politicalwire--2020-11-12--GOP Sees Trump’s Election Challenges Likely to Fail

“ Cracks are growing in the GOP defense of President Donald Trump ’ s long-shot effort to overturn the 2020 @ @ @ @ @ top Republicans contending that Joe Biden should immediately get national security briefings , some calling @ @ @ @ @ to begin and others are acknowledging that Trump stands little chance at reversing results clearly @ @ @ @ @ CNN reports .
“ Republicans say they are willing to give Trump a chance to @ @ @ @ @ .
But they fully recognize that Trump is losing by margins in key battleground states @ @ @ @ @ success in his legal cases extremely grim at best .
Many have grown unnerved at @ @ @ @ @ security officials .
And others are making clear that Trump should concede the race once @ @ @ @ @ he ’ s lost his court challenges .
”

“Cracks are growing in the GOP defense of President Donald Trump’s long-shot effort to overturn the 2020 election outcome, with many top Republicans contending that Joe Biden should immediately get national security briefings, some calling for the official transition process to begin and others are acknowledging that Trump stands little chance at reversing results clearly showing he lost,” CNN reports.
“Republicans say they are willing to give Trump a chance to make his case in court. But they fully recognize that Trump is losing by margins in key battleground states that make his chances of success in his legal cases extremely grim at best. Many have grown unnerved at his purge of top national security officials. And others are making clear that Trump should concede the race once it’s evident that he’s lost his court challenges.”


politicalwire--2020-11-12--Zuckerberg Says Bannon Shouldn’t Have Been Suspended

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg “ told an all-staff meeting on Thursday that former Trump White House adviser Steve Bannon had @ @ @ @ @ company ’ s policies to justify his suspension , ” Reuters reports .
“ Bannon @ @ @ @ @ week that FBI Director Christopher Wray and government infectious diseases expert Anthony Fauci should be @ @ @ @ @ been disloyal to President Trump , who last week lost his re-election bid .
”

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg “told an all-staff meeting on Thursday that former Trump White House adviser Steve Bannon had not violated enough of the company’s policies to justify his suspension,” Reuters reports.
“Bannon suggested in a video last week that FBI Director Christopher Wray and government infectious diseases expert Anthony Fauci should be beheaded, saying they had been disloyal to President Trump, who last week lost his re-election bid.”


politicalwire--2020-11-12--87-Year Old Lawmaker Tests Positive

87-Year Old Lawmaker Tests Positive

Susan Glasser : “ At times , during this unnerving week in America ’ s capital , it has felt @ @ @ @ @ events unfold in Minsk or some other dictator stronghold where elections…

“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--2020-11-12--Trump Children Conflicted on Next Steps

Trump Children Conflicted on Next Steps

CNN : “ Differing approaches have emerged amongst the Trump siblings : Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump are telling @ @ @ @ @ to the end , echoing baseless claims that the election has been rigged and the @ @ @ @ @ Trump and her husband , Jared Kushner , meanwhile , are weighing a different political @ @ @ @ @ has offered a more calibrated message to her father , asking him whether it was @ @ @ @ @ potentially his businesses to continue his refusal to concede .
”

CNN: “Differing approaches have emerged amongst the Trump siblings: Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump are telling their father to aggressively fight to the end, echoing baseless claims that the election has been rigged and the outcome should change. Ivanka Trump and her husband, Jared Kushner, meanwhile, are weighing a different political calculus.”
“Ivanka Trump has offered a more calibrated message to her father, asking him whether it was worth damaging his legacy and potentially his businesses to continue his refusal to concede.”


politicalwire--2020-11-12--Election Security Official Expects to Be Fired


politicalwire--2020-11-12--Officials Used ‘Poor Judgement’ In Epstein Deal

“ A Department of Justice review found that Alex Acosta , President Trump ’ s former Labor Secretary , exercised @ @ @ @ @ a US attorney in Florida and agreed to a nonprosecution agreement with sex trafficker Jeffrey @ @ @ @ @ did not find that Acosta or other prosecutors engaged in professional misconduct , ” CNN @ @

“A Department of Justice review found that Alex Acosta, President Trump’s former Labor Secretary, exercised poor judgment when he was a US attorney in Florida and agreed to a nonprosecution agreement with sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein, but the review did not find that Acosta or other prosecutors engaged in professional misconduct,” CNN reports.


politicalwire--2020-11-12--Trump Lashes Out at ‘Medical Deep State’

“ President Trump is lashing out at the Food and Drug Administration following a disclosure Monday that an experimental coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ is more than 90 percent effective , convinced the timing — six days after Election @ @ @ @ @ medical deep state ’ deliberately tried to sabotage his electoral prospects by delaying the results @ @ @ @ @ reports .

“President Trump is lashing out at the Food and Drug Administration following a disclosure Monday that an experimental coronavirus vaccine from pharmaceutical giant Pfizer is more than 90 percent effective, convinced the timing — six days after Election Day — proves the ‘medical deep state’ deliberately tried to sabotage his electoral prospects by delaying the results,” the Washington Post reports.


politicalwire--2020-11-12--Stacy Abrams Likely to Run for Governor Again

“ Stacey Abrams ’ political future is the subject of intense speculation after she helped turn Georgia blue for President-elect @ @ @ @ @ Daily Beast reports .
“ With more work on the horizon , three Democrats with @ @ @ @ @ house minority leader ’ s aspirations tell the Daily Beast that they expect her to @ @ @ @ @ .
”

“Stacey Abrams’ political future is the subject of intense speculation after she helped turn Georgia blue for President-elect Joe Biden,” the Daily Beast reports.
“With more work on the horizon, three Democrats with knowledge of the former state house minority leader’s aspirations tell the Daily Beast that they expect her to run for governor in 2022.”


politicalwire--2020-11-12--Another Trump Adviser Tests Positive

Another Trump Adviser Tests Positive

Trump adviser Corey Lewandowski told CNN he has tested positive for the coronavirus .
He joins a growing list of @ @ @ @ @ to have tested positive for the virus this week after attending campaign events in the @ @ @ @ @ the election .

Trump adviser Corey Lewandowski told CNN he has tested positive for the coronavirus.
He joins a growing list of individuals close to the President to have tested positive for the virus this week after attending campaign events in the lead-up to and days after the election.


politicalwire--2020-11-12--Trump Bars Investing in Firms That Help China’s Military

“ President Trump signed an executive order prohibiting Americans from investing in a clutch of Chinese companies the Trump administration @ @ @ @ @ China ’ s military , ” the Wall Street Journal reports .
“ The order @ @ @ @ @ from owning shares directly or through funds that include any among 31 companies identified by @ @ @ @ @ modernization of the People ’ s Liberation Army , or PLA .
”

“President Trump signed an executive order prohibiting Americans from investing in a clutch of Chinese companies the Trump administration says supply and otherwise support China’s military,” the Wall Street Journal reports.
“The order blocks American companies and individuals from owning shares directly or through funds that include any among 31 companies identified by the U.S. as aiding the modernization of the People’s Liberation Army, or PLA.”


politicalwire--2020-11-12--Pompeo to Visit West Bank Settlements

Pompeo to Visit West Bank Settlements

“ Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is planning to visit the Golan Heights and an Israeli settlement in the West @ @ @ @ @ firsts for a U.S. secretary of state , ” Axios reports .
“ Since 1967 @ @ @ @ @ have treated the West Bank and Golan Heights as occupied territory.
” “ The trip @ @ @ @ @ Trump administration ’ s policy shifts on Israel .
For Pompeo , it also has @ @ @ @ @ a possible presidential run in 2024 .
”

“Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is planning to visit the Golan Heights and an Israeli settlement in the West Bank next week, both firsts for a U.S. secretary of state,” Axios reports.
“Since 1967, all previous U.S. administrations have treated the West Bank and Golan Heights as occupied territory.”
“The trip seems intended to highlight the Trump administration’s policy shifts on Israel. For Pompeo, it also has domestic political significance ahead of a possible presidential run in 2024.”


politicalwire--2020-11-12--Oregon Provides Relief to Sex Workers

Oregon Provides Relief to Sex Workers


politicalwire--2020-11-12--Fauci Says Working with Trump Is ‘Very Stressful’


politicalwire--2020-11-12--Biden Plans to Ramp Up Fight Against Climate Change

“ Biden is poised to embed action on climate change across the breadth of the federal government , from the @ @ @ @ @ to State — expanding it beyond environmental agencies to speed U.S. efforts to mitigate global @ @ @ @ @ the problem touches many aspects of American life , ” the Washington Post reports .
@ @ @ @ @ aimed at making significant cuts in greenhouse gas emissions even without congressional action , by @ @ @ @ @

“Biden is poised to embed action on climate change across the breadth of the federal government, from the departments of Agriculture to Treasury to State — expanding it beyond environmental agencies to speed U.S. efforts to mitigate global warming and to acknowledge that the problem touches many aspects of American life,” the Washington Post reports.
“The far-reaching strategy is aimed at making significant cuts in greenhouse gas emissions even without congressional action, by maximizing executive authority.”


politicalwire--2020-11-12--Trump Supporters Flock to Newsmax TV

Trump Supporters Flock to Newsmax TV

“ President Trump ’ s fans who don ’ t think Fox News is right-wing enough have another option on @ @ @ @ @ TV , ” CNN reports .
“ And something dramatic has happened in the past @ @ @ @ @ has sought out Newsmax TV for the first time.
” “ On Newsmax , voter @ @ @ @ @ Conspiracy theory chatter is constant .
And perhaps most importantly , Joe Biden is not @ @ @ @ @ is tapping into a real vein of rage on the right .
And Trump is @ @ @ @ @ users who are trashing Fox and promoting Newsmax .
”

“President Trump’s fans who don’t think Fox News is right-wing enough have another option on cable and satellite: Newsmax TV,” CNN reports.
“And something dramatic has happened in the past week: A big audience has sought out Newsmax TV for the first time.”
“On Newsmax, voter fraud innuendo is everywhere. Conspiracy theory chatter is constant. And perhaps most importantly, Joe Biden is not the president-elect. The channel is tapping into a real vein of rage on the right. And Trump is encouraging it by retweeting Twitter users who are trashing Fox and promoting Newsmax.”


politicalwire--2020-11-12--How to Cover a Coup… or Whatever Trump is Doing

Margaret Sullivan : “ President Trump lost .
The nation knows it .
The world knows it .
And , @ @ @ @ @ admit it , he certainly knows it , too .
But because he is claiming @ @ @ @ @ enablers joining the chorus — this past week has presented the reality-based press with a @ @ @ @ @ ” “ How do you cover something that , at worst , lays the groundwork @ @ @ @ @ , at best , represents a brazen lie that could be deeply damaging to American @ @ @

Margaret Sullivan: “President Trump lost. The nation knows it. The world knows it. And, although he won’t admit it, he certainly knows it, too. But because he is claiming otherwise — with his Republican enablers joining the chorus — this past week has presented the reality-based press with a strange and extremely important challenge.”
“How do you cover something that, at worst, lays the groundwork for a coup attempt and, at best, represents a brazen lie that could be deeply damaging to American democracy?”


politicalwire--2020-11-13--Law Firm Stops Representing Trump In Pennsylvania

“ We ’ re moving forward here at the White House under the assumption that there will be a second @ @ @ @ @ won that election , and any speculation about what…


politicalwire--2020-11-13--Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day

“ We ’ re moving forward here at the White House under the assumption that there will be a second @ @ @ @ @ won that election , and any speculation about what Joe Biden might do I think @ @ @ @ @ .
”

“We’re moving forward here at the White House under the assumption that there will be a second Trump term… We think he won that election, and any speculation about what Joe Biden might do I think is moot at this point.”
— White House trade adviser Peter Navarro, interviewed on Fox Business.


politicalwire--2020-11-13--Trump’s Mood Is Bleak

Trump’s Mood Is Bleak

New York Times : “ Mr .
Trump has spent his days toggling between his White House residence and the @ @ @ @ @ coverage about the final weeks of his presidency .
His mood is often bleak , @ @ @ @ @ is not raising his voice in anger , despite the impression left by his tweets @ @ @ @ @ capital letters.
” “ But the work of government has been reduced to something of @ @ @ @ @ ” Washington Post : “ President Trump spent the day as he has most others @ @ @ @ @ public view , tweeting grievances , falsehoods and misinformation about the election results and about @ @ @ @ @ of him .
”

New York Times: “Mr. Trump has spent his days toggling between his White House residence and the Oval Office, watching television coverage about the final weeks of his presidency. His mood is often bleak, advisers say, though he is not raising his voice in anger, despite the impression left by his tweets, which are often in capital letters.”
“But the work of government has been reduced to something of a sideshow for the president.”
Washington Post: “President Trump spent the day as he has most others this week — sequestered from public view, tweeting grievances, falsehoods and misinformation about the election results and about Fox News’s coverage of him.”


politicalwire--2020-11-13--Trump Rebuffs Biden Transition Team

Trump Rebuffs Biden Transition Team

“ President Trump ’ s refusal to allow President-elect Joseph R. Biden Jr. and his transition staff access to government @ @ @ @ @ classified briefings prompted growing warnings on Thursday , including from Republicans , that keeping Mr. @ @ @ @ @ endangers the country , ” the New York Times reports .
“ On Capitol Hill @ @ @ @ @ that Mr. Biden should at least be given access to the President ’ s Daily @ @ @ @ @ the nation ’ s most closely guarded intelligence secrets and assessments of threats like terrorist @ @ @ @ @ Their call amounted to an acknowledgment that Mr. Biden would be declared the victor in @ @ @ @

“President Trump’s refusal to allow President-elect Joseph R. Biden Jr. and his transition staff access to government offices, secure communications and classified briefings prompted growing warnings on Thursday, including from Republicans, that keeping Mr. Biden in the dark potentially endangers the country,” the New York Times reports.
“On Capitol Hill, several Senate Republicans insisted that Mr. Biden should at least be given access to the President’s Daily Brief, the compendium of the nation’s most closely guarded intelligence secrets and assessments of threats like terrorist plots and cyberattack vulnerabilities. Their call amounted to an acknowledgment that Mr. Biden would be declared the victor in the election.”


politicalwire--2020-11-13--Trump Will Soon Face Greater Risk of Prosecution

“ President Trump lost more than an election last week .
When he leaves the White House in January , @ @ @ @ @ constitutional protection from prosecution afforded to a sitting president , ” the New York Times @ @ @ @ @ 20 , Mr. Trump , who has refused to concede and is fighting to hold @ @ @ @ @ be more vulnerable than ever to a pending grand jury investigation by the Manhattan district @ @ @ @ @ s family business and its practices , as well as his taxes .
”

“President Trump lost more than an election last week. When he leaves the White House in January, he will also lose the constitutional protection from prosecution afforded to a sitting president,” the New York Times reports.
“After Jan. 20, Mr. Trump, who has refused to concede and is fighting to hold onto his office, will be more vulnerable than ever to a pending grand jury investigation by the Manhattan district attorney into the president’s family business and its practices, as well as his taxes.”


politicalwire--2020-11-13--Polling Is for Suckers

Polling Is for Suckers

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

This piece for members is by David T.S. Jonas.
In early September, I advised my friends and family to “Be Prepared for a Close Race.” My take was that major polling misses in 2016 and 2018 should give us great pause in assuming voters would break in overwhelming numbers for Democrats in 2020. I wrote:


politicalwire--2020-11-13--What Happened to the Blue Wave?

What Happened to the Blue Wave?

Charlie Cook : “ In my judgment , there was a blue wave building , a pretty big one , @ @ @ @ @ a fish getting spooked before taking a bite out of a lure .
Too many @ @ @ @ @ operatives in both parties could see it coming .
My guess is that while a @ @ @ @ @ one , wanted to unseat Trump , they got skittish about giving Democrats unified control @ @ @ @ @ to put Biden in the driver ’ s seat , but not give him the @ @ @ @ @ a credit card that a Democrat-controlled Congress would provide ?
” “ Did the label @ @ @ @ @ give enough swing voters cause for hesitation ?
What about charges that Democrats were going @ @ @ @ @ pack the Court ?
What about questions of exactly what would be in a Green @ @ @ @ @ it do to jobs during a fragile economy ?
Was there a fear that Democrats @ @ @ @ @ law and order , given the ‘ Defund the Police ’ movement ?
”

Charlie Cook: “In my judgment, there was a blue wave building, a pretty big one, then something happened, like a fish getting spooked before taking a bite out of a lure. Too many of the most experienced political operatives in both parties could see it coming. My guess is that while a majority, albeit a small one, wanted to unseat Trump, they got skittish about giving Democrats unified control. Was the electorate willing to put Biden in the driver’s seat, but not give him the full tank of gas and a credit card that a Democrat-controlled Congress would provide?”
“Did the label of “socialist” finally give enough swing voters cause for hesitation? What about charges that Democrats were going to push Medicare-for-all, or pack the Court? What about questions of exactly what would be in a Green New Deal and what would it do to jobs during a fragile economy? Was there a fear that Democrats would or could not keep law and order, given the ‘Defund the Police’ movement?”


politicalwire--2020-11-13--A Banner Year for Political Books

A Banner Year for Political Books

The Wall Street Journal reports 2020 is on course to be the biggest year for political book titles since tracking @ @ @ @ @ Obama ’ s A Promised Land — out next week — is already topping bestseller @ @

The Wall Street Journal reports 2020 is on course to be the biggest year for political book titles since tracking began in 2004.
Barack Obama’s A Promised Land — out next week — is already topping bestseller lists.


politicalwire--2020-11-13--Networks Confirm Biden Won Arizona

Networks Confirm Biden Won Arizona

Last night , the rest of the news networks declared Joe Biden the winner of Arizona , joining Fox News @ @ @ @ @ called the race on Election Night .
The Arizona Mirror notes a recount is highly @ @ @ @ @ sets specific criteria that must be met for election recounts , setting a deliberately high @ @ @ @ @ impossible to trigger .
For races with more than 25,000 ballots — like the presidential @ @ @ @ @ to be separated by just 200 or fewer votes .
Among the almost 3.4 million @ @ @ @ @ President-elect Joe Biden has a lead of more than 14,000 votes in Arizona.
” As @ @ @ @ @ , Arizona gives Biden 270 electoral votes , without either Pennsylvania or Georgia , so @ @ @ @ @ Donald Trump ’ s many lawsuits will be able to change the outcome .

Last night, the rest of the news networks declared Joe Biden the winner of Arizona, joining Fox News and the Associated Press which called the race on Election Night.
The Arizona Mirror notes a recount is highly unlikely: “Arizona law sets specific criteria that must be met for election recounts, setting a deliberately high standard that makes it nearly impossible to trigger. For races with more than 25,000 ballots — like the presidential contest — the candidates have to be separated by just 200 or fewer votes. Among the almost 3.4 million ballots cast this year, President-elect Joe Biden has a lead of more than 14,000 votes in Arizona.”
As the updated electoral map shows, Arizona gives Biden 270 electoral votes, without either Pennsylvania or Georgia, so it’s increasingly unlikely Donald Trump’s many lawsuits will be able to change the outcome.


politicalwire--2020-11-13--Growing Discomfort at Law Firms Representing Trump

New York Times : “ Doing business with Mr. Trump — with his history of inflammatory rhetoric , meritless lawsuits @ @ @ @ @ he owes — has long induced heartburn among lawyers , contractors , suppliers and lenders @ @ @ @ @ taking on new urgency as the president seeks to raise doubts about the election results.
@ @ @ @ @ at Jones Day , one of the country ’ s largest law firms , are @ @ @ @ @ arguments that lack evidence and may be helping Mr. Trump and his allies undermine the @ @ @ @ @ “ At another large firm , Porter Wright Morris & Arthur , based in Columbus @ @ @ @ @ held internal meetings to voice similar concerns about their firm ’ s election-related work for @ @ @ @ @ Party .
”

New York Times: “Doing business with Mr. Trump — with his history of inflammatory rhetoric, meritless lawsuits and refusal to pay what he owes — has long induced heartburn among lawyers, contractors, suppliers and lenders. But the concerns are taking on new urgency as the president seeks to raise doubts about the election results.”
“Some senior lawyers at Jones Day, one of the country’s largest law firms, are worried that it is advancing arguments that lack evidence and may be helping Mr. Trump and his allies undermine the integrity of American elections.”
“At another large firm, Porter Wright Morris & Arthur, based in Columbus, Ohio, lawyers have held internal meetings to voice similar concerns about their firm’s election-related work for Mr. Trump and the Republican Party.”


politicalwire--2020-11-13--GOP Senators Warn Against Warren Nomination

“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--2020-11-13--Obama Torches His Rivals

Obama Torches His Rivals

Barack Obama writes in his new memoir that Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has “ discipline , shrewdness and shamelessness @ @ @ @ @ employed in the single-minded and dispassionate pursuit of power , ” the HuffPost reports .
@ @ @ @ @ physically “ unremarkable ” but reminds Obama of a Chicago ward boss from the city @ @ @ @ @ .
And former Alaska Gov .
Sarah Palin had “ no idea what the hell @ @ @ @ @ But perhaps his most damning assessment of all was reserved for Sen. Lindsey Graham who @ @ @ @ @ in a spy movie “ who double-crosses everyone to save his own skin .
”

Barack Obama writes in his new memoir that Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has “discipline, shrewdness and shamelessness — all of which he employed in the single-minded and dispassionate pursuit of power,” the HuffPost reports.
Russian President Vladimir Putin is physically “unremarkable” but reminds Obama of a Chicago ward boss from the city’s infamous political machine.
And former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin had “no idea what the hell she was talking about.”
But perhaps his most damning assessment of all was reserved for Sen. Lindsey Graham who Obama compares to a character in a spy movie “who double-crosses everyone to save his own skin.”


politicalwire--2020-11-13--Alito’s Politically Charged Address Draws Heat

Politico : “ Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito delivered an unusually inflammatory public speech Thursday night , starkly warning about @ @ @ @ @ believers face from advocates for gay and abortion rights , as well as public officials @ @ @ @ @ .
Speaking to a virtual conference of conservative lawyers , the George W. Bush appointee @ @ @ @ @ the recent election , the political crisis relating to President Donald Trump ’ s refusal @ @ @ @ @ litigation on the issue pending at the Supreme Court.
” “ However , Alito didn @ @ @ @ @ other controversial subjects , even suggesting that the pressure Christians face surrounding their religious beliefs @ @ @ @ @ the U.S. placed on Germany and Japan after World War II .
”

Politico: “Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito delivered an unusually inflammatory public speech Thursday night, starkly warning about the threats he contends religious believers face from advocates for gay and abortion rights, as well as public officials responding to the coronavirus pandemic. Speaking to a virtual conference of conservative lawyers, the George W. Bush appointee made no direct comment on the recent election, the political crisis relating to President Donald Trump’s refusal to acknowledge his defeat or litigation on the issue pending at the Supreme Court.”
“However, Alito didn’t hold back on other controversial subjects, even suggesting that the pressure Christians face surrounding their religious beliefs is akin to the strictures the U.S. placed on Germany and Japan after World War II.”


Trump In Hiding

“ On Thursday , six American service members were killed in a helicopter crash during a peacekeeping mission in Egypt @ @ @ @ @ landfall in North Florida , contributing to severe flooding .
The number of Americans infected @ @ @ @ @ at a record-setting pace , sending the stock market tumbling , ” the Washington Post @ @ @ @ @ White House , President Trump spent the day as he has most others this week @ @ @ @ @ , tweeting grievances , falsehoods and misinformation about the election results and about Fox News @ @ @ @ @ .
Neither he nor his aides briefed reporters on the news of the day or @ @ @ @ @ accused Republicans of imperiling the pandemic response by ‘ refusing to accept reality ’ over @ @ @ @ @

“On Thursday, six American service members were killed in a helicopter crash during a peacekeeping mission in Egypt. Tropical Storm Eta made landfall in North Florida, contributing to severe flooding. The number of Americans infected with the novel coronavirus continued at a record-setting pace, sending the stock market tumbling,” the Washington Post reports.
“At the White House, President Trump spent the day as he has most others this week — sequestered from public view, tweeting grievances, falsehoods and misinformation about the election results and about Fox News’s coverage of him. Neither he nor his aides briefed reporters on the news of the day or reacted to Democratic leaders who accused Republicans of imperiling the pandemic response by ‘refusing to accept reality’ over the election results.”


politicalwire--2020-11-13--Inside the House Democrats’ Post-Election Reckoning

“ Interviews with nearly three dozen lawmakers , aides and consultants reveal a growing acknowledgment that the party ’ s @ @ @ @ @ strategic errors : it underestimated Donald Trump ’ s popularity , relied too much on @ @ @ @ @ the warnings of its most vulnerable members , ” Politico reports .
“ A dozen @ @ @ @ @ Democrats caution they won ’ t have all the answers for months .
But many @ @ @ @ @ that the biggest priority for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee must be overhauling its message @ @ @ @ @ to craft a proactive campaign that counters GOP attacks on everything from Medicare for All @ @ @ @ @ have any hopes of keeping their majority in 2022 .
”

“Interviews with nearly three dozen lawmakers, aides and consultants reveal a growing acknowledgment that the party’s campaign arm made several key strategic errors: it underestimated Donald Trump’s popularity, relied too much on polls and failed to heed the warnings of its most vulnerable members,” Politico reports.
“A dozen races remain uncalled, and Democrats caution they won’t have all the answers for months. But many in the party are warning that the biggest priority for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee must be overhauling its message. They say it needs to craft a proactive campaign that counters GOP attacks on everything from Medicare for All to fracking — if they have any hopes of keeping their majority in 2022.”
Tim Alberta: Elissa Slotkin braces for a Democratic Civil War.


politicalwire--2020-11-13--Biden Transition Reaches Out to Former Mattis Officials

“ President-elect Joe Biden ’ s team has had initial discussions with people who worked for former Defense Secretary Jim @ @ @ @ @ transition at the Pentagon and possibly serving in the new administration , ” Politico reports @ @ @ @ @ in the early stages , particularly as President Donald Trump has so far blocked the @ @ @ @ @ process , said the people , all former Trump administration officials who spoke on condition @ @ @ @ @ personnel issues .
”

“President-elect Joe Biden’s team has had initial discussions with people who worked for former Defense Secretary Jim Mattis about helping with the transition at the Pentagon and possibly serving in the new administration,” Politico reports.
“The conversations are in the early stages, particularly as President Donald Trump has so far blocked the start of the official transition process, said the people, all former Trump administration officials who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive personnel issues.”


China Congratulates Biden

“ Days after many other countries , China finally on Friday congratulated President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris @ @ @ @ @ , ending whispers over Beijing ’ s reticence , ” the Washington Post reports .
@ @ @ @ @ came just over 24 hours after Biden ’ s team said he had held phone @ @ @ @ @ and South Korea — U.S. allies that have watched with varying degrees of concern as @ @ @ @ @ influence .
”

“Days after many other countries, China finally on Friday congratulated President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris for their U.S. election win, ending whispers over Beijing’s reticence,” the Washington Post reports.
“Beijing’s salutations came just over 24 hours after Biden’s team said he had held phone calls with Australia, Japan and South Korea — U.S. allies that have watched with varying degrees of concern as Beijing has expanded its regional influence.”


politicalwire--2020-11-13--Trump May Announce 2024 Bid Soon

Trump May Announce 2024 Bid Soon

President Trump told some of his advisers that if President-elect Joe Biden is officially certified as the winner of the @ @ @ @ @ announce his plan to run for the White House in 2024 shortly after , the @ @ @ @ @

President Trump told some of his advisers that if President-elect Joe Biden is officially certified as the winner of the 2020 race, he could announce his plan to run for the White House in 2024 shortly after, the New York Times reports.


politicalwire--2020-11-13--Tuberville Doesn’t Know What WWII Was About

After easily defeating Doug Jones ( D ) to become Alabama ’ s next U.S .
Senator , Tommy Tuberville @ @ @ @ @ supporters in Montgomery and discussing his father – an American G.I .
who landed at @ @ @ @ @ , WKRG reports .
Tuberville described how his father was a part of “ liberating @ @ @ @ @ ” Of course , Americans liberated France from German Nazis – fascists , not socialists @ @ @ @

After easily defeating Doug Jones (D) to become Alabama’s next U.S. Senator, Tommy Tuberville (R) was addressing supporters in Montgomery and discussing his father – an American G.I. who landed at Normandy and fought in France, WKRG reports.
Tuberville described how his father was a part of “liberating Paris from socialism and communism.”
Of course, Americans liberated France from German Nazis – fascists, not socialists, nor communists.


politicalwire--2020-11-13--‘Dead’ Georgia Voters Are Actually Alive

Graeme Wood profiles historian Peter Turchin in The Atlantic : “ The year 2020 has been kind to Turchin , @ @ @ @ @ reasons it has been hell for the rest…


politicalwire--2020-11-13--Prosecutors Report No Evidence of Election Fraud

“ Sixteen assistant U.S. attorneys specially assigned to monitor malfeasance in the 2020 election urged Attorney General William Barr on @ @ @ @ @ memorandum allowing investigators to publicly pursue allegations of ‘ vote tabulation irregularities ’ in certain @ @ @ @ @ , saying they had not seen evidence of any substantial anomalies , ” the Washington @ @ @ @ @ signers wrote that in the places where they served as district election officers , taking @ @ @ @ @ crimes , there was no evidence of the kind of fraud that Barr ’ s @ @ @ @ @

“Sixteen assistant U.S. attorneys specially assigned to monitor malfeasance in the 2020 election urged Attorney General William Barr on Friday to rescind his recent memorandum allowing investigators to publicly pursue allegations of ‘vote tabulation irregularities’ in certain cases before results are certified, saying they had not seen evidence of any substantial anomalies,” the Washington Post reports.
“The signers wrote that in the places where they served as district election officers, taking in reports of possible election-related crimes, there was no evidence of the kind of fraud that Barr’s memo had highlighted.”


politicalwire--2020-11-13--Homeland Security Chief Defies Trump Order

“ Department of Homeland Security acting Secretary Chad Wolf is defying President Trump ’ s order to terminate election cybersecurity @ @ @ @ @ multiple sources tell the New York Post .
“ The White House on Wednesday evening @ @ @ @ @ after Krebs openly dismissed claims of voter fraud in the Nov. 3 election .
”

“Department of Homeland Security acting Secretary Chad Wolf is defying President Trump’s order to terminate election cybersecurity official Christopher Krebs,” multiple sources tell the New York Post.
“The White House on Wednesday evening instructed Wolf to fire Krebs after Krebs openly dismissed claims of voter fraud in the Nov. 3 election.”


politicalwire--2020-11-13--Biden Considers Angus King for Intelligence Chief

“ President-elect Joe Biden is considering plucking Angus King from the Senate to serve as director of national intelligence in @ @ @ @ @ Politico reports .
“ The senator from Maine , an independent who caucuses with Democrats @ @ @ @ @ of the Senate Intelligence and Armed Services committees .
His appointment as Biden ’ s @ @ @ @ @ president-elect someone in the position that both he and the intelligence community know well.
” @ @ @ @ @ vacate a Democratic Senate seat in a state that just overwhelmingly reelected a Republican , @ @ @ @ @ other Senate seat .
”

“President-elect Joe Biden is considering plucking Angus King from the Senate to serve as director of national intelligence in his new administration,” Politico reports.
“The senator from Maine, an independent who caucuses with Democrats, is a prominent member of the Senate Intelligence and Armed Services committees. His appointment as Biden’s intelligence chief would give the president-elect someone in the position that both he and the intelligence community know well.”
“But it would also vacate a Democratic Senate seat in a state that just overwhelmingly reelected a Republican, Susan Collins, to its other Senate seat.”


politicalwire--2020-11-13--Trump Campaign Shuts Down Voter Fraud Hotline


politicalwire--2020-11-13--Pennsylvania Won’t Order Recount

Pennsylvania Won’t Order Recount


politicalwire--2020-11-13--Pardons Loom for Trump Allies — and Himself

“ President Trump is refusing to concede the 2020 election to President-elect Joe Biden , but once Trump moves to @ @ @ @ @ defeat , the urgent business of presidential pardons is likely to surge to the top @ @ @ @ @ office , ” CNN reports .
“ From campaign associates to members of his family @ @ @ @ @ — Trump could use his expansive pardon power to try to settle legal questions on @ @ @ @ @ ” “ Perhaps the biggest looming pardon question is whether Trump will consider granting himself @ @ @ @ @ investigations into his business and finances and the prospect of federal investigators scrutinizing him after @ @ @ @ @

“President Trump is refusing to concede the 2020 election to President-elect Joe Biden, but once Trump moves to the acceptance stage of his defeat, the urgent business of presidential pardons is likely to surge to the top of his checklist before leaving office,” CNN reports.
“From campaign associates to members of his family — and even possibly himself — Trump could use his expansive pardon power to try to settle legal questions on his way out the door.”
“Perhaps the biggest looming pardon question is whether Trump will consider granting himself a pardon, amid state investigations into his business and finances and the prospect of federal investigators scrutinizing him after he leaves office.”


Bellwethers No More


politicalwire--2020-11-13--Biden 306, Trump 232

Biden 306, Trump 232


politicalwire--2020-11-13--The Age of Discord

The Age of Discord

“ The year 2020 has been kind to Turchin , for many of the same reasons it has been hell @ @ @ @ @ .
Cities on fire , elected leaders endorsing violence , homicides surging—to a normal American @ @ @ @ @ .
To Turchin , they indicate that his models , which incorporate thousands of years @ @ @ @ @ , are working.
” “ He has been warning for a decade that a few @ @ @ @ @ portend an ‘ age of discord , ’ civil unrest and carnage worse than most @ @ @ @ @ 2010 , he predicted that the unrest would get serious around 2020 , and that @ @ @ @ @ up until those social and political trends reversed .
Havoc at the level of the @ @ @ @ @ 70s is the best-case scenario ; all-out civil war is the worst .
”

Graeme Wood profiles historian Peter Turchin in The Atlantic:
“The year 2020 has been kind to Turchin, for many of the same reasons it has been hell for the rest of us. Cities on fire, elected leaders endorsing violence, homicides surging—to a normal American, these are apocalyptic signs. To Turchin, they indicate that his models, which incorporate thousands of years of data about human history, are working.”
“He has been warning for a decade that a few key social and political trends portend an ‘age of discord,’ civil unrest and carnage worse than most Americans have experienced. In 2010, he predicted that the unrest would get serious around 2020, and that it wouldn’t let up until those social and political trends reversed. Havoc at the level of the late 1960s and early ’70s is the best-case scenario; all-out civil war is the worst.”


politicalwire--2020-11-13--Biden Will Get National Security Briefing Next Week


Biden Wins Georgia


politicalwire--2020-11-13--New Lawmaker Calls Masks ‘Oppressive’

New Lawmaker Calls Masks ‘Oppressive’

Rep.-elect Marjorie Taylor Greene ( R-GA ) tweeted that masks used to prevent the spread of the coronavirus are “ @ @ @ @ @ “ Our first session of New Member Orientation covered COVID in Congress .
Masks , @ @ @ @ @ told my freshman class that masks are oppressive .
In Georgia , we work out @ @ @ @ @ restaurants , go to work , and school without masks .
My body , my @ @ @ @ @ ”

Rep.-elect Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) tweeted that masks used to prevent the spread of the coronavirus are “oppressive.”
Said Greene: “Our first session of New Member Orientation covered COVID in Congress. Masks, masks, masks… I proudly told my freshman class that masks are oppressive. In Georgia, we work out, shop, go to restaurants, go to work, and school without masks. My body, my choice. #FreeYourFace.”


politicalwire--2020-11-13--RNC Will Put $20 Million Into Georgia Runoffs

“ The Republican National Committee said Friday it is funding more than 600 staffers in the state with an investment @ @ @ @ @ million ahead of the Jan. 5 runoffs for the seats held by GOP Sens .
@ @ @ @ @ , ” the AP reports .
“ The GOP ’ s investment follows on the @ @ @ @ @ game and data operation in the 2020 presidential race , which fought a large Democratic @ @ @ @ @ it organized more than 2.6 million volunteers and had more than 3,000 paid field staffers @ @ @ @ @ In Georgia alone , the RNC says it knocked on more than 3 million doors @ @ @ @ @ million phone calls and registered at least 16,000 voters in the leadup to the presidential @ @ @

“The Republican National Committee said Friday it is funding more than 600 staffers in the state with an investment of at least $20 million ahead of the Jan. 5 runoffs for the seats held by GOP Sens. Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue,” the AP reports.
“The GOP’s investment follows on the party’s massive ground game and data operation in the 2020 presidential race, which fought a large Democratic operation. The party said it organized more than 2.6 million volunteers and had more than 3,000 paid field staffers across key battleground states. In Georgia alone, the RNC says it knocked on more than 3 million doors, made more than 8 million phone calls and registered at least 16,000 voters in the leadup to the presidential election.”


politicalwire--2020-11-13--Charles Koch Has Regrets

Charles Koch Has Regrets

The Wall Street Journal profiles Charles Koch : “ Mr .
Koch said he has since come to regret his @ @ @ @ @ badly deepened divisions.
” Writes Koch , in his new book : “ Boy , @ @ @ @ @ What a mess !
’ ” “ Still , his political spending remains almost entirely @ @ @ @ @ PAC and employees donated $ 2.8 million in the 2020 campaign cycle to Republican candidates @ @ @ @ @ candidates .
”

The Wall Street Journal profiles Charles Koch: “Mr. Koch said he has since come to regret his partisanship, which he says badly deepened divisions.”
Writes Koch, in his new book: “Boy, did we screw up! What a mess!’”
“Still, his political spending remains almost entirely partisan. Koch Industries’ PAC and employees donated $2.8 million in the 2020 campaign cycle to Republican candidates and $221,000 to Democratic candidates.”


politicalwire--2020-11-13--Michigan Judge Rejects GOP Effort to Delay Certification

“ A Michigan judge has rejected a GOP demand to delay certification of the vote count in Detroit , ” @ @ @ @ @ “ This is the latest in a string of defeats for President Trump and his @ @ @ @ @ to un-do – or at least delay – President-elect Joe Biden ’ s electoral victory @ @ @ @ @ irregularities .
”

“A Michigan judge has rejected a GOP demand to delay certification of the vote count in Detroit,” the Washington Post reports.
“This is the latest in a string of defeats for President Trump and his allies, who have sought to un-do – or at least delay – President-elect Joe Biden’s electoral victory with long-shot lawsuits claiming election irregularities.”


politicalwire--2020-11-13--Trump Drops Legal Challenges In Arizona

Trump Drops Legal Challenges In Arizona

“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--2020-11-13--Keeping Up the Charade

Keeping Up the Charade


politicalwire--2020-11-13--Trump Lawsuit Promises Evidence of Fraud Later

Trump supporters in Pennsylvania filed a lawsuit to stop the certification process in the state but did not provide any @ @ @ @ @ Instead , they told the judge that they intend to present evidence to support that @ @ @ @ @ it .

Trump supporters in Pennsylvania filed a lawsuit to stop the certification process in the state but did not provide any evidence of election fraud.
Instead, they told the judge that they intend to present evidence to support that claim once they have obtained it.


politicalwire--2020-11-13--The Most Secure Rigged Election Ever

The Most Secure Rigged Election Ever

“ For years the Dems have been preaching how unsafe and rigged our elections have been .
Now they are @ @ @ @ @ the Trump Administration did in making 2020 the most secure election ever .
Actually this @ @ @ @ @ what the Democrats did .
Rigged Election !
”

President Trump on Twitter:
“For years the Dems have been preaching how unsafe and rigged our elections have been. Now they are saying what a wonderful job the Trump Administration did in making 2020 the most secure election ever. Actually this is true, except for what the Democrats did. Rigged Election!”


politicalwire--2020-11-14--Coronavirus Deaths Are Climbing Once Again

New York Times : “ For weeks , as coronavirus cases spiked across the United States , deaths rose far @ @ @ @ @ lower than in the early , deadliest weeks of the nation ’ s outbreak in @ @ @ @ @ , many hoped , might slow a new wave of funerals.
” “ But now @ @ @ @ @ More than 1,000 Americans are dying of the coronavirus every day on average , a @ @ @ @ @ last month .
Iowa , Minnesota , New Mexico , Tennessee and Wisconsin have recorded @ @ @ @ @ seven days than in any other week of the pandemic .
Twice this past week @ @ @ @ @ than 1,400 deaths reported in a single day.
” Wall Street Journal : New U.S. @ @ @ @ @ the first time .

New York Times: “For weeks, as coronavirus cases spiked across the United States, deaths rose far more slowly, staying significantly lower than in the early, deadliest weeks of the nation’s outbreak in the spring. New treatments, many hoped, might slow a new wave of funerals.”
“But now, signs are shifting: More than 1,000 Americans are dying of the coronavirus every day on average, a 50 percent increase in the last month. Iowa, Minnesota, New Mexico, Tennessee and Wisconsin have recorded more deaths over the last seven days than in any other week of the pandemic. Twice this past week, there have been more than 1,400 deaths reported in a single day.”
Wall Street Journal: New U.S. COVID cases top 180,000 for the first time.


politicalwire--2020-11-14--Biden’s Agenda May Rest on Centrist Republicans

“ President-elect Joe Biden has promised to take dramatic action to address the most pressing issues of American life .
@ @ @ @ @ will be part of that effort is likely to depend on a small group of @ @ @ @ @ return of a bygone era of bipartisan cooperation , ” the Washington Post reports .
@ @ @ @ @ manage it , senators and operatives from both parties say , it ’ s Biden @ @ @ @ @ in the Senate and will enter the White House as the most accomplished legislator to @ @ @ @ @ least Lyndon B. Johnson .
”

“President-elect Joe Biden has promised to take dramatic action to address the most pressing issues of American life. But the degree that Congress will be part of that effort is likely to depend on a small group of Republican senators and the improbable return of a bygone era of bipartisan cooperation,” the Washington Post reports.
“Yet if anyone can manage it, senators and operatives from both parties say, it’s Biden — who spent 36 years in the Senate and will enter the White House as the most accomplished legislator to hold the presidency since at least Lyndon B. Johnson.”


politicalwire--2020-11-14--Trump’s Hair Appears to Be Gray Now

Trump’s Hair Appears to Be Gray Now

“ President-elect Joe Biden has promised to take dramatic action to address the most pressing issues of American life .
@ @ @ @ @ will be part of that effort is…


politicalwire--2020-11-14--What Went Wrong with the Polls?

What Went Wrong with the Polls?

Pew Research : “ Looking across the 12 battleground states from the upper Midwest ( where many polls missed the @ @ @ @ @ Belt and Southwest ( where many were stronger ) , polls overestimated the Democratic advantage @ @ @ @ @ 4 percentage points .
When looking at national polls , the Democratic overstatement will end @ @ @ @ @ 4 points , depending on the final vote count .
That means state polling errors @ @ @ @ @ in 2016 , while the national polling error is slightly larger , at least as @ @ @ @ @ fact that the polling errors were not random , and that they almost uniformly involved @ @ @ @ @ Democratic performance , points to a systematic cause or set of causes .
At this @ @ @ @ @ period , the theories about what went wrong fall roughly into four categories , each @ @ @ @ @ for the polling industry .
”

Pew Research: “Looking across the 12 battleground states from the upper Midwest (where many polls missed the mark) to the Sun Belt and Southwest (where many were stronger), polls overestimated the Democratic advantage by an average of about 4 percentage points. When looking at national polls, the Democratic overstatement will end up being similar, about 4 points, depending on the final vote count. That means state polling errors are about the same as in 2016, while the national polling error is slightly larger, at least as of today.”
“The fact that the polling errors were not random, and that they almost uniformly involved underestimates of Republican rather than Democratic performance, points to a systematic cause or set of causes. At this early point in the post-election period, the theories about what went wrong fall roughly into four categories, each of which has different ramifications for the polling industry.”


politicalwire--2020-11-14--Georgia Senators Form GOP Unity Ticket

Georgia Senators Form GOP Unity Ticket

“ Republican senators David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler are appearing in videos together , releasing statements together and , on @ @ @ @ @ joint rally in this city outside Atlanta , ” NBC News reports .
“ After @ @ @ @ @ , Perdue and Loeffler are heading into the January 5 runoffs with a new tactic @ @ @ @ @ Senate in GOP hands : joining forces and presenting themselves to Georgia voters as a @ @ @ @

“Republican senators David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler are appearing in videos together, releasing statements together and, on Friday, they held a joint rally in this city outside Atlanta,” NBC News reports.
“After running different styles of campaigns, Perdue and Loeffler are heading into the January 5 runoffs with a new tactic to try to keep the Senate in GOP hands: joining forces and presenting themselves to Georgia voters as a unity ticket.”


politicalwire--2020-11-14--Lou Dobbs Has Full-On Election Meltdown

Lou Dobbs Has Full-On Election Meltdown

Fox Business host Lou Dobbs took his regular propagandistic praise of President Trump to an even higher level as he @ @ @ @ @ President-elect Joe Biden an attempt to “ take over the country and deny this president @ @ @ @ @ a second term , ” the HuffPost reports .
Said Dobbs : “ What I @ @ @ @ @ is what in the hell is the Republican Party doing to defend and to , @ @ @ @ @ just say we ’ re not going to accept the results of this election ?
@ @ @ @ @ ”

Fox Business host Lou Dobbs took his regular propagandistic praise of President Trump to an even higher level as he declared the projected win of President-elect Joe Biden an attempt to “take over the country and deny this president what is rightfully his, a second term,” the HuffPost reports.
Said Dobbs: “What I’d like to know is what in the hell is the Republican Party doing to defend and to, I mean, why not just say we’re not going to accept the results of this election? It’s outrageous.”


politicalwire--2020-11-14--Democrats Work to Defy History in Georgia Runoffs

New York Times : “ Georgia ’ s runoffs , the vestige of segregationist efforts to dilute Black voting power @ @ @ @ @ the Senate in races to be decided on Jan. 5 .
In the past , @ @ @ @ @ Republicans because of a drop-off among Democratic voters , particularly African-Americans , after the general @ @ @ @ @ intimately involved in the two previous Senate showdowns say what happened before is not necessarily @ @ @ @ @ Demographic and cultural change has led to rapid shifts in the state , and Democrats @ @ @ @ @ energize and turn out their voters , work that paved the way for President-elect Joe @ @ @ @ @ in the state .
”

New York Times: “Georgia’s runoffs, the vestige of segregationist efforts to dilute Black voting power, will determine control of the Senate in races to be decided on Jan. 5. In the past, such contests have heavily favored Republicans because of a drop-off among Democratic voters, particularly African-Americans, after the general election.”
“But those intimately involved in the two previous Senate showdowns say what happened before is not necessarily predictive of the future. Demographic and cultural change has led to rapid shifts in the state, and Democrats have made concerted efforts to energize and turn out their voters, work that paved the way for President-elect Joe Biden’s strong showing in the state.”


politicalwire--2020-11-14--Giuliani Scared Off Trump’s Lawyers

Giuliani Scared Off Trump’s Lawyers

“ President Trump ’ s senior campaign aides were gathered in their headquarters Saturday morning when word emerged that Rudy @ @ @ @ @ news conference in the parking lot of a Philadelphia landscaping business .
They knew that @ @ @ @ @ reports .
“ Senior campaign aides scurried to urge organizers to kill the event , @ @ @ @ @ ‘ Four Seasons ’ — a landscaping business adjacent to an adult bookstore and a @ @ @ @ @ ahead anyway , delivering a conspiracy-filled rant that undercut the legal strategy the president ’ @ @ @ @ @ out in the run-up to the election.
” “ Campaign officials described the episode as @ @ @ @ @ off many of the lawyers they spent months recruiting , who now no longer wanted @ @ @ @ @

“President Trump’s senior campaign aides were gathered in their headquarters Saturday morning when word emerged that Rudy Giuliani would be holding a news conference in the parking lot of a Philadelphia landscaping business. They knew that meant trouble,” Politico reports.
“Senior campaign aides scurried to urge organizers to kill the event, infamously staged at the wrong ‘Four Seasons’ — a landscaping business adjacent to an adult bookstore and a crematorium. But Giuliani plowed ahead anyway, delivering a conspiracy-filled rant that undercut the legal strategy the president’s advisers had meticulously mapped out in the run-up to the election.”
“Campaign officials described the episode as disastrous, saying it scared off many of the lawyers they spent months recruiting, who now no longer wanted to be involved.”


politicalwire--2020-11-14--Nevada Governor Tests Positive

Nevada Governor Tests Positive


politicalwire--2020-11-14--John Kelly Says Trump Is Hurting National Security

President Trump ’ s delay in transitioning to President-elect Joe Biden “ hurts out national security , ” John Kelly @ @ @ @ @ chief of staff , told Politico .
Said Kelly : “ The president , with @ @ @ @ @ not have to concede .
But it ’ s about the nation .
It hurts @ @ @ @ @ people who should be getting up to speed , it ’ s not a process @ @ @ @ @ to 1,000 miles per hour .
”

President Trump’s delay in transitioning to President-elect Joe Biden “hurts out national security,” John Kelly, Trump’s former chief of staff, told Politico.
Said Kelly: “The president, with all due respect, does not have to concede. But it’s about the nation. It hurts our national security because the people who should be getting up to speed, it’s not a process where you go from zero to 1,000 miles per hour.”


politicalwire--2020-11-14--Federal Judge Says DACA Rules Invalid

Federal Judge Says DACA Rules Invalid

“ A federal judge said Chad Wolf was not legally serving as acting Homeland Security secretary when he signed rules @ @ @ @ @ , and those rules are now invalid , ” CNN reports .
“ Wolf in @ @ @ @ @ that new applications for DACA , the Obama-era program that shields certain undocumented immigrants from @ @ @ @ @ accepted and renewals would be limited to one year instead of two amid an ongoing @ @ @

“A federal judge said Chad Wolf was not legally serving as acting Homeland Security secretary when he signed rules limiting DACA applications and renewals, and those rules are now invalid,” CNN reports.
“Wolf in July issued a memo saying that new applications for DACA, the Obama-era program that shields certain undocumented immigrants from deportation, would not be accepted and renewals would be limited to one year instead of two amid an ongoing review.”


politicalwire--2020-11-14--40% Still Plan Large Gatherings for Thanksgiving

A new Ohio State University poll finds nearly 40 % of U.S. residents plan to participate in gatherings of 10 @ @ @ @ @ season despite concerns over the spread of COVID-19 .
In addition , one-third of respondents @ @ @ @ @ ask attendees at holiday parties with family or friends to wear masks , and just @ @ @ @ @ they wouldn ’ t practice social distancing .

A new Ohio State University poll finds nearly 40% of U.S. residents plan to participate in gatherings of 10 or more people this holiday season despite concerns over the spread of COVID-19.
In addition, one-third of respondents said they wouldn’t ask attendees at holiday parties with family or friends to wear masks, and just over 25% indicated that they wouldn’t practice social distancing.


politicalwire--2020-11-14--Bush v. Gore Lawyers Say Biden Won

Bush v. Gore Lawyers Say Biden Won

David Boies and Ted Olson represented the opposing sides in Bush v. Gore in 2000 and have written a Washington @ @ @ @ @ still don ’ t agree about how the Supreme Court ruled , but we completely @ @ @ @ @ case — or in the Supreme Court ’ s decision — supports the challenges now @ @ @ @ @ attempt to undermine President-elect Joe Biden ’ s victory.
” “ Yet , over the @ @ @ @ @ heard repeated assertions that the outcome of this election is somehow in doubt , as @ @ @ @ @ “ It is not .
Biden will be president .
There are many areas of @ @ @ @ @ .
But no matter how you voted in this election , that is the clear @ @ @ @ @ s laws and shared values dictate that Americans now unite to support democracy , national @ @ @ @ @ in institutions and the urgent work of the next administration .
”

David Boies and Ted Olson represented the opposing sides in Bush v. Gore in 2000 and have written a Washington Post op-ed:
“We still don’t agree about how the Supreme Court ruled, but we completely agree that nothing in that case — or in the Supreme Court’s decision — supports the challenges now being thrown about in an attempt to undermine President-elect Joe Biden’s victory.”
“Yet, over the past week, we have heard repeated assertions that the outcome of this election is somehow in doubt, as it was in 2000.”
“It is not. Biden will be president. There are many areas of policy on which we disagree. But no matter how you voted in this election, that is the clear outcome. The nation’s laws and shared values dictate that Americans now unite to support democracy, national security, the public trust in institutions and the urgent work of the next administration.”


politicalwire--2020-11-14--Biden Likely to Pick Woman as Defense Secretary

“ President-elect Joe Biden is expected to take a historic step and select a woman to head the Pentagon for @ @ @ @ @ one of the few remaining barriers to women in the department and the presidential Cabinet @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Michele Flournoy , a politically moderate Pentagon veteran , is regarded by U.S. @ @ @ @ @ a top choice for the position .
”

“President-elect Joe Biden is expected to take a historic step and select a woman to head the Pentagon for the first time, shattering one of the few remaining barriers to women in the department and the presidential Cabinet,” the AP reports.
“Michele Flournoy, a politically moderate Pentagon veteran, is regarded by U.S. officials and political insiders as a top choice for the position.”


politicalwire--2020-11-14--Trump Greets Supporters Protesting Election Results

Washington Post : “ A week after the election was called for Joe Biden , thousands of President Trump ’ @ @ @ @ @ nation ’ s capital Saturday to falsely claim that the race had been stolen from @ @ @ @ @ who soon decided to welcome them in person.
” “ Shortly after 10 a.m. , @ @ @ @ @ in his motorcade , greeting hundreds of cheering protesters — nearly all of them without @ @ @ @ @ the side of Freedom Plaza to catch a glimpse .
The president , who has @ @ @ @ @ a formal transition to begin , smiled and waved from a car window as people @ @ @ @ @ behind him .
”

Washington Post: “A week after the election was called for Joe Biden, thousands of President Trump’s supporters gathered in the nation’s capital Saturday to falsely claim that the race had been stolen from the man they adore — who soon decided to welcome them in person.”
“Shortly after 10 a.m., Trump drove down Pennsylvania Avenue in his motorcade, greeting hundreds of cheering protesters — nearly all of them without masks — who ran to the side of Freedom Plaza to catch a glimpse. The president, who has refused to concede or allow a formal transition to begin, smiled and waved from a car window as people filled the street to follow behind him.”


politicalwire--2020-11-14--Biden Remade the Electoral Map

Biden Remade the Electoral Map

Dan Balz : “ President-elect Joe Biden took back three northern states — Pennsylvania , Michigan and Wisconsin — that @ @ @ @ @ .
He also scored important breakthroughs in the Sunbelt with victories in Georgia and Arizona @ @ @ @ @ more secure beachheads for the GOP in Ohio and Iowa , and he again dashed @ @ @ @ @ Florida and North Carolina.
” “ The new map gives Biden 306 electoral votes , @ @ @ @ @ earned in his surprise victory four years ago .
Some of the changes are certainly @ @ @ @ @ in the nation ’ s politics , changing demographics and shifting allegiances of suburban or @ @ @ @ @ they are also a function of Trump ’ s norm-busting presidency .
How big the @ @ @ @ @ have to await the 2024 campaign or beyond .
”

Dan Balz: “President-elect Joe Biden took back three northern states — Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin — that President Trump carried in 2016. He also scored important breakthroughs in the Sunbelt with victories in Georgia and Arizona. Meanwhile, Trump established more secure beachheads for the GOP in Ohio and Iowa, and he again dashed Democrats’ hopes of winning Florida and North Carolina.”
“The new map gives Biden 306 electoral votes, exactly the number that Trump earned in his surprise victory four years ago. Some of the changes are certainly a function of underlying trends in the nation’s politics, changing demographics and shifting allegiances of suburban or white working-class voters. But they are also a function of Trump’s norm-busting presidency. How big the Trump factor has been will have to await the 2024 campaign or beyond.”


politicalwire--2020-11-14--Biden to Bring Back Daily Briefing

Biden to Bring Back Daily Briefing

“ President-elect Joe Biden ’ s return to ‘ normalcy ’ will include restoring the daily press briefing — and @ @ @ @ @ under consideration to lead the new post-Trump show , ” Politico reports .
“ Kate @ @ @ @ @ the inside track to become either White House communications director or press secretary .
Symone @ @ @ @ @ role of incoming press secretary , or slot into another position before winding up ‘ @ @ @ @ @ the line , Biden aides and other people in and around the transition said .

“President-elect Joe Biden’s return to ‘normalcy’ will include restoring the daily press briefing — and at least two women are under consideration to lead the new post-Trump show,” Politico reports.
“Kate Bedingfield is seen as having the inside track to become either White House communications director or press secretary. Symone Sanders could be offered the role of incoming press secretary, or slot into another position before winding up ‘at the podium’ down the line, Biden aides and other people in and around the transition said.


politicalwire--2020-11-14--Trump Picks Giuliani to Oversee Legal Challenges

President Trump has tapped Rudy Giuliani to oversee any new post-election litigation , which has “ has distressed top campaign @ @ @ @ @ who worry Giuliani ’ s Hail Mary ploys will damage Trump ’ s reputation and @ @ @ @ @ aspirations , ” Politico reports .
“ Giuliani ’ s promotion also threatens to complicate @ @ @ @ @ been in the works since June .
The campaign began assembling a team of lawyers @ @ @ @ @ where recounts might take place .
The effort has been overseen by Citizens United President @ @ @ @ @ tapped because of his conservative street cred and connections to pro-Trump activists around the country @ @

President Trump has tapped Rudy Giuliani to oversee any new post-election litigation, which has “has distressed top campaign officials and other advisers, who worry Giuliani’s Hail Mary ploys will damage Trump’s reputation and potentially harm his future political aspirations,” Politico reports.
“Giuliani’s promotion also threatens to complicate a legal apparatus that has been in the works since June. The campaign began assembling a team of lawyers in swing states and counties where recounts might take place. The effort has been overseen by Citizens United President David Bossie, who was tapped because of his conservative street cred and connections to pro-Trump activists around the country.”


politicalwire--2020-11-14--Biden Faces Tough Choice on Lockdowns

Biden Faces Tough Choice on Lockdowns

Associated Press : “ Joe Biden faces a decision unlike any other incoming president : whether to back a short-term @ @ @ @ @ a raging pandemic .
For now , it ’ s a question the president-elect would @ @ @ @ @ the week since he defeated President Donald Trump , Biden has devoted most of his @ @ @ @ @ to wear a mask and view the coronavirus as a threat that has no regard @ @ @ @ @ But the debate has been livelier among members of the coronavirus advisory board Biden announced @ @ @ @ @ , Dr. Michael Osterholm , suggested a four- to six-week lockdown with financial aid for @ @ @ @ @ affected .
He later walked back his remarks and was rebutted by two other members @ @ @ @ @ a widespread lockdown shouldn ’ t be under consideration .
”

Associated Press: “Joe Biden faces a decision unlike any other incoming president: whether to back a short-term national lockdown to finally arrest a raging pandemic. For now, it’s a question the president-elect would prefer to avoid. In the week since he defeated President Donald Trump, Biden has devoted most of his public remarks to encouraging Americans to wear a mask and view the coronavirus as a threat that has no regard for political ideology.”
“But the debate has been livelier among members of the coronavirus advisory board Biden announced this week. One member, Dr. Michael Osterholm, suggested a four- to six-week lockdown with financial aid for Americans whose livelihoods would be affected. He later walked back his remarks and was rebutted by two other members of the panel who said a widespread lockdown shouldn’t be under consideration.”


politicalwire--2020-11-14--Trump Puts Democracy to the Test After His Loss

Associated Press : “ A sitting American president is , for the first time , trying to convince the people @ @ @ @ @ the numbers that clearly demonstrate his rival ’ s win .
Rather , Trump is @ @ @ @ @ fraud , demanding recounts and calling for audits in an effort to discredit the outcome @ @ @ @ @ , put democracy itself on trial.
” “ It ’ s possible that the mercurial @ @ @ @ @ from a change of heart , but so far that is not the case .
@ @ @ @ @ his fellow Republicans are allowing him to play this out .
”

Associated Press: “A sitting American president is, for the first time, trying to convince the people that they should not believe the numbers that clearly demonstrate his rival’s win. Rather, Trump is making baseless claims of massive fraud, demanding recounts and calling for audits in an effort to discredit the outcome and, in the process, put democracy itself on trial.”
“It’s possible that the mercurial president is one tweet away from a change of heart, but so far that is not the case. And the sweeping majority of his fellow Republicans are allowing him to play this out.”


politicalwire--2020-11-14--Biden Implores Trump to Confront Surging Pandemic

President-elect Joe Biden demanded that President Trump do more to confront the coronavirus infections exploding across the country , calling @ @ @ @ @ lacking ” even as Mr. Trump broke a 10-day silence on the pandemic to threaten @ @ @ @ @ New York , the New York Times reports .
Said Biden in a blistering statement @ @ @ @ @ be president until next year .
The crisis does not respect dates on the calendar @ @ @ @ @ now .
Urgent action is needed today , now , by the current administration — @ @ @ @ @ how serious the current situation is .
”

President-elect Joe Biden demanded that President Trump do more to confront the coronavirus infections exploding across the country, calling the federal response “woefully lacking” even as Mr. Trump broke a 10-day silence on the pandemic to threaten to withhold a vaccine from New York, the New York Times reports.
Said Biden in a blistering statement: “I will not be president until next year. The crisis does not respect dates on the calendar, it is accelerating right now. Urgent action is needed today, now, by the current administration — starting with an acknowledgment of how serious the current situation is.”


politicalwire--2020-11-14--GOP Leaders In 4 States Quash ‘Fantasy’ Electors

“ Republican leaders in four critical states won by President-elect Joe Biden say they won ’ t participate in a @ @ @ @ @ their state ’ s electors to vote for President Trump .
Their comments effectively shut @ @ @ @ @ Republicans floated as a last chance to keep Trump in the White House , ” @ @ @ @ @ State GOP lawmakers in Arizona , Michigan , Pennsylvania and Wisconsin have all said they @ @ @ @ @ selection of electors , who ultimately cast the votes that secure a candidate ’ s @ @ @ @ @ would violate state law and a vote of the people .
”

“Republican leaders in four critical states won by President-elect Joe Biden say they won’t participate in a legally dubious scheme to flip their state’s electors to vote for President Trump. Their comments effectively shut down a half-baked plot some Republicans floated as a last chance to keep Trump in the White House,” the AP reports.
“State GOP lawmakers in Arizona, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin have all said they would not intervene in the selection of electors, who ultimately cast the votes that secure a candidate’s victory. Such a move would violate state law and a vote of the people.”


politicalwire--2020-11-15--Trump Family Business Faces Post-Election Reckoning

“ When President Trump leaves the White House in January , he will face some of the deepest financial and @ @ @ @ @ business empire in decades , ” the Wall Street Journal reports .
“ No matter @ @ @ @ @ the presidency , the businesses will require his attention .
Two New York investigations will @ @ @ @ @ and the Trump Organization will need to avert a potential cash crunch caused by looming @ @ @ @ @ ’ s real estate holdings .
Personal guarantees Mr. Trump made on some of the @ @ @ @ @ urgency to shoring up its financial position .
”

“When President Trump leaves the White House in January, he will face some of the deepest financial and legal challenges in his family business empire in decades,” the Wall Street Journal reports.
“No matter what he focuses on after the presidency, the businesses will require his attention. Two New York investigations will continue after he leaves office and the Trump Organization will need to avert a potential cash crunch caused by looming debt maturities at the firm’s real estate holdings. Personal guarantees Mr. Trump made on some of the organization’s debt add urgency to shoring up its financial position.”


politicalwire--2020-11-15--Trump’s Refusal to Concede Complicates Runoffs

Washington Post : “ Georgia ’ s Jan. 5 runoffs will decide whether Perdue and Loeffler return to Washington , @ @ @ @ @ a slim Republican majority or a 50-50 split .
President Trump ’ s refusal to @ @ @ @ @ , for now , added some confusion to the GOP ’ s message.
” “ @ @ @ @ @ victory would give Vice President-elect Kamala D. Harris a tie-breaking Senate vote , unlocking the @ @ @ @ @ Republicans warn that there ’ d be no stopping the Democrats if the Senate seats @ @ @ @ @ long as Trump remains unwilling to concede , they ’ re unwilling to explain exactly @ @ @

Washington Post: “Georgia’s Jan. 5 runoffs will decide whether Perdue and Loeffler return to Washington, and whether the Senate has a slim Republican majority or a 50-50 split. President Trump’s refusal to concede the presidential race has, for now, added some confusion to the GOP’s message.”
“Democrats tell their audiences that victory would give Vice President-elect Kamala D. Harris a tie-breaking Senate vote, unlocking the party’s agenda. Republicans warn that there’d be no stopping the Democrats if the Senate seats are lost. But so long as Trump remains unwilling to concede, they’re unwilling to explain exactly why.”


politicalwire--2020-11-15--Democrats and Republicans Regroup for Next Round

“ America ’ s two major parties had hoped the 2020 presidential election would render a decisive judgment on the @ @ @ @ @ .
But after a race that broke records for voter turnout and campaign spending , @ @ @ @ @ achieved a dominant upper hand , ” the New York Times reports .
“ Instead @ @ @ @ @ split decision , ousting President Trump but narrowing the Democratic majority in the House and @ @ @ @ @ in the Senate .
As Joseph R. Biden Jr. prepares to take office and preside @ @ @ @ @ , leaders in both camps are acknowledging that voters seem to have issued not a @ @ @ @ @ the right but a muddled plea to move on from Trump-style chaos .
”

“America’s two major parties had hoped the 2020 presidential election would render a decisive judgment on the country’s political trajectory. But after a race that broke records for voter turnout and campaign spending, neither Democrats nor Republicans have achieved a dominant upper hand,” the New York Times reports.
“Instead, the election delivered a split decision, ousting President Trump but narrowing the Democratic majority in the House and perhaps preserving the Republican majority in the Senate. As Joseph R. Biden Jr. prepares to take office and preside over a closely divided government, leaders in both camps are acknowledging that voters seem to have issued not a mandate for the left or the right but a muddled plea to move on from Trump-style chaos.”


politicalwire--2020-11-15--Trump Is Completely Ignoring the Pandemic

President Trump has not attended a coronavirus task force meeting in “ at least five months , ” the Washington @ @ @ @ @ president is no longer regularly briefed on the pandemic by his team of doctors , @ @ @ @ @ daily virus reports prepared by Birx… The reports have grown increasingly grim in recent weeks @ @ @ @ @ are largely ignored in the West Wing .
”

President Trump has not attended a coronavirus task force meeting in “at least five months,” the Washington Post reports.
“The president is no longer regularly briefed on the pandemic by his team of doctors, and he rarely reads the daily virus reports prepared by Birx… The reports have grown increasingly grim in recent weeks, aides said, but are largely ignored in the West Wing.”


politicalwire--2020-11-15--Mercers Are Funding Twitter Alternative

Mercers Are Funding Twitter Alternative

Robert and Rebekah Mercer are funding the moderation-free Twitter alternative Parler , the Wall Street Journal reports .
Daily Beast @ @ @ @ @ fund billionaire nor his daughter commented to the Journal on why , but both have @ @ @ @ @ ultra-conservative causes of recent years like Cambridge Analytica , Breitbart News , and Donald Trump @ @ @ @ @ The app has grown to 10 million users thanks in large part to conservatives chafing @ @ @ @ @ content moderation policies , which , among other things , prohibit false claims that the @ @ @ @ @

Robert and Rebekah Mercer are funding the moderation-free Twitter alternative Parler, the Wall Street Journal reports.
Daily Beast: “Neither the hedge fund billionaire nor his daughter commented to the Journal on why, but both have financed many of the highest-profile ultra-conservative causes of recent years like Cambridge Analytica, Breitbart News, and Donald Trump’s presidential campaign. The app has grown to 10 million users thanks in large part to conservatives chafing against other social networks’ content moderation policies, which, among other things, prohibit false claims that the election was stolen.”


politicalwire--2020-11-17--Wisconsin Recount Would Cost Trump $7.9 Million

The Wisconsin Elections Commission said Monday that if President Trump ’ s campaign wants a recount of the razor-thin presidential @ @ @ @ @ it will need to pay $ 7.9 million upfront , CNN reports .

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


politicalwire--2020-11-17--Biden Campaign Manager to Join White House

Daily Beast : “ Democrats are still losing the war online .
Part of the deficit is strictly a matter @ @ @ @ @ it , those in the field say , is in…


politicalwire--2020-11-17--Trump Digs In On Baseless Election Claims

“ President Trump began his third straight week of angry defiance of the election results , brooding behind the scenes @ @ @ @ @ campaign ’ s legal challenges and of Georgia ’ s hand recount while refusing the @ @ @ @ @ commit to a peaceful transfer of power , ” the Washington Post reports .
Said @ @ @ @ @ He is more dug into his position than he was at the beginning .
He @ @ @ @ @ for 2024 , and that half the country are warriors fighting for him , and @ @ @ @ @ to keep fighting .
”

“President Trump began his third straight week of angry defiance of the election results, brooding behind the scenes about the state of his campaign’s legal challenges and of Georgia’s hand recount while refusing the pleas of some advisers to commit to a peaceful transfer of power,” the Washington Post reports.
Said one Trump adviser: “He is more dug into his position than he was at the beginning. He thinks this is his base for 2024, and that half the country are warriors fighting for him, and that he’s got to keep fighting.”


politicalwire--2020-11-17--Republicans Start to Relent

Republicans Start to Relent

“ The Republican Party is in an increasingly untenable position — how much longer can it really refuse to recognize @ @ @ @ @ ?
, ” Politico reports .
“ Nearly two weeks after the election , there @ @ @ @ @ starting to accept reality.
” “ Most Republicans have been reluctant to contradict Trump ’ @ @ @ @ @ still hold the White House , but there ’ s been a steady trickle of @ @ @ @ @ ’ s false contention that he was robbed by fraudsters .
”

“The Republican Party is in an increasingly untenable position — how much longer can it really refuse to recognize Joe Biden as the president-elect?,” Politico reports.
“Nearly two weeks after the election, there are signs that Republicans are starting to accept reality.”
“Most Republicans have been reluctant to contradict Trump’s claim that he can still hold the White House, but there’s been a steady trickle of GOP lawmakers defecting from Trump’s false contention that he was robbed by fraudsters.”


politicalwire--2020-11-17--Trump Sought Options for Attacking Iran

Trump Sought Options for Attacking Iran

“ President Trump asked senior advisers in an Oval Office meeting on Thursday whether he had options to take action @ @ @ @ @ nuclear site in the coming weeks , ” the New York Times reports .
“ @ @ @ @ @ after international inspectors reported a significant increase in the country ’ s stockpile of nuclear @ @ @ @ @ of senior advisers dissuaded the president from moving ahead with a military strike .
The @ @ @ @ @ Mike Pence ; Secretary of State Mike Pompeo ; Christopher Miller , the acting defense @ @ @ @ @ A. Milley , the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff — warned that a @ @ @ @ @ facilities could easily escalate into a broader conflict in the last weeks of Mr. Trump @ @ @ @ @

“President Trump asked senior advisers in an Oval Office meeting on Thursday whether he had options to take action against Iran’s main nuclear site in the coming weeks,” the New York Times reports.
“The meeting occurred a day after international inspectors reported a significant increase in the country’s stockpile of nuclear material.”
“A range of senior advisers dissuaded the president from moving ahead with a military strike. The advisers — including Vice President Mike Pence; Secretary of State Mike Pompeo; Christopher Miller, the acting defense secretary; and Gen. Mark A. Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff — warned that a strike against Iran’s facilities could easily escalate into a broader conflict in the last weeks of Mr. Trump’s presidency.”


politicalwire--2020-11-17--Georgia Recount Uncovers 2,600 New Votes

“ A recount in Georgia ’ s presidential race found more than 2,600 ballots in Floyd County that hadn ’ @ @ @ @ @ likely helping President Donald Trump reduce his 14,000-vote deficit to Joe Biden , ” the @ @ @ @ @ “ Trump could gain about 800 net votes from the newly discovered ballots .
”

“A recount in Georgia’s presidential race found more than 2,600 ballots in Floyd County that hadn’t originally been tallied, likely helping President Donald Trump reduce his 14,000-vote deficit to Joe Biden,” the Atlanta Journal Constitution reports.
“Trump could gain about 800 net votes from the newly discovered ballots.”


politicalwire--2020-11-17--Democrats Try to Avoid Fight with Trump Over Transition

“ House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and President-elect Joe Biden ’ s team are arguing that it makes the most strategic @ @ @ @ @ public pressure build on President Trump for preventing the transition from officially taking place , @ @ @ @ @ of the House Democrats ’ majority to draw more attention to the matter , ” @ @ @ @ @ are trying to avoid turning Trump ’ s refusal to accept the election results into @ @ @ @ @ Trump will be in an untenable position if more Republicans join their calls to let @ @ @ @ @ the President ’ s legal case continues to collapse and states begin certifying the election @ @ @

“House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and President-elect Joe Biden’s team are arguing that it makes the most strategic sense for now to let public pressure build on President Trump for preventing the transition from officially taking place, rather than using the power of the House Democrats’ majority to draw more attention to the matter,” CNN reports.
“Democrats are trying to avoid turning Trump’s refusal to accept the election results into a partisan fight, believing Trump will be in an untenable position if more Republicans join their calls to let the transition officially begin as the President’s legal case continues to collapse and states begin certifying the election results.”


politicalwire--2020-11-16--Cedric Richmond to Join Biden Administration


politicalwire--2020-11-16--Republicans Pressure Georgia Official to Discard Ballots

Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger ( R ) said that he has come under increasing pressure from fellow Republicans @ @ @ @ @ ( R-SC ) , to question the validity of legally cast absentee ballots in an @ @ @ @ @ ’ s narrow loss in the state , the Washington Post reports .
The atmosphere @ @ @ @ @ Raffensperger said , that both he and his wife have received death threats , including @ @ @ @ @ read : “ You better not botch this recount .
Your life depends on it.
@ @ @ @ @ saved his harshest language for Rep. Doug Collins ( R-GA ) , who is leading @ @ @ @ @ to prove fraud in Georgia and whom Raffensperger called a “ liar ” and a @ @ @ @

Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger (R) said that he has come under increasing pressure from fellow Republicans, including Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), to question the validity of legally cast absentee ballots in an effort to reverse President Trump’s narrow loss in the state, the Washington Post reports.
The atmosphere has grown so contentious, Raffensperger said, that both he and his wife have received death threats, including a text to him that read: “You better not botch this recount. Your life depends on it.”
The normally mild-mannered Raffensperger saved his harshest language for Rep. Doug Collins (R-GA), who is leading the president’s effort to prove fraud in Georgia and whom Raffensperger called a “liar” and a “charlatan.”


politicalwire--2020-11-16--Bush 2000 Recount Team Sees No Path for Trump

“ Several of the key members of the team that helped deliver the presidency for George W. Bush after the @ @ @ @ @ ’ t see a path for President Trump to overturn the election won by President-elect @ @ @ @ @ reports .


politicalwire--2020-11-16--Esper Warned About Pulling Troops from Afghanistan

“ Then-Secretary of Defense Mark Esper sent a classified memo earlier this month to the White House asserting that it @ @ @ @ @ the chain of command that the US not draw down its troop presence in Afghanistan @ @ @ @ @ met , ” CNN reports .
“ The assessment from the chain of command — @ @ @ @ @ leader Marine Gen. Kenneth ‘ Frank ’ McKenzie and commander of NATO ’ s mission @ @ @ @ @ — stated that the necessary conditions had not been met .
Others agreed , sources @ @ @ @ @ of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley.
” “ The memo is believed @ @ @ @ @ the main reasons why outgoing President Trump fired Esper last week .
”

“Then-Secretary of Defense Mark Esper sent a classified memo earlier this month to the White House asserting that it was the unanimous recommendation of the chain of command that the US not draw down its troop presence in Afghanistan any further until conditions were met,” CNN reports.
“The assessment from the chain of command — Esper, US Central Command leader Marine Gen. Kenneth ‘Frank’ McKenzie and commander of NATO’s mission in Afghanistan Gen. Austin Miller — stated that the necessary conditions had not been met. Others agreed, sources tell CNN, including Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley.”
“The memo is believed to have been one of the main reasons why outgoing President Trump fired Esper last week.”


politicalwire--2020-11-16--Third GOP Senator Won’t Back Trump’s Fed Pick

Sen. Lamar Alexander ( R-TN ) said he “ would not support the nomination of Judy Shelton to the Federal @ @ @ @ @ governors , narrowing the path for the controversial economist ’ s confirmation in the final @ @ @ @ @ , ” the Washington Post reports .
“ Alexander joins Sens .
Susan Collins ( @ @ @ @ @ Romney ( R-Utah ) , who said they would vote ‘ no ’ over the @ @ @

Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-TN) said he “would not support the nomination of Judy Shelton to the Federal Reserve’s board of governors, narrowing the path for the controversial economist’s confirmation in the final months of the Trump presidency,” the Washington Post reports.
“Alexander joins Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah), who said they would vote ‘no’ over the summer.”


politicalwire--2020-11-16--Lawmakers Can’t Meet on COVID-19 Because of Outbreak

“ The Missouri Senate has postponed a special legislative session focused on limiting COVID-19-related lawsuits after a COVID-19 outbreak within @ @ @ @ @ St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports .
The announcement followed a Senate GOP retreat last week where @ @ @ @ @ wear masks .

“The Missouri Senate has postponed a special legislative session focused on limiting COVID-19-related lawsuits after a COVID-19 outbreak within its ranks,” the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.
The announcement followed a Senate GOP retreat last week where photos indicated lawmakers did not wear masks.


politicalwire--2020-11-16--Michelle Obama Slams Trumps Over Transition

Michelle Obama excoriated President Trump and first lady Melania Trump on Instagram for refusing to behave “ maturely ” and @ @ @ @ @ power to President-elect Joe Biden .
Obama wrote about how she welcomed the Trump to @ @ @ @ @ despite the fact that Donald Trump had “ spread racist lies about my husband that @ @ @ @ @ danger.
” She added : “ That wasn ’ t something I was ready to @ @ @ @ @ that , for the sake of our country , I had to find the strength @ @ @ @ @ anger aside .
”

Michelle Obama excoriated President Trump and first lady Melania Trump on Instagram for refusing to behave “maturely” and blocking the smooth transition of power to President-elect Joe Biden.
Obama wrote about how she welcomed the Trump to the White House in 2016 despite the fact that Donald Trump had “spread racist lies about my husband that had put my family in danger.”
She added: “That wasn’t something I was ready to forgive. But I knew that, for the sake of our country, I had to find the strength and maturity to put my anger aside.”


politicalwire--2020-11-16--Lankford Backs Off Promising Biden Briefings

After saying he would step in if President-elect Joe Biden still wasn ’ t receiving detailed intelligence briefings Friday , @ @ @ @ @ ) told Newsmax TV that his comments had been blown out of proportion .
Said @ @ @ @ @ m not in a hurry , necessarily , to get Joe Biden these briefings , @ @ @ @ @ how the media , the national media , not this network , but others have @ @ @ @ @ in.
’ I happen to chair the committee that oversees GSA , that is the @ @ @ @ @ able to make this call .
”

After saying he would step in if President-elect Joe Biden still wasn’t receiving detailed intelligence briefings Friday, Sen. James Lankford (R-OK) told Newsmax TV that his comments had been blown out of proportion.
Said Lankford: “I’m not in a hurry, necessarily, to get Joe Biden these briefings, it’s been interesting how the media, the national media, not this network, but others have twisted this term ‘step in.’ I happen to chair the committee that oversees GSA, that is the entity that has to be able to make this call.”


politicalwire--2020-11-16--Extra Bonus Quote of the Day

Extra Bonus Quote of the Day

“ I think frankly we spend too much time trying to delve into the bizarre world of Trump.
” — @ @ @ @ @ Cuomo ( D ) , in an interview on Morning Joe .

“I think frankly we spend too much time trying to delve into the bizarre world of Trump.”
— New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D), in an interview on Morning Joe.


politicalwire--2020-11-16--A Wildcard for Senate Control

A Wildcard for Senate Control

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politicalwire--2020-11-16--Washington Lobbyists Know Biden Well

Washington Lobbyists Know Biden Well

Wall Street Journal : “ Scores of Mr. Biden ’ s former aides now on K Street represent hundreds of @ @ @ @ @ foreign companies.
” “ Mr .
Biden , unlike the four most recent presidents , @ @ @ @ @ Washington establishment from his 44 years in the Senate and as vice president .
He @ @ @ @ @ and former registered lobbyists to his transition team .
”

Wall Street Journal: “Scores of Mr. Biden’s former aides now on K Street represent hundreds of companies, trade groups and foreign companies.”
“Mr. Biden, unlike the four most recent presidents, has deep ties to the Washington establishment from his 44 years in the Senate and as vice president. He named at least 40 current and former registered lobbyists to his transition team.”


politicalwire--2020-11-16--Democrats Losing the Social Media War

Democrats Losing the Social Media War

Daily Beast : “ Democrats are still losing the war online .
Part of the deficit is strictly a matter @ @ @ @ @ it , those in the field say , is in building the type of news @ @ @ @ @ can match the scale that currently exists on the right.
” “ Not everyone in @ @ @ @ @ .
There is a thread of thinking among some Democrats that the insular universe that @ @ @ @ @ both impenetrable and not worth duplicating .
… But others who work in digital politics @ @ @ @ @ ’ t simply assume that its voters will always be reachable through traditional means ; @ @ @ @ @ massively important investment to create online content that can bring in new audiences .
”

Daily Beast: “Democrats are still losing the war online. Part of the deficit is strictly a matter of cash… But much of it, those in the field say, is in building the type of news and organic content ecosystem that can match the scale that currently exists on the right.”
“Not everyone in the party buys the logic. There is a thread of thinking among some Democrats that the insular universe that conservatives have built online is both impenetrable and not worth duplicating. … But others who work in digital politics argue that the party can’t simply assume that its voters will always be reachable through traditional means; and that it is a massively important investment to create online content that can bring in new audiences.”
Politico: The Biden team’s tug-of-war over Facebook.


politicalwire--2020-11-16--Democrats Call on Minnesota Senate Leader to Resign

Minnesota Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka ( R ) said Sunday that he tested positive for the novel coronavirus , @ @ @ @ @ to resign for trying to hide a covid-19 outbreak on his side of the aisle @ @ @ @ @ reports .


politicalwire--2020-11-17--Hundreds of Companies Failed Despite Pandemic Relief

“ About 300 companies that received as much as half a billion dollars in pandemic-related government loans have filed for @ @ @ @ @ Street Journal reports .
“ Many of the companies , which employ a total of @ @ @ @ @ the funds from the Paycheck Protection Program weren ’ t enough to keep them going @ @ @ @ @ of additional stimulus payments weighed on their businesses .
”

“About 300 companies that received as much as half a billion dollars in pandemic-related government loans have filed for bankruptcy,” the Wall Street Journal reports.
“Many of the companies, which employ a total of about 23,400 workers, say the funds from the Paycheck Protection Program weren’t enough to keep them going as the coronavirus and lack of additional stimulus payments weighed on their businesses.”


politicalwire--2020-11-17--Pompeo Stirs Furor Over Trip Without Visit to Erdogan

Secretary of State Michael Pompeo won ’ t meet with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan or other government leaders when he @ @ @ @ @ unusual situation that U.S. officials chalked up to scheduling conflicts and Turkish officials considered an @ @ @ @ @ AFP reports a group of 20 to 30 Turks shouted “ Yankee go home !
@ @ @ @ @ Pompeo headed in for a meeting with the Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople — the @ @ @ @ @ Orthodox world — to express his “ strong position ” on religious freedoms .

Secretary of State Michael Pompeo won’t meet with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan or other government leaders when he visits Turkey, a highly unusual situation that U.S. officials chalked up to scheduling conflicts and Turkish officials considered an insult, Bloomberg reports.
AFP reports a group of 20 to 30 Turks shouted “Yankee go home!” as the evangelical Christian Pompeo headed in for a meeting with the Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople — the spiritual leader of the Greek Orthodox world — to express his “strong position” on religious freedoms.


politicalwire--2020-11-17--How a Popular Political Site Made a Sharp Right Turn

The New York Times looks at how RealClearPolitics took “ a rightward , aggressively pro-Trump turn over the last four @ @ @ @ @ affiliated nonprofit have soared .
Large quantities of those funds came through two entities that @ @ @ @ @ money without revealing their identities.
” “ Interviews with current and former Real Clear staff @ @ @ @ @ review of its coverage and tax filings , point to a shift to the right @ @ @ @ @ 2017 , when the bulk of its journalists who were responsible for straight-news reporting on @ @ @ @ @ House and national politics were suddenly laid off .
”

The New York Times looks at how RealClearPolitics took “a rightward, aggressively pro-Trump turn over the last four years as donations to its affiliated nonprofit have soared. Large quantities of those funds came through two entities that wealthy conservatives use to give money without revealing their identities.”
“Interviews with current and former Real Clear staff members, along with a review of its coverage and tax filings, point to a shift to the right within the organization in late 2017, when the bulk of its journalists who were responsible for straight-news reporting on Capitol Hill, the White House and national politics were suddenly laid off.”
Axios: The race to out-Fox Fox News.


politicalwire--2020-11-17--Turnout Data Shows How Georgia Turned Blue

New York Times : “ Joe Biden put Georgia in the Democratic column for the first time since 1992 by @ @ @ @ @ , college-educated and older voters in the suburbs around Atlanta.
” “ The Black share @ @ @ @ @ its lowest level since 2006 , based on an Upshot analysis of newly published turnout @ @ @ @ @ of state .
In an election marked by a big rise in turnout , Black @ @ @ @ @ but less than that of some other groups .
”

New York Times: “Joe Biden put Georgia in the Democratic column for the first time since 1992 by making huge gains among affluent, college-educated and older voters in the suburbs around Atlanta.”
“The Black share of the electorate fell to its lowest level since 2006, based on an Upshot analysis of newly published turnout data from the Georgia secretary of state. In an election marked by a big rise in turnout, Black turnout increased, too, but less than that of some other groups.”


politicalwire--2020-11-17--NATO Chief Warns Against Afghanistan Pull Out

“ President-elect Joe Biden has privately told advisers that he doesn ’ t want his presidency to be consumed by @ @ @ @ @ despite pressure from some Democrats who want inquiries into…

“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…