politicalwire--2020-05-12--House Democrats Unveil $3 Trillion Relief Bill

“ House Democrats unveiled a coronavirus rescue bill Tuesday that would direct more than $ 3 trillion for state and @ @ @ @ @ , a second round of stimulus checks , and a range of other priorities , @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Republicans rejected the legislation even before they saw it as a liberal wish @ @ @ @ @ in the Republican-led Senate , where Majority Leader Mitch McConnell ( R-KY ) said he @ @ @ @ @ liability protections for businesses instead .
”

“House Democrats unveiled a coronavirus rescue bill Tuesday that would direct more than $3 trillion for state and local governments, health systems, a second round of stimulus checks, and a range of other priorities,” the Washington Post reports.
“Republicans rejected the legislation even before they saw it as a liberal wish list that would go nowhere in the Republican-led Senate, where Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) said he was at work on crafting liability protections for businesses instead.”


politicalwire--2020-05-12--Romney Says ‘Nothing to Celebrate’ on U.S. Testing

Sen. Mitt Romney ( R-UT ) slammed the Trump administration ’ s progress on access to coronavirus tests : “ @ @ @ @ @ nothing to celebrate whatsoever.
” Said Romney : “ I understand that politicians are going @ @ @ @ @ way that ’ s most positive politically , but of course I don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ But yesterday you celebrated that we had done more tests , and more tests per @ @ @ @ @ South Korea , and you ignored the fact that they accomplished theirs at the beginning @ @ @ @ @ we treaded water during February and March.
” He added : “ The fact is @ @ @ @ @ down , down , down , down now because they don ’ t have the @ @ @ @ @ , ours are going up , up , up as they have to .
That @ @ @ @ @ for us as we think about the future .
”

Sen. Mitt Romney (R-UT) slammed the Trump administration’s progress on access to coronavirus tests: “I find our testing record nothing to celebrate whatsoever.”
Said Romney: “I understand that politicians are going to frame data in a way that’s most positive politically, but of course I don’t expect that from admirals. But yesterday you celebrated that we had done more tests, and more tests per capita, even, than South Korea, and you ignored the fact that they accomplished theirs at the beginning of the outbreak, while we treaded water during February and March.”
He added: “The fact is their test numbers are going down, down, down, down now because they don’t have the kind of outbreak we have, ours are going up, up, up as they have to. That’s an important lesson for us as we think about the future.”


politicalwire--2020-05-12--Biden Holds Edge In Wisconsin

Biden Holds Edge In Wisconsin

A new Marquette Law School poll in Wisconsin finds Joe Biden leading Donald Trump in the presidential race , 46 @ @ @ @ @ Trump ’ s overall approval is 48 % to 49 % .

“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--2020-05-12--Trump In Big Trouble Amid Struggles with Seniors

Kristen Soltis Anderson : “ For the last decade , I have been one of the loudest voices preaching that @ @ @ @ @ this massive cohort of younger voters , that policy positions on both cultural and economic @ @ @ @ @ GOP out of step with the millennial generation .
Many of these trends have continued @ @ @ @ @ Z , which tends to share many of the political views of its elder brothers @ @ @ @ @ dash of heightened worry about climate change and emphasis on gender , racial , and @ @ @ @ @ “ I am here to tell Republicans that while their struggle with younger voters still @ @ @ @ @ , an even graver short-term threat has emerged : declining support among seniors .
”

Kristen Soltis Anderson: “For the last decade, I have been one of the loudest voices preaching that Republicans are in trouble with this massive cohort of younger voters, that policy positions on both cultural and economic issues have increasingly put the GOP out of step with the millennial generation. Many of these trends have continued with the emergence of Generation Z, which tends to share many of the political views of its elder brothers and sisters, with a dash of heightened worry about climate change and emphasis on gender, racial, and gay and transgender equality.”
“I am here to tell Republicans that while their struggle with younger voters still remains a critical long-term challenge, an even graver short-term threat has emerged: declining support among seniors.”


politicalwire--2020-05-12--Making Reopening Partisan Issue Only Hurts Economy

A smart point from Benjy Sarlin : “ One risk for Trump turning reopening plans into a polarized political issue @ @ @ @ @ aside the public health aspect — if a large swath decides it ’ s not @ @ @ @ @ on partisan instincts that would itself do grievous damage to the economy.
” “ We @ @ @ @ @ of these debates in terms of votes , not dollars .
But if blue metro @ @ @ @ @ out , they ’ re not just voting blue as usual , they ’ re @ @ @ @ @ you turn it into partisan war , the harder it becomes to convince them they @ @ @ @ @

A smart point from Benjy Sarlin: “One risk for Trump turning reopening plans into a polarized political issue is that — even setting aside the public health aspect — if a large swath decides it’s not safe to go out based on partisan instincts that would itself do grievous damage to the economy.”
“We’re used to thinking of these debates in terms of votes, not dollars. But if blue metro areas are scared to go out, they’re not just voting blue as usual, they’re not spending/hiring. The more you turn it into partisan war, the harder it becomes to convince them they’re safe.”


politicalwire--2020-05-12--Trump Accuses Joe Scarborough of Murder

Trump Accuses Joe Scarborough of Murder

Tweeted Trump : “ When will they open a Cold Case on the Psycho Joe Scarborough matter in Florida .
@ @ @ @ @ murder ?
Some people think so .
Why did he leave Congress so quietly and @ @ @ @ @ it obvious ?
What ’ s happening now ?
A total nut job !
” @ @ @ @ @ : “ For your sake , as I ’ ve been saying for years — @ @ @ @ @ , and for the sake of America , you need to stop watching our show @ @ @ @ @ s not good for you .
”

President Trump explicitly suggested that MSNBC’s Joe Scarborough had committed murder, Politico reports.
Tweeted Trump: “When will they open a Cold Case on the Psycho Joe Scarborough matter in Florida. Did he get away with murder? Some people think so. Why did he leave Congress so quietly and quickly? Isn’t it obvious? What’s happening now? A total nut job!”
That led Scarborough to respond: “For your sake, as I’ve been saying for years — Donald, for your sake, and for the sake of America, you need to stop watching our show, OK? It’s not good for you.”


politicalwire--2020-05-13--Manafort Released to Home Confinement

Manafort Released to Home Confinement

President Trump ’ s former campaign chairman Paul Manafort has been released from prison to serve the remainder of his @ @ @ @ @ of concerns over the novel coronavirus , ABC News reports .


politicalwire--2020-05-13--Dead Heat In Georgia

Dead Heat In Georgia

“ An internal poll conducted by a group backing Gov .
Brian Kemp ( R ) showed a deadlocked presidential @ @ @ @ @ contests for both U.S. Senate seats , underscoring the challenges Republicans face keeping the state @ @ @ @ @ ” the Atlanta Journal Constitution reports .
“ The poll pegged Joe Biden at 47 @ @ @ @ @ Trump with 46 % , within the margin of error of 4 percentage points .
@ @ @ @ @ – just 5 % – said they were undecided and 2 % declined to answer @ @

“An internal poll conducted by a group backing Gov. Brian Kemp (R) showed a deadlocked presidential race in Georgia and tight contests for both U.S. Senate seats, underscoring the challenges Republicans face keeping the state in the GOP column,” the Atlanta Journal Constitution reports.
“The poll pegged Joe Biden at 47% of support and President Trump with 46%, within the margin of error of 4 percentage points. A small number of voters – just 5% – said they were undecided and 2% declined to answer.”


politicalwire--2020-05-13--Justices to Hear ‘Faithless Elector’ Case

“ The Supreme Court on Wednesday takes up a ‘ faithless elector ‘ challenge to the Electoral College , a @ @ @ @ @ ramifications for how the country chooses a president and one that could allow just a @ @ @ @ @ outcome of a close election , ” NBC News reports .


politicalwire--2020-05-13--27 Million Have Lost Their Health Insurance

“ Roughly 27 million people have likely have lost job-based health coverage since the coronavirus shocked the economy , according @ @ @ @ @ Kaiser Family Foundation , ” Axios reports .
“ Most of these people will be @ @ @ @ @ sources of coverage , but millions are still doomed to be uninsured in the midst @ @ @ @ @

“Roughly 27 million people have likely have lost job-based health coverage since the coronavirus shocked the economy, according to new estimates from the Kaiser Family Foundation,” Axios reports.
“Most of these people will be able sign up for other sources of coverage, but millions are still doomed to be uninsured in the midst of a pandemic.”


politicalwire--2020-05-13--Expectations for Safe Gatherings Slip

Expectations for Safe Gatherings Slip

“ As the coronavirus spreads across the country , Americans are curbing their expectations about when it will be safe @ @ @ @ @ more people , with about 2 in 3 adults now saying it will not be @ @ @ @ @ those events can happen , ” according to a Washington Post-University of Maryland poll .
@ @ @ @ @ evidence that Americans remain worried about the threat of the virus and cautious about efforts @ @ @ @ @ to reopen businesses , even as many governors have begun to move in that direction @ @ @ @ @ plans in many states to gradually ease those limitations , significant majorities of Americans continue @ @ @ @ @ social distancing and other safety measures .
”

“As the coronavirus spreads across the country, Americans are curbing their expectations about when it will be safe for gatherings of 10 or more people, with about 2 in 3 adults now saying it will not be until July or later before those events can happen,” according to a Washington Post-University of Maryland poll.
“The findings provide more evidence that Americans remain worried about the threat of the virus and cautious about efforts to lift stay-at-home restrictions and to reopen businesses, even as many governors have begun to move in that direction. In the face of plans in many states to gradually ease those limitations, significant majorities of Americans continue to emphasize the need for social distancing and other safety measures.”


politicalwire--2020-05-13--Trump Reverts to Tactic of Accusing Foes of Felonies

Washington Post : “ Since writing ‘ HAPPY MOTHER ’ S DAY ’ at 8:10 a.m. on Sunday , Trump @ @ @ @ @ to make or elevate allegations of criminal conduct against no less than 20 individuals and @ @ @ @ @ he has tweeted more often about alleged crimes by his perceived opponents than he has @ @ @ @ @ country with mass death and unemployment.
” “ The list of purported culprits Trump has @ @ @ @ @ hosts , a comedian , at least five former officials from the FBI and Justice @ @ @ @ @ California , a broadcast television station and at least five top national security officials from @ @ @ @ @ administration .
”

Washington Post: “Since writing ‘HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY’ at 8:10 a.m. on Sunday, Trump has used his Twitter account to make or elevate allegations of criminal conduct against no less than 20 individuals and organizations. Since Sunday, he has tweeted more often about alleged crimes by his perceived opponents than he has about the pandemic ravaging the country with mass death and unemployment.”
“The list of purported culprits Trump has charged include two television news hosts, a comedian, at least five former officials from the FBI and Justice Department, the state of California, a broadcast television station and at least five top national security officials from President Barack Obama’s administration.”


politicalwire--2020-05-13--Trump Campaign Claims Race Is a Tie

Trump Campaign Claims Race Is a Tie

The Trump campaign sent a polling memo to surrogates claiming the presidential race is now a tie , 48 % @ @ @ @ @ , the memo is marked “ Confidential Internal Data – Please Do Not Forward.
” @ @ @ @ @ % favor sanctioning China for its handling—or lack thereof—of the coronavirus.
” Playbook : “ @ @ @ @ @ fact that the campaign highlighted it — is instructive in thinking about what could be @ @ @ @ @ relationship .
”

The Trump campaign sent a polling memo to surrogates claiming the presidential race is now a tie, 48% to 48%.
Amusingly, the memo is marked “Confidential Internal Data – Please Do Not Forward.”
The memo notes “55% favor sanctioning China for its handling—or lack thereof—of the coronavirus.”
Playbook: “This data — and the fact that the campaign highlighted it — is instructive in thinking about what could be coming next for the U.S.-China relationship.”


politicalwire--2020-05-13--Trump’s Plan to Court Black Voters Hits New Hurdle

New York Times : “ The Trump campaign ’ s efforts to gain more black support , if only marginally @ @ @ @ @ one of the grimmest realities of the coronavirus : It is killing African-Americans at disproportionately @ @ @ @ @ them of jobs in high numbers as well.
” “ Mr .
Trump has only @ @ @ @ @ s outsize impact on black Americans , and made no apparent effort to aggressively tackle @ @ @ @ @ as he continues his online appeals to black voters .
Taken together , his lack @ @ @ @ @ political overtures , have cast into sharper relief his insensitivity about the unique concerns facing @ @ @ @

New York Times: “The Trump campaign’s efforts to gain more black support, if only marginally, have now run into one of the grimmest realities of the coronavirus: It is killing African-Americans at disproportionately high rates, and depriving them of jobs in high numbers as well.”
“Mr. Trump has only fleetingly addressed the virus’s outsize impact on black Americans, and made no apparent effort to aggressively tackle the racial disparities, even as he continues his online appeals to black voters. Taken together, his lack of response, combined with political overtures, have cast into sharper relief his insensitivity about the unique concerns facing black Americans.”


politicalwire--2020-05-13--GOP Likely to Flip California Seat

GOP Likely to Flip California Seat

“ Mike Garcia ( R ) jumped to an early lead Tuesday over Christy Smith ( D ) in the @ @ @ @ @ in the Los Angeles suburbs , raising GOP hopes of flipping a blue California Congressional @ @ @ @ @ since 1998 , ” the Los Angeles Times reports .
“ Early results in the @ @ @ @ @ of Rep. Katie Hill ’ s first term showed Garcia , a defense industry executive @ @ @ @ @ Assemblywoman Smith of Santa Clarita by 12 percentage points , with 76 % of precincts @ @ @ @ @ tally in the nearly all mail-in ballot contest won ’ t be available for several @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday and received by end of day Friday will be counted .
”

“Mike Garcia (R) jumped to an early lead Tuesday over Christy Smith (D) in the runoff for a House seat in the Los Angeles suburbs, raising GOP hopes of flipping a blue California Congressional District for the first time since 1998,” the Los Angeles Times reports.
“Early results in the election to fill the remainder of Rep. Katie Hill’s first term showed Garcia, a defense industry executive, ahead of Democratic state Assemblywoman Smith of Santa Clarita by 12 percentage points, with 76% of precincts reporting.”
“The final tally in the nearly all mail-in ballot contest won’t be available for several days — ballots postmarked by Tuesday and received by end of day Friday will be counted.”


politicalwire--2020-05-13--GOP Voters Give Trump Cover to Reopen

GOP Voters Give Trump Cover to Reopen

“ Republican voters have undergone a significant shift on the coronavirus in a few short weeks , ” according to @ @ @ @ @ .
“ A month ago , half of GOP voters said they were more worried @ @ @ @ @ economy .
Now , fewer than 2 in 5 say their concerns about the physical @ @ @ @ @ their fears of a free-falling economy — a 13 percent drop .
And the percentage @ @ @ @ @ was more important for the government to address the spread of the virus than the @ @ @ @ @ from 65 percent to 43 percent , versus a 15-point drop overall .

“Republican voters have undergone a significant shift on the coronavirus in a few short weeks,” according to a new Politico/Morning Consult poll.
“A month ago, half of GOP voters said they were more worried about public health than the economy. Now, fewer than 2 in 5 say their concerns about the physical dangers of the virus outweigh their fears of a free-falling economy — a 13 percent drop. And the percentage of Republicans who said it was more important for the government to address the spread of the virus than the economy fell 22 points, from 65 percent to 43 percent, versus a 15-point drop overall.


politicalwire--2020-05-13--CDC Anticipates More Virus Flareups

CDC Anticipates More Virus Flareups

“ Advice from the nation ’ s top disease control experts on how to safely reopen businesses and institutions in @ @ @ @ @ pandemic included detailed instructive guidance and some more restrictive measures than the plan released by @ @ @ @ @ .
The guidance , which was shelved by Trump administration officials , also offered recommendations @ @ @ @ @ to shut facilities down again during future flareups of COVID-19 , ” the AP reports @ @ @ @ @ obtained a 63-page document that is more detailed than other , previously reported segments of @ @ @ @ @ U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
It shows how the thinking of the @ @ @ @ @ from those in the White House managing the pandemic response .
”

“Advice from the nation’s top disease control experts on how to safely reopen businesses and institutions in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic included detailed instructive guidance and some more restrictive measures than the plan released by the White House last month. The guidance, which was shelved by Trump administration officials, also offered recommendations to help communities decide when to shut facilities down again during future flareups of COVID-19,” the AP reports.
“The Associated Press obtained a 63-page document that is more detailed than other, previously reported segments of the shelved guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It shows how the thinking of the CDC infection control experts differs from those in the White House managing the pandemic response.”


politicalwire--2020-05-13--Trump Returns to Favorite Distraction Tactic

Politico : “ The blunderbuss trumpeting of an anti-Obama narrative is a tactic Trump has employed throughout his political career @ @ @ @ @ Trump ’ s attacks on Obama have veered from the baseless — the president is @ @ @ @ @ Obama tapped my phones — to exaggerations and falsehoods about his predecessor ’ s record @ @ @ @ @ of cash to Iran , Obama left the strategic national stockpile empty.
” “ In @ @ @ @ @ estate developer-turned president has used these stories to distract from unwelcome stories while elevating himself @ @ @ @ @ The questionable details are rarely important .
”

Politico: “The blunderbuss trumpeting of an anti-Obama narrative is a tactic Trump has employed throughout his political career. Over the years, Trump’s attacks on Obama have veered from the baseless — the president is not an American citizen, Obama tapped my phones — to exaggerations and falsehoods about his predecessor’s record — Obama shipped plane loads of cash to Iran, Obama left the strategic national stockpile empty.”
“In each case, the real estate developer-turned president has used these stories to distract from unwelcome stories while elevating himself and exciting his base. The questionable details are rarely important.”


politicalwire--2020-05-13--Ocasio-Cortez to Co-Chair Biden Climate Task Force

“ Rep .
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez ( D-NY ) will co-chair a task force for Joe Biden ’ s campaign on @ @ @ @ @ that adds progressive credentials to the former vice president ’ s effort to unify the @ @ @ @ @ election , ” CNN reports .


politicalwire--2020-05-13--Kara Eastman Wins Rematch with Don Bacon

Kara Eastman ( D ) defeated Ann Ashford ( D ) in the party primary for the U.S. House of @ @ @ @ @ the November general election against the Rep. Don Bacon ( R ) , the Omaha @ @ @ @


politicalwire--2020-05-13--Tom Tiffany Heads to Congress

Tom Tiffany Heads to Congress

Tom Tiffany ( R ) will serve as the next representative of Wisconsin ’ s 7th Congressional District , filling @ @ @ @ @ former Rep. Sean Duffy ( R ) , the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports .
Tiffany @ @ @ @ @ out Tricia Zunker ( D ) for the seat during a special election .

Tom Tiffany (R) will serve as the next representative of Wisconsin’s 7th Congressional District, filling the seat left vacant by former Rep. Sean Duffy (R), the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.
Tiffany was elected Tuesday, beating out Tricia Zunker (D) for the seat during a special election.


politicalwire--2020-05-13--Extra Bonus Quote of the Day

Extra Bonus Quote of the Day

“ The oddity in all of this is the people Trump despises most , love him the most .
The @ @ @ @ @ Trump for the most part… he wouldn ’ t even let them in a fucking @ @ @ @ @ be disgusted by them.
” — Howard Stern , quoted by the New York Daily @ @

“The oddity in all of this is the people Trump despises most, love him the most. The people who are voting for Trump for the most part… he wouldn’t even let them in a fucking hotel. He’d be disgusted by them.”
— Howard Stern, quoted by the New York Daily News.


politicalwire--2020-05-13--Kushner Not Sure If Election Can Be Postponed

When asked by Time if there was a chance the presidential election could be postponed past November 3 due to @ @ @ @ @ said that isn ’ t his decision .
Said Kushner : “ I ’ m @ @ @ @ @ one way or the other , but right now that ’ s the plan .
@

When asked by Time if there was a chance the presidential election could be postponed past November 3 due to the pandemic, Jared Kushner said that isn’t his decision.
Said Kushner: “I’m not sure I can commit one way or the other, but right now that’s the plan.”


politicalwire--2020-05-14--Ex-FBI Official Undercuts Effort to Drop Flynn Case

“ A key former FBI official cast doubt on the Justice Department ’ s case for dropping a criminal charge @ @ @ @ @ former national security adviser Michael Flynn during an interview with investigators last week , ” @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Department officials reviewing the Flynn case interviewed Bill Priestap , the former head @ @ @ @ @ two days before making their extraordinary request to drop the case to Judge Emmet G. @ @ @ @ @ tell Judge Sullivan about Mr. Priestap ’ s interview.
” Meanwhile , Politico reports Sullivan @ @ @ @ @ pursue perjury or contempt charges against Flynn over his effort to abandon an earlier guilty @ @ @ @ @ lying to the FBI .

“A key former FBI official cast doubt on the Justice Department’s case for dropping a criminal charge against President Trump’s former national security adviser Michael Flynn during an interview with investigators last week,” the New York Times reports.
“Department officials reviewing the Flynn case interviewed Bill Priestap, the former head of F.B.I. counterintelligence, two days before making their extraordinary request to drop the case to Judge Emmet G. Sullivan. They did not tell Judge Sullivan about Mr. Priestap’s interview.”
Meanwhile, Politico reports Sullivan is signaling that he might pursue perjury or contempt charges against Flynn over his effort to abandon an earlier guilty plea to a charge of lying to the FBI.


politicalwire--2020-05-14--Wisconsin Court Strikes Down Stay-at-Home Order

“ The Wisconsin Supreme Court has struck down Gov .
Tony Evers ’ order shutting down daily life to limit @ @ @ @ @ marking the first time a statewide order of its kind has been knocked down by @ @ @ @ @ , ” the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports .
“ The state ’ s highest court @ @ @ @ @ in a decision that curbed the Evers administration ’ s power to act unilaterally during @ @ @ @ @

“The Wisconsin Supreme Court has struck down Gov. Tony Evers’ order shutting down daily life to limit the spread of coronavirus — marking the first time a statewide order of its kind has been knocked down by a court of last resort,” the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.
“The state’s highest court sided with Republican lawmakers Wednesday in a decision that curbed the Evers administration’s power to act unilaterally during public health emergencies.”


politicalwire--2020-05-14--Trump Nominee Involved in Shelving CDC Guide

“ A former chemical industry executive nominated to be the nation ’ s top consumer safety watchdog was involved in @ @ @ @ @ communities reopen during the coronavirus pandemic , internal government emails show , ” the AP @ @ @ @ @ ranking Democrat on the Senate Commerce , Science and Transportation Committee is questioning the role @ @ @ @ @ in the decision to shelve the guidelines .
Beck is not a medical doctor and @ @ @ @ @ .
”

“A former chemical industry executive nominated to be the nation’s top consumer safety watchdog was involved in sidelining detailed guidelines to help communities reopen during the coronavirus pandemic, internal government emails show,” the AP reports.
“Now the ranking Democrat on the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee is questioning the role played by nominee Nancy Beck in the decision to shelve the guidelines. Beck is not a medical doctor and has no background in virology.”


politicalwire--2020-05-13--On the GOP’s Incoherent Pandemic Response

Paul Krugman : “ In other words , the GOP has in effect decided to ignore the science at the @ @ @ @ @ accountable in the near future both for killing thousands and for wrecking the economy , @ @ @ @ @ a premature opening would do.
” “ Why take that risk ?
Partly they may @ @ @ @ @ supply , no longer able to conceive that there is an objective reality that might @ @ @ @ @ , I think it ’ s because they know in their hearts that they can @ @ @ @ @ job of governing .
”

Paul Krugman: “In other words, the GOP has in effect decided to ignore the science at the clear risk of being held accountable in the near future both for killing thousands and for wrecking the economy, because that’s what a premature opening would do.”
“Why take that risk? Partly they may be high on their own supply, no longer able to conceive that there is an objective reality that might be politically inconvenient. Partly, I think it’s because they know in their hearts that they can’t actually do the job of governing.”


politicalwire--2020-05-13--Senate Panel Begins Probe Into Hunter Biden

Senate Homeland Security Chairman Ron Johnson has teed up a vote next week on a subpoena for a public affairs @ @ @ @ @ panel ’ s Ukraine investigation involving Joe Biden and his son , Hunter Biden , @ @ @

“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--2020-05-13--Trump on Michael Flynn, Then and Now

Trump on Michael Flynn, Then and Now

“ I had to fire General Flynn because he lied to the Vice President and the FBI .
He has @ @ @ @ @ ” “ What they ’ ve done to that man and that family is a @ @ @ @ @ by the New York Times , May 13 , 2020 .

“I had to fire General Flynn because he lied to the Vice President and the FBI. He has plead guilty to those lies.”
— President Trump on Twitter, December 2, 2017.
“What they’ve done to that man and that family is a disgrace.”
— Trump quoted by the New York Times, May 13, 2020.


politicalwire--2020-05-13--Trump Says Fauci Plays ‘All Sides’

Trump Says Fauci Plays ‘All Sides’

President Trump expressed displeasure with Dr. Anthony Fauci and said he wants to “ play all sides of the equation @ @ @ @ @ re-opening the schools .
Said Trump : “ I think they should open the schools @ @ @ @ @ ’ t consider our country coming back if the schools are closed.
” He added @ @ @ @ @ by his answer… To me , it ’ s not an acceptable answer , especially @ @ @ @ @ .
”

President Trump expressed displeasure with Dr. Anthony Fauci and said he wants to “play all sides of the equation” when it comes to re-opening the schools.
Said Trump: “I think they should open the schools, absolutely. I don’t consider our country coming back if the schools are closed.”
He added: “I was surprised by his answer… To me, it’s not an acceptable answer, especially when it comes to schools.”


politicalwire--2020-05-13--Unemployment Predicted to Hit 25%

Unemployment Predicted to Hit 25%

Goldman Sachs warned the unemployment rate in the United States will peak at 25 % , rivaling the worst period @ @ @ @ @ CNN reports .
The bank previously projected the unemployment rate would peak at 15 % @ @ @ @ @ , which captures the percentage of Americans who want a job but have given up @ @ @ @ @ is now expected to hit 35 % .

Goldman Sachs warned the unemployment rate in the United States will peak at 25%, rivaling the worst period of the Great Depression, CNN reports.
The bank previously projected the unemployment rate would peak at 15%.
The real jobless rate, which captures the percentage of Americans who want a job but have given up trying to find one, is now expected to hit 35%.


politicalwire--2020-05-13--Republicans Win California Special Election

Christy Smith ( D ) conceded defeat to Mike Garcia ( R ) this afternoon , one day after the @ @ @ @ @ for the seat vacated by former Rep. Katie Hill ( D-Calif. ) , who resigned @ @ @ @ @ .


politicalwire--2020-05-13--Howard Stern Calls on Trump to Resign

Howard Stern Calls on Trump to Resign

Howard Stern called on President Trump to resign , the New York Daily News reports .
Said Stern : “ @ @ @ @ @ be extremely patriotic of Donald to say ‘ I ’ m in over my head @ @ @ @ @ want to be president anymore.
’ It ’ d be so patriotic that I ’ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ d go back to Mar-a-Lago and have a meal with him and feel @ @ @ @ @ would be such an easy thing to do .
”

Howard Stern called on President Trump to resign, the New York Daily News reports.
Said Stern: “I do think it would be extremely patriotic of Donald to say ‘I’m in over my head and I don’t want to be president anymore.’ It’d be so patriotic that I’d hug him and then I’d go back to Mar-a-Lago and have a meal with him and feel good about him because it would be such an easy thing to do.”


politicalwire--2020-05-13--Unmasking the ‘Obamagate’ Nonsense

Unmasking the ‘Obamagate’ Nonsense

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politicalwire--2020-05-13--Democrats See Weaknesses In Biden’s Campaign

New York Times : “ Mr .
Biden ’ s inability to influence the political or policy debate about the @ @ @ @ @ s economic collapse has worried some Democratic allies , donors and former Obama administration officials @ @ @ @ @ be more visible .
He rarely goes on offense against Mr. Trump in ways that @ @ @ @ @ his tentative handling of his biggest test recently — responding to the sexual assault allegation @ @ @ @ @ skepticism among some progressives and others about his instincts and his team ’ s agility… @ @ @ @ @ than two dozen donors , advisers , activists and party strategists portray an operation that @ @ @ @ @ same difficulties that proved troublesome in the primary : slow decision-making processes and multiple power @ @ @ @ @ s sprawling political network , generational differences between some longtime Biden advisers and younger operatives @ @ @ @ @ tendency to be reactive in the face of controversy .
”

New York Times: “Mr. Biden’s inability to influence the political or policy debate about the coronavirus and the nation’s economic collapse has worried some Democratic allies, donors and former Obama administration officials who want Mr. Biden to be more visible. He rarely goes on offense against Mr. Trump in ways that have lasting impact. And his tentative handling of his biggest test recently — responding to the sexual assault allegation by Tara Reade — prompted skepticism among some progressives and others about his instincts and his team’s agility…”
“Interviews with more than two dozen donors, advisers, activists and party strategists portray an operation that is exhibiting some of the same difficulties that proved troublesome in the primary: slow decision-making processes and multiple power centers across Mr. Biden’s sprawling political network, generational differences between some longtime Biden advisers and younger operatives, inadequate staffing and a tendency to be reactive in the face of controversy.”


politicalwire--2020-05-13--What If Trump Tests Positive?

What If Trump Tests Positive?

Bloomberg : “ The result could be anything from a temporary disruption to a full-blown constitutional crisis with competing claims @ @ @ @ @ ’ s critical , experts say , is that the identity of the commander-in-chief be @ @ @ @ @ At least one scenario could arise where it wouldn ’ t be.
” “ The @ @ @ @ @ fallout would depend heavily on the severity of the illness , and especially on whether @ @ @ @ @ ”

Bloomberg: “The result could be anything from a temporary disruption to a full-blown constitutional crisis with competing claims on the presidency. What’s critical, experts say, is that the identity of the commander-in-chief be clear in any situation. At least one scenario could arise where it wouldn’t be.”
“The degree of economic and geopolitical fallout would depend heavily on the severity of the illness, and especially on whether Trump himself became incapacitated.”


politicalwire--2020-05-13--King Claims GOP Leader Will Allow for ‘Exoneration’

Rep. Steve King ( R-IA ) said House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy ( R-CA ) has agreed to a process @ @ @ @ @ can get “ exoneration ” and back on committees that were stripped in January 2019 @ @ @ @ @ published remarks about white supremacy , the Sioux City Journal reports .
Said King : @ @ @ @ @ Kevin McCarthy and I reached an agreement that he would advocate to the steering committee @ @ @ @ @ committees back , all of my seniority .
When Congress comes back into session , @ @ @ @ @ ( inaudible ) together , I have Kevin McCarthy ’ s word that that will @ @ @ @ @ .
”

Rep. Steve King (R-IA) said House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) has agreed to a process by which the nine-term incumbent can get “exoneration” and back on committees that were stripped in January 2019 after King’s controversial published remarks about white supremacy, the Sioux City Journal reports.
Said King: “On April 20, Kevin McCarthy and I reached an agreement that he would advocate to the steering committee to put all of my committees back, all of my seniority. When Congress comes back into session, when the steering committee can (inaudible) together, I have Kevin McCarthy’s word that that will be my time for exoneration.”


politicalwire--2020-05-13--Cornyn Encourages People to Sign Up for Obamacare

“ After voting more than a dozen times to repeal the Affordable Care Act and leading Senate Republican efforts to @ @ @ @ @ Cornyn ( R-TX ) said that the ‘ good news ’ is that people can @ @ @ @ @ Obama ’ s signature health care law if they ’ ve lost their jobs and @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus pandemic , ” the HuffPost reports .
Said Cornyn : “ The good news @ @ @ @ @ your employer-provided coverage , which covers about a 180 million Americans , that is a @ @ @ @ @ makes you then eligible to sign up for the Affordable Care Act .
”

“After voting more than a dozen times to repeal the Affordable Care Act and leading Senate Republican efforts to dismantle it, Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) said that the ‘good news’ is that people can sign up for President Barack Obama’s signature health care law if they’ve lost their jobs and need health insurance amid the coronavirus pandemic,” the HuffPost reports.
Said Cornyn: “The good news is that if you lose your employer-provided coverage, which covers about a 180 million Americans, that is a significant life event, which makes you then eligible to sign up for the Affordable Care Act.”


politicalwire--2020-05-13--Quick Coronavirus Test Misses Many Cases

“ The coronavirus test from Abbott Laboratories used at the White House to get rapid answers to whether someone is @ @ @ @ @ as half of positive cases , ” Bloomberg reports .


politicalwire--2020-05-13--Lower Income Households Hit Hard by Pandemic

Politico : “ The central bank will release a survey on Thursday that shows that nearly 40 percent of people @ @ @ @ @ $ 40,000 a year had lost a job in March .
”


politicalwire--2020-05-13--Trump Has Lost the Plot

Trump Has Lost the Plot

David Frum : “ But the most important thing to notice about the Trump-Fox blizzard of mania is how remote @ @ @ @ @ real-world voters care about .
In 2015 , Trump apprehended that most Republicans were talking @ @ @ @ @ did not then care about : deficits , taxes , productivity , and trade .
@ @ @ @ @ that nobody was talking about things that Republican voters did care about : immigration , @ @ @ @ @ of less educated white men.
” “ That Trump is gone .
Today ’ s @ @ @ @ @ .
He ’ s talking about things most voters could not even understand , let @ @ @ @ @

David Frum: “But the most important thing to notice about the Trump-Fox blizzard of mania is how remote it is from anything that real-world voters care about. In 2015, Trump apprehended that most Republicans were talking about things that Republican voters did not then care about: deficits, taxes, productivity, and trade. In 2015, Trump apprehended that nobody was talking about things that Republican voters did care about: immigration, drugs, the declining status of less educated white men.”
“That Trump is gone. Today’s Trump has lost the plot. He’s talking about things most voters could not even understand, let alone care about.”


politicalwire--2020-05-13--Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day

“ The scope and speed of this downturn are without modern precedent , significantly worse than any recession since World @ @ @ @


politicalwire--2020-05-13--How Trump’s Campaign Manager Gets Job Security

Jonathan Last : “ Brad Parscale has a very keen interest in making sure that his job is portrayed as @ @ @ @ @ black box.
” “ In 2016 , Trump cycled through campaign managers at a rapid @ @ @ @ @ security Parscale has comes from convincing Trump that he has built some magical machine which @ @ @ @ @ Old Man Trump—can understand .
Or operate.
” “ Creating the impression that the entire @ @ @ @ @ fall with an opaque digital operation is a way to make Parscale un-fireable .
Because @ @ @ @ @ which was basically about letting Trump be Trump , there is now a great deal @ @ @ @ @ which is purpose-built to keep the septugenarian boss from understanding how it works .
Or @ @ @ @ @ is .
”

Jonathan Last: “Brad Parscale has a very keen interest in making sure that his job is portrayed as being a gigantic, all-powerful black box.”
“In 2016, Trump cycled through campaign managers at a rapid clip. The only job security Parscale has comes from convincing Trump that he has built some magical machine which no one else—and especially not Old Man Trump—can understand. Or operate.”
“Creating the impression that the entire Trump campaign will rise or fall with an opaque digital operation is a way to make Parscale un-fireable. Because unlike the 2016 campaign, which was basically about letting Trump be Trump, there is now a great deal of sunk-cost into an operation which is purpose-built to keep the septugenarian boss from understanding how it works. Or even, what it really is.”


politicalwire--2020-05-14--Lincoln Project Attacks Another GOP Senator

The Lincoln Project , an anti-Trump conservative super PAC run in part by George Conway , is condemning Sen. Thom @ @ @ @ @ President Trump in a new ad by claiming the North Carolina Republican puts “ politics @ @ @ @ @ Hill reports .


politicalwire--2020-05-14--Third Party Vote Share Should Be Lower This Year

Larry Sabato ’ s Crystal Ball : “ Despite — or perhaps because of — the relatively high share of @ @ @ @ @ received in 2016 , we expect the two major parties to have a better showing @ @ @ @ @ generally feel better about their major party nominees this year than they did in 2016 @ @ @ @ @ with less of a raison d ’ etre.
” Also important : “ The field @ @ @ @ @ year doesn ’ t seem especially strong , and even when prominent names have launched @ @ @ @ @ they ’ ve struggled to gain traction — even in their home states .
”

Larry Sabato’s Crystal Ball: “Despite — or perhaps because of — the relatively high share of the vote third party candidates received in 2016, we expect the two major parties to have a better showing in 2020.”
“Voters generally feel better about their major party nominees this year than they did in 2016, leaving third party options with less of a raison d’etre.”
Also important: “The field of third party candidates this year doesn’t seem especially strong, and even when prominent names have launched third party bids recently, they’ve struggled to gain traction — even in their home states.”


politicalwire--2020-05-14--Trump Partner Exhumed Graves to Build Resort

Washington Post : “ In January 2019 , gravediggers came to unearth corpses where his Muslim ancestors had rested since @ @ @ @ @ Mulyana and two others who witnessed the excavations .
The remains were being moved to @ @ @ @ @ that will include a Trump-branded hotel and golf course.
” “ The Trump Organization ’ @ @ @ @ @ one of the last foreign deals Donald Trump signed before he was elected president in @ @ @ @ @ of a lucrative and relatively low-risk foreign expansion — licensing his name to hotels and @ @ @ @ @ that he halted when he entered the White House .
His company , now run @ @ @ @ @ , said it would not pursue new projects overseas , but would continue those already @ @ @

Washington Post: “In January 2019, gravediggers came to unearth corpses where his Muslim ancestors had rested since the 19th century, said Mulyana and two others who witnessed the excavations. The remains were being moved to make room for a mega-resort that will include a Trump-branded hotel and golf course.”
“The Trump Organization’s foray into Indonesia was one of the last foreign deals Donald Trump signed before he was elected president in 2016. It was part of a lucrative and relatively low-risk foreign expansion — licensing his name to hotels and towers around the world — that he halted when he entered the White House. His company, now run by his two eldest sons, said it would not pursue new projects overseas, but would continue those already underway.”


politicalwire--2020-05-14--Trump’s Marks for Handling Pandemic Slide

A new CBS News poll finds just 43 % say President Trump is doing a good job handling the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ three weeks ago and 10 points lower than in March .
This decline has most @ @ @ @ @ independents , among whom a four-in-10 plurality now say Trump is doing a “ very @ @ @ @ @ compared to a “ somewhat ” bad job , and that description has increased from @ @ @ @ @

A new CBS News poll finds just 43% say President Trump is doing a good job handling the pandemic, 5 points lower than three weeks ago and 10 points lower than in March.
This decline has most recently been driven by political independents, among whom a four-in-10 plurality now say Trump is doing a “very” bad job, as compared to a “somewhat” bad job, and that description has increased from a few weeks ago.


politicalwire--2020-05-14--Obama Emerges as Central Figure In Presidential Race

“ Nearly eight years after he was last on the ballot , Barack Obama is emerging as a central figure @ @ @ @ @ , ” the AP reports .
“ Democrats are eagerly embracing Obama as a political @ @ @ @ @ who spent two terms by his side as vice president .
Obama remains the party @ @ @ @ @ , particularly with black voters and younger Democrats , and Biden ’ s presidential campaign @ @ @ @ @ have a highly visible role in the months to come.
” “ For President Trump @ @ @ @ @ to focus the spotlight on one of his favorite political foils .
In recent days @ @ @ @ @ have aggressively pushed conspiracy theories about Obama designed to fire up the president ’ s @ @ @ @ @ by association and distract from the glut of grim health and economic news from the @ @ @ @ @ : Trump and Biden seek to make Obama central to their campaigns .

“Nearly eight years after he was last on the ballot, Barack Obama is emerging as a central figure in the 2020 presidential election.,” the AP reports.
“Democrats are eagerly embracing Obama as a political wingman for Joe Biden, who spent two terms by his side as vice president. Obama remains the party’s most popular figure, particularly with black voters and younger Democrats, and Biden’s presidential campaign is planning for him to have a highly visible role in the months to come.”
“For President Trump, that means an opportunity to focus the spotlight on one of his favorite political foils. In recent days, Trump and his allies have aggressively pushed conspiracy theories about Obama designed to fire up the president’s conservative base, taint Biden by association and distract from the glut of grim health and economic news from the coronavirus pandemic.”
Washington Post: Trump and Biden seek to make Obama central to their campaigns.


politicalwire--2020-05-14--McConnell Hopes Pompeo Will Change His Mind

Politico : “ Senate Republicans have a problem in Kansas .
And they still think Mike Pompeo is the solution @ @ @ @ @ primary , a credible Democratic challenger and a real battle for Senate control , Senate @ @ @ @ @ pushing for the secretary of State to jump into the race with just weeks to @ @ @ @ @ ” “ Pompeo has been firm thus far that he will not reconsider and recently @ @ @ @ @ he is not running .
”

Politico: “Senate Republicans have a problem in Kansas. And they still think Mike Pompeo is the solution. Staring at a messy primary, a credible Democratic challenger and a real battle for Senate control, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is pushing for the secretary of State to jump into the race with just weeks to go until the filing deadline.”
“Pompeo has been firm thus far that he will not reconsider and recently told the White House that he is not running.”


politicalwire--2020-05-14--U.S. Has Granted Refuge to Just Two Since March

“ The Trump administration ’ s emergency coronavirus restrictions have shut the U.S. immigration system so tight that since March @ @ @ @ @ humanitarian protection at the southern border have been allowed to stay , ” the Washington @ @ @


politicalwire--2020-05-14--House Judiciary May Subpoena Barr

House Judiciary May Subpoena Barr

House Judiciary Chairman Jerry Nadler ( D-NY ) said the committee is considering issuing a subpoena to get Attorney General @ @ @ @ @ Congress over the decision to drop the case against former National Security adviser Michael Flynn @ @ @ @ @


politicalwire--2020-05-14--Trump May Now Be Forced to Pardon Flynn

Trump May Now Be Forced to Pardon Flynn

Jonathan Chait : “ Last week , the Department of Justice took the extraordinary step of withdrawing charges against former Trump National Security Adviser Michael Flynn — charges Flynn had confessed to .
Trump ’ s supporters exploded in celebration at Flynn ’ s ‘ vindication , ’ the latest step in Attorney General William Barr ’ s campaign to discredit and undo the Mueller investigation .
By sparing President Trump even the bother of having to pardon his criminal former associate , Barr was giving legal imprimatur to Trump ’ s view of Mueller as an out-of-control deep-state saboteur.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ have suddenly popped up to thwart Barr ’ s scheme… ” “ In the end , the court can ’ t win : Trump can simply give Flynn a pardon .
But there is a reason Barr maneuvered to prevent such a blunt outcome .
He wanted his dirty work cloaked in the patina of legitimacy and vindication .
Unfortunately for him , there are still people in the legal system who are unwilling to trash the rule of law .
Should Trump secure a second term , there will be fewer of @ @ @

Jonathan Chait: “Last week, the Department of Justice took the extraordinary step of withdrawing charges against former Trump National Security Adviser Michael Flynn — charges Flynn had confessed to. Trump’s supporters exploded in celebration at Flynn’s ‘vindication,’ the latest step in Attorney General William Barr’s campaign to discredit and undo the Mueller investigation. By sparing President Trump even the bother of having to pardon his criminal former associate, Barr was giving legal imprimatur to Trump’s view of Mueller as an out-of-control deep-state saboteur.”
“But a series of barriers have suddenly popped up to thwart Barr’s scheme…”
“In the end, the court can’t win: Trump can simply give Flynn a pardon. But there is a reason Barr maneuvered to prevent such a blunt outcome. He wanted his dirty work cloaked in the patina of legitimacy and vindication. Unfortunately for him, there are still people in the legal system who are unwilling to trash the rule of law. Should Trump secure a second term, there will be fewer of them.”


politicalwire--2020-05-14--Trump Approval Sinks Over the Last Month

A new Reuters/Ipsos poll finds Joe Biden leading Donald Trump in the presidential race by eight points , 46 % @ @ @ @ @ ’ s approval rate is just 41 % , down 4 points from a similar @ @ @ @ @ , while 56 % disapprove of Trump , up by 5 points in the same @ @

A new Reuters/Ipsos poll finds Joe Biden leading Donald Trump in the presidential race by eight points, 46% to 38%.
Trump’s approval rate is just 41%, down 4 points from a similar poll that ran in mid-April, while 56% disapprove of Trump, up by 5 points in the same span.


politicalwire--2020-05-14--FBI Serves Warrant on Republican Senator

Federal agents seized a cellphone belonging to Sen. Richard Burr ( R-NC ) as part of the Justice Department ’ @ @ @ @ @ trades he made as the coronavirus first struck the United States , the Los Angeles @ @ @ @ @ turned over his phone to agents after they served a search warrant… The seizure represents @ @ @ @ @ investigation into whether Burr violated a law preventing members of Congress from trading on insider @ @ @ @ @ their official work.
” “ To obtain a search warrant , federal agents and prosecutors @ @ @ @ @ have probable cause to believe a crime has been committed .
”

Federal agents seized a cellphone belonging to Sen. Richard Burr (R-NC) as part of the Justice Department’s investigation into controversial stock trades he made as the coronavirus first struck the United States, the Los Angeles Times reports.
“Burr turned over his phone to agents after they served a search warrant… The seizure represents a significant escalation in the investigation into whether Burr violated a law preventing members of Congress from trading on insider information they have gleaned from their official work.”
“To obtain a search warrant, federal agents and prosecutors must persuade a judge they have probable cause to believe a crime has been committed.”


politicalwire--2020-05-14--Trump Says Testing May Be ‘Frankly Overrated’

President Trump suggested the practice of widespread coronavirus testing may be “ overrated , ” even as health experts insist @ @ @ @ @ loosen restrictions and reopen businesses , The Hill reports .
Said Trump : “ We @ @ @ @ @ the world .
Could be that testing ’ s , frankly , overrated .
Maybe @ @ @ @ @ added : “ We have more cases than anybody in the world , but why @ @ @ @ @ testing .
When you test , you have a case .
When you test you @ @ @ @ @ people .
If we didn ’ t do any testing , we would have very @ @ @ @ @ ’ t want to write that .
It ’ s common sense .
We test @ @ @ @

President Trump suggested the practice of widespread coronavirus testing may be “overrated,” even as health experts insist it is critical to safely loosen restrictions and reopen businesses, The Hill reports.
Said Trump: “We have the best testing in the world. Could be that testing’s, frankly, overrated. Maybe it is overrated.”
He added: “We have more cases than anybody in the world, but why? Because we do more testing. When you test, you have a case. When you test you find something is wrong with people. If we didn’t do any testing, we would have very few cases. They don’t want to write that. It’s common sense. We test much more.”


politicalwire--2020-05-14--Democrats Form Super PAC to Oust Lindsey Graham

“ A group of Democratic operatives are launching a super PAC to defeat Sen. Lindsey Graham as liberals try to @ @ @ @ @ include South Carolina , ” Politico reports .
“ The organization , called ‘ Lindsey @ @ @ @ @ they have over $ 1 million in commitments and plan to raise at least $ @ @ @ @ @ and small-dollar donations .
”

“A group of Democratic operatives are launching a super PAC to defeat Sen. Lindsey Graham as liberals try to expand the Senate map to include South Carolina,” Politico reports.
“The organization, called ‘Lindsey Must Go,’ say they have over $1 million in commitments and plan to raise at least $4 million through both large- and small-dollar donations.”


politicalwire--2020-05-14--Trump May Tap Grenell for Intelligence Board

President Trump is seriously considering appointing acting Director of National Intelligence Richard Grenell to chair the President ’ s Intelligence @ @ @ @ @ .

“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--2020-05-14--Nonprofit Run by Trump Nominee Under Investigation

“ A nonprofit organization run by President Trump ’ s nominee to lead a federal media agency with oversight of @ @ @ @ @ news outlets is under investigation by the District of Columbia ’ s attorney general , @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Michael Pack is a conservative filmmaker with ties to Stephen K. Bannon whom @ @ @ @ @ the U.S. Agency for Global Media .
The attorney general ’ s office is investigating @ @ @ @ @ of funds from his nonprofit , Public Media Lab , was ‘ unlawful and whether @ @ @ @ @ to benefit himself . '
”

“A nonprofit organization run by President Trump’s nominee to lead a federal media agency with oversight of Voice of America and other news outlets is under investigation by the District of Columbia’s attorney general,” the Washington Post reports.
“Michael Pack is a conservative filmmaker with ties to Stephen K. Bannon whom Trump has picked to lead the U.S. Agency for Global Media. The attorney general’s office is investigating whether Pack’s use of funds from his nonprofit, Public Media Lab, was ‘unlawful and whether he improperly used those funds to benefit himself.'”


politicalwire--2020-05-14--Trump Exults In His Mueller Revenge Play

Politico : “ More than one year after the Russia investigation ended and six months before he faces re-election , @ @ @ @ @ his most trusted advisers , some newly installed throughout the Justice Department and intelligence community @ @ @ @ @ months ago , are helping him do it .
”

Politico: “More than one year after the Russia investigation ended and six months before he faces re-election, Trump is getting his revenge—and his most trusted advisers, some newly installed throughout the Justice Department and intelligence community since his impeachment acquittal three months ago, are helping him do it.”


politicalwire--2020-05-14--Trump Says Biden ‘Has No Idea What’s Happening’

President Trump told the Washington Examiner that Joe Biden “ has absolutely no idea what ’ s happening.
” Asked @ @ @ @ @ will not hold an in-person convention , Trump said , “ I think that ’ @ @ @ @ @ you have Biden as your candidate.
” Trump also said he looked forward to debating @ @ @ @ @ suggesting , “ I know they want to try and get out of the debate @ @ @ @ @ t be able to debate because of COVID-19 .
”

President Trump told the Washington Examiner that Joe Biden “has absolutely no idea what’s happening.”
Asked about the possibility that Democrats will not hold an in-person convention, Trump said, “I think that’s a good move when you have Biden as your candidate.”
Trump also said he looked forward to debating Biden in the fall, suggesting, “I know they want to try and get out of the debate by saying they won’t be able to debate because of COVID-19.”


politicalwire--2020-05-14--Pompeo Rebuffed Trump On Running for Senate

“ President Trump recently encouraged Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to reconsider running for the U.S. Senate in Kansas but @ @ @ @ @ ” the Washington Post reports .
“ Trump spoke to Pompeo about making a bid @ @ @ @ @ one-on-one meeting at the White House about two weeks ago , both people said , @ @ @ @ @ keep the seat for Republicans if he ran.
” “ Trump ’ s request underscores @ @ @ @ @ that they could lose control of the Senate in this fall ’ s election and @ @ @ @ @ seat could now be in play .
”

“President Trump recently encouraged Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to reconsider running for the U.S. Senate in Kansas but Pompeo rebuffed the request,” the Washington Post reports.
“Trump spoke to Pompeo about making a bid for the seat during a one-on-one meeting at the White House about two weeks ago, both people said, suggesting that Pompeo could definitely keep the seat for Republicans if he ran.”
“Trump’s request underscores the growing nervousness among Republicans that they could lose control of the Senate in this fall’s election and that a once safe Kansas seat could now be in play.”


politicalwire--2020-05-14--Trump’s Company Received $970K From Taxpayers

The U.S. government has paid at least $ 970,000 to President Trump ’ s company since Trump took office — @ @ @ @ @ 1,600 nightly room rentals at Trump ’ s hotels and clubs , according to federal @ @ @ @ @ Post .


politicalwire--2020-05-14--Feinstein Spoke to FBI About Her Stock Trades

Sen. Dianne Feinstein ( D-CA ) told the San Francisco Chronicle that she was questioned by federal law enforcement agents @ @ @ @ @ made after the coronavirus pandemic hit the United States .
Feinstein also provided documents to @ @ @ @ @ was not involved in the transactions by her husband , investment banker Richard Blum .

Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) told the San Francisco Chronicle that she was questioned by federal law enforcement agents about stock trades her husband made after the coronavirus pandemic hit the United States.
Feinstein also provided documents to federal agents to show she was not involved in the transactions by her husband, investment banker Richard Blum.


politicalwire--2020-05-14--Pompeo Remains a Damaging Figure

Pompeo Remains a Damaging Figure

The Economist : “ For a man acknowledged to be highly intelligent , Mike Pompeo has a long history of talking nonsense .
As a greenhorn House member , brought to Congress by the Tea Party wave of 2010 , he made his name by pushing conspiracy theories about Hillary Clinton .
He claimed , without evidence , that she was complicit in the murder of four Americans at an outpost in Benghazi , Libya , to a degree that was ‘ worse , in some ways , than Watergate ’ .
As Donald Trump ’ s secretary of state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ popular with Trump-loving evangelicals , between the irreligious president and the Jewish heroine Esther .
His recent insistence that covid-19 probably emerged from a Chinese laboratory—a conclusion American spies appear not to share—was of this pattern.
” “ The world has taken that into account .
While Mr Pompeo has enraged the Chinese , hardly anyone else outside the Republican base seems to have taken his allegation all that seriously .
The other half of America discounted it on the basis that Mr Pompeo said it .
Officials in Australia , Germany and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It is hard to think the words of any previous American chief diplomat , a role traditionally considered supra-partisan to a degree , have carried less weight.
” “ Yet , in an administration of mediocrities , Mr Pompeo remains a substantial figure .
”

The Economist: “For a man acknowledged to be highly intelligent, Mike Pompeo has a long history of talking nonsense. As a greenhorn House member, brought to Congress by the Tea Party wave of 2010, he made his name by pushing conspiracy theories about Hillary Clinton. He claimed, without evidence, that she was complicit in the murder of four Americans at an outpost in Benghazi, Libya, to a degree that was ‘worse, in some ways, than Watergate’. As Donald Trump’s secretary of state, he has encouraged a comparison, popular with Trump-loving evangelicals, between the irreligious president and the Jewish heroine Esther. His recent insistence that covid-19 probably emerged from a Chinese laboratory—a conclusion American spies appear not to share—was of this pattern.”
“The world has taken that into account. While Mr Pompeo has enraged the Chinese, hardly anyone else outside the Republican base seems to have taken his allegation all that seriously. The other half of America discounted it on the basis that Mr Pompeo said it. Officials in Australia, Germany and elsewhere similarly cast doubt on it. It is hard to think the words of any previous American chief diplomat, a role traditionally considered supra-partisan to a degree, have carried less weight.”
“Yet, in an administration of mediocrities, Mr Pompeo remains a substantial figure.”


politicalwire--2020-05-14--White House Says No Plans for a President Pelosi

“ White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany revealed Thursday there is no procedure in place to facilitate House Speaker Nancy @ @ @ @ @ the presidency should President Trump and Vice President Mike Pence become incapacitated by the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @


You’re Fired

Out this summer : You ’ re Fired : The Perfect Guide to Beating Donald Trump by Paul Begala .
@ @ @ @ @ tactics needed in the unconventional war against this most unconventional politician .
”


politicalwire--2020-05-14--EPA Says No Limits on Contaminant Tied to Fetal Damage

“ The Trump administration will not impose any limits on perchlorate , a toxic chemical compound that contaminates water and @ @ @ @ @ and infant brain damage , ” the New York Times reports .
“ The decision @ @ @ @ @ administrator of the EPA , appears to defy a court order that required the agency @ @ @ @ @ standard for the chemical by the end of June .
The policy , which acknowledges @ @ @ @ @ of perchlorate can cause I.Q .
damage but opts nevertheless not to limit it , @ @ @ @ @ for the regulation of other chemicals .
”

“The Trump administration will not impose any limits on perchlorate, a toxic chemical compound that contaminates water and has been linked to fetal and infant brain damage,” the New York Times reports.
“The decision by Andrew Wheeler, the administrator of the EPA, appears to defy a court order that required the agency to establish a safe drinking-water standard for the chemical by the end of June. The policy, which acknowledges that exposure to high levels of perchlorate can cause I.Q. damage but opts nevertheless not to limit it, could also set a precedent for the regulation of other chemicals.”


politicalwire--2020-05-14--Trump Influence at Post Office Grows

Trump Influence at Post Office Grows

“ Weeks before a Republican donor and top White House ally becomes postmaster general , the U.S .
Postal Service @ @ @ @ @ of its package delivery contracts and lost its last senior official who was not appointed @ @ @ @ @ the Washington Post reports .
“ The moves underscore how Trump is moving closer to @ @ @ @ @ has dubbed ‘ a joke . '
”

“Weeks before a Republican donor and top White House ally becomes postmaster general, the U.S. Postal Service has quietly launched a review of its package delivery contracts and lost its last senior official who was not appointed by President Trump,” the Washington Post reports.
“The moves underscore how Trump is moving closer to reshaping an independent agency he has dubbed ‘a joke.'”


politicalwire--2020-05-14--Graham Shoots Down Trump’s Call for Obama to Testify

Sen. Lindsey Graham ( R-SC ) brushed back President Trump ’ s pleas for the Judiciary Committee chairman to haul @ @ @ @ @ for testimony about the origins of the Russia investigation and the FBI ’ s handling @ @ @ @ @ Flynn , Politico reports .
Said Graham : “ I don ’ t think now @ @ @ @ @ me to do that .
I don ’ t know if that ’ s even @ @ @ @ @ concerns about the role of executive privilege and all kinds of issues .
I understand @ @ @ @ @ , but be careful what you wish for .
Just be careful what you wish @ @ @

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) brushed back President Trump’s pleas for the Judiciary Committee chairman to haul in former President Barack Obama for testimony about the origins of the Russia investigation and the FBI’s handling of the investigation into Michael Flynn, Politico reports.
Said Graham: “I don’t think now’s the time for me to do that. I don’t know if that’s even possible. I have grave concerns about the role of executive privilege and all kinds of issues. I understand President Trump’s frustration, but be careful what you wish for. Just be careful what you wish for.”


politicalwire--2020-05-14--Loeffler Won’t Say If She’s Been Contacted by the FBI

Sen. Kelly Loefller ( R-GA ) was asked by Politico if she ’ s had any contact with the FBI @ @ @ @ @ ( R-NC ) .


politicalwire--2020-05-14--City Council Member Forgets to Mute His Mic

Brooks Parker ( R ) , a town council member in Wethersfield , CT , didn ’ t mute his @ @ @ @ @ meeting when he started talking to someone else .
Said Parker : “ Is it @ @ @ @ @ that I ’ m watching a town budget meeting and trying to do my taxes @ @ @ @ @ ” After laughing hysterically , Parker added : “ I don ’ t care about @ @ @ @ @ budget .
”

Brooks Parker (R), a town council member in Wethersfield, CT, didn’t mute his microphone during an online budget meeting when he started talking to someone else.
Said Parker: “Is it bad if I tell you that I’m watching a town budget meeting and trying to do my taxes at the same time?”
After laughing hysterically, Parker added: “I don’t care about the fucking needs of the budget.”


politicalwire--2020-05-14--Michigan Cancels Legislative Session

Michigan Cancels Legislative Session

“ Michigan closed down its capitol in Lansing on Thursday and canceled its legislative session rather than face the possibility @ @ @ @ @ death threats against Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer , ” Bloomberg reports .


politicalwire--2020-05-14--23% of Republicans Wish Trump Wasn’t Their Nominee

A new Rasmussen Reports survey finds that 23 % of Republican voters think their party should find someone other than @ @ @ @ @ presidential nominee .


politicalwire--2020-05-14--Burr to Step Down as Intelligence Panel Chair

Sen. Richard Burr ( R-NC ) is stepping aside as chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee during the investigation into @ @ @ @ @ before the coronavirus market turmoil , the Wall Street Journal reports .
Said Senate Majority @ @ @ @ @ ) : “ We agreed that this decision would be in the best interests of @ @ @ @ @ effective at the end of the day tomorrow.
” Earlier for members : Why Barr @ @ @ @ @ a GOP Senator

Sen. Richard Burr (R-NC) is stepping aside as chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee during the investigation into stock trades he made shortly before the coronavirus market turmoil, the Wall Street Journal reports.
Said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY): “We agreed that this decision would be in the best interests of the committee and will be effective at the end of the day tomorrow.”
Earlier for members: Why Barr Allowed a Warrant Served on a GOP Senator


politicalwire--2020-05-15--DeVos Funnels Relief Funds to Favored Schools

“ Education Secretary Betsy DeVos is using the $ 2 trillion coronavirus stabilization law to throw a lifeline to education @ @ @ @ @ , directing millions of federal dollars intended primarily for public schools and colleges to private @ @ @ @ @ the New York Times reports .


politicalwire--2020-05-15--Boris Johnson Launches New Battle of the Bulge

British prime minister Boris Johnson is apparently convinced that the reason he was hit so hard by his coronavirus infection @ @ @ @ @ very overweight , the Times of London reports .
Said a source close to Johnson @ @ @ @ @ here to stay and we ’ re going to have to live with it .
@ @ @ @ @ driver after age , we need to be doing more right now to deal with @ @ @

British prime minister Boris Johnson is apparently convinced that the reason he was hit so hard by his coronavirus infection is because he’s very overweight, the Times of London reports.
Said a source close to Johnson: “This virus is here to stay and we’re going to have to live with it. If obesity is the biggest driver after age, we need to be doing more right now to deal with it.”


politicalwire--2020-05-15--Biden Would Not Pardon Trump

Biden Would Not Pardon Trump

Joe Biden said that he would not pardon President Trump if elected and insisted any prosecutorial decisions would be left @ @ @ @ @ Department , NBC News reports .


politicalwire--2020-05-15--Medical Journal Calls for Trump to Be Replaced

Lancet , one of the world ’ s oldest and best-known medical journals , accused President Trump of injecting partisan @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus pandemic and suggests that a change is in order in the White House @ @ @ @ @ a president in the White House come January , 2021 , who will understand that @ @ @ @ @ guided by partisan politics .
”

Lancet, one of the world’s oldest and best-known medical journals, accused President Trump of injecting partisan politics into his response to the coronavirus pandemic and suggests that a change is in order in the White House.
“Americans must put a president in the White House come January, 2021, who will understand that public health should not be guided by partisan politics.”


The Teflon Campaign

Matthew Continetti : “ When the crisis began , Trump ’ s approval rating was 44 % in the RealClearPolitics @ @ @ @ @ , it is 46 % .
A social and economic calamity befell the country , @ @ @ @ @ ticked up .
Not enough for him to win , necessarily .
But enough to @ @ @ @ @ “ What gives Biden the upper hand is that there are more people who feel @ @ @ @ @ Trump .
What gives Trump a chance is the uneven distribution of these people across @ @ @ @ @ the case before coronavirus .
It is still the case today.
” “ Watching the @ @ @ @ @ past months , I have sometimes wondered what could move them .
War ?
Spiritual @ @ @ @ @ ” “ Don ’ t think so .
Throw anything at it .
Nothing adheres @ @ @ @ @ ”

Matthew Continetti: “When the crisis began, Trump’s approval rating was 44% in the RealClearPolitics average. On May 14, it is 46%. A social and economic calamity befell the country, and Trump’s approval ticked up. Not enough for him to win, necessarily. But enough to keep him in contention…”
“What gives Biden the upper hand is that there are more people who feel negatively than positively about Donald Trump. What gives Trump a chance is the uneven distribution of these people across the country. That was the case before coronavirus. It is still the case today.”
“Watching the numbers hardly budge over these past months, I have sometimes wondered what could move them. War? Spiritual revival? Space aliens?”
“Don’t think so. Throw anything at it. Nothing adheres to this Teflon campaign.”


politicalwire--2020-05-15--Biden Talking to Warren

Biden Talking to Warren

Sen. Elizabeth Warren talks to Isaac Dovere of The Atlantic about the possibility of being Joe Biden ’ s running @ @ @ @ @ the senator with all the ideas about remaking the economy seems enticing to the Biden @ @ @ @ @ seriously at picking her , according to people familiar with the campaign ’ s thinking @ @ @ @ @ senator with all the ideas about remaking the economy is enticed , and thinking seriously @ @ @ @ @ entail , according to people who described her own thinking on the subject—and according to @ @ @ @ @ told me about a call she received from Biden the morning after her brother died @ @ @ @ @ one person who ’ d lost loved ones trying to console another person who just @ @ @ @ @ ’ she said .
Connections formed in grief tend to stay with Biden .
This @ @ @ @ @ Warren .
”

Sen. Elizabeth Warren talks to Isaac Dovere of The Atlantic about the possibility of being Joe Biden’s running mate:
“Suddenly, the senator with all the ideas about remaking the economy seems enticing to the Biden team and it is looking seriously at picking her, according to people familiar with the campaign’s thinking. And suddenly, the senator with all the ideas about remaking the economy is enticed, and thinking seriously about what the job would entail, according to people who described her own thinking on the subject—and according to Warren herself.”
“Warren told me about a call she received from Biden the morning after her brother died. Their conversation was ‘one person who’d lost loved ones trying to console another person who just lost her beloved brother,’ she said. Connections formed in grief tend to stay with Biden. This one has certainly stayed with Warren.”


politicalwire--2020-05-15--Loeffler Turns Over Documents to Investigators

Sen. Kelly Loeffler ( R-GA ) has supplied records about stock trading on her behalf to the Department of Justice @ @ @ @ @ Commission and the Senate Ethics Committee , the Atlanta Journal Constitution reports .


politicalwire--2020-05-15--Trump Refuses to Wear Face Mask Again

Trump Refuses to Wear Face Mask Again

President Trump , again , refused to wear a face mask during his visit to the medical equipment distribution center @ @ @ @ @ .
He was the only one in the factory without a face mask .

President Trump, again, refused to wear a face mask during his visit to the medical equipment distribution center in Pennsylvania, Bloomberg reports.
He was the only one in the factory without a face mask.


politicalwire--2020-05-15--McConnell Admits Obama Did Have Pandemic Plan

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell ( R-KY ) walked back comments made earlier this week that the Obama administration didn @ @ @ @ @ “ game plan ” for a pandemic , The Hill reports .
Said McConnell : @ @ @ @ @ They did leave behind a plan .
I clearly made a mistake in that regard @ @

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) walked back comments made earlier this week that the Obama administration didn’t leave behind a “game plan” for a pandemic, The Hill reports.
Said McConnell: “I was wrong. They did leave behind a plan. I clearly made a mistake in that regard.”


politicalwire--2020-05-15--How a Flynn Theory Became Key to Trump’s Campaign

Washington Post : “ With Trump suffering political damage for his management of the coronavirus pandemic less than six months @ @ @ @ @ president ’ s government appointees and allies in Congress are using their powers to generate @ @ @ @ @ engulfing Biden , the presumptive Democratic nominee , and Obama , who polls show is @ @ @ @ @ popular political figure , making him a potent threat to Trump as a Biden surrogate.
@ @ @ @ @ to rewrite the history of the Russia investigation as Trump has long sought , by @ @ @ @ @ wronged by nefarious bureaucratic elites.
” “ These efforts are being amplified by wall-to-wall coverage @ @ @ @ @ elsewhere in conservative media .
”

Washington Post: “With Trump suffering political damage for his management of the coronavirus pandemic less than six months before the election, the president’s government appointees and allies in Congress are using their powers to generate a political storm aimed at engulfing Biden, the presumptive Democratic nominee, and Obama, who polls show is the nation’s most popular political figure, making him a potent threat to Trump as a Biden surrogate.”
“Another objective is to rewrite the history of the Russia investigation as Trump has long sought, by casting Flynn as a martyr wronged by nefarious bureaucratic elites.”
“These efforts are being amplified by wall-to-wall coverage on Fox News Channel and elsewhere in conservative media.”
Susan Glasser: “Obamagate” is niche programming for Trump super fans.


politicalwire--2020-05-16--House Allows Remote Voting During Pandemic

“ The House on Friday approved the most radical change to its rules in generations , allowing its members to @ @ @ @ @ from afar — the culmination of a months-long struggle to adapt the 231-year-old institution to @ @ @ @ @ the Washington Post reports .
“ Despite bipartisan frustrations with the virus ’ s effect @ @ @ @ @ the changes , which include temporarily authorizing remote committee work and proxy voting on the @ @ @ @ @ largely along party lines .
The vote was 217 to 189.
” Roll Call : @ @ @ @ @ temporary , change to operations was not enacted during any other national crisis in history @ @

“The House on Friday approved the most radical change to its rules in generations, allowing its members to cast committee and floor votes from afar — the culmination of a months-long struggle to adapt the 231-year-old institution to the coronavirus pandemic,” the Washington Post reports.
“Despite bipartisan frustrations with the virus’s effect on the legislative process, the changes, which include temporarily authorizing remote committee work and proxy voting on the House floor, were adopted largely along party lines. The vote was 217 to 189.”
Roll Call: “The significant, yet temporary, change to operations was not enacted during any other national crisis in history.”


politicalwire--2020-05-16--The ‘Unmasking’ List Is Bad News for Michael Flynn

Former FBI counterintelligence agent Asha Rangappa tells Vanity Fair that contrary to the Trumpian line , the volume of unmasking @ @ @ @ @ ’ s behavior “ is a bad look for him—not the Obama administration.
” Said @ @ @ @ @ not help Flynn .
This is a long list of names of people across disparate @ @ @ @ @ felt that the intelligence reports they were reading were so alarming that they needed to @ @ @ @ @ way , who it was beforehand— [ who ] the person was that was engaging @ @ @ @ @ ” Driving this point home , Rangappa asked of Acting Director of National Intelligence Richard @ @ @ @ @ go ahead and disclose the underlying intelligence report ?
”

Former FBI counterintelligence agent Asha Rangappa tells Vanity Fair that contrary to the Trumpian line, the volume of unmasking requests related to Michael Flynn’s behavior “is a bad look for him—not the Obama administration.”
Said Rangappa: “This does not help Flynn. This is a long list of names of people across disparate areas of government who independently felt that the intelligence reports they were reading were so alarming that they needed to know—without knowing, by the way, who it was beforehand—[who] the person was that was engaging in that communication or activity.”
Driving this point home, Rangappa asked of Acting Director of National Intelligence Richard Grenell: “Why not go ahead and disclose the underlying intelligence report?”
Earlier for members: Unmasking the “Obamagate” Nonsense.


politicalwire--2020-05-15--Senate Panel Submits Final Russia Report

“ The Senate Intelligence Committee sent its final report on Russian interference in the 2016 election for a declassification review @ @ @ @ @ last acts of Chairman Richard Burr before he steps down amid a federal investigation of @ @ @ @ @ Bloomberg reports .
“ The fifth and final report of the committee has been submitted @ @ @ @ @ Director of National Intelligence , with the committee aiming for the review to be done @ @ @ @ @ it can be released well in advance of the November elections .
”

“The Senate Intelligence Committee sent its final report on Russian interference in the 2016 election for a declassification review Friday in one of the last acts of Chairman Richard Burr before he steps down amid a federal investigation of his stock trading,” Bloomberg reports.
“The fifth and final report of the committee has been submitted to the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, with the committee aiming for the review to be done as soon as possible so it can be released well in advance of the November elections.”


politicalwire--2020-05-15--What If Trump Rejects the Election Results?

Brian Klass : “ Since 2017 , so many events in U.S. politics that were previously unthinkable have come to @ @ @ @ @ believe me ?
A few days ago , the president of the United States baselessly @ @ @ @ @ of murder and it barely made a blip in the news cycle .
The shocking @ @ @ @ @ routine — under Donald Trump ’ s unhinged presidency.
” “ We don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ reelected .
But , as we head toward November , you have to ask yourself @ @ @ @ @ would it be more surprising if Trump graciously accepts defeat and congratulates his opponent or @ @ @ @ @ the victim of a rigged election and a ‘ deep state ’ plot ?
”

Brian Klass: “Since 2017, so many events in U.S. politics that were previously unthinkable have come to pass. Don’t believe me? A few days ago, the president of the United States baselessly accused a cable television host of murder and it barely made a blip in the news cycle. The shocking has become unsurprising — almost routine — under Donald Trump’s unhinged presidency.”
“We don’t know whether Trump will be reelected. But, as we head toward November, you have to ask yourself: If he loses, would it be more surprising if Trump graciously accepts defeat and congratulates his opponent or if he claimed to be the victim of a rigged election and a ‘deep state’ plot?”
“The answer seems clear.”


politicalwire--2020-05-15--Bloomberg Plots Spending Blitz to Support Biden

“ Mike Bloomberg is plotting a massive spending blitz to back Joe Biden ’ s quest for the White House @ @ @ @ @ “ The former New York mayor and his closest political advisors are discussing whether Bloomberg @ @ @ @ @ major donations to pro-Biden super PACs , Biden ’ s joint fundraising effort with the @ @ @ @ @ another independent group.
” “ Though it ’ s unclear how much Bloomberg will eventually @ @ @ @ @ people familiar with the matter noted that they anticipate Bloomberg to end up spending in @ @ @ @ @ to support Biden… Any major financial support from Bloomberg backing Biden does not include what @ @ @ @ @ congressional Democrats .
”

“Mike Bloomberg is plotting a massive spending blitz to back Joe Biden’s quest for the White House,” CNBC reports.
“The former New York mayor and his closest political advisors are discussing whether Bloomberg’s expenditure will include major donations to pro-Biden super PACs, Biden’s joint fundraising effort with the Democratic National Committee, or another independent group.”
“Though it’s unclear how much Bloomberg will eventually spend, some of the people familiar with the matter noted that they anticipate Bloomberg to end up spending in excess of $250 million to support Biden… Any major financial support from Bloomberg backing Biden does not include what he could put toward assisting congressional Democrats.”


politicalwire--2020-05-15--Trump Announces ‘Super-Duper Missile’

Trump Announces ‘Super-Duper Missile’

President Trump unveiled the official flag for his Space Force at the White House on Friday , touting U.S. military @ @ @ @ @ what he called “ the super-duper missile , ” Bloomberg reports .
He claimed the @ @ @ @ @ any other in the world “ by a factor of almost three .
”

President Trump unveiled the official flag for his Space Force at the White House on Friday, touting U.S. military might including the development of what he called “the super-duper missile,” Bloomberg reports.
He claimed the missile would travel faster than any other in the world “by a factor of almost three.”


politicalwire--2020-05-15--Lawmaker Billed for Oil Poured on Steps of State Capitol

Washington Rep. Matt Shea ( R ) “ is being billed $ 4,700 for the cleanup of olive oil he @ @ @ @ @ the domed Legislative Building in early March , part of a Christian group ’ s @ @ @ @ @ by Satanists who had marched around the building , ” the Spokesman Review reports .
@ @ @ @ @ the same Matt Shea who was preparing for “ biblical warfare ” and has been @ @ @ @ @

Washington Rep. Matt Shea (R) “is being billed $4,700 for the cleanup of olive oil he poured on the steps of the domed Legislative Building in early March, part of a Christian group’s response to an earlier demonstration by Satanists who had marched around the building,” the Spokesman Review reports.
Yeah, that’s the same Matt Shea who was preparing for “biblical warfare” and has been accused of domestic terrorism.


politicalwire--2020-05-15--A Study In Leadership

A Study In Leadership

Anne Applebaum : “ One knows , of course , that Donald Trump behaves differently from the leaders of other @ @ @ @ @ of other Western democracies .
One knows that he disdains facts ; that he does @ @ @ @ @ that he has no organizational talents ; that he does not know how to make @ @ @ @ @ , or diplomatic services ; that he has no basic knowledge of history or science @ @ @ @ @ “ But seeing him in this video juxtaposed with other world leaders during this coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ as a shock .
”

Anne Applebaum: “One knows, of course, that Donald Trump behaves differently from the leaders of other countries, especially the leaders of other Western democracies. One knows that he disdains facts; that he does not read briefing papers; that he has no organizational talents; that he does not know how to make use of militaries, bureaucracies, or diplomatic services; that he has no basic knowledge of history or science, let alone government.”
“But seeing him in this video juxtaposed with other world leaders during this coronavirus pandemic comes, nevertheless, as a shock.”


politicalwire--2020-05-15--Exchange of the Day

Exchange of the Day

A reporter asked Kayleigh McEnany why President Trump accused Barack Obama of committing a crime this week and asked McEnany @ @ @ @ @ MCENANY : That is after all the job or reporters — to answer the very @ @ @ @ @ laid out .
REPORTER : It ’ s the job of the Press Secretary to @ @ @ @

A reporter asked Kayleigh McEnany why President Trump accused Barack Obama of committing a crime this week and asked McEnany to name the crime:
MCENANY: That is after all the job or reporters — to answer the very questions that I’ve laid out.
REPORTER: It’s the job of the Press Secretary to answer the question.


politicalwire--2020-05-15--Secret Service Signs $179K Contract to Rent Golf Carts

“ The Secret Service this week signed a $ 179,000 contract to rent golf carts and other vehicles this summer @ @ @ @ @ a rental that in past years was made in advance of President Trump ’ s @ @ @ @ @ there , ” 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--2020-05-15--Some GOP Lawmakers Still Not Wearing Masks

Playbook : “ Most lawmakers are wearing masks in the Capitol , but there are still clutches of Republicans who @ @ @ @ @ .
A group of GOP lawmakers were standing feet from each other on the floor @ @ @ @ @ Yoho ( R-FL ) was asked why he doesn ’ t wear and mask and @ @ @ @ @ ’ s just no need .
”

Playbook: “Most lawmakers are wearing masks in the Capitol, but there are still clutches of Republicans who are not wearing facial coverings. A group of GOP lawmakers were standing feet from each other on the floor without masks.”
Rep. Ted Yoho (R-FL) was asked why he doesn’t wear and mask and told CNN: “There’s just no need.”


politicalwire--2020-05-15--Biden Campaign Looks to Expand Map

Biden Campaign Looks to Expand Map

Biden campaign manager Jen O ’ Malley Dillon said that the campaign views Arizona , Texas and Georgia as battleground @ @ @ @ @ and win , The Hill reports .
The campaign says Arizona is at the top @ @ @ @ @ states that could turn blue for the first time in decades this November .
Said @ @ @ @ @ “ This is something we are very , very focused on .
We believe there @ @ @ @ @ in 2020 .
We believe there will be battleground states that have never been battleground @ @ @ @

Biden campaign manager Jen O’Malley Dillon said that the campaign views Arizona, Texas and Georgia as battleground states they intend to contest and win, The Hill reports.
The campaign says Arizona is at the top of their list of red states that could turn blue for the first time in decades this November.
Said O’Malley Dillon: “This is something we are very, very focused on. We believe there will be an expanded map in 2020. We believe there will be battleground states that have never been battleground states before.”


politicalwire--2020-05-15--Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day

“ I just want to make something clear .
It ’ s very important .
Vaccine or no vaccine , @ @ @ @ @ ”


politicalwire--2020-05-15--Membership Has Its Benefits

Membership Has Its Benefits

The recent member survey was inspiring .
It was fascinating to learn more about you and see what features you most liked .
But one of the bigger surprises was that many of you didn ’ t know about all the members-only features .
So let me review the most popular : • My exclusive analysis was by far the most popular feature , which was naturally gratifying .
These pieces come out almost daily and sometimes more often .
• The trending news page is updated around the clock with the latest political headlines from the most trusted sources @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cleaner look and much faster load times .
• Free access to the subscription-only newsletters Inside Elections and Ballot Access News is a big reader favorite .
• Members-only online briefings with key lawmakers and experts — such as Sen. Amy Klobuchar , Molly Ball , Jonathan Karl and Sen. Bill Cassidy — is a recent addition .
There are other features too .
I ’ m always looking to increase the value of your membership .
But Political Wire members are not usually paying for any one feature or piece of content @ @ @ @ @ @ @ production of a site they typically visit multiple times a day .
So thank you to everyone who is a member !
If you ’ re not yet a member , sign up for an annual or monthly membership and you ’ ll get instant access .
One more thing : The price of membership will increase to $ 6 a month and $ 60 a year next month , so if you ’ re not yet a member it would be a good time to join !

The recent member survey was inspiring. It was fascinating to learn more about you and see what features you most liked. But one of the bigger surprises was that many of you didn’t know about all the members-only features.
So let me review the most popular:


politicalwire--2020-05-15--Top Trump Campaign Aide Pushed Anti-Gay Positions

Jenna Ellis , a top adviser and lawyer for President Trump ’ s re-election campaign , has a history of @ @ @ @ @ linking the legalization of same-sex marriage to bestiality and pedophilia , CNN reports .
Ellis @ @ @ @ @ surrogate and aide has come as the campaign has made efforts to appeal to LGBTQ @ @ @ @ @ and hosting a virtual campaign training seminar with the pro-LGBT Log Cabin Republicans .

Jenna Ellis, a top adviser and lawyer for President Trump’s re-election campaign, has a history of pushing anti-gay positions, including linking the legalization of same-sex marriage to bestiality and pedophilia, CNN reports.
Ellis’ prominence as a Trump surrogate and aide has come as the campaign has made efforts to appeal to LGBTQ voters by selling LGBT merchandise and hosting a virtual campaign training seminar with the pro-LGBT Log Cabin Republicans.


politicalwire--2020-05-15--Most Believers Feel God Is Sending a Message

A new AP-NORC poll finds the coronavirus has prompted 62 % of American believers to feel that God is telling @ @ @ @ @ lives .


politicalwire--2020-05-15--Trump’s Attacks on Mail Voting May Backfire

Reuters : “ With less than three weeks to go before the primary , 1,178,475 Pennsylvania voters have applied for @ @ @ @ @ increase from 2016 .
Nearly 70 % of those requests have come from registered Democrats @ @ @ @ @ May 13 show .
That margin is far wider than the 55 % to 45 @ @ @ @ @ Democrats in the state.
” “ That ’ s a worrisome harbinger for Republicans looking @ @ @ @ @ , if coronavirus remains a health threat and Democrats continue their mail-in advantage .
”

Reuters: “With less than three weeks to go before the primary, 1,178,475 Pennsylvania voters have applied for absentee ballots, a 14-fold increase from 2016. Nearly 70% of those requests have come from registered Democrats, state data as of May 13 show. That margin is far wider than the 55% to 45% registration advantage held by Democrats in the state.”
“That’s a worrisome harbinger for Republicans looking ahead to the general election, if coronavirus remains a health threat and Democrats continue their mail-in advantage.”
PBS: GOP official says fraud warnings hamper vote-by-mail push.


politicalwire--2020-05-15--Trump Holds Edge In North Carolina

Trump Holds Edge In North Carolina

A new ECU poll shows Donald Trump with a slight lead over Joe Biden among registered voters.
, 46 % @ @ @ @ @ the race for governor , Gov .
Roy Cooper ( D ) holds a comfortable @ @ @ @ @ ( R ) , 51 % to 36 % .
The race for United States @ @ @ @ @ , with Sen. Thom Tillis ( R ) edging challenger Cal Cunningham ( D ) @ @ @ @ @ % .


politicalwire--2020-05-15--Trump Barely Leads In Georgia

Trump Barely Leads In Georgia

A new Republican State Leadership Poll in Georgia finds Donald Trump barely edging Joe Biden in the presidential race , @ @ @ @ @ .
In the U.S. Senate race , Sen. David Purdue ( R ) leads challenger @ @ @ @ @ , 46 % to 41 % .


politicalwire--2020-05-15--Pelosi Wrangles Dems Ahead of Vote on $3 Trillion Relief

“ The House will meet for only the third time in two months Friday to vote on a $ 3 @ @ @ @ @ with Speaker Nancy Pelosi determined to shepherd the behemoth bill to passage despite opposition from @ @ @ @ @ , ” Politico reports .
“ The House is also expected to pass a historic @ @ @ @ @ allow lawmakers to hold committee hearings and vote remotely amid the ongoing pandemic .
”

“The House will meet for only the third time in two months Friday to vote on a $3 trillion coronavirus relief package, with Speaker Nancy Pelosi determined to shepherd the behemoth bill to passage despite opposition from most Republicans and some Democrats,” Politico reports.
“The House is also expected to pass a historic rules change resolution that will allow lawmakers to hold committee hearings and vote remotely amid the ongoing pandemic.”


politicalwire--2020-05-16--Golf Champion Won’t Play Again with Trump

“ Four-time major champion Rory McIlroy criticized President Trump for his response to the coronavirus outbreak , and said it @ @ @ @ @ meet for another round of golf , ” Reuters reports .
Said McIlroy : “ @ @ @ @ @ midst of something that ’ s pretty serious right now .
The fact that he @ @ @ @ @ it and make it a campaign rally and say that we administer the most tests @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s a contest – there ’ s some stuff that just is terrible.
@ @ @ @ @ It ’ s not the way a leader should act .
”

“Four-time major champion Rory McIlroy criticized President Trump for his response to the coronavirus outbreak, and said it was unlikely the pair would meet for another round of golf,” Reuters reports.
Said McIlroy: “We’re in the midst of something that’s pretty serious right now. The fact that he’s trying to politicize it and make it a campaign rally and say that we administer the most tests in the world, like it’s a contest – there’s some stuff that just is terrible.”
He added: “It’s not the way a leader should act.”


politicalwire--2020-05-16--State Department Watchdog Ousted

State Department Watchdog Ousted

“ He played a minor role in the House of Representatives ’ impeachment proceedings against President Donald Trump , ferrying @ @ @ @ @ lawmakers that had been provided to the State Department by Rudy Giuliani , the president @ @ @ @ @ ”


politicalwire--2020-05-16--House Passes $3 Trillion Relief Package

House Passes $3 Trillion Relief Package

“ A divided House on Friday narrowly passed a $ 3 trillion pandemic relief package to send aid to struggling @ @ @ @ @ another round of direct $ 1,200 payments to taxpayers , advancing a proposal with little @ @ @ @ @ near-unanimous Republican opposition , ” the New York Times reports .


politicalwire--2020-05-16--Trump Riles the Nation During a Crisis

Trump Riles the Nation During a Crisis

New York Times : “ Far from a one-day onslaught , it was a climactic moment in a weeklong lurch by Mr. Trump back to the darkest tactics that defined his rise to political power .
Even those who have grown used to Mr. Trump ’ s conduct in office may have found themselves newly alarmed by the grim spectacle of a sitting president deliberately stoking the country ’ s divisions and pursuing personal vendettas in the midst of a crisis that has Americans fearing for their lives and livelihoods.
” “ Since well before he became president , Mr. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defined him as a public figure .
But in recent days he has practiced that approach with new intensity , signaling both the depths of his election-year distress and his determination to blast open a path to a second term , even at the cost of further riling a country in deep anguish.
” “ His electoral path has narrowed rapidly since the onset of the pandemic , as the growth-and-prosperity theme of his campaign disintegrated .
In private , Mr. Trump has been plainly aggrieved at the loss of his central argument @ @ @ @

New York Times: “Far from a one-day onslaught, it was a climactic moment in a weeklong lurch by Mr. Trump back to the darkest tactics that defined his rise to political power. Even those who have grown used to Mr. Trump’s conduct in office may have found themselves newly alarmed by the grim spectacle of a sitting president deliberately stoking the country’s divisions and pursuing personal vendettas in the midst of a crisis that has Americans fearing for their lives and livelihoods.”
“Since well before he became president, Mr. Trump’s appetite for conflict has defined him as a public figure. But in recent days he has practiced that approach with new intensity, signaling both the depths of his election-year distress and his determination to blast open a path to a second term, even at the cost of further riling a country in deep anguish.”
“His electoral path has narrowed rapidly since the onset of the pandemic, as the growth-and-prosperity theme of his campaign disintegrated. In private, Mr. Trump has been plainly aggrieved at the loss of his central argument for re-election.”