politicalwire--2020-09-11--Trump Couldn’t Resist Talking to Bob Woodward

New York Times : “ Mr .
Trump called Mr. Woodward at night when aides presumably were not around .
He gave Mr. Woodward a phone number so that the author could call in and leave a message to have him call back without going through the elaborate bureaucracy that a presidential interview involves in a normal White House .
Altogether , they talked 17 times before the book was finished and then an 18th time after the draft was done but before it went to press.
” “ Mr .
Trump called once more on Aug. 14 , for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr. Woodward to include the recently brokered diplomatic breakthrough with Israel and the United Arab Emirates , but it was too late to update the book by that point.
” “ To Mr. Trump , Mr. Woodward is an exemplar of the Washington establishment the president believes has never respected him .
He seemed excited to be talking with him .
At one point , according to the book , when Melania Trump walked in , the president boasted , ‘ Honey , I ’ m talking to Bob Woodward .
’ ”

New York Times: “Mr. Trump called Mr. Woodward at night when aides presumably were not around. He gave Mr. Woodward a phone number so that the author could call in and leave a message to have him call back without going through the elaborate bureaucracy that a presidential interview involves in a normal White House. Altogether, they talked 17 times before the book was finished and then an 18th time after the draft was done but before it went to press.”
“Mr. Trump called once more on Aug. 14, for a 19th conversation, hoping to persuade Mr. Woodward to include the recently brokered diplomatic breakthrough with Israel and the United Arab Emirates, but it was too late to update the book by that point.”
“To Mr. Trump, Mr. Woodward is an exemplar of the Washington establishment the president believes has never respected him. He seemed excited to be talking with him. At one point, according to the book, when Melania Trump walked in, the president boasted, ‘Honey, I’m talking to Bob Woodward.’”


Undaunted

The Economist : “ 2020 will be a year of the young in one more important respect .
Electorally , @ @ @ @ @ stand of the baby-boomers ( born between 1946 and 1964 ) …

“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--2020-09-11--Trump Makes Wild Claims About Auto Industry

“ President Trump made wildly inaccurate claims at a rally outside Saginaw on Thursday night , suggesting he has revitalized @ @ @ @ @ when it actually lost jobs even before coronavirus hit in March , ” the Detroit @ @ @ @ @ Trump : “ We brought you a lot of car plants , we brought you @ @ @ @ @ ’ re going to bring you a lot more.
” “ But only one new @ @ @ @ @ Jeep plant on Detroit ’ s east side , has been announced during Trump ’ @ @ @ @ @ Motors underwent a divisive 40-day strike last year and announced the idling of four U.S. @ @ @ @ @ Michigan .
”

“President Trump made wildly inaccurate claims at a rally outside Saginaw on Thursday night, suggesting he has revitalized auto manufacturing in the state when it actually lost jobs even before coronavirus hit in March,” the Detroit Free Press reports.
Said Trump: “We brought you a lot of car plants, we brought you a lot … and we’re going to bring you a lot more.”
“But only one new major assembly facility, a Jeep plant on Detroit’s east side, has been announced during Trump’s term, while General Motors underwent a divisive 40-day strike last year and announced the idling of four U.S. plants, including two in Michigan.”


politicalwire--2020-09-12--Challenger to QAnon Backer Bows Out of Race

NBC News : “ The president ’ s edge on the economy has begun to worry some allies of Biden @ @ @ @ @ to do more to neutralize it or Trump could use…


politicalwire--2020-09-12--Trump Says Biden Takes Drugs to Help In Debates

President Trump told Fox News that he suspects Joe Biden is on performance-enhancing drugs for debates , without providing any @ @ @ @ @ “ There ’ s probably , possibly , drugs involved .
That ’ s what @ @ @ @

President Trump told Fox News that he suspects Joe Biden is on performance-enhancing drugs for debates, without providing any evidence.
Said Trump: “There’s probably, possibly, drugs involved. That’s what I hear.”


politicalwire--2020-09-12--Collins Says Trump Should Not Have Misled Americans

Sen. Susan Collins ( R-ME ) said President Trump should have been “ straightforward ” with the American people regarding @ @ @ @ @ posed by the coronavirus earlier this year after recordings revealed he downplayed the pandemic , @ @ @ @ @ Collins : “ I believe the president should have been straightforward with the American people @ @ @ @ @ take hard facts , and he had an obligation as president to be straightforward with @ @ @ @ @ that he has known .
”

Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) said President Trump should have been “straightforward” with the American people regarding the seriousness of the threat posed by the coronavirus earlier this year after recordings revealed he downplayed the pandemic, The Hill reports.
Said Collins: “I believe the president should have been straightforward with the American people. The American people can take hard facts, and he had an obligation as president to be straightforward with them and to tell all that he has known.”


politicalwire--2020-09-12--Jimmy Carter’s Son Smoked Pot with Willie Nelson


politicalwire--2020-09-12--Democrats Set Up ‘War Room’ to Kill Filibuster

“ Democratic insiders are assembling a coalition behind the scenes to wage an all-out war on the Senate filibuster in @ @ @ @ @ 2020 election and passing an ambitious progressive agenda , ” NBC News reports .
“ @ @ @ @ @ groups and supportive senators are coordinating message and strategy to dial up the pressure to @ @ @ @ @ early next year , fearing that preservation of the rule will enable Republicans to kill @ @ @ @ @ agenda in its cradle .
”

“Democratic insiders are assembling a coalition behind the scenes to wage an all-out war on the Senate filibuster in bullish anticipation of sweeping the 2020 election and passing an ambitious progressive agenda,” NBC News reports.
“Veteran party operatives, activist groups and supportive senators are coordinating message and strategy to dial up the pressure to quickly end the 60-vote threshold early next year, fearing that preservation of the rule will enable Republicans to kill Joe Biden’s legislative agenda in its cradle.”


politicalwire--2020-09-12--Biden Leads by Double-Digits

Biden Leads by Double-Digits

A new Yahoo News/YouGov poll finds Joe Biden leading Donald Trump nationally by ten points , 49 % to 39 @ @ @ @ @ had Biden ahead by just 6 points .
“ The results suggest that a week @ @ @ @ @ about Trump — from the Atlantic report on his alleged contempt for Americans wounded or @ @ @ @ @ appeared on Sept. 3 ) to Bob Woodward ’ s recordings of Trump admitting he @ @ @ @ @ — has damaged the president ’ s standing with voters .
”

A new Yahoo News/YouGov poll finds Joe Biden leading Donald Trump nationally by ten points, 49% to 39%.
The previous poll had Biden ahead by just 6 points.
“The results suggest that a week of unrelenting and unflattering revelations about Trump — from the Atlantic report on his alleged contempt for Americans wounded or killed in war (which appeared on Sept. 3) to Bob Woodward’s recordings of Trump admitting he downplayed the deadliness of COVID-19 — has damaged the president’s standing with voters.”


A Climate Reckoning

“ Multiple mega fires burning more than three million acres .
Millions of residents smothered in toxic air .
Rolling @ @ @ @ @ .
Climate change , in the words of one scientist , is smacking California in @ @ @ @ @ New York Times reports .
“ The crisis in the nation ’ s most populous @ @ @ @ @ an accumulation of individual catastrophes .
It is also an example of something climate experts @ @ @ @ @ but which few expected to see so soon : a cascade effect , in which @ @ @ @ @ , triggering or amplifying each other.
” Green That Life : Why protecting the environment @ @ @ @ @ .

“Multiple mega fires burning more than three million acres. Millions of residents smothered in toxic air. Rolling blackouts and triple-digit heat waves. Climate change, in the words of one scientist, is smacking California in the face,” the New York Times reports.
“The crisis in the nation’s most populous state is more than just an accumulation of individual catastrophes. It is also an example of something climate experts have long worried about, but which few expected to see so soon: a cascade effect, in which a series of disasters overlap, triggering or amplifying each other.”
Green That Life: Why protecting the environment is more important than ever.


politicalwire--2020-09-11--Fauci Doesn’t Expect ‘Normality’ Until ‘Well Into 2021’

Dr. Anthony Fauci told MSNBC he doesn ’ t see the country returning to pre-pandemic “ normality ” for many @ @ @ @ @ : “ If you ’ re talking about getting back to a degree of normality @ @ @ @ @ were prior to COVID , it ’ s gon na be well into 2021 .
@ @ @ @ @ of 2021 .
”

Dr. Anthony Fauci told MSNBC he doesn’t see the country returning to pre-pandemic “normality” for many more months.
Said Fauci: “If you’re talking about getting back to a degree of normality, which resembles where we were prior to COVID, it’s gonna be well into 2021. Maybe even towards the end of 2021.”


politicalwire--2020-09-11--Trump’s Edge on Economy Begins to Worry Democrats

NBC News : “ The president ’ s edge on the economy has begun to worry some allies of Biden @ @ @ @ @ to do more to neutralize it or Trump could use it to nail down swing @ @ @ @ @ .
His lead persists even with 8.4 percent unemployment and during a recession that Democrats @ @ @ @ @ Trump ’ s mishandling of the pandemic.
” But , from the Washington Post : @ @ @ @ @ Biden on the economy appears vulnerable .

NBC News: “The president’s edge on the economy has begun to worry some allies of Biden, who say he needs to do more to neutralize it or Trump could use it to nail down swing voters as Election Day nears. His lead persists even with 8.4 percent unemployment and during a recession that Democrats say has been fueled by Trump’s mishandling of the pandemic.”
But, from the Washington Post: Trump’s lead over Biden on the economy appears vulnerable.


politicalwire--2020-09-11--911 Dispatchers Flooded with QAnon Calls

“ Law enforcement agencies described 911 dispatchers being overrun with calls about a false online rumor that ‘ Antifa ’ @ @ @ @ @ setting the fires — a claim promoted by the anonymous account behind the QAnon conspiracy @ @ @ @ @ .
“ The incident highlights how online conspiracy theories , a sustained right-wing campaign to @ @ @ @ @ groups , and amplification of false claims by QAnon followers , have real consequences.
” @ @ @ @ @ is appropriately gauging how quickly QAnon ( and Q by other names ) has taken @ @ @ @ @ white women .
It is everywhere.
“

“Law enforcement agencies described 911 dispatchers being overrun with calls about a false online rumor that ‘Antifa’ members had been arrested for setting the fires — a claim promoted by the anonymous account behind the QAnon conspiracy theories,” CNN reports.
“The incident highlights how online conspiracy theories, a sustained right-wing campaign to create increased fear of anti-fascist groups, and amplification of false claims by QAnon followers, have real consequences.”
Ben Collins: “Nobody is appropriately gauging how quickly QAnon (and Q by other names) has taken over among suburban and rural white women. It is everywhere.“


politicalwire--2020-09-11--Pompeo’s Wife Assigned Work Using Private Email Account

“ Secretary of State Mike Pompeo assigned official government work to one of his top advisers through his wife , @ @ @ @ @ private email account to relay his requests , ” McClatchy reports .
“ The spouse @ @ @ @ @ not be expected to have a government email account if they are not employed by @ @ @ @ @ Pompeo ’ s influence over official personnel and activities at the State Department has raised @ @ @ @ @ within the department .
”

“Secretary of State Mike Pompeo assigned official government work to one of his top advisers through his wife, Susan, who used a private email account to relay his requests,” McClatchy reports.
“The spouse of a Cabinet member would not be expected to have a government email account if they are not employed by the government. But Susan Pompeo’s influence over official personnel and activities at the State Department has raised concerns on Capitol Hill and within the department.”


politicalwire--2020-09-11--Prosecutor Resigns Over Pressure from William Barr

“ Federal prosecutor Nora Dannehy , a top aide to U.S. Attorney John H. Durham in his Russia investigation , @ @ @ @ @ U.S. Justice Department probe – at least partly out of concern that the investigative team @ @ @ @ @ reasons to produce a report before its work is done , ” the Hartford Courant @ @ @ @ @ Dannehy is not a supporter of President Trump and has been concerned in recent weeks @ @ @ @ @ pressure from Barr — who appointed Durham — to produce results before the election .
@ @ @ @ @ considering resignation for weeks , conflicted by loyalty to Durham and concern about politics .
@

“Federal prosecutor Nora Dannehy, a top aide to U.S. Attorney John H. Durham in his Russia investigation, has quietly resigned from the U.S. Justice Department probe – at least partly out of concern that the investigative team is being pressed for political reasons to produce a report before its work is done,” the Hartford Courant reports.
“Colleagues said Dannehy is not a supporter of President Trump and has been concerned in recent weeks by what she believed was pressure from Barr — who appointed Durham — to produce results before the election. They said she has been considering resignation for weeks, conflicted by loyalty to Durham and concern about politics.”


politicalwire--2020-09-11--Peter Thiel Met With Racist Fringe As He Bet On Trump

BuzzFeed News reports that during the summer of 2016 , Trump backer and investor Peter Thiel “ hosted a dinner @ @ @ @ @ influential and vocal white nationalists in modern-day America — a man who has called for @ @ @ @ @ ethnostate and played a key role in an effort to mainstream white nationalism as the @ @ @ @ @ Thiel emailed the next day to say how much he ’ d enjoyed his company.
@ @ @ @ @ the racist right , Thiel ’ s outreach raised hopes that his financial bet on @ @ @ @ @ ascendant alt-right movement , which despite its prominence was a collection of small and often @ @ @ @ @ white nationalist privately speculated that Thiel ’ s money and influence could have made him @ @ @ @ @ ' ”

BuzzFeed News reports that during the summer of 2016, Trump backer and investor Peter Thiel “hosted a dinner with one of the most influential and vocal white nationalists in modern-day America — a man who has called for the creation of a white ethnostate and played a key role in an effort to mainstream white nationalism as the ‘alt-right.’ And then Thiel emailed the next day to say how much he’d enjoyed his company.”
“Among those on the racist right, Thiel’s outreach raised hopes that his financial bet on Trump would extend into the ascendant alt-right movement, which despite its prominence was a collection of small and often cash-strapped organizations. One avowed white nationalist privately speculated that Thiel’s money and influence could have made him ‘our George Soros.'”


politicalwire--2020-09-11--Court Says Florida Felons Must Pay Fines Before Voting

“ In a significant reversal , the United States Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit in Atlanta ruled on @ @ @ @ @ requiring people with serious criminal convictions to pay court fines and fees before they can @ @ @ @ @ , ” the New York Times reports .
“ The ruling put new hurdles in @ @ @ @ @ crimes to vote , after Florida ’ s voters had amended the state ’ s @ @ @ @ @ the disenfranchisement of those convicted of felonies , except for murder and sexual offenses .
@ @ @ @ @ close state in presidential elections , the decision could help shape the outcome this year.
@ @ @ @ @ I would be very surprised to see the Supreme Court take up this case before @ @ @ @

“In a significant reversal, the United States Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit in Atlanta ruled on Friday that a Florida law requiring people with serious criminal convictions to pay court fines and fees before they can register to vote is constitutional,” the New York Times reports.
“The ruling put new hurdles in place for people convicted of crimes to vote, after Florida’s voters had amended the state’s Constitution in 2018 to end the disenfranchisement of those convicted of felonies, except for murder and sexual offenses. And with Florida a perennially close state in presidential elections, the decision could help shape the outcome this year.”
Rick Hasen: “I would be very surprised to see the Supreme Court take up this case before the election.”


politicalwire--2020-09-11--Ex-Judge Calls Michael Flynn Reversal ‘Corrupt’

A retired judge appointed to review the Justice Department ’ s motion to drop charges against former national security adviser @ @ @ @ @ that calling the agency ’ s actions “ irregular , ” which he did in @ @ @ @ @ a study in understatement , ” Axios reports .
Said Judge John Gleeson : “ @ @ @ @ @ Presidents do not orchestrate pressure campaigns to get the Justice Department to drop charges against @ @ @ @ @ — twice , before two different judges — and whose guilt is obvious… There is @ @ @ @ @ reflects a corrupt and politically motivated favor unworthy of our justice system .
”

A retired judge appointed to review the Justice Department’s motion to drop charges against former national security adviser Michael Flynn said on Friday that calling the agency’s actions “irregular,” which he did in June, “would be a study in understatement,” Axios reports.
Said Judge John Gleeson: “In the United States, Presidents do not orchestrate pressure campaigns to get the Justice Department to drop charges against defendants who have pleaded guilty — twice, before two different judges — and whose guilt is obvious… There is clear evidence that this motion reflects a corrupt and politically motivated favor unworthy of our justice system.”


politicalwire--2020-09-11--Susan Collins Trails In Maine

Susan Collins Trails In Maine


politicalwire--2020-09-11--Virus May Have Reached U.S. Earlier Than Thought

The Los Angeles Times reports the coronavirus may have reached Los Angeles even before China announced its outbreak .
“ @ @ @ @ @ colleagues at the University of Washington documented an unmistakable uptick in patients seeking treatment for @ @ @ @ @ the week of Dec. 22 , 2019 , and persisted through the end of February @ @

The Los Angeles Times reports the coronavirus may have reached Los Angeles even before China announced its outbreak.
“Researchers from UCLA and their colleagues at the University of Washington documented an unmistakable uptick in patients seeking treatment for coughs. The increase began the week of Dec. 22, 2019, and persisted through the end of February.”


politicalwire--2020-09-11--Global Economic Recovery Shows Signs of Slowing

“ The global economy is bouncing back strongly from the collapse it suffered in the spring , but fresh data @ @ @ @ @ the lifting of coronavirus lockdowns are already exhausted , adding to evidence that the world @ @ @ @ @ , if not years , to heal , ” the Wall Street Journal reports .
@ @ @ @ @ the bounce back , we are still down more jobs than the worst of the @ @ @

“The global economy is bouncing back strongly from the collapse it suffered in the spring, but fresh data suggest the early gains from the lifting of coronavirus lockdowns are already exhausted, adding to evidence that the world economy could take many months, if not years, to heal,” the Wall Street Journal reports.
Adam Ozimek: “Despite the bounce back, we are still down more jobs than the worst of the Great Recession.“


politicalwire--2020-09-11--Trump Withheld Millions from 9/11 Health Program

“ The Trump administration has secretly siphoned nearly $ 4 million away from a program that tracks and treats FDNY @ @ @ @ @ 9/11 related illnesses , ” the New York Daily News reports .
“ The Treasury @ @ @ @ @ of payments — nearly four years ago — meant to cover medical services for firefighters @ @ @ @ @ paramedics treated by the FDNY World Trade Center Health Program .
”

“The Trump administration has secretly siphoned nearly $4 million away from a program that tracks and treats FDNY firefighters and medics suffering from 9/11 related illnesses,” the New York Daily News reports.
“The Treasury Department mysteriously started withholding parts of payments — nearly four years ago — meant to cover medical services for firefighters, emergency medical technicians and paramedics treated by the FDNY World Trade Center Health Program.”


politicalwire--2020-09-11--Trump Not Talking About Wildfires

Trump Not Talking About Wildfires

Amber Phillips : “ Over the past 24 hours on his Twitter feed , President Trump has attacked Democrats and @ @ @ @ @ dozen times , mentioned law and order , and made false claims about mail voting.
@ @ @ @ @ increasingly deadly , catastrophic wildfires in California and Oregon that have displaced 500,000 people , @ @ @ @ @ a 1-year-old , and blotted out the sun in one of America ’ s largest @ @ @ @ @ s been silent .
”

Amber Phillips: “Over the past 24 hours on his Twitter feed, President Trump has attacked Democrats and racial injustice protesters nearly a dozen times, mentioned law and order, and made false claims about mail voting.”
“But on the increasingly deadly, catastrophic wildfires in California and Oregon that have displaced 500,000 people, caused fire tornadoes, killed a 1-year-old, and blotted out the sun in one of America’s largest metropolitan areas, he’s been silent.”


politicalwire--2020-09-12--Biden Transition Team Sets Massive Fundraising Goal

“ Joe Biden ’ s transition team has expanded its fundraising goal far beyond what Hillary Clinton raised in 2016 @ @ @ @ @ they prevail in November , the Trump administration could actively work against their efforts and @ @ @ @ @ make a presidential changeover more difficult than ever , ” Politico reports .

“Joe Biden’s transition team has expanded its fundraising goal far beyond what Hillary Clinton raised in 2016, anticipating that, should they prevail in November, the Trump administration could actively work against their efforts and that the coronavirus pandemic will make a presidential changeover more difficult than ever,” Politico reports.


politicalwire--2020-09-12--Trump Allies Can’t Sway Him in Mail Voting

“ For a few weeks , Donald Trump ’ s advisers had seemingly gotten through to him — the president @ @ @ @ @ to vote by mail , at least some of the time , ” Politico reports @ @ @ @ @ ’ t last long .
He recently appeared to suggest people vote twice — voting @ @ @ @ @ determine if their mail-in ballot had been counted — later warning Democrats would be ‘ @ @ @ @ @ ’ their way to an election win .
Now , five Republicans close to the @ @ @ @ @ that if Trump keeps up his vacillating mail-in voting rhetoric , they fear infrequent voters @ @ @ @ @ will simply sit out the election .
”

“For a few weeks, Donald Trump’s advisers had seemingly gotten through to him — the president was finally encouraging his supporters to vote by mail, at least some of the time,” Politico reports.
“On-message Trump didn’t last long. He recently appeared to suggest people vote twice — voting in-person as a way to determine if their mail-in ballot had been counted — later warning Democrats would be ‘thieving and stealing and robbing’ their way to an election win. Now, five Republicans close to the president’s campaign say that if Trump keeps up his vacillating mail-in voting rhetoric, they fear infrequent voters, especially older ones, will simply sit out the election.”


politicalwire--2020-09-12--Voters Have Already Made Up Their Minds

Voters Have Already Made Up Their Minds

“ The 2020 presidential election features a pared-back pool of undecided voters after four years of a highly controversial and @ @ @ @ @ reports .
“ Entrenched views mean there ’ s less reason for campaigns to try @ @ @ @ @ than to convince those already with them to vote — and help educate them about @ @ @ @ @ make sure their votes count .
”

“The 2020 presidential election features a pared-back pool of undecided voters after four years of a highly controversial and media-saturated presidency.,” Axios reports.
“Entrenched views mean there’s less reason for campaigns to try to change voters’ minds than to convince those already with them to vote — and help educate them about mail-in and early-vote procedures to make sure their votes count.”


politicalwire--2020-09-12--Israel First to Announce Second Lockdown

“ Israel is passing milestones no other nation wants to reach , after repeated missteps by Binyamin Netanyahu ’ s @ @ @ @ @ of London reports .
“ Blighted by one of the highest levels of coronavirus infection @ @ @ @ @ new cases daily , it is about to become the first country to go back @ @ @ @ @

“Israel is passing milestones no other nation wants to reach, after repeated missteps by Binyamin Netanyahu’s government,” the Times of London reports.
“Blighted by one of the highest levels of coronavirus infection, with more than 4,000 new cases daily, it is about to become the first country to go back into national lockdown.”


politicalwire--2020-09-12--Postal Service Sends ‘Misinformation’ to Voters

Colorado ’ s secretary of state took to Twitter to sound the alarm after the United States Postal Service sent @ @ @ @ @ nationwide containing inaccurate information that could undermine the election and “ suppress votes , ” @ @ @ @ @ The postcard , sent to all American households , is “ confusing ” voters in @ @ @ @ @ they must request a ballot , even though many states automatically send a ballot to @ @ @ @ @ postcard also includes a recommendation to voters to “ mail your ballot at least 7 @ @ @ @ @ ” while some states , like Colorado , tell voters to send them earlier .

Colorado’s secretary of state took to Twitter to sound the alarm after the United States Postal Service sent out a postcard to voters nationwide containing inaccurate information that could undermine the election and “suppress votes,” the Daily Beast reports.
The postcard, sent to all American households, is “confusing” voters in several states by telling them they must request a ballot, even though many states automatically send a ballot to every registered voter.
The postcard also includes a recommendation to voters to “mail your ballot at least 7 days before Election Day,” while some states, like Colorado, tell voters to send them earlier.


politicalwire--2020-09-13--Trump Solicits Donations with Antifa Warning

Little has changed in the polling , but as we get closer to the election — just 51 days away @ @ @ @ @ is slightly more confident Joe Biden will win… .

“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--2020-09-13--Advantages of Incumbency Crumble Away for Trump

Dan Balz : “ President Trump had a bad week : That was the week before last .
He had @ @ @ @ @ .
For someone trailing former vice president Joe Biden in the presidential race , Trump @ @ @ @ @ reelection , an embattled incumbent who is frittering away the advantages of incumbency .
”

Dan Balz: “President Trump had a bad week: That was the week before last. He had another one this past week. For someone trailing former vice president Joe Biden in the presidential race, Trump remains the biggest obstacle to reelection, an embattled incumbent who is frittering away the advantages of incumbency.”


#Unfit


politicalwire--2020-09-12--Roger Stone Calls on Trump to Seize Total Power

In an interview with Alex Jones , Roger Stone urged Donald Trump to consider several draconian measures to stay in @ @ @ @ @ election due what he called “ voter fraud.
” The measures included having federal authorities @ @ @ @ @ agents and Republican state officials “ physically ” block voting under the pretext of preventing @ @ @ @ @ law or the Insurrection Act to carry out widespread arrests , and nationalizing state police @ @

In an interview with Alex Jones, Roger Stone urged Donald Trump to consider several draconian measures to stay in power if he loses the election due what he called “voter fraud.”
The measures included having federal authorities seize ballots, having FBI agents and Republican state officials “physically” block voting under the pretext of preventing voter fraud, using martial law or the Insurrection Act to carry out widespread arrests, and nationalizing state police forces.


politicalwire--2020-09-12--If Nothing Matters, Biden Likely Wins

If Nothing Matters, Biden Likely Wins

Harry Enten : “ Some people call Donald Trump ’ s term in office the ‘ nothing matters ’ presidency @ @ @ @ @ applied to Trump by his detractors , who can not believe his standing with the @ @ @ @ @ what he says and does .
They mean it as good news for Trump.
” @ @ @ @ @ something quite different .
Nothing may really matter , but that ’ s actually bad @ @ @ @ @ news for his opponent , Joe Biden.
” “ The fact is that Trump doesn @ @ @ @ @ He needs something to change because he ’ s unpopular and losing the race for @ @ @ @ @

Harry Enten: “Some people call Donald Trump’s term in office the ‘nothing matters’ presidency. The phrase is usually applied to Trump by his detractors, who cannot believe his standing with the American public is stable despite what he says and does. They mean it as good news for Trump.”
“Yet the numbers suggest something quite different. Nothing may really matter, but that’s actually bad news for Trump and good news for his opponent, Joe Biden.”
“The fact is that Trump doesn’t need stability. He needs something to change because he’s unpopular and losing the race for a second term.”


politicalwire--2020-09-12--Pence Won’t Go to Fundraiser with QAnon Backers


politicalwire--2020-09-12--‘I’ll Never Question 1938 Germany Again’

Former Republican strategist Stuart Stevens told Vanity Fair the GOP under Donald Trump is a party of cynics , stooges @ @ @ @ @ enablers whose profiles in cowardice bear an uncomfortable resemblance to 1930s Germany .
Said Stevens @ @ @ @ @ to Republican politicians , I hear Franz von Papen , ” referencing the German chancellor @ @ @ @ @ radical leftists were a far greater threat than Adolf Hitler .
He added : “ @ @ @ @ @ is an idiot .
They all know that he ’ s uniquely unqualified to be @ @ @ @ @ themselves that he was a necessity.
” More : “ It is the combination of @ @ @ @ @ elements of the Republican Party , and the anti-elite elements of the Republican Party , @ @ @ @ @ in this toxic brew that is killing tens of thousands of Americans .
I mean @ @ @ @ @ to die because of this combination of political beliefs than major wars .
”

Former Republican strategist Stuart Stevens told Vanity Fair the GOP under Donald Trump is a party of cynics, stooges, racists, and obsequious enablers whose profiles in cowardice bear an uncomfortable resemblance to 1930s Germany.
Said Stevens: “When I talk to Republican politicians, I hear Franz von Papen,” referencing the German chancellor who convinced Germans that so-called radical leftists were a far greater threat than Adolf Hitler.
He added: “They all know that Trump is an idiot. They all know that he’s uniquely unqualified to be president. But they convinced themselves that he was a necessity.”
More: “It is the combination of the anti-intellectualism, the anti-education elements of the Republican Party, and the anti-elite elements of the Republican Party, so-called, that have culminated in this toxic brew that is killing tens of thousands of Americans. I mean, more Americans are going to die because of this combination of political beliefs than major wars.”


politicalwire--2020-09-12--Susan Collins Won’t Say Who She Will Vote For

“ Sara Gideon ( D ) sought to link Sen. Susan Collins ( R ) with President Trump during their @ @ @ @ @ and she demanded several times that Collins say whether she ’ ll vote for him @ @ @ @ @ ’ t take , ” the AP reports .
“ Collins , who has said @ @ @ @ @ for Trump four years ago , brushed off the question , saying voters are more @ @ @ @ @ about issues than who she supports in the presidential race .
”

“Sara Gideon (D) sought to link Sen. Susan Collins (R) with President Trump during their first debate Friday night, and she demanded several times that Collins say whether she’ll vote for him — a dare Collins wouldn’t take,” the AP reports.
“Collins, who has said she didn’t vote for Trump four years ago, brushed off the question, saying voters are more interested in talking to her about issues than who she supports in the presidential race.”


Biden’s Chances Improve

Little has changed in the polling , but as we get closer to the election — just 51 days away @ @ @ @ @ is slightly more confident Joe Biden will win .
Biden now has a 75 % @ @ @ @ @ The Economist gives Biden an 86 % chance .

Little has changed in the polling, but as we get closer to the election — just 51 days away — FiveThirtyEight’s forecast is slightly more confident Joe Biden will win.
Biden now has a 75% chance he will prevail.
The Economist gives Biden an 86% chance.


politicalwire--2020-09-12--Kanye West Loses Bid to Get on Wisconsin Ballot

A state judge ruled that Kanye West did not qualify to get on the Wisconsin presidential ballot because 5 p.m. @ @ @ @ @ the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports .
The entertainer sued seeking to undo an Aug. 20 @ @ @ @ @ the ballot in November because he was seconds late in filing his nomination papers .

A state judge ruled that Kanye West did not qualify to get on the Wisconsin presidential ballot because 5 p.m. means 5 p.m. sharp, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.
The entertainer sued seeking to undo an Aug. 20 decision to keep him off the ballot in November because he was seconds late in filing his nomination papers.


politicalwire--2020-09-12--It’s Not Like We Weren’t Warned

It’s Not Like We Weren’t Warned

Jim VandeHei : “ All the biggest threats to America — most of them predicted , if not known well @ @ @ @ @ before our eyes , in real-time , in unmistakable ways.
” “ It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ galaxy , or whatever you believe in , are screaming for politicians and the public @ @ @ @ @ pay attention — believe our eyes.
” “ Every day brings new stories of other @ @ @ @ @ and Americans refusing to believe scientists or experts about factual news , coronavirus prevention , @ @ @ @ @ established truth.
” “ Think about the number of educated people in your life who @ @ @ @ @ B.S .
”

Jim VandeHei: “All the biggest threats to America — most of them predicted, if not known well in advance — are unfolding before our eyes, in real-time, in unmistakable ways.”
“It’s as if God or the galaxy, or whatever you believe in, are screaming for politicians and the public to pop our bubbles and pay attention — believe our eyes.”
“Every day brings new stories of other nations manipulating social media — and Americans refusing to believe scientists or experts about factual news, coronavirus prevention, global warming, vaccines and established truth.”
“Think about the number of educated people in your life who share fake stories or believe B.S.”


politicalwire--2020-09-12--Michael Cohen’s Daughter Reflects on Trump

Vanity Fair has an interesting profile of Michael Cohen ’ s daughter .
“ Samantha , now 24 and a @ @ @ @ @ the University of Pennsylvania like Trump ’ s own daughters , told me that she @ @ @ @ @ sort of Stockholm syndrome .
In a wide-ranging interview earlier this week , she discussed @ @ @ @ @ remained loyal ; Ivanka ’ s iciness ; her friendship with younger daughter Tiffany ; @ @ @ @ @ agents executed search warrants on her home ; and what it ’ s like to @ @ @ @ @ a political storm beyond her control.
” “ She is a member of the scandal-adjacent @ @ @ @ @ marked by her association with the Trumps , trying to make sense of it all @ @ @ @ @ growing club , as more and more people in Trump ’ s orbit meet their @ @ @

Vanity Fair has an interesting profile of Michael Cohen’s daughter.
“Samantha, now 24 and a straight-talking, steely graduate of the University of Pennsylvania like Trump’s own daughters, told me that she believes her dad had a sort of Stockholm syndrome. In a wide-ranging interview earlier this week, she discussed why she thinks her father remained loyal; Ivanka’s iciness; her friendship with younger daughter Tiffany; what happened the day federal agents executed search warrants on her home; and what it’s like to be at the center of a political storm beyond her control.”
“She is a member of the scandal-adjacent, an offstage character unwittingly marked by her association with the Trumps, trying to make sense of it all. It’s a growing club, as more and more people in Trump’s orbit meet their downfall.”


politicalwire--2020-09-12--Trump’s Payroll Tax ‘Cut’ Fizzles

Trump’s Payroll Tax ‘Cut’ Fizzles

New York Times : “ More than a month after Mr. Trump signed an executive memorandum to defer the collection @ @ @ @ @ workers pay to help fund Social Security , few companies or people are taking part @ @ @ @ @ experts say they know of no large corporations that plan to stop withholding employees ’ @ @ @ @ @ As a result , economic policy experts now say they expect the deferral to have @ @ @ @ @ economic growth this year .
”

New York Times: “More than a month after Mr. Trump signed an executive memorandum to defer the collection of the payroll taxes that workers pay to help fund Social Security, few companies or people are taking part. Trade groups and tax experts say they know of no large corporations that plan to stop withholding employees’ payroll taxes this fall. As a result, economic policy experts now say they expect the deferral to have little to no effect on economic growth this year.”
Wall Street Journal: Some large employers reject Trump’s payroll tax deferral plan.


politicalwire--2020-09-12--Trump Officials Interfered with CDC Reports

Politico : “ The health department ’ s politically appointed communications aides have demanded the right to review and seek @ @ @ @ @ Disease Control and Prevention ’ s weekly scientific reports charting the progress of the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ characterized as an attempt to intimidate the reports ’ authors and water down their communications @ @ @ @ @ In some cases , emails from communications aides to CDC Director Robert Redfield and other @ @ @ @ @ the agency ’ s reports would undermine President Trump ’ s optimistic messages about the @ @ @

Politico: “The health department’s politically appointed communications aides have demanded the right to review and seek changes to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s weekly scientific reports charting the progress of the coronavirus pandemic, in what officials characterized as an attempt to intimidate the reports’ authors and water down their communications to health professionals.”
“In some cases, emails from communications aides to CDC Director Robert Redfield and other senior officials openly complained that the agency’s reports would undermine President Trump’s optimistic messages about the outbreak.”


politicalwire--2020-09-12--Biden Leads In Key States

Biden Leads In Key States

From new New York Times/Siena polls : “ Overtaking Mr. Biden in some of those four states could be a @ @ @ @ @ ’ s re-election chances .
He narrowly won Wisconsin in 2016 and barely lost the @ @ @ @ @ ” “ While Mr. Trump has steadied his candidacy since his political nadir early in @ @ @ @ @ poll suggests that , less than two months before Election Day , he has yet @ @ @ @ @ major political breakthrough he needs .
”

From new New York Times/Siena polls:
Minnesota: Biden 50%, Trump 41%
Nevada: Biden 46%, Trump 42%
New Hampshire: Biden 45%, Trump 42%
Wisconsin: Biden 48%, Trump 43%
“Overtaking Mr. Biden in some of those four states could be a significant boost to Mr. Trump’s re-election chances. He narrowly won Wisconsin in 2016 and barely lost the other three to Hillary Clinton.”
“While Mr. Trump has steadied his candidacy since his political nadir early in the summer, the Times poll suggests that, less than two months before Election Day, he has yet to achieve the kind of major political breakthrough he needs.”


politicalwire--2020-09-12--Sanders Expresses Concerns About Biden Campaign

Sen. Bernie Sanders is privately expressing concerns about Joe Biden ’ s presidential campaign , urging Biden ’ s team @ @ @ @ @ pocketbook issues and appeals to liberal voters , the Washington Post reports .
Sanders has @ @ @ @ @ at serious risk of coming up short in the November election if he continues his @ @ @ @ @ .

Sen. Bernie Sanders is privately expressing concerns about Joe Biden’s presidential campaign, urging Biden’s team to intensify its focus on pocketbook issues and appeals to liberal voters, the Washington Post reports.
Sanders has told associates that Biden is at serious risk of coming up short in the November election if he continues his vaguer, more centrist approach.


politicalwire--2020-09-12--Andrew Giuliani Mulls Run for New York City Mayor

Andrew Giuliani , son of former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani , told the New York Post he is @ @ @ @ @ running for mayor in 2021 .
Said Giuliani : “ I am certainly thinking about @ @ @ @ @ something that a bunch of people that I trust have approached me with .
It @ @ @ @ @ see over the last few years how the city has spiraled .
I am afraid @ @ @ @ @ ’ t win in 2021 , four more years of de Blasio ’ s policies @ @ @ @ @ 80s .
”

Andrew Giuliani, son of former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, told the New York Post he is taking a hard look at running for mayor in 2021.
Said Giuliani: “I am certainly thinking about it. It’s something that a bunch of people that I trust have approached me with. It’s been terrible to see over the last few years how the city has spiraled. I am afraid if the right candidate doesn’t win in 2021, four more years of de Blasio’s policies will remind us of the 80s.”


politicalwire--2020-09-12--Trump Allies Can’t Sway Him on Mail Voting

“ For a few weeks , Donald Trump ’ s advisers had seemingly gotten through to him — the president @ @ @ @ @ to vote by mail , at least some of the time , ” Politico reports @ @ @ @ @ ’ t last long .
He recently appeared to suggest people vote twice — voting @ @ @ @ @ determine if their mail-in ballot had been counted — later warning Democrats would be ‘ @ @ @ @ @ ’ their way to an election win .
Now , five Republicans close to the @ @ @ @ @ that if Trump keeps up his vacillating mail-in voting rhetoric , they fear infrequent voters @ @ @ @ @ will simply sit out the election .
”

“For a few weeks, Donald Trump’s advisers had seemingly gotten through to him — the president was finally encouraging his supporters to vote by mail, at least some of the time,” Politico reports.
“On-message Trump didn’t last long. He recently appeared to suggest people vote twice — voting in-person as a way to determine if their mail-in ballot had been counted — later warning Democrats would be ‘thieving and stealing and robbing’ their way to an election win. Now, five Republicans close to the president’s campaign say that if Trump keeps up his vacillating mail-in voting rhetoric, they fear infrequent voters, especially older ones, will simply sit out the election.”


politicalwire--2020-09-13--Bloomberg to Spend $100 Million In Florida for Biden

“ Mike Bloomberg plans to spend at least $ 100 million in Florida to help elect Democrat Joe Biden , @ @ @ @ @ cash that could reshape the presidential contest in a costly toss-up state central to President @ @ @ @ @ , ” the Washington Post reports .
“ Bloomberg made the decision to focus his @ @ @ @ @ last week , after news reports that Trump had considered spending as much as $ @ @ @ @ @ money in the final weeks of the campaign , Bloomberg ’ s advisers said .
@ @ @ @ @ how to make good on an earlier promise to help elect Biden , Bloomberg decided @ @ @ @ @ Florida was the best use of his money .
”

“Mike Bloomberg plans to spend at least $100 million in Florida to help elect Democrat Joe Biden, a massive late-stage infusion of cash that could reshape the presidential contest in a costly toss-up state central to President Trump’s reelection hopes,” the Washington Post reports.
“Bloomberg made the decision to focus his final election spending on Florida last week, after news reports that Trump had considered spending as much as $100 million of his own money in the final weeks of the campaign, Bloomberg’s advisers said. Presented with several options on how to make good on an earlier promise to help elect Biden, Bloomberg decided that a narrow focus on Florida was the best use of his money.”


politicalwire--2020-09-13--Louisiana Judge Molested Teen Daughters’ Friends

“ Coronavirus infections in the Dakotas are growing faster than anywhere else in the nation , fueling impassioned debates over @ @ @ @ @ months in which the two states avoided…

“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--2020-09-13--Longtime Climate Science Denier Hired At NOAA

David Legates , a University of Delaware professor of climatology who has spent much of his career questioning basic tenets @ @ @ @ @ been hired for a top position at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration , NPR @ @ @ @ @ a long history of using his position as an academic scientist to publicly cast doubt @ @ @ @ @ appointment to NOAA comes as Americans face profound threats stoked by climate change , from @ @ @ @ @ in the West to an unusually active hurricane season in the South and East .
@

David Legates, a University of Delaware professor of climatology who has spent much of his career questioning basic tenets of climate science, has been hired for a top position at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NPR reports.
“Legates has a long history of using his position as an academic scientist to publicly cast doubt on climate science. His appointment to NOAA comes as Americans face profound threats stoked by climate change, from the vast, deadly wildfires in the West to an unusually active hurricane season in the South and East.”


politicalwire--2020-09-13--Dakotas Lead In New Virus Infections

Dakotas Lead In New Virus Infections

“ Coronavirus infections in the Dakotas are growing faster than anywhere else in the nation , fueling impassioned debates over @ @ @ @ @ months in which the two states avoided the worst of the pandemic , ” the @ @ @

“Coronavirus infections in the Dakotas are growing faster than anywhere else in the nation, fueling impassioned debates over masks and personal freedom after months in which the two states avoided the worst of the pandemic,” the AP reports.


politicalwire--2020-09-14--Iran Mulls Assassinating U.S. Ambassador

“ The Iranian government is considering assassinating the American ambassador to South Africa , U.S. intelligence reports say , ” @ @ @ @ @ of the plot comes as Iran continues to seek ways to retaliate for President Trump @ @ @ @ @ a powerful Iranian general earlier this year , the officials said .
If carried out @ @ @ @ @ up already serious tensions between the U.S. and Iran and create enormous pressure on Trump @ @ @ @ @ in the middle of a tense election season .
”

“The Iranian government is considering assassinating the American ambassador to South Africa, U.S. intelligence reports say,” Politico reports.
“News of the plot comes as Iran continues to seek ways to retaliate for President Trump’s decision to kill a powerful Iranian general earlier this year, the officials said. If carried out, it could dramatically ratchet up already serious tensions between the U.S. and Iran and create enormous pressure on Trump to strike back — possibly in the middle of a tense election season.”


politicalwire--2020-09-14--Another Political Wire Reader

Another Political Wire Reader

Time : “ This matters not just because of what these voters believe but also because of what they don @ @ @ @ @ that should anchor a sense of shared reality are meaningless…


politicalwire--2020-09-14--Trump to Hold Indoor Rally Violating Nevada Rules

President Trump plans to hold a fully indoor rally , where thousands are expected , for the first time in @ @ @ @ @ Henderson , Nevada , CNN reports .
“ The City of Henderson has issued a @ @ @ @ @ to the event organizer that the event as planned would be in direct violation of @ @ @ @ @ emergency directives .
Specifically , gatherings of more than 50 people in a private or @ @ @ @ @ ”

President Trump plans to hold a fully indoor rally, where thousands are expected, for the first time in three months on Sunday in Henderson, Nevada, CNN reports.
“The City of Henderson has issued a compliance letter and verbal warning to the event organizer that the event as planned would be in direct violation of the governor’s COVID-19 emergency directives. Specifically, gatherings of more than 50 people in a private or public setting is prohibited.”


politicalwire--2020-09-14--Biden Will Run Ads During Every Football Game

Joe Biden ’ s campaign has purchased at least one advertising slot for every game between now and Election Day @ @ @ @ @ news comes as Biden ’ s campaign has closed in on the Trump campaign ’ @ @ @ @ @ recent months .

Joe Biden’s campaign has purchased at least one advertising slot for every game between now and Election Day, NPR reports.
The news comes as Biden’s campaign has closed in on the Trump campaign’s formerly-large cash advantage in recent months.


politicalwire--2020-09-14--Pompeos Knew Staff Were Doing Personal Chores


Trump the Peacemaker?

New York Times : “ Next week , Mr. Trump will host a signing ceremony for Israel ’ s twin @ @ @ @ @ Emirates and Bahrain .
On Saturday , Secretary of State Mike Pompeo presided over the @ @ @ @ @ in Afghanistan that offer the best promise yet of ending that country ’ s 19-year @ @ @ @ @ , the leaders of Kosovo and Serbia visited the White House to announce normalized economic @ @ @ @ @ decades-old hostilities .
At the same time , Mr. Trump is withdrawing more American troops @ @ @ @ @ ”

New York Times: “Next week, Mr. Trump will host a signing ceremony for Israel’s twin détentes with the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain. On Saturday, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo presided over the start of intra-Afghan peace talks in Afghanistan that offer the best promise yet of ending that country’s 19-year war. And last week, the leaders of Kosovo and Serbia visited the White House to announce normalized economic relations that could help end decades-old hostilities. At the same time, Mr. Trump is withdrawing more American troops from Afghanistan and Iraq.”


politicalwire--2020-09-13--How Conspiracy Theories Are Shaping the Election

Time : “ This matters not just because of what these voters believe but also because of what they don @ @ @ @ @ that should anchor a sense of shared reality are meaningless to them ; the news @ @ @ @ @ their vote fall on deaf ears .
They will not be swayed by data on @ @ @ @ @ ’ t be persuaded by job losses or stock market gains , and they won @ @ @ @ @ called America ’ s fallen soldiers ‘ losers ’ or ‘ suckers , ’ as @ @ @ @ @ they won ’ t believe it .
They are impervious to messaging , advertising or @ @ @ @ @ t just infected with conspiracy ; they appear to be inoculated against reality .
”

Time: “This matters not just because of what these voters believe but also because of what they don’t. The facts that should anchor a sense of shared reality are meaningless to them; the news developments that might ordinarily inform their vote fall on deaf ears. They will not be swayed by data on coronavirus deaths, they won’t be persuaded by job losses or stock market gains, and they won’t care if Trump called America’s fallen soldiers ‘losers’ or ‘suckers,’ as the Atlantic reported, because they won’t believe it. They are impervious to messaging, advertising or data. They aren’t just infected with conspiracy; they appear to be inoculated against reality.”


politicalwire--2020-09-13--Minnesota Seemed Ripe for a Trump Breakout

“ If any state is positioned to go from blue to red in 2020 , to embrace the fullness of @ @ @ @ @ some much-needed Electoral College insurance , it is Minnesota , ” the New York Times @ @ @ @ @ ’ s northern and eastern regions have grown more conservative over the years , and @ @ @ @ @ in the state during the 2018 midterm elections — a rare bright spot during an @ @ @ @ @ wave .
Going into 2020 , conservatives crowed that the issues that defined the state @ @ @ @ @ from Mr. Trump ’ s playbook : in particular , a robust refugee relocation program @ @ @ @ @ backlash in certain places outside the Twin Cities.
” “ Mr .
Biden ’ s @ @ @ @ @ erosion of Republican support for Mr. Trump in the state ’ s metropolitan areas , @ @ @ @ @ voters ’ fleeing a president in crisis .
”

“If any state is positioned to go from blue to red in 2020, to embrace the fullness of Trumpology and provide the president some much-needed Electoral College insurance, it is Minnesota,” the New York Times reports.
“The state’s northern and eastern regions have grown more conservative over the years, and Republicans won two House seats in the state during the 2018 midterm elections — a rare bright spot during an election characterized by an anti-Trump wave. Going into 2020, conservatives crowed that the issues that defined the state’s politics were straight from Mr. Trump’s playbook: in particular, a robust refugee relocation program that has inspired a white backlash in certain places outside the Twin Cities.”
“Mr. Biden’s advantage is driven by an erosion of Republican support for Mr. Trump in the state’s metropolitan areas, continuing the trend of suburban voters’ fleeing a president in crisis.”


politicalwire--2020-09-13--The President Is Compromised

The President Is Compromised

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

This piece is only available to Political Wire members.
Peter Strzok has written a stunning and alarming book. Compromised tells the story of why be believes Russian holds leverage over Donald Trump and that the president is therefore not capable of placing the national interest over his own.


politicalwire--2020-09-13--Trump Running Out of Time

Trump Running Out of Time

John Haywood : “ With support hovering around 43 % nationally , Trump needs a chunk of new supporters to @ @ @ @ @ ’ s lead .
He has just more than seven weeks to lure them .
@ @ @ @ @ obstacle that he didn ’ t in 2016 : a smaller pool of available prospects.
@ @ @ @ @ Trump ’ s base , most conspicuously the maskless true-believers who pack his rallies despite @ @ @ @ @ the reality that they number too few to give him a second term .
Though @ @ @ @ @ victory four years ago with 46.1 % of the popular vote , he can not @ @ @ @ @ % .
”

John Haywood: “With support hovering around 43% nationally, Trump needs a chunk of new supporters to overcome Democratic nominee Joe Biden’s lead. He has just more than seven weeks to lure them. And he faces a significant obstacle that he didn’t in 2016: a smaller pool of available prospects.”
“Outsized attention to Trump’s base, most conspicuously the maskless true-believers who pack his rallies despite the coronavirus pandemic, obscures the reality that they number too few to give him a second term. Though Trump eked out an electoral victory four years ago with 46.1% of the popular vote, he cannot repeat that feat with 43%.”


politicalwire--2020-09-13--The Religious Group that Could Swing the Election

Politico : “ In 2016 , Mormons rejected Donald Trump in numbers unheard of for a Republican nominee — viewing @ @ @ @ @ as an affront to their values.
” “ In 2020 , the president is going @ @ @ @ @ — a little-noticed effort that could make or break him in Arizona and Nevada , @ @ @ @ @ half-million Latter-day Saints combined .
Joe Biden ’ s campaign , sensing an unlikely opening @ @ @ @ @ also targeting Mormons in the pair of Western swing states .
”

Politico: “In 2016, Mormons rejected Donald Trump in numbers unheard of for a Republican nominee — viewing the thrice-married, immigrant-bashing Republican as an affront to their values.”
“In 2020, the president is going all-out to change Mormons minds — a little-noticed effort that could make or break him in Arizona and Nevada, home to more than a half-million Latter-day Saints combined. Joe Biden’s campaign, sensing an unlikely opening for a Democrat, is also targeting Mormons in the pair of Western swing states.”


politicalwire--2020-09-13--Most Believe Biden Has More Respect for Military


politicalwire--2020-09-13--Warren Buffett Silent So Far

Warren Buffett Silent So Far

Wall Street Journal : “ Billionaire investor Warren Buffett was an active fundraiser and campaigner for the past two Democratic @ @ @ @ @ , he ’ s yet to become publicly involved with former Vice President Joe Biden @ @ @ @ @ the White House for Democrats.
” “ His absence is notable for several reasons , @ @ @ @ @ the most famous resident of Nebraska ’ s Second Congressional District .
The Omaha-area enclave @ @ @ @ @ this year ’ s most competitive House races , awards one Electoral College vote as @ @ @ @ @ only by Nebraska and Maine that is unlike the winner-take-all methods elsewhere .
”

Wall Street Journal: “Billionaire investor Warren Buffett was an active fundraiser and campaigner for the past two Democratic presidential nominees. In 2020, he’s yet to become publicly involved with former Vice President Joe Biden’s bid to reclaim the White House for Democrats.”
“His absence is notable for several reasons, including that he’s the most famous resident of Nebraska’s Second Congressional District. The Omaha-area enclave, which features one of this year’s most competitive House races, awards one Electoral College vote as part of a system used only by Nebraska and Maine that is unlike the winner-take-all methods elsewhere.”


politicalwire--2020-09-13--Why National Polling Still Matters

Why National Polling Still Matters

Harry Enten : “ Let ’ s state it up front : winning the popular vote means nothing in and of itself .
You only become president if you win the Electoral College.
” “ That said , the national polling matters a lot .
We have a ton of it , unlike in a number of swing states .
It ’ s more accurate than the state polling on average .
Most importantly , we have a fairly good idea of what Biden ’ s margin needs to be nationally in order to win in the Electoral College.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by more than 5 points nationally , he ’ s almost certainly going to win enough electoral votes to get to at least 270 and take the Electoral College .
There ’ s simply little record of a difference between the margin in the key swing states and the national vote being greater than 5 points.
” “ If Biden wins by somewhere between 3 and 5 points nationally , he ’ ll be the clear favorite in the Electoral College , even if there is some non-negligible chance Trump could emerge victorious @ @

Harry Enten: “Let’s state it up front: winning the popular vote means nothing in and of itself. You only become president if you win the Electoral College.”
“That said, the national polling matters a lot. We have a ton of it, unlike in a number of swing states. It’s more accurate than the state polling on average. Most importantly, we have a fairly good idea of what Biden’s margin needs to be nationally in order to win in the Electoral College.”
Key takeaway: “If Biden wins by more than 5 points nationally, he’s almost certainly going to win enough electoral votes to get to at least 270 and take the Electoral College. There’s simply little record of a difference between the margin in the key swing states and the national vote being greater than 5 points.”
“If Biden wins by somewhere between 3 and 5 points nationally, he’ll be the clear favorite in the Electoral College, even if there is some non-negligible chance Trump could emerge victorious.”


politicalwire--2020-09-13--Biden Ahead In Minnesota

Biden Ahead In Minnesota


politicalwire--2020-09-13--Biden Holds Small Lead in Arizona

Biden Holds Small Lead in Arizona

A new CBS News/YouGov poll in Arizona shows Joe Biden just ahead of Donald Trump among likely voters , 47 @ @ @ @ @ A new Gravis Marketing poll has Biden ahead among likely voters , 50 % to @ @ @

A new CBS News/YouGov poll in Arizona shows Joe Biden just ahead of Donald Trump among likely voters, 47% to 44%.
A new Gravis Marketing poll has Biden ahead among likely voters, 50% to 48%.


politicalwire--2020-09-13--Trump Mocks Masks While Holding Packed Rallies

“ Amid a raging pandemic , President Trump has repeatedly choreographed a scene experts warn could lead to illness or @ @ @ @ @ supporters jammed together , mostly without masks , cheering for a candidate who mocks precautions @ @ @ @ @ has vowed to ignore his own health advisers , ” ABC News reports .
“ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 outbreak , Trump enters the final stretch of the election increasingly ridiculing and ignoring @ @ @ @ @ campaign rallies across the country.
” “ Health experts , meanwhile , warn a bad @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus could be a devastating double threat to the country .
”

“Amid a raging pandemic, President Trump has repeatedly choreographed a scene experts warn could lead to illness or even death: Thousands of supporters jammed together, mostly without masks, cheering for a candidate who mocks precautions against the novel coronavirus and has vowed to ignore his own health advisers,” ABC News reports.
“Fighting for reelection amid the COVID-19 outbreak, Trump enters the final stretch of the election increasingly ridiculing and ignoring coronavirus-related restrictions while holding packed campaign rallies across the country.”
“Health experts, meanwhile, warn a bad flu season colliding with the coronavirus could be a devastating double threat to the country.”


politicalwire--2020-09-13--Harding’s Grandson Wants Ex-President Exhumed

The grandson of President Warren G. Harding and his lover , Nan Britton , went to court in an effort @ @ @ @ @ s remains exhumed from the presidential memorial where they have lain since 1927 , the @ @ @ @ @ told an Ohio court that he is seeking Harding ’ s disinterment as a way @ @ @ @ @ certainty ” that he is the 29th president ’ s blood relation .

The grandson of President Warren G. Harding and his lover, Nan Britton, went to court in an effort to get the Republican’s remains exhumed from the presidential memorial where they have lain since 1927, the AP reports.
James Blaesing told an Ohio court that he is seeking Harding’s disinterment as a way “to establish with scientific certainty” that he is the 29th president’s blood relation.


politicalwire--2020-09-13--Biden’s National Lead Shrinks

Biden’s National Lead Shrinks

A new Fox News poll shows Joe Biden leading Donald Trump nationally among likely voters by just five points , @ @ @ @ @ .
Said pollster Daron Shaw : “ Despite the often tumultuous events of the day @ @ @ @ @ partisan homecoming .
Trump may be benefiting from this dynamic .
It looks like Republican-leaning @ @ @ @ @ , both in the ballot and his job ratings .
”

A new Fox News poll shows Joe Biden leading Donald Trump nationally among likely voters by just five points, 51% to 46%.
Said pollster Daron Shaw: “Despite the often tumultuous events of the day, campaigns are often about partisan homecoming. Trump may be benefiting from this dynamic. It looks like Republican-leaning undecided voters have come around, both in the ballot and his job ratings.”


politicalwire--2020-09-14--Trump’s Reckless, Atrocious, Deceitful Rally

“ For those who have been beaten down by the Trumpian disaster porn , rallies such as this don ’ @ @ @ @ @ any longer .
The cable networks and even the three C-SPANs landed on the BORRRRING @ @ @ @ @ None of them chose to air the event .
And for political junkies and Trump-watchers @ @ @ @ @ the feel of a boring nostalgia act with a lead singer halfheartedly crooning his old @ @ @ @ @ s something to be said for that.
” “ But it is important to take @ @ @ @ @ free from the blunting effect of the orange Trumpian film that has subsumed our daily @ @ @ @ @ northern California , our atmosphere ) .
Seen with fresh eyes , the Henderson rally @ @ @ @ @ unimaginably wheels-off undertaking given that it came amid a pandemic that is still killing a @ @ @ @ @ with wildfires making much of the West Coast uninhabitable .
”

Tim Miller watched President Trump’s “unmasked, indoor superspreader event in Henderson, Nevada on Sunday night.”
“For those who have been beaten down by the Trumpian disaster porn, rallies such as this don’t really make a mark any longer. The cable networks and even the three C-SPANs landed on the BORRRRING side of the ledger: None of them chose to air the event. And for political junkies and Trump-watchers, these rallies increasingly have the feel of a boring nostalgia act with a lead singer halfheartedly crooning his old hits. And there’s something to be said for that.”
“But it is important to take a moment to shake yourself free from the blunting effect of the orange Trumpian film that has subsumed our daily lives (and here in northern California, our atmosphere). Seen with fresh eyes, the Henderson rally was truly a shocking and unimaginably wheels-off undertaking given that it came amid a pandemic that is still killing a thousand Americans a day and with wildfires making much of the West Coast uninhabitable.”


politicalwire--2020-09-14--Branstad Steps Down as Ambassador to China

Joe Biden ’ s campaign has purchased at least one advertising slot for every game between now and Election Day @ @ @ @ @ news comes as Biden ’ s campaign has closed in on the…

“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--2020-09-14--Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day

“ It ’ s an extraordinary flip of the mood in the country in a short amount of time… that @ @ @ @ @ hold Trump or Republicans in the House or Senate accountable or not , they ’ @ @ @ @ @ for change .
”

“It’s an extraordinary flip of the mood in the country in a short amount of time… that portends change. Whether voters hold Trump or Republicans in the House or Senate accountable or not, they’re still going to vote for change.”
— GOP pollster Neil Newhouse, quoted by Vox.


politicalwire--2020-09-14--Most Disapprove of Trump’s Virus Response

A new ABC News/Ipsos poll finds President Trump ’ s approval for his handling of the coronavirus pandemic at 35 @ @ @ @ @ % who disapprove .
“ Roughly two-thirds of the country think the president acted too @ @ @ @ @ outbreak and also distrust what he has said about the coronavirus — a precarious reality @ @ @ @ @ reelection in less than two months in a campaign largely seen as a referendum on @ @ @ @ @ crisis .
”

A new ABC News/Ipsos poll finds President Trump’s approval for his handling of the coronavirus pandemic at 35%, compared to 65% who disapprove.
“Roughly two-thirds of the country think the president acted too slowly in responding to the outbreak and also distrust what he has said about the coronavirus — a precarious reality for Trump who is facing reelection in less than two months in a campaign largely seen as a referendum on his response to the unprecedented crisis.”


politicalwire--2020-09-14--Sisolak Slams Trump as ‘Reckless and Selfish’

Nevada Gov .
Steve Sisolak ( D ) slammed President Trump Sunday night for violating state rules by holding a @ @ @ @ @ of people , NBC News reports .
Said Sisolak : “ This is an insult @ @ @ @ @ followed the directives , made sacrifices , and put their neighbors before themselves .
It @ @ @ @ @ threat to all of the recent progress we ’ ve made and could potentially set @ @ @ @ @ said of Trump , “ As usual , he doesn ’ t believe the rules @ @ @ @ @ accused the president of “ reckless and selfish actions .
”

Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak (D) slammed President Trump Sunday night for violating state rules by holding a campaign rally indoors with thousands of people, NBC News reports.
Said Sisolak: “This is an insult to every Nevadan who has followed the directives, made sacrifices, and put their neighbors before themselves. It’s also a direct threat to all of the recent progress we’ve made and could potentially set us back.”
The governor said of Trump, “As usual, he doesn’t believe the rules apply to him” and accused the president of “reckless and selfish actions.”


politicalwire--2020-09-14--Why Fed Officials Are Pushing for More Stimulus

“ Federal Reserve officials don ’ t like to wade into political debates , which is why it can be @ @ @ @ @ do , ” the Wall Street Journal reports .
“ In normal times , central @ @ @ @ @ recommendations on hot-button spending , tax and other policy matters handled by elected officials , @ @ @ @ @ their autonomy to manage monetary policy with minimal interference.
” “ These aren ’ t @ @ @ @ @ Jerome Powell has delicately but resolutely said in recent months he expects Congress will need @ @ @ @ @ for income losses sustained by unemployed workers and revenue holes facing hard-hit businesses and city @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus pandemic .
”

“Federal Reserve officials don’t like to wade into political debates, which is why it can be a distress signal when they do,” the Wall Street Journal reports.
“In normal times, central bankers generally avoid making specific recommendations on hot-button spending, tax and other policy matters handled by elected officials, because they want to preserve their autonomy to manage monetary policy with minimal interference.”
“These aren’t ordinary times. Fed Chairman Jerome Powell has delicately but resolutely said in recent months he expects Congress will need to do more to compensate for income losses sustained by unemployed workers and revenue holes facing hard-hit businesses and city and state governments because of the coronavirus pandemic.”


politicalwire--2020-09-14--Vaccine Makers Keep Safety Details Quiet

New York Times : “ It ’ s standard for drug companies to withhold details of clinical trials until after @ @ @ @ @ guarding their intellectual property and competitive edge .
But these are extraordinary times , and @ @ @ @ @ outcry among independent scientists and public health experts who are pushing the companies to be @ @ @ @ @ public in the midst of a pandemic that has already killed more than 193,000 people @ @ @ @ @ “ These experts say American taxpayers are entitled to know more since the federal government @ @ @ @ @ to vaccine research and to buying the vaccines once they ’ re approved .
And @ @ @ @ @ bolster faltering public confidence in vaccines at a time when a growing number of Americans @ @ @ @ @ federal regulators to approve a vaccine before it is proved safe and effective .
”

New York Times: “It’s standard for drug companies to withhold details of clinical trials until after they are completed, tenaciously guarding their intellectual property and competitive edge. But these are extraordinary times, and now there is a growing outcry among independent scientists and public health experts who are pushing the companies to be far more open with the public in the midst of a pandemic that has already killed more than 193,000 people in the United States.”
“These experts say American taxpayers are entitled to know more since the federal government has committed billions of dollars to vaccine research and to buying the vaccines once they’re approved. And greater transparency could also help bolster faltering public confidence in vaccines at a time when a growing number of Americans fear President Trump will pressure federal regulators to approve a vaccine before it is proved safe and effective.”


politicalwire--2020-09-14--How Biden’s Campaign Is Trying to Avoid Virus

Politico : “ Joe Biden ’ s chartered airplanes and SUVs are meticulously sprayed with disinfectant and scrubbed .
The microphones , lecterns and folders he uses are wiped down in the moments before his arrival .
News reporters covering the campaign have their temperature taken .
People he meets are scanned in advance with thermometer wands and guests at his events are cordoned off in precise locations mapped out with a tape measure.
” “ The former vice president is seldom without a mask when in public or around anyone other than his wife , Dr. Jill Biden .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ only a few staffers — and when they ’ re inside , each wears a mask , including Biden .
The level of discipline is such that at times when someone stops to take a drink of water , that person will turn their head away from the others to reduce the chances of scattering droplets.
” “ With more than 6 million people infected and nearly 200,000 dead from the coronavirus , the former vice president is taking no chances with his safety .
He operates in a sanitizer-saturated bubble within the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ designed and obsessively cultivated by staff in an attempt to protect him from a possible encounter with the virus .
”

Politico: “Joe Biden’s chartered airplanes and SUVs are meticulously sprayed with disinfectant and scrubbed. The microphones, lecterns and folders he uses are wiped down in the moments before his arrival. News reporters covering the campaign have their temperature taken. People he meets are scanned in advance with thermometer wands and guests at his events are cordoned off in precise locations mapped out with a tape measure.”
“The former vice president is seldom without a mask when in public or around anyone other than his wife, Dr. Jill Biden. Access to their home is limited to only a few staffers — and when they’re inside, each wears a mask, including Biden. The level of discipline is such that at times when someone stops to take a drink of water, that person will turn their head away from the others to reduce the chances of scattering droplets.”
“With more than 6 million people infected and nearly 200,000 dead from the coronavirus, the former vice president is taking no chances with his safety. He operates in a sanitizer-saturated bubble within the traditional presidential campaign bubble, an environment designed and obsessively cultivated by staff in an attempt to protect him from a possible encounter with the virus.”


politicalwire--2020-09-14--South Dakota AG Involved In Fatal Crash

South Dakota AG Involved In Fatal Crash

South Dakota Gov .
Kristi Noem ( R ) called a surprise press conference on Sunday evening to announce that @ @ @ @ @ ( R ) had been involved in a fatal car crash the night before , @ @ @ @ @ reports .
Noem did not say who was killed or how .

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem (R) called a surprise press conference on Sunday evening to announce that state attorney general Jason Ravnsborg (R) had been involved in a fatal car crash the night before, the Sioux Falls Argus Leader reports.
Noem did not say who was killed or how.


politicalwire--2020-09-15--‘This Thing Is a Killer’

‘This Thing Is a Killer’

CNN released new audio from Bob Woodward ’ s interview with President Trump on April 13 : TRUMP : This @ @ @ @ @ it gets you .
If you ’ re the wrong person , you don ’ @ @ @ @ @ WOODWARD : Yes , yes , exactly .
TRUMP : So this rips you apart @ @ @ @ @ the plague .

CNN released new audio from Bob Woodward’s interview with President Trump on April 13:
TRUMP: This thing is a killer if it gets you. If you’re the wrong person, you don’t have a chance.
WOODWARD: Yes, yes, exactly.
TRUMP: So this rips you apart.
WOODWARD: This is a scourge. And–
TRUMP: It is the plague.


politicalwire--2020-09-15--Trump Ad to Support Troops Uses Photo of Russian Jets

The Trump campaign is canceling TV ad schedules that been booked for this week in multiple states including Iowa , @ @ @ @ @ to Medium Buying .
However , the campaign appears…


politicalwire--2020-09-14--Lessons In Politics from Matt Gaetz

Lessons In Politics from Matt Gaetz

Out next week : Firebrand by Rep. Matt Gaetz .
Vanity Fair : “ Gaetz documents his undeniably Trumpian mindset @ @ @ @ @ ’ s catching rides on Air Force One and ubiquitous in the media , he @ @ @ @ @ : “ Politics , they say , is show business for ugly people .
The @ @ @ @ @ the scripts and produces the acts .
You are governed by the theater geeks from @ @ @ @ @ on to make it big booking guests on the talk shows .
Ignore them and @ @ @ @ @ , and you ’ ll go nowhere fast .
The hairdressers and makeup ladies and @ @ @ @ @ As well they should .
They are closer to the viewers and therefore the voters @ @

Out next week: Firebrand by Rep. Matt Gaetz.
Vanity Fair: “Gaetz documents his undeniably Trumpian mindset: as long as he’s catching rides on Air Force One and ubiquitous in the media, he is untouchable.”
Said Gaetz: “Politics, they say, is show business for ugly people. The real question is who writes the scripts and produces the acts. You are governed by the theater geeks from high school, who went on to make it big booking guests on the talk shows. Ignore them and they’ll ignore you, and you’ll go nowhere fast. The hairdressers and makeup ladies and cameramen pick our presidents. As well they should. They are closer to the viewers and therefore the voters.”


politicalwire--2020-09-14--Green Party Will Not Appear on Wisconsin Ballot

“ The Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled Monday that the Green Party presidential ticket is ineligible to appear on the state @ @ @ @ @ state and local election officials who feared an addition at this late date would upend @ @ @ @ @ Washington Post reports .


politicalwire--2020-09-14--Trump Made a Bad Bargain With Woodward

Trump Made a Bad Bargain With Woodward

David Frum : “ A Bob Woodward book is a record of a sequence of transactions .
In exchange for @ @ @ @ @ offers Washington power holders the opportunity to disparage their rivals and aggrandize themselves.
” “ @ @ @ @ @ Woodward proposition is never guaranteed .
It comes hedged with dense , finely printed terms @ @ @ @

David Frum: “A Bob Woodward book is a record of a sequence of transactions. In exchange for access and information, Woodward offers Washington power holders the opportunity to disparage their rivals and aggrandize themselves.”
“But be warned that a Woodward proposition is never guaranteed. It comes hedged with dense, finely printed terms and conditions.”


politicalwire--2020-09-14--Trump’s Ex-Wife Blames Immigrants for Raping Women

Ivana Trump suggested that immigrants “ don ’ t get jobs ” and “ steal and rape women ” during @ @ @ @ @ reports .
Said Ms. Trump : “ I am immigrant , but they have to @ @ @ @ @ , they have to get a job , they have to pay taxes like the @ @ @ @ @ added : “ And they don ’ t get a job and they steal and @ @ @ @ @ That ’ s not our idea .
”

Ivana Trump suggested that immigrants “don’t get jobs” and “steal and rape women” during an interview, The Independent reports.
Said Ms. Trump: “I am immigrant, but they have to come to the country legally, they have to get a job, they have to pay taxes like the rest of Americans.”
She added: “And they don’t get a job and they steal and they rape the women. That’s not our idea.”


Freshman Lawmaker Hospitalized


politicalwire--2020-09-14--Trump Cancels Ad Buys In Several States

Trump Cancels Ad Buys In Several States

The Trump campaign is canceling TV ad schedules that been booked for this week in multiple states including Iowa , @ @ @ @ @ to Medium Buying .
However , the campaign appears to be going back up on @ @ @ @ @ markets .

The Trump campaign is canceling TV ad schedules that been booked for this week in multiple states including Iowa, Ohio and Nevada, according to Medium Buying.
However, the campaign appears to be going back up on air in Arizona and Pennsylvania markets.


politicalwire--2020-09-14--Probe Begins Into Roger Stone’s Sentencing

“ The Justice Department ’ s Office of the Inspector General has begun investigating the circumstances surrounding the sentencing recommendation @ @ @ @ @ longtime friend of President Trump , ” NBC News reports .
“ The investigation is @ @ @ @ @ , according to the two sources who spoke on the condition of anonymity , when @ @ @ @ @ they were told to seek a lighter sentence for Stone than they had previously considered.
@ @ @ @ @ Barr ultimately intervened to override the prosecutors ’ recommendation of seven to nine years and @ @ @ @ @ .
All four prosecutors quit the case as a result .
”

“The Justice Department’s Office of the Inspector General has begun investigating the circumstances surrounding the sentencing recommendation for Roger Stone, a longtime friend of President Trump,” NBC News reports.
“The investigation is focused on events in February, according to the two sources who spoke on the condition of anonymity, when prosecutors for Stone have said they were told to seek a lighter sentence for Stone than they had previously considered.”
“Attorney General William Barr ultimately intervened to override the prosecutors’ recommendation of seven to nine years and ask for a lighter sentence. All four prosecutors quit the case as a result.”


politicalwire--2020-09-14--Perdue Begins to Distance from Trump

Perdue Begins to Distance from Trump

With Sen. David Perdue ’ s ( R-GA ) re-election chances teetering on a knife ’ s edge , the @ @ @ @ @ himself as a ‘ bipartisan problem solver ’ — and less about his reputation as @ @ @ @ @ s most loyal allies , the Atlanta Journal Constitution reports .
“ Being one of @ @ @ @ @ allies in the U.S. Senate might have helped him avoid a primary challenger in June @ @ @ @ @ November , Perdue is trying to cast himself as a consensus builder who will defend @ @ @

With Sen. David Perdue’s (R-GA) re-election chances teetering on a knife’s edge, the Republican is talking more about himself as a ‘bipartisan problem solver’ — and less about his reputation as one of President Trump’s most loyal allies, the Atlanta Journal Constitution reports.
“Being one of Trump’s most loyal allies in the U.S. Senate might have helped him avoid a primary challenger in June. But to win in November, Perdue is trying to cast himself as a consensus builder who will defend capitalism.”


politicalwire--2020-09-14--Trump Made 4 False Claims In Single Sentence


politicalwire--2020-09-14--Biden Holds Huge Lead Among Jewish Voters

A new Jewish Electorate Institute poll finds Joe Biden leading Donald Trump among Jewish voters , 67 % to 30 @ @ @ @ @ suggested gains for Trump among Jewish voters since 2016 , when Hillary Clinton won 71 @ @ @ @ @ Trump ’ s 24 % .
Mitt Romney , the Republican candidate in 2012 , @ @ @ @ @ Jewish vote , the highest for a Republican since the 1980s .
”


politicalwire--2020-09-14--Facebook Ignores Global Political Manipulation

BuzzFeed News : “ The 6,600-word memo , written by former Facebook data scientist Sophie Zhang , is filled with @ @ @ @ @ government and political parties in Azerbaijan and Honduras using fake accounts or misrepresenting themselves to @ @ @ @ @ countries including India , Ukraine , Spain , Bolivia , and Ecuador she found evidence @ @ @ @ @ sizes to boost or hinder political candidates or outcomes , though she did not always @ @ @ @ @ ” Said Zhang : “ In the three years I ’ ve spent at Facebook @ @ @ @ @ multiple blatant attempts by foreign national governments to abuse our platform on vast scales to @ @ @ @ @ and caused international news on multiple occasions .
”

BuzzFeed News: “The 6,600-word memo, written by former Facebook data scientist Sophie Zhang, is filled with concrete examples of heads of government and political parties in Azerbaijan and Honduras using fake accounts or misrepresenting themselves to sway public opinion. In countries including India, Ukraine, Spain, Bolivia, and Ecuador she found evidence of coordinated campaigns of varying sizes to boost or hinder political candidates or outcomes, though she did not always conclude who was behind them.”
Said Zhang: “In the three years I’ve spent at Facebook, I’ve found multiple blatant attempts by foreign national governments to abuse our platform on vast scales to mislead their own citizenry, and caused international news on multiple occasions.”


politicalwire--2020-09-14--Exchange of the Day

Exchange of the Day

During President Trump ’ s briefing on the west coast wildfires , California Natural Resources chief Wade Crowfoot emphasized that @ @ @ @ @ crisis : TRUMP : It ’ ll start getting cooler , you just watch .
@ @ @ @ @ agreed with you .
TRUMP : I don ’ t think science knows actually .
@ @ @ @ @ who says the coronavirus will go away makes the same prediction about global warming .

During President Trump’s briefing on the west coast wildfires, California Natural Resources chief Wade Crowfoot emphasized that climate change was exacerbating the crisis:
TRUMP: It’ll start getting cooler, you just watch.
CROWFOOT: I wish science agreed with you.
TRUMP: I don’t think science knows actually.
Philip Bump: The president who says the coronavirus will go away makes the same prediction about global warming.


politicalwire--2020-09-14--Russia Is Back, Wilier Than Ever

Russia Is Back, Wilier Than Ever

Politico : “ Kremlin-backed operatives are flooding social media with fake accounts and stoking racial divisions around topics like Black @ @ @ @ @ state-owned Russian media with millions of U.S. readers online seek to dampen Joe Biden ’ @ @ @ @ @ echo President Trump ’ s unsupported claims about voting fraud.
” “ At the same @ @ @ @ @ are waging cyberattacks … [ S ] ecurity researchers , former intelligence officials and lawmakers @ @ @ @ @ may still have a hand they haven ’ t played .
… And the biggest @ @ @ @ @ Americans themselves .
Many have embraced a deluge of fringe ideas and misinformation to a @ @ @ @ @ foreign efforts .
”

Politico: “Kremlin-backed operatives are flooding social media with fake accounts and stoking racial divisions around topics like Black Lives Matter. Articles in state-owned Russian media with millions of U.S. readers online seek to dampen Joe Biden’s appeal among progressives and echo President Trump’s unsupported claims about voting fraud.”
“At the same time, Russian state-backed hackers are waging cyberattacks … [S]ecurity researchers, former intelligence officials and lawmakers now worry that the Russians may still have a hand they haven’t played. … And the biggest threat this year may be Americans themselves. Many have embraced a deluge of fringe ideas and misinformation to a degree that may dwarf those foreign efforts.”


‘They Just Explode’

President Trump tried to explain to reporters how poor forest management can lead to wildfires .
Said Trump : “ @ @ @ @ @ a short period of time — about 18 months — they become very dry .
@ @ @ @ @ matchstick.
” He added : “ They just explode .
They can explode .
Also @ @ @ @ @ years of leaves , dried leaves on the ground , it just sets it up @ @ @ @ @ a fuel for a fire .
So they have to do something about it .
@

President Trump tried to explain to reporters how poor forest management can lead to wildfires.
Said Trump: “When trees fall down after a short period of time — about 18 months — they become very dry. They become really like a matchstick.”
He added: “They just explode. They can explode. Also leaves. When you have years of leaves, dried leaves on the ground, it just sets it up. It’s really a fuel for a fire. So they have to do something about it.”


politicalwire--2020-09-14--Biden Adds More Staff In Texas

Biden Adds More Staff In Texas

Texas Tribune : “ The campaign has added 13 more members to its team in Texas , where polls continue @ @ @ @ @ race against President Trump.
” The FiveThirtyEight polling average shows Trump barely leading Biden in @ @ @ @ @ 46.6 % .

Texas Tribune: “The campaign has added 13 more members to its team in Texas, where polls continue to point to a close race against President Trump.”
The FiveThirtyEight polling average shows Trump barely leading Biden in Texas, 47.6% to 46.6%.


politicalwire--2020-09-14--Member Briefing: What If Trump Contests the Election?

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

An invite just for members: A conversation with Rosa Brooks, of the Transition Integrity Project, which recently convened exercises to forecast contingencies in the event of a possible crisis in the presidential transition.
This virtual event is on Tuesday, September 22 at 12 p.m. ET.


politicalwire--2020-09-14--Bonus Quote of the Day

Bonus Quote of the Day

“ If you give a climate arsonist four more years in the White House , why would anyone be surprised @ @ @ @ @ America ablaze ?
If you give a climate denier four more years in the White @ @ @ @ @ be surprised when more of America is underwater ?
”

“If you give a climate arsonist four more years in the White House, why would anyone be surprised if we have more of America ablaze? If you give a climate denier four more years in the White House, why would anyone be surprised when more of America is underwater?”
— Joe Biden, quoted by CBS News.


politicalwire--2020-09-14--Trump Gets Along Best with ‘Meaner’ World Leaders

In a new clip from an interview with Bob Woodward , President Trump said that his relationships with world leaders @ @ @ @ @ and meaner they are , ” naming Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan as an example @ @ @ @ @ Trump : “ I get along very well with Erdogan , even though you ’ @ @ @ @ @ everyone says , ‘ What a horrible guy.
’ But , you know , for @ @ @ @ @ ” He added : “ It ’ s funny , the relationships I have , @ @ @ @ @ are , the better I get along with them .
You ’ ll explain that @ @ @ @ @ ?
But maybe it ’ s not a bad thing .
The easy ones I @ @ @ @ @ as much or don ’ t get along with as much .
”

In a new clip from an interview with Bob Woodward, President Trump said that his relationships with world leaders are better “the tougher and meaner they are,” naming Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan as an example, Axios reports.
Said Trump: “I get along very well with Erdogan, even though you’re not supposed to because everyone says, ‘What a horrible guy.’ But, you know, for me it works out good.”
He added: “It’s funny, the relationships I have, the tougher and meaner they are, the better I get along with them. You’ll explain that to me someday, ok? But maybe it’s not a bad thing. The easy ones I maybe don’t like as much or don’t get along with as much.”


politicalwire--2020-09-15--Trump Says He’ll Be on Fox & Friends Weekly

President Trump announced on Fox & Friends that he will be coming on the show once a week — mostly @ @ @ @ @ Election Day , NBC News reports .
It was news to the show ’ s @ @

President Trump announced on Fox & Friends that he will be coming on the show once a week — mostly, on Mondays — until Election Day, NBC News reports.
It was news to the show’s hosts.
Said Steve Doocy: “Thank you very much. You may want to do it every week but Fox is not committed to that. We’ll take it on a case by case basis.”


politicalwire--2020-09-15--Bonus Quote of the Day

Bonus Quote of the Day

Playbook : “ House Democratic leadership met in the Capitol for the first time in a while Monday evening , @ @ @ @ @ what many of them see as an only-in-a-Trump-presidency…

“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--2020-09-15--Trump Claims Vaccine Will Be Ready In ‘Weeks’


politicalwire--2020-09-15--Trump Says He Read Woodward’s Book Last Night

President Trump told Fox & Friends that he read Bob Woodward ’ s book , Rage : “ I actually @ @ @ @ @ night .
I read it very quickly , and it was very boring.
” When @ @ @ @ @ , he said : “ It ’ s okay , I mean , it ’ @ @ @ @ @ : “ I read it .
It ’ s like lightweight reading .
”

President Trump told Fox & Friends that he read Bob Woodward’s book, Rage: “I actually got to read it last night. I read it very quickly, and it was very boring.”
When asked if it was accurate, he said: “It’s okay, I mean, it’s fine.”
He added: “I read it. It’s like lightweight reading.”


politicalwire--2020-09-15--Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day

“ The president was very forthcoming with the American people about what he knew and when he knew it.
” @ @ @ @ @ an interview with the Today Show , about President Trump ’ s initial response to @ @ @

“The president was very forthcoming with the American people about what he knew and when he knew it.”
— Jared Kushner, in an interview with the Today Show, about President Trump’s initial response to the coronavirus.


politicalwire--2020-09-15--Rank-and-File Lawmakers Push New Relief Deal

“ A bipartisan group of House members is unveiling a sweeping proposal to inject up to $ 2 trillion in @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus pandemic , a move aimed at jump-starting talks that have devolved into bitter @ @ @ @ @ White House and Democratic leaders in the heat of this election year , ” CNN @ @

“A bipartisan group of House members is unveiling a sweeping proposal to inject up to $2 trillion in aid to the economy amid the coronavirus pandemic, a move aimed at jump-starting talks that have devolved into bitter acrimony and finger-pointing between the White House and Democratic leaders in the heat of this election year,” CNN reports.


The Trump Identity

Axios : “ To his diehard supporters , Trump isn ’ t just a candidate .
He ’ s a @ @ @ @ @ for self-expression — a way to continually flip the middle finger at big media , @ @ @ @ @ … anything big.
” “ It ’ s all part of one of the big @ @ @ @ @ voters that an attack on him is actually an attack on them .
”

Axios: “To his diehard supporters, Trump isn’t just a candidate. He’s a lifestyle choice and a vehicle for self-expression — a way to continually flip the middle finger at big media, big business, big government … anything big.”
“It’s all part of one of the big Trump triumphs — convincing his voters that an attack on him is actually an attack on them.”


politicalwire--2020-09-15--Biden Budget to Result in Highest Spending in Decades

“ Joe Biden won the Democratic presidential nomination running as a moderate , rejecting the big-government plans of progressive rivals @ @ @ @ @ Wall Street Journal reports .
“ In the general election campaign , he has rolled @ @ @ @ @ that a new study finds would push long-term Washington spending to its highest level in @ @ @

“Joe Biden won the Democratic presidential nomination running as a moderate, rejecting the big-government plans of progressive rivals as unaffordable,” the Wall Street Journal reports.
“In the general election campaign, he has rolled out his own multitrillion-dollar platform that a new study finds would push long-term Washington spending to its highest level in decades.”


politicalwire--2020-09-15--25 Years Wiped Out In 25 Weeks

25 Years Wiped Out In 25 Weeks

Politico : “ In only half a year , the coronavirus pandemic has wiped out decades of global development in @ @ @ @ @ economy .
Progress has not only stopped , but has regressed in areas like getting @ @ @ @ @ improving conditions for women and children around the world , the Bill and Melinda Gates @ @ @ @ @ Goalkeepers report published Monday.
” “ Vaccination coverage , seen as a good indicator for @ @ @ @ @ , is dropping to levels last seen in the 1990s , it says.
” From @ @ @ @ @ other words , we ’ ve been set back about 25 years in about 25 @ @ @ @ @ does in the next months matters a great deal .
”

Politico: “In only half a year, the coronavirus pandemic has wiped out decades of global development in everything from health to the economy. Progress has not only stopped, but has regressed in areas like getting people out of poverty and improving conditions for women and children around the world, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation finds in its 2020 Goalkeepers report published Monday.”
“Vaccination coverage, seen as a good indicator for how health systems are functioning, is dropping to levels last seen in the 1990s, it says.”
From the report: “In other words, we’ve been set back about 25 years in about 25 weeks. What the world does in the next months matters a great deal.”


politicalwire--2020-09-15--U.S. Issues Sweeping Travel Warning for China