politicalwire--2020-08-25--Can Biden’s Center Hold?

Can Biden’s Center Hold?

Evan Osnos : “ Republicans have long accused Democrats of plotting to smuggle socialism into the United States .
But @ @ @ @ @ , whose career has been distinguished mostly by careful centrism , is an awkward task @ @ @ @ @ primaries with a narrow goal : to end the Trump Presidency .
Most Americans , @ @ @ @ @ want a revolution .
At an early fund-raiser in New York , he promised not @ @ @ @ @ rich and said that ‘ nothing would fundamentally change . '
” “ But , @ @ @ @ @ clinched the nomination , in March , he had begun to describe his candidacy as @ @ @ @ @ on the scale of Franklin Roosevelt ’ s New Deal .
According to a senior @ @ @ @ @ Biden told Sanders , in a phone call about a possible endorsement , ‘ I @ @ @ @ @ progressive President since F.D.R.
’ That evolution has confounded critics on all sides .
”

Evan Osnos: “Republicans have long accused Democrats of plotting to smuggle socialism into the United States. But leveling that charge against Biden, whose career has been distinguished mostly by careful centrism, is an awkward task. Biden entered the Democratic primaries with a narrow goal: to end the Trump Presidency. Most Americans, he argued, did not want a revolution. At an early fund-raiser in New York, he promised not to ‘demonize’ the rich and said that ‘nothing would fundamentally change.'”
“But, by the time Biden effectively clinched the nomination, in March, he had begun to describe his candidacy as a bid for systemic change on the scale of Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal. According to a senior aide to Bernie Sanders, Biden told Sanders, in a phone call about a possible endorsement, ‘I want to be the most progressive President since F.D.R.’ That evolution has confounded critics on all sides.”


politicalwire--2020-08-25--What You Saw Last Night

What You Saw Last Night

The Los Angeles Times has the most succinct description of the first night of the GOP convention last night : @ @ @ @ @ universe .
”

“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--2020-08-25--Republicans Portray Democrats as Menace to America

“ Republicans began their nominating convention Monday with dark denunciations of Democrats and warnings about a future controlled by ‘ radical liberals , ’ while praising President Trump ’ s stewardship of the country , including his handling of the coronavirus pandemic that has killed more than 173,000 Americans , ” the Washington Post reports .
New York Times : “ And they laid out a dystopian picture of what the United States would look like under a Biden administration , warning of a ‘ vengeful mob ’ that would lay waste to suburban communities and turn quiet neighborhoods into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the speakers and prerecorded videos appeared to be describing an alternate reality : one in which the nation was not nearing 180,000 deaths from the coronavirus ; in which Mr. Trump had not consistently ignored serious warnings about the disease ; in which the president had not spent much of his term appealing openly to xenophobia and racial animus ; and in which someone other than Mr. Trump had presided over an economy that began crumbling in the spring.
” Daily Beast : GOP says vote Trump… or get a Marxist hell ’ @ @ @

“Republicans began their nominating convention Monday with dark denunciations of Democrats and warnings about a future controlled by ‘radical liberals,’ while praising President Trump’s stewardship of the country, including his handling of the coronavirus pandemic that has killed more than 173,000 Americans,” the Washington Post reports.
New York Times: “And they laid out a dystopian picture of what the United States would look like under a Biden administration, warning of a ‘vengeful mob’ that would lay waste to suburban communities and turn quiet neighborhoods into war zones.”
“At times, the speakers and prerecorded videos appeared to be describing an alternate reality: one in which the nation was not nearing 180,000 deaths from the coronavirus; in which Mr. Trump had not consistently ignored serious warnings about the disease; in which the president had not spent much of his term appealing openly to xenophobia and racial animus; and in which someone other than Mr. Trump had presided over an economy that began crumbling in the spring.”
Daily Beast: GOP says vote Trump… or get a Marxist hell’s cape.


politicalwire--2020-08-25--Ex-GOP Justice Department Officials Endorse Biden

“ A group of onetime Republican presidential appointees who served as senior ethics or Justice Department aides are endorsing Joe @ @ @ @ @ that Donald Trump has ‘ weaponized ’ the executive branch and is putting in peril @ @ @ @ @ Justice Department , ” Politico reports .
Said former deputy attorney general Donald Ayer : @ @ @ @ @ of us are extremely alarmed , frankly , at the threat of autocracy .
He @ @ @ @ @ unleashed if he gets a second term .
I don ’ t know what ’ @ @ @ @ @ .
”

“A group of onetime Republican presidential appointees who served as senior ethics or Justice Department aides are endorsing Joe Biden for president, warning that Donald Trump has ‘weaponized’ the executive branch and is putting in peril the legitimacy of the U.S. Justice Department,” Politico reports.
Said former deputy attorney general Donald Ayer: “I think a lot of us are extremely alarmed, frankly, at the threat of autocracy. He’s going to be unleashed if he gets a second term. I don’t know what’s going to stop him.”


politicalwire--2020-08-25--A Parade of Dishonesty

A Parade of Dishonesty

“ The Republican National Convention started off with a parade of dishonesty , in stark contrast with last week ’ @ @ @ @ @ CNN reports .
“ While CNN also watched and fact-checked the Democrats , those four @ @ @ @ @ have the number of misleading and false claims made on the first night of the @ @ @ @ @

“The Republican National Convention started off with a parade of dishonesty, in stark contrast with last week’s Democratic convention,” CNN reports.
“While CNN also watched and fact-checked the Democrats, those four nights combined didn’t have the number of misleading and false claims made on the first night of the Republicans’ convention.”


politicalwire--2020-08-25--Biden Mad at CBS and ABC for Gifting Trump Airtime

“ When two of the major broadcast networks—CBS and ABC—broke into their regular programming Monday to carry live portions of @ @ @ @ @ false musings after his official nomination , departing from their announced policy of giving only @ @ @ @ @ to each party ’ s political convention , the Biden-Harris campaign was not amused , @ @ @ @ @ “ Indeed , operatives for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris were fuming Monday about a @ @ @ @ @ which the nation ’ s major television outlets permitted Trump—in an ominous echo of the @ @ @ @ @ former reality-TV star received an estimated $ 2 billion of free airtime—to manipulate the media @ @ @ @ @

“When two of the major broadcast networks—CBS and ABC—broke into their regular programming Monday to carry live portions of President Trump’s largely false musings after his official nomination, departing from their announced policy of giving only a hour of daily airtime to each party’s political convention, the Biden-Harris campaign was not amused, the Daily Beast reports.
“Indeed, operatives for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris were fuming Monday about a perceived lack of fairness in which the nation’s major television outlets permitted Trump—in an ominous echo of the 2016 campaign in which the former reality-TV star received an estimated $2 billion of free airtime—to manipulate the media to his advantage.”


politicalwire--2020-08-25--Ex-Homeland Security Officials Start Anti-Trump Group

Miles Taylor and Elizabeth Neumann , former senior DHS officials who served in the Trump administration , have started a @ @ @ @ @ work or have worked for Trump but want to elect Biden and reform the Republican @ @ @ @ @ .
“ So far , two current senior administration officials have anonymously signed on to @ @ @ @ @ them has preliminary plans to reveal their identity closer to the election and expects to @ @ @ @ @ ” “ The person also said the group is preparing another ‘ bombshell ’ to @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday but didn ’ t get into any more detail when pressed .
”

Miles Taylor and Elizabeth Neumann, former senior DHS officials who served in the Trump administration, have started a group of Republicans “who work or have worked for Trump but want to elect Biden and reform the Republican Party,” Politico reports.
“So far, two current senior administration officials have anonymously signed on to the effort and one of them has preliminary plans to reveal their identity closer to the election and expects to get fired as a result…”
“The person also said the group is preparing another ‘bombshell’ to be revealed as soon as Tuesday but didn’t get into any more detail when pressed.”


politicalwire--2020-08-25--Extra Bonus Quote of the Day

Extra Bonus Quote of the Day

“ They want to destroy this country and everything that we have fought for and hold dear .
They want @ @ @ @ @ your Freedom .
They want to control what you see and think and believe so @ @ @ @ @ you live… ”

“They want to destroy this country and everything that we have fought for and hold dear. They want to steal your Liberty, your Freedom. They want to control what you see and think and believe so that they can control how you live…”
— Kimberly Guilfoyle, speaking at the Republican convention.


politicalwire--2020-08-28--Suddenly Trump Cares About Diversity

Suddenly Trump Cares About Diversity

John Avlon notes that President Trump will have put three times as many African Americans on stage at the Republican @ @ @ @ @ appointed to his West Wing , Cabinet and US Attorney ’ s offices… combined .
@ @ @ @ @ sign that the rhetoric doesn ’ t remotely match the record .
”

John Avlon notes that President Trump will have put three times as many African Americans on stage at the Republican National Convention as he has appointed to his West Wing, Cabinet and US Attorney’s offices… combined.
“It’s a sign that the rhetoric doesn’t remotely match the record.”


politicalwire--2020-08-28--Biden Snags ‘Keep America Great’ Domain

Biden Snags ‘Keep America Great’ Domain

Politico : “ When Trump launched his reelection campaign last year , he rolled out the “ Keep America Great @ @ @ @ @ slogan with great fanfare .
But the Biden campaign recently learned the web domain was @ @ @ @ @ “ The site now lays out a top-to-bottom rebuke to the Trump administration , including @ @ @ @ @ ”

Politico: “When Trump launched his reelection campaign last year, he rolled out the “Keep America Great” as its official new slogan with great fanfare. But the Biden campaign recently learned the web domain was available and snagged it.”
“The site now lays out a top-to-bottom rebuke to the Trump administration, including his handling of coronavirus.”


politicalwire--2020-08-28--Extra Bonus Quote of the Day

Extra Bonus Quote of the Day

“ He ’ s going to be accepting the nomination as somebody who previously was an outsider doing a hostile @ @ @ @ @ He ’ s still an outsider , but he ’ s built a band of @ @ @ @ @ hostile takeover he started four years ago is now complete.
” — Jared Kushner , @ @ @ @ @ Times , on President Trump .

“He’s going to be accepting the nomination as somebody who previously was an outsider doing a hostile takeover of the party. He’s still an outsider, but he’s built a band of outsiders with him. The hostile takeover he started four years ago is now complete.”
— Jared Kushner, quoted by the New York Times, on President Trump.


politicalwire--2020-08-28--Republican Convention: Night Four

Republican Convention: Night Four

The third night of the Republican convention will be televised and livestreamed from 8:30 p.m to 11 p.m .
ET @ @ @ @ @ the comments .
Members can join the discussion in The Cloakroom .

The third night of the Republican convention will be televised and livestreamed from 8:30 p.m to 11 p.m. ET.
Speakers include: Ivanka Trump, Rudy Giuliani, Kevin McCarthy and Donald Trump.
Leave your reactions in the comments. Members can join the discussion in The Cloakroom.


politicalwire--2020-08-27--Biden Back on the Road, Maybe

Biden Back on the Road, Maybe

“ Joe Biden is considering a modified return to the campaign trail after Labor Day , with short , surgical @ @ @ @ @ the closing two months of the race , ” Axios reports .
“ As some @ @ @ @ @ lead is narrowing , some Democrats worry that President Trump could gain a tactical advantage @ @ @ @ @ ’ s campaigning in person and Biden ’ s only out there virtually.
” “ @ @ @ @ @ remain convinced that there ’ s a strategic benefit to drawing a sharp contrast with @ @ @ @ @ curbing travel and social distancing — as well as a public health benefit .
”

“Joe Biden is considering a modified return to the campaign trail after Labor Day, with short, surgical travel to swing states in the closing two months of the race,” Axios reports.
“As some polls suggest Biden’s lead is narrowing, some Democrats worry that President Trump could gain a tactical advantage at crunch time if he’s campaigning in person and Biden’s only out there virtually.”
“Still, many Biden advisers remain convinced that there’s a strategic benefit to drawing a sharp contrast with Trump when it comes to curbing travel and social distancing — as well as a public health benefit.”


politicalwire--2020-08-27--Why Biden Is Leading

Why Biden Is Leading

Amy Walter : “ This week I dug into the most recent national poll from Pew Research and compared it @ @ @ @ @ 2016 validated vote survey ( basically , a post-election exit poll that uses official voting @ @ @ @ @ find is that Trump is hitting his 2016 share of the vote among most demographic @ @ @ @ @ ’ s not grown beyond those voters .
Instead , it ’ s Biden who @ @ @ @ @ ’ s 2016 performance.
” “ Now , the all-important caveat .
The voter validated @ @ @ @ @ actually voted in 2016 , while the July-August survey is of registered voters .
In @ @ @ @ @ the people in the July-August survey may not vote , while everyone in the 2016 @ @ @ @ @ it does help give us some perspective on how Trump is performing with key demographic @ @ @ @ @ did with them in 2016 .
”

Amy Walter: “This week I dug into the most recent national poll from Pew Research and compared it with the results of their 2016 validated vote survey (basically, a post-election exit poll that uses official voting records). What you find is that Trump is hitting his 2016 share of the vote among most demographic groups. But, he’s not grown beyond those voters. Instead, it’s Biden who has improved markedly on Clinton’s 2016 performance.”
“Now, the all-important caveat. The voter validated survey is of people who actually voted in 2016, while the July-August survey is of registered voters. In other words, some of the people in the July-August survey may not vote, while everyone in the 2016 survey did. But, it does help give us some perspective on how Trump is performing with key demographic groups compared to how he did with them in 2016.”


politicalwire--2020-08-27--Democratic Operatives Warned Over Dating Apps

“ Democratic Party security officials sent a warning to campaign staffers across the country that political opposition groups may be @ @ @ @ @ to get dirt on them and their campaigns , ” CNN reports .
Said the @ @ @ @ @ re received reports that opposition groups may be trying to ‘ sting ’ or infiltrate @ @ @ @ @ dating sites… Swipe carefully .
”

“Democratic Party security officials sent a warning to campaign staffers across the country that political opposition groups may be using dating apps to try to get dirt on them and their campaigns,” CNN reports.
Said the warning: “We’re received reports that opposition groups may be trying to ‘sting’ or infiltrate Democratic campaigns or organizations through dating sites… Swipe carefully.”


politicalwire--2020-08-27--Robocall Warns Detroit Voters of Mail Voting

Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson ( D ) is warning Detroit voters of a “ racially charged ” and @ @ @ @ @ be discouraging mail-in voting ahead of the November election , the Detroit News reports .
@ @ @ @ @ their personal information will be part of a public database that will then be used @ @ @ @ @ people with warrants or debt .

Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson (D) is warning Detroit voters of a “racially charged” and false robocall that appears to be discouraging mail-in voting ahead of the November election, the Detroit News reports.
The recording tells voters that their personal information will be part of a public database that will then be used by police to track down people with warrants or debt.


politicalwire--2020-08-27--Harris Rips Trump Over Handling of Pandemic

All three cable news networks carried a speech by Sen. Kamala Harris live in which she laced into President Trump @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus pandemic ahead of his convention speech tonight .
Said Harris : “ Donald Trump @ @ @ @ @ .
And he was petty and vindictive .
”

All three cable news networks carried a speech by Sen. Kamala Harris live in which she laced into President Trump as a failure on the coronavirus pandemic ahead of his convention speech tonight.
Said Harris: “Donald Trump froze. He was scared. And he was petty and vindictive.”


politicalwire--2020-08-27--Secret Service Shot Man Holding a Comb

Secret Service Shot Man Holding a Comb

“ The more chaos and anarchy and vandalism and violence reigns , the better it is for the very clear @ @ @ @ @ best on public safety and law and order.
” —…


politicalwire--2020-08-27--Bonus Quote of the Day

Bonus Quote of the Day

“ The more chaos and anarchy and vandalism and violence reigns , the better it is for the very clear @ @ @ @ @ best on public safety and law and order.
” — Kellyanne Conway , making the @ @ @ @ @ the killings of peaceful protesters will benefit President Trump politically .

“The more chaos and anarchy and vandalism and violence reigns, the better it is for the very clear choice on who’s best on public safety and law and order.”
— Kellyanne Conway, making the case on Fox News that the killings of peaceful protesters will benefit President Trump politically.


politicalwire--2020-08-27--Biden Confirms He’ll Debate Trump

Biden Confirms He’ll Debate Trump

Joe Biden rejected Speaker Nancy Pelosi ’ s suggestion that he not “ legitimize a conversation ” with President Trump @ @ @ @ @ reports .
Said Biden : “ I ’ m gon na debate him .
I @ @ @ @ @ a fact-checker on the floor while I ’ m debating him .
”

Joe Biden rejected Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s suggestion that he not “legitimize a conversation” with President Trump by debating him, MSNBC reports.
Said Biden: “I’m gonna debate him. I’m gonna be a fact-checker on the floor while I’m debating him.”


politicalwire--2020-08-27--Pence’s Speech Ratings Down Big From Kamala Harris

Vice President Mike Pence ’ s speech at the Republican convention had 10.5 million viewers across the major broadcast networks @ @ @ @ @ networks , Nielsen reports .
That represents a significant drop compared to when vice presidential @ @ @ @ @ million viewers for her speech .
Bloomberg : Pence delivers the smallest audience of GOP @ @ @ @ @ .

Vice President Mike Pence’s speech at the Republican convention had 10.5 million viewers across the major broadcast networks and three big cable news networks, Nielsen reports.
That represents a significant drop compared to when vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris drew 16.2 million viewers for her speech.
Bloomberg: Pence delivers the smallest audience of GOP’s convention so far.


politicalwire--2020-08-27--Kanye West Is Breaking Campaign Finance Law

“ Kanye West ’ s presidential campaign continues to push to get him on the ballot in states across the @ @ @ @ @ s now a full week late with its campaign finance filings , a move that @ @ @ @ @ organization to hide how deep the GOP efforts to back his spoiler campaign go , @ @ @ @ @ “ The monthly campaign finance filing was due with the Federal Election Commission on August @ @ @ @ @ s campaign still hasn ’ t submitted the paperwork , a requirement for all presidential @ @ @ @ @ or spend at least $ 100,000 on the campaign .
”

“Kanye West’s presidential campaign continues to push to get him on the ballot in states across the country. But it’s now a full week late with its campaign finance filings, a move that’s allowing the shadowy organization to hide how deep the GOP efforts to back his spoiler campaign go,” Vice News reports.
“The monthly campaign finance filing was due with the Federal Election Commission on August 20. But West’s campaign still hasn’t submitted the paperwork, a requirement for all presidential candidates that planned to raise or spend at least $100,000 on the campaign.”


politicalwire--2020-08-27--Pelosi Not Hopeful on Coronavirus Relief

“ As a stalemate over coronavirus relief legislation persists , Speaker Nancy Pelosi and White House Chief of Staff Mark @ @ @ @ @ phone Thursday afternoon for the first time in weeks , but both sides are downplaying @ @ @ @ @ call will restart negotiations , ” NBC News reports .
Pelosi said she is returning @ @ @ @ @ of respect ” but that it will be a “ very short ” conversation if @ @ @ @ @ to meet Democrats in the middle .
Said Pelosi : “ Are you willing to @ @ @ @ @ If so , we can have a conversation .
If not , I ’ ve @ @ @ @ @

“As a stalemate over coronavirus relief legislation persists, Speaker Nancy Pelosi and White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows will speak on the phone Thursday afternoon for the first time in weeks, but both sides are downplaying any suggestion that the phone call will restart negotiations,” NBC News reports.
Pelosi said she is returning Meadows’ call “out of respect” but that it will be a “very short” conversation if he’s not willing to meet Democrats in the middle.
Said Pelosi: “Are you willing to meet in the middle? If so, we can have a conversation. If not, I’ve returned your call.”


politicalwire--2020-08-27--$454 Billion Treasury Fund Goes Mostly Unused

“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--2020-08-27--Americans Spending Less on Groceries

Americans Spending Less on Groceries

“ Grocery shoppers are cutting back on spending , data show , a sign that Americans are hurting for cash @ @ @ @ @ remains on hold for most recipients , ” the Wall Street Journal reports .
“ @ @ @ @ @ spending comes after the $ 600 in weekly additional unemployment checks expired in July .
@ @ @ @ @ between May and July following a plunge earlier in the spring , analysts say that @ @ @ @ @ spending could mean lower sales for more discretionary items such as clothes and cars .
@

“Grocery shoppers are cutting back on spending, data show, a sign that Americans are hurting for cash as the federal unemployment stimulus remains on hold for most recipients,” the Wall Street Journal reports.
“The emerging shift in food spending comes after the $600 in weekly additional unemployment checks expired in July. … While consumer spending rebounded between May and July following a plunge earlier in the spring, analysts say that a broader pullback on grocery spending could mean lower sales for more discretionary items such as clothes and cars.”


politicalwire--2020-08-27--How Trump’s Company Charged the Government More

Washington Post : “ The Secret Service had asked for a room close to the president .
But Mar-a-Lago said @ @ @ @ @ The room was booked .
Would agents like a room across the street from the @ @ @ @ @ The next time , the Secret Service didn ’ t take the same risk .
@ @ @ @ @ rooms for two weeks at a time — locking them up before the club could @ @ @ @ @ according to newly released records and emails… ” “ Federal spending records show that taxpayers @ @ @ @ @ businesses more than $ 900,000 since he took office .
At least $ 570,000 came @ @ @ @ @ president ’ s travel , according to a Post analysis .
Now , new federal @ @ @ @ @ Post via a public-records lawsuit give more detail about how the Trump Organization charged the @ @ @ @ @ of captive customer , required to follow Trump everywhere .
”

Washington Post: “The Secret Service had asked for a room close to the president. But Mar-a-Lago said it was too late. The room was booked. Would agents like a room across the street from the president, instead? … The next time, the Secret Service didn’t take the same risk. It paid Mar-a-Lago to book rooms for two weeks at a time — locking them up before the club could rent them to others, according to newly released records and emails…”
“Federal spending records show that taxpayers have paid Trump’s businesses more than $900,000 since he took office. At least $570,000 came as a result of the president’s travel, according to a Post analysis. Now, new federal spending documents obtained by The Post via a public-records lawsuit give more detail about how the Trump Organization charged the Secret Service — a kind of captive customer, required to follow Trump everywhere.”


politicalwire--2020-08-27--Audience for Trump’s Speech Won’t Be Tested

“ When President Trump formally accepts the Republican nomination for president on Thursday , he will speak to a live @ @ @ @ @ for whom coronavirus tests are not a requirement upon arrival , ” Politico reports .
@ @ @ @ @ document notes that audience members must wear protective face coverings upon their arrival at the @ @ @ @ @ high traffic areas , but can eschew masks during the president ’ s speech — @ @ @ @ @ pan to the crowd gathered on the South Lawn .

“When President Trump formally accepts the Republican nomination for president on Thursday, he will speak to a live audience at the White House for whom coronavirus tests are not a requirement upon arrival,” Politico reports.
The “guest guidance” document notes that audience members must wear protective face coverings upon their arrival at the White House, and in high traffic areas, but can eschew masks during the president’s speech — when cameras are likely to pan to the crowd gathered on the South Lawn.


politicalwire--2020-08-27--Trump to Skewer Biden In Convention Speech

“ President Trump will unload on Joe Biden in a blistering convention speech Thursday night , ” Politico reports .
@ @ @ @ @ “ At no time before have voters faced a clearer choice between two parties , @ @ @ @ @ , or two agendas .
We have spent the last four years reversing the damage @ @ @ @ @ last 47 years .
At the Democrat convention , you barely heard a word about @ @ @ @ @ ’ s not because they don ’ t have one .
It ’ s because @ @ @ @ @ extreme set of proposals ever put forward by a major party nominee.
” Not mentioned @ @ @ @ @ ’ t even adopt a platform .

“President Trump will unload on Joe Biden in a blistering convention speech Thursday night,” Politico reports.
From the prepared remarks: “At no time before have voters faced a clearer choice between two parties, two visions, two philosophies, or two agendas. We have spent the last four years reversing the damage Joe Biden inflicted over the last 47 years. At the Democrat convention, you barely heard a word about their agenda. But that’s not because they don’t have one. It’s because their agenda is the most extreme set of proposals ever put forward by a major party nominee.”
Not mentioned: The Republican convention didn’t even adopt a platform.


politicalwire--2020-08-28--Trump Wields Fear In Pitch for 4 More Years

“ As he laid out his case for reelection , President Trump deployed a powerful , and familiar , political @ @ @ @ @ the AP reports .
“ In a tradition-defying convention address delivered from the White House @ @ @ @ @ portrait of violence in American cities run by Democrats and populated by voters who largely @ @ @ @ @ depictions were at odds with the full reality on the ground in those cities , @ @ @ @ @ the last best hope for keeping lawlessness from reaching suburban communities — the same communities @ @ @ @ @ the tide of voters turning against the Republican Party.
” “ Fear has long been @ @ @ @ @ part because it works .
”

“As he laid out his case for reelection, President Trump deployed a powerful, and familiar, political tactic: fear,” the AP reports.
“In a tradition-defying convention address delivered from the White House, Trump painted a grim portrait of violence in American cities run by Democrats and populated by voters who largely oppose him. Though his depictions were at odds with the full reality on the ground in those cities, Trump held himself up as the last best hope for keeping lawlessness from reaching suburban communities — the same communities where he needs to stem the tide of voters turning against the Republican Party.”
“Fear has long been wielded by politicians, in part because it works.”
Mike Barnicle: A sick president scrambles to spread his contagion of fear.


politicalwire--2020-08-28--Biden Holds Big Lead In Tracking Poll

Biden Holds Big Lead In Tracking Poll

“ But so I think , I think it would be , I think it would be very , very @ @ @ @ @ d have a very , very solid , we would continue what we ’ re @ @ @


politicalwire--2020-08-28--Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day

“ But so I think , I think it would be , I think it would be very , very @ @ @ @ @ d have a very , very solid , we would continue what we ’ re @ @ @ @ @ solidify what we ’ ve done , and we have other things on our plate @ @ @ @ @ ” — President Trump , in an interview with the New York Times , when @ @ @ @ @ agenda if re-elected .

“But so I think, I think it would be, I think it would be very, very, I think we’d have a very, very solid, we would continue what we’re doing, we’d solidify what we’ve done, and we have other things on our plate we want to get done.”
— President Trump, in an interview with the New York Times, when asked about his second term agenda if re-elected.


politicalwire--2020-08-28--Penn Professor Wants Probe of Trump’s Admission

A professor at the University of Pennsylvania has renewed a request to investigate how President Trump was admitted to the @ @ @ @ @ what he called “ new evidence ” on secretly recorded tapes in which Trump ’ @ @ @ @ @ took his entrance exam , the Washington Post reports .

A professor at the University of Pennsylvania has renewed a request to investigate how President Trump was admitted to the school in 1966, citing what he called “new evidence” on secretly recorded tapes in which Trump’s sister says a friend took his entrance exam, the Washington Post reports.


politicalwire--2020-08-28--Biden Will Resume Campaign Travel

Biden Will Resume Campaign Travel

Joe Biden told Bloomberg that he will begin traveling to battlegrounds after Labor Day , listing Wisconsin , Minnesota , @ @ @ @ @ the states on his itinerary .
Biden said he will “ get out safely without @ @ @ @ @ He added : “ I ’ m a tactile politician .
I really miss being @ @ @ @ @ , grab hands , shake hands .
You can ’ t do that now .
@ @ @ @ @ can in fact appear beyond virtually in person in many of these place .
”

Joe Biden told Bloomberg that he will begin traveling to battlegrounds after Labor Day, listing Wisconsin, Minnesota, Arizona and Pennsylvania as among the states on his itinerary.
Biden said he will “get out safely without jeopardizing peoples’ health.”
He added: “I’m a tactile politician. I really miss being able to, you know, grab hands, shake hands. You can’t do that now. But I can, I can in fact appear beyond virtually in person in many of these place.”


politicalwire--2020-08-28--Scott Walker Turned Off Camera During Interview


politicalwire--2020-08-28--Republicans Were Not Focused on Top Issues

As a backdrop to the just-ended Republican convention , Gallup routinely asks an open-ended question about what ’ s the @ @ @ @ @ country today .
In August , 35 % said something about the coronavirus pandemic , @ @ @ @ @ , and 10 % said race relations .
Only 4 % thought crime was most @ @

As a backdrop to the just-ended Republican convention, Gallup routinely asks an open-ended question about what’s the most important problem facing the country today.
In August, 35% said something about the coronavirus pandemic, 12% named the economy, and 10% said race relations.
Only 4% thought crime was most important.


politicalwire--2020-08-28--Trump’s Convention Was ‘Clearly Illegal’

“ The South Lawn speech was the final demolition of the boundaries between governance and campaigning in a week full @ @ @ @ @ the New York Times reports .
Playbook : “ It ’ s really shocking that @ @ @ @ @ s monuments — Fort McHenry , the Washington Monument and the White House — for @ @ @ @ @ It ’ s clearly illegal.
” Jonathan Chait : Why Republicans can get away with @ @ @ @ @ obey .

“The South Lawn speech was the final demolition of the boundaries between governance and campaigning in a week full of such eroding,” the New York Times reports.
Playbook: “It’s really shocking that the president used America’s monuments — Fort McHenry, the Washington Monument and the White House — for nakedly partisan political purposes. It’s clearly illegal.”
Jonathan Chait: Why Republicans can get away with violating laws Democrats have to obey.


politicalwire--2020-08-28--Trump’s Speech Widely Panned

Trump’s Speech Widely Panned

The Washington Post called President Trump ’ s acceptance speech “ a tidal wave of tall tales , false claims @ @ @ @ @ : “ It wasn ’ t a terribly effective address .
The speech lacked structure @ @ @ @ @ president swerved between topics , some of which felt beneath the occasion , and appeared @ @ @ @ @ effort that he failed to punch through what should have been the most impactful moments.
@ @ @ @ @ delivery — particularly in the first 30 minutes or so of this way-too-long speech — @ @ @ @ @ flat .
”

The Washington Post called President Trump’s acceptance speech “a tidal wave of tall tales, false claims and revisionist history.”
Politico: “It wasn’t a terribly effective address. The speech lacked structure and thematic discipline. The president swerved between topics, some of which felt beneath the occasion, and appeared so drained by the marathon effort that he failed to punch through what should have been the most impactful moments.”
CNN: “His delivery — particularly in the first 30 minutes or so of this way-too-long speech — was without emotion and decidedly flat.”


politicalwire--2020-08-28--Trump Pretends Pandemic Is Over

Trump Pretends Pandemic Is Over

Washington Post : “ A pandemic is raging , preventing Americans from traveling freely , shuttering schools and keeping businesses @ @ @ @ @ Trump ’ s White House .
The perfectly manicured lawn was filled with little white @ @ @ @ @ apart and most of the 1,500 or so people in attendance were maskless.
” “ @ @ @ @ @ members , supporters and a beatific Vice President Pence were all nestled up next to @ @ @ @ @ ’ t so much a cult of denial , but a cult of personality.
” @ @ @ @ @ pitch is : Pretend this calamity never happened .
Transport yourself to six months ago @ @ @ @ @ looked at the White House lawn Thursday night and saw the maskless masses , it @ @ @ @ @ GOP wants to pretend that this public-health nightmare is over.
” CNN : “ Combined @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus pandemic in the past tense , the images projected a post-pandemic world , @ @ @ @ @ ”

Washington Post: “A pandemic is raging, preventing Americans from traveling freely, shuttering schools and keeping businesses closed. But not at Trump’s White House. The perfectly manicured lawn was filled with little white chairs that were spaced inches apart and most of the 1,500 or so people in attendance were maskless.”
“Cabinet members, Trump family members, supporters and a beatific Vice President Pence were all nestled up next to one another. It wasn’t so much a cult of denial, but a cult of personality.”
Playbook: “His election pitch is: Pretend this calamity never happened. Transport yourself to six months ago. And, if you looked at the White House lawn Thursday night and saw the maskless masses, it’s clear that the GOP wants to pretend that this public-health nightmare is over.”
CNN: “Combined with the repeated references to the coronavirus pandemic in the past tense, the images projected a post-pandemic world, even as deaths mount.”


politicalwire--2020-08-28--Trump Casts Election as Crusade for Law and Order

“ President Trump accepted the Republican Party ’ s nomination for a second term on Thursday , joining a general-election @ @ @ @ @ he and his party cast this week as a crusade against left-wing ideology and violent @ @ @ @ @ the backdrop of a virus that Republicans largely described as a temporary handicap on the @ @ @ @ @ York Times reports .
“ In a 70-minute speech on the South Lawn of the @ @ @ @ @ repeatedly misrepresented his own record on the coronavirus , part of a broader attempt to @ @ @ @ @ and turn a harsh light toward his opponent , Mr. Biden , a moderate Democrat.
@ @ @ @ @ accused his rival and Democrats of failing to take on rioters , though Mr. Biden @ @ @ @ @ violence , and of harboring designs to restructure the American economic system along socialist lines.
@ @ @ @ @ Trump cast himself as an insurgent rather than the incumbent he is , railing against @ @ @ @ @ the failed political class . '
”

“President Trump accepted the Republican Party’s nomination for a second term on Thursday, joining a general-election contest against Joe Biden that he and his party cast this week as a crusade against left-wing ideology and violent social disorder, fought against the backdrop of a virus that Republicans largely described as a temporary handicap on the economy,” the New York Times reports.
“In a 70-minute speech on the South Lawn of the White House, Mr. Trump repeatedly misrepresented his own record on the coronavirus, part of a broader attempt to minimize his lapses in office and turn a harsh light toward his opponent, Mr. Biden, a moderate Democrat.”
“The president also accused his rival and Democrats of failing to take on rioters, though Mr. Biden has condemned recent acts of violence, and of harboring designs to restructure the American economic system along socialist lines.”
Washington Post: “Trump cast himself as an insurgent rather than the incumbent he is, railing against Biden as eminence of ‘the failed political class.'”


politicalwire--2020-08-28--No Bushes, Reagans, Cheneys or McCains

No Bushes, Reagans, Cheneys or McCains

New York Times : “ There were no Bushes , Cheneys , Bakers or Doles .
There were no former @ @ @ @ @ , or prominent former cabinet members like Condoleezza Rice , who were part of Republican @ @ @ @ @ leading to Mr. Trump ’ s election .
Indeed , two names were barely mentioned @ @ @ @ @ convention speeches and video : Bush and Reagan .
( And never mind anyone named @ @ @ @ @ Their absence seems to be the final signature on the divorce between the old guard @ @ @ @ @ well as proof , if it were still needed , of how much he has @ @ @ @ @ And the feeling is mutual .
The old guard — the elected officials , cabinet @ @ @ @ @ has shown little interest in being part of the Trump pageant , and Mr. Trump @ @ @ @ @ having it join his show .
”

New York Times: “There were no Bushes, Cheneys, Bakers or Doles. There were no former Republican presidents or vice presidents, or prominent former cabinet members like Condoleezza Rice, who were part of Republican White Houses over the decades leading to Mr. Trump’s election. Indeed, two names were barely mentioned over roughly 10 hours of convention speeches and video: Bush and Reagan. (And never mind anyone named McCain.)”
“Their absence seems to be the final signature on the divorce between the old guard and Mr. Trump, as well as proof, if it were still needed, of how much he has taken over the party. And the feeling is mutual. The old guard — the elected officials, cabinet members and political operatives — has shown little interest in being part of the Trump pageant, and Mr. Trump has had little interest in having it join his show.”


politicalwire--2020-08-28--Shinzo Abe Resigns Because of Illness

Shinzo Abe Resigns Because of Illness

“ Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan said on Friday that he was resigning because of ill health , thrusting @ @ @ @ @ global pandemic , into a new period of political uncertainty after a record-setting tenure that @ @ @ @ @ the top , ” the New York Times reports .

“Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan said on Friday that he was resigning because of ill health, thrusting his country, amid a global pandemic, into a new period of political uncertainty after a record-setting tenure that had provided unaccustomed stability at the top,” the New York Times reports.


politicalwire--2020-08-28--Betsy DeVos Out of Sight

Betsy DeVos Out of Sight

“ School choice is finally getting prime-time attention as President Donald Trump makes the issue a focal point of his @ @ @ @ @ parents clamoring for an alternative to neighborhood public schools during the pandemic , ” Politico @ @ @ @ @ policy issue ’ s biggest cheerleader , his Education Secretary Betsy DeVos , has been @ @ @ @ @ .
”

“School choice is finally getting prime-time attention as President Donald Trump makes the issue a focal point of his reelection bid, appealing to parents clamoring for an alternative to neighborhood public schools during the pandemic,” Politico reports.
“But the policy issue’s biggest cheerleader, his Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, has been kept out of that spotlight.”


politicalwire--2020-08-29--New Audio Released of Trump’s Sister Bashing Family

Mary Trump revealed to MSNBC another set of secretly recorded moments with President Trump ’ s sister , Maryanne Trump @ @ @ @ @ insults the president and his children .
Said Barry : “ Eric ’ s become @ @ @ @ @ gives a fuck .
She ’ s all about her… She ’ s a mini @ @ @ @ @ ’ s besotted with her .
He always has been .
She ’ s always @ @ @ @ @ added : “ And then you get Donald who won ’ t do anything for @ @ @ @ @ going to inure to his — I mean , he won ’ t do any @ @ @ @ @ , if you — anything he did , he says , ‘ Look what I @ @ @ @ @ ’ t I wonderful ?
’ And he ’ s as tight as a duck @ @ @ @ @ like dad was , really .
”

Mary Trump revealed to MSNBC another set of secretly recorded moments with President Trump’s sister, Maryanne Trump Barry, in which she insults the president and his children.
Said Barry: “Eric’s become the moron publicly. Ivanka gives a fuck. She’s all about her… She’s a mini Donald, but yet he’s besotted with her. He always has been. She’s always been his favorite.”
She added: “And then you get Donald who won’t do anything for anybody unless it’s going to inure to his — I mean, he won’t do any — publicly. I mean, if you — anything he did, he says, ‘Look what I’ve done. Aren’t I wonderful?’ And he’s as tight as a duck’s ass. Just like dad was, really.”


politicalwire--2020-08-28--Tenants Were Tricked Into Appearing in RNC Video

Lynne Patton , a Trump-appointed federal housing official , tricked four public housing residents into appearing in a video that @ @ @ @ @ convention , the New York Times reports .
“ Three of the four tenants in @ @ @ @ @ interviewed on Friday by The New York Times .
All three said they opposed President @ @ @ @ @ the purpose of the video .
”

Lynne Patton, a Trump-appointed federal housing official, tricked four public housing residents into appearing in a video that was used for the Republican convention, the New York Times reports.
“Three of the four tenants in the public housing video were interviewed on Friday by The New York Times. All three said they opposed President Trump and were misled about the purpose of the video.”


politicalwire--2020-08-28--Secret Service Copes with Coronavirus Cases

Washington Post : “ In the past two months , dozens of Secret Service agents who worked to ensure the @ @ @ @ @ Vice President Pence at public events have been sickened or sidelined because they were in @ @ @ @ @ , who spoke on the condition of anonymity to describe the incidents.
” “ Despite @ @ @ @ @ to hold large gatherings — most dramatically at the White House on Thursday night , @ @ @ @ @ speech at the Republican National Convention before a crowd of 1,500 people seated closely together @ @ @ @ @ with few masks in sight .
The vast majority were not tested for the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @

Washington Post: “In the past two months, dozens of Secret Service agents who worked to ensure the security of the president and Vice President Pence at public events have been sickened or sidelined because they were in direct contact with infected people, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to describe the incidents.”
“Despite that, Trump has continued to hold large gatherings — most dramatically at the White House on Thursday night, when he delivered his acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention before a crowd of 1,500 people seated closely together on the South Lawn, with few masks in sight. The vast majority were not tested for the coronavirus ahead of time.”


politicalwire--2020-08-28--Study Suggests Polls Are Missing Shy Trump Voters

“ A new online study finds that Republicans and independents are twice as likely as Democrats to say they would @ @ @ @ @ in a telephone poll question about their preference for president in the 2020 election .
@ @ @ @ @ polls understate support for President Trump , ” Businessweek reports .
“ Some 11.7 % @ @ @ @ @ independents said they would not give their true opinion , vs. 5.4 % of Democrats @ @

“A new online study finds that Republicans and independents are twice as likely as Democrats to say they would not give their true opinion in a telephone poll question about their preference for president in the 2020 election. That raises the possibility that polls understate support for President Trump,” Businessweek reports.
“Some 11.7% of Republicans and 10.5% independents said they would not give their true opinion, vs. 5.4% of Democrats.”


politicalwire--2020-08-28--Trump Was ‘Triggered’ by Talk of White Supremacy

Two former top Homeland Security officials in the Trump administration have told The Daily Beast that there was an unwritten @ @ @ @ @ like “ domestic terrorism ” and “ white supremacy ” around the president , for @ @ @ @ @ such conversations as implicit criticism of him .

Two former top Homeland Security officials in the Trump administration have told The Daily Beast that there was an unwritten policy to not utter phrases like “domestic terrorism” and “white supremacy” around the president, for fear that he would take such conversations as implicit criticism of him.


politicalwire--2020-08-28--U.S. Military Will Play No Role In Election

Gen. Mark Milley , chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff , told Congress the U.S. armed forces will have @ @ @ @ @ the election process or resolving a disputed vote , the AP reports .
The comments @ @ @ @ @ extraordinary political environment in America , where the president has declared without evidence that the @ @ @ @ @ will make the vote ‘ inaccurate and fraudulent , ’ and has suggested he might @ @ @ @ @ if he loses .
”

Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told Congress the U.S. armed forces will have no role in carrying out the election process or resolving a disputed vote, the AP reports.
The comments from Milley “underscore the extraordinary political environment in America, where the president has declared without evidence that the expected surge in mail-in ballots will make the vote ‘inaccurate and fraudulent,’ and has suggested he might not accept the election results if he loses.”


politicalwire--2020-08-28--Tillis Apologizes for Not Wearing Mask at Trump Speech

Sen. Thom Tillis ( R-NC ) said in a statement that he “ fell short of his own standard , @ @ @ @ @ wear a face mask at President Trump ’ s Republican convention acceptance speech , Axios @ @ @ @ @ after challenger Cal Cunningham put out this statement : “ Tillis apparently sets a different @ @ @ @ @ was captured maskless in Washington Thursday surrounded by nearly 1,000 other people , most of @ @ @ @ @ masks or social distancing , after posting a photo to Twitter wearing a mask .
@

Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) said in a statement that he “fell short of his own standard,” by choosing not to wear a face mask at President Trump’s Republican convention acceptance speech, Axios reports.
The apology came after challenger Cal Cunningham put out this statement: “Tillis apparently sets a different standard for himself. He was captured maskless in Washington Thursday surrounded by nearly 1,000 other people, most of whom were also not wearing masks or social distancing, after posting a photo to Twitter wearing a mask.”


politicalwire--2020-08-28--Parties Become More Extreme to Attract Voters

New research from Northwestern University shows that U.S. political parties “ are becoming increasingly polarized due to their quest for @ @ @ @ @ themselves are becoming more extremist.
” “ The research team found that extremism is a @ @ @ @ @ the years even if voters ’ views remain in the center .
Voters are not @ @ @ @ @ but a ‘ satisficing , ’ meaning ‘ good enough , ’ candidate .
”

New research from Northwestern University shows that U.S. political parties “are becoming increasingly polarized due to their quest for voters — not because voters themselves are becoming more extremist.”
“The research team found that extremism is a strategy that has worked over the years even if voters’ views remain in the center. Voters are not looking for a perfect representative but a ‘satisficing,’ meaning ‘good enough,’ candidate.”


politicalwire--2020-08-28--Why Do Trump Insiders Have So Much to Say?

Emily Jane Fox notes three tell-all books from Trumpworld insiders — from Too Much and Never Enough by Mary Trump , Disloyal by Michael Cohen , and now Melania and Me by Stephanie Winston Wolkoff — are similar .
“ What has struck me most about these books is not what salacious stories they have to share , though the stories are delicious and damning as advertised .
It ’ s that some of the people closest to the Trumps have felt so jilted by them , so burned , so wrung out , that they ’ re willing to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or closest friends .
The only reason these books exist is because the Trumps created a climate of backbiting and mistrust that subsumed everyone around them—a climate in which things like recording run-of-the-mill conversations to cover their hides or protect themselves from criminal investigations became the norm .
For three different sets of reasons , Mary Trump , Cohen , and Wolkoff had the same knee-jerk response .
They felt like it was the only way .
And an even wilder notion : they were right.
” “ That simple fact is more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of these stories .
”

Emily Jane Fox notes three tell-all books from Trumpworld insiders — from Too Much and Never Enough by Mary Trump, Disloyal by Michael Cohen, and now Melania and Me by Stephanie Winston Wolkoff — are similar.
“What has struck me most about these books is not what salacious stories they have to share, though the stories are delicious and damning as advertised. It’s that some of the people closest to the Trumps have felt so jilted by them, so burned, so wrung out, that they’re willing to spill their guts about their own family or closest friends. The only reason these books exist is because the Trumps created a climate of backbiting and mistrust that subsumed everyone around them—a climate in which things like recording run-of-the-mill conversations to cover their hides or protect themselves from criminal investigations became the norm. For three different sets of reasons, Mary Trump, Cohen, and Wolkoff had the same knee-jerk response. They felt like it was the only way. And an even wilder notion: they were right.”
“That simple fact is more revealing than any leaked anecdote in any of these stories.”


politicalwire--2020-08-28--Merkel Laughs Off Idea She Was Charmed by Trump

“ A new online study finds that Republicans and independents are twice as likely as Democrats to say they would @ @ @ @ @ in a telephone poll question about…

“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--2020-08-28--Bonus Quote of the Day

Bonus Quote of the Day

“ I think the vast majority of Americans are more concerned about what ’ s happening in their backyard than @ @ @ @ @ House.
” — White House chief of staff Mark Meadows , quoted by NBC News @ @ @ @ @ for the crowd gathered for President Trump ’ s convention speech .

“I think the vast majority of Americans are more concerned about what’s happening in their backyard than the backyard of the White House.”
— White House chief of staff Mark Meadows, quoted by NBC News, on the coronavirus risks for the crowd gathered for President Trump’s convention speech.


politicalwire--2020-08-28--Top Colorado RNC Official Spread Conspiracy Theories

Randy Corporon , a recently installed Republican National Committee official for the state of Colorado , has a history of @ @ @ @ @ and Islamophobic comments , CNN reports .
“ Corporon falsely claimed former President Bill Clinton @ @ @ @ @ that Chelsea Clinton wasn ’ t his biological daughter in 2019 .
He spread the @ @ @ @ @ s birth certificate wasn ’ t born in Hawaii and his real father wasn ’ @ @ @ @ @ He also asserted Obama had a fake Black accent and falsely suggested he was a @ @ @

Randy Corporon, a recently installed Republican National Committee official for the state of Colorado, has a history of spreading conspiracies and making sexist and Islamophobic comments, CNN reports.
“Corporon falsely claimed former President Bill Clinton had an illegitimate son and that Chelsea Clinton wasn’t his biological daughter in 2019. He spread the conspiracy that Barack Obama’s birth certificate wasn’t born in Hawaii and his real father wasn’t Barack Obama Sr. He also asserted Obama had a fake Black accent and falsely suggested he was a Muslim.”


politicalwire--2020-08-28--Trump and Biden Look to Brutal Fall Campaign

Dan Balz : “ With just under 10 weeks until Election Day , the campaign for president turns from a @ @ @ @ @ the trench warfare of mobilizing voters and to the unpredictability of September and October , @ @ @ @ @ against a backdrop unlike anything seen in modern times.
” “ In a month , @ @ @ @ @ debates will be held , scheduled for Sept. 29 in Cleveland .
Some strategists see @ @ @ @ @ and potentially decisive confrontation , particularly if President Trump has a bad night and Joe @ @ @ @ @ , the 2016 campaign moved late and , ultimately , decisively in Trump ’ s @ @ @ @ @ a repeat of that playbook and warn now against complacency .
By the time of @ @ @ @ @ voting will have begun in a few states , and the pace will accelerate in @ @ @

Dan Balz: “With just under 10 weeks until Election Day, the campaign for president turns from a pair of scripted conventions to the trench warfare of mobilizing voters and to the unpredictability of September and October, with the campaign playing out against a backdrop unlike anything seen in modern times.”
“In a month, the first of three presidential debates will be held, scheduled for Sept. 29 in Cleveland. Some strategists see that evening as a pivotal and potentially decisive confrontation, particularly if President Trump has a bad night and Joe Biden looks strong. Still, the 2016 campaign moved late and, ultimately, decisively in Trump’s direction. Democrats worry about a repeat of that playbook and warn now against complacency. By the time of the first debate, early voting will have begun in a few states, and the pace will accelerate in October.”


politicalwire--2020-08-28--Bad Television Usually Gets Bad Ratings

Bad Television Usually Gets Bad Ratings

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This piece is only available to Political Wire members.
Holding political conventions in the midst of a global pandemic was never going to be easy, but it’s clear Democrats did a much better job of rethinking what that meant.


politicalwire--2020-08-28--FDA Ousts Chief Spokesperson

FDA Ousts Chief Spokesperson

The Food and Drug Administration on Friday ousted its top spokesperson , Emily Miller , after less than two weeks @ @ @ @ @ New York Times reports .
Miller ’ s removal comes amid controversy surrounding its emergency @ @ @ @ @ plasma as a coronavirus treatment .

The Food and Drug Administration on Friday ousted its top spokesperson, Emily Miller, after less than two weeks on the job, the New York Times reports.
Miller’s removal comes amid controversy surrounding its emergency use authorization of convalescent blood plasma as a coronavirus treatment.


politicalwire--2020-08-28--Biden Had More Television Viewers for His Speech

CNN : “ About 21.6 million viewers watched coverage of Trump ’ s RNC address across nine cable and broadcast @ @ @ @ @ million viewers who watched Biden ’ s DNC address on the same nine networks.
” @ @ @ @ @ slightly when final numbers are released later in the day , but Biden clearly edged @ @ @ @ @ Democratic convention was also higher-rated than the Republican convention overall when the audience for all @ @ @ @ @ ” Brian Stelter : Biden hits Trump where it hurts : in the convention speech @ @

CNN: “About 21.6 million viewers watched coverage of Trump’s RNC address across nine cable and broadcast networks, down from 23.6 million viewers who watched Biden’s DNC address on the same nine networks.”
“The totals may fluctuate slightly when final numbers are released later in the day, but Biden clearly edged out Trump.”
“The Democratic convention was also higher-rated than the Republican convention overall when the audience for all four days is tallied up.”
Brian Stelter: Biden hits Trump where it hurts: in the convention speech ratings.


politicalwire--2020-08-28--U.S. to Cut Troop Presence in Iraq by About One-Third

“ The Pentagon is cutting the U.S. force in Iraq to about 3,500 troops , U.S. officials said , a @ @ @ @ @ Trump is expected to tout as progress toward winding down what he has described as @ @ @ @ @ Wall Street Journal reports .

“The Pentagon is cutting the U.S. force in Iraq to about 3,500 troops, U.S. officials said, a roughly one-third reduction that President Trump is expected to tout as progress toward winding down what he has described as endless wars,” the Wall Street Journal reports.


politicalwire--2020-08-28--An Election Mostly Devoid of Policy

An Election Mostly Devoid of Policy

David Hopkins : “ It ’ s hard to remember another presidential campaign in which concrete proposals and potential legislative initiatives have played such a minor role .
Democrats have plenty of ideas for policy reform , as usual , but they did not make them the centerpiece of their public message in last week ’ s convention ; Biden ’ s acceptance address mostly omitted the traditional ‘ laundry list ’ of issue-specific domestic appeals in favor of a narrower focus on denouncing Trump as a threat to American values and mismanager of the COVID response.
” “ But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a vision for the next four years that centered on the actual powers and responsibilities of the president , as opposed to its frequent expression of emotionally charged but mostly symbolic opposition to the media , national anthem protests , destruction of local statuary , and ‘ cancel culture . '
” “ In the midst of an ongoing national economic and public health crisis that requires active , competent management to address effectively , it ’ s remarkable that our national debate at this moment isn ’ t more concerned with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ capacities to solve the immediate , life-threatening problem that the nation continues to face .
”

David Hopkins: “It’s hard to remember another presidential campaign in which concrete proposals and potential legislative initiatives have played such a minor role. Democrats have plenty of ideas for policy reform, as usual, but they did not make them the centerpiece of their public message in last week’s convention; Biden’s acceptance address mostly omitted the traditional ‘laundry list’ of issue-specific domestic appeals in favor of a narrower focus on denouncing Trump as a threat to American values and mismanager of the COVID response.”
“But the Republican convention was even more devoid of a vision for the next four years that centered on the actual powers and responsibilities of the president, as opposed to its frequent expression of emotionally charged but mostly symbolic opposition to the media, national anthem protests, destruction of local statuary, and ‘cancel culture.'”
“In the midst of an ongoing national economic and public health crisis that requires active, competent management to address effectively, it’s remarkable that our national debate at this moment isn’t more concerned with each candidate’s specific plans and capacities to solve the immediate, life-threatening problem that the nation continues to face.”


politicalwire--2020-08-28--A Carnival of Propaganda

A Carnival of Propaganda

McKay Coppins : “ Every presidential-nominating convention is , to a certain extent , an exercise in hype and whitewashing @ @ @ @ @ 2020 convention went further—rewriting the history of his first term with such brazenness that it @ @ @ @ @ The setting of the convention ’ s final night reinforced the surreality : the made-for-TV @ @ @ @ @ ’ s South Lawn ; the cheering , unmasked audience of more than 1,000 standing @ @ @ @ @ speakers blaring Lee Greenwood ’ s ‘ God Bless the U.S.A. ’ loud enough to @ @ @ @ @ gate.
” “ Many of the Republican strategists I spoke with this week flatly acknowledged @ @ @ @ @ a version of recent events that veered toward fan fiction .
But given the bitter @ @ @ @ @ the dire state of the race , they said , the campaign ’ s desperation @ @ @ @ @ ‘ s fact check of the speech is worth watching : “ This president is @ @ @ @ @ he serially lied tonight .
”

McKay Coppins: “Every presidential-nominating convention is, to a certain extent, an exercise in hype and whitewashing. But Trump’s 2020 convention went further—rewriting the history of his first term with such brazenness that it seemed designed to disorient. The setting of the convention’s final night reinforced the surreality: the made-for-TV stage on the White House’s South Lawn; the cheering, unmasked audience of more than 1,000 standing shoulder to shoulder; the speakers blaring Lee Greenwood’s ‘God Bless the U.S.A.’ loud enough to drown out protesters at the gate.”
“Many of the Republican strategists I spoke with this week flatly acknowledged that their party was presenting a version of recent events that veered toward fan fiction. But given the bitter mood of the country and the dire state of the race, they said, the campaign’s desperation was understandable.”
Daniel Dale‘s fact check of the speech is worth watching: “This president is a serial liar, and he serially lied tonight.”


Who Goes Nazi?

“ It is an interesting and somewhat macabre parlor game to play at a large gathering of one ’ s @ @ @ @ @ in a showdown would go Nazi .
By now , I think I know .
@ @ @ @ @ experience many times—in Germany , in Austria , and in France .
I have come @ @ @ @ @ the born Nazis , the Nazis whom democracy itself has created , the certain-to-be fellow-travelers @ @ @ @ @ those who never , under any conceivable circumstances , would become Nazis .
”

From Harper’s Magazine in August 1941:
“It is an interesting and somewhat macabre parlor game to play at a large gathering of one’s acquaintances: to speculate who in a showdown would go Nazi. By now, I think I know. I have gone through the experience many times—in Germany, in Austria, and in France. I have come to know the types: the born Nazis, the Nazis whom democracy itself has created, the certain-to-be fellow-travelers. And I also know those who never, under any conceivable circumstances, would become Nazis.”


politicalwire--2020-08-29--Markey Opens Wide Lead Over Kennedy

Markey Opens Wide Lead Over Kennedy


politicalwire--2020-08-30--Why Melania Didn’t Move to Washington Right Away

Stephanie Winston Wolkoff writes in her new book , Melania and Me , that Melania Trump didn ’ t want @ @ @ @ @ House right away in part because she didn ’ t want to have to use @ @ @ @ @ as former First Lady Michelle Obama and was waiting for the bathroom to be renovated @ @ @ @ @ reason previously reported was that Melania delayed her move to the White House to gain @ @ @ @ @ agreement with her husband .

Stephanie Winston Wolkoff writes in her new book, Melania and Me, that Melania Trump didn’t want to move to the White House right away in part because she didn’t want to have to use the same shower and toilet as former First Lady Michelle Obama and was waiting for the bathroom to be renovated, Politico reports.
Another reason previously reported was that Melania delayed her move to the White House to gain leverage for renegotiating her prenuptial agreement with her husband.


politicalwire--2020-08-30--Trump Tells Officials to Sell His Autograph on eBay

President Trump took a moment to hand out autographed photos of himself to emergency officials following a roundtable discussion of @ @ @ @ @ Laura .
He then advised the officials to put the autographs up for auction online @ @ @ @ @ on eBay .
You ’ ll get $ 10,000 .
If I put your name @ @ @ @ @ lot of value .
So sell it tonight on eBay .
”

President Trump took a moment to hand out autographed photos of himself to emergency officials following a roundtable discussion of the devastation wrought by Hurricane Laura.
He then advised the officials to put the autographs up for auction online: “Sell this tonight on eBay. You’ll get $10,000. If I put your name down, it loses a lot of value. So sell it tonight on eBay.”


politicalwire--2020-08-30--Man at Trump Rally Threatens Reporter

Man at Trump Rally Threatens Reporter

A supporter of President Trump made a bomb threat against a reporter and it was all caught on camera , @ @ @ @ @ man : “ You mother fuckers are gon na pay , someone is gon na @ @ @ @ @ be tonight.
” The man also called the reporter a “ fucking liar ” and @ @ @ @ @ an unprovoked tirade .

A supporter of President Trump made a bomb threat against a reporter and it was all caught on camera, Mediaite reports.
Said the man: “You mother fuckers are gonna pay, someone is gonna bomb you, might even be tonight.”
The man also called the reporter a “fucking liar” and a “pussy” in an unprovoked tirade.


politicalwire--2020-08-29--Bonus Quote of the Day

Bonus Quote of the Day

“ If the election is about the pandemic , he ’ s going to lose .
If the election is @ @ @ @ @ to handle urban riots , you ’ ve got to like Trump ’ s chances @ @


politicalwire--2020-08-29--Biden Hits Back at Trump’s Law and Order Message

“ After a Republican National Convention week in which President Trump and his allies sought to brand Joe Biden as radically anti-law enforcement , the Democratic nominee took implicit aim at that characterization in his own remarks on Saturday as he swiped at Mr. Trump ’ s calls for ‘ law and order ’ and ripped the president ’ s record as commander in chief , ” the New York Times reports .
Biden , speaking to national guard troops , said : “ I promise you , as president , I ’ ll never put you in the middle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ ll never use the military as a prop or as a private militia to violate rights of fellow citizens .
That ’ s not law and order .
You don ’ t deserve that.
” Team Trump officials told Axios they ’ re using the same tactic , with a suburban twist , that worked for the campaign in 2016 when they portrayed a country at risk from “ violent ” immigrants flooding the U.S.-Mexico border : Wall Street Journal : “ A Journal/NBC News survey this month found crime to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and other matters as a top concern for voters .
”

“After a Republican National Convention week in which President Trump and his allies sought to brand Joe Biden as radically anti-law enforcement, the Democratic nominee took implicit aim at that characterization in his own remarks on Saturday as he swiped at Mr. Trump’s calls for ‘law and order’ and ripped the president’s record as commander in chief,” the New York Times reports.
Biden, speaking to national guard troops, said: “I promise you, as president, I’ll never put you in the middle of politics, or personal vendettas. I’ll never use the military as a prop or as a private militia to violate rights of fellow citizens. That’s not law and order. You don’t deserve that.”
Team Trump officials told Axios they’re using the same tactic, with a suburban twist, that worked for the campaign in 2016 when they portrayed a country at risk from “violent” immigrants flooding the U.S.-Mexico border:
Wall Street Journal: “A Journal/NBC News survey this month found crime to be well behind the economy, coronavirus and other matters as a top concern for voters.”


politicalwire--2020-08-29--Trump Wanted Inauguration to Look Like North Korea

According to Melania and Me , which I just received in the mail , Donald Trump wanted his inauguration to @ @ @ @ @ military parade .
Said Trump : ‘ I want tanks and choppers .
Make it @ @ @ @ @ Politico has eight other “ juicy details ” from the book .

According to Melania and Me, which I just received in the mail, Donald Trump wanted his inauguration to look like a North Korean military parade.
Said Trump: ‘I want tanks and choppers. Make it look like North Korea.”
Politico has eight other “juicy details” from the book.


politicalwire--2020-08-29--Biden to Resume In-Person Campaigning

Biden to Resume In-Person Campaigning

“ Joe Biden will resume in-person campaigning across the country in coming days amid the still-raging coronavirus pandemic , an @ @ @ @ @ to meet voters where they are and a sign that his race with President Trump @ @ @ @ @ election begins in earnest , ” the Washington Post reports .

“Joe Biden will resume in-person campaigning across the country in coming days amid the still-raging coronavirus pandemic, an answer to allies imploring him to meet voters where they are and a sign that his race with President Trump is tightening as the general election begins in earnest,” the Washington Post reports.


politicalwire--2020-08-29--Polls Show Presidential Race Tightening

Polls Show Presidential Race Tightening

A new Yahoo New-YouGov poll with Joe Biden ’ s lead over Donald Trump shrinking to 6 points , 47 @ @ @ @ @ his smallest margin in nearly two months .
A new Morning Consult poll also shows @ @ @ @ @ lead , 50 % to 44 % .

A new Yahoo New-YouGov poll with Joe Biden’s lead over Donald Trump shrinking to 6 points, 47% to 41%, his smallest margin in nearly two months.
A new Morning Consult poll also shows Biden with a 6 point lead, 50% to 44%.


politicalwire--2020-08-29--Kanye West Using Address of Top Republican Lawyer

“ If the election is about the pandemic , he ’ s going to lose .
If the election is @ @ @ @ @ to handle urban riots , you ’ ve got to like Trump ’ s chances.
@ @

“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--2020-08-29--Pennsylvania Governor Wants to Speed Up Vote Count

Pennsylvania Gov .
Tom Wolf ( R ) unveiled a wishlist of election reforms to address logistical concerns that some @ @ @ @ @ could turn nightmarish on Nov. 3 , the Philadelphia Inquirer reports .
“ He specifically @ @ @ @ @ to pass legislation that allows counties to begin processing mail-in ballots sooner and count ones @ @ @ @ @ Day .
While 1.5 million people in Pennsylvania voted by mail this June , experts @ @ @ @ @ surge amid concerns about COVID-19 .
”

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf (R) unveiled a wishlist of election reforms to address logistical concerns that some county and state officials fear could turn nightmarish on Nov. 3, the Philadelphia Inquirer reports.
“He specifically asked the Republican-controlled General Assembly to pass legislation that allows counties to begin processing mail-in ballots sooner and count ones that arrive shortly after Election Day. While 1.5 million people in Pennsylvania voted by mail this June, experts are anticipating that number to surge amid concerns about COVID-19.”


politicalwire--2020-08-29--Trump Urges Biden to Hit Campaign Trail

Trump Urges Biden to Hit Campaign Trail

President Trump antagonized Joe Biden on Twitter , mockingly telling him to “ get out of his basement ” and @ @ @ @ @ .
Said Trump : “ Now that Biden ’ s Polls are dropping fast , @ @ @ @ @ out of his basement and start campaignin , ‘ in ten days.
’ Sadly , @ @ @ @ @ reaction time for a President .
Our beloved USA needs a much faster , smarter @ @ @ @ @ that .
Get out there today , Joe !
”

President Trump antagonized Joe Biden on Twitter, mockingly telling him to “get out of his basement” and return to the campaign trail.
Said Trump: “Now that Biden’s Polls are dropping fast, he has agreed to get out of his basement and start campaignin, ‘in ten days.’ Sadly, that is a very slow reaction time for a President. Our beloved USA needs a much faster, smarter, and tougher response than that. Get out there today, Joe!”


politicalwire--2020-08-29--Trump Slams His Niece as ‘Unstable’ and ‘Shunned’

President Trump slammed his niece who recently wrote a critical book about the president and released recordings of family members @ @ @ @ @ Trump calling her “ unstable.
” Said Trump : “ Even whether it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ , social pretenders like Bob Woodward , who never has anything good to say , @ @ @ @ @ who was now rightfully shunned , scorned and mocked her entire life , and never @ @ @ @ @ very kind & caring grandfather !
”

President Trump slammed his niece who recently wrote a critical book about the president and released recordings of family members talking about him, with Trump calling her “unstable.”
Said Trump: “Even whether it’s dumb warmongers like John Bolton, social pretenders like Bob Woodward, who never has anything good to say, or an unstable niece, who was now rightfully shunned, scorned and mocked her entire life, and never even liked by her own very kind & caring grandfather!”


politicalwire--2020-08-29--Intelligence Office Won’t Brief on Election Security


politicalwire--2020-08-29--What If Facebook Is the Real Silent Majority?

Kevin Roose : “ Listen , liberals .
If you don ’ t think Donald Trump can get re-elected in @ @ @ @ @ spend more time on Facebook.
” “ Since the 2016 election , I ’ ve @ @ @ @ @ political content is performing on Facebook… But what sticks out , when you dig in @ @ @ @ @ just how dominant the Facebook right truly is .
Pro-Trump political influencers have spent years @ @ @ @ @ that swarms around every major news story , creating a torrent of viral commentary that @ @ @ @ @ mainstream media and the liberal opposition.
” “ The result is a kind of parallel @ @ @ @ @ users may never encounter , but that has been stunningly effective in shaping its own @ @ @ @ @

Kevin Roose: “Listen, liberals. If you don’t think Donald Trump can get re-elected in November, you need to spend more time on Facebook.”
“Since the 2016 election, I’ve been obsessively tracking how partisan political content is performing on Facebook… But what sticks out, when you dig in to the data, is just how dominant the Facebook right truly is. Pro-Trump political influencers have spent years building a well-oiled media machine that swarms around every major news story, creating a torrent of viral commentary that reliably drowns out both the mainstream media and the liberal opposition.”
“The result is a kind of parallel media universe that left-of-center Facebook users may never encounter, but that has been stunningly effective in shaping its own version of reality.”


politicalwire--2020-08-29--Michael Moore Warns Trump Can Win

Michael Moore Warns Trump Can Win

Filmmaker Michael Moore warned in a Facebook post that enthusiasm for Donald Trump is “ off the charts.
” Said @ @ @ @ @ ready for a Trump victory ?
Are you mentally prepared to be outsmarted by Trump @ @ @ @ @ comfort in your certainty that there is no way Trump can win ?
Are you @ @ @ @ @ ’ ve placed in the DNC to pull this off ?
” ” He added @ @ @ @ @ warning you almost 10 weeks in advance .
The enthusiasm level for the 60 million @ @ @ @ @ is OFF THE CHARTS !
For Joe , not so much .
”

Filmmaker Michael Moore warned in a Facebook post that enthusiasm for Donald Trump is “off the charts.”
Said Moore: “Are you ready for a Trump victory? Are you mentally prepared to be outsmarted by Trump again? Do you find comfort in your certainty that there is no way Trump can win? Are you content with the trust you’ve placed in the DNC to pull this off?””
He added: “I’m warning you almost 10 weeks in advance. The enthusiasm level for the 60 million in Trump’s base is OFF THE CHARTS! For Joe, not so much.”


politicalwire--2020-08-29--GOP Stretched Hard to Defend Trump on Race and Gender

“ The Republican convention this week marked an extraordinary effort to recast President Trump ’ s image on issues of @ @ @ @ @ the party stretching to find African-Americans who would testify that Mr. Trump is not racist @ @ @ @ @ to describe him as sensitive and empathetic — qualities he rarely displays in public , @ @ @ @ @ reports .
“ This vouching for Mr. Trump , as he was nominated for a @ @ @ @ @ precedent .
Never before has a convention by either major party felt compelled to call @ @ @ @ @ speakers to defend the character of a sitting president.
” “ And it was done @ @ @ @ @ in mind : making a divisive leader appear more palatable to white moderate voters , @ @ @ @ @ Trump-led G.O.P .
in recent elections , while also trying to peel away some nonwhite @ @ @ @ @ ”

“The Republican convention this week marked an extraordinary effort to recast President Trump’s image on issues of race and gender, with the party stretching to find African-Americans who would testify that Mr. Trump is not racist, and lining up women to describe him as sensitive and empathetic — qualities he rarely displays in public,” the New York Times reports.
“This vouching for Mr. Trump, as he was nominated for a second term, was without precedent. Never before has a convention by either major party felt compelled to call such a diverse array of speakers to defend the character of a sitting president.”
“And it was done with a crucial political goal in mind: making a divisive leader appear more palatable to white moderate voters, who have turned against the Trump-led G.O.P. in recent elections, while also trying to peel away some nonwhite voters from Joe Biden.”


politicalwire--2020-08-29--New Layoffs Make Job Reductions Permanent


politicalwire--2020-08-29--Trump Escalates Rhetoric On Unrest In Cities

President Trump threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act in American cities and told supporters in New Hampshire they must vote @ @ @ @ @ democracy from the mob , ” an escalation of his campaign rhetoric against demonstrators in @ @ @ @ @ Post reports .
“ Trump opened his speech in a suburban airport hangar here with @ @ @ @ @ of major American cities and a detailed monologue about agitators chasing and taunting his supporters @ @ @ @ @ House following his convention speech Thursday night , describing scenes he had viewed on television @ @ @ @ @ Trump : “ You know what I say about protesters ?
Protesters , your ass @ @ @ @ @ talk about my ass .
They ’ re not protesters , those are anarchists , @ @ @ @ @ they ’ re rioters , they ’ re looters .
”

President Trump threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act in American cities and told supporters in New Hampshire they must vote for him to “save democracy from the mob,” an escalation of his campaign rhetoric against demonstrators in the streets, the Washington Post reports.
“Trump opened his speech in a suburban airport hangar here with a harsh, fiery depiction of major American cities and a detailed monologue about agitators chasing and taunting his supporters and allies outside the White House following his convention speech Thursday night, describing scenes he had viewed on television in vivid detail.”
Said Trump: “You know what I say about protesters? Protesters, your ass. I don’t talk about my ass. They’re not protesters, those are anarchists, they’re agitators, they’re rioters, they’re looters.”


politicalwire--2020-08-29--Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day

“ You know , I want to see the first woman president also , but I don ’ t want @ @ @ @ @ get into that position the way she ’ d do it , and she ’ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re all saying ‘ we want Ivanka.
’ I don ’ t blame them.
@ @ @ @ @ quote by The Hill , saying his daughter Ivanka Trump would make a better president @ @ @ @ @

“You know, I want to see the first woman president also, but I don’t want to see a woman president get into that position the way she’d do it, and she’s not competent. They’re all saying ‘we want Ivanka.’ I don’t blame them.”
— President Trump, quote by The Hill, saying his daughter Ivanka Trump would make a better president than Sen. Kamala Harris.


politicalwire--2020-08-29--Trump Aims to Win Back Those Who Voted for Him

Associated Press : “ The GOP convention ’ s target audience , according to campaign officials , was mostly former @ @ @ @ @ or independents who may have backed him in 2016 but grew unhappy with his rhetoric @ @ @ @ @ .
The goal , by trying to humanize Trump and demonize Biden , was to @ @ @ @ @ to make those voters feel comfortable enough to vote for Trump again , even if @ @ @ @ @ far more than his personality.
” “ Officials believe they accomplished that over the four-day @ @ @ @ @ internal numbers that show Trump had begun closing the gap on Biden even before the @ @ @ @ @ Washington .
The campaign ’ s theory of the election has long been to turn @ @ @ @ @ — a smaller set of the electorate than which backs Biden , but more enthusiastic @ @ @ @ @ win over nonvoters and drive up negative impressions of Biden so that some of his @ @ @ @ @ ”

Associated Press: “The GOP convention’s target audience, according to campaign officials, was mostly former Trump supporters, those Republicans or independents who may have backed him in 2016 but grew unhappy with his rhetoric or handling of the pandemic. The goal, by trying to humanize Trump and demonize Biden, was to set up a permission structure to make those voters feel comfortable enough to vote for Trump again, even if they cared for his policies far more than his personality.”
“Officials believe they accomplished that over the four-day convention and are encouraged by internal numbers that show Trump had begun closing the gap on Biden even before the events of this week in Washington. The campaign’s theory of the election has long been to turn out Trump’s base — a smaller set of the electorate than which backs Biden, but more enthusiastic — while also trying to win over nonvoters and drive up negative impressions of Biden so that some of his possible backers stay home.”


politicalwire--2020-08-30--Convention Didn’t Boost Trump’s Favorability

President Trump ’ s efforts to build his appeal and define his opponent at the Republican National Convention , using @ @ @ @ @ as the backdrop , had little apparent impact on the electorate ’ s impressions of @ @ @ @ @ , a new ABC News/Ipsos poll finds .

President Trump’s efforts to build his appeal and define his opponent at the Republican National Convention, using pageantry and the White House as the backdrop, had little apparent impact on the electorate’s impressions of both him and Joe Biden, a new ABC News/Ipsos poll finds.


politicalwire--2020-08-30--Kennedy Scrambles to Close Gap

Kennedy Scrambles to Close Gap

“ Just two years ago , Joe Kennedy ’ s star was so bright that he was asked to deliver @ @ @ @ @ response to Donald Trump ’ s State of the Union speech .
Now , if @ @ @ @ @ things around before Tuesday ’ s Massachusetts Senate primary , he ’ ll be out @ @ @ @ @ reports .
“ A handful of recent polls show the 39-year-old congressman trailing incumbent Sen. @ @ @ @ @ incumbent whose campaign is improbably powered by younger progressive voters .
Among voters under the @ @ @ @ @ of those polls reports , Markey is leading Kennedy by an almost 2-to-1 margin .
@

“Just two years ago, Joe Kennedy’s star was so bright that he was asked to deliver the Democratic Party’s response to Donald Trump’s State of the Union speech. Now, if he can’t turn things around before Tuesday’s Massachusetts Senate primary, he’ll be out of politics,” Politico reports.
“A handful of recent polls show the 39-year-old congressman trailing incumbent Sen. Ed Markey — the septuagenarian incumbent whose campaign is improbably powered by younger progressive voters. Among voters under the age of 35, one of those polls reports, Markey is leading Kennedy by an almost 2-to-1 margin.”


politicalwire--2020-08-30--Trump to Travel to Kenosha

Trump to Travel to Kenosha

“ President Trump will travel to Kenosha , Wisconsin , on Tuesday to meet with law enforcement and to survey @ @ @ @ @ the recent protests , ” CNN reports .
“ When asked if the President would @ @ @ @ @ Jacob Blake , a 29-year-old Black man who was shot by police , White House @ @ @ @ @ the schedule hasn ’ t been fully ironed out yet .
”

“President Trump will travel to Kenosha, Wisconsin, on Tuesday to meet with law enforcement and to survey some of the damage from the recent protests,” CNN reports.
“When asked if the President would meet with the family of Jacob Blake, a 29-year-old Black man who was shot by police, White House spokesman Judd Deere said that the schedule hasn’t been fully ironed out yet.”


politicalwire--2020-08-30--Facebook Actively Promotes Holocaust Denial

An investigation by a UK-based counter-extremist organization found that typing “ holocaust ” into Facebook search brought up suggestions for @ @ @ @ @ turn recommended links to publishers which sell revisionist and denial literature , as well as @ @ @ @ @ British Holocaust denier David Irving , The Guardian reports .


politicalwire--2020-08-30--Biden Will ‘Condemn Violence’ In Speech

Biden Will ‘Condemn Violence’ In Speech

Joe Biden is set to travel to an undisclosed location on Monday to “ condemn violence , and to note @ @ @ @ @ on President Trump ’ s watch , the New York Times reports .
Axios : @ @ @ @ @ plans to travel and directly address the violence is an indication that the campaign is @ @ @ @ @ the law and order issue .
”

Joe Biden is set to travel to an undisclosed location on Monday to “condemn violence, and to note that chaos has unfolded” on President Trump’s watch, the New York Times reports.
Axios: “Biden’s apparent plans to travel and directly address the violence is an indication that the campaign is worried about losing ground on the law and order issue.”


politicalwire--2020-08-31--Wisconsin Governor Tells Trump Not to Come

Wisconsin Gov .
Tony Evers ( D ) urged President Trump to “ reconsider ” his plans to visit Kenosha @ @ @ @ @ been rocked by unrest for the past several nights following the shooting of Jacob Blake @ @ @ @ @ reports .
Said Evers : “ I am concerned your presence will only hinder our @ @ @ @ @ your presence will only delay our work to overcome division and move forward together .
@

Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers (D) urged President Trump to “reconsider” his plans to visit Kenosha, Wis., which has been rocked by unrest for the past several nights following the shooting of Jacob Blake by police, The Hill reports.
Said Evers: “I am concerned your presence will only hinder our healing. I am concerned your presence will only delay our work to overcome division and move forward together.”


politicalwire--2020-08-31--Inside Trump’s Pressure Campaign on FDA Scientists

Demoralized FDA staff say a misleading announcement last week on convalescent plasma undermined scientists ’ credibility and turned the agency @ @ @ @ @ president ’ s reelection campaign , the Washington Post reports .
Many worry such incidents @ @ @ @ @ make a sensitive and potentially fraught decision — deciding when a coronavirus vaccine is safe @ @ @

Demoralized FDA staff say a misleading announcement last week on convalescent plasma undermined scientists’ credibility and turned the agency into a prop in the president’s reelection campaign, the Washington Post reports.
Many worry such incidents erode public trust before regulators make a sensitive and potentially fraught decision — deciding when a coronavirus vaccine is safe and effective.


politicalwire--2020-08-30--Trump Offered Top FBI Job to John Kelly

Trump Offered Top FBI Job to John Kelly

President Trump offered John Kelly the job of the head of the FBI , the day after he fired James @ @ @ @ @ Schmidt ’ s writes new book , Donald Trump v. The United States , Axios @ @ @ @ @ president added something else—if he became FBI director , Trump told him , Kelly needed @ @ @ @ @ , and only him.
” ” •Kelly immediately realized the problem with Trump ’ s @ @ @ @ @ he pushed back on the president ’ s demand .
Kelly said that he would @ @ @ @ @ and the rule of law , but he refused to pledge his loyalty to Trump @ @

President Trump offered John Kelly the job of the head of the FBI, the day after he fired James Comey, according to Michael Schmidt’s writes new book, Donald Trump v. The United States, Axios reports.
“But the president added something else—if he became FBI director, Trump told him, Kelly needed to be loyal to him, and only him.”
” •Kelly immediately realized the problem with Trump’s request for loyalty, and he pushed back on the president’s demand. Kelly said that he would be loyal to the Constitution and the rule of law, but he refused to pledge his loyalty to Trump.”


politicalwire--2020-08-30--Portland Mayor Responds to Trump

Portland Mayor Responds to Trump

Axios : Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler reacted to President Trump ’ s tweets attacking Democratic officials in the wake of @ @ @ @ @ during clashes between Trump supporters and protesters : “ I ’ d appreciate that either @ @ @ @ @ stay the hell out of the way .
”

“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--2020-08-30--Biden Accuses Trump of ‘Encouraging Violence’

Joe Biden issued a statement unequivocally condemning violence on all sides after a man was fatally shot Saturday night during @ @ @ @ @ President Trump and anti-racism protesters , Axios reports .
Said Biden : “ We must @ @ @ @ @ war with ourselves .
A country that accepts the killing of fellow Americans who do @ @ @ @ @ A country that vows vengeance toward one another .
But that is the America that @ @ @ @ @ be , the America he believes we are.
” He added : “ What does @ @ @ @ @ when he continues to insist on fanning the flames of hate and division in our @ @ @ @ @ of fear to whip up his supporters ?
He is recklessly encouraging violence .
”

Joe Biden issued a statement unequivocally condemning violence on all sides after a man was fatally shot Saturday night during a clash between supporters of President Trump and anti-racism protesters, Axios reports.
Said Biden: “We must not become a country at war with ourselves. A country that accepts the killing of fellow Americans who do not agree with you. A country that vows vengeance toward one another. But that is the America that President Trump wants us to be, the America he believes we are.”
He added: “What does President Trump think will happen when he continues to insist on fanning the flames of hate and division in our society and using the politics of fear to whip up his supporters? He is recklessly encouraging violence.”


politicalwire--2020-08-30--Trump Still Hasn’t Called Jacob Blake’s Family

Jacob Blake ’ s attorney Benjamin Crump told CBS News that President Trump has not contacted the Blake family ahead @ @ @ @ @ Kenosha , Wisconsin , on Tuesday , more than a week after police shot Blake @ @ @ @ @ .
Joe Biden and his running mate Sen. Kamala Harris spoke with the Blake family @ @ @ @ @ week .

Jacob Blake’s attorney Benjamin Crump told CBS News that President Trump has not contacted the Blake family ahead of his planned visit to Kenosha, Wisconsin, on Tuesday, more than a week after police shot Blake seven times in the back.
Joe Biden and his running mate Sen. Kamala Harris spoke with the Blake family for over an hour last week.


politicalwire--2020-08-30--Trump Claims Protests Are an Organized Coup

“ President Trump unleashed an especially intense barrage of Twitter messages overnight and Sunday morning , embracing fringe conspiracy theories @ @ @ @ @ toll has been exaggerated and that street protests are actually an organized coup d ’ @ @ @ @ @ the New York Times reports .
“ In the weekend blast of Twitter messages , @ @ @ @ @ call to imprison Gov .
Andrew Cuomo of New York , threatened to use force @ @ @ @ @ House , attacked CNN and NPR , embraced a supporter charged with murder , mocked @ @ @ @ @ President Joseph R. Biden Jr. , and repeatedly assailed the mayor of Portland , even @ @ @ @ @ office telephone number so that supporters could call demanding his resignation.
” Peter Baker : @ @ @ @ @ it was a morning of especially wild tweets .
”

“President Trump unleashed an especially intense barrage of Twitter messages overnight and Sunday morning, embracing fringe conspiracy theories claiming that the coronavirus death toll has been exaggerated and that street protests are actually an organized coup d’état against him,” the New York Times reports.
“In the weekend blast of Twitter messages, Mr. Trump also embraced a call to imprison Gov. Andrew Cuomo of New York, threatened to use force against demonstrators outside the White House, attacked CNN and NPR, embraced a supporter charged with murder, mocked his challenger, former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr., and repeatedly assailed the mayor of Portland, even posting the mayor’s office telephone number so that supporters could call demanding his resignation.”
Peter Baker: “Even for Trump, it was a morning of especially wild tweets.”


politicalwire--2020-08-30--Senate Ads Dominated Convention TV

Senate Ads Dominated Convention TV

“ President Trump and Joe Biden were front and center during their parties ’ conventions , but U.S. Senate candidates @ @ @ @ @ ” the Wall Street Journal reports .
“ More than 1,265 political ads related to @ @ @ @ @ the conventions , compared with 340 presidential spots… Viewers saw the most ads on the @ @ @ @ @ ” “ The preponderance of Senate ads was designed to showcase key races in what @ @ @ @ @ tight contest for control of the chamber .
”

“President Trump and Joe Biden were front and center during their parties’ conventions, but U.S. Senate candidates dominated the advertising breaks,” the Wall Street Journal reports.
“More than 1,265 political ads related to 2020 Senate races aired during the conventions, compared with 340 presidential spots… Viewers saw the most ads on the first night of each convention.”
“The preponderance of Senate ads was designed to showcase key races in what is expected to be a tight contest for control of the chamber.”


politicalwire--2020-08-30--Trump Didn’t Get the Bounce He Needed

Trump Didn’t Get the Bounce He Needed

Harry Enten : “ If you were to average all of the national polls taken at least partially after the @ @ @ @ @ been a bump of maybe a point or 2 at most for Trump.
” “ @ @ @ @ @ for a slightly larger bounce than Biden received , which was basically nothing .
That @ @ @ @ @ elected incumbents usually getting the larger bounce from the conventions.
” “ Still , it @ @ @ @ @ to where Trump needed his bounce to be .
Remember , Trump trailed by around @ @ @ @ @ conventions .
”

Harry Enten: “If you were to average all of the national polls taken at least partially after the conventions, there may have been a bump of maybe a point or 2 at most for Trump.”
“Interestingly, that might make for a slightly larger bounce than Biden received, which was basically nothing. That fits the historical pattern of elected incumbents usually getting the larger bounce from the conventions.”
“Still, it’s not anywhere close to where Trump needed his bounce to be. Remember, Trump trailed by around 9 points heading into the conventions.”


politicalwire--2020-08-30--Biden Will Not Visit Kenosha on Monday

Biden Will Not Visit Kenosha on Monday

“ Joe Biden is not expected to visit Kenosha on Monday , despite mounting pressure following Donald Trump ’ s @ @ @ @ @ he planned to go there Tuesday , ” Politico reports .
“ The thinking , @ @ @ @ @ is that Trump ’ s trip to Kenosha could backfire on him , given Biden @ @ @ @ @ the unrest in the city is an outgrowth of the president ’ s rhetoric that @ @ @ @ @

“Joe Biden is not expected to visit Kenosha on Monday, despite mounting pressure following Donald Trump’s announcement over the weekend that he planned to go there Tuesday,” Politico reports.
“The thinking, according to these people, is that Trump’s trip to Kenosha could backfire on him, given Biden’s continued messaging that the unrest in the city is an outgrowth of the president’s rhetoric that inflames racial tensions.”


politicalwire--2020-08-30--‘Most of Donald Trump’s America Is Peaceful’

White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows argued on NBC News that “ most of Donald Trump ’ s America @ @ @ @ @ the violence that the Trump campaign has so frequently highlighted as part of its “ @ @ @ @ @ is in “ Democrat cities.
” Asked whether Trump is only in charge of the @ @ @ @ @ , Meadows responded : “ Well , he does govern and lead the entire country @ @ @ @ @ law enforcement efforts that can be supported by a federal backstop , whether it be @ @ @ @ @ .
”

White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows argued on NBC News that “most of Donald Trump’s America is peaceful” and that the violence that the Trump campaign has so frequently highlighted as part of its “law and order” message is in “Democrat cities.”
Asked whether Trump is only in charge of the places where he has supporters, Meadows responded: “Well, he does govern and lead the entire country. … These are local law enforcement efforts that can be supported by a federal backstop, whether it be National Guard or the FBI.”