politicalwire--2020-05-05--Fauci Sees No Evidence Virus Was Made In a Lab

Dr. Anthony Fauci told National Georgraphic that , based on the scientific evidence , it ’ s not likely that @ @ @ @ @ a Chinese lab as President Trump claims .
Said Fauci : “ If you look @ @ @ @ @ virus in bats and what ’ s out there now , the scientific evidence is @ @ @ @ @ toward this could not have been artificially or deliberately manipulated… Everything about the stepwise evolution @ @ @ @ @ [ this virus ] evolved in nature and then jumped species .
”

Dr. Anthony Fauci told National Georgraphic that, based on the scientific evidence, it’s not likely that the coronavirus was released from a Chinese lab as President Trump claims.
Said Fauci: “If you look at the evolution of the virus in bats and what’s out there now, the scientific evidence is very, very strongly leaning toward this could not have been artificially or deliberately manipulated… Everything about the stepwise evolution over time strongly indicates that [this virus] evolved in nature and then jumped species.”


politicalwire--2020-05-05--FBI Background Checks Remained High In April

“ The FBI conducted nearly 3 million background checks associated with the sale , transfer or permitting of firearms in @ @ @ @ @ fourth highest month for background checks since the bureau began keeping statistics in 1998 , @ @ @ @ @ Figures from April were down from the record-shattering spike of 3.7 million FBI background checks @ @ @ @ @ still higher than checks done in the first two months of the year .
”

“The FBI conducted nearly 3 million background checks associated with the sale, transfer or permitting of firearms in April, making it the fourth highest month for background checks since the bureau began keeping statistics in 1998,” CNN reports.
“Figures from April were down from the record-shattering spike of 3.7 million FBI background checks in March 2020, but still higher than checks done in the first two months of the year.”


politicalwire--2020-05-06--Biden Tests Virtual Campaign Events

Biden Tests Virtual Campaign Events

Joe Biden is testing a new way of campaigning amid the coronavirus crisis , kicking off “ local ” virtual @ @ @ @ @ attempt to re-create traditional campaign stops , Axios reports .

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


politicalwire--2020-05-06--Judge Orders New York to Reinstate Presidential Primary

“ A federal judge in New York ordered the state Democratic officials to reinstate a June 23 primary election , @ @ @ @ @ Andrew Yang challenged the cancellation of the vote , ” Bloomberg reports .


politicalwire--2020-05-06--Republicans Not Interested In Trump’s Payroll Tax Cut

“ President Trump ’ s demands for the next coronavirus aid package are running into a stubborn obstacle : his @ @ @ @ @ reports .
“ As Washington begins zeroing in on its next major coronavirus bill , @ @ @ @ @ different trajectory than the president and are themselves divided on the payroll tax cut , @ @ @ @ @ at all .
Much of the party has coalesced behind providing liability protections that Democrats @ @ @ @ @ eyeing the much flashier tax cut as the centerpiece of the upcoming legislation.
” Washington @ @ @ @ @ rift on a payroll tax cut comes as the Democratic-led House scrambles to produce additional @ @ @ @ @ massive price tag .
”

“President Trump’s demands for the next coronavirus aid package are running into a stubborn obstacle: his own party,” Politico reports.
“As Washington begins zeroing in on its next major coronavirus bill, congressional Republicans are on a different trajectory than the president and are themselves divided on the payroll tax cut, or whether to do anything at all. Much of the party has coalesced behind providing liability protections that Democrats disdain, yet Trump is eyeing the much flashier tax cut as the centerpiece of the upcoming legislation.”
Washington Post: “The intraparty rift on a payroll tax cut comes as the Democratic-led House scrambles to produce additional coronavirus legislation with perhaps another massive price tag.”


politicalwire--2020-05-05--Trump Doesn’t Wear Face Mask at Factory

Trump Doesn’t Wear Face Mask at Factory

President Trump did not wear a face mask at a Honeywell facility he toured in Arizona even though CNN reports @ @ @ @ @ says “ face mask required in this area.
” The AP has a photo of @ @ @ @ @ to the factory floor .

President Trump did not wear a face mask at a Honeywell facility he toured in Arizona even though CNN reports a sign in the facility says “face mask required in this area.”
The AP has a photo of the sign at the entrance to the factory floor.


politicalwire--2020-05-05--Five GOP Governors Defend Keeping States Open

The Republican governors of Arkansas , Iowa , Missouri and Nebraska and Wyoming write in the Washington Post : The @ @ @ @ @ open for business are the tenacity , grit and heart of our residents .
Their @ @ @ @ @ keep our states on track and have set us up to come out of this @ @ @ @ @ We look forward to leading the way .
Rachel Maddow : “ It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ recognize — in real time — the kind of mistake that will haunt a politician @ @ @ @ @ blessed lives , but it helps when five of them co-sign it together , under @ @ @ @ @ ”

The Republican governors of Arkansas, Iowa, Missouri and Nebraska and Wyoming write in the Washington Post:
The core reasons our states are open for business are the tenacity, grit and heart of our residents. Their clear-eyed, common-sense approach helped keep our states on track and have set us up to come out of this pandemic stronger than ever. We look forward to leading the way.
Rachel Maddow: “It’s not often that you can recognize — in real time — the kind of mistake that will haunt a politician every remaining day of their blessed lives, but it helps when five of them co-sign it together, under a headline like this.”


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

Extra Bonus Quote of the Day

“ I ’ m viewing our great citizens of this country to a certain extent and to a large extent @ @ @ @ @ re warriors .
We can ’ t keep our country closed .
We have to @ @ @ @ @ people be badly affected ?
Yes .
But we have to get our country open @ @

“I’m viewing our great citizens of this country to a certain extent and to a large extent as warriors. They’re warriors. We can’t keep our country closed. We have to open our country… Will some people be badly affected? Yes. But we have to get our country open.”
— President Trump, quoted by Vox.


politicalwire--2020-05-05--Trump Blasts ‘Angry’ Female Reporters

Trump Blasts ‘Angry’ Female Reporters

President Trump complained to the New York Post that he found two female CBS News journalists — Weijia Jiang and @ @ @ @ @ during his recent press briefings .
Said Trump : “ It wasn ’ t Donna @ @ @ @ @ you that , ” referring to the actress who played a 1950 ’ s American @ @ @ @ @ : “ Paula Reid , she ’ s sitting there and I say , ‘ @ @ @ @ @ , What ’ s the purpose ? '
”

President Trump complained to the New York Post that he found two female CBS News journalists — Weijia Jiang and Paula Reid — particularly irritating during his recent press briefings.
Said Trump: “It wasn’t Donna Reed, I can tell you that,” referring to the actress who played a 1950’s American archetypal mom.
He added: “Paula Reid, she’s sitting there and I say, ‘How angry. I mean, What’s the purpose?'”


politicalwire--2020-05-05--Texas Governor Admits Dangers on Private Call

During a private call , Texas Gov .
Greg Abbott ( R ) admitted that “ every scientific and medical @ @ @ @ @ “ ipso facto ” lead to an increase in novel coronavirus cases , even as @ @ @ @ @ same week to end an executive stay-at-home order in the state , the Daily Beast @ @ @ @ @ “ Listen , the fact of the matter is pretty much every scientific and medical @ @ @ @ @ have a reopening—whether you want to call it a reopening of businesses or of just @ @ @ @ @ aftermath of something like this , it actually will lead to an increase and spread @ @ @ @ @ ipso facto.
” He added : “ The more that you have people out there @ @ @ @ @ is for transmission .
The goal never has been to get transmission down to zero @ @

During a private call, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) admitted that “every scientific and medical report shows” state reopenings “ipso facto” lead to an increase in novel coronavirus cases, even as he publicly announced plans that same week to end an executive stay-at-home order in the state, the Daily Beast reports.
Said Abbott: “Listen, the fact of the matter is pretty much every scientific and medical report shows that whenever you have a reopening—whether you want to call it a reopening of businesses or of just a reopening of society—in the aftermath of something like this, it actually will lead to an increase and spread. It’s almost ipso facto.”
He added: “The more that you have people out there, the greater the possibility is for transmission. The goal never has been to get transmission down to zero.”


politicalwire--2020-05-05--Nearly Entire Prison Dorm Tests Positive

“ Nearly every woman in a Louisiana prison dormitory has tested positive for COVID-19 , and two-thirds of them showed @ @ @ @ @ AP reports .
“ As of Monday , 192 inmates had tested positive , including @ @ @ @ @ unit has about 195 inmates , though the number fluctuates .
”

“Nearly every woman in a Louisiana prison dormitory has tested positive for COVID-19, and two-thirds of them showed no symptoms,” the AP reports.
“As of Monday, 192 inmates had tested positive, including 66 who had symptoms… The unit has about 195 inmates, though the number fluctuates.”


politicalwire--2020-05-05--Trump Says Washington, D.C. Will Never Be a State

President Trump told the New York Post that Washington , DC , won ’ t ever be a state because @ @ @ @ @ stupid ” enough to add guaranteed Democratic seats in Congress .
Said Trump : “ @ @ @ @ @ state .
You mean District of Columbia , a state ?
Why ?
So we @ @ @ @ @ — Democrat senators and five more congressmen ?
No thank you .
That ’ ll @ @ @ @

President Trump told the New York Post that Washington, DC, won’t ever be a state because Republicans aren’t “stupid” enough to add guaranteed Democratic seats in Congress.
Said Trump: “DC will never be a state. You mean District of Columbia, a state? Why? So we can have two more Democratic — Democrat senators and five more congressmen? No thank you. That’ll never happen.”


politicalwire--2020-05-05--U.K. Scientist Resigns After Breaking Lockdown

“ The scientist whose advice prompted Boris Johnson to lock down Britain resigned from his Government advisory position on Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ reveal he broke social distancing rules to meet his married lover.
” “ Professor Neil @ @ @ @ @ visit him at home during the lockdown while lecturing the public on the need for @ @ @ @ @ to reduce the spread of coronavirus .
The woman lives with her husband and their @ @ @ @ @ ”

“The scientist whose advice prompted Boris Johnson to lock down Britain resigned from his Government advisory position on Tuesday night as The Telegraph can reveal he broke social distancing rules to meet his married lover.”
“Professor Neil Ferguson allowed the woman to visit him at home during the lockdown while lecturing the public on the need for strict social distancing in order to reduce the spread of coronavirus. The woman lives with her husband and their children in another house.”


politicalwire--2020-05-05--Whistleblower Says HHS Ignored Virus Warnings

Rick Bright , the former director of the U.S. Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority , filed a whistleblower complaint @ @ @ @ @ Health and Human Services failed to take early action to mitigate the threat of the @ @ @ @ @ reports .


politicalwire--2020-05-05--Trump Mulls Winding Down Coronavirus Task Force

“ Trump administration officials are telling members and staff of the coronavirus task force that the White House plans to @ @ @ @ @ coming weeks despite growing evidence that the crisis is raging on , ” the New @ @ @ @ @ It is not clear whether any other group might replace the task force .
But @ @ @ @ @ officials said might never be formally announced , would only intensify the questions about whether @ @ @ @ @ to address the complex , life-and-death decisions related to the virus and giving adequate voice @ @ @ @ @ experts in making policy.
” CNN confirms the task force “ will be phased down @ @ @ @ @

“Trump administration officials are telling members and staff of the coronavirus task force that the White House plans to wind down the operation in coming weeks despite growing evidence that the crisis is raging on,” the New York Times reports.
“It is not clear whether any other group might replace the task force. But its gradual demise, which officials said might never be formally announced, would only intensify the questions about whether the administration is adequately organized to address the complex, life-and-death decisions related to the virus and giving adequate voice to scientists and public health experts in making policy.”
CNN confirms the task force “will be phased down around Memorial Day.”


politicalwire--2020-05-05--Relaxing Lockdowns Will Lead to Many More Deaths

“ New data from the University of Pennsylvania suggests that relaxing lockdowns across U.S. cities and states could have serious @ @ @ @ @ s battle to contain the coronavirus , which has infected over a million people while @ @ @ @ @ , ” Yahoo Finance reports .
“ According to the Penn Wharton Budget Model , @ @ @ @ @ an additional 233,000 deaths from the virus … This means that if the states were @ @ @ @ @ in total would die from coronavirus by the end of June , the study found @ @

“New data from the University of Pennsylvania suggests that relaxing lockdowns across U.S. cities and states could have serious consequences for the country’s battle to contain the coronavirus, which has infected over a million people while killing more than 66,000 people,” Yahoo Finance reports.
“According to the Penn Wharton Budget Model, reopening states will result in an additional 233,000 deaths from the virus … This means that if the states were to reopen, 350,000 people in total would die from coronavirus by the end of June, the study found.”


politicalwire--2020-05-05--States with Few Virus Cases Got Big Share of Aid

Associated Press : “ Alaska , Hawaii , Montana and Wyoming are among the least-populated states in the U.S. , @ @ @ @ @ lowest numbers of residents who have tested positive for the new coronavirus .
But despite @ @ @ @ @ scored big this spring when Congress pumped out direct federal aid to the states.
” @ @ @ @ @ shows those four , along with other small states , took in an out-sized proportion @ @ @ @ @ in federal money that was designed to address coronavirus-related expenses , when measured by the @ @ @ @ @ the COVID-19 disease .
”

Associated Press: “Alaska, Hawaii, Montana and Wyoming are among the least-populated states in the U.S., and not surprisingly have the lowest numbers of residents who have tested positive for the new coronavirus. But despite their small size, they scored big this spring when Congress pumped out direct federal aid to the states.”
“An Associated Press analysis shows those four, along with other small states, took in an out-sized proportion of the $150 billion in federal money that was designed to address coronavirus-related expenses, when measured by the number of positive tests for the COVID-19 disease.”


politicalwire--2020-05-05--Sinema Wore Purple Wig on Senate Floor

Sinema Wore Purple Wig on Senate Floor

Sen. Kyrsten Sinema ( D-AZ ) “ wore a $ 12.99 purple wig on the floor of the Senate ” @ @ @ @ @ Republic reports .


politicalwire--2020-05-05--Democratic Voters Lag In Enthusiasm

Democratic Voters Lag In Enthusiasm

The Democratic Party ’ s electorate is less enthusiastic about the 2020 election than their Republican counterparts , according to @ @ @ @ @ A relative lack of enthusiasm has been a persistent problem for Joe Biden , even @ @ @ @ @ Donald Trump in the vast majority of national public polling .
”

The Democratic Party’s electorate is less enthusiastic about the 2020 election than their Republican counterparts, according to a HuffPost/YouGov survey.
“A relative lack of enthusiasm has been a persistent problem for Joe Biden, even as he continues to lead Donald Trump in the vast majority of national public polling.”


politicalwire--2020-05-05--The Rest of the World Is Laughing at Trump

Anne Applebaum : “ I wish I could say for certain that a President Joe Biden could turn this all @ @ @ @ @ year it may be too late .
The memories of the prime minister at the @ @ @ @ @ , will remain .
The bleach jokes and memes will still cause the occasional chuckle @ @ @ @ @ have only four short years to repair the damage , and that might not be @ @ @ @ @ Trump wins a second term ?
Any nation can make a mistake once , elect @ @ @ @ @ But if Americans choose Trump again , that will send a clear message : We @ @ @ @ @ nation .
We are as ignorant as our thoughtless , narcissistic , ignorant president .
@ @ @ @ @ if the rest of the world takes note of that , too .
”

Anne Applebaum: “I wish I could say for certain that a President Joe Biden could turn this all around, but by next year it may be too late. The memories of the prime minister at the airport, welcoming Chinese doctors, will remain. The bleach jokes and memes will still cause the occasional chuckle. Whoever replaces Pompeo will have only four short years to repair the damage, and that might not be enough.”
“And if Trump wins a second term? Any nation can make a mistake once, elect a bad leader once. But if Americans choose Trump again, that will send a clear message: We are no longer a serious nation. We are as ignorant as our thoughtless, narcissistic, ignorant president. Don’t be surprised if the rest of the world takes note of that, too.”


politicalwire--2020-05-05--Trump’s Approval Keeps Slipping

Trump’s Approval Keeps Slipping

A new Monmouth poll finds President Trump ’ s job rating has ticked down again to 43 % to 51 @ @ @ @ @ changes what he says about the coronavirus from day to day .
In fact , @ @ @ @ @ the president ’ s treatment and prevention advice as harmful .
When asked about the @ @ @ @ @ how to prevent and treat the coronavirus , 42 % say it has been harmful @ @ @ @ @ has been helpful , and 23 % say it is not particularly harmful or helpful @ @ @ @ @ : “ The month to month shifts are well within the poll ’ s margin @ @ @ @ @ overall trendline suggests that the public is growing less satisfied with Trump ’ s response @ @ @ @ @

A new Monmouth poll finds President Trump’s job rating has ticked down again to 43% to 51% amid a sense he changes what he says about the coronavirus from day to day.
In fact, many Americans characterize some of the president’s treatment and prevention advice as harmful. When asked about the advice Trump has given about how to prevent and treat the coronavirus, 42% say it has been harmful, 33% say it has been helpful, and 23% say it is not particularly harmful or helpful.
Said pollster Patrick Murray: “The month to month shifts are well within the poll’s margin of error, but the overall trendline suggests that the public is growing less satisfied with Trump’s response to the pandemic.”


politicalwire--2020-05-05--Kushner’s Effort Hampered by Inexperience

Washington Post : “ The coronavirus response being spearheaded by President Trump ’ s son-in-law , Jared Kushner , has @ @ @ @ @ from consulting and private equity firms with little expertise in the tasks to which they @ @ @ @ @ problems in obtaining supplies for hospitals and other needs .
”

Washington Post: “The coronavirus response being spearheaded by President Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, has relied in part on volunteers from consulting and private equity firms with little expertise in the tasks to which they were assigned, exacerbating chronic problems in obtaining supplies for hospitals and other needs.”


politicalwire--2020-05-06--Box Scores Show Trump Was Actually Bad at Baseball

Daily Beast : “ Here ’ s a shock—President Trump , who has repeatedly boasted about how great he was @ @ @ @ @ and how he could totally have gone pro if he ’ d wanted to , @ @ @ @ @ it .
”

Daily Beast: “Here’s a shock—President Trump, who has repeatedly boasted about how great he was at baseball in high school and how he could totally have gone pro if he’d wanted to, actually pretty much sucked at it.”


politicalwire--2020-05-06--Coronavirus Hit Florida as Early as December

The Miami Herald reports the spread of the novel coronavirus in Florida likely began in January , or maybe even @ @ @ @ @ the first case was confirmed in the state at the start of March .

The Miami Herald reports the spread of the novel coronavirus in Florida likely began in January, or maybe even earlier, several weeks before the first case was confirmed in the state at the start of March.


politicalwire--2020-05-06--Unemployment Rate May Soon Be 20%

Unemployment Rate May Soon Be 20%

Kevin Hassett , senior economic adviser to President Trump , told CNN the unemployment rate could hit 20 % when @ @ @ @ @ two months earlier than he previously expected .

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


politicalwire--2020-05-06--Trump Pivots to ‘Phase Two’ as Deaths Keep Rising

Bloomberg : “ As governors across the South and Midwest have begun returning people to work , Trump said he @ @ @ @ @ phase two ’ of the nation ’ s response to the pandemic , a step @ @ @ @ @ White House coronavirus task force , a group of public health experts that has been @ @ @ @ @ to confront the outbreak.
” “ The president has for more than a month clamored @ @ @ @ @ , stuck between the devastating human cost of the pandemic and the calamity that has @ @ @ @ @ measures pushed more than 30 million people into unemployment in a matter of weeks.
” @ @ @ @ @ time he clearly and unreservedly laid out his own cost-benefit analysis of the situation .
@

Bloomberg: “As governors across the South and Midwest have begun returning people to work, Trump said he’s pivoting to ‘phase two’ of the nation’s response to the pandemic, a step that will include disbanding the White House coronavirus task force, a group of public health experts that has been advising the administration on how to confront the outbreak.”
“The president has for more than a month clamored for a return to normal, stuck between the devastating human cost of the pandemic and the calamity that has befallen the economy as social-distancing measures pushed more than 30 million people into unemployment in a matter of weeks.”
“Tuesday marked the first time he clearly and unreservedly laid out his own cost-benefit analysis of the situation.”


politicalwire--2020-05-06--Health Officials Still Warn of Shortages

Politico : “ President Trump boasted on May 1 that his success in responding to the coronavirus pandemic has made @ @ @ @ @ mask shortages a thing of the past , and that much of the country is @ @ @ @ @ back to work .
‘ We ’ ve ensured a ventilator for every patient who @ @ @ @ @ said .
‘ The testing and the masks and all of the things , we @ @ @ @ @ .
We solved it quickly.
’ ” “ But that same day , his own @ @ @ @ @ were privately warning that states were still experiencing shortages of masks , gowns and other @ @ @ @ @ a recording of an interagency meeting between FEMA and HHS officials across the country , @ @ @ @ @ ”

Politico: “President Trump boasted on May 1 that his success in responding to the coronavirus pandemic has made ventilator, test kit and mask shortages a thing of the past, and that much of the country is ready to quickly send people back to work. ‘We’ve ensured a ventilator for every patient who needs one,’ he said. ‘The testing and the masks and all of the things, we’ve solved every problem. We solved it quickly.’”
“But that same day, his own health and emergency management officials were privately warning that states were still experiencing shortages of masks, gowns and other medical gear, according to a recording of an interagency meeting between FEMA and HHS officials across the country, conducted by conference call.”


politicalwire--2020-05-06--U.S. May Trigger War with China

U.S. May Trigger War with China

South China Morning Post : “ The harshness of the language used and antagonism shown in the war of words @ @ @ @ @ over the coronavirus outbreak is reminiscent of the Cold War confrontation in the 1950s and @ @ @ @ @ were engaged in war in the Korean peninsula and Vietnam .
Indeed , the finger-pointing @ @ @ @ @ as the pandemic continues to ravage the world .
”

South China Morning Post: “The harshness of the language used and antagonism shown in the war of words between China and the US over the coronavirus outbreak is reminiscent of the Cold War confrontation in the 1950s and 1960s, when Pacific powers were engaged in war in the Korean peninsula and Vietnam. Indeed, the finger-pointing and name-calling has escalated steadily as the pandemic continues to ravage the world.”


politicalwire--2020-05-06--Layoffs Start Turning from Temporary to Permanent

Bloomberg : “ Plenty of layoffs that just a month ago were labeled ‘ temporary ’ are now tagged ‘ @ @ @ @ @ ’ Alongside announcements of sweeping staff cuts by major employers such as Boeing Co. and @ @ @ @ @ accelerating pace of downsizing in brick-and-mortar retailing , such notices are a sign that even @ @ @ @ @ for a speedy recovery , they are starting to plan for a slow one .
@

Bloomberg: “Plenty of layoffs that just a month ago were labeled ‘temporary’ are now tagged ‘indefinite’ or ‘permanent.’ Alongside announcements of sweeping staff cuts by major employers such as Boeing Co. and U.S. Steel Corp. and the accelerating pace of downsizing in brick-and-mortar retailing, such notices are a sign that even as businesses continue to hope for a speedy recovery, they are starting to plan for a slow one.”


politicalwire--2020-05-06--The Plan Is to Have No Plan

The Plan Is to Have No Plan

Jay Rosen : “ The plan is to have no plan , to let daily deaths between one and three thousand become a normal thing , and then to create massive confusion about who is responsible— by telling the governors they ’ re in charge without doing what only the federal government can do , by fighting with the press when it shows up to be briefed , by fixing blame for the virus on China or some other foreign element , and by ‘ flooding the zone with shit , ’ Steve Bannon ’ s phrase for overwhelming the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ denial , which boosts what economists call ‘ search costs ’ for reliable intelligence.
” “ Stated another way , the plan is to default on public problem solving , and then prevent the public from understanding the consequences of that default .
To succeed this will require one of the biggest propaganda and freedom of information fights in U.S. history , the execution of which will , I think , consume the president ’ s re-election campaign.
” “ So much has already been made public that the standard script for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the crime… ) won ’ t apply .
Instead , everything will ride on the manufacture of confusion .
The press won ’ t be able to ‘ expose ’ the plot because it will all happen in stark daylight .
The facts will be known , and simultaneously they will be inconceivable .
”

Jay Rosen: “The plan is to have no plan, to let daily deaths between one and three thousand become a normal thing, and then to create massive confusion about who is responsible— by telling the governors they’re in charge without doing what only the federal government can do, by fighting with the press when it shows up to be briefed, by fixing blame for the virus on China or some other foreign element, and by ‘flooding the zone with shit,’ Steve Bannon’s phrase for overwhelming the system with disinformation, distraction, and denial, which boosts what economists call ‘search costs’ for reliable intelligence.”
“Stated another way, the plan is to default on public problem solving, and then prevent the public from understanding the consequences of that default. To succeed this will require one of the biggest propaganda and freedom of information fights in U.S. history, the execution of which will, I think, consume the president’s re-election campaign.”
“So much has already been made public that the standard script for a White House cover up (worse than the crime…) won’t apply. Instead, everything will ride on the manufacture of confusion. The press won’t be able to ‘expose’ the plot because it will all happen in stark daylight. The facts will be known, and simultaneously they will be inconceivable.”


politicalwire--2020-05-06--Biden’s Lead Over Trump Shrinks

Biden’s Lead Over Trump Shrinks

A new Reuters/Ipsos poll finds Joe Biden leading Donald Trump by just two points nationally , 43 % to 41 @ @ @ @ @ 6 percentage points in a similar poll last week and by 8 points in a @ @ @ @ @ to 21 .


politicalwire--2020-05-06--Justice Ginsburg Treated at Hospital

Justice Ginsburg Treated at Hospital

“ Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg underwent a non-surgical treatment Tuesday for a gallbladder condition called acute cholecystitis , the Supreme @ @ @ @ @ health concern for the 87-year-old Supreme Court member , ” the Washington Post reports .


Supreme Embarrassment

“ The Supreme Court was making history Wednesday afternoon , holding arguments over the phone because of Covid-19 , when @ @ @ @ @ was the distinct sound of a toilet flushing , ” CNN reports .


politicalwire--2020-05-07--Trump Lashes Out Because He Knows the Truth

George Conway : “ Americans died from covid-19 at the rate of about one every 42 seconds during the past @ @ @ @ @ keep any president awake at night .
Not Donald Trump.
” “ Just days ago @ @ @ @ @ at a detailed New York Times article that described how he watches television at all @ @ @ @ @ he ’ s covered in the news .
As though to prove the story ’ @ @ @ @ @ that it was a ‘ phony story ’ and that the media would say ‘ @ @ @ @ @ ” “ And then , as though to prove the point again , at 12:46 @ @ @ @ @ went ballistic on Twitter — at me .
”

George Conway: “Americans died from covid-19 at the rate of about one every 42 seconds during the past month. That ought to keep any president awake at night. Not Donald Trump.”
“Just days ago, the president flipped out at a detailed New York Times article that described how he watches television at all hours, obsessed about how he’s covered in the news. As though to prove the story’s thesis, Trump rage-tweeted that it was a ‘phony story’ and that the media would say ‘Anything to demean!'”
“And then, as though to prove the point again, at 12:46 a.m. on Tuesday, Trump went ballistic on Twitter — at me.”


politicalwire--2020-05-07--Extra Bonus Quote of the Day

Extra Bonus Quote of the Day

“ We expected this ad to hit .
We did not expect him to behave in the completely maniacally way @ @ @ @ @ , but here we are.
” — GOP strategist Rick Wilson , quoted by the @ @ @ @ @ Project ’ s “ Mourning in America ” ad .

“We expected this ad to hit. We did not expect him to behave in the completely maniacally way he behaved all day today, but here we are.”
— GOP strategist Rick Wilson, quoted by the HuffPost, on the Lincoln Project’s “Mourning in America” ad.


politicalwire--2020-05-07--The President Is Unraveling

The President Is Unraveling

Peter Wehner : “ In case there was any doubt , the past dozen days have proved we ’ re at the point in his presidency where Donald Trump has become his own caricature , a figure impossible to parody , a man whose words and actions are indistinguishable from an Alec Baldwin skit on Saturday Night Live… ” “ I could have picked a dozen other examples over the past 10 days , but these five will suffice .
They illustrate some of the essential traits of Donald Trump : the shocking ignorance , ineptitude , and misinformation ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attack those who are trying to promote social solidarity ; his narcissism , deep insecurity , utter lack of empathy , and desperate need to be loved ; his feelings of victimization and grievance ; his affinity for ruthless leaders ; and his fondness for conspiracy theories.
” “ None of these traits are new in Trump ; they are part of the reason why some of us were warning about him long before he won the presidency , even going back to 2011 .
But , more and more , those traits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kind of creeping paralysis .
We are witnessing the steady , uninterrupted intellectual and psychological decomposition of an American president .
It ’ s something the Trump White House can not hide—indeed , it doesn ’ t even try to hide it anymore .
There is not even the slightest hint of normalcy .
”

Peter Wehner: “In case there was any doubt, the past dozen days have proved we’re at the point in his presidency where Donald Trump has become his own caricature, a figure impossible to parody, a man whose words and actions are indistinguishable from an Alec Baldwin skit on Saturday Night Live…”
“I could have picked a dozen other examples over the past 10 days, but these five will suffice. They illustrate some of the essential traits of Donald Trump: the shocking ignorance, ineptitude, and misinformation; his constant need to divide Americans and attack those who are trying to promote social solidarity; his narcissism, deep insecurity, utter lack of empathy, and desperate need to be loved; his feelings of victimization and grievance; his affinity for ruthless leaders; and his fondness for conspiracy theories.”
“None of these traits are new in Trump; they are part of the reason why some of us were warning about him long before he won the presidency, even going back to 2011. But, more and more, those traits are defining his presidency, producing a kind of creeping paralysis. We are witnessing the steady, uninterrupted intellectual and psychological decomposition of an American president. It’s something the Trump White House cannot hide—indeed, it doesn’t even try to hide it anymore. There is not even the slightest hint of normalcy.”


politicalwire--2020-05-06--Burr’s Brother-in-Law Also Dumped Stock

Burr’s Brother-in-Law Also Dumped Stock

“ Sen .
Richard Burr ( R-NC ) was not the only member of his family to sell off a @ @ @ @ @ holdings in February , ahead of the market crash spurred by coronavirus fears , ” @ @ @ @ @ the same day Burr sold , his brother-in-law also dumped tens of thousands of dollars @ @ @ @ @ market fell by more than 30 % in the subsequent month .
”

“Sen. Richard Burr (R-NC) was not the only member of his family to sell off a significant portion of his stock holdings in February, ahead of the market crash spurred by coronavirus fears,” ProPublica reports.
“On the same day Burr sold, his brother-in-law also dumped tens of thousands of dollars worth of shares. The market fell by more than 30% in the subsequent month.”


politicalwire--2020-05-06--Trump Ally to Head Postal Service

Trump Ally to Head Postal Service

“ A top donor to President Trump and the Republican National Committee will be named the new head of the @ @ @ @ @ top ally of the president in charge of an agency where Trump has long pressed @ @ @ @ @ it handles its business , ” the Washington Post reports .

“A top donor to President Trump and the Republican National Committee will be named the new head of the Postal Service, putting a top ally of the president in charge of an agency where Trump has long pressed for major changes in how it handles its business,” the Washington Post reports.


politicalwire--2020-05-06--Trump Vetoes War Powers Resolution

Trump Vetoes War Powers Resolution

President Trump vetoed a bipartisan war powers resolution that would have curbed his ability to direct military action against Iran @ @ @ @ @ Axios reports .
Said Trump : “ This was a very insulting resolution , introduced @ @ @ @ @ a strategy to win an election on November 3 by dividing the Republican Party .
@ @ @ @ @ for it played right into their hands .
”

President Trump vetoed a bipartisan war powers resolution that would have curbed his ability to direct military action against Iran without Congress’ authorization, Axios reports.
Said Trump: “This was a very insulting resolution, introduced by Democrats as part of a strategy to win an election on November 3 by dividing the Republican Party. The few Republicans who voted for it played right into their hands.”


politicalwire--2020-05-06--Biden Maintains National Lead

Biden Maintains National Lead

A new Economist/YouGov tracking poll finds Joe Biden leading Donald Trump in the presidential race , 46 % to 42 @ @ @ @ @ someone else and 5 % still unsure .


politicalwire--2020-05-06--Israel’s High Court Allows Coalition Government

The Supreme Court of Israel has unanimously struck down petitions seeking to block Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu , who has @ @ @ @ @ , from forming a coalition government with his former rival Benny Gantz , Haaretz reports @ @ @ @ @ decision paves the way for the new government to be sworn in on May 13 @ @ @ @ @ more than a year of political deadlock in which Israel was forced to hold three @ @ @ @

The Supreme Court of Israel has unanimously struck down petitions seeking to block Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has been indicted on corruption charges, from forming a coalition government with his former rival Benny Gantz, Haaretz reports.
Axios: “The decision paves the way for the new government to be sworn in on May 13, bringing an end to more than a year of political deadlock in which Israel was forced to hold three consecutive elections.”


politicalwire--2020-05-06--Coronavirus In America Looks Like This

Coronavirus In America Looks Like This

New York Times : “ More than a month has passed since there was a day with fewer than 1,000 @ @ @ @ @ Almost every day , at least 25,000 new coronavirus cases are identified , meaning that @ @ @ @ @ States — which has the highest number of known cases in the world with more @ @ @ @ @ expanding by between 2 and 4 percent daily.
” “ Rural towns that one month @ @ @ @ @ hot spots for the virus .
It is rampaging through nursing homes , meatpacking plants @ @ @ @ @ medically vulnerable and the poor , and new outbreaks keep emerging in grocery stores , @ @ @ @ @ ominous harbinger of what a full reopening of the economy will bring .
”

New York Times: “More than a month has passed since there was a day with fewer than 1,000 deaths from the virus. Almost every day, at least 25,000 new coronavirus cases are identified, meaning that the total in the United States — which has the highest number of known cases in the world with more than a million — is expanding by between 2 and 4 percent daily.”
“Rural towns that one month ago were unscathed are suddenly hot spots for the virus. It is rampaging through nursing homes, meatpacking plants and prisons, killing the medically vulnerable and the poor, and new outbreaks keep emerging in grocery stores, Walmarts or factories, an ominous harbinger of what a full reopening of the economy will bring.”


politicalwire--2020-05-06--Pandemic Chills U.S.-China Relations

Pandemic Chills U.S.-China Relations

Wall Street Journal : “ The Trump administration has moved to involve much of the U.S. government in a campaign @ @ @ @ @ and export restrictions .
Nearly every cabinet and cabinet-level official either has adopted adversarial positions @ @ @ @ @ with Beijing.
” “ Chinese officials , for their part , are following through on @ @ @ @ @ call last fall to resist anything they perceive as standing in the way of China @ @ @ @ @ have stepped up military activities in the contested South China Sea and intimidation of Taiwan @ @ @ @ @ and state media has issued extraordinary public denunciations of Secretary of State Mike Pompeo .
@

Wall Street Journal: “The Trump administration has moved to involve much of the U.S. government in a campaign that includes investigations, prosecutions and export restrictions. Nearly every cabinet and cabinet-level official either has adopted adversarial positions or jettisoned past cooperative programs with Beijing.”
“Chinese officials, for their part, are following through on President Xi Jinping’s call last fall to resist anything they perceive as standing in the way of China’s rise. They have stepped up military activities in the contested South China Sea and intimidation of Taiwan, a U.S. ally, and state media has issued extraordinary public denunciations of Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.”


politicalwire--2020-05-06--Trump Contradicts Nurse on Shortages of Gear

President Trump contradicted a nurse who said during an Oval Office meeting that some are still experiencing shortages of protective @ @ @ @ @ : “ Sporadic for you , but not sporadic for a lot of other people @ @ @ @ @ but I have heard we have a tremendous supply to almost all places.
” CNBC @ @ @ @ @ how sensitive Trump has been to suggestions that the United States has lagged in preparedness @ @ @ @ @ his watch .
”

President Trump contradicted a nurse who said during an Oval Office meeting that some are still experiencing shortages of protective medical gear.”
Said Trump: “Sporadic for you, but not sporadic for a lot of other people. That was fine, but I have heard we have a tremendous supply to almost all places.”
CNBC: “The exchange underscored how sensitive Trump has been to suggestions that the United States has lagged in preparedness for the coronavirus outbreak under his watch.”


politicalwire--2020-05-06--Collins Will Back Trump’s Spy Chief Nominee

Sen. Susan Collins ( R-ME ) said that she will support Rep. John Ratcliffe ’ s ( R-TX ) nomination @ @ @ @ @ of national intelligence , The Hill reports .


politicalwire--2020-05-06--Abortion Keeps Young Republicans In GOP Orbit

New York Times : “ Even as young Republicans often accept the science of climate change and support LGBT rights @ @ @ @ @ force pulling them toward the Republican Party — and toward President Trump , whom many @ @ @ @ @ Most of those interviewed said they were economically conservative , too , and several emphasized @ @ @ @ @ policies and gun rights .
But many young Republicans said , they would consider crossing @ @ @ @ @ if not for abortion .
”

New York Times: “Even as young Republicans often accept the science of climate change and support LGBT rights, abortion remains a powerful force pulling them toward the Republican Party — and toward President Trump, whom many of them dislike.”
“Most of those interviewed said they were economically conservative, too, and several emphasized their support for Republican immigration policies and gun rights. But many young Republicans said, they would consider crossing the aisle in this election if not for abortion.”


politicalwire--2020-05-06--Trump Will Urge Justices to Strike Down Obamacare

“ President Trump said his administration will urge the Supreme Court to overturn Obamacare , maintaining its all-out legal assault @ @ @ @ @ amid a pandemic that will drive millions of more Americans to depend on its coverage @ @ @ @ @ “ The administration appears to be doubling down on its legal strategy , even after @ @ @ @ @ week warned top Trump officials about the political ramifications of undermining the health care safety @ @ @ @ @ .
”

“President Trump said his administration will urge the Supreme Court to overturn Obamacare, maintaining its all-out legal assault on the health care law amid a pandemic that will drive millions of more Americans to depend on its coverage,” Politico reports.
“The administration appears to be doubling down on its legal strategy, even after Attorney General Bill Barr this week warned top Trump officials about the political ramifications of undermining the health care safety net during the coronavirus emergency.”


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politicalwire--2020-05-06--Justices Question Roll Back of Birth Control Coverage

“ Supreme Court justices on Wednesday expressed skepticism that the Trump administration can broadly allow employers to deny workers free @ @ @ @ @ a case that could inflame the nation ’ s culture wars ahead of the presidential @ @ @ @ @ .
“ The court ’ s conservative majority was expected to side with the administration @ @ @ @ @ contraceptive coverage requirement under Obamacare .
However , Chief Justice John Roberts joined some of @ @ @ @ @ whether President Trump ’ s rollback of the policy went too far .
”

“Supreme Court justices on Wednesday expressed skepticism that the Trump administration can broadly allow employers to deny workers free birth control coverage, in a case that could inflame the nation’s culture wars ahead of the presidential election,” Politico reports.
“The court’s conservative majority was expected to side with the administration’s weakening of the contraceptive coverage requirement under Obamacare. However, Chief Justice John Roberts joined some of his liberal colleagues in questioning whether President Trump’s rollback of the policy went too far.”


politicalwire--2020-05-06--Exchange of the Day

Exchange of the Day

From a pool spray in the Oval Office : JOHN ROBERTS : Will the nation just have to accept the @ @ @ @ @ will be more death ?
PRESIDENT TRUMP : We have to be warriors .
We @ @ @ @ @ country closed down for years… hopefully that won ’ t be the case , John @ @ @ @ @ well be the case .

From a pool spray in the Oval Office:
JOHN ROBERTS: Will the nation just have to accept the idea that by reopening there will be more death?
PRESIDENT TRUMP: We have to be warriors. We can’t keep our country closed down for years… hopefully that won’t be the case, John, but it could very well be the case.


politicalwire--2020-05-06--Thank You for Voting

Thank You for Voting

Just published : Thank You for Voting : The Maddening , Enlightening , Inspiring Truth About Voting in America by @ @ @ @ @ Voting is a prized American right and a topic of debate from the earliest days @ @ @ @ @ in the 2016 presidential election , about 40 percent of Americans—and half of the country @ @ @ @ @ t vote .
Why do so many Americans choose not to vote , and what @ @ @ @ @ ?
”

Just published: Thank You for Voting: The Maddening, Enlightening, Inspiring Truth About Voting in America by Erin Geiger Smith.
“Voting is a prized American right and a topic of debate from the earliest days of the country. Yet in the 2016 presidential election, about 40 percent of Americans—and half of the country’s young adults—didn’t vote. Why do so many Americans choose not to vote, and what can we do about it?”


politicalwire--2020-05-06--The Issue with Biden’s Pledge of a Black Female Justice

NBC News : “ Supreme Court justices are usually elevated from a federal appeals court .
Eleven of the last @ @ @ @ @ from an appellate court … Only five black women are currently serving on U.S. appeals @ @ @ @ @ them will be 68 or older this year.
” “ There are only nine Democratic-appointed @ @ @ @ @ bench younger than 55 this year .
All are district court judges picked by President @ @ @ @ @ is Leslie Abrams Gardner , 45 , the sister of Biden vice presidential contender Stacey @ @ @

NBC News: “Supreme Court justices are usually elevated from a federal appeals court. Eleven of the last 12 confirmed justices were plucked from an appellate court … Only five black women are currently serving on U.S. appeals courts, and all of them will be 68 or older this year.”
“There are only nine Democratic-appointed black women on the federal bench younger than 55 this year. All are district court judges picked by President Barack Obama. The youngest is Leslie Abrams Gardner, 45, the sister of Biden vice presidential contender Stacey Abrams.”


politicalwire--2020-05-07--Travel From New York Seeded Wave of Outbreaks

New York Times : “ New York City ’ s coronavirus outbreak grew so large by early March that the @ @ @ @ @ of new infections in the United States , new research reveals , as thousands of @ @ @ @ @ city and seeded outbreaks around the country.
” “ The research indicates that a wave @ @ @ @ @ York City through much of the country before the city began setting social distancing limits @ @ @ @ @ That helped to fuel outbreaks in Louisiana , Texas , Arizona and as far away @ @ @ @ @ ”

New York Times: “New York City’s coronavirus outbreak grew so large by early March that the city became the primary source of new infections in the United States, new research reveals, as thousands of infected people traveled from the city and seeded outbreaks around the country.”
“The research indicates that a wave of infections swept from New York City through much of the country before the city began setting social distancing limits to stop the growth. That helped to fuel outbreaks in Louisiana, Texas, Arizona and as far away as the West Coast.”


politicalwire--2020-05-07--Trump Ignored Calls to Press China for Transparency

Wall Street Journal : “ Early this year , several of Mr. Trump ’ s political advisers inside and outside @ @ @ @ @ take on China more directly , which they argued would have bipartisan appeal .
One @ @ @ @ @ special commission to investigate the origins of the virus and whether Beijing responded sufficiently to @ @ @ @ @ Mr .
Trump twice declined suggestions from his team in January to press Xi for @ @ @ @ @ ’ s causes and symptoms , in one case saying that the criticism could cause @ @ @ @ @ ” Aaron Blake : “ In fact , Trump didn ’ t just decline the @ @ @ @ @ in the opposite direction .
Trump repeatedly praised China ’ s coronavirus response through late @ @ @ @ @ different occasions , he actually vouched for China ’ s transparency , despite the advice @ @

Wall Street Journal: “Early this year, several of Mr. Trump’s political advisers inside and outside the campaign urged him to take on China more directly, which they argued would have bipartisan appeal. One idea they suggested was a special commission to investigate the origins of the virus and whether Beijing responded sufficiently to control the outbreak.”
“Mr. Trump twice declined suggestions from his team in January to press Xi for more transparency about the virus’s causes and symptoms, in one case saying that the criticism could cause Beijing to be less helpful.”
Aaron Blake: “In fact, Trump didn’t just decline the suggestions; he actually went in the opposite direction. Trump repeatedly praised China’s coronavirus response through late February. And on two different occasions, he actually vouched for China’s transparency, despite the advice.”


politicalwire--2020-05-07--U.S. Curve Is Not Bending

U.S. Curve Is Not Bending

Axios : “ America ’ s daily rate climbed faster and higher ( due in part to its larger population @ @ @ @ @ have peaked at around 30,000 new cases per day in the first week of April.
@ @ @ @ @ falling , the rate stagnated .
Outside of New York ( which has bent its @ @ @ @ @ actually continuing to climb.
” “ The U.S. continues to record several times as many @ @ @ @ @ any other country has at any time during the pandemic .
”

Axios: “America’s daily rate climbed faster and higher (due in part to its larger population), but appears to have peaked at around 30,000 new cases per day in the first week of April.”
“But rather than falling, the rate stagnated. Outside of New York (which has bent its curve) the rate is actually continuing to climb.”
“The U.S. continues to record several times as many new cases each day as any other country has at any time during the pandemic.”


politicalwire--2020-05-07--Why Trump Won’t Wear a Face Mask

Why Trump Won’t Wear a Face Mask

President Trump has told advisers that he believes wearing a face mask would “ send the wrong message , ” @ @ @ @ @ The president said doing so would make it seem like he is preoccupied with health @ @ @ @ @ the nation ’ s economy — which his aides believe is the key to his @ @ @ @ @ “ Moreover , Trump , who is known to be especially cognizant of his appearance @ @ @ @ @ told confidants that he fears he would look ridiculous in a mask and the image @ @ @ @ @ , according to one of the officials .
”

President Trump has told advisers that he believes wearing a face mask would “send the wrong message,” the AP reports.
“The president said doing so would make it seem like he is preoccupied with health instead of focused on reopening the nation’s economy — which his aides believe is the key to his reelection chances in November.”
“Moreover, Trump, who is known to be especially cognizant of his appearance on television, has also told confidants that he fears he would look ridiculous in a mask and the image would appear in negative ads, according to one of the officials.”


politicalwire--2020-05-07--Republicans Stall on Launch of Oversight Panel

CNN : “ A new oversight panel established by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has yet to get off the ground @ @ @ @ @ the panel amid accusations it is designed to hurt Trump .
”

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


politicalwire--2020-05-07--Senate Republicans Bet Their Majority on Trump

Politico : “ The coronavirus has killed more than 70,000 Americans , tanked the once-soaring U.S. economy and shows no @ @ @ @ @ Trump ’ s ineffective leadership is largely to blame , say Democrats who are growing @ @ @ @ @ Senate after being relegated to the minority for six years.
” “ But nearly all @ @ @ @ @ have decided there ’ s little utility in breaking with the president , particularly after @ @ @ @ @ at the ballot box with such a strategy .
And if somehow the economy recovers @ @ @ @ @ the fall , Republicans could benefit by sticking with Trump.
” “ It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ ’ s control over his party is total .
And that Republicans see their own @ @ @ @ @ president ’ s , amid a global pandemic that will dominate both the presidential race @ @ @ @ @ Senate over the next six months .
”

Politico: “The coronavirus has killed more than 70,000 Americans, tanked the once-soaring U.S. economy and shows no signs of abating. And Trump’s ineffective leadership is largely to blame, say Democrats who are growing optimistic they can seize the Senate after being relegated to the minority for six years.”
“But nearly all GOP senators running for reelection have decided there’s little utility in breaking with the president, particularly after seeing some fellow Republicans collapse at the ballot box with such a strategy. And if somehow the economy recovers and the virus dissipates by the fall, Republicans could benefit by sticking with Trump.”
“It’s the latest sign that Trump’s control over his party is total. And that Republicans see their own political fortunes tied to the president’s, amid a global pandemic that will dominate both the presidential race and the battle for the Senate over the next six months.”


politicalwire--2020-05-07--Administration Shelves CDC Guide to Reopen Country

“ A set of detailed documents created by the nation ’ s top disease investigators meant to give step-by-step advice @ @ @ @ @ and how to reopen public places such as mass transit , day care centers and @ @ @ @ @ has been shelved by the Trump administration , ” the AP reports .
“ It @ @ @ @ @ last Friday , but agency scientists were told the guidance ‘ would never see the @ @ @ @ @ ”

“A set of detailed documents created by the nation’s top disease investigators meant to give step-by-step advice to local leaders deciding when and how to reopen public places such as mass transit, day care centers and restaurants during the still-raging pandemic has been shelved by the Trump administration,” the AP reports.
“It was supposed to be published last Friday, but agency scientists were told the guidance ‘would never see the light of day,’”


politicalwire--2020-05-07--How Biden Can Defeat Trump from His Basement

Lis Smith : “ It seems likely that social distancing will force the presidential campaign to be played out entirely @ @ @ @ @ will free Mr. Biden , the presumptive Democratic nominee , of the burden of running @ @ @ @ @ involving incessant travel .
“ Instead , he can be digitally omnipresent — at a @ @ @ @ @ and physical toll — and create a new paradigm for how presidential campaigns communicate in @ @ @ @ @ come .
”

Lis Smith: “It seems likely that social distancing will force the presidential campaign to be played out entirely on our screens. That will free Mr. Biden, the presumptive Democratic nominee, of the burden of running a grueling, expensive campaign involving incessant travel.
“Instead, he can be digitally omnipresent — at a small fraction of the cost and physical toll — and create a new paradigm for how presidential campaigns communicate in the press for years to come.”


politicalwire--2020-05-07--Arizona Halts Work on Model Predicting Virus Peak

Hours after Arizona Gov .
Doug Ducey ( R ) accelerated plans to reopen businesses , saying the state was @ @ @ @ @ direction , ” his administration halted the work of a team of experts projecting it @ @ @ @ @ and much grimmer — course , the Washington Post reports .
“ On Monday night @ @ @ @ @ Trump ’ s visit to the state , Ducey ’ s health department shut down @ @ @ @ @ predicting the peak of the state ’ s coronavirus outbreak was still about two weeks @ @ @

Hours after Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey (R) accelerated plans to reopen businesses, saying the state was “headed in the right direction,” his administration halted the work of a team of experts projecting it was on a different — and much grimmer — course, the Washington Post reports.
“On Monday night, the eve of President Trump’s visit to the state, Ducey’s health department shut down the work of academic experts predicting the peak of the state’s coronavirus outbreak was still about two weeks away.”


politicalwire--2020-05-07--Buck Pressured Official to Submit Incorrect Election Results

Rep. Ken Buck ( R-CO ) , the Colorado Republican Party Chair , “ pressured a local party official to @ @ @ @ @ set the primary ballot for a state Senate seat , ” according to audio obtained @ @ @ @ @ Buck is heard insisting that this is an “ order of the central committee .
@

Rep. Ken Buck (R-CO), the Colorado Republican Party Chair, “pressured a local party official to submit incorrect election results to set the primary ballot for a state Senate seat,” according to audio obtained by the Denver Post.
Buck is heard insisting that this is an “order of the central committee.”
The local official resisted committing a misdemeanor.


politicalwire--2020-05-07--Trump Declares Victory Before the War Is Over

“ Confronted with America ’ s worst public health crisis in generations , President Trump declared himself a wartime president .
Now he has begun doing what past commanders have done when a war goes badly : Declare victory and go home , ” the New York Times reports .
“ The war , however , does not seem over .
Outside New York , the coronavirus pandemic in the United States is still growing , not receding .
The latest death toll estimates have more than doubled from what Mr. Trump predicted just weeks ago .
And polls show @ @ @ @ @ @ @ normal life.
” “ But Mr. Trump ’ s cure-can ’ t-be-worse-than-the-disease logic is clear : As bad as the virus may be , the cost of the virtual national lockdown has grown too high .
With more than 30 million people out of work and businesses collapsing by the day , keeping the country at home seems unsustainable .
With the virus still spreading and no vaccine available until next year at the earliest , though , the president has decided that for life to resume for many , some may have @ @ @ @

“Confronted with America’s worst public health crisis in generations, President Trump declared himself a wartime president. Now he has begun doing what past commanders have done when a war goes badly: Declare victory and go home,” the New York Times reports.
“The war, however, does not seem over. Outside New York, the coronavirus pandemic in the United States is still growing, not receding. The latest death toll estimates have more than doubled from what Mr. Trump predicted just weeks ago. And polls show the public is not ready to restore normal life.”
“But Mr. Trump’s cure-can’t-be-worse-than-the-disease logic is clear: As bad as the virus may be, the cost of the virtual national lockdown has grown too high. With more than 30 million people out of work and businesses collapsing by the day, keeping the country at home seems unsustainable. With the virus still spreading and no vaccine available until next year at the earliest, though, the president has decided that for life to resume for many, some may have to die.”


politicalwire--2020-05-07--Flake Says GOP Needs ‘a Sound Defeat’

Flake Says GOP Needs ‘a Sound Defeat’

Former Sen. Jeff Flake ( R-AZ ) told Yahoo News that the best thing for the future of the Republican @ @ @ @ @ sound defeat ” for Donald Trump in November , Said Flake : “ No doubt @ @ @ @ @ Republican Party , you bet .
And for conservatism as well .
”

Former Sen. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) told Yahoo News that the best thing for the future of the Republican party would be “a sound defeat” for Donald Trump in November,
Said Flake: “No doubt. Long term for the Republican Party, you bet. And for conservatism as well.”


politicalwire--2020-05-07--Democrats Demand Evidence on Coronavirus Origins

“ Top Democratic lawmakers say the Trump administration should share with Congress the allegedly ‘ enormous ’ evidence showing that @ @ @ @ @ Chinese lab , ” Politico reports .
“ Otherwise , they warn , the administration @ @ @ @ @ .
”

“Top Democratic lawmakers say the Trump administration should share with Congress the allegedly ‘enormous’ evidence showing that the coronavirus sprang from a Chinese lab,” Politico reports.
“Otherwise, they warn, the administration should quit hyping questionable information.”


politicalwire--2020-05-08--When You Believe Your Own Lies

When You Believe Your Own Lies

Susan Glasser : “ When I went to college , we used to joke during exam period that you were @ @ @ @ @ started to lie to yourself and believe it .
The President and at least some @ @ @ @ @ appear now to be in the lying-to-yourself-and-believing-it stage of the pandemic .
Truth has become @ @ @ @ @ s better left aside for some alternate , less inconvenient reality .
This is , @ @ @ @ @ first time in the Trump Presidency , or even the first time during this pandemic @ @ @ @ @ such a gap , but it appears to be a moment when there is a @ @ @ @ @ gulf between Trumpian truth and what is actually happening.
” “ That ’ s because @ @ @ @ @ and , for Trump and for America , they look terrible… Trump appears to me @ @ @ @ @ the very real prospect of losing in November , as both national polls and surveys @ @ @ @ @ him doing .
”

Susan Glasser: “When I went to college, we used to joke during exam period that you were really in trouble when you started to lie to yourself and believe it. The President and at least some of his most fervent supporters appear now to be in the lying-to-yourself-and-believing-it stage of the pandemic. Truth has become so inconvenient that it’s better left aside for some alternate, less inconvenient reality. This is, of course, not the first time in the Trump Presidency, or even the first time during this pandemic, that there has been such a gap, but it appears to be a moment when there is a widening and very likely unsustainable gulf between Trumpian truth and what is actually happening.”
“That’s because the numbers are the numbers and, for Trump and for America, they look terrible… Trump appears to me to be increasingly terrified at the very real prospect of losing in November, as both national polls and surveys in battleground states currently show him doing.”


politicalwire--2020-05-08--Extra Bonus Quote of the Day

Extra Bonus Quote of the Day

“ History is written by the winners , so it largely depends on who is writing the history.
” — @ @ @ @ @ in an interview with CBS News , when asked how history would view his dropping @ @ @ @ @ Flynn .

“History is written by the winners, so it largely depends on who is writing the history.”
— Attorney General Bill Barr, in an interview with CBS News, when asked how history would view his dropping of criminal charges against Michael Flynn.


politicalwire--2020-05-07--Pompeo Backs Off Claims of Virus Origin

Pompeo Backs Off Claims of Virus Origin

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo backed off claims there was “ enormous ” evidence the coronavirus came from a Wuhan @ @ @ @ @ .
Said Pompeo : “ There ’ s evidence that it came from somewhere in @ @ @ @ @ , but that could be wrong.
” He added : “ We ’ ve seen @ @ @ @ @ the lab .
That may not be the case .
”

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo backed off claims there was “enormous” evidence the coronavirus came from a Wuhan lab, ABC News reports.
Said Pompeo: “There’s evidence that it came from somewhere in the vicinity of the lab, but that could be wrong.”
He added: “We’ve seen evidence that it came from the lab. That may not be the case.”


politicalwire--2020-05-07--Democrats Fume Over Cleaning Up Bloomberg’s Mess

“ Mike Bloomberg ’ s decision to dump hundreds of former campaign staffers from his payroll — after promising them @ @ @ @ @ has left a trail of bad blood within the Democratic Party that ’ s now @ @ @ @ @ its general election operation , ” Politico reports .
“ After accepting a much-needed $ @ @ @ @ @ when he dropped out of the presidential campaign in March , Democratic National Committee officials @ @ @ @ @ parties to hire his former employees… Those staffers found themselves jobless after the billionaire broke @ @ @ @ @ promise to keep them employed through November whether he won the nomination or not .
@

“Mike Bloomberg’s decision to dump hundreds of former campaign staffers from his payroll — after promising them paychecks through the election — has left a trail of bad blood within the Democratic Party that’s now roiling a key part of its general election operation,” Politico reports.
“After accepting a much-needed $18 million donation from Bloomberg when he dropped out of the presidential campaign in March, Democratic National Committee officials have been pressuring battleground state parties to hire his former employees… Those staffers found themselves jobless after the billionaire broke his campaign’s public promise to keep them employed through November whether he won the nomination or not.”


politicalwire--2020-05-07--McEnany Called Trump an ‘Inauthentic’ Republican In 2015

New White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany was a harsh critic of then-candidate Donald Trump before she became a fierce @ @ @ @ @ calling comments he made about Mexican immigrants in 2015 “ racist , ” CNN reports @ @ @ @ @ pro-Trump commentator during his first campaign , McEnany said it was “ unfortunate ” and @ @ @ @ @ him a Republican .
She also called him a “ showman ” and “ not @ @ @ @ @ adding “ I don ’ t want to claim this guy .
”

New White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany was a harsh critic of then-candidate Donald Trump before she became a fierce advocate for him, including calling comments he made about Mexican immigrants in 2015 “racist,” CNN reports.
Before becoming a prominent pro-Trump commentator during his first campaign, McEnany said it was “unfortunate” and “inauthentic” to call him a Republican.
She also called him a “showman” and “not a serious candidate,” adding “I don’t want to claim this guy.”


politicalwire--2020-05-07--Lawmakers Want to Rename Chinese Embassy’s Street

“ A group of Republican lawmakers has proposed to rename the street in front of the Chinese embassy in Washington @ @ @ @ @ Wuhan-based whistleblower doctor who warned about the coronavirus outbreak , ” The Hill reports .


politicalwire--2020-05-07--Trump Accuses Obama Administration of ‘Treason’

President Trump called former national security adviser Michael Flynn “ an even greater warrior ” and “ an innocent man @ @ @ @ @ dropped charges against him , the Daily Beast reports .
Said Trump : “ Now @ @ @ @ @ s an even greater warrior .
What happened to him should never happen again.
” @ @ @ @ @ was “ targeted ” by the Obama administration , saying that “ they are dishonest @ @ @ @ @ them of “ treason .
”

President Trump called former national security adviser Michael Flynn “an even greater warrior” and “an innocent man” after the Justice Department dropped charges against him, the Daily Beast reports.
Said Trump: “Now in my book he’s an even greater warrior. What happened to him should never happen again.”
He then insisted that Flynn was “targeted” by the Obama administration, saying that “they are dishonest people” and then accused them of “treason.”


politicalwire--2020-05-07--Trump and Putin Spoke Today

Trump and Putin Spoke Today

“ President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the coronavirus pandemic and other bilateral issues in a phone call @ @ @ @ @ the two countries remain high , ” the Wall Street Journal reports .
According to @ @ @ @ @ discussed the U.S. investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 election with Putin , calling @ @ @ @ @ .
”

“President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the coronavirus pandemic and other bilateral issues in a phone call Thursday, as tensions between the two countries remain high,” the Wall Street Journal reports.
According to Bloomberg, Trump said he discussed the U.S. investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 election with Putin, calling the probe a “hoax.”


politicalwire--2020-05-07--Justice Department Drops Case Against Flynn

“ The Justice Department on Thursday said it is dropping the criminal case against President Trump ’ s first national @ @ @ @ @ , abandoning a prosecution that became a rallying cry for Trump and his supporters in @ @ @ @ @ Russia investigation , ” the AP reports .
“ The move is a stunning reversal @ @ @ @ @ cases brought by special counsel Robert Mueller.
” “ It comes even though prosecutors for @ @ @ @ @ maintained that Flynn had lied to the FBI about his conversations with the Russian ambassador @ @ @ @ @ .
Flynn himself admitted as much , and became a key cooperator for Mueller as @ @ @ @ @ and the 2016 Trump campaign .
”

“The Justice Department on Thursday said it is dropping the criminal case against President Trump’s first national security adviser, Michael Flynn, abandoning a prosecution that became a rallying cry for Trump and his supporters in attacking the FBI’s Russia investigation,” the AP reports.
“The move is a stunning reversal for one of the signature cases brought by special counsel Robert Mueller.”
“It comes even though prosecutors for the last three years had maintained that Flynn had lied to the FBI about his conversations with the Russian ambassador in a January 2017 interview. Flynn himself admitted as much, and became a key cooperator for Mueller as he investigated ties between Russia and the 2016 Trump campaign.”


politicalwire--2020-05-07--White House Mulls New Measures to Boost Economy

“ The White House is considering another possible delay in the deadline for filing federal taxes along with additional measures @ @ @ @ @ for Americans that can be adopted without legislation from Congress , ” NBC News reports @ @ @ @ @ already been pushed to July 15 but could be extended further to September 15 or @ @ @ @ @ ” Bloomberg : “ Speaker Nancy Pelosi dismissed President Trump ’ s recent call for @ @ @ @ @ changes in the capital gains tax , saying that wouldn ’ t help the millions @ @ @ @ @ their jobs and others struggling in an economy shut down by the pandemic .
”

“The White House is considering another possible delay in the deadline for filing federal taxes along with additional measures aimed at providing economic relief for Americans that can be adopted without legislation from Congress,” NBC News reports.
“Tax Day has already been pushed to July 15 but could be extended further to September 15 or as late as December 15.”
Bloomberg: “Speaker Nancy Pelosi dismissed President Trump’s recent call for a payroll tax cut and changes in the capital gains tax, saying that wouldn’t help the millions of workers thrown out of their jobs and others struggling in an economy shut down by the pandemic.”


politicalwire--2020-05-07--Trump to Unleash Negative Ads on Biden

Trump to Unleash Negative Ads on Biden

Politico : “ With Trump ’ s poll numbers sagging amid his handling of the coronavirus pandemic , the offensive @ @ @ @ @ they must turn the race into a choice election between the president and Biden , @ @ @ @ @ on Trump ’ s performance.
” “ The cash-flush campaign is slated to more than @ @ @ @ @ advertising blitz across broadcast and cable channels , as well as online .
”

Politico: “With Trump’s poll numbers sagging amid his handling of the coronavirus pandemic, the offensive underscores how his advisers believe they must turn the race into a choice election between the president and Biden, rather than solely a referendum on Trump’s performance.”
“The cash-flush campaign is slated to more than $10 million on an advertising blitz across broadcast and cable channels, as well as online.”


politicalwire--2020-05-07--The End of October

The End of October

Just published : The End of October : A novel by Lawrence Wright .
“ It ’ s unnerving ” @ @ @ @ @ staff writer and Pulitzer-winning journalist , told The Guardian on the surreal fortune of releasing @ @ @ @ @ a global pandemic .
“ It was meant to be a warning cry , when @ @ @ @ @ by all this dire news .
Whenever I open the paper it feels like I @ @ @ @ @ book .
It ’ s weird .
”

Just published: The End of October: A novel by Lawrence Wright.
“It’s unnerving” Wright, a New Yorker staff writer and Pulitzer-winning journalist, told The Guardian on the surreal fortune of releasing a global pandemic novel during a global pandemic.
“It was meant to be a warning cry, when we weren’t buffeted by all this dire news. Whenever I open the paper it feels like I’m reading my own book. It’s weird.”


politicalwire--2020-05-07--How Germany Kept Factories Open During Pandemic

Wall Street Journal : “ Large parts of Europe have been ravaged by the pandemic , but Germany has fared @ @ @ @ @ seen roughly the same number of diagnosed infections as similar-size neighbors—Italy , Spain , France @ @ @ @ @ only about one-quarter as many deaths.
” “ And German authorities , unlike those in @ @ @ @ @ all factories the option to stay open through the pandemic .
More than 80 % @ @ @ @ @ and only one-quarter have canceled investments.
” Key lessons : “ Businesses implemented strict safety @ @ @ @ @ involved unions and employees in safety planning .
Regional governments moved quickly to test and @ @ @ @ @ And strong ties to China , where many German firms have operations , gave companies @ @ @ @ @ ”

Wall Street Journal: “Large parts of Europe have been ravaged by the pandemic, but Germany has fared better. While it has seen roughly the same number of diagnosed infections as similar-size neighbors—Italy, Spain, France, the U.K.—it has registered only about one-quarter as many deaths.”
“And German authorities, unlike those in Italy and Spain, gave all factories the option to stay open through the pandemic. More than 80% of them did so, and only one-quarter have canceled investments.”
Key lessons: “Businesses implemented strict safety rules early on. Managers involved unions and employees in safety planning. Regional governments moved quickly to test and trace chains of infection. And strong ties to China, where many German firms have operations, gave companies a jump on planning.”


politicalwire--2020-05-07--Out-of-State Visitors Flocked to Georgia

“ One week after Georgia allowed dine-in restaurants , hair salons and other businesses to reopen , an additional 62,440 @ @ @ @ @ most from surrounding states where such businesses remained shuttered , according to an analysis of @ @ @ @ @ the Washington Post reports .
“ Researchers at the University of Maryland say the data @ @ @ @ @ hard evidence that reopening some state economies ahead of others could potentially worsen and prolong @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus .
Any impetus to travel , public health experts say , increases the number @ @ @ @ @ with each other and raises the risk of transmission .
”

“One week after Georgia allowed dine-in restaurants, hair salons and other businesses to reopen, an additional 62,440 visitors arrived there daily, most from surrounding states where such businesses remained shuttered, according to an analysis of smartphone location data,” the Washington Post reports.
“Researchers at the University of Maryland say the data provides some of the first hard evidence that reopening some state economies ahead of others could potentially worsen and prolong the spread of the novel coronavirus. Any impetus to travel, public health experts say, increases the number of people coming into contact with each other and raises the risk of transmission.”


politicalwire--2020-05-07--Trump Asks Court to Stop Release of Mueller Materials

“ The Trump administration asked the Supreme Court to temporarily block a ruling that requires the Justice Department to give @ @ @ @ @ material from the investigation conducted by former special counsel Robert Mueller , ” the Washington @ @ @

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


politicalwire--2020-05-07--Megyn Kelly Interviews Tara Reade

Megyn Kelly Interviews Tara Reade

Megyn Kelly announced she ’ s done an on-camera interview with Tara Reade , the woman who accused Joe Biden @ @ @ @


politicalwire--2020-05-07--Parscale Compares Trump Campaign to the Death Star

President Trump ’ s campaign manager Brad Parscale compared the organization he built — during the middle of a pandemic @ @ @ @ @ .
Said Parscale : “ For nearly three years we have been building a juggernaut @ @ @ @ @ .
It is firing on all cylinders .
”

President Trump’s campaign manager Brad Parscale compared the organization he built — during the middle of a pandemic — to the Death Star.
Said Parscale: “For nearly three years we have been building a juggernaut campaign (Death Star). It is firing on all cylinders.”


politicalwire--2020-05-07--How Bad Will the April Jobs Report Be?

How Bad Will the April Jobs Report Be?

Neil Irwin : “ When released Friday morning , the April numbers will show exactly how stunning the American economy @ @ @ @ @ .
It will be hard to find words to capture what those tables of figures @ @ @ @ @ last time the economy was in free fall , I wrote this : “ The @ @ @ @ @ as to defy analysis through the usual statistical models .
Among the phrases found in @ @ @ @ @ nation ’ s top economic forecasters yesterday : ‘ god-awful , ’ ‘ wholesale capitulation @ @ @ @ @ ’ and ‘ indescribably terrible.
’ ” “ That jobs report , from November 2008 @ @ @ @ @ cut 533,000 jobs .
Analysts expect the April 2020 job losses to be 41 times @ @ @

Neil Irwin: “When released Friday morning, the April numbers will show exactly how stunning the American economy’s plunge has been. It will be hard to find words to capture what those tables of figures will show.”
“The last time the economy was in free fall, I wrote this: “The economy is unraveling so fast as to defy analysis through the usual statistical models. Among the phrases found in normally sober reports from the nation’s top economic forecasters yesterday: ‘god-awful,’ ‘wholesale capitulation,’ ‘shockingly weak’ and ‘indescribably terrible.’”
“That jobs report, from November 2008, indicated that employers had cut 533,000 jobs. Analysts expect the April 2020 job losses to be 41 times worse.”


politicalwire--2020-05-07--Trump’s False Choice Between the Economy and Death

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Well, that didn’t take long. Although the White House reportedly pledged the CDC guidelines to reopen the economy “would never see the light of day,” here they are.


politicalwire--2020-05-07--Valet to Trump Tests Positive

Valet to Trump Tests Positive

“ A member of the US Navy who serves as one of President Trump ’ s personal valets has tested @ @ @ @ @ concerns about the President ’ s possible exposure to the virus , ” CNN reports @ @ @ @ @ members of an elite military unit dedicated to the White House and often work very @ @ @ @ @ first family .
Trump was upset when he was informed Wednesday that the valet had @ @ @ @ @ : “ Oval Office valets have not been wearing masks.
“

“A member of the US Navy who serves as one of President Trump’s personal valets has tested positive for coronavirus, raising concerns about the President’s possible exposure to the virus,” CNN reports.
“The valets are members of an elite military unit dedicated to the White House and often work very close to the President and first family. Trump was upset when he was informed Wednesday that the valet had tested positive.”
John Harwood: “Oval Office valets have not been wearing masks.“


politicalwire--2020-05-08--Flynn May Soon Visit White House

Flynn May Soon Visit White House

Washington Post : “ Trump advisers are discussing deploying the Flynn case as a weapon against putative Democratic nominee and @ @ @ @ @ this fall — and also are contemplating a possible visit to the White House by @ @ @ @ @ .
”


politicalwire--2020-05-08--U.S. Sees Record Drop in Life Satisfaction

“ The percentage of U.S. adults who evaluate their lives well enough to be considered ‘ thriving ’ has dropped @ @ @ @ @ the low point measured in November 2008 during the Great Recession , ” Gallup reports @


politicalwire--2020-05-08--One Question for Michael Flynn

One Question for Michael Flynn

David Ignatius : “ With the Justice Department ’ s move Thursday to drop its case against former national security @ @ @ @ @ ’ s useful to go back to a basic question : If Flynn did nothing @ @ @ @ @ Russian ambassador on Dec. 29 , 2016 , the day President Barack Obama imposed sanctions @ @ @ @ @ the presidential election , why did he conceal it ?
” Lawfare : “ The @ @ @ @ @ is not an honest document—perhaps the reason that it is signed only by Timothy Shea @ @ @ @ @ for the District of Columbia—and not a single one of the career prosecutors who worked @ @ @ @ @

David Ignatius: “With the Justice Department’s move Thursday to drop its case against former national security adviser Michael Flynn, it’s useful to go back to a basic question: If Flynn did nothing wrong when he called the Russian ambassador on Dec. 29, 2016, the day President Barack Obama imposed sanctions on Russia for interfering in the presidential election, why did he conceal it?”
Lawfare: “The government’s 20-page brief is not an honest document—perhaps the reason that it is signed only by Timothy Shea, the interim U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia—and not a single one of the career prosecutors who worked on the case.”


politicalwire--2020-05-08--Vast Majority Think It’s Too Soon to Reopen

“ Americans , by a large 30-point margin , are resistant to re-opening the country now , believing the risk @ @ @ @ @ the country outweighs the economic toll of remaining under restrictive lockdowns — a concern that @ @ @ @ @ , ” according to a new ABC News/Ipsos poll .
More worrying : A quarter @ @ @ @ @ not likely to get vaccinated , even if a safe vaccine was developed .

“Americans, by a large 30-point margin, are resistant to re-opening the country now, believing the risk to human life of opening the country outweighs the economic toll of remaining under restrictive lockdowns — a concern that starkly divides along partisan lines,” according to a new ABC News/Ipsos poll.
More worrying: A quarter of Americans said they were not likely to get vaccinated, even if a safe vaccine was developed.


politicalwire--2020-05-08--Trump Tightens Grip on Coronavirus Information

Washington Post : “ Trump ’ s information-control tactics are being replicated in states across the country , where governors @ @ @ @ @ the advice of public health officials… ” “ Administration officials say the moves reflect a @ @ @ @ @ , away from focusing on the health challenges caused by the pandemic and toward restarting @ @ @ @ @ country out of recession .
The evolution is being driven in part by the political @ @ @ @ @ months before voters decide the president ’ s fate.
” For members : Trump ’ @ @ @ @ @ Economy and Death .

Washington Post: “Trump’s information-control tactics are being replicated in states across the country, where governors are lifting stay-at-home orders against the advice of public health officials…”
“Administration officials say the moves reflect a shift, driven by Trump, away from focusing on the health challenges caused by the pandemic and toward restarting economic activity and pulling the country out of recession. The evolution is being driven in part by the political calendar, with just six months before voters decide the president’s fate.”
For members: Trump’s False Choice Between the Economy and Death.


politicalwire--2020-05-08--Does the Coronavirus Task Force Even Matter?

“ In ordinary times in Washington , it would matter a lot .
It is hardly unusual for presidents to create new structures to navigate a crisis , gathering experts who can distill the work of departments and intelligence agencies and drive the execution of complex plans across a sprawling federal bureaucracy , ” the New York Times reports .
“ It is why Harry S. Truman created the National Security Council to navigate Cold War realities in 1947 , and why Dwight D. Eisenhower moved the science adviser into the White House a decade later to deal with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ John F. Kennedy met in secret with a committee of experts during the outset of the Cuban missile crisis to decide whether war or diplomacy was the right path.
” “ But the coronavirus task force , led by Vice President Mike Pence , clearly had a different role .
It had a psychological resonance with a scared public that wants to see and hear from medical experts after weeks of Mr. Trump ’ s playing down the effect of the virus .
In the end , it was that public-facing role , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gathered or the recommendations it issued to the states , that led Mr. Trump to flip-flop .
”

“In ordinary times in Washington, it would matter a lot. It is hardly unusual for presidents to create new structures to navigate a crisis, gathering experts who can distill the work of departments and intelligence agencies and drive the execution of complex plans across a sprawling federal bureaucracy,” the New York Times reports.
“It is why Harry S. Truman created the National Security Council to navigate Cold War realities in 1947, and why Dwight D. Eisenhower moved the science adviser into the White House a decade later to deal with the space race.”
“It is why John F. Kennedy met in secret with a committee of experts during the outset of the Cuban missile crisis to decide whether war or diplomacy was the right path.”
“But the coronavirus task force, led by Vice President Mike Pence, clearly had a different role. It had a psychological resonance with a scared public that wants to see and hear from medical experts after weeks of Mr. Trump’s playing down the effect of the virus. In the end, it was that public-facing role, rather than the expertise the task force gathered or the recommendations it issued to the states, that led Mr. Trump to flip-flop.”


politicalwire--2020-05-08--Pelosi Expected to Push New $2 Trillion Relief Bill

“ Speaker Nancy Pelosi is speeding to finalize a multitrillion-dollar coronavirus relief package , hoping to put the bill on @ @ @ @ @ — a timeline that even some senior Democrats dismiss as unlikely , ” Politico reports @ @ @ @ @ to release the draft bill — which some Democrats worry could cost upward of $ @ @ @ @ @ .
But that timeline is slipping as members from all corners of the caucus pressure @ @ @ @ @ bill with their priorities , many of which were left out of the previous four @ @ @ @ @ .
Senior Democratic aides said Pelosi and the committees will be working through the weekend @ @ @ @ @

“Speaker Nancy Pelosi is speeding to finalize a multitrillion-dollar coronavirus relief package, hoping to put the bill on the House floor next week — a timeline that even some senior Democrats dismiss as unlikely,” Politico reports.
“Pelosi had hoped to release the draft bill — which some Democrats worry could cost upward of $2 trillion — on Friday. But that timeline is slipping as members from all corners of the caucus pressure leadership to stuff the ballooning bill with their priorities, many of which were left out of the previous four aid packages negotiated with Republicans. Senior Democratic aides said Pelosi and the committees will be working through the weekend on the package.”


politicalwire--2020-05-08--When Will All the Jobs Return?

When Will All the Jobs Return?

Politico : “ The U.S. economy is sitting in its deepest hole since the Great Depression , with more than @ @ @ @ @ jobs in just seven weeks and an unemployment rate likely to top 20 percent this @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus pandemic .
And it ’ s likely to take years — perhaps much @ @ @ @ @ to dig out.
” “ President Trump is agitating for a rapid reopening of the @ @ @ @ @ the damage quickly , hoping a swift bounce back would boost his reelection prospects in @ @ @ @ @ is likely to be weighed down by severe damage to the private sector and a @ @ @ @ @ old normal , keeping the jobless rate still near 10 percent — the high of @ @ @ @ @ the end of 2021 , a year into the next presidential term in office .
@

Politico: “The U.S. economy is sitting in its deepest hole since the Great Depression, with more than 33 million Americans losing their jobs in just seven weeks and an unemployment rate likely to top 20 percent this year under the weight of the coronavirus pandemic.”
“And it’s likely to take years — perhaps much of the next decade — to dig out.”
“President Trump is agitating for a rapid reopening of the U.S. economy to help reverse the damage quickly, hoping a swift bounce back would boost his reelection prospects in November. But the recovery is likely to be weighed down by severe damage to the private sector and a resistance to returning to the old normal, keeping the jobless rate still near 10 percent — the high of the Great Recession — by the end of 2021, a year into the next presidential term in office.”


politicalwire--2020-05-08--Senate GOP Ready for Any Supreme Court Vacancy

“ Senate Republicans are quietly beginning to contemplate the possibility of an election-year confirmation battle for the Supreme Court , @ @ @ @ @ Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg ’ s hospitalization this week and the looming end of the @ @ @ @ @ raise the prospect of yet another prized vacancy for President Trump .
And if there @ @ @ @ @ retirement in the months before the presidential election , GOP senators plan to act on @ @ @ @ @ Barack Obama a Supreme Court seat in an election year .
”

“Senate Republicans are quietly beginning to contemplate the possibility of an election-year confirmation battle for the Supreme Court,” Politico reports.
“Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s hospitalization this week and the looming end of the Supreme Court’s term raise the prospect of yet another prized vacancy for President Trump. And if there is a surprise opening or retirement in the months before the presidential election, GOP senators plan to act on it, despite denying President Barack Obama a Supreme Court seat in an election year.”


politicalwire--2020-05-08--Dysfunction Harms Delivery of Coronavirus Drug

“ A complete breakdown in communication and coordination within the Trump administration has undermined the distribution of a promising treatment @ @ @ @ @ ‘ The drug , remdesivir , hasn ’ t made it to some of the @ @ @ @ @ s most needed , and administration officials have responded by shifting blame and avoiding responsibility @ @

“A complete breakdown in communication and coordination within the Trump administration has undermined the distribution of a promising treatment,” Axios reports.
‘The drug, remdesivir, hasn’t made it to some of the high-priority hospitals where it’s most needed, and administration officials have responded by shifting blame and avoiding responsibility.”


politicalwire--2020-05-08--Biden Accuser Represented by Trump Donor

“ Tara Reade , a former Senate staffer who alleged Joe Biden sexually assaulted her 27 years ago , is @ @ @ @ @ lawyer and political donor to President Trump ’ s 2016 Republican campaign , ” the @ @ @


politicalwire--2020-05-08--Melinda Gates Gives Trump a ‘D-Minus’

Melinda Gates Gives Trump a ‘D-Minus’

Melinda Gates gave the Trump administration a “ D minus ” for its response to the coronavirus pandemic , Politico @ @ @ @ @ “ We need leadership at the national level .
We lost two months almost now @ @ @ @ @ response .
”


politicalwire--2020-05-08--Markey Trails Kennedy By Wide Margin

Markey Trails Kennedy By Wide Margin

A new Emerson College/7 News poll finds Sen. Ed Markey ( D-MA ) at risk of losing reelection , as @ @ @ @ @ ( D-MA ) , 58 % to 42 % , for the Democratic primary .
@ @ @ @ @ Kennedy ahead 44 % to 42 % .

A new Emerson College/7 News poll finds Sen. Ed Markey (D-MA) at risk of losing reelection, as he trails Rep. Joe Kennedy (D-MA), 58% to 42%, for the Democratic primary.
A new UMass-Lowell poll has Kennedy ahead 44% to 42%.


politicalwire--2020-05-08--Suspects Charged With Murder in Ahmaud Arbery Killing

New York Times : “ Georgia police on Thursday arrested a white father and son and charged them with murder @ @ @ @ @ Arbery , a 25-year-old black man whose death in February has recently attracted widespread outrage.
@ @ @ @ @ anger has been focused on the fact that no charges had been brought against the @ @ @ @ @ and Travis McMichael , ages 64 and 34 .
”

New York Times: “Georgia police on Thursday arrested a white father and son and charged them with murder in the killing of Ahmaud Arbery, a 25-year-old black man whose death in February has recently attracted widespread outrage.”
“Much of that anger has been focused on the fact that no charges had been brought against the father and son, Gregory and Travis McMichael, ages 64 and 34.”


politicalwire--2020-05-09--Trump Keeps Flouting Coronavirus Protocols

Washington Post : “ The president appeared puzzled that the aide , Katie Miller , the press secretary for Vice @ @ @ @ @ the virus ‘ out of the blue ’ after testing negative several times under a @ @ @ @ @ put in place last month.
” “ During the event with GOP members , Trump @ @ @ @ @ of tests isn ’ t great , ’ but he declared that he was satisfied @ @ @ @ @ in place to protect him and his top aides.
” Said Trump : “ I @ @ @ @ @ things .
I do what I have to do .
We ’ re dealing with @ @ @ @ @ knows .
All you can do is take precaution and do the best that you @ @ @

Washington Post: “The president appeared puzzled that the aide, Katie Miller, the press secretary for Vice President Pence, had contracted the virus ‘out of the blue’ after testing negative several times under a routine White House screening program put in place last month.”
“During the event with GOP members, Trump suggested ‘the whole concept of tests isn’t great,’ but he declared that he was satisfied with the procedures that are in place to protect him and his top aides.”
Said Trump: “I don’t worry about things. I do what I have to do. We’re dealing with an invisible situation. Nobody knows. All you can do is take precaution and do the best that you can.”


politicalwire--2020-05-09--Emails Show White House Officials Buried CDC Report

“ The decision to shelve detailed advice from the nation ’ s top disease control experts for reopening communities during @ @ @ @ @ the highest levels of the White House , ” according to internal government emails obtained @ @ @ @ @ “ The files also show that after the AP reported Thursday that the guidance document @ @ @ @ @ Trump administration ordered key parts of it to be fast-tracked for approval .
”

“The decision to shelve detailed advice from the nation’s top disease control experts for reopening communities during the coronavirus pandemic came from the highest levels of the White House,” according to internal government emails obtained by the Associated Press.
“The files also show that after the AP reported Thursday that the guidance document had been buried, the Trump administration ordered key parts of it to be fast-tracked for approval.”


politicalwire--2020-05-08--Trump’s New Campaign Message: It’s Not My Fault

“ With unemployment at its worst rate since the Great Depression , and deaths from COVID-19 still rising in most @ @ @ @ @ Trump argued Friday that Americans should not hold him responsible for the calamity on his @ @ @ @ @ Angeles Times reports .
“ Less than six months before Election Day , Trump ’ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t blame him — is a risky bet that voters will credit his @ @ @ @ @ and revive the moribund economy , and not hold him accountable for the administration ’ @ @ @ @ @ 75,000 U.S. deaths so far , the most of any country .
”

“With unemployment at its worst rate since the Great Depression, and deaths from COVID-19 still rising in most of the country, President Trump argued Friday that Americans should not hold him responsible for the calamity on his watch,” the Los Angeles Times reports.
“Less than six months before Election Day, Trump’s new campaign message — don’t blame him — is a risky bet that voters will credit his efforts to fight the pandemic and revive the moribund economy, and not hold him accountable for the administration’s much-criticized response and the 75,000 U.S. deaths so far, the most of any country.”