politicalwire--2020-10-20--Former RNC Chair Endorses Biden

Former RNC Chair Endorses Biden

Former RNC Chairman Michael Steele endorsed Joe Biden for president .
“ Rather than binding up the nation ’ s @ @ @ @ @ .
Rather than standing up to the world ’ s dictators , Trump cravenly seeks @ @ @ @ @ Rather than fostering free enterprise , Trump embraces economic principles not only outdated in Lincoln @ @ @ @ @ made even worse today by a leader who lost close to a billion dollars in @ @ @ @ @ casino .
Rather than seeking to build on the legacy of the Republican Party ’ @ @ @ @ @ Trump is surely ignorant , Trump has posited a single purpose for the GOP — @ @ @ @ @ ”

Former RNC Chairman Michael Steele endorsed Joe Biden for president.
“Rather than binding up the nation’s wounds, Trump exacerbates division. Rather than standing up to the world’s dictators, Trump cravenly seeks the favor of thugs. Rather than fostering free enterprise, Trump embraces economic principles not only outdated in Lincoln’s time, but made even worse today by a leader who lost close to a billion dollars in a single year running a casino. Rather than seeking to build on the legacy of the Republican Party’s founders, of which Trump is surely ignorant, Trump has posited a single purpose for the GOP — the celebration of him.”


politicalwire--2020-10-20--USA Today Breaks Tradition to Endorse Biden

USA Today , one of the largest newspapers by circulation in America , gave Joe Biden its first-ever presidential endorsement @ @ @ @ @ : “ If this were a choice between two capable major party nominees who happened @ @ @ @ @ we wouldn ’ t choose sides .
”

USA Today, one of the largest newspapers by circulation in America, gave Joe Biden its first-ever presidential endorsement on Tuesday.
Brutal line: “If this were a choice between two capable major party nominees who happened to have opposing ideas, we wouldn’t choose sides.”


politicalwire--2020-10-20--How Trump Plowed Through $1 Billion

How Trump Plowed Through $1 Billion

“ President Trump ’ s sprawling political operation has raised well over $ 1 billion since he took the White @ @ @ @ @ set a lot of it on fire , ” the AP reports .
“ Trump @ @ @ @ @ Super Bowl ad when he didn ’ t yet have a challenger .
He tapped @ @ @ @ @ exorbitant legal fees related to his impeachment .
Aides made flashy displays of their newfound @ @ @ @ @ of luxury vehicles purchased by Brad Parscale , his former campaign manager.
” “ Meanwhile @ @ @ @ @ liability companies hid more than $ 310 million in spending from disclosure , records show @ @

“President Trump’s sprawling political operation has raised well over $1 billion since he took the White House in 2017 — and set a lot of it on fire,” the AP reports.
“Trump bought a $10 million Super Bowl ad when he didn’t yet have a challenger. He tapped his political organization to cover exorbitant legal fees related to his impeachment. Aides made flashy displays of their newfound wealth — including a fleet of luxury vehicles purchased by Brad Parscale, his former campaign manager.”
“Meanwhile, a web of limited liability companies hid more than $310 million in spending from disclosure, records show.”


politicalwire--2020-10-20--Trump Taps 2016 Loyalists for Ideas

Trump Taps 2016 Loyalists for Ideas

Politico : “ The calls come at all hours .
Donald Trump — confronting grim poll numbers and the increasingly @ @ @ @ @ one-term president — has been burning up the phone lines to the people who got @ @ @ @ @ .
Working off a list of cell phone numbers , the president has been reaching @ @ @ @ @ .
How , he wants to know , can he pull this off ?
”

Politico: “The calls come at all hours. Donald Trump — confronting grim poll numbers and the increasingly real possibility of becoming a one-term president — has been burning up the phone lines to the people who got him to the White House. Working off a list of cell phone numbers, the president has been reaching out to 2016 campaign loyalists. How, he wants to know, can he pull this off?”


politicalwire--2020-10-20--Trump Found It Harder to Raise Money from Small Donors

“ President Trump ’ s campaign found it harder to raise money from small-dollar donors in the final months before @ @ @ @ @ cents of each dollar it received in the third quarter on future fundraising efforts , @ @ @ @ @ highlighted the funding gap with Joe Biden , ” Bloomberg reports .
“ Spending by @ @ @ @ @ fundraising arm , Trump Make America Great Again , to pursue small donors was far @ @ @ @ @ campaign , when it spent 47 cents per dollar raised .
”

“President Trump’s campaign found it harder to raise money from small-dollar donors in the final months before the election, spending 77 cents of each dollar it received in the third quarter on future fundraising efforts, according to federal disclosures that highlighted the funding gap with Joe Biden,” Bloomberg reports.
“Spending by the campaign’s grassroots fundraising arm, Trump Make America Great Again, to pursue small donors was far higher than throughout his re-election campaign, when it spent 47 cents per dollar raised.”


politicalwire--2020-10-20--New Battleground State Polls

New Battleground State Polls

Large shares of women , seniors and independents now say they ’ re less likely to trust President Trump for @ @ @ @ @ he caught it himself , according to the latest…

“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--2020-10-20--Voters Prefer Biden Over Trump

Voters Prefer Biden Over Trump

A new New York Times/Siena College poll finds Joe Biden leading Donald Trump in the presidential race nationally , 50 @ @ @ @ @ “ With just two weeks left in the campaign , Mr. Trump does not hold @ @ @ @ @ the most pressing issues at stake in the election , leaving him with little room @ @ @ @ @ a calamitous misstep by Mr. Biden , the Democratic nominee , in the coming days @ @ @ @ @ lost his longstanding advantage on economic matters : Voters are now evenly split on whether @ @ @ @ @ him or Mr. Biden to manage the economy .
”

A new New York Times/Siena College poll finds Joe Biden leading Donald Trump in the presidential race nationally, 50% to 41%.
“With just two weeks left in the campaign, Mr. Trump does not hold an edge on any of the most pressing issues at stake in the election, leaving him with little room for a political recovery absent a calamitous misstep by Mr. Biden, the Democratic nominee, in the coming days. The president has even lost his longstanding advantage on economic matters: Voters are now evenly split on whether they have more trust in him or Mr. Biden to manage the economy.”


politicalwire--2020-10-20--Iowa U.S. Senate Race Leans Democratic

Iowa U.S. Senate Race Leans Democratic


politicalwire--2020-10-20--McCarthy Locking Up Support Despite Likely Losses

“ House Republicans face the possibility of sinking further into the minority on Nov. 3 .
President Donald Trump is @ @ @ @ @ But Kevin McCarthy is confident he ’ ll remain House GOP leader in the next @ @ @ @ @ .
“ McCarthy has already won the support of Rep. Jim Jordan , his one-time @ @ @ @ @ Ohio Republican secure top positions on high-profile committees .
And House Minority Whip Steve Scalise @ @ @ @ @ to be waiting to replace McCarthy should he stumble or not seek the top position @ @ @ @ @ remain in that post , barring a disaster at the polls .
”

“House Republicans face the possibility of sinking further into the minority on Nov. 3. President Donald Trump is trailing in key polls. But Kevin McCarthy is confident he’ll remain House GOP leader in the next Congress,” Politico reports.
“McCarthy has already won the support of Rep. Jim Jordan, his one-time rival, after helping the Ohio Republican secure top positions on high-profile committees. And House Minority Whip Steve Scalise, who was long thought to be waiting to replace McCarthy should he stumble or not seek the top position, is also expected to remain in that post, barring a disaster at the polls.”


politicalwire--2020-10-20--Exxon Says Trump Shakedown Never Happened

Exxon Mobil issued a clarification after President Trump claimed he could easily call on the oil company ’ s CEO @ @ @ @ @ at any time , Marketwatch reports .
Said Trump : “ I call some guy @ @ @ @ @ .
I call the head of Exxon .
I don ’ t know .
How @ @ @ @ @ ’ s energy coming ?
When are you doing the exploration ?
Oh , you @ @ @ @ @ ?
When I call the head of Exxon I say , ‘ You know , @ @ @ @ @ you to send me $ 25 million for the campaign.
’ ‘ Absolutely sir.
’ @ @ @ @ @ of Trump ’ s comments , the company said the call “ never happened .
@

Exxon Mobil issued a clarification after President Trump claimed he could easily call on the oil company’s CEO for a large campaign donation at any time, Marketwatch reports.
Said Trump: “I call some guy, the head of Exxon. I call the head of Exxon. I don’t know. How are you doing? How’s energy coming? When are you doing the exploration? Oh, you need a couple of permits? When I call the head of Exxon I say, ‘You know, I’d love for you to send me $25 million for the campaign.’ ‘Absolutely sir.’”
Having been made aware of Trump’s comments, the company said the call “never happened.”


politicalwire--2020-10-20--Hunter Biden Story Is Russian Disinformation


politicalwire--2020-10-21--Trump Campaign Lawyers Spurn Trump Campaign

Reuters : “ Lawyers at Jones Day , which has earned millions as outside counsel to President Trump ’ s @ @ @ @ @ nearly $ 90,000 to the campaign committee of Trump ’ s Democratic rival Joe Biden.
@ @ @ @ @ Trump campaign by Jones Day lawyers totaled just $ 50.
” “ Lawyers at several @ @ @ @ @ or his campaign also heavily favored Biden .
”

Reuters: “Lawyers at Jones Day, which has earned millions as outside counsel to President Trump’s re-election campaign, have donated nearly $90,000 to the campaign committee of Trump’s Democratic rival Joe Biden.”
“Contributions to the Trump campaign by Jones Day lawyers totaled just $50.”
“Lawyers at several other law firms representing Trump or his campaign also heavily favored Biden.”


politicalwire--2020-10-21--Bloomberg’s Spending In Florida Reverberates

“ Michael Bloomberg ’ s $ 100 million investment in Florida to defeat Donald Trump is recasting the presidential contest @ @ @ @ @ must-win state , forcing his campaign to spend big to shore up his position and @ @ @ @ @ expand the electoral map elsewhere , ” Politico reports .
“ Bloomberg ’ s massive @ @ @ @ @ which began roughly a month ago , has thrown Trump into a defensive crouch across @ @ @ @ @ .
As a result , the president ‘ s campaign has scaled back its TV @ @ @ @ @ swing states like Wisconsin , Pennsylvania and Michigan — a vacuum being filled by a @ @ @ @ @ backing Joe Biden .
”

“Michael Bloomberg’s $100 million investment in Florida to defeat Donald Trump is recasting the presidential contest in the president’s must-win state, forcing his campaign to spend big to shore up his position and freeing up Democratic cash to expand the electoral map elsewhere,” Politico reports.
“Bloomberg’s massive advertising and ground-game spending, which began roughly a month ago, has thrown Trump into a defensive crouch across the arc of Sunbelt states. As a result, the president‘s campaign has scaled back its TV ad buys in crucial Northern swing states like Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and Michigan — a vacuum being filled by a constellation of outside political groups backing Joe Biden.”


politicalwire--2020-10-20--Trump Has a Bank Account In China

Trump Has a Bank Account In China

“ President Trump and his allies have tried to paint Joe Biden as soft on China , in part by @ @ @ @ @ s business dealings there , ” the New York Times reports .
“ But Mr. @ @ @ @ @ history is filled with overseas financial deals , and some have involved the Chinese state.
@ @ @ @ @ out that China is one of only three foreign nations — the others are Britain @ @ @ @ @ Trump maintains a bank account , according to an analysis of the president ’ s @ @ @ @ @ do not show up on Mr. Trump ’ s public financial disclosures , where he @ @ @ @ @ because they are held under corporate names .
The identities of the financial institutions are @ @ @ @

“President Trump and his allies have tried to paint Joe Biden as soft on China, in part by pointing to his son’s business dealings there,” the New York Times reports.
“But Mr. Trump’s own business history is filled with overseas financial deals, and some have involved the Chinese state.”
“And it turns out that China is one of only three foreign nations — the others are Britain and Ireland — where Mr. Trump maintains a bank account, according to an analysis of the president’s tax records… The foreign accounts do not show up on Mr. Trump’s public financial disclosures, where he must list personal assets, because they are held under corporate names. The identities of the financial institutions are not clear.”


politicalwire--2020-10-20--Studies Point to Big Drop In COVID-19 Death Rates

NPR : “ Two new peer-reviewed studies are showing a sharp drop in mortality among hospitalized COVID-19 patients .
The @ @ @ @ @ groups , including older patients and those with underlying conditions , suggesting that physicians are @ @ @ @ @ survive their illness .
”


politicalwire--2020-10-20--More Battleground State Polls

More Battleground State Polls

“ Lawyers appointed by a federal judge to identify migrant families who were separated by the Trump administration say they @ @ @ @ @ the parents of 545 children , and…


politicalwire--2020-10-20--Officials Alarmed at Fast Tracked 5G Contract

Senior officials tell CNN they are alarmed at White House pressure to grant what would essentially be a no-bid contract @ @ @ @ @ Defense ’ s mid-band spectrum — premium real estate for the booming and lucrative 5G @ @ @ @ @ , a company in which prominent Republicans and supporters of President Trump have investments .

Senior officials tell CNN they are alarmed at White House pressure to grant what would essentially be a no-bid contract to lease the Department of Defense’s mid-band spectrum — premium real estate for the booming and lucrative 5G market — to Rivada Networks, a company in which prominent Republicans and supporters of President Trump have investments.


politicalwire--2020-10-20--Parents of 545 Migrant Children Can’t Be Found

“ Lawyers appointed by a federal judge to identify migrant families who were separated by the Trump administration say they @ @ @ @ @ the parents of 545 children , and that approximately two-thirds of those parents were deported @ @ @ @ @ children , ” NBC News reports .

“Lawyers appointed by a federal judge to identify migrant families who were separated by the Trump administration say they have yet to track down the parents of 545 children, and that approximately two-thirds of those parents were deported to Central America without their children,” NBC News reports.


politicalwire--2020-10-20--Trump Threatens to Post 60 Minutes Interview Early

President Trump tweeted that he would post his interview with Lesley Stahl of 60 Minutes — which he abruptly cut @ @ @ @ @ on Sunday night .
He called the interview “ fake ” and “ biased ” @ @ @ @ @ compare this terrible Electoral Intrusion with the recent interviews of Sleepy Joe Biden !
”

President Trump tweeted that he would post his interview with Lesley Stahl of 60 Minutes — which he abruptly cut short — before it airs on Sunday night.
He called the interview “fake” and “biased” while adding “everyone should compare this terrible Electoral Intrusion with the recent interviews of Sleepy Joe Biden!”


politicalwire--2020-10-20--Ron Klain Likely to Be Biden’s Chief of Staff

“ Longtime Democratic aide Ron Klain is the leading candidate to be presidential nominee Joe Biden ’ s chief of @ @ @ @ @ election , ” Bloomberg reports .
“ Klain was Biden ’ s vice presidential chief @ @ @ @ @ leading role in the Obama administration ’ s economic recovery and the Ebola crisis response @ @

“Longtime Democratic aide Ron Klain is the leading candidate to be presidential nominee Joe Biden’s chief of staff if Biden wins the election,” Bloomberg reports.
“Klain was Biden’s vice presidential chief of staff and played a leading role in the Obama administration’s economic recovery and the Ebola crisis response.”


politicalwire--2020-10-20--Trump Demands that Barr Investigate Biden

President Trump called on Attorney General William Barr to immediately launch an investigation of Joe Biden and his son Hunter @ @ @ @ @ Justice Department muddy his political opponent and abandon its historic resistance to getting involved in @ @ @ @ @ .
Said Trump : “ We ’ ve got to get the attorney general to @ @ @ @ @ got to act , and he ’ s got to act fast .
He ’ @ @ @ @ @ .
This is major corruption , and this has to be known about before the @ @ @

President Trump called on Attorney General William Barr to immediately launch an investigation of Joe Biden and his son Hunter, effectively demanding that the Justice Department muddy his political opponent and abandon its historic resistance to getting involved in elections, the AP reports.
Said Trump: “We’ve got to get the attorney general to act. He’s got to act, and he’s got to act fast. He’s got to appoint somebody. This is major corruption, and this has to be known about before the election.”


politicalwire--2020-10-20--Giuliani Defends Hunter Biden Story

Giuliani Defends Hunter Biden Story

Rudy Giuliani told a North Dakota radio station that the American public deserved to the story based off material from @ @ @ @ @ “ even if it isn ’ t accurate.
” Said Giuliani : “ They ’ @ @ @ @ @ Curtain so you can ’ t get out the New York Post story which I @ @ @ @ @ percent accurate .
But even if it isn ’ t accurate , the American people @ @ @ @ @ .
”

Rudy Giuliani told a North Dakota radio station that the American public deserved to the story based off material from Hunter Biden’s laptop “even if it isn’t accurate.”
Said Giuliani: “They’ve set up an Iron Curtain so you can’t get out the New York Post story which I happened to know is 100 percent accurate. But even if it isn’t accurate, the American people are entitled to know it.”


politicalwire--2020-10-20--Trump May Be Exhausting the Voters He Needs

“ In the final throes of an increasingly daunting reelection campaign , President Trump is revving up his rally schedule @ @ @ @ @ a frenzy with the type of nonstop outrage that helped make him the most polarizing @ @ @ @ @ , ” the Los Angeles Times reports .
“ He suggested the governor of Michigan @ @ @ @ @ an alleged kidnapping plot , should be jailed .
He expressed indifference to the shooting @ @ @ @ @ .
He blasted the nation ’ s top infectious disease expert as ‘ a disaster.
@ @ @ @ @ Vice President Joe Biden a ‘ criminal , ’ and urged his attorney general to @ @ @ @ @ Trump , turning the volume up to 11 is an instinct , and a near @ @ @ @ @ center of attention .
But to the rest of the country , particularly voters he @ @ @ @ @ polling gap , there is growing evidence of exhaustion that may cost him crucial votes @ @

“In the final throes of an increasingly daunting reelection campaign, President Trump is revving up his rally schedule and whipping his supporters into a frenzy with the type of nonstop outrage that helped make him the most polarizing political figure of his time,” the Los Angeles Times reports.
“He suggested the governor of Michigan, already the target of an alleged kidnapping plot, should be jailed. He expressed indifference to the shooting of a former Arizona congresswoman. He blasted the nation’s top infectious disease expert as ‘a disaster.’ He baselessly called former Vice President Joe Biden a ‘criminal,’ and urged his attorney general to investigate him.”
“To Trump, turning the volume up to 11 is an instinct, and a near guarantee he will be the center of attention. But to the rest of the country, particularly voters he needs to close a 10-percentage-point polling gap, there is growing evidence of exhaustion that may cost him crucial votes.”


politicalwire--2020-10-20--Trump Walks Out of 60 Minutes Interview

Trump Walks Out of 60 Minutes Interview

Apparently there was some drama while President Trump was taping his 60 Minutes interview today , CNN reports .
He @ @ @ @ @ after around 45 minutes and did not return for a scheduled walk and talk he @ @ @ @ @ Vice President Mike Pence .

Apparently there was some drama while President Trump was taping his 60 Minutes interview today, CNN reports.
He abruptly ended his solo interview after around 45 minutes and did not return for a scheduled walk and talk he was supposed to tape with Vice President Mike Pence.


politicalwire--2020-10-20--McConnell Warned White House Against Stimulus Deal

“ Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell ( R-KY ) told Senate Republicans that he has warned the White House not @ @ @ @ @ deal before the election , ” the Washington Post reports .
“ McConnell suggested that @ @ @ @ @ D-CA ) is not negotiating in good faith with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin , and @ @ @ @ @ disrupt the Senate ’ s plans to confirm Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court @ @ @ @ @ Times : “ Mr .
McConnell ’ s counsel threw cold water on Mr. Trump @ @ @ @ @ to enact a fresh round of pandemic aid before he faces voters on Nov. 3 @ @ @ @ @ within the party that have long hampered a compromise .
”

“Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) told Senate Republicans that he has warned the White House not to make a big stimulus deal before the election,” the Washington Post reports.
“McConnell suggested that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) is not negotiating in good faith with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, and any deal they reach could disrupt the Senate’s plans to confirm Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court next week.”
New York Times: “Mr. McConnell’s counsel threw cold water on Mr. Trump’s increasingly urgent push to enact a fresh round of pandemic aid before he faces voters on Nov. 3. It underscored the divisions within the party that have long hampered a compromise.”


politicalwire--2020-10-20--Schumer Had ‘Long and Serious’ Talk with Feinstein

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer ( D-NY ) said he talked to Sen. Dianne Feinstein ( D-CA ) after the @ @ @ @ @ Judiciary Committee , after she applauded chairman Lindsey Graham ’ s ( R-SC ) handling @ @ @ @ @ s nomination hearings .
Said Schumer : “ I ’ ve had a long and @ @ @ @ @ .
That ’ s all I ’ m going to say about it right now @ @

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) said he talked to Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) after the top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, after she applauded chairman Lindsey Graham’s (R-SC) handling of Amy Coney Barrett’s nomination hearings.
Said Schumer: “I’ve had a long and serious talk with Senator Feinstein. That’s all I’m going to say about it right now.”


politicalwire--2020-10-20--Senate Will Vote on Barrett’s Confirmation Next Week

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


politicalwire--2020-10-20--Republicans Take Radical Conspiracy Theory Mainstream

New York Times : “ Though there has been little public polling , there is growing anecdotal evidence that QAnon @ @ @ @ @ small but significant minority of Republicans… The phenomenon can be seen at Trump rallies , @ @ @ @ @ and hats are commonplace.
” A new Yahoo News/YouGov poll finds that 50 % of @ @ @ @ @ think that Democrats are involved in elite child sex-trafficking rings , while 33 % aren @ @ @ @

New York Times: “Though there has been little public polling, there is growing anecdotal evidence that QAnon followers now make up a small but significant minority of Republicans… The phenomenon can be seen at Trump rallies, where people wearing QAnon shirts and hats are commonplace.”
A new Yahoo News/YouGov poll finds that 50% of President Trump’s supporters think that Democrats are involved in elite child sex-trafficking rings, while 33% aren’t sure.


McRaven Endorses Biden

Retired Navy Adm. William McRaven explains in the Wall Street Journal why he voted for Joe Biden .
“ This @ @ @ @ @ polls in Texas .
Truth be told , I am a pro-life , pro-Second Amendment @ @ @ @ @ a national-anthem-standing conservative .
But , I also believe that black lives matter , that @ @ @ @ @ to citizenship , that diversity and inclusion are essential to our national success , that @ @ @ @ @ , that climate change is real and that the First Amendment is the cornerstone of @ @ @ @ @ , I believe that America must lead in the world with courage , conviction and @ @ @ @ @ humility.
” “ If we remain indifferent to our role in the world , if @ @ @ @ @ to our citizens and our allies and if we fail to choose the right leader @ @ @ @ @ the highest price for our neglect and shortsightedness .
”

Retired Navy Adm. William McRaven explains in the Wall Street Journal why he voted for Joe Biden.
“This week I went to the polls in Texas. Truth be told, I am a pro-life, pro-Second Amendment, small-government, strong-defense and a national-anthem-standing conservative. But, I also believe that black lives matter, that the Dreamers deserve a path to citizenship, that diversity and inclusion are essential to our national success, that education is the great equalizer, that climate change is real and that the First Amendment is the cornerstone of our democracy. Most important, I believe that America must lead in the world with courage, conviction and a sense of honor and humility.”
“If we remain indifferent to our role in the world, if we retreat from our obligation to our citizens and our allies and if we fail to choose the right leader, then we will pay the highest price for our neglect and shortsightedness.”


politicalwire--2020-10-20--Trump Plans 3 or 4 Rallies Each Day Until the Election


politicalwire--2020-10-20--Pat Robertson Says Trump Will Win

Pat Robertson Says Trump Will Win

Televangelist Pat Robertson reported on The 700 Club that he had been told by God that President Trump will be @ @ @ @ @ bring about start of the End Times .
Robertson said that “ without question , @ @ @ @ @ the election , ” but it will result in widespread civil unrest , during which @ @ @ @ @ two attempts to assassinate the president .

Televangelist Pat Robertson reported on The 700 Club that he had been told by God that President Trump will be reelected… and his reelection will bring about start of the End Times.
Robertson said that “without question, Trump is going to win the election,” but it will result in widespread civil unrest, during which there will be at least two attempts to assassinate the president.


politicalwire--2020-10-21--Bonus Quote of the Day

Bonus Quote of the Day

“ You could literally have 10 monkeys with flamethrowers go after the money , and they wouldn ’ t have @ @ @ @ @ ” — GOP strategist Mike Murphy , quoted by NBC News , on President Trump @ @ @ @ @ .

“You could literally have 10 monkeys with flamethrowers go after the money, and they wouldn’t have burned through it as stupidly.”
— GOP strategist Mike Murphy, quoted by NBC News, on President Trump’s campaign money problems.


politicalwire--2020-10-21--There Is Only One America

There Is Only One America

“ This is an election between a Trump super recovery and a Biden depression .
You will have a depression @ @ @ @ @ have never seen… If you want depression , …


politicalwire--2020-10-21--McConnell Maintains Big Lead In Kentucky


politicalwire--2020-10-21--House Districts Full of Danger Signs for Trump

David Wasserman : “ In late October of 2016 , district-level polling was full of flashing red warning signs for @ @ @ @ @ Wisconsin to New York ’ s Southern Tier and Michigan ’ s Upper Peninsula , @ @ @ @ @ in September had expanded to double digits in heavily white working-class areas .
And although @ @ @ @ @ was never released publicly , it turned out to be prescient.
” “ Fast forward @ @ @ @ @ are full of danger signs for Trump .
In both parties ’ private surveys — @ @ @ @ @ allocation decisions — he ’ s routinely underperforming his 2016 margins by eight to ten @ @ @ @ @ polls .
As a result , one well-placed GOP member told us this week ‘ @ @ @ @ @ surprise if we only lost ten House seats . '
” The Cook Political Report @ @ @ @ @ changes , 11 of them towards the Democrats .

David Wasserman: “In late October of 2016, district-level polling was full of flashing red warning signs for Hillary Clinton: from northern Wisconsin to New York’s Southern Tier and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, single-digit leads for Donald Trump in September had expanded to double digits in heavily white working-class areas. And although much of this party polling was never released publicly, it turned out to be prescient.”
“Fast forward to 2020: district-level polls are full of danger signs for Trump. In both parties’ private surveys — used to make key resource allocation decisions — he’s routinely underperforming his 2016 margins by eight to ten points, consistent with national polls. As a result, one well-placed GOP member told us this week ‘it would be a pleasant surprise if we only lost ten House seats.'”
The Cook Political Report made 12 House race ratings changes, 11 of them towards the Democrats.


politicalwire--2020-10-21--Trump Has Contributed Only $8,000 to His Campaign

Politico : “ Back in early September , Trump weighed spending as much as $ 100 million of his own @ @ @ @ @ , according to Bloomberg News .
When asked by reporters if he planned to self-fund @ @ @ @ @ Trump said , ‘ If I have to , I would . '
” “ @ @ @ @ @ materialized .
Trump has contributed just over $ 8,000 to his campaign this election cycle @ @ @ @ @ .
”

Politico: “Back in early September, Trump weighed spending as much as $100 million of his own money on his reelection bid, according to Bloomberg News. When asked by reporters if he planned to self-fund part of his run, Trump said, ‘If I have to, I would.'”
“But the money has not materialized. Trump has contributed just over $8,000 to his campaign this election cycle, according to FEC data.”


politicalwire--2020-10-21--Billboard Accusing Biden of Dementia Misspells Dementia

Pennsylvania Capital-Star : “ A roadside billboard in Fayette County repeating a Republican accusation that Democratic nominee presidential Joe Biden @ @ @ @ @ has a deficiency of its own : A whopper of a spelling error.
” “ @ @ @ @ @ is worsening , he is not fit , ’ the billboard reads , misspelling ‘ @ @ @ @

Pennsylvania Capital-Star: “A roadside billboard in Fayette County repeating a Republican accusation that Democratic nominee presidential Joe Biden suffers from diminished mental capacity has a deficiency of its own: A whopper of a spelling error.”
“’Biden’s dimensia is worsening, he is not fit,’ the billboard reads, misspelling ‘dementia.'”


politicalwire--2020-10-21--Obama Returns to the Campaign Trail

Obama Returns to the Campaign Trail

“ Barack Obama had always intended to sit out the first presidential election of his post-presidency , taking heed of @ @ @ @ @ him from Presidents George W. Bush and George H.W .
Bush , ” CNN reports @ @ @ @ @ governing to campaigning , his friends have long known , so they believed him when @ @ @ @ @ to watching from the sidelines .
But those plans were tossed aside by the election @ @ @ @ @ first term in office.
” “ Obama is poised to return to the campaign trail @ @ @ @ @ his first in-person appearance in his effort to help Joe Biden in the waning days @ @ @ @ @ White House .
If the election of Trump was a reaction to the Obama presidency @ @ @ @ @ another opportunity to take the country ’ s measure of the men .
”

“Barack Obama had always intended to sit out the first presidential election of his post-presidency, taking heed of the private guidance given to him from Presidents George W. Bush and George H.W. Bush,” CNN reports.
“Obama vastly preferred governing to campaigning, his friends have long known, so they believed him when he said he looked forward to watching from the sidelines. But those plans were tossed aside by the election of President Trump and his first term in office.”
“Obama is poised to return to the campaign trail here on Wednesday, making his first in-person appearance in his effort to help Joe Biden in the waning days of his bid for the White House. If the election of Trump was a reaction to the Obama presidency, the November race offers another opportunity to take the country’s measure of the men.”


politicalwire--2020-10-21--Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day

“ This is an election between a Trump super recovery and a Biden depression .
You will have a depression @ @ @ @ @ have never seen… If you want depression , doom and despair , vote for Sleepy @ @ @ @ @ — President Trump , quoted by the Associated Press .

“This is an election between a Trump super recovery and a Biden depression. You will have a depression the likes of which you have never seen… If you want depression, doom and despair, vote for Sleepy Joe. And boredom.”
— President Trump, quoted by the Associated Press.


politicalwire--2020-10-21--New Battleground State Polls

New Battleground State Polls


politicalwire--2020-10-21--Why Trump’s Rallies Probably Aren’t Working

Politico : “ Trump views rallies in battleground states as the linchpin of his closing argument , a means to @ @ @ @ @ they vote on Nov. 3 .
But many Republicans close to the White House , @ @ @ @ @ political advisers say the rallies are largely a way to keep the unscripted and undisciplined @ @ @ @ @ do little to persuade new Trump voters .
Rallies , they note , do not @ @ @ @ @ or suburban women , many of whom have moved away from the Trump ticket this @ @ @ @ @ Trump ’ s rallies are no longer televised nationally as they once were.
” “ @ @ @ @ @ climbing , the Trump rallies often draw negative headlines in local news markets because the @ @ @ @ @ guidelines , featuring few masks and almost no social distancing .
”

Politico: “Trump views rallies in battleground states as the linchpin of his closing argument, a means to excite his supporters and ensure they vote on Nov. 3. But many Republicans close to the White House, former senior administration officials and political advisers say the rallies are largely a way to keep the unscripted and undisciplined president occupied, since they do little to persuade new Trump voters. Rallies, they note, do not woo senior citizens, independents or suburban women, many of whom have moved away from the Trump ticket this election cycle. Most of Trump’s rallies are no longer televised nationally as they once were.”
“And with coronavirus infection rates climbing, the Trump rallies often draw negative headlines in local news markets because the packed events defy public health guidelines, featuring few masks and almost no social distancing.”


politicalwire--2020-10-21--Barrett Was Trustee at School with Anti-Gay Policies

Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett served for nearly three years as a trustee on the board of private Christian @ @ @ @ @ admission to children of same-sex parents and made it plain that openly gay and lesbian @ @ @ @ @ in the classroom , ” the AP reports .
The three schools , in Indiana @ @ @ @ @ , are affiliated with People of Praise , an insular religious community of which Barrett @ @ @ @ @ longtime members .

Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett served for nearly three years as a trustee on the board of private Christian schools that “effectively barred admission to children of same-sex parents and made it plain that openly gay and lesbian teachers weren’t welcome in the classroom,” the AP reports.
The three schools, in Indiana, Minnesota, and Virginia, are affiliated with People of Praise, an insular religious community of which Barrett and her husband have been longtime members.


politicalwire--2020-10-21--A Third Surge of Coronavirus Has Taken Hold

New York Times : “ After weeks of spread and warnings in certain areas , a third surge of coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ hold across much of the United States.
” “ The latest wave — which is @ @ @ @ @ Midwest and the West , but is also spreading in various areas around the country @ @ @ @ @ worst of the pandemic yet.
” “ Its arrival comes as cooler weather is forcing @ @ @ @ @ a grueling winter that will test the discipline of many Americans who have grown weary @ @ @ @ @ down invitations to see family and friends .
Over the last week , the country @ @ @ @ @ cases a day , the most since the beginning of August .
The daily total @ @ @ @ @ a record previously set on July 16.
” Fargo Forum : Overwhelmed by cases , @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 to do their own contact tracing .

New York Times: “After weeks of spread and warnings in certain areas, a third surge of coronavirus infections has now firmly taken hold across much of the United States.”
“The latest wave — which is raging most acutely in the Midwest and the West, but is also spreading in various areas around the country — threatens to be the worst of the pandemic yet.”
“Its arrival comes as cooler weather is forcing people indoors, setting up a grueling winter that will test the discipline of many Americans who have grown weary of wearing masks and turning down invitations to see family and friends. Over the last week, the country has averaged about 59,000 new cases a day, the most since the beginning of August. The daily total could soon surpass 75,687, a record previously set on July 16.”
Fargo Forum: Overwhelmed by cases, North Dakota tells residents with COVID-19 to do their own contact tracing.


A Biden Landslide?

New York Times : “ For some Democrats , Mr. Trump ’ s attention to red states is also a @ @ @ @ @ something few in the party want to discuss out loud , given their scars from @ @ @ @ @ victory in 2016 .
It ’ s an indication that Mr. Biden could pull off @ @ @ @ @ achieving an ambitious and rare electoral blowout that some Democrats think is necessary to quell @ @ @ @ @ by Mr. Trump — that Mr. Biden won the election.
” “ On one level @ @ @ @ @ entirely plausible based on the weeks and the breadth of public polls that show Mr. @ @ @ @ @ in key states .
But this possibility runs headlong into the political difficulties of pulling @ @ @ @ @ and perhaps even more , the psychological hurdles for Democrats to entertain the idea .
@ @ @ @ @ , having pulled off a stunning win before , could do it again , even @ @ @ @ @ 2016 that hurt his chances .
”

New York Times: “For some Democrats, Mr. Trump’s attention to red states is also a sign of something else — something few in the party want to discuss out loud, given their scars from Mr. Trump’s surprise victory in 2016. It’s an indication that Mr. Biden could pull off a landslide in November, achieving an ambitious and rare electoral blowout that some Democrats think is necessary to quell any doubts — or disputes by Mr. Trump — that Mr. Biden won the election.”
“On one level, such a scenario is entirely plausible based on the weeks and the breadth of public polls that show Mr. Biden with leads or edges in key states. But this possibility runs headlong into the political difficulties of pulling off such a win, and perhaps even more, the psychological hurdles for Democrats to entertain the idea. Many think that Mr. Trump, having pulled off a stunning win before, could do it again, even if there are differences from 2016 that hurt his chances.”


politicalwire--2020-10-21--Even More Battleground State Polls

Even More Battleground State Polls


politicalwire--2020-10-21--Trump’s Cash Dwindled to $63 Million Entering October

“ President Trump ’ s re-election campaign committee ended September with only $ 63.1 million in the bank despite canceling @ @ @ @ @ month , leaving him badly outmatched financially against Joe Biden in the final stretch of @ @ @ @ @ New York Times reports .
“ New filings with the Federal Election Commission showed the @ @ @ @ @ s cash troubles , which are severe enough that he diverted time from key battleground @ @ @ @ @ on Sunday for a fund-raiser with just over two weeks until Election Day .
The @ @ @ @ @ over half as much money as he had at the beginning of the month .
@

“President Trump’s re-election campaign committee ended September with only $63.1 million in the bank despite canceling some television buys late last month, leaving him badly outmatched financially against Joe Biden in the final stretch of the campaign,” the New York Times reports.
“New filings with the Federal Election Commission showed the extent of Mr. Trump’s cash troubles, which are severe enough that he diverted time from key battleground states and flew to California on Sunday for a fund-raiser with just over two weeks until Election Day. The president ended September with just over half as much money as he had at the beginning of the month.”


politicalwire--2020-10-21--State Legislative Chambers Most Likely to Flip


politicalwire--2020-10-22--Trump Weighs Firing FBI Director

Trump Weighs Firing FBI Director

“ President Trump and his advisers have repeatedly discussed whether to fire FBI Director Christopher Wray after Election Day — @ @ @ @ @ imperil the tenure of Attorney General William Barr as the president grows increasingly frustrated that @ @ @ @ @ delivered his campaign the kind of last-minute boost that the FBI provided in 2016 , @ @ @ @ @ .
“ The conversations among the president and senior aides stem in part from their @ @ @ @ @ but Barr as well have not done what Trump had hoped — indicate that Democratic @ @ @ @ @ his son Hunter Biden , or other Biden associates are under investigation .
”

“President Trump and his advisers have repeatedly discussed whether to fire FBI Director Christopher Wray after Election Day — a scenario that also could imperil the tenure of Attorney General William Barr as the president grows increasingly frustrated that federal law enforcement has not delivered his campaign the kind of last-minute boost that the FBI provided in 2016,” the Washington Post reports.
“The conversations among the president and senior aides stem in part from their disappointment that Wray in particular but Barr as well have not done what Trump had hoped — indicate that Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden, his son Hunter Biden, or other Biden associates are under investigation.”


politicalwire--2020-10-22--Obama Delivers Blistering Rebuke of Trump

“ Former President Barack Obama delivered an often-incredulous and blistering account of his successor ’ s first four years in @ @ @ @ @ , making his most direct attacks on President Trump to date both on substance and @ @ @ @ @ ” CNN reports .
Said Obama : “ I never thought Donald Trump would embrace @ @ @ @ @ polices , but I did hope for the sake of the country , that he @ @ @ @ @ taking the job seriously .
But it hasn ’ t happened .
He hasn ’ @ @ @ @ @ doing the work or helping anybody but himself and his friends .
”

“Former President Barack Obama delivered an often-incredulous and blistering account of his successor’s first four years in office on Wednesday in Philadelphia, making his most direct attacks on President Trump to date both on substance and on a personal level,” CNN reports.
Said Obama: “I never thought Donald Trump would embrace my vision or continue my polices, but I did hope for the sake of the country, that he might show some interest in taking the job seriously. But it hasn’t happened. He hasn’t showed any interest in doing the work or helping anybody but himself and his friends.”


politicalwire--2020-10-21--U.S. Concludes Iran Behind Threatening Voters

“ The U.S. government has concluded that Iran was behind a series of threatening emails arriving this week in the @ @ @ @ @ ” the Washington Post reports .
“ Department of Homeland Security officials told state and @ @ @ @ @ call Wednesday that a foreign government was responsible for the online barrage… A DHS official @ @ @ @ @ holes in state and local election websites and instructed those participating to patch their online @ @ @ @ @ claimed to be from the Proud Boys , a far-right group supportive of President Trump @ @ @ @ @ be a deceptive campaign making use of a vulnerability in the organization ’ s online @ @ @

“The U.S. government has concluded that Iran was behind a series of threatening emails arriving this week in the inboxes of Democratic voters,” the Washington Post reports.
“Department of Homeland Security officials told state and local election administrators on a call Wednesday that a foreign government was responsible for the online barrage… A DHS official also said authorities had detected holes in state and local election websites and instructed those participating to patch their online services.”
“The emails claimed to be from the Proud Boys, a far-right group supportive of President Trump, but appeared instead to be a deceptive campaign making use of a vulnerability in the organization’s online network.”


politicalwire--2020-10-21--Inside the Week That Shook the Trump Campaign

“ In the days after the first debate Sept. 29 between President Trump and Democratic challenger Joe Biden , the @ @ @ @ @ ” the Wall Street Journal reports .
“ One was his debate performance .
On @ @ @ @ @ debate , he described it as superb to family and staff , who said little @ @ @ @ @ by the next day , Jared Kushner , Mr. Trump ’ s senior adviser and @ @ @ @ @ media personalities and other allies to level with his father-in-law about the angry and aggressive @ @ @ @ @ , according to people familiar with the calls .
Polls would soon show the performance @ @ @ @ @ ” “ The other was the fallout from the Supreme Court nomination ceremony he had @ @ @ @ @ the White House , which Anthony Fauci , the nation ’ s top infectious disease @ @ @ @ @ as a “ superspreader ” of Covid-19 .
Within days , Mr. Trump would test @ @ @ @ @ ”

“In the days after the first debate Sept. 29 between President Trump and Democratic challenger Joe Biden, the president faced two problems,” the Wall Street Journal reports.
“One was his debate performance. On the flight home from the debate, he described it as superb to family and staff, who said little to dissuade him. But by the next day, Jared Kushner, Mr. Trump’s senior adviser and son-in-law, was imploring friendly media personalities and other allies to level with his father-in-law about the angry and aggressive debate style he had displayed, according to people familiar with the calls. Polls would soon show the performance had cost the president support.”
“The other was the fallout from the Supreme Court nomination ceremony he had held the previous weekend at the White House, which Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert, would soon describe as a “superspreader” of Covid-19. Within days, Mr. Trump would test positive for the disease.”


politicalwire--2020-10-21--Alleged Hunter Biden Emails Circulated in Ukraine

“ Explicit photos and emails purportedly belonging to Hunter Biden were circulating in Ukraine last year at the same time @ @ @ @ @ for dirt there on former Vice President Joe Biden , ” Time reports .
“ @ @ @ @ @ , which has not been previously reported , comes to light in the wake of @ @ @ @ @ that he obtained private photos and emails of Hunter Biden from a broken laptop abandoned @ @ @ @

“Explicit photos and emails purportedly belonging to Hunter Biden were circulating in Ukraine last year at the same time that Rudy Giuliani was searching for dirt there on former Vice President Joe Biden,” Time reports.
“The emails’ alleged availability, which has not been previously reported, comes to light in the wake of Giuliani’s recent claims that he obtained private photos and emails of Hunter Biden from a broken laptop abandoned in Delaware.”


politicalwire--2020-10-21--More Battleground State Polls

More Battleground State Polls

Politico : “ Joe Biden would seem to have an easy comeback : Look at what your own kids have @ @ @ @ @ .
So far , though , Biden has refused to go…

“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--2020-10-21--Senate Republicans Balk at Relief Package Before Election


politicalwire--2020-10-21--Biden’s Debate Strategy Is to Let Trump Be Trump

The Hill : “ Biden and his team believe President Trump has done damage to his own campaign in recent @ @ @ @ @ see as being reflected in national and battleground state polls that show the Democrat with @ @ @ @ @ plan in the final presidential debate is to do nothing more than to underline the @ @ @ @ @ , and to avoid any mistakes .
”

The Hill: “Biden and his team believe President Trump has done damage to his own campaign in recent weeks, a sentiment they see as being reflected in national and battleground state polls that show the Democrat with a lead.”
“Their plan in the final presidential debate is to do nothing more than to underline the contrast between Biden and Trump, and to avoid any mistakes.”


politicalwire--2020-10-21--Democrats Will Boycott Committee Vote on Barrett

HuffPost : “ The plan hasn ’ t been finalized yet , according to a Democratic aide , but Democrats @ @ @ @ @ empty seats with poster-sized photos of people who would be hurt by Barrett potentially casting @ @ @ @ @ Affordable Care Act .
These would be the same pictures of people Democrats had on @ @ @ @ @ confirmation hearing last week.
” “ Democrats also intend to hold two press conferences to @ @ @ @ @ s confirmation ― one on the Capitol steps and one on the Supreme Court steps @ @ @ @ @ clear if one of those would be happening at the same time as Barrett ’ @ @ @ @ @

HuffPost: “The plan hasn’t been finalized yet, according to a Democratic aide, but Democrats are preparing to fill their empty seats with poster-sized photos of people who would be hurt by Barrett potentially casting a deciding vote against the Affordable Care Act. These would be the same pictures of people Democrats had on display during Barrett’s confirmation hearing last week.”
“Democrats also intend to hold two press conferences to push back on Barrett’s confirmation ― one on the Capitol steps and one on the Supreme Court steps. It’s not clear if one of those would be happening at the same time as Barrett’s committee vote.”


politicalwire--2020-10-21--Almost Everyone Plans To Vote a Straight Party Ticket

A new Pew Research poll finds just 4 % of registered voters in states with a Senate contest say they @ @ @ @ @ Joe Biden and a Senate candidate from the opposing party .
Likewise , just 4 @ @ @ @ @ they plan to vote for Biden and the Republican candidate for House in their district @ @ @ @ @ House candidate .
In a head to head match up , Biden leads Trump nationally @ @ @ @ @ % .

A new Pew Research poll finds just 4% of registered voters in states with a Senate contest say they will support Donald Trump or Joe Biden and a Senate candidate from the opposing party.
Likewise, just 4% of registered voters say they plan to vote for Biden and the Republican candidate for House in their district or Trump and the Democratic House candidate.
In a head to head match up, Biden leads Trump nationally, 52% to 42%.


politicalwire--2020-10-21--More Than 40 Million Have Already Voted

More Than 40 Million Have Already Voted

With 13 days to go , more than 40 million ballots have already been cast in the 2020 presidential election @ @ @ @ @ of the total number of votes cast in the 2016 election .

With 13 days to go, more than 40 million ballots have already been cast in the 2020 presidential election.
That represents 30% of the total number of votes cast in the 2016 election.


politicalwire--2020-10-21--Trump Puts GOP Governors In a Bind

Trump Puts GOP Governors In a Bind

“ Republican governors are pleading for basic public health precautions as their states face a new wave of coronavirus cases @ @ @ @ @ downplays the pandemic ’ s severity and tells people to move on with their lives @ @ @ @ @ “ The clashing messages come as large swaths of the country experience uncontrolled spread that @ @ @ @ @ their already strapped health systems .
They ’ re putting out calls for volunteers to @ @ @ @ @ new limits on public gatherings and urging , or in some cases mandating , the @ @ @ @ @

“Republican governors are pleading for basic public health precautions as their states face a new wave of coronavirus cases, even as President Trump downplays the pandemic’s severity and tells people to move on with their lives,” Politico reports.
“The clashing messages come as large swaths of the country experience uncontrolled spread that state officials fear could swamp their already strapped health systems. They’re putting out calls for volunteers to help staff hospitals, placing new limits on public gatherings and urging, or in some cases mandating, the wearing of masks.”


politicalwire--2020-10-21--Trump Claims Fauci Is Auditioning at CNN

Daily Beast : “ In recent months , Trump has routinely gossiped with close associates and advisers that Fauci is @ @ @ @ @ anti-MAGA ‘ resistance ’ commentators .
In the past few weeks , the president has @ @ @ @ @ believes Fauci is angling to earn the media ’ s adulation and that it at @ @ @ @ @ the famous infectious disease expert is ‘ auditioning ’ or ‘ trying to get a @ @ @ @ @ ”

Daily Beast: “In recent months, Trump has routinely gossiped with close associates and advisers that Fauci is behaving like a member of anti-MAGA ‘resistance’ commentators. In the past few weeks, the president has told multiple people that he believes Fauci is angling to earn the media’s adulation and that it at times appears to him that the famous infectious disease expert is ‘auditioning’ or ‘trying to get a job at CNN.'”


politicalwire--2020-10-21--Romney Didn’t Vote for Trump

Romney Didn’t Vote for Trump

Sen. Mitt Romney ( R-UT ) told CNN he has already voted in this year ’ s election and “ @ @ @ @ @ Trump.
” But he wouldn ’ t say if he voted for Joe Biden or @ @ @ @ @

Sen. Mitt Romney (R-UT) told CNN he has already voted in this year’s election and “did not vote for President Trump.”
But he wouldn’t say if he voted for Joe Biden or wrote someone else in.


politicalwire--2020-10-21--Support for Same-Sex Marriage Hits New High


politicalwire--2020-10-21--Meadows’ FEC Filings Suggest Unlawful Spending

Salon : “ White House chief of staff Mark Meadows reported spending tens of thousands of dollars through his campaign @ @ @ @ @ appear to be personal expenses , including gourmet cupcakes , a cell phone bill , @ @ @ @ @ , thousands of dollars at a Washington jeweler and lodging at the Trump International Hotel.
@ @ @ @ @ the expenses align with Lynda Bennett ’ s failed campaign to fill the North Carolina @ @ @ @ @ U.S. House of Representatives by Meadows… It is illegal to spend campaign and PAC funds @ @ @ @ @ as groceries and meals .
”

Salon: “White House chief of staff Mark Meadows reported spending tens of thousands of dollars through his campaign and leadership PAC on what appear to be personal expenses, including gourmet cupcakes, a cell phone bill, grocery purchases, lavish meals, thousands of dollars at a Washington jeweler and lodging at the Trump International Hotel.”
“A number of the expenses align with Lynda Bennett’s failed campaign to fill the North Carolina seat left vacant in the U.S. House of Representatives by Meadows… It is illegal to spend campaign and PAC funds on personal expenses, such as groceries and meals.”


politicalwire--2020-10-21--Biden Braces for Trump’s Attacks on Hunter

Politico : “ Joe Biden would seem to have an easy comeback : Look at what your own kids have @ @ @ @ @ .
So far , though , Biden has refused to go there .
And he @ @ @ @ @ that posture during the debate , according to advisers and allies , despite a vow @ @ @ @ @ that ‘ there will be no escape ’ for Biden from questions about his son @ @ @ @ @ “ Biden ’ s advisers say that any time spent on issues besides the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ time .
As much as possible , Biden should keep the focus on the president @ @ @ @ @ they say .
Yet some allies have been pressing the Biden camp to go harder @ @ @ @ @ considering how aggressively the president is attacking his .
”

Politico: “Joe Biden would seem to have an easy comeback: Look at what your own kids have done since you became president. So far, though, Biden has refused to go there. And he’s likely to maintain that posture during the debate, according to advisers and allies, despite a vow by Trump’s campaign that ‘there will be no escape’ for Biden from questions about his son’s business dealings.”
“Biden’s advisers say that any time spent on issues besides the coronavirus or the economy is lost time. As much as possible, Biden should keep the focus on the president’s biggest liabilities, they say. Yet some allies have been pressing the Biden camp to go harder against Trump’s children considering how aggressively the president is attacking his.”


politicalwire--2020-10-21--Exchange of the Day

Exchange of the Day

President Trump was interviewed by Eric Bolling for Sinclair Broadcasting : BOLLING : With COVID , is there anything that @ @ @ @ @ done differently , if you had a mulligan or a do-over on one aspect of @ @ @ @ @ , what would it be ?
TRUMP : Not much .
Look , it ’ @ @ @ @ @ .
You have a lot of great leaders , a lot of smart people .
@ @ @ @ @ the world .
It came out of China .
China should have stopped it .

President Trump was interviewed by Eric Bolling for Sinclair Broadcasting:
BOLLING: With COVID, is there anything that you think you could have done differently, if you had a mulligan or a do-over on one aspect of the way you handled it, what would it be?
TRUMP: Not much. Look, it’s all over the world. You have a lot of great leaders, a lot of smart people. It’s all over the world. It came out of China. China should have stopped it.


politicalwire--2020-10-21--Giuliani Faces Questions After Scene In Borat Film

“ The reputation of Rudy Giuliani could be set for a further blow with the release of highly embarrassing footage @ @ @ @ @ s follow-up to Borat , ” The Guardian reports .
“ In the film , @ @ @ @ @ former New York mayor is seen reaching into his trousers and apparently touching his genitals @ @ @ @ @ in the presence of the actor playing Borat ’ s daughter , who is posing @ @ @ @ @ “ Following an obsequious interview for a fake conservative news program , the pair retreat @ @ @ @ @ drink to the bedroom of a hotel suite , which is rigged with concealed cameras @ @ @ @ @ microphone , Giuliani , 76 , can be seen lying back on the bed , @ @ @ @ @ and reaching into his trousers.
” “ They are then interrupted by Borat who runs @ @ @ @ @ She ’ s 15 .
She ’ s too old for you .
’

“The reputation of Rudy Giuliani could be set for a further blow with the release of highly embarrassing footage in Sacha Baron Cohen’s follow-up to Borat,” The Guardian reports.
“In the film, released on Friday, the former New York mayor is seen reaching into his trousers and apparently touching his genitals while reclining on a bed in the presence of the actor playing Borat’s daughter, who is posing as a TV journalist.”
“Following an obsequious interview for a fake conservative news program, the pair retreat at her suggestion for a drink to the bedroom of a hotel suite, which is rigged with concealed cameras. After she removes his microphone, Giuliani, 76, can be seen lying back on the bed, fiddling with his untucked shirt and reaching into his trousers.”
“They are then interrupted by Borat who runs in and says: ‘She’s 15. She’s too old for you.’


politicalwire--2020-10-21--Lawmaker Arrested for Trading Drugs for Sex

Suffolk County , NY legislator William Spencer ( D ) , who is also a well-regarded doctor who served on @ @ @ @ @ was arrested after allegedly trying to trade drugs for sexual favors , NBC New York @ @ @ @ @ he was going to meet a woman with whom he could swap pills for sex @ @ @ @ @ it was a sting operation set up by a task force led by the Suffolk @ @ @ @ @ office .
”

Suffolk County, NY legislator William Spencer (D), who is also a well-regarded doctor who served on an opioid task force, was arrested after allegedly trying to trade drugs for sexual favors, NBC New York reports.
“He believed he was going to meet a woman with whom he could swap pills for sex, officials said, but it was a sting operation set up by a task force led by the Suffolk County district attorney’s office.”


politicalwire--2020-10-22--We’re Overthinking This Race

We’re Overthinking This Race

Tim Alberta : “ Generations of pollsters and journalists have fixated on the question of which candidate voters would rather have a beer with—a window into how personality translates into political success .
Here ’ s the thing : Americans have been having a beer with Trump for the past four years—every morning , every afternoon , every evening .
He has made himself more accessible than any president in history , using the White House as a performance stage and Twitter as a real-time diary for all to read .
Like the drunk at the bar , he won @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appeal his unfiltered thoughts once held has now worn off .
Americans are tired of having beers with Trump .
His own supporters are tired of having beers with Trump .
In hundreds of interviews this year with MAGA loyalists , I have noted only a handful in which the person did not , unsolicited , point to the president ’ s behavior as exhausting and inappropriate .
Strip away all the policy fights , all the administrative action ( or inaction ) , all the culture war politics , and the decision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ basic conclusion : They just do not approve of the president as a human being .
”

Tim Alberta: “Generations of pollsters and journalists have fixated on the question of which candidate voters would rather have a beer with—a window into how personality translates into political success. Here’s the thing: Americans have been having a beer with Trump for the past four years—every morning, every afternoon, every evening. He has made himself more accessible than any president in history, using the White House as a performance stage and Twitter as a real-time diary for all to read. Like the drunk at the bar, he won’t shut up.”
“Whatever appeal his unfiltered thoughts once held has now worn off. Americans are tired of having beers with Trump. His own supporters are tired of having beers with Trump. In hundreds of interviews this year with MAGA loyalists, I have noted only a handful in which the person did not, unsolicited, point to the president’s behavior as exhausting and inappropriate. Strip away all the policy fights, all the administrative action (or inaction), all the culture war politics, and the decision for many people comes down to a basic conclusion: They just do not approve of the president as a human being.”


politicalwire--2020-10-22--Biden Calls for Reform of Supreme Court

Biden Calls for Reform of Supreme Court

Joe Biden told 60 Minutes that the Supreme Court system needs reform , saying “ it ’ s getting out @ @ @ @ @ he would launch a 180-day national commission “ of scholars , constitutional scholars , Democrats @ @ @ @ @ conservative ” to study Supreme Court reforms .
Said Biden : “ It is a @ @ @ @ @ re going to have to do that… The last thing we need to do is @ @ @ @ @ just a political football , whoever has the most votes gets whatever they want .
@

Joe Biden told 60 Minutes that the Supreme Court system needs reform, saying “it’s getting out of whack.”
He said he would launch a 180-day national commission “of scholars, constitutional scholars, Democrats, Republicans, liberal, conservative” to study Supreme Court reforms.
Said Biden: “It is a live ball. We’re going to have to do that… The last thing we need to do is turn the Supreme Court into just a political football, whoever has the most votes gets whatever they want.”


politicalwire--2020-10-22--Most Say Trump Does Not Deserve Re-Election

Aaron Blake : “ If you had said at the start of the election that a president like Trump would @ @ @ @ @ — or even a majority , period —…


politicalwire--2020-10-22--New Battleground State Polls

New Battleground State Polls


politicalwire--2020-10-22--Trump Played a Good Hand Poorly

Trump Played a Good Hand Poorly

Aaron Blake : “ If you had said at the start of the election that a president like Trump would @ @ @ @ @ — or even a majority , period — on both the economy and the are-you-better-off @ @ @ @ @ would have held that he would be a strong favorite for reelection.
” “ The @ @ @ @ @ decidedly far from that is merely the latest evidence that Trump may have squandered what @ @ @ @ @ hand in his reelection campaign , if he could just have avoided all the noise @ @ @ @ @ latest evidence that perhaps we should readjust our political assumptions in the Trump era .
@

Aaron Blake: “If you had said at the start of the election that a president like Trump would have close to a majority — or even a majority, period — on both the economy and the are-you-better-off question, the conventional wisdom would have held that he would be a strong favorite for reelection.”
“The fact that he’s decidedly far from that is merely the latest evidence that Trump may have squandered what should have been a winning hand in his reelection campaign, if he could just have avoided all the noise. And it provides the latest evidence that perhaps we should readjust our political assumptions in the Trump era.”


politicalwire--2020-10-22--Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day

“ Can you imagine if I had had a secret Chinese bank account when I was running for re-election ?
@ @ @ @ @ while campaigning for Joe Biden in Pennsylvania .

“Can you imagine if I had had a secret Chinese bank account when I was running for re-election?”
— Barack Obama, while campaigning for Joe Biden in Pennsylvania.


politicalwire--2020-10-22--Biden Team Prepares for Potentially Bumpy Transition

“ Senior advisers to Joe Biden are preparing for the possibility that the Trump administration will throw up roadblocks to @ @ @ @ @ to the presidency if he wins the election , ” the Wall Street Journal reports @ @ @ @ @ ’ s transition team , a low-profile group of policy experts tasked with making sure @ @ @ @ @ ready to take office , has crafted alternative plans if President Trump—who has given mixed @ @ @ @ @ commit to a peaceful transfer of power—refuses to comply with requirements that a president-elect ’ @ @ @ @ @ federal agencies ahead of Inauguration Day .
The team is also planning for a scenario @ @ @ @ @ declines to share resources or provide briefings seen as crucial for a smooth transition of @ @ @

“Senior advisers to Joe Biden are preparing for the possibility that the Trump administration will throw up roadblocks to Mr. Biden’s transition to the presidency if he wins the election,” the Wall Street Journal reports.
“Mr. Biden’s transition team, a low-profile group of policy experts tasked with making sure the former vice president is ready to take office, has crafted alternative plans if President Trump—who has given mixed messages on whether he would commit to a peaceful transfer of power—refuses to comply with requirements that a president-elect’s team be allowed into federal agencies ahead of Inauguration Day. The team is also planning for a scenario in which the Trump administration declines to share resources or provide briefings seen as crucial for a smooth transition of power.”


politicalwire--2020-10-22--The Case Against Donald Trump

The Case Against Donald Trump

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


politicalwire--2020-10-22--Trump Averaging More Than 50 Lies Each Day

Washington Post : “ As President Trump entered the final stretch of the election season , he began making more @ @ @ @ @ claims a day .
It ’ s only gotten worse — so much so that @ @ @ @ @ not keep up.
” “ At his current pace , the president will surely exceed @ @ @ @ @ .
In fact , he probably crossed that threshold this week .
”

Washington Post: “As President Trump entered the final stretch of the election season, he began making more than 50 false or misleading claims a day. It’s only gotten worse — so much so that the Fact Checker team cannot keep up.”
“At his current pace, the president will surely exceed 25,000 claims before Election Day. In fact, he probably crossed that threshold this week.”


politicalwire--2020-10-22--Luntz Says Trump’s Campaign Is Worst He’s Seen

Prominent Republican pollster Frank Luntz blasted President Trump ’ s campaign the worst he ’ s ever seen and saying @ @ @ @ @ should be “ brought up on charges of political malpractice , ” The Hill reports @ @ @ @ @ It is the worst campaign I ’ ve ever seen and I ’ ve been @ @ @ @ @ They ’ re on the wrong issues .
They ’ re on the wrong message @ @ @ @ @ their heads up their assess… Your damn job is to get your candidate to talk @ @ @ @ @ to the people you need to reach .
And if you can ’ t do @ @ @ @ @ out .
”

Prominent Republican pollster Frank Luntz blasted President Trump’s campaign the worst he’s ever seen and saying the president’s advisers should be “brought up on charges of political malpractice,” The Hill reports.
Said Luntz: “It is the worst campaign I’ve ever seen and I’ve been watching them since 1980. They’re on the wrong issues. They’re on the wrong message. They’ve got their heads up their assess… Your damn job is to get your candidate to talk about things that are relevant to the people you need to reach. And if you can’t do your damn job then get out.”


politicalwire--2020-10-22--Trump’s Path Is Narrow and Difficult

Trump’s Path Is Narrow and Difficult

New York Times : “ Interviews with 21 Republican and Democratic strategists , many of whom have worked for other @ @ @ @ @ 30 years , suggest that Mr. Trump will need some 11th-hour disruptions in the race @ @ @ @ @ bad stumble by Mr. Biden in the debate on Thursday or on the trail ; @ @ @ @ @ that suppress the Democratic vote ; and a G.O.P .
ground game that turns out @ @ @ @ @ been counted by pollsters.
” “ And Mr. Trump will need to bring discipline to @ @ @ @ @ so far eluded him , the strategists say .
That will mean presenting a forceful @ @ @ @ @ is better able than Mr. Biden to rebuild the economy , while trying yet again @ @ @ @ @ himself and an opponent he has sought to portray as ideologically too far to the @ @ @ @ @ ” Associated Press : Trump ’ s best path to victory hinges on Florida and @ @

New York Times: “Interviews with 21 Republican and Democratic strategists, many of whom have worked for other presidential campaigns over the past 30 years, suggest that Mr. Trump will need some 11th-hour disruptions in the race. That might include a bad stumble by Mr. Biden in the debate on Thursday or on the trail; court rulings or Republican tactics that suppress the Democratic vote; and a G.O.P. ground game that turns out voters who may not have been counted by pollsters.”
“And Mr. Trump will need to bring discipline to the campaign trail that has so far eluded him, the strategists say. That will mean presenting a forceful and uncluttered appeal that he is better able than Mr. Biden to rebuild the economy, while trying yet again to draw a contrast between himself and an opponent he has sought to portray as ideologically too far to the left to run the nation.”
Associated Press: Trump’s best path to victory hinges on Florida and Pennsylvania.


politicalwire--2020-10-22--Justices Bar Curbside Voting In Alabama

Justices Bar Curbside Voting In Alabama

New York Times : “ The Supreme Court on Wednesday blocked a trial judge ’ s ruling that would have @ @ @ @ @ , counties in Alabama to offer curbside voting .
The vote was 5 to 3 @ @ @ @ @ s more conservative members in the majority .
The court ’ s brief , unsigned @ @ @ @ @ which is typical when it rules on emergency applications , and it said the order @ @ @ @ @ appeals moved forward .
”

New York Times: “The Supreme Court on Wednesday blocked a trial judge’s ruling that would have allowed, but not required, counties in Alabama to offer curbside voting. The vote was 5 to 3, with the court’s more conservative members in the majority. The court’s brief, unsigned order gave no reasons, which is typical when it rules on emergency applications, and it said the order would remain in effect while appeals moved forward.”


politicalwire--2020-10-22--Ex-Commerce Secretaries Back Biden

Ex-Commerce Secretaries Back Biden

A bipartisan group of six former secretaries of Commerce has endorsed Joe Biden for president , CNBC reports .
The @ @ @ @ @ who served under President George W. Bush ; Penny Pritzker and Gary Locke , who @ @ @ @ @ ; and Bill Daley , Norm Mineta and Mickey Kantor , all of whom served @ @ @ @ @

A bipartisan group of six former secretaries of Commerce has endorsed Joe Biden for president, CNBC reports.
The group includes Carlos Gutierrez, who served under President George W. Bush; Penny Pritzker and Gary Locke, who served under President Barack Obama; and Bill Daley, Norm Mineta and Mickey Kantor, all of whom served under President Bill Clinton.


politicalwire--2020-10-22--O’Brien Says Trump Will Respect Election Results

“ Robert O ’ Brien , President Trump ’ s national security adviser , said Wednesday that Trump would accept @ @ @ @ @ if he loses on Nov. 3 , ” Politico reports .
Said O ’ Brien @ @ @ @ @ the election , I ’ m certain the president will transfer power over , but @ @ @ @ @ make sure there ’ s no fraud in the election and we need to make @ @ @ @ @ free and fair election , just like we demand of other countries overseas , we @ @ @ @ @ of ourselves .
”

“Robert O’Brien, President Trump’s national security adviser, said Wednesday that Trump would accept the results of the election if he loses on Nov. 3,” Politico reports.
Said O’Brien: “If he loses the election, I’m certain the president will transfer power over, but we’ve got to make sure there’s no fraud in the election and we need to make sure it’s a free and fair election, just like we demand of other countries overseas, we need to make the demand of ourselves.”


politicalwire--2020-10-22--Grenell Secretly Pursued Venezuela Talks

“ Richard Grenell , a close Trump ally who has served numerous roles in the administration , quietly embarked on @ @ @ @ @ that was at least partly intended to persuade President Nicolás Maduro of Venezuela to give @ @ @ @ @ New York Times reports .
“ The trip , which was reported by Bloomberg News @ @ @ @ @ the State Department and even some White House officials off guard and created confusion about @ @ @ @

“Richard Grenell, a close Trump ally who has served numerous roles in the administration, quietly embarked on a pre-election mission last month that was at least partly intended to persuade President Nicolás Maduro of Venezuela to give up power,” the New York Times reports.
“The trip, which was reported by Bloomberg News on Wednesday night, caught the State Department and even some White House officials off guard and created confusion about its purpose.”


politicalwire--2020-10-22--News Media Helps Trump Avoid the Stench of Death

John Harris : “ As President Trump heads into his final sprint to Election Day , nearly every news report @ @ @ @ @ behind in the polls .
Journalists aren ’ t shying away from describing his wilder @ @ @ @ @ lies and falsehoods.
’ It ’ s not hard to find examples of anonymous ‘ @ @ @ @ @ is not following anyone ’ s advice but his own.
” “ But there ’ @ @ @ @ @ in the barrage of negative stories : By historical standards , Trump ’ s coverage @ @ @ @ @ one critical respect.
” “ It is giving generous allowance for the possibility that things @ @ @ @ @ as they seem for the incumbent , and that he may yet have another surprise @ @ @ @ @ thinks that conventional dynamics of politics apply to him .
”

John Harris: “As President Trump heads into his final sprint to Election Day, nearly every news report notes that he is running behind in the polls. Journalists aren’t shying away from describing his wilder rhetoric as ‘studded with lies and falsehoods.’ It’s not hard to find examples of anonymous ‘advisers’ lamenting that Trump is not following anyone’s advice but his own.”
“But there’s something easy to miss in the barrage of negative stories: By historical standards, Trump’s coverage is actually favorable, in one critical respect.”
“It is giving generous allowance for the possibility that things aren’t as bad as they seem for the incumbent, and that he may yet have another surprise in store for anyone who thinks that conventional dynamics of politics apply to him.”


politicalwire--2020-10-23--The Final Presidential Debate

The Final Presidential Debate

Donald Trump and Joe Biden will have their last chance to present competing arguments side by side , with Trump @ @ @ @ @ at a significant campaign cash disadvantage .
The candidates ’ microphones will be muted during @ @ @ @ @ limit the crosstalk that marred the first debate .
The debate starts at 9 p.m @ @ @ @ @ be broadcast on every network and streamed on C-SPAN .
Leave your reactions in the @ @ @ @ @ in The Cloakroom .

Donald Trump and Joe Biden will have their last chance to present competing arguments side by side, with Trump trailing in national polls and at a significant campaign cash disadvantage.
The candidates’ microphones will be muted during parts of the debate to limit the crosstalk that marred the first debate.
The debate starts at 9 p.m. ET. It will be broadcast on every network and streamed on C-SPAN.
Leave your reactions in the comments. Members can discuss in The Cloakroom.


politicalwire--2020-10-23--More Proof Trump Is Not a Media Mastermind

Dan Pfeiffer : “ One annoyingly persistent element of Trump era political analysis is pundits attributing strategic acumen to Donald @ @ @ @ @ despite all of the available evidence to the contrary.
” “ This tic reared its @ @ @ @ @ Trump decided to release the unedited footage of an interview with Lesley Stahl scheduled to @ @ @ @ @ Minutes .
A number of Democrats and media-types wondered ‘ what ’ s the secret @ @ @ @ @ that Trump was trying to pre-but the story .
Others suggested it was an attempt @ @ @ @ @ by attacking the media.
” “ None of that is correct .
There is no @ @ @ @ @ strategy .
Trump is not a marketing genius or a media mastermind .
He is @ @ @ @ @ sense of a temper tantrum-prone toddler .
The release of the 60 Minutes footage is @ @ @ @ @ fact .
”

Dan Pfeiffer: “One annoyingly persistent element of Trump era political analysis is pundits attributing strategic acumen to Donald Trump’s media strategy despite all of the available evidence to the contrary.”
“This tic reared its incorrect head once more when Trump decided to release the unedited footage of an interview with Lesley Stahl scheduled to air on Sunday during 60 Minutes. A number of Democrats and media-types wondered ‘what’s the secret plan?’ Some speculated that Trump was trying to pre-but the story. Others suggested it was an attempt to fire up his base by attacking the media.”
“None of that is correct. There is no plan. There is no strategy. Trump is not a marketing genius or a media mastermind. He is a moron with the strategic sense of a temper tantrum-prone toddler. The release of the 60 Minutes footage is just more evidence of that fact.”


politicalwire--2020-10-23--Trump Used Foreign Footage In Ad on America’s Comeback

Associated Press : “ Snowden , a former contractor with the U.S. National Security Agency , has been living in @ @ @ @ @ prosecution in the U.S. after leaking classified documents detailing…


politicalwire--2020-10-23--More Battleground State Polls

More Battleground State Polls


politicalwire--2020-10-22--GOP Candidate Puts Up Racist Website

GOP Candidate Puts Up Racist Website

A new attack website put up by the Madison Cawthorn ( R ) campaign in North Carolina includes an explicitly @ @ @ @ @ , Moe Davis ( D ) , for associating himself with people who want to @ @ @ @ @ ” The Bulwark reports .


politicalwire--2020-10-22--Democrats Plead for Biden to Spend More In Texas

Two of Joe Biden ’ s top allies in Texas — Beto O ’ Rourke and Julian Castro — pleaded @ @ @ @ @ attention to the state , venting frustration at his lack of investment despite vast resources @ @ @ @ @ closer than it ’ s been in decades to slipping from the GOP grip , @ @ @ @ @ .
Said O ’ Rourke : “ We need some help from the national ticket @ @ @ @ @ are doing their part .
”

Two of Joe Biden’s top allies in Texas — Beto O’Rourke and Julian Castro — pleaded Thursday for him to pay attention to the state, venting frustration at his lack of investment despite vast resources and signs that Texas is closer than it’s been in decades to slipping from the GOP grip, the Dallas Morning News reports.
Said O’Rourke: “We need some help from the national ticket. The voters in Texas are doing their part.”


politicalwire--2020-10-22--Biden Ready for Attacks on His Family at Debate

Joe Biden is ready for Donald Trump to unleash a torrent of attacks on Biden ’ s family Thursday night @ @ @ @ @ , CNBC reports .
Said deputy campaign manager Kate Bedingfield : “ We expect that @ @ @ @ @ Biden and his family .
Every time he does that , all he ’ s @ @ @ @ @ have said all along : He is acknowledging that he has no case for a @ @ @ @ @ : Inside the campaign to “ pizzagate ” Hunter Biden .

Joe Biden is ready for Donald Trump to unleash a torrent of attacks on Biden’s family Thursday night at the final presidential debate, CNBC reports.
Said deputy campaign manager Kate Bedingfield: “We expect that Trump will attack Vice President Biden and his family. Every time he does that, all he’s doing is reinforcing what we have said all along: He is acknowledging that he has no case for a second term.”
NBC News: Inside the campaign to “pizzagate” Hunter Biden.


politicalwire--2020-10-22--Early Vote Has Already Surpassed 2016

Early Vote Has Already Surpassed 2016


politicalwire--2020-10-22--Senate GOP Moves Another ‘Not Qualified’ Court Pick


politicalwire--2020-10-22--Edward Snowden Granted Residency In Russia

Associated Press : “ Snowden , a former contractor with the U.S. National Security Agency , has been living in @ @ @ @ @ prosecution in the U.S. after leaking classified documents detailing government surveillance programs .
”


politicalwire--2020-10-22--Kushner Floating Trump-Branded Media Company

“ Jared Kushner has been talking up the idea of starting a Donald Trump-themed news outlet or some other media @ @ @ @ @ as after the election , ” Business Insider reports .
“ Kushner has floated the @ @ @ @ @ types throughout the year… But the increased chatter about the rise of another conservative media @ @ @ @ @ the Trump name , has kicked up even more over the last few weeks as @ @ @ @ @ chances continue to sink.
” Said one Republican : “ There ’ s no doubt @ @ @ @ @ ’ s future is in building a media empire of some kind .
He believes @ @ @ @ @ controlling the policy , controlling the people .
”

“Jared Kushner has been talking up the idea of starting a Donald Trump-themed news outlet or some other media company, possibly as soon as after the election,” Business Insider reports.
“Kushner has floated the idea to Republicans and media types throughout the year… But the increased chatter about the rise of another conservative media outlet, possibly branded under the Trump name, has kicked up even more over the last few weeks as the president’s re-election chances continue to sink.”
Said one Republican: “There’s no doubt in my mind that Jared’s future is in building a media empire of some kind. He believes that controlling the media means controlling the policy, controlling the people.”


politicalwire--2020-10-22--Bernie Sanders Wants to Be Labor Secretary

Sen. Bernie Sanders is hoping to be a part of Joe Biden ’ s potential administration and has expressed a @ @ @ @ @ secretary , Politico reports .
Said one person close to Sanders : “ I can @ @ @ @ @ to figure out how to land that role or something like it .
He , @ @ @ @ @ interest in it.
” Sanders himself refused to confirm or deny the report : “ @ @ @ @ @ on seeing that Biden is elected president .
That ’ s what my main focus @ @ @

Sen. Bernie Sanders is hoping to be a part of Joe Biden’s potential administration and has expressed a particular interest in becoming Labor secretary, Politico reports.
Said one person close to Sanders: “I can confirm he’s trying to figure out how to land that role or something like it. He, personally, does have an interest in it.”
Sanders himself refused to confirm or deny the report: “Right now I am focused on seeing that Biden is elected president. That’s what my main focus is.”


politicalwire--2020-10-22--Trump Campaign Surveilling Philadelphia Voters

“ The Trump campaign has been videotaping Philadelphia voters while they deposit their ballots in drop boxes , leading Pennsylvania @ @ @ @ @ warn this week that the campaign ’ s actions fall outside of permitted poll watching @ @ @ @ @ illegal voter intimidation , ” the New York Times reports .


politicalwire--2020-10-22--Man Arrested with Plan to Kill Joe Biden


politicalwire--2020-10-22--Trump Bringing Surprise Guest for Debate

Edward-Isaac Dovere : “ Trump aides have been telling people that the big surprise in store for tonight ’ s @ @ @ @ @ bringing Tony Bobulinski , the former Hunter Biden business associate , as a guest tonight.
@ @ @ @ @ hoping to spring this on Biden , the way he brought Bill Clinton accusers in @ @ @

Edward-Isaac Dovere: “Trump aides have been telling people that the big surprise in store for tonight’s debate is he’s bringing Tony Bobulinski, the former Hunter Biden business associate, as a guest tonight.”
“They’re hoping to spring this on Biden, the way he brought Bill Clinton accusers in 2016.”


politicalwire--2020-10-22--Russia Hacked Into State and Local Networks

New York Times : “ While senior Trump administration officials said this week that Iran has been actively interfering in @ @ @ @ @ intelligence officials said they remained far more concerned about Russia , which has in recent @ @ @ @ @ local computer networks in breaches that could allow Moscow broader access to American voting infrastructure.
@ @ @ @ @ the hacks came as American intelligence agencies , infiltrating Russian networks themselves , have pieced @ @ @ @ @ believe are Russia ’ s plans to interfere in the presidential race in its final @ @ @ @ @ election on Nov. 3 .
”

New York Times: “While senior Trump administration officials said this week that Iran has been actively interfering in the presidential election, many intelligence officials said they remained far more concerned about Russia, which has in recent days hacked into state and local computer networks in breaches that could allow Moscow broader access to American voting infrastructure.”
“The discovery of the hacks came as American intelligence agencies, infiltrating Russian networks themselves, have pieced together details of what they believe are Russia’s plans to interfere in the presidential race in its final days or immediately after the election on Nov. 3.”


politicalwire--2020-10-22--Trump Pushes to Declassify Document on Russia

“ President Trump and his intelligence chief have pushed for quick declassification of a document disputing the 2017 intelligence community @ @ @ @ @ help Trump get elected in 2016 , ” Reuters reports .
“ But their effort @ @ @ @ @ the intelligence agencies… One reason for their opposition is the proximity of the Nov. 3 @ @ @

“President Trump and his intelligence chief have pushed for quick declassification of a document disputing the 2017 intelligence community finding that Russia acted to help Trump get elected in 2016,” Reuters reports.
“But their effort faces strong objections from inside the intelligence agencies… One reason for their opposition is the proximity of the Nov. 3 election.”


politicalwire--2020-10-22--Turnout Projected at 154 Million

Turnout Projected at 154 Million

Nate Silver : “ Based on an update we ’ ll be releasing later today , we ’ re now @ @ @ @ @ presidential race to be 154 million , with an 80th percentile range between 144 million @ @ @ @ @ 2016 , turnout was 137 million , by comparison .
”

“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--2020-10-22--Trump’s Cash Crunch Limits His Options

Trump’s Cash Crunch Limits His Options

New York Times : “ President Trump ’ s campaign has far less money than advisers had once anticipated for @ @ @ @ @ presidential election , as rosy revenue projections failed to materialize , leaving aides scrambling to @ @ @ @ @ against Joe Biden at the race ’ s most crucial juncture.
” “ To close @ @ @ @ @ Trump has slashed millions of dollars in previously reserved television ads and detoured from the @ @ @ @ @ the election for a stop in California last weekend to refill his campaign coffers .
@ @ @ @ @ jump-start his online fund-raising with increasingly aggressive tactics , sending out as many as 14 @ @ @ @ @ .
”

New York Times: “President Trump’s campaign has far less money than advisers had once anticipated for the final stretch of the presidential election, as rosy revenue projections failed to materialize, leaving aides scrambling to address a severe financial disadvantage against Joe Biden at the race’s most crucial juncture.”
“To close the budgetary shortfall, Mr. Trump has slashed millions of dollars in previously reserved television ads and detoured from the battleground states that will decide the election for a stop in California last weekend to refill his campaign coffers. He has also tried to jump-start his online fund-raising with increasingly aggressive tactics, sending out as many as 14 email solicitations in a day.”


politicalwire--2020-10-22--Trump Apparently Re-Used His Password

Trump Apparently Re-Used His Password


politicalwire--2020-10-23--Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day

“ 220,000 Americans dead .
If you hear nothing else I say tonight , hear this : Anyone who ’ @ @ @ @ @ deaths should not remain as president of the United States of America.
” — Joe @ @ @ @ @ , at last night ’ s presidential debate .

“220,000 Americans dead. If you hear nothing else I say tonight, hear this: Anyone who’s responsible for that many deaths should not remain as president of the United States of America.”
— Joe Biden, quoted by Axios, at last night’s presidential debate.


politicalwire--2020-10-23--Biden Agreed He Would ‘Close Down’ Oil Industry

Washington Post : “ Biden ’ s ‘ Yes ’ answer to closing down the oil industry was potentially serious @ @ @ @ @ to clarify his remarks to reporters later at the airport .
He said he would @ @ @ @ @ oil industry , rather than close it down entirely.
” Said Biden : “ We @ @ @ @ @ get rid of fossil fuels .
We ’ re going to get rid of subsidies @ @ @ @ @ The above statement might still be used as an attack by Trump , who could @ @ @ @ @ is open to finding ways to shutter one of the most powerful industries in America @ @ @ @ @ t have to try to work with just Biden ’ s second statement ; Biden @ @ @ @ @ when asked if he would close the oil industry , even if he tried to @ @ @ @ @ that none of his changes would happen right away .
”

Washington Post: “Biden’s ‘Yes’ answer to closing down the oil industry was potentially serious enough for him to try to clarify his remarks to reporters later at the airport. He said he would stop giving money to the oil industry, rather than close it down entirely.”
Said Biden: “We’re not going to get rid of fossil fuels. We’re going to get rid of subsidies for fossil fuels.”
“The above statement might still be used as an attack by Trump, who could distort it to claim Biden is open to finding ways to shutter one of the most powerful industries in America. But Trump doesn’t have to try to work with just Biden’s second statement; Biden initially answered in the affirmative when asked if he would close the oil industry, even if he tried to clarify it later and stress that none of his changes would happen right away.”


politicalwire--2020-10-23--Coronavirus Cases Hit New U.S. High

Coronavirus Cases Hit New U.S. High

Washington Post : “ Biden ’ s ‘ Yes ’ answer to closing down the oil industry was potentially serious @ @ @ @ @ to clarify his remarks to reporters later at the airport .
He…


politicalwire--2020-10-23--McConnell Mostly Mum About His Bruised Hands

“ Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell ’ s hands have become the unlikely subject of wild speculation on social media @ @ @ @ @ badly bruised they look this week , but Kentucky ’ s longtime senator isn ’ @ @ @ @ @ , ” the Louisville Courier-Journal reports .
“ People theorized online that the reason for @ @ @ @ @ that he has COVID-19 , is taking blood thinners or has some other health issue @ @ @ @ @ fact-checking website , even put out a post confirming the photograph of the senator ’ @ @ @ @ @ ”

“Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s hands have become the unlikely subject of wild speculation on social media as people obsess over how badly bruised they look this week, but Kentucky’s longtime senator isn’t saying much about it,” the Louisville Courier-Journal reports.
“People theorized online that the reason for the apparent bruises could be that he has COVID-19, is taking blood thinners or has some other health issue. Snopes, the well-known fact-checking website, even put out a post confirming the photograph of the senator’s hands is real.”


politicalwire--2020-10-23--Trump’s Vaccine Czar Refuses to Give Up Stock

“ The former pharmaceutical executive tapped by President Donald Trump to lead the administration ’ s race to a COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ up investments that stand to benefit from his work — at least during his lifetime @ @ @ @ @ “ The executive , Moncef Slaoui , is the top scientist on Operation Warp Speed @ @ @ @ @ effort to develop a coronavirus vaccine in record time .
Federal law requires government officials @ @ @ @ @ and divest any holdings relating to their work , but Slaoui said he wouldn ’ @ @ @ @ @ those conditions .
So the administration said it ’ s treating him as a contractor @ @ @ @ @ bound by the same ethics rules but also aren ’ t supposed to wield as @ @ @ @ @ .
”

“The former pharmaceutical executive tapped by President Donald Trump to lead the administration’s race to a COVID-19 vaccine is refusing to give up investments that stand to benefit from his work — at least during his lifetime,” ProPublica reports.
“The executive, Moncef Slaoui, is the top scientist on Operation Warp Speed, the administration’s effort to develop a coronavirus vaccine in record time. Federal law requires government officials to disclose their personal finances and divest any holdings relating to their work, but Slaoui said he wouldn’t take the job under those conditions. So the administration said it’s treating him as a contractor. Contractors aren’t bound by the same ethics rules but also aren’t supposed to wield as much authority as full employees.”


politicalwire--2020-10-23--Biden Holds Big Cash Advantage

Biden Holds Big Cash Advantage


politicalwire--2020-10-23--Democrats Have Massive Lead In Early Vote

“ Democrats have opened up a yawning gap in early voting over Republicans in six of the most crucial battleground @ @ @ @ @ begins to tell the story of their advantage heading into Election Day , ” Politico @ @ @ @ @ more worrisome sign for Republicans , Democrats are also turning out more low-frequency and newly @ @ @ @ @ , according to internal data shared with Politico by Hawkfish , a new Democratic research @ @ @ @ @ by Republicans and independent experts.
” “ The turnout data does not mean Donald Trump @ @ @ @ @ .
Both sides are bracing for a close race and a giant wave of Republicans @ @ @ @ @ Nov. 3 .
Yet the turnout disparity with new and less-reliable voters has forced Republican @ @ @ @ @ .
”

“Democrats have opened up a yawning gap in early voting over Republicans in six of the most crucial battleground states — but that only begins to tell the story of their advantage heading into Election Day,” Politico reports.
“In a more worrisome sign for Republicans, Democrats are also turning out more low-frequency and newly registered voters than the GOP, according to internal data shared with Politico by Hawkfish, a new Democratic research firm, which was reviewed by Republicans and independent experts.”
“The turnout data does not mean Donald Trump will lose to Joe Biden. Both sides are bracing for a close race and a giant wave of Republicans to vote in person on Nov. 3. Yet the turnout disparity with new and less-reliable voters has forced Republican political operatives to take notice.”


politicalwire--2020-10-23--Trump Moves to Strip Civil Service Protections

“ President Trump this week fired his biggest broadside yet against the federal bureaucracy by issuing an executive order that @ @ @ @ @ an estimated tens of thousands of civil servants and dramatically remake the government , ” @ @ @ @ @ “ The directive , issued late Wednesday , strips long-held civil service protections from employees @ @ @ @ @ allowing them to be dismissed with little cause or recourse , much like the political @ @ @ @ @ with each administration .
”

“President Trump this week fired his biggest broadside yet against the federal bureaucracy by issuing an executive order that would remove job security from an estimated tens of thousands of civil servants and dramatically remake the government,” the Washington Post reports.
“The directive, issued late Wednesday, strips long-held civil service protections from employees whose work involves policymaking, allowing them to be dismissed with little cause or recourse, much like the political appointees who come and go with each administration.”


politicalwire--2020-10-23--Instant Polls Find Biden Won Final Debate


politicalwire--2020-10-23--Bonus Quote of the Day

Bonus Quote of the Day

“ For a fact checker , you ’ re kind of sitting there with Biden .
Occasionally you ’ re @ @ @ @ @ wrong .
With Trump you ’ re like the ‘ I Love Lucy ’ episode @ @ @ @ @ You don ’ t know which one to pick up because there ’ s just @ @ @ @

“For a fact checker, you’re kind of sitting there with Biden. Occasionally you’re like oh that’s wrong. With Trump you’re like the ‘I Love Lucy’ episode in the chocolate factory. You don’t know which one to pick up because there’s just so much.”
— Debate fact checker Daniel Dale, on CNN.