politicalwire--2020-03-23--Boris Johnson Orders Citizens to Stay at Home

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson ordered all citizens to stay home and all non-essential businesses closed , the BBC reports @ @ @ @ @ The time has now come for us all to do more.
” And he warned @ @ @ @ @ ’ t follow the rules the police will have the powers to enforce them , @ @ @ @ @ gatherings .
”

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson ordered all citizens to stay home and all non-essential businesses closed, the BBC reports.
Said Johnson: “The time has now come for us all to do more.”
And he warned: “If you don’t follow the rules the police will have the powers to enforce them, including through fines and dispersing gatherings.”


politicalwire--2020-03-23--Cruz Urges Trump to Invoke Defense Production Act

Sen. Ted Cruz ( R-TX ) — who has emerged as one of the most vocal members of Congress on @ @ @ @ @ — wants President Trump to tell private manufacturers to begin making ventilators , warning the @ @ @ @ @ shortage , the Houston Chronicle reports .
Said Cruz : “ I don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ to make a choice of who gets to live and who has to die because @ @ @ @ @ the equipment to save their lives.
” Nolan Nicks : “ Trying to remember the @ @ @ @ @ , Bill de Blasio and Ted Cruz were all on the same page .
”

Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) — who has emerged as one of the most vocal members of Congress on the dangers the coronavirus poses — wants President Trump to tell private manufacturers to begin making ventilators, warning the nation could soon face a shortage, the Houston Chronicle reports.
Said Cruz: “I don’t want to see doctors having to make a choice of who gets to live and who has to die because they don’t have the equipment to save their lives.”
Nolan Nicks: “Trying to remember the last time that Andrew Cuomo, Bill de Blasio and Ted Cruz were all on the same page.”


politicalwire--2020-03-23--Kushner Advised Trump to Loosen Social Distancing

Gabriel Sherman : “ According to sources , Trump is increasingly frustrated with Fauci and governors who advocated for shutting down large swathes of the economy to stop COVID-19 ’ s out-of-control spread… Trump is fuming privately that Fauci advised him that the only way to blunt the pandemic was to bring the economy to a halt.
” “ The pivot away from the strict social-distancing strategy is gaining traction in the business community… Sources say that Trump is leaning toward telling at least some Americans to return to work after the 15-day social-distancing period ends on March 31 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ course with Fauci that many fear will end with Fauci being fired or quitting.
” “ Trump ’ s view that he can ignore Fauci ’ s opinion may be influenced by advice he ’ s getting from Jared Kushner , whose outside-the-box efforts have often rankled those in charge of managing the crisis… Kushner has told Trump about experimental treatments he ’ s heard about from executives in Silicon Valley… Throughout the crisis , Kushner has counseled Trump that the crisis isn ’ t as bad as the media is portraying .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ has complained to Trump about Kushner ’ s meddling in the work of the coronavirus task force .
Washington Post : “ Fauci and other leading public health experts have told administration officials and Republican lawmakers that prematurely scaling back social distancing measures would hamper efforts to mitigate the virus and devastate U.S. hospitals .
”

Gabriel Sherman: “According to sources, Trump is increasingly frustrated with Fauci and governors who advocated for shutting down large swathes of the economy to stop COVID-19’s out-of-control spread… Trump is fuming privately that Fauci advised him that the only way to blunt the pandemic was to bring the economy to a halt.”
“The pivot away from the strict social-distancing strategy is gaining traction in the business community… Sources say that Trump is leaning toward telling at least some Americans to return to work after the 15-day social-distancing period ends on March 31. This puts Trump on a potential collision course with Fauci that many fear will end with Fauci being fired or quitting.”
“Trump’s view that he can ignore Fauci’s opinion may be influenced by advice he’s getting from Jared Kushner, whose outside-the-box efforts have often rankled those in charge of managing the crisis… Kushner has told Trump about experimental treatments he’s heard about from executives in Silicon Valley… Throughout the crisis, Kushner has counseled Trump that the crisis isn’t as bad as the media is portraying. Two sources said Vice President Mike Pence has complained to Trump about Kushner’s meddling in the work of the coronavirus task force.
Washington Post: “Fauci and other leading public health experts have told administration officials and Republican lawmakers that prematurely scaling back social distancing measures would hamper efforts to mitigate the virus and devastate U.S. hospitals.”


politicalwire--2020-03-23--Neo-Nazis Tell Virus-Infected Members to Infect Jews

“ Neo-Nazi and other white-supremacist groups have told their members to spread the novel coronavirus to cops and Jews if @ @ @ @ @ according to ABC News .

“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--2020-03-23--Trump Increasingly Frustrated with Anthony Fauci

New York Times : “ Mr .
Trump has become frustrated with Dr. Fauci ’ s blunt approach at the @ @ @ @ @ contradicts things the president has just said… Mr. Trump knows that Dr. Fauci is seen @ @ @ @ @ swath of the public and with journalists , and so he has given him more @ @ @ @ @ he has other officials .
”

New York Times: “Mr. Trump has become frustrated with Dr. Fauci’s blunt approach at the briefing lectern, which often contradicts things the president has just said… Mr. Trump knows that Dr. Fauci is seen as credible with a large swath of the public and with journalists, and so he has given him more leeway to contradict him than he has other officials.”


politicalwire--2020-03-23--GOP Dusts Off Anti-Pelosi Playbook

GOP Dusts Off Anti-Pelosi Playbook

Politico : “ As Senate leaders struggled to reach a deal Monday morning , Republicans continued to scapegoat Pelosi , @ @ @ @ @ McCarthy ( R-CA ) blasting the speaker during an early appearance on Fox News and @ @ @ @ @ blackmail Republicans with a wish-list of demands .
Senior GOP aides were also shopping around @ @ @ @ @ cloak of anonymity Monday morning .
“ For most congressional Republicans , the blame-Pelosi playbook @ @ @ @ @ an easy go-to as party leaders wrestle for the upper hand in negotiations .
”

Politico: “As Senate leaders struggled to reach a deal Monday morning, Republicans continued to scapegoat Pelosi, with House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) blasting the speaker during an early appearance on Fox News and accusing Pelosi of trying to blackmail Republicans with a wish-list of demands. Senior GOP aides were also shopping around Pelosi attack lines under the cloak of anonymity Monday morning.
“For most congressional Republicans, the blame-Pelosi playbook is a familiar comfort — an easy go-to as party leaders wrestle for the upper hand in negotiations.”


politicalwire--2020-03-23--Senate Fails Again to Advance Economic Relief Bill

The Senate failed to advance a massive coronavirus stimulus package for the second time in as many days , The @ @ @ @ @ : “ The vote was 49-46 , far short of the 60 vote threshold needed @ @ @ @ @ a final debate .
”


politicalwire--2020-03-23--Governors Get High Marks In Dealing with Pandemic

A new Monmouth poll finds more Americans say President Trump has done a good job rather than bad job dealing @ @ @ @ @ 50 % to 45 % .
Governors , though , get even better ratings for @ @ @ @ @ 72 % of the public saying their state ’ s governor has done a good @ @ @ @ @ a bad job .

A new Monmouth poll finds more Americans say President Trump has done a good job rather than bad job dealing with the coronavirus outbreak, 50% to 45%.
Governors, though, get even better ratings for handling the outbreak, with 72% of the public saying their state’s governor has done a good job to just 18% a bad job.


politicalwire--2020-03-23--Olympics Will Be Postponed, Likely Until Next Year

Veteran International Olympic Committee member Dick Pound told USA Today that the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games are going to be @ @ @ @ @ , with the details to be worked out in the next four weeks .


politicalwire--2020-03-23--Rand Paul Responds to Critics

Rand Paul Responds to Critics

Sen. Rand Paul ( R-KY ) responds to those criticizing him for not self-quarantining : “ For those who want @ @ @ @ @ of quarantine , realize that if the rules on testing had been followed to a @ @ @ @ @ have been tested and would still be walking around the hills of the Capitol .
@ @ @ @ @ have called for me to get tested nor quarantined .
It was my extra precaution @ @ @ @ @ my damaged lung , that led me to get tested .
”

Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) responds to those criticizing him for not self-quarantining:
“For those who want to criticize me for lack of quarantine, realize that if the rules on testing had been followed to a tee, I would never have been tested and would still be walking around the hills of the Capitol. The current guidelines would not have called for me to get tested nor quarantined. It was my extra precaution, out of concern for my damaged lung, that led me to get tested.”


politicalwire--2020-03-23--Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day

“ Try running an economy with major hospitals overflowing , doctors and nurses forced to stop treating some because they @ @ @ @ @ , and every moment of gut-wrenching medical chaos being played out in our living rooms @ @ @ @ @ social media , and shown all around the world .
There is no functioning economy @ @ @ @ @ ” — Sen. Lindsey Graham ( R-SC ) , dismissing calls from some to pull @ @ @ @ @ in order to stop damage to the economy .

“Try running an economy with major hospitals overflowing, doctors and nurses forced to stop treating some because they can’t help all, and every moment of gut-wrenching medical chaos being played out in our living rooms, on TV, on social media, and shown all around the world. There is no functioning economy unless we control the virus.”
— Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), dismissing calls from some to pull back on social distancing measures in order to stop damage to the economy.


politicalwire--2020-03-24--Murdoch Protected Himself as Fox Downplayed Virus

“ If you were watching some of the commentators on Fox News and Fox Business in the first 10 days @ @ @ @ @ ’ t have been too worried about the coronavirus — it would be no worse @ @ @ @ @ the real story was the ‘ coronavirus impeachment scam , ' ” the New York @ @ @ @ @ one elderly Fox News viewer , a crucial supporter of President Trump , took the @ @ @ @ @ ’ s chairman , Rupert Murdoch , who was to celebrate his 89th birthday on @ @ @ @ @ March 8 , as the virus was spreading , the Murdoch family called off a @ @ @ @ @ for the patriarch ’ s health… There were about 20 people on the guest list @ @

“If you were watching some of the commentators on Fox News and Fox Business in the first 10 days of March, you wouldn’t have been too worried about the coronavirus — it would be no worse than the flu, and the real story was the ‘coronavirus impeachment scam,'” the New York Times reports.
“But one elderly Fox News viewer, a crucial supporter of President Trump, took the threat seriously: The channel’s chairman, Rupert Murdoch, who was to celebrate his 89th birthday on March 11.”
“On March 8, as the virus was spreading, the Murdoch family called off a planned party out of concern for the patriarch’s health… There were about 20 people on the guest list.”


politicalwire--2020-03-24--Trump Tweet Puts Deal In Doubt

Trump Tweet Puts Deal In Doubt

Just as Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer closed in on a deal for an economic @ @ @ @ @ tweeted his disapproval late last night : Republicans had a deal until Nancy Pelosi rode @ @ @ @ @ vacation .
The Democrats want the Virus to win ?
They are asking for things @ @ @ @ @ with our great workers or companies .
They want Open Borders & Green New Deal @ @ @ @ @ agree !
Playbook says this throws its prospects into question .
“ Why ?
Because @ @ @ @ @ seen time and time again , anything short of a full embrace from the president @ @ @ @ @ .
Unless you have that , negotiating with a Cabinet secretary can be like dealing @ @ @ @ @ the best intentions , but limited authority .
Some Republicans have been quietly downplaying the @ @ @ @ @ this is why .
”

Just as Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer closed in on a deal for an economic relief package, President Trump tweeted his disapproval late last night:
Republicans had a deal until Nancy Pelosi rode into town from her extended vacation. The Democrats want the Virus to win? They are asking for things that have nothing to do with our great workers or companies. They want Open Borders & Green New Deal. Republicans shouldn’t agree!
Playbook says this throws its prospects into question. “Why? Because, as we’ve seen time and time again, anything short of a full embrace from the president is not enough for Republicans. Unless you have that, negotiating with a Cabinet secretary can be like dealing with an independent contractor with the best intentions, but limited authority. Some Republicans have been quietly downplaying the Mnuchin-Schumer talks, and perhaps this is why.”


politicalwire--2020-03-24--Trump Tries to Rewrite His Response to Coronavirus

Politico : “ Team Trump is rushing to rewrite the early narrative about the president ’ s response to coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ clips of Donald Trump downplaying the escalating outbreak , Trump aides and allies are working @ @ @ @ @ president ’ s recent actions and comments.
” “ Their effort comprises three tactics : @ @ @ @ @ of every action the Trump administration took .
Amplify praise of those actions .
And @ @ @ @ @ who criticizes those actions .
”

Politico: “Team Trump is rushing to rewrite the early narrative about the president’s response to coronavirus. Faced with endless video clips of Donald Trump downplaying the escalating outbreak, Trump aides and allies are working furiously to instead highlight the president’s recent actions and comments.”
“Their effort comprises three tactics: Blanket supporters with detailed timelines of every action the Trump administration took. Amplify praise of those actions. And forcefully push back against anyone who criticizes those actions.”


politicalwire--2020-03-24--Biden Is Trying to Be Heard on the Virus

New York Times : “ Mr .
Biden has been confined over the last week to an unusually small role @ @ @ @ @ not yet completely certain — nominee of a major political party .
His public comments @ @ @ @ @ for the most part , restrained .
He is now ramping up a public schedule @ @ @ @ @ on ABC ’ s The View on Tuesday , and his aides said he would @ @ @ @ @ some fashion each day.
” “ But Democratic strategists , some state officials and even @ @ @ @ @ have said that Mr. Biden needs to be more visible at a time when Americans @ @ @ @ @ The challenge for Mr. Biden , they say , is to find ways to draw @ @ @ @ @ with Mr. Trump while showing sensitivity to the severity of the crisis , and to @ @ @ @ @ is focused on more immediate concerns than November ’ s election .
”

New York Times: “Mr. Biden has been confined over the last week to an unusually small role for the likely — though not yet completely certain — nominee of a major political party. His public comments have been sparing and, for the most part, restrained. He is now ramping up a public schedule, beginning with an appearance on ABC’s The View on Tuesday, and his aides said he would offer remarks on camera in some fashion each day.”
“But Democratic strategists, some state officials and even some of his own aides have said that Mr. Biden needs to be more visible at a time when Americans are looking for leadership. The challenge for Mr. Biden, they say, is to find ways to draw sharp contrasts in leadership style with Mr. Trump while showing sensitivity to the severity of the crisis, and to break through when the nation is focused on more immediate concerns than November’s election.”


politicalwire--2020-03-24--Texas Official Willing to Die from Virus for Economy

Texas Lt. Gov .
Dan Patrick ( R ) , chiming in to support President Trump ’ s new focus @ @ @ @ @ warnings from public health officials , suggested that he would rather die from the rapid @ @ @ @ @ than see instability in the American economic system , the Texas Tribune reports .
Said @ @ @ @ @ reached out to me and said , ‘ As a senior citizen , are you @ @ @ @ @ on your survival in exchange for keeping the America that all America loves for your @ @ @ @ @ And if that ’ s the exchange , I ’ m all in.
” He @ @ @ @ @ to , you know , live smart and see through this , but I don @ @ @ @ @ the whole country to be sacrificed , and that ’ s what I see .
@

Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick (R), chiming in to support President Trump’s new focus on the economy over fierce warnings from public health officials, suggested that he would rather die from the rapid spread of the novel coronavirus than see instability in the American economic system, the Texas Tribune reports.
Said Patrick: “No one reached out to me and said, ‘As a senior citizen, are you willing to take a chance on your survival in exchange for keeping the America that all America loves for your children and grandchildren?’ And if that’s the exchange, I’m all in.”
He added: “I want to, you know, live smart and see through this, but I don’t want to see the whole country to be sacrificed, and that’s what I see.”


politicalwire--2020-03-24--U.S. Domestic Flights Could Virtually Shut Down

“ Major U.S. airlines are drafting plans for a potential voluntary shutdown of virtually all passenger flights across the U.S. @ @ @ @ @ consider ordering such a move and the nation ’ s air-traffic control system continues to @ @ @ @ @ contagion , ” the Wall Street Journal reports .
“ No final decisions have been @ @ @ @ @ the White House , these officials said .
As airlines struggle to keep aircraft flying @ @ @ @ @ options are under consideration .
”

“Major U.S. airlines are drafting plans for a potential voluntary shutdown of virtually all passenger flights across the U.S., as government agencies also consider ordering such a move and the nation’s air-traffic control system continues to be ravaged by the coronavirus contagion,” the Wall Street Journal reports.
“No final decisions have been made by the carriers or the White House, these officials said. As airlines struggle to keep aircraft flying with minimal passengers, various options are under consideration.”


politicalwire--2020-03-24--Public Health Expert Warns of Rapid Spread

Tom Inglesby , the director of the Center for Health Security at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health , @ @ @ @ @ as President Trump suggested at his daily briefing .
Said Inglesby : “ Anyone advising @ @ @ @ @ now , needs to fully understand what the country will look like if we do @ @ @ @ @ widely , rapidly , terribly , could kill potentially millions in the year ahead with @ @ @ @ @ across the country .
”

Tom Inglesby, the director of the Center for Health Security at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, warned against ending social distancing as President Trump suggested at his daily briefing.
Said Inglesby: “Anyone advising the end of social distancing now, needs to fully understand what the country will look like if we do that. Covid would spread widely, rapidly, terribly, could kill potentially millions in the year ahead with huge social and economic impact across the country.”


politicalwire--2020-03-24--White House Blasts Networks for Cutting Away

White House spokesman Judd Deere called it “ pretty disgraceful ” that CNN and MSNBC did not show the entire @ @ @ @ @ pandemic sweeping the country .


politicalwire--2020-03-24--Trump Closed His Clubs as He Reevaluates Lockdowns

“ President Trump ’ s private business has shut down six of its top seven revenue-producing clubs and hotels because @ @ @ @ @ the spread of the novel coronavirus , potentially depriving Trump ’ s company of millions @ @ @ @ @ ” the Washington Post reports .
“ Those closures come as Trump is considering easing @ @ @ @ @ federal public health experts recommend , in the name of reducing the virus ’ s @ @ @ @

“President Trump’s private business has shut down six of its top seven revenue-producing clubs and hotels because of restrictions meant to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus, potentially depriving Trump’s company of millions of dollars in revenue,” the Washington Post reports.
“Those closures come as Trump is considering easing restrictions on movement sooner than federal public health experts recommend, in the name of reducing the virus’s economic damage.”


politicalwire--2020-03-24--Pelosi and Trump Haven’t Spoken In 5 Months

“ Speaker Nancy Pelosi and President Trump have not spoken in more than five months , according to a Pelosi @ @ @ @ @ s even more remarkable given the crisis facing the country and the massive rescue packages @ @ @ @ @ CNN reports .
The two have not spoken since Pelosi stood up and left at @ @ @ @ @ Trump railed at her and insulted her as a “ third-grade politician.
” Pelosi later @ @ @ @ @ meltdown .
”

“Speaker Nancy Pelosi and President Trump have not spoken in more than five months, according to a Pelosi aide, something that’s even more remarkable given the crisis facing the country and the massive rescue packages moving through Congress,” CNN reports.
The two have not spoken since Pelosi stood up and left at an October 16 meeting after Trump railed at her and insulted her as a “third-grade politician.”
Pelosi later said Trump had a “meltdown.”


politicalwire--2020-03-24--‘They Are a Clown Show’

‘They Are a Clown Show’

Vanity Fair : “ The COVID-19 briefings themselves have become a grim Trumpian sideshow to the catastrophic public health emergency @ @ @ @ @ , and intensifying in the United States as new cases and deaths mount by the @ @ @ @ @ grappling with how to cover them , given both their factually challenged content and the @ @ @ @ @ in some sense , not unlike Trump campaign events , a replacement while his rallies @ @ @ @ @ one White House reporter : “ They are a clown show , just a daily @ @ @ @ @ ’ s smart to do them , dominating earned media and blocking out the sun @ @ @ @

Vanity Fair: “The COVID-19 briefings themselves have become a grim Trumpian sideshow to the catastrophic public health emergency that is sweeping the globe, and intensifying in the United States as new cases and deaths mount by the hour. Media organizations are grappling with how to cover them, given both their factually challenged content and the notion that they are, in some sense, not unlike Trump campaign events, a replacement while his rallies are on pause.”
Said one White House reporter: “They are a clown show, just a daily advertisement for Trump. He’s smart to do them, dominating earned media and blocking out the sun for Biden.”


politicalwire--2020-03-24--Sanders Plans to Take Part In Next Debate

“ Sen .
Bernie Sanders plans to participate in the Democratic presidential debate in April if one is held , @ @ @ @ @ , the strongest indication yet that he plans to continue competing against Joe Biden in @ @ @ @ @ foreseeable future , ” the New York Times reports .
“ The Democratic National Committee @ @ @ @ @ would be a debate in April , but one has not been scheduled .
”

“Sen. Bernie Sanders plans to participate in the Democratic presidential debate in April if one is held, his campaign said on Tuesday, the strongest indication yet that he plans to continue competing against Joe Biden in the 2020 primary for the foreseeable future,” the New York Times reports.
“The Democratic National Committee has said previously that there would be a debate in April, but one has not been scheduled.”


politicalwire--2020-03-24--Romney Tests Negative for Coronavirus

Romney Tests Negative for Coronavirus

Sen. Mitt Romney ( R-UT ) announced he tested negative for the coronavirus and will “ remain in quarantine as @ @ @ @ @ out the onset of symptoms during the 14-day period .
”

“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--2020-03-24--Stock Market Sees Biggest One-Day Jump Since 1933

“ U.S .
stocks rallied sharply Tuesday , with the Dow surging to its biggest one-day gain in more than @ @ @ @ @ lawmakers and the Trump administration were nearing a deal on a giant stimulus package aimed @ @ @ @ @ of the coronavirus pandemic , ” the Wall Street Journal reports .
Washington Post : @ @ @ @ @ designed to be a lifeline to Americans and their employers until the coronavirus is brought @ @ @ @ @ returns to some semblance of normalcy .
The Federal Reserve signaled the gravity of the @ @ @ @ @ an unprecedented move , said it would spend whatever it takes to preserve the U.S. @ @ @ @

“U.S. stocks rallied sharply Tuesday, with the Dow surging to its biggest one-day gain in more than 85 years on signs that lawmakers and the Trump administration were nearing a deal on a giant stimulus package aimed at limiting the economic fallout of the coronavirus pandemic,” the Wall Street Journal reports.
Washington Post: “The massive stimulus is designed to be a lifeline to Americans and their employers until the coronavirus is brought under control and the country returns to some semblance of normalcy. The Federal Reserve signaled the gravity of the situation Monday when, in an unprecedented move, said it would spend whatever it takes to preserve the U.S. financial system.”


politicalwire--2020-03-24--Extra Bonus Quote of the Day

Extra Bonus Quote of the Day

“ It ’ s frustrating to hear this president speak .
He should stop talking .
Let the experts speak.
@ @ @ @ @ in an interview on MSNBC .

“It’s frustrating to hear this president speak. He should stop talking. Let the experts speak.”
— Joe Biden, in an interview on MSNBC.


politicalwire--2020-03-24--Business Leaders Lobby Biden on Veep Pick

CNBC reports business leaders are pushing the following women as Joe Biden ’ s running mate : Sen. Kamala Harris @ @ @ @ @ Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto , Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer and Rep. Val Demings .
Notably @ @ @ @ @ is Stacey Abrams .


politicalwire--2020-03-24--Bonus Quote of the Day

Bonus Quote of the Day

“ There will be no normally functioning economy if our hospitals are overwhelmed and thousands of Americans of all ages @ @ @ @ @ nurses , lay dying because we have failed to do what ’ s necessary to @ @ @ @ @ Rep. Liz Cheney ( R-WY ) , on Twitter , pushing back on President Trump @ @ @ @ @ the “ country opened ” by Easter .

“There will be no normally functioning economy if our hospitals are overwhelmed and thousands of Americans of all ages, including our doctors and nurses, lay dying because we have failed to do what’s necessary to stop the virus.”
— Rep. Liz Cheney (R-WY), on Twitter, pushing back on President Trump’s desire to have the “country opened” by Easter.


politicalwire--2020-03-24--Fox News Promised Betsy DeVos ‘An Easy Interview’

A Fox News producer promised Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos that host Maria Bartiromo would go easy on her if @ @ @ @ @ , which she did six days later , according to the Hollywood Reporter .
From @ @ @ @ @ remember any question she doesn ’ t feel comfortable answering — she can choose to @ @ @ @ @ topic — and Maria is seasoned enough to understand and move on… So no worries @ @ @ @ @ will be an easy interview and enjoyable .
”

A Fox News producer promised Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos that host Maria Bartiromo would go easy on her if she sat for an interview, which she did six days later, according to the Hollywood Reporter.
From the email: “Please remember any question she doesn’t feel comfortable answering — she can choose to not answer and pivot the topic — and Maria is seasoned enough to understand and move on… So no worries on that front. This will be an easy interview and enjoyable.”


politicalwire--2020-03-24--How Coronavirus Will Impact the Political Landscape

Charlie Cook sends over a video offering his perspective on how the coronavirus pandemic will impact the political landscape .


politicalwire--2020-03-24--Trump’s Approval Jumps to 49%

Trump’s Approval Jumps to 49%

A new Gallup poll finds 49 % of U.S. adults , up from 44 % earlier this month , approve @ @ @ @ @ is doing .


politicalwire--2020-03-24--Mark Meadows Has Not Resigned from Congress

Playbook notes that Rep. Mark Meadows ( R-NC ) is currently serving as acting White House chief of staff while @ @ @ @ @ as a member of Congress .
Ben Williamson , his chief of staff , said @ @ @ @ @ transitioning , not collecting pay from the White House , and will be resigning his @ @ @ @ @ the month.
” A reminder of Article I , Section 6 of the U.S. Constitution @ @ @ @ @ Representative shall , during the time for which he was elected , be appointed to @ @ @ @ @ authority of the United States .
”

Playbook notes that Rep. Mark Meadows (R-NC) is currently serving as acting White House chief of staff while he still holds his seat as a member of Congress.
Ben Williamson, his chief of staff, said that Meadows “is still transitioning, not collecting pay from the White House, and will be resigning his seat before the end of the month.”
A reminder of Article I, Section 6 of the U.S. Constitution: “No Senator or Representative shall, during the time for which he was elected, be appointed to any civil office under the authority of the United States.”


politicalwire--2020-03-24--Evaluating the Federal Response to Coronavirus

This piece is only available to Political Wire members .
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Just for members: I’ve secured more invites to a Cornell Institute of Politics conference call with Rep. Peter King (R-NY), Rep. Kathleen Rice (D-NY), Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-NY), Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-NY) and Bruce Futcher, PhD., Professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at Stony Book University.
The discussion will be moderated by former Rep. Steve Israel (D-NY) and Professor Doug Kriner.


politicalwire--2020-03-24--Trump Wants ‘Country Opened’ by Easter

Trump Wants ‘Country Opened’ by Easter

President Trump says he wants the “ country opened ” by Easter , despite warnings from public health experts about @ @ @ @ @ Post reports .
“ Trump said during a Fox News interview that he is worried @ @ @ @ @ distancing , including the closure of some businesses , and other steps to mitigate the @ @ @ @ @ , despite warnings from public health experts that the restrictions may need to stay in @ @ @ @ @ is just 19 days away .

President Trump says he wants the “country opened” by Easter, despite warnings from public health experts about coronavirus outbreak, the Washington Post reports.
“Trump said during a Fox News interview that he is worried that federal guidelines for social distancing, including the closure of some businesses, and other steps to mitigate the outbreak could go too far, despite warnings from public health experts that the restrictions may need to stay in place for weeks.”
Easter is just 19 days away.


politicalwire--2020-03-24--Ad Blitz Slams Trump’s Coronavirus Response

“ One of the Democratic Party ’ s main 2020 super PACs is attacking President Trump ’ s handling of @ @ @ @ @ TV ad airing in four key swing states , ” Politico reports .
“ At @ @ @ @ @ , footage plays of Trump saying , during a Rose Garden press conference at the @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t take responsibility at all . '
” “ The ad marks a @ @ @ @ @ battle over government response to the coronavirus .
”

“One of the Democratic Party’s main 2020 super PACs is attacking President Trump’s handling of the coronavirus outbreak with new TV ad airing in four key swing states,” Politico reports.
“At the end of the ad, footage plays of Trump saying, during a Rose Garden press conference at the White House, ‘I don’t take responsibility at all.'”
“The ad marks a new front in the political battle over government response to the coronavirus.”


politicalwire--2020-03-24--Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day

“ Please do not take medical advice from a man who looked directly at a solar eclipse .
”


politicalwire--2020-03-24--‘The Dumbest Shit I’ve Heard In a Long Time’

“ While New York , California and other states shutter their economies to keep the coronavirus at bay , Gov @ @ @ @ @ ) is refusing to follow the herd , ” Politico reports .
“ His cure-can @ @ @ @ @ the Republican governor under a glaring spotlight locally and nationally as cases of the virus @ @ @ @ @ .
It ’ s a philosophy that aligns DeSantis with other conservatives , including President @ @ @ @ @ Speaker Jose Oliva , a Republican with a strong libertarian bent.
” Said state Sen. @ @ @ @ @ : “ That is the dumbest shit I have heard in a long time .
@ @ @ @ @ .
Italy damn near saw 1,000 people die in one day , and there are @ @ @ @ @ and have it solved in 15 days ?
”

“While New York, California and other states shutter their economies to keep the coronavirus at bay, Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) is refusing to follow the herd,” Politico reports.
“His cure-can’t-be-worse-than-the-disease approach has put the Republican governor under a glaring spotlight locally and nationally as cases of the virus in Florida surge past 1,400. It’s a philosophy that aligns DeSantis with other conservatives, including President Donald Trump and Florida House Speaker Jose Oliva, a Republican with a strong libertarian bent.”
Said state Sen. Oscar Brayon (D): “That is the dumbest shit I have heard in a long time. This is a day-by-day crisis. Italy damn near saw 1,000 people die in one day, and there are people proclaiming we got this and have it solved in 15 days?”


politicalwire--2020-03-24--All Georgia Voters Will Get Absentee Ballot Request Forms

“ Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger announced Tuesday that all of Georgia ’ s 6.9 million active voters will be @ @ @ @ @ for the May 19 primary , a major push to encourage voting by mail during @ @ @ @ @ the Atlanta Journal Constitution reports .
“ The absentee voting effort will allow Georgians to @ @ @ @ @ president and other elected offices from home , without having to visit in-person voting locations @ @ @ @ @ easily spread .
Early voting and election day precincts will remain open .
”

“Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger announced Tuesday that all of Georgia’s 6.9 million active voters will be mailed absentee ballot request forms for the May 19 primary, a major push to encourage voting by mail during the coronavirus pandemic,” the Atlanta Journal Constitution reports.
“The absentee voting effort will allow Georgians to decide on their choices for president and other elected offices from home, without having to visit in-person voting locations where the coronavirus could more easily spread. Early voting and election day precincts will remain open.”


politicalwire--2020-03-24--Infection Rate Doubling Every Three Days In New York

“ Gov .
Andrew Cuomo , who last week adopted a friendly tone toward President Trump , got as close @ @ @ @ @ the federal government , which has so far sent 400 ventilators to New York City @ @ @ @ @ Times reports .
Said Cuomo : “ You want a pat on the back for @ @ @ @ @ are we going to do with 400 ventilators when we need 30,000 ventilators ?
You @ @ @ @ @ of the problem , and the problem is defined by the magnitude.
” Cuomo said @ @ @ @ @ infections in New York is doubling about every three days : “ We haven ’ @ @ @ @ @ And the curve is actually increasing .
”

“Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who last week adopted a friendly tone toward President Trump, got as close as he has to chastising the federal government, which has so far sent 400 ventilators to New York City,” the New York Times reports.
Said Cuomo: “You want a pat on the back for sending 400 ventilators. What are we going to do with 400 ventilators when we need 30,000 ventilators? You’re missing the magnitude of the problem, and the problem is defined by the magnitude.”
Cuomo said the rate of new coronavirus infections in New York is doubling about every three days: “We haven’t flattened the curve. And the curve is actually increasing.”


politicalwire--2020-03-24--Doctors Are Stockpiling Trial Coronavirus Drugs

“ Doctors are hoarding medications touted as possible coronavirus treatments by writing prescriptions for themselves and family members , according @ @ @ @ @ across the country , ” the New York Times reports .
“ The stockpiling has @ @ @ @ @ , Kentucky , Ohio , Nevada , Oklahoma , North Carolina , and Texas that @ @ @ @ @ have issued emergency restrictions or guidelines on how the drugs can be dispensed at pharmacies @ @ @ @ @ to follow suit .
”

“Doctors are hoarding medications touted as possible coronavirus treatments by writing prescriptions for themselves and family members, according to pharmacy boards in states across the country,” the New York Times reports.
“The stockpiling has become so worrisome in Idaho, Kentucky, Ohio, Nevada, Oklahoma, North Carolina, and Texas that the boards in those states have issued emergency restrictions or guidelines on how the drugs can be dispensed at pharmacies. More states are expected to follow suit.”


politicalwire--2020-03-25--Why Does New York Have More Cases than California?

San Francisco Chronicle : “ New York ’ s coronavirus outbreak has violently erupted over the past few days , @ @ @ @ @ driving the national epidemic — while on the West Coast , public health experts are @ @ @ @ @ aggressive response saved California from a similar fate.
” “ California reported some of the @ @ @ @ @ United States in late January .
And in the first week of March , California @ @ @ @ @ and neck on cases of COVID-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus .
But @ @ @ @ @ New York case counts have doubled every few days , and the state now has @ @ @ @ @ does : 25,000 to 2,500 .
”

San Francisco Chronicle: “New York’s coronavirus outbreak has violently erupted over the past few days, and the state is now driving the national epidemic — while on the West Coast, public health experts are wondering if an early and aggressive response saved California from a similar fate.”
“California reported some of the earliest coronavirus cases in the United States in late January. And in the first week of March, California and New York were neck and neck on cases of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus. But over the past week, New York case counts have doubled every few days, and the state now has 10 times the cases California does: 25,000 to 2,500.”


politicalwire--2020-03-25--The New Trump Show

The New Trump Show

Politico : “ Over the last two weeks , Trump has embarked on a striking chapter of his optics-obsessed presidency , turning the all-but-abandoned briefing room into the set of a largely unscripted television series that has gripped , worried and ( depending on one ’ s political affiliation ) infuriated viewers.
” “ Stripped of the weapon of his rallies , of ‘ chopper talk , ’ of the sorts of set pieces to which the populace had grown accustomed over the three-plus years he ’ s been commander-in-chief , Trump as a president in crisis has engineered something @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to California have staged almost daily briefings , offering a traditional mixture of stern warnings and words of comfort , Trump has created something more like a show built on narrative surprises and populated with familiar characters—the good doctors , the bad reporters , the loyal lieutenants .
And in the middle of it all , playing the role of the ringmaster , the marketer and the brander and the professed expert , is Trump.
” “ His mood and his message have ebbed and flowed , alternately boasting and bashing , soothing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and peeved , flouting facts and shifting blame , underplaying dire projections and overselling potential vaccines .
”

Politico: “Over the last two weeks, Trump has embarked on a striking chapter of his optics-obsessed presidency, turning the all-but-abandoned briefing room into the set of a largely unscripted television series that has gripped, worried and (depending on one’s political affiliation) infuriated viewers.”
“Stripped of the weapon of his rallies, of ‘chopper talk,’ of the sorts of set pieces to which the populace had grown accustomed over the three-plus years he’s been commander-in-chief, Trump as a president in crisis has engineered something different. While governors from New York to California have staged almost daily briefings, offering a traditional mixture of stern warnings and words of comfort, Trump has created something more like a show built on narrative surprises and populated with familiar characters—the good doctors, the bad reporters, the loyal lieutenants. And in the middle of it all, playing the role of the ringmaster, the marketer and the brander and the professed expert, is Trump.”
“His mood and his message have ebbed and flowed, alternately boasting and bashing, soothing and striking, intermittently solemn, flippant and peeved, flouting facts and shifting blame, underplaying dire projections and overselling potential vaccines.”


politicalwire--2020-03-25--Deal Reached on $2 Trillion Stimulus Package

“ Senate leaders and the Trump administration clinched a bipartisan deal early Wednesday morning on a nearly $ 2 trillion emergency relief package in response to the coronavirus pandemic , a move intended to assist businesses and millions of Americans amid an unprecedented halt in the U.S. economy , ” Politico reports .
“ The announcement , which came around 1 a.m. , capped five days of tense , marathon talks.
” New York Times : “ In the final measure , lawmakers agreed to a significant expansion of unemployment benefits that would extend unemployment insurance by 13 weeks and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials familiar with the unfinished agreement said .
Democrats said that it would allow workers to maintain their full salaries if forced out of work as a result of the pandemic.
” Washington Post : “ The delay in finalizing a deal came , in part , because aides launched a painstaking scrub of the bill ’ s text , to make sure that one of the most ambitious pieces of legislation ever attempted by Congress — thrown together in little over a week — actually said what lawmakers wanted it to say @ @

“Senate leaders and the Trump administration clinched a bipartisan deal early Wednesday morning on a nearly $2 trillion emergency relief package in response to the coronavirus pandemic, a move intended to assist businesses and millions of Americans amid an unprecedented halt in the U.S. economy,” Politico reports.
“The announcement, which came around 1 a.m., capped five days of tense, marathon talks.”
New York Times: “In the final measure, lawmakers agreed to a significant expansion of unemployment benefits that would extend unemployment insurance by 13 weeks and include a four-month enhancement of benefits, officials familiar with the unfinished agreement said. Democrats said that it would allow workers to maintain their full salaries if forced out of work as a result of the pandemic.”
Washington Post: “The delay in finalizing a deal came, in part, because aides launched a painstaking scrub of the bill’s text, to make sure that one of the most ambitious pieces of legislation ever attempted by Congress — thrown together in little over a week — actually said what lawmakers wanted it to say.”


politicalwire--2020-03-25--Trump Bets Voters Are as Restless as He Is

John Harris : “ President Trump ’ s vow Tuesday that he would ‘ love to have the country opened @ @ @ @ @ go by Easter , ’ less than three weeks from now , was the clearest @ @ @ @ @ logic he hopes to follow in a presidential campaign shadowed by global pandemic .
“ @ @ @ @ @ the only good thing about a crisis that has paralyzed the country and left millions @ @ @ @ @ : The reality that life will at some point slowly lurch back to normal .
@ @ @ @ @ make other people — specifically , governors and public health officials — own everything else @ @ @ @ @ massive shutdowns will continue long after the Christian holy day on April 12 .
”

John Harris: “President Trump’s vow Tuesday that he would ‘love to have the country opened up and just raring to go by Easter,’ less than three weeks from now, was the clearest signal yet of the political logic he hopes to follow in a presidential campaign shadowed by global pandemic.
“He is eager to own the only good thing about a crisis that has paralyzed the country and left millions of people in housebound despair: The reality that life will at some point slowly lurch back to normal.
“He is determined to make other people — specifically, governors and public health officials — own everything else, including the reality that massive shutdowns will continue long after the Christian holy day on April 12.”


politicalwire--2020-03-25--Garcetti Slams Trump’s Easter Wish

Garcetti Slams Trump’s Easter Wish

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti “ also rebuffed President Trump ’ s earlier comments that he wanted to quickly ease @ @ @ @ @ should be ‘ prepared for a couple months like this , ” the Los Angeles @ @ @ @ @ : ” I know that everybody is hopeful , and some are putting out that @ @ @ @ @ in churches by Easter or synagogues by Passover or restarting the economy in a couple @ @ @ @ @ owe it to everybody to be straightforward and honest .
We will not be back @ @ @ @ @ normal in that short period of time .
”

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti “also rebuffed President Trump’s earlier comments that he wanted to quickly ease restrictions and said that Angelenos should be ‘prepared for a couple months like this,” the Los Angeles Times reports.
Said Garcetti:”I know that everybody is hopeful, and some are putting out that hope of us being back in churches by Easter or synagogues by Passover or restarting the economy in a couple weeks. I think we owe it to everybody to be straightforward and honest. We will not be back to … that level of normal in that short period of time.”


politicalwire--2020-03-25--Trump Hasn’t Released Disaster Unemployment Funds

“ The three states that President Donald Trump has formally declared coronavirus disaster areas have not received the disaster unemployment @ @ @ @ @ follow that designation , ” Politico reports .
“ New York , California and Washington @ @ @ @ @ several aid programs provided under a disaster declaration , including disaster unemployment assistance .
”

“The three states that President Donald Trump has formally declared coronavirus disaster areas have not received the disaster unemployment assistance that they expected to follow that designation,” Politico reports.
“New York, California and Washington state all requested access to several aid programs provided under a disaster declaration, including disaster unemployment assistance.”


politicalwire--2020-03-25--Trump Administration Froze Pandemic Models

“ The Department of Homeland Security stopped updating its annual models of the havoc that pandemics would wreak on America @ @ @ @ @ 2017 , ” Politico reports .
“ From at least 2005 to 2017 , an @ @ @ @ @ tandem with analysts and supercomputers at several national laboratories , produced detailed analyses of what @ @ @ @ @ transportation systems to hospitals if a pandemic hit the United States.
” “ But the @ @ @ @ @ amid a bureaucratic dispute over its value , two of the former officials said , @ @ @ @ @ it seeks to stay ahead of the impacts the COVID-19 outbreak is having on vast @ @ @ @ @ .
”

“The Department of Homeland Security stopped updating its annual models of the havoc that pandemics would wreak on America’s critical infrastructure in 2017,” Politico reports.
“From at least 2005 to 2017, an office inside DHS, in tandem with analysts and supercomputers at several national laboratories, produced detailed analyses of what would happen to everything from transportation systems to hospitals if a pandemic hit the United States.”
“But the work abruptly stopped in 2017 amid a bureaucratic dispute over its value, two of the former officials said, leaving the department flat-footed as it seeks to stay ahead of the impacts the COVID-19 outbreak is having on vast swathes of the U.S. economy.”


politicalwire--2020-03-25--Palpable Fear Inside the Capitol

Palpable Fear Inside the Capitol

“ For almost two weeks , the Capitol has witnessed a slow-motion version of some of the most terrifying days @ @ @ @ @ Washington Post reports .
“ The atmosphere boiled over with anger as legislative gridlock helped @ @ @ @ @ financial markets at levels that dwarfed the Wall Street panic after a failed House vote @ @ @ @ @ .
Lawmakers grew more bitter as negotiations dragged on over a $ 2 trillion relief @ @ @ @ @ death toll soared past 600 and climbed higher , with some experts warning it will @ @ @ @ @ in the 2001 terrorist attacks.
” “ Yet what truly distinguishes this crisis from those @ @ @ @ @ fear inside the Capitol hallways .
Three lawmakers and several aides have now tested positive @ @ @ @ @

“For almost two weeks, the Capitol has witnessed a slow-motion version of some of the most terrifying days inside Congress,” the Washington Post reports.
“The atmosphere boiled over with anger as legislative gridlock helped fuel the precipitous drops in financial markets at levels that dwarfed the Wall Street panic after a failed House vote on a 2008 rescue package. Lawmakers grew more bitter as negotiations dragged on over a $2 trillion relief package as the U.S. coronavirus death toll soared past 600 and climbed higher, with some experts warning it will exceed the 3,000 lives lost in the 2001 terrorist attacks.”
“Yet what truly distinguishes this crisis from those others is fear, the fear inside the Capitol hallways. Three lawmakers and several aides have now tested positive for the disease.”


politicalwire--2020-03-25--All Americans Need to Shelter in Place

All Americans Need to Shelter in Place

The New York Times editorial board called for a national lockdown in the U.S. to combat the outbreak of the @ @ @ @ @ States has passed the point where aggressive , targeted efforts at tracking and containment , @ @ @ @ @ Korea , have a realistic chance of success .
And calls for voluntary social distancing @ @ @ @ @ as the photos of spring breakers crammed together on the Florida beaches last week made @ @ @ @ @ not suggesting that Mr. Trump has the authority to order a national lockdown , much @ @ @ @ @ to enforce one .
Instead , we are urging him to use the bully pulpit @ @ @ @ @ and provide political cover for , governors to take the hard steps that are needed @ @

The New York Times editorial board called for a national lockdown in the U.S. to combat the outbreak of the coronavirus.
“The United States has passed the point where aggressive, targeted efforts at tracking and containment, like those pursued by South Korea, have a realistic chance of success. And calls for voluntary social distancing have had mixed results, as the photos of spring breakers crammed together on the Florida beaches last week made clear.”
“We are not suggesting that Mr. Trump has the authority to order a national lockdown, much less advocating that he attempt to enforce one. Instead, we are urging him to use the bully pulpit to put pressure on, and provide political cover for, governors to take the hard steps that are needed.”


politicalwire--2020-03-25--Trump’s Slow Response Will Likely Cost Lives

New York Times : “ For the first time , it is now possible to quantify the cost of the @ @ @ @ @ Trump was claiming as recently as February that in a ‘ couple of days ’ @ @ @ @ @ the United States ‘ is going to be down to close to zero . '
@ @ @ @ @ timeline suggested that if the administration had reacted to the acute shortage of ventilators in @ @ @ @ @ between Ford and General Electric might have produced lifesaving equipment sometime in mid- to late @ @ @

New York Times: “For the first time, it is now possible to quantify the cost of the lost weeks, as President Trump was claiming as recently as February that in a ‘couple of days’ the number of cases in the United States ‘is going to be down to close to zero.'”
“Ford’s timeline suggested that if the administration had reacted to the acute shortage of ventilators in February, the joint effort between Ford and General Electric might have produced lifesaving equipment sometime in mid- to late April.”


politicalwire--2020-03-25--Beshear Blasts ‘Coronavirus Party’

Beshear Blasts ‘Coronavirus Party’

Kentucky Gov .
Andy Beshear ( D ) announced 39 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in his state , including @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus party , ” bringing the statewide total to at least 163 cases , the @ @ @ @ @ Said Beshar : “ Anyone who goes to something like this may think they ’ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s someone else ’ s loved one that they are going to hurt .
@ @ @ @ @ health and the lives of our parents and our grandparents .
Don ’ t be @ @ @ @ @ to something and expose yourself to something that will hurt other people .
We ought @ @ @ @ @ that .
”

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (D) announced 39 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in his state, including someone who attended a “coronavirus party,” bringing the statewide total to at least 163 cases, the Lexington Herald Leader reports.
Said Beshar: “Anyone who goes to something like this may think they’re indestructible, but it’s someone else’s loved one that they are going to hurt. We are battling for the health and the lives of our parents and our grandparents. Don’t be callous as to intentionally go to something and expose yourself to something that will hurt other people. We ought to be much better than that.”


politicalwire--2020-03-25--Trump vs. the Scientists

Trump vs. the Scientists

Washington Post : “ The high-stakes theater playing out between Trump and one of his top public health officials underscored @ @ @ @ @ White House : a squadron of scientists and health experts — including Birx and infectious @ @ @ @ @ — caught in an uneasy tug-of-war with Trump as they push a worldview grounded in @ @ @ @ @ West Wing where the president has mused about a ‘ miracle ’ cure.
” “ @ @ @ @ @ pushed aside many of the top public health and scientific experts in his administration , @ @ @ @ @ economic advisers and outside voices in the business community who are urging him to prioritize @ @ @ @ @ above all else .
”

Washington Post: “The high-stakes theater playing out between Trump and one of his top public health officials underscored a tense dynamic in the White House: a squadron of scientists and health experts — including Birx and infectious disease expert Anthony S. Fauci — caught in an uneasy tug-of-war with Trump as they push a worldview grounded in data and evidence in a West Wing where the president has mused about a ‘miracle’ cure.”
“Trump has increasingly minimized and pushed aside many of the top public health and scientific experts in his administration, instead relying on advice from economic advisers and outside voices in the business community who are urging him to prioritize the nation’s economy above all else.”


politicalwire--2020-03-25--Proximity to Trump Is Fastest Way to Covid-19 Test

Washington Post : “ Mulvaney is one of three President Trump confidants to get a coronavirus test while exhibiting no @ @ @ @ @ And on Sunday , Sen. Rand Paul ( R-Ky. ) announced he tested positive despite @ @ @ @ @ disclose how he was able to get tested in Washington on March 16.
” “ @ @ @ @ @ other high-ranking politicians have gotten to coronavirus tests highlights the extent to which members of @ @ @ @ @ to have greater access to medical care during the pandemic , even as federal officials @ @ @ @ @ reserved for health care providers and people who are seriously ill .
Even in the @ @ @ @ @ hospitals are reporting a shortage of tests and the protective gear needed to administer them @ @

Washington Post: “Mulvaney is one of three President Trump confidants to get a coronavirus test while exhibiting no symptoms of the disease. And on Sunday, Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) announced he tested positive despite being asymptomatic, refusing to disclose how he was able to get tested in Washington on March 16.”
“The easy access Paul and other high-ranking politicians have gotten to coronavirus tests highlights the extent to which members of America’s elite continue to have greater access to medical care during the pandemic, even as federal officials emphasize that testing should be reserved for health care providers and people who are seriously ill. Even in the nation’s capital, hospitals are reporting a shortage of tests and the protective gear needed to administer them.”


politicalwire--2020-03-25--An ‘Open Mic Night’ of Misinformation

An ‘Open Mic Night’ of Misinformation

“ The nation ’ s television news outlets , especially the three major cable-news networks , are grappling with a @ @ @ @ @ continues to orchestrate his White House briefings on the novel coronavirus pandemic , ” the @ @ @ @ @ On the one hand , their ratings have never been higher , and viewers ’ @ @ @ @ @ have shown no signs of dwindling .
On the other hand , journalists and executives @ @ @ @ @ the often Trump-friendly Fox News—which scored an impressive 6.2 million viewers for Sunday ’ s @ @ @ @ @ , according to Nielsen—are increasingly facing the likelihood that they are becoming an uncritical and @ @ @ @ @ and misinformation.
” “ In an echo of the self-criticism expressed during the 2016 presidential @ @ @ @ @ networks repeatedly broadcast Trump ’ s campaign rallies live and unexpurgated , top MSNBC anchors @ @ @ @ @ their own network should not air the president ’ s pandemic musings in full .
@

“The nation’s television news outlets, especially the three major cable-news networks, are grappling with a nagging paradox as President Trump continues to orchestrate his White House briefings on the novel coronavirus pandemic,” the Daily Beast reports.
“On the one hand, their ratings have never been higher, and viewers’ appetites for the live sessions have shown no signs of dwindling. On the other hand, journalists and executives at MSNBC, CNN and the often Trump-friendly Fox News—which scored an impressive 6.2 million viewers for Sunday’s installment of the Trump show, according to Nielsen—are increasingly facing the likelihood that they are becoming an uncritical and unvetted transmission belt for propaganda and misinformation.”
“In an echo of the self-criticism expressed during the 2016 presidential race, when the cable networks repeatedly broadcast Trump’s campaign rallies live and unexpurgated, top MSNBC anchors have already argued publicly that their own network should not air the president’s pandemic musings in full.”


politicalwire--2020-03-25--Trump Blames Media for Economic Slowdown

As President Trump continues to question the advice of public health experts , he ’ s now blaming the media @ @ @ @ @ economic slowdown .
“ The LameStream Media is the dominant force in trying to get @ @ @ @ @ closed as long as possible in the hope that it will be detrimental to my @ @ @ @ @ people want to get back to work ASAP .
We will be stronger than ever @ @ @

As President Trump continues to question the advice of public health experts, he’s now blaming the media for the country’s economic slowdown.
“The LameStream Media is the dominant force in trying to get me to keep our country closed as long as possible in the hope that it will be detrimental to my election success. The real people want to get back to work ASAP. We will be stronger than ever before!”


politicalwire--2020-03-25--California Sees One Million Unemployment Claims

“ California Gov .
Gavin Newsom said that the state has seen one million unemployment claims in less than two @ @ @ @ @ has led to businesses being shutdown across the state , ” CNBC reports .
“ @ @ @ @ @ one day before a key national data release on new jobless claims for the United @ @ @ @ @ projected to be in the multi-millions .
The initial claims data has never before surpassed @ @ @ @ @ was 285,000 last week .
”

“California Gov. Gavin Newsom said that the state has seen one million unemployment claims in less than two weeks as the coronavirus pandemic has led to businesses being shutdown across the state,” CNBC reports.
“Newsom’s announcement comes one day before a key national data release on new jobless claims for the United States, which some have projected to be in the multi-millions. The initial claims data has never before surpassed 1 million, and it was 285,000 last week.”


politicalwire--2020-03-25--Last Minute Complaints Threaten Relief Bill

“ A round of 11th-hour objections is throwing a curveball into the Senate ’ s consideration of a mammoth stimulus @ @ @ @ @ reports .
“ But a brewing fight over a deal on unemployment provisions is threatening @ @ @ @ @ a push for broader changes to the bill , which was negotiated by Senate Majority @ @ @ @ @ ) , Minority Leader Charles Schumer ( D-NY ) and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin .
@

“A round of 11th-hour objections is throwing a curveball into the Senate’s consideration of a mammoth stimulus package,” The Hill reports.
“But a brewing fight over a deal on unemployment provisions is threatening to open the door to a push for broader changes to the bill, which was negotiated by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-NY) and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin.”


politicalwire--2020-03-25--Two Very Different Takes on Coronavirus

Two Very Different Takes on Coronavirus

A new CBS/YouGov poll asked Democrats who they trust for information on the coronavirus pandemic .
Their answers are instructive @ @ @ @ @ , your governor 75 % , the media 72 % , friends and family 72 @ @ @ @ @ % , President Trump 14 % .
Compare that to the answers of Republicans : @ @ @ @ @ the CDC 84 % , friends and family 81 % , religious leaders 71 % @ @ @ @ @ , the media 13 % .

A new CBS/YouGov poll asked Democrats who they trust for information on the coronavirus pandemic. Their answers are instructive: the CDC 87%, your governor 75%, the media 72%, friends and family 72%, religious leaders 44%, President Trump 14%.
Compare that to the answers of Republicans: President Trump 90%, the CDC 84%, friends and family 81%, religious leaders 71%, your governor 65%, the media 13%.


politicalwire--2020-03-25--Montana GOP Paid $100K to Qualify Green Party for Ballot

“ A mystery of the 2020 election was solved Tuesday as it became clear the Montana Republican Party paid for @ @ @ @ @ Montana Green Party for the ballot this election , ” the Missoulian reports .
“ @ @ @ @ @ appeared in Montana ’ s larger cities gathering signatures to qualify the Greens to run @ @ @ @ @ though the Montana Green Party has made clear it did not do any work to @ @ @ @ @ year and had not planned to run any candidates .
”

“A mystery of the 2020 election was solved Tuesday as it became clear the Montana Republican Party paid for an effort to qualify the Montana Green Party for the ballot this election,” the Missoulian reports.
“Earlier this year paid petitioners appeared in Montana’s larger cities gathering signatures to qualify the Greens to run candidates this cycle, even though the Montana Green Party has made clear it did not do any work to qualify for the ballot this year and had not planned to run any candidates.”


politicalwire--2020-03-25--Italian Mayors Rage at Citizens Flouting Lockdown

“ A compilation video of mayors lambasting people for flouting coronavirus quarantine rules has struck a chord with Italians , @ @ @ @ @ their thousands on social media , ” The Guardian 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--2020-03-25--Don’t Expect Trump to Blow Himself Up

Don’t Expect Trump to Blow Himself Up

Democratic strategist Lis Smith tells Vanity Fair that expecting President Trump ’ s blunders to have political consequences all by @ @ @ @ @ mistake , as polls are already showing .
Said Smith : “ That line of @ @ @ @ @ .
Democrats always think that there ’ s going to be some divine intervention , @ @ @ @ @ .
That is a losing strategy.
” Jennifer Palmieri added : “ What we used @ @ @ @ @ politician setting himself on fire is how Trump thrives .
”

Democratic strategist Lis Smith tells Vanity Fair that expecting President Trump’s blunders to have political consequences all by themselves would be a huge mistake, as polls are already showing.
Said Smith: “That line of thinking drives me fucking nuts. Democrats always think that there’s going to be some divine intervention, that Trump will somehow self-destruct. That is a losing strategy.”
Jennifer Palmieri added: “What we used to think of as a politician setting himself on fire is how Trump thrives.”


politicalwire--2020-03-25--Bonus Quote of the Day

Bonus Quote of the Day

“ My focus is just dealing with this crisis right now .
I haven ’ t thought about any more @ @ @ @ @ ’ ve had enough debates .
I think we should get on with this.
” @ @ @ @ @ by ABC News , when asked if there should be more Democratic presidential debates .

“My focus is just dealing with this crisis right now. I haven’t thought about any more debates. I think we’ve had enough debates. I think we should get on with this.”
— Joe Biden, quoted by ABC News, when asked if there should be more Democratic presidential debates.


politicalwire--2020-03-25--Trump’s Daily Briefing Gets Good Ratings

New York Times : “ Since reviving the daily White House briefing — a practice abandoned last year by an @ @ @ @ @ scrutiny — Mr. Trump and his coronavirus updates have attracted an average audience of 8.5 @ @ @ @ @ roughly the viewership of the season finale of The Bachelor .
”

New York Times: “Since reviving the daily White House briefing — a practice abandoned last year by an administration that bristles at outside scrutiny — Mr. Trump and his coronavirus updates have attracted an average audience of 8.5 million on cable news, roughly the viewership of the season finale of The Bachelor.”


‘This One Failed’

A Biden Super PAC is out with a new ad that sounds like it could be the theme of Joe @ @ @ @ @ for the next seven months .


politicalwire--2020-03-25--House Hopes to Pass Relief Bill By Voice Vote

Playbook says a voice vote in the House on the massive economic relief package is most likely and not a @ @ @ @ @ us explain .
The No .
1 choice is a unanimous consent vote , which @ @ @ @ @ this bill without any recorded action .
If they can ’ t do that — @ @ @ @ @ needs to dissent — the next best option is a voice vote , a method @ @ @ @ @ different than a unanimous consent , but allows lawmakers to go to the floor to @ @ @ @ @ ‘ no.
’ The chair decides which side prevails .
The political benefit to a @ @ @ @ @ come and vote if they choose.
” “ If all of that goes sideways , @ @ @ @ @ to bring the House back , and allow for a very long vote series , @ @ @ @ @ — they include a card slot , and two buttons to cast your vote — @ @ @ @ @ use .
”

Playbook says a voice vote in the House on the massive economic relief package is most likely and not a unanimous consent.
“Let us explain. The No. 1 choice is a unanimous consent vote, which would have the House pass this bill without any recorded action. If they can’t do that — remember, just one person needs to dissent — the next best option is a voice vote, a method that’s not appreciably different than a unanimous consent, but allows lawmakers to go to the floor to shout ‘aye’ or ‘no.’ The chair decides which side prevails. The political benefit to a voice vote is people can come and vote if they choose.”
“If all of that goes sideways, the next best option is to bring the House back, and allow for a very long vote series, in which the voting machines — they include a card slot, and two buttons to cast your vote — would be cleaned after each use.”


politicalwire--2020-03-25--Pompeo Insisting G7 Statement Refer to ‘Wuhan Virus’

According to Der Spiegel , the G7 foreign ministers haven ’ t been able to agree on a joint statement @ @ @ @ @ Secretary of State Mike Pompeo ’ s insistence that they call it the “ Wuhan @ @ @


politicalwire--2020-03-25--Most Support a National Quarantine

Most Support a National Quarantine

A new Morning Consult poll finds 74 % of voters support a national quarantine , limiting activity except essential trips @ @ @ @ @ store and the pharmacy .


politicalwire--2020-03-25--From Patient Zero to New York as Epicenter

New Rochelle Mayor Noam Bramson talks to Chris Riback about the challenges of running one of the first cities hit @ @ @ @ @ every national media organization suddenly paid a visit .
And the face of New Rochelle @ @ @ @ @ the one racing from town meetings to food distribution centers to senior living homes to @ @ @ @ @ interviews – is the city ’ s hometown mayor Noam Bramson .
Full disclosure : @ @ @ @ @ and Chris for nearly 30 years and found this conversation as interesting as those we @ @ @ @ @ But I think you will too .

New Rochelle Mayor Noam Bramson talks to Chris Riback about the challenges of running one of the first cities hit by the coronavirus.
Nearly every national media organization suddenly paid a visit. And the face of New Rochelle through all of this – the one racing from town meetings to food distribution centers to senior living homes to religious groups to 60 Minutes interviews – is the city’s hometown mayor Noam Bramson.
Full disclosure: I’ve know Noam and Chris for nearly 30 years and found this conversation as interesting as those we had in graduate school. But I think you will too.


politicalwire--2020-03-25--Cuomo Considered More Likely to Win Than Sanders

According to the political betting markets , Gov .
Andrew Cuomo is now more likely than Sen. Bernie Sanders to @ @ @ @ @ .


politicalwire--2020-03-25--New York City Morgues Near Capacity

New York City Morgues Near Capacity

“ The Department of Homeland Security has been briefed that New York City ’ s morgues are nearing capacity , @ @ @ @ @ Officials were told that morgues in the city are expected to reach capacity next week @ @ @ @ @ A third person familiar with the situation in New York said that some of the @ @ @ @ @ hit capacity over the last seven days .
”

“The Department of Homeland Security has been briefed that New York City’s morgues are nearing capacity,” Politico reports.
“Officials were told that morgues in the city are expected to reach capacity next week, per the briefing. A third person familiar with the situation in New York said that some of the city’s hospital morgues hit capacity over the last seven days.”


politicalwire--2020-03-25--Exchange of the Day

Exchange of the Day

CNN ’ s Kaitlin Collins asked President Trump how he decided to have the “ country opened ” by Easter @ @ @ @ @ suggested Easter ?
Who suggested that day ?
TRUMP : I just thought it was @ @ @ @ @ beautiful time .
A beautiful timeline .
It ’ s a great day .

CNN’s Kaitlin Collins asked President Trump how he decided to have the “country opened” by Easter Sunday:
COLLINS: Who suggested Easter? Who suggested that day?
TRUMP: I just thought it was a beautiful time. A beautiful time. A beautiful timeline. It’s a great day.


politicalwire--2020-03-25--The Social Distancing Scorecard

The Social Distancing Scorecard

A company is analyzing phone GPS location data to create a Social Distancing Scoreboard that grades , county by county @ @ @ @ @ their behavior .
The scorecard uses the reduction in the total distance users travel as @ @ @ @ @ ’ re staying in one place .
Geoffrey Fowler : “ Efforts to track public @ @ @ @ @ are a reminder of the many ways phones reveal our personal lives , both as @ @ @ @ @ .
Unacast ’ s location data comes from games , shopping and utility apps that @ @ @ @ @ have installed on their phones — information the company normally analyzes for retailers , real @ @ @ @ @ It ’ s part of a shadowy world of location tracking that consumers often have @ @ @ @ @ .
”

A company is analyzing phone GPS location data to create a Social Distancing Scoreboard that grades, county by county, which residents are changing their behavior.
The scorecard uses the reduction in the total distance users travel as an index for whether we’re staying in one place.
Geoffrey Fowler: “Efforts to track public health during the coronavirus pandemic are a reminder of the many ways phones reveal our personal lives, both as individuals and in the aggregate. Unacast’s location data comes from games, shopping and utility apps that tens of millions of Americans have installed on their phones — information the company normally analyzes for retailers, real estate firms and marketers. It’s part of a shadowy world of location tracking that consumers often have little idea is going on.”


politicalwire--2020-03-26--Biden Spending Time Thinking About His Veep

Gabe Debenedetti : “ Not one of the top Biden associates I spoke with in the last week had much @ @ @ @ @ focus a lot of his eventual vetting : his former rivals Kamala Harris , Elizabeth @ @ @ @ @ .
Realistically , a congressman close to the Biden inner circle predicted , no matter @ @ @ @ @ final five will include those three.
’ ” “ Keeping in mind his own experience @ @ @ @ @ former veep , 77 , has always insisted to friends that his running mate must @ @ @ @ @ .
But people close to him say he has recently become increasingly explicit that he @ @ @ @ @ replacement , and that the candidates ’ competence is now likely to be front and @ @ @ @ @ ”

Gabe Debenedetti: “Not one of the top Biden associates I spoke with in the last week had much doubt where he would ultimately focus a lot of his eventual vetting: his former rivals Kamala Harris, Elizabeth Warren, and Amy Klobuchar. Realistically, a congressman close to the Biden inner circle predicted, no matter what happens, ‘the final five will include those three.’”
“Keeping in mind his own experience and his age, the former veep, 77, has always insisted to friends that his running mate must be ready to be president. But people close to him say he has recently become increasingly explicit that he may be choosing his own replacement, and that the candidates’ competence is now likely to be front and center in his considerations.”


politicalwire--2020-03-26--Trump Loyalty Purge Continues

Trump Loyalty Purge Continues

“ The White House removed a top public affairs official at the Department of Homeland Security in a move that @ @ @ @ @ as it takes a lead role in handling the coronavirus pandemic , ” Politico reports @ @ @ @ @ who was DHS ’ s deputy assistant secretary of public affairs , was abruptly pushed @ @ @ @ @ Friday after the Presidential Personnel Office raised questions about her loyalty to President Trump .
@

“The White House removed a top public affairs official at the Department of Homeland Security in a move that shocked many in the department as it takes a lead role in handling the coronavirus pandemic,” Politico reports.
“Heather Swift, who was DHS’s deputy assistant secretary of public affairs, was abruptly pushed out of her position on Friday after the Presidential Personnel Office raised questions about her loyalty to President Trump.”


politicalwire--2020-03-26--Infighting Erupts as Trump Attacked for Virus Response

“ Donald Trump is getting hammered by millions of dollars in Democratic campaign ads depicting his response to the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ But the main super PAC backing his reelection has been silent in response — and @ @ @ @ @ are not happy about it , ” Politico reports .
“ In interviews , more @ @ @ @ @ aides , campaign officials and other Trump allies said they felt deserted by the group @ @ @ @ @ openly questioning why it ’ s leaving Trump exposed on the airwaves at the most @ @ @ @ @ .
”

“Donald Trump is getting hammered by millions of dollars in Democratic campaign ads depicting his response to the coronavirus as negligent and inept. But the main super PAC backing his reelection has been silent in response — and Trump’s political advisers are not happy about it,” Politico reports.
“In interviews, more than a half-dozen White House aides, campaign officials and other Trump allies said they felt deserted by the group, America First Action, openly questioning why it’s leaving Trump exposed on the airwaves at the most vulnerable moment of his presidency.”


politicalwire--2020-03-26--U.S. Coronavirus Deaths Top 1,000

U.S. Coronavirus Deaths Top 1,000

“ U.S .
deaths from the coronavirus pandemic have topped 1,000 , in another grim milestone for a global outbreak @ @ @ @ @ wreaking havoc on economies and established routines of ordinary life , ” the AP reports @


politicalwire--2020-03-26--Relief Bill Won’t Prevent Recession

Relief Bill Won’t Prevent Recession

Washington Post : “ The good news is the majority of the money is going to laid-off workers , small @ @ @ @ @ state and local governments .
The bad news is it won ’ t be enough @ @ @ @ @ And it ’ s an open question whether the nation can avoid an economic depression @ @ @ @ @ haven ’ t been seen since the 1930s .
”

Washington Post: “The good news is the majority of the money is going to laid-off workers, small business owners, hospitals and state and local governments. The bad news is it won’t be enough to stop a recession. And it’s an open question whether the nation can avoid an economic depression, the likes of which haven’t been seen since the 1930s.”


politicalwire--2020-03-26--Senate Unanimously Passes $2.2 Trillion Relief Bill

“ Facing one of the worst economic downturns in American history , one that is unsparing in its trauma , @ @ @ @ @ approved a $ 2 trillion emergency relief bill that attempts to arrest the financial havoc @ @ @ @ @ , ” the Washington Post reports .
“ Lawmakers acted with unusual speed and cooperation @ @ @ @ @ rescue package in U.S. history.
” “ The sprawling legislation , which passed 96 to @ @ @ @ @ to more than 150 million American households , set up enormous loan programs for businesses @ @ @ @ @ billions of dollars into unemployment insurance programs , greatly boost spending on hospitals , and @ @ @ @

“Facing one of the worst economic downturns in American history, one that is unsparing in its trauma, the Senate late Wednesday unanimously approved a $2 trillion emergency relief bill that attempts to arrest the financial havoc caused by the coronavirus pandemic,” the Washington Post reports.
“Lawmakers acted with unusual speed and cooperation to produce the largest economic rescue package in U.S. history.”
“The sprawling legislation, which passed 96 to 0, would send checks to more than 150 million American households, set up enormous loan programs for businesses large and small, pump billions of dollars into unemployment insurance programs, greatly boost spending on hospitals, and much more.”


politicalwire--2020-03-26--Bernie Could Remain In Race Until June

Bernie Could Remain In Race Until June

“ Since his staff announced last week that he is reassessing his campaign , Bernie Sanders has not yet definitively @ @ @ @ @ running .
But he ’ s given every indication he ’ s pressing forward — @ @ @ @ @ presidential race for months to come , ” Politico reports .
“ Despite Joe Biden @ @ @ @ @ lead , the Sanders campaign said he plans to participate in an April debate , @ @ @ @ @ team has held volunteer organizing calls in the past week in New York and Pennsylvania @ @ @ @ @ hold their primaries perhaps as late as June .
And his campaign is also touting @ @ @ @ @ staff in New York , which a senior aide said is ‘ a sign that @ @ @ @ @ “ Sanders , who hasn ’ t aired ads or fundraised since losing badly in @ @ @ @ @ could still very well call things off .
But one thing is certain : He @ @ @ @ @ a candidate who ’ s finished with the primary .
”

“Since his staff announced last week that he is reassessing his campaign, Bernie Sanders has not yet definitively said whether he is still running. But he’s given every indication he’s pressing forward — and perhaps remaining in the presidential race for months to come,” Politico reports.
“Despite Joe Biden’s nearly insurmountable delegate lead, the Sanders campaign said he plans to participate in an April debate, if one happens. His team has held volunteer organizing calls in the past week in New York and Pennsylvania, which are planning to hold their primaries perhaps as late as June. And his campaign is also touting that it is ramping up staff in New York, which a senior aide said is ‘a sign that he is still in.’
“Sanders, who hasn’t aired ads or fundraised since losing badly in the March 17 primaries, could still very well call things off. But one thing is certain: He’s not acting like a candidate who’s finished with the primary.”


politicalwire--2020-03-26--More Dying of COVID-19 In the U.S. Than We Know

“ Medical professionals around the US told BuzzFeed News that the official numbers of people who have died of COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ number of deaths they ’ re seeing on the front lines.
” “ In some @ @ @ @ @ a lag in reporting , caused by delays and possible breakdowns in logging positive tests @ @ @ @ @ ”

“Medical professionals around the US told BuzzFeed News that the official numbers of people who have died of COVID-19 are not consistent with the number of deaths they’re seeing on the front lines.”
“In some cases, it’s a lag in reporting, caused by delays and possible breakdowns in logging positive tests and making them public.”


politicalwire--2020-03-26--Governor Exempts Businesses from Social Distancing

Mississippi Gov .
Tate Reeves ( R ) “ signed an executive order early this evening superseding a patchwork of @ @ @ @ @ in Mississippi and other heightened restrictions that several municipalities across the state have ordered or @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 ’ s spread inside Mississippi , ” the Jackson Free Press reports .
“ @ @ @ @ @ that most types of businesses in Mississippi are ‘ essential ’ and thus exempt from @ @ @ @ @ order .
”

Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves (R) “signed an executive order early this evening superseding a patchwork of local bans on public gatherings in Mississippi and other heightened restrictions that several municipalities across the state have ordered or considered in the wake of COVID-19’s spread inside Mississippi,” the Jackson Free Press reports.
“The order seems to declare that most types of businesses in Mississippi are ‘essential’ and thus exempt from social-distancing requirements suggested in the order.”


politicalwire--2020-03-26--Trump Failed to Follow NSC Pandemic Playbook

“ The Trump administration , state officials and even individual hospital workers are now racing against each other to get @ @ @ @ @ and other safety equipment to fight coronavirus — a scramble that hospitals and doctors say @ @ @ @ @ left them at risk , ” Politico reports .
“ But according to a previously @ @ @ @ @ the government should ’ ve begun a federal-wide effort to procure that personal protective equipment @ @ @ @ @ .
”

“The Trump administration, state officials and even individual hospital workers are now racing against each other to get the necessary masks, gloves and other safety equipment to fight coronavirus — a scramble that hospitals and doctors say has come too late and left them at risk,” Politico reports.
“But according to a previously unrevealed White House playbook, the government should’ve begun a federal-wide effort to procure that personal protective equipment at least two months ago.”


politicalwire--2020-03-26--Trump Wants U.N. to Call Out Chinese Origins of Virus

“ The Trump administration is pushing the U.N. Security Council to call attention to the Chinese origins of the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ the global body seeks to cobble together a response to the pandemic , ” NBC @ @ @ @ @ among U.N. Security Council nations over a joint declaration or resolution on the coronavirus have @ @ @ @ @ it explicitly state that the virus originated in Wuhan , China , as well as @ @ @ @ @ .
China ’ s diplomats are enraged according to the diplomats , even as they @ @ @ @ @ language into the statement praising China ’ s efforts to contain the virus .
”

“The Trump administration is pushing the U.N. Security Council to call attention to the Chinese origins of the coronavirus, triggering a stalemate as the global body seeks to cobble together a response to the pandemic,” NBC News reports.
“Talks among U.N. Security Council nations over a joint declaration or resolution on the coronavirus have stalled over U.S. insistence that it explicitly state that the virus originated in Wuhan, China, as well as exactly when it started there. China’s diplomats are enraged according to the diplomats, even as they seek to put their own language into the statement praising China’s efforts to contain the virus.”


politicalwire--2020-04-17--Trump’s Pass-the-Buck Restart Plan

Trump’s Pass-the-Buck Restart Plan

Washington Post : “ Trump ’ s the-buck-stops-with-the-states posture is largely designed to shield himself from blame should there be @ @ @ @ @ or for other problems , according to several current and former senior administration officials involved @ @ @ @ @ Governors have said one of the most important factors in making those determinations is testing @ @ @ @ @ s plan does not contain a national testing strategy .
Senior administration officials said that @ @ @ @ @ try to facilitate access to tests , states and localities will be responsible for developing @ @ @ @ @ programs .
”

Washington Post: “Trump’s the-buck-stops-with-the-states posture is largely designed to shield himself from blame should there be new outbreaks after states reopen or for other problems, according to several current and former senior administration officials involved in the response.”
“Governors have said one of the most important factors in making those determinations is testing data, but Trump’s plan does not contain a national testing strategy. Senior administration officials said that although the federal government will try to facilitate access to tests, states and localities will be responsible for developing and administering their own testing programs.”


politicalwire--2020-04-16--Member of Defiant Church Dies from Coronavirus

A 78-year-old man who attended a church that has bucked Louisiana stay-at-home restrictions has died from the illness tied to @ @ @ @ @ Baton Rouge Advocate reports .
The Rev .
Tony Spell , the church ’ s @ @ @ @ @ man ’ s death was due to the virus , despite the coroner ’ s @ @

A 78-year-old man who attended a church that has bucked Louisiana stay-at-home restrictions has died from the illness tied to the novel coronavirus, the Baton Rouge Advocate reports.
The Rev. Tony Spell, the church’s pastor, disputed that the man’s death was due to the virus, despite the coroner’s determination.
Said Spell: “That is a lie.”


politicalwire--2020-04-16--Manchin Will Endorse Biden for President

Sen. Joe Manchin ( D-WV ) “ will endorse Joe Biden for president , putting to bed any thought that @ @ @ @ @ Democratic presidential nominee this time around , ” Politico reports .
“ t ’ s @ @ @ @ @ would support Democrats ’ presidential platform : He nearly pulled his endorsement from Hillary Clinton @ @ @ @ @ she ’ d put coal miners out of work , did not support President Barack @ @ @ @ @ recoiling at the thought of Bernie Sanders as Democrats ’ nominee this year .
”

Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) “will endorse Joe Biden for president, putting to bed any thought that he might not support the Democratic presidential nominee this time around,” Politico reports.
“t’s not a given that Manchin would support Democrats’ presidential platform: He nearly pulled his endorsement from Hillary Clinton in 2016 after she suggested she’d put coal miners out of work, did not support President Barack Obama in 2012 and was recoiling at the thought of Bernie Sanders as Democrats’ nominee this year.”


politicalwire--2020-04-16--Romney Only GOP Senator Not Invited for Task Force

“ Sen .
Mitt Romney is the only GOP senator who was not asked to be on President Trump ’ @ @ @ @ @ focused on reopening the country amid the novel coronavirus pandemic , ” CNN reports .

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


politicalwire--2020-04-16--Roger Stone’s Retrial Request Denied

Roger Stone’s Retrial Request Denied

“ A federal judge on Thursday rejected Roger Stone ’ s demand for a new trial , ruling that the @ @ @ @ @ s trial was not substantially biased against President Trump ’ s longtime political confidant , @ @ @ @ @ .


politicalwire--2020-04-16--McAuliffe Says It’s ‘Unlikely’ Democrats Hold Convention

Former Virginia Gov .
Terry McAuliffe ( D ) , who led the 2000 Democratic National Convention , said that @ @ @ @ @ very unlikely ” there will be a Milwaukee convention this year , the Milwaukee Journal @ @ @ @ @ it was a “ very , very difficult environment ” for Democrats to raise the @ @ @ @ @ the event .
He added : “ Sure , it ’ s possible we have @ @ @ @ @ think it ’ s probably most unlikely that we have one .
”

Former Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D), who led the 2000 Democratic National Convention, said that he believes it is “very unlikely” there will be a Milwaukee convention this year, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.
McAuliffe said it was a “very, very difficult environment” for Democrats to raise the money they need to hold the event.
He added: “Sure, it’s possible we have a convention. I personally think it’s probably most unlikely that we have one.”


politicalwire--2020-04-16--Harris Would Be ‘Honored’ to Serve as Biden’s Veep

Sen. Kamala Harris told NBC News that she would be “ honored ” to serve as Joe Biden ’ s @ @ @ @ @ but said that her current focus is on addressing the coronavirus pandemic .
For members @ @ @ @ @ as His Running Mate ?


politicalwire--2020-04-16--Trump Tells Governors to ‘Call Your Own Shots’

“ President Trump told governors that some could begin reopening their states by May 1 or earlier if they wanted @ @ @ @ @ from his confrontation with them by making it clear that he would not seek to @ @ @ @ @ they reopen businesses , schools and everyday life , ” the New York Times reports @ @ @ @ @ You ’ re going to call your own shots .
You ’ re going to @ @ @ @ @ We ’ ll be standing right alongside of you and we ’ re going to @ @ @ @ @ get it working .
People want to get working.
” “ Mr .
Trump ’ @ @ @ @ @ to a significant reversal just three days after he insisted that ‘ the president of @ @ @ @ @ shots ’ and that he had the ‘ total ’ authority to decide how and @ @ @ @ @ Associated Press : In nod to governors , Trump walks back “ total authority ” @ @

“President Trump told governors that some could begin reopening their states by May 1 or earlier if they wanted to, but backed down from his confrontation with them by making it clear that he would not seek to impose his will on when they reopen businesses, schools and everyday life,” the New York Times reports.
Said Trump: “You’re going to call your own shots. You’re going to be calling the shots. We’ll be standing right alongside of you and we’re going to get our country open and get it working. People want to get working.”
“Mr. Trump’s choice of words amounted to a significant reversal just three days after he insisted that ‘the president of the United States calls the shots’ and that he had the ‘total’ authority to decide how and when the country reopen.”
Associated Press: In nod to governors, Trump walks back “total authority” claim.


politicalwire--2020-04-16--Most Say Trump Too Slow to Address Threat of Virus

A new Pew Research survey finds 65 % of Americans believe President Trump was too slow to address the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ when cases of the disease were first reported in other countries .
Also interesting : @ @ @ @ @ a quick end to the coronavirus pandemic .
In fact , 73 % say that @ @ @ @ @ come .

A new Pew Research survey finds 65% of Americans believe President Trump was too slow to address the coronavirus threat to the United States when cases of the disease were first reported in other countries.
Also interesting: Most Americans do not foresee a quick end to the coronavirus pandemic. In fact, 73% say that the worst is still to come.


politicalwire--2020-04-16--Analysis Shows Burr’s Stock Trades Were Highly Unusual

“ Sen .
Richard Burr ’ s ( R-NC ) sale of up to $ 1.7 million in stock shortly @ @ @ @ @ was one of the lawmaker ’ s only market-beating trades since record-keeping began eight years @ @ @ @ @ .
“ The new analysis , presented by researchers at Dartmouth University , shows just @ @ @ @ @ senator ’ s transactions were .
On a single day , Feb. 13 of this @ @ @ @ @ significant portion of his net worth — a departure from his typically low-volume trading history @ @

“Sen. Richard Burr’s (R-NC) sale of up to $1.7 million in stock shortly before the recent market crash was one of the lawmaker’s only market-beating trades since record-keeping began eight years ago,” NPR reports.
“The new analysis, presented by researchers at Dartmouth University, shows just how unusual the North Carolina senator’s transactions were. On a single day, Feb. 13 of this year, Burr unloaded a significant portion of his net worth — a departure from his typically low-volume trading history.”


politicalwire--2020-04-16--Democratic Convention Host Committee Slashes Staff

“ In the latest sign of trouble for the Democratic National Convention in Milwaukee this summer , the host committee @ @ @ @ @ cutting its staff by more than half by reassigning some employees and laying off others @ @ @ @ @ Sentinel reports .

“In the latest sign of trouble for the Democratic National Convention in Milwaukee this summer, the host committee announced Thursday that it is cutting its staff by more than half by reassigning some employees and laying off others,” the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.


politicalwire--2020-04-16--Meadows Confronts Same Problems as His Predecessors

“ Mark Meadows has officially been President Trump ’ s fourth White House chief of staff for less than three @ @ @ @ @ York Times reports .
“ But administration officials say he has been overwhelmed at times @ @ @ @ @ the White House that revolves around the president ’ s moods , his desire to @ @ @ @ @ and his need for a sense of control .
It is why , no matter @ @ @ @ @ staff , the lack of formal processes and the constant infighting are unavoidable facts of @ @ @ @ @ Mr. Trump.
” “ In the case of Mr. Meadows , it has not helped @ @ @ @ @ colleagues that the former North Carolina congressman , who has a reputation for showing his @ @ @ @ @ with members of the White House staff on at least two occasions .
”

“Mark Meadows has officially been President Trump’s fourth White House chief of staff for less than three weeks,” the New York Times reports.
“But administration officials say he has been overwhelmed at times by a permanent culture at the White House that revolves around the president’s moods, his desire to present a veneer of strength and his need for a sense of control. It is why, no matter who serves as chief of staff, the lack of formal processes and the constant infighting are unavoidable facts of life for those working for Mr. Trump.”
“In the case of Mr. Meadows, it has not helped him with his White House colleagues that the former North Carolina congressman, who has a reputation for showing his emotions, cried while meeting with members of the White House staff on at least two occasions.”


politicalwire--2020-04-16--Midwest Governors Will Coordinate on Reopening

“ The governors of Michigan , Ohio , Wisconsin , Minnesota , Illinois , Indiana and Kentucky announced Thursday that @ @ @ @ @ coordination to reopen the Midwest regional economy in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic , @ @ @ @


politicalwire--2020-04-16--Graham Says More Testing Needed Before Restart

Sen. Lindsey Graham ( R-SC ) told The View that Americans “ really can ’ t ” return to work @ @ @ @ @ tests.
” Said Graham : “ I can ’ t really blame the president , @ @ @ @ @ testing at a large scale .
You really can ’ t go back to work @ @ @ @ @ .
”

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) told The View that Americans “really can’t” return to work “until we have more tests.”
Said Graham: “I can’t really blame the president, but we are struggling with testing at a large scale. You really can’t go back to work until we have more tests.”


politicalwire--2020-04-16--Headline of the Day

Headline of the Day

“ Maryland police remind residents to wear pants to mailbox : ‘ This is your final warning . '
”


politicalwire--2020-04-16--How Alternative Media Broke Our Democracy

Coming soon : Political Junkies : From Talk Radio to Twitter , How Alternative Media Hooked Us on Politics and @ @ @ @ @ Bond Potter .
“ From independent newsletters in the 1950s to talk radio in the @ @ @ @ @ the 1980s , pioneers on the left and right developed alternative media outlets that made @ @ @ @ @ ultimately , more partisan .
”

Coming soon: Political Junkies: From Talk Radio to Twitter, How Alternative Media Hooked Us on Politics and Broke Our Democracy by Claire Bond Potter.
“From independent newsletters in the 1950s to talk radio in the 1970s to cable television in the 1980s, pioneers on the left and right developed alternative media outlets that made politics more popular, and ultimately, more partisan.”


politicalwire--2020-04-16--Democrats in Key Races Outraise GOP Opponents

Wall Street Journal : “ Democrats have raised more money than their Republican opponents in eight of the 2020 cycle @ @ @ @ @ races , as left-leaning candidates saw a surge in fundraising in the first quarter of @ @ @ @ @ GOP ’ s campaign-cash advantage in the crucial contests.
” “ Combined , Democratic candidates @ @ @ @ @ rated by the Cook Political Report as either tossups or leaning toward one party brought @ @ @ @ @ year as of the end of March , compared with $ 36 million for Republicans @ @

Wall Street Journal: “Democrats have raised more money than their Republican opponents in eight of the 2020 cycle’s most competitive Senate races, as left-leaning candidates saw a surge in fundraising in the first quarter of the year that narrowed the GOP’s campaign-cash advantage in the crucial contests.”
“Combined, Democratic candidates in the 10 Senate races rated by the Cook Political Report as either tossups or leaning toward one party brought in $44.3 million this year as of the end of March, compared with $36 million for Republicans.”