politicalwire--2020-05-25--What Trump Did on Memorial Day Weekend

What Trump Did on Memorial Day Weekend

“ As the death toll in the novel coronavirus pandemic neared 100,000 Americans this Memorial Day weekend , President Trump @ @ @ @ @ and promoted a baseless conspiracy theory , in between rounds of golf , ” the @ @ @ @ @ He made little mention of the sacrifice Americans honor on Memorial Day or the grim @ @ @ @ @ “ Although Trump on Friday had called for worshipers to return to church in person @ @ @ @ @ himself did not .
He played golf on Sunday morning.
” New York Times : @ @ @ @ @ lowered to half-staff at the White House only after being badgered to do so by @ @ @ @

“As the death toll in the novel coronavirus pandemic neared 100,000 Americans this Memorial Day weekend, President Trump derided and insulted perceived enemies and promoted a baseless conspiracy theory, in between rounds of golf,” the Washington Post reports.
“He made little mention of the sacrifice Americans honor on Memorial Day or the grim toll of the virus.”
“Although Trump on Friday had called for worshipers to return to church in person this holiday weekend, Trump himself did not. He played golf on Sunday morning.”
New York Times: “He finally ordered flags lowered to half-staff at the White House only after being badgered to do so by his critics.”
Trump did tweet: “HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!”


Surviving Autocracy

“ Thanks to the special perspective that is the legacy of a Soviet childhood and two decades covering the resurgence @ @ @ @ @ Gessen has a sixth sense for signs of autocracy—and the unique cross-cultural fluency to delineate @ @ @ @ @ As Gessen said in a recent interview : “ It ’ s very important to @ @ @ @ @ in which our government is failing us , even if those ways have become familiar @ @ @ @

Coming soon: Surviving Autocracy by Masha Gessen.
“Thanks to the special perspective that is the legacy of a Soviet childhood and two decades covering the resurgence of totalitarianism in Russia, Gessen has a sixth sense for signs of autocracy—and the unique cross-cultural fluency to delineate its emergence to Americans.”
As Gessen said in a recent interview: “It’s very important to continue to notice the ways in which our government is failing us, even if those ways have become familiar and exhausting.”


politicalwire--2020-05-25--Trump Approval on Pandemic Sinks Further

President Trump ’ s net approval for handling the coronavirus pandemic is now at a new low of -11 points @ @ @ @ @ % .

“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--2020-05-25--Pentagon Charts Its Own Course on the Coronavirus

“ The Pentagon is actively planning on living with the coronavirus well into 2021 , putting it at risk of @ @ @ @ @ expresses confidence that the disease is on the wane , ” The Hill reports .
@ @ @ @ @ a freeze on troop movement , held ships in port and laid the framework for @ @ @ @ @ like in an extended pause because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
” “ The extended preparation @ @ @ @ @ that the virus will recede in the coming months and that a vaccine could be @ @ @ @ @ the year .
”

“The Pentagon is actively planning on living with the coronavirus well into 2021, putting it at risk of angering President Trump as he expresses confidence that the disease is on the wane,” The Hill reports.
“Defense officials have extended a freeze on troop movement, held ships in port and laid the framework for what the military will look like in an extended pause because of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
“The extended preparation cuts against White House messaging that the virus will recede in the coming months and that a vaccine could be available by the end of the year.”


politicalwire--2020-05-25--Trump Threatens to Move GOP Convention

Trump Threatens to Move GOP Convention

President Trump warned that Republicans could seek to move their 2020 convention if North Carolina Gov .
Roy Cooper ( @ @ @ @ @ that coronavirus restrictions will be lifted .
Said Trump : “ Plans are being made @ @ @ @ @ Republicans , and others , to head to beautiful North Carolina in August .
They @ @ @ @ @ answer by the Governor as to whether or not the space will be allowed to @ @ @ @ @ added : “ If not , we will be reluctantly forced to find , with @ @ @ @ @ economic development it brings , another Republican National Convention site .
This is not something @ @ @ @ @ Thank you , and I LOVE the people of North Carolina !
”

President Trump warned that Republicans could seek to move their 2020 convention if North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper (D) cannot guarantee that coronavirus restrictions will be lifted.
Said Trump: “Plans are being made by many thousands of enthusiastic Republicans, and others, to head to beautiful North Carolina in August. They must be immediately given an answer by the Governor as to whether or not the space will be allowed to be fully occupied.”
He added: “If not, we will be reluctantly forced to find, with all of the jobs and economic development it brings, another Republican National Convention site. This is not something I want to do. Thank you, and I LOVE the people of North Carolina!”


politicalwire--2020-05-25--Donald Trump, the Most Unmanly President

Tom Nichols : “ Since his first day as a presidential candidate , I have been baffled by one mystery @ @ @ @ @ working-class white men—the most reliable component of Donald Trump ’ s base—support someone who is @ @ @ @ @ , the least masculine man ever to hold the modern presidency ?
” “ The @ @ @ @ @ fails to meet some archaic or idealized version of masculinity .
The president ’ s @ @ @ @ @ Marcus Aurelius or Omar Bradley is not the issue .
Rather , the question is @ @ @ @ @ ’ s working-class white male voters refuse to hold Trump to their own standards of @ @ @ @ @ who behaves more like a little boy .
”

Tom Nichols: “Since his first day as a presidential candidate, I have been baffled by one mystery in particular: Why do working-class white men—the most reliable component of Donald Trump’s base—support someone who is, by their own standards, the least masculine man ever to hold the modern presidency?”
“The question is not whether Trump fails to meet some archaic or idealized version of masculinity. The president’s inability to measure up to Marcus Aurelius or Omar Bradley is not the issue. Rather, the question is why so many of Trump’s working-class white male voters refuse to hold Trump to their own standards of masculinity—why they support a man who behaves more like a little boy.”


politicalwire--2020-05-25--Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day

“ Jeff Sessions was a disaster as Attorney General .
He should ’ ve never been Attorney General , he @ @ @ @ @ he ’ s not mentally qualified to be Attorney General.
” — President Trump , @ @ @ @ @ Attkisson on Full Measure .

“Jeff Sessions was a disaster as Attorney General. He should’ve never been Attorney General, he’s not qualified, he’s not mentally qualified to be Attorney General.”
— President Trump, in an interview with Sharyl Attkisson on Full Measure.


politicalwire--2020-05-25--New Jersey Warns of Major Cuts to Essential Workers

“ New Jersey Gov .
Phil Murphy ( D ) warned that key employees — including health care workers , @ @ @ @ @ teachers — could be laid off if the state does not receive additional funding from @ @ @ @ @ CNN reports .
“ The dire prediction from Murphy reflects what many governors across the @ @ @ @ @ with budget shortfalls from the economic calamity brought on by the coronavirus pandemic .
”

“New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D) warned that key employees — including health care workers, firefighters, police officers and teachers — could be laid off if the state does not receive additional funding from the federal government,” CNN reports.
“The dire prediction from Murphy reflects what many governors across the country fear as states grapple with budget shortfalls from the economic calamity brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.”


politicalwire--2020-05-26--The Scenario Democrats Are Dreading

The Scenario Democrats Are Dreading

That realization that the economy is likely to rebound before the election “ has many Democrats spooked , ” Politico @ @ @ @ @ Kenneth Baer : “ In absolute terms , the economy will look historically terrible come @ @ @ @ @ the depths of April , it will be on an upswing — 12 percent unemployment @ @ @ @ @ better than 20 , but historically terrible.
” He added : “ On Election Day @ @ @ @ @ to ask themselves , ‘ Are you better off than you were four years ago @ @ @ @ @ to ask themselves , ‘ Are you better off than you were four months ago @ @ @

That realization that the economy is likely to rebound before the election “has many Democrats spooked,” Politico reports.
Said Democratic strategist Kenneth Baer: “In absolute terms, the economy will look historically terrible come November. But relative to the depths of April, it will be on an upswing — 12 percent unemployment, for example, is better than 20, but historically terrible.”
He added: “On Election Day, we Democrats need voters to ask themselves, ‘Are you better off than you were four years ago?’ Republicans need voters to ask themselves, ‘Are you better off than you were four months ago?’”


politicalwire--2020-05-26--Wuhan Tests Millions as China Fears Second Wave

“ Wuhan , the epicenter of China ’ s coronavirus outbreak , said it tested nearly seven million people in @ @ @ @ @ campaign to test the entire population after several infections prompted fears of a second wave @ @ @ @ @


politicalwire--2020-05-26--Boris Johnson Aide Won’t Apologize for Breaching Lockdown

Dominic Cummings , British prime minister Boris Johnson ’ s most senior advisor , continues to be under fire over @ @ @ @ @ rules after refusing to apologize and saying he does not regret his actions during an @ @ @ @ @ Street ’ s Rose Garden , The Guardian reports .
It follows mounting pressure about @ @ @ @ @ 264 miles across the country from London to his parents ’ estate in Durham during @ @ @ @ @ he and his wife had coronavirus .

Dominic Cummings, British prime minister Boris Johnson’s most senior advisor, continues to be under fire over accusations he breached coronavirus lockdown rules after refusing to apologize and saying he does not regret his actions during an extraordinary press conference in Downing Street’s Rose Garden, The Guardian reports.
It follows mounting pressure about the revelations that he travelled 264 miles across the country from London to his parents’ estate in Durham during lockdown despite suspecting that both he and his wife had coronavirus.


politicalwire--2020-05-26--Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day

“ Michigan and Pennsylvania are prerequisites for a Biden victory .
After that , what can put him over the @ @ @ @ @ , Arizona , or Florida ?
” — Cook Political Report analyst David Wasserman , @ @ @ @ @ Joe Biden ’ s multiple paths to 270 electoral votes .

“Michigan and Pennsylvania are prerequisites for a Biden victory. After that, what can put him over the top? Is it Wisconsin, Arizona, or Florida?”
— Cook Political Report analyst David Wasserman, quoted by Vox, on Joe Biden’s multiple paths to 270 electoral votes.


politicalwire--2020-05-26--WHO Warns First Wave Not Over

WHO Warns First Wave Not Over

“ The risks of reigniting coronavirus outbreaks are complicating efforts to fend off further misery for the many millions who @ @ @ @ @ a top health expert warning that the world is still in the midst of a @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic , ” the AP reports .
Said WHO executive director Mike Ryan : @ @ @ @ @ ’ re not in the second wave .
We ’ re right in the middle @ @ @ @ @ .
We ’ re still very much in a phase where the disease is actually @ @ @ @ @ ”

“The risks of reigniting coronavirus outbreaks are complicating efforts to fend off further misery for the many millions who have lost jobs, with a top health expert warning that the world is still in the midst of a ‘first wave’ of the pandemic,” the AP reports.
Said WHO executive director Mike Ryan: “Right now, we’re not in the second wave. We’re right in the middle of the first wave globally. We’re still very much in a phase where the disease is actually on the way up,”


politicalwire--2020-05-26--Whitmer’s Husband Tries to Jump the Line

Detroit News : “ No longer visible to the public , Facebook posts from NorthShore Dock LLC and its owner , Tad Dowker , focused on what Dowker said was a request last week by Whitmer ’ s husband , Marc Mallory .
The posts have drawn the attention of Republican state lawmakers , who said the Democratic governor ’ s family may not be following her guidance for the rest of the state.
” Wrote Dowker : “ This morning , I was out working when the office called me , there was a gentleman on hold who wanted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weekend .
Being Memorial weekend and the fact that we started working three weeks late means there is no chance this is going to happen.
’ ‘ Well our office personnel had explained this to the man and he replied , ‘ I am the husband to the governor , will this make a difference ?
’ ” Playbook : “ Your wife is the governor of the state and is in the mix to be the vice president of the United States .
And you ’ re trying to strongarm a boat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deadly pandemic when your wife — again , the governor !
— has been the face of stay-at-home-stay-safe talk ?
”

Detroit News: “No longer visible to the public, Facebook posts from NorthShore Dock LLC and its owner, Tad Dowker, focused on what Dowker said was a request last week by Whitmer’s husband, Marc Mallory. The posts have drawn the attention of Republican state lawmakers, who said the Democratic governor’s family may not be following her guidance for the rest of the state.”
Wrote Dowker: “This morning, I was out working when the office called me, there was a gentleman on hold who wanted his boat in the water before the weekend. Being Memorial weekend and the fact that we started working three weeks late means there is no chance this is going to happen.’ ‘Well our office personnel had explained this to the man and he replied, ‘I am the husband to the governor, will this make a difference?’”
Playbook: “Your wife is the governor of the state and is in the mix to be the vice president of the United States. And you’re trying to strongarm a boat dock operator in the middle of a deadly pandemic when your wife — again, the governor! — has been the face of stay-at-home-stay-safe talk?”


politicalwire--2020-05-26--Florida Republicans Would ‘Welcome’ Convention

Florida Republicans said they would “ welcome ” the Republican National Convention if President Trump makes good on a Twitter @ @ @ @ @ party ’ s seminal political event from North Carolina , the Miami Herald reports .


politicalwire--2020-05-26--Steve King Fights for His Seat

Steve King Fights for His Seat

“ Rep .
Steve King is fighting for his political life — but not because he ’ s compared immigrants @ @ @ @ @ cattle .
His Republican opponents in next week ’ s primary aren ’ t raking @ @ @ @ @ making light of rape and incest .
His chief rival ’ s ads don ’ @ @ @ @ @ wondered when the term ‘ white supremacist ’ became offensive , ” the AP reports @ @ @ @ @ nine-term congressman known for his nativist politics is fighting to prove he can still deliver @ @ @ @ @ Congressional District .
Since Republican leaders stripped him of his committee assignments , in a @ @ @ @ @ been dogged by questions over whether he ’ s lost all effectiveness .
Some longtime @ @ @ @ @ not because of his incendiary remarks but because they think he can no longer do @ @ @ @

“Rep. Steve King is fighting for his political life — but not because he’s compared immigrants crossing the border illegally to cattle. His Republican opponents in next week’s primary aren’t raking him over the coals for making light of rape and incest. His chief rival’s ads don’t mention the time King wondered when the term ‘white supremacist’ became offensive,” the AP reports.
“Instead, the nine-term congressman known for his nativist politics is fighting to prove he can still deliver for Iowa’s 4th Congressional District. Since Republican leaders stripped him of his committee assignments, in a rare punishment, King has been dogged by questions over whether he’s lost all effectiveness. Some longtime supporters are turning away, not because of his incendiary remarks but because they think he can no longer do the job.”


politicalwire--2020-05-26--Campaigning In a Crisis

Campaigning In a Crisis

New York Times : “ With its staggering death toll , surging unemployment and economic devastation , the Covid-19 crisis confronting the nation today is far more cataclysmic than the 2008 meltdown .
But Obama and McCain faced a series of choices — on leadership , empathy and tone , on executing political strategy and navigating fast-moving events on Wall Street , Main Street and Washington — that are relevant and even illuminating as President Trump and Joseph R. Biden Jr. try to navigate another campaign playing out against the backdrop of a national emergency.
” “ After the Lehman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crush of the next 14 days , Mr. McCain and Mr. Obama were forced to respond to a crisis in real time .
It involved a complex unraveling on Wall Street , the anxieties of millions of Americans seeing huge losses in their retirement accounts , and the polarized politics of the White House and Capitol Hill .
There was little time for polling or focus groups , aides to both campaigns said , and decisions were made on instinct.
” “ These were the 14 days that decided the 2008 race and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the next president , in the view of both the McCain and Obama camps .
”

New York Times: “With its staggering death toll, surging unemployment and economic devastation, the Covid-19 crisis confronting the nation today is far more cataclysmic than the 2008 meltdown. But Obama and McCain faced a series of choices — on leadership, empathy and tone, on executing political strategy and navigating fast-moving events on Wall Street, Main Street and Washington — that are relevant and even illuminating as President Trump and Joseph R. Biden Jr. try to navigate another campaign playing out against the backdrop of a national emergency.”
“After the Lehman bankruptcy on Sept. 15, over the crush of the next 14 days, Mr. McCain and Mr. Obama were forced to respond to a crisis in real time. It involved a complex unraveling on Wall Street, the anxieties of millions of Americans seeing huge losses in their retirement accounts, and the polarized politics of the White House and Capitol Hill. There was little time for polling or focus groups, aides to both campaigns said, and decisions were made on instinct.”
“These were the 14 days that decided the 2008 race and assured Mr. Obama’s election as the next president, in the view of both the McCain and Obama camps.”


politicalwire--2020-05-26--Poor Countries Weigh Easing Lockdowns

Poor Countries Weigh Easing Lockdowns

Wall Street Journal : “ Car factories are starting back up in Brazil and Mexico .
Train service is restarting @ @ @ @ @ Mining companies are reopening in Peru .
The world ’ s largest developing nations are @ @ @ @ @ U.S. and Europe to ease restrictions aimed at slowing the growth of the coronavirus pandemic @ @ @ @ @ pain to their battered economies.
” “ There is , however , a crucial difference @ @ @ @ @ to reopen while new infections and deaths are growing , rather than slowing .
Health @ @ @ @ @ an explosive rise in cases and deaths in crowded slums across the developing world .
@

Wall Street Journal: “Car factories are starting back up in Brazil and Mexico. Train service is restarting across much of India. Mining companies are reopening in Peru. The world’s largest developing nations are following recent steps by the U.S. and Europe to ease restrictions aimed at slowing the growth of the coronavirus pandemic in order to spare further pain to their battered economies.”
“There is, however, a crucial difference: Poorer countries are starting to reopen while new infections and deaths are growing, rather than slowing. Health experts say the timing risks an explosive rise in cases and deaths in crowded slums across the developing world.”


politicalwire--2020-05-27--Grenell to Join Trump Campaign

Grenell to Join Trump Campaign

“ U.S .
Ambassador to Germany Ric Grenell is set to join President Donald Trump ’ s 2020 campaign amid @ @ @ @ @ the promotion of two other campaign officials on Tuesday , ” Politico reports .
“ @ @ @ @ @ a trusted Trump ally who recently stepped down as acting director of national intelligence , @ @ @ @ @ sliding poll numbers nationally and in a handful of key battleground states .
”

“U.S. Ambassador to Germany Ric Grenell is set to join President Donald Trump’s 2020 campaign amid a broader shakeup that saw the promotion of two other campaign officials on Tuesday,” Politico reports.
“The addition of Grenell, a trusted Trump ally who recently stepped down as acting director of national intelligence, comes as the president faces sliding poll numbers nationally and in a handful of key battleground states.”


politicalwire--2020-05-27--A Third of Americans Show Signs of Depression

“ A third of Americans are showing signs of clinical anxiety or depression , Census Bureau data shows , the @ @ @ @ @ yet of the psychological toll exacted by the coronavirus pandemic , ” the Washington Post @ @


politicalwire--2020-05-26--Trump Dismisses Face Masks as ‘Politically Correct’

President Trump dismissed a mask-wearing reporter as being “ politically correct , ” the Washington Post reports .
“ The @ @ @ @ @ wear a face mask in public , defying recommendations from public health experts , has @ @ @ @ @ supporters resisting stay-at-home orders amid the coronavirus crisis .
To wear one then is seen @ @ @ @ @ ” Vox : “ Trump ’ s latest unhinged news conference illustrates why he ’ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus briefings .
”

President Trump dismissed a mask-wearing reporter as being “politically correct,” the Washington Post reports.
“The president’s refusal to wear a face mask in public, defying recommendations from public health experts, has become a symbol for his supporters resisting stay-at-home orders amid the coronavirus crisis. To wear one then is seen by some as being anti-Trump.”
Vox: “Trump’s latest unhinged news conference illustrates why he’s no longer doing daily coronavirus briefings.”


politicalwire--2020-05-26--Biden Says Trump Is an ‘Absolute Fool’

Biden Says Trump Is an ‘Absolute Fool’

Joe Biden called President Trump an “ absolute fool ” for stoking controversy around the use of masks , Politico @ @ @ @ @ “ I mean every leading doc in the world is saying you should wear a @ @ @ @ @ in a crowd , and especially when you know you ’ re going to be @ @ @ @ @ ’ re going to inadvertently get closer than 12 feet to somebody.
” He also @ @ @ @ @ “ macho stuff , ” the argument advanced by some opposed to wearing masks that @ @ @ @ @ of weakness .

Joe Biden called President Trump an “absolute fool” for stoking controversy around the use of masks, Politico reports.
Said Biden: “I mean every leading doc in the world is saying you should wear a mask when you’re in a crowd, and especially when you know you’re going to be in a position where you’re going to inadvertently get closer than 12 feet to somebody.”
He also accused Trump of caving to “macho stuff,” the argument advanced by some opposed to wearing masks that doing so is a sign of weakness.


politicalwire--2020-05-26--Twitter Labels Trump’s Tweets with Fact Check

“ Twitter on Tuesday slapped a fact-check label on President Trump ’ s tweets for the first time , a @ @ @ @ @ the company is too hands-off when it comes to policing misinformation and falsehoods from world @ @ @ @ @ Post reports .
“ The move , which escalates tensions between Washington and Silicon Valley @ @ @ @ @ was made in response to two Trump tweets over the past 24 hours .
The @ @ @ @ @ ballots are fraudulent .
”

“Twitter on Tuesday slapped a fact-check label on President Trump’s tweets for the first time, a response to long-standing criticism that the company is too hands-off when it comes to policing misinformation and falsehoods from world leaders,” the Washington Post reports.
“The move, which escalates tensions between Washington and Silicon Valley in an election year, was made in response to two Trump tweets over the past 24 hours. The tweets falsely claimed that mail-in ballots are fraudulent.”


politicalwire--2020-05-26--The Malignant Cruelty of Donald Trump

The Malignant Cruelty of Donald Trump

Peter Wehner : “ Donald Trump doesn ’ t merely want to criticize his opponents ; he takes a depraved @ @ @ @ @ others , even if there ’ s collateral damage in the process , as is @ @ @ @ @ family .
There ’ s something quite sick about it all.
” “ A lot @ @ @ @ @ the cruelty of malignant narcissists like Donald Trump—casualties , it should be said , that @ @ @ @ @ Party , on various pro-Trump websites and news outlets , and on talk radio are @ @ @ @ @ defend .
Their philosophy seems to be that you need to break a few eggs @ @ @ @ @ If putting up with Trump ’ s indecency is the price of maintaining power , @ @ @ @ @ But whatever the political ramifications of this current lie being promulgated by the president , @ @ @ @ @ to name it , and to make Trump supporters own it .
They are his @ @ @ @ @ .
”

Peter Wehner: “Donald Trump doesn’t merely want to criticize his opponents; he takes a depraved delight in inflicting pain on others, even if there’s collateral damage in the process, as is the case with the Klausutis family. There’s something quite sick about it all.”
“A lot of human casualties result from the cruelty of malignant narcissists like Donald Trump—casualties, it should be said, that his supporters in the Republican Party, on various pro-Trump websites and news outlets, and on talk radio are willing to tolerate or even defend. Their philosophy seems to be that you need to break a few eggs to make an omelet. If putting up with Trump’s indecency is the price of maintaining power, so be it…”
“But whatever the political ramifications of this current lie being promulgated by the president, the rest of us need to name it, and to make Trump supporters own it. They are his, and he is theirs.”


politicalwire--2020-05-26--Tennessee Lawmaker’s Stock Trades Under Scrutiny

Rep. Phil Roe ( R-TN ) sold stocks in cruise lines and bought in companies producing vaccines and video conferencing @ @ @ @ @ in March due to the pandemic , the Tennessean 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--2020-05-26--Trump Wonders If He Should Take Insulin

Trump Wonders If He Should Take Insulin

President Trump mused about whether he should use insulin while making remarks on protecting seniors with diabetes from the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ I don ’ t use insulin .
Should I be ?
Huh ?
I never @ @ @ @ @ I know a lot of people are very badly affected , right ?
Unbelievable .
@

President Trump mused about whether he should use insulin while making remarks on protecting seniors with diabetes from the coronavirus.
Said Trump: “I don’t use insulin. Should I be? Huh? I never thought about it. But I know a lot of people are very badly affected, right? Unbelievable.”


politicalwire--2020-05-26--Presidential Race Still Leans to Biden

Presidential Race Still Leans to Biden

Stuart Rothenberg : “ Despite all these developments , I see little reason to change my assessment of the presidential @ @ @ @ @ as polarized as it was two months ago , and the trajectory of the contest @ @ @ @ @ Biden holding a comfortable lead in national polling and having multiple paths to 270 electoral @ @ @ @ @ developments give the cable television networks something to chatter about , today ’ s big @ @ @ @ @ a new one tomorrow , and another one the day after that .
But the @ @ @ @ @ unchanged.
” “ That doesn ’ t mean the outcome is inevitable .
A dramatic @ @ @ @ @ But for now , Trump ’ s options are narrowing as Election Day approaches .
@ @ @ @ @ to do something dramatic to alter the trajectory of the race .
”

Stuart Rothenberg: “Despite all these developments, I see little reason to change my assessment of the presidential race. The country is as polarized as it was two months ago, and the trajectory of the contest is essentially unchanged, with Biden holding a comfortable lead in national polling and having multiple paths to 270 electoral votes.”
“While daily developments give the cable television networks something to chatter about, today’s big story will be replaced by a new one tomorrow, and another one the day after that. But the fundamentals of the race remain unchanged.”
“That doesn’t mean the outcome is inevitable. A dramatic development could change things. But for now, Trump’s options are narrowing as Election Day approaches. The White House will need to do something dramatic to alter the trajectory of the race.”


politicalwire--2020-05-26--House Republicans Move to Block Proxy Voting

“ House Republicans planned to file a lawsuit later Tuesday against Speaker Nancy Pelosi ( D-CA ) to block the @ @ @ @ @ of voting by proxy during the coronavirus pandemic , ” the Wall Street Journal reports @ @ @ @ @ Kevin McCarthy ( R-CA ) will lead the suit against Mrs. Pelosi in U.S. District @ @ @ @ @ .
”

“House Republicans planned to file a lawsuit later Tuesday against Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) to block the chamber’s new system of voting by proxy during the coronavirus pandemic,” the Wall Street Journal reports.
“House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) will lead the suit against Mrs. Pelosi in U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C.”


politicalwire--2020-05-26--President Trump’s Day on Twitter

President Trump’s Day on Twitter

Windsor Mann : “ So far today , the president has accused someone of murder , accused Democrats of rigging @ @ @ @ @ 100,000+ deaths , called a congressman a fraud , called the Speaker of the House @ @ @ @ @ too.
’ And that ’ s just on Twitter .
”


politicalwire--2020-05-26--Biden Names Director of Voter Protection

“ Joe Biden has hired a national director for voter protection , a role his campaign says will focus broadly @ @ @ @ @ the disenfranchisement of people of color amid the COVID-19 pandemic , ” the AP reports @


politicalwire--2020-05-26--Insider Trading Probes Dropped for Three Senators

“ The Justice Department is closing investigations into three U.S. senators for stocks trades made shortly before the coronavirus market @ @ @ @ @ a related investigation into Sen. Richard Burr ( R-NC ) , ” the Wall Street @ @ @ @ @ on Tuesday are alerting defense attorneys for Republicans Kelly Loeffler of Georgia and James Inhofe @ @ @ @ @ Democrat Dianne Feinstein of California , that they are closing investigations into their trading .
@

“The Justice Department is closing investigations into three U.S. senators for stocks trades made shortly before the coronavirus market turmoil, but is continuing a related investigation into Sen. Richard Burr (R-NC),” the Wall Street Journal reports.
“Prosecutors on Tuesday are alerting defense attorneys for Republicans Kelly Loeffler of Georgia and James Inhofe of Oklahoma as well as Democrat Dianne Feinstein of California, that they are closing investigations into their trading.”


politicalwire--2020-05-26--Extra Bonus Quote of the Day

Extra Bonus Quote of the Day

“ We are far below 2.2 million dead Americans because of the actions of President Trump.
” — White House @ @ @ @ @ suggesting President Trump will proclaim any death toll under 2.2 million as a success in @ @ @ @ @

“We are far below 2.2 million dead Americans because of the actions of President Trump.”
— White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany, suggesting President Trump will proclaim any death toll under 2.2 million as a success in handling the coronavirus pandemic.


politicalwire--2020-05-26--Biden Wins Endorsement of AFL-CIO

Biden Wins Endorsement of AFL-CIO

“ The AFL-CIO , the country ’ s largest coalition of labor unions , endorsed Joe Biden for president Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ s top official vowing to wage an aggressive effort to help him defeat President Trump @ @ @ @ @ reports .


politicalwire--2020-05-26--Exchange of the Day

Exchange of the Day

White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany dodged a question from Jeff Mason of Reuters about President Trump retweeting criticism of @ @ @ @ @ face mask in public .
MASON : President Trump retweeted a criticism of Joe Biden @ @ @ @ @ would he do that ?
McENANY : It ’ s a bit peculiar that he @ @ @ @ @ mask in his basement , but he wears one outdoors .
MASON : Isn ’ @ @ @ @ @ ?

White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany dodged a question from Jeff Mason of Reuters about President Trump retweeting criticism of Joe Biden for wearing a face mask in public.
MASON: President Trump retweeted a criticism of Joe Biden wearing a mask. Why would he do that?
McENANY: It’s a bit peculiar that he doesn’t wear a mask in his basement, but he wears one outdoors.
MASON: Isn’t that the guidance though?
McENANY: It’s recommended but not required.


politicalwire--2020-05-26--Biden Does In-Person Interview

Biden Does In-Person Interview

Joe Biden took part in a socially-distanced interview with Dana Bash which will air later at 5 p.m .
ET @ @ @


politicalwire--2020-05-26--Threat to Move Convention Surprised Trump’s Staff

“ Top Republicans had been working closely with North Carolina Gov .
Roy Cooper ( D ) and other state @ @ @ @ @ Friday to plan the upcoming GOP national convention amid the coronavirus pandemic , ” CNN @ @ @ @ @ Trump threatened to pull the convention from Charlotte .
Trump ’ s tweet not only @ @ @ @ @ Republican officials on Monday , but it also was completely at odds with the position @ @ @ @ @ during the Friday meeting .
”

“Top Republicans had been working closely with North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper (D) and other state Democratic officials as recently as Friday to plan the upcoming GOP national convention amid the coronavirus pandemic,” CNN reports.
“Then President Trump threatened to pull the convention from Charlotte. Trump’s tweet not only came as a surprise to Republican officials on Monday, but it also was completely at odds with the position that top convention officials expressed during the Friday meeting.”


Pentagon Watchdog Resigns

“ A top internal watchdog at the Pentagon , Glenn Fine , submitted his resignation Tuesday , more than a @ @ @ @ @ removed him as chairman of the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee , a group of independent @ @ @ @ @ 2 trillion in emergency coronavirus funding , ” CNN reports .


politicalwire--2020-05-26--Pence Aide Back to Work at White House

Pence Aide Back to Work at White House

Katie Miller , Vice President Mike Pence ’ s press secretary , announced she has recovered from coronavirus and is @ @ @ @ @ White House .
She also announced she and her husband , senior White House adviser @ @ @ @ @ a baby .

Katie Miller, Vice President Mike Pence’s press secretary, announced she has recovered from coronavirus and is back at work at the White House.
She also announced she and her husband, senior White House adviser Stephen Miller, are expecting a baby.


politicalwire--2020-05-27--House to Vote to Restrict Government Surveillance

“ The House will vote Wednesday on additional limitations of federal law enforcement ’ s ability to collect internet search @ @ @ @ @ national security surveillance authorities that expired in March , ” CNN reports .
“ The @ @ @ @ @ to renew the FISA authorities after President Trump ’ s Republican allies negotiated a deal @ @ @ @ @ General William Barr that included additional civil liberties protections and changes to the FISA court @ @ @ @ @ threw a new wrench into the matter Tuesday evening when he urged Republicans on Twitter @ @ @ @ @ vote .
”

“The House will vote Wednesday on additional limitations of federal law enforcement’s ability to collect internet search histories as it reauthorizes three national security surveillance authorities that expired in March,” CNN reports.
“The House initially voted in March to renew the FISA authorities after President Trump’s Republican allies negotiated a deal with Democratic leaders and Attorney General William Barr that included additional civil liberties protections and changes to the FISA court process.”
“But Trump threw a new wrench into the matter Tuesday evening when he urged Republicans on Twitter to oppose Wednesday’s vote.”


politicalwire--2020-05-27--Just Half Would Get Vaccine

Just Half Would Get Vaccine

A new AP-NORC poll finds just about half of Americans say they would get a COVID-19 vaccine if the scientists @ @ @ @ @ succeed .
The poll also found 31 % simply weren ’ t sure if they @ @ @ @ @ Another 20 % said they ’ d refuse .

A new AP-NORC poll finds just about half of Americans say they would get a COVID-19 vaccine if the scientists working furiously to create one succeed.
The poll also found 31% simply weren’t sure if they’d get vaccinated. Another 20% said they’d refuse.


politicalwire--2020-05-27--Trump Wants Troops In Afghanistan Home by Election

New York Times : “ Senior military officials are set to brief President Trump in the coming days on options @ @ @ @ @ out of Afghanistan , with one possible timeline for withdrawing forces before the presidential election.
@ @ @ @ @ a complete withdrawal by November reflects an understanding among military commanders that such a timeline @ @ @ @ @ s preferred option because it may help bolster his campaign.
” “ But they plan @ @ @ @ @ advocate , a slower withdrawal schedule… The move is part of the Pentagon ’ s @ @ @ @ @ like the one in December 2018 and again in October 2019 , when Mr. Trump @ @ @ @ @ the complete withdrawal of U.S. troops from Syria .
Diplomatic chaos and violence followed… American @ @ @ @ @ although in smaller numbers .
”

New York Times: “Senior military officials are set to brief President Trump in the coming days on options for pulling all American troops out of Afghanistan, with one possible timeline for withdrawing forces before the presidential election.”
“The proposal for a complete withdrawal by November reflects an understanding among military commanders that such a timeline may be Mr. Trump’s preferred option because it may help bolster his campaign.”
“But they plan to propose, and to advocate, a slower withdrawal schedule… The move is part of the Pentagon’s attempt to avoid another situation like the one in December 2018 and again in October 2019, when Mr. Trump surprised military officials by ordering the complete withdrawal of U.S. troops from Syria. Diplomatic chaos and violence followed… American troops remain in Syria, although in smaller numbers.”


A Presidential Smear

Wall Street Journal editorial : “ Donald Trump sometimes traffics in conspiracy theories—recall his innuendo in 2016 about Ted Cruz ’ s father and the JFK assassination—but his latest accusation against MSNBC host Joe Scarborough is ugly even for him .
Mr. Trump has been tweeting the suggestion that Mr. Scarborough might have had something to do with the death in 2001 of a young woman who worked in his Florida office when Mr. Scarborough was a GOP Congressman… ” “ There ’ s no evidence of foul play , or an affair with the woman , and the local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an undiagnosed heart condition and died of head trauma .
Some on the web are positing a conspiracy because the coroner had left a previous job under a cloud , but the parents and husband of the young woman accepted the coroner ’ s findings and want the case to stay closed… ” “ We don ’ t write this with any expectation that Mr. Trump will stop .
Perhaps he even thinks this helps him politically , though we can ’ t imagine how .
But Mr. Trump is debasing his office @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country in doing so .
”

Wall Street Journal editorial: “Donald Trump sometimes traffics in conspiracy theories—recall his innuendo in 2016 about Ted Cruz’s father and the JFK assassination—but his latest accusation against MSNBC host Joe Scarborough is ugly even for him. Mr. Trump has been tweeting the suggestion that Mr. Scarborough might have had something to do with the death in 2001 of a young woman who worked in his Florida office when Mr. Scarborough was a GOP Congressman…”
“There’s no evidence of foul play, or an affair with the woman, and the local coroner ruled that the woman fainted from an undiagnosed heart condition and died of head trauma. Some on the web are positing a conspiracy because the coroner had left a previous job under a cloud, but the parents and husband of the young woman accepted the coroner’s findings and want the case to stay closed…”
“We don’t write this with any expectation that Mr. Trump will stop. Perhaps he even thinks this helps him politically, though we can’t imagine how. But Mr. Trump is debasing his office, and he’s hurting the country in doing so.”


politicalwire--2020-05-27--California DA Opens Investigation Into Tara Reade

Politico : “ The Monterey County District Attorney ’ s office has launched an investigation into whether Tara Reade lied @ @ @ @ @ acting as an expert witness .
Reade , under the name Alexandra McCabe , for @ @ @ @ @ in domestic violence cases for the California D.A.
’ s office .
Among the issues @ @ @ @ @ her credentials to qualify as an expert .
”

Politico: “The Monterey County District Attorney’s office has launched an investigation into whether Tara Reade lied on the witness stand while acting as an expert witness. Reade, under the name Alexandra McCabe, for years testified as an expert in domestic violence cases for the California D.A.’s office. Among the issues is whether she lied about her credentials to qualify as an expert.”


politicalwire--2020-05-27--Rubio Zeroes In On Russia, Not Obama

Rubio Zeroes In On Russia, Not Obama

“ Donald Trump ’ s allies on Capitol Hill are pushing aggressive new investigations targeting the president ’ s political @ @ @ @ @ ’ t joining the fray , ” Politico reports .
“ As Rubio assumes the @ @ @ @ @ Intelligence Committee , the Florida Republican is distancing himself from a GOP-led probe targeting Hunter @ @ @ @ @ to embrace Trump ’ s ‘ Obamagate ’ claims .
And he is warning the @ @ @ @ @ not to promote Russian disinformation in the process .
”

“Donald Trump’s allies on Capitol Hill are pushing aggressive new investigations targeting the president’s political opponents. Marco Rubio isn’t joining the fray,” Politico reports.
“As Rubio assumes the acting chairmanship of the Senate Intelligence Committee, the Florida Republican is distancing himself from a GOP-led probe targeting Hunter Biden. He has declined to embrace Trump’s ‘Obamagate’ claims. And he is warning the Republicans spearheading the Biden investigation not to promote Russian disinformation in the process.”


100,000 Dead

USA Today — the largest U.S. newspaper by circulation — reports the country will hit 100,000 dead from the coronavirus @ @ @


politicalwire--2020-05-27--Why Boris Johnson Can’t Let His Top Aide Go

“ Never mind whether Boris Johnson should get rid of Dominic Cummings , the real question is whether he can @ @ @ @ @ “ To the U.K. prime minister , his top aide — whose lockdown journey from @ @ @ @ @ headlines for days — is more than just an effective political adviser .
He is @ @ @ @ @ Street operation ; someone who — according to several people who have worked with the @ @ @ @ @ of government — gives Johnson policy direction and operational grip , while commanding more loyalty @ @ @ @ @ officials and ministers than the prime minister does himself.
” New York Times : Outcry @ @ @ @ @ against Boris Johnson for first time .

“Never mind whether Boris Johnson should get rid of Dominic Cummings, the real question is whether he can,” Politico reports.
“To the U.K. prime minister, his top aide — whose lockdown journey from London to Durham has dominated headlines for days — is more than just an effective political adviser. He is the linchpin of the Downing Street operation; someone who — according to several people who have worked with the two men in and out of government — gives Johnson policy direction and operational grip, while commanding more loyalty among a number of key officials and ministers than the prime minister does himself.”
New York Times: Outcry over Dominic Cummings turns public against Boris Johnson for first time.


politicalwire--2020-05-27--Trump’s 2016 Aides Warn He’s In Trouble

Trump’s 2016 Aides Warn He’s In Trouble

“ David Bossie and Corey Lewandowski , two key allies and former political advisers to Donald Trump , went to @ @ @ @ @ to issue him a warning : The president was slipping badly in swing states , @ @ @ @ @ something to fix it , ” Politico reports .

“David Bossie and Corey Lewandowski, two key allies and former political advisers to Donald Trump, went to the White House last week to issue him a warning: The president was slipping badly in swing states, and he needed to do something to fix it,” Politico reports.


politicalwire--2020-05-27--DeWine Explains Why You Should Wear a Mask

Ohio Gov .
Mike DeWine ( R ) told CNN that wearing a mask to protect against coronavirus is “ @ @ @ @ @ being , ” saying he tells Ohioans to wear the face coverings even as they @ @ @ @ @ amid the pandemic .
Said DeWine : “ This is an instruction as old as @ @ @ @ @ supposed to love your fellow man and woman , and that is what we are @ @ @

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine (R) told CNN that wearing a mask to protect against coronavirus is “about loving your fellow human being,” saying he tells Ohioans to wear the face coverings even as they have become a political flashpoint amid the pandemic.
Said DeWine: “This is an instruction as old as the Bible. You are supposed to love your fellow man and woman, and that is what we are doing.”


politicalwire--2020-05-28--GOP Lawmaker Didn’t Tell Colleagues He Tested Positive

“ A Republican state lawmaker from Central Pennsylvania confirmed Wednesday that he tested positive for the coronavirus earlier this month @ @ @ @ @ of his House colleagues to self-quarantine , ” the Philadelphia Inquirer reports .
“ The @ @ @ @ @ Democrats in the chamber , who said they were recklessly left in the dark for @ @ @ @ @ lawmaker ’ s condition .
”

“A Republican state lawmaker from Central Pennsylvania confirmed Wednesday that he tested positive for the coronavirus earlier this month, leading at least one of his House colleagues to self-quarantine,” the Philadelphia Inquirer reports.
“The admission immediately ignited outrage among Democrats in the chamber, who said they were recklessly left in the dark for nearly a week about the lawmaker’s condition.”


politicalwire--2020-05-28--McConnell Breaks with Trump on Face Masks

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell “ made an extensive pitch for Americans to don face masks as a means to @ @ @ @ @ normalcy while the coronavirus remains a threat , ” Politico reports .
Said McConnell : @ @ @ @ @ stigma attached to wearing a mask .
There ’ s no stigma attached to staying @ @ @ @ @

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell “made an extensive pitch for Americans to don face masks as a means to begin returning the country to normalcy while the coronavirus remains a threat,” Politico reports.
Said McConnell: “There’s no stigma attached to wearing a mask. There’s no stigma attached to staying six feet apart.”


politicalwire--2020-05-28--Zuckerberg Knocks Twitter for Fact Checking Trump

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg called out Twitter for attaching a fact check to a tweet from President Trump , telling @ @ @ @ @ platforms should not act as the “ arbiter of truth.
” Said Zuckerberg : “ @ @ @ @ @ than , I think , Twitter on this .
I just believe strongly that Facebook @ @ @ @ @ arbiter of truth of everything that people say online .
Private companies probably shouldn ’ @ @ @ @ @ platform companies , shouldn ’ t be in the position of doing that .
”

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg called out Twitter for attaching a fact check to a tweet from President Trump, telling Fox News that privately-owned digital platforms should not act as the “arbiter of truth.”
Said Zuckerberg: “We have a different policy than, I think, Twitter on this. I just believe strongly that Facebook shouldn’t be the arbiter of truth of everything that people say online. Private companies probably shouldn’t be, especially these platform companies, shouldn’t be in the position of doing that.”


politicalwire--2020-05-28--Biden Will Pick Running Mate by August 1

Joe Biden says he hopes to decide on a running mate by August 1 , about two weeks before the @ @ @ @ @ , The Hill 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--2020-05-28--Trump Effectively Replaced His Campaign Manager

When President Trump installed Bill Stepien as his new deputy campaign manager , it was “ a DC-style coup that @ @ @ @ @ his title of campaign manager , ” Business Insider reports .
Said one adviser : @ @ @ @ @ .
He works around them.
” Some Trump advisers note that Stepien ’ s ascendance @ @ @ @ @ the president ’ s son-in-law and arguably the most important staffer on the entire 2020 @ @ @ @ @ over the 2020 re-election campaign .
”

When President Trump installed Bill Stepien as his new deputy campaign manager, it was “a DC-style coup that still lets Brad Parscale keep his title of campaign manager,” Business Insider reports.
Said one adviser: “Trump never fires people. He works around them.”
Some Trump advisers note that Stepien’s ascendance “gives Jared Kushner, the president’s son-in-law and arguably the most important staffer on the entire 2020 effort, almost singular control over the 2020 re-election campaign.”


politicalwire--2020-05-27--Texas Court Says Virus Isn’t Enough for Mail-In Voting

“ The Texas Supreme Court on Wednesday ruled that a lack of immunity to the new coronavirus does not qualify @ @ @ @ @ a mail-in ballot , ” the Texas Tribune reports .
“ In the latest twist @ @ @ @ @ voting by mail during the coronavirus pandemic , the court agreed with Texas Attorney General @ @ @ @ @ of contracting the virus alone does not meet the state ’ s qualifications for voting @ @ @ @ @ is interesting : “ Though the court sided with Paxton ’ s interpretation of what @ @ @ @ @ indicated it was up to voters to assess their own health and determine if they @ @ @ @ @ definition .
”

“The Texas Supreme Court on Wednesday ruled that a lack of immunity to the new coronavirus does not qualify a voter to apply for a mail-in ballot,” the Texas Tribune reports.
“In the latest twist in the legal fight over voting by mail during the coronavirus pandemic, the court agreed with Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton that the risk of contracting the virus alone does not meet the state’s qualifications for voting by mail.”
But this is interesting: “Though the court sided with Paxton’s interpretation of what constitutes a disability, it indicated it was up to voters to assess their own health and determine if they met the state’s definition.”


politicalwire--2020-05-27--Top Trump Campaign Staffer Arrested In 2016

The Trump campaign ’ s new chief of staff , Stephanie Alexander , was charged with conspiracy to violate Oklahoma @ @ @ @ @ cops arrested her boyfriend for cocaine and found incriminating texts on his phone , Business @ @ @ @ @ that Alexander and several alleged co-conspirators illegally coordinated the efforts of a “ dark money @ @ @ @ @ campaign of a GOP candidate for Oklahoma superintendent of public instruction .

The Trump campaign’s new chief of staff, Stephanie Alexander, was charged with conspiracy to violate Oklahoma election laws in 2016 after cops arrested her boyfriend for cocaine and found incriminating texts on his phone, Business Insider reports.
Prosecutors claimed that Alexander and several alleged co-conspirators illegally coordinated the efforts of a “dark money” independent group with the campaign of a GOP candidate for Oklahoma superintendent of public instruction.


politicalwire--2020-05-27--The Number Trump Ignores

The Number Trump Ignores

“ President Trump has spent his life in thrall to numbers — his wealth , his ratings , his polls @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus pandemic , he has remained fixated on certain metrics — peppering aides about infection @ @ @ @ @ and obsessing over the gyrating stock market , ” the Washington Post reports .
“ @ @ @ @ @ a bleak milestone this week — 100,000 Americans dead from the novel coronavirus — Trump @ @ @ @ @ His public schedule this week contains no special commemoration , no moment of silence , @ @ @ @ @ .
”

“President Trump has spent his life in thrall to numbers — his wealth, his ratings, his polls. Even during the deadly coronavirus pandemic, he has remained fixated on certain metrics — peppering aides about infection statistics, favoring rosy projections and obsessing over the gyrating stock market,” the Washington Post reports.
“But as the nation reached a bleak milestone this week — 100,000 Americans dead from the novel coronavirus — Trump has been uncharacteristically silent. His public schedule this week contains no special commemoration, no moment of silence, no collective sharing of grief.”


politicalwire--2020-05-27--House Conducts First-Ever Remote Vote

House Conducts First-Ever Remote Vote

“ House lawmakers cast the first-ever remote congressional floor votes Wednesday , albeit under a legal cloud after Republican leaders @ @ @ @ @ the constitutionality of the arrangement , ” the Washington Post reports .
“ Under rules @ @ @ @ @ House members designated a colleague to cast floor votes on their behalf during the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ the Capitol .
One by one , several Democrats , most wearing masks , stood @ @ @ @ @ and announced how the absent members were voting , ”

“House lawmakers cast the first-ever remote congressional floor votes Wednesday, albeit under a legal cloud after Republican leaders filed a federal lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the arrangement,” the Washington Post reports.
“Under rules adopted earlier this month, House members designated a colleague to cast floor votes on their behalf during the pandemic while they remain away from the Capitol. One by one, several Democrats, most wearing masks, stood at the microphones Wednesday afternoon and announced how the absent members were voting,”


politicalwire--2020-05-27--Abscam Figure at Center of Election Fraud Probe

Former Rep. Michael “ Ozzie ” Myers ( D-PA ) , who was caught in the Abscam bribery scandal in @ @ @ @ @ in the middle of a Philadelphia election fraud probe , the Philadelphia Inquirer reports .
@ @ @ @ @ sentence for bribery and a vote by his House colleagues to expel him .
He @ @ @ @ @ , for one of the most enduring lines to emerge from that sting operation , @ @ @ @ @ posing as representatives of an Arab sheik offering bribes in exchange for political favors .
@ @ @ @ @ a $ 50,000 bribe : “ Money talks in this business and bullshit walks .
@

Former Rep. Michael “Ozzie” Myers (D-PA), who was caught in the Abscam bribery scandal in the 1970s, is apparently in the middle of a Philadelphia election fraud probe, the Philadelphia Inquirer reports.
Myers served a three-year prison sentence for bribery and a vote by his House colleagues to expel him. He is best known, though, for one of the most enduring lines to emerge from that sting operation, which involved undercover FBI agents posing as representatives of an Arab sheik offering bribes in exchange for political favors.
Said Myers, while taking a $50,000 bribe: “Money talks in this business and bullshit walks.”


politicalwire--2020-05-27--Pelosi Blasts Trump’s Insistence on Holding Convention

“ Speaker Nancy Pelosi slammed President Trump ’ s insistence that the Republican National Convention occur as planned despite the @ @ @ @ @ party had any business holding its massive quadrennial gathering given the risks to public health @ @ @ @ @ .
Said Pelosi : “ I don ’ t think there ’ s anyone who @ @ @ @ @ that tens of thousands of people should come together for a political convention , no @ @ @ @ @ trip it is for somebody .
”

“Speaker Nancy Pelosi slammed President Trump’s insistence that the Republican National Convention occur as planned despite the pandemic, and suggested neither party had any business holding its massive quadrennial gathering given the risks to public health,” NBC News reports.
Said Pelosi: “I don’t think there’s anyone who would say at this point that tens of thousands of people should come together for a political convention, no matter how great an ego trip it is for somebody.”


politicalwire--2020-05-27--Postal Carrier Altered Absentee Ballot Applications

A West Virginia postal carrier has been charged with attempted election fraud after he admitted to altering the party affiliations @ @ @ @ @ absentee ballots from Democrat to Republican .


politicalwire--2020-05-27--Trump Administration Preps New Weapons Sale To Saudis

“ When State Department inspector general Steve Linick was abruptly fired , one of the inquiries he was conducting concerned @ @ @ @ @ weapons sale to Saudi Arabia .
Now the Trump administration is preparing to sell Riyadh @ @ @ @ @ the Daily Beast reports .


politicalwire--2020-05-27--Republicans Open to More Election Funding

“ Republican leaders on Capitol Hill say they don ’ t want the federal government telling states how to hold @ @ @ @ @ .
But they haven ’ t closed the door on increased funding for local officials @ @ @ @ @ voters safe this November , ” the Wall Street Journal reports .
Said Sen. Roy @ @ @ @ @ chairman of the Senate Rules Committee , which has jurisdiction over federal elections : “ @ @ @ @ @ likely and it ’ s likely necessary .
”

“Republican leaders on Capitol Hill say they don’t want the federal government telling states how to hold elections during the coronavirus pandemic. But they haven’t closed the door on increased funding for local officials wrestling with how to keep voters safe this November,” the Wall Street Journal reports.
Said Sen. Roy Blunt (R-MO), chairman of the Senate Rules Committee, which has jurisdiction over federal elections: “I think it’s likely and it’s likely necessary.”


politicalwire--2020-05-27--Tech Billionaires Plot Secret Plan to Boost Biden

Recode : “ Election Day is less than six months away , and Democrats are scrambling to patch the digital @ @ @ @ @ .
And behind the scenes , Silicon Valley ’ s billionaire Democrats are spending tens @ @ @ @ @ their own sweeping plans to catch up to President Trump ’ s lead on digital @ @ @ @ @ poised to make them some of the country ’ s most influential people when it @ @ @ @ @ results.
” “ These billionaires ’ arsenals are funding everything from nerdy political science experiments @ @ @ @ @ to rivalrous attempts to overhaul the party ’ s beleaguered data file .
They are @ @ @ @ @ peculiar , fixes to a political ailment just like they might if on the board @ @ @ @ @ ”

Recode: “Election Day is less than six months away, and Democrats are scrambling to patch the digital deficits of their presumptive nominee. And behind the scenes, Silicon Valley’s billionaire Democrats are spending tens of millions of dollars on their own sweeping plans to catch up to President Trump’s lead on digital campaigning — plans that are poised to make them some of the country’s most influential people when it comes to shaping the November results.”
“These billionaires’ arsenals are funding everything from nerdy political science experiments to divisive partisan news sites to rivalrous attempts to overhaul the party’s beleaguered data file. They are pushing their favored, sometimes peculiar, fixes to a political ailment just like they might if on the board of a struggling startup.”


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If you ’ re a regular reader , join as a member .
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politicalwire--2020-05-27--Space X to Launch Astronauts

Space X to Launch Astronauts

Today at 4:33 ET — but only if the weather in Florida cooperates — two NASA astronauts plan to strap @ @ @ @ @ a SpaceX rocket and travel to space , Nature reports .
“ If the launch @ @ @ @ @ a number of firsts in human spaceflight .
It will be the first time a @ @ @ @ @ to orbit , and the first time astronauts have launched from US soil since NASA @ @ @ @ @ 2011 .
Perhaps most significantly , it is the first time in 17 years that @ @ @ @ @ type of spaceship to carry humans to Earth orbit.
” You can watch live streams @ @ @ @ @ Space X. Update : The launch was scrubbed until May 30 .

Today at 4:33 ET — but only if the weather in Florida cooperates — two NASA astronauts plan to strap themselves into a capsule atop a SpaceX rocket and travel to space, Nature reports.
“If the launch succeeds, it will mark a number of firsts in human spaceflight. It will be the first time a private company has flown humans to orbit, and the first time astronauts have launched from US soil since NASA retired the Space Shuttle in 2011. Perhaps most significantly, it is the first time in 17 years that anyone has launched a new type of spaceship to carry humans to Earth orbit.”
You can watch live streams now from both NASA and Space X.
Update: The launch was scrubbed until May 30.


politicalwire--2020-05-27--Carter Page Says He Was Framed

Carter Page Says He Was Framed

Out this summer : Abuse and Power : How an Innocent American Was Framed in an Attempted Coup Against the @ @ @ @ @ “ Carter Page , the man at the center of one of the worst scandals @ @ @ @ @ history , reveals how our nation ’ s top law enforcement officials abused their power @ @ @ @ @ citizen in their effort to take down Donald Trump .
”

Out this summer: Abuse and Power: How an Innocent American Was Framed in an Attempted Coup Against the President by Carter Page.
“Carter Page, the man at the center of one of the worst scandals in our country’s history, reveals how our nation’s top law enforcement officials abused their power and framed an innocent American citizen in their effort to take down Donald Trump.”


politicalwire--2020-05-27--Judge Who Told Rape Victim to ‘Close Your Legs’ Removed

“ The New Jersey judge who was previously suspended for asking an alleged rape victim if she could have closed @ @ @ @ @ will never serve as a judge in the state again , ” the Asbury Park @ @ @ @ @ state Supreme Court issued a unanimous decision Tuesday removing John Russo Jr. from judicial office @ @ @ @ @ Ocean County Superior Court judge from presiding over a New Jersey courtroom again because of @ @ @ @ @ of misconduct ’ committed by Russo .
”

“The New Jersey judge who was previously suspended for asking an alleged rape victim if she could have closed her legs during the attack will never serve as a judge in the state again,” the Asbury Park Press reports.
“The state Supreme Court issued a unanimous decision Tuesday removing John Russo Jr. from judicial office and permanently barring the former Ocean County Superior Court judge from presiding over a New Jersey courtroom again because of ‘repeated and serious acts of misconduct’ committed by Russo.”


politicalwire--2020-05-27--Rosenstein Will Testify In Probe of Russia Probe

“ Former Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein will testify next week as part of the Judiciary Committee ’ s probe @ @ @ @ @ FBI ’ s Russia investigation , ” The Hill reports .
“ The hearing , @ @ @ @ @ marks the first public hearing Graham will hold as part of his deep dive into @ @ @ @ @ the name for the investigation into Russia ’ s 2016 election interference and the Trump @ @ @

“Former Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein will testify next week as part of the Judiciary Committee’s probe into the origins of the FBI’s Russia investigation,” The Hill reports.
“The hearing, scheduled for June 3, marks the first public hearing Graham will hold as part of his deep dive into ‘Crossfire Hurricane,’ the name for the investigation into Russia’s 2016 election interference and the Trump campaign.”


politicalwire--2020-05-28--North Carolina Should Call Trump’s Bluff

A Charlotte Observer editorial advises North Carolina Gov .
Roy Cooper ( D ) to call President Trump ’ s @ @ @ @ @ guarantee ” that Republicans can hold a 50,000 person convention in the state with the @ @ @ @ @ right now : No .
“ The alternative – giving an unqualified nod to the @ @ @ @ @ No one , including Trump and Cooper , knows what COVID-19 will look like late @ @ @ @ @ s possible North Carolina could see the kind of coronavirus progress that allows for a @ @ @ @ @ safely held here .
It ’ s just as possible that loosening restrictions in May @ @ @ @ @ a spike of infections in July and August , and that the convention will be @ @ @ @ @ global guests .
”

A Charlotte Observer editorial advises North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper (D) to call President Trump’s bluff on needing a “guarantee” that Republicans can hold a 50,000 person convention in the state with the only answer he can provide right now: No.
“The alternative – giving an unqualified nod to the convention – is untenable. No one, including Trump and Cooper, knows what COVID-19 will look like late this summer. It’s possible North Carolina could see the kind of coronavirus progress that allows for a large-scale indoor event to be safely held here. It’s just as possible that loosening restrictions in May and June could result in a spike of infections in July and August, and that the convention will be unsafe for Charlotte and its global guests.”


politicalwire--2020-05-28--U.S. to Expel Some Chinese Graduate Students

“ The Trump administration plans to cancel the visas of thousands of Chinese graduate students and researchers in the United @ @ @ @ @ to universities affiliated with the People ’ s Liberation Army , ” the New York @ @ @ @ @ plan would be the first designed to bar the access of a category of Chinese @ @ @ @ @ all , form the single largest foreign student population in the United States .
”

“The Trump administration plans to cancel the visas of thousands of Chinese graduate students and researchers in the United States who have direct ties to universities affiliated with the People’s Liberation Army,” the New York Times reports.
“The plan would be the first designed to bar the access of a category of Chinese students, who, over all, form the single largest foreign student population in the United States.”


politicalwire--2020-05-28--Trump Order Would Limit Protections for Social Media

“ A draft of an executive order President Trump is expected to sign on Thursday would seek to limit the @ @ @ @ @ law currently provides social-media and other online platforms , ” the Wall Street Journal reports @ @ @ @ @ would make it easier for federal regulators to hold companies such as Twitter and Facebook @ @ @ @ @ speech , for example by suspending their accounts or deleting their posts .
”

“A draft of an executive order President Trump is expected to sign on Thursday would seek to limit the broad legal protection that federal law currently provides social-media and other online platforms,” the Wall Street Journal reports.
“The draft order would make it easier for federal regulators to hold companies such as Twitter and Facebook liable for curbing users’ speech, for example by suspending their accounts or deleting their posts.”


politicalwire--2020-05-28--Democratic Pollster Says Biden Should Pick Warren

“ Stan Greenberg , one of the Democratic Party ’ s longtime leading pollsters , urged Hillary Clinton in 2016 @ @ @ @ @ her vice president .
He thinks Clinton would be president had she listened , ” @ @ @ @ @ Greenberg — who popularized the term ‘ Reagan Democrats ’ and came to prominence as @ @ @ @ @ pollster — is urging Joe Biden ’ s team to heed the same advice.
” @ @ @ @ @ he briefed top Biden campaign officials on two battleground surveys conducted by his firm .
@ @ @ @ @ Greenberg addressed the question hanging over Biden and his inner circle : Which vice presidential @ @ @ @ @ in November ?
The conclusion was blunt : ‘ Senator Warren is the obvious solution @ @ @

“Stan Greenberg, one of the Democratic Party’s longtime leading pollsters, urged Hillary Clinton in 2016 to pick Elizabeth Warren as her vice president. He thinks Clinton would be president had she listened,” Politico reports.
“Now Greenberg — who popularized the term ‘Reagan Democrats’ and came to prominence as Bill Clinton’s lead pollster — is urging Joe Biden’s team to heed the same advice.”
“Earlier this month, he briefed top Biden campaign officials on two battleground surveys conducted by his firm. Accompanied by a slide presentation… Greenberg addressed the question hanging over Biden and his inner circle: Which vice presidential candidate will help the most in November? The conclusion was blunt: ‘Senator Warren is the obvious solution.’”


politicalwire--2020-05-28--Trump’s Search for Heroic Narrative Is Thwarted

“ For President Trump , it was a chance to rewrite the story line from tragedy to triumph .
Even as the United States reached the grim milestone on Wednesday of 100,000 dead from the coronavirus pandemic , he would help mark the nation ’ s trailblazing return to human spaceflight from American soil , ” the New York Times reports .
“ But Mr. Trump ’ s hopes of demonstrating that America was back with the verve of a rocket ’ s red glare were doused by lightning-filled storm clouds that forced flight controllers to scrub the long-awaited launch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president watched helplessly from the Kennedy Space Center.
” “ Only minutes after heralding what was to be the first launch of NASA astronauts into orbit from the United States in nearly a decade , a disappointed Mr. Trump scrapped planned remarks and made a hasty retreat to Air Force One to fly back to Washington and the misery of the health crisis .
Still , just as the country ’ s reopening after months of lockdown proceeds with fits and starts , Mr. Trump vowed not to give up , promising to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be tried again .
”

“For President Trump, it was a chance to rewrite the story line from tragedy to triumph. Even as the United States reached the grim milestone on Wednesday of 100,000 dead from the coronavirus pandemic, he would help mark the nation’s trailblazing return to human spaceflight from American soil,” the New York Times reports.
“But Mr. Trump’s hopes of demonstrating that America was back with the verve of a rocket’s red glare were doused by lightning-filled storm clouds that forced flight controllers to scrub the long-awaited launch of the SpaceX rocket even as the president watched helplessly from the Kennedy Space Center.”
“Only minutes after heralding what was to be the first launch of NASA astronauts into orbit from the United States in nearly a decade, a disappointed Mr. Trump scrapped planned remarks and made a hasty retreat to Air Force One to fly back to Washington and the misery of the health crisis. Still, just as the country’s reopening after months of lockdown proceeds with fits and starts, Mr. Trump vowed not to give up, promising to return this weekend when the launch will be tried again.”


politicalwire--2020-05-28--Coronavirus May Never Go Away

Coronavirus May Never Go Away

Washington Post : “ There ’ s a good chance the coronavirus will never go away .
Even after a @ @ @ @ @ , the coronavirus will likely remain for decades to come , circulating among the world @ @ @ @ @ Experts call such diseases endemic — stubbornly resisting efforts to stamp them out .
Think @ @ @ @ @ .
It is a daunting proposition — a coronavirus-tinged world without a foreseeable end .
@ @ @ @ @ disaster planning and vaccine development say embracing that reality is crucial to the next phase @ @ @ @ @ response .
”

Washington Post: “There’s a good chance the coronavirus will never go away. Even after a vaccine is discovered and deployed, the coronavirus will likely remain for decades to come, circulating among the world’s population.”
“Experts call such diseases endemic — stubbornly resisting efforts to stamp them out. Think measles, HIV, chickenpox. It is a daunting proposition — a coronavirus-tinged world without a foreseeable end. But experts in epidemiology, disaster planning and vaccine development say embracing that reality is crucial to the next phase of America’s pandemic response.”


politicalwire--2020-05-28--Guilfoyle’s Influence Rises In Trump Campaign

“ Former Fox News personality Kimberly Guilfoyle has built her own power center within Donald Trump ’ s re-election campaign @ @ @ @ @ amid the coronavirus pandemic even as the president frets about his standing with voters , @ @ @ @ @ Guilfoyle , 51 , has dated the president ’ s son Donald Trump Jr. for @ @ @ @ @ taking a role in mid January as national chairwoman of the Trump Victory Finance Committee @ @ @ @ @ salary of $ 15,000 a month — she has amassed a team and operates with @ @ @ @ @ of the Trump family .

“Former Fox News personality Kimberly Guilfoyle has built her own power center within Donald Trump’s re-election campaign, helping to bolster fundraising amid the coronavirus pandemic even as the president frets about his standing with voters,” Bloomberg reports.
“Guilfoyle, 51, has dated the president’s son Donald Trump Jr. for two years. But since taking a role in mid January as national chairwoman of the Trump Victory Finance Committee — where she draws a salary of $15,000 a month — she has amassed a team and operates with the authority of a member of the Trump family.


politicalwire--2020-05-28--Bad State Data Hides Coronavirus Threat

Bad State Data Hides Coronavirus Threat

“ Federal and state officials across the country have altered or hidden public health data crucial to tracking the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ ability to detect a surge of infections as President Trump pushes the nation to reopen @ @ @ @ @ .
“ In at least a dozen states , health departments have inflated testing numbers @ @ @ @ @ changing criteria for who counts as a coronavirus victim and what counts as a coronavirus @ @ @

“Federal and state officials across the country have altered or hidden public health data crucial to tracking the coronavirus’ spread, hindering the ability to detect a surge of infections as President Trump pushes the nation to reopen rapidly,” Politico reports.
“In at least a dozen states, health departments have inflated testing numbers or deflated death tallies by changing criteria for who counts as a coronavirus victim and what counts as a coronavirus test.”


politicalwire--2020-05-28--Surveillance Overhaul Collapses In House

“ An effort to pass a significant surveillance overhaul package collapsed Wednesday evening , falling victim to presidential tweets , @ @ @ @ @ and the fracturing of a fragile coalition among liberals , moderates and conservatives , ” @ @ @ @ @ “ House Democratic leaders decided to abandon a scheduled vote a few hours after President @ @ @ @ @ on Twitter .
They have not determined when — or whether — the legislation might @ @ @ @

“An effort to pass a significant surveillance overhaul package collapsed Wednesday evening, falling victim to presidential tweets, opposition from the Justice Department and the fracturing of a fragile coalition among liberals, moderates and conservatives,” the Washington Post reports.
“House Democratic leaders decided to abandon a scheduled vote a few hours after President Trump issued a veto threat on Twitter. They have not determined when — or whether — the legislation might be revived.”


politicalwire--2020-05-28--Hickenlooper Crushing Gardner In U.S. Senate Race

A new Keating-Onsight-Melanson poll of likely voters in Colorado finds former Gov .
John Hickenlooper ( D ) is ahead @ @ @ @ @ R ) by 18 percentage points in the U.S. Senate race , 54 % to @ @ @ @ @ undecided .
The poll also found Joe Biden leading Donald Trump by a 19 percentage @ @ @ @ @ race , 55 % to 36 % .

A new Keating-Onsight-Melanson poll of likely voters in Colorado finds former Gov. John Hickenlooper (D) is ahead of Sen. Cory Gardner (R) by 18 percentage points in the U.S. Senate race, 54% to 36% with 9% undecided.
The poll also found Joe Biden leading Donald Trump by a 19 percentage point margin in the presidential race, 55% to 36%.


politicalwire--2020-05-29--Stuart Stevens Joins the Lincoln Project

“ Stuart Stevens , the former chief strategist for Mitt Romney ’ s 2012 presidential campaign , said Thursday that @ @ @ @ @ Project , a super PAC launched by a group of veteran Republican operatives seeking to @ @ @ @ @ the Washington Post reports .

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


politicalwire--2020-05-28--Lori Klausutis Deserves Better

Lori Klausutis Deserves Better

Joe Scarborough : “ The pace of those hateful lies ebbed and flowed with the years , until they swelled @ @ @ @ @ of bilge spewing from President Trump ’ s 80-million-strong Twitter feed .
I have never @ @ @ @ @ ’ s bizarre fixation with ‘ Morning Joe , ’ but that sad obsession has @ @ @ @ @ ’ s memory in an attempt to settle some perceived grievance against me .
Or @ @ @ @ @ 100,000 Americans lost to a disease he once dismissed as ‘ one person coming in @ @ @ @ @ “ I have been a public figure for more than 25 years , so I @ @ @ @ @ lies .
T.J. and Lori ’ s family , however , are innocents in this @ @ @ @ @ in chief torment a patriot like T.J. is disgusting , but sadly , not surprising @ @ @ @ @ endured from discredited websites and Twitter accounts , T.J. kept his peace for nearly two @ @ @ @ @ powerful man on Earth began slandering his wife ’ s good name .
”

Joe Scarborough: “The pace of those hateful lies ebbed and flowed with the years, until they swelled recently into a slimy tsunami of bilge spewing from President Trump’s 80-million-strong Twitter feed. I have never been able to grasp Trump’s bizarre fixation with ‘Morning Joe,’ but that sad obsession has driven him to weaponize Lori’s memory in an attempt to settle some perceived grievance against me. Or perhaps to deflect from the 100,000 Americans lost to a disease he once dismissed as ‘one person coming in from China.'”
“I have been a public figure for more than 25 years, so I pay little attention to public lies. T.J. and Lori’s family, however, are innocents in this. To have the commander in chief torment a patriot like T.J. is disgusting, but sadly, not surprising. Despite the pain he endured from discredited websites and Twitter accounts, T.J. kept his peace for nearly two decades, until the most powerful man on Earth began slandering his wife’s good name.”


politicalwire--2020-05-28--Trump Holds Small Lead In Missouri

Trump Holds Small Lead In Missouri

A new We Ask America poll in Missouri finds Donald Trump leads Joe Biden in the presidential race , 48 @ @ @ @ @ 5 % undecided .


politicalwire--2020-05-28--Cortez Masto Withdraws from Veep Consideration

Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto ( D-NV ) said Thursday that she ’ s not interested in serving as running mate @ @ @ @ @ Biden , the AP reports .


politicalwire--2020-05-28--Trump Signs Order That Could Punish Social Media

“ President Trump on Thursday signed an executive order that could open the door for federal regulators to punish Facebook @ @ @ @ @ the way they police content online , issuing a major broadside against Silicon Valley that @ @ @ @ @ and threats of a legal challenge , ” the Washington Post reports .


politicalwire--2020-05-28--Marshall Is Best Hope for GOP to Keep Kansas Senate Seat

A new National Republican Senatorial Committee poll in Kansas finds Roger Marshall ( R ) leading Barbara Bolier ( D @ @ @ @ @ race , 46 % to 35 % with 18 % undecided .
However , the @ @ @ @ @ Kris Kobach ( R ) as the GOP nominee : Kobach barely edges Bolier , @ @ @ @ @ with 12 % undecided .

A new National Republican Senatorial Committee poll in Kansas finds Roger Marshall (R) leading Barbara Bolier (D) in the U.S. Senate race, 46% to 35% with 18% undecided.
However, the race is effectively tied with Kris Kobach (R) as the GOP nominee: Kobach barely edges Bolier, 44% to 43% with 12% undecided.


politicalwire--2020-05-28--GOP Lawmaker Refuses Temperature Check

GOP Lawmaker Refuses Temperature Check

Ohio state Rep. Candice Keller ( R ) “ refused to have her temperature taken at work this week , @ @ @ @ @ of her privacy , ” the Cincinnati Enquirer reports .
Said Keller on Facebook : @ @ @ @ @ ve had to put up with so much opposition over the last 4 years as @ @ @ @ @ ONE GETS TO CONTROL ME .
I mean , NO ONE .
I have civil @ @ @ @ @ right to privacy .
”

Ohio state Rep. Candice Keller (R) “refused to have her temperature taken at work this week, calling the practice an invasion of her privacy,” the Cincinnati Enquirer reports.
Said Keller on Facebook: “The reason I’ve had to put up with so much opposition over the last 4 years as a Representative is that NO ONE GETS TO CONTROL ME. I mean, NO ONE. I have civil rights and I have a right to privacy.”


politicalwire--2020-05-28--North Korea Accused of Laundering for Nuclear Program

“ North Korean and Chinese nationals are operating a multibillion-dollar money laundering scheme to help fund North Korea ’ s @ @ @ @ @ Justice Department said in an indictment unsealed Thursday , a case that underscores the Trump @ @ @ @ @ halt Pyongyang ’ s nuclear weapons program through diplomacy , ” the New York Times @ @


politicalwire--2020-05-28--Why Is Covid More Deadly In U.S. and Europe?

Washington Post : “ It is one of the many mysteries of the coronavirus pandemic : Why has the death @ @ @ @ @ lower in Asia than in Western Europe and North America ?
” “ Even allowing @ @ @ @ @ counting methods , and questions over full disclosure of cases , stark differences in mortality @ @ @ @ @ the attention of researchers trying to crack the coronavirus code .
Parts of Asia reacted @ @ @ @ @ largely started social distancing earlier on .
But researchers are also examining other factors , @ @ @ @ @ immune system responses , separate virus strains and regional contrasts in obesity levels and general @ @ @

Washington Post: “It is one of the many mysteries of the coronavirus pandemic: Why has the death toll from covid-19 apparently been lower in Asia than in Western Europe and North America?”
“Even allowing for different testing policies and counting methods, and questions over full disclosure of cases, stark differences in mortality across the world have caught the attention of researchers trying to crack the coronavirus code. Parts of Asia reacted quickly to the threat and largely started social distancing earlier on. But researchers are also examining other factors, including differences in genetics and immune system responses, separate virus strains and regional contrasts in obesity levels and general health.”


politicalwire--2020-05-28--The Riches of This Land

The Riches of This Land

This should be good : The Riches of This Land : The Untold , True Story of America ’ s @ @ @ @ @ .
“ His analysis begins with the revelation that women and minorities played a far @ @ @ @ @ the post-war middle class than today ’ s politicians typically acknowledge , and policies that @ @ @ @ @ the structural shifts of the American economy have enabled a privileged few to capture nearly @ @ @ @ @ ’ s growing prosperity .
”

This should be good: The Riches of This Land: The Untold, True Story of America’s Middle Class by Jim Tankersley.
“His analysis begins with the revelation that women and minorities played a far more crucial role in building the post-war middle class than today’s politicians typically acknowledge, and policies that have done nothing to address the structural shifts of the American economy have enabled a privileged few to capture nearly all the benefits of America’s growing prosperity.”


politicalwire--2020-05-28--NSA Issues Warning on Russian Hackers

NSA Issues Warning on Russian Hackers

“ The same Russian intelligence unit that leaked Democrats ’ files in 2016 is engaged in an ongoing email hacking @ @ @ @ @ Agency announced Thursday , ” NBC News reports .


politicalwire--2020-05-28--Klobuchar Declined to Prosecute Cop Who Killed Floyd

George Floyd ’ s death in police custody is renewing criticism of Sen. Amy Klobuchar ’ s ( D-MN ) prosecutorial record , The Week reports .
“ Before she became a senator and a top contender for former Vice President Joe Biden ’ s vice presidential spot , Klobuchar spent eight years as the Hennepin County attorney , in charge of prosecution for Minneapolis .
And while in that position , Klobuchar declined to prosecute multiple police officers cited for excessive force , including the officer who kneeled on Floyd ’ s neck as he protested.
” As for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Guardian reports that Klobuchar “ did not prosecute and instead the case went to a grand jury that declined to charge the officers with wrongdoing in 2008.
” The Washington Post examined Klobuchar ’ s record as a prosecutor early last year : “ As a prosecutor in heavily white Minnesota , Amy Klobuchar declined to go after police involved in fatal encounters with black men.
” Jonathan Capehart : Why black voters don ’ t want Klobuchar as Biden ’ s running mate .
Note to readers : An earlier version @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that may not be credible , although the reporting is similar .

George Floyd’s death in police custody is renewing criticism of Sen. Amy Klobuchar’s (D-MN) prosecutorial record, The Week reports.
“Before she became a senator and a top contender for former Vice President Joe Biden’s vice presidential spot, Klobuchar spent eight years as the Hennepin County attorney, in charge of prosecution for Minneapolis. And while in that position, Klobuchar declined to prosecute multiple police officers cited for excessive force, including the officer who kneeled on Floyd’s neck as he protested.”
As for the officer who apparently killed Floyd, The Guardian reports that Klobuchar “did not prosecute and instead the case went to a grand jury that declined to charge the officers with wrongdoing in 2008.”
The Washington Post examined Klobuchar’s record as a prosecutor early last year: “As a prosecutor in heavily white Minnesota, Amy Klobuchar declined to go after police involved in fatal encounters with black men.”
Jonathan Capehart: Why black voters don’t want Klobuchar as Biden’s running mate.
Note to readers: An earlier version of this post linked to a source that may not be credible, although the reporting is similar.


politicalwire--2020-05-28--Trump’s Latest Ad Spending Is Defensive

Trump’s Latest Ad Spending Is Defensive

President Trump ’ s campaign is buying television advertising time in Arizona , Florida , Iowa , Michigan , North @ @ @ @ @ , according to Medium Buying .
And for the first time , they are putting @ @ @ @ @ These are all states Trump won in 2016 .

President Trump’s campaign is buying television advertising time in Arizona, Florida, Iowa, Michigan, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, according to Medium Buying.
And for the first time, they are putting up ads in Ohio.
These are all states Trump won in 2016.


politicalwire--2020-05-28--Pelosi Rips Both Facebook and Twitter

Pelosi Rips Both Facebook and Twitter

Speaker Nancy Pelosi ( D-CA ) ripped Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg for saying he didn ’ t believe social media @ @ @ @ @ arbiters of truth ” and fact-check political speech , the Daily Beast reports .
Said @ @ @ @ @ Mark Zuckerberg ’ s statement was a disgrace.
” And she didn ’ t spare @ @ @ @ @ re not taking off any accusations the president is making about Joe Scarborough .
They @ @ @ @ @ true .
They do a token thing and think it ’ s okay .
Again @ @ @ @ @ know if there ’ s honor among thieves but they only have a business model @ @ @ @ @ to convey facts .
That ’ s what they ’ re about .
”

Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) ripped Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg for saying he didn’t believe social media platforms should be the “arbiters of truth” and fact-check political speech, the Daily Beast reports.
Said Pelsoi: “I think Mark Zuckerberg’s statement was a disgrace.”
And she didn’t spare Twitter: “They’re not taking off any accusations the president is making about Joe Scarborough. They know that’s not true. They do a token thing and think it’s okay. Again, I don’t know if there’s honor among thieves but they only have a business model to make money, not to convey facts. That’s what they’re about.”


politicalwire--2020-05-28--Lawmaker Rips GOP for Covering Up  Positive Tests

Pennsylvania state Rep. Brian Sims ( D ) went on a 12-minute profanity-laced tirade against Republican House members who had @ @ @ @ @ or came in contact with someone who had , and yet remained silent , the @ @ @ @ @


politicalwire--2020-05-28--Pence Will Make Another Visit to Georgia

“ Vice President Mike Pence will return to Atlanta on Friday to highlight the state ’ s aggressive strategy to @ @ @ @ @ his second visit to Georgia in a week , ” the Atlanta Journal Constitution reports @ @ @ @ @ visit , Pence has floated Georgia as a potential site of the Republican National Convention @ @ @ @ @ the August gathering from Charlotte unless the state ’ s governor can guarantee full attendance @ @

“Vice President Mike Pence will return to Atlanta on Friday to highlight the state’s aggressive strategy to ease coronavirus restrictions, marking his second visit to Georgia in a week,” the Atlanta Journal Constitution reports.
“Since his last visit, Pence has floated Georgia as a potential site of the Republican National Convention after Trump threatened to move the August gathering from Charlotte unless the state’s governor can guarantee full attendance.”


politicalwire--2020-05-28--Graham Urges Older Judges to Step Down

Graham Urges Older Judges to Step Down

Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham ( R-SC ) urged federal judges who are in their mid-to-late 60s to step @ @ @ @ @ increasingly nervous about holding the Senate majority in the November election as they eye President @ @ @ @ @ , can fill the vacancies now , the Washington Post reports .
Graham made the @ @ @ @ @ conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt .
Said Graham : “ This is an historic opportunity @ @ @ @ @ over 200 federal judges on the bench… If you can get four more years , @ @ @ @ @ change the judiciary for several generations .
So if you ’ re a circuit judge @ @ @ @ @ 60s , you can take senior status , now would be a good time to @ @ @ @ @ want to make sure the judiciary is right of center .
”

Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham (R-SC) urged federal judges who are in their mid-to-late 60s to step aside so that Republicans, increasingly nervous about holding the Senate majority in the November election as they eye President Trump’s poll numbers, can fill the vacancies now, the Washington Post reports.
Graham made the comments in an interview with conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt.
Said Graham: “This is an historic opportunity. We’ve put over 200 federal judges on the bench… If you can get four more years, I mean, it would change the judiciary for several generations. So if you’re a circuit judge in your mid-60s, late 60s, you can take senior status, now would be a good time to do that, if you want to make sure the judiciary is right of center.”


politicalwire--2020-05-28--Cuomo Allows Stores to Require Face Masks

New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo ( D ) signed an executive order authorizing businesses to deny entry to those @ @ @ @ @ or face-coverings .


Ranking the Presidents

Just published : The Presidents : Noted Historians Rank America ’ s Best–and Worst–Chief Executives edited by Brian Lamb .
@ @ @ @ @ Among the pleasures of the texts are the little-known-and sometimes quirky-details about the presidents… A @ @ @ @ @ as a solid reference work and as a milepost in the evolving and ever changing @ @ @ @ @ ”

Just published: The Presidents: Noted Historians Rank America’s Best–and Worst–Chief Executives edited by Brian Lamb.
From Kirkus Reviews: “Among the pleasures of the texts are the little-known-and sometimes quirky-details about the presidents… A text that will serve both as a solid reference work and as a milepost in the evolving and ever changing reputations of our presidents.”


politicalwire--2020-05-28--GOP Operatives Worry Senate Majority at Risk

“ Seven GOP operatives not directly associated with the President ’ s reelection campaign told CNN that Trump ’ s @ @ @ @ @ the subsequent economic fallout have significantly damaged his bid for a second term — and @ @ @ @ @ to hurt Republicans more broadly.
” “ Several say that public polls showing Trump trailing @ @ @ @ @ mirror what they are finding in their own private polls , and that the trend @ @ @ @ @ races .
”

“Seven GOP operatives not directly associated with the President’s reelection campaign told CNN that Trump’s response to the pandemic and the subsequent economic fallout have significantly damaged his bid for a second term — and that the effects are starting to hurt Republicans more broadly.”
“Several say that public polls showing Trump trailing presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden mirror what they are finding in their own private polls, and that the trend is bleeding into key Senate races.”


politicalwire--2020-05-29--Racial Tragedies Put Pressure on Biden for Veep Pick

“ Joe Biden is facing growing pressure from activists and party leaders to pick a nonwhite running mate in the @ @ @ @ @ race and police violence that have stoked widespread outrage , ” the Washington Post reports @ @ @ @ @ to select a woman , prompting leading Democrats to publicly and privately promote several high-profile @ @ @ @ @ job .
Those calls have grown louder this week following the death of a black @ @ @ @ @ Minneapolis , a racist conflict in a New York City park and the fatal shooting @ @ @ @ @ Georgia .
”

“Joe Biden is facing growing pressure from activists and party leaders to pick a nonwhite running mate in the wake of explosive incidents involving race and police violence that have stoked widespread outrage,” the Washington Post reports.
“Biden has pledged to select a woman, prompting leading Democrats to publicly and privately promote several high-profile women of color for the job. Those calls have grown louder this week following the death of a black man in police custody in Minneapolis, a racist conflict in a New York City park and the fatal shooting of a black jogger in Georgia.”


politicalwire--2020-05-29--‘When the Looting Starts, the Shooting Starts’

The unrest in Minneapolis got the attention of President Trump this morning , who tweeted he “ can ’ t @ @ @ @ @ happen to a great American City , ” the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports .
He @ @ @ @ @ to Minnesota Gov .
Tim Walz ( D ) “ and told him that the @ @ @ @ @ the way .
Any difficulty and we will assume control but , when the looting @ @ @ @ @ .
”

The unrest in Minneapolis got the attention of President Trump this morning, who tweeted he “can’t stand back & watch this happen to a great American City,” the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.
He added that he had talked to Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) “and told him that the military is with him all the way. Any difficulty and we will assume control but, when the looting starts, the shooting starts.”


politicalwire--2020-05-29--Minneapolis Police Arrest CNN Reporter On Air

Minneapolis police arrested CNN reporter Omar Jimenez live on air even after he identified himself .
According to CNN , @ @ @ @ @ ( D ) told CNN president Jeff Zucker “ that he deeply apologizes for what @ @ @ @ @ is working to have the CNN crew released immediately .
”


politicalwire--2020-05-29--Minneapolis Protests Continue Through the Night

“ The Twin Cities convulsed with chaos for a third straight night of violent unrest Thursday in the wake of @ @ @ @ @ George Floyd as he was being restrained on the neck by a Minneapolis police officer @ @ @ @ @ Tribune reports .
“ Late Thursday and early Friday , rioters invaded and set fire @ @ @ @ @ Third Precinct headquarters and for a second overnight , torched and looted many other buildings @ @ @ @ @ , many of them housing small businesses with minority owners .
”

“The Twin Cities convulsed with chaos for a third straight night of violent unrest Thursday in the wake of the Memorial Day death of George Floyd as he was being restrained on the neck by a Minneapolis police officer,” the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.
“Late Thursday and early Friday, rioters invaded and set fire to Minneapolis police’s Third Precinct headquarters and for a second overnight, torched and looted many other buildings in the Lake Street corridor, many of them housing small businesses with minority owners.”
New York Post cover: Minnesota Burning.


politicalwire--2020-05-29--Trump May Defy Congress to Sell More Arms to Saudis

“ The Trump administration is moving to sell another cache of munitions to Saudi Arabia , according to lawmakers and @ @ @ @ @ that would again defy Congress and ignore the objections of lawmakers in both parties about @ @ @ @ @ record , ” the New York Times reports .
“ The State Department informally notified @ @ @ @ @ was planning to move forward with the sale of precision-guided missiles worth $ 478 million @ @ @ @ @ to approve licenses to allow Raytheon to expand its manufacturing footprint inside the kingdom .
@ @ @ @ @ Senate and House foreign affairs committees have both withheld their support for the plan , @ @ @ @ @ they fear State Department officials will push the sales through anyway .
”

“The Trump administration is moving to sell another cache of munitions to Saudi Arabia, according to lawmakers and congressional aides, a step that would again defy Congress and ignore the objections of lawmakers in both parties about Riyadh’s human rights record,” the New York Times reports.
“The State Department informally notified lawmakers in January that it was planning to move forward with the sale of precision-guided missiles worth $478 million to Saudi Arabia, and to approve licenses to allow Raytheon to expand its manufacturing footprint inside the kingdom. The top Democrats on the Senate and House foreign affairs committees have both withheld their support for the plan, effectively blocking it, but they fear State Department officials will push the sales through anyway.”


politicalwire--2020-05-29--Roger Stone Must Report to Prison June 30

Longtime Trump friend and political adviser Roger Stone must report to prison by June 30 , CNN reports .
“ @ @ @ @ @ inmate # 19579-104 after a federal judge sentenced him to 40 months in prison for @ @ @ @ @ intimidation .
”

“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…