politicalwire--2020-12-14--Patrick Kennedy Pitches Himself for ‘Drug Czar’

Former Rep. Patrick Kennedy ( D-RI ) has launched a public push to serve as the incoming Biden administration ’ @ @ @ @ @ ” Stat reports .
“ He ’ s the highest-profile candidate to join the early @ @ @ @ @ and already enjoys backing from prominent figures including a former drug czar , former surgeon @ @ @ @ @ director of the National Institute of Mental Health .
”

Former Rep. Patrick Kennedy (D-RI) has launched a public push to serve as the incoming Biden administration’s “drug czar,” Stat reports.
“He’s the highest-profile candidate to join the early jockeying for the post, and already enjoys backing from prominent figures including a former drug czar, former surgeon general, and the former director of the National Institute of Mental Health.”


politicalwire--2020-12-14--Funding Bill Should Run Through Next Fall

Senior Capitol Hill sources tell Playbook that the leadership hopes to file the omnibus spending bill by Tuesday .
Omnibus @ @ @ @ @ will keep government open through September 2021 .
“ Strategic benefit : Government spending is @ @ @ @ @ , and President-elect Joe Biden doesn ’ t have to deal with a funding fight.
@ @ @ @ @ hard deadline for more Covid relief in the first half of 2021 .
”

Senior Capitol Hill sources tell Playbook that the leadership hopes to file the omnibus spending bill by Tuesday. Omnibus means that the funding bill will keep government open through September 2021.
“Strategic benefit: Government spending is on autopilot through next fall, and President-elect Joe Biden doesn’t have to deal with a funding fight.”
“Downside: No hard deadline for more Covid relief in the first half of 2021.”


politicalwire--2020-12-15--Biden Puts Skin In the Game In Georgia

Biden Puts Skin In the Game In Georgia

Politico : “ The success of the president-elect ’ s agenda hinges on the two Senate runoff races that will @ @ @ @ @ in the chamber .
If Ossoff and Warnock fail to defeat Republican Sens .
David @ @ @ @ @ Jan. 5 , it will mean a GOP-controlled Senate that ’ s guaranteed to stand @ @ @ @ @ Biden ’ s policy goals.
” “ Then there ’ s the matter of appearance @ @ @ @ @ precious political capital even before taking the oath of office , if he plays it @ @ @ @ @ to a state he narrowly won — especially after President Donald Trump and a bevy @ @ @ @ @ — it will send an early message of caution and timidity .
And it would @ @ @ @ @ the uphill contests were too far out of reach .
”

Politico: “The success of the president-elect’s agenda hinges on the two Senate runoff races that will decide the balance of power in the chamber. If Ossoff and Warnock fail to defeat Republican Sens. David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler on Jan. 5, it will mean a GOP-controlled Senate that’s guaranteed to stand in the way of implementing Biden’s policy goals.”
“Then there’s the matter of appearance. While Biden risks expending precious political capital even before taking the oath of office, if he plays it safe and declines to go to a state he narrowly won — especially after President Donald Trump and a bevy of Republicans have campaigned there — it will send an early message of caution and timidity. And it would signal to Georgia Democrats that the uphill contests were too far out of reach.”


politicalwire--2020-12-15--Moderna Vaccine to Be Approved by Week’s End

The FDA said the coronavirus vaccine made by Moderna is highly protective for adults and prevents severe cases of Covid-19 @ @ @ @ @ reports .
Based on the encouraging findings , the agency intends to grant emergency authorization @ @ @ @ @ on Friday .

The FDA said the coronavirus vaccine made by Moderna is highly protective for adults and prevents severe cases of Covid-19, the New York Times reports.
Based on the encouraging findings, the agency intends to grant emergency authorization for use of the vaccine on Friday.


politicalwire--2020-12-15--Fauci Recommends Biden Get Vaccinated Quickly

“ How is this America ?
Democrat electors are allowed in to vote but Republicans are not allowed ?
We @ @ @ @ @ in front of our eyes.
” — Rep.-elect Lauren…

“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--2020-12-15--Criminal Referral On Trump Ukraine Call Released


Trump’s Last Stand

Politico : “ Trump ’ s last gasp to overturn the Nov. 3 election results will come on Jan. 6 @ @ @ @ @ Senate are scheduled to gather in a joint session to certify Biden ’ s win @ @ @ @ @ A handful of GOP House members have said that they will challenge Biden ’ s @ @ @ @ @ unlikely to succeed.
” “ House Democrats unsuccessfully challenged election results in the recent past @ @ @ @ @ 2017 , after candidates won the popular vote but lost the Electoral College .
”

Politico: “Trump’s last gasp to overturn the Nov. 3 election results will come on Jan. 6, when the House and Senate are scheduled to gather in a joint session to certify Biden’s win in the Electoral College. A handful of GOP House members have said that they will challenge Biden’s victory, though they are unlikely to succeed.”
“House Democrats unsuccessfully challenged election results in the recent past — including in 2001 and 2017, after candidates won the popular vote but lost the Electoral College.”


politicalwire--2020-12-15--Where the Myth of a Trump Win Lives On

Where the Myth of a Trump Win Lives On

“ President Trump ’ s media criticism is usually binary — there are ‘ good stories , ’ favorable to @ @ @ @ @ other category , ” the New York Times reports .
“ Most news coverage on @ @ @ @ @ category .
One by one , presidential electors in all 50 states and the District @ @ @ @ @ R. Biden Jr. as the president-elect , the latest and most significant rejection so far @ @ @ @ @ desperate attempts to undo the will of the voters.
” “ But inside the sprawling @ @ @ @ @ , podcasts and video news that has fed some of the most reckless and unrealistic @ @ @ @ @ the myth of Mr. Trump ’ s political survival endures.
” Washington Post : Newsmax @ @ @ @ @ with Biden ’ s electoral college victory .

“President Trump’s media criticism is usually binary — there are ‘good stories,’ favorable to him, and then the other category,” the New York Times reports.
“Most news coverage on Monday fell into that other category. One by one, presidential electors in all 50 states and the District of Columbia formally recognized Joseph R. Biden Jr. as the president-elect, the latest and most significant rejection so far of Mr. Trump’s desperate attempts to undo the will of the voters.”
“But inside the sprawling and self-reinforcing network of websites, podcasts and video news that has fed some of the most reckless and unrealistic claims about the election, the myth of Mr. Trump’s political survival endures.”
Washington Post: Newsmax and One America grapple uneasily with Biden’s electoral college victory.


politicalwire--2020-12-15--Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day

“ How is this America ?
Democrat electors are allowed in to vote but Republicans are not allowed ?
We @ @ @ @ @ in front of our eyes.
” — Rep.-elect Lauren Boebert ( R-CO ) , quoted @ @ @ @ @ not understanding that Joe Biden ’ s electors voted because he won Colorado .

“How is this America? Democrat electors are allowed in to vote but Republicans are not allowed? We are seeing totalitarianism take shape in front of our eyes.”
— Rep.-elect Lauren Boebert (R-CO), quoted by Colorado Pols, apparently not understanding that Joe Biden’s electors voted because he won Colorado.


politicalwire--2020-12-15--Trump Raises Money Off Georgia Runoffs

Trump Raises Money Off Georgia Runoffs

“ President Trump couldn ’ t make it any clearer : He needs his supporters to fork over cash for @ @ @ @ @ elections , ” Politico reports .
“ There ’ s just one hitch : Trump @ @ @ @ @ is pocketing most of the dough — and the campaigns of the Georgia senators competing @ @ @ @ @ aren ’ t getting a cent .
Trump ’ s aggressive fundraising blitz appears to @ @ @ @ @ party defend Georgia ’ s two Senate seats and , with them , the Senate @ @ @ @ @ print shows that most of the proceeds are going toward Trump ’ s newly launched @ @ @ @ @ to use to fund his future political activities .
Only a fraction is going to @ @ @ @ @ which is investing $ 20 million into the runoffs .
”

“President Trump couldn’t make it any clearer: He needs his supporters to fork over cash for the all-important Georgia Senate runoff elections,” Politico reports.
“There’s just one hitch: Trump’s new political machine is pocketing most of the dough — and the campaigns of the Georgia senators competing in the Jan. 5 races aren’t getting a cent. Trump’s aggressive fundraising blitz appears to be devoted to helping the party defend Georgia’s two Senate seats and, with them, the Senate majority. But the fine print shows that most of the proceeds are going toward Trump’s newly launched PAC, which he plans to use to fund his future political activities. Only a fraction is going to the Republican National Committee, which is investing $20 million into the runoffs.”


politicalwire--2020-12-15--Putin Finally Congratulates Biden

Putin Finally Congratulates Biden


politicalwire--2020-12-15--Russians Hacked State Department Too

Russians Hacked State Department Too

“ The Department of Homeland Security , the State Department and the National Institutes of Health on Monday joined the @ @ @ @ @ a months-long , highly sophisticated digital spying operation by Russia whose damage remains uncertain but @ @ @ @ @ , ” the Washington Post reports .


politicalwire--2020-12-16--Steve Schmidt Registers as a Democrat

Steve Schmidt Registers as a Democrat

Longtime GOP strategist Steve Schmidt announced on his podcast that he is registering as a Democrat after nearly 30 years @ @ @ @ @ Said Schmidt : “ I spent 29 years as a Republican , I ’ ve @ @ @ @ @ as an independent , and later this afternoon I will register as a member of @ @ @ @ @ in America today , it ’ s only the Democratic Party—which is the oldest political @ @ @ @ @ for the ideas and ideals of American liberty .
”

Longtime GOP strategist Steve Schmidt announced on his podcast that he is registering as a Democrat after nearly 30 years with the Republican Party.
Said Schmidt: “I spent 29 years as a Republican, I’ve spent two and a half as an independent, and later this afternoon I will register as a member of the Democratic Party. Because in America today, it’s only the Democratic Party—which is the oldest political party in the world—that stands for the ideas and ideals of American liberty.”


politicalwire--2020-12-16--Trump Pushing Special Prosecutor for Hunter Biden

“ President Trump is considering pushing to have a special counsel appointed to advance a federal tax investigation into the @ @ @ @ @ , setting up a potential showdown with incoming acting attorney general Jeffrey Rosen , ” @ @ @ @ @ Trump — angry that out-going Attorney General William Barr didn ’ t publicly announce the @ @ @ @ @ Hunter Biden — has consulted on the matter with White House chief of staff Mark @ @ @ @ @ Pat Cipollone and outside allies .
”

“President Trump is considering pushing to have a special counsel appointed to advance a federal tax investigation into the son of President-elect Joe Biden, setting up a potential showdown with incoming acting attorney general Jeffrey Rosen,” the AP reports.
“Trump — angry that out-going Attorney General William Barr didn’t publicly announce the ongoing, two-year investigation into Hunter Biden — has consulted on the matter with White House chief of staff Mark Meadows, White House counsel Pat Cipollone and outside allies.”


politicalwire--2020-12-16--DeVos Urges Career Staff to ‘Be the Resistance’

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politicalwire--2020-12-16--Hundred of Invitees Skip Pompeo’s Holiday Party

“ Only a tiny fraction of the more than 900 guests invited to an indoor holiday party hosted by Secretary @ @ @ @ @ his wife Susan showed up on Tuesday following an outcry from public health officials and @ @ @ @ @ reception bore all the hallmarks of a super-spreader event , ” the Washington Post reports @ @ @ @ @ name was on the invitation and who was scheduled to speak at the event , @ @ @ @ @ a substitute speaker.
” “ Roughly 70 people RSVP ’ d for the event as @ @ @ @ @ fewer showed up .
”

“Only a tiny fraction of the more than 900 guests invited to an indoor holiday party hosted by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and his wife Susan showed up on Tuesday following an outcry from public health officials and U.S. lawmakers warning that the reception bore all the hallmarks of a super-spreader event,” the Washington Post reports.
“Pompeo, whose name was on the invitation and who was scheduled to speak at the event, canceled his speech and tapped a substitute speaker.”
“Roughly 70 people RSVP’d for the event as of Monday night and even fewer showed up.”


politicalwire--2020-12-16--A Possible Future President In Biden’s Cabinet

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One of the great challenges in staffing a new president’s administration is balancing the need for policy expertise with political skills. Not every candidate has both.


politicalwire--2020-12-16--Mar-a-Lago Neighbors Don’t Want Trump Living There

“ Next-door neighbors of Mar-a-Lago , President Trump ’ s private club in Palm Beach , Fla. , that he @ @ @ @ @ House , have a message for the outgoing commander in chief : We don ’ @ @ @ @ @ our neighbor , ” the Washington Post reports .
“ That message was formally delivered @ @ @ @ @ letter delivered to the town of Palm Beach and also addressed to the U.S. Secret @ @ @ @ @ his legal right to live at Mar-a-Lago because of an agreement he signed in the @ @ @ @ @ the storied estate from his private residence to a private club.
” “ The contretemps @ @ @ @ @ scenario , unique in recent history , in which a former Oval Office occupant would @ @ @ @ @ defend his choice of a place to live during his post-presidency .
”

“Next-door neighbors of Mar-a-Lago, President Trump’s private club in Palm Beach, Fla., that he has called his Winter White House, have a message for the outgoing commander in chief: We don’t want you to be our neighbor,” the Washington Post reports.
“That message was formally delivered Tuesday morning in a demand letter delivered to the town of Palm Beach and also addressed to the U.S. Secret Service asserting that Trump lost his legal right to live at Mar-a-Lago because of an agreement he signed in the early 1990s when he converted the storied estate from his private residence to a private club.”
“The contretemps sets up a potentially awkward scenario, unique in recent history, in which a former Oval Office occupant would find himself having to officially defend his choice of a place to live during his post-presidency.”


politicalwire--2020-12-16--McConnell Alerted White House Before Speech on Biden

“ Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell called White House chief of staff Mark Meadows Tuesday morning to say he planned @ @ @ @ @ winning the Electoral College and would officially address him as president-elect on the Senate floor @ @ @ @ @


politicalwire--2020-12-16--Biden Picks Gina McCarthy as Domestic Climate Czar

“ President-elect Joe Biden has tapped Gina McCarthy , who ran the Environmental Protection Agency under President Barack Obama and @ @ @ @ @ group , to coordinate the new administration ’ s domestic climate agenda from a senior @ @ @ @ @ , ” the Washington Post reports .


politicalwire--2020-12-16--Biden Mulls Michael Regan for EPA Chief

Biden Mulls Michael Regan for EPA Chief


politicalwire--2020-12-16--Trump Organization Must Turn Over Documents

“ A state judge ruled Tuesday that the Trump Organization must turn over documents related to a property whose tax @ @ @ @ @ New York Attorney General Letitia James ’ office , ” CNN reports .
“ The @ @ @ @ @ documents were protected by attorney-client privilege .
”

“A state judge ruled Tuesday that the Trump Organization must turn over documents related to a property whose tax abatements were being investigated by New York Attorney General Letitia James’ office,” CNN reports.
“The Trump Organization previously claimed the documents were protected by attorney-client privilege.”


politicalwire--2020-12-15--Biden Picks Granholm for Energy Secretary

“ President-elect Joe Biden will pick former Michigan Gov .
Jennifer Granholm to run the Energy Department , the agency @ @ @ @ @ role in helping develop the technologies needed to fulfill his pledge to move the country @ @ @ @ @ Politico reports .
“ Granholm , who served two terms as Michigan ’ s governor @ @ @ @ @ with the auto industry — a potentially big advantage as the new president seeks to @ @ @ @ @ vehicles and the network of charging stations needed to power them .
”

“President-elect Joe Biden will pick former Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm to run the Energy Department, the agency that would play a key role in helping develop the technologies needed to fulfill his pledge to move the country off fossil fuels,” Politico reports.
“Granholm, who served two terms as Michigan’s governor, is experienced in dealing with the auto industry — a potentially big advantage as the new president seeks to speed the rollout of electric vehicles and the network of charging stations needed to power them.”


politicalwire--2020-12-15--Virginia Candidate Wants Trump to Declare Martial Law

Virginia state Sen. Amanda Chase ( R ) , who is running for governor , called on President Trump to @ @ @ @ @ Joe Biden from being sworn in as the next president , The Hill reports .
@ @ @ @ @ elections we can accept but cheating to win ; never .
It ’ s not @ @ @ @ @ President Trump has a backbone and refuses to concede .
President Trump should declare martial @ @ @ @ @ Flynn .
”

Virginia state Sen. Amanda Chase (R), who is running for governor, called on President Trump to declare martial law to keep Joe Biden from being sworn in as the next president, The Hill reports.
Said Chase: “Fair elections we can accept but cheating to win; never. It’s not over yet. So thankful President Trump has a backbone and refuses to concede. President Trump should declare martial law as recommended by General Flynn.”


politicalwire--2020-12-15--Trump Security Adviser Cuts Trip Short

Trump Security Adviser Cuts Trip Short

“ National Security Advisor Robert O ’ Brien has returned early from a trip to the Middle East and Europe @ @ @ @ @ of U.S. government agencies , ” Bloomberg reports .
“ O ’ Brien had planned @ @ @ @ @ Saturday , but visited only Israel and France before canceling stops in Italy , Germany @ @ @ @ @ .
He arrived back in the U.S. Tuesday afternoon .
”

“National Security Advisor Robert O’Brien has returned early from a trip to the Middle East and Europe to deal with the hack of U.S. government agencies,” Bloomberg reports.
“O’Brien had planned to return to Washington on Saturday, but visited only Israel and France before canceling stops in Italy, Germany, Switzerland and the U.K. He arrived back in the U.S. Tuesday afternoon.”


politicalwire--2020-12-15--The Undoing of Jeffrey Toobin

The Undoing of Jeffrey Toobin

New York Times : “ Until Jeffrey Toobin ’ s fateful appointment with Zoom on Oct. 15 , his quarantine @ @ @ @ @ people ’ s… Then in a matter of minutes , Mr. Toobin committed the act @ @ @ @ @ , not observer , of scandal , investigation and commentary .
”

New York Times: “Until Jeffrey Toobin’s fateful appointment with Zoom on Oct. 15, his quarantine was going better than most people’s… Then in a matter of minutes, Mr. Toobin committed the act that would make him subject, not observer, of scandal, investigation and commentary.”


politicalwire--2020-12-15--Georgia Senators Still Won’t Admit Biden Won

Georgia ’ s two Republicans senators are still refusing to acknowledge Joe Biden as president-elect a day after Electoral College @ @ @ @ @ ballots and officially name him the winner over President Trump , The Hill reports .


politicalwire--2020-12-15--Ron Johnson Admits Biden Won

Ron Johnson Admits Biden Won

One day after the Electoral College affirmed Joe Biden ’ s presidential victory , Sen. Ron Johnson ( R-WI ) @ @ @ @ @ that he acknowledged Biden as the president-elect and believed the election was legitimate .
But @ @ @ @ @ hold a Senate hearing Wednesday on election “ irregularities , ” saying there are “ @ @ @ @ @ way the election was administrated in Wisconsin and other states .

One day after the Electoral College affirmed Joe Biden’s presidential victory, Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI) told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that he acknowledged Biden as the president-elect and believed the election was legitimate.
But he added he will still hold a Senate hearing Wednesday on election “irregularities,” saying there are “legitimate questions” about the way the election was administrated in Wisconsin and other states.


politicalwire--2020-12-15--Face Masks Now Mandatory In House Chamber

Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced that masks will now be required at all times in the chamber , including on the @ @ @ @ @ including while members are under recognition…and recognition will be withdrawn if they remove the mask @ @ @ @

Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced that masks will now be required at all times in the chamber, including on the floor, “without exception including while members are under recognition…and recognition will be withdrawn if they remove the mask while speaking.”


politicalwire--2020-12-15--Deb Haaland Is Leading Pick for Interior

Rep. Deb Haaland ( D-NM ) appears to be President-elect Joe Biden ’ s top choice to head the Interior @ @ @ @ @ would make her the first Native American to lead a Cabinet agency , Reuters reports @ @ @ @ @ the proceedings said Biden ’ s team was close to finalizing the decision on Haaland @ @ @ @ @ loss of a Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives , where Democrats are @ @ @ @ @ majority .
”

Rep. Deb Haaland (D-NM) appears to be President-elect Joe Biden’s top choice to head the Interior Department, a pick that would make her the first Native American to lead a Cabinet agency, Reuters reports.
“Sources familiar with the proceedings said Biden’s team was close to finalizing the decision on Haaland but weighing concerns about the loss of a Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives, where Democrats are hanging on to a slim majority.”


politicalwire--2020-12-15--GOP Leaders Will Use Bipartisan Bill as Framework

Sen. Joe Manchin ( D-WV ) told Axios that the $ 748 billion bipartisan relief proposal will be used as @ @ @ @ @ for a final package that Congress hopes to pass by the end of the week @

“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--2020-12-15--Everyone Trump Touches Dies

Everyone Trump Touches Dies

Jonathan Last : “ Every presidential administration chews up and spits out one or two people .
There are always @ @ @ @ @ looking like normal , upstanding citizens and exit having been revealed as hucksters , frauds @ @ @ @ @ Gordon Liddy .
Pat Buchanan .
Cap Weinberger .
John Poindexter .
Sometimes the people @ @ @ @ @ president are good guys who catch a bad break , like Mike Espy.
” “ @ @ @ @ @ people who had their lives and/or careers destroyed over four years of swimming in Donald @ @ @ @ @ kind of staggering.
” “ So let ’ s take a walking tour through the @ @ @ @ @ years .
”

Jonathan Last: “Every presidential administration chews up and spits out one or two people. There are always guys who enter an administration looking like normal, upstanding citizens and exit having been revealed as hucksters, frauds, or criminals. G. Gordon Liddy. Pat Buchanan. Cap Weinberger. John Poindexter. Sometimes the people who get rendered by a president are good guys who catch a bad break, like Mike Espy.”
“But the sheer number of people who had their lives and/or careers destroyed over four years of swimming in Donald Trump’s slipstream is kind of staggering.”
“So let’s take a walking tour through the human wreckage of the Trump years.”


politicalwire--2020-12-16--Misinformation Peddlers Shift Gears

Misinformation Peddlers Shift Gears

“ Sidney Powell , a lawyer who was part of President Trump ’ s legal team , spread a conspiracy theory last month about election fraud .
For days , she claimed that she would ‘ release the Kraken ’ by showing voluminous evidence that Mr. Trump had won the election by a landslide , ” the New York Times reports .
“ But after her assertions were widely derided and failed to gain legal traction , Ms. Powell started talking about a new topic .
On Dec. 4 , she posted a link on Twitter with misinformation that said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the vaccinated and the unvaccinated and that ‘ big government ’ could surveil those who were unvaccinated.
” “ Ms .
Powell ’ s changing tune was part of a broader shift in online misinformation .
As Mr. Trump ’ s challenges to the election ’ s results have been knocked down and the Electoral College has affirmed President-elect Joseph R. Biden Jr. ’ s win , voter fraud misinformation has subsided .
Instead , peddlers of online falsehoods are ramping up lies about the Covid-19 vaccines , which were administered to Americans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ”

“Sidney Powell, a lawyer who was part of President Trump’s legal team, spread a conspiracy theory last month about election fraud. For days, she claimed that she would ‘release the Kraken’ by showing voluminous evidence that Mr. Trump had won the election by a landslide,” the New York Times reports.
“But after her assertions were widely derided and failed to gain legal traction, Ms. Powell started talking about a new topic. On Dec. 4, she posted a link on Twitter with misinformation that said that the population would be split into the vaccinated and the unvaccinated and that ‘big government’ could surveil those who were unvaccinated.”
“Ms. Powell’s changing tune was part of a broader shift in online misinformation. As Mr. Trump’s challenges to the election’s results have been knocked down and the Electoral College has affirmed President-elect Joseph R. Biden Jr.’s win, voter fraud misinformation has subsided. Instead, peddlers of online falsehoods are ramping up lies about the Covid-19 vaccines, which were administered to Americans for the first time this week.”


politicalwire--2020-12-16--McConnell Settles Into Role as Top Republican

“ Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is muscling out President Trump as the dominant day-to-day Republican powerbroker on Capitol Hill @ @ @ @ @ “ Trump ’ s power persists , and will live on post-presidency .
But McConnell @ @ @ @ @ but methodical way — is flexing his authority .
It ’ s a taste of @ @ @ @ @ define the next four years .
”

“Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is muscling out President Trump as the dominant day-to-day Republican powerbroker on Capitol Hill,” Axios reports.
“Trump’s power persists, and will live on post-presidency. But McConnell — in his cunningly quiet but methodical way — is flexing his authority. It’s a taste of a tension that will help define the next four years.”


politicalwire--2020-12-16--McConnell Says New Relief Deal Is Close

McConnell Says New Relief Deal Is Close

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell told CBS News that “ we ’ re getting closer and closer ” to a @ @ @ @ @ relief bill .
Said McConnell : “ We ’ re making significant progress and I @ @ @ @ @ ’ re going to be able to complete an understanding sometime soon .
”


politicalwire--2020-12-16--Trump Tells McConnell It’s Too Soon to ‘Give Up’

President Trump told Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell in a tweet that it was too soon to “ give up @ @ @ @ @ conceded that President-elect Joe Biden won November ’ s election .
Said Trump : “ @ @ @ @ @ to fight .
People are angry !
” However , CNN reports a Trump fundraising @ @ @ @ @ should run again in 2024 , which is essentially a concession .

President Trump told Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell in a tweet that it was too soon to “give up” after the Kentucky Republican conceded that President-elect Joe Biden won November’s election.
Said Trump: “Republican Party must finally learn to fight. People are angry!”
However, CNN reports a Trump fundraising email asks supporters if he should run again in 2024, which is essentially a concession.


Warren Still Persisting

Sen. Elizabeth Warren has a book coming out this spring “ about six key experiences and perspectives , ” the @ @ @ @ @ became associated with the word ‘ Persist ’ after a 2017 confrontation with McConnell , @ @ @ @ @ majority leader .
Warren was giving a speech on the Senate floor , denouncing then-attorney @ @ @ @ @ when Republicans invoked an obscure rule to silence her.
” Said McConnell : “ Sen @ @ @ @ @ lengthy speech .
She had appeared to violate the rule .
She was warned .
@ @ @ @ @ .
Nevertheless , she persisted .
”

Sen. Elizabeth Warren has a book coming out this spring “about six key experiences and perspectives,” the AP reports.
“Warren became associated with the word ‘Persist’ after a 2017 confrontation with McConnell, the Kentucky Republican and Senate majority leader. Warren was giving a speech on the Senate floor, denouncing then-attorney general nominee Jeff Sessions, when Republicans invoked an obscure rule to silence her.”
Said McConnell: “Sen. Warren was giving a lengthy speech. She had appeared to violate the rule. She was warned. She was given an explanation. Nevertheless, she persisted.”


politicalwire--2020-12-16--Trump Warned Not to Fire FBI Director

Trump Warned Not to Fire FBI Director

“ President Trump has come so close to firing FBI Director Christopher Wray in recent months that the White House @ @ @ @ @ warned him not to do so because it could put him in potential legal jeopardy @ @ @ @ @ .
“ The lawyers , led by White House counsel Pat Cipollone , specifically said @ @ @ @ @ legal issues similar to those raised after Trump ousted James Comey as FBI director in @ @ @ @ @ the Russia investigation.
” “ Their concern was that firing Wray could be seen as @ @ @ @ @ publicly pressured him to take specific actions on certain investigations — such as announcing a @ @ @ @ @ ’ s son — and then expressed frustration that Wray has not followed his suggestions @ @

“President Trump has come so close to firing FBI Director Christopher Wray in recent months that the White House counsel’s office has warned him not to do so because it could put him in potential legal jeopardy,” NBC News reports.
“The lawyers, led by White House counsel Pat Cipollone, specifically said that firing Wray could spark legal issues similar to those raised after Trump ousted James Comey as FBI director in 2017 in the midst of the Russia investigation.”
“Their concern was that firing Wray could be seen as retaliation because the president has publicly pressured him to take specific actions on certain investigations — such as announcing a probe into President-elect Joe Biden’s son — and then expressed frustration that Wray has not followed his suggestions.”


politicalwire--2020-12-16--U.S. Negotiating with Pfizer for More Vaccine Doses

“ The Trump administration is negotiating a deal to use its power to free up supplies of raw materials to @ @ @ @ @ millions of additional doses of its Covid-19 vaccine for Americans in the first half of @ @ @ @ @ New York Times reports .
“ Should an agreement be struck , it could at @ @ @ @ @ shortage that the administration itself arguably helped create by not pre-ordering more doses of the @ @ @ @ @ German partner , BioNTech .
”

“The Trump administration is negotiating a deal to use its power to free up supplies of raw materials to help Pfizer produce tens of millions of additional doses of its Covid-19 vaccine for Americans in the first half of next year,” the New York Times reports.
“Should an agreement be struck, it could at least partially remedy a looming shortage that the administration itself arguably helped create by not pre-ordering more doses of the vaccine Pfizer developed with its German partner, BioNTech.”


politicalwire--2020-12-16--Trump Appointees Describe the Crushing of the CDC

“ Kyle McGowan , a former chief of staff at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , and his @ @ @ @ @ were installed in 2018 as two of the youngest political appointees in the history of @ @ @ @ @ public health agency , young Republicans returning to their native Georgia to dream jobs , @ @ @ @ @ reports .
“ But what they witnessed during the coronavirus pandemic this year in the @ @ @ @ @ on the 12-floor headquarters here shook them : Washington ’ s dismissal of science , @ @ @ @ @ slow suffocation of the agency ’ s voice , the meddling in its messages and @ @ @ @ @ ” “ In interviews this fall , the pair decided to go public with their @ @ @ @ @ , and what they believe needs to be done as the agency girds for what @ @ @ @ @ of rebuilding its credibility externally while easing ill feelings and self-doubt internally .
”

“Kyle McGowan, a former chief of staff at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and his deputy, Amanda Campbell, were installed in 2018 as two of the youngest political appointees in the history of the world’s premier public health agency, young Republicans returning to their native Georgia to dream jobs,” the New York Times reports.
“But what they witnessed during the coronavirus pandemic this year in the C.D.C.’s leadership suite on the 12-floor headquarters here shook them: Washington’s dismissal of science, the White House’s slow suffocation of the agency’s voice, the meddling in its messages and the siphoning of its budget.”
“In interviews this fall, the pair decided to go public with their disillusionment: what went wrong, and what they believe needs to be done as the agency girds for what could be a yearslong project of rebuilding its credibility externally while easing ill feelings and self-doubt internally.”


politicalwire--2020-12-16--Ron Johnson Gambles His Political Future on Trump

“ Ron Johnson is linking himself to President Donald Trump ’ s election challenge as tightly as possible as he @ @ @ @ @ reelection to a must-win Senate seat for Republicans , ” Politico reports .
“ Johnson @ @ @ @ @ who has endeared himself to the president with his various investigative pursuits , is defending @ @ @ @ @ he faces a possible reelection campaign in a state that President-elect Joe Biden won in @ @ @ @ @ taking notice.
” Washington Post : Ron Johnson could take his last stand Wednesday as @ @ @ @ @ Senate defender .

“Ron Johnson is linking himself to President Donald Trump’s election challenge as tightly as possible as he decides whether to run for reelection to a must-win Senate seat for Republicans,” Politico reports.
“Johnson, a steadfast Trump ally who has endeared himself to the president with his various investigative pursuits, is defending his approach, even as he faces a possible reelection campaign in a state that President-elect Joe Biden won in November. And Democrats are taking notice.”
Washington Post: Ron Johnson could take his last stand Wednesday as Trump’s most stalwart Senate defender.


politicalwire--2020-12-16--Biden Mulls Republican for Commerce Secretary

“ President-elect Joe Biden is considering some well-known Republicans — think Meg Whitman types — for Commerce secretary as a @ @ @ @ @ Americans he understands their concerns and plans to address them , ” Axios reports .
@ @ @ @ @ is debating the political upside of an across-the-aisle pick , and it ’ s still @ @ @ @ @ settle on an all-Democratic Cabinet .
”

“President-elect Joe Biden is considering some well-known Republicans — think Meg Whitman types — for Commerce secretary as a way to signal to red-state Americans he understands their concerns and plans to address them,” Axios reports.
“Biden’s team is debating the political upside of an across-the-aisle pick, and it’s still very possible the president-elect will settle on an all-Democratic Cabinet.”


politicalwire--2020-12-16--Kansas Mayor Resigns After Threats Over Face Masks

“ President Trump has come so close to firing FBI Director Christopher Wray in recent months that the White House @ @ @ @ @ warned him not to do so because it…


politicalwire--2020-12-16--Gap In Florida Covid Deaths Appeared Before Election

“ An astonishing pattern has emerged in Florida ’ s COVID death tally — one that suggests the state manipulated @ @ @ @ @ , presenting more favorable death counts in the days leading up to the 2020 presidential @ @ @ @ @ Florida Sun-Sentinel reports .
“ At issue is the state ’ s handling of the @ @ @ @ @ dies and the date Florida reports that death in the public count .
With minor @ @ @ @ @ long-backlogged deaths in its daily counts on Oct. 24 , 10 days before the Nov. @ @ @ @ @ consistently including them on Nov. 17 , two weeks after the election .
”

“An astonishing pattern has emerged in Florida’s COVID death tally — one that suggests the state manipulated a backlog of unrecorded fatalities, presenting more favorable death counts in the days leading up to the 2020 presidential election,” the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports.
“At issue is the state’s handling of the lag between the date someone dies and the date Florida reports that death in the public count. With minor exceptions, Florida quit including long-backlogged deaths in its daily counts on Oct. 24, 10 days before the Nov. 3 election, and resumed consistently including them on Nov. 17, two weeks after the election.”


politicalwire--2020-12-17--House Will Continue Pursuing McGahn Testimony

“ Money from around the U.S. is flooding into Georgia as both of the state ’ s Senate seats are @ @ @ @ @ Jan. 5 runoff election and with them , control…


politicalwire--2020-12-17--Biden Would Save $2.6 Billion by Halting Border Wall

“ The U.S. government would save about $ 2.6 billion if President-elect Joe Biden halts construction on the border wall @ @ @ @ @ in office , ” the Washington Post reports .
“ Biden told reporters this summer @ @ @ @ @ another foot ’ of the border barriers that became a symbol of the Trump presidency @ @ @ @ @ expensive federal infrastructure projects in U.S. history .
But the financial implications of a decision @ @ @ @ @ the costs to the government it will potentially incur — have not been publicly disclosed @ @

“The U.S. government would save about $2.6 billion if President-elect Joe Biden halts construction on the border wall project on his first day in office,” the Washington Post reports.
“Biden told reporters this summer he would not build ‘another foot’ of the border barriers that became a symbol of the Trump presidency and one of the most expensive federal infrastructure projects in U.S. history. But the financial implications of a decision to stop work — including the costs to the government it will potentially incur — have not been publicly disclosed.”


politicalwire--2020-12-17--Trump Floated Not Leaving White House on January 20

President Trump not only insists he actually won the 2020 presidential election but has suggested at times that he will @ @ @ @ @ January 20 , CNN reports .
“ In his moments of deepest denial , Trump @ @ @ @ @ he will refuse to leave the White House on Inauguration Day , only to be @ @ @ @ @ .
”

President Trump not only insists he actually won the 2020 presidential election but has suggested at times that he will not vacate the premises on January 20, CNN reports.
“In his moments of deepest denial, Trump has told some advisers that he will refuse to leave the White House on Inauguration Day, only to be walked down from that ledge.”


politicalwire--2020-12-16--Biden Will Get Vaccine Early Next Week

Biden Will Get Vaccine Early Next Week


politicalwire--2020-12-16--Pence to Receive Televised Vaccine Shot

Pence to Receive Televised Vaccine Shot

“ Vice President Mike Pence plans to receive his coronavirus vaccine shot on camera Friday morning at the White House @ @ @ @ @ ’ among the American people , ” Axios reports .
“ Details are still being @ @ @ @ @ wants the TV networks to carry the moment live in the morning , the source @ @ @ @ @ audience for the vaccination .
”

“Vice President Mike Pence plans to receive his coronavirus vaccine shot on camera Friday morning at the White House to build ‘vaccine confidence’ among the American people,” Axios reports.
“Details are still being worked out, but Pence wants the TV networks to carry the moment live in the morning, the source said, to maximize the audience for the vaccination.”


politicalwire--2020-12-16--Georgia Runoffs Fueled Mostly by Out-of-State Donors

“ Money from around the U.S. is flooding into Georgia as both of the state ’ s Senate seats are @ @ @ @ @ Jan. 5 runoff election and with them , control of the U.S. Senate , ” @ @ @ @ @ Nov. 4 and Nov. 23 , the Democratic Senate candidates drew 96 % of their @ @ @ @ @ the state while the two incumbents got 92 % of their online contributions outside of @ @ @

“Money from around the U.S. is flooding into Georgia as both of the state’s Senate seats are up for grabs in a Jan. 5 runoff election and with them, control of the U.S. Senate,” Bloomberg reports.
“Between Nov. 4 and Nov. 23, the Democratic Senate candidates drew 96% of their online donations from out of the state while the two incumbents got 92% of their online contributions outside of Georgia.”


politicalwire--2020-12-16--Top Biden Aide’s ‘Fucker’ Quote Under Fire

“ Some advisers close to President-elect Joe Biden are frustrated over a Glamour magazine interview in which incoming White House @ @ @ @ @ O ’ Malley Dillon referred to Republicans on Capitol Hill as ‘ fuckers , ’ @ @ @ @ @ campaigned for the presidency by promising to ‘ restore the soul of America ’ and @ @ @ @ @ of political opponents , whom he insists aren ’ t enemies .
Fighting words from @ @ @ @ @ Republicans ammunition to cast doubt on Biden ’ s sincerity .
”

“Some advisers close to President-elect Joe Biden are frustrated over a Glamour magazine interview in which incoming White House deputy chief of staff Jen O’Malley Dillon referred to Republicans on Capitol Hill as ‘fuckers,’ Axios reports.
“Biden campaigned for the presidency by promising to ‘restore the soul of America’ and not to question the motives of political opponents, whom he insists aren’t enemies. Fighting words from a high-level staffer could give Republicans ammunition to cast doubt on Biden’s sincerity.”


politicalwire--2020-12-16--Rules Eased for Showerheads

Rules Eased for Showerheads

“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--2020-12-16--50 Years of Tax Cuts for Rich Didn’t Trickle Down

Bloomberg : “ Tax cuts for rich people breed inequality without providing much of a boon to anyone else , @ @ @ @ @ the advanced world that could add to the case for the wealthy to bear more @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus pandemic.
” “ The paper , by David Hope of the London School of @ @ @ @ @ King ’ s College London , found that such measures over the last 50 years @ @ @ @ @ who were directly affected , and did little to promote jobs or growth .
”

Bloomberg: “Tax cuts for rich people breed inequality without providing much of a boon to anyone else, according to a study of the advanced world that could add to the case for the wealthy to bear more of the cost of the coronavirus pandemic.”
“The paper, by David Hope of the London School of Economics and Julian Limberg of King’s College London, found that such measures over the last 50 years only really benefited the individuals who were directly affected, and did little to promote jobs or growth.”


politicalwire--2020-12-16--Want to Blow Up Trump Plaza?

Want to Blow Up Trump Plaza?


politicalwire--2020-12-16--Inside the Scramble for Trump Pardons

Inside the Scramble for Trump Pardons

“ President Trump may not be willing to accept his term is ending , but as the clock ticks down @ @ @ @ @ , hundreds of his allies — including some of his closest business associates and many @ @ @ @ @ up their efforts to squeeze out the final ounces of his presidential power , ” @ @ @ @ @ Trump lost the election six weeks ago , calls and emails have been flooding into @ @ @ @ @ looking to benefit from the President ’ s powers of clemency .
So inundated is @ @ @ @ @ requests for pardons or commutations that a spreadsheet has been created to keep track of @ @ @ @ @ ’ s close aides .
”

“President Trump may not be willing to accept his term is ending, but as the clock ticks down on his time in office, hundreds of his allies — including some of his closest business associates and many high-profile criminals — are ramping up their efforts to squeeze out the final ounces of his presidential power,” CNN reports.
“Since Trump lost the election six weeks ago, calls and emails have been flooding into the West Wing from people looking to benefit from the President’s powers of clemency. So inundated is Trump’s staff with requests for pardons or commutations that a spreadsheet has been created to keep track of the requests directed to Trump’s close aides.”


politicalwire--2020-12-16--Eye on the Governor’s Races

Eye on the Governor’s Races

Politico : “ Thirty-eight of 50 states — accounting for nearly 85 percent of the U.S. population — will hold @ @ @ @ @ 2022.
” “ A dozen states are likely in play , if not more , @ @ @ @ @ party to expand its influence across the nation .
Republicans will have a four-seat advantage @ @ @ @ @ , though the majority of Americans will still live under Democratic governors .
”

Politico: “Thirty-eight of 50 states — accounting for nearly 85 percent of the U.S. population — will hold gubernatorial elections between 2021 and 2022.”
“A dozen states are likely in play, if not more, raising the potential for one party to expand its influence across the nation. Republicans will have a four-seat advantage in statehouses starting in January, though the majority of Americans will still live under Democratic governors.”


politicalwire--2020-12-16--Rand Paul Says Election Was ‘In Many Ways Stolen”

Sen. Rand Paul ( R-KY ) said at a Senate hearing that the presidential election was “ in many ways @ @ @ @ @ “ The fraud happened .
The election in many ways was stolen and the only @ @ @ @ @ is by in the future reinforcing the laws.
” The Hill : “ The remarks @ @ @ @ @ seen as one of the senators who might join a bid by Rep. Mo Brooks @ @ @ @ @ the election ’ s outcome and overturn the results in several states .
”

Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) said at a Senate hearing that the presidential election was “in many ways stolen.”
Said Paul: “The fraud happened. The election in many ways was stolen and the only way it will be fixed is by in the future reinforcing the laws.”
The Hill: “The remarks were notable because Paul is seen as one of the senators who might join a bid by Rep. Mo Brooks (R-AL) to challenge the election’s outcome and overturn the results in several states.”


politicalwire--2020-12-16--Inauguration Will Be Limited to Much Smaller Audience

Axios : “ Instead of the traditional 200,000 tickets that the committee provides with bundles for members of Congress to @ @ @ @ @ will be permitted to bring themselves and one guest to the official ceremonies .
”

Axios: “Instead of the traditional 200,000 tickets that the committee provides with bundles for members of Congress to distribute to constituents, lawmakers will be permitted to bring themselves and one guest to the official ceremonies.”


politicalwire--2020-12-16--Pelosi Says She’s Not Blocking Haaland for Interior

Speaker Nancy Pelosi pushed back on the idea that she is holding up Rep. Deb Haaland ( D-NM ) as @ @ @ @ @ pick for Interior Secretary .
Said Pelosi : “ Congresswoman Haaland knows the territory , @ @ @ @ @ President-elect ’ s choice for Interior Secretary , then he will have made an excellent @ @ @

Speaker Nancy Pelosi pushed back on the idea that she is holding up Rep. Deb Haaland (D-NM) as President-elect Joe Biden’s pick for Interior Secretary.
Said Pelosi: “Congresswoman Haaland knows the territory, and if she is the President-elect’s choice for Interior Secretary, then he will have made an excellent choice.”


politicalwire--2020-12-16--U.S. Poverty Rate Soars

U.S. Poverty Rate Soars

“ The U.S. poverty rate has surged over the past five months , with 7.8 million Americans falling into poverty @ @ @ @ @ how deeply many are struggling after government aid dwindled , ” the Washington Post reports @ @ @ @ @ jumped to 11.7 percent in November , up 2.4 percentage points since June , according @ @ @ @ @ by researchers at the University of Chicago and the University of Notre Dame .
”

“The U.S. poverty rate has surged over the past five months, with 7.8 million Americans falling into poverty, the latest indication of how deeply many are struggling after government aid dwindled,” the Washington Post reports.
“The poverty rate jumped to 11.7 percent in November, up 2.4 percentage points since June, according to new data released Wednesday by researchers at the University of Chicago and the University of Notre Dame.”


politicalwire--2020-12-16--Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day

“ I think there ’ s a long-term structural issue .
And by the way , I ’ ve had @ @ @ @ @ several times — that we have to do a better job developing a message so @ @ @ @ @ , ‘ Yeah , those guys , they think like I do.
’ Because that @ @ @ @ @ right now.
” — Sen. Jon Tester ( D-MT ) , quoted by the New @ @ @ @ @ and rural voters .

“I think there’s a long-term structural issue. And by the way, I’ve had this conversation with Chuck Schumer several times — that we have to do a better job developing a message so that rural Americans can say, ‘Yeah, those guys, they think like I do.’ Because that’s what Trump has right now.”
— Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT), quoted by the New York Times, on Democrats and rural voters.


politicalwire--2020-12-16--Trump’s Virus Briefings Were ‘Political Suicide’

Former Australian prime minister John Howard said that Donald Trump penned a lengthy “ political suicide note ” with his @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus pandemic , The Guardian reports .
Said Howard : “ If Donald Trump @ @ @ @ @ he would have won the election He was headed towards a victory until the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ mishandling of that because , in the end , the public , when threatened , @ @ @ @ @ them against the threat .
”

Former Australian prime minister John Howard said that Donald Trump penned a lengthy “political suicide note” with his “terrible” handling of the coronavirus pandemic, The Guardian reports.
Said Howard: “If Donald Trump had handled the pandemic half-decently he would have won the election He was headed towards a victory until the pandemic hit. It was his mishandling of that because, in the end, the public, when threatened, want their leaders to defend them against the threat.”


politicalwire--2020-12-16--Four California Districts Split Tickets

Four California Districts Split Tickets

“ Republicans won four House races in California in congressional districts carried at the presidential level by Joe Biden , @ @ @ @ @ “ The split-ticket victories last month , which have become relatively rare in recent elections @ @ @ @ @ claw back some of its sharp losses from 2018 .
Three of the seats were @ @ @ @ @ and the fourth Republicans first won in a special election earlier this year .
”

“Republicans won four House races in California in congressional districts carried at the presidential level by Joe Biden,” Bloomberg Government reports.
“The split-ticket victories last month, which have become relatively rare in recent elections, allowed the GOP to claw back some of its sharp losses from 2018. Three of the seats were held by a Democrat, and the fourth Republicans first won in a special election earlier this year.”


politicalwire--2020-12-16--Trump Appointee Demanded ‘Herd Immunity’ Strategy

A top Trump appointee repeatedly urged top health officials to adopt a “ herd immunity ” approach to Covid-19 and @ @ @ @ @ be infected by the virus , according to internal emails obtained by Politico .
Said @ @ @ @ @ “ There is no other way , we need to establish herd , and it @ @ @ @ @ non-high risk groups expose themselves to the virus .
PERIOD.
” He added : “ @ @ @ @ @ , young people , young adults , middle aged with no conditions etc .
have @ @ @ @ @ use them to develop herd…we want them infected… ”

A top Trump appointee repeatedly urged top health officials to adopt a “herd immunity” approach to Covid-19 and allow millions of Americans to be infected by the virus, according to internal emails obtained by Politico.
Said then-science adviser Paul Alexander: “There is no other way, we need to establish herd, and it only comes about allowing the non-high risk groups expose themselves to the virus. PERIOD.”
He added: “Infants, kids, teens, young people, young adults, middle aged with no conditions etc. have zero to little risk….so we use them to develop herd…we want them infected…”


politicalwire--2020-12-17--Georgia Senate Races Are Toss Ups

Georgia Senate Races Are Toss Ups

Larry Sabato ’ s Crystal Ball continues to rate both U.S. Senate races in Georgia as Toss-ups .
“ This @ @ @ @ @ occurs with some regularity .
Since 2000 , five biennial election cycles have seen scenarios @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Senate seats were up , while six cycles haven ’ t. ” “ @ @ @ @ @ has never hinged on a double-barreled runoff .
”

Larry Sabato’s Crystal Ball continues to rate both U.S. Senate races in Georgia as Toss-ups.
“This type of double-barreled Senate election occurs with some regularity. Since 2000, five biennial election cycles have seen scenarios where both of a state’s Senate seats were up, while six cycles haven’t.”
“But control of the chamber has never hinged on a double-barreled runoff.”
Politico: Georgia Senate battles rage far from Atlanta.


politicalwire--2020-12-17--French President Tests Positive

French President Tests Positive

“ French President Emmanuel Macron tested positive for COVID-19 Thursday , following a week when he has met with numerous @ @ @ @ @ AP reports .
“ The French and Spanish prime ministers are among those self-isolating because @ @ @ @ @ him .
”

“French President Emmanuel Macron tested positive for COVID-19 Thursday, following a week when he has met with numerous European leaders,” the AP reports.
“The French and Spanish prime ministers are among those self-isolating because they had recent contact with him.”


politicalwire--2020-12-17--Pence May Affirm Biden’s Victory and Then Skip Town

Politico : “ As vice president , Pence has the awkward but unavoidable duty of presiding over the session of @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Electoral College victory — a development that is likely to expose him and @ @ @ @ @ of GOP voters who believe President Donald Trump ’ s false claim that the election @ @ @ @ @ “ But Pence could dodge their ire by leaving Washington immediately for the Middle East @ @ @ @ @ three U.S. officials familiar with the planning , the vice president is eyeing a foreign @ @ @ @ @ overseas for nearly a week , starting on Jan. 6 .
”

Politico: “As vice president, Pence has the awkward but unavoidable duty of presiding over the session of Congress that will formalize Biden’s Electoral College victory — a development that is likely to expose him and other Republicans to the wrath of GOP voters who believe President Donald Trump’s false claim that the election was stolen from him.”
“But Pence could dodge their ire by leaving Washington immediately for the Middle East and Europe. According to three U.S. officials familiar with the planning, the vice president is eyeing a foreign trip that would take him overseas for nearly a week, starting on Jan. 6.”


politicalwire--2020-12-17--Lara Trump Isn’t Scaring Off Potential Rivals

“ The 2022 US Senate race in North Carolina could provide an early test of whether the Republican Party will @ @ @ @ @ Trump after his loss , potentially featuring Lara Trump , the President ’ s daughter-in-law @ @ @ @ @ current and former Republican officials unwilling to step aside , ” Politico reports .
“ @ @ @ @ @ seat has not scared off a number of Senate Republican aspirants , who are driven @ @ @ @ @ prospect of running for an open seat in the first midterm election of a Democratic @ @ @ @ @ the opposing party .
”

“The 2022 US Senate race in North Carolina could provide an early test of whether the Republican Party will continue to embrace President Donald Trump after his loss, potentially featuring Lara Trump, the President’s daughter-in-law, against a field of current and former Republican officials unwilling to step aside,” Politico reports.
“Her public interest in the seat has not scared off a number of Senate Republican aspirants, who are driven in part by the alluring prospect of running for an open seat in the first midterm election of a Democratic president, which usually favors the opposing party.”


politicalwire--2020-12-17--GOP Ditches Election Post-Mortems

GOP Ditches Election Post-Mortems

“ Democrats in Texas and New Hampshire are forming committees to examine the party ’ s failings in last month @ @ @ @ @ formal autopsies are underway in states across the country , ” Politico reports .
“ @ @ @ @ @ the presidential election isn ’ t soul-searching at all .
For the final act of @ @ @ @ @ Trump has convinced the Republican Party that despite losing the White House by 7 million @ @ @ @ @ five states flip in 2020 — things could hardly be better inside the GOP .
@

“Democrats in Texas and New Hampshire are forming committees to examine the party’s failings in last month’s election. Less formal autopsies are underway in states across the country,” Politico reports.
“But the party that lost the presidential election isn’t soul-searching at all. For the final act of his showman-like presidency, Donald Trump has convinced the Republican Party that despite losing the White House by 7 million votes — and despite seeing five states flip in 2020 — things could hardly be better inside the GOP.”


politicalwire--2020-12-17--A Glitch in Trump’s Plan to Live at Mar-a-Lago

“ President Trump ’ s neighbors in Florida are seeking to enforce a decades-old compact that says Mar-a-Lago , his @ @ @ @ @ not be used as a full-time residence — as Mr. Trump has suggested he plans @ @ @ @ @ the White House , ” the New York Times reports .
“ Neighbors of Mar-a-Lago @ @ @ @ @ Town of Palm Beach and the U.S. Secret Service on Tuesday complaining that Mr. Trump @ @ @ @ @ he made with the town that allowed him to convert the property to a moneymaking @ @ @

“President Trump’s neighbors in Florida are seeking to enforce a decades-old compact that says Mar-a-Lago, his private social club, cannot be used as a full-time residence — as Mr. Trump has suggested he plans to do after he leaves the White House,” the New York Times reports.
“Neighbors of Mar-a-Lago sent a letter to the Town of Palm Beach and the U.S. Secret Service on Tuesday complaining that Mr. Trump has violated the 1993 agreement he made with the town that allowed him to convert the property to a moneymaking club.”


politicalwire--2020-12-18--Kemp Says His Family Has Received Death Threats

Georgia Gov .
Brian Kemp ( R ) said that he , his wife and three daughters have been targeted @ @ @ @ @ and false claims after he refused President Trump ’ s request to overturn President-elect Joe @ @ @ @ @ the state , the Atlanta Journal-Constitution 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--2020-12-18--Aides Talked Trump Out of Bigger Relief Checks

“ White House aides intervened Thursday to prevent President Trump from issuing a statement calling for substantially larger stimulus payments @ @ @ @ @ ” the Washington Post reports .
“ On a phone call Thursday afternoon , Trump @ @ @ @ @ stimulus payments in next relief package should be ‘ at least ’ $ 1,200 per @ @ @ @ @ as $ 2,000 per person , the officials said .
Congressional leadership is currently preparing @ @ @ @ @ provide checks of $ 600 per person .
”

“White House aides intervened Thursday to prevent President Trump from issuing a statement calling for substantially larger stimulus payments for millions of Americans,” the Washington Post reports.
“On a phone call Thursday afternoon, Trump told allies that he believes stimulus payments in next relief package should be ‘at least’ $1,200 per person and possibly as big as $2,000 per person, the officials said. Congressional leadership is currently preparing a stimulus package that would provide checks of $600 per person.”


politicalwire--2020-12-17--Bob Iger Wants to Be Ambassador to China

Disney executive chairman Robert Iger has told people close to the incoming Biden administration that he would be interested in @ @ @ @ @ China , the Wall Street Journal reports .
“ In recent weeks , high-dollar donors @ @ @ @ @ ambassadorships with the Biden transition team , though they have been told cabinet positions are @ @ @ @ @ has been a supporter of Mr. Biden and has a long-running relationship with China ’ @ @ @ @ @ ”

Disney executive chairman Robert Iger has told people close to the incoming Biden administration that he would be interested in serving as U.S. ambassador to China, the Wall Street Journal reports.
“In recent weeks, high-dollar donors have begun to quietly discuss ambassadorships with the Biden transition team, though they have been told cabinet positions are the current focus… Mr. Iger has been a supporter of Mr. Biden and has a long-running relationship with China’s president Xi Jinping.”


politicalwire--2020-12-17--Top GOP Senator Warns of Brief Shutdown

Top GOP Senator Warns of Brief Shutdown

“ Senate Majority Whip John Thune ( R-SD ) warned that the government could briefly shut down over the weekend @ @ @ @ @ deal to pass funding and provide coronavirus relief drag on , ” The Hill reports @ @ @ @ @ a days-long continuing resolution ( CR ) to keep the government funded past Friday night @ @ @ @ @ indicated senators could block that from happening if leaders don ’ t have a larger @ @ @ @ @

“Senate Majority Whip John Thune (R-SD) warned that the government could briefly shut down over the weekend as talks over a sweeping deal to pass funding and provide coronavirus relief drag on,” The Hill reports.
“Asked about needing a days-long continuing resolution (CR) to keep the government funded past Friday night as talks continue, Thune indicated senators could block that from happening if leaders don’t have a larger deal in hand.”


politicalwire--2020-12-17--Biden Promises Retaliation for Russian Cyberattack

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politicalwire--2020-12-17--Give Political Wire as a Gift

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politicalwire--2020-12-17--Nuclear Weapons Agency Breached

Nuclear Weapons Agency Breached


politicalwire--2020-12-17--Trump’s Imprint on the Judiciary Deepens

New York Times : “ Early this year , The New York Times reviewed more than 10,000 published decisions and @ @ @ @ @ years of the Trump administration .
It found that the president ’ s picks for @ @ @ @ @ likely than past Republican appointees to disagree with peers selected by Democrats , and more @ @ @ @ @ Republican colleagues , suggesting they were more consistently conservative.
” “ An updated analysis of @ @ @ @ @ over the first six months of the year shows that the trend has intensified as @ @ @ @ @ larger body of work .
… Most cases on the courts are decided unanimously by @ @ @ @ @ is relatively rare .
But as a group , his selections were nearly four times @ @ @ @ @ colleagues appointed by Democratic presidents as those appointed by Republicans .
Judges nominated by Presidents @ @ @ @ @ .
Bush and George W. Bush showed the same tendency , but to half the @ @ @

New York Times: “Early this year, The New York Times reviewed more than 10,000 published decisions and dissents during the first three years of the Trump administration. It found that the president’s picks for the appeals courts were more likely than past Republican appointees to disagree with peers selected by Democrats, and more likely to agree with their Republican colleagues, suggesting they were more consistently conservative.”
“An updated analysis of more than 1,700 opinions published over the first six months of the year shows that the trend has intensified as the judges have established a larger body of work. … Most cases on the courts are decided unanimously by three-person panels, and dissent is relatively rare. But as a group, his selections were nearly four times as likely to clash with colleagues appointed by Democratic presidents as those appointed by Republicans. Judges nominated by Presidents Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush showed the same tendency, but to half the extent.”


politicalwire--2020-12-17--GOP Fell Short of Taking House By 31,751 Votes

Inside Elections : “ Republicans needed a net gain of 17 seats .
They won 10 , and may net @ @ @ @ @ s 2nd and New York ’ s 22nd ) , where their candidates cling to @ @ @ @ @ off challenges from their Democratic opponents.
” “ If those results stand , Republicans will @ @ @ @ @ a majority .
In the five closest races won by Democrats , the Republican candidates @ @ @ @ @ votes .
”

Inside Elections: “Republicans needed a net gain of 17 seats. They won 10, and may net another two (Iowa’s 2nd and New York’s 22nd), where their candidates cling to slim leads but are fending off challenges from their Democratic opponents.”
“If those results stand, Republicans will be five seats shy of a majority. In the five closest races won by Democrats, the Republican candidates lost by a combined 31,751 votes.”


politicalwire--2020-12-17--Biden Aide Walks Back Calling Republicans ‘Fuckers’

Jen O ’ Malley Dillon , President-elect Joe Biden ’ s campaign manager and incoming White House deputy chief of @ @ @ @ @ she made in a recent interview suggesting that congressional Republicans were “ a bunch of @ @ @ @ @ .
Addressing the controversy over her comment , O ’ Malley Dillon argued that “ @ @ @ @ @ really making is an incredibly important point .
And that really is about the president-elect @ @ @ @ @ by over 81 million people , and what they were looking for .
”

Jen O’Malley Dillon, President-elect Joe Biden’s campaign manager and incoming White House deputy chief of staff, walked back comments she made in a recent interview suggesting that congressional Republicans were “a bunch of fuckers,” Politico reports.
Addressing the controversy over her comment, O’Malley Dillon argued that “the point that I was really making is an incredibly important point. And that really is about the president-elect and why he was supported by over 81 million people, and what they were looking for.”


politicalwire--2020-12-17--Biden Taps Deb Haaland for Interior Secretary


politicalwire--2020-12-17--Feds Find Evidence of New Hacking Techniques


politicalwire--2020-12-17--Tuberville Suggests He’ll Challenge Electoral Vote

In what would be an act of defiance of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell ( R-KY ) , Sen-elect Tommy @ @ @ @ @ on video that he will challenge the Electoral College vote on January 6 , while @ @ @ @ @ incumbents in Georgia .


Tracking Biden’s Appointments


politicalwire--2020-12-17--Biden Picks Michael Regan for EPA

Biden Picks Michael Regan for EPA


politicalwire--2020-12-17--McConnell Sees Relief Bill Helping Georgia Senators

In a private call with Senate Republicans , Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell ( R-KY ) said that Sens .
@ @ @ @ @ and David Perdue ( R ) were “ getting hammered ” for Congress ’ s @ @ @ @ @ aid to struggling Americans – particularly the direct payments — and that enacting the measure @ @ @ @ @ New York Times reports .

In a private call with Senate Republicans, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) said that Sens. Kelly Loeffler (R) and David Perdue (R) were “getting hammered” for Congress’s failure to deliver more pandemic aid to struggling Americans – particularly the direct payments — and that enacting the measure could help them, the New York Times reports.


politicalwire--2020-12-17--Trump Fundraiser Gave FBI Emails That Led to Guilty Plea

Mother Jones has an interesting footnote to Trump fundraiser Elliott Broidy pleading guilty to charges that he conspired to illegally @ @ @ @ @ “ He faces up to five years in prison in part because of what in @ @ @ @ @ a dumb mistake .
Broidy voluntarily gave the FBI emails from his and his wife @ @ @ @ @ the bureau ’ s assistance in pursuing hackers who he claimed had stolen this material @ @ @ @ @ his business dealings to the press.
” “ According to a just-unsealed ruling issued in @ @ @ @ @ , the chief US District Judge in Washington , DC , nearly 1,400 pages of @ @ @ @ @ the FBI were subsequently used by the bureau in the investigation that led to Broidy @ @ @ @ @ Following a secretive legal process , Howell ruled that Broidy had surrendered the material to @ @ @ @ @ that—when the bureau wanted to exploit the documents for an investigation of Broidy himself—could no @ @ @ @ @ covered by attorney-client privilege or spousal privilege .
”

Mother Jones has an interesting footnote to Trump fundraiser Elliott Broidy pleading guilty to charges that he conspired to illegally lobby the Trump administration.
“He faces up to five years in prison in part because of what in retrospect seems to have been a dumb mistake. Broidy voluntarily gave the FBI emails from his and his wife’s accounts while seeking the bureau’s assistance in pursuing hackers who he claimed had stolen this material and leaked damaging details about his business dealings to the press.”
“According to a just-unsealed ruling issued in June 2018 by Beryl Howell, the chief US District Judge in Washington, DC, nearly 1,400 pages of emails that Broidy provided to the FBI were subsequently used by the bureau in the investigation that led to Broidy’s guilty plea. Following a secretive legal process, Howell ruled that Broidy had surrendered the material to the FBI and after doing that—when the bureau wanted to exploit the documents for an investigation of Broidy himself—could no longer claim the information was covered by attorney-client privilege or spousal privilege.”


politicalwire--2020-12-17--Inhofe Says Trump Will Wait to Veto Defense Bill

Sen. Jim Inhofe ( R-OK ) said that he expects President Trump to veto the defense bill but wait till @ @ @ @ @ , on December 23 , Bloomberg reports .
If Trump waited until next week to @ @ @ @ @ reports the House and the Senate would have to hold votes to override the veto @ @ @ @ @ sworn in at noon on January 3 .

Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-OK) said that he expects President Trump to veto the defense bill but wait till the very last possible moment, on December 23, Bloomberg reports.
If Trump waited until next week to veto the bill, CNN reports the House and the Senate would have to hold votes to override the veto before the next Congress is sworn in at noon on January 3.


politicalwire--2020-12-17--Bonus Quote of the Day

Bonus Quote of the Day

“ I know there probably are members who still have concerns about the election… But the fact of the matter @ @ @ @ @ over and over .
The DOJ has weighed in .
The states have all certified @ @ @ @ @ acted .
It ’ s time to be done with this .
”

“I know there probably are members who still have concerns about the election… But the fact of the matter is-that’s been litigated over and over. The DOJ has weighed in. The states have all certified. The Electoral College has acted. It’s time to be done with this.”
— Sen. John Thune (R-SD), quoted by CNN.


politicalwire--2020-12-17--McEnany Accuses Courts of ‘Gimmickry Tricks’


politicalwire--2020-12-18--Tucker Carlson Tells Audience Not to Trust Vaccine

Tucker Carlson was slammed on social media as dangerous , irresponsible and “ truly , truly evil ” for his @ @ @ @ @ about the rollout of the coronavirus vaccine , the HuffPost reports .
Said Carlson : @ @ @ @ @ we control our own bodies .
They ’ re always telling us that .
But @ @ @ @ @ rules have changed .
On the question of the corona vaccine , our leaders are @ @ @ @ @ view is do what you ’ re told , and don ’ t complain , @ @ @ @ @ ”

Tucker Carlson was slammed on social media as dangerous, irresponsible and “truly, truly evil” for his monologue Thursday night sowing doubt about the rollout of the coronavirus vaccine, the HuffPost reports.
Said Carlson: “In this country, we control our own bodies. They’re always telling us that. But no. Suddenly, the rules have changed. On the question of the corona vaccine, our leaders are definitely not pro-choice. Their view is do what you’re told, and don’t complain, and no uncomfortable questions.”


politicalwire--2020-12-18--Supreme Court Denies Religious School Challenge

A new Economist/YouGov poll finds just 18 % of Americans believe the country is headed in the right direction .
@ @ @ @ @ on the topic for the last four years : …


politicalwire--2020-12-18--Pence Gets Vaccinated on Live TV

Pence Gets Vaccinated on Live TV

“ Vice President Mike Pence became the highest profile world leader to be vaccinated for the coronavirus Friday .
Pence @ @ @ @ @ Surgeon General Jerome Adams also received shots on live television , ” the AP reports @ @ @ @ @ It comes as the Food and Drug Administration prepares to authorize a second coronavirus vaccine @ @ @ @ @ An FDA panel deemed that vaccine to be highly effective in clinical trials , clearing @ @ @ @ @ ”

“Vice President Mike Pence became the highest profile world leader to be vaccinated for the coronavirus Friday. Pence’s wife Karen and Surgeon General Jerome Adams also received shots on live television,” the AP reports.
Washington Post: “It comes as the Food and Drug Administration prepares to authorize a second coronavirus vaccine, developed by Moderna. An FDA panel deemed that vaccine to be highly effective in clinical trials, clearing the path to approval.”


politicalwire--2020-12-18--Biden Says Targeting His Son Is ‘Foul Play’

President-elect Biden told Stephen Colbert said that he considered political efforts to target his son , Hunter Biden , “ @ @ @ @ @ ” Said Biden : “ It ’ s used to get to me , I @ @ @ @ @ of a foul play , but look it is what it is and he ’ @ @ @ @ @ He is the smartest man I know in pure , intellectual capacity , and as @ @ @ @ @ good , we ’ re good .
”

President-elect Biden told Stephen Colbert said that he considered political efforts to target his son, Hunter Biden, “kind of a foul play.”
Said Biden: “It’s used to get to me, I think it’s kind of a foul play, but look it is what it is and he’s a grown man. He is the smartest man I know in pure, intellectual capacity, and as long as he’s good, we’re good.”


politicalwire--2020-12-18--Battlegrounds Had More Election Disinformation


politicalwire--2020-12-18--Drug Overdoses Hit New High

Drug Overdoses Hit New High


Wrong Direction

A new Economist/YouGov poll finds just 18 % of Americans believe the country is headed in the right direction .
@ @ @ @ @ on the topic for the last four years : typically , 60 % or more @ @ @ @ @ in the right direction .
This optimistic assessment remained high even during the coronavirus pandemic @ @ @ @ @ election , however , that number was cut by more than half – from 60 @ @ @ @ @ It remains low – only 29 % of Republicans this week say the country is @ @ @ @ @ “ But Democrats are worried , too , even though their presidential ticket was elected @ @ @ @ @ in five Democrats ( 20 % ) think the country is on the right track @ @ @ @ @ is higher than it has been in the last few years .
”

A new Economist/YouGov poll finds just 18% of Americans believe the country is headed in the right direction.
“Republicans have been bullish on the topic for the last four years: typically, 60% or more believed the country was headed in the right direction. This optimistic assessment remained high even during the coronavirus pandemic. The week after the election, however, that number was cut by more than half – from 60% to 25%. It remains low – only 29% of Republicans this week say the country is on the right track.”
“But Democrats are worried, too, even though their presidential ticket was elected. This week, one in five Democrats (20%) think the country is on the right track. Though low, it is higher than it has been in the last few years.”


politicalwire--2020-12-18--Trump Fights for a Job He’s Not Doing

Trump Fights for a Job He’s Not Doing

Maeve Reston : “ Trump ran for president pretending he was the consummate dealmaker , the chief executive who could @ @ @ @ @ snap of his fingers .
He will go down in history as a president who @ @ @ @ @ of the most consequential pandemic in 100 years by being contemptuous of masks and the @ @ @ @ @ own administration — a man incapable of empathy , who chose to remain cocooned in @ @ @ @ @ a time when leadership would have mattered.
” “ For weeks now , Trump has @ @ @ @ @ plotting how to nullify the results of President-elect Joe Biden ’ s November victory as @ @ @ @ @ to pay for a string of ill-conceived lawsuits that were tossed out of court by @ @ @ @ @ appointees .
When those efforts failed , he began looking ahead to January 6 when @ @ @ @ @ meets to formally count the Electoral College results — seeing another opportunity to try and @ @ @ @ @ ”

Maeve Reston: “Trump ran for president pretending he was the consummate dealmaker, the chief executive who could make things happen with a snap of his fingers. He will go down in history as a president who worsened the grief and tragedy of the most consequential pandemic in 100 years by being contemptuous of masks and the safety precautions designed by his own administration — a man incapable of empathy, who chose to remain cocooned in his White House bubble at a time when leadership would have mattered.”
“For weeks now, Trump has spent most of his time plotting how to nullify the results of President-elect Joe Biden’s November victory as he has fleeced his supporters to pay for a string of ill-conceived lawsuits that were tossed out of court by some of his own judicial appointees. When those efforts failed, he began looking ahead to January 6 when a joint session of Congress meets to formally count the Electoral College results — seeing another opportunity to try and thwart the democratic process.”


politicalwire--2020-12-18--Biden Forms a ‘Cabinet of Firsts’

Biden Forms a ‘Cabinet of Firsts’

Washington Post : “ From the outside , advocates , groups , and members of Congress can find his process @ @ @ @ @ attempt to discern which directions Biden and his small core of advisers are leaning , @ @ @ @ @ ’ s abruptly switched course .
Some nominations have been rushed much quicker than expected @ @ @ @ @ lingered , creating some frustration even among allies .
Proponents of demographic and ideological diversity @ @ @ @ @ rested too much power in more moderate White officials like himself.
” “ But Biden @ @ @ @ @ defining feature of his campaign , has largely shrugged off the criticism , confident in @ @ @ @ @ he sees as a gut-check decision-making process .
Lately he has become more animated in @ @ @ @ @ that his internal deliberations have yielded , urging those on the outside to take his @ @ @ @ @ ”

Washington Post: “From the outside, advocates, groups, and members of Congress can find his process cryptic and unpredictable as they attempt to discern which directions Biden and his small core of advisers are leaning, only to find out he’s abruptly switched course. Some nominations have been rushed much quicker than expected, while other decisions have lingered, creating some frustration even among allies. Proponents of demographic and ideological diversity have complained that he has rested too much power in more moderate White officials like himself.”
“But Biden, in what was a defining feature of his campaign, has largely shrugged off the criticism, confident in his own approach to what he sees as a gut-check decision-making process. Lately he has become more animated in defending some of the choices that his internal deliberations have yielded, urging those on the outside to take his full Cabinet into consideration.”


politicalwire--2020-12-18--Georgia Democrats Say Trump Is Helping

Georgia Democrats Say Trump Is Helping

“ President Trump has been waging war on Georgia Republicans the past month , spreading disinformation and conspiracy theories about @ @ @ @ @ Democrats are praying he keeps on talking , ” Politico reports .
“ That ’ @ @ @ @ @ believe Trump ’ s claims are growing skeptical of the election .
They ’ re @ @ @ @ @ and Gab and they ’ re threatening to sit this one out — putting Republicans @ @ @ @ @ at risk if they follow through on Jan. 5 .
”

“President Trump has been waging war on Georgia Republicans the past month, spreading disinformation and conspiracy theories about the Senate runoffs — and Democrats are praying he keeps on talking,” Politico reports.
“That’s because Republican voters who believe Trump’s claims are growing skeptical of the election. They’re flocking to Facebook, Parler and Gab and they’re threatening to sit this one out — putting Republicans’ grasp on the Senate at risk if they follow through on Jan. 5.”


politicalwire--2020-12-18--Congress to Receive Vaccine

Congress to Receive Vaccine

“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--2020-12-18--Garcetti Won’t Join Biden Administration

“ Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti acknowledged Thursday night that he would not serve in the Biden administration , defusing @ @ @ @ @ would be rewarded for his support of the president-elect , ” Politico reports .
“ @ @ @ @ @ down an unspecified administration post — asserting that ‘ Joe Biden has told me for @ @ @ @ @ he was very interested in me coming to Washington , D.C. , and there were @ @ @ @ @ me ’ — and said he would instead remain mayor of California ’ s largest @ @ @

“Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti acknowledged Thursday night that he would not serve in the Biden administration, defusing the longstanding assumption that he would be rewarded for his support of the president-elect,” Politico reports.
“Garcetti said he had turned down an unspecified administration post — asserting that ‘Joe Biden has told me for the last two years that he was very interested in me coming to Washington, D.C., and there were things on the table for me’ — and said he would instead remain mayor of California’s largest city.”


politicalwire--2020-12-18--States See Vaccine Allotments Cut for Next Week

“ Several states say they have been told to expect far fewer doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine in its @ @ @ @ @ prompting worries about potential delays in shots for health care workers and long-term care residents @ @ @ @ @ .


politicalwire--2020-12-18--Democrats Fret About Garland as Attorney General

“ If Joe Biden picks Merrick Garland to be his attorney general , he could cost his party control of @ @ @ @ @ judicial appointments in America — and many Democrats do not want the president-elect to take @ @ @ @ @ reports .
“ Biden still hasn ’ t named his choice to lead the Justice @ @ @ @ @ taps Garland , it would open up his seat on the D.C .
Circuit Court @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t win both Georgia Senate runoff seats next month , Majority Leader Mitch @ @ @ @ @ the president-elect from filling it .
”

“If Joe Biden picks Merrick Garland to be his attorney general, he could cost his party control of one of the most important judicial appointments in America — and many Democrats do not want the president-elect to take that chance,” Axios reports.
“Biden still hasn’t named his choice to lead the Justice Department, and if he taps Garland, it would open up his seat on the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals. If Democrats don’t win both Georgia Senate runoff seats next month, Majority Leader Mitch McConnell would almost surely prevent the president-elect from filling it.”


politicalwire--2020-12-18--Biden Lays Groundwork for Infrastructure Deal

“ If Majority Leader Mitch McConnell keeps control of the Senate , a bill to finance all sorts of public @ @ @ @ @ of the few big pieces of legislation President-elect Joe Biden can realistically achieve within a @ @ @ @ @ broad , bipartisan support , ” Axios reports .
“ The president-elect ’ s transition @ @ @ @ @ the groundwork to strike a bipartisan infrastructure deal during the first year of his term @ @

“If Majority Leader Mitch McConnell keeps control of the Senate, a bill to finance all sorts of public construction projects may be one of the few big pieces of legislation President-elect Joe Biden can realistically achieve within a divided government, given its broad, bipartisan support,” Axios reports.
“The president-elect’s transition team has privately started laying the groundwork to strike a bipartisan infrastructure deal during the first year of his term.”


politicalwire--2020-12-18--The Sorest of Sore Losers

The Sorest of Sore Losers

Susan Glasser : “ I know we ’ ve got used to thinking of Trump as a genius in turning @ @ @ @ @ , in creating grievance out of setbacks and then using those grievances to further cement @ @ @ @ @ .
I ’ ve watched him run this play over and over again .
I @ @ @ @ @ alternate way of looking at his post-election behavior is that he is cementing his reputation @ @ @ @ @ losers.
” “ Not only that , but he is crying so long and loudly @ @ @ @ @ loss that he is forcing officials at every level of government , across the country @ @ @ @ @ .
His frenetic efforts to deny his defeat have simply underscored it .
Trump really @ @ @ @ @ 20th , and he really will go out as an impeached and defeated President , @ @ @ @ @ books alongside Herbert Hoover and Jimmy Carter and all the other one-termers he disdains .
@ @ @ @ @ will always be , a loser .
”

Susan Glasser: “I know we’ve got used to thinking of Trump as a genius in turning bad news on its head, in creating grievance out of setbacks and then using those grievances to further cement his hold over his Party. I’ve watched him run this play over and over again. I get it. But the alternate way of looking at his post-election behavior is that he is cementing his reputation as the sorest of sore losers.”
“Not only that, but he is crying so long and loudly about the unfairness of his loss that he is forcing officials at every level of government, across the country, to take sides—against him. His frenetic efforts to deny his defeat have simply underscored it. Trump really is leaving office on January 20th, and he really will go out as an impeached and defeated President, forevermore listed in the history books alongside Herbert Hoover and Jimmy Carter and all the other one-termers he disdains. He is now, and will always be, a loser.”


politicalwire--2020-12-18--Flynn Calls on Trump to Institute Martial Law

Former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn , who was recently pardoned by President Donald Trump , told Newsmax that Trump @ @ @ @ @ prevent President-elect Joe Biden from taking office .
Said Flynn : “ There is no @ @ @ @ @ are going to be able to move forward as a nation .
He could immediately @ @ @ @ @ seize every single one of these voting machines , on his order .
He could @ @ @ @ @ swing states , if he wanted to , he could take military capabilities , and @ @ @ @ @ states and basically rerun an election in each of those states.
” He added : @ @ @ @ @ ’ s not unprecedented .
These people are out there talking about martial law like @ @ @ @ @ we ’ ve never done .
Martial law has been instituted 64 times .
”

Former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn, who was recently pardoned by President Donald Trump, told Newsmax that Trump should institute martial law to prevent President-elect Joe Biden from taking office.
Said Flynn: “There is no way in the world we are going to be able to move forward as a nation. He could immediately, on his order, seize every single one of these voting machines, on his order. He could order the, within the swing states, if he wanted to, he could take military capabilities, and he could place those in states and basically rerun an election in each of those states.”
He added: “I mean, it’s not unprecedented. These people are out there talking about martial law like it’s something that we’ve never done. Martial law has been instituted 64 times.”


politicalwire--2020-12-18--Trump Mulls Doing Reality TV Again

Trump Mulls Doing Reality TV Again

As he begins his final weeks in office , President Trump “ has mentioned to confidants that he ’ s @ @ @ @ @ or The Celebrity Apprentice reality TV show , ” the Daily Beast reports .
“ @ @ @ @ @ family , political aides , and advisers , it is yet another sign that , @ @ @ @ @ public insistence that he won the 2020 election , he recognizes that he has lost @ @ @ @ @ crusade to cancel Joe Biden ’ s victory will come up short .
”

As he begins his final weeks in office, President Trump “has mentioned to confidants that he’s thinking about resurrecting The Apprentice or The Celebrity Apprentice reality TV show,” the Daily Beast reports.
“Among his inner orbit of family, political aides, and advisers, it is yet another sign that, despite the president’s public insistence that he won the 2020 election, he recognizes that he has lost and that his ongoing legal crusade to cancel Joe Biden’s victory will come up short.”


politicalwire--2020-12-18--Kathleen Rice Beats Out AOC for Seat on Energy Panel


politicalwire--2020-12-18--Ben Carson Wants to Start a Think Tank

Ben Carson Wants to Start a Think Tank

“ Ben Carson , the secretary of Housing and Urban Development , has told confidants he wants to start a @ @ @ @ @ leaves office next month , ” Axios reports .
“ Carson ’ s planning signals @ @ @ @ @ many Trump loyalists won ’ t say publicly : Donald Trump will not serve a @ @ @ @ @ not consecutively .
The secretary has not publicly acknowledged Joe Biden ’ s election win @ @ @ @ @ future outside the federal government .
”

“Ben Carson, the secretary of Housing and Urban Development, has told confidants he wants to start a think tank after President Trump leaves office next month,” Axios reports.
“Carson’s planning signals his private recognition of what many Trump loyalists won’t say publicly: Donald Trump will not serve a second term — at least not consecutively. The secretary has not publicly acknowledged Joe Biden’s election win but is preparing for a future outside the federal government.”


politicalwire--2020-12-19--Congress Averts Weekend Shutdown

Congress Averts Weekend Shutdown

“ Congressional leaders on Friday failed to secure a long-awaited deal on a $ 900 billion pandemic relief package but @ @ @ @ @ government shutdown — for now , ” CNN reports .
“ The House and Senate @ @ @ @ @ government funding to keep agencies operating until Sunday night .
The stop-gap bill now goes @ @ @ @ @ his signature .
”

“Congressional leaders on Friday failed to secure a long-awaited deal on a $900 billion pandemic relief package but managed to narrowly avoid a government shutdown — for now,” CNN reports.
“The House and Senate passed a two-day extension of government funding to keep agencies operating until Sunday night. The stop-gap bill now goes to President Donald Trump for his signature.”


politicalwire--2020-12-19--Lou Dobbs Fact Checks His Own False Claims

Just for members : .
This issue looks at the U.S. Senate runoffs in Georgia including the millions of dollars @ @ @ @ @ candidates ’ stances on policy issues , and the…


politicalwire--2020-12-18--Was It Worth It?

Was It Worth It?

Peter Nicholas : “ People who work for President Donald Trump typically meet one of two fates .
They fail @ @ @ @ @ he demands and get fired .
Or , maybe worse , they don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ and turmoil and survive another day , binding themselves even closer to perhaps history ’ @ @ @ @ @ “ Anyone who went to work for Trump inside or outside the government surely knew @ @ @ @ @ .
They ’ d be answering to an untested and impulsive president .
They weren @ @ @ @ @ as a boss—they were getting Dwight Schrute.
” “ Was it worth it ?
I @ @ @ @ @ credentialed lawyers , flameouts , worker bees , operatives—some who voted for Trump twice , @ @ @ @ @ attacks .
They all insisted that it was .
”

Peter Nicholas: “People who work for President Donald Trump typically meet one of two fates. They fail to show the unthinking loyalty he demands and get fired. Or, maybe worse, they don’t get fired—they endure the tantrums and turmoil and survive another day, binding themselves even closer to perhaps history’s most divisive president.”
“Anyone who went to work for Trump inside or outside the government surely knew the terms of the bargain. They’d be answering to an untested and impulsive president. They weren’t getting Dwight Eisenhower as a boss—they were getting Dwight Schrute.”
“Was it worth it? I asked nine seasoned officials, credentialed lawyers, flameouts, worker bees, operatives—some who voted for Trump twice, some who absorbed his harshest attacks. They all insisted that it was.”


politicalwire--2020-12-18--Congress Moves to Pass Two Day Spending Bill

The House and Senate will attempt to pass a two-day spending bill this evening , in order to avert a @ @ @ @ @ .
However , it takes just one senator to block the bill .
Washington Post @ @ @ @ @ still continue to work on the larger stimulus package with the hopes of announcing a @ @ @ @ @ as Friday night… The short-term spending bill would then give lawmakers time to review the @ @ @ @ @ either over the weekend or at the beginning of next week .
”

The House and Senate will attempt to pass a two-day spending bill this evening, in order to avert a government shutdown over the weekend.
However, it takes just one senator to block the bill.
Washington Post: “Congressional leaders would still continue to work on the larger stimulus package with the hopes of announcing a deal, possibly as soon as Friday night… The short-term spending bill would then give lawmakers time to review the bill before voting on it either over the weekend or at the beginning of next week.”


politicalwire--2020-12-18--Harris Prepares by Studying Biden’s Legacy

CNN : “ Harris has told people close to her that she wants to shape her vice presidency after the @ @ @ @ @ Barack Obama over eight years : testing and pushing the administration in private , while @ @ @ @ @ and loyal lieutenant .
Harris , in effect , wants to be Biden ’ s @ @ @

CNN: “Harris has told people close to her that she wants to shape her vice presidency after the way Biden worked with President Barack Obama over eight years: testing and pushing the administration in private, while in public remaining a dedicated and loyal lieutenant. Harris, in effect, wants to be Biden’s Biden.”


politicalwire--2020-12-18--Bill Trump Will Veto Strengthens Hacking Defenses

“ The military spending bill that President Trump is threatening to veto contains provisions that would help protect against the @ @ @ @ @ discovered in recent days , according to experts and lawmakers , ” the New York @ @ @


politicalwire--2020-12-18--Kamala Harris to Campaign In Georgia

Kamala Harris to Campaign In Georgia

“ Vice President-elect Kamala Harris will travel to Georgia on Monday to campaign for Senate candidates Jon Ossoff and Raphael @ @ @ @ @ Journal Constitution reports .
“ Her trip to Suwanee and Columbus is focused on turning @ @ @ @ @ the Democratic base .
”

“Vice President-elect Kamala Harris will travel to Georgia on Monday to campaign for Senate candidates Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock,” the Atlanta Journal Constitution reports.
“Her trip to Suwanee and Columbus is focused on turning out early voters and energizing the Democratic base.”


politicalwire--2020-12-18--A Deep Dive Into the Georgia Runoffs

A Deep Dive Into the Georgia Runoffs

This issue looks at the U.S. Senate runoffs in Georgia including the millions of dollars of outside spending , the @ @ @ @ @ issues , and the limited polling in the race .
The edition also includes a @ @ @ @ @ the polling was in key presidential battlegrounds , updated baseline performances for all 50 states @ @ @ @ @ news ( including a list of which senators are up for re-election in two years @ @ @ @ @ re not yet a member , sign up for an Annual or Monthly membership for @ @ @ @ @ benefits .
For the holidays : Gift memberships are available !


politicalwire--2020-12-18--Trump Pardons Expected Today

Trump Pardons Expected Today