politicalwire--2020-11-09--Republicans Race to Fill Trump Power Vacuum

“ President Donald Trump ’ s defeat has set off a flurry of activity as would-be successors start to position @ @ @ @ @ battle to lead a Trump-less Republican Party begins to take shape , ” Politico reports @ @ @ @ @ are about to descend on Georgia to campaign in a pair of Senate runoffs that @ @ @ @ @ chamber .
They ’ re taking to Fox News to defend Trump ’ s refusal @ @ @ @ @ National Committee is bracing for a possible fight over its chairmanship .
And Donald Trump @ @ @ @ @ a role as a future GOP powerbroker .
”

“President Donald Trump’s defeat has set off a flurry of activity as would-be successors start to position themselves for 2024 and a battle to lead a Trump-less Republican Party begins to take shape,” Politico reports.
“Likely Republican candidates are about to descend on Georgia to campaign in a pair of Senate runoffs that will determine control of the chamber. They’re taking to Fox News to defend Trump’s refusal to concede. The Republican National Committee is bracing for a possible fight over its chairmanship. And Donald Trump Jr. is aggressively staking out a role as a future GOP powerbroker.”


politicalwire--2020-11-09--Worried Pollsters Admit Huge Problem

Worried Pollsters Admit Huge Problem

“ Four years later , it ’ s still easy to hate on the polls .
Even if they called @ @ @ @ @ ’ this time , the national polls vastly underestimated support for President Trump once again @ @ @ @ @ industry soul searching about how to fix some fundamental problems , ” Axios reports .
@ @ @ @ @ huge problem , but publicly say they need the final vote tallies to begin the @ @ @

“Four years later, it’s still easy to hate on the polls. Even if they called the presidential race ‘right’ this time, the national polls vastly underestimated support for President Trump once again, leading to a major industry soul searching about how to fix some fundamental problems,” Axios reports.
“Pollsters privately acknowledge the huge problem, but publicly say they need the final vote tallies to begin the autopsy.”


politicalwire--2020-11-09--The Post-Trump Era Begins

The Post-Trump Era Begins

Playbook : “ Today marks the beginning of the post-Trump era in American politics .
To the extent that he @ @ @ @ @ it dwindles every day as Jan. 20 , 2021 draws closer .
Members of his @ @ @ @ @ his time is up .
His staff is looking for new jobs .
Markets are @ @ @ @ @ say it ’ s because of the expected calm in U.S. politics .
In the @ @ @ @ @ now saying the Trump era was not good for them , and they vow to @ @ @ @ @ Joe Biden.
” “ Around the world and at home , Trump has been written @ @ @

Playbook: “Today marks the beginning of the post-Trump era in American politics. To the extent that he still has political currency, it dwindles every day as Jan. 20, 2021 draws closer. Members of his own party are already suggesting his time is up. His staff is looking for new jobs. Markets are looking up, and analysts say it’s because of the expected calm in U.S. politics. In the U.K., government officials are now saying the Trump era was not good for them, and they vow to forge a good relationship with Joe Biden.”
“Around the world and at home, Trump has been written off.”


politicalwire--2020-11-09--Democrats Race to Flip Georgia Again

Democrats Race to Flip Georgia Again

“ Georgia Democrats have been talking up their state as a battleground for years .
Republicans have been scoffing at @ @ @ @ @ long .
Now , both parties are racing to figure out exactly how it swung @ @ @ @ @ whether it can happen again in just nine weeks , ” Politico reports .
“ @ @ @ @ @ a lead of more than 10,000 votes over President Trump in Georgia with a recount @ @ @ @ @ in a rapidly growing and diversifying state .
Georgia went to Trump by 5 points @ @ @ @ @ t voted for a Democratic presidential candidate since 1992 .
But the results are a @ @ @ @ @ Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff , the two Democrats heading into Jan. 5 Senate runoffs @ @ @ @ @ party controls Congress next year .
”

“Georgia Democrats have been talking up their state as a battleground for years. Republicans have been scoffing at the idea for just as long. Now, both parties are racing to figure out exactly how it swung left in 2020 — and whether it can happen again in just nine weeks,” Politico reports.
“Biden is hanging on to a lead of more than 10,000 votes over President Trump in Georgia with a recount pending, a major shift in a rapidly growing and diversifying state. Georgia went to Trump by 5 points in 2016 and hasn’t voted for a Democratic presidential candidate since 1992. But the results are a demonstration of the possible for Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff, the two Democrats heading into Jan. 5 Senate runoffs that will decide whether their party controls Congress next year.”


politicalwire--2020-11-09--Pandemic On Course to Overwhelm U.S. Health System

“ The United States ’ surging coronavirus outbreak is on pace to hit nearly 1 million new cases a week @ @ @ @ @ year — a scenario that could overwhelm health systems across much of the country and @ @ @ @ @ ’ s attempts to coordinate a response , ” Politico reports .
“ Biden , @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus task force Monday , has pledged to confront new shortages of protective gear for @ @ @ @ @ of masks , test kits and vaccines while beefing up contact tracing and reengaging with @ @ @ @ @ He will also push Congress to pass a massive Covid-19 relief package and pressure the @ @ @ @ @ to implement mask mandates for new public health measures as cases rise .
”

“The United States’ surging coronavirus outbreak is on pace to hit nearly 1 million new cases a week by the end of the year — a scenario that could overwhelm health systems across much of the country and further complicate President-elect Joe Biden’s attempts to coordinate a response,” Politico reports.
“Biden, who is naming his own coronavirus task force Monday, has pledged to confront new shortages of protective gear for health workers and oversee distribution of masks, test kits and vaccines while beefing up contact tracing and reengaging with the World Health Organization. He will also push Congress to pass a massive Covid-19 relief package and pressure the governors who’ve refused to implement mask mandates for new public health measures as cases rise.”


politicalwire--2020-11-09--Trump Appointee Won’t Let Transition Move Ahead

“ Apart from a few die-hards , most people close to President Trump know the race is over — but @ @ @ @ @ the sacrificial lamb who tells him to…

“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--2020-11-09--Trump Plans Campaign-Style Rallies

Trump Plans Campaign-Style Rallies

President Trump is expected to hold a number of campaign-style rallies in the coming weeks where he will highlight ongoing @ @ @ @ @ the election and potential recounts , NBC , CNN and Axios report .
USA Today @ @ @ @ @ to feature the president ’ s unfounded complaints of voter fraud .
CNN reports Trump @ @ @ @ @ “ a messaging blitz ” to fuel its argument — unsupported by any evidence to @ @ @ @ @ ’ s second term is being stolen from him .

President Trump is expected to hold a number of campaign-style rallies in the coming weeks where he will highlight ongoing litigation over the outcome of the election and potential recounts, NBC, CNN and Axios report.
USA Today reports the rallies are likely to feature the president’s unfounded complaints of voter fraud.
CNN reports Trump’s campaign is planning “a messaging blitz” to fuel its argument — unsupported by any evidence to date — that the President’s second term is being stolen from him.


politicalwire--2020-11-09--A ‘Terrifying’ Coronavirus Surge

A ‘Terrifying’ Coronavirus Surge

New York Times : “ The rate of new cases is soaring , and for the first time is averaging @ @ @ @ @ in the United States , which has reported more Covid-19 cases than any other country @ @ @ @ @ one in 441 Americans — have tested positive for the virus just in the last @ @ @ @ @ states setting weekly case records , the virus is surging at a worrisome level in @ @ @ @ @ .
Nationwide , hospitalizations have nearly doubled since mid-September , and deaths are slowly increasing @ @ @ @ @ interventions in place to stop the spiraling outbreak .
”

New York Times: “The rate of new cases is soaring, and for the first time is averaging more than 100,000 a day in the United States, which has reported more Covid-19 cases than any other country. An astonishing number — one in 441 Americans — have tested positive for the virus just in the last week.”
“With 29 states setting weekly case records, the virus is surging at a worrisome level in more than half the country. Nationwide, hospitalizations have nearly doubled since mid-September, and deaths are slowly increasing again, with few new interventions in place to stop the spiraling outbreak.”


politicalwire--2020-11-10--Biden Transition Threatens Legal Action

Biden Transition Threatens Legal Action

New York Times : “ The Latino vote is deeply divided , and running as not-Trump was always going to @ @ @ @ @ this was an election that turned on feelings about…


politicalwire--2020-11-10--What Went Wrong with the Polls?

What Went Wrong with the Polls?

The New Yorker interviews Nate Cohn on the polling mishaps in the 2020 election .
His biggest surprise : “ The Hispanic vote .
The swing towards Trump in Hispanic areas across the country is extraordinary .
It was hinted at in the pre-election polls .
The polls always showed the President faring better among nonwhite , and particularly Hispanic , voters than he did four years ago , but the magnitude of the shift was way beyond expectations .
We learned that early in the night in Miami-Dade County , where no one had the President doing as well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proven true , as far as I can tell , basically everywhere in the country among Latino voters , to varying degrees .
It ’ s true down-ballot .
It ’ s not like this was just about the President .
And I think it ’ s a huge and important political story.
” “ And the second thing that really surprised me is the white , rural , Midwestern vote .
The pre-election polls said that Joe Biden was doing much better than Hillary Clinton was four years ago among white voters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ simply did not materialize .
The results looked quite a bit like 2016 across most of rural America , and there were many areas where Donald Trump did better in white working-class areas than he did in 2016 .
”

The New Yorker interviews Nate Cohn on the polling mishaps in the 2020 election.
His biggest surprise: “The Hispanic vote. The swing towards Trump in Hispanic areas across the country is extraordinary. It was hinted at in the pre-election polls. The polls always showed the President faring better among nonwhite, and particularly Hispanic, voters than he did four years ago, but the magnitude of the shift was way beyond expectations. We learned that early in the night in Miami-Dade County, where no one had the President doing as well as he did. And it has proven true, as far as I can tell, basically everywhere in the country among Latino voters, to varying degrees. It’s true down-ballot. It’s not like this was just about the President. And I think it’s a huge and important political story.”
“And the second thing that really surprised me is the white, rural, Midwestern vote. The pre-election polls said that Joe Biden was doing much better than Hillary Clinton was four years ago among white voters without a degree. And those gains simply did not materialize. The results looked quite a bit like 2016 across most of rural America, and there were many areas where Donald Trump did better in white working-class areas than he did in 2016.”


politicalwire--2020-11-10--Trump Is Attempting a Coup In Plain Sight

Ezra Klein : “ The Trump administration ’ s current strategy is to go to court to try and get votes for Biden ruled illegitimate , and that strategy explicitly rests on Trump ’ s appointees honoring a debt the administration , at least , believes they owe .
One of his legal advisers said , ‘ We ’ re waiting for the United States Supreme Court — of which the President has nominated three justices — to step in and do something .
And hopefully Amy Coney Barrett will come through . '
” “ If that fails , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of the nation ’ s most popular conservative radio hosts , is explicitly calling on Republican legislatures to reject the election results and seat Donald Trump as president anyway .
After Twitter tagged the tweet as contested , Trump ’ s press secretary weighed in furiously on Levin ’ s behalf.
” “ That this coup probably will not work — that it is being carried out farcically , erratically , ineffectively — does not mean it is not happening , or that it will not have consequences .
Millions will believe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stolen .
”

Ezra Klein: “The Trump administration’s current strategy is to go to court to try and get votes for Biden ruled illegitimate, and that strategy explicitly rests on Trump’s appointees honoring a debt the administration, at least, believes they owe. One of his legal advisers said, ‘We’re waiting for the United States Supreme Court — of which the President has nominated three justices — to step in and do something. And hopefully Amy Coney Barrett will come through.'”
“If that fails, and it will, Mark Levin, one of the nation’s most popular conservative radio hosts, is explicitly calling on Republican legislatures to reject the election results and seat Donald Trump as president anyway. After Twitter tagged the tweet as contested, Trump’s press secretary weighed in furiously on Levin’s behalf.”
“That this coup probably will not work — that it is being carried out farcically, erratically, ineffectively — does not mean it is not happening, or that it will not have consequences. Millions will believe Trump, will see the election as stolen.”


politicalwire--2020-11-10--Barr Approves Election Probe

Barr Approves Election Probe

“ Attorney General William Barr has authorized federal prosecutors across the U.S. to pursue ‘ substantial allegations ’ of voting @ @ @ @ @ election is certified , despite little evidence of fraud , ” CNBC reports .
“ @ @ @ @ @ days after Democrat Joe Biden defeated President Trump and raises the prospect that Trump will @ @ @ @ @ try to challenge the outcome .
It gives prosecutors the ability to go around longstanding @ @ @ @ @ would prohibit such overt actions before the election is formally certified .
”

“Attorney General William Barr has authorized federal prosecutors across the U.S. to pursue ‘substantial allegations’ of voting irregularities before the 2020 presidential election is certified, despite little evidence of fraud,” CNBC reports.
“Barr’s action comes days after Democrat Joe Biden defeated President Trump and raises the prospect that Trump will use the Justice Department to try to challenge the outcome. It gives prosecutors the ability to go around longstanding Justice Department policy that normally would prohibit such overt actions before the election is formally certified.”


politicalwire--2020-11-09--Cárdenas Wants to Lead Democrats’ Campaign Arm


politicalwire--2020-11-09--Pulling Our Politics Back from the Brink

Evan Osnos : “ As Americans confront the uncertainty of the next four years , it ’ s not clear @ @ @ @ @ or of reason is ascendant .
Some theorists and philosophers are optimistic , beginning to @ @ @ @ @ social cohesion and common purpose .
Others fear that the cleavages will only widen , @ @ @ @ @ culture of political warfare that comes ever closer to actual combat .
”

Evan Osnos: “As Americans confront the uncertainty of the next four years, it’s not clear if the tradition of force or of reason is ascendant. Some theorists and philosophers are optimistic, beginning to map out plans to revive social cohesion and common purpose. Others fear that the cleavages will only widen, until Americans reckon with a culture of political warfare that comes ever closer to actual combat.”


politicalwire--2020-11-09--GOP Fears Conceding Trump Loss Would Cost Senate

“ Top Republicans in Washington are reluctant to call Joe Biden the president-elect publicly , fearing a rebellion by grassroots @ @ @ @ @ that would sink the party ’ s Senate majority , ” the Washington Examiner reports @ @ @ @ @ concede Biden ousted Trump and dismiss suggestions voter fraud , ballot errors , or other @ @ @ @ @ to alter the election .
But with the president claiming otherwise and two Georgia runoff @ @ @ @ @ will decide the Senate majority , plus midterm elections in 2022 , most congressional Republicans @ @ @ @ @ move is purely transactional .
”

“Top Republicans in Washington are reluctant to call Joe Biden the president-elect publicly, fearing a rebellion by grassroots conservatives loyal to President Trump that would sink the party’s Senate majority,” the Washington Examiner reports.
“Republican insiders privately concede Biden ousted Trump and dismiss suggestions voter fraud, ballot errors, or other issues would be uncovered sufficient to alter the election. But with the president claiming otherwise and two Georgia runoff elections set for January that will decide the Senate majority, plus midterm elections in 2022, most congressional Republicans are backing Trump. The move is purely transactional.”


politicalwire--2020-11-09--Fox News Cuts Away from Kayleigh McEnany


politicalwire--2020-11-09--Lawyers Can’t Find Parents of 666 Migrant Kids

Lawyers working to reunite migrant families separated by the Trump administration before and during its “ zero tolerance ” policy @ @ @ @ @ the number of separated children for whom they have not been able to find parents @ @ @ @ @ they told a federal judge last month , NBC News reports .

Lawyers working to reunite migrant families separated by the Trump administration before and during its “zero tolerance” policy at the border now believe the number of separated children for whom they have not been able to find parents is 666, higher than they told a federal judge last month, NBC News reports.


politicalwire--2020-11-09--Georgia Senators Blast Secretary of State

Sens .
David Perdue ( R-GA ) and Kelly Loeffler ( R-GA ) released a scathing statement criticizing the Georgia @ @ @ @ @ ( R ) because he “ has failed to deliver honest and transparent elections.
” @ @ @ @ @ has failed the people of Georgia , and he should step down immediately .
”

Sens. David Perdue (R-GA) and Kelly Loeffler (R-GA) released a scathing statement criticizing the Georgia secretary of state Brad Raffensperger (R) because he “has failed to deliver honest and transparent elections.”
They added: “He has failed the people of Georgia, and he should step down immediately.”


politicalwire--2020-11-09--How Democrats Missed Trump’s Appeal to Latino Voters

New York Times : “ The Latino vote is deeply divided , and running as not-Trump was always going to @ @ @ @ @ this was an election that turned on feelings about Mr. Trump above all else .
@ @ @ @ @ mean what Democrats , and the Biden campaign specifically , assumed it did.
” “ @ @ @ @ @ Biden campaign ’ s sluggish Latino outreach for months , though the campaign eventually spent @ @ @ @ @ on Spanish-language television and radio advertising … Democrats also did not seem to account for @ @ @ @ @ s efforts to tie their party to socialism would be , especially among Venezuelan- and @ @ @ @ @ David Wasserman : “ It ’ s harder to argue the GOP coalition is demographically @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday ’ s results .
As with past waves of immigrants throughout U.S. history , @ @ @ @ @ vote a little closer to the rest of the country — and it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ ”

New York Times: “The Latino vote is deeply divided, and running as not-Trump was always going to be insufficient… For Latinos, this was an election that turned on feelings about Mr. Trump above all else. That just didn’t mean what Democrats, and the Biden campaign specifically, assumed it did.”
“Fellow Democrats complained about the Biden campaign’s sluggish Latino outreach for months, though the campaign eventually spent a record $20 million on Spanish-language television and radio advertising … Democrats also did not seem to account for how effective Mr. Trump’s efforts to tie their party to socialism would be, especially among Venezuelan- and Cuban-American voters in Florida.”
David Wasserman: “It’s harder to argue the GOP coalition is demographically ‘dying out’ after Tuesday’s results. As with past waves of immigrants throughout U.S. history, Hispanic voters are beginning to vote a little closer to the rest of the country — and it’s one possible path forward.”


politicalwire--2020-11-09--Ukrainian Businessman Lied About Hunter Biden

A Ukrainian businessman told the Times of London that he was asked to lie about Hunter Biden ’ s business @ @ @ @ @ ’ s reputation .
In return , he was promised a U.S. visa and legal @ @

A Ukrainian businessman told the Times of London that he was asked to lie about Hunter Biden’s business dealings to damage Joe Biden’s reputation.
In return, he was promised a U.S. visa and legal immunity.


politicalwire--2020-11-09--McConnell Won’t Acknowledge Biden Victory Yet

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell ( R-KY ) praised Republican senators and House members who won re-elections , but for @ @ @ @ @ no states have yet certified their election results ” and President Trump is “ 100 @ @ @ @ @ to weigh legal options .
He made no mention of Joe Biden .

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) praised Republican senators and House members who won re-elections, but for presidential race he said “no states have yet certified their election results” and President Trump is “100% within his rights” to weigh legal options.
He made no mention of Joe Biden.


politicalwire--2020-11-09--Biden’s Pick for Treasury Will Be Telling

Washington Post : “ A leading candidate for the post is Federal Reserve governor Lael Brainard , who served as @ @ @ @ @ in the Obama administration .
Brainard has broad policymaking experience , particularly during economic crises @ @ @ @ @ respect among international foreign ministries and central banks from her time as the department ’ @ @ @ @ @ At the same time , Biden could face pressure from the Democratic Party ’ s @ @ @ @ @ more liberal figure , someone who could push for aggressive financial overhauls and prove more @ @ @ @ @ trade .
Such a nominee , however , could face difficulty winning Senate confirmation if @ @ @ @ @

Washington Post: “A leading candidate for the post is Federal Reserve governor Lael Brainard, who served as a senior Treasury Department official in the Obama administration. Brainard has broad policymaking experience, particularly during economic crises, as well as wide respect among international foreign ministries and central banks from her time as the department’s top diplomat.”
“At the same time, Biden could face pressure from the Democratic Party’s left wing to pick a more liberal figure, someone who could push for aggressive financial overhauls and prove more adversarial to supporters of free trade. Such a nominee, however, could face difficulty winning Senate confirmation if Republicans retain control.”


politicalwire--2020-11-09--Nate Silver Defends His Forecast Model

Nate Silver Defends His Forecast Model


politicalwire--2020-11-09--European Union to Impose Tariffs on U.S.

Deutsche Welle : “ European Commission Executive Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis said on Monday that the EU will push ahead @ @ @ @ @ and other penalties worth up to $ 4 billion on an array of U.S. imports.
@ @ @ @ @ in retaliation to the U.S. awarding illegal subsidies to the airplane manufacturer Boeing .
”

Deutsche Welle: “European Commission Executive Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis said on Monday that the EU will push ahead with plans to impose tariffs and other penalties worth up to $4 billion on an array of U.S. imports.”
“The tariffs come in retaliation to the U.S. awarding illegal subsidies to the airplane manufacturer Boeing.”


politicalwire--2020-11-09--Obamacare Faces a Supreme Court Remade by Trump

“ The court will hear a lawsuit Tuesday that likely represents Republicans ’ last chance to knock out a health @ @ @ @ @ opposed for over a decade , and that President-elect Joe Biden is vowing to expand @ @ @ @ @ participants at the oral arguments will be Trump ’ s latest appointee to the high @ @ @ @ @ , ” Politico reports .
“ The case takes up whether Congress , by eliminating @ @ @ @ @ health insurance , made all of Obamacare unconstitutional .
It marks the third major challenge @ @ @ @ @ heard by the Supreme Court and is regarded in legal circles as perhaps the weakest @ @ @ @ @ the $ 3.6 trillion health care industry believe even the court ’ s fortified 6-3 @ @ @ @ @ law… But the law ’ s survival depends on support from at least two conservative @ @ @ @ @ least one of Trump ’ s picks .
”

“The court will hear a lawsuit Tuesday that likely represents Republicans’ last chance to knock out a health care law they’ve opposed for over a decade, and that President-elect Joe Biden is vowing to expand. One of the most-watched participants at the oral arguments will be Trump’s latest appointee to the high court, Amy Coney Barrett,” Politico reports.
“The case takes up whether Congress, by eliminating the penalty for not having health insurance, made all of Obamacare unconstitutional. It marks the third major challenge to the health care law heard by the Supreme Court and is regarded in legal circles as perhaps the weakest among those. Few in the $3.6 trillion health care industry believe even the court’s fortified 6-3 conservative majority would overturn the law… But the law’s survival depends on support from at least two conservative justices – likely including at least one of Trump’s picks.”


politicalwire--2020-11-09--Republicans Are About to Raise Your Taxes

Joseph Stiglitz : “ The Trump administration has a dirty little secret : It ’ s not just planning to @ @ @ @ @ .
The increase has already been signed , sealed and delivered , buried in the @ @ @ @ @ Cuts and Jobs Act.
” “ President Trump and his congressional allies hoodwinked us .
@ @ @ @ @ lowered taxes for most Americans , but it built in automatic , stepped tax increases @ @ @ @ @ in 2021 and that by 2027 would affect nearly everyone but people at the top @ @ @ @ @ All taxpayer income groups with incomes of $ 75,000 and under — that ’ s @ @ @ @ @ — will face a higher tax rate in 2027 than in 2019 .
”

Joseph Stiglitz: “The Trump administration has a dirty little secret: It’s not just planning to increase taxes on most Americans. The increase has already been signed, sealed and delivered, buried in the pages of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.”
“President Trump and his congressional allies hoodwinked us. The law they passed initially lowered taxes for most Americans, but it built in automatic, stepped tax increases every two years that begin in 2021 and that by 2027 would affect nearly everyone but people at the top of the economic hierarchy. All taxpayer income groups with incomes of $75,000 and under — that’s about 65 percent of taxpayers — will face a higher tax rate in 2027 than in 2019.”


Esper’s Exit Interview

Defense Secretary Mark Esper apparently knew he was about to be fired and gave an interview with the Military Times @ @ @ @ @ actually was fired .
Said Esper : “ My frustration is I sit here and @ @ @ @ @ 18 Cabinet members .
Who ’ s pushed back more than anybody ?
’ Name @ @ @ @ @ s pushed back .
Have you seen me on a stage saying , ‘ Under @ @ @ @ @ , we have blah-blah-blah-blah ?
’ ”

Defense Secretary Mark Esper apparently knew he was about to be fired and gave an interview with the Military Times which was embargoed until he actually was fired.
Said Esper: “My frustration is I sit here and say, ‘Hm, 18 Cabinet members. Who’s pushed back more than anybody?’ Name another Cabinet secretary that’s pushed back. Have you seen me on a stage saying, ‘Under the exceptional leadership of blah-blah-blah, we have blah-blah-blah-blah?’”


politicalwire--2020-11-09--Ex-Google CEO to Become Citizen of Cyprus

Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt “ is finalizing a plan to become a citizen of the island of Cyprus , @ @ @ @ @ Americans to take advantage of one of the world ’ s most controversial ‘ passport-for-sale @ @ @ @ @ reports .
“ While it is not clear why exactly Schmidt has pursued this foreign @ @ @ @ @ gives him the ability to travel to the European Union , along with a potentially @ @ @ @ @ ”

Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt “is finalizing a plan to become a citizen of the island of Cyprus, becoming one of the highest-profile Americans to take advantage of one of the world’s most controversial ‘passport-for-sale’ programs,” Recode reports.
“While it is not clear why exactly Schmidt has pursued this foreign citizenship, the new passport gives him the ability to travel to the European Union, along with a potentially favorable personal tax regime.”


politicalwire--2020-11-10--Get Ready for More Books About Trump

Get Ready for More Books About Trump

“ One of publishing ’ s most thriving genres of the past four years , books about President Donald Trump @ @ @ @ @ end when he leaves office , ” the AP reports .
“ Expect detailed condemnations @ @ @ @ @ s actions and rhetoric , from journalists and former associates , and also flattering accounts @ @ @ @ @ pro-Trump pundits .
And there might well be a book from Trump himself , who @ @ @ @ @ votes even as he became the first president in nearly 30 years to be defeated @ @ @ @ @

“One of publishing’s most thriving genres of the past four years, books about President Donald Trump, is not going to end when he leaves office,” the AP reports.
“Expect detailed condemnations of the 45th president’s actions and rhetoric, from journalists and former associates, and also flattering accounts from White House allies and pro-Trump pundits. And there might well be a book from Trump himself, who received more than 70 million votes even as he became the first president in nearly 30 years to be defeated after one term.”


Preventable

This will be a must-read : Preventable : The Inside Story of How Leadership Failures , Politics , and Selfishness @ @ @ @ @ by Andy Slavitt .
“ With unparalleled access to the key players throughout the government @ @ @ @ @ aisle , the principal public figures , as well as the people working on the @ @ @ @ @ virus , Slavitt brings you into the room as fateful decisions are made and focuses @ @ @ @ @ center of the political system , health care system , patients , and caregivers .
@

This will be a must-read: Preventable: The Inside Story of How Leadership Failures, Politics, and Selfishness Doomed the U.S. Coronavirus Response by Andy Slavitt.
“With unparalleled access to the key players throughout the government on both sides of the aisle, the principal public figures, as well as the people working on the frontline involved in fighting the virus, Slavitt brings you into the room as fateful decisions are made and focuses on the people at the center of the political system, health care system, patients, and caregivers.”


politicalwire--2020-11-10--Biden Transition Starts Congressional Outreach

The Biden transition team is officially reaching out to Democratic lawmakers , telling them that President-elect Biden is eager “ @ @ @ @ @ to get started , ” Axios reports .
“ The transition is signaling that it @ @ @ @ @ offices and draw on their expertise — and personnel — to implement Biden ’ s @ @ @

The Biden transition team is officially reaching out to Democratic lawmakers, telling them that President-elect Biden is eager “to seize this transition period to get started,” Axios reports.
“The transition is signaling that it wants to work with congressional offices and draw on their expertise — and personnel — to implement Biden’s agenda.”


politicalwire--2020-11-10--Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day

“ He is the most experienced person to ever enter the White House in American history , because of his @ @ @ @ @ and then his eight with President Obama .
So he ’ s very clear eyed.
@ @ @ @ @ , quoted by Axios , on her brother , Joe Biden , becoming president .

“He is the most experienced person to ever enter the White House in American history, because of his 36 years in the Senate and then his eight with President Obama. So he’s very clear eyed.”
— Valerie Biden Owens, quoted by Axios, on her brother, Joe Biden, becoming president.


politicalwire--2020-11-10--GOP Tries Again to Ax Health Care Law

GOP Tries Again to Ax Health Care Law

“ A week after the 2020 election , Republican elected officials and the Trump administration are advancing their latest arguments @ @ @ @ @ Affordable Care Act , a long-held GOP goal that has repeatedly failed in Congress and @ @ @ @ @ AP reports .
“ In arguments scheduled for Tuesday , the Supreme Court will hear @ @ @ @ @ the 10-year-old law , popularly known as ‘ Obamacare.
’ Republican attorneys general in 18 @ @ @ @ @ the whole law to be struck down , which would threaten coverage for more than @ @ @ @ @

“A week after the 2020 election, Republican elected officials and the Trump administration are advancing their latest arguments to get rid of the Affordable Care Act, a long-held GOP goal that has repeatedly failed in Congress and the courts,” the AP reports.
“In arguments scheduled for Tuesday, the Supreme Court will hear its third major fight over the 10-year-old law, popularly known as ‘Obamacare.’ Republican attorneys general in 18 states and the administration want the whole law to be struck down, which would threaten coverage for more than 23 million people.”


politicalwire--2020-11-10--White House Sidelines Key Climate Scientist

“ The White House has removed the scientist responsible for the National Climate Assessment , the federal government ’ s @ @ @ @ @ and the foundation for regulations to combat global warming , in what critics interpreted as @ @ @ @ @ Trump administration intends to use its remaining months in office to continue impeding climate science @ @ @ @ @ New York Times reports .

“The White House has removed the scientist responsible for the National Climate Assessment, the federal government’s premier contribution to climate knowledge and the foundation for regulations to combat global warming, in what critics interpreted as the latest sign that the Trump administration intends to use its remaining months in office to continue impeding climate science and policy,” the New York Times reports.


politicalwire--2020-11-10--Trump’s Challenge in Arizona Involves Just 180 Votes

“ He is the most experienced person to ever enter the White House in American history , because of his @ @ @ @ @ and then his eight with President Obama… .

“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--2020-11-10--Hospitalizations for Virus Surge to Record

“ There were just over 59,000 COVID-19 patients in hospitals across the United States on Monday , the country ’ @ @ @ @ @ in-patients being treated for the disease , as new infections at record levels for the @ @ @ @ @ Reuters reports .


politicalwire--2020-11-10--White House Orders Agencies to Rebuff Biden Transition

Leaders at agencies across the federal government have been instructed not to cooperate with Joe Biden ’ s transition team @ @ @ @ @ that he ’ s lost the election , the Washington Post reports .
“ Officials @ @ @ @ @ who had prepared briefing books and carved out office space for the incoming Biden team @ @ @ @ @ this week were told instead that the transition would not be recognized until the Democrat @ @ @ @ @ by the General Services Administration , the low-profile agency that officially starts the transition .
@

Leaders at agencies across the federal government have been instructed not to cooperate with Joe Biden’s transition team until President Trump finally accepts that he’s lost the election, the Washington Post reports.
“Officials at agencies across the government who had prepared briefing books and carved out office space for the incoming Biden team to use as soon as this week were told instead that the transition would not be recognized until the Democrat’s election was confirmed by the General Services Administration, the low-profile agency that officially starts the transition.”
CBS News: Biden transition barrels forward while Trump administration stalls.


politicalwire--2020-11-10--Senate Democrats Fume Over Faulty Messaging

Sen. Joe Manchin ( D-WV ) told Politico that no one in the party could work harder than Senate Majority @ @ @ @ @ ’ s still not been effective .
Said Manchin : “ I ’ ve watched @ @ @ @ @ 2016 , ‘ 18 and ‘ 20 .
We truly should have been in the @ @ @ @ @ t happen .
Whatever our message is , it hasn ’ t worked .
And @ @ @ @ @ leadership from the top to bottom understands that .
It has not worked .
And @ @ @ @ @ down that path again , we ’ re in trouble .
”

Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) told Politico that no one in the party could work harder than Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer but he’s still not been effective.
Said Manchin: “I’ve watched the last three elections: 2016, ‘18 and ‘20. We truly should have been in the majority and it didn’t happen. Whatever our message is, it hasn’t worked. And I would hope that our leadership from the top to bottom understands that. It has not worked. And if we’re going down that path again, we’re in trouble.”


politicalwire--2020-11-10--Trump Plans PAC in Hopes of Keeping Hold on GOP

“ President Trump is planning to form a so-called leadership political action committee , a federal fund-raising vehicle that will @ @ @ @ @ hold on the Republican Party even when he is out of office , ” the @ @ @ @ @ “ Such committees can accept donations of up to $ 5,000 per donor per year @ @ @ @ @ donation limits for the committees formed by Mr. Trump ’ s campaign and the Republican @ @ @ @ @ leadership PAC could accept donations from an unlimited number of people .
It could also @ @ @ @ @ action committees .
”

“President Trump is planning to form a so-called leadership political action committee, a federal fund-raising vehicle that will potentially let him retain his hold on the Republican Party even when he is out of office,” the New York Times reports.
“Such committees can accept donations of up to $5,000 per donor per year — far less than the donation limits for the committees formed by Mr. Trump’s campaign and the Republican National Committee — but a leadership PAC could accept donations from an unlimited number of people. It could also accept donations from other political action committees.”


politicalwire--2020-11-10--GOP-Led States Back Trump’s Legal Challenge of Election

“ Republican-controlled state governments on Monday began throwing their weight behind President Donald Trump ’ s legal drive to challenge @ @ @ @ @ ’ s presidential election , ” Politico reports .
“ A coalition of Republican attorneys @ @ @ @ @ at the U.S. Supreme Court urging the justices to formally take up and resolve a @ @ @ @ @ ruling that the state ’ s Supreme Court issued in September granting three extra days @ @ @ @ @ ballots cast in last Tuesday ’ s election .
”

“Republican-controlled state governments on Monday began throwing their weight behind President Donald Trump’s legal drive to challenge the results of last week’s presidential election,” Politico reports.
“A coalition of Republican attorneys general filed an amicus brief at the U.S. Supreme Court urging the justices to formally take up and resolve a dispute from Pennsylvania over a ruling that the state’s Supreme Court issued in September granting three extra days for the receipt of mail-in ballots cast in last Tuesday’s election.”


House Republicans Celebrate


politicalwire--2020-11-10--Top Justice Department Official Quits

Top Justice Department Official Quits

Attorney General William Barr ’ s authorization to investigate “ specific allegations ” of voter fraud prompted the Justice Department @ @ @ @ @ voter fraud , Richard Pilger , to step down from the post within hours , @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Mr .
Barr ’ s directive ignored the Justice Department ’ s longstanding @ @ @ @ @ enforcement from affecting the outcome of an election .
And it followed a move weeks @ @ @ @ @ the department lifted a prohibition on voter fraud investigations before an election .
”

Attorney General William Barr’s authorization to investigate “specific allegations” of voter fraud prompted the Justice Department official who oversees investigations of voter fraud, Richard Pilger, to step down from the post within hours, the New York Times reports.
“Mr. Barr’s directive ignored the Justice Department’s longstanding policies intended to keep law enforcement from affecting the outcome of an election. And it followed a move weeks before the election in which the department lifted a prohibition on voter fraud investigations before an election.”


politicalwire--2020-11-11--Two Senate Seats Drive GOP Embrace of Trump’s Claims

“ Fear over losing the Senate majority by falling short in the upcoming runoff elections for two U.S. Senate seats @ @ @ @ @ driving and democracy-testing force inside the GOP , with party leaders on Tuesday seeking to @ @ @ @ @ s victory as they labored to rally voters in the state , ” the Washington @ @ @ @ @ intertwined efforts threaten to disrupt Biden ’ s hopes of establishing a smooth transition as @ @ @ @ @ , worried about dispiriting the president ’ s core supporters , increasingly echo his unfounded @ @ @ @ @ back his refusal to concede .
”

“Fear over losing the Senate majority by falling short in the upcoming runoff elections for two U.S. Senate seats in Georgia has become a driving and democracy-testing force inside the GOP, with party leaders on Tuesday seeking to delegitimize President-elect Joe Biden’s victory as they labored to rally voters in the state,” the Washington Post reports.
“Those intertwined efforts threaten to disrupt Biden’s hopes of establishing a smooth transition as Republicans in Washington and Georgia, worried about dispiriting the president’s core supporters, increasingly echo his unfounded claims of election fraud and back his refusal to concede.”


politicalwire--2020-11-11--Election Officials Nationwide Find No Evidence of Fraud

“ Election officials in dozens of states representing both political parties said that there was no evidence that fraud or @ @ @ @ @ in the outcome of the presidential race , amounting to a forceful rebuke of President @ @ @ @ @ a fraudulent election , ” the New York Times reports .

“Election officials in dozens of states representing both political parties said that there was no evidence that fraud or other irregularities played a role in the outcome of the presidential race, amounting to a forceful rebuke of President Trump’s portrait of a fraudulent election,” the New York Times reports.


politicalwire--2020-11-11--Toomey Urges Trump to Work with Biden on Transition

Sen. Pat Toomey ( R-PA ) told WTAE that he believes the White House should start cooperating with the Biden @ @ @ @ @ Toomey : “ We ’ re on a path it looks likely Joe Biden is @ @ @ @ @ president of the United States .
It ’ s not 100 % certain but it @ @ @ @ @ I think a transition process ought to begin .
”

Sen. Pat Toomey (R-PA) told WTAE that he believes the White House should start cooperating with the Biden presidential transition team.
Said Toomey: “We’re on a path it looks likely Joe Biden is going to be the next president of the United States. It’s not 100% certain but it is quite likely. So I think a transition process ought to begin.”


politicalwire--2020-11-11--The Exit Polls Are Worthless Too

The Exit Polls Are Worthless Too

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This piece is only available to Political Wire members.
As the vote tallies from the 2020 elections are finishing up in various states, there will be an urge to explain what happened. But since many of these takes will rely on exit polls, it’s probably best to be cautious.


politicalwire--2020-11-11--Donations to Trump ‘Election Defense’ Go to His PAC

“ In the wake of the election , President Trump ’ s supporters have been peppered with texts and emails @ @ @ @ @ legal battles contesting his loss to President-elect Joe Biden , ” the Washington Post reports @ @ @ @ @ in the fine print show that a small portion of the donations would go toward @ @ @ @ @ funds to support recounts and lawsuits in several swing states.
” “ The majority of @ @ @ @ @ political action committee called Save America , which Trump set up in recent days and @ @ @ @ @ candidates and maintain political influence in Washington even after leaving office .
”

“In the wake of the election, President Trump’s supporters have been peppered with texts and emails asking for donations to support legal battles contesting his loss to President-elect Joe Biden,” the Washington Post reports.
“But details outlined in the fine print show that a small portion of the donations would go toward these ‘election defense’ funds to support recounts and lawsuits in several swing states.”
“The majority of each donation goes to a political action committee called Save America, which Trump set up in recent days and will allow him to support candidates and maintain political influence in Washington even after leaving office.”


politicalwire--2020-11-11--Texas Official Offers $1 Million for Fraud Evidence

Texas Lt. Gov .
Dan Patrick ( R ) has offered up to $ 1 million of his own campaign @ @ @ @ @ tipsters who come forward with evidence of voter fraud in the 2020 presidential election , @ @ @ @ @


politicalwire--2020-11-11--Vast Majority of Americans Say Biden Won Election

“ Election officials in dozens of states representing both political parties said that there was no evidence that fraud or @ @ @ @ @ in the outcome of the presidential…


politicalwire--2020-11-11--Jaime Harrison Interested In Being DNC Chair

“ Jaime Harrison , the South Carolina Democrat who shattered fundraising records and became a national star in his unsuccessful @ @ @ @ @ Lindsey O. Graham , is interested in becoming the next chairman of the Democratic National @ @ @ @ @ a powerful ally thinks he could do the job , ” the Washington Post reports @

“Jaime Harrison, the South Carolina Democrat who shattered fundraising records and became a national star in his unsuccessful bid to defeat Republican Sen. Lindsey O. Graham, is interested in becoming the next chairman of the Democratic National Committee — and says that a powerful ally thinks he could do the job,” the Washington Post reports.


politicalwire--2020-11-11--GOP Witness of Voter Fraud Recants Allegations


politicalwire--2020-11-10--Newsom Pressured to Pick Latino to Replace Harris

Washington Post : “ Two Latino politicians have emerged as top contenders for the post to be vacated by Vice @ @ @ @ @ became the first woman of color to win a U.S. Senate seat here in 2016 @ @ @ @ @ just begun to balance this state ’ s peculiar demands of history , geography and @ @ @ @ @ ’ s decision , which may not come until the new year.
” “ But @ @ @ @ @ , and what political analysts , advisers and others say will be important to Newsom @ @ @ @ @ early stage California Attorney General Xavier Becerra ( D ) and Secretary of State Alex @ @ @ @ @ the leading candidates .
Among their other attributes is one that analysts and political advisers @ @ @ @ @ Newsom : Past success in statewide political contests .
”

Washington Post: “Two Latino politicians have emerged as top contenders for the post to be vacated by Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, who became the first woman of color to win a U.S. Senate seat here in 2016. A selection process has just begun to balance this state’s peculiar demands of history, geography and race that will shape Newsom’s decision, which may not come until the new year.”
“But the characteristics surrounding this choice, and what political analysts, advisers and others say will be important to Newsom, suggest that at this early stage California Attorney General Xavier Becerra (D) and Secretary of State Alex Padilla (D) are the leading candidates. Among their other attributes is one that analysts and political advisers here say is important to Newsom: Past success in statewide political contests.”


Cal Cunningham Concedes

Cal Cunningham ( D ) conceded to Sen. Thom Tillis ( R ) in North Carolina , saying “ the @ @ @ @ @ it was clear Tillis had won , the AP reports .
With Cunningham ’ s @ @ @ @ @ to Georgia , where two U.S. Senate runoff races in January are likely to determine @ @ @ @ @ chamber .

Cal Cunningham (D) conceded to Sen. Thom Tillis (R) in North Carolina, saying “the voters have spoken” and it was clear Tillis had won, the AP reports.
With Cunningham’s concession, all eyes turned to Georgia, where two U.S. Senate runoff races in January are likely to determine the balance of the upper chamber.


politicalwire--2020-11-10--How Politics Has Pulled Country in Different Directions

“ Surveys from Pew Research Center have found ‘ ideological silos ’ now common on both the left and right @ @ @ @ @ conservative and liberal Americans are more likely than ideologically mixed Americans to say it is @ @ @ @ @ in a place where most people share their political views , ” the Wall Street @ @ @ @ @ 2016 , voters in … landslide counties accounted for 30 % of all votes nationwide @ @ @ @ @ % in 1980 .
It was the first time that number surpassed the share of @ @ @ @ @ counties ( those within five points of the national vote ) .
In 2020 , @ @ @ @ @ grew to 35 % .
”

“Surveys from Pew Research Center have found ‘ideological silos’ now common on both the left and right, and ‘consistently’ conservative and liberal Americans are more likely than ideologically mixed Americans to say it is important to them to live in a place where most people share their political views,” the Wall Street Journal reports.
“In 2016, voters in … landslide counties accounted for 30% of all votes nationwide, up from about 4% in 1980. It was the first time that number surpassed the share of votes cast in closely contested counties (those within five points of the national vote). In 2020, the share from landslide counties grew to 35%.”


politicalwire--2020-11-10--Cincinnati Councilman Arrested for Bribery Scheme

“ FBI agents arrested Cincinnati City Councilman Jeff Pastor ( R ) early Tuesday in what authorities describe as a @ @ @ @ @ for help with city development projects , ” the Cincinnati Enquirer reports .
“ Federal @ @ @ @ @ Republican who joined council in January 2018 , began soliciting money from developers within months @ @ @ @ @ in some instances , accepted bags of cash in return for his vote or other @ @ @ @

“FBI agents arrested Cincinnati City Councilman Jeff Pastor (R) early Tuesday in what authorities describe as a brazen bribery scheme involving payoffs for help with city development projects,” the Cincinnati Enquirer reports.
“Federal prosecutors say Pastor, a Republican who joined council in January 2018, began soliciting money from developers within months of taking office and, in some instances, accepted bags of cash in return for his vote or other favorable treatment.”


politicalwire--2020-11-10--Bonus Quote of the Day

Bonus Quote of the Day

“ Zero .
Nada .
Niente .
Zilch .
How many words — what else do you need me to @ @ @ @ @ York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo , when asked by Howard Stern if he had any @ @ @ @ @ ’ s cabinet .

“Zero. Nada. Niente. Zilch. How many words — what else do you need me to say?”
— New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, when asked by Howard Stern if he had any interest in joining Joe Biden’s cabinet.


politicalwire--2020-11-10--What Happened to Doug Jones?

What Happened to Doug Jones?

GQ has a good nugget at the end of a must-read profile of Sen. Doug Jones ( D-AL ) , @ @ @ @ @ last week : “ According to a Democratic source , on Saturday , after Biden @ @ @ @ @ president of the United States , the Biden transition team made contact with Jones .
@

GQ has a good nugget at the end of a must-read profile of Sen. Doug Jones (D-AL), who lost his re-election bid last week:
“According to a Democratic source, on Saturday, after Biden was announced as the next president of the United States, the Biden transition team made contact with Jones.”


politicalwire--2020-11-10--Biden Not Concerned Trump Won’t Concede

Biden Not Concerned Trump Won’t Concede

President-elect Joe Biden downplayed President Trump ’ s refusal to concede the election : “ I ’ m confident that @ @ @ @ @ not willing to acknowledge we won at this point is not of much consequence in @ @ @ @ @ ’ re able to do.
” Asked what he thought of Trump ’ s refusal @ @ @ @ @ Biden said : “ I think it ’ s an embarrassment .
”

President-elect Joe Biden downplayed President Trump’s refusal to concede the election: “I’m confident that the fact they’re not willing to acknowledge we won at this point is not of much consequence in our planning and what we’re able to do.”
Asked what he thought of Trump’s refusal so far to concede, Biden said: “I think it’s an embarrassment.”


politicalwire--2020-11-10--Harris’ Husband Will Join the Biden Administration

“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--2020-11-10--White House Orders Agencies to Proceed with Budget

“ The White House budget office has instructed federal agencies to continue preparing the administration ’ s budget proposal for @ @ @ @ @ ” the Washington Post reports .
“ The White House budget proposal is typically issued @ @ @ @ @ be at least two weeks after Trump is scheduled to depart the White House .
@

“The White House budget office has instructed federal agencies to continue preparing the administration’s budget proposal for the next fiscal year,” the Washington Post reports.
“The White House budget proposal is typically issued in February, which would be at least two weeks after Trump is scheduled to depart the White House.”


politicalwire--2020-11-10--QAnon Faces Post-Trump Identity Crisis

QAnon Faces Post-Trump Identity Crisis

“ President Trump ’ s election loss and the week-long silence of ‘ Q , ’ the movement ’ s @ @ @ @ @ some QAnon believers into a crisis of faith , with factions voicing unease about their @ @ @ @ @ stay calm and ‘ trust the plan.
’ The uncertainty has been compounded by the @ @ @ @ @ last Tuesday , of Ron Watkins , the administrator of Q ’ s online sanctuary @ @ @ @ @ , ” the Washington Post reports .
“ Q has gone quiet before .
But @ @ @ @ @ since last Tuesday — Election Day , which the anonymous figure had touted for months @ @ @ @ @ reckoning — has sparked speculation and alarm among the movement ’ s most ardent followers @ @ @ @ @ begun to publicly grapple with reality and question whether the conspiracy theory is a hoax @ @

“President Trump’s election loss and the week-long silence of ‘Q,’ the movement’s mysterious prophet, have wrenched some QAnon believers into a crisis of faith, with factions voicing unease about their future or rallying others to stay calm and ‘trust the plan.’ The uncertainty has been compounded by the abrupt public resignation, also last Tuesday, of Ron Watkins, the administrator of Q’s online sanctuary on the message board 8kun,” the Washington Post reports.
“Q has gone quiet before. But the abrupt lack of posts since last Tuesday — Election Day, which the anonymous figure had touted for months as a key moment of reckoning — has sparked speculation and alarm among the movement’s most ardent followers. Some QAnon proponents have begun to publicly grapple with reality and question whether the conspiracy theory is a hoax.”


politicalwire--2020-11-10--FAA Extends Restricted Airspace for Biden Until January 20


politicalwire--2020-11-11--The Electoral College Play

The Electoral College Play

“ As the weaknesses of President Trump ’ s legal cases to overturn Joe Biden ’ s win become clearer @ @ @ @ @ about the Electoral College — hinting at an extreme last-chance way for Trump to cling @ @ @ @ @ reports .
“ In this long-shot scenario , Trump and his team could try to @ @ @ @ @ contested states from certifying results .
That could allow legislatures in those states to try @ @ @ @ @ favor Trump over Biden.
” Said one lawyer : “ It ’ s basically hijacking @ @ @ @ @ ve got nothing else ; you ’ d be trying to deny Joe Biden 270 @ @

“As the weaknesses of President Trump’s legal cases to overturn Joe Biden’s win become clearer, Republicans are talking more about the Electoral College — hinting at an extreme last-chance way for Trump to cling to power,” Axios reports.
“In this long-shot scenario, Trump and his team could try to block secretaries of state in contested states from certifying results. That could allow legislatures in those states to try to appoint new electors who favor Trump over Biden.”
Said one lawyer: “It’s basically hijacking the democracy. They’ve got nothing else; you’d be trying to deny Joe Biden 270.”


politicalwire--2020-11-11--RNC Staff Blindsided by Layoffs

RNC Staff Blindsided by Layoffs

“ Georgia Democrats want Joe Biden ’ s campaign and donors to do everything they can to help win a @ @ @ @ @ could shape the success of his presidency , ” Politico…


politicalwire--2020-11-11--Georgia Democrats Want Obama, Not Biden

Georgia Democrats Want Obama, Not Biden

“ Georgia Democrats want Joe Biden ’ s campaign and donors to do everything they can to help win a @ @ @ @ @ could shape the success of his presidency , ” Politico reports .
“ But there @ @ @ @ @ ’ re not clamoring for : the president-elect himself.
” “ Though Biden is leading @ @ @ @ @ , Democrats would rather he stay in his proverbial basement by tending to his transition @ @ @ @ @ above-the-fray government-fixer .
Instead , they say , send any Obama to help motivate the @ @ @ @ @ 5 Senate runoffs .
”

“Georgia Democrats want Joe Biden’s campaign and donors to do everything they can to help win a pair of Senate races that could shape the success of his presidency,” Politico reports.
“But there’s one thing they’re not clamoring for: the president-elect himself.”
“Though Biden is leading in Georgia by 14,149 votes, Democrats would rather he stay in his proverbial basement by tending to his transition and portraying himself as an above-the-fray government-fixer. Instead, they say, send any Obama to help motivate the base in the two Jan. 5 Senate runoffs.”


politicalwire--2020-11-11--Trump Advisers See Little Hope In Overturning Results

President Trump ’ s top confidants –including White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows , RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel , @ @ @ @ @ have all said in private that they ’ re pessimistic about success in Trump ’ @ @ @ @ @ that are looking to overturn election results , the Washington Post reports .
One person @ @ @ @ @ said that Trump will carry on fighting , but even he acknowledges that it will @ @ @ @ @ Said the adviser : “ He is all over the place .
It changes from @ @ @ @ @

President Trump’s top confidants –including White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows, RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel, and adviser Corey Lewandowski — have all said in private that they’re pessimistic about success in Trump’s lawsuits in several states that are looking to overturn election results, the Washington Post reports.
One person with knowledge of the discussions said that Trump will carry on fighting, but even he acknowledges that it will be difficult to succeed.
Said the adviser: “He is all over the place. It changes from hour to hour.”


politicalwire--2020-11-11--Who Are Contenders for Biden’s Cabinet?

Who Are Contenders for Biden’s Cabinet?


politicalwire--2020-11-11--Biden Calm Crashes Into Jittery Washington

“ Joe Biden ’ s campaign strategy just crashed into Washington ’ s alternate reality .
In his public appearances @ @ @ @ @ confirmed his victory on Saturday , the president-elect has kept the temperature low and offered @ @ @ @ @ power will proceed as dictated by law , even as President Donald Trump and fellow @ @ @ @ @ federal bureaucracy to stall his ascension to the White House , ” Politico reports .
@ @ @ @ @ familiar strategy Biden ’ s team has employed throughout the general election : follow the @ @ @ @ @ of a typical president and reject Trump ’ s attempts to draw the narrative into @ @ @ @ @ Biden showed that he wouldn ’ t be lured into debating Trump ’ s version @ @ @ @ @ settle the nerves of jittery supporters who are alarmed by what they are hearing out @ @ @ @

“Joe Biden’s campaign strategy just crashed into Washington’s alternate reality. In his public appearances and statements since media outlets confirmed his victory on Saturday, the president-elect has kept the temperature low and offered reassurances that the transfer of power will proceed as dictated by law, even as President Donald Trump and fellow Republicans attempt to use the federal bureaucracy to stall his ascension to the White House,” Politico reports.
“It’s a familiar strategy Biden’s team has employed throughout the general election: follow the rules, model the behavior of a typical president and reject Trump’s attempts to draw the narrative into fantasyland. On Tuesday, Biden showed that he wouldn’t be lured into debating Trump’s version of reality, working to settle the nerves of jittery supporters who are alarmed by what they are hearing out of Republicans.”


politicalwire--2020-11-11--How the World Views America

How the World Views America


politicalwire--2020-11-11--The Lead Story Again

The Lead Story Again


politicalwire--2020-11-11--Where Democrats Will Be Locked Out of Redistricting

“ Democrats failed to pick up any state legislative chambers this November , and they could face the consequences of @ @ @ @ @ , ” the Washington Post reports .
“ That ’ s because next year , @ @ @ @ @ for congressional and state legislative districts .
It ’ s something the Constitution mandates every @ @ @ @ @ data.
” “ In many states , it ’ s up to politicians in state @ @ @ @ @ Republicans controlled the mapmaking process in most states after a stellar 2010 election and were @ @ @ @ @ congressional districts that made it harder for Democrats to regain power at all levels .
@ @ @ @ @ November , Republicans will control map drawing in a majority of chambers next year , @ @ @ @ @ slightly lesser degree .
”

“Democrats failed to pick up any state legislative chambers this November, and they could face the consequences of that for the next decade,” the Washington Post reports.
“That’s because next year, states will redraw electoral maps for congressional and state legislative districts. It’s something the Constitution mandates every decade based on new census data.”
“In many states, it’s up to politicians in state legislatures to do that. Republicans controlled the mapmaking process in most states after a stellar 2010 election and were able to draw state and congressional districts that made it harder for Democrats to regain power at all levels. After a stronger-than-expected performance this November, Republicans will control map drawing in a majority of chambers next year, too, although to a slightly lesser degree.”


politicalwire--2020-11-11--Biden’s Popular Vote Margin Now Bigger Than Obama’s


politicalwire--2020-11-12--Trump Backs Ronna McDaniel for RNC Chair

President Trump tweeted that he has given his “ full support and endorsement to Ronna McDaniel to continue heading the @ @ @ @ @ : “ By tweeting this endorsement , President Trump makes clear he intends to continue @ @ @ @ @ after his election loss .
”

President Trump tweeted that he has given his “full support and endorsement to Ronna McDaniel to continue heading the Republican National Committee.”
Axios: “By tweeting this endorsement, President Trump makes clear he intends to continue running the Republican Party even after his election loss.”


politicalwire--2020-11-12--Trump’s Advisers See No Path to Overturning Election

Wall Street Journal : “ Trump advisers have grown more vocal in conversations with Mr. Trump in recent days that @ @ @ @ @ a path to victory , even if his legal efforts meet some success , a @ @ @ @ @ though some advisers have continued to tell the president he still has a shot .
@ @ @ @ @ understands that the fight isn ’ t winnable but characterized his feelings as : ‘ @ @ @ @ @ . '
” Washington Post : “ Trump aides , advisers and allies said there @ @ @ @ @ reverse the election results .
”

Wall Street Journal: “Trump advisers have grown more vocal in conversations with Mr. Trump in recent days that they don’t see a path to victory, even if his legal efforts meet some success, a White House official said, though some advisers have continued to tell the president he still has a shot. An official said Mr. Trump understands that the fight isn’t winnable but characterized his feelings as: ‘Let me have the fight.'”
Washington Post: “Trump aides, advisers and allies said there is no grand strategy to reverse the election results.”


politicalwire--2020-11-12--State Department Won’t Give Biden His Messages

“ A stack of messages from foreign leaders to President-elect Joe Biden are sitting at the State Department but the @ @ @ @ @ from accessing them , ” CNN reports .
“ Traditionally , the State Department supports @ @ @ @ @ , which is why many countries began sending messages to State over the weekend .
@ @ @ @ @ accessing State Department resources by the Trump administration , because President Trump refuses to accept @ @ @ @ @ dozens of incoming messages have not been received .
”

“A stack of messages from foreign leaders to President-elect Joe Biden are sitting at the State Department but the Trump administration is preventing him from accessing them,” CNN reports.
“Traditionally, the State Department supports all communications for the President-elect, which is why many countries began sending messages to State over the weekend. But with Biden prohibited from accessing State Department resources by the Trump administration, because President Trump refuses to accept Biden’s victory, dozens of incoming messages have not been received.”


politicalwire--2020-11-12--This Election Result Won’t Be Overturned

Karl Rove : “ To win , Mr. Trump must prove systemic fraud , with illegal votes in the tens @ @ @ @ @ no evidence of that so far .
Unless some emerges quickly , the president ’ @ @ @ @ @ decline precipitously when states start certifying results , as Georgia will on Nov. 20 , @ @ @ @ @ on Nov. 23 , Arizona on Nov. 30 , and Wisconsin and Nevada on Dec. @ @ @ @ @ candidate ’ s electors , these certifications will raise the legal bar to overturn state @ @ @ @ @ more difficult for Mr. Trump to prevail before the Electoral College meets Dec. 14 .
@

Karl Rove: “To win, Mr. Trump must prove systemic fraud, with illegal votes in the tens of thousands. There is no evidence of that so far. Unless some emerges quickly, the president’s chances in court will decline precipitously when states start certifying results, as Georgia will on Nov. 20, followed by Pennsylvania and Michigan on Nov. 23, Arizona on Nov. 30, and Wisconsin and Nevada on Dec. 1. By seating one candidate’s electors, these certifications will raise the legal bar to overturn state results and make it even more difficult for Mr. Trump to prevail before the Electoral College meets Dec. 14.”


politicalwire--2020-11-12--2020 Expectations, Results, Overtime

2020 Expectations, Results, Overtime

Just for members : The Inside Elections Digest , a quick summary of where things stand in the 2020 elections @ @ @ @ @ not yet a member , sign up for an Annual or Monthly membership for instant @ @ @ @ @ .
Gift memberships are also available .

Just for members: The Inside Elections Digest, a quick summary of where things stand in the 2020 elections.
If you’re not yet a member, sign up for an Annual or Monthly membership for instant access and many more benefits.


politicalwire--2020-11-12--Biden Picks Ron Klain as Chief of Staff

Biden Picks Ron Klain as Chief of Staff

President-elect Joe Biden will name Ron Klain , a veteran Democratic operative and a decades-long confidant , to be his @ @ @ @ @ as early as Thursday morning , the New York Times reports .
“ Mr .
@ @ @ @ @ deep experience on Capitol Hill , advising President Barack Obama and in corporate board rooms @ @ @ @ @ months as the most likely choice to manage Mr. Biden ’ s team in the @ @ @ @ @ steady nerves , he is well versed as a tactician in the levers of power @ @ @ @ @ legislative branches .
And he has a fierce wit , which he has frequently unleashed @ @ @ @ @ .
”

President-elect Joe Biden will name Ron Klain, a veteran Democratic operative and a decades-long confidant, to be his White House chief of staff as early as Thursday morning, the New York Times reports.
“Mr. Klain, a lawyer with deep experience on Capitol Hill, advising President Barack Obama and in corporate board rooms, has been seen for months as the most likely choice to manage Mr. Biden’s team in the White House. Known for steady nerves, he is well versed as a tactician in the levers of power in both the executive and legislative branches. And he has a fierce wit, which he has frequently unleashed on President Trump on Twitter.”


politicalwire--2020-11-11--Biden Likely to Win Arizona

Biden Likely to Win Arizona

Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich ( R ) told Fox Business that President Trump is “ very , highly unlikely @ @ @ @ @ the still-uncounted ballots in Arizona to defeat President-elect Joe Biden .
And there is no @ @ @ @ @ ’ s votes were tainted by fraud or other irregularities that would affect the election @

Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich (R) told Fox Business that President Trump is “very, highly unlikely” to win enough of the still-uncounted ballots in Arizona to defeat President-elect Joe Biden.
And there is no evidence so far that Arizona’s votes were tainted by fraud or other irregularities that would affect the election.


politicalwire--2020-11-11--Trump Gathers Advisers to Discuss Path Forward

Just for members : The , a quick summary of where things stand in the 2020 elections .
If you @ @ @ @ @ member , sign up for an or membership for instant…


politicalwire--2020-11-11--Facebook Extends Political Ad Ban

Facebook Extends Political Ad Ban

Wall Street Journal : “ Facebook told the advertisers it is continuing to ‘ temporarily pause ’ all ads on @ @ @ @ @ political ads in the U.S. for another month , though it may lift sooner .
@


politicalwire--2020-11-11--Rubio Says GOP Needs a Reset

Rubio Says GOP Needs a Reset

Sen. Marco Rubio ( R-FL ) told Axios that after the 2020 election Republicans need to rebrand their party as @ @ @ @ @ and steer away from its traditional embrace of big business .
Rubio said he is @ @ @ @ @ a 2024 presidential run — so his comments are some of the earliest signals of @ @ @ @ @ try to acknowledge President Trump ’ s successes while finding their own path .

Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) told Axios that after the 2020 election Republicans need to rebrand their party as the champions of working-class voters and steer away from its traditional embrace of big business.
Rubio said he is leaving the door open for a 2024 presidential run — so his comments are some of the earliest signals of how the GOP contenders may try to acknowledge President Trump’s successes while finding their own path.


politicalwire--2020-11-11--Trump Still Trying to Declassify Russia Info

“ President Trump ’ s senior military and intelligence officials have been warning him strongly against declassifying information about Russia @ @ @ @ @ compromise sensitive collection methods and anger key allies , ” the Washington Post reports .
@ @ @ @ @ this issue has raged within the administration in the days before and after the Nov. @ @ @ @ @ and his allies want the information public because they believe it would rebut claims that @ @ @ @ @ Trump in 2016 .
That may sound like ancient history , but for Trump it @ @ @ @ @ moment when his political problems began.
” “ CIA Director Gina Haspel last month argued @ @ @ @ @ meeting against disclosing the information , because she believed that doing so would violate her @ @ @ @ @ methods .
”

“President Trump’s senior military and intelligence officials have been warning him strongly against declassifying information about Russia that his advisers say would compromise sensitive collection methods and anger key allies,” the Washington Post reports.
“An intense battle over this issue has raged within the administration in the days before and after the Nov. 3 presidential election. Trump and his allies want the information public because they believe it would rebut claims that Russian President Vladimir Putin supported Trump in 2016. That may sound like ancient history, but for Trump it remains ground zero — the moment when his political problems began.”
“CIA Director Gina Haspel last month argued strongly at a White House meeting against disclosing the information, because she believed that doing so would violate her pledge to protect sources and methods.”


politicalwire--2020-11-11--Obama Memoir Out Next Week

Obama Memoir Out Next Week

“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--2020-11-11--Georgia Senate Races Look Very Close

Georgia Senate Races Look Very Close

A new Remington Research Group ( R ) poll in Georgia finds Kelly Loeffler ( R ) edging Raphael Warnock @ @ @ @ @ U.S. Senate runoff , 49 % to 48 % with 3 % still undecided .
@ @ @ @ @ Sen. David Perdue ( R ) leads Jon Ossoff ( D ) , 50 % @ @ @ @ @ % still undecided .

A new Remington Research Group (R) poll in Georgia finds Kelly Loeffler (R) edging Raphael Warnock (D) in the U.S. Senate runoff, 49% to 48% with 3% still undecided.
In the other runoff, Sen. David Perdue (R) leads Jon Ossoff (D), 50% to 46% with 4% still undecided.


politicalwire--2020-11-11--Trump May Want to Visit the White House Gift Shop


politicalwire--2020-11-11--Bonus Quote of the Day

Bonus Quote of the Day


politicalwire--2020-11-11--Trump Adviser Attacks Fauci

Trump Adviser Attacks Fauci


politicalwire--2020-11-11--Trump May Accept Results But Won’t Concede

“ There is a growing expectation among President Trump ’ s advisers that he will never concede that he lost @ @ @ @ @ are certified in battleground states over the coming weeks , ” NBC News reports .
@ @ @ @ @ Do not expect him to concede.
” More likely , the aide said : “ @ @ @ @ @ like , ‘ We can ’ t trust the results , but I ’ m @ @ @ @ @ ”

“There is a growing expectation among President Trump’s advisers that he will never concede that he lost re-election, even after votes are certified in battleground states over the coming weeks,” NBC News reports.
Said one aide: “Do not expect him to concede.”
More likely, the aide said: “He’ll say something like, ‘We can’t trust the results, but I’m not contesting them.’”


politicalwire--2020-11-11--How Hard is it to Overturn an American Election?

Benjamin Wittes : “ And so it has come to this : the president of the United States is trying @ @ @ @ @ a national election he unambiguously lost with a combination of petulant whining , spiteful and @ @ @ @ @ magic.
” “ No , it ’ s not ultimately going to work , at @ @ @ @ @ defined as allowing President Trump to maintain power in the face of expressed voter will.
@ @ @ @ @ working better than I would have believed possible : in undermining confidence in American democratic @ @ @ @ @ Joe Biden ’ s ability to govern in the short term , and in raising @ @ @ @ @ the faithful as to whether Trump ’ s defeat was real .
”

Benjamin Wittes: “And so it has come to this: the president of the United States is trying to overturn the results of a national election he unambiguously lost with a combination of petulant whining, spiteful and flailing executive action, and magic.”
“No, it’s not ultimately going to work, at least not if working is defined as allowing President Trump to maintain power in the face of expressed voter will.”
“But it is working better than I would have believed possible: in undermining confidence in American democratic processes, in damaging President-elect Joe Biden’s ability to govern in the short term, and in raising questions in the minds of the faithful as to whether Trump’s defeat was real.”


politicalwire--2020-11-11--Wisconsin Republican Admits Probe Won’t Change Election

“ Wisconsin lawmakers plan to issue their first subpoenas in decades as part of an investigation into the Nov. 3 @ @ @ @ @ top Republican in the Assembly acknowledges the probe is unlikely to change the outcome , @ @ @ @ @ reports .
“ The move comes as supporters of President Trump grapple with a narrow @ @ @ @ @ won four years ago by a sliver.
” “ As in other states , Wisconsin @ @ @ @ @ but so far are not providing evidence of widespread problems that would take away President-elect @ @ @ @ @ .
”

“Wisconsin lawmakers plan to issue their first subpoenas in decades as part of an investigation into the Nov. 3 election, even as the top Republican in the Assembly acknowledges the probe is unlikely to change the outcome,” the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.
“The move comes as supporters of President Trump grapple with a narrow loss in a state they won four years ago by a sliver.”
“As in other states, Wisconsin Republicans are alleging voter fraud but so far are not providing evidence of widespread problems that would take away President-elect Joe Biden’s victory.”


politicalwire--2020-11-11--Lawmaker Says Mississippi Should ‘Succeed’ from Union

Mississippi state Rep. Price Wallace ( R ) said on Twitter that his state should “ succeed ” from the @ @ @ @ @ and form its own country .
Washington Post : “ Despite the misspelling , his @ @ @ @ @ , posted hours after the election was called for Biden , appeared to be an @ @ @ @ @ — in a part of the Deep South that only voted to remove the Confederate @ @ @ @ @ own state flag earlier this year .
”

Mississippi state Rep. Price Wallace (R) said on Twitter that his state should “succeed” from the rest of the United States and form its own country.
Washington Post: “Despite the misspelling, his since-deleted tweet on Saturday afternoon, posted hours after the election was called for Biden, appeared to be an overt throwback to the Confederacy — in a part of the Deep South that only voted to remove the Confederate battle flag symbol from its own state flag earlier this year.”


politicalwire--2020-11-12--Why Trump Is Filing So Many Flimsy Lawsuits

“ The Trump campaign is moving from state to state to overturn President-elect Joe Biden ’ s win , in @ @ @ @ @ legal maneuvers without credible claims that face astronomical odds and carry little precedent , ” @ @ @ @ @ in Pennsylvania , Michigan and Arizona now are attempting to advance a smattering of accusations @ @ @ @ @ based upon vague and unsupported allegations of fraud or complaints of minor ballot processing access @ @ @ @ @ prevent state officials from certifying the popular vote results , which currently all favor Biden.
@ @ @ @ @ s campaign strategy increasingly appears to be to cast enough doubt over vote counts so @ @ @ @ @ block states from certifying the choice its voters made .
”

“The Trump campaign is moving from state to state to overturn President-elect Joe Biden’s win, in a series of increasingly wild legal maneuvers without credible claims that face astronomical odds and carry little precedent,” CNN reports.
“Lawsuits in Pennsylvania, Michigan and Arizona now are attempting to advance a smattering of accusations and legal theories, some based upon vague and unsupported allegations of fraud or complaints of minor ballot processing access, as a way to prevent state officials from certifying the popular vote results, which currently all favor Biden.”
“President Trump’s campaign strategy increasingly appears to be to cast enough doubt over vote counts so it can find judges to block states from certifying the choice its voters made.”


politicalwire--2020-11-12--New York City May Close Schools Again

New York City May Close Schools Again

New York Times : “ The move — which is now regarded by some City Hall officials as a question @ @ @ @ @ — would be perhaps the most significant setback yet for the city ’ s recovery @ @ @ @ @ spring , when it was a global center of the pandemic and all the schools @ @ @ @

New York Times: “The move — which is now regarded by some City Hall officials as a question of when, not if — would be perhaps the most significant setback yet for the city’s recovery since the bleak days of spring, when it was a global center of the pandemic and all the schools were shuttered.”


politicalwire--2020-11-12--Tensions Keep Flaring Up In Democratic Caucus

Politico : “ Tensions inside the Democratic party are boiling over and spilling out into public view .
The latest @ @ @ @ @ Ocasio-Cortez ( D-NY ) , who responded to a report that fellow New York Rep. @ @ @ @ @ Dems on a private leadership call : ‘ Do we want to govern or do @ @ @ @ @ celebrities ? '
” Ocasio-Cortez responded on Twitter : “ Pretty astounding that some Dems @ @ @ @ @ ’ s possible to govern , be politically popular , and command formidable bully pulpits @ @ @ @ @ but it actually explains a lot about how we got here .
We don ’ @ @ @ @ @ these things !
We can do better and win !
”

Politico: “Tensions inside the Democratic party are boiling over and spilling out into public view. The latest shots came from Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), who responded to a report that fellow New York Rep. Hakeem Jeffries asked other top Dems on a private leadership call: ‘Do we want to govern or do we want to be internet celebrities?'”
Ocasio-Cortez responded on Twitter: “Pretty astounding that some Dems don’t believe it’s possible to govern, be politically popular, and command formidable bully pulpits at the same time, but it actually explains a lot about how we got here. We don’t have to choose between these things! We can do better and win!”


politicalwire--2020-11-12--Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day

“ It was as if my very presence in the White House had triggered a deep-seated panic , a sense @ @ @ @ @ been disrupted .
Which is exactly what Donald Trump understood when he started peddling assertions @ @ @ @ @ born in the United States and was thus an illegitimate president .
For millions of @ @ @ @ @ man in the White House , he promised an elixir for their racial anxiety.
” @ @ @ @ @ by CNN , from his new memoir , A Promised Land .

“It was as if my very presence in the White House had triggered a deep-seated panic, a sense that the natural order had been disrupted. Which is exactly what Donald Trump understood when he started peddling assertions that I had not been born in the United States and was thus an illegitimate president. For millions of Americans spooked by a Black man in the White House, he promised an elixir for their racial anxiety.”
— Barack Obama, quoted by CNN, from his new memoir, A Promised Land.


politicalwire--2020-11-12--Trump Eyes Digital Media Empire to Take on Fox News

President Trump has told friends he wants to start a digital media company to clobber Fox News and undermine the @ @ @ @ @ Axios .
Said a source : “ He plans to wreck Fox .
No doubt @ @ @ @ @ ’ s digital offering would likely charge a monthly fee to MAGA fans .
Many @ @ @ @ @ and he ’ d aim to replace the network — and the $ 5.99-a-month Fox @ @ @ @ @ has an 85 % conversation rate from free trials to paid subscribers — as their @ @ @ @

President Trump has told friends he wants to start a digital media company to clobber Fox News and undermine the conservative-friendly network, sources tell Axios.
Said a source: “He plans to wreck Fox. No doubt about it.”
“Trump’s digital offering would likely charge a monthly fee to MAGA fans. Many are Fox News viewers, and he’d aim to replace the network — and the $5.99-a-month Fox Nation streaming service, which has an 85% conversation rate from free trials to paid subscribers — as their top destination.”


politicalwire--2020-11-12--Trump Stacks Intel Agencies with Loyalists

“ There is no evidence so far that these new appointees harbor a secret agenda on Iran or have taken @ @ @ @ @ action plan in hand .
But their sudden appearance has been a purge of the @ @ @ @ @ hierarchy without recent precedent , ” Politico reports .
“ Administration officials said the appointments @ @ @ @ @ where the president has been frustrated by what he sees as a military moving too @ @ @ @ @ that all American troops will be home by Christmas .
”

“There is no evidence so far that these new appointees harbor a secret agenda on Iran or have taken up their posts with an action plan in hand. But their sudden appearance has been a purge of the Pentagon’s top civilian hierarchy without recent precedent,” Politico reports.
“Administration officials said the appointments were partly about Afghanistan, where the president has been frustrated by what he sees as a military moving too slowly to fulfill his promise that all American troops will be home by Christmas.”


politicalwire--2020-11-12--Lawmakers Press Ahead with Trump Era Probes

“ Donald Trump will be a private citizen in January .
But Republicans and Democrats on Capitol Hill are poised @ @ @ @ @ and legal battles that helped define his presidency .
In the House , Democrats are @ @ @ @ @ obtain Trump ’ s financial records and testimony from his first White House counsel Don @ @ @ @ @ in the obstruction of justice case against Trump , ” Politico reports .
“ In @ @ @ @ @ control hinges on two Jan. 5 runoffs in Georgia , Republican lawmakers are plotting ways @ @ @ @ @ investigations targeting the former Obama administration and President-elect Joe Biden and his son Hunter , @ @ @ @ @ will use the lame duck period to ramp up their probes .
”

“Donald Trump will be a private citizen in January. But Republicans and Democrats on Capitol Hill are poised to carry on the investigations and legal battles that helped define his presidency. In the House, Democrats are still in court fighting to obtain Trump’s financial records and testimony from his first White House counsel Don McGahn, a key figure in the obstruction of justice case against Trump,” Politico reports.
“In the Senate, where GOP control hinges on two Jan. 5 runoffs in Georgia, Republican lawmakers are plotting ways to expand and intensify their investigations targeting the former Obama administration and President-elect Joe Biden and his son Hunter, with Senate Republicans saying they will use the lame duck period to ramp up their probes.”


politicalwire--2020-11-12--Pence’s Future Is Tied to Trump

Pence’s Future Is Tied to Trump

New York Times “ In the final weeks of Mr. Pence ’ s term , his relationship with President Trump @ @ @ @ @ the vice president ’ s toughest challenge yet .
Mr. Pence must now balance his @ @ @ @ @ making baseless claims of voter fraud against his own political future and reputation .
He @ @ @ @ @ how Mr. Trump ’ s talk of running for president again in 2024 could leave @ @ @ @ @ run in .
It also makes it difficult for Mr. Pence to even start raising @ @ @ @ @ floating his own name.
” “ In reality , Mr. Pence ’ s allies expect @ @ @ @ @ and make a living giving paid speeches and potentially writing a book .
It will @ @ @ @ @ a long time that Mr. Pence will live as a private citizen — he moved @ @ @ @ @ mansion in Indiana to temporary housing in Washington during the presidential transition four years ago @ @ @ @ @ He currently does not own a house .
”

New York Times “In the final weeks of Mr. Pence’s term, his relationship with President Trump is facing what may be the vice president’s toughest challenge yet. Mr. Pence must now balance his loyalty to an enraged president making baseless claims of voter fraud against his own political future and reputation. He also has to deal with how Mr. Trump’s talk of running for president again in 2024 could leave him with no lane to run in. It also makes it difficult for Mr. Pence to even start raising money if the president is floating his own name.”
“In reality, Mr. Pence’s allies expect him to return to Indiana and make a living giving paid speeches and potentially writing a book. It will be the first time in a long time that Mr. Pence will live as a private citizen — he moved from the governor’s mansion in Indiana to temporary housing in Washington during the presidential transition four years ago to the Naval Observatory. He currently does not own a house.”


politicalwire--2020-11-12--White House Rushes to Execute Lame Duck Moves

“ There is no evidence so far that these new appointees harbor a secret agenda on Iran or have taken @ @ @ @ @ action plan in hand .
But their…


The Coronavirus Soars

Washington Post : “ The number of new daily coronavirus cases in the United States jumped from 104,000 a week @ @ @ @ @ on Wednesday , an all-time high .
Nearly every metric is trending in the wrong @ @ @ @ @ add new restrictions and hospitals to prepare for a potentially dark future .
”

Washington Post: “The number of new daily coronavirus cases in the United States jumped from 104,000 a week earlier to more than 145,000 on Wednesday, an all-time high. Nearly every metric is trending in the wrong direction, prompting states to add new restrictions and hospitals to prepare for a potentially dark future.”


politicalwire--2020-11-12--More Foreign Leaders Have Congratulated Biden

“ Eight world leaders have now called to congratulate President-elect Joe Biden — four more than the number of GOP @ @ @ @ @ so , ” Axios reports .
“ The refusal by top Republicans to accept Biden @ @ @ @ @ legal options to be exhausted could mean weeks of drama and serve as a distraction @ @ @ @ @ necessary to ensure a smooth transition of power .
”

“Eight world leaders have now called to congratulate President-elect Joe Biden — four more than the number of GOP senators who have publicly done so,” Axios reports.
“The refusal by top Republicans to accept Biden’s victory and allow legal options to be exhausted could mean weeks of drama and serve as a distraction from the work that is necessary to ensure a smooth transition of power.”


politicalwire--2020-11-12--The Completely Insane Electoral College Strategy

Rich Lowry : “ President Trump is challenging the outcome of the Nov. 3 presidential election in several razor-thin battleground @ @ @ @ @ and filing lawsuits that are very unlikely to overturn Joe Biden ’ s current leads.
@ @ @ @ @ prospect , some allies of the president are advocating , or beginning to whisper about @ @ @ @ @ matters into their own hands and sending slates of Trump electors to Congress regardless of @ @ @ @ @ This is a poisonous idea that stands out as radical and destructive , even in @ @ @ @ @ ve been debating court-packing and defunding the police .
The best that can be said @ @ @ @ @ is almost certainly a nonstarter , which doesn ’ t mean that it won ’ @ @ @ @ @ ”

Rich Lowry: “President Trump is challenging the outcome of the Nov. 3 presidential election in several razor-thin battleground states, pushing for recounts and filing lawsuits that are very unlikely to overturn Joe Biden’s current leads.”
“Faced with this prospect, some allies of the president are advocating, or beginning to whisper about, Republican state legislatures taking matters into their own hands and sending slates of Trump electors to Congress regardless of the vote count.”
“This is a poisonous idea that stands out as radical and destructive, even in a year when we’ve been debating court-packing and defunding the police. The best that can be said for it is that it is almost certainly a nonstarter, which doesn’t mean that it won’t get more oxygen.”


politicalwire--2020-11-12--Lankford Says Biden Must Get Intelligence Briefings

Sen. James Lankford ( R-OK ) told KRMG that if President-elect Joe Biden doesn ’ t have access to intelligence @ @ @ @ @ will get involved .
Said Lankford : “ I can assure you there will be @ @ @ @ @ in the United States .
”

Sen. James Lankford (R-OK) told KRMG that if President-elect Joe Biden doesn’t have access to intelligence briefings by Friday then he will get involved.
Said Lankford: “I can assure you there will be a peaceful transition of power in the United States.”


politicalwire--2020-11-13--Is This a Coup, or Just Another Trump Con?

Susan Glasser : “ At times , during this unnerving week in America ’ s capital , it has felt as though we were watching events unfold in Minsk or some other dictator stronghold where elections are not stolen the day votes are cast but in the weeks afterward , as the defeated President holes up in his palace , defying reality and increasingly urgent crowds in the streets .
Here in Minsk-on-the-Potomac , Trump has been perpetrating the Big Lie , claiming the election was stolen from him and apparently persuading millions of Americans to go along with this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , has urged calm .
It ’ s an ’ embarrassment , ’ he told reporters Tuesday in Wilmington , Delaware , where he continued to plan his transition , took congratulatory phone calls from world leaders , and appointed a White House chief of staff .
The official line from Biden has been clear and simple : concession or no concession , Trump will have to leave office at noon on January 20th , and that is that.
” “ But is it ?
That we are reduced to even asking this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ States and a win not only for Trump but for all the Trumpists to come , who will forever have the example of a President of the United States flouting the most basic principle of American democracy : accepting the election results and the consequences that come with them .
”

Susan Glasser: “At times, during this unnerving week in America’s capital, it has felt as though we were watching events unfold in Minsk or some other dictator stronghold where elections are not stolen the day votes are cast but in the weeks afterward, as the defeated President holes up in his palace, defying reality and increasingly urgent crowds in the streets. Here in Minsk-on-the-Potomac, Trump has been perpetrating the Big Lie, claiming the election was stolen from him and apparently persuading millions of Americans to go along with this evidence-free fantasy. Biden, so far, has urged calm. It’s an ’embarrassment,’ he told reporters Tuesday in Wilmington, Delaware, where he continued to plan his transition, took congratulatory phone calls from world leaders, and appointed a White House chief of staff. The official line from Biden has been clear and simple: concession or no concession, Trump will have to leave office at noon on January 20th, and that is that.”
“But is it? That we are reduced to even asking this question is a defeat for the United States and a win not only for Trump but for all the Trumpists to come, who will forever have the example of a President of the United States flouting the most basic principle of American democracy: accepting the election results and the consequences that come with them.”


politicalwire--2020-11-13--2020 Election Was ‘Most Secure’ In U.S. History

Top government security and election officials released a joint statement on Thursday definitively declaring that the presidential election last week @ @ @ @ @ in American history ” and making clear that “ there is no evidence ” that @ @ @ @ @ in any way , ” the New York Times reports .

Top government security and election officials released a joint statement on Thursday definitively declaring that the presidential election last week “was the most secure in American history” and making clear that “there is no evidence” that any voting system was compromised in any way,” the New York Times reports.


politicalwire--2020-11-13--Trump Has No Strategy at All

Trump Has No Strategy at All

New York Times : “ There is no grand strategy at play , according to interviews with a half-dozen advisers @ @ @ @ @ president .
Mr. Trump is simply trying to survive from one news cycle to the @ @ @ @ @ he can push his case against his defeat and ensure the continued support of his @ @ @ @ @ dominating the story of his exit from the White House , he hopes to keep @ @ @ @ @ and engaged for whatever comes next.
” “ The president has insisted to aides that @ @ @ @ @ on Nov. 3 , but it is unclear whether he actually believes it .
”

New York Times: “There is no grand strategy at play, according to interviews with a half-dozen advisers and people close to the president. Mr. Trump is simply trying to survive from one news cycle to the next, seeing how far he can push his case against his defeat and ensure the continued support of his Republican base.”
“By dominating the story of his exit from the White House, he hopes to keep his millions of supporters energized and engaged for whatever comes next.”
“The president has insisted to aides that he really defeated Joe Biden on Nov. 3, but it is unclear whether he actually believes it.”


politicalwire--2020-11-12--Trump Silent as Virus Surges

Trump Silent as Virus Surges

“ President Trump has publicly disengaged from the battle against the coronavirus at a moment when the disease is tearing @ @ @ @ @ an alarming pace , ” the AP reports .
“ Trump , fresh off his @ @ @ @ @ Biden , remains angry that an announcement about progress in developing a vaccine for the @ @ @ @ @ .
And aides say the president has shown little interest in the growing crisis even @ @ @ @ @ skyrocketing and hospitals intensive care units in parts of the country are nearing capacity .
@

“President Trump has publicly disengaged from the battle against the coronavirus at a moment when the disease is tearing across the United States at an alarming pace,” the AP reports.
“Trump, fresh off his reelection loss to President-elect Joe Biden, remains angry that an announcement about progress in developing a vaccine for the disease came after Election Day. And aides say the president has shown little interest in the growing crisis even as new confirmed cases are skyrocketing and hospitals intensive care units in parts of the country are nearing capacity.”