politicalwire--2020-05-16--Intelligence Chief Reduces Size of Counterterrorism Office

“ The acting intelligence chief announced a reorganization of the National Counterterrorism Center on Friday , part of an effort @ @ @ @ @ the office overseeing the nation ’ s spy agencies , ” the New York Times @ @ @ @ @ , the acting director of national intelligence , has been racing against the clock to @ @ @ @ @ before his appointment ends and he is replaced with a Senate-confirmed official .
”

“The acting intelligence chief announced a reorganization of the National Counterterrorism Center on Friday, part of an effort to reduce the size of the office overseeing the nation’s spy agencies,” the New York Times reports.
“Richard Grenell, the acting director of national intelligence, has been racing against the clock to make changes to his office before his appointment ends and he is replaced with a Senate-confirmed official.”


politicalwire--2020-05-16--Trump Jr. Smears Biden With Baseless Post

President Trump ’ s eldest son on Saturday posted a social media message suggesting Joe Biden was a pedophile , @ @ @ @ @ that illustrates the tactics the president is turning to as he attempts to erase Mr. @ @ @ @ @ in key state polls , the New York Times reports .

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


politicalwire--2020-05-16--Obama Says Trump Isn’t Even ‘Pretending to Be In Charge’

In rare public criticism , former President Barack Obama told college graduates that the coronavirus pandemic shows “ folks in @ @ @ @ @ always know what they ’ re doing , the Washington Post reports .
Said Obama @ @ @ @ @ , this pandemic has fully , finally torn back the curtain on the idea that @ @ @ @ @ what they ’ re doing .
A lot of them aren ’ t even pretending @ @ @ @ @ ”

In rare public criticism, former President Barack Obama told college graduates that the coronavirus pandemic shows “folks in charge” don’t always know what they’re doing, the Washington Post reports.
Said Obama: “More than anything, this pandemic has fully, finally torn back the curtain on the idea that the folks in charge know what they’re doing. A lot of them aren’t even pretending to be in charge.”


politicalwire--2020-05-16--Pentagon Won’t Confirm Trump’s ‘Super Duper’ Missile

President Trump boasted that the military is developing a new “ super duper ” missile that he claimed can travel @ @ @ @ @ the current arsenal , CNN reports .
“ Despite the fact Trump made the seemingly @ @ @ @ @ ’ s leadership , the department did not provide details of the weapon the President @ @ @ @ @ ”

President Trump boasted that the military is developing a new “super duper” missile that he claimed can travel 17-times faster than anything in the current arsenal, CNN reports.
“Despite the fact Trump made the seemingly off-the-cuff announcement alongside the Pentagon’s leadership, the department did not provide details of the weapon the President seemed to have unveiled.”


politicalwire--2020-05-16--Graham Would Move to Confirm New Justice

Sen. Lindsey Graham ( R-SC ) said the Senate would work to confirm a Supreme Court nominee this year if @ @ @ @ @ the circumstances are different from 2016 , when Republicans blocked then-President Obama ’ s nomination @ @ @ @ @ Hill reports .
“ Graham , who chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee , noted that @ @ @ @ @ White House are held by Republicans , versus in 2016 , when the GOP-held Senate @ @ @ @ @ Said Graham : “ Well , Merrick Garland was a different situation .
You had @ @ @ @ @ nominating , and you had the Senate in the hands of the other party .
@ @ @ @ @ ve got them both would be different .
I don ’ t want to speculate @ @ @ @ @ judges is a high priority for me in 2020 .
”

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) said the Senate would work to confirm a Supreme Court nominee this year if a vacancy arises, saying the circumstances are different from 2016, when Republicans blocked then-President Obama’s nomination of Merrick Garland, The Hill reports.
“Graham, who chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee, noted that both the Senate and the White House are held by Republicans, versus in 2016, when the GOP-held Senate denied Garland a hearing.”
Said Graham: “Well, Merrick Garland was a different situation. You had the president of one party nominating, and you had the Senate in the hands of the other party. A situation where you’ve got them both would be different. I don’t want to speculate, but I think appointing judges is a high priority for me in 2020.”


politicalwire--2020-05-16--Trump Says Biden ‘Not Even a Factor’

Trump Says Biden ‘Not Even a Factor’

President Trump dismissed Joe Biden ’ s White House bid tweeting , “ I ’ m not running against Sleepy @ @ @ @ @ not even a factor .
Never was , remember 1 % Joe ?
” He @ @ @ @ @ m running against the Radical Left , Do Nothing Democrats & their partner , the @ @ @ @ @ Lamestream Fake News Media !
They are vicious & crazy , but we will WIN @ @

President Trump dismissed Joe Biden’s White House bid tweeting, “I’m not running against Sleepy Joe Biden. He is not even a factor. Never was, remember 1% Joe?”
He added: “I’m running against the Radical Left, Do Nothing Democrats & their partner, the real opposition party, the Lamestream Fake News Media! They are vicious & crazy, but we will WIN!”


politicalwire--2020-05-16--Top Democrats Launch Probe Into Watchdog Firing

Rep. Eliot Engel ( D-NY ) and Sen. Robert Menendez ( D-NJ ) told the Trump administration to preserve all @ @ @ @ @ night removal of the inspector general , the Washington Post reports .
Said the two @ @ @ @ @ “ President Trump ’ s unprecedented removal of Inspector General Linick is only his latest @ @ @ @ @ , our government ’ s key independent watchdogs , from a federal agency .
”

Rep. Eliot Engel (D-NY) and Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ) told the Trump administration to preserve all records related to the Friday night removal of the inspector general, the Washington Post reports.
Said the two lawmakers in a letter: “President Trump’s unprecedented removal of Inspector General Linick is only his latest sacking of an inspector general, our government’s key independent watchdogs, from a federal agency.”


politicalwire--2020-05-16--Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day

“ We have a clear path to 270 .
We are pulling ahead in Florida , in Pennsylvania , in @ @ @ @ @ in Arizona .
And if we kept these numbers , and we kept them through @ @ @ @ @ put us at 318 electoral votes.
” Test various paths to 270 on our interactive @ @ @

“We have a clear path to 270. We are pulling ahead in Florida, in Pennsylvania, in Michigan, in Wisconsin and in Arizona. And if we kept these numbers, and we kept them through November, that’d put us at 318 electoral votes.”
— Biden campaign manager Jen O’Malley Dillon, quoted by Yahoo News.
Test various paths to 270 on our interactive electoral map.


politicalwire--2020-05-16--Donors Will Be Able to Give $620K to Support Biden

“ Joe Biden will ask donors to give as much as $ 620,600 to support his White House bid and @ @ @ @ @ his fundraising capability to compete with President Trump ’ s big-money machine , ” the @ @ @ @ @ The Biden Victory Fund , a committee that raises money with the Democratic National Committee @ @ @ @ @ agreement that allows wealthy donors to give large checks that will be shared by the @ @ @ @ @ 26 state parties — the latest move by Democrats to ramp up the former vice @ @ @ @ @ the general election .
”

“Joe Biden will ask donors to give as much as $620,600 to support his White House bid and down-ballot candidates, dramatically expanding his fundraising capability to compete with President Trump’s big-money machine,” the Washington Post reports.
“The Biden Victory Fund, a committee that raises money with the Democratic National Committee, on Saturday filed an agreement that allows wealthy donors to give large checks that will be shared by the campaign, the party and 26 state parties — the latest move by Democrats to ramp up the former vice president’s fundraising for the general election.”


politicalwire--2020-05-16--Amash Abandons Run for President

Amash Abandons Run for President

Rep. Justin Amash ( I￼-MI ) said on Twitter that he will not run for president this year after saying @ @ @ @ @ seek the Libertarian Party ’ s nomination .
Said Amash : “ After much reflection @ @ @ @ @ that circumstances don ’ t lend themselves to my success as a candidate for president @ @ @ @ @ I will not be a candidate .
”

Rep. Justin Amash (I￼-MI) said on Twitter that he will not run for president this year after saying last month that he would seek the Libertarian Party’s nomination.
Said Amash: “After much reflection, I’ve concluded that circumstances don’t lend themselves to my success as a candidate for president this year, and therefore I will not be a candidate.”


politicalwire--2020-05-16--GOP Has No Health Care Plan Amid Pandemic

“ President Trump left no doubt what he wanted his GOP allies to focus on , diverting to the TV cameras before he entered a private huddle of Senate Republicans , ” the Washington Post reports .
Said Trump : “ Let me tell you exactly what my message is : The Republican Party will soon be known as the party of health care .
You watch.
” “ Nearly 14 months later , reminded of that day , Sen. John Cornyn ( R-Tex . )
broke into a knowing laugh , fully aware that Trump ’ s ‘ party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Within days , Republicans gave up on trying to draft a replacement for the Affordable Care Act , and after some hesitation this month , the Trump administration plowed ahead with its effort to get the Supreme Court to rule the 2010 law unconstitutional even as no substitute is being drafted on Capitol Hill.
” “ Now faced with a viral pandemic that has driven more than 36 million workers to file unemployment claims in eight weeks , Republicans find themselves heading into an election season still lacking any health plan .
@

“President Trump left no doubt what he wanted his GOP allies to focus on, diverting to the TV cameras before he entered a private huddle of Senate Republicans,” the Washington Post reports.
Said Trump: “Let me tell you exactly what my message is: The Republican Party will soon be known as the party of health care. You watch.”
“Nearly 14 months later, reminded of that day, Sen. John Cornyn (R-Tex.) broke into a knowing laugh, fully aware that Trump’s ‘party of health care’ declaration went nowhere. Within days, Republicans gave up on trying to draft a replacement for the Affordable Care Act, and after some hesitation this month, the Trump administration plowed ahead with its effort to get the Supreme Court to rule the 2010 law unconstitutional even as no substitute is being drafted on Capitol Hill.”
“Now faced with a viral pandemic that has driven more than 36 million workers to file unemployment claims in eight weeks, Republicans find themselves heading into an election season still lacking any health plan.”


politicalwire--2020-05-16--Tara Reade Left Trail of Aggrieved Acquaintances

“ Over the past decade , Reade has left a trail of aggrieved acquaintances in California ’ s Central Coast @ @ @ @ @ remember two things about her — she spoke favorably about her time working for Biden @ @ @ @ @ feeling duped , ” Politico reports .
“ A number of those in close contact @ @ @ @ @ 12 years , a period in which she went by the names Tara Reade , @ @ @ @ @ , laid out a familiar pattern : Reade ingratiated herself , explained she was down @ @ @ @ @ help , and eventually took advantage of their goodwill to extract money , skip rent @ @ @ @ @ other bills .
”

“Over the past decade, Reade has left a trail of aggrieved acquaintances in California’s Central Coast region, who say they remember two things about her — she spoke favorably about her time working for Biden, and she left them feeling duped,” Politico reports.
“A number of those in close contact with Reade over the past 12 years, a period in which she went by the names Tara Reade, Tara McCabe or Alexandra McCabe, laid out a familiar pattern: Reade ingratiated herself, explained she was down on her luck and needed help, and eventually took advantage of their goodwill to extract money, skip rent payments or walk out on other bills.”


politicalwire--2020-05-16--TSA Prepping Temperature Checks at Airports

“ U.S .
officials are preparing to begin checking passengers ’ temperatures at roughly a dozen airports as soon as @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus pandemic has heightened travel anxieties , ” the Wall Street Journal reports .
“ @ @ @ @ @ under review by the White House and are subject to change , the people said @ @ @ @ @ be determined which airports will initially have the new scanning procedures .
A senior Trump @ @ @ @ @ rollout is expected to cost less than $ 20 million , and that passengers won @ @ @ @ @ additional fee .
”

“U.S. officials are preparing to begin checking passengers’ temperatures at roughly a dozen airports as soon as next week, as the coronavirus pandemic has heightened travel anxieties,” the Wall Street Journal reports.
“Details of the plan are under review by the White House and are subject to change, the people said. It couldn’t be determined which airports will initially have the new scanning procedures. A senior Trump administration official said the initial rollout is expected to cost less than $20 million, and that passengers won’t be charged an additional fee.”


politicalwire--2020-05-16--Wisconsin a Hotbed of Virus Politics

Wisconsin a Hotbed of Virus Politics

“ Wisconsin has been the battleground for political proxy wars for nearly a decade , the backdrop for bruising feuds @ @ @ @ @ power , redistricting and President Trump , ” the AP reports .
“ Now , @ @ @ @ @ election , the state is on fire again .
With a divided state government and @ @ @ @ @ has emerged as a hotbed of partisan fighting over the coronavirus , including how to @ @ @ @ @ the economy , vote during a pandemic and judge Trump ’ s leadership.
” “ @ @ @ @ @ political twist has been dissected by the parties , political scientists and the press , @ @ @ @ @ which way the swing state might be swinging in the virus era .
”

“Wisconsin has been the battleground for political proxy wars for nearly a decade, the backdrop for bruising feuds over labor unions, executive power, redistricting and President Trump,” the AP reports.
“Now, six months before a presidential election, the state is on fire again. With a divided state government and a polarized electorate, Wisconsin has emerged as a hotbed of partisan fighting over the coronavirus, including how to slow its spread, restart the economy, vote during a pandemic and judge Trump’s leadership.”
“In recent weeks, every political twist has been dissected by the parties, political scientists and the press, all searching for insight into which way the swing state might be swinging in the virus era.”


politicalwire--2020-05-16--Death Toll to Cross 100,000 By End of Month

“ The United States is heading toward more than 100,000 coronavirus deaths by June 1 , with leading mortality forecasts @ @ @ @ @ Politico reports .


politicalwire--2020-05-16--Engel Says Inspector General Was Probing Pompeo

Rep. Eliot Engel ( D-NY ) , chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee , told the Washington Post that @ @ @ @ @ was fired after opening an investigation into Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and said the @ @ @ @ @ act of retaliation.
” A Democratic congressional aide said that Steve Linick was looking into @ @ @ @ @ of a political appointee at the Department to perform personal tasks for himself and Mrs. @ @ @

Rep. Eliot Engel (D-NY), chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, told the Washington Post that the State Department Inspector General was fired after opening an investigation into Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and said the timing suggested “an unlawful act of retaliation.”
A Democratic congressional aide said that Steve Linick was looking into Pompeo’s “misuse of a political appointee at the Department to perform personal tasks for himself and Mrs. Pompeo.”


politicalwire--2020-05-16--Back to Business as Usual

Back to Business as Usual

Playbook : “ After a short detente of Republicans and Democrats coming together to support massive bailout packages , the @ @ @ @ @ full force and passing the next bill is going to be messy at best .
@


politicalwire--2020-05-16--Trump Is Putting Himself at Risk for Coronavirus

Peter Nicholas : “ On Tuesday , May 5 , the White House press pool boarded Air Force One for a four-hour flight to Phoenix , where Trump toured a mask-making factory .
Flying home , the president came back to the small press cabin and spoke off the record to the traveling press corps .
Journalists on that plane hadn ’ t been tested for the coronavirus that day , or the day before .
The last time they ’ d been tested was Sunday , May 3 .
In the 48 hours that followed , they could have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , passed it to the president , his staff , or one another during the trip .
( Let ’ s not forget that the tests aren ’ t foolproof : Reporters could have boarded the plane without anyone knowing they actually had the disease . )
” “ No one would have been allowed on Air Force One without first getting searched for weapons .
Yet here the journalists boarded with no guarantee they hadn ’ t recently contracted a potentially lethal and highly contagious virus .
The episode illustrates how Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hypermasculine invincibility , has faced greater exposure than he might let on .
”

Peter Nicholas: “On Tuesday, May 5, the White House press pool boarded Air Force One for a four-hour flight to Phoenix, where Trump toured a mask-making factory. Flying home, the president came back to the small press cabin and spoke off the record to the traveling press corps. Journalists on that plane hadn’t been tested for the coronavirus that day, or the day before. The last time they’d been tested was Sunday, May 3. In the 48 hours that followed, they could have picked up the virus and, conceivably, passed it to the president, his staff, or one another during the trip. (Let’s not forget that the tests aren’t foolproof: Reporters could have boarded the plane without anyone knowing they actually had the disease.)”
“No one would have been allowed on Air Force One without first getting searched for weapons. Yet here the journalists boarded with no guarantee they hadn’t recently contracted a potentially lethal and highly contagious virus. The episode illustrates how Trump, who likes to project a certain hypermasculine invincibility, has faced greater exposure than he might let on.”


politicalwire--2020-05-16--GOP Lawmaker Compares Pandemic Safety Rules to Nazis

“ A Republican lawmaker opposed to pandemic safety measures at the Alaska Capitol compared them to Nazi Germany ’ s @ @ @ @ @ email exchange Friday with fellow members of the Alaska House of Representatives , ” the @ @ @ @ @ “ When lawmakers return to Juneau on Monday , they will be required to undergo @ @ @ @ @ who pass the screening will be asked to wear a sticker.
” Said state Rep. @ @ @ @ @ : “ How about an arm band that won ’ t fall off like a @ @ @ @ @ sticker falls off , do I get a new one or do I get public @ @ @ @ @ stickers available as a yellow Star of David ?
”

“A Republican lawmaker opposed to pandemic safety measures at the Alaska Capitol compared them to Nazi Germany’s labeling of Jews in an email exchange Friday with fellow members of the Alaska House of Representatives,” the Anchorage Daily News reports.
“When lawmakers return to Juneau on Monday, they will be required to undergo a health screening. Those who pass the screening will be asked to wear a sticker.”
Said state Rep. Ben Carpenter (R): “How about an arm band that won’t fall off like a sticker will? If my sticker falls off, do I get a new one or do I get public shaming too? Are the stickers available as a yellow Star of David?”


politicalwire--2020-05-17--Ex-GOP Senator Endorses Biden

Ex-GOP Senator Endorses Biden

Former Sen Dave Durenberger ( R-MN ) endorsed Joe Biden for president in a Minneapolis Star Tribune op-ed .


politicalwire--2020-05-17--Obama Encourages Graduates to Embrace Unity

Former President Barack Obama encouraged 2020 high school graduates to embrace unity to solve the world ’ s problems amid @ @ @ @ @ Obama : “ First , don ’ t be afraid .
America ’ s gone @ @ @ @ @ slavery , civil war , famine , disease , The Great Depression and 9/11 .
@ @ @ @ @ came out stronger.
” “ Second , do what you think is right .
Doing @ @ @ @ @ ’ s convenient , what ’ s easy — that ’ s how little kids @ @ @ @ @ “ Unfortunately , a lot of so-called grown-ups , including some with fancy titles and @ @ @ @ @ that way — which is why things are so screwed up , ”

Former President Barack Obama encouraged 2020 high school graduates to embrace unity to solve the world’s problems amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Said Obama: “First, don’t be afraid. America’s gone through tough times before — slavery, civil war, famine, disease, The Great Depression and 9/11. And each time, we came out stronger.”
“Second, do what you think is right. Doing what feels good, what’s convenient, what’s easy — that’s how little kids think.”
He concluded: “Unfortunately, a lot of so-called grown-ups, including some with fancy titles and important jobs, still think that way — which is why things are so screwed up,”


politicalwire--2020-05-17--Romney Calls Watchdog Firings a Threat

Romney Calls Watchdog Firings a Threat

Sen. Mitt Romney ( R-UT ) denounced President Trump ’ s firings of internal government oversight officials , calling it @ @ @ @ @ democracy , ” CNN reports .
Said Romney : “ The firings of multiple Inspectors @ @ @ @ @ so without good cause chills the independence essential to their purpose .
It is a @ @ @ @ @ a fissure in the constitutional balance of power .
”

Sen. Mitt Romney (R-UT) denounced President Trump’s firings of internal government oversight officials, calling it a “threat to accountable democracy,” CNN reports.
Said Romney: “The firings of multiple Inspectors General is unprecedented; doing so without good cause chills the independence essential to their purpose. It is a threat to accountable democracy and a fissure in the constitutional balance of power.”


politicalwire--2020-05-17--Lawmaker Admits to Affair Described In Podcast

Rep. Steven Horsford ( D-NV ) acknowledged to the Las Vegas Review Journal that he ’ d carried on a @ @ @ @ @ intern for Sen. Harry Reid who has detailed the relationship in a series of podcast @ @ @ @ @ Gabriela Linder , confirmed that she is “ Love Jones , ” the pseudonym of @ @ @ @ @ sharing her story through a public podcast , “ Mistress for Congress , ” in @ @

Rep. Steven Horsford (D-NV) acknowledged to the Las Vegas Review Journal that he’d carried on a longstanding affair with a former intern for Sen. Harry Reid who has detailed the relationship in a series of podcast episodes.
The woman, Gabriela Linder, confirmed that she is “Love Jones,” the pseudonym of a person who first began sharing her story through a public podcast, “Mistress for Congress,” in April.


politicalwire--2020-05-17--Pompeo Recommended Firing of Inspector General

President Trump fired the State Department ’ s inspector general on the recommendation of Secretary of State Mike Pompeo , @ @ @

“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--2020-05-19--Can Biden Expand the Map?

Can Biden Expand the Map?

New York Times : “ The goal is not to rack up the most electoral votes but to find the @ @ @ @ @ “ Yet there are emerging signs that Joe Biden is exploring an expanded map , @ @ @ @ @ to victory , than either of the most recent Democratic nominees .
”

New York Times: “The goal is not to rack up the most electoral votes but to find the path of least resistance.”
“Yet there are emerging signs that Joe Biden is exploring an expanded map, with several more possible paths to victory, than either of the most recent Democratic nominees.”
The interactive consensus map explores Rust Belt vs. Sun Belt scenarios.


politicalwire--2020-05-19--Over 90K Americans Dead from Coronavirus

The official number of people who have died from the coronavirus in the United States has passed the 90,000 mark @ @ @ @ @ Hopkins University tracker .


politicalwire--2020-05-19--Graham Seeks Authority to Subpoena Obama Officials

“ Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham is preparing to ask his colleagues on the panel for blanket permission to @ @ @ @ @ Trump administration officials connected to the investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 election — @ @ @ @ @ ’ s team and Russians , ” Politico reports .
“ His proposal would permit @ @ @ @ @ demand testimony and documents from figures involved in the intelligence associated with the launch of @ @ @ @ @

“Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham is preparing to ask his colleagues on the panel for blanket permission to subpoena dozens of Obama and Trump administration officials connected to the investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 election — and contacts between President Trump’s team and Russians,” Politico reports.
“His proposal would permit the South Carolina Republican to demand testimony and documents from figures involved in the intelligence associated with the launch of the Russia investigation.”


politicalwire--2020-05-18--Trump Defends Pompeo Using Staff for Errands

President Trump defended Secretary of State Mike Pompeo as a “ high-quality person ” and a “ brilliant guy , @ @ @ @ @ nation ’ s top diplomat had assigned government employees to perform household tasks because his @ @ @ @ @ around , The Hill reports .
Said Trump : “ Now I have you telling @ @ @ @ @ washing dishes and you know what , I ’ d rather have him on the @ @ @ @ @ than have him wash dishes because maybe his wife isn ’ t there or his @ @ @ @ @ .
”

President Trump defended Secretary of State Mike Pompeo as a “high-quality person” and a “brilliant guy,” while suggesting that the nation’s top diplomat had assigned government employees to perform household tasks because his wife or children were not around, The Hill reports.
Said Trump: “Now I have you telling me about dog walking, washing dishes and you know what, I’d rather have him on the phone with some world leader than have him wash dishes because maybe his wife isn’t there or his kids aren’t…you know.”


politicalwire--2020-05-18--Of Course Biden Is Losing the Internet

Of Course Biden Is Losing the Internet

“ To state the obvious : Of course Biden is losing the internet .
Bernie Sanders , Pete Buttigieg , @ @ @ @ @ ’ Rourke , Andrew Yang , and Kamala Harris would all be losing the internet @ @ @ @ @ in the fog of a global crisis .
Trump is an incumbent president who has @ @ @ @ @ for almost four years .
His strengths , online and off , flow from the @ @ @ @ @ created for himself .
Trump has little interest in the facts or decorum to which @ @ @ @ @ the press are still bound.
” “ His deliberate provocations lend themselves perfectly to the @ @ @ @ @ the outrage porn of cable news .
Trump is such brain poison for the media @ @ @ @ @ devote their entire A-blocks to breathless anti-Trump harangues , which are gleefully spun by the @ @ @ @ @ of Fake News , email blasts , and Facebook fundraising ads that can be tested @ @ @ @ @ over .
”

Peter Hamby, writing for Vanity Fair:
“To state the obvious: Of course Biden is losing the internet. Bernie Sanders, Pete Buttigieg, Elizabeth Warren, Beto O’Rourke, Andrew Yang, and Kamala Harris would all be losing the internet to Trump too, especially in the fog of a global crisis. Trump is an incumbent president who has been building a reelection campaign for almost four years. His strengths, online and off, flow from the political asymmetry he’s created for himself. Trump has little interest in the facts or decorum to which most Democrats and members of the press are still bound.”
“His deliberate provocations lend themselves perfectly to the clickbait of the platforms and the outrage porn of cable news. Trump is such brain poison for the media that CNN prime-time hosts now devote their entire A-blocks to breathless anti-Trump harangues, which are gleefully spun by the Trump campaign into base-rallying cries of Fake News, email blasts, and Facebook fundraising ads that can be tested and reoptimized thousands of times over.”


politicalwire--2020-05-18--Trump Targets Swing States with Taxpayer-Funded Events

“ With his signature campaign rallies on hold , the centerpiece of his re-election strategy , President Trump and his @ @ @ @ @ to battleground states amid the coronavirus , raising concerns from critics who say the president @ @ @ @ @ dime , ” ABC News reports .


politicalwire--2020-05-18--Trump Attacks Final Safeguard Against Executive Abuses

“ The war on inspectors general is the third and final front in Trump ’ s war on any kind @ @ @ @ @ branch .
In the past few months alone , the White House has argued that @ @ @ @ @ the right to oversee the executive branch .
It has sought to convince courts that @ @ @ @ @ t be decided by the judicial branch , either.
” “ And in going after @ @ @ @ @ mechanism embedded in the executive branch , it is staking a simple but sweeping claim @ @ @ @ @ right to check the executive outside of quadrennial elections .
”

David Graham, writing in The Atlantic:
“The war on inspectors general is the third and final front in Trump’s war on any kind of check on the executive branch. In the past few months alone, the White House has argued that Congress doesn’t have the right to oversee the executive branch. It has sought to convince courts that matters of oversight shouldn’t be decided by the judicial branch, either.”
“And in going after inspectors general, an accountability mechanism embedded in the executive branch, it is staking a simple but sweeping claim: No one has the right to check the executive outside of quadrennial elections.”


politicalwire--2020-05-18--Blagojevich Loses His Law License

Blagojevich Loses His Law License

Former Illinois Gov .
Rod Blagojevich was officially disbarred on Monday , more than two months after a state panel @ @ @ @ @ license due to his conviction in an array of brazen corruption schemes when he was @ @ @ @ @ Tribune reports .

Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich was officially disbarred on Monday, more than two months after a state panel recommended he lose his law license due to his conviction in an array of brazen corruption schemes when he was in office, the Chicago Tribune reports.


politicalwire--2020-05-18--Trump Says He’s Taking Hydroxychloroquine

President Trump said that he has been taking hydroxychloroquine for several weeks even though there ’ s no scientific evidence @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus , CNBC reports .
Trump said he consulted with the White House doctor @ @ @ @ @ what do you think .
He said , ‘ Well if you ’ d like @ @ @ @ @ ‘ Yeah I ’ d like it .
I ’ d like to take it @ @ @ @ @ : “ A lot of good things have come out .
You ’ d be @ @ @ @ @ are taking it , especially the front-line workers .
Before you catch it .
The @ @ @ @ @ many are taking it.
” If Trump is taking the unproven drug , the FDA @ @ @ @ @ that it should only be taken in hospitals because of the risk of heart complications @

President Trump said that he has been taking hydroxychloroquine for several weeks even though there’s no scientific evidence that it works to prevent the coronavirus, CNBC reports.
Trump said he consulted with the White House doctor: “I asked him what do you think. He said, ‘Well if you’d like it.’ I said, ‘Yeah I’d like it. I’d like to take it.'”
He added: “A lot of good things have come out. You’d be surprised at how many people are taking it, especially the front-line workers. Before you catch it. The front-line workers, many, many are taking it.”
If Trump is taking the unproven drug, the FDA issued a warning last month that it should only be taken in hospitals because of the risk of heart complications.


politicalwire--2020-05-18--Rubio Tapped to Lead Intelligence Committee

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell ( R-KY ) announced Monday that Sen. Marco Rubio ( R-FL ) will serve as @ @ @ @ @ Senate Intelligence Committee while a federal investigation into Sen. Richard Burr ( R-NC ) is @ @ @ @ @


politicalwire--2020-05-18--Extra Bonus Quote of the Day

Extra Bonus Quote of the Day

“ I don ’ t know him .
Never heard of him .
But they asked me to terminate him @ @ @ @ @ right as president to terminate .
I said who appointed him , and they say @ @ @ @ @ , look I ’ ll terminate him.
” — President Trump , quoted by the @ @ @ @ @ State Department inspector general late Friday night .

“I don’t know him. Never heard of him. But they asked me to terminate him. I have the absolute right as president to terminate. I said who appointed him, and they say President Obama, I said, look I’ll terminate him.”
— President Trump, quoted by the AP, on firing the State Department inspector general late Friday night.


politicalwire--2020-05-18--RNC Chair Pledges No Virtual Convention

RNC Chair Pledges No Virtual Convention

RNC chairwoman Ronna McDaniel said that the party “ will not be holding a virtual convention , ” pledging that @ @ @ @ @ late August will be conducted at least partly in-person , the AP reports .


politicalwire--2020-05-18--Trump Doubles Down on Unfounded Obama ‘Crimes’

CNN : “ Trump headed into the weekend appearing convinced his predecessor committed a crime worthy of investigation — despite @ @ @ @ @ crime or provide any evidence for it .
By Sunday , he emerged prepared to @ @ @ @ @ the last person who held his office.
” “ As he huddled in the mountainside @ @ @ @ @ with a roster of Republican lawmakers — many of whom forged national profiles defending Trump @ @ @ @ @ Trump discussed ways to advance the baseless conspiracy about the former president .
”

CNN: “Trump headed into the weekend appearing convinced his predecessor committed a crime worthy of investigation — despite being unable to name the crime or provide any evidence for it. By Sunday, he emerged prepared to wage wholesale political war with the last person who held his office.”
“As he huddled in the mountainside retreat’s rustic cabins with a roster of Republican lawmakers — many of whom forged national profiles defending Trump during his impeachment proceedings — Trump discussed ways to advance the baseless conspiracy about the former president.”


politicalwire--2020-05-18--Media Helps Turn ‘Obamagate’ Into Hillary’s Emails

Margaret Sullivan : “ As you may recall , the news media — from Fox News to the New York @ @ @ @ @ across the political spectrum — managed to make the relative molehill of Hillary Clinton ’ @ @ @ @ @ a daily obsession , roughly equal to the mountain of Donald Trump ’ s financial @ @ @ @ @ Well , don ’ t look now but this is happening again before our eyes @ @ @ @ @ is ‘ Obamagate.
’ That ’ s a moniker that , in President Trump ’ @ @ @ @ @ rendered in all capital letters , but let ’ s not.
” “ This vaporous @ @ @ @ @ according to Trump , is the political crime of the century — and , heck @ @ @ @ @ since he claims that it makes the 1970s Watergate scandal look like child ’ s @ @ @

Margaret Sullivan: “As you may recall, the news media — from Fox News to the New York Times and plenty of others across the political spectrum — managed to make the relative molehill of Hillary Clinton’s dicey email practices into a daily obsession, roughly equal to the mountain of Donald Trump’s financial and personal transgressions.”
“Well, don’t look now but this is happening again before our eyes. Its name this time is ‘Obamagate.’ That’s a moniker that, in President Trump’s outraged tweets, is rendered in all capital letters, but let’s not.”
“This vaporous, apparently made-up offense, according to Trump, is the political crime of the century — and, heck, last century too, since he claims that it makes the 1970s Watergate scandal look like child’s play.”


politicalwire--2020-05-18--Who Is Hillary Without Bill?

Who Is Hillary Without Bill?

Curtis Sittenfeld ’ s new novel , Rodham , imagines what would have happened if Hillary Rodham had never met @ @ @ @ @ a NPR review .
“ Hillary ’ s early life is the same : the @ @ @ @ @ , law school at Yale .
There she meets the same Bill : charming and @ @ @ @ @ credible assault allegations against him .
But here the story changes : She leaves .
@

Curtis Sittenfeld’s new novel, Rodham, imagines what would have happened if Hillary Rodham had never met Bill Clinton, according to a NPR review.
“Hillary’s early life is the same: the suburban upbringing, Wellesley College, law school at Yale. There she meets the same Bill: charming and unfaithful with, eventually, credible assault allegations against him. But here the story changes: She leaves.”


politicalwire--2020-05-18--Infighting Continues to Mar Pandemic Response

Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar lashed out against Peter Navarro on Fox News after the White House trade @ @ @ @ @ its handling of the pandemic .
Azar said Navarro ’ s remarks were “ inaccurate @ @ @ @

Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar lashed out against Peter Navarro on Fox News after the White House trade adviser criticized the CDC for its handling of the pandemic.
Azar said Navarro’s remarks were “inaccurate and inappropriate.”


politicalwire--2020-05-18--Republicans Step Up Efforts to Patrol Voting

New York Times : “ Six months before a presidential election in which turnout could matter more than persuasion , @ @ @ @ @ Trump campaign and conservative activists are mounting an aggressive national effort to shape who gets @ @ @ @ @ and whose ballots are counted.
” “ The Republican program , which has gained steam @ @ @ @ @ recruiting up to 50,000 volunteers in 15 key states to monitor polling places and challenge @ @ @ @ @ .
That is part of a $ 20 million plan that also allots millions to @ @ @ @ @ voting-rights advocates seeking to loosen state restrictions on balloting .
The party and its allies @ @ @ @ @ , the internet and President Trump ’ s command of the airwaves to cast Democrats @ @ @ @ @ .
”

New York Times: “Six months before a presidential election in which turnout could matter more than persuasion, the Republican Party, the Trump campaign and conservative activists are mounting an aggressive national effort to shape who gets to vote in November — and whose ballots are counted.”
“The Republican program, which has gained steam in recent weeks, envisions recruiting up to 50,000 volunteers in 15 key states to monitor polling places and challenge ballots and voters deemed suspicious. That is part of a $20 million plan that also allots millions to challenge lawsuits by Democrats and voting-rights advocates seeking to loosen state restrictions on balloting. The party and its allies also intend to use advertising, the internet and President Trump’s command of the airwaves to cast Democrats as agents of election theft.”


politicalwire--2020-05-18--Bonus Quote of the Day

Bonus Quote of the Day

— Vermin Supreme , on Twitter , after Rep. Justin Amash ( I-MI ) announced he was abandoning his bid @ @ @ @ @ nomination .


politicalwire--2020-05-18--Pompeo Says Watchdog Was Undermining Him

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told the Washington Post that the fired inspector general “ wasn ’ t performing a @ @ @ @ @ we had tried to get him to ” and was “ trying to undermine what @ @ @ @ @ trying to do.
” Politico : “ A congressional aide said State Department officials were @ @ @ @ @ s conclusions in his investigation of the Saudi arms sales , and that Pompeo refused @ @ @ @ @ with the inspector general ’ s office .
State Department officials did not immediately respond @ @ @ @ @ ” Greg Sargent : Trump ’ s purge just got more corrupt .

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told the Washington Post that the fired inspector general “wasn’t performing a function in a way that we had tried to get him to” and was “trying to undermine what it was that we were trying to do.”
Politico: “A congressional aide said State Department officials were recently briefed about Linick’s conclusions in his investigation of the Saudi arms sales, and that Pompeo refused to sit for an interview with the inspector general’s office. State Department officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment.”
Greg Sargent: Trump’s purge just got more corrupt.


politicalwire--2020-05-18--Cox Leads Huntsman In Utah Primary

Cox Leads Huntsman In Utah Primary

A new Utah Policy/KUTV poll in Utah finds Lt. Gov .
Spencer Cox ( R ) leading the GOP gubernatorial @ @ @ @ @ followed by former Gov .
Jon Huntsman ( R ) at 32 % , Greg @ @ @ @ @ 23 % and Thomas Wright at 6 % .


politicalwire--2020-05-19--Trump Won’t Host Obama for Portrait Ceremony

“ It ’ s been a White House tradition for decades : a first-term president hosts his immediate predecessor in @ @ @ @ @ ceremony to unveil the portrait of the former president that will hang in the halls @ @ @ @ @ posterity , ” NBC News report .
“ Republican presidents have done it for Democratic @ @ @ @ @ — even when one of them ascended to the White House by defeating or sharply @ @ @ @ @ Yet this modern ritual won ’ t be taking place between Obama and President Trump @ @ @ @ @ with the matter .
And if Trump wins a second term in November , it @ @ @ @ @ returns to the White House to see his portrait displayed among every U.S. president from @ @ @ @ @ ”

“It’s been a White House tradition for decades: a first-term president hosts his immediate predecessor in the East Room for a ceremony to unveil the portrait of the former president that will hang in the halls of the White House for posterity,” NBC News report.
“Republican presidents have done it for Democratic presidents, and vice versa — even when one of them ascended to the White House by defeating or sharply criticizing the other.”
“Yet this modern ritual won’t be taking place between Obama and President Trump, according to people familiar with the matter. And if Trump wins a second term in November, it could be 2025 before Obama returns to the White House to see his portrait displayed among every U.S. president from George Washington to Bush.”


politicalwire--2020-05-19--Nearly Every Governor Has Higher Approval Than Trump

A new SurveyMonkey poll finds that fully 49 of 50 governors have significantly higher approval ratings for their coronavirus responses @ @ @ @ @ recent polls .
The one governor on Trump ’ s level is Georgia Gov .
@ @ @ @ @ , whose efforts to reopen his state have proved controversial .

A new SurveyMonkey poll finds that fully 49 of 50 governors have significantly higher approval ratings for their coronavirus responses than President Trump does in recent polls.
The one governor on Trump’s level is Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (R), whose efforts to reopen his state have proved controversial.


politicalwire--2020-05-19--Republicans Can’t Reopen Without Democrats

Ron Brownstein : “ From President Trump through Republican governors and state legislatures , the GOP is coalescing around a @ @ @ @ @ as quickly as possible despite concerns about seeding a wider spread of the coronavirus.
” @ @ @ @ @ s efforts face a paradoxical hurdle : The economy can ’ t regain much momentum @ @ @ @ @ Democratic-leaning metropolitan areas , where both local officials and average residents remain more skeptical about @ @ @ @ @ ” “ In almost all of the swing states likely to decide the winner in @ @ @ @ @ the largest metropolitan areas account for at least two-thirds , and in several cases more @ @ @ @ @ state ’ s employment and economic output .
”

Ron Brownstein: “From President Trump through Republican governors and state legislatures, the GOP is coalescing around a position of reopening the economy as quickly as possible despite concerns about seeding a wider spread of the coronavirus.”
“But the party’s efforts face a paradoxical hurdle: The economy can’t regain much momentum without the participation of big Democratic-leaning metropolitan areas, where both local officials and average residents remain more skeptical about quickly unwinding social distancing measures.”
“In almost all of the swing states likely to decide the winner in the 2020 presidential race, the largest metropolitan areas account for at least two-thirds, and in several cases more than four-fifths, of the state’s employment and economic output.”


politicalwire--2020-05-19--Trump Goes Against the Experts

Trump Goes Against the Experts

Playbook : “ In saying he is ingesting hydroxychloroquine against the advice of his government ’ s experts and refusing to use a mask , President Trump has unleashed the wail of a siren to his base that he is in charge — not the medical experts in his administration — and will do as he pleases.
” “ No two health issues in the coronavirus era have divided America like the use of facial coverings and hydroxychloroquine , an anti-malaria drug that some have advocated for use against Covid-19 .
Political leaders and health experts have advised that people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and scientists have suggested using hydroxychloroquine could be dangerous and even deadly under some circumstances .
Trump — the most visible man on planet Earth — has decided to go his own way.
” “ Is he actually taking it ?
Who knows .
The timing he laid out — that he ’ s been taking it for a few weeks — lines up with when his personal valet got sick .
But you ’ d be excused for being a bit skeptical because so much of what he has said doesn ’ @ @ @ @ @

Playbook: “In saying he is ingesting hydroxychloroquine against the advice of his government’s experts and refusing to use a mask, President Trump has unleashed the wail of a siren to his base that he is in charge — not the medical experts in his administration — and will do as he pleases.”
“No two health issues in the coronavirus era have divided America like the use of facial coverings and hydroxychloroquine, an anti-malaria drug that some have advocated for use against Covid-19. Political leaders and health experts have advised that people wear masks in public, while physicians and scientists have suggested using hydroxychloroquine could be dangerous and even deadly under some circumstances. Trump — the most visible man on planet Earth — has decided to go his own way.”
“Is he actually taking it? Who knows. The timing he laid out — that he’s been taking it for a few weeks — lines up with when his personal valet got sick. But you’d be excused for being a bit skeptical because so much of what he has said doesn’t check out.”


politicalwire--2020-05-19--Big Barrier to Reopening Is the Public Bathroom

Washington Post : “ Whether it ’ s the mall , restaurants , concerts , ballparks or even drive-in movie @ @ @ @ @ it clear : They won ’ t be ready to go out to their favorite @ @ @ @ @ about being able to go .
To the bathroom , that is.
” “ The @ @ @ @ @ life in public is unnerving enough for many people .
But it turns out that @ @ @ @ @ to dining in a restaurant , renewing a doctor ’ s appointment or going back @ @ @ @ @ prospect of having to use a public restroom — a tight , intimate and potentially @ @ @ @ @ ’ s a hurdle vexing many business owners as they prepare to reopen in a @ @ @ @ @ reduced capacity and heightened anxiety about the very air we breathe .
”

Washington Post: “Whether it’s the mall, restaurants, concerts, ballparks or even drive-in movie theaters, Americans are making it clear: They won’t be ready to go out to their favorite destinations until they feel confident about being able to go. To the bathroom, that is.”
“The idea of a return to life in public is unnerving enough for many people. But it turns out that one of the biggest obstacles to dining in a restaurant, renewing a doctor’s appointment or going back to the office is the prospect of having to use a public restroom — a tight, intimate and potentially germ-infested space.
“It’s a hurdle vexing many business owners as they prepare to reopen in a time of social distancing, reduced capacity and heightened anxiety about the very air we breathe.”


politicalwire--2020-05-19--GOP Senator Seeks Declassification of Susan Rice Email

Sen. Ron Johnson ( R-WI ) has asked the Trump administration to fully declassify an unusual email former Obama national @ @ @ @ @ herself regarding Michael Flynn on the eve of her departure , Politico reports .
Through @ @ @ @ @ she welcomes the release of the email .

Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI) has asked the Trump administration to fully declassify an unusual email former Obama national security adviser Susan Rice sent herself regarding Michael Flynn on the eve of her departure, Politico reports.
Through a spokesperson, Rice said she welcomes the release of the email.


politicalwire--2020-05-19--Another Bonus Quote of the Day

Another Bonus Quote of the Day

“ He ’ s our president and I would rather he not be taking something that has not been approved @ @ @ @ @ in his age group and in his , shall we say , weight group — @ @ @ @ @ .
”

“He’s our president and I would rather he not be taking something that has not been approved by the scientists, especially in his age group and in his, shall we say, weight group — morbidly obese, they say.”
— Speaker Nancy, on CNN, on President Trump taking hydroxychloroquine.


politicalwire--2020-05-19--Signs of a Realignment In South Carolina?

This piece is only available to Political Wire members .
Your support makes this site possible .
Join today for @ @ @ @ @ and get exclusive analysis , new features and no advertising .
Sign in to your @ @ @ @ @ If you ’ re already signed in and still seeing this message , your subscription @ @ @ @ @ your membership , navigate to your account , adjust your credit card information and click @ @ @ @ @ just $ 5 a month or $ 50 a year .

“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--2020-05-20--Republicans Stay In Sync with Trump

Republicans Stay In Sync with Trump

“ Mitch McConnell can ’ t afford any tension with President Trump .
So he ’ s doing everything he @ @ @ @ @ majority in sync with Trump and his explosive election-year playbook , ” Politico reports .
@ @ @ @ @ R-SD ) : “ I just think that everybody realizes that our fortunes sort of @ @ @ @ @ One thing we have to do is to make sure that we are united on @ @ @ @ @ that there ’ s not separation between the White House and Republicans in Congress .
@

“Mitch McConnell can’t afford any tension with President Trump. So he’s doing everything he can to keep his fragile majority in sync with Trump and his explosive election-year playbook,” Politico reports.
Said Sen. john Thune (R-SD): “I just think that everybody realizes that our fortunes sort of rise or fall together. One thing we have to do is to make sure that we are united on our agenda and make sure that there’s not separation between the White House and Republicans in Congress.”


politicalwire--2020-05-20--Trump Allies Line Up Doctors to Push Reopening

“ Republican political operatives are recruiting ‘ pro-Trump ’ doctors to go on television to prescribe reviving the U.S. economy @ @ @ @ @ without waiting to meet safety benchmarks proposed by the federal Centers for Disease Control and @ @ @ @ @ of the new coronavirus , ” the AP reports .
“ The plan was discussed @ @ @ @ @ call with a senior staffer for the Trump reelection campaign organized by CNP Action , @ @ @ @ @ Council for National Policy .
A leaked recording of the hour-long call was provided to @ @ @ @ @

“Republican political operatives are recruiting ‘pro-Trump’ doctors to go on television to prescribe reviving the U.S. economy as quickly as possible, without waiting to meet safety benchmarks proposed by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to slow the spread of the new coronavirus,” the AP reports.
“The plan was discussed in a May 11 conference call with a senior staffer for the Trump reelection campaign organized by CNP Action, an affiliate of the GOP-aligned Council for National Policy. A leaked recording of the hour-long call was provided to The Associated Press.”


politicalwire--2020-05-19--Pelosi Says She Didn’t Know Trump Would Be ‘Sensitive’

Speaker Nancy Pelosi ( D-CA ) defended her comment claiming that President Trump could be at greater risk of complications @ @ @ @ @ treatment because he is “ morbidly obese , ” adding that she didn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ sensitive ” about his appearance , The Hill reports .
Said Pelosi : “ I @ @ @ @ @ he would be so sensitive .
He ’ s always talking about other people ’ @ @ @ @ @ pounds .
”

Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) defended her comment claiming that President Trump could be at greater risk of complications from taking an unproven coronavirus treatment because he is “morbidly obese,” adding that she didn’t anticipate he would be “sensitive” about his appearance, The Hill reports.
Said Pelosi: “I didn’t know that he would be so sensitive. He’s always talking about other people’s… their weight, their pounds.”


politicalwire--2020-05-19--Trump Officials Ignored Flaws In Mileage Rollback Push

“ In its rush to roll back the most significant climate policy enacted by Barack Obama — mileage standards designed @ @ @ @ @ — the Trump administration ignored warnings that its new rule has serious flaws , ” @ @ @ @ @ “ The behind-the-scenes-skirmish in late March between career employees and Trump appointees at the Environmental @ @ @ @ @ to which Trump officials are racing to reverse environmental policies by the end of the @ @ @ @ @ .
”

“In its rush to roll back the most significant climate policy enacted by Barack Obama — mileage standards designed to reduce pollution from cars — the Trump administration ignored warnings that its new rule has serious flaws,” the Washington Post reports.
“The behind-the-scenes-skirmish in late March between career employees and Trump appointees at the Environmental Protection Agency highlights the extent to which Trump officials are racing to reverse environmental policies by the end of the president’s first term.”


politicalwire--2020-05-19--Trump Calls Leading In Virus Cases a ‘Badge of Honor’

President Trump said the United States having the most coronavirus cases in the world is “ a badge of honor @ @ @ @ @ Said Trump : “ I don ’ t look at that as a bad thing @ @ @ @ @ , in a certain respect , as being a good thing .
Because it means @ @ @ @ @ .
”

President Trump said the United States having the most coronavirus cases in the world is “a badge of honor,” CNN reports.
Said Trump: “I don’t look at that as a bad thing. I look at that, in a certain respect, as being a good thing. Because it means our testing is much better.”


politicalwire--2020-05-19--Biden Just Ahead In Georgia

Biden Just Ahead In Georgia

A new Civiqs poll in Georgia finds Joe Biden edging Donald Trump in the presidential race , 48 % to @ @ @


politicalwire--2020-05-19--Graham Promises Report on Russia Probe Before Election

Senate Judiciary Chairman Lindsey Graham ( R-SC ) said that he plans to finish his committee ’ s investigation into @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Russia probe by October and release a public report before the election , @ @ @


politicalwire--2020-05-19--Biden Asks Veep Contenders for References

“ Joe Biden ’ s campaign is asking some potential vice presidential candidates to submit references , as the presumptive @ @ @ @ @ begins the formal vetting process , ” Bloomberg reports .
“ Some of the contenders @ @ @ @ @ or governors , have been asking other politicians , former bosses and mentors to vouch @ @ @ @ @ process , which is just formally beginning .
”

“Joe Biden’s campaign is asking some potential vice presidential candidates to submit references, as the presumptive Democratic nominee’s team begins the formal vetting process,” Bloomberg reports.
“Some of the contenders, most of them senators or governors, have been asking other politicians, former bosses and mentors to vouch for them during the vetting process, which is just formally beginning.”


politicalwire--2020-05-19--Susan Rice’s Email to Herself Is Declassified

The email that National Security Adviser Susan Rice sent herself on the day of President Trump ’ s inauguration — @ @ @ @ @ scrutiny from Republicans — has been declassified .
Politico : “ It says that then-FBI @ @ @ @ @ sharing classified information with the Trump team because of incoming national security adviser Michael Flynn @ @ @ @ @ the Russian ambassador , but that Comey had no knowledge of Flynn sharing classified information @ @ @ @ @ noted that President Obama wanted to be sure “ every aspect of this issue is @ @ @ @ @ law enforcement communities ‘ by the book . '
”

The email that National Security Adviser Susan Rice sent herself on the day of President Trump’s inauguration — and has since drawn intense scrutiny from Republicans — has been declassified.
Politico: “It says that then-FBI Director James Comey worried about sharing classified information with the Trump team because of incoming national security adviser Michael Flynn’s frequent conversations with the Russian ambassador, but that Comey had no knowledge of Flynn sharing classified information with him.”
The email noted that President Obama wanted to be sure “every aspect of this issue is handled by the Intelligence and law enforcement communities ‘by the book.'”


politicalwire--2020-05-19--‘A Trump Enemy Statement’

‘A Trump Enemy Statement’

When reporters asked about the safety of his taking hydroxychloroquine , President Trump claimed a study suggesting the drug was @ @ @ @ @ was conducted by his political opponents to make him look bad .
Said Trump : @ @ @ @ @ the one survey , the only bad survey , they were giving it to people @ @ @ @ @ shape .
They were very old .
Almost dead .
It was a Trump enemy @ @ @

When reporters asked about the safety of his taking hydroxychloroquine, President Trump claimed a study suggesting the drug was not effective against the coronavirus was conducted by his political opponents to make him look bad.
Said Trump: “If you look at the one survey, the only bad survey, they were giving it to people that were in very bad shape. They were very old. Almost dead. It was a Trump enemy statement.”


politicalwire--2020-05-19--How Fox News Tried to Elevate ‘Obamagate’


politicalwire--2020-05-19--Biden Finally Has a Nickname for Trump

Biden Finally Has a Nickname for Trump

Joe Biden has finally unveiled his moniker for presidential rival President Trump , the New York Post reports , saying @ @ @ @ @ opponent “ President Tweety .
”


politicalwire--2020-05-19--Bonus Quote of the Day

Bonus Quote of the Day

“ I don ’ t respond to her .
I think she ’ s a waste of time.
” — @ @ @ @ @ Vox , on Nancy Pelosi calling him “ morbidly obese .
”


Presidential Misconduct

Highly recommended : Presidential Misconduct : From George Washington to Today by James Banner .
Named a best book of @ @ @ @ @ and Foreign Affairs .


politicalwire--2020-05-19--Exchange of the Day

Exchange of the Day

Sen. Sherrod Brown ( D-OH ) pressed Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin on the need for a careful reopening of the @ @ @ @ @ Committee hearing : BROWN : How many workers should give their lives to increase our @ @ @ @ @ or the Dow Jones by 1,000 points ?
MNUCHIN : No workers should give their @ @ @ @ @ I think your characterization is unfair .

Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) pressed Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin on the need for a careful reopening of the economy at a Senate Banking Committee hearing:
BROWN: How many workers should give their lives to increase our GDP by half a percent or the Dow Jones by 1,000 points?
MNUCHIN: No workers should give their lives to do that and I think your characterization is unfair.


politicalwire--2020-05-19--Pence Not Taking Hydroxychloroquine

Pence Not Taking Hydroxychloroquine

Vice President Mike Pence told Fox News that he is not taking hydroxychloroquine but that he “ wouldn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ if his doctor recommended it .


politicalwire--2020-05-19--Florida Tried to Block Coronavirus Data

Florida Tried to Block Coronavirus Data

USA Today : “ The Florida Department of Health had blocked the commission from releasing the spreadsheet .
When the @ @ @ @ @ state officials attempted to redact the narratives with details about each death and the cause @ @ @ @ @ data provide grim insight into the early failures of state officials and the medical system @ @ @ @ @ the virus .
Florida Today ’ s analysis of the initial 600 deaths found patients @ @ @ @ @ or third hospital visit , deaths from untraceable cases , meaning contact tracing either didn @ @ @ @ @ apart immediately , and deadly clusters of infection at nursing homes and cruise ships .
@

USA Today: “The Florida Department of Health had blocked the commission from releasing the spreadsheet. When the state agreed to release, state officials attempted to redact the narratives with details about each death and the cause of death…”
“The data provide grim insight into the early failures of state officials and the medical system to contain and respond to the virus. Florida Today’s analysis of the initial 600 deaths found patients denied testing until their second or third hospital visit, deaths from untraceable cases, meaning contact tracing either didn’t happen or fell apart immediately, and deadly clusters of infection at nursing homes and cruise ships.”


Buffet Lunch?

President Trump is attending a Senate Republican buffet lunch today in the Capitol .
Apparently no one saw this segment @ @ @ @


politicalwire--2020-05-19--Ford Will Require Trump to Wear Mask

Ford Will Require Trump to Wear Mask

Crain ’ s Detroit Business : “ When Ford Motor Co. hosts President Trump on Thursday for a tour of @ @ @ @ @ Ypsilanti , the automaker will be doing so in technical violation of an executive order @ @ @ @ @ prohibiting ‘ nonessential ’ plant tours .
Her office signaled it would not stand in @ @ @ @ @ ” “ Ford says it will require the president to wear a mask , something @ @ @ @ @ other recent plant tours .
”

Crain’s Detroit Business: “When Ford Motor Co. hosts President Trump on Thursday for a tour of its Rawsonville Components Plant in Ypsilanti, the automaker will be doing so in technical violation of an executive order from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer prohibiting ‘nonessential’ plant tours. Her office signaled it would not stand in the way of the visit.”
“Ford says it will require the president to wear a mask, something he has not done on other recent plant tours.”


politicalwire--2020-05-19--Congressman’s Wine Biz Is Booming Amid Layoffs

Rep. David Trone ( D-MD ) , “ a multimillionaire wine magnate from Maryland , has privately laid off employees @ @ @ @ @ , while the congressman continues to publicly promote pro-worker protections in the House during COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ reports .
Meanwhile , “ business at Total Wine & More , the largest independent @ @ @ @ @ country , is booming .
”

Rep. David Trone (D-MD), “a multimillionaire wine magnate from Maryland, has privately laid off employees without providing critical outplacement services, while the congressman continues to publicly promote pro-worker protections in the House during COVID-19,” the Daily Beast reports.
Meanwhile, “business at Total Wine & More, the largest independent alcoholic beverage retailer in the country, is booming.”


politicalwire--2020-05-20--Trump-Favored Firm Lands Huge Border Wall Contract

A construction company that has been repeatedly lauded by President Trump has secured a $ 1.3 billion deal to build @ @ @ @ @ fencing through south Arizona , the Washington Post reports .


politicalwire--2020-05-20--All States Have Now Eased Lockdown

All States Have Now Eased Lockdown

“ All 50 states have begun to reopen in at least some way , more than two months after the @ @ @ @ @ lockdown .
But there remain vast discrepancies in how states are deciding to open up @ @ @ @ @ ahead of others , ” the New York Times reports .

“All 50 states have begun to reopen in at least some way, more than two months after the coronavirus thrust the country into lockdown. But there remain vast discrepancies in how states are deciding to open up, with some forging far ahead of others,” the New York Times reports.


politicalwire--2020-05-20--Trump Officials Building Citizenship Database

“ You will not find a citizenship question on the 2020 census forms , ” NPR reports .
“ But @ @ @ @ @ courts permanently blocked the Trump administration from asking the hotly-contested question for this year ’ @ @ @ @ @ the administration has been pushing ahead with a backup plan — amassing government records to @ @ @ @ @ citizenship status of every adult living in the country.
” “ Put together , these @ @ @ @ @ yield data that could radically change political mapmaking and shift the balance of political power @ @ @ @ @ next decade .
”

“You will not find a citizenship question on the 2020 census forms,” NPR reports.
“But in the months since federal courts permanently blocked the Trump administration from asking the hotly-contested question for this year’s national head count, the administration has been pushing ahead with a backup plan — amassing government records to try to determine the U.S. citizenship status of every adult living in the country.”
“Put together, these records could be used to yield data that could radically change political mapmaking and shift the balance of political power across the U.S. over the next decade.”


politicalwire--2020-05-20--Trump Campaign Eyes Return to Megarallies

Politico : “ The president ’ s 2020 team is also keeping a close eye on regional reopenings , where @ @ @ @ @ be permitted , according to three people involved with the discussions .
Some White House @ @ @ @ @ to prioritize its plan for restarting rallies , worried that the optics and purpose of @ @ @ @ @ — during which the president has sent mixed messages about his administration ’ s response @ @ @ @ @ by aides in face masks — is too morbid and lacks the showmanship his core @ @ @ @ @ : Trump blames Democrats for his grounded campaign .

Politico: “The president’s 2020 team is also keeping a close eye on regional reopenings, where modified campaign activities could soon be permitted, according to three people involved with the discussions. Some White House allies have encouraged the campaign to prioritize its plan for restarting rallies, worried that the optics and purpose of Trump’s official travel — during which the president has sent mixed messages about his administration’s response to the pandemic while surrounded by aides in face masks — is too morbid and lacks the showmanship his core base adores.”
Washington Post: Trump blames Democrats for his grounded campaign.


politicalwire--2020-05-20--Obama Would Beat Trump

Obama Would Beat Trump

In a hypothetical match up , Barack Obama would defeat Donald Trump if they ran for president against each other @ @ @ @ @ % .


politicalwire--2020-05-20--Trump Opposed to Extending Jobless Benefits

President Trump privately expressed opposition to extending a weekly $ 600 boost in unemployment insurance for laid-off workers affected by @ @ @ @ @ Washington Post reports .


politicalwire--2020-05-20--Pompeo’s Exclusive ‘Madison Dinners’ Raise Questions

NBC News : “ Until the coronavirus shut them down in March , the gatherings were known as “ Madison @ @ @ @ @ unpublicized affairs that Pompeo and his wife , Susan Pompeo , began in 2018 and @ @ @ @ @ Diplomatic Reception Rooms on the government ’ s dime.
” “ State Department officials involved @ @ @ @ @ had raised concerns internally that the events were essentially using federal resources to cultivate a @ @ @ @ @ Pompeo ’ s political ambitions — complete with extensive contact information that gets sent back @ @ @ @ @ personal email address.
” “ An NBC News investigation found that Pompeo held about two @ @ @ @ @ over in 2018 .
NBC News obtained a master guest list for every dinner through @ @ @ @ @ as well as internal State Department calendars from before the pandemic emerged , showing that @ @ @ @ @ books through at least October .
”

NBC News: “Until the coronavirus shut them down in March, the gatherings were known as “Madison Dinners” — elaborate, unpublicized affairs that Pompeo and his wife, Susan Pompeo, began in 2018 and held regularly in the historic Diplomatic Reception Rooms on the government’s dime.”
“State Department officials involved in the dinners said they had raised concerns internally that the events were essentially using federal resources to cultivate a donor and supporter base for Pompeo’s political ambitions — complete with extensive contact information that gets sent back to Susan Pompeo’s personal email address.”
“An NBC News investigation found that Pompeo held about two dozen Madison dinners since taking over in 2018. NBC News obtained a master guest list for every dinner through the end of 2019, as well as internal State Department calendars from before the pandemic emerged, showing that future dinners were on the books through at least October.”


politicalwire--2020-05-20--Judge Rules Texans Can Vote by Absentee Ballot

“ A Texas federal judge on Tuesday ruled that all voters afraid of catching the novel coronavirus can request absentee @ @ @ @ @ pandemic , ” CNN reports .
“ The ruling is the latest in a legal @ @ @ @ @ state courts between the Texas Democratic Party — which argues that amid the pandemic people @ @ @ @ @ choose between their right to vote and their health — and the state , which @ @ @ @ @ ‘ misapplying ’ Texas ’ ‘ disability ’ requirement for absentee mail-in voting .
”

“A Texas federal judge on Tuesday ruled that all voters afraid of catching the novel coronavirus can request absentee mail-in ballots due to the pandemic,” CNN reports.
“The ruling is the latest in a legal battle in both federal and state courts between the Texas Democratic Party — which argues that amid the pandemic people shouldn’t have to choose between their right to vote and their health — and the state, which argues that election officials are ‘misapplying’ Texas’ ‘disability’ requirement for absentee mail-in voting.”


politicalwire--2020-05-20--FEC Reaches Quorum After Senate Confirms Trainor

“ The Senate confirmed Trey Trainor , a Texas election attorney , to fill one of the empty seats on @ @ @ @ @ restoring a quorum for the nation ’ s chief campaign finance watchdog that has not @ @ @ @ @ year , ” Politico reports .

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


politicalwire--2020-05-21--Officials Advised Against Trump Arms Sales to Saudis

“ Secretary of State Mike Pompeo disregarded the advice of high-level officials at the State Department , Pentagon and within @ @ @ @ @ an emergency waiver last year to circumvent congressional review of billions of dollars in arms @ @ @ @ @ ” Politico reports .
“ That decision was under investigation by a government watchdog who @ @ @ @ @ Pompeo ’ s urging , and it has fueled renewed accusations from lawmakers that the @ @ @ @ @ of Congress and even violated the law when it fast-tracked the weapons sales .
”

“Secretary of State Mike Pompeo disregarded the advice of high-level officials at the State Department, Pentagon and within the intelligence community in invoking an emergency waiver last year to circumvent congressional review of billions of dollars in arms sales to the Gulf,” Politico reports.
“That decision was under investigation by a government watchdog who was fired last week at Pompeo’s urging, and it has fueled renewed accusations from lawmakers that the Trump administration bucked the will of Congress and even violated the law when it fast-tracked the weapons sales.”


politicalwire--2020-05-21--McConnell Vows End to Enhanced Unemployment Benefits

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell ( R-KY ) promised House Republicans that the beefed up unemployment benefits enacted earlier this @ @ @ @ @ in the next bill , ” Politico reports .


politicalwire--2020-05-21--Sanders Seeks to Turn Down Volume of His Supporters

“ Sen .
Bernie Sanders , whose delegates staged a raucous rebellion against Hillary Clinton at the 2016 Democratic convention @ @ @ @ @ a different outcome this year — by turning down the volume on his social media-driven @ @ @ @ @ ” the Washington Post reports .
“ The Vermont senator ’ s campaign has told @ @ @ @ @ him this year to sign agreements barring attacks on other candidates or party leaders , @ @ @ @ @ or talking to reporters without approval .
”

“Sen. Bernie Sanders, whose delegates staged a raucous rebellion against Hillary Clinton at the 2016 Democratic convention, is trying to engineer a different outcome this year — by turning down the volume on his social media-driven army of 2020 delegates,” the Washington Post reports.
“The Vermont senator’s campaign has told some supporters picked to represent him this year to sign agreements barring attacks on other candidates or party leaders, combative confrontations on social media or talking to reporters without approval.”


politicalwire--2020-05-20--Cohen Will Be Released to Home Confinement

President Trump ’ s former lawyer Michael Cohen will be released from a federal prison due to coronavirus concerns and @ @ @ @ @ rest of his three-year sentence from home , the Wall Street Journal reports .
His @ @ @ @ @ this month , when he didn ’ t return home as scheduled .

President Trump’s former lawyer Michael Cohen will be released from a federal prison due to coronavirus concerns and is expected to serve the rest of his three-year sentence from home, the Wall Street Journal reports.
His release appeared in doubt earlier this month, when he didn’t return home as scheduled.


politicalwire--2020-05-20--Flashback Quote of the Day

Flashback Quote of the Day

“ I think it ’ s fine .
It ’ s the flu .
It ’ s the flu… It @ @ @ @ @ handled .
It ’ s going to come .
It ’ s going to be @ @ @ @ @ will be worse than the normal flu seasons .
And it ’ s going to @ @ @ @ @ it is being handled fine .
I think the words are right.
” — Donald @ @ @ @ @ , on April 24 , 2009 , commenting on the Obama administration ’ s response @ @ @ @ @

“I think it’s fine. It’s the flu. It’s the flu… It’s going to be handled. It’s going to come. It’s going to be bad. And maybe it will be worse than the normal flu seasons. And it’s going to go away. I think it is being handled fine. I think the words are right.”
— Donald Trump, on Fox News, on April 24, 2009, commenting on the Obama administration’s response to H1N1 Swine Flu.


politicalwire--2020-05-20--Michael Flynn’s Name Was Never ‘Masked’

Michael Flynn’s Name Was Never ‘Masked’

“ A Republican effort to determine who may have leaked the name of Michael Flynn in connection to his 2016 @ @ @ @ @ has centered on the question of which Obama administration officials requested his identity be ‘ @ @ @ @ @ , ” the Washington Post reports .
“ But in the FBI report about the @ @ @ @ @ , Flynn ’ s name was never redacted .
”

“A Republican effort to determine who may have leaked the name of Michael Flynn in connection to his 2016 contact with the Russian ambassador has centered on the question of which Obama administration officials requested his identity be ‘unmasked’ in intelligence documents,” the Washington Post reports.
“But in the FBI report about the communications between the two men, Flynn’s name was never redacted.”


politicalwire--2020-05-20--Southern Counties About to Get Hit Hard

Southern Counties About to Get Hit Hard

“ A new analysis being reviewed by the White House shows southern states that moved too quickly to relax social @ @ @ @ @ for a resurgence of the coronavirus over the next several weeks , ” the Daily @ @ @


politicalwire--2020-05-20--Most See Wearing Masks as Public Health Issue

A new HuffPost/YouGov poll finds that Americans , by 62 % to 29 % , say that deciding to wear @ @ @ @ @ a matter of public health than a matter of personal choice .


politicalwire--2020-05-20--Speculation Grows Trump Will Fire CDC Director

“ A day after President Trump privately excoriated the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to Republican senators during @ @ @ @ @ , the fate of the agency ’ s director , Dr. Robert Redfield , is @ @ @ @ @ reports .
“ As recently as last week , Redfield told colleagues he didn ’ @ @ @ @ @ trouble or that his job was on the line… Over the weekend , the momentum @ @ @ @ @ Redfield grew concerned he may have a target on his back .
”

“A day after President Trump privately excoriated the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to Republican senators during a lunch on Capitol Hill, the fate of the agency’s director, Dr. Robert Redfield, is in question,” CNN reports.
“As recently as last week, Redfield told colleagues he didn’t think he was in trouble or that his job was on the line… Over the weekend, the momentum appeared to have shifted. Redfield grew concerned he may have a target on his back.”


politicalwire--2020-05-20--Michigan Attorney General Says Trump Must Wear Mask

Michigan ’ s attorney general wrote that President Trump has a “ legal responsibility ” — under state law — @ @ @ @ @ a coronavirus precaution when he visits a Ford Motor Co. factory Thursday , CNBC reports @


politicalwire--2020-05-20--Michigan Unemployment Rate Is 22%

Michigan Unemployment Rate Is 22%

“ Michigan ’ s jobless rate topped 22 % in April , likely an all-time high for the state , @ @ @ @ @ the month as a result of the coronavirus pandemic , ” the Detroit Free Press @ @ @ @ @ one reason Michigan is no longer a Toss Up on the consensus electoral map .

“Michigan’s jobless rate topped 22% in April, likely an all-time high for the state, as widespread layoffs continued in the month as a result of the coronavirus pandemic,” the Detroit Free Press reports.
That’s one reason Michigan is no longer a Toss Up on the consensus electoral map.


politicalwire--2020-05-20--Justices Block Disclosure of Mueller Materials

“ The Supreme Court blocked Congress from receiving grand-jury materials from Robert Mueller ’ s investigation of Russia ’ s @ @ @ @ @ , ” the Wall Street Journal reports .
“ The court , in a written @ @ @ @ @ emergency request by the Trump administration to keep the materials secret while it mounts a @ @ @ @ @ their release.
” “ The high court ’ s action increases the chances that the @ @ @ @ @ the 2020 election .
”

“The Supreme Court blocked Congress from receiving grand-jury materials from Robert Mueller’s investigation of Russia’s interference in the 2016 election,” the Wall Street Journal reports.
“The court, in a written order Wednesday, granted an emergency request by the Trump administration to keep the materials secret while it mounts a full high court appeal against their release.”
“The high court’s action increases the chances that the information will remain shielded through the 2020 election.”


politicalwire--2020-05-20--GOP Sends Contradictory Message on Mail Voting

A Republican campaign flyer in South Carolina simultaneously blasts vote-by-mail efforts while explaining how voters can get an absentee ballot @


politicalwire--2020-05-20--McConnell Underwater on Approval in Kentucky

A new Public Policy Polling survey in Kentucky finds that Sen. Mitch McConnell ( R-KY ) continues to be unpopular @ @ @ @ @ only 41 % of voters approving of the job he ’ s doing and 48 @ @ @ @ @ striking : Just 69 % of Republicans approve of the job he ’ s doing @ @ @ @ @ against a generic Democratic opponent , McConnell leads by just three points , 47 % @ @ @ @ @ contrast , President Trump has a 16-point lead over Joe Biden in the state , @ @ @ @ @ .
Nathan Gonzales : “ He ’ s not running against a generic Democrat .
@ @ @ @ @ $ 15 million on the race and has real negatives .
Not having a named @ @ @ @ @ ”

A new Public Policy Polling survey in Kentucky finds that Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) continues to be unpopular in the state, with only 41% of voters approving of the job he’s doing and 48% who disapprove.
Also striking: Just 69% of Republicans approve of the job he’s doing.
In a match up against a generic Democratic opponent, McConnell leads by just three points, 47% to 44%. By contrast, President Trump has a 16-point lead over Joe Biden in the state, 55% to 39%.
Nathan Gonzales: “He’s not running against a generic Democrat. Amy McGrath has already spent $15 million on the race and has real negatives. Not having a named ballot sticks out prominently.”


politicalwire--2020-05-20--Is Trump Trying to Lose Michigan?

Is Trump Trying to Lose Michigan?

This piece is only available to Political Wire members .
Your support makes this site possible .
Join today for @ @ @ @ @ and get exclusive analysis , new features and no advertising .
Sign in to your @ @ @ @ @ If you ’ re already signed in and still seeing this message , your subscription @ @ @ @ @ your membership , navigate to your account , adjust your credit card information and click @ @ @ @ @ just $ 5 a month or $ 50 a year .


politicalwire--2020-05-20--The Hunting of Hillary

The Hunting of Hillary

Out this summer : The Hunting of Hillary : The Forty-Year Campaign to Destroy Hillary Clinton by Michael D ’ @ @ @ @ @ entire industry of hate , lies , and fear was created to persecute Hillary Clinton @ @ @ @ @ it .
”

Out this summer: The Hunting of Hillary: The Forty-Year Campaign to Destroy Hillary Clinton by Michael D’Antonio.
“How an entire industry of hate, lies, and fear was created to persecute Hillary Clinton for decades and profit from it.”


politicalwire--2020-05-20--Biden Holds Double-Digit Lead Nationally

A new Quinnipiac poll finds Joe Biden leads Donald Trump in the presidential race nationally , 50 % to 39 @ @ @ @ @ job approval is 42 % to 53 % , and on the coronavirus response , @ @ @ @ @ .
Said pollster Tim Malloy : “ What does the 11 point Biden lead tell @ @ @ @ @ Team Trump , it says voter confidence in President Trump is shaky .
At worst @ @ @ @ @ cases rise , Trump ’ s judgement is questioned – and November looms .
”

A new Quinnipiac poll finds Joe Biden leads Donald Trump in the presidential race nationally, 50% to 39%.
Trump’s job approval is 42% to 53%, and on the coronavirus response, 41% to 56%.
Said pollster Tim Malloy: “What does the 11 point Biden lead tell us? At best for Team Trump, it says voter confidence in President Trump is shaky. At worst for them, as coronavirus cases rise, Trump’s judgement is questioned – and November looms.”


Meet Brad Parscale

The Lincoln Project has a new video suggesting Trump campaign manager Brad Parscale is getting rich off of the president @ @ @ @ @ message : “ Don , you got conned… by your IT guy .
”

The Lincoln Project has a new video suggesting Trump campaign manager Brad Parscale is getting rich off of the president’s campaign.
Their message: “Don, you got conned… by your IT guy.”


politicalwire--2020-05-20--QAnon Believer Wins Oregon GOP Senate Nomination

Oregon Republicans nominated Jo Rae Perkins ( R ) for the U.S. Senate race , a candidate who believes in @ @ @ @ @ theory that has taken root among some far-right supporters of President Trump , the Washington @ @ @ @ @ video posted on Twitter Tuesday night , Perkins declared that she supports the conspiracy theory @ @ @ @ @ one , we go all .
I stand with President Trump .
I stand with @ @ @ @ @ Thank you Anons , and thank you patriots .
And together , we can save @ @ @ @

Oregon Republicans nominated Jo Rae Perkins (R) for the U.S. Senate race, a candidate who believes in QAnon, the baseless conspiracy theory that has taken root among some far-right supporters of President Trump, the Washington Post reports.
In a video posted on Twitter Tuesday night, Perkins declared that she supports the conspiracy theory: “Where we go one, we go all. I stand with President Trump. I stand with Q and the team. Thank you Anons, and thank you patriots. And together, we can save our republic.”


politicalwire--2020-05-20--Jane Roe’s Anti-Abortion Conversion Was an Act

In a forthcoming documentary , Norma McCorvey — known as Jane Roe of Roe v. Wade — admits that she @ @ @ @ @ comments “ in the mid ’ 90s when the pro-choice advocate and activist appeared to @ @ @ @ @ with the help of leaders of the evangelical Christian right , ” the Daily Beast @ @

In a forthcoming documentary, Norma McCorvey — known as Jane Roe of Roe v. Wade — admits that she was paid to make anti-abortion comments “in the mid ’90s when the pro-choice advocate and activist appeared to become a born-again ex-gay Christian with the help of leaders of the evangelical Christian right,” the Daily Beast reports.


politicalwire--2020-05-21--Has Pompeo Finally Crossed the Trumpian Line?

“ The outrage over the firing of Steve Linick , the State Department inspector general , was in a word : predictable .
As the latest in Donald Trump ’ s so-called purge of inspectors general across the administration , Democrats ’ fiery condemnations and the tempered Republican criticisms from the usual suspects on the right—Senators Mitt Romney , Susan Collins , and Chuck Grassley , a longtime oversight advocate—felt choreographed .
The steady drip of revelations potentially tying Linick ’ s dismissal to Mike Pompeo ’ s leadership of the State Department , coupled with questionable cameos by his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been less expected—if not entirely surprising .
But while the inspector general ’ s ouster may have sparked a deluge of questions about whether it was retaliatory in nature , Pompeo ’ s problems are really rooted in his own political ambitions.
” Said one former State Department official : “ It ’ s just so extreme .
He ’ s using the institution to clearly advance his own personal interests.
” “ In Donald Trump ’ s world , this is a line you ’ re not supposed to cross .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like to be used .
”

Abigail Tracy, writing for Vanity Fair:
“The outrage over the firing of Steve Linick, the State Department inspector general, was in a word: predictable. As the latest in Donald Trump’s so-called purge of inspectors general across the administration, Democrats’ fiery condemnations and the tempered Republican criticisms from the usual suspects on the right—Senators Mitt Romney, Susan Collins, and Chuck Grassley, a longtime oversight advocate—felt choreographed. The steady drip of revelations potentially tying Linick’s dismissal to Mike Pompeo’s leadership of the State Department, coupled with questionable cameos by his wife, Susan, however, have been less expected—if not entirely surprising. But while the inspector general’s ouster may have sparked a deluge of questions about whether it was retaliatory in nature, Pompeo’s problems are really rooted in his own political ambitions.”
Said one former State Department official: “It’s just so extreme. He’s using the institution to clearly advance his own personal interests.”
“In Donald Trump’s world, this is a line you’re not supposed to cross. The ultimate user, he doesn’t like to be used.”


politicalwire--2020-05-21--Trump Uses Official Travel to Visit Battleground States

Washington Post : “ Since resuming their travel schedules , President Trump and Vice President Pence have focused on battleground @ @ @ @ @ chances , staging official government events at a time when likely Democratic nominee Joseph Biden @ @ @ @ @ unable to safely return to the campaign trail .
”


politicalwire--2020-05-21--Most Americans Wary of Reopening

Most Americans Wary of Reopening

A new AP/NORC poll finds 83 % of Americans said they are very ( 54 % ) or somewhat ( @ @ @ @ @ lifting restrictions will lead to a rise in infections .
A new NPR/PBS/Marist poll finds @ @ @ @ @ expect their daily lives to return to normal for at least six months , and @ @ @ @ @ % are concerned that a second wave of coronavirus cases will emerge .
Said pollster @ @ @ @ @ ’ s a great sense that normalcy is not around the corner… The overwhelming majority @ @ @ @ @ no way out of the woods .
The notion that there ’ s the potential @ @ @ @ @ wave is strong , and we see that clearly across party lines .
”

A new AP/NORC poll finds 83% of Americans said they are very (54%) or somewhat (29%) concerned that lifting restrictions will lead to a rise in infections.
A new NPR/PBS/Marist poll finds two-thirds of Americans do not expect their daily lives to return to normal for at least six months, and as states reopen, 77% are concerned that a second wave of coronavirus cases will emerge.
Said pollster Lee Miringoff: “There’s a great sense that normalcy is not around the corner… The overwhelming majority feel we’re in no way out of the woods. The notion that there’s the potential or likelihood of a second wave is strong, and we see that clearly across party lines.”


Mortgage Delinquencies Surge

“ Delinquencies among borrowers for past-due mortgages are soaring , a sign that Americans are struggling to pay their bills @ @ @ @ @ layoffs or lost income from the coronavirus pandemic , ” USA Today reports .
“ @ @ @ @ @ national delinquency rate nearly doubled from 3.06 % in March , the largest single-month increase @ @ @ @ @ three times the prior record for a single month during the height of the financial @ @ @ @ @ ”

“Delinquencies among borrowers for past-due mortgages are soaring, a sign that Americans are struggling to pay their bills due to a wave of layoffs or lost income from the coronavirus pandemic,” USA Today reports.
“At 6.45%, the national delinquency rate nearly doubled from 3.06% in March, the largest single-month increase ever recorded, and nearly three times the prior record for a single month during the height of the financial crisis in late 2008.”


politicalwire--2020-05-21--The Challenge of Briefing Trump

The Challenge of Briefing Trump

New York Times : “ Mr .
Trump , who has mounted a yearslong attack on the intelligence agencies , @ @ @ @ @ on critical national security matters.
” “ The president veers off on tangents and getting @ @ @ @ @ difficult , they said .
He has a short attention span and rarely , if @ @ @ @ @ , relying instead on conservative media and his friends for information .
He is unashamed @ @ @ @ @ riff based on tips or gossip he hears from the former casino magnate Steve Wynn @ @ @ @ @ Player or Christopher Ruddy , the conservative media executive.
” “ Mr .
Trump rarely @ @ @ @ @ with or that runs counter to his worldview , the officials said .
Briefing him @ @ @ @ @ challenge compared with his predecessors that the intelligence agencies have hired outside consultants to study @ @ @ @ @ to him .
”

New York Times: “Mr. Trump, who has mounted a yearslong attack on the intelligence agencies, is particularly difficult to brief on critical national security matters.”
“The president veers off on tangents and getting him back on topic is difficult, they said. He has a short attention span and rarely, if ever, reads intelligence reports, relying instead on conservative media and his friends for information. He is unashamed to interrupt intelligence officers and riff based on tips or gossip he hears from the former casino magnate Steve Wynn, the retired golfer Gary Player or Christopher Ruddy, the conservative media executive.”
“Mr. Trump rarely absorbs information that he disagrees with or that runs counter to his worldview, the officials said. Briefing him has been so great a challenge compared with his predecessors that the intelligence agencies have hired outside consultants to study how better to present information to him.”


politicalwire--2020-05-21--Lockdown Delays Led to At Least 36,000 More Deaths

New York Times : “ If the United States had begun imposing social-distancing measures one week earlier in March , @ @ @ @ @ have died in the pandemic , according to new estimates from Columbia University disease modelers.
@ @ @ @ @ country had begun locking down cities and limiting social contact on March 1 , two @ @ @ @ @ people started staying home , a vast majority of the nation ’ s deaths — @ @ @ @ @ have been avoided , the researchers estimated .
”

New York Times: “If the United States had begun imposing social-distancing measures one week earlier in March, about 36,000 fewer people would have died in the pandemic, according to new estimates from Columbia University disease modelers.”
“And if the country had begun locking down cities and limiting social contact on March 1, two weeks earlier than when most people started staying home, a vast majority of the nation’s deaths — about 83 percent — would have been avoided, the researchers estimated.”


politicalwire--2020-05-21--Crenshaw’s Book Is Big Draw for GOP Donors

The National Republican Congressional Committee has spent nearly $ 400,000 buying 25,500 copies of Rep. Dan Crenshaw ’ s ( @ @ @ @ @ donors .
They used the book to entice Republicans to give money to the NRCC @ @ @ @ @ Politico the promotion raised the NRCC $ 1.5 million .

The National Republican Congressional Committee has spent nearly $400,000 buying 25,500 copies of Rep. Dan Crenshaw’s (R-TX) book Fortitude for donors. They used the book to entice Republicans to give money to the NRCC.
A party official told Politico the promotion raised the NRCC $1.5 million.


politicalwire--2020-05-21--Clinton Rakes In Millions for Biden

Clinton Rakes In Millions for Biden

Politico : “ Hillary Clinton collected $ 2 million for Joe Biden ’ s new joint fundraising committee with the @ @ @ @ @ — an enormous one-night haul for the once cash-strapped campaign .
”

“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--2020-05-21--Warren Pivots Away from Medicare for All

Politico : “ In the thick of primary season , Elizabeth Warren and Joe Biden brawled over Medicare for All @ @ @ @ @ ‘ angry , ’ ‘ elitist , ’ ‘ condescending ’ ; she shot back @ @ @ @ @ care status quo with industry talking points is ‘ running in the wrong presidential primary.
@ @ @ @ @ later , with Biden the presumptive nominee and Warren in the running for VP , @ @ @ @ @ harmonious chord .
‘ I think right now people want to see improvements in our @ @ @ @ @ that means strengthening the Affordable Care Act , ’ she told students at the University @ @ @ @ @ of Politics this week , while adding that she still wants to get to single @ @ @ @ @ shift is the latest public signal Warren has sent Biden ’ s way in recent @ @ @ @ @ job of vice president — and wants Biden to see her as a loyal governing @ @ @ @ @ , which go back decades .
”

Politico: “In the thick of primary season, Elizabeth Warren and Joe Biden brawled over Medicare for All: He called her approach ‘angry,’ ‘elitist,’ ‘condescending’; she shot back anyone who defends the health care status quo with industry talking points is ‘running in the wrong presidential primary.’”
“Six months later, with Biden the presumptive nominee and Warren in the running for VP, she is striking a more harmonious chord. ‘I think right now people want to see improvements in our health care system, and that means strengthening the Affordable Care Act,’ she told students at the University of Chicago’s Institute of Politics this week, while adding that she still wants to get to single payer eventually.”
“The shift is the latest public signal Warren has sent Biden’s way in recent weeks that she wants the job of vice president — and wants Biden to see her as a loyal governing partner despite their past clashes, which go back decades.”


politicalwire--2020-05-21--Some Republicans Push Infrastructure Bill

“ Sen .
Lindsey Graham , a close Trump ally and chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee , said he @ @ @ @ @ get behind a plan to pump more money into infrastructure projects — even though that @ @ @ @ @ reception from McConnell so far , ” CNN reports .
Said Graham : “ I @ @ @ @ @ I told Trump , this is the time .
We got it teed up .
@ @ @ @ @ go big .
… It really is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to give a facelift to @ @ @ @ @ isn ’ t alone .
Other powerful members of the Senate GOP Conference , including @ @ @ @ @ .
Roy Blunt of Missouri and Roger Wicker of Mississippi — want to move on @ @ @ @ @ money into roads , bridges and transportation projects .
”

“Sen. Lindsey Graham, a close Trump ally and chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said he’s pushing Trump to get behind a plan to pump more money into infrastructure projects — even though that idea has gotten an icy reception from McConnell so far,” CNN reports.
Said Graham: “I want to do infrastructure. I told Trump, this is the time. We got it teed up. This is the time to go big. … It really is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to give a facelift to the country.”
“Graham isn’t alone. Other powerful members of the Senate GOP Conference, including two committee chairmen — Sens. Roy Blunt of Missouri and Roger Wicker of Mississippi — want to move on an infrastructure package to pump money into roads, bridges and transportation projects.”


politicalwire--2020-05-21--Trump Is Running Against Himself

Trump Is Running Against Himself

Associated Press : “ With his cries to ‘ Reopen our country !
’ and his rebukes of the federal @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus pandemic , Trump has tried to tap into the same populist , anti-Washington @ @ @ @ @ in 2016 .
The difference : He is now , by definition , the face @ @ @ @ @ himself as the outsider despite being the incumbent , Trump has feuded with governors , @ @ @ @ @ and , this week , said he was taking an unproven anti-malarial drug against the @ @ @ @ @ own health experts .
”

Associated Press: “With his cries to ‘Reopen our country!’ and his rebukes of the federal bureaucracy and health regulations amid the coronavirus pandemic, Trump has tried to tap into the same populist, anti-Washington anger he rode to victory in 2016. The difference: He is now, by definition, the face of government.”
“Positioning himself as the outsider despite being the incumbent, Trump has feuded with governors, pushed back against government restrictions and, this week, said he was taking an unproven anti-malarial drug against the coronavirus despite warnings from his own health experts.”


politicalwire--2020-05-21--Reopening Guidance for Churches Delayed

Reopening Guidance for Churches Delayed

Guidance for reopening houses of worship amid the coronavirus pandemic has been put on hold after a battle between the @ @ @ @ @ , which was resistant to putting limits on religious institutions , the Washington Post reports @