politicalwire--2020-08-05--Steve Watkins Loses Primary In Kansas

Steve Watkins Loses Primary In Kansas

Rep. Steve Watkins ( R-KS ) , who was just indicted for voter fraud , has been defeated in a @ @ @ @ @ LaTurner ( R ) , according to Decision Desk .
Six incumbent congressmen have now @ @ @ @ @

Rep. Steve Watkins (R-KS), who was just indicted for voter fraud, has been defeated in a Republican primary challenge by Jake LaTurner (R), according to Decision Desk.
Six incumbent congressmen have now lost renomination this cycle.


politicalwire--2020-08-05--GOP Operative Helping Kanye West In Wisconsin

“ Kanye West has officially submitted signatures to appear on the ballot in Wisconsin , arguably the most important state @ @ @ @ @ and those signatures were dropped off by an experienced GOP operative , ” Vice News @ @ @ @ @ , who a local reporter recorded as she headed in to drop off the signatures @ @ @ @ @ his presidential bid in Wisconsin on Tuesday , is one of a handful of GOP @ @ @ @ @ — and a former legal counsel for the state Republican Party.
” New York Times @ @ @ @ @ ’ s bid to get on 2020 ballot .

“Kanye West has officially submitted signatures to appear on the ballot in Wisconsin, arguably the most important state on the presidential map — and those signatures were dropped off by an experienced GOP operative,” Vice News reports.
“Lane Ruhland, who a local reporter recorded as she headed in to drop off the signatures that would qualify West for his presidential bid in Wisconsin on Tuesday, is one of a handful of GOP election lawyers in the state — and a former legal counsel for the state Republican Party.”
New York Times: Republicans aid Kanye West’s bid to get on 2020 ballot.


politicalwire--2020-08-06--White House and Democrats ‘Trillions of Dollar Apart’

The Trump administration and Democrats have not agreed to any “ top-line numbers ” and remain “ trillions of dollars @ @ @ @ @ negotiations , Axios 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--2020-08-06--Facebook and Twitter Remove Trump Post

Facebook and Twitter Remove Trump Post

Facebook removed a video on President Trump ’ s page for spreading misinformation about the new coronavirus , NBC News @ @ @ @ @ Trump giving an interview on Fox News where he says children are “ almost immune @ @ @ @ @ ” to the new coronavirus as he argues for schools to reopen .
The Washington @ @ @ @ @ Trump until he removes the same post .

Facebook removed a video on President Trump’s page for spreading misinformation about the new coronavirus, NBC News reports.
The video showed Trump giving an interview on Fox News where he says children are “almost immune” or “virtually immune” to the new coronavirus as he argues for schools to reopen.
The Washington Post reports Twitter will ban Trump until he removes the same post.


politicalwire--2020-08-06--McConnell Defends Strategy Amid GOP Grumbling

Politico : “ Facing a deeply divided Senate GOP conference just three months before an election that could cost Republicans @ @ @ @ @ struggling to hold his members together as the White House and Democratic congressional leaders negotiate @ @ @ @ @ .
There are complaints about the plan pushed by McConnell , as well as questions @ @ @ @ @ get done this close to Nov. 3 .
For the first time in a while @ @ @ @ @ ’ s choices .
”

Politico: “Facing a deeply divided Senate GOP conference just three months before an election that could cost Republicans their majority, McConnell is struggling to hold his members together as the White House and Democratic congressional leaders negotiate a new coronavirus relief package. There are complaints about the plan pushed by McConnell, as well as questions over whether any deal can get done this close to Nov. 3. For the first time in a while, Republicans are questioning McConnell’s choices.”


politicalwire--2020-08-05--Trump’s Bank Was Subpoenaed In Criminal Inquiry

“ The New York prosecutors who are seeking President Trump ’ s tax records have also subpoenaed his longtime lender @ @ @ @ @ criminal investigation into Mr. Trump ’ s business practices is more wide-ranging than previously known @ @ @ @ @ Times reports .
“ The criminal investigation initially appeared to be focused on hush-money payments @ @ @ @ @ women who have said they had affairs with Mr. Trump.
” “ But in a @ @ @ @ @ prosecutors with the district attorney ’ s office cited ‘ public reports of possibly extensive @ @ @ @ @ the Trump Organization ’ and suggested that they were also investigating possible crimes involving bank @ @ @ @ @

“The New York prosecutors who are seeking President Trump’s tax records have also subpoenaed his longtime lender, a sign that their criminal investigation into Mr. Trump’s business practices is more wide-ranging than previously known,” the New York Times reports.
“The criminal investigation initially appeared to be focused on hush-money payments made in 2016 to two women who have said they had affairs with Mr. Trump.”
“But in a court filing this week, prosecutors with the district attorney’s office cited ‘public reports of possibly extensive and protracted criminal conduct at the Trump Organization’ and suggested that they were also investigating possible crimes involving bank and insurance fraud.”


politicalwire--2020-08-05--Rand Paul Says Republicans Should Apologize to Obama

Sen. Rand Paul ( R-KY ) tore into his fellow Republicans on Fox News for considering a coronavirus relief package @ @ @ @ @ $ 1 trillion .
Said Paul : “ I am very upset with my colleagues @ @ @ @ @ .
They should apologize now to President Obama for complaining he was spending and borrowing @ @ @ @ @ a piker compared to their borrowing and what they ’ re doing now.
” Axios @ @ @ @ @ comments , while tongue-in-cheek , underscore the divisions within the Senate Republican conference , where @ @ @ @ @ senators are likely to vote against any coronavirus relief bill — even if a deal @ @ @ @ @ Trump administration .
”

Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) tore into his fellow Republicans on Fox News for considering a coronavirus relief package that could cost more than $1 trillion.
Said Paul: “I am very upset with my colleagues. They went 8 years. They should apologize now to President Obama for complaining he was spending and borrowing too much. He was a piker compared to their borrowing and what they’re doing now.”
Axios: “Paul’s comments, while tongue-in-cheek, underscore the divisions within the Senate Republican conference, where as many as 20 GOP senators are likely to vote against any coronavirus relief bill — even if a deal is reached between Democrats and Trump administration.”


politicalwire--2020-08-05--Virus Testing Is Dropping In the U.S.

Virus Testing Is Dropping In the U.S.

“ U.S .
testing for the coronavirus is dropping even as infections remain high and the death toll rises by @ @ @ @ @ , a worrisome trend that officials attribute largely to Americans getting discouraged over having to @ @ @ @ @ test and days or weeks to learn the results , ” the AP reports .

“U.S. testing for the coronavirus is dropping even as infections remain high and the death toll rises by more than 1,000 a day, a worrisome trend that officials attribute largely to Americans getting discouraged over having to wait hours to get a test and days or weeks to learn the results,” the AP reports.


politicalwire--2020-08-05--Bonus Quote of the Day

Bonus Quote of the Day

“ You ’ ll never know who the winner is , but the winner ’ s going to be me.
@ @ @ @ @ quoted by CNN , while criticizing voting by mail .

“You’ll never know who the winner is, but the winner’s going to be me.”
— President Trump, quoted by CNN, while criticizing voting by mail.


politicalwire--2020-08-05--Meadows Warns No Deal If Not Reached by Friday

“ White House chief of staff Mark Meadows appeared to put a time limit on talks to reach a new @ @ @ @ @ relief package on Wednesday , saying if negotiators can ’ t reach an agreement by @ @ @ @ @ ’ t be able to do a deal , ” The Hill reports .
Said @ @ @ @ @ at this point we ’ re either going to get serious about negotiating and get @ @ @ @ @ I ’ ve become extremely doubtful that we ’ ll be able to make a @ @ @ @ @ beyond Friday .
”

“White House chief of staff Mark Meadows appeared to put a time limit on talks to reach a new deal on a congressional coronavirus relief package on Wednesday, saying if negotiators can’t reach an agreement by Friday, they likely won’t be able to do a deal,” The Hill reports.
Said Meadows: “I think at this point we’re either going to get serious about negotiating and get an agreement in principle or I’ve become extremely doubtful that we’ll be able to make a deal if it goes well beyond Friday.”


politicalwire--2020-08-05--Top GOP Super PAC Launches Senate Ad Blitz

“ Republicans ’ chief Senate super PAC is launching a new $ 21 million TV and radio ad buy in @ @ @ @ @ the party continues to fight to protect its majority against massive Democratic spending , ” @ @ @


politicalwire--2020-08-05--Fauci Says U.S. Has Worst Virus Outbreak

Dr. Anthony Fauci agreed that the United States has the worst coronavirus outbreak in the world , CNBC reports .
@ @ @ @ @ , it is quantitatively if you look at it , it is .
I mean @ @ @ @ @ lie.
” He added : “ Every country has suffered .
We , the United @ @ @ @ @ as much or worse than anyone .
I mean when you look at the number @ @ @ @ @ of deaths , it really is quite concerning .
”

Dr. Anthony Fauci agreed that the United States has the worst coronavirus outbreak in the world, CNBC reports.
Said Fauci: “Yeah, it is quantitatively if you look at it, it is. I mean the numbers don’t lie.”
He added: “Every country has suffered. We, the United States, has suffered … as much or worse than anyone. I mean when you look at the number of infections and the number of deaths, it really is quite concerning.”


politicalwire--2020-08-05--Trump Pushes for Earlier Debate

Trump Pushes for Earlier Debate

The Trump campaign is asking the Commission on Presidential Debates to move up the last presidential debate to the first @ @ @ @ @ ahead of an expected surge in early voting , Axios reports .
The letter also @ @ @ @ @ a fourth debate .

The Trump campaign is asking the Commission on Presidential Debates to move up the last presidential debate to the first week in September to get ahead of an expected surge in early voting, Axios reports.
The letter also asks the commission to add a fourth debate.


politicalwire--2020-08-05--Biden Heavily Favored to Win

Biden Heavily Favored to Win

With 90 days until the election , The Economist forecast currently gives Joe Biden a 97 % chance to win @ @ @ @ @ 88 % chance to win the electoral vote .


politicalwire--2020-08-05--Iowa Governor Restores Felon Voting Rights

“ Thousands of Iowans with felony convictions who have served their sentences will be allowed to vote in November ’ @ @ @ @ @ .
Kim Reynolds ( R ) signed an executive order Wednesday restoring their voting rights @ @ @ @ @ Register reports .


politicalwire--2020-08-05--African Americans May Be This Year’s Swing Voters

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

The following post for members is by Leonard Steinhorn, Professor of Communication and History at American University and a former political speechwriter.
What does the primary defeat of Rep. William Lacy Clay (D-MO) to Black Lives Matter activist Cori Bush say about the 2020 presidential election? Quite a lot, actually.


politicalwire--2020-08-05--Instagram Algorithm Favored Posts About Trump

“ For at least the last two months , a key Instagram feature , which algorithmically pushes users toward supposedly @ @ @ @ @ treating hashtags associated with President Trump and presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden in very @ @ @ @ @ News reports .
“ Earlier this week , a search on Instagram for # JoeBiden @ @ @ @ @ posts tagged with the former vice president ’ s name along with related hashtags selected @ @ @ @ @ algorithm .
Users searching Instagram for # JoeBiden might also see results for # joebiden2020 @ @ @ @ @ hashtags like # trump2020landslide and # democratsdestroyamerica.
” “ A similar search for # DonaldTrump @ @ @ @ @ , provided a totally different experience .
Besides showing 7 million posts tagged with the @ @ @ @ @ Instagram did not present any related hashtags that would have pushed users toward different content @ @ @ @ @ ”

“For at least the last two months, a key Instagram feature, which algorithmically pushes users toward supposedly related content, has been treating hashtags associated with President Trump and presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden in very different ways,” BuzzFeed News reports.
“Earlier this week, a search on Instagram for #JoeBiden would have surfaced nearly 390,000 posts tagged with the former vice president’s name along with related hashtags selected by the platform’s algorithm. Users searching Instagram for #JoeBiden might also see results for #joebiden2020, as well as pro-Trump hashtags like #trump2020landslide and #democratsdestroyamerica.”
“A similar search for #DonaldTrump on the platform, however, provided a totally different experience. Besides showing 7 million posts tagged with the president’s name, Instagram did not present any related hashtags that would have pushed users toward different content or promoted alternative viewpoints.”


politicalwire--2020-08-05--U.S. Hiring Slowed Dramatically

U.S. Hiring Slowed Dramatically

“ U.S .
businesses slowed their hiring dramatically in July , adding only 167,000 new workers to their private payrolls @ @ @ @ @ analysts ’ expectations that could add new urgency to stalled congressional talks over another round @ @ @ @ @ ” the Washington Post reports .
“ The numbers reported mark a significant departure from @ @ @ @ @ that some economists had predicted and a sharp falloff from hiring gains reported just a @ @ @ @ @ no sector of the U.S. economy untouched by the new slowdown .
”

“U.S. businesses slowed their hiring dramatically in July, adding only 167,000 new workers to their private payrolls — a steep drop from analysts’ expectations that could add new urgency to stalled congressional talks over another round of federal coronavirus relief,” the Washington Post reports.
“The numbers reported mark a significant departure from the roughly 1 million jobs that some economists had predicted and a sharp falloff from hiring gains reported just a month prior, with virtually no sector of the U.S. economy untouched by the new slowdown.”


politicalwire--2020-08-05--‘Is That Even Legal?’

‘Is That Even Legal?’

Sen. John Thune ( R-SD ) was skeptical President Trump could give his Republican convention acceptance speech at the White @ @ @ @ @ Said Thune : “ Is that even legal ?
I assume that ’ s not @ @ @ @ @ .
I assume there ’ s some Hatch Act issues or something .
I don @ @ @ @ @ to that but I haven ’ t , and I haven ’ t heard him @ @ @ @ @ think anything you do on federal property would seem to be problematic .
”

Sen. John Thune (R-SD) was skeptical President Trump could give his Republican convention acceptance speech at the White House, Politico reports.
Said Thune: “Is that even legal? I assume that’s not something that you could do. I assume there’s some Hatch Act issues or something. I don’t know the answer to that but I haven’t, and I haven’t heard him say that. But I think anything you do on federal property would seem to be problematic.”


politicalwire--2020-08-05--New York Requires Quarantine of Visitors from 35 States

Travelers from 35 states are now required to quarantine for 14 days when traveling to New York .
New Jersey @ @ @ @ @ York with the order .
The Wall Street Journal says New York City will set @ @ @ @ @ to enforce the quarantine order .
People caught violating the order could be fined up @ @ @ @

Travelers from 35 states are now required to quarantine for 14 days when traveling to New York.
New Jersey and Connecticut have joined New York with the order.
The Wall Street Journal says New York City will set up bridge and tunnel checkpoints to enforce the quarantine order. People caught violating the order could be fined up to $10,000.


politicalwire--2020-08-05--Lawsuit Aims to Block Mask Mandate at Polling Places

A group of voters backed by Republican legislators sued Minnesota Gov .
Tim Walz ( D ) “ and other @ @ @ @ @ in federal court , aiming to block a face mask requirement at polling places , @ @ @ @ @ reports .


politicalwire--2020-08-05--Biden Will Accept Nomination In Delaware

Joe Biden now plans to accept the Democratic Party ’ s presidential nomination in a Delaware speech — not in @ @ @ @ @ the plan for months , officials tell Bloomberg .
The Washington Post has a statement @ @ @ @ @ with public health officials and experts — who underscored the worsening coronavirus pandemic — the @ @ @ @ @ today speakers for the 2020 Democratic National Convention will no longer travel to Milwaukee , @ @ @ @ @ risking the health of our host community as well as the convention ’ s production @ @ @ @ @ community partners , media and others necessary to orchestrate the event .
”

Joe Biden now plans to accept the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination in a Delaware speech — not in Milwaukee, which had been the plan for months, officials tell Bloomberg.
The Washington Post has a statement: “After ongoing consultation with public health officials and experts — who underscored the worsening coronavirus pandemic — the Democratic National Convention Committee announced today speakers for the 2020 Democratic National Convention will no longer travel to Milwaukee, Wisconsin in order to prevent risking the health of our host community as well as the convention’s production teams, security officials, community partners, media and others necessary to orchestrate the event.”


politicalwire--2020-08-06--Why the United States Failed to Contain the Virus

New York Times : “ First , the United States faced longstanding challenges in confronting a major pandemic .
It @ @ @ @ @ the nexus of the global economy , with a tradition of prioritizing individualism over government @ @ @ @ @ one reason the United States suffers from an unequal health care system that has long @ @ @ @ @ including higher infant mortality and diabetes rates and lower life expectancy — than in most @ @ @ @ @ The second major theme is one that public health experts often find uncomfortable to discuss @ @ @ @ @ clear of partisan politics .
But many agree that the poor results in the United @ @ @ @ @ from the performance of the Trump administration .
”

New York Times: “First, the United States faced longstanding challenges in confronting a major pandemic. It is a large country at the nexus of the global economy, with a tradition of prioritizing individualism over government restrictions. That tradition is one reason the United States suffers from an unequal health care system that has long produced worse medical outcomes — including higher infant mortality and diabetes rates and lower life expectancy — than in most other rich countries.”
“The second major theme is one that public health experts often find uncomfortable to discuss because many try to steer clear of partisan politics. But many agree that the poor results in the United States stem in substantial measure from the performance of the Trump administration.”


politicalwire--2020-08-06--Democrats Lead In Key Senate Battlegrounds

New Data for Progress polls in four important Senate battlegrounds :

“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--2020-08-06--Trump Singles Out Florida and Texas for Coronavirus Help

“ President Trump agreed to continue paying for the full cost of National Guard troops deployed to help with the @ @ @ @ @ states — Texas and Florida — after their Republican governors appealed directly to him , @ @ @ @ @ Other states will now have to pay a quarter of the cost of National Guard @ @ @ @ @ despite their governors also requesting the federal government continue to foot the entire bill.
” @ @ @ @ @ Trump made an exception for Texas and Florida because their governors — who enjoy close @ @ @ @ @ “ special , direct cases to the President .
”

“President Trump agreed to continue paying for the full cost of National Guard troops deployed to help with the coronavirus response in just two states — Texas and Florida — after their Republican governors appealed directly to him,” CNN reports.
“Other states will now have to pay a quarter of the cost of National Guard deployments in their states, despite their governors also requesting the federal government continue to foot the entire bill.”
A White House official said Trump made an exception for Texas and Florida because their governors — who enjoy close relationships with Trump — made “special, direct cases to the President.”


politicalwire--2020-08-06--Giuliani Threatens to Abolish Debate Commission

Rudy Giuliani told Fox & Friends the Commission on Presidential Debates should be abolished if they refuse the Trump campaign @ @ @ @ @ a fourth debate to the schedule or move the first one to early September .


politicalwire--2020-08-06--The Was Always Going to Be an Unusual Election

Molly Ball : “ For four years , Trump has been the dominant force and inescapable fact not only of national politics but also of American life .
Now he finds himself displaced as the central character in his own campaign by a plague that answers to no calendar , ideology or political objective .
Just as the virus has changed the way adults report to offices and children go to school , upending whole industries in the process , it has spurred a massive shift in the fundamental act of American democracy : how we select the President who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s reign of destruction , dealing with its aftermath and shaping the nation that rises from its ashes .
And as with so many other changes wrought by the coronavirus , the practice of American politics may never be quite the same again.
” “ This was always going to be an unusual contest–the high-stakes re-election campaign of a historically divisive President at a pivotal moment for the nation , a referendum on his norm-shattering style and disruptive vision , a test for his scattered opposition to prove which side of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As the campaign enters its final three-month stretch , Trump trails badly in national and battleground-state polls as Americans give his dismal handling of the pandemic a failing grade .
But the end of Trump ’ s turbulent term will be written by the virus .
It startled us with its rise and spread in January and February , suspended normal life in March and April , and lulled many into complacency before whipsawing us again with its resurgence in June and July .
Who knows what kind of October surprise it may @ @ @ @ @

Molly Ball: “For four years, Trump has been the dominant force and inescapable fact not only of national politics but also of American life. Now he finds himself displaced as the central character in his own campaign by a plague that answers to no calendar, ideology or political objective. Just as the virus has changed the way adults report to offices and children go to school, upending whole industries in the process, it has spurred a massive shift in the fundamental act of American democracy: how we select the President who will be charged with ending the pandemic’s reign of destruction, dealing with its aftermath and shaping the nation that rises from its ashes. And as with so many other changes wrought by the coronavirus, the practice of American politics may never be quite the same again.”
“This was always going to be an unusual contest–the high-stakes re-election campaign of a historically divisive President at a pivotal moment for the nation, a referendum on his norm-shattering style and disruptive vision, a test for his scattered opposition to prove which side of a polarized political spectrum represents the mainstream. As the campaign enters its final three-month stretch, Trump trails badly in national and battleground-state polls as Americans give his dismal handling of the pandemic a failing grade. But the end of Trump’s turbulent term will be written by the virus. It startled us with its rise and spread in January and February, suspended normal life in March and April, and lulled many into complacency before whipsawing us again with its resurgence in June and July. Who knows what kind of October surprise it may have in store?”


politicalwire--2020-08-06--Obama’s Medicaid Expansion Keeps Gaining Ground

President Trump is still trying to overturn “ Obamacare , ” but his predecessor ’ s health care law keeps @ @ @ @ @ it was once unwelcome , the AP reports .
“ Missouri voters this week approved @ @ @ @ @ % to 47 % margin , making the conservative state the seventh to do so @ @ @ @ @ leaves only a dozen states opposed to using the federal-state health program for low-income people @ @ @ @ @ more adults , mainly people in jobs that don ’ t provide health care .
@

President Trump is still trying to overturn “Obamacare,” but his predecessor’s health care law keeps gaining ground in places where it was once unwelcome, the AP reports.
“Missouri voters this week approved Medicaid expansion by a 53% to 47% margin, making the conservative state the seventh to do so under Trump.”
“That leaves only a dozen states opposed to using the federal-state health program for low-income people as a vehicle for covering more adults, mainly people in jobs that don’t provide health care.”


politicalwire--2020-08-06--Clyburn Says Trump Is Trying to Cheat

Clyburn Says Trump Is Trying to Cheat

Rep. James Clyburn ( D-S.C. ) , the third-ranking House Democrat , told the Associated Press he believes President Trump @ @ @ @ @ “ fair , unfettered election.
” Said Clyburn : “ We ’ ve got bar @ @ @ @ @ stick of chewing gum in a grocery store and you are telling me that we @ @ @ @ @ to identify every ballot that goes out and certify it as it comes in ?
@ @ @ @ @ That ’ s what we ’ ve got to do .
Put the money in @ @ @ @ @ that we can have a fair , unfettered election .
This guy is trying to @ @ @ @ @ to prevent that from happening .
”

Rep. James Clyburn (D-S.C.), the third-ranking House Democrat, told the Associated Press he believes President Trump is trying to prevent a “fair, unfettered election.”
Said Clyburn: “We’ve got bar codes that can identify every stick of chewing gum in a grocery store and you are telling me that we cannot have bar codes to identify every ballot that goes out and certify it as it comes in? We can do this. That’s what we’ve got to do. Put the money in this budget. And so that we can have a fair, unfettered election. This guy is trying to do everything he possibly can to prevent that from happening.”


politicalwire--2020-08-06--Pence Calls John Roberts ‘a Disappointment’

Vice President Mike Pence ripped into Chief Justice John Roberts in an interview with CBN .
Said Pence : “ @ @ @ @ @ respect for the institution of the Supreme Court of the United States , but Chief @ @ @ @ @ a disappointment to conservatives , whether it be the Obamacare decision , or whether it @ @ @ @ @ decisions… It ’ s just , it ’ s a reminder… of just how important @ @ @ @ @ future of the Supreme Court .
”

Vice President Mike Pence ripped into Chief Justice John Roberts in an interview with CBN.
Said Pence: “Look, we have great respect for the institution of the Supreme Court of the United States, but Chief Justice John Roberts has been a disappointment to conservatives, whether it be the Obamacare decision, or whether it be a spate of recent decisions… It’s just, it’s a reminder… of just how important this election is for the future of the Supreme Court.”


politicalwire--2020-08-06--Trump Outraised Biden In July

Trump Outraised Biden In July

“ President Trump raised more money than Joe Biden in July , after falling behind his Democratic rival for two @ @ @ @ @ reports .
“ Trump ’ s campaign and the Republican National Committee reported that they @ @ @ @ @ month — an amount they said eclipsed any single month in all of 2016 .
@

“President Trump raised more money than Joe Biden in July, after falling behind his Democratic rival for two straight months,” Politico reports.
“Trump’s campaign and the Republican National Committee reported that they raised $165 million last month — an amount they said eclipsed any single month in all of 2016.”


politicalwire--2020-08-06--Emboldened Pelosi Takes a Hard Line

Emboldened Pelosi Takes a Hard Line

Politico : “ Pelosi is where she likes it best — slugging it out with Republicans on another record-breaking coronavirus relief package .
Now , even more than during her first go-round as speaker , Pelosi wields more power than anyone in the Capitol , even Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell ( R-KY ) .
And with Pelosi in firm control of her caucus and Democrats poised to do well in November , there ’ s no doubt she ’ ll vie for the speaker ’ s gavel another , possibly final , time later this year.
” Said Rep. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Just about anyone can lead during a sunny spring day , with the temperature at 75 degrees , but it takes a gifted person to lead during a hurricane , followed by a rock-sized hailstorm .
That ’ s what has happened.
” “ But the California Democrat is also taking a huge risk during the coronavirus aid talks as she remains almost entirely unyielding in her demands — even as negotiations drag on and millions of out-of-work Americans lose their federal aid .
Both she and Republicans risk overplaying their hands and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to retribution from angry voters in November .
”

Politico: “Pelosi is where she likes it best — slugging it out with Republicans on another record-breaking coronavirus relief package. Now, even more than during her first go-round as speaker, Pelosi wields more power than anyone in the Capitol, even Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY). And with Pelosi in firm control of her caucus and Democrats poised to do well in November, there’s no doubt she’ll vie for the speaker’s gavel another, possibly final, time later this year.”
Said Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO): “Just about anyone can lead during a sunny spring day, with the temperature at 75 degrees, but it takes a gifted person to lead during a hurricane, followed by a rock-sized hailstorm. That’s what has happened.”
“But the California Democrat is also taking a huge risk during the coronavirus aid talks as she remains almost entirely unyielding in her demands — even as negotiations drag on and millions of out-of-work Americans lose their federal aid. Both she and Republicans risk overplaying their hands and ending up with a stalemate that leads to retribution from angry voters in November.”


politicalwire--2020-08-06--Justices See Approval Rating Increase

Justices See Approval Rating Increase

“ The Supreme Court has its highest public approval rating in a decade , according to a new Gallup poll @ @ @ @ @ in which both liberals and conservatives could claim wins , ” the Washington Post reports @ @ @ @ @ of 58 % is the highest since 2009 , the polling organization said .
At @ @ @ @ @ are starker than ever , perhaps the most significant finding is that almost equal majorities @ @ @ @ @ ) , Republicans ( 60 % ) and independents ( 57 % ) approve of @ @ @ @ @ .
”

“The Supreme Court has its highest public approval rating in a decade, according to a new Gallup poll, after a consequential term in which both liberals and conservatives could claim wins,” the Washington Post reports.
“The approval rate of 58% is the highest since 2009, the polling organization said. At a time when partisan divides are starker than ever, perhaps the most significant finding is that almost equal majorities of Democrats (56%), Republicans (60%) and independents (57%) approve of the court’s performance.”


politicalwire--2020-08-06--The Great Retail Wash

The Great Retail Wash

“ A wave of defaults , bankruptcies and evictions expected in cities across the U.S. is poised to remake the @ @ @ @ @ , but there may be some upside for consumers and small businesses , ” Axios @ @


politicalwire--2020-08-06--State Department Traces Russian Disinformation

“ Russia continues to use a network of proxy websites to spread pro-Kremlin disinformation and propaganda in the United States @ @ @ @ @ West , according to a State Department report released on Wednesday , ” the New @ @ @ @ @ The report is one of the most detailed explanations yet from the Trump administration on @ @ @ @ @ but it largely avoids discussing how Moscow is trying to influence the current campaign .
@

“Russia continues to use a network of proxy websites to spread pro-Kremlin disinformation and propaganda in the United States and other parts of the West, according to a State Department report released on Wednesday,” the New York Times reports.
“The report is one of the most detailed explanations yet from the Trump administration on how Russia disseminates disinformation, but it largely avoids discussing how Moscow is trying to influence the current campaign.”


politicalwire--2020-08-07--Falwell Apologizes for Unzipped Pants Photo

Liberty University President Jerry Falwell Jr. said on Wednesday that he had apologized for posting a photo of him in @ @ @ @ @ a woman — but also defended the incident as a vacation “ costume party ” @ @ @ @ @ good fun , ” Politico reports .


politicalwire--2020-08-07--Advisers Hesitated to Give Trump Military Options

Amid escalating tensions with both North Korea and Iran , President Trump ’ s advisers hesitated to give him military @ @ @ @ @ accidentally take the US to war and deliberately informed their counterparts in both countries that @ @ @ @ @ the President would do next , CNN reports .
These accounts are contained in Jim @ @ @ @ @ , The Madman Theory : Trump Takes on the World .

Amid escalating tensions with both North Korea and Iran, President Trump’s advisers hesitated to give him military options fearing the President might accidentally take the US to war and deliberately informed their counterparts in both countries that they did not know what the President would do next, CNN reports.
These accounts are contained in Jim Sciutto’s new book, The Madman Theory: Trump Takes on the World.


politicalwire--2020-08-07--Hagerty Wins GOP Senate Nod In Tennessee

Former U.S .
Ambassador to Japan Bill Hagerty ( R ) won the Republican Senate primary in Tennessee , the @ @ @


politicalwire--2020-08-06--Model Now Predicts 300,000 Deaths In U.S.

“ Researchers behind an influential model are projecting that the US death toll from coronavirus could reach nearly 300,000 by @ @ @ @ @ can be changed if Americans consistently wear masks , ” CNN reports .


politicalwire--2020-08-06--DeSantis Says It’s Safe to Hug In Nursing Homes

Florida Gov .
Ron DeSantis ( R ) said that it was safe for visitors to nursing homes to hug @ @ @ @ @ they used personal protective equipment , contradicting medical experts , The Hill reports .
Said @ @ @ @ @ only fixate on testing … look , I ’ m comfortable with the PPE .
@ @ @ @ @ , I mean , come on .
If you have PPE on and you hug @ @ @ @ @ or do something on them , you ’ re going to be fine .
”

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) said that it was safe for visitors to nursing homes to hug family members as long as they used personal protective equipment, contradicting medical experts, The Hill reports.
Said DeSantis: “Do not only fixate on testing … look, I’m comfortable with the PPE. Hell, hug ’em, I mean, come on. If you have PPE on and you hug and don’t sneeze or do something on them, you’re going to be fine.”


politicalwire--2020-08-06--Saudi Crown Prince Accused of Ordering Assasination

“ A former top Saudi intelligence officer and close U.S. intelligence ally has accused Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of @ @ @ @ @ taking his children hostage because he has knowledge of damaging secrets about the prince ’ @ @ @ @ @ ” the Washington Post reports .


politicalwire--2020-08-06--What Were We Thinking?

What Were We Thinking?

A must-read out this fall : What Were We Thinking : A Brief Intellectual History of the Trump Era by @ @ @ @ @ Washington Post ’ s Pulitzer Prize–winning book critic uses the books of the Trump era @ @ @ @ @ to this presidency reflects the same failures of imagination that made it possible .
”

A must-read out this fall: What Were We Thinking: A Brief Intellectual History of the Trump Era by Carlos Lozada.
“The Washington Post’s Pulitzer Prize–winning book critic uses the books of the Trump era to argue that our response to this presidency reflects the same failures of imagination that made it possible.”


politicalwire--2020-08-06--Trump Approval Near All-Time Low

Trump Approval Near All-Time Low

A new Pew Research poll finds President Trump ’ s approval at a dismal 38 % to 59 % .
@ @ @ @ @ , 77 % currently say they approve of Trump ’ s performance ; only 5 @ @ @ @ @ leaners say the same .


politicalwire--2020-08-06--Trump Request for 4th Debate Rejected

Trump Request for 4th Debate Rejected

The Commission on Presidential Debates rejected the Trump campaign ’ s request to add a fourth debate in early September @


politicalwire--2020-08-06--Trump Says Biden Is ‘Against God’

Trump Says Biden Is ‘Against God’

President Trump claimed to a small crowd in Ohio that Joe Biden is “ against God.
” Said Trump : @ @ @ @ @ anything , hurt the Bible , hurt… God .
He ’ s against God , @ @ @ @ @ .
”


politicalwire--2020-08-06--Three Interesting Senate Races

Three Interesting Senate Races

New Quinnipiac polls of some interesting U.S. Senate races : Said pollster Tim Malloy : “ Big political names .
@ @ @ @ @ anxiety for the GOP .
Three GOP Senators who easily won their last reelection bids @ @ @ @ @ less than three months from Election Day .
”

New Quinnipiac polls of some interesting U.S. Senate races:
South Carolina: Graham 44%, Harrison 44%
Maine: Gideon 47%, Collins 43%
Kentucky: McConnell 49%, McGrath 44%
Said pollster Tim Malloy: “Big political names. Huge political stakes. High anxiety for the GOP. Three GOP Senators who easily won their last reelection bids are looking over their shoulders less than three months from Election Day.”


politicalwire--2020-08-06--Michael Cohen Has Offer to Be Political Consultant

Michael Cohen “ has been offered work as a consultant and to make media appearances for a political action committee @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Cohen also plans to have discussions with his editor and publisher ‘ as @ @ @ @ @ achieve his goal of publishing a book critical of Trump before November ’ s election @ @

Michael Cohen “has been offered work as a consultant and to make media appearances for a political action committee,” the AP reports.
“Cohen also plans to have discussions with his editor and publisher ‘as quickly as possible’ to achieve his goal of publishing a book critical of Trump before November’s election.”


politicalwire--2020-08-06--Biden Leads In Midwestern Battlegrounds

Biden Leads In Midwestern Battlegrounds

New polls from the Focus on Rural America :


politicalwire--2020-08-06--Whitmer Remains on Biden’s List

Whitmer Remains on Biden’s List

As Joe Biden appears set to begin holding final one-on-one conversations with potential running mates , sources close to the @ @ @ @ @ Michigan Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer ( D ) is among those still under serious consideration @


politicalwire--2020-08-06--Elliott Abrams to Replace Brian Hook as Iran Envoy

“ Brian Hook , the State Department ’ s special envoy for Iran and one of the few national security @ @ @ @ @ in the foreign policy team through most of President Trump ’ s term , plans @ @ @ @ @ is resigning his post , ” the New York Times reports .
“ Mr .
@ @ @ @ @ Elliott Abrams , a conservative foreign policy veteran and Iran hard-liner who is currently the @ @ @ @ @ representative for Venezuela .
”

“Brian Hook, the State Department’s special envoy for Iran and one of the few national security officials to survive the turmoil in the foreign policy team through most of President Trump’s term, plans to announce Thursday that he is resigning his post,” the New York Times reports.
“Mr. Hook will be succeeded by Elliott Abrams, a conservative foreign policy veteran and Iran hard-liner who is currently the State Department’s special representative for Venezuela.”


politicalwire--2020-08-06--Larry Summers Won’t Take Job In Biden Administration

Former Treasury Secretary Lawrence Summers , an adviser to Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden , says he won ’ t @ @ @ @ @ if the former vice president defeats President Trump in November , Bloomberg reports .
Said @ @ @ @ @ very , very happy being able to speak freely .
My time in government is @ @ @ @ @ as a free speaker is ahead of me .
”

Former Treasury Secretary Lawrence Summers, an adviser to Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden, says he won’t be joining the Biden administration if the former vice president defeats President Trump in November, Bloomberg reports.
Said Summers: “I am very, very happy being able to speak freely. My time in government is behind me and my time as a free speaker is ahead of me.”


DeWine Tests Positive

Ohio Gov .
Mike DeWine ( R ) announced that he tested positive but had no symptoms of covid-19 , @ @ @ @ @ the state , the Cleveland Plain Dealer 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…


One Billion Americans

An interesting book out next month : One Billion Americans : The Case for Thinking Bigger by Matthew Yglesias .
@ @ @ @ @ crisis in living memory has shown us anything , it ’ s that America has @ @ @ @ @ means to lead .
We can ’ t compete with the huge population clusters of @ @ @ @ @ our population static or letting it diminish , or with our crumbling transit and unaffordable @ @ @ @ @ the future world is going to have more—more ideas , more ambition , more utilization @ @ @ @ @ .
”

An interesting book out next month: One Billion Americans: The Case for Thinking Bigger by Matthew Yglesias.
“If the most challenging crisis in living memory has shown us anything, it’s that America has lost the will and the means to lead. We can’t compete with the huge population clusters of the global marketplace by keeping our population static or letting it diminish, or with our crumbling transit and unaffordable housing. The winner in the future world is going to have more—more ideas, more ambition, more utilization of resources, more people.”


politicalwire--2020-08-06--Trump Says Vaccine Could Be Ready by Election Day

President Trump said it was possible the United States would have a coronavirus vaccine before the November 3 election , @ @ @ @ @ timing put forth by his own White House health experts , Reuters reports .


politicalwire--2020-08-06--Pelosi Rips Republicans Over Relief Package Negotiations

Speaker Nancy Pelosi tore into her Republican colleagues for their approach to negotiating the next coronavirus relief package , telling @ @ @ @ @ mistook them for somebody who gives a damn .
”


politicalwire--2020-08-07--U.S. Economy Added 1.8 Million Jobs Last Month

“ The U.S. economy added 1.8 million jobs during the month of July , sending the unemployment rate down for @ @ @ @ @ a drop that fell in line with economist predictions and pointed to the recovery that @ @ @ @ @ up , ” the Washington Post reports .
“ The job additions were sizable , @ @ @ @ @ the labor market recovery is cooling .
In June , the economy added back 4.8 @ @ @ @ @ , the number of coronavirus cases began surging and some employers either paused hiring or @ @ @ @ @ laid off workers for a second time .
”

“The U.S. economy added 1.8 million jobs during the month of July, sending the unemployment rate down for the third straight month — a drop that fell in line with economist predictions and pointed to the recovery that began before infections started ticking up,” the Washington Post reports.
“The unemployment rate fell to 10.2 percent.”
“The job additions were sizable, but there are signs that the labor market recovery is cooling. In June, the economy added back 4.8 million jobs. In July, the number of coronavirus cases began surging and some employers either paused hiring or – in some cases – laid off workers for a second time.”


Campaigns Lawyer Up

Axios : “ The prospect of extended court fights over COVID-19-related voting changes , an absentee ballot avalanche , foreign @ @ @ @ @ has prompted a hire-all-the-lawyers binge by candidates and campaigns — not just in swing states @ @ @ @ @ ”


politicalwire--2020-08-07--Trump Fails to Stall Rape Accuser’s Lawsuit

“ President Trump can ’ t stall a defamation lawsuit filed by a New York advice columnist who claims he @ @ @ @ @ , a judge ruled , allowing the two sides to start digging for evidence , @ @ @ @ @ E .
Jean Carroll , who went public with her claims last year and sued @ @ @ @ @ a liar , will now seek to depose the president as well as get a @ @ @ @ @ compare with a sample on a dress the author said she wore at the time @ @ @ @ @ ”

“President Trump can’t stall a defamation lawsuit filed by a New York advice columnist who claims he raped her two decades ago, a judge ruled, allowing the two sides to start digging for evidence,” Bloomberg reports.
“E. Jean Carroll, who went public with her claims last year and sued Trump after he called her a liar, will now seek to depose the president as well as get a DNA test from him to compare with a sample on a dress the author said she wore at the time of the alleged attack.”


politicalwire--2020-08-07--Trump’s NDA Strategy May Be Unraveling

Trump’s NDA Strategy May Be Unraveling

“ For decades , Donald Trump has relied on broadly worded nondisclosure agreements as a powerful weapon against anyone who @ @ @ @ @ him .
Among those who have signed agreements are a porn star , two ex-wives @ @ @ @ @ , campaign workers and business associates , ” the Washington Post reports .
“ But @ @ @ @ @ ’ s corporate and political strategy has shown signs of unraveling , even as his @ @ @ @ @ such agreements.
” “ Now , in one of the most sweeping efforts by a @ @ @ @ @ agreements , the Trump campaign ’ s former Hispanic outreach director last week filed her @ @ @ @ @ suit to void all such campaign contracts .
She says they are so broad that @ @ @ @ @ Amendment right to say anything critical of the president — even as he routinely takes @ @ @ @ @ deride his critics .
”

“For decades, Donald Trump has relied on broadly worded nondisclosure agreements as a powerful weapon against anyone who would say something critical of him. Among those who have signed agreements are a porn star, two ex-wives, contestants on The Apprentice, campaign workers and business associates,” the Washington Post reports.
“But this key element of Trump’s corporate and political strategy has shown signs of unraveling, even as his campaign spends heavily to enforce such agreements.”
“Now, in one of the most sweeping efforts by a former associate to undo nondisclosure agreements, the Trump campaign’s former Hispanic outreach director last week filed her latest effort in a class-action suit to void all such campaign contracts. She says they are so broad that they deny individuals their First Amendment right to say anything critical of the president — even as he routinely takes to Twitter to mock and deride his critics.”


politicalwire--2020-08-07--Treasury Bond Investors Signal Bad Times Ahead

“ A collapse in real yields — the return that bond investors can expect once inflation is taken into account @ @ @ @ @ financial markets and driving record rallies in assets from gold to technology stocks , ” @ @ @ @ @ “ The yield on 10-year inflation-linked US government bonds , known as Tips , sank @ @ @ @ @ last week to a historic low , as investors bet that a surge in coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ to the world ’ s biggest economy — and that the Federal Reserve ’ s @ @ @ @ @ stir inflationary pressures.
” “ The deeply negative Tips yield implies that large chunks of @ @ @ @ @ to lose investors money , in real terms , over the next decade .
”

“A collapse in real yields — the return that bond investors can expect once inflation is taken into account — is rippling through global financial markets and driving record rallies in assets from gold to technology stocks,” the Financial Times reports.
“The yield on 10-year inflation-linked US government bonds, known as Tips, sank below minus 1 per cent last week to a historic low, as investors bet that a surge in coronavirus cases would prolong the damage to the world’s biggest economy — and that the Federal Reserve’s efforts to stimulate demand could stir inflationary pressures.”
“The deeply negative Tips yield implies that large chunks of the Treasury market are expected to lose investors money, in real terms, over the next decade.”


politicalwire--2020-08-07--Culture Wars Aren’t Working for Trump

Culture Wars Aren’t Working for Trump

Politico : “ The culture wars aren ’ t working for Donald Trump .
His law-and-order rhetoric isn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ One of his leading evangelical supporters , Jerry Falwell Jr. , was just photographed with @ @ @ @ @ isn ’ t provoking the response it did in 2016 , and NASCAR has spurned @ @ @ @ @ an attempt by a New York Democrat to take down the NRA — a lawsuit @ @ @ @ @ General Letitia James — looks unlikely to juice Trump ’ s reelection hopes .
”

Politico: “The culture wars aren’t working for Donald Trump. His law-and-order rhetoric isn’t registering with suburban voters. One of his leading evangelical supporters, Jerry Falwell Jr., was just photographed with his zipper down. Immigration isn’t provoking the response it did in 2016, and NASCAR has spurned the president.”
“Even an attempt by a New York Democrat to take down the NRA — a lawsuit announced Thursday by state Attorney General Letitia James — looks unlikely to juice Trump’s reelection hopes.”
Axios: Right-wing media defanged by dissolving anti-Biden storylines.


politicalwire--2020-08-07--Economic Recovery Could Stall Entirely Before Election

“ The U.S. job market recovery appears to be starting to stall , threatening President Donald Trump ’ s narrative @ @ @ @ @ and a quickly declining unemployment rate headed toward the November election , ” Politico reports @


politicalwire--2020-08-07--Democrats Pick Convention Speakers

Democrats Pick Convention Speakers

“ Bernie Sanders and John Kasich will share a night in the spotlight , and both Clintons are slated to @ @ @ @ @ the all-virtual Democratic National Convention in less than two weeks , ” Politico reports .
@ @ @ @ @ been tapped for coveted speaking slots during an event that ’ s been shrunk down @ @ @ @ @ four nights are Elizabeth Warren , Kamala Harris , and Jill Biden .
And it @ @ @ @ @ party ’ s two most popular figures , Barack and Michelle Obama , will be @ @ @ @ @ source said Kasich — the former Republican governor of Ohio and a major critic of @ @ @ @ @ appear on the same night as Sanders early in the week in a demonstration of @ @ @ @ @ be designed to showcase a broad anti-Trump coalition that is backing Biden .
”

“Bernie Sanders and John Kasich will share a night in the spotlight, and both Clintons are slated to have prominent speaking roles at the all-virtual Democratic National Convention in less than two weeks,” Politico reports.
“Others who’ve been tapped for coveted speaking slots during an event that’s been shrunk down to eight prime-time hours over four nights are Elizabeth Warren, Kamala Harris, and Jill Biden. And it goes without saying that the party’s two most popular figures, Barack and Michelle Obama, will be featured prominently.”
“One source said Kasich — the former Republican governor of Ohio and a major critic of President Donald Trump — would appear on the same night as Sanders early in the week in a demonstration of unity. The duo would be designed to showcase a broad anti-Trump coalition that is backing Biden.”


politicalwire--2020-08-07--Kanye West Admits He’s Trying to Be a Spoiler

Amid various reports that Trump-affiliated political operatives are trying to get Kanye West onto various state ballots for the presidential @ @ @ @ @ indicated to Forbes that he was in fact running to siphon votes from Joe Biden @ @ @ @ @ , West said that rather than running for president , he was “ walking.
” @ @ @ @ @ that he actually won ’ t be on enough ballots to yield 270 electoral votes @ @ @ @ @ a spoiler , West replied : “ I ’ m not going to argue with @ @ @ @ @ .
”

Amid various reports that Trump-affiliated political operatives are trying to get Kanye West onto various state ballots for the presidential election, the rap superstar indicated to Forbes that he was in fact running to siphon votes from Joe Biden.
Asked about that directly, West said that rather than running for president, he was “walking.”
When it was pointed out that he actually won’t be on enough ballots to yield 270 electoral votes and thus was serving as a spoiler, West replied: “I’m not going to argue with you. Jesus is King.”


politicalwire--2020-08-07--Trump Announces TikTok Ban

Trump Announces TikTok Ban

President Trump has signed a new executive order which will block all transactions with Chinese tech firm Bytedance , TikTok @ @ @ @ @ in an effort to “ address the national emergency with respect to the information and @ @ @ @ @ ” The Verge reports .
It isn ’ t effectively immediately , but has a @ @ @ @ @ reports a separate executive order with the same conditions was also issued to WeChat , @ @ @ @ @ Trump asserted in his order that the apps “ capture vast swaths of information from @ @ @ @ @ data collection “ allows the Chinese Communist Party access to Americans ’ personal and proprietary @ @

President Trump has signed a new executive order which will block all transactions with Chinese tech firm Bytedance, TikTok’s parent corporation, in an effort to “address the national emergency with respect to the information and communication technology supply chain,” The Verge reports.
It isn’t effectively immediately, but has a 45 day deadline.
Politico reports a separate executive order with the same conditions was also issued to WeChat, another Chinese-owned smartphone app.
Trump asserted in his order that the apps “capture vast swaths of information from its users” and their data collection “allows the Chinese Communist Party access to Americans’ personal and proprietary information.“


politicalwire--2020-08-07--Kanye West Missed Deadline for Wisconsin Ballot

Kanye West may have filed to appear on Wisconsin ’ s presidential ballot several minutes after the Tuesday deadline , @ @ @ @ @ .
A local news reporter present at the scene tweeted that West ’ s lawyer @ @ @ @ @ after 5 .
”

Kanye West may have filed to appear on Wisconsin’s presidential ballot several minutes after the Tuesday deadline, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.
A local news reporter present at the scene tweeted that West’s lawyer entered the building “just after 5.”


politicalwire--2020-08-07--Second Test Finds DeWine Now Tests Negative

“ After an earlier rapid coronavirus test returned a positive result for Ohio Gov .
Mike DeWine ( R ) @ @ @ @ @ for DeWine and members of his staff all have come back negative , ” the @ @ @ @ @ “ The second round of testing was performed through a more sensitive test called a @ @ @ @ @ PCR test , which detects genetic material from the new coronavirus… The earlier test , @ @ @ @ @ greet President Trump in Cleveland , delivers rapid results by testing the blood for antigens @ @ @ @ @ unproven technology .
”

“After an earlier rapid coronavirus test returned a positive result for Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine (R), a second coronavirus test for DeWine and members of his staff all have come back negative,” the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.
“The second round of testing was performed through a more sensitive test called a polymerase chain reaction, or PCR test, which detects genetic material from the new coronavirus… The earlier test, administered as DeWine traveled to greet President Trump in Cleveland, delivers rapid results by testing the blood for antigens, but is a relatively unproven technology.”


politicalwire--2020-08-08--Whitmer Met with Biden

Whitmer Met with Biden

Michigan Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer ( D ) traveled to Delaware last weekend to meet with Joe Biden , the @ @ @ @ @ s first known in-person session with a potential running mate as he nears a decision @ @ @ @ @


politicalwire--2020-08-08--Trump Will Make Order That Already Exists

“ President Trump announced on Friday he will pursue an executive order requiring insurance companies to cover pre-existing conditions , @ @ @ @ @ , ” Axios reports.. “ The Affordable Care Act already requires insurers to cover pre-existing @ @ @ @ @ is currently arguing in a case before the Supreme Court to strike down that very @ @ @ @ @ condition protections .
”

“President Trump announced on Friday he will pursue an executive order requiring insurance companies to cover pre-existing conditions, something that is already law,” Axios reports..
“The Affordable Care Act already requires insurers to cover pre-existing conditions. The Trump administration is currently arguing in a case before the Supreme Court to strike down that very law — including its pre-existing condition protections.”


politicalwire--2020-08-08--Trump Tries to Get Advantage Through Debates

“ President Trump ’ s efforts to influence the timing and makeup of this fall ’ s presidential debates , @ @ @ @ @ events with the power to shift the trajectory of the campaign , have been rejected @ @ @ @ @ debate commission and the Biden campaign showing no interest in altering course , ” the @ @ @ @ @ But that has not stopped Trump from trying to gain advantage by making the debates @ @ @ @ @ he and his advisers circulate unfounded claims that Joe Biden may try to dodge the @ @ @ @ @ Democrat may try to cheat by using notes if the sessions are held virtually .
@

“President Trump’s efforts to influence the timing and makeup of this fall’s presidential debates, some of the last planned events with the power to shift the trajectory of the campaign, have been rejected, with both the independent debate commission and the Biden campaign showing no interest in altering course,” the Washington Post reports.
“But that has not stopped Trump from trying to gain advantage by making the debates a top-tier issue, as he and his advisers circulate unfounded claims that Joe Biden may try to dodge the events and suggest that the Democrat may try to cheat by using notes if the sessions are held virtually.”


politicalwire--2020-08-08--Joe Arpaio Loses Arizona Primary

Joe Arpaio Loses Arizona Primary

“ Joe Arpaio , the bellicose former Arizona sheriff whose harsh immigration tactics earned him international notoriety , narrowly lost @ @ @ @ @ tried to regain his old office in Maricopa County , ” the New York Times @ @


politicalwire--2020-08-07--Falwell Agrees to Leave of Absence

Falwell Agrees to Leave of Absence

Jerry Falwell Jr. will take an indefinite leave of absence from Liberty University after posting a racy photo to social @ @ @ @ @ his pants were unzipped , his midriff was out , and he is standing next @ @ @ @ @ glass of dark liquid , the Washington Post reports .
Axios : “ The picture @ @ @ @ @ deleted , drew backlash and charges of hypocrisy from conservative political figures because the university @ @ @ @ @ prohibits students from having ‘ sexual relations outside of a biblically-ordained marriage , ’ and @ @ @ @ @ appropriateness ’ and ‘ modesty . '
” New York Times : “ Students from @ @ @ @ @ the photo on social media .
Several pointed out that it was in direct violation @ @ @ @ @ code of conduct .
”

Jerry Falwell Jr. will take an indefinite leave of absence from Liberty University after posting a racy photo to social media from his vacation where his pants were unzipped, his midriff was out, and he is standing next to a woman holding a glass of dark liquid, the Washington Post reports.
Axios: “The picture, which has since been deleted, drew backlash and charges of hypocrisy from conservative political figures because the university’s honor code strictly prohibits students from having ‘sexual relations outside of a biblically-ordained marriage,’ and recommends they dress with ‘appropriateness’ and ‘modesty.'”
New York Times: “Students from Liberty University expressed outrage about the photo on social media. Several pointed out that it was in direct violation of the school’s code of conduct.”


politicalwire--2020-08-07--Stimulus Talks Falter Again

Stimulus Talks Falter Again

“ Crisis negotiations between the White House and top Democrats teetered on the brink of collapse on Friday , as @ @ @ @ @ deeply divided on an economic recovery package and President Trump ’ s advisers said they @ @ @ @ @ Congress and act on his own to provide relief , ” the New York Times @ @ @ @ @ not clear what power Mr. Trump might have to move unilaterally to extend jobless aid @ @ @ @ @ money as he sees fit , since Congress controls spending.
” Trump , on Twitter @ @ @ @ @ to extract “ Bailout Money for poorly run Democrat cities and states ” as part @ @ @ @

“Crisis negotiations between the White House and top Democrats teetered on the brink of collapse on Friday, as both sides said they remained deeply divided on an economic recovery package and President Trump’s advisers said they would recommend that he bypass Congress and act on his own to provide relief,” the New York Times reports.
“It was not clear what power Mr. Trump might have to move unilaterally to extend jobless aid or otherwise redirect federal relief money as he sees fit, since Congress controls spending.”
Trump, on Twitter, accused Democrats of trying to extract “Bailout Money for poorly run Democrat cities and states” as part of the talks.


politicalwire--2020-08-07--China Wants Trump to Lose, Russia Wants Trump to Win

A top intelligence official said in a statement that the government of China prefers that President Trump not win reelection @ @ @ @ @ incumbent as “ unpredictable , ” the Washington Post reports .
Meanwhile , the same @ @ @ @ @ Joe Biden : “ We assess that Russia is using a range of measures to @ @ @ @ @ Biden and what it sees as an anti-Russia ‘ establishment .
’ ”

A top intelligence official said in a statement that the government of China prefers that President Trump not win reelection in November, seeing the incumbent as “unpredictable,” the Washington Post reports.
Meanwhile, the same report says Russia wants diminish Joe Biden: “We assess that Russia is using a range of measures to primarily denigrate former vice president Biden and what it sees as an anti-Russia ‘establishment.’”


politicalwire--2020-08-07--Pompeo Warned Russia Over Bounties on U.S. Troops

“ Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has warned Russia ’ s foreign minister against Moscow paying bounties to Taliban-linked militants @ @ @ @ @ killing American service members , ” the New York Times reports .
“ Mr .
@ @ @ @ @ the first known rebuke from a senior American official to Russia over the bounties program @ @ @ @ @ to President Trump ’ s insistence that the intelligence from U.S. government agencies over the @ @ @ @ @ . '
”

“Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has warned Russia’s foreign minister against Moscow paying bounties to Taliban-linked militants and other Afghan fighters for killing American service members,” the New York Times reports.
“Mr. Pompeo’s warning is the first known rebuke from a senior American official to Russia over the bounties program, and it runs counter to President Trump’s insistence that the intelligence from U.S. government agencies over the matter is a ‘hoax.'”


politicalwire--2020-08-07--Republicans On Track to Lose Seats In House

Just for members : The new edition of Inside Elections .
With President Trump struggling to recapture his 2016 magic @ @ @ @ @ Republicans down the ballot .
That includes the House , where Republicans are not only @ @ @ @ @ the majority but are now likely to lose more seats .
This issue includes updated @ @ @ @ @ districts and rating changes in 29 races — with 27 moving toward Democrats — along @ @ @ @ @ to watch for an upset .
The edition also includes updates on the Senate races @ @ @ @ @ If you ’ re not yet a member , sign up for an Annual or @ @ @ @ @ and many more benefits .
Gift Memberships are also available .

“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--2020-08-07--Senate Candidate Wrote Book with Racist Tropes

Georgia Senate candidate Matt Lieberman ( D ) “ wrote and self-published a deeply bizarre novel in 2018 , featuring @ @ @ @ @ that for most of his life he owned an imaginary slave who could communicate with @ @ @ @ @ the HuffPost reports .
Lieberman , son of former Sen. Joe Lieberman , is running @ @ @ @ @ to replace Sen. Johnny Isakson ( R ) , who retired in 2018 .

Georgia Senate candidate Matt Lieberman (D) “wrote and self-published a deeply bizarre novel in 2018, featuring a main character who believes that for most of his life he owned an imaginary slave who could communicate with plants and animals,” the HuffPost reports.
Lieberman, son of former Sen. Joe Lieberman, is running in the all-party special election to replace Sen. Johnny Isakson (R), who retired in 2018.


politicalwire--2020-08-07--White House Rejects $2 Trillion Relief Bill

“ Democratic leaders said Friday that the White House rejected an offer for a roughly $ 2 trillion coronavirus relief @ @ @ @ @ reports .
“ Democrats offered to reduce their $ 3.4 trillion price tag by $ @ @ @ @ @ agree to raise their roughly $ 1 trillion package by the same amount .
That @ @ @ @ @ split the difference between the two sides , would result in legislation costing between $ @ @ @ @ @ trillion.
” Said Speaker Nancy Pelosi : “ ‘ We ’ ll take down a @ @ @ @ @ a trillion in.
’ They said absolutely not .
”

“Democratic leaders said Friday that the White House rejected an offer for a roughly $2 trillion coronavirus relief package,” The Hill reports.
“Democrats offered to reduce their $3.4 trillion price tag by $1 trillion if Republicans would agree to raise their roughly $1 trillion package by the same amount. That strategy, effectively trying to split the difference between the two sides, would result in legislation costing between $2 trillion and $2.4 trillion.”
Said Speaker Nancy Pelosi: “‘We’ll take down a trillion, if you add a trillion in.’ They said absolutely not.”


politicalwire--2020-08-07--Cuomo Clears Way for Schools to Reopen

Cuomo Clears Way for Schools to Reopen

Gov .
Andrew Cuomo said all New York schools can reopen because of the state ’ s low coronavirus infection @ @ @ @ @ Journal reports .
“ Mr .
Cuomo ’ s highly anticipated decision clears the way @ @ @ @ @ the largest school district in the nation , to go forward with its plans to @ @ @ @ @ optional in-person classes and remote-learning instruction in the fall.
” Said Cuomo : “ We @ @ @ @ @ in the country .
If any state can do it , this state can do @ @ @

Gov. Andrew Cuomo said all New York schools can reopen because of the state’s low coronavirus infection rate, the Wall Street Journal reports.
“Mr. Cuomo’s highly anticipated decision clears the way for New York City, the largest school district in the nation, to go forward with its plans to offer students a hybrid of optional in-person classes and remote-learning instruction in the fall.”
Said Cuomo: “We have the best infection situation in the country. If any state can do it, this state can do it.”


politicalwire--2020-08-07--Postal Chief Denies Slowing Election Mail

“ The head of the United States Postal Service on Friday denied claims he was sabotaging election mail on behalf @ @ @ @ @ large delivery delays spark fears of a voting crisis associated with an increase in mail-in @ @ @ @ @ .


politicalwire--2020-08-07--GOP Women Warn of ‘Gender Chasm’

GOP Women Warn of ‘Gender Chasm’

“ A growing number of Republican women are sounding the alarm about continuing loss of support for President Trump and @ @ @ @ @ ahead of the November election , warning that the party is in danger of permanently @ @ @ @ @ ’ t change course , ” the Washington Post reports .
“ Trump ’ s @ @ @ @ @ pandemic and move to inflame nationwide racial tensions are exacerbating an already precarious situation .
@

“A growing number of Republican women are sounding the alarm about continuing loss of support for President Trump and the GOP among female voters ahead of the November election, warning that the party is in danger of permanently alienating women if it doesn’t change course,” the Washington Post reports.
“Trump’s flailing response to the coronavirus pandemic and move to inflame nationwide racial tensions are exacerbating an already precarious situation.”


politicalwire--2020-08-07--Over 300 DNC Delegates Push Biden to Pick Karen Bass

More than 300 delegates to the Democratic National Convention and members of the Democratic National Committee have signed on to @ @ @ @ @ to choose Rep. Karen Bass as a “ unity ” vice presidential pick , Politico @ @


politicalwire--2020-08-07--Ousted Trump Aide Has New Book

Ousted Trump Aide Has New Book

Out next week : Off the Record : My Dream Job at the White House , How I Lost It @ @ @ @ @ by Madeleine Westerhout .
Washington Examiner : “ A former personal aide to President Trump @ @ @ @ @ after dishing personal stories about his family in an ‘ off-the-record ’ dinner with reporters @ @ @ @ @ vengeance , ripping the media ’ s ethics and promising to work hard to help @ @ @ @ @ Still shaken by her blunder , Westerhout is mounting a comeback with the book that @ @ @ @ @ story and seeks to make amends with those she disappointed and angered , including Trump @ @ @ @ @ had two other calls since she lost her job a year ago .
”

Out next week: Off the Record: My Dream Job at the White House, How I Lost It, and What I Learned by Madeleine Westerhout.
Washington Examiner: “A former personal aide to President Trump, forced out last year after dishing personal stories about his family in an ‘off-the-record’ dinner with reporters, is back with a vengeance, ripping the media’s ethics and promising to work hard to help reelect the president.”
“Still shaken by her blunder, Westerhout is mounting a comeback with the book that tells her side of the story and seeks to make amends with those she disappointed and angered, including Trump, with whom she has had two other calls since she lost her job a year ago.”


politicalwire--2020-08-07--Trump Campaign Apologized to CNN

Trump Campaign Apologized to CNN

CNN ’ s Brianna Keilar had a “ major-league slugfest ” of an interview with Trump campaign adviser Mercedes Schlapp @ @ @ @ @ back with an op-ed attacking Keilar — and her husband .
But Schlapp , who @ @ @ @ @ of being “ a ferocious opponent of the president , ” was apparently wrong in @ @ @ @ @ fire : “ Get your facts straight .
And don ’ t mess with my @ @ @ @ @ “ On Thursday evening the highest levels of the Trump campaign conveyed apologies to the @ @ @ @ @ ”

CNN’s Brianna Keilar had a “major-league slugfest” of an interview with Trump campaign adviser Mercedes Schlapp, and Schlapp later fired back with an op-ed attacking Keilar — and her husband.
But Schlapp, who accused Keilar’s husband of being “a ferocious opponent of the president,” was apparently wrong in her facts and Keilar returned fire: “Get your facts straight. And don’t mess with my family.”
Brian Stelter: “On Thursday evening the highest levels of the Trump campaign conveyed apologies to the highest levels of CNN.”


politicalwire--2020-08-07--Fauci Won’t Comment on Mail Voting

Fauci Won’t Comment on Mail Voting

Dr. Anthony Fauci declined to tell the Washington Post if mail-in voting should be used as a public health measure @ @ @ @ @ saying his statement would “ almost certainly be used as a soundbite.
” He added @ @ @ @ @ a sport now in Washington to pit me against the president and I don ’ @ @ @ @ @ that .
But someone will take a quote and , bingo , it ’ ll @ @ @ @ @ and I don ’ t want to do that .
”

Dr. Anthony Fauci declined to tell the Washington Post if mail-in voting should be used as a public health measure amid the coronavirus pandemic, saying his statement would “almost certainly be used as a soundbite.”
He added: “It’s a sport now in Washington to pit me against the president and I don’t really want to do that. But someone will take a quote and, bingo, it’ll be me against the president and I don’t want to do that.”


politicalwire--2020-08-07--House Democrats Can Sue to Force McGahn to Testify

A federal appeals court ruled that House Democrats can sue to force former White House counsel Donald McGahn to comply @ @ @ @ @ the Washington Post reports .
Wall Street Journal : “ Friday ’ s decision , @ @ @ @ @ the appeals court , replaces a prior three-judge panel ruling from the same court that @ @ @ @ @ on the grounds that the judiciary should not referee the dispute.
” “ While the @ @ @ @ @ for the House , it doesn ’ t fully clear the way for the Judiciary @ @ @ @ @ because Mr. McGahn has additional legal arguments that haven ’ t been resolved .
”

A federal appeals court ruled that House Democrats can sue to force former White House counsel Donald McGahn to comply with a congressional subpoena, the Washington Post reports.
Wall Street Journal: “Friday’s decision, by the full membership of the appeals court, replaces a prior three-judge panel ruling from the same court that declined to enforce the subpoena on the grounds that the judiciary should not referee the dispute.”
“While the ruling removes a major hurdle for the House, it doesn’t fully clear the way for the Judiciary Committee to enforce the subpoena because Mr. McGahn has additional legal arguments that haven’t been resolved.”


politicalwire--2020-08-07--Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day

“ I didn ’ t understand that he didn ’ t do anything .
Basically , we all knew he @ @ @ @ @ he was our asshole .
Because I was his niece , I didn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ he was with women .
It was really easy not to know some of the @ @ @ @ @ away with .
Even then , it was clear he was not a competent person.
@ @ @ @ @ in an interview with the Financial Times , saying she didn ’ t really understand @ @ @ @ @ , until she was in her twenties .

“I didn’t understand that he didn’t do anything. Basically, we all knew he was an asshole, but he was our asshole. Because I was his niece, I didn’t know until then how horrible he was with women. It was really easy not to know some of the horrific things he was getting away with. Even then, it was clear he was not a competent person.”
— Mary Trump, in an interview with the Financial Times, saying she didn’t really understand her uncle, Donald Trump, until she was in her twenties.


politicalwire--2020-08-09--Trump Abruptly Ends News Conference

Trump Abruptly Ends News Conference

President Trump got frustrated when Paula Reid of CBS News kept asking him a question about why he keeps lying @ @ @ @ @ was passed in 2014 , not during Trump ’ s term — and then abruptly @ @ @ @ @

President Trump abruptly ended a Saturday news conference after a reporter challenged him on a lie about veterans health care he has told more than 150 times, CNN reports.
Trump had claimed again that he is the one who got the Veterans Choice program passed — adding, “They’ve been trying to get that passed for decades and decades and decades and no president’s ever been able to do it, and we got it done.”
In fact, former President Barack Obama signed the Choice program into law in 2014.


politicalwire--2020-08-09--Trump Wanted to Be Added to Mount Rushmore

“ Since the first days after she was elected governor of South Dakota in 2018 , Kristi Noem had been @ @ @ @ @ Trump would come to Mount Rushmore for a fireworks-filled July 4 extravaganza , ” the @ @ @ @ @ “ After all , the president had told her in the Oval Office that he @ @ @ @ @ etched on the monument .
And last year , a White House aide reached out @ @ @ @ @ office with a question , according to a Republican official familiar with the conversation : @ @ @ @ @ to add additional presidents to Mount Rushmore ?
”

“Since the first days after she was elected governor of South Dakota in 2018, Kristi Noem had been working to ensure that President Trump would come to Mount Rushmore for a fireworks-filled July 4 extravaganza,” the New York Times reports.
“After all, the president had told her in the Oval Office that he aspired to have his image etched on the monument. And last year, a White House aide reached out to the governor’s office with a question, according to a Republican official familiar with the conversation: What’s the process to add additional presidents to Mount Rushmore?”


politicalwire--2020-08-09--Biden Calls Trump Order ‘Reckless War’ on Social Security

Joe Biden called President Trump ’ s executive order to cut payroll taxes “ a reckless war on Social Security @ @ @ @ @ .
Said Biden : “ He is laying out his roadmap to cutting Social Security @ @ @ @ @ of Americans with disabilities are under enough stress without Trump putting their hard-earned Social Security @ @ @ @ @


politicalwire--2020-08-08--Legal Battles Will Begin When Voting Ends

“ The stormy once-in-a-lifetime Florida recount battle that polarized the nation in 2000 and left the Supreme Court to decide @ @ @ @ @ like a high school student council election compared with what could be coming after this @ @ @ @ @ ” the New York Times reports .
“ Imagine not just another Florida , but @ @ @ @ @ just one set of lawsuits but a vast array of them .
And instead of @ @ @ @ @ of sight and leaving the fight to surrogates , a sitting president of the United @ @ @ @ @ blasts from the Oval Office while seeking ways to use the power of his office @ @ @ @ @ possibility of an ugly November — and perhaps even December and January — has emerged @ @ @ @ @ as President Trump complains that the election will be rigged and Democrats accuse him of @ @ @ @ @ self-fulfilling prophesy .
”

“The stormy once-in-a-lifetime Florida recount battle that polarized the nation in 2000 and left the Supreme Court to decide the presidency may soon look like a high school student council election compared with what could be coming after this November’s election,” the New York Times reports.
“Imagine not just another Florida, but a dozen Floridas. Not just one set of lawsuits but a vast array of them. And instead of two restrained candidates staying out of sight and leaving the fight to surrogates, a sitting president of the United States unleashing ALL CAPS Twitter blasts from the Oval Office while seeking ways to use the power of his office to intervene.”
“The possibility of an ugly November — and perhaps even December and January — has emerged more starkly in recent days as President Trump complains that the election will be rigged and Democrats accuse him of trying to make that a self-fulfilling prophesy.”


politicalwire--2020-08-08--250,000 Bikers Roll Into Sturgis, South Dakota

Sioux Falls Argus Leader : “ The rally could become one of the largest public gatherings since the pandemic began @ @ @ @ @ people from all over the country to make their way through Sturgis during the 10-day @ @ @ @ @ roughly half the number of previous years , but local residents — and a few @ @ @ @ @ crowds could create a ‘ super-spreader ’ event.
” “ Many who rode their bikes @ @ @ @ @ defiance at the rules and restrictions that have marked life in many locales during the @ @ @ @ @ across the country to a state that offered a reprieve from coronavirus restrictions , as @ @ @ @ @ limits on indoor crowds , no mask mandates and a governor who is eager to @ @ @ @ @ they bring.
” Said one t-shirt being sold : “ Screw COVID .
I went @ @ @ @

Sioux Falls Argus Leader: “The rally could become one of the largest public gatherings since the pandemic began, with organizers expecting 250,000 people from all over the country to make their way through Sturgis during the 10-day event. That would be roughly half the number of previous years, but local residents — and a few bikers — worry that the crowds could create a ‘super-spreader’ event.”
“Many who rode their bikes into Sturgis on Friday expressed defiance at the rules and restrictions that have marked life in many locales during the pandemic. People rode from across the country to a state that offered a reprieve from coronavirus restrictions, as South Dakota has no special limits on indoor crowds, no mask mandates and a governor who is eager to welcome visitors and the money they bring.”
Said one t-shirt being sold: “Screw COVID. I went to Sturgis.”


politicalwire--2020-08-08--Trump to Sign Orders Related to Economic Relief

“ Ready and willing to bypass elected lawmakers , President Trump seemed set to claim the power to defer payroll @ @ @ @ @ benefits after negotiations with Congress on a new coronavirus rescue package collapsed , ” the @ @ @ @ @ : “ One of the executive orders would aim to restore some unemployment aid for @ @ @ @ @ benefits expired last month .
Two of the other executive orders would relate to eviction @ @ @ @ @ .
And the fourth executive order would seek to defer payroll tax payments from July @ @ @ @ @ .
”

“Ready and willing to bypass elected lawmakers, President Trump seemed set to claim the power to defer payroll taxes and extend expired unemployment benefits after negotiations with Congress on a new coronavirus rescue package collapsed,” the AP reports.
Washington Post: “One of the executive orders would aim to restore some unemployment aid for millions of Americans whose enhanced benefits expired last month. Two of the other executive orders would relate to eviction protections and student loan relief. And the fourth executive order would seek to defer payroll tax payments from July – retroactively – through December.”


politicalwire--2020-08-08--Trump Mulls Executive Actions to Curb Voting by Mail

“ This past spring , President Trump began a full-fledged assault on voting by mail , tweeting , retweeting and @ @ @ @ @ rigged elections with scant evidence , ” Politico reports .
“ Then the Republican apparatus @ @ @ @ @ the president.
” “ In the weeks since , Trump ’ s campaign and the @ @ @ @ @ to the courts dozens of times as part of a $ 20 million effort to @ @ @ @ @ filing their own lawsuits in several battleground states , including Minnesota , Pennsylvania and Nevada @ @ @ @ @ Trump started musing about delaying the election last week , aides and outside advisers began @ @ @ @ @ actions he could take to curb mail-in voting — everything from directing the postal service @ @ @ @ @ to stopping local officials from counting them after Election Day .
”

“This past spring, President Trump began a full-fledged assault on voting by mail, tweeting, retweeting and railing about massive fraud and rigged elections with scant evidence,” Politico reports.
“Then the Republican apparatus got to work backing up the president.”
“In the weeks since, Trump’s campaign and the Republican National Committee have taken to the courts dozens of times as part of a $20 million effort to challenge voting rules, including filing their own lawsuits in several battleground states, including Minnesota, Pennsylvania and Nevada. And around the time Trump started musing about delaying the election last week, aides and outside advisers began scrambling to ponder possible executive actions he could take to curb mail-in voting — everything from directing the postal service to not deliver certain ballots to stopping local officials from counting them after Election Day.”
Associated Press: Vote-by-mail worries.


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

Quote of the Day

“ What kind of spectacular prick do you have to be that everyone ’ s last request is ‘ make @ @ @ @ @ t at my funeral ’ ?
” — Bill Maher , noting President Trump did @ @ @ @ @ important figures in both parties , such as Sen. John McCain , former first lady @ @ @ @ @ Cummings and Rep. John Lewis .

“What kind of spectacular prick do you have to be that everyone’s last request is ‘make sure that asshole isn’t at my funeral’?”
— Bill Maher, noting President Trump did not attend the funerals of important figures in both parties, such as Sen. John McCain, former first lady Barbara Bush, Rep. Elijah Cummings and Rep. John Lewis.


politicalwire--2020-08-08--Democratic House Candidate Apologizes for Behavior

Alex Morse ( D ) , who is challenging Rep. Richard Neal ( D-MA ) in a Democratic primary , @ @ @ @ @ groups accused him of using his position of power to pursue romantic or sexual relationships @ @ @ @ @ .
The Massachusetts Daily Collegian first broke the news .

Alex Morse (D), who is challenging Rep. Richard Neal (D-MA) in a Democratic primary, has apologized after three college groups accused him of using his position of power to pursue romantic or sexual relationships with students, CNN reports.
The Massachusetts Daily Collegian first broke the news.


politicalwire--2020-08-08--What’s Probably Behind the Gretchen Whitmer Mention

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“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--2020-08-08--TikTok’s Fate Was Shaped by Oval Office Shouting Match

Washington Post : “ In front of Trump , trade adviser Peter Navarro and other aides late last week , @ @ @ @ @ arguing that the Chinese-owned video-sharing service TikTok should be sold to a U.S. company .
@ @ @ @ @ to Microsoft ’ s senior leaders and was confident that he had rallied support within @ @ @ @ @ to the tech giant on national security grounds.
” “ Navarro pushed back , demanding @ @ @ @ @ , while accusing Mnuchin of being soft on China , the people said , speaking @ @ @ @ @ to discuss private discussions freely .
The treasury secretary appeared taken aback , they said.
@ @ @ @ @ — which was described by one of the people as a ‘ knockdown , drag-out @ @ @ @ @ by months of backroom dealings among investors , lobbyists and executives .
”

Washington Post: “In front of Trump, trade adviser Peter Navarro and other aides late last week, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin began arguing that the Chinese-owned video-sharing service TikTok should be sold to a U.S. company. Mnuchin had talked several times to Microsoft’s senior leaders and was confident that he had rallied support within the administration for a sale to the tech giant on national security grounds.”
“Navarro pushed back, demanding an outright ban of TikTok, while accusing Mnuchin of being soft on China, the people said, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss private discussions freely. The treasury secretary appeared taken aback, they said.”
“The ensuing argument — which was described by one of the people as a ‘knockdown, drag-out’ brawl — was preceded by months of backroom dealings among investors, lobbyists and executives.”


politicalwire--2020-08-08--Trump Wears Down Intelligence Agencies

Trump Wears Down Intelligence Agencies

New York Times : “ The depth of Trump ’ s animosity has been known since before his inauguration .
@ @ @ @ @ is the full extent of how this suspicion has reshaped the intelligence community and the @ @ @ @ @ its members , forcing officials to walk a fine line between serving the president and @ @ @ @ @ work .
The brunt of Trump ’ s discontent has been borne by those who @ @ @ @ @ the Director of National Intelligence.
” “ This ‘ wearing down ’ has extended well @ @ @ @ @ few top intelligence officials whom the president perceived to be disloyal .
It has also @ @ @ @ @ in the community are acutely mindful of the risks of challenging Trump ’ s ‘ @ @ @ @ @ consequences that are substantive , if often hidden from view .
”

New York Times: “The depth of Trump’s animosity has been known since before his inauguration. What has not been known is the full extent of how this suspicion has reshaped the intelligence community and the personal and professional calculations of its members, forcing officials to walk a fine line between serving the president and maintaining the integrity of their work. The brunt of Trump’s discontent has been borne by those who work in the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.”
“This ‘wearing down’ has extended well beyond the dismissal of a few top intelligence officials whom the president perceived to be disloyal. It has also meant that those who remain in the community are acutely mindful of the risks of challenging Trump’s ‘alternative facts’ … with consequences that are substantive, if often hidden from view.”


politicalwire--2020-08-08--Democrats’ Noisy Strategy to Stop Russian Interference

Politico : “ Congressional Democrats — stung by the Obama administration ’ s soft-pedaled approach to Russian election interference in @ @ @ @ @ to prevent a repeat under President Trump : make as much noise as possible , @ @ @ @ @ For weeks , top Democratic lawmakers in the House and Senate have been blaring warnings @ @ @ @ @ disclosures from the intelligence community , shrugging off Republican charges that they ’ re politicizing @ @ @ @ @ can now point to evidence that their pressure campaign might be working .
On Friday @ @ @ @ @ s counterintelligence chief publicly confirmed that Russia is attempting to harm Joe Biden ’ s @ @ @ @ @ official , William Evanina , even singled out a pro-Russia Ukrainian , Andrii Derkach , @ @ @ @ @ the Kremlin ’ s new effort .
”

Politico: “Congressional Democrats — stung by the Obama administration’s soft-pedaled approach to Russian election interference in 2016 — have a plan to prevent a repeat under President Trump: make as much noise as possible, early and often.”
“For weeks, top Democratic lawmakers in the House and Senate have been blaring warnings and demanding briefings and public disclosures from the intelligence community, shrugging off Republican charges that they’re politicizing intelligence.”
“And Democrats can now point to evidence that their pressure campaign might be working. On Friday, the Trump administration’s counterintelligence chief publicly confirmed that Russia is attempting to harm Joe Biden’s candidacy in 2020. The official, William Evanina, even singled out a pro-Russia Ukrainian, Andrii Derkach, as a key participant in the Kremlin’s new effort.”


politicalwire--2020-08-08--Postal Service Hikes Rates to Mail Ballots

American Prospect : “ The Postal Service has informed states that they ’ ll need to pay first-class 55-cent postage @ @ @ @ @ , rather than the normal 20-cent bulk rate .
That nearly triples the per-ballot cost @ @ @ @ @ of millions more will be delivered .
The rate change would have to go through @ @ @ @ @ , undoubtedly , litigation .
But the time frame for that is incredibly short , @ @ @ @ @ soon .
”

American Prospect: “The Postal Service has informed states that they’ll need to pay first-class 55-cent postage to mail ballots to voters, rather than the normal 20-cent bulk rate. That nearly triples the per-ballot cost at a time when tens of millions more will be delivered. The rate change would have to go through the Postal Regulatory Commission and, undoubtedly, litigation. But the time frame for that is incredibly short, as ballots go out very soon.”


Wicked Game

Out just before the election : Wicked Game : An Insider ’ s Story on How Trump Won , Mueller @ @ @ @ @ by Rick Gates .
“ Rick Gates , who served as Donald Trump ’ s @ @ @ @ @ and as a cooperating witness in the Mueller investigation , gives readers a rare , @ @ @ @ @ the most controversial elections—and presidents—in U.S. history .
”

Out just before the election: Wicked Game: An Insider’s Story on How Trump Won, Mueller Failed, and America Lost by Rick Gates.
“Rick Gates, who served as Donald Trump’s deputy campaign chairman in 2016 and as a cooperating witness in the Mueller investigation, gives readers a rare, in-depth look at one of the most controversial elections—and presidents—in U.S. history.”


politicalwire--2020-08-08--Trump Campaign Focused on Internal Polls

Politico : “ Trump ’ s allies and political advisers acknowledge the polling on Trump is not great but insist @ @ @ @ @ .
A top Trump campaign official said the campaign was focused on its own internal @ @ @ @ @ said shows Trump either matched with or ahead of Biden in the 17 key states @ @ @ @ @ The official declined to offer more specifics .
”

Politico: “Trump’s allies and political advisers acknowledge the polling on Trump is not great but insist he can overcome the setback. A top Trump campaign official said the campaign was focused on its own internal polls, which the official said shows Trump either matched with or ahead of Biden in the 17 key states the campaign is monitoring. The official declined to offer more specifics.”


politicalwire--2020-08-08--Trump Sets a Very Low Bar for Biden

Trump Sets a Very Low Bar for Biden

Playbook : “ A debate has been raging in some corners of Trump world about how to position Biden .
@ @ @ @ @ have tried to define him as completely out of it and in hiding .
But @ @ @ @ @ showing up for a debate will be a win for Biden .
”

Playbook: “A debate has been raging in some corners of Trump world about how to position Biden. Clearly Trump and his campaign have tried to define him as completely out of it and in hiding. But under that construct, practically showing up for a debate will be a win for Biden.”


politicalwire--2020-08-08--Trump Puts on a Show for His Club

Trump Puts on a Show for His Club

New York Times : “ After spending a day huddled with his campaign advisers at his private club in Bedminster @ @ @ @ @ emerged on Friday night for a surprise ‘ news conference ’ that seemed at times @ @ @ @ @ benefit for his loyal club members as it was about making any news or addressing @ @ @ @ @ ” “ Speaking in front of dozens of members who gathered in a ballroom to @ @ @ @ @ them holding wine glasses and forgoing masks , Mr. Trump explained that the reporters in @ @ @ @ @ waiting outside for a long time ’ and described the back-and-forth he expected as ‘ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ” “ The audience even had a chance to participate , booing loudly when @ @ @ @ @ reporter that the largely unmasked crowd in the room was violating social distancing guidelines , @ @ @ @ @ president noted that the club ’ s members ‘ know the news is fake .
@ @

New York Times: “After spending a day huddled with his campaign advisers at his private club in Bedminster, N.J., President Trump emerged on Friday night for a surprise ‘news conference’ that seemed at times to be as much a benefit for his loyal club members as it was about making any news or addressing the crisis facing the nation.”
“Speaking in front of dozens of members who gathered in a ballroom to see him, many of them holding wine glasses and forgoing masks, Mr. Trump explained that the reporters in the room had been ‘waiting outside for a long time’ and described the back-and-forth he expected as ‘always a lot of fun.’”
“The audience even had a chance to participate, booing loudly when it was suggested by a reporter that the largely unmasked crowd in the room was violating social distancing guidelines, and then cheering when the president noted that the club’s members ‘know the news is fake.’”


politicalwire--2020-08-08--Dodd, Insider From the Past, Helps Biden Pick His Future

New York Times : “ In many ways , Mr. Biden , who is often publicly wistful about a bygone @ @ @ @ @ has identified in Mr. Dodd a kind of avatar of the Washington he loved , @ @ @ @ @ the chamber retained a sheen of statesmanship .
He once called Mr. Dodd his ‘ @ @ @ @ @ Congress .
”

New York Times: “In many ways, Mr. Biden, who is often publicly wistful about a bygone era of Senate harmony, has identified in Mr. Dodd a kind of avatar of the Washington he loved, when lawmakers got along and the chamber retained a sheen of statesmanship. He once called Mr. Dodd his ‘single best friend’ in Congress.”


politicalwire--2020-08-08--Trump Antagonizes GOP Megadonor Adelson

Trump Antagonizes GOP Megadonor Adelson

“ When President Trump connected by phone last week with Republican mega-donor Sheldon Adelson — perhaps the only person in @ @ @ @ @ a nine-figure check to aid his reelection — the phone call unexpectedly turned contentious , @ @ @ @ @ The 87-year-old casino mogul had reached out to Trump to talk about the coronavirus relief @ @ @ @ @ But then Trump brought the conversation around to the campaign and confronted Adelson about why @ @ @ @ @ more to bolster his reelection , according to three people with direct knowledge of the @ @ @ @ @ people said it was apparent the president had no idea how much Adelson , who @ @ @ @ @ millions of dollars to pro-Trump efforts over the years , had helped him .
“

“When President Trump connected by phone last week with Republican mega-donor Sheldon Adelson — perhaps the only person in the party who can cut a nine-figure check to aid his reelection — the phone call unexpectedly turned contentious,” Politico reports.
“The 87-year-old casino mogul had reached out to Trump to talk about the coronavirus relief bill and the economy. But then Trump brought the conversation around to the campaign and confronted Adelson about why he wasn’t doing more to bolster his reelection, according to three people with direct knowledge of the call. One of the people said it was apparent the president had no idea how much Adelson, who’s donated tens of millions of dollars to pro-Trump efforts over the years, had helped him. “


politicalwire--2020-08-09--Crowded Georgia High School Reports Infections

The Georgia high school that became infamous for hallways crowded with unmasked students reported a half-dozen students and three staffers @ @ @ @ @ , the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports .