politicalwire--2020-01-19--Democratic Senator ‘Fine’ if Hunter Biden Testifies

Sen. Sherrod Brown ( D-OH ) told CNN it would be “ fine ” if Senate Republicans requested Hunter Biden @ @ @ @ @ impeachment trial against President Trump in exchange for House Democrats ’ requested witnesses .
Said @ @ @ @ @ you bring in — We take the position that we want to hear from the @ @ @ @ @ t know what Hunter Biden has to do with the phone call the President made.
@ @ @ @ @ The point is we need witnesses , we need to know who they are with @ @ @ @ @ , additional witnesses later .
But I don ’ t understand how you come to @ @ @ @ @ the case that this is a real trial , if there are no witnesses and @ @ @ @ @ .
”

Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) told CNN it would be “fine” if Senate Republicans requested Hunter Biden as a witness in the impeachment trial against President Trump in exchange for House Democrats’ requested witnesses.
Said Brown: “I think you bring in — We take the position that we want to hear from the witnesses. I don’t know what Hunter Biden has to do with the phone call the President made.”
He added: “The point is we need witnesses, we need to know who they are with the right to call witnesses, additional witnesses later. But I don’t understand how you come to the American public, make the case that this is a real trial, if there are no witnesses and there is no new evidence.”


politicalwire--2020-01-19--How Trump Has Kept Near-Unanimous GOP Support

Wall Street Journal : “ The unity is the byproduct not only of a White House charm offensive this fall @ @ @ @ @ the fairness of the impeachment process , but more broadly the president ’ s personal @ @ @ @ @ raw political power over the party , fueled by an intensely loyal base of GOP @ @ @ @ @ the case since Mr. Trump ascended to the GOP throne , Republicans who dared step @ @ @ @ @ Twitter outrage , meeting the wrath of the president ’ s base.
” “ The @ @ @ @ @ who want long-term futures in the party to get in line behind the president and @ @ @ @ @ to retire quietly without risking a noisy and disruptive exit .
Twenty-six House Republicans have @ @ @ @ @ House since the 2018 midterm elections , when the party ’ s moderate wing took @ @ @ @ @ the majority .
Not one of those retirees , including several moderates , voted against @ @ @ @ @ .
”

Wall Street Journal: “The unity is the byproduct not only of a White House charm offensive this fall and widespread Republican concerns about the fairness of the impeachment process, but more broadly the president’s personal powers of persuasion and his raw political power over the party, fueled by an intensely loyal base of GOP voters. As has been the case since Mr. Trump ascended to the GOP throne, Republicans who dared step out of line faced his Twitter outrage, meeting the wrath of the president’s base.”
“The stark tribalism has led those who want long-term futures in the party to get in line behind the president and those who have had enough to retire quietly without risking a noisy and disruptive exit. Twenty-six House Republicans have announced they are leaving the House since the 2018 midterm elections, when the party’s moderate wing took major casualties as Democrats won the majority. Not one of those retirees, including several moderates, voted against the party line on impeachment.”


politicalwire--2020-01-19--McConnell’s Rules for Trial Still Allows Motion to Dismiss

“ Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is preparing a resolution that would leave room for President Trump ’ s lawyers @ @ @ @ @ the impeachment charges if they so choose , according to Republican Sen. Josh Hawley , @ @ @ @ @ Yes , but : Republican Senate leaders , including McConnell and Roy Blunt , the @ @ @ @ @ have already said members aren ’ t interested in a vote to dismiss .
And @ @ @ @ @ ’ s team would push for what would almost certainly be a losing vote — @ @ @ @ @ seen as a sign of weakness at the outset of the trial .
”

“Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is preparing a resolution that would leave room for President Trump’s lawyers to move immediately to dismiss the impeachment charges if they so choose, according to Republican Sen. Josh Hawley,” Axios reports.
“Yes, but: Republican Senate leaders, including McConnell and Roy Blunt, the senior senator from Missouri, have already said members aren’t interested in a vote to dismiss. And it seems unlikely that Trump’s team would push for what would almost certainly be a losing vote — a move that could be seen as a sign of weakness at the outset of the trial.”


politicalwire--2020-01-19--Trump Goes on the Attack

Trump Goes on the Attack

Playbook : “ After months of President Trump opting to sit out of the House ’ s impeachment proceedings , @ @ @ @ @ clear in his team ’ s first official response to the Senate : attack , @ @ @ @ @ six-page response , which will be followed up by a trial brief Monday , hit @ @ @ @ @ but also argued the entire impeachment effort was engineered by his political opponents.
” “ @ @ @ @ @ to the Democrats ’ 111-page brief that detailed their case against the president , including @ @ @ @ @ out in the last few weeks .
”

Playbook: “After months of President Trump opting to sit out of the House’s impeachment proceedings, his defense strategy became quite clear in his team’s first official response to the Senate: attack, attack, attack. The six-page response, which will be followed up by a trial brief Monday, hit on not only the process but also argued the entire impeachment effort was engineered by his political opponents.”
“It was a stark contrast to the Democrats’ 111-page brief that detailed their case against the president, including new evidence that has come out in the last few weeks.”


politicalwire--2020-01-19--The Safe Choice Is Often the Most Dangerous

Jeff Greenfield : “ What happens when a party nominates a candidate who triumphs because of familiarity , or because ‘ it ’ s her turn , ’ or because he ’ s steadily ascended the party ranks despite no defining passion or cause ?
The track record of these “ default ” nominees , at least in modern political history , is bleak.
” “ Hillary Clinton is the latest and , for the Democrats , still most painful example .
The combination of her experience , her family ties and the sense that ( in the words of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ‘ her turn ’ drove every potentially serious rival out of the 2016 race .
Bernie Sanders ’ surprisingly strong primary challenge was a foreshadowing of her vulnerabilities , even if the signal was mostly dismissed until about 9 p.m. on election night in November.
” “ Four years before Hillary Clinton was defeated , the Republicans trotted out the reliable , central-casting Mitt Romney to lose to President Barack Obama , a campaign that seemed to rhyme with the time the Dems unenthusiastically fell in line for John Kerry against President George @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back , and you see candidates like these over and over , marching under flags of pale pastel , all going down to defeat in November : Al Gore , Bob Dole , Walter Mondale , Gerald Ford , Hubert Humphrey and even Richard Nixon , in his first run , in 1960 .
”

Jeff Greenfield: “What happens when a party nominates a candidate who triumphs because of familiarity, or because ‘it’s her turn,’ or because he’s steadily ascended the party ranks despite no defining passion or cause? The track record of these “default” nominees, at least in modern political history, is bleak.”
“Hillary Clinton is the latest and, for the Democrats, still most painful example. The combination of her experience, her family ties and the sense that (in the words of a proposed campaign slogan) it was ‘her turn’ drove every potentially serious rival out of the 2016 race. Bernie Sanders’ surprisingly strong primary challenge was a foreshadowing of her vulnerabilities, even if the signal was mostly dismissed until about 9 p.m. on election night in November.”
“Four years before Hillary Clinton was defeated, the Republicans trotted out the reliable, central-casting Mitt Romney to lose to President Barack Obama, a campaign that seemed to rhyme with the time the Dems unenthusiastically fell in line for John Kerry against President George W. Bush in 2004. Keep going back, and you see candidates like these over and over, marching under flags of pale pastel, all going down to defeat in November: Al Gore, Bob Dole, Walter Mondale, Gerald Ford, Hubert Humphrey and even Richard Nixon, in his first run, in 1960.”


politicalwire--2020-01-19--Murkowski Wants to Hear Case Before Witnesses

Sen. Lisa Murkowski told the AP she ’ s comfortable waiting to decide if more information is needed as part @ @ @ @ @ impeachment trial until after hearing arguments from House managers and attorneys for President Trump and @ @ @ @ @ said she wants to make sure there ’ s a process that allows senators to @ @ @ @ @ ” and ask questions “ before we make that determination as to , what more @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t know what more we need until I ’ ve been given the @ @ @ @

Sen. Lisa Murkowski told the AP she’s comfortable waiting to decide if more information is needed as part of the Senate’s impeachment trial until after hearing arguments from House managers and attorneys for President Trump and questions from members.
Murkowski said she wants to make sure there’s a process that allows senators to “really hear the case” and ask questions “before we make that determination as to, what more do we need. I don’t know what more we need until I’ve been given the base case.”


politicalwire--2020-01-19--Dysfunction and Disaster at the Court of King Donald

The Guardian reviews A Very Stable Genius as “ richly sourced and highly readable.
” “ It sheds new light @ @ @ @ @ tests the boundaries of the office while trying the patience and dignity of those who @ @ @ @ @ .
It is not just another Trump tell-all or third-party confessional .
It is unsettling @ @ @ @ @

The Guardian reviews A Very Stable Genius as “richly sourced and highly readable.”
“It sheds new light on how the 45th president tests the boundaries of the office while trying the patience and dignity of those who work for or with him. It is not just another Trump tell-all or third-party confessional. It is unsettling, not salacious.”


politicalwire--2020-01-20--Trump Has Made 16,241 False Statements In 3 Years

Washington Post : “ Three years after taking the oath of office , President Trump has made more than 16,200 @ @ @ @ @ a milestone that would have been unthinkable when we first created the Fact Checker ’ @ @ @ @ @ categorizes and tracks every suspect statement he has uttered .
”

Washington Post: “Three years after taking the oath of office, President Trump has made more than 16,200 false or misleading claims — a milestone that would have been unthinkable when we first created the Fact Checker’s database that analyzes, categorizes and tracks every suspect statement he has uttered.”


politicalwire--2020-01-20--New York Times Endorses Klobuchar and Warren

New York Times : “ The history of the editorial board would suggest that we would side squarely with the candidate with a more traditional approach to pushing the nation forward , within the realities of a constitutional framework and a multiparty country .
But the events of the past few years have shaken the confidence of even the most committed institutionalists .
We are not veering away from the values we espouse , but we are rattled by the weakness of the institutions that we trusted to undergird those values.
” “ There are legitimate questions about whether our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ elections are getting less free and fair , Congress and the courts are increasingly partisan , foreign nations are flooding society with misinformation , a deluge of money flows through our politics .
And the economic mobility that made the American dream possible is vanishing.
” “ Both the radical and the realist models warrant serious consideration .
If there were ever a time to be open to new ideas , it is now .
If there were ever a time to seek stability , now is it.
” “ That ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effective advocates for each approach .
They are Elizabeth Warren and Amy Klobuchar .
”

New York Times: “The history of the editorial board would suggest that we would side squarely with the candidate with a more traditional approach to pushing the nation forward, within the realities of a constitutional framework and a multiparty country. But the events of the past few years have shaken the confidence of even the most committed institutionalists. We are not veering away from the values we espouse, but we are rattled by the weakness of the institutions that we trusted to undergird those values.”
“There are legitimate questions about whether our democratic system is fundamentally broken. Our elections are getting less free and fair, Congress and the courts are increasingly partisan, foreign nations are flooding society with misinformation, a deluge of money flows through our politics. And the economic mobility that made the American dream possible is vanishing.”
“Both the radical and the realist models warrant serious consideration. If there were ever a time to be open to new ideas, it is now. If there were ever a time to seek stability, now is it.”
“That’s why we’re endorsing the most effective advocates for each approach. They are Elizabeth Warren and Amy Klobuchar.”


politicalwire--2020-01-20--Jayapal Endorses Sanders for President

Jayapal Endorses Sanders for President

Rep. Pramila Jayapal ( D-WA ) , an influential liberal , is backing Sen. Bernie Sanders as the Democratic Party @ @ @ @ @ , “ strengthening his already robust support among some of the most liberal members of @ @ @ @ @ Street Journal reports .

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


politicalwire--2020-01-20--Inside Trump’s Impeachment Strategy

Inside Trump’s Impeachment Strategy

“ Trump officials say they feel especially bullish about one key argument against calling additional impeachment witnesses : It could @ @ @ @ @ security , ” Axios reports .
“ People close to the president say their most @ @ @ @ @ Republican senators to vote against calling new witnesses is the claim that they ’ re @ @ @ @ @ They ’ re banking on it to speed up the trial .
”

“Trump officials say they feel especially bullish about one key argument against calling additional impeachment witnesses: It could compromise America’s national security,” Axios reports.
“People close to the president say their most compelling argument to persuade nervous Republican senators to vote against calling new witnesses is the claim that they’re protecting national security.”
“They’re banking on it to speed up the trial.”


politicalwire--2020-01-20--McConnell Lays Out Ground Rules for Trial

“ The impeachment organizing resolution from Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell gives House impeachment managers and President Trump ’ s @ @ @ @ @ to make their opening arguments over two days , ” CNN reports .
“ The @ @ @ @ @ the trial will have 12-hour days and go late into the night.
” Politico : @ @ @ @ @ by 16 total hours of questions and answers , culminating in a four-hour debate and @ @ @ @ @ to consider witnesses or new information.
” “ There is no explicit reference to a @ @ @ @ @ in the resolution .
”

“The impeachment organizing resolution from Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell gives House impeachment managers and President Trump’s legal team 24 hours each to make their opening arguments over two days,” CNN reports.
“The resolution raises the prospect that the trial will have 12-hour days and go late into the night.”
Politico: “That will be followed by 16 total hours of questions and answers, culminating in a four-hour debate and a critical vote over whether to consider witnesses or new information.”
“There is no explicit reference to a motion to dismiss the trial in the resolution.”


politicalwire--2020-01-20--Trump Leaves Country as Impeachment Trial Begins

“ President Trump departs for Davos , Switzerland , on Monday night to attend the World Economic Forum , placing @ @ @ @ @ from Washington as the Senate hashes out the rules of his impeachment trial , ” @ @ @


politicalwire--2020-01-20--Majority Want Senate to Convict Trump

Majority Want Senate to Convict Trump

A new CNN poll finds 51 % of Americans say the Senate should vote to convict President Trump and remove @ @ @ @ @ 45 % disagree .
Also interesting : 69 % say that upcoming trial should feature @ @ @ @ @ did not testify in the House impeachment inquiry .

A new CNN poll finds 51% of Americans say the Senate should vote to convict President Trump and remove him from office, while 45% disagree.
Also interesting: 69% say that upcoming trial should feature testimony from new witnesses who did not testify in the House impeachment inquiry.


politicalwire--2020-01-20--Trump Hits Book Authors

Trump Hits Book Authors

President Trump lashed out at the authors of A Very Stable Genius , calling them “ stone cold losers .
@


Polling Forward

Gabe Fleisher has an interesting interview with pollster Ann Selzer and why she ’ s been so successful at polling the Iowa caucuses .
The bottom line : Selzer doesn ’ t try to model likely turnout in future caucuses based on past voting behavior : “ We ask everybody who is a registered voter if they ’ re likely to caucus on the Democratic side , no matter whether they are registered Democrat , Republican , or Independent .
We ask all of them.
” “ In 2008 , that meant her final pre-caucus poll projected that a “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be first-time participants in the primary process .
That prediction received widespread skepticism , but on caucus night , 57 % of attendees were new participants , fueling Obama ’ s upset — and cementing Selzer ’ s reputation.
” Selzer calls her approach “ polling forward.
” She explains : “ Had I done anything that looked backward at what happened before , I would have been blinded from seeing what was coming in the future… Other people will weight their data to look like past caucusgoers and other sorts of things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only registered Democrats that matter , that they don ’ t mind losing what might be happening with others .
But if something big is happening , they won ’ t see it .
They will be quite literally blinded to it .
”

Gabe Fleisher has an interesting interview with pollster Ann Selzer and why she’s been so successful at polling the Iowa caucuses.
The bottom line: Selzer doesn’t try to model likely turnout in future caucuses based on past voting behavior: “We ask everybody who is a registered voter if they’re likely to caucus on the Democratic side, no matter whether they are registered Democrat, Republican, or Independent. We ask all of them.”
“In 2008, that meant her final pre-caucus poll projected that a “jaw-dropping” 60% of caucus-goers would be first-time participants in the primary process. That prediction received widespread skepticism, but on caucus night, 57% of attendees were new participants, fueling Obama’s upset — and cementing Selzer’s reputation.”
Selzer calls her approach “polling forward.” She explains: “Had I done anything that looked backward at what happened before, I would have been blinded from seeing what was coming in the future… Other people will weight their data to look like past caucusgoers and other sorts of things or decide that it’s really only registered Democrats that matter, that they don’t mind losing what might be happening with others. But if something big is happening, they won’t see it. They will be quite literally blinded to it.”


The Metastasizing Crisis

Jacob Levy : “ The Supreme Court ’ s decision in July to allow the Trump administration to divert Pentagon funds budgeted for other purposes to the construction of a wall on the Mexican border was not the most important or dramatic moment of the week .
It probably wasn ’ t even the most important or dramatic moment of the day ; who can remember anymore ?
” “ But it stands out to me as a particularly clear moment when the assault on immigration , driven by an ideology of racist nationalism , intersects with the crumbling of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ away of constraints on the presidency .
Legislative control over the ‘ power of the purse ’ is a foundational principle of the separation of powers , and Congress has not only repeatedly refused to fund construction of a wall , but passed a resolution expressly disapproving of President Trump ’ s declaration of a state of emergency to allow himself to repurpose funds .
Trump vetoed the disapproval , and an override failed .
The Court ’ s precedent seems to decisively shift budgetary control to the executive , subject to legislative @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Jacob Levy: “The Supreme Court’s decision in July to allow the Trump administration to divert Pentagon funds budgeted for other purposes to the construction of a wall on the Mexican border was not the most important or dramatic moment of the week. It probably wasn’t even the most important or dramatic moment of the day; who can remember anymore?”
“But it stands out to me as a particularly clear moment when the assault on immigration, driven by an ideology of racist nationalism, intersects with the crumbling of the separation of powers and the falling away of constraints on the presidency. Legislative control over the ‘power of the purse’ is a foundational principle of the separation of powers, and Congress has not only repeatedly refused to fund construction of a wall, but passed a resolution expressly disapproving of President Trump’s declaration of a state of emergency to allow himself to repurpose funds. Trump vetoed the disapproval, and an override failed. The Court’s precedent seems to decisively shift budgetary control to the executive, subject to legislative reclamation only with two-thirds majorities.”


politicalwire--2020-01-20--How Trump Has Fused His Business with Presidency

Politico : “ Trump ’ s early decision to maintain his grip on his sprawling real estate empire — despite @ @ @ @ @ business aside while in the White House — has created a vast web of potential @ @ @ @ @ about his policies being driven by his business interests and even possible violations of the @ @ @ @ @ Trump kicks off his fourth year as president this week facing the stain of an @ @ @ @ @ managed to skirt accountability for widespread possible conflicts of interest that critics say represent a @ @ @ @ @ create dangerous risks to the integrity of the presidency .
”

Politico: “Trump’s early decision to maintain his grip on his sprawling real estate empire — despite his pledge to put his business aside while in the White House — has created a vast web of potential conflicts of interest, accusations about his policies being driven by his business interests and even possible violations of the law.”
“Even as Trump kicks off his fourth year as president this week facing the stain of an impeachment trial, he has managed to skirt accountability for widespread possible conflicts of interest that critics say represent a blatant abuse of power and create dangerous risks to the integrity of the presidency.”


politicalwire--2020-01-20--Trump Struggles to Fill Top Jobs

Trump Struggles to Fill Top Jobs

“ Pushing nominees through the Senate confirmation process takes twice as long under President Trump as it did during President @ @ @ @ @ in office — a record that appears to have limited Trump ’ s influence during @ @ @ @ @ , ” Politico reports .
“ On average , it takes 115 days to confirm @ @ @ @ @ , compared with 56.4 days under Reagan , according to new data from the nonpartisan @ @ @ @ @ In 2019 , the process took even longer : an average of 136 days for @ @ @ @ @ , particularly for sub-Cabinet positions .
”

“Pushing nominees through the Senate confirmation process takes twice as long under President Trump as it did during President Ronald Reagan’s time in office — a record that appears to have limited Trump’s influence during his three years as president,” Politico reports.
“On average, it takes 115 days to confirm a presidential appointee for Trump, compared with 56.4 days under Reagan, according to new data from the nonpartisan Partnership for Public Service. In 2019, the process took even longer: an average of 136 days for the Senate to confirm appointees, particularly for sub-Cabinet positions.”


politicalwire--2020-01-20--Secretary of Navy Nominee Linked to Cambridge Analytica

CBS News : “ Documents apparently generated by Cambridge Analytica suggest that the political consulting firm had a contractual relationship @ @ @ @ @ year before he was nominated to be U.S .
Ambassador to Norway in 2017.
” @ @ @ @ @ Trump has said will be his nominee for Secretary of the Navy , made no @ @ @ @ @ his required government disclosure form , and says he never entered one .
”

CBS News: “Documents apparently generated by Cambridge Analytica suggest that the political consulting firm had a contractual relationship with Kenneth Braithwaite in the year before he was nominated to be U.S. Ambassador to Norway in 2017.”
“Braithwaite, who President Trump has said will be his nominee for Secretary of the Navy, made no mention of an agreement in his required government disclosure form, and says he never entered one.”


politicalwire--2020-01-20--Bloomberg Would Vote to Convict Trump

Bloomberg Would Vote to Convict Trump

Michael Bloomberg told NBC News that he would reluctantly vote to convict President Trump if he were a senator in @ @ @ @ @ Bloomberg : “ We ’ d be much better off letting the voters decide who @ @ @ @ @ ” But he added : “ I ’ d have to swallow two or three @ @ @ @ @ say I would vote to convict because there ’ s so much evidence that he @ @ @ @

Michael Bloomberg told NBC News that he would reluctantly vote to convict President Trump if he were a senator in the impeachment trial.
Said Bloomberg: “We’d be much better off letting the voters decide who is President in this country.”
But he added: “I’d have to swallow two or three times, but I would say I would vote to convict because there’s so much evidence that he acted inappropriately.”


politicalwire--2020-01-20--Trump’s Defense Is an Attack on the Constitution

George Conway : “ President Trump has filed his answer to the articles of impeachment against him .
In legal @ @ @ @ @ ’ is a document filed at the beginning of a proceeding , typically a civil @ @ @ @ @ defending side gives its response to factual allegations and lists the basic grounds for its @ @ @ @ @ s answer did neither , not in any serious way .
His arguments are wrong @ @ @ @ @ on the law , but that ’ s not the worst part .
At its @ @ @ @ @ an attack on the impeachment process — and on the Constitution itself.
” “ The @ @ @ @ @ to present any coherent factual response to the impeachment charges .
”

George Conway: “President Trump has filed his answer to the articles of impeachment against him. In legal parlance, an ‘answer’ is a document filed at the beginning of a proceeding, typically a civil case, in which the defending side gives its response to factual allegations and lists the basic grounds for its defense.”
“Trump’s answer did neither, not in any serious way. His arguments are wrong on the facts and wrong on the law, but that’s not the worst part. At its core, his submission represents an attack on the impeachment process — and on the Constitution itself.”
“The answer doesn’t bother to present any coherent factual response to the impeachment charges.”


politicalwire--2020-01-20--Trump Will Push for Speedy Acquittal In Senate

“ President Trump ’ s legal team will call on the Senate on Monday to ‘ swiftly reject ’ the @ @ @ @ @ , maintaining that he committed no impeachable offense and has been the victim of an @ @ @ @ @ him down , ” the New York Times reports .
“ In a lengthy brief @ @ @ @ @ Senate the day before his trial begins in earnest , the president ’ s lawyers @ @ @ @ @ sustained argument the White House has advanced since the House opened its impeachment inquiry last @ @ @ @ @ two articles of impeachment approved largely along party lines were constitutionally flawed and set a @ @ @ @

“President Trump’s legal team will call on the Senate on Monday to ‘swiftly reject’ the impeachment charges and acquit him, maintaining that he committed no impeachable offense and has been the victim of an illegitimate partisan effort to take him down,” the New York Times reports.
“In a lengthy brief to be submitted to the Senate the day before his trial begins in earnest, the president’s lawyers plan to make the most sustained argument the White House has advanced since the House opened its impeachment inquiry last fall, contending that the two articles of impeachment approved largely along party lines were constitutionally flawed and set a dangerous precedent.”


politicalwire--2020-01-20--On the New York Times Split Endorsement

On the New York Times Split Endorsement

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politicalwire--2020-01-20--Bloomberg’s Massive Spending Hikes Ad Costs

“ Michael Bloomberg ’ s big-spending , shock-and-awe TV ad campaign has made politicking more expensive for everyone from his @ @ @ @ @ House and state legislative candidates around the country , ” Politico reports .
“ Eight @ @ @ @ @ , Bloomberg has already spent more money on advertising — $ 248 million — than @ @ @ @ @ years .
That amount has squeezed TV ad inventory in nearly every state , lowering @ @ @ @ @ raise ad prices at a time of high demand , as candidates around the country @ @ @ @ @ ” “ On average in markets around the country , prices for political TV ads @ @ @ @ @ since Bloomberg began his campaign .
Meanwhile , some local politicians have already found difficulty @ @ @ @ @ constituencies .
”

“Michael Bloomberg’s big-spending, shock-and-awe TV ad campaign has made politicking more expensive for everyone from his 2020 rivals to Senate, House and state legislative candidates around the country,” Politico reports.
“Eight weeks into his presidential campaign, Bloomberg has already spent more money on advertising — $248 million — than most candidates could spend in years. That amount has squeezed TV ad inventory in nearly every state, lowering supply and causing stations to raise ad prices at a time of high demand, as candidates around the country gear up for their primaries.”
“On average in markets around the country, prices for political TV ads have risen by 20 percent since Bloomberg began his campaign. Meanwhile, some local politicians have already found difficulty trying to reach their own constituencies.”


politicalwire--2020-01-20--Extra Bonus Quote of the Day

Extra Bonus Quote of the Day

“ I ’ m just asking the rhetorical question-Bernie ’ s at the top of the ticket in North and @ @ @ @ @ ’ s the top of the ticket .
How many Democrats down the line you @ @ @ @ @ ?
” — Joe Biden , in an interview with the Columbia State .

“I’m just asking the rhetorical question-Bernie’s at the top of the ticket in North and South Carolina, or Warren’s the top of the ticket. How many Democrats down the line you think are gonna win?”
— Joe Biden, in an interview with the Columbia State.


politicalwire--2020-01-20--Where Is Cory Gardner?

Where Is Cory Gardner?

New York Times : “ Mr .
Gardner ’ s invisibility — he hasn ’ t held a town hall-style @ @ @ @ @ is also pragmatic , a means of avoiding questions about his ties to the divisive @ @ @ @ @ Senate impeachment trial nears .
If Mr. Gardner ends up vocally supporting the president , @ @ @ @ @ in the trial , it will complicate and perhaps even endanger his race to hold @ @ @ @ @

New York Times: “Mr. Gardner’s invisibility — he hasn’t held a town hall-style meeting in two years — is also pragmatic, a means of avoiding questions about his ties to the divisive president, especially as the Senate impeachment trial nears. If Mr. Gardner ends up vocally supporting the president, or votes to acquit him in the trial, it will complicate and perhaps even endanger his race to hold onto his seat.”


politicalwire--2020-01-20--Biden Leads In New Iowa Poll

Biden Leads In New Iowa Poll

A new Focus on Rural America poll in Iowa finds Joe Biden leading the Democratic presidential race with 24 % @ @ @ @ @ at 18 % , Pete Buttigieg at 16 % , Bernie Sanders at 14 % @ @ @ @ @ % , Tom Steyer at 4 % and Andrew Yang at 3 % .
Natasha @ @ @ @ @ s some indication in this survey that both Warren and Sanders suffered blowback from last @ @ @ @ @ Des Moines .
”

A new Focus on Rural America poll in Iowa finds Joe Biden leading the Democratic presidential race with 24%, followed by Elizabeth Warren at 18%, Pete Buttigieg at 16%, Bernie Sanders at 14%, Amy Klobuchar at 11%, Tom Steyer at 4% and Andrew Yang at 3%.
Natasha Korecki: “There’s some indication in this survey that both Warren and Sanders suffered blowback from last week’s debate in Des Moines.”


politicalwire--2020-01-20--Not a Typical Iowa Caucus

Not a Typical Iowa Caucus

New York Magazine : “ In the final days before the Iowa caucuses every four years , it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ reporters , and baristas and taxi drivers , and any Iowan who ’ s ever @ @ @ @ @ heard a radio ad , to try predicting which presidential candidates will win and which @ @ @ @ @ “ But this year is different .
Just two weeks out , as the outcome @ @ @ @ @ taking shape , almost no one in the state — much less the campaign operatives @ @ @ @ @ anyone who ’ ll listen — is comfortable even hazarding a shadow of a guess @ @ @ @ @ ”

New York Magazine: “In the final days before the Iowa caucuses every four years, it’s typical for campaign aides and reporters, and baristas and taxi drivers, and any Iowan who’s ever turned on a television or heard a radio ad, to try predicting which presidential candidates will win and which ones will fall flat.”
“But this year is different. Just two weeks out, as the outcome of the race should be taking shape, almost no one in the state — much less the campaign operatives paid to project confidence to anyone who’ll listen — is comfortable even hazarding a shadow of a guess about the Democratic caucuses.”


politicalwire--2020-01-20--Virginia Braces for Gun Rights Rally

Virginia Braces for Gun Rights Rally

Associated Press : “ Gun-rights activists and other groups began to descend on Virginia ’ s capital city Monday to @ @ @ @ @ pass gun-control legislation.
” “ Gov .
Ralph Northam declared a temporary state of emergency @ @ @ @ @ , banning all weapons including guns from the event on Capitol Square .
The expected @ @ @ @ @ activists — along with members of militia groups and white supremacists — raised fears the @ @ @ @ @ type of violence that exploded in Charlottesville in 2017.
” The Richmond Times-Dispatch has a @ @ @ @ @ .

Associated Press: “Gun-rights activists and other groups began to descend on Virginia’s capital city Monday to protest Democrats’ plans to pass gun-control legislation.”
“Gov. Ralph Northam declared a temporary state of emergency days ahead of the rally, banning all weapons including guns from the event on Capitol Square. The expected arrival of thousands of gun-rights activists — along with members of militia groups and white supremacists — raised fears the state could again see the type of violence that exploded in Charlottesville in 2017.”
The Richmond Times-Dispatch has a live blog on the event.


politicalwire--2020-01-20--Trump Approval Steady as Impeachment Trial Begins

Gallup : “ As the Senate impeachment trial of President Trump begins , 44 % of Americans approve of the @ @ @ @ @ president .
Trump ’ s approval rating has been steady in the past three polls @ @ @ @ @ 45 % — slightly above the 39 % to 41 % ratings he received as @ @ @ @ @ the fall .
”

Gallup: “As the Senate impeachment trial of President Trump begins, 44% of Americans approve of the job he is doing as president. Trump’s approval rating has been steady in the past three polls — between 43% and 45% — slightly above the 39% to 41% ratings he received as the impeachment inquiry started in the fall.”


politicalwire--2020-01-21--Six Tickets Out of Iowa?

Six Tickets Out of Iowa?

“ The Iowa caucuses have ended a long line of weak White House bids , traditionally culling the presidential primary @ @ @ @ @ three viable candidates .
But this year ’ s unique dynamics have a very real @ @ @ @ @ mean at least a half dozen — or maybe more — candidates move to New @ @ @ @ @ Politico reports .
“ The probability that Iowa fails to produce a breakout frontrunner and @ @ @ @ @ a half-dozen candidates is the latest turn in a tumultuous primary that began with a @ @ @ @ @ .
It ’ s indicative of a contest that ’ s long from settled ; @ @ @ @ @ the Feb. 3 caucuses , there ’ s still a looming question over what , @ @ @ @ @ will mean .
Aides with [ Amy ] Klobuchar , Steyer and [ Andrew ] @ @ @ @ @ s almost no scenario that would cause their candidate to drop out before New Hampshire @ @

“The Iowa caucuses have ended a long line of weak White House bids, traditionally culling the presidential primary field to just two or three viable candidates. But this year’s unique dynamics have a very real scenario shaping up that could mean at least a half dozen — or maybe more — candidates move to New Hampshire and beyond,” Politico reports.
“The probability that Iowa fails to produce a breakout frontrunner and instead sends through more than a half-dozen candidates is the latest turn in a tumultuous primary that began with a historically large and diverse field. It’s indicative of a contest that’s long from settled; with just two weeks until the Feb. 3 caucuses, there’s still a looming question over what, exactly, the Iowa results will mean. Aides with [Amy] Klobuchar, Steyer and [Andrew] Yang indicated that there’s almost no scenario that would cause their candidate to drop out before New Hampshire.”


politicalwire--2020-01-21--Trump Allies Work to Prevent Bolton’s Testimony

“ President Trump ’ s legal defense team and Senate GOP allies are quietly gaming out contingency plans should Democrats @ @ @ @ @ witnesses to testify in the impeachment trial , including an effort to keep former national @ @ @ @ @ the spotlight , ” the Washington Post reports .
“ One option being discussed would @ @ @ @ @ s testimony to a classified setting because of national security concerns , ensuring that it @ @ @ @ @ But that proposal , discussed among some Senate Republicans in recent days , is seen @ @ @ @ @ Bolton becoming an explosive figure in the trial .
First , Republicans involved in the @ @ @ @ @ a fierce battle in the courts .
”

“President Trump’s legal defense team and Senate GOP allies are quietly gaming out contingency plans should Democrats win enough votes to force witnesses to testify in the impeachment trial, including an effort to keep former national security adviser John Bolton from the spotlight,” the Washington Post reports.
“One option being discussed would be to move Bolton’s testimony to a classified setting because of national security concerns, ensuring that it is not public.”
“But that proposal, discussed among some Senate Republicans in recent days, is seen as a final tool against Bolton becoming an explosive figure in the trial. First, Republicans involved in the discussions said, would come a fierce battle in the courts.”


politicalwire--2020-01-21--Bobby Rush Endorses Bloomberg

Bobby Rush Endorses Bloomberg

Mike Bloomberg picked up the endorsement of Rep. Bobby Rush ( D-IL ) , who was also tapped to be @ @ @ @ @ the Chicago Sun Times 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--2020-01-21--Des Moines Register Will Endorse This Weekend

The Des Moines Register , the largest newspaper in Iowa , will announce its endorsement in the Democratic presidential race @ @ @ @ @ .
ET .


politicalwire--2020-01-21--Collins Says She’s ‘Likely’ to Support Calling Witnesses

Within minutes of Senate Republicans voting to table an amendment to subpoena documents for the impeachment trial , Sen. Susan @ @ @ @ @ a statement indicating that she will “ likely ” support calling more witnesses after the @ @ @ @ @


politicalwire--2020-01-21--Michigan Senator Files Complaint Against Colleague

Michigan state Sen. Peter Lucido ( R ) faces a new workplace sexual harassment complaint one week after a reporter @ @ @ @ @ remark to her — this time from one of his female colleagues in the Michigan @ @ @ @ @ Detroit Business reports .
Sen. Mallory McMorrow ( D ) said Lucido made a remark @ @ @ @ @ Republican senator based on her looks while he held his hand on her lower back @ @ @ @ @ time that made her uncomfortable and made her feel unable to distance herself from Lucido @

Michigan state Sen. Peter Lucido (R) faces a new workplace sexual harassment complaint one week after a reporter alleged he made a sexist remark to her — this time from one of his female colleagues in the Michigan Senate, Crain’s Detroit Business reports.
Sen. Mallory McMorrow (D) said Lucido made a remark suggesting she defeated an incumbent Republican senator based on her looks while he held his hand on her lower back for an extended period of time that made her uncomfortable and made her feel unable to distance herself from Lucido.


politicalwire--2020-01-21--Warren Says Trump Fears Her Most

Warren Says Trump Fears Her Most

Sen. Elizabeth Warren released a new ad suggesting she ’ s the candidate President Trump is most worried about facing @ @ @ @ @


politicalwire--2020-01-21--Jeff Bezos’s Phone Hacked by Saudi Crown Prince

“ The Amazon billionaire Jeff Bezos had his mobile phone ‘ hacked ’ in 2018 after receiving a WhatsApp message @ @ @ @ @ from the personal account of the crown prince of Saudi Arabia , ” the Guardian @ @ @ @ @ message from the number used by Mohammed bin Salman is believed to have included a @ @ @ @ @ phone of the world ’ s richest man… Large amounts of data were exfiltrated from @ @ @ @ @ hours .
”

“The Amazon billionaire Jeff Bezos had his mobile phone ‘hacked’ in 2018 after receiving a WhatsApp message that had apparently been sent from the personal account of the crown prince of Saudi Arabia,” the Guardian reports.
“The encrypted message from the number used by Mohammed bin Salman is believed to have included a malicious file that infiltrated the phone of the world’s richest man… Large amounts of data were exfiltrated from Bezos’s phone within hours.”


politicalwire--2020-01-21--Trump to Expand Travel Ban List

Trump to Expand Travel Ban List

“ The Trump administration plans to add to the number of countries covered under its travel ban , including Nigeria @ @ @ @ @ populous country , along with others in Africa and Asia , ” the Wall Street @ @ @ @ @ administration plans to place visa restrictions on seven new countries : Belarus , Eritrea , @ @ @ @ @ , Sudan and Tanzania .
”

“The Trump administration plans to add to the number of countries covered under its travel ban, including Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, along with others in Africa and Asia,” the Wall Street Journal reports.
“The administration plans to place visa restrictions on seven new countries: Belarus, Eritrea, Kyrgyzstan, Myanmar, Nigeria, Sudan and Tanzania.”


politicalwire--2020-01-21--Schiff Caught Republicans Off Guard

Schiff Caught Republicans Off Guard

Yahoo News reporter Jon Ward says Republicans appeared “ uncomfortable ” as House impeachment manager Adam Schiff made the case @ @ @ @ @ removal from office .
Said Ward : “ I sat in chamber for entire Schiff @ @ @ @ @ mauling .
Trump team thought they were there to debate process and Schiff ambushed them @ @ @ @ @ impeachment .
Republicans were visibly uncomfortable .
Sekulow and Cippolone responses were rambling and bombastic @ @

Yahoo News reporter Jon Ward says Republicans appeared “uncomfortable” as House impeachment manager Adam Schiff made the case for President Trump’s removal from office.
Said Ward: “I sat in chamber for entire Schiff speech. That was a mauling. Trump team thought they were there to debate process and Schiff ambushed them with a full-throated case for impeachment. Republicans were visibly uncomfortable. Sekulow and Cippolone responses were rambling and bombastic.”


politicalwire--2020-01-21--More Want to Remove Trump Than Approve of Him

Philip Bump does a deep dive into the latest CNN and Monmouth polls and finds a remarkable result : “ @ @ @ @ @ throwing Trump out of office than there is support for his administration .
In what @ @ @ @ @ Trump reelection campaign , that holds both in battleground states ( according to CNN ) @ @ @ @ @ the 2016 margin was 10 points or smaller ( according to Monmouth ) .
”

Philip Bump does a deep dive into the latest CNN and Monmouth polls and finds a remarkable result:
“There is more support for throwing Trump out of office than there is support for his administration. In what might seem alarming to the Trump reelection campaign, that holds both in battleground states (according to CNN) and in swing counties where the 2016 margin was 10 points or smaller (according to Monmouth).”


politicalwire--2020-01-21--Senators Bend Rules by Wearing Apple Watches

Roll Call : “ The rules of decorum state that senators can ’ t use phones or electronic devices in @ @ @ @ @ ’ s impeachment trial , but what about Apple Watches ?
” “ At least @ @ @ @ @ on their wrists in the chamber at the start of the trial Tuesday , despite @ @ @ @ @ all electronics should be left in the cloakroom in the provided storage .
”

Roll Call: “The rules of decorum state that senators can’t use phones or electronic devices in the chamber during President Trump’s impeachment trial, but what about Apple Watches?”
“At least eight senators had them strapped on their wrists in the chamber at the start of the trial Tuesday, despite guidelines from Senate leadership that all electronics should be left in the cloakroom in the provided storage.”


politicalwire--2020-01-21--Mitch McConnell’s Potemkin Trial

Mitch McConnell’s Potemkin Trial

David Graham : “ The Senate has to at least have the appearance of a trial to provide cover to @ @ @ @ @ Cory Gardner of Colorado and Susan Collins of Maine .
But it can ’ t @ @ @ @ @ that could expose Republicans to primary challenges from the right , which would make McConnell @ @ @ @ @ keeping his caucus together only more challenging .
His best prospect is to run the @ @ @ @ @ the process he makes life difficult for endangered Democratic senators , such as Doug Jones @ @ @ @ @ ’ s the paradox of the Senate ’ s handling of impeachment .
The proceedings @ @ @ @ @ excuse for a trial , and they are .
But under the surface , a @ @ @ @ @ going on .
Vulnerable senators sit in the dock , the jurors are voters , @ @ @ @ @ t come back until November .
”

David Graham: “The Senate has to at least have the appearance of a trial to provide cover to vulnerable Republicans, such as Cory Gardner of Colorado and Susan Collins of Maine. But it can’t be too fair, because that could expose Republicans to primary challenges from the right, which would make McConnell’s delicate act of keeping his caucus together only more challenging. His best prospect is to run the gauntlet and hope that in the process he makes life difficult for endangered Democratic senators, such as Doug Jones of Alabama.”
“That’s the paradox of the Senate’s handling of impeachment. The proceedings there look like a flimsy excuse for a trial, and they are. But under the surface, a series of real trials is going on. Vulnerable senators sit in the dock, the jurors are voters, and the verdicts won’t come back until November.”


politicalwire--2020-01-21--Extra Bonus Quote of the Day

Extra Bonus Quote of the Day

“ The innocent do not behave this way.
” — House manager Adam Schiff , arguing for impeaching President Trump @ @ @ @


politicalwire--2020-01-21--McConnell Modifies Impeachment Resolution

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell ( R-KY ) changed his proposed rules for President Trump ’ s impeachment trial by @ @ @ @ @ three days to present their arguments , instead of just two , PBS reports .
@ @ @ @ @ trial to wrap up earlier each evening instead of pushing it past midnight .
McConnell @ @ @ @ @ evidence from the House impeachment inquiry to the record unless there ’ s an objection @ @ @ @ @ a majority vote .
The New York Times reports McConnell “ made changes to the @ @ @ @ @ after Republicans senators , including Susan Collins of Maine , raised concerns about two provisions @ @

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) changed his proposed rules for President Trump’s impeachment trial by allowing each side to have three days to present their arguments, instead of just two, PBS reports.
That change could allow the trial to wrap up earlier each evening instead of pushing it past midnight.
McConnell will also now automatically add evidence from the House impeachment inquiry to the record unless there’s an objection. His draft resolution required a majority vote.
The New York Times reports McConnell “made changes to the proposed rules for the trial after Republicans senators, including Susan Collins of Maine, raised concerns about two provisions.”


politicalwire--2020-01-21--What Makes This Impeachment Different

What Makes This Impeachment Different

This piece is only available to Political Wire members .
Your support makes this site possible .
Join today for @ @ @ @ @ and get exclusive analysis , new features and no advertising .
Sign in to your @ @ @ @ @ Join for just $ 5 a month or $ 50 a year .

This piece is only available to Political Wire members.
When the House Judiciary Committee took up articles of impeachment against President Richard Nixon in the summer of 1974, the nation was tiring of him. And Nixon almost certainly would have been easily impeached and removed from office had he not resigned first.


politicalwire--2020-01-21--Republicans Are Planning a Show, Not a Trial

Rick Wilson : “ The sooner Democrats start realizing this , the better off they ’ ll be.
” “ @ @ @ @ @ , including not one but two of Jeffrey Epstein ’ s defenders , wasn ’ @ @ @ @ @ of academic prowess , knowledge , or experience , but notoriety and willingness to work @ @ @ @ @ Its biggest names are representing Trump not in spite of but because of the fact @ @ @ @ @ characters.
” “ The Democrats will need to show not only expertise on the subject @ @ @ @ @ some passion and fire in the course of this .
They ’ ll need to @ @ @ @ @ to the floor of the Senate .
Trump and McConnell aren ’ t hiding their @ @ @ @ @ suckers ; dignity is for marks ; and this is a bar fight , not @ @ @ @ @

Rick Wilson: “The sooner Democrats start realizing this, the better off they’ll be.”
“Trump’s legal team, including not one but two of Jeffrey Epstein’s defenders, wasn’t selected on the basis of academic prowess, knowledge, or experience, but notoriety and willingness to work for this unapologetic criminal. Its biggest names are representing Trump not in spite of but because of the fact that they are flashy media characters.”
“The Democrats will need to show not only expertise on the subject matter at hand, but some passion and fire in the course of this. They’ll need to bring more energy and direction to the floor of the Senate. Trump and McConnell aren’t hiding their cards: Rules are for suckers; dignity is for marks; and this is a bar fight, not a debating society.”


politicalwire--2020-01-21--Trump Says He Doesn’t Know ‘Very Angry’ Greta Thunberg

President Trump told the Wall Street Journal that he didn ’ t know anything about Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg @ @ @ @ @ angry .
”


politicalwire--2020-01-21--Bloomberg Shifts Ads to Focus on Impeachment

“ Mike Bloomberg plans to shift his television ad message this week to directly call for President Trump ’ s @ @ @ @ @ a new spot that will run in states with Republican senators who face competitive reelection @ @ @ @ @ the Washington Post reports .
“ The decision to spend money on impeachment ads in @ @ @ @ @ like Cory Gardner ( R-CO ) , Martha McSally ( R-AZ ) , Susan Collins @ @ @ @ @ Tillis ( R-NC ) fits into a larger strategy by Bloomberg since he started running @ @ @ @ @ president.
” “ He has tried to direct spending for his own long-shot presidential bid @ @ @ @ @ , like defeating Trump in November , even if he is not the nominee , @ @ @ @ @ ballot .
”

“Mike Bloomberg plans to shift his television ad message this week to directly call for President Trump’s removal from office, with a new spot that will run in states with Republican senators who face competitive reelection fights this year,” the Washington Post reports.
“The decision to spend money on impeachment ads in the states of vulnerable senators like Cory Gardner (R-CO), Martha McSally (R-AZ), Susan Collins (R-ME) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) fits into a larger strategy by Bloomberg since he started running for the Democratic nomination for president.”
“He has tried to direct spending for his own long-shot presidential bid to also benefit other goals, like defeating Trump in November, even if he is not the nominee, and helping other Democrats down ballot.”


politicalwire--2020-01-21--Trump Doubles Down on Tariff Threats on Europe

“ President Trump said Tuesday that he is serious about imposing tariffs on European automobiles if he can ’ t @ @ @ @ @ the European Union , ” the Wall Street Journal reports .
Said Trump : “ @ @ @ @ @ m going to put tariffs on them if they don ’ t make a deal @ @ @ @ @ deal.
” However , Trump declined to say what deadline he is imposing : “ @ @ @ @ @ is .
”

“President Trump said Tuesday that he is serious about imposing tariffs on European automobiles if he can’t strike a trade agreement with the European Union,” the Wall Street Journal reports.
Said Trump: “They know that I’m going to put tariffs on them if they don’t make a deal that’s a fair deal.”
However, Trump declined to say what deadline he is imposing: “They know what the deadline is.”


politicalwire--2020-01-21--2024 Buzz Begins for Josh Hawley

2024 Buzz Begins for Josh Hawley

“ It took Sen. Josh Hawley just two years to make the jump from state attorney general to U.S. senator @ @ @ @ @ in Washington , there are signs that the Missouri Republican is preparing for another promotion @ @ @ @ @ Star reports .
“ Hawley has established himself as a national brand within the GOP @ @ @ @ @ as a prelude to a presidential run .
He ’ s carved out a niche @ @ @ @ @ crack down on the tech industry and begun to articulate a foreign policy vision , @ @ @ @ @ ’ s focus from the Middle East to China.
” “ He ’ s become @ @ @ @ @ , a sought-after speaker for events hosted by high-profile conservative groups and has repeatedly generated @ @ @ @ @ that plays to the conservative base .
”

“It took Sen. Josh Hawley just two years to make the jump from state attorney general to U.S. senator. After only one year in Washington, there are signs that the Missouri Republican is preparing for another promotion,” the Kansas City Star reports.
“Hawley has established himself as a national brand within the GOP in ways that could serve as a prelude to a presidential run. He’s carved out a niche issue with his push to crack down on the tech industry and begun to articulate a foreign policy vision, which would shift the nation’s focus from the Middle East to China.”
“He’s become a fixture of cable news, a sought-after speaker for events hosted by high-profile conservative groups and has repeatedly generated national media attention with legislation that plays to the conservative base.”


politicalwire--2020-01-21--Schumer Won’t Say How Many Amendments He’ll Push

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer ( D-NY ) repeatedly declined to answer questions about how many amendments he would introduce @ @ @ @ @ The Hill reports .


politicalwire--2020-01-22--Sanders Surges Into National Lead

Sanders Surges Into National Lead

A new CNN poll finds Bernie Sanders leading the Democratic presidential race nationally with 27 % , followed by Joe @ @ @ @ @ Elizabeth Warren at 14 % and Pete Buttigieg at 11 % .
They are followed @ @ @ @ @ % , Amy Klobuchar at 4 % and Andrew Yang at 4 % support .

A new CNN poll finds Bernie Sanders leading the Democratic presidential race nationally with 27%, followed by Joe Biden at 24%, Elizabeth Warren at 14% and Pete Buttigieg at 11%.
They are followed by Michael Bloomberg at 5%, Amy Klobuchar at 4% and Andrew Yang at 4%.


politicalwire--2020-01-22--How Democrats Won Day One of the Impeachment Trial

Playbook : “ Substantively , Senate Republicans defeated every effort by Senate Democrats to alter the rules of the impeachment @ @ @ @ @ access to witnesses and documents.
” “ Politically , though , there is some upside @ @ @ @ @ accept the argument that President Trump is likely going to be acquitted , isn ’ @ @ @ @ @ to own no part of the trial , so they can call it a sham @ @ @ @ @ head with it later this year ?
They will lose these procedural fights , complain @ @ @ @ @ the trial in the faces of vulnerable Republicans as an example of the party ’ @ @ @ @ @ ”

Playbook: “Substantively, Senate Republicans defeated every effort by Senate Democrats to alter the rules of the impeachment trial to allow for guaranteed access to witnesses and documents.”
“Politically, though, there is some upside for Democrats. If you accept the argument that President Trump is likely going to be acquitted, isn’t it better for Democrats to own no part of the trial, so they can call it a sham and beat Republicans over the head with it later this year? They will lose these procedural fights, complain loudly about it and wave the trial in the faces of vulnerable Republicans as an example of the party’s fealty to Trump.”


politicalwire--2020-01-22--Bloomberg’s Support Building Nationally

Bloomberg’s Support Building Nationally

A new Morning Consult poll finds Michael Bloomberg rising to 10 % nationally in the Democratic presidential race , leading @ @ @ @ @ and trailing Sen. Elizabeth Warren by 5 points .
Although he was not on the @ @ @ @ @ net favorability has risen to +31 , an increase of 8 points , following the @ @ @ @

A new Morning Consult poll finds Michael Bloomberg rising to 10% nationally in the Democratic presidential race, leading Pete Buttigieg by 2 points and trailing Sen. Elizabeth Warren by 5 points.
Although he was not on the January debate stage, his net favorability has risen to +31, an increase of 8 points, following the debate last week.


politicalwire--2020-01-22--Trump Claims Coronovirus ‘Totally Under Control’

President Trump told CNBC that he trusts the information coming out of China on the coronavirus as the Centers for @ @ @ @ @ the first case of it in the United States .
Said Trump : “ We @ @ @ @ @ .
It ’ s one person coming in from China .
We have it under @ @ @ @ @ going to be just fine .
”

President Trump told CNBC that he trusts the information coming out of China on the coronavirus as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirms the first case of it in the United States.
Said Trump: “We have it totally under control. It’s one person coming in from China. We have it under control. It’s going to be just fine.”


politicalwire--2020-01-22--Trump Blames Fed for Slower Growth

Trump Blames Fed for Slower Growth

President Trump told CNBC that the U.S. economy ’ s GDP growth would have been closer to 4 % if @ @ @ @ @ the lingering effect of Federal Reserve rate hikes .

“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--2020-01-22--Senate Adopts Rules for Impeachment Trial

“ The first substantive day of President Trump ’ s impeachment trial opened Tuesday with unexpected internal GOP dissension over @ @ @ @ @ Majority Leader Mitch McConnell was forced to revise his proposed rules at the last minute @ @ @ @ @ in his ranks , ” the Washington Post reports .
“ That abrupt reversal from @ @ @ @ @ acrimonious day in the chamber , which dramatically escalated in its final hours when the @ @ @ @ @ ’ s attorneys engaged in language considered so toxic for the staid Senate that Chief @ @ @ @ @ is presiding over the trial , admonished both sides.
” New York Times : “ @ @ @ @ @ prolonged debate was about the rules and procedures .
But it set the stage for @ @ @ @ @ Mr. Trump ’ s likely acquittal and will help shape the 2020 campaign.
” Axios @ @ @ @ @ will set precedents for future presidential impeachment trials .
And don ’ t kid yourself @ @ @ @ @ .
”

“The first substantive day of President Trump’s impeachment trial opened Tuesday with unexpected internal GOP dissension over its structure, as Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell was forced to revise his proposed rules at the last minute to accommodate a brewing rebellion in his ranks,” the Washington Post reports.
“That abrupt reversal from Senate leadership began a deeply acrimonious day in the chamber, which dramatically escalated in its final hours when the House managers and the president’s attorneys engaged in language considered so toxic for the staid Senate that Chief Justice John Roberts, who is presiding over the trial, admonished both sides.”
New York Times: “On its face, the prolonged debate was about the rules and procedures. But it set the stage for a broader political fight over Mr. Trump’s likely acquittal and will help shape the 2020 campaign.”
Axios: “All of this will set precedents for future presidential impeachment trials. And don’t kid yourself — there will be others.”


politicalwire--2020-01-22--Vulnerable House Democrats Unite to Flip More Seats

“ A handful of House Democrats who helped recapture the majority in 2018 are uniting to fundraise for a slate @ @ @ @ @ Republican-leaning House districts in November , ” the Washington Post reports .
“ The Second @ @ @ @ @ of New Politics , an organization dedicated to recruiting candidates with military and national security @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday that it is endorsing seven House candidates around the country.
” “ The group @ @ @ @ @ this time around is part of the broader push to grow the community of former @ @ @ @ @ serving in Congress — making them an increasingly robust force in electoral politics .
”

“A handful of House Democrats who helped recapture the majority in 2018 are uniting to fundraise for a slate of candidates running to capture Republican-leaning House districts in November,” the Washington Post reports.
“The Second Service Coalition is the brainchild of New Politics, an organization dedicated to recruiting candidates with military and national security backgrounds, will announce on Wednesday that it is endorsing seven House candidates around the country.”
“The group’s class of candidates this time around is part of the broader push to grow the community of former military veterans and intelligence officers serving in Congress — making them an increasingly robust force in electoral politics.”


politicalwire--2020-01-22--Warren Picks Up Key New Hampshire Endorsements

CBS News : “ Just three weeks before the nation ’ s first primary , Sen. Elizabeth Warren picked up @ @ @ @ @ Hampshire .
Kathy Sullivan , a titan of New Hampshire politics and former chair of @ @ @ @ @ Party , backed Warren for president , just hours after two-term New Hampshire state Sen. @ @ @ @ @ .
”

CBS News: “Just three weeks before the nation’s first primary, Sen. Elizabeth Warren picked up two key endorsements in New Hampshire. Kathy Sullivan, a titan of New Hampshire politics and former chair of the state’s Democratic Party, backed Warren for president, just hours after two-term New Hampshire state Sen. Kevin Cavanaugh announced his support.”


politicalwire--2020-01-22--Trump’s Defense Looks Shaky on Trial’s First Day

NBC News : “ Taken together , McConnell and the White House team demonstrated that , for all of their @ @ @ @ @ afforded them by Republicans ’ Senate majority , they still appear focused more on pleasing @ @ @ @ @ Trump — than persuading any undecided senators or voters outside the chamber.
” “ But @ @ @ @ @ as devoid of his passion as they are loaded with his logic , leaving them @ @ @ @ @ of the Democratic case that even the president may wind up displeased with the obvious @ @ @ @ @ the execution by the parties.
” Said lawyer George Conway : “ If there ’ @ @ @ @ @ proceedings , it ’ s the astounding mismatch between the high skill and preparation of @ @ @ @ @ rambling , dissembling and gaslighting of President Trump ’ s counsel .
”

NBC News: “Taken together, McConnell and the White House team demonstrated that, for all of their coordination and the institutional advantages afforded them by Republicans’ Senate majority, they still appear focused more on pleasing their audience of one — Trump — than persuading any undecided senators or voters outside the chamber.”
“But Trump’s defenders are as devoid of his passion as they are loaded with his logic, leaving them so weak in the face of the Democratic case that even the president may wind up displeased with the obvious imbalance in the quality of the execution by the parties.”
Said lawyer George Conway: “If there’s any unfairness in these proceedings, it’s the astounding mismatch between the high skill and preparation of the House managers and the rambling, dissembling and gaslighting of President Trump’s counsel.”
Aaron Blake: An embarrassing moment for Trump’s legal team.


politicalwire--2020-01-22--Negotiations to Limit Debate Yield No Deal

New York Times : “ An attempt to strike a deal to shorten debate over whether the Senate should hear @ @ @ @ @ and subpoena new documents quickly went nowhere late Tuesday night as Democrats indicated they would @ @ @ @ @ new information .
”

New York Times: “An attempt to strike a deal to shorten debate over whether the Senate should hear testimony from top administration officials and subpoena new documents quickly went nowhere late Tuesday night as Democrats indicated they would continue their efforts to compel new information.”


politicalwire--2020-01-22--GOP Witness Blasts Part of Trump’s Legal Defense

Jonathan Turley , a law professor who was the sole Republican witness at the last House Judiciary impeachment hearing , @ @ @ @ @ ’ s legal defense in the Washington Post .
Said Turley : “ The White @ @ @ @ @ can not impeach a president without a crime .
It is a view that is @ @ @ @ @ the purpose of the Constitution .
”

Jonathan Turley, a law professor who was the sole Republican witness at the last House Judiciary impeachment hearing, slammed part of President Trump’s legal defense in the Washington Post.
Said Turley: “The White House is arguing that you cannot impeach a president without a crime. It is a view that is at odds with history and the purpose of the Constitution.”


politicalwire--2020-01-22--Why McConnell Changed Resolution at Last Minute

CNN : “ In all about 15 senators argued in favor of changing McConnell ’ s resolution… That included some @ @ @ @ @ staunchest allies such as Arkansas Sen. Tom Cotton , Alaska Sen. Dan Sullivan , South @ @ @ @ @ Mississippi Sen. Roger Wicker.
” “ Members were worried that by rushing things , they @ @ @ @ @ Democratic complaints of an unfair trial , and put vulnerable Republicans up for reelection at @ @ @ @ @ the lunch went on , it became clear that the overwhelming majority of the conference @ @ @ @ @ resolution.
” Washington Post : “ One of the senators most upset about the initial @ @ @ @ @ , who will be a key swing vote on procedural matters during the trial .
@ @ @ @ @ a closely watched core of potential GOP swing senators .
”

CNN: “In all about 15 senators argued in favor of changing McConnell’s resolution… That included some of the President’s staunchest allies such as Arkansas Sen. Tom Cotton, Alaska Sen. Dan Sullivan, South Dakota Sen. Mike Rounds and Mississippi Sen. Roger Wicker.”
“Members were worried that by rushing things, they could inadvertently give traction to Democratic complaints of an unfair trial, and put vulnerable Republicans up for reelection at a further disadvantage. As the lunch went on, it became clear that the overwhelming majority of the conference supported changing McConnell’s resolution.”
Washington Post: “One of the senators most upset about the initial provisions was Sen. Susan Collins, who will be a key swing vote on procedural matters during the trial. But the concerns spread beyond a closely watched core of potential GOP swing senators.”


politicalwire--2020-01-22--White House Unlikely to Push for Dismissal

Sen. Ted Cruz ( R-AZ ) told Politico the White House is unlikely to offer a motion to dismiss the @ @ @ @ @ .


politicalwire--2020-01-22--Democrats Privately Mull Biden-for-Bolton Trade

“ Several Senate Democrats are privately discussing the possibility of calling Republicans ’ bluff on witnesses , weighing an unusual @ @ @ @ @ s impeachment trial : the testimony of Hunter Biden for the testimony of a key @ @ @ @ @ Washington Post reports .
“ Publicly , most Democrats have scoffed at the growing GOP @ @ @ @ @ president Joe Biden ’ s son testify , dismissing him as irrelevant to the charges @ @ @ @ @ behind closed doors , a small group of Democratic senators and aides have begun to @ @ @ @ @ out their colleagues on whether they should back a witness deal that could lead to @ @ @ @ @ adviser John Bolton or other administration officials with possible firsthand knowledge of the Ukraine controversy @ @

“Several Senate Democrats are privately discussing the possibility of calling Republicans’ bluff on witnesses, weighing an unusual trade in President Trump’s impeachment trial: the testimony of Hunter Biden for the testimony of a key administration official,” the Washington Post reports.
“Publicly, most Democrats have scoffed at the growing GOP clamor to hear former vice president Joe Biden’s son testify, dismissing him as irrelevant to the charges against Trump.”
“But behind closed doors, a small group of Democratic senators and aides have begun to question that logic, sounding out their colleagues on whether they should back a witness deal that could lead to testimony from former national security adviser John Bolton or other administration officials with possible firsthand knowledge of the Ukraine controversy,”


politicalwire--2020-01-22--Clinton Confirms She’ll Back Democratic Nominee

Hillary Clinton tweeted that she would back whichever candidate is chosen to be the Democratic presidential nominee after her criticism @ @ @ @ @ a forthcoming documentary .
Said Clinton : “ I thought everyone wanted my authentic , @ @ @ @ @ continued : “ But to be serious , the number one priority for our country @ @ @ @ @ , and , as I always have , I will do whatever I can to @ @ @ @ @

Hillary Clinton tweeted that she would back whichever candidate is chosen to be the Democratic presidential nominee after her criticism of Sen. Bernie Sanders in a forthcoming documentary.
Said Clinton: “I thought everyone wanted my authentic, unvarnished views!”
She continued: “But to be serious, the number one priority for our country and world is retiring Trump, and, as I always have, I will do whatever I can to support our nominee.”


politicalwire--2020-01-22--Biden Fact Checks Trump on Ukraine

Biden Fact Checks Trump on Ukraine

Daily Beast : “ For months , Team Trump and Hill Republicans have sought to cast Biden ’ s son @ @ @ @ @ an unscrupulous individual engaging in nefarious activity in Ukraine.
” “ The nearly four-and-a-half minute @ @ @ @ @ Biden campaign ’ s rapid response director , Andrew Bates , walks through a historical @ @ @ @ @ , when Russia invaded the country and the U.S. joined in protecting Ukraine against aggression @ @ @ @ @ video , Bates plainly outlines the case they have long used against Trump ’ s @ @ @ @ @

Daily Beast: “For months, Team Trump and Hill Republicans have sought to cast Biden’s son, Hunter Biden, as an unscrupulous individual engaging in nefarious activity in Ukraine.”
“The nearly four-and-a-half minute slot, narrated by the Biden campaign’s rapid response director, Andrew Bates, walks through a historical timeline dating back to 2014, when Russia invaded the country and the U.S. joined in protecting Ukraine against aggression. Thirty seconds into the video, Bates plainly outlines the case they have long used against Trump’s claims on Hunter.”


politicalwire--2020-01-22--Trump Uses Defense His Justice Department Rejected

“ Donald Trump ’ s lawyers made an impeachment U-turn on Tuesday — one that could have immediate consequences for @ @ @ @ @ legal fight against the House ’ s oversight investigations , ” Politico reports .
“ @ @ @ @ @ months that federal judges should stay miles away from disputes between Congress and the White @ @ @ @ @ they become political actors in a divisive impeachment probe — the president ’ s lawyers @ @ @ @ @ of Trump ’ s Senate impeachment trial arguing the exact opposite , and suggesting that @ @ @ @ @ to the Constitution .
”

“Donald Trump’s lawyers made an impeachment U-turn on Tuesday — one that could have immediate consequences for the president’s ongoing legal fight against the House’s oversight investigations,” Politico reports.
“After arguing in court for months that federal judges should stay miles away from disputes between Congress and the White House — for fear that they become political actors in a divisive impeachment probe — the president’s lawyers spent the first working day of Trump’s Senate impeachment trial arguing the exact opposite, and suggesting that those who disagree are hostile to the Constitution.”


politicalwire--2020-01-22--Senators Confront Trial Tedium

Senators Confront Trial Tedium

Politico : “ Sitting as a juror for only the third presidential impeachment trial in U.S. history will be one @ @ @ @ @ any senator ’ s tenure .
But , as several senators have admitted , it @ @ @ @ @ the most tedious — a key role in a complex legal and political dispute encapsulating @ @ @ @ @ against Trump and his circle of advisers.
” “ The result is a rare procedural @ @ @ @ @ week or more on the Senate floor .
In a chamber where the average age @ @ @ @ @ will be stretching the limits of their ability to remain silent , alert and awake @ @ @ @ @ day after day .
”

Politico: “Sitting as a juror for only the third presidential impeachment trial in U.S. history will be one of the weightiest duties of any senator’s tenure. But, as several senators have admitted, it’s also one of the most tedious — a key role in a complex legal and political dispute encapsulating hundreds of hours of arguments against Trump and his circle of advisers.”
“The result is a rare procedural spectacle that could last a week or more on the Senate floor. In a chamber where the average age hovers around 60, members will be stretching the limits of their ability to remain silent, alert and awake for hours on end, day after day.”


politicalwire--2020-01-23--Prince Charles Snubs Mike Pence

Prince Charles Snubs Mike Pence

A video shows Prince Charles shaking hands with a number of dignitaries attending at an event commemorating the 75th anniversary @ @ @ @ @ — before skipping over Vice President Mike Pence .


politicalwire--2020-01-23--Fox News Covers Impeachment Trial Without Covering It

Vox : “ Starting with The Five , the network ’ s early evening roundtable commentary show , and continuing @ @ @ @ @ News broadcast portions of screen-in-screen video of the trial .
But instead of playing the @ @ @ @ @ the normal Trumpian spin .
So while someone who just looked at the screen may @ @ @ @ @ covering the trial , in fact it wasn ’ t covering it at all.
” @ @ @ @ @ far as to broadcast screen-in-screen video of the trial during commercial breaks — but , @ @ @ @ @ that was necessary to make any sense of what was being discussed .
”

Vox: “Starting with The Five, the network’s early evening roundtable commentary show, and continuing throughout the evening, Fox News broadcast portions of screen-in-screen video of the trial. But instead of playing the audio, network hosts provided the normal Trumpian spin. So while someone who just looked at the screen may have concluded Fox News was covering the trial, in fact it wasn’t covering it at all.”
“The network went as far as to broadcast screen-in-screen video of the trial during commercial breaks — but, again, without the sound that was necessary to make any sense of what was being discussed.”


politicalwire--2020-01-23--Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day

“ I ’ m not interested in wading in the procedural weeds here.
” — Trump impeachment lawyer Robert Ray @ @ @ @ @ why White House counsel Pat Cipollone falsely claimed that House Republicans were not allowed in @ @ @


politicalwire--2020-01-23--Political Wire Straw Poll Results

Political Wire Straw Poll Results

This poll was only open to Political Wire members .
Your support makes this site possible .
Join today for @ @ @ @ @ and get exclusive analysis , new features and no advertising .
Sign in to your @ @ @ @ @ Join for just $ 5 a month or $ 50 a year .

This poll was only open to Political Wire members.
Our January straw poll finds 76% of Political Wire members now think that Joe Biden will win the Democratic presidential nomination in 2020, followed by Bernie Sanders at 8%, Elizabeth Warren at 7%, Mike Bloomberg at 4%, Amy Klobuchar at 3% and Pete Buttigieg at 1%.


politicalwire--2020-01-23--Bloomberg Endorsed by San Francisco Mayor

“ San Francisco Mayor London Breed endorsed Mike Bloomberg for the Democratic presidential nomination , boosting the billionaire ’ s @ @ @ @ @ where he got off to a late start but is now spending millions to try @ @ @ @ @ San Francisco Chronicle reports .
Said Breed : “ He has the ability to beat @ @ @ @ @ and that is of the most concern to me .
”

“San Francisco Mayor London Breed endorsed Mike Bloomberg for the Democratic presidential nomination, boosting the billionaire’s chances in a delegate-rich state where he got off to a late start but is now spending millions to try to win,” the San Francisco Chronicle reports.
Said Breed: “He has the ability to beat Donald Trump this November, and that is of the most concern to me.”


politicalwire--2020-01-23--Impeachment Doesn’t Require a Crime

Impeachment Doesn’t Require a Crime

The National Review pushes back against one of the main arguments President Trump ’ s defenders have made in recent weeks : The idea that impeachment requires a crime .
“ Senate Republicans , by and large , have reached an unspoken consensus about President Trump and Ukraine .
He should not have put a temporary freeze on congressionally authorized aid to Ukraine , should not have dabbled with using the aid to get Ukraine to investigate Joe Biden or a nutty theory about Ukrainian hacking during the 2016 election , and should not have kept defending his ‘ perfect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same time , his conduct does not merit his removal from office — especially since voters will get to pass judgment on that conduct in a few months.
” “ It ’ s a reasonable position , and it ’ s the case that Republicans ought to make in public .
They are inhibited from doing so by the president ’ s obstinacy .
Instead of sticking to the most defensible case for a Senate acquittal of Trump , Republicans from the president on down are making arguments that range from the implausible @ @ @ @ @

The National Review pushes back against one of the main arguments President Trump’s defenders have made in recent weeks: The idea that impeachment requires a crime.
“Senate Republicans, by and large, have reached an unspoken consensus about President Trump and Ukraine. He should not have put a temporary freeze on congressionally authorized aid to Ukraine, should not have dabbled with using the aid to get Ukraine to investigate Joe Biden or a nutty theory about Ukrainian hacking during the 2016 election, and should not have kept defending his ‘perfect call’ as such. At the same time, his conduct does not merit his removal from office — especially since voters will get to pass judgment on that conduct in a few months.”
“It’s a reasonable position, and it’s the case that Republicans ought to make in public. They are inhibited from doing so by the president’s obstinacy. Instead of sticking to the most defensible case for a Senate acquittal of Trump, Republicans from the president on down are making arguments that range from the implausible to the embarrassing.”


politicalwire--2020-01-23--Top Reagan Lawyer Slams Bill Barr

Top Reagan Lawyer Slams Bill Barr

Former Reagan solicitor general Charles Fried tells Newsweek that President Trump is “ perhaps the most dishonest person to sit in the Oval Office ” and is “ capable of doing serious damage.
” But he saves his harshest criticism for Attorney General William Barr : Barr knows all of this .
And he ’ s supposed to be a very moral man , and so on and so forth .
But to be the apologist for perhaps the most dishonest person to ever sit in the White House ?
I mean , dishonest in the sense that he lies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would think that the project of protecting presidential powers would provide a worthier subject than that , particularly for a supposedly honorable man .
But the fact is , all the honorable people in the Cabinet have left .
And what you have left is people who are willing to say anything , as Barr is .
And you saw the way he treated the Mueller Report , which he misrepresented , because that is what his boss would have wanted .
You lie down with dogs , you get up with fleas @ @ @ @ @ @

Former Reagan solicitor general Charles Fried tells Newsweek that President Trump is “perhaps the most dishonest person to sit in the Oval Office” and is “capable of doing serious damage.”
But he saves his harshest criticism for Attorney General William Barr:


politicalwire--2020-01-23--One-Page Classified Document Won’t Be in Public Record

Wall Street Journal : “ At the end of the session on Wednesday , Chief Justice John Roberts noted that @ @ @ @ @ document ’ identified by the House managers for filing with the Secretary of the Senate @ @ @ @ @ of the public record or printed , ‘ but shall be made available ’ to @ @ @ @ @ classified setting.
” The classified document appears to be related to a phone call between @ @ @ @ @ Ukraine President Zelenskiy .

Wall Street Journal: “At the end of the session on Wednesday, Chief Justice John Roberts noted that a ‘single one-page classified document’ identified by the House managers for filing with the Secretary of the Senate would not be made part of the public record or printed, ‘but shall be made available’ to senators to review in a classified setting.”
The classified document appears to be related to a phone call between Vice President Mike Pence and Ukraine President Zelenskiy.


politicalwire--2020-01-23--Graham Compliments Adam Schiff

Graham Compliments Adam Schiff

Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsay Graham ( R-SC ) exchanged pleasantries with House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff ( D-CA @ @ @ @ @ was “ very well-spoken .
”

“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--2020-01-23--This Is Not What McConnell Wanted

This Is Not What McConnell Wanted

Jonathan Bernstein : “ I ’ ve watched two days of the impeachment trial so far and I ’ m sure of one thing : It ’ s not what Trump wanted .
It ’ s almost certainly not what McConnell wanted.
” “ In fact , it ’ s not what I and some others feared — a full-on show trial focused on smearing former Vice President Joe Biden , House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and any other Democrat whom Trump wants to target .
There ’ s been a bit of that , and I ’ m sure there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what the president ’ s lawyers want to do with their time .
But if those who believe that all Republicans will ruthlessly exploit every opportunity by taking maximum advantage of their partisan power were correct , we would never have had hours and hours of Democratic House managers speaking on the Senate floor , and to the TV cameras , about Trump ’ s malfeasance.
” “ Indeed , if it was up to McConnell , I think the only question would be whether he would have dismissed the trial on Day @ @ @ @ @ @

Jonathan Bernstein: “I’ve watched two days of the impeachment trial so far and I’m sure of one thing: It’s not what Trump wanted. It’s almost certainly not what McConnell wanted.”
“In fact, it’s not what I and some others feared — a full-on show trial focused on smearing former Vice President Joe Biden, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and any other Democrat whom Trump wants to target. There’s been a bit of that, and I’m sure there will be more. It’s what the president’s lawyers want to do with their time. But if those who believe that all Republicans will ruthlessly exploit every opportunity by taking maximum advantage of their partisan power were correct, we would never have had hours and hours of Democratic House managers speaking on the Senate floor, and to the TV cameras, about Trump’s malfeasance.”
“Indeed, if it was up to McConnell, I think the only question would be whether he would have dismissed the trial on Day One — or worse.”


politicalwire--2020-01-23--Sanders Widens Lead In New Hampshire

Sanders Widens Lead In New Hampshire

A new WBUR poll in New Hampshire finds Bernie Sanders leading the Democratic presidential race with 29 % , followed @ @ @ @ @ % , Joe Biden at 14 % and Elizabeth Warren at 13 % .
Said @ @ @ @ @ I wouldn ’ t take these numbers to the bank .
But you ’ ve @ @ @ @ @ good about where you stand right at this moment if you ’ re the Sanders @ @ @

A new WBUR poll in New Hampshire finds Bernie Sanders leading the Democratic presidential race with 29%, followed by Pete Buttigieg at 17%, Joe Biden at 14% and Elizabeth Warren at 13%.
Said pollster Steve Koczela: “I wouldn’t take these numbers to the bank. But you’ve got to be feeling pretty good about where you stand right at this moment if you’re the Sanders campaign.”


politicalwire--2020-01-23--Mnuchin Dismisses Greta Thunberg

Mnuchin Dismisses Greta Thunberg

“ Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin sharply criticized the financial credentials of Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg on Thursday , saying @ @ @ @ @ at college before lecturing the U.S. on fossil fuel investments , ” CNBC reports .
@ @ @ @ @ she the chief economist or who is she ?
I ’ m confused… After she @ @ @ @ @ college she can come back and explain that to us .
”

“Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin sharply criticized the financial credentials of Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg on Thursday, saying the 17-year-old should study economics at college before lecturing the U.S. on fossil fuel investments,” CNBC reports.
Said Mnuchin: “Is she the chief economist or who is she? I’m confused… After she goes and studies economics in college she can come back and explain that to us.”


politicalwire--2020-01-23--Marianne Williamson Endorse Andrew Yang

Marianne Williamson Endorse Andrew Yang

Marianne Williamson announced overnight Wednesday that she supports Andrew Yang ’ s White House bid in the upcoming Iowa caucuses @ @ @ @ @ Williamson : “ I ’ m lending my support to Andrew in Iowa , hopefully @ @ @ @ @ the early primaries and remind us not to take ourselves too seriously .
We need @ @ @ @ @ need to lighten up on a personal level , because the moment is so serious @ @ @ @ @ ”

Marianne Williamson announced overnight Wednesday that she supports Andrew Yang’s White House bid in the upcoming Iowa caucuses, CNN reports.
Said Williamson: “I’m lending my support to Andrew in Iowa, hopefully to help him get past the early primaries and remind us not to take ourselves too seriously. We need that this year. We need to lighten up on a personal level, because the moment is so serious on a political level.”


politicalwire--2020-01-23--Lindsey Graham Hauls In Record $3.9 Million

“ Sen .
Lindsey Graham ( R-SC ) raised $ 3.9 million for his reelection bid in the fourth quarter @ @ @ @ @ that his campaign said represents the largest single-quarter fundraising haul in South Carolina history , @ @ @ @ @


politicalwire--2020-01-23--Kushner’s FBI Interviews Held for Review

CNN : “ The Justice Department did not hand over the FBI ’ s summary of Jared Kushner ’ s @ @ @ @ @ Mueller last week — despite a judge ’ s order to do so — because @ @ @ @ @ intelligence community ’ needs to ensure the material has been properly redacted .
”

CNN: “The Justice Department did not hand over the FBI’s summary of Jared Kushner’s interviews with special counsel Robert Mueller last week — despite a judge’s order to do so — because ‘a member of the intelligence community’ needs to ensure the material has been properly redacted.”


politicalwire--2020-01-23--GOP Senators Have No Intention of Allowing Witnesses

Politico : “ Senate Republicans have been publicly and privately maneuvering to give Trump as quick an acquittal as possible @ @ @ @ @ senators on board .
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell ( R-KY ) has largely thrown @ @ @ @ @ of hearing from new witnesses and many of his members are eager to end the @ @ @ @ @ .
”

Politico: “Senate Republicans have been publicly and privately maneuvering to give Trump as quick an acquittal as possible while still keeping 51 GOP senators on board. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) has largely thrown cold water on the idea of hearing from new witnesses and many of his members are eager to end the trial, not extend it.”


politicalwire--2020-01-23--How Impeachment Could Backfire

How Impeachment Could Backfire

Playbook : “ As far as we know , there are no plans to allow those Republicans who are troubled @ @ @ @ @ in Ukraine to express their disapproval in some formal way — be it a resolution @ @ @ @ @ All they can do is go on the record with their concerns.
” “ What @ @ @ @ @ the dynamics in the Senate change in the coming days , or something jolts the @ @ @ @ @ forward with shocking new information , for example — the U.S. Congress will soon say @ @ @ @ @ use the power of the presidency to conduct opposition research on an opponent.
” “ @ @ @ @ @ Just look at how Bill Clinton ’ s Senate trial became the blueprint for Trump @ @ @ @ @ president will now be able to argue that it ’ s no problem to lean @ @ @ @ @ political help .
After all , Congress said so .
”

Playbook: “As far as we know, there are no plans to allow those Republicans who are troubled by Trump’s actions in Ukraine to express their disapproval in some formal way — be it a resolution or another official action. All they can do is go on the record with their concerns.”
“What this means is that unless the dynamics in the Senate change in the coming days, or something jolts the proceedings — John Bolton coming forward with shocking new information, for example — the U.S. Congress will soon say it’s OK to use the power of the presidency to conduct opposition research on an opponent.”
“Precedent matters in Washington. Just look at how Bill Clinton’s Senate trial became the blueprint for Trump’s. The next president will now be able to argue that it’s no problem to lean on a foreign government for political help. After all, Congress said so.”


Facebook’s Democrat Problem

“ One of Facebook ’ s biggest headaches leading up to 2020 isn ’ t election interference or fake news @ @ @ @ @ about what a Democrat in the White House could mean for the business , ” @ @ @ @ @ Obama administration ’ s warm embrace of Big Tech is no longer shared by many @ @ @ @ @ .
Many of them hold Facebook responsible for President Trump ’ s 2016 victory , @ @ @ @ @ to spread , and have vowed to regulate it or break it up .
”

“One of Facebook’s biggest headaches leading up to 2020 isn’t election interference or fake news — it’s worrying about what a Democrat in the White House could mean for the business,” Axios reports.
“The Obama administration’s warm embrace of Big Tech is no longer shared by many Democratic policymakers and presidential hopefuls. Many of them hold Facebook responsible for President Trump’s 2016 victory, assail it for allowing misinformation to spread, and have vowed to regulate it or break it up.”


politicalwire--2020-01-23--Club for Growth Targets House GOP Incumbent

“ The prominent conservative group Club for Growth is throwing its weight behind a primary challenge to veteran Rep. Kay @ @ @ @ @ move that is likely to anger Republican leaders who ’ ve rushed to her aid @ @ @ @ @


politicalwire--2020-01-23--Democrats Unload ‘Overwhelming’ Impeachment Case

“ And on the first day , Democrats unleashed the flood , ” Politico reports .
“ One by one @ @ @ @ @ prosecutors seeking President Trump ’ s removal from office reconstructed a case against the president @ @ @ @ @ , head-scratchingly complex — that it was hard for senators new to the material to @ @ @ @ @ York Times called it “ a meticulous and scathing case for convicting President Trump and @ @ @ @ @ charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.
” The Washington Post reports Rep. @ @ @ @ @ emotional closing , rehashing the facts of the case as presented over the last eight @ @ @ @ @ learn the ‘ full truth ’ and warning that the ‘ truth is going to @ @ @ @ @

“And on the first day, Democrats unleashed the flood,” Politico reports.
“One by one, the seven House impeachment prosecutors seeking President Trump’s removal from office reconstructed a case against the president so dense — at times, head-scratchingly complex — that it was hard for senators new to the material to keep up.”
The New York Times called it “a meticulous and scathing case for convicting President Trump and removing him from office on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.”
The Washington Post reports Rep. Adam Schiff “gave an emotional closing, rehashing the facts of the case as presented over the last eight hours, urging senators to learn the ‘full truth’ and warning that the ‘truth is going to come out.'”


politicalwire--2020-01-23--GOP Senators Complain About Lack of Anything New

“ As Democratic impeachment managers made the case against President Trump on Wednesday and Thursday , Republican senators rolled out @ @ @ @ @ vote to acquit : that the trial is a waste of time because Democrats aren @ @ @ @ @ , ” Vox reports .
“ But on Tuesday night , every Republican senator took @ @ @ @ @ impeachment managers from gathering new documents and compelling witness testimony .
So Republicans are complaining @ @ @ @ @ they ’ re preventing them from doing .
”

“As Democratic impeachment managers made the case against President Trump on Wednesday and Thursday, Republican senators rolled out a rationale for their future vote to acquit: that the trial is a waste of time because Democrats aren’t presenting new evidence,” Vox reports.
“But on Tuesday night, every Republican senator took vote after vote to block impeachment managers from gathering new documents and compelling witness testimony. So Republicans are complaining about Democrats not doing something they’re preventing them from doing.”


politicalwire--2020-01-23--Fox Legal Analyst Says Trump Should Be Removed

“ What is required for removal of the president ?
A demonstration of presidential commission of high crimes and misdemeanors @ @ @ @ @ ’ s case the evidence is ample and uncontradicted .
”


politicalwire--2020-01-23--Upton Still Undecided About 2020 Plans

Upton Still Undecided About 2020 Plans

Rep. Fred Upton ( R-MI ) told WKZO radio that he would make a decision about running for re-election “ @ @ @ @ @ weeks , for sure .
”


politicalwire--2020-01-23--Pelosi Keeps a Tight Grip on Impeachment

New York Times : “ Ms .
Pelosi ’ s role in the impeachment of Mr. Trump may be formally @ @ @ @ @ own design , the matter is not out of her hands .
Even in her @ @ @ @ @ week , as the speaker traveled through Poland and Israel in remembrance of the 75th @ @ @ @ @ Auschwitz , she had her hand firmly on the tiller of the prosecution of the @ @ @ @ @ ways , Ms. Pelosi is the eighth , largely unseen manager of the Democrats ’ @ @ @

New York Times: “Ms. Pelosi’s role in the impeachment of Mr. Trump may be formally over, but by her own design, the matter is not out of her hands. Even in her absence from the Capitol this week, as the speaker traveled through Poland and Israel in remembrance of the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, she had her hand firmly on the tiller of the prosecution of the president.”
“In many ways, Ms. Pelosi is the eighth, largely unseen manager of the Democrats’ case.”


politicalwire--2020-01-23--Trump Finalizing Medicaid Block Grant Plan

Politico : “ The Trump administration is finalizing a plan to let states convert a chunk of Medicaid funding to @ @ @ @ @ officials remain divided over how to sell the controversial change to the safety net health @ @ @ @ @ spending , even among just Obamacare ’ s expansion population , would be a major @ @ @ @ @ government finances the safety net health care program that has grown to cover about 1 @ @ @ @ @ plan is guaranteed to enrage critics and invite attacks from Democrats in an election year @ @

Politico: “The Trump administration is finalizing a plan to let states convert a chunk of Medicaid funding to block grants, even as officials remain divided over how to sell the controversial change to the safety net health program.”
“Capping Medicaid spending, even among just Obamacare’s expansion population, would be a major transformation of how the federal government finances the safety net health care program that has grown to cover about 1 in 5 Americans. The plan is guaranteed to enrage critics and invite attacks from Democrats in an election year.”


politicalwire--2020-01-23--Bonus Quote of the Day

Bonus Quote of the Day

“ Everyday Americans know what a fair trial is .
And that includes witnesses , it includes testimony , it @ @ @ @ @ fair shot at presenting their case .
And if they don ’ t see that @ @ @ @ @ say , ‘ Well , yeah , he got off , but it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ ' ”

“Everyday Americans know what a fair trial is. And that includes witnesses, it includes testimony, it includes both sides having a fair shot at presenting their case. And if they don’t see that, then they’ll say, ‘Well, yeah, he got off, but it’s because it was rigged.'”
— House manager Sylvia Garcia (D-TX), quoted by The Hill.