politicalwire--2020-08-01--Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day

“ Well , we ’ re going to be doing a healthcare plan .
We ’ re going to be @ @ @ @ @ plan .
I ’ ll be signing it sometime very soon… .
It might be @ @ @ @ @ , but it ’ s — it ’ s going to be very soon.
” @ @ @ @ @ doing a full immigration plan .
We ’ re going to take care of a @ @ @ @ @ 25 years , they ’ ve been trying to get an immigration plan .
We @ @ @ @ @ doing merit-based immigration .
I ’ m sure you ’ d be happy to hear @ @ @ @ @ s merit-based .
It ’ s very powerfully merit-based .
It ’ s going to @ @ @ @ @ ’ s going to cover just about everything that most people would have said couldn @ @ @ @ @ we ’ ll be releasing that over the next couple of weeks .
”

“Well, we’re going to be doing a healthcare plan. We’re going to be doing a very inclusive healthcare plan. I’ll be signing it sometime very soon…. It might be — it might be Sunday, but it’s — it’s going to be very soon.”
“We’re also doing a full immigration plan. We’re going to take care of a lot things that, for 25 years, they’ve been trying to get an immigration plan. We’re going to be doing merit-based immigration. I’m sure you’d be happy to hear that. But it’s merit-based. It’s very powerfully merit-based. It’s going to be very inclusive. It’s going to cover just about everything that most people would have said couldn’t happen, and we’ll be releasing that over the next couple of weeks.”
— President Trump, in remarks in Florida.


politicalwire--2020-08-01--Trump Slams Fauci Over Testimony on Virus Surge

President Trump publicly rebuked Dr. Anthony Fauci , forcefully rejecting the nation ’ s top infectious disease expert ’ s @ @ @ @ @ has experienced a renewed surge in coronavirus cases , Politico reports .
“ Wrong !
@ @ @ @ @ retweet of a video where Fauci explained to a House subcommittee that the U.S. has @ @ @ @ @ countries because it only shut down a fraction of its economy amid the pandemic .
@ @ @ @ @ have more cases because we have tested far more than any other country , 60,000,000 @ @ @ @ @ , there would be less cases .
”

President Trump publicly rebuked Dr. Anthony Fauci, forcefully rejecting the nation’s top infectious disease expert’s testimony on why the U.S. has experienced a renewed surge in coronavirus cases, Politico reports.
“Wrong!” Trump wrote in a retweet of a video where Fauci explained to a House subcommittee that the U.S. has seen more cases than European countries because it only shut down a fraction of its economy amid the pandemic.
Said Trump: “We have more cases because we have tested far more than any other country, 60,000,000. If we tested less, there would be less cases.”


politicalwire--2020-08-01--Biden Eyes Major Foreign Policy Shifts

Biden Eyes Major Foreign Policy Shifts

“ Should former Vice President Joe Biden win the White House in November , America will likely be in for @ @ @ @ @ Biden reverses , dismantles or severely curtails many of President Trump ’ s most significant @ @ @ @ @ the AP reports .
“ From the Middle East to Asia , Latin America to @ @ @ @ @ Europe , and on issues including trade , terrorism , arms control and immigration , @ @ @ @ @ his advisers have vowed to unleash a tsunami of change in how the U.S. handles @ @ @ @ @ ” “ With few exceptions , Americans could expect Biden to re-engage with traditional allies @ @

“Should former Vice President Joe Biden win the White House in November, America will likely be in for a foreign policy about-face as Biden reverses, dismantles or severely curtails many of President Trump’s most significant and boldest actions,” the AP reports.
“From the Middle East to Asia, Latin America to Africa and, particularly, Europe, and on issues including trade, terrorism, arms control and immigration, the presumptive Democratic nominee and his advisers have vowed to unleash a tsunami of change in how the U.S. handles itself in the international arena.”
“With few exceptions, Americans could expect Biden to re-engage with traditional allies.”


politicalwire--2020-08-01--Another Congressman Tests Positive

Another Congressman Tests Positive

Rep. Raúl Grijalva ( D-AZ ) has tested positive for COVID-19 after a week in Washington , D.C. , that @ @ @ @ @ Louie Gohmert ( R-TX ) , who also tested positive in recent days , the @ @ @ @ @ is asymptomatic and in self-quarantine at his residence in the Washington area .

Rep. Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ) has tested positive for COVID-19 after a week in Washington, D.C., that included a hearing with Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-TX), who also tested positive in recent days, the Arizona Republic reports.
Grijalva is asymptomatic and in self-quarantine at his residence in the Washington area.


politicalwire--2020-08-01--Biden’s Shortlist Narrows to Four Women

Biden’s Shortlist Narrows to Four Women

Wall Street Journal : “ Three Black women have risen to be top contenders , according to people close to @ @ @ @ @ unusually public vetting process in which Mr. Biden has been urged by some Democrats to @ @ @ @ @ as his running mate .
Candidates and their allies have been making their final pitches @ @ @ @ @ team in recent days in phone calls and virtual meetings due to the coronavirus pandemic.
@ @ @ @ @ Bass and former national security adviser Susan Rice have been gaining traction in recent weeks @ @ @ @ @ as top candidates of color who are under consideration.
” “ Sen .
Elizabeth Warren @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Democratic primary opponents , also remains among the leading contenders .
”

Wall Street Journal: “Three Black women have risen to be top contenders, according to people close to the campaign, after an unusually public vetting process in which Mr. Biden has been urged by some Democrats to choose a woman of color as his running mate. Candidates and their allies have been making their final pitches to Mr. Biden’s team in recent days in phone calls and virtual meetings due to the coronavirus pandemic.”
“Rep. Karen Bass and former national security adviser Susan Rice have been gaining traction in recent weeks, joining Sen. Kamala Harris as top candidates of color who are under consideration.”
“Sen. Elizabeth Warren, one of Mr. Biden’s Democratic primary opponents, also remains among the leading contenders.”


politicalwire--2020-08-01--Biden Vows Laser Focus on Pandemic

Biden Vows Laser Focus on Pandemic

Joe Biden ’ s campaign contends that President Trump ’ s talk of delaying November ’ s election is an @ @ @ @ @ vows to be what a Biden aide called “ laser-focused ” on Trump ’ s @ @ @ @ @ .

“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--2020-08-01--Suburban Voters Sour on GOP

Suburban Voters Sour on GOP

New York Times : “ Interviews with more than two dozen party officials , strategists and voters in areas like @ @ @ @ @ polls have found : that Mr. Trump ’ s strategy is alienating independent and even @ @ @ @ @ women and better-educated Americans — who are turned off by his partisan appeals and disappointed @ @ @ @ @ the suburbs of St. Louis to Omaha to Houston , they expressed deep concern about @ @ @ @ @ to twin national crises , lamenting his confident declarations that the coronavirus was under control @ @ @ @ @ racial divides after nationwide protests over police brutality against Black Americans.
” “ One result @ @ @ @ @ who began the election cycle hoping to win an uphill battle to recapture their majority @ @ @ @ @ least , claw back some of the competitive districts they lost to Democrats in 2018 @ @ @ @ @ shore up seats that once would have required little effort to hold .
”

New York Times: “Interviews with more than two dozen party officials, strategists and voters in areas like these help explain what recent polls have found: that Mr. Trump’s strategy is alienating independent and even some conservative voters — particularly women and better-educated Americans — who are turned off by his partisan appeals and disappointed in his leadership. From the suburbs of St. Louis to Omaha to Houston, they expressed deep concern about Mr. Trump’s approach to twin national crises, lamenting his confident declarations that the coronavirus was under control and his move to stoke racial divides after nationwide protests over police brutality against Black Americans.”
“One result is that House Republicans, who began the election cycle hoping to win an uphill battle to recapture their majority — or at the very least, claw back some of the competitive districts they lost to Democrats in 2018 — are instead scrambling to shore up seats that once would have required little effort to hold.”


politicalwire--2020-08-01--Official Who Tracked Journalists Pushed Out

A senior Department of Homeland Security official whose office compiled “ intelligence reports ” about journalists and protesters in Portland @ @ @ @ @ job , the Washington Post reports .


politicalwire--2020-08-01--Trump Searches In Vain for Campaign Crowds

CNN : “ In an attempt to boost his mood , Trump ’ s advisers scrambled to assemble a scaled-down @ @ @ @ @ Florida tarmac on Friday , where Trump addressed a mostly mask-less crowd standing inches from @ @ @ @ @ in the state that Trump had scheduled for Saturday were canceled as a storm approached.
@ @ @ @ @ what White House officials describe as an ad-hoc effort to schedule appearances for Trump that @ @ @ @ @ at least some adulation as his campaign rallies remain on hold and after an in-person @ @ @ @ @ ” “ White House officials are still weighing their options for how Trump will formally @ @ @ @ @ assessing sites around the country where he might deliver a prime-time address .
Yet the @ @ @ @ @ Trump insists upon something dramatic while aides work to temper some of his expectations about @ @ @ @ @ venues .
”

CNN: “In an attempt to boost his mood, Trump’s advisers scrambled to assemble a scaled-down political event on a baking Florida tarmac on Friday, where Trump addressed a mostly mask-less crowd standing inches from one another. Other events in the state that Trump had scheduled for Saturday were canceled as a storm approached.”
“The event illustrated what White House officials describe as an ad-hoc effort to schedule appearances for Trump that allow him to bask in at least some adulation as his campaign rallies remain on hold and after an in-person convention acceptance speech was scuttled.”
“White House officials are still weighing their options for how Trump will formally accept the nomination, including assessing sites around the country where he might deliver a prime-time address. Yet the task has proven difficult as Trump insists upon something dramatic while aides work to temper some of his expectations about the scale of the potential venues.”


politicalwire--2020-08-01--Pelosi Upbraids Counterintel Chief

Pelosi Upbraids Counterintel Chief

“ Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other top House Democrats admonished the country ’ s top counterintelligence official during a closed-door @ @ @ @ @ accusing him of keeping Americans in the dark about the details of Russia ’ s @ @ @ @ @ campaign , ” Politico reports .
“ Pelosi hinted at the conflict upon emerging from @ @ @ @ @ saying she thought the administration was ‘ withholding ’ evidence of foreign election meddling .
@ @ @ @ @ briefing told Politico that both Pelosi and House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer ( D-Md .
@ @ @ @ @ the director of the National Counterintelligence and Security Center , for issuing a statement last @ @ @ @ @ election interference by China , Russia , and Iran .
Democrats have described the statement @ @ @ @ @ be ‘ almost meaningless .
’ ”

“Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other top House Democrats admonished the country’s top counterintelligence official during a closed-door election security briefing Friday, accusing him of keeping Americans in the dark about the details of Russia’s continued interference in the 2020 campaign,” Politico reports.
“Pelosi hinted at the conflict upon emerging from the briefing Friday morning, saying she thought the administration was ‘withholding’ evidence of foreign election meddling. Multiple sources who attended the briefing told Politico that both Pelosi and House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) chastised William Evanina, the director of the National Counterintelligence and Security Center, for issuing a statement last week warning the public of election interference by China, Russia, and Iran. Democrats have described the statement as so vague as to be ‘almost meaningless.’”


politicalwire--2020-08-02--Coronavirus Virus Threat Rises Across U.S.

“ The coronavirus is spreading at dangerous levels across much of the United States , and public health experts are @ @ @ @ @ the national response , one that recognizes that the crisis is intensifying and that current @ @ @ @ @ working , ” the Washington Post reports .
“ This is a new phase of @ @ @ @ @ longer built around local or regional clusters and hot spots .
It comes at an @ @ @ @ @ economy suffered its worst collapse since the Great Depression , schools are rapidly canceling plans @ @ @ @ @ has failed to pass a new emergency relief package .
President Trump continues to promote @ @ @ @ @ death toll keeps climbing and the human cost of the virus in America has just @ @ @ @ @

“The coronavirus is spreading at dangerous levels across much of the United States, and public health experts are demanding a dramatic reset in the national response, one that recognizes that the crisis is intensifying and that current piecemeal strategies aren’t working,” the Washington Post reports.
“This is a new phase of the pandemic, one no longer built around local or regional clusters and hot spots. It comes at an unnerving moment in which the economy suffered its worst collapse since the Great Depression, schools are rapidly canceling plans for in-person instruction and Congress has failed to pass a new emergency relief package. President Trump continues to promote fringe science, the daily death toll keeps climbing and the human cost of the virus in America has just passed 150,000 lives.”


politicalwire--2020-08-02--Renomination of Trump to Be Held In Private

“ The vote to renominate President Donald Trump is set to be conducted in private later this month , without @ @ @ @ @ , a spokeswoman for the Republican National Convention , citing the coronavirus , ” the @ @ @ @ @ Trump called off the public components of the convention in Florida last month , citing @ @ @ @ @ across the country , 336 delegates are scheduled to gather in Charlotte , North Carolina @ @ @ @ @ formally vote to make Trump the GOP standard-bearer once more .
”

“The vote to renominate President Donald Trump is set to be conducted in private later this month, without members of the press present, a spokeswoman for the Republican National Convention, citing the coronavirus,” the AP reports.
“While Trump called off the public components of the convention in Florida last month, citing spiking cases of the virus across the country, 336 delegates are scheduled to gather in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Aug. 24 to formally vote to make Trump the GOP standard-bearer once more.”


politicalwire--2020-08-03--Biden Extends His Running Mate Search

Biden Extends His Running Mate Search

“ Joe Biden has extended his vice-presidential search by as much as two weeks , intensifying the jockeying and lobbying @ @ @ @ @ who hope to join his White House .
Even some longtime Biden allies worry the @ @ @ @ @ than it should be , ’ pitting women , especially Black women , against one @ @ @ @ @ Post reports .
“ The dynamic threatens to undermine Biden ’ s effort to use @ @ @ @ @ some of the party ’ s brightest female stars during the highly public vetting process @ @ @ @ @ already providing President Trump ’ s campaign an opening to dig up dirt and launch @ @ @ @ @ “ The increasing nastiness is fueled by a sense , even among Biden ’ s @ @ @ @ @ is entering the final phase of the search without a clear favorite .
Rather than @ @ @ @ @ of three candidates , people close to the process expect him to interview five or @ @ @ @ @ .
”

“Joe Biden has extended his vice-presidential search by as much as two weeks, intensifying the jockeying and lobbying between allies of the women who hope to join his White House. Even some longtime Biden allies worry the process has become ‘messier than it should be,’ pitting women, especially Black women, against one another,” the Washington Post reports.
“The dynamic threatens to undermine Biden’s effort to use the vice-presidential search to spotlight some of the party’s brightest female stars during the highly public vetting process. And it’s already providing President Trump’s campaign an opening to dig up dirt and launch attacks on potential rivals.”


politicalwire--2020-08-03--More Than 40,000 Will Die This Month from Coronavirus

The CDC predicts that up to 11,000 people will die every week this month from the coronavirus , CBS News @ @


politicalwire--2020-08-03--Failed Pentagon Nominee Placed Into Position

“ A controversial Trump administration pick for a top Pentagon post , retired Army Brig .
Gen. Anthony Tata , @ @ @ @ @ senior role days after his nomination hearing was canceled amid bipartisan opposition to his nomination @ @ @ @ @ A Pentagon spokesperson said that Tata has formally withdrawn his nomination and “ has been @ @ @ @ @ the Duties of the Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Policy reporting to the Acting Undersecretary @ @ @ @ @ James Anderson .
”

“A controversial Trump administration pick for a top Pentagon post, retired Army Brig. Gen. Anthony Tata, has been placed into a senior role days after his nomination hearing was canceled amid bipartisan opposition to his nomination,” CNN reports.
A Pentagon spokesperson said that Tata has formally withdrawn his nomination and “has been designated as the official Performing the Duties of the Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Policy reporting to the Acting Undersecretary of Defense for Policy Dr. James Anderson.”


politicalwire--2020-08-02--Extra Bonus Quote of the Day

Extra Bonus Quote of the Day

“ The next three months are the most important in modern U.S. history .
”


politicalwire--2020-08-02--How the Media Could Get the Election Story Wrong

Ben Smith : “ I spoke last week to executives , TV hosts and election analysts across leading American newsrooms @ @ @ @ @ by the blithe confidence among some top managers and hosts , who generally said they @ @ @ @ @ before and can do so again .
And I was alarmed by the near panic @ @ @ @ @ paying the closest attention — the analysts and producers trying , and often failing , @ @ @ @ @ election officials about how and when they will count the ballots and report results.
” @ @ @ @ @ “ The nerds are freaking out .
I don ’ t think it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ viewer ’ s mind that there ’ s not going to be an election night @ @ @ @ @ a panel sitting around discussing election results — that ’ s dead .
”

Ben Smith: “I spoke last week to executives, TV hosts and election analysts across leading American newsrooms, and I was struck by the blithe confidence among some top managers and hosts, who generally said they’ve handled complicated elections before and can do so again. And I was alarmed by the near panic among some of the people paying the closest attention — the analysts and producers trying, and often failing, to get answers from state election officials about how and when they will count the ballots and report results.”
Said analyst Random Finnigan: “The nerds are freaking out. I don’t think it’s penetrated enough in the average viewer’s mind that there’s not going to be an election night. The usual razzmatazz of a panel sitting around discussing election results — that’s dead.”


politicalwire--2020-08-02--Trump to Portray Biden as ‘Puppet of the Left’

Jonathan Swan : “ After pausing their multimillion-dollar advertising campaign to review their strategy , the Trump campaign plans to @ @ @ @ @ depicting Joe Biden as a puppet ‘ controlled by the radical left , ’ according @ @ @ @ @ ” “ The Trump campaign ’ s most recent internal polls show the ‘ puppet @ @ @ @ @ on Biden is beginning to resonate with voters… And it sets the campaign up to @ @ @ @ @ presidential selection.
” “ Team Trump is trying to persuade voters that if they vote @ @ @ @ @ re not actually electing this amiable , moderate old man .
The only way they @ @ @ @ @ Biden is to convince voters that he ’ s an empty vessel to be filled @ @ @ @ @ ‘ radical left . '
”

Jonathan Swan: “After pausing their multimillion-dollar advertising campaign to review their strategy, the Trump campaign plans to launch new ads on Monday depicting Joe Biden as a puppet ‘controlled by the radical left,’ according to two senior campaign officials.”
“The Trump campaign’s most recent internal polls show the ‘puppet of the left’ attack on Biden is beginning to resonate with voters… And it sets the campaign up to attack Biden’s vice presidential selection.”
“Team Trump is trying to persuade voters that if they vote for Biden, they’re not actually electing this amiable, moderate old man. The only way they believe they can sufficiently toxify Biden is to convince voters that he’s an empty vessel to be filled by the policies of the ‘radical left.'”


politicalwire--2020-08-02--Bonus Quote of the Day

Bonus Quote of the Day

“ The decision will be based upon three things and three things only : vetting , polling and , as @ @ @ @ @ , who ’ s ‘ simpatico ’ with him.
” — Rep. Jim Clyburn ( @ @ @ @ @ Axios , on Joe Biden ’ s search for a running mate .

“The decision will be based upon three things and three things only: vetting, polling and, as Joe Biden would put it, who’s ‘simpatico’ with him.”
— Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-SC), quoted by Axios, on Joe Biden’s search for a running mate.


politicalwire--2020-08-02--Bailout Money Flowed to Chinese-Owned Companies

New York Times : “ Millions of dollars of American taxpayer money have flowed to China from the $ 660 @ @ @ @ @ was created in March to be a lifeline for struggling small businesses in the United @ @ @ @ @ economic relief legislation allowed American subsidiaries of foreign firms to receive the loans , a @ @ @ @ @ went to America ’ s biggest economic rival , a new analysis shows.
” “ @ @ @ @ @ quite sizable ; at least 32 Chinese companies received loans worth more than $ 1 @ @ @ @ @ as much as $ 180 million .
”

New York Times: “Millions of dollars of American taxpayer money have flowed to China from the $660 billion Paycheck Protection Program that was created in March to be a lifeline for struggling small businesses in the United States. But because the economic relief legislation allowed American subsidiaries of foreign firms to receive the loans, a substantial chunk of the money went to America’s biggest economic rival, a new analysis shows.”
“Many of the loans were quite sizable; at least 32 Chinese companies received loans worth more than $1 million, with those totaling as much as $180 million.”


politicalwire--2020-08-02--Deutsche Bank Opens Probe Into Kushner Banker

“ Deutsche Bank has opened an internal investigation into the longtime personal banker of President Trump and his son-in-law , @ @ @ @ @ 2013 real estate transaction between the banker and a company part-owned by Mr. Kushner , @ @ @ @ @ reports .
“ Typically banks restrict employees from doing personal business with clients because of @ @ @ @ @ the employees ’ interests and those of the bank .
”

“Deutsche Bank has opened an internal investigation into the longtime personal banker of President Trump and his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, over a 2013 real estate transaction between the banker and a company part-owned by Mr. Kushner,” the New York Times reports.
“Typically banks restrict employees from doing personal business with clients because of the potential for conflicts between the employees’ interests and those of the bank.”


politicalwire--2020-08-02--White House Won’t Try to Delay Election

White House Won’t Try to Delay Election

The White House has no plans to try to delay the Nov. 3 election , Chief of Staff Mark Meadows @ @ @ @ @ he defended a tweet from President Trump that raised the possibility , the Washington Post @ @ @ @ @ “ We ’ re going to hold an election on November 3rd , and the @ @ @ @ @ .
”

The White House has no plans to try to delay the Nov. 3 election, Chief of Staff Mark Meadows said Sunday, even as he defended a tweet from President Trump that raised the possibility, the Washington Post reports.
Said Meadows: “We’re going to hold an election on November 3rd, and the president is going to win.”


politicalwire--2020-08-02--Pelosi Says She Has No Confidence In Birx

Speaker Pelosi confirmed to ABC News reports she slammed Dr. Deborah Birx in a closed-door meeting .
Said Pelosi : @ @ @ @ @ is spreading disinformation about the virus , and she is his appointee , so I @ @ @ @ @ there , no .
”


politicalwire--2020-08-02--Trump Met with John Yoo

Trump Met with John Yoo

President Trump met with UC Berkeley law professor John Yoo at the White House on Thursday , the Las Vegas @ @ @ @ @ first face-to-face meeting between the president and his new legal guru and author of a @ @ @ @ @ Supreme Court ruling can help Trump enact new policies without congressional action .
Said Yoo @ @ @ @ @ and energetic.
” “ Yoo said he would not reveal the content of their conversation @ @ @ @ @ the man who greeted him was not ‘ Nixonian in the bunker and paranoid and @ @ @ @ @ t see that . '
” Yoo is the author of Defender in Chief : @ @ @ @ @ for Presidential Power .

President Trump met with UC Berkeley law professor John Yoo at the White House on Thursday, the Las Vegas Review-Journal has learned — the first face-to-face meeting between the president and his new legal guru and author of a piece that argues a recent Supreme Court ruling can help Trump enact new policies without congressional action.
Said Yoo: “He was upbeat and energetic.”
“Yoo said he would not reveal the content of their conversation, but did offer that the man who greeted him was not ‘Nixonian in the bunker and paranoid and dark. I didn’t see that.'”
Yoo is the author of Defender in Chief: Donald Trump’s Fight for Presidential Power.


politicalwire--2020-08-02--Foreign Threats Loom Ahead of Election

Foreign Threats Loom Ahead of Election

Washington Post : “ When asked directly , the Trump campaign refused to say whether it had accepted materials related @ @ @ @ @ nationals .
Trump was impeached last year after being caught pressuring Ukrainian leaders to produce @ @ @ @ @ ’ s son did in the country , even though repeated allegations of corruption against @ @ @ @ @ discredited.
” “ A Biden spokesman said ‘ absolutely not ’ when asked if the @ @ @ @ @ from foreign actors .
”

Washington Post: “When asked directly, the Trump campaign refused to say whether it had accepted materials related to Biden from any foreign nationals. Trump was impeached last year after being caught pressuring Ukrainian leaders to produce damaging information about work Biden’s son did in the country, even though repeated allegations of corruption against the Bidens have been widely discredited.”
“A Biden spokesman said ‘absolutely not’ when asked if the campaign had received any materials from foreign actors.”


politicalwire--2020-08-02--Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day

“ I feel very strongly that this man has taken on strongarm tactics .
And I feel very strongly that @ @ @ @ @ is Hitler .
… I don ’ t think he plans to leave the White @ @ @ @ @ t plan to have fair and unfettered elections .
I believe that he plans to @ @ @ @ @ of emergency way to continue to hold onto office .
And that ’ s why @ @ @ @ @ wake up .
”

“I feel very strongly that this man has taken on strongarm tactics. And I feel very strongly that he is Mussolini, Putin is Hitler. … I don’t think he plans to leave the White House. He doesn’t plan to have fair and unfettered elections. I believe that he plans to install himself in some kind of emergency way to continue to hold onto office. And that’s why the American people had better wake up.”
— House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn (D-SC), quoted by Politico, on President Trump.


politicalwire--2020-08-02--Birx Warns U.S. Is In New Phase of Pandemic

Dr. Deborah Birx said the US is in a new phase in its fight against the coronavirus pandemic , saying @ @ @ @ @ more widespread than when it first took hold in the US earlier this year , @ @ @ @ @ : “ What we are seeing today is different from March and April .
It @ @ @ @ @ ’ s into the rural as equal urban areas.
” She added : “ To @ @ @ @ @ rural area , you are not immune or protected from this virus .
If you @ @ @ @ @ , and there ’ s an outbreak in your rural area or in your city @ @ @ @ @ consider wearing a mask at home , assuming that you ’ re positive , if @ @ @ @ @ households with comorbidities .
”

Dr. Deborah Birx said the US is in a new phase in its fight against the coronavirus pandemic, saying that the deadly virus is more widespread than when it first took hold in the US earlier this year, CNN reports.
Said Birx: “What we are seeing today is different from March and April. It is extraordinarily widespread. It’s into the rural as equal urban areas.”
She added: “To everybody who lives in a rural area, you are not immune or protected from this virus. If you’re in multi-generational households, and there’s an outbreak in your rural area or in your city, you need to really consider wearing a mask at home, assuming that you’re positive, if you have individuals in your households with comorbidities.”


politicalwire--2020-08-02--Bass Renounces Her Praise of Fidel Castro

“ Rep .
Karen Bass on Sunday walked back 2016 comments praising Cuban leader Fidel Castro , as scrutiny of @ @ @ @ @ government threatened her potential selection as Joe Biden ’ s running mate , ” Politico @ @

“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--2020-08-02--Eastman Kodak Executive Got Trump Deal Windfall

“ Eastman Kodak on Monday granted its executive chairman options for 1.75 million shares as the result of what a @ @ @ @ @ described as an ‘ understanding ’ with its board that had previously neither been listed @ @ @ @ @ made public , ” CNBC reports .
“ One day later , the administration of @ @ @ @ @ 765 million financing deal with Eastman Kodak , and in the days that followed the @ @ @ @ @ additional options now held by executive chairman Jim Continenza worth tens of millions .
”

“Eastman Kodak on Monday granted its executive chairman options for 1.75 million shares as the result of what a person familiar with the arrangement described as an ‘understanding’ with its board that had previously neither been listed in his employment contract nor made public,” CNBC reports.
“One day later, the administration of President Trump announced a $765 million financing deal with Eastman Kodak, and in the days that followed the stock soared, making those additional options now held by executive chairman Jim Continenza worth tens of millions.”


politicalwire--2020-08-02--Biden Leads In Battlegrounds

Biden Leads In Battlegrounds

Taegan Goddard is the founder of Political Wire , one of the earliest and most influential political web sites .
@ @ @ @ @ Hunt , Electoral Vote Map and the Political Dictionary .
Goddard spent more than a @ @ @ @ @ chief operating officer of a prominent investment firm in New York City .
Previously , @ @ @ @ @ to a U.S .
Senator and Governor .
Goddard is also co-author of You Won @ @ @ @ @ Scribner , 1998 ) , a political management book hailed by prominent journalists and politicians @ @ @ @ @ addition , Goddard 's essays on politics and public policy have appeared in dozens of @ @ @ @ @ Goddard earned degrees from Vassar College and Harvard University .
He lives in New York @ @ @ @ @ sons .


politicalwire--2020-08-03--How the Pandemic Defeated America

How the Pandemic Defeated America

Ed Yong : “ How did it come to this ?
A virus a thousand times smaller than a dust @ @ @ @ @ the planet ’ s most powerful nation .
America has failed to protect its people @ @ @ @ @ and financial ruin .
It has lost its status as a global leader .
It @ @ @ @ @ ineptitude .
The breadth and magnitude of its errors are difficult , in the moment @ @ @ @ @ “ Despite ample warning , the U.S. squandered every possible opportunity to control the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ advantages—immense resources , biomedical might , scientific expertise—it floundered .
While countries as different as @ @ @ @ @ Iceland , Slovakia , and Australia acted decisively to bend the curve of infections downward @ @ @ @ @ a plateau in the spring , which changed to an appalling upward slope in the @ @ @

Ed Yong: “How did it come to this? A virus a thousand times smaller than a dust mote has humbled and humiliated the planet’s most powerful nation. America has failed to protect its people, leaving them with illness and financial ruin. It has lost its status as a global leader. It has careened between inaction and ineptitude. The breadth and magnitude of its errors are difficult, in the moment, to truly fathom.”
“Despite ample warning, the U.S. squandered every possible opportunity to control the coronavirus. And despite its considerable advantages—immense resources, biomedical might, scientific expertise—it floundered. While countries as different as South Korea, Thailand, Iceland, Slovakia, and Australia acted decisively to bend the curve of infections downward, the U.S. achieved merely a plateau in the spring, which changed to an appalling upward slope in the summer.”


politicalwire--2020-08-03--Georgia School District Has 260 Employees Out

The largest school district in Georgia reported that 260 employees have tested positive for the coronavirus or are in quarantine @ @ @ @ @ they prepare for the new school year , the Atlanta Journal Constitution reports .


politicalwire--2020-08-03--Gohmert’s Daughter Publicly Chides Him

Gohmert’s Daughter Publicly Chides Him

Rep. Louie Gohmert ’ s ( R-TX ) daughter Caroline tweeted that she is disappointed her father “ ignored medical @ @ @ @ @ t wear a mask , and now has COVID-19 .
Said Caroline Gohmert : “ @ @ @ @ @ battle because I love my dad and don ’ t want him to die .
@ @ @ @ @ experts .
It ’ s not worth following a president who has no remorse for @ @ @ @ @ early grave .
”

Rep. Louie Gohmert’s (R-TX) daughter Caroline tweeted that she is disappointed her father “ignored medical expertise” and didn’t wear a mask, and now has COVID-19.
Said Caroline Gohmert: “This has been a heartbreaking battle because I love my dad and don’t want him to die. Please please listen to medical experts. It’s not worth following a president who has no remorse for leading his followers to an early grave.”


politicalwire--2020-08-03--Republicans Prep for Leadership Battle If Trump Loses

“ The maneuvering for power in a possible post-Trump world has already broken out among House Republicans — a worrisome @ @ @ @ @ potentially chaotic leadership fights this fall , ” Politico reports .
“ The party ’ @ @ @ @ @ papered over after Donald Trump won the White House in 2016 .
But members expect @ @ @ @ @ ’ s warring factions to crumble if Trump ’ s presidency ends , and the @ @ @ @ @ fallout .
”

“The maneuvering for power in a possible post-Trump world has already broken out among House Republicans — a worrisome preview for the GOP of potentially chaotic leadership fights this fall,” Politico reports.
“The party’s long-simmering divides were largely papered over after Donald Trump won the White House in 2016. But members expect the truce among the GOP’s warring factions to crumble if Trump’s presidency ends, and the current leadership could face the fallout.”


politicalwire--2020-08-03--Time Is Running Out for Trump

Time Is Running Out for Trump

Politico : “ While there are still 92 days until Election Day , the president has as little as half @ @ @ @ @ closing the gap with Joe Biden.
” “ Trump ’ s window is smaller — @ @ @ @ @ tighter — because of an expected surge in mail voting due to the coronavirus and @ @ @ @ @ appears more hardened than in 2016 , with fewer undecided voters to peel off in @ @ @ @ @ contest.
” “ Voters will begin receiving ballots in key swing states as early as @ @ @ @

Politico: “While there are still 92 days until Election Day, the president has as little as half as much time to begin closing the gap with Joe Biden.”
“Trump’s window is smaller — and his margin for error tighter — because of an expected surge in mail voting due to the coronavirus and because the electorate this year appears more hardened than in 2016, with fewer undecided voters to peel off in the closing days of the contest.”
“Voters will begin receiving ballots in key swing states as early as next month.”


politicalwire--2020-08-03--Iran Will Expand Nuclear Program and Won’t Talk to U.S.

Iran ’ s supreme leader , Ayatollah Ali Khamenei , has said in a televised address that Iran will expand @ @ @ @ @ not negotiate with the United States , doubling down on his defiance of the Trump @ @ @ @ @ pressure ” policy , the New York Times reports .


politicalwire--2020-08-03--Dollar’s Slide Is Warning That U.S. Has Lost Grip on Virus

“ The dollar is flashing a warning sign to U.S. policy makers — get a grip on the virus , @ @ @ @ @ After hitting an all-time high in March , a gauge of the greenback has lost @ @ @ @ @ , with declines accelerating in recent weeks as infections spread seemingly unchecked across the nation @ @ @ @ @ has come during New York trading hours , suggesting domestic investors are closing out bets @ @ @ @ @ renewed questions about the supremacy of the dollar .
Meanwhile , a popular model that @ @ @ @ @ for the past two decades has warped .
”

“The dollar is flashing a warning sign to U.S. policy makers — get a grip on the virus,” Bloomberg reports.
“After hitting an all-time high in March, a gauge of the greenback has lost 10% of its value, with declines accelerating in recent weeks as infections spread seemingly unchecked across the nation. Much of the sell-off has come during New York trading hours, suggesting domestic investors are closing out bets on U.S. strength and spurring renewed questions about the supremacy of the dollar. Meanwhile, a popular model that’s guided dollar traders for the past two decades has warped.”


politicalwire--2020-08-03--Scientists Worry About Political Pressure Over Vaccine

“ Under constant pressure from a White House anxious for good news and a public desperate for a silver bullet @ @ @ @ @ the government ’ s researchers are fearful of political intervention in the coming months and @ @ @ @ @ the government maintains the right balance between speed and rigorous regulation , ” the New @ @ @ @ @ The president ’ s son-in-law and senior adviser , Jared Kushner , who is helping @ @ @ @ @ from the White House , is a regular participant in meetings of a board formed @ @ @ @ @ ” “ While White House officials do not specifically mention the election during the board @ @ @ @ @ familiar with the conversations say they ask regularly about October , a date that hangs @ @ @ @ @ campaign advisers privately call a pre-election vaccine ‘ the holy grail .
’ ”

“Under constant pressure from a White House anxious for good news and a public desperate for a silver bullet to end the crisis, the government’s researchers are fearful of political intervention in the coming months and are struggling to ensure that the government maintains the right balance between speed and rigorous regulation,” the New York Times reports.
“The president’s son-in-law and senior adviser, Jared Kushner, who is helping to steer the re-election campaign from the White House, is a regular participant in meetings of a board formed to oversee the vaccine effort.”
“While White House officials do not specifically mention the election during the board’s discussions, people familiar with the conversations say they ask regularly about October, a date that hangs over the effort. Trump campaign advisers privately call a pre-election vaccine ‘the holy grail.’”


politicalwire--2020-08-03--Biden’s Shortlist Mostly In Dark About Search

“ The competition to be named Joe Biden ’ s running mate has entered the final stretch with huge unknowns @ @ @ @ @ — among even some of the candidates themselves , ” Politico reports .
“ At @ @ @ @ @ were in the dark on Sunday about their upcoming interviews with Biden : They were @ @ @ @ @ in-person sit-downs while at the same time cautioned that could change due to health and @ @ @ @ @ “ For weeks , aides of contenders going through the vetting process said they had @ @ @ @ @ ’ s thinking .
They ’ ve scoured news reports for tidbits on the finalists @ @ @ @ @ they are in the horse race .
”

“The competition to be named Joe Biden’s running mate has entered the final stretch with huge unknowns about how it will unfold — among even some of the candidates themselves,” Politico reports.
“At least some of the contenders were in the dark on Sunday about their upcoming interviews with Biden: They were told to be prepared for in-person sit-downs while at the same time cautioned that could change due to health and logistical concerns surrounding Covid-19.”
“For weeks, aides of contenders going through the vetting process said they had little visibility into the campaign’s thinking. They’ve scoured news reports for tidbits on the finalists and any window into where they are in the horse race.”


politicalwire--2020-08-03--White House Mulls Options for Unilateral Action

“ The Trump administration is looking at options for unilateral actions it can take to try to address some of @ @ @ @ @ the novel coronavirus pandemic if no relief deal is reached with Congress , ” the @ @ @ @ @ The discussions are a reflection of officials ’ increasingly pessimistic outlook for the talks on @ @ @ @ @ House remains in close contact with Democratic leaders , but a wide gulf remains and @ @ @ @ @ .
”

“The Trump administration is looking at options for unilateral actions it can take to try to address some of the economic fallout caused by the novel coronavirus pandemic if no relief deal is reached with Congress,” the Washington Post reports.
“The discussions are a reflection of officials’ increasingly pessimistic outlook for the talks on Capitol Hill. The White House remains in close contact with Democratic leaders, but a wide gulf remains and deadlines have already been missed.”


politicalwire--2020-08-04--Trump Weighs Convention Speech Options

Trump Weighs Convention Speech Options

“ A presidential address in front of the Gettysburg battlefield , or at the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia .
A @ @ @ @ @ , Melania Trump , at Seneca Falls , N.Y. , the cradle of the national @ @ @ @ @ rights .
Perhaps a stage for the warm-up acts built at the Trump International Hotel @ @ @ @ @ ” the New York Times reports .
“ These are some of the scenarios that @ @ @ @ @ President Trump and his top aides as they hold out hope for an ambitious , @ @ @ @ @ of Republican National Convention programming… ” “ But his advisers have been thinking bigger , @ @ @ @ @ what they view as the president ’ s most successful speech since the virus halted @ @ @ @ @ in front of Mount Rushmore over the July 4 weekend , when Mr. Trump described @ @ @ @ @ second term as a battle against a ‘ new far-left fascism ’ seeking to wipe @ @ @ @ @ values and history .
”

“A presidential address in front of the Gettysburg battlefield, or at the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia. A speech from the first lady, Melania Trump, at Seneca Falls, N.Y., the cradle of the national movement for women’s rights. Perhaps a stage for the warm-up acts built at the Trump International Hotel in Washington, D.C.,” the New York Times reports.
“These are some of the scenarios that have been under discussion among President Trump and his top aides as they hold out hope for an ambitious, Trumpian display over four nights of Republican National Convention programming…”
“But his advisers have been thinking bigger, looking for ways to re-create what they view as the president’s most successful speech since the virus halted regular events: his address in front of Mount Rushmore over the July 4 weekend, when Mr. Trump described his effort to win a second term as a battle against a ‘new far-left fascism’ seeking to wipe out the nation’s values and history.”


politicalwire--2020-08-03--Trump’s Assault on Mail Voting Threatens His Reelection

Politico : “ New private polling shared first with Politico showed that Republicans have become overwhelmingly concerned about mail balloting @ @ @ @ @ , without evidence , will lead to widespread voter fraud .
A potentially decisive slice @ @ @ @ @ base — 15 % of Trump voters in Florida , 12 % in Pennsylvania and @ @ @ @ @ said that getting a ballot in the mail would make them less likely to vote @ @ @ @ @ won each of those states by a thin margin in 2016 , and less than @ @ @ @ @ voters said getting a ballot mailed to them would make them less likely to vote @ @ @ @ @ of voters in Florida and about half in Michigan and Pennsylvania expressed health concerns about @ @ @ @ @ and prefer voting by mail in November .
”

Politico: “New private polling shared first with Politico showed that Republicans have become overwhelmingly concerned about mail balloting, which Trump has claimed, without evidence, will lead to widespread voter fraud. A potentially decisive slice of Trump’s battleground-state base — 15% of Trump voters in Florida, 12% in Pennsylvania and 10% in Michigan — said that getting a ballot in the mail would make them less likely to vote in November.”
“Trump won each of those states by a thin margin in 2016, and less than 1% of Joe Biden voters said getting a ballot mailed to them would make them less likely to vote. Overall, 53% of voters in Florida and about half in Michigan and Pennsylvania expressed health concerns about casting their ballots in person and prefer voting by mail in November.”


politicalwire--2020-08-03--Why Stuart Stevens Wants to Defeat Trump

The New Yorker interviews Stuart Stevens , author of It Was All a Lie : How the Republican Party Became @ @ @ @ @ : “ I think I wanted to believe for a long time that when Donald @ @ @ @ @ hijacking the Party .
A lot of people were wrong about Trump in 2016 , @ @ @ @ @ to find somebody more wrong than I was .
I predicted he wouldn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ I predicted he wouldn ’ t win the general election .
In retrospect , a @ @ @ @ @ I didn ’ t want to believe it.
” “ He says he has ninety-five @ @ @ @ @ and that ’ s probably an exaggeration , but let ’ s say it is @ @ @ @ @ .
You look at what Trump is saying , and the degree to which the @ @ @ @ @ , and I don ’ t know what conclusion to come to other than that @ @ @ @ @ Republican Party .
”

The New Yorker interviews Stuart Stevens, author of It Was All a Lie: How the Republican Party Became Donald Trump.
Said Stevens: “I think I wanted to believe for a long time that when Donald Trump came along he was hijacking the Party. A lot of people were wrong about Trump in 2016, but it’s hard to find somebody more wrong than I was. I predicted he wouldn’t win the primary, and I predicted he wouldn’t win the general election. In retrospect, a lot of that was that I didn’t want to believe it.”
“He says he has ninety-five per cent Republican approval, and that’s probably an exaggeration, but let’s say it is eighty-nine per cent or so. You look at what Trump is saying, and the degree to which the Party is comfortable with it, and I don’t know what conclusion to come to other than that Trump very well suits the Republican Party.”


politicalwire--2020-08-03--Biden Keeps Calling Warren

Biden Keeps Calling Warren

New York Magazine : “ Joe Biden and Elizabeth Warren didn ’ t know each other extremely well until March… @ @ @ @ @ spoke on the phone shortly before she dropped out of the presidential race early this @ @ @ @ @ reason to believe it was a pro forma one-off — even after he embraced her @ @ @ @ @ a move then widely seen as a gambit to win her endorsement and the support @ @ @ @ @ “ But as winter became spring and the primary wound down , Biden started considering @ @ @ @ @ Trump .
And the calls — iPhone to iPhone , sometimes without aides on the @ @ @ @ @ ”

New York Magazine: “Joe Biden and Elizabeth Warren didn’t know each other extremely well until March… So when Warren and Biden spoke on the phone shortly before she dropped out of the presidential race early this year, there was every reason to believe it was a pro forma one-off — even after he embraced her bankruptcy policy in March, a move then widely seen as a gambit to win her endorsement and the support of Bernie Sanders voters.”
“But as winter became spring and the primary wound down, Biden started considering the general election against Donald Trump. And the calls — iPhone to iPhone, sometimes without aides on the line — kept coming.”


politicalwire--2020-08-03--Bullock Staffer Fired Over Offensive Tweets

An aide to Montana Gov .
Steve Bullock ’ s ( D ) Senate “ campaign was fired after a @ @ @ @ @ and homophobic tweets surfaced , ” the AP reports .
“ In one tweet , @ @ @ @ @ , ’ and he used flippant language about rape in a different one .
In @ @ @ @ @ he was scared by the statue of a Black boy in a neighbor ’ s @ @ @

An aide to Montana Gov. Steve Bullock’s (D) Senate “campaign was fired after a history of racist, sexist and homophobic tweets surfaced,” the AP reports.
“In one tweet, he called women ‘manure,’ and he used flippant language about rape in a different one. In another tweet, he said he was scared by the statue of a Black boy in a neighbor’s yard.”


politicalwire--2020-08-03--Trump’s Name Should Live In Infamy

Trump’s Name Should Live In Infamy

George Conway : “ Trump ’ s sanction must come at the polls , and beyond .
For the sake @ @ @ @ @ he must lose , and lose badly .
Yet that should be just a start @ @ @ @ @ former presidents who uphold and sustain our nation ’ s enduring democratic values .
There @ @ @ @ @ bridges or statues devoted to Trump .
His name should live in infamy , and @ @ @ @ @ if at all , for precisely what he was — not a president , but @ @ @ @ @

George Conway: “Trump’s sanction must come at the polls, and beyond. For the sake of our constitutional republic, he must lose, and lose badly. Yet that should be just a start: We should only honor former presidents who uphold and sustain our nation’s enduring democratic values. There should be no schools, bridges or statues devoted to Trump. His name should live in infamy, and he should be remembered, if at all, for precisely what he was — not a president, but a blundering cheat.”


Reaganland

Slate reviews Reaganland by Rick Perlstein , which is out this month .
“ Reaganland is terrific , a work @ @ @ @ @ ambition make it a fitting and resonant conclusion to Perlstein ’ s astounding achievement .
@ @ @ @ @ regardless of political affiliation , would agree that the effects of the Reagan Revolution are @ @ @ @ @ in many senses Reaganland is still the place we all live .
”

Slate reviews Reaganland by Rick Perlstein, which is out this month.
“Reaganland is terrific, a work whose characteristic insight and soaring ambition make it a fitting and resonant conclusion to Perlstein’s astounding achievement. I think most Americans, regardless of political affiliation, would agree that the effects of the Reagan Revolution are still with us and that in many senses Reaganland is still the place we all live.”


politicalwire--2020-08-03--Mail Delays Frustrate Philadelphia Residents

Philadelphia Inquirer : “ Neighborhoods across the Philadelphia region are experiencing significant delays in receiving their mail , with some @ @ @ @ @ weeks without packages and letters , leaving them without medication , paychecks , and bills.
@ @ @ @ @ union leaders and carriers , mail is piling up in offices , unscanned and unsorted @ @ @ @ @ with The Inquirer said they are overwhelmed , working long hours yet still unable to @ @ @ @ @ are so short-staffed that when a carrier is out , a substitute is often not @ @ @ @ @ ”

Philadelphia Inquirer: “Neighborhoods across the Philadelphia region are experiencing significant delays in receiving their mail, with some residents going upwards of three weeks without packages and letters, leaving them without medication, paychecks, and bills.”
“According to local union leaders and carriers, mail is piling up in offices, unscanned and unsorted. Mail carriers who spoke with The Inquirer said they are overwhelmed, working long hours yet still unable to finish their routes. Offices are so short-staffed that when a carrier is out, a substitute is often not assigned to their route.”


politicalwire--2020-08-03--Kanye West Still Trying to Get on Ballot In Wisconsin

“ Kanye West is pushing ahead with his presidential campaign and is now trying to get on the ballot in @ @ @ @ @ state which was decided by less than 23,000 votes in 2016 , ” according to @ @ @ @

“Kanye West is pushing ahead with his presidential campaign and is now trying to get on the ballot in Wisconsin, a pivotal swing state which was decided by less than 23,000 votes in 2016,” according to New York magazine.


politicalwire--2020-08-03--Biden Holds Solid Lead In Wisconsin

Biden Holds Solid Lead In Wisconsin

A new Global Strategy Group ( D ) poll in Wisconsin finds Joe Biden leading Donald Trump in the presidential @ @ @ @ @ 42 % .

“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--2020-08-03--Biden Plans to Interview VP Finalists This Week

Sources close to the selection process tell NBC News that Joe Biden “ planned this weekend to drill down on @ @ @ @ @ of narrowing the list down to a ‘ three or four ’ candidates .
But @ @ @ @ @ way of a public announcement , which aides say is unlikely to come this week.
@ @ @ @ @ , a person involved in the process said , was polling data the campaign was @ @ @ @ @ the potential candidates .
Even as the campaign looks to avoid a choice that could @ @ @ @ @ liability , the most important ingredient to Biden is having personal chemistry with the choice @ @ @ @ @ meet with each finalist — in person if possible , but at least virtually — @ @ @ @ @ : What ’ s Going on with Biden ’ s Running Mate Search ?

Sources close to the selection process tell NBC News that Joe Biden “planned this weekend to drill down on vetting materials with the goal of narrowing the list down to a ‘three or four’ candidates. But several factors stand in the way of a public announcement, which aides say is unlikely to come this week.”
“One key element, a person involved in the process said, was polling data the campaign was waiting on on each of the potential candidates. Even as the campaign looks to avoid a choice that could prove to be a political liability, the most important ingredient to Biden is having personal chemistry with the choice. Biden then hopes to meet with each finalist — in person if possible, but at least virtually — by midweek.”
For members: What’s Going on with Biden’s Running Mate Search?


politicalwire--2020-08-03--Trump Demands Big Payment to Allow Purchase of TikTok

“ President Trump gave the go-ahead for Microsoft to pursue an acquisition of TikTok , in his first public comments @ @ @ @ @ app after he had threatened to ban it from the United States entirely , ” @ @ @ @ @ .
“ He added that the U.S. Treasury Department would need to receive a lot @ @ @ @ @ the deal , without explaining how that would work.
” The Wall Street Journal quotes @ @ @ @ @ say that ‘ If you buy it…a very substantial portion of that price is going @ @ @ @ @ the Treasury of the United States , because we ’ re making it possible for @ @ @ @ @ Right now they don ’ t have any rights unless we give it to them @ @

“President Trump gave the go-ahead for Microsoft to pursue an acquisition of TikTok, in his first public comments about the popular Chinese-owned video app after he had threatened to ban it from the United States entirely,” the New York Times reports.
“He added that the U.S. Treasury Department would need to receive a lot of money in return for the deal, without explaining how that would work.”
The Wall Street Journal quotes Trump: “I did say that ‘If you buy it…a very substantial portion of that price is going to have to come into the Treasury of the United States, because we’re making it possible for this deal to happen.’ Right now they don’t have any rights unless we give it to them.”


politicalwire--2020-08-03--New Footage Shows George Floyd’s Terror

New Footage Shows George Floyd’s Terror

Newly obtained body-cam footage from two of the police officers charged in George Floyd ’ s death reveal more details @ @ @ @ @ led to his death , the Daily Mail reports .
The video shows Floyd ’ @ @ @ @ @ points a gun at his head as he begs not to be shot .
The @ @ @ @ @ for compassion .

Newly obtained body-cam footage from two of the police officers charged in George Floyd’s death reveal more details of the horrific arrest that led to his death, the Daily Mail reports.
The video shows Floyd’s horror when one officer points a gun at his head as he begs not to be shot. The video also shows Floyd asking for compassion.


politicalwire--2020-08-03--Fox News Ratings ‘Collapsed’ During John Lewis Funeral

Fox News ’ daytime ratings “ fell off a cliff ” on Thursday when the network broadcast the funeral for @ @ @ @ @ Lewis , CNN reports .


politicalwire--2020-08-03--Top Democrat Subpoenas Four Pompeo Aides

House Foreign Affairs Chairman Eliot Engel ( D-NY ) subpoenaed four senior aides to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo , @ @ @ @ @ in an investigation of President Trump ’ s firing of State Department Inspector General Steve @ @ @ @ @


politicalwire--2020-08-03--Trump’s Company Being Investigated for Fraud

The Manhattan district attorney ’ s office suggested on Monday that it has been investigating President Trump and his company @ @ @ @ @ fraud , a significantly broader inquiry than the prosecutors have acknowledged in the past , @ @ @ @ @ .
“ The office of the district attorney , Cyrus R. Vance Jr. , made @ @ @ @ @ federal court filing arguing Mr. Trump should have to comply with its subpoena seeking eight @ @ @ @ @ corporate tax returns .
Mr. Trump has asked a judge to declare the subpoena invalid @ @

The Manhattan district attorney’s office suggested on Monday that it has been investigating President Trump and his company for possible bank and insurance fraud, a significantly broader inquiry than the prosecutors have acknowledged in the past, the New York Times reports.
“The office of the district attorney, Cyrus R. Vance Jr., made the disclosure in a new federal court filing arguing Mr. Trump should have to comply with its subpoena seeking eight years of his personal and corporate tax returns. Mr. Trump has asked a judge to declare the subpoena invalid.”


politicalwire--2020-08-03--Democrats Warn GOP Over Filling Supreme Court Vacancy

“ Democrats are warning Republicans not to fill a possible Supreme Court vacancy this year after denying President Barack Obama @ @ @ @ @ saying it would embolden a push on the left to add seats to the court @ @ @ @ @ ” NBC News reports .
Said Sen. Tim Kaine ( D-VA ) : “ If @ @ @ @ @ re unwilling to respect precedent , rules and history , then they can ’ t @ @ @ @ @ about using a statutory option that we have that ’ s fully constitutional in our @ @ @ @ @ t want to do that .
But if they act in such a way , @ @ @ @ @ an inevitability .
So they need to be careful about that .
”

“Democrats are warning Republicans not to fill a possible Supreme Court vacancy this year after denying President Barack Obama the chance in 2016, saying it would embolden a push on the left to add seats to the court whenever they regain power,” NBC News reports.
Said Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA): “If they show that they’re unwilling to respect precedent, rules and history, then they can’t feign surprise when others talk about using a statutory option that we have that’s fully constitutional in our availability. I don’t want to do that. But if they act in such a way, they may push it to an inevitability. So they need to be careful about that.”


politicalwire--2020-08-03--Wisconsin Justice Sworn In During Ultramarathon

Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Jill Karofsky was sworn in at mile 35 of her 100-mile ultramarathon this weekend .


politicalwire--2020-08-03--Trump Campaign Wants More Debates with Biden

Trump campaign manager Bill Stepien told Fox News that he wants “ more debates ” between the president and Joe @ @ @ @ @ them to begin sooner rather than later .
Said Stepien : “ We want more @ @ @ @ @ starting sooner .
First debate is scheduled for Sept. 29 , by that time 16 @ @ @ @ @ , by Sept. 29 .
That ’ s a concern to me .
I want @ @ @ @ @ the debate stage against Joe Biden .
”

Trump campaign manager Bill Stepien told Fox News that he wants “more debates” between the president and Joe Biden – and he wants them to begin sooner rather than later.
Said Stepien: “We want more debates. We want debates starting sooner. First debate is scheduled for Sept. 29, by that time 16 states already will have voted, by Sept. 29. That’s a concern to me. I want to see President Trump on the debate stage against Joe Biden.”


politicalwire--2020-08-03--Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day

“ I don ’ t have confidence in anyone who stands there while the President says swallow Lysol and it @ @ @ @ @ your virus.
” — Speaker Nancy Pelosi , interviewed on CNN , doubling-down on criticism @ @ @ @ @

“I don’t have confidence in anyone who stands there while the President says swallow Lysol and it’s going to cure your virus.”
— Speaker Nancy Pelosi, interviewed on CNN, doubling-down on criticism of Dr. Deborah Birx.


politicalwire--2020-08-04--Trump Declares Virus Is ‘Under Control’

Trump Declares Virus Is ‘Under Control’

President Trump told Axios that the coronavirus pandemic is “ under control as much as you can control it ” @ @ @ @ @ : “ They are dying , that ’ s true .
And you have — @ @ @ @ @ .
But that doesn ’ t mean we aren ’ t doing everything we can @ @ @ @ @ control as much as you can control it .
This is a horrible plague .
@

President Trump told Axios that the coronavirus pandemic is “under control as much as you can control it” in the U.S.
Said Trump: “They are dying, that’s true. And you have — it is what it is. But that doesn’t mean we aren’t doing everything we can. It’s under control as much as you can control it. This is a horrible plague.”


politicalwire--2020-08-04--Trump Won’t Say If John Lewis’s Life Was Impressive

President Trump declined to tell Axios whether he found the late Rep. John Lewis ’ s ( D-GA ) life @ @ @ @ @ how history would remember him .
Said Trump : “ I don ’ t know @ @ @ @ @ know John Lewis .
He chose not to come to my inauguration .
I never @ @ @ @ @ , I don ’ t believe.
” He added : “ I find a lot @ @ @ @ @ find many people not impressive .
”

President Trump declined to tell Axios whether he found the late Rep. John Lewis’s (D-GA) life “impressive” when asked how history would remember him.
Said Trump: “I don’t know. I don’t know John Lewis. He chose not to come to my inauguration. I never met John Lewis, actually, I don’t believe.”
He added: “I find a lot of people impressive. I find many people not impressive.”


politicalwire--2020-08-04--Trump’s Bag of Tricks Comes Up Empty Against Biden

Ryan Lizza : “ Trump , according to 15 Republicans interviewed over the past week , is troubled that his @ @ @ @ @ having no effect .
A president who thrives on polarizing conflict and identifying unpopular enemies @ @ @ @ @ Trump ’ s untamed political instincts , once treated by so many fellow Republicans with @ @ @ @ @ appear increasingly unlikely to stave off defeat in November.
” Said a former White House @ @ @ @ @ here isn ’ t something that punches back via Twitter .
You need an enemy @ @ @ @ @ cooperating , Biden ’ s not cooperating .
”

Ryan Lizza: “Trump, according to 15 Republicans interviewed over the past week, is troubled that his usual arsenal seems to be having no effect. A president who thrives on polarizing conflict and identifying unpopular enemies has been thwarted, and Trump’s untamed political instincts, once treated by so many fellow Republicans with an almost mystical revery, appear increasingly unlikely to stave off defeat in November.”
Said a former White House official: “The enemy here isn’t something that punches back via Twitter. You need an enemy and Covid’s not cooperating, Biden’s not cooperating.”


politicalwire--2020-08-04--Michigan Ballots Tangled In Mail Delays

Michigan Ballots Tangled In Mail Delays

“ Mail problems marred the delivery of absentee ballots in Michigan in the run-up to Tuesday ’ s primary in @ @ @ @ @ administrators and ramping up fears of political pressure on the U.S .
Postal Service just @ @ @ @ @ , ” the Washington Post reports .
“ Across the state , where polls opened @ @ @ @ @ some voters reported not receiving their absentee ballots with just days left before the vote @ @ @ @ @ as well as state and local offices .
Election officials advised those who had to @ @ @ @ @ person at election offices or dropboxes by 8 p.m. Tuesday , rather than risk delayed @ @ @ @ @ .
”

“Mail problems marred the delivery of absentee ballots in Michigan in the run-up to Tuesday’s primary in the state, testing election administrators and ramping up fears of political pressure on the U.S. Postal Service just three months before Nov. 3,” the Washington Post reports.
“Across the state, where polls opened Tuesday at 7 a.m., some voters reported not receiving their absentee ballots with just days left before the vote for several congressional primaries, as well as state and local offices. Election officials advised those who had to submit their absentee ballots in person at election offices or dropboxes by 8 p.m. Tuesday, rather than risk delayed delivery by the Postal Service.”


politicalwire--2020-08-04--GOP Plans ‘Nightly Surprise’ at Convention

The reworked Republican National Convention will be a four-night spectacle including still-under-wraps venues , a 10 p.m. “ nightly surprise @ @ @ @ @ playing to “ the forgotten men and women of America , ” Axios reports .


politicalwire--2020-08-04--Trump Reveals Self-Delusion Over Virus Deaths

“ It ’ s sometimes hard to determine whether President Trump is being willfully misleading or if he truly believes @ @ @ @ @ .
But an astonishing interview clip from Axios appears to show that Trump has genuinely @ @ @ @ @ his response to the coronavirus pandemic has been effective—because he only considers partial and deceptively @ @ @ @ @ , ” the Daily Beast reports .
“ Brandishing childishly simplistic , brightly colored COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ by aides trying to keep him happy , Trump proudly tells Axios ’ Jonathan Swan @ @ @ @ @ lower than the world , ’ without elaborating .
When Swan looks at the chart @ @ @ @ @ is only considering death as a proportion of coronavirus cases—not as a proportion of population @ @ @ @ @ is faring very badly.
” Trump snaps back : “ You can ’ t do @ @ @ @ @ go by where… look , here is the United States… You have to go by @ @ @ @

“It’s sometimes hard to determine whether President Trump is being willfully misleading or if he truly believes what he’s saying. But an astonishing interview clip from Axios appears to show that Trump has genuinely managed to convince himself that his response to the coronavirus pandemic has been effective—because he only considers partial and deceptively flattering statistics to be true,” the Daily Beast reports.
“Brandishing childishly simplistic, brightly colored COVID-19 graphs presumably provided to him by aides trying to keep him happy, Trump proudly tells Axios’ Jonathan Swan that the U.S. is ‘lower than the world,’ without elaborating. When Swan looks at the chart, it becomes clear Trump is only considering death as a proportion of coronavirus cases—not as a proportion of population, which shows the U.S. is faring very badly.”
Trump snaps back: “You can’t do that. You have to go by where… look, here is the United States… You have to go by the cases.”
NBC News: Trump continues to downplay severity of coronavirus pandemic.


politicalwire--2020-08-04--Kansas Set to Decide Kobach’s Fate

Kansas Set to Decide Kobach’s Fate

Politico : “ Republicans are about to learn if they have a serious problem in Kansas — and another major @ @ @ @ @ majority.
” “ In Tuesday ’ s primary , GOP voters will decide between hard-line @ @ @ @ @ Roger Marshall as their nominee for an open Senate seat .
Democrats haven ’ t @ @ @ @ @ Kansas in nearly a century .
But both parties think Kobach as the nominee would @ @ @ @ @ the map , stretching Republican resources thinner as they ’ re already spending to protect @ @ @ @ @ ”

Politico: “Republicans are about to learn if they have a serious problem in Kansas — and another major threat to their teetering Senate majority.”
“In Tuesday’s primary, GOP voters will decide between hard-line conservative Kris Kobach and Rep. Roger Marshall as their nominee for an open Senate seat. Democrats haven’t won a Senate race in Kansas in nearly a century. But both parties think Kobach as the nominee would put the race squarely on the map, stretching Republican resources thinner as they’re already spending to protect a half-dozen vulnerable incumbents.”


Nothing Is Decided

Playbook : “ Here ’ s an amazing factoid : almost two weeks into the talks aimed at producing a @ @ @ @ @ two sides have not resolved a single issue .
Let us say this another way @ @ @ @ @ Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer have not come to complete agreement on anything with White @ @ @ @ @ Meadows and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin.
” “ There ’ s an axiom in legislative @ @ @ @ @ about : Nothing ’ s agreed to until everything is agreed to .
That ’ @ @ @ @ @ this case , nothing is agreed to because many of the main power centers have @ @ @ @ @ , and are particularly convinced of the wisdom of their arguments and positions .
”

Playbook: “Here’s an amazing factoid: almost two weeks into the talks aimed at producing a Covid relief bill: The two sides have not resolved a single issue. Let us say this another way: Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer have not come to complete agreement on anything with White House chief of staff Mark Meadows and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin.”
“There’s an axiom in legislative politics that we oftentimes chuckle about: Nothing’s agreed to until everything is agreed to. That’s fair.”
“In this case, nothing is agreed to because many of the main power centers have been unbending in these talks, and are particularly convinced of the wisdom of their arguments and positions.”


politicalwire--2020-08-04--Carlson Says It’s ‘Illegal’ to Only Consider Black Women

Fox News host Tucker Carlson claimed it was “ probably illegal ” for Joe Biden to prioritize Black women in @ @ @ @ @ calling those candidates unqualified , the Daily Beast reports .


politicalwire--2020-08-04--Census Cuts All Counting Efforts Short By A Month

“ The Census Bureau is ending all counting efforts for the 2020 census on Sept. 30 , a month shorter @ @ @ @ @ NPR reports .
“ That includes critical door-knocking efforts and collecting responses online , over @ @ @ @ @ .
”

“The Census Bureau is ending all counting efforts for the 2020 census on Sept. 30, a month shorter than previously announced,” NPR reports.
“That includes critical door-knocking efforts and collecting responses online, over the phone and by mail.”


politicalwire--2020-08-04--Two Linked to Kanye West’s Campaign Active In GOP

“ At least two people with links to Kanye West ’ s nascent presidential campaign are also active in Republican @ @ @ @ @ York Magazine reports .


politicalwire--2020-08-05--Marshall Wins GOP Senate Primary In Kansas

Roger Marshall ( R ) has won the Kansas Senate Republican primary by defeating Kris Kobach ( R ) , @ @ @ @ @ Marshall will face Barbara Bollier ( D ) in the general election .


politicalwire--2020-08-05--Trump May Give Convention Speech from White House

“ Republican National Convention planners are considering the White House South Lawn as the site of President Trump ’ s @ @ @ @ @ later this month , ” the Washington Post reports .
“ The decision to stage @ @ @ @ @ of Trump ’ s reelection campaign at the national seat of presidential power would be @ @ @ @ @ Trump in presidential norms , which have historically drawn clear lines between official business of @ @ @ @ @ .
”

“Republican National Convention planners are considering the White House South Lawn as the site of President Trump’s nationally televised nomination acceptance speech later this month,” the Washington Post reports.
“The decision to stage the most high-profile political event of Trump’s reelection campaign at the national seat of presidential power would be just the latest break by Trump in presidential norms, which have historically drawn clear lines between official business of the president and campaign events.”


politicalwire--2020-08-04--DeSantis Admits Roadblocks In Unemployment System

Florida Gov .
Ron DeSantis ( R ) admitted to CBS Miami that the state unemployment system was deliberately designed @ @ @ @ @ it so difficult for them to apply for benefits that they would give up and @ @ @ @ @

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) admitted to CBS Miami that the state unemployment system was deliberately designed to frustrate people, making it so difficult for them to apply for benefits that they would give up and just not get paid.


politicalwire--2020-08-04--Trump Cites GOP Governor for Shift on Mail Ballots

President Trump elaborated on his sudden support for mail-in voting in the state of Florida by noting the state is @ @ @ @ @ , The Hill reports .
Said Trump : “ Florida ’ s got a great @ @ @ @ @ had a great Republican governor .
Two great governors .
And over a long period @ @ @ @ @ been able to get the absentee ballots done extremely professionally.
” He added : “ @ @ @ @ @ run .
Florida ’ s a very well run state .
Low taxes , low @ @ @ @ @ done a great job .
Really a great job .
And the two governors , @ @ @ @ @ , they ’ ve really got a great system of absentee ballots and even in @ @ @ @ @ .
”

President Trump elaborated on his sudden support for mail-in voting in the state of Florida by noting the state is run by a Republican governor, The Hill reports.
Said Trump: “Florida’s got a great Republican governor. And it had a great Republican governor. Two great governors. And over a long period of time they’ve been able to get the absentee ballots done extremely professionally.”
He added: “They’re so well run. Florida’s a very well run state. Low taxes, low everything. They’ve done a great job. Really a great job. And the two governors, between the both of them, they’ve really got a great system of absentee ballots and even in the case of mail-in ballots.”


politicalwire--2020-08-04--Karen Bass Eulogized Communist Party Leader

When Rep. Karen Bass ’ “ friend and mentor ” died three years ago , she eulogized the community organizer @ @ @ @ @ she inserted into the Congressional Record , Politico reports .
Left out of the 406-word @ @ @ @ @ : He was a top member of the Communist Party USA for decades .

When Rep. Karen Bass’ “friend and mentor” died three years ago, she eulogized the community organizer’s passing in remarks she inserted into the Congressional Record, Politico reports.
Left out of the 406-word eulogy for Oneil Marion Cannon: He was a top member of the Communist Party USA for decades.


politicalwire--2020-08-04--Trump Calls Beirut Explosion a ‘Terrible Attack’

President Trump described a deadly explosion in Beirut as a “ terrible attack ” before authorities had publicly attributed any @ @ @ @ @ the Daily Beast reports .
Asked by a reporter how he came to that conclusion @ @ @ @ @ It would seem like it based on the explosion… I met with some of our @ @ @ @ @ to feel that it was an attack… This seems to be , according to them @ @ @ @ @ it was an attack , that it was a bomb of some kind .
”

President Trump described a deadly explosion in Beirut as a “terrible attack” before authorities had publicly attributed any cause to the calamity, the Daily Beast reports.
Asked by a reporter how he came to that conclusion, he said: “It would seem like it based on the explosion… I met with some of our great generals and they seemed to feel that it was an attack… This seems to be, according to them, they seemed to think it was an attack, that it was a bomb of some kind.”


politicalwire--2020-08-04--Trump Agrees to Three Debates

Trump Agrees to Three Debates

“ A Trump campaign spokeswoman said Tuesday that the president has agreed to participate in three scheduled debates against Joe @ @ @ @ @ commission , ” 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--2020-08-04--Endangered Republicans Want to Postpone Recess

Politico : “ Vulnerable Republicans have a clear message for Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell : no deal , no @ @ @ @ @ between the White House and Democratic leadership at an impasse , Senate Republicans up in @ @ @ @ @ chamber to stay in session until some agreement is reached .
”

Politico: “Vulnerable Republicans have a clear message for Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell: no deal, no recess.”
“With talks between the White House and Democratic leadership at an impasse, Senate Republicans up in November are pressing for the chamber to stay in session until some agreement is reached.”


politicalwire--2020-08-04--Prosecutors Find No Protester Links to Antifa

U.S. federal prosecutors have produced no evidence linking dozens of people arrested in anti-racism protests in Portland , Oregon , @ @ @ @ @ movements , despite President Trump ’ s assertions they are fueling the unrest , Reuters @ @


politicalwire--2020-08-04--Six Governors Join Forces on Testing Strategy

“ In the absence of a national testing strategy for the novel coronavirus pandemic , six governors have formed a @ @ @ @ @ will pressure companies that make rapid-detection tests to quickly ramp up production , ” the @ @ @ @ @ The governors , three Republicans and three Democrats , say other states and cities may @ @ @ @ @ have already begun with one of the two companies approved by the FDA to sell @ @ @ @ @ detect the virus in less than 30 minutes .
”

“In the absence of a national testing strategy for the novel coronavirus pandemic, six governors have formed a first-of-its-kind purchasing compact they hope will pressure companies that make rapid-detection tests to quickly ramp up production,” the Washington Post reports.
“The governors, three Republicans and three Democrats, say other states and cities may join them and that talks have already begun with one of the two companies approved by the FDA to sell point-of-care antigen tests that can detect the virus in less than 30 minutes.”


politicalwire--2020-08-04--Barron Trump’s School Will Open with Virtual Classes

Hours after President Trump ’ s tweet to “ OPEN THE SCHOOLS !
!
” the private school attended by @ @ @ @ @ has determined it will not open the school year with in-person learning , CNN reports @


politicalwire--2020-08-04--Voting Misinformation Floods Facebook

Voting Misinformation Floods Facebook

ProPublica found nearly half of all top-performing Facebook posts that mentioned voting by mail were false or misleading .
“ @ @ @ @ @ to violate Facebook ’ s standards yet have not been taken down or labeled as @ @ @ @ @ , generalizing from one or two cases , portrayed people of color as the face @ @ @ @ @

ProPublica found nearly half of all top-performing Facebook posts that mentioned voting by mail were false or misleading.
“Many of these falsehoods appear to violate Facebook’s standards yet have not been taken down or labeled as inaccurate. Some of them, generalizing from one or two cases, portrayed people of color as the face of voter fraud.”


politicalwire--2020-08-04--Trump’s German Ambassador Pick Disparaged Refugees

President Trump ’ s nominee for U.S. ambassador to Germany has a history of making xenophobic and racist comments about @ @ @ @ @ reports .
Retired Army Col. Douglas Macgregor , a decorated combat veteran , author and @ @ @ @ @ , claimed that Muslim migrants were coming to Europe “ with the goal of eventually @ @ @ @ @ state.
” He criticized Germany for giving “ millions of unwanted Muslim invaders ” welfare @ @ @ @ @ funding for its armed services .

President Trump’s nominee for U.S. ambassador to Germany has a history of making xenophobic and racist comments about immigrants and refugees, CNN reports.
Retired Army Col. Douglas Macgregor, a decorated combat veteran, author and frequent guest on Fox News, claimed that Muslim migrants were coming to Europe “with the goal of eventually turning Europe into an Islamic state.”
He criticized Germany for giving “millions of unwanted Muslim invaders” welfare benefits rather than providing more funding for its armed services.


politicalwire--2020-08-04--No Closer to a Relief Deal

No Closer to a Relief Deal

“ Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told Senate Republicans that negotiators are no closer to a coronavirus relief deal than they @ @ @ @ @ Democratic leadership for the continuing stalemate , ” The Hill reports .
Meanwhile , Politico @ @ @ @ @ considering a trio of executive orders aimed at shaking up negotiations with Democrats .
“ @ @ @ @ @ would delay the collection of federal payroll taxes , reinstitute an expired eviction moratorium , @ @ @ @ @ of them all , extend enhanced federal unemployment benefits using unspent money already appropriated by @ @ @

“Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told Senate Republicans that negotiators are no closer to a coronavirus relief deal than they were last week, blaming Democratic leadership for the continuing stalemate,” The Hill reports.
Meanwhile, Politico reports the White House is considering a trio of executive orders aimed at shaking up negotiations with Democrats.
“The three actions under consideration would delay the collection of federal payroll taxes, reinstitute an expired eviction moratorium, and in the riskiest gambit of them all, extend enhanced federal unemployment benefits using unspent money already appropriated by Congress.”


politicalwire--2020-08-04--Trump Banned Jeffrey Epstein from Mar-a-Lago

President Trump banned Jeffrey Epstein from his exclusive Mar-a-Lago club for hitting on the teenage daughter of another member , @ @ @ @ @ entitled The Grifter ’ s Club , according to CNBC .
The late Epstein ’ @ @ @ @ @ the club appears to have occurred months before Epstein pleaded guilty in 2008 to state @ @ @ @ @

President Trump banned Jeffrey Epstein from his exclusive Mar-a-Lago club for hitting on the teenage daughter of another member, according to a new book entitled The Grifter’s Club, according to CNBC.
The late Epstein’s banishment by Trump from the club appears to have occurred months before Epstein pleaded guilty in 2008 to state criminal charges in Florida.


politicalwire--2020-08-04--Democrats Press for a More Visible Biden

“ In the states that will likely decide the presidential election , President Trump is everywhere .
Discussion of his @ @ @ @ @ his administration — often critical — fill social media feeds , newscasts , letters-to-the-editor pages @ @ @ @ @ .
For months , his campaign ads dominated the airwaves .
His name decorates signs @ @ @ @ @ , boats and retirement community golf carts , ” the Washington Post reports .
“ @ @ @ @ @ Trump , who trails former vice president Joe Biden in almost all key states .
@ @ @ @ @ ’ s supporters , Trump ’ s continuing dominance is a warning sign .
They @ @ @ @ @ take a more aggressive stance , worried that despite his seeming advantage he has failed @ @ @ @ @ to vote for him — not simply against Trump .
”

“In the states that will likely decide the presidential election, President Trump is everywhere. Discussion of his presidency and the actions of his administration — often critical — fill social media feeds, newscasts, letters-to-the-editor pages and socially distanced end-of-the-driveway conversations. For months, his campaign ads dominated the airwaves. His name decorates signs and flags hung on barns, boats and retirement community golf carts,” the Washington Post reports.
“That has not necessarily helped Trump, who trails former vice president Joe Biden in almost all key states. Yet to some of Biden’s supporters, Trump’s continuing dominance is a warning sign. They are lobbying for Biden to take a more aggressive stance, worried that despite his seeming advantage he has failed so far to persuade people to vote for him — not simply against Trump.”


politicalwire--2020-08-04--Most Americans Want National Strategy for Virus

A new NPR/Ipsos poll finds 59 % of Americans support a mandatory , nationwide order to shelter at home for @ @ @ @ @ spread of the coronavirus .
About two-thirds of respondents said they believe the U.S. is @ @ @ @ @ other countries .

A new NPR/Ipsos poll finds 59% of Americans support a mandatory, nationwide order to shelter at home for two weeks to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
About two-thirds of respondents said they believe the U.S. is handling the pandemic worse than other countries.


politicalwire--2020-08-04--Kodak Stock Surge Under SEC Investigation

“ The Securities and Exchange Commission is investigating the circumstances around Eastman Kodak ’ s announcement of a $ 765 @ @ @ @ @ drugs at its U.S. factories , ” the Wall Street Journal reports .
“ News @ @ @ @ @ caused Kodak ’ s shares to rise as high as $ 60 , before falling @ @ @ @ @ Monday due to a dilution in the shares .
Amid the heightened volatility , trading @ @ @ @ @ price spike briefly produced a potential windfall for company executives who owned stock-option grants , @ @ @ @ @ on July 27 , the day before the loan became public .
”

“The Securities and Exchange Commission is investigating the circumstances around Eastman Kodak’s announcement of a $765 million government loan to make drugs at its U.S. factories,” the Wall Street Journal reports.
“News of the loan last week caused Kodak’s shares to rise as high as $60, before falling to about $15 on Monday due to a dilution in the shares. Amid the heightened volatility, trading volume has surged. The price spike briefly produced a potential windfall for company executives who owned stock-option grants, some of which were granted on July 27, the day before the loan became public.”


Yo-Semite

President Trump pronounced Yosemite as ‘ yo-Semites ’ at a White House event this morning .


politicalwire--2020-08-04--Trump Says Mail Voting ‘Safe and Secure’ In Florida

After weeks of suggesting voting by mail would lead to fraud , President Trump tweeted that it ’ s actually @ @ @ @ @ Whether you call it Vote by Mail or Absentee Voting , in Florida the election @ @ @ @ @ , Tried and True .
Florida ’ s Voting system has been cleaned up ( @ @ @ @ @ change ) , so in Florida I encourage all to request a Ballot & Vote @ @ @ @

After weeks of suggesting voting by mail would lead to fraud, President Trump tweeted that it’s actually fine in Florida:
“Whether you call it Vote by Mail or Absentee Voting, in Florida the election system is Safe and Secure, Tried and True. Florida’s Voting system has been cleaned up (we defeated Democrats attempts at change), so in Florida I encourage all to request a Ballot & Vote by Mail!”


politicalwire--2020-08-05--Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day

“ My view is the schools should open .
This thing is going away .
It will go away like @ @ @ @ @ my view is that schools should be open.
” — President Trump , on Fox @ @ @ @ @ falsely claiming children are “ almost immune ” to the coronavirus .

“My view is the schools should open. This thing is going away. It will go away like things go away, and my view is that schools should be open.”
— President Trump, on Fox & Friends, once again falsely claiming children are “almost immune” to the coronavirus.


politicalwire--2020-08-05--Trump Eyes Convention Speech from White House

President Trump told Fox & Friends that he ’ s likely to deliver his Republican convention speech from the White @ @ @ @ @ “ Here we go… again .
A staged political event at the White House .
@ @ @ @ @ who participates in this violates the Hatch Act .
”

President Trump told Fox & Friends that he’s likely to deliver his Republican convention speech from the White House.
Richard Painter: “Here we go… again. A staged political event at the White House. Every White House staff member who participates in this violates the Hatch Act.”


politicalwire--2020-08-05--Trump Still Can’t Describe Second Term Agenda

President Trump still couldn ’ t name a specific thing he would do when asked by Fox & Friends what @ @ @ @ @ a second term .


politicalwire--2020-08-05--Biden Says He Hasn’t Taken Cognitive Test

Joe Biden said that he has not taken a cognitive test , arguing against his need for one as President @ @ @ @ @ mental capabilities , CNN reports .
Said Biden : “ No , I haven ’ @ @ @ @ @ Why the hell would I take a test ?
” HE added : “ Come @ @ @ @ @ ’ s like saying you , before you got on this program , you take @ @ @ @ @ re taking cocaine or not .
What do you think ?
Huh ?
Are you @ @ @ @

Joe Biden said that he has not taken a cognitive test, arguing against his need for one as President Trump continues to attack his mental capabilities, CNN reports.
Said Biden: “No, I haven’t taken a test. Why the hell would I take a test?”
HE added: “Come on, man. That’s like saying you, before you got on this program, you take a test where you’re taking cocaine or not. What do you think? Huh? Are you a junkie?”


politicalwire--2020-08-05--Biden’s Shortlist Down to Two

Biden’s Shortlist Down to Two

“ Confidants of Joe Biden believe his choices for vice president have narrowed to Sen. Kamala Harris and Susan Rice @ @ @ @ @ if he picks anyone else , ” Axios reports .
“ This is a snapshot @ @ @ @ @ that we get from more than a dozen people close to him .
Of course @ @ @ @ @ giant asterisk : Only Biden knows for sure , and the more insiders know , @ @ @ @ @ reporters .
”

“Confidants of Joe Biden believe his choices for vice president have narrowed to Sen. Kamala Harris and Susan Rice — and would be surprised if he picks anyone else,” Axios reports.
“This is a snapshot of the nearly unanimous read that we get from more than a dozen people close to him. Of course, it comes with a giant asterisk: Only Biden knows for sure, and the more insiders know, the less they say to reporters.”


politicalwire--2020-08-05--Biden Plans $280 Million Ad Campaign

Biden Plans $280 Million Ad Campaign

“ Joe Biden ’ s presidential campaign is planning a robust $ 280 million advertising effort for the final three @ @ @ @ @ expanding its television presence as he attempts to convince voters in 15 states , including @ @ @ @ @ , and Georgia , ” the Washington Post reports .
“ Their campaign advertisements will @ @ @ @ @ about the virus and about how Americans can ensure their right to vote .
Some @ @ @ @ @ handling of the global pandemic , and how Biden would handle things differently .
A @ @ @ @ @ will be 60 seconds long , twice the length of traditional ads .
”

“Joe Biden’s presidential campaign is planning a robust $280 million advertising effort for the final three months before Election Day, expanding its television presence as he attempts to convince voters in 15 states, including traditionally Republican-friendly Texas, Arizona, and Georgia,” the Washington Post reports.
“Their campaign advertisements will feature Biden speaking at length about the virus and about how Americans can ensure their right to vote. Some will criticize Trump’s handling of the global pandemic, and how Biden would handle things differently. A large number of the ads will be 60 seconds long, twice the length of traditional ads.”


politicalwire--2020-08-05--Trump Impersonator ‘Endorses’ GOP Senators

The Lincoln Project recruited comic J-L Cauvin , who is known for his uncanny presidential impersonation , to “ endorse @ @ @ @ @ Here are the videos for Susan Collins , Dan Sullivan and Steve Daines .


politicalwire--2020-08-05--New Biden Website Uses Best Ideas from Ex-Rivals

Washington Post : “ The navigation on the site is fairly similar to the website of Sen. Kamala Harris .
@ @ @ @ @ inspired by the website of Sen. Elizabeth Warren .
A ticker on the site that @ @ @ @ @ a similar element of former New York mayor Mike Bloomberg ’ s campaign site .
@ @ @ @ @ Bernie Sanders , the team adopted a feature that allows supporters to buy merchandise directly @ @ @ @ @ “ Biden campaign officials said they wanted to use the best ideas from all their @ @ @ @ @ digital unity they say echoes the core message of their campaign , that Biden is @ @ @ @ @ .
”

Washington Post: “The navigation on the site is fairly similar to the website of Sen. Kamala Harris. The automatic video clips were inspired by the website of Sen. Elizabeth Warren. A ticker on the site that shows small-dollar donations came from a similar element of former New York mayor Mike Bloomberg’s campaign site. From the website of Sen. Bernie Sanders, the team adopted a feature that allows supporters to buy merchandise directly from the home page.”
“Biden campaign officials said they wanted to use the best ideas from all their competitors, a show of digital unity they say echoes the core message of their campaign, that Biden is uniquely able to bridge divides.”


politicalwire--2020-08-05--Majority Supports Voting by Mail

Majority Supports Voting by Mail

A new Politico/Morning Consult poll shows 58 % of respondents say the U.S. “ should allow all voters to vote @ @ @ @ @ year ” to help slow the spread of the highly contagious disease .
There is @ @ @ @ @ those results , driven by President Trump ’ s frequent attacks on mail voting .
@ @ @ @ @ favored allowing everyone to vote by mail , and 57 % of independents did too @ @ @ @ @ Republicans agreed .

A new Politico/Morning Consult poll shows 58% of respondents say the U.S. “should allow all voters to vote by mail in elections this year” to help slow the spread of the highly contagious disease.
There is a substantial partisan split within those results, driven by President Trump’s frequent attacks on mail voting. Among Democrats, 81% favored allowing everyone to vote by mail, and 57% of independents did too. Just 33% of Republicans agreed.


politicalwire--2020-08-05--Missouri Voters Approve Medicaid Expansion

“ Missouri voters on Tuesday approved Medicaid expansion to many of the state ’ s poorest adults , making their @ @ @ @ @ join the Obamacare program through the ballot during the pandemic , ” 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--2020-08-05--Trump Campaign Sues Nevada Over Mail Voting

The Trump campaign sued the state of Nevada claiming its plan to conduct the November election almost entirely by mail-in @ @ @ @ @ News reports .
Las Vegas Review Journal : “ In Nevada and beyond , there @ @ @ @ @ evidence to support claims of increased fraud through voting by mail .
Several attempts by @ @ @ @ @ ’ s vote-by-mail primary due to fraud concerns have already been dismissed by the court @ @

The Trump campaign sued the state of Nevada claiming its plan to conduct the November election almost entirely by mail-in ballot is unconstitutional, NBC News reports.
Las Vegas Review Journal: “In Nevada and beyond, there has been virtually no credible evidence to support claims of increased fraud through voting by mail. Several attempts by conservative groups to block Nevada’s vote-by-mail primary due to fraud concerns have already been dismissed by the court.”


politicalwire--2020-08-05--Republicans Want Biden to Pick Susan Rice

“ Joe Biden still may be undecided about who to pick for a running mate , but Donald Trump ’ @ @ @ @ @ they want : Susan Rice , ” Politico reports .
“ Trump ’ s aides @ @ @ @ @ without delving too deeply into the evidence — of helping cover up crimes for two @ @ @ @ @ favorite foils , Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton , making her just the kind of @ @ @ @ @ up his MAGA base.
” Said one Trump campaign official : “ She is absolutely @ @ @ @ @ pick .
”

“Joe Biden still may be undecided about who to pick for a running mate, but Donald Trump’s team knows exactly who they want: Susan Rice,” Politico reports.
“Trump’s aides and allies accuse Rice — without delving too deeply into the evidence — of helping cover up crimes for two of the president’s favorite foils, Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, making her just the kind of deep-state villain who could fire up his MAGA base.”
Said one Trump campaign official: “She is absolutely our No. 1 draft pick.”


politicalwire--2020-08-05--Trump Campaign Keeps Knocking on Doors

Trump Campaign Keeps Knocking on Doors

“ Donald Trump ’ s campaign says it knocked on over 1 million doors in the past week alone .
@ @ @ @ @ says it knocked on zero , ” Politico reports .
“ The Republican and Democratic @ @ @ @ @ candidates on down — are taking polar opposite approaches to door-to-door canvassing this fall .
@ @ @ @ @ value of face-to-face campaigning during a pandemic has no modern precedent , making it a @ @ @ @ @ , especially in close races .
”

“Donald Trump’s campaign says it knocked on over 1 million doors in the past week alone. Joe Biden’s campaign says it knocked on zero,” Politico reports.
“The Republican and Democratic parties — from the presidential candidates on down — are taking polar opposite approaches to door-to-door canvassing this fall. The competing bets on the value of face-to-face campaigning during a pandemic has no modern precedent, making it a potential wild card in November, especially in close races.”


politicalwire--2020-08-05--Clay Loses Primary In Missouri

Clay Loses Primary In Missouri

Rep. William Lacy Clay ( D-MO ) lost the Democratic primary in Missouri on Tuesday night , falling to Cori @ @ @ @ @ an activist who entered politics after the Ferguson protests in 2014 and tapped into the @ @ @ @ @ Lives Matter movement to upset the 10-term congressman , the Washington Post reports .
Politico @ @ @ @ @ win for the left and a seismic loss for the Congressional Black Caucus , which @ @ @ @ @ challenges from younger candidates .
”

Rep. William Lacy Clay (D-MO) lost the Democratic primary in Missouri on Tuesday night, falling to Cori Bush (D), an activist who entered politics after the Ferguson protests in 2014 and tapped into the recent energy of the Black Lives Matter movement to upset the 10-term congressman, the Washington Post reports.
Politico calls it “a huge win for the left and a seismic loss for the Congressional Black Caucus, which has tried to snuff out challenges from younger candidates.”