politicalwire--2020-10-12--Twitter Flags Trump Tweet Saying He’s Immune to Virus

Twitter disabled some sharing options on a tweet from President Trump on Sunday , and labeled it for violating its @ @ @ @ @ , The Verge reports .
Tweeted Trump : “ A total and complete sign off @ @ @ @ @ .
That means I can ’ t get it ( immune ) and can ’ @ @ @ @ @ nice to know !
!
”

Twitter disabled some sharing options on a tweet from President Trump on Sunday, and labeled it for violating its rules against spreading coronavirus misinformation, The Verge reports.
Tweeted Trump: “A total and complete sign off from White House Doctors yesterday. That means I can’t get it (immune) and can’t give it. Very nice to know!!”


politicalwire--2020-10-12--Microsoft Disrupts Russian Criminal Botnet

“ Microsoft has taken legal steps to dismantle one of the world ’ s largest botnets , an effort it @ @ @ @ @ criminal hackers who might seek to snarl up state and local computer systems used to @ @ @ @ @ on election results , ” the Washington Post reports .

“Microsoft has taken legal steps to dismantle one of the world’s largest botnets, an effort it says is aimed at thwarting criminal hackers who might seek to snarl up state and local computer systems used to maintain voter rolls or report on election results,” the Washington Post reports.


politicalwire--2020-10-12--Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day

“ I think there ’ s only one story in the country right now .
We are seeing something we @ @ @ @ @ American history : A massive voter suppression effort , an effort to steal the election @ @ @ @ @ eyes .
”

“I think there’s only one story in the country right now. We are seeing something we have never seen before in American history: A massive voter suppression effort, an effort to steal the election even beforehand, before our eyes.”
— Tom Friedman, on CNN.


politicalwire--2020-10-12--It’s About to Get Even Worse

It’s About to Get Even Worse

“ The weather is getting colder and the days are getting shorter — accelerating the economic and psychological damage of @ @ @ @ @ Axios reports .
“ During the summer , businesses took advantage of outdoor dining , @ @ @ @ @ families and friends safely gathered outside and at a distance .
As the season changes @ @ @ @ @ the last several months bearable will vanish.
” “ Businesses that have made it this @ @ @ @ @ droves.
” Washington Post : “ Thirteen states , most of them in the West @ @ @ @ @ numbers of coronavirus infections over the past week .
”

“The weather is getting colder and the days are getting shorter — accelerating the economic and psychological damage of the coronavirus pandemic,” Axios reports.
“During the summer, businesses took advantage of outdoor dining, exercise and shopping, and families and friends safely gathered outside and at a distance. As the season changes, much of what made the last several months bearable will vanish.”
“Businesses that have made it this far could start closing in droves.”
Washington Post: “Thirteen states, most of them in the West and Midwest, reported record-setting numbers of coronavirus infections over the past week.”


politicalwire--2020-10-12--Trump Needs a Reset

Trump Needs a Reset

“ President Trump is running out of time to recover from a series of self-inflicted setbacks that have rattled his @ @ @ @ @ alarm among Republicans who fear the White House is on the verge of being lost @ @ @ @ @ the AP reports .
“ The one-two punch of Trump ’ s coronavirus diagnosis and @ @ @ @ @ also has Republicans worried they could lose control of the Senate .
With just over @ @ @ @ @ , Senate races in some reliably red states , including South Carolina and Kansas , @ @ @ @ @ a surge in Democratic fundraising that has put both the Republican Party and Trump ’ @ @ @ @ @ unexpected financial disadvantage .
”

“President Trump is running out of time to recover from a series of self-inflicted setbacks that have rattled his base of support and triggered alarm among Republicans who fear the White House is on the verge of being lost to Joe Biden,” the AP reports.
“The one-two punch of Trump’s coronavirus diagnosis and his widely panned debate performance also has Republicans worried they could lose control of the Senate. With just over three weeks until Election Day, Senate races in some reliably red states, including South Carolina and Kansas, are competitive, aided by a surge in Democratic fundraising that has put both the Republican Party and Trump’s own campaign at an unexpected financial disadvantage.”


politicalwire--2020-10-12--Majority Says Wait on Supreme Court Seat

Six in 10 registered voters say the U.S. Supreme Court should uphold Roe v. Wade as the basis of abortion @ @ @ @ @ , and a majority in an ABC News/Washington Post poll — albeit now a narrow @ @ @ @ @ should delay filling the court ’ s current vacancy .

Six in 10 registered voters say the U.S. Supreme Court should uphold Roe v. Wade as the basis of abortion law in the United States, and a majority in an ABC News/Washington Post poll — albeit now a narrow one — says the Senate should delay filling the court’s current vacancy.


politicalwire--2020-10-12--Trump Revives Push to Reschedule Debate

Trump Revives Push to Reschedule Debate

“ President Trump ’ s reelection campaign on Sunday revived its push for an in-person presidential debate even though it @ @ @ @ @ — and the debate commission — have moved on , ” CNN reports .
“ @ @ @ @ @ — who has repeatedly flouted best public health practices since his Covid-19 diagnosis — declined @ @ @ @ @ a virtual format .
”

“President Trump’s reelection campaign on Sunday revived its push for an in-person presidential debate even though it seems the Joe Biden campaign — and the debate commission — have moved on,” CNN reports.
“The move comes after Trump — who has repeatedly flouted best public health practices since his Covid-19 diagnosis — declined last week to participate in a virtual format.”


politicalwire--2020-10-13--Anchorage Mayor Admits to ‘Inappropriate’ Relationship

Anchorage Mayor Ethan Berkowitz ( D ) apologized for what he termed a “ consensual , inappropriate messaging relationship ” @ @ @ @ @ Athens , the Anchorage Daily News reports .
Said Berkowitz : “ I apologize to @ @ @ @ @ a major lapse in judgment I made several years ago when I had a consensual @ @ @ @ @ reporter Maria Athens .
I ’ m embarrassed and ashamed for the hurt I ’ @ @ @ @ @ our community .
I take responsibility for my actions.
” Alaska Public Radio : “ @ @ @ @ @ Friday when she posted a video on her Facebook page claiming that according to reliable @ @ @ @ @ ‘ male genitalia ’ posted on an underage girl ’ s website .
”

Anchorage Mayor Ethan Berkowitz (D) apologized for what he termed a “consensual, inappropriate messaging relationship” with Anchorage news anchor Maria Athens, the Anchorage Daily News reports.
Said Berkowitz: “I apologize to the people of Anchorage for a major lapse in judgment I made several years ago when I had a consensual, inappropriate messaging relationship with reporter Maria Athens. I’m embarrassed and ashamed for the hurt I’ve caused my family and our community. I take responsibility for my actions.”
Alaska Public Radio: “Athens prompted confusion and speculation Friday when she posted a video on her Facebook page claiming that according to reliable sources, Berkowitz had his ‘male genitalia’ posted on an underage girl’s website.”


politicalwire--2020-10-13--Maskless DeSantis Gives High Fives to Crowd

Florida Gov .
Ron DeSantis ( R ) made a maskless appearance at President Trump ’ s rally in the @ @ @ @ @ to people in the crowd before rubbing his nose .
DeSantis lifted all restrictions on @ @ @ @ @ and bars approximately two weeks ago despite a coronavirus infection rate that ’ s going @ @

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) made a maskless appearance at President Trump’s rally in the state while giving high fives to people in the crowd before rubbing his nose.
DeSantis lifted all restrictions on the state’s restaurants and bars approximately two weeks ago despite a coronavirus infection rate that’s going up.


politicalwire--2020-10-13--Trump Vows to ‘Kiss the Guys and Beautiful Women’

At his first campaign rally since being diagnosed with the novel coronavirus , President Trump vowed to “ kiss everyone @ @ @ @ @ saying he feels “ so powerful.
” Said Trump : “ I went through it @ @ @ @ @ ’ m immune .
I feel so powerful I ’ ll walk into that audience @ @ @ @ @ in there , I ’ ll kiss everyone in that audience .
I ’ ll @ @ @ @ @ beautiful women and the—I ’ ll just give you a big fat kiss .
”

At his first campaign rally since being diagnosed with the novel coronavirus, President Trump vowed to “kiss everyone” in the audience while saying he feels “so powerful.”
Said Trump: “I went through it. Now they say I’m immune. I feel so powerful I’ll walk into that audience. I’ll walk in there, I’ll kiss everyone in that audience. I’ll kiss the guys and the beautiful women and the—I’ll just give you a big fat kiss.”


politicalwire--2020-10-12--More Battleground State Polls

More Battleground State Polls

At his first campaign rally since being diagnosed with the novel coronavirus , President Trump vowed to “ kiss everyone @ @ @ @ @ saying he feels “ so powerful.
” Said Trump : “ I…

“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--2020-10-12--Fauci Says Trump Campaign Is ‘Harassing Me’

Dr , Anthony Fauci told the Daily Beast that it would be “ outrageous ” and “ terrible ” if @ @ @ @ @ Trump campaign commercial and it could “ come back to backfire ” on Team Trump @ @ @ @ @ By doing this against my will , they are in effect harassing me .
Since @ @ @ @ @ votes , their harassment of me might have the opposite effect of turning some voters @ @ @

Dr, Anthony Fauci told the Daily Beast that it would be “outrageous” and “terrible” if he was featured in another Trump campaign commercial and it could “come back to backfire” on Team Trump.
Explained Fauci: “By doing this against my will, they are in effect harassing me. Since campaign ads are about getting votes, their harassment of me might have the opposite effect of turning some voters off.”


politicalwire--2020-10-12--Newspapers Decline to Let Reporters Cover Trump

“ Major news organizations have become increasingly wary of sending journalists to travel with President Trump to White House events @ @ @ @ @ the president and his aides continue to shun safety protocols after an outbreak of the @ @ @ @ @ ” the New York Times reports .
“ The New York Times , Wall Street @ @ @ @ @ among the major outlets that have declined to assign reporters to travel with Mr. Trump @ @ @ @ @ trail this week , saying they do not have assurance that basic precautions will be @ @ @ @ @ health .
”

“Major news organizations have become increasingly wary of sending journalists to travel with President Trump to White House events and campaign rallies, as the president and his aides continue to shun safety protocols after an outbreak of the coronavirus within their ranks,” the New York Times reports.
“The New York Times, Wall Street Journal and Washington Post are among the major outlets that have declined to assign reporters to travel with Mr. Trump as he returns to the trail this week, saying they do not have assurance that basic precautions will be taken to protect reporters’ health.”


politicalwire--2020-10-12--Trump Tested Negative on Consecutive Days


politicalwire--2020-10-12--Pence Didn’t Know About the Fly

Pence Didn’t Know About the Fly

Vice President Mike Pence told Fox News he learned afterward from his children that a fly had landed on his @ @ @ @ @ s debate against Sen. Kamala Harris .
Said Pence : “ They ’ re the @ @ @ @ @ I didn ’ t know he was there.
” He added : “ And it @ @ @ @ @ all of us .
”

Vice President Mike Pence told Fox News he learned afterward from his children that a fly had landed on his head during last week’s debate against Sen. Kamala Harris.
Said Pence: “They’re the ones that told me. I didn’t know he was there.”
He added: “And it was a good laugh for all of us.”


politicalwire--2020-10-12--Eric Trump Cancels Michigan Event

Eric Trump Cancels Michigan Event


politicalwire--2020-10-12--Fauci Says Trump Campaign Should Take Down Ad


politicalwire--2020-10-12--Exchange of the Day

Exchange of the Day

REPORTER : Seriously , can you name one of your colleagues that has attacked Judge Barrett ’ s religion ?
@ @ @ @ @ don ’ t want to go there .

Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA) accused Democrats of attacking Judge Amy Coney Barrett’s religion during confirmation hearings:
REPORTER: Seriously, can you name one of your colleagues that has attacked Judge Barrett’s religion?
KENNEDY: Um, I don’t want to go there.


politicalwire--2020-10-12--Cunningham Expands Lead In North Carolina

A new SurveyUSA poll in North Carolina finds Cal Cunningham ( D ) leading Sen. Thom Tillis ( R ) @ @ @ @ @ by 10 points , 49 % to 39 % .
Cunningham was up by seven @ @ @ @ @ .

A new SurveyUSA poll in North Carolina finds Cal Cunningham (D) leading Sen. Thom Tillis (R) in the U.S. Senate race by 10 points, 49% to 39%.
Cunningham was up by seven points in the September poll.


politicalwire--2020-10-12--Fauci Says Trump Rallies Are Not a Good Idea

Dr. Anthony Fauci told CNN that the new planned Trump campaign rallies are not a good idea , especially as @ @ @ @ @ the country .
Said Fauci : “ Now is even a worse time to do @ @ @

Dr. Anthony Fauci told CNN that the new planned Trump campaign rallies are not a good idea, especially as infection rates are increasing across the country.
Said Fauci: “Now is even a worse time to do that.”


politicalwire--2020-10-12--When the Doorbell Rings at 2:15 AM

When the Doorbell Rings at 2:15 AM

The Nobel Prize committee couldn ’ t reach Paul Milgrom to share the news that he won the Nobel Prize @ @ @ @ @ fellow winner and neighbor Robert Wilson knocked on his door in the middle of the @ @ @ @ @ caught on his video door bell .

The Nobel Prize committee couldn’t reach Paul Milgrom to share the news that he won the Nobel Prize in Economics, so his fellow winner and neighbor Robert Wilson knocked on his door in the middle of the night.
The moment was caught on his video door bell.


politicalwire--2020-10-12--Trump Funnels Record Subsidies to Farmers

New York Times : “ Federal payments to farmers are projected to hit a record $ 46 billion this year @ @ @ @ @ money to Mr. Trump ’ s rural base in the South and Midwest ahead of @ @ @ @ @ gush of funds has accelerated in recent weeks as the president looks to help his @ @ @ @ @ hit hard by the double whammy of his combative trade practices and the coronavirus pandemic @ @

New York Times: “Federal payments to farmers are projected to hit a record $46 billion this year as the White House funnels money to Mr. Trump’s rural base in the South and Midwest ahead of Election Day.”
“The gush of funds has accelerated in recent weeks as the president looks to help his core supporters who have been hit hard by the double whammy of his combative trade practices and the coronavirus pandemic.”


politicalwire--2020-10-12--Klobuchar Says Democrats Can’t Block Barrett

Sen. Amy Klobuchar ( D-MN ) acknowledged on Monday that Democrats do not have “ some secret , clever , @ @ @ @ @ the confirmation of Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court , arguing that the only @ @ @ @ @ change the trajectory of this nomination ” is by voting , Axios reports .
She @ @ @ @ @ good as we are , it ’ s probably not going to be some brilliant @ @ @ @ @ change the trajectory of this nomination , but there is one thing that will .
@ @ @ @ @ of this country , that is them voting , that is them understanding exactly what @ @ @ @ @ administration are doing right now and how it ’ s going to affect their lives @ @

Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) acknowledged on Monday that Democrats do not have “some secret, clever, procedural way to stop” the confirmation of Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court, arguing that the only way for Americans to “change the trajectory of this nomination” is by voting, Axios reports.
She added: “And as good as we are, it’s probably not going to be some brilliant cross-examination that is going to change the trajectory of this nomination, but there is one thing that will. And that is the people of this country, that is them voting, that is them understanding exactly what the Republican Party and this administration are doing right now and how it’s going to affect their lives.”


politicalwire--2020-10-12--Facebook Will Now Ban Posts Denying Holocaust

Facebook will ban posts that deny the Holocaust in a reversal of a long-held and controversial policy , Bloomberg reports @ @ @ @ @ in a post : “ I ’ ve struggled with the tension between standing for @ @ @ @ @ caused by minimizing or denying the horror of the Holocaust .
My own thinking has @ @ @ @ @ seen data showing an increase in anti-Semitic violence .
”

Facebook will ban posts that deny the Holocaust in a reversal of a long-held and controversial policy, Bloomberg reports.
Said CEO Mark Zuckerberg in a post: “I’ve struggled with the tension between standing for free expression and the harm caused by minimizing or denying the horror of the Holocaust. My own thinking has evolved as I’ve seen data showing an increase in anti-Semitic violence.”


politicalwire--2020-10-12--Biden Focuses on Two Big Themes

Biden Focuses on Two Big Themes

Gerald Seib : “ Donald Trump was elected president in 2016 in part because he understood a few big things @ @ @ @ @ mood , and stayed focused on them.
” “ In similar fashion , Joe Biden @ @ @ @ @ has bored in on two big themes that turn out to have broad resonance : @ @ @ @ @ unify rather than divide , and the coronavirus is , as he might say , @ @ @ @ @ ”

Gerald Seib: “Donald Trump was elected president in 2016 in part because he understood a few big things about the country’s mood, and stayed focused on them.”
“In similar fashion, Joe Biden leads in 2020 because he has bored in on two big themes that turn out to have broad resonance: The country is ready to unify rather than divide, and the coronavirus is, as he might say, a really big deal.”


politicalwire--2020-10-12--Even Pence Couldn’t Articulate GOP’s Vision

Francis Wilkinson : “ When the coherent half of the Republican ticket participated in the vice presidential debate this week @ @ @ @ @ for viewers to learn what the future holds .
Yes , Vice President Mike Pence @ @ @ @ @ , but to a debate audience that ’ s a more useful device than a @ @ @ @ @ learn things from talking points.
” “ There ’ s only one problem : Republicans @ @ @ @ @ about .
If elections are about the future , the GOP plans are the blank @ @ @ @ @ President Trump affixed his signature in his Covid photo-op at Walter Reed National Military Medical @ @ @

Francis Wilkinson: “When the coherent half of the Republican ticket participated in the vice presidential debate this week, it was an opportunity for viewers to learn what the future holds. Yes, Vice President Mike Pence may be a talking-point machine, but to a debate audience that’s a more useful device than a random-lie generator. You can learn things from talking points.”
“There’s only one problem: Republicans have no points to talk about. If elections are about the future, the GOP plans are the blank piece of paper to which President Trump affixed his signature in his Covid photo-op at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.”


politicalwire--2020-10-13--Michelle Obama Teams Up with LeBron James

“ More than 85 % of elected Republicans who have been in Congress throughout President Trump ’ s term have @ @ @ @ @ seven crises that would have crushed most politicians , ” Axios…


politicalwire--2020-10-13--Trump to Go After Kamala Harris In Final Weeks

“ Grasping for a comeback , President Trump and his Republican allies are intensifying their focus not on Democratic nominee @ @ @ @ @ his running mate , Sen. Kamala Harris — arguing without evidence that it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ woman on a major party ticket , who would really be in charge if Democrats @ @ @ @ @ ” the AP reports .
“ The effort is laced with sexist and racist undertones @ @ @ @ @ aimed at winning back Republicans and independents who are comfortable with Biden ’ s more @ @ @ @ @ associate Harris with Democrats ’ left flank , despite her own more centrist positions on @ @ @ @ @

“Grasping for a comeback, President Trump and his Republican allies are intensifying their focus not on Democratic nominee Joe Biden, but on his running mate, Sen. Kamala Harris — arguing without evidence that it’s Harris, the first Black woman on a major party ticket, who would really be in charge if Democrats win the White House,” the AP reports.
“The effort is laced with sexist and racist undertones, and one that is aimed at winning back Republicans and independents who are comfortable with Biden’s more moderate record, but may associate Harris with Democrats’ left flank, despite her own more centrist positions on some major issues.”


politicalwire--2020-10-13--Zuckerberg and Wife Donate $100 Million for Elections

“ Facebook chief executive Mark Zuckerberg and his wife , Priscilla Chan , announced Tuesday an additional $ 100 million @ @ @ @ @ to pay for polling place rentals , poll workers , personal protective equipment and other @ @ @ @ @ coming weeks , ” the Washington Post reports .
“ The donation , which follows @ @ @ @ @ 300 million for state and local governments to help fund U.S. elections , comes in @ @ @ @ @ from a conservative legal group seeking to block the use of private funds for the @ @ @ @ @ elections , an expense that has historically been paid for by governments .

“Facebook chief executive Mark Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla Chan, announced Tuesday an additional $100 million in donations to local governments to pay for polling place rentals, poll workers, personal protective equipment and other election administration costs over the coming weeks,” the Washington Post reports.
“The donation, which follows a previous gift of $300 million for state and local governments to help fund U.S. elections, comes in the face of a lawsuits from a conservative legal group seeking to block the use of private funds for the state and local administration of elections, an expense that has historically been paid for by governments.


The Always Trumpers

“ More than 85 % of elected Republicans who have been in Congress throughout President Trump ’ s term have @ @ @ @ @ seven crises that would have crushed most politicians , ” Axios reports .
“ The @ @ @ @ @ s grip on the Republican Party has tightened — especially in the last two years @ @ @ @ @ largely piped down , been tossed out , or currently face the threat of losing @ @ @ @ @ dissenters don ’ t fare well because that ’ s not what their Republican constituents @ @ @ @ @ and what he represents — suggesting that his style of politics , and the generation @ @ @ @ @ trained , could outlast his presidency and further transform what once was the party of @ @ @ @ @ ”

“More than 85% of elected Republicans who have been in Congress throughout President Trump’s term have largely stood by him through seven crises that would have crushed most politicians,” Axios reports.
“The data shows how Trump’s grip on the Republican Party has tightened — especially in the last two years — as his dissenters have largely piped down, been tossed out, or currently face the threat of losing re-election.”
“Critics and dissenters don’t fare well because that’s not what their Republican constituents want. They want Trump and what he represents — suggesting that his style of politics, and the generation of Republicans he tamed and trained, could outlast his presidency and further transform what once was the party of the sunny Ronald Reagan.”


politicalwire--2020-10-13--Democrats Favored to Win Senate Control

Democrats Favored to Win Senate Control

Alan Abramowitz : “ Senate elections have become increasingly tied to presidential voting results .
This shows up in this @ @ @ @ @ as the margins for states ’ presidential and Senate races are closely linked.
” “ @ @ @ @ @ data suggest that Democrats are likely to achieve a net gain of between one and @ @ @ @ @ likely result a net gain of five seats , enough to give them a small @ @ @ @

Alan Abramowitz: “Senate elections have become increasingly tied to presidential voting results. This shows up in this year’s polling, as the margins for states’ presidential and Senate races are closely linked.”
“An analysis of these polling data suggest that Democrats are likely to achieve a net gain of between one and eight seats with the most likely result a net gain of five seats, enough to give them a small Senate majority.”


politicalwire--2020-10-13--Trump Denies Campaign Is Running Out of Money

President Trump denied that his campaign is in financial trouble , despite indications showing otherwise .
Said Trump : “ @ @ @ @ @ stories that my campaign is running low on money .
Not true , & if @ @ @ @ @ would put up money myself.
” He added : “ Much of the money we @ @ @ @ @ ground game , said to be the best ever put together .
I ’ ll @ @ @ @ @ it is on November 3rd .
Very expensive to do , but opportunity could be @ @ @ @ @ additional money if we are not spending enough !
”

President Trump denied that his campaign is in financial trouble, despite indications showing otherwise.
Said Trump: “I keep reading Fake News stories that my campaign is running low on money. Not true, & if it were so, I would put up money myself.”
He added: “Much of the money we have spent is on our ground game, said to be the best ever put together. I’ll let you know how good it is on November 3rd. Very expensive to do, but opportunity could be BIG! I will spend additional money if we are not spending enough!”


politicalwire--2020-10-13--Outlook for House Republicans Keeps Getting Worse

Politico : “ Here ’ s how grim things look for House Republicans three weeks out from the election : @ @ @ @ @ win back seats even in conservative bastions like Oklahoma and South Carolina , where Democrats @ @ @ @ @ ” “ About a half-dozen seats fall in that category — the lowest of low-hanging @ @ @ @ @ most private and public surveys from both parties show either dead heats or the Democratic @ @ @ @ @ , a startling position for a crop of candidates running in Trump country .
”

Politico: “Here’s how grim things look for House Republicans three weeks out from the election: They’re struggling to win back seats even in conservative bastions like Oklahoma and South Carolina, where Democrats staged shocking upsets in 2018.”
“About a half-dozen seats fall in that category — the lowest of low-hanging fruit for Republicans. But most private and public surveys from both parties show either dead heats or the Democratic incumbent with a modest lead, a startling position for a crop of candidates running in Trump country.”


politicalwire--2020-10-13--Biden Says He’s Not In Favor of Court Packing

“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--2020-10-13--Trump Ad Features Top General Without His Consent

“ President Trump ’ s campaign is running an online political ad that uses an image of his vice president @ @ @ @ @ his most senior military adviser watching the raid on ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi from @ @ @ @ @ 29 , 2019 , ” Politico reports .
“ ‘ President Trump wants you to @ @ @ @ @ said the ad on the website for The Hill newspaper .
Clicking on the ad @ @ @ @ @ ‘ Paid for by Donald J. Trump for President , Inc , ’ leads to @ @ @ @ @ voter sign-up page .
There ’ s only one problem : The photo featuring Joint @ @ @ @ @ was used without the officer ’ s ‘ knowledge or consent . '
”

“President Trump’s campaign is running an online political ad that uses an image of his vice president, his Pentagon chief and his most senior military adviser watching the raid on ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi from the Situation Room on Oct. 29, 2019,” Politico reports.
“‘President Trump wants you to request your ballot,’ said the ad on the website for The Hill newspaper. Clicking on the ad, which includes the tagline ‘Paid for by Donald J. Trump for President, Inc,’ leads to the Trump campaign’s voter sign-up page. There’s only one problem: The photo featuring Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Mark Milley was used without the officer’s ‘knowledge or consent.'”


politicalwire--2020-10-13--Adviser Said Trump Was ‘Crappy’ at First Debate

Trump economic adviser Stephen Moore was captured on video complaining about the president ’ s “ crappy ” debate performance @ @ @ @ @ HuffPost reports .
Said Moore : “ It was not a great performance by Trump @ @ @ @ @ thought it was a pretty crappy performance .
”

Trump economic adviser Stephen Moore was captured on video complaining about the president’s “crappy” debate performance against Joe Biden, the HuffPost reports.
Said Moore: “It was not a great performance by Trump; in fact, I thought it was a pretty crappy performance.”


politicalwire--2020-10-13--Trump Mocks NBA Ratings

Trump Mocks NBA Ratings

President Trump mocked the ratings of the NBA playoffs , suggesting fans don ’ t like the players criticizing him @ @ @ @ @ Trump , by attempting to brand them as unpopular for criticizing him , is essentially @ @ @ @ @ other NBA stars to prove they can mobilize turnout and move persuasion among Black voters @ @ @ @ @ , between now and Election Day .
”

President Trump mocked the ratings of the NBA playoffs, suggesting fans don’t like the players criticizing him.
Ron Brownstein: “Trump, by attempting to brand them as unpopular for criticizing him, is essentially daring LeBron James and the other NBA stars to prove they can mobilize turnout and move persuasion among Black voters, and young voters generally, between now and Election Day.”


politicalwire--2020-10-14--‘Unmasking’ Probe Quietly Ends Without Charges

Max Boot : “ Trump is on track to be the first president since World War II to see a @ @ @ @ @ his term .
Even worse , he has presided…


politicalwire--2020-10-14--U.S. Says Trump Can’t Declassify Documents via Tweets

Attorneys from the Department of Justice argued in court that President Trump ’ s tweets authorizing the “ total declassification @ @ @ @ @ ” related to the Russia investigation and Hillary Clinton ’ s emails should not be @ @ @ @ @ Axios reports .


politicalwire--2020-10-14--Pelosi Punches Back In Tense Interview

Pelosi Punches Back In Tense Interview

Speaker Nancy Pelosi called CNN anchor Wolf Blitzer an “ apologist for the Republican position ” during a tense interview @ @ @ @ @ a COVID-19 stimulus package .
Politico : “ Pelosi repeatedly defended her decision to continue @ @ @ @ @ — rather than accept the GOP ’ s recent $ 1.8 trillion offer , which @ @ @ @ @ of billions short in key areas — in the dwindling days before the election.
” @ @ @ @ @ lose patience with Blitzer as he grilled her on why she wouldn ’ t accept @ @ @ @ @ money — as some House Democrats have argued — and asked if the reason is @ @ @ @ @ his name on stimulus checks that would be distributed to many Americans .
”

Speaker Nancy Pelosi called CNN anchor Wolf Blitzer an “apologist for the Republican position” during a tense interview about the current state of a COVID-19 stimulus package.
Politico: “Pelosi repeatedly defended her decision to continue negotiating with the White House — rather than accept the GOP’s recent $1.8 trillion offer, which top Democrats say falls hundreds of billions short in key areas — in the dwindling days before the election.”
“But Pelosi appeared to lose patience with Blitzer as he grilled her on why she wouldn’t accept at least some of the money — as some House Democrats have argued — and asked if the reason is because President Trump has demanded his name on stimulus checks that would be distributed to many Americans.”


politicalwire--2020-10-13--Why Isn’t Trump Losing By Much More?

Why Isn’t Trump Losing By Much More?

Max Boot : “ Trump is on track to be the first president since World War II to see a net loss of jobs during his term .
Even worse , he has presided over the loss of 214,000 lives and counting from covid-19 .
That ’ s already nearly four times the U.S. fatalities in the Vietnam War , previously the nadir of presidential bungling .
Even now , after having contracted covid-19 himself , Trump refuses to take the pandemic seriously .
He keeps promising it will magically disappear of its own accord while holding rallies practically guaranteed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if that weren ’ t reason enough to vote for Biden , there is also the fact that Trump has abused his power ; he was even impeached for doing so .
He has trafficked in racism and xenophobia .
He has incited violence .
He has kowtowed to dictators and trashed our alliances .
He has welcomed Russian attacks on our elections .
He has locked children in cages .
He has called for his opponents to be locked up .
In sum , Trump has made a strong case that he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” “ Yet tens of millions of voters still support him .
What are they thinking ?
”

Max Boot: “Trump is on track to be the first president since World War II to see a net loss of jobs during his term. Even worse, he has presided over the loss of 214,000 lives and counting from covid-19. That’s already nearly four times the U.S. fatalities in the Vietnam War, previously the nadir of presidential bungling. Even now, after having contracted covid-19 himself, Trump refuses to take the pandemic seriously. He keeps promising it will magically disappear of its own accord while holding rallies practically guaranteed to spread the disease.”
“As if that weren’t reason enough to vote for Biden, there is also the fact that Trump has abused his power; he was even impeached for doing so. He has trafficked in racism and xenophobia. He has incited violence. He has kowtowed to dictators and trashed our alliances. He has welcomed Russian attacks on our elections. He has locked children in cages. He has called for his opponents to be locked up. In sum, Trump has made a strong case that he is the worst president in our history.”
“Yet tens of millions of voters still support him. What are they thinking?”


politicalwire--2020-10-13--First Lady Unseen as Trump Restarts Campaign

“ President Trump and his wife received their positive COVID-19 tests on the same day .
He ’ s already @ @ @ @ @ there ’ s been no public sighting yet of the First Lady , ” the @ @ @ @ @ Trump last provided a health update over a week ago after saying her symptoms were @ @ @ @ @ House has not indicated when she will make her next public appearance .
”

“President Trump and his wife received their positive COVID-19 tests on the same day. He’s already returned to campaigning, but there’s been no public sighting yet of the First Lady,” the AP reports.
“Melania Trump last provided a health update over a week ago after saying her symptoms were mild, and the White House has not indicated when she will make her next public appearance.”


politicalwire--2020-10-13--Trump Campaign Nearly Went Broke

Trump Campaign Nearly Went Broke

“ Before his ouster earlier this summer as President Trump ’ s campaign manager , Brad Parscale had been banking @ @ @ @ @ cash surge for October , ” Business Insider reports .
“ Parscale had been spending @ @ @ @ @ estimates .
But the money never came , and a GOP source close to the @ @ @ @ @ would have been broke by the first week of October had Parscale not been pushed @ @ @ @ @ GOP insider : “ They don ’ t have enough money to close out the @ @ @

“Before his ouster earlier this summer as President Trump’s campaign manager, Brad Parscale had been banking on a $200 million cash surge for October,” Business Insider reports.
“Parscale had been spending big based on his internal estimates. But the money never came, and a GOP source close to the president said his reelection campaign would have been broke by the first week of October had Parscale not been pushed aside.”
Said a former GOP insider: “They don’t have enough money to close out the race.”


politicalwire--2020-10-13--Another Trump Ad Uses Footage from Russia

Politico : “ A new pro-Trump super PAC ad uses stock footage from Russia and Belarus in a major ad @ @ @ @ @ in three swing states .
It ’ s the fourth time in three months that @ @ @ @ @ ’ s reelection has used footage from Russia .
”


politicalwire--2020-10-13--McSally Used Norwegian Jet In Campaign Ad

“ The plane that Sen. Martha McSally ( R-AZ ) climbs into in a recent campaign ad is a former @ @ @ @ @ is now privately owned and is a model that hasn ’ t been used by @ @ @ @ @ since the 1980s , ” the Arizona Mirror reports .

“The plane that Sen. Martha McSally (R-AZ) climbs into in a recent campaign ad is a former Norwegian Air Force jet that is now privately owned and is a model that hasn’t been used by the United States Air Force since the 1980s,” the Arizona Mirror reports.


politicalwire--2020-10-13--Justices Let Trump End Census Count Early


politicalwire--2020-10-13--Carville Says Biden Will Win Early on Election Night

James Carville predicted that Joe Biden will be declared the winner of the presidential election by 10:30 p.m .
ET @ @ @ @ @ Hill reports .
Said Carville : “ This thing is not going to be close @ @ @ @ @ to know early .
I ’ m not in any panic whatsoever.
” He added @ @ @ @ @ as much polling as anybody in the country .
And if anything , it continues @ @ @ @ @ I kind of thought the natural gravity would take it down , but that doesn @ @ @ @ @ happening as of yet .
And we ’ ve got three weeks before we go @ @ @ @ @ m ready to go .
I think we ’ re going to know , and @ @ @ @ @ of champagne .
”

James Carville predicted that Joe Biden will be declared the winner of the presidential election by 10:30 p.m. ET on Election Night, The Hill reports.
Said Carville: “This thing is not going to be close. We’re going to know early. I’m not in any panic whatsoever.”
He added: “l probably see as much polling as anybody in the country. And if anything, it continues to improve for Biden. I kind of thought the natural gravity would take it down, but that doesn’t seem to be happening as of yet. And we’ve got three weeks before we go to post. I’m ready to go. I think we’re going to know, and I anticipate opening a bottle of champagne.”


politicalwire--2020-10-13--Trump Wants Omarosa to Pay $1 Million for Ads

“ The Trump campaign has suggested that Omarosa Manigault Newman , a former White House aide , pay for an @ @ @ @ @ 1 million as a ‘ corrective ’ remedy for her critical comments about President Trump @ @ @ @ @ in subsequent interviews , ” the New York Times reports .
“ President Trump ’ @ @ @ @ @ case against Ms. Manigault Newman after she published a tell-all book , Unhinged , in @ @ @ @ @ violated a nondisclosure agreement she had signed when the Trump campaign hired her in 2016 @ @

“The Trump campaign has suggested that Omarosa Manigault Newman, a former White House aide, pay for an ad campaign costing nearly $1 million as a ‘corrective’ remedy for her critical comments about President Trump in her 2018 book and in subsequent interviews,” the New York Times reports.
“President Trump’s lawyers filed an arbitration case against Ms. Manigault Newman after she published a tell-all book, Unhinged, in August 2018, arguing she violated a nondisclosure agreement she had signed when the Trump campaign hired her in 2016.”


politicalwire--2020-10-13--New Poll Gives Biden a Huge National Lead


politicalwire--2020-10-13--More Battleground State Polls

More Battleground State Polls


politicalwire--2020-10-13--Ex-Trump Doctor Questions Biden’s Mental Fitness


politicalwire--2020-10-13--Justice Department Sues Over Melania Tell-All


politicalwire--2020-10-13--Meadows Issued Threat Over Hydroxychloroquine

New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo ( D ) writes in American Crisis that White House Chief of Staff Mark @ @ @ @ @ federal funding for hospitals in New York state , Axios reports .
Writes Cuomo : @ @ @ @ @ wanted the results from the tests on hydroxychloroquine .
I told him , as I @ @ @ @ @ the tests were being done by the hospitals and when they were complete they would @ @ @ @ @ .
I didn ’ t know how long they took , but no one had @ @ @ @ @ delay.
” “ Meadows then communicated to me that the federal government was about to @ @ @ @ @ and strongly implied that if the tests weren ’ t completed , New York wouldn @ @ @ @ @ .
”

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) writes in American Crisis that White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows implied a threat about federal funding for hospitals in New York state, Axios reports.
Writes Cuomo: “Meadows said that they wanted the results from the tests on hydroxychloroquine. I told him, as I told the president, that the tests were being done by the hospitals and when they were complete they would be sent to the FDA. I didn’t know how long they took, but no one had any interest in causing undue delay.”
“Meadows then communicated to me that the federal government was about to send out funding for hospitals and strongly implied that if the tests weren’t completed, New York wouldn’t receive any funding.”


politicalwire--2020-10-13--Trump Demands Plan to Pull Troops from Somalia

“ President Trump has told top advisers he wants to withdraw U.S. troops from Somalia , allowing him to make @ @ @ @ @ bring soldiers home even though the country remains beset by al-Qaeda-linked insurgents , ” Bloomberg @ @ @ @ @ has about 700 troops in Somalia , according to the Congressional Research Service , mostly @ @ @ @ @ helping train Somalia ’ s army .
All or nearly all were sent during Trump @ @ @ @ @

“President Trump has told top advisers he wants to withdraw U.S. troops from Somalia, allowing him to make good on campaign pledges to bring soldiers home even though the country remains beset by al-Qaeda-linked insurgents,” Bloomberg reports.
“The U.S. has about 700 troops in Somalia, according to the Congressional Research Service, mostly special forces troops who are helping train Somalia’s army. All or nearly all were sent during Trump’s presidency.”


politicalwire--2020-10-13--Nearly Everyone In Texas County Registered to Vote


politicalwire--2020-10-13--Palestinian Leader Says ‘God Help Us’ If Trump Wins

Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh said it will be disastrous for his people and the world at large if President @ @ @ @ @ , the AP reports .
Said Shtayyeh : “ If we are going to live @ @ @ @ @ Trump , God help us , God help you and God help the whole world @ @

Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh said it will be disastrous for his people and the world at large if President Trump wins re-election next month, the AP reports.
Said Shtayyeh: “If we are going to live another four years with President Trump, God help us, God help you and God help the whole world.”


politicalwire--2020-10-13--Sheldon Whitehouse Calls Out GOP Hypocrisy

Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse ( D-RI ) was pretty effective reading back quotes from Sen. Ted Cruz ( R-TX ) , @ @ @ @ @ ) , and Sen. Mitch McConnell ’ s ( R-KY ) words against them in @ @ @ @ @ Court justice close to a presidential election .
Said Whitehouse : “ There is a @ @ @ @ @ rush taking place .
”

Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) was pretty effective reading back quotes from Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX), Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), and Sen. Mitch McConnell’s (R-KY) words against them in pushing to confirm a Supreme Court justice close to a presidential election.
Said Whitehouse: “There is a lot of hard-to-explain hypocrisy and rush taking place.”


politicalwire--2020-10-14--Trump Will Hold Competing Town Hall

Trump Will Hold Competing Town Hall

New York Times : “ NBC News confirmed on Wednesday that it would broadcast a prime-time town-hall-style event with Mr. @ @ @ @ @ at 8 p.m. Eastern , with the president fielding questions from Florida voters.
” “ @ @ @ @ @ with an already-scheduled ABC televised town-hall meeting with Mr. Biden in Philadelphia , which will @ @ @ @ @ .
”

New York Times: “NBC News confirmed on Wednesday that it would broadcast a prime-time town-hall-style event with Mr. Trump from Miami on Thursday at 8 p.m. Eastern, with the president fielding questions from Florida voters.”
“The event will directly overlap with an already-scheduled ABC televised town-hall meeting with Mr. Biden in Philadelphia, which will begin at the same time.”


politicalwire--2020-10-14--‘Smoking-Gun Email’ Claimed Found on Laptop

“ Hunter Biden introduced his father , then-Vice President Joe Biden , to a top executive at a Ukrainian energy @ @ @ @ @ before the elder Biden pressured government officials in Ukraine into firing a prosecutor who was @ @ @ @ @ according to e-mails obtained by the New York Post .
“ The blockbuster correspondence — @ @ @ @ @ of Joe Biden ’ s claim that he ’ s ‘ never spoken to my @ @ @ @ @ dealings ’ — is contained in a massive trove of data recovered from a laptop @ @ @ @ @ extracted from the computer includes a raunchy , 12-minute video that appears to show Hunter @ @ @ @ @ struggling with addiction problems , smoking crack while engaged in a sex act with an @ @ @ @ @ as numerous other sexually explicit images .
”

“Hunter Biden introduced his father, then-Vice President Joe Biden, to a top executive at a Ukrainian energy firm less than a year before the elder Biden pressured government officials in Ukraine into firing a prosecutor who was investigating the company,” according to e-mails obtained by the New York Post.
“The blockbuster correspondence — which flies in the face of Joe Biden’s claim that he’s ‘never spoken to my son about his overseas business dealings’ — is contained in a massive trove of data recovered from a laptop computer.”
“Other material extracted from the computer includes a raunchy, 12-minute video that appears to show Hunter, who’s admitted struggling with addiction problems, smoking crack while engaged in a sex act with an unidentified woman, as well as numerous other sexually explicit images.”
For members: The ‘Smoking Gun Email’ Story Doesn’t Add Up


politicalwire--2020-10-14--Trump at Risk of Getting Blown Out In Michigan

Politico : “ Michigan is looking less competitive by the day , and there ’ s a growing likelihood of @ @ @ @ @ Trump here come November 3 .
All three Rust Belt states that Trump improbably won @ @ @ @ @ Pennsylvania and Wisconsin — are problematic for the president this year .
But Michigan is @ @ @ @ @ “ His support has diminished among the white working-class .
Black turnout appears certain to @ @ @ @ @ in 2016 .
New laws that allow for early voting and no-excuse absentee balloting are @ @ @ @ @ to historic levels , with Democrats the expected beneficiary of low-propensity Michiganders flooding the ballot @ @ @ @ @ explanation for the president ’ s trouble here is that he ’ s continuing to @ @ @ @ @ college-educated women in the suburbs of Detroit.
” “ It ’ s hard to overstate @ @ @ @ @ performing with this crucial demographic .
Over the past several weeks , a raft of @ @ @ @ @ that political professionals here are struggling to comprehend .
”

Politico: “Michigan is looking less competitive by the day, and there’s a growing likelihood of Joe Biden blowing out Donald Trump here come November 3. All three Rust Belt states that Trump improbably won in 2016 — Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin — are problematic for the president this year. But Michigan is where things look bleakest.”
“His support has diminished among the white working-class. Black turnout appears certain to rebound after a dismal showing in 2016. New laws that allow for early voting and no-excuse absentee balloting are expected to push voter participation to historic levels, with Democrats the expected beneficiary of low-propensity Michiganders flooding the ballot box. But the simplest explanation for the president’s trouble here is that he’s continuing to hemorrhage support from white, college-educated women in the suburbs of Detroit.”
“It’s hard to overstate just how badly Trump is performing with this crucial demographic. Over the past several weeks, a raft of internal polls have produced numbers that political professionals here are struggling to comprehend.”


politicalwire--2020-10-14--Trump’s Drug Discount Cards Won’t Make Election

“ President Trump ’ s plan to send 33 million Medicare beneficiaries a card that can be used to help @ @ @ @ @ $ 200 in prescription drug costs won ’ t be completed until after the election @ @ @ @ @ Journal reports .

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


politicalwire--2020-10-14--Minnesota Connects New Infections to Trump Rallies

“ I ’ m running against the single worst candidate in the history of presidential politics , and you know @ @ @ @ @ puts more pressure on me… Can you imagine if you…


politicalwire--2020-10-14--Trump’s Travel Shows He’s Playing Defense

“ President Trump is being forced to play Electoral College defense with a trip to Iowa , a state he @ @ @ @ @ where Democrat Joe Biden is making a late push , ” the AP reports .
@ @ @ @ @ travel this week , including his rally Wednesday in Des Moines , reflects his uphill @ @ @ @ @ election .
He has already visited Pennsylvania and Florida and will head to another battleground @ @ @ @ @ t win without — North Carolina — as well as those he once thought were @ @ @ @ @ recent polling shows Biden improving — Iowa and Georgia .
”

“President Trump is being forced to play Electoral College defense with a trip to Iowa, a state he won handily in 2016 but where Democrat Joe Biden is making a late push,” the AP reports.
“Trump’s heavy travel this week, including his rally Wednesday in Des Moines, reflects his uphill climb three weeks before the election. He has already visited Pennsylvania and Florida and will head to another battleground state he likely can’t win without — North Carolina — as well as those he once thought were in his grasp but where recent polling shows Biden improving — Iowa and Georgia.”


politicalwire--2020-10-14--Democrats Dominate Early Voting In Florida


politicalwire--2020-10-14--Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day

“ I ’ m running against the single worst candidate in the history of presidential politics , and you know @ @ @ @ @ puts more pressure on me… Can you imagine if you lose to a guy like @ @ @ @ @ unbelievable.
” — President Trump , quoted by the New York Times at a campaign @ @ @ @

“I’m running against the single worst candidate in the history of presidential politics, and you know what that does? That puts more pressure on me… Can you imagine if you lose to a guy like this? It’s unbelievable.”
— President Trump, quoted by the New York Times at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania.


politicalwire--2020-10-14--Anchorage Mayor Steps Down

Anchorage Mayor Steps Down


politicalwire--2020-10-14--Even More Battleground State Polls

Even More Battleground State Polls


politicalwire--2020-10-14--Vulnerable Republicans Tie Themselves to Barrett

“ Endangered Senate Republicans have a new running mate in the battle to keep their narrow majority : Amy Coney @ @ @ @ @ .
“ As President Trump ’ s standing has deteriorated , they are aligning themselves @ @ @ @ @ nominee , hoping their aggressive push to confirm her to the bench before Election Day @ @ @ @ @ their base , fill their campaign coffers and overcome the drag at the top of @ @ @ @

“Endangered Senate Republicans have a new running mate in the battle to keep their narrow majority: Amy Coney Barrett,” CNN reports.
“As President Trump’s standing has deteriorated, they are aligning themselves closely with his Supreme Court nominee, hoping their aggressive push to confirm her to the bench before Election Day will be enough to energize their base, fill their campaign coffers and overcome the drag at the top of the ticket.”


politicalwire--2020-10-14--Labor Secretary’s Wife Tests Positive

Labor Secretary’s Wife Tests Positive

“ The Labor Department announced in a news release Tuesday night that Secretary Eugene Scalia ’ s wife , Trish @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus , ” CNN reports .
“ Both Eugene and Trish Scalia attended the Rose @ @ @ @ @ Trump announced Judge Amy Coney Barrett was his pick to replace Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg @ @ @ @ @ They were seated in the second row , directly behind first lady Melania Trump and @ @ @ @ @ counselor Kellyanne Conway — both of whom would later test positive for Covid-19 .
”

“The Labor Department announced in a news release Tuesday night that Secretary Eugene Scalia’s wife, Trish, has tested positive for coronavirus,” CNN reports.
“Both Eugene and Trish Scalia attended the Rose Garden event where President Donald Trump announced Judge Amy Coney Barrett was his pick to replace Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg on the Supreme Court. They were seated in the second row, directly behind first lady Melania Trump and next to former White House counselor Kellyanne Conway — both of whom would later test positive for Covid-19.”


politicalwire--2020-10-15--Investors Had Early Reports on Virus Briefings

New York Times : “ The consultant ’ s assessment quickly spread through parts of the investment world .
U.S. @ @ @ @ @ of a warning from a federal public health official that the virus was likely to @ @ @ @ @ the immediate significance : The president ’ s aides appeared to be giving wealthy party @ @ @ @ @ a potentially impactful contagion at a time when Mr. Trump was publicly insisting that the @ @ @ @ @ Interviews with eight people who either received copies of the memo or were briefed on @ @ @ @ @ spread among investors in New York and elsewhere provide a glimpse of how elite traders @ @ @ @ @ the administration that helped them gain financial advantage during a chaotic three days when global @ @ @ @ @

New York Times: “The consultant’s assessment quickly spread through parts of the investment world. U.S. stocks were already spiraling because of a warning from a federal public health official that the virus was likely to spread, but traders spotted the immediate significance: The president’s aides appeared to be giving wealthy party donors an early warning of a potentially impactful contagion at a time when Mr. Trump was publicly insisting that the threat was nonexistent.”
“Interviews with eight people who either received copies of the memo or were briefed on aspects of it as it spread among investors in New York and elsewhere provide a glimpse of how elite traders had access to information from the administration that helped them gain financial advantage during a chaotic three days when global markets were teetering.”


politicalwire--2020-10-15--Trump’s ‘Serial Bad Behavior’ at NBC

Trump’s ‘Serial Bad Behavior’ at NBC

Following revelations about the outsized role The Apprentice played in Trump ’ s reinvention , The Hollywood Reporter talked to @ @ @ @ @ new detail on his brazen demands ( including large donations to his ill-fated foundation ) @ @ @ @ @ enabled him : “ We had to build all kinds of systems with producers to @ @ @ @ @ on the rails .
He was the perfect character : unfiltered stream of consciousness , @ @ @ @ @ cohesive .
”

Following revelations about the outsized role The Apprentice played in Trump’s reinvention, The Hollywood Reporter talked to former NBC insiders who provide new detail on his brazen demands (including large donations to his ill-fated foundation) and the way the network enabled him: “We had to build all kinds of systems with producers to make sure the show stayed on the rails. He was the perfect character: unfiltered stream of consciousness, crazy, well-edited to appear cohesive.”


politicalwire--2020-10-14--Trump Struggles to Mount Clear Closing Argument

“ Less than three weeks before election day , President Trump ’ s lack of a consistent and coherent closing @ @ @ @ @ , raising fears among his allies that his undisciplined approach to campaigning could render him @ @ @ @ @ the Washington Post reports .
For members : Trump Has an Absolutely Awful Closing Message

“Less than three weeks before election day, President Trump’s lack of a consistent and coherent closing argument is alarming some Republicans, raising fears among his allies that his undisciplined approach to campaigning could render him a one-term president,” the Washington Post reports.
For members: Trump Has an Absolutely Awful Closing Message


politicalwire--2020-10-14--Michael Cohen Writing Another Book

Michael Cohen Writing Another Book

“ Michael Cohen , President Trump ’ s former fixer who turned against him , is writing a second book @ @ @ @ @ the Justice Department and his time in Trump world , ” Politico reports .
“ @ @ @ @ @ first book , Disloyal : A Memoir : The True Story of the Former Personal @ @ @ @ @ Trump , which was a number one New York Times bestseller .
The first book @ @ @ @ @ that Trump was a narcissist and sociopath and that Trump ’ s behavior is identical @ @ @ @ @ mob boss.
’ Multiple entities are vying to adapt that book into a movie .
@

“Michael Cohen, President Trump’s former fixer who turned against him, is writing a second book, about the politicization of the Justice Department and his time in Trump world,” Politico reports.
“Last month Cohen published his first book, Disloyal: A Memoir: The True Story of the Former Personal Attorney to President Donald J. Trump, which was a number one New York Times bestseller. The first book was about how Cohen thought that Trump was a narcissist and sociopath and that Trump’s behavior is identical to that of a ‘mob boss.’ Multiple entities are vying to adapt that book into a movie.”


politicalwire--2020-10-14--More Events Not Listed on Barrett’s Senate Paperwork

“ With less than three weeks to go before Nov. 3 , more than 14 million Americans have already voted @ @ @ @ @ reflecting an extraordinary level of participation despite barriers…


politicalwire--2020-10-14--Surge In Early Voting Driven Mainly by Democrats

“ With less than three weeks to go before Nov. 3 , more than 14 million Americans have already voted @ @ @ @ @ reflecting an extraordinary level of participation despite barriers erected by the coronavirus pandemic — and @ @ @ @ @ result in the majority of voters casting ballots before Election Day for the first time @ @ @ @ @ the Washington Post reports .
“ The picture is so stark that election officials around @ @ @ @ @ early turnout , much of it in person , meaning that more results could be @ @ @ @ @ previously thought.
” “ So far , much of the early voting appears to be @ @ @ @ @ Democrats .
Of the roughly 3.5 million voters who have cast ballots in six states @ @ @ @ @ registered Democrats outnumber Republicans by roughly 2 to 1 , according to a Washington Post @ @ @ @ @ , Iowa , Maine , Kentucky , North Carolina and Pennsylvania .
”

“With less than three weeks to go before Nov. 3, more than 14 million Americans have already voted in the fall election, reflecting an extraordinary level of participation despite barriers erected by the coronavirus pandemic — and setting a trajectory that could result in the majority of voters casting ballots before Election Day for the first time in U.S. history,” the Washington Post reports.
“The picture is so stark that election officials around the country are reporting record early turnout, much of it in person, meaning that more results could be available on election night than previously thought.”
“So far, much of the early voting appears to be driven by heightened enthusiasm among Democrats. Of the roughly 3.5 million voters who have cast ballots in six states that provide partisan breakdowns, registered Democrats outnumber Republicans by roughly 2 to 1, according to a Washington Post analysis of data in Florida, Iowa, Maine, Kentucky, North Carolina and Pennsylvania.”


politicalwire--2020-10-14--Something Is Happening with Seniors

Something Is Happening with Seniors

Politico : “ In Arizona as elsewhere , Trump ’ s handling of the pandemic — even prior to his @ @ @ @ @ , leaving him struggling to match his 2016 performance among those over the age of @ @ @ @ @ Biden is chipping away at Trump ’ s support among older white voters , especially @ @ @ @ @ senior population in populous Maricopa County.
” “ Despite Biden ’ s gains among senior @ @ @ @ @ the race is far closer than the polls suggest and are optimistic about Trump ’ @ @ @ @ @ a win .
”

Politico: “In Arizona as elsewhere, Trump’s handling of the pandemic — even prior to his diagnosis — is proving costly, leaving him struggling to match his 2016 performance among those over the age of 65. October polling shows Biden is chipping away at Trump’s support among older white voters, especially among the once reliably Republican senior population in populous Maricopa County.”
“Despite Biden’s gains among senior voters, some Republicans argue the race is far closer than the polls suggest and are optimistic about Trump’s chances of eking out a win.”


politicalwire--2020-10-14--McConnell Wants to Know If Democrats Will Pack the Court

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell ( R-KY ) called out Democrats for not ruling out the prospect of their party @ @ @ @ @ Supreme Court if Joe Biden wins the White House and they capture the Senate , @ @ @ @ @ McConnell : “ It is bizarre to watch Vice President Biden and other Democrats refuse @ @ @ @ @ on their own party ’ s threats to pack the Supreme Court .
”

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) called out Democrats for not ruling out the prospect of their party adding more seats to the Supreme Court if Joe Biden wins the White House and they capture the Senate, The Hill reports.
Said McConnell: “It is bizarre to watch Vice President Biden and other Democrats refuse to give a straight answer on their own party’s threats to pack the Supreme Court.”


politicalwire--2020-10-14--Barron Trump Also Tested Positive

Barron Trump Also Tested Positive

Melania Trump writes that her 14-year-old son , Barron , also tested positive for the coronavirus earlier this month but @ @ @ @ @ Trump spent exactly one second commenting on Barron to reporters .

Melania Trump writes that her 14-year-old son, Barron, also tested positive for the coronavirus earlier this month but had no symptoms.
President Trump spent exactly one second commenting on Barron to reporters.


politicalwire--2020-10-14--Feds Chased Foreign Link to Trump’s Campaign Cash

“ For more than three years , federal prosecutors investigated whether money flowing through an Egyptian state-owned bank could have @ @ @ @ @ Trump donated to his own campaign days before he won the 2016 election , ” @ @ @ @ @ investigation , which both predated and outlasted special counsel Robert Mueller ’ s probe , @ @ @ @ @ illegal foreign campaign contribution .
It represents one of the most prolonged efforts by federal @ @ @ @ @ ’ s foreign financial ties , and became a significant but hidden part of the @ @ @ @ @ ” “ The investigation was kept so secret that at one point investigators locked down @ @ @ @ @ federal courthouse in Washington , DC , so Mueller ’ s team could fight for @ @ @ @ @ records in closed-door court proceedings following a grand jury subpoena .
The probe , which @ @ @ @ @ charges filed , has never before been described publicly .
”

“For more than three years, federal prosecutors investigated whether money flowing through an Egyptian state-owned bank could have backed millions of dollars Donald Trump donated to his own campaign days before he won the 2016 election,” CNN reports.
“The investigation, which both predated and outlasted special counsel Robert Mueller’s probe, examined whether there was an illegal foreign campaign contribution. It represents one of the most prolonged efforts by federal investigators to understand the President’s foreign financial ties, and became a significant but hidden part of the special counsel’s pursuits.”
“The investigation was kept so secret that at one point investigators locked down an entire floor of a federal courthouse in Washington, DC, so Mueller’s team could fight for the Egyptian bank’s records in closed-door court proceedings following a grand jury subpoena. The probe, which closed this summer with no charges filed, has never before been described publicly.”


politicalwire--2020-10-14--Trump Tries to Squeeze More Votes from Rural Georgia

Politico : “ By targeting Trump voters who don ’ t typically vote in a midterm , Brian Kemp improved @ @ @ @ @ margins by about 2 points across all rural counties , suggesting there ’ s room @ @ @ @ @ Georgia.
” “ Democrats believe they bottomed out with rural voters in 2016 , when @ @ @ @ @ .
”

Politico: “By targeting Trump voters who don’t typically vote in a midterm, Brian Kemp improved on Trump’s 2016 margins by about 2 points across all rural counties, suggesting there’s room for Trump to grow in Georgia.”
“Democrats believe they bottomed out with rural voters in 2016, when Hillary Clinton lost them overwhelmingly.”


politicalwire--2020-10-14--Biden Reaches Out to Catholics

Biden Reaches Out to Catholics

“ In the final stretch of a campaign in which Catholic voters are seen by both parties as a decisive @ @ @ @ @ , Biden ’ s campaign has increasingly highlighted his direct connection to the faith — @ @ @ @ @ history as the country ’ s second Catholic president , ” the Washington Post reports @ @ @ @ @ as President Trump and his allies have sought to portray Democrats as anti-Catholic , seizing @ @ @ @ @ Democratic senators of the conservative Catholic teachings embraced by Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett @ @ @ @ @ Biden ’ s Catholicism represents a renewed emphasis in identity politics for Democrats , who @ @ @ @ @ attention to the role of Black voters but have not always given prominence to the @ @ @ @ @ former vice president .
”

“In the final stretch of a campaign in which Catholic voters are seen by both parties as a decisive bloc in several battleground states, Biden’s campaign has increasingly highlighted his direct connection to the faith — and his potential to make history as the country’s second Catholic president,” the Washington Post reports.
“The strategy comes as President Trump and his allies have sought to portray Democrats as anti-Catholic, seizing on past criticism from some Democratic senators of the conservative Catholic teachings embraced by Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett. But the focus on Biden’s Catholicism represents a renewed emphasis in identity politics for Democrats, who have directed much of their attention to the role of Black voters but have not always given prominence to the cultural roots of the White former vice president.”


politicalwire--2020-10-14--Trump Plans Big Foreign Policy Speech

Trump Plans Big Foreign Policy Speech

“ President Trump is considering a sweeping foreign policy speech in advance of the Nov. 3 election and has been @ @ @ @ @ security team to accelerate specific initiatives that he could highlight in his remarks , such @ @ @ @ @ Afghanistan , ” NBC News reports .

“President Trump is considering a sweeping foreign policy speech in advance of the Nov. 3 election and has been pressing members of his national security team to accelerate specific initiatives that he could highlight in his remarks, such as U.S. troop withdrawal in Afghanistan,” NBC News reports.


politicalwire--2020-10-14--The Macho Appeal of Donald Trump

The Macho Appeal of Donald Trump

New York Times : “ No other group worries Democrats more than American-born Hispanic men , particularly those under the @ @ @ @ @ show are highly skeptical of Joe Biden.
” “ Yet what has alienated so many @ @ @ @ @ voters is a key part of Mr. Trump ’ s appeal to these men , @ @ @ @ @ men supporting Mr. Trump shows : To them , the macho allure of Mr. Trump @ @ @ @ @ forceful , wealthy and , most important , unapologetic .
In a world where at @ @ @ @ @ attacked for saying the wrong thing , he says the wrong thing all the time @ @ @ @ @ self-flagellation .
”

New York Times: “No other group worries Democrats more than American-born Hispanic men, particularly those under the age 45, who polls show are highly skeptical of Joe Biden.”
“Yet what has alienated so many older, female and suburban voters is a key part of Mr. Trump’s appeal to these men, interviews with dozens of Mexican-American men supporting Mr. Trump shows: To them, the macho allure of Mr. Trump is undeniable. He is forceful, wealthy and, most important, unapologetic. In a world where at any moment someone might be attacked for saying the wrong thing, he says the wrong thing all the time and does not bother with self-flagellation.”


politicalwire--2020-10-14--McConnell Blocking Virus Relief to Hamstring Biden

Bloomberg : “ A GOP strategist who has been consulting with Senate campaigns said Republicans have been carefully laying the @ @ @ @ @ administration on federal spending and the budget deficit by talking up concerns about the price @ @ @ @ @ virus relief.
” “ The thinking , the strategist said , is that it would @ @ @ @ @ agree on spending trillions more now and then in January suddenly embrace fiscal restraint.
” @ @ @ @ @ will try to destroy a Biden presidency .

Bloomberg: “A GOP strategist who has been consulting with Senate campaigns said Republicans have been carefully laying the groundwork to restrain a Biden administration on federal spending and the budget deficit by talking up concerns about the price tag for another round of virus relief.”
“The thinking, the strategist said, is that it would be very hard politically to agree on spending trillions more now and then in January suddenly embrace fiscal restraint.”
Greg Sargent: How Republicans will try to destroy a Biden presidency.


politicalwire--2020-10-14--NBC Staffers Seethe as Trump Uses Network Against Biden

Daily Beast : “ According to multiple sources familiar with the president ’ s thinking , Trump has told close @ @ @ @ @ counter-program the Biden town hall and score higher TV viewership numbers , and then use @ @ @ @ @ to humiliate his Democratic opponent .
Predictably , Trump also wants his 2020 team to @ @ @ @ @ of pushing out those numbers , should his hour ’ s ratings beat Biden ’ @ @ @ @ @ one Trump associate : “ He looks at this the same way he looks at @ @ @ @ @ the turnout Biden gets for his events .
He obviously wants to blow Biden out @ @ @ @ @ Reporter : “ NBC ’ s decision to air the Trump town hall directly against @ @ @ @ @ ABC drew sharp criticism , as it means that viewers watching live will need to @ @ @ @ @ .
Because the Trump town hall will be simulcast on multiple networks , it is @ @ @ @ @ .
”

Daily Beast: “According to multiple sources familiar with the president’s thinking, Trump has told close associates that he wishes to counter-program the Biden town hall and score higher TV viewership numbers, and then use such a contrast in ratings to humiliate his Democratic opponent. Predictably, Trump also wants his 2020 team to make a big deal out of pushing out those numbers, should his hour’s ratings beat Biden’s 90-minute-long event.”
Said one Trump associate: “He looks at this the same way he looks at attendance at his rallies versus the turnout Biden gets for his events. He obviously wants to blow Biden out of the water.”
Hollywood Reporter: “NBC’s decision to air the Trump town hall directly against the Biden town hall on ABC drew sharp criticism, as it means that viewers watching live will need to choose which candidate to watch. Because the Trump town hall will be simulcast on multiple networks, it is likely to have more viewers.”


politicalwire--2020-10-14--The Mail Is Still Slow

The Mail Is Still Slow

“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--2020-10-14--Videos Show Conservatives Working to Suppress the Vote

The Washington Post has videos of closed-door sessions of conservative activists discussing attempts to limit mail-in ballots from being sent @ @ @ @ @ about voting .
Said one : “ We need to stop those ballots from going @ @ @

The Washington Post has videos of closed-door sessions of conservative activists discussing attempts to limit mail-in ballots from being sent to voters and amplifying conspiracies about voting.
Said one: “We need to stop those ballots from going out.”


politicalwire--2020-10-15--U.S. Virus Cases Climb Toward a Third Peak

New York Times : “ The number of new coronavirus cases in the United States is surging once again after @ @ @ @ @ .
While the geography of the pandemic is now shifting to the Midwest and to @ @ @ @ @ are trending upward in most states , many of which are setting weekly records for @ @ @ @

New York Times: “The number of new coronavirus cases in the United States is surging once again after growth slowed in late summer. While the geography of the pandemic is now shifting to the Midwest and to more rural areas, cases are trending upward in most states, many of which are setting weekly records for new cases.”


politicalwire--2020-10-15--ActBlue’s Stunning Third Quarter

ActBlue’s Stunning Third Quarter

Jonathan Bernstein : “ I hate to get too speculative about 2021 , but in this case it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ in Republican reasoning , if this is what they intend , is that…


politicalwire--2020-10-15--New Battleground State Polls

New Battleground State Polls


politicalwire--2020-10-15--Biden Expects to Name Most Diverse Cabinet in History

“ If Joe Biden wins the presidency , his advisers plan to assemble the most diverse Cabinet in U.S. history @ @ @ @ @ a pledge to build the Democratic Party on a new generation of leaders , ” @ @ @ @ @ of Biden ’ s longtime aides , most of whom are white and male , @ @ @ @ @ to the West Wing .
That means the pressure will be on to recruit a @ @ @ @ @ younger and more diverse .
”

“If Joe Biden wins the presidency, his advisers plan to assemble the most diverse Cabinet in U.S. history as he works to fulfill a pledge to build the Democratic Party on a new generation of leaders,” Axios reports.
“Many of Biden’s longtime aides, most of whom are white and male, are expected to follow him to the West Wing. That means the pressure will be on to recruit a Cabinet that’s both younger and more diverse.”


politicalwire--2020-10-15--GOP Resistance on Relief Bill Sets Up a Nuclear Winter

Jonathan Bernstein : “ I hate to get too speculative about 2021 , but in this case it ’ s necessary .
Because the flaw in Republican reasoning , if this is what they intend , is that the most likely justification for Senate Democrats to use the ‘ nuclear option ’ and eliminate the legislative filibuster would be the scenario that Republicans seem to be setting up : a deep recession , only minimal stimulus since March 2020 and incoming Democratic majorities unable to provide further relief because of Republican rejectionism .
Faced with the choice of procedural complaints @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of economic ( and perhaps political ) disaster if they don ’ t , Democrats might have the votes to go nuclear even if they have the slimmest of majorities.
” “ In other words , too much rejectionism might backfire badly .
There ’ s a lengthy agenda of Democratic policy preferences that might have the votes in a simple-majority Senate but that don ’ t have the urgency , especially among moderates , to push the party to go nuclear .
After eliminating the filibuster , many of those items might @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to attract Republicans , a partisan stimulus might be very large , and very effective .
Especially if it coincided with large-scale distribution of a vaccine .
”

Jonathan Bernstein: “I hate to get too speculative about 2021, but in this case it’s necessary. Because the flaw in Republican reasoning, if this is what they intend, is that the most likely justification for Senate Democrats to use the ‘nuclear option’ and eliminate the legislative filibuster would be the scenario that Republicans seem to be setting up: a deep recession, only minimal stimulus since March 2020 and incoming Democratic majorities unable to provide further relief because of Republican rejectionism. Faced with the choice of procedural complaints if they act, or the possibility of economic (and perhaps political) disaster if they don’t, Democrats might have the votes to go nuclear even if they have the slimmest of majorities.”
“In other words, too much rejectionism might backfire badly. There’s a lengthy agenda of Democratic policy preferences that might have the votes in a simple-majority Senate but that don’t have the urgency, especially among moderates, to push the party to go nuclear. After eliminating the filibuster, many of those items might well pass. Meanwhile, without the need to attract Republicans, a partisan stimulus might be very large, and very effective. Especially if it coincided with large-scale distribution of a vaccine.”


politicalwire--2020-10-15--As Trump Grows More Heated, Fears Rise of Violence

New York Times : “ With polls showing the president behind Mr. Biden nationally and in key states , Mr. @ @ @ @ @ about perceived enemies , both inside and outside his administration , triggering in his staunchest @ @ @ @ @ outcome — possibly a ‘ stolen ’ election , maybe a coup by the far @ @ @ @ @ emboldening them to disrupt the voting process .
”

New York Times: “With polls showing the president behind Mr. Biden nationally and in key states, Mr. Trump has descended into rants about perceived enemies, both inside and outside his administration, triggering in his staunchest supporters such fears for the outcome — possibly a ‘stolen’ election, maybe a coup by the far left — that he is emboldening them to disrupt the voting process.”


politicalwire--2020-10-15--Alleged Hunter Biden Email Appears Forged

Brian and Eddie Krassenstein explain how the Hunter Biden emails supposedly recovered from an abandoned laptop computer by the New @ @ @ @ @ forged .
One note : Variety reports the Krassenstein brothers were permanently banned from Twitter @ @ @ @ @ .

Brian and Eddie Krassenstein explain how the Hunter Biden emails supposedly recovered from an abandoned laptop computer by the New York Post appear to be forged.
One note: Variety reports the Krassenstein brothers were permanently banned from Twitter for themselves operating fake accounts.


politicalwire--2020-10-15--Trump Tramples Government Boundries

Trump Tramples Government Boundries

“ The farther behind Donald Trump has fallen in the competition for campaign dollars , the more he ’ s @ @ @ @ @ up the difference , ” Politico reports .
“ Millions of boxes of food doled @ @ @ @ @ with letters signed by the president taking credit stuffed inside .
An $ 8 billion @ @ @ @ @ seniors featuring Trump branding — intended to arrive before the Nov. 3 election .
A @ @ @ @ @ to ‘ defeat despair ’ over the coronavirus pandemic — the biggest threat to Trump @ @ @ @ @ His heavy reliance on federal resources and his own executive powers to win reelection come @ @ @ @ @ than $ 100 million behind Joe Biden in TV ad spending , and slipped to @ @ @ @ @ polls .
”

“The farther behind Donald Trump has fallen in the competition for campaign dollars, the more he’s milked government resources to make up the difference,” Politico reports.
“Millions of boxes of food doled out to needy families — with letters signed by the president taking credit stuffed inside. An $8 billion program for drug-discount cards to seniors featuring Trump branding — intended to arrive before the Nov. 3 election. A $300 million advertising blitz to ‘defeat despair’ over the coronavirus pandemic — the biggest threat to Trump’s reelection.”
“His heavy reliance on federal resources and his own executive powers to win reelection come as Trump has fallen more than $100 million behind Joe Biden in TV ad spending, and slipped to a double-digit deficit in national polls.”


politicalwire--2020-10-15--Tabloid Claims to Have More Hunter Biden Emails

The New York Post claims to have emails from Hunter Biden showing how he pursued lucrative deals involving China ’ @ @ @ @ @ — including one that he said would be “ interesting for me and my family @ @ @ @ @ supposedly contained in a “ trove of data that the owner of a computer repair @ @ @ @ @ recovered from a MacBook Pro laptop that was dropped off in April 2019 and never @ @ @

The New York Post claims to have emails from Hunter Biden showing how he pursued lucrative deals involving China’s largest private energy company — including one that he said would be “interesting for me and my family.”
The email is supposedly contained in a “trove of data that the owner of a computer repair shop in Delaware said was recovered from a MacBook Pro laptop that was dropped off in April 2019 and never retrieved.”


politicalwire--2020-10-15--Bidenworld Warns Against Cabinet Jockeying

Politico : “ Joe Biden ’ s transition team has a message for anyone publicly jockeying for a job in @ @ @ @ @ Knock it off .
Members of the transition team have been fuming at the recent @ @ @ @ @ in contention for the top spots should Biden win the presidential race next month , @ @ @ @ @ have spoken to them .
They warn that the efforts could backfire , knocking those @ @ @ @ @ high-profile posts.
” Said a Democratic strategist : “ There is speculation with every transition @ @ @ @ @ administration jobs during an election of this magnitude is tone-deaf .
The only campaigning folks @ @ @ @ @ Biden , Harris , the Senate and candidates down the ballot who can help turn @ @ @ @ @ is counterproductive .
”

Politico: “Joe Biden’s transition team has a message for anyone publicly jockeying for a job in a potential Biden administration: Knock it off. Members of the transition team have been fuming at the recent flood of stories listing people in contention for the top spots should Biden win the presidential race next month, according to Democratic officials who have spoken to them. They warn that the efforts could backfire, knocking those participating out of contention for high-profile posts.”
Said a Democratic strategist: “There is speculation with every transition, but public campaigning for administration jobs during an election of this magnitude is tone-deaf. The only campaigning folks should be doing is for Biden, Harris, the Senate and candidates down the ballot who can help turn things around. Everything else is counterproductive.”


politicalwire--2020-10-15--Far Closer Than Folks Think

Far Closer Than Folks Think

“ Early voting is already underway in many states .
Millions of voters have already cast their ballots .
But @ @ @ @ @ way to go in this campaign , and we think this race is far closer @ @ @ @ @ think .
Like a lot closer .
”

Biden campaign manager Jen O’Malley Dillon on Twitter:
“Early voting is already underway in many states. Millions of voters have already cast their ballots. But there is still a long way to go in this campaign, and we think this race is far closer than folks on this website think. Like a lot closer.”


politicalwire--2020-10-15--Biden Leads by 11 Points Nationally

Biden Leads by 11 Points Nationally


politicalwire--2020-10-15--Bonus Quote of the Day

Bonus Quote of the Day

“ It ’ s not clear that seeing more of the president is necessarily a help to his campaign.
” @ @ @ @ @ , quoted by the New York Times .

“It’s not clear that seeing more of the president is necessarily a help to his campaign.”
— GOP pollster Whit Ayres, quoted by the New York Times.


politicalwire--2020-10-15--California GOP Won’t Remove Illegal Ballot Boxes

“ The California Republican Party said Wednesday it will not comply with the state ’ s cease-and-desist order over unofficial @ @ @ @ @ at least four counties , escalating a brewing political showdown ahead of the November election @ @ @ @ @ “ The unauthorized ballot boxes , which state officials have called illegal , have been @ @ @ @ @ counties across the state : Los Angeles , Ventura , Orange and Fresno .
”

“The California Republican Party said Wednesday it will not comply with the state’s cease-and-desist order over unofficial ballot drop boxes placed in at least four counties, escalating a brewing political showdown ahead of the November election,” CNN reports.
“The unauthorized ballot boxes, which state officials have called illegal, have been found in at least four counties across the state: Los Angeles, Ventura, Orange and Fresno.”


politicalwire--2020-10-15--Biden Sets Another Fundraising Record

Biden Sets Another Fundraising Record

“ Joe Biden announced Wednesday evening that his campaign and affiliated committees raised $ 383 million in September , breaking @ @ @ @ @ set the prior month as his campaign continues to ride a surge of online donations @ @ @ @ @ “ Biden , the Democratic National Committee and the campaign ’ s joint fundraising committees @ @ @ @ @ of the campaign with $ 432 million in the bank .
”

“Joe Biden announced Wednesday evening that his campaign and affiliated committees raised $383 million in September, breaking a record he had just set the prior month as his campaign continues to ride a surge of online donations,” Politico reports.
“Biden, the Democratic National Committee and the campaign’s joint fundraising committees started the final 34 days of the campaign with $432 million in the bank.”


politicalwire--2020-10-15--Trump Threatens Never to Return to Iowa

Trump Threatens Never to Return to Iowa


politicalwire--2020-10-16--FBI Probing If Emails Linked to Foreign Intel Operation

Federal investigators are examining whether the emails allegedly describing activities by Joe Biden and his son Hunter and found on @ @ @ @ @ repair shop are linked to a foreign intelligence operation , NBC News reports .
The @ @ @ @ @ a hard drive through a grand jury subpoena .

Federal investigators are examining whether the emails allegedly describing activities by Joe Biden and his son Hunter and found on a laptop at a Delaware repair shop are linked to a foreign intelligence operation, NBC News reports.
The FBI seized the laptop and a hard drive through a grand jury subpoena.


politicalwire--2020-10-16--Trump Refuses to Disavow QAnon

Trump Refuses to Disavow QAnon

President Trump refused to disavow QAnon during an NBC News town hall , saying he knows nothing about it beyond @ @ @ @ @ are “ strongly against pedophilia , ” The Hill reports .
Said Trump : “ @ @ @ @ @ .
I know very little .
You told me but what you tell me doesn @ @ @ @ @ fact .
I hate to say that.
” He added : “ I know nothing @ @ @ @ @ know they are very much against pedophilia , they fight it very hard .
But @ @ @ @ @ .
”

President Trump refused to disavow QAnon during an NBC News town hall, saying he knows nothing about it beyond that supporters of the theory are “strongly against pedophilia,” The Hill reports.
Said Trump: “I know nothing about QAnon. I know very little. You told me but what you tell me doesn’t necessarily make it fact. I hate to say that.”
He added: “I know nothing about it. I do know they are very much against pedophilia, they fight it very hard. But I know nothing about it.”


politicalwire--2020-10-15--Dueling Town Hall Events

Dueling Town Hall Events

President Trump and Joe Biden will face off Thursday night — sort of , The Week reports .
“ After @ @ @ @ @ Thursday night ’ s scheduled presidential debate , which was going to be held virtually @ @ @ @ @ town hall event with ABC News .
Trump later set up his own with NBC @ @ @ @ @ begin at 8 p.m.
ET.
” Leave your reactions in the comments .

President Trump and Joe Biden will face off Thursday night — sort of, The Week reports.
“After Trump refused to participate in Thursday night’s scheduled presidential debate, which was going to be held virtually, Biden arranged his own town hall event with ABC News. Trump later set up his own with NBC News, both scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. ET.”
Leave your reactions in the comments.


politicalwire--2020-10-15--Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day

“ The debate is not going to be , ‘ Ben Sasse , why were you so mean to Donald @ @ @ @ @ s going to be , ‘ What the heck were any of us thinking , @ @ @ @ @ narcissistic individual to the American people was a good idea ?
We are staring down @ @ @ @ @ tsunami.
” — Sen. Ben Sasse ( R-NE ) , according to audio of a @ @ @ @ @ by the Washington Examiner .

“The debate is not going to be, ‘Ben Sasse, why were you so mean to Donald Trump?’ It’s going to be, ‘What the heck were any of us thinking, that selling a TV-obsessed, narcissistic individual to the American people was a good idea? We are staring down the barrel of a blue tsunami.”
— Sen. Ben Sasse (R-NE), according to audio of a phone call with supporters obtained by the Washington Examiner.


politicalwire--2020-10-15--Europe Braces for Monster Second Coronavirus Wave

“ The pandemic has come storming back to Europe , and hope of a return to normality is being replaced @ @ @ @ @ prospect : the return to lockdown , ” Axios reports .
“ Case counts in @ @ @ @ @ have skyrocketed past the numbers seen during the spring peak .
While that ’ s @ @ @ @ @ testing , it ’ s now clear that deaths are climbing too .
”

“The pandemic has come storming back to Europe, and hope of a return to normality is being replaced by a much more ominous prospect: the return to lockdown,” Axios reports.
“Case counts in countries like France and Spain have skyrocketed past the numbers seen during the spring peak. While that’s partially due to more widespread testing, it’s now clear that deaths are climbing too.”


politicalwire--2020-10-15--Giuliani Was Target of Russian Intelligence Operation

“ U.S .
intelligence agencies warned the White House last year that President Trump ’ s personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani @ @ @ @ @ influence operation by Russian intelligence , ” the Washington Post reports .
“ The warnings @ @ @ @ @ , including intercepted communications , that showed Giuliani was interacting with people tied to Russian @ @ @ @ @ trip to Ukraine , where he was gathering information that he thought would expose corrupt @ @ @ @ @ Joe Biden and his son Hunter.
” “ The intelligence raised concerns that Giuliani was @ @ @ @ @ misinformation to the president , the former officials said , speaking on the condition of @ @ @ @ @ and conversations .
”

“U.S. intelligence agencies warned the White House last year that President Trump’s personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani was the target of an influence operation by Russian intelligence,” the Washington Post reports.
“The warnings were based on multiple sources, including intercepted communications, that showed Giuliani was interacting with people tied to Russian intelligence during a December 2019 trip to Ukraine, where he was gathering information that he thought would expose corrupt acts by former vice president Joe Biden and his son Hunter.”
“The intelligence raised concerns that Giuliani was being used to feed Russian misinformation to the president, the former officials said, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive information and conversations.”


politicalwire--2020-10-15--Trump May Have Scared People Into Voting Early

Greg Sargent : “ For one thing , Trump ’ s efforts to intimidate Democrats out of voting are failing @ @ @ @ @ being fraudulent were in part about getting Democrats to give up on it , in @ @ @ @ @ also refrain from in-person voting amid a pandemic .
For another , Trump has repeatedly @ @ @ @ @ the polls for fake fraud very carefully — that is , to engage in voter @ @ @ @ @ failing.
” “ And so many people voting early will ease the late crush that @ @ @ @ @ expected demand for vote-by-mail.
” “ Above all , the more voting happens earlier , @ @ @ @ @ for Trump to play corrupt games around late-arriving ballots .
”

Greg Sargent: “For one thing, Trump’s efforts to intimidate Democrats out of voting are failing. The lies about vote-by-mail being fraudulent were in part about getting Democrats to give up on it, in hopes that they’d also refrain from in-person voting amid a pandemic. For another, Trump has repeatedly told his army to watch the polls for fake fraud very carefully — that is, to engage in voter intimidation. Obviously both are failing.”
“And so many people voting early will ease the late crush that many feared due to enormous expected demand for vote-by-mail.”
“Above all, the more voting happens earlier, the harder it will be for Trump to play corrupt games around late-arriving ballots.”


politicalwire--2020-10-15--Democrats Hint at Consequences for Senate

“ Republicans are confident a vote confirming Amy Coney Barrett to the the Supreme Court is only days away , @ @ @ @ @ ahead and warning that this swift process on the eve of an election won ’ @ @ @ @ @ ” NBC News reports .
Said Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse : “ The rule of ‘ @ @ @ @ @ which is the rule that is being applied today , is one that leads away @ @ @ @ @ traditions and commitments and values that the Senate has long embodied.
” He added : @ @ @ @ @ that when you have established the rule of ‘ because we can ’ that should @ @ @ @ @ other foot that you will have any credibility to come to us and say , @ @ @ @ @ can do that but you shouldn ’ t because of X , Y , Z @ @ @ @ @ that argument in the future will die in this room and on that Senate floor @ @ @ @ @ in this way .
”

“Republicans are confident a vote confirming Amy Coney Barrett to the the Supreme Court is only days away, but Democrats are looking farther ahead and warning that this swift process on the eve of an election won’t be quickly forgotten,” NBC News reports.
Said Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse: “The rule of ‘because we can,’ which is the rule that is being applied today, is one that leads away from a lot of the traditions and commitments and values that the Senate has long embodied.”
He added: “Don’t think that when you have established the rule of ‘because we can’ that should the shoe be on the other foot that you will have any credibility to come to us and say, yeah, I know you can do that but you shouldn’t because of X, Y, Z. Your credibility to make that argument in the future will die in this room and on that Senate floor if you continue to proceed in this way.”


politicalwire--2020-10-15--Christie Says He Was ‘Wrong’ to Not Wear a Mask

Former Gov .
Chris Christie ( R ) , who was recently battling a coronavirus infection , told the New @ @ @ @ @ “ wrong ” not to wear a mask at an event honoring Judge Amy Coney @ @ @ @ @ preparation sessions with President Trump , and that people should take the threat of the @ @ @ @ @ said that he had believed he was in a “ safe zone ” at the @ @ @ @ @ there.
” “ He urged people to follow best practices , like mask wearing and @ @ @ @ @ there ’ s a middle ground between extensive , large-scale shutdowns and reopening cities and @ @ @ @ @ .
”

Former Gov. Chris Christie (R), who was recently battling a coronavirus infection, told the New York Times that he was “wrong” not to wear a mask at an event honoring Judge Amy Coney Barrett and in his debate preparation sessions with President Trump, and that people should take the threat of the virus seriously.
“Christie said that he had believed he was in a “safe zone” at the White House while he was there.”
“He urged people to follow best practices, like mask wearing and social distancing, but argued there’s a middle ground between extensive, large-scale shutdowns and reopening cities and states without taking proper precautions.”


politicalwire--2020-10-15--Justice Democrats Go All In on Biden

Justice Democrats Go All In on Biden

Politico : “ A leading progressive group that attacked Joe Biden in the primary is launching a six-figure ad buy @ @ @ @ @ fall .
Justice Democrats , the organization that recruited Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez ( D-NY ) @ @ @ @ @ is airing a new digital spot in the battleground states of Pennsylvania and Arizona as @ @ @ @ @ support Biden .
”

Politico: “A leading progressive group that attacked Joe Biden in the primary is launching a six-figure ad buy aimed at electing him this fall. Justice Democrats, the organization that recruited Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) to run for Congress, is airing a new digital spot in the battleground states of Pennsylvania and Arizona as part of its effort to support Biden.”


politicalwire--2020-10-15--Person on Biden Plane Tests Positive

Person on Biden Plane Tests Positive

The Biden campaign said that “ an administrative member of the Aviation company that charters Vice President Biden ’ s @ @ @ @ @ ” However , Biden “ was not in close contact , as defined by the @ @ @ @ @ at any time .
”

The Biden campaign said that “an administrative member of the Aviation company that charters Vice President Biden’s aircraft tested positive for COVID-19.”
However, Biden “was not in close contact, as defined by the CDC, with this individual at any time.”


politicalwire--2020-10-15--Ex-Trump Fundraiser Will Plead Guilty to Illegal Lobbying

“ The debate is not going to be , ‘ Ben Sasse , why were you so mean to Donald @ @ @ @ @ s going to be , ‘ What the heck were any of us thinking , @

“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--2020-10-15--Louisiana Senator Is Putting on an Act

Louisiana Senator Is Putting on an Act

BuzzFeed News : “ In the Senate , Kennedy is chiefly now known for distilling dry , complex , or @ @ @ @ @ to a memorable soundbite… But some people who knew Kennedy from Louisiana politics say the @ @ @ @ @ acts and sounds different than the person they remember.
” “ They say he used @ @ @ @ @ to an Oxford-educated lawyer , which he is , than a fountain of folksy rejoinders @ @ @ @ @ image can sometimes verge on country bumpkin — but in fact he is one of @ @ @ @ @ Senate .
”

BuzzFeed News: “In the Senate, Kennedy is chiefly now known for distilling dry, complex, or even gravely serious issues down to a memorable soundbite… But some people who knew Kennedy from Louisiana politics say the politician they see on TV acts and sounds different than the person they remember.”
“They say he used to carry himself as closer to an Oxford-educated lawyer, which he is, than a fountain of folksy rejoinders. Kennedy’s public image can sometimes verge on country bumpkin — but in fact he is one of the best-educated members of the Senate.”


politicalwire--2020-10-15--Adelsons Pour $75M Into Last-Ditch Effort to Save Trump


politicalwire--2020-10-15--C-SPAN Suspends Scully After He Admits Lying About Hack