politicalwire--2020-09-25--Bonus Quote of the Day

Bonus Quote of the Day

“ Either the election can be about Trump or about Covid or about the Supreme Court .
And I think @ @ @ @ @ if it ’ s about the Supreme Court , that traditionally has helped Republicans more.
@ @ @ @ @ ( R-TN ) , quoted by the New York Times .

“Either the election can be about Trump or about Covid or about the Supreme Court. And I think, of those three, if it’s about the Supreme Court, that traditionally has helped Republicans more.”
— Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-TN), quoted by the New York Times.


politicalwire--2020-09-25--Which Candidate Is More of a Wimp?

Which Candidate Is More of a Wimp?

“ Either the election can be about Trump or about Covid or about the Supreme Court .
And I think @ @ @ @ @ if it ’ s about the Supreme Court , that traditionally has…

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


politicalwire--2020-09-25--Most Don’t Support Push to Confirm New Justice


politicalwire--2020-09-25--Barr Briefed Trump on Probe Into Discarded Ballots

A Justice Department official told ABC News that Attorney General William Barr personally briefed President Trump about the DOJ ’ @ @ @ @ @ number of ballots in Pennsylvania that were found to be discarded , prior to the @ @ @ @ @ President Trump went on to first reveal the investigation in an interview with Fox News @ @ @ @ @ without evidence , argued that it bolsters his baseless claims of widespread fraud in mail-in @ @ @ @ @ “ Yes , but did they do it on a tarmac ?
That ’ s @ @ @ @ @ Bump : What we know about those discarded ballots in Pennsylvania .

A Justice Department official told ABC News that Attorney General William Barr personally briefed President Trump about the DOJ’s investigation into a small number of ballots in Pennsylvania that were found to be discarded, prior to the information being made public.
President Trump went on to first reveal the investigation in an interview with Fox News Radio, where he, without evidence, argued that it bolsters his baseless claims of widespread fraud in mail-in voting.
Chris Hayes: “Yes, but did they do it on a tarmac? That’s all that counts.”
Philip Bump: What we know about those discarded ballots in Pennsylvania.


politicalwire--2020-09-25--Bloomberg Unveils $40 Million Ad Buy In Florida

“ Michael Bloomberg announced Friday that he ’ s blanketing Florida airwaves with a $ 40 million TV ad buy @ @ @ @ @ pledged to spend $ 100 million in the Sunshine State to defeat President Trump , @ @ @ @ @ The massive buy comes the same week that nearly 5 million vote-by-mail ballots are being @ @ @ @ @ the the start of what effectively is a month-long Election Day in the nation ’ @ @ @ @ @ ”

“Michael Bloomberg announced Friday that he’s blanketing Florida airwaves with a $40 million TV ad buy, the first since he pledged to spend $100 million in the Sunshine State to defeat President Trump,” Politico reports.
“The massive buy comes the same week that nearly 5 million vote-by-mail ballots are being sent to Florida voters in the the start of what effectively is a month-long Election Day in the nation’s largest swing state.”


politicalwire--2020-09-25--Senate Republicans Plan Lightning Quick Confirmation

Politico : “ The Senate is taking America for one last turbulent ride before the election .
… After Trump @ @ @ @ @ leaders are expected to quickly lay out a hearing schedule for October , and the @ @ @ @ @ individual senators next week.
” “ Provided no surprising information is unearthed that upends the @ @ @ @ @ Leader Mitch McConnell are set to make history : Never has a Supreme Court justice @ @ @ @ @ a presidential election .
Other than two dissenting GOP senators , no one thus far @ @ @ @ @ arguing to wait for a lame duck session — let alone the next Congress — @ @ @ @ @ .
McConnell only needs a simple majority .
”

Politico: “The Senate is taking America for one last turbulent ride before the election. … After Trump’s reveal, GOP leaders are expected to quickly lay out a hearing schedule for October, and the nominee will begin meeting with individual senators next week.”
“Provided no surprising information is unearthed that upends the nomination, Republicans and Majority Leader Mitch McConnell are set to make history: Never has a Supreme Court justice been confirmed so close to a presidential election. Other than two dissenting GOP senators, no one thus far in the 53-member conference is arguing to wait for a lame duck session — let alone the next Congress — to hold a confirmation vote. McConnell only needs a simple majority.”


More Battleground Polls


politicalwire--2020-09-25--Trump Amused by Uproar Over Comments on Transition

President Trump thinks the uproar over his refusal to promise a peaceful transition of power was “ funny as hell @ @ @ @ @ reports .
“ According to two people familiar with the matter , hours after the @ @ @ @ @ cameras , Trump continued following the fallout in the press , including on cable news @ @ @ @ @ how amusing it was that his answer was making media and liberal heads explode , @ @ @ @ @ coverage.
” Said one source : “ He seemed to get a real kick out @ @ @ @

President Trump thinks the uproar over his refusal to promise a peaceful transition of power was “funny as hell,” the Daily Beast reports.
“According to two people familiar with the matter, hours after the president stepped away from the cameras, Trump continued following the fallout in the press, including on cable news, and began privately remarking how amusing it was that his answer was making media and liberal heads explode, and also predictably dominating TV coverage.”
Said one source: “He seemed to get a real kick out of it.”


politicalwire--2020-09-25--Florida Lifts All Virus Restrictions

Florida Lifts All Virus Restrictions


politicalwire--2020-09-25--Google to Block Political Ads After Election


politicalwire--2020-09-25--GOP Hopes Court Fight Will Change Election Dynamic

New York Times : “ In order to achieve a new 6-3 conservative majority on the court , Republicans are @ @ @ @ @ majority of voters who have indicated in polls that they want the winner of the @ @ @ @ @ for Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg ’ s seat .
They are even willing to energize @ @ @ @ @ run by elevating issues like abortion , if it means achieving the long-term goal of @ @ @ @ @ the right.
” “ They believe a partisan fight over the court offers them at @ @ @ @ @ the debate away from political danger zones like the president ’ s handling of a @ @ @ @ @ 200,000 American lives and his unceasing rhetorical eruptions , most recently his indication that he @ @ @ @ @ to a peaceful transition of power .
”

New York Times: “In order to achieve a new 6-3 conservative majority on the court, Republicans are poised to defy a clear majority of voters who have indicated in polls that they want the winner of the election to pick a nominee for Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s seat. They are even willing to energize Democratic turnout in the short run by elevating issues like abortion, if it means achieving the long-term goal of tilting the court further to the right.”
“They believe a partisan fight over the court offers them at least a chance to steer the debate away from political danger zones like the president’s handling of a virus that has claimed over 200,000 American lives and his unceasing rhetorical eruptions, most recently his indication that he would be unwilling to agree to a peaceful transition of power.”


politicalwire--2020-09-25--Democrats Regain Favorability Edge Over GOP

Gallup : “ Americans ’ opinions of the Republican Party have soured since January but are similar to what they @ @ @ @ @ Meanwhile , Americans ’ favorability ratings of the Democratic Party ( 47 % ) have @ @ @ @ @ those of the GOP ( 42 % ) .
”

Gallup: “Americans’ opinions of the Republican Party have soured since January but are similar to what they were a year ago. Meanwhile, Americans’ favorability ratings of the Democratic Party (47%) have been stable and again surpass those of the GOP (42%).”


politicalwire--2020-09-25--Trump Has Lost Patience with CDC Head

Trump Has Lost Patience with CDC Head

“ President Trump has lost patience with the head of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , Dr. @ @ @ @ @ as with the other public health experts on his coronavirus team because their sober messaging @ @ @ @ @ pandemic clashes with his rosy assessments , ” CNN reports .
“ Trump believes that @ @ @ @ @ enough… Trump ’ s frustrations have caused some to question whether Redfield is on the @ @ @ @ @ Trump adviser said they did not expect the President to make major staffing changes before @ @ @ @

“President Trump has lost patience with the head of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr. Robert Redfield, as well as with the other public health experts on his coronavirus team because their sober messaging on the future of the pandemic clashes with his rosy assessments,” CNN reports.
“Trump believes that breakthroughs are not coming swiftly enough… Trump’s frustrations have caused some to question whether Redfield is on the chopping block, but a Trump adviser said they did not expect the President to make major staffing changes before the election.”


politicalwire--2020-09-26--Trump Says Abraham Lincoln ‘Wasn’t Big’ on Hispanics

President Trump said at a campaign rally Friday that Abraham Lincoln “ wasn ’ t big on the Hispanic movement @ @ @ @ @ to praise himself , the Daily Beast reports .
Said Trump : “ We call @ @ @ @ @ Trump , ’ where we are polling at numbers that I guess no Republican has @ @ @ @ @ perhaps , Abraham Lincoln .
But in those days , he wasn ’ t big @ @ @ @ @ I think .
He had other things to think about .
”

President Trump said at a campaign rally Friday that Abraham Lincoln “wasn’t big on the Hispanic movement” in an apparent attempt to praise himself, the Daily Beast reports.
Said Trump: “We call them the ‘Latinos for Trump,’ where we are polling at numbers that I guess no Republican has ever polled at before, perhaps, Abraham Lincoln. But in those days, he wasn’t big into the Hispanic movement, I think. He had other things to think about.”


politicalwire--2020-09-26--Trump Shifts Focus to Pennsylvania

Trump Shifts Focus to Pennsylvania

“ President Trump ’ s campaign has grown increasingly focused on making inroads in Pennsylvania to offset potential vulnerabilities in @ @ @ @ @ AP reports .
“ The president will travel to the state for the second time @ @ @ @ @ , hoping to attract the same rural and white working-class voters who delivered him a @ @ @ @ @ .
The in-person touch , in what may become the most important battleground on the @ @ @ @ @ get-out-the-vote operation that has been working for four years to find new voters by knocking @ @ @ @ @ .
”

“President Trump’s campaign has grown increasingly focused on making inroads in Pennsylvania to offset potential vulnerabilities in other battlegrounds,” the AP reports.
“The president will travel to the state for the second time in a week on Saturday, hoping to attract the same rural and white working-class voters who delivered him a narrow victory here in 2016. The in-person touch, in what may become the most important battleground on the map, complements an aggressive get-out-the-vote operation that has been working for four years to find new voters by knocking on doors in competitive neighborhoods.”


politicalwire--2020-09-26--Eric Trump Says Father Would Concede Landslide


politicalwire--2020-09-26--Judge Removes Trump’s Public Lands Chief

“ A federal judge ruled Friday that President Trump ’ s leading steward of public lands has been serving unlawfully @ @ @ @ @ in the position in the latest pushback against the administration ’ s practice of filling @ @ @ @ @ approval , ” the AP reports .
“ U.S .
Interior Department Bureau of Land @ @ @ @ @ Pendley served unlawfully for 424 days without being confirmed to the post by the Senate @ @ @ @ @ .
”

“A federal judge ruled Friday that President Trump’s leading steward of public lands has been serving unlawfully, blocking him from continuing in the position in the latest pushback against the administration’s practice of filling key positions without U.S. Senate approval,” the AP reports.
“U.S. Interior Department Bureau of Land Management acting director William Perry Pendley served unlawfully for 424 days without being confirmed to the post by the Senate as required under the Constitution.”


politicalwire--2020-09-26--Biden Stresses Unity In New Ad

Biden Stresses Unity In New Ad

A new Joe Biden ad , New Start , signals an effort by his campaign to make unity a central @ @ @ @ @ run in 13 battleground states : Arizona , Florida , Georgia , Iowa , Michigan @ @ @ @ @ Nevada , New Hampshire , North Carolina , Ohio , Pennsylvania and Wisconsin .

A new Joe Biden ad, New Start, signals an effort by his campaign to make unity a central theme.
The ad will run in 13 battleground states: Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.


politicalwire--2020-09-26--Graham Begging for Donations Again

Graham Begging for Donations Again

Sen. Lindsey Graham ( R-SC ) is begging for campaign donations once again , this time on Sean Hannity ’ @ @ @ @ @ Said Graham : “ I ’ m getting overwhelmed .
LindseyGraham.com .
Help me .
@ @ @ @ @ , money-wise .
Help me .
You helped me last week — help me again @ @ @ @ @ “ The story of how Graham became so desperate for cash illustrates the expensive , @ @ @ @ @ Senate and the energy around President Donald Trump ’ s pending Supreme Court nomination .
@ @ @ @ @ take on Republican leaders like Graham , who once burnished a moderate reputation but has @ @ @ @ @ ”

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) is begging for campaign donations once again, this time on Sean Hannity’s Fox News show.
Said Graham: “I’m getting overwhelmed. LindseyGraham.com. Help me. They’re killing me, money-wise. Help me. You helped me last week — help me again. LindseyGraham.com.”
Politico: “The story of how Graham became so desperate for cash illustrates the expensive, toss-up battle to control the Senate and the energy around President Donald Trump’s pending Supreme Court nomination. Grassroots Democrats are hyper-activated to take on Republican leaders like Graham, who once burnished a moderate reputation but has aligned closely with Trump.”


politicalwire--2020-09-26--Wisconsin GOP Leaders Try to Stop Ballot Collection

Wisconsin ’ s two most powerful Republican lawmakers sent a cease-and-desist letter to the Madison City Clerk ’ s Office @ @ @ @ @ ballot collection event to be held in city parks Saturday , calling the effort “ @ @ @ @ @ ballots would be challenged in court and potentially invalidated , the Wisconsin State Journal reports @


politicalwire--2020-09-26--Biden Calls Trump Comments Another ‘Typical Distraction’

Joe Biden is dismissing President Trump ’ s refusal to say he ’ d accept the results of the election @ @ @ @ @ “ typical Trump distraction ” and predicted that voters will understand that those comments are @ @ @ @ @ wonder whether or not the election will be legit , ” NBC News reports .
@ @ @ @ @ don ’ t think it ’ s going to go anywhere .
I think the @ @ @ @ @ this guy .
”

Joe Biden is dismissing President Trump’s refusal to say he’d accept the results of the election if he loses as a “typical Trump distraction” and predicted that voters will understand that those comments are designed to make them “wonder whether or not the election will be legit,” NBC News reports.
Said Biden: “I don’t think it’s going to go anywhere. I think the American people are on to this guy.”


politicalwire--2020-09-26--Few Wore Masks for Supreme Court Announcement

“ Roman Catholics account for a bit more than 20 % of the U.S. population , yet they are on @ @ @ @ @ the Supreme Court ’ s nine seats now that President…


politicalwire--2020-09-26--Trump Picks Amy Coney Barrett for Supreme Court

“ President Trump announced Saturday afternoon that he would nominate Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court , setting @ @ @ @ @ to confirm a deeply conservative jurist before Election Day , ” the New York Times @ @ @ @ @ “ Today it is my honor to nominate one of our nation ’ s most @ @ @ @ @ to the Supreme Court .
She is a woman of unparalleled achievement , towering intellect @ @ @ @ @ loyalty to the Constitution .
”

“President Trump announced Saturday afternoon that he would nominate Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court, setting off a politically explosive scramble to confirm a deeply conservative jurist before Election Day,” the New York Times reports.
Said Trump: “Today it is my honor to nominate one of our nation’s most brilliant and gifted legal minds to the Supreme Court. She is a woman of unparalleled achievement, towering intellect, sterling credentials and unyielding loyalty to the Constitution.”


politicalwire--2020-09-26--Pompeo to Keynote Florida Christian Event

“ Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is slated to keynote a gala event for a conservative Christian organization in Florida @ @ @ @ @ a month before Election Day and may violate legal and ethical guidelines , ” CNN @ @ @ @ @ is the top US diplomat advertised as the featured guest at the Florida Family Policy @ @ @ @ @ Gala on October 3 , a ‘ personal visit with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo @ @ @ @ @ $ 10,000 table sponsorship .
”

“Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is slated to keynote a gala event for a conservative Christian organization in Florida — an appearance that comes a month before Election Day and may violate legal and ethical guidelines,” CNN reports.
“Not only is the top US diplomat advertised as the featured guest at the Florida Family Policy Council’s 15th Anniversary Gala on October 3, a ‘personal visit with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’ is included with a $10,000 table sponsorship.”


politicalwire--2020-09-26--New Battleground State Polls

New Battleground State Polls


politicalwire--2020-09-26--Biden Compares Trump to Nazi Propaganda Chief

Joe Biden compared President Trump to Nazi propaganda chief Joseph Goebbels Saturday , accusing the president of lying about his @ @ @ @ @ , The Hill reports .
Said Biden : “ I ’ m not sure anybody @ @ @ @ @ up their mind they ’ re for Trump .
But who knows .
He ’ @ @ @ @ @ .
You say the lie long enough , keep repeating it , repeating it , @ @ @ @ @ common knowledge .
”

Joe Biden compared President Trump to Nazi propaganda chief Joseph Goebbels Saturday, accusing the president of lying about his record to the American people, The Hill reports.
Said Biden: “I’m not sure anybody hasn’t already made up their mind they’re for Trump. But who knows. He’s sort of like Goebbels. You say the lie long enough, keep repeating it, repeating it, repeating it, it becomes common knowledge.”


politicalwire--2020-09-26--Judiciary Committee Hearings Begin October 12

The Senate Judiciary Committee will begin confirmation hearings for President Trump ’ s Supreme Court nominee — assumed to be @ @ @ @ @ on October 12 , with the next two days set aside for questioning , Bloomberg @ @ @ @ @ the Republican-led committee , a full Senate vote is planned for the week of October @ @ @ @ @ the election .

The Senate Judiciary Committee will begin confirmation hearings for President Trump’s Supreme Court nominee — assumed to be Judge Amy Coney Barrett — on October 12, with the next two days set aside for questioning, Bloomberg reports.
Assuming she clears the Republican-led committee, a full Senate vote is planned for the week of October 26 — the week before the election.


politicalwire--2020-09-26--How They’re Preparing for the Debates

How They’re Preparing for the Debates

Associated Press : “ Trump has decided to skip any formal preparation .
And while Biden ’ s team believes @ @ @ @ @ may be exaggerated , the Democratic nominee has been aggressively preparing to take on the @ @ @ @ @ s campaign has been holding mock debate sessions featuring Bob Bauer , a senior Biden @ @ @ @ @ general counsel , playing the role of Trump… Bauer has not actually donned a Trump @ @ @ @ @ stand-ins from previous years , but he is representing his style and expected strategy .
@

Associated Press: “Trump has decided to skip any formal preparation. And while Biden’s team believes the significance of the debate may be exaggerated, the Democratic nominee has been aggressively preparing to take on the president.”
“Biden’s campaign has been holding mock debate sessions featuring Bob Bauer, a senior Biden adviser and former White House general counsel, playing the role of Trump… Bauer has not actually donned a Trump costume in line with Trump stand-ins from previous years, but he is representing his style and expected strategy.”


politicalwire--2020-09-26--Virus Shapes Presidential Debates

Virus Shapes Presidential Debates

Politico : “ The two sides have decided to forego the traditional pre-debate handshake in light of the virus , @ @ @ @ @ direct knowledge of the negotiations .
They also won ’ t do an elbow-bump , @ @ @ @ @ both campaigns saw as awkward.
” “ Neither Trump nor Biden nor the debate moderator @ @ @ @ @ Wallace , will wear masks.
” “ And unlike past presidential debates , there will @ @ @ @ @ only 75 to 80 people , all of whom will be tested prior to attending @ @ @ @

Politico: “The two sides have decided to forego the traditional pre-debate handshake in light of the virus, according to a person with direct knowledge of the negotiations. They also won’t do an elbow-bump, a coronavirus-era handshake substitute which both campaigns saw as awkward.”
“Neither Trump nor Biden nor the debate moderator, Fox News host Chris Wallace, will wear masks.”
“And unlike past presidential debates, there will be a limited audience of only 75 to 80 people, all of whom will be tested prior to attending the debate.”


politicalwire--2020-09-26--The Real Reason Trump Is Picking Amy Coney Barrett

Jeffrey Toobin : “ There should be no doubt about why Barrett , barring any late-breaking surprises , would be chosen .
Much of the commentary about her selection would focus on the issue of abortion , and her likely role in overturning Roe v. Wade .
During the 2016 campaign , Trump repeatedly promised to appoint Justices who would vote to overrule that landmark , and with his three selections , including Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh , he appears to have delivered.
” “ Still , it ’ s worth remembering the real priorities of Trump and Mitch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in this nomination .
They ’ re happy to accommodate the anti-abortion base of the Republican Party , but an animating passion of McConnell ’ s career has been the deregulation of political campaigns .
The Supreme Court ’ s Citizens United decision brought the issue to wide public attention , but McConnell has been crusading about it for decades .
He wants the money spigot kept open , so that he can protect his Senate majority and the causes for which it stands… ” “ Barrett is a product of this movement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Scalia .
Her writings and early rulings reflect it.
” For members only : A Briefing with Jeffrey Toobin .

Jeffrey Toobin: “There should be no doubt about why Barrett, barring any late-breaking surprises, would be chosen. Much of the commentary about her selection would focus on the issue of abortion, and her likely role in overturning Roe v. Wade. During the 2016 campaign, Trump repeatedly promised to appoint Justices who would vote to overrule that landmark, and with his three selections, including Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh, he appears to have delivered.”
“Still, it’s worth remembering the real priorities of Trump and Mitch McConnell, the Senate Majority Leader, in this nomination. They’re happy to accommodate the anti-abortion base of the Republican Party, but an animating passion of McConnell’s career has been the deregulation of political campaigns. The Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision brought the issue to wide public attention, but McConnell has been crusading about it for decades. He wants the money spigot kept open, so that he can protect his Senate majority and the causes for which it stands…”
“Barrett is a product of this movement, and not just because she clerked for Scalia. Her writings and early rulings reflect it.”
For members only: A Briefing with Jeffrey Toobin.


politicalwire--2020-09-26--With Barrett, Supreme Court Would Have 6 Catholics

“ Roman Catholics account for a bit more than 20 % of the U.S. population , yet they are on @ @ @ @ @ the Supreme Court ’ s nine seats now that President Donald Trump is expected to @ @ @ @ @ fill its vacancy , ” the AP reports .
“ It ’ s a striking @ @ @ @ @ court , for most of its history , was almost entirely populated by white male @ @ @ @ @ political analysts offer several explanations for the turnaround – related to Catholics ’ educational traditions @ @ @ @ @ law , and – in the case of Catholic conservatives – an outlook that has @ @ @ @ @ filling judicial vacancies .
”

“Roman Catholics account for a bit more than 20% of the U.S. population, yet they are on track to hold six of the Supreme Court’s nine seats now that President Donald Trump is expected to nominate Amy Coney Barrett to fill its vacancy,” the AP reports.
“It’s a striking development given that the high court, for most of its history, was almost entirely populated by white male Protestants. Catholic academics and political analysts offer several explanations for the turnaround – related to Catholics’ educational traditions, their interest in the law, and – in the case of Catholic conservatives – an outlook that has appealed to recent Republican presidents filling judicial vacancies.”


politicalwire--2020-09-26--Trump Threatens Integrity of the Election

Dan Balz : “ Each week has brought evidence of the damage President Trump has done during his nearly four years in office .
According to his own words , he is not finished .
This past week brought a renewed warning of a harm he could yet inflict on the integrity of elections.
” “ The president did more than simply refuse to pledge that he would facilitate a peaceful transfer of power if he loses to former vice president Joe Biden , though that in itself was a step no previous president has taken .
In doing so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mail-in ballots , seeding the ground to contest the election as rigged or fraudulent if he is not the winner and to propel the country into chaos.
” “ Perhaps what Trump said merely reflected the mind-set of a president who knows he is running behind in his bid for a second term , one more rhetorical flailing to somehow throw the opposition off balance and to distract from the real reasons for Biden ’ s lead in the polls .
But this close to the election , anything Trump does to question @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regarded as serious and treated as such .
”

Dan Balz: “Each week has brought evidence of the damage President Trump has done during his nearly four years in office. According to his own words, he is not finished. This past week brought a renewed warning of a harm he could yet inflict on the integrity of elections.”
“The president did more than simply refuse to pledge that he would facilitate a peaceful transfer of power if he loses to former vice president Joe Biden, though that in itself was a step no previous president has taken. In doing so, he escalated his ongoing attack on mail-in ballots, seeding the ground to contest the election as rigged or fraudulent if he is not the winner and to propel the country into chaos.”
“Perhaps what Trump said merely reflected the mind-set of a president who knows he is running behind in his bid for a second term, one more rhetorical flailing to somehow throw the opposition off balance and to distract from the real reasons for Biden’s lead in the polls. But this close to the election, anything Trump does to question the validity of the count should be regarded as serious and treated as such.”


politicalwire--2020-09-26--‘Was That a Display of Lying, Ignorance or Insanity?’

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


politicalwire--2020-09-26--Two Ex-GOP Lawmakers Endorse Biden

Two Ex-GOP Lawmakers Endorse Biden


politicalwire--2020-09-26--Democrats Will Shift Focus In Supreme Court Fight

Washington Post : “ Several of their recent confirmation battles , as well as their strategy during the impeachment trial @ @ @ @ @ on complaints about how the Senate GOP majority steamrolled the minority party ’ s rights @ @ @ @ @ polling that the public backed the Democratic position , but they lost the bigger battles @ @ @ @ @ from relevance.
” “ Instead , in sync with Joe Biden ’ s presidential campaign @ @ @ @ @ their successful 2017 fight to preserve the Affordable Care Act , which peeled off enough @ @ @ @ @ ’ s bid to repeal the health law .
They remain skeptical of defeating this @ @ @ @ @ be Judge Amy Coney Barrett , but Democrats believe this policy-focused message could propel them @ @ @ @ @ November elections .
”

Washington Post: “Several of their recent confirmation battles, as well as their strategy during the impeachment trial of President Trump, focused on complaints about how the Senate GOP majority steamrolled the minority party’s rights. This process-centric approach produced polling that the public backed the Democratic position, but they lost the bigger battles and the issue often faded from relevance.”
“Instead, in sync with Joe Biden’s presidential campaign, Democrats want to replicate their successful 2017 fight to preserve the Affordable Care Act, which peeled off enough GOP senators to defeat Trump’s bid to repeal the health law. They remain skeptical of defeating this particular nominee, expected to be Judge Amy Coney Barrett, but Democrats believe this policy-focused message could propel them to big wins in the November elections.”


politicalwire--2020-09-26--Philadelphia Treasurer Faked His Marriage


politicalwire--2020-09-27--Trump Lowers Debate Bar for Biden

Trump Lowers Debate Bar for Biden

“ President Trump has framed the first general election debate as a test for his opponent , former Vice President @ @ @ @ @ New York Times reports .
“ Yet he has simultaneously set the bar so low @ @ @ @ @ of his supporters — having watched unflattering , often manipulated clips of Mr. Biden in @ @ @ @ @ Fox News — are now expecting the president to mop the floor with an incoherent @ @ @ @ @ W.W.E .
match.
” “ Democrats — and even some Republicans — believe that is @ @ @ @ @ ”

“President Trump has framed the first general election debate as a test for his opponent, former Vice President Joe Biden,” the New York Times reports.
“Yet he has simultaneously set the bar so low for so long that many of his supporters — having watched unflattering, often manipulated clips of Mr. Biden in Trump campaign advertisements or on Fox News — are now expecting the president to mop the floor with an incoherent opponent in something resembling a W.W.E. match.”
“Democrats — and even some Republicans — believe that is not likely to happen.”


politicalwire--2020-09-27--U.S. Reports Over 55,000 New Coronavirus Cases

The United States reported 55,054 new coronavirus cases on Friday , according to Johns Hopkins University data .
Axios : @ @ @ @ @ single-day increase since August 14 , when the country reported 64,350 new cases over a @ @ @ @ @ that the U.S. has yet to contain the spread of the virus .
”

The United States reported 55,054 new coronavirus cases on Friday, according to Johns Hopkins University data.
Axios: “It was the highest single-day increase since August 14, when the country reported 64,350 new cases over a 24-hour span, and suggests that the U.S. has yet to contain the spread of the virus.”


politicalwire--2020-09-27--Brain-Eating Amoeba Found in Texas Water Supply


politicalwire--2020-09-27--Biden Maintains Big Lead Nationally

Biden Maintains Big Lead Nationally

A new Washington Post-ABC News poll finds Joe Biden leading Donald Trump nationally among registered voters , 53 % to @ @ @ @ @ in the election has climbed to near-record levels , with nearly 6 in 10 registered @ @ @ @ @ the election “ very closely , ” higher than any in other presidential election at @ @ @ @ @ dating back to 2000.
” A new New York Times/Siena poll finds Biden leading 49 @ @ @ @ @

A new Washington Post-ABC News poll finds Joe Biden leading Donald Trump nationally among registered voters, 53% to 43%.
“Interest in the election has climbed to near-record levels, with nearly 6 in 10 registered voters saying they are following the election “very closely,” higher than any in other presidential election at this time in the cycle dating back to 2000.”
A new New York Times/Siena poll finds Biden leading 49% to 41%.


politicalwire--2020-09-27--Trump Spent Year Building Legal Network

Trump Spent Year Building Legal Network

“ A year before President Trump alarmed Americans with talk of disputing elections last week , his team started building @ @ @ @ @ do just that , ” Politico reports .
“ Dozens of lawyers from three major @ @ @ @ @ .
Thousands of volunteer attorneys and poll watchers across the country have been recruited .
@ @ @ @ @ pleadings that can be hurried to the courthouse the day after the election , as @ @ @ @ @ and a crush of mail-in ballots .
Attorneys from non-battleground states , including California , @ @ @ @ @ are being dispatched to more competitive areas and trained on local election laws .
”

“A year before President Trump alarmed Americans with talk of disputing elections last week, his team started building a massive legal network to do just that,” Politico reports.
“Dozens of lawyers from three major law firms have been hired. Thousands of volunteer attorneys and poll watchers across the country have been recruited. Republicans are preparing pre-written legal pleadings that can be hurried to the courthouse the day after the election, as wrangling begins over close results and a crush of mail-in ballots. Attorneys from non-battleground states, including California, New York and Illinois, are being dispatched to more competitive areas and trained on local election laws.”


politicalwire--2020-09-27--Trump Confounds Aides In Run Up to Debate

ABC News : “ With days to go the debate , Trump has carried out conflicting and confounding strategies both @ @ @ @ @ mental acuity , claiming at a recent rally he doesn ’ t know he ’ @ @ @ @ @ making passing attempts to boost the former vice president as a seasoned debater who could @ @ @ @ @ a campaign rally Saturday night in Pennsylvania , the president both attacked Biden as ‘ @ @ @ @ @ him as an experienced debater.
” Said Trump : “ He ’ s a dumb @ @ @ @ @ a dumb guy .
But we look forward to seeing him in the debate .
@ @ @ @ @ lot more experience .
He ’ s got 47 years .
I ’ ve got @ @ @ @ @ we ’ ll see .
But he ’ s got 47 years of experience .
@

ABC News: “With days to go the debate, Trump has carried out conflicting and confounding strategies both repeatedly targeting Biden’s mental acuity, claiming at a recent rally he doesn’t know he’s alive, while also making passing attempts to boost the former vice president as a seasoned debater who could outshine him.”
“At a campaign rally Saturday night in Pennsylvania, the president both attacked Biden as ‘dumb’ before immediately lauding him as an experienced debater.”
Said Trump: “He’s a dumb guy. Always known as a dumb guy. But we look forward to seeing him in the debate. He’s got a lot more experience. He’s got 47 years. I’ve got 3 1/2 years. So we’ll see. But he’s got 47 years of experience.”


politicalwire--2020-09-28--Brad Parscale Hospitalized After 911 Call

“ A tense situation unfolded at a home owned by Brad Parscale , the former campaign manager for President Trump @ @ @ @ @ after his wife called police to say that Parscale had guns and was threatening to @ @ @ @ @ police said Sunday night , ” the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports .
“ The @ @ @ @ @ wife , went to the house in the Seven Isles community , an affluent area @ @ @ @ @ access to the water .
They made contact , ‘ developed a rapport ’ and @ @ @ @ @ house .
”

“A tense situation unfolded at a home owned by Brad Parscale, the former campaign manager for President Trump’s reelection campaign, after his wife called police to say that Parscale had guns and was threatening to harm himself, Fort Lauderdale police said Sunday night,” the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.
“The police, called by his wife, went to the house in the Seven Isles community, an affluent area in which the houses have access to the water. They made contact, ‘developed a rapport’ and negotiated his exit from the house.”


politicalwire--2020-09-27--Key Takeaways from Trump’s Leaked Tax Records

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This piece is only available to Political Wire members.
In a bombshell story, the New York Times has obtained President Trump’s tax returns and other financial information for more than two decades, including detailed information from his first two years in office.


politicalwire--2020-09-27--Trump’s Tax Returns Leaked

Trump’s Tax Returns Leaked

The New York Times obtained President Trump ’ s tax information “ extending over more than two decades , revealing struggling properties , vast write-offs , an audit battle and hundreds of millions in debt coming due.
” Key takeaway : “ He had paid no income taxes at all in 10 of the previous 15 years — largely because he reported losing much more money than he made.
” “ As the president wages a re-election campaign that polls say he is in danger of losing , his finances are under stress , beset by losses and hundreds of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that he has personally guaranteed .
Also hanging over him is a decade-long audit battle with the Internal Revenue Service over the legitimacy of a $ 72.9 million tax refund that he claimed , and received , after declaring huge losses .
An adverse ruling could cost him more than $ 100 million.
” “ The tax returns that Mr. Trump has long fought to keep private tell a story fundamentally different from the one he has sold to the American public .
His reports to the I.R.S .
portray a businessman who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a year yet racks up chronic losses that he aggressively employs to avoid paying taxes .
Now , with his financial challenges mounting , the records show that he depends more and more on making money from businesses that put him in potential and often direct conflict of interest with his job as president .
”

The New York Times obtained President Trump’s tax information “extending over more than two decades, revealing struggling properties, vast write-offs, an audit battle and hundreds of millions in debt coming due.”
Key takeaway: “He had paid no income taxes at all in 10 of the previous 15 years — largely because he reported losing much more money than he made.”
“As the president wages a re-election campaign that polls say he is in danger of losing, his finances are under stress, beset by losses and hundreds of millions of dollars in debt coming due that he has personally guaranteed. Also hanging over him is a decade-long audit battle with the Internal Revenue Service over the legitimacy of a $72.9 million tax refund that he claimed, and received, after declaring huge losses. An adverse ruling could cost him more than $100 million.”
“The tax returns that Mr. Trump has long fought to keep private tell a story fundamentally different from the one he has sold to the American public. His reports to the I.R.S. portray a businessman who takes in hundreds of millions of dollars a year yet racks up chronic losses that he aggressively employs to avoid paying taxes. Now, with his financial challenges mounting, the records show that he depends more and more on making money from businesses that put him in potential and often direct conflict of interest with his job as president.”


politicalwire--2020-09-27--Ted Cruz Rebuffed Supreme Court Overture

In One Vote Away : How a Single Supreme Court Seat Can Change History , out this week , Sen. @ @ @ @ @ said he told President Trump at the start of the administration he was not interested @ @ @ @ @ Supreme Court , Axios reports .
Writes Cruz : “ Though I hold judges in @ @ @ @ @ ’ s a simple reason why I don ’ t want to be a judge @ @ @ @ @ of policy and political fights… .
But I don ’ t want to stay out @ @ @ @ @ .
I want to lead them .
”

In One Vote Away: How a Single Supreme Court Seat Can Change History, out this week, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) said he told President Trump at the start of the administration he was not interested in being appointed to the Supreme Court, Axios reports.
Writes Cruz: “Though I hold judges in the highest esteem, there’s a simple reason why I don’t want to be a judge: principled judges stay out of policy and political fights…. But I don’t want to stay out of policy and political fights. I want to lead them.”


politicalwire--2020-09-27--U.S. Tells Iraq It’s Planning to Leave Embassy

“ The United States has told the Iraqi government and its diplomatic partners that it ’ s planning a full @ @ @ @ @ in Baghdad unless Iraq reins in attacks on personnel linked to the American presence there @ @ @ @ @ officials said caught them by surprise , ” the Washington Post reports .

“The United States has told the Iraqi government and its diplomatic partners that it’s planning a full withdrawal from its sprawling embassy in Baghdad unless Iraq reins in attacks on personnel linked to the American presence there — a move that Iraqi officials said caught them by surprise,” the Washington Post reports.


politicalwire--2020-09-27--How to Debate Someone Who Lies

How to Debate Someone Who Lies

Richard Friedman : “ As a psychiatrist , I ’ d like to offer Mr. Biden some advice : Don @ @ @ @ @ fact-checking the president .
If you attempt to counter every falsehood or distortion that Mr. @ @ @ @ @ will cede control of the debate .
And , by trying to correct him , @ @ @ @ @ misinformation rather than undermine it .
( Research shows that trying to correct a falsehood @ @ @ @ @ reinforcing the original lie . )
” “ Instead , Mr. Biden should use more @ @ @ @ @ Mr. Trump on the defensive — and also tell the audience that the president is @ @ @ @ @ The first weapon may be the most effective : humor and ridicule .
”

Richard Friedman: “As a psychiatrist, I’d like to offer Mr. Biden some advice: Don’t waste your time fact-checking the president. If you attempt to counter every falsehood or distortion that Mr. Trump serves up, you will cede control of the debate. And, by trying to correct him, you will paradoxically strengthen the misinformation rather than undermine it. (Research shows that trying to correct a falsehood with truth can backfire by reinforcing the original lie.)”
“Instead, Mr. Biden should use more powerful weapons that will put Mr. Trump on the defensive — and also tell the audience that the president is a dishonest narrator.”
“The first weapon may be the most effective: humor and ridicule.”


politicalwire--2020-09-27--Ex-Aides Weigh Speaking Out Against Trump

Associated Press : “ Mattis and Coats , like former White House chief of staff John Kelly and former national @ @ @ @ @ , have refrained from more explicit condemnations , often citing a ‘ duty of silence @ @ @ @ @ of military officials staying out of politics.
” “ Efforts to draw them out are @ @ @ @ @ Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen appears disinclined to step forward , there are hopes that former @ @ @ @ @ might be persuaded to comment and that Coats might be urged to say more .
@ @ @ @ @ four-star general , is said to be on the fence and torn about the decision @ @

Associated Press: “Mattis and Coats, like former White House chief of staff John Kelly and former national security adviser H.R. McMaster, have refrained from more explicit condemnations, often citing a ‘duty of silence’ or a long tradition of military officials staying out of politics.”
“Efforts to draw them out are ongoing. While former Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen appears disinclined to step forward, there are hopes that former Secretary of State Rex Tillerson might be persuaded to comment and that Coats might be urged to say more. And Kelly, a retired four-star general, is said to be on the fence and torn about the decision.”


politicalwire--2020-09-27--Biden Plans Train Tour

Biden Plans Train Tour

Bloomberg : “ After the debate , Biden is looking to match some of Trump ’ s frequency of campaign @ @ @ @ @ train tour through Ohio and Pennsylvania , marking his first multi-day swing since March , @ @ @ @ @ with the candidate ’ s travel plans .
”


New Senate Polls

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politicalwire--2020-09-27--Tom Ridge Endorses Biden

Tom Ridge Endorses Biden

Former Pennsylvania Gov .
Tom Ridge ( R ) endorsed Joe Biden for president in a Philadelphia Inquirer op-ed .
@ @ @ @ @ Trump has proven over these last four years he is incapable of such leadership .
@ @ @ @ @ .
He lacks the empathy , integrity , intellect and maturity to lead.
” “ @ @ @ @ @ , racial and religious lines .
And he routinely dismisses the opinions of experts who @ @ @ @ @ subject at hand than he does — intelligence , military , and public health .
@ @ @ @ @ in lives lost , social unrest , economic hardship and our standing in the world @ @

Former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge (R) endorsed Joe Biden for president in a Philadelphia Inquirer op-ed.
Writes Ridge: “Donald Trump has proven over these last four years he is incapable of such leadership. It is not within him. He lacks the empathy, integrity, intellect and maturity to lead.”
“He sows division along political, racial and religious lines. And he routinely dismisses the opinions of experts who know far more about the subject at hand than he does — intelligence, military, and public health. Our country has paid dearly in lives lost, social unrest, economic hardship and our standing in the world.”


politicalwire--2020-09-27--New Battleground State Polls

New Battleground State Polls


politicalwire--2020-09-27--How Trump Tried to Seize Control of His Father’s Estate

Washington Post : “ His creditors threatened to force him into personal bankruptcy , and his first wife , Ivana @ @ @ @ @ dollars ’ in a divorce settlement , Donald Trump said in a deposition .
So @ @ @ @ @ a lawyer to see his father , Fred Trump Sr. , who was told he @ @ @ @ @ document changing the will according to his son ’ s wishes , according to depositions @ @ @ @ @ It was a fragile moment for the senior Trump , who was 85 years old @ @ @ @ @ estate empire worth hundreds of millions of dollars .
He would soon be diagnosed with @ @ @ @ @ being unable to recall things he was told 30 minutes earlier or remember his birth @ @ @ @ @ those records and other sources of information about the episode obtained by The Washington Post @ @ @ @ @ Trump Sr. ’ s cognitive impairment and how Donald ’ s effort to change his @ @ @ @ @ apart the Trump family , which continues to reverberate today .
”

Washington Post: “His creditors threatened to force him into personal bankruptcy, and his first wife, Ivana, wanted ‘a billion dollars’ in a divorce settlement, Donald Trump said in a deposition. So he sent an accountant and a lawyer to see his father, Fred Trump Sr., who was told he needed to immediately sign a document changing the will according to his son’s wishes, according to depositions from family members.”
“It was a fragile moment for the senior Trump, who was 85 years old and had built a real estate empire worth hundreds of millions of dollars. He would soon be diagnosed with cognitive problems, such as being unable to recall things he was told 30 minutes earlier or remember his birth date.”
“Now, those records and other sources of information about the episode obtained by The Washington Post reveal the extent of Fred Trump Sr.’s cognitive impairment and how Donald’s effort to change his father’s will tore apart the Trump family, which continues to reverberate today.”


politicalwire--2020-09-28--Experts See Surge In Coronavirus Cases

Experts See Surge In Coronavirus Cases

The number of reported coronavirus cases shot up by at least 10 percent in 21 U.S. states over the past @ @ @ @ @ that a “ huge surge ” is expected to take off in the next month @ @ @ @

The number of reported coronavirus cases shot up by at least 10 percent in 21 U.S. states over the past week—and experts are now forecasting that a “huge surge” is expected to take off in the next month, CNN reports.


politicalwire--2020-09-28--Redfield Says Trump Adviser Is Pushing False Info

CDC Director Robert Redfield has grown increasingly concerned that President Trump , pushed by a new member of his coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ Atlas , is sharing incorrect information about the pandemic with the public , NBC News @ @ @ @ @ “ Everything he says is false .
”

CDC Director Robert Redfield has grown increasingly concerned that President Trump, pushed by a new member of his coronavirus task force, Dr. Scott Atlas, is sharing incorrect information about the pandemic with the public, NBC News reports.
Said Redfield: “Everything he says is false.”


politicalwire--2020-09-28--Part of Border Wall Is Failing

Part of Border Wall Is Failing

Three former administration officials told 60 Minutes that President Trump “ pressured ” government officials to direct $ 2 billion @ @ @ @ @ and Gravel to build sections of the border wall on private land that engineers say @ @ @ @

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


politicalwire--2020-09-28--Trump Suggested Ivanka as His Running Mate

A new book by 2016 Trump deputy campaign manager Rick Gates claims Donald Trump wanted his daughter , Ivanka , @ @ @ @ @ the Washington Post reports .
“ In Gates ’ s telling , Trump ’ s @ @ @ @ @ ticket his then-34-year-old daughter — a fashion and real estate executive who had never held @ @ @ @ @ passing fancy.
” “ Instead , he brought up the idea repeatedly over the following @ @ @ @ @ his campaign staff on the idea , insisting she would be embraced by the Republican @ @ @ @ @ ”

A new book by 2016 Trump deputy campaign manager Rick Gates claims Donald Trump wanted his daughter, Ivanka, as his running mate, the Washington Post reports.
“In Gates’s telling, Trump’s suggestion of naming to the ticket his then-34-year-old daughter — a fashion and real estate executive who had never held elected office — was no passing fancy.”
“Instead, he brought up the idea repeatedly over the following weeks, trying to sell his campaign staff on the idea, insisting she would be embraced by the Republican base, Gates writes.”


politicalwire--2020-09-28--Pelosi Mobilizes Democrats In Case House Decides Election

“ Speaker Nancy Pelosi has begun mobilizing Democrats for the possibility that neither Joe Biden nor President Trump will win @ @ @ @ @ , a once-in-a-century phenomenon that would send the fate of the presidency to the House @ @ @ @ @ ” Politico reports .
“ Under that scenario , which hasn ’ t happened since @ @ @ @ @ s delegation gets a single vote .
Who receives that vote is determined by an @ @ @ @ @ in the delegation .
This means the presidency may not be decided by the party @ @ @ @ @ but by the one that controls more state delegations in the chamber .
And right @ @ @ @ @ delegations to Democrats ’ 22 , with Pennsylvania tied and Michigan a 7-6 plurality for @ @ @ @ @ seat held by independent Justin Amash.
” “ A battle inside the House could be @ @ @ @ @ bare-knuckled than Trump and Senate Republicans pushing through a Supreme Court nominee days before the @ @ @

“Speaker Nancy Pelosi has begun mobilizing Democrats for the possibility that neither Joe Biden nor President Trump will win an outright Electoral College victory, a once-in-a-century phenomenon that would send the fate of the presidency to the House of Representatives to decide,” Politico reports.
“Under that scenario, which hasn’t happened since 1876, every state’s delegation gets a single vote. Who receives that vote is determined by an internal tally of each lawmaker in the delegation. This means the presidency may not be decided by the party that controls the House itself but by the one that controls more state delegations in the chamber. And right now, Republicans control 26 delegations to Democrats’ 22, with Pennsylvania tied and Michigan a 7-6 plurality for Democrats, with a 14th seat held by independent Justin Amash.”
“A battle inside the House could be brutal, even more politically bare-knuckled than Trump and Senate Republicans pushing through a Supreme Court nominee days before the election.”


politicalwire--2020-09-28--Another Judge Bars Postal Service Delivery Cuts

“ A third federal judge on Sunday ordered the U.S .
Postal Service to halt changes that have delayed mail @ @ @ @ @ latest judicial rebuke to unilateral service cuts that critics allege would suppress mail-in voting in @ @ @ @ @ ” the Washington Post reports .


politicalwire--2020-09-28--Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day

“ Trump ’ s titanic financial losses confirm that while he campaigned as a so-called brilliant financial wizard , Trump @ @ @ @ @ fraud and perhaps the worst businessman in the world.
” — Rep. Bill Pascrel ( @ @ @ @ @ the Washington Post , on President Trump ’ s tax returns leaked to the New @ @ @

“Trump’s titanic financial losses confirm that while he campaigned as a so-called brilliant financial wizard, Trump is a cheat, a fraud and perhaps the worst businessman in the world.”
— Rep. Bill Pascrel (D-NJ), quoted by the Washington Post, on President Trump’s tax returns leaked to the New York Times.


politicalwire--2020-09-28--How Trump Is Preparing for the Debates

How Trump Is Preparing for the Debates

“ President Trump has been practicing with flashcards and prepping with former New Jersey Gov .
Chris Christie before Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ ” Axios reports .
“ Top aides tell Axios he ’ s been testing his @ @ @ @ @ for weeks , seeing what ignites his crowds or falls flat .
One of the @ @ @ @ @ drive home is his ‘ tough guy ’ persona , which advisers see as an @ @ @ @ @ states .
”

“President Trump has been practicing with flashcards and prepping with former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie before Tuesday’s presidential debate,” Axios reports.
“Top aides tell Axios he’s been testing his attacks on the campaign trail for weeks, seeing what ignites his crowds or falls flat. One of the biggest themes Trump plans to drive home is his ‘tough guy’ persona, which advisers see as an advantage with voters in key states.”


politicalwire--2020-09-28--Trump Still on Defense with 5 Weeks to Go

“ The presidential battleground has shifted on the margins five weeks before Election Day , with President Trump still on @ @ @ @ @ Democratic nominee Joe Biden is fought almost entirely in places that Trump won in 2016 @ @ @ @ @ reports .
“ Of the 13 states where Biden spent money on television last week @ @ @ @ @ s head of paid media Patrick Bonsignore , only three — Minnesota , New Hampshire @ @ @ @ @ by Hillary Clinton four years ago .
Of the 12 states where Trump is spending @ @ @ @ @ Nevada are places that he won in 2016 .
”

“The presidential battleground has shifted on the margins five weeks before Election Day, with President Trump still on defense as the contest with Democratic nominee Joe Biden is fought almost entirely in places that Trump won in 2016,” the Washington Post reports.
“Of the 13 states where Biden spent money on television last week, according to Biden’s head of paid media Patrick Bonsignore, only three — Minnesota, New Hampshire and Nevada — were won by Hillary Clinton four years ago. Of the 12 states where Trump is spending, all but Minnesota and Nevada are places that he won in 2016.”


politicalwire--2020-09-28--Brad Parscale Hospitalized After Suicide Attempt

“ A tense situation unfolded at a home owned by Brad Parscale , the former campaign manager for President Trump @ @ @ @ @ after his wife called police to say that Parscale had guns and was threatening to @ @ @ @ @ police said Sunday night , ” the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports .
“ The @ @ @ @ @ wife , went to the house in the Seven Isles community , an affluent area @ @ @ @ @ access to the water .
They made contact , ‘ developed a rapport ’ and @ @ @ @ @ house .
”

“A tense situation unfolded at a home owned by Brad Parscale, the former campaign manager for President Trump’s reelection campaign, after his wife called police to say that Parscale had guns and was threatening to harm himself, Fort Lauderdale police said Sunday night,” the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.
“The police, called by his wife, went to the house in the Seven Isles community, an affluent area in which the houses have access to the water. They made contact, ‘developed a rapport’ and negotiated his exit from the house.”


politicalwire--2020-09-29--Coronavirus Deaths Pass One Million Worldwide

New York Times : “ In the 10 months since a mysterious pneumonia began striking residents of Wuhan , China @ @ @ @ @ than one million people worldwide as of Monday — an agonizing toll compiled from official @ @ @ @ @ far understates how many have really died.
” Axios : “ More than half of @ @ @ @ @ four countries : the U.S. ( 204,762 ) , Brazil ( 141,741 ) , India @ @ @ @ @ ( 76,430 ) .
The true global death toll is likely far higher .
”

New York Times: “In the 10 months since a mysterious pneumonia began striking residents of Wuhan, China, Covid-19 has killed more than one million people worldwide as of Monday — an agonizing toll compiled from official counts, yet one that far understates how many have really died.”
Axios: “More than half of those deaths have come in four countries: the U.S. (204,762), Brazil (141,741), India (95,542) and Mexico (76,430). The true global death toll is likely far higher.”


politicalwire--2020-09-29--White House Pressured CDC on School Openings

“ Top White House officials pressured the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention this summer to downplay the risk of @ @ @ @ @ , a strikingly political intervention in one of the most sensitive public health debates of @ @ @ @ @ New York Times reports .
“ As part of their behind-the-scenes effort , White House @ @ @ @ @ the CDC in a search for alternate data showing that the pandemic was weakening and @ @ @ @ @ .
”

“Top White House officials pressured the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention this summer to downplay the risk of sending children back to school, a strikingly political intervention in one of the most sensitive public health debates of the pandemic,” the New York Times reports.
“As part of their behind-the-scenes effort, White House officials also tried to circumvent the CDC in a search for alternate data showing that the pandemic was weakening and posed little danger to children.”


politicalwire--2020-09-29--Pennsylvania GOP Asks Justices to Halt Ballot Extension

Pennsylvania Republicans asked the U.S. Supreme Court to halt a major state court ruling that extended the deadlines for mail-in @ @ @ @ @ the election , the Allentown Morning Call reports .
Axios : “ It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ the Supreme Court since the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg , and could decide @ @ @ @ @ ballots in a crucial swing state that President Trump won in 2016 .
What the @ @ @ @ @ it would deal with similar election-related litigation in other states .
”

Pennsylvania Republicans asked the U.S. Supreme Court to halt a major state court ruling that extended the deadlines for mail-in ballots to several days after the election, the Allentown Morning Call reports.
Axios: “It’s the first election-related test for the Supreme Court since the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and could decide the fate of thousands of ballots in a crucial swing state that President Trump won in 2016. What the court decides could signal how it would deal with similar election-related litigation in other states.”


politicalwire--2020-09-29--GOP Silent on Trump’s Tax Avoidance

GOP Silent on Trump’s Tax Avoidance

“ Republican lawmakers reacted with nearly complete silence on Monday to a New York Times investigation that revealed President Trump @ @ @ @ @ federal income taxes in 2016 and 2017 and that he oversees a network of businesses @ @ @ @ @ and losing hundreds of millions of dollars , ” the New York Times reports .

“Republican lawmakers reacted with nearly complete silence on Monday to a New York Times investigation that revealed President Trump paid just $750 in federal income taxes in 2016 and 2017 and that he oversees a network of businesses that are riddled with debt and losing hundreds of millions of dollars,” the New York Times reports.


politicalwire--2020-09-28--Trump Is Nowhere Near as Rich as He Claims

Daniel Shaviro looks at President Trump tax information as reported by the New York Times and concludes he is not @ @ @ @ @ .
“ The impending financial liabilities , and selling off of assets ( plus taking @ @ @ @ @ keep the cash flowing is only one reason for concluding that , as a matter @ @ @ @ @ distinct , from say , lifestyle ) , Trump does not appear to be rich @ @ @ @ @ 2000 to 2018 , his net profit from assets – his own businesses , plus @ @ @ @ @ others – is only $ 4.2 million ( the excess of his investment gains over @ @ @ @ @ ” “ This is about $ 220,000 per year .
Just as a very general @ @ @ @ @ were earning $ 220,000 per year from assets that offered , say , a regular @ @ @ @ @ that would imply that you were worth only $ 5.5 million .
”

Daniel Shaviro looks at President Trump tax information as reported by the New York Times and concludes he is not as rich as he claims.
“The impending financial liabilities, and selling off of assets (plus taking out of loans) to keep the cash flowing is only one reason for concluding that, as a matter of net worth (as distinct, from say, lifestyle), Trump does not appear to be rich. Consider that, from 2000 to 2018, his net profit from assets – his own businesses, plus investments in businesses run by others – is only $4.2 million (the excess of his investment gains over his business losses).”
“This is about $220,000 per year. Just as a very general ballpark comparison, if you were earning $220,000 per year from assets that offered, say, a regular 4 percent annual return, that would imply that you were worth only $5.5 million.”


politicalwire--2020-09-28--Most Don’t Expect to Know Winner on Election Night

A new Politico/Morning Consult poll found that just 20 % of voters said that they believed the winner of the @ @ @ @ @ on election night , while 66 % said they expect it to happen sometime later @

A new Politico/Morning Consult poll found that just 20% of voters said that they believed the winner of the presidential election will be called on election night, while 66% said they expect it to happen sometime later.


More Battleground Polls

Daniel Shaviro looks at President Trump tax information as reported by the New York Times and concludes he is not @ @ @ @ @ .
“ The impending financial liabilities , and…


politicalwire--2020-09-28--Police Release Footage of Parscale Being Tackled by SWAT


politicalwire--2020-09-28--Trump Campaign Accused of ‘Laundering’ $170 Million

“ The Campaign Legal Center , a nonpartisan campaign finance watchdog group , filed a complaint with the Federal Elections @ @ @ @ @ campaign of ‘ laundering ’ $ 170 million through numerous companies , some with connections @ @ @ @ @ Brad Parscale , ” Forbes reports .
“ The complaint alleges that the Trump campaign @ @ @ @ @ campaign-connected vendors without reporting those payments to the FEC , specifically honing in on American @ @ @ @ @ firm created by Parscale , which has been paid over $ 106 million , making @ @ @ @ @ .
”

“The Campaign Legal Center, a nonpartisan campaign finance watchdog group, filed a complaint with the Federal Elections Commission Tuesday accusing the Trump campaign of ‘laundering’ $170 million through numerous companies, some with connections to former Trump campaign manager Brad Parscale,” Forbes reports.
“The complaint alleges that the Trump campaign paid millions of dollars to campaign-connected vendors without reporting those payments to the FEC, specifically honing in on American Made Media Consultants, a firm created by Parscale, which has been paid over $106 million, making it the campaigns largest vendor.”


politicalwire--2020-09-28--GOP Fraud Claims Viewed Skeptically by Courts

A review by the Washington Post of nearly 90 state and federal voting lawsuits “ found that judges have been @ @ @ @ @ claims of voter fraud to argue against such changes , declining to endorse the GOP @ @ @ @ @ them as they examined limits on mail voting.
” “ In no case did a @ @ @ @ @ s view — refuted by experts — that fraud is a problem significant enough to @ @ @ @ @ ”

A review by the Washington Post of nearly 90 state and federal voting lawsuits “found that judges have been broadly skeptical as Republicans use claims of voter fraud to argue against such changes, declining to endorse the GOP’s arguments or dismissing them as they examined limits on mail voting.”
“In no case did a judge back President Trump’s view — refuted by experts — that fraud is a problem significant enough to sway a presidential election.”


politicalwire--2020-09-28--QAnon Goes to Washington

QAnon Goes to Washington

New York Magazine : “ There will be 24 QAnon candidates on the federal ballot in November — 22 of @ @ @ @ @ .
And while Marjorie Taylor Greene is by far the most prominent of them , @ @ @ @ @ , she looks less like an outlier than like the vanguard of a new faction @ @ @ @ @ an even worse partisan epistemological muddle than the one the country has become distressingly accustomed @ @ @ @ @ .
As any Q disciple can tell you , there ’ s no such thing @ @ @ @ @

New York Magazine: “There will be 24 QAnon candidates on the federal ballot in November — 22 of them Republicans and two Democrats. And while Marjorie Taylor Greene is by far the most prominent of them, and the likeliest to win, she looks less like an outlier than like the vanguard of a new faction in American politics, heralding an even worse partisan epistemological muddle than the one the country has become distressingly accustomed to over the past decade. As any Q disciple can tell you, there’s no such thing as a fluke.”


politicalwire--2020-09-28--Trump Could Be Facing Bankruptcy

Trump Could Be Facing Bankruptcy

Michael Cohen told MSNBC that President Trump could be “ very realistically facing a potential bankruptcy ” but “ the @ @ @ @ @ see is that he ’ ll find some corrupt foreign entity to help him out @ @ @ @ @


Murders Are Rising

New York Times : “ Violent crime is expected to be addressed during the first presidential debate Tuesday , and @ @ @ @ @ ‘ Democrat cities ’ for not doing enough to stop it … A deeper dive @ @ @ @ @ data paints a more complicated picture than the party-driven explanation President Trump and the Department @ @ @ @ @ More cities are run by Democratic mayors than by Republican ones , but murder is @ @ @ @ @ regardless of a mayor ’ s political party.
” “ What is clear is that @ @ @ @ @ wide swath of America — irrespective of ruling political party and of designations of ‘ @ @ @ @ @ other types of crime are generally flat or falling .
”

New York Times: “Violent crime is expected to be addressed during the first presidential debate Tuesday, and President Trump has long attacked ‘Democrat cities’ for not doing enough to stop it … A deeper dive into publicly available 2020 crime data paints a more complicated picture than the party-driven explanation President Trump and the Department of Justice have offered. More cities are run by Democratic mayors than by Republican ones, but murder is rising pretty much everywhere, regardless of a mayor’s political party.”
“What is clear is that murder is rising across a wide swath of America — irrespective of ruling political party and of designations of ‘anarchist’ havens — while other types of crime are generally flat or falling.”


politicalwire--2020-09-28--Palin Hints She May Challenge Murkowski

Palin Hints She May Challenge Murkowski

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


politicalwire--2020-09-28--Why the Leak of Trump’s Taxes Matters

Why the Leak of Trump’s Taxes Matters

David Frum : “ First , it melts Trump ’ s support a little more .
Trump ’ s hopes for 2020 depended on fantastic overperformance with white voters without college degrees .
He ’ s lost so much support elsewhere that he must hold every last member of his core group .
He doesn ’ t need to decline much among these voters to convert any faint hope of success into certainty of disaster.
” “ Second , and perhaps more important , the ink-on-paper confirmation of Trump ’ s indebtedness , tax dodging , and all-around crookedness will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ His political project through the pandemic has been to mess with his opponents by hurling one crazy distraction after another .
Now , suddenly , it ’ s his own decision loop that has been disrupted .
On the preexisting trajectory of the 2020 campaign , Trump was going to lose—and probably lose big .
He needed something to happen either to help him or , more plausibly , to push the Biden camp into some mistake or misstep .
Now the banana peels have been dumped beneath his own feet .
”

David Frum: “First, it melts Trump’s support a little more. Trump’s hopes for 2020 depended on fantastic overperformance with white voters without college degrees. He’s lost so much support elsewhere that he must hold every last member of his core group. He doesn’t need to decline much among these voters to convert any faint hope of success into certainty of disaster.”
“Second, and perhaps more important, the ink-on-paper confirmation of Trump’s indebtedness, tax dodging, and all-around crookedness will get into Trump’s head. His political project through the pandemic has been to mess with his opponents by hurling one crazy distraction after another. Now, suddenly, it’s his own decision loop that has been disrupted. On the preexisting trajectory of the 2020 campaign, Trump was going to lose—and probably lose big. He needed something to happen either to help him or, more plausibly, to push the Biden camp into some mistake or misstep. Now the banana peels have been dumped beneath his own feet.”


politicalwire--2020-09-28--Neo-Nazi Podcaster Found Guilty of Extortion


politicalwire--2020-09-28--Why the First Debate Could Be Important

Why the First Debate Could Be Important

Politico : “ Tuesday night ’ s debate might be the last chance for Donald Trump and Joe Biden to @ @ @ @ @ swing-state voters who will decide the election : By the second debate in mid-October , @ @ @ @ @ already cast their ballots through early voting.
” “ It ’ s why both campaigns @ @ @ @ @ marked on their calendars .
A big night for Trump or a bad night for @ @ @ @ @ of a race that ’ s barely budged during months of nationwide upheaval.
” Said @ @ @ @ @ “ This debate will be watched by the country as though it ’ s tuning @ @ @ @ @ ”

Politico: “Tuesday night’s debate might be the last chance for Donald Trump and Joe Biden to command the collective attention of swing-state voters who will decide the election: By the second debate in mid-October, many of them will have already cast their ballots through early voting.”
“It’s why both campaigns have long had Sept. 29 marked on their calendars. A big night for Trump or a bad night for Biden could alter the trajectory of a race that’s barely budged during months of nationwide upheaval.”
Said GOP strategist Mari Will: “This debate will be watched by the country as though it’s tuning into the Super Bowl.”


politicalwire--2020-09-28--Pelosi Says White House Has to Offer More on Relief

“ Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the White House will have to agree to ‘ much more ’ spending for a @ @ @ @ @ there is any hope of striking a deal before the election , ” Bloomberg reports @ @ @ @ @ talked with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin on Sunday and plans to discuss the stimulus with @ @ @ @ @ She held out hopes that they still can find a way to bridge the roughly @ @ @ @ @ them on a plan to bolster the economy .
”

“Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the White House will have to agree to ‘much more’ spending for a fresh round of stimulus if there is any hope of striking a deal before the election,” Bloomberg reports.
“Pelosi said she talked with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin on Sunday and plans to discuss the stimulus with him again on Monday. She held out hopes that they still can find a way to bridge the roughly $1 trillion gap between them on a plan to bolster the economy.”


politicalwire--2020-09-28--Fauci Says Florida Governor Making a Big Mistake

Dr. Anthony Fauci told ABC News “ that is very concerning ” that Florida Gov .
Ron DeSantis ( R @ @ @ @ @ restrictions on businesses statewide , despite the state still battling a 10 % test-positivity rate @ @ @ @ @ That is something we really need to be careful about because when you ’ re @ @ @ @ @ you have the kind of congregate setting where people get together , particularly without masks @ @ @ @ @ asking for trouble .
”

Dr. Anthony Fauci told ABC News “that is very concerning” that Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) said he would lift restrictions on businesses statewide, despite the state still battling a 10% test-positivity rate.
Said Fauci: “That is something we really need to be careful about because when you’re dealing with community spread and you have the kind of congregate setting where people get together, particularly without masks, you’re really asking for trouble.”


politicalwire--2020-09-28--Lewandowski Says John Kelly Shoved Him Against Wall

Former Trump campaign manager Corey Lewandowski writes in his new book that he and White House chief of staff John @ @ @ @ @ outside the Oval Office in February 2018 , the Daily Mail reports .
“ Lewandowski @ @ @ @ @ Kelly was annoyed by his close relationship with President Trump and restricted his access to @ @ @ @ @ exploded and Kelly came running and grabbed Lewandowski and pushed him up against the Oval @ @ @ @ @ .
”

Former Trump campaign manager Corey Lewandowski writes in his new book that he and White House chief of staff John Kelly nearly came to blows outside the Oval Office in February 2018, the Daily Mail reports.
“Lewandowski claims that ‘gate-keeper’ Kelly was annoyed by his close relationship with President Trump and restricted his access to the White House… The tension exploded and Kelly came running and grabbed Lewandowski and pushed him up against the Oval Office’s outside wall.”


politicalwire--2020-09-29--Word of the Day

Word of the Day

The New York Times dropped the next installment of its series on President Trump ’ s leaked tax returns .
@ @ @ @ @ The Apprentice is by now well known , the president ’ s…


politicalwire--2020-09-29--Sully Savages Trump In New Ad

Sully Savages Trump In New Ad

Chesley “ Sully ” Sullenberger , who famously landed an airliner on the Hudson River in 2009 , cut a @ @ @ @ @ Project saying President Trump “ has failed us so miserably.
” Said Sullenberger : “ @ @ @ @ @ called to my moment .
Now we are all called to this moment .
”

Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger, who famously landed an airliner on the Hudson River in 2009, cut a new ad for the Lincoln Project saying President Trump “has failed us so miserably.”
Said Sullenberger: “Eleven years ago I was called to my moment. Now we are all called to this moment.”


politicalwire--2020-09-29--Trump Secretly Mocks His Christian Supporters

McKay Coppins : “ The president ’ s alliance with religious conservatives has long been premised on the contention that @ @ @ @ @ while Democrats hold them in disdain .
In speeches and interviews , Trump routinely lavishes @ @ @ @ @ casting himself as their champion .
‘ My administration will never stop fighting for Americans @ @ @ @ @ declared at a rally for evangelicals earlier this year .
It ’ s a message @ @ @ @ @ amplify in the coming weeks as Republicans work to confirm Amy Coney Barrett—a devout , @ @ @ @ @ ” “ But in private , many of Trump ’ s comments about religion are @ @ @ @ @ , according to people who have worked for him .
Former aides told me they @ @ @ @ @ conservative religious leaders , dismiss various faith groups with cartoonish stereotypes , and deride certain @ @ @ @ @ by many of the Americans who constitute his base .
”

McKay Coppins: “The president’s alliance with religious conservatives has long been premised on the contention that he takes them seriously, while Democrats hold them in disdain. In speeches and interviews, Trump routinely lavishes praise on conservative Christians, casting himself as their champion. ‘My administration will never stop fighting for Americans of faith,’ he declared at a rally for evangelicals earlier this year. It’s a message his campaign will seek to amplify in the coming weeks as Republicans work to confirm Amy Coney Barrett—a devout, conservative Catholic—to the Supreme Court.”
“But in private, many of Trump’s comments about religion are marked by cynicism and contempt, according to people who have worked for him. Former aides told me they’ve heard Trump ridicule conservative religious leaders, dismiss various faith groups with cartoonish stereotypes, and deride certain rites and doctrines held sacred by many of the Americans who constitute his base.”


politicalwire--2020-09-29--Giuliani Claims Biden Has Dementia

Giuliani Claims Biden Has Dementia


politicalwire--2020-09-29--Support for Brexit is Collapsing

Support for Brexit is Collapsing

A new YouGov poll finds 50 % now believe Britain was wrong to leave the European Union , the highest @ @ @ @ @ recorded since it began asking the question .
By contrast , just 39 % of @ @ @ @ @ right to leave the EU .

A new YouGov poll finds 50% now believe Britain was wrong to leave the European Union, the highest figure the polling company has recorded since it began asking the question.
By contrast, just 39% of people said that Britain was right to leave the EU.


politicalwire--2020-09-29--Debate Is Trump’s Last Chance to Define Biden

Associated Press : “ The president ’ s attacks on Biden have been scattershot and inconsistent , frustrating some Republicans @ @ @ @ @ repeated opportunities to define his rival .
His efforts to move past the coronavirus pandemic @ @ @ @ @ as more favorable for his reelection prospects , including law enforcement and the economy , @ @ @ @ @ voters that the public health crisis is any less of a concern or that his @ @ @ @ @ been effective.
” “ Even Trump ’ s rollout of Judge Amy Coney Barrett as @ @ @ @ @ Saturday , a pick aimed at energizing conservative voters , was overshadowed the very next @ @ @ @ @ The New York Times about his personal finances .
”

Associated Press: “The president’s attacks on Biden have been scattershot and inconsistent, frustrating some Republicans who believe he has squandered repeated opportunities to define his rival. His efforts to move past the coronavirus pandemic and onto issues he views as more favorable for his reelection prospects, including law enforcement and the economy, have failed to convince many voters that the public health crisis is any less of a concern or that his leadership during the pandemic has been effective.”
“Even Trump’s rollout of Judge Amy Coney Barrett as his Supreme Court nominee on Saturday, a pick aimed at energizing conservative voters, was overshadowed the very next day by bombshell revelations in The New York Times about his personal finances.”


politicalwire--2020-09-29--Why Woodward Spoke Out About Trump

Why Woodward Spoke Out About Trump

Bob Woodward told Axios he didn ’ t want to join Senate Republicans in privately condemning President Trump but declining @ @ @ @ @ Said Woodward : “ I did not want to join the ranks of the Senate @ @ @ @ @ is the wrong man for the job but won ’ t say it publicly .
@ @ @ @ @ to hide .
And I think there are too many people hiding about Trump .
@

Bob Woodward told Axios he didn’t want to join Senate Republicans in privately condemning President Trump but declining to do so publicly.
Said Woodward: “I did not want to join the ranks of the Senate Republicans who know that Trump is the wrong man for the job but won’t say it publicly. … I was not going to hide. And I think there are too many people hiding about Trump.”


politicalwire--2020-09-29--State Polls Give Biden Strong Lead

State Polls Give Biden Strong Lead

Alan Abramowitz : “ In 2016 , Donald Trump shocked the political world by pulling off a victory in the @ @ @ @ @ popular vote by more than two percentage points .
The key to his victory was @ @ @ @ @ including Florida , Michigan , Pennsylvania , and Wisconsin by very narrow margins .
Based @ @ @ @ @ however , Trump appears unlikely to duplicate his 2016 feat .
He is currently trailing @ @ @ @ @ , including Florida , Michigan , Pennsylvania , and Wisconsin , although the margin in @ @ @ @ @ Meanwhile , he is being forced to invest time and money defending several states that @ @ @ @ @ .
In contrast , Joe Biden appears to be comfortably ahead in every state that @ @ @ @ @ ” “ Barring a major comeback in the final weeks of the campaign or very @ @ @ @ @ , the incumbent appears to be headed for a decisive defeat in both the popular @ @ @ @ @ .
”

Alan Abramowitz: “In 2016, Donald Trump shocked the political world by pulling off a victory in the Electoral College despite losing the popular vote by more than two percentage points. The key to his victory was winning several large swing states including Florida, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin by very narrow margins. Based on recent polling data, however, Trump appears unlikely to duplicate his 2016 feat. He is currently trailing in every 2016 swing state, including Florida, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, although the margin in Florida is very close. Meanwhile, he is being forced to invest time and money defending several states that he won easily in 2016. In contrast, Joe Biden appears to be comfortably ahead in every state that Hillary Clinton won in 2016.”
“Barring a major comeback in the final weeks of the campaign or very large and systematic polling errors, the incumbent appears to be headed for a decisive defeat in both the popular vote and the electoral vote.”


politicalwire--2020-09-29--Tax Returns Become a Late Addition to Debate Stage

“ Donald Trump and Joe Biden kick off their first debate Tuesday with contentious topics like the Supreme Court and @ @ @ @ @ by yet another potentially explosive question — whether the president ducked paying his taxes , @ @ @ @ @ For Biden , the report that Trump minimized his tax bill allows him to draw @ @ @ @ @ words , ‘ between Scranton and Park Avenue ’ — his symbols for abundant wealth @ @ @ @ @ which he was born in Pennsylvania.
” “ For Trump , spokesman Hogan Gidley said @ @ @ @ @ discussion on taxes — even if it ’ s about the candidate avoiding paying them @ @ @ @ @ can highlight what it says is Biden ’ s plan to raise taxes once in @ @ @ @ @ Biden could use Trump ’ s returns to shift the debate on taxes .

“Donald Trump and Joe Biden kick off their first debate Tuesday with contentious topics like the Supreme Court and the coronavirus pandemic suddenly joined by yet another potentially explosive question — whether the president ducked paying his taxes,” Bloomberg reports.
“For Biden, the report that Trump minimized his tax bill allows him to draw a distinction, in his words, ‘between Scranton and Park Avenue’ — his symbols for abundant wealth and the working-class environment into which he was born in Pennsylvania.”
“For Trump, spokesman Hogan Gidley said, the campaign welcomes a discussion on taxes — even if it’s about the candidate avoiding paying them — so the Trump camp can highlight what it says is Biden’s plan to raise taxes once in office.”
Vanessa Williamson: Biden could use Trump’s returns to shift the debate on taxes.


politicalwire--2020-09-29--Thousands of Aviation Layoffs Loom

Thousands of Aviation Layoffs Loom

“ Tens of thousands of airline workers will lose their jobs in a matter of days if Congress is unable @ @ @ @ @ , even though a majority of lawmakers support heading off the looming layoffs for an @ @ @ @ @ decimated by the coronavirus , ” Politico reports .
“ Airline unions have been pleading @ @ @ @ @ extend the Payroll Support Program , a $ 32 billion program of airline payroll support @ @ @ @ @ the CARES Act , a condition of which required that airlines not involuntarily lay off @ @ @ @ @ .
Without extending the program , which will require a $ 28 billion cash infusion @ @ @ @ @ have to start laying off pilots , flight attendants , mechanics and more .
”

“Tens of thousands of airline workers will lose their jobs in a matter of days if Congress is unable to break through its gridlock, even though a majority of lawmakers support heading off the looming layoffs for an industry that’s been decimated by the coronavirus,” Politico reports.
“Airline unions have been pleading with Congress for months to extend the Payroll Support Program, a $32 billion program of airline payroll support grants given as part of the CARES Act, a condition of which required that airlines not involuntarily lay off workers until after Sept. 30. Without extending the program, which will require a $28 billion cash infusion, airlines say they will have to start laying off pilots, flight attendants, mechanics and more.”


politicalwire--2020-09-29--One Last Chance at a New Relief Bill

One Last Chance at a New Relief Bill

Politico : “ Pelosi and Mnuchin spoke Monday evening , according to Drew Hammill , Pelosi ’ s spokesman , @ @ @ @ @ again Tuesday morning .
If no agreement seems likely — and it hasn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ negotiations — Pelosi and House Democratic leaders will hold a vote on their own $ @ @ @ @ @ as Wednesday and then go home , guaranteeing that Congress won ’ t send more @ @ @ @ @ ” Playbook : “ Could a deal come together ?
Sure .
It would require @ @ @ @ @ side .
We checked with a few very senior White House aides late Monday evening @ @ @ @ @ if they are forced to negotiate off of Pelosi ’ s new , $ 2.2 @ @ @ @ @ round of talks doesn ’ t stand much of a chance .
”

Politico: “Pelosi and Mnuchin spoke Monday evening, according to Drew Hammill, Pelosi’s spokesman, and they plan to speak again Tuesday morning. If no agreement seems likely — and it hasn’t been despite months of on-and-off negotiations — Pelosi and House Democratic leaders will hold a vote on their own $2.2 trillion bill as soon as Wednesday and then go home, guaranteeing that Congress won’t send more help until after Election Day.”
Playbook: “Could a deal come together? Sure. It would require a massive capitulation on one side. We checked with a few very senior White House aides late Monday evening, and their view was if they are forced to negotiate off of Pelosi’s new, $2.2 trillion bill, this latest round of talks doesn’t stand much of a chance.”


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

New Battleground State Polls


politicalwire--2020-09-29--How Television Fame Gave Trump a $427 Million Lifeline

The New York Times dropped the next installment of its series on President Trump ’ s leaked tax returns .
@ @ @ @ @ The Apprentice is by now well known , the president ’ s tax returns reveal @ @ @ @ @ never been truly told — how the popularity of that fictional alter ego rescued him @ @ @ @ @ to reinvent himself yet again .
And then how , in an echo of the @ @ @ @ @ his business career , he led himself toward the financial shoals he must navigate today.
@ @ @ @ @ ’ s genius , it turned out , wasn ’ t running a company .
@ @ @ @ @ — Trump-scale famous — and monetizing that fame .
”

The New York Times dropped the next installment of its series on President Trump’s leaked tax returns.
“While the story of The Apprentice is by now well known, the president’s tax returns reveal another grand twist that has never been truly told — how the popularity of that fictional alter ego rescued him, providing a financial lifeline to reinvent himself yet again. And then how, in an echo of the boom-and-bust cycle that has defined his business career, he led himself toward the financial shoals he must navigate today.”
“Mr. Trump’s genius, it turned out, wasn’t running a company. It was making himself famous — Trump-scale famous — and monetizing that fame.”


politicalwire--2020-09-30--The First Presidential Debate

The First Presidential Debate

Donald Trump and Joe Biden meet at Case Western University in Cleveland , Ohio for their first presidential debate at @ @ @ @ @ The debate will be moderated by Chris Wallace of Fox News .
It will be @ @ @ @ @ and will be livestreamed .
Leave your reactions in the comments .
Political Wire members @ @ @ @ @ Cloakroom .

Donald Trump and Joe Biden meet at Case Western University in Cleveland, Ohio for their first presidential debate at 9 p.m. ET.
The debate will be moderated by Chris Wallace of Fox News.
It will be broadcast live on every network and will be livestreamed.
Leave your reactions in the comments. Political Wire members may also discuss in The Cloakroom.


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

Quote of the Day

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

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


politicalwire--2020-09-29--Early Surge of Democratic Mail Voting Worries GOP

“ Democratic voters who have requested mail ballots — and returned them — greatly outnumber Republicans so far in key @ @ @ @ @ among GOP party leaders and strategists that President Trump ’ s attacks on mail voting @ @ @ @ @ ’ s prospects to retain the White House and the Senate this year , ” @ @ @ @ @ “ Of the more than 9 million voters who requested mail ballots through Monday in @ @ @ @ @ Carolina , Maine and Iowa , the five battleground states where such data is publicly @ @ @ @ @ Democrats .
Twenty eight percent were Republicans and 20 % were unaffiliated .
”

“Democratic voters who have requested mail ballots — and returned them — greatly outnumber Republicans so far in key battleground states, causing alarm among GOP party leaders and strategists that President Trump’s attacks on mail voting could be hurting the party’s prospects to retain the White House and the Senate this year,” the Washington Post reports.
“Of the more than 9 million voters who requested mail ballots through Monday in Florida, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Maine and Iowa, the five battleground states where such data is publicly available, 52% were Democrats. Twenty eight percent were Republicans and 20% were unaffiliated.”


politicalwire--2020-09-29--ICE Preparing Targeted Arrests In ‘Sanctuary Cities’

“ The Trump administration is preparing an immigration enforcement blitz next month that would target arrests in U.S. cities and @ @ @ @ @ sanctuary ’ policies , according to three U.S. officials who described a plan with public @ @ @ @ @ ’ s law-and-order campaign rhetoric , ” the Washington Post reports .
The operation “ @ @ @ @ @ soon as later this week .
It would then expand to cities including Denver and @ @ @

“The Trump administration is preparing an immigration enforcement blitz next month that would target arrests in U.S. cities and jurisdictions that have adopted ‘sanctuary’ policies, according to three U.S. officials who described a plan with public messaging that echoes the president’s law-and-order campaign rhetoric,” the Washington Post reports.
The operation “could begin in California as soon as later this week. It would then expand to cities including Denver and Philadelphia.”


politicalwire--2020-09-29--Top Strategist Leaves Chamber of Commerce

“ Scott Reed , the longtime top political strategist for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce , said Tuesday that he @ @ @ @ @ a political shift at the business lobbying powerhouse , ” Politico reports .
“ The @ @ @ @ @ among Republicans — including many within the organization — that the traditionally conservative Chamber is @ @ @ @ @ endorsing roughly two dozen freshman House Democrats for reelection this year.
” The Washington Post @ @ @ @ @

“Scott Reed, the longtime top political strategist for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, said Tuesday that he resigned from the organization after a political shift at the business lobbying powerhouse,” Politico reports.
“The move comes amid mounting fears among Republicans — including many within the organization — that the traditionally conservative Chamber is moving to the left after endorsing roughly two dozen freshman House Democrats for reelection this year.”
The Washington Post says Reed was ousted.


politicalwire--2020-09-29--White House Overruled CDC on Cruise Ship Ban

“ Robert Redfield , the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , was overruled when he pushed @ @ @ @ @ order ’ on passenger cruises into next year , ” Axios reports .
“ Public @ @ @ @ @ that the thwarting of Redfield on the cruise ship ban is politically motivated because the @ @ @ @ @ presence in Florida — a key battleground state where the polls are statistically tied .
@

“Robert Redfield, the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, was overruled when he pushed to extend a ‘no-sail order’ on passenger cruises into next year,” Axios reports.
“Public health officials have privately complained that the thwarting of Redfield on the cruise ship ban is politically motivated because the industry is a major economic presence in Florida — a key battleground state where the polls are statistically tied.”


politicalwire--2020-09-29--Push of Conspiracy Theories Target Biden

“ A conspiracy theory that Joe Biden would wear an electronic device in his ear during the first presidential debate @ @ @ @ @ the hours before the debate , and the theory was later amplified by mainstream conservative @ @ @ @ @ evidence that Biden had backed out of an ear ‘ inspection , ' ” NBC @ @ @ @ @ earpiece conspiracy theory is an example of what disinformation experts call ‘ trading up the @ @ @ @ @ sheer virality of a meme or conspiracy theory forces mainstream outlets to cover it , @ @ @ @ @ credibility it otherwise would not have .
”

“A conspiracy theory that Joe Biden would wear an electronic device in his ear during the first presidential debate went wildly viral Tuesday in the hours before the debate, and the theory was later amplified by mainstream conservative news outlets that claimed without evidence that Biden had backed out of an ear ‘inspection,'” NBC News reports.
“The earpiece conspiracy theory is an example of what disinformation experts call ‘trading up the chain,’ where the sheer virality of a meme or conspiracy theory forces mainstream outlets to cover it, giving it a patina of credibility it otherwise would not have.”


politicalwire--2020-09-29--Senate GOP Threatens Democrats with More Judges

“ Senate Republicans say they are planning some payback if Senate Democrats force procedural votes to delay the Supreme Court @ @ @ @ @ : more judges , ” Politico reports .
“ Though Democrats can not stop Barrett @ @ @ @ @ can force floor votes to protest going on recess or holding committee hearings longer than @ @ @ @ @ could force Republicans to put up enough votes to overcome the 47-member Democratic minority , @ @ @ @ @ the campaign trail .
”

“Senate Republicans say they are planning some payback if Senate Democrats force procedural votes to delay the Supreme Court nomination of Amy Coney Barrett: more judges,” Politico reports.
“Though Democrats cannot stop Barrett’s nomination, they can force floor votes to protest going on recess or holding committee hearings longer than two hours. Those tactics could force Republicans to put up enough votes to overcome the 47-member Democratic minority, dragging vulnerable GOP senators off the campaign trail.”


politicalwire--2020-09-29--Intel Chief Releases Russian Disinformation on Clinton

“ Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe on Tuesday declassified a Russian intelligence assessment that was previously rejected by Democrats @ @ @ @ @ Intelligence Committee as having no factual basis , ” Politico reports .
“ The extraordinary @ @ @ @ @ Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham ( R-SC ) earlier Tuesday , rankled Democrats , who @ @ @ @ @ Russian disinformation into the public sphere in order to boost President Trump ’ s unsubstantiated @ @ @ @ @ s efforts to investigate Russian interference in the 2016 election .
”

“Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe on Tuesday declassified a Russian intelligence assessment that was previously rejected by Democrats and Republicans on the Senate Intelligence Committee as having no factual basis,” Politico reports.
“The extraordinary disclosure, released to Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham (R-SC) earlier Tuesday, rankled Democrats, who said the move effectively put Russian disinformation into the public sphere in order to boost President Trump’s unsubstantiated claims about the government’s efforts to investigate Russian interference in the 2016 election.”


politicalwire--2020-09-29--Support for Obamacare Hits New High

Support for Obamacare Hits New High

A new Morning Consult poll finds a record-high 62 % of voters support the Affordable Care Act , including 85 @ @ @ @ @ % of Republicans .
Also interesting : 56 % of voters say the ACA should @ @ @ @ @ while 20 % say the law should be struck down and 9 % say it @ @ @ @ @

A new Morning Consult poll finds a record-high 62% of voters support the Affordable Care Act, including 85% of Democrats and 36% of Republicans.
Also interesting: 56% of voters say the ACA should be improved and strengthened, while 20% say the law should be struck down and 9% say it should be left alone.