politicalwire--2020-03-15--French Elections Proceed Despite Lockdown

“ France is holding nationwide elections Sunday to choose all of its mayors and other local leaders despite a crackdown @ @ @ @ @ the new virus , ” ABC News reports .
“ Voting stations opened just as @ @ @ @ @ into effect shutting down all of France ’ s restaurants , museums , and most @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus .
The country has some 4,500 cases , including 91 people who have died @ @

“France is holding nationwide elections Sunday to choose all of its mayors and other local leaders despite a crackdown on public gatherings because of the new virus,” ABC News reports.
“Voting stations opened just as a drastic new order came into effect shutting down all of France’s restaurants, museums, and most stores to stem the spreading coronavirus. The country has some 4,500 cases, including 91 people who have died.”


politicalwire--2020-03-15--Ohio Mulls Closing Restaurants and Bars

Ohio Mulls Closing Restaurants and Bars

Ohio Gov .
Mike DeWine ( R ) told NBC News “ we are certainly looking at ” closing bars @ @ @ @ @ .
Said DeWine : “ We are inconveniencing people .
It is making people ’ @ @ @ @ @ we have got to save lives .
Everything we are doing is to save lives @ @

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine (R) told NBC News “we are certainly looking at” closing bars and restaurants in the state.
Said DeWine: “We are inconveniencing people. It is making people’s lives change, but we have got to save lives. Everything we are doing is to save lives.”


politicalwire--2020-03-15--Mnuchin Doesn’t See Pandemic Causing Recession

Despite forecasting an economic slowdown , Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin told ABC News that he does not think the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ .
Said Mnuchin : “ ” I don ’ t think so .
The real @ @ @ @ @ situation today… This is a unique situation .
We are going to have a slowdown @ @ @ @ @ economic activity will pick up as we confront this virus .
”

Despite forecasting an economic slowdown, Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin told ABC News that he does not think the coronavirus pandemic will cause a recession.
Said Mnuchin: “”I don’t think so. The real issue is not the economic situation today… This is a unique situation. We are going to have a slowdown. Later in the year economic activity will pick up as we confront this virus.”


politicalwire--2020-03-15--Most Says Worst Is Still to Come In Coronavirus Pandemic

A new Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll finds 60 % of Americans say the worst is yet to come in @ @ @ @ @ 31 % said the outbreak is not likely to be a major problem in the @ @

A new Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll finds 60% of Americans say the worst is yet to come in the coronavirus pandemic, while 31% said the outbreak is not likely to be a major problem in the U.S.


politicalwire--2020-03-15--Why the Virus Response Looks Like a Patchwork

New York Times : “ The United States , a nation founded on the notion of individual rights and limited @ @ @ @ @ decisions on public health in state and local government .
The last week laid bare @ @ @ @ @ decision-making , as the largest quarantine in recent American history occurred in a juddering , @ @ @ @ @ on public gatherings are being decided by individual counties , school closures by individual school @ @ @ @ @ widely , with some states introducing curbside testing and private testing firms .
Although this @ @ @ @ @ authority for handling infectious disease — the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — the @ @ @ @ @ involved on the ground unless invited by states or municipalities .
”

New York Times: “The United States, a nation founded on the notion of individual rights and limited federal power, vests key decisions on public health in state and local government. The last week laid bare a dizzying patchwork of local decision-making, as the largest quarantine in recent American history occurred in a juddering, piecemeal fashion.”
“Limits on public gatherings are being decided by individual counties, school closures by individual school districts. Testing practices vary widely, with some states introducing curbside testing and private testing firms. Although this country has a central public authority for handling infectious disease — the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — the federal agency cannot get involved on the ground unless invited by states or municipalities.”


politicalwire--2020-03-16--Airlines Could Go Broke by May

Airlines Could Go Broke by May

Financial Times : “ The airline industry is warning that it must shed jobs and obtain state support to survive @ @ @ @ @ a respected aviation consultancy predicted that most of the world ’ s carriers could go @ @ @ @

“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--2020-03-16--Stock Market Set to Drop Dramatically at Open

“ The Federal Reserve ’ s drastic easing measures Sunday are doing little to stem the market bleeding , judging @ @ @ @ @ ’ s largest exchange-traded funds , ” Bloomberg reports .
“ The SPDR S & @ @ @ @ @ a $ 248 billion product that tracks the American equity benchmark , slumped 9.1 % @ @ @ @ @ York time in pre-market trading .
”

“The Federal Reserve’s drastic easing measures Sunday are doing little to stem the market bleeding, judging by some of the world’s largest exchange-traded funds,” Bloomberg reports.
“The SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust, a $248 billion product that tracks the American equity benchmark, slumped 9.1% as of 5:08 a.m. New York time in pre-market trading.”


politicalwire--2020-03-16--Alabama Weighs Postponing Runoff Election

“ Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill is seeking an emergency opinion on delaying the runoffs elections scheduled for March @ @ @ @ @ Advertiser reports .
“ The March 31 runoff features several high profile races , including @ @ @ @ @ Sen. Jeff Sessions and former Auburn football coach Tommy Tuberville for the Republican nomination for @ @ @ @

“Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill is seeking an emergency opinion on delaying the runoffs elections scheduled for March 31,” the Montgomery Advertiser reports.
“The March 31 runoff features several high profile races, including a contest between former U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions and former Auburn football coach Tommy Tuberville for the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate.”


politicalwire--2020-03-16--White House Seeks New Funding for Virus Outbreak

“ The White House budget office will send Congress another funding request that would potentially bolster the Pentagon , the @ @ @ @ @ federal agencies work to contain the coronavirus outbreak , ” Politico reports .


politicalwire--2020-03-16--New York City Closes All Restaurants and Bars

New York City is ordering all restaurants to close effective Tuesday and will only allow takeout , in an effort @ @ @ @ @ , the New York Times reports .
Mayor Bill DeBlasio tweets : “ Our lives @ @ @ @ @ that were unimaginable just a week ago .
We are taking a series of actions @ @ @ @ @ taken otherwise in an effort to save the lives of loved ones and our neighbors @ @ @ @ @ to take yet another drastic step.
“

New York City is ordering all restaurants to close effective Tuesday and will only allow takeout, in an effort to combat the coronavirus outbreak, the New York Times reports.
Mayor Bill DeBlasio tweets: “Our lives are all changing in ways that were unimaginable just a week ago. We are taking a series of actions that we never would have taken otherwise in an effort to save the lives of loved ones and our neighbors. Now it is time to take yet another drastic step.“


politicalwire--2020-03-16--My Reaction to the 11th Democratic Debate

This piece is only available to Political Wire members .
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This piece is only available to Political Wire members.
Although Joe Biden portrays his match up with Bernie Sanders as a choice between “results” and “revolution,” much of what Biden is proposing is actually quite revolutionary.


politicalwire--2020-03-16--Most Federal Workers Still Expected at Office

“ Most of the nation ’ s 2.1 million federal employees will report to work Monday to tightly packed office @ @ @ @ @ they serve the public , even as schools and colleges across the country have closed @ @ @ @ @ staffs home to work and governors have canceled public activities to limit the spread of @ @ @ @ @ Washington Post reports .

“Most of the nation’s 2.1 million federal employees will report to work Monday to tightly packed office cubicles and other workplaces where they serve the public, even as schools and colleges across the country have closed, businesses have sent their staffs home to work and governors have canceled public activities to limit the spread of the coronavirus,” the Washington Post reports.


politicalwire--2020-03-16--Officials Say Trump Wanted Exclusive Rights to Vaccine

“ German officials will discuss a reported U.S. attempt to secure the rights to any coronavirus vaccine developed by a @ @ @ @ @ meetings on Monday , amid concerns that the Trump administration was trying to monopolize the @ @ @ @ @ Post reports .
“ Interior Minister Horst Seehofer , when asked to confirm a report @ @ @ @ @ to secure exclusive rights to any vaccine created by the German biopharmaceutical firm CureVac , @ @ @ @ @ from several other members of government today that is the case . '
” “ @ @ @ @ @ unaware of any communication by or offer from President Trump to CureVac… The official cautioned @ @ @ @ @ often has private conversations of which his staff is not aware , and therefore the @ @ @ @ @ out that any such discussion had occurred .
”

“German officials will discuss a reported U.S. attempt to secure the rights to any coronavirus vaccine developed by a German pharmaceutical company in crisis meetings on Monday, amid concerns that the Trump administration was trying to monopolize the market,” the Washington Post reports.
“Interior Minister Horst Seehofer, when asked to confirm a report the Trump administration was attempting to secure exclusive rights to any vaccine created by the German biopharmaceutical firm CureVac, said he had ‘heard from several other members of government today that is the case.'”
“Top White House aides were unaware of any communication by or offer from President Trump to CureVac… The official cautioned, however, that Trump often has private conversations of which his staff is not aware, and therefore the official could not definitively rule out that any such discussion had occurred.”


politicalwire--2020-03-16--Biden Says He’ll Pick a Woman as Veep

Biden Says He’ll Pick a Woman as Veep

Joe Biden committed to picking a woman as his running mate if he wins the Democratic presidential nomination .
Said @ @ @ @ @ ’ m elected president , my Cabinet , my administration will look like the country @ @ @ @ @ I will in fact pick a woman to be vice president .
”

Joe Biden committed to picking a woman as his running mate if he wins the Democratic presidential nomination.
Said Biden: “If I’m elected president, my Cabinet, my administration will look like the country. And I commit that I will in fact pick a woman to be vice president.”


politicalwire--2020-03-16--CDC Advises Canceling All Gatherings of 50 or More

The CDC said in new guidelines Sunday that gatherings of 50 people or more people should be postponed or cancelled @ @ @ @ @ in order to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus , Axios reports .
From @ @ @ @ @ events and mass gatherings can contribute to the spread of COVID-19 in the United States @ @ @ @ @ events and introduce the virus to new communities .
Examples of large events and mass @ @ @ @ @ , parades , concerts , sporting events , weddings , and other types of assemblies @ @

The CDC said in new guidelines Sunday that gatherings of 50 people or more people should be postponed or cancelled for at least eight week in order to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus, Axios reports.
From the CDC: “Large events and mass gatherings can contribute to the spread of COVID-19 in the United States via travelers who attend these events and introduce the virus to new communities. Examples of large events and mass gatherings include conferences, festivals, parades, concerts, sporting events, weddings, and other types of assemblies.”


politicalwire--2020-03-15--The 11th Democratic Debate

The 11th Democratic Debate

Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders face off in what could be the last debate of the Democratic presidential primary at @ @ @ @ @ The debate will be televised on CNN .
Leave your reactions in the comments .

Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders face off in what could be the last debate of the Democratic presidential primary at 8 p.m. ET.
The debate will be televised on CNN.
Leave your reactions in the comments.


politicalwire--2020-03-15--Trump Assistant to Release Memoir

Trump Assistant to Release Memoir

Madeleine Westerhout , who spent 2½ years as President Trump ’ s Oval Office gatekeeper , will release a frank @ @ @ @ @ one mistake that cost her one of the world ’ s most fascinating jobs , @ @ @ @ @ recount an “ off-the-record ” dinner with reporters on the road — an age-old White @ @ @ @ @ a disastrous fallout when word of what was discussed over drinks got back to the @ @ @

Madeleine Westerhout, who spent 2½ years as President Trump’s Oval Office gatekeeper, will release a frank memoir on Aug. 11 about one mistake that cost her one of the world’s most fascinating jobs, Axios reports.
Westerhout will recount an “off-the-record” dinner with reporters on the road — an age-old White House tradition. Hers had a disastrous fallout when word of what was discussed over drinks got back to the West Wing.


politicalwire--2020-03-16--U.K. Shifts Virus Response After Report

U.K. Shifts Virus Response After Report

The UK only realised “ in the last few days ” that attempts to “ mitigate ” the impact of @ @ @ @ @ work , and that it needed to shift to a strategy to “ suppress ” @ @ @ @ @ a report by a team of experts who have been advising the government , BuzzFeed @ @ @ @ @ found that the strategy previously being pursued by the government — dubbed “ mitigation ” @ @ @ @ @ suspect cases and their family members but not including restrictions on wider society — would @ @ @ @ @ of thousands of deaths and health systems ( most notably intensive care units ) being @ @ @ @ @ ”

The UK only realised “in the last few days” that attempts to “mitigate” the impact of the coronavirus pandemic would not work, and that it needed to shift to a strategy to “suppress” the outbreak, according to a report by a team of experts who have been advising the government, BuzzFeed News reports.
The report found that the strategy previously being pursued by the government — dubbed “mitigation” and involving home isolation of suspect cases and their family members but not including restrictions on wider society — would “likely result in hundreds of thousands of deaths and health systems (most notably intensive care units) being overwhelmed many times over.”


politicalwire--2020-03-16--Kentucky Delays Presidential Primary

Kentucky Delays Presidential Primary

“ Kentucky delayed its primary election on Monday , becoming the latest state to take the step to curb the @ @ @ @ @ ” CNBC reports .
“ The state will move its nominating contest to June 23 @ @ @ @ @ 19 , Secretary of State Michael Adams announced .
He said he made the decision @ @ @ @ @ during what he called ‘ unprecedented times . '
”

“Kentucky delayed its primary election on Monday, becoming the latest state to take the step to curb the spread of the coronavirus,” CNBC reports.
“The state will move its nominating contest to June 23 from the originally planned May 19, Secretary of State Michael Adams announced. He said he made the decision with Gov. Andy Beshear during what he called ‘unprecedented times.'”


politicalwire--2020-03-16--Trump Gives Himself a 10 Out of 10 on Virus Response

President Trump told reporters that he would rate his administration ’ s response to the coronavirus a 10 on a @ @ @ @ @ , The Hill reports .
He added : “ I think we ’ ve done @ @ @ @ @ it started with the fact that we kept a very highly-infected country , despite all @ @ @ @ @ professionals saying it ’ s too early to do that .
We were very , @ @ @ @ @ China and we would have a whole different situation in this country if we didn @ @ @ @ @ ”

President Trump told reporters that he would rate his administration’s response to the coronavirus a 10 on a scale of 1 to 10, The Hill reports.
Said Trump: “I’d rate it a 10.”
He added: “I think we’ve done a great job, and it started with the fact that we kept a very highly-infected country, despite all of the, even the professionals saying it’s too early to do that. We were very, very early with respect to China and we would have a whole different situation in this country if we didn’t do that.”


politicalwire--2020-03-16--Trump Asks Citizens to Stop Hoarding

Trump Asks Citizens to Stop Hoarding

Presdient Trump asked Americans to avoid “ hoarding unnecessary amounts of food and essentials ” during the coronavirus crisis .
@ @ @ @ @ ask all Americans to band together and support your neighbors by not hoarding unnecessary amounts @ @ @ @ @ TOGETHER we will stay STRONG and overcome this challenge !
”

Presdient Trump asked Americans to avoid “hoarding unnecessary amounts of food and essentials” during the coronavirus crisis.
Said Trump: “I ask all Americans to band together and support your neighbors by not hoarding unnecessary amounts of food and essentials. TOGETHER we will stay STRONG and overcome this challenge!”


politicalwire--2020-03-16--Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day

“ Not , not uh – something I want to do everyday… you know , it ’ s a little @ @ @ @ @ ’ s a little bit of — good doctors in the White House , but @ @ @ @ @ .
It ’ s a test .
It ’ s a medical test .
Nothing @ @ @ @ @ President Trump , quoted by CNN , when asked what it was like to take @ @ @ @

“Not, not uh – something I want to do everyday… you know, it’s a little bit of a — it’s a little bit of — good doctors in the White House, but it’s a test. It’s a test. It’s a medical test. Nothing pleasant about it.”
— President Trump, quoted by CNN, when asked what it was like to take the coronavirus test.


politicalwire--2020-03-16--Trump on Coronavirus, Yesterday and Today

“ It ’ s a very contagious virus , it ’ s incredible , but it ’ s something we @ @ @ @ @ — President Trump , quoted by CNN yesterday , on the coronavirus outbreak .
“ @ @ @ @ @ not under control for any place in the world.
” — Trump , quoted by @ @ @ @ @ his outlook on the crisis .

“It’s a very contagious virus, it’s incredible, but it’s something we have tremendous control of.”
— President Trump, quoted by CNN yesterday, on the coronavirus outbreak.
“No, that’s not under control for any place in the world.”
— Trump, quoted by CNN today, sharply changing his outlook on the crisis.


politicalwire--2020-03-16--Dow Falls Nearly 3,000 Points As Virus Fears Spread

“ U.S .
stocks dropped sharply Monday even after the Federal Reserve slashed its benchmark interest rate to near zero @ @ @ @ @ that the emergency measures may not be enough to ward off a coronavirus-induced recession , @ @ @ @ @ reports .
“ The Dow Jones Industrial Average slid 12.9 % , or 2,999 points @ @ @ @ @ p.m. Eastern time close of trading , dropping further during an afternoon news conference by @ @ @ @

“U.S. stocks dropped sharply Monday even after the Federal Reserve slashed its benchmark interest rate to near zero, reflecting investors’ concerns that the emergency measures may not be enough to ward off a coronavirus-induced recession,” the Wall Street Journal reports.
“The Dow Jones Industrial Average slid 12.9%, or 2,999 points, as of the 4 p.m. Eastern time close of trading, dropping further during an afternoon news conference by President Trump.”


politicalwire--2020-03-16--Bay Area Residents Ordered to Shelter In Place

The San Francisco Chronicle reports that six Bay Area counties are expected to announce a “ shelter in place ” @ @ @ @ @ Monday , directing everyone to stay inside their homes and away from others as much @ @ @ @ @ three weeks as public health officials desperately try to curb the rapid spread of coronavirus @ @ @ @

The San Francisco Chronicle reports that six Bay Area counties are expected to announce a “shelter in place” order for all residents on Monday, directing everyone to stay inside their homes and away from others as much as possible for the next three weeks as public health officials desperately try to curb the rapid spread of coronavirus across the region.


politicalwire--2020-03-16--Amazon to Hire 100K Warehouse and Delivery Workers

Amazon plans to hire an additional 100,000 employees in the U.S. , as people are turning to online deliveries at @ @ @ @ @ contain the spread of the new coronavirus , the Wall Street Journal 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--2020-03-16--De Blasio Aides Threatened to Quit Over Virus Response

“ For most of last week , as Mayor Bill de Blasio continued to urge New Yorkers to mostly go @ @ @ @ @ sending their children to school , frequenting the city ’ s businesses — some of @ @ @ @ @ trying to change the mayor ’ s approach to the coronavirus outbreak , ” the @ @ @ @ @ “ There had been arguments and shouting matches between the mayor and some of his @ @ @ @ @ officials had even threatened to resign if he refused to accept the need to close @ @ @ @ @

“For most of last week, as Mayor Bill de Blasio continued to urge New Yorkers to mostly go about their daily lives — sending their children to school, frequenting the city’s businesses — some of his top aides were furiously trying to change the mayor’s approach to the coronavirus outbreak,” the New York Times reports.
“There had been arguments and shouting matches between the mayor and some of his advisers; some top health officials had even threatened to resign if he refused to accept the need to close schools and businesses.”


politicalwire--2020-03-16--DeWine Wants to Delay Ohio Primary

DeWine Wants to Delay Ohio Primary

Ohio Gov .
Mike DeWine ( R ) proposed postponing the state ’ s presidential primary , scheduled for tomorrow @ @ @ @ @ due to the coronavirus outbreak .
DeWine doesn ’ t have the power to switch @ @ @ @ @ will go to court to argue it ’ s in the public ’ s interest @


politicalwire--2020-03-16--Lone Congressman Holds Up Coronavirus Bill

Rep. Louie Gohmert ( R-TX ) is holding up the House-passed coronavirus relief bill and preventing it from being delivered @ @ @ @ @ vote , NBC News reports .


politicalwire--2020-03-16--Schumer Proposes $750 Billion to Combat Coronavirus

Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer ( D-NY ) is set to propose at least $ 750 billion to combat the @ @ @ @ @ third legislative package , The Hill reports .
The proposal is set to be presented @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday .

Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-NY) is set to propose at least $750 billion to combat the coronavirus as lawmakers discuss a third legislative package, The Hill reports.
The proposal is set to be presented to appropriators as early as Tuesday.


politicalwire--2020-03-16--Airlines Seek $50 Billion Relief Package

“ US airlines are seeking government assistance of more than $ 50 billion , including a mix of direct aid @ @ @ @ @ the industry reels from the coronavirus outbreak , ” CNBC reports .


politicalwire--2020-03-16--Romney Proposes Sending $1,000 Checks to Everyone

Sen. Mitt Romney ( R-UT ) proposed sending every American $ 1,000 to ease the financial pain of the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ markets and threatened to grind U.S. economic activity to a halt , CNBC reports .


politicalwire--2020-03-16--Trump Tells Governors to Get Own Medical Equipment

“ President Trump told a group of governors Monday morning that they should not wait for the federal government to @ @ @ @ @ respirators needed to help people diagnosed with coronavirus , ” the New York Times reports @ @ @ @ @ Respirators , ventilators , all of the equipment — try getting it yourselves… We will @ @ @ @ @ try getting it yourselves .
Point of sales , much better , much more direct @ @ @ @ @ yourself.
” “ The suggestion surprised some of the governors , who have been scrambling @ @ @ @ @ are increasingly looking to the federal government for help with equipment , personnel and financial @ @ @

“President Trump told a group of governors Monday morning that they should not wait for the federal government to fill the growing demand for respirators needed to help people diagnosed with coronavirus,” the New York Times reports.
Said Trump: “Respirators, ventilators, all of the equipment — try getting it yourselves… We will be backing you, but try getting it yourselves. Point of sales, much better, much more direct if you can get it yourself.”
“The suggestion surprised some of the governors, who have been scrambling to contain the outbreak and are increasingly looking to the federal government for help with equipment, personnel and financial aid.”


politicalwire--2020-03-16--Cuomo Doesn’t Think New York Can ‘Flatten the Curve’

New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo ( D ) said he doesn ’ t believe New York ’ s health @ @ @ @ @ to meet the demand required by coronavirus patients , NPR reports .
Said Cuomo : @ @ @ @ @ believe we ’ ll be able to flatten the curve enough to meet the capacity @ @ @ @ @ ” He repeatedly said the federal government will need to do more and said his @ @ @ @ @ National Guard and health officials to identify facilities that could be retrofitted to serve as @ @ @ @ @ old nursing homes .

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) said he doesn’t believe New York’s health care system will be able to meet the demand required by coronavirus patients, NPR reports.
Said Cuomo: “I don’t believe we’ll be able to flatten the curve enough to meet the capacity of the health care system.”
He repeatedly said the federal government will need to do more and said his administration is working with the National Guard and health officials to identify facilities that could be retrofitted to serve as hospitals, like dorms and old nursing homes.


politicalwire--2020-03-16--Biden Leads In Ohio

Biden Leads In Ohio

A new Marist poll in Ohio finds Joe Biden edging President Trump in a general election match up , 49 @ @ @ @ @ Ohio is not currently considered a Toss Up on the consensus electoral vote map .


politicalwire--2020-03-16--Another Poll Gives Biden the Edge In Arizona

A new Marist poll in Arizona finds Joe Biden edging President Trump in a general election match up , 47 @ @ @ @ @ In the U.S. Senate race , Mark Kelly ( D ) leads Sen. Martha McSally @ @ @ @ @ % to 45 % .


politicalwire--2020-03-16--McConnell Quietly Asks Veteran Judges to Retire

“ Running out of federal court vacancies to fill , Senate Republicans have been quietly making overtures to sitting Republican-nominated @ @ @ @ @ retire to urge them to step aside so they can be replaced while the party @ @ @ @ @ the White House , ” the New York Times reports .
“ Senator Mitch McConnell @ @ @ @ @ who has used his position as majority leader to build a judicial confirmation juggernaut for @ @ @ @ @ three years , has been personally reaching out to judges to sound them out on @ @ @ @ @ that they would have a worthy successor if they gave up their seats soon , @ @ @ @ @ knowledge of his actions.
” “ It was not known how many judges were contacted @ @ @ @ @ McConnell had spoken to directly .
”

“Running out of federal court vacancies to fill, Senate Republicans have been quietly making overtures to sitting Republican-nominated judges who are eligible to retire to urge them to step aside so they can be replaced while the party still holds the Senate and the White House,” the New York Times reports.
“Senator Mitch McConnell, Republican of Kentucky, who has used his position as majority leader to build a judicial confirmation juggernaut for President Trump over the past three years, has been personally reaching out to judges to sound them out on their plans and assure them that they would have a worthy successor if they gave up their seats soon, according to multiple people with knowledge of his actions.”
“It was not known how many judges were contacted or which of them Mr. McConnell had spoken to directly.”


politicalwire--2020-03-17--Americans Don’t Trust What Trump Says

Americans Don’t Trust What Trump Says

A new NPR/PBS/Marist poll finds just 37 % of Americans now say they had a good amount or a great @ @ @ @ @ they ’ re hearing from President Trump , while 60 % say they had not @ @ @ @ @ at all in what he ’ s saying .

A new NPR/PBS/Marist poll finds just 37% of Americans now say they had a good amount or a great deal of trust in what they’re hearing from President Trump, while 60% say they had not very much or no trust at all in what he’s saying.


politicalwire--2020-03-17--Bonus Quote of the Day

Bonus Quote of the Day

“ We are at war .
It is of course a sanitary war .
We are not fighting against an @ @ @ @ @ .
But the enemy is here .
It is invisible , elusive and it is @ @ @ @ @ our general mobilization.
” — French President Emmanuel Macron , quoted by Politico , in @ @ @ @ @ nation , in which he announced a 15-day lockdown to slow the coronavirus outbreak .

“We are at war. It is of course a sanitary war. We are not fighting against an army, or another nation. But the enemy is here. It is invisible, elusive and it is progressing. And this requires our general mobilization.”
— French President Emmanuel Macron, quoted by Politico, in a televised speech to his nation, in which he announced a 15-day lockdown to slow the coronavirus outbreak.


politicalwire--2020-03-17--Trump Was Warned of Pandemic During Transition

Politico : “ The briefing was intended to hammer home a new , terrifying reality facing the Trump administration , @ @ @ @ @ s responsibility to protect Americans amid a crisis .
But unlike the coronavirus pandemic currently @ @ @ @ @ 2017 crisis didn ’ t really happen — it was among a handful of scenarios @ @ @ @ @ top aides as part of a legally required transition exercise with members of the outgoing @ @ @ @ @ “ And in the words of several attendees , the atmosphere was ‘ weird ’ @ @ @ @ @ worst .
”

Politico: “The briefing was intended to hammer home a new, terrifying reality facing the Trump administration, and the incoming president’s responsibility to protect Americans amid a crisis. But unlike the coronavirus pandemic currently ravaging the globe, this 2017 crisis didn’t really happen — it was among a handful of scenarios presented to Trump’s top aides as part of a legally required transition exercise with members of the outgoing administration of Barack Obama.”
“And in the words of several attendees, the atmosphere was ‘weird’ at best, chilly at worst.”


politicalwire--2020-03-17--Bernie’s Not Planning on Going Quietly

Bernie’s Not Planning on Going Quietly

“ Bernie Sanders ’ path to the Democratic nomination is closing , but a quick exit is far from guaranteed @ @ @ @ @ wiped out Tuesday .
From his debate posture to staffing moves to the ‘ virtual @ @ @ @ @ evening , the Vermont senator is signaling that he may not be ready to concede @ @ @ @ @ “ If Sanders remains in the race , it will be in part to keep @ @ @ @ @ alive .
According to people familiar with his thinking , Sanders will not only consider @ @ @ @ @ his campaign , but also the progressive movement.
” “ Many of Sanders ’ aides @ @ @ @ @ to press onward after Tuesday .
They see a benefit in amassing as many delegates @ @ @ @ @ influence the party platform at the Democratic National Convention this summer — even if Sanders @ @ @ @ @ the nomination .
”

“Bernie Sanders’ path to the Democratic nomination is closing, but a quick exit is far from guaranteed — even if he gets wiped out Tuesday. From his debate posture to staffing moves to the ‘virtual rally’ he convened Monday evening, the Vermont senator is signaling that he may not be ready to concede,” Politico reports.
“If Sanders remains in the race, it will be in part to keep his ‘political revolution’ alive. According to people familiar with his thinking, Sanders will not only consider what’s best for his campaign, but also the progressive movement.”
“Many of Sanders’ aides and allies also expect him to press onward after Tuesday. They see a benefit in amassing as many delegates as possible in order to influence the party platform at the Democratic National Convention this summer — even if Sanders himself can’t win the nomination.”


politicalwire--2020-03-17--Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day

“ I don ’ t think we can assume that we can keep reconvening the Senate every week like we @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t think we can make that assumption… With what might happen to airlines @ @ @ @ @ individual members having to go into quarantine or being exposed — I don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ if we can just bring the Senate and House back whenever we want .
”

“I don’t think we can assume that we can keep reconvening the Senate every week like we did this week. I don’t think we can make that assumption… With what might happen to airlines or travel schedules, with individual members having to go into quarantine or being exposed — I don’t think we can operate as if we can just bring the Senate and House back whenever we want.”
— Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL), quoted by Politico.


politicalwire--2020-03-17--White House Pivots After Dire Report on Death Toll

“ Sweeping new federal recommendations announced on Monday for Americans to sharply limit their activities appeared to draw on a @ @ @ @ @ , without action by the government and individuals to slow the spread of coronavirus and @ @ @ @ @ million people in the United States could die , ” the New York Times reports @ @ @ @ @ epidemic , there would need to be drastic restrictions on work , school and social @ @ @ @ @ until a vaccine was available , which could take 18 months , according to the @ @ @ @ @ researchers .
They cautioned that such steps carried enormous costs that could also affect people @ @ @ @ @ concluded they were ‘ the only viable strategy at the current time . '
” @ @ @ @ @ eight weeks after the first coronavirus case was reported in the United States , Trump @ @ @ @ @ recognizes the magnitude of the crisis that is threatening lives across the nation , disrupting @ @ @ @ @ the daily rhythms of American life .
”

“Sweeping new federal recommendations announced on Monday for Americans to sharply limit their activities appeared to draw on a dire scientific report warning that, without action by the government and individuals to slow the spread of coronavirus and suppress new cases, 2.2 million people in the United States could die,” the New York Times reports.
“To curb the epidemic, there would need to be drastic restrictions on work, school and social gatherings for periods of time until a vaccine was available, which could take 18 months, according to the report, compiled by British researchers. They cautioned that such steps carried enormous costs that could also affect people’s health, but concluded they were ‘the only viable strategy at the current time.'”
Washington Post: “Nearly eight weeks after the first coronavirus case was reported in the United States, Trump conveyed that he at last recognizes the magnitude of the crisis that is threatening lives across the nation, disrupting the economy and fundamentally upending the daily rhythms of American life.”


politicalwire--2020-03-17--DeWine Orders Ohio Polls Closed on Election Day

Ohio Gov .
Mike DeWine ( R ) announced late Monday that polls will be closed on Tuesday for the @ @ @ @ @ a “ health emergency ” tied to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic , the Cleveland Plain @ @ @ @ @ will be made despite a judge ruling earlier that he would not postpone the primary @

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine (R) announced late Monday that polls will be closed on Tuesday for the presidential primary election, citing a “health emergency” tied to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.
The decision will be made despite a judge ruling earlier that he would not postpone the primary.


politicalwire--2020-03-17--VA Deletes Mission About Serving Civilian Patients

“ The Department of Veterans Affairs serves as a backup health system in times of crisis , but its mission @ @ @ @ @ was deleted from the agency ’ s website Friday as many in the country grew @ @ @ @ @ overload civilian hospitals , ” the Washington Post reports .

“The Department of Veterans Affairs serves as a backup health system in times of crisis, but its mission statement for this crucial role was deleted from the agency’s website Friday as many in the country grew concerned that the coronavirus could overload civilian hospitals,” the Washington Post reports.


Echoes of 1929

Politico : “ The early signals from the coronavirus crisis point to a scale of damage unseen in the modern @ @ @ @ @ for millions of jobs lost in a single month , a historic and sudden plunge @ @ @ @ @ nation and a pace of sharp market swings not seen since the Great Depression.
” @ @ @ @ @ former White House Council of Economic Advisers chairman who remains in contact with Trump and @ @ @ @ @ in an interview that jobs reports for March and April could show horrific numbers that @ @ @ @ @ if it has not already occurred by then.
” “ He predicted losses of perhaps @ @ @ @ @ coming reports and a spike in the jobless rate .
”

Politico: “The early signals from the coronavirus crisis point to a scale of damage unseen in the modern U.S. economy: the potential for millions of jobs lost in a single month, a historic and sudden plunge in economic activity across the nation and a pace of sharp market swings not seen since the Great Depression.”
“Kevin Hassett, the former White House Council of Economic Advisers chairman who remains in contact with Trump and the White House, said in an interview that jobs reports for March and April could show horrific numbers that will force massive congressional action if it has not already occurred by then.”
“He predicted losses of perhaps over 1 million jobs in coming reports and a spike in the jobless rate.”


politicalwire--2020-03-17--Restaurants Have Never Seen a Crisis on This Scale

Eater : “ The coronavirus pandemic — fast-moving , and endangering people who spend time in public spaces — is @ @ @ @ @ the restaurant industry as we know it .
As if tailor-made to render restaurants unusable @ @ @ @ @ time bomb .
And restaurants will not be able to delivery or takeout their way @ @ @ @ @ Many of the restaurants that close during the pandemic will not reopen their doors .
@ @ @ @ @ a restaurant landscape that will be entirely different by the time — however near or @ @ @ @ @ — they can be safely encouraged to enjoy a crowded night out again .
”

Eater: “The coronavirus pandemic — fast-moving, and endangering people who spend time in public spaces — is uniquely poised to take down the restaurant industry as we know it. As if tailor-made to render restaurants unusable, the pandemic is a time bomb. And restaurants will not be able to delivery or takeout their way out of it.”
“Many of the restaurants that close during the pandemic will not reopen their doors. Diners should also brace for a restaurant landscape that will be entirely different by the time — however near or far off it may be — they can be safely encouraged to enjoy a crowded night out again.”


politicalwire--2020-03-17--Fox News Changes Tune on Coronavirus

Fox News Changes Tune on Coronavirus

“ For weeks , some of Fox News ’ s most popular hosts downplayed the threat of the coronavirus , @ @ @ @ @ by media organizations and Democrats to undermine President Trump , ” the Washington Post reports @ @ @ @ @ s declaration on Friday that the virus constitutes a national emergency , the tone on @ @ @ @ @ ” “ On his program on Friday , Hannity — the most watched figure on @ @ @ @ @ president ’ s handling of what the host is now , belatedly , referring to @ @ @ @ @ ' ”

“For weeks, some of Fox News’s most popular hosts downplayed the threat of the coronavirus, characterizing it as a conspiracy by media organizations and Democrats to undermine President Trump,” the Washington Post reports.
“But that was then.”
“With Trump’s declaration on Friday that the virus constitutes a national emergency, the tone on Fox News has quickly shifted.”
“On his program on Friday, Hannity — the most watched figure on cable news — lauded the president’s handling of what the host is now, belatedly, referring to as a ‘crisis.'”


politicalwire--2020-03-17--Kushner Was an Early Coronavirus Denier

Kushner Was an Early Coronavirus Denier

Jared Kushner ’ s “ early involvement with dealing with the virus was in advising the president that the media @ @ @ @ @ threat , ” the New York Times reports .
Also interesting : “ It explains @ @ @ @ @ he was dismissing his acting chief of staff as the crisis grew more severe , @ @ @ @ @ an already fractured chain of command .
And it was a major factor in the @ @ @ @ @ even acknowledge a looming crisis , for fear of rattling the financial markets that serve @ @ @ @ @ .
”

Jared Kushner’s “early involvement with dealing with the virus was in advising the president that the media’s coverage exaggerated the threat,” the New York Times reports.
Also interesting: “It explains how Mr. Trump could announce he was dismissing his acting chief of staff as the crisis grew more severe, creating even less clarity in an already fractured chain of command. And it was a major factor in the president’s reluctance to even acknowledge a looming crisis, for fear of rattling the financial markets that serve as his political weather vane.”


politicalwire--2020-03-17--Justice Department Drops Case Against Russian Firm

“ The U.S. Justice Department moved Monday to drop its two-year-long prosecution of a Russian company charged with orchestrating a @ @ @ @ @ in the 2016 U.S. presidential election , ” the Washington Post reports .
“ The @ @ @ @ @ the case — a spin off of special counsel Robert S. Mueller III ’ s @ @ @ @ @ to trial .
”

“The U.S. Justice Department moved Monday to drop its two-year-long prosecution of a Russian company charged with orchestrating a social media campaign to interfere in the 2016 U.S. presidential election,” the Washington Post reports.
“The stunning reversal came weeks before the case — a spin off of special counsel Robert S. Mueller III’s probe — was to go to trial.”


politicalwire--2020-03-17--Biden Wins Washington Primary

Biden Wins Washington Primary

Joe Biden is the apparent winner of Washington ’ s Democratic primary , NBC News reported Monday , chalking up @ @ @ @ @ of recent upsets over Sen. Bernie Sanders .

“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--2020-03-17--Ohio Primary Will Go Forward

Ohio Primary Will Go Forward

A judge denied an attempt to delay Ohio ’ s primary election due to coronavirus , the Cleveland Plain Dealer @ @ @ @ @ it was too late — 12 hours out from polls opening — to make such @ @ @ @ @ since the state couldn ’ t guarantee that June would be any safer.
” “ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s and LaRose ’ s earlier statements — threatens to plunge the primary into @ @ @ @ @ people confused whether the election is tomorrow , state officials were adamant the election could @ @ @ @ @ voters ’ health at risk .
”

A judge denied an attempt to delay Ohio’s primary election due to coronavirus, the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.
“He said it was too late — 12 hours out from polls opening — to make such a momentous decision, especially since the state couldn’t guarantee that June would be any safer.”
“The ruling — and DeWine’s and LaRose’s earlier statements — threatens to plunge the primary into chaos. Not only are people confused whether the election is tomorrow, state officials were adamant the election could put poll workers’ and voters’ health at risk.”


politicalwire--2020-03-17--Primary Results In Three States Tonight

Primary Results In Three States Tonight

There are primaries in Arizona , Florida and Illinois today .
Ohio ’ s primary was postponed due to the @ @ @ @ @ , the majority of delegates will have been selected .
Polls close at 7 p.m. @ @ @ @ @ in Illinois and 9 p.m. in Arizona ( Eastern Time ) .
Leave your reactions @ @ @ @

There are primaries in Arizona, Florida and Illinois today. Ohio’s primary was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
After today, the majority of delegates will have been selected.
Results: Joe Biden is projected to win in Florida, Illinois and Arizona.
Leave your reactions in the comments.


politicalwire--2020-03-17--Government Offices Begin to Shut Down

Government Offices Begin to Shut Down

Washington Post : “ The Internal Revenue Service on Tuesday began closing field offices in Northern California , Seattle , @ @ @ @ @ York City area to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus — and all of @ @ @ @ @ the elderly .
The Social Security Administration closed 1,400 field and hearing offices Monday night.
@ @ @ @ @ rescheduling trials .
The Food and Drug Administration has suspended inspections of imported food and @ @ @ @ @ Washington Monument has closed to the public .
”

Washington Post: “The Internal Revenue Service on Tuesday began closing field offices in Northern California, Seattle, Puerto Rico and the New York City area to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus — and all of its tax counseling sites for the elderly. The Social Security Administration closed 1,400 field and hearing offices Monday night.”
“Federal courts are rescheduling trials. The Food and Drug Administration has suspended inspections of imported food and medical devices, and the Washington Monument has closed to the public.”


politicalwire--2020-03-17--Tucker Carlson Pushed Trump on the Pandemic

Vanity Fair : “ Tucker Carlson started talking more extensively about the virus on his Fox News show on February @ @ @ @ @ says , by harrowing reports emerging from China .
Trump , it seems , was @ @ @ @ @ A White House adviser arranged for Carlson to meet with Trump so the TV personality @ @ @ @ @ penetrate Trump ’ s bubble .
They talked for two hours .
The oncoming pandemic @ @ @ @ @ was an existential threat to the nation .
To translate it into Trumpian language , @ @ @ @ @ reelection .
Mike Pence joined at one point.
” “ Carlson won ’ t discuss @ @ @ @ @ on the record , but suffice it to say that Trump ’ s denial went @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic ballooned and right-wing allies—many of them on Fox News—suggested the virus was a @ @ @ @ @ Congress , as recently as three days ago , told people to continue going out @ @ @ @ @ was happening .
”

Vanity Fair: “Tucker Carlson started talking more extensively about the virus on his Fox News show on February 3, spurred, he says, by harrowing reports emerging from China. Trump, it seems, was the last to know. A White House adviser arranged for Carlson to meet with Trump so the TV personality could, in essence, penetrate Trump’s bubble. They talked for two hours. The oncoming pandemic, Carlson told him, was an existential threat to the nation. To translate it into Trumpian language, an existential threat to his reelection. Mike Pence joined at one point.”
“Carlson won’t discuss the president’s reaction on the record, but suffice it to say that Trump’s denial went on for another week while the pandemic ballooned and right-wing allies—many of them on Fox News—suggested the virus was a liberal hoax and members of Congress, as recently as three days ago, told people to continue going out in public as if nothing was happening.”


politicalwire--2020-03-17--Val Demings Discusses Veep Speculation

Val Demings Discusses Veep Speculation

Rep. Val Demings ( D-FL ) discussed with the Washington Post speculation she might be on Joe Bidens ’ short @ @ @ @ @ Said Demings : “ I grew up the daughter of a maid and a janitor @ @ @ @ @ , black and female in the South .
Someone who was told a lot of @ @ @ @ @ t the right color or gender .
I didn ’ t have enough money .
@ @ @ @ @ a famous last name , my maiden name of Butler appeared on no buildings .
@ @ @ @ @ and said , ‘ No , you can make it .
If you work hard @ @ @ @ @ , you can be anything you wan na be and do anything you wan na @ @ @ @ @ the message I send to children all over this nation.
” She added : “ @ @ @ @ @ name is being called in such a special way for such an important position during @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s such an honor .
”

Rep. Val Demings (D-FL) discussed with the Washington Post speculation she might be on Joe Bidens’ short list for vice president.
Said Demings: “I grew up the daughter of a maid and a janitor, I grew up poor, black and female in the South. Someone who was told a lot of times that I wasn’t the right color or gender. I didn’t have enough money. I didn’t have a famous last name, my maiden name of Butler appeared on no buildings. But my mother pushed me and said, ‘No, you can make it. If you work hard and play by the rules, you can be anything you wanna be and do anything you wanna do.’ That’s the message I send to children all over this nation.”
She added: “So the fact that my name is being called in such a special way for such an important position during such a critical time, it’s such an honor.”


politicalwire--2020-03-17--Donors Picked Up Tab for Kimberly Guilfoyle’s Party

New York Times : “ It was a lavish birthday party for Donald Trump Jr. ’ s girlfriend , Kimberly @ @ @ @ @ Mar-a-Lago , President Trump ’ s private club in Palm Beach , Fla .
The @ @ @ @ @ Trump family members and friends.
” “ But when it came to picking up the @ @ @ @ @ to other attendees .
Among them were at least four whose families are financial supporters @ @ @ @ @ re-election campaign , for which Ms. Guilfoyle helps lead the fund-raising .
They ended up @ @ @ @ @ of dollars , passed along to Mar-a-Lago , to help pay for what two people @ @ @ @ @ was a $ 50,000 celebration of Ms. Guilfoyle ’ s 51st birthday .
”

New York Times: “It was a lavish birthday party for Donald Trump Jr.’s girlfriend, Kimberly Guilfoyle. The setting was Mar-a-Lago, President Trump’s private club in Palm Beach, Fla. The guest list included dozens of Trump family members and friends.”
“But when it came to picking up the tab, hands went out to other attendees. Among them were at least four whose families are financial supporters of the president’s re-election campaign, for which Ms. Guilfoyle helps lead the fund-raising. They ended up pitching in tens of thousands of dollars, passed along to Mar-a-Lago, to help pay for what two people familiar with the planning said was a $50,000 celebration of Ms. Guilfoyle’s 51st birthday.”


politicalwire--2020-03-17--Trump Claims He Knew It Would Become a Pandemic

“ For weeks , President Trump has minimized the coronavirus , mocked concern about it and treated the risk cavalierly @ @ @ @ @ to the White House podium and made a remarkable pronouncement : He knew it was @ @ @ @ @ ” the New York Times reports .
Said Trump : “ I felt it was @ @ @ @ @ was called a pandemic .
”

“For weeks, President Trump has minimized the coronavirus, mocked concern about it and treated the risk cavalierly. On Tuesday he took to the White House podium and made a remarkable pronouncement: He knew it was a pandemic all along,” the New York Times reports.
Said Trump: “I felt it was a pandemic long before it was called a pandemic.”


Special Election Briefing

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Join today for @ @ @ @ @ and get exclusive analysis , new features and no advertising .
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Just for members: I’ve arranged for a limited number of invites for an election briefing hosted by the Cornell Institute of Politics and Global Affairs.
Former Rep. Steve Israel (D-NY) will moderate a discussion with with former Rep. Tom Davis (R-VA) and political analyst Basil Smikle.


politicalwire--2020-03-17--New Yorkers Should Be Prepared to ‘Shelter In Place’

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said that New Yorkers should prepare for a “ shelter-in-place ” order in @ @ @ @ @ officials try to contain the fast-moving coronavirus , CNBC reports .
A decision will be @ @ @ @ @ hours .

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said that New Yorkers should prepare for a “shelter-in-place” order in the coming days as local officials try to contain the fast-moving coronavirus, CNBC reports.
A decision will be made in the next 48 hours.


politicalwire--2020-03-17--White House Backchannels Its Coronavirus Messaging

“ As the coronavirus has worsened , members of the task force President Trump has assigned to combat the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ conservative social-media ‘ influencers ’ and right-wing TV and radio stars to offer them private @ @ @ @ @ Vice President Mike Pence and other top administration officials , ” the Daily Beast reports @

“As the coronavirus has worsened, members of the task force President Trump has assigned to combat the pandemic have reached out to prominent conservative social-media ‘influencers’ and right-wing TV and radio stars to offer them private briefings and information sessions with Vice President Mike Pence and other top administration officials,” the Daily Beast reports.


politicalwire--2020-03-17--U.S. Postpones April 15 Tax Payments for 90 Days

“ The U.S. government will postpone the April 15 tax-payment deadline for millions of individuals , giving Americans another 90 @ @ @ @ @ income-tax bills in an unprecedented move , ” the Wall Street Journal reports .


politicalwire--2020-03-17--A Generational War Is Brewing Over Coronavirus

Wall Street Journal : “ Data released last week by the National Health Institute in Italy , currently the world @ @ @ @ @ shows mortality rates starting at 0 % for patients aged 0 to 29 and edging @ @ @ @ @ % for those over 90.
” “ Yet scientists say tests have shown children and @ @ @ @ @ likely than older people to get infected and transmit the virus .
Epidemiologists are growing @ @ @ @ @ against social-distancing measures—and an emerging generational divide about how the disease is perceived—could undo all @ @ @ @ @ of the virus and put vulnerable people at high risk .
”

Wall Street Journal: “Data released last week by the National Health Institute in Italy, currently the world’s worst-hit country, shows mortality rates starting at 0% for patients aged 0 to 29 and edging up to peak at 19% for those over 90.”
“Yet scientists say tests have shown children and young adults are no less likely than older people to get infected and transmit the virus. Epidemiologists are growing concerned that the millennial pushback against social-distancing measures—and an emerging generational divide about how the disease is perceived—could undo all efforts to slow the spread of the virus and put vulnerable people at high risk.”


politicalwire--2020-03-17--China Bans Three Major U.S. Newspapers

China Bans Three Major U.S. Newspapers

The Chinese government announced that it will revoke press credentials for American journalists who work for the New York Times @ @ @ @ @ Street Journal in retaliation for restrictions that the Trump administration placed on Chinese state media @ @ @ @ @ , Axios reports .

The Chinese government announced that it will revoke press credentials for American journalists who work for the New York Times, Washington Post and Wall Street Journal in retaliation for restrictions that the Trump administration placed on Chinese state media outlets operating in the U.S., Axios reports.


politicalwire--2020-03-17--Iran Warns Virus Could Kill ‘Millions’

Iran Warns Virus Could Kill ‘Millions’

“ Iran issued its most dire warning yet Tuesday about the outbreak of the new coronavirus ravaging the country , @ @ @ @ @ die in the Islamic Republic if the public keeps traveling and ignoring health guidance , @ @ @ @ @ “ A state television journalist who also is a medical doctor gave the warning only @ @ @ @ @ the previous night pushed their way into the courtyards of two major shrines that had @ @ @ @ @ of the virus .
Meanwhile , Iran ’ s supreme leader issued a religious ruling @ @ @ @ @ in the country .
”

“Iran issued its most dire warning yet Tuesday about the outbreak of the new coronavirus ravaging the country, suggesting ‘millions’ could die in the Islamic Republic if the public keeps traveling and ignoring health guidance,” the AP reports.
“A state television journalist who also is a medical doctor gave the warning only hours after hard-line Shiite faithful the previous night pushed their way into the courtyards of two major shrines that had just been closed over fears of the virus. Meanwhile, Iran’s supreme leader issued a religious ruling prohibiting ‘unnecessary’ travel in the country.”


politicalwire--2020-03-17--States Delaying Primaries May Face Delegate Penalty

The Guardian : “ A new memo from the Democratic National Committee panel that handles delegate selection for the presidential @ @ @ @ @ that hastily change the ‘ first determining step ’ of their own process could be @ @ @ @ @ a 50 % reduction in delegates .
The memo also says the panel is looking @ @ @ @ @ delegates are selected in response to the coronavirus pandemic .
”

The Guardian: “A new memo from the Democratic National Committee panel that handles delegate selection for the presidential nomination warns that state parties that hastily change the ‘first determining step’ of their own process could be subject to penalties – including a 50% reduction in delegates. The memo also says the panel is looking at ways to adjust how delegates are selected in response to the coronavirus pandemic.”


politicalwire--2020-03-17--Duncan Hunter Sentenced to 11 Months In Prison

Convicted Ex-Rep. Duncan Hunter ( R-CA ) was sentenced on Tuesday to 11 months in prison with three years of @ @ @ @ @ guilty to a single corruption charge , NBC San Diego reports .


politicalwire--2020-03-17--Economic Stimulus Balloons to More than $1 Trillion

“ The government ’ s economic stimulus is set to quickly balloon into trillion-dollar territory in the coming days , the largest rescue in modern American history , as major industries flood the Trump administration and Capitol Hill for aid while huge swaths of the economy stall from the coronavirus crisis , ” Politico reports .
“ Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin will meet with Senate Republicans behind closed doors on Tuesday to present lawmakers with options for aid to airlines , hotels , casinos and small-to-medium-sized businesses.
” Playbook : “ This is a recognition of a few realities : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ initial cure for the melting economy — a payroll tax cut — would not take hold quickly enough , and faced uncertain prospects on Capitol Hill .
Number two : Republican senators like Mitt Romney of Utah and Tom Cotton of Arkansas support direct payments to taxpayers , suggesting the GOP will go along .
And number three : This is , theoretically , a way to bring Republicans and Democrats together quite quickly .
Mnuchin suggested the checks would be means-tested — he said people making $ 1 million a year would @ @ @ @ @ @

“The government’s economic stimulus is set to quickly balloon into trillion-dollar territory in the coming days, the largest rescue in modern American history, as major industries flood the Trump administration and Capitol Hill for aid while huge swaths of the economy stall from the coronavirus crisis,” Politico reports.
“Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin will meet with Senate Republicans behind closed doors on Tuesday to present lawmakers with options for aid to airlines, hotels, casinos and small-to-medium-sized businesses.”
Playbook: “This is a recognition of a few realities: Number one, the administration’s initial cure for the melting economy — a payroll tax cut — would not take hold quickly enough, and faced uncertain prospects on Capitol Hill. Number two: Republican senators like Mitt Romney of Utah and Tom Cotton of Arkansas support direct payments to taxpayers, suggesting the GOP will go along. And number three: This is, theoretically, a way to bring Republicans and Democrats together quite quickly. Mnuchin suggested the checks would be means-tested — he said people making $1 million a year would not get a check.”


politicalwire--2020-03-17--Extra Bonus Quote of the Day

Extra Bonus Quote of the Day

“ I have seen that where people actually liked it , but I didn ’ t feel different… I ’ @ @ @ @ @ very serious.
” — President Trump , quoted by the Washington Post , on taking @ @ @ @ @ the global pandemic .

“I have seen that where people actually liked it, but I didn’t feel different… I’ve always viewed it as very serious.”
— President Trump, quoted by the Washington Post, on taking a different tone yesterday on the global pandemic.


politicalwire--2020-03-17--What Did the Primaries Change?

What Did the Primaries Change?

Peter Enns and Jonathon Schuldt : “ Joe Biden is now the presumptive Democratic nominee for president — after a @ @ @ @ @ , 28 Democratic candidates and over $ 1 billion in ads .
Did any of @ @ @ @ @ Not much , our research suggests — but they weren ’ t meaningless .
”

Peter Enns and Jonathon Schuldt: “Joe Biden is now the presumptive Democratic nominee for president — after a primary involving months of campaigning, 28 Democratic candidates and over $1 billion in ads. Did any of that affect the result? Not much, our research suggests — but they weren’t meaningless.”


Maryland Postpones Primaries

“ Maryland Gov .
Larry Hogan announced that he was postponing the state ’ s primaries , originally scheduled for @ @ @ @ @ 2 as the country grapples with the spread of the coronavirus , ” Politico reports @ @ @ @ @ the fifth state to move its primaries , joining Louisiana , Georgia , Kentucky and @ @ @ @ @ primary originally scheduled for today pushed until June after an eleventh-hour legal battle .
”

“Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan announced that he was postponing the state’s primaries, originally scheduled for late April, to June 2 as the country grapples with the spread of the coronavirus,” Politico reports.
“Maryland is now the fifth state to move its primaries, joining Louisiana, Georgia, Kentucky and Ohio, which saw its primary originally scheduled for today pushed until June after an eleventh-hour legal battle.”


politicalwire--2020-03-17--Republicans Remain Skeptical of Coronavirus

Washington Post : “ Inside the Republican Party and the conservative movement that Trump commands , there is now a deep divide as the nation confronts the coronavirus .
For weeks , many on the right , including Trump , minimized the virus , if they considered it at all .
Even in recent days , as much of the world shuts down to try to stop its spread , some Republicans mocked what they saw as a media-generated frenzy.
” “ Their reaction reflected how the American right has evolved under Trump , moving from a bloc of small-government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of government , science , the news and federal warnings.
” “ Their conspiratorial unrest is particularly acute within right-wing media , where Fox Business removed a prime-time anchor for casting the coronavirus as ‘ another attempt to impeach the president.
’ Other right-wing personalities continue to call the coronavirus a ‘ hoax ’ or falsely blame George Soros , the billionaire investor and liberal donor , for causing it.
” “ But conservatives and Republicans now face an undeniable reality as the pandemic ’ s death count here and abroad climbs — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defies the bounds of political debate .
”

Washington Post: “Inside the Republican Party and the conservative movement that Trump commands, there is now a deep divide as the nation confronts the coronavirus. For weeks, many on the right, including Trump, minimized the virus, if they considered it at all. Even in recent days, as much of the world shuts down to try to stop its spread, some Republicans mocked what they saw as a media-generated frenzy.”
“Their reaction reflected how the American right has evolved under Trump, moving from a bloc of small-government advocates to a grievance coalition highly skeptical of government, science, the news and federal warnings.”
“Their conspiratorial unrest is particularly acute within right-wing media, where Fox Business removed a prime-time anchor for casting the coronavirus as ‘another attempt to impeach the president.’ Other right-wing personalities continue to call the coronavirus a ‘hoax’ or falsely blame George Soros, the billionaire investor and liberal donor, for causing it.”
“But conservatives and Republicans now face an undeniable reality as the pandemic’s death count here and abroad climbs — and the worldwide reach of the coronavirus defies the bounds of political debate.”


The Zombie Primary

Politico : “ It ’ s the zombie primary now .
For all practical purposes , the Democratic nominating contest @ @ @ @ @ won Michigan and Washington last week , then stretched his delegate lead by sweeping Florida @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday night .
Bernie Sanders has almost no chance of catching him.
” “ Yet @ @ @ @ @ the presidential campaign is suspended in time .
Rallies are off .
Campaign workers , @ @ @ @ @ are sheltering in place .
On Tuesday , Maryland became the fifth state to postpone @ @ @ @ @ states are expected to follow .
The postponements have left an unexpected opening for Sanders @ @ @ @ @ as his prospects fade .
The pandemic , which first sapped the primary of life @ @ @ @ @ .
”

Politico: “It’s the zombie primary now. For all practical purposes, the Democratic nominating contest was over after Joe Biden won Michigan and Washington last week, then stretched his delegate lead by sweeping Florida, Illinois and Arizona on Tuesday night. Bernie Sanders has almost no chance of catching him.”
“Yet because of the coronavirus, the presidential campaign is suspended in time. Rallies are off. Campaign workers, like many other people, are sheltering in place. On Tuesday, Maryland became the fifth state to postpone its election, and more states are expected to follow. The postponements have left an unexpected opening for Sanders to soldier on, even as his prospects fade. The pandemic, which first sapped the primary of life, is now extending it.”


politicalwire--2020-03-18--Stock Futures Resume Fall

Stock Futures Resume Fall

Wall Street Journal : “ U.S .
stock futures fell by the maximum allowed , and international indexes tumbled , @ @ @ @ @ by the novel coronavirus continued to roil markets .
”

“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…


The Coronavirus Show

Washington Post : “ The president , who is every episode ’ s star , always gets the best lines @ @ @ @ @ quotes and zingers that are often riddled with half-truths and misstatements , but that allow @ @ @ @ @ audience the world as he wishes it were , not as it is , in @ @ @ @ @ global pandemic.
” “ He reserves the right to surprise viewers — as he did @ @ @ @ @ Monday afternoon — offering an appearance totally out of character with the show ’ s @ @ @ @ @ president appears when he wants , often at the beginning of coronavirus task force news @ @ @ @ @ early , too — not dissimilar to his time as the actual reality TV host @ @ @ @ @ The Apprentice , ’ when he would dole out the challenge and then recede off-screen @ @ @ @ @ battle for his approval .

Washington Post: “The president, who is every episode’s star, always gets the best lines — delivering the happy talk quotes and zingers that are often riddled with half-truths and misstatements, but that allow him to present to the audience the world as he wishes it were, not as it is, in the middle of a deadly global pandemic.”
“He reserves the right to surprise viewers — as he did with a serious turn on Monday afternoon — offering an appearance totally out of character with the show’s previous installments. And the president appears when he wants, often at the beginning of coronavirus task force news conferences, and sometimes departs early, too — not dissimilar to his time as the actual reality TV host of NBC’s ‘The Apprentice,’ when he would dole out the challenge and then recede off-screen to the let the teams battle for his approval.


politicalwire--2020-03-18--Coronavirus Now In Every State

Coronavirus Now In Every State

Washington Post : “ The deadly coronavirus outbreak continues to spread across the globe , with cases now confirmed in @ @ @ @ @ District of Columbia and most U.S. territories .
As the number of cases grows despite @ @ @ @ @ experts are warning that life across the globe will face severe disruption for many months.
@ @ @ @ @ — the original epicenter of the crisis — reported 11 new cases of the virus @ @ @ @ @ .
China confirmed 13 new cases of coronavirus the day before , twelve of which @ @ @ @ @ recently returned from abroad .
The country is clamping down on international arrivals and mandating @ @ @ @ @ infections from triggering a resurgence in local transmission , which has slowed dramatically in recent @ @ @

Washington Post: “The deadly coronavirus outbreak continues to spread across the globe, with cases now confirmed in every American state, the District of Columbia and most U.S. territories. As the number of cases grows despite increasingly strict quarantine measures, experts are warning that life across the globe will face severe disruption for many months.”
“Meanwhile, China — the original epicenter of the crisis — reported 11 new cases of the virus by midday Wednesday local time. China confirmed 13 new cases of coronavirus the day before, twelve of which were recorded in individuals who recently returned from abroad. The country is clamping down on international arrivals and mandating strict quarantines to prevent imported infections from triggering a resurgence in local transmission, which has slowed dramatically in recent weeks.”


politicalwire--2020-03-18--A Different Crisis In a Starkly Different Era

Playbook : “ As a point of reference , in the days before the Sept. 11 attacks , a Gallup @ @ @ @ @ of Americans approved of Congress .
After the attacks , that figure jumped to 84 @ @ @ @ @ financial crisis , Barack Obama and John McCain — rivals for the presidency — issued @ @ @ @ @ the economy .
( We aren ’ t counting the fiscal cliff , since it @ @ @ @ @ ’ own making . )
” “ Compare that to today , an age of @ @ @ @ @ is in the 20s , and the two main candidates for the presidency are constantly @ @ @ @ @ President Trump and his team like to suggest that Joe Biden is a confused old @ @ @ @ @ the president a racist who is ‘ wholly unfit ’ for the job.
” “ @ @ @ @ @ we ’ re in a starkly different political era .
”

Playbook: “As a point of reference, in the days before the Sept. 11 attacks, a Gallup poll showed that 42% of Americans approved of Congress. After the attacks, that figure jumped to 84%. During the 2008 financial crisis, Barack Obama and John McCain — rivals for the presidency — issued a joint statement about saving the economy. (We aren’t counting the fiscal cliff, since it was a crisis of Congress’ own making.)”
“Compare that to today, an age of political venom. Congressional approval is in the 20s, and the two main candidates for the presidency are constantly barking at each other. President Trump and his team like to suggest that Joe Biden is a confused old man. Biden has called the president a racist who is ‘wholly unfit’ for the job.”
“To put it mildly, we’re in a starkly different political era.”


politicalwire--2020-03-18--U.S.-Canada Border Will Mostly Close

U.S.-Canada Border Will Mostly Close

The United States and Canada are preparing to issue a joint statement in the next 24-48 hours to suspend non-essential @ @ @ @ @ , CNN reports .


politicalwire--2020-03-18--Marie Newman Ousts Dan Lipinski In Primary

“ In an election marked by low turnout and lack of basic voting supplies because of coronavirus concerns , Marie @ @ @ @ @ pro-abortion rights challenger to incumbent Rep. Dan Lipinski ( D-IL ) has won the Democratic @ @ @ @ @ congressional district , ” BuzzFeed News reports .


politicalwire--2020-03-18--Trump Pushed Virus Response to $1 Trillion

“ President Trump encouraged aides to enhance an $ 850 billion stimulus package to address the coronavirus crisis , telling @ @ @ @ @ bump the number up to a trillion dollars , ” Bloomberg reports .
“ At @ @ @ @ @ simply preferred the sound of $ 1 trillion for an announcement so momentous – but @ @ @ @ @ add to the package that actually pushed the total to as high as $ 1.2 @ @ @

“President Trump encouraged aides to enhance an $850 billion stimulus package to address the coronavirus crisis, telling them to go big and bump the number up to a trillion dollars,” Bloomberg reports.
“At least one official thought Trump simply preferred the sound of $1 trillion for an announcement so momentous – but aides quickly found items to add to the package that actually pushed the total to as high as $1.2 trillion.”


politicalwire--2020-03-18--Senate Coronavirus Relief Bill Blocked by Rand Paul

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said the Senate would move at “ warp speed ” to pass coronavirus legislation on @ @ @ @ @ Paul ( R-KY ) put a damper on those plans , two leadership sources told @ @ @ @ @ were on Tuesday heading towards a vote on the package — which includes provisions for @ @ @ @ @ paid emergency leave , enhances unemployment insurance , strengthens food security initiatives , and increases @ @ @ @ @ — but had to slam the brakes on because of an amendment Paul proposed .
@

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said the Senate would move at “warp speed” to pass coronavirus legislation on Tuesday, but Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) put a damper on those plans, two leadership sources told NBC News.
“Senators were on Tuesday heading towards a vote on the package — which includes provisions for free coronavirus testing, secures paid emergency leave, enhances unemployment insurance, strengthens food security initiatives, and increases federal Medicaid funding to states — but had to slam the brakes on because of an amendment Paul proposed.”


Hello From Italy

Ida Gribldi : “ My family lives in the Veneto , in Northern Italy , one of the regions worst @ @ @ @ @ .
We are on lockdown .
It ’ s scary .
It ’ s lonely @ @ @ @ @ .
And did I mention scary ?
” “ I ’ ll spare you the @ @ @ @ @ both are already abundant .
But I do want to make one thing clear : @ @ @ @ @ stocking up your pantries you have absolved yourself from the responsibility of preparing for this @ @ @ @ @ .
This is a crisis like none before .
Be skeptical of both naysayers and @ @ @ @ @ no way of knowing how this will end .
”

Ida Gribldi: “My family lives in the Veneto, in Northern Italy, one of the regions worst hit by the novel coronavirus. We are on lockdown. It’s scary. It’s lonely. It’s uncomfortable. And did I mention scary?”
“I’ll spare you the statistics and the sermons; both are already abundant. But I do want to make one thing clear: If you think that by stocking up your pantries you have absolved yourself from the responsibility of preparing for this virus, you are mistaken. This is a crisis like none before. Be skeptical of both naysayers and doomsayers; there’s no way of knowing how this will end.”


politicalwire--2020-03-18--Biden Opens Up Commanding Delegate Lead

Biden Opens Up Commanding Delegate Lead

Joe Biden is poised to walk away from Tuesday ’ s primaries with a nearly insurmountable delegate lead over Bernie @ @ @ @ @ one of the biggest states of the primary calendar , according to NBC News projections @


politicalwire--2020-03-17--Mnuchin Says Unemployment Could Hit 20%

Mnuchin Says Unemployment Could Hit 20%

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin warned Republican senators Tuesday that the coronavirus pandemic could drive up US unemployment to 20 % @ @ @ @ @ told CNN .


politicalwire--2020-03-17--Personnel Chief Quits Suddenly

Personnel Chief Quits Suddenly

Dale Cabaniss , the director of the government ’ s Office of Personnel Management , resigned abruptly on Tuesday , @ @ @ @ @ stepped down because of what two people familiar with the matter said was poor treatment @ @ @ @ @ the Presidential Personnel Office , John McEntee.
” “ The departure casts a cloud of @ @ @ @ @ as it struggles to decide how to handle the coronavirus outbreak.
” Washington Post : @ @ @ @ @ to confront the threat the novel coronavirus posed to federal workers , Cabaniss found herself @ @ @ @ @ the White House budget office .
”

Dale Cabaniss, the director of the government’s Office of Personnel Management, resigned abruptly on Tuesday, Politico reports.
“Cabaniss stepped down because of what two people familiar with the matter said was poor treatment from the 29-year-old head of the Presidential Personnel Office, John McEntee.”
“The departure casts a cloud of uncertainty over the federal workforce as it struggles to decide how to handle the coronavirus outbreak.”
Washington Post: “As the administration prepared to confront the threat the novel coronavirus posed to federal workers, Cabaniss found herself and her agency sidelined by the White House budget office.”


politicalwire--2020-03-18--Kudlow Says Government May Take Equity Stakes

The White House ’ s top economic adviser , Larry Kudlow , said the administration may consider asking for an @ @ @ @ @ want coronavirus aid from taxpayers , Bloomberg reports .
Kudlow also said the administration could @ @ @ @ @ beyond its $ 1.3 trillion stimulus proposal if the economic impact of the coronavirus is @ @ @ @

The White House’s top economic adviser, Larry Kudlow, said the administration may consider asking for an equity stake in corporations who want coronavirus aid from taxpayers, Bloomberg reports.
Kudlow also said the administration could “up the ante” beyond its $1.3 trillion stimulus proposal if the economic impact of the coronavirus is worse than anticipated.


politicalwire--2020-03-18--Trump’s $1 Trillion Stimulus Is a Gamble

“ The novel coronavirus is redefining Donald Trump ’ s presidency eight months before he stands for reelection as he @ @ @ @ @ rescue package in U.S. history could protect the American people from the economic carnage brought @ @ @ @ @ the Washington Post reports .
“ Trump will be tested at the ballot box not @ @ @ @ @ the public health crisis but also by his ability to navigate what the president says @ @ @ @ @ — a challenge that is reviving the decade-long debate over the use of public money @ @ @ @ @ ” “ The administration on Wednesday outlined a $ 1 trillion plan , which includes @ @ @ @ @ payments to individual Americans and $ 300 billion toward helping small businesses , as well @ @ @ @ @ airlines and $ 150 billion for other affected sectors .
”

“The novel coronavirus is redefining Donald Trump’s presidency eight months before he stands for reelection as he wagers that the potentially largest rescue package in U.S. history could protect the American people from the economic carnage brought by the pandemic,” the Washington Post reports.
“Trump will be tested at the ballot box not only by his management of the public health crisis but also by his ability to navigate what the president says will likely be a recession — a challenge that is reviving the decade-long debate over the use of public money to prop up private businesses.”
“The administration on Wednesday outlined a $1 trillion plan, which includes $500 billion in cash payments to individual Americans and $300 billion toward helping small businesses, as well as $50 billion for airlines and $150 billion for other affected sectors.”


politicalwire--2020-03-18--First Member of Congress Contracts Coronavirus

Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart ( R-FL ) has become the first member of Congress to test positive for coronavirus , Fox @ @ @


politicalwire--2020-03-18--Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day

“ Getting coronavirus is not a death sentence except for maybe no more than 3.4 percent of our population… probably @ @ @ @ @ ’ t shut down our economy because tens of thousands of people die on the @ @ @

“Getting coronavirus is not a death sentence except for maybe no more than 3.4 percent of our population… probably far less. We don’t shut down our economy because tens of thousands of people die on the highways.”
— Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI), quoted by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.


politicalwire--2020-03-18--Trump to Formally Nominate Vought as Budget Director

“ President Trump on Wednesday signaled plans to formally nominate Russ Vought to serve as the permanent director of the @ @ @ @ @ , ” The Hill reports .
“ Vought has served at the helm of OMB @ @ @ @ @ in an acting capacity , having taken over for Mick Mulvaney as he served as @ @ @ @ @ chief of staff .
”

“President Trump on Wednesday signaled plans to formally nominate Russ Vought to serve as the permanent director of the Office of Management and Budget,” The Hill reports.
“Vought has served at the helm of OMB for more than a year in an acting capacity, having taken over for Mick Mulvaney as he served as the president’s acting chief of staff.”


politicalwire--2020-03-18--New York Stock Exchange Will Close Trading Floor

“ The New York Stock Exchange said Wednesday it will temporarily close its trading floor and move fully to electronic @ @ @ @ @ for coronavirus infection , ” CNBC reports .
“ All-electronic trading will begin on March @ @ @ @ @ ”

“The New York Stock Exchange said Wednesday it will temporarily close its trading floor and move fully to electronic trading after traders tested positive for coronavirus infection,” CNBC reports.
“All-electronic trading will begin on March 23 at the open.”


politicalwire--2020-03-18--Headline of the Day

Headline of the Day

CBS Baltimore : “ Baltimore Mayor Begs Residents To Stop Shooting Each Other So Hospital Beds Can Be Used For @ @ @


politicalwire--2020-03-18--Paul Says ‘Non-People’ Shouldn’t Get Tax Credit

In a Senate floor speech , Sen. Rand Paul ( R-KY ) described undocumented immigrants as not “ legitimate ” @ @ @ @ @ that they should not be given access to federal child tax credits , the Daily @ @ @ @ @ : “ If you want to apply for money from the government through the child @ @ @ @ @ you have to be a legitimate person .
It has nothing to do with not @ @ @ @ @ to do with saying , taxpayer money shouldn ’ t go to non-people .
”

In a Senate floor speech, Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) described undocumented immigrants as not “legitimate” people while making the case that they should not be given access to federal child tax credits, the Daily Beast reports.
Said Paul: “If you want to apply for money from the government through the child tax credit program, then you have to be a legitimate person. It has nothing to do with not liking immigrants. It has to do with saying, taxpayer money shouldn’t go to non-people.”


politicalwire--2020-03-18--Senate Passes Paid Leave Bill

Senate Passes Paid Leave Bill

Washington Post : “ Senate passes bill to ensure paid leave benefits to many Americans as coronavirus upends labor market @ @ @ @ @ to Trump for enactment.
” “ The measure , already approved by the House , @ @ @ @ @ lawmakers are already writing new legislation to try and rescue the economy in a sign @ @ @ @ @ is deteriorating .
The Senate passed the bill 90-8 .
”

Washington Post: “Senate passes bill to ensure paid leave benefits to many Americans as coronavirus upends labor market. The bill now goes to Trump for enactment.”
“The measure, already approved by the House, secured bipartisan support, but lawmakers are already writing new legislation to try and rescue the economy in a sign of how quickly the economy is deteriorating. The Senate passed the bill 90-8.”


politicalwire--2020-03-18--Russia Wages Disinformation Campaign on Coronavirus

Russian state media and pro-Kremlin outlets are waging a disinformation campaign about the coronavirus pandemic to sow “ panic and @ @ @ @ @ , EU officials have warned in a report seen by CNN .


politicalwire--2020-03-18--Weld Ends Hopeless Campaign

Weld Ends Hopeless Campaign

“ A day after President Trump officially racked up enough delegates to become the presumptive 2020 Republican nominee for president @ @ @ @ @ Weld of Massachusetts , his last Republican challenger , ended his campaign , ” the @ @ @ @ @


politicalwire--2020-03-18--Trump Invokes the Defense Production Act

“ President Trump moved Wednesday to send military hospital ships to areas hard-hit by the coronavirus and to invoke a @ @ @ @ @ to order American industry to produce critically-needed medical equipment , ” the New York Times @ @ @ @ @ follow the Trump administration ’ s slow initial response to the global crisis that left @ @ @ @ @ of tests , hospital beds and equipment .
”

“President Trump moved Wednesday to send military hospital ships to areas hard-hit by the coronavirus and to invoke a law allowing the federal government to order American industry to produce critically-needed medical equipment,” the New York Times reports.
“The actions follow the Trump administration’s slow initial response to the global crisis that left the United States facing shortages of tests, hospital beds and equipment.”


politicalwire--2020-03-18--Barr Vows ‘Severe’ Consequences Over Hacking

Attorney General William Barr vowed to the Associated Press that there would be swift and severe action if a foreign @ @ @ @ @ aimed at spreading fear in the U.S. amid the coronavirus pandemic or a denial of @ @ @ @ @ of the Department of Health and Human Services .
Said Barr : “ Our primary @ @ @ @ @ investigate , ” Barr said .
“ The FBI is very active , trying to @ @ @ @ @ these things .
”

Attorney General William Barr vowed to the Associated Press that there would be swift and severe action if a foreign government is behind disinformation campaigns aimed at spreading fear in the U.S. amid the coronavirus pandemic or a denial of service attack on the networks of the Department of Health and Human Services.
Said Barr: “Our primary role right now is to investigate,” Barr said. “The FBI is very active, trying to determine who is responsible for these things.”


politicalwire--2020-03-18--A Virus In the World

A Virus In the World

The Lincoln Project released a new ad , A Virus In The World , that says Donald Trump is a @ @ @ @ @

“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--2020-03-18--This Is Not the End Times

This Is Not the End Times

Washington Post : “ It sure might feel apocalyptic .
But not if you ask Christian writers and pastors who @ @ @ @ @ message on the Book of Revelation — the New Testament ’ s final book .
@ @ @ @ @ , poetic vision of the End Times , in which many evangelical leaders interpret it @ @ @ @ @ return to Earth , believers will be raptured to heaven and those left behind will @ @ @ @ @ calamities .
Most of these Revelation-focused prophesiers don ’ t see coronavirus as heralding the @ @ @ @ @ of life on Earth as we know it.
” Said Christian writer Jeff Kinley : @ @ @ @ @ just completely ignorant about what the Bible says about the End Times , they may @ @ @ @ @ This is it.
” “ The Bible is very specific about what will happen before @ @ @ @ @ says , and those events haven ’ t all unfolded yet .
For one major @ @ @ @ @ in Jerusalem is supposed to be rebuilt first .
”

Washington Post: “It sure might feel apocalyptic. But not if you ask Christian writers and pastors who have spent years focusing their message on the Book of Revelation — the New Testament’s final book. It lays out a lurid, poetic vision of the End Times, in which many evangelical leaders interpret it to mean that Jesus will return to Earth, believers will be raptured to heaven and those left behind will suffer seven dreadful years of calamities. Most of these Revelation-focused prophesiers don’t see coronavirus as heralding the Second Coming and the end of life on Earth as we know it.”
Said Christian writer Jeff Kinley: “If a person were just completely ignorant about what the Bible says about the End Times, they may think this right now: This is it.”
“The Bible is very specific about what will happen before the End Times, Kinley says, and those events haven’t all unfolded yet. For one major thing, the ancient temple in Jerusalem is supposed to be rebuilt first.”


politicalwire--2020-03-18--Census Bureau Suspends Counting Effort

Census Bureau Suspends Counting Effort

The U.S. Census Bureau announced it was suspending its field operations to get people to respond to the 2020 census @ @ @ @ @ every person in America .


politicalwire--2020-03-18--U.S. Automakers Close All Plants

U.S. Automakers Close All Plants

“ The Detroit Three have agreed to UAW demands to shut down all U.S. plants as a precaution against coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ with a Wednesday meeting between the UAW and the automakers , ” the Detroit Free @ @ @


politicalwire--2020-03-18--How Washington Failed on Coronavirus Testing

“ When cases of the new coronavirus began emerging several weeks ago in California , Washington state and other pockets @ @ @ @ @ public-health officials worried this might be The Big One , emails and interviews show , @ @ @ @ @ reports .
“ The testing program they rolled out to combat it , though , @ @ @ @ @ “ Limited testing has blinded Americans to the scale of the outbreak so far , @ @ @ @ @ ability to fight the virus through isolating the sick and their contacts , public-health officials @ @ @

“When cases of the new coronavirus began emerging several weeks ago in California, Washington state and other pockets of the country, U.S. public-health officials worried this might be The Big One, emails and interviews show,” the Wall Street Journal reports.
“The testing program they rolled out to combat it, though, was a small one.”
“Limited testing has blinded Americans to the scale of the outbreak so far, impeding the nation’s ability to fight the virus through isolating the sick and their contacts, public-health officials say.”


politicalwire--2020-03-18--Stock Market Plunges Again

Stock Market Plunges Again

“ Financial markets continued to spasm Wednesday , with U.S. stocks plunging toward levels that pause trading , as the @ @ @ @ @ outpaces the massive response from governments and central banks , ” Bloomberg reports .
“ @ @ @ @ @ fell more than 6 % and wiped out all the gains logged since Donald Trump @ @ @ @ @ Street Journal : “ Investors are even shunning assets that are normally considered the safest @ @ @ @ @ and gold .
That rarely happens when riskier assets like stocks are also falling .
@

“Financial markets continued to spasm Wednesday, with U.S. stocks plunging toward levels that pause trading, as the economic fallout from the pandemic outpaces the massive response from governments and central banks,” Bloomberg reports.
“The S&P 500 fell more than 6% and wiped out all the gains logged since Donald Trump’s inauguration.”
Wall Street Journal: “Investors are even shunning assets that are normally considered the safest, including long-term government bonds and gold. That rarely happens when riskier assets like stocks are also falling.”


politicalwire--2020-03-18--Bernie Sanders Suspends All Facebook Ads

“ Bernie Sanders ’ presidential campaign currently has no active Facebook ads , the morning after another disappointing finish in @ @ @ @ @ , ” Axios reports .
“ A pause in digital advertising spend on Facebook has @ @ @ @ @ candidates are dropping out of the 2020 race before .
Pete Buttigieg and Michael Bloomberg @ @ @ @ @ hours before they suspended their campaigns .
”

“Bernie Sanders’ presidential campaign currently has no active Facebook ads, the morning after another disappointing finish in a series of primary contests,” Axios reports.
“A pause in digital advertising spend on Facebook has been a good indicator that candidates are dropping out of the 2020 race before. Pete Buttigieg and Michael Bloomberg made their Facebook ads inactive hours before they suspended their campaigns.”


politicalwire--2020-03-19--Trump Nixed Aggressive Response to Iran Attacks

“ President Trump told his top national security advisers last week that because of the coronavirus pandemic he didn ’ @ @ @ @ @ to new attacks on U.S. troops in Iraq by Iranian-backed militias was the right move @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Trump expressed concern that hitting back hard at Iran at this time would @ @ @ @ @ , given the extent to which Iran and the rest of the world are struggling @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 .
”

“President Trump told his top national security advisers last week that because of the coronavirus pandemic he didn’t think an aggressive response to new attacks on U.S. troops in Iraq by Iranian-backed militias was the right move,” NBC News reports.
“Trump expressed concern that hitting back hard at Iran at this time would make the U.S. look bad, given the extent to which Iran and the rest of the world are struggling to contain the spread of COVID-19.”


Gillibrand Endorses Biden

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand ( D-NY ) threw her support behind former Vice President Joe Biden on Thursday , joining a @ @ @ @ @ back his bid to become the Democratic nominee for president , the Washington Post reports @


politicalwire--2020-03-19--G-7 Summit Will Now Be a Teleconference

G-7 Summit Will Now Be a Teleconference

“ President Trump made a gathering of world leaders at the Group of 7 summit a video teleconference and canceled @ @ @ @ @ meeting in person at Camp David due to the coronavirus pandemic , ” CNN reports @


politicalwire--2020-03-19--Trump Falsely Claimed Virus Drugs Were Nearly Ready

“ For about 20 minutes on Thursday , President Trump undermined six decades of dogma on the development of safe @ @ @ @ @ STAT reports .
“ Trump , addressing a nation under shelter and quarantine from the @ @ @ @ @ new drug for Covid-19 , yet to be proved safe and effective , was now @ @ @ @ @ to approved.
’ Another , also not approved for coronavirus , would be ‘ available @ @ @ @ @ part because using it is ‘ not going to kill anybody . '
” “ @ @ @ @ @ the commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration , Stephen Hahn , took the dais @ @ @ @ @ room and delicately walked back each one of Trump ’ s statements .
”

“For about 20 minutes on Thursday, President Trump undermined six decades of dogma on the development of safe and effective drugs,” STAT reports.
“Trump, addressing a nation under shelter and quarantine from the coronavirus pandemic, said a new drug for Covid-19, yet to be proved safe and effective, was now ‘approved or very close to approved.’ Another, also not approved for coronavirus, would be ‘available almost immediately,’ in part because using it is ‘not going to kill anybody.'”
“Then, minutes later, the commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, Stephen Hahn, took the dais in the White House briefing room and delicately walked back each one of Trump’s statements.”


politicalwire--2020-03-19--Montana Senate Race Tied

Montana Senate Race Tied

A new Public Policy Polling survey in Montana finds Gov .
Steve Bullock ( D ) and Sen. Steve Daines @ @ @ @ @ the U.S. Senate race , 47 % to 47 % with 6 % undecided .


politicalwire--2020-03-19--Drugmaker Doubled Price on Possible Virus Treatment

“ The only U.S. drugmaker that makes a potential treatment for the coronavirus that was touted by President Trump raised @ @ @ @ @ per cent in January , as the virus caused havoc across China , ” the @ @ @ @ @ Rising Pharmaceuticals , a New Jersey based company , increased the price of chloroquine — @ @ @ @ @ one of the drugs that is being tested against Covid-19 — on January 23 , @ @ @ @ @ firm Elsevier .
”

“The only U.S. drugmaker that makes a potential treatment for the coronavirus that was touted by President Trump raised the price by almost 100 per cent in January, as the virus caused havoc across China,” the Financial Times reports.
“Rising Pharmaceuticals, a New Jersey based company, increased the price of chloroquine — an antimalarial, which is one of the drugs that is being tested against Covid-19 — on January 23, according to data from research firm Elsevier.”


politicalwire--2020-03-19--Newsom Says 25 Million Californians Could Be Infected

California Gov .
Gavin Newsom told President Trump that roughly 56 % of Californians , or 25.5 million people , @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus over the next eight weeks , the Los Angeles Times reports .


politicalwire--2020-03-19--Nikki Haley Resigns from Boeing Board

Nikki Haley Resigns from Boeing Board

Boeing said that former U.N. ambassador Nikki Haley has resigned from its board as she opposes the planemaker ’ s @ @ @ @ @ from the federal government amid the 737 MAX and the coronavirus crisis , Reuters reports @


politicalwire--2020-03-19--Senate Unveils Relief Package

Senate Unveils Relief Package

“ Senate Republicans unveiled an economic rescue plan that would provide hundreds of billions of dollars worth of loans to @ @ @ @ @ , large corporate tax cuts and checks of $ 1,200 for taxpayers , as well @ @ @ @ @ leave program , ” the New York Times reports .
Washington Post : “ The @ @ @ @ @ on Capitol Hill as lawmakers negotiated unusually rapidly to finalize the legislation , and the @ @ @ @ @ payments underscored that key elements of the plan could be very much subject to change @ @ @ @ @ must be negotiated with Democrats in both chambers.
” Axios more details of the plan @

“Senate Republicans unveiled an economic rescue plan that would provide hundreds of billions of dollars worth of loans to big corporations and small businesses, large corporate tax cuts and checks of $1,200 for taxpayers, as well as limits on a paid leave program,” the New York Times reports.
Washington Post: “The dollar figures had been fluid on Capitol Hill as lawmakers negotiated unusually rapidly to finalize the legislation, and the emerging opposition to the direct payments underscored that key elements of the plan could be very much subject to change — especially since it still must be negotiated with Democrats in both chambers.”
Axios has more details of the plan.