politicalwire--2020-10-27--AOC Throws Down the Gauntlet

AOC Throws Down the Gauntlet

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez ( D-NY ) on Twitter last night after Amy Coney Barrett was sworn-in to the Supreme Court : “ Expand the court… Republicans do this because they don ’ t believe Dems have the stones to play hardball like they do .
And for a long time they ’ ve been correct .
But do not let them bully the public into thinking their bulldozing is normal but a response isn ’ t .
There is a legal process for expansion.
” Playbook : “ This kind of rift should not be overlooked , because it will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all blue .
AOC is seen as one of Schumer top potential primary challengers .
The simplicity and bare-knuckled nature of her message could resonate among a Democratic base that ’ s looking for knife fights , not senatorial process arguments .
While Schumer and Joe Biden say changing the size of the court is on the table , the left is screaming that it should play by the same rules as the GOP — which is to say Democrats should not worry about tradition and instead blow up what they consider the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ”

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) on Twitter last night after Amy Coney Barrett was sworn-in to the Supreme Court:
“Expand the court… Republicans do this because they don’t believe Dems have the stones to play hardball like they do. And for a long time they’ve been correct. But do not let them bully the public into thinking their bulldozing is normal but a response isn’t. There is a legal process for expansion.”
Playbook: “This kind of rift should not be overlooked, because it will come to dominate governance should Washington turn all blue. AOC is seen as one of Schumer top potential primary challengers. The simplicity and bare-knuckled nature of her message could resonate among a Democratic base that’s looking for knife fights, not senatorial process arguments. While Schumer and Joe Biden say changing the size of the court is on the table, the left is screaming that it should play by the same rules as the GOP — which is to say Democrats should not worry about tradition and instead blow up what they consider the quaint processes that govern official Washington.”


politicalwire--2020-10-27--Swing-District Democrats Poised to Defy Predictions

Associated Press : “ Now the virus is getting worse in states that the president needs the most , at @ @ @ @ @ New infections are raging in Wisconsin and elsewhere in…

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


politicalwire--2020-10-27--Why Wall Street Is Banking on a Blue Wave

“ President Trump loves to say that if Joe Biden wins the White House , stocks will crash , retirement @ @ @ @ @ economic depression ‘ the likes of which you ’ ve never seen ’ will engulf @ @ @ @ @ of Wall Street is already betting on a Biden win — with a much different @ @ @ @ @ will mean , ” Politico reports .
“ Traders in recent weeks have been piling @ @ @ @ @ blue wave ’ election , in which Democrats also seize the Senate , will produce @ @ @ @ @ fiscal stimulus of $ 3 trillion or more that carries the U.S. past the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ normal environment for markets.
” “ Far from panicking at the prospect of a Biden @ @ @ @ @ , traders and investment managers now mostly say they would be fine with a change @ @ @ @ @ reduces the Trump noise , lowers the threat of further trade wars and ensures a @ @ @ @ @ they ’ ve seen in recent years .
”

“President Trump loves to say that if Joe Biden wins the White House, stocks will crash, retirement accounts will vanish and an economic depression ‘the likes of which you’ve never seen’ will engulf the nation. But much of Wall Street is already betting on a Biden win — with a much different take on what the results will mean,” Politico reports.
“Traders in recent weeks have been piling into bets that a ‘blue wave’ election, in which Democrats also seize the Senate, will produce an economy-juicing blast of fresh fiscal stimulus of $3 trillion or more that carries the U.S. past the coronavirus crisis and into a more normal environment for markets.”
“Far from panicking at the prospect of a Biden win, Wall Street CEOs, traders and investment managers now mostly say they would be fine with a change in the White House that reduces the Trump noise, lowers the threat of further trade wars and ensures a continuation of the government spending they’ve seen in recent years.”


politicalwire--2020-10-27--Trump Faces Virus Spike In Midwest

Trump Faces Virus Spike In Midwest

Associated Press : “ Now the virus is getting worse in states that the president needs the most , at @ @ @ @ @ New infections are raging in Wisconsin and elsewhere in the upper Midwest .
In Iowa @ @ @ @ @ in a toss-up race with Biden after carrying the state by 9.4 percentage points four @ @ @ @

Associated Press: “Now the virus is getting worse in states that the president needs the most, at the least opportune time. New infections are raging in Wisconsin and elsewhere in the upper Midwest. In Iowa, polls suggest Trump is in a toss-up race with Biden after carrying the state by 9.4 percentage points four years ago.”


politicalwire--2020-10-28--How McConnell Delivered Justice Amy Coney Barrett

New York Times : “ To Mr. McConnell , Monday was a day for celebration as he achieved what even @ @ @ @ @ four years ago , when he set out to leverage Donald Trump ’ s presidency @ @ @ @ @ power to put a deep and enduring conservative imprint on the federal courts .
Three @ @ @ @ @ appeals court judges and scores of new young conservatives presiding on the district courts : @ @ @ @ @ McConnell ’ s close supervision and direction.
” Said McConnell : “ I certainly didn @ @ @ @ @ three Supreme Court justices .
At the risk of tooting my own horn , look @ @ @ @ @ L.B.J .
and find another one who was able to do something as consequential as @ @ @ @ @ Trump Got Played By McConnell

New York Times: “To Mr. McConnell, Monday was a day for celebration as he achieved what even he could not have imagined four years ago, when he set out to leverage Donald Trump’s presidency and his own formidable Senate power to put a deep and enduring conservative imprint on the federal courts. Three Supreme Court justices, 53 appeals court judges and scores of new young conservatives presiding on the district courts: All were delivered under Mr. McConnell’s close supervision and direction.”
Said McConnell: “I certainly didn’t expect to have three Supreme Court justices. At the risk of tooting my own horn, look at the majority leaders since L.B.J. and find another one who was able to do something as consequential as this.”
For members: Trump Got Played By McConnell


politicalwire--2020-10-28--Trump’s Campaign Website Hacked

Trump’s Campaign Website Hacked

President Trump ’ s campaign website was briefly and partially hacked Tuesday afternoon as unknown adversaries took over the “ @ @ @ @ @ it with what appeared to be a scam to collect cryptocurrency , TechCrunch reports .
@ @ @ @ @ despite the hackers ’ claims , that “ full access to trump and relatives ” @ @ @ @ @ internal and secret conversations strictly classified information ” were exposed .

President Trump’s campaign website was briefly and partially hacked Tuesday afternoon as unknown adversaries took over the “About” page and replaced it with what appeared to be a scam to collect cryptocurrency, TechCrunch reports.
There is no indication, despite the hackers’ claims, that “full access to trump and relatives” was achieved or “most internal and secret conversations strictly classified information” were exposed.


politicalwire--2020-10-28--Trump Already Has Facebook Ad Declaring Victory

“ President Trump ’ s campaign has all but pulled its advertising out of Florida , as it stakes its @ @ @ @ @ the industrial northern states that carried him to victory…


politicalwire--2020-10-27--Trump Downplays Plot to Kidnap Whitmer

Trump Downplays Plot to Kidnap Whitmer

President Trump repeatedly attacked Michigan Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer ( D ) , at one point taking credit for the @ @ @ @ @ kidnap her and then immediately downplaying the actual threat that had been posed to Whitmer @ @ @ @ @ Trump : “ I mean , we ’ ll have to see if it ’ @ @ @ @ @ ?
People are entitled to say maybe it was a problem , maybe it wasn @ @ @ @

President Trump repeatedly attacked Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D), at one point taking credit for the FBI thwarting a plot to kidnap her and then immediately downplaying the actual threat that had been posed to Whitmer, CNN reports.
Said Trump: “I mean, we’ll have to see if it’s a problem. Right? People are entitled to say maybe it was a problem, maybe it wasn’t.”


politicalwire--2020-10-27--Even More Battleground State Polls

Even More Battleground State Polls


politicalwire--2020-10-27--Justice Thomas’ Wife Spreads False Biden Claims


politicalwire--2020-10-27--Many People Now Want a Gun

Many People Now Want a Gun

New York Times : “ Many gun buyers now are saying they are motivated by a new destabilizing sense that @ @ @ @ @ had considered themselves anti-gun to buy weapons for the first time — and people who @ @ @ @ @ more .
The nation is on track in 2020 to stockpile at record rates , @ @ @ @ @ background checks from F.B.I .
data.
” “ Across the country , Americans bought 15.1 @ @ @ @ @ months this year from March through September , a 91 percent leap from the same @ @ @ @ @

New York Times: “Many gun buyers now are saying they are motivated by a new destabilizing sense that is pushing even people who had considered themselves anti-gun to buy weapons for the first time — and people who already have them to buy more. The nation is on track in 2020 to stockpile at record rates, according to groups that track background checks from F.B.I. data.”
“Across the country, Americans bought 15.1 million guns in the seven months this year from March through September, a 91 percent leap from the same period in 2019.”


politicalwire--2020-10-27--How Trump Maneuvered His Way Out of Trouble in Chicago

New York Times : “ The president ’ s federal income tax records… show for the first time that , @ @ @ @ @ have forgiven about $ 287 million in debt that he failed to repay .
The @ @ @ @ @ the Chicago project.
” “ How Mr. Trump found trouble in Chicago , and maneuvered @ @ @ @ @ , is a case study in doing business the Trump way.
” “ When the @ @ @ @ @ tried to walk away from his huge debts .
For most individuals or businesses , @ @ @ @ @ recipe for ruin .
But tax-return data , other records and interviews show that rather @ @ @ @ @ litigious and headline-seeking client , lenders cut Mr. Trump slack — exactly what he seemed @ @ @ @ @ .
”

New York Times: “The president’s federal income tax records… show for the first time that, since 2010, his lenders have forgiven about $287 million in debt that he failed to repay. The vast majority was related to the Chicago project.”
“How Mr. Trump found trouble in Chicago, and maneuvered his way out of it, is a case study in doing business the Trump way.”
“When the project encountered problems, he tried to walk away from his huge debts. For most individuals or businesses, that would have been a recipe for ruin. But tax-return data, other records and interviews show that rather than warring with a notoriously litigious and headline-seeking client, lenders cut Mr. Trump slack — exactly what he seemed to have been counting on.”


politicalwire--2020-10-27--Judge Blocks Ban of Guns at Michigan Polling Places


politicalwire--2020-10-27--Trump Got Played By McConnell

Trump Got Played By McConnell

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politicalwire--2020-10-27--Brett Kavanaugh Has Wild Ideas About Voting

Rick Hasen : “ Should we panic about Justice Brett Kavanaugh ’ s concurring opinion in the Wisconsin voting case @ @ @ @ @ Monday night ?
Does it mean that the Supreme Court is going to do something @ @ @ @ @ election to President Trump even if Joe Biden is ahead in the count ?
” @ @ @ @ @ that an intervention by the Supreme Court to decide the presidential election is still extremely @ @ @ @ @ extremely unlikely happens , there ’ s great reason to be worried about the court @ @ @ @ @ rights and the integrity of the vote .
”

Rick Hasen: “Should we panic about Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s concurring opinion in the Wisconsin voting case that the Supreme Court decided Monday night? Does it mean that the Supreme Court is going to do something crazy that will hand the election to President Trump even if Joe Biden is ahead in the count?”
“The short answer is that an intervention by the Supreme Court to decide the presidential election is still extremely unlikely — but if the extremely unlikely happens, there’s great reason to be worried about the court’s protection of voting rights and the integrity of the vote.”


politicalwire--2020-10-27--Extra Bonus Quote of the Day

Extra Bonus Quote of the Day


politicalwire--2020-10-27--U.S. Argues No Right to Priority for Mail-In Votes


politicalwire--2020-10-27--Trump Falsely Claims Church Banned In Pennsylvania

President Trump keeps falsely declaring that various states run by Democratic governors are “ closed ” or “ shut down @ @ @ @ @ Said Trump : “ The only thing you can do in Pennsylvania is a protest @ @ @ @ @ go to church .
You can ’ t pray to your God .
You can @ @ @ @ @ pastors , your priests , your rabbis .
You can ’ t be — none @ @ @ @ @ ’ t do anything .
”

President Trump keeps falsely declaring that various states run by Democratic governors are “closed” or “shut down,” CNN reports.
Said Trump: “The only thing you can do in Pennsylvania is a protest. You can’t go to church. You can’t pray to your God. You can’t be with your pastors, your priests, your rabbis. You can’t be — none of that. You can’t do anything.”


politicalwire--2020-10-27--Trump Mulls Executive Order to Show Support for Fracking

“ President Trump is considering issuing an executive order mandating an economic analysis of fracking , according to senior administration @ @ @ @ @ initiative is aimed at highlighting his support for the energy industry in election battleground states @ @ @ @ @ the Wall Street Journal reports .

“President Trump is considering issuing an executive order mandating an economic analysis of fracking, according to senior administration officials, who say the initiative is aimed at highlighting his support for the energy industry in election battleground states such as Pennsylvania,” the Wall Street Journal reports.


politicalwire--2020-10-27--Trump Pulls Florida Ads

Trump Pulls Florida Ads

“ President Trump ’ s campaign has all but pulled its advertising out of Florida , as it stakes its @ @ @ @ @ the industrial northern states that carried him to victory in 2016 , ” Bloomberg reports @ @ @ @ @ placing his final bet on just four battleground states : Michigan , Minnesota , Ohio @ @ @ @ @ he ’ s down in all those states but Ohio , where it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ from the Washington Post : “ Trump has pulled TV reservations in recent months , @ @ @ @ @ campaign .
But not abandoning state .
That said , Dems , with Bloomberg , @ @ @ @ @ to 1.
“

“President Trump’s campaign has all but pulled its advertising out of Florida, as it stakes its relatively small bank account on the industrial northern states that carried him to victory in 2016,” Bloomberg reports.
“Trump is now placing his final bet on just four battleground states: Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Pennsylvania. Polls show he’s down in all those states but Ohio, where it’s effectively even.”
A clarification from the Washington Post: “Trump has pulled TV reservations in recent months, and shifted spending to coordinated campaign. But not abandoning state. That said, Dems, with Bloomberg, winning air war nearly 4 to 1.“


politicalwire--2020-10-27--Democrats Crushing House Republicans on Airwaves

Politico : “ In the most competitive 94 districts , Democrats have booked over $ 177 million in ads since @ @ @ @ @ GOP opponents have booked $ 93 million.
” “ Republican outside groups have partly made @ @ @ @ @ the party is still bracing for a string of defeats next month .
”

Politico: “In the most competitive 94 districts, Democrats have booked over $177 million in ads since Sept. 1, while their GOP opponents have booked $93 million.”
“Republican outside groups have partly made up the difference, but the party is still bracing for a string of defeats next month.”


politicalwire--2020-10-27--Trump Slams Fox News for Showing Obama Speech

“ President Trump bashed Fox News repeatedly on Tuesday , agitated that the network was airing a campaign speech from @ @ @ @ @ The Hill reports .
Said Trump : “ I only saw he was on Fox @ @ @ @ @ on all the time , and they put sleepy Joe on all the time .
@ @ @ @ @ they should show the picture of sleepy Joe yesterday when he rushed to Pennsylvania because @ @ @ @ @ 25,000 people at each event.
” He added : “ Fox , Fox is very @ @ @ @ @ happened with Roger Ailes , I can tell you that .
”

“President Trump bashed Fox News repeatedly on Tuesday, agitated that the network was airing a campaign speech from former President Obama,” The Hill reports.
Said Trump: “I only saw he was on Fox. And Fox puts him on all the time, and they put sleepy Joe on all the time. What they should do is they should show the picture of sleepy Joe yesterday when he rushed to Pennsylvania because he saw that I had 25,000 people at each event.”
He added: “Fox, Fox is very disappointing… This would not have happened with Roger Ailes, I can tell you that.”


politicalwire--2020-10-27--More Battleground State Polls

More Battleground State Polls


politicalwire--2020-10-27--McConnell Insists His Health Is ‘Just Fine’

New York Times : “ To Mr. McConnell , Monday was a day for celebration as he achieved what even @ @ @ @ @ four years ago , when he set out to…


New Senate Polls

Politico : “ At least a dozen California Democrats are seriously in the mix , and their supporters , donors @ @ @ @ @ the scenes to make their case .
In this deep-blue…


politicalwire--2020-10-28--McConnell and Schumer’s Relationship Shredded

“ The relationship between Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell ( R-KY ) and Minority Leader Charles Schumer ( D-NY ) @ @ @ @ @ after the bitter fight over newly sworn in Justice Amy Coney Barrett , ” The @ @ @ @ @ deterioration of their relationship in recent months , a tense election year when control of @ @ @ @ @ at stake , raises questions about their ability to work together in the future and @ @ @ @ @ chamber ’ s rules once in power to circumvent McConnell entirely .
”

“The relationship between Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-NY) has hit a new low after the bitter fight over newly sworn in Justice Amy Coney Barrett,” The Hill reports.
“The deterioration of their relationship in recent months, a tense election year when control of the Senate in 2021 is at stake, raises questions about their ability to work together in the future and whether Democrats will change the chamber’s rules once in power to circumvent McConnell entirely.”


politicalwire--2020-10-28--No Late Shift Toward Trump So Far

No Late Shift Toward Trump So Far

A new Wall Street Journal/NBC News study has found no evidence , so far , of the kind of late @ @ @ @ @ undecided voters that helped produce his unexpected wins in 2016 .
When pollsters asked themselves @ @ @ @ @ that Trump would win the 2016 election , one factor they identified was a late @ @ @ @ @ last days of the campaign .

A new Wall Street Journal/NBC News study has found no evidence, so far, of the kind of late surge toward President Trump among undecided voters that helped produce his unexpected wins in 2016.
When pollsters asked themselves how so many missed signs that Trump would win the 2016 election, one factor they identified was a late swing toward him in the last days of the campaign.


politicalwire--2020-10-28--Giuliani Gets Few Takers for His Hunter Biden Story

Politico : “ The Wall Street Journal and Fox News have both reported finding no evidence that Joe Biden benefited @ @ @ @ @ dealings that have drawn scrutiny .
More explicitly pro-Trump media outlets — OAN , Breitbart @ @ @ @ @ shied away from publishing fresher , more salacious allegations .
And conservative talking heads — @ @ @ @ @ MAGA Twitter personalities alike — have been more focused on the meta narrative around the @ @ @ @ @ media , social media companies and the deep state are conspiring to prevent President Trump @ @ @ @ @ the story .
”

Politico: “The Wall Street Journal and Fox News have both reported finding no evidence that Joe Biden benefited from the Hunter Biden business dealings that have drawn scrutiny. More explicitly pro-Trump media outlets — OAN, Breitbart, Newsmax — have mostly shied away from publishing fresher, more salacious allegations. And conservative talking heads — pundits, politicians and loud MAGA Twitter personalities alike — have been more focused on the meta narrative around the laptop, arguing that mainstream media, social media companies and the deep state are conspiring to prevent President Trump’s reelection by suppressing the story.”


politicalwire--2020-10-28--AOC’s Next Four Years

AOC’s Next Four Years

Said Ocasio-Cortez : “ It ’ s not an accident that , every cycle , the boogeyman of the Democrats @ @ @ @ @ couple of cycles ago , it was Pelosi .
Then it was Hillary , and @ @ @ @ @ .
”

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


politicalwire--2020-10-28--The GOP’s Monstrous Math Problem

The GOP’s Monstrous Math Problem


politicalwire--2020-10-28--Democrats Already Angling for Kamala Harris’ Seat

Politico : “ At least a dozen California Democrats are seriously in the mix , and their supporters , donors @ @ @ @ @ the scenes to make their case .
In this deep-blue state , where no Republican @ @ @ @ @ years , a Senate seat could be the closest it gets to a lifetime appointment.
@ @ @ @ @ seat goes vacant in California , the governor can appoint a replacement without calling a @ @ @ @ @ ’ s pick would serve the remaining two years on Harris ’ term before facing @ @ @ @ @ advantage of incumbency .
The governor does have the ability to name a caretaker and @ @ @ @ @ but sources do not expect him to go that route .
”

Politico: “At least a dozen California Democrats are seriously in the mix, and their supporters, donors and staffers are jostling behind the scenes to make their case. In this deep-blue state, where no Republican has won statewide in 14 years, a Senate seat could be the closest it gets to a lifetime appointment.”
“When a Senate seat goes vacant in California, the governor can appoint a replacement without calling a special election, and Newsom’s pick would serve the remaining two years on Harris’ term before facing the voters with the huge advantage of incumbency. The governor does have the ability to name a caretaker and call a special election, but sources do not expect him to go that route.”


politicalwire--2020-10-28--New Battleground State Polls

New Battleground State Polls


politicalwire--2020-10-28--Rick Gates Seeks Redemption

Rick Gates Seeks Redemption

Politico : “ As attempted comebacks go , it ’ s an audacious gambit .
Rick Gates , the former @ @ @ @ @ to conspiracy charges in the Robert Mueller probe — and then helped put other Trump @ @ @ @ @ ’ t just launched a book tour aimed at clearing his name .
He ’ @ @ @ @ @ strategic consulting firm for companies looking to navigate the federal government .
”

Politico: “As attempted comebacks go, it’s an audacious gambit. Rick Gates, the former Trump aide who pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges in the Robert Mueller probe — and then helped put other Trump associates in jail — hasn’t just launched a book tour aimed at clearing his name. He’s also started a new strategic consulting firm for companies looking to navigate the federal government.”


politicalwire--2020-10-28--Hundreds of Trump Supporters Stuck In the Cold

“ By the time President Trump finished speaking to thousands of supporters at Omaha ’ s Eppley Airfield on Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ Air Force One , the temperature had plunged to nearly freezing , ” the Washington @ @ @ @ @ as long lines of MAGA-clad attendees queued up for buses to take them to distant @ @ @ @ @ became clear that something was wrong.
” “ The buses , the huge crowd soon @ @ @ @ @ navigate the jammed airport roads .
For hours , attendees — including many elderly Trump @ @ @ @ @ withering cold , as police scrambled to help the most at-risk get to warmth .
@

“By the time President Trump finished speaking to thousands of supporters at Omaha’s Eppley Airfield on Tuesday night and jetted away on Air Force One, the temperature had plunged to nearly freezing,” the Washington Post reports.
“But as long lines of MAGA-clad attendees queued up for buses to take them to distant parking lots, it quickly became clear that something was wrong.”
“The buses, the huge crowd soon learned, couldn’t navigate the jammed airport roads. For hours, attendees — including many elderly Trump supporters — stood in the withering cold, as police scrambled to help the most at-risk get to warmth.”


politicalwire--2020-10-28--White House Says Trump Ended the Pandemic

The Hill : “ The White House science office listed ‘ ending the COVID-19 pandemic ’ as the top accomplishment @ @ @ @ @ first term , even as the U.S. has set records for new daily infections and @ @ @ @ @ are stretched to their breaking points .
”

The Hill: “The White House science office listed ‘ending the COVID-19 pandemic’ as the top accomplishment of President Trump’s first term, even as the U.S. has set records for new daily infections and numerous hospitals across the country are stretched to their breaking points.”


politicalwire--2020-10-28--The Polling Is Coming

The Polling Is Coming

Nate Cohn : “ This was a pretty weird day of polling .
We ’ re just a week from @ @ @ @ @ were only two live-interview telephone surveys .
And this eerie quiet has been going on @ @ @ @ @ now.
” “ There ’ s a good explanation , though : the short period @ @ @ @ @ Election Day .
That created a squeeze for pollsters because it wouldn ’ t necessarily @ @ @ @ @ a poll both immediately after the debate and immediately before the election .
Not surprisingly @ @ @ @ @ closer to the election.
” “ That ’ s a trade I ’ m willing @ @ @ @ @ had been a big news story or if something wild had happened at the debate @ @ @ @ @ dying right now to find out what happened and we ’ d wish there were @ @ @ @ @ As it is , I ’ m content to be patient and get a really @ @ @ @ @ Election Day as possible .
”

Nate Cohn: “This was a pretty weird day of polling. We’re just a week from the election, and there were only two live-interview telephone surveys. And this eerie quiet has been going on for a couple of days now.”
“There’s a good explanation, though: the short period between the final debate and Election Day. That created a squeeze for pollsters because it wouldn’t necessarily leave enough time to do a poll both immediately after the debate and immediately before the election. Not surprisingly, most pollsters are choosing closer to the election.”
“That’s a trade I’m willing to make. If there had been a big news story or if something wild had happened at the debate, we might all be dying right now to find out what happened and we’d wish there were more polling this moment. As it is, I’m content to be patient and get a really clear look as close to Election Day as possible.”


politicalwire--2020-10-29--Millions of Mail Ballots Have Not Been Returned Yet

“ Amid a record surge in early voting , millions of mail ballots remained unreturned Wednesday , prompting a flurry @ @ @ @ @ that ballots sent via the U.S .
Postal Service at this point may not arrive @ @ @ @ @ , ” the Washington Post reports .


politicalwire--2020-10-29--Trump Rushes McSally at Arizona Rally

Trump Rushes McSally at Arizona Rally

President Trump offered a not-very warm welcome to Sen. Martha McSally ( R ) on Wednesday at his campaign rally @ @ @ @ @ reports .
Said Trump : “ Martha , just come up fast .
Fast .
@ @ @ @ @ Quick .
You got one minute !
One minute , Martha !
They don ’ @ @ @ @ @ , Martha .
Come on .
Let ’ s go .
Quick , quick , @ @ @ @ @ Let ’ s go .
”

President Trump offered a not-very warm welcome to Sen. Martha McSally (R) on Wednesday at his campaign rally in Arizona, NBC News reports.
Said Trump: “Martha, just come up fast. Fast. Fast. Come on. Quick. You got one minute! One minute, Martha! They don’t want to hear this, Martha. Come on. Let’s go. Quick, quick, quick. Come on. Let’s go.”


politicalwire--2020-10-29--Loeffler ‘Not Familiar’ with Access Hollywood Tape

Sen. Kelly Loeffler ( R-GA ) said Wednesday that she doesn ’ t disagree with anything President Trump has said @ @ @ @ @ reports .
“ Earlier this month during a debate , Loeffler was asked if President @ @ @ @ @ done anything she ’ d disagreed with .
Her answer was emphatically ‘ no .
@ @ @ @ @ reporters Wednesday that she doesn ’ t know anything about an Access Hollywood tape made @ @ @ @ @ described sexually assaulting women .
This came up again after Loeffler said she doesn ’ @ @ @ @ @ has said or done .
”

Sen. Kelly Loeffler (R-GA) said Wednesday that she doesn’t disagree with anything President Trump has said or done, 11 Alive reports.
“Earlier this month during a debate, Loeffler was asked if President Trump had ever said or done anything she’d disagreed with. Her answer was emphatically ‘no.'”
“Loeffler told reporters Wednesday that she doesn’t know anything about an Access Hollywood tape made in 2005 in which Trump described sexually assaulting women. This came up again after Loeffler said she doesn’t disagree with anything Trump has said or done.”


politicalwire--2020-10-29--Even More Battleground State Polls

Even More Battleground State Polls

The Guardian : “ The Republican party has become dramatically more illiberal in the past two decades and now more @ @ @ @ @ autocratic societies than its former center-right equivalents…


politicalwire--2020-10-29--Idaho Lt. Governor Decries Pandemic Measures

Holding a bible in one hand and a pistol in the other , Idaho Lt. Gov .
Janice McGeachin ( @ @ @ @ @ video from a group that declared it will ignore any state emergency orders that it @ @ @ @ @ rights , the Spokesman Review reports .
The video , which also featured several GOP @ @ @ @ @ day after Gov .
Brad Little ( R ) had to push the state reopening @ @ @ @ @ spike in coronavirus infections .

Holding a bible in one hand and a pistol in the other, Idaho Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin (R) appeared in a video from a group that declared it will ignore any state emergency orders that it believes violates people’s rights, the Spokesman Review reports.
The video, which also featured several GOP lawmakers, was released a day after Gov. Brad Little (R) had to push the state reopening plan back because an alarming spike in coronavirus infections.


politicalwire--2020-10-29--Justices Leave North Carolina Ballot Deadline

“ The Supreme Court will allow absentee ballots in North Carolina to be received and counted up to nine days @ @ @ @ @ a win for Democrats , ” the AP reports .
“ The justices , by @ @ @ @ @ refused to disturb a decision by the State Board of Elections to lengthen the period @ @ @ @ @ because of the coronavirus pandemic , pushing back the deadline to Nov. 12 .
”

“The Supreme Court will allow absentee ballots in North Carolina to be received and counted up to nine days after Election Day, in a win for Democrats,” the AP reports.
“The justices, by a 5-3 vote Wednesday, refused to disturb a decision by the State Board of Elections to lengthen the period from three to nine days because of the coronavirus pandemic, pushing back the deadline to Nov. 12.”


politicalwire--2020-10-29--Little Sign of a Tightening Race

Little Sign of a Tightening Race

Nate Silver : “ After a surprisingly sluggish weekend for polling , the floodgates have opened , with a mix @ @ @ @ @ polls and pretty much everything in between .
And although there are some outliers in @ @ @ @ @ a fairly consistent story , overall : A steady race nationally , perhaps with some @ @ @ @ @ the Midwest .
”

Nate Silver: “After a surprisingly sluggish weekend for polling, the floodgates have opened, with a mix of high-quality polls, low-quality polls and pretty much everything in between. And although there are some outliers in both directions, they tell a fairly consistent story, overall: A steady race nationally, perhaps with some gains for Joe Biden in the Midwest.”


politicalwire--2020-10-29--Trump’s Closing Argument Clashes With Reality

“ As an immense new surge in coronavirus cases sweeps the country , President Trump is closing his re-election campaign @ @ @ @ @ ignore the evidence of a calamity unfolding before their eyes and trust his word that @ @ @ @ @ as a threat to their personal health and economic well being , ” the New @ @ @ @ @ The president has continued to declare before large and largely maskless crowds that the virus @ @ @ @ @ case counts soar , fatalities climb , the stock market dips and a fresh outbreak @ @ @ @ @ President Mike Pence .
”

“As an immense new surge in coronavirus cases sweeps the country, President Trump is closing his re-election campaign by pleading with voters to ignore the evidence of a calamity unfolding before their eyes and trust his word that the disease is already disappearing as a threat to their personal health and economic well being,” the New York Times reports.
“The president has continued to declare before large and largely maskless crowds that the virus is vanishing, even as case counts soar, fatalities climb, the stock market dips and a fresh outbreak grips the staff of Vice President Mike Pence.”


politicalwire--2020-10-28--Justices Won’t Halt Pennsylvania’s Extended Deadlines

“ The Supreme Court on Wednesday refused a plea from Pennsylvania Republicans to put their request to halt a three-day @ @ @ @ @ receiving absentee ballots on an extraordinarily fast track , ” the New York Times reports @ @ @ @ @ that the court would not consider the case , which could have yielded a major @ @ @ @ @ until after Election Day.
” Rick Hasen : “ Justices Alito , Gorsuch , and @ @ @ @ @ saying that time was too late to review things now , but strongly stating a @ @ @ @ @ ballots would be unconstitutional and that there could well be review after the election of @ @ @ @ @ .
”

“The Supreme Court on Wednesday refused a plea from Pennsylvania Republicans to put their request to halt a three-day extension of the deadline for receiving absentee ballots on an extraordinarily fast track,” the New York Times reports.
“The move meant that the court would not consider the case, which could have yielded a major ruling on voting procedure, until after Election Day.”
Rick Hasen: “Justices Alito, Gorsuch, and Thomas issued a separate statement saying that time was too late to review things now, but strongly stating a belief that counting the later ballots would be unconstitutional and that there could well be review after the election of the consideration of these ballots.”


politicalwire--2020-10-28--Republicans Now Resemble Autocratic Parties

The Guardian : “ The Republican party has become dramatically more illiberal in the past two decades and now more @ @ @ @ @ autocratic societies than its former center-right equivalents in Europe , according to a new international @ @ @ @ @ significant shift since 2000 , the GOP has taken to demonising and encouraging violence against @ @ @ @ @ and tactics comparable to ruling nationalist parties in Hungary , India , Poland and Turkey.
@ @ @ @ @ Democratic party has changed little in its attachment to democratic norms , and in that @ @ @ @ @ centre-right and centre-left parties in western Europe .
Their principal difference is the approach to @ @ @ @

The Guardian: “The Republican party has become dramatically more illiberal in the past two decades and now more closely resembles ruling parties in autocratic societies than its former center-right equivalents in Europe, according to a new international study.”
“In a significant shift since 2000, the GOP has taken to demonising and encouraging violence against its opponents, adopting attitudes and tactics comparable to ruling nationalist parties in Hungary, India, Poland and Turkey.”
“By contrast the Democratic party has changed little in its attachment to democratic norms, and in that regard has remained similar to centre-right and centre-left parties in western Europe. Their principal difference is the approach to the economy.”


politicalwire--2020-10-28--Vermont Asks Kavanaugh to Correct Opinion


Traitor

Just out : Traitor : A History of American Betrayal from Benedict Arnold to Donald Trump by David Rothkopf .
@ @ @ @ @ in almost every respect for the high office he holds .
But what distinguishes him @ @ @ @ @ the U.S. has had is that he has repeatedly , egregiously , betrayed his country @ @ @ @ @ Republicans have let him off the hook , the facts available to the public show @ @ @ @ @ necessary standard to define his behavior as traitorous .
”

Just out: Traitor: A History of American Betrayal from Benedict Arnold to Donald Trump by David Rothkopf.
“Donald Trump is unfit in almost every respect for the high office he holds. But what distinguishes him from every other bad leader the U.S. has had is that he has repeatedly, egregiously, betrayed his country. Regardless of how Senate Republicans have let him off the hook, the facts available to the public show that Trump has met every necessary standard to define his behavior as traitorous.”


politicalwire--2020-10-28--On Herman Cain’s Life and Death

On Herman Cain’s Life and Death

Rosie Gray has a nice profile of the late Herman Cain and the impact his presidential run had on a @ @ @ @ @ Donald Trump , also a businessman with no prior political experience .
One of the @ @ @ @ @ Trump called Cain ’ s family after he died from the coronavirus .
Said Cain @ @ @ @ @ “ I don ’ t really know how to describe it .
It wasn ’ @ @ @ @ @ ”

Rosie Gray has a nice profile of the late Herman Cain and the impact his presidential run had on a Republican party that ultimately elected Donald Trump, also a businessman with no prior political experience.
One of the more interesting stories is that Trump called Cain’s family after he died from the coronavirus.
Said Cain’s daughter Melanie: “I don’t really know how to describe it. It wasn’t an unpleasant conversation.”


politicalwire--2020-10-28--Ratcliffe Went Off Script with Remarks About Iran

Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe went off script when he alleged during a press conference last week that Iran @ @ @ @ @ Americans in order to “ damage President Trump , ” Politico reports .
The reference @ @ @ @ @ Ratcliffe ’ s prepared remarks about the foreign election interference , as shown to and @ @ @ @ @ Chris Wray .

Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe went off script when he alleged during a press conference last week that Iran was sending intimidating emails to Americans in order to “damage President Trump,” Politico reports.
The reference to Trump was not in Ratcliffe’s prepared remarks about the foreign election interference, as shown to and signed off by FBI Director Chris Wray.


politicalwire--2020-10-28--Biden Holds Wide National Lead

Biden Holds Wide National Lead

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


politicalwire--2020-10-28--Taylor Previously Lied About Being ‘Anonymous’

Miles Taylor , the former Homeland Security official who admitted he was “ Anonymous , ” denied knowledge of the @ @ @ @ @ official in an August 2020 interview with CNN , shortly after he went public with @ @ @ @ @ Taylor also dismissed the importance of discovering the identity of “ Anonymous , ” saying @ @ @ @ @ parlor game ” in Washington to guess who the person was .

Miles Taylor, the former Homeland Security official who admitted he was “Anonymous,” denied knowledge of the identity of the secret administration official in an August 2020 interview with CNN, shortly after he went public with his criticism of Trump.
Taylor also dismissed the importance of discovering the identity of “Anonymous,” saying it had become a “parlor game” in Washington to guess who the person was.


politicalwire--2020-10-28--Trump Needs to Win States Where He’s Never Led


politicalwire--2020-10-28--Jeff Flake Cuts Ad for Biden

Jeff Flake Cuts Ad for Biden

Former Sen. Jeff Flake ( R-AZ ) cut an ad for Joe Biden to run in Arizona .
Said Flake @ @ @ @ @ been a conservative Republican my entire life .
I ’ ve never before voted for @ @ @ @ @ But this year , principle and conscience require me to do just that .
I @ @ @ @ @ Biden .
”

Former Sen. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) cut an ad for Joe Biden to run in Arizona.
Said Flake: “I’ve been a conservative Republican my entire life. I’ve never before voted for a Democrat for president. But this year, principle and conscience require me to do just that. I’m voting for Joe Biden.”


politicalwire--2020-10-28--Homeland Security Official Was ‘Anonymous’

Miles Taylor , the former chief of staff at the Department of Homeland Security , was the anonymous author of @ @ @ @ @ article in 2018 whose description of President Trump as “ impetuous , adversarial , petty @ @ @ @ @ and set off a hunt for his identity , the New York Times reports .
@ @ @ @ @ author of A Warning , a book he wrote the following year that described the @ @ @ @ @ ” and “ amoral ” leader whose abuse of power threatened the foundations of American @ @

Miles Taylor, the former chief of staff at the Department of Homeland Security, was the anonymous author of The New York Times Op-Ed article in 2018 whose description of President Trump as “impetuous, adversarial, petty and ineffective” roiled Washington and set off a hunt for his identity, the New York Times reports.
Taylor was also the anonymous author of A Warning, a book he wrote the following year that described the president as an “undisciplined” and “amoral” leader whose abuse of power threatened the foundations of American democracy.
Taylor released a statement admitting he was anonymous.


Bracing for History

Just for members : The new edition of Inside Elections .
Here ’ s the final pre-election issue .
Under @ @ @ @ @ ’ s surprise victory in 2016 , Democrats are poised to capture the White House @ @ @ @ @ expand their majority in the House .
This edition includes analysis in each competitive Senate @ @ @ @ @ competitive House races , and includes rating changes in 25 races .
It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ sheet to the candidates as the results come in .
If you ’ re not @ @ @ @ @ up for an Annual or Monthly membership for instant access and many more benefits .
@ @ @ @ @ .


politicalwire--2020-10-29--Economic Growth Rebounded In Third Quarter

“ The economy grew at a record pace in the third quarter , the Commerce Department reported Thursday , recovering @ @ @ @ @ losses but still below where it ended 2019 , ” the Wall Street Journal reports @ @ @ @ @ economy to expand through the fourth quarter , though more slowly , amid a pandemic @ @ @ @ @ as the virus infects tens of thousands of people a day .
Analysts project the @ @ @ @ @ than a year earlier , but grow in 2021.
” New York Times : “ @ @ @ @ @ that the recovery is losing steam .
”

“The economy grew at a record pace in the third quarter, the Commerce Department reported Thursday, recovering a good chunk of pandemic losses but still below where it ended 2019,” the Wall Street Journal reports.
“Forecasters expect the economy to expand through the fourth quarter, though more slowly, amid a pandemic still disrupting lives and commerce as the virus infects tens of thousands of people a day. Analysts project the economy will end 2020 smaller than a year earlier, but grow in 2021.”
New York Times: “Already, there are signs that the recovery is losing steam.”


politicalwire--2020-10-29--We Have to Destroy the Republican Party to Save It

Max Boot : “ ‘ We had to destroy the village in order to save it.
’ That famous , @ @ @ @ @ from the Vietnam War describes how I feel about the Republican Party .
We have @ @ @ @ @ order to save it.
” “ As a lifelong Republican until Nov. 9 , 2016 @ @ @ @ @ policy adviser to three Republican presidential candidates — it gives me no joy to write @ @ @ @ @ s true that the party had long-standing problems — conspiracy-mongering , racism , hostility toward @ @ @ @ @ was able to exploit .
But he has also exacerbated all of those maladies , @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus outbreak much worse than it needed to be .
”

Max Boot: “‘We had to destroy the village in order to save it.’ That famous, if probably apocryphal, quote from the Vietnam War describes how I feel about the Republican Party. We have to destroy the party in order to save it.”
“As a lifelong Republican until Nov. 9, 2016 — and as a foreign policy adviser to three Republican presidential candidates — it gives me no joy to write those words. It’s true that the party had long-standing problems — conspiracy-mongering, racism, hostility toward science — that Donald Trump was able to exploit. But he has also exacerbated all of those maladies, just as he made the coronavirus outbreak much worse than it needed to be.”


politicalwire--2020-10-29--Ossoff Rips Into Perdue Over Pandemic

Ossoff Rips Into Perdue Over Pandemic

Georgia Senate candidate Jon Ossoff ( D ) launched a blistering attack on Sen. David Perdue ’ s ( R @ @ @ @ @ and the coronavirus pandemic at a televised debate .
Said Ossoff : “ It ’ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re a crook… you ’ re attacking the health of those you represent.
” @ @ @ @ @ did say COVID-19 was no deadlier than the flu , you did say there would @ @ @ @ @ .
All the while , you were looking after your own assets , and your @ @ @ @ @ did vote four times to end protections for pre-existing conditions .
”

Georgia Senate candidate Jon Ossoff (D) launched a blistering attack on Sen. David Perdue’s (R) record on health care and the coronavirus pandemic at a televised debate.
Said Ossoff: “It’s not just that you’re a crook… you’re attacking the health of those you represent.”
He added: “You did say COVID-19 was no deadlier than the flu, you did say there would be no uptick in cases. All the while, you were looking after your own assets, and your own portfolio. And you did vote four times to end protections for pre-existing conditions.”


politicalwire--2020-10-29--Why It Has to Be Biden

Why It Has to Be Biden

“ The country that elected Donald Trump in 2016 was unhappy and divided .
The country he is asking to @ @ @ @ @ and more divided .
After almost four years of his leadership , politics is even @ @ @ @ @ partisanship even less constrained .
Daily life is consumed by a pandemic that has registered @ @ @ @ @ , buck-passing and lies .
Much of that is Mr Trump ’ s doing , @ @ @ @ @ 3rd would endorse it all… ” “ However , our bigger dispute with Mr Trump @ @ @ @ @ .
In the past four years he has repeatedly desecrated the values , principles and @ @ @ @ @ haven for its own people and a beacon to the world .
”

The Economist endorses Joe Biden for president.
“The country that elected Donald Trump in 2016 was unhappy and divided. The country he is asking to re-elect him is more unhappy and more divided. After almost four years of his leadership, politics is even angrier than it was and partisanship even less constrained. Daily life is consumed by a pandemic that has registered almost 230,000 deaths amid bickering, buck-passing and lies. Much of that is Mr Trump’s doing, and his victory on November 3rd would endorse it all…”
“However, our bigger dispute with Mr Trump is over something more fundamental. In the past four years he has repeatedly desecrated the values, principles and practices that made America a haven for its own people and a beacon to the world.”


politicalwire--2020-10-29--Bank Case Showed Erdogan’s Influence With Trump

New York Times : “ Geoffrey Berman was outraged .
The top federal prosecutor in Manhattan , Mr. Berman had @ @ @ @ @ 2019 to discuss a particularly delicate case with Attorney General William Barr and some of @ @ @ @ @ criminal investigation into Halkbank , a state-owned Turkish bank suspected of violating U.S. sanctions law @ @ @ @ @ of gold and cash to Iran.
” “ For months , President Recep Tayyip Erdogan @ @ @ @ @ President Trump to quash the investigation , which threatened not only the bank but potentially @ @ @ @ @ s family and political party .
When Mr. Berman sat down with Mr. Barr , @ @ @ @ @ presented with a settlement proposal that would give Mr. Erdogan a key concession .
”

New York Times: “Geoffrey Berman was outraged. The top federal prosecutor in Manhattan, Mr. Berman had traveled to Washington in June 2019 to discuss a particularly delicate case with Attorney General William Barr and some of his top aides: a criminal investigation into Halkbank, a state-owned Turkish bank suspected of violating U.S. sanctions law by funneling billions of dollars of gold and cash to Iran.”
“For months, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey had been pressing President Trump to quash the investigation, which threatened not only the bank but potentially members of Mr. Erdogan’s family and political party. When Mr. Berman sat down with Mr. Barr, he was stunned to be presented with a settlement proposal that would give Mr. Erdogan a key concession.”


politicalwire--2020-10-29--Biden Leads Trump by 12 Points Nationally

Max Boot : “ ‘ We had to destroy the village in order to save it.
’ That famous , @ @ @ @ @ from the Vietnam War describes how I feel about the Republican…


politicalwire--2020-10-29--New Battleground State Polls

New Battleground State Polls


politicalwire--2020-10-29--North Carolina Won’t Allow Election Observers

“ The North Carolina Board of Elections has denied international observers access to polling sites on Election Day , a @ @ @ @ @ the mission by surprise as they prepared to arrive in the state , ” McClatchy @ @ @ @ @ had allowed election observers to monitor their polling sites in the past , but decided @ @ @ @ @ forcing the international team to cancel its visit at the last minute .
”

“The North Carolina Board of Elections has denied international observers access to polling sites on Election Day, a decision that caught members of the mission by surprise as they prepared to arrive in the state,” McClatchy reports.
“North Carolina had allowed election observers to monitor their polling sites in the past, but decided against it this year, forcing the international team to cancel its visit at the last minute.”


politicalwire--2020-10-29--Trump Needs to Suppress the Vote to Win

Trump Needs to Suppress the Vote to Win

“ Donald Trump won the presidency with 46 percent of the popular vote .
His approval rating , according to @ @ @ @ @ 50 percent .
He remains under 50 percent in national polling averages , ” Politico @ @ @ @ @ ’ s inability to capture a majority of support sheds light on his extraordinary attempts @ @ @ @ @ votes cast across the battleground state map — a massive campaign-within-a-campaign to maximize Trump ’ @ @ @ @ @ contest in which he ’ s all but certain to earn less than 50 percent @ @ @ @ @ Never before in modern presidential politics has a candidate been so reliant on wide-scale efforts @ @ @ @ @ Trump .
”

“Donald Trump won the presidency with 46 percent of the popular vote. His approval rating, according to Gallup, has never hit 50 percent. He remains under 50 percent in national polling averages,” Politico reports.
“The president’s inability to capture a majority of support sheds light on his extraordinary attempts to limit the number of votes cast across the battleground state map — a massive campaign-within-a-campaign to maximize Trump’s chances of winning a contest in which he’s all but certain to earn less than 50 percent of the vote…”
“Never before in modern presidential politics has a candidate been so reliant on wide-scale efforts to depress the vote as Trump.”


politicalwire--2020-10-29--Trump, Biden Appeal to Last-Minute Florida Voters

Associated Press : “ President Trump and Joe Biden are set to chase votes in Florida , a state all @ @ @ @ @ ’ s pathway to another term as both nominees turn their focus to encouraging voters @ @ @ @ @ Day .
“ More than 73 million Americans have already voted , absentee or by @ @ @ @ @ Biden are trying to energize the millions more who will vote in person on Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ vote traditionally favors Republicans and early votes tend toward Democrats , the coronavirus pandemic , @ @ @ @ @ 227,000 Americans , has injected new uncertainty about the makeup of the electorate .
”

Associated Press: “President Trump and Joe Biden are set to chase votes in Florida, a state all but essential to the Republican’s pathway to another term as both nominees turn their focus to encouraging voters to turn out on Election Day.
“More than 73 million Americans have already voted, absentee or by mail, and Trump and Biden are trying to energize the millions more who will vote in person on Tuesday. While the Election Day vote traditionally favors Republicans and early votes tend toward Democrats, the coronavirus pandemic, which has killed more than 227,000 Americans, has injected new uncertainty about the makeup of the electorate.”
Miami Herald: Florida Democrats look to increase Black voter turnout.


politicalwire--2020-10-29--Trump Stokes Suburban Fears After Police Shooting

Politico : “ Donald Trump is making a last-ditch effort to rattle the suburbs .
In the wake of civil @ @ @ @ @ police shooting here Monday , the president returned to fear-mongering about big-city chaos and violence @ @ @ @ @ rhetoric in the hopes of winning back the suburban voters who have deserted him .

Politico: “Donald Trump is making a last-ditch effort to rattle the suburbs. In the wake of civil unrest sparked by a fatal police shooting here Monday, the president returned to fear-mongering about big-city chaos and violence, leaning hard on law-and-order rhetoric in the hopes of winning back the suburban voters who have deserted him.
Philadelphia Inquirer: Philadelphia under curfew.


politicalwire--2020-10-29--Texas Is a Toss Up But Trump and Biden Stay Away

New York Times : “ They may be on opposite sides of the partisan divide , but Texas Republicans and @ @ @ @ @ moment has arrived : The state is a true presidential battleground , and either candidate @ @ @ @ @ “ Although a Democrat has not carried Texas since 1976 , recent public and private @ @ @ @ @ race , with some surveys showing Mr. Biden up narrowly and others showing Mr. Trump @ @ @ @ @ “ Yet even as leading figures in both parties urge their respective presidential nominees to @ @ @ @ @ campaigns are still reluctant to spend precious remaining time and money there .
Neither Mr. @ @ @ @ @ expected to appear in the state before the election , the president has not spent @ @ @ @ @ , and until this week Mr. Biden had resisted advertising in Texas ’ two largest @ @ @ @ @ Worth .
”

New York Times: “They may be on opposite sides of the partisan divide, but Texas Republicans and Democrats alike believe the long-awaited moment has arrived: The state is a true presidential battleground, and either candidate could prevail next week.”
“Although a Democrat has not carried Texas since 1976, recent public and private polls suggest a highly competitive race, with some surveys showing Mr. Biden up narrowly and others showing Mr. Trump enjoying a small lead.”
“Yet even as leading figures in both parties urge their respective presidential nominees to take Texas seriously, the campaigns are still reluctant to spend precious remaining time and money there. Neither Mr. Trump nor Mr. Biden is expected to appear in the state before the election, the president has not spent a cent on television commercials, and until this week Mr. Biden had resisted advertising in Texas’ two largest markets, Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth.”
Washington Post: Can Democrats win Texas?


politicalwire--2020-10-29--States Face Biggest Cash Crisis Since Great Depression

Wall Street Journal : “ Nationwide , the U.S. state budget shortfall from 2020 through 2022 could amount to about @ @ @ @ @ to data from Moody ’ s Analytics , the economic analysis arm of Moody ’ @ @ @ @ @ assume no additional fiscal stimulus from Washington , further coronavirus-fueled restrictions on business and travel @ @ @ @ @ Medicaid amid high unemployment.
” “ That ’ s greater than the 2019 K-12 education @ @ @ @ @ , or more than twice the amount spent that year on state roads and other @ @ @ @ @ have already prompted tax hikes and cuts to education , corrections and parks .
State @ @ @ @ @ and are taking pay cuts , and the retirement benefits for police , firefighters , @ @ @ @ @ are under more pressure .
”

Wall Street Journal: “Nationwide, the U.S. state budget shortfall from 2020 through 2022 could amount to about $434 billion, according to data from Moody’s Analytics, the economic analysis arm of Moody’s Corp. The estimates assume no additional fiscal stimulus from Washington, further coronavirus-fueled restrictions on business and travel, and extra costs for Medicaid amid high unemployment.”
“That’s greater than the 2019 K-12 education budget for every state combined, or more than twice the amount spent that year on state roads and other transportation infrastructure.”
“Deficits have already prompted tax hikes and cuts to education, corrections and parks. State workers are being laid off and are taking pay cuts, and the retirement benefits for police, firefighters, teachers and other government workers are under more pressure.”


politicalwire--2020-10-29--Tucker Carlson Claims Hunter Biden Docs Stolen

Fox News host Tucker Carlson , who has devoted the lion ’ s share of his airtime recently to allegations @ @ @ @ @ , insisted on Wednesday night that he was in possession of more damning Biden evidence @ @ @ @ @ documents ” were intercepted at a shipping center , the Daily Beast reports .

Fox News host Tucker Carlson, who has devoted the lion’s share of his airtime recently to allegations of corruption surrounding Hunter Biden, insisted on Wednesday night that he was in possession of more damning Biden evidence but that the “confidential documents” were intercepted at a shipping center, the Daily Beast reports.


politicalwire--2020-10-30--Biden Seeks Knockout Blow In Florida

Biden Seeks Knockout Blow In Florida

“ The presidential candidates unleashed a frenzy of last-minute campaigning Thursday in Florida , a must-win state for President Trump @ @ @ @ @ become their own political liability amid surging coronavirus cases , ” the Los Angeles Times @ @ @ @ @ and Joe Biden headed to the rapidly growing Tampa region , where their get-out-the-vote events @ @ @ @ @ the COVID-19 pandemic .
The focus on Florida comes as polls give Biden a slight @ @ @ @ @ which holds 29 electoral votes the Trump campaign desperately needs for a viable path to @ @ @ @ @ : Trump Really Has Just One Path Left

“The presidential candidates unleashed a frenzy of last-minute campaigning Thursday in Florida, a must-win state for President Trump, whose packed rallies have become their own political liability amid surging coronavirus cases,” the Los Angeles Times reports.
“Both Trump and Joe Biden headed to the rapidly growing Tampa region, where their get-out-the-vote events showcased sharply contrasting approaches to the COVID-19 pandemic. The focus on Florida comes as polls give Biden a slight edge in the state, which holds 29 electoral votes the Trump campaign desperately needs for a viable path to victory.”
Related for members: Trump Really Has Just One Path Left


politicalwire--2020-10-30--Biden Slams Facebook as Ads Remain Blocked

“ Thousands of ads from Joe Biden ’ s campaign have been blocked by Facebook as part of the social @ @ @ @ @ blackout on new political ads , which the Biden camp said erroneously swept up ads @ @ @ @ @ to run , ” Politico reports .
“ The ads have been down since Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ said on Thursday evening , costing the Democratic presidential candidate a half-million dollars in projected @ @ @ @ @ plan right before the election .
”

“Thousands of ads from Joe Biden’s campaign have been blocked by Facebook as part of the social media giant’s pre-election blackout on new political ads, which the Biden camp said erroneously swept up ads that had already been approved to run,” Politico reports.
“The ads have been down since Tuesday, Biden’s campaign said on Thursday evening, costing the Democratic presidential candidate a half-million dollars in projected donations and altering the advertising plan right before the election.”


politicalwire--2020-10-29--Perdue Bails Out of Final Debate

Perdue Bails Out of Final Debate

Sen. David Perdue ( R-GA ) withdrew from the final debate in his tight re-election race , a day after @ @ @ @ @ called him a “ crook ” and accused the vulnerable Republican of trying to profit @ @ @ @ @ the New York Times reports .
Ossoff announced Perdue ’ s cancellation on Twitter : @ @ @ @ @ s debate , millions saw that Perdue had no answers when I called him out @ @ @ @ @ corruption , widespread disease , and economic devastation .
Shame on you , Senator .
@

Sen. David Perdue (R-GA) withdrew from the final debate in his tight re-election race, a day after Jon Ossoff (D) called him a “crook” and accused the vulnerable Republican of trying to profit from the coronavirus pandemic, the New York Times reports.
Ossoff announced Perdue’s cancellation on Twitter: “At last night’s debate, millions saw that Perdue had no answers when I called him out on his record of blatant corruption, widespread disease, and economic devastation. Shame on you, Senator.”


politicalwire--2020-10-29--U.S. Coronavirus Cases Hit New High

U.S. Coronavirus Cases Hit New High

“ Elizabeth Warren wants to be Joe Biden ’ s Treasury secretary and will make her case for it if @ @ @ @ @ according to three Democratic officials who have spoken with…

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


politicalwire--2020-10-29--Schumer Calls Trump a ‘Moron’

Schumer Calls Trump a ‘Moron’

Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer ( D-NY ) said the federal government is failing to react appropriately to surging coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ President Trump is “ a moron , ” The Hill reports .
Said Schumer : @ @ @ @ @ hospitals , more people are dying .
This third wave in the cold weather with @ @ @ @ @ , and we ’ re sitting on our hands and that ’ s because Donald @ @ @ @ @ pardon my saying , I know you have a very nice show — such a @ @ @

Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-NY) said the federal government is failing to react appropriately to surging coronavirus cases around the country because President Trump is “a moron,” The Hill reports.
Said Schumer: “More people are in hospitals, more people are dying. This third wave in the cold weather with the combination of the flu, and we’re sitting on our hands and that’s because Donald Trump is such a — pardon my saying, I know you have a very nice show — such a moron.”


politicalwire--2020-10-29--Fake ‘Intelligence’ Document Set Up Hunter Biden Story

“ One month before a purported leak of files from Hunter Biden ’ s laptop , a fake ‘ intelligence @ @ @ @ @ viral on the right-wing internet , asserting an elaborate conspiracy theory involving former Vice President @ @ @ @ @ and business in China , ” NBC News reports .
“ The document , a @ @ @ @ @ disseminated by close associates of President Trump , appears to be the work of a @ @ @ @ @ called Typhoon Investigations .
”

“One month before a purported leak of files from Hunter Biden’s laptop, a fake ‘intelligence’ document about him went viral on the right-wing internet, asserting an elaborate conspiracy theory involving former Vice President Joe Biden’s son and business in China,” NBC News reports.
“The document, a 64-page composition that was later disseminated by close associates of President Trump, appears to be the work of a fake ‘intelligence firm’ called Typhoon Investigations.”


politicalwire--2020-10-29--Warren Wants to Be Treasury Secretary

Warren Wants to Be Treasury Secretary

“ Elizabeth Warren wants to be Joe Biden ’ s Treasury secretary and will make her case for it if @ @ @ @ @ according to three Democratic officials who have spoken with her inner circle , ” Politico @ @ @ @ @ s moves could set up the marquee fight between the party ’ s left and @ @ @ @ @ be one of the most consequential Cabinet roles in the next administration .
The Treasury @ @ @ @ @ steering the U.S. economy out of a deep recession , even as the country continues @ @ @ @ @ pandemic .
”

“Elizabeth Warren wants to be Joe Biden’s Treasury secretary and will make her case for it if he wins next week, according to three Democratic officials who have spoken with her inner circle,” Politico reports.
“Warren’s moves could set up the marquee fight between the party’s left and its center over what will be one of the most consequential Cabinet roles in the next administration. The Treasury Department will be tasked with steering the U.S. economy out of a deep recession, even as the country continues to struggle with the coronavirus pandemic.”


politicalwire--2020-10-29--Republicans Narrow the Early Voting Gap

Republicans Narrow the Early Voting Gap

“ In four key states — Florida , North Carolina , Nevada and Iowa — Republicans are beginning to narrow @ @ @ @ @ Day voting , ” CNN reports .
“ More than 12 million ballots have been @ @ @ @ @ , which could be crucial in determining the next president .
”

“In four key states — Florida, North Carolina, Nevada and Iowa — Republicans are beginning to narrow the Democratic advantage in pre-Election Day voting,” CNN reports.
“More than 12 million ballots have been cast in these four states, which could be crucial in determining the next president.”


politicalwire--2020-10-29--How Susan Collins Caved to Private Equity

ProPublica : “ In late November 2017 , Senate Republicans were racing to secure the votes for their sweeping tax @ @ @ @ @ supporting the bill and even some Republicans wavering , Sen. Susan Collins , the Maine @ @ @ @ @ enormous leverage .
The day before the vote , she offered an amendment to make @ @ @ @ @ tax cuts on corporations and the wealthy , more equitable… ” “ Then Collins backed @ @ @ @ @ she introduced it , as the Senate voted on the bill , a Republican Senate @ @ @ @ @ official that Collins was ‘ no longer offering her amendment , ’ according to emails @ @ @ @ @ Freedom of Information Act lawsuit .
… Her turnabout has been one of the mysteries @ @ @ @ @ tax bill , which slashed the corporate rate .
”

ProPublica: “In late November 2017, Senate Republicans were racing to secure the votes for their sweeping tax overhaul. With no Democrats supporting the bill and even some Republicans wavering, Sen. Susan Collins, the Maine Republican, found herself with enormous leverage. The day before the vote, she offered an amendment to make the legislation, which lavished tax cuts on corporations and the wealthy, more equitable…”
“Then Collins backed down. The day after she introduced it, as the Senate voted on the bill, a Republican Senate aide told a Treasury Department official that Collins was ‘no longer offering her amendment,’ according to emails obtained by ProPublica through a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit. … Her turnabout has been one of the mysteries surrounding the $1.5 trillion tax bill, which slashed the corporate rate.”


politicalwire--2020-10-29--21 Endings to the Trump Show

21 Endings to the Trump Show

Vanity Fair compiles 21 fever dream endings to The Trump Show , including this one from Anthony Scaramucci : “ @ @ @ @ @ on Election Night , it becomes clear that Vice President Biden has won in a @ @ @ @ @ with fear about going to prison for his multitude of crimes .
He tries to @ @ @ @ @ , but he doesn ’ t fit .
Thus , he retreats to the White @ @ @ @ @ stays until Biden ’ s inauguration .
When Trump refuses to leave the bunker , @ @ @ @ @ a Big Mac® combo meal .
With his personal plane repossessed by his creditors , @ @ @ @ @ take a Greyhound bus down to Mar-a-Lago .
He lives out his days tweeting furiously @ @ @ @ @ bingo .
”

Vanity Fair compiles 21 fever dream endings to The Trump Show, including this one from Anthony Scaramucci:
“As the results come in on Election Night, it becomes clear that Vice President Biden has won in a landslide. Trump becomes overcome with fear about going to prison for his multitude of crimes. He tries to hide under the Resolute Desk, but he doesn’t fit. Thus, he retreats to the White House bunker, where he stays until Biden’s inauguration. When Trump refuses to leave the bunker, aides coax him out with a Big Mac® combo meal. With his personal plane repossessed by his creditors, he’s forced to take a Greyhound bus down to Mar-a-Lago. He lives out his days tweeting furiously between rounds of golf and bingo.”


politicalwire--2020-10-29--Avalanche of Fraud Buried Small Business Relief Program

Bloomberg : “ For a few months this year , a U.S. government aid program meant for struggling small-business owners @ @ @ @ @ to just about anyone who asked .
All it took was a five-minute online application @ @ @ @ @ say you owned a business with at least 10 employees , and the grant usually @ @ @ @ @ ” “ People caught on fast .
In some neighborhoods in Chicago and Miami , @ @ @ @ @ a bogus application to the Small Business Administration ’ s Covid-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan @ @ @ @ @ Russia to Nigeria cashed in .
Low-level employees at the agency watched helplessly as misspent @ @ @ @ @ .
Even after the $ 20 billion in funding for grants dried up in July @ @ @ @ @ as scammers looted a separate $ 192 billion pot of money set aside for loans @ @

Bloomberg: “For a few months this year, a U.S. government aid program meant for struggling small-business owners was handing out $10,000 to just about anyone who asked. All it took was a five-minute online application. You just had to say you owned a business with at least 10 employees, and the grant usually arrived within a few days.”
“People caught on fast. In some neighborhoods in Chicago and Miami, it seemed like everyone made a bogus application to the Small Business Administration’s Covid-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan program. Professional thieves from Russia to Nigeria cashed in. Low-level employees at the agency watched helplessly as misspent money flew out the door. Even after the $20 billion in funding for grants dried up in July, the fraud continued, as scammers looted a separate $192 billion pot of money set aside for loans.”


politicalwire--2020-10-29--Trump Supporters Pass Out at Florida Rally

Multiple attendees of President Trump ’ s rally in Tampa passed out due to the intense heat , as a @ @ @ @ @ crowd , NBC News reports .
The event comes two days after seven people who @ @ @ @ @ in Omaha were hospitalized due to exposure to near-freezing temperatures .

Multiple attendees of President Trump’s rally in Tampa passed out due to the intense heat, as a truck blasted water at the crowd, NBC News reports.
The event comes two days after seven people who attended Trump’s rally in Omaha were hospitalized due to exposure to near-freezing temperatures.


politicalwire--2020-10-29--Woman In Labor Makes Detour to Vote

Woman In Labor Makes Detour to Vote

A Florida woman in labor made her husband take a detour from the hospital to vote , WFLA reports .
@ @ @ @ @ “ She was calm .
The husband was a little more nervous .
”

A Florida woman in labor made her husband take a detour from the hospital to vote, WFLA reports.
Said an elections worker: “She was calm. The husband was a little more nervous.”


politicalwire--2020-10-29--Christie Tricked Into Trolling GOP Candidate

Former New Jersey Gov .
Chris Christie ( R ) told NJ Advance Media he was unwittingly swept into a @ @ @ @ @ candidate Mike Cooney ( D ) used him to troll his Republican opponent Greg Gianforte @ @ @ @ @ — a popular website in which you can buy personalized video messages from celebrities .
@ @ @ @ @ Christie on Thursday morning in which the former governor tells an ex-New Jersey resident named @ @ @ @ @ the Garden State .

Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) told NJ Advance Media he was unwittingly swept into a social-media debacle when Montana gubernatorial candidate Mike Cooney (D) used him to troll his Republican opponent Greg Gianforte (R) on Cameo — a popular website in which you can buy personalized video messages from celebrities.
Cooney tweeted a video from Christie on Thursday morning in which the former governor tells an ex-New Jersey resident named Greg to come back to the Garden State.


politicalwire--2020-10-29--How Pompeo Mixed Personal and Official Business

NBC News : “ Emails show that Susan Pompeo routinely gives instructions to State Department officials from her personal email @ @ @ @ @ plans and restaurant reservations to the elite Madison Dinners that NBC News reported on in @ @ @ @ @ matters like logistics and scheduling for official events that would involve coordination with the secretary @ @ @ @ @ administration.
” “ But other requests , such as seeking assistance with planning a multiday @ @ @ @ @ of young executives from Kansas , appear to be less directly connected to advancing the @ @ @ @ @ mission .
They include maintenance requests for the house the Pompeos rent on a Washington-area @ @ @ @ @ Pompeo appears to be routing through the State Department ’ s Diplomatic Security Service .
@ @ @ @ @ the service ’ s Secretary of State Protective Division updating Susan Pompeo about repairs to @ @ @ @ @ and to the porch and stairs in 2019 .
”

NBC News: “Emails show that Susan Pompeo routinely gives instructions to State Department officials from her personal email address about everything from travel plans and restaurant reservations to the elite Madison Dinners that NBC News reported on in May. Many involve routine matters like logistics and scheduling for official events that would involve coordination with the secretary’s spouse in any administration.”
“But other requests, such as seeking assistance with planning a multiday visit for an elite group of young executives from Kansas, appear to be less directly connected to advancing the State Department’s core mission. They include maintenance requests for the house the Pompeos rent on a Washington-area military base, which Susan Pompeo appears to be routing through the State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service. Emails show special agents from the service’s Secretary of State Protective Division updating Susan Pompeo about repairs to the HVAC system in 2018 and to the porch and stairs in 2019.”


politicalwire--2020-10-29--Collins Says Racism Not a Problem In Maine

Sen. Susan Collins ( R-ME ) said during a debate on Wednesday that she does not think that systemic racism @ @ @ @ @ state , CNN reports .
Said Collins : “ I do not believe systemic racism @ @ @ @ @ state of Maine .
”

Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) said during a debate on Wednesday that she does not think that systemic racism is a problem in the state, CNN reports.
Said Collins: “I do not believe systemic racism is a problem in the state of Maine.”


politicalwire--2020-10-29--Election Is On Track for Record Gender Gap


politicalwire--2020-10-29--Thousands of Mail Ballots Lost In Pennsylvania

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette : “ Potentially thousands of mail ballots requested by Butler County voters appear to be lost… and the @ @ @ @ @ been asked to immediately investigate what happened to them.
” “ Nearly 40,000 registered voters @ @ @ @ @ ballots .
So far , only 24 % of them have been returned to the @ @ @ @ @ lowest rate among the state ’ s 67 counties .
The county with the next-lowest @ @ @ @ @ has received 50 % of requested ballots .
”

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: “Potentially thousands of mail ballots requested by Butler County voters appear to be lost… and the U.S. Postal Service has been asked to immediately investigate what happened to them.”
“Nearly 40,000 registered voters in the county requested mail ballots. So far, only 24% of them have been returned to the county, by far the lowest rate among the state’s 67 counties. The county with the next-lowest return rate, Fayette, has received 50% of requested ballots.”


politicalwire--2020-10-29--More Battleground State Polls

More Battleground State Polls


politicalwire--2020-10-29--The View from Inside Trumpworld

The View from Inside Trumpworld

Underscoring the true uncertainty in Trumpworld , Ashley Parker asked a Trump adviser for their gut sense on what will @ @ @ @ @ The response : “ If you put a gun to my head , I ’ @ @ @ @ @ . '
”

Underscoring the true uncertainty in Trumpworld, Ashley Parker asked a Trump adviser for their gut sense on what will happen on Election Day.
The response: “If you put a gun to my head, I’d say, ‘Shoot.'”


politicalwire--2020-10-30--Trump Remakes His Election Night Plans

Trump Remakes His Election Night Plans

“ President Trump has called off plans to appear at the Trump International Hotel on election night and is likely @ @ @ @ @ House instead , ” the New York Times reports .
“ Advisers had said privately @ @ @ @ @ to appear at his namesake hotel in Washington for an election night party for which @ @ @ @ @ multiple fund-raising solicitations to his supporters.
” “ It was unclear why the plans had @ @ @

“President Trump has called off plans to appear at the Trump International Hotel on election night and is likely to be at the White House instead,” the New York Times reports.
“Advisers had said privately that Mr. Trump was going to appear at his namesake hotel in Washington for an election night party for which his campaign had sent out multiple fund-raising solicitations to his supporters.”
“It was unclear why the plans had changed.”


politicalwire--2020-10-30--Coronavirus Infections Surging In Every Swing State

“ Coronavirus cases are surging in every competitive state before Election Day , offering irrefutable evidence against President Trump ’ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic is nearly over and restrictions are no longer necessary , ” the Washington Post @ @ @ @ @ 13 states deemed competitive by the Cook Political Report , the weekly average of new @ @ @ @ @ 45 percent over the past two weeks .
”

“Coronavirus cases are surging in every competitive state before Election Day, offering irrefutable evidence against President Trump’s closing argument that the pandemic is nearly over and restrictions are no longer necessary,” the Washington Post reports.
“In the 13 states deemed competitive by the Cook Political Report, the weekly average of new cases reported daily has jumped 45 percent over the past two weeks.”


politicalwire--2020-10-30--Judge Orders Ballots In Minnesota Separated

“ A federal court sided Thursday with a GOP challenge to Minnesota ’ s extended deadline for receiving absentee ballots @ @ @ @ @ a state rule that would count mail-in ballots received up to a week after Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports .
“ In a 2-1 decision , a panel of @ @ @ @ @ of Appeals judges ordered that all mail-in ballots received after 8 p.m. on Election Day @ @ @ @ @ the stage for a potential legal battle after the election .
But the order stopped @ @ @ @ @ on the validity of the post-Election Day ballots .
”

“A federal court sided Thursday with a GOP challenge to Minnesota’s extended deadline for receiving absentee ballots after Election Day, imperiling a state rule that would count mail-in ballots received up to a week after Tuesday’s election,” the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.
“In a 2-1 decision, a panel of Eighth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals judges ordered that all mail-in ballots received after 8 p.m. on Election Day be set aside, setting the stage for a potential legal battle after the election. But the order stopped short of a final determination on the validity of the post-Election Day ballots.”


politicalwire--2020-10-30--Mail Slows Dramatically In Pennsylvania

Mail Slows Dramatically In Pennsylvania

“ Timely mail delivery across Pennsylvania took a drastic turn for the worse in just the last two weeks amid @ @ @ @ @ mail , ” the Harrisburg Patriot Ledger reports .
“ In Philadelphia , 42 % @ @ @ @ @ taking longer than five days to be delivered .
For comparison , that figure was @ @ @ @ @ and just 13 % in January , before a series of changes handed down by @ @ @ @ @ a national slowdown .
”

“Timely mail delivery across Pennsylvania took a drastic turn for the worse in just the last two weeks amid a glut of voting by mail,” the Harrisburg Patriot Ledger reports.
“In Philadelphia, 42% of all first-class mail is taking longer than five days to be delivered. For comparison, that figure was 33% two weeks ago and just 13% in January, before a series of changes handed down by the Trump administration led to a national slowdown.”


politicalwire--2020-10-30--An Interview with Anonymous

An Interview with Anonymous

Miles Taylor , who admitted this week he is the Anonymous author , told the Washington Post that President Trump @ @ @ @ @ demand that U.S. raise flags already lowered for Sen. John McCain ’ s death pushed @ @ @ @ @ He says he wrote the anonymous New York Times op-ed in about 30 minutes from @ @ @ @

Miles Taylor, who admitted this week he is the Anonymous author, told the Washington Post that President Trump’s furious middle-of-the- night demand that U.S. raise flags already lowered for Sen. John McCain’s death pushed him over the edge.
He says he wrote the anonymous New York Times op-ed in about 30 minutes from his hotel room.


politicalwire--2020-10-30--Ex-GOP Governor Backs Biden

Ex-GOP Governor Backs Biden

“ President Trump has called off plans to appear at the Trump International Hotel on election night and is likely @ @ @ @ @ House instead , ” the New York Times…

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


politicalwire--2020-10-30--Sarah Cooper Re-Enacts the Access Hollywood Tape


politicalwire--2020-10-30--Democrats Sound Alarm In Florida

Democrats Sound Alarm In Florida

“ Democrats are sounding the alarm about weak voter turnout rates in Florida ’ s biggest county , Miami-Dade , @ @ @ @ @ is endangering Joe Biden ’ s chances in the nation ’ s biggest swing state @ @ @ @ @ “ No Democrat can win Florida without a huge turnout and big winning margins here @ @ @ @ @ the state .
But Democrats are turning out at lower rates than Republicans and at @ @ @ @ @ point in 2016 , when Hillary Clinton won by 29 percentage points here and still @ @ @ @ @ Trump .
”

“Democrats are sounding the alarm about weak voter turnout rates in Florida’s biggest county, Miami-Dade, where a strong Republican showing is endangering Joe Biden’s chances in the nation’s biggest swing state,” Politico reports.
“No Democrat can win Florida without a huge turnout and big winning margins here to offset losses elsewhere in the state. But Democrats are turning out at lower rates than Republicans and at lower rates than at this point in 2016, when Hillary Clinton won by 29 percentage points here and still lost the state to Donald Trump.”


politicalwire--2020-10-30--Trump’s Chances Hinge on Polling Screw Up

“ President Trump still has a path to a second term .
But it would take a polling debacle that @ @ @ @ @ a banner year .
According to a series of battleground state polls conducted and released @ @ @ @ @ last Trump-Biden debate , the president ’ s chances of winning a second term now @ @ @ @ @ still trails with only days to go until voting concludes , ” Politico reports.. “ @ @ @ @ @ swing states , Joe Biden has maintained a stable — though not overwhelming — lead @ @ @ @ @ the past few months , continuing into the final week of the election .
Some @ @ @ @ @ have tightened slightly since the last debate , though Biden remains consistently ahead .
In @ @ @ @ @ all released on Thursday , Biden led Trump by between 3 and 5 points.
” @ @ @ @ @ potentially decisive states , like Pennsylvania , the polls would have to be wrong to @ @ @ @ @ than the errors in 2016 — for Trump to win .
”

“President Trump still has a path to a second term. But it would take a polling debacle that would make 2016 look like a banner year. According to a series of battleground state polls conducted and released in the week following the last Trump-Biden debate, the president’s chances of winning a second term now require winning states where he still trails with only days to go until voting concludes,” Politico reports..
“In most of the core swing states, Joe Biden has maintained a stable — though not overwhelming — lead over Trump in polls over the past few months, continuing into the final week of the election. Some of the state polling averages have tightened slightly since the last debate, though Biden remains consistently ahead. In three live-interview polls of Florida all released on Thursday, Biden led Trump by between 3 and 5 points.”
“In some of the potentially decisive states, like Pennsylvania, the polls would have to be wrong to a significant greater — greater than the errors in 2016 — for Trump to win.”


politicalwire--2020-10-30--Don Jr. Says Virus Deaths Are ‘Almost Nothing’


politicalwire--2020-10-30--Biden Maintains Steady Lead Over Trump

Biden Maintains Steady Lead Over Trump

Also interesting : “ Nearly six in 10 Americans disapprove of Trump ’ s decision to continue to hold large @ @ @ @ @ according to the poll , while nearly 64 % approve of Biden ’ s decision @ @ @ @ @ favor of much smaller gatherings .
”


politicalwire--2020-10-30--Trump’s Grip on GOP Will Remain Even If He Loses

“ Donald Trump ’ s hold on the Republican Party is something few could have imagined when he launched what @ @ @ @ @ the 2016 nomination , ” USA Today reports .
“ But even if Trump loses @ @ @ @ @ on the GOP is now strong enough that it could take some time before the @ @ @ @ @ forward.
” Said GOP consultant Brendan Buck : “ I do not think this is @ @ @ @ @ to grapple with what it ’ s been doing or reassess itself anytime soon , @

“Donald Trump’s hold on the Republican Party is something few could have imagined when he launched what seemed an unlikely bid for the 2016 nomination,” USA Today reports.
“But even if Trump loses reelection Tuesday, his grip on the GOP is now strong enough that it could take some time before the party figures out a path forward.”
Said GOP consultant Brendan Buck: “I do not think this is a party that is ready to grapple with what it’s been doing or reassess itself anytime soon,”


politicalwire--2020-10-30--National Security Adviser O’Brien Jockeys for New Role

NBC News : “ While Americans are just days from deciding whether to re-elect Trump , Robert O ’ Brien @ @ @ @ @ groundwork for an elevated role in a second term .
Officials have said since the @ @ @ @ @ it clear that Defense Secretary Mark Esper will be out after the election , and @ @ @ @ @ isn ’ t expected to remain in the administration for another full term.
” “ @ @ @ @ @ signaled that he intends to remain a fixture in Republican circles even if Trump loses @ @ @ @ @ that he might seek public office himself , including perhaps the presidency .
”

NBC News: “While Americans are just days from deciding whether to re-elect Trump, Robert O’Brien has spent months laying the groundwork for an elevated role in a second term. Officials have said since the summer that Trump has made it clear that Defense Secretary Mark Esper will be out after the election, and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo isn’t expected to remain in the administration for another full term.”
“But O’Brien has signaled that he intends to remain a fixture in Republican circles even if Trump loses Tuesday, telling some confidants that he might seek public office himself, including perhaps the presidency.”


politicalwire--2020-10-30--Stephen Miller Reveals Aggressive Second Term Agenda

Stephen Miller has fleshed out plans in a NBC News interview to rev up President Trump ’ s restrictive immigration @ @ @ @ @ next week .
Miller “ outlined four major priorities : limiting asylum grants , punishing @ @ @ @ @ , expanding the so-called travel ban with tougher screening for visa applicants and slapping new @ @ @ @ @ The objective , he said , is “ raising and enhancing the standard for entry @ @ @ @ @ .

Stephen Miller has fleshed out plans in a NBC News interview to rev up President Trump’s restrictive immigration agenda if he wins re-election next week.
Miller “outlined four major priorities: limiting asylum grants, punishing and outlawing so-called sanctuary cities, expanding the so-called travel ban with tougher screening for visa applicants and slapping new limits on work visas.”
The objective, he said, is “raising and enhancing the standard for entry” to the United States.


politicalwire--2020-10-30--Is a Blue Wave Coming?

Is a Blue Wave Coming?

Charlie Cook : “ What I am wondering is if this will be one or the rarest species of national @ @ @ @ @ presidential year ending in a zero , meaning it will reverberate for a decade thanks @ @ @ @ @ There are not a dozen Republican Senate seats that could fall , as Democrats suffered @ @ @ @ @ Biden may well replicate Ronald Reagan ’ s 10-point victory over President Carter .
The @ @ @ @ @ a bit less , perhaps in the 53 to 44 percent range , with 3 @ @ @ @ @ write-ins , half of the number from four years ago .
”

Charlie Cook: “What I am wondering is if this will be one or the rarest species of national elections—a wave election in a presidential year ending in a zero, meaning it will reverberate for a decade thanks to the coming redistricting. There are not a dozen Republican Senate seats that could fall, as Democrats suffered in 1980, but Joe Biden may well replicate Ronald Reagan’s 10-point victory over President Carter. The odds are it will be a bit less, perhaps in the 53 to 44 percent range, with 3 percent going to independents and write-ins, half of the number from four years ago.”


politicalwire--2020-10-30--The Final Days of the Trump Campaign

The Final Days of the Trump Campaign

Susan Glasser : “ In many ways , the whole Trump Presidency can be encapsulated in the past few days @ @ @ @ @ self-dealing , denialism , dishonesty , and deflection .
It is narcissism , recklessness , @ @ @ @ @ good—and for democracy itself .
There is nothing and no one he has not corrupted—or @ @ @ @ @ remaining uncertainty about the election ’ s outcome is a product of Trump ’ s @ @ @ @ @ dangerous assault on the political system .
Washington can read the polls , but after @ @ @ @ @ still no poll that can fully account for this President .
Folks , it ain @ @ @ @ @ ’ s over .
”

Susan Glasser: “In many ways, the whole Trump Presidency can be encapsulated in the past few days and weeks. It is self-dealing, denialism, dishonesty, and deflection. It is narcissism, recklessness, and disregard for the public good—and for democracy itself. There is nothing and no one he has not corrupted—or tried to. Even the remaining uncertainty about the election’s outcome is a product of Trump’s cynical, self-serving, and dangerous assault on the political system. Washington can read the polls, but after four years there’s still no poll that can fully account for this President. Folks, it ain’t over till it’s over.”


politicalwire--2020-10-31--Biden Leads Trump By 8 Points

Biden Leads Trump By 8 Points

Politico : “ Top surrogates for the Trump campaign have been told to keep their Novembers clear for potential campaign @ @ @ @ @ advisers said not to rule out the possibility…


politicalwire--2020-10-31--Trump May Hold Rallies After Election Day

Politico : “ Top surrogates for the Trump campaign have been told to keep their Novembers clear for potential campaign @ @ @ @ @ advisers said not to rule out the possibility Trump continues his rallies even as election @ @ @ @ @ after the Nov. 3 election , according to a campaign surrogate and two Trump advisers.
@ @ @ @ @ that there might not be a clear winner on election night in key swing states @ @ @ @ @ , the campaign has discussed putting Trump and his family on the road to give @ @ @ @ @ and let the president fire off about the election to crowds .
”

Politico: “Top surrogates for the Trump campaign have been told to keep their Novembers clear for potential campaign events. And Trump campaign advisers said not to rule out the possibility Trump continues his rallies even as election officials continue to count ballots after the Nov. 3 election, according to a campaign surrogate and two Trump advisers.”
“With the possibility that there might not be a clear winner on election night in key swing states like Pennsylvania and North Carolina, the campaign has discussed putting Trump and his family on the road to give a morale boost to supporters and let the president fire off about the election to crowds.”


politicalwire--2020-10-31--Barr Wants to Remain Attorney General

Barr Wants to Remain Attorney General

Attorney General William Barr — who has recently faced criticism from President Trump for not prosecuting his political rivals — @ @ @ @ @ in recent weeks that he hopes to stay on for some time in the next @ @ @ @ @ the election , ” the Washington Post reports .
“ The assertion from the president @ @ @ @ @ official might otherwise be unsurprising , if not for the public pressure Trump has put @ @ @ @ @ to deliver results from an investigation Barr specially commissioned to review the FBI ’ s @ @ @ @ @ between Russia and Trump ’ s campaign .
”

Attorney General William Barr — who has recently faced criticism from President Trump for not prosecuting his political rivals — has told friends and advisers in recent weeks that he hopes to stay on for some time in the next term, if Trump wins the election,” the Washington Post reports.
“The assertion from the president’s top law enforcement official might otherwise be unsurprising, if not for the public pressure Trump has put on Barr in recent months to deliver results from an investigation Barr specially commissioned to review the FBI’s 2016 probe of possible coordination between Russia and Trump’s campaign.”


politicalwire--2020-10-30--Trump Sets Aside Career Intelligence Briefer

“ President Trump has dispensed with intelligence briefings from a career analyst in favor of updates from political appointees including @ @ @ @ @ of national intelligence and a longtime partisan defender of his , in the closing weeks @ @ @ @ @ intensifying foreign interference , ” the New York Times reports .


politicalwire--2020-10-30--The Trump Era Won’t End With His Loss

The Trump Era Won’t End With His Loss

Garrett Graff : “ In interviews , historians , government legal experts , national security leaders and people close to @ @ @ @ @ that will disquiet his critics : The Trump Era is unlikely to end when the @ @ @ @ @ envision a post-presidency as disruptive and norm-busting as his presidency has been—one that could make @ @ @ @ @ much harder .
They outline a picture of a man who might formally leave office @ @ @ @ @ the president-for-life amid his own bubble of admirers—controlling Republican politics and sowing chaos in the @ @ @ @ @ long after he ’ s officially left office.
” “ A president unwilling to respect @ @ @ @ @ certain to cross them out of office .
Experts envision some likely scenarios—a much-rumored TV @ @ @ @ @ his properties to profit off his lifetime Secret Service protection , perhaps even continuing to @ @ @ @ @ his hotel down Pennsylvania Avenue—and some troubling if less certain ones , like literally selling @ @ @ @ @ foreign governments .
”

Garrett Graff: “In interviews, historians, government legal experts, national security leaders and people close to the administration have a prediction that will disquiet his critics: The Trump Era is unlikely to end when the Trump presidency ends. They envision a post-presidency as disruptive and norm-busting as his presidency has been—one that could make his successor’s job much harder. They outline a picture of a man who might formally leave office only to establish himself as the president-for-life amid his own bubble of admirers—controlling Republican politics and sowing chaos in the U.S. and around the world long after he’s officially left office.”
“A president unwilling to respect boundaries in office is almost certain to cross them out of office. Experts envision some likely scenarios—a much-rumored TV show and plans to use his properties to profit off his lifetime Secret Service protection, perhaps even continuing to troll the Biden administration from his hotel down Pennsylvania Avenue—and some troubling if less certain ones, like literally selling U.S. secrets or influence to foreign governments.”


politicalwire--2020-10-30--Biden Aides See Warnings in Black, Latino Turnout

“ Senior officials on Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden ’ s campaign are increasingly worried about insufficient Black and Latino @ @ @ @ @ like Florida and Pennsylvania with only four days until the election , ” Bloomberg reports @ @ @ @ @ turnout around the country , there are warning signs for Biden .
In Arizona , @ @ @ @ @ have not yet cast a ballot .
In Florida , half of Latino and Black @ @ @ @ @ voted but more than half of White voters have cast ballots , according to data @ @ @ @ @ data firm .
In Pennsylvania , nearly 75 % of registered Black voters have not @ @ @ @ @ shows .
”

“Senior officials on Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden’s campaign are increasingly worried about insufficient Black and Latino voter turnout in key states like Florida and Pennsylvania with only four days until the election,” Bloomberg reports.
“Despite record early-vote turnout around the country, there are warning signs for Biden. In Arizona, two-thirds of Latino registered voters have not yet cast a ballot. In Florida, half of Latino and Black registered voters have not yet voted but more than half of White voters have cast ballots, according to data from Catalist, a Democratic data firm. In Pennsylvania, nearly 75% of registered Black voters have not yet voted, the data shows.”