politicalwire--2020-03-30--Hogan Issues Stay-at-Home Order for Maryland

Maryland Gov .
Larry Hogan ( R ) on Monday issued a stay-at-home order for Marylanders to stop the spread @ @ @ @ @ Baltimore Sun reports .
Said Hogan : “ We are no longer asking .
”

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (R) on Monday issued a stay-at-home order for Marylanders to stop the spread of the coronavirus, the Baltimore Sun reports.
Said Hogan: “We are no longer asking.”


politicalwire--2020-03-30--‘Don’t Blame Me’ Isn’t a Good Message

‘Don’t Blame Me’ Isn’t a Good Message

Jonathan Chait : “ Trump ’ s recent polling bump is real .
The important context , though , is that every leader is getting approval bumps , and almost all of them are getting much bigger ones than Trump… ” “ The double-edged sword of public opinion on the presidency is that Americans give the chief executive too much credit for good times and too much blame for bad ones .
They expect presidents to solve all problems , even ones beyond the office ’ s capacity .
Trump has conspicuously failed even to pantomime what that kind of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about other things to blame : China , the Obama administration , various Democratic governors , General Motors , and the supposed ( and clearly untrue ) fact that ‘ nobody saw this coming.
’ He said on camera , ‘ I don ’ t take responsibility at all , ’ a line that will appear in almost every Democratic ad , because it violates Americans ’ most fundamental requirements of their leaders.
” “ Trump ’ s management of the coronavirus has been shambolic .
Even the superficial communication of his management @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , very modest high watermark in polling is a reservoir of goodwill that he is rapidly squandering .
If he winds up winning reelection , it will be in spite of everything he has done so far .
”

Jonathan Chait: “Trump’s recent polling bump is real. The important context, though, is that every leader is getting approval bumps, and almost all of them are getting much bigger ones than Trump…”
“The double-edged sword of public opinion on the presidency is that Americans give the chief executive too much credit for good times and too much blame for bad ones. They expect presidents to solve all problems, even ones beyond the office’s capacity. Trump has conspicuously failed even to pantomime what that kind of leadership looks like. Mostly he talks about other things to blame: China, the Obama administration, various Democratic governors, General Motors, and the supposed (and clearly untrue) fact that ‘nobody saw this coming.’ He said on camera, ‘I don’t take responsibility at all,’ a line that will appear in almost every Democratic ad, because it violates Americans’ most fundamental requirements of their leaders.”
“Trump’s management of the coronavirus has been shambolic. Even the superficial communication of his management has been a disaster. His present, very modest high watermark in polling is a reservoir of goodwill that he is rapidly squandering. If he winds up winning reelection, it will be in spite of everything he has done so far.”


politicalwire--2020-03-30--Trump Admits GOP Wouldn’t Win If Voting Were Easier

President Trump openly admitted on Fox & Friends that if voting were made easier — as Democrats pushed for in @ @ @ @ @ bill — Republicans wouldn ’ t win elections .
Said Trump : “ The things @ @ @ @ @ crazy .
They had levels of voting , that if you ever agreed to it @ @ @ @ @ a Republican elected in this country again .
”

President Trump openly admitted on Fox & Friends that if voting were made easier — as Democrats pushed for in the $2.2 trillion relief bill — Republicans wouldn’t win elections.
Said Trump: “The things they had in there were crazy. They had levels of voting, that if you ever agreed to it you’d never have a Republican elected in this country again.”


politicalwire--2020-03-30--True Crimes and Misdemeanors

True Crimes and Misdemeanors

Coming this summer : True Crimes and Misdemeanors : The Investigation of Donald Trump by Jeffrey Toobin .
“ A @ @ @ @ @ prosecutors and congressional investigators pursuing the truth about Donald Trump ’ s complicity in several @ @ @ @ @ ”

“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--2020-03-30--President Trump’s Prime-Time Pandemic

President Trump’s Prime-Time Pandemic

James Poniewozik : “ Mr .
Trump became a prime-time star through TV , a political figure through TV and a president through TV .
But he has not , as president , had what he had with NBC ’ s The Apprentice : a regular TV show in which he plays an executive in control.
” “ Now , the coronavirus briefings have given him a new , live and unfiltered daily platform before a captive national audience .
True to his résumé , he has conducted them as a kind of reality TV , or rather , create-your-own-reality @ @ @ @ @ @ @ often subject to later fact-checking by the press or to backpedaling by staff — help and needed equipment are always just around the corner .
Accurate reports of his conflicts with governors over federal support are ‘ fake news.
’ And no one could have anticipated a pandemic like this , despite warnings , playbooks and public-health infrastructure intended to do exactly that.
” “ In its short life , for all its dead-serious subject matter , the program has developed the structure , rhythm and characters of a weekly reality show .
@

James Poniewozik: “Mr. Trump became a prime-time star through TV, a political figure through TV and a president through TV. But he has not, as president, had what he had with NBC’s The Apprentice: a regular TV show in which he plays an executive in control.”
“Now, the coronavirus briefings have given him a new, live and unfiltered daily platform before a captive national audience. True to his résumé, he has conducted them as a kind of reality TV, or rather, create-your-own-reality TV.”
“In this reality — often subject to later fact-checking by the press or to backpedaling by staff — help and needed equipment are always just around the corner. Accurate reports of his conflicts with governors over federal support are ‘fake news.’ And no one could have anticipated a pandemic like this, despite warnings, playbooks and public-health infrastructure intended to do exactly that.”
“In its short life, for all its dead-serious subject matter, the program has developed the structure, rhythm and characters of a weekly reality show.”


politicalwire--2020-03-30--GOP Plows Forward on Plans to Kill Obamacare

Daily Beast : “ The worsening coronavirus outbreak may be stretching the limits of the U.S. health care system and @ @ @ @ @ that isn ’ t deterring a group of 18 state attorneys general from plowing ahead @ @ @ @ @ overturn the Affordable Care Act within a year—a move that could disrupt the health care @ @ @ @ @ deep crisis.
” “ This fall , Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is slated to @ @ @ @ @ Court on behalf of 17 Republican attorneys general—and against 21 Democratic attorneys general—that Obamacare is @ @ @ @ @ down immediately .
”

Daily Beast: “The worsening coronavirus outbreak may be stretching the limits of the U.S. health care system and overwhelming state governments, but that isn’t deterring a group of 18 state attorneys general from plowing ahead with a lawsuit that could overturn the Affordable Care Act within a year—a move that could disrupt the health care system at a time of deep crisis.”
“This fall, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is slated to argue in the U.S. Supreme Court on behalf of 17 Republican attorneys general—and against 21 Democratic attorneys general—that Obamacare is unconstitutional and must be struck down immediately.”


politicalwire--2020-03-30--Spreading the Coronavirus to Own the Libs

McKay Coppins : “ Some of the more brazen departures from public-health consensus have carried a whiff of right-wing performance art .
Jerry Falwell Jr. , an outspoken Trump ally and president of the evangelical Liberty University , made headlines this week for inviting students back to campus over objections from local officials .
The conservative website The Federalist published a trollish piece proposing ‘ chicken-pox parties ’ as a model for strategically spreading the coronavirus .
Throughout the conservative media , calls to reopen the economy—even if it means sacrificing the sick and elderly—are gaining traction.
” Said conservative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would rather die than kill the country.
” “ This dynamic is playing out in small ways across the country .
Bret , a sales representative from Plano , Texas , who asked that I not use his last name , proudly told me how unfazed he and his conservative neighbors were by the threat of an outbreak .
In his view , the recent wave of government-mandated lockdowns was a product of panic-mongering in the mainstream media , and he welcomed Trump ’ s call for businesses to reopen by Easter .
@

McKay Coppins: “Some of the more brazen departures from public-health consensus have carried a whiff of right-wing performance art. Jerry Falwell Jr., an outspoken Trump ally and president of the evangelical Liberty University, made headlines this week for inviting students back to campus over objections from local officials. The conservative website The Federalist published a trollish piece proposing ‘chicken-pox parties’ as a model for strategically spreading the coronavirus. Throughout the conservative media, calls to reopen the economy—even if it means sacrificing the sick and elderly—are gaining traction.”
Said conservative radio host Glenn Beck: “I would rather die than kill the country.”
“This dynamic is playing out in small ways across the country. Bret, a sales representative from Plano, Texas, who asked that I not use his last name, proudly told me how unfazed he and his conservative neighbors were by the threat of an outbreak. In his view, the recent wave of government-mandated lockdowns was a product of panic-mongering in the mainstream media, and he welcomed Trump’s call for businesses to reopen by Easter.”


Where’s Joe Biden?

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


politicalwire--2020-03-30--Trump Calls Pelosi a ‘Sick Puppy’

Trump Calls Pelosi a ‘Sick Puppy’

President Trump lashed out at Speaker Nancy Pelosi ( D-CA ) on Fox & Friends , calling her a “ @ @ @ @ @ to her assertion that he had not taken the novel coronavirus seriously enough .
Said @ @ @ @ @ she ’ s a sick puppy in my opinion .
She really is .
She @ @ @ @ @ of problems .
And that ’ s a horrible thing to say .
You know @ @ @ @ @ from fair people a lot of accolades , and I don ’ t want the @ @ @

President Trump lashed out at Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) on Fox & Friends, calling her a “sick puppy” in response to her assertion that he had not taken the novel coronavirus seriously enough.
Said Trump: “Well, she’s a sick puppy in my opinion. She really is. She’s got a lot of problems. And that’s a horrible thing to say. You know, I’ve gotten from fair people a lot of accolades, and I don’t want the accolades.”


politicalwire--2020-03-30--100K to 200K Deaths Is ‘Best Case Scenario’

Dr. Deborah Birx told NBC News there would likely be at least 100,000 to 200,000 deaths linked to the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ She noted that ’ s the best case scenario : “ If we do things @ @ @ @ @ , we could get in the range of 100,000 to 200,000 fatalities… The best case @ @ @ @ @ of Americans doing precisely what is required , but we ’ re not sure… that @ @ @ @ @ in a uniform way to protect one another .
”

Dr. Deborah Birx told NBC News there would likely be at least 100,000 to 200,000 deaths linked to the coronavirus in the United States.
She noted that’s the best case scenario: “If we do things together well, almost perfectly, we could get in the range of 100,000 to 200,000 fatalities… The best case scenario would be 100% of Americans doing precisely what is required, but we’re not sure… that all of America is responding in a uniform way to protect one another.”


politicalwire--2020-03-30--Clyburn Doesn’t See Biden Picking Stacey Abrams

Rep. Jim Clyburn ( D-SC ) was asked by the Financial Times whether he thought Joe Biden would pick Stacey @ @ @ @ @ .
Said Clyburn : “ I doubt it .
There ’ s something to be @ @ @ @ @ been out there.
” Clyburn does , however , want to see a black woman @ @ @ @ @ his eyes on another Georgia politician .
“ There is a young lady right there @ @ @ @ @ would make a tremendous VP candidate , and that ’ s the mayor of Atlanta @ @ @ @ @ ”

Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-SC) was asked by the Financial Times whether he thought Joe Biden would pick Stacey Abrams as his running mate.
Said Clyburn: “I doubt it. There’s something to be said for somebody who has been out there.”
Clyburn does, however, want to see a black woman on the ticket and has his eyes on another Georgia politician. “There is a young lady right there in Georgia who I think would make a tremendous VP candidate, and that’s the mayor of Atlanta, Keisha Lance Bottoms.”


politicalwire--2020-03-30--Democratic Groups Adjust to the Pandemic

“ Well-funded Democratic nonprofits and super PACs are adjusting their messaging and tactics in response to the coronavirus pandemic as @ @ @ @ @ of dollars into ad campaigns and digital platforms in an attempt to beat President Trump @ @ @ @ @ Wall Street Journal reports .
“ The left-leaning groups have spent months polling , interviewing @ @ @ @ @ building digital outreach operations to avoid any missteps from 2016 .
Now that the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ and campaigning , the groups say they are leaning more on that digital infrastructure.
” @ @ @ @ @ who are more dependent than ever on technology for social connection can expect to see @ @ @ @ @ , Instagram and even videogame platforms .
And while ads focus on everything from the @ @ @ @ @ the impact of tariffs on Wisconsin dairy farmers , many of the Democratic groups are @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus response at the forefront .
”

“Well-funded Democratic nonprofits and super PACs are adjusting their messaging and tactics in response to the coronavirus pandemic as they pour tens of millions of dollars into ad campaigns and digital platforms in an attempt to beat President Trump in November,” the Wall Street Journal reports.
“The left-leaning groups have spent months polling, interviewing voters in battleground states and building digital outreach operations to avoid any missteps from 2016. Now that the pandemic has shut down traditional canvassing and campaigning, the groups say they are leaning more on that digital infrastructure.”
“The result: Voters who are more dependent than ever on technology for social connection can expect to see more Democratic-boosting content on Facebook, Instagram and even videogame platforms. And while ads focus on everything from the cost of prescription medication to the impact of tariffs on Wisconsin dairy farmers, many of the Democratic groups are putting Mr. Trump’s coronavirus response at the forefront.”


politicalwire--2020-03-30--Dire Projections Moved Trump from His Easter Plan

Associated Press : “ The projections were grim : Even if the U.S. were to continue to do what it @ @ @ @ @ economy closed and most Americans in their homes , the coronavirus could leave 100,000 to @ @ @ @ @ infected .
And the totals would be far worse if the nation reopened.
” “ @ @ @ @ @ more tangible and harrowing when paired with televised images of body bags lined up at @ @ @ @ @ not far from where Trump grew up in Queens.
” “ The confluence of dire @ @ @ @ @ to move the president off his hopes for an Easter rebirth for the nation ’ @ @ @ @

Associated Press: “The projections were grim: Even if the U.S. were to continue to do what it was doing, keeping the economy closed and most Americans in their homes, the coronavirus could leave 100,000 to 200,000 people dead and millions infected. And the totals would be far worse if the nation reopened.”
“Those stark predictions grew even more tangible and harrowing when paired with televised images of body bags lined up at a New York City hospital not far from where Trump grew up in Queens.”
“The confluence of dire warnings and tragic images served to move the president off his hopes for an Easter rebirth for the nation’s economy.”


politicalwire--2020-03-30--Super PACs Join Forces to Elect Biden

Super PACs Join Forces to Elect Biden

“ Two of the most prominent outside Democratic groups are forming a partnership to pool resources and research to help @ @ @ @ @ , an attempt at consolidating fund-raising in an increasingly competitive marketplace for third-party organizations , @ @ @ @ @ reports .
“ Unite the Country , the super PAC formed late last year to @ @ @ @ @ the progressive group American Bridge are teaming up to coordinate their efforts in hopes of @ @ @ @ @ together to defeat President Trump in November , leaders from the two groups said Monday @ @

“Two of the most prominent outside Democratic groups are forming a partnership to pool resources and research to help elect Joe Biden this fall, an attempt at consolidating fund-raising in an increasingly competitive marketplace for third-party organizations,” the New York Times reports.
“Unite the Country, the super PAC formed late last year to support Mr. Biden, and the progressive group American Bridge are teaming up to coordinate their efforts in hopes of raising about $175 million together to defeat President Trump in November, leaders from the two groups said Monday.”


politicalwire--2020-03-30--CNN Chief Defends Airing Trump’s Pressers

“ CNN chief Jeff Zucker on Monday defended the network ’ s decision to carry President Trump ’ s coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ that he uses the conferences to spread misinformation during a pandemic , ” the Daily @ @ @ @ @ argued on the staff call that it is important for viewers to hear critical information @ @ @ @ @ public-health experts like Drs .
Anthony Fauci and Deborah Birx , and for the CNN @ @ @ @ @ answer tough questions from journalists including the network ’ s own.
” “ He did @ @ @ @ @ pondered whether to air portions of the briefings after Trump finishes speaking , but said @ @ @ @ @ the briefings live because of those reporterly grillings .
”

“CNN chief Jeff Zucker on Monday defended the network’s decision to carry President Trump’s coronavirus press briefings live despite criticism that he uses the conferences to spread misinformation during a pandemic,” the Daily Beast reports.
“Zucker argued on the staff call that it is important for viewers to hear critical information from the administration’s public-health experts like Drs. Anthony Fauci and Deborah Birx, and for the CNN audience to hear the president answer tough questions from journalists including the network’s own.”
“He did note that the network had pondered whether to air portions of the briefings after Trump finishes speaking, but said that he felt comfortable airing the briefings live because of those reporterly grillings.”


politicalwire--2020-03-30--Hungarian President Given Sweeping Powers

Hungarian prime minister Victor Orban has been granted open-ended powers to rule by decree to end the spread of the @ @ @ @ @ Orban can now suspend parliament and cancel elections and send people to jail for up @ @ @ @ @ fake news and rumors about COVID-19 and up to eight years for leaving quarantine .

Hungarian prime minister Victor Orban has been granted open-ended powers to rule by decree to end the spread of the coronavirus, Reuters reports.
Orban can now suspend parliament and cancel elections and send people to jail for up to five years for spreading fake news and rumors about COVID-19 and up to eight years for leaving quarantine.


politicalwire--2020-03-30--Megachurch Pastor Arrested After Service for 500 People

The pastor of a Tampa megachurch is facing charges after refusing to close its doors despite a “ safer at @ @ @ @ @ stop the spread of the coronavirus , Fox 13 News reports .
The sheriff says @ @ @ @ @ in attendance at Pastor Rodney Howard-Browne ’ s Sunday services .

The pastor of a Tampa megachurch is facing charges after refusing to close its doors despite a “safer at home” order meant to stop the spread of the coronavirus, Fox 13 News reports.
The sheriff says up to 500 people were in attendance at Pastor Rodney Howard-Browne’s Sunday services.


politicalwire--2020-03-30--Pelosi Readies Phase 4 Relief Bill

Pelosi Readies Phase 4 Relief Bill

Wall Street Journal : “ In the Pelosi view , the first two bills passed amid the crisis were simply @ @ @ @ @ emergency—buying medical supplies , for example—and the third was designed to mitigate the deep damage @ @ @ @ @ down .
Now , she says , it is time to start thinking beyond that @ @ @ @ @ “ So she envisions a phase-four bill that would pay for some growing workplace needs @ @ @ @ @ protections for those at risk of infection , government funds to pay for coronavirus tests @ @ @ @ @ at risk because of the economic jolt .
Beyond that , the legislation would have @ @ @ @ @ improvements in America ’ s infrastructure , including its health and digital infrastructure , both @ @ @ @ @ crisis .
”

Wall Street Journal: “In the Pelosi view, the first two bills passed amid the crisis were simply about dealing with the health emergency—buying medical supplies, for example—and the third was designed to mitigate the deep damage done by an economy shutting down. Now, she says, it is time to start thinking beyond that, to economic recovery.”
“So she envisions a phase-four bill that would pay for some growing workplace needs: medical leave, more protections for those at risk of infection, government funds to pay for coronavirus tests and help for pension funds at risk because of the economic jolt. Beyond that, the legislation would have a bigger goal: fund improvements in America’s infrastructure, including its health and digital infrastructure, both badly taxed in the current crisis.”


politicalwire--2020-03-31--Trump Is Not Rising to the Moment

Trump Is Not Rising to the Moment

CNN : “ It ’ s no exaggeration to say Trump faces the most critical month of his presidency yet @ @ @ @ @ himself will be crucial for the country and his own hopes of reelection .
But @ @ @ @ @ does not fully understand the stakes nor is willing to relegate his own interests in @ @ @ @ @ ” “ Trump still appears to be marveling at the spread of the virus , @ @ @ @ @ could have predicted .
Health experts had anticipated its arrival in the US for months @ @ @ @ @ would occur and it would just go away.
” “ And on a day when @ @ @ @ @ he boasted at one point that his hair blowing in the breeze in the White @ @ @ @ @ own , marking an inappropriate tone for a harrowing national moment .
”

CNN: “It’s no exaggeration to say Trump faces the most critical month of his presidency yet — and how he conducts himself will be crucial for the country and his own hopes of reelection. But there are signs that he does not fully understand the stakes nor is willing to relegate his own interests in favor of the common good.”
“Trump still appears to be marveling at the spread of the virus, which he says no one could have predicted. Health experts had anticipated its arrival in the US for months as he predicted a miracle would occur and it would just go away.”
“And on a day when so many Americans died, he boasted at one point that his hair blowing in the breeze in the White House Rose Garden was his own, marking an inappropriate tone for a harrowing national moment.”


politicalwire--2020-03-31--Poll Finds Recession Fears High

Poll Finds Recession Fears High

A new Washington Post-ABC News poll finds more than 9 in 10 Americans say they think the coronavirus outbreak is @ @ @ @ @ recession .
More than 6 in 10 are predicting that the downturn will rival or @ @ @ @ @ a decade ago .

A new Washington Post-ABC News poll finds more than 9 in 10 Americans say they think the coronavirus outbreak is likely to cause an economic recession.
More than 6 in 10 are predicting that the downturn will rival or eclipse the Great Recession of a decade ago.


politicalwire--2020-03-31--States Struggle to Prepare for Voting During Pandemic

“ In interviews with Politico , eight election administrators and voting rights advocates said it is still too difficult for @ @ @ @ @ ballots , even as two-thirds of American adults say they would be uncomfortable going to @ @ @ @ @ , according to a new Pew Research Center survey — and as local , state @ @ @ @ @ require Americans to stay home.
” “ The consequences could shake the 2020 elections : @ @ @ @ @ break modern records but instead could turn sharply downward , based on the path the @ @ @ @ @ next few months .
The patchwork system has thrown a wrench into every 2020 campaign @ @ @ @ @ down to state and local candidates , as they navigate different state laws and emerging @ @ @ @ @ their voters can cast ballots amid the coronavirus pandemic .
”

“In interviews with Politico, eight election administrators and voting rights advocates said it is still too difficult for many voters to cast absentee ballots, even as two-thirds of American adults say they would be uncomfortable going to a polling place to vote, according to a new Pew Research Center survey — and as local, state and federal governments encourage or require Americans to stay home.”
“The consequences could shake the 2020 elections: Turnout had been expected to break modern records but instead could turn sharply downward, based on the path the coronavirus pandemic takes over the next few months. The patchwork system has thrown a wrench into every 2020 campaign, from the presidential hopefuls down to state and local candidates, as they navigate different state laws and emerging policy changes to make sure their voters can cast ballots amid the coronavirus pandemic.”


politicalwire--2020-03-31--How Coronavirus Blew Up the Plan to Take Down Trump

“ For many Democrats , it ’ s the election of a lifetime .
Yet the question preoccupying the party @ @ @ @ @ was whether their presumptive presidential nominee , Joe Biden , could get the webcast working @ @ @ @ @ ” Politico reports .
“ It was a telling obsession , one that revealed the @ @ @ @ @ s anxiety as it comes to a nail-biting conclusion : Despite all the arguments Democrats @ @ @ @ @ evidence they have amassed against Donald Trump , his reelection is likely to rise or @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus crisis and its fallout alone.
” “ The effect of the coronavirus on @ @ @ @ @ not become clear for weeks or months .
But the pandemic ’ s impact on @ @ @ @ @ been severe .
Primary elections are being postponed , allowing Bernie Sanders to linger in @ @ @ @ @ June the ability of Biden to mathematically clinch the nomination and fully turn his focus @ @ @ @

“For many Democrats, it’s the election of a lifetime. Yet the question preoccupying the party for several days this month was whether their presumptive presidential nominee, Joe Biden, could get the webcast working in his rec room,” Politico reports.
“It was a telling obsession, one that revealed the extent of the party’s anxiety as it comes to a nail-biting conclusion: Despite all the arguments Democrats have crafted and all the evidence they have amassed against Donald Trump, his reelection is likely to rise or fall on his handling of the coronavirus crisis and its fallout alone.”
“The effect of the coronavirus on Trump’s popularity will not become clear for weeks or months. But the pandemic’s impact on the Democratic Party has already been severe. Primary elections are being postponed, allowing Bernie Sanders to linger in the race and delay until June the ability of Biden to mathematically clinch the nomination and fully turn his focus to Trump.”


politicalwire--2020-03-31--Wheat and Rice Prices Surge in Coronavirus Lockdown

Wall Street Journal : “ Consumers are loading up on pasta , rice and bread .
Farm supply lines are @ @ @ @ @ agricultural exports.
” “ The result : Prices of wheat and rice , two of @ @ @ @ @ grains , are rising sharply .
Difficulties moving grain within countries and across borders , @ @ @ @ @ could exacerbate the impact of the pandemic on the global food market .
”

Wall Street Journal: “Consumers are loading up on pasta, rice and bread. Farm supply lines are disrupted. Countries are restricting agricultural exports.”
“The result: Prices of wheat and rice, two of the world’s staple grains, are rising sharply. Difficulties moving grain within countries and across borders, coupled with frenzied buying, could exacerbate the impact of the pandemic on the global food market.”


politicalwire--2020-03-31--Kushner Firm Built the Website Trump Promised

The Atlantic : “ On March 13 , President Trump promised Americans they would soon be able to access a @ @ @ @ @ them about their symptoms and direct them to nearby coronavirus testing sites .
He said @ @ @ @ @ That wasn ’ t true .
But in the following days , Oscar Health—a health-insurance @ @ @ @ @ ’ s son-in-law , Jared Kushner—developed a government website with the features the president had @ @ @ @ @ Oscar engineers , project managers , and executives spent about five days building a stand-alone @ @ @ @ @ s request , an Oscar spokesperson told The Atlantic .
The company even dispatched two @ @ @ @ @ meet in person with federal officials in Washington , D.C. , the spokesperson said .
@ @ @ @ @ and mysteriously scrapped.
” “ The company ’ s work on the coronavirus website could @ @ @ @ @ ”

The Atlantic: “On March 13, President Trump promised Americans they would soon be able to access a new website that would ask them about their symptoms and direct them to nearby coronavirus testing sites. He said Google was helping.”
“That wasn’t true. But in the following days, Oscar Health—a health-insurance company closely connected to Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner—developed a government website with the features the president had described. A team of Oscar engineers, project managers, and executives spent about five days building a stand-alone website at the government’s request, an Oscar spokesperson told The Atlantic. The company even dispatched two employees from New York to meet in person with federal officials in Washington, D.C., the spokesperson said. Then the website was suddenly and mysteriously scrapped.”
“The company’s work on the coronavirus website could violate federal ethics laws.”


politicalwire--2020-03-31--Trump Has Been Normalized

Trump Has Been Normalized

James Fallows : “ It ’ s nearly three-and-a-half years later .
Everything we saw about Trump on the campaign @ @ @ @ @ him in the White House , including the limitless fantasy-lying.
” “ I submit that @ @ @ @ @ much of the press has still not rebuilt itself , to cope with a time @ @ @ @ @ .
Or with a political party like the subservient Trump-era GOP.
” “ To choose @ @ @ @ @ examples , from only the past three days ’ worth of history , here are @ @ @ @ @ words and deeds that , each on its own , would likely have been major @ @ @ @ @ eras .
Now they are just part of the daily onrush .
”

James Fallows: “It’s nearly three-and-a-half years later. Everything we saw about Trump on the campaign trail we have seen from him in the White House, including the limitless fantasy-lying.”
“I submit that these three-and-a-half years later, much of the press has still not rebuilt itself, to cope with a time or a person like this. Or with a political party like the subservient Trump-era GOP.”
“To choose only a small subset of examples, from only the past three days’ worth of history, here are some illustrations. These are words and deeds that, each on its own, would likely have been major black-mark news events in other eras. Now they are just part of the daily onrush.”


politicalwire--2020-03-31--Judge Obtains Unredacted Version of Mueller Report

A federal judge obtained the full and unredacted report on election interference and obstruction of justice prepared by former special @ @ @ @ @ , Law & Crime reports .

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


politicalwire--2020-03-31--Pelosi Floats Rolling Back SALT Cap as Stimulus

“ As lawmakers prepare for another round of fiscal stimulus to address economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic , Speaker @ @ @ @ @ package include a retroactive rollback of a tax change that hurt high earners in states @ @ @ @ @ , ” the New York Times reports .
“ The move to lift a limit @ @ @ @ @ tax deduction , or SALT , would provide a quick cash infusion in the form @ @ @ @ @ an estimated 13 million American households — nearly all of which earn at least $ @ @ @ @ @ than half the benefits of such an effort would go to millionaires .
”

“As lawmakers prepare for another round of fiscal stimulus to address economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic, Speaker Nancy Pelosi suggested the next package include a retroactive rollback of a tax change that hurt high earners in states like New York and California,” the New York Times reports.
“The move to lift a limit on the state and local tax deduction, or SALT, would provide a quick cash infusion in the form of increased tax rebates to an estimated 13 million American households — nearly all of which earn at least $100,000 a year. More than half the benefits of such an effort would go to millionaires.”


politicalwire--2020-03-30--Super PACs Join Forces to Help Elect Biden


politicalwire--2020-03-31--Trump Warns of ‘Very, Very Painful’ Two Weeks

President Trump sought to gird the nation for a grim reality that will set in as the coronavirus pandemic stretches @ @ @ @ @ United States , The Hill reports .
Said Trump : “ I want every American @ @ @ @ @ hard days that lie ahead .
We ’ re going to go through a very @ @ @ @ @ then hopefully as the experts are predicting… you ’ re going to start seeing some @ @ @ @ @ of the tunnel.
” He added : “ But this is going to be a @ @ @ @ @ , very painful two weeks .
”

President Trump sought to gird the nation for a grim reality that will set in as the coronavirus pandemic stretches to every corner of the United States, The Hill reports.
Said Trump: “I want every American to be prepared for the hard days that lie ahead. We’re going to go through a very tough two weeks, and then hopefully as the experts are predicting… you’re going to start seeing some real light at the end of the tunnel.”
He added: “But this is going to be a very painful, a very, very painful two weeks.”


politicalwire--2020-03-31--Trump Rejects Special Obamacare Enrollment Period

“ The Trump administration has decided against reopening Obamacare enrollment to uninsured Americans during the coronavirus pandemic , defying calls @ @ @ @ @ to create a special sign-up window amid the health crisis , ” Politico reports .


politicalwire--2020-03-31--White House Economists Warned of Pandemic Last Year

“ White House economists published a study last September that warned a pandemic disease could kill a half million Americans @ @ @ @ @ ” the New York Times reports .
“ The existence of that warning undermines administration @ @ @ @ @ weeks that no one could have seen the virus damaging the economy as it has @ @ @ @ @ lead author , who has since left the White House , now says it would @ @ @ @ @ to effectively shut down most economic activity for two to eight months to slow the @ @ @

“White House economists published a study last September that warned a pandemic disease could kill a half million Americans and devastate the economy,” the New York Times reports.
“It went unheeded inside the administration.”
“The existence of that warning undermines administration officials’ contentions in recent weeks that no one could have seen the virus damaging the economy as it has. The study’s lead author, who has since left the White House, now says it would make sense for the administration to effectively shut down most economic activity for two to eight months to slow the virus.”


politicalwire--2020-03-31--California Will Release 3,500 Inmates Early

“ California is granting early release to 3,500 inmates in an effort to reduce crowding as coronavirus infections begin spreading @ @ @ @ @ , ” the Los Angeles Times reports .


politicalwire--2020-03-31--Bloomberg Staffers Docked for Taxes on Phones, Laptops

“ Laid off campaign staffers to Michael Bloomberg ’ s campaign who received their final paychecks on Tuesday were docked @ @ @ @ @ taxes on their campaign-issued cellphone and laptop , ” NBC News reports .
“ The @ @ @ @ @ against the Bloomberg campaign , alleging that the campaign fraudulently promised jobs through November , @ @ @ @ @ to more than 50 .
The plaintiffs are seeking to get the case certified as @ @ @ @ @ states , a move that could raise the number of claimants to over a thousand @ @

“Laid off campaign staffers to Michael Bloomberg’s campaign who received their final paychecks on Tuesday were docked hundreds of dollars to cover taxes on their campaign-issued cellphone and laptop,” NBC News reports.
“The deductions came as a lawsuit against the Bloomberg campaign, alleging that the campaign fraudulently promised jobs through November, has grown from one plaintiff to more than 50. The plaintiffs are seeking to get the case certified as a class action in seven states, a move that could raise the number of claimants to over a thousand.”


politicalwire--2020-03-31--Another Look at the Curve

Another Look at the Curve

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


politicalwire--2020-03-31--Pentagon Hasn’t Been Told Where to Ship Ventilators

“ Despite having committed to transferring 2,000 ventilators in military stocks to FEMA and the Department of Health and Human @ @ @ @ @ outbreak , the Pentagon has not shipped any of them because the agencies have not @ @ @ @ @ a shipping location , ” CNN reports .

“Despite having committed to transferring 2,000 ventilators in military stocks to FEMA and the Department of Health and Human Services to fight the coronavirus outbreak, the Pentagon has not shipped any of them because the agencies have not asked for them or provided a shipping location,” CNN reports.


politicalwire--2020-03-31--Wisconsin Is Moving Forward with Primary Next Week

“ Wisconsin is moving forward with plans to hold its primary election next Tuesday , creating a chaotic scenario that @ @ @ @ @ local election officials scrambling to hold a primary in the middle of a pandemic , @ @ @ @ @ Wisconsin elections officials are trying to keep up as absentee ballots surge , poll workers @ @ @ @ @ in short demand a week away from a primary in which in-person voting is still @ @ @ @ @ Democratic Gov .
Tony Evers ’ stay-at-home order and 1,351 confirmed cases of coronavirus in @ @ @ @ @ afternoon .
”

“Wisconsin is moving forward with plans to hold its primary election next Tuesday, creating a chaotic scenario that’s left state and local election officials scrambling to hold a primary in the middle of a pandemic,” CNN reports.
“Wisconsin elections officials are trying to keep up as absentee ballots surge, poll workers drop out and supplies are in short demand a week away from a primary in which in-person voting is still set to proceed — despite Democratic Gov. Tony Evers’ stay-at-home order and 1,351 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the state as of Tuesday afternoon.”


politicalwire--2020-03-31--Leaked Audio Shows Trump Still In Denial About Virus

CBS News obtained audio of a call Monday between President Trump and rural state governors about coronavirus where Trump says @ @ @ @ @ t heard about testing in weeks .
We ’ ve tested more now than any @ @ @ @ @ We ’ ve got these great tests , and we ’ ll come out with @ @ @ @ @ ’ s almost instantaneous testing .
But I haven ’ t heard about testing being @ @ @ @ @ was in response to a question from Montana Gov .
Steve Bullock ( D ) @ @ @ @ @ testing kits remained a problem .
Also on the same day , Govs .
Gretchen @ @ @ @ @ ) and Larry Hogan of Maryland ( R ) published an op-ed in the Washington @ @ @ @ @ for more “ test kits , medical supplies and other lifesaving equipment to meet the @ @ @ @ @ ”

CBS News obtained audio of a call Monday between President Trump and rural state governors about coronavirus where Trump says, “I haven’t heard about testing in weeks. We’ve tested more now than any nation in the world. We’ve got these great tests, and we’ll come out with another one tomorrow, that’s almost instantaneous testing. But I haven’t heard about testing being a problem.”
That quote was in response to a question from Montana Gov. Steve Bullock (D) who said the availability of testing kits remained a problem.
Also on the same day, Govs. Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan (D) and Larry Hogan of Maryland (R) published an op-ed in the Washington Post asking the federal government for more “test kits, medical supplies and other lifesaving equipment to meet the scope of this pandemic.”


politicalwire--2020-03-31--Wartime Production Law Has Been Used Routinely

New York Times : “ A Korean War-era law called the Defense Production Act has been invoked hundreds of thousands @ @ @ @ @ and his administration to ensure the procurement of vital equipment.
” “ Yet as governors @ @ @ @ @ with the president to use the law to force the production of ventilators and other @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus pandemic , he has for weeks treated it like a ‘ break the glass @ @ @ @ @ be invoked only when all else fails .
”

New York Times: “A Korean War-era law called the Defense Production Act has been invoked hundreds of thousands of times by President Trump and his administration to ensure the procurement of vital equipment.”
“Yet as governors and members of Congress plead with the president to use the law to force the production of ventilators and other medical equipment to combat the coronavirus pandemic, he has for weeks treated it like a ‘break the glass’ last resort, to be invoked only when all else fails.”


politicalwire--2020-03-31--The Curve Is Not Flattening

The Curve Is Not Flattening


politicalwire--2020-03-31--North Korea Claims No Coronavirus Cases

North Korea Claims No Coronavirus Cases

New York Times : “ The totalitarian state ’ s singular ability to control the movement of people also bolsters @ @ @ @ @ decades of isolation and international sanctions have ravaged North Korea ’ s public health system @ @ @ @ @ lacks the medical supplies to fight an outbreak , which many fear has already occurred… @ @ @ @ @ doubt its claims of not having any coronavirus cases .
But a lack of testing @ @ @ @ @ has not detected a single case .
”

New York Times: “The totalitarian state’s singular ability to control the movement of people also bolsters its disease-control efforts. But decades of isolation and international sanctions have ravaged North Korea’s public health system, raising concerns that it lacks the medical supplies to fight an outbreak, which many fear has already occurred… Many observers of North Korea doubt its claims of not having any coronavirus cases. But a lack of testing equipment may mean it literally has not detected a single case.”


politicalwire--2020-03-31--Trump Officials Tell Hospitals to Split Ventilators

Politico : “ The Trump administration is telling hospitals they can split ventilators between two patients and is escalating calls @ @ @ @ @ as federal officials try to limit care rationing in facilities lacking the critical breathing machines @ @ @ @ @ so-called ventilator splitting — an idea that ’ s been used extremely rarely in emergency @ @ @ @ @ ‘ only be considered as an absolute last resort ’ for hospitals swamped by coronavirus @ @ @

Politico: “The Trump administration is telling hospitals they can split ventilators between two patients and is escalating calls to scrap elective surgeries, as federal officials try to limit care rationing in facilities lacking the critical breathing machines. New federal guidelines on so-called ventilator splitting — an idea that’s been used extremely rarely in emergency situations — emphasizes it should ‘only be considered as an absolute last resort’ for hospitals swamped by coronavirus patients.”


politicalwire--2020-03-31--Do You Find Political Wire Useful?

Do You Find Political Wire Useful?

Join us as a member .
For $ 5 per month or $ 50 per year , you ’ ll @ @ @ @ @ to many new site features and no advertising .
The digital ad market has cratered @ @ @ @ @ Political Wire possible .

Join us as a member. For $5 per month or $50 per year, you’ll get exclusive analysis, access to many new site features and no advertising.
The digital ad market has cratered and memberships are what makes Political Wire possible.
Buy a membership today.


politicalwire--2020-03-31--Postal Service Could Shut Down by June

Postal Service Could Shut Down by June

Fortune : “ With a negative net worth of $ 65 billion and an additional $ 140 billion in unfunded @ @ @ @ @ expected to run out of liquidity by 2021 without intervention .
That has accelerated rapidly @ @ @ @ @ people and businesses are sending mail because of the outbreak , which could hasten the @ @ @ @ @ and close its doors as early as June .
”

Fortune: “With a negative net worth of $65 billion and an additional $140 billion in unfunded liabilities, the USPS originally expected to run out of liquidity by 2021 without intervention. That has accelerated rapidly because of COVID-19. Fewer people and businesses are sending mail because of the outbreak, which could hasten the decline of the Postal Service and close its doors as early as June.”


politicalwire--2020-03-31--Sale of Trump Hotel Put on Hold

Sale of Trump Hotel Put on Hold

Washington Post : “ Trump ’ s firm , which he still owns , has had to press pause on @ @ @ @ @ D.C. hotel lease due to the market ’ s collapse as potential buyers wait for @ @ @ @ @ normal operations.
” “ Trump ’ s company , now run by Donald Trump Jr. @ @ @ @ @ the planned sale in October and set a January deadline for initial bids .
”

Washington Post: “Trump’s firm, which he still owns, has had to press pause on the proposed sale of its D.C. hotel lease due to the market’s collapse as potential buyers wait for banks and investors to return normal operations.”
“Trump’s company, now run by Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, announced the planned sale in October and set a January deadline for initial bids.”


Mitch, Please!

Just published : Mitch , Please !
: How Mitch McConnell Sold Out Kentucky ( and America , Too ) @ @ @ @ @ They say all politics is local .
In 2020 , Mitch McConnell will have served @ @ @ @ @ US Senator .
Thirty years .
The Senate Majority leader ’ s power is as @ @ @ @ @ , and the people of Kentucky have had enough .
”

Just published: Mitch, Please!: How Mitch McConnell Sold Out Kentucky (and America, Too) by Matt Jones.
“They say all politics is local. In 2020, Mitch McConnell will have served five full terms as a US Senator. Thirty years. The Senate Majority leader’s power is as undeniable as it is infuriating, and the people of Kentucky have had enough.”


politicalwire--2020-03-31--‘It’s Not Like You Had to Go to the Kennedy School’

New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo at his daily press briefing on preparing for the coronavirus pandemic : “ Anyone @ @ @ @ @ a lot of these things… Did you really have to learn that 50 states shouldn @ @ @ @ @ states , and then FEMA shouldn ’ t come in late and compete with 50 @ @ @ @ @ not like you had to go to the Harvard Kennedy School to learn this .
@

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo at his daily press briefing on preparing for the coronavirus pandemic:
“Anyone could’ve told you a lot of these things… Did you really have to learn that 50 states shouldn’t compete against 50 states, and then FEMA shouldn’t come in late and compete with 50 states? It’s not like you had to go to the Harvard Kennedy School to learn this.”


politicalwire--2020-03-31--Extra Bonus Quote of the Day

Extra Bonus Quote of the Day

“ We ’ ve seen all too terribly the consequences of those who denied warnings of a pandemic .
We @ @ @ @ @ more consequences of climate denial .
All of us , especially young people , have @ @ @ @ @ government at every level and vote this fall .
”

“We’ve seen all too terribly the consequences of those who denied warnings of a pandemic. We can’t afford any more consequences of climate denial. All of us, especially young people, have to demand better of our government at every level and vote this fall.”
— Barack Obama, on Twitter.


politicalwire--2020-03-31--Chris Cuomo Tests Positive

Chris Cuomo Tests Positive

CNN anchor Chris Cuomo , the brother of New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo , has been diagnosed with coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ is feeling well and will continue to anchor his 9 p.m. program from his home @ @ @ @ @ the diagnosis at his press briefing : “ He is going to be fine .
@ @ @ @ @ in good shape , strong , not as strong as he thinks , but he @ @ @ @ @

CNN anchor Chris Cuomo, the brother of New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, has been diagnosed with coronavirus, CNN reports.
He is feeling well and will continue to anchor his 9 p.m. program from his home.
Gov. Cuomo confirmed the diagnosis at his press briefing: “He is going to be fine. He’s young, in good shape, strong, not as strong as he thinks, but he will be fine.”


politicalwire--2020-04-01--Russia Sends Humanitarian Aid to U.S.

Russia Sends Humanitarian Aid to U.S.

A Russian military plane loaded with medical equipment took off from outside of Moscow Wednesday after President Vladimir Putin offered @ @ @ @ @ U.S. battle with coronavirus , Bloomberg reports .
Said a Kremlin spokesperson : “ The @ @ @ @ @ the dire epidemiological situation in America .
Trump gratefully accepted this humanitarian aid .
”

A Russian military plane loaded with medical equipment took off from outside of Moscow Wednesday after President Vladimir Putin offered Donald Trump help for the U.S. battle with coronavirus, Bloomberg reports.
Said a Kremlin spokesperson: “The Russian side offered assistance amid the dire epidemiological situation in America. Trump gratefully accepted this humanitarian aid.”


politicalwire--2020-04-01--Coronavirus Isn’t Stopping RBG from Working Out

Law 360 : “ Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg , who turned 87 on March 15 , is sticking to her @ @ @ @ @ pushups and other exercises with longtime personal trainer Bryant Johnson in the justices ’ private @ @ @ @ @ building.
” “ The two are taking extra precautions to wipe down equipment and keep @ @ @ @ @ a federal judiciary employee , has canceled appointments with his other clients and now is @ @ @ @ @ .
”

Law 360: “Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who turned 87 on March 15, is sticking to her twice-weekly routine of planks, pushups and other exercises with longtime personal trainer Bryant Johnson in the justices’ private gym inside the Supreme Court building.”
“The two are taking extra precautions to wipe down equipment and keep their distance. Johnson, a federal judiciary employee, has canceled appointments with his other clients and now is only working with Justice Ginsburg.”


Trump’s Breakdown

John Harris : “ Trump emphatically has faced real opposition , and reveled in it , on his path to power .
But he has met earlier chapters of adversity , in politics and business , with reliance on traits—bluster , defiance , implacable self-promotion—that , however unorthodox , served him quite well in the old context.
” “ Now the context has changed but—so far—Trump has not , or to the extent he has tried it has not lasted more than a few hours at a time .
Admirers and foes alike have become so casually accustomed to this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a contemporary political setting that people easily miss how bizarre these circumstances are in historical terms .
Is there any equivalent example in American history of a president confronting a grave domestic or international crisis with a similar combination of impetuosity and self-reference ?
” “ In just the past few days… Trump has gone from shocking his own health experts with a prediction that church pews would be filled and the country ‘ raring to go ’ by Easter to extending the national shutdown through April .
He has questioned whether governors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and then indignantly denied saying that the next day .
He has boasted of the television ratings for his coronavirus briefings .
”

John Harris: “Trump emphatically has faced real opposition, and reveled in it, on his path to power. But he has met earlier chapters of adversity, in politics and business, with reliance on traits—bluster, defiance, implacable self-promotion—that, however unorthodox, served him quite well in the old context.”
“Now the context has changed but—so far—Trump has not, or to the extent he has tried it has not lasted more than a few hours at a time. Admirers and foes alike have become so casually accustomed to this president’s shattering of norms in a contemporary political setting that people easily miss how bizarre these circumstances are in historical terms. Is there any equivalent example in American history of a president confronting a grave domestic or international crisis with a similar combination of impetuosity and self-reference?”
“In just the past few days… Trump has gone from shocking his own health experts with a prediction that church pews would be filled and the country ‘raring to go’ by Easter to extending the national shutdown through April. He has questioned whether governors are exaggerating their need for medical equipment and then indignantly denied saying that the next day. He has boasted of the television ratings for his coronavirus briefings.”


politicalwire--2020-04-01--Trump Allies Warn Against Feud with Michigan’s Governor

“ President Trump ’ s allies are trying to contain a politically risky election-year fight with Michigan Gov .
Gretchen @ @ @ @ @ balance presidential politics with a global pandemic in one of the nation ’ s most @ @ @ @ @ the AP reports .
“ Both sides have tried to de-escalate the feud this week @ @ @ @ @ supporters in particular sought to downplay tensions that ratcheted up over the weekend when the @ @ @ @ @ media broadside against Whitmer , a Democrat who had been critical of the federal government @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus outbreak .
Trump has clashed with other Democratic governors as well , but he @ @ @ @ @ for the first-term female governor who is considered a leading vice presidential prospect for his @ @ @

“President Trump’s allies are trying to contain a politically risky election-year fight with Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer as he struggles to balance presidential politics with a global pandemic in one of the nation’s most important swing states,” the AP reports.
“Both sides have tried to de-escalate the feud this week, although Trump’s supporters in particular sought to downplay tensions that ratcheted up over the weekend when the Republican president unleashed a social media broadside against Whitmer, a Democrat who had been critical of the federal government’s response to the coronavirus outbreak. Trump has clashed with other Democratic governors as well, but he saved his most aggressive insults for the first-term female governor who is considered a leading vice presidential prospect for his opponent.”


politicalwire--2020-04-01--Trump’s Coronavirus Bounce Fizzles

Trump’s Coronavirus Bounce Fizzles

“ More voters say the Trump administration isn ’ t doing enough to combat the coronavirus outbreak , according to @ @ @ @ @ .
The survey , conducted immediately before President Donald Trump announced a 30-day extension of @ @ @ @ @ guidelines ‘ to slow the spread ’ of Covid-19 , shows 47 % of voters @ @ @ @ @ t doing enough in response to the outbreak , greater than the 40 % who @ @ @ @ @ the right amount.
” “ Two weeks ago , 43 % said the administration wasn @ @ @ @ @ the days following the initial measures deployed to reduce the impacts of the virus , @ @ @ @ @ was doing the right amount .
While the new poll was conducted before the extension @ @ @ @ @ , it comes as other polls suggest the positive marks Trump earned for his early @ @ @ @ @ turning more negative .
”

“More voters say the Trump administration isn’t doing enough to combat the coronavirus outbreak, according to a new Politico/Morning Consult poll. The survey, conducted immediately before President Donald Trump announced a 30-day extension of his physical and social distancing guidelines ‘to slow the spread’ of Covid-19, shows 47% of voters feel the administration isn’t doing enough in response to the outbreak, greater than the 40% who feel the administration is doing the right amount.”
“Two weeks ago, 43% said the administration wasn’t doing enough in the days following the initial measures deployed to reduce the impacts of the virus, while 39% said it was doing the right amount. While the new poll was conducted before the extension of the household isolation recommendations, it comes as other polls suggest the positive marks Trump earned for his early response to the crisis are turning more negative.”


politicalwire--2020-04-01--Infected But Feeling Fine

Infected But Feeling Fine

New York Times : “ As many as 25 percent of people infected with the new coronavirus may not show @ @ @ @ @ the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns — a startlingly high number that complicates @ @ @ @ @ ’ s course and strategies to mitigate its spread.
” “ In particular , the @ @ @ @ @ is leading the C.D.C .
to consider broadening its guidelines on who should wear masks.
@ @ @ @ @ know precisely how many people are infected without feeling ill , or if some of @ @ @ @ @ But since the new coronavirus surfaced in December , they have spotted unsettling anecdotes of @ @ @ @ @ unwitting spreaders .
”

New York Times: “As many as 25 percent of people infected with the new coronavirus may not show symptoms, the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns — a startlingly high number that complicates efforts to predict the pandemic’s course and strategies to mitigate its spread.”
“In particular, the high level of symptom-free cases is leading the C.D.C. to consider broadening its guidelines on who should wear masks.”
“Researchers do not know precisely how many people are infected without feeling ill, or if some of them are simply presymptomatic. But since the new coronavirus surfaced in December, they have spotted unsettling anecdotes of apparently healthy people who were unwitting spreaders.”


politicalwire--2020-04-01--Nunes Says Closing Schools Is Overkill

Nunes Says Closing Schools Is Overkill

Rep. Devin Nunes ( R-CA ) stated that it is “ overkill ” for schools in his home state of @ @ @ @ @ light of the coronavirus pandemic on Fox News late Tuesday night – further downplaying the @ @ @ @

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


politicalwire--2020-04-01--Biden Leads Trump Nationally

Biden Leads Trump Nationally

A new Reuters/Ipsos poll finds Joe Biden leads President Trump nationally by six points , 46 % to 40 % @


politicalwire--2020-04-01--‘He Is Scared Right Now’

‘He Is Scared Right Now’

CNN ’ s Jim Acosta commenting on the president ’ s daily briefing on the coronavirus pandemic : “ I @ @ @ @ @ Trump like this .
He is scared right now.
” He added : “ This @ @ @ @ @ tonight .
I think he gets it .
”

CNN’s Jim Acosta commenting on the president’s daily briefing on the coronavirus pandemic: “I’ve never seen President Trump like this. He is scared right now.”
He added: “This was a different Donald Trump tonight. I think he gets it.”


politicalwire--2020-03-31--Trump Denies Impeachment Slowed Response

President Trump said that he would not have acted faster or differently in addressing the coronavirus if he weren ’ @ @ @ @ @ House , The Hill reports .
Said Trump : “ I don ’ t think @ @ @ @ @ better if I had not been impeached .
I don ’ t think I would @ @ @ @ @ or I don ’ t think I would have acted any faster .
”

President Trump said that he would not have acted faster or differently in addressing the coronavirus if he weren’t impeached by the Democrat-controlled House, The Hill reports.
Said Trump: “I don’t think I would have done any better if I had not been impeached. I don’t think I would have acted any differently, or I don’t think I would have acted any faster.”
Earlier today, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell blamed impeachment for the Trump administration’s slow response.


politicalwire--2020-03-31--White House Forecasts Show Many More Deaths

President Trump ’ s public health advisers project that the coronavirus could kill 100,000 to 240,000 Americans — even with @ @ @ @ @ place , Axios reports .
Meanwhile , Andy Slavitt reports “ numbers floating around the @ @ @ @ @ some think that requires optimism .
”

President Trump’s public health advisers project that the coronavirus could kill 100,000 to 240,000 Americans — even with strict social distancing guidelines in place, Axios reports.
Meanwhile, Andy Slavitt reports “numbers floating around the White House are 400,000 and some think that requires optimism.”


politicalwire--2020-04-01--U.S. Coronavirus Death Toll Surpasses 4,000

“ The death toll in the United States surpassed 4,000 and it continued to far outstrip other nations with more @ @ @ @ @ about 20 percent of the global total , ” the Washington Post reports .


politicalwire--2020-04-01--FBI Sees Record Number of Gun Background Checks

“ The FBI processed a record 3.7 million gun background checks in March — more than any month previously reported @ @ @ @ @ ’ s latest data , ” Axios reports .
“ The spike ’ s timing @ @ @ @ @ at least in part by the coronavirus .
”

“The FBI processed a record 3.7 million gun background checks in March — more than any month previously reported, according to the agency’s latest data,” Axios reports.
“The spike’s timing suggests it may be driven at least in part by the coronavirus.”


politicalwire--2020-04-01--Top Democrats Urge Rethinking of Convention

CBS News : “ Democratic Party leaders across the country are calling on party bosses to curtail , postpone or @ @ @ @ @ s national convention scheduled for July in Milwaukee , concerned that holding a mass gathering @ @ @ @ @ are expected to ebb could expose thousands to the coronavirus once again.
” “ Calls @ @ @ @ @ rethink the Democratic National Convention come as the party ’ s presumed presidential nominee , @ @ @ @ @ , for the first time publicly expressed doubt that the gathering could proceed as it @ @ @ @ @ ”

CBS News: “Democratic Party leaders across the country are calling on party bosses to curtail, postpone or dramatically rethink the party’s national convention scheduled for July in Milwaukee, concerned that holding a mass gathering just as levels of infection are expected to ebb could expose thousands to the coronavirus once again.”
“Calls from the party faithful to rethink the Democratic National Convention come as the party’s presumed presidential nominee, former Vice President Joe Biden, for the first time publicly expressed doubt that the gathering could proceed as it has in the past.”


politicalwire--2020-04-01--Trump Games Media with His Shift In Tone

The Daily Beast on President Trump ’ s change in “ tone ” this week on the pandemic : “ @ @ @ @ @ the difference in ‘ tone , ’ with several pundits and reporters speculating that the @ @ @ @ @ finally weighing on the man in the Oval Office .
And Trump… almost assuredly noted @ @ @ @ @ them for his more ‘ presidential ’ tune.
” “ That ’ s because to @ @ @ @ @ , there is no one who more voraciously consumes media coverage of himself .
And @ @ @ @ @ , the president has periodically remarked—sometimes with a self-aware chuckle or smirk—about how ‘ easy @ @ @ @ @ to trigger praise from a typically adversarial press simply by acting ‘ nice ’ during @ @ @ @ @ ”

The Daily Beast on President Trump’s change in “tone” this week on the pandemic:
“Afterwards, the press noted the difference in ‘tone,’ with several pundits and reporters speculating that the gravity of the moment was finally weighing on the man in the Oval Office. And Trump… almost assuredly noted the praise he received from them for his more ‘presidential’ tune.”
“That’s because to a person, they say, there is no one who more voraciously consumes media coverage of himself. And over the past three years, the president has periodically remarked—sometimes with a self-aware chuckle or smirk—about how ‘easy’ it is for him to trigger praise from a typically adversarial press simply by acting ‘nice’ during a particularly weighty moment.”


politicalwire--2020-04-01--Why Trump Changed Tack on the Pandemic

Why Trump Changed Tack on the Pandemic

Gabriel Sherman reports that President Trump only shifted his tone as the coronavirus virus spread to “ Trump country.
” @ @ @ @ @ official : “ The polling sucked .
The campaign panicked about the numbers in red @ @ @ @ @ t expect to win states that are getting blown to pieces with coronavirus .
”

Gabriel Sherman reports that President Trump only shifted his tone as the coronavirus virus spread to “Trump country.”
Said one former White House official: “The polling sucked. The campaign panicked about the numbers in red states. They don’t expect to win states that are getting blown to pieces with coronavirus.”


politicalwire--2020-04-01--Drug Smugglers Tunnel Under Border Wall

Drug Smugglers Tunnel Under Border Wall

“ A large haul of drugs , including opioids , methamphetamine and cocaine , being smuggled from Mexico to California @ @ @ @ @ tunnel equipped with ventilation , lighting and an underground rail system , ” the AP @ @ @ @ @ was built near a vaunted double-layered border wall constructed under President Trump ’ s watch @ @ @ @ @ such barriers against sophisticated drug smuggling organizations .
”

“A large haul of drugs, including opioids, methamphetamine and cocaine, being smuggled from Mexico to California was seized from a cross-border tunnel equipped with ventilation, lighting and an underground rail system,” the AP reports.
“The tunnel was built near a vaunted double-layered border wall constructed under President Trump’s watch, illustrating the limitations of such barriers against sophisticated drug smuggling organizations.”


politicalwire--2020-04-01--Exchange of the Day

Exchange of the Day

Dr. Anthony Fauci was interviewed by Nora O ’ Donnell on CBS News : O ’ DONNELL : The vice @ @ @ @ @ will be able to get back to work in early June , if we follow @ @ @ @ @ you agree with that assessment ?
FAUCI : The virus determines what the timetable is @ @ @ @

Dr. Anthony Fauci was interviewed by Nora O’Donnell on CBS News:
O’DONNELL: The vice president suggested today that Americans will be able to get back to work in early June, if we follow the federal guidelines. Do you agree with that assessment?
FAUCI: The virus determines what the timetable is, not us.


politicalwire--2020-04-01--Protective Gear In National Stockpile Nearly Depleted

“ The government ’ s emergency stockpile of respirator masks , gloves and other medical supplies is running low and @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus outbreak , leaving the Trump administration and the states to compete for personal @ @ @ @ @ global marketplace rife with profiteering and price-gouging , ” the Washington Post reports .


politicalwire--2020-04-01--How to Hide an Empire

How to Hide an Empire

In the mail : How to Hide an Empire : A History of the Greater United States by Daniel Immerwahr @ @ @ @ @ with maps that outline all fifty states .
And we are also familiar with the @ @ @ @ @ is an “ empire , ” exercising power around the world .
But what about @ @ @ @ @ atolls , and archipelagos—this country has governed and inhabited ?
”

In the mail: How to Hide an Empire: A History of the Greater United States by Daniel Immerwahr.
“We are familiar with maps that outline all fifty states. And we are also familiar with the idea that the United States is an “empire,” exercising power around the world. But what about the actual territories—the islands, atolls, and archipelagos—this country has governed and inhabited?”


politicalwire--2020-04-01--Biden Says He’s Ready to Debate Trump on Zoom

Joe Biden said he ’ s “ ready to debate President Trump on Zoom or Skype , anytime he wants @ @ @ @ @ .


politicalwire--2020-04-01--Obama’s Return as Biden Surrogate Delayed

Wall Street Journal : “ Mr .
Biden ’ s ex-boss is staying on the sidelines even after he became @ @ @ @ @ .
That is delaying what might have been a period of boosted fundraising and postponing @ @ @ @ @ to unite his party behind him.
” “ Mr .
Obama has made clear he @ @ @ @ @ in any major way until the nomination is formally settled … And with numerous April @ @ @ @ @ back , that in all likelihood can ’ t mathematically happen until June .
”

Wall Street Journal: “Mr. Biden’s ex-boss is staying on the sidelines even after he became the most likely Democratic nominee. That is delaying what might have been a period of boosted fundraising and postponing Mr. Biden’s ability to unite his party behind him.”
“Mr. Obama has made clear he won’t get involved in any major way until the nomination is formally settled … And with numerous April and May state primaries pushed back, that in all likelihood can’t mathematically happen until June.”


politicalwire--2020-04-01--Biden Holds the Edge In Wisconsin

Biden Holds the Edge In Wisconsin

A new Marquette Law School poll in Wisconsin finds Joe Biden leading Donald Trump in a general election match up @ @ @ @ @ % .
Trump ’ s approval rate is a slightly upside down , 48 % @ @ @ @


politicalwire--2020-04-01--Just 43% Approve of Trump

Just 43% Approve of Trump

A new AP-NORC poll finds 44 % of Americans support President Trump ’ s oversight of the coronavirus pandemic , @ @ @ @ @ 43 % approval rating .
The poll shows that 78 % of Americans back requiring @ @ @ @ @ homes except for essential errands .

A new AP-NORC poll finds 44% of Americans support President Trump’s oversight of the coronavirus pandemic, in line with his overall 43% approval rating.
The poll shows that 78% of Americans back requiring citizens to stay in their homes except for essential errands.


politicalwire--2020-04-01--Malaysia Advises Don’t Nag Husband During Lockdown

Malaysia ’ s health ministry issued a series of posters on social media advising the nation ’ s women to @ @ @ @ @ s partial lockdown by not nagging their husbands , NPR reports .
The ministry also @ @ @ @ @ being “ sarcastic ” if they asked for help with household chores .
And it @ @ @ @ @ to dress up and wear makeup .
After a torrent of criticism , the health @ @ @ @ @ its campaign .

Malaysia’s health ministry issued a series of posters on social media advising the nation’s women to help with the country’s partial lockdown by not nagging their husbands, NPR reports.
The ministry also advised women to refrain from being “sarcastic” if they asked for help with household chores. And it urged women working from home to dress up and wear makeup.
After a torrent of criticism, the health ministry abruptly relented and abandoned its campaign.


politicalwire--2020-04-01--Trump Claims Iran Planning ‘Sneak Attack’

President Trump on Twitter : “ Upon information and belief , Iran or its proxies are planning a sneak attack @ @ @ @ @ in Iraq .
If this happens , Iran will pay a very heavy price , @ @ @


politicalwire--2020-04-01--Clyburn Insists Biden Pick a Black Woman as Veep

Rep. Jim Clyburn ( D-SC ) has said that Joe Biden should select a black woman as his running mate @ @ @ @ @ firm in an interview with the Washington Post .
Said Clyburn : “ I say @ @ @ @ @ to a minority .
It needs to be a black woman .
Biden is winning @ @ @ @ @

Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-SC) has said that Joe Biden should select a black woman as his running mate, but he was pretty firm in an interview with the Washington Post.
Said Clyburn: “I say a black woman as opposed to a minority. It needs to be a black woman. Biden is winning black women overwhelmingly.”


politicalwire--2020-04-01--Florida Finally Issues Stay-at-Home Order

Florida Gov .
Ron DeSantis ( R ) announced “ that he would sign an executive order limiting all activity @ @ @ @ @ only for the next 30 days to try to limit the spread of the novel @ @ @ @ @ Herald reports .


politicalwire--2020-04-01--A Desire to Fix What’s Broken

A Desire to Fix What’s Broken

Former Rep. Steve Israel ( D-NY ) reflects in The Hill on a meeting with Andrew Cuomo , then HUD Secretary , on a low income housing project in Huntington , NY .
“ Cuomo stepped out and smiled through all the obligatory handshakes and photos .
He was warm and gracious .
Then we stepped into the office of the town supervisor .
Cuomo took a seat and wiped off the smile from his face .
He asked us why the housing development proposal had not yet been approved .
The town attorney explained that Huntington was complying with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was unmoved .
He demanded that the town either do more or face grave consequences from the Justice Department .
He walked out of the building , and his black SUV drove away.
” “ One of my colleagues remarked that Cuomo bullied us .
I thought about that moment as I watched his career advance from Cabinet secretary to New York attorney general and eventually governor .
Today he is a leader whose daily coronavirus briefings command global attention .
He is not a bully .
But he is triggered when he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a remedy to a crisis .
He has an overpowering desire to fix what is broken .
”

Former Rep. Steve Israel (D-NY) reflects in The Hill on a meeting with Andrew Cuomo, then HUD Secretary, on a low income housing project in Huntington, NY.
“Cuomo stepped out and smiled through all the obligatory handshakes and photos. He was warm and gracious. Then we stepped into the office of the town supervisor. Cuomo took a seat and wiped off the smile from his face. He asked us why the housing development proposal had not yet been approved. The town attorney explained that Huntington was complying with relevant state and federal laws. Cuomo was unmoved. He demanded that the town either do more or face grave consequences from the Justice Department. He walked out of the building, and his black SUV drove away.”
“One of my colleagues remarked that Cuomo bullied us. I thought about that moment as I watched his career advance from Cabinet secretary to New York attorney general and eventually governor. Today he is a leader whose daily coronavirus briefings command global attention. He is not a bully. But he is triggered when he sees someone standing in the way of a remedy to a crisis. He has an overpowering desire to fix what is broken.”


politicalwire--2020-04-01--There Will Be a New Normal

There Will Be a New Normal

New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo said at his daily briefing that he thought Americans would be living with the @ @ @ @ @ for a long time .
Said Cuomo : “ I don ’ t think we @ @ @ @ @ I think we get to a new normal .
”

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said at his daily briefing that he thought Americans would be living with the consequences of the coronavrius pandemic for a long time.
Said Cuomo: “I don’t think we get back to normal. I think we get to a new normal.”


politicalwire--2020-04-01--Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day

“ I don ’ t believe the president has ever belittled the threat of the coronavirus .
”

“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--2020-04-02--The White House Gives Democrats an Opening

Playbook : “ Six weeks ago , the issue set would have looked completely different than it does today .
@ @ @ @ @ people are dying , and yet the president ’ s approval ratings have held steady @ @ @ @ @ reduced to a single overarching topic : the coronavirus.
” “ But , as sure @ @ @ @ @ Democrats again believe they have a potent weapon to wield against President Trump and the @ @ @ @ @ .
Trump never was able to replace Obamacare , as he promised on the campaign @ @ @ @ @ will not reopen the exchanges to help people get covered during this time of distress.
@ @ @ @ @ ’ s briefing shows how the incredibly disjointed White House message on health care .

Playbook: “Six weeks ago, the issue set would have looked completely different than it does today. The economy is contracting, people are dying, and yet the president’s approval ratings have held steady. The campaign has been reduced to a single overarching topic: the coronavirus.”
“But, as sure as the sun rises, Democrats again believe they have a potent weapon to wield against President Trump and the White House: health care. Trump never was able to replace Obamacare, as he promised on the campaign trail; and the administration will not reopen the exchanges to help people get covered during this time of distress.”
This exchange at yesterday’s briefing shows the incredibly disjointed White House message on health care.


politicalwire--2020-04-02--OAN Gets the Boot

OAN Gets the Boot

“ The White House Correspondents Association on Wednesday voted to remove One America News , a small right-wing media organization @ @ @ @ @ a seat in the briefing room , an extraordinary rebuke of the network for violating @ @ @ @ @ place to protect the health of its members , ” CNN reports .
“ The @ @ @ @ @ fringe personality for the far-right media outlet , Chanel Rion , continued to attend the @ @ @ @ @ the WHCA ’ s new rules limiting the number of journalists in the room .
@

“The White House Correspondents Association on Wednesday voted to remove One America News, a small right-wing media organization, from the rotation for a seat in the briefing room, an extraordinary rebuke of the network for violating social distancing guidelines put into place to protect the health of its members,” CNN reports.
“The decision was made after a fringe personality for the far-right media outlet, Chanel Rion, continued to attend the briefings, in defiance of the WHCA’s new rules limiting the number of journalists in the room.”
New York Times: The pro-Trump media’s coronavirus distortion.


politicalwire--2020-04-02--Terrorists See Global Chaos as Opportunity

“ Both the Islamic State group and al-Qaida see the coronavirus as a threat , but some of their fighters @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic as an opportunity to win over more supporters and strike harder than before @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Messages from the Islamic extremist groups show concern about the virus mixed with @ @ @ @ @ is punishment for non-Muslims while also urging followers to repent and take care of themselves @ @

“Both the Islamic State group and al-Qaida see the coronavirus as a threat, but some of their fighters also see the upheaval from the pandemic as an opportunity to win over more supporters and strike harder than before,” the AP reports.
“Messages from the Islamic extremist groups show concern about the virus mixed with bravado, asserting that it is punishment for non-Muslims while also urging followers to repent and take care of themselves.”


politicalwire--2020-04-02--Trump Now Claims He’s Saving 2 Million People

“ Don ’ t focus on the 200,000 people the coronavirus might kill in the U.S. , think about the @ @ @ @ @ Trump is saving , ” Politico reports .
“ Even as Trump adopts a somber @ @ @ @ @ still has sought to portray himself as a hero for his actions thus far , @ @ @ @ @ he has adequately responded to the coronavirus outbreak.
” Said Trump : “ What would @ @ @ @ @ nothing ?
”

“Don’t focus on the 200,000 people the coronavirus might kill in the U.S., think about the 2 million people President Donald Trump is saving,” Politico reports.
“Even as Trump adopts a somber, get-ready-for-the-worst tone, he still has sought to portray himself as a hero for his actions thus far, batting away questions about whether he has adequately responded to the coronavirus outbreak.”
Said Trump: “What would have happened if we did nothing?”


politicalwire--2020-04-02--New York Virus Toll Doubles In 72 Hours

New York Virus Toll Doubles In 72 Hours

Associated Press : “ New York rushed to bring in an army of medical volunteers as the statewide death toll @ @ @ @ @ 72 hours to more than 1,900 , while the global number of people diagnosed with @ @ @ @ @ 1 million on Thursday .
”

Associated Press: “New York rushed to bring in an army of medical volunteers as the statewide death toll from the coronavirus doubled in 72 hours to more than 1,900, while the global number of people diagnosed with the illness edged closer to 1 million on Thursday.”


politicalwire--2020-04-02--Americans Hesitant to Return to Normal in Short Term

If being out in public were entirely up to them at this moment during the global pandemic , a new @ @ @ @ @ of Americans say they would resume their normal day-to-day activities right now , but the @ @ @ @ @ • 42 % would wait until the number of new cases of COVID-19 declines significantly @ @ @ @ @ until there are no new cases for some period of time • 7 % would @ @ @ @ @ developed

If being out in public were entirely up to them at this moment during the global pandemic, a new Gallup poll finds 14% of Americans say they would resume their normal day-to-day activities right now, but the rest would hold off:
42% would wait until the number of new cases of COVID-19 declines significantly
38% would wait until there are no new cases for some period of time
7% would wait until a vaccine is developed


politicalwire--2020-04-02--Trump Let Contract With Ventilator Firm Lapse

“ President Trump has repeatedly assured Americans that the federal government is holding 10,000 ventilators in reserve to ship to @ @ @ @ @ nation as they struggle to keep the most critically ill patients alive , ” the @ @ @ @ @ “ But what federal officials have neglected to mention is that an additional 2,109 lifesaving @ @ @ @ @ contract to maintain the government ’ s stockpile lapsed late last summer , and a @ @ @ @ @ new firm did not begin its work until late January .
By then , the @ @ @ @ @ .
”

“President Trump has repeatedly assured Americans that the federal government is holding 10,000 ventilators in reserve to ship to the hardest-hit hospitals around the nation as they struggle to keep the most critically ill patients alive,” the New York Times reports.
“But what federal officials have neglected to mention is that an additional 2,109 lifesaving devices are unavailable after the contract to maintain the government’s stockpile lapsed late last summer, and a contracting dispute meant that a new firm did not begin its work until late January. By then, the coronavirus crisis was already underway.”


politicalwire--2020-04-02--Treasury Changes Eligibility Rules on Stimulus Payments

“ The Treasury announced late Wednesday that Social Security beneficiaries who typically do not file a tax return will automatically @ @ @ @ @ and no longer must submit anything extra , ” the Washington Post reports .
“ @ @ @ @ @ from earlier in the week when the Internal Revenue Service said everyone would need to @ @ @ @ @ return in order to qualify for the payments .
Democrats and some Republicans criticized the @ @ @ @ @ extra hurdles for this vulnerable population to get aid when the government already has their @ @ @ @ @ The reversal came as the Trump administration tries to rapidly get stimulus payments out to @ @ @ @ @ the quickest economic decline in modern history .
”

“The Treasury announced late Wednesday that Social Security beneficiaries who typically do not file a tax return will automatically get the $1,200 payment and no longer must submit anything extra,” the Washington Post reports.
“The announcement is a reversal from earlier in the week when the Internal Revenue Service said everyone would need to file some sort of tax return in order to qualify for the payments. Democrats and some Republicans criticized the IRS for requiring so many extra hurdles for this vulnerable population to get aid when the government already has their information on file.”
“The reversal came as the Trump administration tries to rapidly get stimulus payments out to Americans in the face of the quickest economic decline in modern history.”


politicalwire--2020-04-02--Anthony Fauci’s Security Stepped Up

Anthony Fauci’s Security Stepped Up

“ Anthony Fauci , the nation ’ s top infectious-diseases expert and the face of the U.S. response to the @ @ @ @ @ facing growing threats to his personal safety , prompting the government to step up his @ @ @ @ @ Post reports .
“ The concerns include threats as well as unwelcome communications from fervent @ @ @

“Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious-diseases expert and the face of the U.S. response to the novel coronavirus pandemic, is facing growing threats to his personal safety, prompting the government to step up his security,” the Washington Post reports.
“The concerns include threats as well as unwelcome communications from fervent admirers.”


politicalwire--2020-04-01--McConnell Tells Pelosi to ‘Stand Down’ on New Relief Bill

“ One week after the Senate unanimously passed a $ 2 trillion emergency relief bill aimed at limiting the financial @ @ @ @ @ , Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said he would move slowly on considering any follow-up @ @ @ @ @ latest efforts by Speaker Nancy Pelosi to jump-start talks , ” the Washington Post reports @ @ @ @ @ sweeping dismissal of Pelosi ’ s urgent call for action underscored the uncertainty and fierce @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus outbreak shuts down much of the nation and throttles the economy , with @ @ @ @ @ follow the biggest rescue package in U.S. history and lingering tensions from those negotiations between @ @ @ @ @ McConnell : “ She needs to stand down on the notion that we ’ re @ @ @ @ @ taking advantage of the crisis to do things that are unrelated to the crisis .
@

“One week after the Senate unanimously passed a $2 trillion emergency relief bill aimed at limiting the financial trauma from the coronavirus pandemic, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said he would move slowly on considering any follow-up legislation and would ignore the latest efforts by Speaker Nancy Pelosi to jump-start talks,” the Washington Post reports.
“McConnell’s sweeping dismissal of Pelosi’s urgent call for action underscored the uncertainty and fierce political warfare in Congress as the coronavirus outbreak shuts down much of the nation and throttles the economy, with little consensus on what should follow the biggest rescue package in U.S. history and lingering tensions from those negotiations between McConnell and Pelosi.”
Said McConnell: “She needs to stand down on the notion that we’re going to go along with taking advantage of the crisis to do things that are unrelated to the crisis.”


politicalwire--2020-04-02--Kushner Puts Himself in the Middle of Virus Response

New York Times : “ Because of his unique status , he has made himself the point of contact for @ @ @ @ @ that he can force action and issue decisions without going to the president .
But @ @ @ @ @ allies say that he has brought more order to the process , the government ’ @ @ @ @ @ behind the curve.
” “ Some officials said Mr. Kushner had mainly added another layer @ @ @ @ @ , while taking credit for changes already in progress and failing to deliver on promised @ @ @ @ @ nationwide screening website and a widespread network of drive-through testing sites .
Neither materialized .
@ @ @ @ @ narrow the rift between his father-in-law and General Motors in a presidential blowup over ventilator @ @ @ @ @ said , but the White House is still struggling to procure enough ventilators and other @ @ @ @

New York Times: “Because of his unique status, he has made himself the point of contact for many agency officials who know that he can force action and issue decisions without going to the president. But while Mr. Kushner and his allies say that he has brought more order to the process, the government’s response remains fragmented and behind the curve.”
“Some officials said Mr. Kushner had mainly added another layer of confusion to that response, while taking credit for changes already in progress and failing to deliver on promised improvements. He promoted a nationwide screening website and a widespread network of drive-through testing sites. Neither materialized. He claimed to have helped narrow the rift between his father-in-law and General Motors in a presidential blowup over ventilator production, one administration official said, but the White House is still struggling to procure enough ventilators and other medical equipment.”


politicalwire--2020-04-02--Lenders Brace for Up to 15 Million Mortgage Defaults

“ Mortgage lenders are preparing for the biggest wave of delinquencies in history .
If the plan to buy time @ @ @ @ @ an even worse crisis : Mass foreclosures and mortgage market mayhem , ” Bloomberg reports @ @ @ @ @ 30 % of Americans with home loans – about 15 million households –- could stop @ @ @ @ @ remains closed through the summer or beyond , according to an estimate by Mark Zandi @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Analytics .
”

“Mortgage lenders are preparing for the biggest wave of delinquencies in history. If the plan to buy time works, they may avert an even worse crisis: Mass foreclosures and mortgage market mayhem,” Bloomberg reports.
“As many as 30% of Americans with home loans – about 15 million households –- could stop paying if the U.S. economy remains closed through the summer or beyond, according to an estimate by Mark Zandi, chief economist for Moody’s Analytics.”


politicalwire--2020-04-02--Federal Judge Won’t Delay Wisconsin Primary

“ A federal judge Thursday kept next week ’ s presidential primary on track but allowed more time to count @ @ @ @ @ officials for not doing more to protect voters during the coronavirus pandemic , ” the @ @ @ @ @ “ The ruling by U.S. District Judge William Conley will allow absentee ballots to be @ @ @ @ @ April 13 — six days after election day .
He also gave people until Friday @ @ @ @ @ loosened another voting rule as people turn to absentee voting in record numbers .
”

“A federal judge Thursday kept next week’s presidential primary on track but allowed more time to count absentee ballots after excoriating Wisconsin officials for not doing more to protect voters during the coronavirus pandemic,” the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.
“The ruling by U.S. District Judge William Conley will allow absentee ballots to be counted if they arrive by April 13 — six days after election day. He also gave people until Friday to request absentee ballots and loosened another voting rule as people turn to absentee voting in record numbers.”


politicalwire--2020-04-02--White House to Recommend Use of Masks

White House to Recommend Use of Masks

“ The White House is expected to announce a new policy , based on guidance from the Centers for Disease @ @ @ @ @ would urge Americans to wear cloth masks in an effort to prevent coronavirus spread , @ @ @ @


politicalwire--2020-04-02--DeSantis Quietly Loosened Local Restrictions

“ Hours after Florida Gov .
Ron DeSantis ( R ) issued a statewide stay-at-home order Wednesday , he quietly @ @ @ @ @ restrictions put in place by local governments to halt the spread of coronavirus , ” @ @ @ @ @ .
“ The second order states that new state guidelines that take effect Friday morning @ @ @ @ @ official action or order issued by local officials in response to COVID-19.
’ In other @ @ @ @ @ not place any limitations that would be more strict than the statewide guidelines .
”

“Hours after Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) issued a statewide stay-at-home order Wednesday, he quietly signed another one that overrides restrictions put in place by local governments to halt the spread of coronavirus,” the Tampa Bay Times reports.
“The second order states that new state guidelines that take effect Friday morning ‘shall supersede any conflicting official action or order issued by local officials in response to COVID-19.’ In other words, local governments cannot place any limitations that would be more strict than the statewide guidelines.”


politicalwire--2020-04-02--Unemployment Rate Expected to Stay High Through 2021

The scariest line in the new CBO ’ s economic forecast to account for the pandemic : “ CBO expected @ @ @ @ @ and business closures to be felt for some time ; the unemployment rate underlying the @ @ @ @ @ at the end of 2021 .
”

The scariest line in the new CBO’s economic forecast to account for the pandemic:
“CBO expected the effects of job losses and business closures to be felt for some time; the unemployment rate underlying the cost estimate was 9 percent at the end of 2021.”


politicalwire--2020-04-02--Trump’s Company Seeks Financial Help

Trump’s Company Seeks Financial Help

“ With some of its golf courses and hotels closed amid the economic lockdown , the Trump Organization has been @ @ @ @ @ payments on some of its loans and other financial obligations , ” the New York @ @ @ @ @ of Mr. Trump ’ s company have recently spoken with Deutsche Bank , the president @ @ @ @ @ about the possibility of postponing payments on at least some of its loans from the @ @ @ @ @ “ The Trump Organization ’ s requests put lenders and landlords in the awkward position @ @ @ @ @ risk alienating Mr. Trump .
”

“With some of its golf courses and hotels closed amid the economic lockdown, the Trump Organization has been exploring whether it can delay payments on some of its loans and other financial obligations,” the New York Times reports.
“Representatives of Mr. Trump’s company have recently spoken with Deutsche Bank, the president’s largest creditor, about the possibility of postponing payments on at least some of its loans from the bank.”
Key takeaway: “The Trump Organization’s requests put lenders and landlords in the awkward position of having to accede or risk alienating Mr. Trump.”


politicalwire--2020-04-02--The Real Source of Washington Gridlock

The Real Source of Washington Gridlock

Adam Serwer : “ Should Joe Biden defeat Trump in November , he will likely face the challenge of helping @ @ @ @ @ economic catastrophe against similarly implacable GOP opposition .
The Republican Party will rediscover its concern @ @ @ @ @ no longer a Republican in the White House .
The more ideologically diverse Democratic caucus @ @ @ @ @ and half measures.
” “ The crucial obstacle to necessary intervention under such circumstances will @ @ @ @ @ the role of the state or the size of government .
It will be , @ @ @ @ @ more than a decade , the Republican belief that no one else should be allowed @ @ @ @ @

Adam Serwer: “Should Joe Biden defeat Trump in November, he will likely face the challenge of helping the nation recover from another economic catastrophe against similarly implacable GOP opposition. The Republican Party will rediscover its concern for debt once there is no longer a Republican in the White House. The more ideologically diverse Democratic caucus will be vulnerable to splintering and half measures.”
“The crucial obstacle to necessary intervention under such circumstances will not be traditional divides over the role of the state or the size of government. It will be, as it has been for more than a decade, the Republican belief that no one else should be allowed to wield power.”


politicalwire--2020-04-02--Small Study Finds Malaria Drug Helps Virus Patients

“ The malaria drug hydroxychloroquine helped to speed the recovery of a small number of patients who were mildly ill @ @ @ @ @ in China reported this week , ” the New York Times reports .
“ Cough @ @ @ @ @ away faster , and the disease seemed less likely to turn severe in people who @ @ @ @ @ comparison group not given the drug .
The authors of the report said that the @ @ @ @ @ that more research was needed to clarify how it might work in treating coronavirus disease @ @ @ @ @ way to use it .
”

“The malaria drug hydroxychloroquine helped to speed the recovery of a small number of patients who were mildly ill from the coronavirus, doctors in China reported this week,” the New York Times reports.
“Cough, fever and pneumonia went away faster, and the disease seemed less likely to turn severe in people who received hydroxychloroquine than in a comparison group not given the drug. The authors of the report said that the medication was promising, but that more research was needed to clarify how it might work in treating coronavirus disease and to determine the best way to use it.”


politicalwire--2020-04-02--U.S. and China Seek to Cooperate

U.S. and China Seek to Cooperate

New York Times : “ In recent days , the two sides have settled on a tentative , uneasy truce @ @ @ @ @ hold fire on public sniping over the virus and to look for ways to cooperate @ @ @ @ @ Some American officials had recognized that the deteriorating state of relations — at the worst @ @ @ @ @ massacre in 1989 — was impeding global efforts to fight the pandemic.
” “ Several @ @ @ @ @ aides quietly reached out to Chinese officials through American businessmen with extensive ties in China @ @ @ @ @ with the efforts .
National security officials and China hawks in the State Department are @ @ @ @ @ , but several top advisers to Mr. Trump have advocated restraint — notably Jared Kushner @ @ @ @ @ son-in-law ; Steven Mnuchin , the Treasury secretary ; and Larry Kudlow , the director @ @ @ @ @ .
”

New York Times: “In recent days, the two sides have settled on a tentative, uneasy truce. They have agreed to hold fire on public sniping over the virus and to look for ways to cooperate to slow the contagion. Some American officials had recognized that the deteriorating state of relations — at the worst point since the Tiananmen Square massacre in 1989 — was impeding global efforts to fight the pandemic.”
“Several of Mr. Trump’s aides quietly reached out to Chinese officials through American businessmen with extensive ties in China, according to people familiar with the efforts. National security officials and China hawks in the State Department are skeptical the détente will last, but several top advisers to Mr. Trump have advocated restraint — notably Jared Kushner, Mr. Trump’s son-in-law; Steven Mnuchin, the Treasury secretary; and Larry Kudlow, the director of the National Economic Council.”