Wolkoff that the media is bothering her about the Trump administration’s policy of separating migrant children from their parents at the US border.”
Said Melania Trump: “They said, ‘Oh, what about the children that they were separated?’ Give me a fucking break. Where they were saying anything when Obama did that?”
“The Obama administration did not, in fact, pursue a policy of separating children from their parents at the border. And Trump’s statements on the tape suggest that, far from secretly disapproving of her husband’s administration, she is actually on board with its aims and angry at those who criticize them. She’s also mad about the ‘liberal media,’ who she believes are treating her unfairly.”


politicalwire--2020-10-02--The Worst Nightmare for the Trump Campaign

“ Donald Trump had done everything possible to shift the focus of the presidential campaign away from his handling of @ @ @ @ @ reports .
“ His own infection now ensures that he can ’ t – pulling @ @ @ @ @ days before the election , throwing debates into question and fixing the public ’ s @ @ @ @ @ on a pandemic dragging down his prospects for a second term .
A president who @ @ @ @ @ surprises is suddenly confronting one big enough to alter the outcome of the election.
” @ @ @ @ @ Was Always Going to Be About the Virus

“Donald Trump had done everything possible to shift the focus of the presidential campaign away from his handling of the coronavirus,” Politico reports.
“His own infection now ensures that he can’t – pulling Trump off the road 32 days before the election, throwing debates into question and fixing the public’s attention more squarely than ever on a pandemic dragging down his prospects for a second term. A president who once seemed impervious to October surprises is suddenly confronting one big enough to alter the outcome of the election.”
For members: This Election Was Always Going to Be About the Virus


politicalwire--2020-10-02--White House Still Has No Plan to Require Masks

“ The Trump administration has no plans to mandate that staff and visitors wear face masks on the grounds of @ @ @ @ @ after President Trump , the First Lady and senior adviser Hope Hicks tested positive for @ @ @ @ @ .


politicalwire--2020-10-02--Amy Coney Barrett Has Already Had the Virus

“ Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett was diagnosed with the coronavirus earlier this year but has since recovered , @ @ @ @ @ .
“ As the Supreme Court nominee , Barrett is now tested daily and most @ @ @ @ @ for covid-19 on Friday morning .
”

“Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett was diagnosed with the coronavirus earlier this year but has since recovered,” the Washington Post reports.
“As the Supreme Court nominee, Barrett is now tested daily and most recently had a negative diagnosis for covid-19 on Friday morning.”


politicalwire--2020-10-02--Trump Has a Cough and Fever

Trump Has a Cough and Fever

Gabriel Sherman : “ The biggest unknown is the state of the president ’ s health .
This morning the @ @ @ @ @ Trump is exhibiting ‘ coldlike symptoms.
’ Two Republicans in close contact with the White @ @ @ @ @ ’ s symptoms have included a cough and fever .
Melania is said to be @ @ @ @ @ Hicks has experienced more pronounced symptoms than the president .
Two sources said she has @ @ @ @ @ a cough , with one source adding she lost her sense of smell .
Hicks @ @ @ @ @ with Trump for taking such a cavalier approach to the virus .
She was one @ @ @ @ @ staffers to wear a mask in meetings , which her colleagues chided her for… Sources @ @ @ @ @ upset that news coverage has made it appear that she gave Trump the virus , @ @ @ @ @ knows where he got it .
”

Gabriel Sherman: “The biggest unknown is the state of the president’s health. This morning the New York Times reported that Trump is exhibiting ‘coldlike symptoms.’ Two Republicans in close contact with the White House told me that Trump’s symptoms have included a cough and fever. Melania is said to be asymptomatic.”
“Meanwhile, Hicks has experienced more pronounced symptoms than the president. Two sources said she has had a high fever and a cough, with one source adding she lost her sense of smell. Hicks is said to be frustrated with Trump for taking such a cavalier approach to the virus. She was one of the few West Wing staffers to wear a mask in meetings, which her colleagues chided her for… Sources told me Hicks is also upset that news coverage has made it appear that she gave Trump the virus, when in fact no one knows where he got it.”


politicalwire--2020-10-03--NSC Staff Told to Wear Masks, Avoid West Wing

David Frum : “ Americans are dead who might have been alive if Trump had met the challenge of COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ somebody else , literally almost anybody else , had…


politicalwire--2020-10-03--Cal Cunningham Admits to Sexting with Strategist

North Carolina Senate candidate Cal Cunningham ( D ) “ admitted to sending intimate text messages to a woman who @ @ @ @ @ but said he would not drop out of one of the key races that will @ @ @ @ @ Senate next year , ” Politico reports .
“ Cunningham sent several text messages to @ @ @ @ @ two discussed kissing and hypothetically spending the night together .
”

North Carolina Senate candidate Cal Cunningham (D) “admitted to sending intimate text messages to a woman who is not his wife — but said he would not drop out of one of the key races that will determine which party controls the Senate next year,” Politico reports.
“Cunningham sent several text messages to a woman in which the two discussed kissing and hypothetically spending the night together.”


politicalwire--2020-10-03--Trump Is Taking Remdesivir

Trump Is Taking Remdesivir

President Trump is being treated at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for Covid-19 and has begun receiving an anti-viral @ @ @ @ @ From his doctor : “ He is not requiring any supplemental oxygen , but in @ @ @ @ @ elected to initiate Remdesivir therapy .
He has completed his first dose and is resting @ @ @

President Trump is being treated at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for Covid-19 and has begun receiving an anti-viral drug, CNN reports.
From his doctor: “He is not requiring any supplemental oxygen, but in consultation with specialists we have elected to initiate Remdesivir therapy. He has completed his first dose and is resting comfortably.”


politicalwire--2020-10-03--Trump Campaign Manager Tests Positive

Trump Campaign Manager Tests Positive

Donald Trump ’ s campaign manager Bill Stepien “ has tested positive for Covid-19 , dealing another blow to his @ @ @ @ @ that saw the president and the head of the Republican National Committee report contracting the @ @ @ @ @ Politico reports .
Stepien was experiencing what one senior campaign official described as “ mild @ @ @ @

Donald Trump’s campaign manager Bill Stepien “has tested positive for Covid-19, dealing another blow to his reelection effort on a day that saw the president and the head of the Republican National Committee report contracting the disease as well,” Politico reports.
Stepien was experiencing what one senior campaign official described as “mild flu-like symptoms.”


politicalwire--2020-10-03--Eric Trump Asks for Prayers for His Father

Eric Trump asked for prayers for his “ true warrior ” father , who was diagnosed a day earlier with @ @ @ @ @ Trump : “ He will fight through this with the same strength and conviction that @ @ @ @ @ America each and every day .
I ask you to join me in praying for @ @ @ @ @ never been more proud of someone and what they have had to endure .
”

Eric Trump asked for prayers for his “true warrior” father, who was diagnosed a day earlier with the novel coronavirus.
Tweeted Trump: “He will fight through this with the same strength and conviction that he uses to fight for America each and every day. I ask you to join me in praying for his recovery. I have never been more proud of someone and what they have had to endure.”


politicalwire--2020-10-03--What Did You Expect?

What Did You Expect?

David Frum : “ Americans are dead who might have been alive if Trump had met the challenge of COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ somebody else , literally almost anybody else , had been president instead .
Millions are @ @ @ @ @ danger of losing their homes , living in fear .
Tens of millions of young @ @ @ @ @ their education , which will follow them through life .
The pandemic was not Trump @ @ @ @ @ at every turn , he made things worse than they had to be—because at every @ @ @ @ @ for himself , never for the country .
And now he will care only for @ @ @ @ @ should never have been allowed anywhere near any public office .
Wish him well , @ @ @ @ @ spirit will never be well—and that nothing can be well for the country under his @ @ @

David Frum: “Americans are dead who might have been alive if Trump had met the challenge of COVID-19 with care and responsibility—or if somebody else, literally almost anybody else, had been president instead. Millions are out of work, in danger of losing their homes, living in fear. Tens of millions of young people have suffered disruption to their education, which will follow them through life. The pandemic was not Trump’s fault, but at every turn, he made things worse than they had to be—because at every turn, he cared only for himself, never for the country. And now he will care only for himself again.”
“Trump should never have been allowed anywhere near any public office. Wish him well, but recognize that his deformed spirit will never be well—and that nothing can be well for the country under his leadership.”


politicalwire--2020-10-03--Kellyanne Conway Tests Positive

Kellyanne Conway Tests Positive


politicalwire--2020-10-03--On the Decision to Go To Walter Reed

On the Decision to Go To Walter Reed

Washington Post : “ As Trump ’ s condition deteriorated during the day Friday , the president and his team @ @ @ @ @ send him to Walter Reed preemptively — and , from a public relations perspective , @ @ @ @ @ to walk to Marine One on his own , according to one outside adviser in @ @ @ @ @ officials .
They feared the possibility of a further decline , and what that might @ @ @ @ @ president ’ s health and his political optics .
”

Washington Post: “As Trump’s condition deteriorated during the day Friday, the president and his team ultimately made the decision to send him to Walter Reed preemptively — and, from a public relations perspective, when he was still able to walk to Marine One on his own, according to one outside adviser in frequent contact with White House officials. They feared the possibility of a further decline, and what that might mean, both for the president’s health and his political optics.”


politicalwire--2020-10-03--The Busy Week When Trump Met the Virus

The Busy Week When Trump Met the Virus

New York Times : “ It is not clear exactly when Mr. Trump was infected or by whom , and @ @ @ @ @ about the circumstances on Friday , declining to provide any account of who made the @ @ @ @ @ go to New Jersey or of how Ms. Hicks ’ s illness was handled on @ @ @ @ @ But by day ’ s end , there was little doubt that the virus had @ @ @ @ @ Mr. Trump for the past week , even as he disparaged mask wearing and campaigned @ @ @ @ @ crowds that were not socially distanced.
” Associated Press : Cavalier White House approach to @ @ @ @ @ .

New York Times: “It is not clear exactly when Mr. Trump was infected or by whom, and the White House remained secretive about the circumstances on Friday, declining to provide any account of who made the decision for the president to go to New Jersey or of how Ms. Hicks’s illness was handled on Wednesday and Thursday.”
“But by day’s end, there was little doubt that the virus had been circulating in proximity to Mr. Trump for the past week, even as he disparaged mask wearing and campaigned in person in front of crowds that were not socially distanced.”
Associated Press: Cavalier White House approach to COVID catches up to Trump.


politicalwire--2020-10-04--No Plans for Pence to Take Over Trump’s Duties

“ President Trump remains on the job despite his hospitalization for covid-19 and there are no plans for Vice President @ @ @ @ @ authority as president , the first full day of Trump ’ s inpatient treatment at @ @ @ @ @ Center , ” the Washington Post reports .
“ Under the 25th Amendment to the @ @ @ @ @ the full authority of the presidency if Trump were to die or become unable to @ @ @ @ @ although the amendment , ratified in 1967 , was intended to clear up ambiguities in @ @ @ @ @ it is not clear what exactly constitutes being incapacitated , and language about who makes @ @ @ @ @ tested .
”

“President Trump remains on the job despite his hospitalization for covid-19 and there are no plans for Vice President Pence to assume even temporary authority as president, the first full day of Trump’s inpatient treatment at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center,” the Washington Post reports.
“Under the 25th Amendment to the Constitution, Pence would assume the full authority of the presidency if Trump were to die or become unable to perform his duties. But although the amendment, ratified in 1967, was intended to clear up ambiguities in the original 18th-century document, it is not clear what exactly constitutes being incapacitated, and language about who makes that call has never been tested.”


politicalwire--2020-10-04--Businesses Shut for Deep Cleaning After Ivanka Visit

Two sources tell Gabriel Sherman that doctors gave President Trump an ultimatum on Friday : “ he could go to @ @ @ @ @ still walk , or doctors would be forced…

“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--2020-10-04--Trump Allies Wonder If Outbreak Was Political Attack

Gabriel Sherman reports that some Trump allies “ are entertaining conspiracy theories that the White House outbreak was caused by @ @ @ @ @ Said one prominent Republican : “ It ’ s weird that all these Republicans are @ @ @ @ @ ’ t know what the fuck is going on .
But one thing I ’ @ @ @ @ @ something major happens thirty days before an election , it usually has to do with @ @ @ @

Gabriel Sherman reports that some Trump allies “are entertaining conspiracy theories that the White House outbreak was caused by someone with political motives.”
Said one prominent Republican: “It’s weird that all these Republicans are getting it. I don’t know what the fuck is going on. But one thing I’ve learned is: when something major happens thirty days before an election, it usually has to do with the election.”


politicalwire--2020-10-04--Biden Traverses the Battleground Map

Biden Traverses the Battleground Map

Politico : “ In a role reversal , the president who mocked his rival for being weak and hiding ‘ @ @ @ @ @ stuck in isolation under doctors ’ supervision while Biden jets off to states like Michigan @ @ @ @ @ Monday , with the battleground map all to himself.
” “ It ’ s a @ @ @ @ @ to sharpen as long as Trump is sidelined from coronavirus .
Only a month remains @ @ @ @ @ a record 3.2 million Americans already cast early ballots in 21 states , with Democrats @ @ @ @ @ ”

Politico: “In a role reversal, the president who mocked his rival for being weak and hiding ‘in his basement’ is stuck in isolation under doctors’ supervision while Biden jets off to states like Michigan on Friday and Florida on Monday, with the battleground map all to himself.”
“It’s a contrast the Biden campaign intends to sharpen as long as Trump is sidelined from coronavirus. Only a month remains until Election Day, and a record 3.2 million Americans already cast early ballots in 21 states, with Democrats out-voting Republicans so far.”


politicalwire--2020-10-04--Doctors Gave Trump an Ultimatum

Doctors Gave Trump an Ultimatum

Two sources tell Gabriel Sherman that doctors gave President Trump an ultimatum on Friday : “ he could go to @ @ @ @ @ still walk , or doctors would be forced to take him in a wheelchair or @ @ @ @ @ later point if his health deteriorated… Trump waited to leave for the hospital until the @ @ @ @ @ ” “ After spending months denying the dangers of COVID-19 , Trump is expressing an @ @ @ @ @ : fear .
On Friday , Trump grew visibly anxious as his fever spiked to @ @ @ @ @ administered oxygen at the White House… Two sources told me Trump experienced heart palpitations on @ @ @ @ @ the experimental antibody treatment he received .
Trump has wondered aloud if he could defeat @ @ @ @ @ of Staff Mark Meadows has told Republicans that the next few days will be critical @ @ @ @ @ s outcome .
”

Two sources tell Gabriel Sherman that doctors gave President Trump an ultimatum on Friday: “he could go to the hospital while he could still walk, or doctors would be forced to take him in a wheelchair or on a stretcher at a later point if his health deteriorated… Trump waited to leave for the hospital until the stock market closed on Friday.”
“After spending months denying the dangers of COVID-19, Trump is expressing an emotion aides have rarely seen: fear. On Friday, Trump grew visibly anxious as his fever spiked to 103 Fahrenheit and he was administered oxygen at the White House… Two sources told me Trump experienced heart palpitations on Friday night—possible side effects of the experimental antibody treatment he received. Trump has wondered aloud if he could defeat the disease.”
“Chief of Staff Mark Meadows has told Republicans that the next few days will be critical to determine the virus’s outcome.”


politicalwire--2020-10-04--Trump Releases Video from Hospital

Trump Releases Video from Hospital

President Trump released a four-minute video of him talking from Walter Reed Medical Center .
New York Times : “ @ @ @ @ @ less energetic than usual in a rambling message that included campaign talk and boasts about @ @ @ @ @ for why he had gone to the hospital was muddled and unclear : “ I @ @ @ @ @ just didn ’ t want to stay in the White House .
I can ’ @ @ @ @ @ a room upstairs and totally safe and just say , hey , whatever happens happens @ @ @ @ @ do that .
We have to confront problems .
”

President Trump released a four-minute video of him talking from Walter Reed Medical Center.
New York Times: “He looked wan and sounded less energetic than usual in a rambling message that included campaign talk and boasts about his record.”
His explanation for why he had gone to the hospital was muddled and unclear: “I had no choice. I just didn’t want to stay in the White House. I can’t be locked up in a room upstairs and totally safe and just say, hey, whatever happens happens. I can’t do that. We have to confront problems.”


politicalwire--2020-10-04--Top Aides Want Texas Attorney General Investigated

“ Top aides of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton ( R ) have asked federal law enforcement authorities to investigate @ @ @ @ @ abuse of office , bribery and other potential crimes against the state ’ s top @ @ @ @ @ American Statesman reports .
“ Their decisions to report possible illegal activity involving their employer @ @ @ @ @ an agency that prizes loyalty , particularly from within Paxton ’ s inner circle .
@ @ @ @ @ on Paxton , who is already under indictment for alleged securities fraud.
” Paxton is @ @ @ @ @ for Trump .

“Top aides of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) have asked federal law enforcement authorities to investigate allegations of improper influence, abuse of office, bribery and other potential crimes against the state’s top lawyer,” the Austin American Statesman reports.
“Their decisions to report possible illegal activity involving their employer represents a stunning development in an agency that prizes loyalty, particularly from within Paxton’s inner circle. It places a renewed spotlight on Paxton, who is already under indictment for alleged securities fraud.”
Paxton is also the co-chair of Lawyers for Trump.


politicalwire--2020-10-04--Biden Will Release Every Coronavirus Test

“ Joe Biden ’ s campaign said Saturday it will now disclose the results of every coronavirus test the candidate @ @ @ @ @ for more transparency after President Trump recently tested positive for the virus and Vice President @ @ @ @ @ two consecutive days , ” the Washington Post reports .

“Joe Biden’s campaign said Saturday it will now disclose the results of every coronavirus test the candidate takes, following increased pressure for more transparency after President Trump recently tested positive for the virus and Vice President Pence has released results for two consecutive days,” the Washington Post reports.


politicalwire--2020-10-04--Johnson Went to Oktoberfest After Getting Virus Test

Sen. Ron Johnson ( R-WI ) “ attended an Oktoberfest fundraising dinner on Friday evening while he was awaiting the @ @ @ @ @ he was infected with COVID-19 , ” the Madison Capital Times reports .
“ The @ @ @ @ @ the bash even though he knew that President Trump and many of his inner circle @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus .
”

Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI) “attended an Oktoberfest fundraising dinner on Friday evening while he was awaiting the test results that would show he was infected with COVID-19,” the Madison Capital Times reports.
“The Wisconsin Republican chose to attend the bash even though he knew that President Trump and many of his inner circle had tested positive for the coronavirus.”


politicalwire--2020-10-03--Chris Christie In the Hospital

Chris Christie In the Hospital

Former Gov .
Chris Christie announced he has checked himself into the hospital after testing positive for the novel coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ a history of asthma .

Former Gov. Chris Christie announced he has checked himself into the hospital after testing positive for the novel coronavirus.
He said he has a history of asthma.