politicalwire--2020-12-07--Hawley Urges Relief Bill Veto If No Checks Included

“ Sen .
Josh Hawley ( R-MO ) is not happy that the leading coronavirus proposals lack another round of @ @ @ @ @ and he ’ s taking his case straight to President Trump , ” Politico reports @ @ @ @ @ lobbied Trump to veto any coronavirus aid bill that does not contain a second tranche @ @ @ @ @ a phone call on Saturday .
And Hawley said the president listened intently as he @ @ @ @ @ One from a rally in Georgia .
”

“Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) is not happy that the leading coronavirus proposals lack another round of direct payments to Americans — and he’s taking his case straight to President Trump,” Politico reports.
“The Missouri Republican lobbied Trump to veto any coronavirus aid bill that does not contain a second tranche of checks to Americans in a phone call on Saturday. And Hawley said the president listened intently as he flew home on Air Force One from a rally in Georgia.”


politicalwire--2020-12-07--Trump’s Base Is Likely to Turn Out In Georgia

Politico : “ In interviews with more than two dozen voters in the state over the weekend , not a @ @ @ @ @ thought Joe Biden won the election , despite two recounts in Georgia and elections being @ @ @ @ @ him to be above 270 electoral college votes .
… But all of the voters @ @ @ @ @ again on Jan. 5 , heeding calls from Trump , Pence and most every other @ @ @ @ @ .
”

Politico: “In interviews with more than two dozen voters in the state over the weekend, not a single person told Politico they thought Joe Biden won the election, despite two recounts in Georgia and elections being certified in enough states for him to be above 270 electoral college votes. … But all of the voters said they planned to vote again on Jan. 5, heeding calls from Trump, Pence and most every other Republican to show up again.”


politicalwire--2020-12-08--Newsmax and One America News Gain Prominence

“ Since his reelection loss , President Trump has launched a campaign against Fox News and encouraged his allies to @ @ @ @ @ news outlets such as Newsmax and One America News .
Trump still harbors a grudge @ @ @ @ @ and the presidency for Joe Biden , and he has expressed admiration for Newsmax and @ @ @ @ @ coverage of his baseless voter-fraud allegations , ” the Washington Post reports .
“ A @ @ @ @ @ s having an impact .
The survey from Gallup and the Knight Foundation shows an @ @ @ @ @ Americans who name Newsmax and OAN as being among two to three news sources they @ @ @ @ @

“Since his reelection loss, President Trump has launched a campaign against Fox News and encouraged his allies to tune into more extreme conservative news outlets such as Newsmax and One America News. Trump still harbors a grudge after Fox News called states and the presidency for Joe Biden, and he has expressed admiration for Newsmax and OAN’s more credulous coverage of his baseless voter-fraud allegations,” the Washington Post reports.
“A new survey suggests it’s having an impact. The survey from Gallup and the Knight Foundation shows an increase in the number of Americans who name Newsmax and OAN as being among two to three news sources they rely most upon.”


politicalwire--2020-12-08--Kemp Says Picking Own Electors Is ‘Not an Option’

New York Times : “ As Georgians prepare to vote in two runoffs next month that will decide control of @ @ @ @ @ little mystery as to which of the two…

“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…


An Ugly Truth

This is an important book : An Ugly Truth : Inside Facebook ’ s Battle for Domination by Sheera Frenkel @ @ @ @ @ How one of the most powerful companies in the world tried to deny a damning @ @ @ @ @ conduit for disinformation , hate speech , and political propaganda—while continuing to relentlessly pursue growth @ @

This is an important book: An Ugly Truth: Inside Facebook’s Battle for Domination by Sheera Frenkel and Cecilia Kang.
“How one of the most powerful companies in the world tried to deny a damning fact—that Facebook has become a conduit for disinformation, hate speech, and political propaganda—while continuing to relentlessly pursue growth.”


politicalwire--2020-12-08--First Person Gets Vaccine In Britain

First Person Gets Vaccine In Britain

Margaret Keenan , the 90-year-old grandmother who became the first person in the world to receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine @ @ @ @ @ Britain on Tuesday , has a message for others : “ go for it ” @ @ @ @ @ , Reuters reports .

Margaret Keenan, the 90-year-old grandmother who became the first person in the world to receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine outside of a trial in Britain on Tuesday, has a message for others: “go for it” to beat the devastating disease, Reuters reports.


politicalwire--2020-12-08--GOP Carries On Amid the Pandemic

GOP Carries On Amid the Pandemic

“ It ’ s not just the White House flouting pandemic rules to mark this town ’ s schmooziest season @ @ @ @ @ GOP , including members of Congress , are refusing to let the coronavirus intrude on @ @ @ @ @ fundraisers — whether it ’ s on the slopes of Utah or in the steakhouses @ @ @ @ @ reports .
“ Meanwhile , discussions are underway about holding the Conservative Political Action Conference @ @ @ @ @ affair — in person early next year , according to multiple sources .
The event @ @ @ @ @ is battered by another brutal surge in coronavirus cases , prompting a fresh round of @ @ @ @ @ to hunker down and avoid group settings , particularly indoors .
And it underscores the @ @ @ @ @ GOP , led by President Donald Trump , to adjust to the new normal of @ @ @ @

“It’s not just the White House flouting pandemic rules to mark this town’s schmooziest season. Some corners of the GOP, including members of Congress, are refusing to let the coronavirus intrude on their holiday gatherings and in-person fundraisers — whether it’s on the slopes of Utah or in the steakhouses of Washington,” Politico reports.
“Meanwhile, discussions are underway about holding the Conservative Political Action Conference — a massive, yearly affair — in person early next year, according to multiple sources. The event planning comes as the nation is battered by another brutal surge in coronavirus cases, prompting a fresh round of warnings from public health experts to hunker down and avoid group settings, particularly indoors. And it underscores the resistance by many in the GOP, led by President Donald Trump, to adjust to the new normal of the pandemic.”


politicalwire--2020-12-08--Trump’s Options Dwindle as Safe Harbor Deadline Looms

“ President Trump ’ s effort to snatch a second term through a series of state and federal court challenges @ @ @ @ @ weeks .
Now , the calendar has all but extinguished it , ” Politico reports @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday marks the so-called safe harbor deadline .
Federal law requires that Congress recognize the @ @ @ @ @ states that have resolved election disputes by this date.
” “ The deadline comes as @ @ @ @ @ a barrage of court challenges in Michigan , Pennsylvania , Wisconsin , Georgia , Arizona @ @ @ @ @ states President-elect Joe Biden won – seeking to overturn the Nov. 3 presidential election .
@

“President Trump’s effort to snatch a second term through a series of state and federal court challenges has been flaming out for weeks. Now, the calendar has all but extinguished it,” Politico reports.
USA Today: “Tuesday marks the so-called safe harbor deadline. Federal law requires that Congress recognize the slates of electors chosen by states that have resolved election disputes by this date.”
“The deadline comes as the Trump campaign has lost a barrage of court challenges in Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Georgia, Arizona and Nevada – each battleground states President-elect Joe Biden won – seeking to overturn the Nov. 3 presidential election.”


politicalwire--2020-12-08--Suspected Chinese Spy Targeted California Politicians

“ A suspected Chinese intelligence operative developed extensive ties with local and national politicians , including a U.S. congressman , @ @ @ @ @ was a political intelligence operation run by China ’ s main civilian spy agency between @ @ @ @ @ Axios reports .
“ The alleged operation offers a rare window into how Beijing has @ @ @ @ @ and influence U.S. political circles .
”

“A suspected Chinese intelligence operative developed extensive ties with local and national politicians, including a U.S. congressman, in what U.S. officials believe was a political intelligence operation run by China’s main civilian spy agency between 2011 and 2015,” Axios reports.
“The alleged operation offers a rare window into how Beijing has tried to gain access to and influence U.S. political circles.”


politicalwire--2020-12-08--Biden Faces Battle Over Austin at Pentagon

“ Joe Biden ’ s plan to nominate retired Gen. Lloyd Austin to serve as Defense secretary will set off @ @ @ @ @ Democratic Party about civilian control of the military , ” Axios reports .
“ Many @ @ @ @ @ what they saw as politicization and the erosion of civilian control of the military under @ @ @ @ @ put the Biden team on notice that Austin wouldn ’ t be guaranteed the congressional @ @ @ @ @ .
”

“Joe Biden’s plan to nominate retired Gen. Lloyd Austin to serve as Defense secretary will set off an explosive fight in the Democratic Party about civilian control of the military,” Axios reports.
“Many Democrats have been horrified by what they saw as politicization and the erosion of civilian control of the military under President Trump, and they put the Biden team on notice that Austin wouldn’t be guaranteed the congressional waiver he needs to serve.”


politicalwire--2020-12-08--Trump Plots Mass Pardons

Trump Plots Mass Pardons

“ President Trump isn ’ t just accepting pardon requests but blindly discussing them ‘ like Christmas gifts ’ to @ @ @ @ @ even asked , ” Axios reports .
“ Trump recently told one adviser he was @ @ @ @ @ person who ever talked to me , ’ suggesting an even larger pardon blitz to @ @ @ @ @ Trump conversations , the adviser wasn ’ t sure how seriously to take the president @ @ @ @ @ indication he was joking.
” “ The president relishes his unilateral authority to issue get-out-of-jail-free @ @ @ @ @ , he ’ s been soliciting recipients , asking friends and advisers who they think @ @ @ @ @

“President Trump isn’t just accepting pardon requests but blindly discussing them ‘like Christmas gifts’ to people who haven’t even asked,” Axios reports.
“Trump recently told one adviser he was going to pardon ‘every person who ever talked to me,’ suggesting an even larger pardon blitz to come. As with most Trump conversations, the adviser wasn’t sure how seriously to take the president — although Trump gave no indication he was joking.”
“The president relishes his unilateral authority to issue get-out-of-jail-free cards. Lately, though, he’s been soliciting recipients, asking friends and advisers who they think he should pardon.”


politicalwire--2020-12-09--Idaho Meeting on Covid Restrictions Postponed

Idaho officials had to shut down a virtual public meeting on the coronavirus pandemic because anti-mask protestors were banging on @ @ @ @ @ during the call , the Idaho Statesman reports .


politicalwire--2020-12-09--Don Jr. Cuts Ad for Perdue and Loeffler

Don Jr. Cuts Ad for Perdue and Loeffler

Donald Trump Jr. is featured in a new ad urging Georgians to get out and vote for Sens .
David @ @ @ @ @ Kelly Loeffler ( R-GA ) in the January 5 runoff .
The ad opens with @ @ @ @ @ Charles Schumer ( D-NY ) saying , “ Now we take Georgia , then we @ @ @ @ @ responds : “ There it is .
The radical left wants to tear down everything @ @ @ @ @ defunding the police , eliminating private health insurance and dismantling the Supreme Court .
On @ @ @ @ @ Senate is on the line and my father ’ s accomplishments are on your ballot @ @ @ @ @ them take Georgia .
”

Donald Trump Jr. is featured in a new ad urging Georgians to get out and vote for Sens. David Perdue (R-GA) and Kelly Loeffler (R-GA) in the January 5 runoff.
The ad opens with footage of Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-NY) saying, “Now we take Georgia, then we change America.”
Trump Jr. responds: “There it is. The radical left wants to tear down everything we’ve accomplished –- defunding the police, eliminating private health insurance and dismantling the Supreme Court. On January 5, the U.S. Senate is on the line and my father’s accomplishments are on your ballot. Don’t let them take Georgia.”


politicalwire--2020-12-09--Newsmax Scores Ratings Win Over Fox News

Newsmax TV has notched a ratings win over Fox News Channel for the very first time , CNN reports .
@ @ @ @ @ by conservative viewers who are disappointed by the election results , happened Monday evening .
@ @ @ @ @ 54-year-old demographic prized by advertisers , ‘ Greg Kelly Reports ’ on Newsmax out-rated ‘ @ @ @ @ @ ’ on Fox .
”

Newsmax TV has notched a ratings win over Fox News Channel for the very first time, CNN reports.
“The win, fueled by conservative viewers who are disappointed by the election results, happened Monday evening. In the key 25- to 54-year-old demographic prized by advertisers, ‘Greg Kelly Reports’ on Newsmax out-rated ‘The Story with Martha MacCallum’ on Fox.”


politicalwire--2020-12-09--Republicans Agree to $600 Relief Checks

Republicans Agree to $600 Relief Checks

Idaho officials had to shut down a virtual public meeting on the coronavirus pandemic because anti-mask protestors were banging on @ @ @ @ @ during the call , the Idaho…


politicalwire--2020-12-09--McAuliffe Will Run for Virginia Governor Again

“ Terry McAuliffe ( D ) , who mixed business-friendly politics with liberal social policies over four hard-charging years as @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday that he wants his old job back , ” the Washington Post reports .
@ @ @ @ @ McAuliffe only the second governor since the Civil War to make a comeback in Virginia @ @ @ @ @ bar its chief executive from serving back-to-back terms .
”

“Terry McAuliffe (D), who mixed business-friendly politics with liberal social policies over four hard-charging years as Virginia governor, will announce Wednesday that he wants his old job back,” the Washington Post reports.
“A win would make McAuliffe only the second governor since the Civil War to make a comeback in Virginia, the lone state to bar its chief executive from serving back-to-back terms.”


politicalwire--2020-12-08--Judge Grants Katie Hill Restraining Order

“ A Los Angeles judge granted former Rep. Katie Hill ’ s ( D-CA ) request for a temporary restraining @ @ @ @ @ , after Hill alleged her ex had subjected her to 15 years of abuse , @ @ @ @ @ threatening her with a gun , killing her pet and releasing sexually explicit pictures that @ @ @ @ @ ” NBC News reports .


politicalwire--2020-12-08--House Overwhelmingly Passes Defense Bill

“ The House on Tuesday passed a bipartisan $ 741 billion defense authorization bill by a sizeable veto-proof majority , @ @ @ @ @ two expected gauntlets before President Trump , who has escalated his threat to scuttle the @ @ @ @ @ Post reports .
“ The 335 to 78 vote represents a bigger margin of victory @ @ @ @ @ House mustered for an earlier version of the legislation this summer .
House leaders credit @ @ @ @ @ that were made during a months-long negotiation process between the Senate and House , despite @ @ @ @ @ House Republicans to vote against the bill.
” New York Times : “ It also @ @ @ @ @ from the president by Republicans , who refused to defer to Mr. Trump ’ s @ @ @ @ @ bill as his time in the White House comes to a close .
”

“The House on Tuesday passed a bipartisan $741 billion defense authorization bill by a sizeable veto-proof majority, throwing down the first of two expected gauntlets before President Trump, who has escalated his threat to scuttle the legislation,” the Washington Post reports.
“The 335 to 78 vote represents a bigger margin of victory for the bill than the House mustered for an earlier version of the legislation this summer. House leaders credit the increased support to changes that were made during a months-long negotiation process between the Senate and House, despite Trump’s exhortations to House Republicans to vote against the bill.”
New York Times: “It also amounted to a remarkable break from the president by Republicans, who refused to defer to Mr. Trump’s desire to derail the critical bill as his time in the White House comes to a close.”


politicalwire--2020-12-08--Biden Picks Vilsack and Fudge for Cabinet Posts


politicalwire--2020-12-08--UK Breaks Ranks with EU to Halt US Tariffs

“ The UK government has broken ranks with the EU by disclosing plans to suspend punitive tariffs against the US @ @ @ @ @ an attempt to pave the way for a post-Brexit trade deal with Washington , ” @ @ @ @ @


politicalwire--2020-12-08--Louie Gohmert Loses a Tooth

Louie Gohmert Loses a Tooth


politicalwire--2020-12-08--Andrew Yang Feels Out Run for New York City Mayor


politicalwire--2020-12-08--James Predicts Trump Will Resign for Pence Pardon

New York Attorney General Letitia James ( D ) — who is currently pursuing a civil investigation against President Trump @ @ @ @ @ district attorney has a criminal investigation ongoing — told The View that she believes Trump @ @ @ @ @ to try to cut off future federal charges .
Said James : “ The vast @ @ @ @ @ indicated that he can not pardon himself .
What he could do is step down @ @ @ @ @ , to pardon him .
I suspect that he will pardon his family members , @ @ @ @ @ , and individuals in his administration as well as some of his close associates .
@ @ @ @ @ at some point in time , he will step down and allow the vice president @ @ @ @ @

New York Attorney General Letitia James (D) — who is currently pursuing a civil investigation against President Trump, while Manhattan’s district attorney has a criminal investigation ongoing — told The View that she believes Trump will take a preemptive measure to try to cut off future federal charges.
Said James: “The vast majority of legal scholars have indicated that he cannot pardon himself. What he could do is step down and allow Vice President Pence, to pardon him. I suspect that he will pardon his family members, his children, his son-in-law, and individuals in his administration as well as some of his close associates. And then I suspect, at some point in time, he will step down and allow the vice president to pardon him.”


politicalwire--2020-12-08--Supreme Court Won’t Block Pennsylvania Certification

The Supreme Court turned down a request by Rep. Mike Kelly ( R-PA ) to block Pennsylvania from certifying results @ @ @ @ @ to Amy Howe .
Washington Post : “ The court ’ s brief order provided @ @ @ @ @ it note any dissenting votes .
It was the first request to delay or overturn @ @ @ @ @ election to reach the court .
”

The Supreme Court turned down a request by Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) to block Pennsylvania from certifying results of presidential election, according to Amy Howe.
Washington Post: “The court’s brief order provided no reasoning, nor did it note any dissenting votes. It was the first request to delay or overturn the results of the presidential election to reach the court.”


politicalwire--2020-12-08--Top U.S. Cybersecurity Firm Hacked

Top U.S. Cybersecurity Firm Hacked

New York Times : “ FireEye revealed on Tuesday that its own systems were pierced by what it called ‘ @ @ @ @ @ capabilities.
’ The company said hackers used ‘ novel techniques ’ to make off with @ @ @ @ @ which could be useful in mounting new attacks around the world.
” “ It was @ @ @ @ @ to bank robbers who , having cleaned out local vaults , then turned around and @ @ @ @ @ investigative tools .
In fact , FireEye said on Tuesday , moments after the stock @ @ @ @ @ had called in the F.B.I.
” Key detail : “ The hack raises the possibility @ @ @ @ @ an advantage in mounting the attack while American attention — including FireEye ’ s — @ @ @ @ @ presidential election system .
”

New York Times: “FireEye revealed on Tuesday that its own systems were pierced by what it called ‘a nation with top-tier offensive capabilities.’ The company said hackers used ‘novel techniques’ to make off with its own tool kit, which could be useful in mounting new attacks around the world.”
“It was a stunning theft, akin to bank robbers who, having cleaned out local vaults, then turned around and stole the F.B.I.’s investigative tools. In fact, FireEye said on Tuesday, moments after the stock market closed, that it had called in the F.B.I.”
Key detail: “The hack raises the possibility that Russian intelligence agencies saw an advantage in mounting the attack while American attention — including FireEye’s — was focused on securing the presidential election system.”


politicalwire--2020-12-08--McConnell Will Direct $123 Million to Georgia Runoffs

“ The Senate Leadership Fund , a super PAC affiliated with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , is overseeing the @ @ @ @ @ political action committee that emerged in recent days to shape the US Senate runoffs in @ @ @ @ @ .
“ The group will spend $ 43 million in new television and radio ad @ @ @ @ @ on top of the roughly $ 80 million that the McConnell-aligned political organization already has @ @ @ @ @ Senate Leadership Fund and American Crossroads .
”

“The Senate Leadership Fund, a super PAC affiliated with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, is overseeing the Peachtree PAC, a new political action committee that emerged in recent days to shape the US Senate runoffs in Georgia,” CNN reports.
“The group will spend $43 million in new television and radio ad spending. That’s on top of the roughly $80 million that the McConnell-aligned political organization already has committed to spend through the Senate Leadership Fund and American Crossroads.”


politicalwire--2020-12-08--A Presidential Memoir Unlike Any Other

A Presidential Memoir Unlike Any Other

The New York Times reviews A Promised Land by Barack Obama .
“ Barack Obama ’ s new memoir A @ @ @ @ @ other presidential autobiography from the past — or , likely , future .
Yes , @ @ @ @ @ of his time in office and explicates the policy objectives of his administration , from @ @ @ @ @ to climate change .
But the volume is also an introspective self-portrait , set down @ @ @ @ @ fleet-footed prose that made his 1995 book Dreams From My Father such a haunting family @ @ @ @ @ like the way that earlier book turned the story of its author ’ s coming-of-age @ @ @ @ @ race and identity , so A Promised Land uses his improbable journey — from outsider @ @ @ @ @ the first two years of his presidency — as a prism by which to explore @ @ @ @ @ change and renewal that have informed two and a half centuries of American history .
@

The New York Times reviews A Promised Land by Barack Obama.
“Barack Obama’s new memoir A Promised Land is unlike any other presidential autobiography from the past — or, likely, future. Yes, it provides a historical account of his time in office and explicates the policy objectives of his administration, from health care to economic recovery to climate change. But the volume is also an introspective self-portrait, set down in the same fluent, fleet-footed prose that made his 1995 book Dreams From My Father such a haunting family memoir.”
“And much like the way that earlier book turned the story of its author’s coming-of-age into an expansive meditation on race and identity, so A Promised Land uses his improbable journey — from outsider to the White House and the first two years of his presidency — as a prism by which to explore some of the dynamics of change and renewal that have informed two and a half centuries of American history.”


politicalwire--2020-12-08--Biden Defends His Choice for Secretary of Defense

This is a little unusual for this stage in a transition : President-elect Joe Biden explains in The Atlantic why @ @ @ @ @ Austin as Secretary of Defense .
“ Lloyd Austin retired from military service more than @ @ @ @ @ law states that an officer must have left the service at least seven years before @ @ @ @ @ But I hope that Congress will grant a waiver to Secretary-designate Austin , just as @ @ @ @ @ Mattis .
Given the immense and urgent threats and challenges our nation faces , he @ @ @ @ @ This piece , coupled with a statement from Michelle Flournoy just as the pick was @ @ @ @ @ Biden team believes it has work to do to sell this one .

This is a little unusual for this stage in a transition: President-elect Joe Biden explains in The Atlantic why he chose retired Gen. Lloyd Austin as Secretary of Defense.
“Lloyd Austin retired from military service more than four years ago. The law states that an officer must have left the service at least seven years before becoming secretary of defense. But I hope that Congress will grant a waiver to Secretary-designate Austin, just as Congress did for Secretary Jim Mattis. Given the immense and urgent threats and challenges our nation faces, he should be confirmed swiftly.”
This piece, coupled with a statement from Michelle Flournoy just as the pick was announced, suggests that the Biden team believes it has work to do to sell this one.


politicalwire--2020-12-08--White House Pushes for $600 Relief Checks

“ White House officials are asking Senate Republican leadership to include stimulus checks worth $ 600 in the emergency economic @ @ @ @ @ in Congress , ” the Washington Post reports .
“ Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell @ @ @ @ @ include a second round of stimulus payments in the relief proposal he released last week @ @ @ @ @ Congress are listening to White House officials push for the inclusion of the stimulus checks… @ @ @ @ @ by congressional Democrats .
”

“White House officials are asking Senate Republican leadership to include stimulus checks worth $600 in the emergency economic relief package currently being debated in Congress,” the Washington Post reports.
“Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) did not include a second round of stimulus payments in the relief proposal he released last week. Senior Republican leadership in Congress are listening to White House officials push for the inclusion of the stimulus checks… a provision also broadly supported by congressional Democrats.”


politicalwire--2020-12-08--Judge Says Flynn Pardon Doesn’t Mean He’s Innocent

“ A federal judge dismissed Michael Flynn ’ s prosecution Tuesday after President Trump ’ s pardon , but said @ @ @ @ @ not mean the former national security adviser is innocent of lying to FBI agents about @ @ @ @ @ government before Trump took office , ” the Washington Post reports .
“ In formally @ @ @ @ @ legal saga , U.S. District Judge Emmet Sullivan said he probably would have denied the @ @ @ @ @ effort this year to drop the case , which Democrats and many legal experts said @ @ @ @ @ by Attorney General William Barr to bend the rule of law to help a Trump @ @ @

“A federal judge dismissed Michael Flynn’s prosecution Tuesday after President Trump’s pardon, but said the act of clemency does not mean the former national security adviser is innocent of lying to FBI agents about his talks with the Russian government before Trump took office,” the Washington Post reports.
“In formally ending Flynn’s three-year legal saga, U.S. District Judge Emmet Sullivan said he probably would have denied the Justice Department’s controversial effort this year to drop the case, which Democrats and many legal experts said appeared to be an attempt by Attorney General William Barr to bend the rule of law to help a Trump ally.”


politicalwire--2020-12-08--House Race In New York Still Not Called

House Race In New York Still Not Called

A New York judge is wading through the electoral “ errors and delays ” that have marred the race between @ @ @ @ @ ) and former Rep. Claudia Tenney ( R ) , one of the last remaining @ @ @ @ @ , the Syracuse Post-Standard 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--2020-12-09--The Deadliest Days In American History

The Deadliest Days In American History

New York Times : “ One president all but declared victory over the pandemic , hailing new vaccines as a @ @ @ @ @ congratulating himself for doing what ‘ nobody has ever seen before.
’ …

Here are some of the deadliest days in American history:
Galveston Hurricane – 8,000 Battle of Antietam – 3,675 Battle of Gettysburg – 3,155 September 11 – 2,977 Last Thursday – 2,879 Last Wednesday – 2,804 Last Friday – 2,607 Last Tuesday – 2,597 Pearl Harbor – 2,403
Former FDA Commission Scott Gottleib told CBS News the U.S. could reach nearly 4,000 deaths per day from the pandemic in January.
Thanks to CBS News for a few corrections.


politicalwire--2020-12-09--27 GOP Lawmakers Seek Special Counsel to Probe Election


politicalwire--2020-12-09--Top Nevada Court Affirms Biden’s Win

Top Nevada Court Affirms Biden’s Win

“ The Supreme Court of Nevada rejected an appeal late Tuesday from President Donald Trump ’ s campaign to overturn @ @ @ @ @ state , affirming President-elect Joe Biden ’ s win in one of the battleground states @ @ @ @ @ , ” Reuters reports .


politicalwire--2020-12-09--Democrats Blast White House Relief Proposal

“ Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Chuck Schumer late Tuesday rejected a Trump-backed $ 916 billion coronavirus relief proposal @ @ @ @ @ Secretary Steven Mnuchin , ” NBC News reports .
“ In a joint statement , @ @ @ @ @ as progress that Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell endorsed the cost of the package , @ @ @ @ @ proposal was obstructing bipartisan negotiations already underway among lawmakers .
The Democratic leaders also made @ @ @ @ @ unemployment benefits from what ’ s on the table is something they could never support.
@ @ @ @ @ just 9 days until Dec. 18 — when Congress wants to leave for the year @ @ @ @ @ time to wrap up the bipartisan talks — which have not produced legislative text yet @ @ @ @ @ ’ ve done as a menu from which the leadership can choose and put Pelosi @ @ @ @ @ to negotiate ?
Time is running out .
People need help .
”

“Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Chuck Schumer late Tuesday rejected a Trump-backed $916 billion coronavirus relief proposal that was offered by Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin,” NBC News reports.
“In a joint statement, Schumer and Pelosi described it as progress that Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell endorsed the cost of the package, but they signaled that the proposal was obstructing bipartisan negotiations already underway among lawmakers. The Democratic leaders also made clear that the reduction in unemployment benefits from what’s on the table is something they could never support.”
Playbook: There are just 9 days until Dec. 18 — when Congress wants to leave for the year. Isn’t it time to wrap up the bipartisan talks — which have not produced legislative text yet! — use what they’ve done as a menu from which the leadership can choose and put Pelosi and McConnell at the table to negotiate? Time is running out. People need help.”


politicalwire--2020-12-09--Boris Johnson Offers the E.U. an Olive Branch

“ For weeks , Prime Minister Boris Johnson of Britain has played an extreme version of hardball over Brexit , @ @ @ @ @ and renege on a treaty he signed with the European Union if it fails to @ @ @ @ @ with him soon , ” the New York Times reports .
“ On Tuesday , @ @ @ @ @ that threat , raising hopes that a more diplomatic approach could yield a breakthrough in @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday with Ursula von der Leyen , the president of the European Commission , the @ @ @ @ @ .
”

“For weeks, Prime Minister Boris Johnson of Britain has played an extreme version of hardball over Brexit, threatening to break international law and renege on a treaty he signed with the European Union if it fails to strike a new trade agreement with him soon,” the New York Times reports.
“On Tuesday, though, Mr. Johnson dropped that threat, raising hopes that a more diplomatic approach could yield a breakthrough in cliff-edge trade talks planned for Wednesday with Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, the bloc’s executive body.”


politicalwire--2020-12-09--Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day

“ If I would say to you , ‘ I don ’ t want to do it , ’ I @ @ @ @ @ bombed tonight.
” — Kim Ward , the Republican majority leader of the Pennsylvania Senate @ @ @ @ @ York Times , on being asked to sign a letter calling for the state ’ @ @ @ @ @ thrown out .

“If I would say to you, ‘I don’t want to do it,’ I’d get my house bombed tonight.”
— Kim Ward, the Republican majority leader of the Pennsylvania Senate, quoted by the New York Times, on being asked to sign a letter calling for the state’s electoral votes to be thrown out.


politicalwire--2020-12-09--Countries Spend More on Economic Relief, But Not U.S.

“ The U.S. is facing a new wave of Covid-19 outbreaks straining hospitals , workers , businesses , and schools @ @ @ @ @ .
“ In this , the country is not alone : Wealthy nations across Europe @ @ @ @ @ in new infections too , as is Canada .
But unlike their economic peers , @ @ @ @ @ have left citizens to face the current crisis without any additional financial cushion from their @ @ @

“The U.S. is facing a new wave of Covid-19 outbreaks straining hospitals, workers, businesses, and schools,” NBC News reports.
“In this, the country is not alone: Wealthy nations across Europe are facing a major surge in new infections too, as is Canada. But unlike their economic peers, elected leaders in the U.S. have left citizens to face the current crisis without any additional financial cushion from their government.”


politicalwire--2020-12-09--Elon Musk Leaves California

Elon Musk Leaves California

“ Tesla Chief Executive Elon Musk said he has moved to Texas , taking aim at Silicon Valley and becoming @ @ @ @ @ yet to leave California during the coronavirus pandemic , ” the Wall Street Journal reports @ @ @ @ @ made sense with Tesla ’ s new factory being built in Texas .
He lamented @ @ @ @ @ view , had become complacent with its innovators .
”

“Tesla Chief Executive Elon Musk said he has moved to Texas, taking aim at Silicon Valley and becoming one of the highest-profile executives yet to leave California during the coronavirus pandemic,” the Wall Street Journal reports.
“He said relocating made sense with Tesla’s new factory being built in Texas. He lamented that California, in his view, had become complacent with its innovators.”
Bloomberg: Musk, Bezos space race gets boost from anti-poverty tax break.


politicalwire--2020-12-09--CNN Getting Higher Ratings Than Fox News

After years of dominance in cable ratings by Fox News , CNN in the past few weeks has pulled ahead @ @ @ @ @ since 9/11 , the AP reports .
Axios : “ President Trump ’ s election @ @ @ @ @ s news landscape , cementing a parallel universe on the right where even Fox News @ @ @ @ @ for millions of his diehards.
” “ The coming diffusion of news across many easily-accessible @ @ @ @ @ Americans to become even further entrenched in their own , partisan filter bubbles .
This @ @ @ @ @ profound change in news consumption that America has seen in decades .
”

After years of dominance in cable ratings by Fox News, CNN in the past few weeks has pulled ahead consistently for the first time since 9/11, the AP reports.
Axios: “President Trump’s election loss has upended America’s news landscape, cementing a parallel universe on the right where even Fox News isn’t Trumpy enough for millions of his diehards.”
“The coming diffusion of news across many easily-accessible streaming channels will likely cause Americans to become even further entrenched in their own, partisan filter bubbles. This could lead to the most profound change in news consumption that America has seen in decades.”


politicalwire--2020-12-09--Jeh Johnson Won’t Join Biden Administration

Former Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson told Reuters that he will not join the administration of President-elect Joe Biden .
@ @ @ @ @ for several Cabinet positions , including secretary of defense and attorney general .

Former Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson told Reuters that he will not join the administration of President-elect Joe Biden.
Johnson was in the running for several Cabinet positions, including secretary of defense and attorney general.


politicalwire--2020-12-09--U.S. Virus Deaths Hit Record Levels

U.S. Virus Deaths Hit Record Levels

Associated Press : “ Deaths from COVID-19 in the U.S. have soared to more than 2,200 a day on average @ @ @ @ @ reached last April , and cases per day have eclipsed 200,000 on average for the @ @ @ @ @ with the crisis all but certain to get worse because of the fallout from Thanksgiving @ @ @ @ @ ’ s. ” “ Virtually every state is reporting surges just as a vaccine appears @ @ @ @ @ go-ahead in the U.S. ” Axios/Ipsos Coronavirus Index : “ Growing dread and acceptance of @ @ @ @ @ on Americans ’ physical and mental health and raising fears about debt and job security @ @

Associated Press: “Deaths from COVID-19 in the U.S. have soared to more than 2,200 a day on average, matching the frightening peak reached last April, and cases per day have eclipsed 200,000 on average for the first time on record, with the crisis all but certain to get worse because of the fallout from Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s.”
“Virtually every state is reporting surges just as a vaccine appears days away from getting the go-ahead in the U.S.”
Axios/Ipsos Coronavirus Index: “Growing dread and acceptance of the winter ahead is weighing on Americans’ physical and mental health and raising fears about debt and job security.”


politicalwire--2020-12-09--U.S. Could Face Months of Vaccine Shortages

Politico : “ The United States could be heading for a vaccine cliff this spring , with shortages forcing hundreds @ @ @ @ @ wait for shots amid intense global competition for limited doses.
” “ The Trump administration @ @ @ @ @ each of vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna , but the U.S. is unlikely to get @ @ @ @ @ of strong international demand .
And both vaccines require two doses per person , effectively @ @ @ @ @ ” ITV News : Two people who had Pfizer vaccine on Tuesday had allergic reactions @

Politico: “The United States could be heading for a vaccine cliff this spring, with shortages forcing hundreds of millions of Americans to wait for shots amid intense global competition for limited doses.”
“The Trump administration has bought 100 million doses each of vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna, but the U.S. is unlikely to get additional doses anytime soon because of strong international demand. And both vaccines require two doses per person, effectively halving the already scarce supply.”
ITV News: Two people who had Pfizer vaccine on Tuesday had allergic reactions.


politicalwire--2020-12-09--GOP Plots Their First and Last Trump Rebellion

Politico : “ Trump ’ s grip over his party has never been seriously challenged in the Congress , despite @ @ @ @ @ his erratic foreign policy , hard-line tariff regime and scattershot approach to legislation .
Trump @ @ @ @ @ single veto overridden , with Republicans loath to directly confront such a wildly popular figure @ @ @ @ @ though they have tanked some of his nominees and tried to influence him behind the @ @ @ @ @ at the ebb of his power and in the waning days of his presidency , @ @ @ @ @ in defense hawks and the annual defense bill .
It has passed 59 years in @ @ @ @ @ loyal Trump supporters are looking past his Twitter attacks and plotting a rebellion against a @ @ @ @ @ against those who break with him .
And they ’ re acting like it ’ @ @ @ @ @ ”

Politico: “Trump’s grip over his party has never been seriously challenged in the Congress, despite four years of hand-wringing over his erratic foreign policy, hard-line tariff regime and scattershot approach to legislation. Trump hasn’t had a single veto overridden, with Republicans loath to directly confront such a wildly popular figure among the GOP base, though they have tanked some of his nominees and tried to influence him behind the scenes.”
“But now at the ebb of his power and in the waning days of his presidency, Trump has met his match in defense hawks and the annual defense bill. It has passed 59 years in a row, and even loyal Trump supporters are looking past his Twitter attacks and plotting a rebellion against a president who often seeks vengeance against those who break with him. And they’re acting like it’s no big deal.”


politicalwire--2020-12-09--Flournoy Finds Shot at Top Pentagon Job Elusive

New York Times : “ Michèle A. Flournoy , an experienced military policymaker and mentor to scores of women in @ @ @ @ @ be remembered as the first female secretary of defense who wasn ’ t .
Three @ @ @


politicalwire--2020-12-09--Two Presidents, Two Messages

Two Presidents, Two Messages

New York Times : “ One president all but declared victory over the pandemic , hailing new vaccines as a @ @ @ @ @ congratulating himself for doing what ‘ nobody has ever seen before.
’ The next president @ @ @ @ @ ever , calling it a ‘ mass casualty ’ event that is leaving ‘ a @ @ @ @ @ with more misery to come.
” “ Rarely has there been a single hour on @ @ @ @ @ such discordant messages emanating from Washington in a time of national crisis .
In the @ @ @ @ @ power that has already proved more unsettling than any in more than a century , @ @ @ @ @ on Tuesday offered the American people vastly divergent assessments of the state of their union @ @

New York Times: “One president all but declared victory over the pandemic, hailing new vaccines as a ‘medical miracle’ and congratulating himself for doing what ‘nobody has ever seen before.’ The next president declared the pandemic deadlier than ever, calling it a ‘mass casualty’ event that is leaving ‘a gaping hole’ in America with more misery to come.”
“Rarely has there been a single hour on a single day that saw such discordant messages emanating from Washington in a time of national crisis. In the middle of a transition of power that has already proved more unsettling than any in more than a century, the departing and incoming presidents on Tuesday offered the American people vastly divergent assessments of the state of their union.”
Axios: Trump’s departing pandemic failure.


politicalwire--2020-12-09--White House Rallies Support for UAE Arms Deal

“ The Trump administration is working to rally support in the Senate for its controversial high-dollar arms sale to the @ @ @ @ @ a vote to block that transfer , ” CNN reports .
“ Senators of both @ @ @ @ @ about the sale — including the speed at which it is being pursued and its @ @ @ @ @ and broader regional security — and whether Congress was properly involved in the process .
@

“The Trump administration is working to rally support in the Senate for its controversial high-dollar arms sale to the United Arab Emirates ahead of a vote to block that transfer,” CNN reports.
“Senators of both parties have voiced various concerns about the sale — including the speed at which it is being pursued and its potential impact on human rights and broader regional security — and whether Congress was properly involved in the process.”


politicalwire--2020-12-09--Biden Eyes Buttigieg for China Ambassador

“ President-elect Joe Biden is considering a high-profile ambassadorship for Pete Buttigieg , possibly sending him to China , ” @ @ @ @ @ isn ’ t the only foreign post where Buttigieg , a polyglot , could end @ @ @ @ @ remains under discussion for some domestic leadership positions as well .
”


politicalwire--2020-12-09--Kristi Noem Appears to Acknowledge Biden as President

South Dakota Gov .
Kristi Noem ( R ) said that she “ expects the road could be a little @ @ @ @ @ administration with some of the policies that they ’ ve embraced , ” KELO reports @ @ @ @ @ director of communications , Ian Fury , contacted KELO after this story was first published @ @ @ @ @ a potential Biden administration and not recognizing Biden as the next president .
”

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem (R) said that she “expects the road could be a little bit rough under the Biden administration with some of the policies that they’ve embraced,” KELO reports.
“Noem’s director of communications, Ian Fury, contacted KELO after this story was first published and said Noem was discussing a potential Biden administration and not recognizing Biden as the next president.”


politicalwire--2020-12-09--Biden Will Start With ‘Skeleton Staff’ In White House

President-elect Joe Biden will likely start with a “ skeleton staff ” in the West Wing to keep him healthy @ @ @ @ @ s cavalier approach to the coronavirus , Axios reports .
“ The incoming president , @ @ @ @ @ a high-risk group and already careful to mask up .
President Trump and numerous staffers @ @ @ @ @ caught COVID-19 , meaning there will have to be some sort of deep cleaning for @ @ @ @ @ offices before the new team moves in .
”

President-elect Joe Biden will likely start with a “skeleton staff” in the West Wing to keep him healthy after the Trump administration’s cavalier approach to the coronavirus, Axios reports.
“The incoming president, at 78, is in a high-risk group and already careful to mask up. President Trump and numerous staffers have flouted safety protocols and caught COVID-19, meaning there will have to be some sort of deep cleaning for the White House residence and offices before the new team moves in.”


politicalwire--2020-12-10--Biden Will Disinfect White House After Trump Leaves

Politico : “ Because the coronavirus can linger on surfaces for multiple days , a team deployed by the General @ @ @ @ @ every part of the White House ’ s East and West Wings touched by human @ @ @ @ @ Trump departs and Biden moves in.
” “ That includes plans to ‘ thoroughly clean @ @ @ @ @ , doorknobs , handrails and light switches , before Biden and his team move in @ @ @ @ @ contractor will provide “ disinfectant misting services ” to clear the air of lingering droplets @ @

Politico: “Because the coronavirus can linger on surfaces for multiple days, a team deployed by the General Services Administration will go over every part of the White House’s East and West Wings touched by human hands in the hours after Trump departs and Biden moves in.”
“That includes plans to ‘thoroughly clean and disinfect’ all furniture, doorknobs, handrails and light switches, before Biden and his team move in. Additionally, a private contractor will provide “disinfectant misting services” to clear the air of lingering droplets.”


politicalwire--2020-12-10--U.S. Daily Deaths from Virus Top 3,000

U.S. Daily Deaths from Virus Top 3,000

“ Just one week after the United States broke a daily record for coronavirus deaths , it did so again @ @ @ @ @ across the country reported at least 3,011 new fatalities , ” the New York Times @ @

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


politicalwire--2020-12-10--Trump Pressures Congressional GOP to Overturn Election

“ President Trump is shifting his focus to Congress after the courts roundly rejected his bid to overturn the results @ @ @ @ @ congressional Republicans into taking a final stand to keep him in power , ” the @ @ @ @ @ Trump ’ s push is part of a multipronged approach as he also seeks to @ @ @ @ @ to give him cover for his unsubstantiated claims of widespread voter fraud , as well @ @ @ @ @ last-gasp legal challenge in the Supreme Court that election law experts almost universally dismiss .
@

“President Trump is shifting his focus to Congress after the courts roundly rejected his bid to overturn the results of the election, pressuring congressional Republicans into taking a final stand to keep him in power,” the Washington Post reports.
“Trump’s push is part of a multipronged approach as he also seeks to lobby state and federal lawmakers to give him cover for his unsubstantiated claims of widespread voter fraud, as well as rally support for a last-gasp legal challenge in the Supreme Court that election law experts almost universally dismiss.”


politicalwire--2020-12-10--Biden Brings In the Old Guard

Biden Brings In the Old Guard

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

This piece is only available to Political Wire members.
When Joe Biden was running for president in the Democratic primaries, he pledged to be “a bridge” to the next generation of Democrats. After all, he will be 78 years old when he’s sworn in next month.


politicalwire--2020-12-10--Graham Claims Stacey Abrams ‘Conned’ Republicans

Sen. Lindsey Graham ( R-SC ) said that President-elect Joe Biden won the state of Georgia because , somehow , @ @ @ @ @ into abetting voter fraud by helping more people legally vote , the HuffPost reports .
@ @ @ @ @ Abrams conned the Republican leadership in Georgia into a consent decree that basically adulterated the @ @ @ @ @ that you ’ re comparing the ballot signatures to the application signature .
They ’ @ @ @ @ @ did the fraud.
” He added : “ You should be comparing the ballot signature @ @ @ @ @ the ballot , to a signature that existed before the application was made .
She @ @ @ @

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) said that President-elect Joe Biden won the state of Georgia because, somehow, Democrat Stacey Abrams tricked Republicans into abetting voter fraud by helping more people legally vote, the HuffPost reports.
Said Graham: “Stacey Abrams conned the Republican leadership in Georgia into a consent decree that basically adulterated the signature verification system, so that you’re comparing the ballot signatures to the application signature. They’re the same person who did the fraud.”
He added: “You should be comparing the ballot signature, the envelope signature on the ballot, to a signature that existed before the application was made. She changed that.”


politicalwire--2020-12-10--Trump Warns Georgia AG Not to Rally Other Republicans

“ President Trump warned Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr ( R ) not to rally other Republican officials against a @ @ @ @ @ toss out the state ’ s election results , ” the Atlanta Journal Constitution reports @ @ @ @ @ phone call late Tuesday came shortly before Sens .
Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue issued @ @ @ @ @ ‘ fully support ’ the improbable lawsuit asking the U.S. Supreme Court to reject election @ @ @ @ @ other battleground states that Trump lost .
”

“President Trump warned Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr (R) not to rally other Republican officials against a long-shot Texas lawsuit seeking to toss out the state’s election results,” the Atlanta Journal Constitution reports.
“The roughly 15-minute phone call late Tuesday came shortly before Sens. Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue issued a joint statement saying they ‘fully support’ the improbable lawsuit asking the U.S. Supreme Court to reject election results in Georgia and three other battleground states that Trump lost.”


politicalwire--2020-12-10--Probe Found Criminal Conduct by Veterans Affairs Chief

“ The Veterans Affairs inspector general informed federal prosecutors this fall of possible criminal conduct by Secretary Robert Wilkie stemming @ @ @ @ @ he worked to discredit a congressional aide who said she was sexually assaulted , ” @ @ @ @ @ “ The Justice Department has not pursued a case against Wilkie , a former senior @ @ @ @ @ since 2018 as President Trump ’ s second veterans chief .
”

“The Veterans Affairs inspector general informed federal prosecutors this fall of possible criminal conduct by Secretary Robert Wilkie stemming from an investigation into whether he worked to discredit a congressional aide who said she was sexually assaulted,” the Washington Post reports.
“The Justice Department has not pursued a case against Wilkie, a former senior Pentagon official who has served since 2018 as President Trump’s second veterans chief.”


politicalwire--2020-12-09--Newsom Allies Worried About Possible Recall

“ California Gov .
Gavin Newsom ( D ) has already survived five long-shot recall attempts in his two years @ @ @ @ @ close to him are reportedly worried that the current recall effort amidst frustration over his @ @ @ @ @ could prove successful , ” the San Francisco Chronicle reports .

“California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) has already survived five long-shot recall attempts in his two years in office, but those close to him are reportedly worried that the current recall effort amidst frustration over his handling of the coronavirus pandemic could prove successful,” the San Francisco Chronicle reports.


politicalwire--2020-12-09--Trump Asks Supreme Court to Invalidate Votes

President Trump asked the Supreme Court to block millions of votes from four battleground states that voted for President-elect Joe @ @ @ @ @ “ The President is being represented by a new attorney , John Eastman , who @ @ @ @ @ a racist conspiracy theory that claimed Vice President-elect Kamala Harris was not eligible for the @ @ @ @ @ immigrants.
” CNBC reports that 17 states that were won by Trump also support the @ @

President Trump asked the Supreme Court to block millions of votes from four battleground states that voted for President-elect Joe Biden, CNN reports.
“The President is being represented by a new attorney, John Eastman, who is known for recently pushing a racist conspiracy theory that claimed Vice President-elect Kamala Harris was not eligible for the role because her parents were immigrants.”
CNBC reports that 17 states that were won by Trump also support the effort.


politicalwire--2020-12-09--Most Don’t Want Trump to Run Again

Most Don’t Want Trump to Run Again

Jonathan Last : “ Everyone laughs at how stupid the Trump lawsuits are .
Can you believe these morons ?
@ @ @ @ @ Republican judges keep slapping them down !
How embarrassing for Trump !
” …


politicalwire--2020-12-09--Biden Picks Katherine Tai as Trade Adviser

“ President-elect Joe Biden plans to nominate Katherine Tai as U.S. Trade Representative , turning to an experienced trade lawyer @ @ @ @ @ proven diplomatic skills , ” the Wall Street Journal reports .
“ By selecting Ms. @ @ @ @ @ counsel for the Democrats on the House Ways and Means Committee , Mr. Biden would @ @ @ @ @ working swiftly on pending trade issues while working closely with allies to confront growing economic @ @ @ @ @

“President-elect Joe Biden plans to nominate Katherine Tai as U.S. Trade Representative, turning to an experienced trade lawyer with expertise on China and proven diplomatic skills,” the Wall Street Journal reports.
“By selecting Ms. Tai, now chief trade counsel for the Democrats on the House Ways and Means Committee, Mr. Biden would signal his intention to start working swiftly on pending trade issues while working closely with allies to confront growing economic competition from China.”


politicalwire--2020-12-09--State Department Hosts 200 Person Party

State Department Hosts 200 Person Party


politicalwire--2020-12-09--Obama Monitored Trump Rolling Back His Work

Barack Obama told Jonathan Chait that while he didn ’ t keep a checklist , he did keep track of @ @ @ @ @ rolled back or tried to dismantle .
Said Obama : “ I don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ desk where I ’ m like , All right , this survived , that they @ @ @ @ @ ’ t organized enough to do .
I do pay attention .
I have paid @ @ @ @ @ what the Trump administration attempted to do did some serious damage and where it ’ @ @ @ @ @ setback on what is a long-term success.
” More specifically , Obama said the Affordable @ @ @ @ @ ” but “ when it comes to some of our climate-change regulations , there ’ @ @ @ @ @ .
”

Barack Obama told Jonathan Chait that while he didn’t keep a checklist, he did keep track of his policies Donald Trump either rolled back or tried to dismantle.
Said Obama: “I don’t have a checklist in my desk where I’m like, All right, this survived, that they tried to reverse but weren’t organized enough to do. I do pay attention. I have paid attention to those areas where what the Trump administration attempted to do did some serious damage and where it’s more of a short-term setback on what is a long-term success.”
More specifically, Obama said the Affordable Care Act “remains robust” but “when it comes to some of our climate-change regulations, there’s been some damage done.”


politicalwire--2020-12-09--Election Results Now Certified In Every State

New York Times : “ Election results have now been certified in all 50 states and Washington , D.C. , @ @ @ @ @ one step closer to the White House .
Electors will meet in each state on @ @ @ @ @ .
”


politicalwire--2020-12-09--Hunter Biden Under Federal Investigation In Delaware

President-elect Joe Biden ’ s son Hunter Biden said on Wednesday the U.S. Attorney ’ s Office in Delaware is @ @ @ @ @ Reuters reports .
From a statement : “ I take this matter very seriously but @ @ @ @ @ professional and objective review of these matters will demonstrate that I handled my affairs legally @ @ @ @ @ the benefit of professional tax advisors.
” NBC News : “ Up until March 20th @ @ @ @ @ his former wife Kathleen Buhle had an IRS lien against them for taxes not paid @ @ @ @ @ 112,805.09 , according to publicly available documents .
It is unknown if the tax lien @ @ @ @ @ .
”

President-elect Joe Biden’s son Hunter Biden said on Wednesday the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Delaware is investigating his tax affairs, Reuters reports.
From a statement: “I take this matter very seriously but I am confident that a professional and objective review of these matters will demonstrate that I handled my affairs legally and appropriately, including with the benefit of professional tax advisors.”
NBC News: “Up until March 20th of this year Hunter and his former wife Kathleen Buhle had an IRS lien against them for taxes not paid in the total of $112,805.09, according to publicly available documents. It is unknown if the tax lien is connected to the investigation.”


politicalwire--2020-12-09--Biden Has Two Finalists for SEC Chair

Biden Has Two Finalists for SEC Chair


politicalwire--2020-12-09--US, States Say Facebook Illegally Crushed Competition

“ The Federal Trade Commission and more than 40 states accused Facebook on Wednesday of becoming a social media monopoly @ @ @ @ @ to illegally squash competition , and said the deals that turned the social network into @ @ @ @ @ , ” the New York Times reports .
“ Federal and state regulators , who @ @ @ @ @ for over 18 months , said in separate lawsuits that Facebook ’ s purchases , @ @ @ @ @ billion in 2012 and WhatsApp for $ 19 billion two years later , eliminated competition @ @ @ @ @ challenged the company ’ s dominance .
”

“The Federal Trade Commission and more than 40 states accused Facebook on Wednesday of becoming a social media monopoly by buying up its rivals to illegally squash competition, and said the deals that turned the social network into a behemoth should be unwound,” the New York Times reports.
“Federal and state regulators, who have been investigating the company for over 18 months, said in separate lawsuits that Facebook’s purchases, especially Instagram for $1 billion in 2012 and WhatsApp for $19 billion two years later, eliminated competition that could have one day challenged the company’s dominance.”


Stimulus Talks Sputter

“ Democratic leaders are rejecting GOP offers on coronavirus relief , pointing to ongoing bipartisan talks as the best way @ @ @ @ @ scenes , the Senate Republican majority is increasingly skeptical of those efforts , ” Politico @ @ @ @ @ flurry of momentum over the last week , the stimulus talks are back to where @ @ @ @ @ months : nowhere .
Congressional leaders have retreated to their corners , blaming each other @ @ @ @ @ stumbles and the U.S. nears 300,000 dead from the virus .
Time is running short @ @ @ @ @ with as few as nine days for Congress to deliver much-needed relief .
”

“Democratic leaders are rejecting GOP offers on coronavirus relief, pointing to ongoing bipartisan talks as the best way forward. But behind the scenes, the Senate Republican majority is increasingly skeptical of those efforts,” Politico reports.
“After a flurry of momentum over the last week, the stimulus talks are back to where they’ve been for months: nowhere. Congressional leaders have retreated to their corners, blaming each other for inaction as the economy stumbles and the U.S. nears 300,000 dead from the virus. Time is running short in the lame duck, with as few as nine days for Congress to deliver much-needed relief.”


Trump Is Winning

Jonathan Last : “ Everyone laughs at how stupid the Trump lawsuits are .
Can you believe these morons ?
They lose everywhere !
Even Republican judges keep slapping them down !
How embarrassing for Trump !
” “ But that ’ s the wrong way to think about Trump ’ s actions since November 3 .
Because his goal hasn ’ t been to keep the office of the president .
It ’ s been to keep the Republican party.
” “ Now , owning a major political party isn ’ t as useful as being president .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In a two-party system , you can exert a great deal of power by being the head of a party .
You have businesses and foreign governments that will pay tribute to you .
You have capos spread across the country , ready to do your bidding .
You have an audience of something like 40 million partisans who can be mined for contributions and mobilized as a flash mob whenever you need them.
” “ A political party is , to paraphrase El Blago , a valuable forking thing .
Why @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
” Related : A new Morning Consult/Politico poll finds 71 % of Republicans think Trump will run for president in 2024 .

Jonathan Last: “Everyone laughs at how stupid the Trump lawsuits are. Can you believe these morons? They lose everywhere! Even Republican judges keep slapping them down! How embarrassing for Trump!”
“But that’s the wrong way to think about Trump’s actions since November 3. Because his goal hasn’t been to keep the office of the president. It’s been to keep the Republican party.”
“Now, owning a major political party isn’t as useful as being president. But it’s not nothing, either. In a two-party system, you can exert a great deal of power by being the head of a party. You have businesses and foreign governments that will pay tribute to you. You have capos spread across the country, ready to do your bidding. You have an audience of something like 40 million partisans who can be mined for contributions and mobilized as a flash mob whenever you need them.”
“A political party is, to paraphrase El Blago, a valuable forking thing. Why would anyone willingly let go of it?”
Related: A new Morning Consult/Politico poll finds 71% of Republicans think Trump will run for president in 2024.


politicalwire--2020-12-09--Roughly Half Are Willing to Get Vaccine

Roughly Half Are Willing to Get Vaccine

A new AP/NORC poll finds that 47 % of Americans want the coronavirus vaccine , while 26 % do not @ @ @ @ @ sure .
A new Quinnipiac poll finds 61 % are willing to get vaccinated , @ @ @ @ @ .

A new AP/NORC poll finds that 47% of Americans want the coronavirus vaccine, while 26% do not and 27% are not sure.
A new Quinnipiac poll finds 61% are willing to get vaccinated, while 37% are not.


politicalwire--2020-12-10--Deborah Birx Seeks Role In Biden Government

“ When Dr. Deborah Birx was brought into President Donald Trump ’ s orbit to help fight the coronavirus pandemic @ @ @ @ @ reputation as a former U.S. Army physician , a globally recognized AIDS researcher and a @ @ @ @ @ ” the AP reports .
“ Less than 10 months later , as Trump ’ @ @ @ @ @ its end , the White House coronavirus task force coordinator ’ s reputation is frayed @ @ @ @ @ president since Ronald Reagan , her future in the incoming Joe Biden administration is uncertain.
@ @ @ @ @ clear that she wants to stick around to help the Biden administration roll out vaccines @ @ @ @ @ to be inoculated .
She has reached out to Biden advisers in recent days as @ @ @ @ @ case for a role in the incoming Democratic president ’ s virus response effort .
@

“When Dr. Deborah Birx was brought into President Donald Trump’s orbit to help fight the coronavirus pandemic, she had a sterling reputation as a former U.S. Army physician, a globally recognized AIDS researcher and a rare Obama administration holdover,” the AP reports.
“Less than 10 months later, as Trump’s time in office nears its end, the White House coronavirus task force coordinator’s reputation is frayed. And after serving every president since Ronald Reagan, her future in the incoming Joe Biden administration is uncertain.”
“Birx has made clear that she wants to stick around to help the Biden administration roll out vaccines and persuade the American people to be inoculated. She has reached out to Biden advisers in recent days as she tries to make the case for a role in the incoming Democratic president’s virus response effort.”


politicalwire--2020-12-10--Biden to Campaign In Atlanta Next Week

Biden to Campaign In Atlanta Next Week

Jane Mayer profiles Sen. Dianne Feinstein ( D-CA ) and looks into the rumors of her cognitive decline , sometimes @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Speaking on background , and with respect for her…


politicalwire--2020-12-10--A Trump Comeback Is Not Going to Happen

A Trump Comeback Is Not Going to Happen

John Harris : “ For now , Trump dominates conversations about both present and future .
His outlandish claims that @ @ @ @ @ for comprehensive fraud have helped raise more than $ 200 million since Election Day .
@ @ @ @ @ his dream of recapturing the presidency in 2024 .
For those who despise him , @ @ @ @ @ speech , it seems clear the work goes on , the cause endures , the @ @ @ @ @ the nightmare shall never die .
Except it will die — most likely with more @ @ @ @ @ possible today.
” For members : No , Trump Won ’ t Be a Shadow @ @

John Harris: “For now, Trump dominates conversations about both present and future. His outlandish claims that he won the election except for comprehensive fraud have helped raise more than $200 million since Election Day. Many of his partisans share his dream of recapturing the presidency in 2024. For those who despise him, to paraphrase a famous Democratic speech, it seems clear the work goes on, the cause endures, the fear still lives, and the nightmare shall never die. Except it will die — most likely with more speed and force than looks possible today.”
For members: No, Trump Won’t Be a Shadow President.


politicalwire--2020-12-10--Biden Explores Doug Jones for Attorney General

“ President-elect Joe Biden ’ s top advisers have asked at least one outside advocacy group for input about Sen. @ @ @ @ @ attorney general , one indication that his team is giving serious consideration to the Alabama @ @ @ @ @ s top law enforcement official , ” the Washington Post reports .
“ Biden is @ @ @ @ @ decision this week , prolonging the debate both inside and outside his transition team over @ @ @ @ @ the highest-profile roles in his administration .
It has sent the wider legal and political @ @ @ @ @ with Biden ’ s close-knit advisers keeping a tight lid on their decision-making process amid @ @ @ @ @ lead a consequential department whose morale has plummeted under an assault from President Trump .
@

“President-elect Joe Biden’s top advisers have asked at least one outside advocacy group for input about Sen. Doug Jones as a potential attorney general, one indication that his team is giving serious consideration to the Alabama Democrat as the nation’s top law enforcement official,” the Washington Post reports.
“Biden is not expected to make a decision this week, prolonging the debate both inside and outside his transition team over what will be one of the highest-profile roles in his administration. It has sent the wider legal and political worlds into a frenzy, with Biden’s close-knit advisers keeping a tight lid on their decision-making process amid widespread interest over who will lead a consequential department whose morale has plummeted under an assault from President Trump.”


politicalwire--2020-12-10--Biden’s Win Is Sealed

Biden’s Win Is Sealed

Associated Press : “ Biden ’ s victory was essentially locked in Tuesday by the so-called safe harbor deadline set @ @ @ @ @ to finish their certifications and resolve legal disputes .
It ’ s an insurance policy @ @ @ @ @ to manipulate the electoral votes that will be cast next week and sent to the @ @ @ @ @ 6 .
”

Associated Press: “Biden’s victory was essentially locked in Tuesday by the so-called safe harbor deadline set by federal law for states to finish their certifications and resolve legal disputes. It’s an insurance policy to guard against Congress trying to manipulate the electoral votes that will be cast next week and sent to the Capitol for counting on Jan. 6.”


politicalwire--2020-12-10--GOP Senators Ready to Acknowledge Biden Won

“ A growing number of Senate Republicans are ready to publicly acknowledge what ’ s been widely known for weeks @ @ @ @ @ refused to say : Joe Biden won the presidency and will be sworn in on @ @ @ @ @ reports .
“ What they ’ re less certain about : What President Donald Trump @ @ @ @ @ College votes on Monday and how they plan to respond if he won ’ t @ @ @ @ @ official winner .
”

“A growing number of Senate Republicans are ready to publicly acknowledge what’s been widely known for weeks but what they’ve refused to say: Joe Biden won the presidency and will be sworn in on January 20,” CNN reports.
“What they’re less certain about: What President Donald Trump will do after the Electoral College votes on Monday and how they plan to respond if he won’t concede after Biden is the official winner.”


politicalwire--2020-12-10--Hunter Biden Probe Broader Than Indicated

The federal investigation into President-elect Joe Biden ’ s son Hunter has been more extensive than a statement from Hunter @ @ @ @ @ .
“ In addition to Delaware , the securities fraud unit in the Southern District @ @ @ @ @ Hunter Biden ’ s finances , according to the person with direct knowledge of the @ @ @ @ @ that , as of early last year , investigators in Delaware and Washington were also @ @ @ @ @ Hunter Biden ’ s foreign ties.
” “ In addition to the probe into Hunter @ @ @ @ @ the Western District of Pennsylvania are conducting a criminal investigation of a hospital business in @ @ @ @ @ brother James was involved .
Federal officials have asked questions about James Biden ’ s @ @ @ @ @ New York Times : “ The tax issues came to the attention of F.B.I .
@ @ @ @ @ money laundering investigation into Hunter Biden ’ s financial affairs in late 2018 , under @ @ @ @ @ time , Jeff Sessions .
”

The federal investigation into President-elect Joe Biden’s son Hunter has been more extensive than a statement from Hunter Biden indicates, Politico reports.
“In addition to Delaware, the securities fraud unit in the Southern District of New York also scrutinized Hunter Biden’s finances, according to the person with direct knowledge of the investigation. The person said that, as of early last year, investigators in Delaware and Washington were also probing potential money laundering and Hunter Biden’s foreign ties.”
“In addition to the probe into Hunter Biden, federal authorities in the Western District of Pennsylvania are conducting a criminal investigation of a hospital business in which Joe Biden’s brother James was involved. Federal officials have asked questions about James Biden’s role in the business.”
New York Times: “The tax issues came to the attention of F.B.I. agents after they opened the money laundering investigation into Hunter Biden’s financial affairs in late 2018, under the attorney general at the time, Jeff Sessions.”


politicalwire--2020-12-10--Feinstein’s Missteps Raise a Painful Age Question

Jane Mayer profiles Sen. Dianne Feinstein ( D-CA ) and looks into the rumors of her cognitive decline , sometimes @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Speaking on background , and with respect for her accomplished career , they @ @ @ @ @ grown so poor that she often forgets she has been briefed on a topic , @ @ @ @ @ to do so just after they have .
They describe Feinstein as forgetting what she @ @ @ @ @ when she can ’ t keep up.
” “ Feinstein ’ s staff has said @ @ @ @ @ , and other times unreachable .
”

Jane Mayer profiles Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and looks into the rumors of her cognitive decline, sometimes spread by her own staff.
“Speaking on background, and with respect for her accomplished career, they say her short-term memory has grown so poor that she often forgets she has been briefed on a topic, accusing her staff of failing to do so just after they have. They describe Feinstein as forgetting what she has said and getting upset when she can’t keep up.”
“Feinstein’s staff has said that sometimes she seems herself, and other times unreachable.”


politicalwire--2020-12-10--Minnesota Town Allows White Supremacist Church

Minneapolis Star Tribune : “ Meeting online because of the COVID-19 pandemic , the council kept its video camera turned @ @ @ @ @ meeting attendees couldn ’ t see the members ’ faces .
Despite repeated requests from @ @ @ @ @ members refused to identify who voted for or against the permit , passing it on @ @ @ @ @ roll call .
One member on the five-person council could be heard voting no .
@

Minneapolis Star Tribune: “Meeting online because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the council kept its video camera turned off, meaning that other meeting attendees couldn’t see the members’ faces. Despite repeated requests from the online audience, council members refused to identify who voted for or against the permit, passing it on a voice vote without a roll call. One member on the five-person council could be heard voting no.”


politicalwire--2020-12-10--Obamacare Approval Ties All Time High

Obamacare Approval Ties All Time High

“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--2020-12-11--Texas Lawsuit Becomes New Conservative Litmus Test

“ The Texas lawsuit asking the U.S. Supreme Court to invalidate President-elect Joe Biden ’ s victory has quickly become @ @ @ @ @ as 106 members of Congress and multiple state attorneys general signed onto the case even @ @ @ @ @ will fail , ” the AP reports .
“ The last-gasp bid to subvert the @ @ @ @ @ election is demonstrating President Donald Trump ’ s enduring political power even as his term @ @ @ @ @ And even though most of the signatories are far-right conservatives who come from deep red @ @ @ @ @ that roughly one-quarter of the U.S. House believes the Supreme Court should set aside election @ @ @ @ @ “ This embrace of the president ’ s attempt to overturn the results of the @ @ @ @ @ horrifying… Republican officials have gone from coddling a sore loser to effectively abandoning democracy .
@

“The Texas lawsuit asking the U.S. Supreme Court to invalidate President-elect Joe Biden’s victory has quickly become a conservative litmus test, as 106 members of Congress and multiple state attorneys general signed onto the case even as some have predicted it will fail,” the AP reports.
“The last-gasp bid to subvert the results of the Nov. 3 election is demonstrating President Donald Trump’s enduring political power even as his term is set to end. And even though most of the signatories are far-right conservatives who come from deep red districts, the filing meant that roughly one-quarter of the U.S. House believes the Supreme Court should set aside election results.”
David Graham: “This embrace of the president’s attempt to overturn the results of the election is both shocking and horrifying… Republican officials have gone from coddling a sore loser to effectively abandoning democracy.”


politicalwire--2020-12-10--FDA Panel Gives Green Light to Pfizer Vaccine

A new study finds that members of Congress who own stock tend to vote in ways that benefit their investments @ @ @ @ @ ’ t be explained away by other…


politicalwire--2020-12-10--Battleground States Issue Blistering Rebuke of Texas Case

“ Each of the four battleground states targeted by a Texas lawsuit seeking to overturn President Trump ’ s election @ @ @ @ @ the Supreme Court on Thursday , with Pennsylvania officials going so far as to call @ @ @ @ @ abuse of the judicial process , ' ” CNN reports .
“ The court filings @ @ @ @ @ Pennsylvania and Wisconsin come a day after Trump asked the Supreme Court to intervene in @ @ @ @ @ Attorney General Ken Paxton ( R ) seeking to invalidate millions of votes in their @ @ @

“Each of the four battleground states targeted by a Texas lawsuit seeking to overturn President Trump’s election defeat issued blistering briefs at the Supreme Court on Thursday, with Pennsylvania officials going so far as to call the effort a ‘seditious abuse of the judicial process,'” CNN reports.
“The court filings from Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin come a day after Trump asked the Supreme Court to intervene in the lawsuit brought by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) seeking to invalidate millions of votes in their states.”


politicalwire--2020-12-10--Ohio Attorney General Opposes Effort to Overturn Election

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost ( R ) filed a legal brief with the U.S. Supreme Court opposing a Texas @ @ @ @ @ the Electoral College from voting Joe Biden the next U.S. president , the Cleveland Plain @ @ @ @ @ stated in the brief that the Supreme Court lacks authority to order state legislatures in @ @ @ @ @ and Wisconsin to appoint presidential electors .
”

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost (R) filed a legal brief with the U.S. Supreme Court opposing a Texas lawsuit seeking to effectively delay the Electoral College from voting Joe Biden the next U.S. president, the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.
“Yost stated in the brief that the Supreme Court lacks authority to order state legislatures in Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin to appoint presidential electors.”


politicalwire--2020-12-10--New Hampshire Speaker Dies from Covid-19


politicalwire--2020-12-10--Just 60% Believe Biden’s Win Is Legitimate

A new Quinnipiac poll finds 60 % of voters say they think President-elect Joe Biden ’ s victory in the @ @ @ @ @ and 34 % think his win is not .
“ There are large partisan gaps @ @ @ @ @ to 2 % they think Biden ’ s election victory is legitimate and independents say @ @ @ @ @ his victory is legitimate .
Republicans , however , say 70 % to 23 % @ @ @ @ @ s victory is not legitimate .
”

A new Quinnipiac poll finds 60% of voters say they think President-elect Joe Biden’s victory in the 2020 presidential election is legitimate and 34% think his win is not.
“There are large partisan gaps. Democrats say 98% to 2% they think Biden’s election victory is legitimate and independents say 62% to 30% his victory is legitimate. Republicans, however, say 70% to 23% that they think Biden’s victory is not legitimate.”


politicalwire--2020-12-10--Biden Says ‘Defund the Police’ Rhetoric Hurt Democrats

President-elect Joe Biden appeared to blame the “ Defund the Police ” movement for contributing to surprising Democratic downballot losses @ @ @ @ @ telling civil rights leaders this week that they should proceed carefully on criminal justice issues @ @ @ @ @ Said Biden , in leaked audio : “ That ’ s how they beat the @ @ @ @ @ across the country , saying that we ’ re talking about defunding the police .
@ @ @ @ @ We ’ re talking about holding them accountable .
”

President-elect Joe Biden appeared to blame the “Defund the Police” movement for contributing to surprising Democratic downballot losses in the November election, telling civil rights leaders this week that they should proceed carefully on criminal justice issues, NBC News reports.
Said Biden, in leaked audio: “That’s how they beat the living hell out of us across the country, saying that we’re talking about defunding the police. We’re not. We’re talking about holding them accountable.”


politicalwire--2020-12-10--The GOP Is An Autocratic Party

The GOP Is An Autocratic Party

Ron Brownstein : “ Republicans ’ tolerance , if not active support , for President Trump ’ s ongoing bid to overturn the 2020 election has crystallized a stark question : Does the GOP still qualify as a small-d democratic party—or is it morphing into something very different ?
” “ Even with the Supreme Court still deciding whether to consider a last-ditch legal effort to invalidate the results from the key swing states , there appears little chance that Trump will succeed in subverting Joe Biden ’ s victory .
But Trump ’ s failure on that front has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ swath of his party to join his cause—a dynamic that is already prompting new Republican efforts to make it more difficult to vote and raising concerns about the party ’ s commitment to the basic tenets of Western democratic rules and conventions , including the peaceful transfer of power.
” “ Republicans ’ widespread enlistment in Trump ’ s efforts follows years in which officials have advanced hundreds of state-level measures making it more difficult to vote ; engaged in extraordinary legislative maneuvering to deny former President Barack Obama the opportunity to fill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and have either looked the other way or abetted Trump in a series of actions shredding democratic norms , including attempting to weaponize the Postal Service , tilt the results of the census , and pressure the Justice Department to investigate his opponents.
” Jonathan Last : The Republican Party as Totalitarian State .

Ron Brownstein: “Republicans’ tolerance, if not active support, for President Trump’s ongoing bid to overturn the 2020 election has crystallized a stark question: Does the GOP still qualify as a small-d democratic party—or is it morphing into something very different?”
“Even with the Supreme Court still deciding whether to consider a last-ditch legal effort to invalidate the results from the key swing states, there appears little chance that Trump will succeed in subverting Joe Biden’s victory. But Trump’s failure on that front has obscured his success at enlisting a growing swath of his party to join his cause—a dynamic that is already prompting new Republican efforts to make it more difficult to vote and raising concerns about the party’s commitment to the basic tenets of Western democratic rules and conventions, including the peaceful transfer of power.”
“Republicans’ widespread enlistment in Trump’s efforts follows years in which officials have advanced hundreds of state-level measures making it more difficult to vote; engaged in extraordinary legislative maneuvering to deny former President Barack Obama the opportunity to fill a vacant U.S. Supreme Court seat; and have either looked the other way or abetted Trump in a series of actions shredding democratic norms, including attempting to weaponize the Postal Service, tilt the results of the census, and pressure the Justice Department to investigate his opponents.”
Jonathan Last: The Republican Party as Totalitarian State.


politicalwire--2020-12-10--Rand Paul Holds Up Defense Bill

Rand Paul Holds Up Defense Bill


politicalwire--2020-12-10--Lawmaker Votes Typically Help Their Stock Holdings

A new study finds that members of Congress who own stock tend to vote in ways that benefit their investments @ @ @ @ @ ’ t be explained away by other factors , such as ideology or constituent interests @

A new study finds that members of Congress who own stock tend to vote in ways that benefit their investments and that these decisions can’t be explained away by other factors, such as ideology or constituent interests.


politicalwire--2020-12-10--Republicans Won’t Back Bipartisan Relief Proposal

“ Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell ’ s staff told other congressional leaders on Wednesday that the bipartisan coronavirus negotiators @ @ @ @ @ Senate Republicans , ” Politico reports .
“ McConnell ’ s staff informed House and @ @ @ @ @ group ’ s attempts to marry $ 160 billion in state and local aid and @ @ @ @ @ won ’ t fly with most of the GOP.
” Playbook : “ So , @ @ @ @ @ : Congress may be here for the entirety of this month .
Speaker Nancy Pelosi @ @ @ @ @ she isn ’ t leaving without a deal , and that we have all been @ @ @ @ @ .
”

“Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s staff told other congressional leaders on Wednesday that the bipartisan coronavirus negotiators will be unlikely to satisfy Senate Republicans,” Politico reports.
“McConnell’s staff informed House and Senate leadership staffers that the group’s attempts to marry $160 billion in state and local aid and a temporary liability shield probably won’t fly with most of the GOP.”
Playbook: “So, here’s the reality: Congress may be here for the entirety of this month. Speaker Nancy Pelosi this morning conveniently reminded us she isn’t leaving without a deal, and that we have all been here working after Christmas before.”


politicalwire--2020-12-10--Trump Finally Tells the Truth

Trump Finally Tells the Truth

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

This piece is only available to Political Wire members.
For more than a month, President Trump has argued that he actually won the presidential election — “by a lot” — and that his win simply needed to be recognized by the courts.


politicalwire--2020-12-10--CDC Staff Told to Delete Email

CDC Staff Told to Delete Email


politicalwire--2020-12-10--Member Briefing: The Future of Polling

Member Briefing: The Future of Polling

This event 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 .

An invite just for members: The 2020 Election and the Future of Polling.
The discussion features pollsters Jefrey Pollock and Brenda Gianiny and will be moderated by CNN commentator S.E. Cupp and former Rep. Steve Israel.


politicalwire--2020-12-10--Biden Picks Susan Rice to Lead Domestic Policy Council

“ President-elect Joe Biden has tapped Obama ’ s former national security adviser Susan Rice to run the White House @ @ @ @ @ Politico reports .
“ The director of the Domestic Policy Council is not a Senate-confirmed @ @ @ @ @ had been looking to find a high-profile role for Rice , but the top domestic @ @ @ @ @ surprise given her expertise and experience in foreign policy.
” Associated Press : “ Though @ @ @ @ @ the intention of being on par with the White House National Security Council , it @ @ @ @ @ public profile , including for its directors .
Rice is expected to be more of @ @ @ @ @ and outside the White House , and her appointment creates a new power center in @ @ @ @ @

“President-elect Joe Biden has tapped Obama’s former national security adviser Susan Rice to run the White House Domestic Policy Council,” Politico reports.
“The director of the Domestic Policy Council is not a Senate-confirmed position. The Biden team had been looking to find a high-profile role for Rice, but the top domestic policy job comes as a surprise given her expertise and experience in foreign policy.”
Associated Press: “Though the council was created with the intention of being on par with the White House National Security Council, it traditionally has had a lower public profile, including for its directors. Rice is expected to be more of a force, both inside and outside the White House, and her appointment creates a new power center in the West Wing.”


politicalwire--2020-12-10--Biden Taps Denis McDonough for Veterans Affairs


politicalwire--2020-12-10--GOP Lawmaker Solicits Republicans to Overturn Vote

Rep. Mike Johnson ( R-LA ) circulated an email , obtained by CBS News , from his personal account to @ @ @ @ @ them to sign on to a brief with the Supreme Court in support of a @ @ @ @ @ seeking to delay certification of presidential electors in four battleground states won by President-elect Joe @ @

Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA) circulated an email, obtained by CBS News, from his personal account to GOP members Wednesday that asked them to sign on to a brief with the Supreme Court in support of a long-shot lawsuit filed by Texas seeking to delay certification of presidential electors in four battleground states won by President-elect Joe Biden.


politicalwire--2020-12-10--White House Repeatedly Turned Down More Vaccine

The Trump administration repeatedly turned down the chance to order tens of millions of additional doses of Pfizer ’ s @ @ @ @ @ we understood its effectiveness , The Daily reports .
Michael Barbaro : “ Warning : @ @ @ @ @ the end of the episode .
”

The Trump administration repeatedly turned down the chance to order tens of millions of additional doses of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine — even once we understood its effectiveness, The Daily reports.
Michael Barbaro: “Warning: you will be mad by the end of the episode.”


politicalwire--2020-12-10--Lawmaker Who Dined with Kristi Noem Tests Positive


politicalwire--2020-12-10--Perdue Sold Home to Official Lobbying His Committee

“ Sen .
David Perdue ( R-GA ) sold his Washington , D.C. , home last year to a brokerage @ @ @ @ @ under the purview of a committee Perdue sits on , ” ProPublica reports .
“ @ @ @ @ @ market , without the home being listed for sale publicly.
” “ Though an appraisal @ @ @ @ @ buyer found that Perdue sold for slightly under market value , four local real estate @ @ @ @ @ that the almost $ 1.8 million sale price Perdue garnered seemed high .
Their estimates @ @ @ @ @ a few thousand dollars to as much as about $ 140,000 .
A fifth expert @ @ @ @ @ fair market value .
”

“Sen. David Perdue (R-GA) sold his Washington, D.C., home last year to a brokerage industry official whose organization is under the purview of a committee Perdue sits on,” ProPublica reports.
“The deal was made off market, without the home being listed for sale publicly.”
“Though an appraisal provided to ProPublica by the buyer found that Perdue sold for slightly under market value, four local real estate experts disagreed, telling ProPublica that the almost $1.8 million sale price Perdue garnered seemed high. Their estimates of the premium ranged from a few thousand dollars to as much as about $140,000. A fifth expert said the price was squarely fair market value.”


politicalwire--2020-12-11--Andrew Yang Has Decided to Run for Mayor

“ Andrew Yang , the former tech executive who gained a national following as a Democratic presidential candidate , has @ @ @ @ @ City leaders that he intends to run for mayor next year , ” the New @ @ @ @ @ Mr .
Yang is not expected to announce his bid until next month , but @ @ @ @ @ than seven months away , he has begun to make overtures to several of the @ @ @ @ @ brokers .
”

“Andrew Yang, the former tech executive who gained a national following as a Democratic presidential candidate, has been privately telling New York City leaders that he intends to run for mayor next year,” the New York Times reports.
“Mr. Yang is not expected to announce his bid until next month, but with the Democratic primary less than seven months away, he has begun to make overtures to several of the city’s political power brokers.”


politicalwire--2020-12-11--Biden’s Cabinet Gives Kamala Harris Edge In 2024

“ Joe Biden hasn ’ t picked any of the nearly two dozen Democrats who ran against him to serve @ @ @ @ @ that bodes quite well for the former rival he did elevate as his No .
@ @ @ @ @ ” Politico reports .
“ Biden ’ s decision to forgo a Cabinet of ambitious @ @ @ @ @ group heavy on seasoned loyalists and technocrats contrasts with Donald Trump and Barack Obama ’ @ @ @ @ @ to top posts .
And it could deny a springboard to potential Harris competitors in @ @ @ @ @ retire after one term rather than running for reelection in his 80s .
”

“Joe Biden hasn’t picked any of the nearly two dozen Democrats who ran against him to serve in his administration — and that bodes quite well for the former rival he did elevate as his No. 2, Kamala Harris,” Politico reports.
“Biden’s decision to forgo a Cabinet of ambitious pols in favor of a group heavy on seasoned loyalists and technocrats contrasts with Donald Trump and Barack Obama’s appointment of next-generation officials to top posts. And it could deny a springboard to potential Harris competitors in 2024 if Biden decides to retire after one term rather than running for reelection in his 80s.”


politicalwire--2020-12-11--Manhattan D.A. Intensifies Investigation of Trump

New York Times : “ State prosecutors in Manhattan have interviewed several employees of President Trump ’ s bank and @ @ @ @ @ , according to people with knowledge of the matter , significantly escalating an investigation into @ @ @ @ @ powerless to stop.
” “ The interviews with people who work for the lender , @ @ @ @ @ insurance brokerage , Aon , are the latest indication that once Mr. Trump leaves office @ @ @ @ @ potential threat of criminal charges that would be beyond the reach of federal pardons .
@

New York Times: “State prosecutors in Manhattan have interviewed several employees of President Trump’s bank and insurance broker in recent weeks, according to people with knowledge of the matter, significantly escalating an investigation into the president that he is powerless to stop.”
“The interviews with people who work for the lender, Deutsche Bank, and the insurance brokerage, Aon, are the latest indication that once Mr. Trump leaves office, he still faces the potential threat of criminal charges that would be beyond the reach of federal pardons.”


Congress Is Paralyzed

“ Congressional bickering over a new economic relief package escalated Thursday as lawmakers traded blame and put negotiations over critical @ @ @ @ @ collapse , ” the Washington Post reports .
“ And the finger-pointing even threatened to @ @ @ @ @ in the Senate , as lawmakers were still unsure whether they would be able to @ @ @ @ @ deadline Friday night to avert a government shutdown.
” Playbook : “ The 116th Congress @ @ @ @ @ , and it ’ s ending with the institution completely paralyzed by its efforts to @ @ @ @ @ help Americans rebound from the coronavirus .
The same set of policies have been bedeviling @ @ @ @ @ all — for more than six months .
”

“Congressional bickering over a new economic relief package escalated Thursday as lawmakers traded blame and put negotiations over critical legislation on the brink of collapse,” the Washington Post reports.
“And the finger-pointing even threatened to imperil a must-pass spending bill in the Senate, as lawmakers were still unsure whether they would be able to pass a measure by a deadline Friday night to avert a government shutdown.”
Playbook: “The 116th Congress started with a government shutdown, and it’s ending with the institution completely paralyzed by its efforts to put in place policies to help Americans rebound from the coronavirus. The same set of policies have been bedeviling the leadership — self-described dealmakers all — for more than six months.”


politicalwire--2020-12-11--Pelosi Looks to Lock Down Speaker’s Vote

“ Speaker Nancy Pelosi had a blunt message for her junior members : I need your vote on Jan. 3 @ @ @ @ @ “ That ’ s the opening day of the 117th Congress , and Pelosi was @ @ @ @ @ the crucial floor vote for speaker .
No one on Capitol Hill believes Pelosi is @ @ @ @ @ the gavel .
But the vote has become much more complicated with a shrunken Democratic @ @ @ @ @ shadowing the proceedings .
”

“Speaker Nancy Pelosi had a blunt message for her junior members: I need your vote on Jan. 3,” Politico reports.
“That’s the opening day of the 117th Congress, and Pelosi was making her pitch ahead of the crucial floor vote for speaker. No one on Capitol Hill believes Pelosi is really at risk of losing the gavel. But the vote has become much more complicated with a shrunken Democratic majority and the coronavirus pandemic shadowing the proceedings.”


politicalwire--2020-12-11--Biden Visit Marks ‘Sea Change’ In Democratic Strategy

“ President-elect Joe Biden ’ s plan to visit Georgia next week to campaign for Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock @ @ @ @ @ a seismic shift in the state ’ s Democratic politics .
Not long ago , @ @ @ @ @ national figures .
Now , they ’ re embracing them , ” the Atlantic Journal @ @ @ @ @ course , it makes sense for the Senate candidates to tie themselves to Biden , @ @ @ @ @ presidential nominee to carry the state since 1992 .
And the Jan. 5 runoffs will @ @ @ @ @ Senate — and the fate of Biden ’ s legislative agenda .
“ But the @ @ @ @ @ national stars goes far beyond the former vice president , who defeated President Donald Trump @ @ @ @ @ 12,000 votes .
They ’ ve held fundraisers with U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and @ @ @ @ @ liberal leaders whom Republicans eagerly frame as too extreme for Georgia .
”

“President-elect Joe Biden’s plan to visit Georgia next week to campaign for Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock is a sharp reminder of a seismic shift in the state’s Democratic politics. Not long ago, state Democrats ran screaming from national figures. Now, they’re embracing them,” the Atlantic Journal Constitution reports.
“Of course, it makes sense for the Senate candidates to tie themselves to Biden, who became the first Democratic presidential nominee to carry the state since 1992. And the Jan. 5 runoffs will determine control of the U.S. Senate — and the fate of Biden’s legislative agenda.
“But the Georgia Democrats’ embrace of national stars goes far beyond the former vice president, who defeated President Donald Trump in the state by about 12,000 votes. They’ve held fundraisers with U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren — liberal leaders whom Republicans eagerly frame as too extreme for Georgia.”