politicalwire--2020-06-17--White House Reopens Discussion of Renaming Bases

“ White House officials are revisiting the idea of renaming U.S. military bases that are named after Confederate generals , @ @ @ @ @ previously rejected , ” NBC News reports .
“ Conversations among White House officials in @ @ @ @ @ bases have been spurred by a growing recognition in the West Wing that the names @ @ @ @ @ be changed — with or without Trump ’ s backing — given widespread support for @ @ @ @ @ it has gained in Congress even among lawmakers from the president ’ s own party @ @

“White House officials are revisiting the idea of renaming U.S. military bases that are named after Confederate generals, a move President Trump had previously rejected,” NBC News reports.
“Conversations among White House officials in recent days about renaming the bases have been spurred by a growing recognition in the West Wing that the names of the bases will eventually be changed — with or without Trump’s backing — given widespread support for the idea and the momentum it has gained in Congress even among lawmakers from the president’s own party.”


politicalwire--2020-06-18--Biden Is Clear Leader In Presidential Race

FiveThirtyEight launched its polling averages for the 2020 presidential race : “ Biden currently leads Trump 50.5 % to 41.3 @ @ @ @ @ according to our average — a 9.2-point lead.
” “ Biden also leads Trump in @ @ @ @ @ , Wisconsin and Arizona — although his lead in many swing states are not as @ @ @ @ @ national polls , suggesting that the Electoral College could once again favor Trump in the @ @ @ @ @ ” “ Overall — assuming that states that haven ’ t been polled go the @ @ @ @ @ in 2016 — Biden leads in states worth 368 electoral votes , while Trump leads @ @ @ @ @ votes .
”

FiveThirtyEight launched its polling averages for the 2020 presidential race: “Biden currently leads Trump 50.5% to 41.3% in national polls, according to our average — a 9.2-point lead.”
“Biden also leads Trump in swing states such as Michigan, Wisconsin and Arizona — although his lead in many swing states are not as wide as his margin in national polls, suggesting that the Electoral College could once again favor Trump in the event of a close election.”
“Overall — assuming that states that haven’t been polled go the same way as they did in 2016 — Biden leads in states worth 368 electoral votes, while Trump leads in states totalling 170 electoral votes.”


politicalwire--2020-06-18--Biden Begins First General Election TV Ad Blitz

“ Joe Biden is making his first television ad buy of the general election , a $ 15 million television @ @ @ @ @ print advertising blitz starting Friday for five weeks across six fall battlegrounds — all states @ @ @ @ @ 2016 , ” the New York Times reports .
“ Despite the Trump campaign ’ @ @ @ @ @ could expand the Electoral College map from 2016 , the president has so far advertised @ @ @ @ @ where Mr. Biden is going up with ads , along with Iowa and Ohio , @ @ @ @ @ won more comfortably in 2016 and that were not initially expected to be crucial 2020 @ @ @ @

“Joe Biden is making his first television ad buy of the general election, a $15 million television, digital, radio and print advertising blitz starting Friday for five weeks across six fall battlegrounds — all states that President Trump carried in 2016,” the New York Times reports.
“Despite the Trump campaign’s early hopes that it could expand the Electoral College map from 2016, the president has so far advertised in the same six states where Mr. Biden is going up with ads, along with Iowa and Ohio, two states that Mr. Trump won more comfortably in 2016 and that were not initially expected to be crucial 2020 swing states.”


politicalwire--2020-06-18--China Is Collecting DNA From Millions of Men

“ The police in China are collecting blood samples from men and boys from across the country to build a @ @ @ @ @ 700 million males , giving the authorities a powerful new tool for their emerging high-tech @ @ @ @ @ New York Times reports .
“ They have swept across the country since late 2017 @ @ @ @ @ build a vast DNA database… With this database , the authorities would be able to @ @ @ @ @ s male relatives using only that man ’ s blood , saliva or other genetic @ @ @

“The police in China are collecting blood samples from men and boys from across the country to build a genetic map of its roughly 700 million males, giving the authorities a powerful new tool for their emerging high-tech surveillance state,” the New York Times reports.
“They have swept across the country since late 2017 to collect enough samples to build a vast DNA database… With this database, the authorities would be able to track down a man’s male relatives using only that man’s blood, saliva or other genetic material.”


politicalwire--2020-06-18--Far-Right Movement Emerges as Violent Threat

Washington Post : “ At a time when President Trump and other top U.S. officials have claimed — with little @ @ @ @ @ were fomenting violence , federal prosecutors have charged various supporters of a right-wing movement called @ @ @ @ @ ’ with crimes related to plotting to firebomb a U.S. Forest Service facility , preparing @ @ @ @ @ peaceful demonstration and killing a security officer at a federal courthouse .
”

Washington Post: “At a time when President Trump and other top U.S. officials have claimed — with little evidence — that leftist groups were fomenting violence, federal prosecutors have charged various supporters of a right-wing movement called the ‘boogaloo bois,’ with crimes related to plotting to firebomb a U.S. Forest Service facility, preparing to use explosives at a peaceful demonstration and killing a security officer at a federal courthouse.”


politicalwire--2020-06-18--Democrats Weigh Blocking GOP Police Reform

Politico : “ Senate Democrats are agonizing over what to do about Senate Republicans ’ police reform proposal .
They @ @ @ @ @ legislation next week and face charges of obstruction amid a national reckoning on race — @ @ @ @ @ they say needs massive changes in order to meet the moment .
The dilemma was @ @ @ @ @ Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell ( R-KY ) abruptly rejiggered the Senate schedule to bring @ @ @ @ @ ( R-SC ) legislation to the floor.
” “ Democrats have little intention of allowing @ @ @ @ @ is , but the caucus is divided over the best path ahead .
”

Politico: “Senate Democrats are agonizing over what to do about Senate Republicans’ police reform proposal. They can either shoot down the legislation next week and face charges of obstruction amid a national reckoning on race — or advance a bill that they say needs massive changes in order to meet the moment. The dilemma was hoisted on them Wednesday after Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) abruptly rejiggered the Senate schedule to bring Sen. Tim Scott’s (R-SC) legislation to the floor.”
“Democrats have little intention of allowing the bill to pass as is, but the caucus is divided over the best path ahead.”


politicalwire--2020-06-18--Federal Prosecutors Mull Charging John Bolton

Los Angeles Times : “ Federal prosecutors are weighing whether to criminally charge John Bolton with disclosing classified information in @ @ @ @ @ , and the Justice Department is expected in coming days to ramp up its legal @ @ @ @ @ a book that is being billed as a scathing rebuke of President Trump .
”

Los Angeles Times: “Federal prosecutors are weighing whether to criminally charge John Bolton with disclosing classified information in his upcoming White House memoir, and the Justice Department is expected in coming days to ramp up its legal campaign to block publication of a book that is being billed as a scathing rebuke of President Trump.”


politicalwire--2020-06-18--Bolton Says Trump ‘Not Fit for Office’

Bolton Says Trump ‘Not Fit for Office’

Former national security adviser John Bolton told ABC News that President Donald Trump is not “ fit for office ” @ @ @ @ @ “ the competence to carry out the job.
” Axios : “ John Bolton ’ @ @ @ @ @ 17 months in the White House portrays President Trump as an easy mark for dictators @ @ @ @ @ easily he falls for flattery.
” “ There has never been — and may never @ @ @ @ @ this .
Trump ’ s national security adviser took hyper-detailed , real-time notes , and @ @ @ @ @ world just nine months after leaving .
”

Former national security adviser John Bolton told ABC News that President Donald Trump is not “fit for office” and doesn’t have “the competence to carry out the job.”
Axios: “John Bolton’s brutal memoir about his 17 months in the White House portrays President Trump as an easy mark for dictators and others who know how easily he falls for flattery.”
“There has never been — and may never be — another book like this. Trump’s national security adviser took hyper-detailed, real-time notes, and is sharing them with the world just nine months after leaving.”


politicalwire--2020-06-18--Cuomo to End His Daily Briefings

Cuomo to End His Daily Briefings

“ New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo will hold his final daily coronavirus briefing on Friday , ending a streak @ @ @ @ @ press events that captivated a country struggling to make sense of the pandemic enveloping their @ @ @ @ @ .
“ The state , once the outbreak ’ s epicenter , has finished its @ @ @ @ @ mountain , said Cuomo , and so he will now hold briefings on an as-needed @ @ @

“New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo will hold his final daily coronavirus briefing on Friday, ending a streak of more than 100 live press events that captivated a country struggling to make sense of the pandemic enveloping their communities,” Politico reports.
“The state, once the outbreak’s epicenter, has finished its descent from the metaphorical coronavirus mountain, said Cuomo, and so he will now hold briefings on an as-needed basis.”


politicalwire--2020-06-18--Bonus Quote of the Day

Bonus Quote of the Day

“ He is a liar .
Everybody in the White House hated John Bolton.
” — President Trump , quoted @ @ @ @ @ , responding to John Bolton ’ s description that “ obstruction of justice as a @ @ @ @ @ the Trump White House .

“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--2020-06-18--DeSantis Offers Election Day Help

DeSantis Offers Election Day Help

“ Florida Gov .
Ron DeSantis ( R ) took steps to help localities prepare for what could be high @ @ @ @ @ but stopped short of extending early voting or letting counties consolidate polling places in the @ @ @ @ @ Trump ’ s disparagement of mailed ballots could be resonating with Republican voters , ” @ @ @ @ @ called on schools to close during the August primary and November general election to make @ @ @ @ @ record voter turnout .
He also issued an executive order that makes it easier for @ @ @ @ @ the polls on Election Day .
”

“Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) took steps to help localities prepare for what could be high voter turnout this year, but stopped short of extending early voting or letting counties consolidate polling places in the battleground amid signs that President Trump’s disparagement of mailed ballots could be resonating with Republican voters,” Politico reports.
“DeSantis called on schools to close during the August primary and November general election to make room for what might be record voter turnout. He also issued an executive order that makes it easier for state employees to work at the polls on Election Day.”


politicalwire--2020-06-19--Trump Now Wants Four Debates with Biden

Trump Now Wants Four Debates with Biden

New York Times : “ Top aides to President Trump tried on Thursday to negotiate with the commission overseeing presidential @ @ @ @ @ of times that Mr. Trump and Joe Biden face off in the fall.
” “ @ @ @ @ @ four debates , one more than is typically held in the general election , and @ @ @ @ @ earlier because there may be an increase in early voting as people struggle with fears @ @ @ @ @ places , according to a person briefed on the meeting .
Traditionally , the first @ @ @ @ @ , after the nominating conventions .
Mr. Trump ’ s advisers want them to begin @ @ @ @ @ Washington Post : “ The Trump campaign sees more debates as a way to potentially @ @ @ @ @ numbers have to go down for Trump to win , according to campaign advisers .
@

New York Times: “Top aides to President Trump tried on Thursday to negotiate with the commission overseeing presidential debates to increase the number of times that Mr. Trump and Joe Biden face off in the fall.”
“The Trump camp pushed for four debates, one more than is typically held in the general election, and argued that they should start earlier because there may be an increase in early voting as people struggle with fears of the coronavirus in crowded places, according to a person briefed on the meeting. Traditionally, the first debate is held in September, after the nominating conventions. Mr. Trump’s advisers want them to begin soon after Labor Day.”
Washington Post: “The Trump campaign sees more debates as a way to potentially damage Biden, whose favorability numbers have to go down for Trump to win, according to campaign advisers.”


politicalwire--2020-06-19--Biden Opens Big Lead Nationally

Biden Opens Big Lead Nationally

A Fox News poll shows Joe Biden leading Donald Trump in the presidential race by 12 points nationally , 50 @ @ @ @ @ Key finding : “ Biden supporters are far more likely to say fear that Trump @ @ @ @ @ vote choice ( 63 percent ) than to say it is enthusiasm for Biden ( @ @ @ @ @ opposite is true among those backing Trump , as almost twice as many of his @ @ @ @ @ motivation ( 62 percent ) rather than fear Biden could win ( 33 percent ) @ @ @ @ @ a big factor when it comes to turnout , and that could help Biden .
@

A Fox News poll shows Joe Biden leading Donald Trump in the presidential race by 12 points nationally, 50% to 38%.
Key finding: “Biden supporters are far more likely to say fear that Trump might win is behind their vote choice (63 percent) than to say it is enthusiasm for Biden (31 percent). The opposite is true among those backing Trump, as almost twice as many of his supporters say enthusiasm is the motivation (62 percent) rather than fear Biden could win (33 percent).”
“Fear is a big factor when it comes to turnout, and that could help Biden.”


politicalwire--2020-06-18--Big Majority Says Country on Wrong Track

A new AP-NORC poll finds just 24 % of Americans say the country is headed in the right direction , @ @ @ @ @ month ago and 42 % in March .
“ Trump ’ s overall approval rating @ @ @ @ @ upheaval sits at 39 % .
Though that ’ s down slightly from the 43 @ @ @ @ @ job performance in February and March , it ’ s well within the narrow range @ @ @ @ @ throughout his time in office .
That suggests that the president ’ s most enthusiastic @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic and other crises .
”

A new AP-NORC poll finds just 24% of Americans say the country is headed in the right direction, down from 33% a month ago and 42% in March.
“Trump’s overall approval rating during this moment of tremendous upheaval sits at 39%. Though that’s down slightly from the 43% who approved of his job performance in February and March, it’s well within the narrow range where his ratings have stayed throughout his time in office. That suggests that the president’s most enthusiastic supporters have remained loyal throughout the pandemic and other crises.”


politicalwire--2020-06-18--Governor Threatens Cities If They Mandate Masks

Nebraska Gov .
Pete Ricketts ( R ) threatened to withhold $ 100 million in federal funds from the state @ @ @ @ @ they follow widely accepted public health guidelines — that is , they require residents to @ @ @ @ @ World Herald reports .


politicalwire--2020-06-18--Top State Department Official Resigns In Protest

“ A senior State Department official who has served in the Trump administration since its first day is resigning over @ @ @ @ @ handling of racial tensions across the country — saying that the president ’ s actions @ @ @ @ @ core values and convictions , ' ” the Washington Post reports .
“ Mary Elizabeth @ @ @ @ @ of state for legislative affairs , submitted her resignation on Thursday .
Taylor ’ s @ @ @ @ @ as an indictment of Trump ’ s stewardship at a time of national unrest from @ @ @ @ @ s highest ranking African Americans and an aide who was viewed as both loyal and @ @ @ @ @ .
”

“A senior State Department official who has served in the Trump administration since its first day is resigning over President Trump’s recent handling of racial tensions across the country — saying that the president’s actions ‘cut sharply against my core values and convictions,'” the Washington Post reports.
“Mary Elizabeth Taylor, the assistant secretary of state for legislative affairs, submitted her resignation on Thursday. Taylor’s five-paragraph resignation letter, serves as an indictment of Trump’s stewardship at a time of national unrest from one of the administration’s highest ranking African Americans and an aide who was viewed as both loyal and effective in serving his presidency.”


Trump’s 50% Challenge

Amy Walter : “ Even when times were better for Trump , polling suggests he has failed to make much @ @ @ @ @ from his 2016 performance in key battleground states .
This is especially relevant given that @ @ @ @ @ Arizona , Florida , Michigan , North Carolina , Pennsylvania and Wisconsin — with less @ @ @ @ @ vote .
Without a significant third-party candidate or candidates on the ballot this year , @ @ @ @ @ vote will not be good enough to win a state .
Biden doesn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ these states to win .
He just needs a combination of three of them to @ @ @ @ @ the combinations on the interactive electoral map .

Amy Walter: “Even when times were better for Trump, polling suggests he has failed to make much — if any — improvement from his 2016 performance in key battleground states. This is especially relevant given that Trump won six states — Arizona, Florida, Michigan, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin — with less than 50 percent of the vote. Without a significant third-party candidate or candidates on the ballot this year, getting a plurality of the vote will not be good enough to win a state. Biden doesn’t need to win all of these states to win. He just needs a combination of three of them to get to 270.”
Test the combinations on the interactive electoral map.


politicalwire--2020-06-18--Unredacted Book Shows What Trump Was Trying to Hide

Gabriel Sherman : “ John Bolton ’ s account that Donald Trump asked Chinese President Xi Jinping last June to buy more American farm products to help Trump ’ s reelection is so explosive that White House officials prevented Bolton from directly quoting Trump in Bolton ’ s new tell-all memoir .
‘ I would print Trump ’ s exact words but the government ’ s prepublication review process has decided otherwise , ’ Bolton writes in The Room Where it Happened.
” “ Vanity Fair has seen unredacted pages from the book and it ’ s clear why the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s words secret : they are deeply embarrassing and illustrate Trump ’ s naked politicization of America ’ s foreign policy.
” “ According to an unredacted passage shown to Vanity Fair by a source , Trump ’ s ask is even more crudely shocking when you read Trump ’ s specific language .
‘ Make sure I win , ’ Trump allegedly told Xi during a dinner at the G20 conference in Osaka , Japan last summer .
‘ I will probably win anyway , so don ’ t hurt my farms.… @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and make sure we win . '
”

Gabriel Sherman: “John Bolton’s account that Donald Trump asked Chinese President Xi Jinping last June to buy more American farm products to help Trump’s reelection is so explosive that White House officials prevented Bolton from directly quoting Trump in Bolton’s new tell-all memoir. ‘I would print Trump’s exact words but the government’s prepublication review process has decided otherwise,’ Bolton writes in The Room Where it Happened.”
“Vanity Fair has seen unredacted pages from the book and it’s clear why the White House tried to keep Trump’s words secret: they are deeply embarrassing and illustrate Trump’s naked politicization of America’s foreign policy.”
“According to an unredacted passage shown to Vanity Fair by a source, Trump’s ask is even more crudely shocking when you read Trump’s specific language. ‘Make sure I win,’ Trump allegedly told Xi during a dinner at the G20 conference in Osaka, Japan last summer. ‘I will probably win anyway, so don’t hurt my farms.… Buy a lot of soybeans and wheat and make sure we win.'”


politicalwire--2020-06-18--Trump Closes In on 200 Judges

Trump Closes In on 200 Judges

NBC News : “ Justin Walker epitomizes the conservative judicial project .
He became a federal judge at 37 with @ @ @ @ @ right-wing credentials .
Eight months later , he has been promoted to the powerful U.S. @ @ @ @ @ D.C .
Circuit , a frequent feeder to the Supreme Court.
” “ Walker ’ @ @ @ @ @ Senate vote of 51 to 42 puts President Donald Trump one shy of his 200th @ @ @ @ @ teed up for next week .
It ’ s a number not achieved by any @ @ @ @ @ four decades .
”

NBC News: “Justin Walker epitomizes the conservative judicial project. He became a federal judge at 37 with no trial experience and sterling right-wing credentials. Eight months later, he has been promoted to the powerful U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, a frequent feeder to the Supreme Court.”
“Walker’s confirmation Thursday by a Senate vote of 51 to 42 puts President Donald Trump one shy of his 200th judicial confirmation, which is teed up for next week. It’s a number not achieved by any president at this stage in four decades.”


politicalwire--2020-06-18--Blunt Blocks Bill to Remove Confederate Statues

Sen. Roy Blunt ( R-MO ) blocked the Senate from passing a bill to remove Confederate statues from the Capitol @ @ @ @ @


politicalwire--2020-06-18--Trump’s Rally Is a ‘Terrible Idea’

Trump’s Rally Is a ‘Terrible Idea’

“ As a physician , my oath is to do no harm , and to sit silently on this matter @ @ @ @ @ raised in a conservative , pro-life , Southern Baptist household and continue to have these @ @ @ @ @ family.
” “ It ’ s not about President Trump .
For me , it @ @ @ @ @ the rally is for a Republican , Democrat or Queen Elizabeth herself .
It ’ @ @ @ @ @ ”

Dr. Samantha Whiteside, a Tulsa emergency physician, writing in Tulsa World:
“As a physician, my oath is to do no harm, and to sit silently on this matter feels wrong. I was raised in a conservative, pro-life, Southern Baptist household and continue to have these values today with my own family.”
“It’s not about President Trump. For me, it doesn’t matter if the rally is for a Republican, Democrat or Queen Elizabeth herself. It’s a terrible idea.”


politicalwire--2020-06-18--The Case for Val Demings

The Case for Val Demings

This piece is only available to Political Wire members .
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Join today for @ @ @ @ @ and get exclusive analysis , new features and no advertising .
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She Will Rise

Out later this month : She Will Rise : Becoming a Warrior in the Battle for True Equality by former @ @ @ @ @ Former Congresswoman Katie Hill shares her experience with misogyny and double standards in politics to @ @ @ @ @ power structures that prevent them from achieving equality .
”

Out later this month: She Will Rise: Becoming a Warrior in the Battle for True Equality by former Rep. Katie Hill.
“Former Congresswoman Katie Hill shares her experience with misogyny and double standards in politics to help women topple the longstanding power structures that prevent them from achieving equality.”


politicalwire--2020-06-18--Facebook Pulls Trump Ads for Violating ‘Hate’ Policy

“ Facebook said it had take action against ads run by President Trump ’ s re-election campaign for breaching its @ @ @ @ @ CNN reports .
“ The ads , which attacked what the Trump campaign described as @ @ @ @ @ groups , ’ featured an upside-down triangle.
” The Anti-Defamation League said the triangle “ @ @ @ @ @ used by the Nazi regime to classify political prisoners in concentration camps .
”

“Facebook said it had take action against ads run by President Trump’s re-election campaign for breaching its policies on hate,” CNN reports.
“The ads, which attacked what the Trump campaign described as ‘Dangerous MOBS of far-left groups,’ featured an upside-down triangle.”
The Anti-Defamation League said the triangle “is practically identical to that used by the Nazi regime to classify political prisoners in concentration camps.”


politicalwire--2020-06-18--Biden Maintains Solid National Lead

Biden Maintains Solid National Lead

A new Quinnipiac poll finds Joe Biden leading Donald Trump in the presidential race nationally among registered voters , 49 @ @ @ @ @ Said pollster Tim Malloy : “ The country gyrates uneasily through a killer virus , @ @ @ @ @ and volatile ugly divisiveness , but the presidential horse race looks now like it did @ @ @ @ @


politicalwire--2020-06-18--Who Keeps Hiring These Terrible Staffers?

Philip Bump : “ For all of the valid criticism President Trump has faced during his time in office , @ @ @ @ @ is constrained by one recurring problem.
” “ Someone keeps hiring staffers who Trump thinks @ @ @ @


politicalwire--2020-06-18--Most Democrats Want Woman of Color on Ticket

A new Monmouth poll finds 59 % of Democratic primary voters believe having a woman of color as Joe Biden @ @ @ @ @ increase the ticket ’ s chances of victory .
Just 5 % say such a @ @ @ @ @ win less likely , 16 % say it would make no difference and 20 % @ @ @ @ @ pollster Patrick Murray : “ Voters are not the best strategists , but the nominee @ @ @ @ @ his base .
And a lot of Democratic voters think having a woman of color @ @ @ @ @ a home run .
”

A new Monmouth poll finds 59% of Democratic primary voters believe having a woman of color as Joe Biden’s running mate would increase the ticket’s chances of victory. Just 5% say such a pick would make a Democratic win less likely, 16% say it would make no difference and 20% are not sure.
Said pollster Patrick Murray: “Voters are not the best strategists, but the nominee has to be attentive to his base. And a lot of Democratic voters think having a woman of color on the ticket would be a home run.”
Larry Sabato’s Crystal Ball has updated rankings on Biden’s running mate contenders.


politicalwire--2020-06-18--Generals Pull Support for Trump Pentagon Nominee

“ At least three prominent retired general officers have dropped their support for President Trump ’ s nominee for the @ @ @ @ @ job , retired Army Brig .
Gen. Anthony Tata , over inflammatory tweets he made @ @ @ @ @ , President Obama and Democratic lawmakers , ” the Wall Street Journal reports .


politicalwire--2020-06-18--Exchange of the Day

Exchange of the Day

President Trump was asked about his upcoming indoor campaign rally by Gray Television ’ s Jacqueline Policastro : POLICASTRO : @ @ @ @ @ 22 states , including Oklahoma , where you plan to hold a big rally this @ @ @ @ @ you worried about people getting sick ?
TRUMP : No , because if you look @ @ @ @ @ minuscule compared to what it was .
It ’ s dying out .

President Trump was asked about his upcoming indoor campaign rally by Gray Television’s Jacqueline Policastro:
POLICASTRO: Coronavirus cases are rising in 22 states, including Oklahoma, where you plan to hold a big rally this week. Aren’t you worried about people getting sick?
TRUMP: No, because if you look, the numbers are very minuscule compared to what it was. It’s dying out.


politicalwire--2020-06-18--Trump Campaign Uses Nazi Symbol to Identify Antifa

“ In two Facebook posts , Donald Trump ’ s reelection campaign tied the loose network of anti-fascist activists known @ @ @ @ @ an upside-down red triangle , a symbol strikingly similar to one used by Nazis in @ @ @ @ @ prisoners , communists and people who protected Jews , ” The Forward reports .


politicalwire--2020-06-19--Pompeo Calls Bolton a ‘Traitor’

Pompeo Calls Bolton a ‘Traitor’

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has hit out at John Bolton , calling his former colleague a “ traitor ” @ @ @ @ @ Trump ’ s ex-national security adviser of “ lies ” in a new memoir , @ @ @ @ @ In a statement headlined “ I was in the room too , ” Pompeo said @ @ @ @ @ and dangerous that John Bolton ’ s final public role is that of a traitor @ @ @ @ @ his sacred trust with its people .
”

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has hit out at John Bolton, calling his former colleague a “traitor” and accusing Donald’s Trump’s ex-national security adviser of “lies” in a new memoir, the Financial Times reports.
In a statement headlined “I was in the room too,” Pompeo said it was “both sad and dangerous that John Bolton’s final public role is that of a traitor who damaged America by violating his sacred trust with its people.”


politicalwire--2020-06-19--Merkel Warns of Very Tough Times Ahead

Merkel Warns of Very Tough Times Ahead

“ German Chancellor Angela Merkel warned her fellow leaders that the European Union is facing its deepest recession since World @ @ @ @ @ lead to very , very difficult times indeed , ” Bloomberg reports .
“ She @ @ @ @ @ exactly what this means and cautioned that the EU has every interest in having a @ @ @ @ @ the end of the summer ahead of events like the U.S. election in the fall @ @

“German Chancellor Angela Merkel warned her fellow leaders that the European Union is facing its deepest recession since World War II and that will lead to very, very difficult times indeed,” Bloomberg reports.
“She wondered whether people have understood exactly what this means and cautioned that the EU has every interest in having a recovery plan in place by the end of the summer ahead of events like the U.S. election in the fall.”


politicalwire--2020-06-19--Trump Floats ‘Complete Decoupling’ From China

President Trump said the U.S. could pursue a “ complete decoupling from China ” in response to unspecified conditions , @ @ @ @ @ on the souring ties with Beijing , Bloomberg reports .
In a tweet Thursday , @ @ @ @ @ earlier by U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer , who said a full decoupling of the @ @ @ @ @ economies was not “ a reasonable policy option .
”

President Trump said the U.S. could pursue a “complete decoupling from China” in response to unspecified conditions, his most forceful statement yet on the souring ties with Beijing, Bloomberg reports.
In a tweet Thursday, Trump refuted comments a day earlier by U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, who said a full decoupling of the world’s two biggest economies was not “a reasonable policy option.”


politicalwire--2020-06-19--Cuomo Considers Quarantine on Those from Florida

New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo said that he ’ s considering imposing a quarantine on travelers arriving in the @ @ @ @ @ where coronavirus cases have spiked , CNBC reports .
Said Cuomo : “ I haven @ @ @ @ @ yet , but I have had experts advise me of that .
It is a @ @ @ @ @ , and it ’ s something I ’ m considering .
”

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said that he’s considering imposing a quarantine on travelers arriving in the state from places like Florida where coronavirus cases have spiked, CNBC reports.
Said Cuomo: “I haven’t made a decision yet, but I have had experts advise me of that. It is a real concern… It could happen, and it’s something I’m considering.”


politicalwire--2020-06-19--Why Analysts Won’t Write Off Trump Yet

Why Analysts Won’t Write Off Trump Yet

Stephen Collinson : “ Less than five months before Election Day , with the nation battling concurrent crises , every conventional political indicator is flashing red for Trump .
But every conventional political indicator has always been flashing red for Trump — and he ’ s never been defeated.
” “ If Trump loses in November , these last few weeks may come to be remembered as the moment that the Trump train finally careened off the rails for good .
Yet among Democrats and those who don ’ t support the President , the fear that he will a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ man who said he could stand in the middle of Fifth Avenue , shoot someone and get away with it , has created a supernatural political aura exactly five years after he descended his golden escalator in Trump Tower and turned American politics on its head.
” “ Part of the uncertainty about Trump ’ s prospects stems from the extraordinary nature of the times .
The pandemic and the consequent economic disaster is unlikely to lead to predictable or necessarily logical consequences .
Taking the mood of the country is even more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been shut at home for weeks .
Who knows who is even going to feel sufficiently safe to vote in November if it comes down to a choice between health and exercising a democratic right ?
”

Stephen Collinson: “Less than five months before Election Day, with the nation battling concurrent crises, every conventional political indicator is flashing red for Trump. But every conventional political indicator has always been flashing red for Trump — and he’s never been defeated.”
“If Trump loses in November, these last few weeks may come to be remembered as the moment that the Trump train finally careened off the rails for good. Yet among Democrats and those who don’t support the President, the fear that he will a second term anyway is palpable. The man who said he could stand in the middle of Fifth Avenue, shoot someone and get away with it, has created a supernatural political aura exactly five years after he descended his golden escalator in Trump Tower and turned American politics on its head.”
“Part of the uncertainty about Trump’s prospects stems from the extraordinary nature of the times. The pandemic and the consequent economic disaster is unlikely to lead to predictable or necessarily logical consequences. Taking the mood of the country is even more complicated than normal since most Americans have been shut at home for weeks. Who knows who is even going to feel sufficiently safe to vote in November if it comes down to a choice between health and exercising a democratic right?”


politicalwire--2020-06-19--Florida Is New Epicenter for Coronavirus

“ Florida added another 3,207 coronavirus cases Thursday , shattering the previous daily record as the state emerges as an @ @ @ @ @ grappling with a resurgence of the disease , ” the Tallahassee Democrat reports .
CNN @ @ @ @ @ “ all the markings of the next large epicenter of coronavirus transmission , ” and @ @ @ @ @ it has ever been , ” according to projections from a model by scientists at @ @ @ @ @

“Florida added another 3,207 coronavirus cases Thursday, shattering the previous daily record as the state emerges as an alarming hot spot among places grappling with a resurgence of the disease,” the Tallahassee Democrat reports.
CNN reports the Sunshine State has “all the markings of the next large epicenter of coronavirus transmission,” and risks being the “worst it has ever been,” according to projections from a model by scientists at the University of Pennsylvania.


politicalwire--2020-06-19--Bolton Says Trump Effort to Stop Book Is Too Late

“ John Bolton moved late Thursday to dismiss the Trump administration ’ s lawsuit to stop publication of his book @ @ @ @ @ Department legal drive violates the First Amendment and is — at this point — entirely @ @ @ @ @ .
“ The former national security adviser ’ s first formal legal response to the @ @ @ @ @ just hours before a federal judge is slated to hear arguments on the attempt to @ @ @ @ @ from hitting shelves.
” “ But Bolton argues the effort is a naked attempt to @ @ @ @ @ information about President Donald Trump and that , at any rate , it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ 200,000 copies of the book have been bound and shipped to booksellers , and nearly @ @ @ @ @ the United States has a copy .
”

“John Bolton moved late Thursday to dismiss the Trump administration’s lawsuit to stop publication of his book, contending that the Justice Department legal drive violates the First Amendment and is — at this point — entirely futile,” Politico reports.
“The former national security adviser’s first formal legal response to the government’s suit landed just hours before a federal judge is slated to hear arguments on the attempt to keep Bolton’s book from hitting shelves.”
“But Bolton argues the effort is a naked attempt to prevent him from revealing embarrassing information about President Donald Trump and that, at any rate, it’s much too late: some 200,000 copies of the book have been bound and shipped to booksellers, and nearly every major media outlet in the United States has a copy.”


politicalwire--2020-06-19--Early Data Show No Uptick In Outbreaks from Protests

Wall Street Journal : “ Early coronavirus testing data from a handful of U.S. cities and states suggest that recent @ @ @ @ @ ’ t yet led to a marked uptick in new cases .
Public-health officials warn @ @ @ @ @ preliminary , however , and protest-related cases could still rise .
”

“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--2020-06-19--Trump Says Mail-In Voting Could Cost Him Re-Election

“ President Trump called mail-in voting the biggest threat to his reelection and said his campaign ’ s multimillion-dollar legal @ @ @ @ @ access could determine whether he wins a second term , ” Politico reports .
“ @ @ @ @ @ that mail-in voting will endanger his reelection comes as states across the country are rushing @ @ @ @ @ response to the coronavirus pandemic .
Millions of voters could be disenfranchised if they decide @ @ @ @ @ Day rather than risk contracting the virus at crowded polling stations.
” “ But Trump @ @ @ @ @ despite a lack of evidence , that widespread mail-in voting will benefit Democrats and invite @ @ @ @ @ is spending tens of millions of dollars on a multi-front legal battle .
”

“President Trump called mail-in voting the biggest threat to his reelection and said his campaign’s multimillion-dollar legal effort to block expanded ballot access could determine whether he wins a second term,” Politico reports.
“The president’s assertion that mail-in voting will endanger his reelection comes as states across the country are rushing to accommodate remote voting in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Millions of voters could be disenfranchised if they decide to stay home on Election Day rather than risk contracting the virus at crowded polling stations.”
“But Trump and his campaign argue, despite a lack of evidence, that widespread mail-in voting will benefit Democrats and invite fraud. The Republican Party is spending tens of millions of dollars on a multi-front legal battle.”


politicalwire--2020-06-19--Let’s Make Juneteenth a National Holiday

Today is Juneteenth , recognizing the day in 1865 when Union soldiers landed in Galveston , Texas and told slaves @ @ @ @ @ and that the Civil War had ended .
Currently , 47 states recognize the date @ @ @ @ @ but legislation to declare it a national holiday has repeatedly stalled in Congress .

Today is Juneteenth, recognizing the day in 1865 when Union soldiers landed in Galveston, Texas and told slaves there that they were free and that the Civil War had ended.
Currently, 47 states recognize the date as a state holiday, but legislation to declare it a national holiday has repeatedly stalled in Congress.


politicalwire--2020-06-19--Klobuchar Withdraws as Possible Biden Veep

Sen. Amy Klobuchar ( D-MN ) announced that she was withdrawing from consideration to be the running mate to Joe @ @ @ @ @ , the New York Times reports .
Klobuchar also said that she called Mr. Biden @ @ @ @ @ he should choose a woman of color to be his running mate .
Earlier for @ @ @ @ @ Val Demings

Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) announced that she was withdrawing from consideration to be the running mate to Joe Biden on the Democratic ticket, the New York Times reports.
Klobuchar also said that she called Mr. Biden Wednesday night and told him he should choose a woman of color to be his running mate.
Earlier for members: The Case for Val Demings


politicalwire--2020-06-19--Twitter Labels Trump Tweet as Manipulated Video

“ Twitter on Thursday evening took the rare step of appending a warning label to one of President Trump ’ @ @ @ @ @ determined it violated its policies on manipulated media , ” the Washington Post reports .


politicalwire--2020-06-19--Bonus Quote of the Day

Bonus Quote of the Day

“ I feel that if the Democrats get in we are literally going to end up in a recession-slash-depression the @ @ @ @ @ ve never seen .
There will be tremendous negative growth , tremendous bedlam all over @ @ @ @ @ ’ t be law and order .
You ’ ll have a Seattle , you @ @ @ @ @ like you ’ ve never seen before .
The whole country will be Minneapolis.
” @ @ @ @ @ by the Washington Post , during a 20-minute interview with Donald Trump Jr. on his @ @ @ @ @ ”

“I feel that if the Democrats get in we are literally going to end up in a recession-slash-depression the likes of which you’ve never seen. There will be tremendous negative growth, tremendous bedlam all over the place, there won’t be law and order. You’ll have a Seattle, you’ll have a Minneapolis like you’ve never seen before. The whole country will be Minneapolis.”
— President Trump, quoted by the Washington Post, during a 20-minute interview with Donald Trump Jr. on his online show “Triggered.”


politicalwire--2020-06-19--Money Pours Into Biden Super PAC

Money Pours Into Biden Super PAC

“ The biggest super PAC focused on electing Joe Biden grew dramatically in recent weeks , as donors moved to @ @ @ @ @ that President Trump has held heading into their presidential contest , ” the Los Angeles @ @ @ @ @ group , Priorities USA , said it has raised more than $ 38 million in @ @ @ @ @ May , with more than two-thirds of the donations made over the last three weeks @ @

“The biggest super PAC focused on electing Joe Biden grew dramatically in recent weeks, as donors moved to help whittle the financial advantage that President Trump has held heading into their presidential contest,” the Los Angeles Times reports.
“The group, Priorities USA, said it has raised more than $38 million in contributions and commitments since early May, with more than two-thirds of the donations made over the last three weeks.”


politicalwire--2020-06-19--Mueller Suggested Trump May Have Lied to Him

Special counsel Robert Mueller examined whether President Trump lied to him in written answers during the Russia investigation , according @ @ @ @ @ his report released Friday night , CNN reports .
From the report : “ It @ @ @ @ @ the time the President submitted his written answers two years after the relevant events had @ @ @ @ @ had clear recollections of his discussions with Stone or his knowledge of Stone ’ s @ @ @ @ @ But the President ’ s conduct could also be viewed as reflecting his awareness that @ @ @ @ @ would run counter to the President ’ s denials and would link the President to @ @ @ @ @ reach out to WikiLeaks .
”

Special counsel Robert Mueller examined whether President Trump lied to him in written answers during the Russia investigation, according to a less-redacted version of his report released Friday night, CNN reports.
From the report: “It is possible that, by the time the President submitted his written answers two years after the relevant events had occurred, he no longer had clear recollections of his discussions with Stone or his knowledge of Stone’s asserted communications with WikiLeaks. But the President’s conduct could also be viewed as reflecting his awareness that Stone could provide evidence that would run counter to the President’s denials and would link the President to Stone’s efforts to reach out to WikiLeaks.”


politicalwire--2020-06-19--Trump Mocks Biden’s Social Distancing

Trump Mocks Biden’s Social Distancing

President Trump mocked Joe Biden for practicing social distancing during a campaign event , posting a photo where chairs are @ @ @ @ @ in accordance with guidelines from public health officials .


politicalwire--2020-06-19--Intel Report Warns of Far-Right Extremists

An intelligence report is warning law enforcement and public safety officials that a far-right extremist movement known as “ boogaloo @ @ @ @ @ sights on the nation ’ s capital , Politico reports .
From the report : @ @ @ @ @ an attractive target for violent adherents of the boogaloo ideology due to the significant presence @ @ @ @ @ , and the wide range of First Amendment-Protected events hosted here .
”

An intelligence report is warning law enforcement and public safety officials that a far-right extremist movement known as “boogaloo” may be setting its sights on the nation’s capital, Politico reports.
From the report: “The District is likely an attractive target for violent adherents of the boogaloo ideology due to the significant presence of US law enforcement entities, and the wide range of First Amendment-Protected events hosted here.”


politicalwire--2020-06-19--Kentucky Braces for Possible Voting Problems

“ Less than 200 polling places will be open for voters in Kentucky ’ s primary Tuesday , down from @ @ @ @ @ year .
Amid a huge influx in requests for mail-in ballots , some voters still @ @ @ @ @ before they must be turned in .
And turnout is expected to be higher than @ @ @ @ @ a suddenly competitive fight for the Democratic Senate nomination , ” the Washington Post reports @ @ @ @ @ voting-rights advocates and some local elections officials worried that the state is careening toward a @ @ @ @ @ lines and frustrated voters — similar to the scenes that have played out repeatedly this @ @ @ @ @ pandemic has disrupted the 2020 primaries .
”

“Less than 200 polling places will be open for voters in Kentucky’s primary Tuesday, down from 3,700 in a typical election year. Amid a huge influx in requests for mail-in ballots, some voters still had not received theirs days before they must be turned in. And turnout is expected to be higher than in past primaries because of a suddenly competitive fight for the Democratic Senate nomination,” the Washington Post reports.
“The scenario has voting-rights advocates and some local elections officials worried that the state is careening toward a messy day marked by long lines and frustrated voters — similar to the scenes that have played out repeatedly this spring as the novel coronavirus pandemic has disrupted the 2020 primaries.”


politicalwire--2020-06-19--Coronavirus Task Force Advised Against Trump Rally

“ Leading members of the coronavirus task force warned White House officials about the health risks of holding large-scale indoor @ @ @ @ @ the mass gatherings , ” NBC News reports .
“ But President Trump and his @ @ @ @ @ the event , which is expected to draw tens of thousands inside and outside the @ @ @ @ @ socially distant nor required to wear face coverings .
They claim attendees “ assume a @ @ @ @ @ that is part of life . '
”

“Leading members of the coronavirus task force warned White House officials about the health risks of holding large-scale indoor campaign rallies and advised against the mass gatherings,” NBC News reports.
“But President Trump and his campaign advisers are proceeding with the event, which is expected to draw tens of thousands inside and outside the venue who will neither be socially distant nor required to wear face coverings. They claim attendees “assume a personal risk’ and ‘that is part of life.'”


politicalwire--2020-06-19--Court Takes No Immediate Action on Bolton’s Book

“ A federal judge on Friday appeared disinclined to issue a restraining order reining in publication of John Bolton ’ @ @ @ @ @ expressed deep doubts about the former national security adviser ’ s decision to unveil the @ @ @ @ @ official confirmation that it was free of classified information , ” Politico reports .


politicalwire--2020-06-19--Tulsa Rescinds Curfew Ahead of Trump Rally

“ In a stunning about face , Tulsa leaders say they have reversed their decision regarding a curfew for the @ @ @ @ @ Trump ’ s rally , ” KFOR reports .


politicalwire--2020-06-19--Oklahoma Supreme Court Won’t Stop Trump Rally

“ The Oklahoma Supreme Court Friday rejected an appeal of a lawsuit attempting to block President Trump from holding an @ @ @ @ @ Tulsa that many feared could worsen the spread of coronavirus , paving the way for @ @ @ @ @ as planned , ” the Washington Post reports .
“ The ruling came as thousands @ @ @ @ @ poured into this city in advance of President Trump ’ s first campaign rally in @ @ @ @ @ curfew as fears of potential violence mingled with anxiety about a spike in new cases @ @ @ @

“The Oklahoma Supreme Court Friday rejected an appeal of a lawsuit attempting to block President Trump from holding an indoor campaign rally Saturday in Tulsa that many feared could worsen the spread of coronavirus, paving the way for the event to go off as planned,” the Washington Post reports.
“The ruling came as thousands of Trump fans and protesters poured into this city in advance of President Trump’s first campaign rally in months, authorities imposed a curfew as fears of potential violence mingled with anxiety about a spike in new cases of coronavirus.”


politicalwire--2020-06-19--How Trump Plans to Turn Around His Campaign

CNN : “ Trump himself is driving the strategy of convincing Americans that it ’ s time to end the @ @ @ @ @ moving again.
” “ For the true believers among Trump ’ s team of advisers @ @ @ @ @ a cure-all for the campaign ’ s current woes , a chance for the President @ @ @ @ @ normalcy and reposition himself as the once and future savior of the US economy.
” @ @ @ @ @ : “ I guarantee you after Saturday , if everything goes well , he ’ @ @ @ @ @ a much better mood .
He believes that he needs to be out there fighting @ @ @ @ @ energy of the crowds .
”

CNN: “Trump himself is driving the strategy of convincing Americans that it’s time to end the lockdowns and get the country moving again.”
“For the true believers among Trump’s team of advisers, Tulsa is seen as a cure-all for the campaign’s current woes, a chance for the President to model a return to normalcy and reposition himself as the once and future savior of the US economy.”
Said one Trump political adviser: “I guarantee you after Saturday, if everything goes well, he’s going to be in a much better mood. He believes that he needs to be out there fighting and he feeds off the energy of the crowds.”


politicalwire--2020-06-19--Bonus Exchange of the Day

Bonus Exchange of the Day

From the White House briefing with press secretary Kayleigh McEnany : REPORTER : Why does the president keep hiring people @ @ @ @ @ a rock , overrated , way over their heads , whacko , and incompetent ” @ @ @ @ @ the model of having a team of rivals , like what we saw in President @ @ @ @ @

From the White House briefing with press secretary Kayleigh McEnany:
REPORTER: Why does the president keep hiring people that are “dumb as a rock, overrated, way over their heads, whacko, and incompetent”?
McENANY: He likes the model of having a team of rivals, like what we saw in President Lincoln’s administration.


politicalwire--2020-06-19--Georgia’s Other Senate Race Is Suddenly Competitive

Just for members : A new edition of Inside Elections .
This issue includes a deep dive into Georgia ’ @ @ @ @ @ , featuring Sen. David Perdue ( R ) vs. Jon Ossoff ( D ) , @ @ @ @ @ some public polls show the Peach State is also an emerging presidential battleground .
The @ @ @ @ @ moment in the elections for the Republican party and updated analysis in more than a @ @ @ @ @ two rating changes .
If you ’ re not yet a member , sign up @ @ @ @ @ membership for instant access and many more benefits .
Gift Memberships are also available for @ @ @ @ @ life .


politicalwire--2020-06-19--New York Recovers as Red America Faces Disaster

John Cassidy : “ New York ’ s comeback is a testimony to the heroic efforts of health professionals , E.M.T .
employees , transit workers , delivery-truck drivers , and equally essential workers in supermarkets , warehouses , and other places—many of them poorly paid—who kept the stricken city and state going through its darkest days and nights .
Cuomo and de Blasio , after some critical early missteps , also deserve credit for sticking at it , as do ordinary New Yorkers who obeyed the stay-at-home orders and wore masks when they became available.
” “ The key @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and community-wide effort to limit the official death toll to fewer than twenty-five thousand statewide… The experiences of New Jersey and Massachusetts were similar .
Now , as case counts rise alarmingly in other parts of the country , there is every reason to suppose that these places will need similarly comprehensive efforts to prevent a disaster from occurring .
At the moment , though , particularly in parts of red America , a combination of poor leadership , public exhaustion , and right-wing politics is greatly hampering an effective response .
”

John Cassidy: “New York’s comeback is a testimony to the heroic efforts of health professionals, E.M.T. employees, transit workers, delivery-truck drivers, and equally essential workers in supermarkets, warehouses, and other places—many of them poorly paid—who kept the stricken city and state going through its darkest days and nights. Cuomo and de Blasio, after some critical early missteps, also deserve credit for sticking at it, as do ordinary New Yorkers who obeyed the stay-at-home orders and wore masks when they became available.”
“The key point is that it took a monumental and community-wide effort to limit the official death toll to fewer than twenty-five thousand statewide… The experiences of New Jersey and Massachusetts were similar. Now, as case counts rise alarmingly in other parts of the country, there is every reason to suppose that these places will need similarly comprehensive efforts to prevent a disaster from occurring. At the moment, though, particularly in parts of red America, a combination of poor leadership, public exhaustion, and right-wing politics is greatly hampering an effective response.”


politicalwire--2020-06-19--Navy Upholds Firing of Captain Who Warned of Virus

“ The Navy has decided to uphold the firing of Capt .
Brett Crozier , the former commanding officer of @ @ @ @ @ Roosevelt who was relieved of duty after raising the alarm about a Covid-19 outbreak on @ @ @ @ @ ” Politico reports .


politicalwire--2020-06-19--Biden Proves an Elusive Target for Trump

“ When Sen. Bernie Sanders lost the Democratic nomination and the economy collapsed this spring , two pillars of President @ @ @ @ @ collapsed at the same time : his plan to run on prosperity and against a @ @ @ @ @ Trump ’ s campaign took comfort in the expectation that Joe Biden ’ s penchant @ @ @ @ @ offer them dependable fodder for attack , ” the New York Times reports .
“ @ @ @ @ @ Biden ’ s play-it-safe campaign , however , have starved them of even that .
@

“When Sen. Bernie Sanders lost the Democratic nomination and the economy collapsed this spring, two pillars of President Trump’s re-election strategy collapsed at the same time: his plan to run on prosperity and against a far-left opponent. But Mr. Trump’s campaign took comfort in the expectation that Joe Biden’s penchant for gaffes would at least offer them dependable fodder for attack,” the New York Times reports.
“The pandemic, and Mr. Biden’s play-it-safe campaign, however, have starved them of even that.”


politicalwire--2020-06-19--Trump Will Visit Border Wall Next Week

Trump Will Visit Border Wall Next Week

“ President Trump will spend time in Yuma to survey the border wall before his scheduled appearance in Phoenix next @ @ @ @ @ .


politicalwire--2020-06-19--Trump Losing Rural Voters

Trump Losing Rural Voters

Playbook : “ Not only is the topline of the latest Fox News national poll troubling for President Trump — @ @ @ @ @ — but if you dig deeper , you see that Trump is leading Joe Biden @ @ @ @ @ rural voters .
In 2016 , Trump won that segment of the population by nearly @ @ @ @

Playbook: “Not only is the topline of the latest Fox News national poll troubling for President Trump — he’s down 12 — but if you dig deeper, you see that Trump is leading Joe Biden by only 9 points among rural voters. In 2016, Trump won that segment of the population by nearly 30 points.”


politicalwire--2020-06-19--How Trump Keeps Senate Republicans In Check

President Trump handed out this chart showing him performing better then Senate Republicans in their home state primaries — a @ @ @ @ @ they shouldn ’ t back away from him .


politicalwire--2020-06-19--Trump Won’t Say Why He Hires ‘Wackos’ and ‘Liars’

President Trump just stared in silence when CBS News asked him why he keeps hiring “ wackos ” and “ @ @ @ @ @ label for former national security adviser John Bolton .
Among those he ’ s smeared @ @ @ @ @ Secretary of State Rex Tillerson , ex-Defense Secretary James Mattis , former Chief of Staff @ @ @ @ @ General Jeff Sessions .

President Trump just stared in silence when CBS News asked him why he keeps hiring “wackos” and “liars,” his own label for former national security adviser John Bolton.
Among those he’s smeared after the fact are former Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, ex-Defense Secretary James Mattis, former Chief of Staff John Kelly and one-time Attorney General Jeff Sessions.


politicalwire--2020-06-20--Trumpworld Fears ‘Nightmare Scenario’

Trumpworld Fears ‘Nightmare Scenario’

Daily Beast : “ Over the past two weeks , several of the president ’ s campaign lieutenants as well @ @ @ @ @ have reacted with mounting alarm as multiple polls have shown Trump dipping into the 30s @ @ @ @ @ Early this month , one senior White House official told The Daily Beast that their @ @ @ @ @ be for the president to slip beneath 40 percent support in a sustained string of @ @ @ @ @ that a previously unshakable base was starting to grow a bit disillusioned.
” “ In @ @ @ @ @ , multiple polls have shown Trump sliding into the 30s .
”

Daily Beast: “Over the past two weeks, several of the president’s campaign lieutenants as well as individuals in his administration have reacted with mounting alarm as multiple polls have shown Trump dipping into the 30s against Joe Biden…”
“Early this month, one senior White House official told The Daily Beast that their “nightmare scenario” would be for the president to slip beneath 40 percent support in a sustained string of public and private surveys—thus signaling that a previously unshakable base was starting to grow a bit disillusioned.”
“In the time since that comment, multiple polls have shown Trump sliding into the 30s.”
The FiveThirtyEight polling average shows Biden leading Trump, 50.3% to 41.4%.


politicalwire--2020-06-20--Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day

“ I learned in a press release from the Attorney General tonight that I was ‘ stepping down ’ as @ @ @ @ @ have not resigned , and have no intention of resigning , my position , to @ @ @ @ @ the Judges of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York @ @ @ @ @ when a presidentially appointed nominee is confirmed by the Senate .
Until then , our @ @ @ @ @ delay or interruption.
” — Geoffrey Berman , the US attorney for the Southern District @ @ @ @ @ a statement .

“I learned in a press release from the Attorney General tonight that I was ‘stepping down’ as United States Attorney. I have not resigned, and have no intention of resigning, my position, to which I was appointed by the Judges of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. I will step down when a presidentially appointed nominee is confirmed by the Senate. Until then, our investigations will move forward without delay or interruption.”
— Geoffrey Berman, the US attorney for the Southern District of New York, in a statement.


politicalwire--2020-06-20--U.S. Attorney Fired by Barr Refuses to Leave Post

“ Attorney General William Barr on Friday night abruptly tried to fire the top federal prosecutor in Manhattan , Geoffrey @ @ @ @ @ several of President Trump ’ s closest associates , but Mr. Berman said he would @ @ @ @ @ New York Times reports .
“ The clash focused new attention on the efforts by @ @ @ @ @ aides to rid the administration of officials whom the president views as insufficiently loyal .
@ @ @ @ @ crisis within the Justice Department over one of its most prestigious jobs , at a @ @ @ @ @ already been roiled by questions over whether Mr. Barr has undercut its tradition of independence @ @ @ @ @ Post : “ The surreal Friday night standoff marks the latest battle over the Trump @ @ @ @ @ the Justice Department .
”

“Attorney General William Barr on Friday night abruptly tried to fire the top federal prosecutor in Manhattan, Geoffrey Berman, who has investigated several of President Trump’s closest associates, but Mr. Berman said he would not leave,” the New York Times reports.
“The clash focused new attention on the efforts by Mr. Trump and his closest aides to rid the administration of officials whom the president views as insufficiently loyal. It also touched off a crisis within the Justice Department over one of its most prestigious jobs, at a time when the agency has already been roiled by questions over whether Mr. Barr has undercut its tradition of independence from political interference.”
Washington Post: “The surreal Friday night standoff marks the latest battle over the Trump administration’s management of the Justice Department.”


politicalwire--2020-06-20--Trump’s Campaign Manager Didn’t Vote In 2016

Trump campaign manager Brad Parscale acknowledged that he didn ’ t vote in the 2016 election , citing absentee ballot @ @ @ @ @ Said Parscale : “ In 2016 , I was in New York working to elect @ @ @ @ @ series of problems receiving my absentee ballot from Texas and missed the deadline .
Just @ @ @ @ @ not the flawless solution Democrats and the media pretend it is .
”

Trump campaign manager Brad Parscale acknowledged that he didn’t vote in the 2016 election, citing absentee ballot complications, CNN reports.
Said Parscale: “In 2016, I was in New York working to elect Donald Trump and encountered a series of problems receiving my absentee ballot from Texas and missed the deadline. Just further proof that vote-by-mail is not the flawless solution Democrats and the media pretend it is.”


politicalwire--2020-06-20--Pence Won’t Say ‘Black Lives Matter’

Pence Won’t Say ‘Black Lives Matter’

Vice President Mike Pence twice refused to say that “ black lives matter ” during an interview on a Philadelphia @ @ @ @ @ that “ all lives matter in a very real sense , ” the New York @ @ @ @ @ vice president ’ s comments came on Juneteenth , a holiday that commemorates the end @ @ @ @ @ And he refused to specifically say that black lives matter at a time when the @ @ @ @ @ about racial injustice at the hands of the police following George Floyd ’ s death @ @ @ @ @ ”

Vice President Mike Pence twice refused to say that “black lives matter” during an interview on a Philadelphia television station, insisting instead that “all lives matter in a very real sense,” the New York Times reports.
“The vice president’s comments came on Juneteenth, a holiday that commemorates the end of slavery in America. And he refused to specifically say that black lives matter at a time when the country is convulsing in outrage about racial injustice at the hands of the police following George Floyd’s death in Minneapolis last month.”


politicalwire--2020-06-20--Trump Wonders if John Bolton Will Go to Jail

“ In recent days , President Trump has casually asked administration officials and close advisers if John Bolton — his @ @ @ @ @ is releasing a new , tell-all book about working in the Trump administration — is @ @ @ @ @ Beast reports .
Asked Trump : “ Do you think he ’ s going to @ @ @ @ @ ?
”

“In recent days, President Trump has casually asked administration officials and close advisers if John Bolton — his former national security adviser who is releasing a new, tell-all book about working in the Trump administration — is prison-bound,” the Daily Beast reports.
Asked Trump: “Do you think he’s going to go to jail for this?”


politicalwire--2020-06-20--Berman Suddenly Out at Southern District of New York

“ The U.S. attorney who oversaw key prosecutions of allies of President Trump and an investigation into Trump ’ s @ @ @ @ @ resigning from his post , the AP reports .
“ Geoffrey Berman is stepping down @ @ @ @ @ the Southern District of New York , Attorney General William Barr said in a statement.
@ @ @ @ @ told CNN that Berman “ was offered other positions at Justice , including the head @ @ @ @ @ where assistant Attorney General Jody Hunt abruptly announced his departure this week .
Berman declined.
@ @ @ @ @ with knowledge of the matter said Berman was asked to resign and refused .
”

“The U.S. attorney who oversaw key prosecutions of allies of President Trump and an investigation into Trump’s personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani is resigning from his post, the AP reports.
“Geoffrey Berman is stepping down as the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, Attorney General William Barr said in a statement.”
A Justice Department official told CNN that Berman “was offered other positions at Justice, including the head of the civil division, where assistant Attorney General Jody Hunt abruptly announced his departure this week. Berman declined.”
“A second source with knowledge of the matter said Berman was asked to resign and refused.”


politicalwire--2020-06-20--Trump Promises ‘Wild Evening’ In Tulsa

Trump Promises ‘Wild Evening’ In Tulsa

President Trump defended his decision to move ahead with a controversial large-scale Tulsa rally this weekend amid the pandemic , @ @ @ @ @ have to get back to living our lives ” and “ we ’ re going @ @ @ @ @ tomorrow night at Oklahoma.
” Pressed on why he wasn ’ t using his presidential @ @ @ @ @ attendees to wear masks , Trump described masks as “ a double-edged sword.
” When @ @ @ @ @ wear them , he added : “ I recommend people do what they want .
@

President Trump defended his decision to move ahead with a controversial large-scale Tulsa rally this weekend amid the pandemic, telling Axios that “we have to get back to living our lives” and “we’re going to have a wild evening tomorrow night at Oklahoma.”
Pressed on why he wasn’t using his presidential bully pulpit to encourage rally attendees to wear masks, Trump described masks as “a double-edged sword.” When asked if he recommended people wear them, he added: “I recommend people do what they want.”


politicalwire--2020-06-20--Trump Won’t Voice Confidence In Esper

Trump Won’t Voice Confidence In Esper

President Trump declined to tell Axios whether he retains full confidence in Defense Secretary Mark Esper , and said Esper @ @ @ @ @ Milley should have been “ proud ” to join him on the now-infamous walk across @ @ @ @ @ : “ I personally think they should have done it differently .
I think they @ @ @ @ @ alongside of their president for purposes of safety .
”

President Trump declined to tell Axios whether he retains full confidence in Defense Secretary Mark Esper, and said Esper and Joint Chiefs Chairman Mark Milley should have been “proud” to join him on the now-infamous walk across Lafayette Square.
Said Trump: “I personally think they should have done it differently. I think they should be proud to walk alongside of their president for purposes of safety.”


politicalwire--2020-06-20--Trump Holds Rally In Tulsa

Trump Holds Rally In Tulsa

Attendance at President Trump ’ s campaign rally in Tulsa is reported to be underwhelming .
Leave your reactions in @ @ @

Attendance at President Trump’s campaign rally in Tulsa is reported to be underwhelming.
Leave your reactions in the comments.


politicalwire--2020-06-20--Trump Angry News Leaked About Infected Aides

New York Times : “ Mr .
Trump , made aware of the sick campaign aides before departing for the @ @ @ @ @ news was made public .
”

“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--2020-06-20--Trump Claims He Wasn’t Involved in Firing

President Trump appeared to contradict Attorney General William Barr and distance himself from the firing of U.S , Attorney Geoffrey @ @ @ @ @ was “ not involved , ” the New York Times reports .
The Washington Post @ @ @ @ @ Berman ’ s ouster was “ all up to the attorney general ” and that @ @ @ @ @ involved in the matter .
Said Trump : “ That ’ s his department , @ @ @ @ @ we have a very capable attorney general , so that ’ s really up to @ @ @

President Trump appeared to contradict Attorney General William Barr and distance himself from the firing of U.S, Attorney Geoffrey Berman today, saying he was “not involved,” the New York Times reports.
The Washington Post says Trump told reporters that Berman’s ouster was “all up to the attorney general” and that he hadn’t become involved in the matter.
Said Trump: “That’s his department, not my department. But we have a very capable attorney general, so that’s really up to him.”


politicalwire--2020-06-20--Trump Fires U.S. Attorney Who Investigated His Associates

“ Attorney William Barr said on Saturday that President Trump had fired the top federal prosecutor in Manhattan , who @ @ @ @ @ s closest associates , deepening a crisis over the independence of law enforcement and the @ @ @ @ @ officials he views as disloyal , ” the New York Times reports .
“ Mr @ @ @ @ @ , Geoffrey S. Berman , United States attorney for the Southern District of New York @ @ @ @ @ to step down on Friday night .
The president ’ s announcement capped an extraordinary @ @ @ @ @ has been at the forefront of corruption inquiries into Mr. Trump ’ s inner circle.
@ @ @ @ @ “ chosen public spectacle over public service , ” while adding , “ Because you @ @ @ @ @ no intention of resigning , I have asked the President to remove you as of @ @ @ @ @ done so.
” Wall Street Journal : “ The matter is nearly certain to end @ @ @ @ @ the legal grounds for removing a sitting U.S. Attorney remain murky .
”

“Attorney William Barr said on Saturday that President Trump had fired the top federal prosecutor in Manhattan, who has investigated the president’s closest associates, deepening a crisis over the independence of law enforcement and the president’s purge of officials he views as disloyal,” the New York Times reports.
“Mr. Trump removed the prosecutor, Geoffrey S. Berman, United States attorney for the Southern District of New York, after he had refused to step down on Friday night. The president’s announcement capped an extraordinary clash over an office that has been at the forefront of corruption inquiries into Mr. Trump’s inner circle.”
Barr said Berman had “chosen public spectacle over public service,” while adding, “Because you have declared that you have no intention of resigning, I have asked the President to remove you as of today, and he has done so.”
Wall Street Journal: “The matter is nearly certain to end up in court, as the legal grounds for removing a sitting U.S. Attorney remain murky.”


politicalwire--2020-06-20--Biden Forms Transition Team

Biden Forms Transition Team

“ Joe Biden has officially formed a transition team that will be led by former Delaware Sen. Ted Kaufman , @ @ @ @ @ also led his transition as vice president in 2008 , ” CNN reports .
“ @ @ @ @ @ group that will focus on developing the infrastructure of the transition effort .
The full @ @ @ @ @ expected later this fall , the aide said , noting that the timing of today @ @ @ @ @ line with the timeline of past non-incumbent candidates who developed a transition team .
”

“Joe Biden has officially formed a transition team that will be led by former Delaware Sen. Ted Kaufman, a longtime Biden adviser who also led his transition as vice president in 2008,” CNN reports.
“This team is a preliminary group that will focus on developing the infrastructure of the transition effort. The full rollout of the team is expected later this fall, the aide said, noting that the timing of today’s announcement falls in line with the timeline of past non-incumbent candidates who developed a transition team.”


politicalwire--2020-06-20--Six Trump Campaign Staffers Test Positive In Tulsa

Six members of the Trump campaign ’ s advance team for tonight ’ s rally in Tulsa tested positive for @ @ @ @ @ reports .
The campaign says those staffers won ’ t be present at the rally @ @ @ @ @ still not enforcing mask rules .

Six members of the Trump campaign’s advance team for tonight’s rally in Tulsa tested positive for the coronavirus, CBS News reports.
The campaign says those staffers won’t be present at the rally, but the campaign is still not enforcing mask rules.


politicalwire--2020-06-20--Graham Won’t Consider Pick for New U.S. Attorney

Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham ( R-SC ) signaled on Saturday that he will not move forward with a @ @ @ @ @ for Manhattan without sign off from two Democratic senators , The Hill reports .
Graham @ @ @ @ @ receive a “ blue slip ” — a sheet of paper that indicates if a @ @ @ @ @ — before moving forward with a new nominee to be the U.S. attorney for the @ @ @ @ @ .
Said Graham : “ As to processing U.S. Attorney nominations , it has always @ @ @ @ @ Judiciary Committee to receive blue slips from the home state senators before proceeding to the @ @ @ @ @ I have honored that policy and will continue to do so .
”

Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham (R-SC) signaled on Saturday that he will not move forward with a nomination for the U.S. attorney for Manhattan without sign off from two Democratic senators, The Hill reports.
Graham said he would wait to receive a “blue slip” — a sheet of paper that indicates if a home-state senator supports a nomination — before moving forward with a new nominee to be the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York.
Said Graham: “As to processing U.S. Attorney nominations, it has always been the policy of the Judiciary Committee to receive blue slips from the home state senators before proceeding to the nomination. As chairman, I have honored that policy and will continue to do so.”


politicalwire--2020-06-20--Last Minute Father’s Day Gift

Last Minute Father’s Day Gift

Still searching for the perfect Father ’ s Day gift ?
Here ’ s one idea .


politicalwire--2020-06-20--Events Matter Much More Than Campaigning

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politicalwire--2020-06-20--Questions on Trump’s Friday Night Massacre

Playbook : Many questions must be asked the morning after President Trump ’ s administration abruptly tried to oust Geoffrey @ @ @ @ @ for the southern district of Manhattan .
Here are a few of them : • @ @ @ @ @ been that the administration did this five months before the election ?
• How did @ @ @ @ @ around him that explained how crazy this looks , and how destructive it is ?
@ @ @ @ @ this stunt before ensuring Berman would comply ?
• How did Attorney General Bill Barr @ @ @ @ @ Politico reports House Judiciary Committee Jerrold Nadler is inviting Berman to testify next week .

Playbook: Many questions must be asked the morning after President Trump’s administration abruptly tried to oust Geoffrey Berman, the U.S. attorney for the southern district of Manhattan. Here are a few of them:
How bad must it have been that the administration did this five months before the election?
How did the President have no one around him that explained how crazy this looks, and how destructive it is?
Why did they pull this stunt before ensuring Berman would comply?
How did Attorney General Bill Barr go along with this?
Politico reports House Judiciary Committee Jerrold Nadler is inviting Berman to testify next week.


politicalwire--2020-06-20--Judge Declines to Block Bolton’s Book

Judge Declines to Block Bolton’s Book

A federal judge Saturday rejected the Justice Department ’ s emergency request to block publication of John Bolton ’ s @ @ @ @ @ said the former Trump national security adviser ’ s actions raised “ grave national security @ @ @ @ @ Post reports .


politicalwire--2020-06-21--How Teens Sank the Trump Rally

How Teens Sank the Trump Rally

New York Times : “ TikTok users and fans of Korean pop music groups claimed to have registered potentially hundreds @ @ @ @ @ Trump ’ s campaign rally as a prank .
After @ TeamTrump tweeted asking supporters @ @ @ @ @ using their phones on June 11 , K-pop fan accounts began sharing the information with @ @ @ @ @ register for the rally — and then not show.
” “ The trend quickly spread @ @ @ @ @ with millions of views instructed viewers to do the same , as CNN reported on @ @ @ @ @ other users posted similar tweets and videos to TikTok that racked up millions of views @ @

New York Times: “TikTok users and fans of Korean pop music groups claimed to have registered potentially hundreds of thousands of tickets for Trump’s campaign rally as a prank. After @TeamTrump tweeted asking supporters to register for free tickets using their phones on June 11, K-pop fan accounts began sharing the information with followers, encouraging them to register for the rally — and then not show.”
“The trend quickly spread on TikTok, where videos with millions of views instructed viewers to do the same, as CNN reported on Tuesday.”
“Thousands of other users posted similar tweets and videos to TikTok that racked up millions of views.”


politicalwire--2020-06-21--Last Minute Father’s Day Gift

Last Minute Father’s Day Gift


politicalwire--2020-06-21--Trump Could Fill Only a Third of the Tulsa Arena

The Tulsa Fire Marshal told the Washington Post that were only about 6,100 people in the arena for President Trump @ @ @ @ @ night , even though the space can hold 19,000 .
The campaign had added an @ @ @ @ @ what they anticipated would be a massive crowd .
When Trump arrived back at the @ @ @ @ @ tie undone and draped around his neck , an unusual look for him .

The Tulsa Fire Marshal told the Washington Post that were only about 6,100 people in the arena for President Trump’s campaign rally last night, even though the space can hold 19,000.
The campaign had added an outdoor overflow area to accommodate what they anticipated would be a massive crowd.
When Trump arrived back at the White House he had his tie undone and draped around his neck, an unusual look for him.


politicalwire--2020-06-21--Trump Rally Fizzles as Crowd Size Falls Short

“ President Trump ’ s campaign boasted for days that a million people had requested tickets for his Saturday night @ @ @ @ @ an outdoor overflow area to accommodate the anticipated massive crowd , ” the Washington Post @ @ @ @ @ the time Trump took the stage in Tulsa , there were thousands of empty seats @ @ @ @ @ overflow area was scrapped .
And aides were left trying to explain why a president @ @ @ @ @ on his crowd sizes was addressing a smaller-than-expected audience.
” New York Times : “ @ @ @ @ @ to revive his re-election campaign sputtered badly on Saturday night as he traveled to Tulsa @ @ @ @ @ in months and found a far smaller crowd than his aides had promised him , @ @ @ @ @ that did not address the multiple crises facing the nation or scandals battering him in @ @ @

“President Trump’s campaign boasted for days that a million people had requested tickets for his Saturday night rally. The campaign added an outdoor overflow area to accommodate the anticipated massive crowd,” the Washington Post reports.
“But by the time Trump took the stage in Tulsa, there were thousands of empty seats in the arena. The overflow area was scrapped. And aides were left trying to explain why a president who has placed enormous value on his crowd sizes was addressing a smaller-than-expected audience.”
New York Times: “President Trump’s attempt to revive his re-election campaign sputtered badly on Saturday night as he traveled to Tulsa for his first mass rally in months and found a far smaller crowd than his aides had promised him, then delivered a disjointed speech that did not address the multiple crises facing the nation or scandals battering him in Washington.”


politicalwire--2020-06-21--Trump Says He Asked to Slow Down Testing

President Trump told a crowd gathered for his campaign rally in Tulsa he asked officials to “ slow the testing @ @ @ @ @ , Axios reports .
“ This is the first time Trump has said that he @ @ @ @ @ testing down .
At the rally , he also reiterated his claims that ramped up @ @ @ @ @ the U.S. having the world ’ s highest number of COVID-10 cases , as he @ @ @ @ @ pandemic .
”

President Trump told a crowd gathered for his campaign rally in Tulsa he asked officials to “slow the testing down” for the coronavirus, Axios reports.
“This is the first time Trump has said that he had asked officials to slow testing down. At the rally, he also reiterated his claims that ramped up testing was to blame for the U.S. having the world’s highest number of COVID-10 cases, as he again blamed China for the pandemic.”


politicalwire--2020-06-21--Lincoln Project Mocks Trump’s (Rally) Size

The Lincoln Project is out with a new ad in the aftermath of President Trump ’ s underwhelming Tulsa rally @ @ @ @ @ : “ Hey Donald… your rally in Tulsa was a flop .
You ’ ve @ @ @ @ @ but it was smaller than we expected — it sure wasn ’ t as big @ @ @ @ @ voice goes on to say Trump “ can ’ t keep your polls up .
@

The Lincoln Project is out with a new ad in the aftermath of President Trump’s underwhelming Tulsa rally.
Says a female narrator: “Hey Donald… your rally in Tulsa was a flop. You’ve probably heard this before, but it was smaller than we expected — it sure wasn’t as big as you promised.”
The voice goes on to say Trump “can’t keep your polls up.”


politicalwire--2020-06-21--How Trump Reacted to Empty Seats In Tulsa

“ President Trump and several staff members stood backstage and gazed at the empty Bank of Oklahoma Center in horror @ @ @ @ @ Times reports .
“ The president , who had been warned aboard Air Force One @ @ @ @ @ arena were smaller than expected , was stunned , and he yelled at aides backstage @ @ @ @ @ rows of empty blue seats in the upper bowl of the stadium.
” “ By @ @ @ @ @ , Mr. Trump ’ s mood had improved , advisers said .
But after he @ @ @ @ @ fight seemed to have left him , at least temporarily .
Leaving the arena , @ @ @ @ @ .
Instead , he was mostly muted .
”

“President Trump and several staff members stood backstage and gazed at the empty Bank of Oklahoma Center in horror,” the New York Times reports.
“The president, who had been warned aboard Air Force One that the crowds at the arena were smaller than expected, was stunned, and he yelled at aides backstage while looking at the endless rows of empty blue seats in the upper bowl of the stadium.”
“By the end of the rally, Mr. Trump’s mood had improved, advisers said. But after he left the stage, the fight seemed to have left him, at least temporarily. Leaving the arena, he wasn’t yelling. Instead, he was mostly muted.”


politicalwire--2020-06-21--John Bolton Will Vote for Biden

John Bolton Will Vote for Biden

Former White House national security adviser John Bolton told the Daily Telegraph that he plans to vote for Joe Biden @ @ @ @ @ Trump in November .
Said Bolton : “ The president does not have a philosophical @ @ @ @ @ does not know the difference between the national interest of the U.S. , and the @ @ @ @ @ There is confusion over the national interest and his personal interest , which is very @ @ @ @ @ ”

Former White House national security adviser John Bolton told the Daily Telegraph that he plans to vote for Joe Biden over his former boss President Trump in November.
Said Bolton: “The president does not have a philosophical grounding or strategy. He does not know the difference between the national interest of the U.S., and the interests of Donald Trump. There is confusion over the national interest and his personal interest, which is very dangerous for the country.”


politicalwire--2020-06-21--Trump Says Niece ‘Not Allowed’ to Write Book

President Trump told Axios that his niece , Mary Trump , is “ not allowed ” to write her forthcoming @ @ @ @ @ so would violate a nondisclosure agreement she signed .
Said Trump : “ She ’ @ @ @ @ @ a book .
You know , when we settled with her and her brother , @ @ @ @ @ good relationship with — she ’ s got a brother , Fred , who I @ @ @ @ @ with , but when we settled , she has a total … signed a nondisclosure.
@ @ @ @ @ ’ s nondisclosure agreement with him was a “ very powerful one… It covers everything @ @

President Trump told Axios that his niece, Mary Trump, is “not allowed” to write her forthcoming book about him because doing so would violate a nondisclosure agreement she signed.
Said Trump: “She’s not allowed to write a book. You know, when we settled with her and her brother, who I do have a good relationship with — she’s got a brother, Fred, who I do have a good relationship with, but when we settled, she has a total … signed a nondisclosure.”
Trump said his niece’s nondisclosure agreement with him was a “very powerful one… It covers everything.”


politicalwire--2020-06-21--What the Trump Campaign App Knows About You

MIT Technology Review : “ Data collection—as Parscale ’ s comment suggested—is perhaps the most powerful thing the Trump 2020 app does .
On signing up , users are required to provide a phone number for a verification code , as well as their full name , email address , and zip code .
They are also highly encouraged to share the app with their existing contacts .
This is part of a campaign strategy for reaching the 40 to 50 million citizens expected to vote for Trump ’ s reelection : to put it bluntly , the campaign says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of these voters ’ cell-phone numbers .
This strategy means the app also makes extensive permission requests , asking for access to location data , phone identity , and control over the handset ’ s Bluetooth function.
” “ The app has already received some criticism , not least from security researchers who found it had left information exposed that could allow hackers to access the user data .
The response to this made the campaign ’ s priorities clear : they rapidly fixed the bug once it had been disclosed , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ collect .
They want as much voter data as possible , even if they don ’ t want it left vulnerable to outsiders—and will use it in any way they see fit .
”

MIT Technology Review: “Data collection—as Parscale’s comment suggested—is perhaps the most powerful thing the Trump 2020 app does. On signing up, users are required to provide a phone number for a verification code, as well as their full name, email address, and zip code. They are also highly encouraged to share the app with their existing contacts. This is part of a campaign strategy for reaching the 40 to 50 million citizens expected to vote for Trump’s reelection: to put it bluntly, the campaign says it intends to collect every single one of these voters’ cell-phone numbers. This strategy means the app also makes extensive permission requests, asking for access to location data, phone identity, and control over the handset’s Bluetooth function.”
“The app has already received some criticism, not least from security researchers who found it had left information exposed that could allow hackers to access the user data. The response to this made the campaign’s priorities clear: they rapidly fixed the bug once it had been disclosed, but still maximized the data they themselves could collect. They want as much voter data as possible, even if they don’t want it left vulnerable to outsiders—and will use it in any way they see fit.”


politicalwire--2020-06-21--Justices May Soon Decide Trump Tax Return Case

The Supreme Court will decide as soon as this week whether Trump ’ s accountants must turn his financial records @ @ @ @ @ House Democrats and New York prosecutors investigating hush money payments , CNN reports .


politicalwire--2020-06-21--Trump ‘Furious’ About Tulsa Rally

Trump ‘Furious’ About Tulsa Rally

“ President Trump is ‘ furious ’ at the ‘ underwhelming ’ crowd at his rally in Tulsa , Oklahoma @ @ @ @ @ a major disappointment for what was expected to be a raucous return to the campaign @ @ @ @ @ due to the coronavirus pandemic , ” NBC News reports .
“ The president was @ @ @ @ @ aides on Saturday even before the rally began , after his campaign revealed that six @ @ @ @ @ on the ground in Tulsa had tested positive for COVID-19 , including Secret Service personnel.
@ @ @ @ @ : “ This as a major failure.
” CNN reports Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner @ @ @ @ @ campaign manager Brad Parscale had promised huge crowds .

“President Trump is ‘furious’ at the ‘underwhelming’ crowd at his rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on Saturday evening, a major disappointment for what was expected to be a raucous return to the campaign trail after a three-month hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic,” NBC News reports.
“The president was fuming at his top political aides on Saturday even before the rally began, after his campaign revealed that six members of the advance team on the ground in Tulsa had tested positive for COVID-19, including Secret Service personnel.”
Said one outside adviser: “This as a major failure.”
CNN reports Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner were “pissed” that campaign manager Brad Parscale had promised huge crowds.


politicalwire--2020-06-21--Parscale Denies He Was Punked by Rally Prank

“ President Trump ’ s campaign manager , Brad Parscale , on Sunday denied that anti-Trump organizers on social media @ @ @ @ @ lower-than-expected rally turnout on Saturday in Tulsa , ” Politico reports .
Said Parscale : @ @ @ @ @ doing a victory lap , thinking they somehow impacted rally attendance , don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ talking about or how our rallies work .
”

“President Trump’s campaign manager, Brad Parscale, on Sunday denied that anti-Trump organizers on social media were to blame for the lower-than-expected rally turnout on Saturday in Tulsa,” Politico reports.
Said Parscale: “Leftists and online trolls doing a victory lap, thinking they somehow impacted rally attendance, don’t know what they’re talking about or how our rallies work.”


politicalwire--2020-06-21--Nadler Says Barr Should Be Impeached

Nadler Says Barr Should Be Impeached

House Judiciary Chairman Jerry Nadler told CNN that he believes Attorney General William Barr deserves to be impeached , but @ @ @ @ @ a “ waste of time ” because of the Republican-controlled Senate .
Said Nader : @ @ @ @ @ think calls for his impeachment are premature any more than calls for the President ’ @ @ @ @ @ but they are a waste of time at this point .
”

House Judiciary Chairman Jerry Nadler told CNN that he believes Attorney General William Barr deserves to be impeached, but that pursuing it would be a “waste of time” because of the Republican-controlled Senate.
Said Nader: “I don’t think calls for his impeachment are premature any more than calls for the President’s impeachment were premature, but they are a waste of time at this point.”


politicalwire--2020-06-21--Trump Allies Worry About Biden’s Evangelical Support

Politico : “ Biden , a lifelong Catholic , has performed better in recent polling among white evangelicals — and @ @ @ @ @ Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton did in 2016 , and is widely perceived as more @ @ @ @ @ House occupant .
A Pew Research study conducted earlier this year showed that a majority @ @ @ @ @ % ) think Trump is ‘ not at all ’ or ‘ not too religious @ @ @ @ @ who said they believed Biden is somewhat or very religious.
” “ Many conservative evangelical @ @ @ @ @ ’ s positions on cultural issues — like abortion , judges and religious freedom — @ @ @ @ @ anxiety is growing inside Trump ’ s orbit about the former vice president ’ s @ @ @ @ @ voters who supported him in 2016 , including the 81 % of white evangelicals he @ @ @

Politico: “Biden, a lifelong Catholic, has performed better in recent polling among white evangelicals — and other religious groups — than Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton did in 2016, and is widely perceived as more religious than the current White House occupant. A Pew Research study conducted earlier this year showed that a majority of U.S. adults (63%) think Trump is ‘not at all’ or ‘not too religious,’ versus 55% who said they believed Biden is somewhat or very religious.”
“Many conservative evangelical leaders have argued that Biden’s positions on cultural issues — like abortion, judges and religious freedom — are disqualifying. Still, anxiety is growing inside Trump’s orbit about the former vice president’s ability to peel off Christian voters who supported him in 2016, including the 81% of white evangelicals he carried.”


politicalwire--2020-06-21--Hickenlooper Stumbles In Primary

Hickenlooper Stumbles In Primary

“ John Hickenlooper has stumbled in the closing weeks of Colorado ’ s Senate primary , creating openings for his @ @ @ @ @ unsettled a critical race for Democrats in their bid to recapture the Senate , ” @ @ @ @ @ acknowledge Hickenlooper has made serious mistakes on what was supposed to be a glide path @ @ @ @ @ After being cited for contempt this month for initially failing to appear before Colorado ’ @ @ @ @ @ Hickenlooper was fined $ 2,750 for two violations dating back to his second term as @ @ @

“John Hickenlooper has stumbled in the closing weeks of Colorado’s Senate primary, creating openings for his opponent and Republicans that have unsettled a critical race for Democrats in their bid to recapture the Senate,” Politico reports.
“Democrats acknowledge Hickenlooper has made serious mistakes on what was supposed to be a glide path to the Democratic nomination. After being cited for contempt this month for initially failing to appear before Colorado’s Independent Ethics Commission, Hickenlooper was fined $2,750 for two violations dating back to his second term as governor.”


politicalwire--2020-06-21--Biden Raised More than Trump Last Month

Biden Raised More than Trump Last Month

Joe Biden ’ s campaign out-raised that of President Trump ’ s last month , Axios reports .
It ’ @ @ @ @ @ and the Democratic National Committee have raised more than Trump and the Republican National Committee @

“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--2020-06-21--Coronavirus Infections Hit Highest Number Since May 1

The U.S reported more than 30,000 new coronavirus cases on Friday , the highest number of daily infections recorded since @ @ @ @ @ .
Axios : “ It ’ s a sign that the outbreak isn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ as the number of new cases in original hotspots like New York continues to drop @ @ @ @ @ Texas , Florida and Arizona are reporting a surge of infections as they move to @ @ @ @ @ economy and return to normal life .
”

The U.S reported more than 30,000 new coronavirus cases on Friday, the highest number of daily infections recorded since May 1, CNBC reports.
Axios: “It’s a sign that the outbreak isn’t slowing down nationwide, even as the number of new cases in original hotspots like New York continues to drop. States like California, Texas, Florida and Arizona are reporting a surge of infections as they move to fully reopen parts of the economy and return to normal life.”


politicalwire--2020-06-22--Putin Signals He’ll Seek to Extend Rule In 2024

Vladimir Putin said he ’ ll “ consider ” running for a fifth presidential term in 2024 , arguing that @ @ @ @ @ risks paralyzing Russia ’ s government as the next election nears , Bloomberg reports .
@ @ @ @ @ don ’ t rule out such a possibility .
I haven ’ t made up @ @ @ @ @ On July 1 , Russians will vote on the most sweeping changes to the nation @ @ @ @ @ was adopted almost 30 years ago .
One of the amendments would allow Putin , @ @ @ @ @ term-limit odometer to zero even though he ’ s already served four , and to @ @ @ @ @ more six-year terms when his current one expires in 2024 .
”

Vladimir Putin said he’ll “consider” running for a fifth presidential term in 2024, arguing that the hunt for any successor risks paralyzing Russia’s government as the next election nears, Bloomberg reports.
Said Putin: “I don’t rule out such a possibility. I haven’t made up my mind yet.”
“On July 1, Russians will vote on the most sweeping changes to the nation’s constitution since it was adopted almost 30 years ago. One of the amendments would allow Putin, 67, to reset his term-limit odometer to zero even though he’s already served four, and to helm the country for two more six-year terms when his current one expires in 2024.”


politicalwire--2020-06-22--Trump Open to Meeting Venezuela’s Dictator

President Trump told Axios he ’ s had second thoughts about his decision to recognize Juan Guaidó as the legitimate @ @ @ @ @ he is open to meeting with dictator Nicolás Maduro .
Said Trump : “ I @ @ @ @ @ Maduro would like to meet .
And I ’ m never opposed to meetings — @ @ @ @ @ to meetings .
I always say , you lose very little with meetings .
But @ @ @ @ @ ’ ve turned them down .
”

President Trump told Axios he’s had second thoughts about his decision to recognize Juan Guaidó as the legitimate leader of Venezuela and said he is open to meeting with dictator Nicolás Maduro.
Said Trump: “I would maybe think about that… Maduro would like to meet. And I’m never opposed to meetings — you know, rarely opposed to meetings. I always say, you lose very little with meetings. But at this moment, I’ve turned them down.”