politicalwire--2020-11-17--Biden Wary of Trump-Focused Investigations

“ President-elect Joe Biden has privately told advisers that he doesn ’ t want his presidency to be consumed by @ @ @ @ @ despite pressure from some Democrats who want inquiries into President Trump , his policies and @ @ @ @ @ ” NBC News reports .
“ Biden has raised concerns that investigations would further divide @ @ @ @ @ to unite and risk making every day of his presidency about Trump.
” “ They @ @ @ @ @ advisers that he is wary of federal tax investigations of Trump or of challenging any @ @ @ @ @ immunity to members of his staff before he leaves office .
”

“President-elect Joe Biden has privately told advisers that he doesn’t want his presidency to be consumed by investigations of his predecessor, despite pressure from some Democrats who want inquiries into President Trump, his policies and members of his administration,” NBC News reports.
“Biden has raised concerns that investigations would further divide a country he is trying to unite and risk making every day of his presidency about Trump.”
“They said he has specifically told advisers that he is wary of federal tax investigations of Trump or of challenging any orders Trump may issue granting immunity to members of his staff before he leaves office.”


politicalwire--2020-11-17--Trump’s New Attorney Admitted Biden Won

Trump’s New Attorney Admitted Biden Won

“ President Trump ’ s latest legal shakeup has left him with an attorney who just nine days ago admitted @ @ @ @ @ the election and that the legal battles won ’ t work , ” the HuffPost @ @ @ @ @ radio host Marc Scaringi told his listeners on Nov. 7 : “ I ’ ve @ @ @ @ @ that Biden would win .
In my opinion there really are no bombshells that are @ @ @ @ @ derail a Biden presidency including these lawsuits .
”

“President Trump’s latest legal shakeup has left him with an attorney who just nine days ago admitted that President-elect Joe Biden won the election and that the legal battles won’t work,” the HuffPost reports.
Said attorney and radio host Marc Scaringi told his listeners on Nov. 7: “I’ve been saying since Wednesday morning that Biden would win. In my opinion there really are no bombshells that are about to drop that will derail a Biden presidency including these lawsuits.”


politicalwire--2020-11-17--Pence Faces Yet Another Test

Pence Faces Yet Another Test

“ For four years , Vice President Mike Pence has faced one sweeping loyalty test after another .
This time , allies are questioning whether there should be a limit to his fealty .
As President Trump pushes to overturn the election outcome and pressures Republicans not to recognize President-elect Joe Biden as the next commander in chief , Pence is facing pressure from allies to put country and party first — even if they collide with the inclinations of his boss , ” Politico reports .
“ The head of the White House ’ s coronavirus task force since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pence could be warning the public about an explosion of coronavirus cases and steering administration officials toward a more robust response to the pandemic — something Trump does not want his government dwelling on.
” “ The vice president also could spend more time promoting a pair of GOP senators in special-election races that are likely to determine the balance of power in the Senate — but part of that message rests on acknowledging Trump won ’ t hold the White House .
And Pence , who has long harbored presidential ambitions of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have his eyes on a 2024 Republican primary — but can ’ t do that with Trump in the way .
”

“For four years, Vice President Mike Pence has faced one sweeping loyalty test after another. This time, allies are questioning whether there should be a limit to his fealty. As President Trump pushes to overturn the election outcome and pressures Republicans not to recognize President-elect Joe Biden as the next commander in chief, Pence is facing pressure from allies to put country and party first — even if they collide with the inclinations of his boss,” Politico reports.
“The head of the White House’s coronavirus task force since the early weeks of the pandemic, Pence could be warning the public about an explosion of coronavirus cases and steering administration officials toward a more robust response to the pandemic — something Trump does not want his government dwelling on.”
“The vice president also could spend more time promoting a pair of GOP senators in special-election races that are likely to determine the balance of power in the Senate — but part of that message rests on acknowledging Trump won’t hold the White House. And Pence, who has long harbored presidential ambitions of his own, might at this moment have his eyes on a 2024 Republican primary — but can’t do that with Trump in the way.”


politicalwire--2020-11-17--Another Shake-Up on Trump Campaign Legal Team

“ The game of musical chairs among lawyers pursuing President Trump ’ s court challenges to the election results continued @ @ @ @ @ the campaign tried to replace the entire team handling the campaign ’ s federal lawsuit @ @ @ @ @ Pennsylvania ’ s results , ” Politico reports .
“ A court filing said Marc @ @ @ @ @ Pa. , attorney , conservative talk radio host and former Senate candidate , was taking @ @ @ @ @ The legal escapade devolved into farce on Monday night as the federal judge rejected a @ @ @ @ @ postpone that key hearing .
”

“The game of musical chairs among lawyers pursuing President Trump’s court challenges to the election results continued on Monday evening, as the campaign tried to replace the entire team handling the campaign’s federal lawsuit seeking to block certification of Pennsylvania’s results,” Politico reports.
“A court filing said Marc Scaringi, a Harrisburg, Pa., attorney, conservative talk radio host and former Senate candidate, was taking over the case.”
“The legal escapade devolved into farce on Monday night as the federal judge rejected a move by the campaign to postpone that key hearing.”


politicalwire--2020-11-17--Trump Freezes 2024 Presidential Field

Trump Freezes 2024 Presidential Field

Politico : “ While Trump ’ s loss was supposed to trigger a Republican Party reset , his flirtation with @ @ @ @ @ ’ ll remain the dominant force in the party and cast a shadow over anyone @ @ @ @ @ Even the possibility of Trump running again will impede other Republicans from laying groundwork for @ @ @ @ @ they upset Trump and his tens of millions of supporters , many of whom are @ @ @ @ @ .
”

Politico: “While Trump’s loss was supposed to trigger a Republican Party reset, his flirtation with a 2024 bid ensures he’ll remain the dominant force in the party and cast a shadow over anyone looking to succeed him. Even the possibility of Trump running again will impede other Republicans from laying groundwork for their own bids — lest they upset Trump and his tens of millions of supporters, many of whom are convinced the election was stolen.”


politicalwire--2020-11-17--Trump Adviser Encourages Big Holiday Gatherings

“ This kind of isolation is one of the unspoken tragedies of the elderly who are now being told don @ @ @ @ @ at Thanksgiving .
For many people this is their final Thanksgiving , believe it or @ @ @

White House coronavirus adviser Dr. Scott Atlas encouraged large holiday gatherings in a Fox News interview:
“This kind of isolation is one of the unspoken tragedies of the elderly who are now being told don’t see your family at Thanksgiving. For many people this is their final Thanksgiving, believe it or not.”


politicalwire--2020-11-17--Stanford Disavows Dr. Scott Atlas

Stanford Disavows Dr. Scott Atlas

Stanford University issued a statement about Dr. Scott Atlas , who is on leave of absence from the university to @ @ @ @ @ President Trump : “ Dr .
Atlas has expressed views that are inconsistent with the @ @ @ @ @ response to the pandemic .
Dr. Atlas ’ s statements reflect his personal views , @ @ @ @ @ Institution or the university .
”

Stanford University issued a statement about Dr. Scott Atlas, who is on leave of absence from the university to serve as coronavirus adviser to President Trump:
“Dr. Atlas has expressed views that are inconsistent with the university’s approach in response to the pandemic. Dr. Atlas’s statements reflect his personal views, not those of the Hoover Institution or the university.”


politicalwire--2020-11-17--Republicans Sound Alarm on Georgia Senate Runoffs

“ Republican leaders are increasingly alarmed about the party ’ s ability to stave off Democratic challengers in Georgia ’ @ @ @ @ @ — and they privately described President Trump on a recent conference call as a political @ @ @ @ @ claims of victory was the likely loser of the 2020 election , ” the Washington @ @ @ @ @ blunt assessments , which capture a Republican Party in turmoil as Trump refuses to concede @ @ @ @ @ were made on a Nov. 10 call with donors hosted by the National Republican Senatorial @ @ @

“Republican leaders are increasingly alarmed about the party’s ability to stave off Democratic challengers in Georgia’s two Senate runoff elections — and they privately described President Trump on a recent conference call as a political burden who despite his false claims of victory was the likely loser of the 2020 election,” the Washington Post reports.
“Those blunt assessments, which capture a Republican Party in turmoil as Trump refuses to concede to President-elect Joe Biden, were made on a Nov. 10 call with donors hosted by the National Republican Senatorial Committee.”


politicalwire--2020-11-18--GOP Canvassers Certify Results After Initial Deadlock

The Wayne County Board of Canvassers abruptly changed course Tuesday night and certified the results of the Nov. 3 election @ @ @ @ @ party lines , which could have delayed the state process for authorizing results , the @ @ @ @

“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--2020-11-18--Why Biden Must Allow Investigations of Trump

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politicalwire--2020-11-18--FBI Investigating Texas Attorney General

“ The FBI is investigating allegations that Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton ( R ) broke the law in using @ @ @ @ @ wealthy donor , ” the AP reports .
“ Confirmation of the criminal probe marks @ @ @ @ @ , who ’ s denied wrongdoing and refused calls for his resignation since his top @ @ @ @ @ authorities at the end of September .
”

“The FBI is investigating allegations that Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) broke the law in using his office to benefit a wealthy donor,” the AP reports.
“Confirmation of the criminal probe marks mounting legal peril for Paxton, who’s denied wrongdoing and refused calls for his resignation since his top deputies reported him to federal authorities at the end of September.”


politicalwire--2020-11-18--GOP Members Block Certification of Michigan Results

“ On Tuesday , the two Republican members of the Wayne County Board of Canvassers cast an unprecedented vote against @ @ @ @ @ November election results for the county ’ s 43 jurisdictions , including Detroit , Michigan @ @ @ @ @ , ” the Detroit Free Press reports .
Washington Post : “ Joe Biden holds @ @ @ @ @ votes in Michigan , and Democrats here believe the partisan split of the board in @ @ @ @ @ heavily Democratic Detroit — simply delays an inevitable official victory for Biden in the state @ @

“On Tuesday, the two Republican members of the Wayne County Board of Canvassers cast an unprecedented vote against certifying the county’s November election results for the county’s 43 jurisdictions, including Detroit, Michigan’s largest voting jurisdiction,” the Detroit Free Press reports.
Washington Post: “Joe Biden holds a lead of nearly 148,000 votes in Michigan, and Democrats here believe the partisan split of the board in Wayne County — home to heavily Democratic Detroit — simply delays an inevitable official victory for Biden in the state.”


politicalwire--2020-11-18--Trump Fires Top Cybersecurity Official

Trump Fires Top Cybersecurity Official

President Trump announced that he has fired Chris Krebs , the director of the Department of Homeland Security ’ s @ @ @ @ @ .
Trump said Krebs ’ recent statement that the 2020 elections were the most secure @ @ @ @ @ inaccurate .
”

President Trump announced that he has fired Chris Krebs, the director of the Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.
Trump said Krebs’ recent statement that the 2020 elections were the most secure in history was “highly inaccurate.”


Grassley Tests Positive

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politicalwire--2020-11-17--Haaland Being Vetted for Interior Secretary

The Biden transition team is in the process of vetting Rep. Deb Haaland ( D-NM ) for Interior secretary , @ @ @ @ @ If tapped by Biden , Haaland ’ s nomination would be historic , making her @ @ @ @ @ secretary , overseeing an agency with vast responsibility over tribal issues and public lands .

The Biden transition team is in the process of vetting Rep. Deb Haaland (D-NM) for Interior secretary, sources told The Hill.
If tapped by Biden, Haaland’s nomination would be historic, making her the first Native American Cabinet secretary, overseeing an agency with vast responsibility over tribal issues and public lands.


politicalwire--2020-11-17--GOP Senators Congratulate Kamala Harris

GOP Senators Congratulate Kamala Harris

Republican senators congratulated Vice President-elect Kamala Harris on her and President-elect Joe Biden ’ s election victory on the Senate @ @ @ @ @ of them refuse to publicly acknowledge that President Trump lost the election .


politicalwire--2020-11-17--Trump Remains Bunkered In White House

Trump Remains Bunkered In White House

“ President Trump ’ s agenda listed ‘ no public events ’ on Tuesday — the 10th time since the @ @ @ @ @ appeared on his daily schedule , ” CNN reports .
“ He has answered no @ @ @ @ @ no cameras into the Oval Office and ventured no further than his namesake golf course @ @ @ @ @ White House in Virginia.
” Washington Post : Trump ’ s post-election agenda : Six @ @ @ @ @ golf , 400 tweets .

“President Trump’s agenda listed ‘no public events’ on Tuesday — the 10th time since the election that those words have appeared on his daily schedule,” CNN reports.
“He has answered no questions from reporters, invited no cameras into the Oval Office and ventured no further than his namesake golf course, 25 miles from the White House in Virginia.”
Washington Post: Trump’s post-election agenda: Six events, four rounds of golf, 400 tweets.


politicalwire--2020-11-17--Trump Attacks on Mail Voting Cost Him In Georgia

Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger ( R ) told Bloomberg that Donald Trump ’ s frequent and unsubstantiated accusations @ @ @ @ @ contributed to 24,500 people who voted in the state ’ s Republican primary not voting @ @ @ @ @ — possibly accounting for President-elect Joe Biden ’ s 14,000-vote advantage in the state .
@ @ @ @ @ effect , what you ’ re doing is you are suppressing your own voters .
@ @ @ @ @ what campaigns do , and if they do ill-advised actions that suppress their own vote @ @ @ @ @ ?
”

Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger (R) told Bloomberg that Donald Trump’s frequent and unsubstantiated accusations of mail-in voting fraud likely contributed to 24,500 people who voted in the state’s Republican primary not voting in the Nov. 3 election — possibly accounting for President-elect Joe Biden’s 14,000-vote advantage in the state.
Said Raffensperger: “In effect, what you’re doing is you are suppressing your own voters. I have no control over what campaigns do, and if they do ill-advised actions that suppress their own vote, what can I do?”


politicalwire--2020-11-17--Michigan Elector Coup ‘Not Going to Happen’

Michigan Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey ( R ) told Michigan Bridge that Joe Biden is the president-elect , and @ @ @ @ @ Republican-led Legislature is investigating the election , it will not award the state ’ s @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Hundreds of activists who protested at the Michigan Capitol on Saturday repeated the @ @ @ @ @ of widespread voter fraud , urging lawmakers to ‘ stop the steal ’ by choosing @ @ @ @ @ the Electoral College.
” Said Shirkey : “ That ’ s not going to happen @ @

Michigan Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey (R) told Michigan Bridge that Joe Biden is the president-elect, and while the state’s Republican-led Legislature is investigating the election, it will not award the state’s 16 electors to President Trump.
“Hundreds of activists who protested at the Michigan Capitol on Saturday repeated the president’s unproven claims of widespread voter fraud, urging lawmakers to ‘stop the steal’ by choosing their own pro-Trump representatives to the Electoral College.”
Said Shirkey: “That’s not going to happen.”


politicalwire--2020-11-17--McConnell Pledges ‘Orderly Transfer’ of Power

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Tuesday said there will be an “ orderly transfer ” between administrations on Jan. @ @ @ @ @ not mention President-elect Joe Biden or President Trump , who is refusing to concede , @ @ @ @ @ reports .


politicalwire--2020-11-17--Trump Campaign Loses In Pennsylvania Supreme Court

“ The Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that Republican monitors observing vote counting in Philadelphia were given sufficient access under @ @ @ @ @ proceedings , ” the Philadelphia Inquirer reports .
“ In a 5-2 decision , the @ @ @ @ @ decision that ordered monitors with President Trump ’ s campaign be allowed within six feet @ @ @ @ @ being tallied .
”

“The Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that Republican monitors observing vote counting in Philadelphia were given sufficient access under state law to view the proceedings,” the Philadelphia Inquirer reports.
“In a 5-2 decision, the court overturned a lower court decision that ordered monitors with President Trump’s campaign be allowed within six feet of tables where ballots were being tallied.”


politicalwire--2020-11-17--Infighting Consumes Trump’s Campaign

Infighting Consumes Trump’s Campaign

“ As President Trump ’ s legal efforts challenging the election results continue to hit dead ends , his campaign @ @ @ @ @ into chaos behind the scenes as many brace for the end of the post-election fight @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Since launching a long-shot effort to overturn the election results through baseless claims @ @ @ @ @ Trump has suffered a dizzying barrage of court losses and setbacks around the country , @ @ @ @ @ to install Rudy Giuliani , his personal lawyer , to lead the legal efforts going @ @ @ @ @ ’ s ascent has led to an explosion of infighting and disillusionment among the president @ @ @ @ @ and top campaign officials , resulting in dueling factions emerging from inside the president ’ @ @ @ @ @

“As President Trump’s legal efforts challenging the election results continue to hit dead ends, his campaign and legal teams have descended into chaos behind the scenes as many brace for the end of the post-election fight,” ABC News reports.
“Since launching a long-shot effort to overturn the election results through baseless claims of voter fraud, President Trump has suffered a dizzying barrage of court losses and setbacks around the country, leading him late last week to install Rudy Giuliani, his personal lawyer, to lead the legal efforts going forward.”
“But Giuliani’s ascent has led to an explosion of infighting and disillusionment among the president’s longstanding legal team and top campaign officials, resulting in dueling factions emerging from inside the president’s dwindling campaign.”


politicalwire--2020-11-17--Judy Shelton’s Fed Candidacy Fails In Senate

Senate Republicans failed to secure enough votes Tuesday to advance the confirmation of Judy Shelton , an ally of President @ @ @ @ @ on the Federal Reserve ’ s board of governors , the Wall Street Journal reports @ @ @ @ @ Sen. Mitch McConnell changed his vote to “ no ” — a strategy that could @ @ @ @ @ down the line .

Senate Republicans failed to secure enough votes Tuesday to advance the confirmation of Judy Shelton, an ally of President Trump, to a seat on the Federal Reserve’s board of governors, the Wall Street Journal reports.
However, Axios reports Sen. Mitch McConnell changed his vote to “no” — a strategy that could revive Shelton’s nomination down the line.


politicalwire--2020-11-17--Witness Corroborates Claim Graham Asked to Toss Ballots

“ A staffer for Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensberger said Tuesday that he participated in a controversial phone call @ @ @ @ @ said he heard Graham ask if state officials could throw out ballots , ” CNN @ @ @ @ @ from the staffer , election implementation manager Gabriel Sterling , corroborate Raffensberger ’ s recent @ @ @ @ @ with Graham , who is one of President Donald Trump ’ s most outspoken allies @ @

“A staffer for Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensberger said Tuesday that he participated in a controversial phone call with Sen. Lindsey Graham and said he heard Graham ask if state officials could throw out ballots,” CNN reports.
“The comments from the staffer, election implementation manager Gabriel Sterling, corroborate Raffensberger’s recent claims about the phone call with Graham, who is one of President Donald Trump’s most outspoken allies.”


politicalwire--2020-11-17--Ranked-Choice Voting Passes In Alaska

Ranked-Choice Voting Passes In Alaska

Ballot Measure 2 was approved in Alaska , the AP reports .
The measure would merge the state ’ s @ @ @ @ @ one , and the top four vote-getters in that primary would advance to a general @ @ @ @ @ chosen by ranked-choice voting .

Ballot Measure 2 was approved in Alaska, the AP reports.
The measure would merge the state’s two primary election ballots into one, and the top four vote-getters in that primary would advance to a general election where the winner is chosen by ranked-choice voting.
Related for members: A Wildcard for Senate Control.


politicalwire--2020-11-17--Trump Orders Troop Reduction In Afghanistan and Iraq

“ Acting Defense Secretary Christopher Miller on Tuesday announced plans to reduce U.S. troop levels in Iraq and Afghanistan , @ @ @ @ @ Trump ’ s pledge to bring forces home when conditions were met that kept the @ @ @ @ @ , ” the AP reports .
“ The new plan will accelerate troop withdrawals from @ @ @ @ @ ’ s final days in office , despite arguments from senior military officials in favor @ @ @ @ @ methodical pullout .
”

“Acting Defense Secretary Christopher Miller on Tuesday announced plans to reduce U.S. troop levels in Iraq and Afghanistan, saying the decision fulfills President Trump’s pledge to bring forces home when conditions were met that kept the U.S. and its allies safe,” the AP reports.
“The new plan will accelerate troop withdrawals from Iraq and Afghanistan in Trump’s final days in office, despite arguments from senior military officials in favor of a slower, more methodical pullout.”


politicalwire--2020-11-17--Harris Will Block Judy Shelton’s Fed Nomination

Vice President-elect Kamala Harris is in her Senate office today , which suggests she will be available to break the @ @ @ @ @ ’ s nomination to the Federal Reserve , the Washington Post reports .
With Harris @ @ @ @ @ vote , the final tally on Shelton ’ s nomination will likely by 48 to @ @ @ @

Vice President-elect Kamala Harris is in her Senate office today, which suggests she will be available to break the tie to block Judy Shelton’s nomination to the Federal Reserve, the Washington Post reports.
With Harris’ expected “no” vote, the final tally on Shelton’s nomination will likely by 48 to 49 against confirmation.


politicalwire--2020-11-17--Giuliani Wanted $20,000 a Day for Legal Work

Rudy Giuliani , who has helped oversee a string of failed court challenges to President Trump ’ s defeat in @ @ @ @ @ president ’ s campaign to pay him $ 20,000 a day for his legal work @ @ @ @ @ reports .
Giuliani denied the story : “ I never asked for $ 20,000 .
@ @ @ @ @ ’ ll work it out at the end.
” He added that whoever had said @ @ @ @ @ request “ is a liar , a complete liar .
”

Rudy Giuliani, who has helped oversee a string of failed court challenges to President Trump’s defeat in the election, asked the president’s campaign to pay him $20,000 a day for his legal work, the New York Times reports.
Giuliani denied the story: “I never asked for $20,000. The arrangement is, we’ll work it out at the end.”
He added that whoever had said he made the $20,000-a-day request “is a liar, a complete liar.”


politicalwire--2020-11-18--Mulvaney Slams Giuliani Role on Trump Legal Team

“ Former acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney slammed Rudy Giuliani ’ s leadership of the Trump campaign @ @ @ @ @ , saying that the effort to reverse the presidential race ’ s outcome ‘ is @ @ @ @ @ and should be handled by more experienced attorneys , ” Politico reports .
Said Mulvaney @ @ @ @ @ still a little concerned about the use of Rudy Giuliani .
It strikes me that @ @ @ @ @ lawsuit in the history of the country , and they ’ re not using the @ @ @ @ @ ”

“Former acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney slammed Rudy Giuliani’s leadership of the Trump campaign’s election-related legal challenges, saying that the effort to reverse the presidential race’s outcome ‘is not a television program’ and should be handled by more experienced attorneys,” Politico reports.
Said Mulvaney: “I’m still a little concerned about the use of Rudy Giuliani. It strikes me that this is the most important lawsuit in the history of the country, and they’re not using the most well-noted election lawyers.”


politicalwire--2020-11-18--Trump Again Has Nothing on His Schedule

Trump Again Has Nothing on His Schedule

“ Sen .
Lindsey Graham ( R-S.C. ) started off the day by saying he had talked with the secretaries @ @ @ @ @ Nevada , in addition to the conversation he had acknowledged…

“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--2020-11-18--Half of Republicans Think Trump ‘Rightfully Won’

About half of all Republicans believe President Trump “ rightfully won ” the U.S. election but that it was stolen @ @ @ @ @ fraud that favored Democratic President-elect Joe Biden , according to a new Reuters/Ipsos poll .


politicalwire--2020-11-18--Biden Builds Team for Senate Confirmation Battles

“ President-elect Joe Biden hasn ’ t nominated anyone for his Cabinet yet , but he ’ s assembling the @ @ @ @ @ picks confirmed , ” Politico reports .
“ With Republicans favored to retain their majority @ @ @ @ @ , Biden ’ s Cabinet is poised to become the new administration ’ s first @ @ @ @ @ confirmation votes will be an early test of the president-elect ’ s ability to maneuver @ @ @ @ @ with Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , who will maintain control of the chamber as long @ @ @ @ @ two Senate run-offs in Georgia .
”

“President-elect Joe Biden hasn’t nominated anyone for his Cabinet yet, but he’s assembling the team to get his future picks confirmed,” Politico reports.
“With Republicans favored to retain their majority in the Senate next year, Biden’s Cabinet is poised to become the new administration’s first big political battle. The confirmation votes will be an early test of the president-elect’s ability to maneuver in the Senate and work with Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who will maintain control of the chamber as long as Republicans win one of two Senate run-offs in Georgia.”


politicalwire--2020-11-18--Lindsey Graham Is the Worst

Lindsey Graham Is the Worst

Nicholas Connors , a former staffer for Sen. Lindsey Graham ( R-SC ) , writes in The Bulwark : “ @ @ @ @ @ a head scratching question—What happened to Lindsey Graham ?
—is now pretty clear .
For @ @ @ @ @ States Senator isn ’ t about helping Americans or advancing principles .
It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ of power and feeding off the scraps the big fish leave behind .
In short @ @ @ @ @ that ’ s wrong with our political system .
”

Nicholas Connors, a former staffer for Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), writes in The Bulwark:
“What several years ago was a head scratching question—What happened to Lindsey Graham?—is now pretty clear. For Graham, being a United States Senator isn’t about helping Americans or advancing principles. It’s about swimming in the pool of power and feeding off the scraps the big fish leave behind. In short: Lindsey Graham is everything that’s wrong with our political system.”


politicalwire--2020-11-18--Georgia’s Secretary of State Pressured Before Election

ProPublica : “ Long before Republican senators began publicly denouncing how Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger handled the voting @ @ @ @ @ from the campaign of Donald Trump to endorse the president for reelection.
” “ Raffensperger @ @ @ @ @ an offer in January to serve as an honorary co-chair of the Trump campaign in @ @ @ @ @ reviewed by ProPublica .
He later rejected GOP requests to support Trump publicly , he @ @ @ @ @ interviews .
Raffensperger said he believed that , because he was overseeing the election , @ @ @ @ @ of interest for him to take sides .
Around the country , most secretaries of @ @ @ @ @ elections .
”

ProPublica: “Long before Republican senators began publicly denouncing how Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger handled the voting there, he withstood pressure from the campaign of Donald Trump to endorse the president for reelection.”
“Raffensperger, a Republican, declined an offer in January to serve as an honorary co-chair of the Trump campaign in Georgia, according to emails reviewed by ProPublica. He later rejected GOP requests to support Trump publicly, he and his staff said in interviews. Raffensperger said he believed that, because he was overseeing the election, it would be a conflict of interest for him to take sides. Around the country, most secretaries of state remain officially neutral in elections.”


politicalwire--2020-11-18--Both Georgia Runoffs Are Dead Heats

Both Georgia Runoffs Are Dead Heats


politicalwire--2020-11-18--Publishers Face Questions Over Trump Memoir

“ When American presidents leave office , regardless of their parties or approval ratings , a common ritual awaits : @ @ @ @ @ the moment for history and sharing insight into one of the world ’ s most @ @ @ @ @ New York Times reports .
“ But publishers are at odds over such a project @ @ @ @ @ though his presidential memoir would likely sell millions of copies .
It is a debate @ @ @ @ @ against fraught political and cultural fault lines , with some executives worried that signing him @ @ @ @ @ their authors and staff , and that ensuring the book ’ s veracity could be @ @ @ @ @ ”

“When American presidents leave office, regardless of their parties or approval ratings, a common ritual awaits: They write books, capturing the moment for history and sharing insight into one of the world’s most unusual jobs,” the New York Times reports.
“But publishers are at odds over such a project with President Trump, even though his presidential memoir would likely sell millions of copies. It is a debate that pits powerful commercial interests against fraught political and cultural fault lines, with some executives worried that signing him would prompt a revolt among their authors and staff, and that ensuring the book’s veracity could be an even bigger concern.”


politicalwire--2020-11-18--Pence Warned of 2,000 Deaths a Day by Christmas


politicalwire--2020-11-18--Florida Democrats Have Post-Election Meltdown

“ It wasn ’ t just one bad cycle .
For Democrats in Florida , Election Day 2020 was a @ @ @ @ @ , painful buildup to irrelevancy .
After suffering crushing losses from the top of the @ @ @ @ @ party now is mired in a civil war that could have profound consequences for future @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Even as Joe Biden heads to the White House , state Democrats know @ @ @ @ @ more than just win in Florida .
He tripled his 2016 margin and all but @ @ @ @ @ status as a swing state .
”

“It wasn’t just one bad cycle. For Democrats in Florida, Election Day 2020 was a tipping point in a long, painful buildup to irrelevancy. After suffering crushing losses from the top of the ballot down, the state party now is mired in a civil war that could have profound consequences for future elections,” Politico reports.
“Even as Joe Biden heads to the White House, state Democrats know that President Donald Trump did more than just win in Florida. He tripled his 2016 margin and all but stripped Florida of its once-vaunted status as a swing state.”


politicalwire--2020-11-18--Graham’s One-Man Voting Probe Prompts Confusion

“ Sen .
Lindsey Graham ( R-S.C. ) started off the day by saying he had talked with the secretaries @ @ @ @ @ Nevada , in addition to the conversation he had acknowledged earlier with Georgia ’ s @ @ @ @ @ the Washington Post reports .
“ A little later , Graham realized he had misspoken @ @ @ @ @ to Arizona ’ s governor and some other officials , he said , and he @ @ @ @ @ officials from Nevada had briefed him about that state ’ s 2020 election procedures.
” @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday , Graham realized he had never spoken to anyone from the Silver State about @ @ @ @ @ I didn ’ t talk to anyone in Nevada .
I got briefed about what @ @ @ @ @ I can ’ t remember by who , ’ Graham told reporters in the Capitol @ @ @ @ @ of Graham ’ s solo investigation into election laws in states that President Trump narrowly @ @ @ @ @ s election .
”

“Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) started off the day by saying he had talked with the secretaries of state in Arizona and Nevada, in addition to the conversation he had acknowledged earlier with Georgia’s top election official,” the Washington Post reports.
“A little later, Graham realized he had misspoken. He had actually talked to Arizona’s governor and some other officials, he said, and he wasn’t sure which officials from Nevada had briefed him about that state’s 2020 election procedures.”
“Finally, by midafternoon Tuesday, Graham realized he had never spoken to anyone from the Silver State about its 2020 vote. ‘I didn’t talk to anyone in Nevada. I got briefed about what they do in Nevada. I can’t remember by who,’ Graham told reporters in the Capitol. This is the state of Graham’s solo investigation into election laws in states that President Trump narrowly lost in this month’s election.”


politicalwire--2020-11-18--Georgia Republicans Feud With Trump at the Center

“ There is no worse time for Georgia Republicans to be engulfed in a civil war .
Their presidential candidate @ @ @ @ @ , which has long been a conservative safe space , while two competitive runoff races @ @ @ @ @ could determine control of the U.S. Senate — and the direction of the country for @ @ @ @ @ decade , ” the New York Times reports .
“ And yet the war has @ @ @ @ @ , internecine accusations of lying and incompetence , and a bitter cleavage into factions over @ @ @ @ @ fealty should be shown to President Trump — and the extent to which Republicans should @ @ @ @ @ the election in this fast-changing Southern state was stolen from him .
”

“There is no worse time for Georgia Republicans to be engulfed in a civil war. Their presidential candidate just narrowly lost the state, which has long been a conservative safe space, while two competitive runoff races are looming in January that could determine control of the U.S. Senate — and the direction of the country for the first part of this decade,” the New York Times reports.
“And yet the war has come, full of double-crossing, internecine accusations of lying and incompetence, and a bitter cleavage into factions over the question of how much fealty should be shown to President Trump — and the extent to which Republicans should amplify his false argument that the election in this fast-changing Southern state was stolen from him.”


politicalwire--2020-11-18--Trump Fumes Biden Will Get Credit for Vaccine

“ As prospects for an effective vaccination for the coronavirus have improved for the coming year , Donald Trump has @ @ @ @ @ won ’ t be in the Oval Office to take the credit for it , @ @ @ @ @ .
“ The president had said he envisioned large , public , mask-free events—particularly when @ @ @ @ @ , what he anticipated to be , a second term—and rallies to celebrate the successes @ @ @ @ @ the public-private partnership to develop a vaccine .
When distribution began , Trump had wanted @ @ @ @ @ the vaccine ’ s promotion , gaming out a video campaign about the safety and @ @ @ @ @ ”

“As prospects for an effective vaccination for the coronavirus have improved for the coming year, Donald Trump has grown outwardly resentful that he won’t be in the Oval Office to take the credit for it,” the Daily Beast reports.
“The president had said he envisioned large, public, mask-free events—particularly when the weather grew warmer in, what he anticipated to be, a second term—and rallies to celebrate the successes of Operation Warp Speed, the public-private partnership to develop a vaccine. When distribution began, Trump had wanted to be directly involved in the vaccine’s promotion, gaming out a video campaign about the safety and success of his operation.”


politicalwire--2020-11-19--Biden Approaches 80 Million Votes

Biden Approaches 80 Million Votes

The Hill : “ The crucial counties that swung toward President Trump four years ago mostly stuck with the same @ @ @ @ @ , in an indication of the rural-urban divide…


politicalwire--2020-11-19--Some Trump Officials Quietly Reach Out to Biden

“ A handful of current Trump administration officials , as well as some political appointees who left in recent months @ @ @ @ @ reach out to members of President-elect Joe Biden ’ s transition team , ” CNN @ @ @ @ @ is a sign that President Donald Trump ’ s refusal to concede the election and @ @ @ @ @ White House is beginning to frustrate even those affiliated with the administration .
”

“A handful of current Trump administration officials, as well as some political appointees who left in recent months, have quietly started to reach out to members of President-elect Joe Biden’s transition team,” CNN reports.
“The outreach is a sign that President Donald Trump’s refusal to concede the election and the continued obstruction from the White House is beginning to frustrate even those affiliated with the administration.”


politicalwire--2020-11-19--McSally Told to Break Up Maskless Photo Op

Staff members at the Sergeant at Arms office asked Sen. Martha McSally ( R-AZ ) to break up a photo @ @ @ @ @ staff — none of whom were wearing masks — in the U.S. Capitol , CNN @ @


politicalwire--2020-11-18--Hawley Uses Sister’s Home as His Missouri Address

“ Sen .
Josh Hawley ( R-MO ) has frequently railed against ‘ coastal elites ’ in speeches .
Last @ @ @ @ @ that would relocate thousands of federal workers from Washington to economically distressed areas in the @ @ @ @ @ City Star reports .
“ But a review of property records shows that the first-term @ @ @ @ @ Missouri homeowner and that he is registered to vote at his sister ’ s home @ @ @ @ @ while he is in-between homes in the state.
” “ Hawley owns a $ 1.3 @ @ @ @ @ Virginia suburbs of Washington , D.C. , where he spends most of his time with @ @ @ @ @ , and their three children .
”

“Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) has frequently railed against ‘coastal elites’ in speeches. Last year, he sponsored legislation that would relocate thousands of federal workers from Washington to economically distressed areas in the heartland,” the Kansas City Star reports.
“But a review of property records shows that the first-term Republican is no longer a Missouri homeowner and that he is registered to vote at his sister’s home in Ozark, Missouri, while he is in-between homes in the state.”
“Hawley owns a $1.3 million house in the Northern Virginia suburbs of Washington, D.C., where he spends most of his time with his wife, Erin Hawley, and their three children.”


politicalwire--2020-11-18--Hospitals Overwhelmed as Death Toll Passes 250,000

“ Overwhelmed hospitals are converting chapels , cafeterias , waiting rooms , hallways , even a parking garage into patient @ @ @ @ @ are desperately calling around to other medical centers in search of open beds .
Fatigue @ @ @ @ @ among front-line workers , ” the AP reports .
“ Conditions inside the nation ’ @ @ @ @ @ the day as the coronavirus rages across the U.S. at an unrelenting pace and the @ @ @ @ @ ”

“Overwhelmed hospitals are converting chapels, cafeterias, waiting rooms, hallways, even a parking garage into patient treatment areas. Staff members are desperately calling around to other medical centers in search of open beds. Fatigue and frustration are setting in among front-line workers,” the AP reports.
“Conditions inside the nation’s hospitals are deteriorating by the day as the coronavirus rages across the U.S. at an unrelenting pace and the death toll surpasses 250,000.”


politicalwire--2020-11-18--Trump Tries to Box In Biden By Setting Fires

CNN : “ The Trump team has prepared legally required transition memos describing policy challenges , but there are no @ @ @ @ @ take or pause .
Instead , the White House is barreling ahead .
A second @ @ @ @ @ is to set so many fires that it will be hard for the Biden administration @ @ @ @ @ ” “ It ’ s a strategy that radically breaks with past practice , could @ @ @ @ @ will surely compound challenges for the Biden team — but it could also backfire .
@ @ @ @ @ the Biden transition argue the Trump team may act so aggressively that reversing some of @ @ @ @ @ easy goodwill points and negotiating power with adversaries .
”

CNN: “The Trump team has prepared legally required transition memos describing policy challenges, but there are no discussions about actions they could take or pause. Instead, the White House is barreling ahead. A second official tells CNN their goal is to set so many fires that it will be hard for the Biden administration to put them all out.”
“It’s a strategy that radically breaks with past practice, could raise national security risks and will surely compound challenges for the Biden team — but it could also backfire. Analysts and people close to the Biden transition argue the Trump team may act so aggressively that reversing some of its steps will earn Biden easy goodwill points and negotiating power with adversaries.”


politicalwire--2020-11-18--Trump Appoints Fired Staffer to Oversee Holocaust Sites

“ A former speechwriter fired from the White House in 2018 for attending a conference at which white supremacists were @ @ @ @ @ to a commission tasked with preserving Holocaust-related sites across Europe , ” Yahoo News reports @


politicalwire--2020-11-18--Vatican Probes Racy Instagram ‘Like’ from Pope’s Account


politicalwire--2020-11-18--Kristi Noem Still Refuses Mask Mandate

Kristi Noem Still Refuses Mask Mandate


politicalwire--2020-11-18--3 Federal Executions Planned Before Biden Takes Over

“ In the final weeks of President Trump ’ s term , his administration intends to execute three inmates on @ @ @ @ @ last scheduled executions by the Justice Department before the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden , @ @ @ @ @ end federal use of capital punishment , ” the New York Times reports .

“In the final weeks of President Trump’s term, his administration intends to execute three inmates on federal death row, the last scheduled executions by the Justice Department before the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden, who has signaled he will end federal use of capital punishment,” the New York Times reports.


politicalwire--2020-11-18--Election Night With Biden’s Data Guru

Election Night With Biden’s Data Guru


politicalwire--2020-11-18--Trump Legal Adviser Once Called Him an ‘Idiot’

Jenna Ellis has been one of President Trump ’ s most ardent defenders since joining his campaign as a legal @ @ @ @ @ ago , but CNN finds in early 2016 she was deeply opposed his candidacy .
@ @ @ @ @ radio interview : “ Why should we rest our highest office in America , on @ @ @ @ @ back and forth and really can not be trusted to be consistent or accurate in @ @ @ @ @ a Facebook post : “ I could spend a full-time job just responding to the @ @ @ @ @ and blatantly stupid arguments supporting Trump .
But here ’ s the thing : his @ @ @ @ @ about facts or logic .
They aren ’ t seeking truth .
”

Jenna Ellis has been one of President Trump’s most ardent defenders since joining his campaign as a legal adviser and surrogate a year ago, but CNN finds in early 2016 she was deeply opposed his candidacy.
Said Ellis in a 2016 radio interview: “Why should we rest our highest office in America, on a man who fundamentally goes back and forth and really cannot be trusted to be consistent or accurate in anything.”
Said Ellis in a Facebook post: “I could spend a full-time job just responding to the ridiculously illogical, inconsistent, and blatantly stupid arguments supporting Trump. But here’s the thing: his supporters DON’T CARE about facts or logic. They aren’t seeking truth.”


politicalwire--2020-11-18--Booker Has ‘No Interest’ In Joining Biden Administration

Sen. Cory Booker ( D-NJ ) told CNN he has “ no interest ” in serving in the Biden administration @ @ @ @ @ d tell Joe Biden “ no ” if he got offered a job , Booker @ @ @ @ @ president-elect of the United States calls me up , I ’ ll listen to whatever @ @ @ @ @ But he quickly added he has “ no interest .
”

Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) told CNN he has “no interest” in serving in the Biden administration.
Asked if he’d tell Joe Biden “no” if he got offered a job, Booker said: “If the president-elect of the United States calls me up, I’ll listen to whatever he has to say.”
But he quickly added he has “no interest.”


politicalwire--2020-11-18--Max Rose Mulls Run for New York City Mayor


politicalwire--2020-11-18--Biden Team Speaking with Former Trump Officials

ABC News : “ The backchannel outreach to at least four former officials who served in senior-level roles comes as @ @ @ @ @ withholding its ascertainment of Biden as winner of the presidential election , effectively denying him @ @ @ @ @ briefings meant to ensure a safe and secure continuity of government on Jan. 20.
” @ @ @ @ @ sources familiar with the matter said that Biden ’ s team has been in contact @ @ @ @ @ experience in various federal agencies , and in most cases the individuals are career officials @ @ @ @ @ It was not clear exactly what information the transition team is soliciting from these former @ @ @ @ @ not believed to include classified materials .
”

ABC News: “The backchannel outreach to at least four former officials who served in senior-level roles comes as the General Services Administration continues withholding its ascertainment of Biden as winner of the presidential election, effectively denying him access to key resources and briefings meant to ensure a safe and secure continuity of government on Jan. 20.”
“As a result, sources familiar with the matter said that Biden’s team has been in contact with those who have recent experience in various federal agencies, and in most cases the individuals are career officials and not political appointees. It was not clear exactly what information the transition team is soliciting from these former officials, but it was not believed to include classified materials.”


politicalwire--2020-11-18--Obama-Trump Counties Mostly Stuck with Trump

The Hill : “ The crucial counties that swung toward President Trump four years ago mostly stuck with the same @ @ @ @ @ , in an indication of the rural-urban divide that is increasingly coming to define American @ @ @ @ @ , 206 counties that had voted twice for President Barack Obama backed Trump over Hillary @ @ @ @ @ Trump won 176 of those same counties , while President-elect Joe Biden won 20 of @ @ @ @ @ Maine and two in Illinois are still counting votes , though Trump is almost certain @ @ @ @ @ ”

The Hill: “The crucial counties that swung toward President Trump four years ago mostly stuck with the same candidate in the 2020 elections, in an indication of the rural-urban divide that is increasingly coming to define American politics.”
“In 2016, 206 counties that had voted twice for President Barack Obama backed Trump over Hillary Clinton. This year, Trump won 176 of those same counties, while President-elect Joe Biden won 20 of them; eight counties in Maine and two in Illinois are still counting votes, though Trump is almost certain to prevail in each.”


politicalwire--2020-11-18--Biden Predicts ‘Brick Walls’ If GOP Keeps Senate

President-elect Joe Biden acknowledged the challenging political landscape he could face in Washington next year , predicting that he would @ @ @ @ @ ” in the Senate if Republicans controlled the chamber , the New York Times reports @ @ @ @ @ a private video call : “ We ’ re going to run into some real @ @ @ @ @ Senate unless we ’ re able to turn around Georgia and pick up those two @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s going to be hard .
But I believe , I believe I @ @ @ @ @ believe we can ultimately bring it together .
”

President-elect Joe Biden acknowledged the challenging political landscape he could face in Washington next year, predicting that he would run into “brick walls” in the Senate if Republicans controlled the chamber, the New York Times reports.
Said Biden, on a private video call: “We’re going to run into some real brick walls initially in the Senate unless we’re able to turn around Georgia and pick up those two seats, but even then it’s going to be hard. But I believe, I believe I know the place. I believe we can ultimately bring it together.”


politicalwire--2020-11-18--McCarthy Doesn’t Think Trump Is Going Away

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy ( R-CA ) told the New York Times that he credits President Trump for the @ @ @ @ @ performance in the 2020 elections .
Said McCarthy : “ I don ’ t think @ @ @ @ @ at the end of the day he does not win the presidency , he will @ @ @ @ @ he ’ ll still have a base .
And if you sit back , if @ @ @ @ @ ticket , would we have won seats this year ?
He brought turnout .
”

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) told the New York Times that he credits President Trump for the House GOP’s better-than-expected performance in the 2020 elections.
Said McCarthy: “I don’t think Trump goes away. If at the end of the day he does not win the presidency, he will still be a player and he’ll still have a base. And if you sit back, if Trump was not on the ticket, would we have won seats this year? He brought turnout.”


politicalwire--2020-11-18--Diary of an MP’s Wife

Diary of an MP’s Wife

This looks interesting : Diary of an MP ’ s Wife : Inside and Outside Power by Sasha Swire .
@ @ @ @ @ ’ s a boilerplate for writing a British political memoir : you approach intimacy and @ @ @ @ @ ; you accept you will sell out neither the bookshops nor your friends.
” “ @ @ @ @ @ it .
The wife of Hugo Swire , a little-known former Tory minister and confidant @ @ @ @ @ has published the type of political book that comes along perhaps less than once a @ @ @

This looks interesting: Diary of an MP’s Wife: Inside and Outside Power by Sasha Swire.
Financial Times: “There’s a boilerplate for writing a British political memoir: you approach intimacy and insults without quite providing either; you accept you will sell out neither the bookshops nor your friends.”
“Sasha Swire has dispensed with it. The wife of Hugo Swire, a little-known former Tory minister and confidant of David Cameron, she has published the type of political book that comes along perhaps less than once a decade.”


politicalwire--2020-11-18--Photos Show Newsom Not Following Virus Protocols

Fox LA obtained exclusive photos of California Gov .
Gavin Newsom ( D ) allegedly at a dinner party he @ @ @ @ @ following his own COVID-19 protocols he set forth for the state .
Politico reports California @ @ @ @ @ the guests seated next to Newsom which could “ amplify criticisms of the dinner occurring @ @ @ @ @

Fox LA obtained exclusive photos of California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) allegedly at a dinner party he attended on November 6 not following his own COVID-19 protocols he set forth for the state.
Politico reports California Medical Association officials were among the guests seated next to Newsom which could “amplify criticisms of the dinner occurring despite coronavirus restrictions.”


politicalwire--2020-11-19--Trump Claims ‘Clear and Viable’ Path to Victory

President Trump , who is projected to lose the electoral vote by 306 to 232 and trails Joe Biden in @ @ @ @ @ 6 million votes , announced his lawyers will hold a press conference at 12 p.m @ @ @ @ @ a very clear and viable path to victory.
” He added : “ Pieces are @ @ @ @ @ .
”

President Trump, who is projected to lose the electoral vote by 306 to 232 and trails Joe Biden in the popular vote by nearly 6 million votes, announced his lawyers will hold a press conference at 12 p.m. ET to outline “a very clear and viable path to victory.”
He added: “Pieces are very nicely falling into place.”


politicalwire--2020-11-19--Trump Falsely Claims Voter Fraud In Detroit

President Trump on Twitter : “ Voter Fraud in Detroit is rampant , and has been for many years !
@ @ @ @ @ Funny he did not make this claim when he won Michigan in 2016 by only @ @ @ @ @ legal filing , his lawyers opposed a Jill-Stein request for recount then because ‘ all @ @ @ @ @ 2016 general election was not tainted by fraud or mistake . '
”

President Trump on Twitter: “Voter Fraud in Detroit is rampant, and has been for many years!”
Glenn Kessler: “Funny he did not make this claim when he won Michigan in 2016 by only 10,000 votes. In a legal filing, his lawyers opposed a Jill-Stein request for recount then because ‘all available evidence suggests that the 2016 general election was not tainted by fraud or mistake.'”


politicalwire--2020-11-19--Michigan Republicans Ask to ‘Rescind’ Certification

“ After three hours of tense deadlock on Tuesday , the two Republicans on an election board in Michigan ’ @ @ @ @ @ course and voted to certify the results of the Nov. 3 election , a key @ @ @ @ @ Biden ’ s victory in the state , ” the Washington Post reports .
“ @ @ @ @ @ to take back their votes.
” “ In affidavits signed Wednesday evening , the two @ @ @ @ @ Wayne County Board of Canvassers allege that they were improperly pressured into certifying the election @ @ @ @ @ on a promise to audit votes in Detroit .
”

“After three hours of tense deadlock on Tuesday, the two Republicans on an election board in Michigan’s most populous county reversed course and voted to certify the results of the Nov. 3 election, a key step toward finalizing President-elect Joe Biden’s victory in the state,” the Washington Post reports.
“Now, they both want to take back their votes.”
“In affidavits signed Wednesday evening, the two GOP members of the four-member Wayne County Board of Canvassers allege that they were improperly pressured into certifying the election and accused Democrats of reneging on a promise to audit votes in Detroit.”


politicalwire--2020-11-19--Sowing Post-Election Chaos Is Trump’s Goal

“ President Trump is trying to turn America ’ s free and fair election into a muddled mess of misinformation @ @ @ @ @ baseless attacks on the underpinnings of the nation ’ s democracy , ” the AP @ @ @ @ @ chaos and confusion that has created isn ’ t the byproduct of Trump ’ s @ @ @ @ @ Democrat Joe Biden .
The chaos and confusion is the strategy .
”

“President Trump is trying to turn America’s free and fair election into a muddled mess of misinformation, specious legal claims and baseless attacks on the underpinnings of the nation’s democracy,” the AP reports.
“The resulting chaos and confusion that has created isn’t the byproduct of Trump’s strategy following his defeat to Democrat Joe Biden. The chaos and confusion is the strategy.”


CEOs Abandon Trump

President Trump on Twitter : “ Voter Fraud in Detroit is rampant , and has been for many years !
@ @ @ @ @ Funny he did not make this claim when he won Michigan in…

“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--2020-11-19--Trump Challenges Cement Biden’s Triumph

Trump Challenges Cement Biden’s Triumph

“ President Trump ’ s frantic post-election challenges are having the opposite effect of what he intended : He ’ @ @ @ @ @ a series of court fights and recounts showing Joe Biden ’ s victory to be @ @ @ @ @ unassailable , ” Axios reports .


politicalwire--2020-11-19--Obama’s Memoir Massively Outselling Clinton, Bush

Barack Obama ’ s A Promised Land sold nearly 890,000 copies in the U.S. and Canada in its first 24 @ @ @ @ @ track to be the best-selling presidential memoir in modern history .


politicalwire--2020-11-19--Conservatives Fear Public Preparation for Biden

Politico : “ The conservative movement has become handicapped .
Organizations can ’ t sound the alarm about President-elect Joe @ @ @ @ @ Conservative reporters won ’ t take pitches about Biden ’ s rumored Cabinet contenders , @ @ @ @ @ of voter fraud instead .
One conservative group involved in policy advocacy backed off from @ @ @ @ @ officials after growing concerned about the consequences.
” “ And it ’ s all because @ @ @ @ @ by President Trump : Do not acknowledge Biden ’ s imminent White House takeover .
@ @ @ @ @ of the dictate have faced swift repercussions .
Some have received angry emails from donors @ @ @ @ @ the ‘ liberal media.
’ Those who have tried to start revving up the grassroots @ @ @ @ @ could unfold in January , particularly if Democrats win control of the Senate via two @ @ @ @ @ have been likened to turncoats by colleagues .
”

Politico: “The conservative movement has become handicapped. Organizations can’t sound the alarm about President-elect Joe Biden’s agenda. Conservative reporters won’t take pitches about Biden’s rumored Cabinet contenders, insistent on covering evidence-deficient claims of voter fraud instead. One conservative group involved in policy advocacy backed off from hiring two soon-to-depart Trump administration officials after growing concerned about the consequences.”
“And it’s all because of an unspoken rule set by President Trump: Do not acknowledge Biden’s imminent White House takeover. Those who have run afoul of the dictate have faced swift repercussions. Some have received angry emails from donors accusing them of siding with the ‘liberal media.’ Those who have tried to start revving up the grassroots engine — warning of what could unfold in January, particularly if Democrats win control of the Senate via two runoff races in Georgia — have been likened to turncoats by colleagues.”


politicalwire--2020-11-19--Threats Rise as Trump Attacks Elections Process

New York Times : “ President Trump ’ s false accusations that voter fraud denied him re-election are causing escalating @ @ @ @ @ the country , leading to threats of violence against officials in both parties and subverting @ @ @ @ @ in the electoral process .
”


politicalwire--2020-11-19--Trump Tries to Delay Final Vote Count

Trump Tries to Delay Final Vote Count

“ President Trump has abandoned his plan to win reelection by disqualifying enough ballots to reverse President-elect Joe Biden ’ @ @ @ @ @ states , pivoting instead to a goal that appears equally unattainable : delaying a final @ @ @ @ @ doubt on Biden ’ s decisive victory , ” the Washington Post reports .
Associated @ @ @ @ @ in the courts , President Donald Trump ’ s scattershot effort to overturn President-elect Joe @ @ @ @ @ shifting toward obscure election boards that certify the vote as Trump and his allies seek @ @ @ @ @ , sow chaos and perpetuate unsubstantiated doubts about the count .
”

“President Trump has abandoned his plan to win reelection by disqualifying enough ballots to reverse President-elect Joe Biden’s wins in key battleground states, pivoting instead to a goal that appears equally unattainable: delaying a final count long enough to cast doubt on Biden’s decisive victory,” the Washington Post reports.
Associated Press: “Getting nowhere in the courts, President Donald Trump’s scattershot effort to overturn President-elect Joe Biden’s victory is shifting toward obscure election boards that certify the vote as Trump and his allies seek to upend the electoral process, sow chaos and perpetuate unsubstantiated doubts about the count.”
Earlier for members: Giuliani’s End Game.


politicalwire--2020-11-19--Biden Mounts Lobbying Blitz to Crack GOP Resistance

“ Joe Biden ’ s transition team has tried to project calm as President Donald Trump refuses to concede and @ @ @ @ @ one key part of the federal government — continue to have his back , ” @ @ @ @ @ behind the scenes , Biden ’ s advisers are in the midst of a fierce @ @ @ @ @ ’ s allies to crack .
They ’ re dispatching emissaries from past administrations — @ @ @ @ @ with a wide array of business and interest group leaders to intercede on Biden ’ @ @ @ @ @ three transition officials , Biden ’ s team is in talks with multiple Republican leaders @ @ @ @ @ transition stalemate , warning them of risks to national security and public health if the @ @ @ @ @ access to the government .
”

“Joe Biden’s transition team has tried to project calm as President Donald Trump refuses to concede and many Republicans — and even one key part of the federal government — continue to have his back,” Politico reports.
“But behind the scenes, Biden’s advisers are in the midst of a fierce lobbying blitz to get Trump’s allies to crack. They’re dispatching emissaries from past administrations — Republican and Democrat — along with a wide array of business and interest group leaders to intercede on Biden’s behalf. According to three transition officials, Biden’s team is in talks with multiple Republican leaders and officeholders to end the transition stalemate, warning them of risks to national security and public health if the president-elect isn’t granted access to the government.”


politicalwire--2020-11-19--Republicans Push Through Final Trump Nominees

Politico : “ Two months before Joe Biden assumes the presidency , Senate Republicans are racing to install a series @ @ @ @ @ outlast Donald Trump .
While Trump still refuses to concede the election , the Senate @ @ @ @ @ ensure that the president ’ s stamp sticks to the Federal Elections Commission , Federal @ @ @ @ @ judiciary and beyond .
”

Politico: “Two months before Joe Biden assumes the presidency, Senate Republicans are racing to install a series of conservative nominees that will outlast Donald Trump. While Trump still refuses to concede the election, the Senate GOP is moving quickly to ensure that the president’s stamp sticks to the Federal Elections Commission, Federal Reserve Board, the federal judiciary and beyond.”


politicalwire--2020-11-19--Biden Team Weighs Retaining Deborah Birx

“ President-elect Joe Biden ’ s transition team is weighing whether to give Trump administration coronavirus coordinator Deborah Birx a @ @ @ @ @ , even as it prepares a broader purge of officials closely tied to the president @ @ @ @ @ pandemic , ” Politico reports .
“ The debate over Birx ’ s future has @ @ @ @ @ advocates for the longtime public health official arguing that her experience on the front lines @ @ @ @ @ a Biden administration that will be thrust into the middle of a deepening crisis.
” @ @ @ @ @ more skeptical , voicing worries that her nine months as coordinator for the Trump White @ @ @ @ @ force have permanently eroded her credibility — and that keeping Birx on would jeopardize Biden @ @ @ @ @ the American public on a full reset of the federal government ’ s pandemic response @ @

“President-elect Joe Biden’s transition team is weighing whether to give Trump administration coronavirus coordinator Deborah Birx a role in its Covid-19 response, even as it prepares a broader purge of officials closely tied to the president’s handling of the pandemic,” Politico reports.
“The debate over Birx’s future has vexed transition officials, with advocates for the longtime public health official arguing that her experience on the front lines of the pandemic could aid a Biden administration that will be thrust into the middle of a deepening crisis.”
“Yet others are far more skeptical, voicing worries that her nine months as coordinator for the Trump White House’s coronavirus task force have permanently eroded her credibility — and that keeping Birx on would jeopardize Biden’s plan for selling the American public on a full reset of the federal government’s pandemic response.”


politicalwire--2020-11-19--White House Sought Suit Against Omarosa

White House Sought Suit Against Omarosa

“ One day after an announcement in 2018 that President Trump ’ s former aide Omarosa Manigault Newman had written @ @ @ @ @ the White House asked the Justice Department to open an investigation into a seemingly unrelated @ @ @ @ @ a government lawsuit against her , ” the New York Times reports .
“ The @ @ @ @ @ legal actions against a number of former Trump aides who wrote unflattering memoirs , prompting @ @ @ @ @ abusing their power over law enforcement to enact retribution .
”

“One day after an announcement in 2018 that President Trump’s former aide Omarosa Manigault Newman had written a negative tell-all memoir, the White House asked the Justice Department to open an investigation into a seemingly unrelated paperwork dispute that led to a government lawsuit against her,” the New York Times reports.
“The Justice Department has taken aggressive legal actions against a number of former Trump aides who wrote unflattering memoirs, prompting accusations that administration officials were abusing their power over law enforcement to enact retribution.”


politicalwire--2020-11-20--Trump and Giuliani are the Republican Party

Jennifer Rubin : “ Let us not dwell on the details .
Or on the shamefulness of state bar authorities @ @ @ @ @ unprofessional conduct .
Or on Giuliani ’ s hair dye that ran down from each @ @ @ @ @ is that this is the level of sheer insanity and irrational propaganda that passes for @ @ @ @ @ , Giuliani is representing the president ’ s views , and because the vast majority @ @ @ @ @ be allowed to exhaust his legal claims , his performance has , in effect , @ @ @ @ @ and Senate leadership , much of right-wing media and the Republican National Committee .
”

Jennifer Rubin: “Let us not dwell on the details. Or on the shamefulness of state bar authorities in failing to sanction such unprofessional conduct. Or on Giuliani’s hair dye that ran down from each sideburn. What is clear is that this is the level of sheer insanity and irrational propaganda that passes for Republican ‘thinking.’ Plainly, Giuliani is representing the president’s views, and because the vast majority of Republicans say Trump should be allowed to exhaust his legal claims, his performance has, in effect, been endorsed by Republican House and Senate leadership, much of right-wing media and the Republican National Committee.”


politicalwire--2020-11-20--Last Gasps of a Dying Campaign

Last Gasps of a Dying Campaign

“ President Trump and his allies are taking increasingly frantic steps to subvert the results of the 2020 election , @ @ @ @ @ the White House as part of a longshot bid to overturn Joe Biden ’ s @ @ @ @ @ reports .
“ Among other last-ditch tactics : personally calling local election officials who are @ @ @ @ @ votes in Michigan , suggesting in a legal challenge that Pennsylvania set aside the popular @ @ @ @ @ officials in Arizona to delay certifying vote tallies.
” “ Election law experts see it @ @ @ @ @ gasps of the Trump campaign and say Biden is certain to walk into the Oval @ @ @ @ @ there is great concern that Trump ’ s effort is doing real damage to public @ @ @ @ @ U.S. elections .
”

“President Trump and his allies are taking increasingly frantic steps to subvert the results of the 2020 election, including summoning state legislators to the White House as part of a longshot bid to overturn Joe Biden’s victory,” the AP reports.
“Among other last-ditch tactics: personally calling local election officials who are trying to rescind their certification votes in Michigan, suggesting in a legal challenge that Pennsylvania set aside the popular vote there and pressuring county officials in Arizona to delay certifying vote tallies.”
“Election law experts see it as the last, dying gasps of the Trump campaign and say Biden is certain to walk into the Oval Office come January. But there is great concern that Trump’s effort is doing real damage to public faith in the integrity of U.S. elections.”


politicalwire--2020-11-20--Trump Is On An Island

Trump Is On An Island

“ Most of President Trump ’ s closest advisers have completely distanced themselves from his legal effort and are avoiding @ @ @ @ @ swept into their courtroom dramas , ” Axios reports .
“ Some of the president @ @ @ @ @ they think he can still overturn the election results — because they remain on the @ @ @ @ @ have another choice .
But talk to them privately , and many say Rudy Giuliani @ @ @ @ @ a dead-end path .
”

“Most of President Trump’s closest advisers have completely distanced themselves from his legal effort and are avoiding his lawyers to avoid being swept into their courtroom dramas,” Axios reports.
“Some of the president’s advisers act like they think he can still overturn the election results — because they remain on the payroll and don’t have another choice. But talk to them privately, and many say Rudy Giuliani and his team are on a dead-end path.”


politicalwire--2020-11-20--The Media Filter Bubble Is Getting Worse

Axios : “ The media remains fairly clueless about the America that exists outside of the big cities , where @ @ @ @ @ live .
The coverage missed badly the surge in Trump voters in places obvious ( @ @ @ @ @ obvious ( Hispanic-heavy border towns in Texas ) .
” “ Let ’ s be @ @ @ @ @ under-appreciated the appeal of Trump ’ s anti-socialism message and the backlash against the defund-the-police @ @ @ @ @ “ The media ( and many Democrats ) are fairly clueless about the needs , @ @ @ @ @ voters .
Top Latinos warned about overlooking and misreading the fastest-growing population in America — @ @ @ @ @ listen .
Hispanics will shape huge chunks of America ’ s political future , so @ @ @ @ @ order .
”

Axios: “The media remains fairly clueless about the America that exists outside of the big cities, where most political writers and editors live. The coverage missed badly the surge in Trump voters in places obvious (rural America) and less obvious (Hispanic-heavy border towns in Texas).”
“Let’s be honest: Many of us under-appreciated the appeal of Trump’s anti-socialism message and the backlash against the defund-the-police rhetoric on the left.”
“The media (and many Democrats) are fairly clueless about the needs, wants and trends of Hispanic voters. Top Latinos warned about overlooking and misreading the fastest-growing population in America — but most didn’t listen. Hispanics will shape huge chunks of America’s political future, so a course correction is in order.”


politicalwire--2020-11-20--Democrats Demand Briefing from GSA Chief

Politico : “ Four senior House Democrats are demanding that GSA Administrator Emily Murphy brief them Monday on the reason @ @ @ @ @ Joe Biden ’ s win in the presidential election , warning that her answers will @ @ @ @ @ haul her to Capitol Hill for a public hearing .
”

Politico: “Four senior House Democrats are demanding that GSA Administrator Emily Murphy brief them Monday on the reason she has yet to ascertain Joe Biden’s win in the presidential election, warning that her answers will determine whether they intend to haul her to Capitol Hill for a public hearing.”


politicalwire--2020-11-20--GOP Senate Signals It Will Confirm Biden Cabinet

“ Senate Republicans are signaling they will confirm most of President-elect Joe Biden ’ s Cabinet picks in January — @ @ @ @ @ a White House that may clash with a GOP majority for years to come , @ @ @ @ @ Many Republicans won ’ t even publicly concede that Biden will be the next president @ @ @ @ @ to overturn the election results .
But a critical mass of GOP senators said in @ @ @ @ @ right to his Cabinet , indicating he may be able to staff his administration largely @ @ @ @ @

“Senate Republicans are signaling they will confirm most of President-elect Joe Biden’s Cabinet picks in January — a rare bright spot for a White House that may clash with a GOP majority for years to come,” Politico reports.
“Many Republicans won’t even publicly concede that Biden will be the next president while President Donald Trump fights to overturn the election results. But a critical mass of GOP senators said in interviews that Biden has the right to his Cabinet, indicating he may be able to staff his administration largely to his liking.”


politicalwire--2020-11-20--Romney Slams Trump on Election Tactics

Romney Slams Trump on Election Tactics

“ Having failed to make even a plausible case of widespread fraud or conspiracy , the president has now resorted @ @ @ @ @ and local officials to subvert the will of the people and overturn the election .
@ @ @ @ @ a worse , more undemocratic action by a sitting American president .
”

Sen. Mitt Romney (R-UT) on Twitter:
“Having failed to make even a plausible case of widespread fraud or conspiracy, the president has now resorted to overt pressure on state and local officials to subvert the will of the people and overturn the election. It is difficult to imagine a worse, more undemocratic action by a sitting American president.”


politicalwire--2020-11-20--Ivanka Calls New York Probes ‘Harassment’

“ We have never seen anything like this before .
This is a president abusing his very great powers to @ @ @ @ @ , even though it is obvious to everyone…


politicalwire--2020-11-20--Trump’s Attempts to Overturn Election Are Unparalleled

“ President Trump ’ s attempts to overturn the 2020 election are unprecedented in American history and an even more @ @ @ @ @ force to gain the White House than when Congress gave Rutherford B. Hayes the presidency @ @ @ @ @ New York Times reports .
“ Mr .
Trump ’ s chances of succeeding are @ @ @ @ @ , and a sign of his desperation after President-elect Joe Biden won by nearly six @ @ @ @ @ , as well as a clear Electoral College margin .
Yet the fact that Mr. @ @ @ @ @ set off widespread alarms , not least in Mr. Biden ’ s camp .
”

“President Trump’s attempts to overturn the 2020 election are unprecedented in American history and an even more audacious use of brute political force to gain the White House than when Congress gave Rutherford B. Hayes the presidency during Reconstruction,” the New York Times reports.
“Mr. Trump’s chances of succeeding are somewhere between remote and impossible, and a sign of his desperation after President-elect Joe Biden won by nearly six million popular votes and counting, as well as a clear Electoral College margin. Yet the fact that Mr. Trump is even trying has set off widespread alarms, not least in Mr. Biden’s camp.”


politicalwire--2020-11-20--Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day

“ We have never seen anything like this before .
This is a president abusing his very great powers to @ @ @ @ @ , even though it is obvious to everyone that he has been defeated in the @ @ @ @ @ prospect that terrified most of the founders .
”

“We have never seen anything like this before. This is a president abusing his very great powers to try to stay in office, even though it is obvious to everyone that he has been defeated in the polls. That is a prospect that terrified most of the founders.”
— Presidential historian Michael Beschloss, quoted by the Washington Post.


politicalwire--2020-11-20--Trump Told Ally He’s Getting Back at Democrats

“ President Trump told an ally that he knows he lost , but that he is delaying the transition process @ @ @ @ @ sow doubt about the election results in order to get back at Democrats for questioning @ @ @ @ @ election in 2016 , especially with the Russia investigation , ” CNN reports .

“President Trump told an ally that he knows he lost, but that he is delaying the transition process and is aggressively trying to sow doubt about the election results in order to get back at Democrats for questioning the legitimacy of his own election in 2016, especially with the Russia investigation,” CNN reports.


politicalwire--2020-11-20--Trump Tax Write-Offs Ensnared in 2 New York Probes

“ Two separate New York State fraud investigations into President Trump and his businesses , one criminal and one civil @ @ @ @ @ tax write-offs on millions of dollars in consulting fees , some of which appear to @ @ @ @ @ , ” the New York Times reports .
“ The inquiries — a criminal investigation @ @ @ @ @ , Cyrus R. Vance Jr. , and a civil one by the state attorney general @ @ @ @ @ being conducted independently .
But both offices issued subpoenas to the Trump Organization in recent @ @ @ @ @ the fees .
”

“Two separate New York State fraud investigations into President Trump and his businesses, one criminal and one civil, have expanded to include tax write-offs on millions of dollars in consulting fees, some of which appear to have gone to Ivanka Trump,” the New York Times reports.
“The inquiries — a criminal investigation by the Manhattan district attorney, Cyrus R. Vance Jr., and a civil one by the state attorney general, Letitia James — are being conducted independently. But both offices issued subpoenas to the Trump Organization in recent weeks for records related to the fees.”


politicalwire--2020-11-20--Georgia Recount Confirms Biden Win

Georgia Recount Confirms Biden Win

“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--2020-11-19--Biden Has Picked His Treasury Secretary

Biden Has Picked His Treasury Secretary

President-elect Joe Biden said that he has decided whom he will nominate for Treasury secretary , CNBC reports .
Said @ @ @ @ @ ll soon hear my choice for Treasury , either just before or just after Thanksgiving @ @

President-elect Joe Biden said that he has decided whom he will nominate for Treasury secretary, CNBC reports.
Said Biden: “You’ll soon hear my choice for Treasury, either just before or just after Thanksgiving.”


politicalwire--2020-11-19--Atlanta Mayor Says Trump Would Eat His Kids


politicalwire--2020-11-19--Rahm Emanuel Under Consideration for Transportation

“ Former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel is under consideration to lead the department of transportation , a move that would @ @ @ @ @ former Illinois congressman and White House chief of staff was ultimately nominated to join the @ @ @ @ @ Cabinet , ” CNN reports .
“ Emanuel has expressed his interest in the post @ @ @ @ @ nation ’ s infrastructure challenges are so dire that a person with experience from the @ @ @ @ @ be an asset .
”

“Former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel is under consideration to lead the department of transportation, a move that would enrage progressive activists if the former Illinois congressman and White House chief of staff was ultimately nominated to join the President-elect Joe Biden’s Cabinet,” CNN reports.
“Emanuel has expressed his interest in the post, telling allies that the nation’s infrastructure challenges are so dire that a person with experience from the executive and legislative branch would be an asset.”


politicalwire--2020-11-19--Perdue Profited from Navy Contractor Stock


politicalwire--2020-11-19--Mnuchin Lets Emergency Lending Programs Expire

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin declined to extend several emergency loan programs established jointly with the Federal Reserve that are set @ @ @ @ @ , the Wall Street Journal reports .
Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell had indicated in @ @ @ @ @ ’ t think it would be appropriate to allow the programs to expire .

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin declined to extend several emergency loan programs established jointly with the Federal Reserve that are set to expire on Dec. 31, the Wall Street Journal reports.
Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell had indicated in remarks Tuesday that he didn’t think it would be appropriate to allow the programs to expire.


politicalwire--2020-11-19--Trump’s Election Lawsuits Plagued by Elementary Errors

Associated Press : “ Fighting to challenge an election he lost to President-elect Joe Biden , Trump has launched a @ @ @ @ @ country .
Top Republicans have stood behind him and said they will wait for those @ @ @ @ @ officially recognizing the winner , a standard that has no modern precedent.
” “ But @ @ @ @ @ elementary errors in those high-profile cases : misspelling ‘ poll watcher ’ as ‘ pole @ @ @ @ @ name of the presiding judge during a hearing , inadvertently filing a Michigan lawsuit before @ @ @ @ @ and having to refile complaints after erasing entire arguments they ’ re using to challenge @ @ @

Associated Press: “Fighting to challenge an election he lost to President-elect Joe Biden, Trump has launched a barrage of lawsuits across the country. Top Republicans have stood behind him and said they will wait for those cases to be resolved before officially recognizing the winner, a standard that has no modern precedent.”
“But his attorneys have repeatedly made elementary errors in those high-profile cases: misspelling ‘poll watcher’ as ‘pole watcher,’ forgetting the name of the presiding judge during a hearing, inadvertently filing a Michigan lawsuit before an obscure court in Washington and having to refile complaints after erasing entire arguments they’re using to challenge results.”


politicalwire--2020-11-19--Trump Now Actively Trying to Subvert Election

“ President Trump ’ s strategy for retaining power despite losing the U.S. election is focused increasingly on persuading Republican @ @ @ @ @ behalf in battleground states Democrat Joe Biden won , ” Reuters reports .
“ Having @ @ @ @ @ of losses in legal cases challenging the Nov. 3 results , Trump ’ s lawyers @ @ @ @ @ Republicans who control legislatures in Michigan and Pennsylvania , which went for Trump in 2016 @ @ @ @ @ ” A real headline from the New York Times : “ Trump Asks Michigan Lawmakers @ @ @ @ @ to Subvert Election ”

“President Trump’s strategy for retaining power despite losing the U.S. election is focused increasingly on persuading Republican legislators to intervene on his behalf in battleground states Democrat Joe Biden won,” Reuters reports.
“Having so far faced a string of losses in legal cases challenging the Nov. 3 results, Trump’s lawyers are seeking to enlist fellow Republicans who control legislatures in Michigan and Pennsylvania, which went for Trump in 2016 and for Biden in 2020.”
A real headline from the New York Times: “Trump Asks Michigan Lawmakers to White House In Bid to Subvert Election”


politicalwire--2020-11-21--Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day

“ I ’ m not terribly popular with my party in the state of Utah .
But that consequence is @ @ @ @ @ the consequence of violating your own conscience.
” — Sen. Mitt Romney ( R-UT ) @ @ @ @ @ Lake Tribune , on his criticisms of President Trump .

“I’m not terribly popular with my party in the state of Utah. But that consequence is nowhere near as great as the consequence of violating your own conscience.”
— Sen. Mitt Romney (R-UT), quoted by the Salt Lake Tribune, on his criticisms of President Trump.


politicalwire--2020-11-21--Trump Tricked by Twitter Troll Posing as His Sister

“ On Friday morning , President Trump shared a seemingly innocuous article on Twitter .
The piece said that his @ @ @ @ @ , had publicly voiced her support for her brother amid his baseless claims that he @ @ @ @ @ ” the New York Times reports .
“ There was just one problem : Ms. @ @ @ @ @ what the article claimed .
In fact , the article Mr. Trump shared was based @ @ @ @ @ that posed as his sister .
”

“On Friday morning, President Trump shared a seemingly innocuous article on Twitter. The piece said that his sister, Elizabeth Trump Grau, had publicly voiced her support for her brother amid his baseless claims that he won the 2020 election,” the New York Times reports.
Said Trump: “Thank you Elizabeth. LOVE!”
“There was just one problem: Ms. Trump Grau had not said what the article claimed. In fact, the article Mr. Trump shared was based on a fake Twitter account that posed as his sister.”


politicalwire--2020-11-21--The Real Coronavirus Death Toll

The Real Coronavirus Death Toll

New York Times : “ Deaths nationwide were 18 percent higher than normal from March 15 to Nov. 7 .
@ @ @ @ @ that 326,000 more people than normal have died in the United States during that period @ @ @ @ @ be an undercount since recent death statistics are still being updated .
”

New York Times: “Deaths nationwide were 18 percent higher than normal from March 15 to Nov. 7. Altogether, the analysis shows that 326,000 more people than normal have died in the United States during that period, a number that may be an undercount since recent death statistics are still being updated.”


politicalwire--2020-11-21--Twitter Will Hand @POTUS to Biden When He’s Sworn In

“ I ’ m not terribly popular with my party in the state of Utah .
But that consequence is @ @ @ @ @ the consequence of violating your own conscience.
” — Sen… .


politicalwire--2020-11-21--Georgia Governor Certifies Biden as Winner


politicalwire--2020-11-21--Biden Has Picked His Secretary of State

Biden Has Picked His Secretary of State

President-elect Joe Biden has made his choice for secretary of state , moving quickly to assemble a Senate-confirmable Cabinet even @ @ @ @ @ concede the election , Axios reports .
Biden is expected to roll out several top @ @ @ @ @

President-elect Joe Biden has made his choice for secretary of state, moving quickly to assemble a Senate-confirmable Cabinet even as President Trump refuses to concede the election, Axios reports.
Biden is expected to roll out several top Cabinet picks next week.


politicalwire--2020-11-20--Michigan Lawmakers Not Persuaded by Trump

Michigan ’ s top Republican lawmakers said Friday after a meeting with President Trump at the White House that they @ @ @ @ @ that would change President-Elect Joe Biden ’ s victory in the state , a blow @ @ @ @ @ efforts to undermine the election results , the Washington Post reports .
In a statement @ @ @ @ @ interfere with the certification process that is expected to be finalized on Monday .

Michigan’s top Republican lawmakers said Friday after a meeting with President Trump at the White House that they have not seen any information that would change President-Elect Joe Biden’s victory in the state, a blow to the president’s efforts to undermine the election results, the Washington Post reports.
In a statement, they vowed not to interfere with the certification process that is expected to be finalized on Monday.


politicalwire--2020-11-20--Don Jr. Tests Positive

Don Jr. Tests Positive


politicalwire--2020-11-20--Meadows Will Not Run for Senate

Meadows Will Not Run for Senate

White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows , who represented far-western North Carolina in the U.S House , said Friday @ @ @ @ @ U.S. Senate in 2022 , the Raleigh News and Observer reports .
Said Meadows : @ @ @ @ @ of North Carolina .
But I not only have no plans , I have no @ @ @ @ @ Senate in 2022.
” He added : “ I ’ ve had a number of @ @ @ @ @ that seat , if indeed Sen. Burr retires .
My conversations have included some of @ @ @ @ @ well as Lara Trump , and , to my knowledge , no one ’ s @ @ @ @ @ whether to toss their hat in the ring or not .
But in terms of @ @ @ @ @ ’ t be in the ring .
”

White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows, who represented far-western North Carolina in the U.S House, said Friday he would not run for U.S. Senate in 2022, the Raleigh News and Observer reports.
Said Meadows: “I love the people of North Carolina. But I not only have no plans, I have no intentions to run for the Senate in 2022.”
He added: “I’ve had a number of people talk about running for that seat, if indeed Sen. Burr retires. My conversations have included some of the sitting House members as well as Lara Trump, and, to my knowledge, no one’s made a definitive decision on whether to toss their hat in the ring or not. But in terms of my hat, it won’t be in the ring.”


politicalwire--2020-11-20--Willing to Die for Trump

Willing to Die for Trump


politicalwire--2020-11-20--Cuomo Gets an Emmy for His Coronavirus Briefings


politicalwire--2020-11-20--Trump Could Be No Show at Virtual G-20 Summit

Washington Post : “ Less than 48 hours before the scheduled start of the global summit , the White House @ @ @ @ @ Trump will participate in the event , which is being hosted by Saudi Arabia but @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus pandemic .
”

Washington Post: “Less than 48 hours before the scheduled start of the global summit, the White House will not say whether President Trump will participate in the event, which is being hosted by Saudi Arabia but held virtually due to the coronavirus pandemic.”


politicalwire--2020-11-20--Madigan Loses His Grip on Power In Illinois

“ Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan — the longest-serving state legislative leader in American history — is losing his grip @ @ @ @ @ investigation pounds his allies and lackluster election results undermine his influence , ” Politico reports @ @ @ @ @ publicly turn on Madigan over the summer , after the inquiry into influence peddling by @ @ @ @ @ came to light .
But the revolt against Madigan accelerated this week , and by @ @ @ @ @ Madigan to deny him his title in January , potentially stripping him of the post @ @ @ @ @ since 1983.
” “ The speaker ’ s downfall would mark a major turning point @ @ @ @ @ with it major implications for the future of the Democratic Party in the state .
@

“Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan — the longest-serving state legislative leader in American history — is losing his grip on power as a federal investigation pounds his allies and lackluster election results undermine his influence,” Politico reports.
“Democrats began to publicly turn on Madigan over the summer, after the inquiry into influence peddling by a local electric utility company came to light. But the revolt against Madigan accelerated this week, and by Thursday enough legislators had fled Madigan to deny him his title in January, potentially stripping him of the post he’s largely held since 1983.”
“The speaker’s downfall would mark a major turning point in Illinois politics and carry with it major implications for the future of the Democratic Party in the state.”


politicalwire--2020-11-20--House Democrats Will Bring Back Earmarks

House Democratic leaders are proceeding with plans to bring back earmarks for the 117th Congress , Roll Call reports .
@ @ @ @ @ retiring House Appropriations Chairwoman Nita Lowey ( D-NY ) are all on board with restoring @ @ @ @ @ ” as it has come to be known .

House Democratic leaders are proceeding with plans to bring back earmarks for the 117th Congress, Roll Call reports.
The three candidates to replace retiring House Appropriations Chairwoman Nita Lowey (D-NY) are all on board with restoring “congressionally directed spending,” as it has come to be known.


politicalwire--2020-11-20--Trump Lawyers to Avoid Michigan Lawmakers

“ Rudy Giuliani and other key members of President Trump ’ s outside legal team won ’ t be attending @ @ @ @ @ two Michigan lawmakers because they ’ ve been exposed to the coronavirus , ” Axios @ @ @ @ @ turmoil inside the president ’ s legal operation comes at a time when the president @ @ @ @ @ to interfere with the electoral process and reverse Joe Biden ’ s victory to a @ @ @ @

“Rudy Giuliani and other key members of President Trump’s outside legal team won’t be attending today’s meeting with two Michigan lawmakers because they’ve been exposed to the coronavirus,” Axios reports.
“This added turmoil inside the president’s legal operation comes at a time when the president is urging Republican state lawmakers to interfere with the electoral process and reverse Joe Biden’s victory to a Trump win.”


politicalwire--2020-11-20--How Biden Intends to Revamp Virus Testing

Politico : “ The strategies under discussion , according to four experts advising Biden , include increasing the availability of @ @ @ @ @ using the Defense Production Act to beef up the supply of pipettes , chemicals and @ @ @ @ @ and strengthening federal coordination of testing.
” “ If successful , Biden ’ s approach @ @ @ @ @ into a tool capable of reducing infections , rather than merely documenting the pandemic ’ @ @ @ @

Politico: “The strategies under discussion, according to four experts advising Biden, include increasing the availability of cheap, rapid tests; using the Defense Production Act to beef up the supply of pipettes, chemicals and other key testing materials; and strengthening federal coordination of testing.”
“If successful, Biden’s approach would turn the testing system into a tool capable of reducing infections, rather than merely documenting the pandemic’s toll.”


politicalwire--2020-11-20--Michigan Lawmakers Visit with Trump

Michigan Lawmakers Visit with Trump

“ A delegation of Republican state lawmakers from Michigan arrived in Washington on Friday as part of President Trump ’ @ @ @ @ @ usurp the results of the election he lost , ” Politico reports .
NBC News @ @ @ @ @ slated to meet Friday with President Donald Trump at the White House could be risking @ @ @ @ @ on what actions they take in regards to the state ’ s election results .
@

“A delegation of Republican state lawmakers from Michigan arrived in Washington on Friday as part of President Trump’s Hail Mary attempt to usurp the results of the election he lost,” Politico reports.
NBC News: “Michigan Republican lawmakers slated to meet Friday with President Donald Trump at the White House could be risking legal exposure back home depending on what actions they take in regards to the state’s election results.”


politicalwire--2020-11-20--Pfizer Seeks Emergency Authorization for Vaccine

Stat : “ It is unclear how long the FDA will take to review the application , though the agency @ @ @ @ @ .
Agency officials have pledged to seek advice from an expert panel of outside experts… @ @ @ @ @ expected that the FDA will then issue an emergency use authorization for the two-dose vaccine @ @ @ @ @ to be highly effective in preventing Covid infections .
Officials have said they hope to @ @ @ @ @ — who will be at the front of the line for the limited first doses @ @ @ @ @ days of the authorization .
”

Stat: “It is unclear how long the FDA will take to review the application, though the agency is expected to move swiftly. Agency officials have pledged to seek advice from an expert panel of outside experts…”
“It is widely expected that the FDA will then issue an emergency use authorization for the two-dose vaccine, which has been shown to be highly effective in preventing Covid infections. Officials have said they hope to begin vaccination of health workers — who will be at the front of the line for the limited first doses — in some locations within days of the authorization.”


politicalwire--2020-11-20--Pelosi Calls Trump a ‘Psychopathic Nut’

Pelosi Calls Trump a ‘Psychopathic Nut’

“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--2020-11-20--Biden Team Lacks Full U.S. Cybersecurity Support

“ When it comes to protecting sensitive information from foreign hackers , President-elect Joe Biden ’ s team is largely @ @ @ @ @ the Wall Street Journal reports .
“ The federal government , which has some of @ @ @ @ @ in the world , is offering limited assistance to Mr. Biden ’ s transition operation @ @ @ @ @ other communications , despite concerns that the team is likely a top espionage target for @ @ @ @ @ other adversaries , according to people familiar with the transition .
”

“When it comes to protecting sensitive information from foreign hackers, President-elect Joe Biden’s team is largely on its own,” the Wall Street Journal reports.
“The federal government, which has some of the most sophisticated antihacking technologies in the world, is offering limited assistance to Mr. Biden’s transition operation in securing its email and other communications, despite concerns that the team is likely a top espionage target for Russia, China, and other adversaries, according to people familiar with the transition.”


politicalwire--2020-11-21--The World Moves on as Trump Keeps Fighting

New York Times : “ It is as if the vast machinery of diplomacy , business and lobbying has suddenly @ @ @ @ @ era .
Mr. Trump , by far the dominant world figure for the past four @ @ @ @ @ as irrelevant.
” “ Bank trade groups have begun meeting with Biden aides in anticipation @ @ @ @ @ .
Foreign diplomats assuming a sharp turn in American foreign policy are retooling their agendas @ @ @ @ @ are usually allergic to political statements , are saying out loud what most of Mr. @ @ @ @ @ so far refused to acknowledge .
”

New York Times: “It is as if the vast machinery of diplomacy, business and lobbying has suddenly been recalibrated for the Biden era. Mr. Trump, by far the dominant world figure for the past four years, is increasingly treated as irrelevant.”
“Bank trade groups have begun meeting with Biden aides in anticipation of new fights over regulation. Foreign diplomats assuming a sharp turn in American foreign policy are retooling their agendas. Corporate executives, who are usually allergic to political statements, are saying out loud what most of Mr. Trump’s supporters have so far refused to acknowledge.”