politicalwire--2020-07-28--Trump Spend 9-in-10 Ad Dollars on States He Won

President Trump is spending 92 % of his advertising money to keep states he won in 2016 , playing a @ @ @ @ @ a Republican incumbent should be able to count on , Bloomberg reports .
“ The @ @ @ @ @ different picture than Trump himself , who boasts that he ’ s in strong shape @ @ @ @ @ string of recent polls showing Biden leading comfortably are wrong .
For an incumbent president @ @ @ @ @ once-friendly states is a sign of trouble .
”

President Trump is spending 92% of his advertising money to keep states he won in 2016, playing a game of defense in areas a Republican incumbent should be able to count on, Bloomberg reports.
“The spending data paints a very different picture than Trump himself, who boasts that he’s in strong shape for re-election and that a string of recent polls showing Biden leading comfortably are wrong. For an incumbent president to be defending so many once-friendly states is a sign of trouble.”


politicalwire--2020-07-29--GOP Candidate Subject of 911 Calls

GOP Candidate Subject of 911 Calls

“ Las Vegas police responded twice to 911 calls from Republican congressional candidate Dan Rodimer ’ s now-wife in 2018 @ @ @ @ @ Rodimer had stolen guns and jewelry belonging to her , ” the AP reports

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


politicalwire--2020-07-29--Biden Had Talking Points on Kamala Harris

Associated Press : “ As he took questions from reporters on Tuesday , Biden held notes that were captured by @ @ @ @ @ Harris ’ name was scrawled across the top , followed by five talking points.
” @ @ @ @ @ Biden has made about Harris before .
But they take on new significance following a @ @ @ @ @ of Biden ’ s closest friends and a co-chair of his vice presidential vetting committee @ @ @ @ @ Dodd , still harbors concerns about Harris ’ tough debate stage performance and that she @ @ @ @ @ .
”

Associated Press: “As he took questions from reporters on Tuesday, Biden held notes that were captured by an Associated Press photographer. Harris’ name was scrawled across the top, followed by five talking points.”
“Do not hold grudges.”
“Campaigned with me & Jill.”
“Talented.”
“Great help to campaign.”
“Great respect for her.”
“Those are all observations Biden has made about Harris before. But they take on new significance following a recent Politico report that one of Biden’s closest friends and a co-chair of his vice presidential vetting committee, former Connecticut Sen. Chris Dodd, still harbors concerns about Harris’ tough debate stage performance and that she hasn’t expressed regret.”


politicalwire--2020-07-29--Twitter Limits Arizona GOP Chair’s Account

Twitter has “ temporarily limited ” the account features of Arizona Republican Party Chairwoman Kelli Ward after determining she violated @ @ @ @ @ and “ potentially harmful ” information about the COVID-19 pandemic , the Arizona Republic reports @ @ @ @ @ came after she shared the viral video of a group of physicians making false and @ @ @ @ @ .

Twitter has “temporarily limited” the account features of Arizona Republican Party Chairwoman Kelli Ward after determining she violated its policy on spreading misleading and “potentially harmful” information about the COVID-19 pandemic, the Arizona Republic reports.
The decision by Twitter came after she shared the viral video of a group of physicians making false and misleading comments about the pandemic.


politicalwire--2020-07-28--Russia Spreading False Information on Virus

U.S. government officials tell the Associated Press that Russia is using three English-language websites to spread coronavirus disinformation .


politicalwire--2020-07-28--Last Quarter Was Worst on Record for U.S. Economy

“ The US economy is emerging from what experts think will be its worst quarter on record , ” CNN @ @ @ @ @ ’ s behind us now and conditions have improved since the country ground to a @ @ @ @ @ recovery remains fragile and could ultimately disappoint hopeful economists .
”

“The US economy is emerging from what experts think will be its worst quarter on record,” CNN reports.
“Although that’s behind us now and conditions have improved since the country ground to a halt in April, the recovery remains fragile and could ultimately disappoint hopeful economists.”


politicalwire--2020-07-28--Biden Will Announce Running Mate Next Week

Joe Biden said he will announce his running mate “ in the first week in August.
” For members : @ @ @ @ @ as His Running Mate ?


politicalwire--2020-07-28--Gideon Leads Collins In Maine

Gideon Leads Collins In Maine

A new Colby College/Social Sphere poll in Maine finds Sara Gideon ( D ) leading Sen. Susan Collins ( R @ @ @ @ @ race , 44 % to 39 % .
In the presidential race , Joe Biden @ @ @ @ @ 50 % to 38 % .
Biden leads 55 % to 35 % in the @ @ @ @ @ district and 45 % to 41 % in the second congressional district .

A new Colby College/Social Sphere poll in Maine finds Sara Gideon (D) leading Sen. Susan Collins (R) in the U.S. Senate race, 44% to 39%.
In the presidential race, Joe Biden leads Donald Trump statewide, 50% to 38%.
Biden leads 55% to 35% in the state’s first congressional district and 45% to 41% in the second congressional district.


politicalwire--2020-07-28--Jayapal Hammers Barr Over Treatment of Protesters

Rep. Pramila Jayapal ( D-WA ) slammed Attorney General William Barr over his apparent willingness to intervene when protesters are @ @ @ @ @ s policies but not when those protesters are supportive of the president .
Said Jayapal @ @ @ @ @ with swastikas storm a government building with guns , there is no need for the @ @ @ @ @ because they ’ re getting the president ’ s personal agenda done .
”

Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) slammed Attorney General William Barr over his apparent willingness to intervene when protesters are opposed to President Trump’s policies but not when those protesters are supportive of the president.
Said Jayapal: “When White men with swastikas storm a government building with guns, there is no need for the president to activate you, because they’re getting the president’s personal agenda done.”


politicalwire--2020-07-28--Who Will Joe Biden Pick as His Running Mate?

This poll is only available to Political Wire members .
Your support makes this site possible .
Join today for @ @ @ @ @ and get exclusive analysis , new features and no advertising .
Sign in to your @ @ @ @ @ If you ’ re already signed in and still seeing this message , your subscription @ @ @ @ @ your membership , navigate to your account , adjust your credit card information and click @ @ @ @ @ just $ 6 a month or $ 60 a year .


politicalwire--2020-07-28--McConnell Opposed to FBI Building Funds In Relief Bill

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell ( R-KY ) said he does not support money for a new FBI building inserted @ @ @ @ @ the latest coronavirus relief bill , Politico reports .


politicalwire--2020-07-28--Hogan May Still Vote for Trump

Hogan May Still Vote for Trump

Maryland Gov .
Larry Hogan ( R ) , a frequent critic of President Trump , said that while he @ @ @ @ @ vote for the president in November , he would not rule it out , The @ @ @


politicalwire--2020-07-28--Barr Sees ‘No Reason to Think’ Election Will Be Rigged

Attorney General Bill Barr told the House Judiciary Committee that he has “ no reason to think ” the 2020 @ @ @ @ @ , Axios reports .
Barr also said that he would vacate his position if Trump @ @ @ @ @ refused to leave office after a clear defeat .
However , he declined to comment @ @ @ @ @ office .

Attorney General Bill Barr told the House Judiciary Committee that he has “no reason to think” the 2020 presidential election will be rigged, Axios reports.
Barr also said that he would vacate his position if Trump lost his re-election bid and refused to leave office after a clear defeat.
However, he declined to comment on whether Trump would leave office.


politicalwire--2020-07-28--Nadler Chides GOP Lawmakers for Not Wearing Masks

House Judiciary Chairman Jerrold Nadler ( D-NY ) called on three Republican committee members to wear face coverings during a @ @ @ @ @ Barr , The Hill reports .
Said Nadler : “ I would remind Mr. Jordan @ @ @ @ @ Johnson to stop violating the rules of the committee , to stop violating the safety @ @ @ @ @ committee , to stop holding themselves out as not caring by refusing to wear their @ @ @

House Judiciary Chairman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) called on three Republican committee members to wear face coverings during a hearing with Attorney General William Barr, The Hill reports.
Said Nadler: “I would remind Mr. Jordan, Mr. Biggs and Mr. Johnson to stop violating the rules of the committee, to stop violating the safety of the members of the committee, to stop holding themselves out as not caring by refusing to wear their masks.”


politicalwire--2020-07-28--Exchange of the Day

Exchange of the Day

SWALWELL : Well , there ’ s a lot of evidence in the president ’ s tweets , Mr. Attorney @ @ @ @ @ should start reading them .


politicalwire--2020-07-28--GOP Bill Restores Funds Trump Diverted for Wall

“ The GOP Senate ’ s new $ 1 trillion coronavirus stimulus bill restores hundreds of millions of dollars in @ @ @ @ @ administration redirected to help pay for President Trump ’ s border wall , ” the @ @ @ @


politicalwire--2020-07-28--Biden Flipping Georgia More Likely Than Texas

A Joe Biden adviser tells the Washington Post that they have a better chance to expand the electoral map to @ @ @ @ @ Said the adviser : “ Texas is 22 fucking media markets .
That is never @ @ @ @ @ ’ s just not going to happen .
Everyone knows that .
I don ’ @ @ @ @ @ still even talking about it.
” The adviser added : “ Georgia is real and @ @ @ @ @ this campaign will have to eventually make but not until we feel really comfortable about @ @ @ @ @ and we are going up in Nevada tomorrow just to make sure since it ’ @ @ @ @ @ squirrelly in a recession.
” A new Public Policy Polling survey in Georgia finds Biden @ @ @ @ @ 46 % to 45 % .

A Joe Biden adviser tells the Washington Post that they have a better chance to expand the electoral map to Georgia than in Texas.
Said the adviser: “Texas is 22 fucking media markets. That is never going to happen. It’s just not going to happen. Everyone knows that. I don’t know why people are still even talking about it.”
The adviser added: “Georgia is real and that’s a decision this campaign will have to eventually make but not until we feel really comfortable about the six core states — and we are going up in Nevada tomorrow just to make sure since it’s a state that gets squirrelly in a recession.”
A new Public Policy Polling survey in Georgia finds Biden just ahead of Trump, 46% to 45%.


politicalwire--2020-07-28--Cuomo Offers MLB Teams Home In New York

Cuomo Offers MLB Teams Home In New York

Gov .
Andrew Cuomo ( D ) is offering every Major League Baseball team a temporary home in New York @ @ @ @ @ Cuomo : “ New York state could host any Major League Baseball game that any @ @ @ @ @ they could play those games in our stadiums .
New York state has one of @ @ @ @ @ the United States .
New York state has a full Department of Health protocol system @ @ @ @ @ a testing system in place .
I offer to Major League Baseball , if you @ @ @ @ @ in other states , come play here .
”

Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) is offering every Major League Baseball team a temporary home in New York, Politico reports.
Said Cuomo: “New York state could host any Major League Baseball game that any teams want to play and they could play those games in our stadiums. New York state has one of the lowest infection rates in the United States. New York state has a full Department of Health protocol system in place. We have a testing system in place. I offer to Major League Baseball, if you’re having problems playing in other states, come play here.”


politicalwire--2020-07-28--Alabama Lawmaker Celebrates KKK Founder

Alabama Lawmaker Celebrates KKK Founder

Alabama state Rep. Will Dismukes ( R ) posted a photo of himself to Facebook celebrating KKK founder Nathan Beford @ @ @ @ @ Selma at the same time the late Rep. John Lewis ( D-GA ) , a @ @ @ @ @ being honored in the town following his death , the Birmingham News reports .
The @ @ @ @ @ .

Alabama state Rep. Will Dismukes (R) posted a photo of himself to Facebook celebrating KKK founder Nathan Beford Forrest’s birthday in Selma at the same time the late Rep. John Lewis (D-GA), a civil rights legend, was being honored in the town following his death, the Birmingham News reports.
The post has since been deleted.


politicalwire--2020-07-28--Teacher’s Union Authorizes Strikes Over School Safety

“ The second-largest teachers ’ union in the United States announced on Tuesday that it would support its 1.7 million @ @ @ @ @ strike in districts and states that move to reopen classrooms without adequate health and safety @ @ @ @ @ York Times reports .
Said American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten : “ If @ @ @ @ @ the safety and health of those we represent and those we serve , as our @ @ @ @ @ , nothing is off the table .
”

“The second-largest teachers’ union in the United States announced on Tuesday that it would support its 1.7 million members if they choose to strike in districts and states that move to reopen classrooms without adequate health and safety measures,” the New York Times reports.
Said American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten: “If authorities don’t protect the safety and health of those we represent and those we serve, as our executive council voted last week, nothing is off the table.”


politicalwire--2020-07-28--Six Things That Could Change the Presidential Race

Taegan Goddard is the founder of Political Wire , one of the earliest and most influential political web sites .
@ @ @ @ @ Hunt , Electoral Vote Map and the Political Dictionary .
Goddard spent more than a @ @ @ @ @ chief operating officer of a prominent investment firm in New York City .
Previously , @ @ @ @ @ to a U.S .
Senator and Governor .
Goddard is also co-author of You Won @ @ @ @ @ Scribner , 1998 ) , a political management book hailed by prominent journalists and politicians @ @ @ @ @ addition , Goddard 's essays on politics and public policy have appeared in dozens of @ @ @ @ @ Goddard earned degrees from Vassar College and Harvard University .
He lives in New York @ @ @ @ @ sons .


politicalwire--2020-07-29--Trump Pulls Ads In Michigan

Trump Pulls Ads In Michigan

“ President Trump ’ s campaign has quietly receded from the television airwaves in Michigan in recent weeks , shifting @ @ @ @ @ the key Midwestern states that powered his surprise victory in 2016 threatens to move more @ @ @ @ @ column in 2020 , ” the New York Times reports .

“President Trump’s campaign has quietly receded from the television airwaves in Michigan in recent weeks, shifting money elsewhere as one of the key Midwestern states that powered his surprise victory in 2016 threatens to move more firmly back into the Democratic column in 2020,” the New York Times reports.


politicalwire--2020-07-29--The Ugliest GDP Report Ever Recorded

The Ugliest GDP Report Ever Recorded

Bloomberg : “ Data due Thursday are forecast to show U.S. gross domestic product plummeted an annualized 34.8 % in @ @ @ @ @ most in records dating back to the 1940s , after the spread of Covid-19 prompted @ @ @ @ @ states to order widespread lockdowns .
”


politicalwire--2020-07-29--Swing State Voters Back Extended Unemployment Checks

A new CNBC/Change Research poll finds most voters in six key swing states support an extension of the $ 600 @ @ @ @ @ along with another direct payment and state and local government relief .
In addition , @ @ @ @ @ opposes shielding corporations from coronavirus-related lawsuits .

A new CNBC/Change Research poll finds most voters in six key swing states support an extension of the $600 per week unemployment benefit, along with another direct payment and state and local government relief.
In addition, a majority of respondents also opposes shielding corporations from coronavirus-related lawsuits.


politicalwire--2020-07-29--How to Translate Congressional Code

How to Translate Congressional Code

Playbook : “ There comes a point in every congressional negotiation where it would be helpful for Google Translate to have a feature to turn Capitol Hill speak to English .
Political leaders talk in hard-to-decipher code that leaves reporters confused , markets seesawing and novice observers guessing what the heck everyone is talking about.
” • “ We ’ ve had a good meeting , we ’ re making progress , good discussions ” : Man , we ’ re screwed .
This means nothing is going on , and the meeting might as well have been canceled .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ kind of filler at that .
When you ’ re having a good meeting , you don ’ t need to say it .
You just have it .
And , more times than not , when you have a good meeting , you don ’ t leave until that good meeting comes up with something better than “ we had a good meeting.
” • “ We ’ re now going to see the president to update him… talks are just beginning.
” Mnuching said this Tuesday evening as he left the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and the administration is beginning to get frustrated .
• Metaphors galore : The 20-yard line , the 5-yard line — whatever .
Imagined progress on a football field does not equate to real progress , and it ’ s a cheap way to try to say the process is moving .
• Trump ’ s silence : Untranslatable .
It ’ s like Shalom in Hebrew : It can mean hi , goodbye or peace .

Playbook: “There comes a point in every congressional negotiation where it would be helpful for Google Translate to have a feature to turn Capitol Hill speak to English. Political leaders talk in hard-to-decipher code that leaves reporters confused, markets seesawing and novice observers guessing what the heck everyone is talking about.”
A few examples:


politicalwire--2020-07-29--Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day

“ One way or another , the economy is going to lock down again.
” — Paul Krugman , on @ @ @ @ @ ve squandered the chance to actually bring the coronavirus under control .

“One way or another, the economy is going to lock down again.”
— Paul Krugman, on CNN, saying we’ve squandered the chance to actually bring the coronavirus under control.


politicalwire--2020-07-29--If Obama Did This…

If Obama Did This…

Tom Nichols : “ If Obama or Clinton or Biden were up late tweeting out crackpot theories from a ‘ @ @ @ @ @ , the Republicans would be calling on the military to surround the White House and @ @ @ @ @ nuclear weapons .
”


politicalwire--2020-07-29--Trump Blocked Access to Brennan’s Notes

Trump Blocked Access to Brennan’s Notes

“ In the fall of 2018 , when former CIA director John Brennan decided to write his memoir , he @ @ @ @ @ official records , including his notes and any documents that he had reviewed and signed @ @ @ @ @ CIA , where Brennan had worked for nearly 30 years , said no , ” @ @ @ @ @ “ It was a break with decades of tradition .
The CIA routinely lets former @ @ @ @ @ writing books about their careers .
Their manuscripts are scrutinized to ensure they don ’ @ @ @ @ @ .
”

“In the fall of 2018, when former CIA director John Brennan decided to write his memoir, he asked the agency for his official records, including his notes and any documents that he had reviewed and signed that were classified. The CIA, where Brennan had worked for nearly 30 years, said no,” the Washington Post reports.
“It was a break with decades of tradition. The CIA routinely lets former directors review classified files when writing books about their careers. Their manuscripts are scrutinized to ensure they don’t expose any national secrets.”


politicalwire--2020-07-29--Trump Did Not Raise Russian Bounties with Putin

President Trump told Axios he has never confronted Vladimir Putin with intelligence indicating Russia paid the Taliban to kill U.S. @ @ @ @ @ he didn ’ t raise the matter in Thursday ’ s call , he said @ @ @ @ @ phone call to discuss other things , and frankly that ’ s an issue that @ @ @ @ @ news .
”

President Trump told Axios he has never confronted Vladimir Putin with intelligence indicating Russia paid the Taliban to kill U.S. troops.
Pressed on why he didn’t raise the matter in Thursday’s call, he said: “That was a phone call to discuss other things, and frankly that’s an issue that many people said was fake news.”


Trump Stooge

The Lincoln Project is out with a devastating ad attacking Sen. Susan Collins ( R-ME ) .

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


politicalwire--2020-07-29--U.S. In Talks About Pulling Agents from Portland

“ The Trump administration has started talks with the Oregon governor ’ s office and indicated that it would begin @ @ @ @ @ of federal agents sent to quell two months of chaotic protests in Portland if the @ @ @ @ @ enforcement , ” the AP reports .

“The Trump administration has started talks with the Oregon governor’s office and indicated that it would begin to draw down the presence of federal agents sent to quell two months of chaotic protests in Portland if the state stepped up its own enforcement,” the AP reports.


politicalwire--2020-07-29--House Republicans Are Suddenly Sweating

House Republicans Are Suddenly Sweating

“ A slew of dismal summer polls and a persistent fundraising gap have left some Republicans fretting about a nightmare @ @ @ @ @ they will fall further into the House minority , ” Politico reports .
“ Publicly @ @ @ @ @ declaring they can still net the 17 seats needed to flip the chamber .
But @ @ @ @ @ concede it ’ s a much grimmer picture , with as many as 20 Republican @ @ @ @ @ into Democratic hands.
” “ Far from going on offense , the GOP could be @ @ @ @ @ to limit their losses .
There ’ s a growing fear that Trump ’ s @ @ @ @ @ could threaten their candidates in traditionally favorable districts , and that their party ’ s @ @ @ @ @ might leave some underfunded incumbents and open GOP-held seats unprotected .
”

“A slew of dismal summer polls and a persistent fundraising gap have left some Republicans fretting about a nightmare scenario in November: That they will fall further into the House minority,” Politico reports.
“Publicly, House GOP leaders are declaring they can still net the 17 seats needed to flip the chamber. But privately, some party strategists concede it’s a much grimmer picture, with as many as 20 Republican seats at risk of falling into Democratic hands.”
“Far from going on offense, the GOP could be forced to retrench in order to limit their losses. There’s a growing fear that Trump’s plummeting popularity in the suburbs could threaten their candidates in traditionally favorable districts, and that their party’s eagerness to go on offense might leave some underfunded incumbents and open GOP-held seats unprotected.”


politicalwire--2020-07-29--GOP Official Compares Mask Wearing to Nazi Germany

“ A Minnesota Republican Party county official has resigned after posting an image on Facebook comparing mask mandates to Jews @ @ @ @ @ of David in Nazi Germany , ” CNN reports .


politicalwire--2020-07-29--GOP Bill Doubles ‘Three Martini Lunch’ Deduction

Washington Post : “ Senate Republicans ’ coronavirus relief proposal came under attack from a coalition of hunger advocates Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ food assistance programs , despite rising demand during the pandemic.
” “ Although the Senate @ @ @ @ @ funds for SNAP and Pandemic EBT , it does double the tax deduction for business @ @ @ @ @ ‘ three-martini-lunch deduction , ’ increasing the reimbursement from 50 % to 100 % of @ @ @

Washington Post: “Senate Republicans’ coronavirus relief proposal came under attack from a coalition of hunger advocates Tuesday for not extending funding for food assistance programs, despite rising demand during the pandemic.”
“Although the Senate GOP proposal offers no new funds for SNAP and Pandemic EBT, it does double the tax deduction for business meals, known as the ‘three-martini-lunch deduction,’ increasing the reimbursement from 50% to 100% of meals.”


‘Nobody Likes Me’

“ President Trump devolved into self-pity during a White House coronavirus briefing on Tuesday , lamenting that his approval ratings @ @ @ @ @ two top government medical experts , ” the New York Times reports .
“ Just @ @ @ @ @ began a rebooted effort , driven by rising infection rates and sinking poll numbers , @ @ @ @ @ in terms more in line with medical consensus , Mr. Trump was again making unfounded @ @ @ @ @ experts .
It was the sort of eccentric , science-deficient performance that many of his @ @ @ @ @ during the spring and has come to gravely threaten his re-election prospects.
” “ Noting @ @ @ @ @ Dr. Deborah Birx have high approval ratings even as his own have sagged , Mr. @ @ @ @ @ yet , they ’ re highly thought of — but nobody likes me .
It @ @ @ @ @ . '
”

“President Trump devolved into self-pity during a White House coronavirus briefing on Tuesday, lamenting that his approval ratings were lower than those of two top government medical experts,” the New York Times reports.
“Just over a week after he began a rebooted effort, driven by rising infection rates and sinking poll numbers, to talk about the virus in terms more in line with medical consensus, Mr. Trump was again making unfounded claims and defending discredited medical experts. It was the sort of eccentric, science-deficient performance that many of his aides believe unnerved the public during the spring and has come to gravely threaten his re-election prospects.”
“Noting that Dr. Anthony Fauci and Dr. Deborah Birx have high approval ratings even as his own have sagged, Mr. Trump added, ”And yet, they’re highly thought of — but nobody likes me. It can only be my personality.'”


politicalwire--2020-07-30--‘We Really Don’t Care’

‘We Really Don’t Care’

“ The prospects for a quick agreement between the Trump administration and congressional Democrats on a new round of aid @ @ @ @ @ on Wednesday , as President Trump undercut his own party ’ s efforts to negotiate @ @ @ @ @ White House official declared that a lifeline to unemployed workers would run out as scheduled @ @ @ @ @ , ” the New York Times reports .
“ With negotiations barely started to find @ @ @ @ @ ’ $ 1 trillion plan and Democrats ’ $ 3 trillion package , Mr. Trump @ @ @ @ @ entire enterprise , saying that he would prefer a bare-bones package that would send ‘ @ @ @ @ @ and protect them from being evicted.
” Said Trump : “ The rest of it @ @ @ @ @ far apart , we don ’ t care .
We really don ’ t care @ @

“The prospects for a quick agreement between the Trump administration and congressional Democrats on a new round of aid for the ailing economy faded on Wednesday, as President Trump undercut his own party’s efforts to negotiate a deal and a top White House official declared that a lifeline to unemployed workers would run out as scheduled at week’s end,” the New York Times reports.
“With negotiations barely started to find a middle ground between Republicans’ $1 trillion plan and Democrats’ $3 trillion package, Mr. Trump poured cold water on the entire enterprise, saying that he would prefer a bare-bones package that would send ‘payments to the people’ and protect them from being evicted.”
Said Trump: “The rest of it, we’re so far apart, we don’t care. We really don’t care.”


politicalwire--2020-07-30--Pelosi Makes Mask Wearing Mandatory

Pelosi Makes Mask Wearing Mandatory

Speaker Nancy Pelosi ( D-CA ) announced that all lawmakers will now be required to wear a mask while appearing @ @ @ @ @ a decision spurred by the news that a Republican congressman who has spurned facial coverings @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus , the Washington Post reports .
Pelosi said she expects everyone to “ adhere @ @ @ @ @ sign of respect for the health , safety and well-being of others present in the @ @ @ @ @ ”

Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) announced that all lawmakers will now be required to wear a mask while appearing on the chamber floor, a decision spurred by the news that a Republican congressman who has spurned facial coverings had tested positive for the coronavirus, the Washington Post reports.
Pelosi said she expects everyone to “adhere to this requirement as a sign of respect for the health, safety and well-being of others present in the chamber and surrounding areas.”


politicalwire--2020-07-30--Ginsburg Back In Hospital

Ginsburg Back In Hospital

Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is in the hospital again , this time for a “ minimally invasive ” non-surgical procedure @ @ @ @ @ .


politicalwire--2020-07-29--Obama to Eulogize John Lewis

Obama to Eulogize John Lewis

Former President Barack Obama will give the eulogy at Rep. John Lewis ’ funeral on Thursday and former Presidents Bill @ @ @ @ @ will attend the service , CNN reports .


politicalwire--2020-07-29--Tennessee Has the Nastiest GOP Primary In Country

Politico : “ The race was never supposed to be competitive : The Trump-backed candidate , Bill Hagerty — who @ @ @ @ @ s ambassador to Japan — was on a glide path .
… But as the @ @ @ @ @ run-up to the Aug. 6 election , Hagerty ’ s main opponent , Manny Sethi @ @ @ @ @ claiming to be the true , unapologetic Trumpian conservative in the race — while blasting @ @ @ @ @ Mitt Romney-loving phony.
” “ Hagerty largely ignored Sethi most of the race — seemingly @ @ @ @ @ his internal polls had at 17 points — until earlier this month , when he @ @ @ @ @ The battle is a window into the changing nature of the Republican Party , in @ @ @ @ @ vogue , and race and identity have been thrust to the fore .
”

Politico: “The race was never supposed to be competitive: The Trump-backed candidate, Bill Hagerty — who served as the president’s ambassador to Japan — was on a glide path. … But as the contest has tightened in the run-up to the Aug. 6 election, Hagerty’s main opponent, Manny Sethi, has found traction by claiming to be the true, unapologetic Trumpian conservative in the race — while blasting Hagerty as a squishy, Mitt Romney-loving phony.”
“Hagerty largely ignored Sethi most of the race — seemingly confident of his lead which his internal polls had at 17 points — until earlier this month, when he abruptly went on the offensive… The battle is a window into the changing nature of the Republican Party, in which economic populism is in vogue, and race and identity have been thrust to the fore.”


politicalwire--2020-07-29--U.S. Elections Awash In Untraceable Money

Daily Beast : “ Political donations by non-disclosing groups… have skyrocketed in recent years .
During the 2018 election cycle @ @ @ @ @ $ 178 million to federal political committees… In 2020 , they ’ re on track @ @ @ @ @ .
By the end of June , non-disclosing groups had donated $ 177 million to @ @ @ @ @ The result , experts say , has been an erosion of fundamental rules governing American @ @ @ @ @ of money spent to affect their outcomes… The phenomenon is not confined to one political @ @ @ @ @ ”

Daily Beast: “Political donations by non-disclosing groups… have skyrocketed in recent years. During the 2018 election cycle, such groups provided roughly $178 million to federal political committees… In 2020, they’re on track to far surpass that total. By the end of June, non-disclosing groups had donated $177 million to federal political committees.”
“The result, experts say, has been an erosion of fundamental rules governing American elections and the growing amounts of money spent to affect their outcomes… The phenomenon is not confined to one political side or the other.”


politicalwire--2020-07-29--Pelosi Moves to Help Two Members of the ‘Squad’

Speaker Nancy Pelosi ( D-CA ) is moving to help two members of the so-called “ Squad ” who suddenly @ @ @ @ @ , the Washington Post reports .
“ Pelosi endorsed freshman Rep. Rashida Tlaib , praising @ @ @ @ @ outside group supporting her opponent , Brenda Jones , distributed a leaflet of Jones standing @ @ @ @ @ ” “ The statement comes two weeks after Pelosi did something similar for Rep. Ilhan @ @ @ @ @ herself in a suddenly competitive primary .
”

Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) is moving to help two members of the so-called “Squad” who suddenly find themselves facing difficult primaries, the Washington Post reports.
“Pelosi endorsed freshman Rep. Rashida Tlaib, praising the Michigan Democrat after an outside group supporting her opponent, Brenda Jones, distributed a leaflet of Jones standing next to Pelosi, smiling.”
“The statement comes two weeks after Pelosi did something similar for Rep. Ilhan Omar, who also finds herself in a suddenly competitive primary.”


politicalwire--2020-07-29--A Viral Epidemic Splintering Into Deadly Pieces

New York Times : “ Each state , each city has its own crisis driven by its own risk factors @ @ @ @ @ , bars reopened too soon in another , a revolt against masks in a third… @ @ @ @ @ 20 public health experts — not just clinicians and epidemiologists , but also historians and @ @ @ @ @ of the virus is now influenced as much by human behavior as it is by @ @ @ @ @ Overall , the scientists conveyed a pervasive sense of sadness and exhaustion .
Where once @ @ @ @ @ then a growing sense of dread , now there seems to be sorrow and frustration @ @ @ @ @ many funerals never had to happen and that nothing is going well .
The United @ @ @ @ @ , while much of Europe , which was hit first , is recovering and reopening @ @ @ @ @ .
”

New York Times: “Each state, each city has its own crisis driven by its own risk factors: vacation crowds in one, bars reopened too soon in another, a revolt against masks in a third… The New York Times interviewed 20 public health experts — not just clinicians and epidemiologists, but also historians and sociologists, because the spread of the virus is now influenced as much by human behavior as it is by the pathogen itself.”
“Overall, the scientists conveyed a pervasive sense of sadness and exhaustion. Where once there was defiance, and then a growing sense of dread, now there seems to be sorrow and frustration, a feeling that so many funerals never had to happen and that nothing is going well. The United States is a wounded giant, while much of Europe, which was hit first, is recovering and reopening — although not to us.”


politicalwire--2020-07-29--Biden Allies Wage Campaign to Block Kamala Harris

“ Some of Joe Biden ’ s allies are waging a campaign behind the scenes to stop Sen. Kamala Harris @ @ @ @ @ his vice president , ” CNBC reports .
“ The concerns focus on her attacks @ @ @ @ @ debate last year , bringing into question her loyalty to the former vice president .
@ @ @ @ @ ’ s too ambitious and that she will be solely focused on eventually becoming president @ @

“Some of Joe Biden’s allies are waging a campaign behind the scenes to stop Sen. Kamala Harris (D-CA) from becoming his vice president,” CNBC reports.
“The concerns focus on her attacks on Biden during a primary debate last year, bringing into question her loyalty to the former vice president. Some also argue that she’s too ambitious and that she will be solely focused on eventually becoming president.”


politicalwire--2020-07-29--Hoyer Says Maskless Republicans Are Public Health Threat

House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer ( D-MD ) said that those congressional Republicans still refusing to wear masks amid the @ @ @ @ @ , a public health threat , The Hill reports .
Said Hoyer : “ Very @ @ @ @ @ have continued to act extraordinarily irresponsibly .
”

House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD) said that those congressional Republicans still refusing to wear masks amid the coronavirus pandemic are, themselves, a public health threat, The Hill reports.
Said Hoyer: “Very frankly, too many Republicans have continued to act extraordinarily irresponsibly.”


politicalwire--2020-07-29--How to Look at National Polls

How to Look at National Polls

Nate Silver says national polling trends are more important than the lead itself .
“ In other words , I @ @ @ @ @ if Biden us up 8 nationally or whatever .
I care about the numbers in @ @ @ @ @ .
But if Biden has gained 2 points in national polls , it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ also gained roughly 2 points in Wisconsin and Florida since they were last polled.
” @ @ @ @ @ can also impute these trends from state polls ( i.e .
if Biden is gaining @ @ @ @ @ s probably gaining in Wisconsin ) and our model does do that too .
But @ @ @ @ @ high volume of polls from a relatively constant set of pollsters—making trend detection easier .
@

Nate Silver says national polling trends are more important than the lead itself.
“In other words, I don’t really care if Biden us up 8 nationally or whatever. I care about the numbers in Wisconsin, Florida, etc. But if Biden has gained 2 points in national polls, it’s likely that he’s also gained roughly 2 points in Wisconsin and Florida since they were last polled.”
“In theory, you can also impute these trends from state polls (i.e. if Biden is gaining in Michigan, he’s probably gaining in Wisconsin) and our model does do that too. But national polls give you a high volume of polls from a relatively constant set of pollsters—making trend detection easier.”


politicalwire--2020-07-29--Kodak Stock Trades Surged Before Announcement

Reid Wilson notes that Kodak stock volume has ranged from 52,000 to 215,000 shares per day since July 1 .
@ @ @ @ @ before President Trump tapped the former film giant to make drug ingredients , 1,645,000 shares @ @ @

Reid Wilson notes that Kodak stock volume has ranged from 52,000 to 215,000 shares per day since July 1.
On Monday, the day before President Trump tapped the former film giant to make drug ingredients, 1,645,000 shares traded hands.


politicalwire--2020-07-29--Trump Seen Voting By Mail In 2004 Video

Trump Seen Voting By Mail In 2004 Video

An Access Hollywood video clip from 2004 has reemerged showing Donald Trump voting by mail , despite recently claiming it @ @ @ @


politicalwire--2020-07-29--Gohmert Suggests His Mask Caused Him to Catch Virus

Rep. Louie Gohmert ( R-TX ) told the American Independent that he probably contracted coronavirus because he wore a mask @ @ @ @ @ .
Said Gohmert : “ I can ’ t help but think that if I @ @ @ @ @ a mask so much in the last 10 days or so , I really wonder @ @ @ @ @ it .
”

Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-TX) told the American Independent that he probably contracted coronavirus because he wore a mask more frequently in recent days.
Said Gohmert: “I can’t help but think that if I hadn’t been wearing a mask so much in the last 10 days or so, I really wonder if I would have gotten it.”


politicalwire--2020-07-29--Gohmert Required Full Staff In Office Without Masks

Just after reports that Rep. Louie Gohmert ( R-TX ) had tested positive for coronavirus , Politico got an email @ @ @ @ @ : “ Thank you for letting our office know Louie tested positive for the Coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ story , can you include the fact that Louie requires full staff to be in @ @ @ @ @ interns , so that ‘ we could be an example to America on how to @ @ @ @ @ probing the office , you might want to ask how often were people berated for @ @ @ @

Just after reports that Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-TX) had tested positive for coronavirus, Politico got an email from one of his aides:
“Thank you for letting our office know Louie tested positive for the Coronavirus. When you write your story, can you include the fact that Louie requires full staff to be in the office, including three interns, so that ‘we could be an example to America on how to open up safely.’ When probing the office, you might want to ask how often were people berated for wearing masks.”


politicalwire--2020-07-29--Trump Slams Republicans Who Oppose New FBI Building

President Trump said that Senate Republicans who oppose using the next coronavirus stimulus package to fund a new $ 1.75 @ @ @ @ @ “ should go back to school , ” Axios reports .
Said Trump : “ @ @ @ @ @ they ’ ve been trying to build a new building for many years , many @ @ @ @ @ the best piece of property in Washington .
I ’ m very good at real @ @ @ @ @ , ‘ We ’ ll build a new FBI building , let ’ s build @ @ @ @ @ So we have that in the bill… ” He added : “ Those Republicans should @ @ @ @ @ learn .
You need a new building .
It ’ s a bad building , @ @ @ @ @ building … it ’ s not a good building from the inside , it ’ @ @ @ @ @ .
”

President Trump said that Senate Republicans who oppose using the next coronavirus stimulus package to fund a new $1.75 billion headquarters for the FBI “should go back to school,” Axios reports.
Said Trump: “So the FBI building, they’ve been trying to build a new building for many years, many many years… It’s the best piece of property in Washington. I’m very good at real estate. So I said, ‘We’ll build a new FBI building, let’s build a new FBI building.’ So we have that in the bill…”
He added: “Those Republicans should go back to school and learn. You need a new building. It’s a bad building, it’s a dangerous building … it’s not a good building from the inside, it’s a very expensive building.”


politicalwire--2020-07-29--Trump’s Makes Another Play for Suburban Voters

“ I am happy to inform all of the people living their Suburban Lifestyle Dream that you will no longer @ @ @ @ @ by having low income housing built in your neighborhood… Your housing prices will go up @ @ @ @ @ and crime will go down .
I have rescinded the Obama-Biden AFFH Rule .
Enjoy @ @

President Trump on Twitter:
“I am happy to inform all of the people living their Suburban Lifestyle Dream that you will no longer be bothered or financially hurt by having low income housing built in your neighborhood… Your housing prices will go up based on the market, and crime will go down. I have rescinded the Obama-Biden AFFH Rule. Enjoy!”


politicalwire--2020-07-29--Gohmert Spoke to Barr Without a Mask

Gohmert Spoke to Barr Without a Mask

Rep. Louie Gohmert ( R-TX ) , who tested positive for the coronavirus earlier today , spoke to Attorney General @ @ @ @ @ mask and for “ a comment or two , ” according to Olivia Beavers .
@ @ @ @ @ , they were within arms length.
” Reuters reports Barr will now be tested .

Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-TX), who tested positive for the coronavirus earlier today, spoke to Attorney General William Barr yesterday without a mask and for “a comment or two,” according to Olivia Beavers.
“Would say from memory, they were within arms length.”
Reuters reports Barr will now be tested.


politicalwire--2020-07-31--Democrats Pour Record Cash Into Battlegrounds

Politico : “ Across 15 possible battleground states , nearly every Democratic state party group is hitting higher quarterly fundraising @ @ @ @ @ on hand in their federal accounts than they did at this point during the 2016 @ @ @ @ @ majority of them did both .
”

Politico: “Across 15 possible battleground states, nearly every Democratic state party group is hitting higher quarterly fundraising totals or holding more cash on hand in their federal accounts than they did at this point during the 2016 presidential campaign, and a majority of them did both.”


politicalwire--2020-07-31--Postal Service Backlog Sparks Election Worries

“ The U.S .
Postal Service is experiencing days-long backlogs of mail across the country after a top Trump donor @ @ @ @ @ place new procedures described as cost-cutting efforts , alarming postal workers who warn that the @ @ @ @ @ to deliver ballots on time for the November election , ” the Washington Post reports @ @ @ @ @ ramps up his unfounded attacks on mail balloting as being susceptible to widespread fraud , @ @ @ @ @ say the changes implemented by Trump fundraiser-turned-postmaster general Louis DeJoy are contributing to a growing @ @ @ @ @ the result of a political effort to undermine absentee voting .
”

“The U.S. Postal Service is experiencing days-long backlogs of mail across the country after a top Trump donor running the agency put in place new procedures described as cost-cutting efforts, alarming postal workers who warn that the policies could undermine their ability to deliver ballots on time for the November election,” the Washington Post reports.
“As President Trump ramps up his unfounded attacks on mail balloting as being susceptible to widespread fraud, postal employees and union officials say the changes implemented by Trump fundraiser-turned-postmaster general Louis DeJoy are contributing to a growing perception that mail delays are the result of a political effort to undermine absentee voting.”
Intelligencer: Trump’s two-pronged strategy to demonize voting by mail.


politicalwire--2020-07-31--Trump Revisits Playbook for Disastrous News

“ President Trump ’ s go-it-alone presidency crested on Thursday with a suggestion that the country delay the November election @ @ @ @ @ “ The idea undercut allies and aides who months ago accused Joe Biden of promoting @ @ @ @ @ by predicting Trump would do this very thing .
It aggravated his own negotiations on @ @ @ @ @ who want more election funding .
And it forced Trump ’ s supporters either to @ @ @ @ @ musings as a savvy attempt to troll and distract his critics , or to insist @ @ @ @ @ playing thoughtless pundit.
” “ Notably , many people he needed to play along — @ @ @ @ @ the power to change an election date — refused even to engage .
”

“President Trump’s go-it-alone presidency crested on Thursday with a suggestion that the country delay the November election,” Politico reports.
“The idea undercut allies and aides who months ago accused Joe Biden of promoting ‘conspiracy theory ramblings’ by predicting Trump would do this very thing. It aggravated his own negotiations on Capitol Hill, emboldening Democrats who want more election funding. And it forced Trump’s supporters either to defend the president’s musings as a savvy attempt to troll and distract his critics, or to insist it was just the president playing thoughtless pundit.”
“Notably, many people he needed to play along — particularly Congress, which has the power to change an election date — refused even to engage.”


politicalwire--2020-07-31--Duckworth Confirms She Was Interviewed by Biden Team

Sen. Tammy Duckworth ( D-IL ) told the Washington Post that she has been interviewed by Joe Biden ’ s @ @ @ @ @ presidential nominee .
Said Duckworth : “ I have been interviewed , yes , I @ @ @ @ @ .
But it really doesn ’ t matter what position I play as long as @ @ @ @ @ .
”

Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) told the Washington Post that she has been interviewed by Joe Biden’s team to be his vice presidential nominee.
Said Duckworth: “I have been interviewed, yes, I’m on Team Biden. But it really doesn’t matter what position I play as long as we get Joe Biden elected.”


politicalwire--2020-07-30--Federalist Society Founder Calls for Trump’s Impeachment

Steven Calabresi , co-founder of the conservative Federalist Society , wrote in a New York Times that President Trump ’ @ @ @ @ @ election “ fascistic ” and grounds for the president ’ s impeachment .
Said Calebresi @ @ @ @ @ appalled by the president ’ s recent tweet seeking to postpone the November election .
@ @ @ @ @ taken as political hyperbole the Democrats ’ assertion that President Trump is a fascist.
” @ @ @ @ @ this latest tweet is fascistic and is itself grounds for the president ’ s immediate @ @ @ @ @ of Representatives and his removal from office by the Senate .
”

Steven Calabresi, co-founder of the conservative Federalist Society, wrote in a New York Times that President Trump’s suggestion to delay the election “fascistic” and grounds for the president’s impeachment.
Said Calebresi: “I am frankly appalled by the president’s recent tweet seeking to postpone the November election. Until recently, I had taken as political hyperbole the Democrats’ assertion that President Trump is a fascist.”
He added: “But this latest tweet is fascistic and is itself grounds for the president’s immediate impeachment again by the House of Representatives and his removal from office by the Senate.”


politicalwire--2020-07-30--Trump Pauses Ads for Review of Strategy

Trump Pauses Ads for Review of Strategy

“ President Trump ’ s campaign has virtually disappeared from the airwaves as it undertakes ‘ a review and fine-tuning @ @ @ @ @ strategy ’ as an official put it after the replacement of campaign manager Brad Parscale @ @ @ @ @ .
“ With less than 100 days until Election Day , the Trump campaign spent @ @ @ @ @ radio ads on Wednesday and Thursday , according to data from Advertising Analytics .
And @ @ @ @ @ through August .
”

“President Trump’s campaign has virtually disappeared from the airwaves as it undertakes ‘a review and fine-tuning of the campaign’s strategy’ as an official put it after the replacement of campaign manager Brad Parscale,” NBC News reports.
“With less than 100 days until Election Day, the Trump campaign spent virtually nothing on television or radio ads on Wednesday and Thursday, according to data from Advertising Analytics. And it has effectively nothing booked through August.”


politicalwire--2020-07-30--Homeland Security Compiled Reports on Journalists

The Department of Homeland Security has compiled “ intelligence reports ” about the work of American journalists covering protests in @ @ @ @ @ what current and former officials called an alarming use of a government system meant to @ @ @ @ @ and violent actors , the Washington Post reports .

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


politicalwire--2020-07-30--Trump Will Not Take Sides In Kansas Primary

“ President Trump indicated to associates during a flight on Air Force One on Wednesday that he would not intervene @ @ @ @ @ primary in Kansas despite the fears among top Republicans that the state could elect a @ @ @ @ @ seat and thus the Senate , ” CNN reports .
“ While the GOP establishment @ @ @ @ @ the prospect that conservative firebrand Kris Kobach could win the primary on Tuesday only to @ @ @ @ @ November , Trump has so far not endorsed its favored candidate , Republican Rep. Roger @ @ @

“President Trump indicated to associates during a flight on Air Force One on Wednesday that he would not intervene in the US Senate Republican primary in Kansas despite the fears among top Republicans that the state could elect a nominee who will lose the seat and thus the Senate,” CNN reports.
“While the GOP establishment has long been alarmed by the prospect that conservative firebrand Kris Kobach could win the primary on Tuesday only to lose the general election in November, Trump has so far not endorsed its favored candidate, Republican Rep. Roger Marshall.”


politicalwire--2020-07-30--Trump Insists on Knowing Results on Election Night

President Trump on Twitter : “ Must know Election results on the night of the Election , not days , @ @ @ @ @ later !
” Trump will hold a press conference at 5:30 p.m .
ET at @ @ @ @ @ certainly come up .

President Trump on Twitter: “Must know Election results on the night of the Election, not days, months, or even years later!”
Trump will hold a press conference at 5:30 p.m. ET at which this topic will almost certainly come up.


politicalwire--2020-07-30--A Heckler In His Own Government

A Heckler In His Own Government

New York Times : “ Far from a strongman , Mr. Trump has lately become a heckler in his own @ @ @ @ @ theories on social media , playing no constructive role in either the management of the @ @ @ @ @ of an economic rescue plan in Congress — and complaining endlessly about the unfairness of @ @ @ @

New York Times: “Far from a strongman, Mr. Trump has lately become a heckler in his own government, promoting medical conspiracy theories on social media, playing no constructive role in either the management of the coronavirus pandemic or the negotiation of an economic rescue plan in Congress — and complaining endlessly about the unfairness of it all.”


politicalwire--2020-07-30--Trump Will Do Whatever It Takes to Win

Trump Will Do Whatever It Takes to Win

David Rothkopf : “ Trump fears this election not simply because the general public seems to want him to lose @ @ @ @ @ the powers and asserted immunities associated with the presidency may ultimately cost him his freedom @ @ @ @ @ “ A post-Trump era might indeed be rife with serious legal threats not just to @ @ @ @ @ many close to them .
Therefore , they will do whatever it takes to win @ @

David Rothkopf: “Trump fears this election not simply because the general public seems to want him to lose but because a loss of the powers and asserted immunities associated with the presidency may ultimately cost him his freedom in the long run.”
“A post-Trump era might indeed be rife with serious legal threats not just to Trump but to Barr and many close to them. Therefore, they will do whatever it takes to win.”


politicalwire--2020-07-30--Capitol Hill Staffers Furious Over Gohmert Revelation

“ The revelation Wednesday that Texas Republican Louie Gohmert , a renegade lawmaker known for stalking the halls of Congress @ @ @ @ @ positive for Covid-19 has unleashed a fusillade of anger on Capitol Hill — a sudden @ @ @ @ @ how the institution has dealt with the coronavirus pandemic within the confines of its own @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Now , legislative aides , chiefs of staff , press assistants , members @ @ @ @ @ and maintenance men and women are venting their fury with an institution that does not @ @ @ @ @ requirements , does not mandate testing , is run with minimal oversight and must contend @ @ @ @ @ who doubt scientists and hold themselves out as experts on everything from disease hygiene to @ @ @

“The revelation Wednesday that Texas Republican Louie Gohmert, a renegade lawmaker known for stalking the halls of Congress without a mask, tested positive for Covid-19 has unleashed a fusillade of anger on Capitol Hill — a sudden release of built-up tension over how the institution has dealt with the coronavirus pandemic within the confines of its own workplace,” Politico reports.
“Now, legislative aides, chiefs of staff, press assistants, members of Congress, career workers and maintenance men and women are venting their fury with an institution that does not have uniform rules or masking requirements, does not mandate testing, is run with minimal oversight and must contend with a gaggle of lawmakers who doubt scientists and hold themselves out as experts on everything from disease hygiene to pharmacology.”


politicalwire--2020-07-30--Trump’s Grip on the GOP Is Slipping

Trump’s Grip on the GOP Is Slipping

Amy Walter : “ The once rock-solid grip that the president had on his party seems to be slipping .
@ @ @ @ @ from both sides this week , it ’ s clear that Trump is suffering not @ @ @ @ @ but also with GOP voters .
They tell us of polling that shows Trump underwater @ @ @ @ @ in 2016.
” “ One GOP strategist told me that even in heavily Republican districts @ @ @ @ @ approval rating among Republicans has dropped 10-20 points .
The KFF poll released last week @ @ @ @ @ job approval rating among Republicans dropped 12 points between May and July .
On handling @ @ @ @ @ GOP support was an even more dramatic 26 points .
”

Amy Walter: “The once rock-solid grip that the president had on his party seems to be slipping. Talking with pollsters and strategists from both sides this week, it’s clear that Trump is suffering not just with Democrats and independents but also with GOP voters. They tell us of polling that shows Trump underwater in districts he carried easily in 2016.”
“One GOP strategist told me that even in heavily Republican districts, Trump’s job approval rating among Republicans has dropped 10-20 points. The KFF poll released last week found Trump’s overall job approval rating among Republicans dropped 12 points between May and July. On handling coronavirus, the drop in GOP support was an even more dramatic 26 points.”


politicalwire--2020-07-30--Trump Pins His ‘Delay the Election’ Tweet

President Trump ’ s “ delay the election ” tweet is now pinned to the top of his account , @ @ @ @ @ , “ is typically what you do if you ’ re just joking to get @ @ @ @ @ and don ’ t mean it .
”

President Trump’s “delay the election” tweet is now pinned to the top of his account, which as Dave Weigel notes, “is typically what you do if you’re just joking to get a rise out of reporters and don’t mean it.”


politicalwire--2020-07-30--How Jared Kushner’s Testing Plan Went ‘Poof’

Vanity Fair : “ Six months into the pandemic , the United States continues to suffer the worst outbreak of @ @ @ @ @ .
Considerable blame belongs to a federal response that offloaded responsibility for the crucial task @ @ @ @ @ .
The irony is that , after assembling the team that came up with an @ @ @ @ @ plan , Kushner then appears to have decided , for reasons that remain murky , @ @ @ @ @ The plan , according to one participant , “ just went poof into thin air @ @

Vanity Fair: “Six months into the pandemic, the United States continues to suffer the worst outbreak of COVID-19 in the developed world. Considerable blame belongs to a federal response that offloaded responsibility for the crucial task of testing to the states. The irony is that, after assembling the team that came up with an aggressive and ambitious national testing plan, Kushner then appears to have decided, for reasons that remain murky, to scrap its proposal.”
The plan, according to one participant, “just went poof into thin air.”


politicalwire--2020-07-30--Michael Cohen Will Be Allowed to Write Tell-All Book

“ Michael Cohen now will be allowed to finish his tell-all book about President Trump after the government said on @ @ @ @ @ up a legal battle to prevent him from expressing himself on television , on social @ @ @ @ @ he serves a prison sentence at home , ” the New York Times reports .
@ @ @ @ @ would not challenge a ruling last week that cleared the way for Mr. Cohen , @ @ @ @ @ ’ s lawyer and fixer , to publish a memoir about his former boss before @ @ @ @

“Michael Cohen now will be allowed to finish his tell-all book about President Trump after the government said on Thursday that it had given up a legal battle to prevent him from expressing himself on television, on social media or in books while he serves a prison sentence at home,” the New York Times reports.
“The government said it would not challenge a ruling last week that cleared the way for Mr. Cohen, who once was Mr. Trump’s lawyer and fixer, to publish a memoir about his former boss before the election.”


politicalwire--2020-07-30--Obama Reenters the Fray

Obama Reenters the Fray

This piece is only available to Political Wire members .
Your support makes this site possible .
Join today for @ @ @ @ @ and get exclusive analysis , new features and no advertising .
Sign in to your @ @ @ @ @ If you ’ re already signed in and still seeing this message , your subscription @ @ @ @ @ your membership , navigate to your account , adjust your credit card information and click @ @ @ @ @ just $ 6 a month or $ 60 a year .


politicalwire--2020-07-30--Ex-Officials Says Trump Ignored Pandemic Playbooks

Multiple public health officials under Presidents Bush and Obama who spoke with ABC News described the painstaking lengths to which @ @ @ @ @ infectious disease pandemics .
“ Many of those same officials condemned the Trump administration for @ @ @ @ @ strategies gathered as a result of those efforts , such as taking early and aggressive @ @ @ @ @ to the public , and collaboration with international and state partners.
” “ Others accused @ @ @ @ @ by shuttering a NSC office specifically tasked with pandemic response preparedness .
”

Multiple public health officials under Presidents Bush and Obama who spoke with ABC News described the painstaking lengths to which previous administrations planned for viral infectious disease pandemics.
“Many of those same officials condemned the Trump administration for failing to execute on the strategies gathered as a result of those efforts, such as taking early and aggressive science-based actions, clear communication to the public, and collaboration with international and state partners.”
“Others accused the president of exacerbating matters by shuttering a NSC office specifically tasked with pandemic response preparedness.”


politicalwire--2020-07-30--Trump Overheard on Speakerphone In Restaurant

“ President Trump called Sen. James Inhofe ( R-OK ) on Wednesday night for a conversation that Mr. Inhofe put @ @ @ @ @ as he sat in a Washington restaurant , ” the New York Times reports .
@ @ @ @ @ and recorded by someone in the room , ranged from a discussion about Anthony Tata @ @ @ @ @ general whose nomination for a top Pentagon policy position has become complicated , to Mr. @ @ @ @ @ preserve the name of Robert E. Lee , a Confederate general , on a military @ @ @ @ @ Trump could be heard criticizing ‘ cancel culture ’ and then told Mr. Inhofe that @ @ @ @ @ able to go back to life , ’ and then appeared to dismiss the focus @ @ @ @ @ place across the country with an expletive .
”

“President Trump called Sen. James Inhofe (R-OK) on Wednesday night for a conversation that Mr. Inhofe put on speakerphone to hear better as he sat in a Washington restaurant,” the New York Times reports.
“The conversation, overheard and recorded by someone in the room, ranged from a discussion about Anthony Tata, the retired Army brigadier general whose nomination for a top Pentagon policy position has become complicated, to Mr. Trump’s desire to preserve the name of Robert E. Lee, a Confederate general, on a military base.”
“Mr. Trump could be heard criticizing ‘cancel culture’ and then told Mr. Inhofe that people ‘want to be able to go back to life,’ and then appeared to dismiss the focus on the cultural shift taking place across the country with an expletive.”


politicalwire--2020-07-30--Extra Bonus Quote of the Day

Extra Bonus Quote of the Day

“ What gives each new generation purpose is to take up the unfinished work of the last and carry it @ @ @ @ @ thought possible .
John Lewis not only embraced that responsibility , but he made it @ @ @ @ @ ” — Former President Barack Obama , speaking at the funeral for Rep. John Lewis @

“What gives each new generation purpose is to take up the unfinished work of the last and carry it further than any might have thought possible. John Lewis not only embraced that responsibility, but he made it his life’s work.”
— Former President Barack Obama, speaking at the funeral for Rep. John Lewis.


politicalwire--2020-07-31--U.K. Postpones Lockdown Easing

U.K. Postpones Lockdown Easing

U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Friday postponed easing some portions of England ’ s coronavirus lockdown due to rising @ @ @ @ @ .


politicalwire--2020-07-31--Trump Acts Like He’s Given Up on Economy

New York Times : “ Mr .
Trump ’ s approach to the negotiations over another round of federal stimulus @ @ @ @ @ confounded allies , rivals and outside observers .
He pushed hard for big-ticket tax cuts @ @ @ @ @ want , along with $ 1.75 billion to rebuild the F.B.I.
’ s headquarters in @ @ @ @ @ break for business lunches .
And he has derided efforts to find middle ground with @ @ @ @ @ economic rescue package , declaring on Wednesday that ‘ we really don ’ t care @ @ @ @ @ of it.
” “ Lobbyists , economists and members of Congress say they are baffled @ @ @ @ @ shifting approach and apparent lack of urgency to nail down another rescue package that he @ @ @ @ @ ”

New York Times: “Mr. Trump’s approach to the negotiations over another round of federal stimulus for the ailing economy has confounded allies, rivals and outside observers. He pushed hard for big-ticket tax cuts that Senate Republicans did not want, along with $1.75 billion to rebuild the F.B.I.’s headquarters in Washington and an expanded tax break for business lunches. And he has derided efforts to find middle ground with Democratic leaders on a comprehensive economic rescue package, declaring on Wednesday that ‘we really don’t care’ about several possible parts of it.”
“Lobbyists, economists and members of Congress say they are baffled by Mr. Trump’s shifting approach and apparent lack of urgency to nail down another rescue package that he can sign into law.”


politicalwire--2020-07-31--GOP Lawmaker Admits 11 Ethics Violations

Rep. David Schweikert ( R-AZ ) reached a deal announced Thursday to end a longstanding House Ethics Committee investigation by @ @ @ @ @ , accepting a reprimand and agreeing to pay a $ 50,000 fine , the Arizona @ @ @


politicalwire--2020-07-31--Trump Willing to Cut Deal Without Liability Shield

“ The White House is willing to cut a deal with Democrats that leaves out Senate Republican legislation aimed at @ @ @ @ @ schools from coronavirus-related lawsuits , ” the Washington Post reports .
“ The White House @ @ @ @ @ the ‘ liability shield ’ as a top priority but would be willing to sign @ @ @ @ @ lacks the legal protections .
”

“The White House is willing to cut a deal with Democrats that leaves out Senate Republican legislation aimed at protecting employers, hospitals and schools from coronavirus-related lawsuits,” the Washington Post reports.
“The White House wants and is pushing for the ‘liability shield’ as a top priority but would be willing to sign off on a deal that lacks the legal protections.”


politicalwire--2020-07-31--Jeffrey Epstein Said Bill Clinton Was ‘In His Pocket’

Virginia Giuffre , one of Jeffrey Epstein ’ s most prominent accusers , told an attorney in newly-unsealed documents that @ @ @ @ @ during a trip to Epstein ’ s private isle in the U.S. Virgin Islands and @ @ @ @ @ about Clinton being in his pocket , the Daily Beast reports .
Said Giuffre : @ @ @ @ @ remember asking Jeffrey what ’ s Bill Clinton doing here.
” Epstein laughed off her @ @ @ @ @ Well , he owes me a favor .
”

Virginia Giuffre, one of Jeffrey Epstein’s most prominent accusers, told an attorney in newly-unsealed documents that Bill Clinton was a guest during a trip to Epstein’s private isle in the U.S. Virgin Islands and that Epstein joked to her about Clinton being in his pocket, the Daily Beast reports.
Said Giuffre: “You know, I remember asking Jeffrey what’s Bill Clinton doing here.”
Epstein laughed off her question and said, “Well, he owes me a favor.”


politicalwire--2020-07-31--Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day

“ You won ’ t have to worry about my tweets when I ’ m president .
”


politicalwire--2020-07-31--Governors Who Took Strict Measures on Virus Fare Better

Amber Phillips : “ A look at recent polling of nine governors — five Republicans and four Democrats from states @ @ @ @ @ they will likely be determinative in the 2020 election — shows that the governors who @ @ @ @ @ urged social distancing and reopened more slowly than other states have seen a jump in @ @ @ @ @ By contrast , the governors who eschewed public health experts ’ advice and reopened quickly @ @ @ @ @ — have seen their approval ratings drop , by double digits in some cases .
@

Amber Phillips: “A look at recent polling of nine governors — five Republicans and four Democrats from states that are polled frequently because they will likely be determinative in the 2020 election — shows that the governors who instituted face mask requirements, urged social distancing and reopened more slowly than other states have seen a jump in their approval ratings.”
“By contrast, the governors who eschewed public health experts’ advice and reopened quickly — as President Trump urged — have seen their approval ratings drop, by double digits in some cases.”


politicalwire--2020-07-31--Trump Is the Election Crisis He’s Warning About

Susan Glasser : “ So , sorry , we can not just ignore it when the President threatens to cancel @ @ @ @ @ the kind of statement that should haunt your dreams .
It is wannabe-dictator talk .
@ @ @ @ @ it is not attached to any actions .
And those who think that some actions @ @ @ @ @ been paying attention.
” “ My alarm stems from having covered Russia when Vladimir Putin @ @ @ @ @ flawed democratic institutions that the country had established after the fall of the Soviet Union @ @ @ @ @ history .
It stems from having watched the past four years in America , where @ @ @ @ @ the unthinkable has happened and been justified , rationalized , and explained away .
”

Susan Glasser: “So, sorry, we cannot just ignore it when the President threatens to cancel an election. This is the kind of statement that should haunt your dreams. It is wannabe-dictator talk. It is dangerous even if it is not attached to any actions. And those who think that some actions will not follow have not been paying attention.”
“My alarm stems from having covered Russia when Vladimir Putin was dismantling the fragile, flawed democratic institutions that the country had established after the fall of the Soviet Union. It stems from reading history. It stems from having watched the past four years in America, where, day by day, the unthinkable has happened and been justified, rationalized, and explained away.”


politicalwire--2020-07-31--Diplomats Plead to Not Return to Offices

“ More than 500 State Department employees are privately pleading with the Trump administration to pull back its decision to @ @ @ @ @ of its staff members in Washington back to work in person after an employee who @ @ @ @ @ Mike Pompeo ’ s office tested positive for the coronavirus this week , ” NBC @ @ @

“More than 500 State Department employees are privately pleading with the Trump administration to pull back its decision to send up to 80 percent of its staff members in Washington back to work in person after an employee who works near Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s office tested positive for the coronavirus this week,” NBC News reports.


politicalwire--2020-07-31--Trump Has Made GOP Complicit In White Supremacism

Michael Gerson : “ In Trump ’ s approach to politics , all is flexible , all is negotiable , @ @ @ @ @ us vs. them .
And it is not just a coincidence that the us is @ @ @ @ @ s most consistent , defining goal has been the preservation of white supremacy against growing @ @ @ @ @ see fully , he holds out the promise of a suburban , segregated promised land.
@ @ @ @ @ this criticism as ‘ playing the race card ’ must ignore Trump ’ s constant @ @ @ @ @ .
Those who dismiss these concerns as ‘ identity politics ’ must somehow overlook the @ @ @ @ @ his public appeal .
Trump ’ s approach is apostasy from the American ideal .
@ @ @ @ @ thing that can lead to the breaking of nations .
”

Michael Gerson: “In Trump’s approach to politics, all is flexible, all is negotiable, except the driving instinct of us vs. them. And it is not just a coincidence that the us is overwhelmingly White. Trump’s most consistent, defining goal has been the preservation of white supremacy against growing diversity. As we now see fully, he holds out the promise of a suburban, segregated promised land.”
“Those who dismiss this criticism as ‘playing the race card’ must ignore Trump’s constant employment of the racism card. Those who dismiss these concerns as ‘identity politics’ must somehow overlook the White identity politics that drives his public appeal. Trump’s approach is apostasy from the American ideal. It is the kind of thing that can lead to the breaking of nations.”


politicalwire--2020-07-31--Nunes Won’t Say If He Has Foreign Intelligence on Biden

Rep. Devin Nunes ( R-CA ) refused to answer when directly asked whether he has been given foreign information meant @ @ @ @ @ according to a transcript of a closed-door committee meeting , CNN reports .
“ The @ @ @ @ @ packets reportedly sent to GOP members of Congress , including Nunes , by Ukranian lawmaker @ @ @ @ @ worked closely with President Trump ’ s lawyer Rudy Giuliani .
”

Rep. Devin Nunes (R-CA) refused to answer when directly asked whether he has been given foreign information meant to damage Joe Biden, according to a transcript of a closed-door committee meeting, CNN reports.
“The information in question pertained to packets reportedly sent to GOP members of Congress, including Nunes, by Ukranian lawmaker Andrii Derkach — who has worked closely with President Trump’s lawyer Rudy Giuliani.”


politicalwire--2020-07-31--Claiming ‘Rigged Election’ Is Now Trump’s Strategy

Politico : “ Donald Trump ’ s suggestion that he might try to delay the election — or might not @ @ @ @ @ rapidly coming to the forefront of the presidential campaign , foreshadowing a final stretch roiled @ @ @ @ @ and the economy , but by clashes over the nation ’ s most fundamental democratic @ @ @ @ @ has no authority to move the election — an idea he floated Thursday — Democrats @ @ @ @ @ challenges to absentee ballots and at vote counting on Election Day .
They have good @ @ @ @ @ the president has repeatedly raised the prospect of a ‘ rigged election ’ and recently @ @ @ @ @ ’ ll accept the results.
” “ Trump ’ s rhetoric points increasingly to the @ @ @ @ @ the outcome in a year marked by primary election administration meltdowns — a prospect that @ @ @ @ @ control of state and national party machinery and an attorney general who has amplified Trump @ @ @ @ @ mail-in voting fraud .
”

Politico: “Donald Trump’s suggestion that he might try to delay the election — or might not accept the result — is rapidly coming to the forefront of the presidential campaign, foreshadowing a final stretch roiled not only by the coronavirus and the economy, but by clashes over the nation’s most fundamental democratic norms.”
“Though Trump has no authority to move the election — an idea he floated Thursday — Democrats are already bracing for Republican challenges to absentee ballots and at vote counting on Election Day. They have good cause to be prepared: the president has repeatedly raised the prospect of a ‘rigged election’ and recently declined to say if he’ll accept the results.”
“Trump’s rhetoric points increasingly to the possibility that he will dispute the outcome in a year marked by primary election administration meltdowns — a prospect that is heightened by his absolute control of state and national party machinery and an attorney general who has amplified Trump’s unsubstantiated claims about mail-in voting fraud.”


politicalwire--2020-07-31--Large Majorities Disapprove of Trump on Key Issues

Nearly two-thirds of Americans disapprove of President Trump ’ s handling of three major challenges facing the country — the @ @ @ @ @ over racial inequality and relations with Russia — in a new ABC News/Ipsos poll , @ @ @ @ @ that his reelection bid faces just three months before Election Day .

Nearly two-thirds of Americans disapprove of President Trump’s handling of three major challenges facing the country — the coronavirus pandemic, nationwide unrest over racial inequality and relations with Russia — in a new ABC News/Ipsos poll, a sign of the obstacles that his reelection bid faces just three months before Election Day.


politicalwire--2020-07-31--Senate Republicans Worried About Kansas Seat

New York Times : “ Mr .
McConnell and other Senate Republican leaders have made urgent pleas to the president @ @ @ @ @ endorsing one of his opponents , Representative Roger Marshall .
But Mr. Trump has so @ @ @ @ @ , and his aides said they had no plans to change course .
Compounding the @ @ @ @ @ , White House aides have refused to tell Mr. Kobach , a longtime booster of @ @ @ @ @ using the president ’ s imagery in his campaign materials.
” “ With a number @ @ @ @ @ in polls , and being out-raised by their Democratic rivals , they have little margin @ @ @ @ @ to protect their 53-47 majority .
And because of Mr. Trump ’ s broad unpopularity @ @ @ @ @ that has devastated the economy , even a deeply conservative state like Kansas , which @ @ @ @ @ to the Senate since the 1930s , is no sure thing for Senate Republicans this @ @ @

New York Times: “Mr. McConnell and other Senate Republican leaders have made urgent pleas to the president to block Mr. Kobach by endorsing one of his opponents, Representative Roger Marshall. But Mr. Trump has so far declined to do so, and his aides said they had no plans to change course. Compounding the frustration of Capitol Hill Republicans, White House aides have refused to tell Mr. Kobach, a longtime booster of Mr. Trump, to stop using the president’s imagery in his campaign materials.”
“With a number of incumbent Senate Republicans trailing in polls, and being out-raised by their Democratic rivals, they have little margin for error as they seek to protect their 53-47 majority. And because of Mr. Trump’s broad unpopularity, and a health crisis that has devastated the economy, even a deeply conservative state like Kansas, which has not sent a Democrat to the Senate since the 1930s, is no sure thing for Senate Republicans this year.”


politicalwire--2020-08-01--Ethics Probe Expanded Into Georgia Lawmaker

“ Rep .
Sanford Bishop ( D-GA ) may have used thousands in campaign funds for personal expenses on gas @ @ @ @ @ family , greens fees at country clubs , luxurious trips and school tuition , ” @ @ @ @ @ Further , the Georgia Democrat also may have spent more than $ 16,000 in taxpayer @ @ @ @ @ — featuring a saxophonist and DJ equipment — with his congressional staff and his wife @ @ @ @ @

“Rep. Sanford Bishop (D-GA) may have used thousands in campaign funds for personal expenses on gas fill-ups for him and his family, greens fees at country clubs, luxurious trips and school tuition,” Roll Call reports.
“Further, the Georgia Democrat also may have spent more than $16,000 in taxpayer money for joint Christmas parties — featuring a saxophonist and DJ equipment — with his congressional staff and his wife’s employees.”


politicalwire--2020-08-01--Ivanka and Jared Earned $36 Million In Outside Income

“ Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner earned at least $ 36.2 million as they served in the White House last @ @ @ @ @ in income from some companies they own that hold residential and commercial properties , ” @ @ @ @ @ .
“ President Trump ’ s daughter and her husband , who serve as top @ @ @ @ @ a minimum combined income that was at least $ 7 million higher than in 2018 @ @ @ @ @ at least $ 29 million .
”

“Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner earned at least $36.2 million as they served in the White House last year, reporting a boost in income from some companies they own that hold residential and commercial properties,” the New York Times reports.
“President Trump’s daughter and her husband, who serve as top advisers to him, reported a minimum combined income that was at least $7 million higher than in 2018, when they reported making at least $29 million.”


politicalwire--2020-08-01--Harris Allies Granted Call with Biden Team

“ Allies of Kamala Harris sought and received a meeting with Joe Biden ’ s campaign staff this week after @ @ @ @ @ presidential vetting team was quoted doubting whether she ’ d be a loyal No .
@ @ @ @ @ .
“ Prominent supporters of the California senator asked for the virtual sit-down on the @ @ @ @ @ Monday that Harris is not a lock for VP .
It quoted former Sen. Chris @ @ @ @ @ members of the vetting unit , remarking to a prominent Democratic donor that Harris had @ @ @ @ @ attacking Biden during a debate last year .
”

“Allies of Kamala Harris sought and received a meeting with Joe Biden’s campaign staff this week after a leader of his vice presidential vetting team was quoted doubting whether she’d be a loyal No. 2,” Politico reports.
“Prominent supporters of the California senator asked for the virtual sit-down on the heels of a Politico report Monday that Harris is not a lock for VP. It quoted former Sen. Chris Dodd, one of four members of the vetting unit, remarking to a prominent Democratic donor that Harris had ‘no remorse’ for attacking Biden during a debate last year.”


politicalwire--2020-07-31--U.S. Envoy Told Brazil It Could Help Re-elect Trump

Members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee said Friday they were “ extremely alarmed ” by assertions that the American @ @ @ @ @ to Brazilian officials they could help get President Trump re-elected by changing their trade policies @ @ @ @ @ reports .

Members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee said Friday they were “extremely alarmed” by assertions that the American ambassador in Brazil had signaled to Brazilian officials they could help get President Trump re-elected by changing their trade policies, the New York Times reports.


politicalwire--2020-07-31--James Murdoch Quits News Corporation Board

Axios : “ James Murdoch filed a letter of resignation from the board of News Corp. , on Friday in @ @ @ @ @ content published by the company-owned news outlets , including the Wall Street Journal and New @ @ @ @

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


politicalwire--2020-07-31--McConnell Tells Vulnerable to Distance from Trump

“ Sen .
Mitch McConnell is allowing Republican Senate candidates to do whatever it takes to salvage their campaigns ahead @ @ @ @ @ could be a devastating election for their party , ” CNN reports .
“ In @ @ @ @ @ majority leader has become so concerned over Republicans losing control of the Senate that he @ @ @ @ @ senators in tough races that they could distance themselves from the President if they feel @ @ @ @ @ caveat : “ While this may give some senators the flexibility to draw a distinction @ @ @ @ @ , it also forces them to walk a tightrope .
Trump remains enormously popular with @ @ @ @ @ any attempts to undercut him risks alienating those voters .
”

“Sen. Mitch McConnell is allowing Republican Senate candidates to do whatever it takes to salvage their campaigns ahead of what Republicans increasingly fear could be a devastating election for their party,” CNN reports.
“In recent weeks, the Senate majority leader has become so concerned over Republicans losing control of the Senate that he has signaled to vulnerable GOP senators in tough races that they could distance themselves from the President if they feel it is necessary.”
Huge caveat: “While this may give some senators the flexibility to draw a distinction between themselves and the President, it also forces them to walk a tightrope. Trump remains enormously popular with the Republican base, and any attempts to undercut him risks alienating those voters.”


politicalwire--2020-07-31--30 Million Unemployed Will Now Lose Enhanced Benefits

“ Nearly 30 million workers are set to lose $ 600 in enhanced weekly unemployment benefits that have kept much @ @ @ @ @ past four months during the coronavirus pandemic , as top lawmakers in Congress and the @ @ @ @ @ impasse over how and whether to extend the benefits , ” the Washington Post reports @

“Nearly 30 million workers are set to lose $600 in enhanced weekly unemployment benefits that have kept much of the economy afloat these past four months during the coronavirus pandemic, as top lawmakers in Congress and the White House remain at an impasse over how and whether to extend the benefits,” the Washington Post reports.


politicalwire--2020-07-31--Commissioner Warns Baseball Could Be Shut Down

“ Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred told MLB Players Association executive director Tony Clark on Friday that if the @ @ @ @ @ a better job of managing the coronavirus , it could shut down for the season @ @ @ @ @


politicalwire--2020-07-31--We Still Don’t Know Why Trump Takes Russia’s Side

Jonathan Chait : “ It was widely assumed that Robert Mueller ’ s investigation would uncover what , if anything @ @ @ @ @ of the bizarre and sometimes creepy level of deference Donald Trump extends to Russia .
@ @ @ @ @ the largest of which was a campaign negotiation to give Trump rights to a Moscow @ @ @ @ @ hand him hundreds of millions of dollars in profit at zero risk , and the @ @ @ @ @ blackmail leverage over Trump.
” “ But Mueller never uncovered the full extent of Trump @ @ @ @ @ Moscow .
‘ Neither Mueller nor the Southern District prosecutors sought out Trump ’ s @ @ @ @ @ tax returns , ’ Jeffrey Toobin reports .
The mystery of Trump ’ s solicitousness @ @ @ @ @ And he continues to give reasons for suspicion .
”

Jonathan Chait: “It was widely assumed that Robert Mueller’s investigation would uncover what, if anything, lay at the bottom of the bizarre and sometimes creepy level of deference Donald Trump extends to Russia. Mueller found some clues, the largest of which was a campaign negotiation to give Trump rights to a Moscow building project that stood to hand him hundreds of millions of dollars in profit at zero risk, and the secrecy of which gave Russia blackmail leverage over Trump.”
“But Mueller never uncovered the full extent of Trump’s financial ties to Moscow. ‘Neither Mueller nor the Southern District prosecutors sought out Trump’s financial records or obtained his tax returns,’ Jeffrey Toobin reports. The mystery of Trump’s solicitousness to Putin remains unresolved. And he continues to give reasons for suspicion.”


politicalwire--2020-07-31--Intelligence Officials Contradict Trump on Mail Voting

“ U.S .
intelligence officials discounted the possibility of foreign countries mass producing fake ballots to interfere in the November @ @ @ @ @ Trump ’ s continued insistence that mail-in voting poses a significant threat to election security @ @ @ @ @ “ The briefing highlighted the regular clash of views on election security between Trump and @ @ @ @ @ officials charged with keeping the November vote secure , both in public and in classified @ @ @

“U.S. intelligence officials discounted the possibility of foreign countries mass producing fake ballots to interfere in the November elections, contradicting President Donald Trump’s continued insistence that mail-in voting poses a significant threat to election security,” CNN reports.
“The briefing highlighted the regular clash of views on election security between Trump and the administration’s top officials charged with keeping the November vote secure, both in public and in classified briefings.”


politicalwire--2020-07-31--Trump Predicts Election Will Be ‘Catastrophic’

President Trump on Friday continued to deliver warnings of chaos surrounding the use of mail-in ballots in November ’ s @ @ @ @ @ upcoming general election will be “ the greatest election disaster in history , ” Politico @ @ @ @ @ “ This will be catastrophic for our nation .
You ’ ll see it .
@ @ @ @ @ about things like this .
I guess I must be , or I wouldn ’ @ @ @ @ @ ”

President Trump on Friday continued to deliver warnings of chaos surrounding the use of mail-in ballots in November’s election, predicting that the upcoming general election will be “the greatest election disaster in history,” Politico reports.
Said Trump: “This will be catastrophic for our nation. You’ll see it. I’m always right about things like this. I guess I must be, or I wouldn’t be sitting here.”


politicalwire--2020-07-31--Trump Says Herman Cain Didn’t Catch Virus at Tulsa Rally

President Trump said he doesn ’ t think that Herman Cain , who died this week after being hospitalized with @ @ @ @ @ virus when he attended the president ’ s Tulsa rally last month , The Hill @ @ @ @ @ “ No , I don ’ t think he did .
”

President Trump said he doesn’t think that Herman Cain, who died this week after being hospitalized with the coronavirus, caught the virus when he attended the president’s Tulsa rally last month, The Hill reports.
Said Trump: “No, I don’t think he did.”


politicalwire--2020-07-31--Trump Orders China’s Bytedance to Divest TikTok

“ President Trump will require Beijing-based Bytedance to sell its ownership in TikTok , the popular video-sharing app that U.S. @ @ @ @ @ security risk , ” the Wall Street Journal reports .
“ U.S .
officials have @ @ @ @ @ pass on the data it collects from Americans streaming videos to China ’ s authoritarian @ @ @ @ @ New York Times reports Microsoft is in talks to acquire TikTok .

“President Trump will require Beijing-based Bytedance to sell its ownership in TikTok, the popular video-sharing app that U.S. officials have deemed a national security risk,” the Wall Street Journal reports.
“U.S. officials have been concerned that TikTok could pass on the data it collects from Americans streaming videos to China’s authoritarian government.”
Meanwhile, the New York Times reports Microsoft is in talks to acquire TikTok.


politicalwire--2020-07-31--Bass and Rice Move Up Biden’s Short List

New York Times : “ Two candidates who received scant attention early in the process are now among the leading @ @ @ @ @ of California and Susan Rice , the former national security adviser , according to Democratic @ @ @ @ @ process.
” “ Ms .
Bass in particular has moved rapidly toward the top of @ @ @ @ @ amid an intensive lobbying drive by her fellow House Democrats , including prominent members of @ @ @ @ @ Sacramento Bee editorial : Biden will likely pick Kamala Harris for VP .
Here ’ @ @ @ @ @ a better choice .

New York Times: “Two candidates who received scant attention early in the process are now among the leading contenders: Rep. Karen Bass of California and Susan Rice, the former national security adviser, according to Democratic officials briefed on the selection process.”
“Ms. Bass in particular has moved rapidly toward the top of Mr. Biden’s list amid an intensive lobbying drive by her fellow House Democrats, including prominent members of the Congressional Black Caucus.”
Sacramento Bee editorial: Biden will likely pick Kamala Harris for VP. Here’s why Karen Bass is a better choice.


politicalwire--2020-07-31--The Legal Case Against Donald Trump

The Legal Case Against Donald Trump

“ This 450-page work is more than a journalist emptying his notebook of all his interviews and insights .
It @ @ @ @ @ expert analyzing how the best work of talented and committed lawyers could be frustrated by @ @ @ @ @ the executive and legislative powers in our federal system.
” “ Perhaps its highest function @ @ @ @ @ the best evidence against the presidency and character of Donald Trump , a summation offered @ @ @ @ @ would do in seeking to sway a jury .
”

NPR reviews Jeffrey Toobin’s True Crimes and Misdemeanors:
“This 450-page work is more than a journalist emptying his notebook of all his interviews and insights. It is more than a legal expert analyzing how the best work of talented and committed lawyers could be frustrated by governmental rules and rivalries within the executive and legislative powers in our federal system.”
“Perhaps its highest function is as a condensation of the best evidence against the presidency and character of Donald Trump, a summation offered up much as a prosecutor would do in seeking to sway a jury.”


politicalwire--2020-07-31--White House Denounces Hong Kong’s Delay of Election

“ The White House on Friday condemned Hong Kong ’ s decision to postpone September legislative elections by a year @ @ @ @ @ denouncing the action a day after President Trump floated the idea of delaying the U.S. @ @ @ @ @ ” the Washington Post reports .
Kayleigh McEnany said from the White House podium that @ @ @ @ @ democratic processes and freedoms that have underpinned Hong Kong ’ s prosperity , and this @ @ @ @ @ in a growing list of broken promises by Beijing .
”

“The White House on Friday condemned Hong Kong’s decision to postpone September legislative elections by a year because of the coronavirus, denouncing the action a day after President Trump floated the idea of delaying the U.S. presidential election in November,” the Washington Post reports.
Kayleigh McEnany said from the White House podium that the postponement “undermines the democratic processes and freedoms that have underpinned Hong Kong’s prosperity, and this is only the most recent in a growing list of broken promises by Beijing.”


politicalwire--2020-07-31--David Duke Banned from Twitter

David Duke Banned from Twitter

White supremacist David Duke has been permanently banned from Twitter for violating the platform ’ s rules on hate speech @ @ @ @


politicalwire--2020-07-31--Most Don’t Think Trump Will Accept Election Result

A new Yahoo News/YouGov poll finds that 52 % of Americans now believe that President Trump will not accept the @ @ @ @ @ election if he loses to Joe Biden — and an even larger majority of Trump @ @ @ @ @ refuse to accept a narrow loss if mail-in ballots contribute to Biden ’ s victory @

A new Yahoo News/YouGov poll finds that 52% of Americans now believe that President Trump will not accept the results of November’s election if he loses to Joe Biden — and an even larger majority of Trump voters say they too will refuse to accept a narrow loss if mail-in ballots contribute to Biden’s victory.


politicalwire--2020-07-31--Why Trump Chose to Ignore the Virus

Why Trump Chose to Ignore the Virus

Vanity Fair : “ Most troubling of all , perhaps , was a sentiment the expert said a member of @ @ @ @ @ : that because the virus had hit blue states hardest , a national plan was @ @ @ @ @ sense politically.
” Said one expert : “ The political folks believed that because it @ @ @ @ @ to Democratic states , that they could blame those governors , and that would be @ @ @ @ @ ”

Vanity Fair: “Most troubling of all, perhaps, was a sentiment the expert said a member of Kushner’s team expressed: that because the virus had hit blue states hardest, a national plan was unnecessary and would not make sense politically.”
Said one expert: “The political folks believed that because it was going to be relegated to Democratic states, that they could blame those governors, and that would be an effective political strategy.”
“That logic may have swayed Kushner.”


politicalwire--2020-07-31--Trump Has No Interest in Protecting GOP Lawmakers

Jonathan Last : “ What is Donald Trump ’ s incentive structure right now ?
The hierarchy pretty obviously goes @ @ @ @ @ Bind his voters more tightly to his own person .
• Establish a framework for @ @ @ @ @ You will note that ‘ Protecting Congressional Republicans ’ is not on that list.
” @ @ @ @ @ to Trump—that barring extreme outside events , his primary goal is off the table .
@ @ @ @ @ some event intercede—a meteor strike , a shooting war , a health crisis—there is nothing @ @ @ @ @ do to change the outcome of the election .
And so as you move down @ @ @ @ @ , he has pivoted to items 2 , 3 , and 4.
” “ In @ @ @ @ @ we should expect Trump to be more erratic and outlandish , more openly racist , @ @ @ @ @ openly with outright delegitimization of the election .
”

Jonathan Last: “What is Donald Trump’s incentive structure right now? The hierarchy pretty obviously goes something like this:
Win the election. Avoid blame for losing the election. Bind his voters more tightly to his own person. Establish a framework for his next venture.
“You will note that ‘Protecting Congressional Republicans’ is not on that list.”
“It is becoming clear—even to Trump—that barring extreme outside events, his primary goal is off the table. While it remains possible that some event intercede—a meteor strike, a shooting war, a health crisis—there is nothing that Trump himself can really do to change the outcome of the election. And so as you move down Trump’s incentive structure, he has pivoted to items 2, 3, and 4.”
“In furtherance of those goals, we should expect Trump to be more erratic and outlandish, more openly racist, and to flirt even more openly with outright delegitimization of the election.”


Impotus Americanus

A new Lincoln Project ad : “ Impotus Americanus is one of the heaviest leaders in the animal kingdom , @ @ @ @ @ be an orange , ruddy color not found in nature .
”


politicalwire--2020-08-01--VP Candidate Heaped Praise on Scientology

Rep. Karen Bass ( D-CA ) , a leading contender to be Joe Biden ’ s running mate , heaped @ @ @ @ @ Scientology at a 2010 ribbon-cutting ceremony for a Los Angeles facility , the Daily Caller @ @


politicalwire--2020-08-01--Biden Pick Not Expected Next Week

Biden Pick Not Expected Next Week

Joe Biden is unlikely to announce his chosen vice presidential running mate next week , CBS News reports .


politicalwire--2020-08-01--Virus Death Toll Projected to Top 180K by August 22

The CDC is forecasting that the total American death toll from COVID-19 could hit 182,000 by the fourth week of @ @ @ @ @ .
“ The new projection , which has not yet been publicly released , contradicts @ @ @ @ @ President Trump and others in his administration have painted about the pandemic .
”

The CDC is forecasting that the total American death toll from COVID-19 could hit 182,000 by the fourth week of August, Yahoo News reports.
“The new projection, which has not yet been publicly released, contradicts the more optimistic portrait that President Trump and others in his administration have painted about the pandemic.”


politicalwire--2020-08-01--Biden Prepares for Final Veep Interviews

“ Joe Biden has entered the final stage of his deliberations about choosing a running mate as he prepares to @ @ @ @ @ next week , while Democratic leaders lobby him furiously to elevate their allies and sink @ @ @ @ @ New York Times reports .
“ Two candidates who received scant attention early in the @ @ @ @ @ leading contenders : Rep. Karen Bass of California and Susan Rice , the former national @ @ @ @ @ particular has moved rapidly toward the top of Mr. Biden ’ s list amid an @ @ @ @ @ fellow House Democrats , and has impressed the former vice-president ’ s search committee .
@

“Joe Biden has entered the final stage of his deliberations about choosing a running mate as he prepares to talk one-on-one with the finalists next week, while Democratic leaders lobby him furiously to elevate their allies and sink their enemies,” the New York Times reports.
“Two candidates who received scant attention early in the process are now among the leading contenders: Rep. Karen Bass of California and Susan Rice, the former national security adviser… Ms. Bass in particular has moved rapidly toward the top of Mr. Biden’s list amid an intensive lobbying drive by her fellow House Democrats, and has impressed the former vice-president’s search committee.”