politicalwire--2020-05-01--Biden Leads In Michigan

Biden Leads In Michigan

A new Public Policy Polling survey in Michigan finds Joe Biden leading Donald Trump in the presidential race , 50 @ @ @ @ @ 8 % still undecided .
Trump ’ s approval rate in the state is 43 @ @ @ @ @

A new Public Policy Polling survey in Michigan finds Joe Biden leading Donald Trump in the presidential race, 50% to 42% with 8% still undecided.
Trump’s approval rate in the state is 43% to 51%.


politicalwire--2020-05-01--Documents Hint at Israeli Efforts to Help Trump In 2016

Roger Stone was in contact with one or more apparently well-connected Israelis at the height of the 2016 presidential campaign @ @ @ @ @ Stone that Trump was “ going to be defeated unless we intervene ” and promised @ @ @ @ @ , ” the Times of Israel reports .
“ The exchange between Stone and this @ @ @ @ @ documents made public on Tuesday .
”

Roger Stone was in contact with one or more apparently well-connected Israelis at the height of the 2016 presidential campaign, one of whom warned Stone that Trump was “going to be defeated unless we intervene” and promised “we have critical intel,” the Times of Israel reports.
“The exchange between Stone and this Jerusalem-based contact appears in FBI documents made public on Tuesday.”


politicalwire--2020-05-01--U.S. Ordered Over 100K Body Bags for Victims

“ The federal government placed orders for well over 100,000 new body bags to hold victims of COVID-19 in April @ @ @ @ @ .
“ The biggest set was earmarked for purchase the day after President Donald Trump @ @ @ @ @ toll from the coronavirus might not exceed 50,000 or 60,000 people .
”

“The federal government placed orders for well over 100,000 new body bags to hold victims of COVID-19 in April,” NBC News reports.
“The biggest set was earmarked for purchase the day after President Donald Trump projected that the U.S. death toll from the coronavirus might not exceed 50,000 or 60,000 people.”


politicalwire--2020-05-01--Pence Threatens Retaliation Against Reporter

“ Vice President Pence ’ s office has threatened to retaliate against a reporter who revealed that Pence ’ s @ @ @ @ @ would need masks for Pence ’ s visit to the Mayo Clinic — a requirement @ @ @ @ @ , ” the Washington Post reports .
A tweet by Steve Herman “ apparently enraged @ @ @ @ @ which told Herman that he had violated the off-the-record terms of a planning memo that @ @ @ @ @ and other reporters in advance of Pence ’ s trip .
”

“Vice President Pence’s office has threatened to retaliate against a reporter who revealed that Pence’s office had told journalists they would need masks for Pence’s visit to the Mayo Clinic — a requirement Pence himself did not follow,” the Washington Post reports.
A tweet by Steve Herman “apparently enraged Pence’s staff, which told Herman that he had violated the off-the-record terms of a planning memo that had been sent to him and other reporters in advance of Pence’s trip.”


politicalwire--2020-05-02--Trump Projects Return to Normalcy at Official Events

Washington Post : “ The daily images projected a sense of confidence that life , at least for the nation @ @ @ @ @ , is returning to a semblance of normalcy amid the coronavirus pandemic — a visual @ @ @ @ @ conditions are improving as Trump pushes to restart sectors of the economy.
” “ Yet @ @ @ @ @ signaled that he could soon begin regular travel , the reality is that the White @ @ @ @ @ of security that is propped up by special access to the kind of wide-scale covid-19 @ @ @ @ @ nation remains without .
”

Washington Post: “The daily images projected a sense of confidence that life, at least for the nation’s most prominent resident, is returning to a semblance of normalcy amid the coronavirus pandemic — a visual cue to the public that conditions are improving as Trump pushes to restart sectors of the economy.”
“Yet even as Trump aides have signaled that he could soon begin regular travel, the reality is that the White House has created a picture of security that is propped up by special access to the kind of wide-scale covid-19 testing that most of the nation remains without.”


politicalwire--2020-05-01--White House Refuses to Let Fauci Testify

The White House is blocking Dr. Anthony Fauci from testifying before a House subcommittee investigating the coronavirus outbreak and response @ @ @ @ @ be “ counterproductive ” for him to appear next week while in the midst of @ @ @ @ @ s responses to the pandemic , the Washington Post reports .
In fact , Fauci @ @ @ @ @ a Senate hearing related to testing the following week .

The White House is blocking Dr. Anthony Fauci from testifying before a House subcommittee investigating the coronavirus outbreak and response, arguing that it would be “counterproductive” for him to appear next week while in the midst of participating in the government’s responses to the pandemic, the Washington Post reports.
In fact, Fauci is expected to appear at a Senate hearing related to testing the following week.


politicalwire--2020-05-01--Kim Jong Un Appears In Public

Kim Jong Un Appears In Public

North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un has made his first public appearance in 20 days , the AP reports .
@ @ @ @ @ water on a growing list of theories about where Kim might be after reports first @ @ @ @ @ might be in “ grave danger ” following complications from surgery and a missed appearance @ @ @ @ @ celebration for his late grandfather .

North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un has made his first public appearance in 20 days, the AP reports.
Friday’s report threw water on a growing list of theories about where Kim might be after reports first emerged last week that he might be in “grave danger” following complications from surgery and a missed appearance at an April 15 holiday celebration for his late grandfather.


politicalwire--2020-05-01--Kayleigh McEnany’s Pledge Not to Lie Lasted 15 Minutes

Although White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany pledged to reporters to “ never lie to you , ” the Washington @ @ @ @ @ minutes later “ she raised a subject no one had asked about and quickly offered @ @ @ @ @ it.
” “ If her goal was to establish her credibility as press secretary , @ @ @ @ @ to a bad start .
”

Although White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany pledged to reporters to “never lie to you,” the Washington Post reports that just 15 minutes later “she raised a subject no one had asked about and quickly offered an obviously false claim about it.”
“If her goal was to establish her credibility as press secretary, she very quickly got off to a bad start.”


politicalwire--2020-05-01--What the FBI Documents Really Show About Michael Flynn

Lawfare : “ The president may well pardon Flynn , as he has long hinted .
It ’ s possible—though @ @ @ @ @ explain , we think unlikely—that Judge Emmet Sullivan will allow Flynn to withdraw his plea @ @ @ @ @ possible as well that Attorney General Bill Barr , who has already intervened in the @ @ @ @ @ asked a U.S. attorney to review its handling , will intervene once again on Flynn @ @ @ @ @ So far , however , nothing has emerged that remotely clears Flynn ; nothing has @ @ @ @ @ Sullivan to allow him to withdraw his plea ; and nothing has emerged that would @ @ @ @ @ s backing off of the case—or prosecuting it aggressively if Flynn were somehow allowed out @ @ @ @ @ Special Counsel Robert Mueller cut him .
”

Lawfare: “The president may well pardon Flynn, as he has long hinted. It’s possible—though for reasons we’ll explain, we think unlikely—that Judge Emmet Sullivan will allow Flynn to withdraw his plea. And it’s possible as well that Attorney General Bill Barr, who has already intervened in the case once before and has asked a U.S. attorney to review its handling, will intervene once again on Flynn’s behalf.”
“So far, however, nothing has emerged that remotely clears Flynn; nothing has emerged that would require Judge Sullivan to allow him to withdraw his plea; and nothing has emerged that would justify the Justice Department’s backing off of the case—or prosecuting it aggressively if Flynn were somehow allowed out of the very generous deal Special Counsel Robert Mueller cut him.”


politicalwire--2020-05-01--Trump Will Celebrate July 4th at Mount Rushmore

President Trump will reportedly visit Mount Rushmore on July 3 to see the fireworks display he helped facilitate , even @ @ @ @ @ stretches into the summer , Bloomberg reports .

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


politicalwire--2020-05-01--Extra Bonus Quote of the Day

Extra Bonus Quote of the Day

“ I will never lie to you .
You have my word on that .
”


politicalwire--2020-05-01--Hell and Other Destinations

Hell and Other Destinations

Just out : Hell and Other Destinations by former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright .
“ For nearly twenty years @ @ @ @ @ constant motion , navigating half a dozen professions , clashing with presidents and prime ministers @ @ @ @ @ Since leaving the State Department , she has blazed her own trail—and given voice to @ @ @ @ @ , regardless of gender , background , or age .
”

Just out: Hell and Other Destinations by former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright.
“For nearly twenty years, Albright has been in constant motion, navigating half a dozen professions, clashing with presidents and prime ministers, learning every day. Since leaving the State Department, she has blazed her own trail—and given voice to millions who yearn for respect, regardless of gender, background, or age.”


politicalwire--2020-05-01--Trump Calls Anti-Lockdown Protesters ‘Very Good People’

President Trump called the anti-lockdown protesters who rallied in the Michigan state capitol — some of them heavily-armed and many @ @ @ @ @ very good people.
” Said Trump : “ The Governor of Michigan should give a @ @ @ @ @ the fire .
These are very good people , but they are angry .
They @ @ @ @ @ , safely !
See them , talk to them , make a deal .
”

President Trump called the anti-lockdown protesters who rallied in the Michigan state capitol — some of them heavily-armed and many without face masks — “very good people.”
Said Trump: “The Governor of Michigan should give a little, and put out the fire. These are very good people, but they are angry. They want their lives back again, safely! See them, talk to them, make a deal.”


politicalwire--2020-05-01--IRS Mistakenly Sent Stimulus Checks to Foreign Workers

“ Thousands of foreign workers , many living overseas , are receiving stimulus checks designated for U.S. residents due to @ @ @ @ @ taxpayer dollars to other countries , ” Politico reports .


politicalwire--2020-05-01--Woman In New McSally Ad Is Her Former Aide

Sen. Martha McSally ( R-AZ ) “ has a new campaign ad featuring a cancer survivor who talks about how @ @ @ @ @ with McSally , whom she describes as a champion for protecting those with pre-existing medical @ @ @ @ @ Republic reports .
“ The emotional television ad doesn ’ t disclose that the woman @ @ @ @ @ congressional office and as a campaign staffer over the years or that in 2014 she @ @ @ @ @ attacks on the Affordable Care Act and roll its coverage protections back .
”

Sen. Martha McSally (R-AZ) “has a new campaign ad featuring a cancer survivor who talks about how her “path collided” with McSally, whom she describes as a champion for protecting those with pre-existing medical conditions,” the Arizona Republic reports.
“The emotional television ad doesn’t disclose that the woman worked for McSally’s congressional office and as a campaign staffer over the years or that in 2014 she helped defend McSally’s attacks on the Affordable Care Act and roll its coverage protections back.”


politicalwire--2020-05-01--Biden Leads In Pennsylvania

Biden Leads In Pennsylvania

A new Harper Polling ( R ) survey in Pennsylvania finds Joe Biden leading Donald Trump in the presidential race @ @ @ @ @ % with 8 % still undecided .
Also interesting : Biden ’ s lead expands @ @ @ @ @ have been hurt financially by the pandemic , 54 % to 38 % .

A new Harper Polling (R) survey in Pennsylvania finds Joe Biden leading Donald Trump in the presidential race, 49% to 43% with 8% still undecided.
Also interesting: Biden’s lead expands with voters who say they have been hurt financially by the pandemic, 54% to 38%.


politicalwire--2020-05-01--Michael Cohen’s Early Release from Prison Reversed

Michael Cohen , President Trump ’ s former personal lawyer and “ fixer , ” has reportedly had his approval @ @ @ @ @ reversed , ABC News reports .
Separately , Cohen received a letter from lawyers representing @ @ @ @ @ halt writing a “ tell-all book ” about his time working for the president .

Michael Cohen, President Trump’s former personal lawyer and “fixer,” has reportedly had his approval for early release from prison reversed, ABC News reports.
Separately, Cohen received a letter from lawyers representing the Trump Organization demanding Cohen halt writing a “tell-all book” about his time working for the president.


politicalwire--2020-05-01--Trump Campaign Accuses Biden of ‘Double Standard’

The Trump campaign accused Joe Biden of using a double standard when he denied Tara Reade ’ s sexual assault @ @ @ @ @ : “ The double standard exhibited by Biden , prominent liberal women ’ s groups @ @ @ @ @ – some of whom want to be Biden ’ s running mate – is glaring @ @ @ @ @ to stand .
”

The Trump campaign accused Joe Biden of using a double standard when he denied Tara Reade’s sexual assault allegation.
From the statement: “The double standard exhibited by Biden, prominent liberal women’s groups, and Democrat elected officials – some of whom want to be Biden’s running mate – is glaring and cannot be allowed to stand.”


Biden’s Next Campaign

Playbook : “ Another campaign began for Joe Biden this morning .
Not his presidential campaign , which he launched @ @ @ @ @ , or the primary campaign he successfully slogged through over the last three months.
” @ @ @ @ @ of a thoroughly modern variety : litigating a decades-old allegation for which there are likely @ @ @ @ @ side , or hard evidence to convict him or exonerate him .
And the jury @ @ @ @ @ has presided over many public trials about allegations of sexual impropriety in the past few @ @ @ @ @ split about who to believe.
” Washington Post : “ Biden left no room for @ @ @ @ @ even after recent weeks have brought forward new reports with details that could corroborate Reade @ @ @ @ @

Playbook: “Another campaign began for Joe Biden this morning. Not his presidential campaign, which he launched a year ago this week, or the primary campaign he successfully slogged through over the last three months.”
“This is a campaign of a thoroughly modern variety: litigating a decades-old allegation for which there are likely no corroborating witnesses on either side, or hard evidence to convict him or exonerate him. And the jury is an American public that has presided over many public trials about allegations of sexual impropriety in the past few years, and is typically split about who to believe.”
Washington Post: “Biden left no room for nuance about what happened, even after recent weeks have brought forward new reports with details that could corroborate Reade’s account.”


politicalwire--2020-05-01--How Much ‘Good’ News Will Trump Get?

How Much ‘Good’ News Will Trump Get?

A good point from Jonathan Last : “ We ’ re only 26 weeks away from voting .
That ’ @ @ @ @ @ think.
” “ How much news over the next 26 weeks do you think is @ @ @ @ @ for Trump ?
Not ‘ less bad ’ news , but genuinely ‘ good ’ @ @ @

A good point from Jonathan Last: “We’re only 26 weeks away from voting. That’s much closer than you think.”
“How much news over the next 26 weeks do you think is going to be good news for Trump? Not ‘less bad’ news, but genuinely ‘good’ news?”


politicalwire--2020-05-01--General Election Begins with Trump Trailing

Inside Elections : “ Using these toplines from Arizona , Florida , North Carolina , Wisconsin , Michigan , and @ @ @ @ @ Joe Biden by an average of 3.7 points in these battleground states .
Pair that @ @ @ @ @ , and it ’ s clear the incumbent is behind .
”


politicalwire--2020-05-01--Ernst Hides Names of Those Working for Her Campaign

Sen. Joni Ernst ( R-IA ) “ is running for reelection in what will likely be one of the nation @ @ @ @ @ Senate contests this year .
But her campaign has shielded a key bit of financial @ @ @ @ @ public : who she ’ s paying to run her re-election effort , and how @ @ @ @ @ Beast reports .
“ Through a subtle accounting maneuver , Ernst ’ s campaign has @ @ @ @ @ names of the campaign staffers on her payroll , how many of those staffers there @ @ @ @ @ of payments they ’ ve received .
Instead , the campaign appears to have grouped @ @ @ @ @ in large lump-sum payments to a staffing and human resources company it uses to administer @ @ @ @

Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) “is running for reelection in what will likely be one of the nation’s most closely watched Senate contests this year. But her campaign has shielded a key bit of financial information from voters and the public: who she’s paying to run her re-election effort, and how much,” the Daily Beast reports.
“Through a subtle accounting maneuver, Ernst’s campaign has for months avoided reporting the names of the campaign staffers on her payroll, how many of those staffers there are, and the extent of payments they’ve received. Instead, the campaign appears to have grouped all of its employees together in large lump-sum payments to a staffing and human resources company it uses to administer its payroll.”


politicalwire--2020-05-01--New White House Press Secretary to Hold First Briefing

“ President Trump ’ s new spokeswoman , Kayleigh McEnany , is to face reporters for the first time in @ @ @ @ @ on Friday , something her predecessor never did during a nine-month stint as press secretary @ @ @ @ @ .


politicalwire--2020-05-01--Many Very Large Companies Got Small Business Aid

Washington Post : “ Nearly 300 public companies have reported receiving money from the fund , called the Paycheck Protection @ @ @ @ @ with more than 500 workers , the maximum typically allowed by the program .
Several @ @ @ @ @ to pay executives $ 2 million or more.
” “ After the first pool of @ @ @ @ @ , leaving more than 80 percent of applicants without funding , outrage over the millions @ @ @ @ @ larger firms prompted some companies to return the money .
”

Washington Post: “Nearly 300 public companies have reported receiving money from the fund, called the Paycheck Protection Program… Recipients include 43 companies with more than 500 workers, the maximum typically allowed by the program. Several other recipients were prosperous enough to pay executives $2 million or more.”
“After the first pool of $349 billion ran dry, leaving more than 80 percent of applicants without funding, outrage over the millions of dollars that went to larger firms prompted some companies to return the money.”


politicalwire--2020-05-02--Wave of Virus Litigation Hits Businesses

Washington Post : “ Hundreds of lawsuits stemming from the coronavirus pandemic are rapidly amassing in state and federal courts @ @ @ @ @ litigation challenging decisions made early during the crisis by corporations , insurance companies and governments @ @


politicalwire--2020-05-02--As States Begin to Reopen, Many Stay Home

Wall Street Journal : “ South Carolina Gov .
Henry McMaster eased restrictions imposed to slow the spread of the @ @ @ @ @ reopen April 20 .
But a look at traffic congestion and hours worked in South @ @ @ @ @ which lockdowns have eased indicates workers and consumers haven ’ t resumed their pre-pandemic routines.
@ @ @ @ @ in South Carolina and other states is a sobering portent for the country as a @ @ @ @ @ take more than lifting lockdowns for economic activity to rebound.
” “ It also illustrates @ @ @ @ @ ’ influence when residents ’ and businesses ’ behavior depends on their own perceptions of @ @ @ @ @ , activity shut down long before governors issued their stay-at-home proclamations .
The data so @ @ @ @ @ a while after orders are lifted for the economy to pick up again .
”

Wall Street Journal: “South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster eased restrictions imposed to slow the spread of the coronavirus, allowing retailers to reopen April 20. But a look at traffic congestion and hours worked in South Carolina and other states in which lockdowns have eased indicates workers and consumers haven’t resumed their pre-pandemic routines.”
“The early experience in South Carolina and other states is a sobering portent for the country as a whole, suggesting it will take more than lifting lockdowns for economic activity to rebound.”
“It also illustrates the limits of policy makers’ influence when residents’ and businesses’ behavior depends on their own perceptions of risk. In many places, activity shut down long before governors issued their stay-at-home proclamations. The data so far suggest it will take a while after orders are lifted for the economy to pick up again.”
New York Times: Your Life or Your Livelihood: Americans Wrestle with Impossible Choice.


politicalwire--2020-05-02--Some Republicans Seek Distance from Trump

New York Times : “ In an attempt to ensure their contests become referendums on their own responses to the @ @ @ @ @ president ’ s , vulnerable House Republicans are instead brandishing their own independent streaks , @ @ @ @ @ Democrats , doubling down on constituent service and hosting town-hall-style events — avoiding mention of @ @ @ @ @ “ It is an approach that looks familiar to former Representative Carlos Curbelo , Republican @ @ @ @ @ to distance himself from Mr. Trump on immigration and other issues in 2018 as he @ @ @ @ @ seat in a diverse South Florida district , but was swept out in a midterm @ @ @ @ @ of the House .
”

New York Times: “In an attempt to ensure their contests become referendums on their own responses to the virus, rather than the president’s, vulnerable House Republicans are instead brandishing their own independent streaks, playing up their work with Democrats, doubling down on constituent service and hosting town-hall-style events — avoiding mention of Mr. Trump whenever possible.”
“It is an approach that looks familiar to former Representative Carlos Curbelo, Republican of Florida, who tried to distance himself from Mr. Trump on immigration and other issues in 2018 as he fought to hang onto his seat in a diverse South Florida district, but was swept out in a midterm debacle that handed Democrats control of the House.”


politicalwire--2020-05-02--Trump Moves to Replace Watchdog Who Flagged Shortages

“ President Trump moved on Friday night to replace a top official at the Department of Health and Human Services @ @ @ @ @ report last month highlighting supply shortages and testing delays at hospitals during the coronavirus pandemic @ @ @ @ @ Times reports .
“ The White House waited until after business hours to announce the @ @ @ @ @ general for the department who , if confirmed , would take over for Christi Grimm @ @ @ @ @ general who was publicly assailed by the president at a news briefing three weeks ago @ @

“President Trump moved on Friday night to replace a top official at the Department of Health and Human Services who angered him with a report last month highlighting supply shortages and testing delays at hospitals during the coronavirus pandemic,” the New York Times reports.
“The White House waited until after business hours to announce the nomination of a new inspector general for the department who, if confirmed, would take over for Christi Grimm, the principal deputy inspector general who was publicly assailed by the president at a news briefing three weeks ago.”


politicalwire--2020-05-02--Trump Campaign Orders Red Face Masks

Trump Campaign Orders Red Face Masks

The Trump campaign has ordered red , Trump-branded face masks for supporters , the Wall Street Journal reports .
Campaign @ @ @ @ @ the masks at events or in return for donations .


politicalwire--2020-05-02--Top Official Says U.S. Missed Chances to Slow Virus

Dr. Anne Schuchat , the No .
2 official at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , told the @ @ @ @ @ government was slow to understand how much coronavirus was spreading from Europe , which helped @ @ @ @ @ across the nation .
She noted that limited testing and delayed travel alerts for areas @ @ @ @ @ jump in U.S. cases starting in late February .
Said Schuchat : “ We clearly @ @ @ @ @ full importations that were happening .
”

Dr. Anne Schuchat, the No. 2 official at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, told the Associated Press that the federal government was slow to understand how much coronavirus was spreading from Europe, which helped drive the acceleration of outbreaks across the nation.
She noted that limited testing and delayed travel alerts for areas outside China contributed to the jump in U.S. cases starting in late February.
Said Schuchat: “We clearly didn’t recognize the full importations that were happening.”


politicalwire--2020-05-02--Trump Officials Take Harder Actions on China

“ Some top Trump administration officials are moving to take a more aggressive stand against China on economic , diplomatic @ @ @ @ @ heart of the relationship between the world ’ s two superpowers , further fraying ties @ @ @ @ @ point in decades , ” the New York Times reports .

“Some top Trump administration officials are moving to take a more aggressive stand against China on economic, diplomatic and scientific issues at the heart of the relationship between the world’s two superpowers, further fraying ties that have reached their lowest point in decades,” the New York Times reports.


politicalwire--2020-05-02--Official Threatens Expanded Use of Absentee Ballots

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton ( R ) said that election officials in Texas who offer mail ballots to people @ @ @ @ @ qualify but are afraid of catching the coronavirus could be subjected to criminal punishment , @ @ @ @ @ .


politicalwire--2020-05-02--Johnson Says Doctors Had Prepared to Announce His Death

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson told The Sun that doctors prepared to announce his death as he battled coronavirus .
@ @ @ @ @ was a tough old moment , I won ’ t deny it .
They had @ @ @ @ @ a ‘ death of Stalin ’ -type scenario.
” He added : “ I was @ @ @ @ @ and I was aware there were contingency plans in place .
The doctors had all @ @ @ @ @ to do if things went badly wrong .
”

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson told The Sun that doctors prepared to announce his death as he battled coronavirus.
Said Johnson: “It was a tough old moment, I won’t deny it. They had a strategy to deal with a ‘death of Stalin’-type scenario.”
He added: “I was not in particularly brilliant shape and I was aware there were contingency plans in place. The doctors had all sorts of arrangements for what to do if things went badly wrong.”


politicalwire--2020-05-02--Trump Campaign Divided Over Attacking Biden

“ For weeks the Trump reelection effort has diligently cut , catalogued and pushed out viral videos of every verbal @ @ @ @ @ interviews , relentlessly pushing the idea that the presumptive Democratic nominee is mentally unfit for @ @ @ @ @ Washington Post reports .
“ But behind the scenes , the offensive has become a @ @ @ @ @ of President Trump ’ s closest advisers , who have spent weeks debating without resolution @ @ @ @ @ to accomplish the Trump campaign ’ s central goal of tarnishing the Biden brand as @ @ @ @ @ a rocky road to reelection for the president.
” “ Several political advisers , including @ @ @ @ @ Conway , have warned his allies against relentlessly mocking the 77-year-old Biden ’ s mental @ @ @ @ @ already lost ground with senior citizens .
”

“For weeks the Trump reelection effort has diligently cut, catalogued and pushed out viral videos of every verbal stumble Joe Biden makes in interviews, relentlessly pushing the idea that the presumptive Democratic nominee is mentally unfit for the presidency,” the Washington Post reports.
“But behind the scenes, the offensive has become a point of contention among some of President Trump’s closest advisers, who have spent weeks debating without resolution the best message and strategy to accomplish the Trump campaign’s central goal of tarnishing the Biden brand as poll numbers continue to show a rocky road to reelection for the president.”
“Several political advisers, including White House senior aide Kellyanne Conway, have warned his allies against relentlessly mocking the 77-year-old Biden’s mental acuity because the president has already lost ground with senior citizens.”


politicalwire--2020-05-02--McConnell and Pelosi Decline Trump’s Offer of Tests

“ Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued a rare letter jointly rejecting the Trump administration @ @ @ @ @ Capitol Hill with 1,000 rapid-result coronavirus tests , asking that they be prioritized for front-line @ @ @ @ @ Post reports .

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


politicalwire--2020-05-02--Tara Reade Cancels Fox Interview

Tara Reade Cancels Fox Interview

Tara Reade “ abruptly ” cancelled a planned appearance on Fox News Sunday with Chris Wallace , The Atlantic reports @


politicalwire--2020-05-02--Mississippi Governor Backtracks on Plan to Reopen

Mississippi Gov .
Tate Reeves ( R ) backtracked on his plans to slowly reopen the local economy after health @ @ @ @ @ increase in coronavirus cases on Friday and new deaths since the state ’ s first @ @ @ @ @ ABC News reports .
Said Reeves : “ Things can change quickly .
We have @ @ @ @ @ , I was prepared to announce further reopenings .
That was the plan and I @ @ @ @ @ of our people back to work .
This was a large enough change to make @ @ @ @ @ and I have come to the conclusion that I must hold on for now .
@

Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves (R) backtracked on his plans to slowly reopen the local economy after health officials reported the highest single-day increase in coronavirus cases on Friday and new deaths since the state’s first detected case in March, ABC News reports.
Said Reeves: “Things can change quickly. We have to stay flexible. Today, I was prepared to announce further reopenings. That was the plan and I was excited to get more of our people back to work. This was a large enough change to make me take a step back… and I have come to the conclusion that I must hold on for now.”


politicalwire--2020-05-02--Official Ousted After Saying Elderly Should Be Left to Die

A planning commissioner of a Northern California city was removed from his post Friday night after saying that just as @ @ @ @ @ brush , “ the sick , the old , the injured ” should be left @ @ @ @ @ course in nature ” during the coronavirus pandemic , the Los Angeles Times reports .

A planning commissioner of a Northern California city was removed from his post Friday night after saying that just as a forest fire clears dead brush, “the sick, the old, the injured” should be left to meet their “natural course in nature” during the coronavirus pandemic, the Los Angeles Times reports.


politicalwire--2020-05-02--Lawmaker Resigns After Tweet About Biden Accusation

New Hampshire State Rep. Richard Komi ( D ) resigned after making a “ hurtful ” tweet claiming women couldn @ @ @ @ @ unless there is “ some cooperation from the female herself , ” Mediaite reports .
@ @ @ @ @ ’ s sexual assault allegation against Joe Biden , Komi tweeted : “ Judging by @ @ @ @ @ vagina , it will not be easy for anyone to just put their finger into @ @ @ @ @ some Cooperation from the female herself .
That is why I believe Tara Reade ’ @ @ @ @ @ She is looking for attention .
”

New Hampshire State Rep. Richard Komi (D) resigned after making a “hurtful” tweet claiming women couldn’t be sexually assaulted unless there is “some cooperation from the female herself,” Mediaite reports.
Following news of Tara Reade’s sexual assault allegation against Joe Biden, Komi tweeted: “Judging by the position of the female vagina, it will not be easy for anyone to just put their finger into the vagina unless their is some Cooperation from the female herself. That is why I believe Tara Reade’s allegations is false. She is looking for attention.”


politicalwire--2020-05-02--At Camp David, Trump Plots His Pivot to the Economy

Politico : “ Over nearly two days , Trump is expected to meet with his chief of staff Mark Meadows @ @ @ @ @ Ivanka Trump , Jared Kushner , National Economic Council Director Larry Kudlow and press secretary @ @ @ @ @ his televised coronavirus town hall at the Lincoln Memorial on Sunday night and weigh various @ @ @ @ @ to boost the economy.
” “ It ’ s all part of the White House @ @ @ @ @ shifting its coronavirus message to an economic one — a move the president ’ s @ @ @ @ @ to his strengths as a former real estate developer .
”

Politico: “Over nearly two days, Trump is expected to meet with his chief of staff Mark Meadows and other top advisers like Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner, National Economic Council Director Larry Kudlow and press secretary Kayleigh McEnany to plan for his televised coronavirus town hall at the Lincoln Memorial on Sunday night and weigh various tax policy and regulatory proposals to boost the economy.”
“It’s all part of the White House’s broader strategy of shifting its coronavirus message to an economic one — a move the president’s political advisers believe plays more to his strengths as a former real estate developer.”


politicalwire--2020-05-02--Blankenship Wins Nomination of Constitution Party

The Constitution Party nominated Don Blankenship of West Virginia as its candidate for president on the second ballot , Ballot @ @ @ @ @ , a former Republican , failed in his U.S. Senate bid in 2018 .

The Constitution Party nominated Don Blankenship of West Virginia as its candidate for president on the second ballot, Ballot Access News reports.
Blankenship, a former Republican, failed in his U.S. Senate bid in 2018.


politicalwire--2020-05-02--Tara Reade’s Complaint Never Mentioned Assault

Tara Reade , the former Senate staffer who alleges Joe Biden sexually assaulted her 27 years ago , told the @ @ @ @ @ limited report with a congressional personnel office that did not explicitly accuse him of sexual @ @ @ @ @ said she described her issues with Biden but “ the main word I used — @ @ @ @ @ ’ t use sexual harassment — I used ‘ uncomfortable . '
” “ Reade @ @ @ @ @ have a copy of the report , and Biden said Friday that he is not @ @ @ @ @ him exists… Reade is suggesting that even if the report surfaces , it would not @ @ @ @ @ she chose not to detail them at the time .
”

Tara Reade, the former Senate staffer who alleges Joe Biden sexually assaulted her 27 years ago, told the Associated Press she filed a limited report with a congressional personnel office that did not explicitly accuse him of sexual assault or harassment.
Reade said she described her issues with Biden but “the main word I used — and I know I didn’t use sexual harassment — I used ‘uncomfortable.'”
“Reade says she doesn’t have a copy of the report, and Biden said Friday that he is not aware that any complaint against him exists… Reade is suggesting that even if the report surfaces, it would not corroborate her assault allegations because she chose not to detail them at the time.”


politicalwire--2020-05-02--Many Small Businesses Not Spending Relief Funds

New York Times : “ The $ 660 billion Paycheck Protection Program was meant to extend a lifeline to small @ @ @ @ @ , allowing them to keep employees on the payroll .
But it has been dogged @ @ @ @ @ businesses couldn ’ t get money , and hundreds of millions of dollars instead flowed @ @ @ @ @ “ Now many of the small businesses that did get loans are sitting on the @ @ @ @ @ and how to spend it .
That ’ s compromising the effectiveness of a program @ @ @ @ @ country ’ s reeling economy .
”

New York Times: “The $660 billion Paycheck Protection Program was meant to extend a lifeline to small businesses battered by the pandemic, allowing them to keep employees on the payroll. But it has been dogged by problems. Countless small businesses couldn’t get money, and hundreds of millions of dollars instead flowed to publicly traded companies.”
“Now many of the small businesses that did get loans are sitting on the money, unsure about whether and how to spend it. That’s compromising the effectiveness of a program meant to help stabilize the country’s reeling economy.”


politicalwire--2020-05-02--Most States Fall Short of Coronavirus Testing Thresholds

“ As more states begin to relax their coronavirus lockdowns , most are falling short of the minimum levels of @ @ @ @ @ government and recommended by a variety of public health researchers , ” an Associated Press @ @ @ @


politicalwire--2020-05-02--Millennials Are Now the Largest Generation

Millennials have surpassed Baby Boomers as the nation ’ s largest living adult generation , according to population estimates from @ @ @ @ @ Pew Research reports .


politicalwire--2020-05-02--A Referendum on Trump

A Referendum on Trump

Associated Press : “ For some Republicans , the prospect of an election that is almost wholly a referendum on @ @ @ @ @ the president ’ s base remains loyal , a significant portion of GOP voters view @ @ @ @ @ of personal qualities .
He pulled many of those voters to his side in the @ @ @ @ @ aggressive contrast with Democrat Hillary Clinton .
He planned to do the same in 2020 @ @ @ @ @ added tailwind of a surging American economy.
” “ Now , that economy is crumbling @ @ @ @ @ 30 million Americans have lost their jobs in the past six weeks as businesses have @ @ @ @ @ aimed at containing the pandemic .
One of the president ’ s own economic advisers @ @ @ @ @ 20 % by June.
” Said GOP strategist Scott Reed : “ It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ and the recovery .
Biden is a sideshow .
”

Associated Press: “For some Republicans, the prospect of an election that is almost wholly a referendum on Trump is unnerving. Though the president’s base remains loyal, a significant portion of GOP voters view him skeptically on a range of personal qualities. He pulled many of those voters to his side in the 2016 election by drawing an aggressive contrast with Democrat Hillary Clinton. He planned to do the same in 2020 with Biden, with the added tailwind of a surging American economy.”
“Now, that economy is crumbling around Trump. A staggering 30 million Americans have lost their jobs in the past six weeks as businesses have shuttered due to stay-at-home restrictions aimed at containing the pandemic. One of the president’s own economic advisers predicted nationwide unemployment could reach 20% by June.”
Said GOP strategist Scott Reed: “It’s Donald Trump versus the coronavirus and the recovery. Biden is a sideshow.”


politicalwire--2020-05-02--Trump Makes Risky Re-election Bet

Trump Makes Risky Re-election Bet

Maeve Reston : “ At a time when large majorities of Americans support the stay-at-home orders that their governors have @ @ @ @ @ , President Trump once again stepped into the role of rabble-rouser on Friday by siding @ @ @ @ @ agitators who turned up at Michigan ’ s state Capitol the previous day to protest @ @ @ @ @ ’ s stringent stay-at-home order.
” “ Though a mere 400 to 700 people joined @ @ @ @ @ them armed — in a critical swing state of nearly 10 million people , Trump @ @ @ @ @ smart political play was to back the fiery few rather than worrying about how he @ @ @ @ @ voters in the Great Lakes State who remain concerned about the coronavirus ’ ravages of @ @ @ @ @ members : Trump just made a terrible bet on the economy .

Maeve Reston: “At a time when large majorities of Americans support the stay-at-home orders that their governors have issued to keep them safe, President Trump once again stepped into the role of rabble-rouser on Friday by siding with the small group of agitators who turned up at Michigan’s state Capitol the previous day to protest Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s stringent stay-at-home order.”
“Though a mere 400 to 700 people joined the protest — some of them armed — in a critical swing state of nearly 10 million people, Trump once again gambled that the smart political play was to back the fiery few rather than worrying about how he might alienate the many middle-of-the-road voters in the Great Lakes State who remain concerned about the coronavirus’ ravages of their state.”
Related for members: Trump just made a terrible bet on the economy.


politicalwire--2020-05-02--Democrats Are Slight Favorites to Win Senate

Harry Enten : “ An early look at the data finds that Democrats are the slightest of favorites to take @ @ @ @ @ chance Democrats net gain at least 3 seats is about 3-in-5 ( 60 % ) @ @ @ @ @ net gain at least 4 seats is about 1-in-2 ( 50 % ) .
”

Harry Enten: “An early look at the data finds that Democrats are the slightest of favorites to take back the Senate. The chance Democrats net gain at least 3 seats is about 3-in-5 (60%), while the chance they net gain at least 4 seats is about 1-in-2 (50%).”


politicalwire--2020-05-02--Axelrod Says Biden Was Vigorously Vetted In 2008

David Axelrod writes for CNN that Barack Obama ’ s 2008 campaign didn ’ t find any claims of sexual @ @ @ @ @ President Joe Biden .
Said Axelrod : “ Had any credible issue been raised , @ @ @ @ @ would not have been the nominee .
Obama would not have tolerated it , even @ @ @ @ @ close then , which they were not .
”

David Axelrod writes for CNN that Barack Obama’s 2008 campaign didn’t find any claims of sexual misconduct when vetting former Vice President Joe Biden.
Said Axelrod: “Had any credible issue been raised, you can be sure Biden would not have been the nominee. Obama would not have tolerated it, even if he and Biden were close then, which they were not.”


politicalwire--2020-05-02--Trump Says Senators Will Have ‘Tremendous’ Testing

President Trump insisted that there is “ tremendous ” coronavirus testing capacity for senators returning next week after Capitol physician @ @ @ @ @ did not have capacity to screen all 100 senators .
Said Trump : “ There @ @ @ @ @ in Washington for the Senators returning to Capital Hill on Monday .
Likewise the House @ @ @ @ @ isn ’ t because of Crazy Nancy P. The 5 minute Abbott Test will be @ @ @ @ @ The Trump administration will send three rapid-results testing machines and 1,000 coronavirus tests to the @ @ @

President Trump insisted that there is “tremendous” coronavirus testing capacity for senators returning next week after Capitol physician Brian Monahan had said he did not have capacity to screen all 100 senators.
Said Trump: “There is tremendous CoronaVirus testing capacity in Washington for the Senators returning to Capital Hill on Monday. Likewise the House, which should return but isn’t because of Crazy Nancy P. The 5 minute Abbott Test will be used.”
Politico: “The Trump administration will send three rapid-results testing machines and 1,000 coronavirus tests to the Senate.”


politicalwire--2020-05-02--Flashback Quote of the Day

Flashback Quote of the Day

“ I think a pandemic might do it .
Something that could affect millions of people indiscriminately and from which @ @ @ @ @ even if you were rich.
” — Author Michael Lewis , quoted by the Observer @ @ @ @ @ 2019 what it would take for America to want a leader who understood the importance @ @ @ @

“I think a pandemic might do it. Something that could affect millions of people indiscriminately and from which you could not insulate yourself even if you were rich.”
— Author Michael Lewis, quoted by the Observer, when asked in December 2019 what it would take for America to want a leader who understood the importance of scientific knowledge.


politicalwire--2020-05-03--Democrats Leave Doug Jones Hanging

Democrats Leave Doug Jones Hanging

“ There ’ s a glaring omission as Democrats lay down millions of dollars to try and win control of @ @ @ @ @ Sen. Doug Jones , ” Politico reports .
“ The two leading Senate Democratic campaign @ @ @ @ @ million for the fall in half a dozen states with Republican incumbents .
But so @ @ @ @ @ nothing to protect their most vulnerable incumbent and aren ’ t yet formally committing to @ @ @ @ @ .
”

“There’s a glaring omission as Democrats lay down millions of dollars to try and win control of the Senate: Democratic Alabama Sen. Doug Jones,” Politico reports.
“The two leading Senate Democratic campaign groups reserved nearly $100 million for the fall in half a dozen states with Republican incumbents. But so far they have put down nothing to protect their most vulnerable incumbent and aren’t yet formally committing to spend big dollars for him.”


politicalwire--2020-05-03--Trump Wants to Move Past Coronavirus Crisis

“ President Trump is trying to return to business as usual amid the coronavirus pandemic , ” The Hill reports @ @ @ @ @ has supplanted his daily coronavirus task force briefings for more controlled and structured appearances , @ @ @ @ @ the public health crisis that has dominated the news cycle since the end of February @ @ @ @ @ life to return to normal .
”

“President Trump is trying to return to business as usual amid the coronavirus pandemic,” The Hill reports.
“Trump, who has supplanted his daily coronavirus task force briefings for more controlled and structured appearances, is eager to get past the public health crisis that has dominated the news cycle since the end of February and allow businesses and American life to return to normal.”


politicalwire--2020-05-03--Dead Heat In Texas

Dead Heat In Texas

A new Dallas Morning News-University of Texas at Tyler poll in a Texas finds Donald Trump and Joe Biden deadlocked @ @ @ @ @ 43 % to 43 % .


politicalwire--2020-05-03--The U.S. Reports Deadliest Day Yet

The U.S. Reports Deadliest Day Yet

“ The United States just had its deadliest day on record due to the coronavirus as states across the country @ @ @ @ @ to curb the spread of the virus , ” CNBC reports .
“ The U.S. @ @ @ @ @ Covid-19 in 24 hours .
”

“The United States just had its deadliest day on record due to the coronavirus as states across the country begin to ease restrictions meant to curb the spread of the virus,” CNBC reports.
“The U.S. saw 2,909 people die of Covid-19 in 24 hours.”


politicalwire--2020-05-03--Bonus Quote of the Day

Bonus Quote of the Day

“ You think I like sizing up my neighbor , how I ’ m gon na haul him up by @ @ @ @ @ ass up ?
I ’ ll do it .
My children aren ’ t going @ @ @ @ @ admit it .
I will eat my neighbors… I ’ m just gon na be @ @ @ @ @ looking at my neighbors now going ‘ Am I ready to hang them up and @ @ @ @ @ and chop them up ?
’ and you know what , I ’ m ready @ @ @ @ @ my neighbors … I ’ ll eat your ass , I will.
” — Alex @ @ @ @ @ , on his radio show .

“You think I like sizing up my neighbor, how I’m gonna haul him up by a chain? Chop his ass up? I’ll do it. My children aren’t going hungry. I’ll admit it. I will eat my neighbors… I’m just gonna be honest… I’m literally looking at my neighbors now going ‘Am I ready to hang them up and gut them and skin them and chop them up?’ and you know what, I’m ready … I’ll eat my neighbors … I’ll eat your ass, I will.”
— Alex Jones, quoted by Vice, on his radio show.


politicalwire--2020-05-04--Trump Says He Is Treated Worse Than Lincoln

President Trump told Fox News that he is treated “ worse ” than President Abraham Lincoln , who was assassinated @ @ @ @ @ : “ I am greeted by a hostile press , the likes of which no @ @ @ @ @ always said nobody got treated worse than Lincoln .
I believe I am treated worse @ @

President Trump told Fox News that he is treated “worse” than President Abraham Lincoln, who was assassinated in 1865.
Said Trump: “I am greeted by a hostile press, the likes of which no president has ever seen… They always said nobody got treated worse than Lincoln. I believe I am treated worse.”


politicalwire--2020-05-04--Trump Scales Up His Estimate of Death Toll

“ President Trump scaled up the estimate he has used for the number of expected dead from the coronavrius — @ @ @ @ @ may be as high as 100,000 , ” the Washington Post reports .
“ Trump @ @ @ @ @ 65,000 Americans would probably die of covid-19 , the disease caused by the virus .
@

“President Trump scaled up the estimate he has used for the number of expected dead from the coronavrius — projecting that the U.S. toll may be as high as 100,000,” the Washington Post reports.
“Trump had previously said that about 65,000 Americans would probably die of covid-19, the disease caused by the virus.”


politicalwire--2020-05-03--Governors Rise to the Occasion as Trump Stumbles

Dan Balz : “ As Washington has stumbled , governors of both parties have acted to fill the void .
@ @ @ @ @ for help , and sometimes have gotten it .
As often , however , the @ @ @ @ @ leaders and the federal government — especially with President Trump — have come to define @ @ @ @ @ Trump dallied , governors moved on their own to order their residents to stay at @ @ @ @ @ threatened to force states to lift those restrictions , governors resisted .
When Trump supported @ @ @ @ @ be opened up , many governors — though not all — said they would follow @ @ @ @ @ or even go beyond.
” “ This display of state power is very much as @ @ @ @ @ established the nation .
”

Dan Balz: “As Washington has stumbled, governors of both parties have acted to fill the void. States have pleaded with Washington for help, and sometimes have gotten it. As often, however, the tensions and disagreements between state leaders and the federal government — especially with President Trump — have come to define the crisis.”
“As Trump dallied, governors moved on their own to order their residents to stay at home. When the president threatened to force states to lift those restrictions, governors resisted. When Trump supported protesters demanding that their states be opened up, many governors — though not all — said they would follow federal guidelines to the letter or even go beyond.”
“This display of state power is very much as the Founders intended when they established the nation.”


politicalwire--2020-05-03--Trump Wants to Fire FBI Director

Trump Wants to Fire FBI Director

“ President Trump is not happy with FBI director Christopher Wray and would love to replace him , ” Axios @ @ @ @ @ to Trump tell him that Wray can not be trusted to root out what they @ @ @ @ @ at the highest levels of the FBI.
” “ But Trump has been deferring to @ @ @ @ @ is unlikely to remove Wray before the election .
”

“President Trump is not happy with FBI director Christopher Wray and would love to replace him,” Axios reports.
“Figures close to Trump tell him that Wray cannot be trusted to root out what they view as ‘corruption’ at the highest levels of the FBI.”
“But Trump has been deferring to Attorney General Bill Barr and is unlikely to remove Wray before the election.”


politicalwire--2020-05-03--Don’t Hold Your Breath for Next Relief Bill

Jonathan Swan : “ Don ’ t expect fast action on the next coronavirus stimulus package , known on Capitol @ @ @ @ @ ’ Senior sources in the Republican Senate conference tell me that most GOP senators want @ @ @ @ @ passing another big aid bill.
” “ The two parties are miles apart ahead of @ @ @ @ @ .
”

Jonathan Swan: “Don’t expect fast action on the next coronavirus stimulus package, known on Capitol Hill as ‘phase 4.’ Senior sources in the Republican Senate conference tell me that most GOP senators want to wait a bit before passing another big aid bill.”
“The two parties are miles apart ahead of the next stage of talks.”


politicalwire--2020-05-03--Cuomo Refused Joint Press Appearance with Trump

New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo ( D ) declined an invitation from President Trump to participate in a White @ @ @ @ @ , the Washington Post reports .

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


politicalwire--2020-05-03--Kudlow Defends Saying Pandemic Was ‘Contained’

National Economic Council Director Larry Kudlow defended his claim in February that the coronavirus outbreak in the U.S. was “ @ @ @ @ @ his quote was based on “ the actual facts ” at the time .
Said @ @ @ @ @ was at that time , there were very few cases .
Then , as the @ @ @ @ @ that virtually no one could have predicted , of course , we changed our mind @ @

National Economic Council Director Larry Kudlow defended his claim in February that the coronavirus outbreak in the U.S. was “contained,” telling CNN his quote was based on “the actual facts” at the time.
Said Kudlow: “My quote was at that time, there were very few cases. Then, as the virus spread exponentially in ways that virtually no one could have predicted, of course, we changed our mind.”


politicalwire--2020-05-03--Biden’s Choice of Veep Has Momentous Implications

New York Times : “ A convergence of forces has transformed Joe Biden ’ s search for a running mate @ @ @ @ @ His pledge to pick a woman immediately limited the pool of potential candidates and intensified @ @ @ @ @ , coupled with Mr. Biden ’ s garrulous tendency to think aloud about his options @ @ @ @ @ period into an unusually public audition , and the coronavirus outbreak ensured that it is @ @ @ @ @ on TV.
” “ And Mr. Biden himself has increasingly pushed into the political foreground @ @ @ @ @ choice may be the most consequential in decades : the expectation , downplayed but not @ @ @ @ @ campaign , that the 77-year-old would be a one-term president .
If that turns out @ @ @ @ @ his running mate now could well be leading the Democratic ticket in four years .
@

New York Times: “A convergence of forces has transformed Joe Biden’s search for a running mate on the Democratic ticket. His pledge to pick a woman immediately limited the pool of potential candidates and intensified the competition; that decision, coupled with Mr. Biden’s garrulous tendency to think aloud about his options, have remade the tryout period into an unusually public audition, and the coronavirus outbreak ensured that it is taking place entirely online and on TV.”
“And Mr. Biden himself has increasingly pushed into the political foreground the overwhelming reason that his choice may be the most consequential in decades: the expectation, downplayed but not exactly denied by the Biden campaign, that the 77-year-old would be a one-term president. If that turns out to be the case, his running mate now could well be leading the Democratic ticket in four years.”


politicalwire--2020-05-03--How Nancy Pelosi Rose to Power

How Nancy Pelosi Rose to Power

And don ’ t miss our live event for members on Thursday !


politicalwire--2020-05-03--How Trump Broke the Polls

How Trump Broke the Polls

Harry Enten : “ The polls clearly show that Biden is ahead and by a larger margin than Hillary Clinton @ @ @ @ @ the 2016 election .
You might think that would make people believe that Biden is @ @ @ @ @ even if it were far from a certainty.
” “ Yet , the evidence suggests @ @ @ @ @ 2016 victory has warped people into believing that Trump has some magic up his sleeve @ @ @ @ @ believe he will lose.
” “ An average of recent polls finds that a majority @ @ @ @ @ % ) believe that Trump will defeat Biden in the election .
Trump ’ s @ @ @ @ @ remained fairly consistent over time… Historically , the question of who people thought would win @ @ @ @ @ good predictor .
”

Harry Enten: “The polls clearly show that Biden is ahead and by a larger margin than Hillary Clinton was on the eve of the 2016 election. You might think that would make people believe that Biden is more likely to win, even if it were far from a certainty.”
“Yet, the evidence suggests that Trump’s surprising 2016 victory has warped people into believing that Trump has some magic up his sleeve. They don’t believe he will lose.”
“An average of recent polls finds that a majority of voters (about 55%) believe that Trump will defeat Biden in the election. Trump’s edge on this question has remained fairly consistent over time… Historically, the question of who people thought would win had actually been a pretty good predictor.”


politicalwire--2020-05-03--Pence Navigates Deadly Pandemic and Trump

New York Times : “ In the most consequential mission of his career , Mr. Pence has tried to navigate @ @ @ @ @ disease and the vagaries of a mercurial president at the same time , steering the @ @ @ @ @ pandemic in generations without getting caught up in the melodrama of the moment .
Yet @ @ @ @ @ seriously he himself took the threat at first and what advice he gave the president @ @ @ @ @ really mattered ” Another governor , who asked not to be named , said Mr. @ @ @ @ @ really thinks about the president ’ s behavior : “ Multiple times , I say @ @ @ @ @ this is just crazy , ’ and sometimes there will be a little pause and @ @ @ @ @ him to say , ‘ Yes , I know.
’ ’ But he never does @ @ @ @ @ says , ‘ I understand .
Thank you for your input .
’ ”

New York Times: “In the most consequential mission of his career, Mr. Pence has tried to navigate the complexities of a mysterious disease and the vagaries of a mercurial president at the same time, steering the response to the most deadly pandemic in generations without getting caught up in the melodrama of the moment. Yet questions have lingered about how seriously he himself took the threat at first and what advice he gave the president in the days when it really mattered”
Another governor, who asked not to be named, said Mr. Pence never betrays what he really thinks about the president’s behavior: “Multiple times, I say, ‘But Mike, this is just crazy,’ and sometimes there will be a little pause and I’m waiting for him to say, ‘Yes, I know.’’ But he never does. Instead, Mr. Pence says, ‘I understand. Thank you for your input.’”


politicalwire--2020-05-03--America’s Muni Finances Are in Tatters

America’s Muni Finances Are in Tatters

Bloomberg : “ Never before have U.S. municipalities been hit so hard or so quickly or in so many different @ @ @ @ @ now by the coronavirus pandemic.
” “ With tax revenue plunging and unemployment benefit costs @ @ @ @ @ state governments alone are projected to swell to more than $ 650 billion over the @ @ @ @ @ the Great Recession .
”

Bloomberg: “Never before have U.S. municipalities been hit so hard or so quickly or in so many different ways as they are right now by the coronavirus pandemic.”
“With tax revenue plunging and unemployment benefit costs skyrocketing, budget shortfalls for state governments alone are projected to swell to more than $650 billion over the next three years, outpacing the Great Recession.”


politicalwire--2020-05-03--Birx Decries Michigan Protests

Birx Decries Michigan Protests

Dr. Deborah Birx , the White House coronavirus response coordinator , said on Sunday she found it “ devastatingly worrisome @ @ @ @ @ Michigan had flocked in tight quarters to the state Capitol , defying social-distancing guidelines , @ @ @ @ @ the protesters at the rally were especially concerning because , “ if they go home @ @ @ @ @ their grandfather who has a comorbid condition , and they have a serious or an @ @ @ @ @ feel guilty for the rest of our lives .
”

Dr. Deborah Birx, the White House coronavirus response coordinator, said on Sunday she found it “devastatingly worrisome” that anti-quarantine protesters in Michigan had flocked in tight quarters to the state Capitol, defying social-distancing guidelines, Politico reports.
Birx said the protesters at the rally were especially concerning because, “if they go home and infect their grandmother or their grandfather who has a comorbid condition, and they have a serious or an unfortunate outcome, they will feel guilty for the rest of our lives.”


politicalwire--2020-05-03--Warren Tops Democrats’ Wish List for Biden’s Veep

A new CBS News poll finds Elizabeth Warren is well atop Democratic voters ’ list of those who should be @ @ @ @ @ with 71 % saying she should be .
Warren also outpaces other possible picks by @ @ @ @ @ first choice for the job : Warren at 36 % first choice , to Kamala @ @ @ @ @ Stacey Abrams at 14 % , and Amy Klobuchar at 13 % .
No one @ @ @ @ @ .
Warren and Biden co-authored an op-ed in the Miami Herald on overseeing the coronavirus @ @ @

A new CBS News poll finds Elizabeth Warren is well atop Democratic voters’ list of those who should be considered for vice president — with 71% saying she should be.
Warren also outpaces other possible picks by a wide margin as their first choice for the job: Warren at 36% first choice, to Kamala Harris’ 19%, Stacey Abrams at 14%, and Amy Klobuchar at 13%. No one else gets over 4%.
Warren and Biden co-authored an op-ed in the Miami Herald on overseeing the coronavirus relief funds.


politicalwire--2020-05-03--How Greenwich Republicans Learned to Love Trump

Evan Osnos reports from Greenwich , Connecticut , where he grew up , on how America ’ s country-club Republicans @ @ @ @ @ — and the quiet compromises that a person makes in the privacy of a voting @ @ @ @ @ of Trump ’ s rise is often told as a hostile takeover .
In truth @ @ @ @ @ to a joint venture , in which members of America ’ s élite accepted the @ @ @ @ @ price of power .
”

Evan Osnos reports from Greenwich, Connecticut, where he grew up, on how America’s country-club Republicans learned to love Donald Trump — and the quiet compromises that a person makes in the privacy of a voting booth.
“The story of Trump’s rise is often told as a hostile takeover. In truth, it is something closer to a joint venture, in which members of America’s élite accepted the terms of Trumpism as the price of power.”


politicalwire--2020-05-03--Why This Downturn Has Many Economists Stumped

John Harwood : “ The numbers evoke the worst economic nightmares in American history .
But White House economic adviser @ @ @ @ @ can ’ t map the path out.
” Said Hassett : “ A lot of @ @ @ @ @ have no expertise in.
” “ That ’ s the surreal reality facing President Trump @ @ @ @ @ growth turns into contraction and 30 million Americans have lost their jobs .
It is @ @ @ @ @ that has everything to do with public health — but , unlike the 2008 financial @ @ @ @ @ do with anything wrong in the underlying economy.
” “ As a result , the @ @ @ @ @ adjusting supply and demand — targeted spending , tax cuts , changes to trade and @ @ @ @ @ power .
The restoration of American prosperity lies more in the hands of the public @ @ @ @ @ scientists racing to develop a coronavirus vaccine .
”

John Harwood: “The numbers evoke the worst economic nightmares in American history. But White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett freely admits he can’t map the path out.”
Said Hassett: “A lot of it depends on things I have no expertise in.”
“That’s the surreal reality facing President Trump’s economic team as growth turns into contraction and 30 million Americans have lost their jobs. It is a Great Depression-level economic crisis that has everything to do with public health — but, unlike the 2008 financial collapse, very little to do with anything wrong in the underlying economy.”
“As a result, the tools economists typically use for adjusting supply and demand — targeted spending, tax cuts, changes to trade and regulatory policy — hold little power. The restoration of American prosperity lies more in the hands of the public health officials, epidemiologists and scientists racing to develop a coronavirus vaccine.”


politicalwire--2020-05-03--Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day

“ It became clear to me that that was just a bridge too far .
People were not going to @ @ @ @ @ what to do.
” — Ohio Gov .
Mike DeWine ( R ) , on @ @ @ @ @ statewide order mandating face masks be worn in stores went “ too far .
”

“It became clear to me that that was just a bridge too far. People were not going to accept the government telling them what to do.”
— Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine (R), on ABC News, saying his statewide order mandating face masks be worn in stores went “too far.”


politicalwire--2020-05-03--Fears Rise that Trump Will Incite Global Vaccine Brawl

Politico : “ The Trump administration ’ s apparent lack of interest in cooperation has alarmed global health officials and @ @ @ @ @ end a pandemic that has disabled economies and killed more than 240,000 people worldwide .
@ @ @ @ @ as President Trump and his aides squabble with China and the WHO over the origins @ @ @ @ @ The fear is that Trump will be content with allowing the race to develop and @ @ @ @ @ into a global contest — and that poorer countries will be left behind in the @ @ @ @ @ In essence : that the president ’ s ‘ America First ’ view of world @ @ @ @ @ for power will lead to unnecessary suffering and death .
”

Politico: “The Trump administration’s apparent lack of interest in cooperation has alarmed global health officials and diplomats as they seek to end a pandemic that has disabled economies and killed more than 240,000 people worldwide. The concerns are only deepening as President Trump and his aides squabble with China and the WHO over the origins of the virus.”
“The fear is that Trump will be content with allowing the race to develop and distribute the vaccine to devolve into a global contest — and that poorer countries will be left behind in the rush to procure doses. In essence: that the president’s ‘America First’ view of world affairs as an atavistic scramble for power will lead to unnecessary suffering and death.”


politicalwire--2020-05-03--Endangered Republicans Keep Distance from Trump

Josh Kraushaar : “ Here ’ s what I ’ m hearing from smart GOP strategists now : Republicans should @ @ @ @ @ to help their communities in the wake of the pandemic , and avoid referencing Trump @ @ @ @ @ the crisis .
To win battleground Senate seats that are looking more tenuous , it @ @ @ @ @ support from some Trump-skeptical independents .
If Trump ’ s political condition doesn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ prepare to talk about keeping the Senate as a check against Democratic power , even @ @ @ @ @ presidency is likely lost .
”

Josh Kraushaar: “Here’s what I’m hearing from smart GOP strategists now: Republicans should be talking about their work to help their communities in the wake of the pandemic, and avoid referencing Trump’s role in managing the crisis. To win battleground Senate seats that are looking more tenuous, it will be crucial to maintain support from some Trump-skeptical independents. If Trump’s political condition doesn’t improve by the fall, prepare to talk about keeping the Senate as a check against Democratic power, even if it means acknowledging the presidency is likely lost.”


politicalwire--2020-05-03--The Internal Poll That Shocked Trump World

Washington Post : “ One of the polls , an internal RNC survey of voters in 17 battleground states , @ @ @ @ @ Biden leading Trump 48 % to 45 % , according to an adviser briefed on @ @ @ @ @ The coronavirus ranked as the most important issue to voters , and 54 % of @ @ @ @ @ too slow to respond to the crisis , while 52 % said they believed the @ @ @ @ @ ” “ Worse still were the matchups with Biden on a range of core characteristics @ @ @ @ @ they considered Trump more honest and trustworthy ; 35 % said he was more compassionate @ @ @ @ @ said he was more competent ; 43 % said they believed he fights more for @ @ @ @ @ 36 % said he was more calm , steady and relatable .
”

Washington Post: “One of the polls, an internal RNC survey of voters in 17 battleground states, had former vice president Joe Biden leading Trump 48% to 45%, according to an adviser briefed on the 20-page polling memo. The coronavirus ranked as the most important issue to voters, and 54% of those surveyed said Trump was too slow to respond to the crisis, while 52% said they believed the government should be doing more.”
“Worse still were the matchups with Biden on a range of core characteristics. Just 36% said they considered Trump more honest and trustworthy; 35% said he was more compassionate and empathetic; 44% said he was more competent; 43% said they believed he fights more for people like them; and 36% said he was more calm, steady and relatable.”


Mourning In America

The Lincoln Project is out with a brutal new ad that plays off of Ronald Reagan ’ s famous 1984 @ @ @ @ @ ad — but not in a good way .


politicalwire--2020-05-04--Trump’s Uncle ‘Would Have Been Horrified’

President Trump has long said that he and his uncle , who taught physics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology @ @ @ @ @ represent a rare breed of “ super genius , ” benefiting from the same genes @ @ @ @ @ .
“ A family friend who knew John Trump personally said the scientist would have @ @ @ @ @ s claim of scientific knowledge when promoting unproven drugs and other treatments.
” “ ‘ @ @ @ @ @ would have been horrified , ’ said John Van de Graaff , whose father , @ @ @ @ @ de Graaff , was John Trump ’ s longtime business partner .
”

President Trump has long said that he and his uncle, who taught physics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and died in 1985, represent a rare breed of “super genius,” benefiting from the same genes, the Washington Post reports.
“A family friend who knew John Trump personally said the scientist would have recoiled at Donald Trump’s claim of scientific knowledge when promoting unproven drugs and other treatments.”
“‘The John Trump I knew would have been horrified,’ said John Van de Graaff, whose father, the famed scientist Robert Van de Graaff, was John Trump’s longtime business partner.”


politicalwire--2020-05-04--Justices Take Historic Step with Telephone Hearings

“ The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear oral arguments by teleconference Monday , taking a historic but modest step @ @ @ @ @ ” the Washington Post reports .
“ Forced from gathering in their grand courtroom because @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus , the justices will remotely hear 10 cases over the next two weeks @ @ @ @ @ cases postponed in March and April .
The justices have not sat as a group @ @ @ @ @ their work and issuing opinions since then remotely.
” CNN : How to listen to @ @ @ @

“The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear oral arguments by teleconference Monday, taking a historic but modest step into the technological present,” the Washington Post reports.
“Forced from gathering in their grand courtroom because of the threats presented by the coronavirus, the justices will remotely hear 10 cases over the next two weeks. They are drawn from cases postponed in March and April. The justices have not sat as a group since March 9, doing their work and issuing opinions since then remotely.”
CNN: How to listen to the oral arguments.


politicalwire--2020-05-04--Trump Falsely Claims Biden Wrote Apology

President Trump claimed on Sunday that Joe Biden wrote a letter to apologize for calling him xenophobic — something Biden @ @ @ @ @ lie , Bloomberg reports .


politicalwire--2020-05-04--Trump Peppers Fox News Town Hall with Lies

President Trump delivered another rapid series of false and misleading claims on Sunday night , this time at a Fox @ @ @ @ @ ” event at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington , DC , CNN reports .
Trump @ @ @ @ @ pertaining to the coronavirus pandemic and about his usual array of other topics , from @ @ @ @ @ rally crowds .

President Trump delivered another rapid series of false and misleading claims on Sunday night, this time at a Fox News “virtual town hall” event at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC, CNN reports.
Trump was dishonest both about matters pertaining to the coronavirus pandemic and about his usual array of other topics, from trade with China to his rally crowds.


politicalwire--2020-05-04--Housing Market Faces It’s Next Crisis

Housing Market Faces It’s Next Crisis

Washington Post : “ While aggressive federal and state intervention and temporary corporate measures have prevented a surge in evictions @ @ @ @ @ and rental market has fallen into a severe crisis that threatens the ability of millions @ @ @ @ @ their homes even if the coronavirus pandemic eases in the coming months.
” “ The @ @ @ @ @ the disruption are likely to pit landlords and mortgage companies against homeowners and renters , @ @ @ @ @ needs more assistance and fueling calls for billions in new aid for the housing sector.
@ @ @ @ @ explode this week as mortgage and rental payments come due for millions of Americans who @ @ @ @ @ the novel coronavirus has shuttered the U.S. economy .
”

Washington Post: “While aggressive federal and state intervention and temporary corporate measures have prevented a surge in evictions and foreclosures, the housing and rental market has fallen into a severe crisis that threatens the ability of millions of Americans to stay in their homes even if the coronavirus pandemic eases in the coming months.”
“The speed and broad reach of the disruption are likely to pit landlords and mortgage companies against homeowners and renters, with each side claiming it needs more assistance and fueling calls for billions in new aid for the housing sector.”
“The tension could explode this week as mortgage and rental payments come due for millions of Americans who have lost their jobs as the novel coronavirus has shuttered the U.S. economy.”


politicalwire--2020-05-04--Trump Puts Florida In Play

Trump Puts Florida In Play

Reuters : “ Trump had been considered the favorite to win Florida again over the prospective Democratic nominee , Joe @ @ @ @ @ Hillary Clinton there by just 1.2 % .
” “ But two months into the @ @ @ @ @ , the Republican has received mixed reviews for his response .
Florida ’ s Governor @ @ @ @ @ Trump ally , meanwhile , has been criticized for being slow to close beaches and @ @ @ @ @ compensation system that locked hundreds of thousands out of benefits.
” “ Recent polls now @ @ @ @ @ slightly ahead of Trump in Florida as well as nationally .
Trump ’ s internal @ @ @ @ @ ”

Reuters: “Trump had been considered the favorite to win Florida again over the prospective Democratic nominee, Joe Biden, despite edging out Hillary Clinton there by just 1.2%.”
“But two months into the biggest crisis of his presidency, the Republican has received mixed reviews for his response. Florida’s Governor Ron DeSantis, a staunch Trump ally, meanwhile, has been criticized for being slow to close beaches and blamed for a faulty unemployment compensation system that locked hundreds of thousands out of benefits.”
“Recent polls now show Biden neck-and neck or slightly ahead of Trump in Florida as well as nationally. Trump’s internal polling shows the same.”


politicalwire--2020-05-04--Netanyahu’s Future to Be Decided by High Court

“ With the fate of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the line , Israel ’ s Supreme Court began discussions @ @ @ @ @ whether the embattled leader can form a new government while facing criminal indictments , ” @ @ @ @ @ The court ’ s decision , expected this week , is shaping up as a @ @ @ @ @ ” “ A ruling preventing Netanyahu from returning for another term would almost certainly trigger @ @ @ @ @ just over a year and draw angry , perhaps violent , reactions from Netanyahu ’ @ @ @ @ @ of inappropriate political meddling .
A ruling in favor will be seen by critics as @ @ @ @ @ s fragile democratic institutions and a victory for a prime minister bent on escaping prosecution @ @

“With the fate of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the line, Israel’s Supreme Court began discussions Sunday on the question of whether the embattled leader can form a new government while facing criminal indictments,” the AP reports.
“The court’s decision, expected this week, is shaping up as a watershed moment in Israeli history.”
“A ruling preventing Netanyahu from returning for another term would almost certainly trigger an unprecedented fourth election in just over a year and draw angry, perhaps violent, reactions from Netanyahu’s supporters accusing the court of inappropriate political meddling. A ruling in favor will be seen by critics as further weakening the country’s fragile democratic institutions and a victory for a prime minister bent on escaping prosecution.”


politicalwire--2020-05-04--Trump Insists on Payroll Tax Cut for Next Relief Bill

“ President Trump on Sunday said he won ’ t support another round of coronavirus stimulus legislation unless it includes @ @ @ @ @ a measure that has muted support among lawmakers in Congress , ” The Hill reports @

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


politicalwire--2020-05-04--Pence Admits He Made Mistake Not Wearing Mask

“ Vice President Mike Pence on Sunday said that he should have worn a mask when visiting the Mayo Clinic @ @ @ @ @ after a harsh backlash for not adhering to the hospital ’ s policy during the @ @ @ @ @ reports .
Said Pence : “ I didn ’ t think it was necessary , @ @ @ @ @ a mask at the Mayo Clinic and I wore it when I visited the ventilator @ @ @ @ @

“Vice President Mike Pence on Sunday said that he should have worn a mask when visiting the Mayo Clinic, a reversal that came after a harsh backlash for not adhering to the hospital’s policy during the coronavirus pandemic,” Politico reports.
Said Pence: “I didn’t think it was necessary, but I should have worn a mask at the Mayo Clinic and I wore it when I visited the ventilator plant in Indiana.”


politicalwire--2020-05-05--Democrats Aim to Squeeze GOP on Next Relief Bill

“ Top House Democrats on Monday signaled they are forging ahead with the next sweeping coronavirus relief package , aiming @ @ @ @ @ GOP leaders who have rejected Democratic priorities in previous aid bills , ” Politico reports @ @ @ @ @ call with members Monday afternoon , Speaker Nancy Pelosi and her deputies sketched the outline @ @ @ @ @ would deliver aid to state and local governments — some on the brink of public @ @ @ @ @ up safety-net programs for the nation ’ s most vulnerable.
” Said Pelosi : “ @ @ @ @ @ .
”

“Top House Democrats on Monday signaled they are forging ahead with the next sweeping coronavirus relief package, aiming to increase the pressure on GOP leaders who have rejected Democratic priorities in previous aid bills,” Politico reports.
“On a private call with members Monday afternoon, Speaker Nancy Pelosi and her deputies sketched the outline of a trillion-dollar-plus package that would deliver aid to state and local governments — some on the brink of public service cuts — while shoring up safety-net programs for the nation’s most vulnerable.”
Said Pelosi: “We have to think big.”


politicalwire--2020-05-05--Australian Intelligence Knocks Back U.S. Claims

“ Australian intelligence agencies have questioned evidence trumpeted by United States officials supposedly linking the coronavirus to a Wuhan laboratory @ @ @ @ @ grow that the push will derail efforts to eliminate dangerous wildlife wet markets , ” @ @ @ @ @ .


politicalwire--2020-05-04--Trump Got Exemption to Use Lincoln Memorial

New York Times : “ While Mr. Trump and many other presidents have hosted inauguration concerts and gatherings on the @ @ @ @ @ any event meant to draw an audience inside the interior near Daniel Chester French ’ @ @ @ @ @ Lincoln is prohibited .
The area above the top of the steps , where the @ @ @ @ @ boundary protected by federal law.
” “ So on Sunday , when the president sat @ @ @ @ @ anchors at Lincoln ’ s marbled feet during a coronavirus-focused virtual ‘ town hall , @ @ @ @ @ directive issued by David Bernhardt , the secretary of the interior , had allowed them @ @ @ @ @

New York Times: “While Mr. Trump and many other presidents have hosted inauguration concerts and gatherings on the memorial’s steps, any event meant to draw an audience inside the interior near Daniel Chester French’s sculpture of a seated Lincoln is prohibited. The area above the top of the steps, where the columns begin, constitutes a boundary protected by federal law.”
“So on Sunday, when the president sat down with two Fox News anchors at Lincoln’s marbled feet during a coronavirus-focused virtual ‘town hall,’ it was because a directive issued by David Bernhardt, the secretary of the interior, had allowed them to do so.”


politicalwire--2020-05-04--Appeals Court Vacancy Is Under Scrutiny

Appeals Court Vacancy Is Under Scrutiny

“ Just days before a high-profile Senate confirmation hearing to fill a vacancy on the prestigious U.S. Court of Appeals @ @ @ @ @ Circuit , the court ’ s chief judge has opened the door to an inquiry @ @ @ @ @ in the creation of the coveted opening , ” the New York Times reports .
@ @ @ @ @ federal judicial vacancies to fill nearly exhausted , Sen. Mitch McConnell has been urging those @ @ @ @ @ this year if they want to assure that their successors will be nominated by a @ @ @ @ @ a Republican-controlled Senate .
”

“Just days before a high-profile Senate confirmation hearing to fill a vacancy on the prestigious U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, the court’s chief judge has opened the door to an inquiry into whether ethical improprieties occurred in the creation of the coveted opening,” the New York Times reports.
“With the number of federal judicial vacancies to fill nearly exhausted, Sen. Mitch McConnell has been urging those contemplating retirement to step aside this year if they want to assure that their successors will be nominated by a Republican president and confirmed by a Republican-controlled Senate.”


politicalwire--2020-05-04--‘Trump Is Really Aiming to Take Down Fox’

Gabriel Sherman : “ When liberals look at Fox News , they tend to see Trump TV : a cable @ @ @ @ @ few exceptions , has relentlessly pushed his policy objectives , and praised him in the @ @ @ @ @ But that is not the way Donald Trump himself sees it… ” “ Trump ’ @ @ @ @ @ insufficiently loyal has motivated him to look for a more reliable media partner… Trump now @ @ @ @ @ having that alternative .
According to sources , an investor group aligned with his son @ @ @ @ @ Hicks family has acquired a major stake in One America News Network , the fledgling @ @ @ @ @ hosts like Jack Posobiec , a chief promoter of the Pizzagate conspiracy.
” Said one @ @ @ @ @ all about building a Fox competitor .
Trump is really aiming to take down Fox @ @

Gabriel Sherman: “When liberals look at Fox News, they tend to see Trump TV: a cable network that, with a few exceptions, has relentlessly pushed his policy objectives, and praised him in the terms that he loves. But that is not the way Donald Trump himself sees it…”
“Trump’s view that Fox is insufficiently loyal has motivated him to look for a more reliable media partner… Trump now is on the verge of having that alternative. According to sources, an investor group aligned with his son Don Jr. and the Dallas-based Hicks family has acquired a major stake in One America News Network, the fledgling conservative cable-news channel that features hosts like Jack Posobiec, a chief promoter of the Pizzagate conspiracy.”
Said one source: “This is all about building a Fox competitor. Trump is really aiming to take down Fox.”


politicalwire--2020-05-04--Trump’s Pick for Spy Chief Follows Q-Anon Accounts

“ For a nominee to helm the U.S. government ’ s intelligence apparatus , Rep. John Ratcliffe ( R-TX ) @ @ @ @ @ of information , ” the Daily Beast reports .
“ Ratcliffe ’ s official , @ @ @ @ @ several accounts on the political fringe , including a 9/11 Truther account with just one @ @ @ @ @ promoting the outlandish QAnon conspiracy theory , which posits that the world is run by @ @ @ @ @ — and has been ruled a potential source of domestic terrorism by the FBI .
@

“For a nominee to helm the U.S. government’s intelligence apparatus, Rep. John Ratcliffe (R-TX) draws on some unusual sources of information,” the Daily Beast reports.
“Ratcliffe’s official, verified campaign Twitter account follows several accounts on the political fringe, including a 9/11 Truther account with just one follower besides himself and four promoting the outlandish QAnon conspiracy theory, which posits that the world is run by a cabal of Democratic pedophile-cannibals — and has been ruled a potential source of domestic terrorism by the FBI.”


politicalwire--2020-05-04--Lawsuit Seeks Easier Vote-by-Mail In North Carolina

“ A group of voters backed by Democratic legal groups sued North Carolina on Monday seeking to loosen rules around @ @ @ @ @ that the coronavirus pandemic will make voting by mail a widespread practice , ” the @ @ @ @ @ .
“ They want the state to provide prepaid postage on all absentee ballots , @ @ @ @ @ witnesses to sign a ballot , extend the deadline for receipt of ballots until nine @ @ @ @ @ give voters a chance to fix signature discrepancies before election officials reject those ballots .
@

“A group of voters backed by Democratic legal groups sued North Carolina on Monday seeking to loosen rules around absentee mail-in ballots amid predictions that the coronavirus pandemic will make voting by mail a widespread practice,” the Raleigh News & Observer reports.
“They want the state to provide prepaid postage on all absentee ballots, change a requirement for two witnesses to sign a ballot, extend the deadline for receipt of ballots until nine days after Election Day and give voters a chance to fix signature discrepancies before election officials reject those ballots.”


politicalwire--2020-05-04--Inside the Trump-Pence Partnership

Inside the Trump-Pence Partnership

CNN : “ The two men spend more time together now than at any point in their tenures , advisers @ @ @ @ @ wears on , Trump has grown to better understand Pence ’ s usefulness in ways @ @ @ @ @ before the crisis.
” “ At some points in his presidency , Trump occasionally wondered @ @ @ @ @ vice president at all… Now , the President has taken to praising Pence ’ s @ @ @ @ @ often seems to make them more difficult .
”

CNN: “The two men spend more time together now than at any point in their tenures, advisers said. As the outbreak wears on, Trump has grown to better understand Pence’s usefulness in ways some aides said he questioned before the crisis.”
“At some points in his presidency, Trump occasionally wondered aloud why he needed a vice president at all… Now, the President has taken to praising Pence’s efforts — even if he often seems to make them more difficult.”


politicalwire--2020-05-04--Treasury Will Borrow $3 Trillion This Quarter

“ Massive stimulus to support the U.S. economy through the coronavirus crisis will cause the Treasury to borrow a record @ @ @ @ @ , ” CNBC reports .
“ Total U.S. government debt now is near $ 25 @ @ @

“Massive stimulus to support the U.S. economy through the coronavirus crisis will cause the Treasury to borrow a record $3 trillion this quarter,” CNBC reports.
“Total U.S. government debt now is near $25 trillion.”


politicalwire--2020-05-04--Big Majority Support Mail Voting

Big Majority Support Mail Voting

A new USA Today-Suffolk University poll found that 65 % of Americans support mail-in voting as an alternative to in-person @ @ @ @ @ while just 32 % said they oppose it .


politicalwire--2020-05-04--The End of the Myth

The End of the Myth

Winner of the 2020 Pulitzer Prize in Nonfiction : The End of the Myth : From the Frontier to the @ @ @ @ @ of America by Greg Grandin .
“ Ever since this nation ’ s inception , @ @ @ @ @ and ever-expanding frontier has been central to American identity .
Symbolizing a future of endless @ @ @ @ @ foundation of the United States ’ belief in itself as an exceptional nation—democratic , individualistic @ @ @ @ @ though , America hasa new symbol : the border wall .
”

Winner of the 2020 Pulitzer Prize in Nonfiction: The End of the Myth: From the Frontier to the Border Wall in the Mind of America by Greg Grandin.
“Ever since this nation’s inception, the idea of an open and ever-expanding frontier has been central to American identity. Symbolizing a future of endless promise, it was the foundation of the United States’ belief in itself as an exceptional nation—democratic, individualistic, forward-looking. Today, though, America hasa new symbol: the border wall.”


politicalwire--2020-05-04--Ex-Obama Aides Tell Biden to Beef Up Digital Operation

David Axelrod and David Plouffe argue in the New York Times that Joe Biden needs to improve his digital operation @ @ @ @ @ solely on scripted speeches from his basement .
They write : “ Mr .
Biden @ @ @ @ @ Mr. Trump .
To do this , the challenger needs to behave more like an @ @ @ @ @ to wield facts , humor and mockery at lightning speed in those surreal moments of @ @ @ @ @ provides .
”

David Axelrod and David Plouffe argue in the New York Times that Joe Biden needs to improve his digital operation and move on from relying solely on scripted speeches from his basement.
They write: “Mr. Biden can turn the tables on Mr. Trump. To do this, the challenger needs to behave more like an insurgent, building the capacity to wield facts, humor and mockery at lightning speed in those surreal moments of opportunity that Mr. Trump regularly provides.”


politicalwire--2020-05-04--Why We Fall for Fake News

Why We Fall for Fake News

Out next week : Bad News : Why We Fall for Fake News by Rob Brotherton .
“ Brotherton delves @ @ @ @ @ , reviewing how psychological research can help navigate this post-truth world .
”

Out next week: Bad News: Why We Fall for Fake News by Rob Brotherton.
“Brotherton delves into the psychology of news, reviewing how psychological research can help navigate this post-truth world.”


politicalwire--2020-05-04--Indiana Governor Apologizes for Not Wearing Mask

Indiana Gov .
Eric Holcomb ( R ) “ apologized to health care workers Sunday , the day after a @ @ @ @ @ showing him posing with two other people , none of whom were wearing masks , @ @ @ @ @ .


politicalwire--2020-05-04--Texas Official Says Fear of Virus Is ‘Emotional Condition’

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton ( R ) wrote that fear of contracting the coronavirus was an “ emotional condition @ @ @ @ @ reason to request an absentee ballot .
Said Paxton : “ A person ill with @ @ @ @ @ having a sickness .
However , a reasonable fear of contracting the virus is a @ @ @ @ @ current pandemic and does not , by itself , amount to a ‘ sickness , @ @ @ @ @ of sickness that qualifies a voter to receive a ballot by mail .
”

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) wrote that fear of contracting the coronavirus was an “emotional condition” and not a sufficient reason to request an absentee ballot.
Said Paxton: “A person ill with COVID-19 would certainly qualify as having a sickness. However, a reasonable fear of contracting the virus is a normal emotional reaction to the current pandemic and does not, by itself, amount to a ‘sickness,’ much less the type of sickness that qualifies a voter to receive a ballot by mail.”


politicalwire--2020-05-04--Mnuchin Urges ‘Explore America’ Despite CDC Guidance

Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin told Fox Business that it ’ s “ a great time for people to explore America @ @ @ @ @ Said Mnuchin : “ A lot of people haven ’ t seen many parts of @ @ @ @ @ could get back on the road soon.
” However , the CDC is still recommending @ @ @ @ @ the United States : “ Travel increases your chances of getting and spreading COVID-19 .
@

Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin told Fox Business that it’s “a great time for people to explore America” for summer vacation.
Said Mnuchin: “A lot of people haven’t seen many parts of America. I wish I could get back on the road soon.”
However, the CDC is still recommending against any non-essential travel within the United States: “Travel increases your chances of getting and spreading COVID-19.”


politicalwire--2020-05-04--Milwaukee Will Send Absentee Ballot Applications to Voters

The city government in Milwaukee passed a law to mail absentee ballot applications with prepaid return postage to roughly 300,000 @ @ @ @ @ the largest Democratic stronghold in Wisconsin , a key battleground in the 2020 presidential election @


politicalwire--2020-05-04--Extra Bonus Quote of the Day

Extra Bonus Quote of the Day

“ The 1918 Influenza Epidemic lasted over 10 months and came in three waves .
The 2nd wave was worse @ @ @ @ @ We must be cautious .
The war isn ’ t won yet .
”


politicalwire--2020-05-04--Kelly Loeffler Readies Defense of Stock Transactions

Sen. Kelly Loeffler ( R-GA ) will reserve about $ 4 million worth of airtime for a trio of new @ @ @ @ @ about her stock transactions during the coronavirus pandemic , the Atlanta Journal Constitution reports .
@ @ @ @ @ from opponents , including Rep. Doug Collins ( R-GA ) , as “ liberal lies @ @ @ @ @ s “ unfairly targeted all because she ’ s a strong conservative woman .
”

Sen. Kelly Loeffler (R-GA) will reserve about $4 million worth of airtime for a trio of new ads pushing back on criticism about her stock transactions during the coronavirus pandemic, the Atlanta Journal Constitution reports.
The ads label the scrutiny from opponents, including Rep. Doug Collins (R-GA), as “liberal lies” and claim she’s “unfairly targeted all because she’s a strong conservative woman.”


politicalwire--2020-05-04--Can Trump Avoid Blame for the Recession?

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politicalwire--2020-05-05--2020 Is Looking a Lot Like 1918

2020 Is Looking a Lot Like 1918

Associated Press : “ In the years between two lethal pandemics , one the misnamed Spanish flu , the other @ @ @ @ @ about viruses , cured various diseases , made effective vaccines , developed instant communications and @ @ @ @ @ “ Yet here we are again , face-masked to the max .
And still unable @ @ @ @ @ avoidable infectious disease before hundreds of thousands die from it.
” New York Times : @ @ @ @ @ and deaths .

Associated Press: “In the years between two lethal pandemics, one the misnamed Spanish flu, the other COVID-19, the world learned about viruses, cured various diseases, made effective vaccines, developed instant communications and created elaborate public-health networks.”
“Yet here we are again, face-masked to the max. And still unable to crush an insidious yet avoidable infectious disease before hundreds of thousands die from it.”
New York Times: An unrelenting crush of cases and deaths.


politicalwire--2020-05-05--Teaming Up on Reopening Isn’t Going as Planned

Politico : “ When seven northeastern states announced they would reopen their virus-shuttered economies in lockstep when the time was @ @ @ @ @ as a very-public flexing of local government muscle when Washington was trying to push responsibility @ @ @ @ @ But it turns out that the politics of reopening still very much recognize state lines @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s clear that a single set of marching orders is out of the @ @ @ @ @ co-dependent states with porous borders .
When it comes to how and when to reopen @ @ @ @ @ approach is giving way to the individual needs of the coalition ’ s seven members @ @

Politico: “When seven northeastern states announced they would reopen their virus-shuttered economies in lockstep when the time was right, it was seen as a very-public flexing of local government muscle when Washington was trying to push responsibility onto individual states.”
“But it turns out that the politics of reopening still very much recognize state lines. Four weeks later, it’s clear that a single set of marching orders is out of the question, even for small co-dependent states with porous borders. When it comes to how and when to reopen their economies, the collaborative approach is giving way to the individual needs of the coalition’s seven members.”


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

Quote of the Day

“ I don ’ t think there ’ s a chance that this virus is just going to disappear .
@ @ @ @ @ be around , and if given the opportunity , it will resurge.
” — Dr. @ @ @ @ @ interview with National Geographic .

“I don’t think there’s a chance that this virus is just going to disappear. It’s going to be around, and if given the opportunity, it will resurge.”
— Dr. Anthony Fauci, in an interview with National Geographic.


politicalwire--2020-05-05--Americans Widely Oppose Reopening Most Businesses

“ Americans clearly oppose the reopening of restaurants , retail stores and other businesses , even as governors begin to @ @ @ @ @ the economy locked down in an effort to combat the coronavirus pandemic , ” according @ @ @ @ @ Maryland poll .
“ The opposition expressed by sizable majorities of Americans reflects other cautions @ @ @ @ @ survey , including continuing fears among most people that they could become infected by the @ @ @ @ @ a belief that the worst of the medical crisis is not yet over .
”

“Americans clearly oppose the reopening of restaurants, retail stores and other businesses, even as governors begin to lift restrictions that have kept the economy locked down in an effort to combat the coronavirus pandemic,” according to a Washington Post-University of Maryland poll.
“The opposition expressed by sizable majorities of Americans reflects other cautions and concerns revealed in the survey, including continuing fears among most people that they could become infected by the coronavirus, as well as a belief that the worst of the medical crisis is not yet over.”


politicalwire--2020-05-05--GOP Lawmaker Cites God for Not Wearing Face Mask

Ohio state Rep. Nino Vitale ( R ) cited his religious beliefs to explain why he would not wear a @ @ @ @ @ .
Mike DeWine ( R ) to help limit the spread of the novel coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ Said Vitale : “ This is not the entire world .
This is the greatest @ @ @ @ @ Judeo-Christian Principles .
One of those principles is that we are all created in the @ @ @ @ @ .
That image is seen the most by our face .
I will not wear @ @ @ @

Ohio state Rep. Nino Vitale (R) cited his religious beliefs to explain why he would not wear a mask as recommended by Gov. Mike DeWine (R) to help limit the spread of the novel coronavirus, The Hill reports.
Said Vitale: “This is not the entire world. This is the greatest nation on earth founded on Judeo-Christian Principles. One of those principles is that we are all created in the image and likeness of God. That image is seen the most by our face. I will not wear a mask.”