politicalwire--2020-07-22--Warren’s New Role as Biden Policy Adviser

Associated Press : “ Warren , a Massachusetts senator and leading progressive , has become an unlikely confidant and adviser @ @ @ @ @ Democratic presidential nominee .
They talk every 10 days or so , according to aides @ @ @ @ @ on condition of anonymity to freely describe their relationship .
Those forums have provided opportunities @ @ @ @ @ case on top policy issues to Biden , who ran a more centrist primary campaign.
@ @ @ @ @ plans on personal bankruptcy , expanding Social Security benefits and canceling student-loan debt for millions @ @ @ @ @ helped devise important portions of his post-pandemic economic recovery proposals .
”

Associated Press: “Warren, a Massachusetts senator and leading progressive, has become an unlikely confidant and adviser to Biden, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee. They talk every 10 days or so, according to aides to both politicians who spoke on condition of anonymity to freely describe their relationship. Those forums have provided opportunities for Warren to make a case on top policy issues to Biden, who ran a more centrist primary campaign.”
“He adopted Warren-endorsed plans on personal bankruptcy, expanding Social Security benefits and canceling student-loan debt for millions of Americans. She also helped devise important portions of his post-pandemic economic recovery proposals.”


politicalwire--2020-07-22--Trump Attempts a Reset with New Virus Briefing

Politico : “ Compared to previous disorderly spectacles that sometimes exceeded two hours , Trump ’ s appearance at a @ @ @ @ @ hinted that significant changes are underway as he and his aides refocus their attention on @ @ @ @ @ standing between them and a second term .
The format of the briefing — a @ @ @ @ @ — also suggested a detente was reached among opposing White House factions that spent the @ @ @ @ @ the role their embattled boss should play in responding to the alarming resurgence of Covid-19 @ @ @ @ @ .
”

Politico: “Compared to previous disorderly spectacles that sometimes exceeded two hours, Trump’s appearance at a White House lectern on Tuesday hinted that significant changes are underway as he and his aides refocus their attention on the No. 1 threat standing between them and a second term. The format of the briefing — a mostly scripted, solo Trump — also suggested a detente was reached among opposing White House factions that spent the past few weeks clashing over the role their embattled boss should play in responding to the alarming resurgence of Covid-19 in southern and southwestern states.”


politicalwire--2020-07-22--China Says U.S. Ordered It to Close Houston Consulate

“ China said the U.S. ordered the abrupt closure of its consulate in Houston , a dramatic escalation in bilateral @ @ @ @ @ outrageous and unprecedented , ” the Wall Street Journal reports .
Associated Press : “ @ @ @ @ @ responded to reports that documents were being burned in the courtyard of the Consulate General @ @ @ @ @ night .
”

“China said the U.S. ordered the abrupt closure of its consulate in Houston, a dramatic escalation in bilateral tensions that Beijing condemned as outrageous and unprecedented,” the Wall Street Journal reports.
Associated Press: “Houston police and fire officials responded to reports that documents were being burned in the courtyard of the Consulate General of China in Houston Tuesday night.”


politicalwire--2020-07-22--Gaetz Runs Afoul of House Ethics Rules

Gaetz Runs Afoul of House Ethics Rules

Rep. Matt Gaetz ( R-FL ) “ has privately engaged in several spending practices in his nearly four years in @ @ @ @ @ in conflict with the House ’ s ethics rules , ” Politico report .
“ @ @ @ @ @ of President Donald Trump from the Florida Panhandle , improperly sent tens of thousands of @ @ @ @ @ liability company linked to a speech-writing consultant who was ousted from the Trump administration , @ @ @ @ @ rules.
” “ In another possible violation , a private company installed a television studio @ @ @ @ @ home in Niceville , Fla. , which Gaetz uses when he appears on television.
” @ @ @ @ @ to rent the television camera , and the private company that built the studio — @ @ @ @ @ — takes a fee each time he appears on air , his office said .
@ @ @ @ @ much it cost the private company to construct the studio .
”

Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) “has privately engaged in several spending practices in his nearly four years in office that appear to be in conflict with the House’s ethics rules,” Politico report.
“Gaetz, a close ally of President Donald Trump from the Florida Panhandle, improperly sent tens of thousands of taxpayer dollars to a limited liability company linked to a speech-writing consultant who was ousted from the Trump administration, in direct conflict with House rules.”
“In another possible violation, a private company installed a television studio in his father’s home in Niceville, Fla., which Gaetz uses when he appears on television.”
“Taxpayers foot the bill to rent the television camera, and the private company that built the studio — which Gaetz refuses to identify — takes a fee each time he appears on air, his office said. It’s unclear how much it cost the private company to construct the studio.”


politicalwire--2020-07-22--Trump Properties Flout Face Mask Mandates

“ As the coronavirus surges across the country , several properties owned by President Trump have continued to host gatherings @ @ @ @ @ skirt state and city-mandated face covering ordinances as well as the organization ’ s own @ @ @ @ @ during the pandemic , ” ABC News reports .

“As the coronavirus surges across the country, several properties owned by President Trump have continued to host gatherings with guests and employees that skirt state and city-mandated face covering ordinances as well as the organization’s own public rules for resuming business during the pandemic,” ABC News reports.


politicalwire--2020-07-23--Trump Describes His Cognitive Test

Trump Describes His Cognitive Test

President Trump ’ s explanation to Fox News of why he took a mental acuity test is definitely worth watching @

President Trump’s explanation to Fox News of why he took a mental acuity test is definitely worth watching.
Washington Post: “Medical and public health experts stress that the cognitive exam is not what Trump seems to think it is — an indicator of IQ or a cudgel to be wielded against a political opponent like a debate challenge.”
“Experts say the president’s fixation on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment is particularly puzzling because the test is normally administered only if someone is concerned that they or their loved ones may be experiencing dementia or other cognitive decline. Getting a perfect score — as Trump has repeatedly claimed he did — merely signifies that the test-taker probably does not have a cognitive impairment as measured by the exam.”


politicalwire--2020-07-23--GOP Feuding Linked to Trump Sinking In the Polls

“ Tensions among congressional Republicans fueled by the party ’ s diminishing electoral fortunes broke out into the open this @ @ @ @ @ sparred over the shape of the next coronavirus aid package , how vigorously to stand @ @ @ @ @ primaries to wade into that could help determine control of the Senate in November , @ @ @ @ @ .
“ The battles this week were a microcosm of the broader reckoning over the @ @ @ @ @ how strong the populist tenets of Trumpism will hold after the president leaves office .
@ @ @ @ @ because of worries that the party faces doom at the polls this fall owing to @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic and his resulting falling poll numbers against presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden @ @

“Tensions among congressional Republicans fueled by the party’s diminishing electoral fortunes broke out into the open this week — as GOP lawmakers sparred over the shape of the next coronavirus aid package, how vigorously to stand behind President Trump and which primaries to wade into that could help determine control of the Senate in November,” the Washington Post reports.
“The battles this week were a microcosm of the broader reckoning over the party’s future and how strong the populist tenets of Trumpism will hold after the president leaves office. The fractures are emerging now because of worries that the party faces doom at the polls this fall owing to Trump’s handling of the pandemic and his resulting falling poll numbers against presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden.”


politicalwire--2020-07-22--House Votes to Remove Confederate Statues

“ The House voted overwhelmingly Wednesday to remove Confederate statues from the Capitol , the latest effort by Congress to @ @ @ @ @ over systemic racism and injustice , ” Politico reports .

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


politicalwire--2020-07-22--Biden Calls Trump Our First Racist President

Joe Biden called President Trump the country ’ s first racist to be elected to the White House , the @ @ @ @ @ Biden : “ No sitting president has ever done this .
Never , never , @ @ @ @ @ has done this .
No Democratic president .
We ’ ve had racists , and @ @ @ @ @ they ’ ve tried to get elected president .
He ’ s the first one @ @ @ @

Joe Biden called President Trump the country’s first racist to be elected to the White House, the Washington Post reports.
Said Biden: “No sitting president has ever done this. Never, never, never. No Republican president has done this. No Democratic president. We’ve had racists, and they’ve existed, they’ve tried to get elected president. He’s the first one that has.”


politicalwire--2020-07-22--Trump Sending ‘Surge’ of Law Enforcement to Cities

“ President Trump , who once bragged he could solve Chicago ’ s crime problem within a week , announced @ @ @ @ @ city with a ‘ surge of federal law enforcement ’ to address ongoing violence , @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Though agents will be sent across to cities across the country , Trump @ @ @ @ @ one in most critical need of additional resources.
” The Albuquerque Journal says Trump is @ @ @ @ @ part of what he called ” Operation Legend.
” Said Trump : “ Other cities @ @ @ @ @ it badly .
They should call , they should want it .
They ’ re @ @ @ @ @ re too political to do that .
”

“President Trump, who once bragged he could solve Chicago’s crime problem within a week, announced plans Wednesday to flood the city with a ‘surge of federal law enforcement’ to address ongoing violence,” the Chicago Tribune reports.
“Though agents will be sent across to cities across the country, Trump singled out Chicago as the one in most critical need of additional resources.”
The Albuquerque Journal says Trump is sending troops to Albuquerque as part of what he called”Operation Legend.”
Said Trump: “Other cities need help, they need it badly. They should call, they should want it. They’re too proud or they’re too political to do that.”


politicalwire--2020-07-22--What If Trump Refuses to Accept Election Results?

“ President Trump ’ s relentless efforts to sow doubts about the legitimacy of this year ’ s election are @ @ @ @ @ with the possibility that he may dispute the result in November if he loses — @ @ @ @ @ of American democracy , ” the Washington Post reports .
“ The resulting turmoil could @ @ @ @ @ outcome of the 2000 presidential election , confounding the legal system , Congress and the @ @ @ @ @ how the country picks its leaders .
Such a crisis could also have long-lasting consequences @ @ @ @ @ already been rocked this year by the coronavirus pandemic , an economic collapse and a @ @ @ @ @ ”

“President Trump’s relentless efforts to sow doubts about the legitimacy of this year’s election are forcing both parties to reckon with the possibility that he may dispute the result in November if he loses — leading to an unprecedented test of American democracy,” the Washington Post reports.
“The resulting turmoil could surpass the contention over the outcome of the 2000 presidential election, confounding the legal system, Congress and the public’s faith in how the country picks its leaders. Such a crisis could also have long-lasting consequences for a nation that has already been rocked this year by the coronavirus pandemic, an economic collapse and a reckoning over racial injustice.”


politicalwire--2020-07-22--Democrats Call for Reforms After Iowa Caucus Mess

“ A group of Democrats want the party to make changes that could lead to a new presidential primary calendar @ @ @ @ @ after the messy Iowa caucus earlier this year , ” Bloomberg reports .


politicalwire--2020-07-22--Romney Questions Future of Republican Party

Sen. Mitt Romney ( R-UT ) says he doesn ’ t know where the Republican Party is headed as the @ @ @ @ @ , and character doesn ’ t seem to matter in leaders anymore , the Deseret @ @ @ @ @ : “ I have no idea what ’ s going to happen with my party @ @ @ @ @ small slice of my party .
The party has taken a different course .
My @ @ @ @ @ , anti-authoritarian leaders , anti people like Kim Jung Un and Vladimir Putin , and @ @ @ @ @ be more comfortable with people like that.
” He added : “ I don ’ @ @ @ @ @ goes .
I have to be honest with you in that regard .
”

Sen. Mitt Romney (R-UT) says he doesn’t know where the Republican Party is headed as the president cozies up to dictators, and character doesn’t seem to matter in leaders anymore, the Deseret News reports.
Said Romney: “I have no idea what’s going to happen with my party. I represent a very small slice of my party. The party has taken a different course. My party was very strong anti-dictators, anti-authoritarian leaders, anti people like Kim Jung Un and Vladimir Putin, and now the party seems to be more comfortable with people like that.”
He added: “I don’t know where my party goes. I have to be honest with you in that regard.”


politicalwire--2020-07-22--Trump Accelerates China Punishments

Trump Accelerates China Punishments

Politico : “ The reason for the dramatic about-face is partly grounded in recent developments — the Hong Kong sanctions @ @ @ @ @ tied to a controversial national security law that recently went into effect .
But Trump @ @ @ @ @ tough on China heading into his reelection campaign.
” “ In the last two weeks @ @ @ @ @ a variety of methods — press conferences , new legal judgments , numerous op-eds , @ @ @ @ @ — to suddenly hit Beijing over long-standing issues the president often skirted in the past @ @

Politico: “The reason for the dramatic about-face is partly grounded in recent developments — the Hong Kong sanctions, for instance, are tied to a controversial national security law that recently went into effect. But Trump is also eager to appear tough on China heading into his reelection campaign.”
“In the last two weeks, his administration has used a variety of methods — press conferences, new legal judgments, numerous op-eds, high-profile speeches, overseas trips — to suddenly hit Beijing over long-standing issues the president often skirted in the past.”


politicalwire--2020-07-22--Trump Campaign Buys Ad Time on Fox News In D.C.

President Trump ’ s campaign has placed a Fox News-only ad buy in Washington , D.C. beginning tomorrow and running @ @ @ @ @ cost of $ 38,000 .


politicalwire--2020-07-22--Bonus Quote of the Day

Bonus Quote of the Day

“ I believe it .
He once had Ronny Jackson inject a heavy dose of penicillin into my butt cheek @ @ @ @ @ I cleared my throat and he thought I was getting sick.
” — Anthony Scaramucci @ @ @ @ @ response to the White House saying President Trump was tested “ multiple times a day @ @ @ @

“I believe it. He once had Ronny Jackson inject a heavy dose of penicillin into my butt cheek on Air Force One because I cleared my throat and he thought I was getting sick.”
— Anthony Scaramucci, on Twitter, in response to the White House saying President Trump was tested “multiple times a day” for coronavirus.


politicalwire--2020-07-22--Manchin Would Oppose Eliminating the Filibuster

Sen. Joe Manchin ( D-WV ) told CNN that he would oppose his party ’ s effort to get rid @ @ @ @ @ take control of the chamber in November ’ s election .
He noted that he @ @ @ @ @ 2013 to eliminate the filibuster on most presidential nominees : “ And I would be @ @ @ @ @ ”

Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) told CNN that he would oppose his party’s effort to get rid of the filibuster if Democrats take control of the chamber in November’s election.
Said Manchin: “That’s bullshit.”
He noted that he opposed the Democratic effort in 2013 to eliminate the filibuster on most presidential nominees: “And I would be opposed to it again.”


politicalwire--2020-07-22--Ex-Homeland Security Chief Condemns Trump Actions

Former Homeland Security secretary Michael Chertoff told ABC News that President Trump has taken a “ belligerent ” tone toward @ @ @ @ @ while adding that protecting federal property is not “ an unlimited license to roam around @ @ @ @ @ spoke to Greg Sargent : “ In my view , this is damaging to the @ @ @ @ @ credibility of the department ’ s principal mission.
” He added : “ While it @ @ @ @ @ to protect federal property , that is not an excuse to range more widely in @ @ @ @ @ police operations , particularly if local authorities have not requested federal assistance .
That ’ @ @ @ @ @ ”

Former Homeland Security secretary Michael Chertoff told ABC News that President Trump has taken a “belligerent” tone toward state and local officials, while adding that protecting federal property is not “an unlimited license to roam around the streets.”
Chertoff also spoke to Greg Sargent: “In my view, this is damaging to the department. It undermines the credibility of the department’s principal mission.”
He added: “While it’s appropriate for DHS to protect federal property, that is not an excuse to range more widely in a city and to conduct police operations, particularly if local authorities have not requested federal assistance. That’s our constitutional system.”


politicalwire--2020-07-22--Biden Just Ahead In Texas

Biden Just Ahead In Texas

A new Quinnipiac poll in Texas finds Joe Biden edging Donald Trump in the presidential race , 45 % to @ @ @ @ @ U.S. Senate race , Sen. John Cornyn ( R ) leads challenger MJ Hegar ( @ @ @ @ @ to 38 % .


politicalwire--2020-07-22--Shreveport Mayor Announces Senate Bid

Shreveport Mayor Announces Senate Bid

Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins ( D ) made the biggest splash on the first day of qualifying for the November @ @ @ @ @ will challenge incumbent Sen Bill Cassidy ( R-LA ) , the Shreveport Times reports .


politicalwire--2020-07-22--U.K. Ambassador Made Racist and Sexist Remarks

“ Robert Wood ‘ Woody ’ Johnson , the top envoy since August 2017 to one of the United States @ @ @ @ @ made racist generalizations about Black men and questioned why the Black community celebrates Black History @ @ @ @ @ .
Said one source : “ His comments about women ’ s looks have been @ @ @

“Robert Wood ‘Woody’ Johnson, the top envoy since August 2017 to one of the United States’ most important allies, made racist generalizations about Black men and questioned why the Black community celebrates Black History Month,” CNN reports.
Said one source: “His comments about women’s looks have been cringeworthy.”


politicalwire--2020-07-22--Most Voters Want a Face Mask Mandate

Most Voters Want a Face Mask Mandate

A new Morning Consult poll finds 53 % of registered voters nationawide favor statewide mask mandates that are punishable by @ @ @ @ @


politicalwire--2020-07-22--A History of American Betrayal

A History of American Betrayal

Coming just before the election : Traitor : A History of American Betrayal from Benedict Arnold to Donald Trump by @ @ @ @ @ Trump is unfit in almost every respect for the high office he holds .
But @ @ @ @ @ other bad leader the U.S. has had is that he has repeatedly , egregiously , @ @ @ @ @

Coming just before the election: Traitor: A History of American Betrayal from Benedict Arnold to Donald Trump by David Rothkopf.
“Donald Trump is unfit in almost every respect for the high office he holds. But what distinguishes him from every other bad leader the U.S. has had is that he has repeatedly, egregiously, betrayed his country.”


politicalwire--2020-07-22--Trump Is Determined to Split the Country in Two

Ron Brownstein : “ On one front , Trump is taking his confrontational approach toward big cities to an ominous @ @ @ @ @ law-enforcement officials to Portland and potentially other locales over the objection of local officials… On @ @ @ @ @ , especially but not exclusively across the Sun Belt , have repeatedly blocked mostly Democratic @ @ @ @ @ their communities , despite exploding caseloads in cities from Atlanta to Phoenix.
” “ The @ @ @ @ @ confrontations is that they pit Republican officials who rely on support primarily from exurban , @ @ @ @ @ against major metropolitan areas that favor Democrats .
In the process , these Republicans—Trump in @ @ @ @ @ their non-urban voter base by defining themselves explicitly in opposition to the cities .
Trump @ @ @ @ @ message in his White House speech this afternoon on ‘ combating violent crime in American @ @ @ @

Ron Brownstein: “On one front, Trump is taking his confrontational approach toward big cities to an ominous new level by deploying federal law-enforcement officials to Portland and potentially other locales over the objection of local officials… On the other, Republican governors, especially but not exclusively across the Sun Belt, have repeatedly blocked mostly Democratic local leaders from locking down their communities, despite exploding caseloads in cities from Atlanta to Phoenix.”
“The common thread in these twin confrontations is that they pit Republican officials who rely on support primarily from exurban, small-town, and rural voters against major metropolitan areas that favor Democrats. In the process, these Republicans—Trump in particular—may be hoping to rally their non-urban voter base by defining themselves explicitly in opposition to the cities. Trump is likely to underscore that message in his White House speech this afternoon on ‘combating violent crime in American cities.'”


politicalwire--2020-07-23--How Powerful Is the President?

How Powerful Is the President?

Gary Hart : “ We have recently come to learn of at least a hundred documents authorizing extraordinary presidential powers @ @ @ @ @ national emergency , virtually dictatorial powers without congressional or judicial checks and balances .
President @ @ @ @ @ in March when he said , ‘ I have the right to do a lot @ @ @ @ @ ’ t even know about . '
” “ No matter who occupies the office @ @ @ @ @ a right to know what extraordinary powers presidents believe they have .
It is time @ @ @ @ @ to study these powers and their potential for abuse , and advise Congress on the @ @ @ @ @ , at a minimum , establish stringent oversight… ” “ What little we know about @ @ @ @ @ the Brennan Center for Justice at the New York University Law School , but we @ @ @ @ @ of habeas corpus , surveillance , home intrusion , arrest without a judicial warrant , @ @ @ @ @ and more ; some could violate constitutional protections .
”

Gary Hart: “We have recently come to learn of at least a hundred documents authorizing extraordinary presidential powers in the case of a national emergency, virtually dictatorial powers without congressional or judicial checks and balances. President Trump alluded to these authorities in March when he said, ‘I have the right to do a lot of things that people don’t even know about.'”
“No matter who occupies the office, the American people have a right to know what extraordinary powers presidents believe they have. It is time for a new select committee to study these powers and their potential for abuse, and advise Congress on the ways in which it might, at a minimum, establish stringent oversight…”
“What little we know about these secret powers comes from the Brennan Center for Justice at the New York University Law School, but we believe they may include suspension of habeas corpus, surveillance, home intrusion, arrest without a judicial warrant, collective if not mass arrests and more; some could violate constitutional protections.”


politicalwire--2020-07-23--Trump Attacks Liz Cheney

Trump Attacks Liz Cheney

President Trump joined his allies in attacking Rep. Liz Cheney ( R-WY ) , the number three ranking Republican in @ @ @ @ @ Cheney is only upset because I have been actively getting our great and beautiful Country @ @ @ @ @ costly Endless Wars .
I am also making our so-called allies pay tens of billions @ @ @ @ @ costs .
They must , at least , treat us fairly !
!
!
“

President Trump joined his allies in attacking Rep. Liz Cheney (R-WY), the number three ranking Republican in the House.
“Liz Cheney is only upset because I have been actively getting our great and beautiful Country out of the ridiculous and costly Endless Wars. I am also making our so-called allies pay tens of billions of dollars in delinquent military costs. They must, at least, treat us fairly!!!“


politicalwire--2020-07-23--Red Sox Embrace Black Lives Matter

Red Sox Embrace Black Lives Matter

The Boston Red Sox , who were the last major league baseball team to integrate , unveiled a 252-foot billboard @ @ @ @ @ “ Black Lives Matter.
” Said Red Sox president Sam Kennedy in a statement : @ @ @ @ @ of injustice is unacceptable .
”

The Boston Red Sox, who were the last major league baseball team to integrate, unveiled a 252-foot billboard outside Fenway Park saying: “Black Lives Matter.”
Said Red Sox president Sam Kennedy in a statement: “Silence in the face of injustice is unacceptable.”


politicalwire--2020-07-23--More House Races Tilt Towards Democrats

More House Races Tilt Towards Democrats

Larry Sabato ’ s Crystal Ball makes eight ratings changes in House races this week and seven of them favor @ @ @ @ @ point , Democrats are more likely to net House seats than Republicans , although we @ @ @ @ @ much net change overall .
”

Larry Sabato’s Crystal Ball makes eight ratings changes in House races this week and seven of them favor Democrats.
“At this point, Democrats are more likely to net House seats than Republicans, although we’re still not expecting much net change overall.”


politicalwire--2020-07-23--It’s Not the Same Country as 2016

It’s Not the Same Country as 2016

This piece is only available to Political Wire members .
Your support makes this site possible .
Join today for @ @ @ @ @ and get exclusive analysis , new features and no advertising .
Sign in to your @ @ @ @ @ If you ’ re already signed in and still seeing this message , your subscription @ @ @ @ @ your membership , navigate to your account , adjust your credit card information and click @ @ @ @ @ just $ 6 a month or $ 60 a year .

This piece is only available to Political Wire members.
Former Clinton White House political director Doug Sosnik is out with a new slides and analysis of the 2020 election and concludes President Trump “is starring in a rerun of his 2016 campaign in a different country than the one that elected him president.”


politicalwire--2020-07-23--Blocked Gun Sales Skyrocket Amid Pamdemic

Politico : “ Internal FBI data reveal a jarring new stat : The number of people trying to buy guns @ @ @ @ @ own them has skyrocketed .
That came as part of a surge in gun purchases @ @ @ @ @ of 2020 , compared to the same time period in 2019 .
And the change @ @ @ @ @ safety.
” “ In March 2019 and February 2020 , the NICS system blocked about @ @ @ @ @ .
But in March 2020 , it blocked more than double that amount : a @ @ @ @ @ ”

Politico: “Internal FBI data reveal a jarring new stat: The number of people trying to buy guns who can’t legally own them has skyrocketed. That came as part of a surge in gun purchases in the first three months of 2020, compared to the same time period in 2019. And the change has raised concerns about gun safety.”
“In March 2019 and February 2020, the NICS system blocked about 9,500 and 9,700, respectively. But in March 2020, it blocked more than double that amount: a whopping 23,692 gun sales.”


politicalwire--2020-07-23--Mayor of Portland Tear Gassed by Federal Agents

Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler ( D ) was tear gassed by the U.S. government late Wednesday as he stood at @ @ @ @ @ courthouse during another night of protest against the presence of federal agents sent by President @ @ @ @ @ the city , the AP reports .
Wheeler “ appeared slightly dazed and coughed as @ @ @ @ @ of goggles someone handed him and drank water .
He didn ’ t leave his @ @ @ @ @ however , and continued to take gas .
”

Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler (D) was tear gassed by the U.S. government late Wednesday as he stood at a fence guarding a federal courthouse during another night of protest against the presence of federal agents sent by President Trump to quell unrest in the city, the AP reports.
Wheeler “appeared slightly dazed and coughed as he put on a pair of goggles someone handed him and drank water. He didn’t leave his spot at the front, however, and continued to take gas.”


politicalwire--2020-07-23--Obama and Biden Troll Trump

Obama and Biden Troll Trump

Joe Biden ’ s presidential campaign on Wednesday deployed a new tactic to reach voters when bunting-strewn stages and boisterous @ @ @ @ @ : using cinematic flourish to tease a major appearance with Barack Obama intended to excite @ @ @ @ @ with the presence of his popular predecessor , ” the Washington Post reports .
“ @ @ @ @ @ to expand his digital presence in a campaign now likely to be defined to a @ @ @ @ @ will use the event — to be fully released on social media Thursday morning — @ @ @ @ @ Obama ’ s nearly 121 million Twitter followers .
It leans on the former president @ @ @ @ @ coolness — in the view of many voters Biden needs — to add sparkle as @ @ @ @ @ ” “ The video is also a sign of how much Biden and his team @ @ @ @ @ with Obama even as he goes through the process of searching for his own running @ @ @

Joe Biden’s presidential campaign on Wednesday deployed a new tactic to reach voters when bunting-strewn stages and boisterous rallies have been set aside: using cinematic flourish to tease a major appearance with Barack Obama intended to excite Democrats and troll President Trump with the presence of his popular predecessor,” the Washington Post reports.
“Biden faces an urgent need to expand his digital presence in a campaign now likely to be defined to a great degree online, and will use the event — to be fully released on social media Thursday morning — as a way to reach Obama’s nearly 121 million Twitter followers. It leans on the former president’s stature and signature coolness — in the view of many voters Biden needs — to add sparkle as the campaign slogs through summer.”
“The video is also a sign of how much Biden and his team will focus on his partnership with Obama even as he goes through the process of searching for his own running mate.”


politicalwire--2020-07-23--House Democrats Considered 10 Impeachment Articles

“ The House Judiciary Committee staff initially drew up 10 articles of impeachment against President Trump last year , alleging @ @ @ @ @ crimes and misdemeanors before the case was whittled down to his interactions with Ukraine , @ @ @ @ @ be published next week , ” the New York Times reports .
“ The decision @ @ @ @ @ has long posed one of the most perplexing what-if counterfactuals of the entire impeachment and @ @ @ @ @ What would have happened if House Democrats had thrown everything they had against the president @ @ @ @ @ his campaign to pressure Ukraine to incriminate his Democratic rivals ?
Would a broader case @ @ @ @ @ some Democrats argued or be viewed as overreach as the leaders of the impeachment drive @ @ @

“The House Judiciary Committee staff initially drew up 10 articles of impeachment against President Trump last year, alleging a wide range of high crimes and misdemeanors before the case was whittled down to his interactions with Ukraine, according to a book to be published next week,” the New York Times reports.
“The decision to pursue a narrower case has long posed one of the most perplexing what-if counterfactuals of the entire impeachment and trial of Mr. Trump: What would have happened if House Democrats had thrown everything they had against the president rather than stick to just his campaign to pressure Ukraine to incriminate his Democratic rivals? Would a broader case have been more compelling as some Democrats argued or be viewed as overreach as the leaders of the impeachment drive concluded?”


politicalwire--2020-07-23--Two White House Cafeterias Shut Down

Two White House Cafeterias Shut Down

“ Two cafeterias used by White House staff members were closed and contact tracing was conducted after an employee tested @ @ @ @ @ ” the New York Times reports .

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


politicalwire--2020-07-24--A Deep Dive Into the Top 60 House Races in 2020

Just for members: David DeAngelo, Principal of DL DeAngelo Consulting, LLC, offers this look at the top 60 House races in this year’s elections.
With primary elections winding down, it’s a good time to examine this cycle’s most competitive House race. These 60 races — 12 open and 48 incumbent-defended seats — are a diverse geographic and demographic cross section of the country with Democrats expanding into the suburbs and Republican retrenching into exurban/rural areas.


politicalwire--2020-07-24--Biden Opens Wide Leads In Midwestern States

New Fox News poll from three battleground states : “ In each state ’ s head-to-head matchup , the president @ @ @ @ @ share and his current job approval rating — and Biden ’ s edge is larger @ @ @ @ @ margin of sampling error .
”


politicalwire--2020-07-24--Democrats Now Favored to Take Back the Senate

The Cook Political Report forecasts a net gain of five to seven U.S. Senate seats for Democrats , which would @ @ @ @ @ majority .
“ Ultimately , every day that Trump stubbornly refuses to change course is @ @ @ @ @ increasingly likely he may not only tank his own re-election bid but could be on @ @ @ @ @ the Republican-held Senate down with him .
At this point , a net gain of @ @ @ @ @ Democrats looks far more probable than the one to three seat gain that would leave @ @ @ @ @ .
”

The Cook Political Report forecasts a net gain of five to seven U.S. Senate seats for Democrats, which would give the party the Senate majority.
“Ultimately, every day that Trump stubbornly refuses to change course is another day that it becomes increasingly likely he may not only tank his own re-election bid but could be on a kamikaze mission to take the Republican-held Senate down with him. At this point, a net gain of five to seven seats for Democrats looks far more probable than the one to three seat gain that would leave them shy of a majority.”


politicalwire--2020-07-23--Trump Cancels GOP Convention In Jacksonville

President Trump says he ’ s cancelled the Republican National Convention in Jacksonville , citing health concerns over coronavirus and @ @ @ @ @ public , Axios reports .
Trump made the announcement from the White House briefing room @ @ @ @ @ give a speech accepting the nomination “ in a different form ” and that delegates @ @ @ @ @ , earlier that week as planned for party business .
Trump claimed he told his @ @ @ @ @ this event is not right , it ’ s just not right , ” adding @ @ @ @ @ protect the American people .
”

President Trump says he’s cancelled the Republican National Convention in Jacksonville, citing health concerns over coronavirus and a need to protect the public, Axios reports.
Trump made the announcement from the White House briefing room, saying he would still give a speech accepting the nomination “in a different form” and that delegates still would convene in Charlotte, earlier that week as planned for party business.
Trump claimed he told his team “the timing for this event is not right, it’s just not right,” adding, “I have to protect the American people.”


politicalwire--2020-07-23--Kimberly Guilfoyle Under Fire for Fundraising Disarray

“ News that Kimberly Guilfoyle contracted the coronavirus had barely surfaced on July 3 before she hopped on a private flight from Mt .
Rushmore back to Washington , D.C. , with her boyfriend , Donald Trump , Jr. , ” Politico reports .
“ Left behind in her wake after Donald Trump ’ s pre-Independence Day address were more than a half-dozen junior campaign staffers who Guilfoyle oversees as the president ’ s national finance chairwoman .
The aides , who ’ d been in proximity to Guilfoyle , were forced to quarantine in their Rapid City , S.D.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ barred from any face-to-face contact with colleagues as they pleaded with the campaign to get them home.
” “ The campaign tried to reassure the staffers , checking in with them and stressing the need to wait a few days to take a coronavirus test .
But the aides felt deserted and scared they ’ d get sick in a city they ’ d never set foot in before .
They were so distraught that weeks later they sought out Stephanie Alexander , the campaign ’ s chief of staff , to vent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ familiar with the incident .
”

“News that Kimberly Guilfoyle contracted the coronavirus had barely surfaced on July 3 before she hopped on a private flight from Mt. Rushmore back to Washington, D.C., with her boyfriend, Donald Trump, Jr.,” Politico reports.
“Left behind in her wake after Donald Trump’s pre-Independence Day address were more than a half-dozen junior campaign staffers who Guilfoyle oversees as the president’s national finance chairwoman. The aides, who’d been in proximity to Guilfoyle, were forced to quarantine in their Rapid City, S.D., hotel rooms for three days and barred from any face-to-face contact with colleagues as they pleaded with the campaign to get them home.”
“The campaign tried to reassure the staffers, checking in with them and stressing the need to wait a few days to take a coronavirus test. But the aides felt deserted and scared they’d get sick in a city they’d never set foot in before. They were so distraught that weeks later they sought out Stephanie Alexander, the campaign’s chief of staff, to vent about the experience, according to people familiar with the incident.”


politicalwire--2020-07-23--Stephen Miller’s Grandmother Died from Virus

White House adviser Stephen Miller ’ s grandmother dies from the coronavirus and his uncle tells Mother Jones that the @ @ @ @ @ blame for her death .
A statement from Miller denied his grandmother died from the @ @ @ @ @ certificate lists her cause of death as “ respiratory arrest ” resulting from “ COVID-19 @ @

White House adviser Stephen Miller’s grandmother dies from the coronavirus and his uncle tells Mother Jones that the Trump administration is partly to blame for her death.
A statement from Miller denied his grandmother died from the virus even though the death certificate lists her cause of death as “respiratory arrest” resulting from “COVID-19.”


politicalwire--2020-07-23--Iowa Candidate Apologizes for Plagiarism

Iowa congressional candidate Ashley Hinson ( R ) “ apologized for plagiarism in her opinion pieces and website and cut @ @ @ @ @ firm she said was responsible , ” the Des Moines Register reports .


politicalwire--2020-07-23--Trump Campaign Made Face Masks But Won’t Sell Them

President Trump ’ s campaign “ has purchased thousands of branded masks for surrogates but won ’ t add them @ @ @ @ @ keychains and coffee mugs sold on the campaign website , ” BuzzFeed News reports .


politicalwire--2020-07-23--What’s Next for Republicans If Trump Loses?

Jonathan Bernstein : “ After a round of recriminations , the next two years are reasonably predictable : Republicans would react to unified Democratic government exactly the way they did in 1993 and 2009 — and arguably in 1977 and 1961 as well .
They ’ d mount as much obstruction as they could in Congress , while charging the incoming administration with malfeasance .
Outside of Washington , expect more Tea Party-type rallies , blaming Democrats for the high levels of unemployment they inherited and claiming their plans are socialist overreach .
Expect partisans to rile up resentment the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well… There might be some talk about the long-term demographic challenges the party faces , but most will soon conclude that their main mistake was not being conservative enough .
There will be no serious discussions within the party of the real problem : They can ’ t govern.
” “ The reason this is easy to predict is because , as the party sees it , the Bob Dole Republicans in 1993-1994 and the Mitch McConnell Republicans in 2009-2010 were totally successful .
Compromise is a trap , in this view ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Democrats flat-out .
”

Jonathan Bernstein: “After a round of recriminations, the next two years are reasonably predictable: Republicans would react to unified Democratic government exactly the way they did in 1993 and 2009 — and arguably in 1977 and 1961 as well. They’d mount as much obstruction as they could in Congress, while charging the incoming administration with malfeasance. Outside of Washington, expect more Tea Party-type rallies, blaming Democrats for the high levels of unemployment they inherited and claiming their plans are socialist overreach. Expect partisans to rile up resentment the way they did in those years as well… There might be some talk about the long-term demographic challenges the party faces, but most will soon conclude that their main mistake was not being conservative enough. There will be no serious discussions within the party of the real problem: They can’t govern.”
“The reason this is easy to predict is because, as the party sees it, the Bob Dole Republicans in 1993-1994 and the Mitch McConnell Republicans in 2009-2010 were totally successful. Compromise is a trap, in this view; the way to recover is to oppose the Democrats flat-out.”


politicalwire--2020-07-23--Biden Widens Lead in Florida

Biden Widens Lead in Florida

A new Quinnipiac poll in Florida finds Joe Biden has opened up a big lead over Donald Trump in the @ @ @ @ @ to 38 % .


politicalwire--2020-07-23--Trump Blames Democrats After GOP Spikes Payroll Tax Cut

President Trump blamed Democrats after Senate Republicans rejected a payroll-tax cut in the pandemic relief package that they ’ re @ @ @ @ @ .
Said Trump : “ The Democrats have stated strongly that they won ’ t @ @ @ @ @ ( too bad ! )
It would be great for workers .
The Republicans , @ @ @ @ @ want to ask for it .
Dems , as usual , are hurting the working @ @ @ @ @ Country !
”

President Trump blamed Democrats after Senate Republicans rejected a payroll-tax cut in the pandemic relief package that they’re negotiating with the White House.
Said Trump: “The Democrats have stated strongly that they won’t approve a Payroll Tax Cut (too bad!) It would be great for workers. The Republicans, therefore, didn’t want to ask for it. Dems, as usual, are hurting the working men and women of our Country!”


politicalwire--2020-07-23--Ex-Lawmaker Indicted for Ballot Box Stuffing

Former Rep. Michael “ Ozzie ” Myers ( D ) , who was convicted in the 1970s Abscam investigation , @ @ @ @ @ that he bribed a poll worker to stuff ballot boxes in local elections , the @ @ @ @


politicalwire--2020-07-23--Romney Will Vote Against Trump Nominee for Fed

Sen. Mitt Romney said he will vote against Judy Shelton , one of two Trump administration nominees to the Federal @ @ @ @ @ Governors , Bloomberg reports .
“ If , as expected , Democrats vote in unison @ @ @ @ @ controversial candidacy , her confirmation could be blocked by Romney and three additional Republicans voting @ @ @ @ @ has yet been scheduled for either nominee .
”

Sen. Mitt Romney said he will vote against Judy Shelton, one of two Trump administration nominees to the Federal Reserve’s Board of Governors, Bloomberg reports.
“If, as expected, Democrats vote in unison to reject Shelton’s controversial candidacy, her confirmation could be blocked by Romney and three additional Republicans voting against. No floor vote has yet been scheduled for either nominee.”


politicalwire--2020-07-23--Senate GOP Negotiations on Relief Bill Have Fallen Apart

Playbook : “ What an abject disaster of a morning for the three Ms : Steve Mnuchin , Mark Meadows @ @ @ @ @ After a few weeks of anticipation , the Senate GOP leadership had to abandon its @ @ @ @ @ relief bill after disagreements on policy with the Trump White House.
” “ To put @ @ @ @ @ can ’ t even get on the same page with each other for a bill @ @ @ @ @ jumpstart negotiations with Democrats .
In other words , the bill that the White House @ @ @ @ @ arguing over will never get a vote .
Now think about how hard it will @ @ @ @ @ together a big package with Democrats over the next few weeks .
”

Playbook: “What an abject disaster of a morning for the three Ms: Steve Mnuchin, Mark Meadows and Mitch McConnell.”
“After a few weeks of anticipation, the Senate GOP leadership had to abandon its plans to release a Covid relief bill after disagreements on policy with the Trump White House.”
“To put this in context: Republicans can’t even get on the same page with each other for a bill that is simply meant to jumpstart negotiations with Democrats. In other words, the bill that the White House and Senate GOP leadership are arguing over will never get a vote. Now think about how hard it will be for Republicans to put together a big package with Democrats over the next few weeks.”


politicalwire--2020-07-23--Tom Steyer Wants Biden to Pick Black Woman

Tom Steyer told CBS News that he ’ d like Joe Biden to pick a Black woman as his running @ @ @ @ @ “ I ’ d like it to be an African-American woman because I think it @ @ @ @ @ where we are and I know that there ’ s some fantastic candidates .
”

Tom Steyer told CBS News that he’d like Joe Biden to pick a Black woman as his running mate.
Said Steyer: “I’d like it to be an African-American woman because I think it’s a statement about where we are and I know that there’s some fantastic candidates.”


politicalwire--2020-07-23--Trump Undermines His New Virus Strategy

Trump Undermines His New Virus Strategy

Stephen Collinson : “ President Trump ’ s new political self-preservation effort to show he has a grip on a @ @ @ @ @ of Americans every day is being exposed by his refusal to share the stage with @ @ @ @ @ facts… ” “ The anchor of Trump ’ s new , punchier briefings is a @ @ @ @ @ cherry picks the most hopeful aspects of a pandemic that has destroyed the rhythm of @ @ @ @ @ the economy upside down .
Wednesday was yet another tragic day , with another 1,195 @ @ @ @ @ infections.
” “ In his two briefings so far , his rejigged approach seems more @ @ @ @ @ than an attempt to provide the country with meaningful public health advice as the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ new tone detected by some political commentators did not survive a Fox News interview in @ @ @ @ @ the value of diagnostic testing , which scientists say is crucial to isolating newly infected @ @ @ @ @ of the disease .
”

Stephen Collinson: “President Trump’s new political self-preservation effort to show he has a grip on a pandemic that is killing hundreds of Americans every day is being exposed by his refusal to share the stage with scientific experts — or the facts…”
“The anchor of Trump’s new, punchier briefings is a scripted opening in which he cherry picks the most hopeful aspects of a pandemic that has destroyed the rhythm of American daily life and turned the economy upside down. Wednesday was yet another tragic day, with another 1,195 new deaths and 71,695 fresh infections.”
“In his two briefings so far, his rejigged approach seems more like a cosmetic political exercise than an attempt to provide the country with meaningful public health advice as the pandemic gets worse. And the new tone detected by some political commentators did not survive a Fox News interview in which the President again doubted the value of diagnostic testing, which scientists say is crucial to isolating newly infected patients and stopping the spread of the disease.”


politicalwire--2020-07-23--Judge Orders Michael Cohen Released from Prison

A federal judge on Thursday ordered the release from prison of President Donald Trump ’ s former lawyer and fixer @ @ @ @ @ , CNBC reports .
Judge Alvin Hellerstein found that Cohen was sent back to prison @ @ @ @ @ for failing to agree to not to publish a book about Trump as one of @ @ @ @ @ remainder of his three-year prison term on home confinement .
Said Hellerstein : “ I @ @ @ @ @ a clause , in 21 years in being a judge .
”

A federal judge on Thursday ordered the release from prison of President Donald Trump’s former lawyer and fixer Michael Cohen by Friday afternoon, CNBC reports.
Judge Alvin Hellerstein found that Cohen was sent back to prison on July 10 in retaliation for failing to agree to not to publish a book about Trump as one of multiple conditions for serving the remainder of his three-year prison term on home confinement.
Said Hellerstein: “I’ve never seen such a clause, in 21 years in being a judge.”


politicalwire--2020-07-23--Trump’s Focus on Biden’s Cognitive Abilities Is Backfiring

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With a pandemic surging across the country and the economy sputtering, President Trump’s campaign knows that if the 2020 election is a referendum about the president, he’s unlikely to win.


politicalwire--2020-07-23--Mary Trump’s Book Continues to Sell

Mary Trump’s Book Continues to Sell

Mary Trump ’ s tell-all book on Donald Trump and their family has now sold 1.35 million in just a @ @ @ @ @


politicalwire--2020-07-23--Picking Black Woman Could Help Biden with Young Voters

A new Brilliant Corners Research and Strategies poll found 60 % of Millennial and Generation Z voters in seven key @ @ @ @ @ Ohio , Michigan , Wisconsin , Florida , North Carolina , and Nevada — say @ @ @ @ @ Biden pick a Black woman to be his running mate .


politicalwire--2020-07-24--Trump’s Lead with White Voters Has Nearly Vanished

Nate Cohn : “ Remarkably , Mr. Trump ’ s lead among white voters has all but vanished .
On @ @ @ @ @ a three-point lead among white voters , 48 percent to 45 percent , across an @ @ @ @ @ since June 1 .
His lead among white voters has steadily diminished since April.
” @ @ @ @ @ , the president ’ s losses among white voters compared with his final standing in @ @ @ @ @ spanning all major demographic categories .
In more recent months , the president ’ s @ @ @ @ @ and concentrated among younger voters .
”

Nate Cohn: “Remarkably, Mr. Trump’s lead among white voters has all but vanished. On average, he holds just a three-point lead among white voters, 48 percent to 45 percent, across an average of high-quality telephone surveys since June 1. His lead among white voters has steadily diminished since April.”
“In the long view, the president’s losses among white voters compared with his final standing in 2016 polls are broad, spanning all major demographic categories. In more recent months, the president’s losses have been somewhat narrower and concentrated among younger voters.”


A Brutal Timeline

President Trump is the narrator of the Lincoln Project ’ s new attack ad .
The ad presents a brutal @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus pandemic , beginning with his statement on January 22 : “ We have @ @ @ @ @ One person coming in from China .
It ’ s going to be just fine @ @

President Trump is the narrator of the Lincoln Project’s new attack ad.
The ad presents a brutal timeline of his response to the coronavirus pandemic, beginning with his statement on January 22: “We have it totally under control. One person coming in from China. It’s going to be just fine.”


politicalwire--2020-07-24--The Most Logical Picks for Biden’s Running Mate

Aaron Blake : “ We are now just eight days from Joe Biden ’ s previously announced target date of @ @ @ @ @ pick .
The delayed conventions and other factors could certainly postpone the selection , but @ @ @ @ @ crunchtime .
”


politicalwire--2020-07-24--8 Big Reasons Election Day 2020 Could Be a Disaster

Garrett Graffiti : “ In a campaign year marked by a global pandemic , a recession and a national wave @ @ @ @ @ s easy to forget that this whole election season began with an absolute debacle when @ @ @ @ @ act of voting.
” “ The mobile app used for the Democratic caucuses in Iowa @ @ @ @ @ country was left unsure—forever , as it turns out—who won… ” “ Every month of @ @ @ @ @ evidence that voting in 2020 hasn ’ t been going very well .
And with @ @ @ @ @ in generations—when the nation ratifies or rejects President Donald Trump ’ s divisive agenda—experts are @ @ @ @ @ general election will be much , much worse .
”

Garrett Graffiti: “In a campaign year marked by a global pandemic, a recession and a national wave of protests, it’s easy to forget that this whole election season began with an absolute debacle when it came to the simple act of voting.”
“The mobile app used for the Democratic caucuses in Iowa collapsed so badly that the country was left unsure—forever, as it turns out—who won…”
“Every month of this year has brought new evidence that voting in 2020 hasn’t been going very well. And with perhaps the most consequential election in generations—when the nation ratifies or rejects President Donald Trump’s divisive agenda—experts are starting to believe that the general election will be much, much worse.”


politicalwire--2020-07-24--Reopen Schools, But No GOP Convention?

Reopen Schools, But No GOP Convention?

Playbook : “ How can the White House push schools across the country to open , vowing it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ at the same time cancel the Republican convention in Jacksonville saying it ’ s not @ @ @ @ @

“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--2020-07-24--Workers Getting Laid Off as Relief Runs Out

“ The PPP loan program was intended to be a short-term measure , just like the extra $ 600 in @ @ @ @ @ help get small businesses through the worst of the pandemic .
But the pandemic outlasted @ @ @ @ @ Washington Post reports .
“ Layoffs are beginning to spike again across the country — @ @ @ @ @ claims rose last week for the first time since March — as coronavirus cases soar @ @ @ @ @ to backtrack on reopenings only a month after appearing to turn the corner .
… @ @ @ @ @ late June and July are part of a wave of new layoffs from companies whose @ @ @ @ @ economists say .
”

“The PPP loan program was intended to be a short-term measure, just like the extra $600 in weekly unemployment benefits, to help get small businesses through the worst of the pandemic. But the pandemic outlasted the PPP,” the Washington Post reports.
“Layoffs are beginning to spike again across the country — the number of new unemployment claims rose last week for the first time since March — as coronavirus cases soar, spurring cities and states to backtrack on reopenings only a month after appearing to turn the corner. … Those losing their jobs in late June and July are part of a wave of new layoffs from companies whose PPP money is expiring, economists say.”


politicalwire--2020-07-24--John Lewis Will Lie In State Next Week

John Lewis Will Lie In State Next Week

Atlanta Journal Constitution : “ John Lewis ’ funeral will be Thursday at Atlanta ’ s historic Ebenezer Baptist Church @ @ @ @ @ ‘ celebration of life ’ that will include stops in Troy , Selma and Montgomery @ @ @ @ @ .
”


politicalwire--2020-07-24--China Tells U.S. to Close Consulate

China Tells U.S. to Close Consulate

Associated Press : “ China ordered the United States on Friday to close its consulate in the western city of @ @ @ @ @ diplomatic conflict at a time when relations have sunk to their lowest level in decades.
@ @ @ @ @ a response to the Trump administration ’ s order this week for Beijing to close @ @ @ @ @ Washington accused Chinese agents of trying to steal medical and other research in Texas .
@ @ @ @ @ to Washington to reverse its ‘ wrong decision .
’ ”

Associated Press: “China ordered the United States on Friday to close its consulate in the western city of Chengdu, ratcheting up a diplomatic conflict at a time when relations have sunk to their lowest level in decades.”
“The move was a response to the Trump administration’s order this week for Beijing to close its consulate in Houston after Washington accused Chinese agents of trying to steal medical and other research in Texas. The Chinese foreign ministry appealed to Washington to reverse its ‘wrong decision.’”


politicalwire--2020-07-24--Trump Could Send 75,000 Federal Agents Into Cities

President Trump said that he ’ s willing to send as many as 75,000 federal agents into American cities to @ @ @ @ @ recent campaign theme for the President , CNN reports .


politicalwire--2020-07-24--The Elephant In the Room

The Elephant In the Room

Susan Glasser : “ Yes , it has once again come to this : the President of the United States bragging—twice , just this week , in Fox interviews—that he does not have dementia and daring Joe Biden to take the same cognitive test .
When Trump pulled this stunt with Chris Wallace on Fox News Sunday , Wallace practically laughed at him .
The test requires takers to correctly identify an elephant , Wallace pointed out .
‘ It ’ s not the hardest test , ’ Wallace said .
But Trump ’ s mental state has long been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and it ’ s not surprising that most G.O.P .
officials refuse to mention it.
” “ Yet many Republicans have—brazenly , under the circumstances—followed Trump in questioning the fitness for office of Biden , a gaffe-prone septuagenarian who would be the oldest person elected to the Presidency should he beat Trump in November.
” “ If the stakes weren ’ t so very , very high , the entire debate that Trump insists on having over which of our Presidential candidates is possibly senile would be exactly the sort of public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want to avert your eyes .
It ’ s a national humiliation , an embarrassment .
Can ’ t we just make it stop ?
”

Susan Glasser: “Yes, it has once again come to this: the President of the United States bragging—twice, just this week, in Fox interviews—that he does not have dementia and daring Joe Biden to take the same cognitive test. When Trump pulled this stunt with Chris Wallace on Fox News Sunday, Wallace practically laughed at him. The test requires takers to correctly identify an elephant, Wallace pointed out. ‘It’s not the hardest test,’ Wallace said. But Trump’s mental state has long been the elephant in the room for Republicans, and it’s not surprising that most G.O.P. officials refuse to mention it.”
“Yet many Republicans have—brazenly, under the circumstances—followed Trump in questioning the fitness for office of Biden, a gaffe-prone septuagenarian who would be the oldest person elected to the Presidency should he beat Trump in November.”
“If the stakes weren’t so very, very high, the entire debate that Trump insists on having over which of our Presidential candidates is possibly senile would be exactly the sort of public car crash from which you’d want to avert your eyes. It’s a national humiliation, an embarrassment. Can’t we just make it stop?”


politicalwire--2020-07-24--Biden Says Trump Will Try to ‘Indirectly Steal’ Election

Joe Biden warned donors that President Trump will try to “ indirectly steal ” the 2020 election by making a @ @ @ @ @ a voting method that many are expected to use to avoid exposure to the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ , the Washington Post reports .


politicalwire--2020-07-25--Trump’s Suburban Horror Show

Trump’s Suburban Horror Show

“ Donald Trump says Joe Biden wants to abolish the suburbs .
But polls show a different truth : The @ @ @ @ @ Trump , ” Politico reports .
“ If current numbers hold , the Republican Party @ @ @ @ @ in the suburbs in decades — with implications reaching far beyond November .
”

“Donald Trump says Joe Biden wants to abolish the suburbs. But polls show a different truth: The suburbs want to abolish Donald Trump,” Politico reports.
“If current numbers hold, the Republican Party will suffer its worst defeat in the suburbs in decades — with implications reaching far beyond November.”


politicalwire--2020-07-25--Trump’s Convention Cancellation Costs Millions

“ President Trump ’ s whipsaw decisions to first move the Republican National Convention ’ s in-person main events , @ @ @ @ @ costing GOP donors millions of dollars , ” NBC News reports .
“ Of the @ @ @ @ @ the host committee for the convention ’ s original location — Charlotte , North Carolina @ @ @ @ @ spent , the Republican officials said .
The host committee in Jacksonville , Florida , @ @ @ @ @ convention , raised an additional $ 6 million , but GOP officials said much of @ @ @ @ @ Now , the president ’ s team is searching not only for a new stage @ @ @ @ @ a speech accepting his party ’ s nomination for a second term , but also @ @ @ @ @ who have nothing to show for their donations.
” New York Times : Inside Trump @ @ @ @ @ Republican convention .
Washington Post : How the Republican Convention came undone .

“President Trump’s whipsaw decisions to first move the Republican National Convention’s in-person main events, then to cancel them are costing GOP donors millions of dollars,” NBC News reports.
“Of the $38 million raised by the host committee for the convention’s original location — Charlotte, North Carolina — the majority has been spent, the Republican officials said. The host committee in Jacksonville, Florida, where Trump had moved the convention, raised an additional $6 million, but GOP officials said much of that money remains.”
“Now, the president’s team is searching not only for a new stage from which he can deliver a speech accepting his party’s nomination for a second term, but also a way to appease Republicans who have nothing to show for their donations.”
New York Times: Inside Trump’s about-face on the Republican convention.
Washington Post: How the Republican Convention came undone.


politicalwire--2020-07-24--Virginia Removes Confederate Statues from Capitol

Associated Press : “ Virginia House Speaker Eileen Filler-Corn , a Democrat , quietly ordered the Lee statue and busts @ @ @ @ @ , Stonewall Jackson , Confederate President Jefferson Davis , and others removed from the historic @ @ @ @ @ moving crew worked through the night Thursday — carefully removing the monuments and their plaques @ @ @ @ @ truck and taking them to an undisclosed location.
” “ The stealth approach avoids the @ @ @ @ @ lawsuit to keep the monuments in place , but may prompt criticism that the monuments @ @ @ @ @ .
”

Associated Press: “Virginia House Speaker Eileen Filler-Corn, a Democrat, quietly ordered the Lee statue and busts of generals J.E.B. Stuart, Stonewall Jackson, Confederate President Jefferson Davis, and others removed from the historic Old House Chamber. A moving crew worked through the night Thursday — carefully removing the monuments and their plaques and loading them into a truck and taking them to an undisclosed location.”
“The stealth approach avoids the possibility of protests or a lawsuit to keep the monuments in place, but may prompt criticism that the monuments were moved without public discussion.”


politicalwire--2020-07-24--Bonus Quote of the Day

Bonus Quote of the Day

“ The best day in my life in terms of business and life and everything was the day before I @ @ @ @ @ for president .
Everything was good.
” — President Trump , in an interview with @ @ @

“The best day in my life in terms of business and life and everything was the day before I announced I’m running for president. Everything was good.”
— President Trump, in an interview with Barstool Sports.


politicalwire--2020-07-24--New York May Have Most Liberal Legislature

“ A slew of progressive challengers upset entrenched incumbents in the New York Legislature in the recent Democratic primary , @ @ @ @ @ influence in Albany and making it likely that the state government will become one of @ @ @ @ @ nation , ” the New York Times reports .
“ The results , held up @ @ @ @ @ caused by the coronavirus outbreak , set up potential clashes between an emboldened Legislature eager @ @ @ @ @ the left and Gov .
Andrew M. Cuomo , a moderate Democrat who generally favors @ @ @ @ @

“A slew of progressive challengers upset entrenched incumbents in the New York Legislature in the recent Democratic primary, cementing their movement’s influence in Albany and making it likely that the state government will become one of the most liberal in the nation,” the New York Times reports.
“The results, held up for weeks because of delays caused by the coronavirus outbreak, set up potential clashes between an emboldened Legislature eager to push the priorities of the left and Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, a moderate Democrat who generally favors a get-it-done philosophy.”


politicalwire--2020-07-24--Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day

“ This will be a knock-down , drag-out fight to the very end.
” — Trump campaign manager Bill Stepien @ @ @ @ @ Press .


politicalwire--2020-07-24--Trump’s Response to Protests May Cost Him Election

New battleground polling provided to Vanity Fair suggests that the Black Lives Matter protests themselves “ changed America ’ s opinions about race so quickly , and so profoundly , that Trump unknowingly planted himself even further on the wrong side of public opinion than previously understood.
” “ Avalanche found resounding support for the protests not just among Biden supporters , but among persuadable voters and even soft Trump supporters .
The hardcore Vote Trump respondents were against the protests , with 56 % opposing them .
But among the softer Lean Trump set , an eye-opening 59 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ or ‘ somewhat right ’ —probably not what the president had in mind when he commandeered Lafayette Square .
And 72 % of Americans with Mixed Feelings about the presidential race—precious undecided voters—said the protesters were right too.
” “ But just as remarkable were the shifts among those persuadables in the 10 days between June 1 and June 11 , a window that opened with burning cities and Trump ’ s march to St. John ’ s Church , but concluded with mostly peaceful demonstrations nationwide .
During that period Avalanche @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10 points among Mixed Feelings voters , 14 points among Lean Biden voters , and a head-spinning 25 points among Lean Trump voters.
” Said pollster Michiah Prull : “ I had never in my research career seen public opinion shift on the scale in this time frame .
”

New battleground polling provided to Vanity Fair suggests that the Black Lives Matter protests themselves “changed America’s opinions about race so quickly, and so profoundly, that Trump unknowingly planted himself even further on the wrong side of public opinion than previously understood.”
“Avalanche found resounding support for the protests not just among Biden supporters, but among persuadable voters and even soft Trump supporters. The hardcore Vote Trump respondents were against the protests, with 56% opposing them. But among the softer Lean Trump set, an eye-opening 59% said the protesters were ‘completely right’ or ‘somewhat right’—probably not what the president had in mind when he commandeered Lafayette Square. And 72% of Americans with Mixed Feelings about the presidential race—precious undecided voters—said the protesters were right too.”
“But just as remarkable were the shifts among those persuadables in the 10 days between June 1 and June 11, a window that opened with burning cities and Trump’s march to St. John’s Church, but concluded with mostly peaceful demonstrations nationwide. During that period Avalanche found that support for the protests grew 10 points among Mixed Feelings voters, 14 points among Lean Biden voters, and a head-spinning 25 points among Lean Trump voters.”
Said pollster Michiah Prull: “I had never in my research career seen public opinion shift on the scale in this time frame.”


politicalwire--2020-07-24--New Electoral College Forecast

New Electoral College Forecast

Just for members : The latest edition of Inside Elections .
This issue includes an updated analysis of the presidential @ @ @ @ @ Biden up big over Donald Trump in the Electoral College .
The edition is also @ @ @ @ @ a deep dive into New Jersey ’ s 2nd , where Democrat Amy Kennedy is @ @ @ @ @ Drew , and the Massachusetts Senate race , where Rep. Joe Kennedy is challenging Sen. @ @ @ @ @ primary .
If you ’ re not yet a member , sign up for an @ @ @ @ @ instant access and many more benefits .
Gift Memberships are also available .


politicalwire--2020-07-24--A Vaccine Reality Check

A Vaccine Reality Check

Sarah Zhang : “ A vaccine , when it is available , will only mark the beginning of a long @ @ @ @ @ And how long that ramp down takes will depend on the efficacy of a vaccine @ @ @ @ @ hundreds of millions of doses , and the willingness of people to get it at @ @ @ @ @ to contemplate the suffering still ahead .
It is easier to think about the promise @ @ @ @ @ Sarlin : What ’ s the backup plan if there ’ s no COVID-19 vaccine @

Sarah Zhang: “A vaccine, when it is available, will only mark the beginning of a long, slow ramp down. And how long that ramp down takes will depend on the efficacy of a vaccine, the success in delivering hundreds of millions of doses, and the willingness of people to get it at all. It is awful to contemplate the suffering still ahead. It is easier to think about the promise of a vaccine.”
Benjy Sarlin: What’s the backup plan if there’s no COVID-19 vaccine?


politicalwire--2020-07-24--How the U.S. Compares with the World on the Virus

“ The surge in the United States is so extreme that , once adjusted for population… 10 states are recording @ @ @ @ @ country in the world , ” the New York Times reports .


politicalwire--2020-07-24--Trump Seeks Advice of Torture Memo Author

“ President Trump is relying on an outlier interpretation of a recent Supreme Court decision to assert broad new powers @ @ @ @ @ a series of executive orders in the coming weeks.
” the AP reports .
The @ @ @ @ @ has been promoted by John Yoo , a Berkeley Law professor known for writing the @ @ @ @ @ ' ”

“President Trump is relying on an outlier interpretation of a recent Supreme Court decision to assert broad new powers as he prepares to sign a series of executive orders in the coming weeks.” the AP reports.
The expansive view of presidential authority has been promoted by John Yoo, a Berkeley Law professor known for writing the so-called ‘torture memos.'”


politicalwire--2020-07-24--Michael Cohen Leaves Prison Again

Michael Cohen Leaves Prison Again

Associated Press : “ Cohen walked out of a federal prison in New York on Friday afternoon , a day @ @ @ @ @ K. Hellerstein ruled that his First Amendment rights were violated when he was ordered back @ @ @ @ @ .
Probation authorities said Cohen was sent back to prison because he refused to sign @ @ @ @ @ publishing the book or communicating with the media or public .
”

Associated Press: “Cohen walked out of a federal prison in New York on Friday afternoon, a day after U.S. District Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein ruled that his First Amendment rights were violated when he was ordered back to prison on July 9. Probation authorities said Cohen was sent back to prison because he refused to sign a form banning him from publishing the book or communicating with the media or public.”


politicalwire--2020-07-24--Gideon Leads In Maine

Gideon Leads In Maine

A new Public Policy Polling survey in Maine finds Sarah Gideon ( D ) leading Sen. Susan Collins ( R @ @ @ @ @ race , 47 % to 42 % .


politicalwire--2020-07-24--Cunningham Holds Solid Lead In North Carolina

A new Public Policy Polling survey in North Carolina finds Cal Cunningham ( D ) leading Sen. Thom Tillis ( @ @ @ @ @ Senate race , 48 % to 40 % .


politicalwire--2020-07-24--Kelly Holds Solid Lead In Arizona

Kelly Holds Solid Lead In Arizona

A new Public Policy Polling survey finds Mark Kelly ( D ) leading Sen. Martha McSally ( R ) in @ @ @ @ @ 51 % to 42 % .


politicalwire--2020-07-24--Democrats Say Republicans Are ‘Dithering’

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said that “ dithering ” by the White House and @ @ @ @ @ for not producing a coronavirus stimulus proposal .
From a statement : “ This weekend @ @ @ @ @ lose their unemployment insurance , will be at risk of being evicted from their homes @ @ @ @ @ off by state and local government , and there is only one reason : Republicans @ @ @ @ @ while America ’ s crisis deepens .
”

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said that “dithering” by the White House and Senate Republicans was to blame for not producing a coronavirus stimulus proposal.
From a statement: “This weekend, millions of Americans will lose their unemployment insurance, will be at risk of being evicted from their homes, and could be laid off by state and local government, and there is only one reason: Republicans have been dithering for months while America’s crisis deepens.”


politicalwire--2020-07-24--RNC Hid Face Mask Purchases

RNC Hid Face Mask Purchases

“ The Republican National Committee in a new federal filing this week said it spent $ 14,000 on ‘ building @ @ @ @ @ it was disguising a purchase of face masks , ” Business Insider reports .
“ @ @ @ @ @ masks , but the spending reveals GOP party leaders were taking the coronavirus more seriously @ @ @ @ @ on .
”

“The Republican National Committee in a new federal filing this week said it spent $14,000 on ‘building maintenance.’ In reality, it was disguising a purchase of face masks,” Business Insider reports.
“Some conservatives chafe at wearing masks, but the spending reveals GOP party leaders were taking the coronavirus more seriously than they were publicly letting on.”


politicalwire--2020-07-24--Trump’s Most Important 2016 Donor Sits Out 2020

“ Robert and Rebekah Mercer ranked among President Trump ’ s most influential backers in 2016 .
But they ’ @ @ @ @ @ embattled president and aren ’ t likely to help him in the home stretch for @ @ @ @ @ reports .


politicalwire--2020-07-24--Texas County Forced to Set Up ‘Death Panel’

Fort Worth Star Telegram : “ Starr County is at a dangerous ‘ tipping point , ’ reporting an alarming @ @ @ @ @ day , data show .
Starr County Memorial Hospital — the county ’ s only @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 patients.
” “ The county has been forced to form what is being compared @ @ @ @ @ panel.
’ A county health board – which governs Starr Memorial – is set to @ @ @ @ @ that will help medical workers determine ways to allocate scarce medical resources on patients with @ @ @ @ @ .
”

Fort Worth Star Telegram: “Starr County is at a dangerous ‘tipping point,’ reporting an alarming number of new cases each day, data show. Starr County Memorial Hospital — the county’s only hospital — is overflowing with COVID-19 patients.”
“The county has been forced to form what is being compared to a so-called ‘death panel.’ A county health board – which governs Starr Memorial – is set to authorize critical care guidelines Thursday that will help medical workers determine ways to allocate scarce medical resources on patients with the best chance to survive.”


politicalwire--2020-07-24--A Look at the Conspiracy Theory the Virus Was Planned

Pew Research : “ Most Americans ( 71 % ) have heard of a conspiracy theory circulating widely online that @ @ @ @ @ planned the coronavirus outbreak .
And a quarter of U.S. adults see at least some @ @ @ @ @ 5 % who say it is definitely true and 20 % who say it is @ @ @ @ @ attainment is an especially important factor when it comes to perceptions of the conspiracy theory @ @ @ @ @ with a high school diploma or less education ( 48 % ) say the theory @ @ @ @ @ That compares with 38 % of those who have completed some college but have no @ @ @ @ @ those with a bachelor ’ s degree and 15 % of those with a postgraduate @ @ @

Pew Research: “Most Americans (71%) have heard of a conspiracy theory circulating widely online that alleges that powerful people intentionally planned the coronavirus outbreak. And a quarter of U.S. adults see at least some truth in it – including 5% who say it is definitely true and 20% who say it is probably true.”
“Educational attainment is an especially important factor when it comes to perceptions of the conspiracy theory. Around half of Americans with a high school diploma or less education (48%) say the theory is probably or definitely true… That compares with 38% of those who have completed some college but have no degree, 24% of those with a bachelor’s degree and 15% of those with a postgraduate degree.”


politicalwire--2020-07-28--Trump Says Twitter ‘Trending’ Is Illegal

“ So disgusting to watch Twitter ’ s so-called ‘ Trending ’ , where sooo many trends are about me @ @ @ @ @ one .
They look for anything they can find , make it as bad as @ @ @ @ @ up , trying to make it trend .
Really ridiculous , illegal , and , @ @ @ @ @ !
”

President Trump on Twitter:
“So disgusting to watch Twitter’s so-called ‘Trending’, where sooo many trends are about me, and never a good one. They look for anything they can find, make it as bad as possible, and blow it up, trying to make it trend. Really ridiculous, illegal, and, of course, very unfair!”


politicalwire--2020-07-28--GOP Relief Bill Includes Funds for FBI Building

The Republican coronavirus stimulus proposal includes $ 1.75 billion for the design and construction of a new FBI headquarters at @ @ @ @ @ administration , CNN reports .
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell initially indicated at a news @ @ @ @ @ not aware the FBI provision was in the bill but then moments later said the @ @ @ @ @ be included.
” “ The Justice Department ’ s inspector general said last year that @ @ @ @ @ to scrap plans to move the FBI headquarters out of Washington to the district ’ @ @ @ @ @ that may have benefited Trump ’ s nearby hotel .
”

The Republican coronavirus stimulus proposal includes $1.75 billion for the design and construction of a new FBI headquarters at the request of the Trump administration, CNN reports.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell initially indicated at a news conference Monday that he was not aware the FBI provision was in the bill but then moments later said the White House “insisted that be included.”
“The Justice Department’s inspector general said last year that it would probe a decision to scrap plans to move the FBI headquarters out of Washington to the district’s suburbs, a decision that may have benefited Trump’s nearby hotel.”


politicalwire--2020-07-28--Perdue Made Jewish Opponent’s Nose Bigger In Ad

Sen. David Perdue ( R-GA ) deleted a Facebook ad targeting his Jewish election opponent , Jon Ossoff ( D @ @ @ @ @ have been altered to make Ossoff ’ s nose bigger , the Forward reports .

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


politicalwire--2020-07-28--Trump Invited Himself to Throw Out First Pitch

“ An hour before Dr. Anthony S. Fauci threw the first pitch at the season opener between the New York @ @ @ @ @ , President Trump stood on the briefing room stage at the White House and declared @ @ @ @ @ had been invited to throw out his own opening pitch , ” the New York @ @ @ @ @ : “ Randy Levine is a great friend of mine from the Yankees .
And @ @ @ @ @ out the first pitch , and I think I ’ m doing that on Aug. @ @ @ @ @ “ There was one problem : Mr. Trump had not actually been invited on that @ @ @ @ @ announcement surprised both Yankees officials and the White House staff.
” “ But Mr. Trump @ @ @ @ @ Dr. Fauci ’ s turn in the limelight that he had directed his aides to @ @ @ @ @ good on a longtime standing offer from Mr. Levine to throw out an opening pitch @ @

“An hour before Dr. Anthony S. Fauci threw the first pitch at the season opener between the New York Yankees and the Washington Nationals, President Trump stood on the briefing room stage at the White House and declared that he, too, had been invited to throw out his own opening pitch,” the New York Times reports.
Said Trump: “Randy Levine is a great friend of mine from the Yankees. And he asked me to throw out the first pitch, and I think I’m doing that on Aug. 15 at Yankee Stadium.”
“There was one problem: Mr. Trump had not actually been invited on that day by the Yankees… His announcement surprised both Yankees officials and the White House staff.”
“But Mr. Trump had been so annoyed by Dr. Fauci’s turn in the limelight that he had directed his aides to call Yankees officials and make good on a longtime standing offer from Mr. Levine to throw out an opening pitch.”


politicalwire--2020-07-27--Tennessee Governor Refuses to Close Bars

Tennessee Gov .
Bill Lee ( R ) refuses to shutter bars in the state even after top White House @ @ @ @ @ directly encouraged the state to do so Monday , the Tennessean reports .
“ Birx @ @ @ @ @ because the state teeters on a precipice from which other Southern states had already fallen @ @ @ @ @ among asymptomatic young people into rural areas , and it now threatens to reach new @ @ @ @ @ Birx : “ It is at this very moment where we could change the trajectory @ @ @ @ @ goes into full … of what we call logarithmic spread , as we ’ ve @ @ @ @ @ ”

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee (R) refuses to shutter bars in the state even after top White House coronavirus adviser Dr. Deborah Birx directly encouraged the state to do so Monday, the Tennessean reports.
“Birx said she traveled to Tennessee because the state teeters on a precipice from which other Southern states had already fallen: The virus has spread among asymptomatic young people into rural areas, and it now threatens to reach new levels of infection.”
Said Birx: “It is at this very moment where we could change the trajectory of the epidemic before it goes into full … of what we call logarithmic spread, as we’ve seen across the South.”


politicalwire--2020-07-27--Biden Campaign Bans Staff from Trading Stocks

The Biden campaign is forbidding staff from trading individual stocks without approval from the campaign ’ s general counsel , @ @ @


politicalwire--2020-07-27--Obama and Biden Filmed Calls with Volunteers

“ When Barack Obama and Joe Biden reunited this month for a video to promote Biden ’ s presidential bid @ @ @ @ @ to keep the former president visible in a race that the coronavirus pandemic has pushed @ @ @ @ @ , ” BuzzFeed News reports .
“ On Monday , Biden ’ s team released @ @ @ @ @ president and his two-term vice president checking in with a 19-year-old campaign volunteer by telephone @ @

“When Barack Obama and Joe Biden reunited this month for a video to promote Biden’s presidential bid, they shot enough footage to keep the former president visible in a race that the coronavirus pandemic has pushed largely out of public sight,” BuzzFeed News reports.
“On Monday, Biden’s team released a clip of the former president and his two-term vice president checking in with a 19-year-old campaign volunteer by telephone.”


politicalwire--2020-07-27--Kennedy Hits Markey for Ignoring Towns That Don’t Exist

“ Over the weekend , Rep. Joseph Kennedy III ’ s ( D-MA ) campaign put out a press release @ @ @ @ @ D-MA ) for failing to acknowledge several Massachusetts towns in a Markey campaign map that @ @ @ @ @ for the state ’ s 351 municipalities , ” the Boston Globe reports .
From @ @ @ @ @ “ Strangely the towns/cities of Stoughton , Blackstone , Dana , Dudley , Enfield , @ @ @ @ @ in Markey ’ s Massachusetts.
” “ The problem , of course , is that @ @ @ @ @ Enfield , and Prescott don ’ t exist in anyone ’ s Massachusetts : The @ @ @ @ @ bottom of the present-day Quabbin Reservoir .
Dana , Enfield , and Prescott ― along @ @ @ @ @ — were unincorporated , razed , and flooded in the 1930s to create the reservoir @ @ @ @ @ water to 3 million people .
”

“Over the weekend, Rep. Joseph Kennedy III’s (D-MA) campaign put out a press release condemning Sen. Edward Markey (D-MA) for failing to acknowledge several Massachusetts towns in a Markey campaign map that sought to highlight his accomplishments for the state’s 351 municipalities,” the Boston Globe reports.
From the Kennedy press release: “Strangely the towns/cities of Stoughton, Blackstone, Dana, Dudley, Enfield, and Prescott do not exist in Markey’s Massachusetts.”
“The problem, of course, is that the towns of Dana, Enfield, and Prescott don’t exist in anyone’s Massachusetts: The towns are located at the bottom of the present-day Quabbin Reservoir. Dana, Enfield, and Prescott ― along with the town of Greenwich — were unincorporated, razed, and flooded in the 1930s to create the reservoir, which today supplies drinking water to 3 million people.”


politicalwire--2020-07-27--Texas Extends Early Voting for November Election

Texas Gov .
Greg Abbott ( R ) extended the early voting period for the November election by six days @ @ @ @ @ by the coronavirus pandemic , the Texas Tribune reports .


politicalwire--2020-07-27--Bonus Quote of the Day

Bonus Quote of the Day

“ We don ’ t talk about what we discuss , but we had plenty of discussion , and I @ @ @ @ @ ” — President Trump , quoted by ABC News , on whether he talked to @ @ @ @ @ reports of bounties on U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan .

“We don’t talk about what we discuss, but we had plenty of discussion, and I think it was very productive.”
— President Trump, quoted by ABC News, on whether he talked to Russian President Vladimir Putin about reports of bounties on U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan.


politicalwire--2020-07-27--Notre Dame Withdraws as Host for First Debate

“ The University of Notre Dame is withdrawing as the host site for the first presidential debate in September , @ @ @ @ @ the event would interfere with student education , ” The Hill reports .


politicalwire--2020-07-27--Herman Cain Still Hospitalized

Herman Cain Still Hospitalized

Former presidential candidate Herman Cain ( R ) is still in the hospital undergoing oxygen treatment more than three weeks @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus on July 2 , Axios reports .


politicalwire--2020-07-27--How Baseball’s Coronavirus Reckoning Affects Everything

“ In less than four days , the 2020 MLB season is seriously at risk after at least 14 members @ @ @ @ @ positive for the coronavirus , canceling games in Miami and Philadelphia and kicking off an @ @ @ @ @ Axios reports .
“ It ’ s a bad sign for baseball moving forward .
@ @ @ @ @ ’ s a bad sign for just about everything in our daily lives — showing @ @ @ @ @ ’ t simply be willed into existence .
”

“In less than four days, the 2020 MLB season is seriously at risk after at least 14 members of the Miami Marlins tested positive for the coronavirus, canceling games in Miami and Philadelphia and kicking off an emergency league meeting,” Axios reports.
“It’s a bad sign for baseball moving forward. But most importantly, it’s a bad sign for just about everything in our daily lives — showing that something approaching normal can’t simply be willed into existence.”


Six Months Wasted

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With nearly 150,000 Americans dead from the coronavirus and more than $5 trillion spent trying to stabilize the economy, we’re right back to where we started — or worse.


politicalwire--2020-07-27--Trump Hasn’t Seen His National Security Adviser

President Trump said he hasn ’ t recently seen national security adviser Robert O ’ Brien , who tested positive @ @ @ @ @ reports .
Said Trump : “ I haven ’ t seen him lately .
I @ @ @ @ @ , I have not seen him .
I ’ m calling him later .
”


politicalwire--2020-07-27--Trump Won’t Pay Respects to John Lewis

Trump Won’t Pay Respects to John Lewis

President Trump does not plan to visit the Capitol to honor the late civil rights icon Rep. John Lewis ( @ @ @ @ @ .
Said Trump : “ I won ’ t be going , no .
”

President Trump does not plan to visit the Capitol to honor the late civil rights icon Rep. John Lewis (D-GA), Bloomberg reports.
Said Trump: “I won’t be going, no.”


politicalwire--2020-07-27--GOP Plan Will Include Tax Deductions for Meals

White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow told Fox Business that the forthcoming coronavirus relief package from Republicans will include “ @ @ @ @ @ and entertainment .
”


politicalwire--2020-07-27--Trump Sending More Federal Agents to Portland

“ The Trump administration is sending more federal agents to Portland , Ore. , as officials consider pushing back harder @ @ @ @ @ crowds and nightly clashes with protesters , vandals , and rioters , ” the Washington @ @ @


politicalwire--2020-07-27--Another GOP Senator Will Oppose Judy Shelton

“ Sen .
Susan Collins ( R-ME ) said she would join Sen. Mitt Romney ( R-UT ) in opposing @ @ @ @ @ Shelton to the Federal Reserve ’ s board of governors , ” the Wall Street @ @ @ @ @ have a 53-47 vote advantage in the Senate , meaning that Ms. Shelton can ’ @ @ @ @ @ than three Republicans if all Democrats oppose her candidacy .
”

“Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) said she would join Sen. Mitt Romney (R-UT) in opposing the nomination of economist Judy Shelton to the Federal Reserve’s board of governors,” the Wall Street Journal reports.
“Republicans have a 53-47 vote advantage in the Senate, meaning that Ms. Shelton can’t afford to lose more than three Republicans if all Democrats oppose her candidacy.”


politicalwire--2020-07-27--Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day

“ As a mother of four children , I do not trust this president with their lives.
” — Atlanta @ @ @ @ @ D ) , quoted by The Hill , criticizing President Trump ’ s push for @ @ @ @ @ fall amid surging coronavirus cases .

“As a mother of four children, I do not trust this president with their lives.”
— Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms (D), quoted by The Hill, criticizing President Trump’s push for schools to reopen in the fall amid surging coronavirus cases.


politicalwire--2020-07-28--A Trillion-Dollar Staring Contest

A Trillion-Dollar Staring Contest

Playbook : “ High-stakes legislative debates aren ’ t always battles of ideas .
They don ’ t necessarily test the power of persuasion .
They ’ re staring contests between powerful political leaders who are trying to humiliate their opponents , and squeeze as much out of them as possible while seeking to achieve a political and policy victory that ’ s palatable to the majority of their internal constituency — their colleagues — and their external constituency , the voters.
” “ No one excels at these affairs like Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Speaker Nancy Pelosi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no one has watched from the sidelines and admired the negotiating game — and longed to get in it — like Mark Meadows , the former House Republican from North Carolina and current White House chief of staff.
” “ Washington is now kicking off what ’ s shaping up to be a real cliffhanger over another round of coronavirus relief 98 days before Election Day.
” Key takeaway : “ The general consensus of aides in both parties , on both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue , is that Democrats have a healthy @ @ @ @

Playbook: “High-stakes legislative debates aren’t always battles of ideas. They don’t necessarily test the power of persuasion. They’re staring contests between powerful political leaders who are trying to humiliate their opponents, and squeeze as much out of them as possible while seeking to achieve a political and policy victory that’s palatable to the majority of their internal constituency — their colleagues — and their external constituency, the voters.”
“No one excels at these affairs like Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Speaker Nancy Pelosi — the respective party leaders. And no one has watched from the sidelines and admired the negotiating game — and longed to get in it — like Mark Meadows, the former House Republican from North Carolina and current White House chief of staff.”
“Washington is now kicking off what’s shaping up to be a real cliffhanger over another round of coronavirus relief 98 days before Election Day.”
Key takeaway: “The general consensus of aides in both parties, on both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue, is that Democrats have a healthy negotiating edge.”


politicalwire--2020-07-28--Barr Heads to Capitol Hill

Barr Heads to Capitol Hill

“ Attorney General William Barr will travel to Capitol Hill on Tuesday for his first congressional testimony in more than @ @ @ @ @ are prepared to press for explanations on the federal response to nationwide protests of police @ @ @ @ @ the handling of criminal cases involving President Trump ’ s allies , ” the New @ @ @ @ @ The hearing before the House Judiciary Committee is certain to be tense and likely one @ @ @ @ @ showdowns of Mr. Trump ’ s first term .
”

“Attorney General William Barr will travel to Capitol Hill on Tuesday for his first congressional testimony in more than a year, and lawmakers are prepared to press for explanations on the federal response to nationwide protests of police killings of Black Americans and the handling of criminal cases involving President Trump’s allies,” the New York Times reports.
“The hearing before the House Judiciary Committee is certain to be tense and likely one of the final congressional oversight showdowns of Mr. Trump’s first term.”


politicalwire--2020-07-28--Trump’s Opposition to Mail Ballots Hurting GOP

“ Republicans once dominated voting by mail in Florida .
But that was before President Donald Trump got involved , @ @ @ @ @ “ After months of hearing Trump denigrate mail-in balloting , Republicans in the critical battleground @ @ @ @ @ behind Democrats in the perennial push to urge their voters to cast ballots remotely .
@ @ @ @ @ number of their voters who have requested mail ballots compared to 2016 , Republicans have @ @ @ @ @ 20 % since then.
” “ The recent tally is the hard evidence confirming many @ @ @ @ @ ’ s tweeting about mail-in voting : GOP voters are listening and appear less likely @ @ @ @ @ many election and health officials agree is the easiest and safest way to vote in @ @ @ @

“Republicans once dominated voting by mail in Florida. But that was before President Donald Trump got involved,” the AP reports.
“After months of hearing Trump denigrate mail-in balloting, Republicans in the critical battleground state now find themselves far behind Democrats in the perennial push to urge their voters to cast ballots remotely. While Democrats have doubled the number of their voters who have requested mail ballots compared to 2016, Republicans have increased their numbers by about 20% since then.”
“The recent tally is the hard evidence confirming many Republicans’ fears about Trump’s tweeting about mail-in voting: GOP voters are listening and appear less likely to take advantage of what many election and health officials agree is the easiest and safest way to vote in a pandemic.”


politicalwire--2020-07-28--Twitter Pulls Misleading Video Shared by Trump

Twitter pulled a video making false claims about the novel coronavirus after it was shared by President Trump , CNN @ @ @ @ @ doctors touting the controversial anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine as “ a cure for COVID ” and @ @ @ @ @ masks .

Twitter pulled a video making false claims about the novel coronavirus after it was shared by President Trump, CNN reports.
The video showed doctors touting the controversial anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine as “a cure for COVID” and doubting the effectiveness of wearing masks.


politicalwire--2020-07-28--GOP Attacked Obama on Ebola, Now Defend Trump

“ In the run-up to the 2014 midterm elections , Republican David Perdue excoriated President Barack Obama over his handling @ @ @ @ @ contending that Obama had ‘ failed to lead ’ and ‘ took a serious threat @ @ @ @ @ ” CNN reports .
“ Six years later , Perdue , a first-term senator , @ @ @ @ @ in Georgia — and now is running on the same ticket as a president struggling @ @ @ @ @ virus far more deadly to the country.
” “ But Perdue has praised Donald Trump @ @ @ @ @ has repeatedly downplayed the coronavirus , contended it would disappear , called on states to @ @ @ @ @ they were trying to isolate from the virus , was late to embrace mask wearing @ @ @ @ @ more testing is the lone reason for more cases .
”

“In the run-up to the 2014 midterm elections, Republican David Perdue excoriated President Barack Obama over his handling of the Ebola outbreak — contending that Obama had ‘failed to lead’ and ‘took a serious threat far too lightly,'” CNN reports.
“Six years later, Perdue, a first-term senator, is on the ballot again in Georgia — and now is running on the same ticket as a president struggling to get control of a virus far more deadly to the country.”
“But Perdue has praised Donald Trump, even as the president has repeatedly downplayed the coronavirus, contended it would disappear, called on states to be ‘liberated’ as they were trying to isolate from the virus, was late to embrace mask wearing and has falsely claimed that more testing is the lone reason for more cases.”
Said Perdue: “It’s a totally different situation.”


politicalwire--2020-07-28--Susan Rice Vaults to Top of VP Heap

Susan Rice Vaults to Top of VP Heap

Politico : “ The chatter is loud enough that allies of others being eyed for the vice presidency are increasingly @ @ @ @ @ , some in California Sen. Kamala Harris ’ world have indicated that Rice could be @ @ @ @ @ for the vice presidential slot .
”

Politico: “The chatter is loud enough that allies of others being eyed for the vice presidency are increasingly worried about Rice … Privately, some in California Sen. Kamala Harris’ world have indicated that Rice could be Harris’ most formidable rival for the vice presidential slot.”