politicalwire--2020-09-22--Pentagon Used Mask Money for Jet Engine Parts

“ A $ 1 billion fund Congress gave the Pentagon in March to build up the country ’ s supplies @ @ @ @ @ been mostly funneled to defense contractors and used for making things such as jet engine @ @ @ @ @ dress uniforms , ” the Washington Post reports .
“ The change illustrates how one @ @ @ @ @ novel coronavirus , which has killed roughly 200,000 Americans , was instead diverted toward patching @ @ @ @ @ military supplies .
”

“A $1 billion fund Congress gave the Pentagon in March to build up the country’s supplies of medical equipment has instead been mostly funneled to defense contractors and used for making things such as jet engine parts, body armor and dress uniforms,” the Washington Post reports.
“The change illustrates how one taxpayer-backed effort to battle the novel coronavirus, which has killed roughly 200,000 Americans, was instead diverted toward patching up long-standing perceived gaps in military supplies.”


politicalwire--2020-09-22--Internal Poll Claims McSally Has Closed Gap

Sen. Martha McSally ( R-AZ ) has been trailing retired astronaut Mark Kelly ( D ) , in most public @ @ @ @ @ internal poll for the McSally campaign obtained by Hotline showed the race within the margin @ @ @ @ @ poll found Kelly ahead by 2 points , 48 % to 46 % .

Sen. Martha McSally (R-AZ) has been trailing retired astronaut Mark Kelly (D), in most public polling. However, an internal poll for the McSally campaign obtained by Hotline showed the race within the margin of error.
The internal poll found Kelly ahead by 2 points, 48% to 46%.


politicalwire--2020-09-22--Dead Heat In Georgia

Dead Heat In Georgia

A new Atlanta Journal Constitution poll in Georgia finds Joe Biden and Donald Trump tied in the presidential race , @ @ @ @ @ .
Georgia ’ s twin U.S. Senate races are also competitive .
Sen. David Perdue @ @ @ @ @ ahead of challenger Jon Ossoff ( D ) , 47 % to 45 % .
@ @ @ @ @ for Sen. Kelly Loeffler ’ s ( R ) seat is still highly unsettled .
@ @ @ @ @ with 24 % , followed by Rep. Doug Collins ( R ) at 20 % @ @ @ @ @ ) at 20 % .

A new Atlanta Journal Constitution poll in Georgia finds Joe Biden and Donald Trump tied in the presidential race, 47% to 47%.
Georgia’s twin U.S. Senate races are also competitive. Sen. David Perdue (R) is just ahead of challenger Jon Ossoff (D), 47% to 45%.
Meanwhile, the special election for Sen. Kelly Loeffler’s (R) seat is still highly unsettled. Loeffler leads the jungle primary with 24%, followed by Rep. Doug Collins (R) at 20% and Raphael Warnock (D) at 20%.


politicalwire--2020-09-22--Bloomberg Raises $16 Million to Allow Ex-Felons to Vote

“ Mike Bloomberg and his team have raised more than $ 16 million to pay the court fines and fees @ @ @ @ @ Hispanic Florida voters with felony convictions , an effort aimed at boosting turnout for Democratic @ @ @ @ @ ” the Washington Post 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--2020-09-22--Trump Encourages Michigan Residents to Vote Absentee

Joe Biden ’ s campaign released a letter signed by 13 winners of the Nobel Prize in economics who say @ @ @ @ @ different , they all think his policies “ will…


On the House


politicalwire--2020-09-22--CIA Says Putin Likely Directing Operation Against Biden


politicalwire--2020-09-22--Do You Have a Plan to Vote?

Do You Have a Plan to Vote?

Click here to find out how to vote in your state .
Please share with your friends and family .

Click here to find out how to vote in your state.
Please share with your friends and family.


politicalwire--2020-09-22--Trump Barely Preparing for Next Week’s Debate

Gabriel Sherman : “ As he barnstorms the country , Trump is putting little effort into readying himself for next @ @ @ @ @ by Chris Wallace .
Sources said Trump is having occasional conversations with chief strategist Jason @ @ @ @ @ governor Chris Christie.
” Said a former West Wing official : “ Basically what happens @ @ @ @ @ throw questions at Trump .
But Trump just kind of does his thing.
” Added @ @ @ @ @ Trump is just not taking it seriously .
”

Gabriel Sherman: “As he barnstorms the country, Trump is putting little effort into readying himself for next week’s debate moderated by Chris Wallace. Sources said Trump is having occasional conversations with chief strategist Jason Miller and former New Jersey governor Chris Christie.”
Said a former West Wing official: “Basically what happens is they sit around and throw questions at Trump. But Trump just kind of does his thing.”
Added another Republican source: “Trump is just not taking it seriously.”


politicalwire--2020-09-23--A Landslide and Close Race Are Easy to Imagine

Nate Cohn : “ We ’ re all understandably focused on the states likeliest to decide the election , like Pennsylvania and Florida .
Those states remain close enough that Mr. Trump remains competitive .
But states like Texas , Georgia , Ohio and Iowa also remain very competitive .
In fact , they ’ re even closer than Florida or Pennsylvania — so close that a Biden landslide is just as real a possibility as a Trump victory.
” “ Here ’ s a different way to think about it : If Mr. Biden outperformed today ’ s polls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be declared the winner early on election night .
Florida would be called by around 8 p.m. , and Texas could be the state that makes Mr. Biden the president-elect .
( Yes , Texas ) .
He ’ d have a good shot at the largest electoral vote landslide since 1988.
” “ But if Mr. Trump outperformed the polls by the same margin , suddenly we ’ d have an extraordinarily close race on our hands , potentially waiting days or weeks while mail-in votes were counted in Pennsylvania , Michigan @ @ @ @

Nate Cohn: “We’re all understandably focused on the states likeliest to decide the election, like Pennsylvania and Florida. Those states remain close enough that Mr. Trump remains competitive. But states like Texas, Georgia, Ohio and Iowa also remain very competitive. In fact, they’re even closer than Florida or Pennsylvania — so close that a Biden landslide is just as real a possibility as a Trump victory.”
“Here’s a different way to think about it: If Mr. Biden outperformed today’s polls by just two points, he would be declared the winner early on election night. Florida would be called by around 8 p.m., and Texas could be the state that makes Mr. Biden the president-elect. (Yes, Texas). He’d have a good shot at the largest electoral vote landslide since 1988.”
“But if Mr. Trump outperformed the polls by the same margin, suddenly we’d have an extraordinarily close race on our hands, potentially waiting days or weeks while mail-in votes were counted in Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin.”


politicalwire--2020-09-23--Meadows Tells Agencies to Prepare for Staff Shake Up

White House chief of staff Mark Meadows told administration officials to expect senior aides to be replaced at many government @ @ @ @ @ “ Meadows asked the director of the White House Presidential Personnel Office John McEntee “ @ @ @ @ @ White House Liaisons at many of your agencies.
” “ Liaisons are the White House @ @ @ @ @ inside the agencies — and in the Trump administration they ’ re charged with enforcing @ @ @ @ @ his agenda .
”

White House chief of staff Mark Meadows told administration officials to expect senior aides to be replaced at many government agencies, Axios reports.
Meadows asked the director of the White House Presidential Personnel Office John McEntee “to look at replacing the White House Liaisons at many of your agencies.”
“Liaisons are the White House’s eyes and ears inside the agencies — and in the Trump administration they’re charged with enforcing loyalty to the president and his agenda.”


politicalwire--2020-09-22--Deal Reached to Fund Government Past Election

Sen. Susan Collins ( R-Maine ) said on Tuesday that she will vote against a Supreme Court nominee if one @ @ @ @ @ floor before the November election , The Hill…


politicalwire--2020-09-22--Cindy McCain Will Endorse Biden

Cindy McCain Will Endorse Biden


politicalwire--2020-09-22--Kamala Harris Downplays Debate Skills

Kamala Harris Downplays Debate Skills

“ Kamala Harris ’ s team is working to manage public expectations that her upcoming debate with Vice President Mike @ @ @ @ @ an easy opponent , despite her withering attacks on Democratic rivals in earlier presidential primary @ @ @ @ @ .
“ As the Democratic vice-presidential nominee readies for the face-off on Oct. 7 in @ @ @ @ @ team has cast former presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg to play Pence in mock debates .
@

“Kamala Harris’s team is working to manage public expectations that her upcoming debate with Vice President Mike Pence will present her with an easy opponent, despite her withering attacks on Democratic rivals in earlier presidential primary debates,” Bloomberg reports.
“As the Democratic vice-presidential nominee readies for the face-off on Oct. 7 in Salt Lake City, her team has cast former presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg to play Pence in mock debates.”


politicalwire--2020-09-22--FBI Warns of Disinformation About Election Results


politicalwire--2020-09-22--Schumer Invokes ‘Two-Hour Rule’ to Block Committees


New Battleground Polls


politicalwire--2020-09-22--FDA Offers Strict Guidelines for Vaccine Authorization

Washington Post : “ The agency is issuing the guidance to boost transparency and public trust as it approaches the @ @ @ @ @ prospective vaccine is safe and effective.
” “ Public health experts are increasingly worried that @ @ @ @ @ predictions of a coronavirus vaccine by Nov. 3 , coupled with the administration ’ s @ @ @ @ @ , may prompt Americans to reject any vaccine as rushed and potentially tainted .
”

Washington Post: “The agency is issuing the guidance to boost transparency and public trust as it approaches the momentous decision of whether a prospective vaccine is safe and effective.”
“Public health experts are increasingly worried that President Trump’s repeated predictions of a coronavirus vaccine by Nov. 3, coupled with the administration’s interference in federal science agencies, may prompt Americans to reject any vaccine as rushed and potentially tainted.”


politicalwire--2020-09-22--Court Candidate’s Religious Community Under Scrutiny

Reuters : “ Some have likened People of Praise , a self-described charismatic Christian community , to the totalitarian , @ @ @ @ @ ’ s novel The Handmaid ’ s Tale.
” “ Others call it an ultraconservative @ @ @ @ @ of Roman Catholic and Pentecostal traditions.
” “ In any case there has been renewed @ @ @ @ @ President Trump put one of its purported members , Judge Amy Coney Barrett of the @ @ @ @ @ , on his short list of candidates for elevation to the Supreme Court .
”

Reuters: “Some have likened People of Praise, a self-described charismatic Christian community, to the totalitarian, male-dominated society of Margaret Atwood’s novel The Handmaid’s Tale.”
“Others call it an ultraconservative group with an unusual mix of Roman Catholic and Pentecostal traditions.”
“In any case there has been renewed interest in the group since President Trump put one of its purported members, Judge Amy Coney Barrett of the Seventh District Court of Appeals, on his short list of candidates for elevation to the Supreme Court.”


politicalwire--2020-09-22--McConnell Replies to Ginsburg’s Dying Wish

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell ( R-KY ) was asked how he justified moving forward with a Supreme Court vote @ @ @ @ @ Ginsburg ’ s dying wish was for the next president to fill her seat .
@ @ @ @ @ prefer another thing she said recently , which was she thought the number on the @ @ @ @ @ nine .
”

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) was asked how he justified moving forward with a Supreme Court vote, when Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s dying wish was for the next president to fill her seat.
Said McConnell: “I prefer another thing she said recently, which was she thought the number on the Supreme Court ought to be nine.”


politicalwire--2020-09-22--Dutch Accuse U.S. Ambassador of Interfering In Politics

“ Dutch officials demanded answers from Pete Hoekstra , the U.S. ambassador to the Netherlands , on Tuesday in light @ @ @ @ @ appointee had held a private event for a rising right-wing political party and its donors @ @ @ @ @ The Hague earlier this month , ” the Washington Post reports .

“Dutch officials demanded answers from Pete Hoekstra, the U.S. ambassador to the Netherlands, on Tuesday in light of reports that the Trump appointee had held a private event for a rising right-wing political party and its donors at the U.S. Embassy in The Hague earlier this month,” the Washington Post reports.


politicalwire--2020-09-22--Ex-Trump Adviser Says U.S. Seen as ‘Object of Pity’

Former White House Russia adviser Fiona Hill told CNN that the United States is increasingly seen as “ an object @ @ @ @ @ standing on the world stage is eroding .
Said Hill : “ We are increasingly @ @ @ @ @ pity , including by our allies , because they are so shocked by what ’ @ @ @ @ @ we ’ re eating ourselves alive with our divisions .
We ’ re the ones @ @ @ @ @ .
It ’ s not the Russians or the Chinese or anyone else .
We @ @ @ @ @ .
”

Former White House Russia adviser Fiona Hill told CNN that the United States is increasingly seen as “an object of pity” and its standing on the world stage is eroding.
Said Hill: “We are increasingly seen as an object of pity, including by our allies, because they are so shocked by what’s happening internally, how we’re eating ourselves alive with our divisions. We’re the ones who are creating all this. It’s not the Russians or the Chinese or anyone else. We are doing this to ourselves.”


politicalwire--2020-09-22--How the Supreme Court Vacancy Plays Politically

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politicalwire--2020-09-22--Collins Will Vote Against Justice Nominee Before Election

Sen. Susan Collins ( R-Maine ) said on Tuesday that she will vote against a Supreme Court nominee if one @ @ @ @ @ floor before the November election , The Hill reports .
Said Collins : “ I @ @ @ @ @ yes , that I did not think there should be a vote prior to the @ @ @ @ @ is one , I would oppose the nominee .
”

Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) said on Tuesday that she will vote against a Supreme Court nominee if one is brought to the Senate floor before the November election, The Hill reports.
Said Collins: “I made it very clear, yes, that I did not think there should be a vote prior to the election. And if there is one, I would oppose the nominee.”


politicalwire--2020-09-22--Pennsylvania Could Come Down to ‘Naked Ballots’

Philadelphia Inquirer : “ The state Supreme Court in Pennsylvania , a critical battleground state that ’ s seen as increasingly likely to determine who wins the White House , last week ordered officials to throw out ‘ naked ballots ’ — mail ballots that arrive without inner ‘ secrecy envelopes.
’ Pennsylvania uses a two-envelope mail ballot system : A completed ballot goes into a ‘ secrecy envelope ’ that has no identifying information , and then into a larger mailing envelope that the voter signs.
” “ It ’ s unclear how many naked ballots there will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any Pennsylvania voter can vote by mail , and most counties counted them in the June primary without tracking how many there were.
” Axios : “ The decision to reject ‘ naked ballots ’ didn ’ t apply during the primary earlier this year , which was the first use of expanded mail-in voting , so it ’ s unclear how widespread the mistake may be .
However , 6.4 % of ballots were ‘ naked ’ during last November ’ s municipal election in Philadelphia , which was conducted under the @ @ @ @ @ @

Philadelphia Inquirer: “The state Supreme Court in Pennsylvania, a critical battleground state that’s seen as increasingly likely to determine who wins the White House, last week ordered officials to throw out ‘naked ballots’ — mail ballots that arrive without inner ‘secrecy envelopes.’ Pennsylvania uses a two-envelope mail ballot system: A completed ballot goes into a ‘secrecy envelope’ that has no identifying information, and then into a larger mailing envelope that the voter signs.”
“It’s unclear how many naked ballots there will be, because this is the first year any Pennsylvania voter can vote by mail, and most counties counted them in the June primary without tracking how many there were.”
Axios: “The decision to reject ‘naked ballots’ didn’t apply during the primary earlier this year, which was the first use of expanded mail-in voting, so it’s unclear how widespread the mistake may be. However, 6.4% of ballots were ‘naked’ during last November’s municipal election in Philadelphia, which was conducted under the more restrictive absentee system.”


politicalwire--2020-09-22--GOP Will Ask Supreme Court to Limit Mail Voting

“ Republicans plan to ask the Supreme Court to review a major Pennsylvania state court ruling that extended the due @ @ @ @ @ the key battleground state , teeing up the first test for the Supreme Court since @ @ @ @ @ leader Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg , ” The Hill reports .
“ The GOP legal @ @ @ @ @ in a pair of court documents filed overnight and Tuesday morning , has not been @ @ @ @

“Republicans plan to ask the Supreme Court to review a major Pennsylvania state court ruling that extended the due date for mail ballots in the key battleground state, teeing up the first test for the Supreme Court since the death of its liberal leader Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg,” The Hill reports.
“The GOP legal strategy, which was revealed in a pair of court documents filed overnight and Tuesday morning, has not been previously reported.”


politicalwire--2020-09-22--Extra Bonus Quote of the Day

Extra Bonus Quote of the Day


politicalwire--2020-09-22--Organizers Choose 6 Topics for First Debate

Politico : “ According to a person familiar with the planning , the 90 minute debate will be divided into @ @ @ @ @ areas .
They include : Trump ’ s and Biden ’ s records ; the @ @ @ @ @ pandemic ; race and violence in cities ; election integrity ; and the economy .
@


politicalwire--2020-09-22--The GOP Is an Authoritarian Outlier

The GOP Is an Authoritarian Outlier

Zack Beauchamp : “ The Republican Supreme Court power grab after Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg ’ s death should be @ @ @ @ @ hypocrisy involved .
The only reason it isn ’ t is that we ’ ve @ @ @ @ @ Republicans — and not just under Trump.
” “ Republicans shut down the government in @ @ @ @ @ Bill Clinton over far less than what Trump has done in office .
Under Obama @ @ @ @ @ of birtherism , held the global economy hostage to force spending cuts , and elevated @ @ @ @ @ governing principle.
” “ At the state level , they have rewritten electoral rules to @ @ @ @ @ seized power from Democratic governors after they have won elections .
Just this week , @ @ @ @ @ proposed a bill that would effectively criminalize anti-police violence protests — and protect drivers who @ @ @ @ @ cars.
” “ This kind of radicalism is not at all normal — at least @ @ @ @ @ parties in other advanced democracies .
”

Zack Beauchamp: “The Republican Supreme Court power grab after Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s death should be shocking, given the naked hypocrisy involved. The only reason it isn’t is that we’ve come to expect this from Republicans — and not just under Trump.”
“Republicans shut down the government in the 1990s and impeached President Bill Clinton over far less than what Trump has done in office. Under Obama, they fanned the flames of birtherism, held the global economy hostage to force spending cuts, and elevated obstructionism to the level of governing principle.”
“At the state level, they have rewritten electoral rules to block Democrats from voting and seized power from Democratic governors after they have won elections. Just this week, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis proposed a bill that would effectively criminalize anti-police violence protests — and protect drivers who ran over protesters with their cars.”
“This kind of radicalism is not at all normal — at least, when compared to center-right parties in other advanced democracies.”


politicalwire--2020-09-23--Why Is McConnell Pushing So Hard on Supreme Court?

John Harris : “ One is that he expects his party to hold power a very long time .
Who @ @ @ @ @ when they don ’ t matter now and won ’ t in the future ?
@ @ @ @ @ that he expects to hold power a very short time , or at least is @ @ @ @ @ , and believes that once power is lost it is gone indefinitely .
Under this @ @ @ @ @ sense to lock in as many gains , as quickly as possible , for as @ @ @ @ @ enduring scorn of the opposition is an acceptable price to pay because the long-term contest @ @ @ @ @

John Harris: “One is that he expects his party to hold power a very long time. Who cares what the opposition thinks when they don’t matter now and won’t in the future?”
“The other is that he expects to hold power a very short time, or at least is keenly attuned to this possibility, and believes that once power is lost it is gone indefinitely. Under this scenario, it would make sense to lock in as many gains, as quickly as possible, for as long as possible. The enduring scorn of the opposition is an acceptable price to pay because the long-term contest is essentially over.”


politicalwire--2020-09-23--Trump Dismisses Cindy McCain’s Endorsement of Biden

President Trump dismissed Cindy McCain ’ s endorsement of Joe Biden saying he “ hardly ” knows her and describing @ @ @ @ @ a “ lapdog ” for her late husband , Sen. John McCain ( R-AZ ) @ @ @ @ @ Cindy can have Sleepy Joe .
”

President Trump dismissed Cindy McCain’s endorsement of Joe Biden saying he “hardly” knows her and describing the former vice president as a “lapdog” for her late husband, Sen. John McCain (R-AZ).
Said Trump: “Cindy can have Sleepy Joe.”


politicalwire--2020-09-23--Trump Races to Make Supreme Court the Issue

New York Times : “ To a president lagging in the polls , the chance to fill a Supreme Court @ @ @ @ @ lifeline , a chance to mobilize supporters and talk about something , anything , other @ @ @ @ @ killed 200,000 Americans.
” “ With the future of Roe v. Wade presumably on the @ @ @ @ @ will certainly inject abortion into a race that had not focused on it until now @ @ @ @ @ been a bedrock of the Republican coalition and often more devoted to casting ballots on @ @ @ @ @ .
But polls show the broader electorate supports retaining Roe v. Wade , and Democrats @ @ @ @ @ appears to be threatened it will activate voters who support abortion rights .
”

New York Times: “To a president lagging in the polls, the chance to fill a Supreme Court vacancy has become a political lifeline, a chance to mobilize supporters and talk about something, anything, other than the coronavirus that has killed 200,000 Americans.”
“With the future of Roe v. Wade presumably on the line, the confirmation fight will certainly inject abortion into a race that had not focused on it until now. Anti-abortion voters have long been a bedrock of the Republican coalition and often more devoted to casting ballots on that issue than their counterparts. But polls show the broader electorate supports retaining Roe v. Wade, and Democrats hope that if the ruling appears to be threatened it will activate voters who support abortion rights.”


politicalwire--2020-09-23--GOP Report Fails to Show Wrongdoing by Joe Biden

A pair of Senate Republican committee chairmen released a report Wednesday arguing that Hunter Biden ’ s board position with @ @ @ @ @ “ awkward , ” “ problematic ” and interfered with “ efficient execution of policy @ @ @ @ @ , the Washington Post reports .
But the report offered few specific examples that it @ @ @ @ @ ’ s actions and failed to demonstrate that it changed the administration ’ s policy @ @ @

A pair of Senate Republican committee chairmen released a report Wednesday arguing that Hunter Biden’s board position with a Ukrainian energy company was “awkward,” “problematic” and interfered with “efficient execution of policy” for the Obama administration, the Washington Post reports.
But the report offered few specific examples that it impacted Vice President Joe Biden’s actions and failed to demonstrate that it changed the administration’s policy toward Ukraine.


politicalwire--2020-09-23--Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day

“ God created Republicans to do three things , and really only three things : cut taxes , kill foreign @ @ @ @ @ .
Only confirming judges has the potential to unite socially conservative populists and squishy corporatists @ @ @ @ @ GOP strategist Brad Todd , quoted by the New York Times .

“God created Republicans to do three things, and really only three things: cut taxes, kill foreign enemies and confirm right-facing judges. Only confirming judges has the potential to unite socially conservative populists and squishy corporatists with equal enthusiasm.”
— GOP strategist Brad Todd, quoted by the New York Times.


politicalwire--2020-09-23--CIA Clamps Down on Flow of Russia Intelligence

“ The CIA has made it harder for intelligence about Russia to reach the White House , stoking fears among @ @ @ @ @ information is being suppressed to please a president known to erupt in anger whenever he @ @ @ @ @ about Moscow , ” Politico reports .

“The CIA has made it harder for intelligence about Russia to reach the White House, stoking fears among current and former officials that information is being suppressed to please a president known to erupt in anger whenever he is confronted with bad news about Moscow,” Politico reports.


politicalwire--2020-09-23--The Special Hell of Trump’s Supreme Court Appointment

Frank Bruni : “ It was almost inevitable that President Trump would get one Supreme Court appointment during this four-year @ @ @ @ @ possible that he ’ d get two.
” “ But three ?
Seldom has a @ @ @ @ @ so inversely proportional to his warrant .
Trump , with his nonexistent mandate , reaches @ @ @ @ @ damage .
That ’ s what makes his reign so perverse .
That ’ s @ @ @ @ @ .
”

Frank Bruni: “It was almost inevitable that President Trump would get one Supreme Court appointment during this four-year term. It was always possible that he’d get two.”
“But three? Seldom has a president’s impact been so inversely proportional to his warrant. Trump, with his nonexistent mandate, reaches extra far and wreaks extra damage. That’s what makes his reign so perverse. That’s the special hell of it.”


politicalwire--2020-09-23--Omar Hits Back at Trump

Omar Hits Back at Trump

Rep. Ilhan Omar ( D-MN ) delivered a pretty devastating comeback to President Trump after his dog-whistle attack on her @ @ @ @ @ rally Tuesday night , the Daily Beast reports .
Said Trump : “ She ’ @ @ @ @ @ run our country .
How did you do where you came from ?
How was @ @ @ @ @ Responded Omar : “ Firstly , this is my country and I am a member @ @ @ @ @ you .
Secondly , I fled civil war when I was 8 .
An 8-year-old @ @ @ @ @ country even though you run our country like one .
”

Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) delivered a pretty devastating comeback to President Trump after his dog-whistle attack on her Somali origins at his Pennsylvania rally Tuesday night, the Daily Beast reports.
Said Trump: “She’s telling us how to run our country. How did you do where you came from? How was your country doing?”
Responded Omar: “Firstly, this is my country and I am a member of the House that impeached you. Secondly, I fled civil war when I was 8. An 8-year-old doesn’t run a country even though you run our country like one.”


New Battleground Polls

“ The findings in the two surveys are better for the president than other polls conducted in the two states @ @ @ @ @ The Post ’ s average of polls this month shows Biden with a two-point advantage @ @ @ @ @ margin in Arizona .
”

New Washington Post-ABC News polls:
FLORIDA: Trump 51%, Biden 47%
ARIZONA: Trump 49%, Biden 48%
“The findings in the two surveys are better for the president than other polls conducted in the two states recently by other organizations. The Post’s average of polls this month shows Biden with a two-point advantage in Florida and a six-point margin in Arizona.”


politicalwire--2020-09-23--Senate GOP Bets It All on the Supreme Court

Politico : “ With their majority increasingly in peril and Joe Biden demonstrating a durable lead over President Donald Trump @ @ @ @ @ to make 2020 a sequel to their surprising win four years ago .
In 2016 @ @ @ @ @ ’ s decision to block Merrick Garland ’ s appointment with delivering Trump the presidency @ @ @ @ @ the Senate GOP majority.
” For members : How the Supreme Court vacancy plays politically @

Politico: “With their majority increasingly in peril and Joe Biden demonstrating a durable lead over President Donald Trump, GOP senators are trying to make 2020 a sequel to their surprising win four years ago. In 2016, Republicans credited Mitch McConnell’s decision to block Merrick Garland’s appointment with delivering Trump the presidency — as well as saving the Senate GOP majority.”
For members: How the Supreme Court vacancy plays politically.


politicalwire--2020-09-23--Trump Allies Clash Over Supreme Court Pick

Politico : “ “ One camp is dominated by the GOP operative class overseeing the party ’ s electoral efforts @ @ @ @ @ s own campaign advisers and donors .
The imperative is to do anything possible to @ @ @ @ @ Barbara Lagoa would be an undeniable boon , they say : a Florida-based , Cuban-American @ @ @ @ @ , who might also help the president in Hispanic-heavy Arizona and Nevada.
” “ The @ @ @ @ @ House chief of staff Mark Meadows , consists of religious and movement conservatives .
They @ @ @ @ @ pick — someone who carries the lowest possible risk of becoming the next John Roberts @ @ @ @ @ Souter .
The obvious choice to them is Amy Coney Barrett , an acolyte of @ @ @ @ @ ’ s been groomed for decades to ascend to the high court and is seen @ @ @ @ @ .
”

Politico: ““One camp is dominated by the GOP operative class overseeing the party’s electoral efforts, including the president’s own campaign advisers and donors. The imperative is to do anything possible to win the election, and Barbara Lagoa would be an undeniable boon, they say: a Florida-based, Cuban-American jurist from a must-win state, who might also help the president in Hispanic-heavy Arizona and Nevada.”
“The other, led by White House chief of staff Mark Meadows, consists of religious and movement conservatives. They want a can’t-miss pick — someone who carries the lowest possible risk of becoming the next John Roberts or, worse, David Souter. The obvious choice to them is Amy Coney Barrett, an acolyte of former Justice Antonin Scalia who’s been groomed for decades to ascend to the high court and is seen as having the inside track.”


politicalwire--2020-09-23--RNC Wires Money to Texas

RNC Wires Money to Texas

Frank Bruni : “ It was almost inevitable that President Trump would get one Supreme Court appointment during this four-year @ @ @ @ @ possible that he ’ d get two.
” “ But three ?
Seldom…

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


politicalwire--2020-09-23--Wall Street Fears Meltdown Over Election

“ The death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and President Trump ’ s vow to name her replacement to the @ @ @ @ @ s election are amplifying Wall Street ’ s worries about major volatility and market losses @ @ @ @ @ the election , ” Axios reports .
“ The 2020 election is the most expensive @ @ @ @ @ per Bloomberg — with insurance bets on implied volatility six times their normal level , @ @ @ @ @ And it could take days or even weeks to count the record number of mail-in @ @ @ @ @ .
”

“The death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and President Trump’s vow to name her replacement to the Supreme Court before November’s election are amplifying Wall Street’s worries about major volatility and market losses ahead of and even after the election,” Axios reports.
“The 2020 election is the most expensive event risk on record, per Bloomberg — with insurance bets on implied volatility six times their normal level, according to JPMorgan analysts. And it could take days or even weeks to count the record number of mail-in ballots and declare a winner.”


politicalwire--2020-09-23--Six GOP-Endorsed Minnesota Candidates Back QAnon

“ At least a half-dozen Minnesota Republicans running for state legislative seats in November have promoted the sprawling , false @ @ @ @ @ and pedophiles run the government and that COVID-19 is part of a plot to steal @ @ @ @ @ Minneapolis Star Tribune reports .
“ Once a fringe fiction , QAnon is quickly seeping @ @ @ @ @ scores of GOP candidates across the country express support for it .
”

“At least a half-dozen Minnesota Republicans running for state legislative seats in November have promoted the sprawling, false QAnon conspiracy that claims Satanists and pedophiles run the government and that COVID-19 is part of a plot to steal the election,” the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.
“Once a fringe fiction, QAnon is quickly seeping into mainstream Republican politics as scores of GOP candidates across the country express support for it.”


politicalwire--2020-09-23--Trump Pushes to Expand Ban on Anti-Racism Training


politicalwire--2020-09-23--Lukashenko Secretly Inaugurates Himself

Lukashenko Secretly Inaugurates Himself

“ Belarus ’ s under-fire autocrat Alexander Lukashenko has secretly inaugurated himself as president in a ceremony at his palace @ @ @ @ @ Independent reports .
“ The 26-year ruler declared an 80 per cent landslide victory in @ @ @ @ @ that led to weeks of protest and a witheringly violent response from the state .
@

“Belarus’s under-fire autocrat Alexander Lukashenko has secretly inaugurated himself as president in a ceremony at his palace in Minsk,” The Independent reports.
“The 26-year ruler declared an 80 per cent landslide victory in 9 August elections — claims that led to weeks of protest and a witheringly violent response from the state.”
Bloomberg: Belarus strongman outsmarts opposition with snap inauguration.


politicalwire--2020-09-23--Pompeo Hits Campaign Trail in Shift for Top Diplomat

“ Secretary of State Michael Pompeo is ramping up his domestic appearances before overwhelmingly Republican audiences , raising criticism that @ @ @ @ @ the campaign trail for President Donald Trump by taking part in events that previous top @ @ @ @ @ , ” Bloomberg reports .
“ Pompeo will be in Wisconsin on Wednesday to address @ @ @ @ @ a speech billed as warning of the threat that states face from China ’ s @ @ @ @ @ s following a string of Republican visitors to the battleground state including Trump , Vice @ @ @ @ @ General William Barr .
”

“Secretary of State Michael Pompeo is ramping up his domestic appearances before overwhelmingly Republican audiences, raising criticism that he’s going on the campaign trail for President Donald Trump by taking part in events that previous top U.S. diplomats would have avoided,” Bloomberg reports.
“Pompeo will be in Wisconsin on Wednesday to address the Republican-controlled state legislature in a speech billed as warning of the threat that states face from China’s Communist Party. He’s following a string of Republican visitors to the battleground state including Trump, Vice President Mike Pence and Attorney General William Barr.”


politicalwire--2020-09-23--Most Voters Don’t Want Canvassers Knocking

A new Politico/Morning Consult poll finds 63 % of voters now feel apprehensive about encountering canvassers outside their door because @ @ @ @ @ 28 % say they are comfortable being contacted in person by campaign volunteers .

A new Politico/Morning Consult poll finds 63% of voters now feel apprehensive about encountering canvassers outside their door because of the pandemic.
Just 28% say they are comfortable being contacted in person by campaign volunteers.


politicalwire--2020-09-23--Russian Trolls Have It Easier This Year

Russian Trolls Have It Easier This Year

“ Four years ago , when Russian intelligence agencies engaged in a systematic attempt to influence the American presidential election @ @ @ @ @ American voters required some real imagination at the troll farms producing the ads , ” @ @ @ @ @ .
“ There was the exaggerated Texas secession movement , a famous ad in which @ @ @ @ @ , ‘ If I win , Clinton wins , ’ and an effort to recruit @ @ @ @ @ same , invented rally over the rapid spread of Islamic influence in the United States.
@ @ @ @ @ their task is much easier .
They are largely amplifying misleading statements from President Trump @ @ @ @ @ of mail-in ballots .
”

“Four years ago, when Russian intelligence agencies engaged in a systematic attempt to influence the American presidential election, the disinformation they fed American voters required some real imagination at the troll farms producing the ads,” the New York Times reports.
“There was the exaggerated Texas secession movement, a famous ad in which Satan arm-wrestles Jesus while declaring, ‘If I win, Clinton wins,’ and an effort to recruit protesters and counterprotesters to the same, invented rally over the rapid spread of Islamic influence in the United States.”
“This year, their task is much easier. They are largely amplifying misleading statements from President Trump, mostly about the dangers of mail-in ballots.”


politicalwire--2020-09-24--Bloomberg Targets Florida Hispanics In $8 Million Blitz

“ The influx of Michael Bloomberg election cash in Florida is yielding yet another million dollar ad buy to make @ @ @ @ @ nominee Joe Biden , this time in a $ 6 million Spanish-language TV and radio @ @ @ @ @ major media markets throughout the key battleground state , ” the Miami Herald reports .


politicalwire--2020-09-24--Trump Looks for Last Minute Wins on Health Care

“ President Trump is pushing advisers to deliver health-care ‘ wins ’ in the final weeks of the campaign , @ @ @ @ @ of proposals as polls show the president ’ s handling of the coronavirus pandemic and @ @ @ @ @ his biggest vulnerabilities in his reelection bid , ” the Washington Post reports .

“President Trump is pushing advisers to deliver health-care ‘wins’ in the final weeks of the campaign, leading to a frenzied rollout of proposals as polls show the president’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic and health-care policy are two of his biggest vulnerabilities in his reelection bid,” the Washington Post reports.


politicalwire--2020-09-24--Republicans Bet Everything on Supreme Court Fight

“ Republicans are shifting their campaign focus toward the looming Supreme Court fight over replacing the late Justice Ruth Bader @ @ @ @ @ will inject a last-minute boost into President Trump ’ s reelection bid and the battle @ @ @ @ @ ” the Washington Post reports .
“ But some in Trump ’ s orbit are @ @ @ @ @ fretting that the move to quickly confirm a conservative replacement for the liberal icon will @ @ @ @ @ in key battlegrounds states .
And behind the scenes , some Senate GOP advisers also @ @ @ @ @ bad news for at least two GOP incumbents — Susan Collins in Maine and Cory @ @ @ @ @ for their political lives in Democratic-leaning states , even as they predict it could bolster @ @ @ @ @

“Republicans are shifting their campaign focus toward the looming Supreme Court fight over replacing the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg in hopes that it will inject a last-minute boost into President Trump’s reelection bid and the battle for the Senate majority,” the Washington Post reports.
“But some in Trump’s orbit are questioning that strategy, privately fretting that the move to quickly confirm a conservative replacement for the liberal icon will backfire and energize the left in key battlegrounds states. And behind the scenes, some Senate GOP advisers also acknowledge that this could spell bad news for at least two GOP incumbents — Susan Collins in Maine and Cory Gardner in Colorado — fighting for their political lives in Democratic-leaning states, even as they predict it could bolster other vulnerable senators.”


politicalwire--2020-09-23--Trump Won’t Promise Peaceful Transition of Power

President Trump wouldn ’ t say if he would commit to a peaceful transition of power if he lost the @ @ @ @ @ going to have to see what happens .
”


politicalwire--2020-09-23--Pence Defends Holding Rallies During Pandemic

Vice President Mike Pence defended President Trump ’ s return to holding large rallies , typically with thousands of supporters @ @ @ @ @ wearing masks , even after 200,000 Americans have died from the novel coronavirus , ABC @ @ @ @ @ : “ Well , we ’ re in an election year .
President Trump and @ @ @ @ @ .
We truly do believe in this freedom-loving nation that the American people know how @ @ @ @ @ look after their families , and look after their neighbors and look out for the @ @ @ @ @ Meanwhile , Trump tweeted a photo from his Tuesday night rally in Philadelphia showing just @ @ @ @ @ .

Vice President Mike Pence defended President Trump’s return to holding large rallies, typically with thousands of supporters seen standing shoulder-to-shoulder and not wearing masks, even after 200,000 Americans have died from the novel coronavirus, ABC News reports.
Said Pence: “Well, we’re in an election year. President Trump and I trust the American people. We truly do believe in this freedom-loving nation that the American people know how to look after themselves, look after their families, and look after their neighbors and look out for the future of this country.”
Meanwhile, Trump tweeted a photo from his Tuesday night rally in Philadelphia showing just how packed the event was.


politicalwire--2020-09-23--Trump Nominates Ex-Nunes Aide as Inspector General

President Trump intends to nominate Allen Souza as the next inspector general for the intel community after firing the previous @ @ @ @ @ , in April , CNN reports .
A former aide to California Rep. Devin Nunes @ @ @ @ @ the House Intelligence Committee , Souza currently works for the National Security Council under Robert @ @ @ @

President Trump intends to nominate Allen Souza as the next inspector general for the intel community after firing the previous inspector general, Michael Atkinson, in April, CNN reports.
A former aide to California Rep. Devin Nunes, the top Republican on the House Intelligence Committee, Souza currently works for the National Security Council under Robert O’Brien.


politicalwire--2020-09-23--Ex-GOP Congresswoman Under Investigation

Former Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen ( R-FL ) is under federal investigation by the Justice Department for allegedly spending campaign money @ @ @ @ @ for her and her family , CBS Miami reports .
“ In recent weeks , @ @ @ @ @ have been subpoenaed to either provide records or appear before a grand jury regarding tens @ @ @ @ @ expenditures by Ros-Lehtinen , including a 2017 trip to Walt Disney World with her children @ @ @ @

Former Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) is under federal investigation by the Justice Department for allegedly spending campaign money on personal trips and vacations for her and her family, CBS Miami reports.
“In recent weeks, former members of her staff have been subpoenaed to either provide records or appear before a grand jury regarding tens of thousands of dollars of expenditures by Ros-Lehtinen, including a 2017 trip to Walt Disney World with her children and grandchildren.”


politicalwire--2020-09-23--Durbin Pushes Back on Court Packing Talk

Sen. Dick Durbin ( D-IL ) , the Senate Democratic whip , pushed back on calls for Democrats to add @ @ @ @ @ Court next year , if they retake the Senate and White House , as retribution @ @ @ @ @ fill Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg ’ s seat just weeks from the election , ABC @ @ @ @ @ : “ There ’ s no serious conversation among my colleagues about this prospect .
@ @ @ @ @ is in the future , if at all .
”

Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL), the Senate Democratic whip, pushed back on calls for Democrats to add more justices to the Supreme Court next year, if they retake the Senate and White House, as retribution for Republicans’ plans to fill Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s seat just weeks from the election, ABC News reports.
Said Durbin: “There’s no serious conversation among my colleagues about this prospect. It is speculative, it is in the future, if at all.”


politicalwire--2020-09-23--Missouri Governor Tests Positive

Missouri Governor Tests Positive

Missouri Gov .
Gov .
Mike Parson ( R ) said he has tested positive for COVID-19 , the St. @ @ @ @ @ Said Parson : “ I was tested , the preliminary results have come back as @ @ @ @ @ now , I feel fine , no symptoms of any kind .
”


politicalwire--2020-09-23--Most Say Next President Should Pick Justice

President Trump wouldn ’ t say if he would commit to a peaceful transition of power if he lost the @ @ @ @ @ going to have to see what happens.
” Save to…


politicalwire--2020-09-23--Pro-Trump Activists Plotted Violence Ahead of Rallies


politicalwire--2020-09-23--Even More Battleground Polls

Even More Battleground Polls


politicalwire--2020-09-23--Texas Republicans Sue Governor Over Early Voting


politicalwire--2020-09-23--Trump Says Supreme Court Will Decide the Election

President Trump predicted that the U.S. Supreme Court will decide the outcome of the November election and argued the Senate @ @ @ @ @ replace the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg to break any tie , Bloomberg reports .
@ @ @ @ @ think this will end up in the Supreme Court and I think it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ nine justices , and I think the system ’ s going to go very quickly.
@ @ @ @ @ I think this scam that the Democrats are pulling , it ’ s a scam @ @ @ @ @ before the United States Supreme Court and I think having a 4-4 situation is not @ @ @ @ @ in case it would be more political than it should be , I think it @ @ @ @ @ have a ninth judge .
”

President Trump predicted that the U.S. Supreme Court will decide the outcome of the November election and argued the Senate should confirm his nominee to replace the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg to break any tie, Bloomberg reports.
Said Trump: “I think this will end up in the Supreme Court and I think it’s very important that we have nine justices, and I think the system’s going to go very quickly.”
He added: “I think this scam that the Democrats are pulling, it’s a scam, this scam will be before the United States Supreme Court and I think having a 4-4 situation is not a good situation. Just in case it would be more political than it should be, I think it’s very important to have a ninth judge.”


politicalwire--2020-09-23--Most Republicans Trust Trump Over CDC

Most Republicans Trust Trump Over CDC


politicalwire--2020-09-23--Eric Trump Ordered to Be Deposed

Eric Trump Ordered to Be Deposed

“ A state judge on ordered Eric Trump to be deposed no later than October 7 in the New York @ @ @ @ @ of the Trump Organization ’ s financial practices , rejecting a protest by President Trump @ @ @ @ @ said he is too busy to meet with investigators until after November ’ s election @ @ @ @ @ reports .

“A state judge on ordered Eric Trump to be deposed no later than October 7 in the New York attorney general’s examination of the Trump Organization’s financial practices, rejecting a protest by President Trump’s son who has said he is too busy to meet with investigators until after November’s election,” the Washington Post reports.


politicalwire--2020-09-23--Justice Department Tried to Block Tell-All by Ex-Friend


politicalwire--2020-09-23--Trump’s Attack on the Vote Count Is a 5-Alarm Fire

Rick Hasen : “ With less than six weeks to go before Election Day , and with over 250 COVID-related election lawsuits filed across 45 states , the litigation strategy of the Trump campaign and their allies has become clear : try to block the expansion of mail-in balloting whenever possible and , in a few key states , create enough chaos in the system and legal and political uncertainty in the results that the Supreme Court , Congress , or Republican legislatures can throw the election to Trump if the outcome is at all close or in doubt.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but in a close enough election we can not count the possibility out .
I ’ ve never been more worried about American democracy than I am right now… ” “ We should not think of the litigation and the wild claims of voter fraud as separate from one another .
Instead , they are part of a play to grab power if the election is close enough .
There are good legal arguments against a power grab , but if another body tries to overturn the will of the people in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protests in the streets , with the potential for violence .
”

Rick Hasen: “With less than six weeks to go before Election Day, and with over 250 COVID-related election lawsuits filed across 45 states, the litigation strategy of the Trump campaign and their allies has become clear: try to block the expansion of mail-in balloting whenever possible and, in a few key states, create enough chaos in the system and legal and political uncertainty in the results that the Supreme Court, Congress, or Republican legislatures can throw the election to Trump if the outcome is at all close or in doubt.”
“It’s a Hail Mary, but in a close enough election we cannot count the possibility out. I’ve never been more worried about American democracy than I am right now…”
“We should not think of the litigation and the wild claims of voter fraud as separate from one another. Instead, they are part of a play to grab power if the election is close enough. There are good legal arguments against a power grab, but if another body tries to overturn the will of the people in voting for president, there will be protests in the streets, with the potential for violence.”
“This is a five-alarm fire folks. It’s time to wake up.”


politicalwire--2020-09-23--California Will Stop Selling Gas Cars In 15 Years


politicalwire--2020-09-23--Biden Maintains 10-Point Lead Nationally

A new Quinnipiac poll finds Joe Biden leading Donald Trump nationally among likely voters , 52 % to 42 % @ @ @ @ @ from a poll three weeks ago .
Said pollster Tim Malloy : “ Voters think @ @ @ @ @ honest , more level headed , and cares more about Americans than the president .
@ @ @ @ @ , translates into a ten-point lead .
”

A new Quinnipiac poll finds Joe Biden leading Donald Trump nationally among likely voters, 52% to 42%.
These numbers are unchanged from a poll three weeks ago.
Said pollster Tim Malloy: “Voters think Biden is smarter, more honest, more level headed, and cares more about Americans than the president. And that, in part, translates into a ten-point lead.”
A new Marquette Law poll finds Biden ahead nationally, 50% to 40%.


politicalwire--2020-09-24--Cheney Pledges Peaceful Transfer of Power

Rep. Liz Cheney ( R-WY ) , the House Republican Conference Chair , pushed back at President Trump on Twitter @ @ @ @ @ of power is enshrined in our Constitution and fundamental to the survival of our Republic @ @ @ @ @ swear an oath to the Constitution .
We will uphold that oath .
”

Rep. Liz Cheney (R-WY), the House Republican Conference Chair, pushed back at President Trump on Twitter:
“The peaceful transfer of power is enshrined in our Constitution and fundamental to the survival of our Republic. America’s leaders swear an oath to the Constitution. We will uphold that oath.”
Axios: Republicans condemn Trump’s refusal to commit to peaceful transfer of power.


New Battleground Polls

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


politicalwire--2020-09-24--Durham Inquiry Looked Into Clintons

Durham Inquiry Looked Into Clintons

“ From the beginning , John Durham ’ s inquiry into the Russia investigation has been politically charged .
President @ @ @ @ @ to uncover a “ deep state ” plot against him , Attorney General William P. @ @ @ @ @ scrutiny , and he and Mr. Durham publicly second-guessed an independent inspector general and traveled @ @ @ @ @ conspiracy theories , ” the New York Times reports .
“ It turns out that @ @ @ @ @ on certain political enemies of Mr. Trump : the Clintons .
”

“From the beginning, John Durham’s inquiry into the Russia investigation has been politically charged. President Trump promoted it as certain to uncover a “deep state” plot against him, Attorney General William P. Barr rebuked the investigators under scrutiny, and he and Mr. Durham publicly second-guessed an independent inspector general and traveled the globe to chase down conspiracy theories,” the New York Times reports.
“It turns out that Mr. Durham also focused attention on certain political enemies of Mr. Trump: the Clintons.”


politicalwire--2020-09-24--The Biden Blowout Scenario

The Biden Blowout Scenario

Jim VandeHei : “ Polls show the path for Biden is quite plausible : He is winning in Wisconsin , @ @ @ @ @ essentially even in Florida — all Trump states in 2016.
” “ And remember : @ @ @ @ @ by 3 million last time to a much more unpopular Democrat , Hillary Clinton.
” @ @ @ @ @ part to changing demographics , is running close or better in red states Texas , @ @ @ @ @ and North Carolina .
”

Jim VandeHei: “Polls show the path for Biden is quite plausible: He is winning in Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania, and essentially even in Florida — all Trump states in 2016.”
“And remember: Trump lost the popular vote by 3 million last time to a much more unpopular Democrat, Hillary Clinton.”
“Biden, thanks in part to changing demographics, is running close or better in red states Texas, Georgia, Arizona, Iowa and North Carolina.”


politicalwire--2020-09-24--Democrats’ Mail Voting Pivot

Democrats’ Mail Voting Pivot

“ Democrats spent the early months of the coronavirus pandemic urging their base to vote absentee .
But as threats @ @ @ @ @ delays , Team Trump litigation and higher ballot rejection rates become clearer , many are @ @ @ @ @ voting as well , ” Axios reports .
“ Democrats are exponentially more likely to @ @ @ @ @ this year — and if enough mail-in ballots are lost , rejected on a technicality @ @ @ @ @ change the outcome of the presidential election or other key races .
”

“Democrats spent the early months of the coronavirus pandemic urging their base to vote absentee. But as threats of U.S. Postal Service delays, Team Trump litigation and higher ballot rejection rates become clearer, many are pivoting to promote more in-person voting as well,” Axios reports.
“Democrats are exponentially more likely to vote by mail than Republicans this year — and if enough mail-in ballots are lost, rejected on a technicality or undercounted, it could change the outcome of the presidential election or other key races.”


politicalwire--2020-09-24--Two GOP Elections Officials Quit In North Carolina

“ The two Republican members of the North Carolina State Board of Elections abruptly resigned Wednesday , saying in separate @ @ @ @ @ by the state attorney general ’ s office and board staff when they agreed to @ @ @ @ @ voters to fix absentee ballots with missing information , ” CNN reports .
“ The @ @ @ @ @ six weeks before Election Day in a hotly contested battleground state , come one day @ @ @ @ @ it unanimously agreed to the settlement , which still must be approved by a court @ @

“The two Republican members of the North Carolina State Board of Elections abruptly resigned Wednesday, saying in separate letters that they felt misled by the state attorney general’s office and board staff when they agreed to a settlement that would allow voters to fix absentee ballots with missing information,” CNN reports.
“The stunning departures, less than six weeks before Election Day in a hotly contested battleground state, come one day after the five-member board said it unanimously agreed to the settlement, which still must be approved by a court.”


politicalwire--2020-09-24--Are We a Banana Republic?

Are We a Banana Republic?

Playbook : “ With 40 days left until Election Day , it seems as though the United States is well @ @ @ @ @ a banana republic… ” “ The news cycle today is going to be absolutely dominated @ @ @ @ @ suggestion there might not be a peaceful transfer of power .
It will be all @ @ @ @ @ of the Capitol , where many lawmakers are just weeks from being on the ballot @ @ @

Playbook: “With 40 days left until Election Day, it seems as though the United States is well on its way to becoming a banana republic…”
“The news cycle today is going to be absolutely dominated by the president’s suggestion there might not be a peaceful transfer of power. It will be all the chatter in the hallways of the Capitol, where many lawmakers are just weeks from being on the ballot themselves.”


politicalwire--2020-09-24--Trump Pulls Ads In Key Battleground States

“ President Trump ’ s campaign has canceled $ 4.5 million in ad buys in key battleground states this week @ @ @ @ @ trouble for his re-election effort , even as Democratic nominee Joe Biden expands his advertising @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Faced with a shrinking cash balance , Trump has pulled back on television @ @ @ @ @ states where the race is close : Arizona , Florida and Georgia .
And his @ @ @ @ @ states like Ohio and Iowa , where he and Biden are essentially tied .
”

“President Trump’s campaign has canceled $4.5 million in ad buys in key battleground states this week, raising more signs of trouble for his re-election effort, even as Democratic nominee Joe Biden expands his advertising footprint,” Bloomberg reports.
“Faced with a shrinking cash balance, Trump has pulled back on television ads in all but three states where the race is close: Arizona, Florida and Georgia. And his ads have disappeared from must-win states like Ohio and Iowa, where he and Biden are essentially tied.”


politicalwire--2020-09-24--Trump Looks for Catholic Vote from Court Fight

Politico : “ Trump and his aides are betting that Catholic voters will feel enough of a kinship with either @ @ @ @ @ eyeing for the vacancy — 7th U.S .
Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Amy Coney @ @ @ @ @ of seven , or 11th Circuit Judge Barbara Lagoa , a Catholic mother of three @ @ @ @ @ one of them will lock in a majority of the Catholic vote just in time @ @ @ @ @ “ On the other hand , they are hoping Catholic voters who have already swung @ @ @ @ @ grievances with the president ’ s behavior or policies , will return to Trump ’ @ @ @ @ @ vice president remains quiet as Senate Democrats and progressive activists knock the faith of his @ @ @ @

Politico: “Trump and his aides are betting that Catholic voters will feel enough of a kinship with either of the women he is eyeing for the vacancy — 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Amy Coney Barrett, a Catholic mother of seven, or 11th Circuit Judge Barbara Lagoa, a Catholic mother of three — that his nomination of one of them will lock in a majority of the Catholic vote just in time for the November election.”
“On the other hand, they are hoping Catholic voters who have already swung toward Biden, due to grievances with the president’s behavior or policies, will return to Trump’s column if the former vice president remains quiet as Senate Democrats and progressive activists knock the faith of his impending nominee.”


politicalwire--2020-09-24--Netanyahu Brings His Dirty Laundry, Literally

“ Most politicians go to great lengths to conceal their dirty laundry .
And then there ’ s Prime Minister @ @ @ @ @ Washington Post reports .
“ Over the years , the Israeli leader has developed a @ @ @ @ @ the U.S. president ’ s guesthouse for bringing special cargo on his trips to Washington @ @ @ @ @ of dirty laundry , according to U.S. officials familiar with the matter .
The clothes @ @ @ @ @ minister free of charge by the U.S. staff , a perk that is available to @ @ @ @ @ taken advantage of given the short stays of busy heads of state .
”

“Most politicians go to great lengths to conceal their dirty laundry. And then there’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu,” the Washington Post reports.
“Over the years, the Israeli leader has developed a reputation among the staff at the U.S. president’s guesthouse for bringing special cargo on his trips to Washington: bags and suitcases full of dirty laundry, according to U.S. officials familiar with the matter. The clothes are cleaned for the prime minister free of charge by the U.S. staff, a perk that is available to all foreign leaders but sparingly taken advantage of given the short stays of busy heads of state.”


politicalwire--2020-09-24--Some Democrats Will Snub Trump’s Pick

Some Democrats Will Snub Trump’s Pick

“ President Trump hasn ’ t announced a Supreme Court nominee yet , but some Democrats have already decided there @ @ @ @ @ meeting with her , no matter who it is , ” Politico reports .
“ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s a no-brainer to shun whoever Trump chooses to replace the late Ruth Bader @ @ @ @ @ be fruitless not just because Trump is likely to pick a hard-line conservative , but @ @ @ @ @ furious Majority Leader Mitch McConnell stonewalled Merrick Garland in 2016 .

“President Trump hasn’t announced a Supreme Court nominee yet, but some Democrats have already decided there’s no point in meeting with her, no matter who it is,” Politico reports.
“These Senate Democrats say it’s a no-brainer to shun whoever Trump chooses to replace the late Ruth Bader Ginsburg. A meeting would be fruitless not just because Trump is likely to pick a hard-line conservative, but because they’re still furious Majority Leader Mitch McConnell stonewalled Merrick Garland in 2016.


politicalwire--2020-09-24--Florida Republicans See Surge In Voter Registration

“ Republicans have closed the traditional voter registration gap with Democrats to an historically small margin in Florida , triggering @ @ @ @ @ in the nation ’ s biggest swing state , ” Politico reports .
“ Top @ @ @ @ @ have increasingly groused in private that they feel pressure from Joe Biden ’ s campaign @ @ @ @ @ or holding voter registration drives due to the potential spread of coronavirus and fears of @ @ @ @ @ pandemic .
”

“Republicans have closed the traditional voter registration gap with Democrats to an historically small margin in Florida, triggering a wave of Democratic apprehension in the nation’s biggest swing state,” Politico reports.
“Top Florida Democrats and longtime activists have increasingly groused in private that they feel pressure from Joe Biden’s campaign to refrain from door-to-door canvassing or holding voter registration drives due to the potential spread of coronavirus and fears of muddying his messaging on the pandemic.”


politicalwire--2020-09-24--Susan Collins Voted for 95% of Trump Judges

Sen. Susan Collins ( R-ME ) has voted for 95 % of President Trump ’ s federal judicial nominees , @ @ @ @ @ analysis of Senate records .
“ She voted against 10 nominees , including McConnell ’ @ @ @ @ @ appellate courts , because of their lack of professional experience or because of their views @ @ @ @ @ , LGBTQ rights , or abortion rights .
All 10 were nonetheless confirmed , and @ @ @ @ @ any nominees in the first two years of the Trump administration when Republicans controlled the @ @ @ @ @ .
”

Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) has voted for 95% of President Trump’s federal judicial nominees, according to a National Journal analysis of Senate records.
“She voted against 10 nominees, including McConnell’s prioritized judges on powerful appellate courts, because of their lack of professional experience or because of their views on the Affordable Care Act, LGBTQ rights, or abortion rights. All 10 were nonetheless confirmed, and she didn’t oppose any nominees in the first two years of the Trump administration when Republicans controlled the Senate by a narrower margin.”


politicalwire--2020-09-25--Trump Team Plots His Departure

Trump Team Plots His Departure

“ President Trump refuses to commit to a peaceful transfer of power if he loses .
But his team is @ @ @ @ @ very outcome , ” Politico reports .
“ One of the most organized and functional @ @ @ @ @ House these days is a surprising place — the West Wing office planning a potential @ @ @ @

“President Trump refuses to commit to a peaceful transfer of power if he loses. But his team is carefully developing plans for that very outcome,” Politico reports.
“One of the most organized and functional parts of the Trump White House these days is a surprising place — the West Wing office planning a potential presidential transition.”


politicalwire--2020-09-24--Trump Outlines His ‘Vision’ for Health Care

President Trump outlined his health care “ vision , ” which he had pledged to release two months ago , @ @ @ @ @ president said he will sign an executive order that lays out that vision , but @ @ @ @ @ legislative power .
There were very few specifics given .

President Trump outlined his health care “vision,” which he had pledged to release two months ago, CBS News reports.
The president said he will sign an executive order that lays out that vision, but the executive order has no legislative power.
There were very few specifics given.


politicalwire--2020-09-24--Some More Battleground Polls

Some More Battleground Polls

Jonathan Allen : “ Joe Biden ’ s campaign is trying to win at the ballot box .
President Trump @ @ @ @ @ ” “ In other words , Trump may try to keep the republic…


politicalwire--2020-09-24--Obama Plans Fundraisers with Kamala Harris


politicalwire--2020-09-24--Biden and Trump Have Different Goals

Biden and Trump Have Different Goals

Jonathan Allen : “ Joe Biden ’ s campaign is trying to win at the ballot box .
President Trump @ @ @ @ @ ” “ In other words , Trump may try to keep the republic even if @ @ @ @ @ president has long hinted at the basic asymmetry of his goals and Biden ’ s @ @ @ @ @ again refused to commit to a peaceful transfer of power regardless of the count of @ @ @ @ @ same time , his friends , family and political advisers are advocating for voter intimidation @ @ @ @ @ , and Trump is racing to confirm a new Supreme Court justice in short order @ @ @ @ @ re-election if the battle ends up in litigation .
”

Jonathan Allen: “Joe Biden’s campaign is trying to win at the ballot box. President Trump is maneuvering to hold power.”
“In other words, Trump may try to keep the republic even if he loses the election… The president has long hinted at the basic asymmetry of his goals and Biden’s, and on Wednesday he again refused to commit to a peaceful transfer of power regardless of the count of votes.”
“At the same time, his friends, family and political advisers are advocating for voter intimidation and violence after the election, and Trump is racing to confirm a new Supreme Court justice in short order, which could safeguard his re-election if the battle ends up in litigation.”


politicalwire--2020-09-24--The Big Three, the Sun Belt and the Landslide Indicators

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If you listen to President Trump these days, it seems like he knows he’s going to lose the election. He’s stopped talking about winning the most votes and has shifted his rhetoric to the election being “unfair” or “rigged.” He’s even suggested he’ll win at the Supreme Court.


politicalwire--2020-09-24--Death of Candidate Forces Delay of Minnesota House Race

The death of a minor party candidate running a long-shot bid for a competitive U.S. House seat in Minnesota will @ @ @ @ @ , thanks to a bizarre quirk in state law , the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports @ @ @ @ @ The law came after the 2002 death of the late Sen. Paul Wellstone ( D @ @ @ @ @ a plane crash that also killed his wife , his daughter and five others .
@

The death of a minor party candidate running a long-shot bid for a competitive U.S. House seat in Minnesota will force a February special election, thanks to a bizarre quirk in state law, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.
The Hill: “The law came after the 2002 death of the late Sen. Paul Wellstone (D), who died in a plane crash that also killed his wife, his daughter and five others.”


politicalwire--2020-09-24--Brainard Seen as Likely for Biden’s Treasury Secretary

“ Joe Biden ’ s search for a Treasury secretary is widely seen as focusing on Lael Brainard of the @ @ @ @ @ that would keep both Wall Street and progressives in line , ” Bloomberg reports .
@ @ @ @ @ of Sen. Elizabeth Warren hasn ’ t been ruled out but is far less likely @ @

“Joe Biden’s search for a Treasury secretary is widely seen as focusing on Lael Brainard of the Federal Reserve, a choice that would keep both Wall Street and progressives in line,” Bloomberg reports.
“The more provocative choice of Sen. Elizabeth Warren hasn’t been ruled out but is far less likely.”


politicalwire--2020-09-24--Graham Literally Begged for Campaign Donations

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


politicalwire--2020-09-24--Trump Again Raises Doubts About Election Legitimacy

Speaking to reporters before leaving for a rally in North Carolina , President Trump again raised doubts about the legitimacy @ @ @ @ @ Trump : “ We want to make sure the election is honest , and I @ @ @ @ @ it can be .
I don ’ t know that it can be with this @ @ @ @ @ .
”

Speaking to reporters before leaving for a rally in North Carolina, President Trump again raised doubts about the legitimacy of the election.
Said Trump: “We want to make sure the election is honest, and I’m not sure that it can be. I don’t know that it can be with this whole situation, unsolicited ballots.”


politicalwire--2020-09-24--Judge Denies U.S. Bid to Dismiss Andrew McCabe Suit


politicalwire--2020-09-24--Democrats Prepare New Relief Proposal

Democrats Prepare New Relief Proposal

Speaker Nancy Pelosi ( D-CA ) is readying a new , scaled-down package on coronavirus aid that would include assistance @ @ @ @ @ small businesses , the Wall Street Journal reports .
“ Democratic aides said Mrs. Pelosi @ @ @ @ @ tag of around $ 2.4 trillion , down from the $ 3.5 trillion bill that @ @ @ @ @ but in the range of what Mrs. Pelosi has said she would be willing to @ @ @ @ @ the White House and Republicans .
”

Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) is readying a new, scaled-down package on coronavirus aid that would include assistance to airlines, restaurants and small businesses, the Wall Street Journal reports.
“Democratic aides said Mrs. Pelosi was aiming for a price tag of around $2.4 trillion, down from the $3.5 trillion bill that Democrats passed in May, but in the range of what Mrs. Pelosi has said she would be willing to move to in negotiations with the White House and Republicans.”


politicalwire--2020-09-24--Tillis Echoes Conspiracy Theory on Pandemic Deaths

Sen. Thom Tillis ( R-NC ) told a virtual town hall audience that he believed the 200,000 deaths attributed to @ @ @ @ @ been inflated in order to “ encourage people to use social distancing.
” He claimed @ @ @ @ @ much lower .
Salon : “ The response echoes a false conspiracy theory pushed by @ @ @ @ @ movement : that public health officials are allegedly lying to the public about the true @ @ @ @ @ or possibly sinister motives .
Only 6 % of the reported deaths are attributable solely @ @ @ @ @ theorists claim .
”

Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) told a virtual town hall audience that he believed the 200,000 deaths attributed to COVID-19 in the U.S. had been inflated in order to “encourage people to use social distancing.”
He claimed the actual death count was much lower.
Salon: “The response echoes a false conspiracy theory pushed by adherents of the baseless QAnon movement: that public health officials are allegedly lying to the public about the true death count because of ulterior or possibly sinister motives. Only 6% of the reported deaths are attributable solely to COVID-19, the conspiracy theorists claim.”


politicalwire--2020-09-24--GOP Governor Condemns Trump’s Comments

GOP Governor Condemns Trump’s Comments

Massachusetts Gov .
Charlie Baker ( R ) condemned President Trump ’ s “ appalling and outrageous ” refusal to @ @ @ @ @ of power if he loses the presidential election , Mediaite reports .
Said Baker : @ @ @ @ @ this nation ’ s glory to the extent it exists as a beacon to others @ @ @ @ @ power based on the vote of the people of this country .
Mail-in ballot balloting @ @ @ @ @ , and that peaceful transfer of power is what the people of this country rely @ @ @ @ @ vote.
” He added : “ It is appalling and outrageous that anyone would suggest @ @ @ @ @ lose an election they ’ re not going to leave !
Period .
”

Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker (R) condemned President Trump’s “appalling and outrageous” refusal to commit to a peaceful transfer of power if he loses the presidential election, Mediaite reports.
Said Baker: “A huge part of this nation’s glory to the extent it exists as a beacon to others is the peaceful transfer of power based on the vote of the people of this country. Mail-in ballot balloting has been with us forever, and that peaceful transfer of power is what the people of this country rely on when they go to vote.”
He added: “It is appalling and outrageous that anyone would suggest for a minute if they lose an election they’re not going to leave! Period.”


politicalwire--2020-09-24--Extra Bonus Quote of the Day

Extra Bonus Quote of the Day


politicalwire--2020-09-24--Democratic Super PAC Ups Spending In Pennsylvania


politicalwire--2020-09-24--Even More Battleground Polls

Even More Battleground Polls


politicalwire--2020-09-24--Mail Delivery Lags Behind Targets

Mail Delivery Lags Behind Targets

Data obtained by the Associated Press shows “ postal districts across the country are missing by wide margins the agency @ @ @ @ @ on-time delivery , raising the possibility that scores of mailed ballots could miss deadlines for @ @ @ @ @ voters wait too long.
” Bloomberg : “ Postmaster General Louis DeJoy told a judge @ @ @ @ @ can ’ t reassemble the hundreds of high speed mail-sorting machines that were taken apart @ @ @ @ @ that more than a dozen states allege was intended to undermine the upcoming election .
@

Data obtained by the Associated Press shows “postal districts across the country are missing by wide margins the agency’s own goals for on-time delivery, raising the possibility that scores of mailed ballots could miss deadlines for reaching local election offices if voters wait too long.”
“Missing a deadline is a key reason mail-in ballots get rejected.”
Bloomberg: “Postmaster General Louis DeJoy told a judge the U.S. Postal Service can’t reassemble the hundreds of high speed mail-sorting machines that were taken apart this year, a project that more than a dozen states allege was intended to undermine the upcoming election.”


politicalwire--2020-09-24--Michael Caputo Diagnosed with Head and Neck Cancer

Michael Caputo , the political consultant at the center of controversy over the Trump administration ’ s coronavirus messaging , @ @ @ @ @ head and neck cancer , the Buffalo News reports .
Said Caputo : “ It @ @ @ @ @ ve been dealing with for months but didn ’ t do anything about it , @ @ @ @ @ a building full of doctors.
” Caputo recently took a 60-day leave of absence from @ @ @ @ @ of Health and Human Services .

Michael Caputo, the political consultant at the center of controversy over the Trump administration’s coronavirus messaging, has been diagnosed with metastatic head and neck cancer, the Buffalo News reports.
Said Caputo: “It’s something I’ve been dealing with for months but didn’t do anything about it, even though I work in a building full of doctors.”
Caputo recently took a 60-day leave of absence from his post at the Department of Health and Human Services.


politicalwire--2020-09-24--Trump Urges Florida Voters to Request Mail Ballots


politicalwire--2020-09-25--Trump Conceding Isn’t Required

Trump Conceding Isn’t Required

President Trump ’ s own advisers tell Axios : the Constitution makes it clear that , even if Trump chooses @ @ @ @ @ is elected president he will be president on January 20 .
Said one legal adviser @ @ @ @ @ ‘ I don ’ t concede , I think it ’ s rigged , ’ @ @ @ @ @ the president .
”

President Trump’s own advisers tell Axios: the Constitution makes it clear that, even if Trump chooses denial, if Joe Biden is elected president he will be president on January 20.
Said one legal adviser: “Trump can say ‘I don’t concede, I think it’s rigged,’ but he would not be the president.”


politicalwire--2020-09-25--Demographic Change Since 2016 Alone Could Doom Trump

David Wasserman “ finds that if 2016 ’ s turnout and support rates were applied to 2020 ’ s new @ @ @ @ @ narrowly lose Florida , Michigan , Pennsylvania and Wisconsin — more than enough to swing @ @ @ @ @ ” “ And , Trump would lose the popular vote by about four points , @ @ @ @ @ .
”

David Wasserman “finds that if 2016’s turnout and support rates were applied to 2020’s new demographic realities, Trump would narrowly lose Florida, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin — more than enough to swing the presidency to Joe Biden.”
“And, Trump would lose the popular vote by about four points, roughly double his 2016 deficit.”


politicalwire--2020-09-25--Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day

“ This is a party that went into its convention with no platform , just basically said whatever Trump wants @ @ @ @ @ you ’ re not frightened now , if you are not terrified for what could @ @ @ @ @ not ‘ We might have a disputed election.
’ It is ‘ We are going @ @ @ @ @ , almost certainly , ’ unless Trump wins , in which case I shudder to @ @ @ @ @ of this would be like.
” — New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman , quoted @ @ @ @

“This is a party that went into its convention with no platform, just basically said whatever Trump wants, we want. If you’re not frightened now, if you are not terrified for what could happen, it’s not ‘We might have a disputed election.’ It is ‘We are going to have a disputed election, almost certainly,’ unless Trump wins, in which case I shudder to think what four more years of this would be like.”
— New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman, quoted by The Hill.


politicalwire--2020-09-25--The Incredible Influence of James A. Baker III

A New York Times review : “ The core tension that Baker ( no relation to his subject ) and @ @ @ @ @ Man Who Ran Washington is making James Baker — the Washington insider , Republican stalwart @ @ @ @ @ indisputably central role in shaping major events for a half-century — seem relevant today… ” @ @ @ @ @ of the man Barack Obama ’ s national security adviser Thomas Donilon calls ‘ the @ @ @ @ @ World War II ’ is relevant and timely for two reasons .
The first is @ @ @ @ @ into Baker ’ s strengths at diplomacy — skills that will become even more important @ @ @ @ @ ebbs in the coming years… ” “ The second reason this book matters now is @ @ @ @ @ himself as temperamentally and philosophically opposite to Donald Trump , his silence in the face @ @ @ @ @ reflects the broader complicity of the so-called ‘ Republicans who know better . '
”

A New York Times review: “The core tension that Baker (no relation to his subject) and Glasser must overcome in The Man Who Ran Washington is making James Baker — the Washington insider, Republican stalwart and statesman who played an indisputably central role in shaping major events for a half-century — seem relevant today…”
“Yet the life story of the man Barack Obama’s national security adviser Thomas Donilon calls ‘the most important unelected official since World War II’ is relevant and timely for two reasons. The first is that it provides deep insight into Baker’s strengths at diplomacy — skills that will become even more important as America’s influence ebbs in the coming years…”
“The second reason this book matters now is that even though Baker sees himself as temperamentally and philosophically opposite to Donald Trump, his silence in the face of Trump’s outrages reflects the broader complicity of the so-called ‘Republicans who know better.'”


politicalwire--2020-09-25--Susan Collins Still Trails In Maine

Susan Collins Still Trails In Maine

“ You want to go into history to look for something like this ?
Go into Italian history and look @ @ @ @ @ the way dictators come to power.
” — Presidential…


politicalwire--2020-09-25--Surge of Ballot Requests Already Setting Records

Interest in pre-Election Day voting is skyrocketing around the country , with more than 28 million ballots already requested and @ @ @ @ @ be automatically mailed to voters , according to a CNN survey of election offices in @ @ @ @ @ DC — another sign of what is expected to be a record-shattering turnout .

Interest in pre-Election Day voting is skyrocketing around the country, with more than 28 million ballots already requested and another 43 million set to be automatically mailed to voters, according to a CNN survey of election offices in 42 states and Washington, DC — another sign of what is expected to be a record-shattering turnout.


politicalwire--2020-09-25--Trump Reveals His November End Game

Trump Reveals His November End Game

“ After more than four years of non-stop voter fraud claims , insinuations that he might not accept the presidential @ @ @ @ @ one float about delaying the November election , it ’ s no secret .
Trump @ @ @ @ @ to a peaceful transition of power this week — and his choice not to walk @ @ @ @ @ the face of widespread unease — merely broadcast his strategic intent in terms both parties @ @ @ @ @ reports .
“ As a result , Republicans can no longer truthfully deny that Trump @ @ @ @ @ office in the event he is defeated .
And Democrats must now confront the possibility @ @ @ @ @ power to stop him .
”

“After more than four years of non-stop voter fraud claims, insinuations that he might not accept the presidential election results and at least one float about delaying the November election, it’s no secret. Trump’s refusal to commit to a peaceful transition of power this week — and his choice not to walk back his remarks Thursday in the face of widespread unease — merely broadcast his strategic intent in terms both parties can understand,” Politico reports.
“As a result, Republicans can no longer truthfully deny that Trump may be unwilling to leave office in the event he is defeated. And Democrats must now confront the possibility they may not have the power to stop him.”
The Hill: Trump dumbfounds GOP with latest unforced error.


politicalwire--2020-09-25--White House Starts Outreach on Supreme Court Pick

“ The White House has started its outreach to key senators who will play influential roles in the confirmation fight @ @ @ @ @ yet-to-be-named nominee to the Supreme Court , a sign that the administration is preparing to @ @ @ @ @ reveals his pick Saturday afternoon , ” the Washington Post reports .
“ White House @ @ @ @ @ , both Democratic and Republican , of the Senate Judiciary Committee if they would like @ @ @ @ @ nominee starting next week .
”

“The White House has started its outreach to key senators who will play influential roles in the confirmation fight for President Trump’s yet-to-be-named nominee to the Supreme Court, a sign that the administration is preparing to move rapidly once the president reveals his pick Saturday afternoon,” the Washington Post reports.
“White House officials have asked several members, both Democratic and Republican, of the Senate Judiciary Committee if they would like to meet personally with the nominee starting next week.”


politicalwire--2020-09-25--Trump Promises $200 Drug Discount Cards to Seniors

“ President Trump is promising to send $ 200 drug discount cards to 33 million seniors , an election year @ @ @ @ @ ’ s lowering sky high prescription drug costs for older Americans , ” Politico reports @ @ @ @ @ Nobody ’ s seen this before , these cards are incredible .
The cards will @ @ @ @ @ weeks , I will always take care of our wonderful senior citizens .
Joe Biden @ @ @ @ @ this.
” “ Sending coupons to that many Medicare beneficiaries would cost at least $ @ @ @ @ @ White House staff said the money can be used as part of a Medicare program @ @ @ @ @ , that tests innovations that could save money or improve the quality of care in @ @ @ @ @ That regulation has also not yet been implemented — meaning the Trump administration is effectively @ @ @ @ @ billion in savings that do not currently exist .
”

“President Trump is promising to send $200 drug discount cards to 33 million seniors, an election year bid aimed at saying he’s lowering sky high prescription drug costs for older Americans,” Politico reports.
Said Trump: “Nobody’s seen this before, these cards are incredible. The cards will be mailed out in coming weeks, I will always take care of our wonderful senior citizens. Joe Biden won’t be doing this.”
“Sending coupons to that many Medicare beneficiaries would cost at least $6.6 billion. Two senior White House staff said the money can be used as part of a Medicare program, called the 402 demonstration, that tests innovations that could save money or improve the quality of care in Medicare.”
Stat: “That regulation has also not yet been implemented — meaning the Trump administration is effectively pledging to spend $6.6 billion in savings that do not currently exist.”


politicalwire--2020-09-25--Judge Says Census Must Continue Another Month

“ A federal judge has stopped the 2020 census from finishing at the end of September and ordered the once-a-decade @ @ @ @ @ resident to continue for another month through the end of October , saying a shortened @ @ @ @ @ results , ” the AP reports .

“A federal judge has stopped the 2020 census from finishing at the end of September and ordered the once-a-decade head count of every U.S. resident to continue for another month through the end of October, saying a shortened schedule likely would produce inaccurate results,” the AP reports.


politicalwire--2020-09-25--Extra Bonus Quote of the Day

Extra Bonus Quote of the Day

“ You want to go into history to look for something like this ?
Go into Italian history and look @ @ @ @ @ the way dictators come to power .
”

“You want to go into history to look for something like this? Go into Italian history and look at Mussolini. This is the way dictators come to power.”
— Presidential historian Michael Beschloss, on MSNBC.


politicalwire--2020-09-25--Trump Claims Vaccine Was Deliberately Delayed

President Trump suggested without evidence that his political opponents were orchestrating delays to the development of a coronavirus vaccine in @ @ @ @ @ the election , the Daily Beast reports .
Said Trump at a rally : “ @ @ @ @ @ so soon , you won ’ t even believe it , although they are trying @ @ @ @ @ of a political hit .
‘ Let ’ s delay the vaccine just a little @ @ @ @ @ that ?
”

President Trump suggested without evidence that his political opponents were orchestrating delays to the development of a coronavirus vaccine in order to undermine him in the election, the Daily Beast reports.
Said Trump at a rally: “We will have a vaccine so soon, you won’t even believe it, although they are trying to do a little bit of a political hit. ‘Let’s delay the vaccine just a little bit.’ Did you notice that?”


politicalwire--2020-09-25--Justice Dept. Discloses Pennsylvania Ballot Inquiry

“ The Justice Department on Thursday released details about an investigation into nine discarded mailed-in ballots in Pennsylvania , an @ @ @ @ @ fears that President Trump ’ s political appointees were using the levers of law enforcement @ @ @ @ @ election , ” the New York Times reports .
Politico : “ Election experts and @ @ @ @ @ press release from the Department of Justice , in which the department said it had @ @ @ @ @ handful of military ballots in a northeastern Pennsylvania county .
Most unusually , the release @ @ @ @ @ cast their ballots for President Trump .
”

“The Justice Department on Thursday released details about an investigation into nine discarded mailed-in ballots in Pennsylvania, an unusual step that stoked new fears that President Trump’s political appointees were using the levers of law enforcement to sow doubt about the election,” the New York Times reports.
Politico: “Election experts and lawyers are bewildered by a press release from the Department of Justice, in which the department said it had begun an inquiry into a handful of military ballots in a northeastern Pennsylvania county. Most unusually, the release revealed that the voters had cast their ballots for President Trump.”


politicalwire--2020-09-25--Patterson Recalls Shock of Spitzer Scandal

“ Former New York Gov .
David Paterson found out that that he was about to become New York ’ @ @ @ @ @ a phone call made from a bathroom , less than an hour before the New @ @ @ @ @ soon-to-be predecessor , Eliot Spitzer , was a client of an expensive escort service , @ @ @ @ @ Patterson , in a new memoir : “ My overriding thought about Spitzer ’ s @ @ @ @ @ the role of governor is that it ’ s the best benefit I ever got @ @ @ @ @ wasn ’ t even there .
”

“Former New York Gov. David Paterson found out that that he was about to become New York’s top elected official via a phone call made from a bathroom, less than an hour before the New York Times reported that his soon-to-be predecessor, Eliot Spitzer, was a client of an expensive escort service,” Politico reports.
Writes Patterson, in a new memoir: “My overriding thought about Spitzer’s departure and my elevation to the role of governor is that it’s the best benefit I ever got from sex — and I wasn’t even there.”


politicalwire--2020-09-25--Feinstein’s Husband Influenced UC Admissions

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


politicalwire--2020-09-26--How Obama Tried to Gently Nudge RBG to Retire

“ When Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg joined President Barack Obama for lunch in his private dining room in July 2013 @ @ @ @ @ to keep the event quiet — the meeting called for discretion , ” the New @ @ @ @ @ Mr .
Obama had asked his White House counsel , Kathryn Ruemmler , to set @ @ @ @ @ could build a closer rapport with the justice , according to two people briefed on @ @ @ @ @ , he did not directly bring up the subject of retirement to Justice Ginsburg , @ @ @ @ @ ’ s oldest member and a two-time cancer patient.
” “ He did , however @ @ @ @ @ midterm elections and how Democrats might lose control of the Senate .
Implicit in that @ @ @ @ @ his lunch invitation — the possibility that if the Senate flipped , he would lose @ @ @ @ @ younger , liberal judge who could hold on to the seat for decades .
”

“When Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg joined President Barack Obama for lunch in his private dining room in July 2013, the White House sought to keep the event quiet — the meeting called for discretion,” the New York Times reports.
“Mr. Obama had asked his White House counsel, Kathryn Ruemmler, to set up the lunch so he could build a closer rapport with the justice, according to two people briefed on the conversation. Treading cautiously, he did not directly bring up the subject of retirement to Justice Ginsburg, at 80 the Supreme Court’s oldest member and a two-time cancer patient.”
“He did, however, raise the looming 2014 midterm elections and how Democrats might lose control of the Senate. Implicit in that conversation was the concern motivating his lunch invitation — the possibility that if the Senate flipped, he would lose a chance to appoint a younger, liberal judge who could hold on to the seat for decades.”


politicalwire--2020-09-25--‘The Reichstag Is Burning’

‘The Reichstag Is Burning’

Dana Millbank : “ For five years , my colleagues and I have taken pains to avoid Nazi comparisons .
@ @ @ @ @ and counterproductive , to label the right ‘ fascists ’ in the way those on @ @ @ @ @ left ‘ socialists.
’ But this is no longer a matter of name-calling.
” “ @ @ @ @ @ week to accept the peaceful transfer of power — the bedrock principle that has sustained @ @ @ @ @ — President Trump has put the United States , in some ways , where Germany @ @ @ @ @ is when Adolf Hitler , the appointed leader , used the suspicious burning of the @ @ @ @ @ democracy into a totalitarian state .
”

Dana Millbank: “For five years, my colleagues and I have taken pains to avoid Nazi comparisons. It is usually hyperbolic, and counterproductive, to label the right ‘fascists’ in the way those on the right reflexively label the left ‘socialists.’ But this is no longer a matter of name-calling.”
“With his repeated refusals this week to accept the peaceful transfer of power — the bedrock principle that has sustained American democracy for 228 years — President Trump has put the United States, in some ways, where Germany was in 1933. That is when Adolf Hitler, the appointed leader, used the suspicious burning of the German parliament to turn a democracy into a totalitarian state.”


politicalwire--2020-09-25--Most Americans Remain Vulnerable to the Virus

Washington Post : “ Fewer than 1 in 10 Americans showed signs of past infection with the novel coronavirus as @ @ @ @ @ that most of the country may still be vulnerable to infection , according to one @ @ @ @ @ its kind published Friday in the journal The Lancet .
”

Washington Post: “Fewer than 1 in 10 Americans showed signs of past infection with the novel coronavirus as of late July, suggesting that most of the country may still be vulnerable to infection, according to one of the largest studies of its kind published Friday in the journal The Lancet.”


politicalwire--2020-09-25--Ben Carson Is Not Happy with Top Trump Aide

As Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson spoke at a Trump campaign event , his notes became clearly visible @ @ @ @ @ contained talking points to complain to the president about John McEntee , the head of @ @ @ @ @ personnel office , about how he was handling his agency , Bloomberg reports .

As Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson spoke at a Trump campaign event, his notes became clearly visible to reporters — and they contained talking points to complain to the president about John McEntee, the head of the White House’s personnel office, about how he was handling his agency, Bloomberg reports.


politicalwire--2020-09-25--QAnon Looks to Rebrand

QAnon Looks to Rebrand

“ Facing crackdowns from tech companies that limit the reach of their content , leaders in the QAnon conspiracy theory @ @ @ @ @ followers to drop the ‘ QAnon ’ label from their wide-ranging conspiracy theories and simply @ @ @ @ @ a fictitious cabal of powerful baby-eating politicians without their increasingly problematic branding , ” NBC @ @ @ @ @ shift in tactics comes the same week as Twitter released new data stating that their @ @ @ @ @ severely limiting the reach of the conspiracy theory .
”

“Facing crackdowns from tech companies that limit the reach of their content, leaders in the QAnon conspiracy theory movement have been urging their followers to drop the ‘QAnon’ label from their wide-ranging conspiracy theories and simply refer to their fight against a fictitious cabal of powerful baby-eating politicians without their increasingly problematic branding,” NBC News reports.
“The shift in tactics comes the same week as Twitter released new data stating that their ban on QAnon-related accounts was severely limiting the reach of the conspiracy theory.”


politicalwire--2020-09-25--Trump Will Nominate Amy Coney Barret

Trump Will Nominate Amy Coney Barret

President Trump intends to choose Amy Coney Barrett to be the new Supreme Court justice , CNN reports .
In @ @ @ @ @ allies on the Hill , the White House is indicating that Barrett is the intended @ @ @ @ @ : “ As they often do , aides cautioned that Mr. Trump sometimes upends his @ @ @ @ @ is not known to have interviewed any other candidates for the post .
”

President Trump intends to choose Amy Coney Barrett to be the new Supreme Court justice, CNN reports.
In conversations with some senior Republican allies on the Hill, the White House is indicating that Barrett is the intended nominee.
New York Times: “As they often do, aides cautioned that Mr. Trump sometimes upends his own plans. But he is not known to have interviewed any other candidates for the post.”


politicalwire--2020-09-25--Trump Readies a Debate Onslaught

Trump Readies a Debate Onslaught

“ President Trump is gearing up to launch blistering personal attacks on Joe Biden and his family in the first @ @ @ @ @ while Biden is bracing for an onslaught and worried allies are warning the Democratic nominee @ @ @ @ @ and lash out , ” the Washington Post reports .
“ Trump has told associates @ @ @ @ @ about his opponent ’ s son Hunter Biden and mused that the debates are when @ @ @ @ @ Biden is just not there , ’ according to one adviser .
The president is @ @ @ @ @ his rival that he has called aides to test out various attacks , focusing on @ @ @ @ @ a longtime Washington insider with a limited record of accomplishment , said another adviser , @ @ @ @ @ this story spoke on the condition of anonymity to candidly describe private talks .
”

“President Trump is gearing up to launch blistering personal attacks on Joe Biden and his family in the first presidential debate on Tuesday, while Biden is bracing for an onslaught and worried allies are warning the Democratic nominee not to lose his temper and lash out,” the Washington Post reports.
“Trump has told associates he wants to talk specifically about his opponent’s son Hunter Biden and mused that the debates are when ‘people will finally realize Biden is just not there,’ according to one adviser. The president is so eager to lay into his rival that he has called aides to test out various attacks, focusing on attacks that cast Biden as a longtime Washington insider with a limited record of accomplishment, said another adviser, who like many interviewed for this story spoke on the condition of anonymity to candidly describe private talks.”