politicalwire--2020-09-15--We’ll Have to Wait for Key States to Count Votes

Politico : “ The most important states in the 2016 election are among the least likely states to count their @ @ @ @ @ on election night this year .
Michigan , Pennsylvania and Wisconsin are expecting huge surges @ @ @ @ @ in 2020 , like most states preparing to vote during the coronavirus pandemic .
But @ @ @ @ @ which President Donald Trump flipped in 2016 to win the White House after years of @ @ @ @ @ are among the states where local election officials are not allowed to start processing mail @ @ @ @ @ “ Mail ballot processing involves everything from opening envelopes to checking voter signatures to flattening @ @ @ @ @ or creased in transit .
The procedures can be time consuming , and that will @ @ @ @ @ of votes set to draw out the counting process for days after the polls close @ @ @ @ @ country may be waiting , along with voters in the three Midwestern states , to @ @ @ @ @ Biden carried their electoral votes — and potentially the presidency .
”

Politico: “The most important states in the 2016 election are among the least likely states to count their votes and declare a winner on election night this year. Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin are expecting huge surges in ballots cast by mail in 2020, like most states preparing to vote during the coronavirus pandemic. But all three Midwestern battlegrounds, which President Donald Trump flipped in 2016 to win the White House after years of Democratic presidential victories there, are among the states where local election officials are not allowed to start processing mail ballots until Election Day.”
“Mail ballot processing involves everything from opening envelopes to checking voter signatures to flattening ballots that have been crumpled or creased in transit. The procedures can be time consuming, and that will create a backlog of millions of votes set to draw out the counting process for days after the polls close. That means that the country may be waiting, along with voters in the three Midwestern states, to see whether Trump or Joe Biden carried their electoral votes — and potentially the presidency.”


politicalwire--2020-09-15--What House Democrats Are Worried About

What House Democrats Are Worried About

Playbook : “ House Democratic leadership met in the Capitol for the first time in a while Monday evening , @ @ @ @ @ what many of them see as an only-in-a-Trump-presidency question : If Donald Trump loses , @ @ @ @ @ do something dramatic , like shut down the government ?
” “ The scenario was @ @ @ @ @ no-staff meeting by Connecticut Democratic Rep. Rosa Delauro , and it ’ s more than @ @ @ @ @ It ’ s a real-life governing challenge that Democrats believe they are being forced to @ @ @ @ @ ” “ Speaker Nancy Pelosi is working with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Senate Majority @ @ @ @ @ long to fund the government for after Sept. 30 .
”

Playbook: “House Democratic leadership met in the Capitol for the first time in a while Monday evening, and they began to confront what many of them see as an only-in-a-Trump-presidency question: If Donald Trump loses, will he lash out and do something dramatic, like shut down the government?”
“The scenario was raised in the closed-door, no-staff meeting by Connecticut Democratic Rep. Rosa Delauro, and it’s more than a passing political hypothetical. It’s a real-life governing challenge that Democrats believe they are being forced to confront in the coming days.”
“Speaker Nancy Pelosi is working with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on how long to fund the government for after Sept. 30.”


politicalwire--2020-09-15--GOP Lawmaker Linked to Bizarre Conspiracy Sites

Washington state Rep. Jenny Graham ( R ) posted links to a QAnon conspiracy site on Facebook , perpetuating bizarre @ @ @ @ @ “ children ’ s blood just before they are murdered as a sacrifice to Satan @ @ @ @ @ Inlander .
She also wrote that the “ appetite to have sex with children as @ @ @ @ @ growing business ” and linked to a blog post claiming that “ a significant portion @ @ @ @ @ a year “ end up in sex dungeons to be exploited and repeatedly raped by @ @ @ @ @ article was published , Graham responded to the reporter with profanity and threats — which @ @ @ @

Washington state Rep. Jenny Graham (R) posted links to a QAnon conspiracy site on Facebook, perpetuating bizarre claims about globalist pedophiles harvesting “children’s blood just before they are murdered as a sacrifice to Satan,” according to the Inlander.
She also wrote that the “appetite to have sex with children as young as infants is a growing business” and linked to a blog post claiming that “a significant portion” of 460,000 missing children a year “end up in sex dungeons to be exploited and repeatedly raped by … demons.”
After the article was published, Graham responded to the reporter with profanity and threats — which were all recorded.


politicalwire--2020-09-15--Trump Alma Mater Prefers Biden’s Economic Plan

Playbook : “ House Democratic leadership met in the Capitol for the first time in a while Monday evening , @ @ @ @ @ what many of them see as an only-in-a-Trump-presidency…

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


politicalwire--2020-09-15--Wolf Serving Illegally as Homeland Security Chief


Fact Checking Biden

Daniel Dale fact checks Joe Biden at the CNN town hall this evening .
“ Biden is wrong that Trump @ @ @ @ @ at St. John ’ s church .
( This has become a weirdly widespread belief @ @ @ @ @ incorrect . )
And Trump didn ’ t go to the church and then to @ @ @ @ @ as Biden suggested ; he went to the bunker three days prior .
”

Daniel Dale fact checks Joe Biden at the CNN town hall this evening:
“Biden is wrong that Trump held the Bible upside down at St. John’s church. (This has become a weirdly widespread belief, but it’s incorrect.) And Trump didn’t go to the church and then to the White House bunker, as Biden suggested; he went to the bunker three days prior.”


politicalwire--2020-09-18--Ex-Aide on Trump’s Mishandling of Pandemic

Susan Glasser spoke with Olivia Troye , the former aide to Vice President Mike Pence , who said she was @ @ @ @ @ of President Trump ’ s bungled coronavirus pandemic response .
“ In the end , @ @ @ @ @ most during my conversation with Troye : she is young , only forty-three years old @ @ @ @ @ ahead of her , and she was willing to put it all on the line @ @ @ @ @ Mattis and Kelly were not… Troye , with much more to lose—and with none of @ @ @ @ @ member of Congress or a former Marine general—had much more courage than all of them @ @

Susan Glasser spoke with Olivia Troye, the former aide to Vice President Mike Pence, who said she was voting for Joe Biden because of President Trump’s bungled coronavirus pandemic response.
“In the end, this is what struck me most during my conversation with Troye: she is young, only forty-three years old, with a long career ahead of her, and she was willing to put it all on the line publicly, whereas people like Mattis and Kelly were not… Troye, with much more to lose—and with none of the stature of a former member of Congress or a former Marine general—had much more courage than all of them.”


politicalwire--2020-09-18--GOP Megadonors Move to Rescue Trump

GOP Megadonors Move to Rescue Trump

“ Republican Party megadonors are racing to bail out President Donald Trump ’ s cash-strapped reelection campaign , with a @ @ @ @ @ a further $ 25 million into battleground states , ” Politico reports .
“ Trump @ @ @ @ @ part of August and has since cancelled advertising in key states — is being outspent @ @ @ @ @ this week .
”

“Republican Party megadonors are racing to bail out President Donald Trump’s cash-strapped reelection campaign, with a newly formed super PAC pouring a further $25 million into battleground states,” Politico reports.
“Trump — who went dark for part of August and has since cancelled advertising in key states — is being outspent more than 2-to-1 by Biden this week.”


politicalwire--2020-09-18--Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day

“ It ’ s so unworthy of a president .
It ’ s beyond despicable .
It ’ s soulless @ @ @ @ @ unspeakable in the middle of the pandemic to try to divide the country on a @ @ @ @ @ really bipartisan.
” — Former Gov .
Tom Ridge ( R ) , quoted by @ @ @ @ @ on President Trump saying the coronavirus death toll from the coronavirus was actually not so @ @ @ @ @ out the blue states .
”

“It’s so unworthy of a president. It’s beyond despicable. It’s soulless. It’s almost unspeakable in the middle of the pandemic to try to divide the country on a political basis when Covid-19 is really bipartisan.”
— Former Gov. Tom Ridge (R), quoted by the New York Times, on President Trump saying the coronavirus death toll from the coronavirus was actually not so bad “if you take out the blue states.”


politicalwire--2020-09-18--Eric Trump Will Testify, But After Election

“ Eric Trump , the president ’ s son , said that he is willing to be questioned by New @ @ @ @ @ Trump Organization ’ s financial practices — but not until after Election Day , ” @ @ @ @ @ “ Investigators from the New York Attorney General ’ s office have been seeking to @ @ @ @ @ , as part of an 18-month-long investigation into allegations that the Trump Organization improperly manipulated @ @ @ @ @ to obtain loans and tax benefits .
Eric Trump worked on some of the key @ @ @

“Eric Trump, the president’s son, said that he is willing to be questioned by New York state investigators examining the Trump Organization’s financial practices — but not until after Election Day,” the Washington Post reports.
“Investigators from the New York Attorney General’s office have been seeking to interview Eric Trump since May, as part of an 18-month-long investigation into allegations that the Trump Organization improperly manipulated the value of its properties to obtain loans and tax benefits. Eric Trump worked on some of the key properties.”


politicalwire--2020-09-17--FEC Chair Calls Election a ‘Spiritual War’

“ A heavily criticized recommendation from the CDC last month about who should be tested for the coronavirus was not @ @ @ @ @ was posted to the agency ’ s website…


politicalwire--2020-09-17--Woman Puts Dog Poop In Trump Supporter Mailboxes


politicalwire--2020-09-17--McMaster Says Trump Foreign Policy Makes U.S. Less Safe

H.R .
McMaster , President Trump ’ s former national security adviser , writes in his new book that withdrawing @ @ @ @ @ with the Taliban has made the United States less safe , he tells 60 Minutes @ @ @ @ @ Terrorist organizations who pose a threat to us are stronger now than they were on @ @ @ @ @ The book is out next week .

H.R. McMaster, President Trump’s former national security adviser, writes in his new book that withdrawing troops from Afghanistan and partnering with the Taliban has made the United States less safe, he tells 60 Minutes.
Said McMaster: “Terrorist organizations who pose a threat to us are stronger now than they were on September 10, 2001.”
The book is out next week.
No products found.


politicalwire--2020-09-17--CDC Didn’t Write Testing Guidance Published on Website

“ A heavily criticized recommendation from the CDC last month about who should be tested for the coronavirus was not @ @ @ @ @ was posted to the agency ’ s website despite their serious objections , ” the @ @ @ @ @ “ The guidance said it was not necessary to test people without symptoms of Covid-19 @ @ @ @ @ exposed to the virus .
It came at a time when public health experts were @ @ @ @ @ than less .
”

“A heavily criticized recommendation from the CDC last month about who should be tested for the coronavirus was not written by CDC scientists and was posted to the agency’s website despite their serious objections,” the New York Times reports.
“The guidance said it was not necessary to test people without symptoms of Covid-19 even if they had been exposed to the virus. It came at a time when public health experts were pushing for more testing rather than less.”


politicalwire--2020-09-17--911 Call From Falwell’s House Described ‘A Lot Of Blood’

“ One week after Reuters published an explosive report on an alleged sexual and financial relationship between Jerry Falwell Jr. @ @ @ @ @ Miami man named Giancarlo Granda , responders were called to the Falwells ’ house in @ @ @ @ @ ” the HuffPost reports .
“ According to records and 911 audio… on the night @ @ @ @ @ Falwell Jr. was intoxicated and apparently injured ; his wife , Becki Falwell , described @ @ @ @ @ right now . '
”

“One week after Reuters published an explosive report on an alleged sexual and financial relationship between Jerry Falwell Jr., his wife and a Miami man named Giancarlo Granda, responders were called to the Falwells’ house in Bedford County, Virginia,” the HuffPost reports.
“According to records and 911 audio… on the night of Aug. 30, Jerry Falwell Jr. was intoxicated and apparently injured; his wife, Becki Falwell, described ‘a lot of blood right now.'”


politicalwire--2020-09-17--Trump Says Schools Indoctrinate Kids with ‘Leftist Agenda’

“ President Trump pressed his case that U.S. schools are indoctrinating children with a left-wing agenda hostile to the nation @ @ @ @ @ describing efforts to educate students about racism and slavery as an insult to the nation @ @ @ @ @ , ” the Washington Post reports .
“ Trump , speaking before original copies of @ @ @ @ @ Independence at the National Archives , characterized demonstrations against racial injustice as ‘ left-wing rioting @ @ @ @ @ are the direct result of decades of left-wing indoctrination in our schools .
It ’ @ @ @ @ @ long . '
” Trump also said he would create a national commission to promote @ @ @ @ @ the truth about our nation ’ s great history .
”

“President Trump pressed his case that U.S. schools are indoctrinating children with a left-wing agenda hostile to the nation’s Founding Fathers, describing efforts to educate students about racism and slavery as an insult to the nation’s lofty founding principles,” the Washington Post reports.
“Trump, speaking before original copies of the Constitution and Declaration of Independence at the National Archives, characterized demonstrations against racial injustice as ‘left-wing rioting and mayhem’ that ‘are the direct result of decades of left-wing indoctrination in our schools. It’s gone on far too long.'”
Trump also said he would create a national commission to promote “pro-American curriculum that celebrates the truth about our nation’s great history.”


politicalwire--2020-09-17--Giuliani Associate Faces New Charges

Giuliani Associate Faces New Charges


politicalwire--2020-09-17--Kushner Declared Free Markets Would Solve Pandemic

First-person accounts of a tense meeting at the White House in late March suggest that Jared Kushner resisted taking federal @ @ @ @ @ help Democratic-led New York , Vanity Fair reports .
Kushner , seated at the head @ @ @ @ @ in a chair taller than all the others , was quick to strike a confrontational @ @ @ @ @ government is not going to lead this response .
It ’ s up to the @ @ @ @ @ they want to do.
” He added : “ Free markets will solve this .
@ @ @ @ @ of government .
”

First-person accounts of a tense meeting at the White House in late March suggest that Jared Kushner resisted taking federal action to alleviate shortages and help Democratic-led New York, Vanity Fair reports.
Kushner, seated at the head of the conference table, in a chair taller than all the others, was quick to strike a confrontational tone: “The federal government is not going to lead this response. It’s up to the states to figure out what they want to do.”
He added: “Free markets will solve this. That is not the role of government.”


politicalwire--2020-09-17--Lawmakers No Closer to Coronavirus Relief Deal

“ Democrats and Republicans appeared even further away from a coronavirus relief deal on Thursday , despite mounting calls from @ @ @ @ @ President Donald Trump — for action , ” Politico reports .
“ With no mood @ @ @ @ @ , the House and Senate are leaving for the weekend with no progress on an @ @ @ @ @ that Congress can muster the political will to adopt another massive economic stimulus measure before @ @ @ @ @

“Democrats and Republicans appeared even further away from a coronavirus relief deal on Thursday, despite mounting calls from rank-and-file lawmakers — and even President Donald Trump — for action,” Politico reports.
“With no mood for deal-making in either party, the House and Senate are leaving for the weekend with no progress on an agreement, casting further doubt that Congress can muster the political will to adopt another massive economic stimulus measure before the November election.”


politicalwire--2020-09-17--Federal Judge Blocks Postal Service Operational Changes

A federal judge in Washington state granted a request from 14 states to temporarily block operational changes within the U.S @ @ @ @ @ been blamed for a slowdown in mail delivery , saying that President Trump and Postmaster @ @ @ @ @ involved in a politically motivated attack on the efficiency of the Postal Service ” that @ @ @ @ @ , the Washington Post reports .

A federal judge in Washington state granted a request from 14 states to temporarily block operational changes within the U.S. Postal Service that have been blamed for a slowdown in mail delivery, saying that President Trump and Postmaster General Louis DeJoy are “involved in a politically motivated attack on the efficiency of the Postal Service” that could disrupt the 2020 election, the Washington Post reports.


politicalwire--2020-09-17--Ex-Pence Aide Will Vote for Biden

Ex-Pence Aide Will Vote for Biden

Olivia Troye , a former adviser to Vice President Mike Pence , said President Trump ’ s response to the @ @ @ @ @ flat out disregard for human life ” because his “ main concern was the economy @ @ @ @ @ the Washington Post reports .
Troye said that the administration ’ s response cost lives @ @ @ @ @ for Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden this fall because of her experience in the Trump @ @ @

Olivia Troye, a former adviser to Vice President Mike Pence, said President Trump’s response to the coronavirus pandemic showed a “flat out disregard for human life” because his “main concern was the economy and his reelection,” the Washington Post reports.
Troye said that the administration’s response cost lives and that she will vote for Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden this fall because of her experience in the Trump White House.


politicalwire--2020-09-17--Cummings Wrote That He Endured ‘Pure Pain’ from Trump

“ In the months before his death , Rep. Elijah Cummings ( D-MD ) wrote that he endured ‘ pure @ @ @ @ @ attacks by President Trump — whom he once wanted to trust — but resolved not @ @ @ @ @ in anger , the Baltimore Sun reports .
Wrote Cummings , in a new book @ @ @ @ @ : “ You can imagine it and try to dismiss it , saying he ’ @ @ @ @ @ schoolyard tough guy , using his thumbs on Twitter like fists .
But the reality @ @ @ @ @ , is just pure pain .
”

“In the months before his death, Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-MD) wrote that he endured ‘pure pain’ from repeated Twitter attacks by President Trump — whom he once wanted to trust — but resolved not to be baited into responding in anger, the Baltimore Sun reports.
Wrote Cummings, in a new book to be released next week: “You can imagine it and try to dismiss it, saying he’s just a blowhard and schoolyard tough guy, using his thumbs on Twitter like fists. But the reality, the harsh cold onslaught, is just pure pain.”


politicalwire--2020-09-17--Trump Tries Projection as a Political Strategy

Los Angeles Times : “ Trump has long sought to divert attention from own misjudgments and mistakes by blaming his @ @ @ @ @ he struggles to overcome Biden ’ s lead in the polls , the president has @ @ @ @ @ ‘ I ’ m rubber , you ’ re glue ’ into a campaign strategy.
@ @ @ @ @ a normal part of politics , but Trump stands out for how frequently and reflexively @ @ @ @ @ s attacks .
In psychology , the tactic is known as projection — a defense @ @ @ @ @ s faults and attribute them to someone else.
” Said GOP strategist Rick Tyler : @ @ @ @ @ s been doing it since the third grade , and I suspect it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ It ’ s a difficult technique for grown adults to counter .
”

Los Angeles Times: “Trump has long sought to divert attention from own misjudgments and mistakes by blaming his enemies. Now, as he struggles to overcome Biden’s lead in the polls, the president has turned familiar schoolyard taunts like ‘I’m rubber, you’re glue’ into a campaign strategy.”
“Deflecting criticism is a normal part of politics, but Trump stands out for how frequently and reflexively he redirects his opponent’s attacks. In psychology, the tactic is known as projection — a defense mechanism to deny one’s faults and attribute them to someone else.”
Said GOP strategist Rick Tyler: “I suspect he’s been doing it since the third grade, and I suspect it’s always worked for him. It’s a difficult technique for grown adults to counter.”


politicalwire--2020-09-17--Some North Carolina Voters Got Two Absentee Ballots

“ A mixup with the first absentee ballots sent in North Carolina caused some voters to receive two identical ballots @ @ @ @ @ , ” the AP reports .
“ The official added that it was unlikely that @ @ @ @ @ ballots , a felony , because each mailing label includes an individual code making it @ @ @ @ @ ”

“A mixup with the first absentee ballots sent in North Carolina caused some voters to receive two identical ballots for the November general election,” the AP reports.
“The official added that it was unlikely that voters could have cast two ballots, a felony, because each mailing label includes an individual code making it impossible to vote twice.”


politicalwire--2020-09-17--Senate Democrats to Spend In South Carolina Race

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


politicalwire--2020-09-18--Democrats Lead In Key Senate Races

Democrats Lead In Key Senate Races

“ President Trump and Joe Biden are bringing their campaigns to Minnesota on the same day the state kicks off @ @ @ @ @ state among the first in the nation…


politicalwire--2020-09-18--Biden Aced His Town Hall Meeting, Trump Did Not

Jonathan Bernstein : “ Donald Trump is lucky that presidential elections aren ’ t decided by televised town-hall meetings .
If they were , after his effort on ABC on Tuesday and Joe Biden ’ s on CNN Thursday , Trump would be lucky to clear 100 electoral votes .
It ’ s not that Biden was all that great — he was fine , but nothing special .
It ’ s that Trump was that bad , and in ways that made his opponent look even better.
” “ The secret of these events , in which candidates answer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they ’ re easy .
For one thing , voters tend to ask policy questions , not process ones , and they ’ re usually pretty straightforward — what are you going to do about such-and-such ?
Normal politicians can easily anticipate the topics , and usually have a prepared riff or a five-point plan to address them .
Biden did some of that Thursday night .
He ’ s not great at it , not nearly as strong as ( for example ) Senator Elizabeth Warren is .
But he ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ usually excellent at taking advantage of the other opportunity the format provides , which is to show the ability to connect with voters and empathize with them.
” “ Trump is barely able to do either of these things .
He did manage to demonstrate empathy a couple of times on Tuesday , but unfortunately in one case he misunderstood the questioner and thought that her mother had died from the pandemic when in fact she had died of cancer .
Most of the time , though , he didn ’ t bother @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he didn ’ t get emotional .
He didn ’ t seem to be listening to the questions .
”

Jonathan Bernstein: “Donald Trump is lucky that presidential elections aren’t decided by televised town-hall meetings. If they were, after his effort on ABC on Tuesday and Joe Biden’s on CNN Thursday, Trump would be lucky to clear 100 electoral votes. It’s not that Biden was all that great — he was fine, but nothing special. It’s that Trump was that bad, and in ways that made his opponent look even better.”
“The secret of these events, in which candidates answer questions directly from voters, is that they’re easy. For one thing, voters tend to ask policy questions, not process ones, and they’re usually pretty straightforward — what are you going to do about such-and-such? Normal politicians can easily anticipate the topics, and usually have a prepared riff or a five-point plan to address them. Biden did some of that Thursday night. He’s not great at it, not nearly as strong as (for example) Senator Elizabeth Warren is. But he’s good enough. And he’s usually excellent at taking advantage of the other opportunity the format provides, which is to show the ability to connect with voters and empathize with them.”
“Trump is barely able to do either of these things. He did manage to demonstrate empathy a couple of times on Tuesday, but unfortunately in one case he misunderstood the questioner and thought that her mother had died from the pandemic when in fact she had died of cancer. Most of the time, though, he didn’t bother. It’s not just that he didn’t get emotional. He didn’t seem to be listening to the questions.”
Dave Wasserman: “Watching this town hall, I’m seeing a Biden who’s actually a bit sharper/crisper than he was in the early Democratic debates. It’s almost as if he might have been out of practice early on, rather than out of it.“


politicalwire--2020-09-18--Trump and Biden Head to Minnesota

Trump and Biden Head to Minnesota

“ President Trump and Joe Biden are bringing their campaigns to Minnesota on the same day the state kicks off @ @ @ @ @ state among the first in the nation to cast ballots in the November election , @ @ @ @ @ reports .

“President Trump and Joe Biden are bringing their campaigns to Minnesota on the same day the state kicks off early voting, making the state among the first in the nation to cast ballots in the November election,” the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.


politicalwire--2020-09-18--Going Through John Bolton’s Trash

Going Through John Bolton’s Trash

Michael Schmidt has an interesting story in his new book about the scramble to learn what was in John Bolton ’ s unpublished book during the impeachment of President Trump , Axios reports .
Writes Schmidt : “ I received a call from a man I had never heard of .
He said that several years earlier he had sat next to my father on a train and he had followed my work .
The man said that he worked as a private investigator of sorts in the Washington area and he had been trying to figure out what Bolton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continued : “ A friend had told him at a Rotary Club meeting that Bolton was taking sections of his book and sending them out to friends to review and comment on.The friends were then mailing them back to him , and he was throwing them in his trash .
Bolton had apparently done this because he did not want to create an electronic record of his correspondences .
The man said that he had been scouting Bolton ’ s wife ’ s office and their house on the nights he put his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trash onto the street , he went through it .
… He said Thursday morning was trash pickup day in Bolton ’ s neighborhood .
”

Michael Schmidt has an interesting story in his new book about the scramble to learn what was in John Bolton’s unpublished book during the impeachment of President Trump, Axios reports.
Writes Schmidt: “I received a call from a man I had never heard of. He said that several years earlier he had sat next to my father on a train and he had followed my work. The man said that he worked as a private investigator of sorts in the Washington area and he had been trying to figure out what Bolton had written in his book.”
He continued: “A friend had told him at a Rotary Club meeting that Bolton was taking sections of his book and sending them out to friends to review and comment on.The friends were then mailing them back to him, and he was throwing them in his trash. Bolton had apparently done this because he did not want to create an electronic record of his correspondences. The man said that he had been scouting Bolton’s wife’s office and their house on the nights he put his trash out. After Bolton moved the trash onto the street, he went through it. … He said Thursday morning was trash pickup day in Bolton’s neighborhood.”


politicalwire--2020-09-18--How to Get Under Trump’s Skin

How to Get Under Trump’s Skin

Mary Trump shared a surefire way for Joe Biden to get under the skin of her uncle , President Trump @ @ @ @ @ debates , the HuffPost reports .
Said Ms. Trump : “ First of all , @ @ @ @ @ , I hope Vice President Biden refers to Donald as Donald just because that ’ @ @ @ @ @ get under his skin and nobody ’ s disrespected the office as much as Donald @ @ @ @ @ ’ t deserve the cover of the respect of the office of the presidency.
” @ @ @ @ @ if it feels rude , even if it feels like he ’ s interrupting , @ @ @ @ @ for us to sit on ceremony here .
”

Mary Trump shared a surefire way for Joe Biden to get under the skin of her uncle, President Trump, during the 2020 presidential debates, the HuffPost reports.
Said Ms. Trump: “First of all, and I mean this sincerely, I hope Vice President Biden refers to Donald as Donald just because that’s an easy way to get under his skin and nobody’s disrespected the office as much as Donald has, so he doesn’t deserve the cover of the respect of the office of the presidency.”
She added: “Even if it feels rude, even if it feels like he’s interrupting, it’s too important for us to sit on ceremony here.”


politicalwire--2020-09-18--Bloomberg Looks to Head Off Chaos with Florida Ad Blitz

Mike Bloomberg ’ s $ 100 million Florida blitz begins today and will continue “ wall to wall ” in @ @ @ @ @ Election Day , Axios reports .
“ Bloomberg thinks that Joe Biden putting away Florida @ @ @ @ @ to head off the national chaos we could have if the outcome of Trump v. @ @ @ @ @ Election Day.
” Said one Bloomberg adviser : “ If Biden wins Florida , it @ @ @ @ @ Trump to falsely claim victory on election night .
”

Mike Bloomberg’s $100 million Florida blitz begins today and will continue “wall to wall” in all 10 TV markets through Election Day, Axios reports.
“Bloomberg thinks that Joe Biden putting away Florida is the most feasible way to head off the national chaos we could have if the outcome of Trump v. Biden remained uncertain long after Election Day.”
Said one Bloomberg adviser: “If Biden wins Florida, it’s much harder for Trump to falsely claim victory on election night.”


politicalwire--2020-09-18--Barr Goes All-In for Trump

Barr Goes All-In for Trump

“ Attorney General William Barr has become one of Donald Trump ’ s most potent sources of campaign ammunition and @ @ @ @ @ days before the president faces voters , a most unconventional role for the nation ’ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Bloomberg reports .
“ Adding to concern that he ’ s cast aside @ @ @ @ @ independence , Barr has hurled himself and his agency into the middle of the most @ @ @ @ @ his campaign see as vital to winning re-election on Nov. 3 .
”

“Attorney General William Barr has become one of Donald Trump’s most potent sources of campaign ammunition and political cover less than 50 days before the president faces voters, a most unconventional role for the nation’s top law enforcement officer,” Bloomberg reports.
“Adding to concern that he’s cast aside any notion of Justice Department independence, Barr has hurled himself and his agency into the middle of the most controversial issues that Trump and his campaign see as vital to winning re-election on Nov. 3.”
For members: What Drives Bill Barr.


politicalwire--2020-09-18--‘Knock on the Door’

‘Knock on the Door’

A searing new ad suggests Joe Biden believes President Trump is suddenly vulnerable with military voters .
Mike Allen : @ @ @ @ @ that reports of Trump privately disparaging service members have broken through with everyday people who @ @ @ @ @ or don ’ t care about , other Trump scandals.
” A new Politico/Morning Consult @ @ @ @ @ heard the reports that Trump called fallen U.S. soldiers “ losers ” and “ suckers @ @

A searing new ad suggests Joe Biden believes President Trump is suddenly vulnerable with military voters.
Mike Allen: “The Biden campaign argues that reports of Trump privately disparaging service members have broken through with everyday people who don’t follow, or don’t care about, other Trump scandals.”
A new Politico/Morning Consult poll found 73% had heard the reports that Trump called fallen U.S. soldiers “losers” and “suckers.”


politicalwire--2020-09-18--Dreading a 50-50 Senate

Dreading a 50-50 Senate

Politico : “ An evenly split Senate would make life grueling for whoever is president next year .
Any one @ @ @ @ @ of critical nominations or key pieces of the party ’ s legislative agenda .
And @ @ @ @ @ deep polarization , it could lead to even worse gridlock , as inconceivable as that @ @ @

Politico: “An evenly split Senate would make life grueling for whoever is president next year. Any one senator could determine the fate of critical nominations or key pieces of the party’s legislative agenda. And in an era of already deep polarization, it could lead to even worse gridlock, as inconceivable as that sounds.”


politicalwire--2020-09-18--Where Trump Spends His Time

Where Trump Spends His Time

New York Times : “ Not counting Maryland , where Air Force One is based , or states where he @ @ @ @ @ , New Jersey , Florida and Virginia ) , Mr. Trump has spent about four @ @ @ @ @ states that supported him in 2016 as he has in those that voted against him @ @

New York Times: “Not counting Maryland, where Air Force One is based, or states where he has properties (New York, New Jersey, Florida and Virginia), Mr. Trump has spent about four times as many days visiting states that supported him in 2016 as he has in those that voted against him.”


politicalwire--2020-09-18--Biden Leads In Key State Polls

Biden Leads In Key State Polls

“ Eric Trump , the president ’ s son , said that he is willing to be questioned by New @ @ @ @ @ Trump Organization ’ s financial practices — but not until after Election…


politicalwire--2020-09-18--Tuberville Struggles To Discuss Voting Rights Act

Alabama U.S. Senate candidate Tommy Tuberville ( R ) struggled to explain his position on questions surrounding the Voting Rights Act and had difficulty describing the law , according to audio obtained by HuffPost .
Said Tuberville : “ You know , the thing about the Voting Rights Act it ’ s , you know ― there ’ s a lot of different things you can look at it as , you know , who ’ s it going to help ?
What direction do we need to go with it ?
I think it ’ s important that everything @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keep an eye on it .
It ’ s run by our government .
And it ’ s run to the , to the point that we , it ’ s got structure to it .
It ’ s like education .
I mean , it ’ s got to have structure .
Now for some reason , we look at things to change , to think we ’ re gon na make it better , but we better do a lot of work on it before we make a change .
”

Alabama U.S. Senate candidate Tommy Tuberville (R) struggled to explain his position on questions surrounding the Voting Rights Act and had difficulty describing the law, according to audio obtained by HuffPost.
Said Tuberville: “You know, the thing about the Voting Rights Act it’s, you know ― there’s a lot of different things you can look at it as, you know, who’s it going to help? What direction do we need to go with it? I think it’s important that everything we do we keep secure. We keep an eye on it. It’s run by our government. And it’s run to the, to the point that we, it’s got structure to it. It’s like education. I mean, it’s got to have structure. Now for some reason, we look at things to change, to think we’re gonna make it better, but we better do a lot of work on it before we make a change.”


politicalwire--2020-09-19--McConnell Vows to Fill Supreme Court Vacancy

“ Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell ( R-KY ) , who refused to consider former president Barack Obama ’ s @ @ @ @ @ months leading up to the 2016 election , vowed Friday to hold a vote on @ @ @ @ @ to succeed Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg , ” the Washington Post reports .
Said McConnell @ @ @ @ @ s nominee will receive a vote on the floor of the United States Senate.
” @ @ @ @ @ first salvo in what is certain to be a fierce political fight over whether Trump @ @ @ @ @ Ginsburg ’ s successor .
”

“Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), who refused to consider former president Barack Obama’s Supreme Court nominee in the months leading up to the 2016 election, vowed Friday to hold a vote on President Trump’s nominee to succeed Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg,” the Washington Post reports.
Said McConnell: “President Trump’s nominee will receive a vote on the floor of the United States Senate.”
“The statement marked the first salvo in what is certain to be a fierce political fight over whether Trump and the Republican-controlled Senate decide Ginsburg’s successor.”


politicalwire--2020-09-19--Kelly Could Be Sworn In Early

Kelly Could Be Sworn In Early

During a press conference , President Trump was asked if he believes he knows better than the experts in his @ @ @ @ @ the directors of the CDC and the…


politicalwire--2020-09-19--Murkowski Won’t Vote for New Supreme Court Nominee

“ Shortly before the announcement that Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg had died Friday , Sen. Lisa Murkowski said @ @ @ @ @ she was presented with a vacancy on the court , she would not vote to @ @ @ @ @ election , ” Alaska Public Radio reports .
“ Murkowski said her reasoning is based @ @ @ @ @ held up the confirmation of former President Barack Obama ’ s final nominee to the @ @ @ @ @ : “ That was too close to an election , and that the people needed @ @ @ @ @ closer you get to an election , that argument becomes even more important .
”

“Shortly before the announcement that Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg had died Friday, Sen. Lisa Murkowski said in an interview that if she was presented with a vacancy on the court, she would not vote to confirm a nominee before the election,” Alaska Public Radio reports.
“Murkowski said her reasoning is based on the same reasoning that held up the confirmation of former President Barack Obama’s final nominee to the Supreme Court.”
Said Murkowski: “That was too close to an election, and that the people needed to decide. That the closer you get to an election, that argument becomes even more important.”


politicalwire--2020-09-18--Ruth Bader Ginsburg Is Dead

Ruth Bader Ginsburg Is Dead

Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg , the demure firebrand who in her 80s became a legal , cultural and feminist icon @ @ @ @ @ reports .
The Supreme Court announced her death , saying the cause was complications from @ @ @ @ @ .

Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the demure firebrand who in her 80s became a legal, cultural and feminist icon, died Friday, NPR reports.
The Supreme Court announced her death, saying the cause was complications from metastatic cancer of the pancreas.


politicalwire--2020-09-18--Fauci Says Restaurants Should Remain Closed

As states continue reopening businesses amid the coronavirus pandemic , Dr. Anthony Fauci told MSNBC that bars and restaurants remain @ @ @ @ @ of coronavirus .
Said Fauci : “ Bars are a really important place of spreading @ @ @ @ @ s no doubt about that .
And that becomes particularly important if you happen to @ @ @ @ @ there ’ s a high degree of community spread .
”

As states continue reopening businesses amid the coronavirus pandemic, Dr. Anthony Fauci told MSNBC that bars and restaurants remain closed to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
Said Fauci: “Bars are a really important place of spreading of infection. There’s no doubt about that. And that becomes particularly important if you happen to be in an area where there’s a high degree of community spread.”


politicalwire--2020-09-18--Trump Fumes at Chamber of Commerce

Trump Fumes at Chamber of Commerce


politicalwire--2020-09-18--Deal on Drug Prices  Undone by ‘Trump Cards’

“ After months of heated accusations and painstaking negotiations , the White House and the pharmaceutical industry neared agreement late @ @ @ @ @ to make good on President Trump ’ s longstanding promise to lower drug prices , @ @ @ @ @ reports .
“ The drug companies would spend $ 150 billion to address out-of-pocket consumer @ @ @ @ @ up the bulk of the co-payments that older Americans shoulder in Medicare ’ s prescription @ @ @ @ @ the agreement collapsed .
The breaking point , according to four people familiar with the @ @ @ @ @ Mr. Trump ’ s chief of staff , insisted the drug makers pay for $ @ @ @ @ @ be mailed to seniors before November — ‘ Trump Cards , ’ some in the @ @ @ @ @

“After months of heated accusations and painstaking negotiations, the White House and the pharmaceutical industry neared agreement late last month on a plan to make good on President Trump’s longstanding promise to lower drug prices,” the New York Times reports.
“The drug companies would spend $150 billion to address out-of-pocket consumer costs and would even pick up the bulk of the co-payments that older Americans shoulder in Medicare’s prescription drug program.”
“Then the agreement collapsed. The breaking point, according to four people familiar with the discussions: Mark Meadows, Mr. Trump’s chief of staff, insisted the drug makers pay for $100 cash cards that would be mailed to seniors before November — ‘Trump Cards,’ some in the industry called them.”


politicalwire--2020-09-18--Melinda Gates Slams Trump’s Virus Response

Melinda Gates told Axios that the Trump administration has neutered the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and continued to @ @ @ @ @ concluding that only a “ lack of leadership ” explains why far more people have @ @ @ @ @ in other developed countries .

Melinda Gates told Axios that the Trump administration has neutered the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and continued to bungle its coronavirus response, concluding that only a “lack of leadership” explains why far more people have died in the U.S. than in other developed countries.


politicalwire--2020-09-18--Less Than a Quarter Think the Election Will Be Fair

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


politicalwire--2020-09-18--Biden Leads In New Battleground State Polls


politicalwire--2020-09-18--Bonus Quote of the Day

Bonus Quote of the Day

“ I think it ’ s going to be a terrible time for this country… this is going to be @ @ @ @ @ ” — President Trump , ranting about mail voting before abruptly ending his press conference @

“I think it’s going to be a terrible time for this country… this is going to be the scam of all time.”
— President Trump, ranting about mail voting before abruptly ending his press conference.


politicalwire--2020-09-18--Trump Declares He Knows More Than His Experts

During a press conference , President Trump was asked if he believes he knows better than the experts in his @ @ @ @ @ the directors of the CDC and the FBI this week , CBS News reports .
@ @ @ @ @ , in many cases , I do .
”

During a press conference, President Trump was asked if he believes he knows better than the experts in his administration, after Trump contradicted the directors of the CDC and the FBI this week, CBS News reports.
Said Trump: “Yeah, in many cases, I do.”


politicalwire--2020-09-18--Virginia Isn’t a Swing State Anymore

Virginia Isn’t a Swing State Anymore

Washington Post : “ Virginia isn ’ t getting the swing-state treatment this time around .
As in-person early voting @ @ @ @ @ Trump and Democratic challenger Joe Biden were dark on broadcast television .
Super PACs were @ @ @ @ @ airwaves.
” “ Even as Trump and Biden have resumed limited travel amid the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ in the Old Dominion… The last time presidential candidates stayed out of Virginia and off @ @ @ @ @ The state was reliably red then , having backed Republicans for the White House every @ @ @ @ @ Virginia seems to be getting the cold shoulder because it ’ s considered solidly blue @ @

Washington Post: “Virginia isn’t getting the swing-state treatment this time around. As in-person early voting got underway Friday, President Trump and Democratic challenger Joe Biden were dark on broadcast television. Super PACs were clogging somebody else’s airwaves.”
“Even as Trump and Biden have resumed limited travel amid the coronavirus pandemic, neither has stumped in the Old Dominion… The last time presidential candidates stayed out of Virginia and off its airwaves was 2004. The state was reliably red then, having backed Republicans for the White House every year since 1968. Now Virginia seems to be getting the cold shoulder because it’s considered solidly blue.”


politicalwire--2020-09-18--Study Finds U.S. Backsliding Into Autocracy

Washington Post : “ V-Dem ’ s findings are bracing : The United States is undergoing ‘ substantial autocratization ’ @ @ @ @ @ of democratic traits — that has accelerated precipitously under President Trump .
This is particularly @ @ @ @ @ the group ’ s historic data show : Only 1 in 5 democracies that start @ @ @ @ @ to reverse the damage before succumbing to full-blown autocracy .
”

Washington Post: “V-Dem’s findings are bracing: The United States is undergoing ‘substantial autocratization’ — defined as the loss of democratic traits — that has accelerated precipitously under President Trump. This is particularly alarming in light of what the group’s historic data show: Only 1 in 5 democracies that start down this path are able to reverse the damage before succumbing to full-blown autocracy.”


politicalwire--2020-09-18--The Senate Deserves Your Attention

The Senate Deserves Your Attention

Just for members : The new edition of Inside Elections .
This issue includes updated analysis on the most competitive @ @ @ @ @ fight for the Senate , House , and governorships , along with a chart that @ @ @ @ @ over the last three months .
Even though the race between Donald Trump and Joe @ @ @ @ @ the attention , the fight for Senate control is actually closer and more competitive .
@ @ @ @ @ yet a member , sign up for an Annual or Monthly membership for instant access @ @ @ @ @ Gift Memberships are also available .

Just for members: The new edition of Inside Elections.
This issue includes updated analysis on the most competitive races that make up the fight for the Senate, House, and governorships, along with a chart that summarizes the presidential polling trend over the last three months.


politicalwire--2020-09-18--CDC Reverses Guidance Drafted by Trump Aides

The CDC reversed its controversial Covid-19 testing guidance on Friday , stating clearly that close contacts without any symptoms “ @ @ @ @ @ the Wall Street Journal reports .
As noted yesterday , the original guidance was not @ @ @ @ @ was posted to the agency ’ s website despite their serious objections .
Washington Post @ @ @ @ @ Friday essentially reverts to the CDC ’ s original recommendation that all people who have @ @ @ @ @ person with documented coronavirus infection need to be tested .
”

The CDC reversed its controversial Covid-19 testing guidance on Friday, stating clearly that close contacts without any symptoms “need a test,” the Wall Street Journal reports.
As noted yesterday, the original guidance was not written by CDC scientists and was posted to the agency’s website despite their serious objections.
Washington Post: “The guidance posted Friday essentially reverts to the CDC’s original recommendation that all people who have had close contact with a person with documented coronavirus infection need to be tested.”


politicalwire--2020-09-18--Judge Rules Michigan Must Accept Late Ballots

“ A Court of Claims judge ruled that Michigan clerks must accept late ballots so long as they are postmarked @ @ @ @ @ and received before the deadline for certifying election results , or 14 days after the @ @ @ @ @ News reports .


politicalwire--2020-09-18--Trump Announces $13 Billion In Aid to Puerto Rico

“ The Trump administration on Friday announced $ 13 billion in additional aid to Puerto Rico to help with rebuilding @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Hurricane Maria , ” CNN reports .
“ The move is likely an @ @ @ @ @ Rican voters who moved to the battleground state of Florida after the hurricane struck the @ @ @ @

“The Trump administration on Friday announced $13 billion in additional aid to Puerto Rico to help with rebuilding in the aftermath of 2017’s Hurricane Maria,” CNN reports.
“The move is likely an attempt to appeal to Puerto Rican voters who moved to the battleground state of Florida after the hurricane struck the US territory.”


politicalwire--2020-09-18--House Republicans Cancel Ad Buy In Houston Area

“ The National Republican Congressional Committee has canceled about $ 2 million worth of advertising it had reserved for campaigning @ @ @ @ @ , ” the Texas Tribune reports .
“ The Houston region is home to several @ @ @ @ @

“The National Republican Congressional Committee has canceled about $2 million worth of advertising it had reserved for campaigning in the Houston television market,” the Texas Tribune reports.
“The Houston region is home to several contested congressional elections.”


politicalwire--2020-09-18--Majority Plan to Vote Before Election Day

A new AP-NORC poll finds 54 % of voters say they will vote before Election Day .
In 2016 , @ @ @ @ @ did so .

A new AP-NORC poll finds 54% of voters say they will vote before Election Day.
In 2016, roughly 42% of voters did so.


politicalwire--2020-09-19--Ex-White House Aide Warns Trump Is a Sociopath

Jonathan Chait : “ A procession of former Trump administration officials , speaking both on and off the record , have depicted the president as fundamentally unfit for office .
Yesterday , the latest addition to their ranks , former Mike Pence aide Olivia Troye , put an especially fine point on the indictment .
President Trump displayed ‘ flat-out disregard for human life . '
” “ Even by the hyperinflated standards of the Trump era , disregard for human life is an extraordinarily serious charge .
The most basic trait any president must have , below even simple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to safeguard the well-being of the public .
Almost anybody would agree that a president who simply does not care if Americans die is morally disqualified from office .
But there is plenty of available evidence to support it… ” “ There ’ s a term for a person who views other humans purely as instruments for his own advancement , and is unable to conceive of the idea of caring about them independent of his own self-interest : sociopath .
The United States has had some terrible presidents before , but probably @ @ @ @ @ @ @ own aides warn the public that he does not care if the people he is tasked with helping live or die , we should take their warnings with the utmost seriousness .
”

Jonathan Chait: “A procession of former Trump administration officials, speaking both on and off the record, have depicted the president as fundamentally unfit for office. Yesterday, the latest addition to their ranks, former Mike Pence aide Olivia Troye, put an especially fine point on the indictment. President Trump displayed ‘flat-out disregard for human life.'”
“Even by the hyperinflated standards of the Trump era, disregard for human life is an extraordinarily serious charge. The most basic trait any president must have, below even simple competence and honesty, is a desire to safeguard the well-being of the public. Almost anybody would agree that a president who simply does not care if Americans die is morally disqualified from office. But there is plenty of available evidence to support it…”
“There’s a term for a person who views other humans purely as instruments for his own advancement, and is unable to conceive of the idea of caring about them independent of his own self-interest: sociopath. The United States has had some terrible presidents before, but probably never a sociopathic one. When his own aides warn the public that he does not care if the people he is tasked with helping live or die, we should take their warnings with the utmost seriousness.”


politicalwire--2020-09-19--Obama Urges GOP to Apply Rules with Consistency

“ Four and a half years ago , when Republicans refused to hold a hearing or an up-or-down vote on @ @ @ @ @ the principle that the Senate shouldn ’ t fill an open seat on the Supreme @ @ @ @ @ was sworn in.
” “ A basic principle of the law — and of everyday @ @ @ @ @ apply rules with consistency , and not based on what ’ s convenient or advantageous @ @ @ @ @ The rule of law , the legitimacy of our courts , the fundamental workings of @ @ @ @ @ that basic principle .
As votes are already being cast in this election , Republican @ @ @ @ @ apply that standard .
”

Barack Obama, quoted by NBC News:
“Four and a half years ago, when Republicans refused to hold a hearing or an up-or-down vote on Merrick Garland, they invented the principle that the Senate shouldn’t fill an open seat on the Supreme Court before a new president was sworn in.”
“A basic principle of the law — and of everyday fairness — is that we apply rules with consistency, and not based on what’s convenient or advantageous in the moment.”
“The rule of law, the legitimacy of our courts, the fundamental workings of our democracy all depend on that basic principle. As votes are already being cast in this election, Republican Senators are now called to apply that standard.”


politicalwire--2020-09-19--Voters Want Biden to Pick New Justice

Voters Want Biden to Pick New Justice

New York Times : “ In Times/Siena polls of Maine , North Carolina and Arizona released Friday , voters preferred @ @ @ @ @ next Supreme Court justice by 12 percentage points , 53 % to 41 % .
@ @ @ @ @ states , Mr. Biden led by just a slightly wider margin on choosing the next @ @ @ @ @ all.
” “ Similarly , a Fox News poll last week found that voters nationwide @ @ @ @ @ Trump — by seven points — to nominate the next Supreme Court justice .
”

New York Times: “In Times/Siena polls of Maine, North Carolina and Arizona released Friday, voters preferred Mr. Biden to select the next Supreme Court justice by 12 percentage points, 53% to 41%. In each of the three states, Mr. Biden led by just a slightly wider margin on choosing the next justice than he did over all.”
“Similarly, a Fox News poll last week found that voters nationwide trusted Mr. Biden over Mr. Trump — by seven points — to nominate the next Supreme Court justice.”


politicalwire--2020-09-19--Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day

“ My most fervent wish is that I will not be replaced until a new president is installed.
” — @ @ @ @ @ quoted by NPR , just before she died .

“My most fervent wish is that I will not be replaced until a new president is installed.”
— Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, quoted by NPR, just before she died.


politicalwire--2020-09-19--4 GOP Senators Said They Would Not Confirm New Justice

CNN lists four Republicans senators who have said they will oppose a vote on a new Supreme Court justice just @ @ @ @ @ Susan Collins to the New York Times : “ I think that ’ s too @ @ @ @ @ ” Sen. Lindsey Graham in October 2018 : “ If an opening comes in the @ @ @ @ @ ’ s term , and the primary process has started , we ’ ll wait @ @ @ @ @ And I ’ ve got a pretty good chance of being the Judiciary Chairman .
@ @ @ @ @ Chuck Grassley said in July he would follow the Biden rule : “ I ’ @ @ @ @ @ established by the Biden Rule in 1986 and then emphasized by him in 1992… They @ @ @ @ @ didn ’ t set the pattern .
But it was very legitimate that you can @ @ @ @ @ for Democratic presidents and another rule for Republican presidents .
”

CNN lists four Republicans senators who have said they will oppose a vote on a new Supreme Court justice just before the election:
Sen. Susan Collins to the New York Times: “I think that’s too close, I really do.”
Sen. Lisa Murkowski in September: “Fair is fair.”
Sen. Lindsey Graham in October 2018: “If an opening comes in the last year of President Trump’s term, and the primary process has started, we’ll wait to the next election. And I’ve got a pretty good chance of being the Judiciary Chairman. Hold the tape.”
Sen. Chuck Grassley said in July he would follow the Biden rule: “I’m just following what was established by the Biden Rule in 1986 and then emphasized by him in 1992… They set the pattern. I didn’t set the pattern. But it was very legitimate that you can’t have one rule for Democratic presidents and another rule for Republican presidents.”


politicalwire--2020-09-19--Trump to Nominate New Justice Within Days

“ My most fervent wish is that I will not be replaced until a new president is installed.
” — @ @ @ @ @ quoted by NPR , just before she died .
Save…


politicalwire--2020-09-19--How Democrats Should Handle the Court Vacancy

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politicalwire--2020-09-20--‘Nothing Is Off the Table’

‘Nothing Is Off the Table’

Politico : “ The looming battle over President Trump ’ s upcoming Supreme Court nominee to replace the late Justice @ @ @ @ @ turning into an ugly partisan brawl , with Senate Democrats warning they ’ ll retaliate @ @ @ @ @ the chamber and White House on Nov. 3.
” “ Even more than the 2018 @ @ @ @ @ s nomination to the high court , Democrats say the fallout from Senate Majority Leader @ @ @ @ @ to quickly push through a new justice — who could then be confirmed this year @ @ @ @ @ lead to permanent consequences for the institution.
” Warned Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer ( @ @ @ @ @ me be clear : if Leader McConnell and Senate Republicans move forward with this , @ @ @ @ @ table for next year .
Nothing is off the table.
” Earlier for members : @ @ @ @ @ Court Vacancy

Politico: “The looming battle over President Trump’s upcoming Supreme Court nominee to replace the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is already turning into an ugly partisan brawl, with Senate Democrats warning they’ll retaliate if they win control of the chamber and White House on Nov. 3.”
“Even more than the 2018 crisis surrounding Brett Kavanaugh’s nomination to the high court, Democrats say the fallout from Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s effort to quickly push through a new justice — who could then be confirmed this year by the Senate — could lead to permanent consequences for the institution.”
Warned Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY): “Let me be clear: if Leader McConnell and Senate Republicans move forward with this, then nothing is off the table for next year. Nothing is off the table.”
Earlier for members: How Democrats Should Handle the Court Vacancy


politicalwire--2020-09-20--McConnell Urges GOP Senators to Be Cautious

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell ( R-KY ) wrote to Republican senators and urged caution in how they answer questions @ @ @ @ @ Ginsburg ’ s replacement on the Supreme Court : “ This is not the time @ @ @ @ @ a position you may later regret… I urge you all to be cautious and keep @ @ @ @ @ return to Washington .
”

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) wrote to Republican senators and urged caution in how they answer questions about voting on Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s replacement on the Supreme Court:
“This is not the time to prematurely lock yourselves into a position you may later regret… I urge you all to be cautious and keep your powder dry until we return to Washington.”


politicalwire--2020-09-20--Trump Will Nominate New Justice Next Week

“ President Trump said on Saturday that he expected to nominate a candidate to replace Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg on @ @ @ @ @ , and that his selection would ‘ most likely ’ be a woman , ” @ @ @ @ @ .
Said Trump : “ I would say that a woman would be in first @ @ @ @ @ choice of a woman I would say would certainly be appropriate.
” He later confirmed @ @ @ @ @ woman : “ I will put forward a nominee next week .
It will be @ @ @ @ @ Street Journal has a list of Trump ’ s potential picks .

“President Trump said on Saturday that he expected to nominate a candidate to replace Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg on the Supreme Court next week, and that his selection would ‘most likely’ be a woman,” the New York Times reports.
Said Trump: “I would say that a woman would be in first place. Yes, the choice of a woman I would say would certainly be appropriate.”
He later confirmed his pick would be a woman: “I will put forward a nominee next week. It will be a woman.”
The Wall Street Journal has a list of Trump’s potential picks.


politicalwire--2020-09-20--Biden Leads In Pennsylvania

Biden Leads In Pennsylvania

A new Pew Research poll finds the share of Americans who say they would get vaccinated for the coronavirus has @ @ @ @ @ of U.S. adults now say they would…

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


politicalwire--2020-09-20--RBG and the Politics of Loss

RBG and the Politics of Loss

The following post for members is by Leonard Steinhorn, Professor of Communication and History at American University and a former political speechwriter.
When candidate Donald Trump issued his list of prospective Supreme Court justices four years ago, that signaled to conservatives and evangelicals that he was on their side — and it galvanized their support for his candidacy. President Trump today may be thinking that the opportunity he now has to replace Ruth Bader Ginsburg with her ideological opposite may once again turbocharge his election prospects. Political psychology suggests otherwise.


politicalwire--2020-09-20--Extra Bonus Quote of the Day

Extra Bonus Quote of the Day

“ There ’ s no doubt everything will be sort of on the table if we ’ re thrown into @ @ @ @ @ ’ t trust somebody ’ s word and precedents get changed at will to fit @ @ @ @ @ ” — Sen. Chris Murphy ( D-CT ) , quoted by the Washington Post , @ @ @ @ @ Graham ’ s decision to go back on what he said in 2018 about not @ @ @ @ @ Court justice in an election year ,

“There’s no doubt everything will be sort of on the table if we’re thrown into a world where you can’t trust somebody’s word and precedents get changed at will to fit your priorities of the moment.”
— Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT), quoted by the Washington Post, in response to Sen. Lindsey Graham’s decision to go back on what he said in 2018 about not voting to confirm a Supreme Court justice in an election year,


politicalwire--2020-09-19--Greenfield Leads In Iowa

Greenfield Leads In Iowa

A new Des Moines Register poll in Iowa finds Theresa Greenfield ( D ) leading Sen. Joni Ernst ( R @ @ @ @ @ race , 45 % to 42 % .
The results are largely unchanged since June @ @ @ @ @ Selzer : “ I will admit to some skepticism about the numbers that we saw @ @ @ @ @ so close to the primary and Theresa Greenfield was relatively unknown .
But she is @ @ @ @ @ I think that says something about Joni Ernst ’ s vulnerability .
”

A new Des Moines Register poll in Iowa finds Theresa Greenfield (D) leading Sen. Joni Ernst (R) in the U.S. Senate race, 45% to 42%.
The results are largely unchanged since June.
Said pollster J. Ann Selzer: “I will admit to some skepticism about the numbers that we saw in June because we were so close to the primary and Theresa Greenfield was relatively unknown. But she is holding her own, and I think that says something about Joni Ernst’s vulnerability.”


politicalwire--2020-09-19--Collins Opposes Confirmation Vote Before Election

Sen. Susan Collins ( R-ME ) said that she was opposed to holding a vote on President Trump ’ s @ @ @ @ @ November election , and suggested that were he to lose , his successor should ultimately @ @ @ @ @ Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg , the New York Times reports .
“ It made her @ @ @ @ @ explicitly say , in the aftermath of Justice Ginsburg ’ s death , that she @ @ @ @ @ vote before November 3.
” Senate Majority Leading Mitch McConnell ( R-KY ) can afford @ @ @ @ @ three Republicans .

Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) said that she was opposed to holding a vote on President Trump’s Supreme Court nominee before the November election, and suggested that were he to lose, his successor should ultimately choose a nominee to replace Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the New York Times reports.
“It made her the first Republican senator to explicitly say, in the aftermath of Justice Ginsburg’s death, that she would not support such a vote before November 3.”
Senate Majority Leading Mitch McConnell (R-KY) can afford to lose no more than three Republicans.


politicalwire--2020-09-19--All South Carolina Voters May Cast Vote by Mail


politicalwire--2020-09-19--Democrats Shatter Online Donations Record

“ Democratic donors gave more money online in the 9 p.m. hour Friday after Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg ’ s @ @ @ @ @ 6.2 million — than in any other single hour since ActBlue , the donation-processing site @ @ @ @ @ ago , ” the New York Times reports .
“ Then donors broke the site @ @ @ @ @ the 10 p.m. hour when donors gave another $ 6.3 million — more than $ @ @ @ @ @

“Democratic donors gave more money online in the 9 p.m. hour Friday after Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s death was announced — $6.2 million — than in any other single hour since ActBlue, the donation-processing site, was started 16 years ago,” the New York Times reports.
“Then donors broke the site’s record again in the 10 p.m. hour when donors gave another $6.3 million — more than $100,000 per minute.”


politicalwire--2020-09-19--How YouTube Fought Conspiracy Theories

How YouTube Fought Conspiracy Theories

Wired : “ It was as if YouTube had flipped a switch .
In a way , it had .
@ @ @ @ @ small army of algorithmic tweaks , deployed beginning in 2019 .
Flat-earther Mark Sargent ’ @ @ @ @ @ accounts to feel the effects of a grand YouTube project to teach its recommendation AI @ @ @ @ @ mindset and demote it.
” “ It was a complex feat of engineering , and @ @ @ @ @ is less likely now to promote misinformation .
But in a country where conspiracies are @ @ @ @ @ himself—even the best AI can ’ t fix what ’ s broken .
”

Wired: “It was as if YouTube had flipped a switch. In a way, it had. Scores of them, really—a small army of algorithmic tweaks, deployed beginning in 2019. Flat-earther Mark Sargent’s was among the first accounts to feel the effects of a grand YouTube project to teach its recommendation AI how to recognize the conspiratorial mindset and demote it.”
“It was a complex feat of engineering, and it worked; the algorithm is less likely now to promote misinformation. But in a country where conspiracies are recommended everywhere—including by the president himself—even the best AI can’t fix what’s broken.”


politicalwire--2020-09-19--Americans Now Divided on Whether to Get Vaccine

A new Pew Research poll finds the share of Americans who say they would get vaccinated for the coronavirus has @ @ @ @ @ of U.S. adults now say they would definitely or probably get a vaccine if it @ @ @ @ @ % say they definitely or probably would not get vaccinated .
Intent to get a @ @ @ @ @ % in May , a 21 point drop .

A new Pew Research poll finds the share of Americans who say they would get vaccinated for the coronavirus has declined sharply: 51% of U.S. adults now say they would definitely or probably get a vaccine if it were available today; 49% say they definitely or probably would not get vaccinated.
Intent to get a vaccine has fallen from 72% in May, a 21 point drop.


politicalwire--2020-09-19--Does Joe Biden Have a Latino-Voter Problem?

The Atlantic : “ Even more concerning for Democrats is that young Latino men born in the United States seem @ @ @ @ @ , intrigued perhaps by the president ’ s business persona .
No single group has @ @ @ @ @ for Trump than Latino men under the age of 50.
” “ Unlike the Cuban @ @ @ @ @ confined almost entirely to Florida , this appears to be a national phenomenon .
In @ @ @ @ @ only half of Latino men under 50 say they will vote for Biden , far @ @ @ @ @ percent of young Latina women .
Among older Latinos in Arizona , there is practically @ @ @ @ @ female preferences .
”

The Atlantic: “Even more concerning for Democrats is that young Latino men born in the United States seem to be inching toward Trump, intrigued perhaps by the president’s business persona. No single group has posted a larger statistical bump for Trump than Latino men under the age of 50.”
“Unlike the Cuban American phenomenon, which is confined almost entirely to Florida, this appears to be a national phenomenon. In Arizona, for example, only half of Latino men under 50 say they will vote for Biden, far fewer than the nearly 70 percent of young Latina women. Among older Latinos in Arizona, there is practically no difference between male and female preferences.”


politicalwire--2020-09-19--U.S. Pushes Large Arms Sale to Taiwan

U.S. Pushes Large Arms Sale to Taiwan

“ The Trump administration is pushing the sale of seven large packages of weapons to Taiwan , including long-range missiles @ @ @ @ @ to hit distant Chinese targets in the event of a conflict , ” the New @ @ @ @ @ If approved by Congress , the packages , valued in the billions , would be @ @ @ @ @ transfers in recent years to Taiwan .
The administration plans to informally notify lawmakers of @ @ @ @ @ ”

“The Trump administration is pushing the sale of seven large packages of weapons to Taiwan, including long-range missiles that would allow Taiwanese jets to hit distant Chinese targets in the event of a conflict,” the New York Times reports.
“If approved by Congress, the packages, valued in the billions, would be one of the largest weapons transfers in recent years to Taiwan. The administration plans to informally notify lawmakers of the sales within weeks.”
Bloomberg: China launches military drills in Taiwan strait.


politicalwire--2020-09-19--Democrats Have Built a Vote-by-Mail Lead In Florida

Politico : “ Democrats in Florida , a must-win state for President Trump , have requested roughly 730,000 more election @ @ @ @ @ election than Republicans , who have seen their traditional vote-by-mail dominance eroded by the president @ @ @ @ @ it as a vehicle for widespread fraud.
” “ That ’ s a departure from @ @ @ @ @ a million Republicans requested ballots compared to fewer than 882,000 Democrats… Top of mind for @ @ @ @ @ : A request for a mail ballot does not equate to a ballot cast .
@

Politico: “Democrats in Florida, a must-win state for President Trump, have requested roughly 730,000 more election ballots ahead of the general election than Republicans, who have seen their traditional vote-by-mail dominance eroded by the president’s efforts to brand it as a vehicle for widespread fraud.”
“That’s a departure from four years ago, when a million Republicans requested ballots compared to fewer than 882,000 Democrats… Top of mind for Democrats is one simple truth: A request for a mail ballot does not equate to a ballot cast.”


politicalwire--2020-09-19--Bonus Quote of the Day

Bonus Quote of the Day

“ If an opening comes in the last year of President Trump ’ s term , and the primary process @ @ @ @ @ ll wait to the next election.
” — Sen. Lindsey Graham ( R-SC ) , @ @ @ @ @ filling a Supreme Court vacancy just before an election .

“If an opening comes in the last year of President Trump’s term, and the primary process is started, we’ll wait to the next election.”
— Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), speaking in October 2018 on filling a Supreme Court vacancy just before an election.


politicalwire--2020-09-19--Trump Says Branstad Is Coming Home to Campaign


politicalwire--2020-09-19--The Aides and Former Allies Who Have Broken with Trump

Aaron Blake : “ As the 2020 election draws near , it seems that every few days brings a new @ @ @ @ @ — or even , in a couple of cases , a family member — speaking @ @ @ @ @ Trump and the White House have continually dismissed these voices as disgruntled ones .
But @ @ @ @ @ is without precedent in recent American history .
Put plainly : You don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ Joe Biden allies making similar cases again Trump ’ s 2020 opponent .
Some of @ @ @ @ @ are making their first forays into the national spotlight and inviting attacks in ways that @ @ @ @ @ come to their decisions lightly.
” “ Given the growing onslaught of internal critics , @ @ @ @ @ keep them all straight .
So let ’ s recap them .
”

Aaron Blake: “As the 2020 election draws near, it seems that every few days brings a new former Trump ally or adviser — or even, in a couple of cases, a family member — speaking out against him.”
“Trump and the White House have continually dismissed these voices as disgruntled ones. But the sheer volume of them is without precedent in recent American history. Put plainly: You don’t see a bunch of former Joe Biden allies making similar cases again Trump’s 2020 opponent. Some of the critics such as Troye are making their first forays into the national spotlight and inviting attacks in ways that suggest they didn’t come to their decisions lightly.”
“Given the growing onslaught of internal critics, it can be difficult to keep them all straight. So let’s recap them.”


politicalwire--2020-09-20--Big Majority Have No Confidence In Trump on Vaccine

As President Trump continues to tout the progress of coronavirus vaccine development , going so far this week as to @ @ @ @ @ the U.S. by next spring , 69 % of Americans report having no confidence at @ @ @ @ @ the safety of a potential inoculation , according to a ABC News/Ipsos poll .

As President Trump continues to tout the progress of coronavirus vaccine development, going so far this week as to promise delivery to everyone in the U.S. by next spring, 69% of Americans report having no confidence at all in him to confirm the safety of a potential inoculation, according to a ABC News/Ipsos poll.


politicalwire--2020-09-20--Trump Mocks MSNBC Anchor for Getting Shot

President Trump mocked an American news anchor for being shot with a rubber bullet during George Floyd protests in May @ @ @ @ @ beautiful sight ” during a political rally in Minnesota , CNN reports .
Said Trump @ @ @ @ @ guy Velshi .
He got hit in the knee with a canister of tear gas @ @ @ @ @ He was down .
‘ My knee , my knee.
’ Nobody cared , these @ @ @ @ @ , they moved him aside .
And they just walked right through.
” He added @ @ @ @ @ most beautiful thing .
No , because after we take all that crap for weeks @ @ @ @ @ finally see men get up there and go right through them , wasn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ ?
It ’ s called law and order .
”

President Trump mocked an American news anchor for being shot with a rubber bullet during George Floyd protests in May, calling it a “beautiful sight” during a political rally in Minnesota, CNN reports.
Said Trump: “I remember this guy Velshi. He got hit in the knee with a canister of tear gas and he went down. He was down. ‘My knee, my knee.’ Nobody cared, these guys didn’t care, they moved him aside. And they just walked right through.”
He added: “It was the most beautiful thing. No, because after we take all that crap for weeks and weeks, and you finally see men get up there and go right through them, wasn’t it really a beautiful sight? It’s called law and order.”


politicalwire--2020-09-20--Montana Senate Race Is Close

Montana Senate Race Is Close

A new New York Times/Siena College poll in Montana shows Sen. Steve Daines ( R ) just ahead of Steve @ @ @ @ @ the U.S. Senate race , 45 % to 44 % .
The Green Party candidate @ @ @ @ @ he will no longer appear on the ballot .

A new New York Times/Siena College poll in Montana shows Sen. Steve Daines (R) just ahead of Steve Bullock (D) in the U.S. Senate race, 45% to 44%.
The Green Party candidate got 3.5%, but he will no longer appear on the ballot.


politicalwire--2020-09-20--Biden Will Make Supreme Court Fight About Health Care

New York Times : “ Now , confronted with a moment that many believe will upend the 2020 election — @ @ @ @ @ Bader Ginsburg and the prospect of a bitter Supreme Court confirmation battle — Mr. Biden @ @ @ @ @ to what it believes is a winning strategy .
Campaign aides said Saturday they would @ @ @ @ @ vacancy to the health emergency gripping the country and the future of health care in @ @ @ @ @ fights have long centered on hot-button cultural divides such as guns and especially abortion , @ @ @ @ @ least at the start , plans to chiefly focus on protecting the Affordable Care Act @ @ @ @ @ coverage for people with pre-existing conditions .
”

New York Times: “Now, confronted with a moment that many believe will upend the 2020 election — the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and the prospect of a bitter Supreme Court confirmation battle — Mr. Biden’s campaign is sticking to what it believes is a winning strategy. Campaign aides said Saturday they would seek to link the court vacancy to the health emergency gripping the country and the future of health care in America.”
“While confirmation fights have long centered on hot-button cultural divides such as guns and especially abortion, the Biden campaign, at least at the start, plans to chiefly focus on protecting the Affordable Care Act and its popular guarantee of coverage for people with pre-existing conditions.”


politicalwire--2020-09-20--How Republicans Should Handle the Court Vacancy

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politicalwire--2020-09-22--Trump Again Questions Ginsburg’s Dying Wish

President Trump suggested for the second time on Monday that Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg did not actually tell @ @ @ @ @ wish was to “ not be replaced until a new president is installed , ” @ @ @ @ @ too convenient , ” Politico reports .

President Trump suggested for the second time on Monday that Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg did not actually tell her granddaughter that her dying wish was to “not be replaced until a new president is installed,” claiming it is “just too convenient,” Politico reports.


politicalwire--2020-09-22--Betsy DeVos Under Investigation

Betsy DeVos Under Investigation

Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos is under investigation for potentially violating the Hatch Act , a federal law that prohibits @ @ @ @ @ political activity while on duty , Politico reports .
DeVos slammed Joe Biden in a @ @ @ @ @ agency promoted it through official channels .

Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos is under investigation for potentially violating the Hatch Act, a federal law that prohibits civil servants from engaging in political activity while on duty, Politico reports.
DeVos slammed Joe Biden in a Fox News interview and her agency promoted it through official channels.


politicalwire--2020-09-22--Trump Campaign Itching for a Culture-War Fight

Gabriel Sherman : “ With 43 days left until the election , Trump is itching for a fight as he @ @ @ @ @ Bader Ginsburg ’ s seat.
” Said one GOP source : “ This nomination is @ @ @ @ @ ” “ The SCOTUS drama has infused the Trump campaign with renewed optimism after it @ @ @ @ @ of devastating book bombshells , widening polls , and a U.S. coronavirus death toll nearing @ @ @ @ @ after Ginsburg ’ s death , the MAGA faithful were chanting , ‘ Fill that @ @ @ @ @ ’ s North Carolina rally—and the campaign is already selling T-shirts with the slogan .
@ @ @ @ @ Ginsburg ’ s replacement as if he is scripting a new story line in the @ @ @ @ @ producing .
”

Gabriel Sherman: “With 43 days left until the election, Trump is itching for a fight as he moves quickly to fill Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s seat.”
Said one GOP source: “This nomination is a fuck-you to the left.”
“The SCOTUS drama has infused the Trump campaign with renewed optimism after it has been battered by weeks of devastating book bombshells, widening polls, and a U.S. coronavirus death toll nearing 200,000. Just one day after Ginsburg’s death, the MAGA faithful were chanting, ‘Fill that seat!’ at Trump’s North Carolina rally—and the campaign is already selling T-shirts with the slogan. Sources said Trump sees selecting Ginsburg’s replacement as if he is scripting a new story line in the reality show he’s producing.”


politicalwire--2020-09-21--Prosecutor Says Mueller ‘Could Have Done More’

“ A former prosecutor on special counsel Robert Mueller ’ s team writes in a new book that the group @ @ @ @ @ Trump ’ s financial ties and should have stated explicitly that they believed he obstructed @ @ @ @ @ efforts were limited by the ever-present threat of Trump disbanding their office and by their @ @ @ @ @ , ” the Washington Post reports .
“ In an explosive tell-all that offers the @ @ @ @ @ what happened behind the scenes during Mueller ’ s two-year investigation of Russian interference in @ @ @ @ @ Weissmann writes of his frustration that the special counsel failed to subpoena the president and @ @ @ @ @ of incurring Trump ’ s wrath.
” The New York Times has more on the @ @

“A former prosecutor on special counsel Robert Mueller’s team writes in a new book that the group failed to fully investigate President Trump’s financial ties and should have stated explicitly that they believed he obstructed justice, claiming that their efforts were limited by the ever-present threat of Trump disbanding their office and by their own reluctance to be aggressive,” the Washington Post reports.
“In an explosive tell-all that offers the most detailed account yet of what happened behind the scenes during Mueller’s two-year investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 election, Andrew Weissmann writes of his frustration that the special counsel failed to subpoena the president and otherwise pulled punches for fear of incurring Trump’s wrath.”
The New York Times has more on the book.


politicalwire--2020-09-21--Judge Extends Wisconsin Absentee Cutoff

Judge Extends Wisconsin Absentee Cutoff

“ A federal judge ruled Monday that absentee ballots in battleground Wisconsin can be counted up to six days after @ @ @ @ @ as long as they are postmarked by Election Day , ” the AP reports .
@ @ @ @ @ , unless overturned , means that the outcome of the presidential race in Wisconsin might @ @ @ @ @ after polls close .
Under current law , the deadline for returning an absentee ballot @ @ @ @ @ 8 p.m. on Election Day .
”

“A federal judge ruled Monday that absentee ballots in battleground Wisconsin can be counted up to six days after the Nov. 3 presidential election as long as they are postmarked by Election Day,” the AP reports.
“The highly anticipated ruling, unless overturned, means that the outcome of the presidential race in Wisconsin might not be known for days after polls close. Under current law, the deadline for returning an absentee ballot to have it counted is 8 p.m. on Election Day.”


politicalwire--2020-09-21--Grassley Backs Moving Ahead on Nomination

President Trump suggested for the second time on Monday that Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg did not actually tell @ @ @ @ @ wish was to “ not be…


politicalwire--2020-09-21--Trump Rally-Goers Loudly Boo Promotion of Face Masks


politicalwire--2020-09-21--Kudlow Claims U.S. Has Regained Control of Virus

White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow told reporters that the United States had “ regained control of the virus , @ @ @ @ @ Kudlow : “ The USA is in much better position , thankfully .
We ’ @ @ @ @ @ virus , both the cases and the fatalities .
But I think people are worried @ @ @ @ @ rest of Europe as well .
”

White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow told reporters that the United States had “regained control of the virus,” Mediaite reports.
Said Kudlow: “The USA is in much better position, thankfully. We’ve regained control of the virus, both the cases and the fatalities. But I think people are worried about Britain and maybe the rest of Europe as well.”


politicalwire--2020-09-21--Graham Says He Changed His Mind on Confirming Justices

Senate Judiciary Chairman Lindsey Graham ( R-SC ) wrote to Democrats on his committee saying they would move “ expeditiously @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Supreme Court nominee .
Graham said his view of the judicial confirmation process @ @ @ @ @ treatment of Justice Brett Kavanaugh , who was accused of sexual assault but was ultimately @ @ @ @ @ Wrote Graham : “ I am certain if the shoe were on the other foot @ @ @ @ @ same .
”

Senate Judiciary Chairman Lindsey Graham (R-SC) wrote to Democrats on his committee saying they would move “expeditiously” to advance President Trump’s Supreme Court nominee.
Graham said his view of the judicial confirmation process had changed after witnessing the treatment of Justice Brett Kavanaugh, who was accused of sexual assault but was ultimately confirmed by the Senate.
Wrote Graham: “I am certain if the shoe were on the other foot, you would do the same.”


politicalwire--2020-09-21--Trump’s Most Likely Pick

Trump’s Most Likely Pick

“ Donald Trump is moving toward nominating Amy Coney Barrett to replace the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg on the @ @ @ @ @ people familiar with the matter , despite the president saying Monday he ’ s considering @ @ @ @ @ , ” Bloomberg reports .
“ Barrett was at the White House on Monday… She @ @ @ @ @ rights advocates , who are heavily lobbying the White House and Trump personally to nominate @ @ @ @ @ preferred by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell .
”

“Donald Trump is moving toward nominating Amy Coney Barrett to replace the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg on the Supreme Court, according to people familiar with the matter, despite the president saying Monday he’s considering as many as five candidates,” Bloomberg reports.
“Barrett was at the White House on Monday… She is a favorite of anti-abortion rights advocates, who are heavily lobbying the White House and Trump personally to nominate her. She’s preferred by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.”


politicalwire--2020-09-21--A Way to Defuse a Fight Over Raw Power

A Way to Defuse a Fight Over Raw Power

David French : “ Court-packing is dangerous .
Yet if the GOP violates its principles to jam through a nominee @ @ @ @ @ days in office , the pressure from congressional Democrats to pack the court may well @ @ @ @ @ should make a deal with the lame-duck Senate .
Keep the seat open , and @ @ @ @ @ to sign any legislation packing the Supreme Court while he ’ s in office.
” @ @ @ @ @ the ‘ unilateral disarmament ’ so despised by partisans .
It ’ s a compromise @ @ @ @ @ Machiavellianism ( for a moment , at least ) and do something concrete to actually @ @ @ @ @ political conflicts .
America ’ s polarization is growing dangerous .
Political violence stalks our @ @ @ @ @ time for true statesmen to step forward , to put prudence before power , and @ @ @ @ @ ’ t just preserve the legitimacy of the court , it helps preserve the integrity @ @ @ @ @

David French: “Court-packing is dangerous. Yet if the GOP violates its principles to jam through a nominee in Trump’s last days in office, the pressure from congressional Democrats to pack the court may well be overwhelming. So Biden should make a deal with the lame-duck Senate. Keep the seat open, and he’ll pledge not to sign any legislation packing the Supreme Court while he’s in office.”
“This isn’t the ‘unilateral disarmament’ so despised by partisans. It’s a compromise. Both sides would shed Machiavellianism (for a moment, at least) and do something concrete to actually de-escalate America’s toxic political conflicts. America’s polarization is growing dangerous. Political violence stalks our streets. Now is the time for true statesmen to step forward, to put prudence before power, and reach a compromise that doesn’t just preserve the legitimacy of the court, it helps preserve the integrity of our republic.”


politicalwire--2020-09-21--Kamala Harris’ Supreme Opening

Kamala Harris’ Supreme Opening

“ President Trump ’ s Supreme Court plans have created a major opportunity for Sen. Kamala Harris to go on @ @ @ @ @ .
“ A confirmation fight puts Harris back in the spotlight thanks to her role @ @ @ @ @ ” “ Allies still point to her grilling Justice Brett Kavanaugh in 2018 ( clips @ @ @ @ @ millions of views on YouTube ) and they laugh at her ‘ suggested … hinted @ @ @ @ @ with Attorney General William Barr in May regarding the Mueller report.
” “ Those are @ @ @ @ @ can ’ t always learn during debate prep , and allies say they show that @ @ @ @ @ at the clapback — arguing both will serve her well in the Oct. 7 debate @ @ @ @ @ ”

“President Trump’s Supreme Court plans have created a major opportunity for Sen. Kamala Harris to go on offense,” Axios reports.
“A confirmation fight puts Harris back in the spotlight thanks to her role on the Senate Judiciary Committee.”
“Allies still point to her grilling Justice Brett Kavanaugh in 2018 (clips of which have racked up millions of views on YouTube) and they laugh at her ‘suggested … hinted … inferred?’ exchange with Attorney General William Barr in May regarding the Mueller report.”
“Those are the electric moments that you can’t always learn during debate prep, and allies say they show that Harris is meticulous and skilled at the clapback — arguing both will serve her well in the Oct. 7 debate against VP Mike Pence.”


politicalwire--2020-09-21--Trump Could Be Investigated for Tax Fraud

“ The Manhattan district attorney ’ s office , which has been locked in a yearlong legal battle with President @ @ @ @ @ returns , suggested for the first time on Monday that it had grounds to investigate @ @ @ @ @ tax fraud , ” the New York Times reports .
“ The assertion by the @ @ @ @ @ , Cyrus R. Vance Jr. , offered rare insight into the office ’ s investigation @ @ @ @ @ business dealings , which began more than two years ago .
”

“The Manhattan district attorney’s office, which has been locked in a yearlong legal battle with President Trump over obtaining his tax returns, suggested for the first time on Monday that it had grounds to investigate him and his businesses for tax fraud,” the New York Times reports.
“The assertion by the office of the district attorney, Cyrus R. Vance Jr., offered rare insight into the office’s investigation into the president and his business dealings, which began more than two years ago.”


politicalwire--2020-09-21--McConnell Says There’s Enough Time to Confirm Justice

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell ( R-KY ) said in a floor speech Monday that the chamber has “ more @ @ @ @ @ confirm a replacement for Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg before the election , Axios @ @ @ @ @ Democrats of preparing “ an even more appalling sequel ” to the fight over Brett @ @ @ @ @

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) said in a floor speech Monday that the chamber has “more than sufficient time” to confirm a replacement for Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg before the election, Axios reports.
He also accused Democrats of preparing “an even more appalling sequel” to the fight over Brett Kavanaugh’s confirmation.


politicalwire--2020-09-21--‘More Conservative Than Attilla the Hun’

“ Sen .
David Perdue honed his jean-jacketed outsider image with memorable TV spots .
Gov .
Brian Kemp had @ @ @ @ @ Sen. Kelly Loeffler is trying to join the pantheon of provocative Georgia TV ads with @ @ @ @ @ to a feared emperor , ” the Atlanta Journal Constitution reports .
The tagline : @ @ @ @ @ the Hun .
Kelly Loeffler , 100 % Trump voting record .
”

“Sen. David Perdue honed his jean-jacketed outsider image with memorable TV spots. Gov. Brian Kemp had his shotgun splash. Now Sen. Kelly Loeffler is trying to join the pantheon of provocative Georgia TV ads with a new ad comparing her to a feared emperor,” the Atlanta Journal Constitution reports.
The tagline: “More conservative than Attila the Hun. Kelly Loeffler, 100% Trump voting record.”


politicalwire--2020-09-21--Judge Dismisses Trump Challenge to Nevada Mail Ballots

“ In a significant setback for the Trump campaign in the battleground state of Nevada , a federal judge has @ @ @ @ @ the campaign over the state ’ s new mail-in voting law , ” CNN reports @ @ @ @ @ passed law all active voters receive a mail-in ballot , whether they ask for one @ @ @ @

“In a significant setback for the Trump campaign in the battleground state of Nevada, a federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit brought by the campaign over the state’s new mail-in voting law,” CNN reports.
“Under the recently passed law all active voters receive a mail-in ballot, whether they ask for one or not.”


politicalwire--2020-09-21--Huge Mail Slowdowns After Trump Ally Took Office

The Guardian : “ Of note , some areas in key swing states saw significant declines in on-time delivery rates @ @ @ @ @ the postal district for northern Ohio , on-time delivery rates dropped as low as 63.60 @ @ @ @ @ In the Detroit postal district , on-time delivery fell to 61.01 % the same month… @ @ @ @ @ s changes have been paused until after the election , the new data shows that @ @ @ @ @ be delivered late across the country after his reversal .
In the Baltimore postal district @ @ @ @ @ on-time delivery rate remained at less than 60 % at the end of August .
@

The Guardian: “Of note, some areas in key swing states saw significant declines in on-time delivery rates of first-class mail. In the postal district for northern Ohio, on-time delivery rates dropped as low as 63.60% in mid August. In the Detroit postal district, on-time delivery fell to 61.01% the same month…”
“Although DeJoy’s changes have been paused until after the election, the new data shows that first class mail continued to be delivered late across the country after his reversal. In the Baltimore postal district, for example, the on-time delivery rate remained at less than 60% at the end of August.”


politicalwire--2020-09-21--McConnell Suggests He’ll Oppose Democratic Funding Bill


politicalwire--2020-09-21--Post-Election Legal Fights Could Be Epic

Jeffrey Toobin : “ The norms of political conduct , already fading at the turn of the century , now @ @ @ @ @ .
As a result , the aftermath of the 2020 election has the potential to @ @ @ @ @ mere skirmish .
”

Jeffrey Toobin: “The norms of political conduct, already fading at the turn of the century, now seem to have disappeared altogether. As a result, the aftermath of the 2020 election has the potential to make 2000 look like a mere skirmish.”


politicalwire--2020-09-21--Democrats Propose to Fund Government Past Election

“ House Democrats on Monday released their proposal for short-term legislation to fund the government through December 11 , ” @ @ @ @ @ is Congress ’ chief legislative focus before the election .
They must pass a continuing @ @ @ @ @ 1 to avoid a government shutdown — something both Hill leaders and the White House @ @ @ @ @ table .
”

“House Democrats on Monday released their proposal for short-term legislation to fund the government through December 11,” Axios reports.
“This is Congress’ chief legislative focus before the election. They must pass a continuing resolution before midnight on Oct. 1 to avoid a government shutdown — something both Hill leaders and the White House have claimed is off the table.”


politicalwire--2020-09-22--13 Nobel Prize-Winning Economists Back Biden

Joe Biden ’ s campaign released a letter signed by 13 winners of the Nobel Prize in economics who say @ @ @ @ @ different , they all think his policies “ will result in economic growth that is @ @ @ @ @ and more equitable .
”

Joe Biden’s campaign released a letter signed by 13 winners of the Nobel Prize in economics who say that while their views are different, they all think his policies “will result in economic growth that is faster, more robust, and more equitable.”


politicalwire--2020-09-22--New Pandemic Relief Bill Is Likely Dead

New Pandemic Relief Bill Is Likely Dead

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

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


politicalwire--2020-09-22--When McConnell Will Call a Vote

When McConnell Will Call a Vote

Playbook : “ In considering when a Supreme Court nominee will get a floor vote , think of this : @ @ @ @ @ has the votes — and not a minute sooner , or later .
There is @ @ @ @ @ White House and Capitol Hill to hold the vote before the election — and that @ @ @ @ @ the votes , which he appears to be racking up quickly.
” Washington Post : @ @ @ @ @ the president told others on Monday that he was leaning toward Amy Coney Barrett — @ @ @ @ @ off attacks on her religion during her appeals court confirmation hearing — because it would @ @ @ @ @ particularly evangelical voters .
”

Playbook: “In considering when a Supreme Court nominee will get a floor vote, think of this: McConnell will move when he has the votes — and not a minute sooner, or later. There is a genuine desire in the White House and Capitol Hill to hold the vote before the election — and that will happen if McConnell has the votes, which he appears to be racking up quickly.”
Washington Post: “Two Trump advisers said the president told others on Monday that he was leaning toward Amy Coney Barrett — a Catholic conservative who fended off attacks on her religion during her appeals court confirmation hearing — because it would help with his base, particularly evangelical voters.”


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

Dead Heat In Iowa