politicalwire--2020-12-11--Pentagon Weighs Sharp Drawback In Support for CIA

“ The Trump administration is considering whether to pull back military support for the C.I.A.
, including potentially taking back @ @ @ @ @ the C.I.A .
uses , according to current and former officials .
The shift could @ @ @ @ @ s counterterrorism efforts that were greatly expanded after the Sept. 11 , 2001 , attacks @ @ @ @ @ Times reports .
Politico : The White House is making big changes at the Pentagon @ @ @ @ @ them .

“The Trump administration is considering whether to pull back military support for the C.I.A., including potentially taking back much of the drone fleet the C.I.A. uses, according to current and former officials. The shift could sharply curtail the agency’s counterterrorism efforts that were greatly expanded after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks,” the New York Times reports.
Politico: The White House is making big changes at the Pentagon — but Biden can reverse them.


politicalwire--2020-12-11--Probe of Son Will Hang Over Biden

Probe of Son Will Hang Over Biden

“ Unless President Trump ’ s Justice Department clears Hunter Biden of wrongdoing before leaving office , the new president @ @ @ @ @ his own newly installed administration deciding how or whether to proceed with an inquiry that @ @ @ @ @ criminal prosecution , ” the New York Times reports .
“ Already some Republicans are @ @ @ @ @ appointed to insulate the case from political influence .
”

“Unless President Trump’s Justice Department clears Hunter Biden of wrongdoing before leaving office, the new president will confront the prospect of his own newly installed administration deciding how or whether to proceed with an inquiry that could expose his son to criminal prosecution,” the New York Times reports.
“Already some Republicans are demanding a special counsel be appointed to insulate the case from political influence.”


politicalwire--2020-12-11--Barr Plans to Finish Term

Barr Plans to Finish Term

“ Attorney General William P. Barr has told others he plans to remain in his post through the end of @ @ @ @ @ aside his deliberations about stepping down by the end of the year , ” the @ @ @ @ @ “ Mr .
Barr had been weighing whether to leave this month .
But President @ @ @ @ @ the attorney general ’ s refusal to help overturn the election — was said to @ @ @ @ @ ’ s contemplation of an early departure .
”

“Attorney General William P. Barr has told others he plans to remain in his post through the end of the Trump administration, setting aside his deliberations about stepping down by the end of the year,” the New York Times reports.
“Mr. Barr had been weighing whether to leave this month. But President Trump — already angry with the attorney general’s refusal to help overturn the election — was said to be irritated with Mr. Barr’s contemplation of an early departure.”


politicalwire--2020-12-11--Biden Pentagon Pick May Not Survive Without GOP Votes

“ Lloyd Austin will begin courtesy calls with Congress next week , but his nomination to be Defense secretary may @ @ @ @ @ of committee unless Republicans help grant the waiver he needs to hold the job , @ @ @ @ @ While civil rights groups are hailing Austin ’ s nomination to be the first Black @ @ @ @ @ on the Senate Armed Services Committee have already said they oppose the waiver , leaving @ @ @ @ @ rescue him — and some predict the vote will fail in committee .
”

“Lloyd Austin will begin courtesy calls with Congress next week, but his nomination to be Defense secretary may not even make it out of committee unless Republicans help grant the waiver he needs to hold the job,” Axios reports.
“While civil rights groups are hailing Austin’s nomination to be the first Black Defense secretary, some Democrats on the Senate Armed Services Committee have already said they oppose the waiver, leaving it up to Republicans to rescue him — and some predict the vote will fail in committee.”


politicalwire--2020-12-11--Aides Try to Prevent Trump Veto

Aides Try to Prevent Trump Veto

“ Some of President Trump ’ s advisers are trying to convince him that if he vetoes a defense reauthorization @ @ @ @ @ , his fellow Republicans won ’ t sustain it and he ’ ll risk losing @ @ @ @ @ ” Axios reports .
“ In private conversations , Trump seems to believe Republicans would @ @ @ @ @ and support a veto .
He argues the bill needs a provision repealing protections for @ @ @ @ @ several confidants have tried to persuade him his fellow Republicans don ’ t agree .
@

“Some of President Trump’s advisers are trying to convince him that if he vetoes a defense reauthorization bill that could pass Friday, his fellow Republicans won’t sustain it and he’ll risk losing credibility with the troops,” Axios reports.
“In private conversations, Trump seems to believe Republicans would ultimately bend to his will and support a veto. He argues the bill needs a provision repealing protections for social media companies, but several confidants have tried to persuade him his fellow Republicans don’t agree.”


politicalwire--2020-12-11--Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day

“ The next mayor is going to inherit a shit-show , a deficit that is in the multiple billions of @ @ @ @ @ 1970s.
” — Former Sanitation Commissioner Kathryn Garcia , quoted by the New York Daily @ @ @ @ @ her New York City mayoral campaign in a video .

“The next mayor is going to inherit a shit-show, a deficit that is in the multiple billions of dollars — worse than the 1970s.”
— Former Sanitation Commissioner Kathryn Garcia, quoted by the New York Daily News, officially kicking off her New York City mayoral campaign in a video.


politicalwire--2020-12-11--Barr Kept Hunter Biden Probes from Public View

“ Attorney General William Barr has known about a disparate set of investigations involving Hunter Biden ’ s business and @ @ @ @ @ this spring and worked to avoid their public disclosure during the heated election campaign , @ @ @ @ @ reports .
“ Republicans and President Trump have pressed Mr. Barr for months to pursue @ @ @ @ @ his father , Joe Biden , gained momentum in his ultimately successful bid for president @ @ @ @ @ off pressure from Republicans in Congress for information into the investigations , without elaborating on @ @ @ @

“Attorney General William Barr has known about a disparate set of investigations involving Hunter Biden’s business and financial dealings since at least this spring and worked to avoid their public disclosure during the heated election campaign,” the Wall Street Journal reports.
“Republicans and President Trump have pressed Mr. Barr for months to pursue Mr. Biden, especially as his father, Joe Biden, gained momentum in his ultimately successful bid for president. Mr. Barr has staved off pressure from Republicans in Congress for information into the investigations, without elaborating on his actions.”


politicalwire--2020-12-11--Mike Lee Blocks Museums for Latinos, Women

“ Joe Biden hasn ’ t picked any of the nearly two dozen Democrats who ran against him to serve @ @ @ @ @ that bodes quite well for the former rival…

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


politicalwire--2020-12-12--FDA Clears Pfizer Vaccine

FDA Clears Pfizer Vaccine

“ The Food and Drug Administration authorized Pfizer ’ s Covid-19 vaccine for emergency use on Friday , ” the @ @ @ @ @ “ With the decision , the United States becomes the sixth country — in addition @ @ @ @ @ Canada , Saudi Arabia and Mexico — to clear the vaccine .
Other authorizations , @ @ @ @ @ , are expected within weeks .
”

“The Food and Drug Administration authorized Pfizer’s Covid-19 vaccine for emergency use on Friday,” the New York Times reports.
“With the decision, the United States becomes the sixth country — in addition to Britain, Bahrain, Canada, Saudi Arabia and Mexico — to clear the vaccine. Other authorizations, including by the European Union, are expected within weeks.”


politicalwire--2020-12-12--Biden Considering Cuomo for Attorney General

New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo ( D ) is one of several contenders under consideration by President-elect Joe Biden @ @ @ @ @ general , the AP reports .
“ The other three contenders at the moment include @ @ @ @ @ , federal appeals court judge Merrick Garland and former Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates , @ @ @ @ @ cautioned that no decision had been reached and no announcement was expected imminently .
”

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) is one of several contenders under consideration by President-elect Joe Biden for the role of attorney general, the AP reports.
“The other three contenders at the moment include former Alabama Sen. Doug Jones, federal appeals court judge Merrick Garland and former Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates, said the person, who cautioned that no decision had been reached and no announcement was expected imminently.”


politicalwire--2020-12-12--Email to Hunter Biden Raised Questions About Taxes

“ Hunter Biden ’ s former business partner sent him an email in 2017 saying he did not disclose on @ @ @ @ @ in income from the Ukrainian natural gas company where he sat on the board , @ @ @ @ @ of the email obtained by NBC News .
“ The message from Eric Schwerin , @ @ @ @ @ Partners , says Hunter Biden would need to ‘ amend ’ his 2014 returns to @ @ @ @ @ income , according to the copy of the email .
”

“Hunter Biden’s former business partner sent him an email in 2017 saying he did not disclose on his tax returns $400,000 in income from the Ukrainian natural gas company where he sat on the board,” according to a copy of the email obtained by NBC News.
“The message from Eric Schwerin, then president of Rosemont Seneca Partners, says Hunter Biden would need to ‘amend’ his 2014 returns to reflect the ‘unreported’ income, according to the copy of the email.”


politicalwire--2020-12-11--Justices Won’t Hear Texas Challenge to Election

The Supreme Court has denied Texas ’ last-ditch effort to overturn the election results in four battleground states that voted @ @ @ @ @ court ’ s unsigned order was short : “ Texas has not demonstrated a judicially @ @ @ @ @ in which another state conducts its elections .
All other pending motions are dismissed as @ @ @ @ @ : “ The move , coupled with a one-sentence order on Tuesday turning away a @ @ @ @ @ , signaled that the court refused to be drawn into President Trump ’ s losing @ @ @ @ @ of the election last month .
”

The Supreme Court has denied Texas’ last-ditch effort to overturn the election results in four battleground states that voted for Joe Biden.
The court’s unsigned order was short: “Texas has not demonstrated a judicially cognizable interest in the manner in which another state conducts its elections. All other pending motions are dismissed as moot.”
New York Times: “The move, coupled with a one-sentence order on Tuesday turning away a similar request from Pennsylvania Republicans, signaled that the court refused to be drawn into President Trump’s losing campaign to overturn the results of the election last month.”


politicalwire--2020-12-11--Top House Republican Joins Suit to Overturn Election

“ House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy ( R-CA ) was among 20 new names added Friday to an amicus brief @ @ @ @ @ House Republicans in support of a Texas-led effort with the Supreme Court to effectively reverse @ @ @ @ @ election , ” the Washington Post reports .
“ With the names added Friday , @ @ @ @ @ GOP members have now signed onto the brief.
” For members : Why the GOP @ @ @ @ @

“House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) was among 20 new names added Friday to an amicus brief filed by a majority of House Republicans in support of a Texas-led effort with the Supreme Court to effectively reverse the results of the presidential election,” the Washington Post reports.
“With the names added Friday, 126 of the 196 House GOP members have now signed onto the brief.”
For members: Why the GOP Has Given Up on Democracy


politicalwire--2020-12-11--Devin Nunes Tests Positive

Devin Nunes Tests Positive

BuzzFeed News : “ Since May , a number of Facebook employees have quit , saying they were ashamed of @ @ @ @ @ having on the world or worried that the company ’ s…


politicalwire--2020-12-11--Key People Are Leaving Facebook

Key People Are Leaving Facebook

BuzzFeed News : “ Since May , a number of Facebook employees have quit , saying they were ashamed of @ @ @ @ @ having on the world or worried that the company ’ s inaction in moderating hate @ @ @ @ @ political interference , division , and bloodshed .
Others have been fired for documenting instances @ @ @ @ @ conservative pages that repeatedly spread false information.
” “ But in just the past few @ @ @ @ @ people involved in critical integrity work related to reducing violence and incitement , crafting policy @ @ @ @ @ and tracking content that breaks Facebook ’ s rules have left the company .
In @ @ @ @ @ News , each person expressed concerns about the company ’ s approach to handling US @ @ @ @ @ , and called out Facebook leadership for its unwillingness to be more proactive about reducing @ @ @ @ @ false content .
”

BuzzFeed News: “Since May, a number of Facebook employees have quit, saying they were ashamed of the impact the company was having on the world or worried that the company’s inaction in moderating hate and misinformation had led to political interference, division, and bloodshed. Others have been fired for documenting instances of preferential treatment of influential conservative pages that repeatedly spread false information.”
“But in just the past few weeks, at least four people involved in critical integrity work related to reducing violence and incitement, crafting policy to reduce hate speech, and tracking content that breaks Facebook’s rules have left the company. In farewell posts obtained by BuzzFeed News, each person expressed concerns about the company’s approach to handling US political content and hate speech, and called out Facebook leadership for its unwillingness to be more proactive about reducing hate, incitement, and false content.”


politicalwire--2020-12-11--White House Orders FDA to Approve Vaccine

“ White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows on Friday told Stephen Hahn , the commissioner of the Food and @ @ @ @ @ his resignation if the agency does not clear the nation ’ s first coronavirus vaccine @ @ @ @ @ , ” the Washington Post reports .


politicalwire--2020-12-11--Biden Campaign Still Working In Georgia

Biden Campaign Still Working In Georgia

Washington Post : “ In conjunction with the Democratic National Committee , the campaign has spent about $ 5 million @ @ @ @ @ and is paying for about 50 staff members to continue working in the state .
@ @ @ @ @ about a dozen data analytics staff members to help the two Democratic Senate candidates .
@

Washington Post: “In conjunction with the Democratic National Committee, the campaign has spent about $5 million in the runoff elections, and is paying for about 50 staff members to continue working in the state. The campaign has also shifted about a dozen data analytics staff members to help the two Democratic Senate candidates.”


politicalwire--2020-12-11--Biden’s Electors Prepare to Seal His Victory

“ Monday ’ s Electoral College vote formalizing Joe Biden ’ s presidential win will be the culmination of months @ @ @ @ @ campaign to ensure minimum drama — and maximum coronavirus safety , ” Politico reports .
@ @ @ @ @ electors in five states Biden flipped , as well as Biden campaign and state party @ @ @ @ @ to leave as little as possible to chance — a significant change for a process @ @ @ @ @ postelection afterthought .
”

“Monday’s Electoral College vote formalizing Joe Biden’s presidential win will be the culmination of months of orchestration by the Biden campaign to ensure minimum drama — and maximum coronavirus safety,” Politico reports.
“Interviews with 25 Democratic electors in five states Biden flipped, as well as Biden campaign and state party officials, reveal a determination to leave as little as possible to chance — a significant change for a process that has typically been a postelection afterthought.”


politicalwire--2020-12-11--Defense Bill Sent to Trump with Veto-Proof Majorities

“ The Senate passed a $ 741 billion defense authorization bill on Friday , sending it to President Trump with @ @ @ @ @ of Congress and effectively daring him to make good on his threat to scuttle the @ @ @ @ @ Post reports .
Axios : “ Overriding Trump ’ s veto would serve as a @ @ @ @ @ president in his last weeks in office .
”

“The Senate passed a $741 billion defense authorization bill on Friday, sending it to President Trump with veto-proof majorities in both chambers of Congress and effectively daring him to make good on his threat to scuttle the legislation,” the Washington Post reports.
Axios: “Overriding Trump’s veto would serve as a rare Republican rebuke to the president in his last weeks in office.”


Bottoms Declines Ambassadorship


politicalwire--2020-12-11--FDA Will Now Authorize Vaccine Tonight

FDA Will Now Authorize Vaccine Tonight

“ The Food and Drug Administration is accelerating the timeline for issuing an emergency authorization for Pfizer ’ s Covid-19 @ @ @ @ @ it by Friday evening after planning as recently as Thursday night to finalize the move @ @ @ @ @ New York Times reports .


politicalwire--2020-12-11--Trump Recognized Morocco’s Claims to Stick It to Inhofe

“ A fallout between President Trump and Sen. Jim Inhofe ( R-OK ) , chairman of the Senate Armed Services @ @ @ @ @ breakthrough that resulted in the Morocco-Israel normalization deal , ” Axios reports .
“ Inhofe @ @ @ @ @ s closest allies in the Senate and has asked the president over the last two @ @ @ @ @ sovereignty in the Western Sahara… Relations between Trump and Inhofe soured about a week ago @ @ @ @ @ Act .
”

“A fallout between President Trump and Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-OK), chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, led to the breakthrough that resulted in the Morocco-Israel normalization deal,” Axios reports.
“Inhofe is one of Trump’s closest allies in the Senate and has asked the president over the last two years not to recognize Moroccan sovereignty in the Western Sahara… Relations between Trump and Inhofe soured about a week ago over the National Defense Authorization Act.”


politicalwire--2020-12-11--Ivanka and Jared to Head South

Ivanka and Jared to Head South

“ Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner are currently in the final stages of purchasing a plot of land in an @ @ @ @ @ bunker , ’ near Miami Beach , Florida , ” CNN reports .
“ The @ @ @ @ @ shy of two acres and sits on Biscayne Bay , was listed at $ 31.8 @ @ @ @ @ somewhere in the range of $ 28-30 million.
” “ It ’ s not just @ @ @ @ @ to Florida , it is the potential political opportunities of the state itself… Trump has @ @ @ @ @ run for office , nor has she publicly denied she has political ambitions of her @ @ @

“Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner are currently in the final stages of purchasing a plot of land in an exclusive enclave nicknamed ‘billionaire bunker,’ near Miami Beach, Florida,” CNN reports.
“The lot, which is just shy of two acres and sits on Biscayne Bay, was listed at $31.8 million and the couple offered somewhere in the range of $28-30 million.”
“It’s not just the safety that drew Trump to Florida, it is the potential political opportunities of the state itself… Trump has not ruled out a near-future run for office, nor has she publicly denied she has political ambitions of her own.”


politicalwire--2020-12-11--Trump Slams FDA Ahead of Vaccine Authorization

“ President Trump lashed out anew at the Food and Drug Administration in a Friday morning tweet , attacking the @ @ @ @ @ Dr. Stephen Hahn , by name for not approving a Covid-19 vaccine faster , ” @ @ @ @ @ .
Vox : 9 things that could go wrong with the new vaccines .

“President Trump lashed out anew at the Food and Drug Administration in a Friday morning tweet, attacking the agency’s commissioner, Dr. Stephen Hahn, by name for not approving a Covid-19 vaccine faster,” the New York Times reports.
Vox: 9 things that could go wrong with the new vaccines.


politicalwire--2020-12-11--Indoor Dining Will Shut Down in New York City Again

“ Indoor dining will once again be barred in New York City restaurants starting on Monday , Gov .
Andrew @ @ @ @ @ , a significant reversal of the city ’ s reopening that comes as officials try @ @ @ @ @ a second wave of the coronavirus , ” the New York Times reports .
Andrew @ @ @ @ @ not stabilized , and with a rising infection rate and NYC ’ s density , @ @ @ @ @ is too high of a risk .
”

“Indoor dining will once again be barred in New York City restaurants starting on Monday, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced on Friday, a significant reversal of the city’s reopening that comes as officials try to halt the escalation of a second wave of the coronavirus,” the New York Times reports.
Andrew Cuomo: “Hospitalizations have not stabilized, and with a rising infection rate and NYC’s density, this means that indoor dining is too high of a risk.”


politicalwire--2020-12-11--Biden and Harris Share ‘Person of the Year’


Fight House

The Wall Street Journal picks Fight House : Rivalries in the White House from Truman to Trump by Tevi Troy as one of the best political books of the year .
“ Leaking reached new levels during the Trump administration , but strategic and malicious leaking is an old White House tradition .
Leaking , as Mr .
Troy explains it , can be a kind of art form .
The trick is to avoid blame for the leak and , if possible , to make it look as though somebody else did it.
” “ I was delighted to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leakers in the first Bush administration wanted to speak to the press without authorization , they would drop in unusual words— ’ inchoate , ’ say—in order to sound like the aforementioned Darman , then Treasury secretary .
In the Reagan White House , leakers tried to implicate Chief of Staff Donald Regan by using the phrase ‘ and the like , ’ a favorite of Regan .
Mr.
Troy ’ s book , at once a serious history of executive-branch policymaking and a droll chronicle of White House bickering and backstabbing , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at a time when so little in our politics is either serious or funny .
”

The Wall Street Journal picks Fight House: Rivalries in the White House from Truman to Trump by Tevi Troy as one of the best political books of the year.
“Leaking reached new levels during the Trump administration, but strategic and malicious leaking is an old White House tradition. Leaking, as Mr. Troy explains it, can be a kind of art form. The trick is to avoid blame for the leak and, if possible, to make it look as though somebody else did it.”
“I was delighted to learn, for example, that when leakers in the first Bush administration wanted to speak to the press without authorization, they would drop in unusual words—’inchoate,’ say—in order to sound like the aforementioned Darman, then Treasury secretary. In the Reagan White House, leakers tried to implicate Chief of Staff Donald Regan by using the phrase ‘and the like,’ a favorite of Regan. Mr. Troy’s book, at once a serious history of executive-branch policymaking and a droll chronicle of White House bickering and backstabbing, may be just the thing to read at a time when so little in our politics is either serious or funny.”


politicalwire--2020-12-11--Lawmakers Struggle to Rescue New Relief Proposal

“ Congressional leaders are making a last-ditch attempt to cobble together a stimulus deal before Congress adjourns for the year @ @ @ @ @ agreement on a relief package that ’ s eluded them for months , ” Politico @ @ @ @ @ in both chambers have begun negotiating noncontroversial aspects of the relief package , including small @ @ @ @ @ three senior aides familiar with the talks .
Democrats insist this effort is in concert @ @ @ @ @ to reach a deal and not in lieu of their proposal .
Top Republicans , @ @ @ @ @ pessimistic on the bipartisan group reaching consensus on the major remaining sticking points .
”

“Congressional leaders are making a last-ditch attempt to cobble together a stimulus deal before Congress adjourns for the year, hoping to quickly reach agreement on a relief package that’s eluded them for months,” Politico reports.
“Committee leaders in both chambers have begun negotiating noncontroversial aspects of the relief package, including small business funding, according to three senior aides familiar with the talks. Democrats insist this effort is in concert with the bipartisan Senate push to reach a deal and not in lieu of their proposal. Top Republicans, though, are much more pessimistic on the bipartisan group reaching consensus on the major remaining sticking points.”


politicalwire--2020-12-12--Texas GOP Floats Secession After Justices Ruled

“ The Supreme Court , in tossing the Texas lawsuit that was joined by seventeen states and 106 US congressman @ @ @ @ @ state can take unconstitutional actions and violate its own election law .
Perhaps law-abiding states @ @ @ @ @ a Union of states that will abide by the Constitution .
”

Texas Republican Party Chairman Allen West put out a statement tonight:
“The Supreme Court, in tossing the Texas lawsuit that was joined by seventeen states and 106 US congressman, has decreed that a state can take unconstitutional actions and violate its own election law. Perhaps law-abiding states should bond together and form a Union of states that will abide by the Constitution.”


politicalwire--2020-12-12--Trump Skipped Party After Supreme Court Ruling

New York Times : “ The president , who at a White House Hanukkah party earlier in the week eagerly @ @ @ @ @ in his remarks , was scheduled to attend another holiday party around the time the @ @ @ @ @ around 8:30 p.m. , guests were informed that Mr. Trump would not be coming down @ @ @ @ @ .
”

New York Times: “The president, who at a White House Hanukkah party earlier in the week eagerly mentioned the pending court case in his remarks, was scheduled to attend another holiday party around the time the ruling came down. But around 8:30 p.m., guests were informed that Mr. Trump would not be coming down from the residence to speak.”


politicalwire--2020-12-12--Trump Seeks Special Counsel to Probe Hunter Biden

“ President Trump has expressed interest in pursuing the appointment of a special counsel to investigate allegations of fraud in @ @ @ @ @ related to Hunter Biden , ” the Wall Street Journal reports .
“ In recent @ @ @ @ @ directed advisers to look for people who could serve in such a position , one @ @ @ @ @ as lawsuits and other efforts by Mr. Trump and his campaign to reverse the election @ @ @ @ @ officials and allies of the president on Capitol Hill and elsewhere have also pushed for @ @ @ @ @ counsel .
”

“President Trump has expressed interest in pursuing the appointment of a special counsel to investigate allegations of fraud in the November elections and issues related to Hunter Biden,” the Wall Street Journal reports.
“In recent days, the president has directed advisers to look for people who could serve in such a position, one of the people said, as lawsuits and other efforts by Mr. Trump and his campaign to reverse the election results founder. White House officials and allies of the president on Capitol Hill and elsewhere have also pushed for the appointment of a special counsel.”


politicalwire--2020-12-13--Newly-Elected Lawmaker Calls Pandemic ‘Phony’

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

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


politicalwire--2020-12-13--No ICU Beds Left In Mississippi

No ICU Beds Left In Mississippi


politicalwire--2020-12-12--Trump Loses Again in Wisconsin

Trump Loses Again in Wisconsin


politicalwire--2020-12-12--Vaccine Will Arrive to States on Monday

Vaccine Will Arrive to States on Monday

“ Pfizer ’ s coronavirus vaccine , which was authorized for emergency use on Friday night , is expected to @ @ @ @ @ Monday to administer to health care workers , ” Axios reports .
“ The administration @ @ @ @ @ weekend comes as the U.S. topped more than 3,000 deaths a day — more than @ @ @ @ @

“Pfizer’s coronavirus vaccine, which was authorized for emergency use on Friday night, is expected to arrive throughout the U.S. by Monday to administer to health care workers,” Axios reports.
“The administration green-lighting shipments and distribution this weekend comes as the U.S. topped more than 3,000 deaths a day — more than 9/11 or D-Day.”


politicalwire--2020-12-12--Trump’s Election Challenge Cements His Hold Over GOP

Washington Post : “ For the past six weeks , Trump has staged the ultimate loyalty test for the party @ @ @ @ @ officials to opt between siding with him and the nation ’ s democratic process .
@ @ @ @ @ and lengthy silences , the vast majority of elected Republicans chose to back Trump.
” @ @ @ @ @ Republicans and 18 state attorneys general signed their names to the failed Supreme Court lawsuit @ @ @ @ @ the will of voters in multiple states .
Others have gone on television to parrot @ @ @ @ @ conspiracy theories about vote-rigging .
Some are using rhetoric reminiscent of the Civil War to @ @ @ @ @ president ’ s cause .
”

Washington Post: “For the past six weeks, Trump has staged the ultimate loyalty test for the party faithful as he forced Republican officials to opt between siding with him and the nation’s democratic process. Through public displays of support and lengthy silences, the vast majority of elected Republicans chose to back Trump.”
“Nearly two-thirds of House Republicans and 18 state attorneys general signed their names to the failed Supreme Court lawsuit seeking to have justices overturn the will of voters in multiple states. Others have gone on television to parrot the president’s baseless conspiracy theories about vote-rigging. Some are using rhetoric reminiscent of the Civil War to express their fealty to the president’s cause.”


politicalwire--2020-12-12--Maskless Trump Supporters Descend on D.C.


politicalwire--2020-12-12--Trump Mulls Firing Barr Again

Trump Mulls Firing Barr Again

“ President Trump was enraged by a Wall Street Journal scoop that Attorney General Bill Barr worked “ for months @ @ @ @ @ conceal the federal investigation of Hunter Biden , ” Axios reports .
“ The president @ @ @ @ @ Barr , and Saturday morning tweeted this rebuke : ‘ Why didn ’ t Bill @ @ @ @ @ the public , before the Election , about Hunter Biden ? '
” “ The @ @ @ @ @ was single-sourced made people close to the president suspect , despite not knowing , that @ @ @ @ @ — or from a sanctioned representative as a way to burnish his reputation with legal @ @ @ @ @ Times : Trump castigates Barr for not publicly disclosing Hunter Biden investigation .

“President Trump was enraged by a Wall Street Journal scoop that Attorney General Bill Barr worked “for months” during the campaign to conceal the federal investigation of Hunter Biden,” Axios reports.
“The president is re-exploring options for replacing Barr, and Saturday morning tweeted this rebuke: ‘Why didn’t Bill Barr reveal the truth to the public, before the Election, about Hunter Biden?'”
“The fact that the Journal article was single-sourced made people close to the president suspect, despite not knowing, that it came directly from Barr — or from a sanctioned representative as a way to burnish his reputation with legal peers post-Trump.”
New York Times: Trump castigates Barr for not publicly disclosing Hunter Biden investigation.


politicalwire--2020-12-12--Audit Finds DNC Complicated Iowa Caucuses

“ The national Democratic Party ‘ aggressively interjected itself ’ into the 2020 Iowa caucuses , slowing down and complicating @ @ @ @ @ app that crashed on caucus night and delayed the tallying of results , an audit @ @ @ @ @ ” the Des Moines Register reports .
“ The Iowa Democratic Party commissioned the audit @ @ @ @ @ caucuses , hiring a pair of Democratic lawyers to examine the technical and procedural failures @ @ @ @ @ a caucus winner for days after the high-profile contest ended .
”

“The national Democratic Party ‘aggressively interjected itself’ into the 2020 Iowa caucuses, slowing down and complicating the development of a reporting app that crashed on caucus night and delayed the tallying of results, an audit of the process found,” the Des Moines Register reports.
“The Iowa Democratic Party commissioned the audit shortly after the Feb. 3 caucuses, hiring a pair of Democratic lawyers to examine the technical and procedural failures that prevented it from announcing a caucus winner for days after the high-profile contest ended.”


politicalwire--2020-12-12--Biden’s Attorney General search Focused on Two


politicalwire--2020-12-12--Hunter Probe Complicates Biden Attorney General Pick

“ Joe Biden ’ s Justice Department-to-be has a Hunter Biden problem .
The ongoing federal investigation into the president-elect @ @ @ @ @ fueling debate among DOJ veterans about extraordinary steps Joe Biden ’ s yet-to-be-named attorney general @ @ @ @ @ insulate the department from the appearance of political bias , ” Politico reports .
“ @ @ @ @ @ investigation , Joe Biden ’ s attorney general will confront tricky questions about how to @ @ @ @ @ Donald Trump and his associates , as well as navigate the landmines left by the @ @ @ @ @ special counsel probe into the origins of the Trump-Russia investigation .
”

“Joe Biden’s Justice Department-to-be has a Hunter Biden problem. The ongoing federal investigation into the president-elect’s son is already fueling debate among DOJ veterans about extraordinary steps Joe Biden’s yet-to-be-named attorney general may have to take to insulate the department from the appearance of political bias,” Politico reports.
“In addition to the Hunter investigation, Joe Biden’s attorney general will confront tricky questions about how to handle lingering probes of President Donald Trump and his associates, as well as navigate the landmines left by the outgoing administration — including a special counsel probe into the origins of the Trump-Russia investigation.”


politicalwire--2020-12-12--New Trump Ads Falsely Claim Election Was Stolen

“ President Trump ’ s campaign plans to buy ads on unspecified cable television networks to promote his effort to @ @ @ @ @ , highlighting claims that have been refuted by elections officials and dismissed by judges across @ @ @ @ @ reports .


politicalwire--2020-12-12--Ken Starr to Testify on 2020 Elections

Ken Starr to Testify on 2020 Elections

“ Sen .
Ron Johnson , the chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee , has invited former @ @ @ @ @ attorneys in key battleground states to testify at a controversial hearing next week where he @ @ @ @ @ election that President-elect Joe Biden won , ” CNN reports .
“ The hearing , @ @ @ @ @ from senators in both parties over concerns that Johnson is peddling in debunked conspiracy theories @ @ @ @ @ calls from Democrats that he scrap it .
”

“Sen. Ron Johnson, the chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, has invited former independent counsel Ken Starr and attorneys in key battleground states to testify at a controversial hearing next week where he plans to probe the 2020 election that President-elect Joe Biden won,” CNN reports.
“The hearing, which has prompted sharp criticism from senators in both parties over concerns that Johnson is peddling in debunked conspiracy theories, is moving ahead despite calls from Democrats that he scrap it.”


politicalwire--2020-12-12--Give Political Wire as a Gift

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politicalwire--2020-12-12--A Proposal to Save America

A Proposal to Save America

Former GOP strategist Steve Schmidt , a Lincoln Project founder , reached out to Rep. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez ( D-NY @ @ @ @ @ We disagree on many issues and that is ok in our view .
Btw , @ @ @ @ @ down on waitresses .
We admire them .
We are all the types of guys @ @ @ @ @ % or more.
” “ I have an idea .
Let ’ s approach each @ @ @ @ @ view with good faith .
We say the following with respect and seriousness Ma ’ @ @ @ @ @ open and we need to work together or we are going to lose America .
@ @ @ @ @ many years.
” “ Here is the unexpected part .
A democratic-socialist and former waitress @ @ @ @ @ to actually work combined with the Lincoln Project and many others is going to hold @ @ @ @ @ will not yield and we will never break .
We are the side opposed to @ @ @

Former GOP strategist Steve Schmidt, a Lincoln Project founder, reached out to Rep. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez (D-NY) last night:
“We disagree on many issues and that is ok in our view. Btw, we don’t look down on waitresses. We admire them. We are all the types of guys who always tip at 50% or more.”
“I have an idea. Let’s approach each other and our points of view with good faith. We say the following with respect and seriousness Ma’am. Our hand is open and we need to work together or we are going to lose America. The fight will last for many years.”
“Here is the unexpected part. A democratic-socialist and former waitress who knows what it is to actually work combined with the Lincoln Project and many others is going to hold the line together. We will not yield and we will never break. We are the side opposed to autocracy.”


politicalwire--2020-12-12--Biden Moves to Counter Trump Message on Vaccine

“ President-elect Joe Biden ’ s team is feverishly working to get a messaging plan in place to sell a @ @ @ @ @ FDA-backed coronavirus vaccine , believing the Trump administration has set the effort back significantly , @ @ @ @ @ Biden implied on Friday that he ’ s not going to wait until he takes @ @ @ @ @ ’ s mixed messaging on the vaccine , which includes downplaying the public health threat @ @ @ @ @ the unprecedented speed at which a shot was developed .
”

“President-elect Joe Biden’s team is feverishly working to get a messaging plan in place to sell a skeptical public on the first FDA-backed coronavirus vaccine, believing the Trump administration has set the effort back significantly,” Politico reports.
“Biden implied on Friday that he’s not going to wait until he takes office to start counteracting Trump’s mixed messaging on the vaccine, which includes downplaying the public health threat of the coronavirus while hailing the unprecedented speed at which a shot was developed.”


politicalwire--2020-12-12--How the GOP Tried to Topple a Pillar of Democracy

“ The Supreme Court repudiation of President Trump ’ s desperate bid for a second term not only shredded his @ @ @ @ @ of voters : It also was a blunt rebuke to Republican leaders in Congress and @ @ @ @ @ to damage American democracy by embracing a partisan power grab over a free and fair @ @ @ @ @ York Times reports .
“ The court ’ s decision on Friday night , an @ @ @ @ @ legal flailing by Mr. Trump and ahead of the Electoral College vote for President-elect Joseph @ @ @ @ @ , leaves the president ’ s party in an extraordinary position .
Through their explicit @ @ @ @ @ , much of the G.O.P .
leadership now shares responsibility for the quixotic attempt to @ @ @ @ @ founding principles and engineer a different verdict from the one voters cast on Election Day @ @

“The Supreme Court repudiation of President Trump’s desperate bid for a second term not only shredded his effort to overturn the will of voters: It also was a blunt rebuke to Republican leaders in Congress and the states who were willing to damage American democracy by embracing a partisan power grab over a free and fair election,” the New York Times reports.
“The court’s decision on Friday night, an inflection point after weeks of legal flailing by Mr. Trump and ahead of the Electoral College vote for President-elect Joseph R. Biden Jr. on Monday, leaves the president’s party in an extraordinary position. Through their explicit endorsements or complicity of silence, much of the G.O.P. leadership now shares responsibility for the quixotic attempt to ignore the nation’s founding principles and engineer a different verdict from the one voters cast on Election Day.”


politicalwire--2020-12-12--Trump Absent as Congress Works Around the Clock

Playbook : “ This presidency has been filled with hard-to-believe split screens , but we ’ re seeing perhaps the @ @ @ @ @ .
Congress has been working around the clock to cut a series of end-of-year deals @ @ @ @ @ on an unending tear of falsehoods , suggesting that he is the rightful winner of @ @ @ @ @ of course , he ’ s not .
He ’ s losing support — Republicans @ @ @ @ @ , the Supreme Court is summarily dismissing his arguments , and the nation ’ s @ @ @ @ @ Joe Biden ’ s presidency.
” “ Congress , meanwhile , has spent this week @ @ @ @ @ trying to put in place a series of policies to help America bounce back from @ @ @ @ @ a government shutdown , with the intent of giving itself more time to cut a @ @ @ @ @ has been absent — a bit player in a government he ’ s meant to @ @ @ @ @ he ’ s meant to be leading .
”

Playbook: “This presidency has been filled with hard-to-believe split screens, but we’re seeing perhaps the starkest display of dissonance yet. Congress has been working around the clock to cut a series of end-of-year deals, and President Trump is on an unending tear of falsehoods, suggesting that he is the rightful winner of the election, which, of course, he’s not. He’s losing support — Republicans are sick of the gripes, the Supreme Court is summarily dismissing his arguments, and the nation’s governing apparatus is preparing for Joe Biden’s presidency.”
“Congress, meanwhile, has spent this week and will spend next week trying to put in place a series of policies to help America bounce back from the coronavirus. It avoided a government shutdown, with the intent of giving itself more time to cut a bipartisan deal. Yet Trump has been absent — a bit player in a government he’s meant to be steering and a country he’s meant to be leading.”


politicalwire--2020-12-12--Twitter Limits Interactions with Trump Tweets

“ Twitter on Saturday prevented users from liking and replying to a series of tweets from President Trump in which @ @ @ @ @ he won the election and that the race was ‘ stolen ’ from him , @ @ @ @ @


politicalwire--2020-12-12--Trump Rips Supreme Court

Trump Rips Supreme Court

President Trump blasted the Supreme Court ’ s decision to reject his bid to overturn the election results in Texas @ @ @ @ @ disgraceful miscarriage of justice.
” Said Trump : “ The people of the United States @ @ @ @ @ Country disgraced .
Never even given our day in Court !
” In his Saturday @ @ @ @ @ also retweeted a post that called for Attorney General Bill Barr to be fired , @ @ @ @ @ “ A big disappointment !
” Washington Post : Trump ’ s spin on his @ @ @ @ @ bad as his legal case .

President Trump blasted the Supreme Court’s decision to reject his bid to overturn the election results in Texas, calling it a “disgraceful miscarriage of justice.”
Said Trump: “The people of the United States were cheated, and our Country disgraced. Never even given our day in Court!”
In his Saturday morning tweet storm, Trump also retweeted a post that called for Attorney General Bill Barr to be fired, adding his own comment: “A big disappointment!”
Washington Post: Trump’s spin on his Supreme Court failure is as bad as his legal case.


politicalwire--2020-12-12--Durham Sought Records from Christopher Steele

“ The prosecutor appointed by Attorney General Bill Barr to investigate the intelligence community ’ s handling of the Russia @ @ @ @ @ evidence that FBI agents mishandled classified information , ” Politico reports .
“ John Durham @ @ @ @ @ early 2019 , has specifically zeroed in on records belonging to Christopher Steele , the @ @ @ @ @ longtime FBI source .
Four years ago , Steele alerted the bureau to information he @ @ @ @ @ campaign ’ s ties to Russia in the course of opposition research paid for by @ @ @ @ @ dealings with the FBI have been a source of great consternation and speculation among Republicans @ @ @ @ @ to President Trump .
”

“The prosecutor appointed by Attorney General Bill Barr to investigate the intelligence community’s handling of the Russia probe has been searching for evidence that FBI agents mishandled classified information,” Politico reports.
“John Durham, whose investigation began in early 2019, has specifically zeroed in on records belonging to Christopher Steele, the British former MI6 officer and longtime FBI source. Four years ago, Steele alerted the bureau to information he had collected about the Trump campaign’s ties to Russia in the course of opposition research paid for by Democrats. Steele’s dealings with the FBI have been a source of great consternation and speculation among Republicans, all the way up to President Trump.”


politicalwire--2020-12-13--Bottoms Declined Biden Cabinet Post

Bottoms Declined Biden Cabinet Post

President-elect Joe Biden offered Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms a position in his Cabinet , but she did not accept @ @ @ @ @ Constitution reports .
From a statement : “ Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms was honored to @ @ @ @ @ in the Cabinet , which she respectfully declined ” “ On Friday , there was @ @ @ @ @ based on a tweet from a reporter from another media outlet that Bottoms had been @ @ @ @ @ the ambassador to the Bahamas , but turned it down… Several prominent Georgia Democrats have @ @ @ @ @ the running to lead the Small Business Administration , a Cabinet level post .
”

President-elect Joe Biden offered Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms a position in his Cabinet, but she did not accept it, the Atlanta Journal Constitution reports.
From a statement: “Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms was honored to have been offered a role in the Cabinet, which she respectfully declined.”
“On Friday, there was wide speculation on social media based on a tweet from a reporter from another media outlet that Bottoms had been offered the opportunity to be the ambassador to the Bahamas, but turned it down… Several prominent Georgia Democrats have reported that Bottoms was in the running to lead the Small Business Administration, a Cabinet level post.”


politicalwire--2020-12-13--Max Rose Launches Exploratory Bid for Mayor

“ Rep .
Max Rose , the brash Staten Island Democrat who recently lost his re-election race , appears all @ @ @ @ @ mayor of New York City , confirming for the first time that he is exploring @ @ @ @ @ potential candidacy as a sharp rebuke of the de Blasio administration , ” the New @ @ @ @ @ Mr .
Rose ’ s entry into the race at a moment of extraordinary crisis @ @ @ @ @ whether a relatively moderate Democrat could catch fire in a crowded field that may be @ @ @ @ @ ideology and matters of competence .
”

“Rep. Max Rose, the brash Staten Island Democrat who recently lost his re-election race, appears all but certain to run for mayor of New York City, confirming for the first time that he is exploring a bid and casting his potential candidacy as a sharp rebuke of the de Blasio administration,” the New York Times reports.
“Mr. Rose’s entry into the race at a moment of extraordinary crisis for New York would test whether a relatively moderate Democrat could catch fire in a crowded field that may be defined by debates over both ideology and matters of competence.”


politicalwire--2020-12-13--Hunter Biden Subpoena Seeks Info on Burisma

“ A subpoena seeking documents from Hunter Biden asked for information related to more than two dozen entities , including @ @ @ @ @ according to a person familiar with a Justice Department tax investigation of President-elect Joe Biden @ @ @ @ @ AP reports .
“ The breadth of the subpoena , issued Tuesday , underscores the @ @ @ @ @ as they examine the younger Biden ’ s finances and international business ventures .
”

“A subpoena seeking documents from Hunter Biden asked for information related to more than two dozen entities, including Ukraine gas company Burisma, according to a person familiar with a Justice Department tax investigation of President-elect Joe Biden’s son.” the AP reports.
“The breadth of the subpoena, issued Tuesday, underscores the wide-angle lens prosecutors are taking as they examine the younger Biden’s finances and international business ventures.”


politicalwire--2020-12-13--New Book Will Probe Obama-Biden Relationship

Washington Post : “ The year of the coronavirus is ending much as the pandemic began , with overwhelmed hospitals @ @ @ @ @ day .
There is still no national plan for…

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


politicalwire--2020-12-13--Republicans Speechless After Supreme Court Defeat

“ A day after President Trump ’ s stinging defeat in the Supreme Court , Republicans around the country seemed @ @ @ @ @ the right words , ” the New York Times reports .
“ The bellicose statements @ @ @ @ @ characterized the postelection period — claims of switched and missing votes , a ‘ rigged @ @ @ @ @ of secession from Texas Republicans after the ruling on Friday — had given way to @ @ @ @ @ an acceptance of the inevitable.
” “ Many were completely silent , even in the @ @ @ @ @ Mr. Trump himself in which he vowed , ‘ WE HAVE JUST BEGUN TO FIGHT @ @ @ @

“A day after President Trump’s stinging defeat in the Supreme Court, Republicans around the country seemed to be having trouble finding the right words,” the New York Times reports.
“The bellicose statements from some quarters that had characterized the postelection period — claims of switched and missing votes, a ‘rigged’ election and even threats of secession from Texas Republicans after the ruling on Friday — had given way to something resembling muted resignation and an acceptance of the inevitable.”
“Many were completely silent, even in the face of a tweet from Mr. Trump himself in which he vowed, ‘WE HAVE JUST BEGUN TO FIGHT!!'”


A National Failure

Washington Post : “ The year of the coronavirus is ending much as the pandemic began , with overwhelmed hospitals @ @ @ @ @ day .
There is still no national plan for curbing the spread of the disease @ @ @ @ @ conflicting local and state approaches to everything from shutdowns to masking up .
”

Washington Post: “The year of the coronavirus is ending much as the pandemic began, with overwhelmed hospitals and thousands of deaths each day. There is still no national plan for curbing the spread of the disease, just a hodgepodge of conflicting local and state approaches to everything from shutdowns to masking up.”


politicalwire--2020-12-12--Biden’s Attorney General Search Focused on Two


politicalwire--2020-12-14--O’Brien Takes Wife on Tour of Europe

O’Brien Takes Wife on Tour of Europe

“ National security adviser Robert O ’ Brien is taking his wife on a holiday tour of the romantic Mediterranean @ @ @ @ @ seeking a private tour of the Louvre despite it being closed because of coronavirus restrictions @ @ @ @ @ The trip “ is causing consternation among O ’ Brien ’ s hosts and questions @ @ @ @ @ wife to tag along .
”

“National security adviser Robert O’Brien is taking his wife on a holiday tour of the romantic Mediterranean and European capitals, including seeking a private tour of the Louvre despite it being closed because of coronavirus restrictions,” Axios reports.
The trip “is causing consternation among O’Brien’s hosts and questions about the need for his wife to tag along.”


politicalwire--2020-12-14--Biden Mulls Samantha Power for USAID

Biden Mulls Samantha Power for USAID

“ Joe Biden is considering Samantha Power to head the United States Agency for International Development , which would place @ @ @ @ @ aid and coronavirus relief efforts , ” Axios reports .
“ Installing Power — a @ @ @ @ @ United Nations and author of a Pulitzer Prize-winning book about genocide — would signal the @ @ @ @ @ foreign assistance and use it as an instrument of soft power and to achieve humanitarian @ @ @

“Joe Biden is considering Samantha Power to head the United States Agency for International Development, which would place a high-profile figure atop foreign aid and coronavirus relief efforts,” Axios reports.
“Installing Power — a former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations and author of a Pulitzer Prize-winning book about genocide — would signal the Biden administration plans to revitalize foreign assistance and use it as an instrument of soft power and to achieve humanitarian goals.”


politicalwire--2020-12-14--States Prepare for Pandemic-Era Electoral College

“ Tomorrow , state electors who ’ ll finally cast their Electoral College votes formalizing Joe Biden ’ s win @ @ @ @ @ at state capitols across the U.S. , even during a pandemic , ” Axios reports @ @ @ @ @ provide security .
But fear of unrest is heightening precautions .
Meanwhile , states including @ @ @ @ @ and New Mexico are live-streaming meetings so the public can watch safely from home .
@

“Tomorrow, state electors who’ll finally cast their Electoral College votes formalizing Joe Biden’s win, will gather in person at state capitols across the U.S., even during a pandemic,” Axios reports.
“Capitol compounds already provide security. But fear of unrest is heightening precautions. Meanwhile, states including California, Wisconsin, Maryland and New Mexico are live-streaming meetings so the public can watch safely from home.”


politicalwire--2020-12-14--Cleveland’s Baseball Team Will Drop ‘Indians’

“ Following years of protests from fans and Native American groups , the Cleveland Indians have decided to change their @ @ @ @ @ from a moniker that has long been criticized as racist , ” the New York @ @ @


politicalwire--2020-12-14--Biden Mulls Buttigieg for Transportation Secretary

“ Pete Buttigieg is emerging as a leading contender to be Joe Biden ’ s Transportation secretary , ” CNN @ @ @ @ @ nomination would vault the 2020 Democratic presidential candidate into the federal government , getting the @ @ @ @ @ , mayor what many Democrats see as needed experience should he want to run for @ @ @ @

“Pete Buttigieg is emerging as a leading contender to be Joe Biden’s Transportation secretary,” CNN reports.
“The possible nomination would vault the 2020 Democratic presidential candidate into the federal government, getting the former South Bend, Indiana, mayor what many Democrats see as needed experience should he want to run for president again.”


politicalwire--2020-12-13--White House Staff Will Be Vaccinated Soon

“ White House staff members who work in close quarters with President Trump have been told they are scheduled to @ @ @ @ @ vaccine soon , at a time when the first doses of the vaccine are being @ @ @ @ @ care workers , ” the New York Times reports .
Bloomberg : “ The vaccinations @ @ @ @ @ personnel in all three branches of government deemed essential , and could start as soon @ @ @ @ @ will be staggered over the following 10 days to ensure staff don ’ t experience @ @ @ @ @ the same time .
”

“White House staff members who work in close quarters with President Trump have been told they are scheduled to receive injections of the coronavirus vaccine soon, at a time when the first doses of the vaccine are being distributed only to high-risk health care workers,” the New York Times reports.
Bloomberg: “The vaccinations will be offered to critical personnel in all three branches of government deemed essential, and could start as soon as Monday. The shots will be staggered over the following 10 days to ensure staff don’t experience possible side effects all at the same time.”


politicalwire--2020-12-13--Trump Exits with Historically Bad Economic Record

John Harwood : “ That sounds discordant since many Americans believe the economic fable that Trump has repeated relentlessly throughout @ @ @ @ @ his bottom-line results alongside those of his predecessors paints a deeply unflattering portrait.
” “ @ @ @ @ @ since World War Two , Trump will exit the White House with fewer Americans employed @ @ @ @ @ He will have overseen punier growth in economic output than any of the previous 12 @ @ @

John Harwood: “That sounds discordant since many Americans believe the economic fable that Trump has repeated relentlessly throughout his term. But placing his bottom-line results alongside those of his predecessors paints a deeply unflattering portrait.”
“Alone among the 13 presidents since World War Two, Trump will exit the White House with fewer Americans employed than when he started. He will have overseen punier growth in economic output than any of the previous 12 presidents.”


politicalwire--2020-12-13--Rove Says Trump Is Acting Like a ‘Sore Loser’

Karl Rove told Fox News Sunday that President Trump is starting to look like a “ sore loser.
” Said @ @ @ @ @ goal is to lay the predicate to come back in 2024 and run again , @ @ @ @ @ at least gaining the nomination , but I think in the long run he ’ @ @ @ @ @ the country.
” He added : “ America likes comebacks , but they don ’ @ @ @ @ @ and he is on the edge of looking like a sore loser , and probably @ @ @ @ @ January 6th .
”

Karl Rove told Fox News Sunday that President Trump is starting to look like a “sore loser.”
Said Rove: “If his goal is to lay the predicate to come back in 2024 and run again, he’s helping himself at least gaining the nomination, but I think in the long run he’s not helping himself or the country.”
He added: “America likes comebacks, but they don’t like sore losers, and he is on the edge of looking like a sore loser, and probably will look like it after January 6th.”


politicalwire--2020-12-13--Officials Expelled Migrant Children Despite Court Order

“ More American renters could be evicted from their homes in January than in any month ever , as protections @ @ @ @ @ Covid-19 pandemic expire unless a last-minute deal…


politicalwire--2020-12-13--Ex-Adviser to Cuomo Says He Harassed Her

“ A former adviser to New York Governor Andrew Cuomo accused him of sexual harassment on Sunday , alleging the @ @ @ @ @ , ” NBC News reports .
“ In a series of tweets , Lindsey Boylan @ @ @ @ @ deputy secretary for economic development and special adviser to the governor from 2015 to 2018 @ @ @ @ @ harassed me for years .
Many saw it , and watched.
’ Boylan did not @ @ @ @ @ could corroborate her claims .
”

“A former adviser to New York Governor Andrew Cuomo accused him of sexual harassment on Sunday, alleging the behavior went on for years,” NBC News reports.
“In a series of tweets, Lindsey Boylan, who worked as the deputy secretary for economic development and special adviser to the governor from 2015 to 2018, said Cuomo ‘sexually harassed me for years. Many saw it, and watched.’ Boylan did not provide names of people who could corroborate her claims.”


politicalwire--2020-12-13--Trump Won’t Say If He’ll Attend Inauguration

President Trump refused to rule out the possibility of skipping his successor ’ s inauguration in January during an interview @ @ @ @ @ Trump : “ I don ’ t want to talk about that .
”

President Trump refused to rule out the possibility of skipping his successor’s inauguration in January during an interview on Fox News.
Said Trump: “I don’t want to talk about that.”


politicalwire--2020-12-13--Vaccine Will Cost States Billions They Don’t Have

Wall Street Journal : “ State leaders say they are short billions of dollars in funding needed to successfully provide @ @ @ @ @ who want to be inoculated by health officials ’ June goal.
” “ The federal @ @ @ @ @ , along with syringes , needles , face masks and shields .
But state leaders @ @ @ @ @ workers , provide community outreach and education , set up vaccination clinics and ensure storage @ @ @ @ @ states are also concerned about having enough supplies , such as gloves and gowns , @ @ @ @ @ well as people getting vaccinated.
” “ Officials in several states said they would spend @ @ @ @ @ residents vaccinated .
Some said that might force spending cuts in areas like education , @ @ @ @ @ or the federal government reimburses a large chunk of their rollout costs .
”

Wall Street Journal: “State leaders say they are short billions of dollars in funding needed to successfully provide Covid-19 vaccinations to all Americans who want to be inoculated by health officials’ June goal.”
“The federal government is providing the vaccine, along with syringes, needles, face masks and shields. But state leaders say they must hire medical workers, provide community outreach and education, set up vaccination clinics and ensure storage capacity for vaccines. Some states are also concerned about having enough supplies, such as gloves and gowns, to protect health-care workers as well as people getting vaccinated.”
“Officials in several states said they would spend whatever is needed to get residents vaccinated. Some said that might force spending cuts in areas like education, unless Congress provides additional funding or the federal government reimburses a large chunk of their rollout costs.”


politicalwire--2020-12-13--The Vaccine Is Here

The Vaccine Is Here

Associated Press : “ The first trucks carrying a COVID-19 vaccine for widespread use in the United States were set @ @ @ @ @ Michigan manufacturing plant Sunday , with the shots that are critical to stopping the nation @ @ @ @ @ to reach states a day later.
” “ An assembly line of workers began in @ @ @ @ @ doses out of a freezer , boxing the vaccine and loading the units onto pallets @ @ @ @ @ on trucks at a Pfizer plant in Michigan .
Dry ice , shipping labels and @ @ @ @ @ as the workers — donning masks , face shields and gloves — put together the @ @ @ @ @ ”

Associated Press: “The first trucks carrying a COVID-19 vaccine for widespread use in the United States were set to pull out of a Michigan manufacturing plant Sunday, with the shots that are critical to stopping the nation’s coronavirus outbreak destined to reach states a day later.”
“An assembly line of workers began in the early morning hours pulling doses out of a freezer, boxing the vaccine and loading the units onto pallets so they could be placed on trucks at a Pfizer plant in Michigan. Dry ice, shipping labels and packing tape were on hand as the workers — donning masks, face shields and gloves — put together the packages inside the warehouse.”
Washington Post: FDA seeks to reassure public.


politicalwire--2020-12-13--U.S. Poised for Wave of Evictions in January

“ More American renters could be evicted from their homes in January than in any month ever , as protections @ @ @ @ @ Covid-19 pandemic expire unless a last-minute deal is reached to extend them , ” the @ @ @ @ @


politicalwire--2020-12-13--Treasury Breached by Hackers of Foreign Government

“ A sophisticated hacking group backed by a foreign government stole information from the U.S. Treasury Department and a U.S. @ @ @ @ @ around the internet and telecommunications , ” Reuters reports .
The Washington Post says the @ @ @ @ @ Russian government .

“A sophisticated hacking group backed by a foreign government stole information from the U.S. Treasury Department and a U.S. agency responsible for deciding policy around the internet and telecommunications,” Reuters reports.
The Washington Post says the hackers were backed by the Russian government.


politicalwire--2020-12-13--Majority Says Trump Is Weakening America


politicalwire--2020-12-13--Most Americans Say Election Is Settled

Most Americans Say Election Is Settled

A new CBS News poll finds 62 % of Americans believe that the election is “ over and settled ” @ @ @ @ @ time to move on ” to other issues .
That majority stands in stark contrast @ @ @ @ @ Trump supporters polled who do not see President-elect Joe Biden as the legitimate victor .

A new CBS News poll finds 62% of Americans believe that the election is “over and settled” and that it is “time to move on” to other issues.
That majority stands in stark contrast to the 82% of Trump supporters polled who do not see President-elect Joe Biden as the legitimate victor.


politicalwire--2020-12-13--Cassidy Warns GOP ‘Can’t Stand If We’re Divided’

Sen. Bill Cassidy ( R-LA ) acknowledged on Sunday that Joe Biden won the Nov. 3 presidential election and urged @ @ @ @ @ as the Electoral College votes Monday on the election , Politico reports .
Said Cassidy @ @ @ @ @ said , a house divided against itself can not stand .
Our nation , our @ @ @ @ @ Party can ’ t stand if we are divided against ourselves .
So , at @ @ @ @ @ to come together for all those reasons .
”

Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) acknowledged on Sunday that Joe Biden won the Nov. 3 presidential election and urged the Republican Party to unify as the Electoral College votes Monday on the election, Politico reports.
Said Cassidy: “As Abraham Lincoln said, a house divided against itself cannot stand. Our nation, our conservative movement, our Republican Party can’t stand if we are divided against ourselves. So, at some point, we have to come together for all those reasons.”


politicalwire--2020-12-13--Trump Supporters Chant ‘Destroy the GOP’

At a rally in Washington DC Saturday , Trump supporters vented their anger at Republican party officials who ’ ve @ @ @ @ @ President Trump ’ s bid to subvert the election , Business Insider reports .
“ @ @ @ @ @ some chanted at the event , according to video footage posted online .

At a rally in Washington DC Saturday, Trump supporters vented their anger at Republican party officials who’ve refused to take part in President Trump’s bid to subvert the election, Business Insider reports.
“Destroy the GOP,” some chanted at the event, according to video footage posted online.


politicalwire--2020-12-13--Give Political Wire as a Gift

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• Click here and you @ @ @ @ @ recipient ’ s name , email address and the day you wish the gift to @ @ @ @ @ ll have a chance to add a personalized message .
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politicalwire--2020-12-14--Nearly Half of Trump Backers See Election Overturned

Despite there being no viable legal pathway for President Trump to overturn the election results , a new Morning Consult @ @ @ @ @ of voters who “ strongly approve ” of the president ’ s job performance also @ @ @ @ @ be overturned , including 29 % who say that outcome is “ very likely.
” @ @ @ @ @ widespread fraud emerging , just 29 % of Republican voters say the election was free @ @ @

Despite there being no viable legal pathway for President Trump to overturn the election results, a new Morning Consult poll finds that 45% of voters who “strongly approve” of the president’s job performance also believe the election results will be overturned, including 29% who say that outcome is “very likely.”
And despite no evidence of widespread fraud emerging, just 29% of Republican voters say the election was free and fair.


politicalwire--2020-12-14--Early Voting Kicks Off for Georgia Runoffs

“ All eyes are on Georgia as the state begins early voting on Monday for two Senate runoff elections that @ @ @ @ @ US Senate , ” CNN reports .
“ But there will be fewer early voting @ @ @ @ @ of the state than there were for the November general elections , which has upset @ @ @ @ @ in the state who say the changes will lead to longer lines , longer wait @ @ @ @ @ especially for voters of color .
”

“All eyes are on Georgia as the state begins early voting on Monday for two Senate runoff elections that will determine control of the US Senate,” CNN reports.
“But there will be fewer early voting sites available in some parts of the state than there were for the November general elections, which has upset voting rights and advocacy groups in the state who say the changes will lead to longer lines, longer wait times and more barriers — especially for voters of color.”


politicalwire--2020-12-14--Democrats Face Key Choice on Relief Negotiations

“ Democratic leaders are now confronting a crucial decision : Whether to abandon aid for states and cities in order @ @ @ @ @ relief deal or whether to make a last-ditch attempt for a bigger plan even if @ @ @ @ @ the final days of the 116th Congress , ” CNN reports .
“ The decision @ @ @ @ @ one for Democrats who rejected bigger proposals before the elections as they pushed for their @ @ @ @ @

“Democratic leaders are now confronting a crucial decision: Whether to abandon aid for states and cities in order to get a slimmed-down Covid-19 relief deal or whether to make a last-ditch attempt for a bigger plan even if it risks an accord in the final days of the 116th Congress,” CNN reports.
“The decision isn’t an easy one for Democrats who rejected bigger proposals before the elections as they pushed for their own massive plan.”


politicalwire--2020-12-14--Inside the ‘Nasty’ Feud Between Trump and Brian Kemp

Washington Post : “ The strain between the two Republicans has now boiled over into a full-blown feud in the @ @ @ @ @ 2020 electoral defeat , as the president has fixated on his loss in Georgia as @ @ @ @ @ in large part on Kemp .
Trump lost the solidly Republican state by approximately 12,000 @ @ @ @ @ Kemp for not heeding his calls to question the integrity of the state ’ s @ @ @ @ @ phone calls and conversations with allies and advisers , Trump has griped that Kemp was @ @ @ @ @ State Brad Raffensperger to do more to reverse President-elect Joe Biden ’ s victory ; @ @ @ @ @ the president on television ; and , perhaps most indefensible in Trump ’ s mind @ @ @ @ @ with certifying the results of the election .
”

Washington Post: “The strain between the two Republicans has now boiled over into a full-blown feud in the aftermath of Trump’s 2020 electoral defeat, as the president has fixated on his loss in Georgia as a humiliation that he blames in large part on Kemp. Trump lost the solidly Republican state by approximately 12,000 votes and is furious with Kemp for not heeding his calls to question the integrity of the state’s election results.”
“In phone calls and conversations with allies and advisers, Trump has griped that Kemp was not pushing Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger to do more to reverse President-elect Joe Biden’s victory; that Kemp was not defending the president on television; and, perhaps most indefensible in Trump’s mind, that Kemp moved forward with certifying the results of the election.”


politicalwire--2020-12-14--Wall Street Journal Tells Trump to Concede

The Wall Street Journal called on President Trump to concede the election in an editorial .
However , the editorial @ @ @ @ @ takes our advice , ” while adding that “ bitterness as a political strategy rarely @ @ @ @ @ went on to predict that Trump ’ s refusal to concede could lead to Republican @ @ @ @ @ Georgia Senate Runoffs and even violence .

The Wall Street Journal called on President Trump to concede the election in an editorial.
However, the editorial acknowledged that Trump “rarely takes our advice,” while adding that “bitterness as a political strategy rarely wears well.”
The editorial went on to predict that Trump’s refusal to concede could lead to Republican losses in the Jan. 5 Georgia Senate Runoffs and even violence.


politicalwire--2020-12-14--Trump Using Possible 2024 Bid Mostly to Gain Attention

Politico : “ The president has spent days calling a dozen or more allies to ask what they think he @ @ @ @ @ next two years to ‘ stay part of the conversation , ’ according to two @ @ @ @ @ spoke to the president .
And while Trump has told allies he plans to run @ @ @ @ @ has also indicated he could back out in two years if he determines he ’ @ @ @ @ @ winning , said three people familiar with the discussions.
” “ Essentially , at this @ @ @ @ @ as interested in people talking about a Trump 2024 campaign as he is in actually @ @ @ @ @ even if he may ultimately turn his flirtation into a serious bid , according to @ @ @ @ @ worked for Trump or helped in his two races .
”

Politico: “The president has spent days calling a dozen or more allies to ask what they think he needs to do over the next two years to ‘stay part of the conversation,’ according to two people, including one who spoke to the president. And while Trump has told allies he plans to run for president again, he has also indicated he could back out in two years if he determines he’ll have a tough time winning, said three people familiar with the discussions.”
“Essentially, at this point, Trump appears just as interested in people talking about a Trump 2024 campaign as he is in actually launching a real campaign, even if he may ultimately turn his flirtation into a serious bid, according to interviews with 11 Republicans who worked for Trump or helped in his two races.”


politicalwire--2020-12-14--Michigan Closes Capitol Over Safety Concerns

Politico : “ The president has spent days calling a dozen or more allies to ask what they think he @ @ @ @ @ next two years to ‘ stay part of…

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


politicalwire--2020-12-14--Electors Meet to Formally Choose Biden as President

“ Presidential electors are meeting across the United States on Monday to formally choose Joe Biden as the nation ’ @ @ @ @ @ the AP reports .
“ Monday is the day set by law for the meeting @ @ @ @ @ In reality , electors meet in all 50 states and the District of Columbia to @ @ @ @ @ results will be sent to Washington and tallied in a Jan. 6 joint session of @ @ @ @ @ Mike Pence will preside .
”

“Presidential electors are meeting across the United States on Monday to formally choose Joe Biden as the nation’s next president,” the AP reports.
“Monday is the day set by law for the meeting of the Electoral College. In reality, electors meet in all 50 states and the District of Columbia to cast their ballots. The results will be sent to Washington and tallied in a Jan. 6 joint session of Congress over which Vice President Mike Pence will preside.”


politicalwire--2020-12-14--Falwell Spent Millions on Pro-Trump Causes

“ After shocking many in the evangelical movement by endorsing Donald Trump over other Republicans for the 2016 presidential nomination @ @ @ @ @ Falwell Jr. pumped millions of the nonprofit religious institution ’ s funds into Republican causes @ @ @ @ @ Trump administration , blurring the lines between education and politics , ” Politico reports .
@ @ @ @ @ efforts was the creation of a university-funded campus ‘ think tank ’ — which has @ @ @ @ @ and bears little relation to study centers at other universities — that ran pro-Trump ads @ @ @ @ @ former adviser Sebastian Gorka and current Trump attorney Jenna Ellis to serve as fellows and @ @ @ @ @ has aggressively promoted Trump ’ s baseless claims of election fraud .
”

“After shocking many in the evangelical movement by endorsing Donald Trump over other Republicans for the 2016 presidential nomination, Liberty University President Jerry Falwell Jr. pumped millions of the nonprofit religious institution’s funds into Republican causes and efforts to promote the Trump administration, blurring the lines between education and politics,” Politico reports.
“The culmination of his efforts was the creation of a university-funded campus ‘think tank’ — which has produced no peer-reviewed academic work and bears little relation to study centers at other universities — that ran pro-Trump ads, hired Trump allies including former adviser Sebastian Gorka and current Trump attorney Jenna Ellis to serve as fellows and, in recent weeks, has aggressively promoted Trump’s baseless claims of election fraud.”


politicalwire--2020-12-14--Pro-Trump Rally Descends Into Chaos

Pro-Trump Rally Descends Into Chaos


politicalwire--2020-12-14--Biden Cabinet Rollouts Hit Bumps In the Road

Politico : “ President-elect Joe Biden ’ s decision to nominate a recently retired military general as Defense secretary blindsided @ @ @ @ @ to pass a waiver to allow for his confirmation .
His choice of a former @ @ @ @ @ as secretary of Veterans Affairs rankled war veterans who expected one of their own to @ @ @ @ @ Tanden , Biden ’ s pick for OMB director , hacked off allies of Bernie @ @ @ @ @ news that Biden would not be selecting the Latina governor of New Mexico to lead @ @ @ @ @ Human Services — a step that came after she fell out of favor with the @ @ @ @ @ position — prompted backlash from members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus , which criticized Biden @ @ @ @ @ the details .
The bumpiness of some of the rollouts of Biden ’ s Cabinet @ @ @ @ @ for a presidential campaign defined by its lack of leaks and drama .
”

Politico: “President-elect Joe Biden’s decision to nominate a recently retired military general as Defense secretary blindsided the lawmakers who will have to pass a waiver to allow for his confirmation. His choice of a former White House chief of staff as secretary of Veterans Affairs rankled war veterans who expected one of their own to lead the agency. Neera Tanden, Biden’s pick for OMB director, hacked off allies of Bernie Sanders.”
“And the news that Biden would not be selecting the Latina governor of New Mexico to lead the Department of Health and Human Services — a step that came after she fell out of favor with the transition team for rejecting another position — prompted backlash from members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, which criticized Biden’s allies for leaking the details. The bumpiness of some of the rollouts of Biden’s Cabinet picks is a new phenomenon for a presidential campaign defined by its lack of leaks and drama.”


politicalwire--2020-12-14--Wilbur Ross Has Been Under Investigation For Years

“ Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross , one of President Trump ’ s longest-serving cabinet members , has been under @ @ @ @ @ tenure in office , according to a report issued by the inspector general of the @ @ @ @ @ reports .
“ The report both revealed the investigation and published its findings .
It @ @ @ @ @ has served as commerce secretary since Trump ’ s first year in office , violated @ @ @ @ @ to avoid the appearance of ethical and legal breaches .
The report cleared him on @ @ @ @ @ he lied to federal officials and engaged in insider trading .
”

“Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross, one of President Trump’s longest-serving cabinet members, has been under investigation for most of his tenure in office, according to a report issued by the inspector general of the commerce department,” Forbes reports.
“The report both revealed the investigation and published its findings. It concluded that Ross, who has served as commerce secretary since Trump’s first year in office, violated a federal regulation by failing to avoid the appearance of ethical and legal breaches. The report cleared him on other matters, including whether he lied to federal officials and engaged in insider trading.”


politicalwire--2020-12-15--Some Senate Republicans Recognize Biden’s Victory

“ Senate Republicans are finally starting to recognize Joe Biden as the next president of the United States — even @ @ @ @ @ very last minute , ” Politico reports .
“ When asked on Monday afternoon whether @ @ @ @ @ some GOP senators paused and asked how far along the Electoral College count was taking @ @ @ @ @ declined to comment until results were officially certified and until Biden climbed past the necessary @ @ @ @ @ as the day went on and the Electoral College ’ s verdict was made clear @ @ @ @ @ Republican senators — though certainly not all — began to say what the leader of @ @ @ @ @ and what they declined to acknowledge for weeks : Biden will take office in January @ @

“Senate Republicans are finally starting to recognize Joe Biden as the next president of the United States — even if they waited until the very last minute,” Politico reports.
“When asked on Monday afternoon whether Biden was the president-elect, some GOP senators paused and asked how far along the Electoral College count was taking place that day. Others declined to comment until results were officially certified and until Biden climbed past the necessary 270 votes.”
“But as the day went on and the Electoral College’s verdict was made clear, an increasing number of Republican senators — though certainly not all — began to say what the leader of their party won’t and what they declined to acknowledge for weeks: Biden will take office in January.”


politicalwire--2020-12-15--Biden Speaks to the Nation

Biden Speaks to the Nation

On the day electors around the country vote to reaffirm his victory , President-elect Joe Biden will call for unity @ @ @ @ @ prepared remarks , while also delivering a rebuke to President Trump , who continues to @ @ @ @ @ “ In America , politicians don ’ t take power — the people grant it @ @ @ @ @ s also expected to say : “ The flame of democracy was lit in this @ @ @ @ @ .
And we now know that nothing — not even a pandemic — or an @ @ @ @ @ extinguish that flame.
” The speech is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m .
ET @

On the day electors around the country vote to reaffirm his victory, President-elect Joe Biden will call for unity and healing, according to prepared remarks, while also delivering a rebuke to President Trump, who continues to unsuccessfully challenge the results: “In America, politicians don’t take power — the people grant it to them.”
He’s also expected to say: “The flame of democracy was lit in this nation a long time ago. And we now know that nothing — not even a pandemic — or an abuse of power — can extinguish that flame.”
The speech is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. ET.


politicalwire--2020-12-14--Barr Is Out as Attorney General

Barr Is Out as Attorney General

“ President Trump said on Monday that Attorney General William Barr would depart next week , ending a tenure marked @ @ @ @ @ willingness to advance the president ’ s political agenda and criticism that he eroded the @ @ @ @ @ Department , ” the New York Times reports .
“ Mr .
Barr had in @ @ @ @ @ favor with the president after acknowledging that the department had found no widespread voter fraud @ @ @ @ @ to play down their differences , saying in a tweet announcing Mr. Barr ’ s @ @ @ @ @ has been a very good one , he has done an outstanding job ! '
@

“President Trump said on Monday that Attorney General William Barr would depart next week, ending a tenure marked by Mr. Barr’s willingness to advance the president’s political agenda and criticism that he eroded the post-Watergate independence of the Justice Department,” the New York Times reports.
“Mr. Barr had in recent weeks fallen out of favor with the president after acknowledging that the department had found no widespread voter fraud, but Mr. Trump sought to play down their differences, saying in a tweet announcing Mr. Barr’s departure, ‘Our relationship has been a very good one, he has done an outstanding job!'”


politicalwire--2020-12-14--Electoral College Affirms Joe Biden as Next President

By casting their electoral votes , California ’ s electors pushed Joe Biden ’ s tally to 302 — well @ @ @ @ @ win .
The final four electoral votes will be cast for Biden later tonight by @ @ @ @ @ Congress will meet on January 6 in a joint session to formally accept the results @

By casting their electoral votes, California’s electors pushed Joe Biden’s tally to 302 — well above the 270 needed to win.
The final four electoral votes will be cast for Biden later tonight by Hawaii’s electors. Congress will meet on January 6 in a joint session to formally accept the results.
The interactive electoral map shows the final tally.


politicalwire--2020-12-14--Congressman Quits the Republican Party

Congressman Quits the Republican Party

Rep. Paul Mitchell ( R-MI ) told CNN that his disgust and disappointment with President Trump ’ s efforts to @ @ @ @ @ election have led him to request that the Clerk of the House change his party @ @ @ @ @ ” and to notify GOP leaders in a letter that he is withdrawing his “ @ @ @ @ @ Republican Party at both the national and state level.
” Mitchell is retiring at the @ @ @ @ @ Congress .

Rep. Paul Mitchell (R-MI) told CNN that his disgust and disappointment with President Trump’s efforts to overturn the results of the election have led him to request that the Clerk of the House change his party affiliation to “independent,” and to notify GOP leaders in a letter that he is withdrawing his “engagement and association with the Republican Party at both the national and state level.”
Mitchell is retiring at the end of this session of Congress.


politicalwire--2020-12-14--Biden Wins Electoral Votes From States Trump Contested

“ Electoral College members in all six battleground states where President Trump most fiercely contested the results cast their ballots @ @ @ @ @ Monday , effectively cutting off the president ’ s path to overturning the election , @ @ @ @ @ The vote marks the watershed moment some Republican lawmakers have said would signal the end @ @ @ @ @ to overturn the Nov. 3 election .
”

“Electoral College members in all six battleground states where President Trump most fiercely contested the results cast their ballots for Democrat Joe Biden on Monday, effectively cutting off the president’s path to overturning the election,” Bloomberg reports.
“The vote marks the watershed moment some Republican lawmakers have said would signal the end of their support for attempts to overturn the Nov. 3 election.”


politicalwire--2020-12-14--News Networks Fret a Post-Trump Future

News Networks Fret a Post-Trump Future

New York Times : “ CNN and MSNBC thrived during the Trump years , reaching new heights in ratings and @ @ @ @ @ hours to criticizing a White House antagonist that their viewers just could not quit.
” @ @ @ @ @ Trump-less future , top executives at the rival cable news networks have summoned star anchors @ @ @ @ @ in recent weeks , seeking answers to a pressing question : What ’ s next @ @

New York Times: “CNN and MSNBC thrived during the Trump years, reaching new heights in ratings and revenue while devoting countless prime-time hours to criticizing a White House antagonist that their viewers just could not quit.”
“Now faced with a Trump-less future, top executives at the rival cable news networks have summoned star anchors and producers to private meetings in recent weeks, seeking answers to a pressing question: What’s next?”


politicalwire--2020-12-14--U.S. Puts Sanctions on Turkey Over Russia Air Defense

Associated Press : “ The extraordinary step against a treaty ally comes at a delicate time in relations between Washington @ @ @ @ @ been at odds for years over Turkey ’ s acquisition from Russia of the S-400 @ @ @ @ @ with Turkish actions in Syria , the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan and in the @ @ @ @

Associated Press: “The extraordinary step against a treaty ally comes at a delicate time in relations between Washington and Ankara, which have been at odds for years over Turkey’s acquisition from Russia of the S-400 missile defense system, along with Turkish actions in Syria, the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan and in the eastern Mediterranean.”


politicalwire--2020-12-14--White House Official Spent Months In Hospital for Covid-19

“ A White House official who fell ill with Covid-19 in September is recovering after three months in the hospital @ @ @ @ @ right foot and lower leg in his battle against the virus , ” Bloomberg reports @


politicalwire--2020-12-14--How Barr Kept Hunter Biden Probes Secret

Wall Street Journal : “ Mr .
Barr took more steps than previously reported to insulate the investigations , despite @ @ @ @ @ Republican allies to announce a probe involving President-elect Joe Biden ’ s son Hunter.
” @ @ @ @ @ senior department officials relayed the instructions in conversations with prosecutors , questioning whether their staff @ @ @ @ @ warning against issuing subpoenas or taking other steps that might become public… In siding with @ @ @ @ @ legal observers said Mr. Barr bucked critics on the left and right who have accused @ @ @ @ @ to Mr. Trump .
”

Wall Street Journal: “Mr. Barr took more steps than previously reported to insulate the investigations, despite calls from President Trump and Republican allies to announce a probe involving President-elect Joe Biden’s son Hunter.”
“Mr. Barr and senior department officials relayed the instructions in conversations with prosecutors, questioning whether their staff members could be trusted and warning against issuing subpoenas or taking other steps that might become public… In siding with department practice, colleagues and legal observers said Mr. Barr bucked critics on the left and right who have accused him of being too accommodating to Mr. Trump.”


politicalwire--2020-12-14--Give Political Wire as a Gift

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politicalwire--2020-12-14--Fake Electors Try to Deliver Arizona’s 11 Votes for Trump

“ In another sign of the lingering unrest over President Trump ’ s election loss , an Arizona group sent @ @ @ @ @ , D.C. , notarized documents last week intended to deliver , wrongly , the state @ @ @ @ @ for him , ” the Arizona Republic reports .
“ The 11 electors actually chosen @ @ @ @ @ — meeting in an unpublicized location because of security concerns over their task — cast @ @ @ @ @ Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris , formalizing the Democrats ’ victory nationally and @ @ @ @ @

“In another sign of the lingering unrest over President Trump’s election loss, an Arizona group sent the National Archives in Washington, D.C., notarized documents last week intended to deliver, wrongly, the state’s 11 electoral votes for him,” the Arizona Republic reports.
“The 11 electors actually chosen by Arizona voters last month — meeting in an unpublicized location because of security concerns over their task — cast their votes Monday for President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, formalizing the Democrats’ victory nationally and in the state.”


politicalwire--2020-12-14--Bipartisan Negotiators Set to Unveil Relief Bill

Politico : “ Nearly a dozen centrist senators will present their much-anticipated product on Monday afternoon in two pieces : @ @ @ @ @ boosting funds for education , vaccine distribution , transportation and other areas , and a @ @ @ @ @ state and local aid coupled with a short-term liability shield for employers.
” Sen. Bernie @ @ @ @ @ urging Democrats to reject the bill , Politico reports .

Politico: “Nearly a dozen centrist senators will present their much-anticipated product on Monday afternoon in two pieces: a $748 billion package boosting funds for education, vaccine distribution, transportation and other areas, and a $160 billion add-on of state and local aid coupled with a short-term liability shield for employers.”
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) is urging Democrats to reject the bill, Politico reports.


politicalwire--2020-12-14--Homeland Security Hacked by the Russians

“ The Department of Homeland Security is the third federal agency to have fallen victim to a major cyberespionage campaign @ @ @ @ @ joining the Treasury and Commerce departments as targets that have been compromised , ” the @ @ @ @ @ The fact that the department charged with safeguarding the country from physical and cyber attack @ @ @ @ @ ’ s significance and calls into question the adequacy of federal cybersecurity efforts .
”

“The Department of Homeland Security is the third federal agency to have fallen victim to a major cyberespionage campaign by the Russian government, joining the Treasury and Commerce departments as targets that have been compromised,” the Washington Post reports.
“The fact that the department charged with safeguarding the country from physical and cyber attack was victimized underscores the campaign’s significance and calls into question the adequacy of federal cybersecurity efforts.”


politicalwire--2020-12-14--Virus Death Toll Crosses 300,000

Virus Death Toll Crosses 300,000

“ The number of people with the coronavirus in the United States known to have died of passed 300,000 on @ @ @ @ @ that comes less than four weeks after the nation ’ s virus deaths reached a @ @ @ @ @ York Times reports .

“The number of people with the coronavirus in the United States known to have died of passed 300,000 on Monday, another wrenching record that comes less than four weeks after the nation’s virus deaths reached a quarter-million,” the New York Times reports.


politicalwire--2020-12-14--Bonus Quote of the Day

Bonus Quote of the Day

“ I believe we should abolish the Electoral College and select our president by the winner of the popular vote @ @ @ @ @ office .
But while it still exists , I was proud to cast my vote @ @ @ @ @ Biden and Kamala Harris .
”

“I believe we should abolish the Electoral College and select our president by the winner of the popular vote, same as every other office. But while it still exists, I was proud to cast my vote in New York for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris.”
— Hillary Clinton, on Twitter.


politicalwire--2020-12-14--What’s Next for Those Who Think Election Was Stolen?

New York Times : “ Nearly all of the people interviewed said they believed at least some fraud had been @ @ @ @ @ added up to Mr. Trump ’ s being the true winner was much harder to @ @ @ @ @ doubting the outcome were many .
Misinformation played a role .
So did signaling by @ @ @ @ @ them Mr. Trump… ” “ What happens next is a critical question for American democracy @ @ @ @ @ the belief that the 2020 presidential election was in some way illegitimate ?
Will it @ @ @ @ @ Trump ’ s prospects for winning , and vanish completely when Mr. Biden is inaugurated @ @ @ @ @ , nursed by Republicans in power , and metastasize into something that could be a @ @ @ @ @ years to come ?
”

New York Times: “Nearly all of the people interviewed said they believed at least some fraud had been perpetrated, but whether that added up to Mr. Trump’s being the true winner was much harder to know. The reasons for doubting the outcome were many. Misinformation played a role. So did signaling by Republican leaders, first among them Mr. Trump…”
“What happens next is a critical question for American democracy. What will become of the belief that the 2020 presidential election was in some way illegitimate? Will it melt away along with Mr. Trump’s prospects for winning, and vanish completely when Mr. Biden is inaugurated? Or will it fester, nursed by Republicans in power, and metastasize into something that could be a rallying cry for nationalists for years to come?”


politicalwire--2020-12-14--Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day

“ I can ’ t fathom risking our norms , traditions and institutions to pass a resolution retroactively changing the @ @ @ @ @ because some think there may have been enough widespread fraud to give him the win… @ @ @ @ @ lose our country forever .
”

“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…