politicalwire--2020-12-03--Durbin Willing to Give Up Subcommittee Post

“ The second-ranking Senate Democrat threw his support behind a proposal that would force him to give up a powerful @ @ @ @ @ budget , a peace offering amid a heated internal reckoning after the caucus came up @ @ @ @ @ fourth straight election , ” the Washington Post reports .
“ The potential ascension of @ @ @ @ @ Ill. ) , the Democratic whip for the past 16 years , to the top @ @ @ @ @ — as chairman or ranking minority member , depending on the outcome of Georgia ’ @ @ @ @ @ — set off a broader debate about the power accumulated by senior Democrats .
”

“The second-ranking Senate Democrat threw his support behind a proposal that would force him to give up a powerful subcommittee post overseeing the Pentagon budget, a peace offering amid a heated internal reckoning after the caucus came up short of expectations in a fourth straight election,” the Washington Post reports.
“The potential ascension of Sen. Richard J. Durbin (Ill.), the Democratic whip for the past 16 years, to the top post on the Judiciary Committee — as chairman or ranking minority member, depending on the outcome of Georgia’s Jan. 5 Senate elections — set off a broader debate about the power accumulated by senior Democrats.”


politicalwire--2020-12-03--Find Your Place in the Vaccine Line

Find Your Place in the Vaccine Line

Susan Glasser : “ There are only two possible conclusions from listening to this folly : either the President actually @ @ @ @ @ , in which case he is crazy , or he…

“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--2020-12-03--Raimondo Won’t Be Biden’s Health Secretary


politicalwire--2020-12-03--How Is Jenna Ellis ‘Elite Strike Force’ Material?

New York Times : “ By late 2018 , regular viewers of cable news would come to know Ms. Ellis @ @ @ @ @ attorney ’ — her preferred title — who aggressively came to Mr. Trump ’ s @ @ @ @ @ and impeachment .
But a review of her professional history , as well as interviews @ @ @ @ @ lawyers who have worked with her , show that Ms. Ellis , 36 , is @ @ @ @ @ expert she plays on TV.
” “ Since she graduated law school in 2011 , @ @ @ @ @ the courtroom — limited mostly to appearances in state court as a prosecutor or as @ @ @ @ @ assault , prostitution , theft and domestic abuse — shows any time spent litigating election @ @ @ @ @ herself out as an expert on the Constitution based on her self-published book and her @ @ @ @ @ undergraduates .
”

New York Times: “By late 2018, regular viewers of cable news would come to know Ms. Ellis as a ‘constitutional law attorney’ — her preferred title — who aggressively came to Mr. Trump’s defense as he faced investigation and impeachment. But a review of her professional history, as well as interviews with more than a half-dozen lawyers who have worked with her, show that Ms. Ellis, 36, is not the seasoned constitutional law expert she plays on TV.”
“Since she graduated law school in 2011, nothing in her record in the courtroom — limited mostly to appearances in state court as a prosecutor or as counsel for clients charged with assault, prostitution, theft and domestic abuse — shows any time spent litigating election law cases. She holds herself out as an expert on the Constitution based on her self-published book and her teaching of pre-law classes to undergraduates.”


politicalwire--2020-12-04--Red State Budgets Hurt More by Pandemic

Red State Budgets Hurt More by Pandemic

“ The coronavirus pandemic has inflicted an economic battering on state and local governments , shrinking tax receipts by hundreds @ @ @ @ @ Now devastating budget cuts loom , threatening to cripple public services and pare work forces @ @ @ @ @ jobs lost in eight months , ” the New York Times reports .
“ Governors @ @ @ @ @ have pleaded for federal aid before the end of the year .
Congressional Republicans have @ @ @ @ @ the Senate majority leader , Mitch McConnell of Kentucky , calling it a ‘ blue-state @ @ @ @ @ But it turns out this budget crisis is colorblind .
Six of the seven states @ @ @ @ @ the biggest revenue declines over the next two years are red — states led by @ @ @ @ @ President Trump this year .
”

“The coronavirus pandemic has inflicted an economic battering on state and local governments, shrinking tax receipts by hundreds of billions of dollars. Now devastating budget cuts loom, threatening to cripple public services and pare work forces far beyond the 1.3 million jobs lost in eight months,” the New York Times reports.
“Governors, mayors and county executives have pleaded for federal aid before the end of the year. Congressional Republicans have scorned such assistance, with the Senate majority leader, Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, calling it a ‘blue-state bailout.'”
“But it turns out this budget crisis is colorblind. Six of the seven states that are expected to suffer the biggest revenue declines over the next two years are red — states led by Republican governors and won by President Trump this year.”


politicalwire--2020-12-04--Job Growth Slows Sharply

Job Growth Slows Sharply


politicalwire--2020-12-04--Lindsey Graham Raised $109 Million for Campaign


politicalwire--2020-12-04--Fauci Accepted Biden’s Offer ‘Right on the Spot’


politicalwire--2020-12-04--U.S. Losing Time to Deter China

U.S. Losing Time to Deter China

Stanley McChrystal , a top retired general and Biden adviser , tells Axios that “ China ’ s military capacity @ @ @ @ @ people appreciate , ” and the U.S. is running out of time to counterbalance that @ @ @ @ @ scenario such as it seizing Taiwan .


politicalwire--2020-12-04--Biden Scales Back Agenda

Biden Scales Back Agenda

“ President-elect Joe Biden is adjusting the scope of his agenda to meet the challenges of governing with a narrowly @ @ @ @ @ of legislating during a raging pandemic , ” the AP reports .
“ Rather than @ @ @ @ @ combat climate change , the incoming administration may try to wrap provisions into a coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ s team is also considering smaller-scale changes to the Affordable Care Act while tabling the @ @ @ @ @ a public option to compete with private insurers .
”

“President-elect Joe Biden is adjusting the scope of his agenda to meet the challenges of governing with a narrowly divided Congress and the complications of legislating during a raging pandemic,” the AP reports.
“Rather than immediately pursue ambitious legislation to combat climate change, the incoming administration may try to wrap provisions into a coronavirus aid bill. Biden’s team is also considering smaller-scale changes to the Affordable Care Act while tabling the more contentious fight over creating a public option to compete with private insurers.”


politicalwire--2020-12-04--Stacey Abrams Raises $34 Million In a Month

Atlanta Journal Constitution : “ The voting rights organization Stacey Abrams founded in 2018 after losing a close gubernatorial election @ @ @ @ @ just 39 days from late October to the last week of November , funneling a @ @ @ @ @ helping Democratic candidates in key races.
” “ The $ 34.5 million is about what @ @ @ @ @ previous two years .
”

Atlanta Journal Constitution: “The voting rights organization Stacey Abrams founded in 2018 after losing a close gubernatorial election raised $34.5 million in just 39 days from late October to the last week of November, funneling a chunk of the money into helping Democratic candidates in key races.”
“The $34.5 million is about what the group had raised the previous two years.”


politicalwire--2020-12-04--Swamped Hospitals Scramble for Pandemic Help

“ U.S .
hospitals slammed with COVID-19 patients are trying to lure nurses and doctors out of retirement , recruiting @ @ @ @ @ have yet to earn their licenses and offering eye-popping salaries in a desperate bid to @ @ @ @ @ the AP reports .
“ Across the U.S. , hospitals are converting cafeterias , waiting @ @ @ @ @ garage to patient treatment areas .
Some states are opening field hospitals .
But that @ @ @ @ @ staffing shortage , especially in rural areas where officials say many people aren ’ t @ @ @ @ @ virus .
”

“U.S. hospitals slammed with COVID-19 patients are trying to lure nurses and doctors out of retirement, recruiting students and new graduates who have yet to earn their licenses and offering eye-popping salaries in a desperate bid to ease staffing shortages,” the AP reports.
“Across the U.S., hospitals are converting cafeterias, waiting rooms, even a parking garage to patient treatment areas. Some states are opening field hospitals. But that does nothing to ease the staffing shortage, especially in rural areas where officials say many people aren’t taking basic precautions against the virus.”


politicalwire--2020-12-04--Biden Doesn’t Care If Trump Attends Inauguration


politicalwire--2020-12-04--Biden Says Some Republicans Have Congratulated Him

“ A number of Senate Republicans have privately congratulated Joe Biden for his electoral victory even as their party continues @ @ @ @ @ the presidential election , ” Politico reports .
Without naming names , Biden said “ @ @ @ @ @ of the leadership ” would likely start publicly acknowledging the election results after the Electoral @ @ @ @ @

“A number of Senate Republicans have privately congratulated Joe Biden for his electoral victory even as their party continues to challenge the results of the presidential election,” Politico reports.
Without naming names, Biden said “at least a significant portion of the leadership” would likely start publicly acknowledging the election results after the Electoral College meets Dec. 14.


politicalwire--2020-12-05--Biden Clinches Electoral Win as California Certifies

Joe Biden now officially has more than the 270 Electoral College votes he needs to claim the presidency after California @ @ @ @ @ Friday evening , Bloomberg reports .
The final 2020 electoral map has Biden beating Donald @ @ @ @ @

Joe Biden now officially has more than the 270 Electoral College votes he needs to claim the presidency after California certified its election results on Friday evening, Bloomberg reports.
The final 2020 electoral map has Biden beating Donald Trump 306 to 232.
The Electoral College meets on December 14.


politicalwire--2020-12-04--White House Staffers Plot Their Exits

White House Staffers Plot Their Exits

“ White House staffers at all levels are plotting their departures as a growing number of aides to President Trump @ @ @ @ @ overturn the 2020 election results — some in frustration with the building they are leaving @ @ @ @ @ .
Said one official : “ I think people are moving on because they have @ @ @ @ @ .
That , and the place is becoming more toxic by the day … people @ @ @ @ @ trying to settle scores while they can , ”

“White House staffers at all levels are plotting their departures as a growing number of aides to President Trump are abandoning his quest to overturn the 2020 election results — some in frustration with the building they are leaving behind,” CNN reports.
Said one official: “I think people are moving on because they have families or livelihoods to support. That, and the place is becoming more toxic by the day … people turning on each other, trying to settle scores while they can,”


politicalwire--2020-12-04--Federal Judge Restores DACA Immediately

Federal Judge Restores DACA Immediately

“ Thousands of undocumented immigrants brought to the United States as children are immediately eligible to apply for an Obama-era @ @ @ @ @ permits , a federal judge in New York ruled Friday , ” the Washington Post @ @ @ @ @ District Judge Nicholas G. Garaufis in Brooklyn said he was fully restoring the eight-year-old Deferred @ @ @ @ @ or DACA , program to the days before the Trump administration tried to end it @ @ @ @ @ ordered the Department of Homeland Security to post a public notice by Monday to accept @ @ @ @ @ work permits are valid for two years .
”

“Thousands of undocumented immigrants brought to the United States as children are immediately eligible to apply for an Obama-era program that grants them work permits, a federal judge in New York ruled Friday,” the Washington Post reports.
“U.S. District Judge Nicholas G. Garaufis in Brooklyn said he was fully restoring the eight-year-old Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, program to the days before the Trump administration tried to end it in September 2017. He ordered the Department of Homeland Security to post a public notice by Monday to accept first-time applications and ensure that work permits are valid for two years.”


politicalwire--2020-12-04--Trump Criticisms Has GOP Worried Ahead of Rally

“ President Trump heads to Georgia on Saturday to campaign for two Republican senators one month ahead of a critical @ @ @ @ @ party controls the Senate , ” CNN reports .
“ But Trump ’ s visit @ @ @ @ @ the last several weeks consumed by his own election loss while attacking party officials in @ @ @ @ @ on its voting process and questioning one of the lawmakers he ’ s urging voters @ @ @ @

“President Trump heads to Georgia on Saturday to campaign for two Republican senators one month ahead of a critical runoff that will determine which party controls the Senate,” CNN reports.
“But Trump’s visit comes as he has spent the last several weeks consumed by his own election loss while attacking party officials in the state, casting doubt on its voting process and questioning one of the lawmakers he’s urging voters to elect.”


politicalwire--2020-12-04--Becerra Emerges as Top Contender for Health Secretary

California Attorney General Xavier Becerra has emerged as a key contender to lead the Department of Health and Human Services @ @ @ @ @ The HHS secretary position has been a source of intrigue and confusion this week , @ @ @ @ @ Michelle Lujan Grisham and Rhode Island Gov .
Gina Raimondo being mentioned as contenders .
@ @ @ @ @ s no longer a candidate and Lujan Grisham ’ s status is now unclear .
@

California Attorney General Xavier Becerra has emerged as a key contender to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, CNN reports.
“The HHS secretary position has been a source of intrigue and confusion this week, with New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo being mentioned as contenders. Raimondo has said she’s no longer a candidate and Lujan Grisham’s status is now unclear.”
Politico: Biden expands search for HHS Secretary.


politicalwire--2020-12-04--White House Fires Pentagon Advisory Board

“ The White House removed nine members of the Pentagon ’ s Defense Business Board on Friday and installed people @ @ @ @ @ their place , including presidential allies Corey Lewandowski and David Bossie , ” Politico reports @ @ @ @ @ the latest effort by the Trump administration to clean out the Defense Department in the @ @ @ @ @ ’ s term .
”

“The White House removed nine members of the Pentagon’s Defense Business Board on Friday and installed people loyal to President Trump in their place, including presidential allies Corey Lewandowski and David Bossie,” Politico reports.
“The firings marked the latest effort by the Trump administration to clean out the Defense Department in the final weeks of the president’s term.”


politicalwire--2020-12-04--Trump Orders Troops Out of Somalia

Trump Orders Troops Out of Somalia

“ President Trump ordered the Pentagon to pull nearly all U.S. troops out of Somalia , where for 13 years @ @ @ @ @ low-intensity battle against the local al Qaeda affiliate , al-Shabaab , ” the Wall Street @ @ @


politicalwire--2020-12-04--RNC’s Highest Paid Vendor Didn’t Exist 9 Months Ago

The RNC paid Digital Consulting Group more than $ 42 million for media buys , consulting and marketing between February @ @ @ @ @ .
The company went from nonexistent to being the Republican Party ’ s highest-paid vendor @ @ @ @ @ all in the space of eight months .

The RNC paid Digital Consulting Group more than $42 million for media buys, consulting and marketing between February and October, Salon reports.
The company went from nonexistent to being the Republican Party’s highest-paid vendor of the 2020 election, all in the space of eight months.


politicalwire--2020-12-04--MyPillow Guy Says Trump Will Still Be President

MyPillow founder Mike Lindell claimed in a bizarre Fox News interview that Donald Trump would continue to serve as president @ @ @ @ @ years , ” despite losing to Joe Biden .
Said Lindell : “ I want @ @ @ @ @ that Donald Trump will be our president for the next four years .
I talked @ @ @ @ @ , four days ago , so I know firsthand .
When I go all in @ @ @ @ @ president in 2016 , I do my due diligence and I get out there , @ @ @ @ @ and tell you , 100 % .
Not 98 , 100 % .
”

MyPillow founder Mike Lindell claimed in a bizarre Fox News interview that Donald Trump would continue to serve as president for “the next four years,” despite losing to Joe Biden.
Said Lindell: “I want the word to get out that Donald Trump will be our president for the next four years. I talked to Sidney Powell about three, four days ago, so I know firsthand. When I go all in like I did for the president in 2016, I do my due diligence and I get out there, and I could sit here and tell you, 100%. Not 98, 100%.”


politicalwire--2020-12-04--New Jersey Governor Tells ‘Matt Putz’ Not to Return

New Jersey Gov .
Phil Murphy ( D ) referred to Rep. Matt Gaetz ( R-FL ) as “ Matt @ @ @ @ @ briefing Friday after the congressman traveled to New Jersey for a Young Republicans event , @ @ @ @ @ social distancing and there were no masks in sight , NBC New York reports .
@ @ @ @ @ guy in the middle , the tall , handsome fella in the gray suit , @ @ @ @ @ — oh sorry , Matt Gaetz , and based upon his past performances , it @ @ @ @ @ is not beyond the pale for him .
He was actually Sarah Palin ’ s @ @ @ @ @ ” He added : “ I hope you ’ re watching Matt — you are @ @ @ @ @ , and frankly I don ’ t ever want you back in this state .
@

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D) referred to Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) as “Matt Putz” in a press briefing Friday after the congressman traveled to New Jersey for a Young Republicans event, in which no one was social distancing and there were no masks in sight, NBC New York reports.
Said Murphy: “That guy in the middle, the tall, handsome fella in the gray suit, that is Representative Matt Putz — oh sorry, Matt Gaetz, and based upon his past performances, it is obvious being a knucklehead is not beyond the pale for him. He was actually Sarah Palin’s backup act for this event.”
He added: “I hope you’re watching Matt — you are not welcome in New Jersey, and frankly I don’t ever want you back in this state.”


politicalwire--2020-12-04--Trump Held Most Obama-to-Trump Communities

There were 536 Wisconsin communities that voted for Barack Obama in 2012 and Donald Trump in 2016 , the Milwaukee @ @ @ @ @ 2020 , nearly all — 509 — voted for Trump again .

There were 536 Wisconsin communities that voted for Barack Obama in 2012 and Donald Trump in 2016, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.
In 2020, nearly all — 509 — voted for Trump again.


politicalwire--2020-12-04--CDC Recommends Universal Mask Use

CDC Recommends Universal Mask Use

The Centers for Disease Control is recommending “ universal mask use ” outside people ’ s homes as part of @ @ @ @ @ slowing the spread of the coronavirus as the nation braces for what is expected to @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic , the Washington Post reports .
This is the first time the agency @ @ @ @ @ use indoors .

The Centers for Disease Control is recommending “universal mask use” outside people’s homes as part of guidance published Friday aimed at slowing the spread of the coronavirus as the nation braces for what is expected to be the darkest period of the pandemic, the Washington Post reports.
This is the first time the agency has advocated for universal mask use indoors.


politicalwire--2020-12-04--The Political Premium of Television Celebrity

A new research paper from Heyu Xiong finds that Ronald Reagan ’ s tenure “ as the host of a @ @ @ @ @ into support for his candidacy , in terms of votes and political donations , nearly @ @ @ @ @ ’ s first airing .
”

“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--2020-12-04--Sanders Won’t Back ‘Skinny’ Relief Bill

Sanders Won’t Back ‘Skinny’ Relief Bill

“ Sen .
Bernie Sanders ( I-VT ) on Friday announced his opposition to the bipartisan coronavirus relief package gaining @ @ @ @ @ , as jockeying intensified among lawmakers eager to cut a deal to provide relief amid @ @ @ @ @ , ” the Washington Post reports .
“ Sanders said he would vote against the @ @ @ @ @ that has attracted a flurry of interest from Democrats and Republicans since it was introduced @ @ @ @ @ said he would only consider backing it if it is ‘ significantly ’ revised .
@

“Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) on Friday announced his opposition to the bipartisan coronavirus relief package gaining momentum in the U.S. Senate, as jockeying intensified among lawmakers eager to cut a deal to provide relief amid renewed signs of economic weakness,” the Washington Post reports.
“Sanders said he would vote against the $908 billion relief framework that has attracted a flurry of interest from Democrats and Republicans since it was introduced earlier this week. Sanders said he would only consider backing it if it is ‘significantly’ revised.”


politicalwire--2020-12-04--Trump Spent $1.1 Million at Trump Properties In Last Days

“ President Trump ’ s campaign and its affiliated committees spent more than $ 1.1 million at Trump ’ s @ @ @ @ @ weeks of the 2020 campaign — continuing a pattern of self-enrichment in which Trump has @ @ @ @ @ his campaign donors into revenue for his businesses since taking office , ” the Washington @ @ @

“President Trump’s campaign and its affiliated committees spent more than $1.1 million at Trump’s own properties in the last weeks of the 2020 campaign — continuing a pattern of self-enrichment in which Trump has converted $6.7 million from his campaign donors into revenue for his businesses since taking office,” the Washington Post reports.


politicalwire--2020-12-04--Kellyanne Conway Acknowledges Biden’s Win

Former Trump adviser Kellyanne Conway told The 19th that “ it looks like Joe Biden and Kamala Harris will prevail.
@ @ @ @ @ I assume the electors will certify that and it will be official .
We , @ @ @ @ @ move forward , because we always do .
”

Former Trump adviser Kellyanne Conway told The 19th that “it looks like Joe Biden and Kamala Harris will prevail.”
She added: “I assume the electors will certify that and it will be official. We, as a nation, will move forward, because we always do.”


politicalwire--2020-12-04--House Votes to Decriminalize Marijuana

House Votes to Decriminalize Marijuana

“ The House endorsed a landmark retreat in the nation ’ s decades-long war on drugs Friday , voting to @ @ @ @ @ schedule of controlled substances and provide for the regulation and taxation of legal cannabis sales @ @ @ @ @ reports .
“ The vote was 228-to-164 and marked the first time either chamber of @ @ @ @ @ issue of federally decriminalizing cannabis .
”

“The House endorsed a landmark retreat in the nation’s decades-long war on drugs Friday, voting to remove marijuana from the federal schedule of controlled substances and provide for the regulation and taxation of legal cannabis sales,” the Washington Post reports.
“The vote was 228-to-164 and marked the first time either chamber of Congress has voted on the issue of federally decriminalizing cannabis.”


politicalwire--2020-12-04--Biden Voters Are More Ideologically Consistent

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politicalwire--2020-12-04--Judge Questions Whether Pardon of Flynn Is ‘Too Broad’

“ A trial judge raised the possibility that another federal judge overseeing Michael Flynn ’ s case could find that @ @ @ @ @ pardon of Flynn is too broad , if it unlawfully protects the former national security @ @ @ @ @ ” the National Law Journal reports .


politicalwire--2020-12-04--Death of Local News Has Made Political Divisions Worse

Sarabeth Berman : “ In the flood of disinformation filling the internet this election season , it was easy to @ @ @ @ @ : partisan profit-driven websites putting out propaganda masquerading as local news.
” “ Across the @ @ @ @ @ websites with the look of local journalism are publishing articles , ordered up by political @ @ @ @ @ or unfavorable light on candidates and issues .
These websites , like weeds thriving in @ @ @ @ @ to fill the void left by the collapse of local newspapers .
Readers , eager @ @ @ @ @ ’ t tell the difference because these sites are good at masking their purpose .
@

Sarabeth Berman: “In the flood of disinformation filling the internet this election season, it was easy to miss another rapidly spreading phenomenon: partisan profit-driven websites putting out propaganda masquerading as local news.”
“Across the country, more than 1,000 websites with the look of local journalism are publishing articles, ordered up by political operatives to cast a favorable or unfavorable light on candidates and issues. These websites, like weeds thriving in vacant lots, have grown to fill the void left by the collapse of local newspapers. Readers, eager for information, often can’t tell the difference because these sites are good at masking their purpose.”


politicalwire--2020-12-05--Joe From Scranton Didn’t Win Back Working Class

New York Times : “ Well , the country is more racially diverse than ever before .
But exit polls @ @ @ @ @ ground among Latino , Black and Asian-American voters in 2020 compared with Hillary Clinton ’ @ @ @ @ @ “ Demographics , it turns out , are not political destiny .
But diplomas just @ @ @ @ @ clearest way to understand the results of the 2020 election — and , perhaps , @ @ @ @ @ politics — is through the education voting gap .
Voters with college degrees flocked to @ @ @ @ @ the crucial voting bloc in the suburbs .
Those without them continued their flight from @ @ @ @ @

New York Times: “Well, the country is more racially diverse than ever before. But exit polls suggest that Joe Biden lost ground among Latino, Black and Asian-American voters in 2020 compared with Hillary Clinton’s performance in 2016.”
“Demographics, it turns out, are not political destiny. But diplomas just might be.”
“The clearest way to understand the results of the 2020 election — and, perhaps, the shifting state of our politics — is through the education voting gap. Voters with college degrees flocked to Mr. Biden, emerging as the crucial voting bloc in the suburbs. Those without them continued their flight from the Democratic Party.”


politicalwire--2020-12-05--Judges Turn Back Claims by Trump In Six States

“ President Trump and his allies faced a crush of defeats in post-election litigation Friday , a further sign of @ @ @ @ @ President-elect Joe Biden ’ s victory through the courts and to gain traction through baseless @ @ @ @ @ ” the Washington Post reports .
“ Judges ruled decisively that Trump ’ s side @ @ @ @ @ was fraudulent , with some offering painstaking analyses of why such claims lack merit and @ @ @ @ @ the legal claims pose to American democracy.
” Wrote Justice Brian Hagedorn of the Wisconsin @ @ @ @ @ relief being sought by the petitioners is the most dramatic invocation of judicial power I @ @ @ @ @

“President Trump and his allies faced a crush of defeats in post-election litigation Friday, a further sign of their ongoing failure to overturn President-elect Joe Biden’s victory through the courts and to gain traction through baseless claims of widespread fraud,” the Washington Post reports.
“Judges ruled decisively that Trump’s side has not proved the election was fraudulent, with some offering painstaking analyses of why such claims lack merit and pointed opinions about the risks the legal claims pose to American democracy.”
Wrote Justice Brian Hagedorn of the Wisconsin Supreme Court: “The relief being sought by the petitioners is the most dramatic invocation of judicial power I have ever seen.”


politicalwire--2020-12-05--Just 25 GOP Lawmakers Acknowledge Biden’s Win

The Washington Post surveyed all 249 Republicans in the House and Senate beginning the morning after Trump posted a 46-minute @ @ @ @ @ claimed he had defeated Joe Biden and leveled wild and unsubstantiated allegations of ‘ corrupt @ @ @ @ @ outcome from the sitting president .
Just 25 Republican lawmakers said Biden was the winner @ @ @ @ @ won .
Another 222 were either unclear or would not answer .

The Washington Post surveyed all 249 Republicans in the House and Senate beginning the morning after Trump posted a 46-minute video in which he wrongly claimed he had defeated Joe Biden and leveled wild and unsubstantiated allegations of ‘corrupt forces’ who stole the outcome from the sitting president.
Just 25 Republican lawmakers said Biden was the winner, while two said Trump won. Another 222 were either unclear or would not answer.


politicalwire--2020-12-05--Why Do So Many Think the Election Was Stolen?

Ross Douthat : “ Anyone familiar with his career could have predicted that he would claim to have been cheated out of victory .
Anyone watching how he wielded power ( or , more often , didn ’ t ) as president could have predicted that his efforts to challenge the election results would be embarrassing , ridiculous and dismissed with prejudice in court .
And anyone watching how the Republican Party dealt with his ascent could have predicted that its leaders would mostly avoid directly rebuking him , relying instead on the inertial forces of American democracy , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Trump ’ s own incompetence to turn back his final power grab.
” “ So far , so predictable .
But speaking as a cynical observer of the Trump era , one feature of November did crack my jaded shell a bit : not his behavior or the system ’ s response , but the sheer scale of the belief among conservatives that the election was really stolen , measured not just in polling data but in conversations and arguments , online and in person , with people I would not have @ @ @ @ @ @

Ross Douthat: “Anyone familiar with his career could have predicted that he would claim to have been cheated out of victory. Anyone watching how he wielded power (or, more often, didn’t) as president could have predicted that his efforts to challenge the election results would be embarrassing, ridiculous and dismissed with prejudice in court. And anyone watching how the Republican Party dealt with his ascent could have predicted that its leaders would mostly avoid directly rebuking him, relying instead on the inertial forces of American democracy, the conscientiousness of judges and local officialdom, and Trump’s own incompetence to turn back his final power grab.”
“So far, so predictable. But speaking as a cynical observer of the Trump era, one feature of November did crack my jaded shell a bit: not his behavior or the system’s response, but the sheer scale of the belief among conservatives that the election was really stolen, measured not just in polling data but in conversations and arguments, online and in person, with people I would not have expected to embrace it.”


politicalwire--2020-12-05--Inside Trump’s Continuing Failing Lawsuits

Rick Hasen : “ Three weeks ago , I and others in the election law field determined that Trump ’ @ @ @ @ @ to overturn the results of the election were dead .
The campaign had uncovered no @ @ @ @ @ none of the states where Trump lost were close enough that a recount could plausibly @ @ @ @ @ election .
By one count , Trump has lost 46 of his lawsuits and won @ @ @ @ @ in PA. ” “ But the lawsuits keep coming and coming .
They make much @ @ @ @ @ of them as about grift and delegitimizing the upcoming Biden presidency .
”

Rick Hasen: “Three weeks ago, I and others in the election law field determined that Trump’s path to use lawsuits to overturn the results of the election were dead. The campaign had uncovered no significant fraud or irregularities and none of the states where Trump lost were close enough that a recount could plausibly change the results of the election. By one count, Trump has lost 46 of his lawsuits and won only one minor one, in PA.”
“But the lawsuits keep coming and coming. They make much more sense when one thinks of them as about grift and delegitimizing the upcoming Biden presidency.”


politicalwire--2020-12-05--Trump Wants Names of Republicans Who Say Biden Won

President Trump demanded to know who the Republican lawmakers were who acknowledged President-elect Joe Biden as the winner of the @ @ @ @ @ asked by the Washington Post .
The newspaper has since updated the count to 27 @ @

President Trump demanded to know who the Republican lawmakers were who acknowledged President-elect Joe Biden as the winner of the presidential election when they were asked by the Washington Post.
The newspaper has since updated the count to 27 Republicans.


politicalwire--2020-12-05--What’s Behind Trump’s Pentagon Purge?

What’s Behind Trump’s Pentagon Purge?

This piece is only available to Political Wire members.
As the pandemic rages across the country, President Trump hasn’t done anything to halt the escalating death toll. He’s done nothing to provide economic relief to millions out of work. And he’s had almost nothing on his public schedule since the election — more than a month ago.


politicalwire--2020-12-05--Trump Calls Kemp to Pressure Him to Overturn Vote

“ President Trump called Georgia Gov .
Brian Kemp ( R ) on Saturday morning to urge him to persuade @ @ @ @ @ President-elect Joe Biden ’ s victory in the state and asked the governor to order @ @ @ @ @ signatures , the latest brazen effort by the president to interfere in the 2020 election @ @ @ @ @ reports .
“ Hours before he is scheduled to hold a rally in Georgia on @ @ @ @ @ s two GOP senators , Trump pressed Kemp to call a special session of the @ @ @ @ @ to override the results and appoint electors that would back him… He also asked the @ @ @ @ @ of signatures on mail ballots , something Kemp has previously noted he has no power @ @ @

“President Trump called Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (R) on Saturday morning to urge him to persuade the state legislature to overturn President-elect Joe Biden’s victory in the state and asked the governor to order an audit of absentee ballot signatures, the latest brazen effort by the president to interfere in the 2020 election,” the Washington Post reports.
“Hours before he is scheduled to hold a rally in Georgia on behalf of the state’s two GOP senators, Trump pressed Kemp to call a special session of the state legislature to get lawmakers to override the results and appoint electors that would back him… He also asked the governor to demand an audit of signatures on mail ballots, something Kemp has previously noted he has no power to do.
“Kemp declined the entreaty from Trump.”


politicalwire--2020-12-05--2021 Shaping Up to Be ‘Humanitarian Catastrophe’

Ross Douthat : “ Anyone familiar with his career could have predicted that he would claim to have been cheated @ @ @ @ @ watching how he wielded power ( or , more often , …


politicalwire--2020-12-05--Arizona Republican ‘Cannot and Will Not’ Overturn Vote

Arizona House Speaker Rusty Bowers ( R ) said that pleas from some GOP lawmakers to overturn the results of @ @ @ @ @ election are illegal and “ can not and will not ” happen , the Arizona @ @ @ @ @ : “ As a conservative Republican , I don ’ t like the results of @ @ @ @ @ voted for President Trump and worked hard to reelect him .
But I can not @ @ @ @ @ suggestion that we violate current law to change the outcome of a certified election .
@

Arizona House Speaker Rusty Bowers (R) said that pleas from some GOP lawmakers to overturn the results of the state’s presidential election are illegal and “cannot and will not” happen, the Arizona Republic reports.
Said Bowers: “As a conservative Republican, I don’t like the results of the presidential election. I voted for President Trump and worked hard to reelect him. But I cannot and will not entertain a suggestion that we violate current law to change the outcome of a certified election.”


politicalwire--2020-12-05--Pence’s Political Future Remains Clouded by Trump

CNN : “ According to conversations with seven Republicans close to Pence , the vice president remains committed to toeing @ @ @ @ @ That ’ s not only part of Pence ’ s loyal disposition , it ’ @ @ @ @ @ sources say are Pence ’ s significant ambitions to run for president in 2024.
” @ @ @ @ @ him have long hoped that his fealty would pay off and position him as Trump @ @ @ @ @ “ There ’ s just one problem : Trump doesn ’ t seem to be @ @ @ @ @ floated the idea of running in 2024 , and has raised hundreds of millions of @ @ @ @ @ some of which went to a new leadership PAC Trump has established that could help @ @ @ @ @ .
”

CNN: “According to conversations with seven Republicans close to Pence, the vice president remains committed to toeing the line for Trump. That’s not only part of Pence’s loyal disposition, it’s also key to what sources say are Pence’s significant ambitions to run for president in 2024.”
“Pence and those around him have long hoped that his fealty would pay off and position him as Trump’s natural successor.”
“There’s just one problem: Trump doesn’t seem to be going anywhere. He has floated the idea of running in 2024, and has raised hundreds of millions of dollars since the election, some of which went to a new leadership PAC Trump has established that could help fuel his future political ambitions.”


politicalwire--2020-12-05--Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day

“ I think the long term impact of this could be devastating… It ’ s important to be outspoken .
@ @ @ @ @ decided to put this on the line .
We ’ ve lost our moral authority @ @ @ @ @ you end up where principles don ’ t matter , beliefs don ’ t matter @ @ @ @ @ about who can be the loudest and kind of maintain power through raw anger and @ @ @ @ @ no different than a lot of Latin American countries at that point.
” — Rep. @ @ @ @ @ , telling Politico that the Republican Party has lost its way .

“I think the long term impact of this could be devastating… It’s important to be outspoken. That’s why I decided to put this on the line. We’ve lost our moral authority to be outraged. When you end up where principles don’t matter, beliefs don’t matter, it’s just about who can be the loudest and kind of maintain power through raw anger and aggression, you’re no different than a lot of Latin American countries at that point.”
— Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-IL), telling Politico that the Republican Party has lost its way.


politicalwire--2020-12-05--More Combative Ivanka Trump Hints at Future

“ A more combative Ivanka Trump has emerged with little more than one month left in her role as adviser @ @ @ @ @ as the first daughter makes a conscious effort to publicly push back on her critics @ @ @ @ @ “ According to a source familiar with her thinking , Ivanka Trump recognizes there is @ @ @ @ @ administration and she ’ s spent the last several weeks highlighting on social media the @ @ @ @ @ impacted during her tenure , as well as showing hints she is ready for a @ @ @

“A more combative Ivanka Trump has emerged with little more than one month left in her role as adviser to President Donald Trump, as the first daughter makes a conscious effort to publicly push back on her critics,” CNN reports.
“According to a source familiar with her thinking, Ivanka Trump recognizes there is a time stamp on the administration and she’s spent the last several weeks highlighting on social media the causes she feels she has impacted during her tenure, as well as showing hints she is ready for a fight.”


politicalwire--2020-12-05--Report Points to Microwave ‘Attack’ on U.S. Diplomats

“ The most probable cause of a series of mysterious afflictions that sickened American spies and diplomats abroad in the @ @ @ @ @ energy , a type of radiation that includes microwaves , the National Academies of Sciences @ @ @ @ @ has concluded in a report , ” the New York Times reports .
“ The @ @ @ @ @ 19 experts in medicine and other fields cited ‘ directed , pulsed radiofrequency energy ’ @ @ @ @ @ mechanism ’ to explain the illness , which came to be known as Havana syndrome @ @ @ @ @ factors may have contributed to symptoms .
”

“The most probable cause of a series of mysterious afflictions that sickened American spies and diplomats abroad in the past several years was radiofrequency energy, a type of radiation that includes microwaves, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine has concluded in a report,” the New York Times reports.
“The conclusion by a committee of 19 experts in medicine and other fields cited ‘directed, pulsed radiofrequency energy’ as ‘the most plausible mechanism’ to explain the illness, which came to be known as Havana syndrome, though they said secondary factors may have contributed to symptoms.”


politicalwire--2020-12-05--Giuliani’s Star Witness Sent Sex Videos To Boyfriend’s Ex

“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--2020-12-05--Runoff Pits Old South Against New South

Runoff Pits Old South Against New South

Politico : “ Georgia ’ s campaign ads tell a tale of two states : Raphael Warnock ’ s ads are bright and sunny , featuring the pastor expounding on health care policy , telling his family story and walking a puppy .
But the majority of Kelly Loeffler ’ s spots take a grimmer tone , attacking Warnock as ‘ the most dangerous , radical candidate in America.
’ In one ad , the camera pans across a photo of Warnock , who is Black , darkened and superimposed over footage of riots .
‘ Saving the Senate , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about saving America … from that.
’ ” “ It could work .
But with Georgia ’ s demographics shifting , Loeffler ’ s approach — a familiar playbook tailored to older , whiter voters who skew Republican — is just as likely to prove out of step with a changing electorate .
It ’ s pitting the politics of the Old South , often characterized by thinly-veiled racist rhetoric and maintenance of the predominantly white status quo , against the New South ’ s increasingly young and racially diverse constituency .
”

Politico: “Georgia’s campaign ads tell a tale of two states: Raphael Warnock’s ads are bright and sunny, featuring the pastor expounding on health care policy, telling his family story and walking a puppy. But the majority of Kelly Loeffler’s spots take a grimmer tone, attacking Warnock as ‘the most dangerous, radical candidate in America.’ In one ad, the camera pans across a photo of Warnock, who is Black, darkened and superimposed over footage of riots. ‘Saving the Senate,’ the narrator intones, ‘is about saving America … from that.’”
“It could work. But with Georgia’s demographics shifting, Loeffler’s approach — a familiar playbook tailored to older, whiter voters who skew Republican — is just as likely to prove out of step with a changing electorate. It’s pitting the politics of the Old South, often characterized by thinly-veiled racist rhetoric and maintenance of the predominantly white status quo, against the New South’s increasingly young and racially diverse constituency.”


politicalwire--2020-12-05--Working from Home Causing a Tax Mess

Working from Home Causing a Tax Mess

“ Lawmakers are pushing to sort out a tax mess created by millions of people working from home during the @ @ @ @ @ are rising that Congress will fail to reach a solution before tax filing season , @ @ @ @ @ People who ’ ve been working in a state different from the one in which @ @ @ @ @ nasty headaches when they do their taxes next year , thanks to uncertainty over who @ @ @ @ @ dollars.
” “ It could be a big problem not only for individual Americans , @ @ @ @ @ tax preparers and cash-strapped local governments already jostling over the revenue .
”

“Lawmakers are pushing to sort out a tax mess created by millions of people working from home during the coronavirus pandemic — and fears are rising that Congress will fail to reach a solution before tax filing season,” Politico reports.
“People who’ve been working in a state different from the one in which they normally work face potentially nasty headaches when they do their taxes next year, thanks to uncertainty over who should get their local tax dollars.”
“It could be a big problem not only for individual Americans, but also their employers, tax preparers and cash-strapped local governments already jostling over the revenue.”


politicalwire--2020-12-05--Economists Say Proposed Relief Is Not Enough

New York Times : “ A $ 908 billion plan would fall short of doing everything that economists argue Congress @ @ @ @ @ and businesses during the coronavirus pandemic .
But they said that if lawmakers could get @ @ @ @ @ should do it anyway .
”

New York Times: “A $908 billion plan would fall short of doing everything that economists argue Congress should do to help workers and businesses during the coronavirus pandemic. But they said that if lawmakers could get the details right, Congress should do it anyway.”


politicalwire--2020-12-05--Money Floods Into Georgia for Senate Runoffs

New York Times : “ New campaign financial reports filed late Thursday showed a staggering influx of money into the @ @ @ @ @ of runoffs that were expected to set spending records , with more than $ 300 @ @ @ @ @ radio and digital ads , according to data from AdImpact , an ad-tracking firm .
@ @ @ @ @ of ads was soaring , especially for super PACs , to unseen heights .
”

New York Times: “New campaign financial reports filed late Thursday showed a staggering influx of money into the state in the first days of runoffs that were expected to set spending records, with more than $300 million booked in television, radio and digital ads, according to data from AdImpact, an ad-tracking firm. Media buyers said the price of ads was soaring, especially for super PACs, to unseen heights.”


politicalwire--2020-12-05--Pentagon Blocks Biden Transition from Spy Agencies

“ The Trump administration has refused to allow members of President-elect Joe Biden ’ s transition team to meet with @ @ @ @ @ that are controlled by the Pentagon , undermining prospects for a smooth transfer of power @ @ @ @ @ reports .
“ The officials said the Biden team has not been able to engage @ @ @ @ @ Security Agency , the Defense Intelligence Agency and other military-run spy services with classified budgets @ @ @ @ @ ”

“The Trump administration has refused to allow members of President-elect Joe Biden’s transition team to meet with officials at U.S. intelligence agencies that are controlled by the Pentagon, undermining prospects for a smooth transfer of power,” the Washington Post reports.
“The officials said the Biden team has not been able to engage with leaders at the National Security Agency, the Defense Intelligence Agency and other military-run spy services with classified budgets and global espionage platforms.”


politicalwire--2020-12-05--The U.S. Has Passed the Hospital Breaking Point

The Atlantic : “ The pandemic nightmare scenario—the buckling of hospital and health-care systems nationwide—has arrived .
Several lines of @ @ @ @ @ the same message : Hospitals are becoming overwhelmed , causing them to restrict whom they @ @ @ @ @ to needlessly die.
” “ The current rise in hospitalizations began in late September , @ @ @ @ @ have faced unprecedented demand for medical care .
The number of hospitalized patients has increased @ @ @ @ @ November 1 , the number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 has doubled ; since October @ @ @ @ @ .
”

The Atlantic: “The pandemic nightmare scenario—the buckling of hospital and health-care systems nationwide—has arrived. Several lines of evidence are now sending us the same message: Hospitals are becoming overwhelmed, causing them to restrict whom they admit and leading more Americans to needlessly die.”
“The current rise in hospitalizations began in late September, and for weeks now hospitals have faced unprecedented demand for medical care. The number of hospitalized patients has increased nearly every day: Since November 1, the number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 has doubled; since October 1, it has tripled.”


politicalwire--2020-12-05--New Mexico Hospitals Nearly Overwhelmed

New Mexico Hospitals Nearly Overwhelmed

New Mexico Gov .
Michelle Lujan Grisham ( D ) is on the verge of acknowledging just how grim the @ @ @ @ @ the Washington Post she will soon allow hospitals to move to “ crisis standards , @ @ @ @ @ them to ration care depending on a patient ’ s likelihood of surviving .

New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) is on the verge of acknowledging just how grim the pandemic has become, telling the Washington Post she will soon allow hospitals to move to “crisis standards,” a move that frees them to ration care depending on a patient’s likelihood of surviving.


politicalwire--2020-12-05--Clyburn Flexes Muscle on DNC Pick

Clyburn Flexes Muscle on DNC Pick


politicalwire--2020-12-06--Trump Claims He’d Be Gracious, If He Lost

“ At his campaign rally on Saturday night and a month after his 2020 election loss , President Trump claimed @ @ @ @ @ Georgia that if he lost the election , he would be ‘ a very gracious @ @ @ @ @ to Mediaite .
Said Trump : “ If I lost , I would be a @ @ @ @ @ I lost , I would say ‘ I lost , ’ and I would go @ @ @ @ @ would take it easy , and I would go around , and I would say @ @ @ @ @ ” He added : “ But you can ’ t ever accept when they steal @ @ @ @ @ rob .
You can ’ t accept it .
”

“At his campaign rally on Saturday night and a month after his 2020 election loss, President Trump claimed to an energetic crowd in Georgia that if he lost the election, he would be ‘a very gracious loser,'” according to Mediaite.
Said Trump: “If I lost, I would be a very gracious loser. If I lost, I would say ‘I lost,’ and I would go to Florida, and I would take it easy, and I would go around, and I would say I did a good job.”
He added: “But you can’t ever accept when they steal, and rig, and rob. You can’t accept it.”


politicalwire--2020-12-06--Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day

“ Friends of mine say we are not going to vote because we are angry about the presidential election .
@ @ @ @ @ my friends.
” — President Trump , quoted by Politico , urging Georgia Republicans to @ @ @ @ @ .

“Friends of mine say we are not going to vote because we are angry about the presidential election. Don’t listen to my friends.”
— President Trump, quoted by Politico, urging Georgia Republicans to vote in the Senate runoffs.


politicalwire--2020-12-06--How Biden’s Digital Team Tamed the MAGA Internet

New York Times : “ When it did respond to misinformation , the Biden team tried to address the root of the narrative .
After right-wing influencers posted compilation videos of Mr. Biden stumbling over his words and appearing forgetful , the campaign surveyed voters to try to figure out whether the attempt to paint him as mentally unfit was resonating .
It discovered that the real concern for many people wasn ’ t Mr. Biden ’ s age , or his health per se , but whether he was an easily manipulated tool of the radical left.
” “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were most likely to see those clips and ran a targeted digital ad campaign showing them videos of Mr. Biden speaking lucidly at debates and public events.
” “ Mr .
Flaherty , the campaign digital director , said the campaign ’ s focus on empathy had informed how it treated misinformation : not as a cynical Trump ploy that was swallowed by credulous dupes , but as something that required listening to voters to understand their concerns and worries before fighting back .
Ultimately , he said , the campaign ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the TikTok creators and Facebook moms , the Fortnite signs and small-batch creators — was about trying to reach a kinder , gentler version of the internet that it still believed existed .
”

New York Times: “When it did respond to misinformation, the Biden team tried to address the root of the narrative. After right-wing influencers posted compilation videos of Mr. Biden stumbling over his words and appearing forgetful, the campaign surveyed voters to try to figure out whether the attempt to paint him as mentally unfit was resonating. It discovered that the real concern for many people wasn’t Mr. Biden’s age, or his health per se, but whether he was an easily manipulated tool of the radical left.”
“The Biden team identified the voters who were most likely to see those clips and ran a targeted digital ad campaign showing them videos of Mr. Biden speaking lucidly at debates and public events.”
“Mr. Flaherty, the campaign digital director, said the campaign’s focus on empathy had informed how it treated misinformation: not as a cynical Trump ploy that was swallowed by credulous dupes, but as something that required listening to voters to understand their concerns and worries before fighting back. Ultimately, he said, the campaign’s entire digital strategy — the Malarkey Factory, the TikTok creators and Facebook moms, the Fortnite signs and small-batch creators — was about trying to reach a kinder, gentler version of the internet that it still believed existed.”


politicalwire--2020-12-06--Trump Floats Primary Challenge to Brian Kemp

President Trump , while speaking at a campaign rally to gin up support for Georgia Republican senators on Saturday , @ @ @ @ @ run by Rep. Doug Collins ( R-GA ) to challenge Republican Gov .
Brian Kemp @ @ @ @ @ Said Trump : “ I want to thank Doug Collins .
Thank you , Doug @ @ @ @ @ does .
Doug , you want to run for governor in two years ?
”

President Trump, while speaking at a campaign rally to gin up support for Georgia Republican senators on Saturday, floated a potential 2022 gubernatorial run by Rep. Doug Collins (R-GA) to challenge Republican Gov. Brian Kemp, The Hill reports.
Said Trump: “I want to thank Doug Collins. Thank you, Doug. What a job he does. Doug, you want to run for governor in two years?”


politicalwire--2020-12-06--Pirro Calls Barr a ‘Reptile’ for Not Backing Trump

Jeanine Pirro lashed out at Attorney General Barr for not finding the voter fraud in the presidential election that President @ @ @ @ @ victory .
Said Pirro : “ And you , Mr. Barr , are so deep @ @ @ @ @ can ’ t see beyond your fellow reptiles .
And you are not the exceptional @ @ @ @ @ time in history .
”

Jeanine Pirro lashed out at Attorney General Barr for not finding the voter fraud in the presidential election that President Trump falsely claims cost him victory.
Said Pirro: “And you, Mr. Barr, are so deep in the swamp, you can’t see beyond your fellow reptiles. And you are not the exceptional leader needed at this exceptional time in history.”


politicalwire--2020-12-06--Defiant Trump Insists Election Was ‘Rigged’

“ President Trump on Saturday stumped for Republican candidates in Georgia ’ s Senate runoff elections at a rally during @ @ @ @ @ insisted that he won the Peach State and the 2020 election , ” The Hill @ @ @ @ @ “ You must go vote and vote early starting December 14 .
You have to @ @ @ @ @ and they rigged our presidential election , but we will still win it .
We @ @ @ @ @ We ’ ll still win it .
And they ’ re going to try and @ @ @ @ @ ” USA Today : “ Trump did promote incumbent Georgia Sens .
David Perdue and @ @ @ @ @ 5 re-election bids will decide control of the Senate -– but framed most of the @ @ @ @ @ and false allegations about the election.
” Atlanta Journal Constitution : Trump tells GOP in @ @ @ @ @ rigged ” election .

“President Trump on Saturday stumped for Republican candidates in Georgia’s Senate runoff elections at a rally during which he repeatedly and falsely insisted that he won the Peach State and the 2020 election,” The Hill reports.
Said Trump: “You must go vote and vote early starting December 14. You have to do it. They cheated and they rigged our presidential election, but we will still win it. We will still win it. We’ll still win it. And they’re going to try and rig this election, too.”
USA Today: “Trump did promote incumbent Georgia Sens. David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler –- whose Jan. 5 re-election bids will decide control of the Senate -– but framed most of the rally around his own legacy and false allegations about the election.”
Atlanta Journal Constitution: Trump tells GOP in Georgia to vote in “rigged” election.


politicalwire--2020-12-07--Lujan Grisham Won’t Join Biden Administration

An annual membership to Political Wire is the perfect gift for just .
Here ’ s how it works : @ @ @ @ @ for the recipient ’ s name , email address and the…


politicalwire--2020-12-07--Ossoff Debates Empty Podium

Ossoff Debates Empty Podium


politicalwire--2020-12-07--Barr May Leave Before Trump’s Term Ends

Barr May Leave Before Trump’s Term Ends

“ Attorney General William Barr is considering stepping down before President Trump ’ s term ends next month , according @ @ @ @ @ this thinking .
One said Mr. Barr could announce his departure before the end of @ @ @ @ @ New York Times reports .
“ It was not clear whether the attorney general ’ @ @ @ @ @ Mr. Trump ’ s refusal to concede his election loss or his fury over Mr. @ @ @ @ @ week that the Justice Department uncovered no widespread voting fraud .
In the ensuing days @ @ @ @ @ say whether he still had confidence in his attorney general .
”

“Attorney General William Barr is considering stepping down before President Trump’s term ends next month, according to three people familiar with this thinking. One said Mr. Barr could announce his departure before the end of the year,” the New York Times reports.
“It was not clear whether the attorney general’s deliberations were influenced by Mr. Trump’s refusal to concede his election loss or his fury over Mr. Barr’s acknowledgment last week that the Justice Department uncovered no widespread voting fraud. In the ensuing days, the president refused to say whether he still had confidence in his attorney general.”


politicalwire--2020-12-07--Biden Picks New Head of CDC

Biden Picks New Head of CDC


politicalwire--2020-12-06--Giuliani Admitted to the Hospital

Giuliani Admitted to the Hospital


politicalwire--2020-12-06--Biden Picks Becerra as Health Secretary

Biden Picks Becerra as Health Secretary

“ President-elect Joe Biden has selected Xavier Becerra , a former congressman who is now the Democratic attorney general of @ @ @ @ @ for secretary of health and human services , ending a politically delicate search that brought @ @ @ @ @ Caucus about a lack of Latinos in the incoming cabinet , ” the New York @ @ @ @ @ .
Becerra became Mr. Biden ’ s clear choice only over the last few days @ @ @ @ @ with the transition ’ s deliberations , and was a surprise .
He has carved @ @ @ @ @ the issues of criminal justice , immigration and tax policy , and he was long @ @ @ @ @ for attorney general .
”

“President-elect Joe Biden has selected Xavier Becerra, a former congressman who is now the Democratic attorney general of California, as his nominee for secretary of health and human services, ending a politically delicate search that brought complaints from the Congressional Hispanic Caucus about a lack of Latinos in the incoming cabinet,” the New York Times reports.
“Mr. Becerra became Mr. Biden’s clear choice only over the last few days, according to people familiar with the transition’s deliberations, and was a surprise. He has carved out a profile more on the issues of criminal justice, immigration and tax policy, and he was long thought to be a candidate for attorney general.”


politicalwire--2020-12-06--Trump Plans a Wild White House Exit

Trump Plans a Wild White House Exit

“ President Trump is considering a made-for-TV grand finale : a White House departure on Marine One and final Air @ @ @ @ @ for a political rally opposite Joe Biden ’ s inauguration , ” Axios reports .
@ @ @ @ @ is privately discussing using his waning powers as commander in chief to order up the @ @ @ @ @ Biden by refusing to concede the election , welcome him to the White House or @ @ @ @ @ ” “ Immediately announcing he is running for re-election in 2024 would set up four @ @ @ @ @ ’ s critic-in-chief .
”

“President Trump is considering a made-for-TV grand finale: a White House departure on Marine One and final Air Force One flight to Florida for a political rally opposite Joe Biden’s inauguration,” Axios reports.
“The former network star is privately discussing using his waning powers as commander in chief to order up the exit he wants after dissing Biden by refusing to concede the election, welcome him to the White House or commit to attending his inauguration.”
“Immediately announcing he is running for re-election in 2024 would set up four years of Trump playing Biden’s critic-in-chief.”


politicalwire--2020-12-06--Biden May Arrive for His Inauguration By Train

“ There ’ s talk within Bidenworld of the president-elect ditching the typical flourish of arriving in Washington on an @ @ @ @ @ in instead on the same Amtrak train he rode to and from Delaware for 30 @ @ @ @ @ ” Axios reports .

“There’s talk within Bidenworld of the president-elect ditching the typical flourish of arriving in Washington on an Air Force plane, pulling in instead on the same Amtrak train he rode to and from Delaware for 30 years as a senator,” Axios reports.


Giuliani Tests Positive

President Trump announced that Rudy Giuliani has tested positive for the coronavirus .
Said Trump : “ Rudy Giuliani , @ @ @ @ @ in the history of NYC , and who has been working tirelessly exposing the most @ @ @ @ @ ! )
in the history of the USA , has tested positive for the China @ @ @ @ @ Rudy , we will carry on !
!
!
”

President Trump announced that Rudy Giuliani has tested positive for the coronavirus.
Said Trump: “Rudy Giuliani, by far the greatest mayor in the history of NYC, and who has been working tirelessly exposing the most corrupt election (by far!) in the history of the USA, has tested positive for the China Virus. Get better soon Rudy, we will carry on!!!”


politicalwire--2020-12-06--Trump’s Promised Flood of Vaccine Is a Trickle

Washington Post : “ Federal officials have slashed the amount of coronavirus vaccine they plan to ship to states in @ @ @ @ @ supply , sending local officials into a scramble to adjust vaccination plans and highlighting how @ @ @ @ @ stockpile before the end of 2020 have fallen short.
” “ Instead of the delivery @ @ @ @ @ doses of vaccine immediately after emergency-use approval and before the end of 2020 as the @ @ @ @ @ , current plans call for availability of around a tenth of that , or 35 @ @ @ @ @ Axios : “ The amount of vaccinations available could pick up in January and February @ @ @ @ @ than the administration originally projected .
”

Washington Post: “Federal officials have slashed the amount of coronavirus vaccine they plan to ship to states in December because of constraints on supply, sending local officials into a scramble to adjust vaccination plans and highlighting how early promises of a vast stockpile before the end of 2020 have fallen short.”
“Instead of the delivery of 300 million or so doses of vaccine immediately after emergency-use approval and before the end of 2020 as the Trump administration had originally promised, current plans call for availability of around a tenth of that, or 35 to 40 million doses.”
Axios: “The amount of vaccinations available could pick up in January and February but will still be lower than the administration originally projected.”


politicalwire--2020-12-06--Some Democrats Question Party’s Health-Care Focus

“ After suffering losses in congressional races across the country , some Democrats are pushing the party to re-evaluate its @ @ @ @ @ prioritize the economy ahead of two key Senate races in Georgia , ” the Wall @ @ @ @ @ Health care was the most-mentioned issue across all Democratic presidential and Senate television ads , @ @ @ @ @ Democrats made defending the Affordable Care Act a top issue in Supreme Court confirmation hearings @ @ @ @ @ promised repeatedly on the campaign trail to protect the law.
” “ Democrats took the @ @ @ @ @ centering their campaigns on the Trump administration ’ s efforts to chip away at the @ @ @ @ @ the party lost multiple House seats and underperformed in several Senate races this year , @ @ @ @ @ who worked on 2020 campaigns say Democrats should have focused more on people who were @ @ @ @ @ to pay rent during the pandemic .
”

“After suffering losses in congressional races across the country, some Democrats are pushing the party to re-evaluate its focus on health care and prioritize the economy ahead of two key Senate races in Georgia,” the Wall Street Journal reports.
“Health care was the most-mentioned issue across all Democratic presidential and Senate television ads, airing nearly 1.5 million times… Democrats made defending the Affordable Care Act a top issue in Supreme Court confirmation hearings weeks before the election and promised repeatedly on the campaign trail to protect the law.”
“Democrats took the House majority in 2018 after centering their campaigns on the Trump administration’s efforts to chip away at the health law. But after the party lost multiple House seats and underperformed in several Senate races this year, some former candidates and strategists who worked on 2020 campaigns say Democrats should have focused more on people who were losing their jobs and struggling to pay rent during the pandemic.”


politicalwire--2020-12-06--Hell Week Bears Down on Congress

Hell Week Bears Down on Congress

“ Washington could sew up a massive government funding deal , finally respond to the coronavirus surge and clinch a @ @ @ @ @ , it could all fall apart this week , ” Politico reports .
“ Congress @ @ @ @ @ of the lame duck with a huge to-do list and very little time as President @ @ @ @ @ flailing legal and political attempts to overturn the election .
The coming days will require @ @ @ @ @ some buy-in from the outgoing White House to avoid a complete debacle .
”

“Washington could sew up a massive government funding deal, finally respond to the coronavirus surge and clinch a must-pass defense bill. Or, it could all fall apart this week,” Politico reports.
“Congress is entering the decisive days of the lame duck with a huge to-do list and very little time as President Trump mostly focuses on his flailing legal and political attempts to overturn the election. The coming days will require bicameral, bipartisan coordination and some buy-in from the outgoing White House to avoid a complete debacle.”


politicalwire--2020-12-06--Pentagon Reverses on Biden Talking to Spy Agencies

“ Pentagon officials said Saturday that leaders of the military ’ s intelligence services will begin meeting with members of @ @ @ @ @ transition team Monday , ending what some current and former officials said was an impasse @ @ @ @ @ control , ” the Washington Post 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--2020-12-06--Mass Transit Faces Huge Service Cuts

Mass Transit Faces Huge Service Cuts

New York Times : “ In Boston , transit officials warned of ending weekend service on the commuter rail and @ @ @ @ @ s ferries .
In Washington , weekend and late-night metro service would be eliminated and @ @ @ @ @ s 91 stations would close .
In Atlanta , 70 of the city ’ s @ @ @ @ @ been suspended , a move that could become permanent.
” “ And in New York @ @ @ @ @ largest mass transportation system in North America , transit officials have unveiled a plan that @ @ @ @ @ 40 percent and cut commuter rail service in half .
Across the United States , @ @ @ @ @ an extraordinary financial crisis set off by the pandemic , which has starved transit agencies @ @ @ @ @ and threatens to cripple service for years .
”

New York Times: “In Boston, transit officials warned of ending weekend service on the commuter rail and shutting down the city’s ferries. In Washington, weekend and late-night metro service would be eliminated and 19 of the system’s 91 stations would close. In Atlanta, 70 of the city’s 110 bus routes have already been suspended, a move that could become permanent.”
“And in New York City, home to the largest mass transportation system in North America, transit officials have unveiled a plan that could slash subway service by 40 percent and cut commuter rail service in half. Across the United States, public transportation systems are confronting an extraordinary financial crisis set off by the pandemic, which has starved transit agencies of huge amounts of revenue and threatens to cripple service for years.”


politicalwire--2020-12-06--Kamala Harris on the Cusp of Power

Kamala Harris on the Cusp of Power

“ Kamala Harris began her political career in 2003 with an audacious gambit , running against and unseating her former @ @ @ @ @ .
Atty .
Terence Hallinan , just a few years after he ’ d promoted @ @ @ @ @ assistant , ” the Los Angeles Times reports .
“ Now that long-apparent ambition will @ @ @ @ @ speculation as Harris is about to become the vice president , the understudy , to @ @ @ @ @ will be the oldest president in history.
” “ President-elect Joe Biden , while eager @ @ @ @ @ he ’ ll be a lame duck , has insisted repeatedly that Harris need not @ @ @ @ @ a former vice president who believes in a robust role for the job , he @ @ @ @ @ stage and the decision-making with the 56-year-old California senator .
”

“Kamala Harris began her political career in 2003 with an audacious gambit, running against and unseating her former boss, San Francisco Dist. Atty. Terence Hallinan, just a few years after he’d promoted her to be a top assistant,” the Los Angeles Times reports.
“Now that long-apparent ambition will be the source of inevitable speculation as Harris is about to become the vice president, the understudy, to a man who at 78 will be the oldest president in history.”
“President-elect Joe Biden, while eager to dispel any notion that he’ll be a lame duck, has insisted repeatedly that Harris need not wait for power. As a former vice president who believes in a robust role for the job, he has already begun sharing the stage and the decision-making with the 56-year-old California senator.”


politicalwire--2020-12-06--GOP Senator Still Won’t Acknowledge Biden Win

Sen. Mike Braun ( R-IN ) told ABC News the legal process concerning election results must be allowed to play @ @ @ @ @ court cases brought by the Trump campaign have been thrown out due to lack of @ @


politicalwire--2020-12-06--Trump’s Possible 2024 Bid Leaves GOP in a Bind

“ President Trump ’ s public and private musings about running again in 2024 are scrambling the calculus for the @ @ @ @ @ considering bids , ” the Wall Street Journal reports .
“ Most hopefuls have been @ @ @ @ @ But it ’ s unclear whether Mr. Trump , who refuses to concede his loss @ @ @ @ @ will follow through , and rivals either way will likely seek ways to remain viable @ @ @ @ @ ’ t want to risk alienating Mr. Trump ’ s base by appearing to push @ @ @ @ @ also don ’ t want to be left unprepared if he decides not to run @ @

“President Trump’s public and private musings about running again in 2024 are scrambling the calculus for the large field of fellow Republicans considering bids,” the Wall Street Journal reports.
“Most hopefuls have been quick to show deference. But it’s unclear whether Mr. Trump, who refuses to concede his loss to President-elect Joe Biden, will follow through, and rivals either way will likely seek ways to remain viable. Prospective GOP candidates don’t want to risk alienating Mr. Trump’s base by appearing to push him aside, but they also don’t want to be left unprepared if he decides not to run.”


politicalwire--2020-12-06--The Country Owes the Never Trumpers a Debt

E.J .
Dionne : “ Yes , many progressives have been uneasy with these unusual allies .
They insist that @ @ @ @ @ imposition on conservatism but rather the product of long-standing trends in Republican politics .
Trafficking @ @ @ @ @ , nativism , extremism , conspiracy theories and voter suppression did not start with Trump.
@ @ @ @ @ right about this .
But the Never Trumpers deserve our respect precisely because so many @ @ @ @ @ tendencies and , in more cases than not , undertook a deeper critique of their @ @ @ @

E.J. Dionne: “Yes, many progressives have been uneasy with these unusual allies. They insist that Trump was not some alien imposition on conservatism but rather the product of long-standing trends in Republican politics. Trafficking in racial division and racism, nativism, extremism, conspiracy theories and voter suppression did not start with Trump.”
“Progressives are entirely right about this. But the Never Trumpers deserve our respect precisely because so many of them stood against these tendencies and, in more cases than not, undertook a deeper critique of their own side.”


politicalwire--2020-12-07--The Biggest Swings Toward and Against Trump

New York Times : “ With most of the slow-to-report votes tallied , we finally have a clearer picture of @ @ @ @ @ results .
Despite the high polarization in the country that carried over to the reaction @ @ @ @ @ 70 percent to 80 percent of Republicans still saying they disbelieve that Joe Biden won @ @ @ @ @ vote itself was less polarized than in 2016.
” “ Compared with 2016 , in @ @ @ @ @ by race or ethnicity , and urban areas and suburban areas voted more alike .
@ @ @ @ @ partisan divides widened .
Mr. Biden gained in well-educated suburbs and exurbs , often in @ @ @ @ @ vote Republican in recent decades , like the Atlanta , Dallas and Phoenix areas .
@

New York Times: “With most of the slow-to-report votes tallied, we finally have a clearer picture of last month’s presidential results. Despite the high polarization in the country that carried over to the reaction to the results — with 70 percent to 80 percent of Republicans still saying they disbelieve that Joe Biden won — in some respects the vote itself was less polarized than in 2016.”
“Compared with 2016, in 2020 there was less difference by race or ethnicity, and urban areas and suburban areas voted more alike. But the economic and education partisan divides widened. Mr. Biden gained in well-educated suburbs and exurbs, often in places that have tended to vote Republican in recent decades, like the Atlanta, Dallas and Phoenix areas.”


politicalwire--2020-12-07--Earmarks Poised to Make Return

Earmarks Poised to Make Return

“ Congressional earmarks , once symbols of political corruption and profligate spending , could be primed for a comeback on @ @ @ @ @ they were eliminated , ” USA Today reports .
“ Key leaders on Capitol Hill @ @ @ @ @ to end the moratorium provided that rules requiring transparency ensure only legitimate projects make the @ @ @ @ @ return of earmarks would help build public support for Congress to pass more bills , @ @ @ @ @ or a massive infrastructure bill , if they know there ’ s something that would @ @ @ @ @

“Congressional earmarks, once symbols of political corruption and profligate spending, could be primed for a comeback on Capitol Hill a decade after they were eliminated,” USA Today reports.
“Key leaders on Capitol Hill say it’s time to end the moratorium provided that rules requiring transparency ensure only legitimate projects make the cut. They also say return of earmarks would help build public support for Congress to pass more bills, including a COVID-19 stimulus package or a massive infrastructure bill, if they know there’s something that would benefit them directly.”


politicalwire--2020-12-07--Federal Judge Upholds Michigan Election Results

A federal judge has rejected a last-minute push by Michigan Republicans who sought an emergency order to overturn President-elect Joe @ @ @ @ @ the state , saying the effort aimed to “ ignore the will of millions of @ @ @ @ @ News reports .


politicalwire--2020-12-07--Ossoff Tweets Chicken Emoji

Ossoff Tweets Chicken Emoji

Georgia U.S , Senate candidate Jon Ossoff ( D ) tweeted a chicken emoji after Sen. David Perdue ( R @ @ @ @ @ up for their scheduled debate saying Perdue ’ s “ handlers won ’ t let @ @ @ @ @ incriminate himself on the Cardlytics emails , the submarine stock trades , or the Regions @ @ @ @ @ is disqualifying .
”

Georgia U.S, Senate candidate Jon Ossoff (D) tweeted a chicken emoji after Sen. David Perdue (R) didn’t show up for their scheduled debate saying Perdue’s “handlers won’t let him debate because he could incriminate himself on the Cardlytics emails, the submarine stock trades, or the Regions Bank deal — that alone is disqualifying.”


politicalwire--2020-12-07--Kerry’s Climate Job Scrambles Biden’s Org Chart

Politico : “ He ’ s been a national figure since his days as a Vietnam vet protesting the war @ @ @ @ @ ’ s banner in 2004 .
And as secretary of State , he negotiated a @ @ @ @ @ world ’ s most powerful countries.
” “ Now John Kerry is reporting for duty @ @ @ @ @ climate envoy , and the exact parameters of his new role remain undefined , raising @ @ @ @ @ confusion and complicate the Biden administration ’ s diplomatic lines of effort .
”

Politico: “He’s been a national figure since his days as a Vietnam vet protesting the war. He carried his party’s banner in 2004. And as secretary of State, he negotiated a major nuclear deal involving the world’s most powerful countries.”
“Now John Kerry is reporting for duty as Joe Biden’s climate envoy, and the exact parameters of his new role remain undefined, raising concerns that he might create confusion and complicate the Biden administration’s diplomatic lines of effort.”


politicalwire--2020-12-07--Government Funding Expires on Friday

Government Funding Expires on Friday

Playbook : “ We hear that Congress is likely to pass a one-week stopgap spending bill to buy another seven @ @ @ @ @ funding — that would make the shutdown deadline Dec. 18 .
Whether Congress eventually settles @ @ @ @ @ a three-month stopgap is still not clear .
At this point , it seems like @ @ @ @ @ of that nature is becoming more likely .
This would create a natural deadline in @ @ @ @ @ bill .
There seems to be a lot of disagreement about an omni at this @ @ @ @ @ is ruling anything out .
”

Playbook: “We hear that Congress is likely to pass a one-week stopgap spending bill to buy another seven days for talks on government funding — that would make the shutdown deadline Dec. 18. Whether Congress eventually settles on a 12-bill omnibus or a three-month stopgap is still not clear. At this point, it seems like a three-month CR or something of that nature is becoming more likely. This would create a natural deadline in March for funding/another Covid relief bill. There seems to be a lot of disagreement about an omni at this point — but no one is ruling anything out.”


politicalwire--2020-12-07--Stacey Abrams Blamed for Trump Not Conceding

In a Wall Street Journal op-ed , Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger ( R ) seemed to blame Stacey @ @ @ @ @ President Trump ’ s attempts to overturn the 2020 presidential election .
Raffensperger drew parallels @ @ @ @ @ concede her loss in the 2018 gubernatorial race to Brian Kemp : “ After four @ @ @ @ @ the integrity of elections by the most significant mainstream media outlets and pundits , it @ @ @ @ @ that Americans have trouble believing the results of even the most secure elections .
”

In a Wall Street Journal op-ed, Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger (R) seemed to blame Stacey Abrams (D) for President Trump’s attempts to overturn the 2020 presidential election.
Raffensperger drew parallels between Abrams’ refusal to concede her loss in the 2018 gubernatorial race to Brian Kemp: “After four years of relentless attacks on the integrity of elections by the most significant mainstream media outlets and pundits, it should come as no surprise that Americans have trouble believing the results of even the most secure elections.”


politicalwire--2020-12-07--California Locks Down Again

California Locks Down Again

“ Tens of millions of people in Southern California , the San Joaquin Valley and the San Francisco Bay Area @ @ @ @ @ stay-at-home orders this week in an effort to slow the spread of Covid-19 and prevent @ @ @ @ @ ” CNN reports .
“ Roughly 33 million of California ’ s 39 million residents @ @ @ @ @ the nation ’ s most populous state , will be under the orders beginning Sunday @ @ @

“Tens of millions of people in Southern California, the San Joaquin Valley and the San Francisco Bay Area will find themselves under new stay-at-home orders this week in an effort to slow the spread of Covid-19 and prevent hospitals from being overrun,” CNN reports.
“Roughly 33 million of California’s 39 million residents, about 85% of the nation’s most populous state, will be under the orders beginning Sunday evening.”


politicalwire--2020-12-07--Two New Books on Trump’s Final Year

Two New Books on Trump’s Final Year

Bob Woodward and Robert Costa , both of The Washington Post , are teaming up to write a book on @ @ @ @ @ Trump presidency and the first phase of the Biden presidency , Axios reports .
And @ @ @ @ @ Carol Leonnig , who wrote A Very Stable Genius , will also team up again @ @ @ @ @ s final year .

Bob Woodward and Robert Costa, both of The Washington Post, are teaming up to write a book on the final days of the Trump presidency and the first phase of the Biden presidency, Axios reports.
And Playbook reports Phil Rucker and Carol Leonnig, who wrote A Very Stable Genius, will also team up again to write about Trump’s final year.


politicalwire--2020-12-07--Biden’s Ambassador to the GOP

Biden’s Ambassador to the GOP

Politico : “ Chris Coons was in the final two when it came to Joe Biden ’ s search for @ @ @ @ @ But the president-elect had a simple message when he broke the news that the job @ @ @ @ @ Blinken.
” Said Biden : “ I need you in the Senate.
” “ The @ @ @ @ @ to lots of Democrats these days as he tries to staff his Cabinet .
But @ @ @ @ @ Coons may actually be the most critical individual Democrat on Capitol Hill — Biden truly @ @ @ @ @ any chance at accomplishment in a narrowly divided Congress .
”

Politico: “Chris Coons was in the final two when it came to Joe Biden’s search for a secretary of State. But the president-elect had a simple message when he broke the news that the job would instead go to Tony Blinken.”
Said Biden: “I need you in the Senate.”
“The next president is telling that to lots of Democrats these days as he tries to staff his Cabinet. But in the Biden era, Coons may actually be the most critical individual Democrat on Capitol Hill — Biden truly needs his help to have any chance at accomplishment in a narrowly divided Congress.”


politicalwire--2020-12-07--Pompeo to Head Home to Kansas

Pompeo to Head Home to Kansas

Wall Street Journal : “ In an interview at his State Department office , Mr. Pompeo said he and his @ @ @ @ @ to return at some point to Kansas to be with friends , family and their @ @ @ @ @ congressman , he represented the state ’ s Fourth District for six years .
… @ @ @ @ @ see Mr. Pompeo leveraging his national and international stature for a future run for governor @ @ @ @ @ one day , president or vice president.
” “ Kansas Republican National Committeeman Mark Kahrs @ @ @ @ @ possible challenger to Kansas Democratic Gov .
Laura Kelly in two years .
While Mr. @ @ @ @ @ President Trump will serve a second consecutive term , he believes Mr. Pompeo has a @ @ @ @ @ ’ s successor someday .
”

Wall Street Journal: “In an interview at his State Department office, Mr. Pompeo said he and his wife, Susan, aim to return at some point to Kansas to be with friends, family and their church community. As a congressman, he represented the state’s Fourth District for six years. … [L]ongtime supporters see Mr. Pompeo leveraging his national and international stature for a future run for governor, U.S. senator or, one day, president or vice president.”
“Kansas Republican National Committeeman Mark Kahrs sees Mr. Pompeo as a possible challenger to Kansas Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly in two years. While Mr. Kahrs said he still hopes President Trump will serve a second consecutive term, he believes Mr. Pompeo has a strong claim as Mr. Trump’s successor someday.”


politicalwire--2020-12-07--Giuliani Diagnosis Closes Arizona Legislature

The Arizona Legislature will be closed all next week after at least 15 current or future Republican legislators may have @ @ @ @ @ by meeting with Rudy Giuliani , the Arizona Capitol Times reports .


politicalwire--2020-12-07--Anti-Vaccine Doctor Will Testify Before Senate

“ A doctor who is skeptical of coronavirus vaccines and promotes the anti-malaria drug hydroxychloroquine as a Covid-19 treatment will @ @ @ @ @ a Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing on Tuesday , prompting criticism from @ @ @ @ @ not give a platform to someone who spreads conspiracy theories , ” the New York @ @ @

“A doctor who is skeptical of coronavirus vaccines and promotes the anti-malaria drug hydroxychloroquine as a Covid-19 treatment will be the lead witness at a Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing on Tuesday, prompting criticism from Democrats who say Republicans should not give a platform to someone who spreads conspiracy theories,” the New York Times reports.


politicalwire--2020-12-08--Alito Sparks Worry Supreme Court Could Intervene

“ As states prepare to lock-in their Electoral College delegates by Tuesday night ’ s ‘ safe harbor ’ deadline @ @ @ @ @ feeding speculation that the U.S. Supreme Court could upend the 2020 election results in an @ @ @ @ @ News reports .
“ Alito sparked intrigue Sunday morning when he quietly moved up a @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday to Tuesday — in an emergency appeal brought by allies of President Trump in @ @ @ @ @ keeps open the possibility of court action before the state ’ s delegates are set @ @ @ @

“As states prepare to lock-in their Electoral College delegates by Tuesday night’s ‘safe harbor’ deadline, Justice Samuel Alito is feeding speculation that the U.S. Supreme Court could upend the 2020 election results in an eleventh-hour intervention,” ABC News reports.
“Alito sparked intrigue Sunday morning when he quietly moved up a key filing deadline — from Wednesday to Tuesday — in an emergency appeal brought by allies of President Trump in Pennsylvania. The change effectively keeps open the possibility of court action before the state’s delegates are set in stone.”


politicalwire--2020-12-08--Trump Asked Pennsylvania Speaker to Overturn Vote

“ President Trump called the speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives twice during the past week to make an @ @ @ @ @ his loss in the state , reflecting a broadening pressure campaign by the president and @ @ @ @ @ subvert the 2020 election result , ” the Washington Post reports .
“ The calls @ @ @ @ @ Bryan Cutler ’ s office , make Pennsylvania the third state where Trump has directly @ @ @ @ @ since he lost the election to President-elect Joe Biden .
”

“President Trump called the speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives twice during the past week to make an extraordinary request for help reversing his loss in the state, reflecting a broadening pressure campaign by the president and his allies to try to subvert the 2020 election result,” the Washington Post reports.
“The calls, confirmed by House Speaker Bryan Cutler’s office, make Pennsylvania the third state where Trump has directly attempted to overturn a result since he lost the election to President-elect Joe Biden.”


politicalwire--2020-12-08--Republicans Focus Their Attacks on Raphael Warnock

New York Times : “ As Georgians prepare to vote in two runoffs next month that will decide control of @ @ @ @ @ little mystery as to which of the two Democratic candidates G.O.P .
officials want to @ @ @ @ @ they try to rouse their base : the Rev .
Raphael Warnock , who is @ @ @ @ @ other Republican senator , Kelly Loeffler.
” “ Ms .
Loeffler made plain the Republican @ @ @ @ @ Warnock a “ radical liberal ” 13 times in their debate on Sunday evening .
@ @ @ @ @ criticism of police officers and a sermon in which he once said that “ nobody @ @ @ @ @ military , ” a theme that has roots in biblical passages.
” “ Her plan @ @ @ @ @ portrayal by President Trump during his rally on Saturday in Valdosta , Ga. , where @ @ @ @ @ likened Mr. Warnock to the Rev .
Jeremiah Wright , the Chicago pastor whose comments @ @ @ @ @ with Barack Obama in the 2008 campaign .
”

New York Times: “As Georgians prepare to vote in two runoffs next month that will decide control of the Senate, there is little mystery as to which of the two Democratic candidates G.O.P. officials want to elevate as a target as they try to rouse their base: the Rev. Raphael Warnock, who is running against Georgia’s other Republican senator, Kelly Loeffler.”
“Ms. Loeffler made plain the Republican strategy when she called Mr. Warnock a “radical liberal” 13 times in their debate on Sunday evening. She repeatedly invoked his past criticism of police officers and a sermon in which he once said that “nobody can serve God and the military,” a theme that has roots in biblical passages.”
“Her plan of attack followed a similar portrayal by President Trump during his rally on Saturday in Valdosta, Ga., where Republicans played a video that likened Mr. Warnock to the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, the Chicago pastor whose comments drew scrutiny to his relationship with Barack Obama in the 2008 campaign.”


politicalwire--2020-12-08--Biden Picks Austin as Secretary of Defense

New York Times : “ As Georgians prepare to vote in two runoffs next month that will decide control of @ @ @ @ @ little mystery as to which of the two…

“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--2020-12-08--Ivanka and Jared Buy $30 Million Plot on Miami Island

“ Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner have splashed out on a $ 30 million-plus dollar lot of land on Miami @ @ @ @ @ Indian Creek Island — known as the ‘ Billionaire ’ s Bunker ’ — the @ @ @ @ @ “ Ahead of President Trump ’ s exit from the White House , the couple @ @ @ @ @ life after D.C. and have viewed numerous properties and lots of land in the Miami @ @ @ @ @ ”

“Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner have splashed out on a $30 million-plus dollar lot of land on Miami’s uber-swanky and high-security Indian Creek Island — known as the ‘Billionaire’s Bunker’ — the New York Post reports.
“Ahead of President Trump’s exit from the White House, the couple is busy making plans for life after D.C. and have viewed numerous properties and lots of land in the Miami and Palm Beach area.”


politicalwire--2020-12-08--China No Longer Hiding Trade with North Korea

“ China is increasingly flouting international sanctions on North Korea and is no longer trying to hide some of its @ @ @ @ @ to help Pyongyang endure the Trump administration ’ s pressure campaign , ” the Wall @ @ @ @ @ The illicit trade between China and North Korea presents a particular challenge for the incoming @ @ @ @

“China is increasingly flouting international sanctions on North Korea and is no longer trying to hide some of its smuggling activity as it seeks to help Pyongyang endure the Trump administration’s pressure campaign,” the Wall Street Journal reports.
“The illicit trade between China and North Korea presents a particular challenge for the incoming Biden administration.”


politicalwire--2020-12-07--Agents Raid Home of Florida Data Scientist

“ State police brandishing firearms raided the home of Rebekah Jones , the former Department of Health data scientist who @ @ @ @ @ much-praised COVID-19 dashboard before being fired over what she said was refusing to ‘ manipulate @ @ @ @ @ Tallahassee Democrat reports .
“ Jones — who launched her own COVID-19 dashboard after she @ @ @ @ @ crowdsourcing to raise money to support it — said the agents knocked on her door @ @ @ @ @ , took all her ‘ hardware and tech ’ after showing her a warrant based @ @ @ @ @ the Florida Department of Health .
”

“State police brandishing firearms raided the home of Rebekah Jones, the former Department of Health data scientist who built the state’s much-praised COVID-19 dashboard before being fired over what she said was refusing to ‘manipulate data,'” the Tallahassee Democrat reports.
“Jones — who launched her own COVID-19 dashboard after she was fired, and used crowdsourcing to raise money to support it — said the agents knocked on her door around 8:30 a.m. that morning, took all her ‘hardware and tech’ after showing her a warrant based on a complaint filed by the Florida Department of Health.”


politicalwire--2020-12-07--Lawmakers Will Return If Trump Vetoes Defense Bill


politicalwire--2020-12-07--House Conservatives Urge Trump Not to Concede

“ President Trump ’ s staunchest defenders on Capitol Hill are urging him not to concede even after President-elect Joe @ @ @ @ @ vote next week , calling on their party ’ s leader to fight for his @ @ @ @ @ fraud all the way to the House floor in January , ” CNN reports .
@ @ @ @ @ ’ s defenders is at odds with that of many top congressional Republicans , including @ @ @ @ @ who believe the election will be over next Monday when electors cast their votes and @ @ @ @ @ official — even though the Democrat ’ s victory in the presidential race has been @ @ @ @ @

“President Trump’s staunchest defenders on Capitol Hill are urging him not to concede even after President-elect Joe Biden wins the Electoral College vote next week, calling on their party’s leader to fight for his unsubstantiated claims of widespread election fraud all the way to the House floor in January,” CNN reports.
“The view of Trump’s defenders is at odds with that of many top congressional Republicans, including leaders of the Senate, who believe the election will be over next Monday when electors cast their votes and make Biden’s win official — even though the Democrat’s victory in the presidential race has been clear for weeks.”


politicalwire--2020-12-07--Trump Officials Declined to Buy More Pfizer Vaccine

“ Trump administration officials passed when Pfizer offered in late summer to sell the U.S. government additional doses of its @ @ @ @ @ New York Times reports .
“ Now Pfizer may not be able provide more of @ @ @ @ @ States until next June because of its commitments to other countries .
”

“Trump administration officials passed when Pfizer offered in late summer to sell the U.S. government additional doses of its Covid-19 vaccine,” the New York Times reports.
“Now Pfizer may not be able provide more of its vaccine to the United States until next June because of its commitments to other countries.”


politicalwire--2020-12-07--Austin Now Leading Contender for Defense Secretary


politicalwire--2020-12-07--EPA Won’t Tighten Soot Standards

EPA Won’t Tighten Soot Standards

Wall Street Journal : “ Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Andrew Wheeler has decided to retain current standards for soot pollution @ @ @ @ @ sufficient despite research suggesting that tougher standards could save lives .
The move retains standards @ @ @ @ @ pollution , adopted in 2012 that set limits at 12 micrograms per cubic meter of @ @ @


politicalwire--2020-12-07--Pfizer and Moderna Won’t Attend Trump Summit

Both Pfizer and Moderna , the two major drug manufacturers likely to receive emergency authorizations for a Covid-19 vaccine in @ @ @ @ @ rejected invitations from President Trump to appear at a White House “ Vaccine Summit ” @ @ @ @ @ .
Bloomberg says the three-hour summit is scheduled to be held indoors , despite a @ @ @

Both Pfizer and Moderna, the two major drug manufacturers likely to receive emergency authorizations for a Covid-19 vaccine in the coming weeks, have rejected invitations from President Trump to appear at a White House “Vaccine Summit” on Tuesday, Stat reports.
Bloomberg says the three-hour summit is scheduled to be held indoors, despite a raging pandemic.


politicalwire--2020-12-07--Justices Reject Appeal to Limit Transgender Rights

“ The Supreme Court declined Monday to take up an appeal from parents in Oregon who want to prevent transgender @ @ @ @ @ and bathrooms of the gender with which they identify , rather than their sex assigned @ @ @ @ @ AP reports .

“The Supreme Court declined Monday to take up an appeal from parents in Oregon who want to prevent transgender students from using locker rooms and bathrooms of the gender with which they identify, rather than their sex assigned at birth,” the AP reports.


‘We Messed Up’

Former Alabama state Sen. Larry Dixon ( R ) , who also served as the executive director of the Alabama @ @ @ @ @ died from Covid-19 on Dec. 4 , NBC News reports .
His wife said his @ @ @ @ @ We messed up , we let our guard down .
Please tell everybody to be @ @ @ @ @ , and if you get diagnosed , get help immediately .
”

Former Alabama state Sen. Larry Dixon (R), who also served as the executive director of the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners, died from Covid-19 on Dec. 4, NBC News reports.
His wife said his last words were: “We messed up, we let our guard down. Please tell everybody to be careful. This is real, and if you get diagnosed, get help immediately.”


politicalwire--2020-12-07--Georgia Recertifies Biden’s Victory

Georgia Recertifies Biden’s Victory


politicalwire--2020-12-07--Bonus Quote of the Day

Bonus Quote of the Day

“ The objective fact is I believe Trump probably did actually carry Georgia… Republicans simply have to turn out more @ @ @ @ @ steal.
” — Newt Gingrich , while offering no evidence of his “ objective fact @ @ @ @ @ interview .

“The objective fact is I believe Trump probably did actually carry Georgia… Republicans simply have to turn out more votes than Stacey Abrams can steal.”
— Newt Gingrich, while offering no evidence of his “objective fact” in a Fox News interview.


politicalwire--2020-12-07--Navarro Repeatedly Violated the Hatch Act