politicalwire--2020-02-06--How Trump Beat the Rap

How Trump Beat the Rap

John Harris : “ President Trump is acquitted , but the consensus view — shared by nearly all Democrats and @ @ @ @ @ Republicans — is that the United States Senate did nothing to acquit itself .
Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ with near-perfect precision since the opening hours of the Ukraine scandal in September — has @ @ @ @ @ The partisan divisions that saved Trump are an expression of deeper and malignant trends that @ @ @ @ @ democracy.
” “ By all means count me in for mournful sermons about the poor @ @ @ @ @ the Age of Trump .
The patient is indeed sick .
But it is not @ @ @ @ @ is growing faint .
To the contrary , the fundamental problem of modern political culture @ @ @ @ @ .
Politicians have shown repeatedly the ability to escape consequences by reframing almost any controversy @ @ @ @ @ misbehavior to the familiar question : Which side are you on , mine or my @ @ @

John Harris: “President Trump is acquitted, but the consensus view — shared by nearly all Democrats and even a decent number of Republicans — is that the United States Senate did nothing to acquit itself. Wednesday’s vote — anticipated with near-perfect precision since the opening hours of the Ukraine scandal in September — has yielded a new indictment: The partisan divisions that saved Trump are an expression of deeper and malignant trends that are a threat to constitutional democracy.”
“By all means count me in for mournful sermons about the poor civic hygiene of America in the Age of Trump. The patient is indeed sick. But it is not because the pulse of democracy is growing faint. To the contrary, the fundamental problem of modern political culture is the erosion of accountability. Politicians have shown repeatedly the ability to escape consequences by reframing almost any controversy away from the particulars of misbehavior to the familiar question: Which side are you on, mine or my enemies?”


politicalwire--2020-02-06--A Fake Impeachment Trial

A Fake Impeachment Trial

Susan Glasser : “ The trial was more fake than even the disinterested public could have anticipated—the first impeachment trial in the Senate ’ s history not to call a single witness.
” “ Its end is a relief .
At least we will not have to hear any more bogus speeches about the Founding Fathers or pabulum about the sanctity of the process .
We are spared the faux horror of Alaska ’ s Lisa Murkowski , who chided Congress for its abdication of responsibility but didn ’ t want to hear the former national-security adviser John Bolton testify @ @ @ @ @ @ @ President .
We are saved from the absurd rationalizations of Maine ’ s Susan Collins and Ohio ’ s Rob Portman , who reproved the President for his ‘ wrong ’ and ‘ inappropriate ’ conduct but insisted that Trump had learned his lessons and should not face any consequences .
This , along with Romney ’ s last-minute declaration exposing their hollow pretense , is what passed for suspense in the trial.
” “ But it was all misleading , a distraction , as pointless as their votes turned out to be @ @

Susan Glasser: “The trial was more fake than even the disinterested public could have anticipated—the first impeachment trial in the Senate’s history not to call a single witness.”
“Its end is a relief. At least we will not have to hear any more bogus speeches about the Founding Fathers or pabulum about the sanctity of the process. We are spared the faux horror of Alaska’s Lisa Murkowski, who chided Congress for its abdication of responsibility but didn’t want to hear the former national-security adviser John Bolton testify under oath about grave wrongdoing by the President. We are saved from the absurd rationalizations of Maine’s Susan Collins and Ohio’s Rob Portman, who reproved the President for his ‘wrong’ and ‘inappropriate’ conduct but insisted that Trump had learned his lessons and should not face any consequences. This, along with Romney’s last-minute declaration exposing their hollow pretense, is what passed for suspense in the trial.”
“But it was all misleading, a distraction, as pointless as their votes turned out to be.”


politicalwire--2020-02-06--Well, That Settled Nothing

Well, That Settled Nothing

New York Times : “ When the history books are written about this day , they will surely record it @ @ @ @ @ monumental three-year political battle that tested American democracy and delivered victory to an enraged and @ @ @ @ @ foes .
But they will not record it as the end of the struggle.
” @ @ @ @ @ acquittal on Wednesday after a fiery three-week Senate impeachment trial provided him a moment of @ @ @ @ @ validation , a shot of momentum — anything but the finality that he might want @ @ @ @ @ to bring an end to endless wars overseas remains at the center of an endless @ @ @ @ @ that now moves to the campaign trail and will not be resolved until November at @ @ @ @ @ than reaching out to bind the wounds , as President Bill Clinton did after his @ @ @ @ @ 1999 , Mr. Trump made clear minutes after the final roll call that he planned @ @ @ @ @ .
”

New York Times: “When the history books are written about this day, they will surely record it as the culmination of a monumental three-year political battle that tested American democracy and delivered victory to an enraged and enraging president over his relentless foes. But they will not record it as the end of the struggle.”
“President Trump’s acquittal on Wednesday after a fiery three-week Senate impeachment trial provided him a moment of triumph, a sense of validation, a shot of momentum — anything but the finality that he might want. The president who vowed to bring an end to endless wars overseas remains at the center of an endless war at home, one that now moves to the campaign trail and will not be resolved until November at the earliest.”
“Rather than reaching out to bind the wounds, as President Bill Clinton did after his own Senate impeachment trial in 1999, Mr. Trump made clear minutes after the final roll call that he planned to go on the offensive.”


politicalwire--2020-02-06--Homeland Security Suspends Global Entry for New Yorkers

Acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf told Fox News that DHS was immediately suspending Global Entry and several other Trusted @ @ @ @ @ York state residents — a dramatic move in response to the state ’ s recently @ @ @ @ @ Law.
” The sweeping order came a day after President Trump , in his State @ @ @ @ @ condemned Democratic states and local governments that “ release dangerous criminal aliens to prey upon @ @ @ @ @ called on Congress to pass a law establishing civil liability for sanctuary cities .
Ron @ @ @ @ @ ’ ve written before , Trump is a war time president for red America against @ @ @ @

Acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf told Fox News that DHS was immediately suspending Global Entry and several other Trusted Traveler Programs for all New York state residents — a dramatic move in response to the state’s recently enacted sanctuary “Green Light Law.”
The sweeping order came a day after President Trump, in his State of the Union address, condemned Democratic states and local governments that “release dangerous criminal aliens to prey upon the public,” and called on Congress to pass a law establishing civil liability for sanctuary cities.
Ron Brownstein: “As I’ve written before, Trump is a war time president for red America against blue America.”


politicalwire--2020-02-06--Extra Bonus Quote of the Day

Extra Bonus Quote of the Day

“ I ’ m running against Donald Trump — they ’ re running against each other .
And my polls @ @ @ @ @ their polls are going down .
If I were them , I ’ d change @ @ @ @ @ Bloomberg , in an interview with WPRI , on his rivals for the Democratic presidential @ @

“I’m running against Donald Trump — they’re running against each other. And my polls are going up, and their polls are going down. If I were them, I’d change their strategies.”
— Michael Bloomberg, in an interview with WPRI, on his rivals for the Democratic presidential nomination.


politicalwire--2020-02-06--How Mitt Romney Decided Trump Is Guilty

How Mitt Romney Decided Trump Is Guilty

McKay Coppins : “ When the senator invited me to his Capitol Hill office yesterday , I was unsure what @ @ @ @ @ had been largely silent throughout the impeachment proceedings , giving little indication of which way @ @ @ @ @ half-expected to find a cowed and calculating politician ready with a list of excuses for @ @ @ @ @ granted the interview on the condition that it would be embargoed until he took to @ @ @ @ @ ” “ Instead , I found Romney filled with what seemed like righteous indignation about @ @ @ @ @ hymns and scripture , expressing dismay at his party , and bracing for the political @ @ @

McKay Coppins: “When the senator invited me to his Capitol Hill office yesterday, I was unsure what he would reveal. Romney had been largely silent throughout the impeachment proceedings, giving little indication of which way he was leaning. I half-expected to find a cowed and calculating politician ready with a list of excuses for caving. (His staff granted the interview on the condition that it would be embargoed until he took to the Senate floor.)”
“Instead, I found Romney filled with what seemed like righteous indignation about the president’s misconduct—quoting hymns and scripture, expressing dismay at his party, and bracing for the political backlash.”


politicalwire--2020-02-06--McConnell Calls Impeachment a ‘Colossal’ Mistake

Sen , Mitch McConnell called impeachment a “ political loser ” and a “ colossal political mistake ” for Democrats @ @ @ @ @ Said McConnell : “ The president has his highest approval rating since he ’ s @ @ @ @ @ can tell you as a poll watcher … every one of our people in tough @ @ @ @ @ today than they were before the impeachment trial started .
”

Sen, Mitch McConnell called impeachment a “political loser” and a “colossal political mistake” for Democrats, The Hill reports.
Said McConnell: “The president has his highest approval rating since he’s been in office. I can tell you as a poll watcher … every one of our people in tough races is in better shape today than they were before the impeachment trial started.”


politicalwire--2020-02-06--Biden’s Chances of Winning Plummet

Biden’s Chances of Winning Plummet

The FiveThirtyEight forecast now shows Bernie Sanders with a 37 % chance at winning the Democratic nomination , followed by @ @ @ @ @ , Elizabeth Warren at 10 % and Pete Buttigieg at 6 % .
There is @ @ @ @ @ no one will receive a majority of delegates , which would mean a contested convention @

The FiveThirtyEight forecast now shows Bernie Sanders with a 37% chance at winning the Democratic nomination, followed by Joe Biden at 21%, Elizabeth Warren at 10% and Pete Buttigieg at 6%.
There is also a 27% chance no one will receive a majority of delegates, which would mean a contested convention.


politicalwire--2020-02-06--AP Unable to Declare Winner In Iowa

AP Unable to Declare Winner In Iowa

The Associated Press said that it is unable to declare a winner of Iowa ’ s Democratic caucuses .
From @ @ @ @ @ Associated Press calls a race when there is a clear indication of a winner .
@ @ @ @ @ between former Mayor Pete Buttigieg and Sen. Bernie Sanders and the irregularities in this year @ @ @ @ @ it is not possible to determine a winner at this point .
”

The Associated Press said that it is unable to declare a winner of Iowa’s Democratic caucuses.
From a statement: “The Associated Press calls a race when there is a clear indication of a winner. Because of a tight margin between former Mayor Pete Buttigieg and Sen. Bernie Sanders and the irregularities in this year’s caucus process, it is not possible to determine a winner at this point.”


politicalwire--2020-02-06--Vulnerable House Democrats Crushing GOP In Fundraising

“ House Democrats are clobbering their Republican challengers in the fundraising race , dramatically reducing the GOP ’ s chances @ @ @ @ @ , ” Politico reports .
“ The roughly four dozen most endangered House Democratic incumbents @ @ @ @ @ million in the last three months of 2019 , a staggering total that is nearly @ @ @ @ @ of their Republican challengers combined .
”

“House Democrats are clobbering their Republican challengers in the fundraising race, dramatically reducing the GOP’s chances of winning back the majority,” Politico reports.
“The roughly four dozen most endangered House Democratic incumbents raised a collective $28.5 million in the last three months of 2019, a staggering total that is nearly twice the sum of all of their Republican challengers combined.”


politicalwire--2020-02-06--Bonus Quote of the Day

Bonus Quote of the Day

“ When I go to meet God at the pearly gates I don ’ t think he ’ s going @ @ @ @ @ Why didn ’ t you convict Trump ?
’ I may be wrong , but @ @ @ @ @ that ’ s gon na be at the top of the list.
” — Sen. @ @ @ @ @ , in an interview with Fox News .

“When I go to meet God at the pearly gates I don’t think he’s going to ask me, ‘Why didn’t you convict Trump?’ I may be wrong, but I don’t think that’s gonna be at the top of the list.”
— Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), in an interview with Fox News.


Wake Up Democrats

Beto O ’ Rourke : “ Perhaps the most alarming thing that came out of Iowa this week was not @ @ @ @ @ and the failed technology that leaves us still in the dark as to the final @ @ @ @ @ should most concern us is that turnout might have barely kept pace with 2016 levels @ @ @ @ @ the historic turnout of 2008 .
We ’ re in the middle of a national @ @ @ @ @ staying home.
” “ Discussing this with a friend , he reminded me of how @ @ @ @ @ the 1930s — of all the people who were not Nazis , but neither were @ @ @ @ @ the Nazis of all that transpired… the countless thousands who were completely devastated by what @ @ @ @ @ country , felt utterly powerless to stop it , and , over time , quietly @ @ @ @ @ darkness and despair .
And today ?
How many millions are so heartbroken by what @ @ @ @ @ America that they have already retreated from the world ?
”

Beto O’Rourke: “Perhaps the most alarming thing that came out of Iowa this week was not the incompetence of the party and the failed technology that leaves us still in the dark as to the final results of the caucus… what should most concern us is that turnout might have barely kept pace with 2016 levels, and fell well below the historic turnout of 2008. We’re in the middle of a national emergency, and people are staying home.”
“Discussing this with a friend, he reminded me of how despair spread across Germany in the 1930s — of all the people who were not Nazis, but neither were they simply passive observers of the Nazis of all that transpired… the countless thousands who were completely devastated by what they saw happening to their country, felt utterly powerless to stop it, and, over time, quietly retreated from the world into darkness and despair. And today? How many millions are so heartbroken by what has come to pass in America that they have already retreated from the world?”


politicalwire--2020-02-06--Trump Hints at Compromise In Georgia Senate Race

President Trump suggested that he ’ s working on a compromise between Sen. Kelly Loeffler ( R-GA ) and Rep. @ @ @ @ @ , two Georgia Republicans who are clashing over the same seat in a November election @ @ @ @ @ reports .
Said Trump : “ I know , Kelly , that you ’ re @ @ @ @ @ him a lot.. Something ’ s going to happen that ’ s going to be @ @ @ @ @ ’ t know ; I haven ’ t figured it out yet .
”

President Trump suggested that he’s working on a compromise between Sen. Kelly Loeffler (R-GA) and Rep. Doug Collins (R-GA), two Georgia Republicans who are clashing over the same seat in a November election, the Atlantic Journal Constitution reports.
Said Trump: “I know, Kelly, that you’re going to end up liking him a lot.. Something’s going to happen that’s going to be very good. I don’t know; I haven’t figured it out yet.”


politicalwire--2020-02-06--What If It Comes Down to Bloomberg vs. Sanders?

Jonathan Chait : “ To be sure , if Bloomberg is the last Democrat standing against Sanders , he may @ @ @ @ @ Democratic elected officials and put up a strong fight .
Still , he would face @ @ @ @ @ .
This is , after all , a billionaire who endorsed George W. Bush in @ @ @ @ @ left has previously whipped itself into an angry frenzy against , successively , O ’ @ @ @ @ @ , and Buttigieg , the rage against Bloomberg would reach a new level.
” “ @ @ @ @ @ victory scenario would involve a long , bloody struggle all the way to the convention @ @ @ @ @ claiming at every step of the way that the party is rigging the race against @ @ @ @ @ convention where his enraged supporters will again try to shout down the proceedings .
This @ @ @ @ @ for liberals at this point .
It seems more probable that Sanders crushes the field @ @ @ @ @ suite of liabilities to the ticket .
”

Jonathan Chait: “To be sure, if Bloomberg is the last Democrat standing against Sanders, he may well attract substantial support from Democratic elected officials and put up a strong fight. Still, he would face enormous opposition from the left. This is, after all, a billionaire who endorsed George W. Bush in 2004. And while the left has previously whipped itself into an angry frenzy against, successively, O’Rourke, Biden, Harris, and Buttigieg, the rage against Bloomberg would reach a new level.”
“At that point, the victory scenario would involve a long, bloody struggle all the way to the convention, with the Sanders movement claiming at every step of the way that the party is rigging the race against them, culminating in a convention where his enraged supporters will again try to shout down the proceedings. This is probably the best-case scenario for liberals at this point. It seems more probable that Sanders crushes the field and brings his historically unique suite of liabilities to the ticket.”


politicalwire--2020-02-06--Joe Biden Must Make a Decision

Joe Biden Must Make a Decision

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Joe Biden is off the campaign trail today. He’s probably holed up in a hotel room with advisers trying to make a decision on what to do next.


politicalwire--2020-02-06--Franklin Graham Dropped by Every U.K. Venue

“ A planned UK tour by US evangelist Franklin Graham is in question after every venue booked by the preacher @ @ @ @ @ an outcry over his homophobic and Islamophobic comments , ” CNN 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--2020-02-06--Private Emails Cloud Investigation Into Josh Hawley

“ The Missouri Attorney General ’ s office under Josh Hawley ( R ) may have misused state resources to @ @ @ @ @ the U.S. Senate , ” the Kansas City Star reports .
“ Whether Hawley or @ @ @ @ @ law is unclear , the report concludes , because they regularly conducted state business off @ @ @ @ @ private email and text messaging .
”

“The Missouri Attorney General’s office under Josh Hawley (R) may have misused state resources to boost his successful campaign for the U.S. Senate,” the Kansas City Star reports.
“Whether Hawley or his staff broke the the law is unclear, the report concludes, because they regularly conducted state business off government servers through use of private email and text messaging.”


politicalwire--2020-02-06--The Inside Account of Impeaching Trump

The Inside Account of Impeaching Trump

Out soon : Endgame : Inside the Impeachment of Donald J. Trump by Rep. Eric Swalwell ( D-CA ) .
@ @ @ @ @ account of his path to office and how he and his colleagues resisted , investigated @ @ @ @ @ president .
”


politicalwire--2020-02-06--Trump ‘Apoplectic’ In Call with Boris Johnson

“ Donald Trump vented ‘ apoplectic ’ fury at Boris Johnson in a tense phone call over Britain ’ s @ @ @ @ @ role in its 5G mobile phone networks , ” the Financial Times reports .
“ @ @ @ @ @ the Trump-Johnson call was ‘ very difficult.
’ British officials with knowledge of the exchange @ @ @ @ @ by the force of the president ’ s language towards Mr. Johnson .
”

“Donald Trump vented ‘apoplectic’ fury at Boris Johnson in a tense phone call over Britain’s decision to allow Huawei a role in its 5G mobile phone networks,” the Financial Times reports.
“A second official confirmed that the Trump-Johnson call was ‘very difficult.’ British officials with knowledge of the exchange said they were taken aback by the force of the president’s language towards Mr. Johnson.”


politicalwire--2020-02-06--Yang Fires Dozens of Staffers

Yang Fires Dozens of Staffers

Andrew Yang ’ s campaign fired dozens of staffers this week after an abysmal finish in the Iowa caucuses , @ @ @


politicalwire--2020-02-06--Joe Biden’s Campaign Has a Problem

Joe Biden’s Campaign Has a Problem

Dan Balz : “ Joe Biden has a problem , and it ’ s not just that no Democrat has finished a weak fourth in the Iowa caucuses and gone on to become the party ’ s presidential nominee .
The problem is Joe Biden the candidate.
” “ Biden has been a lackluster advocate for his own candidacy , and the weakness of that advocacy was an unwelcome element of his campaign .
In Iowa , it came crashing in on him .
If he truly wants to be president , he doesn ’ t have to look far @ @ @ @ @ @ @ His organization certainly failed him , but he contributed significantly to what happened there.
” “ He has run the way others have as the comfortable expression of establishment Democratic politics .
He has piled one endorsement upon another , hoping that surrogates will vouch for him in ways he ’ s not been able or willing to do for himself .
But surrogates can do only so much .
In the closing days , Biden struggled to make a compelling case for himself .
At rallies , he lacked focus and sometimes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or random thoughts .
”

Dan Balz: “Joe Biden has a problem, and it’s not just that no Democrat has finished a weak fourth in the Iowa caucuses and gone on to become the party’s presidential nominee. The problem is Joe Biden the candidate.”
“Biden has been a lackluster advocate for his own candidacy, and the weakness of that advocacy was an unwelcome element of his campaign. In Iowa, it came crashing in on him. If he truly wants to be president, he doesn’t have to look far for answers as to what happened. His organization certainly failed him, but he contributed significantly to what happened there.”
“He has run the way others have as the comfortable expression of establishment Democratic politics. He has piled one endorsement upon another, hoping that surrogates will vouch for him in ways he’s not been able or willing to do for himself. But surrogates can do only so much. In the closing days, Biden struggled to make a compelling case for himself. At rallies, he lacked focus and sometimes appeared distracted, interrupting himself with asides or random thoughts.”
Edward-Isaac Dovere: How Biden blew it.


politicalwire--2020-02-06--Trump Holds Key to Republican House Chances

Larry Sabato ’ s Crystal Ball : “ Democrats remain favored to hold the House , but it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ the GOP ’ s path to the majority would be.
” “ Trump is crucial @ @ @ @ @ highly-nationalized presidential election that devastates the roster of Democrats in Trump-won and marginal Clinton-won House @ @ @ @ @ possible Republican outcome .
”

Larry Sabato’s Crystal Ball: “Democrats remain favored to hold the House, but it’s not hard to imagine what the GOP’s path to the majority would be.”
“Trump is crucial to that path: A highly-nationalized presidential election that devastates the roster of Democrats in Trump-won and marginal Clinton-won House seats would represent the best possible Republican outcome.”


politicalwire--2020-02-06--Sanders Leads In New Hampshire

Sanders Leads In New Hampshire

A new Monmouth poll in New Hampshire finds Bernie Sanders leading the Democratic presidential race with 24 % , followed @ @ @ @ @ % , Joe Biden at 17 % , Elizabeth Warren at 13 % and Amy @ @ @ @ @ Others registering support include Tulsi Gabbard at 4 % , Andrew Yang at 4 % @ @ @ @ @ 3 % .
Said pollster Patrick Murray : “ The muddle out of Iowa hasn @ @ @ @ @ , but there are some hints in the poll that Buttigieg could be helped and @ @ @ @ @ results start to sink in .
”

A new Monmouth poll in New Hampshire finds Bernie Sanders leading the Democratic presidential race with 24%, followed by Pete Buttigieg at 20%, Joe Biden at 17%, Elizabeth Warren at 13% and Amy Klobuchar at 9%.
Others registering support include Tulsi Gabbard at 4%, Andrew Yang at 4%, and Tom Steyer at 3%.
Said pollster Patrick Murray: “The muddle out of Iowa hasn’t narrowed the field, but there are some hints in the poll that Buttigieg could be helped and Biden hurt as the caucus results start to sink in.”


politicalwire--2020-02-06--Impeachment, Then and Now

Impeachment, Then and Now

“ I want to say again how profoundly sorry I am for what I said and did… and for the @ @ @ @ @ .
”


politicalwire--2020-02-06--DNC Calls for Recanvass of Iowa

DNC Calls for Recanvass of Iowa

“ Enough is enough .
In light of the problems that have emerged in the implementation of the delegate selection @ @ @ @ @ assure public confidence in the results , I am calling on the Iowa Democratic Party @ @ @ @ @ .
”

DNC Chairman Tom Perez suggests final Iowa results aren’t coming soon:
“Enough is enough. In light of the problems that have emerged in the implementation of the delegate selection plan and in order to assure public confidence in the results, I am calling on the Iowa Democratic Party to immediately begin a recanvass.”


politicalwire--2020-02-06--Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day

“ It was evil , it was corrupt , it was dirty cops , it was leakers , it was @ @ @


A President Unbound

Garrett Graff : “ Today , 10 months remain in an election where the president now knows that there is @ @ @ @ @ that would cause his removal from office .
The Justice Department maintains that Trump can @ @ @ @ @ president , and the GOP has made clear that their ultimate test this year is @ @ @ @ @ decide.
’ That combination leaves no path for accountability .
The House may very well @ @ @ @ @ ’ s various crimes starting today—perhaps by calling John Bolton—but Donald Trump knows he is @ @ @ @ @ Swan reported this week , borderline invincible.
” “ The upshot is that Donald Trump @ @ @ @ @ wants to rig , influence , or invite foreign powers to tinker with the integrity @ @ @ @ @ decide his fate .
And he can do it all with the full powers of @ @ @ @

Garrett Graff: “Today, 10 months remain in an election where the president now knows that there is practically nothing he can do that would cause his removal from office. The Justice Department maintains that Trump cannot be criminally charged while president, and the GOP has made clear that their ultimate test this year is to ‘let the voters decide.’ That combination leaves no path for accountability. The House may very well continue its investigation of Trump’s various crimes starting today—perhaps by calling John Bolton—but Donald Trump knows he is, as Axios’ Jonathan Swan reported this week, borderline invincible.”
“The upshot is that Donald Trump can apparently do anything he wants to rig, influence, or invite foreign powers to tinker with the integrity of the election that will decide his fate. And he can do it all with the full powers of the presidency.”


politicalwire--2020-02-06--Treasury Sends Hunter Biden Records to Senate

The Treasury Department has complied with Republican senators ’ requests for highly sensitive and closely held financial records about Hunter @ @ @ @ @ has turned over “ evidence of questionable origin ” to them , Yahoo News reports @


politicalwire--2020-02-07--Navy Secretary Fired by Trump Endorses Bloomberg

“ The Navy secretary ousted by President Trump said Thursday that he would endorse Michael R. Bloomberg for president , @ @ @ @ @ Bloomberg ’ s allies hope will convince Democratic voters that their best chance of defeating @ @ @ @ @ mayor of New York , ” the New York Times reports .
“ Richard Spencer @ @ @ @ @ Navy secretary in November after he publicly disagreed with Mr. Trump ’ s intervention in @ @ @ @ @ involving a member of the Navy SEALs , is a lifelong Republican .
”

“The Navy secretary ousted by President Trump said Thursday that he would endorse Michael R. Bloomberg for president, a high-profile defection that Mr. Bloomberg’s allies hope will convince Democratic voters that their best chance of defeating Mr. Trump is the former mayor of New York,” the New York Times reports.
“Richard Spencer, who was ousted as Navy secretary in November after he publicly disagreed with Mr. Trump’s intervention in an extraordinary war crimes case involving a member of the Navy SEALs, is a lifelong Republican.”


politicalwire--2020-02-07--Buttigieg Surges In New Hampshire

Buttigieg Surges In New Hampshire

A new Boston Globe/WBZ-TV/Suffolk University poll in New Hampshire finds Bernie Sanders leading the Democratic primary with 24 % , @ @ @ @ @ at 23 % , Elizabeth Warren at 13 % and Joe Biden at 11 % @


politicalwire--2020-02-07--Trump Mulls Retribution for Those Who Testified

Washington Post : “ Trump and his allies are also considering doing more than just launching verbal fusillades at his @ @ @ @ @ Some of the president ’ s aides are discussing whether to remove or reassign administration @ @ @ @ @ impeachment inquiry.
” “ Trump has complained about Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman in private , @ @ @ @ @ , wore his uniform and conducted himself during the impeachment inquiry… .
He has discussed @ @ @ @ @ security officials who testified or cooperated with House Democrats , with Trump calling them disloyal @ @ @ @ @ further cull his national security staff after impeachment .
He remains incensed that so many @ @ @ @ @ last year .
”

Washington Post: “Trump and his allies are also considering doing more than just launching verbal fusillades at his perceived enemies over impeachment. Some of the president’s aides are discussing whether to remove or reassign administration officials who testified during the impeachment inquiry.”
“Trump has complained about Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman in private, mocking the way he spoke, wore his uniform and conducted himself during the impeachment inquiry…. He has discussed with aides removing other national security officials who testified or cooperated with House Democrats, with Trump calling them disloyal and asking whether he should further cull his national security staff after impeachment. He remains incensed that so many people in his administration testified last year.”


politicalwire--2020-02-07--Perez Now Says He Didn’t Want Statewide Recanvass

Less than 10 hours after announcing that he was “ calling on the Iowa Democratic Party to immediately begin a @ @ @ @ @ , the chairman of the Democratic National Committee , said he had actually been calling @ @ @ @ @ areas where irregularities had been reported in the caucus results , the New York Times @ @

Less than 10 hours after announcing that he was “calling on the Iowa Democratic Party to immediately begin a recanvass,” Tom Perez, the chairman of the Democratic National Committee, said he had actually been calling only for isolated recanvassing of areas where irregularities had been reported in the caucus results, the New York Times reports.


politicalwire--2020-02-07--Biden Goes Missing In New Hampshire

Biden Goes Missing In New Hampshire

Washington Post : “ Biden spent Thursday gathered with his top advisers at his home in Wilmington , Delaware , @ @ @ @ @ a last-ditch effort to save his candidacy , beginning with a debate Friday night .
@ @ @ @ @ ” “ Following dismal results in the Iowa caucuses that have rattled many in his @ @ @ @ @ now simultaneously trying to lower expectations here — with some suggesting they would consider a @ @ @ @ @ place a victory — while also bracing for a second straight difficult Election Day .
@

Washington Post: “Biden spent Thursday gathered with his top advisers at his home in Wilmington, Delaware, seeking a reset and perhaps a last-ditch effort to save his candidacy, beginning with a debate Friday night. He held no public events.”
“Following dismal results in the Iowa caucuses that have rattled many in his orbit, his campaign is now simultaneously trying to lower expectations here — with some suggesting they would consider a finish as low as third place a victory — while also bracing for a second straight difficult Election Day.”


politicalwire--2020-02-07--Iowa Ends In Virtual Tie Between Buttigieg and Sanders

“ With 100 % of precincts reported , Pete Buttigieg and Bernie Sanders are in a near tie in state @ @ @ @ @ caucuses , ” the Des Moines Register reports .
“ The complete results show Buttigieg @ @ @ @ @ equivalents and Bernie Sanders with 26.128 % .
” “ The head of the national @ @ @ @ @ the results be recanvassed .
That demand , plus potential errors in the count , @ @ @ @ @ not be final and will likely be disputed .
”

“With 100% of precincts reported, Pete Buttigieg and Bernie Sanders are in a near tie in state delegates in the first-in-the-nation Iowa caucuses,” the Des Moines Register reports.
“The complete results show Buttigieg with 26.198% of delegate equivalents and Bernie Sanders with 26.128%.”
“The head of the national Democratic Party has already demanded the results be recanvassed. That demand, plus potential errors in the count, mean that the results may not be final and will likely be disputed.”


politicalwire--2020-02-07--A Decision Looms for Those Who Don’t Want Bernie

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Although there haven’t been many polls released since the Iowa caucuses earlier this week, it’s becoming increasingly clear that Bernie Sanders is in the best position to win the Democratic presidential nomination.


politicalwire--2020-02-07--Bloomberg Plagiarized Parts of Policy Plans

The Intercept has found evidence that Michael Bloomberg ’ s presidential campaign plagiarized portions of its policy fact sheets for @ @ @ @ @ , the economy , tax policy , infrastructure , and mental health from a variety @ @ @ @ @ .


politicalwire--2020-02-07--Mikie Sherrill Backs Bloomberg for President

Rep. Mikie Sherrill ( D-NJ ) endorsed Michael Bloomberg for the Democratic nomination for president , “ giving the former @ @ @ @ @ backing of a rising star in New Jersey politics , ” the New Jersey Globe @ @


politicalwire--2020-02-07--Trump Fires Sondland Along with Vindman

Trump Fires Sondland Along with Vindman

“ President Trump and his aides wasted little time opening a campaign of retribution against those he blames for his @ @ @ @ @ two of the most prominent witnesses in the inquiry against him barely 48 hours after @ @ @ @ @ , ” the New York Times reports .
“ Emboldened by his victory and determined @ @ @ @ @ Trump fired Gordon Sondland , the ambassador to the European Union , within hours of @ @ @ @ @ Col. Alexander Vindman , a decorated Iraq war veteran who was a Ukraine expert on @ @ @ @ @ Both officials testified to a House committee about the president ’ s efforts to pressure @ @ @ @ @ his domestic political rivals .
”

“President Trump and his aides wasted little time opening a campaign of retribution against those he blames for his impeachment, firing on Friday two of the most prominent witnesses in the inquiry against him barely 48 hours after the Senate acquitted the president,” the New York Times reports.
“Emboldened by his victory and determined to strike back, Mr. Trump fired Gordon Sondland, the ambassador to the European Union, within hours of the White House dismissing Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman, a decorated Iraq war veteran who was a Ukraine expert on the National Security Council. Both officials testified to a House committee about the president’s efforts to pressure Ukraine to help him against his domestic political rivals.”


politicalwire--2020-02-07--Political Wire by Email

Political Wire by Email

There are now four different options to receive Political Wire in your inbox .
Sign up for the one you @ @ @ @ @ unsubscribe at any time .

There are now four different options to receive Political Wire in your inbox.
Sign up for the one you want. You can easily unsubscribe at any time.


politicalwire--2020-02-07--Bloomberg Surges In Political Futures Markets

Michael Bloomberg has surged to second in the betting markets behind Bernie Sanders for winning the Democratic presidential nomination .


politicalwire--2020-02-07--Yang Already Talking About Running Again In 2024

“ Andrew Yang made several comments during a recent call with campaign staffers that strongly suggest he ’ s thinking @ @ @ @ @ in four years if his long-shot 2020 White House bid falls short , ” Rolling @ @ @ @ @ : “ Every bit of good we do in the state of New Hampshire gives @ @ @ @ @ history right now on Tuesday , but it also enables us to build a following @ @ @ @ @ ideas that energize this campaign and for the future.
” He went on : “ @ @ @ @ @ put up a really great number on Tuesday , and then let ’ s say @ @ @ @ @ back again in four years .
If you start with that base in New Hampshire @ @ @ @ @ have the next time around , we ’ re going to be even better positioned @ @ @ @ @ this campaign through , eradicate poverty , improve the human condition , and help move @ @ @ @ @ in the right direction .
”

“Andrew Yang made several comments during a recent call with campaign staffers that strongly suggest he’s thinking about running for president again in four years if his long-shot 2020 White House bid falls short,” Rolling Stone reports.
Said Yang: “Every bit of good we do in the state of New Hampshire gives us a chance to make history right now on Tuesday, but it also enables us to build a following and support base for the ideas that energize this campaign and for the future.”
He went on: “Imagine a world where we put up a really great number on Tuesday, and then let’s say we decide to run this back again in four years. If you start with that base in New Hampshire, plus everything that we have the next time around, we’re going to be even better positioned to see the goals of this campaign through, eradicate poverty, improve the human condition, and help move this country we love forward in the right direction.”


politicalwire--2020-02-07--Sanders Maintains Lead In New Hampshire

Sanders Maintains Lead In New Hampshire

A new NBC News/Marist poll finds Bernie Sanders leading the Democratic primary race with 25 % , followed by Pete @ @ @ @ @ Elizabeth Warren at 14 % , Joe Biden at 13 % and Amy Klobuchar at @ @ @

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


politicalwire--2020-02-07--James Comey Responds to Trump

James Comey Responds to Trump

James Comey : “ Yes , as usual , he called me a sleaze and scum and a dirty cop @ @ @ @ @ no longer be president if he hadn ’ t fired me .
Although I still @ @ @ @ @ logic of that last bit , it doesn ’ t matter.
” “ The important @ @ @ @ @ the audience , where there were plenty of intelligent people of deep commitment to religious @ @ @ @ @ smiled and clapped as a president of the United States lied , bullied , cursed @ @ @ @ @ other leaders .
That was the deeply disturbing part of the East Room moment , @ @ @ @ @ .
”

James Comey: “Yes, as usual, he called me a sleaze and scum and a dirty cop and said he likely would no longer be president if he hadn’t fired me. Although I still can’t follow the logic of that last bit, it doesn’t matter.”
“The important thing was what happened in the audience, where there were plenty of intelligent people of deep commitment to religious principle. They laughed and smiled and clapped as a president of the United States lied, bullied, cursed and belittled the faith of other leaders. That was the deeply disturbing part of the East Room moment, and should challenge us all.”


politicalwire--2020-02-07--Vindman Fired from White House Job

Vindman Fired from White House Job

The Trump administration dismissed Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman , a key witness in the House impeachment hearings , and escorted @ @ @ @ @ , CNN reports .


politicalwire--2020-02-07--Collins Ties Loeffler to Mitt Romney

Collins Ties Loeffler to Mitt Romney

Rep. Doug Collins ( R ) has launched an attack ad against Sen. Kelly Loeffler ( R ) in the @ @ @ @ @ after her past financial support for Sen. Mitt Romney ( R-UT ) .


politicalwire--2020-02-07--Pence Defends Growing Budget Deficits

Pence Defends Growing Budget Deficits

Vice President Mike Pence defended deficit expansion under the Trump administration during a CNBC interview , saying that debt and @ @ @ @ @ to economic growth .


politicalwire--2020-02-07--Lev Parnas Had More Giuliani Photos

Lev Parnas Had More Giuliani Photos

CNN : “ Stored in devices seized from Lev Parnas by law enforcement , there ’ s a 34-second cell @ @ @ @ @ relishing a bullfight .
There are also photos of Donald Trump ’ s personal attorney @ @ @ @ @ a flamenco dancer twirling her skirt and an image of the father of Venezuela ’ @ @ @ @ @ tray of hors d ’ oeuvres on the lawn of a Spanish castle.
” The @ @ @ @ @ Giuliani ’ s face in London in 2019 .

CNN: “Stored in devices seized from Lev Parnas by law enforcement, there’s a 34-second cell phone video of Rudy Giuliani relishing a bullfight. There are also photos of Donald Trump’s personal attorney posing with two matadors, a flamenco dancer twirling her skirt and an image of the father of Venezuela’s opposition leader beside a tray of hors d’oeuvres on the lawn of a Spanish castle.”
The best photo: Parnas wiping Giuliani’s face in London in 2019.


politicalwire--2020-02-07--‘Bullshit’ at the White House

‘Bullshit’ at the White House

After President Trump said “ bullshit ” in a television appearance at the White House yesterday , NBC News searched @ @ @ @ @ American Presidency Project and found six people had used the word before at public events @ @ @ @ @ Warren , one was singer Kanye West and the rest were by Trump .

After President Trump said “bullshit” in a television appearance at the White House yesterday, NBC News searched the 132,480 records from the American Presidency Project and found six people had used the word before at public events.
One was songwriter Diane Warren, one was singer Kanye West and the rest were by Trump.


politicalwire--2020-02-07--A Deep Dive Into Battleground Pennsylvania

Just for members : A packed new edition of Inside Elections .
This issue includes a deep dive into the @ @ @ @ @ which too often gets ignored in the talk about Wisconsin and Michigan .
There ’ @ @ @ @ @ Indiana ’ s 5th District , where Democrats are trying expand their suburban empire and @ @ @ @ @ a historic decline in the number of GOP women serving in the House on Capitol @ @ @ @ @ s a conversation with a long-shot candidate in California that could be the template for @ @ @ @ @ If you ’ re not yet a member , sign up for an Annual or @ @ @ @ @ and many more benefits .
And don ’ t forget : Gift Memberships are also @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Day !


Trump Tests America

Chris Riback talks to Washington Post reporters Philip Rucker and Carol Leonnig , authors of the bestseller , A Very @ @ @ @ @ Trump ’ s Testing of America .


politicalwire--2020-02-07--Biden Shakes Up Campaign Leadership

Biden Shakes Up Campaign Leadership

“ Anita Dunn , a veteran Democratic operative and top adviser to Joe Biden , is taking on an expanded @ @ @ @ @ he seeks a reset after a disastrous fourth-place finish in the Iowa caucuses , ” @ @ @ @ @ .
“ The move follows days of speculation inside Mr. Biden ’ s Philadelphia headquarters @ @ @ @ @ a disappointing Iowa result that has complicated Mr. Biden ’ s path forward .
Before @ @ @ @ @ had been focused chiefly on communications strategy .
”

“Anita Dunn, a veteran Democratic operative and top adviser to Joe Biden, is taking on an expanded role in his campaign as he seeks a reset after a disastrous fourth-place finish in the Iowa caucuses,” the New York Times reports.
“The move follows days of speculation inside Mr. Biden’s Philadelphia headquarters about potential staff shake-ups following a disappointing Iowa result that has complicated Mr. Biden’s path forward. Before her elevation, Ms. Dunn had been focused chiefly on communications strategy.”


politicalwire--2020-02-07--Susan Collins Says Retribution Not Appropriate

“ Sen .
Susan Collins ( R-ME ) , appearing in Maine for the first time since her vote not @ @ @ @ @ said that she disapproves of retribution against anyone who came forward with evidence during the @ @ @ @ @ Press Herald reports .
Said Collins : “ I ’ m obviously not in favor @ @ @ @ @ against anyone who came forward with evidence .
”

“Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME), appearing in Maine for the first time since her vote not to impeach President Trump, said that she disapproves of retribution against anyone who came forward with evidence during the process,” the Portland Press Herald reports.
Said Collins: “I’m obviously not in favor of any kind of retribution against anyone who came forward with evidence.”


politicalwire--2020-02-07--The Challenge Facing Democrats

The Challenge Facing Democrats

John Cassidy : “ The key point is that Trump is now sufficiently popular , and the economic environment is sufficiently benign , to make his reelection a real and live danger .
( In the online betting markets , for what they are worth , he is already a strong favorite to win . )
This year , again , the result will most likely come down to ten battleground states : Arizona , Florida , Maine , Minnesota , Nevada , New Hampshire , North Carolina , and , of course , the three Rust Belt states that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pennsylvania , and Wisconsin .
According to the data-research firm Morning Consult , Trump ’ s disapproval rating currently exceeds his approval rating in all of these states apart from Florida .
But the gap has narrowed in a number of places , including Arizona , Minnesota , and Pennsylvania.
” “ The identity of the Democratic candidate will obviously be vitally important , but so will the manner in which the campaign is conducted .
Everyone associated with the Democratic Party—from grassroots activists to elected officials and Party operatives—will need to unite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whoever it is , and avoid scoring any own goals .
During a hard-fought primary election , it is difficult , if not impossible , for the various candidates and their supporters to project this sort of unity and discipline .
”

John Cassidy: “The key point is that Trump is now sufficiently popular, and the economic environment is sufficiently benign, to make his reelection a real and live danger. (In the online betting markets, for what they are worth, he is already a strong favorite to win.) This year, again, the result will most likely come down to ten battleground states: Arizona, Florida, Maine, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, and, of course, the three Rust Belt states that Trump flipped in 2016: Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. According to the data-research firm Morning Consult, Trump’s disapproval rating currently exceeds his approval rating in all of these states apart from Florida. But the gap has narrowed in a number of places, including Arizona, Minnesota, and Pennsylvania.”
“The identity of the Democratic candidate will obviously be vitally important, but so will the manner in which the campaign is conducted. Everyone associated with the Democratic Party—from grassroots activists to elected officials and Party operatives—will need to unite behind the winner of the primary, whoever it is, and avoid scoring any own goals. During a hard-fought primary election, it is difficult, if not impossible, for the various candidates and their supporters to project this sort of unity and discipline.”


politicalwire--2020-02-07--Senate Candidate Selects Guillotine as Campaign Logo

“ A U.S. Senate candidate in Maine has selected an unusual logo for campaign T-shirts – the guillotine – citing @ @ @ @ @ to remove big money from politics , ” the Portland Press Herald reports .


politicalwire--2020-02-07--Trump Says Pelosi Ripping Speech Was ‘Very Illegal’

President Trump claimed that Speaker Nancy Pelosi ( D-CA ) committed a crime by ripping up a copy of his @ @ @ @ @ the Union on Tuesday evening , The Hill reports .
Said Trump : “ I @ @ @ @ @ thing .
It ’ s illegal what she did .
She broke the law.
” @ @ @ @ @ barred from ripping up the speech because it is an official document , later calling @ @ @ @ @ ”

President Trump claimed that Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) committed a crime by ripping up a copy of his speech at the State of the Union on Tuesday evening, The Hill reports.
Said Trump: “I thought it was a terrible thing. It’s illegal what she did. She broke the law.”
Trump asserted that Pelosi was barred from ripping up the speech because it is an official document, later calling it “very illegal.”


politicalwire--2020-02-07--Trump Transfers Key Witness Out of White House

“ The White House plans to transfer Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman , whose testimony in the House impeachment hearings infuriated @ @ @ @ @ , out of the National Security Council staff as early as Friday , ” the @ @ @ @ @ Trump essentially confirmed the move in brief comments with reporters : “ I ’ m @ @ @ @ @ ”

“The White House plans to transfer Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman, whose testimony in the House impeachment hearings infuriated President Trump and his allies, out of the National Security Council staff as early as Friday,” the New York Times reports.
Trump essentially confirmed the move in brief comments with reporters: “I’m not happy with him.”


politicalwire--2020-02-07--What Went Wrong with Biden’s Campaign

What Went Wrong with Biden’s Campaign

This piece is only available to Political Wire members .
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politicalwire--2020-02-09--In the Long Run, Romney Wins

In the Long Run, Romney Wins

Eliot Cohen : “ In the near term , that speech will do neither Romney nor his cause any good .
The armies of trolls and sneering louts will come after him , their jeers all the louder because they emanate from a terrified emptiness within .
Shambling , tongueless , and invertebrate politicians who deep down know better will resent Romney for having the courage to say what they believed , but dared not utter.
” “ But that speech will last .
When future anthologies of great American political speeches are published by the Library of America , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The language was American rhetoric at its best : not flowery and orotund , but clear and solid and stark.
” “ Political speeches derive their power and durability from authenticity , from the way in which phrases and sentences seem to emanate directly from a personality and its vision .
That is why Lincoln ’ s speeches will never lose their force : They captured the dignity , simplicity , and courage of the man who made them .
Romney is no Lincoln , but he wrote the speech , and @ @ @ @ @ @

Eliot Cohen: “In the near term, that speech will do neither Romney nor his cause any good. The armies of trolls and sneering louts will come after him, their jeers all the louder because they emanate from a terrified emptiness within. Shambling, tongueless, and invertebrate politicians who deep down know better will resent Romney for having the courage to say what they believed, but dared not utter.”
“But that speech will last. When future anthologies of great American political speeches are published by the Library of America, Romney’s remarks will be there. The language was American rhetoric at its best: not flowery and orotund, but clear and solid and stark.”
“Political speeches derive their power and durability from authenticity, from the way in which phrases and sentences seem to emanate directly from a personality and its vision. That is why Lincoln’s speeches will never lose their force: They captured the dignity, simplicity, and courage of the man who made them. Romney is no Lincoln, but he wrote the speech, and the voice is his.”


politicalwire--2020-02-09--Justice Department Vetting Info on Hunter Biden

Sen. Lindsey Graham ( R-SC ) said that the Justice Department is vetting information that Rudy Giuliani has delivered regarding @ @ @ @ @ on the board of a Ukrainian energy company , the Washington Post reports .
However @ @ @ @ @ might be getting bad information from his trips to Ukraine as part of a disinformation @ @ @ @ @ , citing their effort to disrupt the 2016 presidential campaign .

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) said that the Justice Department is vetting information that Rudy Giuliani has delivered regarding Hunter Biden’s work on the board of a Ukrainian energy company, the Washington Post reports.
However, he warned that Giuliani might be getting bad information from his trips to Ukraine as part of a disinformation campaign by Russian security experts, citing their effort to disrupt the 2016 presidential campaign.


politicalwire--2020-02-09--White House Budget Won’t Eliminate Deficit

Washington Post : “ The White House is preparing to propose a budget that would fail to eliminate the federal @ @ @ @ @ years , missing a longtime GOP fiscal target .
Three years of spending increases and @ @ @ @ @ goal out of reach.
” “ Instead , White House officials plan to say that @ @ @ @ @ enacted by Congress without changes — would close the deficit by 2035 .
”

Washington Post: “The White House is preparing to propose a budget that would fail to eliminate the federal deficit over the next 10 years, missing a longtime GOP fiscal target. Three years of spending increases and tax cuts have pushed that goal out of reach.”
“Instead, White House officials plan to say that their budget proposal — if enacted by Congress without changes — would close the deficit by 2035.”


Biden Unleashed

Los Angeles Times : “ The former vice president was cloistered — seen by reporters but not available for questions @ @ @ @ @ situation left him no choice but to shed his front-runner ’ s presumption and show @ @ @ @ @ .
Finishing fourth in the Iowa caucuses will do that to a candidate whose White @ @ @ @ @ on supposed electability.
” “ For the loquacious Biden , standing in a campaign field @ @ @ @ @ Legion Hall , it was like a dam burst open .
Or a shaken soda @ @ @ @ @ talked .
And talked and talked some more : about his rivals and their extravagant @ @ @ @ @ mon , man ’ — about the absurdity of those crowded debates , where seemingly @ @ @ @ @ been allowed on stage .
”

Los Angeles Times: “The former vice president was cloistered — seen by reporters but not available for questions — until his dire political situation left him no choice but to shed his front-runner’s presumption and show a bit of stagy swagger. Finishing fourth in the Iowa caucuses will do that to a candidate whose White House bid is heavily premised on supposed electability.”
“For the loquacious Biden, standing in a campaign field office in a former American Legion Hall, it was like a dam burst open. Or a shaken soda bottle, uncorked. He talked. And talked and talked some more: about his rivals and their extravagant promises — ‘C’mon, man’ — about the absurdity of those crowded debates, where seemingly everyone and their brother has been allowed on stage.”


politicalwire--2020-02-09--Biden Warns that Sanders Will Lose Big

Biden Warns that Sanders Will Lose Big

Joe Biden intensified his warning to Democrats telling ABC News that nominating Sen. Bernie Sanders could lead to a stinging @ @ @ @ @ he vowed to “ work like hell ” to help elect the Vermont senator if @ @ @ @ @ the party ’ s nomination .


politicalwire--2020-02-09--Sanders Won’t Commit to Releasing Medical Records

Sen. Bernie Sanders declined to tell NBC News when he ’ ll release more of his medical records .


politicalwire--2020-02-09--Bonus Quote of the Day

Bonus Quote of the Day

“ There ’ s way more hate in this business than there ever used to be.
” — Rep. Denny @ @ @ @ @ in an interview with CNN .

“There’s way more hate in this business than there ever used to be.”
— Rep. Denny Heck (D-WA), in an interview with CNN.


politicalwire--2020-02-09--Tom Steyer Bets on South Carolina

Tom Steyer Bets on South Carolina

Politico : “ Tom Steyer has blanketed South Carolina in cash .
Over the past seven months , he ’ @ @ @ @ @ in TV and radio ads , spent over $ 100,000 on ads in black-owned newspapers @ @ @ @ @ an army of volunteers and assembled the largest state-wide operation of any other campaign.
” @ @ @ @ @ poured more money into South Carolina in a short period of time than anyone in @ @ @ @ @ and it ’ s beginning to reshape the contours of the Feb. 29 primary .
@

Politico: “Tom Steyer has blanketed South Carolina in cash. Over the past seven months, he’s spent $14 million in TV and radio ads, spent over $100,000 on ads in black-owned newspapers, hired 93 staffers, an army of volunteers and assembled the largest state-wide operation of any other campaign.”
“The billionaire activist has poured more money into South Carolina in a short period of time than anyone in the state can remember — and it’s beginning to reshape the contours of the Feb. 29 primary.”


politicalwire--2020-02-09--The Hunter Biden Problem

The Hunter Biden Problem

The following piece for members is by John Ellis, friend of Political Wire and the proprietor of News Items, an excellent email newsletter.
This may be a moot point by now, but the impeachment hearings really did do major damage to Joe Biden’s candidacy for the Democratic presidential nomination. I think they were all-but-fatal to his cause and the contrast sketched out below is why:


politicalwire--2020-02-09--Three Parties In Dead Heat In Irish Elections

“ Ireland ’ s three biggest political parties are likely to face a difficult process of forming a new government @ @ @ @ @ suggesting they finished in a virtual dead heat in parliamentary elections Saturday , ” the @ @ @ @ @ surprise of the three partiers : “ While Sinn Fein is a major force in @ @ @ @ @ Kingdom region where it is part of the power-sharing government that helped end decades of @ @ @ @ @ long been a minor player south of the border in the Irish Republic .
But @ @ @ @ @ with left-wing proposals for tackling Ireland ’ s housing crisis and bolstering the nation ’ @ @ @ @ @ ”

“Ireland’s three biggest political parties are likely to face a difficult process of forming a new government, with an exit poll suggesting they finished in a virtual dead heat in parliamentary elections Saturday,” the AP reports.
The biggest surprise of the three partiers: “While Sinn Fein is a major force in Northern Ireland, the United Kingdom region where it is part of the power-sharing government that helped end decades of sectarian violence, it has long been a minor player south of the border in the Irish Republic. But the party has attracted voters with left-wing proposals for tackling Ireland’s housing crisis and bolstering the nation’s creaking health-care system.”


politicalwire--2020-02-09--Buttigieg Launches Digital Ad Buy In Super Tuesday States

“ Pete Buttigieg is pushing into Super Tuesday and beyond with a round of digital ads in seven states , @ @ @ @ @ Barack Obama to Donald Trump in 2016 — shedding light on the former South Bend @ @ @ @ @ s strategy in the next phase of the primary , ” Politico reports .
“ @ @ @ @ @ yet built out a robust on-the-ground infrastructure in Super Tuesday states , is going up @ @ @ @ @ buy in Minnesota , Michigan , Maine , North Carolina , Pennsylvania , Wisconsin and @ @ @

“Pete Buttigieg is pushing into Super Tuesday and beyond with a round of digital ads in seven states, targeting counties that flipped from Barack Obama to Donald Trump in 2016 — shedding light on the former South Bend, Ind., mayor’s strategy in the next phase of the primary,” Politico reports.
“Buttigieg, who has not yet built out a robust on-the-ground infrastructure in Super Tuesday states, is going up with a six-figure digital ad buy in Minnesota, Michigan, Maine, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Virginia.”


politicalwire--2020-02-09--Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day

“ This guy ’ s not a Barack Obama .
Barack Obama had been a United State senator of a @ @ @ @ @ not believe we ’ re a party at risk if I ’ m the nominee @ @ @ @ @ ’ re a party at risk if we nominate someone who has never held a @ @ @ @ @ of South Bend , Indiana .
”

“This guy’s not a Barack Obama. Barack Obama had been a United State senator of a really large state… I do not believe we’re a party at risk if I’m the nominee. I do believe we’re a party at risk if we nominate someone who has never held a higher office than the mayor of South Bend, Indiana.”
— Joe Biden, speaking to reporters about rival Pete Buttigieg.


politicalwire--2020-02-09--Sanders Leads In New Hampshire Tracking Polls

A new Boston Globe/WBZ-TV/Suffolk University poll in New Hampshire finds Bernie Sanders leading the Democratic primary race with 24 % @ @ @ @ @ at 22 % , Elizabeth Warren at 13 % , Joe Biden at 10 % @ @ @ @ @ % .
Said pollster David Paleologos : “ Amy Klobuchar ’ s strong debate performance @ @ @ @ @ Buttigieg ’ s momentum but now she is the interesting person to watch ” A @ @ @ @ @ ahead with 28 % , followed by Buttigieg at 21 % , Biden at 12 @ @ @ @ @ % and Klobuchar at 6 % .
A new 7NEWS/Emerson College poll finds Sanders leading @ @ @ @ @ by Buttigieg at 20 % , Klobuchar at 13 % , Warren at 12 % @ @ @ @ @ .
A new CBS News poll finds Sanders leading with 29 % , followed by @ @ @ @ @ Warren at 17 % , Biden at 12 % and Klobuchar at 10 % .
@ @ @ @ @ % chance of winning the New Hampshire primary .

A new Boston Globe/WBZ-TV/Suffolk University poll in New Hampshire finds Bernie Sanders leading the Democratic primary race with 24%, followed by Pete Buttitieg at 22%, Elizabeth Warren at 13%, Joe Biden at 10% and Amy Klobuchar at 9%.
Said pollster David Paleologos: “Amy Klobuchar’s strong debate performance had not only stopped Pete Buttigieg’s momentum but now she is the interesting person to watch”
A new CNN poll finds Sanders ahead with 28%, followed by Buttigieg at 21%, Biden at 12%, Warren at 9% and Klobuchar at 6%.
A new 7NEWS/Emerson College poll finds Sanders leading with 30%, followed by Buttigieg at 20%, Klobuchar at 13%, Warren at 12% and Biden at 11%.
A new CBS News poll finds Sanders leading with 29%, followed by Buttigieg at 25%, Warren at 17%, Biden at 12% and Klobuchar at 10%.
FiveThirtyEight gives Sanders a 66% chance of winning the New Hampshire primary.


Author In Chief

Out this week : Author in Chief : The Untold Story of Our Presidents and the Books They Wrote by @ @ @ @ @ spoke to the New York Times : “ Back in 2008 .
Like most Americans @ @ @ @ @ the presidential election .
I was struck by Obama ’ s books , both how @ @ @ @ @ much they were appealing to readers .
And I wondered : Is there a history @ @ @ @ @ other books that resonated this way ?
That history was so much richer than I @ @ @ @ @ as old as America .
These books have been at the center of our history @ @ @ @ @ huge impact .
”

Out this week: Author in Chief: The Untold Story of Our Presidents and the Books They Wrote by Craig Fehrman.
The author spoke to the New York Times: “Back in 2008. Like most Americans, I was obsessed with the presidential election. I was struck by Obama’s books, both how good they were and how much they were appealing to readers. And I wondered: Is there a history to this? Are there other books that resonated this way? That history was so much richer than I expected. The tradition was as old as America. These books have been at the center of our history, and have made a huge impact.”


politicalwire--2020-02-09--Trump Budget Proposal Diverges from Campaign Promises

“ The budget proposal President Trump will release Monday is expected to lay bare how much he has adjusted to @ @ @ @ @ of Washington , with some of his biggest campaign promises from 2016 cast aside and @ @ @ @ @ ambitions , ” the Washington Post reports .
“ On immigration , health care , @ @ @ @ @ the final budget pitch of Trump ’ s first term will look much different from @ @ @ @ @ four years ago .
”

“The budget proposal President Trump will release Monday is expected to lay bare how much he has adjusted to the political and practical limits of Washington, with some of his biggest campaign promises from 2016 cast aside and replaced with more limited policy ambitions,” the Washington Post reports.
“On immigration, health care, infrastructure and the deficit, the final budget pitch of Trump’s first term will look much different from the campaign platform he offered four years ago.”


politicalwire--2020-02-09--Democrats Would Prefer Meteor Strike to Trump

A new UMass Lowell poll found that 62 % of New Hampshire Democrats would rather see a giant meteor strike @ @ @ @ @ human life than see President Trump get re-elected .

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


politicalwire--2020-02-09--Senators Tried to Stop Trump From Firing Sondland

“ A handful of Republican senators tried to stop President Trump from firing Gordon Sondland , the ambassador to the @ @ @ @ @ the House impeachment hearings , but the president relieved the diplomat of his post anyway @ @ @ @ @ Times reports .
“ The senators were concerned that it would look bad for Mr. @ @ @ @ @ and argued that it was unnecessary , since the ambassador was already talking with senior @ @ @ @ @ Senate trial , the people said .
The senators told White House officials that Mr. @ @ @ @ @ depart on his own terms , which would have reduced any political backlash.
” “ @ @ @ @ @ not interested in a quiet departure , choosing instead to make a point by forcing @ @ @ @ @ ambassador was ready to go… Mr. Sondland conveyed to the State Department officials that if @ @ @ @ @ day , they would have to fire him .
And so the president did .
@

“A handful of Republican senators tried to stop President Trump from firing Gordon Sondland, the ambassador to the European Union who testified in the House impeachment hearings, but the president relieved the diplomat of his post anyway,” the New York Times reports.
“The senators were concerned that it would look bad for Mr. Trump to dismiss Mr. Sondland and argued that it was unnecessary, since the ambassador was already talking with senior officials about leaving after the Senate trial, the people said. The senators told White House officials that Mr. Sondland should be allowed to depart on his own terms, which would have reduced any political backlash.”
“But Mr. Trump evidently was not interested in a quiet departure, choosing instead to make a point by forcing Mr. Sondland out before the ambassador was ready to go… Mr. Sondland conveyed to the State Department officials that if they wanted him gone that day, they would have to fire him. And so the president did.”


politicalwire--2020-02-08--Joe Biden Is Collapsing

Joe Biden Is Collapsing

Walter Shapiro : “ At some point soon , establishment Democrats will have to face the reality that Biden , @ @ @ @ @ , probably doesn ’ t have what it takes to win the nomination in 2020 @ @ @ @ @ ten months as an uninspiring active candidate , it seems folly to believe that all @ @ @ @ @ campaign shakeup or a new stump speech to turn things around.
” “ Sure , @ @ @ @ @ premature .
For the moment , Biden is holding onto to his African American support @ @ @ @ @ Carolina primary and leading in most national polls .
But those numbers may look different @ @ @ @ @ home in fourth or even fifth in New Hampshire .
In politics , universally known @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t win by losing badly in both Iowa and New Hampshire .
”

Walter Shapiro: “At some point soon, establishment Democrats will have to face the reality that Biden, for all his personal virtues, probably doesn’t have what it takes to win the nomination in 2020. After Biden’s ten months as an uninspiring active candidate, it seems folly to believe that all it will take is a campaign shakeup or a new stump speech to turn things around.”
“Sure, this dire verdict may be premature. For the moment, Biden is holding onto to his African American support in the February 29 South Carolina primary and leading in most national polls. But those numbers may look different next week if Biden limps home in fourth or even fifth in New Hampshire. In politics, universally known and liked former vice presidents don’t win by losing badly in both Iowa and New Hampshire.”


politicalwire--2020-02-08--Trump’s Resilience Alarms Democrats

Trump’s Resilience Alarms Democrats

“ Anxiety is coursing through the Democratic Party as President Trump emerges from his impeachment proceedings as a potent threat @ @ @ @ @ leaders and activists uncertain about how to beat the incumbent and worried about a nominating @ @ @ @ @ is growing more acrimonious , ” the Washington Post reports .
“ While Democrats see @ @ @ @ @ and a threat to the nation , they also see the president and his well-funded @ @ @ @ @ around the strong economy and visceral appeals to his ardent supporters.
” “ The developments @ @ @ @ @ among Democrats , who watched their first-in-the-nation Iowa presidential caucuses conclude in a chaotic fiasco @ @ @ @ @ .
Many in the party are now sounding the alarm that denying Trump a second @ @ @ @ @ difficult than they had calculated .
”

“Anxiety is coursing through the Democratic Party as President Trump emerges from his impeachment proceedings as a potent threat for reelection, with party leaders and activists uncertain about how to beat the incumbent and worried about a nominating race that remains crowded and is growing more acrimonious,” the Washington Post reports.
“While Democrats see Trump as a corrosive figure and a threat to the nation, they also see the president and his well-funded campaign tailoring a reelection bid around the strong economy and visceral appeals to his ardent supporters.”
“The developments have generated convulsions of angst among Democrats, who watched their first-in-the-nation Iowa presidential caucuses conclude in a chaotic fiasco and deliver an inconclusive result. Many in the party are now sounding the alarm that denying Trump a second term could be far more difficult than they had calculated.”


politicalwire--2020-02-08--Who Won Last Night’s Debate?

Who Won Last Night’s Debate?

FiveThirtyEight polled before and after and found Bernie Sanders , Pete Buttigieg and Amy Klobuchar with the best marks .
@ @ @ @ @ the highest marks of any candidate for his debate performance .
Elizabeth Warren , on @ @ @ @ @ a middle-of-the-pack performance score… Joe Biden and Andrew Yang , on the other hand , @ @ @ @ @ that looked even worse compared to their pre-debate favorability ratings .
For members : My @ @ @ @ @ Debate

FiveThirtyEight polled before and after and found Bernie Sanders, Pete Buttigieg and Amy Klobuchar with the best marks. In fact, Sanders received the highest marks of any candidate for his debate performance.
Elizabeth Warren, on the other hand, got a middle-of-the-pack performance score… Joe Biden and Andrew Yang, on the other hand, received somewhat subpar debate grades that looked even worse compared to their pre-debate favorability ratings.
For members: My Reaction to the 8th Democratic Debate


politicalwire--2020-02-09--Bloomberg’s Theory of Trump

Bloomberg’s Theory of Trump

“ Others have tried this tactic without success — remember Hillary Clinton ?
— but Mike Bloomberg plans to attack @ @ @ @ @ record , ” Axios reports .
“ One difference : Trump ’ s pre-White House @ @ @ @ @ with his decisions as president .
Another difference : Bloomberg will be making this argument @ @ @ @ @ a multinational company.
” “ The crux of Bloomberg ’ s argument is that Trump @ @ @ @ @ think about crushing his next adversary in a deal rather than building a long-term customer @ @ @ @ @ short-term , win-at-all-costs mindset defines how Trump operates as president , and with allies .
@

“Others have tried this tactic without success — remember Hillary Clinton? — but Mike Bloomberg plans to attack President Trump on his business record,” Axios reports.
“One difference: Trump’s pre-White House career can now be linked with his decisions as president. Another difference: Bloomberg will be making this argument as a multibillionaire who built a multinational company.”
“The crux of Bloomberg’s argument is that Trump has only ever had to think about crushing his next adversary in a deal rather than building a long-term customer relationship — and that this short-term, win-at-all-costs mindset defines how Trump operates as president, and with allies.”


politicalwire--2020-02-09--Extra Bonus Quote of the Day

Extra Bonus Quote of the Day

“ You know , I ’ ve lost a lot in my lifetime , like many of you have .
@ @ @ @ @ wife and daughter .
Lost my son , Beau , like many of you have @ @ @ @ @ ll be damned if I ’ m going to stand by and lose my country @ @ @ @

“You know, I’ve lost a lot in my lifetime, like many of you have. Car accident took away my wife and daughter. Lost my son, Beau, like many of you have done. But I’ll be damned if I’m going to stand by and lose my country, too.”
— Joe Biden, quoted by BuzzFeed.


politicalwire--2020-02-10--Trump’s Dream Scenario Umfolds

Trump’s Dream Scenario Umfolds

Politico : “ Inside Donald Trump ’ s reelection campaign , Joe Biden is a shadow of the past .
@ @ @ @ @ the 2020 Democratic presidential field , and the cause of so much presidential angst that @ @ @ @ @ against Ukraine to damage him , the former vice president ’ s name is now @ @ @ @ @ the president ’ s aides — that is , unless they ’ re mocking him.
@ @ @ @ @ struggling … the Trump campaign is now salivating at the thought of what could unfold @ @ @

Politico: “Inside Donald Trump’s reelection campaign, Joe Biden is a shadow of the past. Once his chief rival in the 2020 Democratic presidential field, and the cause of so much presidential angst that Trump mounted a pressure campaign against Ukraine to damage him, the former vice president’s name is now hardly mentioned in conversations with the president’s aides — that is, unless they’re mocking him.”
“With Biden increasingly struggling … the Trump campaign is now salivating at the thought of what could unfold next.”


politicalwire--2020-02-10--Sanders Glides Towards Primary as Moderates Fight

Politico : “ Bernie Sanders was battered in Iowa with more than $ 800,000 in TV attack ads that labeled @ @ @ @ @ he couldn ’ t beat President Trump .
Here in New Hampshire , the opposite @ @ @ @ @ are free of anti-Sanders spots in the days before the first-in-the-nation-primary , and he ’ @ @ @ @ @ each other.
” “ Tom Steyer is largely training his advertising firepower onto Pete Buttigieg @ @ @ @ @ former vice president is mocking Buttigieg ’ s experience and targeting him in a digital @ @ @ @ @ Biden , the ex-mayor says he ’ s tired of being a punchline .
The @ @ @ @ @ — who is polling first in the state with Buttigieg closely behind him — and @ @ @ @ @ to him on the airwaves is sparking anxiety among some moderate Democratic leaders .
”

Politico: “Bernie Sanders was battered in Iowa with more than $800,000 in TV attack ads that labeled him a socialist and argued he couldn’t beat President Trump. Here in New Hampshire, the opposite has happened: The airwaves are free of anti-Sanders spots in the days before the first-in-the-nation-primary, and he’s watching the moderates shank each other.”
“Tom Steyer is largely training his advertising firepower onto Pete Buttigieg and Joe Biden. The former vice president is mocking Buttigieg’s experience and targeting him in a digital spot. Fighting back against Biden, the ex-mayor says he’s tired of being a punchline. The strength of the Vermont senator — who is polling first in the state with Buttigieg closely behind him — and the sudden lack of resistance to him on the airwaves is sparking anxiety among some moderate Democratic leaders.”


politicalwire--2020-02-10--Trump Seeks Massive Cuts In Budget

Trump Seeks Massive Cuts In Budget

“ As with his previous budget proposals , Trump is once again seeking deep and unrealistic cuts to most federal @ @ @ @ @ the budget summary tables .
The cuts are unlikely to be embraced by Congress , @ @ @ @ @ For example , the administration is seeking an 8 percent cut to USDA ’ s @ @ @ @ @ .
Trump ’ s plan would cut the Commerce Department by 37 percent , the @ @ @ @ @ , the Energy Department by 8 percent , the Department of Housing and Urban Development @ @ @ @ @ the Department of Health and Human Services by 9 percent .

“As with his previous budget proposals, Trump is once again seeking deep and unrealistic cuts to most federal agency budgets, according to the budget summary tables. The cuts are unlikely to be embraced by Congress,” Politico reports.
“For example, the administration is seeking an 8 percent cut to USDA’s budget over current funding levels. Trump’s plan would cut the Commerce Department by 37 percent, the Education Department by 8 percent, the Energy Department by 8 percent, the Department of Housing and Urban Development by 15 percent, and the Department of Health and Human Services by 9 percent.


politicalwire--2020-02-10--Sanders Widens Lead In New Hampshire

Sanders Widens Lead In New Hampshire

A new Boston Globe/WBZ-TV/Suffolk University poll in New Hampshire finds Bernie Sanders leading the Democratic primary with 27 % , @ @ @ @ @ 19 % , Amy Klobuchar at 14 % , Elizabeth Warren at 12 % and @ @ @ @ @ A new 7 News/ Emerson College tracking poll finds Sanders leading with 30 % , @ @ @ @ @ % , Klobuchar at 14 % , Warren at 11 % and Biden at 10 @ @

A new Boston Globe/WBZ-TV/Suffolk University poll in New Hampshire finds Bernie Sanders leading the Democratic primary with 27%, followed by Pete Buttigieg at 19%, Amy Klobuchar at 14%, Elizabeth Warren at 12% and Joe Biden at 12%
A new 7 News/ Emerson College tracking poll finds Sanders leading with 30%, followed by Buttigieg at 23%, Klobuchar at 14%, Warren at 11% and Biden at 10%.


politicalwire--2020-02-10--Buttigieg Edges Sanders for Delegates in Iowa

“ Pete Buttigieg has narrowly edged out Bernie Sanders for delegates from last week ’ s Iowa caucuses , ” @ @ @ @ @ to the state Democratic Party , Buttigieg is projected to win 14 delegates to the @ @ @ @ @ Milwaukee , while Sanders will get 12 delegates .
Warren will receive eight delegates , @ @ @ @ @ , and Amy Klobuchar will receive a single delegate .
”

“Pete Buttigieg has narrowly edged out Bernie Sanders for delegates from last week’s Iowa caucuses,” Politico reports.
“According to the state Democratic Party, Buttigieg is projected to win 14 delegates to the national convention this summer in Milwaukee, while Sanders will get 12 delegates. Warren will receive eight delegates, Joe Biden will get six, and Amy Klobuchar will receive a single delegate.”


politicalwire--2020-02-10--Bloomberg Heads to North Carolina as Early Voting Begins

“ Building on growing momentum in the polls , billionaire presidential candidate Michael Bloomberg will visit Raleigh , Greensboro and @ @ @ @ @ his pitch to Democratic voters , ” the Raleigh News & Observer reports .
“ @ @ @ @ @ March 3 , but in-person early voting begins Thursday , the same day Bloomberg will @ @ @ @

“Building on growing momentum in the polls, billionaire presidential candidate Michael Bloomberg will visit Raleigh, Greensboro and Winston-Salem this week to make his pitch to Democratic voters,” the Raleigh News & Observer reports.
“The primary will be held March 3, but in-person early voting begins Thursday, the same day Bloomberg will be here.”


Biden’s Excuses

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This piece is only available to Political Wire members.
After a year of being the clear frontunner for the Democratic presidential nomination, Joe Biden’s campaign is imploding before our eyes. He finished fourth in Iowa and looks to do the same (or worse) in New Hampshire, if the polls are accurate.


politicalwire--2020-02-10--Billionaires Are Accelerating Biden’s Collapse

Philip Bump : “ There are lots of reasons that Sen. Bernie Sanders should feel pleased with his current position in the race for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination .
Perhaps the only concrete result of the Iowa caucuses was that former vice president Joe Biden did worse than expected .
Sanders finished at the top of the field there and should win the New Hampshire primary Tuesday.
” “ What ’ s more , a national poll from Quinnipiac University released Monday showed Sanders passing Biden for the first time .
In The Washington Post ’ s average of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ four points of Biden , challenging the former vice president ’ s long-standing lead .
In other polling averages , he ’ s even closer.
” “ Sanders ’ s gains on Biden aren ’ t solely a function of Sanders siphoning support from Biden , though .
Instead , the poll suggests that Biden ’ s support is being cannibalized by former New York mayor Mike Bloomberg .
At the same time , Biden ’ s planned path to resurrection may have been largely cut off by another billionaire , businessman Tom @ @ @

Philip Bump: “There are lots of reasons that Sen. Bernie Sanders should feel pleased with his current position in the race for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination. Perhaps the only concrete result of the Iowa caucuses was that former vice president Joe Biden did worse than expected. Sanders finished at the top of the field there and should win the New Hampshire primary Tuesday.”
“What’s more, a national poll from Quinnipiac University released Monday showed Sanders passing Biden for the first time. In The Washington Post’s average of national polls, Sanders has pulled within four points of Biden, challenging the former vice president’s long-standing lead. In other polling averages, he’s even closer.”
“Sanders’s gains on Biden aren’t solely a function of Sanders siphoning support from Biden, though. Instead, the poll suggests that Biden’s support is being cannibalized by former New York mayor Mike Bloomberg. At the same time, Biden’s planned path to resurrection may have been largely cut off by another billionaire, businessman Tom Steyer.”


politicalwire--2020-02-10--Trump Looks to Kill Student Loan Forgiveness Program

“ As student debt continues to climb , President Trump on Monday released a budget for 2021 that would slash @ @ @ @ @ at helping borrowers , ” CNBC reports .


politicalwire--2020-02-10--Extra Bonus Quote of the Day

Extra Bonus Quote of the Day

“ If Michael Bennet is the nominee , Mitch McConnell ’ s going to look like he crapped a pineapple.
@ @ @ @ @ quoted by the Washington Post , in support of Sen. Michael Bennet ’ s presidential @ @

“If Michael Bennet is the nominee, Mitch McConnell’s going to look like he crapped a pineapple.”
— James Carville, quoted by the Washington Post, in support of Sen. Michael Bennet’s presidential campaign.


politicalwire--2020-02-10--Trump Floats Death Penalty for Drug Dealers

President Trump suggested he ’ d like to model American criminal law on drug dealing on authoritarian systems like China @ @ @ @ @ , Vox reports .
Said Trump : “ Countries with a powerful death penalty , @ @ @ @ @ trial , they have very little if any drug problem .
That includes China .
@

President Trump suggested he’d like to model American criminal law on drug dealing on authoritarian systems like China, where dealers are executed, Vox reports.
Said Trump: “Countries with a powerful death penalty, with a fair but quick trial, they have very little if any drug problem. That includes China.”


politicalwire--2020-02-10--The Problem for Moderate Democrats

The Problem for Moderate Democrats

James Hohmann : “ Most Democrats don ’ t want Sanders to be their nominee , but they can not @ @ @ @ @ behind instead .
Despite rumbling concerns of the establishment , there ’ s no organized @ @ @ @ @ movement .
In fact , Democrats who don ’ t support Sanders still hold largely @ @ @ @ @ Unlike in Iowa , where he faced nearly a million dollars in attack ads , @ @ @ @ @ air here with anti-Sanders commercials .
”

James Hohmann: “Most Democrats don’t want Sanders to be their nominee, but they cannot agree on who to rally behind instead. Despite rumbling concerns of the establishment, there’s no organized Stop Sanders or Never Bernie movement. In fact, Democrats who don’t support Sanders still hold largely favorable views of him. Unlike in Iowa, where he faced nearly a million dollars in attack ads, no one is on the air here with anti-Sanders commercials.”


politicalwire--2020-02-10--Public Remains Split on Impeachment

Public Remains Split on Impeachment

A new Monmouth poll finds that 49 % of the public approves and 47 % disapproves of the Senate ’ @ @ @ @ @ and not remove him from office .
“ The impeachment trial – like pretty much @ @ @ @ @ during the Trump presidency – has had little impact on public opinion of the incumbent @ @ @ @ @ rating stands at 44 % approve and 50 % disapprove , which is statistically indistinguishable @ @ @ @ @ % rating last month .
Over the past 12 months , Trump ’ s approval @ @ @ @ @ to 44 % in Monmouth ’ s polling , while disapproval has ranged from 50 @ @ @ @ @ ”

A new Monmouth poll finds that 49% of the public approves and 47% disapproves of the Senate’s decision to acquit Trump and not remove him from office.
“The impeachment trial – like pretty much every other event or incident during the Trump presidency – has had little impact on public opinion of the incumbent. Trump’s job rating stands at 44% approve and 50% disapprove, which is statistically indistinguishable from his 43%-52% rating last month. Over the past 12 months, Trump’s approval has ranged from 40% to 44% in Monmouth’s polling, while disapproval has ranged from 50% to 54%.”


politicalwire--2020-02-10--The Case for Impeaching Trump Again

The Case for Impeaching Trump Again

George Conway : “ So just as we had Nixon ’ s enemies list , so we have had three years of Trump ’ s use of presidential power for vindictive ends .
Long before the Vindmans and Sondland , the firing of James B. Comey as FBI director .
Trump ’ s alleged directive to the Pentagon to ‘ screw Amazon , ’ whose chief executive owns this newspaper , which , frankly , ought by itself to have been an impeachable offense .
So , too , his threats against Google , Facebook and Twitter .
His obvious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ criticisms of him .
His attacks on a British ambassador who dared assess him critically .
The Ukraine scandal itself , indeed , was partially an effort to attain vengeance for wrongs — Ukrainian ‘ interference ’ — Trump imagines were done to him in 2016 .
He ’ ll use whatever means he has at his presidential disposal to redress his bottomless pit of grievances.
” “ And he ’ ll only get worse .
Narcissistic leaders such as Trump always do .
As we ’ ve now seen , his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which beget more criticism , and more investigation , and even more rage , retribution and misconduct .
Over and over again.
” “ So America beware : The state is Trump , and he ’ s very , very angry .
We might , indeed , have to do it again .
”

George Conway: “So just as we had Nixon’s enemies list, so we have had three years of Trump’s use of presidential power for vindictive ends. Long before the Vindmans and Sondland, the firing of James B. Comey as FBI director. Trump’s alleged directive to the Pentagon to ‘screw Amazon,’ whose chief executive owns this newspaper, which, frankly, ought by itself to have been an impeachable offense. So, too, his threats against Google, Facebook and Twitter. His obvious punishment of Puerto Rico for its politicians’ criticisms of him. His attacks on a British ambassador who dared assess him critically. The Ukraine scandal itself, indeed, was partially an effort to attain vengeance for wrongs — Ukrainian ‘interference’ — Trump imagines were done to him in 2016. He’ll use whatever means he has at his presidential disposal to redress his bottomless pit of grievances.”
“And he’ll only get worse. Narcissistic leaders such as Trump always do. As we’ve now seen, his rage leads to retribution and misconduct, which beget more criticism, and more investigation, and even more rage, retribution and misconduct. Over and over again.”
“So America beware: The state is Trump, and he’s very, very angry. We might, indeed, have to do it again.”


politicalwire--2020-02-10--How Warren Plans to Turn Around Her Campaign

Time : “ The Warren campaign prides itself on ignoring the horse race , dismissing what it calls ‘ the @ @ @ @ @ on Warren ’ s message of combating corruption in politics and ushering in structural change @ @ @ @ @ done a better job of consolidating the support of prominent local Democratic elected leaders than @ @ @ @ @ , Warren seems to be doubling down on her fundamental belief that politics is about @ @ @

Time: “The Warren campaign prides itself on ignoring the horse race, dismissing what it calls ‘the pollercoaster’ and staying focused on Warren’s message of combating corruption in politics and ushering in structural change. Aides argue she has done a better job of consolidating the support of prominent local Democratic elected leaders than her rivals. If anything, Warren seems to be doubling down on her fundamental belief that politics is about policy.”


politicalwire--2020-02-10--Gabbard Says She’ll Back the Democratic Nominee

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard ( D-HI ) confirmed to Sirius XM that she will “ of course ” back the Democratic @ @ @ @ @ if she doesn ’ t win .

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


politicalwire--2020-02-10--Sanders Overtakes Biden In National Poll

A new Quinnipiac poll shows Bernie Sanders leading the Democratic presidential race nationally with 25 % , followed by Joe @ @ @ @ @ Michael Bloomberg at 15 % , Elizabeth Warren at 14 % , Pete Buttigieg at @ @ @ @ @ st 4 % .
Said pollster Tim Malloy : “ Is the Bloomberg camp prepping @ @ @ @ @ to ride to the rescue ?
Maybe not yet , but without setting foot in @ @ @ @ @ he is suddenly a looming shadow over the primary field .
”

A new Quinnipiac poll shows Bernie Sanders leading the Democratic presidential race nationally with 25%, followed by Joe Biden at 17%, Michael Bloomberg at 15%, Elizabeth Warren at 14%, Pete Buttigieg at 10% and Amy Klobuchar st 4%.
Said pollster Tim Malloy: “Is the Bloomberg camp prepping the white horse for him to ride to the rescue? Maybe not yet, but without setting foot in Iowa or New Hampshire, he is suddenly a looming shadow over the primary field.”


politicalwire--2020-02-10--More Than 100 Were Hurt In Iran Missile Attack

“ Over 100 U.S. service members have been diagnosed with mild traumatic brain injuries in the wake of the January @ @ @ @ @ the al Asad military base in Iraq , ” CNN reports .
“ The Pentagon @ @ @ @ @ said no service members were injured or killed in the Iranian missile attack… Last month @ @ @ @ @ not consider potential brain injuries to be as serious as physical combat wounds , downplaying @ @ @ @ @ suffered in Iraq .
”

“Over 100 U.S. service members have been diagnosed with mild traumatic brain injuries in the wake of the January 8 Iranian missile attack on the al Asad military base in Iraq,” CNN reports.
“The Pentagon and President Trump had initially said no service members were injured or killed in the Iranian missile attack… Last month, Trump said he does not consider potential brain injuries to be as serious as physical combat wounds, downplaying the severity of the injuries suffered in Iraq.”


politicalwire--2020-02-10--Sanders Leads In Final New Hampshire Tracking Poll

The final CNN poll in New Hampshire finds Bernie Sanders leading with 29 % , followed by Pete Buttigieg at @ @ @ @ @ at 11 % , Elizabeth Warren at 10 % and Amy Klobuchar at 7 % @ @ @ @ @ Only about half of likely primary voters in New Hampshire say they have definitely decided @ @ @ @ @ , meaning that despite the stability in the numbers throughout the six-day tracking period , @ @ @ @ @ to shift .
”

The final CNN poll in New Hampshire finds Bernie Sanders leading with 29%, followed by Pete Buttigieg at 22%, Joe Biden at 11%, Elizabeth Warren at 10% and Amy Klobuchar at 7%.
Key takeaway: “Only about half of likely primary voters in New Hampshire say they have definitely decided for whom they will vote, meaning that despite the stability in the numbers throughout the six-day tracking period, there remains room for preferences to shift.”


politicalwire--2020-02-10--Bonus Quote of the Day

Bonus Quote of the Day

“ You are my donors… Unlike some of my opponents , we don ’ t take money from the CEOs @ @ @ @ @ Wall Street goons… We don ’ t want their money , we don ’ t @ @ @ @


politicalwire--2020-02-10--Amazon Seeks to Depose Trump

Amazon Seeks to Depose Trump

“ Amazon is seeking to depose President Trump , Defense Secretary Mark Esper and former Defense Secretary James Mattis over @ @ @ @ @ cloud contract awarded to Microsoft , ” CNBC reports .
From an Amazon statement : @ @ @ @ @ demonstrated his willingness to use his position as President and Commander in Chief to interfere @ @ @ @ @ federal procurements – to advance his personal agenda .
The preservation of public confidence in @ @ @ @ @ process requires discovery and supplementation of the administrative record , particularly in light of President @ @ @ @ @ ‘ screw Amazon.
’ The question is whether the President of the United States should @ @ @ @ @ budget of the DoD to pursue his own personal and political ends .
”

“Amazon is seeking to depose President Trump, Defense Secretary Mark Esper and former Defense Secretary James Mattis over a $10 billion Pentagon cloud contract awarded to Microsoft,” CNBC reports.
From an Amazon statement: “President Trump has repeatedly demonstrated his willingness to use his position as President and Commander in Chief to interfere with government functions – including federal procurements – to advance his personal agenda. The preservation of public confidence in the nation’s procurement process requires discovery and supplementation of the administrative record, particularly in light of President Trump’s order to ‘screw Amazon.’ The question is whether the President of the United States should be allowed to use the budget of the DoD to pursue his own personal and political ends.”


politicalwire--2020-02-10--Adelson Will Spend $100 Million to Re-Elect Trump

“ Sheldon Adelson , an ardent pro-Israel conservative , is expected to donate at least $ 100m to boost Donald @ @ @ @ @ efforts and Republican congressional candidates this fall , ” The Guardian reports .


politicalwire--2020-02-10--Biden Insists He Can Still Win

Biden Insists He Can Still Win

Joe Biden insisted he can still win the Democratic presidential nomination in a contentious CBS News interview .
Said Biden @ @ @ @ @ going to happen until we get down to a place and around the country where @ @ @ @ @ diversity .
And , you know , you ’ re always behind the eight ball @ @ @ @ @ in New Hampshire and you have two people from the neighboring states .
”

Joe Biden insisted he can still win the Democratic presidential nomination in a contentious CBS News interview.
Said Biden: “Nothing’s going to happen until we get down to a place and around the country where there’s much more diversity. And, you know, you’re always behind the eight ball when you’re running in New Hampshire and you have two people from the neighboring states.”


politicalwire--2020-02-10--How the Iowa Caucuses Became an Epic Fiasco

New York Times : “ As disastrous as the 2020 Iowa caucuses have appeared to the public , the failure @ @ @ @ @ has previously been known , according to dozens of interviews with those involved .
It @ @ @ @ @ that casts doubt on how a critical contest on the American political calendar has been @ @ @ @ @ Until now , the main public villain in the Iowa caucus fiasco has been the @ @ @ @ @ a company called Shadow Inc. , along with a ‘ coding issue ’ in a @ @ @ @ @ state party officials blamed for the chaos .
But the crackup resulted from cascading failures @ @ @ @ @

New York Times: “As disastrous as the 2020 Iowa caucuses have appeared to the public, the failure runs deeper and wider than has previously been known, according to dozens of interviews with those involved. It was a total system breakdown that casts doubt on how a critical contest on the American political calendar has been managed for years.”
“Until now, the main public villain in the Iowa caucus fiasco has been the reporting app, created by a company called Shadow Inc., along with a ‘coding issue’ in a back-end results reporting system that state party officials blamed for the chaos. But the crackup resulted from cascading failures going back months.”


politicalwire--2020-02-10--Kellyanne Conway Hints More Officials May Be Ousted

White House adviser Kellyanne Conway hinted that additional officials could be forced out of their roles following the ousters last @ @ @ @ @ Vindman and Ambassador Gordon Sondland — both high-profile witnesses in the impeachment investigation of President @ @ @ @ @