politicalwire--2020-08-13--Harris Could Help Biden with Women, Young Voters

Nearly nine out of 10 Democrats approve of Sen. Kamala Harris as their party ’ s vice presidential nominee , @ @ @ @ @ than presidential candidate Joe Biden among women , young voters and some Republicans , according @ @ @ @ @ The survey also found that 60 % of Americans , including 87 % of Democrats @ @ @ @ @ , considered the selection of Harris – the first Black woman and Asian American nominated @ @ @ @ @ be a “ major milestone ” for the United States .

Nearly nine out of 10 Democrats approve of Sen. Kamala Harris as their party’s vice presidential nominee, and she is more popular than presidential candidate Joe Biden among women, young voters and some Republicans, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll.
The survey also found that 60% of Americans, including 87% of Democrats and 37% of Republicans, considered the selection of Harris – the first Black woman and Asian American nominated for vice presidency – to be a “major milestone” for the United States.


politicalwire--2020-08-13--Trump Voters More Favorable to Kanye West

A new Morning Consult poll finds Kanye West with 10 % to 80 % favorable rating among voters who voted @ @ @ @ @ .
With Donald Trump ’ s voters , West has a 25 % to 54 @ @ @ @

A new Morning Consult poll finds Kanye West with 10% to 80% favorable rating among voters who voted for Hillary Clinton in 2016.
With Donald Trump’s voters, West has a 25% to 54% favorable rating.


Woodward’s New Book

Out next month : Rage by Bob Woodward .
“ Rage goes behind the scenes like never before , with @ @ @ @ @ national security decisions and operations and Trump ’ s moves as he faces a global @ @ @ @ @ racial unrest .
”

“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--2020-08-14--Trump Gives Credence to False, Racist Harris Conspiracy

“ President Trump gave credence to a false and racist conspiracy about Kamala Harris ’ eligibility to be president , @ @ @ @ @ that parallels the one he used to power his rise into politics , ” the @ @ @ @ @ the White House , Trump told reporters he had ‘ heard ’ rumors that Harris @ @ @ @ @ U.S.-born citizen whose parents were immigrants , does not meet the requirement to serve in @ @ @ @ @ president said he considered the rumors ‘ very serious . '
”

“President Trump gave credence to a false and racist conspiracy about Kamala Harris’ eligibility to be president, fueling an online misinformation campaign that parallels the one he used to power his rise into politics,” the AP reports..
“Speaking from the White House, Trump told reporters he had ‘heard’ rumors that Harris, a Black woman and U.S.-born citizen whose parents were immigrants, does not meet the requirement to serve in the White House. The president said he considered the rumors ‘very serious.'”


politicalwire--2020-08-14--Trump to Give Convention Speech from White House

President Trump confirmed to the the New York Post he intends to give his Republican National Convention speech from the @ @ @ @ @ critics who said the location was inappropriate .
“ During an exclusive Oval Office interview @ @ @ @ @ would visit the battlefield at Gettysburg at a ‘ later date ’ and described his @ @ @ @ @ in front of supporters at the executive mansion in Washington , DC later this month @ @

President Trump confirmed to the the New York Post he intends to give his Republican National Convention speech from the White House lawn, defying critics who said the location was inappropriate.
“During an exclusive Oval Office interview, the president said he would visit the battlefield at Gettysburg at a ‘later date’ and described his vision of a socially-distanced speech in front of supporters at the executive mansion in Washington, DC later this month.”


politicalwire--2020-08-14--White House Warns of ‘Widespread’ Virus In Georgia

President Trump ’ s coronavirus task force warns that Georgia continues to see “ widespread and expanding community viral spread @ @ @ @ @ ’ s current policies aren ’ t enough to curtail COVID-19 , the Atlanta Journal @ @ @


politicalwire--2020-08-13--Secret Service Sought Tactical Aircraft to Protect Trump

“ The Secret Service sought to bolster its protection of the White House with surveillance aircraft and a Blackhawk helicopter @ @ @ @ @ ’ commando team after crowds protesting the police killing of George Floyd knocked down temporary @ @ @ @ @ onto the complex grounds in late May , ” the Washington Post reports .
“ @ @ @ @ @ the throngs of protesters that converged outside the White House the night of May 29 @ @ @ @ @ President Trump to a reinforced bunker and spurred a deeper concern about the White House @ @ @ @ @

“The Secret Service sought to bolster its protection of the White House with surveillance aircraft and a Blackhawk helicopter carrying a ‘fast rope’ commando team after crowds protesting the police killing of George Floyd knocked down temporary barricades and one man got onto the complex grounds in late May,” the Washington Post reports.
“That breach — combined with the throngs of protesters that converged outside the White House the night of May 29 — prompted agents to rush President Trump to a reinforced bunker and spurred a deeper concern about the White House’s vulnerability.”


politicalwire--2020-08-13--Biden Maintains National Lead

Biden Maintains National Lead

A new Fox News poll finds Joe Biden leading Donald Trump in the presidential race nationally , 49 % to @ @ @ @ @ ’ s lead , when asked who their neighbors are supporting , voters put Trump @ @ @ @ @ think the folks next door are going for the president , while 34 % say @ @

A new Fox News poll finds Joe Biden leading Donald Trump in the presidential race nationally, 49% to 42%.
Despite Biden’s lead, when asked who their neighbors are supporting, voters put Trump on top: 39% think the folks next door are going for the president, while 34% say Biden.


politicalwire--2020-08-13--Johnson Ties Probe to Helping Trump In Election

Sen. Ron Johnson ( R-WI ) this week said his probe of Obama-era intelligence agencies would help President Trump win @ @ @ @ @ Democrats who say it was an explicit admission he ’ s using his committee to @ @ @ @ @ candidacy for president , Politico reports .
Said Johnson : “ The more that we @ @ @ @ @ the transition process between Obama and Trump , the more we expose of the corruption @ @ @ @ @ would think it would certainly help Donald Trump win re-election and certainly be pretty good @ @ @ @ @ evidence about not voting for Vice President Biden .
”

Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI) this week said his probe of Obama-era intelligence agencies would help President Trump win reelection, igniting fury from Democrats who say it was an explicit admission he’s using his committee to damage Joe Biden’s candidacy for president, Politico reports.
Said Johnson: “The more that we expose of the corruption of the transition process between Obama and Trump, the more we expose of the corruption within those agencies, I would think it would certainly help Donald Trump win re-election and certainly be pretty good, I would say, evidence about not voting for Vice President Biden.”


politicalwire--2020-08-13--The Post Office Is Deactivating Mail Sorting Machines

“ The United States Postal Service is removing mail sorting machines from facilities around the country without any official explanation @ @ @ @ @ has learned through interviews with postal workers and union officials.
” “ In many cases @ @ @ @ @ machines that would be tasked with sorting ballots , calling into question promises made by @ @ @ @ @ the USPS has ‘ ample capacity ’ to handle the predicted surge in mail-in ballots @ @

“The United States Postal Service is removing mail sorting machines from facilities around the country without any official explanation or reason given, Motherboard has learned through interviews with postal workers and union officials.”
“In many cases, these are the same machines that would be tasked with sorting ballots, calling into question promises made by Postmaster General Louis DeJoy that the USPS has ‘ample capacity’ to handle the predicted surge in mail-in ballots.”


politicalwire--2020-08-13--Is Kushner Breaking the Law Talking to Kanye West?

Washington Post : “ The first potential issue is if Kushner encouraged West to do something proactive that could benefit @ @ @ @ @ such as running for office .
If Kushner solicited from West what could be valued @ @ @ @ @ limit of $ 2,800 , it could be considered an in-kind contribution to the Trump @ @ @ @ @ issue is if they coordinated about the campaign — i.e.
, if Kushner encouraged West @ @ @ @ @ it comes to launching or running a campaign.
” Rick Hasen : “ West surely @ @ @ @ @ 2,800 on his campaign .
If he ’ s doing so in coordination with the @ @ @ @ @ win , that could count as an excessive contribution to the campaign and be illegal @ @

Washington Post: “The first potential issue is if Kushner encouraged West to do something proactive that could benefit Trump’s campaign, such as running for office. If Kushner solicited from West what could be valued at more than the legal limit of $2,800, it could be considered an in-kind contribution to the Trump campaign.”
“The second issue is if they coordinated about the campaign — i.e., if Kushner encouraged West to do something specific when it comes to launching or running a campaign.”
Rick Hasen: “West surely is spending more than $2,800 on his campaign. If he’s doing so in coordination with the Trump campaign to help Trump win, that could count as an excessive contribution to the campaign and be illegal.”


politicalwire--2020-08-13--Michael Cohen Is Self-Publishing His Book

Michael Cohen is apparently self-publishing his new book , Disloyal : A Memoir .
From the Foreward , which is @ @ @ @ @ of the United States wanted me dead .
Or , let me say it the @ @ @ @ @ He wouldn ’ t mind if I was dead .
That was how Trump talked @ @ @ @ @ , using language carefully calibrated to convey his desires and demands , while at the @ @ @ @ @ to insulate himself and avoid actually ordering a hit on his former personal attorney , @ @ @ @ @ , at least in my heart , adopted son.
” More : “ From golden @ @ @ @ @ in Vegas , to tax fraud , to deals with corrupt officials from the former @ @ @ @ @ and kill conspiracies , to silencing Trump ’ s clandestine lovers , I wasn ’ @ @ @ @ @ the president ’ s rise—I was an active and eager participant .
”

Michael Cohen is apparently self-publishing his new book, Disloyal: A Memoir.
From the Foreward, which is online: “The President of the United States wanted me dead. Or, let me say it the way Donald Trump would: He wouldn’t mind if I was dead. That was how Trump talked. Like a mob boss, using language carefully calibrated to convey his desires and demands, while at the same time employing deliberate indirection to insulate himself and avoid actually ordering a hit on his former personal attorney, confidant, consigliere, and, at least in my heart, adopted son.”
More: “From golden showers in a sex club in Vegas, to tax fraud, to deals with corrupt officials from the former Soviet Union, to catch and kill conspiracies, to silencing Trump’s clandestine lovers, I wasn’t just a witness to the president’s rise—I was an active and eager participant.”


politicalwire--2020-08-13--Kemp Drops Lawsuit Over Mask Mandate

Kemp Drops Lawsuit Over Mask Mandate

Georgia Gov .
Brian Kemp ( R ) “ withdrew his lawsuit challenging the city of Atlanta ’ s mask @ @ @ @ @ ending a legal feud between the Republican governor and the Democratic leader of the state @ @ @ @ @ how to contain the pandemic , ” the Atlanta Journal Constitution reports .


politicalwire--2020-08-13--Biden Calls for Nationwide Mask Mandate

Biden Calls for Nationwide Mask Mandate

“ Joe Biden is calling for a nationwide protective mask mandate , citing health experts ’ predictions that it could @ @ @ @ @ over the next three months , ” the AP reports .
Said Biden : “ @ @ @ @ @ about you contracting the virus .
It ’ s about preventing other people from getting @ @ @ @ @ Be a patriot .
Protect your fellow citizens .
Step up , do the right @ @ @

“Joe Biden is calling for a nationwide protective mask mandate, citing health experts’ predictions that it could save 40,000 lives from coronavirus over the next three months,” the AP reports.
Said Biden: “Wearing the mask is less about you contracting the virus. It’s about preventing other people from getting sick… This is America. Be a patriot. Protect your fellow citizens. Step up, do the right thing.”


politicalwire--2020-08-13--A Steady Race Where Movement Is Driven by ‘Bystanders’

Amy Walter : “ According to the FiveThirtyEight model , Biden ’ s 9.6 % lead in June has narrowed to an 8.3 % lead in July .
In trying to account for the change , we often dig into the cross tabs to see which demographic groups are responsible for this movement .
Is it from seniors ?
Or those Obama-Trump voters ?
What about non-college white men ?
” “ In analyzing the last 18 months of polling from the Polling Consortium ( which includes over 20,000 interviews ) , the AFL-CIO ’ s Mike Podhorzer has found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attributed to a group he dubs ‘ partisan bystanders.
’ These are people who either hate both parties or don ’ t have strong feelings one way or the other about either party .
Some of them aren ’ t paying all that much attention to politics .
Some of them are more checked in on politics .
But , they are not deeply invested in their partisan allegiances .
Podhorzer estimates that about 15 % of the electorate falls into the ‘ bystander ’ category.
” “ In order for Trump to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s margin , he needs to make Biden an unacceptable alternative — or hope that Biden does that on his own through some sort of flub or misstep… But if this race stays on the same steady trajectory it ’ s been on for the last 18 months , Trump remains the decided underdog .
”

Amy Walter: “According to the FiveThirtyEight model, Biden’s 9.6% lead in June has narrowed to an 8.3% lead in July. In trying to account for the change, we often dig into the cross tabs to see which demographic groups are responsible for this movement. Is it from seniors? Or those Obama-Trump voters? What about non-college white men?”
“In analyzing the last 18 months of polling from the Polling Consortium (which includes over 20,000 interviews), the AFL-CIO’s Mike Podhorzer has found that most of that movement can be attributed to a group he dubs ‘partisan bystanders.’ These are people who either hate both parties or don’t have strong feelings one way or the other about either party. Some of them aren’t paying all that much attention to politics. Some of them are more checked in on politics. But, they are not deeply invested in their partisan allegiances. Podhorzer estimates that about 15% of the electorate falls into the ‘bystander’ category.”
“In order for Trump to make a meaningful dent in Biden’s margin, he needs to make Biden an unacceptable alternative — or hope that Biden does that on his own through some sort of flub or misstep… But if this race stays on the same steady trajectory it’s been on for the last 18 months, Trump remains the decided underdog.”


politicalwire--2020-08-13--Trump Campaign Sues Two Iowa Counties

Trump Campaign Sues Two Iowa Counties

“ President Trump ’ s reelection campaign has sued two Democratic-leaning Iowa counties that are making it easy to vote @ @ @ @ @ pandemic , seeking to invalidate tens of thousands of voters ’ absentee ballot applications , @ @ @ @ @ “ At issue are absentee ballot request forms that the counties are sending to registered @ @ @ @ @ filled in , including their names , dates of birth and voting pin numbers .
@ @ @ @ @ , sign and return the forms to get ballots in October that they can mail @ @ @ @ @ avoiding crowded polling places .
”

“President Trump’s reelection campaign has sued two Democratic-leaning Iowa counties that are making it easy to vote by mail during the coronavirus pandemic, seeking to invalidate tens of thousands of voters’ absentee ballot applications,” the AP reports.
“At issue are absentee ballot request forms that the counties are sending to registered voters with personal information already filled in, including their names, dates of birth and voting pin numbers. Voters just have to review, sign and return the forms to get ballots in October that they can mail back or drop off, avoiding crowded polling places.”


politicalwire--2020-08-13--Most Voters Think This Election Really Matters

A new Pew Research poll finds 83 % of registered voters say it really matters who wins the presidency , @ @ @ @ @ years ago and the highest share saying this in two decades of surveys .


politicalwire--2020-08-13--Extra Bonus Quote of the Day

Extra Bonus Quote of the Day

“ If she ’ s the future of the Republican party , we ’ re in trouble… QAnon is the @ @ @ @ @ .
It ’ s disgusting and you want to get rid of it as fast @ @ @ @ @ Denver Riggleman ( R-VA ) , quoted by Politico , referring to Marjorie Taylor Greene @ @ @ @ @ Republicn nominee in Georgia ’ s 14th congressional district .

“If she’s the future of the Republican party, we’re in trouble… QAnon is the mental gonorrhea of conspiracy theories. It’s disgusting and you want to get rid of it as fast as possible.”
— Rep. Denver Riggleman (R-VA), quoted by Politico, referring to Marjorie Taylor Greene (R), the Republicn nominee in Georgia’s 14th congressional district.


politicalwire--2020-08-13--How Biden Vetted Potential Running Mates

Washington Post : “ All the women with a shot at becoming Joe Biden ’ s running mate first had @ @ @ @ @ sometimes jarring questions in an initial interview : What would your agenda be ?
What @ @ @ @ @ ’ s nickname for you would be ?
” “ It was the opening gantlet @ @ @ @ @ interviews followed by interviews in some cases , a public scrutiny that surfaced old foes @ @ @ @ @ media , and for the 11 finalists , a deep examination by an individualized panel @ @ @ @ @ that culminated in time with Biden himself.
” For members : How Biden Pulled Off @ @ @ @ @ Pick

Washington Post: “All the women with a shot at becoming Joe Biden’s running mate first had to face the same, sometimes jarring questions in an initial interview: What would your agenda be? What do you think Donald Trump’s nickname for you would be?”
“It was the opening gantlet of an arduous voyage — interviews followed by interviews in some cases, a public scrutiny that surfaced old foes or embarrassing quotes in the media, and for the 11 finalists, a deep examination by an individualized panel of 12 to 15 lawyers that culminated in time with Biden himself.”
For members: How Biden Pulled Off Both a Groundbreaking and Safe Pick


politicalwire--2020-08-13--Ex-Postal Service Deputy Warns About Election

Ronald Stroman , who stepped down earlier this year as the second in command at the U.S .
Postal Service @ @ @ @ @ at the agency , now led by a Trump ally , could “ disenfranchise ” @ @ @ @ @ just months ahead of an election in which a record number of Americans are expected @ @ @ @ @ The Guardian reports .
Said Stroman : “ If you can ’ t right the @ @ @ @ @ ’ t correct these fast enough , the consequence is not just , OK , @ @ @ @ @ their mail , it ’ s that you disenfranchise people.
” He added : “ @ @ @ @ @ to an election is a high-risk proposition .
”

Ronald Stroman, who stepped down earlier this year as the second in command at the U.S. Postal Service, warned that recent changes at the agency, now led by a Trump ally, could “disenfranchise” voters as they are implemented just months ahead of an election in which a record number of Americans are expected to vote by mail, The Guardian reports.
Said Stroman: “If you can’t right the ship, if you can’t correct these fast enough, the consequence is not just, OK, people don’t get their mail, it’s that you disenfranchise people.”
He added: “Making these changes this close to an election is a high-risk proposition.”


politicalwire--2020-08-13--Kamala Harris Was Built for the General Election

This piece is only available to Political Wire members .
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This piece is only available to Political Wire members.
Our first look at Sen. Kamala Harris as Joe Biden’s running mate yesterday made clear that she’s going to be more effective in the general election than she was in the Democratic primaries.


politicalwire--2020-08-13--Trump Lays Down the Gauntlet for William Barr

President Trump told Fox News that he hopes U.S. Attorney John Durham , who is investigating the origins of the @ @ @ @ @ not going to be politically correct ” and warned that Attorney General William Barr could @ @ @ @ @ greatest attorney general ” or just “ an average guy ” — depending on what @ @ @ @ @ probe .
Said Trump : “ They spied on my campaign , which is treason @ @ @ @ @ before and after I won , using the intelligence apparatus of the United States to @ @ @ @ @ a legally elected president , a duly elected president of the United States .
It @ @ @ @ @ crime in the history of our country.
” He added : “ Bill Barr can @ @ @ @ @ attorney general in the history of our country , or he can go down as @ @ @ @ @ ’ ll see what happens .
”

President Trump told Fox News that he hopes U.S. Attorney John Durham, who is investigating the origins of the Russia probe, is “not going to be politically correct” and warned that Attorney General William Barr could go down as “the greatest attorney general” or just “an average guy” — depending on what comes out of the monthslong probe.
Said Trump: “They spied on my campaign, which is treason. They spied, both before and after I won, using the intelligence apparatus of the United States to take down a president, a legally elected president, a duly elected president of the United States. It is the single biggest political crime in the history of our country.”
He added: “Bill Barr can go down as the greatest attorney general in the history of our country, or he can go down as an average guy. We’ll see what happens.”


politicalwire--2020-08-13--Big Majority Says Country Is Off the Rails

A new Monmouth poll finds 22 % of the public says the country is headed in the right direction while @ @ @ @ @ on the wrong track .
The “ wrong track ” number has been above 70 @ @ @ @ @

A new Monmouth poll finds 22% of the public says the country is headed in the right direction while 72% says it is on the wrong track.
The “wrong track” number has been above 70% since early June.


politicalwire--2020-08-14--Democrats Now Favored to Expand House Majority

The Cook Political Report shifted its ratings in 15 more House districts , including 11 moves towards Democrats and four @ @ @ @ @ forecast a Democratic net gain between zero and ten seats .

The Cook Political Report shifted its ratings in 15 more House districts, including 11 moves towards Democrats and four towards Republicans.
They now forecast a Democratic net gain between zero and ten seats.


politicalwire--2020-08-14--Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day

“ I don ’ t want to scare people , but I want you to be prepared .
I have @ @ @ @ @ Trump is not going to go , you know , silently into the night if @ @ @ @ @ s going to try to confuse us , he ’ s going to try to @ @ @ @ @ , he ’ s got his crony Attorney General Barr ready to do whatever is @ @ @

“I don’t want to scare people, but I want you to be prepared. I have every reason to believe that Trump is not going to go, you know, silently into the night if he loses. He’s going to try to confuse us, he’s going to try to bring all kinds of lawsuits, he’s got his crony Attorney General Barr ready to do whatever is necessary.”
— Hillary Clinton, quoted by The Hill.


politicalwire--2020-08-14--Gardner’s Pro-Trump Ad Only Seen Outside Colorado

Sen. Cory Gardner ( R-CO ) is running a new Facebook ad , touting his close relationship with President Trump @ @ @ @ @ only targeted to voters outside of Colorado , the HuffPost reports .

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


politicalwire--2020-08-14--Not Being Trump a Big Asset In Election

Not Being Trump a Big Asset In Election

A new Pew Research poll finds 56 % of Joe Biden ’ s supporters said his main asset is that @ @ @ @ @ Trump , while only 19 % of Trump supporters said they were primarily voting against @ @ @ @ @ very different from the 2016 presidential campaign , when opposition to the other candidate was @ @ @ @ @ by supporters of both Trump and Hillary Clinton for their voting decisions .
”

A new Pew Research poll finds 56% of Joe Biden’s supporters said his main asset is that he isn’t Donald Trump, while only 19% of Trump supporters said they were primarily voting against Biden.
“This is very different from the 2016 presidential campaign, when opposition to the other candidate was among the top reasons given by supporters of both Trump and Hillary Clinton for their voting decisions.”


politicalwire--2020-08-14--Biden Raised $48 Million In 48 Hours

Biden Raised $48 Million In 48 Hours

Joe Biden raised $ 48 million in the 48 hours since he named Sen Kamala Harris the Democratic vice presidential @ @ @ @ @


politicalwire--2020-08-14--Biden Hits Trump on Pandemic

Biden Hits Trump on Pandemic

Joe Biden ’ s campaign is doubling down on its criticism of President Trump ’ s mishandling of the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ ads today , Axios reports .
“ Ready to Lead ” will run in Wisconsin @ @ @ @ @ North Carolina , Florida , Arizona and Nevada , weaving in Biden ’ s call @ @ @ @ @ with a pledge to produce more protective gear in the U.S. “ Dignity ” will @ @ @ @ @ s existing media buys targeting seniors , with cuts from Biden ’ s June 30 @ @ @ @ @ of the former vice president comforting older Americans .

Joe Biden’s campaign is doubling down on its criticism of President Trump’s mishandling of the coronavirus, launching two new 30-second ads today, Axios reports.
“Ready to Lead” will run in Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Florida, Arizona and Nevada, weaving in Biden’s call for a universal mask mandate with a pledge to produce more protective gear in the U.S.
“Dignity” will cycle into the campaign’s existing media buys targeting seniors, with cuts from Biden’s June 30 coronavirus speech played over scenes of the former vice president comforting older Americans.


politicalwire--2020-08-14--The Recession Is Over for the Rich

The Recession Is Over for the Rich

“ U.S .
stocks are hovering near a record high , a stunning comeback since March that underscores the new @ @ @ @ @ : The wealthy have mostly recovered .
The bottom half remain far from it , @ @ @ @ @ .
“ This dichotomy is evident in many facets of the economy , especially in @ @ @ @ @ back for the highest wage earners , but fewer than half the jobs lost this @ @ @ @ @ making less than $ 20 an hour.
” “ Though recessions almost always hit lower-wage @ @ @ @ @ pandemic is causing especially large gaps between rich and poor , and between White and @ @ @ @ @ also widening the gap between big and small businesses .
”

“U.S. stocks are hovering near a record high, a stunning comeback since March that underscores the new phase the economy has entered: The wealthy have mostly recovered. The bottom half remain far from it,” the Washington Post reports.
“This dichotomy is evident in many facets of the economy, especially in employment. Jobs are fully back for the highest wage earners, but fewer than half the jobs lost this spring have returned for those making less than $20 an hour.”
“Though recessions almost always hit lower-wage workers the hardest, the pandemic is causing especially large gaps between rich and poor, and between White and minority households. It is also widening the gap between big and small businesses.”


politicalwire--2020-08-14--Trump Is Biggest Threat to Election Integrity

Stephen Collinson : “ Never mind meddling by Russia , China or Iran .
The most dangerous threat to the @ @ @ @ @ election is coming from the man sworn to protect it , the President of the @ @ @ @ @ badly in the polls , overtaken by the worst health crisis in 100 years and @ @ @ @ @ he had hoped to ride to a second term , President Donald Trump is actively @ @ @ @ @ that could see him turned out of office — or is at least preparing the @ @ @ @ @ battle that could drag on for weeks in the event of a close result .
@

Stephen Collinson: “Never mind meddling by Russia, China or Iran. The most dangerous threat to the integrity of November’s election is coming from the man sworn to protect it, the President of the United States.”
“Trailing badly in the polls, overtaken by the worst health crisis in 100 years and deprived of the cruising economy he had hoped to ride to a second term, President Donald Trump is actively trying to discredit an election that could see him turned out of office — or is at least preparing the groundwork for a bitter legal battle that could drag on for weeks in the event of a close result.”


politicalwire--2020-08-14--Biden Holds Double-Digit Lead

Biden Holds Double-Digit Lead

A new NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist poll finds Joe Biden now leads Donald Trump nationally , 53 % to 42 % , @ @ @ @ @ at the end of June .

A new NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist poll finds Joe Biden now leads Donald Trump nationally, 53% to 42%, up from an 8-point advantage at the end of June.
A new Navigator Research poll finds Biden ahead, 52% to 42%.
A new Data for Progress poll has Biden ahead , 52% to 40%.


politicalwire--2020-08-14--Trump Requests Mail-In Ballot

Trump Requests Mail-In Ballot

“ President Trump has requested a vote-by-mail ballot ahead of Florida ’ s primary election on Tuesday , ” USA @ @ @ @ @ the president who has just spent the past few weeks excoriating mail-in voting has less @ @ @ @ @ it .
”


politicalwire--2020-08-14--Reporter Asks Trump If He ‘Regrets All the Lying’

At a press conference today , a reporter asked President Trump , “ After three and a half years , @ @ @ @ @ lying you ’ ve done to the American people ?
” Trump did not answer @ @ @ @ @ the next question .

At a press conference today, a reporter asked President Trump, “After three and a half years, do you regret all the lying you’ve done to the American people?”
Trump did not answer and quickly moved on to the next question.


politicalwire--2020-08-14--Pennsylvania Ballots May Not Be Delivered on Time

The U.S .
Postal Service has warned Pennsylvania that some mail ballots might not be delivered on time because the @ @ @ @ @ too tight for its “ delivery standards , ” prompting election officials to ask the @ @ @ @ @ the deadlines to avoid disenfranchising voters , the Philadelphia Inquirer reports .
If the court @ @ @ @ @ the likelihood that the results of the presidential race between President Trump and Joe Biden @ @ @ @ @ for days after the election .

The U.S. Postal Service has warned Pennsylvania that some mail ballots might not be delivered on time because the state’s deadlines are too tight for its “delivery standards,” prompting election officials to ask the state Supreme Court to extend the deadlines to avoid disenfranchising voters, the Philadelphia Inquirer reports.
If the court agrees, that could increase the likelihood that the results of the presidential race between President Trump and Joe Biden won’t be known for days after the election.


politicalwire--2020-08-14--Trump Says New York Is In Play

Trump Says New York Is In Play

President Trump told the New York Post that his campaign is “ putting New York in play ” against Democrat @ @ @ @ @ election .
Said Trump : “ Over the last six months what ’ s happened @ @ @ @ @ s insane .
So we ’ re going to try very hard to win New @ @ @ @ @ the first time — is that since Ronald Reagan , I guess ?
Since Ronald @ @ @

President Trump told the New York Post that his campaign is “putting New York in play” against Democrat Joe Biden in the 2020 election.
Said Trump: “Over the last six months what’s happened is insane. It’s insane. So we’re going to try very hard to win New York and that will be the first time — is that since Ronald Reagan, I guess? Since Ronald Reagan.”


politicalwire--2020-08-15--Vendor Managing Virus Data Refuses Senate Questions

“ The private health care technology vendor that is helping to manage the Trump administration ’ s new coronavirus database @ @ @ @ @ from top Senate Democrats about its $ 10.2 million contract , saying it signed a @ @ @ @ @ Department of Health and Human Services , ” the New York Times reports .


politicalwire--2020-08-15--Fauci Says Tucker Carlson ‘Triggers the Crazies’

Dr. Anthony Fauci took a jab at Tucker Carlson , saying the Fox News host ’ s frequent attacks on @ @ @ @ @ threats , Mediaite reports .
Said Fauci : “ I ’ m not concerned about @ @ @ @ @ you could say that when he does that , it triggers some of the crazies @ @ @ @ @ me , actually threatening , which actually happens… I mean , who would have thought @ @ @ @ @ school doing things to save people ’ s lives , I ’ d have to @ @ @ @ @ security detail ?
That ’ s really ridiculous .
”

Dr. Anthony Fauci took a jab at Tucker Carlson, saying the Fox News host’s frequent attacks on him have led to actual threats, Mediaite reports.
Said Fauci: “I’m not concerned about what he says… I think you could say that when he does that, it triggers some of the crazies in society to start threatening me, actually threatening, which actually happens… I mean, who would have thought when I was in medical school doing things to save people’s lives, I’d have to be going around with a security detail? That’s really ridiculous.”


politicalwire--2020-08-15--Assault on Postal Service Gives Democrats New Message

“ Democrats say that President Trump ’ s assault on the U.S .
Postal Service has handed them a new @ @ @ @ @ election , with a chance to make inroads with constituencies who have long favored Republicans @ @ @ @ @ reports .
“ Those most affected by reports of slowdowns in delivery services include veterans @ @ @ @ @ residents who have long voted Republican , arming Democratic challengers and incumbents with a salient @ @ @ @ @ already blanketing the airwaves , latching on to the opportunity to highlight support for an @ @ @ @ @ percent approval rating .
”

“Democrats say that President Trump’s assault on the U.S. Postal Service has handed them a new political message in the 2020 election, with a chance to make inroads with constituencies who have long favored Republicans,” the Washington Post reports.
“Those most affected by reports of slowdowns in delivery services include veterans, senior citizens and rural residents who have long voted Republican, arming Democratic challengers and incumbents with a salient campaign issue. Democrats are already blanketing the airwaves, latching on to the opportunity to highlight support for an institution that has a 91 percent approval rating.”


politicalwire--2020-08-15--Postal Service Removing Mail Boxes

Postal Service Removing Mail Boxes

CNN : “ Officials say that in the last week the USPS has removed letter collection boxes in at least @ @ @ @ @ , Oregon , Montana and Indiana .
The USPS has also begun notifying postal workers @ @ @ @ @ — West Virginia , Florida and Missouri — that they will start to reduce their @ @ @ @ @ to union officials .
”

CNN: “Officials say that in the last week the USPS has removed letter collection boxes in at least four states: New York, Oregon, Montana and Indiana. The USPS has also begun notifying postal workers in at least three states — West Virginia, Florida and Missouri — that they will start to reduce their retail operating hours, according to union officials.”


politicalwire--2020-08-14--Trump Keeps Rejecting Campaign Events

Trump Keeps Rejecting Campaign Events

Gabriel Sherman : “ As Trump blasts Biden ’ s age and absence from the trail , Trump campaign staffers @ @ @ @ @ president is refusing to get out there himself .
Since his disastrous and sparsely attended @ @ @ @ @ Trump has largely cocooned himself inside the White House , leaving only for a few @ @ @ @ @ his private clubs.
” Said one GOP source : “ Trump has told the campaign @ @ @ @ @ one or two events a week .
They keep putting ideas in front of him @ @ @ @ @ them ‘ no . '
” “ One Republican close to the West Wing speculated @ @ @ @ @ like doing small events like factory visits because they promote other people ’ s companies @ @

Gabriel Sherman: “As Trump blasts Biden’s age and absence from the trail, Trump campaign staffers are privately frustrated that the president is refusing to get out there himself. Since his disastrous and sparsely attended Tulsa rally in June, Trump has largely cocooned himself inside the White House, leaving only for a few public events and visits to his private clubs.”
Said one GOP source: “Trump has told the campaign he only wants to do one or two events a week. They keep putting ideas in front of him, and he is telling them ‘no.'”
“One Republican close to the West Wing speculated that Trump doesn’t like doing small events like factory visits because they promote other people’s companies.”


politicalwire--2020-08-14--Romney Slams Attacks on Mail-In Voting

Romney Slams Attacks on Mail-In Voting

Sen. Mitt Romney said that politicians “ attacking the vote by mail system are threatening global democracy but stopped short @ @ @ @ @ who has been openly against an expected surge of mail-in ballots , ” the AP @ @ @ @ @ “ That ’ s more important even than the outcome of the vote .
We @ @ @ @ @ principle of democracy or the trend we ’ re on is going to continue to @ @ @ @

Sen. Mitt Romney said that politicians “attacking the vote by mail system are threatening global democracy but stopped short of criticizing President Trump, who has been openly against an expected surge of mail-in ballots,” the AP reports.
Said Romney: “That’s more important even than the outcome of the vote. We have got to preserve the principle of democracy or the trend we’re on is going to continue to get worse.”


politicalwire--2020-08-14--Mosquito Flag Made List of Finalists for Mississippi Flag

A joke design being proposed as the new state flag for Mississippi was included in a list of finalists which @ @ @ @ @ , the Jackson Clarion-Ledger reports .
Thomas Rosete said he designed and submitted the mosquito @ @ @ @ @ a coworker who didn ’ t want the flag changed .
Rosete is familiar with @ @ @ @ @ mosquito population and thought they are fitting to represent the state .

A joke design being proposed as the new state flag for Mississippi was included in a list of finalists which officials blame on a typo, the Jackson Clarion-Ledger reports.
Thomas Rosete said he designed and submitted the mosquito flag as a joke on a coworker who didn’t want the flag changed. Rosete is familiar with the state’s large mosquito population and thought they are fitting to represent the state.


politicalwire--2020-08-14--Trump More Likely to Get Crushed Than Win

Nate Silver : “ While Trump still has decent winning chances ( 27 % in our model ) , there @ @ @ @ @ 33 % chance that he suffers the biggest popular vote loss for an incumbent since @ @ @ @ @ 1980 ) .
The uncertainty runs in both directions .
”


politicalwire--2020-08-14--Trump Thought Biden Would Pick Karen Bass

Preisdent Trump didn ’ t expect Joe Biden to pick Kamala Harris as his running mate , Vanity Fair reports @ @ @ @ @ on Trump ’ s thinking : “ He thought Biden would choose Karen Bass.
” @ @ @ @ @ , according to sources close to the White House , was that Biden would prefer @ @ @ @ @ s low national profile and one who wouldn ’ t outshine him .
”


politicalwire--2020-08-14--Trump Proves Biden Right on Postal Funding

Fact Check : “ In late June , Joe Biden claimed President Donald Trump ‘ wants to cut off money @ @ @ @ @ they can not deliver mail-in ballots.
’ At the time , we wrote that the @ @ @ @ @ no evidence of Trump ’ s ulterior motive — but now he does.
” “ @ @ @ @ @ , Trump admitted that he opposes a coronavirus pandemic relief bill crafted by the House @ @ @ @ @ the U.S .
Postal Service and state election officials — funding that Trump said is @ @ @ @ @ Service to handle an expected surge in mail-in voting .
”

Fact Check: “In late June, Joe Biden claimed President Donald Trump ‘wants to cut off money for the post office so they cannot deliver mail-in ballots.’ At the time, we wrote that the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee had no evidence of Trump’s ulterior motive — but now he does.”
“In an Aug. 13 interview, Trump admitted that he opposes a coronavirus pandemic relief bill crafted by the House Democrats because it includes funding the U.S. Postal Service and state election officials — funding that Trump said is needed to allow the Postal Service to handle an expected surge in mail-in voting.”


politicalwire--2020-08-14--GOP Lawmaker Stripped Of Post After Race Remarks

Georgia state Rep. Tommy Benton ( R ) has been removed as chairman of the House Retirement Committee after a @ @ @ @ @ where he praised Confederate leader Alexander Stephens and disparaged the late Rep. John Lewis , @ @ @ @ @ Benton said the Ku Klux Klan “ was not so much a racist thing , @ @ @ @ @ keep law and order.
” Of John Lewis , he said : “ His only @ @ @ @ @ got conked on the head at the Edmund Pettus Bridge… and he has milked that @ @ @ @ @

Georgia state Rep. Tommy Benton (R) has been removed as chairman of the House Retirement Committee after a radio interview came to light where he praised Confederate leader Alexander Stephens and disparaged the late Rep. John Lewis, Georgia Public Radio reports.
Benton said the Ku Klux Klan “was not so much a racist thing, but a vigilante thing to keep law and order.”
Of John Lewis, he said: “His only claim to fame was he got conked on the head at the Edmund Pettus Bridge… and he has milked that for 50 years.”


politicalwire--2020-08-14--New Jersey Moves to Nearly All-Mail Election

New Jersey Gov .
Phil Murphy ( D ) said it won ’ t be a “ regular election year @ @ @ @ @ outbreak and the state will move to a nearly all-mail election this November following the @ @ @ @ @ its July primary , the AP reports .
Murphy said that he will sign an @ @ @ @ @ registered voters to get a ballot beginning October 5 along with a prepaid return envelope @ @ @ @ @ 3 will be accepted up to a week later .

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D) said it won’t be a “regular election year” because of the coronavirus outbreak and the state will move to a nearly all-mail election this November following the model the state used in its July primary, the AP reports.
Murphy said that he will sign an executive order calling for all registered voters to get a ballot beginning October 5 along with a prepaid return envelope.
Ballots postmarked by November 3 will be accepted up to a week later.


politicalwire--2020-08-14--Susan Collins Breaks with Trump on Postal Service

Sen. Susan Collins ( R-ME ) said that “ efforts by the U.S .
Postal Service to cut costs could @ @ @ @ @ in Maine and across the country and reiterated support to increase funding to the embattled @ @ @ @ @ Daily News reports .

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


politicalwire--2020-08-14--Designing a Logo Without Knowing What It Would Say

Jonathan Hoefler explains how he created the new Biden-Harris logo without knowing who Biden would pick : “ I can @ @ @ @ @ in which so much attention ( and speculation ) has surrounded the choice of a @ @ @ @ @ such a large field of eminently qualified candidates to choose from .
A consequential decision @ @ @ @ @ conducted under absolute secrecy , poses an interesting dilemma to the typographer : how do @ @ @ @ @ knowing for certain what the words will say ?
Logos , after all , are @ @ @ @ @ of their letters , and a logo designed for an Eisenhower will hardly work for @ @ @ @ @ , naturally , involves the absurd application of brute force : you just design all @ @ @ @ @ of , based on whatever public information you can gather .
”

Jonathan Hoefler explains how he created the new Biden-Harris logo without knowing who Biden would pick:
“I can’t remember an election in which so much attention (and speculation) has surrounded the choice of a running mate, nor having such a large field of eminently qualified candidates to choose from. A consequential decision at an unpredictable time, conducted under absolute secrecy, poses an interesting dilemma to the typographer: how do you create a logo without knowing for certain what the words will say? Logos, after all, are meaningfully informed by the shapes of their letters, and a logo designed for an Eisenhower will hardly work for a Taft. The solution, naturally, involves the absurd application of brute force: you just design all the logos you can think of, based on whatever public information you can gather.”


politicalwire--2020-08-14--Postal Service Warns 46 States Over Mail Ballots

“ Anticipating an avalanche of absentee ballots , the U.S .
Postal Service recently sent detailed letters to 46 states @ @ @ @ @ can not guarantee all ballots cast by mail for the November election will arrive in @ @ @ @ @ adding another layer of uncertainty ahead of the high-stakes presidential contest , ” the Washington @ @ @ @ @ letters sketch a grim possibility for the tens of millions of Americans eligible for a @ @ @ @ @ Even if people follow all of their state ’ s election rules , the pace @ @ @ @ @ disqualify their votes .
”

“Anticipating an avalanche of absentee ballots, the U.S. Postal Service recently sent detailed letters to 46 states and D.C. warning that it cannot guarantee all ballots cast by mail for the November election will arrive in time to be counted — adding another layer of uncertainty ahead of the high-stakes presidential contest,” the Washington Post reports.
“The letters sketch a grim possibility for the tens of millions of Americans eligible for a mail-in ballot this fall: Even if people follow all of their state’s election rules, the pace of Postal Service delivery may disqualify their votes.”
Slate: The 10 scariest election scenarios, ranked.


politicalwire--2020-08-14--GOP Insiders Knew of Candidate’s Assault for Months

“ The arrest of Connecticut Congressional candidate Thomas Gilmer on the eve of this week ’ s Republican primary threw @ @ @ @ @ But details of his alleged violent domestic assault were known in Republican circles for more @ @ @ @ @ contacted authorities , ” the Hartford Courant reports .
“ Gilmer ’ s primary opponent @ @ @ @ @ weeks showing a graphic video of the alleged attack to his fellow Republicans as he @ @ @ @ @ Gilmer .
The state party chairman , J.R. Romano , acknowledged he knew about the @ @ @ @ @ .
”

“The arrest of Connecticut Congressional candidate Thomas Gilmer on the eve of this week’s Republican primary threw the race into disarray. But details of his alleged violent domestic assault were known in Republican circles for more than two months before anyone contacted authorities,” the Hartford Courant reports.
“Gilmer’s primary opponent, Justin Anderson, spent weeks showing a graphic video of the alleged attack to his fellow Republicans as he worked to defeat the party-backed Gilmer. The state party chairman, J.R. Romano, acknowledged he knew about the allegations as early as May.”


politicalwire--2020-08-14--Biden Wins Endorsement of Postal Union

Biden Wins Endorsement of Postal Union

“ Joe Biden gained the presidential endorsement of the National Association of Letter Carriers on Friday , a union that @ @ @ @ @ retired postal workers , ” NBC News reports .


politicalwire--2020-08-14--Trump Won’t Say If He Agrees with QAnon

Trump Won’t Say If He Agrees with QAnon

Jill Colvin of the Associated Press asked President Trump about GOP congressional candidate Marjorie Taylor Greene ’ s ( R @ @ @ @ @ whether he agrees with it .
Trump would only say she did very well in @ @ @ @ @ answer the question .

Jill Colvin of the Associated Press asked President Trump about GOP congressional candidate Marjorie Taylor Greene’s (R) support for QAnon and whether he agrees with it.
Trump would only say she did very well in the election but would not answer the question.


politicalwire--2020-08-14--Trump Will Be Featured Every Night of Convention

“ President Trump will be featured each day of the Republican National Convention , say officials involved in planning it @ @ @ @ @ nominating events when candidates were showcased on the final night , ” the Wall Street @ @ @


politicalwire--2020-08-14--Trump Attacks Woodward Book as ‘Fake’

Trump Attacks Woodward Book as ‘Fake’

“ The Bob Woodward book will be a FAKE , as always , just as many of the others have @ @ @ @ @ it or not , lately I ’ ve been getting lots of GREAT books !
@ @ @ @ @ Donald Trump and Republicans.
” Trump agreed to be interviewed for the book more than @ @ @ @ @ reports .

President Trump preemptively attacked a forthcoming book from journalist Bob Woodward:
“The Bob Woodward book will be a FAKE, as always, just as many of the others have been. But, believe it or not, lately I’ve been getting lots of GREAT books! Everybody does phony books on Donald Trump and Republicans.”
Trump agreed to be interviewed for the book more than a dozen times, CNN reports.


politicalwire--2020-08-15--Trump Didn’t Answer Police Questionnaire

The International Association of Chiefs of Police “ asked for each candidate ’ s views on nine specific areas of @ @ @ @ @ impact law enforcement , and the solutions they planned to provide .
The chiefs asked @ @ @ @ @ crime , violence against women , hate crimes , homegrown violent extremism , opioid abuse @ @ @ @ @ the Washington Post reports .
“ Biden ’ s response on the nine issues stretched @ @ @ @ @ for assault weapons bans , massive investment in drug treatment programs and investing $ 300 @ @ @ @ @ to hire more officers and deputies.
” “ Trump did not respond to the nine @ @ @ @ @ .
”

The International Association of Chiefs of Police “asked for each candidate’s views on nine specific areas of crime or other issues that impact law enforcement, and the solutions they planned to provide. The chiefs asked how they would address violent crime, violence against women, hate crimes, homegrown violent extremism, opioid abuse and traffic safety,” the Washington Post reports.
“Biden’s response on the nine issues stretched over four pages, calling for assault weapons bans, massive investment in drug treatment programs and investing $300 million in the COPS program to hire more officers and deputies.”
“Trump did not respond to the nine issues and provided no explanation.”


politicalwire--2020-08-15--Drop in Testing Hampers Coronavirus Response

“ For months , public health experts and federal officials have said that significantly expanding the number of coronavirus tests @ @ @ @ @ is essential to reining in the pandemic .
By some estimates , several million people @ @ @ @ @ each day , including many people who don ’ t feel sick , ” the @ @ @ @ @ “ But the country remains far short of that benchmark and , for the first @ @ @ @ @ known tests conducted each day has fallen.
” “ Reported daily tests trended downward for @ @ @ @ @ weeks , essentially stalling the nation ’ s testing response .
”

“For months, public health experts and federal officials have said that significantly expanding the number of coronavirus tests administered in the United States is essential to reining in the pandemic. By some estimates, several million people might need to be tested each day, including many people who don’t feel sick,” the New York Times reports.
“But the country remains far short of that benchmark and, for the first time, the number of known tests conducted each day has fallen.”
“Reported daily tests trended downward for much of the last two weeks, essentially stalling the nation’s testing response.”


politicalwire--2020-08-15--Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day

“ The country is doing very well right now .
We can live very happily with it or without it.
@ @ @ @ @ at a press conference , on why he won ’ t negotiate a new coronavirus @ @ @

“The country is doing very well right now. We can live very happily with it or without it.”
— President Trump, at a press conference, on why he won’t negotiate a new coronavirus relief bill.


politicalwire--2020-08-15--Trump Continues Assault on Voting by Mail

President Trump continued his ongoing attacks on mail-in voting during a press conference Saturday , claiming without strong evidence that @ @ @ @ @ the U.S. a “ laughingstock , ” Axios reports .
Said Trump : “ Universal @ @ @ @ @ be catastrophic .
It ’ s going to make the U.S. a laughingstock all over @ @ @ @ @ : “ The problem with the mail-in voting , number one , you ’ re @ @ @ @ @ the election ’ s over .
”

President Trump continued his ongoing attacks on mail-in voting during a press conference Saturday, claiming without strong evidence that voting by mail will make the U.S. a “laughingstock,” Axios reports.
Said Trump: “Universal mail-in voting is going to be catastrophic. It’s going to make the U.S. a laughingstock all over the world.”
He added: “The problem with the mail-in voting, number one, you’re never going to know when the election’s over.”


politicalwire--2020-08-15--GOP Congressman Paid Company Owned by a Staffer

Rep. Jim Hagedorn ( R-MN ) paid a Texas-based company owned by one of his staff members more than $ @ @ @ @ @ printing postcards — a business relationship Congressional ethics experts say is a clear violation of @ @ @ @ @ Minnesota Reformer reports .
“ Hagedorn also paid hundreds of thousands of dollars for printing @ @ @ @ @ company that has existed for less than a year and seems to have gone to @ @ @ @ @ ownership .
”

Rep. Jim Hagedorn (R-MN) paid a Texas-based company owned by one of his staff members more than $100,000 of taxpayer money for printing postcards — a business relationship Congressional ethics experts say is a clear violation of government ethics rules, the Minnesota Reformer reports.
“Hagedorn also paid hundreds of thousands of dollars for printing to a separate, mysterious company that has existed for less than a year and seems to have gone to great lengths to conceal its ownership.”


politicalwire--2020-08-15--15 Year Old Dies from Coronavirus In Goergia

A 15-year-old boy with no underlying conditions has died in Georgia after contracting COVID-19 , the Atlanta Journal Constitution reports @ @ @ @ @ death comes as many Georgia school districts have reopened for in-person learning .

A 15-year-old boy with no underlying conditions has died in Georgia after contracting COVID-19, the Atlanta Journal Constitution reports.
The boy’s death comes as many Georgia school districts have reopened for in-person learning.


Fulfilling Beau’s Promise

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politicalwire--2020-08-15--‘There’s No Way to Spin That’

‘There’s No Way to Spin That’

Sen. Mitt Romney ( R-UT ) offered rare Republican criticism of the Trump administration ’ s coronavirus response , saying @ @ @ @ @ virus ’ s threat and failed to protect Americans as infections spiraled out of control @ @ @ @ @ .
Said Romney : “ Short term , I think it ’ s fair to @ @ @ @ @ distinguished ourselves in a positive way by how we responded to the crisis when it @ @ @ @ @ the proof of the pudding of that is simply that we have 5 percent of @ @ @ @ @ but 25 percent of the world ’ s deaths due to covid-19.
” He added @ @ @ @ @ s no way to spin that in a positive light .
”

Sen. Mitt Romney (R-UT) offered rare Republican criticism of the Trump administration’s coronavirus response, saying the federal government dismissed the virus’s threat and failed to protect Americans as infections spiraled out of control, the Washington Post reports.
Said Romney: “Short term, I think it’s fair to say we really have not distinguished ourselves in a positive way by how we responded to the crisis when it was upon us. And the proof of the pudding of that is simply that we have 5 percent of the world’s population but 25 percent of the world’s deaths due to covid-19.”
He added: “And there’s no way to spin that in a positive light.”


Biden Republicans

Rahm Emanuel , former Chicago mayor and White House chief of staff , writes in the Wall Street Journal that @ @ @ @ @ a repeat of 1980 ” because Democrats “ have an opportunity to chisel off a @ @ @ @ @ be known as Biden Republicans.
” “ Democrats have the chance to achieve a generational @ @ @ @ @ coalition to include moderate voters who oppose President Trump , we could deepen our base @ @ @ @ @ Democrats.
” “ The question is whether Democrats will let these voters migrate back to @ @ @ @ @ or whether our party will become their permanent safe harbor .
”

Rahm Emanuel, former Chicago mayor and White House chief of staff, writes in the Wall Street Journal that “this campaign looks like a repeat of 1980” because Democrats “have an opportunity to chisel off a demographic that will come to be known as Biden Republicans.”
“Democrats have the chance to achieve a generational transformation. Beyond broadening the coalition to include moderate voters who oppose President Trump, we could deepen our base by turning disaffected Republicans into Democrats.”
“The question is whether Democrats will let these voters migrate back to the GOP after November, or whether our party will become their permanent safe harbor.”


politicalwire--2020-08-15--Trump Makes Huge Digital Ad Buy for Next Week

“ The Trump campaign is launching an aggressive four-day digital advertising campaign that will take over some of the internet @ @ @ @ @ estate during the three marquee days of the Democratic National Convention , which most viewers @ @ @ @ @ the New York Times reports .
“ Adhering to the president ’ s penchant for @ @ @ @ @ major Democratic events , the Trump campaign will be taking over the banner of YouTube @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday , the second day of the convention , an expensive and far-reaching digital gambit.
@ @ @ @ @ also blanket the home pages of The Wall Street Journal , The Washington Post and @ @ @ @ @ .
”

“The Trump campaign is launching an aggressive four-day digital advertising campaign that will take over some of the internet’s most conspicuous real estate during the three marquee days of the Democratic National Convention, which most viewers will watch online,” the New York Times reports.
“Adhering to the president’s penchant for focusing attention on himself during major Democratic events, the Trump campaign will be taking over the banner of YouTube for 96 hours starting on Tuesday, the second day of the convention, an expensive and far-reaching digital gambit.”
“The campaign will also blanket the home pages of The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post and FoxNews.com with Trump campaign ads.”


politicalwire--2020-08-15--GOP Strategist Explains Why He’ll Vote for Biden

Dan Lavey , who has advised and run campaigns for leading Oregon Republican candidates , explained on Facebook that he @ @ @ @ @ years ago because of his “ disgust over the character and policy choices of Donald @ @ @ @ @ “ I ’ m angry and sad about what has happened to the political party @ @ @ @ @ before I was old enough to even vote .
It ’ s no longer a @ @ @ @ @ better America for all Americans .
It ’ s Trump ’ s Party—riddled with conspiracy @ @ @ @ @ and intolerance .
It ’ s anti-intellectual and anti-science .
It ’ s corrupt to @ @ @ @ @ be defeated and in a big way .
”

Dan Lavey, who has advised and run campaigns for leading Oregon Republican candidates, explained on Facebook that he left the Republican Party two years ago because of his “disgust over the character and policy choices of Donald Trump.”
Wrote Lavey: “I’m angry and sad about what has happened to the political party I’ve supported since before I was old enough to even vote. It’s no longer a conservative party committed to a better America for all Americans. It’s Trump’s Party—riddled with conspiracy theories, racism, sexism and intolerance. It’s anti-intellectual and anti-science. It’s corrupt to the core. Trump must be defeated and in a big way.”


politicalwire--2020-08-15--Pelosi Says Talks Are Stalled by GOP Disarray

Speaker Nancy Pelosi told CNN that progress on negotiations for a new coronavirus relief bill is “ complicated by the @ @ @ @ @ side — as President Trump contradicts his own negotiators and his own position .
”


politicalwire--2020-08-15--Covid-19 Rates In Children Steadily Increasing

Health experts say children make up more than 7 % of all coronavirus cases in the US — while comprising @ @ @ @ @ country ’ s population — and the number and rate of child cases have been @ @ @ @ @ March to July , CNN reports .

Health experts say children make up more than 7% of all coronavirus cases in the US — while comprising about 22% of the country’s population — and the number and rate of child cases have been “steadily increasing” from March to July, CNN reports.


politicalwire--2020-08-15--Senate Intel Wants Justice to Investigate Steve Bannon

The Senate Intelligence Committee sent a bipartisan letter to the Justice Department in July 2019 , seeking an investigation into @ @ @ @ @ and outlined accusations against Bannon lying to lawmakers when he testified about Russian interference in @ @ @ @ @ Los Angeles Times reports .

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


politicalwire--2020-08-15--Don’t Expect Much of a Convention Bounce

Harry Enten : “ First , convention bounces have been getting smaller over the last few decades .
Since 2004 @ @ @ @ @ has been just 2 points .
Some years , it ’ s been even less @ @ @ @ @ 1968 to 2000 period .
According to Geoffrey Skelley at FiveThirtyEight , the average bounce @ @ @ @ @ a little less than 7 points.
” “ Second , the race for president this @ @ @ @ @ .
Biden ’ s lead has almost consistently been within a few points of 6 @ @ @ @ @ never gotten higher than 10 points in the average and never below 4 points.
” @ @ @ @ @ are likely not going to be the newsmakers they usually are .
The conventions , @ @ @ @ @ be incredibly scaled back .
”

Harry Enten: “First, convention bounces have been getting smaller over the last few decades. Since 2004, the average convention bounce has been just 2 points. Some years, it’s been even less. Compare that to the 1968 to 2000 period. According to Geoffrey Skelley at FiveThirtyEight, the average bounce during that 32-year period was a little less than 7 points.”
“Second, the race for president this year has been incredibly stable. Biden’s lead has almost consistently been within a few points of 6 points. It’s never gotten higher than 10 points in the average and never below 4 points.”
“Third, the conventions are likely not going to be the newsmakers they usually are. The conventions, themselves, are going to be incredibly scaled back.”


politicalwire--2020-08-15--‘Strong Focus’ on the Virus

‘Strong Focus’ on the Virus

President Trump was supposed to throw out the first pitch at the Yankees game tonight in New York but canceled @ @ @ @ @ focus on the China Virus , including scheduled meetings on Vaccines , our economy and @ @ @ @ @ the President ’ s public schedule for the day .

President Trump was supposed to throw out the first pitch at the Yankees game tonight in New York but canceled because of his “strong focus on the China Virus, including scheduled meetings on Vaccines, our economy and much else.”
Here is the President’s public schedule for the day.


politicalwire--2020-08-15--Postal Service Will Stop Removing Mailboxes

“ The removal of dozens of mailboxes in a handful of states set off a social media panic and some @ @ @ @ @ but the U.S .
Postal Service said the iconic blue boxes are just being moved @ @ @ @ @ the Washington Post reports .
“ The agency said it would stop removing the boxes @ @ @ @ @ .
”

“The removal of dozens of mailboxes in a handful of states set off a social media panic and some high-profile attention this week, but the U.S. Postal Service said the iconic blue boxes are just being moved to higher-volume areas,” the Washington Post reports.
“The agency said it would stop removing the boxes nationally until after the election.”


politicalwire--2020-08-16--The Battlegrounds Harris Could Help Biden Win

David Wasserman : “ African American voters account for roughly 12 percent of eligible voters nationally , and they account @ @ @ @ @ the vote in six of the seven states Trump carried by 5 points or less @ @ @ @ @ 15 percent ) , Georgia ( 32 percent ) , Michigan ( 13 percent ) @ @ @ @ @ percent ) , Pennsylvania ( 10 percent ) and Wisconsin ( 6 percent ) .
@ @ @ @ @ Political Report analysis of census and election data from these states shows that the decline @ @ @ @ @ Democratic support from 2012 to 2016 was likely enough to tip at least Michigan and @ @ @ @ @ and Pennsylvania — to Trump .
”

David Wasserman: “African American voters account for roughly 12 percent of eligible voters nationally, and they account for a substantial share of the vote in six of the seven states Trump carried by 5 points or less in 2016: Florida (15 percent), Georgia (32 percent), Michigan (13 percent), North Carolina (22 percent), Pennsylvania (10 percent) and Wisconsin (6 percent).”
“An NBC News/Cook Political Report analysis of census and election data from these states shows that the decline in African American turnout and Democratic support from 2012 to 2016 was likely enough to tip at least Michigan and Wisconsin — and possibly Florida and Pennsylvania — to Trump.”


politicalwire--2020-08-16--There Aren’t That Many ‘Hidden’ Trump Voters

New York Times : “ The idea that there are substantial numbers of Trump voters who will emerge from hiding @ @ @ @ @ enough to sway the outcome , is not supported by the latest public opinion research @ @ @ @ @ understanding of what happened in past elections where the voter surveys were off , said @ @ @ @ @ and Democratic candidates.
” “ This does not mean that Joe Biden ’ s lead @ @ @ @ @ national polls putting him ahead by as much as 10 points , won ’ t @ @ @ @ @ experts say there is growing evidence that Americans across the spectrum have become more skittish @ @ @ @ @ outside of a trusted group of like-minded people .
But it would be a huge @ @ @ @ @ country ’ s tense political dynamics are causing people to lie to pollsters in large @ @ @ @ @ Trump ’ s poor standing .
”

New York Times: “The idea that there are substantial numbers of Trump voters who will emerge from hiding on Election Day, large enough to sway the outcome, is not supported by the latest public opinion research — or by a proper understanding of what happened in past elections where the voter surveys were off, said pollsters who work for Republican and Democratic candidates.”
“This does not mean that Joe Biden’s lead, with the most recent national polls putting him ahead by as much as 10 points, won’t tighten. And public opinion experts say there is growing evidence that Americans across the spectrum have become more skittish about sharing their political preferences outside of a trusted group of like-minded people. But it would be a huge leap to conclude that the country’s tense political dynamics are causing people to lie to pollsters in large enough numbers to explain Mr. Trump’s poor standing.”


politicalwire--2020-08-16--Trump’s Younger Brother Dies

Trump’s Younger Brother Dies

New York Times : “ Robert Trump , the younger brother of President Trump , died on Saturday night at @ @ @ @ @ He was 72.
” “ The White House did not provide a cause of death @ @

New York Times: “Robert Trump, the younger brother of President Trump, died on Saturday night at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital in Manhattan. He was 72.”
“The White House did not provide a cause of death.”


politicalwire--2020-08-16--Trump Admits He’s Considered Firing Esper

President Trump said that he “ considers firing everybody ” when asked if he considered firing Secretary of Defense Mark @ @ @ @ @ .


politicalwire--2020-08-16--Pelosi May Bring Back House Over Postal Issues

Speaker Nancy Pelosi and House Democratic leadership are considering returning from August recess as early as next week to consider @ @ @ @ @ U.S .
Postal Service , CNN reports .
Axios : “ The Democrats discussed the @ @ @ @ @ call — hours after demonstrators rallied outside the home of Postmaster General Louis DeJoy to @ @ @ @ @ of limiting mail-in voting ahead of the 2020 general election .
”

Speaker Nancy Pelosi and House Democratic leadership are considering returning from August recess as early as next week to consider legislation addressing issues at the U.S. Postal Service, CNN reports.
Axios: “The Democrats discussed the move during a 5:30 p.m. call — hours after demonstrators rallied outside the home of Postmaster General Louis DeJoy to protest his leadership amid allegations of limiting mail-in voting ahead of the 2020 general election.”


politicalwire--2020-08-16--Teen Leading Kansas Race Admits to Revenge Porn

“ Democrats are scrambling to deal with the strong possibility that a 19-year-old candidate for a Kansas House seat in @ @ @ @ @ veteran lawmaker despite making incendiary comments on social media and acknowledging abusive behavior online toward @ @ @ @ @ ” the AP reports .


politicalwire--2020-08-17--Dead Heat In North Carolina

Dead Heat In North Carolina

A new ECU poll in North Carolina finds Joe Biden and Donald Trump tied in the presidential race , 47 @ @ @ @ @ In the U.S. Senate race , Cal Cunningham , ( D ) leads Sen. Thom @ @ @ @ @ 44 % to 40 % .

A new ECU poll in North Carolina finds Joe Biden and Donald Trump tied in the presidential race, 47% to 47%.
In the U.S. Senate race, Cal Cunningham, (D) leads Sen. Thom Tillis (R), 44% to 40%.


politicalwire--2020-08-17--Trump Eyes New Unproven Coronavirus ‘Cure’

“ To the alarm of some government health officials , President Trump has expressed enthusiasm for the Food and Drug @ @ @ @ @ from the oleander plant as a dietary supplement to cure COVID-19 , despite lack of @ @ @ @ @ ” Axios reports .
Said a senior official : “ The involvement of the Secretary @ @ @ @ @ pushing a dubious product at the highest levels should give Americans no comfort at night @ @ @ @ @ during a raging pandemic .
”

“To the alarm of some government health officials, President Trump has expressed enthusiasm for the Food and Drug Administration to approve an extract from the oleander plant as a dietary supplement to cure COVID-19, despite lack of proof that it works,” Axios reports.
Said a senior official: “The involvement of the Secretary of HUD and MyPillow.com in pushing a dubious product at the highest levels should give Americans no comfort at night about their health and safety during a raging pandemic.”


politicalwire--2020-08-17--Biden’s Lead Narrows Ahead of Conventions

A new CNN poll finds Joe Biden leading Donald Trump nationally by just four points , 50 % to 46 @ @ @ @ @ 72 % of voters who say they are either extremely or very enthusiastic about voting @ @ @ @ @ s advantage over Trump widens to 53 % to 46 % .
” “ Across @ @ @ @ @ survey finds Biden has the backing of 49 % of registered voters , while Trump @ @ @ @ @ ”

A new CNN poll finds Joe Biden leading Donald Trump nationally by just four points, 50% to 46%.
“Among the 72% of voters who say they are either extremely or very enthusiastic about voting this fall, Biden’s advantage over Trump widens to 53% to 46%.”
“Across 15 battleground states, the survey finds Biden has the backing of 49% of registered voters, while Trump lands at 48%.”


politicalwire--2020-08-16--No Biden Campaign Plane

No Biden Campaign Plane

Axios : “ Joe Biden ’ s team hasn ’ t booked any air travel — and thus has no @ @ @ @ @ with the Democratic nominee ’ s name and logo emblazoned on the side , a @ @ @ @ @ ”


politicalwire--2020-08-16--Pelosi Calls House Back to Act on Postal ‘Sabotage’

Speaker Nancy Pelosi told Democrats on Sunday evening that the House will be called back from August recess — likely @ @ @ @ @ told — to act to “ save the Postal Service.
” : In a “ @ @ @ @ @ , Pelosi said : “ Alarmingly , across the nation , we see the devastating @ @ @ @ @ s campaign to sabotage the election by manipulating the Postal Service to disenfranchise voters.
” @ @ @ @ @ s Attacks on Mail Voting Are Already Backfiring

Speaker Nancy Pelosi told Democrats on Sunday evening that the House will be called back from August recess — likely on Saturday, Axios is told — to act to “save the Postal Service.”
:In a “Dear Democratic Colleague” letter, Pelosi said: “Alarmingly, across the nation, we see the devastating effects of the President’s campaign to sabotage the election by manipulating the Postal Service to disenfranchise voters.”
For members: Trump’s Attacks on Mail Voting Are Already Backfiring


politicalwire--2020-08-16--State Officials Rush to Shore Up Confidence In Elections

“ President Trump ’ s unprecedented attacks on the U.S .
Postal Service amid widespread mail delays across the country @ @ @ @ @ that their ballots will be counted , prompting a rush among federal , state and @ @ @ @ @ integrity of the Nov. 3 election , ” the Washington Post reports .
“ Thousands @ @ @ @ @ offices in recent days to ask whether it is still safe to mail their ballots @ @ @ @ @ the country .
Attorneys general from at least six states are huddling to discuss possible @ @ @ @ @ block it from reducing mail service between now and the election.
” “ State leaders @ @ @ @ @ they can change rules to give voters more options , and Democrats are planning a @ @ @ @ @ shore up trust in the vote and the Postal Service .
”

“President Trump’s unprecedented attacks on the U.S. Postal Service amid widespread mail delays across the country are shaking voters’ faith that their ballots will be counted, prompting a rush among federal, state and local officials to protect the integrity of the Nov. 3 election,” the Washington Post reports.
“Thousands of voters have called government offices in recent days to ask whether it is still safe to mail their ballots, according to officials across the country. Attorneys general from at least six states are huddling to discuss possible lawsuits against the administration to block it from reducing mail service between now and the election.”
“State leaders are scrambling to see whether they can change rules to give voters more options, and Democrats are planning a massive public education campaign to shore up trust in the vote and the Postal Service.”


politicalwire--2020-08-16--Trump’s Attacks on Mail Voting Are Already Backfiring

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politicalwire--2020-08-16--Pentagon Eyes Cuts to Military Health Care

“ Pentagon officials working on Defense Secretary Mark Esper ’ s cost-cutting review of the department have proposed slashing military @ @ @ @ @ billion , a reduction that some defense officials say could effectively gut the Pentagon ’ @ @ @ @ @ a nationwide pandemic , ” Politico reports .


politicalwire--2020-08-16--South Dakota Won’t Boost Unemployment Benefits

“ An order signed by President Trump to boost unemployed workers ’ weekly benefits will not deliver any new aid @ @ @ @ @ Republican Gov .
Kristi Noem appeared to become the first state leader to decline the @ @ @ @ @ the Washington Post reports .
“ Noem , one of Trump ’ s most vocal @ @ @ @ @ did not need to accept the additional federal jobless aid because workers in the state @ @ @ @ @ its economy is on the mend , even as the coronavirus pandemic continues to rage @ @ @ @ @ ”

“An order signed by President Trump to boost unemployed workers’ weekly benefits will not deliver any new aid to South Dakota, where Republican Gov. Kristi Noem appeared to become the first state leader to decline the heightened federal support,” the Washington Post reports.
“Noem, one of Trump’s most vocal allies, said South Dakota did not need to accept the additional federal jobless aid because workers in the state are being rehired, and its economy is on the mend, even as the coronavirus pandemic continues to rage across the United States.”


politicalwire--2020-08-16--House Calls Emergency Hearings on Postal Service

The House Oversight Committee will hold an emergency hearing on mail delays and concerns about potential White House interference in @ @ @ @ @ , inviting Postmaster General Louis DeJoy and Postal Service board of governors Chairman Robert Duncan @ @ @ @ @ the Washington Post reports .


politicalwire--2020-08-16--Biden Leads In Battleground Tracker

Biden Leads In Battleground Tracker

The CBS News Battleground Tracker model has Joe Biden up in states worth 279 electoral votes , slightly more than @ @ @ @ @ in November .
Donald Trump leads in states worth 163 electoral votes and 96 electoral @ @ @ @ @ .
Use the consensus electoral map to make your own projection .

The CBS News Battleground Tracker model has Joe Biden up in states worth 279 electoral votes, slightly more than the 270 needed to win in November. Donald Trump leads in states worth 163 electoral votes and 96 electoral votes are currently Toss Ups.
Use the consensus electoral map to make your own projection.


politicalwire--2020-08-16--Trump Says He’ll Consider Pardon for Edward Snowden

President Trump said that he would consider pardoning Edward Snowden , the former National Security Agency contractor who faced criminal @ @ @ @ @ about vast government surveillance , the New York Times reports .
His remarks signal a @ @ @ @ @ repeatedly denigrated Snowden as a “ traitor ” and a “ spy who should be @ @ @ @ @ before his election .

President Trump said that he would consider pardoning Edward Snowden, the former National Security Agency contractor who faced criminal charges after leaking classified documents about vast government surveillance, the New York Times reports.
His remarks signal a shift for Trump, who repeatedly denigrated Snowden as a “traitor” and a “spy who should be executed” in the years before his election.


politicalwire--2020-08-16--Trump Plans Speech Just Before Biden’s

Trump Plans Speech Just Before Biden’s

Just a few hours before Joe Biden accepts the Democratic presidential nomination , President Trump is heading to Old Forge @ @ @ @ @ his own remarks on “ Joe Biden ’ s record of failure.
” Old Forge @ @ @ @ @ outside of Scranton , Pennsylvania , which happens to be Biden ’ s birthplace and @ @ @ @ @ his childhood before his family moved to Delaware .

Just a few hours before Joe Biden accepts the Democratic presidential nomination, President Trump is heading to Old Forge, Pennsylvania, to deliver his own remarks on “Joe Biden’s record of failure.”
Old Forge is just a few miles outside of Scranton, Pennsylvania, which happens to be Biden’s birthplace and where he spent part of his childhood before his family moved to Delaware.


politicalwire--2020-08-16--Inside the Trump Reboot

Inside the Trump Reboot

Olivia Nuzzi looks at the “ most disorganized , unscrupulous , self-sabotaging presidential campaign since the last one.
” Especially @ @ @ @ @ a White House official on former campaign manager Brad Parscale ’ s role : “ @ @ @ @ @ whatever Jared said and keep quiet about it .
Brad was willing to get yelled @ @ @ @ @ not say to the president , ‘ Well , actually , this was Jared ’ @ @ @ @ @ got to rule from afar because Brad would do whatever he said .
In return @ @ @ @ @ of money and got to live by the pool in Florida .
It was almost @ @ @ @ @ , whether they knew it or not.
” Nuzzi adds : “ The portrait of @ @ @ @ @ so dysfunctional that I felt , at times , like I needed to hire a @ @ @ @ @ interviews.
” The whole piece is worth reading .

Olivia Nuzzi looks at the “most disorganized, unscrupulous, self-sabotaging presidential campaign since the last one.”
Especially interesting is a quote from a White House official on former campaign manager Brad Parscale’s role: “Brad was willing to do whatever Jared said and keep quiet about it. Brad was willing to get yelled at by the president and not say to the president, ‘Well, actually, this was Jared’s decision.’ And Jared got to rule from afar because Brad would do whatever he said. In return, Brad made a fuck-ton of money and got to live by the pool in Florida. It was almost like this weird mutual partnership, whether they knew it or not.”
Nuzzi adds: “The portrait of the operation that emerged was so dysfunctional that I felt, at times, like I needed to hire a family therapist to moderate my interviews.”
The whole piece is worth reading.


politicalwire--2020-08-16--Meadows Admits There’s No Evidence of Voter Fraud

When White House chief of staff Mark Meadows was told on CNN that there is no evidence of widespread voter @ @ @ @ @ “ There ’ s no evidence that there ’ s not either .
”

“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--2020-08-16--Biden Offers Condolences to Trump

Biden Offers Condolences to Trump

“ Mr .
President , Jill and I are sad to learn of your younger brother Robert ’ s passing @ @ @ @ @ pain of losing a loved one — and I know how important family is in @ @ @ @ @ hope you know that our prayers are with you all.
” “ Doug and I @ @ @ @ @ sending our deepest condolences and prayers to the entire Trump family during this difficult time @ @ @ @ @ is never easy but know that we are thinking of you .
”

Joe Biden on Twitter:
“Mr. President, Jill and I are sad to learn of your younger brother Robert’s passing. I know the tremendous pain of losing a loved one — and I know how important family is in moments like these. I hope you know that our prayers are with you all.”
Kamala Harris on Twitter:
“Doug and I join the Biden family in sending our deepest condolences and prayers to the entire Trump family during this difficult time. Losing a loved one is never easy but know that we are thinking of you.”


politicalwire--2020-08-16--Biden Heads Into Convention In Strong Position

Harry Enten : “ Biden ’ s lead has been about as stable as they come .
Since the beginning @ @ @ @ @ s been up by around 8 to 10 points .
We ’ ll see whether @ @ @ @ @ begins tomorrow , alters the race.
” “ For now though , we can say @ @ @ @ @ than any challenger heading into the major party conventions since scientific polling began.
” “ @ @ @ @ @ in which an incumbent was running for another term , no challenger has ever been @ @ @ @ @ in the polls at this point in the campaign .
”

Harry Enten: “Biden’s lead has been about as stable as they come. Since the beginning of June, he’s been up by around 8 to 10 points. We’ll see whether the convention period, that begins tomorrow, alters the race.”
“For now though, we can say Biden’s doing better than any challenger heading into the major party conventions since scientific polling began.”
“In the 13 previous elections in which an incumbent was running for another term, no challenger has ever been at or above 50% in the polls at this point in the campaign.”


politicalwire--2020-08-16--Most Americans Approve of Harris Pick

Most Americans Approve of Harris Pick

A new ABC News/Washington Post poll finds more Americans approve than disapprove of Joe Biden ’ s choice of Sen. @ @ @ @ @ Democratic ticket by a 25-point margin , 54 % to 29 % .
Approval of @ @ @ @ @ % among Democrats to 25-55 % among Republicans — notable that one in four Republicans @ @

A new ABC News/Washington Post poll finds more Americans approve than disapprove of Joe Biden’s choice of Sen. Kamala Harris for the 2020 Democratic ticket by a 25-point margin, 54% to 29%.
Approval of the pick ranges from 86-8% among Democrats to 25-55% among Republicans — notable that one in four Republicans approves.


politicalwire--2020-08-16--17 ‘Rising Stars’ to Keynote Democratic Convention

Seventeen rising Democratic stars will together give the keynote address at the party ’ s convention on Tuesday , Bloomberg @ @ @ @ @ Unconventional Democratic convention will juggle hundreds of live feeds to re-create the feel of a @ @ @

Seventeen rising Democratic stars will together give the keynote address at the party’s convention on Tuesday, Bloomberg reports.
Washington Post: Unconventional Democratic convention will juggle hundreds of live feeds to re-create the feel of a party celebration.


politicalwire--2020-08-16--Biden Keeps Wide National Lead

Biden Keeps Wide National Lead

A new NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll finds Joe Biden leads Donald Trump nationally by 9 points among registered voters @ @ @ @ @ % , and the former vice president holds double-digit advantages over Trump on the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ , race relations and uniting the country .
Also interesting : The poll shows Kamala @ @ @ @ @ personal rating than either Trump or Biden possess .

A new NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll finds Joe Biden leads Donald Trump nationally by 9 points among registered voters, 50% to 41%, and the former vice president holds double-digit advantages over Trump on the coronavirus, immigration, health care, race relations and uniting the country.
Also interesting: The poll shows Kamala Harris with a higher net personal rating than either Trump or Biden possess.


politicalwire--2020-08-17--Interior Secretary to Approve Oil Drilling in Arctic Refuge

“ The Trump administration is set to open the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska to oil drilling for the @ @ @ @ @ difficult to unwind the decision should Democrats recapture the White House in November , ” @ @ @ @ @ .


politicalwire--2020-08-17--South Carolina Senate Race Now Competitive

Cook Political Report : “ While there are still large hurdles that remain for Harrison to become the first Democrat @ @ @ @ @ South Carolina since 1998 , it ’ s clear this race is becoming more competitive @ @ @ @ @ incredibly strong challenge.
” “ In the races in our Likely Republican column , this @ @ @ @ @ national Republicans view as the more competitive .
We are moving South Carolina from Likely @ @ @ @ @

Cook Political Report: “While there are still large hurdles that remain for Harrison to become the first Democrat elected to the Senate from South Carolina since 1998, it’s clear this race is becoming more competitive, and Graham faces an incredibly strong challenge.”
“In the races in our Likely Republican column, this is also the one some national Republicans view as the more competitive. We are moving South Carolina from Likely to Lean Republican.”


politicalwire--2020-08-17--New Zealand Delays Election After New Outbreak

“ New Zealand delayed a national election by about a month after a coronavirus outbreak in its largest city of @ @ @ @ @ voters into lockdown , ” the Wall Street Journal reports .
“ The election , @ @ @ @ @ dominated by debate over the government ’ s response to the pandemic , will now @ @ @ @ @ , Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said Monday.
” Associated Press : “ The outbreak in @ @ @ @ @ city has grown to 58 infections .
”

“New Zealand delayed a national election by about a month after a coronavirus outbreak in its largest city of Auckland put a third of voters into lockdown,” the Wall Street Journal reports.
“The election, which was expected to be dominated by debate over the government’s response to the pandemic, will now be held on Oct. 17, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said Monday.”
Associated Press: “The outbreak in the nation’s largest city has grown to 58 infections.”


politicalwire--2020-08-17--Disconnected Students Are Being Left Behind

Washington Post : “ Before the pandemic , it was called ‘ the homework gap , ’ because of the @ @ @ @ @ assigned homework that required Internet access .
Now , as the pandemic forces many schools @ @ @ @ @ , disconnected students will miss more than homework .
They ’ ll miss all of @ @ @

Washington Post: “Before the pandemic, it was called ‘the homework gap,’ because of the growing number of teachers who assigned homework that required Internet access. Now, as the pandemic forces many schools to switch to remote learning, disconnected students will miss more than homework. They’ll miss all of school.”


politicalwire--2020-08-17--Markey Throws Shade at Kennedy Family

Markey Throws Shade at Kennedy Family

“ Sen .
Ed Markey is going where few Massachusetts Democrats have dared to go before .
He ’ s @ @ @ @ @ , Rep. Joe Kennedy III , he ’ s throwing shade at the Kennedy family @ @ @ @ @ equivalent of political royalty , ” Politico reports .
“ In an ever more contentious @ @ @ @ @ and the scion of one of the nation ’ s best-known dynasties , Markey is @ @ @ @ @ members by name , needling the wealth and privilege that attaches to the family name @ @ @ @ @ the Kennedy myth in his bid to fend off his youthful challenger .
”

“Sen. Ed Markey is going where few Massachusetts Democrats have dared to go before. He’s not only attacking his challenger, Rep. Joe Kennedy III, he’s throwing shade at the Kennedy family, the state’s equivalent of political royalty,” Politico reports.
“In an ever more contentious battle between a septuagenarian senator and the scion of one of the nation’s best-known dynasties, Markey is calling out specific Kennedy family members by name, needling the wealth and privilege that attaches to the family name, and even drawing from the Kennedy myth in his bid to fend off his youthful challenger.”


politicalwire--2020-08-17--How Many Ways to Say This Is Not Normal?

New York Times : “ That it is not normal for a president to employ transparently racist and sexist attacks .
Or pressure his attorney general to prosecute his foes with an election looming .
Or resist money for the Postal Service in order to stop people from voting by mail .
Or embrace a conspiracy theorist running for Congress .
Or condemn American cities to ‘ rot . '
” “ President Trump , of course , long ago redefined what constitutes normal in the White House , but with 77 days left in a campaign that polls show @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all the boundaries at once .
At the same time the champion of birtherism is again scraping the raw edges of America ’ s divisions over race , gender and national origin , he is propelling fringe ideas into mainstream conversation .
And now , running as the incumbent , he has levers of power available to help salvage a flagging campaign.
” “ Yet what once would have caused jaws to drop barely seems to register for long at this point because it is so quickly overshadowed by the next norm-busting statement @ @ @ @

New York Times: “That it is not normal for a president to employ transparently racist and sexist attacks. Or pressure his attorney general to prosecute his foes with an election looming. Or resist money for the Postal Service in order to stop people from voting by mail. Or embrace a conspiracy theorist running for Congress. Or condemn American cities to ‘rot.'”
“President Trump, of course, long ago redefined what constitutes normal in the White House, but with 77 days left in a campaign that polls show he is losing, he is pushing all the boundaries at once. At the same time the champion of birtherism is again scraping the raw edges of America’s divisions over race, gender and national origin, he is propelling fringe ideas into mainstream conversation. And now, running as the incumbent, he has levers of power available to help salvage a flagging campaign.”
“Yet what once would have caused jaws to drop barely seems to register for long at this point because it is so quickly overshadowed by the next norm-busting statement or action.”


politicalwire--2020-08-17--Democrats Begin Their All-Virtual Convention

Associated Press : “ Forced to abandon their in-person convention in Milwaukee because of the pandemic , Democrats begin their all-virtual affair on Monday night .
There will be no physical gathering place , no cheering audience , no balloons .
The program will consist of a series of online video addresses — roughly half of which will be prerecorded — that play out for two hours each night until Biden formally accepts the Democratic presidential nomination Thursday in a mostly empty Delaware ballroom.
” “ While that may sound underwhelming , the last hour of the speaking program each @ @ @ @ @ @ @ television and feature the Democratic Party ’ s elite : Barack Obama and Michelle Obama , Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton , Sen. Elizabeth Warren , Sen. Bernie Sanders and Mayor Pete Buttigieg .
Even a Republican former Gov .
John Kasich , will speak on Biden ’ s behalf.
” Washington Post : “ In two-hour nightly chunks , only one hour of which the broadcast networks have vowed to air , the live footage will be mixed in real time with a roughly equal share of prerecorded performances , mini-documentaries and @ @ @

Associated Press: “Forced to abandon their in-person convention in Milwaukee because of the pandemic, Democrats begin their all-virtual affair on Monday night. There will be no physical gathering place, no cheering audience, no balloons. The program will consist of a series of online video addresses — roughly half of which will be prerecorded — that play out for two hours each night until Biden formally accepts the Democratic presidential nomination Thursday in a mostly empty Delaware ballroom.”
“While that may sound underwhelming, the last hour of the speaking program each night will be broadcast live on network television and feature the Democratic Party’s elite: Barack Obama and Michelle Obama, Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Sen. Bernie Sanders and Mayor Pete Buttigieg. Even a Republican former Gov. John Kasich, will speak on Biden’s behalf.”
Washington Post: “In two-hour nightly chunks, only one hour of which the broadcast networks have vowed to air, the live footage will be mixed in real time with a roughly equal share of prerecorded performances, mini-documentaries and speeches.”
Vox: The all-virtual convention explained.


politicalwire--2020-08-17--Biden Heads Into Convention with Advantage

Politico : “ A spate of new polling conducted just before the back-to-back Democratic and Republican conventions , which kick @ @ @ @ @ that Biden ’ s advantage remains significant , though there are signs the race has @ @ @ @ @ the summer.
” “ While Biden ’ s lead has shrunk modestly , Trump has @ @ @ @ @ enough to markedly improve his underdog odds of winning reelection .
Any advantage he holds @ @ @ @ @ up an Electoral College majority — which allowed him to win the presidency four years @ @ @ @ @ fewer votes than Hillary Clinton — is insufficient to overcome his current deficit .
”

Politico: “A spate of new polling conducted just before the back-to-back Democratic and Republican conventions, which kick off on Monday, shows that Biden’s advantage remains significant, though there are signs the race has tightened slightly from earlier in the summer.”
“While Biden’s lead has shrunk modestly, Trump has not yet closed the gap enough to markedly improve his underdog odds of winning reelection. Any advantage he holds on the states that make up an Electoral College majority — which allowed him to win the presidency four years ago despite receiving 2.9 million fewer votes than Hillary Clinton — is insufficient to overcome his current deficit.”
The consensus electoral map shows Biden at 320 electoral votes.


politicalwire--2020-08-17--Trump Aides Trash Official for Wearing Mask

“ A select group of officials have grown increasingly frustrated with Deputy National Security Adviser Matt Pottinger—for putting on a @ @ @ @ @ outbreak was declared a pandemic , ” the Daily Beast reports .
“ Months later @ @ @ @ @ trash Pottinger behind closed doors for his decision to wear a mask at a time @ @ @ @ @ Donald Trump , and other senior administration officials chose to avoid wearing face coverings… Some @ @ @ @ @ viewed Pottinger ’ s mask-wearing as an indication that the deputy national security adviser was @ @ @ @ @ ”

“A select group of officials have grown increasingly frustrated with Deputy National Security Adviser Matt Pottinger—for putting on a mask shortly after the coronavirus outbreak was declared a pandemic,” the Daily Beast reports.
“Months later, these senior officials still trash Pottinger behind closed doors for his decision to wear a mask at a time when their boss, President Donald Trump, and other senior administration officials chose to avoid wearing face coverings… Some of those close to Trump viewed Pottinger’s mask-wearing as an indication that the deputy national security adviser was publicly challenging the president.”


politicalwire--2020-08-17--Iran Paid Bounties to Taliban for Targeting U.S. Troops

US intelligence agencies assessed that Iran offered bounties to Taliban fighters for targeting American and coalition troops in Afghanistan , @ @ @ @ @ least six attacks carried out by the militant group just last year alone , including @ @ @ @ @ US air base in December , CNN reports .

US intelligence agencies assessed that Iran offered bounties to Taliban fighters for targeting American and coalition troops in Afghanistan, identifying payments linked to at least six attacks carried out by the militant group just last year alone, including a suicide bombing at a US air base in December, CNN reports.


politicalwire--2020-08-17--Video Shows Melania Rejecting Donald’s Hand Again

Melania Trump has once again been caught on camera appearing to brush off attempts by her husband Donald to hold @ @ @


politicalwire--2020-08-17--Biden Keeps Double-Digit Lead

Biden Keeps Double-Digit Lead

A new ABC News/Washington Post poll finds Joe Biden holds a 12 percentage-point lead over Donald Trump among registered voters @ @ @ @ @ % , and a similar 10 points among likely voters , 54 % to 44 @ @ @ @ @ Just 14 % of Americans say the coronavirus pandemic is under control .

A new ABC News/Washington Post poll finds Joe Biden holds a 12 percentage-point lead over Donald Trump among registered voters, 53% to 41%, and a similar 10 points among likely voters, 54% to 44%.
Key finding: Just 14% of Americans say the coronavirus pandemic is under control.