politicalwire--2020-11-30--Jon Ossoff Bookends the Trump Era

Jon Ossoff Bookends the Trump Era

“ Jon Ossoff is ending the Trump era the same way he began it : as a young Democrat unexpectedly @ @ @ @ @ political universe , ” NBC News reports .
“ He lost his first run for @ @ @ @ @ but the stakes then were largely symbolic .
This time , some say , the @ @ @ @ @ and even the world , hangs in the balance on what will be the last @ @ @ @ @ .
No pressure .
”

“Jon Ossoff is ending the Trump era the same way he began it: as a young Democrat unexpectedly at the center of the political universe,” NBC News reports.
“He lost his first run for office in June 2017, but the stakes then were largely symbolic. This time, some say, the fate of the country, and even the world, hangs in the balance on what will be the last election of the Trump era. No pressure.”


politicalwire--2020-11-30--Trump Slams 60 Minutes After Krebs Interview

President Trump ripped 60 Minutes after an interview with his former cybersecurity chief , Christopher Krebs , was broadcast on @ @ @ @ @ he stands by his comments defending the integrity of the 2020 election , which Trump @ @ @ @ @ .
Said Krebs : “ We did a good job .
We did it right @ @ @ @ @ it a thousand times over .
”

President Trump ripped 60 Minutes after an interview with his former cybersecurity chief, Christopher Krebs, was broadcast on Sunday.
Krebs said that he stands by his comments defending the integrity of the 2020 election, which Trump pointed to when firing him.
Said Krebs: “We did a good job. We did it right. I’d do it a thousand times over.”


politicalwire--2020-11-30--EU Proposes New Post-Trump Alliance with U.S.

The European Union is seeking to forge a new alliance with the United States to bury the tensions of the @ @ @ @ @ challenges posed by China , the Financial Times reports .
The plan proposes rebuilding ties @ @ @ @ @ from digital regulation to tackling the COVID-19 pandemic .

The European Union is seeking to forge a new alliance with the United States to bury the tensions of the Trump era and meet the challenges posed by China, the Financial Times reports.
The plan proposes rebuilding ties with common fronts on issues from digital regulation to tackling the COVID-19 pandemic.


politicalwire--2020-11-30--Cornyn Aide Says Neera Tanden Won’t Be Confirmed

Playbook : “ This may be the only full week both the House and Senate will be in D.C. for @ @ @ @ @ .
And the backdrop is grim : The pandemic…

“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--2020-11-30--Lawmaker Tested Positive While Meeting with Trump


politicalwire--2020-12-01--Murkowski Calls on Trump to Concede

Murkowski Calls on Trump to Concede

Washington Post : “ In the three weeks before Nov. 3 , the Trump campaign sent out 365 emails… In @ @ @ @ @ , from Nov. 4 to 24 , the campaign sent…


politicalwire--2020-12-01--Trump Attacks Spark Worries About Georgia Runoffs

“ President Trump ’ s sustained assault on his own party in Georgia , and his repeated claims of election @ @ @ @ @ have intensified worries among Republicans that he could be hurting their ability to win two @ @ @ @ @ month , ” the New York Times reports .
“ The president has continued to @ @ @ @ @ loss in the new battleground state was fraudulent , directing his ire in particular at @ @ @ @ @ Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger , both conservative Republicans , whom he has accused of @ @ @ @ @ him overturn the result.
” Politico : Republicans to Trump : Georgia fraud claims could @ @ @ @ @

“President Trump’s sustained assault on his own party in Georgia, and his repeated claims of election fraud in the state, have intensified worries among Republicans that he could be hurting their ability to win two crucial Senate runoff races next month,” the New York Times reports.
“The president has continued to claim without evidence that his loss in the new battleground state was fraudulent, directing his ire in particular at Gov. Brian Kemp and Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, both conservative Republicans, whom he has accused of not doing enough to help him overturn the result.”
Politico: Republicans to Trump: Georgia fraud claims could cost us the Senate.


politicalwire--2020-12-01--Trump Lawyer Says Whistleblower Should Be Executed

President Trump ’ s campaign lawyer and former U.S. Attorney Joe diGenova said that fired Trump cybersecurity chief Chris Krebs @ @ @ @ @ that the election was the “ most secure in United States history , ” The @ @ @ @ @ : “ Anybody who thinks the election went well , like that idiot Krebs who @ @ @ @ @ of cybersecurity for Trump .
That guy is a class A moron .
He should @ @ @ @ @ Taken out at dawn and shot .
”

President Trump’s campaign lawyer and former U.S. Attorney Joe diGenova said that fired Trump cybersecurity chief Chris Krebs should be executed for saying that the election was the “most secure in United States history,” The Bulwark reports.
Said DiGenova: “Anybody who thinks the election went well, like that idiot Krebs who used to be the head of cybersecurity for Trump. That guy is a class A moron. He should be drawn and quartered. Taken out at dawn and shot.”


politicalwire--2020-12-01--Trump Pardon Grants Flynn Sweeping Reprieve

“ President Trump ’ s pardon of his former national security adviser , Michael Flynn , includes an extremely broad @ @ @ @ @ he might have committed connected to special counsel Robert Mueller ’ s two-year investigation of @ @ @ @ @ election , ” Politico reports .
Trump ’ s pardon absolves Flynn of “ any @ @ @ @ @ arising from Mueller ’ s investigation , as well as any related grand jury proceedings @

“President Trump’s pardon of his former national security adviser, Michael Flynn, includes an extremely broad reprieve from any possible crimes he might have committed connected to special counsel Robert Mueller’s two-year investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 election,” Politico reports.
Trump’s pardon absolves Flynn of “any and all possible offenses” arising from Mueller’s investigation, as well as any related grand jury proceedings.


politicalwire--2020-12-01--Scott Atlas Resigns as Trump’s Pandemic Adviser


politicalwire--2020-11-30--When the White House Calls

When the White House Calls

Back in July , Arizona Gov .
Doug Ducey ( R ) told reporters he changed his White House ringtone @ @ @ @ @ Chief ” so he wouldn ’ t miss a call from President Trump .
Guess @ @ @ @ @ certifying Arizona ’ s election for Joe Biden ?

Back in July, Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey (R) told reporters he changed his White House ringtone to “Hail to The Chief” so he wouldn’t miss a call from President Trump.
Guess who called while Ducey was certifying Arizona’s election for Joe Biden?


politicalwire--2020-11-30--Republicans Hold Razor-Thin Leads In Two House Races

Cook Political Report : “ There have only been three federal elections in the last 100 years decided by fewer @ @ @ @ @ an insult to injury for House Democrats , who have already lost a dozen incumbents @ @ @ @ @ are currently trailing by a scant six votes in Iowa ’ s 2nd CD and @ @ @ @ @ ’ s 22nd CD as both races head for lengthy legal fights.
” “ The @ @ @ @ @ make a huge difference in how the House operates .
These two races will likely @ @ @ @ @ 222 or 224 seat majority and whether Speaker Nancy Pelosi can afford four , five @ @ @ @ @ pass legislation .
There ’ s a third race yet to be called in California @ @ @ @ @ but GOP Rep. Mike Garcia holds a 405 vote lead that seems likely to hold @ @

Cook Political Report: “There have only been three federal elections in the last 100 years decided by fewer than 20 votes… But in an insult to injury for House Democrats, who have already lost a dozen incumbents to the GOP, Democrats are currently trailing by a scant six votes in Iowa’s 2nd CD and 12 votes in New York’s 22nd CD as both races head for lengthy legal fights.”
“The margins are infinitesimal but could make a huge difference in how the House operates. These two races will likely decide whether Democrats have a 222 or 224 seat majority and whether Speaker Nancy Pelosi can afford four, five or six defections and still pass legislation. There’s a third race yet to be called in California’s 25th CD, but GOP Rep. Mike Garcia holds a 405 vote lead that seems likely to hold.”


politicalwire--2020-11-30--Trump Campaign Still Sending Out Emails

Trump Campaign Still Sending Out Emails

Washington Post : “ In the three weeks before Nov. 3 , the Trump campaign sent out 365 emails… In @ @ @ @ @ , from Nov. 4 to 24 , the campaign sent out 354 .
Amazingly , @ @ @ @ @ in the week after the election than the week before .
”

Washington Post: “In the three weeks before Nov. 3, the Trump campaign sent out 365 emails… In the three weeks that followed, from Nov. 4 to 24, the campaign sent out 354. Amazingly, it sent out more emails in the week after the election than the week before.”


politicalwire--2020-11-30--Michael Flynn Says Country Won’t Accept Biden

Former national security adviser Michael Flynn , who was pardoned by President Trump after pleading guilty to lying to the @ @ @ @ @ interviewer : “ I do not believe for a second the country will accept Biden @ @ @ @ @ on what we know is probably the greatest fraud our country has ever experienced .
@

Former national security adviser Michael Flynn, who was pardoned by President Trump after pleading guilty to lying to the FBI, told a radio interviewer: “I do not believe for a second the country will accept Biden as the next president based on what we know is probably the greatest fraud our country has ever experienced.”


politicalwire--2020-11-30--Judge Advances Felix Sater Money Laundering Case


politicalwire--2020-11-30--Larry Hogan Begins His 2024 Bid

Larry Hogan Begins His 2024 Bid

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Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (R), a frequent critic of President Trump who wrote in a dead president’s name instead of voting for Joe Biden, endorsed Sens. David Perdue (R) and Kelly Loeffler (R) in their Georgia runoffs in a piece for the Washington Examiner:


politicalwire--2020-11-30--Trump’s NATO Ambassador Vows ‘Seamless’ Transition

Former Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison , the U.S. ambassador to NATO , vowed there would be a “ smooth ” @ @ @ @ @ to President-elect Joe Biden ’ s administration , even as President Trump continues to fight @ @ @ @ @ Dallas Morning News reports .
“ The Republican ’ s comments , delivered at a @ @ @ @ @ put her at odds with many of her GOP counterparts , who ’ ve mostly @ @ @ @ @ s victory.
” Said Hutchison : “ We are going to work in a transition @ @ @ @ @ in .
We are going to make sure it ’ s smooth .
That ’ @ @ @ @ @ democracies , and that ’ s what we are going to produce .
”

Former Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, the U.S. ambassador to NATO, vowed there would be a “smooth” and “seamless” transition to President-elect Joe Biden’s administration, even as President Trump continues to fight the election result, the Dallas Morning News reports.
“The Republican’s comments, delivered at a news conference in Brussels, put her at odds with many of her GOP counterparts, who’ve mostly refused to acknowledge Biden’s victory.”
Said Hutchison: “We are going to work in a transition for a new administration coming in. We are going to make sure it’s smooth. That’s what we have in democracies, and that’s what we are going to produce.”


Trump’s Disgraceful Endgame

National Review : “ Trump ’ s most reprehensible tactic has been to attempt , somewhat shamefacedly , to get @ @ @ @ @ the certification of votes and state legislatures to appoint Trump electors in clear violation of @ @ @ @ @ has gone nowhere , thanks to the honesty and sense of duty of most of @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s a profoundly undemocratic move that we hope no losing presidential candidate ever @ @ @ @ @ “ Getting defeated in a national election is a blow to the ego of even @ @ @ @ @ inevitably engenders personal feelings of bitterness and anger .
What America has long expected is @ @ @ @ @ feelings and at least pretend to be gracious .
If Trump ’ s not capable @ @ @ @ @ at least stop waging war on the outcome .
”

National Review: “Trump’s most reprehensible tactic has been to attempt, somewhat shamefacedly, to get local Republican officials to block the certification of votes and state legislatures to appoint Trump electors in clear violation of the public will. This has gone nowhere, thanks to the honesty and sense of duty of most of the Republicans involved, but it’s a profoundly undemocratic move that we hope no losing presidential candidate ever even thinks of again.”
“Getting defeated in a national election is a blow to the ego of even the most thick-skinned politicians and inevitably engenders personal feelings of bitterness and anger. What America has long expected is that losing candidates swallow those feelings and at least pretend to be gracious. If Trump’s not capable of it, he should at least stop waging war on the outcome.”


politicalwire--2020-11-30--Georgia Governor Says He Won’t Break Law for Trump

Georgia Gov .
Brian Kemp ( R ) “ pushed back on exhortations by President Trump , suggesting that the @ @ @ @ @ interfere in the Nov. 3 election in a way prohibited by state law , ” @ @ @ @ @ Said a Kemp spokesman : “ Georgia law prohibits the Governor from interfering in elections @ @ @ @ @ , who is an elected Constitutional officer , has oversight over elections that can not @ @ @ @ @ .
”

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (R) “pushed back on exhortations by President Trump, suggesting that the president was asking him to interfere in the Nov. 3 election in a way prohibited by state law,” the Washington Post reports.
Said a Kemp spokesman: “Georgia law prohibits the Governor from interfering in elections. The Secretary of State, who is an elected Constitutional officer, has oversight over elections that cannot be overridden by executive order.”


politicalwire--2020-11-30--Arizona Certifies Biden Win

Arizona Certifies Biden Win

“ Arizona officials certified the state ’ s election results Monday , formalizing Democrat Joe Biden ’ s narrow victory @ @ @ @ @ the Republican president ’ s attorneys continued making baseless claims of fraud in the state @ @ @ @ @ ” the AP reports .
For those keeping track , the other key states which @ @ @ @ @ win include Georgia , Michigan , Nevada and Pennsylvania .

“Arizona officials certified the state’s election results Monday, formalizing Democrat Joe Biden’s narrow victory over Donald Trump even as the Republican president’s attorneys continued making baseless claims of fraud in the state’s vote count,” the AP reports.
For those keeping track, the other key states which have already certified a Biden win include Georgia, Michigan, Nevada and Pennsylvania.


politicalwire--2020-11-30--GOP Lawmaker Tells Trump to ‘Stop the Stupid’


politicalwire--2020-11-30--How the War on Terror Led to Donald Trump

This is an important book : Reign of Terror : How the 9/11 Era Destabilized America and Produced Trump by @ @ @ @ @ began as the persecution of Muslims and immigrants has become a normalized , paranoid feature @ @ @ @ @ , expanding the possibilities for applying similar or worse measures against other targets at home @ @ @ @ @ turned the War on Terror into a cultural and then tribal struggle , first on @ @ @ @ @ expanding to conquer the Republican Party , often with the timid acquiescence of the Democratic @ @ @ @ @ nativist resurgence walked through a door opened by the 9/11 era .
”

This is an important book: Reign of Terror: How the 9/11 Era Destabilized America and Produced Trump by Spencer Ackerman.
“What began as the persecution of Muslims and immigrants has become a normalized, paranoid feature of American politics and security, expanding the possibilities for applying similar or worse measures against other targets at home. A politically divided country turned the War on Terror into a cultural and then tribal struggle, first on the ideological fringes and ultimately expanding to conquer the Republican Party, often with the timid acquiescence of the Democratic Party. Today’s nativist resurgence walked through a door opened by the 9/11 era.”


politicalwire--2020-11-30--Justices Seem Skeptical of Trump Plan on Census

“ The U.S. Supreme Court seemed wary on Monday of approving President Trump ’ s plan to exclude undocumented immigrants @ @ @ @ @ are used to calculate each state ’ s representation in Congress and share of billions @ @ @ @ @ of federal programs , ” NBC News reports .
“ But it was unclear after @ @ @ @ @ exactly how the court would deal with the issue given that the Census Bureau concedes @ @ @ @ @ how many people would be excluded or when it will have the answer .
”

“The U.S. Supreme Court seemed wary on Monday of approving President Trump’s plan to exclude undocumented immigrants from the census figures that are used to calculate each state’s representation in Congress and share of billions of dollars from a host of federal programs,” NBC News reports.
“But it was unclear after 90 minutes of oral argument exactly how the court would deal with the issue given that the Census Bureau concedes it has no idea yet how many people would be excluded or when it will have the answer.”


politicalwire--2020-11-30--Melania Tries to ‘Give a Fuck’ About Christmas

It ’ s only been a matter of weeks since recordings of Melania Trump asking “ Who gives a fuck @ @ @ @ @ were published—but , in a Christmas miracle , the first lady has managed to summon @ @ @ @ @ her fourth and final attempt at making the White House look festive , the Daily @ @ @ @ @ video posted to her Twitter account , Trump can be seen walking around a deserted @ @ @ @ @ year ’ s decorations .

It’s only been a matter of weeks since recordings of Melania Trump asking “Who gives a fuck about Christmas stuff?” were published—but, in a Christmas miracle, the first lady has managed to summon up the energy to unveil her fourth and final attempt at making the White House look festive, the Daily Beast reports.
In a video posted to her Twitter account, Trump can be seen walking around a deserted White House and surveying this year’s decorations.


politicalwire--2020-12-01--GOP Lawmakers In Ohio Try to Impeach DeWine

“ While trying to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus , Ohio Gov .
Mike DeWine ( R ) @ @ @ @ @ protesters at the statehouse and crowds outside his own home .
Now , he is @ @ @ @ @ his own party to push him out of office entirely , ” the Washington Post @ @ @ @ @ of four Republican state lawmakers filed a dozen articles of impeachment against DeWine on Monday @ @ @ @ @ state and federal laws by requiring face masks in public and ordering some businesses to @ @ @

“While trying to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine (R) has faced throngs of armed protesters at the statehouse and crowds outside his own home. Now, he is now facing efforts from within his own party to push him out of office entirely,” the Washington Post reports.
“A group of four Republican state lawmakers filed a dozen articles of impeachment against DeWine on Monday, saying the governor violated state and federal laws by requiring face masks in public and ordering some businesses to close.”


politicalwire--2020-12-01--Democrats Have the Digital Machine They Need to Win

Joshua Green : “ Many Democrats have spent the weeks since the election bickering about who ’ s to blame @ @ @ @ @ President Trump but also saw the party fall short in its efforts to gain strength @ @ @ @ @ “ The debate has obscured one area of unquestionable Democratic success : In the four @ @ @ @ @ election , progressives have built an organizing and fundraising behemoth , which just delivered a @ @ @ @ @ President-elect Joe Biden .
Democrats ’ fortunes in the Biden era and beyond will hinge @ @ @ @ @ and grow this juggernaut .
”

Joshua Green: “Many Democrats have spent the weeks since the election bickering about who’s to blame for a result that ousted President Trump but also saw the party fall short in its efforts to gain strength in Congress and statehouses.”
“The debate has obscured one area of unquestionable Democratic success: In the four years since Trump’s election, progressives have built an organizing and fundraising behemoth, which just delivered a record 80 million votes for President-elect Joe Biden. Democrats’ fortunes in the Biden era and beyond will hinge on whether they can maintain and grow this juggernaut.”


politicalwire--2020-12-01--Virus Has Been In U.S. for Nearly a Year

“ The new coronavirus infected people in the U.S. in mid-December 2019 , a few weeks before it was officially @ @ @ @ @ a month earlier than public health authorities found the first U.S. case , ” the @ @ @ @ @ “ The findings significantly strengthen evidence suggesting the virus was spreading around the world well @ @ @ @ @ researchers became aware , upending initial thinking about how early and quickly it emerged .
@

“The new coronavirus infected people in the U.S. in mid-December 2019, a few weeks before it was officially identified in China and about a month earlier than public health authorities found the first U.S. case,” the Wall Street Journal reports.
“The findings significantly strengthen evidence suggesting the virus was spreading around the world well before public health authorities and researchers became aware, upending initial thinking about how early and quickly it emerged.”


politicalwire--2020-12-01--Economic Outlook ‘Extremely Uncertain’

Economic Outlook ‘Extremely Uncertain’

Jay Powell , the Federal Reserve chairman , has warned Congress that the rise in coronavirus cases could “ prove @ @ @ @ @ months ” even as encouraging news on vaccine development has boosted the outlook for the @ @ @ @ @ the Financial Times reports .
The Fed chairman stressed that the economic outlook remained “ @ @ @ @ @ phrase he has used throughout the pandemic .

Jay Powell, the Federal Reserve chairman, has warned Congress that the rise in coronavirus cases could “prove challenging for the next few months” even as encouraging news on vaccine development has boosted the outlook for the economy in the medium-term, the Financial Times reports.
The Fed chairman stressed that the economic outlook remained “extraordinarily uncertain” — a phrase he has used throughout the pandemic.


politicalwire--2020-12-01--Too Early for GOP Predictions In 2022

Too Early for GOP Predictions In 2022

Stuart Rothenberg : “ Republicans are already sounding as if they intend to make 2022 about socialism , illegal immigrants @ @ @ @ @ .
But if the economy is strong , COVID-19 is in the rear-view mirror and @ @ @ @ @ midterm election might well favor the status quo.
” “ Though House Republicans have reasons @ @ @ @ @ now guaranteed about the political landscape of 2022 — especially since a bitter , defeated @ @ @ @ @ the limelight during the next few years .
”

Stuart Rothenberg: “Republicans are already sounding as if they intend to make 2022 about socialism, illegal immigrants and anarchists in the suburbs. But if the economy is strong, COVID-19 is in the rear-view mirror and Biden is popular, the midterm election might well favor the status quo.”
“Though House Republicans have reasons for optimism, nothing is now guaranteed about the political landscape of 2022 — especially since a bitter, defeated Trump is likely to want the limelight during the next few years.”


politicalwire--2020-12-01--Trump Steps Up Fundraising In Aftermath of Defeat

“ President Trump has raised about $ 170 million since Election Day as his campaign operation has continued to aggressively @ @ @ @ @ that have funded his fruitless attempts to overturn the election and that have seeded his @ @ @ @ @ the New York Times reports .
“ Instead of slowing down after the election , @ @ @ @ @ has ratcheted up its volume of email solicitations for cash , telling supporters that money @ @ @ @ @ Election Defense Fund.
’ In reality , the fine print shows that the first 75 @ @ @ @ @ goes to a new political action committee that Mr. Trump set up in mid-November , @ @ @ @ @ be used to fund his political activities going forward , including staff and travel .
@ @ @ @ @ each donation is directed to the Republican National Committee .
”

“President Trump has raised about $170 million since Election Day as his campaign operation has continued to aggressively solicit donations with hyped-up appeals that have funded his fruitless attempts to overturn the election and that have seeded his post-presidential political ambitions,” the New York Times reports.
“Instead of slowing down after the election, Mr. Trump’s campaign has ratcheted up its volume of email solicitations for cash, telling supporters that money was needed for an ‘Election Defense Fund.’ In reality, the fine print shows that the first 75 percent of every contribution currently goes to a new political action committee that Mr. Trump set up in mid-November, Save America, which can be used to fund his political activities going forward, including staff and travel. The other 25 percent of each donation is directed to the Republican National Committee.”


politicalwire--2020-12-01--Neera Tanden Under Attack

Neera Tanden Under Attack

Playbook : “ It ’ s too early to declare Tanden ’ s nomination to be the director of OMB dead , but man , is she taking a lot of incoming .
Sen. John Cornyn ( R-TX ) said Tanden is ‘ radioactive , ’ and said it was a ‘ misstep ’ by the Biden team to plan to nominate her .
Sen. John Thune ( R-SD ) — the No .
2 Senate Republican — said she ’ s been very ‘ partisan ’ in her assessment of Republican senators , who will now have to vote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not , you know , disqualifying anybody , but I do think that it gets a lot harder obviously if they send folks from their , you know , progressive left that are kind of out of the mainstream .
And , but , you know , if and when the time comes , we ’ ll obviously hopefully be able to consult with them and then , if they send people here that are qualified , give them a fair process.
” “ Sen .
Lindsey Graham ( R-SC ) — the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republicans keep the majority — suggested that Tanden may not even get a committee vote .
”

Playbook: “It’s too early to declare Tanden’s nomination to be the director of OMB dead, but man, is she taking a lot of incoming. Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) said Tanden is ‘radioactive,’ and said it was a ‘misstep’ by the Biden team to plan to nominate her. Sen. John Thune (R-SD) — the No. 2 Senate Republican — said she’s been very ‘partisan’ in her assessment of Republican senators, who will now have to vote for her. “I’m not, you know, disqualifying anybody, but I do think that it gets a lot harder obviously if they send folks from their, you know, progressive left that are kind of out of the mainstream. And, but, you know, if and when the time comes, we’ll obviously hopefully be able to consult with them and then, if they send people here that are qualified, give them a fair process.”
“Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) — the likely chair of the Budget Committee should Republicans keep the majority — suggested that Tanden may not even get a committee vote.”
Politico: Bernieworld seethes over Tanden.


politicalwire--2020-12-01--White House Planning a Dozen Indoor Holiday Parties

Washington Post : “ While many public health professionals have asked Americans not to congregate in large group settings and @ @ @ @ @ because of the coronavirus pandemic that has killed more than 266,000 Americans and infected 13 @ @ @ @ @ House is expected to throw more than a dozen indoor parties , including a large @ @ @ @ @ , officials say.
” “ The parties will be paid for by the Republican Party @ @ @ @ @ of the planning said , and will cost millions of dollars.
” “ The president @ @ @ @ @ determined to have a final holiday season in the White House , officials said , @ @ @ @ @ and deaths across the country have not stopped the events .
Many of the administration @ @ @ @ @ a skeptical view of the restrictions over the virus and are choosing to attend .
@

Washington Post: “While many public health professionals have asked Americans not to congregate in large group settings and avoid travel over the holidays because of the coronavirus pandemic that has killed more than 266,000 Americans and infected 13 million more, the White House is expected to throw more than a dozen indoor parties, including a large congressional ball on Dec. 10, officials say.”
“The parties will be paid for by the Republican Party, a person with knowledge of the planning said, and will cost millions of dollars.”
“The president and the first lady are determined to have a final holiday season in the White House, officials said, and concerns about spiking cases and deaths across the country have not stopped the events. Many of the administration’s supporters have taken a skeptical view of the restrictions over the virus and are choosing to attend.”


Schumer’s Election Regrets

Sen. Chuck Schumer ( D-NY ) told party donors during recent calls that the death of Ruth Bader Ginsburg and @ @ @ @ @ “ couldn ’ t keep his zipper up ” crushed Democrats ’ chances of regaining @ @ @ @ @ .
“ During a recent donor call , the minority leader lamented being unable to @ @ @ @ @ run for a Senate seat in Georgia .
”

Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) told party donors during recent calls that the death of Ruth Bader Ginsburg and the fact that Cal Cunningham “couldn’t keep his zipper up” crushed Democrats’ chances of regaining the Senate, Axios reports.
“During a recent donor call, the minority leader lamented being unable to successfully recruit Stacey Abrams to run for a Senate seat in Georgia.”


politicalwire--2020-12-01--FDA Chief Summoned to White House

FDA Chief Summoned to White House

“ White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows has summoned FDA commissioner Stephen Hahn to the West Wing for a @ @ @ @ @ why he hasn ’ t moved faster to approve the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine , ” @ @ @ @ @ a preemptive statement : “ Let me be clear — our career scientists have to @ @ @ @ @ will take the time that ’ s needed to make the right call on this @ @ @ @

“White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows has summoned FDA commissioner Stephen Hahn to the West Wing for a 9:30am meeting Tuesday to explain why he hasn’t moved faster to approve the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine,” Axios reports.
Hahn issued a preemptive statement: “Let me be clear — our career scientists have to make the decision and they will take the time that’s needed to make the right call on this important decision.”


politicalwire--2020-12-01--Hannity Urges Trump to Pardon Himself and His Family

Fox News host Sean Hannity called for President Trump to pardon himself and his family prior to leaving the White @ @ @ @ @ Said Hannity ; “ The president out the door needs to pardon his whole family @ @ @ @ @ want this witch hunt to go on in perpetuity .
They ’ re so full @ @ @ @ @ the president… I assume that the power of the pardon is absolute , and that @ @ @ @ @ pardon anybody that he wants to .
”

Fox News host Sean Hannity called for President Trump to pardon himself and his family prior to leaving the White House on January 20.
Said Hannity; “The president out the door needs to pardon his whole family and himself, because they want this witch hunt to go on in perpetuity. They’re so full of rage and insanity against the president… I assume that the power of the pardon is absolute, and that he should be able to pardon anybody that he wants to.”


politicalwire--2020-12-01--Trump Knows He Lost

Trump Knows He Lost

“ Despite what President Trump is tweeting and saying publicly in the wake of Arizona and Wisconsin certifying President-elect Joe @ @ @ @ @ , Trump sees the scoreboard and understands he has no chance of hanging on to @ @ @ @ @ reports .
Asked whether the President realizes that he ’ s been defeated , a @ @ @ @ @ in contact with Trump said : “ Yes , he does .
”

“Despite what President Trump is tweeting and saying publicly in the wake of Arizona and Wisconsin certifying President-elect Joe Biden’s victory Monday, Trump sees the scoreboard and understands he has no chance of hanging on to the presidency,” CNN reports.
Asked whether the President realizes that he’s been defeated, a close adviser who has been in contact with Trump said: “Yes, he does.”


politicalwire--2020-12-01--Trump Has Raised $150 Million to Appeal Election

“ President Trump ’ s political operation has raised more than $ 150 million since Election Day , using a @ @ @ @ @ the election to shatter fundraising records set during the campaign , ” the Washington Post @ @ @ @ @ of political donations is one reason Trump and some allies are inclined to continue a @ @ @ @ @ blitz focused on baseless claims of election fraud , even as their attempts have repeatedly @ @ @ @ @ key states continue to certify wins for President-elect Joe Biden .
”

“President Trump’s political operation has raised more than $150 million since Election Day, using a blizzard of misleading appeals about the election to shatter fundraising records set during the campaign,” the Washington Post reports.
“The influx of political donations is one reason Trump and some allies are inclined to continue a legal onslaught and public affairs blitz focused on baseless claims of election fraud, even as their attempts have repeatedly failed in court and as key states continue to certify wins for President-elect Joe Biden.”


politicalwire--2020-12-02--Right Wing Hungarian Politician Suddenly Resigns

A senior conservative Hungarian politician abruptly announced his resignation from the European Parliament after the police broke up a party @ @ @ @ @ it violated coronavirus restrictions , the New York Times reports .
The party was described @ @ @ @ @ an all-male orgy .
”

A senior conservative Hungarian politician abruptly announced his resignation from the European Parliament after the police broke up a party he attended in Brussels because it violated coronavirus restrictions, the New York Times reports.
The party was described by Belgian media as “an all-male orgy.”


politicalwire--2020-12-02--Trump Has Discussed Pardoning His Children

“ President Trump has discussed with advisers whether to grant pre-emptive pardons to his children , to his son-in-law and @ @ @ @ @ W. Giuliani , and talked with Mr. Giuliani about pardoning him as recently as last @ @ @ @ @ York Times reports .
“ Mr .
Trump has told others that he is concerned @ @ @ @ @ might seek retribution against the president by targeting the oldest three of his five children @ @ @ @ @ Eric Trump and Ivanka Trump — as well as Ms. Trump ’ s husband , @ @ @ @ @ House senior adviser .
”

“President Trump has discussed with advisers whether to grant pre-emptive pardons to his children, to his son-in-law and to his personal lawyer Rudolph W. Giuliani, and talked with Mr. Giuliani about pardoning him as recently as last week,” the New York Times reports.
“Mr. Trump has told others that he is concerned that a Biden Justice Department might seek retribution against the president by targeting the oldest three of his five children — Donald Trump Jr., Eric Trump and Ivanka Trump — as well as Ms. Trump’s husband, Jared Kushner, a White House senior adviser.”


politicalwire--2020-12-02--Obama Says ‘Defund the Police’ Loses People

Former President Barack Obama said that “ snappy ” slogans such as “ defund the police ” can alienate people @ @ @ @ @ effective than intended , Axios reports .
Said Obama : “ You lost a big @ @ @ @ @ it , which makes it a lot less likely that you ’ re actually going @ @ @ @ @ want done .
”

Former President Barack Obama said that “snappy” slogans such as “defund the police” can alienate people, making the statements less effective than intended, Axios reports.
Said Obama: “You lost a big audience the minute you say it, which makes it a lot less likely that you’re actually going to get the changes you want done.”


politicalwire--2020-12-02--Biden’s National Lead Now Nearly 7 Million Votes

“ Mr President , it looks like you likely lost the state of Georgia .
We ’ re investigating , @ @ @ @ @ possibility , I get it .
You have the rights to go to the courts… @

“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--2020-12-01--Feds Investigating Cash for Pardons Scheme

“ The Justice Department is investigating a potential crime related to funneling money to the White House or related political @ @ @ @ @ presidential pardon , ” CNN reports .
“ The case is the latest legal twist @ @ @ @ @ President Trump ’ s administration after several of his top advisers have been convicted of @ @ @ @ @ the possibility rises of Trump giving pardons to those who ’ ve been loyal to @ @ @ @ @ “ Exchanging anything of value for an official act , such as granting a pardon @ @ @ @ @ .
”

“The Justice Department is investigating a potential crime related to funneling money to the White House or related political committee in exchange for a presidential pardon,” CNN reports.
“The case is the latest legal twist in the waning days of President Trump’s administration after several of his top advisers have been convicted of federal criminal charges and as the possibility rises of Trump giving pardons to those who’ve been loyal to him.”
Renato Mariotti: “Exchanging anything of value for an official act, such as granting a pardon, is a federal crime.”


politicalwire--2020-12-01--Trump Not Likely to Attend Biden’s Inauguration

“ President Trump is discussing possibly launching a 2024 campaign to retake the White House on Inauguration Day and skipping @ @ @ @ @ , ” NBC News reports .
“ Regardless of the timing of a campaign announcement @ @ @ @ @ to attend the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden… He also does not plan to invite @ @ @ @ @ or even call him .
”

“President Trump is discussing possibly launching a 2024 campaign to retake the White House on Inauguration Day and skipping the swearing-in of his successor,” NBC News reports.
“Regardless of the timing of a campaign announcement, Trump is not expected to attend the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden… He also does not plan to invite Biden to the White House or even call him.”


politicalwire--2020-12-01--New York County Finds 55 Uncounted Early Votes

“ A New York county reported on Tuesday that 55 early voting ballots had been discovered , potentially changing the @ @ @ @ @ separated by only 12 votes , ” The Hill reports .
“ According to WBNG @ @ @ @ @ votes have the potential to keep Rep. Anthony Brindisi ( D-NY ) in office as @ @ @ @ @ s 22nd district , or give the election to Republican challenger Claudia Tenney .
”

“A New York county reported on Tuesday that 55 early voting ballots had been discovered, potentially changing the outcome of a congressional race separated by only 12 votes,” The Hill reports.
“According to WBNG reporter Josh Rosenblatt, these votes have the potential to keep Rep. Anthony Brindisi (D-NY) in office as representative for New York’s 22nd district, or give the election to Republican challenger Claudia Tenney.”


politicalwire--2020-12-01--Bonus Quote of the Day

Bonus Quote of the Day

“ Mr President , it looks like you likely lost the state of Georgia .
We ’ re investigating , @ @ @ @ @ possibility , I get it .
You have the rights to go to the courts @ @ @ @ @ t have the ability to do – and you need to step up and say @ @ @ @ @ people to commit potential acts of violence .
Someone is going to get hurt , @ @ @ @ @ shot , someone is going to get killed , and it ’ s not right @ @ @ @ @ right.
” — Georgia elections offiial Gabriel Sterling , making an impassioned plea to President @ @ @ @ @ rhetoric disputing the election results .

“Mr President, it looks like you likely lost the state of Georgia. We’re investigating, there’s always a possibility, I get it. You have the rights to go to the courts. What you don’t have the ability to do – and you need to step up and say this – is stop inspiring people to commit potential acts of violence. Someone is going to get hurt, someone is going to get shot, someone is going to get killed, and it’s not right. It’s not right.”
— Georgia elections offiial Gabriel Sterling, making an impassioned plea to President Trump to tone down his rhetoric disputing the election results.


politicalwire--2020-12-01--DeLauro Wins House Appropriations Gavel

DeLauro Wins House Appropriations Gavel


politicalwire--2020-12-01--Biden Unlikely to Tap Lawmakers for Administration Posts

CNN : “ Inside his transition team , there is a real recognition of how difficult it would be to @ @ @ @ @ any role , given how closely divided the upper chamber will be next year.
” @ @ @ @ @ majority in the House has made it far less likely that he would be able @ @ @ @ @ House members for posts in the administration .
”

CNN: “Inside his transition team, there is a real recognition of how difficult it would be to choose a Senate Democrat for any role, given how closely divided the upper chamber will be next year.”
“And the narrowing Democratic majority in the House has made it far less likely that he would be able to easily turn to any House members for posts in the administration.”


politicalwire--2020-12-01--Trump Pushed to Issue Preemptive Pardons

“ Trump allies and other lawyers have begun a campaign to petition the West Wing in hopes of securing pardons @ @ @ @ @ a sympathetic reception from the president , ” ABC News reports .
“ One idea @ @ @ @ @ Trump allies is the possibility of preemptive pardons for members of the Trump family and @ @ @ @ @ ” “ It ’ s not clear how this kind of preemptive pardon would work @ @ @ @ @ of the Trump family has been accused of a federal crime .
However sources pushing @ @ @ @ @ argument is an ‘ insurance policy ’ against concerns that the incoming Biden administration could @ @ @ @ @ ”

“Trump allies and other lawyers have begun a campaign to petition the West Wing in hopes of securing pardons for those who might receive a sympathetic reception from the president,” ABC News reports.
“One idea that has been floated among Trump allies is the possibility of preemptive pardons for members of the Trump family and close allies of the president.”
“It’s not clear how this kind of preemptive pardon would work, given that no member of the Trump family has been accused of a federal crime. However sources pushing for this action say the argument is an ‘insurance policy’ against concerns that the incoming Biden administration could undertake politically motivated investigations.”


politicalwire--2020-12-01--Trump Allies Ask Justices to Throw Out Pennsylvania Votes


politicalwire--2020-12-01--Barr Appoints Special Counsel to Examine Russia Probe

“ Attorney General William Barr has given extra protection to the prosecutor he appointed to investigate the origins of the @ @ @ @ @ the authority of a special counsel to complete his work without being easily fired , @ @ @ @ @ “ Barr said that he had appointed U.S. Attorney John Durham as a special counsel @ @ @ @ @ federal statute that governed special counsel Robert Mueller in the original Russia probe.
” Axios @ @ @ @ @ an extra layer of protection for Durham to continue investigating possible misconduct by Obama-era intelligence @ @ @ @ @ s inauguration as president .
”

“Attorney General William Barr has given extra protection to the prosecutor he appointed to investigate the origins of the Trump-Russia probe, giving him the authority of a special counsel to complete his work without being easily fired,” the AP reports.
“Barr said that he had appointed U.S. Attorney John Durham as a special counsel in October under the same federal statute that governed special counsel Robert Mueller in the original Russia probe.”
Axios: “It’s an extra layer of protection for Durham to continue investigating possible misconduct by Obama-era intelligence officials past Joe Biden’s inauguration as president.”


politicalwire--2020-12-01--Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day

“ A first-rate team that ’ s going to get us through this ongoing economic crisis and help us build @ @ @ @ @ just build it back , but build it back better than before… Our message to @ @ @ @ @ help is on the way.
” — President-elect Joe Biden , quoted by CBS News @ @ @ @ @ team .

“A first-rate team that’s going to get us through this ongoing economic crisis and help us build the economy back, not just build it back, but build it back better than before… Our message to everybody struggling right now is help is on the way.”
— President-elect Joe Biden, quoted by CBS News, while introducing his economic team.


Bag Man

A must-read , out next week : Bag Man : The Wild Crimes , Audacious Cover-up , and Spectacular Downfall @ @ @ @ @ the White House by Rachel Maddow and Michael Yarvitz .
“ The knockdown , drag-out @ @ @ @ @ other scandal that rocked Nixon ’ s White House , and reset the rules for @ @ @ @ @ ”

A must-read, out next week: Bag Man: The Wild Crimes, Audacious Cover-up, and Spectacular Downfall of a Brazen Crook in the White House by Rachel Maddow and Michael Yarvitz.
“The knockdown, drag-out, untold story of the other scandal that rocked Nixon’s White House, and reset the rules for crooked presidents to come.”


politicalwire--2020-12-01--Barr Sees No Evidence of Widespread Voting Fraud

Attorney General William Barr told the Associated Press that the Justice Department hasn ’ t uncovered widespread voting fraud that @ @ @ @ @ outcome .
Axios : “ It ’ s a direct repudiation of President Trump ’ @ @ @ @ @ ‘ rigged ’ election from one of the most loyal members of his Cabinet .
@

Attorney General William Barr told the Associated Press that the Justice Department hasn’t uncovered widespread voting fraud that could have changed 2020 election outcome.
Axios: “It’s a direct repudiation of President Trump’s baseless claims of a ‘rigged’ election from one of the most loyal members of his Cabinet.”


politicalwire--2020-12-01--Biden Elevates Economic Advisers Chair to Cabinet

President-elect Joe Biden announced Tuesday that the chair of the Council of Economic Advisers would have a seat on his @ @ @ @ @ .
Biden described Cecilia Rouse , his pick for CEA chair , as “ one @ @ @ @ @ in the country .
”

President-elect Joe Biden announced Tuesday that the chair of the Council of Economic Advisers would have a seat on his Cabinet, The Hill reports.
Biden described Cecilia Rouse, his pick for CEA chair, as “one of the most distinguished economists in the country.”


politicalwire--2020-12-01--Senate Democrats Weigh New Leadership Rules

Politico : “ With Sen. Dianne Feinstein ( D-CA ) stepping down as the top Democrat on the committee in @ @ @ @ @ Minority Whip Dick Durbin ( D-IL ) and Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse ( D-RI ) are @ @ @ @ @ .
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer ( D-NY ) is staying neutral on the matter @ @ @ @ @ Durbin ’ s bid to be both whip and the top Democrat on Judiciary has @ @ @ @ @ the caucus over how much power individual senators should accumulate .
”

Politico: “With Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) stepping down as the top Democrat on the committee in the next Congress, Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) are both vying to succeed her. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is staying neutral on the matter so far.”
“But Durbin’s bid to be both whip and the top Democrat on Judiciary has spurred a broader debate within the caucus over how much power individual senators should accumulate.”


politicalwire--2020-12-01--How to Avoid a Climate Disaster

How to Avoid a Climate Disaster

Coming soon : How to Avoid a Climate Disaster : The Solutions We Have and the Breakthroughs We Need by @ @ @ @ @ Gates has spent a decade investigating the causes and effects of climate change .
With @ @ @ @ @ the fields of physics , chemistry , biology , engineering , political science , and @ @ @ @ @ on what must be done in order to stop the planet ’ s slide to @ @ @ @ @

Coming soon: How to Avoid a Climate Disaster: The Solutions We Have and the Breakthroughs We Need by Bill Gates.
“Bill Gates has spent a decade investigating the causes and effects of climate change. With the help of experts in the fields of physics, chemistry, biology, engineering, political science, and finance, he has focused on what must be done in order to stop the planet’s slide to certain environmental disaster.”


politicalwire--2020-12-01--Mary Trump to Release New Book

Mary Trump to Release New Book

Mary Trump will follow her bestselling exposé of her dysfunctional family life with a new book titled , The Reckoning @ @ @ @ @ According to the publisher , the book “ will examine America ’ s national trauma @ @ @ @ @ but dramatically exacerbated by the impact of current events and the Trump administration ’ s @ @ @ @ @ The book will be published in July 2021 .

Mary Trump will follow her bestselling exposé of her dysfunctional family life with a new book titled, The Reckoning, The Guardian reports.
According to the publisher, the book “will examine America’s national trauma, rooted in our history but dramatically exacerbated by the impact of current events and the Trump administration’s corrupt and immoral policies.”
The book will be published in July 2021.


politicalwire--2020-12-02--Kwanza Hall Will Serve Last Month of John Lewis’ Term

“ The remainder of the late Rep. John Lewis ’ term will be served by Kwanza Hall ( D ) @ @ @ @ @ the reliably blue seat in a House runoff special election in Georgia Tuesday , ” @ @ @ @ @ will be sworn in after the election ’ s results are certified and serve for @ @ @ @ @ will represent Georgia ’ s 5th Congressional District until early January , when Rep.-elect Nikema @ @ @ @ @ over control of the seat , which she won in the November general election .
@

“The remainder of the late Rep. John Lewis’ term will be served by Kwanza Hall (D), who won control of the reliably blue seat in a House runoff special election in Georgia Tuesday,” CNN projects.
“Hall will be sworn in after the election’s results are certified and serve for about a month. He will represent Georgia’s 5th Congressional District until early January, when Rep.-elect Nikema Williams (D) takes over control of the seat, which she won in the November general election.”


politicalwire--2020-12-02--Only 15% of Trump Voters See Biden as Legitimate

New York Times : “ Biden ’ s top priority , he said , is getting a generous stimulus package @ @ @ @ @ he takes office… But the big question is whether he can get…


politicalwire--2020-12-02--Gantz Will Force New Israeli Elections

Gantz Will Force New Israeli Elections

Israeli Blue and White party leader and Defense Minister Benny Gantz said that he can no longer support the government @ @ @ @ @ Netanyahu , and his party will vote Wednesday in support of a preliminary reading of @ @ @ @ @ Knesset and call early elections , the Times of Israel reports .
Gantry described Netanyahu @ @ @ @ @ of promises ” in a prime-time televised address .

Israeli Blue and White party leader and Defense Minister Benny Gantz said that he can no longer support the government headed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and his party will vote Wednesday in support of a preliminary reading of a bill to dissolve the Knesset and call early elections, the Times of Israel reports.
Gantry described Netanyahu as “a serial breaker of promises” in a prime-time televised address.


politicalwire--2020-12-02--Biden’s Economic Team Will Write a New Playbook

“ Joe Biden ’ s economic team faces a daunting task helping the millions of Americans who have lost their @ @ @ @ @ ravaged by the coronavirus .
But most of them have first-hand crisis experience , dating @ @ @ @ @ inherited a crumbling economy when he took office in 2009 , ” Axios reports .
@ @ @ @ @ ’ s economic nominees served in the Obama administration , and wish that they could @ @ @ @ @ America recover from the 2008 financial crisis .
But it ’ s not going to @ @ @ @ @ push through massive fiscal spending in 2021 .
”

“Joe Biden’s economic team faces a daunting task helping the millions of Americans who have lost their jobs or otherwise been financially ravaged by the coronavirus. But most of them have first-hand crisis experience, dating back to when Barack Obama inherited a crumbling economy when he took office in 2009,” Axios reports.
“Most of President-elect Biden’s economic nominees served in the Obama administration, and wish that they could have gone bigger to help America recover from the 2008 financial crisis. But it’s not going to be easy for them to push through massive fiscal spending in 2021.”
Washington Post: Biden’s economic team set to prepare ambitious recovery plan, challenging Republicans’ renewed debt worries.


politicalwire--2020-12-02--GOP Rivals Think Trump Will Face Hurdles In 2024

President Trump ’ s 2024 rivals privately tell Axios they assume Trump ’ s power will fade post-White House , @ @ @ @ @ still run .
Said one Republican close to Trump : “ I think he will @ @ @ @ @ can begin to imagine .
No one is going to let him have a free @ @ @ @ @ He added : “ The only question left open is whether the media will give @ @ @ @ @ or not — that will determine a great deal .
”

President Trump’s 2024 rivals privately tell Axios they assume Trump’s power will fade post-White House, giving them hope they can still run.
Said one Republican close to Trump: “I think he will have more trouble than he can begin to imagine. No one is going to let him have a free pass in the primary.”
He added: “The only question left open is whether the media will give up their addiction to him or not — that will determine a great deal.”


politicalwire--2020-12-02--Ivanka Trump’s Political Ambitions Seek New Home

Washington Post : “ It ’ s unclear where exactly Ivanka Trump and her husband – Jared Kushner , who @ @ @ @ @ senior White House adviser – will physically land after they are expected to leave Washington @ @ @ @ @ the couple will return to their old home of New York , while others speculate @ @ @ @ @ “ cottage ” at the president ’ s Bedminster golf course in New Jersey.
” @ @ @ @ @ colleagues and associates of the couple believe wherever they live , the first daughter will @ @ @ @ @ her political capital – whether that means an actual run for office , or a @ @ @ @ @ in a world where President Trump still holds enormous political sway .
”

Washington Post: “It’s unclear where exactly Ivanka Trump and her husband – Jared Kushner, who like Ivanka is now a senior White House adviser – will physically land after they are expected to leave Washington in January. Some anticipate the couple will return to their old home of New York, while others speculate they may relocate to a “cottage” at the president’s Bedminster golf course in New Jersey.”
“But former friends, colleagues and associates of the couple believe wherever they live, the first daughter will be contemplating how to maximize her political capital – whether that means an actual run for office, or a gauzier influence in Republican circles in a world where President Trump still holds enormous political sway.”


politicalwire--2020-12-02--Biden Plans Nomination Workaround

Biden Plans Nomination Workaround

Politico : “ Now that he ’ s chosen a big chunk of his Cabinet nominees , President-elect Joe Biden @ @ @ @ @ focusing increasingly on selecting candidates for government positions that do not require Senate confirmation.
” @ @ @ @ @ confirmation hearings for Cabinet appointees and hollowed-out federal agencies , Biden and his aides are @ @ @ @ @ lower-level officials across the federal government , particularly in national security roles , to ensure @ @ @ @ @ enact his agenda immediately , according to three people familiar with the situation.
” “ @ @ @ @ @ slots that don ’ t require Senate confirmation , such as deputy assistant secretaries , @ @ @ @ @ try to ensure that many of those hired can obtain security clearances by the time @ @ @ @ @

Politico: “Now that he’s chosen a big chunk of his Cabinet nominees, President-elect Joe Biden’s transition team is focusing increasingly on selecting candidates for government positions that do not require Senate confirmation.”
“Concerned about Republicans slow-walking confirmation hearings for Cabinet appointees and hollowed-out federal agencies, Biden and his aides are eager to place mid- to lower-level officials across the federal government, particularly in national security roles, to ensure his administration can begin to enact his agenda immediately, according to three people familiar with the situation.”
“By quickly selecting candidates for slots that don’t require Senate confirmation, such as deputy assistant secretaries, the transition team also can try to ensure that many of those hired can obtain security clearances by the time Biden takes office.”
The Hill: Republican frustration builds over Biden’s cabinet picks.


politicalwire--2020-12-02--Biden Treads Lightly Around McConnell

Biden Treads Lightly Around McConnell

New York Times : “ Biden ’ s top priority , he said , is getting a generous stimulus package @ @ @ @ @ he takes office… But the big question is whether he can get it past McConnell @ @ @ @ @ Republicans continue to hold the Senate .
A significant number of Republican senators could decide @ @ @ @ @ deficit hawks again under a President Biden , after four years of uncontrolled spending under @ @ @ @ @ national debt to record highs.
” “ Biden was careful about how he talked about @ @ @ @ @ careful not to call Biden ‘ president-elect.
’ Biden obviously wants to keep the prospects @ @ @ @ @ also make clear that he may have more leverage with the American people than the @ @ @ @ @ Republicans opt for full-on obstruction .
”

New York Times: “Biden’s top priority, he said, is getting a generous stimulus package through Congress, even before he takes office… But the big question is whether he can get it past McConnell today or tomorrow if the Republicans continue to hold the Senate. A significant number of Republican senators could decide that they want to become deficit hawks again under a President Biden, after four years of uncontrolled spending under Trump that has brought the national debt to record highs.”
“Biden was careful about how he talked about McConnell, who has been careful not to call Biden ‘president-elect.’ Biden obviously wants to keep the prospects of cooperation open — but also make clear that he may have more leverage with the American people than the G.O.P. realizes if Senate Republicans opt for full-on obstruction.”


politicalwire--2020-12-02--U.K. Authorizes Covid-19 Vaccines

U.K. Authorizes Covid-19 Vaccines

Wall Street Journal : “ “ The U.K. became the first Western nation to grant emergency-use authorization for a Covid-19 @ @ @ @ @ developed by Pfizer Inc. of the U.S. and BioNTech SE of Germany to be distributed @ @ @ @ @ .
The two-shot vaccine is also being reviewed by the Food and Drug Administration in @ @ @ @ @ similar authorization could come later this month and a rollout before the end of the @ @ @ @ @ green light on Wednesday punctuates a monthslong sprint by the two drugmakers , which teamed @ @ @ @ @ then pulled ahead of two other Western pharmaceutical giants , each with its own promising @ @ @ @ @ years to bring to market.
” Politico : Trump to FDA : Why is Europe @ @ @ @ @

Wall Street Journal: “The U.K. became the first Western nation to grant emergency-use authorization for a Covid-19 vaccine, clearing a shot developed by Pfizer Inc. of the U.S. and BioNTech SE of Germany to be distributed in limited numbers within days. The two-shot vaccine is also being reviewed by the Food and Drug Administration in the U.S., where a similar authorization could come later this month and a rollout before the end of the year.”
“The U.K. green light on Wednesday punctuates a monthslong sprint by the two drugmakers, which teamed up earlier this year and then pulled ahead of two other Western pharmaceutical giants, each with its own promising shot. Vaccines typically take years to bring to market.”
Politico: Trump to FDA: Why is Europe beating us on vaccine?


politicalwire--2020-12-02--Trump Threatens to Veto Major Defense Bill

“ President Trump on Tuesday threatened to veto an annual defense bill authorizing nearly $ 1 trillion in military spending @ @ @ @ @ for Facebook , Twitter and other social-media sites to be held legally liable for the @ @ @ @ @ , ” the Washington Post reports .
“ Trump delivered his ultimatum — calling for @ @ @ @ @ law known as Section 230 — in a pair of late-night tweets that transformed a @ @ @ @ @ a political war over his unproven allegations that Silicon Valley ’ s technology giants exhibit @ @ @ @ @

“President Trump on Tuesday threatened to veto an annual defense bill authorizing nearly $1 trillion in military spending unless Congress opens the door for Facebook, Twitter and other social-media sites to be held legally liable for the way they police their platforms,” the Washington Post reports.
“Trump delivered his ultimatum — calling for the repeal of a federal law known as Section 230 — in a pair of late-night tweets that transformed a critical national security debate into a political war over his unproven allegations that Silicon Valley’s technology giants exhibit bias against conservatives.”


politicalwire--2020-12-02--Half of Small Business Relief Went to Larger Firms

“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--2020-12-02--Nevada Governor Slams Trump Over Conspiracy Theory

Nevada Gov .
Steve Sisolak ( D ) hit back after President Trump retweeted a bizarre conspiracy theory claiming a @ @ @ @ @ COVID unit was actually a hoax .
Said Sisolak : “ His consistent misleading rhetoric @ @ @ @ @ reckless , and today ’ s implication that Renown ’ s alternate care site is @ @ @ @ @ is among the worst examples we ’ ve seen.
” He added : “ It @ @ @ @ @ continue to spread lies and sow distrust at a time when all Americans should be @ @ @ @ @ health crisis .
Enough is enough .
”

Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak (D) hit back after President Trump retweeted a bizarre conspiracy theory claiming a Reno hospital’s overflow COVID unit was actually a hoax.
Said Sisolak: “His consistent misleading rhetoric on COVID-19 is dangerous and reckless, and today’s implication that Renown’s alternate care site is a ‘fake hospital’ is among the worst examples we’ve seen.”
He added: “It is unconscionable for him to continue to spread lies and sow distrust at a time when all Americans should be united during this historic public health crisis. Enough is enough.”


politicalwire--2020-12-02--Trump Publicly Teases 2024 Bid

Trump Publicly Teases 2024 Bid

President Trump teased running again for president in 2024 as he hosted a holiday reception at the White House on @ @ @ @ @ reports .
Said Trump : “ It ’ s been an amazing four years .
@ @ @ @ @ do another four years .
Otherwise , I ’ ll see you in four years.
@ @ @ @ @ has been privately telling advisers for weeks that he ’ s pondering a 2024 campaign @ @ @ @ @ him think he could announce a bid in the immediate weeks ahead .
But Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ time outside those private conversations that he ’ s spoken about seeking a return to @ @ @ @ @

President Trump teased running again for president in 2024 as he hosted a holiday reception at the White House on Tuesday evening, the AP reports.
Said Trump: “It’s been an amazing four years. We’re trying to do another four years. Otherwise, I’ll see you in four years.”
Politico: “Trump has been privately telling advisers for weeks that he’s pondering a 2024 campaign, and some close to him think he could announce a bid in the immediate weeks ahead. But Tuesday appears to mark the first time outside those private conversations that he’s spoken about seeking a return to the White House.”


politicalwire--2020-12-02--Lawmaker Dines Outside After Voting to Ban It


politicalwire--2020-12-03--True Pandemic Toll in the U.S. Reaches 345,000

New York Times : “ The data show how the coronavirus pandemic , which is peaking in many states , @ @ @ @ @ patterns of death , higher than the official totals of deaths that have been directly @ @ @ @ @ “ Deaths nationwide were 19 percent higher than normal from March 15 to Nov. 14 @ @ @ @ @ shows that 345,000 more people than normal have died in the United States during that @ @ @ @ @ may be an undercount since recent death statistics are still being updated .
”

New York Times: “The data show how the coronavirus pandemic, which is peaking in many states, is bringing with it unusual patterns of death, higher than the official totals of deaths that have been directly linked to the virus.”
“Deaths nationwide were 19 percent higher than normal from March 15 to Nov. 14. Altogether, the analysis shows that 345,000 more people than normal have died in the United States during that period, a number that may be an undercount since recent death statistics are still being updated.”


politicalwire--2020-12-03--Florida Lawyer Urges People to Illegally Vote In Georgia

Georgia officials tell Fox News they are investigating a Florida attorney for attempting to vote illegally in the state ’ @ @ @ @ @ , after a video emerged of him stating his intent to move to Georgia temporarily @ @ @ @ @ his relative ’ s address to do the same .

Georgia officials tell Fox News they are investigating a Florida attorney for attempting to vote illegally for the Republican candidates in the state’s Jan. 5 Senate runoff, after a video emerged of him stating his intent to move to Georgia temporarily and encouraging others to use his relative’s address to do the same.


politicalwire--2020-12-03--Trump Escalates Baseless Attacks on Election

This is quite the lede from the Washington Post : “ Escalating his attack on democracy from within the White @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday distributed an astonishing 46-minute video rant filled with baseless allegations of voter fraud and @ @ @ @ @ declared the nation ’ s election system ‘ under coordinated assault and siege ’ and @ @ @ @ @ statistically impossible ’ for him to have lost to President-elect Joe Biden.
” “ Standing @ @ @ @ @ the Diplomatic Reception Room and flanked by the flags of his office and of the @ @ @ @ @ an oath to uphold , Trump tried to leverage the power of the presidency to @ @ @ @ @ the election results .
”

This is quite the lede from the Washington Post:
“Escalating his attack on democracy from within the White House, President Trump on Wednesday distributed an astonishing 46-minute video rant filled with baseless allegations of voter fraud and outright falsehoods in which he declared the nation’s election system ‘under coordinated assault and siege’ and argued that it was ‘statistically impossible’ for him to have lost to President-elect Joe Biden.”
“Standing behind the presidential lectern in the Diplomatic Reception Room and flanked by the flags of his office and of the country whose Constitution he swore an oath to uphold, Trump tried to leverage the power of the presidency to subvert the vote and overturn the election results.”


politicalwire--2020-12-03--Trump Is Said to Be ‘Livid’ at Barr

Trump Is Said to Be ‘Livid’ at Barr

“ President Trump remained livid at Attorney General William Barr on Wednesday , with one senior administration official indicating there @ @ @ @ @ be fired — not just for his public comments undercutting Trump ’ s unfounded claims @ @ @ @ @ also for steps he did not take on a probe of the FBI ’ s @ @ @ @ @ s campaign , ” the Washington Post reports .
“ One senior administration official said @ @ @ @ @ would fire his attorney general and asserted that the president was not merely frustrated over @ @ @ @ @ .
The person said that several people are trying to persuade Trump not to do @ @ @

“President Trump remained livid at Attorney General William Barr on Wednesday, with one senior administration official indicating there was a chance Barr could be fired — not just for his public comments undercutting Trump’s unfounded claims of election-shifting fraud, but also for steps he did not take on a probe of the FBI’s 2016 investigation into Trump’s campaign,” the Washington Post reports.
“One senior administration official said there was a chance Trump would fire his attorney general and asserted that the president was not merely frustrated over Barr’s fraud-related assertions. The person said that several people are trying to persuade Trump not to do so.”


politicalwire--2020-12-03--Pence Backs Away from Trump’s Election ‘Fraud’ Talk

Sources tell the Daily Beast that Vice President Mike Pence sees President Trump ’ s legal challenges to the election @ @ @ @ @ at the president ’ s attacks on Republican governors .
Said a senior administration official @ @ @ @ @ doesn ’ t want to go down with this ship and believes much of the @ @ @ @ @ .
”

Sources tell the Daily Beast that Vice President Mike Pence sees President Trump’s legal challenges to the election as doomed and has recoiled at the president’s attacks on Republican governors.
Said a senior administration official: “The vice president doesn’t want to go down with this ship and believes much of the legal work has been unhelpful.”


politicalwire--2020-12-03--RNC Invites 2024 Hopefuls to January Meeting

Politico : “ McDaniel is inviting roughly a dozen potential 2024 presidential candidates to the RNC ’ s January meeting @ @ @ @ @ — the most explicit move she ’ s made yet to show that the committee @ @ @ @ @ and not simply an extension of Trump ’ s political machine , even as he @ @ @ @ @ ” “ The list of would-be candidates invited to speak includes South Carolina Sen. Tim @ @ @ @ @ .
Kristi Noem , and former United Nations ambassador Nikki Haley .
Vice President Mike @ @ @ @ @ , is planning to attend .
Trump is also invited , though spokespersons declined to @ @ @ @ @ be going .
”

Politico: “McDaniel is inviting roughly a dozen potential 2024 presidential candidates to the RNC’s January meeting in Amelia Island, Fla. — the most explicit move she’s made yet to show that the committee will be impartial going forward and not simply an extension of Trump’s political machine, even as he openly mulls a comeback bid.”
“The list of would-be candidates invited to speak includes South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott, South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, and former United Nations ambassador Nikki Haley. Vice President Mike Pence, another potential contender, is planning to attend. Trump is also invited, though spokespersons declined to say whether he’d be going.”


politicalwire--2020-12-03--Tensions Simmer Inside Biden Transition

Tensions Simmer Inside Biden Transition

“ President-elect Joe Biden is rapidly assembling a team of Washington hands with deep experience , projecting an image of @ @ @ @ @ savage infighting often at play around President Donald Trump , ” USA Today reports .
@ @ @ @ @ of his tightly scripted events , tensions simmer as factions within Biden ’ s decades-old @ @ @ @ @ outside figures grow increasingly vocal in questioning some of the early choices for top positions @ @ @ @ @

“President-elect Joe Biden is rapidly assembling a team of Washington hands with deep experience, projecting an image of cohesion in contrast to the savage infighting often at play around President Donald Trump,” USA Today reports.
“But below the surface of his tightly scripted events, tensions simmer as factions within Biden’s decades-old orbit jockey for jobs and outside figures grow increasingly vocal in questioning some of the early choices for top positions within the administration.”


politicalwire--2020-12-02--Ivanka Trump Deposed In Inauguration Lawsuit

“ As the father of six children and the grandfather of seven , no .
My children and grandchildren are @ @ @ @ @ Chris Wallace , quoted by Poynter , on whether moderating the…


politicalwire--2020-12-02--Pompeo Invites Hundreds to Indoor Holiday Parties

“ Following a sharp spike in coronavirus cases across the country , State Department leadership sent out a notice to @ @ @ @ @ that “ any non-mission critical events ” be changed to ‘ virtual events as opposed @ @ @ @ @ ” the Washington Post reports .
“ That same week , U.S. event planners were @ @ @ @ @ not apply to the upcoming functions they were working on : large indoor holiday parties @ @ @ @ @ Mike Pompeo and his wife , Susan , on the eighth floor of the State @ @ @ @ @ , food and drinks .
”

“Following a sharp spike in coronavirus cases across the country, State Department leadership sent out a notice to employees one week ago recommending that “any non-mission critical events” be changed to ‘virtual events as opposed to in-person gatherings,'” the Washington Post reports.
“That same week, U.S. event planners were told that the guidance did not apply to the upcoming functions they were working on: large indoor holiday parties hosted by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and his wife, Susan, on the eighth floor of the State Department involving hundreds of guests, food and drinks.”


politicalwire--2020-12-02--Bonus Quote of the Day

Bonus Quote of the Day

“ As the father of six children and the grandfather of seven , no .
My children and grandchildren are @ @ @ @ @ Chris Wallace , quoted by Poynter , on whether moderating the first presidential debate was @ @ @

“As the father of six children and the grandfather of seven, no. My children and grandchildren are much better behaved.”
— Chris Wallace, quoted by Poynter, on whether moderating the first presidential debate was like parenting.


politicalwire--2020-12-02--UN Calls for End to ‘War on Nature’

UN Calls for End to ‘War on Nature’

“ As an extreme year for hurricanes , wildfires and heat waves comes to an end , the head of @ @ @ @ @ leaders to make 2021 the year that humanity ends its ‘ war on nature ’ @ @ @ @ @ free of planet-warming carbon pollution , ” the AP reports .
Said UN Secretary-General António @ @ @ @ @ of the planet is broken .
This is suicidal .
”

“As an extreme year for hurricanes, wildfires and heat waves comes to an end, the head of the United Nations challenged world leaders to make 2021 the year that humanity ends its ‘war on nature’ and commits to a future free of planet-warming carbon pollution,” the AP reports.
Said UN Secretary-General António Guterres: “The state of the planet is broken. This is suicidal.”


politicalwire--2020-12-02--Grisham Turns Down Interior Secretary Post


politicalwire--2020-12-02--Republicans Cheer On Trump 2024 Run

Republicans Cheer On Trump 2024 Run

“ Congressional Republicans were slow to embrace Donald Trump ’ s White House campaign in 2016 .
But the ousted @ @ @ @ @ support on Capitol Hill should he run again in 2024 , ” Politico reports .
@ @ @ @ @ cheered on publicly by some of the very Republicans who could seek higher office in @ @ @ @ @ defeat , Trump ’ s hold on the party remains strong .
”

“Congressional Republicans were slow to embrace Donald Trump’s White House campaign in 2016. But the ousted president will have plenty of support on Capitol Hill should he run again in 2024,” Politico reports.
“Trump is even getting cheered on publicly by some of the very Republicans who could seek higher office in the future. Even in defeat, Trump’s hold on the party remains strong.”


politicalwire--2020-12-02--Feinstein Backs Padilla for Senate Seat

Feinstein Backs Padilla for Senate Seat


politicalwire--2020-12-02--Mayor Warned Residents to Stay Home While on Vacation

“ In early November , as health officials warned of a impending COVID-19 spike , Austin Mayor Steve Adler ( @ @ @ @ @ wedding and reception with 20 guests for his daughter at a trendy hotel near downtown @ @ @ @ @ Statesman reports .
“ The next morning , Adler and seven other wedding attendees boarded @ @ @ @ @ Cabo San Lucas , Mexico , where they vacationed for a week at a family @ @ @ @ @ the trip , Adler addressed Austin residents in a Facebook video : “ We need @ @ @ @ @ can .
This is not the time to relax .
We are going to be @ @ @ @ @ have to close things down if we are not careful .
”

“In early November, as health officials warned of a impending COVID-19 spike, Austin Mayor Steve Adler (D) hosted an outdoor wedding and reception with 20 guests for his daughter at a trendy hotel near downtown,” the Austin American Statesman reports.
“The next morning, Adler and seven other wedding attendees boarded a private jet bound for Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, where they vacationed for a week at a family timeshare.”
One night into the trip, Adler addressed Austin residents in a Facebook video: “We need to stay home if you can. This is not the time to relax. We are going to be looking really closely… We may have to close things down if we are not careful.”


politicalwire--2020-12-02--Trump Falsely Claims Election ‘Under Siege’

President Trump released an excerpt of a speech in which he falsely says the presidential election is “ under coordinated @ @ @ @ @ called it perhaps “ the most important speech ” he ’ s ever given .
@ @ @ @ @ on Facebook , is 46 minutes long .

President Trump released an excerpt of a speech in which he falsely says the presidential election is “under coordinated assault and siege.”
He called it perhaps “the most important speech” he’s ever given.
The entire speech, published on Facebook, is 46 minutes long.


politicalwire--2020-12-02--Winter May Be Most Difficult In Public Health History

Dr. Robert Redfield , the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , said the next few months @ @ @ @ @ be among “ the most difficult in the public health history of this nation , @ @ @ @ @ said that about 90 % of hospitals in the country are in “ hot zones @ @ @ @ @ ”

Dr. Robert Redfield, the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said the next few months of the Covid-19 pandemic will be among “the most difficult in the public health history of this nation,” CNBC reports.
Redfield said that about 90% of hospitals in the country are in “hot zones and the red zones.”


politicalwire--2020-12-02--Top Democrats Swing Behind Bipartisan Relief Bill

“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--2020-12-02--Raimondo Favored to Be Biden’s Health Secretary

Rhode Island Gov .
Gina Raimondo ( D ) is now a top contender to be President-elect Joe Biden ’ @ @ @ @ @ , with New Mexico Gov .
Michelle Lujan Grisham ( D ) no longer favored @ @ @ @ @ reports .
“ Raimondo , who was vetted to be Biden ’ s running mate @ @ @ @ @ Biden ’ s team in those interviews and was under consideration for a number of @ @ @ @ @ ”

Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo (D) is now a top contender to be President-elect Joe Biden’s pick for health secretary, with New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) no longer favored for the role, Politico reports.
“Raimondo, who was vetted to be Biden’s running mate over the summer, impressed Biden’s team in those interviews and was under consideration for a number of roles in the administration.”
Providence Journal: Will Raimondo leave Rhode Island for Biden Cabinet?


politicalwire--2020-12-02--David Perdue Traded Securities 2,596 Times In Six Years

Sen. David Purdue ( R-GA ) has made 2,596 trades during his Senate term — about as much as the @ @ @ @ @ in the Senate combined , the New York Times reports .
Many trades were in @ @ @ @ @ matters before committees he served on .

Sen. David Purdue (R-GA) has made 2,596 trades during his Senate term — about as much as the next five most active traders in the Senate combined, the New York Times reports.
Many trades were in companies with stakes in policy matters before committees he served on.


politicalwire--2020-12-03--Flynn Calls on Trump to Suspend Constitution

“ Joe Biden is facing dueling headwinds as he looks to fill out his Cabinet : Senate Republicans want the @ @ @ @ @ and choose nominees who could win their…


politicalwire--2020-12-03--Los Angeles Hospitals Near Tipping Point


politicalwire--2020-12-03--Trump’s Attacks Put Elections Officials at Risk

“ Intensifying attacks on the integrity of the vote by President Trump and his allies are fueling deep alarm among @ @ @ @ @ who have watched with dread in recent weeks as election workers have been targeted by @ @ @ @ @ the Washington Post reports .

“Intensifying attacks on the integrity of the vote by President Trump and his allies are fueling deep alarm among state and local officials, who have watched with dread in recent weeks as election workers have been targeted by fast-spreading conspiracy theories,” the Washington Post reports.


politicalwire--2020-12-03--Bid to Exclude Immigrants from Census Appears Doomed

“ President Trump ’ s determined effort to exclude undocumented immigrants from the 2020 census has been thwarted at every @ @ @ @ @ , the coronavirus , the Constitution , and now by the clock , ” The @ @ @ @ @ Bureau documents released Wednesday by Democrats on the House Oversight Committee suggest that the final @ @ @ @ @ be delivered to the president until at least Jan. 23 , three days after President-elect @ @ @ @ @ because of at least 15 data anomalies affecting more than a million census records .
@

“President Trump’s determined effort to exclude undocumented immigrants from the 2020 census has been thwarted at every turn — by the courts, the coronavirus, the Constitution, and now by the clock,” The Week reports.
“Census Bureau documents released Wednesday by Democrats on the House Oversight Committee suggest that the final apportionment count won’t be delivered to the president until at least Jan. 23, three days after President-elect Joe Biden takes office, because of at least 15 data anomalies affecting more than a million census records.”


politicalwire--2020-12-03--GOP Control to Linger Over Agency Key to Climate

“ The Biden administration will take over the executive branch on Jan. 20 , but the new president won ’ @ @ @ @ @ on an independent commission that holds significant sway over one of his top priorities , @ @ @ @ @ until after June 30 , ” Roll Call reports .
“ That ’ s because @ @ @ @ @ by voice vote a bipartisan pair of Trump administration nominees to the Federal Energy Regulatory @ @ @ @ @ markets , the electric grid , natural gas pipelines and large power projects like wind @ @ @ @ @ a 3-2 Republican majority until June 30 , when the term of Neil Chatterjee , @ @ @ @ @ .
”

“The Biden administration will take over the executive branch on Jan. 20, but the new president won’t have a Democratic majority on an independent commission that holds significant sway over one of his top priorities, a cleaner electric grid, until after June 30,” Roll Call reports.
“That’s because the Senate this week approved by voice vote a bipartisan pair of Trump administration nominees to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission — which oversees energy markets, the electric grid, natural gas pipelines and large power projects like wind farms — leaving it with a 3-2 Republican majority until June 30, when the term of Neil Chatterjee, a GOP commissioner, expires.”


politicalwire--2020-12-03--Trump Trip to Georgia Has GOP on Edge

Trump Trip to Georgia Has GOP on Edge

“ President Trump ’ s planned trip to Georgia on Saturday to campaign for two Senate candidates embroiled in tight @ @ @ @ @ Republicans on edge that he could do more harm than good by repeating false claims @ @ @ @ @ attacking GOP officials and further inflaming a simmering civil war within the state party , @ @ @ @ @ .
“ That war showed no signs of abating this week , with competing GOP @ @ @ @ @ distrustful of one another .
”

“President Trump’s planned trip to Georgia on Saturday to campaign for two Senate candidates embroiled in tight runoff races has put some Republicans on edge that he could do more harm than good by repeating false claims about the voting system, attacking GOP officials and further inflaming a simmering civil war within the state party,” the Washington Post reports.
“That war showed no signs of abating this week, with competing GOP factions growing increasingly angry and distrustful of one another.”
Los Angeles Times: Tumult in Georgia signals Trump’s post-presidency challenge for GOP.


politicalwire--2020-12-03--Trump’s Grievances Feed Menacing Undertow

“ The last throes of Donald Trump ’ s presidency have turned ugly — even dangerous .
Death threats are @ @ @ @ @ and state election officials are being hounded into hiding .
A Trump campaign lawyer is @ @ @ @ @ official who defended the integrity of the election should be ‘ drawn and quartered ’ @ @ @ @ @ the AP reports .
“ Neutral public servants , Democrats and a growing number of @ @ @ @ @ do what Trump wants are being caught in a menacing postelection undertow stirred by Trump @ @ @ @ @ election he lost .
”

“The last throes of Donald Trump’s presidency have turned ugly — even dangerous. Death threats are on the rise. Local and state election officials are being hounded into hiding. A Trump campaign lawyer is declaring publicly that a federal official who defended the integrity of the election should be ‘drawn and quartered’ or simply shot,” the AP reports.
“Neutral public servants, Democrats and a growing number of Republicans who won’t do what Trump wants are being caught in a menacing postelection undertow stirred by Trump’s grievances about the election he lost.”


politicalwire--2020-12-03--Senate GOP Warns Biden on Cabinet Picks

Senate GOP Warns Biden on Cabinet Picks

“ Joe Biden is facing dueling headwinds as he looks to fill out his Cabinet : Senate Republicans want the @ @ @ @ @ and choose nominees who could win their support , while liberal Democrats are pushing him @ @ @ @ @ shape the policies of his government , ” CNN reports .
“ And Republicans , @ @ @ @ @ the chamber , are not committing to scheduling votes on nominees they consider out of @ @ @ @ @ they vowing to quickly let Biden ’ s picks get confirmed in the first days @ @ @ @ @ private and public lobbying by top Democrats .
”

“Joe Biden is facing dueling headwinds as he looks to fill out his Cabinet: Senate Republicans want the President-elect to consult with them and choose nominees who could win their support, while liberal Democrats are pushing him to name progressives who could shape the policies of his government,” CNN reports.
“And Republicans, if they keep control of the chamber, are not committing to scheduling votes on nominees they consider out of the mainstream, nor are they vowing to quickly let Biden’s picks get confirmed in the first days of his administration despite the private and public lobbying by top Democrats.”


politicalwire--2020-12-04--Perdue Acknowledges Biden’s Victory

Perdue Acknowledges Biden’s Victory

Sen. David Perdue ( R-GA ) appeared to tacitly acknowledge President-elect Joe Biden ’ s victory in a video recording @ @ @ @ @ on Thursday , speaking just days before President Trump plans to travel to Georgia to @ @ @ @ @ senator Kelly Loeffler .
Said Perdue : “ We know what this change of command @ @ @ @ @ with our foreign relations .
If we can keep the majority in the Senate , @ @ @ @ @ a buffer on some of the things that the Biden camp has been talking about @ @ @ @ @ policy .
”

Sen. David Perdue (R-GA) appeared to tacitly acknowledge President-elect Joe Biden’s victory in a video recording obtained by the Washington Post on Thursday, speaking just days before President Trump plans to travel to Georgia to campaign for Perdue and fellow senator Kelly Loeffler.
Said Perdue: “We know what this change of command at the top will mean with our foreign relations. If we can keep the majority in the Senate, we can at least be a buffer on some of the things that the Biden camp has been talking about in terms of their foreign policy.”


politicalwire--2020-12-04--Trump Has Raised $207 Million Since Election

“ President Trump ’ s campaign and the Republican National Committee raised more than $ 207.5 million in the weeks @ @ @ @ @ campaign announced Thursday , revealing how his unsupported claims of voting fraud have created a @ @ @ @ @ his future political ambitions , ” the Wall Street Journal reports .

“President Trump’s campaign and the Republican National Committee raised more than $207.5 million in the weeks after Election Day, his campaign announced Thursday, revealing how his unsupported claims of voting fraud have created a financial windfall that can finance his future political ambitions,” the Wall Street Journal reports.


politicalwire--2020-12-04--Man Named After Adolph Hitler Wins Local Election

Susan Glasser : “ There are only two possible conclusions from listening to this folly : either the President actually @ @ @ @ @ , in which case he is crazy , or he…


politicalwire--2020-12-04--Trump Mulls Preemptive Pardons for Up to 20 Allies

“ President Trump is considering preemptively pardoning as many as 20 aides and associates before leaving office , frustrating Republicans @ @ @ @ @ to his friends and family members could backfire , ” Politico reports .
“ Trump @ @ @ @ @ much of his presidency , is nontraditional .
He is eschewing the typical protocol of @ @ @ @ @ Department .
And he may argue that such preemptive pardons for his friends and family @ @ @ @ @ them from paying millions in legal fees to fight what he describes as witch hunts.
@ @ @ @ @ ’ s mind is whether these pardons would look like an admission of guilt .
@

“President Trump is considering preemptively pardoning as many as 20 aides and associates before leaving office, frustrating Republicans who believe offering legal reprieves to his friends and family members could backfire,” Politico reports.
“Trump’s strategy, like much of his presidency, is nontraditional. He is eschewing the typical protocol of processing cases through the Justice Department. And he may argue that such preemptive pardons for his friends and family members are necessary to spare them from paying millions in legal fees to fight what he describes as witch hunts.”
“Weighing on Trump’s mind is whether these pardons would look like an admission of guilt.”


politicalwire--2020-12-04--Biden to Call for 100 Days of Mask-Wearing

“ Joe Biden said Thursday that he will ask Americans to commit to 100 days of wearing masks as one @ @ @ @ @ president , stopping just short of the nationwide mandate he ’ s pushed before to @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus , ” the AP reports .

“Joe Biden said Thursday that he will ask Americans to commit to 100 days of wearing masks as one of his first acts as president, stopping just short of the nationwide mandate he’s pushed before to stop the spread of the coronavirus,” the AP reports.


politicalwire--2020-12-04--GOP Pushes Back on Trump’s Veto Threat

GOP Pushes Back on Trump’s Veto Threat


politicalwire--2020-12-03--Why Are We Shrugging Off Trump’s Latest Craziness?

Susan Glasser : “ There are only two possible conclusions from listening to this folly : either the President actually @ @ @ @ @ , in which case he is crazy , or he does not , in which @ @ @ @ @ the most cynical attack on American democracy ever to come from the White House.
” @ @ @ @ @ nearly fifty days until Biden ’ s Inauguration .
This is far , far beyond @ @ @ @ @ four years .
Is this the kind of speech from their leader that Americans should @ @ @ @

Susan Glasser: “There are only two possible conclusions from listening to this folly: either the President actually believes what he is saying, in which case he is crazy, or he does not, in which case he is engaged in the most cynical attack on American democracy ever to come from the White House.”
“And yet there are nearly fifty days until Biden’s Inauguration. This is far, far beyond the craziness of the past four years. Is this the kind of speech from their leader that Americans should just ignore?”


politicalwire--2020-12-03--Fauci Will Be Biden’s Chief Medical Adviser


politicalwire--2020-12-03--How Republicans Stole a Florida State Senate Seat

The Miami Herald looks at the origins of a phantom candidate who was put on the ballot to steal votes @ @ @ @ @ tight Florida state senate race .
“ The no-party candidate with the same surname as @ @ @ @ @ a registered Republican until just before his qualifying papers were filed to make him a @ @ @ @ @ .
He received 6,382 votes in the election .
”

The Miami Herald looks at the origins of a phantom candidate who was put on the ballot to steal votes from the Democrats in a tight Florida state senate race.
“The no-party candidate with the same surname as the incumbent Democrat had been a registered Republican until just before his qualifying papers were filed to make him a candidate for the Florida Senate. He received 6,382 votes in the election.”


politicalwire--2020-12-03--Top Trump Communications Aide Resigns

Top Trump Communications Aide Resigns

“ White House communications director Alyssa Farah resigned from her post Thursday after three-and-a-half years in the Trump administration , @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Farah ’ s departure , with little over a month remaining in President @ @ @ @ @ amounts to a tacit acknowledgment that — despite his baseless and dangerous claims to the @ @ @ @ @ 2020 election , and much of his team is now pondering their post-White House future @ @

“White House communications director Alyssa Farah resigned from her post Thursday after three-and-a-half years in the Trump administration,” the Washington Post reports.
“Farah’s departure, with little over a month remaining in President Trump’s administration, amounts to a tacit acknowledgment that — despite his baseless and dangerous claims to the contrary — Trump lost the 2020 election, and much of his team is now pondering their post-White House future.”


politicalwire--2020-12-03--New York AG Vows to Continue Trump Probes


politicalwire--2020-12-03--Trump Aide Banned From Justice Department

“ The official serving as President Trump ’ s eyes and ears at the Justice Department has been banned from @ @ @ @ @ pressure staffers to give up sensitive information about election fraud and other matters she could @ @ @ @ @ , ” the AP reports .
“ Heidi Stirrup , an ally of top Trump @ @ @ @ @ quietly installed at the Justice Department as a White House liaison a few months ago @ @ @ @ @ the last two weeks to vacate the building after top Justice officials learned of her @ @ @ @ @ about ongoing cases and the department ’ s work on election fraud .
”

“The official serving as President Trump’s eyes and ears at the Justice Department has been banned from the building after trying to pressure staffers to give up sensitive information about election fraud and other matters she could relay to the White House,” the AP reports.
“Heidi Stirrup, an ally of top Trump adviser Stephen Miller, was quietly installed at the Justice Department as a White House liaison a few months ago. She was told within the last two weeks to vacate the building after top Justice officials learned of her efforts to collect insider information about ongoing cases and the department’s work on election fraud.”


politicalwire--2020-12-03--Newsom Adviser Faces Domestic Violence Charges

“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--2020-12-03--Roger Stone Falsely Claims North Korea Helped Biden

Former Trump adviser Roger Stone claimed without evidence that North Korea had interfered in the U.S. presidential election , Newsweek @ @ @ @ @ “ I just learned of absolute incontrovertible evidence of North Korean boats delivering ballots through @ @ @ @ @ the state of Maine .
If this checks out , if law enforcement looked into @ @ @ @ @ to be true , it would be proof of foreign involvement in the election .
@

Former Trump adviser Roger Stone claimed without evidence that North Korea had interfered in the U.S. presidential election, Newsweek reports.
Said Stone: “I just learned of absolute incontrovertible evidence of North Korean boats delivering ballots through a harbor in Maine, the state of Maine. If this checks out, if law enforcement looked into that and it turned out to be true, it would be proof of foreign involvement in the election.”


politicalwire--2020-12-03--Postal Slowdowns Likely Didn’t Impact Battlegrounds

“ US Postal Service workers likely delivered more than 99.9 % of the nation ’ s mail ballots in-time to @ @ @ @ @ reports .
“ However , it also appears the USPS disenfranchised tens of thousands of @ @ @ @ @ ballots the week before the election – through substandard performance.
” “ NBCLX analyzed election @ @ @ @ @ postal records obtained through federal court filings – to find out how many ballots , @ @ @ @ @ election , were ultimately rejected… But records indicate the figure is likely no more than @ @ @ @ @ any given state – not enough to change the results of a single battleground in @ @ @

“US Postal Service workers likely delivered more than 99.9% of the nation’s mail ballots in-time to be counted,” NBCLX reports.
“However, it also appears the USPS disenfranchised tens of thousands of voters – who mailed legally-cast ballots the week before the election – through substandard performance.”
“NBCLX analyzed election records – as well as postal records obtained through federal court filings – to find out how many ballots, cast the week before the election, were ultimately rejected… But records indicate the figure is likely no more than a few thousand votes in any given state – not enough to change the results of a single battleground in 2020.”


politicalwire--2020-12-03--The Georgia Runoffs and Control of the Senate

This issue looks at the messaging and television ads in the critical Georgia Senate runoffs , a look at how @ @ @ @ @ Blue Wall , ” and an early look at what will likely be the first @ @ @ @ @ .
If you ’ re not yet a member , sign up for an Annual @ @ @ @ @ access and many more benefits .
Gift memberships are also available .

Just for members: Inside Elections.
This issue looks at the messaging and television ads in the critical Georgia Senate runoffs, a look at how Joe Biden rebuilt the “Blue Wall,” and an early look at what will likely be the first House special election of 2021.