politicalwire--2020-06-22--Democrats Won’t Allow Too Much Confidence

Washington Post : “ For Democrats , the very idea that they are doing well provokes an underlying skittishness .
@ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus crisis , amid restrictions that could make it harder to cast ballots .
@ @ @ @ @ campaign and say the party risks underestimating Trump ’ s ability to turn the country @ @ @ @ @ They also worry their party still does not fully understand what led voters to Trump @ @ @ @ @ and they are terrified that overconfidence , like some of them enjoyed four years ago @ @ @ @ @ .
”

Washington Post: “For Democrats, the very idea that they are doing well provokes an underlying skittishness. They worry about voting during the coronavirus crisis, amid restrictions that could make it harder to cast ballots. Some fear a coming misinformation campaign and say the party risks underestimating Trump’s ability to turn the country against their nominee.”
“They also worry their party still does not fully understand what led voters to Trump in the first place, and they are terrified that overconfidence, like some of them enjoyed four years ago, will lead to complacency.”


politicalwire--2020-06-22--Trump Signals Scorched Earth Campaign

Trump Signals Scorched Earth Campaign

Politico : “ In Tulsa and in the days beforehand , Trump and his allies signaled the beginning of a @ @ @ @ @ ’ s son Donald Trump Jr. has posted memes portraying Biden — baselessly — as @ @ @ @ @ s campaign released an ad on Friday depicting Biden as aged and confused , calling @ @ @ @ @ and lacking ‘ mental fortitude.
’ On Saturday , he continued to suggest without evidence @ @ @ @ @ , saying ‘ There ’ s something wrong with Biden . '
” “ The @ @ @ @ @ with Trump ’ s smashmouth style .
Yet it ’ s also a necessity for @ @ @ @ @ electoral landscape that ’ s tilted against him .
”

Politico: “In Tulsa and in the days beforehand, Trump and his allies signaled the beginning of a scorched earth campaign. Trump’s son Donald Trump Jr. has posted memes portraying Biden — baselessly — as a pedophile. Trump’s campaign released an ad on Friday depicting Biden as aged and confused, calling him ‘clearly diminished’ and lacking ‘mental fortitude.’ On Saturday, he continued to suggest without evidence that Biden has health issues, saying ‘There’s something wrong with Biden.'”
“The no-boundaries approach is in keeping with Trump’s smashmouth style. Yet it’s also a necessity for an unpopular president facing an electoral landscape that’s tilted against him.”


politicalwire--2020-06-22--Bolton Says Kushner Has Most Clout In White House

Former National Security Adviser John Bolton told ABC News that the most important person in the White House was President @ @ @ @ @ Jared Kushner .
Said Bolton : “ It varied from time to time .
At @ @ @ @ @ would have influence .
But I think the sustained answer to that question over time @ @ @ @ @

Former National Security Adviser John Bolton told ABC News that the most important person in the White House was President Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner.
Said Bolton: “It varied from time to time. At different points, different people would have influence. But I think the sustained answer to that question over time is Jared Kushner.”


politicalwire--2020-06-22--Kevin Hassett to Leave White House Soon

Kevin Hassett to Leave White House Soon

White House adviser Kevin Hassett will leave the administration this summer , after returning in March to help the president @ @ @ @ @ from the coronavirus pandemic , Axios 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--2020-06-22--Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day

“ I ’ m not confident at all .
I think the easiest way to ensure Trump ’ s reelection @ @ @ @ @ Too many Democrats are looking at national polls and finding them encouraging .
Too many @ @ @ @ @ was a shoo-in and didn ’ t vote or didn ’ t work .
”

“I’m not confident at all. I think the easiest way to ensure Trump’s reelection is to be overconfident. Too many Democrats are looking at national polls and finding them encouraging. Too many Democrats assumed that Hillary Clinton was a shoo-in and didn’t vote or didn’t work.”
— Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE), quoted by Politico.


politicalwire--2020-06-22--Inside Trump’s Oklahoma Debacle

Inside Trump’s Oklahoma Debacle

“ Donald Trump ’ s campaign advisers had it all mapped out : A blowout rally in Oklahoma — coupled @ @ @ @ @ days earlier questioning Joe Biden ’ s mental acuity — would finally shift the focus @ @ @ @ @ the worst stretch of Trump ’ s presidency , ” Politico reports .
“ The @ @ @ @ @ Trump attacked Biden extensively during the Saturday night event , saying the former vice president @ @ @ @ @ party and to the left-wing mob.
’ But his remarks were lost in a meandering @ @ @ @ @ which included a lengthy rendition of him drinking water during his West Point commencement speech @ @ @ @ @ The partly-empty arena was the biggest embarrassment and has received the lion ’ s share @ @ @ @ @ the issues surrounding the rally — an event that his advisers unanimously saw as a @ @ @ @ @ extended beyond crowd size and raised questions about the strength of his campaign less than @ @ @ @ @ .
”

“Donald Trump’s campaign advisers had it all mapped out: A blowout rally in Oklahoma — coupled with a withering ad launched days earlier questioning Joe Biden’s mental acuity — would finally shift the focus to the elusive Democrat amid the worst stretch of Trump’s presidency,” Politico reports.
“The ad tested well, and Trump attacked Biden extensively during the Saturday night event, saying the former vice president has ‘surrendered to his party and to the left-wing mob.’ But his remarks were lost in a meandering and grievance-filled two-hour speech, which included a lengthy rendition of him drinking water during his West Point commencement speech a week earlier…”
“The partly-empty arena was the biggest embarrassment and has received the lion’s share of media attention. But the issues surrounding the rally — an event that his advisers unanimously saw as a turning point for Trump — extended beyond crowd size and raised questions about the strength of his campaign less than five months until the election.”


politicalwire--2020-06-22--Trump Doubles-Down on Racial Grievance

Trump Doubles-Down on Racial Grievance

Washington Post : “ President Trump has long used his raucous rallies to road test potential campaign themes and attack @ @ @ @ @ attention on his Saturday night appearance in Tulsa focused on the sparse turnout for his @ @ @ @ @ ended mass gatherings , Trump ’ s litany of racially offensive stereotypes sent a clear @ @ @ @ @ to try to revive his flagging reelection effort.
” “ Even at a moment of @ @ @ @ @ racism , Trump demonstrated the extent to which the final four months of the 2020 @ @ @ @ @ darker themes of a previous campaign notable for its attacks on Hispanic immigrants and Muslims @ @

Washington Post: “President Trump has long used his raucous rallies to road test potential campaign themes and attack lines. And while much attention on his Saturday night appearance in Tulsa focused on the sparse turnout for his first rally since the pandemic ended mass gatherings, Trump’s litany of racially offensive stereotypes sent a clear signal about how he plans to try to revive his flagging reelection effort.”
“Even at a moment of national reckoning over race and racism, Trump demonstrated the extent to which the final four months of the 2020 election will build on the darker themes of a previous campaign notable for its attacks on Hispanic immigrants and Muslims.”


politicalwire--2020-06-22--Bolton Hopes Trump Is One-Term President

President Trump ’ s longest-serving national security adviser John Bolton condemned his presidency as dangerously damaging to the United States @ @ @ @ @ is the last “ guardrail ” to protect the country from him , ABC News @ @ @ @ @ “ I hope history will remember him as a one-term president who didn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ a downward spiral we can ’ t recall from .
We can get over one @ @ @ @ @ confidence , even if it ’ s not the miracle of a conservative Republican being @ @ @ @ @ terms , I ’ m more troubled about .
”

President Trump’s longest-serving national security adviser John Bolton condemned his presidency as dangerously damaging to the United States and argued the 2020 election is the last “guardrail” to protect the country from him, ABC News reports.
Said Bolton: “I hope history will remember him as a one-term president who didn’t plunge the country irretrievably into a downward spiral we can’t recall from. We can get over one term — I have absolute confidence, even if it’s not the miracle of a conservative Republican being elected in November. Two terms, I’m more troubled about.”


politicalwire--2020-06-23--University of Michigan Withdraws from Hosting Debate

The University of Michigan is withdrawing from hosting a presidential debate between Donald Trump and Joe Biden , sources told @ @ @ @ @ U-M is making the move because of concerns of bringing the campaigns , media and @ @ @ @ @ Ann Arbor and campus during a pandemic .

The University of Michigan is withdrawing from hosting a presidential debate between Donald Trump and Joe Biden, sources told the Detroit Free Press.
U-M is making the move because of concerns of bringing the campaigns, media and supporters of both candidates to Ann Arbor and campus during a pandemic.


politicalwire--2020-06-23--Corey Lewandowski Takes Aim at Brad Parscale

With Trump campaign manager Brad Parcasle ’ s job on the rocks , 2016 Trump campaign manager Corey Lewandowski — @ @ @ @ @ adviser to the president ’ s re-election campaign — took a rare shot at the @ @ @ @ @ team , calling the execution of the Tulsa rally a “ fundamental mistake , ” @ @ @ @ @ Lewandowski : “ I think a fundamental mistake was made .
Over promising and under-delivering @ @ @ @ @ can make in politics .
”

With Trump campaign manager Brad Parcasle’s job on the rocks, 2016 Trump campaign manager Corey Lewandowski — who also is a current adviser to the president’s re-election campaign — took a rare shot at the president’s current political team, calling the execution of the Tulsa rally a “fundamental mistake,” ABC News reports.
Said Lewandowski: “I think a fundamental mistake was made. Over promising and under-delivering is the biggest mistake you can make in politics.”


politicalwire--2020-06-23--Democrats Signal They’ll Block GOP Police Reform Bill

“ Democratic senators on Monday gave their strongest indications yet they may block the Republican police reform bill from coming @ @ @ @ @ risky move that could prevent any overhaul measure from being enacted this year over their @ @ @ @ @ the GOP bill is too weak , ” CNN reports .

“Democratic senators on Monday gave their strongest indications yet they may block the Republican police reform bill from coming to the floor, a risky move that could prevent any overhaul measure from being enacted this year over their party’s concerns that the GOP bill is too weak,” CNN reports.


politicalwire--2020-06-23--House Judiciary to Subpoena William Barr

House Judiciary Chairman Jerrold Nadler ( D-NY ) is preparing to subpoena Attorney General Bill Barr for his testimony on @ @ @ @ @ .
The expected subpoena comes after the firing of Geoffrey Berman , the U.S. Attorney @ @ @ @ @ New York who had been investigating President Trump ’ s personal attorney Rudy Giuliani .

House Judiciary Chairman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) is preparing to subpoena Attorney General Bill Barr for his testimony on July 2, Axios reports.
The expected subpoena comes after the firing of Geoffrey Berman, the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York who had been investigating President Trump’s personal attorney Rudy Giuliani.


politicalwire--2020-06-23--Parscale and Kushner at Top of Trump’s Hit List

Gabriel Sherman : “ The blame game has shifted into high gear .
Trump insiders told me Trump was presented with five options of where to hold his rally .
‘ The president chose Tulsa , ’ a source said .
Sources also told me that if Parscale is forced out , he likely won ’ t be the only casualty of the rally fiasco .
Trump is debating revoking his son-in-law Jared Kushner ’ s control over the campaign , sources said .
As I previously reported , Trump has been frustrated with Kushner ’ s oversight of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shows Trump losing to Joe Biden .
Another source of friction has been campaign spending and reports Trump has gotten that Parscale is making millions of dollars.
” “ One way to measure Kushner ’ s diminished influence will be found in whom Trump would choose to replace Parscale .
Top candidates include 2016 veterans Jason Miller , David Bossie , and Corey Lewandowski , all of whom Kushner successfully kept on the outer fringe of Trumpworld.
” Said Trump to his advisers : “ We can ’ t allow Jared ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Washington Post : “ Trump ’ s anger over Tulsa rally underscores growing problems within his campaign .
”

Gabriel Sherman: “The blame game has shifted into high gear. Trump insiders told me Trump was presented with five options of where to hold his rally. ‘The president chose Tulsa,’ a source said. Sources also told me that if Parscale is forced out, he likely won’t be the only casualty of the rally fiasco. Trump is debating revoking his son-in-law Jared Kushner’s control over the campaign, sources said. As I previously reported, Trump has been frustrated with Kushner’s oversight of the campaign in light of polling that consistently shows Trump losing to Joe Biden. Another source of friction has been campaign spending and reports Trump has gotten that Parscale is making millions of dollars.”
“One way to measure Kushner’s diminished influence will be found in whom Trump would choose to replace Parscale. Top candidates include 2016 veterans Jason Miller, David Bossie, and Corey Lewandowski, all of whom Kushner successfully kept on the outer fringe of Trumpworld.”
Said Trump to his advisers: “We can’t allow Jared’s stupid disagreements to get in the way.”
Washington Post: “Trump’s anger over Tulsa rally underscores growing problems within his campaign.”


politicalwire--2020-06-22--Trump Preoccupied with His Mental Health

Washington Post : “ Trump had taken a cognitive screening test as part of his 2018 physical , and now @ @ @ @ @ later , he brought up the 10-minute exam .
He waxed on about how he @ @ @ @ @ with his stellar performance… He walked the room of roughly two dozen White House and @ @ @ @ @ the questions he said he ’ d aced , such as being able to repeat @ @ @ @ @ “ The seeming non sequitur was part of Trump ’ s growing preoccupation in recent @ @ @ @ @ mental and physical health , at a time when critics have mocked him for episodes @ @ @ @ @ has appeared frail or confused .
”

Washington Post: “Trump had taken a cognitive screening test as part of his 2018 physical, and now, more than two years later, he brought up the 10-minute exam. He waxed on about how he’d dazzled the proctors with his stellar performance… He walked the room of roughly two dozen White House and reelection officials through some of the questions he said he’d aced, such as being able to repeat five words in order.”
“The seeming non sequitur was part of Trump’s growing preoccupation in recent weeks over perceptions of his mental and physical health, at a time when critics have mocked him for episodes in which they say he has appeared frail or confused.”


politicalwire--2020-06-22--Election Night Result Not Likely In Close Race

Washington Post : “ If voters remain reluctant to cast ballots in person , November is likely to bring an @ @ @ @ @ voting by mail than what has swept across the country during primary season .
That @ @ @ @ @ a close race between President Trump and former vice president Joe Biden in a pivotal @ @ @ @ @ even weeks , to resolve , election officials across the country are warning.
” “ @ @ @ @ @ candidate , that scenario could invite an unprecedented test of the country ’ s faith @ @ @ @ @ extended period without a declared winner .
Amid that uncertainty , few expect Trump , @ @ @ @ @ he thinks mail voting could cost him the election , to soothe voter anxieties .
@

Washington Post: “If voters remain reluctant to cast ballots in person, November is likely to bring an even more massive wave of voting by mail than what has swept across the country during primary season. That, in turn, means a close race between President Trump and former vice president Joe Biden in a pivotal state could take days, even weeks, to resolve, election officials across the country are warning.”
“Barring a landslide for either candidate, that scenario could invite an unprecedented test of the country’s faith in its elections: an extended period without a declared winner. Amid that uncertainty, few expect Trump, who has said repeatedly that he thinks mail voting could cost him the election, to soothe voter anxieties.”


politicalwire--2020-06-22--State Department Mutes Line of Reporter

State Department Mutes Line of Reporter

“ The State Department ’ s top spokeswoman on Monday muted the line of a reporter asking about John Bolton @ @ @ @ @ briefing extolling press freedom , ” Politico reports .
“ The Department convened a telephone @ @ @ @ @ of four additional Chinese news outlets as foreign missions .
But when David Brunnstrom , @ @ @ @ @ asked whether U.S. allies had reached out to the assistant secretary of State for East @ @ @ @ @ the wake of Bolton ’ s book , his line was muted .
”

“The State Department’s top spokeswoman on Monday muted the line of a reporter asking about John Bolton’s book during a briefing extolling press freedom,” Politico reports.
“The Department convened a telephone briefing ahead of its designation of four additional Chinese news outlets as foreign missions. But when David Brunnstrom, a journalist from Reuters, asked whether U.S. allies had reached out to the assistant secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs in the wake of Bolton’s book, his line was muted.”


politicalwire--2020-06-22--Bonus Quote of the Day

Bonus Quote of the Day

“ I believe the president is a racist .
The statement has to be made .
”


politicalwire--2020-06-22--What Fiona Hill Learned in the White House

Adam Entous : “ Hill ’ s tenure was , in many ways , an extended exercise in futility .
@ @ @ @ @ remembered not for safeguarding the country but for the unvarnished testimony that she delivered in @ @ @ @ @ , in October and November of 2019 , which revealed how U.S. foreign policy was @ @ @ @ @ ” “ In her conversations with me , she offered a unique look at the @ @ @ @ @ and the corruption that have proliferated in Trump ’ s White House .
”

Adam Entous: “Hill’s tenure was, in many ways, an extended exercise in futility. Ultimately, she will be remembered not for safeguarding the country but for the unvarnished testimony that she delivered in the impeachment proceedings against Trump, in October and November of 2019, which revealed how U.S. foreign policy was subverted for domestic political purposes.”
“In her conversations with me, she offered a unique look at the dysfunction, the misogyny, and the corruption that have proliferated in Trump’s White House.”


politicalwire--2020-06-22--Texas Governor Sounds Warning About Spread of Virus

Texas Gov .
Greg Abbott struck a newly urgent tone about rising coronavirus numbers in Texas but said “ closing @ @ @ @ @ be the last option , ” the Texas Tribune reports .
Said Abbot : “ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 is now spreading at an unacceptable rate in Texas and it must be corralled.
@ @ @ @ @ stopped short of introducing any new policies or pulling back on the reopening of Texas @ @ @

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott struck a newly urgent tone about rising coronavirus numbers in Texas but said “closing down Texas again will always be the last option,” the Texas Tribune reports.
Said Abbot: “To state the obvious, COVID-19 is now spreading at an unacceptable rate in Texas and it must be corralled.”
“However, he stopped short of introducing any new policies or pulling back on the reopening of Texas businesses.”


politicalwire--2020-06-22--New York Special Election Gives Democrats Hope

New York Times : “ The 27th Congressional District is about as Republican as New York , a deep blue @ @ @ @ @ Chris Collins ’ s ( R ) tenure came to a screeching halt last fall @ @ @ @ @ pleaded guilty , creating a vacancy that will be filled by a special election on @ @ @ @ @ ( D ) is back to try again — and will face state senator Chris @ @ @ @ @ a race that is potentially a harbinger of the electoral mood… ” “ In a @ @ @ @ @ is not only running against Mr. McMurray in the special election ; he is also @ @ @ @ @ primary against two challengers… It is theoretically possible for Mr. Jacobs to defeat Mr. McMurray @ @ @ @ @ primary .
”

New York Times: “The 27th Congressional District is about as Republican as New York, a deep blue state, can get… But Chris Collins’s (R) tenure came to a screeching halt last fall, when he resigned and pleaded guilty, creating a vacancy that will be filled by a special election on Tuesday.”
“Nate McMurray (D) is back to try again — and will face state senator Chris Jacobs (R) in a race that is potentially a harbinger of the electoral mood…”
“In a peculiar wrinkle, Mr. Jacobs is not only running against Mr. McMurray in the special election; he is also simultaneously running in the Republican primary against two challengers… It is theoretically possible for Mr. Jacobs to defeat Mr. McMurray but lose in the Republican primary.”


politicalwire--2020-06-22--Two More Trump Staffers Test Positive

Two More Trump Staffers Test Positive

After another round of testing for Trump campaign staff in Tulsa , two additional members of the campaign advance team @ @ @ @ @ , MSNBC reports .
Unlike the previous six staffers who tested positive , these two @ @ @ @ @ night rally .

After another round of testing for Trump campaign staff in Tulsa, two additional members of the campaign advance team tested positive for the coronavirus, MSNBC reports.
Unlike the previous six staffers who tested positive, these two staff members attended the Saturday night rally.


politicalwire--2020-06-22--Trump Orders New Limits on Foreign Workers

“ President Trump issued an executive order Monday barring many categories of foreign workers and curbing immigration visas through the @ @ @ @ @ moves the administration characterized as necessary to protect U.S. workers following steep job losses amid @ @ @ @ @ the Washington Post reports .
“ The freeze will apply to work visas that many @ @ @ @ @ the technology sector , landscaping services and the forestry industry .
It excludes agricultural laborers @ @ @ @ @ and includes a special exemption for the approximately 20,000 child-care providers who come to the @ @ @ @ @ pairs . '
”

“President Trump issued an executive order Monday barring many categories of foreign workers and curbing immigration visas through the end of the year, moves the administration characterized as necessary to protect U.S. workers following steep job losses amid the coronavirus pandemic,” the Washington Post reports.
“The freeze will apply to work visas that many companies use, especially in the technology sector, landscaping services and the forestry industry. It excludes agricultural laborers and some health care workers and includes a special exemption for the approximately 20,000 child-care providers who come to the United States as ‘au pairs.'”


politicalwire--2020-06-22--Democrats to Weaponize Trump Comments on Testing

“ A series of Democratic super PACs , led by Priorities USA , and former Vice President Joe Biden ’ @ @ @ @ @ to weaponize President Trump ’ s comment that he urged his staff to slow coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Trump , during a rally on Saturday in Tulsa , Oklahoma , said @ @ @ @ @ keep the known number of Americans infected with the coronavirus down , he urged his @ @ @ @ @ testing down.
’ The comment immediately drew the attention of Democrats , who believe the @ @ @ @ @ ahead of the November election is to cast his response to the coronavirus as a @ @ @ @ @ will begin on Tuesday airing a television ad featuring the comment in Arizona , Michigan @ @ @ @ @ four key battleground states.
” Politico : White House delivers mixed explanations on Trump ’ @ @ @ @ @ testing .

“A series of Democratic super PACs, led by Priorities USA, and former Vice President Joe Biden’s presidential campaign have begun to weaponize President Trump’s comment that he urged his staff to slow coronavirus testing,” CNN reports.
“Trump, during a rally on Saturday in Tulsa, Oklahoma, said that in an effort to keep the known number of Americans infected with the coronavirus down, he urged his staff to ‘slow the testing down.’ The comment immediately drew the attention of Democrats, who believe the best way to attack Trump ahead of the November election is to cast his response to the coronavirus as a failure.”
“Priorities USA will begin on Tuesday airing a television ad featuring the comment in Arizona, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, four key battleground states.”
Politico: White House delivers mixed explanations on Trump’s vow to slow down testing.


politicalwire--2020-06-22--Pence Voted by Mail from Four-Year Old Address

“ Vice President Mike Pence and Second Lady Karen Pence voted by mail for this month ’ s Indiana Republican @ @ @ @ @ that they haven ’ t lived in for nearly four years , ” Business Insider @ @

“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--2020-06-22--Pandemic Getting Worse Despite Pence’s Claims

Philip Bump : “ On Tuesday , Vice President Pence triumphantly rejected the idea that the country was seeing a @ @ @ @ @ as the pandemic continued .
Writing for the Wall Street Journal , he outlined the @ @ @ @ @ that things were improving… ” “ A week later , nearly all of the verifiable @ @ @ @ @ incorrect or have eroded significantly .
”

Philip Bump: “On Tuesday, Vice President Pence triumphantly rejected the idea that the country was seeing a second spike in coronavirus cases as the pandemic continued. Writing for the Wall Street Journal, he outlined the data which made him confident that things were improving…”
“A week later, nearly all of the verifiable claims made by Pence are incorrect or have eroded significantly.”


politicalwire--2020-06-22--Trump Won’t Say If He Slowed Virus Testing

President Trump dodged a question about whether he ordered coronavirus testing to be slowed , after he claimed that he @ @ @ @ @ over the weekend .
Said Trump : “ We do more testing than any country @ @ @ @ @ .
”

President Trump dodged a question about whether he ordered coronavirus testing to be slowed, after he claimed that he had at his campaign rally over the weekend.
Said Trump: “We do more testing than any country in the world by far.”


politicalwire--2020-06-22--Biden Commits to Three Debates with Trump

“ Joe Biden ’ s campaign on Monday committed to three scheduled debates with President Trump in September and October @ @ @ @ @ taking varied positions on whether and how many debates he would participate in , ” @ @ @ @ @

“Joe Biden’s campaign on Monday committed to three scheduled debates with President Trump in September and October and criticized the president for taking varied positions on whether and how many debates he would participate in,” the Washington Post reports.


politicalwire--2020-06-22--Barr and Berman at Odds Over Letter Criticizing De Blasio

“ The day before Attorney General William Barr abruptly announced plans to replace Geoffrey Berman as the Manhattan U.S. Attorney @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Justice Department asked Mr. Berman to sign a letter criticizing New York Mayor @ @ @ @ @ city ’ s enforcement of social-distancing rules to block religious gatherings but not recent street @ @ @ @ @ Street Journal reports .
“ Mr .
Berman refused to sign the letter Thursday , @ @ @ @ @ back-and-forth drafting process , the people said .
Mr. Berman voiced strong objections to the @ @ @ @ @ that Mr. de Blasio imposed a double standard , and described the letter as a @ @ @ @ @ relations between his office and the city .
”

“The day before Attorney General William Barr abruptly announced plans to replace Geoffrey Berman as the Manhattan U.S. Attorney, supervisors in Mr. Barr’s Justice Department asked Mr. Berman to sign a letter criticizing New York Mayor Bill de Blasio for the city’s enforcement of social-distancing rules to block religious gatherings but not recent street protests,” the Wall Street Journal reports.
“Mr. Berman refused to sign the letter Thursday, after engaging in a brief back-and-forth drafting process, the people said. Mr. Berman voiced strong objections to the letter, particularly its assertions that Mr. de Blasio imposed a double standard, and described the letter as a political stunt that would strain relations between his office and the city.”


politicalwire--2020-06-23--European Union May Bar Americans as It Reopens Borders

“ European Union countries rushing to revive their economies and reopen their borders after months of coronavirus restrictions are prepared @ @ @ @ @ because the United States has failed to control the scourge , ” the New York @ @ @ @ @ prospect , which would lump American visitors in with Russians and Brazilians as unwelcome , @ @ @ @ @ American prestige in the world and a repudiation of President Trump ’ s handling of @ @ @ @ @ States , which has more than 2.3 million cases and upward of 120,000 deaths , @ @ @ @ @ .
”

“European Union countries rushing to revive their economies and reopen their borders after months of coronavirus restrictions are prepared to block Americans from entering because the United States has failed to control the scourge,” the New York Times reports.
“That prospect, which would lump American visitors in with Russians and Brazilians as unwelcome, is a stinging blow to American prestige in the world and a repudiation of President Trump’s handling of the virus in the United States, which has more than 2.3 million cases and upward of 120,000 deaths, more than any other country.”


politicalwire--2020-06-23--Birx Contradicts Trump on Coronavirus Testing

“ Dr .
Deborah Birx , the coordinator of President Trump ’ s coronavirus task force , told the nation @ @ @ @ @ call Monday that it was vital that they ramp up testing to find asymptomatic individuals @ @ @ @ @ , ” the Daily Beast reports .
“ Her remarks stood in stark contrast to @ @ @ @ @ his rally in Tulsa , Oklahoma over the weekend—and the days since—in which he said @ @ @ @ @ to slow-walk testing initiatives so as not to inflate the country ’ s official case @ @ @

“Dr. Deborah Birx, the coordinator of President Trump’s coronavirus task force, told the nation’s governors in a call Monday that it was vital that they ramp up testing to find asymptomatic individuals to prevent further community spread,” the Daily Beast reports.
“Her remarks stood in stark contrast to those by the president at his rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma over the weekend—and the days since—in which he said he had asked his team to slow-walk testing initiatives so as not to inflate the country’s official case count.”


politicalwire--2020-06-23--The Great Barrier to Racial Progress in America

This piece for members is by David T.S .
Jonas .
If the outpouring of protests , public statements from political leaders , and shifts in polling data are to be believed , we are living in a generational moment of change on America ’ s oldest moral failure : the refusal to fully confront racism and its continuing outgrowth from slavery and Jim Crow .
Repulsed by a series of unjustified and inhumane killings by law enforcement , a broad coalition has emerged calling for reforms to our nation ’ s system of policing at every level of government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can routinely inflict disproportionate violence ( in acts large and small ) on Black Americans with little to no accountability .
In calling out these acts , many Americans have further been harassed , injured , or maimed—just as they were during the Civil Rights movement of the 1950 ’ s and 60 ’ s .
After celebrating the first truly recognized Juneteenth in our nation ’ s recent memory , it ’ s worth remembering why the history of racial justice in this country is inextricably linked to changes in law and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deeply intertwined with our political structures and the outcomes they produce .
From the Three-Fifths Compromise , to the passage of the 13th , 14th , and 15th amendments , to the Civil Rights Acts of 1957 and 1964 , the very pinnacle of racial progress ( and retreat ) is when Congress enshrines these values into laws .
Without those laws , progress has no bulwark—it can easily recede as the nation turns its eyes elsewhere .
Change at the state and local levels is clearly needed ( especially when police power @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but the ultimate measure of racial equality will always come at the federal level .
Without Congress , reforms will be patchwork and insufficient to the moral demands of the nation as a whole .
And at the federal level , there is one barrier that has long served to derail efforts to give Black Americans the full and equal rights and protections the Constitution ought to guarantee—the filibuster .
As outlined in Robert Caro ’ s Master of the Senate , the filibuster in the early and mid 20th century was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It was used to block anti-lynching legislation and stalled for decades the passage of major federal civil rights bills .
Its roots as a tool of segregationists—as a way to nullify the will of a more tolerant majority—still infect our politics to this day .
As Democrats and Republicans spar over competing policing reform bills , it ’ s easy to see how the reforms that will actually secure the civil rights of Black Americans when it comes to police—even with majority public support—will be killed off by an indifferent minority .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2020 , they would need perhaps eight or nine Republican Senators to help them overcome a filibuster .
And if recent history is any indication , a core of 41 Republican Senators ( and the primary voters who decide their fate ) will stand firm against the reforms demanded by a growing majority of Americans .
In my time in politics , I can not recall a moment of more opportunity—political and cultural—for progress on racial justice .
But our political institutions—many forged in the cauldron of slavery and segregation—are not prepared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the clouds .
When elected officials make the concerted effort to reform these rules , the centuries long promise of equal rights and security for Black Americans will finally be made real—and not a moment before .

This piece for members is by David T.S. Jonas.
If the outpouring of protests, public statements from political leaders, and shifts in polling data are to be believed, we are living in a generational moment of change on America’s oldest moral failure: the refusal to fully confront racism and its continuing outgrowth from slavery and Jim Crow.


politicalwire--2020-06-23--Trump Holds Small Lead In Texas

Trump Holds Small Lead In Texas

A new Public Policy Polling survey in Texas shows Donald Trump barely leading Joe Biden in the presidential race , @ @ @ @ @ .


politicalwire--2020-06-23--‘The Worst President This Country Has Ever Had’

Steve Schmidt : “ Donald Trump has been the worst president this country has ever had .
And I don ’ t say that hyperbolically .
He is .
But he is a consequential president .
And he has brought this country in three short years to a place of weakness that is simply unimaginable if you were pondering where we are today from the day where Barack Obama left office .
And there were a lot of us on that day who were deeply skeptical and very worried about what a Trump presidency would be .
But this is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of weakness.
” “ When you listen to the President , these are the musings of an imbecile .
An idiot .
And I don ’ t use those words to name call .
I use them because they are the precise words of the English language to describe his behavior .
His comportment .
His actions .
We ’ ve never seen a level of incompetence , a level of ineptitude so staggering on a daily basis by anybody in the history of the country whose ever been charged with substantial responsibilities.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that this man is president of the United States .
The man , the con man , from New York City .
Many bankruptcies , failed businesses , a reality show , that branded him as something that he never was .
A successful businessman .
Well , he ’ s the President of the United States now , and the man who said he would make the country great again .
And he ’ s brought death , suffering , and economic collapse on truly an epic scale .
And let ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t happening in every country around the world .
This place .
Our place .
Our home .
Our country .
The United States .
We are the epicenter .
We are the place where you ’ re the most likely to die from this disease .
We ’ re the ones with the most shattered economy .
And we are because of the fool that sits in the Oval Office behind the Resolute Desk .
”

Steve Schmidt: “Donald Trump has been the worst president this country has ever had. And I don’t say that hyperbolically. He is. But he is a consequential president. And he has brought this country in three short years to a place of weakness that is simply unimaginable if you were pondering where we are today from the day where Barack Obama left office. And there were a lot of us on that day who were deeply skeptical and very worried about what a Trump presidency would be. But this is a moment of unparalleled national humiliation, of weakness.”
“When you listen to the President, these are the musings of an imbecile. An idiot. And I don’t use those words to name call. I use them because they are the precise words of the English language to describe his behavior. His comportment. His actions. We’ve never seen a level of incompetence, a level of ineptitude so staggering on a daily basis by anybody in the history of the country whose ever been charged with substantial responsibilities.”
“It’s just astonishing that this man is president of the United States. The man, the con man, from New York City. Many bankruptcies, failed businesses, a reality show, that branded him as something that he never was. A successful businessman. Well, he’s the President of the United States now, and the man who said he would make the country great again. And he’s brought death, suffering, and economic collapse on truly an epic scale. And let’s be clear. This isn’t happening in every country around the world. This place. Our place. Our home. Our country. The United States. We are the epicenter. We are the place where you’re the most likely to die from this disease. We’re the ones with the most shattered economy. And we are because of the fool that sits in the Oval Office behind the Resolute Desk.”


politicalwire--2020-06-23--Trump Tries to Woo Women on Handling of Virus

“ At the White House , Trump has repeatedly been shown polls in which Biden holds a considerable lead among @ @ @ @ @ states , ” the Washington Post reports .
“ GOP Senate strategists have watched a @ @ @ @ @ Republican strategists close to the president say he has to convince women that his handling @ @ @ @ @ better than they currently believe — and that he has saved lives and the economy.
@ @ @ @ @ to allies about promoting an agenda that is more amenable to many suburban voters , @ @ @ @ @ considering a push on topics such as school choice .
Advisers are discussing sending to @ @ @ @ @ are less polarizing than the president himself , such as his eldest daughter .
”

“At the White House, Trump has repeatedly been shown polls in which Biden holds a considerable lead among women and seniors in swing states,” the Washington Post reports.
“GOP Senate strategists have watched a similar erosion in down-ballot races… Republican strategists close to the president say he has to convince women that his handling of the coronavirus has been better than they currently believe — and that he has saved lives and the economy.”
“Kushner has talked to allies about promoting an agenda that is more amenable to many suburban voters, and some Trump advisers are considering a push on topics such as school choice. Advisers are discussing sending to swing states Trump surrogates who are less polarizing than the president himself, such as his eldest daughter.”


politicalwire--2020-06-23--Fauci Warns of ‘Disturbing Uptick’ In Infections

Dr. Anthony Fauci told House lawmakers that the nation is experiencing a “ disturbing surge ” of coronavirus infections as @ @ @ @ @ without adequate plans for testing and tracing the contacts of those infected with the virus @ @ @ @ @ reports .
In a break with President Trump ’ s upbeat assessments , Dr. Fauci @ @ @ @ @ states like New York , were “ doing very well ” in controlling spread of @ @ @ @ @ in other states was “ very troublesome to me.
” He added : “ The @ @ @ @ @ going to be critical in our ability to address those surges we are seeing in @ @ @ @ @ , and other states .
”

Dr. Anthony Fauci told House lawmakers that the nation is experiencing a “disturbing surge” of coronavirus infections as states reopen too quickly and without adequate plans for testing and tracing the contacts of those infected with the virus, the New York Times reports.
In a break with President Trump’s upbeat assessments, Dr. Fauci told lawmakers that while some states like New York, were “doing very well” in controlling spread of the virus, the surge in other states was “very troublesome to me.”
He added: “The next couple of weeks are going to be critical in our ability to address those surges we are seeing in Florida, Texas, Arizona, and other states.”


politicalwire--2020-06-23--Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day

“ I think everyone should be worried about how this is going to turn out in the end , because @ @ @ @ @ unlike anything we ’ ve ever seen.
” — White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett @ @ @ @ @ Post , on the state of the economy .

“I think everyone should be worried about how this is going to turn out in the end, because it’s a shock unlike anything we’ve ever seen.”
— White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett, quoted by the Washington Post, on the state of the economy.


politicalwire--2020-06-23--Memorial Day Celebrations Led to Current Spike

“ In the last 14 days , Oregon has reported a 234.4 % jump in infections , Oklahoma jumped by @ @ @ @ @ s number increased by 155 % , and Arizona ’ s confirmed coronavirus cases climbed @ @ @ @ @ NBC News reports .
“ Texas , Utah , Arkansas , Louisiana and more than @ @ @ @ @ as well as Guam and the Virgin Islands — had increases in the numbers of @ @ @ @ @ two weeks.
” Explained Johns Hopkins ’ s Erik Toner : “ It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ all these states : It was Memorial Day .
”

“In the last 14 days, Oregon has reported a 234.4% jump in infections, Oklahoma jumped by 202 percent, Florida’s number increased by 155%, and Arizona’s confirmed coronavirus cases climbed by 142%,” NBC News reports.
“Texas, Utah, Arkansas, Louisiana and more than a dozen other states — as well as Guam and the Virgin Islands — had increases in the numbers of reported cases in the last two weeks.”
Explained Johns Hopkins’s Erik Toner: “It’s basically the same reason for all these states: It was Memorial Day.”


politicalwire--2020-06-23--Top Democrats Won’t Support GOP Police Plan

Top Democratic senators told Mitch McConnell that the Republicans ’ policing overhaul is “ not salvageable ” — the latest @ @ @ @ @ the GOP bill on Wednesday and that the Senate is headed for deadlock on the @ @ @ @ @ Washington Post : “ The partisan standoff raises questions about whether Congress is capable of @ @ @ @ @ police brutality , the nationwide protests and the demands for change less than five months @ @ @ @ @

Top Democratic senators told Mitch McConnell that the Republicans’ policing overhaul is “not salvageable” — the latest sign that Democrats will filibuster the GOP bill on Wednesday and that the Senate is headed for deadlock on the issue, Politico reports.
Washington Post: “The partisan standoff raises questions about whether Congress is capable of responding to the incidents of police brutality, the nationwide protests and the demands for change less than five months before the election.”


politicalwire--2020-06-23--Boris Johnson Ends ‘Our Long National Hibernation’

British prime minister Boris Johnson has all but ended his country ’ s lockdown after deciding coronavirus infection rates are @ @ @ @ @ relaxing social distancing measures , the Times of London reports .
The British prime minister @ @ @ @ @ no longer have to stay two meters apart—instead Johnson has introduced a new “ one-meter @ @ @ @ @ pubs take in more drinkers .
Said Johnson : “ Our long national hibernation is @ @ @ @ @ ”

British prime minister Boris Johnson has all but ended his country’s lockdown after deciding coronavirus infection rates are now low enough to justify relaxing social distancing measures, the Times of London reports.
The British prime minister said people in England will no longer have to stay two meters apart—instead Johnson has introduced a new “one-meter plus” rule to help pubs take in more drinkers.
Said Johnson: “Our long national hibernation is coming to an end.”


politicalwire--2020-06-23--Cuomo Mulls Quarantine for Out-of-State Visitors

New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo ( D ) told NBC News that he is “ seriously considering ” implementing @ @ @ @ @ New York .
Said Cuomo : “ You have about half the states in this @ @ @ @ @ the virus going up , New York we have the virus going down.
” He @ @ @ @ @ people calling me all day long , they ’ re worried about where they are @ @ @ @ @ to New York .
And that ’ s great but we don ’ t want @ @ @ @ @ , so we ’ re seriously considering a quarantine just to make sure that people @ @ @ @ @ with higher infections don ’ t inadvertently increase our infection rate .
”

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) told NBC News that he is “seriously considering” implementing a quarantine for out-state-visitors to New York.
Said Cuomo: “You have about half the states in this country you’re seeing the virus going up, New York we have the virus going down.”
He added: “I have people calling me all day long, they’re worried about where they are, they want to come to New York. And that’s great but we don’t want them bringing the virus here, so we’re seriously considering a quarantine just to make sure that people who come in from states with higher infections don’t inadvertently increase our infection rate.”


politicalwire--2020-06-23--Trump Inherited More Ventilators Than He Distributed

Contrary to President Trump ’ s repeated claims that he inherited a Strategic National Stockpile with “ empty ” or @ @ @ @ @ the federal government had more ventilators in stock than it ended up distributing amid the @ @ @ @ @ .


politicalwire--2020-06-23--Coons Suggests He’ll Vote to End the Filibuster

Sen. Chris Coons ( D-DE ) told Politico that he won ’ t rule out getting rid of the filibuster @ @ @ @ @ I will not stand idly by for four years and watch the Biden administration ’ @ @ @ @ @ turn .
”

Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE) told Politico that he won’t rule out getting rid of the filibuster.
Said Coons: “I will not stand idly by for four years and watch the Biden administration’s initiatives blocked at every turn.”


politicalwire--2020-06-23--Phoenix Mayor Tells Trump to Wear a Mask

Ahead of President Trump ’ s visit to Arizona on Tuesday , Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego ( D ) has @ @ @ @ @ : set an example and wear a mask , ABC 15 reports .
Said Gallego @ @ @ @ @ not believe an event of this magnitude can be held safely , particularly as Arizona @ @ @ @ @ the president has decided to continue with this rally .
”

Ahead of President Trump’s visit to Arizona on Tuesday, Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego (D) has a message for the president: set an example and wear a mask, ABC 15 reports.
Said Gallego: “While I do not believe an event of this magnitude can be held safely, particularly as Arizona sees rising COVID cases, the president has decided to continue with this rally.”


politicalwire--2020-06-23--120K Pay to Attend Obama Fundraiser for Biden

“ Joe Biden will hold his first event of the 2020 campaign with former President Barack Obama on Tuesday , @ @ @ @ @ have already paid to attend , raising more than $ 4 million , ” the @ @ @ @ @ “ The joint appearance will be the biggest grass-roots fund-raiser of the cycle for the @ @ @ @ @ just as a coming-out party for the former running mates but also as something of @ @ @ @ @ Biden ’ s arrival as a financial force in his own right .
”

“Joe Biden will hold his first event of the 2020 campaign with former President Barack Obama on Tuesday, and more than 120,000 people have already paid to attend, raising more than $4 million,” the New York Times reports.
“The joint appearance will be the biggest grass-roots fund-raiser of the cycle for the Democratic Party, serving not just as a coming-out party for the former running mates but also as something of a punctuation mark on Mr. Biden’s arrival as a financial force in his own right.”


politicalwire--2020-06-23--Trump Wasn’t Joking About Slowing Down Testing

President Trump contradicted his top aides telling CBS News he was serious on Saturday night when he claimed he had @ @ @ @ @ down coronavirus testing .
He also repeated — as he did on Twitter this morning @ @ @ @ @ double-edged sword .

President Trump contradicted his top aides telling CBS News he was serious on Saturday night when he claimed he had asked his administration to slow down coronavirus testing.
Said Trump: “I don’t kid.”
He also repeated — as he did on Twitter this morning — that testing is a double-edged sword.


politicalwire--2020-06-23--The U.S. Is Falling Behind

The U.S. Is Falling Behind

Catherine Rampell : “ Americans ’ belief in American exceptionalism is declining — and that could be a good thing @ @ @ @ @ us complacent , even impotent , in the face of multiple crises.
” “ On @ @ @ @ @ the United States seems to have given up .
Not because we can ’ t @ @ @ @ @ many political leaders , particularly Republicans , apparently don ’ t think we need to @ @ @ @ @ is already Living Its Best Life means there ’ s no need to learn from @ @ @ @ @ gauge our relative performance .
”

Catherine Rampell: “Americans’ belief in American exceptionalism is declining — and that could be a good thing. National narcissism has rendered us complacent, even impotent, in the face of multiple crises.”
“On our biggest societal problems, the United States seems to have given up. Not because we can’t do better — but because many political leaders, particularly Republicans, apparently don’t think we need to. Their faith that America is already Living Its Best Life means there’s no need to learn from peer countries, or even gauge our relative performance.”


politicalwire--2020-06-23--Tuberville Says Sessions Is ‘Weak’

Tuberville Says Sessions Is ‘Weak’

Tommy Tubervile ( R ) is out with a new ad attacking Senate primary rival Jeff Sessions ( R ) @ @ @ @ @ can ’ t fake it .
You ’ re either strong or you ’ re @ @ @ @ @ ?
He ’ s not .
He wasn ’ t man enough to stand with @ @ @ @ @ tough , and now he ’ s telling lies about me to cover it all @ @ @ @ @ time for these weak politicians to go .
”

Tommy Tubervile (R) is out with a new ad attacking Senate primary rival Jeff Sessions (R) as weak.
“You can’t fake it. You’re either strong or you’re not. And Jeff Sessions? He’s not. He wasn’t man enough to stand with President Trump when things got tough, and now he’s telling lies about me to cover it all up. It’s time for these weak politicians to go.”


politicalwire--2020-06-23--Trump Orders Arrests for Destruction of Monuments

President Trump claimed he instructed federal law enforcement to arrest anyone who targets a government-owned statue or monument and says @ @ @ @ @ to a decade in prison .
Said Trump : “ I have authorized the Federal @ @ @ @ @ vandalizes or destroys any monument , statue or other such Federal property in the U.S. @ @ @ @ @ in prison , per the Veteran ’ s Memorial Preservation Act , or such other @ @ @ @ @ This action is taken effective immediately , but may also be used retroactively for destruction @ @ @ @ @ There will be no exceptions !
”

President Trump claimed he instructed federal law enforcement to arrest anyone who targets a government-owned statue or monument and says those apprehended could face up to a decade in prison.
Said Trump: “I have authorized the Federal Government to arrest anyone who vandalizes or destroys any monument, statue or other such Federal property in the U.S. with up to 10 years in prison, per the Veteran’s Memorial Preservation Act, or such other laws that may be pertinent… This action is taken effective immediately, but may also be used retroactively for destruction or vandalism already caused. There will be no exceptions!”


politicalwire--2020-06-24--Prepare for a Biden Landslide

Prepare for a Biden Landslide

Josh Kraushaar : “ Right now , it looks more likely that Biden will win a landslide victory , picking up states uncontested by Democrats in recent elections , than it is that Trump can mount a miraculous turnaround in just over four months .
Even as Trump tries to advance a law-and-order pitch amid growing violence and tumult in the nation ’ s cities , it ’ s unlikely to benefit the president because he ’ s the leader in charge .
The chaos candidate is now the chaos president .
Biden is the challenger pledging a return to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ swing-state map : Biden is leading in every battleground state , according to the RealClearPolitics polling averages , with the exception of North Carolina where the race is tied .
Trump trails by 6 points in the electoral prize of Florida , where the president ’ s newfound willingness to meet with Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro prompted a fierce backlash and quick White House retreat .
He ’ s down 4 points in Arizona , a state that has only voted for a Democratic presidential candidate once since 1964 .
He ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the vote in Michigan , Pennsylvania , or Wisconsin—the Midwestern states he flipped to win the presidency.
” “ Meanwhile , the Trump campaign is airing ads in Iowa and Ohio , two states he won by near double-digit margins in 2016 , as recent polls show Trump in precarious shape in both states .
”

Josh Kraushaar: “Right now, it looks more likely that Biden will win a landslide victory, picking up states uncontested by Democrats in recent elections, than it is that Trump can mount a miraculous turnaround in just over four months. Even as Trump tries to advance a law-and-order pitch amid growing violence and tumult in the nation’s cities, it’s unlikely to benefit the president because he’s the leader in charge. The chaos candidate is now the chaos president. Biden is the challenger pledging a return to normalcy.”
“Just look at the swing-state map: Biden is leading in every battleground state, according to the RealClearPolitics polling averages, with the exception of North Carolina where the race is tied. Trump trails by 6 points in the electoral prize of Florida, where the president’s newfound willingness to meet with Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro prompted a fierce backlash and quick White House retreat. He’s down 4 points in Arizona, a state that has only voted for a Democratic presidential candidate once since 1964. He’s not close to hitting even 45 percent of the vote in Michigan, Pennsylvania, or Wisconsin—the Midwestern states he flipped to win the presidency.”
“Meanwhile, the Trump campaign is airing ads in Iowa and Ohio, two states he won by near double-digit margins in 2016, as recent polls show Trump in precarious shape in both states.”


politicalwire--2020-06-24--7 States Report Highest Hospitalizations Yet

“ Seven states are reporting new highs for current coronavirus hospitalizations , according to data tracked by the Washington Post @ @ @ @ @ California , North Carolina , South Carolina , Tennessee and Texas — as the number @ @ @ @ @ across the South and West .
”

“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--2020-06-24--Trump Pushes Anew to Divide Americans by Race

“ President Trump has repeatedly pushed inflammatory language , material and policies in recent days that seek to divide Americans @ @ @ @ @ to appeal to his predominantly white base of voters four months before Election Day rather @ @ @ @ @ support , ” the New York Times reports .
“ Trailing in national polls and @ @ @ @ @ , and stricken by a disappointing return to the campaign trail , Mr. Trump has @ @ @ @ @ habit of falsely portraying some black Americans as dangerous or lawless .
And he has @ @ @ @ @ one of the most tumultuous periods in decades as Americans protest recent episodes of police @ @ @ @ @ have highlighted the nation ’ s long history of racial injustice.
” “ Over the @ @ @ @ @ has tweeted context-free videos of random incidents involving black people attacking white people and baselessly @ @ @ @ @ , the country ’ s first black leader , committed ‘ treason . '
”

“President Trump has repeatedly pushed inflammatory language, material and policies in recent days that seek to divide Americans by race as he tries to appeal to his predominantly white base of voters four months before Election Day rather than try to broaden his support,” the New York Times reports.
“Trailing in national polls and surveys of crucial battleground states, and stricken by a disappointing return to the campaign trail, Mr. Trump has leaned hard into his decades-long habit of falsely portraying some black Americans as dangerous or lawless. And he has chosen to do so at one of the most tumultuous periods in decades as Americans protest recent episodes of police brutality against black people that have highlighted the nation’s long history of racial injustice.”
“Over the last few days the president has tweeted context-free videos of random incidents involving black people attacking white people and baselessly argued that President Barack Obama, the country’s first black leader, committed ‘treason.'”


politicalwire--2020-06-24--Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day

“ I am here to say the help is on the way if we do the work because there ’ @ @ @ @ @ to be able to heal this country and get back on track than my dear @ @ @ @ @ Barack Obama , quoted by Axios , at a virtual fundraiser for Joe Biden .

“I am here to say the help is on the way if we do the work because there’s nobody I trust more to be able to heal this country and get back on track than my dear friend Joe Biden.”
— Barack Obama, quoted by Axios, at a virtual fundraiser for Joe Biden.


politicalwire--2020-06-23--Trump Nominee Said Some Wanted to Overthrow Trump

Retired Army Brig .
Gen. Anthony Tata , who was nominated to become the under secretary of defense for policy @ @ @ @ @ , promoted conspiracy theories that former CIA Director John Brennan wanted to oust Trump from @ @ @ @ @ bogus conspiracy theory that Brennan sent a coded tweet to order the assassination of Trump @ @ @ @ @ .
Tata also said then-President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama engaged in “ @ @ @ @ @ expressing their dismay over a Trump presidency during the transition period .

Retired Army Brig. Gen. Anthony Tata, who was nominated to become the under secretary of defense for policy at the Department of Defense, promoted conspiracy theories that former CIA Director John Brennan wanted to oust Trump from office, and pushed a bogus conspiracy theory that Brennan sent a coded tweet to order the assassination of Trump in 2018, CNN reports.
Tata also said then-President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama engaged in “borderline treasonous” behavior by expressing their dismay over a Trump presidency during the transition period.


politicalwire--2020-06-23--Rhode Island to Remove ‘Plantations’ from State Seal

Rhode Island Gov .
Gina Raimondo ( D ) issued an executive order to eliminate the word “ plantations ” @ @ @ @ @ and related government websites .
The state seal currently includes a golden anchor along with @ @ @ @ @ and the phrase “ the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations .
”


politicalwire--2020-06-23--Trump Mulls Declaring End to Coronavirus Emergency

“ The Trump administration , eager to claim victory over the coronavirus , has been considering scaling back the national @ @ @ @ @ to control the pandemic , ” the Los Angeles Times reports .
“ The prospect @ @ @ @ @ health leaders , physicians , hospital officials and others who are trying to control the @ @ @ @ @ a move would make it more difficult for state and local governments and health systems @ @ @ @ @ check .
”

“The Trump administration, eager to claim victory over the coronavirus, has been considering scaling back the national emergency declared earlier this year to control the pandemic,” the Los Angeles Times reports.
“The prospect has stoked alarm among public health leaders, physicians, hospital officials and others who are trying to control the outbreak and fear that such a move would make it more difficult for state and local governments and health systems to keep the coronavirus in check.”


politicalwire--2020-06-23--Trump Family Seeks to Stop Publication of Tell-All Book

“ President Trump ’ s family is seeking a temporary restraining order to try to block publication of a tell-all @ @ @ @ @ s niece , Mary Trump , ” the New York Times reports .
“ The @ @ @ @ @ and Simon & Schuster , and it seeks to stop publication on the grounds that @ @ @ @ @ nondisclosure agreement related to the settlement of the estate .
”

“President Trump’s family is seeking a temporary restraining order to try to block publication of a tell-all book by the president’s niece, Mary Trump,” the New York Times reports.
“The filing is against Ms. Trump and Simon & Schuster, and it seeks to stop publication on the grounds that Ms. Trump is violating a nondisclosure agreement related to the settlement of the estate.”


politicalwire--2020-06-23--How Roger Marshall Erased a Reckless Driving Conviction

“ On Christmas Eve 2008 , court documents show , Assistant Barton County Attorney Carey Fleske approached a district court @ @ @ @ @ erase Roger Marshall ’ s conviction that fall for reckless driving and replace it with @ @ @ @ @ the Wichita Eagle reports .
“ The judge agreed , turning a suspended jail sentence @ @ @ @ @ and Republican U.S. Senate candidate into a slap on the wrist.
” “ But Fleske @ @ @ @ @ .
He was also the son of Marshall ’ s business partner and neighbor .
@

“On Christmas Eve 2008, court documents show, Assistant Barton County Attorney Carey Fleske approached a district court judge with a request: erase Roger Marshall’s conviction that fall for reckless driving and replace it with a lesser charge,” the Wichita Eagle reports.
“The judge agreed, turning a suspended jail sentence for the future Kansas Congressman and Republican U.S. Senate candidate into a slap on the wrist.”
“But Fleske was more than a prosecutor. He was also the son of Marshall’s business partner and neighbor.”


politicalwire--2020-06-23--Prosecutor Says Roger Stone Sentencing Was Politicized

“ Career prosecutor Aaron Zelinsky will tell the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday that Justice Department leadership intervened in the @ @ @ @ @ Roger Stone for political purposes , ” Axios reports .
From Zelinksy ’ s opening @ @ @ @ @ heard — repeatedly — was that Roger Stone was being treated differently from any other @ @ @ @ @ to the president.
” Zelinsky will also say that a supervisor working on the case @ @ @ @ @ political reasons ” to shorten prosecutors ’ initial sentencing guidelines and that the supervisor agreed @ @ @ @ @ unethical and wrong .
”

“Career prosecutor Aaron Zelinsky will tell the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday that Justice Department leadership intervened in the sentencing of former Trump adviser Roger Stone for political purposes,” Axios reports.
From Zelinksy’s opening statement: “What I heard — repeatedly — was that Roger Stone was being treated differently from any other defendant because of his relationship to the president.”
Zelinsky will also say that a supervisor working on the case told him there were “political reasons” to shorten prosecutors’ initial sentencing guidelines and that the supervisor agreed that doing so “was unethical and wrong.”


politicalwire--2020-06-23--Chinese Political Donors Gained Access to Trump

“ Soon after Donald Trump took office , people with ties to the Chinese state poured hundreds of thousands of @ @ @ @ @ to get close to and potentially influence the new president , ” the Wall Street @ @ @ @ @ effort had early success in gaining access for those involved , helping them meet the @ @ @ @ @ fundraisers or at an internal GOP leadership meeting .
It reveals how China seeks to @ @ @ @ @ , gather information on U.S. leaders and if possible affect policy-making .
”

“Soon after Donald Trump took office, people with ties to the Chinese state poured hundreds of thousands of dollars into his re-election bid to get close to and potentially influence the new president,” the Wall Street Journal reports.
“The effort had early success in gaining access for those involved, helping them meet the president or top Republicans at fundraisers or at an internal GOP leadership meeting. It reveals how China seeks to build inroads into U.S. politics, gather information on U.S. leaders and if possible affect policy-making.”


politicalwire--2020-06-23--Investment Firm Tells Clients Democrats Will Take Senate

“ Financial advisory firm Signum Global Advisors is telling clients that it now believes the U.S. Senate is going to @ @ @ @ @ continues surge past President Trump in the polls , ” CNBC reports .
“ Signum @ @ @ @ @ firms on Wall Street and in the financial industry could start preparing for the end @ @ @ @ @ in the White House and Senate .
”

“Financial advisory firm Signum Global Advisors is telling clients that it now believes the U.S. Senate is going to flip blue as Joe Biden continues surge past President Trump in the polls,” CNBC reports.
“Signum’s flip suggests that firms on Wall Street and in the financial industry could start preparing for the end of Republican control, both in the White House and Senate.”


politicalwire--2020-06-23--65 Law Professors Rebuke Attorney General

Law professors and faculty from George Washington University Law School , Attorney General William Barr ’ s alma mater , @ @ @ @ @ has “ failed to fulfill his oath of office to support and defend the Constitution @ @ @ @ @ ” CNN reports .


politicalwire--2020-06-24--GOP Lawmaker Claims There’s a War on ‘Western Culture’

Rep. Jim Hagedorn ( R-MN ) said that those aligned with Black Lives Matter in protest of police brutality are @ @ @ @ @ “ western culture ” — language that advocacy groups note has long been used to @ @ @ @ @ Washington Post reports .
Said Hagedorn in a Facebook post : “ The Democrat ‘ @ @ @ @ @ , along with armies of rioters , are at war with our country , our @ @ @ @ @ Their radical movement is orchestrated and growing .
We must never let them take power @ @ @ @ @ and defend our county [ sic ] , our nation ’ s identity , our @ @ @ @ @ way of life .
”

Rep. Jim Hagedorn (R-MN) said that those aligned with Black Lives Matter in protest of police brutality are “at war” with “western culture” — language that advocacy groups note has long been used to promote white nationalism, the Washington Post reports.
Said Hagedorn in a Facebook post: “The Democrat ‘Black Lives Matter’ Party, along with armies of rioters, are at war with our country, our beliefs and western culture. Their radical movement is orchestrated and growing. We must never let them take power. We must stand up and defend our county [sic], our nation’s identity, our Judeo-Christian values and our American way of life.”


politicalwire--2020-06-24--Trump Again Shows His Weakness

Trump Again Shows His Weakness

Jonathan Bernstein : “ There ’ s a bit of a mini-scandal underway about whether President Trump deliberately slowed down coronavirus testing .
Trump said he did so during a rally in Tulsa on Saturday , and has frequently said that he opposes added testing because it produces worse statistics .
Then the White House said that he was kidding .
Then Trump said on Tuesday that he doesn ’ t kid.
” “ On one hand , only someone myopically focused on the short-term would fail to realize that testing is critical for fighting the pandemic and that deliberately @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people getting sick and dying while also severely damaging his presidency and his prospects of re-election .
On the other hand… well , we ’ ve been watching Trump for a while .
Do you think it seems out of character ?
” “ The real answer here is that it almost certainly doesn ’ t matter whether the president actually gave a formal order to slow down testing .
That ’ s because we know that Trump just doesn ’ t have very much clout in the Trump administration .
His orders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Many presidents have great difficult controlling executive-branch departments and agencies .
But Trump seems to have an unusual amount of trouble within his own White House .
”

Jonathan Bernstein: “There’s a bit of a mini-scandal underway about whether President Trump deliberately slowed down coronavirus testing. Trump said he did so during a rally in Tulsa on Saturday, and has frequently said that he opposes added testing because it produces worse statistics. Then the White House said that he was kidding. Then Trump said on Tuesday that he doesn’t kid.”
“On one hand, only someone myopically focused on the short-term would fail to realize that testing is critical for fighting the pandemic and that deliberately holding it back would lead to more people getting sick and dying while also severely damaging his presidency and his prospects of re-election. On the other hand… well, we’ve been watching Trump for a while. Do you think it seems out of character?”
“The real answer here is that it almost certainly doesn’t matter whether the president actually gave a formal order to slow down testing. That’s because we know that Trump just doesn’t have very much clout in the Trump administration. His orders are often ignored. To be fair: Many presidents have great difficult controlling executive-branch departments and agencies. But Trump seems to have an unusual amount of trouble within his own White House.”


politicalwire--2020-06-24--Florida Democrats Gain Vote-by-Mail Advantage

“ Democrats have opened up a 302,000-voter advantage over Republicans in vote-by-mail enrollment , an edge that could pay big @ @ @ @ @ s newly adopted must-win state , ” Politico reports .
“ Five months before Election @ @ @ @ @ million Democrats have signed up to vote by mail compared to 1.16 million Republicans… By @ @ @ @ @ Democrats held an advantage of about 8,800 in vote-by-mail enrollment .
”

“Democrats have opened up a 302,000-voter advantage over Republicans in vote-by-mail enrollment, an edge that could pay big dividends in President Trump’s newly adopted must-win state,” Politico reports.
“Five months before Election Day, more than 1.46 million Democrats have signed up to vote by mail compared to 1.16 million Republicans… By comparison, in 2016, Democrats held an advantage of about 8,800 in vote-by-mail enrollment.”


politicalwire--2020-06-24--Bowman Looks Likely to Oust Engel

Bowman Looks Likely to Oust Engel

Jamaal Bowman ( D ) , a Black middle-school principal in the Bronx , holds a commanding lead over veteran @ @ @ @ @ ) in New York ’ s primary election results .
Said Bowman , per Reuters @ @ @ @ @ to say he was a thorn in the side of Donald Trump… But you know @ @ @ @ @ afraid of than anything else ?
A black man with power .
That is what @ @ @ @ @ .
”

Jamaal Bowman (D), a Black middle-school principal in the Bronx, holds a commanding lead over veteran Rep. Eliot Engel (D-NY) in New York’s primary election results.
Said Bowman, per Reuters: “Eliot Engel used to say he was a thorn in the side of Donald Trump… But you know what Donald Trump is more afraid of than anything else? A black man with power. That is what Donald Trump is afraid of.”


politicalwire--2020-06-24--Black Americans Optimistic for Change

Black Americans Optimistic for Change

A new Washington Post-Ipsos poll finds black Americans largely believe George Floyd ’ s death could be a catalyst for @ @ @ @ @ 10 black Americans believe Floyd ’ s killing will increase white Americans ’ concern about @ @ @ @ @ And a narrow majority think police treatment of black Americans is likely to improve in @ @ @


politicalwire--2020-06-24--Jacksonville Voters Don’t Want GOP Convention

Politico : “ A poll by the University of North Florida found that 58 % of Jacksonville voters surveyed oppose @ @ @ @ @ 42 % support it .
Seventy-one percent said they were concerned the coronavirus would spread @ @ @ @ @ and 65 % said they worried about ‘ social unrest , ’ the poll showed @ @

Politico: “A poll by the University of North Florida found that 58% of Jacksonville voters surveyed oppose the RNC convention, and 42% support it. Seventy-one percent said they were concerned the coronavirus would spread due to the convention, and 65% said they worried about ‘social unrest,’ the poll showed.”


politicalwire--2020-06-24--Biden Takes Dominant Lead Nationally

Biden Takes Dominant Lead Nationally

A new New York Times/Siena poll finds Joe Biden leading Donald Trump by 14 points nationally , 50 % to @ @ @ @ @ is among the most dismal showings of Mr. Trump ’ s presidency , and a @ @ @ @ @ clear underdog right now in his fight for a second term.
” “ Mr .
@ @ @ @ @ enormous margins with black and Hispanic voters , and women and young people appear on @ @ @ @ @ by an even wider margin than they favored Hillary Clinton over Mr. Trump in 2016 @ @ @ @ @ president has also drawn even with Mr. Trump among male voters , whites and people @ @ @ @ @ — groups that have typically been the backbones of Republican electoral success , including Mr. @ @ @ @ @ .
”

A new New York Times/Siena poll finds Joe Biden leading Donald Trump by 14 points nationally, 50% to 36%.
“That is among the most dismal showings of Mr. Trump’s presidency, and a sign that he is the clear underdog right now in his fight for a second term.”
“Mr. Biden leads Mr. Trump by enormous margins with black and Hispanic voters, and women and young people appear on track to choose Mr. Biden by an even wider margin than they favored Hillary Clinton over Mr. Trump in 2016. But the former vice president has also drawn even with Mr. Trump among male voters, whites and people in middle age and older — groups that have typically been the backbones of Republican electoral success, including Mr. Trump’s in 2016.”


politicalwire--2020-06-24--Trump Fans Refuse Masks at Megachurch

Trump Fans Refuse Masks at Megachurch

“ After a disappointing showing at his campaign rally over the weekend , President Donald Trump renewed his performance for @ @ @ @ @ on Tuesday , telling his Arizona audience that they were guardians in a cultural war @ @ @ @ @ country , ” Politico reports .
“ The appearance , at the Dream City megachurch @ @ @ @ @ first rallies since taking a three-month hiatus because of the coronavirus pandemic .
Images from @ @ @ @ @ crowd tightly packed together , with almost no one wearing protective masks .
There were @ @ @ @ @ estimated 3,000 cheering attendees who , like many of Trump ’ s staunchest fans , @ @ @ @ @ requiring them to wear a mask , despite a public-health plea from the Democratic mayor @ @ @ @

“After a disappointing showing at his campaign rally over the weekend, President Donald Trump renewed his performance for a packed crowd of students on Tuesday, telling his Arizona audience that they were guardians in a cultural war over the heritage of the country,” Politico reports.
“The appearance, at the Dream City megachurch, was one of his first rallies since taking a three-month hiatus because of the coronavirus pandemic. Images from the event showed a large crowd tightly packed together, with almost no one wearing protective masks. There were no temperature checks for the estimated 3,000 cheering attendees who, like many of Trump’s staunchest fans, ignored a new local ordinance requiring them to wear a mask, despite a public-health plea from the Democratic mayor on Monday.”


politicalwire--2020-06-24--24-Year Old Beats Trump Pick to Succeed Meadows

Madison Cawthorn won the GOP runoff in North Carolina ’ s 11th Congressional District , making him the favorite to @ @ @ @ @ ( R ) , who is now serving as White House chief of staff , @ @ @ @ @ , a 24-year-old businessman , defeated Lynda Bennett , who was backed by Meadows and @ @ @

Madison Cawthorn won the GOP runoff in North Carolina’s 11th Congressional District, making him the favorite to replace former Rep. Mark Meadows (R), who is now serving as White House chief of staff, The Hill reports.
Cawthorn, a 24-year-old businessman, defeated Lynda Bennett, who was backed by Meadows and President Trump.


politicalwire--2020-06-25--GOP Candidate Says George Floyd Video Was Fake

“ A Republican candidate running for a St. Louis-area House seat has published a 23-page document outlining a conspiracy theory @ @ @ @ @ Floyd ’ s death in police custody , which has ignited weeks of protests , @ @ @ @ @ tensions , ” The Hill reports .
Said Winnie Heartstrong ( R ) : “ @ @ @ @ @ in the video is really one person but rather they are all digital composites of @ @ @ @ @ to form completely new digital persons using deepfake technology .
”

“A Republican candidate running for a St. Louis-area House seat has published a 23-page document outlining a conspiracy theory that the footage of George Floyd’s death in police custody, which has ignited weeks of protests, was staged to inflame racial tensions,” The Hill reports.
Said Winnie Heartstrong (R): “We conclude that no one in the video is really one person but rather they are all digital composites of two or more real people to form completely new digital persons using deepfake technology.”


politicalwire--2020-06-25--West Virginia Governor Forces Out Top Health Official

“ West Virginia Gov .
Jim Justice ( R ) forced out the commissioner of his public health bureau on @ @ @ @ @ publicly questioned the accuracy of the state ’ s coronavirus data and detailed growing outbreaks @ @ @ @ @ , ” NBC News reports .
“ The governor has so far declined to strengthen @ @ @ @ @ restrictions in response to the increases .
He has repeatedly balked on mandating face masks @ @ @ @ @ other governments have done , saying such an order would be politically divisive .
”

“West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice (R) forced out the commissioner of his public health bureau on Wednesday, hours after he publicly questioned the accuracy of the state’s coronavirus data and detailed growing outbreaks in about a dozen counties,” NBC News reports.
“The governor has so far declined to strengthen West Virginia’s virus restrictions in response to the increases. He has repeatedly balked on mandating face masks in public spaces, as other governments have done, saying such an order would be politically divisive.”


politicalwire--2020-06-25--Trump Plans Massive Fireworks Despite Risks

“ President Trump is planning a massive fireworks display at Mount Rushmore on July 3 , despite a decade-long ban @ @ @ @ @ spot because of concerns about public health , environmental and safety risks , ” the @ @ @ @ @ The National Park Service stopped staging pyrotechnics at Mount Rushmore in 2010 out of concern @ @ @ @ @ under drought conditions.
” Also relevant : “ Neither federal nor state officials have imposed @ @ @ @ @ of the gathering .
The state tourism department , which is distributing 7,500 tickets for @ @ @ @ @ that it has had requests for at least 125,000 .
”

“President Trump is planning a massive fireworks display at Mount Rushmore on July 3, despite a decade-long ban on pyrotechnics at the iconic spot because of concerns about public health, environmental and safety risks,” the Washington Post reports.
“The National Park Service stopped staging pyrotechnics at Mount Rushmore in 2010 out of concern that it could ignite wildfires under drought conditions.”
Also relevant: “Neither federal nor state officials have imposed social distancing requirements as part of the gathering. The state tourism department, which is distributing 7,500 tickets for the event, has estimated that it has had requests for at least 125,000.”


politicalwire--2020-06-25--Dozens of Secret Service Agents In Quarantine

“ Dozens of Secret Service officers and agents who were on site for President Trump ’ s rally in Tulsa @ @ @ @ @ self-quarantine after two of their colleagues tested positive for the novel coronavirus , part of @ @ @ @ @ s insistence on holding the mass gathering over the objections of public health officials , @ @ @ @ @ .
“ The Secret Service instructed employees who worked the Tulsa event to stay at @ @ @ @ @ they returned from the weekend trip , according to two people familiar with the agency @ @ @ @ @

“Dozens of Secret Service officers and agents who were on site for President Trump’s rally in Tulsa last week were ordered to self-quarantine after two of their colleagues tested positive for the novel coronavirus, part of the fallout from Trump’s insistence on holding the mass gathering over the objections of public health officials,” the Washington Post reports.
“The Secret Service instructed employees who worked the Tulsa event to stay at home for 14 days when they returned from the weekend trip, according to two people familiar with the agency’s decision.”


politicalwire--2020-06-25--Second Senior Economist Abruptly Leaves White House

“ One of President Trump ’ s senior economic officials has abruptly left the White House in the middle of @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus pandemic .
He becomes the second senior White House economic official whose departure @ @ @ @ @ ” 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--2020-06-25--Wyoming Democrats Tell Their Candidate to Drop Out

“ The Wyoming Democratic Party is calling for one of its Senate candidates to drop out after he made a @ @ @ @ @ nearly every one of his opponents on social media last week , ” the Casper @ @ @ @ @ In a series of tweets last week , self-described progressive James Kirk DeBrine used an @ @ @ @ @ to cast doubt on their fitness for office , questioned the faith of a Jewish @ @ @ @ @ that a candidate with multiple children would not be able to competently hold elected office @ @

“The Wyoming Democratic Party is calling for one of its Senate candidates to drop out after he made a number of disparaging remarks about nearly every one of his opponents on social media last week,” the Casper Star Tribune reports.
“In a series of tweets last week, self-described progressive James Kirk DeBrine used an opponent’s medical history to cast doubt on their fitness for office, questioned the faith of a Jewish opponent and appeared to suggest that a candidate with multiple children would not be able to competently hold elected office.”


politicalwire--2020-06-24--Philadelphia Mayor Fuels Rumors of Bid for Governor

Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney ( D ) has launched a political action committee to raise money for progressive candidates across @ @ @ @ @ he may run for governor in 2022 , the Philadelphia Inquirer reports .


AOC’s Digital Juggernaut

New York Times : “ Since the beginning of this election cycle in 2019 , Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez ( D-NY @ @ @ @ @ on Facebook ads , including nearly $ 2.4 million since January… The next biggest digital @ @ @ @ @ 2020… spent $ 620,000 online .
”


politicalwire--2020-06-24--Biden Will Accept Nomination in Milwaukee

The Democratic National Committee said that Joe Biden will accept the presidential nomination in Milwaukee , but the party will @ @ @ @ @ summer convention because of coronavirus concerns , the Wall Street Journal reports .


politicalwire--2020-06-24--U.S. Coronavirus Cases Hit New Daily High

“ Across the United States , more than 36,000 new infections were reported by state health departments on Wednesday — @ @ @ @ @ of 34,203 set on April 25 , ” the Washington Post reports .
“ Texas @ @ @ @ @ the way , with all three states reporting more than 5,000 new cases apiece .
@

“Across the United States, more than 36,000 new infections were reported by state health departments on Wednesday — surpassing the previous single-day record of 34,203 set on April 25,” the Washington Post reports.
“Texas, Florida and California led the way, with all three states reporting more than 5,000 new cases apiece.”


politicalwire--2020-06-24--Trump Campaign Gets New Spokesman

Trump Campaign Gets New Spokesman

The Trump campaign has named Hogan Gidley as its new press secretary , replacing Kayleigh McEnany , who became the @ @ @ @ @ April , CBS News reports .
Gidley is currently the principal deputy press secretary at @ @ @ @

The Trump campaign has named Hogan Gidley as its new press secretary, replacing Kayleigh McEnany, who became the White House press secretary in April, CBS News reports.
Gidley is currently the principal deputy press secretary at the White House.


politicalwire--2020-06-24--Trump Will Ignore New Jersey Quarantine Order

“ The White House said that President Trump will not change his plan to travel to New Jersey this weekend @ @ @ @ @ the governor requiring visitors who have been in states with high numbers of coronavirus cases @ @ @ @ @ , ” CNBC reports .
Said a spokesman : “ The president of the United @ @ @ @ @ .
”

“The White House said that President Trump will not change his plan to travel to New Jersey this weekend despite a new order by the governor requiring visitors who have been in states with high numbers of coronavirus cases to quarantine for 14 days,” CNBC reports.
Said a spokesman: “The president of the United States is not a civilian.”


politicalwire--2020-06-24--Nunes Can’t Sue Twitter Over Statements by Fake Cow

“ A judge has ruled that Rep. Devin Nunes ( R-CA ) has no right to sue Twitter over statements @ @ @ @ @ cow , someone parodying his mother and a Republican strategist.
” the Fresno Bee reports @


politicalwire--2020-06-24--Biden Campaign Won’t Discuss Diversity of Staff

BuzzFeed News : “ Biden ’ s presidential campaign , staffed at the top by a predominantly white team of @ @ @ @ @ to disclose the number of people of color on payroll , or detail the way @ @ @ @ @ data internally.
” “ Campaign officials did not explain why they have yet to share @ @ @ @ @ they expect to do so soon .
”

BuzzFeed News: “Biden’s presidential campaign, staffed at the top by a predominantly white team of advisers, declined this week to disclose the number of people of color on payroll, or detail the way in which they track diversity data internally.”
“Campaign officials did not explain why they have yet to share diversity numbers publicly but indicated they expect to do so soon.”


politicalwire--2020-06-24--Make Russia Great Again

Make Russia Great Again

Out next month : Make Russia Great Again : A Novel by Christopher Buckley .
“ Herb Nutterman never intended @ @ @ @ @ s White House chief of staff .
Herb served the Trump Organization for twenty-seven years @ @ @ @ @ from a food and beverage manager at the Trump Magnifica to being the first general @ @ @ @ @ Run Golf Course .
And when his old boss asks ‘ his favorite Jew ’ @ @ @ @ @ role of chief of staff , Herb , spurred on by loyalty , agrees.
” @ @ @ @ @ of staff is a lot different from being a former hospitality expert .
Soon , @ @ @ @ @ in Russian intrigue , deflecting rumors about Mike Pence ’ s high school involvement in @ @ @ @ @ leading President Trump ’ s reelection campaign .
”

Out next month: Make Russia Great Again: A Novel by Christopher Buckley.
“Herb Nutterman never intended to become Donald Trump’s White House chief of staff. Herb served the Trump Organization for twenty-seven years, holding jobs in everything from a food and beverage manager at the Trump Magnifica to being the first general manager of the Trump Bloody Run Golf Course. And when his old boss asks ‘his favorite Jew’ to take on the daunting role of chief of staff, Herb, spurred on by loyalty, agrees.”
“But being the chief of staff is a lot different from being a former hospitality expert. Soon, Herb finds himself deeply involved in Russian intrigue, deflecting rumors about Mike Pence’s high school involvement in a Satanic cult, and leading President Trump’s reelection campaign.”


politicalwire--2020-06-24--GOP Senator Blocked China Sanctions Bill He Supports

The White House last week asked Sen. Kevin Cramer ( R-ND ) to block a bill that punishes China over @ @ @ @ @ , Politico reports .
Cramer obliged , blocking unanimous passage of the bill last week @ @ @ @ @ s a co-sponsor of it .
When confronted , Cramer admitted : “ Even for @ @ @ @ @ .
”

The White House last week asked Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-ND) to block a bill that punishes China over its encroachments in Hong Kong, Politico reports.
Cramer obliged, blocking unanimous passage of the bill last week — even though he’s a co-sponsor of it.
When confronted, Cramer admitted: “Even for us, this is dysfunctional.”


politicalwire--2020-06-24--Gohmert Threatened With Removal From Hearing

Rep. Louie Gohmert ( R-TX ) began incessantly rapping on his desk in protest during a congressional hearing and was @ @ @ @ @ chambers , NBC News reports .


politicalwire--2020-06-24--Biden Holds Edge In North Carolina

Biden Holds Edge In North Carolina

A new Public Policy Polling survey in North Carolina finds Joe Biden leading Donald Trump in the presidential race , @ @ @ @ @ .
In the U.S. Senate race , Cal Cunningham ( D ) leads Sen. Thom @ @ @ @ @ 44 % to 40 % .


politicalwire--2020-06-24--Ohio Is a Battleground Again

Ohio Is a Battleground Again

A new Quinnipiac poll in Ohio finds Joe Biden leading Donald Trump in the presidential race , 46 % to @ @ @ @ @ Tim Malloy : “ You have to go back 60 years to find an election @ @ @ @ @ lynchpin or a pathway to the presidency .
That is why this very close horse @ @ @ @ @ .
The mantra in the backrooms of GOP and Democratic campaign headquarters has to be… @ @ @ @ @ Ohio ! '
”

A new Quinnipiac poll in Ohio finds Joe Biden leading Donald Trump in the presidential race, 46% to 45%.
Said pollster Tim Malloy: “You have to go back 60 years to find an election where Ohio was not a lynchpin or a pathway to the presidency. That is why this very close horse race is so deeply consequential. The mantra in the backrooms of GOP and Democratic campaign headquarters has to be… ‘Don’t lose Ohio!'”


politicalwire--2020-06-24--Biden Widens Lead In Wisconsin

Biden Widens Lead In Wisconsin

A new Marquette Law School Poll in Wisconsin finds Joe Biden widening his lead over Donald Trump , 49 % @ @ @ @ @ early May , it was Biden 46 % to 43 % .


politicalwire--2020-06-25--The ‘Blue Wall’ Has Been Rebuilt

The ‘Blue Wall’ Has Been Rebuilt

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This piece is only available to Political Wire members.
One of the reasons Hillary Clinton was heavily favored in the 2016 presidential election was because of the “blue wall” Democrats had built from 1992 to 2012. These were 18 states that Democrats won consistently in presidential elections during this period. George W. Bush narrowly won the presidency in 2000 and 2004, but only by winning states outside of this blue wall.


politicalwire--2020-06-25--Democrats Lead In Key Senate Races

Democrats Lead In Key Senate Races

The latest New York Times/Sienna poll also included three U.S. Senate races :


politicalwire--2020-06-25--Biden Expands His Lead Nationally

Biden Expands His Lead Nationally

A new CNBC All-America Economic Survey shows Joe Biden leads Donald Trump in the presidential race nationally , 47 % @ @ @ @ @ voters , up four points from his lead in April .


politicalwire--2020-06-25--The Coronavirus Surge Is Everwhere

The Coronavirus Surge Is Everwhere

“ The U.S. today is getting closer to the worst-case scenario envisioned in the spring — a nationwide crisis , @ @ @ @ @ of political leadership , threatening to overwhelm hospitals and spread out of control , ” @ @ @ @ @ , cases are up 30 % compared to the beginning of this month , and @ @ @ @ @ states are beginning to strain hospital capacity — the same concern that prompted the nationwide @ @ @ @ @ .
”

“The U.S. today is getting closer to the worst-case scenario envisioned in the spring — a nationwide crisis, made worse by a vacuum of political leadership, threatening to overwhelm hospitals and spread out of control,” Axios reports.
“Nationwide, cases are up 30% compared to the beginning of this month, and dramatically worsening outbreaks in several states are beginning to strain hospital capacity — the same concern that prompted the nationwide lockdown in the first place.”


politicalwire--2020-06-25--Biden Holds Massive Lead Among Black Voters

A new Washington Post-Ipsos poll finds Joe Biden currently leads Donald Trump by a not-unexpectedly lopsided margin among black registered @ @ @ @ @ 5 % .


politicalwire--2020-06-25--Carly Fiorina Will Vote for Biden

Carly Fiorina Will Vote for Biden

Carly Fiorina was a Republican candidate for president just four years ago , and was briefly Ted Cruz ’ s @ @ @ @ @ she tells The Ticket Donald Trump needs to go and that means she ’ s @ @ @ @ @ More importantly , Fiorina “ is not going to keep quiet , write in another @ @ @ @ @ ” Said Fiorina : “ I ’ ve been very clear that I can ’ @ @ @ @ @ And elections are binary choices .
”

Carly Fiorina was a Republican candidate for president just four years ago, and was briefly Ted Cruz’s prospective running mate, but she tells The Ticket Donald Trump needs to go and that means she’s voting for Joe Biden.
More importantly, Fiorina “is not going to keep quiet, write in another candidate, or vote third-party.”
Said Fiorina: “I’ve been very clear that I can’t support Donald Trump. And elections are binary choices.”


politicalwire--2020-06-25--Trump Looks to Avoid Tulsa-Style Debacle In Jacksonville

Politico : “ Republican officials and Trump campaign aides , some of whom have been working since last year to @ @ @ @ @ convention festivities , said the disappointing Tulsa event last weekend imparted a critical lesson as @ @ @ @ @ , where Trump will deliver his acceptance speech as the GOP ’ s presidential nominee @ @ @ @ @ to manage expectations and plan for trouble.
” Said one adviser : “ The last @ @ @ @ @ is over-promise and under-deliver .
Obviously we wish Tulsa had not turned out the way @ @ @ @ @ was a useful reminder of what we hope to avoid next time .
”

Politico: “Republican officials and Trump campaign aides, some of whom have been working since last year to plan the party’s convention festivities, said the disappointing Tulsa event last weekend imparted a critical lesson as they look ahead to Jacksonville, where Trump will deliver his acceptance speech as the GOP’s presidential nominee in late August: Learn to manage expectations and plan for trouble.”
Said one adviser: “The last thing we want to do is over-promise and under-deliver. Obviously we wish Tulsa had not turned out the way it did, but it was a useful reminder of what we hope to avoid next time.”


politicalwire--2020-06-25--Biden Opens Wide Leads In the Battleground States

“ President Trump has lost significant ground in the six battleground states that clinched his Electoral College victory in 2016 @ @ @ @ @ Times/Siena College surveys , with Joe Biden opening double-digit leads in Michigan , Pennsylvania and @ @ @ @ @ Trump ’ s once-commanding advantage among white voters has nearly vanished , a development that @ @ @ @ @ president ’ s re-election .
Mr. Biden now has a 21-point lead among white college @ @ @ @ @ is losing among white voters in the three Northern battleground states — not by much @ @ @ @ @ by nearly 10 points in 2016.
” “ Mr .
Biden would win the presidency @ @ @ @ @ votes , far more than the 270 needed , if he won all six of @ @ @ @ @ those won by Hillary Clinton four years ago .
Most combinations of any three of @ @ @ @ @ include Florida , Arizona and North Carolina — would suffice.
” Here are the numbers @

“President Trump has lost significant ground in the six battleground states that clinched his Electoral College victory in 2016, according to New York Times/Siena College surveys, with Joe Biden opening double-digit leads in Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.”
“Mr. Trump’s once-commanding advantage among white voters has nearly vanished, a development that would all but preclude the president’s re-election. Mr. Biden now has a 21-point lead among white college graduates, and the president is losing among white voters in the three Northern battleground states — not by much, but he won them by nearly 10 points in 2016.”
“Mr. Biden would win the presidency with at least 333 electoral votes, far more than the 270 needed, if he won all six of the states surveyed and held those won by Hillary Clinton four years ago. Most combinations of any three of the six states — which include Florida, Arizona and North Carolina — would suffice.”
Here are the numbers:


politicalwire--2020-06-25--How the Virus Won

How the Virus Won

New York Times : “ Invisible outbreaks sprang up everywhere .
The United States ignored the warning signs .
We @ @ @ @ @ infections and genetic data to show how the epidemic spun out of control .
”


politicalwire--2020-06-25--Bonus Quote of the Day

Bonus Quote of the Day

“ I think right now obviously Trump has a problem with the middle of the electorate , with independents , @ @ @ @ @ people who are going to decide a national election .
I think he can win @ @ @ @ @ will probably require not only a message that deals with substance and policy , but @ @ @ @ @ conveys a perhaps different tone .
”

“I think right now obviously Trump has a problem with the middle of the electorate, with independents, and they’re the people who are going to decide a national election. I think he can win those back, but it will probably require not only a message that deals with substance and policy, but I think a message that conveys a perhaps different tone.”
— Senate Majority Whip John Thune (R-SD), quoted by The Hill.