politicalwire--2020-06-26--Trump and Biden Swap Roles

Trump and Biden Swap Roles

Joshua Green : “ Over the past several months , a presidential race already upended by a global pandemic and @ @ @ @ @ odd characteristic that ’ s making it even more unusual : President Trump , the @ @ @ @ @ , his challenger , have effectively swapped roles.
” “ The sitting president is campaigning @ @ @ @ @ incendiary tweets and blaming others for the failures of the government he himself presides over @ @ @ @ @ is acting like a traditional incumbent , running on his record and the promise of @ @ @

Joshua Green: “Over the past several months, a presidential race already upended by a global pandemic and historic recession has developed an odd characteristic that’s making it even more unusual: President Trump, the incumbent, and Joe Biden, his challenger, have effectively swapped roles.”
“The sitting president is campaigning like an outsider, lobbing incendiary tweets and blaming others for the failures of the government he himself presides over. Biden, meanwhile, is acting like a traditional incumbent, running on his record and the promise of familiarity.”


politicalwire--2020-06-25--Trump Entrenched In Failed Strategy

Trump Entrenched In Failed Strategy

Source tell CNN that President Trump “ seems aimless as coronavirus cases surge and as a national racial reckoning reaches @ @ @ @ @ .
Instead of engaging on those matters , Trump has retrenched into the very conduct @ @ @ @ @ of his current political predicament.
” “ While advisers say Trump is aware of his @ @ @ @ @ rejected public surveys showing him trailing former Vice President Joe Biden by double digits , @ @ @ @ @ to suppress the vote .
And while advisers and allies have privately — and , @ @ @ @ @ begun to encourage Trump to moderate his tone and change behaviors they fear are alienating @ @ @ @ @ , he has shown almost no willingness to change course .
”

Source tell CNN that President Trump “seems aimless as coronavirus cases surge and as a national racial reckoning reaches entities from NASCAR to Disney. Instead of engaging on those matters, Trump has retrenched into the very conduct many believe is the root of his current political predicament.”
“While advisers say Trump is aware of his weakened standing, he has rejected public surveys showing him trailing former Vice President Joe Biden by double digits, claiming they are flawed attempts to suppress the vote. And while advisers and allies have privately — and, this week, publicly — begun to encourage Trump to moderate his tone and change behaviors they fear are alienating wide swaths of the electorate, he has shown almost no willingness to change course.”


politicalwire--2020-06-25--It May Be Too Late to Get Virus Outbreaks Under Control

Former FDA Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb told CNBC that any policy changes that hot spot states like Texas and Florida @ @ @ @ @ won ’ t affect the spread of the coronavirus for weeks to come .
Said @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s going to be difficult now to get this under control .
”

Former FDA Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb told CNBC that any policy changes that hot spot states like Texas and Florida decide to implement now likely won’t affect the spread of the coronavirus for weeks to come.
Said Gottlieb: “I think it’s going to be difficult now to get this under control.”


politicalwire--2020-06-25--Exchange of the Day

Exchange of the Day

BARR : I think there ’ s a range of concerns about mail-in ballots… But but one of the things @ @ @ @ @ of counterfeiting .
INSKEEP : Did you have evidence to raise that specific concern ?
@ @ @ @ @ ’ s obvious .
It ’ s obvious that it can be done .

Attorney General William Barr spoke to Steve Inskeep at National Public Radio:
BARR: I think there’s a range of concerns about mail-in ballots… But but one of the things I mentioned was the possibility of counterfeiting.
INSKEEP: Did you have evidence to raise that specific concern?
BARR: No, it’s obvious. It’s obvious that it can be done.


politicalwire--2020-06-25--Biden Leads More Key Battlegrounds

Biden Leads More Key Battlegrounds

We have new Fox News poll in several battleground states :

“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--2020-06-25--Trump Lashes Out at Black Lives Matter

Trump Lashes Out at Black Lives Matter

“ President Trump lashed out at the Black Lives Matter movement in twin tweets Thursday , accusing one of its @ @ @ @ @ reported plans for a new mural in front of Trump Tower in Manhattan that honors @ @ @ @ @ Washington Post reports .
“ His comments Thursday were among his most aggressive attacks on @ @ @ @ @ in recent years against racial profiling and police violence .
”

“President Trump lashed out at the Black Lives Matter movement in twin tweets Thursday, accusing one of its members of treason and lamenting reported plans for a new mural in front of Trump Tower in Manhattan that honors the cause,” the Washington Post reports.
“His comments Thursday were among his most aggressive attacks on the movement that rose up in recent years against racial profiling and police violence.”


politicalwire--2020-06-25--Trump Campaign Manager In Quarantine

Trump Campaign Manager In Quarantine

“ Donald Trump ’ s reelection campaign manager , Brad Parscale , is one of a group of campaign staffers @ @ @ @ @ a rally in Oklahoma last weekend where eight campaign aides tested positive for the novel @ @ @ @ @ Beast reports .


politicalwire--2020-06-25--Trump Keeps Saying Virus Is ‘Going Away’

“ President Trump keeps spinning a tale about COVID-19 that is at odds with his own administration ’ s disease @ @ @ @ @ his own coronavirus task force , ” NBC News reports .
“ In Trump ’ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic isn ’ t really a serious threat to the public and rising infection rates @ @ @ @ @ testing.
” Said Trump on Tuesday in Phoenix : “ It ’ s going away.
@ @ @ @ @ same day , the coronavirus task force produced an internal document showing that Phoenix had @ @ @ @ @ cases among the 10 metropolitan regions where the week-over-week change in infection rates spiked the @ @ @ @ @ biggest city had recorded 13,169 new cases over the previous seven days , accounting for @ @ @ @ @ over the previous week ’ s infection rate .
”

“President Trump keeps spinning a tale about COVID-19 that is at odds with his own administration’s disease experts and data compiled by his own coronavirus task force,” NBC News reports.
“In Trump’s telling, the deadly pandemic isn’t really a serious threat to the public and rising infection rates are simply due to increased testing.”
Said Trump on Tuesday in Phoenix: “It’s going away.”
“But on the same day, the coronavirus task force produced an internal document showing that Phoenix had the highest number of new cases among the 10 metropolitan regions where the week-over-week change in infection rates spiked the most. Arizona’s biggest city had recorded 13,169 new cases over the previous seven days, accounting for a jump of 149.2 percent over the previous week’s infection rate.”


politicalwire--2020-06-25--Judge Won’t Block Book by Trump’s Niece

Judge Won’t Block Book by Trump’s Niece

A New York court rejected an effort by President Trump ’ s family to block publication of a book by @ @ @ @ @ , Mary Trump , who is said to describe the “ nightmare of traumas ” @ @ @ @ @ being the “ world ’ s most dangerous man , ” the Washington Post reports @ @ @ @ @ to block the book is set to continue in a different court .
The judge @ @ @ @ @ Trump ’ s brother , Robert , to block publication on grounds that it was @ @ @ @ @ and that a family probate dispute had long been settled .

A New York court rejected an effort by President Trump’s family to block publication of a book by the president’s niece, Mary Trump, who is said to describe the “nightmare of traumas” that led to her uncle being the “world’s most dangerous man,” the Washington Post reports.
However, the effort to block the book is set to continue in a different court.
The judge dismissed the effort by President Trump’s brother, Robert, to block publication on grounds that it was filed in an improper jurisdiction and that a family probate dispute had long been settled.


politicalwire--2020-06-25--Jack Abramoff Headed Back to Prison

Jack Abramoff Headed Back to Prison

“ Jack Abramoff , the onetime Washington insider who went to prison in a lobbying scandal , was charged with @ @ @ @ @ crypto currency and lobbying disclosure , ” Bloomberg reports .
“ Abramoff has agreed to @ @ @ @ @ long as five years in prison .
”

“Jack Abramoff, the onetime Washington insider who went to prison in a lobbying scandal, was charged with a criminal conspiracy related to crypto currency and lobbying disclosure,” Bloomberg reports.
“Abramoff has agreed to plead guilty and faces as long as five years in prison.”


politicalwire--2020-06-25--CDC Says Virus Cases in U.S. May Be 10 Times Higher

“ The true number of Americans who ’ ve been infected with COVID-19 may top 20 million , according to @ @ @ @ @ for Disease Control and Prevention , ” NBC News reports .
Said CDC director Robert @ @ @ @ @ estimate right now is that for every case that ’ s reported , there actually @ @ @ @ @ ”

“The true number of Americans who’ve been infected with COVID-19 may top 20 million, according to new estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,” NBC News reports.
Said CDC director Robert Redfield: “Our best estimate right now is that for every case that’s reported, there actually are 10 other infections.”


politicalwire--2020-06-25--Missouri Governor Does Not ‘Feel Guilty’ For Virus Spike

With confirmed COVID-19 cases rising as Missouri fully reopens , Gov .
Mike Parson ( R ) deflected personal responsibility @ @ @ @ @ reports .
Said Parsons : “ I don ’ t know that any one person @ @ @ @ @ more than anybody else standing out here in this hallway .
Do I feel guilty @ @ @ @ @ , and people die every day ?
No , I don ’ t feel guilty @ @ @ @ @ that gets in those situations , things happen like that in life , they do @ @

With confirmed COVID-19 cases rising as Missouri fully reopens, Gov. Mike Parson (R) deflected personal responsibility for the increase, KCUR reports.
Said Parsons: “I don’t know that any one person is responsible for that no more than anybody else standing out here in this hallway. Do I feel guilty because we have car accidents, and people die every day? No, I don’t feel guilty about that. Each person that gets in those situations, things happen like that in life, they do.”


politicalwire--2020-06-25--Trump May End Congressional Review of Arms Sales

“ The Trump administration is quietly discussing whether to end a process for congressional review that has allowed lawmakers from @ @ @ @ @ sales to foreign governments over humanitarian concerns , according to current and former administration officials @ @ @ @ @ move could quickly advance sales of bombs to Saudi Arabia , among other deals , @ @ @ @ @ reports .
“ If adopted , the change would effectively end congressional oversight over the @ @ @ @ @ offers of training to countries engaged in wars with high civilian casualties or human rights @ @ @ @ @ widen rifts between the administration and Congress .
”

“The Trump administration is quietly discussing whether to end a process for congressional review that has allowed lawmakers from both parties to block weapons sales to foreign governments over humanitarian concerns, according to current and former administration officials and congressional aides. The move could quickly advance sales of bombs to Saudi Arabia, among other deals,” the New York Times reports.
“If adopted, the change would effectively end congressional oversight over the sale of American weapons and offers of training to countries engaged in wars with high civilian casualties or human rights abuses, and would certainly widen rifts between the administration and Congress.”


politicalwire--2020-06-25--Trump’s Electoral College Edge Is Slipping

FiveThirtyEight : “ Biden has a sizable edge over President Trump in the states that are most likely to be @ @ @ @ @ Electoral College , and he leads or is running even with Trump in some states @ @ @ @ @ .
As a result , Trump ’ s much-ballyhooed Electoral College advantage doesn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ him — for the moment , at least.
” In case you missed it , @ @ @ @ @ updated earlier today .

FiveThirtyEight: “Biden has a sizable edge over President Trump in the states that are most likely to be the tipping point in the Electoral College, and he leads or is running even with Trump in some states that leaned Republican in 2016. As a result, Trump’s much-ballyhooed Electoral College advantage doesn’t look strong enough to save him — for the moment, at least.”
In case you missed it, the consensus electoral map was updated earlier today.


politicalwire--2020-06-25--Defense Secretary Faces White House Pressure on Aides

“ The Pentagon is facing a hemorrhage of talent as senior officials resign amid continued efforts by the White House @ @ @ @ @ political foes , including the Army lieutenant colonel who testified in the House impeachment hearings @ @ @ @ @ Times reports .
“ The Army this week forwarded to Defense Secretary Mark Esper a @ @ @ @ @ who are set to be promoted to the next rank… Included on the list is @ @ @ @ @ a decorated combat veteran who served on the staff of the White House ’ s @ @ @ @ @ he ran afoul of Mr. Trump after testifying against him in the House impeachment hearings @ @

“The Pentagon is facing a hemorrhage of talent as senior officials resign amid continued efforts by the White House to purge those perceived as political foes, including the Army lieutenant colonel who testified in the House impeachment hearings,” the New York Times reports.
“The Army this week forwarded to Defense Secretary Mark Esper a list of hundreds of officers who are set to be promoted to the next rank… Included on the list is Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman, a decorated combat veteran who served on the staff of the White House’s National Security Council, where he ran afoul of Mr. Trump after testifying against him in the House impeachment hearings.”


politicalwire--2020-06-25--More Polling Shows Battleground Leads for Biden

New battleground polls from Redfield and Wilton :


politicalwire--2020-06-25--How One Senate Class Shows a National Realignment

Inside Elections : “ In 2014 , Republicans took over nine Democratic Senate seats — the largest gain in two @ @ @ @ @ control of the chamber for the first time since 2006.
” “ Six years , @ @ @ @ @ one presidential upset later , the Republican Senate majority teeters on an edge , as @ @ @ @ @ that cost Democrats control in 2014 faces another election.
” “ But there are striking @ @ @ @ @ this cycle ’ s Senate battlefield compared to the same class in 2014 , differences @ @ @ @ @ trends of the past decade .
”

Inside Elections: “In 2014, Republicans took over nine Democratic Senate seats — the largest gain in two decades — and with them control of the chamber for the first time since 2006.”
“Six years, two Senate elections, and one presidential upset later, the Republican Senate majority teeters on an edge, as the same class of seats that cost Democrats control in 2014 faces another election.”
“But there are striking differences in the composition of this cycle’s Senate battlefield compared to the same class in 2014, differences that illustrate the larger political trends of the past decade.”


politicalwire--2020-06-25--Absentee Ballots Were 85% of Kentucky Primary Votes

While numbers are still coming in , Kentucky Secretary of State Michael Adams ( R ) predicted record voter turnout @ @ @ @ @ election and said a big part of that strong turnout was early and absentee voting @ @ @ @ @ said absentee ballots accounted for about 85 % of total votes , with in-person votes @ @ @ @ @ .

While numbers are still coming in, Kentucky Secretary of State Michael Adams (R) predicted record voter turnout following Tuesday’s primary election and said a big part of that strong turnout was early and absentee voting, WHAS reports.
Adams said absentee ballots accounted for about 85% of total votes, with in-person votes coming in at 15%.


politicalwire--2020-06-25--Trump Wants Confederate Statue Put Back Up

President Trump has personally requested that a statue of a Confederate general be put back up after protesters in Washington @ @ @ @ @ NBC News reports .


politicalwire--2020-06-26--Schools May Be Key Indicator for Election and Economy

Benjy Sarlin : “ It can be argued that the degree to which in-person classes can return is the single @ @ @ @ @ the crisis , with impacts on health , business and inequality and on elections for @ @ @ @ @ executive.
” “ A botched reopening could have disastrous consequences that ripple across society at @ @ @ @ @ experts are issuing warnings about just that scenario .
”

Benjy Sarlin: “It can be argued that the degree to which in-person classes can return is the single biggest unanswered policy question of the crisis, with impacts on health, business and inequality and on elections for everything from president to county executive.”
“A botched reopening could have disastrous consequences that ripple across society at every level — and some experts are issuing warnings about just that scenario.”


politicalwire--2020-06-26--What Trump Wants to Do In a Second Term

What Trump Wants to Do In a Second Term

Sean Hannity asked President Trump on Fox News about his plans if he ’ s re-elected for a second term .
Here ’ s Trump ’ s answer : Well one of the things that will be really great : you know , the word experience is still good .
I always say talent is more important than experience .
I ’ ve always said that .
But the word experience is a very important word .
It ’ s a very important meaning .
I never did this before , I never slept over in Washington .
I was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all of a sudden I ’ m the president of the United States , you know the story , I ’ m riding down Pennsylvania Avenue with our First Lady and I say , ‘ This is great.
’ But I didn ’ t know very many people in Washington , it wasn ’ t my thing .
I was from Manhattan , from New York .
Now I know everybody .
And I have great people in the administration .
You make some mistakes , like you know an idiot like Bolton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drop bombs on everybody .
You don ’ t have to drop bombs on everybody .
You don ’ t have to kill people .
Jonathan Bernstein : “ Can you make heads or tails out of it ?
I ’ m normally inclined to give people the benefit of the doubt if impromptu comments don ’ t quite work , but it ’ s hard to make much sense of this at all.
” Earlier for members : A Campaign About Nothing

Sean Hannity asked President Trump on Fox News about his plans if he’s re-elected for a second term. Here’s Trump’s answer:
Well one of the things that will be really great: you know, the word experience is still good. I always say talent is more important than experience. I’ve always said that. But the word experience is a very important word. It’s a very important meaning. I never did this before, I never slept over in Washington. I was in Washington I think 17 times, all of a sudden I’m the president of the United States, you know the story, I’m riding down Pennsylvania Avenue with our First Lady and I say, ‘This is great.’ But I didn’t know very many people in Washington, it wasn’t my thing. I was from Manhattan, from New York. Now I know everybody. And I have great people in the administration. You make some mistakes, like you know an idiot like Bolton, all he wanted to do is drop bombs on everybody. You don’t have to drop bombs on everybody. You don’t have to kill people.
Jonathan Bernstein: “Can you make heads or tails out of it? I’m normally inclined to give people the benefit of the doubt if impromptu comments don’t quite work, but it’s hard to make much sense of this at all.”
Earlier for members: A Campaign About Nothing


politicalwire--2020-06-26--Rising Concerns Over Virus

Rising Concerns Over Virus

A new ABC News/Ipsos poll finds 76 % of Americans are concerned about contracting the coronavirus , levels of concern @ @ @ @ @ .
Also interesting : 56 % conclude that the country ’ s moving too quickly @ @ @ @ @ 15 % say it ’ s moving too slowly and 29 % believe the country @ @ @ @ @ right pace .

A new ABC News/Ipsos poll finds 76% of Americans are concerned about contracting the coronavirus, levels of concern not seen in a month.
Also interesting: 56% conclude that the country’s moving too quickly to reopen, while only 15% say it’s moving too slowly and 29% believe the country is moving at about the right pace.


politicalwire--2020-06-26--Trump Needs to Cede Spotlight to Have a Chance

Amy Walter : “ One of the biggest impediments to driving up Biden ’ s unfavorable ratings is the president @ @ @ @ @ to take himself out of the spotlight , even when it would benefit him .
@ @ @ @ @ all look back next year and point to two unnecessary public appearances — the one @ @ @ @ @ ’ s church that required the military to clear peaceful protesters in front of the @ @ @ @ @ in Tulsa in the middle of a spike in COVID infections — that sealed his @ @ @ @ @ Trump campaign and GOPers know that they can ’ t afford this election to be @ @ @ @ @ But , the president himself can ’ t help but ensure that it is.
” @ @ @ @ @ ’ s campaign is confident the circumstances for Trump , who now has a well-established @ @ @ @ @ his ability to drag down his opponent with a barrage of attacks .
”

Amy Walter: “One of the biggest impediments to driving up Biden’s unfavorable ratings is the president himself. Trump is unable to take himself out of the spotlight, even when it would benefit him. In fact, we may all look back next year and point to two unnecessary public appearances — the one in front of St. John’s church that required the military to clear peaceful protesters in front of the White House and the rally in Tulsa in the middle of a spike in COVID infections — that sealed his political fate.”
“The Trump campaign and GOPers know that they can’t afford this election to be a referendum on Trump. But, the president himself can’t help but ensure that it is.”
Associated Press: “Biden’s campaign is confident the circumstances for Trump, who now has a well-established political record, have complicated his ability to drag down his opponent with a barrage of attacks.”


politicalwire--2020-06-26--Virus Task Force Will Hold First Briefing In Two Months

Vice President Mike Pence will hold an in-person White House coronavirus task force briefing on Friday , the first in @ @ @ @ @ reports .
The White House did not immediately comment on whether Dr. Anthony Fauci and @ @ @ @ @ would speak at the briefing .

Vice President Mike Pence will hold an in-person White House coronavirus task force briefing on Friday, the first in roughly two months, Axios reports.
The White House did not immediately comment on whether Dr. Anthony Fauci and task force coordinator Deborah Birx would speak at the briefing.


politicalwire--2020-06-26--Biden Would Require Americans to Wear Masks

Joe Biden told KDKA in Pittsburgh he would require Americans to wear face masks to slow the spread of 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--2020-06-26--Trump Asks Supreme Court to Invalidate Obamacare

“ The Trump administration urged the Supreme Court to invalidate the Affordable Care Act in a legal brief filed Thursday @ @ @ @ @ center stage in an election year already focused on the coronavirus pandemic ’ s impact @ @ @ @ @ Journal reports .
“ The Justice Department said the 2010 health law , a signature @ @ @ @ @ , is invalid because Congress in 2017 ended the financial penalty for not having health @ @ @ @ @ ’ t take effect until 2019.
” Playbook : “ Democrats would love nothing more @ @ @ @ @ wanting to cut Americans ’ health care benefits in the 2020 election .
”

“The Trump administration urged the Supreme Court to invalidate the Affordable Care Act in a legal brief filed Thursday, putting health care at center stage in an election year already focused on the coronavirus pandemic’s impact,” the Wall Street Journal reports.
“The Justice Department said the 2010 health law, a signature achievement of the Obama administration, is invalid because Congress in 2017 ended the financial penalty for not having health insurance, though it didn’t take effect until 2019.”
Playbook: “Democrats would love nothing more than to run against Republicans wanting to cut Americans’ health care benefits in the 2020 election.”


politicalwire--2020-06-26--Feds Agree to Delay Roger Stone’s Sentence

Politico : “ The Justice Department won ’ t oppose a bid by Roger Stone , the longtime confidant of @ @ @ @ @ delay an upcoming prison sentence until September , federal prosecutors said in a court filing @ @ @ @ @ policies implemented in response to the coronavirus pandemic .
”


politicalwire--2020-06-26--Daughter Urges People to Vote Against Her Father

Robert Regan ( R ) , who is vying for a seat in the Michigan state House , has offered @ @ @ @ @ his daughter publicly called on voters to “ pls for the love of god do @ @ @ @ @ , ” The Hill reports .
Regan explained that his daughter , Stephanie , urged @ @ @ @ @ because she attended a liberal college and “ and you know , they just kind @ @ @ @ @ Marxist , communist ideology .
”

Robert Regan (R), who is vying for a seat in the Michigan state House, has offered an odd explanation for why his daughter publicly called on voters to “pls for the love of god do not vote for my dad,” The Hill reports.
Regan explained that his daughter, Stephanie, urged people to vote against him because she attended a liberal college and “and you know, they just kind of get sucked into this Marxist, communist ideology.”


politicalwire--2020-06-26--New Coronavirus Spike Alarms Republicans

Los Angeles Times : “ With polls showing his reelection bid in serious jeopardy , Trump appears to be in @ @ @ @ @ to convince a nation facing prolonged public health , economic and social crises of an @ @ @ @ @ pandemic is over , polls are fake , and the media and Democrats are to @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus has raced across the South and Southwest in the last two weeks , fewer @ @ @ @ @ president ’ s rosy view of the danger to both their constituents and their political @ @ @ @ @ How Arizona lost control of the epidemic .

Los Angeles Times: “With polls showing his reelection bid in serious jeopardy, Trump appears to be in deep denial, desperately trying to convince a nation facing prolonged public health, economic and social crises of an alternative reality in which the pandemic is over, polls are fake, and the media and Democrats are to blame…”
“As the coronavirus has raced across the South and Southwest in the last two weeks, fewer Republicans appeared to back the president’s rosy view of the danger to both their constituents and their political futures.”
Washington Post: How Arizona lost control of the epidemic.


politicalwire--2020-06-27--Roger Stone Ordered to Report to Prison on July 14

“ A federal judge has ordered Roger Stone to report to prison July 14 , granting him a two-week delay @ @ @ @ @ , but not the two months that President Trump ’ s confidant had requested with @ @ @ @ @ the Washington Post reports .


politicalwire--2020-06-26--Trump Explains His Change In Weekend Plans

“ I was going to go to Bedminster , New Jersey , this weekend , but wanted to stay in @ @ @ @ @ sure LAW & ORDER is enforced .
The arsonists , anarchists , looters , and @ @ @ @ @ I am doing what is necessary to keep our communities safe — and these people @ @ @ @ @ !
”

President Trump on Twitter:
“I was going to go to Bedminster, New Jersey, this weekend, but wanted to stay in Washington, D.C. to make sure LAW & ORDER is enforced. The arsonists, anarchists, looters, and agitators have been largely stopped… I am doing what is necessary to keep our communities safe — and these people will be brought to Justice!”


politicalwire--2020-06-26--Most Americans Will Be Banned from Travel to Europe

“ The European Union will bar most travelers from the United States , Russia , and dozens of other countries @ @ @ @ @ have not controlled the coronavirus outbreak , ” the New York Times reports .
“ @ @ @ @ @ States , an important source of tourism to the European Union , represented a stinging @ @ @ @ @ ’ s management of the coronavirus scourge .
”

“The European Union will bar most travelers from the United States, Russia, and dozens of other countries considered too risky because they have not controlled the coronavirus outbreak,” the New York Times reports.
“The exclusion of the United States, an important source of tourism to the European Union, represented a stinging rebuke to the Trump administration’s management of the coronavirus scourge.”


politicalwire--2020-06-26--Justices Won’t Force Texas to Offer Mail Voting

“ The Supreme Court declined Friday to force Texas officials to offer mail-in ballots to all voters in the state @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus , not just those over 65 , ” the Washington Post reports .
@ @ @ @ @ comment , turned down a request from the Texas Democratic Party to reinstate a district @ @ @ @ @ would affect the upcoming primary election in July and the general election in November .
@

“The Supreme Court declined Friday to force Texas officials to offer mail-in ballots to all voters in the state because of the threat of the coronavirus, not just those over 65,” the Washington Post reports.
“The justices, without comment, turned down a request from the Texas Democratic Party to reinstate a district judge’s order that would affect the upcoming primary election in July and the general election in November.”


politicalwire--2020-06-26--Russia Offered Afghan Militants Bounties to Kill U.S. Troops

“ American intelligence officials have concluded that a Russian military intelligence unit secretly offered bounties to Taliban-linked militants for killing @ @ @ @ @ including targeting American troops — amid the peace talks to end the long-running war there @ @ @ @ @ Times reports .
“ Islamist militants , or armed criminal elements closely associated with them @ @ @ @ @ collected some bounty money… Twenty Americans were killed in combat in Afghanistan in 2019 , @ @ @ @ @ which killings were under suspicion.
” “ The intelligence finding was briefed to President Trump… @ @ @ @ @ potential options — starting with making a diplomatic complaint to Moscow and a demand that @ @ @ @ @ an escalating series of sanctions and other possible responses , but the White House has @ @ @ @ @ .
”

“American intelligence officials have concluded that a Russian military intelligence unit secretly offered bounties to Taliban-linked militants for killing coalition forces in Afghanistan — including targeting American troops — amid the peace talks to end the long-running war there,” the New York Times reports.
“Islamist militants, or armed criminal elements closely associated with them, are believed to have collected some bounty money… Twenty Americans were killed in combat in Afghanistan in 2019, but it was not clear which killings were under suspicion.”
“The intelligence finding was briefed to President Trump… Officials developed a menu of potential options — starting with making a diplomatic complaint to Moscow and a demand that it stop, along with an escalating series of sanctions and other possible responses, but the White House has yet to authorize any step.”


politicalwire--2020-06-26--House Votes to Make D.C. the 51st State

House Votes to Make D.C. the 51st State

“ For the first time since the establishment of the District of Columbia 230 years ago , the House of @ @ @ @ @ city as the nation ’ s 51st state , a legislative milestone that supporters say @ @ @ @ @ , ” the Washington Post reports .
Every House Republican voted against the bill , @ @ @ @ @ Rep. Collin Peterson ( D-MN ) — also voted “ no.
” CNN : Why @ @ @ @ @ not ) be a state .

“For the first time since the establishment of the District of Columbia 230 years ago, the House of Representatives voted to declare the city as the nation’s 51st state, a legislative milestone that supporters say begins to right historic wrongs,” the Washington Post reports.
Every House Republican voted against the bill, and one Democratic congressman — Rep. Collin Peterson (D-MN) — also voted “no.”
CNN: Why D.C. should (and should not) be a state.


politicalwire--2020-06-26--Trump Losing the Battle for the Suburbs

Trump Losing the Battle for the Suburbs

“ Recent polls show President Trump losing ground to Joe Biden across a wide range of demographic groups , but @ @ @ @ @ is particularly sobering for his re-election chances , ” Bloomberg reports .
“ Biden leads @ @ @ @ @ % in suburban areas , according to an NPR/PBS/Marist poll released Friday .
Trump won @ @ @ @ @ 49 % to 45 % for Hillary Clinton , as he made inroads in working-class @ @ @ @ @ ” “ Suburban women are particularly problematic for Trump .
Women from suburbs and small @ @ @ @ @ to 35 % .
Men from the same places support Biden 48 % to 44 @ @ @

“Recent polls show President Trump losing ground to Joe Biden across a wide range of demographic groups, but his standing with suburban voters is particularly sobering for his re-election chances,” Bloomberg reports.
“Biden leads Trump 60% to 35% in suburban areas, according to an NPR/PBS/Marist poll released Friday. Trump won those areas in 2016, 49% to 45% for Hillary Clinton, as he made inroads in working-class suburbs that formerly supported Democrats.”
“Suburban women are particularly problematic for Trump. Women from suburbs and small cities support Biden 64% to 35%. Men from the same places support Biden 48% to 44%.”


politicalwire--2020-06-26--Founder of Re-Open Maryland Tests Positive

“ A Maryland man who organized rallies to pressure Gov .
Larry Hogan to lift the state ’ s stay-home @ @ @ @ @ positive for the novel coronavirus , and does not plan to provide names of people @ @ @ @ @ to public health officials for contact tracing , ” the Washington Post reports .

“A Maryland man who organized rallies to pressure Gov. Larry Hogan to lift the state’s stay-home order says he has tested positive for the novel coronavirus, and does not plan to provide names of people with whom he had contact to public health officials for contact tracing,” the Washington Post reports.


politicalwire--2020-06-26--Working Class White Women Are Turning on Trump

“ President Trump ’ s storied grip on the white working class is weakening among women , threatening both his @ @ @ @ @ ’ s efforts to improve its standing with female voters , ” the Los Angeles @ @ @ @ @ working-class men remain among Trump ’ s most loyal backers , defections among their wives @ @ @ @ @ a big part of the president ’ s recent slide in opinion polls .
”

“President Trump’s storied grip on the white working class is weakening among women, threatening both his reelection prospects and his party’s efforts to improve its standing with female voters,” the Los Angeles Times reports.
“While working-class men remain among Trump’s most loyal backers, defections among their wives, sisters and daughters are a big part of the president’s recent slide in opinion polls.”


politicalwire--2020-06-26--Trump Adviser Gets 10 Years In Child Sex Case

“ George Nader , who was a key witness in the Russia investigation and informally advised President Trump ’ s @ @ @ @ @ was sentenced on Friday to 10 years in prison by a federal judge in Virginia @ @ @ @ @ on child sex charges , ” CNN reports .


politicalwire--2020-06-26--Push to Throw Out Obamacare Is Nightmare for GOP

“ President Trump insists on the campaign trail that he wants to protect insurance coverage for people with preexisting conditions @ @ @ @ @ told the Supreme Court otherwise , ” the James Hohmann reports .
“ The Trump @ @ @ @ @ is that every Republican who voted for the tax cuts three years ago knowingly voted @ @ @ @ @ in its entirely , not just to get rid of the mandate that individuals buy @ @ @ @ @ because the Supreme Court previously upheld the constitutionality of the law on the grounds that @ @ @ @ @ tax , Trump ’ s lawyers say that the whole system became invalid once Congress @ @ @ @ @ for not carrying health insurance.
” “ The brief is full of little gifts like @ @ @ @ @ Democrats who hope to ride his coattails down the ballot .
”

“President Trump insists on the campaign trail that he wants to protect insurance coverage for people with preexisting conditions. His legal team just told the Supreme Court otherwise,” the James Hohmann reports.
“The Trump team’s core argument is that every Republican who voted for the tax cuts three years ago knowingly voted to destroy the 2010 law in its entirely, not just to get rid of the mandate that individuals buy health insurance. And, because the Supreme Court previously upheld the constitutionality of the law on the grounds that the individual mandate is a tax, Trump’s lawyers say that the whole system became invalid once Congress got rid of the penalty for not carrying health insurance.”
“The brief is full of little gifts like this to Joe Biden and Democrats who hope to ride his coattails down the ballot.”


politicalwire--2020-06-26--Trump Cancels Weekend Trip to New Jersey

President Trump abrubptly canceled his weekend trip to his golf club in Bedminster , New Jersey , the New York @ @ @ @ @ said he would not honor New Jersey ’ s quarantine order in making the trip @

President Trump abrubptly canceled his weekend trip to his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey, the New York Times reports.
Trump previously said he would not honor New Jersey’s quarantine order in making the trip.


politicalwire--2020-06-26--Vote-By-Mail Demonizing Drives Down GOP Participation

“ President Trump ’ s extreme opposition to mail-in ballots is more likely hurting him and down-ballot Republicans than it @ @ @ @ @ the Washington Examiner reports .
“ Mounting evidence in voter registration data , a survey @ @ @ @ @ that instead of preventing the voting method from being a major factor in the November @ @ @ @ @ turning Republican voters off from using the method entirely , which could have the effect @ @ @ @ @ ”

“President Trump’s extreme opposition to mail-in ballots is more likely hurting him and down-ballot Republicans than it is helping him,” the Washington Examiner reports.
“Mounting evidence in voter registration data, a survey, and organizer anecdotes shows that instead of preventing the voting method from being a major factor in the November election, his stance is turning Republican voters off from using the method entirely, which could have the effect of depressing Republican votes.”


politicalwire--2020-06-26--Another Poll Shows Biden Well Ahead Nationally

A new NPR/PBS/Marist poll finds Joe Biden leading Donald Trump nationally in the presidential race , 52 % to 44 @ @


politicalwire--2020-06-26--Trump Retreats to His Hannity Bunker

Trump Retreats to His Hannity Bunker

Susan Glasser : “ June began poorly for President Trump , and it ’ s ending worse .
Despite his optimistic pronouncements about the coronavirus , the pandemic is surging across the American South and West .
Trump ’ s poll numbers against Joe Biden are cratering .
His former national-security adviser is selling a book that calls him a corrupt fool who ’ s unfit for office .
The number of jobless Americans continues to climb .
But , luckily , there are some things Trump can still count on—like the Fox News host Sean Hannity.
” “ On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a crisis that shows no sign of easing , Trump appeared at a Fox News ‘ town hall ’ led by Hannity .
It was a reassuringly safe space for the President .
There was not a single mention of the terrifying spike of COVID-19 cases in Texas or Arizona or anywhere else .
No one so much as alluded to the hundred and twenty-five thousand or so Americans who have already died from the disease .
And Hannity—Trump ’ s close friend and confidant , who has been called his shadow White @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recent wave of national polls , including one by Fox , that show Trump losing to Biden by double-digit percentage points .
”

Susan Glasser: “June began poorly for President Trump, and it’s ending worse. Despite his optimistic pronouncements about the coronavirus, the pandemic is surging across the American South and West. Trump’s poll numbers against Joe Biden are cratering. His former national-security adviser is selling a book that calls him a corrupt fool who’s unfit for office. The number of jobless Americans continues to climb. But, luckily, there are some things Trump can still count on—like the Fox News host Sean Hannity.”
“On Thursday night, with America deep in a crisis that shows no sign of easing, Trump appeared at a Fox News ‘town hall’ led by Hannity. It was a reassuringly safe space for the President. There was not a single mention of the terrifying spike of COVID-19 cases in Texas or Arizona or anywhere else. No one so much as alluded to the hundred and twenty-five thousand or so Americans who have already died from the disease. And Hannity—Trump’s close friend and confidant, who has been called his shadow White House chief of staff—refrained from citing the recent wave of national polls, including one by Fox, that show Trump losing to Biden by double-digit percentage points.”


politicalwire--2020-06-26--A Reality TV Presidency Is Crushed by Reality

Ezra Klein : “ Trump has spent the past three years and 158 days playing president on TV and social @ @ @ @ @ not spent that time doing the job of the president .
A strong economy that @ @ @ @ @ ’ s presidency hid Trump ’ s dereliction of duties .
But then a crisis @ @ @ @ @ was needed , and the American people saw there was no plan , and functionally @ @ @ @ @ insider account of Trump ’ s presidency — from Michael Wolff ’ s Fire and @ @ @ @ @ s Fear to Carol Leonnig and Philip Rucker ’ s A Very Stable Genius to @ @ @ @ @ to Omarosa Manigault Newman ’ s Unhinged to John Bolton ’ s The Room Where @ @ @ @ @ fundamentally the same picture : a chaotic , lawless administration orbiting around a reckless , @ @ @ @ @ , and disinterested chief executive .
”

Ezra Klein: “Trump has spent the past three years and 158 days playing president on TV and social media. But he has not spent that time doing the job of the president. A strong economy that carried over from Barack Obama’s presidency hid Trump’s dereliction of duties. But then a crisis came, and presidential leadership was needed, and the American people saw there was no plan, and functionally no president.”
“Every insider account of Trump’s presidency — from Michael Wolff’s Fire and Fury to Bob Woodward’s Fear to Carol Leonnig and Philip Rucker’s A Very Stable Genius to Anonymous’s A Warning to Omarosa Manigault Newman’s Unhinged to John Bolton’s The Room Where It Happened — has painted fundamentally the same picture: a chaotic, lawless administration orbiting around a reckless, distractible, corrupt, overmatched, and disinterested chief executive.”


politicalwire--2020-06-26--Fauci Says Trump’s Testing Strategy Not Working

Dr. Anthony Fauci told the Washington Post that the Trump administration ’ s current testing strategy for coronavirus has proven @ @ @ @ @ “ Something ’ s not working .
I mean , you can do all the @ @ @ @ @ something is not working .
”

Dr. Anthony Fauci told the Washington Post that the Trump administration’s current testing strategy for coronavirus has proven inadequate.
Said Fauci: “Something’s not working. I mean, you can do all the diagramming you want, but something is not working.”


politicalwire--2020-06-26--Florida Reports Massive Surge in Infections

“ A record week of surging coronavirus numbers was only heightened on Friday , as state health officials confirmed 8,942 @ @ @ @ @ previous record of cases reported in a single day , two days earlier , ” @ @ @ @ @ “ Over the last seven days , Florida has reported 29,163 new cases .
That @ @ @ @ @ of all the confirmed cases in the state so far.
” In response , Florida @ @ @ @ @ down all bars .

“A record week of surging coronavirus numbers was only heightened on Friday, as state health officials confirmed 8,942 cases, nearly doubling the previous record of cases reported in a single day, two days earlier,” the Miami Herald reports.
“Over the last seven days, Florida has reported 29,163 new cases. That’s nearly a quarter of all the confirmed cases in the state so far.”
In response, Florida just reversed course and shut down all bars.


politicalwire--2020-06-26--Why Older Voters May Be Key to the 2020 Election

Ruy Teixeira notes the magnitude of the 2016-to-2020 shift of older voters from Republicans to Democrats could mirror the shift @ @ @ @ @ in 2012 to Donald Trump in 2016 .
“ The bipartisan States of Change project @ @ @ @ @ this group by around 15 points .
By contrast , the nonpartisan Democracy Fund + @ @ @ @ @ which has collected over 108,000 interviews of registered voters since the beginning of the year @ @ @ @ @ among seniors by about six points .
We are looking at a shift of over @ @ @ @ @ the Democrats among a group that should be at least a quarter of voters in @ @ @

Ruy Teixeira notes the magnitude of the 2016-to-2020 shift of older voters from Republicans to Democrats could mirror the shift among voters from Barack Obama in 2012 to Donald Trump in 2016.
“The bipartisan States of Change project estimates that Mrs. Clinton lost this group by around 15 points. By contrast, the nonpartisan Democracy Fund + U.C.L.A. Nationscape survey, which has collected over 108,000 interviews of registered voters since the beginning of the year, has Mr. Biden leading among seniors by about six points. We are looking at a shift of over 20 points in favor of the Democrats among a group that should be at least a quarter of voters in 2020.”


politicalwire--2020-06-27--Do Lincoln Project Ads Actually Sway Voters?

Politico : “ In the past few months , the Lincoln Project — a PAC with not much funding , @ @ @ @ @ — has successfully established itself as a squatter in Trump ’ s mental space , @ @ @ @ @ members each boasting hundreds of thousands of social media followers , rapidly cut ads that @ @ @ @ @ a single-minded focus on buying airtime wherever Trump is most likely to be binging cable @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s the D.C. market or his golf courses across the country .
And @ @ @ @ @ — or every time the media covers his freakout — the Lincoln Project scores an @ @ @ @ @ , and millions of views online to boot.
” “ But though the PAC has @ @ @ @ @ attention… Trump ’ s critics worry that the ads , as well cut and as @ @ @ @ @ may not actually work to ‘ prosecute the case ’ against his re-election , as @ @ @ @ @ back in December .
”

Politico: “In the past few months, the Lincoln Project — a PAC with not much funding, as far as PACs go — has successfully established itself as a squatter in Trump’s mental space, thanks to several factors: members each boasting hundreds of thousands of social media followers, rapidly cut ads that respond to current events and a single-minded focus on buying airtime wherever Trump is most likely to be binging cable news that day, whether it’s the D.C. market or his golf courses across the country. And every time Trump freaks out — or every time the media covers his freakout — the Lincoln Project scores an incalculable amount of earned media, and millions of views online to boot.”
“But though the PAC has successfully caught Trump’s attention… Trump’s critics worry that the ads, as well cut and as troll-effective as they are, may not actually work to ‘prosecute the case’ against his re-election, as the group vowed to do back in December.”


politicalwire--2020-06-27--Trump Is Out of Touch with Voters on Race

A new New York Times/Siena poll finds 59 % of voters , including 52 % of white voters , believe @ @ @ @ @ at the hands of the police in Minneapolis was “ part of a broader pattern @ @ @ @ @ African Americans.
” The Black Lives Matter movement and the police had similar favorability ratings @ @ @ @ @ voters viewing the movement as “ very favorable , ” almost identical to the 43 @ @ @ @ @ .
“ The numbers add to the mounting evidence that recent protests have significantly shifted @ @ @ @ @ creating potential political allies for a movement that was , within the past decade , @ @ @ @ @ .
It also highlights how President Trump is increasingly out of touch with a country @ @ @ @ @ for a second term : While he has shown little sympathy for the protesters and @ @ @ @ @ , and has continued to use racist language that many have denounced , voters feel @ @ @ @ @ their cause .
”

A new New York Times/Siena poll finds 59% of voters, including 52% of white voters, believe the death of George Floyd at the hands of the police in Minneapolis was “part of a broader pattern of excessive police violence toward African Americans.”
The Black Lives Matter movement and the police had similar favorability ratings, with 44% of voters viewing the movement as “very favorable,” almost identical to the 43% rating for the police.
“The numbers add to the mounting evidence that recent protests have significantly shifted public opinion on race, creating potential political allies for a movement that was, within the past decade, dismissed as fringe and divisive. It also highlights how President Trump is increasingly out of touch with a country he is seeking to lead for a second term: While he has shown little sympathy for the protesters and their fight for racial justice, and has continued to use racist language that many have denounced, voters feel favorably toward the protests and their cause.”


politicalwire--2020-06-27--The Measures to Protect Trump from Coronavirus

CNN : “ As he seeks to insert rival Joe Biden ’ s health into the presidential campaign , Trump @ @ @ @ @ how it would appear if he contracted coronavirus and has insisted on steps to protect @ @ @ @ @ refuses to wear a mask in public and agitates for large campaign rallies where the @ @ @ @ @ When he travels to locations where the virus is surging , every venue the President @ @ @ @ @ areas of contagion by advance security and medical teams , according to people familiar with @ @ @ @ @ for the President ’ s use are scrubbed and sanitized before he arrives .
Staff @ @ @ @ @ who will come into contact with the President to ensure they receive tests .
”

CNN: “As he seeks to insert rival Joe Biden’s health into the presidential campaign, Trump has voiced escalating concern about how it would appear if he contracted coronavirus and has insisted on steps to protect himself, even as he refuses to wear a mask in public and agitates for large campaign rallies where the virus could spread.”
“When he travels to locations where the virus is surging, every venue the President enters is inspected for potential areas of contagion by advance security and medical teams, according to people familiar with the arrangements. Bathrooms designated for the President’s use are scrubbed and sanitized before he arrives. Staff maintain a close accounting of who will come into contact with the President to ensure they receive tests.”


politicalwire--2020-06-27--Journalist at Trump Rally Tests Positive

A journalist who attended President Donald Trump ’ s rally in Tulsa last week said Friday he has tested positive @ @ @ @ @ AP reports .

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


politicalwire--2020-06-28--New Ad Hits Trump on Putin’s Bounty on U.S. Troops

“ In the last year , flag-draped coffins have returned from Afghanistan .
Now we know Vladimir Putin pays a @ @ @ @ @ American soldiers.
” “ Donald Trump knows too — and does nothing .
Putin pays @ @ @ @ @ our men and women in uniform and Trump is silent .
”

The Lincoln Project released a tough new ad:
“In the last year, flag-draped coffins have returned from Afghanistan. Now we know Vladimir Putin pays a bounty for the murder of American soldiers.”
“Donald Trump knows too — and does nothing. Putin pays the Taliban cash to slaughter our men and women in uniform and Trump is silent.”
Earlier for members: Trump Apparently Knew Russia Was Killing Americans


politicalwire--2020-06-28--Trump Wasted the Sacrifice of the Shutdown

“ President Trump — who has repeatedly downplayed the virus , sidelined experts and misled Americans about its dangers and @ @ @ @ @ his presidency wracked by an inability to shepherd the country through its worst public health @ @ @ @ @ ” the Washington Post reports .
“ The dysfunction that has long characterized Trump ’ @ @ @ @ @ particularly ill-suited for a viral outbreak that requires precision , focus and steady leadership.
” @ @ @ @ @ More than four months into fighting the coronavirus in the United States , the shared @ @ @ @ @ suspending their lives — with jobs lost , businesses shuttered , daily routines upended — @ @ @ @ @ beat back a virus whose staying power around the world is only still being grasped @ @

“President Trump — who has repeatedly downplayed the virus, sidelined experts and misled Americans about its dangers and potential cures — now finds his presidency wracked by an inability to shepherd the country through its worst public health calamity in a century,” the Washington Post reports.
“The dysfunction that has long characterized Trump’s White House has been particularly ill-suited for a viral outbreak that requires precision, focus and steady leadership.”
New York Times: “More than four months into fighting the coronavirus in the United States, the shared sacrifice of millions of Americans suspending their lives — with jobs lost, businesses shuttered, daily routines upended — has not been enough to beat back a virus whose staying power around the world is only still being grasped.”
Wall Street Journal: U.S. coronavirus cases hit another daily record.


politicalwire--2020-06-28--Biden Says Third of 2020 Staff Are People of Color

Joe Biden released statistics on the diversity of his presidential campaign staff on Saturday evening , announcing that 35 % @ @ @ @ @ 36 % of his full-time senior staff are people of color , the New York @ @ @ @ @ ofBiden ’ s staff and senior staff are women , 53 % and 58 % @ @ @

Joe Biden released statistics on the diversity of his presidential campaign staff on Saturday evening, announcing that 35% of his full-time staff and 36% of his full-time senior staff are people of color, the New York Times reports.
A majority ofBiden’s staff and senior staff are women, 53% and 58%, respectively.


politicalwire--2020-06-27--Washington Pauses Reopening Plans

Washington Pauses Reopening Plans

Washington Gov .
Jay Inslee ( D ) announced that , due to “ significant rebounds in COVID-19 activity , @ @ @ @ @ a pause on approving counties hoping to move to the fourth phase of the governor @ @ @ @ @ the Seattle Times reports .


politicalwire--2020-06-27--Mississippi Lawmakers Clear Hurdle to Remove Flag

“ The House and Senate are expected to act quickly this weekend to remove the Mississippi state flag , the @ @ @ @ @ the Confederate battle emblem , after clearing the procedural path on Saturday , ” Mississippi @ @ @ @ @ .
Tate Reeves ( R ) has already said he will sign the bill .

“The House and Senate are expected to act quickly this weekend to remove the Mississippi state flag, the last in the nation containing the Confederate battle emblem, after clearing the procedural path on Saturday,” Mississippi Today reports.
Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves (R) has already said he will sign the bill.


politicalwire--2020-06-27--Most Republicans Think Worst of Pandemic Is Over

A new Pew Research survey finds that 61 % of Republicans believe the worst of the coronavirus pandemic is behind @ @ @ @ @ say the worst is still to come .
In contrast , just 23 % of @ @ @ @ @ is behind us , while 76 % say the worst is still to come .

A new Pew Research survey finds that 61% of Republicans believe the worst of the coronavirus pandemic is behind us, while 38% say the worst is still to come.
In contrast, just 23% of Democrats say that the worst is behind us, while 76% say the worst is still to come.


politicalwire--2020-06-27--Pence Cancels Trips to Arizona and Florida

Vice President Mike Pence has canceled his campaign trips to Arizona and Florida due to concerns over COVID-19 as the @ @ @ @ @ cases , NBC News reports .


politicalwire--2020-06-27--Trump Apparently Knew Russia Was Killing Americans

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politicalwire--2020-06-27--Trump Staff Removed Social Distancing Stickers

In the hours before his rally in Tulsa , President Trump ’ s campaign directed the removal of thousands of @ @ @ @ @ , Please !
’ stickers from seats in the arena that were intended to establish @ @ @ @ @ according to video and photos obtained by the Washington Post .

In the hours before his rally in Tulsa, President Trump’s campaign directed the removal of thousands of ‘Do Not Sit Here, Please!’ stickers from seats in the arena that were intended to establish social distance between rallygoers, according to video and photos obtained by the Washington Post.


politicalwire--2020-06-27--Could This Election Capsize America?

Could This Election Capsize America?

Edward Luce : “ I recently participated in a four-hour ‘ war games-style ’ scenario helping to play the role @ @ @ @ @ included senior US political operatives , constitutional lawyers and scholars — who variously played the @ @ @ @ @ Biden campaigns , the parties , the governors and the courts .
The Chatham House @ @ @ @ @ the organiser or its participants .
But take it from me that it was a @ @ @ @ @ ” “ It started on the night of November 3 with the premise that Trump @ @ @ @ @ on a historically low turnout in which the vote has clearly been suppressed in many @ @ @ @ @ percent of the popular vote , Trump 47 percent .
By the end of the @ @ @ @ @ — the US system was at breaking point .
”

Edward Luce: “I recently participated in a four-hour ‘war games-style’ scenario helping to play the role of the media. Others included senior US political operatives, constitutional lawyers and scholars — who variously played the roles of the Trump and Biden campaigns, the parties, the governors and the courts. The Chatham House rule prevents me from specifying the organiser or its participants. But take it from me that it was a credible and disturbingly plausible exercise.”
“It started on the night of November 3 with the premise that Trump narrowly wins the electoral college on a historically low turnout in which the vote has clearly been suppressed in many states. Biden won 52 percent of the popular vote, Trump 47 percent. By the end of the game — in mid-January 2021 — the US system was at breaking point.”


politicalwire--2020-06-27--Texas Republicans Still Plan Indoor Convention

Texas Tribune : “ As the coronavirus pandemic engulfs Texas ’ metropolitan areas , Republican Gov .
Greg Abbott has @ @ @ @ @ massive indoor gatherings .
And organizers are moving forward with some big ones , including @ @ @ @ @ s upcoming convention in Houston .
”


politicalwire--2020-06-27--Mississippi Governor Would Sign Bill to Change Flag

Mississippi Gov .
Tate Reeves ( R ) , who has long insisted voters should decide whether to remove the @ @ @ @ @ ’ s flag , said for the first time Saturday that he would sign a @ @ @ @ @ if one is sent his way , the Washington Post reports .

Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves (R), who has long insisted voters should decide whether to remove the Confederate emblem from the state’s flag, said for the first time Saturday that he would sign a bill to change the banner if one is sent his way, the Washington Post reports.


politicalwire--2020-06-27--Princeton Drops Woodrow Wilson Name

Princeton Drops Woodrow Wilson Name

Princeton University will remove Woodrow Wilson ’ s name from its public policy school and one of its residential colleges @ @ @ @ @ reports .
The university ’ s board of trustees found that the former president ’ @ @ @ @ @ policies make him an inappropriate namesake for a school or college whose scholars , students @ @ @ @ @ firmly against racism in all its forms .
”

Princeton University will remove Woodrow Wilson’s name from its public policy school and one of its residential colleges, the New York Times reports.
The university’s board of trustees found that the former president’s “racist thinking and policies make him an inappropriate namesake for a school or college whose scholars, students, and alumni must stand firmly against racism in all its forms.”


politicalwire--2020-06-27--Trump’s Use of Funds for Border Wall Is Illegal

“ President Trump ’ s transfer last year of $ 2.5 billion in military funds to pay for border wall @ @ @ @ @ of executive authority , a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the @ @ @ @ @ ” the Washington Post reports .
“ The 2-to-1 ruling was a setback to the @ @ @ @ @ on the Pentagon to finance hundreds of miles of new barrier along the Mexico border @ @ @ @ @ less certain , as the Supreme Court ruled in Trump ’ s favor in a @ @ @ @ @ Friday ’ s decision affects only a portion of the funds the White House has @ @ @ @ @ one of the largest federal infrastructure projects in U.S. history .
”

“President Trump’s transfer last year of $2.5 billion in military funds to pay for border wall construction was an illegal overreach of executive authority, a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit ruled Friday,” the Washington Post reports.
“The 2-to-1 ruling was a setback to the president’s increasing reliance on the Pentagon to finance hundreds of miles of new barrier along the Mexico border. Its long-term implications were less certain, as the Supreme Court ruled in Trump’s favor in a similar case last year and Friday’s decision affects only a portion of the funds the White House has budgeted for what has become one of the largest federal infrastructure projects in U.S. history.”


politicalwire--2020-06-27--Grassley Chides Trump for Answer on Second Term Plans

“ Sen .
Chuck Grassley laid blame on Fox News — and President Trump — on Saturday over failing to @ @ @ @ @ s second term priorities would be during a recent interview with the news organization , @ @ @ @ @ The Iowa Republican tweeted that Trump got ‘ off point ’ when asked by Fox @ @ @ @ @ his goals would be if re-elected , but appeared vexed at Hannity for helping the @ @ @ @ @ of helping Trump form a more intelligible answer.
” “ Trump was widely criticized for @ @ @ @ @ softball question , in which he promoted his experience and attacked former national security adviser @ @ @ @ @ on initiatives and policies he ’ d promote if given another four years in office @ @

“Sen. Chuck Grassley laid blame on Fox News — and President Trump — on Saturday over failing to articulate what his administration’s second term priorities would be during a recent interview with the news organization,” Politico reports.
“The Iowa Republican tweeted that Trump got ‘off point’ when asked by Fox’s Sean Hannity what his goals would be if re-elected, but appeared vexed at Hannity for helping the president ‘digress’ instead of helping Trump form a more intelligible answer.”
“Trump was widely criticized for his meandering answer to the softball question, in which he promoted his experience and attacked former national security adviser John Bolton instead of focusing on initiatives and policies he’d promote if given another four years in office.”


politicalwire--2020-06-27--GOP Governor Wants Consistent Message on Masks

Arkansas Gov .
Asa Hutchinson ( R ) told MSNBC there needs to be a “ consistent national message ” @ @ @ @ @ face masks during the coronavirus pandemic .
Said Hutchinson : “ A consistent national message @ @ @ @ @ a mask and social distancing is very important to making sure everybody understands the importance @ @ @ @ @ leadership .
Certainly it ’ s important to convey the importance of that .
”

Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R) told MSNBC there needs to be a “consistent national message” from President Trump on wearing face masks during the coronavirus pandemic.
Said Hutchinson: “A consistent national message supporting the importance of wearing a mask and social distancing is very important to making sure everybody understands the importance of it. Nothing beats leadership. Certainly it’s important to convey the importance of that.”


politicalwire--2020-06-27--Trump’s Riskiest Move Yet

Trump’s Riskiest Move Yet

Maeve Reston : “ President Trump has made many questionable decisions in recent weeks as he looks ahead to his @ @ @ @ @ But his administration ’ s decision to forge ahead with its effort to invalidate the @ @ @ @ @ courts may go down as the decision that carried the most risk for Republicans up @ @ @ @ @ 2020.
” “ The GOP has been fighting to eviscerate Obamacare since it was passed @ @ @ @ @ the effort to strip Americans of health care has never appeared more out of touch @ @ @ @ @ has during a pandemic , when more than 125,000 Americans have died , more than @ @ @ @ @ and many have lost their employer-sponsored health insurance in the waves of layoffs that have @ @ @ @ @

Maeve Reston: “President Trump has made many questionable decisions in recent weeks as he looks ahead to his increasingly difficult reelection campaign. But his administration’s decision to forge ahead with its effort to invalidate the Affordable Care Act through the courts may go down as the decision that carried the most risk for Republicans up and down the ballot in 2020.”
“The GOP has been fighting to eviscerate Obamacare since it was passed a decade ago. But the effort to strip Americans of health care has never appeared more out of touch and tone deaf than it has during a pandemic, when more than 125,000 Americans have died, more than 2.4 million have been infected and many have lost their employer-sponsored health insurance in the waves of layoffs that have decimated the economy.”


politicalwire--2020-06-27--‘These Are the Real Polls’

‘These Are the Real Polls’

President Trump touted the television ratings from his campaign rally in Tulsa last weekend and his town hall with Fox @ @ @ @ @ week .
Said Trump : “ These are the real polls , the Silent Majority @ @ @ @ @ ”

President Trump touted the television ratings from his campaign rally in Tulsa last weekend and his town hall with Fox News’ Sean Hannity this week.
Said Trump: “These are the real polls, the Silent Majority, not FAKE POLLS!”


politicalwire--2020-06-27--Incumbents Don’t Come Back from Trump-Like Deficits

Harry Enten : “ Since 1940 , the only incumbent losing at this point in the cycle who would go @ @ @ @ @ was Harry Truman .
He , like Trump , was down around 10 points to @ @ @ @ @ summer of 1948 .
But remember , Truman was not elected president before taking the @ @ @ @ @ to the office through the vice-presidency , after Franklin Roosevelt died in 1945.
” “ @ @ @ @ @ , Jimmy Carter was the one to be down by as much as Trump is @ @ @ @ @ on to get crushed by Ronald Reagan in 1980 .
”

Harry Enten: “Since 1940, the only incumbent losing at this point in the cycle who would go on to win another term was Harry Truman. He, like Trump, was down around 10 points to Thomas Dewey in the early summer of 1948. But remember, Truman was not elected president before taking the 1948 election. He ascended to the office through the vice-presidency, after Franklin Roosevelt died in 1945.”
“In terms of elected incumbents, Jimmy Carter was the one to be down by as much as Trump is right now. Carter went on to get crushed by Ronald Reagan in 1980.”


politicalwire--2020-06-27--Trump’s Visa Rules Are Jobs Boon for Canada

“ Rather than protect U.S. jobs , Donald Trump ’ s restrictions on visas for foreign workers will encourage companies @ @ @ @ @ to Canada , executives and immigration advisers on both sides of the border predict , @ @ @ @ @ .


politicalwire--2020-06-28--Super-Spreading Churches Are Next Problem

“ One month after President Trump ordered the nation ’ s governors to immediately reopen churches , his administration is @ @ @ @ @ ” Politico reports .
“ Clusters of Covid-19 cases are surfacing in counties across the @ @ @ @ @ have resumed , triggering questions about whether his administration should reassess its campaign to treat @ @ @ @ @ as other essential businesses , or leave them alone and risk additional transmission of the @ @ @ @ @ communities that are largely supportive of the president .
”

“One month after President Trump ordered the nation’s governors to immediately reopen churches, his administration is facing a difficult dilemma,” Politico reports.
“Clusters of Covid-19 cases are surfacing in counties across the U.S. where in-person religious services have resumed, triggering questions about whether his administration should reassess its campaign to treat houses of worship the same as other essential businesses, or leave them alone and risk additional transmission of the deadly coronavirus — including in communities that are largely supportive of the president.”


politicalwire--2020-06-28--Bannon Seeks Return to Trump’s Inner Circle

“ As an election approaches , Steve Bannon and his allies are trying to return the former chief White House @ @ @ @ @ to influence the president ’ s thinking , ” The Guardian reports .

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


politicalwire--2020-06-28--Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day

“ It would be a plus to have an African American woman .
And I ’ ll reiterate I have @ @ @ @ @ must .
The only must is to win this campaign .
That ’ s a @ @ @ @ @ black people but for the country .
Because I really believe if Joe Biden does @ @ @ @ @ this country ’ s democracy will crumble.
” — Rep. Jim Clyburn ( D-SC ) @ @ @ @ @ The Guardian , on Joe Biden ’ s running mate .

“It would be a plus to have an African American woman. And I’ll reiterate I have never said it is a must. The only must is to win this campaign. That’s a must, not just for black people but for the country. Because I really believe if Joe Biden does not win this campaign, this country’s democracy will crumble.”
— Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-SC), in an interview with The Guardian, on Joe Biden’s running mate.


politicalwire--2020-06-28--Kushner to Play Bigger Role In Trump Campaign

Politico : “ Behind the scenes , Trump and his team are taking steps to correct course .
In the @ @ @ @ @ , the president has grudgingly conceded that he ’ s behind , according to three @ @ @ @ @ his thinking .
Trump , who vented for days about the event , is starting @ @ @ @ @ role in the campaign and has expressed openness to adding more people to the team @ @ @ @ @ meetings recently focusing on his efforts in individual battleground states.
” “ Trump ’ s @ @ @ @ @ effectively oversees the campaign from the White House , is expected to play an even @ @ @ @ @

Politico: “Behind the scenes, Trump and his team are taking steps to correct course. In the week since his Tulsa rally, the president has grudgingly conceded that he’s behind, according to three people who are familiar with his thinking. Trump, who vented for days about the event, is starting to take a more hands-on role in the campaign and has expressed openness to adding more people to the team. He has also held meetings recently focusing on his efforts in individual battleground states.”
“Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, who effectively oversees the campaign from the White House, is expected to play an even more active role.”


politicalwire--2020-06-29--Houston Hospitals Hit Capacity

Houston Hospitals Hit Capacity

“ Texas Medical Center hospitals have stopped reporting key metrics showing the stress rising numbers of COVID-19 patients are placing @ @ @ @ @ data that policy makers and the public have relied upon during the pandemic to gauge @ @ @ @ @ , ” the Houston Chronicle reports .
“ The change came one day after the @ @ @ @ @ care capacity had hit 100 percent for the first time during the pandemic , with @ @ @ @ @ which together comprise the world ’ s largest medical complex — were on pace to @ @ @ @ @ capacity ’ by July 6 .
”

“Texas Medical Center hospitals have stopped reporting key metrics showing the stress rising numbers of COVID-19 patients are placing on their facilities, undermining data that policy makers and the public have relied upon during the pandemic to gauge the spread of the coronavirus,” the Houston Chronicle reports.
“The change came one day after the hospitals reported their base intensive care capacity had hit 100 percent for the first time during the pandemic, with projections showing the institutions — which together comprise the world’s largest medical complex — were on pace to exceed their ‘unsustainable surge capacity’ by July 6.”


politicalwire--2020-06-29--Trump Moves from ‘Sleepy Joe’ to ‘Senile Joe’

Jonathan Swan : “ President Trump and his top advisers are trying to rebrand Joe Biden as a danger to @ @ @ @ @ admitting privately that the ‘ Sleepy Joe ’ nickname will never gin up the visceral @ @ @ @ @ Crooked Hillary ’ Clinton.
” “ The emerging strategy is to claim Biden ’ s @ @ @ @ @ say he can ’ t rein in protesters ’ most controversial excesses , including toppling @ @ @ @ @ , looting stores , burning buildings and vandalizing St. John ’ s Church.
” “ @ @ @ @ @ it will be harder to make Biden widely despised than it was with Clinton , @ @ @ @ @ target for decades… So they will try to argue that he wouldn ’ t really @ @ @ @ @ one source : “ You ’ ve got to make it so that a vote @ @ @ @ @ t a vote for Joe Biden , it ’ s really a vote for his @ @ @ @ @ ”

Jonathan Swan: “President Trump and his top advisers are trying to rebrand Joe Biden as a danger to America — with some aides admitting privately that the ‘Sleepy Joe’ nickname will never gin up the visceral reaction they exploited against ‘Crooked Hillary’ Clinton.”
“The emerging strategy is to claim Biden’s mental faculties are diminished and say he can’t rein in protesters’ most controversial excesses, including toppling a Ulysses S. Grant statue, looting stores, burning buildings and vandalizing St. John’s Church.”
“Trump’s aides say it will be harder to make Biden widely despised than it was with Clinton, who was a conservative media target for decades… So they will try to argue that he wouldn’t really be in charge.”
Said one source: “You’ve got to make it so that a vote for Joe Biden isn’t a vote for Joe Biden, it’s really a vote for his radical left-wing puppet masters.”


politicalwire--2020-06-29--Story on Russian Bounties on U.S. Troops Confirmed

The Washington Post confirms last week ’ s blockbuster from the New York Times : “ Russian bounties offered to @ @ @ @ @ forces in Afghanistan are believed to have resulted in the deaths of several U.S. service @ @ @ @ @ was passed up from the U.S. Special Operations forces based in Afghanistan and led to @ @ @ @ @ meeting in late March .
”

The Washington Post confirms last week’s blockbuster from the New York Times: “Russian bounties offered to Taliban-linked militants to kill coalition forces in Afghanistan are believed to have resulted in the deaths of several U.S. service members.”
“The intelligence was passed up from the U.S. Special Operations forces based in Afghanistan and led to a restricted high-level White House meeting in late March.”


politicalwire--2020-06-28--100 Person Choir Performs Without Masks for Pence

“ A choir of more than 100 people performed without masks at a robustly attended event in Texas at the @ @ @ @ @ that featured a speech by Vice President Mike Pence , ” CNN reports .
“ @ @ @ @ @ ‘ Celebrate Freedom Rally , ’ in the Lone Star State , which has seen @ @ @ @ @ cases since easing restrictions .
”

“A choir of more than 100 people performed without masks at a robustly attended event in Texas at the First Baptist Church on Sunday that featured a speech by Vice President Mike Pence,” CNN reports.
“Nearly 2,200 people attended the ‘Celebrate Freedom Rally,’ in the Lone Star State, which has seen a severe surge in coronavirus cases since easing restrictions.”


politicalwire--2020-06-28--Some GOP Operatives Think Trump Could Drop Out

GOP operatives are for the first time raising the possibility that Donald Trump could drop out of the race if @ @ @ @ @ t rebound , Fox Business reports .
One “ major player ” described Trump ’ @ @ @ @ @ fragile .
”

GOP operatives are for the first time raising the possibility that Donald Trump could drop out of the race if his poll numbers don’t rebound, Fox Business reports.
One “major player” described Trump’s current psyche as “fragile.”


politicalwire--2020-06-28--Spies and Commandos Warned of Russian Bounties

“ United States intelligence officers and Special Operations forces in Afghanistan alerted their superiors as early as January to a @ @ @ @ @ bounties to the Taliban to kill American troops in Afghanistan , ” the New York @ @ @


politicalwire--2020-06-28--Trump Campaign Scrambling to Revive Chances

“ President Trump and his campaign team are grappling with how to resuscitate his imperiled reelection effort amid a wave @ @ @ @ @ badly trailing Joe Biden and losing traction even among core constituencies , ” the Washington @ @ @ @ @ Trump advisers and allies are privately pushing for sweeping changes to the campaign , including @ @ @ @ @ staff shake-up and trying to convince the president to be more disciplined in his message @ @ @ @ @ so far , the campaign has settled only on incremental changes — such as hiring @ @ @ @ @ operatives who worked on Trump ’ s upset victory in 2016 — and has yet @ @ @ @ @ message for his reelection .
”

“President Trump and his campaign team are grappling with how to resuscitate his imperiled reelection effort amid a wave of polling that shows him badly trailing Joe Biden and losing traction even among core constituencies,” the Washington Post reports.
“Some Trump advisers and allies are privately pushing for sweeping changes to the campaign, including the idea of a major staff shake-up and trying to convince the president to be more disciplined in his message and behavior.”
“But so far, the campaign has settled only on incremental changes — such as hiring and elevating a handful of operatives who worked on Trump’s upset victory in 2016 — and has yet to settle on a clear message for his reelection.”


politicalwire--2020-06-28--Bonus Quote of the Day

Bonus Quote of the Day

“ Today the President shared a video of people shouting ‘ white power ’ and said they were ‘ great.
@ @ @ @ @ after Charlottesville .
We ’ re in a battle for the soul of the nation @ @ @ @ @ picked a side .
But make no mistake : it ’ s a battle we @ @ @ @

“Today the President shared a video of people shouting ‘white power’ and said they were ‘great.’ Just like he did after Charlottesville. We’re in a battle for the soul of the nation — and the President has picked a side. But make no mistake: it’s a battle we will win.”
— Joe Biden, on Twitter.


politicalwire--2020-06-28--Trump Admits He’s Losing

Trump Admits He’s Losing

Politico : “ The president has privately come to that grim realization in recent days… amid a mountain of bad @ @ @ @ @ of his staunchest allies that he ’ s on course to be a one-term president @ @


politicalwire--2020-06-28--Azar Says ‘Window Is Closing’ to Control Virus

Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar told CNN that the “ window is closing ” for the U.S. to @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus under control , calling the current state of the outbreak a “ very , @ @ @ @ @


politicalwire--2020-06-28--Americans Say Fight Against Virus Going Badly

A new CBS News poll finds record numbers of Americans — 62 % — say efforts against the coronavirus outbreak @ @ @ @ @ new highs saying efforts are going very badly .
Meanwhile , President Trump receives his @ @ @ @ @ pandemic since it began ; and the outlook for the summer is grim .
Twice @ @ @ @ @ to worsen , rather than improve .
”

A new CBS News poll finds record numbers of Americans — 62% — say efforts against the coronavirus outbreak are going badly, including new highs saying efforts are going very badly.
Meanwhile, President Trump receives his lowest marks for handling the pandemic since it began; and the outlook for the summer is grim. Twice as many expect the outbreak to worsen, rather than improve.”


politicalwire--2020-06-28--‘With Him, All Roads Lead to Putin’

‘With Him, All Roads Lead to Putin’

Speaker Nancy Pelosi blasted President Trump for being beholden to the Russian government , following a startling New York Times @ @ @ @ @ bounties to Taliban fighters to kill U.S. troops in Afghanistan , Politico reports .
Said @ @ @ @ @ I have said to the president : With him , all roads lead to Putin @ @ @ @ @ know what the Russians have on the president , politically , personally , or financially.
@ @ @ @ @ This is as bad as it gets , and yet the president will not confront @ @ @ @ @ .
”

Speaker Nancy Pelosi blasted President Trump for being beholden to the Russian government, following a startling New York Times report that Russia secretly offered bounties to Taliban fighters to kill U.S. troops in Afghanistan, Politico reports.
Said Pelosi: “Just as I have said to the president: With him, all roads lead to Putin. I don’t know what the Russians have on the president, politically, personally, or financially.”
She added: “This is as bad as it gets, and yet the president will not confront the Russians on this score.”


politicalwire--2020-06-28--Trump Shares Video of Man Chanting ‘White Power’

President Trump shared a video he said is from the Villages , a retirement community in Florida , in which @ @ @ @ @ cart with Trump campaign sign is chanting “ white power.
” The president thanked the @ @ @ @ @ in the video .
Sen. Tim Scott ( R-SC ) told CNN that Trump should @ @ @ @ @ it is “ indefensible .
”

President Trump shared a video he said is from the Villages, a retirement community in Florida, in which a man driving a golf cart with Trump campaign sign is chanting “white power.”
The president thanked the “great people” shown in the video.
Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) told CNN that Trump should take down the video as it is “indefensible.”


politicalwire--2020-06-28--Cable News Networks Team Up on Convention Coverage

Cable news executives “ are working with rivals in an effort to reduce the number of employees it sends to @ @ @ @ @ as the coronavirus pandemic has lowered their prominence and created safety risks for attendees and @ @ @ @ @ Street Journal reports .


politicalwire--2020-06-28--Fox News Kept Millions from Taking Virus Seriously

Washington Post : “ Three serious research efforts have put numerical weight — yes , data-driven evidence — behind what @ @ @ @ @ Americans who relied on Fox News , or similar right-wing sources , were duped as @ @ @ @ @ spread .
Dangerously duped.
” “ Those who relied on mainstream sources — the network @ @ @ @ @ that President Trump constantly blasts as ‘ fake news ’ — got an accurate assessment @ @ @ @ @ risks .
Those were the news consumers who were more likely to respond accordingly , @ @ @ @ @ the disease that has now killed more than 123,000 in the United States with no @ @ @ @ @ Those who relied on Fox or , say , radio personality Rush Limbaugh , came @ @ @ @ @ was a possible remedy , that the Chinese government created the virus in a lab @ @ @ @ @ agencies were exaggerating the dangers in the hopes of damaging Trump politically .
”

Washington Post: “Three serious research efforts have put numerical weight — yes, data-driven evidence — behind what many suspected all along: Americans who relied on Fox News, or similar right-wing sources, were duped as the coronavirus began its deadly spread. Dangerously duped.”
“Those who relied on mainstream sources — the network evening newscasts or national newspapers that President Trump constantly blasts as ‘fake news’ — got an accurate assessment of the pandemic’s risks. Those were the news consumers who were more likely to respond accordingly, protecting themselves and others against the disease that has now killed more than 123,000 in the United States with no end in sight.”
“Those who relied on Fox or, say, radio personality Rush Limbaugh, came to believe that vitamin C was a possible remedy, that the Chinese government created the virus in a lab, and that government health agencies were exaggerating the dangers in the hopes of damaging Trump politically.”


politicalwire--2020-06-28--Super-Spreading Churches Are the Next Problem

“ One month after President Trump ordered the nation ’ s governors to immediately reopen churches , his administration is @ @ @ @ @ ” Politico reports .
“ Clusters of Covid-19 cases are surfacing in counties across the @ @ @ @ @ have resumed , triggering questions about whether his administration should reassess its campaign to treat @ @ @ @ @ as other essential businesses , or leave them alone and risk additional transmission of the @ @ @ @ @ communities that are largely supportive of the president .
”


politicalwire--2020-06-29--Bonus Quote of the Day

Bonus Quote of the Day

“ He is losing .
The trend is obvious .
The trend is moving toward Joe Biden , when Joe @ @ @ @ @ a word.
” — Former New Jersey Gov .
Chris Christie ( R ) , @ @ @ @ @ , on President Trump ’ s re-election chances .

“He is losing. The trend is obvious. The trend is moving toward Joe Biden, when Joe Biden hasn’t said a word.”
— Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R), in an ABC News interview, on President Trump’s re-election chances.


politicalwire--2020-06-29--Bring On the 28th Amendment

Bring On the 28th Amendment

Rick Hasen : “ We need a 28th Amendment for voter equality around which people can organize and agitate .
@ @ @ @ @ for passage of the 19th Amendment , which bars gender discrimination in voting .
It @ @ @ @ @ that amendment to pass , and along the way activists for equal women ’ s @ @ @ @ @ bolster voting rights and the public to change its attitudes about voting.
” “ It @ @ @ @ @ passage of the 19th Amendment and 150 since the passage of the 15th Amendment barring @ @ @ @ @ Despite those accomplishments , every national election features endless angst and litigation over assuring people @ @ @ @ @ which puts special burdens on those who already face the greatest barriers .
We need @ @ @ @ @ an end and press forward toward a new voting rights amendment that would assure that @ @ @ @ @ will of the people .
”

Rick Hasen: “We need a 28th Amendment for voter equality around which people can organize and agitate. Organization could emulate the battle for passage of the 19th Amendment, which bars gender discrimination in voting. It took more than generation for that amendment to pass, and along the way activists for equal women’s suffrage got state legislatures to bolster voting rights and the public to change its attitudes about voting.”
“It has been 100 years since passage of the 19th Amendment and 150 since the passage of the 15th Amendment barring racial discrimination in voting. Despite those accomplishments, every national election features endless angst and litigation over assuring people the right to vote, which puts special burdens on those who already face the greatest barriers. We need to bring that struggle to an end and press forward toward a new voting rights amendment that would assure that our representatives truly reflect the will of the people.”


politicalwire--2020-06-29--Iran Issues Warrant for Trump’s Arrest

Iran Issues Warrant for Trump’s Arrest

Iran has issued an arrest warrant and asked Interpol for help in detaining President Trump and dozens of others it @ @ @ @ @ strike that killed a top Iranian general in Baghdad , Al Jazeera reports .


politicalwire--2020-06-29--Is Anything Going Well for Trump Right Now?

Playbook : “ He ’ s getting smoked by Joe Biden .
The coronavirus is raging .
Governors and local @ @ @ @ @ municipalities again .
The president ’ s campaign is being forced to rethink rallies after @ @ @ @ @ .
Republicans moved their convention to Florida , which has seen a surge in coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ fell flat in the Capitol .
It turns out that Russia may have been paying @ @ @ @ @ soldiers on Trump ’ s watch .
Republican control of the Senate is up for @ @ @ @ @ but a sliver of a prayer of recapturing the House .
The economy is still @ @ @ @ @ United States ’ relationship with China is in the toilet after the spread of Covid-19 @ @ @ @ @ idea what they will do if the Supreme Court strikes down Obamacare — despite having @ @ @ @ @ care law for a decade .
”

Playbook: “He’s getting smoked by Joe Biden. The coronavirus is raging. Governors and local leaders are closing states and municipalities again. The president’s campaign is being forced to rethink rallies after an embarrassing fiasco in Oklahoma. Republicans moved their convention to Florida, which has seen a surge in coronavirus cases.
“Police reform fell flat in the Capitol. It turns out that Russia may have been paying the Taliban to kill American soldiers on Trump’s watch. Republican control of the Senate is up for grabs. The GOP has but a sliver of a prayer of recapturing the House. The economy is still on life support. The United States’ relationship with China is in the toilet after the spread of Covid-19. Republicans have no earthly idea what they will do if the Supreme Court strikes down Obamacare — despite having pledged to replace the health care law for a decade.”


politicalwire--2020-06-29--Why the Mueller Investigation Failed

Why the Mueller Investigation Failed

Jeffrey Toobin : “ According to the Administration , Mueller and his team displayed an unseemly eagerness to uncover crimes @ @ @ @ @ fact , the opposite is true .
Mueller had an abundance of legitimate targets to @ @ @ @ @ emerged from an excess of caution , not of zeal.
” “ Especially when it @ @ @ @ @ avoided confrontations that he should have welcomed .
He never issued a grand-jury subpoena for @ @ @ @ @ , and even though his office built a compelling case for Trump ’ s having @ @ @ @ @ Mueller came up with reasons not to say so in his report .
In light @ @ @ @ @ ’ t be denouncing Mueller—he should be thanking him .
”

Jeffrey Toobin: “According to the Administration, Mueller and his team displayed an unseemly eagerness to uncover crimes that never existed. In fact, the opposite is true. Mueller had an abundance of legitimate targets to investigate, and his failures emerged from an excess of caution, not of zeal.”
“Especially when it came to Trump, Mueller avoided confrontations that he should have welcomed. He never issued a grand-jury subpoena for the President’s testimony, and even though his office built a compelling case for Trump’s having committed obstruction of justice, Mueller came up with reasons not to say so in his report. In light of this, Trump shouldn’t be denouncing Mueller—he should be thanking him.”


politicalwire--2020-06-29--Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day

“ I can ’ t believe it .
I am so emotional , Medgar ’ s wings must be clapping.
@ @ @ @ @ widow of slain civil rights leader Medgar Evers , quoted by MCIR , after the @ @ @ @ @ the Confederate battle emblem from the state flag .

“I can’t believe it. I am so emotional, Medgar’s wings must be clapping.”
— Myrlie Evers, widow of slain civil rights leader Medgar Evers, quoted by MCIR, after the Mississippi legislature voted to remove the Confederate battle emblem from the state flag.


politicalwire--2020-06-29--Sun Belt Time Bomb Threatens Trump’s Re-Election

“ The explosion of Covid-19 cases in Sun Belt states is becoming another albatross for President Donald Trump ’ s @ @ @ @ @ a new opening for Joe Biden and Democrats in November , ” Politico reports .
@ @ @ @ @ , Arizona and Texas followed Trump ’ s lead by quickly reopening their states while @ @ @ @ @ social distancing and mask-wearing .
Now each of them is seeing skyrocketing coronavirus caseloads and @ @ @ @ @ leaders are in retreat.
” “ It ’ s hard to overstate the gravity of @ @ @ @ @ Lose any one of the three states , and his reelection is all but doomed @ @ @ @ @ the Biden campaign have launched digital and TV ads in Florida , Arizona and Texas @ @ @ @ @ second wave of coronavirus .
The developments have buttressed Biden ’ s main argument against @ @ @ @ @ s incapable of bringing stability or healing in a time of crisis .
”

“The explosion of Covid-19 cases in Sun Belt states is becoming another albatross for President Donald Trump’s reelection hopes — and creating a new opening for Joe Biden and Democrats in November,” Politico reports.
“Republican governors in Florida, Arizona and Texas followed Trump’s lead by quickly reopening their states while taking a lax approach to social distancing and mask-wearing. Now each of them is seeing skyrocketing coronavirus caseloads and rising hospitalizations, and Republican leaders are in retreat.”
“It’s hard to overstate the gravity of the situation for Trump: Lose any one of the three states, and his reelection is all but doomed. Liberal outside groups and the Biden campaign have launched digital and TV ads in Florida, Arizona and Texas hitting Trump for allowing a second wave of coronavirus. The developments have buttressed Biden’s main argument against Trump: that he’s incapable of bringing stability or healing in a time of crisis.”


politicalwire--2020-07-01--Americans Want More Immigration

Americans Want More Immigration

A new Gallup poll finds 34 % of Americans , up from 27 % a year ago , would prefer @ @ @ @ @ U.S. increased .
This is the highest support for expanding immigration Gallup has found in @ @ @ @ @ Meanwhile , the percentage favoring decreased immigration has fallen to a new low of 28 @ @ @ @ @ think it should stay at the present level .

A new Gallup poll finds 34% of Americans, up from 27% a year ago, would prefer to see immigration to the U.S. increased. This is the highest support for expanding immigration Gallup has found in its trend since 1965.
Meanwhile, the percentage favoring decreased immigration has fallen to a new low of 28%, while 36% think it should stay at the present level.


politicalwire--2020-07-01--U.S. Buys Up Entire Supply of Key Covid-19 Drug

“ The U.S. has bought up virtually all the stocks for the next three months of one of the two @ @ @ @ @ Covid-19 , leaving none for the UK , Europe or most of the rest of @ @ @ @ @ Guardian reports .
“ Experts and campaigners are alarmed both by the U.S. unilateral action @ @ @ @ @ implications , for instance in the event of a vaccine becoming available .
The Trump @ @ @ @ @ it is prepared to outbid and outmaneuver all other countries to secure the medical supplies @ @ @ @ @ .
”

“The U.S. has bought up virtually all the stocks for the next three months of one of the two drugs proven to work against Covid-19, leaving none for the UK, Europe or most of the rest of the world,” the Guardian reports.
“Experts and campaigners are alarmed both by the U.S. unilateral action on remdesivir and the wider implications, for instance in the event of a vaccine becoming available. The Trump administration has already shown that it is prepared to outbid and outmaneuver all other countries to secure the medical supplies it needs for the U.S.”


politicalwire--2020-07-01--What Trump Did Instead of Reading His Briefing

On February 27 , the day the President ’ s Daily Brief reportedly included a mention of Russia paying bounties @ @ @ @ @ Afghanistan , President Trump spent 45 minutes with the producers of a play dramatizing the @ @ @ @ @ and Lisa Page , the Daily Beast reports .

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


politicalwire--2020-07-01--Fox News Fires Ed Henry

Fox News Fires Ed Henry

Fox News said that Ed Henry , one of its top news anchors , had been fired after the network @ @ @ @ @ of sexual harassment from years ago , CNN reports .


politicalwire--2020-07-01--Meet the Supporters Trump Has Lost

Meet the Supporters Trump Has Lost

The New York Times talks to the supporters President Trump has already lost .
Best quote is from Judith Goines @ @ @ @ @ in 2016 : “ I think if he weren ’ t such an appalling human @ @ @ @ @ a great president , because I think what this country needs is somebody who isn @ @ @ @ @ ’ m ashamed to say that I ’ ve voted for him.
” Another from @ @ @ @ @ changed my mind ?
120,000 deaths .
”

The New York Times talks to the supporters President Trump has already lost.
Best quote is from Judith Goines, who voted for Trump in 2016: “I think if he weren’t such an appalling human being, he would make a great president, because I think what this country needs is somebody who isn’t a politician… I’m ashamed to say that I’ve voted for him.”
Another from John Crilly: “What changed my mind? 120,000 deaths.”


politicalwire--2020-07-01--An Inside Look at Trump’s Impeachment Trial

Coming soon : A Case for the American People : The United States v. Donald J. Trump by Norman Eisen @ @ @ @ @ the attempt to bring President Trump to justice .


politicalwire--2020-07-01--Mulvaney Says Trump Should Tell People to Wear Masks

Former White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney told CNBC that President Trump “ probably should ” urge Americana to @ @ @ @ @ of the coronovirus .
Said Mulvaney : “ It would not hurt him… politically and @ @ @ @ @ hurt us economically .
”

Former White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney told CNBC that President Trump “probably should” urge Americana to wear masks to prevent spread of the coronovirus.
Said Mulvaney: “It would not hurt him… politically and it certainly wouldn’t hurt us economically.”


politicalwire--2020-07-01--America Has Nearly 800 Billionaires

America Has Nearly 800 Billionaires

“ America is now home to almost 800 billionaires , a record high that accounts for more than a quarter @ @ @ @ @ megarich , ” Recode reports .


politicalwire--2020-07-01--Most Democrats Want Biden to Pick Woman of Color

A new USA Today/Suffolk poll finds 72 % of Democrats said that it was “ somewhat ” or “ very @ @ @ @ @ choose a woman of color to be his running mate , while just 26 % @ @ @ @ @ very ” or “ not at all ” important .

A new USA Today/Suffolk poll finds 72% of Democrats said that it was “somewhat” or “very important” that Joe Biden choose a woman of color to be his running mate, while just 26% said that it “not very” or “not at all” important.