politicalwire--2020-01-28--Why Has John Bolton Stayed Silent?

Why Has John Bolton Stayed Silent?

Graeme Wood : “ Silence up to now has bought Bolton the Litigator something very valuable .
He has now @ @ @ @ @ in the room ’ —including his deputies , such as Fiona Hill—have recorded their versions @ @ @ @ @ heard Republicans , including Trump , lay out an impeachment defense—not only a version of @ @ @ @ @ theory of innocence .
By speaking last , he can present testimony precisely calculated to @ @ @ @ @ to embarrass.
” “ Even just today , in response to the initial leaks from @ @ @ @ @ Trump tweeted a suspiciously grammatical series of statements demeaning Bolton and denying that Bolton was @ @ @ @ @ Ukraine .
Bolton is strategic , and it would be unlike him to make a @ @ @ @ @ to counter Trump ’ s denial .
More likely , he will dole out the @ @ @ @ @ thwarting his critics like steers in a cutting horse competition .
”

Graeme Wood: “Silence up to now has bought Bolton the Litigator something very valuable. He has now listened as others present ‘in the room’—including his deputies, such as Fiona Hill—have recorded their versions of events. He has heard Republicans, including Trump, lay out an impeachment defense—not only a version of events, but also a theory of innocence. By speaking last, he can present testimony precisely calculated to hurt those he most wants to embarrass.”
“Even just today, in response to the initial leaks from Bolton’s book, Trump tweeted a suspiciously grammatical series of statements demeaning Bolton and denying that Bolton was told to delay aid to Ukraine. Bolton is strategic, and it would be unlike him to make a bold claim without a plan to counter Trump’s denial. More likely, he will dole out the details and evidence methodically, thwarting his critics like steers in a cutting horse competition.”


politicalwire--2020-01-28--West Virginia Governor Urges Virginia Counties to Secede

West Virginia Gov .
Jim Justice ( R ) encouraged Virginia counties unhappy with the Democratic-controlled government in Richmond to @ @ @ @ @ join his , The Hill reports .
Said Justice : “ If you ’ re @ @ @ @ @ re at , come on down .
If you ’ re not truly happy where @ @ @ @ @ open arms to take you from Virginia or anywhere you may be .
We stand @ @ @ @ @ , and we stand strongly for the unborn .
”

West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice (R) encouraged Virginia counties unhappy with the Democratic-controlled government in Richmond to secede from the state and join his, The Hill reports.
Said Justice: “If you’re not happy where you’re at, come on down. If you’re not truly happy where you are we stand with open arms to take you from Virginia or anywhere you may be. We stand strongly behind the Second Amendment, and we stand strongly for the unborn.”


politicalwire--2020-01-28--McConnell Doesn’t Have the Votes to Block Witnesses

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell ( R-KY ) privately told his caucus that he does not have the votes to @ @ @ @ @ at President Trump ’ s impeachment trial , the Wall Street Journal reports .
He @ @ @ @ @ yes , ” “ no , ” and “ maybes ” marked on it , @ @ @ @ @ but he did not show it to senators .

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) privately told his caucus that he does not have the votes to block new witnesses or documents at President Trump’s impeachment trial, the Wall Street Journal reports.
He had a card with “yes,” “no,” and “maybes” marked on it, apparently a whip count, but he did not show it to senators.


politicalwire--2020-01-28--Feinstein Creates Confusion Over Her Verdict

“ Just after President Trump ’ s defense lawyers ended arguments in their Senate trial Tuesday , Sen. Dianne Feinstein @ @ @ @ @ first Democrat to suggest that she could vote to acquit him , despite serious concerns @ @ @ @ @ the Los Angeles Times reports .
Said Feinstein : “ Nine months left to go @ @ @ @ @ .
We are a republic , we are based on the will of the people @ @ @ @ @ .
That was my view and it still is my view.
” Update : Feinstein @ @ @ @ @ “ Before the trial I said I ’ d keep an open mind .
Now @ @ @ @ @ cases , it ’ s clear the president ’ s actions were wrong .
He @ @ @ @ @ personal political gain .
That can ’ t be allowed to stand .
”

“Just after President Trump’s defense lawyers ended arguments in their Senate trial Tuesday, Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) became the first Democrat to suggest that she could vote to acquit him, despite serious concerns about his character,” the Los Angeles Times reports.
Said Feinstein: “Nine months left to go, the people should judge. We are a republic, we are based on the will of the people — the people should judge. That was my view and it still is my view.”
Update: Feinstein tweets the newspaper misunderstood: “Before the trial I said I’d keep an open mind. Now that both sides made their cases, it’s clear the president’s actions were wrong. He withheld vital foreign assistance for personal political gain. That can’t be allowed to stand.”


politicalwire--2020-01-28--Kushner Sells His Middle East Peace Plan

White House adviser Jared Kushner tried to sell his Middle East peace plan to the Palestinians by making an ultimatum @ @ @ @ @ Said Kushner : “ The Palestinian leadership have to ask themselves a question : Do @ @ @ @ @ state ?
Do they want to have a better life ?
If they do , @ @ @ @ @ for them to have it , and we ’ re going to treat them in @ @ @ @ @ He added : “ If they don ’ t , then they ’ re going @ @ @ @ @ , like they ’ ve screwed up every other opportunity that they ’ ve ever @ @ @ @ @ ”

White House adviser Jared Kushner tried to sell his Middle East peace plan to the Palestinians by making an ultimatum in a CNN interview.
Said Kushner: “The Palestinian leadership have to ask themselves a question: Do they want to have a state? Do they want to have a better life? If they do, we have created a framework for them to have it, and we’re going to treat them in a very respectful manner.”
He added: “If they don’t, then they’re going to screw up another opportunity, like they’ve screwed up every other opportunity that they’ve ever had in their existence.”


politicalwire--2020-01-28--One Chart Shows Why Trump Will Survive Impeachment

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politicalwire--2020-01-28--Angus King Now Says Witness Vote Will Be Close

Sen. Angus King ( I-ME ) told CNN that his prediction that up to 10 Republican senators would vote for @ @ @ @ @ was “ a little naive.
” Said King : “ I think it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ .
”

Sen. Angus King (I-ME) told CNN that his prediction that up to 10 Republican senators would vote for witnesses in the impeachment trial was “a little naive.”
Said King: “I think it’s going to be really close.”


politicalwire--2020-01-28--Bonus Quote of the Day

Bonus Quote of the Day

“ I can tell you what my testimony is : He ’ s guilty and he should be impeached.
” @ @ @ @ @ when asked if he would testify in the impeachment trial if called by Republican senators @

“I can tell you what my testimony is: He’s guilty and he should be impeached.”
— Rep. Adam Schiff, when asked if he would testify in the impeachment trial if called by Republican senators.


politicalwire--2020-01-28--Biden Holds Modest National Lead

Biden Holds Modest National Lead

A new Quinnipiac poll finds Joe Biden holds a modest lead in the Democratic race for president with 26 % @ @ @ @ @ at 21 % and Elizabeth Warren at 15 % .
They are followed by Michael @ @ @ @ @ Amy Klobuchar at 7 % , Pete Buttigieg at 6 % and Andrew Yang at @ @ @ @ @ candidate tops 2 % .

A new Quinnipiac poll finds Joe Biden holds a modest lead in the Democratic race for president with 26%, followed by Bernie Sanders at 21% and Elizabeth Warren at 15%.
They are followed by Michael Bloomberg at 8%, Amy Klobuchar at 7%, Pete Buttigieg at 6% and Andrew Yang at 3%. No other candidate tops 2%.


politicalwire--2020-01-28--Big Majority Back Witnesses In Impeachment Trial

A new Quinnipiac poll finds 75 % of Americans think that witnesses should be allowed to testify in President Trump @ @ @ @ @ while 20 % do not .
Support for witness testimony includes 49 % of Republicans @ @ @ @ @ , and 75 % of independents .
On the question of whether Trump should be @ @ @ @ @ remain divided , with 48 % opposed and 47 % in favor .

A new Quinnipiac poll finds 75% of Americans think that witnesses should be allowed to testify in President Trump’s impeachment trial, while 20% do not.
Support for witness testimony includes 49% of Republicans, 95% of Democrats, and 75% of independents.
On the question of whether Trump should be removed from office, voters remain divided, with 48% opposed and 47% in favor.


politicalwire--2020-01-28--Bloomberg Will Back Challenger to Susan Collins

Michael Bloomberg , who took his presidential campaign to Maine , said he would actively back his party ’ s @ @ @ @ @ ( R-ME ) despite past donations to her , the Bangor Daily News reports .
@ @ @ @ @ in previous elections because of her general support for expanding background checks for gun purchases @

Michael Bloomberg, who took his presidential campaign to Maine, said he would actively back his party’s challenger to Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) despite past donations to her, the Bangor Daily News reports.
He said he backed Collins in previous elections because of her general support for expanding background checks for gun purchases.


politicalwire--2020-01-28--Klobuchar Headed to Iowa Tonight

Klobuchar Headed to Iowa Tonight

Even though President Trump ’ s impeachment trial will continue tomorrow , Sen. Amy Klobuchar has scheduled a quick trip @ @ @ @ @ presidential campaign .


politicalwire--2020-01-28--U.S. National Debt Will Rise to 98% of GDP by 2030

“ Sustained federal budget deficits and debt will hit the highest levels since World War II over the next decade @ @ @ @ @ Budget Office report , ” the Wall Street Journal reports .
“ The government will @ @ @ @ @ than it collects in 2020 and deficits will exceed that amount every year for the @ @ @ @ @ share of gross domestic product , the deficit will be at least 4.3 % every @ @ @ @ @ would be the longest stretch of budget deficits exceeding 4 % of GDP over the @ @ @ @ @ held by the public will be 81 % of GDP this year and is projected @ @ @ @ @ 2030 .
”

“Sustained federal budget deficits and debt will hit the highest levels since World War II over the next decade, according to a Congressional Budget Office report,” the Wall Street Journal reports.
“The government will spend $1 trillion more than it collects in 2020 and deficits will exceed that amount every year for the foreseeable future. As a share of gross domestic product, the deficit will be at least 4.3% every year through 2030. That would be the longest stretch of budget deficits exceeding 4% of GDP over the past century.”
“Debt held by the public will be 81% of GDP this year and is projected to reach 98% by 2030.”


politicalwire--2020-01-28--Graham Says There Are 51 Votes to Call Bidens

Sen. Lindsey Graham ( R-SC ) predicted that if the Senate opens the door to calling new witnesses , Republicans @ @ @ @ @ Trump ’ s top targets , The Hill reports .
Said Graham : “ I @ @ @ @ @ : There will be 51 Republican votes to call Hunter Biden , Joe Biden , @ @ @ @ @ staffer at a minimum .
”

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) predicted that if the Senate opens the door to calling new witnesses, Republicans will vote to subpoena President Trump’s top targets, The Hill reports.
Said Graham: “I’ll make a prediction: There will be 51 Republican votes to call Hunter Biden, Joe Biden, the whistleblower and the DNC staffer at a minimum.”


politicalwire--2020-01-28--Sanders Grabs Lead In California

Sanders Grabs Lead In California

A new Los Angeles Times/UC Berkeley Institute poll in California finds Bernie Sanders leading the Democratic field with 26 % @ @ @ @ @ at 20 % , Joe Biden at 15 % , Pete Buttigieg at 7 % @ @ @ @ @ % .


politicalwire--2020-01-28--Murkowski Suggests Bolton Could Be Called to Testify

Sen. Lisa Murkowski ( R-AK ) hinted to Politico that she might support calling former National Security Adviser John Bolton @ @ @ @ @ Trump ’ s impeachment trial .
Said Murkowski : “ I think that Bolton probably @ @ @ @ @ so we ’ ll figure out how we ’ re going to learn more .
@

Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) hinted to Politico that she might support calling former National Security Adviser John Bolton as a witness in President Trump’s impeachment trial.
Said Murkowski: “I think that Bolton probably has something to offer us so we’ll figure out how we’re going to learn more.”


politicalwire--2020-01-28--Trump Sees Witnesses as Likely

Trump Sees Witnesses as Likely

According to several people who spoke to him , President Trump “ has sounded resigned to the possibility of witnesses @ @ @ @ @ in the Senate have grown , the New York Times reports .


politicalwire--2020-01-28--House GOP Leaders Warn of Fundraising Crisis

“ House Republican leaders privately conceded in a closed meeting Tuesday morning that they are in the midst of a @ @ @ @ @ would imperil any chance they have at regaining their majority in 2020 , ” Politico @ @ @ @ @ Kevin McCarthy ( R-CA ) put it bluntly : “ They are kicking our ass @ @

“House Republican leaders privately conceded in a closed meeting Tuesday morning that they are in the midst of a full-blown fundraising crisis, which would imperil any chance they have at regaining their majority in 2020,” Politico reports.
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) put it bluntly: “They are kicking our ass.”


politicalwire--2020-01-28--Sanders Way Ahead In New Hampshire

Sanders Way Ahead In New Hampshire

A new American Research Group poll in New Hampshire finds Bernie Sanders is leading the Democratic presidential race with 28 @ @ @ @ @ Biden at 13 % , Pete Buttigieg at 12 % , and Elizabeth Warren at @ @ @


politicalwire--2020-01-28--Trump’s Ex-Chief of Staff Believes John Bolton

When asked if former National Security Adviser John Bolton should testify at President Trump ’ s impeachment trial , former @ @ @ @ @ John Kelly said that he supports calling witnesses , the Sarasota Herald Tribune reports .
@ @ @ @ @ John Bolton says that in the book I believe John Bolton… John ’ s an @ @ @ @ @ s a man of integrity and great character , so we ’ ll see what @ @ @ @ @ “ I think some of the conversations seem to me to be very inappropriate but @ @ @ @ @ .
But there are people that were there that ought to be heard from .
@

When asked if former National Security Adviser John Bolton should testify at President Trump’s impeachment trial, former White House Chief of Staff John Kelly said that he supports calling witnesses, the Sarasota Herald Tribune reports.
Said Kelly: “If John Bolton says that in the book I believe John Bolton… John’s an honest guy. He’s a man of integrity and great character, so we’ll see what happens.”
He added: “I think some of the conversations seem to me to be very inappropriate but I wasn’t there. But there are people that were there that ought to be heard from.”


politicalwire--2020-01-28--Navy SEAL Trump Pardoned Strikes Back at Ex-Teammates

“ A retired Navy SEAL whose war crimes trial made international news has launched a video attack on former SEAL @ @ @ @ @ murder , shooting civilians and who testified against him at his San Diego court-martial in @ @ @ @ @ Diego Union Tribune reports .
“ In a three-minute video posted to his Facebook page @ @ @ @ @ retired Chief Special Operator Edward Gallagher referred to some members of his former platoon as @ @ @ @ @ names , photos and — for those still on active duty — their duty status @ @ @ @ @ former SEALs say places those men — and the Navy ’ s mission — in @ @ @

“A retired Navy SEAL whose war crimes trial made international news has launched a video attack on former SEAL teammates who accused him of murder, shooting civilians and who testified against him at his San Diego court-martial in June,” the San Diego Union Tribune reports.
“In a three-minute video posted to his Facebook page and Instagram account Monday, retired Chief Special Operator Edward Gallagher referred to some members of his former platoon as ‘cowards’ and highlighted names, photos and — for those still on active duty — their duty status and current units, something former SEALs say places those men — and the Navy’s mission — in jeopardy.”


politicalwire--2020-01-29--Biden Weighs Iowa Caucus Alliance with Klobuchar

“ Aides to Joe Biden are discussing the possibility of seeking an alliance with Sen. Amy Klobuchar in next week @ @ @ @ @ a plan that would involve a pledge to help each other in precincts where one @ @ @ @ @ enough support to win delegates , ” the New York Times reports .
“ Three @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Iowa campaign tentatively floated the idea to a top Klobuchar adviser at a @ @ @ @ @ to Democrats briefed on the meeting .
People in both the Biden and Klobuchar camps @ @ @ @ @ which took place at a Des Moines restaurant , and aides for Ms. Klobuchar said @ @ @ @ @ as a serious overture .
But there is little doubt among Mr. Biden ’ s @ @ @ @ @ his campaign is contemplating such steps , with an eye toward preventing a messy split @ @ @ @ @ .
”

“Aides to Joe Biden are discussing the possibility of seeking an alliance with Sen. Amy Klobuchar in next week’s Iowa caucuses, a plan that would involve a pledge to help each other in precincts where one of them does not have enough support to win delegates,” the New York Times reports.
“Three staff members for Mr. Biden’s Iowa campaign tentatively floated the idea to a top Klobuchar adviser at a meeting this week, according to Democrats briefed on the meeting. People in both the Biden and Klobuchar camps played down the discussion, which took place at a Des Moines restaurant, and aides for Ms. Klobuchar said they did not regard it as a serious overture. But there is little doubt among Mr. Biden’s allies in the state that his campaign is contemplating such steps, with an eye toward preventing a messy split among moderate candidates on Monday.”


politicalwire--2020-01-29--Trio of Democrats Mull Vote to Acquit Trump

“ A trio of moderate Senate Democrats is wrestling with whether to vote to convict Donald Trump in his impeachment @ @ @ @ @ president the bipartisan acquittal he ’ s eagerly seeking , ” Politico reports .
“ @ @ @ @ @ of West Virginia , Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona and Doug Jones of Alabama are all @ @ @ @ @ to remove the president from office and agonizing over where to land .
It ’ @ @ @ @ @ have major ramifications for each senator ’ s legacy and political prospects — as well @ @ @ @ @ surrounding impeachment heading into the 2020 election .
”

“A trio of moderate Senate Democrats is wrestling with whether to vote to convict Donald Trump in his impeachment trial — or give the president the bipartisan acquittal he’s eagerly seeking,” Politico reports.
“Democratic Sens. Joe Manchin of West Virginia, Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona and Doug Jones of Alabama are all undecided on whether to vote to remove the president from office and agonizing over where to land. It’s a decision that could have major ramifications for each senator’s legacy and political prospects — as well shape the broader political dynamic surrounding impeachment heading into the 2020 election.”


politicalwire--2020-01-29--Senate GOP Confident They’ll Have Votes to End Trial

“ Senate Republicans have regained their footing and are once again pushing for a quick end to President Trump ’ @ @ @ @ @ confident they can squash the question of whether to hear new evidence , ” Politico @ @ @ @ @ conference emerged cautiously optimistic from a critical meeting on whether to defeat the call witnesses @ @ @ @ @ first real chance for GOP leaders to conduct a survey of where the 53-member conference @ @ @ @ @ the caucus ’ first gathering since Trump ’ s defense finished its opening arguments on @ @ @ @ @

“Senate Republicans have regained their footing and are once again pushing for a quick end to President Trump’s impeachment trial, newly confident they can squash the question of whether to hear new evidence,” Politico reports.
“The GOP conference emerged cautiously optimistic from a critical meeting on whether to defeat the call witnesses on Tuesday afternoon, the first real chance for GOP leaders to conduct a survey of where the 53-member conference stands. The meeting marked the caucus’ first gathering since Trump’s defense finished its opening arguments on the Senate floor.”


politicalwire--2020-01-29--Warren Fares Better Against Biden Than Sanders

A new YouGov Blue poll showed that 47 % of likely Democratic voters said they would support Joe Biden if @ @ @ @ @ today , while 45 % said they would back Elizabeth Warren .
If the primary @ @ @ @ @ Biden , 53 % said they would vote for Biden and 41 % would get @ @ @

A new YouGov Blue poll showed that 47% of likely Democratic voters said they would support Joe Biden if a national race were held today, while 45% said they would back Elizabeth Warren.
If the primary were between Bernie Sanders and Biden, 53% said they would vote for Biden and 41% would get behind Sanders.


politicalwire--2020-01-29--Trump Praises Van Drew for Leaving ‘Deranged’ Democrats

“ President Trump told his supporters at a raucous rally on Tuesday evening that Representative Jeff Van Drew of New @ @ @ @ @ the Democratic Party , was a symbol of the future .
Without evidence , he @ @ @ @ @ of Americans were ‘ disgusted ’ by congressional Democrats who , he said , are @ @ @ @ @ , this crazy witch hunt and deranged partisan crusades , ' ” the New York @ @ @ @ @ : “ They ’ ve spent the last three years and probably even before I @ @ @ @ @ escalator with our beautiful future first lady , trying to overthrow the last election , @ @ @ @ @ that they face another crushing defeat in the next election .
”

“President Trump told his supporters at a raucous rally on Tuesday evening that Representative Jeff Van Drew of New Jersey, who recently left the Democratic Party, was a symbol of the future. Without evidence, he said that an increasing number of Americans were ‘disgusted’ by congressional Democrats who, he said, are ‘obsessed with demented hoaxes, this crazy witch hunt and deranged partisan crusades,'” the New York Times reports.
Said Trump: “They’ve spent the last three years and probably even before I came down on that beautiful escalator with our beautiful future first lady, trying to overthrow the last election, and we will make sure that they face another crushing defeat in the next election.”


politicalwire--2020-01-29--50 Troops Suffered Brain Injuries in Iran Strike

“ The Pentagon on Tuesday raised to 50 the number of U.S. service members who suffered traumatic brain injuries in @ @ @ @ @ earlier this month on an Iraqi air base , the third time the number of @ @ @ @ @ ” the AP reports .

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


politicalwire--2020-01-29--Trump Demands Loyalty and Inspires Very Little

Washington Post : “ The explosive disclosures in Bolton ’ s forthcoming memoir about his time in the White House @ @ @ @ @ that Trump directly tied the holdup of $ 391 million in military aid for Ukraine @ @ @ @ @ rival — prompted cries of heresy and betrayal from Trump and his allies.
” “ @ @ @ @ @ — less than five months — between Bolton ’ s September exit from the administration @ @ @ @ @ underscores an uncomfortable truth for Trump : For a president who demands absolute loyalty , @ @ @ @ @ the same , with former aides , advisers and associates often turning on him with @ @ @ @

Washington Post: “The explosive disclosures in Bolton’s forthcoming memoir about his time in the White House — including his firsthand allegation that Trump directly tied the holdup of $391 million in military aid for Ukraine to investigations into a political rival — prompted cries of heresy and betrayal from Trump and his allies.”
“But the short gestation period — less than five months — between Bolton’s September exit from the administration to his damning book manuscript underscores an uncomfortable truth for Trump: For a president who demands absolute loyalty, he inspires strikingly little of the same, with former aides, advisers and associates often turning on him with thrumming regularity.”


politicalwire--2020-01-29--Most Think Trump Did Something Wrong with Ukraine

A new Reuters/Ipsos poll finds 53 % of Americans said they are “ increasingly convinced ” that President Trump committed @ @ @ @ @ with Ukraine , while 34 % said they are increasingly convinced of the president ’ @ @ @


politicalwire--2020-01-29--DNC Approved Secret Exit Package for Top Officials

“ A group of DNC officials approved and then withheld from their own leadership a proposal to carve out a @ @ @ @ @ party chairman , Tom Perez , and two top lieutenants , leaving Democrats confounded over @ @ @ @ @ and timing of the decision on the eve of the presidential primary , ” BuzzFeed @ @ @ @ @ proposal , put forward as an official DNC resolution during a meeting of the party @ @ @ @ @ committee last Friday , would have arranged for Perez and two of his top deputies @ @ @ @ @ deputy CEO Sam Cornale , to each receive a lump-sum bonus equaling four months ’ @ @ @ @ @ the time they eventually leave their roles .
”

“A group of DNC officials approved and then withheld from their own leadership a proposal to carve out a generous exit package for the party chairman, Tom Perez, and two top lieutenants, leaving Democrats confounded over the weekend by the optics and timing of the decision on the eve of the presidential primary,” BuzzFeed News reports.
“The proposal, put forward as an official DNC resolution during a meeting of the party’s budget and finance committee last Friday, would have arranged for Perez and two of his top deputies, CEO Seema Nanda and deputy CEO Sam Cornale, to each receive a lump-sum bonus equaling four months’ salary within two weeks of the time they eventually leave their roles.”


politicalwire--2020-01-29--Senate GOP Will Move to Acquit Friday Night

Sen. John Barrasso ( R-WV ) told NBC News says the GOP ’ s plan would be to move to @ @ @ @ @ Friday night if in fact the U.S. Senate votes against calling additional witnesses .
The @ @ @ @ @ clear to Senate Republicans on Wednesday after a morning meeting between Senate Majority Leader Mitch @ @ @ @ @ Sen. Lisa Murkowski ( R-AK ) that the question of having additional witnesses is settled @ @ @ @ @ vote Friday to wrap up the impeachment trial of President Trump .
”

Sen. John Barrasso (R-WY) told NBC News says the GOP’s plan would be to move to immediately acquit President Trump on Friday night if in fact the U.S. Senate votes against calling additional witnesses.
The Hill: “It was clear to Senate Republicans on Wednesday after a morning meeting between Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) that the question of having additional witnesses is settled, and the Senate will vote Friday to wrap up the impeachment trial of President Trump.”


politicalwire--2020-01-29--Obituaries of Those Who Opposed Nixon’s Impeachment

Just Security : “ What will the future think of President Trump and two historic votes senators must take on @ @ @ @ @ of the Republicans who voted in favor and against the articles of impeachment for President @ @ @ @ @ insight .
How these GOP members of Congress voted in 1974 featured prominently in all @ @ @ @ @

Just Security: “What will the future think of President Trump and two historic votes senators must take on his impeachment? The obituaries of the Republicans who voted in favor and against the articles of impeachment for President Richard Nixon could provide some insight. How these GOP members of Congress voted in 1974 featured prominently in all of their obituaries.”


politicalwire--2020-01-29--Dershowitz Says the Trump’s Interest is the Public Interest

“ Alan Dershowitz , one of President Trump ’ s impeachment lawyers , pushed an extraordinarily expansive view of executive @ @ @ @ @ arguing that any action taken by the president to help his own re-election is , @ @ @ @ @ public interest , ” the New York Times reports .
Said Dershowitz : “ If @ @ @ @ @ he thinks will help him get elected , in the public interest , that can @ @ @ @ @ quid pro quo that results in impeachment.
” “ The assertion amounted to an argument @ @ @ @ @ Democrats ’ impeachment allegations are true — that Mr. Trump was , in fact , @ @ @ @ @ demanded that Ukraine investigate his political opponents — it would still be appropriate .
”

“Alan Dershowitz, one of President Trump’s impeachment lawyers, pushed an extraordinarily expansive view of executive power during his trial, arguing that any action taken by the president to help his own re-election is, by definition, in the public interest,” the New York Times reports.
Said Dershowitz: “If the president does something that he thinks will help him get elected, in the public interest, that cannot be the kind of quid pro quo that results in impeachment.”
“The assertion amounted to an argument that even if all of Democrats’ impeachment allegations are true — that Mr. Trump was, in fact, seeking election advantage when he demanded that Ukraine investigate his political opponents — it would still be appropriate.”


politicalwire--2020-01-29--Bloomberg Hammers Trump on Health Care

Bloomberg Hammers Trump on Health Care

New York Times : “ Michael Bloomberg , the former New York City mayor who entered the Democratic presidential primary @ @ @ @ @ to participate in the debates , has moved to exploit his rivals ’ failure to @ @ @ @ @ on Mr. Trump ’ s record on health care .
Driven by extensive polling , @ @ @ @ @ has released a torrent of television and digital ads accusing Mr. Trump of trying to @ @ @ @ @ Americans with pre-existing conditions.
” “ Since he announced his candidacy , Mr. Bloomberg has @ @ @ @ @ million on television advertisements about health care in 27 states , according to Advertising Analytics @ @ @ @ @ .
About $ 66 million of those ads have attacked Mr. Trump on health care.
@ @ @ @ @ spent $ 41.3 million airing one ad more than 46,000 times : It starts with @ @ @ @ @ Trump saying ‘ Let Obamacare implode . '
”

New York Times: “Michael Bloomberg, the former New York City mayor who entered the Democratic presidential primary late and has not qualified to participate in the debates, has moved to exploit his rivals’ failure to mount a more frontal attack on Mr. Trump’s record on health care. Driven by extensive polling, Mr. Bloomberg’s campaign has released a torrent of television and digital ads accusing Mr. Trump of trying to ‘undermine coverage’ for Americans with pre-existing conditions.”
“Since he announced his candidacy, Mr. Bloomberg has spent more than $88.2 million on television advertisements about health care in 27 states, according to Advertising Analytics, an ad tracking firm. About $66 million of those ads have attacked Mr. Trump on health care.”
“His campaign has spent $41.3 million airing one ad more than 46,000 times: It starts with a video clip of Mr. Trump saying ‘Let Obamacare implode.'”


politicalwire--2020-01-29--Senate GOP Could Move to Quick Acquittal Vote

“ Senate Republicans are eyeing a quick acquittal of President Trump that could have the trial wrap as soon as @ @ @ @ @ reports .
“ If GOP senators are able to defeat an effort on Friday to @ @ @ @ @ new documents , Republicans are signaling they could move quickly to the final votes on @ @ @

“Senate Republicans are eyeing a quick acquittal of President Trump that could have the trial wrap as soon as Friday,” The Hill reports.
“If GOP senators are able to defeat an effort on Friday to call new witnesses or compel new documents, Republicans are signaling they could move quickly to the final votes on acquittal.”


politicalwire--2020-01-29--Gardner Won’t Vote to Hear from New Witnesses

Sen. Cory Gardner told Colorado Politics that he thinks the Senate has heard from enough witnesses in President Trump ’ @ @ @ @ @ off the table a potential Republican vote to subpoena national security adviser John Bolton .
@ @ @ @ @ do not believe we need to hear from an 18th witness .
I have approached @ @ @ @ @ constitutional duty with the respect and attention required by law , and have reached this @ @ @ @ @ House managers and defense arguments and closely reviewing the evidence from the House , which @ @ @ @ @ of testimony from 17 witnesses .
”

Sen. Cory Gardner told Colorado Politics that he thinks the Senate has heard from enough witnesses in President Trump’s impeachment trial, taking off the table a potential Republican vote to subpoena national security adviser John Bolton.
Said Gardner: “I do not believe we need to hear from an 18th witness. I have approached every aspect of this grave constitutional duty with the respect and attention required by law, and have reached this decision after carefully weighing the House managers and defense arguments and closely reviewing the evidence from the House, which included well over 100 hours of testimony from 17 witnesses.”


politicalwire--2020-01-29--Yang Suggests His Support May Move to Sanders In Iowa

“ Andrew Yang said he won ’ t be surprised if his voters end up supporting Bernie Sanders in later @ @ @ @ @ voting — a development that could strengthen Sanders ’ s already-surging campaign in the state @ @ @ @ @


politicalwire--2020-01-29--Democrats Buying Millions of Cell Phone Numbers

The DNC is dropping “ six figures ” to acquire “ tens of millions ” of cellphone numbers through a @ @ @ @ @ Daily Beast reports .
“ It ’ s plan is to boost Democratic voter outreach @ @ @ @ @ collection ahead of a bruising 2020 presidential campaign and the host of down-ballot races that @ @ @ @ @ year .
”

The DNC is dropping “six figures” to acquire “tens of millions” of cellphone numbers through a variety of vendors, the Daily Beast reports.
“It’s plan is to boost Democratic voter outreach, fundraising, and data collection ahead of a bruising 2020 presidential campaign and the host of down-ballot races that will reshape American politics next year.”


politicalwire--2020-01-29--White House Warns John Bolton Not to Publish Book

The White House has issued a formal threat to former national security adviser John Bolton to keep him from publishing @ @ @ @ @ Where It Happened : A White House Memoir , CNN reports .
“ The letter @ @ @ @ @ Bolton on Twitter and as Bolton ’ s lawyer accuses the White House of corrupting @ @ @ @ @ ’ s book by sharing the contents of the book with those outside the National @ @ @ @ @ Management Division .
”

The White House has issued a formal threat to former national security adviser John Bolton to keep him from publishing his book, The Room Where It Happened: A White House Memoir, CNN reports.
“The letter comes as President Trump attacks Bolton on Twitter and as Bolton’s lawyer accuses the White House of corrupting the vetting process for Bolton’s book by sharing the contents of the book with those outside the National Security Council’s Records Management Division.”


politicalwire--2020-01-29--Lev Parnas Shows Up for Impeachment Trial

Although Lev Parnas has arrived on Capitol Hill , it appears the former Rudy Giuliani associate will not be able @ @ @ @ @ chamber where the impeachment trial is being held because he wears an ankle monitor , @ @ @ @ @ PBS : “ The president knew everything that was going on in Ukraine , ” @ @ @ @ @ many quid pro quos .
”

Although Lev Parnas has arrived on Capitol Hill, it appears the former Rudy Giuliani associate will not be able to actually enter the Senate chamber where the impeachment trial is being held because he wears an ankle monitor, Politico reports.
Parnas told PBS: “The president knew everything that was going on in Ukraine,” adding that there were “many quid pro quos.”


politicalwire--2020-01-29--Republicans Fear Impeachment Witness Domino Effect

“ With the critical vote looming on Friday on whether to call new witnesses in President Trump ’ s impeachment @ @ @ @ @ coalescing around the idea that it is better to risk looking like they ignored relevant @ @ @ @ @ Senate into an open-ended inquiry and anger President Trump , ” the New York Times @ @ @ @ @ private party meeting on Tuesday , top Republicans were increasingly confident on Wednesday that they @ @ @ @ @ according to people close to Senator Mitch McConnell , the majority leader , who insisted @ @ @ @ @ discussions .
And some were saying publicly that part of their reasoning was that allowing @ @ @ @ @ floodgates and tie up the Senate indefinitely , though the eventual outcome — Mr. Trump @ @ @ @ @ the same .
”

“With the critical vote looming on Friday on whether to call new witnesses in President Trump’s impeachment trial, Senate Republicans are coalescing around the idea that it is better to risk looking like they ignored relevant evidence than to plunge the Senate into an open-ended inquiry and anger President Trump,” the New York Times reports.
“After a private party meeting on Tuesday, top Republicans were increasingly confident on Wednesday that they could hold off witnesses, according to people close to Senator Mitch McConnell, the majority leader, who insisted on anonymity to characterize private discussions. And some were saying publicly that part of their reasoning was that allowing any witnesses would open the floodgates and tie up the Senate indefinitely, though the eventual outcome — Mr. Trump’s acquittal — remains the same.”


politicalwire--2020-01-29--Let the People Pick the President

Let the People Pick the President

Out soon : Let the People Pick the President : The Case for Abolishing the Electoral College by Jesse Wegman @ @ @ @ @ last five elections were won by candidates who lost the popular vote , calling the @ @ @ @ @ system into question .
”

Out soon: Let the People Pick the President: The Case for Abolishing the Electoral College by Jesse Wegman.
“Two of the last five elections were won by candidates who lost the popular vote, calling the integrity of the entire electoral system into question.”


politicalwire--2020-01-29--Jones Suggests Witness Vote Will Influence His Final Vote

Sen. Doug Jones ( D-AL ) suggested to CBS News that decision on witnesses in President Trump ’ s impeachment @ @ @ @ @ vote on acquittal .
Said Jones : “ It could very well !
I think @ @ @ @ @ problem when President Trump starts attacking every witness that is supposed to come here… Quite @ @ @ @ @ argue it shows his guilt under Article Two .

Sen. Doug Jones (D-AL) suggested to CBS News that decision on witnesses in President Trump’s impeachment trial could influence his final vote on acquittal.
Said Jones: “It could very well! I think it’s a real problem when President Trump starts attacking every witness that is supposed to come here… Quite frankly, some people would argue it shows his guilt under Article Two.


politicalwire--2020-01-29--Biden Holds Small Edge In Iowa

Biden Holds Small Edge In Iowa

A new Monmouth poll in Iowa finds Joe Biden leading the Democratic presidential race with 23 % , followed by Bernie Sanders at 21 % , Pete Buttigieg at 16 % , Elizabeth Warren at 15 % , Amy Klobuchar at 10 % , Tom Steyer at 4 % and Andrew Yang at 3 % .
But most interesting is that just 47 % of likely caucusgoers say they are firmly decided on which candidate they will support .
Said pollster Patrick Murray : “ Caucus electorates are the most difficult to model in polling .
The smartest takeaway from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that matter , is to be prepared for anything on Monday.
” Also important : “ The poll asked caucusgoers to name a candidate they have in mind as a second choice .
When these are combined with initial preferences , Biden ( 39 % ) , Warren ( 34 % ) , Sanders ( 32 % ) , and Buttigieg ( 29 % ) are bunched together .
They are trailed by Klobuchar ( 22 % ) , Steyer ( 10 % ) , and Yang ( 7 % ) as either @ @ @ @ @ @ @

A new Monmouth poll in Iowa finds Joe Biden leading the Democratic presidential race with 23%, followed by Bernie Sanders at 21%, Pete Buttigieg at 16%, Elizabeth Warren at 15%, Amy Klobuchar at 10%, Tom Steyer at 4% and Andrew Yang at 3%.
But most interesting is that just 47% of likely caucusgoers say they are firmly decided on which candidate they will support.
Said pollster Patrick Murray: “Caucus electorates are the most difficult to model in polling. The smartest takeaway from this, or any Iowa poll for that matter, is to be prepared for anything on Monday.”
Also important: “The poll asked caucusgoers to name a candidate they have in mind as a second choice. When these are combined with initial preferences, Biden (39%), Warren (34%), Sanders (32%), and Buttigieg (29%) are bunched together. They are trailed by Klobuchar (22%), Steyer (10%), and Yang (7%) as either a first or second choice.”


politicalwire--2020-01-29--Trump’s Digital Advantage Is Breathtaking

Thomas Edsall : “ If you attend an evangelical or a Catholic Church , a women ’ s rights march @ @ @ @ @ any kind , especially in a seriously contested state , the odds are that your @ @ @ @ @ address , partisan affiliation and the identifying information of the people around you will be @ @ @ @ @ campaigns , lobbyists and other interest groups.
” “ With increasing speed , digital technology @ @ @ @ @ providing novel ways to target specific individuals , to get the unregistered registered , to @ @ @ @ @ to persuade the undecided and to suppress support for the opposition.
” “ Democrats and @ @ @ @ @ campaign is far ahead of the Democratic Party in the use of this technology , @ @ @ @ @ during the 2016 election and benefiting from an uninterrupted high-tech drive since then .
”

Thomas Edsall: “If you attend an evangelical or a Catholic Church, a women’s rights march or a political rally of any kind, especially in a seriously contested state, the odds are that your cellphone ID number, home address, partisan affiliation and the identifying information of the people around you will be provided by geofencing marketers to campaigns, lobbyists and other interest groups.”
“With increasing speed, digital technology is transforming politics, constantly providing novel ways to target specific individuals, to get the unregistered registered, to turn out marginal voters, to persuade the undecided and to suppress support for the opposition.”
“Democrats and Republicans agree that the Trump campaign is far ahead of the Democratic Party in the use of this technology, capitalizing on its substantial investment during the 2016 election and benefiting from an uninterrupted high-tech drive since then.”


politicalwire--2020-01-29--House Democrats Unveil Infrastructure Plan

“ House Democrats on Wednesday plan to unveil a five-year , $ 760 billion framework for rebuilding the nation ’ @ @ @ @ @ other infrastructure , laying out an election-year package with little chance of enactment after bipartisan @ @ @ @ @ on the issue failed to gain traction , ” the New York Times reports .

“House Democrats on Wednesday plan to unveil a five-year, $760 billion framework for rebuilding the nation’s highways, airports and other infrastructure, laying out an election-year package with little chance of enactment after bipartisan talks with the White House on the issue failed to gain traction,” the New York Times reports.


politicalwire--2020-01-29--Manchin Says Hunter Biden Is a Relevant Witness

Sen. Joe Manchin ( D-WV ) told MSNBC that he believes Hunter Biden is a relevant witness in President Trump @ @ @ @ @ .
Said Manchin : “ You know , I think so .
I really do @ @ @ @ @ have a problem there , because this is why we are where we are .
@ @ @ @ @ he could clear himself .
Of what I know and what I ’ ve heard @ @ @ @ @ put anybody that might have pertinent information is wrong — no matter if you ’ @ @ @ @ @ , and not go home and say well , I protected one .
No .
@ @ @ @ @ , then it should be there.
” However , Manchin later told the Washington Post @ @ @ @ @ calling Joe Biden as a witness , saying that was a “ bridge too far @ @

Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) told MSNBC that he believes Hunter Biden is a relevant witness in President Trump’s Senate impeachment trial.
Said Manchin: “You know, I think so. I really do. I don’t have a problem there, because this is why we are where we are. Now, I think that he could clear himself. Of what I know and what I’ve heard, but being afraid to put anybody that might have pertinent information is wrong — no matter if you’re a Democrat or Republican, and not go home and say well, I protected one. No. If it’s relevant, then it should be there.”
However, Manchin later told the Washington Post that he would not support calling Joe Biden as a witness, saying that was a “bridge too far.”


politicalwire--2020-01-30--Biden’s Iowa Ground Games Has Gaps

Biden’s Iowa Ground Games Has Gaps

New York Times : “ Caucuses are low-turnout affairs , making grass-roots organizing an essential factor for doing well in @ @ @ @ @ on a paid field staff and armies of volunteers to identify supporters , ensure they @ @ @ @ @ in the many school cafeterias and churches that serve as caucus rooms .
But according @ @ @ @ @ Democratic chairs and Biden activists around the state , Mr. Biden ’ s ground game @ @ @ @ @ him with underperforming his polling in Iowa , where he has consistently been at or @ @ @ @ @

New York Times: “Caucuses are low-turnout affairs, making grass-roots organizing an essential factor for doing well in Iowa. Well-tooled campaigns depend on a paid field staff and armies of volunteers to identify supporters, ensure they turn out and provide leadership in the many school cafeterias and churches that serve as caucus rooms. But according to nearly a dozen county Democratic chairs and Biden activists around the state, Mr. Biden’s ground game has weak spots that threaten him with underperforming his polling in Iowa, where he has consistently been at or near the top.”


politicalwire--2020-01-30--Trump’s Trial Created Two Democratic Superstars

Politico : “ Sitting shoulder to shoulder on the Senate floor as they argue for the president ’ s removal @ @ @ @ @ — Adam Schiff of California and Hakeem Jeffries of New York — have been catapulted @ @ @ @ @ nation ’ s consciousness , to the top of the Democratic Party and have become @ @ @ @ @ a host of prominent positions both in the House and beyond.
” “ Schiff is @ @ @ @ @ the Senate ( California Sen. Dianne Feinstein is 86 ) , a spot in a @ @ @ @ @ of the House .
Jeffries , meanwhile , has scant interest in running for mayor @ @ @ @ @ job he was rumored to be eyeing .
He wants to be House speaker — @ @ @ @ @ get there .
”

Politico: “Sitting shoulder to shoulder on the Senate floor as they argue for the president’s removal from office, two men — Adam Schiff of California and Hakeem Jeffries of New York — have been catapulted to the front of the nation’s consciousness, to the top of the Democratic Party and have become the fulcrum for speculation about a host of prominent positions both in the House and beyond.”
“Schiff is said to be interested in the Senate (California Sen. Dianne Feinstein is 86), a spot in a potential Democratic administration or speaker of the House. Jeffries, meanwhile, has scant interest in running for mayor of New York — a job he was rumored to be eyeing. He wants to be House speaker — and is taking steps to get there.”


politicalwire--2020-01-30--Kushner Says He’s ‘Read 25 Books’ on Middle East

Jared Kushner , who developed President Trump ’ s new Middle East peace plan , told Sky News Arabia that @ @ @ @ @ books about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict .
Said Kushner : “ I ’ ve been studying @ @ @ @ @ .
I ’ ve read 25 books on it , I ’ ve spoken to @ @ @ @ @ , I ’ ve spoken to everyone who ’ s been involved in this .
@

Jared Kushner, who developed President Trump’s new Middle East peace plan, told Sky News Arabia that he’s read 25 books about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Said Kushner: “I’ve been studying this now for three years. I’ve read 25 books on it, I’ve spoken to every leader in the region, I’ve spoken to everyone who’s been involved in this.”


politicalwire--2020-01-30--Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day

“ You can tell how good I feel by how nervous the establishment is getting .
We ’ re their @ @ @ @ @ Bernie Sanders , quoted by the Associated Press .

“You can tell how good I feel by how nervous the establishment is getting. We’re their worst nightmare.”
— Sen. Bernie Sanders, quoted by the Associated Press.


politicalwire--2020-01-30--John Roberts Blocks Mention of Whistleblower’s Name

“ Chief Justice John Roberts has communicated to senators that he will not read aloud the alleged Ukraine whistleblower ’ @ @ @ @ @ relay questions that might out the official , a move that ’ s effectively blocked @ @ @ @ @ ) from asking a question , ” Politico reports .
“ In a behind-the-scenes fight @ @ @ @ @ that violate Roberts ’ s edict , according to several Republicans familiar with the dynamics @ @ @ @ @ vintage Rand Paul effort that ’ s annoying fellow Republicans and could come to a @ @ @ @ @

“Chief Justice John Roberts has communicated to senators that he will not read aloud the alleged Ukraine whistleblower’s name or otherwise publicly relay questions that might out the official, a move that’s effectively blocked Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) from asking a question,” Politico reports.
“In a behind-the-scenes fight, Paul has composed questions that violate Roberts’s edict, according to several Republicans familiar with the dynamics. It’s a vintage Rand Paul effort that’s annoying fellow Republicans and could come to a head on Thursday.”


politicalwire--2020-01-30--Parts of New Border Wall Fall Down

Parts of New Border Wall Fall Down

“ Newly installed panels from the U.S. border wall fell over in high winds Wednesday , landing on trees on @ @ @ @ @ border , ” CNN reports .
“ The area is part of an ongoing construction @ @ @ @ @ of the wall .
”

“Newly installed panels from the U.S. border wall fell over in high winds Wednesday, landing on trees on the Mexican side of the border,” CNN reports.
“The area is part of an ongoing construction project to improve existing sections of the wall.”


politicalwire--2020-01-30--Wavering Senate Democrats Face Pressure

Wavering Senate Democrats Face Pressure

“ Democrats are casting a nervous eye on a small group of publicly undecided senators in their ranks as Republicans @ @ @ @ @ the Senate impeachment trial — a bipartisan acquittal of President Trump , ” the Washington @ @ @ @ @ the spotlight are two centrist mavericks who won election last year — Sens .
Joe @ @ @ @ @ Kyrsten Sinema ( D-AZ ) — as well as Sen. Doug Jones ( D-AL ) @ @ @ @ @ this year after a long-shot win in a special election in 2017 .
”

“Democrats are casting a nervous eye on a small group of publicly undecided senators in their ranks as Republicans target a coveted prize in the Senate impeachment trial — a bipartisan acquittal of President Trump,” the Washington Post reports.
“Under the spotlight are two centrist mavericks who won election last year — Sens. Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) — as well as Sen. Doug Jones (D-AL), who will face voters this year after a long-shot win in a special election in 2017.”


politicalwire--2020-01-30--Political Wire by Email

Political Wire by Email

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politicalwire--2020-01-30--Prosecutors Back Away from Prison for Michael Flynn

Prosecutors have appeared to back away from their recommendation that former national security adviser Michael Flynn serve up to six @ @ @ @ @ in court filings that probation remained a “ reasonable sentence ” that they would not @ @ @ @ @ reports .

Prosecutors have appeared to back away from their recommendation that former national security adviser Michael Flynn serve up to six months in prison, saying in court filings that probation remained a “reasonable sentence” that they would not oppose, the Washington Post reports.


politicalwire--2020-01-31--Trump’s Border Wall Needs Storm Gates Left Open

“ President Trump ’ s border wall likely will require the installation of hundreds of storm gates to prevent flash @ @ @ @ @ it over , gates that must be left open for months every summer during ‘ @ @ @ @ @ desert , ” the Washington Post reports .
“ The open , unmanned gates in @ @ @ @ @ for the easy entry of smugglers and migrants into the United States .
”

“President Trump’s border wall likely will require the installation of hundreds of storm gates to prevent flash floods from undermining or knocking it over, gates that must be left open for months every summer during ‘monsoon season’ in the desert,” the Washington Post reports.
“The open, unmanned gates in remote areas already have allowed for the easy entry of smugglers and migrants into the United States.”


politicalwire--2020-01-30--Christie Says Trump Would Hit Senators Who Buck Him

Former New Jersey Gov .
Chris Christie ( R ) told ABC News that President Trump might target Republican senators @ @ @ @ @ in the Senate impeachment trial .
Said Christie : “ You could very well see @ @ @ @ @ primaries against senators that are up this year if they went and voted the other @ @ @ @ @ him at least attempting to do that .
”

Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) told ABC News that President Trump might target Republican senators who vote for additional witnesses in the Senate impeachment trial.
Said Christie: “You could very well see the president encouraging or creating primaries against senators that are up this year if they went and voted the other way I could definitely see him at least attempting to do that.”


politicalwire--2020-01-30--Outside Groups Unite to Back Bernie Sanders

“ Nine outside groups backing Bernie Sanders will begin coordinating efforts to boost the presidential candidate in what they say @ @ @ @ @ drive in the Democratic field , ” NBC News reports .
“ The independent expenditure @ @ @ @ @ for Bernie , ’ will be barred from coordinating with Sanders ’ campaign , but @ @ @ @ @ be able to team up on grassroots organizing and potentially advertising .
”

“Nine outside groups backing Bernie Sanders will begin coordinating efforts to boost the presidential candidate in what they say is the largest independent mobilizing drive in the Democratic field,” NBC News reports.
“The independent expenditure, dubbed ‘People Power for Bernie,’ will be barred from coordinating with Sanders’ campaign, but members of the coalition will be able to team up on grassroots organizing and potentially advertising.”


politicalwire--2020-01-30--Paul Manafort and Igor Fruman Go Way Back

“ The web of connections between Donald Trump ’ s convicted campaign manager and an indicted man who tried to @ @ @ @ @ political rival runs tighter and longer than previously understood , ” the Daily Beast reports @ @ @ @ @ Igor Fruman and ex-Trump campaign chief Paul Manafort have been friendly for years… And that @ @ @ @ @ York to London to Kyiv — long predated Rudy Giuliani ’ s wide-ranging attempts to @ @ @ @ @ a key role in kicking off Manafort ’ s political downfall and eventual incarceration .
@

“The web of connections between Donald Trump’s convicted campaign manager and an indicted man who tried to dig up dirt on his political rival runs tighter and longer than previously understood,” the Daily Beast reports.
“Rudy Giuliani ally Igor Fruman and ex-Trump campaign chief Paul Manafort have been friendly for years… And that relationship — stretching from New York to London to Kyiv — long predated Rudy Giuliani’s wide-ranging attempts to discredit the evidence that played a key role in kicking off Manafort’s political downfall and eventual incarceration.”


politicalwire--2020-01-30--Schiff Proposes One Week to Depose Witnesses

In an effort to rebuff arguments that calling witnesses would prolong the trial , Rep. Adam Schiff ( D-CA ) @ @ @ @ @ manager , suggested limiting the depositions of witnesses to one week , the New York @ @ @ @ @ : “ Is that too much to ask in the name of fairness — that @ @ @ @ @ , that we take one week ?
Are we really driven by the timing of @ @ @ @ @ , should that be a guiding principle ?
Can ’ t we take one week @ @ @ @ @ ?
”

In an effort to rebuff arguments that calling witnesses would prolong the trial, Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA), the lead House impeachment manager, suggested limiting the depositions of witnesses to one week, the New York Times reports.
Said Schiff: “Is that too much to ask in the name of fairness — that we follow the Clinton model, that we take one week? Are we really driven by the timing of the State of the Union, should that be a guiding principle? Can’t we take one week to hear from these witnesses?”


politicalwire--2020-01-30--Trump’s Super Bowl Ad Lauds the Economy

Trump’s Super Bowl Ad Lauds the Economy

USA Today : “ The spot – texted to Trump supporters by the campaign on Thursday – features a narrator @ @ @ @ @ growth , job increases , and record low levels of unemployment for African-Americans and Hispanics @ @ @ @ @ Trump at one of his political rallies proclaiming : ‘ And ladies and gentlemen , @ @ @ @ @ come . '
”

USA Today: “The spot – texted to Trump supporters by the campaign on Thursday – features a narrator and news reports discussing wage growth, job increases, and record low levels of unemployment for African-Americans and Hispanics. The commercial ends with Trump at one of his political rallies proclaiming: ‘And ladies and gentlemen, the best is yet to come.'”


politicalwire--2020-01-30--Yes, the Chief Justice Could Break a Tie on Witnesses

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With the final vote on calling additional impeachment witnesses tomorrow, it’s quite possible it could end in a 50-50 tie. So far, just three Republicans — Mitt Romney, Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski — are reportedly considering backing the Democratic motion.


politicalwire--2020-01-30--Iowa May Decide Biden’s Financial Future

“ Joe Biden campaign has quietly rolled back hundreds of thousands of dollars of television ad reservations in New Hampshire @ @ @ @ @ weeks and redirected the funds to buy more ads in Iowa instead , ” the @ @ @ @ @ “ Mr .
Biden ’ s campaign and a super PAC supporting him are on @ @ @ @ @ $ 9 million on television ads in Iowa ahead of the caucuses on Monday , @ @ @ @ @ far in the other three states that vote in February .
Mr. Biden has also @ @ @ @ @ this week , seizing on the Senate impeachment trial and President Trump ’ s rally @ @ @ @ @ night to try to convince voters that Republicans are scared to run against him .
@

“Joe Biden campaign has quietly rolled back hundreds of thousands of dollars of television ad reservations in New Hampshire and South Carolina in recent weeks and redirected the funds to buy more ads in Iowa instead,” the New York Times reports.
“Mr. Biden’s campaign and a super PAC supporting him are on pace to churn through nearly $9 million on television ads in Iowa ahead of the caucuses on Monday, while spending virtually nothing so far in the other three states that vote in February. Mr. Biden has also planted himself in the state this week, seizing on the Senate impeachment trial and President Trump’s rally in Des Moines on Thursday night to try to convince voters that Republicans are scared to run against him.”


politicalwire--2020-01-30--Bernie’s Final Iowa Ads Focus on Health Care

Politico : “ Sanders ’ TV ads in the state remain centered on Medicare for All , a major focus @ @ @ @ @ well as women ’ s rights and his movement .
That ’ s a different @ @ @ @ @ Biden and Elizabeth Warren , who are making more explicit appeals to electability in the @ @ @ @ @ ”

Politico: “Sanders’ TV ads in the state remain centered on Medicare for All, a major focus of his campaign, as well as women’s rights and his movement. That’s a different approach than that of Joe Biden and Elizabeth Warren, who are making more explicit appeals to electability in the final sprint before Iowa.”


politicalwire--2020-01-30--Justice Dept Says House Can Impeach Over Subpoenas

“ A Justice Department lawyer said Thursday in federal court that the House can impeach a president over ignored subpoenas @ @ @ @ @ what lawyers for President Trump are arguing at his Senate impeachment trial this week , @ @ @ @ @ Asked by a federal judge what the House can do to enforce its subpoenas , @ @ @ @ @ said without hesitation that the House can use its impeachment powers , among other options @ @ @ @ @ ”

“A Justice Department lawyer said Thursday in federal court that the House can impeach a president over ignored subpoenas, a noted contrast to what lawyers for President Trump are arguing at his Senate impeachment trial this week,” CNN reports.
“Asked by a federal judge what the House can do to enforce its subpoenas, Justice Department lawyer James Burnham said without hesitation that the House can use its impeachment powers, among other options, like withholding appropriations.”


politicalwire--2020-01-30--Bloomberg Blankets Puerto Rico with TV Ads

Michael Bloomberg ’ s television ad blitz “ is going beyond the 50 U.S. states .
He is running television @ @ @ @ @ of the U.S. territory ’ s March 29 primary election… He ’ s the only @ @ @ @ @ Puerto Rico , ” the Miami Herald reports .
Meanwhile , The Hill reports Bloomberg @ @ @ @ @ new television ads in 27 states this week .

Michael Bloomberg’s television ad blitz “is going beyond the 50 U.S. states. He is running television ads in Puerto Rico ahead of the U.S. territory’s March 29 primary election… He’s the only presidential candidate running ads in Puerto Rico,” the Miami Herald reports.
Meanwhile, The Hill reports Bloomberg will go up with three new television ads in 27 states this week.


politicalwire--2020-01-30--O’Rourke Attends a Bloomberg Campaign Event

Former Rep. Beto O ’ Rourke ( D-TX ) attended a Michael Bloomberg campaign event in El Paso on Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ he and his wife weren ’ t ready to make endorsements .

“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--2020-01-30--How the Impeachment Trial Is Likely to End

Playbook : “ The message is said in different ways , by different people .
But , for the first @ @ @ @ @ is singing the same tune : The impeachment trial of President Donald J. Trump is @ @ @ @ @ Questions are likely to last a while today .
On Friday , the Senate will @ @ @ @ @ to add more witnesses and documents — that will begin at 1 p.m. , and @ @ @ @ @ debate , evenly divided , but the White House side might not use all of @ @ @ @ @ a vote on that around 4-5 p.m.-ish .
Then , they have to motion to @ @ @ @ @ — a motion that is subject to amendments , which gives Democrats berth to attempt @ @ @ @ @ In short : Friday could be a late night .
”

Playbook: “The message is said in different ways, by different people. But, for the first time in months, Congress is singing the same tune: The impeachment trial of President Donald J. Trump is all but over.”
“Questions are likely to last a while today. On Friday, the Senate will move to debate the motion to add more witnesses and documents — that will begin at 1 p.m., and there are four hours of debate, evenly divided, but the White House side might not use all of its time. So expect a vote on that around 4-5 p.m.-ish. Then, they have to motion to move to the final vote — a motion that is subject to amendments, which gives Democrats berth to attempt to slow things down. In short: Friday could be a late night.”


politicalwire--2020-01-30--New Audio Shows Lev Parnas at Dinner With Trump

A second audio recording obtained by the Daily Beast appears to show former Rudy Giuliani associates Lev Parnas and Igor @ @ @ @ @ fundraising dinner with President Trump along with former Rep. Pete Sessions ( R-TX ) .
@ @ @ @ @ recordings of the two events undercut Trump ’ s repeated assertions that he does not @ @ @ @ @ who were arrested in October on campaign finance charges .
”

A second audio recording obtained by the Daily Beast appears to show former Rudy Giuliani associates Lev Parnas and Igor Fruman attending an April 2018 fundraising dinner with President Trump along with former Rep. Pete Sessions (R-TX).
Washington Post: “The recordings of the two events undercut Trump’s repeated assertions that he does not know Parnas and Fruman, who were arrested in October on campaign finance charges.”


politicalwire--2020-01-30--Accuser Seeks DNA Sample from Trump

Accuser Seeks DNA Sample from Trump

Associated Press : “ Lawyers for a woman who accuses President Donald Trump of raping her in the 1990s are @ @ @ @ @ , seeking to determine whether his genetic material is on a dress she says she @ @ @ @ @ “ Advice columnist E. Jean Carroll ’ s lawyers served notice to a Trump attorney @ @ @ @ @ a sample March 2 in Washington for ‘ analysis and comparison against unidentified male DNA @ @ @ @ @ ' ”

Associated Press: “Lawyers for a woman who accuses President Donald Trump of raping her in the 1990s are asking for a DNA sample, seeking to determine whether his genetic material is on a dress she says she wore during the encounter.”
“Advice columnist E. Jean Carroll’s lawyers served notice to a Trump attorney Thursday for Trump to submit a sample March 2 in Washington for ‘analysis and comparison against unidentified male DNA present on the dress.'”


politicalwire--2020-01-30--What Was Jared Kushner Doing In China?

What Was Jared Kushner Doing In China?

In late 2017 , CNBC filed a Freedom of Information Act request for details about Jared Kushner ’ s secretive @ @ @ @ @ Trump ’ s visit to the country .
The State Department has yet to fulfill @ @ @ @ @ aims to complete it by July 2021 .

In late 2017, CNBC filed a Freedom of Information Act request for details about Jared Kushner’s secretive meeting in China during President Trump’s visit to the country.
The State Department has yet to fulfill the request and says it aims to complete it by July 2021.


politicalwire--2020-01-30--Exchange of the Day

Exchange of the Day

Sen. Chuck Schumer ( D-NY ) , who attended Harvard Law School in the early 1970s , held a news @ @ @ @ @ Senate impeachment proceedings : REPORTER : Senator Schumer , did you take Professor Dershowitz ’ @ @ @ @ @ School ?
SCHUMER : No , and that ’ s why my arguments are cogent @


politicalwire--2020-01-30--Twitter Users Can Now Report Fake News

Twitter Users Can Now Report Fake News

Twitter users can now report tweets with misleading information about the election as well as voter suppression , Politico reports @ @ @ @ @ reviewed against Twitter ’ s terms of service , and offenders could face penalties .

Twitter users can now report tweets with misleading information about the election as well as voter suppression, Politico reports.
The reports will be reviewed against Twitter’s terms of service, and offenders could face penalties.


politicalwire--2020-01-30--Americans Are Voting with Their Eyeballs

The Economist : “ Considering the passions that the president stirs , for and against , most Americans ’ lack of interest in his trial may be its most remarkable feature .
The public gallery has been half-empty for most of it .
The few dozen anti-Trump protesters who have gathered outside the Senate are nothing to the hundreds who flocked to Justice Brett Kavanaugh ’ s confirmation hearing .
The trial ’ s opening two days drew a modest prime-time audience of 7.5m .
That is similar to the audience for Bill Clinton ’ s trial , once an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , though Mr Trump ’ s is taking place in a far more feverishly politicized environment .
It is also more popular than Mr Clinton ’ s trial was .
Only a minority of Americans thought Mr Clinton should have been impeached for lying about sex ; a small majority think Mr Trump should be sacked for trying to extort personal favors from his Ukrainian counterpart.
” “ Even Republican senators who denounce Mr Trump ’ s impeachment as a ‘ political sham , ’ in the phrase of James Inhofe of Oklahoma @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s disregard .
Quizzed on the thin showing in the gallery , the Oklahoman hyper-partisan told one newspaper he was ‘ really surprised…because this is kind of historic.
’ He shouldn ’ t have been .
The reason most Americans find Mr Trump ’ s trial tedious is because they know how it will end : with the president , though guilty—as even some Republicans acknowledge in private—nonetheless acquitted by them .
”

The Economist: “Considering the passions that the president stirs, for and against, most Americans’ lack of interest in his trial may be its most remarkable feature. The public gallery has been half-empty for most of it. The few dozen anti-Trump protesters who have gathered outside the Senate are nothing to the hundreds who flocked to Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s confirmation hearing. The trial’s opening two days drew a modest prime-time TV audience of 7.5m. That is similar to the audience for Bill Clinton’s trial, once an increase in average viewership is factored in, though Mr Trump’s is taking place in a far more feverishly politicized environment. It is also more popular than Mr Clinton’s trial was. Only a minority of Americans thought Mr Clinton should have been impeached for lying about sex; a small majority think Mr Trump should be sacked for trying to extort personal favors from his Ukrainian counterpart.”
“Even Republican senators who denounce Mr Trump’s impeachment as a ‘political sham,’ in the phrase of James Inhofe of Oklahoma, seem slightly piqued by the public’s disregard. Quizzed on the thin showing in the gallery, the Oklahoman hyper-partisan told one newspaper he was ‘really surprised…because this is kind of historic.’ He shouldn’t have been. The reason most Americans find Mr Trump’s trial tedious is because they know how it will end: with the president, though guilty—as even some Republicans acknowledge in private—nonetheless acquitted by them.”


politicalwire--2020-02-05--Sanders Widens Lead In New Hampshire

Sanders Widens Lead In New Hampshire

A new Boston Globe/WBZ-TV/Suffolk University poll in New Hampshire shows Bernie Sanders leading the Democratic field with 24 % , @ @ @ @ @ Pete Buttigieg both tied at 15 % .

A new Boston Globe/WBZ-TV/Suffolk University poll in New Hampshire shows Bernie Sanders leading the Democratic field with 24%, followed by Joe Biden and Pete Buttigieg both tied at 15%, and Elizabeth Warren at 13%.
A new Emerson tracking poll finds Sanders leading with 32%, followed by Buttigieg at 17%, Biden at 13%, Warren at 11% and Klobuchar at 11%.


politicalwire--2020-02-05--The Strangest State of the Union Ever

The Strangest State of the Union Ever

John Harris : “ President Donald Trump likes his superlatives and you have to give him credit : He definitely earned them this time .
This was the most defiant , most boastful , most ostentatiously theatrical , most overtly campaign-oriented , most am-I-hearing-this-right ?
outlandish — the most flamboyantly bizarre — State of the Union Address of All Time.
” “ It was also the most disorienting , and hard to categorize through the prism of conventional political analysis .
That prism already had lost much of its utility during the Trump Era , and the president seemed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a congressional audience whose fealty and contempt toward Trump were on display in equal and vivid measure .
Trump long ago lost the capacity truly to shock , but he still has tricks up his sleeve : The speech showed he still has ability to surprise.
” “ In particular , his speech was notable for the unapologetically zig-zag quality of the messaging .
The usual rubric is that national politicians face a choice of mobilization or persuasion .
One choice is to energize the partisan base with sharp-edged rhetoric and cultural @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is to blur lines with round-edged appeals to voters who aren ’ t on board but might yet be coaxed there .
Trump refused the choice .
In keeping with the more-is-more spirit of the speech , he did both .
”

John Harris: “President Donald Trump likes his superlatives and you have to give him credit: He definitely earned them this time. This was the most defiant, most boastful, most ostentatiously theatrical, most overtly campaign-oriented, most am-I-hearing-this-right? outlandish — the most flamboyantly bizarre — State of the Union Address of All Time.”
“It was also the most disorienting, and hard to categorize through the prism of conventional political analysis. That prism already had lost much of its utility during the Trump Era, and the president seemed to shatter it completely in a 78-minute speech to a congressional audience whose fealty and contempt toward Trump were on display in equal and vivid measure. Trump long ago lost the capacity truly to shock, but he still has tricks up his sleeve: The speech showed he still has ability to surprise.”
“In particular, his speech was notable for the unapologetically zig-zag quality of the messaging. The usual rubric is that national politicians face a choice of mobilization or persuasion. One choice is to energize the partisan base with sharp-edged rhetoric and cultural and ideological scab-picking. The other choice is to blur lines with round-edged appeals to voters who aren’t on board but might yet be coaxed there. Trump refused the choice. In keeping with the more-is-more spirit of the speech, he did both.”


politicalwire--2020-02-05--Pelosi Rips Trump’s Speech In Half

Pelosi Rips Trump’s Speech In Half

At the end of President Trump ’ s State of the Union address , Speaker Nancy Pelosi stood up and @ @ @ @ @ speech in half and threw it on the desk .


politicalwire--2020-02-05--Kweisi Mfume Wins Special Primary In Maryland

In an upset , the AP has called the Maryland 7th congressional district special primary for former Rep. Kweisi Mfume @ @ @ @ @ widow of the late Rep. Elijah Cummings ( D-MD ) , Maya Rockeymoore Cummings .


politicalwire--2020-02-05--Biden’s Poor Showing In Iowa Shakes Establishment

“ Joe Biden ’ s third presidential bid enters a critical stretch after a disappointing finish in the Iowa caucuses @ @ @ @ @ on to New Hampshire with a skittish donor base , low cash reserves and the @ @ @ @ @ Michael Bloomberg and his unlimited personal wealth , ” the AP reports .
“ That @ @ @ @ @ including some Biden supporters , questioning his contention that he ’ ll reclaim clear front-runner @ @ @ @ @ President Trump once the primary fight moves beyond overwhelmingly white Iowa and New Hampshire to @ @ @ @ @ And it ’ s a reminder of how Biden ’ s previous presidential campaigns never @ @ @ @ @

“Joe Biden’s third presidential bid enters a critical stretch after a disappointing finish in the Iowa caucuses sent the former vice president on to New Hampshire with a skittish donor base, low cash reserves and the looming threat of billionaire rival Michael Bloomberg and his unlimited personal wealth,” the AP reports.
“That leaves some establishment Democrats, including some Biden supporters, questioning his contention that he’ll reclaim clear front-runner status in the race against President Trump once the primary fight moves beyond overwhelmingly white Iowa and New Hampshire to more racially diverse electorates. And it’s a reminder of how Biden’s previous presidential campaigns never advanced beyond Iowa.”


politicalwire--2020-02-05--The State of the Union Address

The State of the Union Address

President Trump will give his State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress at 9 p.m .
@ @ @ @ @ , the Democratic response will be given by Michigan Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer ( D @ @ @ @ @ ( D-TX ) .
New York Times : “ Surreal will be the word of @ @ @ @ @ marches into the same House chamber where he was impeached just seven weeks ago to @ @ @ @ @ he is on trial for high crimes and misdemeanors on the other side of the @ @ @ @ @ in the comments .

President Trump will give his State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress at 9 p.m. ET.
Following the speech, the Democratic response will be given by Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) and Rep. Veronica Escobar (D-TX).
New York Times: “Surreal will be the word of the evening as President Trump marches into the same House chamber where he was impeached just seven weeks ago to address the nation even as he is on trial for high crimes and misdemeanors on the other side of the Capitol.”
Leave your reactions in the comments.


politicalwire--2020-02-05--GOP Leaders In South Carolina Plan to Boost Bernie

“ A group of prominent South Carolina Republicans is preparing to launch a wide-scale effort this week to encourage GOP @ @ @ @ @ Bernie Sanders in the February 29 Democratic primary , ” the Charleston Post and Courier @ @ @ @ @ plan to meddle in the Democratic race , emerging just weeks before the ‘ First @ @ @ @ @ , has two goals : Boost the candidate who the Republicans believe presents the weakest @ @ @ @ @ Trump and pressure Democrats to support closing state primaries in the future .
”

“A group of prominent South Carolina Republicans is preparing to launch a wide-scale effort this week to encourage GOP voters to vote for Sen. Bernie Sanders in the February 29 Democratic primary,” the Charleston Post and Courier reports.
“The Republican plan to meddle in the Democratic race, emerging just weeks before the ‘First in the South’ primary, has two goals: Boost the candidate who the Republicans believe presents the weakest general election threat to President Trump and pressure Democrats to support closing state primaries in the future.”


politicalwire--2020-02-05--Buttigieg Favored to Win Iowa

Buttigieg Favored to Win Iowa

Based on the available Iowa vote count so far , the New York Times forecasts that Pete Buttigieg has a @ @ @ @ @ win the most “ state delegate equivalents , ” while Bernie Sanders has a roughly @ @ @ @ @ ’ s still no information on when the remaining votes will be counted .

Based on the available Iowa vote count so far, the New York Times forecasts that Pete Buttigieg has a roughly 74% chance to win the most “state delegate equivalents,” while Bernie Sanders has a roughly 27% chance.
There’s still no information on when the remaining votes will be counted.


politicalwire--2020-02-05--Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day

“ This party needs to wake up and make sure that we talk about things that are relevant to people @ @ @ @ @ need to become the British Labor Party .
That ’ s a bad thing .
@ @ @ @ @ well over there .
We ’ re , like , talking about people voting from @ @ @ @ @ having a border.
” — James Carville , quoted by The Hill , sounding the @ @ @ @

“This party needs to wake up and make sure that we talk about things that are relevant to people. We don’t need to become the British Labor Party. That’s a bad thing. It’s not going well over there. We’re, like, talking about people voting from jail cells. And not having a border.”
— James Carville, quoted by The Hill, sounding the alarm for Democrats.


politicalwire--2020-02-05--Iowa Democrats Were Split Evenly Ideologically

If you look at the first-alignment vote in Iowa — the closest thing to an actual statewide vote , as @ @ @ @ @ you see an almost even divide between center-left and left :


politicalwire--2020-02-05--Faulty Iowa App Was Part of Push to Restore Digital Edge

“ The faulty smartphone app behind the chaotic aftermath of Iowa ’ s Democratic caucuses was the work of a @ @ @ @ @ that was founded by veterans of Hillary Clinton ’ s unsuccessful presidential campaign , and @ @ @ @ @ by a string of failures , including a near bankruptcy , ” the New York @ @ @ @ @ app grew out of a broader push by Democrats , backed by tens of millions @ @ @ @ @ , to match the Republicans ’ prowess in digital advertising and organizing after the 2016 @ @ @ @ @ energy and investment have gone into enterprises that are intended to both boost the Democrats @ @ @ @ @ a profit , like Shadow .
”

“The faulty smartphone app behind the chaotic aftermath of Iowa’s Democratic caucuses was the work of a little-known company called Shadow Inc. that was founded by veterans of Hillary Clinton’s unsuccessful presidential campaign, and whose previous work was marked by a string of failures, including a near bankruptcy,” the New York Times reports.
“The app grew out of a broader push by Democrats, backed by tens of millions of dollars in donor money, to match the Republicans’ prowess in digital advertising and organizing after the 2016 election. Much of the energy and investment have gone into enterprises that are intended to both boost the Democrats’ digital game and turn a profit, like Shadow.”


politicalwire--2020-02-05--What Republican Senators Admit In Private

Sen. Sherrod Brown ( D-OH ) : “ In private , many of my colleagues agree that the president is @ @ @ @ @ admit his lies .
And they acknowledge what he did was wrong .
They know @ @ @ @ @ Richard Nixon never did .
And they know that more damning evidence is likely to @ @ @ @ @ watching the mental contortions they perform to justify their votes is painful to behold : @ @ @ @ @ would have meant a never-ending trial .
They tell us they ’ ve made up @ @ @ @ @ would we need new evidence ?
They say to convict this president now would lead @ @ @ @ @ future president — as if every president will try to sell our national security to @ @ @ @ @ I have asked some of them , ‘ If the Senate votes to acquit , @ @ @ @ @ keep this president from getting worse ?
’ Their responses have been shrugs and sheepish @ @ @

Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH): “In private, many of my colleagues agree that the president is reckless and unfit. They admit his lies. And they acknowledge what he did was wrong. They know this president has done things Richard Nixon never did. And they know that more damning evidence is likely to come out.”
“So watching the mental contortions they perform to justify their votes is painful to behold: They claim that calling witnesses would have meant a never-ending trial. They tell us they’ve made up their minds, so why would we need new evidence? They say to convict this president now would lead to the impeachment of every future president — as if every president will try to sell our national security to the highest bidder.”
“I have asked some of them, ‘If the Senate votes to acquit, what will you do to keep this president from getting worse?’ Their responses have been shrugs and sheepish looks.”


politicalwire--2020-02-05--Buttigieg Leaves New Hampshire to Raise Money

“ Pete Buttigieg , who appears headed toward a first- or second-place finish in the Iowa caucuses based on partial @ @ @ @ @ break from his victory lap to raise money , ” the New York Times reports @ @ @ @ @ public schedule , he held a fund-raiser in Summit , N.J. , Wednesday afternoon and @ @ @ @ @ York City : one Wednesday night and one Thursday morning .
Next week , after @ @ @ @ @ he will head to California for several more fund-raisers .
”

“Pete Buttigieg, who appears headed toward a first- or second-place finish in the Iowa caucuses based on partial results, is taking a break from his victory lap to raise money,” the New York Times reports.
“According to his public schedule, he held a fund-raiser in Summit, N.J., Wednesday afternoon and was planning two in New York City: one Wednesday night and one Thursday morning. Next week, after the New Hampshire primary, he will head to California for several more fund-raisers.”


politicalwire--2020-02-05--Iowa Caucus App Was Not Secure

Iowa Caucus App Was Not Secure

ProPublica : “ A glitch in the smartphone app used to count and report votes from individual precincts continues to @ @ @ @ @ s Iowa caucuses .
But a closer look shows that the app had a potentially @ @ @ @ @ not come into play : its vulnerability to hacking.
” “ The IowaReporterApp was so @ @ @ @ @ passwords and other sensitive information could have been intercepted or even changed , according to @ @ @ @ @ a security firm that reviewed the software at ProPublica ’ s request .
”

ProPublica: “A glitch in the smartphone app used to count and report votes from individual precincts continues to delay results from Monday’s Iowa caucuses. But a closer look shows that the app had a potentially graver problem that apparently did not come into play: its vulnerability to hacking.”
“The IowaReporterApp was so insecure that vote totals, passwords and other sensitive information could have been intercepted or even changed, according to officials at Massachusetts-based Veracode, a security firm that reviewed the software at ProPublica’s request.”


politicalwire--2020-02-05--Trump Resumes His Trolling on Twitter

Trump Resumes His Trolling on Twitter

Just minutes after the U.S. Senate vote to acquit President Trump , he tweeted out a mock up of Time @ @ @ @ @ power for decades to come .
John Cassidy : “ Obviously Susan Collins was right @ @ @ @ @ man.
” Trump will make a formal public statement on the impeachment vote tomorrow at @ @ @ @ @

Just minutes after the U.S. Senate vote to acquit President Trump, he tweeted out a mock up of Time magazine showing him remaining in power for decades to come.
John Cassidy: “Obviously Susan Collins was right. Trump is a chastened man.”
Trump will make a formal public statement on the impeachment vote tomorrow at 12 p.m. ET.


politicalwire--2020-02-05--Alabama Senate Race Now Leans Republican

With Sen. Doug Jones ( D-AL ) voting to remove President Trump from office , the Cook Political Report moved @ @ @ @ @ Toss-Up to the Lean Republican column , meaning it is the first to move into @ @ @ @ @ this cycle .

“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--2020-02-05--Stat of the Day

Stat of the Day

Ari Berman : “ The 48 Senators who voted to convict President Trump represent 18 million more Americans than 52 @ @ @ @ @ .
”


politicalwire--2020-02-05--U.S. Senate Votes to Acquit Trump

U.S. Senate Votes to Acquit Trump

The U.S. Senate voted to acquit President Trump on two articles of impeachment .
The vote to convict on abuse @ @ @ @ @ 52 .
The vote to convict on obstruction of Congress was 47 to 53 .
@ @ @ @ @ vote to convict and remove Trump from office was bipartisan , with Sen. Mitt Romney @ @ @ @ @ Democrat and two independents on the abuse of power article .
Romney voted not guilty @ @ @ @ @ article .
Every other Republican voted to acquit the president .

The U.S. Senate voted to acquit President Trump on two articles of impeachment.
The vote to convict on abuse of power was 48 to 52. The vote to convict on obstruction of Congress was 47 to 53.
In the end, the vote to convict and remove Trump from office was bipartisan, with Sen. Mitt Romney (R-UT) joining every Democrat and two independents on the abuse of power article. Romney voted not guilty on the obstruction of Congress article.
Every other Republican voted to acquit the president.


politicalwire--2020-02-05--Manchin Will Vote to Convict Trump

Manchin Will Vote to Convict Trump

Sen. Joe Manchin ( D-WV ) will vote to convict President Trump on two articles of impeachment .
Said Manchin @ @ @ @ @ not to remove a sitting President has been a truly difficult decision , and after @ @ @ @ @ by both sides , I have reached my conclusion reluctantly .
”

Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) will vote to convict President Trump on two articles of impeachment.
Said Manchin: “Voting whether or not to remove a sitting President has been a truly difficult decision, and after listening to the arguments presented by both sides, I have reached my conclusion reluctantly.”


politicalwire--2020-02-05--Sinema Will Vote to Convict Trump

Sinema Will Vote to Convict Trump

“ Citing her concern for the Constitution as well as the conduct of future presidents , Sen. Kyrsten Sinema ( @ @ @ @ @ to convict President Trump on the impeachment charges of abuse of power and obstruction of @ @ @ @ @ Republic reports .


politicalwire--2020-02-05--Mitt Romney, John McCain and the Republican Party

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politicalwire--2020-02-05--White House Suddenly Cancels Press Availability

CNBC : “ Just as Sen. Romney finished speaking , the White House announced that reporters will now no longer @ @ @ @ @ Office for the pool spray that was scheduled at 2:15 pm .
Reporters were already @ @ @ @ @ ready to go in when the White House cancelled it .
”

CNBC: “Just as Sen. Romney finished speaking, the White House announced that reporters will now no longer be invited to the Oval Office for the pool spray that was scheduled at 2:15 pm. Reporters were already on the South Lawn and ready to go in when the White House cancelled it.”


politicalwire--2020-02-05--Mitt Romney Will Vote to Convict Trump

Mitt Romney Will Vote to Convict Trump

Sen. Mitt Romney ( R-UT ) announced he will vote to convict President Trump on abuse of power , the @ @ @ @ @ Said Romney : “ I think the case was made.
” He added : “ @ @ @ @ @ corrupt an election to maintain power is about as egregious an assault on the Constitution @ @ @ @ @ And for that reason , it is a high crime and misdemeanor and I have @ @ @ @ @ that I took but to express that conclusion.
” Romney told the Washington Post that @ @ @ @ @ convict the president “ the hardest decision ” he has ever had to make .

Sen. Mitt Romney (R-UT) announced he will vote to convict President Trump on abuse of power, the New York Times reports.
Said Romney: “I think the case was made.”
He added: “I believe that attempting to corrupt an election to maintain power is about as egregious an assault on the Constitution as can be made. And for that reason, it is a high crime and misdemeanor and I have no choice under the oath that I took but to express that conclusion.”
Romney told the Washington Post that his decision to vote to convict the president “the hardest decision” he has ever had to make.


politicalwire--2020-02-05--State of the Union Falls in Early Broadcast Numbers

President Trump ’ s State of the Union address drew a considerably smaller audience on the broadcast networks — down @ @ @ @ @ comparable figure last year , according to the Hollywood Reporter .


politicalwire--2020-02-05--138 Sent from U.S. to El Salvador Were Killed

Associated Press : “ At least 138 people deported to El Salvador from the U.S. in recent years were subsequently @ @ @ @ @ says in a new report that comes as the Trump administration makes it harder for @ @ @ @ @ here.
” “ The organization also confirmed at least 70 cases of sexual assault or @ @ @ @ @ in the country .
”

Associated Press: “At least 138 people deported to El Salvador from the U.S. in recent years were subsequently killed, Human Rights Watch says in a new report that comes as the Trump administration makes it harder for Central Americans to seek refuge here.”
“The organization also confirmed at least 70 cases of sexual assault or other violence following their arrival in the country.”


politicalwire--2020-02-05--Bonus Quote of the Day

Bonus Quote of the Day

“ I ’ m not going to sugarcoat it .
We took a gut punch in Iowa .
”


politicalwire--2020-02-05--Pentagon Officials Stunned Over Blocked Ukraine Aid

“ Days before the July 2019 call between President Trump and his Ukrainian counterpart , U.S. officials were still working @ @ @ @ @ Javelin anti-tank missiles to the country , ” according to emails reviewed by CNN .
@ @ @ @ @ how the July 18th decision to hold the military aid stunned officials , who had @ @ @ @ @ receive it and were preparing a Javelin missile order as well .
The decision reverberated @ @ @ @ @ .
Officials grew so concerned over the deferrals by the Office of Management and Budget @ @ @ @ @ was at ‘ serious risk , ’ and questioned if the move was illegal .
@

“Days before the July 2019 call between President Trump and his Ukrainian counterpart, U.S. officials were still working to expedite the delivery of Javelin anti-tank missiles to the country,” according to emails reviewed by CNN.
“The new information underscores how the July 18th decision to hold the military aid stunned officials, who had already assessed Ukraine deserved to receive it and were preparing a Javelin missile order as well. The decision reverberated across the government for weeks. Officials grew so concerned over the deferrals by the Office of Management and Budget that they noted the aid was at ‘serious risk,’ and questioned if the move was illegal.”


politicalwire--2020-02-05--Feinstein Backs Proposal to Censure Trump

Sen. Dianne Feinstein ( D-CA ) told the Washington Post that she will back Sen. Joe Manchin ’ s ( @ @ @ @ @ adding a second name to the list .
Said also she was going to write @ @ @ @ @ he beat me to it .
”

Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) told the Washington Post that she will back Sen. Joe Manchin’s (D-WV) censure proposal, adding a second name to the list.
Said also she was going to write her own resolution “but he beat me to it.”


politicalwire--2020-02-05--The Bottom Line on Impeachment

The Bottom Line on Impeachment

New York Times : “ When all the partisan posturing , parliamentary wrangling and legalistic arguing are stripped away , @ @ @ @ @ Washington for months produced a set of facts that is largely beyond dispute : The @ @ @ @ @ pressured a foreign government to take actions aimed at his political opponents.
” “ As @ @ @ @ @ President Trump on Wednesday , even some Republicans stopped trying to defend his actions or @ @ @ @ @ instead on the idea that his conduct did not deserve removal from office , especially @ @ @ @ @ Playbook : “ After 4 p.m. today , impeachment is over , and we ’ @ @ @ @ @ Did it matter politically ?
Republicans are more firmly in the president ’ s corner @ @ @ @ @ hate him more than ever .
There are now 272 days until Election Day — @ @ @ @ @ .
By November , it ’ s anyone ’ s guess what we ’ ll @ @ @ @ @ ”

New York Times: “When all the partisan posturing, parliamentary wrangling and legalistic arguing are stripped away, the impeachment process that dominated Washington for months produced a set of facts that is largely beyond dispute: The president of the United States pressured a foreign government to take actions aimed at his political opponents.”
“As the Senate moved toward acquitting President Trump on Wednesday, even some Republicans stopped trying to defend his actions or dispute the evidence, focusing instead on the idea that his conduct did not deserve removal from office, especially in an election year.”
Playbook: “After 4 p.m. today, impeachment is over, and we’re left to wonder: Did it matter politically? Republicans are more firmly in the president’s corner, and Democrats seem to hate him more than ever. There are now 272 days until Election Day — and hundreds more news cycles. By November, it’s anyone’s guess what we’ll all be talking about.”


politicalwire--2020-02-05--Impeachment Is Fundraising Gold Mine for Republicans

Politico : “ Donation pages for WinRed — the GOP ’ s online fundraising tool — that included the word @ @ @ @ @ impeachment ’ raised 300 percent more than pages that did not .
”


politicalwire--2020-02-05--Biden Tells Donors He’ll Win Nevada and South Carolina

“ Joe Biden ’ s campaign tried to reassure donors that the former vice president is on track to win @ @ @ @ @ South Carolina primary , ” CNBC reports .
“ The call left the donors feeling @ @ @ @ @ efforts in those two states .
”

“Joe Biden’s campaign tried to reassure donors that the former vice president is on track to win the Nevada caucus and the South Carolina primary,” CNBC reports.
“The call left the donors feeling positive about Biden’s efforts in those two states.”


politicalwire--2020-02-06--Warren Pulls Ads in Nevada and South Carolina

Sen. Elizabeth Warren ’ s campaign is trying to conserve cash and pulled down TV ads in Nevada and South @ @ @ @ @ standing in Iowa that failed to provide a fundraising bump , the Washington Post reports @


politicalwire--2020-02-06--Barr Restricts Investigations Into 2020 Candidates

“ Attorney General William P. Barr issued new restrictions on Wednesday over the opening of politically sensitive investigations , an @ @ @ @ @ the presidential election as the F.B.I .
inadvertently did in 2016 when its campaign inquiries @ @ @ @ @ race , ” the New York Times reports .
“ The memo said that the @ @ @ @ @ divisions under the department ’ s purview must get Mr. Barr ’ s approval before @ @ @ @ @ presidential candidates .
”

“Attorney General William P. Barr issued new restrictions on Wednesday over the opening of politically sensitive investigations, an effort meant to avoid upending the presidential election as the F.B.I. inadvertently did in 2016 when its campaign inquiries shaped the outcome of the race,” the New York Times reports.
“The memo said that the F.B.I. and all other divisions under the department’s purview must get Mr. Barr’s approval before investigating any of the 2020 presidential candidates.”