politicalwire--2020-11-25--U.S. Jobless Claims Rise

U.S. Jobless Claims Rise

“ The Labor Department ’ s report Wednesday said jobless claims climbed from 748,000 the week before .
Before the @ @ @ @ @ , weekly claims typically amounted to roughly 225,000 , ” the AP reports .
“ @ @ @ @ @ the intensifying pandemic is threatening to accelerate the pace of layoffs… Meanwhile , another economic @ @ @ @ @ expiration of two federal unemployment programs the day after Christmas could eliminate benefits for 9.1 @ @ @ @ @ “ President-elect Joe Biden will inherit one of the weakest labor markets in U.S. history… @ @ @ @ @ he ’ s offering — massive infrastructure , clean energy and technology investments — will @ @ @ @ @ largely hostile Congress .
”

“The Labor Department’s report Wednesday said jobless claims climbed from 748,000 the week before. Before the virus struck hard in mid-March, weekly claims typically amounted to roughly 225,000,” the AP reports.
“What’s more, the intensifying pandemic is threatening to accelerate the pace of layoffs… Meanwhile, another economic threat looms: The impending expiration of two federal unemployment programs the day after Christmas could eliminate benefits for 9.1 million people.”
Politico: “President-elect Joe Biden will inherit one of the weakest labor markets in U.S. history… Yet many of the solutions he’s offering — massive infrastructure, clean energy and technology investments — will need the approval of a largely hostile Congress.”


politicalwire--2020-11-25--Growing Number of Americans Are Going Hungry

Washington Post : “ More Americans are going hungry now than at any point during the deadly coronavirus pandemic , @ @ @ @ @ of new federal data … Experts say it is likely that there ’ s more @ @ @ @ @ today than at any point since 1998 , when the Census Bureau began collecting comparable @ @ @ @ @ to get enough food.
” “ One in 8 Americans reported they sometimes or often @ @ @ @ @ food to eat in the past week , hitting nearly 26 million American adults .
@

Washington Post: “More Americans are going hungry now than at any point during the deadly coronavirus pandemic, according to a Post analysis of new federal data … Experts say it is likely that there’s more hunger in the United States today than at any point since 1998, when the Census Bureau began collecting comparable data about households’ ability to get enough food.”
“One in 8 Americans reported they sometimes or often didn’t have enough food to eat in the past week, hitting nearly 26 million American adults.”


politicalwire--2020-11-25--Lawmakers Reach Spending Deal

Lawmakers Reach Spending Deal

Bloomberg : “ Republican and Democratic lawmakers have reached an agreement on spending levels for the annual spending bill needed @ @ @ @ @ after current funding runs out Dec. 11 , according to two congressional aides in both @ @ @

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


politicalwire--2020-11-25--Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day

“ I don ’ t get it… All these other Republicans , all over the country , they all win @ @ @ @ @ ’ m the only guy that loses ?
”


politicalwire--2020-11-25--Perdue Made a Fortune on Well-Timed Stock Trades

Sen. David Perdue ( R-GA ) sold off millions of dollars in shares of tech company Cardlytics , whose board @ @ @ @ @ upon , in January — just as lawmakers learned of the potential economic devastation that @ @ @ @ @ , the AP reports .
In March , while the stock market hit a three-year @ @ @ @ @ stock back .
His shares have since quadrupled in value .

Sen. David Perdue (R-GA) sold off millions of dollars in shares of tech company Cardlytics, whose board of directors he once sat upon, in January — just as lawmakers learned of the potential economic devastation that the coronavirus pandemic could bring, the AP reports.
In March, while the stock market hit a three-year low, Perdue bought his stock back. His shares have since quadrupled in value.


Happy Thanksgiving!

It ’ s been quite a year .
I ’ m not going to run through the insanity we ’ @ @ @ @ @ will say I ’ m grateful to be able to run Political Wire and bring @ @ @ @ @ Thanks for being here !

It’s been quite a year. I’m not going to run through the insanity we’ve witnessed, but I will say I’m grateful to be able to run Political Wire and bring together this wonderful community.
Stay safe — and thanks for being here!


politicalwire--2020-11-26--Why Trump’s Flynn Pardon Could Backfire

Why Trump’s Flynn Pardon Could Backfire

There ’ s a chance President Trump ’ s pardon of Michael Flynn could backfire some day , The Week @ @ @ @ @ pardon , which he announced in a tweet , means Flynn will theoretically no longer @ @ @ @ @ the 5th Amendment should he ever be called to testify against Trump .

There’s a chance President Trump’s pardon of Michael Flynn could backfire some day, The Week reports.
Trump’s pardon, which he announced in a tweet, means Flynn will theoretically no longer be protected from self-incrimination under the 5th Amendment should he ever be called to testify against Trump.


politicalwire--2020-11-26--USAID Chief Tests Positive

USAID Chief Tests Positive

John Barsa , the acting administrator of the United States Agency for International Development , told his senior staff that @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus , Axios reports .
Staffers say Barsa rarely wears a mask in their office @

John Barsa, the acting administrator of the United States Agency for International Development, told his senior staff that he has tested positive for coronavirus, Axios reports.
Staffers say Barsa rarely wears a mask in their office.


politicalwire--2020-11-26--The World Watches with Dread and Disbelief

“ Foreign observers are watching with trepidation — and at times disbelief — as coronavirus cases surge across the United @ @ @ @ @ Americans are choosing to follow through with plans to visit family and friends for this @ @ @ @ @ anyway , ” the Washington Post reports .
New York Times : A somber holiday @ @ @ @ @ record number of daily virus cases and deaths .

“Foreign observers are watching with trepidation — and at times disbelief — as coronavirus cases surge across the United States, and masses of Americans are choosing to follow through with plans to visit family and friends for this week’s Thanksgiving holiday anyway,” the Washington Post reports.
New York Times: A somber holiday for the U.S. amid a record number of daily virus cases and deaths.


A Smaller Thanksgiving

“ This year , our turkey will be smaller and the clatter of cooking a little quieter .
There will @ @ @ @ @ the cold or playful bickering amongst the grandkids .
Like millions of Americans , we @ @ @ @ @ the traditions we can ’ t do safely.
” “ It is not a small @ @ @ @ @ our loved ones — time that ’ s lost — can ’ t be returned @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s the price of protecting each other and one we don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ our own dining rooms and kitchens , scattered from coast to coast , we are @ @ @ @

Jill and Joe Biden writing for CNN:
“This year, our turkey will be smaller and the clatter of cooking a little quieter. There will be no family walks in the cold or playful bickering amongst the grandkids. Like millions of Americans, we are temporarily letting go of the traditions we can’t do safely.”
“It is not a small sacrifice. These moments with our loved ones — time that’s lost — can’t be returned. Yet, we know it’s the price of protecting each other and one we don’t pay alone. Isolated in our own dining rooms and kitchens, scattered from coast to coast, we are healing together.”


politicalwire--2020-11-26--Biden Eyes Ferguson for National Economic Council

President-elect Joe Biden is considering Roger Ferguson , former vice-chair of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors , for National @ @ @ @ @ reports .
He is also considering regulatory veteran Gary Gensler , who worked for both @ @ @ @ @ , for Deputy Treasury Secretary .
Another name being floated for a top economic policy @ @ @ @ @ the former CEO of American Express .

President-elect Joe Biden is considering Roger Ferguson, former vice-chair of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors, for National Economic Council director, CNBC reports.
He is also considering regulatory veteran Gary Gensler, who worked for both the Obama and Clinton administrations, for Deputy Treasury Secretary.
Another name being floated for a top economic policy post is Kenneth Chenault, the former CEO of American Express.


politicalwire--2020-11-26--Justices Relieve Religious Groups from Virus Restrictions

“ The Supreme Court ’ s new conservative majority late Wednesday night sided with religious organizations in New York that @ @ @ @ @ by pandemic-related restrictions imposed by Gov .
Andrew Cuomo to combat spiking coronavirus cases , @ @ @ @ @ .
“ The 5 to 4 order was the first show of solidified conservative strength @ @ @ @ @ confirmation of Justice Amy Coney Barrett , whom President Trump chose to replace liberal Justice @ @ @ @ @ death in September .
The decision differed from the court ’ s previous practice of @ @ @ @ @ pandemic-related restrictions , even in the area of constitutionally protected religious rights .
”

“The Supreme Court’s new conservative majority late Wednesday night sided with religious organizations in New York that said they were illegally targeted by pandemic-related restrictions imposed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo to combat spiking coronavirus cases,” the Washington Post reports.
“The 5 to 4 order was the first show of solidified conservative strength on the court since the confirmation of Justice Amy Coney Barrett, whom President Trump chose to replace liberal Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg following her death in September. The decision differed from the court’s previous practice of deferring to local officials on pandemic-related restrictions, even in the area of constitutionally protected religious rights.”


politicalwire--2020-11-26--Trump Shares Tweet Urging He Pardon Himself

It ’ s been quite a year .
I ’ m not going to run through the insanity we ’ @ @ @ @ @ will say I ’ m grateful to be able to run Political Wire and bring…


politicalwire--2020-11-27--Trump Says He’ll Leave If Electoral College Seats Biden

“ President Trump said Thursday that he will leave the White House if the Electoral College formalizes President-Elect Joe Biden @ @ @ @ @ as he insisted such a decision would be a ‘ mistake ’ — as he @ @ @ @ @ claims that ‘ massive fraud ’ and crooked officials in battleground states caused his election @ @ @ @ @ reports .
“ The fact that a sitting American president even had to address whether @ @ @ @ @ office after losing reelection underscores the extent to which Trump has smashed one convention after @ @ @ @ @ weeks .
”

“President Trump said Thursday that he will leave the White House if the Electoral College formalizes President-Elect Joe Biden’s victory — even as he insisted such a decision would be a ‘mistake’ — as he spent his Thanksgiving renewing baseless claims that ‘massive fraud’ and crooked officials in battleground states caused his election defeat,” the AP reports.
“The fact that a sitting American president even had to address whether or not he would leave office after losing reelection underscores the extent to which Trump has smashed one convention after another over the last three weeks.”


politicalwire--2020-11-26--Wyoming’s Governor Tests Positive

Wyoming’s Governor Tests Positive


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politicalwire--2020-11-26--What Hunting Bigfoot Taught a GOP Lawmaker

Washington Post : “ There was a time in Denver Riggleman ’ s life when he sat on the banks @ @ @ @ @ of dead fish and peered through night-vision goggles into the thick of the Olympic National @ @ @ @ @ for Bigfoot.
” “ Or at least , others in his group were .
Riggleman @ @ @ @ @ then a National Security Agency defense contractor , had come along for the ride , @ @ @ @ @ indulge a lifelong fascination : Why do people — what kind of people — believe @ @ @ @ @ Now in one of his last acts as a Republican congressman from Virginia , Riggleman @ @ @ @ @ of QAnon supporters and President-elect Joe Biden deniers .
”

Washington Post: “There was a time in Denver Riggleman’s life when he sat on the banks of a creek that reeked of dead fish and peered through night-vision goggles into the thick of the Olympic National Forest. He was looking for Bigfoot.”
“Or at least, others in his group were. Riggleman, a nonbeliever who was then a National Security Agency defense contractor, had come along for the ride, paying thousands in 2004 to indulge a lifelong fascination: Why do people — what kind of people — believe in Bigfoot?”
“Now in one of his last acts as a Republican congressman from Virginia, Riggleman is asking the same questions of QAnon supporters and President-elect Joe Biden deniers.”


politicalwire--2020-11-26--Trump Struggles with Being a Loser Again

“ In the now-distant Republican presidential primaries of 2016 , Senator Ted Cruz of Texas handily won the Iowa caucuses @ @ @ @ @ a method that has lately come under attack but at the time was considered standard @ @ @ @ @ the New York Times reports .
“ One of the losers in Iowa , the @ @ @ @ @ J. Trump , soon accused Mr. Cruz of electoral theft .
He fired off several @ @ @ @ @ foreshadowing of our current democracy-testing moment : ‘ Based on the fraud committed by Senator @ @ @ @ @ Caucus , either a new election should take place or Cruz results nullified . '
@ @ @ @ @ in the tsunami of political vitriol to come during the Trump presidency .
Still , @ @ @ @ @ have worked with Mr. Trump say is his modus operandi when trying to slip the @ @ @ @ @ readily applied to others .
Loser .
”

“In the now-distant Republican presidential primaries of 2016, Senator Ted Cruz of Texas handily won the Iowa caucuses. This was determined by a method that has lately come under attack but at the time was considered standard: elementary math,” the New York Times reports.
“One of the losers in Iowa, the developer and television personality Donald J. Trump, soon accused Mr. Cruz of electoral theft. He fired off several inflammatory tweets, including this foreshadowing of our current democracy-testing moment: ‘Based on the fraud committed by Senator Ted Cruz during the Iowa Caucus, either a new election should take place or Cruz results nullified.'”
“The episode vanished in the tsunami of political vitriol to come during the Trump presidency. Still, it reflects what those who have worked with Mr. Trump say is his modus operandi when trying to slip the humiliating epithet he has so readily applied to others. Loser.”


politicalwire--2020-11-26--Cuomo Slams Supreme Court Ruling

Cuomo Slams Supreme Court Ruling

New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo ( D ) “ accused the U.S. Supreme Court of political partisanship on Thursday @ @ @ @ @ his coronavirus-based restrictions on religious services , ” the New York Times reports .
“ @ @ @ @ @ of the ruling , suggesting that it was a reflection of the court ’ s @ @ @ @ @ “ Regardless of the governor ’ s interpretation , the decision by the Supreme Court @ @ @ @ @ the 10- and 25-person capacity limitations on churches and other houses of worship in New @ @ @ @ @ a sharp rebuke to Mr. Cuomo , who had previously won a series of legal @ @ @ @ @ .
”

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) “accused the U.S. Supreme Court of political partisanship on Thursday after the justices narrowly rejected his coronavirus-based restrictions on religious services,” the New York Times reports.
“He played down the impact of the ruling, suggesting that it was a reflection of the court’s emboldened new conservative majority.”
“Regardless of the governor’s interpretation, the decision by the Supreme Court late on Wednesday to suspend the 10- and 25-person capacity limitations on churches and other houses of worship in New York would seem to be a sharp rebuke to Mr. Cuomo, who had previously won a series of legal battles over his emergency powers.”


politicalwire--2020-11-27--Trump Mocked for Speech at Tiny Desk

Trump Mocked for Speech at Tiny Desk

“ For a US president obsessed by size –- his hands , his wealth , his crowds -– Donald Trump @ @ @ @ @ U-turn on Thursday night by addressing the country from a desk seemingly designed for a @ @ @ @ @ reports .
“ Trump said on Thursday he would leave the White House if the @ @ @ @ @ Democratic president-elect , Joe Biden -– the closest he has come to admitting defeat -– @ @ @ @ @ limelight.
” “ While he harangued reporters and repeated unfounded allegations of electoral fraud , @ @ @ @ @ his unusually small desk .
Some called it symbolic of Trump ’ s diminished stature @ @ @ @ @ was photoshopped ( it wasn ’ t ) , most just laughed .
”

“For a US president obsessed by size –- his hands, his wealth, his crowds -– Donald Trump made something of a bold U-turn on Thursday night by addressing the country from a desk seemingly designed for a leprechaun,” The Guardian reports.
“Trump said on Thursday he would leave the White House if the electoral college votes for the Democratic president-elect, Joe Biden -– the closest he has come to admitting defeat -– but his furniture stole the limelight.”
“While he harangued reporters and repeated unfounded allegations of electoral fraud, the internet zeroed in on his unusually small desk. Some called it symbolic of Trump’s diminished stature, some wondered if it was photoshopped (it wasn’t), most just laughed.”


politicalwire--2020-11-27--Lawmakers In Taiwan Throw Pig Organs

Lawmakers In Taiwan Throw Pig Organs

“ Lawmakers in Taiwan got into a fist fight and threw pig organs at each other Friday over a soon-to-be @ @ @ @ @ imports of U.S. pork and beef , ” the AP reports .
One lawmaker wrestled @ @ @ @ @ in the scuffle .

“Lawmakers in Taiwan got into a fist fight and threw pig organs at each other Friday over a soon-to-be enacted policy that would allow imports of U.S. pork and beef,” the AP reports.
One lawmaker wrestled another lawmaker to the floor in the scuffle.


politicalwire--2020-11-27--Georgia Senate Candidates Caught In GOP Infighting

Washington Post : “ The infighting now threatens to turn off the very Republican voters Perdue and Loeffler need to @ @ @ @ @ Democratic rivals , Jon Ossoff and the Rev .
Raphael Warnock.
” “ Trump and @ @ @ @ @ and falsely , accused Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger and Gov .
Brian Kemp @ @ @ @ @ presiding over a fraudulent election .
Trump has pushed the baseless claim that the Dominion @ @ @ @ @ Georgia were rigged as part of a global conspiracy , and Perdue and Loeffler have @ @ @ @ @ resignation.
” “ But therein lies the conundrum : Perdue and Loeffler are traveling the @ @ @ @ @ to turn out on Jan. 5 — effectively asking Trump supporters to put their faith @ @ @ @ @ their president claims was manipulated to engineer his defeat.
” CNN : Trump says he @ @ @ @ @ to support Republican senate candidates in runoff .

Washington Post: “The infighting now threatens to turn off the very Republican voters Perdue and Loeffler need to stave off challenges from their Democratic rivals, Jon Ossoff and the Rev. Raphael Warnock.”
“Trump and his allies have repeatedly, and falsely, accused Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger and Gov. Brian Kemp, both Republicans, of presiding over a fraudulent election. Trump has pushed the baseless claim that the Dominion Voting Systems machines used in Georgia were rigged as part of a global conspiracy, and Perdue and Loeffler have called for Raffensperger’s resignation.”
“But therein lies the conundrum: Perdue and Loeffler are traveling the state pleading with Republican voters to turn out on Jan. 5 — effectively asking Trump supporters to put their faith in the same voting system their president claims was manipulated to engineer his defeat.”
CNN: Trump says he’ll travel to Georgia to support Republican senate candidates in runoff.


politicalwire--2020-11-27--North Korea Executes People, Shuts Capital

“ North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has ordered at least two people executed , banned fishing at sea and @ @ @ @ @ Pyongyang , as part of frantic efforts to guard against the coronavirus and its economic @ @ @ @ @ reports .
“ Kim ’ s government also ordered diplomats overseas to refrain from any @ @ @ @ @ United States because it is worried about President-elect Joe Biden ’ s expected new approach @ @ @ @ @

“North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has ordered at least two people executed, banned fishing at sea and locked down the capital, Pyongyang, as part of frantic efforts to guard against the coronavirus and its economic damage,” the AP reports.
“Kim’s government also ordered diplomats overseas to refrain from any acts that could provoke the United States because it is worried about President-elect Joe Biden’s expected new approach toward North Korea.”


politicalwire--2020-11-27--Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day

“ You ’ re just a lightweight .
Don ’ t talk to me that way .
I ’ m @ @ @ @ @ States .
Don ’ t ever talk to the President that way.
” — President @ @ @ @ @ reporter who objected to his false claims about the election .

“You’re just a lightweight. Don’t talk to me that way. I’m the President of the United States. Don’t ever talk to the President that way.”
— President Trump, snapping at a reporter who objected to his false claims about the election.


politicalwire--2020-11-27--Trump Still Refuses Election Loss

Trump Still Refuses Election Loss

Associated Press : “ The 2020 presidential race is turning into the zombie election that Trump just won ’ t @ @ @ @ @ of legal and procedural setbacks , his campaign keeps filing new challenges that have little @ @ @ @ @ fresh , unfounded claims of fraud.
” “ But that ’ s the point .
@ @ @ @ @ his allies concede in private , wasn ’ t to change the outcome , but @ @ @ @ @ phantom claims about the 2020 presidential race that would infect the nation with doubt and @ @ @ @ @ even though the winner — Biden — was clear and there has been no evidence @ @ @ @ @ ”

Associated Press: “The 2020 presidential race is turning into the zombie election that Trump just won’t let die. Despite dozens of legal and procedural setbacks, his campaign keeps filing new challenges that have little hope of succeeding and making fresh, unfounded claims of fraud.”
“But that’s the point. Trump’s strategy, his allies concede in private, wasn’t to change the outcome, but to create a host of phantom claims about the 2020 presidential race that would infect the nation with doubt and keep his base loyal, even though the winner — Biden — was clear and there has been no evidence of mass voter fraud.”


politicalwire--2020-11-27--Trump Won’t Say If He’ll Attend Biden’s Inauguration

President Trump refused on Thanksgiving to say if he will attend President-elect Joe Biden ’ s inauguration , the HuffPost @ @ @ @ @ “ I know the answer to that , but I don ’ t want to @ @ @ @ @

President Trump refused on Thanksgiving to say if he will attend President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration, the HuffPost reports.
Said Trump: “I know the answer to that, but I don’t want to say it yet.”


politicalwire--2020-11-27--Pope Francis Hits Groups Protesting Virus Restrictions

Pope Francis criticized groups protesting COVID-19 restrictions in a New York Times op-ed : “ It is all too easy @ @ @ @ @ idea — in this case , for example , personal freedom — and turn it @ @ @ @ @ a prism through which they judge everything .
”

Pope Francis criticized groups protesting COVID-19 restrictions in a New York Times op-ed:
“It is all too easy for some to take an idea — in this case, for example, personal freedom — and turn it into an ideology, creating a prism through which they judge everything.”


politicalwire--2020-11-27--Trump Aide Treated Like a ‘Human Petri Dish’ During Trip

National Security Adviser Robert O ’ Brien was not given the warmest welcome during his trip to Vietnam last week @ @ @ @ @ a spate of COVID-19 infections were reported within the White House in recent weeks , @ @ @ @ @ confined to only one floor of his Hanoi hotel and treated like a “ human @ @ @ @

National Security Adviser Robert O’Brien was not given the warmest welcome during his trip to Vietnam last week, Bloomberg reports.
After a spate of COVID-19 infections were reported within the White House in recent weeks, O’Brien was reportedly confined to only one floor of his Hanoi hotel and treated like a “human Petri dish.”


Note to Readers


politicalwire--2020-11-28--Trump Donor Wants Money Back as No Fraud Found

“ A major contributor to a group backing President Trump ’ s fight to overturn the presidential election sued to @ @ @ @ @ donations after the campaign failed in several court cases and was unable to prove any @ @ @ @ @ 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--2020-11-28--Trump Now Says Biden Must ‘Prove’ His 80 Million Votes

President Trump backtracked on his statement that he would leave the White House if the Electoral College seated Joe Biden @ @ @ @ @ benchmark : “ Biden can only enter the White House as President if he can @ @ @ @ @ 80,000,000 votes ’ were not fraudulently or illegally obtained .
When you see what happened @ @ @ @ @ Philadelphia & Milwaukee , massive voter fraud , he ’ s got a big unsolvable @ @ @

President Trump backtracked on his statement that he would leave the White House if the Electoral College seated Joe Biden.
Trump’s new benchmark: “Biden can only enter the White House as President if he can prove that his ridiculous ‘80,000,000 votes’ were not fraudulently or illegally obtained. When you see what happened in Detroit, Atlanta, Philadelphia & Milwaukee, massive voter fraud, he’s got a big unsolvable problem!”


politicalwire--2020-11-28--GOP Moves to Brand Biden as President of the Elite

“ President-elect Joe Biden , a state-college graduate who was once the poorest man in the U.S. Senate , is @ @ @ @ @ Republicans after defeating a billionaire incumbent with an Ivy League degree — a sign of @ @ @ @ @ have been upended and redefined by President Trump , ” the Washington Post reports .
@ @ @ @ @ Republican lawmakers have sought to describe Biden ’ s early Cabinet selections as well-heeled and @ @ @ @ @ with the kinds of problems facing everyday Americans.
” “ After Biden won the presidency @ @ @ @ @ larger share of college-educated suburban voters , some of his GOP foes see his early @ @ @ @ @ brand him as an elitist president catering to the nation ’ s coastal professionals at @ @ @ @ @ laborers .
”

“President-elect Joe Biden, a state-college graduate who was once the poorest man in the U.S. Senate, is facing accusations of elitism from Republicans after defeating a billionaire incumbent with an Ivy League degree — a sign of how the politics of populism have been upended and redefined by President Trump,” the Washington Post reports.
“In recent days, Republican lawmakers have sought to describe Biden’s early Cabinet selections as well-heeled and well-pedigreed but out of touch with the kinds of problems facing everyday Americans.”
“After Biden won the presidency in part by claiming a larger share of college-educated suburban voters, some of his GOP foes see his early moves as an opportunity to brand him as an elitist president catering to the nation’s coastal professionals at the expense of its heartland laborers.”


politicalwire--2020-11-28--Wisconsin Recount Adds to Biden’s Margin

Will Wilkinson : “ Democrats , struggling to make sense of it all , are locked in yet another round @ @ @ @ @ were either too progressive for swing voters — too socialist…


politicalwire--2020-11-27--Biden Weighs Retired General as Defense Chief

“ Joe Biden is considering retired four-star General Lloyd Austin as his nominee for defense secretary , adding him to @ @ @ @ @ Johnson , Tammy Duckworth and Michele Flournoy , ” Axios reports .
“ A nominee @ @ @ @ @ absent when the president-elect rolled out his national security team Tuesday .
Flournoy had been @ @ @ @ @ pick , but Axios is told other factors — race , experience , Biden ’ @ @ @ @ @ come into play.
” “ Biden ’ s top advisers feel pressure to announce an @ @ @ @ @ Cabinet role .
”

“Joe Biden is considering retired four-star General Lloyd Austin as his nominee for defense secretary, adding him to a shortlist that includes Jeh Johnson, Tammy Duckworth and Michele Flournoy,” Axios reports.
“A nominee for Pentagon chief was noticeably absent when the president-elect rolled out his national security team Tuesday. Flournoy had been widely seen as the likely pick, but Axios is told other factors — race, experience, Biden’s comfort level — have come into play.”
“Biden’s top advisers feel pressure to announce an African American to a prominent Cabinet role.”


politicalwire--2020-11-27--Secret Meeting Failed to Reach Normalization Agreement

“ When Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu flew into Saudi Arabia last weekend for a secret nighttime rendezvous with Saudi @ @ @ @ @ , he and his allies in Washington hoped to win assurances that a normalization deal @ @ @ @ @ East rivals was in reach , ” the Wall Street Journal reports .
“ But @ @ @ @ @ a deal , according to the Saudi advisors and U.S. officials , largely because of @ @ @ @ @ Saudi aides said the prince , eager to build ties with the incoming administration of @ @ @ @ @ reluctant to take the step now , when he could use a deal later to @ @ @ @ @ new American leader .
”

“When Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu flew into Saudi Arabia last weekend for a secret nighttime rendezvous with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, he and his allies in Washington hoped to win assurances that a normalization deal between the two longtime Middle East rivals was in reach,” the Wall Street Journal reports.
“But Prince Mohammed pulled back from a deal, according to the Saudi advisors and U.S. officials, largely because of the U.S. election result. Saudi aides said the prince, eager to build ties with the incoming administration of President-elect Joe Biden, was reluctant to take the step now, when he could use a deal later to help cement relations with the new American leader.”


politicalwire--2020-11-27--Why Biden’s Big Popular Vote Win Didn’t Help Down-Ballot

Ron Brownstein : “ While Bill Clinton twice won about 1,500 counties ( roughly half the counties in America ) @ @ @ @ @ less than 500 ( roughly one-sixth ) .
Though Biden won the popular vote by @ @ @ @ @ votes than she did , he only slightly expanded her geographic reach : So far @ @ @ @ @ 509 counties , based on the latest count from the Brookings Institution ’ s Metropolitan @ @ @ @

Ron Brownstein: “While Bill Clinton twice won about 1,500 counties (roughly half the counties in America), Hillary Clinton carried just less than 500 (roughly one-sixth). Though Biden won the popular vote by at least 3 million more votes than she did, he only slightly expanded her geographic reach: So far, he’s carried 509 counties, based on the latest count from the Brookings Institution’s Metropolitan Policy Program.”
Greg Sargent: “Why did Democrats bleed House seats? A top analyst offers surprising answers.”


politicalwire--2020-11-27--Trump Loses Pennsylvania Again

Trump Loses Pennsylvania Again

“ A federal appeals court on Friday handed another loss to the Trump campaign ’ s effort to undo President-elect @ @ @ @ @ in Pennsylvania , with a judge — one of Trump ’ s nominees — writing @ @ @ @ @ ‘ claims have no merit , ' ” BuzzFeed News reports .
“ In a @ @ @ @ @ Court of Appeals for the 3rd Circuit rejected the campaign ’ s effort to get @ @ @ @ @ challenging the election results in Pennsylvania , which a lower court had already tossed out @ @ @ @ @ “ It ’ s another devastating blow to President Trump ’ s sinking efforts to @ @ @ @ @ election.
” Rick Hasen : “ This is an utter repudiation of the Trump campaign @ @ @ @ @ three Republican-appointed judges.
” “ It shows the absurdity of the litigation : besides the @ @ @ @ @ poorly lawyered — Rudy Giuliani ’ s oral argument was the worst I have heard @ @ @ @ @ election law cases .
”

“A federal appeals court on Friday handed another loss to the Trump campaign’s effort to undo President-elect Joe Biden’s win in Pennsylvania, with a judge — one of Trump’s nominees — writing that the campaign’s ‘claims have no merit,'” BuzzFeed News reports.
“In a 3-0 decision, the US Court of Appeals for the 3rd Circuit rejected the campaign’s effort to get a do-over of its lawsuit challenging the election results in Pennsylvania, which a lower court had already tossed out last week.”
Axios: “It’s another devastating blow to President Trump’s sinking efforts to overturn the results of the election.”
Rick Hasen: “This is an utter repudiation of the Trump campaign’s ridiculous lawsuit by three Republican-appointed judges.”
“It shows the absurdity of the litigation: besides the fact that the case was poorly lawyered — Rudy Giuliani’s oral argument was the worst I have heard in 25 years of following election law cases.”


politicalwire--2020-11-27--Remember the Planet for the Holidays

Remember the Planet for the Holidays

On this Black Friday , here are two excellent posts from Sara Goddard : • An Eco-Friendly Gift Giving Guide @ @ @ @ @ • 7 Easy Tips to Make it an Eco-Friendly Holiday Reminder : One of the @ @ @ @ @ is a Political Wire membership !

On this Black Friday, here are two excellent posts from Sara Goddard:
Reminder: One of the greenest gifts you can buy is a Political Wire membership!


politicalwire--2020-11-27--Susan Collins Is Ready to Deal

Susan Collins Is Ready to Deal

New York Times : “ Republicans who had privately fretted about her demise offered hearty congratulations , professing to have @ @ @ @ @ .
Senator Joe Manchin III , the centrist Democrat from West Virginia , reached out @ @ @ @ @ he could get a meeting with his fellow moderate to begin breaking through the impasse @ @ @ @ @ .
And President-elect Joseph R. Biden Jr. made a brief call to congratulate a former @ @ @ @ @ whose vote he will badly need to push through his agenda and staff his administration.
@ @ @ @ @ the prime perch of Ms. Collins , who , after having survived the steepest re-election @ @ @ @ @ a comfortable margin , has emerged more powerful than ever , poised for a fifth @ @ @ @ @ of bipartisan deal-making will be crucial.
” “ The question is how Ms. Collins , @ @ @ @ @ as one of the few swing votes in a narrowly divided Senate , will use @ @ @ @

New York Times: “Republicans who had privately fretted about her demise offered hearty congratulations, professing to have always known she would survive. Senator Joe Manchin III, the centrist Democrat from West Virginia, reached out wanting to know how soon he could get a meeting with his fellow moderate to begin breaking through the impasse on a coronavirus relief package. And President-elect Joseph R. Biden Jr. made a brief call to congratulate a former Senate colleague and legislative ally whose vote he will badly need to push through his agenda and staff his administration.”
“The ring-kissing reflected the prime perch of Ms. Collins, who, after having survived the steepest re-election challenge of her career with a comfortable margin, has emerged more powerful than ever, poised for a fifth term in which her brand of bipartisan deal-making will be crucial.”
“The question is how Ms. Collins, who has long held sway as one of the few swing votes in a narrowly divided Senate, will use that power.”


politicalwire--2020-11-27--Trump Moves to Relax Rules on Killing Birds

“ The Trump administration published an analysis Friday finding that its rule easing companies ’ liability for killing birds would @ @ @ @ @ , clearing the way for it to finalize a major rollback before the president ’ @ @ @ @ @ 20 , ” the Washington Post reports .


politicalwire--2020-11-27--Pentagon Purges Advisors From Defense Policy Board

Several members of the top federal advisory committee to the U.S. Department of Defense have been suddenly pushed out , @ @ @ @ @ Policy , in what appears to be the outgoing Trump administration ’ s parting shot @ @ @ @ @ establishment .

Several members of the top federal advisory committee to the U.S. Department of Defense have been suddenly pushed out, multiple U.S. officials told Foreign Policy, in what appears to be the outgoing Trump administration’s parting shot at scions of the foreign-policy establishment.


politicalwire--2020-11-27--Trump Accuses Twitter of Manipulating Trending Tweets


politicalwire--2020-11-27--Trump Conspiracies May Spark Georgia Boycott

Politico : “ Driven by Trump ’ s insistence that Georgia ’ s elections are indelibly rife with fraud , @ @ @ @ @ for a boycott of the two Senate runoff races , slated for Jan. 5 , @ @ @ @ @ controls the upper chamber.
” “ Their reason : The two GOP candidates , Sens @ @ @ @ @ Perdue , are not only insufficiently pro-Trump , they may be complicit in Georgia ’ @ @ @ @ @

Politico: “Driven by Trump’s insistence that Georgia’s elections are indelibly rife with fraud, conspiratorial MAGA figures are calling for a boycott of the two Senate runoff races, slated for Jan. 5, that will determine which party controls the upper chamber.”
“Their reason: The two GOP candidates, Sens. Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue, are not only insufficiently pro-Trump, they may be complicit in Georgia’s electoral fraud.”


politicalwire--2020-11-27--Iranian Scientist Linked to Military Program Killed

“ An Iranian scientist that Israel alleged led the Islamic Republic ’ s military nuclear program until its disbanding in @ @ @ @ @ assassinated ’ Friday , ” the AP reports .
“ Israel declined to immediately comment @ @ @ @ @ Fakhrizadeh , who Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu once called out in a news conference @ @ @ @ @ name.
’ Israel has long been suspected of carrying out a series of targeted killings @ @ @ @ @ a decade ago .
”

“An Iranian scientist that Israel alleged led the Islamic Republic’s military nuclear program until its disbanding in the early 2000s was ‘assassinated’ Friday,” the AP reports.
“Israel declined to immediately comment on the killing of Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, who Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu once called out in a news conference saying: ‘Remember that name.’ Israel has long been suspected of carrying out a series of targeted killings of Iranian nuclear scientists nearly a decade ago.”


politicalwire--2020-11-27--Why Did So Many Americans Vote for Trump?

Will Wilkinson : “ Democrats , struggling to make sense of it all , are locked in yet another round @ @ @ @ @ were either too progressive for swing voters — too socialist or aggressive with ambitious policies @ @ @ @ @ — or not progressive enough to inspire potential Democratic voters to show up or cross @ @ @ @ @ should understand that there was really no way to avoid disappointment .
Three factors — @ @ @ @ @ , which inaccurate polling obscured ; the strength of the juiced pre-Covid-19 economy ; and @ @ @ @ @ ’ s denialist , open-everything-up nonresponse to the pandemic — mostly explain why Democrats didn @ @ @ @ @ “ This shocking strategy worked for Republicans , even if it didn ’ t pan @ @ @ @ @ .
Moreover , it laid a trap that Democrats walked into — something they should @ @ @ @ @ as best they can , as they look ahead .
”

Will Wilkinson: “Democrats, struggling to make sense of it all, are locked in yet another round of mutual recrimination: They were either too progressive for swing voters — too socialist or aggressive with ambitious policies like the Green New Deal — or not progressive enough to inspire potential Democratic voters to show up or cross over.”
“But they should understand that there was really no way to avoid disappointment. Three factors — the logic of partisan polarization, which inaccurate polling obscured; the strength of the juiced pre-Covid-19 economy; and the success of Mr. Trump’s denialist, open-everything-up nonresponse to the pandemic — mostly explain why Democrats didn’t fare better.”
“This shocking strategy worked for Republicans, even if it didn’t pan out for the president himself. Moreover, it laid a trap that Democrats walked into — something they should understand and adjust for, as best they can, as they look ahead.”


politicalwire--2020-11-29--Inside Trump’s Quest to Overturn the Election

Washington Post : “ The 20 days between the election on Nov. 3 and the greenlighting of Biden ’ s @ @ @ @ @ hallmarks of life in Trump ’ s White House : a government paralyzed by the @ @ @ @ @ state ; advisers nourishing his fables ; expletive-laden feuds between factions of aides and advisers @ @ @ @ @ of truth and fantasy.
” “ This account of one of the final chapters in @ @ @ @ @ based on interviews with 32 senior administration officials , campaign aides and other advisers to @ @ @ @ @ as other key figures in his legal fight , many of whom spoke on the @ @ @ @ @ details about private discussions and to candidly assess the situation .
”

Washington Post: “The 20 days between the election on Nov. 3 and the greenlighting of Biden’s transition exemplified some of the hallmarks of life in Trump’s White House: a government paralyzed by the president’s fragile emotional state; advisers nourishing his fables; expletive-laden feuds between factions of aides and advisers; and a pernicious blurring of truth and fantasy.”
“This account of one of the final chapters in Trump’s presidency is based on interviews with 32 senior administration officials, campaign aides and other advisers to the president, as well as other key figures in his legal fight, many of whom spoke on the condition of anonymity to share details about private discussions and to candidly assess the situation.”


politicalwire--2020-11-29--Pennsylvania High Court Throws Out Challenge to Ballots

“ The Pennsylvania Supreme Court on Saturday rejected an election challenge spearheaded by Rep. Mike Kelly ( R-PA ) , @ @ @ @ @ permitting no-excuse mail voting violated the state Constitution , ” NBC News reports .
“ @ @ @ @ @ other Pennsylvania Republicans , sought to invalidate millions of mail-in votes , which could have @ @ @ @ @ by President-Elect Joe Biden to President Trump.
” Washington Post : “ Legal experts had @ @ @ @ @ for the suit , which also sought to block certification of election results .
Trump @ @ @ @ @ no substantive traction across more than two dozen cases trying to undermine President-elect Joe Biden @ @ @ @ @ Day .
”

“The Pennsylvania Supreme Court on Saturday rejected an election challenge spearheaded by Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA), who argued that a law permitting no-excuse mail voting violated the state Constitution,” NBC News reports.
“Kelly, along with several other Pennsylvania Republicans, sought to invalidate millions of mail-in votes, which could have ceded a key state won by President-Elect Joe Biden to President Trump.”
Washington Post: “Legal experts had predicted little chance of success for the suit, which also sought to block certification of election results. Trump and his allies have gained no substantive traction across more than two dozen cases trying to undermine President-elect Joe Biden’s win since Election Day.”


politicalwire--2020-11-29--Republican Leads by Six Votes In Iowa House Race

Politico : “ Reflecting on his time in the Obama White House , Sullivan said he felt more could have @ @ @ @ @ , to put the average American on the agenda in…


politicalwire--2020-11-28--Flynn Says Trump Won In a ‘Massive Landslide’

Michael Flynn , in his first interview since being pardoned , told the Washington Times he believes Donald Trump won @ @ @ @ @ to it being called for Democratic rival Joe Biden .
Said Flynn : “ There @ @ @ @ @ mind that he won this election .
Hands down .
In a landslide.
” He @ @ @ @ @ that at the end of the day we ’ re going to find out that @ @ @ @ @ landslide and he ’ ll be inaugurated come this January .
”

Michael Flynn, in his first interview since being pardoned, told the Washington Times he believes Donald Trump won his race for reelection contrary to it being called for Democratic rival Joe Biden.
Said Flynn: “There is no doubt in my mind that he won this election. Hands down. In a landslide.”
He added: “I believe that at the end of the day we’re going to find out that he won by a massive landslide and he’ll be inaugurated come this January.”


politicalwire--2020-11-28--McConnell Suspends In-Person GOP Lunches


politicalwire--2020-11-28--State Republicans Resisted Trump’s Election Narrative

New York Times : “ If the president hoped Republicans across the country would fall in line behind his false @ @ @ @ @ election was somehow rigged on a mammoth scale by a nefarious multinational conspiracy , he @ @ @ @ @ .
Republicans in Washington may have indulged Mr. Trump ’ s fantastical assertions , but @ @ @ @ @ level , Republicans played a critical role in resisting the mounting pressure from their own @ @ @ @ @ after Mr. Trump fell behind on Nov. 3.
” “ The three weeks that followed @ @ @ @ @ that the two-century-old system is far more vulnerable to subversion than many had imagined even @ @ @ @ @ by six million votes nationwide .
But in the end , the system stood firm @ @ @ @ @ from an aggrieved president in the nation ’ s history because of a Republican city @ @ @ @ @ Republican secretary of state in Georgia , a Republican county supervisor in Arizona and Republican-appointed @ @ @ @ @ .
”

New York Times: “If the president hoped Republicans across the country would fall in line behind his false and farcical claims that the election was somehow rigged on a mammoth scale by a nefarious multinational conspiracy, he was in for a surprise. Republicans in Washington may have indulged Mr. Trump’s fantastical assertions, but at the state and local level, Republicans played a critical role in resisting the mounting pressure from their own party to overturn the vote after Mr. Trump fell behind on Nov. 3.”
“The three weeks that followed tested American democracy and demonstrated that the two-century-old system is far more vulnerable to subversion than many had imagined even though the incumbent president lost by six million votes nationwide. But in the end, the system stood firm against the most intense assault from an aggrieved president in the nation’s history because of a Republican city clerk in Michigan, a Republican secretary of state in Georgia, a Republican county supervisor in Arizona and Republican-appointed judges in Pennsylvania and elsewhere.”


politicalwire--2020-11-28--Hong Kong’s Leader Has to Keep ‘Piles of Cash’

Hong Kong ’ s leader Carrie Lam told the BBC that she sits on “ piles of cash ” due @ @ @ @ @ prevented her from having a bank account .
Said Lam : “ I have piles @ @ @ @ @ the government is paying me cash for my salary because I don ’ t have @ @ @ @ @

Hong Kong’s leader Carrie Lam told the BBC that she sits on “piles of cash” due to U.S. sanctions that have prevented her from having a bank account.
Said Lam: “I have piles of cash at home, the government is paying me cash for my salary because I don’t have a bank account.”


politicalwire--2020-11-28--RNC Chair Urges Georgia Republicans to Vote

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


politicalwire--2020-11-28--Biden Mulls Cindy McCain for U.K. Ambassador


politicalwire--2020-11-28--Biden’s Cabinet Gossip Consumes Washington

New York Times : “ President-elect Joseph R. Biden Jr. moved quickly this past week to name the first two @ @ @ @ @ picking one of his closest confidants to be the nation ’ s top diplomat and @ @ @ @ @ the Department of Homeland Security for the first time.
” “ But as he fills @ @ @ @ @ team in the days and weeks ahead , the task will become more complicated , @ @ @ @ @ currents of ideology , gender , racial identity , party affiliation , friendship , competence @ @ @ @ @ employment.
” “ Aides to Mr. Biden who are managing the selection process are revealing @ @ @ @ @ to choose .
And yet , as is typical in Washington in the early days @ @ @ @ @ names of those the president-elect is said to be considering are a frequent source of @ @ @ @ @ Biden bets on a diverse Cabinet and staff to handle problems of a diverse nation @

New York Times: “President-elect Joseph R. Biden Jr. moved quickly this past week to name the first two members of his cabinet, picking one of his closest confidants to be the nation’s top diplomat and choosing an immigrant to lead the Department of Homeland Security for the first time.”
“But as he fills out the rest of his team in the days and weeks ahead, the task will become more complicated, forcing him to navigate tricky currents of ideology, gender, racial identity, party affiliation, friendship, competence, personal background and past employment.”
“Aides to Mr. Biden who are managing the selection process are revealing little about whom he intends to choose. And yet, as is typical in Washington in the early days of a transition, the names of those the president-elect is said to be considering are a frequent source of discussion.”
Washington Post: Biden bets on a diverse Cabinet and staff to handle problems of a diverse nation.


politicalwire--2020-11-28--19 Million Could Lose Homes as Eviction Limits Expire

“ Millions of Americans are in danger of losing their homes when federal and local limits on evictions expire at @ @ @ @ @ , a growing body of research shows , ” CBS News reports .
“ A @ @ @ @ @ the National Low Income Housing Coalition and the University of Arizona estimates that 6.7 million @ @ @ @ @ the coming months .
That amounts to 19 million people potentially losing their homes , @ @ @ @ @ caused after the subprime housing bust .
”

“Millions of Americans are in danger of losing their homes when federal and local limits on evictions expire at the end of the year, a growing body of research shows,” CBS News reports.
“A report issued this month from the National Low Income Housing Coalition and the University of Arizona estimates that 6.7 million households could be evicted in the coming months. That amounts to 19 million people potentially losing their homes, rivaling the dislocation that foreclosures caused after the subprime housing bust.”


politicalwire--2020-11-28--Biden’s Other Health Crisis

Biden’s Other Health Crisis

“ President-elect Joe Biden , long viewed as a drug policy hawk during his four decades in the Senate , @ @ @ @ @ to confronting a still-raging drug addiction epidemic made worse by the pandemic , ” Politico @ @ @ @ @ has stocked his team with addiction experts with extensive backgrounds in public health , will @ @ @ @ @ abuse treatment and prevention , while calling to eliminate jail time for drug use .
@ @ @ @ @ from his tough-on-crime approach as a senator — and from President Donald Trump ’ s @ @ @ @ @ enforcement response to the drug crisis , which experts said undercut necessary public health measures.
@ @ @ @ @ New York Times : McKinsey proposed paying pharmacy companies rebates for OxyContin overdoses .

“President-elect Joe Biden, long viewed as a drug policy hawk during his four decades in the Senate, is signaling a different approach to confronting a still-raging drug addiction epidemic made worse by the pandemic,” Politico reports.
Biden, who has stocked his team with addiction experts with extensive backgrounds in public health, will emphasize new funding for substance abuse treatment and prevention, while calling to eliminate jail time for drug use. It’s a departure from his tough-on-crime approach as a senator — and from President Donald Trump’s frequent focus on a law enforcement response to the drug crisis, which experts said undercut necessary public health measures.”
A must-read in the New York Times: McKinsey proposed paying pharmacy companies rebates for OxyContin overdoses.


politicalwire--2020-11-28--GOP Gains Ground In California

GOP Gains Ground In California

Politico : “ Republicans are poised to win as many as four of the seven House seats that Democrats flipped @ @ @ @ @ .
Voters sunk business tax and rent control measures , as well as a bid @ @ @ @ @ And Republicans reclaimed their status as the second biggest party in terms of voter registration @ @ @ @ @ no party preference ’ voters in 2018 .
”

Politico: “Republicans are poised to win as many as four of the seven House seats that Democrats flipped from GOP control in 2018. Voters sunk business tax and rent control measures, as well as a bid to reinstate affirmative action. And Republicans reclaimed their status as the second biggest party in terms of voter registration after falling embarrassingly behind ‘no party preference’ voters in 2018.”


politicalwire--2020-11-28--Biden’s Democracy Summit Spurs Axieties

Biden’s Democracy Summit Spurs Axieties

Politico : “ President-elect Joe Biden has promised to host a gathering of the world ’ s democracies next year @ @ @ @ @ a post-Donald Trump America will be committed to democracy abroad and at home .
Biden @ @ @ @ @ , has left many foreign officials pondering a thorny question : Will their country be @ @ @ @ @ ’ s of special concern for nations such as Turkey , Hungary , Poland and @ @ @ @ @ allies or partners with leaders who have taken notable steps away from democracy .
Even @ @ @ @ @ which boasts of being the world ’ s most populous democracy , may not make @ @ @ @ @ trends there .
”

Politico: “President-elect Joe Biden has promised to host a gathering of the world’s democracies next year, hoping to show that a post-Donald Trump America will be committed to democracy abroad and at home. Biden’s pledge, though, has left many foreign officials pondering a thorny question: Will their country be invited?”
“It’s of special concern for nations such as Turkey, Hungary, Poland and the Philippines — all U.S. allies or partners with leaders who have taken notable steps away from democracy. Even a country like India, which boasts of being the world’s most populous democracy, may not make the cut given recent anti-democratic trends there.”


politicalwire--2020-11-28--The Inexorable Rise of Jake Sullivan

The Inexorable Rise of Jake Sullivan

Politico : “ Reflecting on his time in the Obama White House , Sullivan said he felt more could have been done there , too , to put the average American on the agenda in the Situation Room on a regular basis .
And he paused for a long moment when asked how the rise of Trump and Trumpism had affected his worldview , attuning him more , for example , to the populist tide at home that he may have missed while focusing on international nuclear negotiations , peace deals and trade treaties.
” “ So what will a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It won ’ t be too big or micromanaging , Sullivan insists — criticisms that dogged the Obama NSC , which stood accused of stepping on the prerogatives of Cabinet agencies , be it by setting troop levels or insisting on signing off on individual drone strikes.
” Said Sullivan : “ I see my job as fundamentally about supporting and lifting up the work of the broader national security team in service of the president-elect ’ s mission and strategy .
My goal is to have a process that is able to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the departments and agencies to be the tip of the spear to carry that out .
”

Politico: “Reflecting on his time in the Obama White House, Sullivan said he felt more could have been done there, too, to put the average American on the agenda in the Situation Room on a regular basis. And he paused for a long moment when asked how the rise of Trump and Trumpism had affected his worldview, attuning him more, for example, to the populist tide at home that he may have missed while focusing on international nuclear negotiations, peace deals and trade treaties.”
“So what will a Sullivan-led National Security Council look like? It won’t be too big or micromanaging, Sullivan insists — criticisms that dogged the Obama NSC, which stood accused of stepping on the prerogatives of Cabinet agencies, be it by setting troop levels or insisting on signing off on individual drone strikes.”
Said Sullivan: “I see my job as fundamentally about supporting and lifting up the work of the broader national security team in service of the president-elect’s mission and strategy. My goal is to have a process that is able to give sufficient direction, but then empower the departments and agencies to be the tip of the spear to carry that out.”


politicalwire--2020-11-28--Iran Vows Revenge Over Slain Scientist

Iran Vows Revenge Over Slain Scientist


politicalwire--2020-11-28--House Will Be In Session One More Week

House Will Be In Session One More Week

Playbook : “ The House overhauled its schedule for the month of December .
It will come into session Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ votes of the week will come Friday .
Lawmakers are being asked to stay in @ @ @ @ @ as the chamber tries to finish its work for the year by as early as @ @ @ @ @ funding runs out Dec. 11 .
Covid-19 is raging , and that plays a part @ @ @ @ @ do its biz quickly and get out of town early this month .
That makes @ @ @ @ @ very far off — although a tailored measure extending some programs could ride alongside government @ @ @

Playbook: “The House overhauled its schedule for the month of December. It will come into session Wednesday evening, and the last votes of the week will come Friday. Lawmakers are being asked to stay in D.C. over the weekend, as the chamber tries to finish its work for the year by as early as Dec. 7.”
“Government funding runs out Dec. 11. Covid-19 is raging, and that plays a part in the House trying to do its biz quickly and get out of town early this month. That makes any major Covid relief seem very far off — although a tailored measure extending some programs could ride alongside government funding.”


politicalwire--2020-11-28--Trump Blindsided Diplomats on WHO Demands

New York Times : “ In late May , the American ambassador in Geneva , Andrew Bremberg , went on @ @ @ @ @ World Health Organization headquarters .
He told its director general , Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus , @ @ @ @ @ that President Trump would quit the health organization , the relationship could still be salvaged.
@ @ @ @ @ hand-delivered a list of seven demands that American officials saw as the beginning of discreet @ @ @ @ @ Mr. Trump took the lectern outside the White House and blew it all up , @ @ @ @ @ would leave the W.H.O .
The announcement blindsided his own diplomats and Dr. Tedros alike @ @

New York Times: “In late May, the American ambassador in Geneva, Andrew Bremberg, went on a rescue mission to the World Health Organization headquarters. He told its director general, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, that despite weeks of threats that President Trump would quit the health organization, the relationship could still be salvaged.”
“Mr. Bremberg hand-delivered a list of seven demands that American officials saw as the beginning of discreet discussions. Hours later, Mr. Trump took the lectern outside the White House and blew it all up, announcing that the United States would leave the W.H.O. The announcement blindsided his own diplomats and Dr. Tedros alike.”


politicalwire--2020-11-28--Trump May Hold Rally During Biden’s Inauguration

“ In the twilight of his presidency , Donald Trump is discussing different ways to disrupt the impending Joe Biden @ @ @ @ @ by announcing another run against him , ” the Daily Beast reports .
“ According @ @ @ @ @ the conversations , the president , who refuses to acknowledge he lost the 2020 election @ @ @ @ @ has not just talked to close advisers and confidants about a potential 2024 run to @ @ @ @ @ about the specifics of a campaign launch .
The conversations have explored , among other @ @ @ @ @ best time his announcement so as to keep the Republican Party behind him for the @ @ @ @ @ of these knowledgeable sources said the president has , in the past two weeks , @ @ @ @ @ doing a 2024-related event during Biden ’ s inauguration week , possibly on Inauguration Day @ @ @ @ @ to steal the 2020 election ultimately fails .
”

“In the twilight of his presidency, Donald Trump is discussing different ways to disrupt the impending Joe Biden era, chief among them by announcing another run against him,” the Daily Beast reports.
“According to three people familiar with the conversations, the president, who refuses to acknowledge he lost the 2020 election as he clearly did, has not just talked to close advisers and confidants about a potential 2024 run to reclaim the White House but about the specifics of a campaign launch. The conversations have explored, among other things, how Trump could best time his announcement so as to keep the Republican Party behind him for the next four years. Two of these knowledgeable sources said the president has, in the past two weeks, even floated the idea of doing a 2024-related event during Biden’s inauguration week, possibly on Inauguration Day, if his legal effort to steal the 2020 election ultimately fails.”


politicalwire--2020-11-28--Trump Strips Protections from Budget Analysts

“ The outgoing Trump administration is racing to enact the biggest change to the federal civil service in generations , @ @ @ @ @ agencies to strip their job protections and leave them open to being fired before Joe @ @ @ @ @ the Washington Post reports .
“ The move to pull off an executive order the @ @ @ @ @ weeks before Election Day — affecting tens of thousands of people in policy roles — @ @ @ @ @ closest to the White House , the Office of Management and Budget .
”

“The outgoing Trump administration is racing to enact the biggest change to the federal civil service in generations, reclassifying career employees at key agencies to strip their job protections and leave them open to being fired before Joe Biden takes office,” the Washington Post reports.
“The move to pull off an executive order the president issued less than two weeks before Election Day — affecting tens of thousands of people in policy roles — is accelerating at the agency closest to the White House, the Office of Management and Budget.”


politicalwire--2020-11-29--Senate Remains In Limbo Until After Georgia Runoffs

Washington Post : “ With no new resolution setting up the Senate committees , the panels will remain in their @ @ @ @ @ it takes to sort out Georgia and then reach a compromise on the new makeup @ @ @ @ @ in place the expected game of musical chairs as at least nine committees are slated @ @ @ @ @ next year — if the GOP keeps its majority.
” “ And , effective at @ @ @ @ @ when this session of Congress ends , three committees will not have anyone to wield @ @ @ @ @ current chairmen are retiring .
Those headless committees will not be able to conduct any @ @ @ @ @ for Cabinet nominees or hold hearings on new legislation , because only the chairmen can @ @ @ @ @

Washington Post: “With no new resolution setting up the Senate committees, the panels will remain in their current form for however long it takes to sort out Georgia and then reach a compromise on the new makeup of committees. That freezes in place the expected game of musical chairs as at least nine committees are slated to have new Republican leadership next year — if the GOP keeps its majority.”
“And, effective at noon on Jan. 3, when this session of Congress ends, three committees will not have anyone to wield the gavel, as the current chairmen are retiring. Those headless committees will not be able to conduct any business or call confirmation hearings for Cabinet nominees or hold hearings on new legislation, because only the chairmen can take such actions.”


politicalwire--2020-11-29--The Rotting of the Republican Mind

The Rotting of the Republican Mind

David Brooks : “ In a recent Monmouth University survey , 77 percent of Trump backers said Joe Biden had @ @ @ @ @ of fraud .
Many of these same people think climate change is not real .
@ @ @ @ @ believe they don ’ t need to listen to scientific experts on how to prevent @ @ @ @ @ ” “ We live in a country in epistemological crisis , in which much of @ @ @ @ @ detached from reality .
”

David Brooks: “In a recent Monmouth University survey, 77 percent of Trump backers said Joe Biden had won the presidential election because of fraud. Many of these same people think climate change is not real. Many of these same people believe they don’t need to listen to scientific experts on how to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.”
“We live in a country in epistemological crisis, in which much of the Republican Party has become detached from reality.”


politicalwire--2020-11-29--Trump Says Fox News Is ‘Virtually Unwatchable’

President Trump railed against Fox News on Twitter on Saturday , calling the network ’ s daytime programming “ virtually @ @ @ @ @ weekends.
” Interestingly , Trump is doing a live telephone interview with Maria Bartiromo on @ @ @ @ @ first one-on-one interview since Election Day .

President Trump railed against Fox News on Twitter on Saturday, calling the network’s daytime programming “virtually unwatchable, especially during the weekends.”
Interestingly, Trump is doing a live telephone interview with Maria Bartiromo on Fox this morning, his first one-on-one interview since Election Day.


politicalwire--2020-11-29--Harris Gets Big Laugh Out Of Another Trump Run

“ Vice President-elect Kamala Harris enjoyed some comic relief Saturday when a reporter asked for her reaction to the possibility @ @ @ @ @ for president in 2024 .
‘ Please , ’ she responded , deadpan , before @ @ @ @ @ with the journalists and spectators around her , ” the HuffPost reports .

“Vice President-elect Kamala Harris enjoyed some comic relief Saturday when a reporter asked for her reaction to the possibility of Donald Trump running again for president in 2024. ‘Please,’ she responded, deadpan, before bursting into laughter — along with the journalists and spectators around her,” the HuffPost reports.


politicalwire--2020-11-29--Colorado Governor Tests Positive

Colorado Governor Tests Positive

Washington Post : “ With no new resolution setting up the Senate committees , the panels will remain in their @ @ @ @ @ it takes to sort out Georgia and then…


politicalwire--2020-11-29--Carter Page Sues Over Russia Probe Surveillance

“ A former Trump campaign associate who was the target of a secret surveillance warrant during the FBI ’ s @ @ @ @ @ federal lawsuit that he was the victim of ‘ unlawful spying , ' ” the @ @ @ @ @ suit from Carter Page alleges a series of omissions and errors made by FBI and @ @ @ @ @ they submitted in 2016 and 2017 to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court to eavesdrop on @ @ @ @ @ was an agent of Russia .
”

“A former Trump campaign associate who was the target of a secret surveillance warrant during the FBI’s Russia investigation says in a federal lawsuit that he was the victim of ‘unlawful spying,'” the AP reports.
“The suit from Carter Page alleges a series of omissions and errors made by FBI and Justice Department officials in applications they submitted in 2016 and 2017 to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court to eavesdrop on Page on suspicion that he was an agent of Russia.”


politicalwire--2020-11-30--Biden Fractures Foot While Playing with His Dog

“ President-elect Joe Biden twisted his ankle playing with his one of his dogs over the holiday weekend , an @ @ @ @ @ on Sunday resulted in hairline fractures in his foot that would most likely require him @ @ @ @ @ for several weeks , ” the New York Times reports .
President Trump reposted on @ @ @ @ @ the doctor ’ s office on Sunday , and added , “ Get well soon @ @

“President-elect Joe Biden twisted his ankle playing with his one of his dogs over the holiday weekend, an injury that his doctor said on Sunday resulted in hairline fractures in his foot that would most likely require him to wear a walking boot for several weeks,” the New York Times reports.
President Trump reposted on Twitter video of Biden leaving the doctor’s office on Sunday, and added, “Get well soon!”


politicalwire--2020-11-30--Rahm Emanuel Floated for Transportation Secretary

“ President-elect Biden is strongly considering Rahm Emanuel to run the Department of Transportation , weighing the former Chicago mayor @ @ @ @ @ spending against concerns from progressives over his policing record , ” Axios reports .
“ @ @ @ @ @ the new Commerce Department , as infrastructure spending , smart cities construction and the rollout @ @ @ @ @ increasing economic weight .
”

“President-elect Biden is strongly considering Rahm Emanuel to run the Department of Transportation, weighing the former Chicago mayor’s experience on infrastructure spending against concerns from progressives over his policing record,” Axios reports.
“The DOT could effectively become the new Commerce Department, as infrastructure spending, smart cities construction and the rollout of drone-delivery programs take on increasing economic weight.”


politicalwire--2020-11-30--Tom Donilon No Longer Being Considered for CIA

“ President Trump blasted judges ’ rejections of his legal challenges to 2020 election results and said he couldn ’ @ @ @ @ @ his cases would make it to the Supreme Court in his first…

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


politicalwire--2020-11-29--Foreign Embassies Find Little Access to Democrats

New York Times : “ Mr .
Biden ’ s campaign , concerned over any possible perception of foreign meddling @ @ @ @ @ or any comparison to Russian interference on President Trump ’ s behalf in 2016 — @ @ @ @ @ to refuse nearly all conversations with foreign officials or members of Washington ’ s diplomatic @ @ @ @ @ left the emissaries along Washington ’ s Embassy Row to woo Mr. Biden ’ s @ @ @ @ @ , or lawmakers who are close to him , for any crumb of information that @ @ @ @ @ gossip swapping that is the lubricant of their lavish parties and quiet soirees .
”

New York Times: “Mr. Biden’s campaign, concerned over any possible perception of foreign meddling in the presidential election — or any comparison to Russian interference on President Trump’s behalf in 2016 — has ordered its high command to refuse nearly all conversations with foreign officials or members of Washington’s diplomatic corps.”
“That has left the emissaries along Washington’s Embassy Row to woo Mr. Biden’s informal and unpaid political advisers, or lawmakers who are close to him, for any crumb of information that might be spilled during the gossip swapping that is the lubricant of their lavish parties and quiet soirees.”


politicalwire--2020-11-29--No, It Wasn’t a Coup Attempt

No, It Wasn’t a Coup Attempt

Robert Shapiro : “ President Trump ’ s post-election machinations are not a bungled coup attempt ; they add up @ @ @ @ @ himself .
A coup would require broad collaboration from the courts and , failing that @ @ @ @ @ The evidence suggests that Trump may not even be serious about election fraud .
If @ @ @ @ @ have recruited serious election law experts in the states he has contested .
Instead , @ @ @ @ @ blanketed the country with a blizzard of lawsuits , offering fever dreams from the dark @ @ @ @ @ and evidence.
” “ The president ’ s post-election campaign demonstrates his singular talent for @ @ @ @ @ when he loses .
”

Robert Shapiro: “President Trump’s post-election machinations are not a bungled coup attempt; they add up to a scam to enrich himself. A coup would require broad collaboration from the courts and, failing that, from the military. The evidence suggests that Trump may not even be serious about election fraud. If he were, he would have recruited serious election law experts in the states he has contested. Instead, Rudy Giuliani and Sidney Powell blanketed the country with a blizzard of lawsuits, offering fever dreams from the dark web as their legal justification and evidence.”
“The president’s post-election campaign demonstrates his singular talent for taking care of himself even when he loses.”


politicalwire--2020-11-29--Biden Picks All-Female Communications Team

“ Jennifer Psaki , a veteran Democratic spokeswoman , will be Joe Biden ’ s White House press secretary , @ @ @ @ @ will fill the upper ranks of his administration ’ s communications staff .
It is @ @ @ @ @ of the top aides tasked with speaking on behalf of an administration and shaping its @ @ @ @ @ ” the Washington Post reports .
“ Biden ’ s press team will be led @ @ @ @ @ longtime Biden aide who served as his campaign communications director and will hold the same @ @ @ @ @ .
”

“Jennifer Psaki, a veteran Democratic spokeswoman, will be Joe Biden’s White House press secretary, one of seven women who will fill the upper ranks of his administration’s communications staff. It is the first time that all of the top aides tasked with speaking on behalf of an administration and shaping its message will be female,” the Washington Post reports.
“Biden’s press team will be led by Kate Bedingfield, a longtime Biden aide who served as his campaign communications director and will hold the same title in his White House.”


politicalwire--2020-11-29--Biden to Name Rouse, Tanden to Economic Team

“ President-elect Joe Biden intends to nominate a diverse group of economic advisers to serve alongside Treasury Secretary nominee Janet @ @ @ @ @ confront the economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic , ” the Wall Street Journal reports @ @ @ @ @ will nominate Neera Tanden , the president and CEO of the Center for American Progress @ @ @ @ @ , to serve as director of the Office of Management and Budget .
He will @ @ @ @ @ Princeton University labor economist , to be chair of the Council of Economic Advisers.
” @ @ @ @ @ to choose Adewale ‘ Wally ’ Adeyemo , a former senior international economic adviser during @ @ @ @ @ serve as Ms. Yellen ’ s top deputy at the Treasury Department .
And he @ @ @ @ @ economic advisers , Jared Bernstein and Heather Boushey , to serve as members of the @ @ @ @ @ ”

“President-elect Joe Biden intends to nominate a diverse group of economic advisers to serve alongside Treasury Secretary nominee Janet Yellen as he prepares to confront the economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic,” the Wall Street Journal reports.
“Mr. Biden will nominate Neera Tanden, the president and CEO of the Center for American Progress, a center-left think tank, to serve as director of the Office of Management and Budget. He will nominate Cecilia Rouse, a Princeton University labor economist, to be chair of the Council of Economic Advisers.”
“The president-elect also plans to choose Adewale ‘Wally’ Adeyemo, a former senior international economic adviser during the Obama administration, to serve as Ms. Yellen’s top deputy at the Treasury Department. And he will turn to two campaign economic advisers, Jared Bernstein and Heather Boushey, to serve as members of the CEA alongside Ms. Rouse.”


politicalwire--2020-11-29--Congressional Hispanics Want Lujan Grisham at HHS


politicalwire--2020-11-29--Political Lies as Tribal Signaling

Political Lies as Tribal Signaling

Noam Smith : “ Why have so many Republicans and right-wing media figures embraced Donald Trump ’ s obviously made-up claims of voter fraud ?
Rationally , they must know that all of the allegations are lies .
Court after court , recount after recount , investigation after investigation has shown zero evidence of fraud .
Yet the more the evidence against Trump ’ s lies piles up , the more figures on the right line up to publicly embrace the fiction.
” “ The obvious reason would be to curry favor with right-wing voters and audiences , who express @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was not the election ’ s rightful winner .
Trump will probably ( hopefully ) be out of the White House in a few weeks , but he will likely remain a powerful and influential figure in a Republican party that he has come to dominate… ” “ But if this were all that was happening , one might expect people to find some less expensive fiction .
Pushing an obviously false claim of a stolen election is probably a doomed cause — and even if Trump succeeded in holding onto power , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to tie themselves to an autocratic regime that would have a reasonable likelihood of being violently overthrown , and its apparatchiks punished.
” “ Instead , I offer another possibility — that lies of this sort are uttered precisely because they come with costs .
I propose that political lies are a costly signal of tribal loyalty .

Noam Smith: “Why have so many Republicans and right-wing media figures embraced Donald Trump’s obviously made-up claims of voter fraud? Rationally, they must know that all of the allegations are lies. Court after court, recount after recount, investigation after investigation has shown zero evidence of fraud. Yet the more the evidence against Trump’s lies piles up, the more figures on the right line up to publicly embrace the fiction.”
“The obvious reason would be to curry favor with right-wing voters and audiences, who express strong sympathy with the idea that Biden was not the election’s rightful winner. Trump will probably (hopefully) be out of the White House in a few weeks, but he will likely remain a powerful and influential figure in a Republican party that he has come to dominate…”
“But if this were all that was happening, one might expect people to find some less expensive fiction. Pushing an obviously false claim of a stolen election is probably a doomed cause — and even if Trump succeeded in holding onto power, that would require these same right-wing figures to tie themselves to an autocratic regime that would have a reasonable likelihood of being violently overthrown, and its apparatchiks punished.”
“Instead, I offer another possibility — that lies of this sort are uttered precisely because they come with costs. I propose that political lies are a costly signal of tribal loyalty.


politicalwire--2020-11-29--One-Term Presidents Don’t Leave Big Footprints

Steve Inskeep : “ Few presidents who served four years or less find an enduring place in the popular imagination .
One term is not long to influence a country so large and dynamic — and a president ’ s failure to win a second term can be a sign that he didn ’ t… ” “ One-term presidents who escape obscurity often did something beyond the presidency — like John Adams , one of the nation ’ s founders , or Jimmy Carter , whose much-admired post-presidency has lasted 10 times as long as his term .
John F. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part , on legislative achievements that passed after his assassination .
Others are known for their failures while in office : Warren G. Harding for a corruption scandal , Herbert Hoover for economic calamity , Andrew Johnson for being impeached.
” “ We can ’ t be sure what history will make of Mr. Trump , whose term featured scandal , impeachment and calamity , as well as a pandemic .
His story may not be over ; he remains at the head of a powerful movement , and reportedly talks of running @ @ @ @ @ @ @ information available today , he has a relatively narrow role in the American story : as the reaction to a game-changing president — Barack Obama .
”

Steve Inskeep: “Few presidents who served four years or less find an enduring place in the popular imagination. One term is not long to influence a country so large and dynamic — and a president’s failure to win a second term can be a sign that he didn’t…”
“One-term presidents who escape obscurity often did something beyond the presidency — like John Adams, one of the nation’s founders, or Jimmy Carter, whose much-admired post-presidency has lasted 10 times as long as his term. John F. Kennedy’s legacy rests, in part, on legislative achievements that passed after his assassination. Others are known for their failures while in office: Warren G. Harding for a corruption scandal, Herbert Hoover for economic calamity, Andrew Johnson for being impeached.”
“We can’t be sure what history will make of Mr. Trump, whose term featured scandal, impeachment and calamity, as well as a pandemic. His story may not be over; he remains at the head of a powerful movement, and reportedly talks of running in 2024. But to judge by information available today, he has a relatively narrow role in the American story: as the reaction to a game-changing president — Barack Obama.”


politicalwire--2020-11-29--Kushner to Visit Saudi Arabia and Qatar

Kushner to Visit Saudi Arabia and Qatar


politicalwire--2020-11-29--Are We Even Having the Same Conversation Anymore?

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One of the more interesting aspects of running Political Wire is helping readers understand what an election means for our future. After all, elections typically set us on a course defined by the winner’s policy agenda.


politicalwire--2020-11-29--Noem Urges People Go Shopping as Deaths Surge


politicalwire--2020-11-29--Some Republicans Hope Trump Will Be at Inauguration

“ When President Trump lost this year ’ s election to Joe Biden , almost nobody around him said they @ @ @ @ @ attending his successor ’ s inauguration , ” CNN reports .
“ The image remains @ @ @ @ @ will likely never concede and said Sunday that nothing would convince him he lost .
@ @ @ @ @ Trump are encouraging him to at least consider attending Biden ’ s swearing-in , hoping @ @ @ @ @ well on his character and help preserve his future influence but also convince Americans the @ @ @ @ @

“When President Trump lost this year’s election to Joe Biden, almost nobody around him said they could envision the losing incumbent attending his successor’s inauguration,” CNN reports.
“The image remains implausible for a President who will likely never concede and said Sunday that nothing would convince him he lost. Yet Republicans and aides to Trump are encouraging him to at least consider attending Biden’s swearing-in, hoping his presence will both reflect well on his character and help preserve his future influence but also convince Americans the election was fair.”


politicalwire--2020-11-29--Trump Says He’ll Never Accept Losing the Election

In his first television interview since the Nov. 3 election , President Trump suggested that he will never accept his @ @ @ @ @ continued to fling baseless accusations of election fraud , the Washington Post reports .
Said @ @ @ @ @ will not change in six months .
There was tremendous cheating here .
”

In his first television interview since the Nov. 3 election, President Trump suggested that he will never accept his loss to Joe Biden and continued to fling baseless accusations of election fraud, the Washington Post reports.
Said Trump: “My mind will not change in six months. There was tremendous cheating here.”


politicalwire--2020-11-29--Bonus Quote of the Day

Bonus Quote of the Day

“ This was not hardball , this was not even softball .
This was tee-ball.
” — CNN media analyst @ @ @ @ @ Mediaite , criticizing the Fox Business host Maria Bartiroma for letting President Trump “ lie @ @ @ @ @ in her interview .

“This was not hardball, this was not even softball. This was tee-ball.”
— CNN media analyst Brian Stelter, quoted by Mediaite, criticizing the Fox Business host Maria Bartiroma for letting President Trump “lie and lie and lie” in her interview.


politicalwire--2020-11-29--Trump Slams Judges’ Election Decisions

Trump Slams Judges’ Election Decisions

“ President Trump blasted judges ’ rejections of his legal challenges to 2020 election results and said he couldn ’ @ @ @ @ @ his cases would make it to the Supreme Court in his first interview since Election @ @ @ @ @ Fox News reports .
Said Trump : “ We ’ re not allowed to put @ @ @ @ @ say you don ’ t have standing .
I would like to file one nice @ @ @ @ @ about this and many other things , with tremendous proof .
We have affidavits , @ @ @ @ @ of affidavits.
” He added : “ You mean as president of the United States @ @ @ @ @ have standing ?
What kind of a court system is this ?
”

“President Trump blasted judges’ rejections of his legal challenges to 2020 election results and said he couldn’t be certain any of his cases would make it to the Supreme Court in his first interview since Election Day on Sunday,” Fox News reports.
Said Trump: “We’re not allowed to put in our proof. They say you don’t have standing. I would like to file one nice big beautiful lawsuit, talking about this and many other things, with tremendous proof. We have affidavits, we have hundreds and hundreds of affidavits.”
He added: “You mean as president of the United States, I don’t have standing? What kind of a court system is this?”


politicalwire--2020-11-29--Recount Confirms Biden’s Wisconsin Win

Recount Confirms Biden’s Wisconsin Win


politicalwire--2020-11-29--Trump Rips Georgia’s Governor

Trump Rips Georgia’s Governor

President Trump said he regretted endorsing Georgia Gov .
Brian Kemp ( R ) , taking a swipe at the @ @ @ @ @ ahead of two critical Senate runoff elections , The Hill reports .
Said Trump : @ @ @ @ @ approved by the legislature , and they had judges making deals , and they had @ @ @ @ @ like this character in Georgia who ’ s a disaster .
And the governor ’ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s done absolutely nothing .
I ’ m ashamed that I endorsed him .
@ @ @ @ @ s going on , it ’ s so terrible .
”

President Trump said he regretted endorsing Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (R), taking a swipe at the top Republicans in the state ahead of two critical Senate runoff elections, The Hill reports.
Said Trump: “Everything has to be approved by the legislature, and they had judges making deals, and they had electoral officials making deals, like this character in Georgia who’s a disaster. And the governor’s done nothing. He’s done absolutely nothing. I’m ashamed that I endorsed him. But I look what’s going on, it’s so terrible.”


politicalwire--2020-11-29--Trump Underperformed Where He Held Large Rallies

NBC News : “ Comparing Trump campaign stops over the last two weeks of the race to election results shows @ @ @ @ @ of cases , Trump underperformed his 2016 margins in the counties he visited , in @ @ @ @ @ ” “ There were 30 Trump campaign stops in that period , according to an @ @ @ @ @ states from Arizona to Nebraska to Pennsylvania .
In five counties that Trump visited he @ @ @ @ @ did in 2016 , but in the remaining 25 his margins of victory got smaller @ @ @ @ @ grew or the county flipped Democratic .
”

NBC News: “Comparing Trump campaign stops over the last two weeks of the race to election results shows that in the overwhelming majority of cases, Trump underperformed his 2016 margins in the counties he visited, in some cases by large amounts.”
“There were 30 Trump campaign stops in that period, according to an NBC News tally, in states from Arizona to Nebraska to Pennsylvania. In five counties that Trump visited he saw better results than he did in 2016, but in the remaining 25 his margins of victory got smaller, his margin of defeat grew or the county flipped Democratic.”


politicalwire--2020-11-30--Biden’s Favorability Rises as Trump’s Dips

Playbook : “ This may be the only full week both the House and Senate will be in D.C. for @ @ @ @ @ .
And the backdrop is grim : The pandemic…


politicalwire--2020-11-30--Biden Considering Four for Attorney General


politicalwire--2020-11-30--Biden to Receive Presidential Daily Briefing

“ President-elect Joe Biden on Monday will receive his first presidential daily briefing since winning the 2020 election after the @ @ @ @ @ transition process , ” NBC News reports .
“ The report , which Vice President-elect @ @ @ @ @ to receive , is a classified document outlining high-level intelligence and analysis on a range @ @ @ @ @ ”

“President-elect Joe Biden on Monday will receive his first presidential daily briefing since winning the 2020 election after the Trump administration delayed approving the transition process,” NBC News reports.
“The report, which Vice President-elect Kamala Harris is also scheduled to receive, is a classified document outlining high-level intelligence and analysis on a range of national security issues.”


politicalwire--2020-11-30--Democrats Seek New Identity In Post-Trump Era

The Hill : “ Democrats say they ’ re in need of serious course corrections to stay competitive in future @ @ @ @ @ may no longer be able to rely on anger at President Trump to drive voters @ @ @ @ @

The Hill: “Democrats say they’re in need of serious course corrections to stay competitive in future elections, warning the party may no longer be able to rely on anger at President Trump to drive voters to the polls.”


politicalwire--2020-11-30--Americans and Germans Differ on Transatlantic Alliance

A new Pew Research poll finds Americans and Germans heading into 2021 with divergent opinions on transatlantic alliance : 74 @ @ @ @ @ say that relations between the two countries are good .
At the same time , @ @ @ @ @ the relationship is in poor shape .

A new Pew Research poll finds Americans and Germans heading into 2021 with divergent opinions on transatlantic alliance: 74% of Americans continue to say that relations between the two countries are good. At the same time, 79% of Germans say the relationship is in poor shape.


politicalwire--2020-11-30--Census Gives Trump Final Supreme Court Showdown

“ President Trump ’ s administration has one last blockbuster showdown at the Supreme Court over his divisive immigration policies @ @ @ @ @ to the heart of how U.S. political power is allocated , ” Bloomberg reports .
@ @ @ @ @ for Monday , the administration will seek the right to exclude undocumented immigrants from the @ @ @ @ @ up congressional seats and federal funds .
The move would change more than two centuries @ @ @ @ @ that has always counted non-citizen residents , even those in the U.S. illegally .
”

“President Trump’s administration has one last blockbuster showdown at the Supreme Court over his divisive immigration policies, and this one goes to the heart of how U.S. political power is allocated,” Bloomberg reports.
“In an argument set for Monday, the administration will seek the right to exclude undocumented immigrants from the census count used to divvy up congressional seats and federal funds. The move would change more than two centuries of practice in a nation that has always counted non-citizen residents, even those in the U.S. illegally.”


politicalwire--2020-11-30--A Setback for Bolsonaro

A Setback for Bolsonaro

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


politicalwire--2020-11-30--Moderna Seeks Vaccine Emergency Authorization

“ Pharmaceutical company Moderna intends to apply Monday to the FDA for authorization of its Covid-19 vaccine , ” CNN @ @ @ @ @ will ask the FDA to review an expanded data set showing the vaccine is 94.1 @ @ @ @ @ and 100 % effective at preventing severe cases of the disease .
”

“Pharmaceutical company Moderna intends to apply Monday to the FDA for authorization of its Covid-19 vaccine,” CNN reports.
“The company will ask the FDA to review an expanded data set showing the vaccine is 94.1% effective at preventing Covid-19 and 100% effective at preventing severe cases of the disease.”


politicalwire--2020-11-30--Inside the Killing of Iran’s Nuclear Mastermind

Financial Times : “ The hit squad behind last week ’ s deadly attack on the man long thought to @ @ @ @ @ ’ s alleged military nuclear programme left nothing to chance.
” “ As nuclear scientist @ @ @ @ @ Nissan sedan car approached a boulevard in the Damavand region , about 60km from the @ @ @ @ @ machine gun , installed inside a blue pick-up truck parked under an electric transmitter , @ @ @ @ @ pick-up truck , packed with explosives , was then detonated by remote control .
”

Financial Times: “The hit squad behind last week’s deadly attack on the man long thought to be the mastermind of Iran’s alleged military nuclear programme left nothing to chance.”
“As nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh’s black Nissan sedan car approached a boulevard in the Damavand region, about 60km from the capital Tehran, an automatic machine gun, installed inside a blue pick-up truck parked under an electric transmitter, began firing.”
“The pick-up truck, packed with explosives, was then detonated by remote control.”


politicalwire--2020-11-30--The Lame Duck Checklist

The Lame Duck Checklist

Playbook : “ This may be the only full week both the House and Senate will be in D.C. for @ @ @ @ @ .
And the backdrop is grim : The pandemic is hitting its height , the @ @ @ @ @ of struggle , and society is , again , being tested.
” “ There are @ @ @ @ @ put together a spending bill — either an omnibus or stopgap measure — to avert @ @ @ @ @ month of Donald Trump ’ s presidency .
While Republicans and Democrats have agreed to @ @ @ @ @ remain significant details to be negotiated .
There is also increased pressure from lawmakers in @ @ @ @ @ stimulus measures like the Paycheck Protection Program in the spending bill even if a broader @ @ @ @ @ funding can ’ t be reached .
Look for lawmakers to publicly call on their @ @ @ @ @ that happens .
”

Playbook: “This may be the only full week both the House and Senate will be in D.C. for the lame-duck session of Congress. And the backdrop is grim: The pandemic is hitting its height, the economy is showing some signs of struggle, and society is, again, being tested.”
“There are 11 days for Congress to put together a spending bill — either an omnibus or stopgap measure — to avert a shutdown during the last month of Donald Trump’s presidency. While Republicans and Democrats have agreed to the top-line numbers, there remain significant details to be negotiated. There is also increased pressure from lawmakers in both parties to include economic stimulus measures like the Paycheck Protection Program in the spending bill even if a broader consensus over state and local funding can’t be reached. Look for lawmakers to publicly call on their leaders not to adjourn until that happens.”


politicalwire--2020-11-30--Lawmakers Brace for Redistricting

Lawmakers Brace for Redistricting

Politico : “ It could be months before Census apportionment data shows exactly which states will gain and lose seats @ @ @ @ @ even longer to gauge the impact of the maps , from those drawn by partisan @ @ @ @ @ in places like Michigan and New York.
” “ But already , there are a @ @ @ @ @ will almost certainly find themselves in more challenging terrain in 2022 .
This redraw will @ @ @ @ @ roughly ten states which are on track to lose a district , particularly ones with @ @ @ @ @ mean bare-knuckled maneuvering between the two Democrats in Rhode Island and three Republicans in West @ @ @ @ @ drop a seat .
”

Politico: “It could be months before Census apportionment data shows exactly which states will gain and lose seats, and it will take even longer to gauge the impact of the maps, from those drawn by partisan state legislators to commission-drawn maps in places like Michigan and New York.”
“But already, there are a few members of Congress who will almost certainly find themselves in more challenging terrain in 2022. This redraw will be most painful in the roughly ten states which are on track to lose a district, particularly ones with smaller populations. That could mean bare-knuckled maneuvering between the two Democrats in Rhode Island and three Republicans in West Virginia — states likely to drop a seat.”


politicalwire--2020-11-30--GOP Super PAC Launched as Georgia Worries Mount


politicalwire--2020-11-30--Democrats Fear GOP Will Block Biden’s Judges

“ It ’ s not just the Senate majority on the line in Georgia ’ s runoffs .
It ’ @ @ @ @ @ s chance to reshape the courts , ” Politico reports .
“ Should Senate Republicans @ @ @ @ @ their majority , Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell will have unilateral authority to stifle Biden @ @ @ @ @ federal judiciary , weakening Democrats ’ hopes to make up for four years of confirming @ @ @ @ @ of a McConnell blockade during President Barack Obama ’ s final years .
”

“It’s not just the Senate majority on the line in Georgia’s runoffs. It’s also Joe Biden’s chance to reshape the courts,” Politico reports.
“Should Senate Republicans win the fight to keep their majority, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell will have unilateral authority to stifle Biden’s picks to the federal judiciary, weakening Democrats’ hopes to make up for four years of confirming conservative judges and two years of a McConnell blockade during President Barack Obama’s final years.”


politicalwire--2020-11-30--Trump Leaves States to Grapple with Vaccine Distribution

“ The Trump administration is shunting to the states hard decisions about which Americans will get the limited early supplies @ @ @ @ @ up a confusing patchwork of distribution plans that could create unequal access to the life-saving @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Federal and state officials agree that the nation ’ s 21 million health @ @ @ @ @ in line .
But there is no consensus about how to balance the needs of @ @ @ @ @ the 53 million adults aged 65 or older , 87 million essential workers and more @ @ @ @ @ medical conditions that increase their vulnerability to the virus .
”

“The Trump administration is shunting to the states hard decisions about which Americans will get the limited early supplies of coronavirus vaccines — setting up a confusing patchwork of distribution plans that could create unequal access to the life-saving shots,” Politico reports.
“Federal and state officials agree that the nation’s 21 million health care workers should be first in line. But there is no consensus about how to balance the needs of other high-risk groups, including the 53 million adults aged 65 or older, 87 million essential workers and more than 100 million people with medical conditions that increase their vulnerability to the virus.”