politicalwire--2020-04-15--White House Snubs Azar and Installs Loyalist

The White House is installing Trump campaign veteran Michael Caputo in the health department ’ s top communications position , @ @ @ @ @ move is designed to assert more White House control over Health and Human Services Secretary @ @ @ @ @ believe has been behind recent critical reports about President Trump ’ s handling of the @ @ @ @

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


politicalwire--2020-04-15--Biden Signals Preferred Super PAC

Biden Signals Preferred Super PAC

“ Joe Biden ’ s presidential campaign signaled Wednesday that it favors a Democratic super PAC established during the Obama @ @ @ @ @ last year as the party prepares for a general-election battle against President Trump , ” @ @ @ @ @ .
“ The signal that Priorities USA , which was founded in 2011 , is @ @ @ @ @ political-action committee sends a message to top donors about where they should give money and @ @ @ @ @ Mr. Biden takes charge of the Democratic fundraising infrastructure .
”

“Joe Biden’s presidential campaign signaled Wednesday that it favors a Democratic super PAC established during the Obama era over another group formed last year as the party prepares for a general-election battle against President Trump,” the Wall Street Journal reports.
“The signal that Priorities USA, which was founded in 2011, is the campaign’s preferred political-action committee sends a message to top donors about where they should give money and is a key step as Mr. Biden takes charge of the Democratic fundraising infrastructure.”


politicalwire--2020-04-15--Trump Threatens to Adjourn Both Houses of Congress

“ President Trump threatened to use his executive power to force both chambers of Congress to adjourn if the Senate @ @ @ @ @ for vacancies across the administration , ” The Hill reports .
“ The president , @ @ @ @ @ the Rose Garden , offered a lengthy diatribe against what he described as congressional obstruction @ @ @ @ @ was more urgent than ever amid the pandemic.
” Washington Post : “ Trump cited @ @ @ @ @ grants the president to adjourn Congress if leaders of the House and Senate can ’ @ @ @ @ @ adjourn .
The Senate often recesses but stays open in a ‘ pro forma ’ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s ability to make recess appointments that bypass the regular confirmation process .
”

“President Trump threatened to use his executive power to force both chambers of Congress to adjourn if the Senate did not confirm his nominees for vacancies across the administration,” The Hill reports.
“The president, during a coronavirus briefing in the Rose Garden, offered a lengthy diatribe against what he described as congressional obstruction and argued confirming his nominees was more urgent than ever amid the pandemic.”
Washington Post: “Trump cited a never-exercised power the Constitution grants the president to adjourn Congress if leaders of the House and Senate can’t agree on whether to adjourn. The Senate often recesses but stays open in a ‘pro forma’ session, which thwarts Trump’s ability to make recess appointments that bypass the regular confirmation process.”


politicalwire--2020-04-15--Barr Refuses to Release 9/11 Documents

Barr Refuses to Release 9/11 Documents

“ Months after President Donald Trump promised to open FBI files to help families of the 9/11 victims in a @ @ @ @ @ government , the Justice Department has doubled down on its claim that the information is @ @ @ @ @ ProPublica reports .


politicalwire--2020-04-15--Los Angeles May Ban Big Events Until 2021

Los Angeles may hold off on allowing big gatherings until 2021 because of the coronavirus threat , according to an @ @ @ @ @ Los Angeles Times .


politicalwire--2020-04-15--Trumpists Urge Defiance of Social Distancing Rules

“ A protest movement is taking hold targeting states that have extended social-distancing rules , closed schools and restricted access @ @ @ @ @ And it ’ s being fed by loyalists and political allies of President Trump , @ @ @ @ @ .
“ The tension has prompted Republican lawmakers and supporters of the president to publicly @ @ @ @ @ their local orders , claiming they infringe on constitutional rights.
” Detroit News : “ @ @ @ @ @ streets around the Michigan Capitol Wednesday for a rally to protest Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer @ @ @ @ @ which aims to protect public health during the coronavirus pandemic .
”

“A protest movement is taking hold targeting states that have extended social-distancing rules, closed schools and restricted access to large religious gatherings. And it’s being fed by loyalists and political allies of President Trump,” the Daily Beast reports.
“The tension has prompted Republican lawmakers and supporters of the president to publicly call for Americans to defy their local orders, claiming they infringe on constitutional rights.”
Detroit News: “Hundreds of demonstrators lined the streets around the Michigan Capitol Wednesday for a rally to protest Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s stay-at-home order, which aims to protect public health during the coronavirus pandemic.”


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politicalwire--2020-04-15--Pentagon Barred from Discussing Trump During Probe

The Pentagon ’ s inspector general “ could not definitively determine ” whether the White House influenced the procurement process @ @ @ @ @ contract because senior officials were barred from answering questions because of the assertion of a @ @ @ @ @ ” Politico reports .


politicalwire--2020-04-15--Kentucky Just Made It Harder to Vote During Pandemic

Kentucky ’ s Republican-controlled legislature overrode a veto of a new voter ID law by Gov .
Andy Beshear ( @ @ @ @ @ stage for the requirement to be enacted for the November general election , the Washington @ @ @ @ @ “ Meanwhile , if a Kentucky voter heads to the state ’ s webpage hoping @ @ @ @ @ such an ID , they will encounter a message telling them ID-issuing offices are closed @ @

Kentucky’s Republican-controlled legislature overrode a veto of a new voter ID law by Gov. Andy Beshear (D), setting the stage for the requirement to be enacted for the November general election, the Washington Post reports.
Vox: “Meanwhile, if a Kentucky voter heads to the state’s webpage hoping to learn how to obtain such an ID, they will encounter a message telling them ID-issuing offices are closed.”


politicalwire--2020-04-15--Half Say Bible Should Influence U.S. Laws

A new Pew Research poll finds 49 % of Americans say the Bible should have at least “ some ” @ @ @ @ @ including 23 % who say it should have “ a great deal ” of influence @ @ @ @ @ % want the Bible to influence U.S. laws at least some , and among white @ @ @ @ @ rises to 89 % .

A new Pew Research poll finds 49% of Americans say the Bible should have at least “some” influence on U.S. laws, including 23% who say it should have “a great deal” of influence.
Among Christians, 68% want the Bible to influence U.S. laws at least some, and among white evangelical Protestants, this figure rises to 89%.


politicalwire--2020-04-15--How Trump Attempts to Rewrite History

How Trump Attempts to Rewrite History

McKay Coppins : “ If you ’ ve tuned in to one of the daily coronavirus-task-force briefings , you ’ ve likely seen Trump himself make the case .
‘ I knew it was a pandemic long before it was called a pandemic , ’ the president boasted last month .
‘ I knew everything , ’ he reiterated a couple of weeks later .
Asked to assess his response to the virus , he responded emphatically , ‘ I ’ d rate it at 10 . '
” “ Cable-news outlets have struggled with how to responsibly handle these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public-health officials with the president ’ s free-wheeling insult-comedy and medical misinformation .
But the briefings command huge ratings… ” “ This dynamic has effectively enabled the president to narrate America ’ s national trauma , while editing his own role in it .
There are signs that his efforts are working : One Democratic strategist , who requested anonymity to describe private research , told me that when voters were shown 90 seconds of a recent Trump briefing , his performance in a general-election matchup against Joe Biden improved by more than @ @ @ @ @

McKay Coppins: “If you’ve tuned in to one of the daily coronavirus-task-force briefings, you’ve likely seen Trump himself make the case. ‘I knew it was a pandemic long before it was called a pandemic,’ the president boasted last month. ‘I knew everything,’ he reiterated a couple of weeks later. Asked to assess his response to the virus, he responded emphatically, ‘I’d rate it at 10.'”
“Cable-news outlets have struggled with how to responsibly handle these briefings, which intersperse valuable updates from public-health officials with the president’s free-wheeling insult-comedy and medical misinformation. But the briefings command huge ratings…”
“This dynamic has effectively enabled the president to narrate America’s national trauma, while editing his own role in it. There are signs that his efforts are working: One Democratic strategist, who requested anonymity to describe private research, told me that when voters were shown 90 seconds of a recent Trump briefing, his performance in a general-election matchup against Joe Biden improved by more than two percentage points.”


politicalwire--2020-04-15--Georgia Will Allow Ballot Drop Boxes

Georgia Will Allow Ballot Drop Boxes

“ The State Election Board voted unanimously Wednesday to allow Georgia voters to turn in their absentee ballots at drop @ @ @ @ @ avoids human contact during the coronavirus pandemic , ” the Atlanta Journal Constitution reports .
@ @ @ @ @ drop boxes is another accommodation for running an election while trying to preserve public health @ @

“The State Election Board voted unanimously Wednesday to allow Georgia voters to turn in their absentee ballots at drop boxes, an option that avoids human contact during the coronavirus pandemic,” the Atlanta Journal Constitution reports.
“The addition of ballot drop boxes is another accommodation for running an election while trying to preserve public health.”


politicalwire--2020-04-15--White House Sought Masks While Discouraging Public

“ In mid-March , a National Security Council team rushed to fix what they saw as a threat to the @ @ @ @ @ to function amid the advancing pandemic : a lack of masks to protect enough staff @ @ @ @ @ , ” the Washington Post reports .
“ Alarmed by the small cache and the @ @ @ @ @ shortage of protective gear in the United States , a senior NSC official turned to @ @ @ @ @ ” “ At the time , the U.S. government was discouraging the public from wearing @ @ @ @ @ people didn ’ t need them and that the gear should be saved for front-line @ @ @ @ @ of infection .
”

“In mid-March, a National Security Council team rushed to fix what they saw as a threat to the U.S. government’s ability to function amid the advancing pandemic: a lack of masks to protect enough staff on the White House complex,” the Washington Post reports.
“Alarmed by the small cache and the growing signs of an acute shortage of protective gear in the United States, a senior NSC official turned to a foreign government for help.”
“At the time, the U.S. government was discouraging the public from wearing masks, saying that healthy people didn’t need them and that the gear should be saved for front-line medical workers most at risk of infection.”


politicalwire--2020-04-15--Business Leaders Tell Trump to Increase Testing

“ In the first meeting of President Trump ’ s task force to reopen the economy , banking and financial @ @ @ @ @ needed to dramatically increase the availability of coronavirus testing before the public would be confident @ @ @ @ @ , eat at restaurants or shop in retail establishments , ” the Wall Street Journal @ @

“In the first meeting of President Trump’s task force to reopen the economy, banking and financial services executives said the administration needed to dramatically increase the availability of coronavirus testing before the public would be confident enough to return to work, eat at restaurants or shop in retail establishments,” the Wall Street Journal reports.


Hitler’s True Believers

A must-read : Hitler ’ s True Believers : How Ordinary People Became Nazis by Robert Gellately .
“ Hitler @ @ @ @ @ figure for ideas , emotions , and aims that he shared with thousands , and @ @ @ @ @ believers who were of like mind .
”


politicalwire--2020-04-15--Republicans Wary of Mnuchin’s Talks with Democrats

Politico : “ Democratic leaders say they are talking with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin about how to break a stubborn @ @ @ @ @ response to the coronavirus pandemic .
But there ’ s just one problem : Senate @ @ @ @ @ .
”


politicalwire--2020-04-15--Fox News Viewers Believe Death Toll Is Inflated

A new Civiqs poll finds 45 % of people who frequently watch Fox News believe that fewer Americans have been @ @ @ @ @ the official count indicates , 23 % say the count is accurate , and only @ @ @ @ @ have died than officially reported .

A new Civiqs poll finds 45% of people who frequently watch Fox News believe that fewer Americans have been killed by the coronavirus than the official count indicates, 23% say the count is accurate, and only 12% say that more have died than officially reported.


politicalwire--2020-04-15--Trump Wanted to Launch His Own Radio Show

President Trump told aides last month he wanted a daily radio show running two hours a day where he would @ @ @ @ @ Americans on the coronavirus pandemic , the New York Times reports .
He ultimately decided @ @ @ @ @ to risk encroaching on Rush Limbaugh ’ s own radio show .

President Trump told aides last month he wanted a daily radio show running two hours a day where he would take unscreened calls from ordinary Americans on the coronavirus pandemic, the New York Times reports.
He ultimately decided against it so as not to risk encroaching on Rush Limbaugh’s own radio show.


politicalwire--2020-04-15--Trump Decision Called ‘Crime Against Humanity’

President Trump ’ s decision to freeze U.S. funding to the World Health Organization was condemned as a “ crime @ @ @ @ @ Horton , the editor in chief of The Lancet medical journal , The Guardian reports @ @ @ @ @ Every scientist , every health worker , every citizen must resist and rebel against this @ @ @ @ @ .
”

President Trump’s decision to freeze U.S. funding to the World Health Organization was condemned as a “crime against humanity” by Richard Horton, the editor in chief of The Lancet medical journal, The Guardian reports.
Wrote Horton: “Every scientist, every health worker, every citizen must resist and rebel against this appalling betrayal of global solidarity.”


politicalwire--2020-04-15--Obama No Longer Differentiates Trump and GOP

First Read : “ The 12-minute video that Barack Obama released Tuesday was one part endorsement of Biden , another @ @ @ @ @ and a third part blasting Trump ( though not by name ) and the GOP.
@ @ @ @ @ stood out to us the most was how Obama lumped Trump and the GOP together.
@ @ @ @ @ a significant departure from 2016 , when Democrats — including Obama — tried to separate @ @ @ @ @ large .
”

First Read: “The 12-minute video that Barack Obama released Tuesday was one part endorsement of Biden, another part praising Bernie Sanders, and a third part blasting Trump (though not by name) and the GOP.”
“But what maybe stood out to us the most was how Obama lumped Trump and the GOP together.”
“That’s a significant departure from 2016, when Democrats — including Obama — tried to separate Trump from the GOP at large.”


politicalwire--2020-04-16--Clashes Over Reopening Likely

Clashes Over Reopening Likely

Jonathan Swan : “ If Trump starts urging parts of the country to get back to work , his supporters @ @ @ @ @ to follow his lead.
” “ Multiply what ’ s happening now by several times @ @ @ @ @ major clashes across the country between cautious governors and angry , impatient constituents.
” “ @ @ @ @ @ as red states , including Texas , start coming back online .
”

Jonathan Swan: “If Trump starts urging parts of the country to get back to work, his supporters in those states will want to follow his lead.”
“Multiply what’s happening now by several times, and we could see major clashes across the country between cautious governors and angry, impatient constituents.”
“This will likely be exacerbated as red states, including Texas, start coming back online.”


politicalwire--2020-04-16--Trump Super PAC Tests ‘Beijing Biden’ Campaign

“ A leading pro-Trump super PAC is testing a new ad campaign to paint Joe Biden as soft on China @ @ @ @ @ Trump ’ s coronavirus response , ” Axios reports .
“ Beginning Friday , America @ @ @ @ @ 10 million in Michigan , Wisconsin and Pennsylvania — which yielded pivotal but bare victories @ @ @ @ @ to brand the presumptive Democratic nominee as ‘ Beijing Biden ’ and see what sticks.
@ @ @ @ @ have been impacted economically by China in terms of jobs , manufacturing or steel .
@

“A leading pro-Trump super PAC is testing a new ad campaign to paint Joe Biden as soft on China and redirect criticism of President Trump’s coronavirus response,” Axios reports.
“Beginning Friday, America First Action will spend $10 million in Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania — which yielded pivotal but bare victories for Trump in 2016 — to brand the presumptive Democratic nominee as ‘Beijing Biden’ and see what sticks.”
“These states all have been impacted economically by China in terms of jobs, manufacturing or steel.”


politicalwire--2020-04-16--Warren Would Accept Offer to Be Biden’s Veep

Sen. Elizabeth Warren told MSNBC that she would accept an offer from Joe Biden to be his running mate .

“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--2020-04-16--Hot Spots Erupt In Farm Belt States

Hot Spots Erupt In Farm Belt States

Politico : “ Trump and red state governors for weeks have fairly bragged about how large parts of the farm @ @ @ @ @ of the virus without the enforced shelter-in-place policies common on both coasts .
It ’ @ @ @ @ @ states actually ‘ flattened the curve , ’ or if the virus just reached there @ @ @ @ @ , cases are erupting , threatening a local population that doesn ’ t always have @ @ @ @ @ health care as more urban areas .
And the outbreaks are striking the heart of @ @ @ @ @ and meatpacking industry , potentially disrupting the national distribution of food as meat processing plants @ @ @ @ @ move food across the country are sidelined by illness .
”

Politico: “Trump and red state governors for weeks have fairly bragged about how large parts of the farm belt have escaped the ravages of the virus without the enforced shelter-in-place policies common on both coasts. It’s still unclear whether the states actually ‘flattened the curve,’ or if the virus just reached there later.”
“But now, cases are erupting, threatening a local population that doesn’t always have easy access to the same health care as more urban areas. And the outbreaks are striking the heart of the nation’s farming and meatpacking industry, potentially disrupting the national distribution of food as meat processing plants close down and truckers who move food across the country are sidelined by illness.”


politicalwire--2020-04-16--Why Bringing Congress Back Is So Complicated

Washington Post : “ More than 10,000 employees , on a normal day , are spread across the Capitol , @ @ @ @ @ and committees , the Capitol Police headquarters , the Library of Congress and a dormitory @ @ @ @ @ The most basic duties — 100 senators showing up for a roll call , or @ @ @ @ @ the House voting — are inherent violations of federal health guidelines that say groups should @ @ @ @ @ than 10 people.
” “ And then there are the dozens of members of the @ @ @ @ @ rent or own a private apartment , live in their offices .
Each morning these @ @ @ @ @ House gym to get ready for that day ’ s work representing their constituents .
@

Washington Post: “More than 10,000 employees, on a normal day, are spread across the Capitol, seven office buildings for lawmakers and committees, the Capitol Police headquarters, the Library of Congress and a dormitory for Senate pages.”
“The most basic duties — 100 senators showing up for a roll call, or up to 435 members of the House voting — are inherent violations of federal health guidelines that say groups should be limited to no more than 10 people.”
“And then there are the dozens of members of the House who, rather than rent or own a private apartment, live in their offices. Each morning these lawmakers use showers in the House gym to get ready for that day’s work representing their constituents.”


politicalwire--2020-04-16--China Shows Restarting Economy Not Easy

China Shows Restarting Economy Not Easy

Associated Press : “ Workers back on the job are wary of spending much or going out .
Shoppers are @ @ @ @ @ stores reopening .
Masks and social distancing measures are not fading .
And pervasive is @ @ @ @ @ return if lockdowns meant to stop its spread are eased too much , too quickly.
@ @ @ @ @ are anxious to reopen factories , schools and shops and to repair the economic damage @ @ @ @ @ infected more than 2 million people and claimed more than 137,000 lives .
Some Chinese @ @ @ @ @ showing officials eating in restaurants .
”

Associated Press: “Workers back on the job are wary of spending much or going out. Shoppers are staying away from the few stores reopening. Masks and social distancing measures are not fading. And pervasive is the fear the virus could return if lockdowns meant to stop its spread are eased too much, too quickly.”
“Still, leaders are anxious to reopen factories, schools and shops and to repair the economic damage from the pandemic that has infected more than 2 million people and claimed more than 137,000 lives. Some Chinese cities tried reassuring consumers by showing officials eating in restaurants.”


politicalwire--2020-04-16--Sara Gideon Outraises Susan Collins

Sara Gideon Outraises Susan Collins

“ Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Sara Gideon raised $ 7.1 million during the first quarter of 2020 , surpassing Republican @ @ @ @ @ incumbent had already set a record for the most fundraising during a Maine campaign , @ @ @ @ @ reports .


politicalwire--2020-04-16--Ivanka Trump Disregarded Federal Guidelines

“ Ivanka Trump has positioned herself as one of the leaders of the administration ’ s economic relief efforts and @ @ @ @ @ advocates of social distancing , ” the New York Times reports .
“ But Ms. @ @ @ @ @ the federal guidelines advising against discretionary travel , leaving Washington for another one of her @ @ @ @ @ even as she has publicly thanked people for self-quarantining .
And effective April 1 , @ @ @ @ @ a stay-at-home order for all residents unless they are performing essential activities .
”

“Ivanka Trump has positioned herself as one of the leaders of the administration’s economic relief efforts and one of its most vocal advocates of social distancing,” the New York Times reports.
“But Ms. Trump herself has not followed the federal guidelines advising against discretionary travel, leaving Washington for another one of her family’s homes, even as she has publicly thanked people for self-quarantining. And effective April 1, the city of Washington issued a stay-at-home order for all residents unless they are performing essential activities.”


politicalwire--2020-04-16--Trump Administration Pays Big Premium for Masks

“ The Trump administration has awarded bulk contracts to third-party vendors in recent weeks in a scramble to obtain N95 @ @ @ @ @ government has paid the companies more than $ 5 per unit , nearly eight times @ @ @ @ @ in January and February when U.S. intelligence agencies warned of a looming global pandemic , @ @ @ @ @ .

“The Trump administration has awarded bulk contracts to third-party vendors in recent weeks in a scramble to obtain N95 respirator masks, and the government has paid the companies more than $5 per unit, nearly eight times what it would have spent in January and February when U.S. intelligence agencies warned of a looming global pandemic,” the Washington Post reports.


politicalwire--2020-04-16--Trump’s Attempt to Enlist Business Off to Rocky Start

“ President Trump ’ s attempt to enlist corporate executives in a push to reopen parts of society amid the @ @ @ @ @ a rocky start Wednesday , with some business leaders complaining the effort was haphazard and @ @ @ @ @ to be in place before restrictions are lifted , ” the Washington Post reports .

“President Trump’s attempt to enlist corporate executives in a push to reopen parts of society amid the coronavirus pandemic got off to a rocky start Wednesday, with some business leaders complaining the effort was haphazard and warning that more testing needs to be in place before restrictions are lifted,” the Washington Post reports.


politicalwire--2020-01-07--Trump’s Obsession with Obama Grows

Trump’s Obsession with Obama Grows

CNN : “ Trump has been lambasting Obama for years , even before he ran for the top job .
@ @ @ @ @ s been doing it more often .
A November analysis from CNN ’ s Daniel @ @ @ @ @ Obama and the Obama administration by name more frequently in the past 18 months than @ @ @ @ @ 18 months of his presidency.
” Writes Dale : “ Through October , Trump had @ @ @ @ @ times during 2019 as a whole — an average of 1.8 times per day .
@

CNN: “Trump has been lambasting Obama for years, even before he ran for the top job. Recently, though he’s been doing it more often. A November analysis from CNN’s Daniel Dale shows Trump has mentioned Obama and the Obama administration by name more frequently in the past 18 months than he had in the first 18 months of his presidency.”
Writes Dale: “Through October, Trump had mentioned Obama by name 537 times during 2019 as a whole — an average of 1.8 times per day.”


politicalwire--2020-01-07--When Did Lindsey Graham Become a Fox Contributor?

CNN : “ Once upon a time , Lindsey Graham was a Republican senator who was not afraid to exit @ @ @ @ @ other networks .
But , in recent months , Graham has been appearing almost exclusively @ @ @ @ @ , he ’ s become a regular fixture on the president ’ s favored network.
@ @ @ @ @ , 2019 , Graham has appeared at least 36 times on either Fox News or @ @ @ @ @ appeared twice on CBS News in that time frame .
We couldn ’ t locate @ @ @ @ @ sat down for on other networks .
”

CNN: “Once upon a time, Lindsey Graham was a Republican senator who was not afraid to exit the Fox-verse and appear on other networks. But, in recent months, Graham has been appearing almost exclusively on Fox. In fact, he’s become a regular fixture on the president’s favored network.”
“Since September 1, 2019, Graham has appeared at least 36 times on either Fox News or Fox Biz. He has appeared twice on CBS News in that time frame. We couldn’t locate any other interviews he has sat down for on other networks.”


politicalwire--2020-01-07--Trump’s Legal Team Prepares for Impeachment Trial

Politico : “ President Trump ’ s lawyers have their strategy in place for the upcoming Senate impeachment trial .
@ @ @ @ @ a start date .
Coordinating over the last month , the White House counsel ’ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s team of private lawyers have prepared a detailed legal brief pushing back against @ @ @ @ @ impeachment articles that seek Trump ’ s removal from office for abuse of power and @ @ @ @ @ That document , according to a person familiar with the Trump legal strategy , is @ @ @ @ @ Bill Clinton ’ s lawyers submitted at the start of his 1999 Senate impeachment trial @ @ @ @ @ later with his acquittal .
Trump ’ s lawyers have also been preparing their oral @ @ @ @ @ give them .
”

Politico: “President Trump’s lawyers have their strategy in place for the upcoming Senate impeachment trial. All they need now is a start date. Coordinating over the last month, the White House counsel’s office and the president’s team of private lawyers have prepared a detailed legal brief pushing back against last month’s House-passed impeachment articles that seek Trump’s removal from office for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.”
“That document, according to a person familiar with the Trump legal strategy, is modeled after one that President Bill Clinton’s lawyers submitted at the start of his 1999 Senate impeachment trial — which ended a month later with his acquittal. Trump’s lawyers have also been preparing their oral arguments — and who will give them.”


politicalwire--2020-01-07--Exchange of the Day

Exchange of the Day

President Trump called into the Rush Limbaugh Show and briefly discussed the Mueller report : TRUMP : Even I was @ @ @ @ @ am , Rush .
LIMBAUGH : You may be cleaner than any previous president we @ @ @ @


politicalwire--2020-01-07--Is Hannity Being Briefed on Iran?

Is Hannity Being Briefed on Iran?

CNN : “ Sean Hannity opened his Fox show on Monday night , spouting off on Iran in a nearly @ @ @ @ @ .
But what was really interesting was the detail Hannity offered about the US ’ @ @ @ @ @ Hannity , for one , insisted that the US ‘ won ’ t be going @ @ @ @ @ in Iran .
That ’ s not going to happen . '
” “ And @ @ @ @ @ some targets the US might hit if Iran retaliates for the killing of Iranian commander @ @ @ @ @ : “ They got three major oil refineries and we know where they are .
@ @ @ @ @ we know where they are .
We know Iran ’ s terrorist network — maybe @ @ @ @ @ themselves .
”

CNN: “Sean Hannity opened his Fox show on Monday night, spouting off on Iran in a nearly 10-minute monologue full of bluster. But what was really interesting was the detail Hannity offered about the US’ strategy toward the regime. Hannity, for one, insisted that the US ‘won’t be going with boots on the ground in Iran. That’s not going to happen.'”
“And then Hannity proceeded to list some targets the US might hit if Iran retaliates for the killing of Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani.”
Said Hannity: “They got three major oil refineries and we know where they are. They have nuclear facilities, we know where they are. We know Iran’s terrorist network — maybe even the mullah’s themselves.”


politicalwire--2020-01-07--Iran Crisis Eclipses Impeachment

Iran Crisis Eclipses Impeachment

Politico : “ It ’ s hard to imagine anything eclipsing the imminent impeachment trial of President Trump .
But @ @ @ @ @ finds itself with the United States on the brink of military conflict with Iran.
” @ @ @ @ @ to prioritize the two dramas — and could for weeks if Iran retaliates against the @ @ @ @ @ considers removing Trump .
It ’ s a microcosm of Trump ’ s frenetic presidency @ @ @ @ @ Congress has it barely keeping up as an institution .
”

Politico: “It’s hard to imagine anything eclipsing the imminent impeachment trial of President Trump. But that’s where Congress finds itself with the United States on the brink of military conflict with Iran.”
“Lawmakers are left struggling to prioritize the two dramas — and could for weeks if Iran retaliates against the United States while the Senate considers removing Trump. It’s a microcosm of Trump’s frenetic presidency: The plodding pace of Congress has it barely keeping up as an institution.”


politicalwire--2020-01-07--Bloomberg Focuses Almost Entirely on Health Care

Washington Post : “ Bloomberg , who is pumping millions of dollars into his entirely self-funded campaign , is running @ @ @ @ @ states that details where he stands in the health-care debate that has become a central @ @ @ @ @ .
The ad , the only TV message Bloomberg is currently airing , is all @ @ @ @ @ — health insurance .
”

Washington Post: “Bloomberg, who is pumping millions of dollars into his entirely self-funded campaign, is running a single ad in 26 states that details where he stands in the health-care debate that has become a central issue in the Democratic primary. The ad, the only TV message Bloomberg is currently airing, is all about — you guessed it — health insurance.”


politicalwire--2020-01-07--Buttigieg Releases Four Ads with Four Distinct Messages

“ Pete Buttigieg will begin airing four distinct ads in the early-nominating states on Tuesday , tailoring a message ranging @ @ @ @ @ opposition to ‘ Medicare for All ’ to his support from black South Bend , @ @ @ @ @ in Iowa , New Hampshire , Nevada and South Carolina , ” CNN reports .
@ @ @ @ @ which roll out less than a month from when Iowans become the first to decide @ @ @ @ @ signal how the former South Bend , Indiana , mayor ’ s top aides believe @ @ @ @ @ in each early state , as opposed to one steadfast message from Buttigieg , who @ @ @ @ @ issues into his standard stump speech .
”

“Pete Buttigieg will begin airing four distinct ads in the early-nominating states on Tuesday, tailoring a message ranging from income inequality to his opposition to ‘Medicare for All’ to his support from black South Bend, Indiana, residents to audiences in Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada and South Carolina,” CNN reports.
“The four ads — which roll out less than a month from when Iowans become the first to decide on the Democratic nominee — signal how the former South Bend, Indiana, mayor’s top aides believe different messages may work better in each early state, as opposed to one steadfast message from Buttigieg, who routinely sprinkles a host of issues into his standard stump speech.”


politicalwire--2020-01-07--Deciphering Trump’s Foreign Policy

Deciphering Trump’s Foreign Policy

Walter Mead : “ The president ’ s intuitive understanding of his electoral base ’ s sentiments is the foundation @ @ @ @ @ The resulting twists and turns may puzzle analysts who can ’ t follow Jacksonian reasoning @ @ @ @ @ the benefit of keeping his domestic supporters united far outweighs any appearance of inconsistency to @ @ @ @ @

Walter Mead: “The president’s intuitive understanding of his electoral base’s sentiments is the foundation of his political strength. The resulting twists and turns may puzzle analysts who can’t follow Jacksonian reasoning, but for the president the benefit of keeping his domestic supporters united far outweighs any appearance of inconsistency to the media elite.”


Understanding Lindsey Graham

“ People try to analyze Lindsey through the prism of the manifest inconsistencies that exist between things that he used @ @ @ @ @ ’ s doing now .
The way to understand him is to look at what @ @ @ @ @ essentially what he is in American politics is what , in the aquatic world , @ @ @ @ @ : a smaller fish that hovers about a larger predator , like a shark , @ @ @ @ @ .
That ’ s Lindsey .
And when he swam around the McCain shark , @ @ @ @ @ and good shark , Lindsey took on the patina of virtue .
But wherever the @ @ @ @ @ find the Lindsey fish hovering about , and Trump ’ s the newest shark in @ @ @ @ @ a real draw to power — but he ’ s found it unattainable on his @ @ @ @

Former GOP strategist Steve Schmidt to Rolling Stone:
“People try to analyze Lindsey through the prism of the manifest inconsistencies that exist between things that he used to believe and what he’s doing now. The way to understand him is to look at what’s consistent. And essentially what he is in American politics is what, in the aquatic world, would be a pilot fish: a smaller fish that hovers about a larger predator, like a shark, living off of its detritus. That’s Lindsey. And when he swam around the McCain shark, broadly viewed as a virtuous and good shark, Lindsey took on the patina of virtue. But wherever the apex shark is, you find the Lindsey fish hovering about, and Trump’s the newest shark in the sea. Lindsey has a real draw to power — but he’s found it unattainable on his own merits.”


politicalwire--2020-01-07--More Democrats Face Debate Chopping Block

Politico : “ The Democratic presidential debate stage is set to shrink again next week .
Only five candidates so @ @ @ @ @ the Jan. 14 CNN/Des Moines Register debate in Iowa : Joe Biden , Pete Buttigieg @ @ @ @ @ Sanders and Elizabeth Warren .
Tom Steyer , Andrew Yang and Cory Booker will all @ @ @ @ @ they see polling surges before Friday ’ s deadline to qualify .
”

Politico: “The Democratic presidential debate stage is set to shrink again next week. Only five candidates so far have earned spots in the Jan. 14 CNN/Des Moines Register debate in Iowa: Joe Biden, Pete Buttigieg, Amy Klobuchar, Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren. Tom Steyer, Andrew Yang and Cory Booker will all watch from the sidelines unless they see polling surges before Friday’s deadline to qualify.”


politicalwire--2020-01-07--Iran Plots Its Revenge

Iran Plots Its Revenge

Financial Times : “ During four days of mourning , huge crowds have demanded retribution for the assassination last week @ @ @ @ @ leader .
Publicly , the regime has issued bellicose statements — threatening a ‘ historic @ @ @ @ @ and warning that it has ‘ 13 scenarios ’ for retaliation.
” “ But in @ @ @ @ @ said Tehran must strike back but avoid a full-blown conflict.
” New York Times : @ @ @ @ @ following the American killing of a top Iranian military commander , the country ’ s @ @ @ @ @ Khamenei , made a rare appearance at a meeting of the government ’ s National @ @ @ @ @ the parameters for any retaliation .
It must be a direct and proportional attack on @ @ @ @ @ , openly carried out by Iranian forces themselves , three Iranians familiar with the meeting @ @ @ @

Financial Times: “During four days of mourning, huge crowds have demanded retribution for the assassination last week of their most revered military leader. Publicly, the regime has issued bellicose statements — threatening a ‘historic nightmare’ for the US and warning that it has ‘13 scenarios’ for retaliation.”
“But in private, even hardliners have said Tehran must strike back but avoid a full-blown conflict.”
New York Times: “In the tense hours following the American killing of a top Iranian military commander, the country’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, made a rare appearance at a meeting of the government’s National Security Council to lay down the parameters for any retaliation. It must be a direct and proportional attack on American interests, he said, openly carried out by Iranian forces themselves, three Iranians familiar with the meeting said Monday.”


politicalwire--2020-01-07--U.S. Troops Prepare for the Worst

U.S. Troops Prepare for the Worst

“ American military units stationed in Iraq and Syria are readying for attacks from either Iranian forces or their proxies @ @ @ @ @ killed a senior Iranian general last week , ” the New York Times reports .
@ @ @ @ @ an Iranian retaliatory attack would look like after the death of Maj. Gen. Qassim Suleimani @ @ @ @ @ intelligence commander responsible for the deaths of hundreds of troops over the years , and @ @ @ @ @ powerful Iraqi militia commander and government official.
” “ But , already , American forces @ @ @ @ @ their outposts , bases and airfields.
” Associated Press : “ U.S .
officials are @ @ @ @ @ try to strike a high-level American leader in a ‘ tit-for-tat ’ move , potentially @ @ @ @ @

“American military units stationed in Iraq and Syria are readying for attacks from either Iranian forces or their proxies after the drone strike that killed a senior Iranian general last week,” the New York Times reports.
“It is unclear what an Iranian retaliatory attack would look like after the death of Maj. Gen. Qassim Suleimani, an Iranian security and intelligence commander responsible for the deaths of hundreds of troops over the years, and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, a powerful Iraqi militia commander and government official.”
“But, already, American forces in the region are reinforcing their outposts, bases and airfields.”
Associated Press: “U.S. officials are also aware that Iran could try to strike a high-level American leader in a ‘tit-for-tat’ move, potentially a military commander.”


politicalwire--2020-01-07--Trump Administration Drafts Sanctions Against Iraq

“ Senior administration officials have begun drafting sanctions against Iraq after President Trump publicly threatened the country with economic penalties @ @ @ @ @ U.S. troops , ” the Washington Post reports .
“ The Treasury Department and White @ @ @ @ @ lead role if the sanctions are ultimately implemented… Such a step would represent a highly @ @ @ @ @ ally that America has spent almost two decades and hundreds of billions of dollars supporting @ @

“Senior administration officials have begun drafting sanctions against Iraq after President Trump publicly threatened the country with economic penalties if it proceeded to expel U.S. troops,” the Washington Post reports.
“The Treasury Department and White House would likely play a lead role if the sanctions are ultimately implemented… Such a step would represent a highly unusual move against a foreign ally that America has spent almost two decades and hundreds of billions of dollars supporting.”


politicalwire--2020-01-07--Pentagon Rules Out Striking Iranian Cultural Sites

“ Defense Secretary Mark Esper sought to douse an international outcry on Monday by ruling out military attacks on cultural @ @ @ @ @ conflict with Tehran escalates further , despite President Trump ’ s threat to destroy some @ @ @ @ @ treasured icons , ” the New York Times reports .
“ Mr .
Esper acknowledged @ @ @ @ @ no military value would be a war crime , putting him at odds with the @ @ @ @ @ places would be legitimate targets.
” “ The furor was a classic controversy of Mr. @ @ @ @ @ the apparent result of an impulsive threat and his refusal to back down in the @ @ @ @ @

“Defense Secretary Mark Esper sought to douse an international outcry on Monday by ruling out military attacks on cultural sites in Iran if the conflict with Tehran escalates further, despite President Trump’s threat to destroy some of the country’s treasured icons,” the New York Times reports.
“Mr. Esper acknowledged that striking cultural sites with no military value would be a war crime, putting him at odds with the president, who insisted such places would be legitimate targets.”
“The furor was a classic controversy of Mr. Trump’s creation, the apparent result of an impulsive threat and his refusal to back down in the face of criticism.”


politicalwire--2020-01-07--Murkowski Would Delay Decision on Witnesses

Sen. Lisa Murkowski ( R-AK ) said that she supports delaying a decision on which , if any , witnesses @ @ @ @ @ start of President Trump ’ s impeachment trial , The Hill reports .
Said Murkowski @ @ @ @ @ need to do what they did the last time they did this … and that @ @ @ @ @ first phase , and then they reassessed after that .
”

Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) said that she supports delaying a decision on which, if any, witnesses should testify until after the start of President Trump’s impeachment trial, The Hill reports.
Said Murkowski: “I think we need to do what they did the last time they did this … and that was to go through a first phase, and then they reassessed after that.”


politicalwire--2020-01-07--Tax Audits Drop to Lowest Level in Decades

“ Individual taxpayers are half as likely to get audited as they were in 2010 , after tax enforcement by @ @ @ @ @ to the lowest level in at least four decades , ” the Wall Street Journal @ @ @ @ @ audited 0.45 % of personal income-tax returns in fiscal 2019 , down from 0.59 % @ @ @ @ @ eighth straight year of decline .
”

“Individual taxpayers are half as likely to get audited as they were in 2010, after tax enforcement by the Internal Revenue Service fell to the lowest level in at least four decades,” the Wall Street Journal reports.
“The IRS audited 0.45% of personal income-tax returns in fiscal 2019, down from 0.59% in 2018 and marking the eighth straight year of decline.”


politicalwire--2020-01-07--Bloomberg Doesn’t Regret Backing Iraq War

Michael Bloomberg said that he had no regrets over supporting the 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq , the Los Angeles @ @ @ @ @ : “ I don ’ t live in a regret world , and I didn @ @ @ @ @ ” He added : “ America wanted to go to war , but it turns @ @ @ @ @ faulty intelligence , and it was a mistake .
But I think the people that @ @ @ @ @ honestly , and it ’ s a shame , because it ’ s left us @ @ @ @ @ s left the Middle East in chaos through today .
”

Michael Bloomberg said that he had no regrets over supporting the 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq, the Los Angeles Times reports.
Said Bloomberg: “I don’t live in a regret world, and I didn’t make the decision.”
He added: “America wanted to go to war, but it turns out it was based on faulty intelligence, and it was a mistake. But I think the people that made the mistake did it honestly, and it’s a shame, because it’s left us entangled, and it’s left the Middle East in chaos through today.”


politicalwire--2020-01-06--Pompeo Will Pass on Senate Run

Pompeo Will Pass on Senate Run

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told Mitch McConnell “ that he does not plan to run for Senate in 2020 @ @ @ @ @ ’ hopes of securing a potentially dominant candidate for the open seat in his home @ @ @ @ @ the New York Times reports .

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


Cheaters Always Win

Just published : Cheaters Always Win : The Story of America by J. M. Fenster .
“ A social history @ @ @ @ @ history — through real estate , sports , finance , academics , and of course @ @ @ @ @ unfair share of rigged results and widened the margins on its gray areas .
”

Just published: Cheaters Always Win: The Story of America by J. M. Fenster.
“A social history of cheating and how American history — through real estate, sports, finance, academics, and of course politics — has had its unfair share of rigged results and widened the margins on its gray areas.”


politicalwire--2020-01-07--10 Rockets Hit Airbase In Iraq

10 Rockets Hit Airbase In Iraq

At least 10 rockets hit al-Asad airbase in Iraq , which houses US forces , a Sunni commander of the @ @ @ @ @ town told CNN .

Iran attacked at least two American bases in western Iraq early Wednesday, “the start of what Iran had promised would be retaliation for the killing of a top Revolutionary Guards commander,” the New York Times reports.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said in a statement: “The fierce revenge by the Revolutionary Guards has begun.”
The Washington Post reports the White House said that President Trump is monitoring the situation and consulting with his national security team.


politicalwire--2020-01-07--What Will Happen to The Trump Toadies?

What Will Happen to The Trump Toadies?

Frank Rich : “ Whether these enablers joined his administration in earnest , or aided and abetted it from elite perches in politics , Congress , the media , or the private sector , they will be remembered for cheering on a leader whose record in government ( thus far ) includes splitting up immigrant families and incarcerating their children in cages ; encouraging a spike in racist , xenophobic , and anti-Semitic vigilantes ; leveraging American power to promote ethnic cleansing abroad and punish political opponents at home ; actively inciting climate change and environmental wreckage ; and surrendering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ international rogue ’ s gallery of despots.
” “ That selective short list doesn ’ t take into account any new White House felonies still to come , any future repercussions here and abroad of Trump ’ s actions to date , or any previous foul deeds that have so far eluded public exposure .
For all the technological quickening of the media pulse in this century , Trump ’ s collaborators will one day be viewed through the long lens of history like Nixon ’ s collaborators before them and the various @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tried to appease Hitler in America , England , and France before that .
Once Trump has vacated the Oval Office , and possibly for decades thereafter , his government , like any other deposed strongman ’ s , will be subjected to a forensic colonoscopy to root out buried crimes , whether against humanity or the rule of law or both .
With time , everything will come out — it always does .
”

Frank Rich: “Whether these enablers joined his administration in earnest, or aided and abetted it from elite perches in politics, Congress, the media, or the private sector, they will be remembered for cheering on a leader whose record in government (thus far) includes splitting up immigrant families and incarcerating their children in cages; encouraging a spike in racist, xenophobic, and anti-Semitic vigilantes; leveraging American power to promote ethnic cleansing abroad and punish political opponents at home; actively inciting climate change and environmental wreckage; and surrendering America’s national security to an international rogue’s gallery of despots.”
“That selective short list doesn’t take into account any new White House felonies still to come, any future repercussions here and abroad of Trump’s actions to date, or any previous foul deeds that have so far eluded public exposure. For all the technological quickening of the media pulse in this century, Trump’s collaborators will one day be viewed through the long lens of history like Nixon’s collaborators before them and the various fools, opportunists, and cowards who tried to appease Hitler in America, England, and France before that. Once Trump has vacated the Oval Office, and possibly for decades thereafter, his government, like any other deposed strongman’s, will be subjected to a forensic colonoscopy to root out buried crimes, whether against humanity or the rule of law or both. With time, everything will come out — it always does.”


politicalwire--2020-01-07--Bloomberg Makes Big Bet on Florida

Bloomberg Makes Big Bet on Florida

Politico : “ Bloomberg has made a round of key state staff hires .
He ’ s plowing millions of @ @ @ @ @ ads .
And over the next two weeks , 50 organizers will begin work at @ @ @ @ @ offices across the state .
The blitz is part of Bloomberg ’ s unconventional , @ @ @ @ @ its focus — and the candidate ’ s ample supply of cash — on delegate-rich @ @ @ @ @ Florida and its 219 delegates .
”

Politico: “Bloomberg has made a round of key state staff hires. He’s plowing millions of dollars each week into television ads. And over the next two weeks, 50 organizers will begin work at more than 20 regional campaign offices across the state. The blitz is part of Bloomberg’s unconventional, skip-the-early-states strategy, which puts its focus — and the candidate’s ample supply of cash — on delegate-rich March primary states, including Florida and its 219 delegates.”


politicalwire--2020-01-07--Debate Will Be Rescheduled If Conflicts with Senate Trial

DNC chairman Tom Perez said that the party would reschedule next week ’ s presidential primary debate in Iowa if @ @ @ @ @ President Trump ’ s impeachment trial in the Senate , Politico reports .
Of the @ @ @ @ @ have qualified thus far for the debate next Tuesday , three are senators : Amy @ @ @ @ @ Elizabeth Warren .

DNC chairman Tom Perez said that the party would reschedule next week’s presidential primary debate in Iowa if the televised event conflicts with President Trump’s impeachment trial in the Senate, Politico reports.
Of the five White House candidates to have qualified thus far for the debate next Tuesday, three are senators: Amy Klobuchar, Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren.


politicalwire--2020-01-07--Silicon Valley Group Funneled $20 Million to Democrats

Recode : “ A secretive group led by Stanford University academics has unleashed millions of dollars in political spending from @ @ @ @ @ convincing some of its biggest donors to spend millions more to back Democrats in 2020.
@ @ @ @ @ , a network formed less than two years ago , has been quietly routing millions @ @ @ @ @ and groups across the country in the 2018 and 2020 election cycles , emerging as @ @ @ @ @ the Silicon Valley political scene .
It ’ s just that so far , it @ @ @ @ @ ”

Recode: “A secretive group led by Stanford University academics has unleashed millions of dollars in political spending from Silicon Valley and is now convincing some of its biggest donors to spend millions more to back Democrats in 2020.”
“Mind the Gap, a network formed less than two years ago, has been quietly routing millions of dollars to Democratic candidates and groups across the country in the 2018 and 2020 election cycles, emerging as a new power center in the Silicon Valley political scene. It’s just that so far, it has avoided public detection.”


politicalwire--2020-01-07--Duncan Hunter Will Resign Next Week

Duncan Hunter Will Resign Next Week

Rep. Duncan Hunter ( R-CA ) will resign from Congress effective January 13 , more than one month after the @ @ @ @ @ misusing campaign funds to finance several extramarital affairs , the Washington Post reports .


politicalwire--2020-01-07--Trump to Hold Rally Just Before Iowa Caucuses

“ President Trump ’ s re-election campaign is planning to hold a rally in Iowa in the days leading up @ @ @ @ @ leadoff caucuses , ” the Wall Street Journal reports .
“ Mr .
Trump is @ @ @ @ @ state several days before the Feb.3 caucuses… A gathering would give the president the opportunity @ @ @ @ @ in what will be a key general election state , as well as counter Democrats @ @ @ @ @ first voting of 2020 .
”

“President Trump’s re-election campaign is planning to hold a rally in Iowa in the days leading up to the state’s leadoff caucuses,” the Wall Street Journal reports.
“Mr. Trump is expected to appear in the state several days before the Feb.3 caucuses… A gathering would give the president the opportunity to frame his campaign message in what will be a key general election state, as well as counter Democrats flooding the area before the first voting of 2020.”


politicalwire--2020-01-07--Bonus Quote of the Day

Bonus Quote of the Day

“ I think you ’ re going to see even Mitch McConnell changing some ideas or being more ― how @ @ @ @ @ cooperative.
” — Joe Biden , quoted by the HuffPost , predicting GOP behavior in @ @ @ @

“I think you’re going to see even Mitch McConnell changing some ideas or being more ― how can I say ― mildly cooperative.”
— Joe Biden, quoted by the HuffPost, predicting GOP behavior in the post-Trump era.


politicalwire--2020-01-07--Facebook Exec Warns Employees of Anti-Trump Bias

A longtime Facebook executive told employees in a memo that the company had “ a moral duty ” not to @ @ @ @ @ Trump as he seeks re-election , the New York Times reports .


politicalwire--2020-01-07--Biden Continues to Attract Sparse Crowds

Walter Shapiro : “ Amid all the many polling surprises , debate bumps , and unanticipated reversals of the 2020 @ @ @ @ @ been an unalterable truth : You never have to worry about finding parking at a @ @ @ @ @


politicalwire--2020-01-07--Trump Will Drop $10 Million on Super Bowl Ad

“ President Trump ’ s reelection campaign is planning to drop $ 10 million to advertise during the Super Bowl @ @ @ @ @ massive election-year spending spree that will intensify over the coming months , ” Politico reports @ @ @ @ @ purchased 60 seconds of commercial time during the Feb. 2 Super Bowl , which is @ @ @ @ @ television event of the year .
The ad or ads — it ’ s unclear @ @ @ @ @ single 60-second spot or a pair of 30-second commercials — are expected to run early @ @ @ @ @ viewership is likely to be at its highest .
”

“President Trump’s reelection campaign is planning to drop $10 million to advertise during the Super Bowl, the start of a massive election-year spending spree that will intensify over the coming months,” Politico reports.
“The campaign has purchased 60 seconds of commercial time during the Feb. 2 Super Bowl, which is likely to be the most-watched television event of the year. The ad or ads — it’s unclear whether it will be a single 60-second spot or a pair of 30-second commercials — are expected to run early in the game, when viewership is likely to be at its highest.”


politicalwire--2020-01-07--Duncan Hunter Will Still Receive His Pension

Rep. Duncan Hunter ( R-CA ) will likely still receive his taxpayer-funded congressional pension despite pleading guilty to felony conspiracy @ @ @ @ @ finance multiple extramarital affairs , the San Diego Union-Tribune reports .
Hunter remains in Congress @ @ @ @ @ would step down “ shortly after the holidays.
” He is to be sentenced March @ @

Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-CA) will likely still receive his taxpayer-funded congressional pension despite pleading guilty to felony conspiracy for misusing campaign funds to finance multiple extramarital affairs, the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.
Hunter remains in Congress, although he said he would step down “shortly after the holidays.” He is to be sentenced March 17.


politicalwire--2020-01-07--McConnell Breaks with Trump on Targeting Cultural Sites

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell broke with President Trump by saying it would not be appropriate to target Iranian cultural @ @ @ @ @ The Hill reports .
Said McConnell : “ That is not appropriate.
” In an @ @ @ @ @ Trump appeared to back off of his earlier threat to target Iranian cultural sites : @ @ @ @ @ law is , I like to obey the law .
”

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell broke with President Trump by saying it would not be appropriate to target Iranian cultural sites if hostilities escalate, The Hill reports.
Said McConnell: “That is not appropriate.”
In an Oval Office press availability, Trump appeared to back off of his earlier threat to target Iranian cultural sites: “If that is the law is, I like to obey the law.”


politicalwire--2020-01-07--Trump Donor Charged With Obstructing Probe

“ A fundraiser and donor to President Trump was charged by federal prosecutors in New York with obstructing an investigation @ @ @ @ @ back-dating a check to a fellow donor and deleting emails , ” Bloomberg reports .


politicalwire--2020-01-07--McConnell Says He Has Votes for Impeachment Trial

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell announced that he ’ ll move ahead on approving rules for President Trump ’ s @ @ @ @ @ with Democrats , the New York Times reports .
“ Mr .
McConnell shared his @ @ @ @ @ in the Capitol , declaring that he has the votes he needs — including among @ @ @ @ @ with the trial while putting off a final decision on witnesses or new evidence .
@ @ @ @ @ would tackle those questions after representatives of the House and the president make opening arguments @ @ @ @ @ ” “ Notably , the plan offers no guarantee that senators will hear new testimony @ @ @ @ @ s inquiry gathered last fall.
” Washington Post : “ The announcement came as House @ @ @ @ @ pressure to send articles of impeachment to the Senate , including from some in her @ @ @ @ @ a trial to begin .
”

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell announced that he’ll move ahead on approving rules for President Trump’s Senate trial without negotiating them with Democrats, the New York Times reports.
“Mr. McConnell shared his intentions with senators over lunch in the Capitol, declaring that he has the votes he needs — including among moderate Republicans — to proceed with the trial while putting off a final decision on witnesses or new evidence. That would mean the Senate would tackle those questions after representatives of the House and the president make opening arguments and senators question both sides.”
“Notably, the plan offers no guarantee that senators will hear new testimony beyond what the House’s inquiry gathered last fall.”
Washington Post: “The announcement came as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi faced increasing pressure to send articles of impeachment to the Senate, including from some in her own party, to allow a trial to begin.”


politicalwire--2020-01-07--Incident at Mar-a-Lago Under ‘Criminal Investigation’

Palm Beach police say they are conducting an “ open and active criminal investigation ” at Mar-a-Lago , President Trump @ @ @ @ @ , following an unspecified incident Monday night , the Miami Herald reports .


politicalwire--2020-01-07--When Trump Ordered the Iran Strike

When Trump Ordered the Iran Strike

Conservative talk show host Howie Carr writes in the Boston Herald about his time at Mar-a-Lago as President Trump ordered @ @ @ @ @ Qassem Souleimani .
Trump was more interested in discussing whether ‘ Bernie or Biden ’ @ @ @ @ @ in November .

Conservative talk show host Howie Carr writes in the Boston Herald about his time at Mar-a-Lago as President Trump ordered the assassination of Iran Gen. Qassem Souleimani.
Trump was more interested in discussing whether ‘Bernie or Biden’ would be easier to beat in November.


politicalwire--2020-01-07--Bloomberg Will Target Trump In Super Bowl Ad

“ After news emerged that President Trump ’ s re-election campaign was looking to run a 30-second ad during the @ @ @ @ @ campaign of Michael Bloomberg decided to one-up the president : It secured a 60-second spot @ @ @ @ @ the game , an ad buy that will likely cost at least $ 10 million @ @ @ @ @ Times reports .
“ The campaign added that the Super Bowl ad would be a @ @ @ @ @ target Mr. Trump , rather than a biographical spot highlighting Mr. Bloomberg ’ s career @ @

“After news emerged that President Trump’s re-election campaign was looking to run a 30-second ad during the upcoming Super Bowl, the campaign of Michael Bloomberg decided to one-up the president: It secured a 60-second spot that will air nationally during the game, an ad buy that will likely cost at least $10 million,” the New York Times reports.
“The campaign added that the Super Bowl ad would be a new spot that would directly target Mr. Trump, rather than a biographical spot highlighting Mr. Bloomberg’s career.”


politicalwire--2020-01-07--Prosecutors Recommend Prison Sentence for Flynn

Federal prosecutors recommended up to 6 months of incarceration for former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn , a reversal of @ @ @ @ @ year ago , saying he no longer accepts responsibility for his criminal conduct and that @ @ @ @ @ , Politico reports .


politicalwire--2020-01-07--McConnell Will Move Forward on Impeachment Rules

“ Senate Republican leaders are preparing to move forward on a set of impeachment trial rules without Democratic support , @ @ @ @ @ Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is on the verge of having sufficient backing in his @ @ @ @ @ blueprint for the trial that leaves the question of seeking witnesses and documents until after @ @ @ @ @ ”

“Senate Republican leaders are preparing to move forward on a set of impeachment trial rules without Democratic support,” Politico reports.
“Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is on the verge of having sufficient backing in his 53-member caucus to pass a blueprint for the trial that leaves the question of seeking witnesses and documents until after opening arguments are made.”


politicalwire--2020-01-08--Trump’s Tweets Didn’t Help

Trump’s Tweets Didn’t Help

Washington Post : “ Inside the White House , two administration officials conceded that some of Trump ’ s messages @ @ @ @ @ .
The aides pointed to Trump ’ s threat , first issued on Twitter , @ @ @ @ @ would target 52 Iranian sites , including cultural ones , if Tehran retaliated for Soleimani @ @ @ @ @ Pentagon officials had not analyzed potential cultural site targets before the president ’ s tweet @ @ @ @ @ official , who like others spoke on the condition of anonymity due to the geopolitical @ @ @

Washington Post: “Inside the White House, two administration officials conceded that some of Trump’s messages over the weekend were unhelpful. The aides pointed to Trump’s threat, first issued on Twitter, that the United States military would target 52 Iranian sites, including cultural ones, if Tehran retaliated for Soleimani’s death.”
“Pentagon officials had not analyzed potential cultural site targets before the president’s tweet, said one senior administration official, who like others spoke on the condition of anonymity due to the geopolitical sensitivities.”


politicalwire--2020-01-08--Democrats Pause Vote on War Powers Resolution

Politico : “ Top House Democrats ’ plans to push a measure limiting the Trump administration ’ s war-making powers @ @ @ @ @ Iranian missile attack Tuesday on U.S. bases inside Iraq.
” “ The real prospect of @ @ @ @ @ complicates the Democrats ’ plan to repudiate President Donald Trump for a deadly drone attack @ @ @ @ @ Soleimani last week without notifying Congress .
House Democrats say they are likely to pause @ @ @ @ @ their plans for a war powers resolution .
”

Politico: “Top House Democrats’ plans to push a measure limiting the Trump administration’s war-making powers are in flux following an Iranian missile attack Tuesday on U.S. bases inside Iraq.”
“The real prospect of rapidly intensifying conflict with Iran complicates the Democrats’ plan to repudiate President Donald Trump for a deadly drone attack on Iranian military leader Qassem Soleimani last week without notifying Congress. House Democrats say they are likely to pause, if not abandon, their plans for a war powers resolution.”


politicalwire--2020-01-08--McConnell Win on Trial Rules Was Months In the Making

“ Chuck Schumer demanded Tuesday morning that Republicans allow witnesses to testify during President Donald Trump ’ s impeachment trial @ @ @ @ @ knew he had the votes to roll over his adversary , ” Politico reports .
@ @ @ @ @ few hours for McConnell and Senate GOP leaders to clinch a final whip count in @ @ @ @ @ a trial framework that ignores Democratic requests .
And all 53 Republicans — even moderates @ @ @ @ @ Maine , Lisa Murkowski of Alaska , and Mitt Romney of Utah — have agreed @ @ @ @ @ s proposal , according to senators involved in the process.
” “ McConnell had spent @ @ @ @ @ get to this point .
And after McConnell told his colleagues of his plans at @ @ @ @ @ lunch , he went out and told a media horde the same .
”

“Chuck Schumer demanded Tuesday morning that Republicans allow witnesses to testify during President Donald Trump’s impeachment trial. But Mitch McConnell already knew he had the votes to roll over his adversary,” Politico reports.
“It took just a few hours for McConnell and Senate GOP leaders to clinch a final whip count in support of moving forward with a trial framework that ignores Democratic requests. And all 53 Republicans — even moderates such as Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, and Mitt Romney of Utah — have agreed to the majority leader’s proposal, according to senators involved in the process.”
“McConnell had spent months cultivating his caucus to get to this point. And after McConnell told his colleagues of his plans at the GOP’s weekly lunch, he went out and told a media horde the same.”


politicalwire--2020-01-08--Bloomberg Seeks Capitol Hill Outreach

Bloomberg Seeks Capitol Hill Outreach

Playbook : “ Michael Bloomberg ” s campaign operation has been reaching out to K Street figures to try and @ @ @ @ @ House experience to do Capitol Hill outreach for his presidential campaign .
Sources familiar with @ @ @ @ @ looking to move fast and are willing to pay significantly more than typical campaign salaries @ @

Playbook: “Michael Bloomberg”s campaign operation has been reaching out to K Street figures to try and hire operatives with Senate and House experience to do Capitol Hill outreach for his presidential campaign. Sources familiar with the process say they are looking to move fast and are willing to pay significantly more than typical campaign salaries.”


politicalwire--2020-01-08--Trump’s House Warriors Sidelined for Senate Trial

“ GOP lawmakers like Reps. Mark Meadows , Jim Jordan and John Ratcliffe aren ’ t expected to serve on @ @ @ @ @ defense team , despite having played a key role defending the president during the House @ @ @ @ @ , ” Politico reports .
“ Instead , Trump ’ s top defenders are more @ @ @ @ @ a public relations capacity — including the media appearances that the TV-obsessed president covets — @ @ @ @ @ made no final decision as it waits for lawmakers to set the timing and parameters @ @ @ @ @

“GOP lawmakers like Reps. Mark Meadows, Jim Jordan and John Ratcliffe aren’t expected to serve on Trump’s official impeachment defense team, despite having played a key role defending the president during the House’s public impeachment hearings,” Politico reports.
“Instead, Trump’s top defenders are more likely to help out in a public relations capacity — including the media appearances that the TV-obsessed president covets — though the White House has made no final decision as it waits for lawmakers to set the timing and parameters of the trial.”


politicalwire--2020-01-08--Iran Has ‘Concluded’ Its Attacks

Iran Has ‘Concluded’ Its Attacks

Iran has “ concluded ” its attacks on American forces and does “ not seek escalation or war , ” @ @ @ @ @ minister said in a tweet on Wednesday , the New York Times reports .
“ @ @ @ @ @ said in a tweet that he would make a statement on Wednesday morning about the @ @ @ @ @ an early assessment of the attacks suggest damages and casualties sustained by American forces were @ @ @

Iran has “concluded” its attacks on American forces and does “not seek escalation or war,” the country’s foreign minister said in a tweet on Wednesday, the New York Times reports.
“Moments later, President Trump said in a tweet that he would make a statement on Wednesday morning about the conflict, and said that an early assessment of the attacks suggest damages and casualties sustained by American forces were minimal.”


politicalwire--2020-01-08--Trump Will Not Address Nation Tonight

Trump Will Not Address Nation Tonight

Despite earlier reports , President Trump will not speak to the country tonight on the Iranian ballistic missile attacks on @ @ @ @ @ PBS reports .

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


politicalwire--2020-01-08--Trump Has Overseen a Chaotic Response to Iran

“ President Trump has sought to demonstrate strong and decisive leadership in the targeted killing of Iran ’ s top @ @ @ @ @ overseen a chaotic and mistake-prone public response since the operation — raising questions over the @ @ @ @ @ anticipate and deal with the consequences , ” the Washington Post reports .
“ The @ @ @ @ @ to a sense of confusion in the White House and a lack of clarity around @ @ @ @ @ the administrations of his two predecessors , Barack Obama and George W. Bush , had @ @ @ @ @ to risks that it could spark a regional war.
” CNN reports the White House @ @ @ @ @ to speak to the nation tonight from the Oval Office .

“President Trump has sought to demonstrate strong and decisive leadership in the targeted killing of Iran’s top general, but he has overseen a chaotic and mistake-prone public response since the operation — raising questions over the administration’s preparation to anticipate and deal with the consequences,” the Washington Post reports.
“The flurry of events has led to a sense of confusion in the White House and a lack of clarity around a highly sensitive operation that the administrations of his two predecessors, Barack Obama and George W. Bush, had chosen not to take due to risks that it could spark a regional war.”
CNN reports the White House is making preparations for Trump to speak to the nation tonight from the Oval Office.


politicalwire--2020-01-08--Pelosi Still Won’t Send Articles of Impeachment

Speaker Nancy Pelosi told Democrats in a closed-door meeting Tuesday night that she would not move to transmit articles of @ @ @ @ @ she learns more about how the other chamber would conduct the trial , the Washington @ @ @

Speaker Nancy Pelosi told Democrats in a closed-door meeting Tuesday night that she would not move to transmit articles of impeachment to the Senate until she learns more about how the other chamber would conduct the trial, the Washington Post reports.


politicalwire--2020-01-07--Iran Attacks U.S. Bases In Iraq

Iran Attacks U.S. Bases In Iraq

Iran attacked at least two American bases in western Iraq early Wednesday , “ the start of what Iran had @ @ @ @ @ the killing of a top Revolutionary Guards commander , ” the New York Times reports @ @ @ @ @ Revolutionary Guard Corps said in a statement : “ The fierce revenge by the Revolutionary @ @ @ @ @ Washington Post reports the White House said that President Trump is monitoring the situation and @ @ @ @ @ team .

Iran attacked at least two American bases in western Iraq early Wednesday, “the start of what Iran had promised would be retaliation for the killing of a top Revolutionary Guards commander,” the New York Times reports.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said in a statement: “The fierce revenge by the Revolutionary Guards has begun.”
The Washington Post reports the White House said that President Trump is monitoring the situation and consulting with his national security team.


politicalwire--2020-01-08--Trump Tries to Hide Secret Service Spending

“ The Trump administration is seeking to delay a Democratic effort to require the Secret Service to disclose how much @ @ @ @ @ and his family when they travel — until after the 2020 election , ” the @ @ @ @


politicalwire--2020-01-08--Ruth Bader Ginsburg Says She’s ‘Cancer Free’

Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg told CNN that she no longer has cancer , following a flurry of recent @ @ @


politicalwire--2020-01-08--GOP Senator Trashes Trump Administration Briefing

Sen. Mike Lee ( R-UT ) ripped the Trump administration for their briefing on why President Trump ordered the assassination @ @ @ @ @ , CBS News reports .
Lee said that it was “ probably the worst briefing @ @ @ @ @ issue I ’ ve seen ” and said it was “ insulting ” to be @ @ @ @ @ to debate merits of taking military action .
Interestingly , Fox News cut away from @ @ @ @ @ administration .

Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) ripped the Trump administration for their briefing on why President Trump ordered the assassination of Iranian Gen. Qassim Suleimani, CBS News reports.
Lee said that it was “probably the worst briefing at least on a military issue I’ve seen” and said it was “insulting” to be told by administration officials not to debate merits of taking military action.
Interestingly, Fox News cut away from Lee as he excoriated the administration.


politicalwire--2020-01-08--Pelosi Announces Vote to Limit Trump’s War Powers

“ Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced on Wednesday that the House would vote on Thursday to force President Trump to quickly @ @ @ @ @ Iran unless he is given explicit authorization from Congress , opening what promised to be @ @ @ @ @ war powers , ” the New York Times reports .

“Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced on Wednesday that the House would vote on Thursday to force President Trump to quickly wind down military action against Iran unless he is given explicit authorization from Congress, opening what promised to be a searing debate over presidential war powers,” the New York Times reports.


politicalwire--2020-01-08--U.S. Knew of Iran Attack Hours In Advance

“ The Iranian missile strike on U.S. bases in Iraq on Tuesday was a calibrated event intended to cause minimal @ @ @ @ @ Iranians a face-saving measure and provide an opportunity for both sides to step back from @ @ @ @ @ ” the Washington Post reports .
“ The early warning came from intelligence sources as @ @ @ @ @ , which conveyed Iran ’ s intentions to launch the strike .
”

“The Iranian missile strike on U.S. bases in Iraq on Tuesday was a calibrated event intended to cause minimal American casualties, give the Iranians a face-saving measure and provide an opportunity for both sides to step back from the brink of war,” the Washington Post reports.
“The early warning came from intelligence sources as well as communications from Iraq, which conveyed Iran’s intentions to launch the strike.”


politicalwire--2020-01-08--One Year In Jail Recommended for Chris Collins

“ The U.S .
Probation Office is recommending that former Rep. Chris Collins ( R-NY ) spend a year and @ @ @ @ @ followed by supervised release and a $ 200,000 fine , for the insider trading violations @ @ @ @ @ last October , ” the Buffalo News reports .
“ The proposed sentence is far @ @ @ @ @ called for in Collins ’ plea agreement – which was four years and nine months @ @

“The U.S. Probation Office is recommending that former Rep. Chris Collins (R-NY) spend a year and a day in custody, followed by supervised release and a $200,000 fine, for the insider trading violations that he pleaded guilty to last October,” the Buffalo News reports.
“The proposed sentence is far more lenient than the maximum called for in Collins’ plea agreement – which was four years and nine months.”


politicalwire--2020-01-08--McConnell Moves to Bolster GOP Odds in Kansas

“ Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell appears to be moving swiftly to help bolster GOP chances of keeping an open @ @ @ @ @ November , after Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said this week that he won ’ @ @ @ @ @ Bloomberg reports .
“ McConnell spoke in his Capitol Hill office Tuesday with Rep. Roger @ @ @ @ @ who entered the Senate race in September.
” “ The Kansas seat could be at @ @ @ @ @ of State and 2018 GOP gubernatorial nominee Kris Kobach prevails in the Republican Senate primary @ @ @ @ @ ’ s camp isn ’ t hiding that the majority leader wants another candidate.
” @ @ @ @ @ from Solid Republican to Lean Republican .

“Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell appears to be moving swiftly to help bolster GOP chances of keeping an open Senate seat in Kansas in November, after Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said this week that he won’t be running,” Bloomberg reports.
“McConnell spoke in his Capitol Hill office Tuesday with Rep. Roger Marshall, a Kansas Republican who entered the Senate race in September.”
“The Kansas seat could be at risk if former Kansas Secretary of State and 2018 GOP gubernatorial nominee Kris Kobach prevails in the Republican Senate primary in August, and McConnell’s camp isn’t hiding that the majority leader wants another candidate.”
Inside Elections moves the race from Solid Republican to Lean Republican.


politicalwire--2020-01-08--Most Around the World Don’t Trust Trump

Most Around the World Don’t Trust Trump

A new Pew Research poll found 64 % of countries surveyed said they do not have confidence that President Trump @ @ @ @ @ thing ” in world affairs .
This sentiment is particularly strong in western Europe , @ @ @ @ @ people in Spain , France and Germany say they have confidence in Trump .
The @ @ @ @ @ , where only 8 % of people have confidence in Trump to do the “ @ @ @ @ @ affairs .
Conversely , India and the Philippines have relatively high confidence in Trump , @ @ @ @ @ % confidence , respectively .

A new Pew Research poll found 64% of countries surveyed said they do not have confidence that President Trump will do the “right thing” in world affairs. This sentiment is particularly strong in western Europe, where under 25% of people in Spain, France and Germany say they have confidence in Trump.
The number is lowest in Mexico, where only 8% of people have confidence in Trump to do the “right thing” in world affairs.
Conversely, India and the Philippines have relatively high confidence in Trump, with 56% and 77% confidence, respectively.


politicalwire--2020-01-08--Republicans ‘Got Greedy’ In Redistricting

“ A trove of documents recently released by the daughter of a deceased GOP strategist includes some clues about what @ @ @ @ @ decade ago when they redrew Pennsylvania ’ s congressional maps in a way that was @ @ @ @ @ the Philadelphia Inquirer reports .
“ The documents , compiled at least partly amid the @ @ @ @ @ in 2011 , include a warning that the party ‘ got greedy ’ in an @ @ @ @ @ to GOP candidates 10 years earlier .
”

“A trove of documents recently released by the daughter of a deceased GOP strategist includes some clues about what Republicans were thinking almost a decade ago when they redrew Pennsylvania’s congressional maps in a way that was later ruled unconstitutional,” the Philadelphia Inquirer reports.
“The documents, compiled at least partly amid the decennial redistricting that took place in 2011, include a warning that the party ‘got greedy’ in an attempt to create districts favorable to GOP candidates 10 years earlier.”


politicalwire--2020-01-08--Lawmaker Calls Trump Briefing ‘Sophomoric’

Rep. Gerry Connolly ( D-VA ) , who just emerged from a briefing on Iran from top Trump administrations officials @ @ @ @ @ and utterly unconvincing ” adding that he remained “ utterly unpersuaded ” that the strike @ @ @ @ @ was justified , CNN reports .


politicalwire--2020-01-08--Our Time Is Now

Our Time Is Now

Coming in June : Our Time Is Now : Power , Purpose , and the Fight for a Fair America @ @ @ @ @ fact : Abrams , who lost her bid for Georgia governor in 2018 , has @ @ @ @ @ novels under the pen name Salena Montgomery .

Coming in June: Our Time Is Now: Power, Purpose, and the Fight for a Fair America by Stacey Abrams.
Fun fact: Abrams, who lost her bid for Georgia governor in 2018, has also written eight romantic suspense novels under the pen name Salena Montgomery.


politicalwire--2020-01-08--Was Dan Coats Pushed Out Because of Whistleblower?

Ask during a podcast interview whether he was glad he left the administration when he did in August 2019 , @ @ @ @ @ Coats said : “ Well , yes , although I didn ’ t know the @ @ @ @ @ was coming , but this was a date that the president had announced earlier would @ @ @ @ @ ”

Ask during a podcast interview whether he was glad he left the administration when he did in August 2019, former National Intelligence Director Dan Coats said: “Well, yes, although I didn’t know the inspector general’s report was coming, but this was a date that the president had announced earlier would be my last day.”


politicalwire--2020-01-08--Did Twitter Help Stop War With Iran?

Did Twitter Help Stop War With Iran?

Garrett Graff : “ For all the Sturm und Drang about the toxic culture of Twitter , it seems possible @ @ @ @ @ Iran and the United States turned to the social media site Tuesday to help ensure @ @ @ @ @ the Middle East didn ’ t escalate into all-out war.
” “ The tweets proved @ @ @ @ @ the long-running challenge world leaders have faced in struggling to communicate between nations during unfolding @ @ @ @ @ adversaries ’ intentions and to telegraph their own .
”

Garrett Graff: “For all the Sturm und Drang about the toxic culture of Twitter, it seems possible that the leaders of both Iran and the United States turned to the social media site Tuesday to help ensure that a tense night in the Middle East didn’t escalate into all-out war.”
“The tweets proved a remarkable modern-day answer to the long-running challenge world leaders have faced in struggling to communicate between nations during unfolding crises—communications necessary both to understand adversaries’ intentions and to telegraph their own.”


politicalwire--2020-01-08--Why Biden Has the Clearest Shot

Why Biden Has the Clearest Shot

Richard North Patterson : “ Polling suggests that the progressives , widely assumed to be ascendant , still represent a @ @ @ @ @ .
Moreover , as a matter of demographics Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders appeal to @ @ @ @ @ ’ s following includes economically and educationally upscale Democrats—potentially more susceptible to poaching by their @ @ @ @ @ .
Sanders appeals more to young people and the less educated , but perhaps more @ @ @ @ @ To challenge Biden , one of the two progressives must first consolidate these groups , @ @ @ @ @ “ Sharpening fights over issues such as healthcare and reliance on big donors could further @ @ @ @ @ .
Healthcare may dent Warren and Sanders , while controversy over funding sources may damage @ @ @ @ @ other strategic calculations transcend ideological differences , potentially wounding all but Biden in unpredictable ways @ @

Richard North Patterson: “Polling suggests that the progressives, widely assumed to be ascendant, still represent a minority of the primary electorate. Moreover, as a matter of demographics Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders appeal to somewhat differing constituencies. Warren’s following includes economically and educationally upscale Democrats—potentially more susceptible to poaching by their sociological peer, Pete Buttigieg. Sanders appeals more to young people and the less educated, but perhaps more committed, blue-collar voters. To challenge Biden, one of the two progressives must first consolidate these groups, thereby eviscerating the other…”
“Sharpening fights over issues such as healthcare and reliance on big donors could further polarize the early primary electorate. Healthcare may dent Warren and Sanders, while controversy over funding sources may damage Biden and Buttigieg. But other strategic calculations transcend ideological differences, potentially wounding all but Biden in unpredictable ways.”


politicalwire--2020-01-08--Trump Country’s Love Affair with Chinese Investment

Nikkea Asian Review : “ With a ‘ phase one ’ trade deal due to be signed on Jan. 15 @ @ @ @ @ signaled a tentative and limited rapprochement in its trade war with China , which saw @ @ @ @ @ imports and bans on the export of technology products .
However , despite those punitive @ @ @ @ @ coming out of the White House , many of the states and counties that came @ @ @ @ @ have spent the past few years gorging on Chinese money.
” “ Their reliance on @ @ @ @ @ to underline how deeply intertwined the world ’ s two largest economies are , and @ @ @ @ @ desire to unwind decades of trade imbalances could put him at odds with his own @ @ @ @ @ this November .
”

Nikkea Asian Review: “With a ‘phase one’ trade deal due to be signed on Jan. 15, the Trump administration has signaled a tentative and limited rapprochement in its trade war with China, which saw high tariffs placed on Chinese imports and bans on the export of technology products. However, despite those punitive measures and the aggressive messaging coming out of the White House, many of the states and counties that came out for Trump in 2016 have spent the past few years gorging on Chinese money.”
“Their reliance on investment from China only serves to underline how deeply intertwined the world’s two largest economies are, and how the president’s desire to unwind decades of trade imbalances could put him at odds with his own base as he seeks reelection this November.”


politicalwire--2020-01-08--Bonus Quote of the Day

Bonus Quote of the Day

— President Trump , quoted by the Washington Post , in remarks to the nation after last night ’ s @ @ @ @


politicalwire--2020-01-08--Democratic Unity Will Determine Trump’s Fate

Public Policy Polling : “ Trump is stuck at 46-47 % in Arizona ( and has a 46/52 approval rating @ @ @ @ @ 48-49 % in Iowa ( and has a 48/48 approval rating ) .
He appears @ @ @ @ @ to grow among undecideds .
These numbers suggest that the fate of the 2020 election @ @ @ @ @ of the voters who don ’ t like Trump .
Trump does not have enough @ @ @ @ @ get reelected : the only way he does is if the voters who don ’ @ @ @ @ @ get on the same page after the Democratic primary is over.
” “ Right now @ @ @ @ @ people saying they will vote for Biden but not Bernie or will vote for Bernie @ @ @ @ @ those people get on the same page once the nominee is chosen , Trump will @ @ @ @ @ ’ t , it will be close .
”

Public Policy Polling: “Trump is stuck at 46-47% in Arizona (and has a 46/52 approval rating) and is stuck at 48-49% in Iowa (and has a 48/48 approval rating). He appears to have very little room to grow among undecideds. These numbers suggest that the fate of the 2020 election really stands in the hands of the voters who don’t like Trump. Trump does not have enough people who like him to get reelected: the only way he does is if the voters who don’t like him refuse to get on the same page after the Democratic primary is over.”
“Right now we see a lot of people saying they will vote for Biden but not Bernie or will vote for Bernie but not Biden. If those people get on the same page once the nominee is chosen, Trump will lose. If they don’t, it will be close.”


politicalwire--2020-01-08--McConnell Declares ‘No Haggling’ Over Impeachment Rules

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said Wednesday that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has no leverage in determining the rules of @ @ @ @ @ Trump , as the Democratic leader in the House continues to hold on to the @ @ @ @ @ CNN reports .
Said McConnell : “ There will be no haggling with the House @ @ @ @ @ will not cede our authority to try this impeachment .
The House Democrats ’ turn @ @ @ @ @ has made its decision.
” For members : Pelosi Still Has the Upper Hand on @

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said Wednesday that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has no leverage in determining the rules of the Senate trial of President Trump, as the Democratic leader in the House continues to hold on to the two articles of impeachment, CNN reports.
Said McConnell: “There will be no haggling with the House over Senate procedure. We will not cede our authority to try this impeachment. The House Democrats’ turn is over. The Senate has made its decision.”
For members: Pelosi Still Has the Upper Hand on Impeachment


politicalwire--2020-01-08--Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day

“ I don ’ t give him the benefit of the doubt because he ’ s lied so much about @ @ @ @ @ Biden , in an interview with NBC News , on giving President Trump the benefit @ @ @ @ @ for assassinating an Iranian general .

“I don’t give him the benefit of the doubt because he’s lied so much about virtually everything.”
— Joe Biden, in an interview with NBC News, on giving President Trump the benefit of the doubt of justification for assassinating an Iranian general.


politicalwire--2020-01-08--Party Preferences Steady During Trump Era

Gallup : “ In 2019 , on average , 47 % of U.S. adults identified politically as Democrats or said @ @ @ @ @ toward the Democratic Party .
Meanwhile , 42 % identified as Republicans or were Republican-leaning @ @ @ @ @ political leanings have been quite stable since 2016 , the year Donald Trump was elected @ @ @ @ @ has not changed in the past four years , and the Republican figure has been @ @ @ @ @ each year since 2012 .
”

Gallup: “In 2019, on average, 47% of U.S. adults identified politically as Democrats or said they were independents who leaned toward the Democratic Party. Meanwhile, 42% identified as Republicans or were Republican-leaning independents.”
“Americans’ political leanings have been quite stable since 2016, the year Donald Trump was elected president. The Democratic figure has not changed in the past four years, and the Republican figure has been 41% or 42% each year since 2012.”


politicalwire--2020-01-09--Facebook Will Allow Politicians to Lie In Ads

Politico : “ Facebook is standing by its policies that allow politicians to lie to voters , while targeting their @ @ @ @ @ the public — decisions with vast implications for the more than $ 1 billion in @ @ @ @ @ this year ’ s elections .
”

Politico: “Facebook is standing by its policies that allow politicians to lie to voters, while targeting their ads at narrow subsets of the public — decisions with vast implications for the more than $1 billion in online campaign messaging expected in this year’s elections.”


politicalwire--2020-01-09--Biden, Bloomberg Beat Trump In Michigan

Biden, Bloomberg Beat Trump In Michigan

A new Glengaroff Group poll in Michigan finds Joe Biden and Mike Bloomberg hold the best chances among the leading @ @ @ @ @ President Trump in Michigan .
Among the five Democratic candidates near the top of the @ @ @ @ @ the widest lead against Trump at 7 percentage points , 50 % to 43 % @

A new Glengaroff Group poll in Michigan finds Joe Biden and Mike Bloomberg hold the best chances among the leading Democratic presidential hopefuls of defeating President Trump in Michigan.
Among the five Democratic candidates near the top of the primary field, Biden has the widest lead against Trump at 7 percentage points, 50% to 43%.


politicalwire--2020-01-09--Biden Eyes Bernie as Growing Threat

Biden Eyes Bernie as Growing Threat

Politico : “ When Bernie Sanders attacked Joe Biden recently , the former vice president dismissed his former Senate colleague @ @ @ @ @ ‘ You guys expect me to take Bernie ’ s comments seriously ?
Come on @ @ @ @ @ as he left an Iowa campaign event last week .
‘ I don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ ridiculous comments.
’ But that ’ s Biden ’ s public posture.
” “ Both @ @ @ @ @ there are growing signs he takes his rival very seriously — and that he increasingly @ @ @ @ @ formidable opponent in Iowa and beyond .
The Biden campaign has specifically courted the endorsement @ @ @ @ @ who backed Sanders in 2016 .
”

Politico: “When Bernie Sanders attacked Joe Biden recently, the former vice president dismissed his former Senate colleague with a contemptuous brush-off. ‘You guys expect me to take Bernie’s comments seriously? Come on,’ Biden told reporters as he left an Iowa campaign event last week. ‘I don’t respond to Bernie’s ridiculous comments.’ But that’s Biden’s public posture.”
“Both in tactics and rhetoric, there are growing signs he takes his rival very seriously — and that he increasingly views Sanders as his most formidable opponent in Iowa and beyond. The Biden campaign has specifically courted the endorsement of community leaders in Iowa who backed Sanders in 2016.”


politicalwire--2020-01-09--McConnell Discussed Impeachment Trial with Trump

“ Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and President Trump met Wednesday at the White House and discussed the upcoming Senate @ @ @ @ @ reports .
“ McConnell walked Trump through the trial format and discussed how Senate Republicans @ @ @ @ @ around the trial .
”

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


politicalwire--2020-01-09--A President Without Authority

A President Without Authority

David Frum : “ The Trump administration and its supporters seem to have hoped for a “ rally around the @ @ @ @ @ killing of Soleimani .
This did not happen .
The fundamental geology of Donald Trump @ @ @ @ @ : A large majority of Americans do not trust him , do not support him @ @ @ @ @ him… ” “ Trump ’ s governance itself is legally in question right now .
@ @ @ @ @ .
Unlike the Clinton impeachment of 1998–99 , this process commands the approval of a @ @ @ @ @ average , more than 50 percent believe the Senate should remove Trump from office .
@ @ @ @ @ to force the Senate to respond , especially not a Senate majority that itself was @ @ @ @ @ only a minority of Americans .
But it ’ s certainly sufficient to deprive the @ @ @ @ @ lead the nation to war.
” “ The United States finds itself in the dangerous @ @ @ @ @ in power but without authority .
”

David Frum: “The Trump administration and its supporters seem to have hoped for a “rally around the flag” effect from the killing of Soleimani. This did not happen. The fundamental geology of Donald Trump’s presidency remains unchanged: A large majority of Americans do not trust him, do not support him, and will not follow him…”
“Trump’s governance itself is legally in question right now. The president has been impeached. Unlike the Clinton impeachment of 1998–99, this process commands the approval of a majority of Americans. On average, more than 50 percent believe the Senate should remove Trump from office. That’s not sufficient to force the Senate to respond, especially not a Senate majority that itself was elected with the support of only a minority of Americans. But it’s certainly sufficient to deprive the president of the legitimacy to lead the nation to war.”
“The United States finds itself in the dangerous situation of having a president in power but without authority.”


politicalwire--2020-01-09--GOP Lawmaker Blamed Wife for His Car Crash

New York Assemblyman Brian Kolb ( R ) , who tested at twice the legal alcohol limit after a New @ @ @ @ @ , initially blamed the accident on his wife , the Syracuse Post-Standard reports .
Said @ @ @ @ @ driver : “ My wife was driving !
You know how women drive.
” The @ @ @ @ @ aside as Assembly minority leader last week .

New York Assemblyman Brian Kolb (R), who tested at twice the legal alcohol limit after a New Year’s Eve crash, initially blamed the accident on his wife, the Syracuse Post-Standard reports.
Said Kolb to a tow truck driver: “My wife was driving! You know how women drive.”
The crash led Kolb to step aside as Assembly minority leader last week.


politicalwire--2020-01-09--Are You Sure That Was an Off-Ramp?

Are You Sure That Was an Off-Ramp?

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politicalwire--2020-01-09--Biden Leads as Steyer Surges In South Carolina

A new Fox News poll in South Carolina finds Joe Biden leading with 36 % , followed by Tom Steyer @ @ @ @ @ Sanders at 14 % , Elizabeth Warren at 10 % and Pete Buttigieg at 4 @ @ @ @ @ has now qualified for next week ’ s debate .

A new Fox News poll in South Carolina finds Joe Biden leading with 36%, followed by Tom Steyer at 15%, Bernie Sanders at 14%, Elizabeth Warren at 10% and Pete Buttigieg at 4%.
Politico reports Steyer has now qualified for next week’s debate.


politicalwire--2020-01-09--Biden Leads In Nevada

Biden Leads In Nevada

A new Fox News poll in Nevada shows Joe Biden leading with 23 % , followed by Bernie Sanders at @ @ @ @ @ at 12 % , Elizabeth Warren at 12 % , Pete Buttigieg at 6 % @ @ @ @ @ % .


politicalwire--2020-01-09--Peters Holds Narrow Lead In Michigan

Peters Holds Narrow Lead In Michigan

A new Glangariff Group poll in Michigan finds Sen. Gary Peters ( D ) with a narrow lead over challenger @ @ @ @ @ , 44 % to 40 % .