politicalwire--2020-04-20--White House Tells Federal Workers to Prepare to Return

“ The White House ordered federal agencies on Monday to begin preparing to return workers to offices , telling them @ @ @ @ @ plans with those of the states and municipalities where they ’ re located , ” @ @ @

“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--2020-04-20--Oil Costs Less Than Zero Now

Oil Costs Less Than Zero Now

“ The price for a barrel of West Texas Intermediate crude to be delivered next month plunged 93 % to @ @ @ @ @ s trading , the lowest price since the futures contract was launched in 1983 .
@ @ @ @ @ be delivered to a buyer in November , it would be worth more than twenty @ @ @ @ @ ” the Wall Street Journal reports .
“ The unusually large difference in price between @ @ @ @ @ traders filling up tankers and setting them adrift .
The bet is that the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ later this year demand for oil—and thus its price—will jump .
”

“The price for a barrel of West Texas Intermediate crude to be delivered next month plunged 93% to $1.21 in Monday’s trading, the lowest price since the futures contract was launched in 1983. If that barrel were to be delivered to a buyer in November, it would be worth more than twenty five times as much,” the Wall Street Journal reports.
“The unusually large difference in price between oil now and then has traders filling up tankers and setting them adrift. The bet is that the coronavirus pandemic runs its course and later this year demand for oil—and thus its price—will jump.”


politicalwire--2020-04-20--The Complete Book of U.S. Presidents

The Complete Book of U.S. Presidents

Coming soon : The Complete Book of U.S. Presidents by Bill Yenne .
“ This book features short , biographical @ @ @ @ @ 45 presidents , jam-packed with unusual details and expounding on the significant roles each commander-in-chief @ @ @ @ @ the United States and its relations with the world .
”

Coming soon: The Complete Book of U.S. Presidents by Bill Yenne.
“This book features short, biographical essays about the lives of 45 presidents, jam-packed with unusual details and expounding on the significant roles each commander-in-chief played in the shaping of the United States and its relations with the world.”


politicalwire--2020-04-20--White House Scrambling to Cover Virus Treatment

Politico : “ The White House pledged over two weeks ago to cover coronavirus treatment for uninsured Americans — but @ @ @ @ @ t have a plan for how to do it .
Trump officials are still grappling @ @ @ @ @ exactly to implement the treatment fund , including how to determine if a patient qualifies @ @ @ @ @ ” “ Adding to the challenge , they ’ re still figuring out how to @ @ @ @ @ and physicians say is desperately needed .
The delay in setting up the fund indicates @ @ @ @ @ entitlement on the fly amid an unprecedented crisis .
And there was little time to @ @ @ @ @ President Trump announced it earlier this month .
”

Politico: “The White House pledged over two weeks ago to cover coronavirus treatment for uninsured Americans — but the administration still doesn’t have a plan for how to do it. Trump officials are still grappling with key questions about how exactly to implement the treatment fund, including how to determine if a patient qualifies for the new federal dollars.”
“Adding to the challenge, they’re still figuring out how to divvy up funding that hospitals and physicians say is desperately needed. The delay in setting up the fund indicates the difficulty building a massive entitlement on the fly amid an unprecedented crisis. And there was little time to fully vet the plan before President Trump announced it earlier this month.”


politicalwire--2020-04-20--‘The Worst Is Yet Ahead of Us’

‘The Worst Is Yet Ahead of Us’

The head of the World Health Organization has warned that “ the worst is yet ahead of us ” in @ @ @ @ @ new alarm bells about the pandemic just as many countries are beginning to ease restrictive @ @ @ @ @ Said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus : “ It has a very dangerous combination and @ @ @ @ @ the 1918 flu that killed up to 100 million people But now we have technology @ @ @ @ @ disaster , we can prevent that kind of crisis .
”

The head of the World Health Organization has warned that “the worst is yet ahead of us” in the coronavirus outbreak, raising new alarm bells about the pandemic just as many countries are beginning to ease restrictive measures, Politico reports.
Said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus: “It has a very dangerous combination and this is happening … like the 1918 flu that killed up to 100 million people But now we have technology, we can prevent that disaster, we can prevent that kind of crisis.”


politicalwire--2020-04-20--Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day

“ I ’ ve seen the interviews of people .
These are great people.
” — President Trump , when @ @ @ @ @ concerned that he ’ s inciting violence with his tweets in support of anti-social distancing @ @


politicalwire--2020-04-20--Deal Extends Netanyahu’s Rule In Israel

Deal Extends Netanyahu’s Rule In Israel

“ Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel and his former challenger , Benny Gantz , agreed Monday night to establish @ @ @ @ @ deal that finally breaks a yearlong political impasse and keeps Mr. Netanyahu in office as @ @ @ @ @ charges , ” the New York Times reports .


politicalwire--2020-04-20--GOP War on Mail-In Ballots May Be Backfiring

Rick Hasen : “ There are signs from Wisconsin that Republican efforts to make it harder to vote in the @ @ @ @ @ pandemic are backfiring in two ways .
First , suppressive efforts are firing up Democrats @ @ @ @ @ .
As the New York Times reported , Democrats voted in large numbers in a @ @ @ @ @ race — and a less contested Democratic presidential primary.
” “ Second , suppressive efforts @ @ @ @ @ some staunch Republican voters and Trump supporters , particularly in rural areas , to cast @ @ @ @

Rick Hasen: “There are signs from Wisconsin that Republican efforts to make it harder to vote in the midst of the global COVID-19 pandemic are backfiring in two ways. First, suppressive efforts are firing up Democrats to come out and vote. As the New York Times reported, Democrats voted in large numbers in a highly contested state Supreme Court race — and a less contested Democratic presidential primary.”
“Second, suppressive efforts are making it harder for some staunch Republican voters and Trump supporters, particularly in rural areas, to cast their ballots.”


politicalwire--2020-04-20--Michigan Prefers Whitmer’s Approach Over Trump’s

A new Detroit Regional Chamber poll in Michigan found 57 % approved of Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer ’ s ( @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus pandemic compared with 37 % of respondents who disapproved .
By contrast , 44 @ @ @ @ @ of President Trump ’ s handling of the crisis while 50 % disapproved .

A new Detroit Regional Chamber poll in Michigan found 57% approved of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s (D) handling of the coronavirus pandemic compared with 37% of respondents who disapproved.
By contrast, 44% of those polled approved of President Trump’s handling of the crisis while 50% disapproved.


politicalwire--2020-04-20--Now Trump Is Putting Americans at Risk

Now Trump Is Putting Americans at Risk

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Your support makes this site possible .
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politicalwire--2020-04-21--Most Think It’s Too Risky to Go Back to ‘Normal’

A new Axios/Ipsos survey finds 72 % of Americans “ feel it would be risky to return to ‘ normal @ @ @ @ @ and would wait indefinitely or at least for a few more months for the threat @ @ @ @ @ ” “ The results also suggest that the recent protests in Michigan and elsewhere against @ @ @ @ @ drawn national press coverage — don ’ t reflect how the majority of Americans think @ @ @ @ @ virus .
”

A new Axios/Ipsos survey finds 72% of Americans “feel it would be risky to return to ‘normal’ life just yet, and would wait indefinitely or at least for a few more months for the threat of coronavirus infection to subside.”
“The results also suggest that the recent protests in Michigan and elsewhere against stay-at-home orders — which have drawn national press coverage — don’t reflect how the majority of Americans think about the response to the virus.”


Majority Supports Vote-by-Mail

A majority of voters — 58 % — favor nationwide reform of election rules that would allow all eligible voters @ @ @ @ @ mail , a new NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll finds .
And nearly 10 % @ @ @ @ @ the rules should not be permanently changed , all voters should be able to mail @ @ @ @ @ because of concerns that the coronavirus may still be a major public health threat this @ @

A majority of voters — 58% — favor nationwide reform of election rules that would allow all eligible voters to cast their ballots by mail, a new NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll finds.
And nearly 10% more say that, while the rules should not be permanently changed, all voters should be able to mail in their ballots this November because of concerns that the coronavirus may still be a major public health threat this fall.


politicalwire--2020-04-21--Conspiracy Theorists Burn 5G Towers

Conspiracy Theorists Burn 5G Towers

“ The CCTV footage from a Dutch business park shows a man in a black cap pouring the contents of @ @ @ @ @ base of a cellular radio tower .
Flames burst out as the man jogs back @ @ @ @ @ into the evening , ” the AP reports .
“ It ’ s a scene @ @ @ @ @ dozens of times in recent weeks in Europe , where conspiracy theories linking new 5G @ @ @ @ @ pandemic are fueling arson attacks on cell towers .
”

“The CCTV footage from a Dutch business park shows a man in a black cap pouring the contents of a white container at the base of a cellular radio tower. Flames burst out as the man jogs back to his Toyota to flee into the evening,” the AP reports.
“It’s a scene that’s been repeated dozens of times in recent weeks in Europe, where conspiracy theories linking new 5G mobile networks and the coronavirus pandemic are fueling arson attacks on cell towers.”


26,000 Missing Deaths

New York Times : “ At least 26,000 more people have died during the coronavirus pandemic over the last month @ @ @ @ @ counts report , a review of mortality data in 11 countries shows — providing a @ @ @ @ @ , picture of the toll of the crisis .
”

New York Times: “At least 26,000 more people have died during the coronavirus pandemic over the last month than the official Covid-19 death counts report, a review of mortality data in 11 countries shows — providing a clearer, if still incomplete, picture of the toll of the crisis.”


politicalwire--2020-04-21--We Are Living in a Failed State

We Are Living in a Failed State

George Packer : “ When the virus came here , it found a country with serious underlying conditions , and it exploited them ruthlessly .
Chronic ills—a corrupt political class , a sclerotic bureaucracy , a heartless economy , a divided and distracted public—had gone untreated for years .
We had learned to live , uncomfortably , with the symptoms .
It took the scale and intimacy of a pandemic to expose their severity—to shock Americans with the recognition that we are in the high-risk category.
” “ The crisis demanded a response that was swift , rational , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like Pakistan or Belarus—like a country with shoddy infrastructure and a dysfunctional government whose leaders were too corrupt or stupid to head off mass suffering .
The administration squandered two irretrievable months to prepare .
From the president came willful blindness , scapegoating , boasts , and lies .
From his mouthpieces , conspiracy theories and miracle cures .
A few senators and corporate executives acted quickly—not to prevent the coming disaster , but to profit from it .
When a government doctor tried to warn the public of the danger , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the message .
”

George Packer: “When the virus came here, it found a country with serious underlying conditions, and it exploited them ruthlessly. Chronic ills—a corrupt political class, a sclerotic bureaucracy, a heartless economy, a divided and distracted public—had gone untreated for years. We had learned to live, uncomfortably, with the symptoms. It took the scale and intimacy of a pandemic to expose their severity—to shock Americans with the recognition that we are in the high-risk category.”
“The crisis demanded a response that was swift, rational, and collective. The United States reacted instead like Pakistan or Belarus—like a country with shoddy infrastructure and a dysfunctional government whose leaders were too corrupt or stupid to head off mass suffering. The administration squandered two irretrievable months to prepare. From the president came willful blindness, scapegoating, boasts, and lies. From his mouthpieces, conspiracy theories and miracle cures. A few senators and corporate executives acted quickly—not to prevent the coming disaster, but to profit from it. When a government doctor tried to warn the public of the danger, the White House took the mic and politicized the message.”


politicalwire--2020-04-21--Trump Faces His Next Coronavirus Test

Trump Faces His Next Coronavirus Test

“ President Trump ’ s political fate now hinges on a simple premise : Everybody who needs a coronavirus test @ @ @ @ @ a test , ” Politico reports .
“ More than five weeks into a devastating @ @ @ @ @ , Trump ’ s aides and advisers inside and outside his administration now view disapproval @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus pandemic as his biggest political liability heading into the 2020 election .
“ The @ @ @ @ @ the White House are rushing to counter perceptions and develop a coherent message about the @ @ @ @ @ test Americans for the coronavirus quickly and broadly , a prerequisite governors and business leaders @ @ @ @ @ the economy back on track .
”

“President Trump’s political fate now hinges on a simple premise: Everybody who needs a coronavirus test must be able to get a test,” Politico reports.
“More than five weeks into a devastating shutdown of the U.S. economy, Trump’s aides and advisers inside and outside his administration now view disapproval of his preparedness for the coronavirus pandemic as his biggest political liability heading into the 2020 election.
“The president and his team in the White House are rushing to counter perceptions and develop a coherent message about the nation’s ability to test Americans for the coronavirus quickly and broadly, a prerequisite governors and business leaders have outlined to successfully get the economy back on track.”


politicalwire--2020-04-21--Trump’s Order on Immigration Mostly for Show

The Wall Street Journal says President Trump ’ s order to “ suspend immigration ” won ’ t really change @ @ @ @ @ said the order wouldn ’ t make substantial changes to current U.S. policy .
Even @ @ @ @ @ the administration has already all but ceased nearly every form of immigration .
Most visa @ @ @ @ @ meaning almost no one can apply for a visa to visit or move to the @ @ @ @ @ ceremonies have been postponed and the refugee program paused … Migrants caught crossing the border @ @ @ @ @ they are found .
”

The Wall Street Journal says President Trump’s order to “suspend immigration” won’t really change much.
“Administration officials said the order wouldn’t make substantial changes to current U.S. policy. Even without an executive order, the administration has already all but ceased nearly every form of immigration. Most visa processing has been halted, meaning almost no one can apply for a visa to visit or move to the U.S. Visa interviews and citizenship ceremonies have been postponed and the refugee program paused … Migrants caught crossing the border are now immediately expelled once they are found.”


politicalwire--2020-04-21--Most Rate Trump’s Virus Response Negatively

A new Washington Post-University of Maryland poll finds most Americans — 54 % — give President Trump negative marks for @ @ @ @ @ in this country and offer mixed reviews for the federal government as a whole .
@ @ @ @ @ of Americans give positive ratings to the governors of their states for the way they @ @ @ @ @ , with workers also rating their employers positively .

A new Washington Post-University of Maryland poll finds most Americans — 54% — give President Trump negative marks for his handling of the outbreak in this country and offer mixed reviews for the federal government as a whole.
By contrast, 72% of Americans give positive ratings to the governors of their states for the way they have dealt with the crisis, with workers also rating their employers positively.


politicalwire--2020-04-21--Tracking the Virus May Require 300,000 Workers

“ The country only has a fraction of workers needed to trace the coronavirus , as health departments are scraping @ @ @ @ @ of graduate students , workers from a city attorney ’ s office and even librarians @ @ @ @ @ “ Before the pandemic , state and local health departments had fewer than 2,000 workers @ @ @ @ @ the detailed investigatory work to track and stop outbreaks of everything from syphilis to measles @ @ @ @ @ could be somewhere between 100,000 and 300,000 — an astronomical figure that seems near impossible @ @ @ @ @ national program to build a highly trained public health workforce .
”

“The country only has a fraction of workers needed to trace the coronavirus, as health departments are scraping together a rag tag army of graduate students, workers from a city attorney’s office and even librarians,” Politico reports.
“Before the pandemic, state and local health departments had fewer than 2,000 workers carrying out contact tracing — the detailed investigatory work to track and stop outbreaks of everything from syphilis to measles. The real number needed could be somewhere between 100,000 and 300,000 — an astronomical figure that seems near impossible to reach without a massive national program to build a highly trained public health workforce.”


politicalwire--2020-04-21--Trump Readies Push to Slash Regulations

Trump Readies Push to Slash Regulations

“ Senior White House and Trump administration officials are planning to launch a sweeping effort in the coming days to @ @ @ @ @ affecting businesses , with the expected executive action seen by advisers as a way to @ @ @ @ @ worst shock in generations , ” the Washington Post reports .
“ The White House-driven @ @ @ @ @ on suspending federal regulations for small businesses and expanding an existing administration program that requires @ @ @ @ @ for every new one they issue .
”

“Senior White House and Trump administration officials are planning to launch a sweeping effort in the coming days to repeal or suspend federal regulations affecting businesses, with the expected executive action seen by advisers as a way to boost an economy facing its worst shock in generations,” the Washington Post reports.
“The White House-driven initiative is expected to center on suspending federal regulations for small businesses and expanding an existing administration program that requires agencies to revoke two regulations for every new one they issue.”


politicalwire--2020-04-21--Trump Says He’ll Suspend All Immigration

President Trump tweeted that he will be signing an executive order to temporarily suspend immigration to the United States .
@ @ @ @ @ signing the order “ in light of the attack from the Invisible Enemy , as @ @ @ @ @ protect the jobs of our GREAT American Citizens .
”

President Trump tweeted that he will be signing an executive order to temporarily suspend immigration to the United States.
He said he would be signing the order “in light of the attack from the Invisible Enemy, as well as the need to protect the jobs of our GREAT American Citizens.”


politicalwire--2020-04-21--North Korea’s Kim Getting Treatment After Surgery

“ North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is receiving treatment after undergoing a cardiovascular procedure early this month , amid @ @ @ @ @ health following his absence from a key anniversary event , ” Reuters reports .
CNN @ @ @ @ @ intelligence that Kim is in grave danger after a surgery .

“North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is receiving treatment after undergoing a cardiovascular procedure early this month, amid speculation over Kim’s health following his absence from a key anniversary event,” Reuters reports.
CNN reports the U.S. is monitoring intelligence that Kim is in grave danger after a surgery.


politicalwire--2020-04-22--McConnell Slams Brakes on Next Round of Aid

“ Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is drawing a line : There will be no more attempts at long-distance legislating @ @ @ @ @ Politico reports .
“ In a telephone interview Tuesday after passage of a $ 484 @ @ @ @ @ the Senate majority leader made clear that the full Senate must be in session before @ @ @ @ @ of responding to the pandemic .
And he signaled he was growing weary of quickly @ @ @ @ @ the door even as the economy continues to crater .
”

“Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is drawing a line: There will be no more attempts at long-distance legislating on the coronavirus,” Politico reports.
“In a telephone interview Tuesday after passage of a $484 billion coronavirus relief bill, the Senate majority leader made clear that the full Senate must be in session before Congress begins its fifth installment of responding to the pandemic. And he signaled he was growing weary of quickly shoveling billions of dollars out the door even as the economy continues to crater.”


politicalwire--2020-04-22--Recording Reveals NRA’s Legal Troubles Cost $100 Million

The National Rifle Association ’ s legal troubles have cost the powerful gun rights group $ 100 million , according @ @ @ @ @ group ’ s board meeting obtained by NPR .

“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--2020-04-22--Michigan Cancels Contract with Democratic-Linked Firms

“ Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer ’ s administration on Tuesday abruptly canceled a no-bid contract to help track the spread @ @ @ @ @ , a day after announcing the hiring of a state Democratic consultant and a national @ @ @ @ @ prominent Democratic causes , ” the Washington Post reports .
“ The reversal comes amid @ @ @ @ @ politically connected firms to collect health data on state residents and monitor sensitive medical information @ @ @ @ @ Whitmer ’ s profile is rising — she is considered a possible running mate for @ @ @ @ @ Biden , and she has become the target of Republican attacks .
”

“Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s administration on Tuesday abruptly canceled a no-bid contract to help track the spread of the coronavirus in Michigan, a day after announcing the hiring of a state Democratic consultant and a national firm that has worked for prominent Democratic causes,” the Washington Post reports.
“The reversal comes amid complaints that the governor tapped politically connected firms to collect health data on state residents and monitor sensitive medical information. It also comes as Whitmer’s profile is rising — she is considered a possible running mate for likely Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden, and she has become the target of Republican attacks.”


politicalwire--2020-04-22--Georgia Task Force Didn’t Know About Reopening

“ Key members of the coronavirus task force Gov .
Brian Kemp ( R ) tapped to shape the state @ @ @ @ @ they didn ’ t know about his decision to reopen some shuttered businesses until he @ @ @ @ @ conference , ” the Atlanta Journal Constitution reports .
“ In interviews and public statements @ @ @ @ @ the task force said they only learned about Kemp ’ s move to let barber @ @ @ @ @ restaurants begin to resume operations after he made it public .
”

“Key members of the coronavirus task force Gov. Brian Kemp (R) tapped to shape the state’s pandemic strategy said they didn’t know about his decision to reopen some shuttered businesses until he announced it at a press conference,” the Atlanta Journal Constitution reports.
“In interviews and public statements, a half-dozen members of the task force said they only learned about Kemp’s move to let barber shops, theaters and dine-in restaurants begin to resume operations after he made it public.”


politicalwire--2020-04-21--NIH Panel Warns Against Drug Trump Promoted

“ A panel of experts convened by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases recommends against doctors using a @ @ @ @ @ for the treatment of COVID-19 patients because of potential toxicities , ” NPR reports .
@ @ @ @ @ drugs in a tweet as having a “ real chance to be one of the @ @ @ @ @ history of medicine .
”

“A panel of experts convened by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases recommends against doctors using a combination of hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin for the treatment of COVID-19 patients because of potential toxicities,” NPR reports.
President Trump had described the drugs in a tweet as having a “real chance to be one of the biggest game changers in the history of medicine.”


politicalwire--2020-04-21--Second Wave of Coronavirus Next Winter Could Be Worse

“ Even as states move ahead with plans to reopen their economies , the director of the CDC warned that @ @ @ @ @ novel coronavirus will be far more deadly because it is likely to coincide with the @ @ @ @ @ ” the Washington Post reports .
Said CDC director Robert Redfield : “ There ’ @ @ @ @ @ assault of the virus on our nation next winter will actually be even more difficult @ @ @ @ @ went through .
And when I ’ ve said this to others , they kind @ @ @ @ @ , they don ’ t understand what I mean.
” Asked about the appropriateness of @ @ @ @ @ calls on states to be “ liberated ” from restrictions , Redfield said : “ @ @ @ @ @ .
”

“Even as states move ahead with plans to reopen their economies, the director of the CDC warned that a second wave of the novel coronavirus will be far more deadly because it is likely to coincide with the start of flu season,” the Washington Post reports.
Said CDC director Robert Redfield: “There’s a possibility that the assault of the virus on our nation next winter will actually be even more difficult than the one we just went through. And when I’ve said this to others, they kind of put their head back, they don’t understand what I mean.”


politicalwire--2020-04-21--Congress, White House Strike Deal on Small Business Aid

“ Congressional leaders struck an agreement with the White House to deliver more than $ 480 billion in aid to @ @ @ @ @ the federal government ’ s latest effort to blunt the economic and health-care crisis caused @ @ @ @ @ ” the Wall Street Journal reports .


politicalwire--2020-04-21--43% Have Lost Jobs or Wages

43% Have Lost Jobs or Wages

A new Pew Research Center survey found 28 % of Americans had lost their jobs or been laid off because @ @ @ @ @ A third have had to take pay cuts .
A combined 43 % said one @ @ @ @ @ .
The cuts are especially troubling if the threat of the coronavirus extends for months @ @ @ @ @ did not have enough in savings to cover their expenses for three months in case @ @ @ @ @ pandemic-related shutdown .

A new Pew Research Center survey found 28% of Americans had lost their jobs or been laid off because of the coronavirus outbreak. A third have had to take pay cuts. A combined 43% said one or both applied to them.
The cuts are especially troubling if the threat of the coronavirus extends for months: 53% said they did not have enough in savings to cover their expenses for three months in case of an emergency like a pandemic-related shutdown.


politicalwire--2020-04-21--Trump’s Style of Crisis Management Is Bad Politics

Josh Kraushaar : “ A fundamental rule of politics is the party that ’ s divided is the one that @ @ @ @ @ cardinal rule of pandemic politics is that it ’ s better to err on the @ @ @ @ @ taking risks that would invite a political backlash .
There are no libertarians in a @ @ @ @ @ be lots of angry voters if a public official ’ s ideological commitments lead them @ @ @ @ @ public health.
” “ President Trump has brazenly broken both those rules in the past @ @ @ @ @ a crisis , leaders try to build as much bipartisan goodwill as possible to hedge @ @ @ @ @ come .
Trump , by contrast , relishes in embracing polarizing positions that only divide @ @ @ @ @ recovery all the more difficult in the future .
By turning the coronavirus crisis into @ @ @ @ @ , Trump ensures that he ’ s on the losing side of the debate .
@

Josh Kraushaar: “A fundamental rule of politics is the party that’s divided is the one that’s losing. A cardinal rule of pandemic politics is that it’s better to err on the side of caution instead of taking risks that would invite a political backlash. There are no libertarians in a crisis, but there will be lots of angry voters if a public official’s ideological commitments lead them to make decisions that endanger public health.”
“President Trump has brazenly broken both those rules in the past week…”
“Typically during a crisis, leaders try to build as much bipartisan goodwill as possible to hedge against the inevitable recriminations to come. Trump, by contrast, relishes in embracing polarizing positions that only divide voters and make his political recovery all the more difficult in the future. By turning the coronavirus crisis into a partisan issue so quickly, Trump ensures that he’s on the losing side of the debate.”


politicalwire--2020-04-21--Las Vegas Mayor Wants to Open Casinos During Pandemic

Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman had a train wreck of an interview with MSNBC ’ s Katy Tur .
That @ @ @ @ @ tweet : “ I want to relieve everyone ’ s concerns by telling you two @ @ @ @ @ mayor of Las Vegas has almost no political power .
The city is a very @ @ @ @ @ .
If Goodman were to step down , her successor would be a woman who @ @ @ @ @ a fungus .
”

Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman had a train wreck of an interview with MSNBC’s Katy Tur.
That led reporter Jon Ralston to tweet: “I want to relieve everyone’s concerns by telling you two things: 1. The mayor of Las Vegas has almost no political power. The city is a very small political subdivision. 2. If Goodman were to step down, her successor would be a woman who thinks cancer is caused by a fungus.”


politicalwire--2020-04-21--Trump Asks His Own Administration for Rent Relief

“ President Trump ’ s signature hotel in the nation ’ s capital wants a break on its rent .
@ @ @ @ @ of the request is Mr. Trump ’ s own administration , ” the New York @ @ @ @ @ recent weeks , the president ’ s family business has inquired about changing its lease @ @ @ @ @ on Tuesday , which the federal government has reported amount to nearly $ 268,000 per @ @ @

“President Trump’s signature hotel in the nation’s capital wants a break on its rent. The landlord determining the fate of the request is Mr. Trump’s own administration,” the New York Times reports.
“In recent weeks, the president’s family business has inquired about changing its lease payments, the company confirmed on Tuesday, which the federal government has reported amount to nearly $268,000 per month.”


politicalwire--2020-04-21--This Won’t Be a Normal Election

This Won’t Be a Normal Election

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politicalwire--2020-04-21--Mail-In Voting Help Liberal Candidate In Wisconsin

“ The liberal candidate in Wisconsin ’ s hard-fought State Supreme Court race this month prevailed in voting by mail @ @ @ @ @ upending years of study showing little advantage to either party when a state transitions from @ @ @ @ @ ” the New York Times reports .
“ The gap suggests that Democrats were more @ @ @ @ @ vote-by-mail efforts in an election conducted under extraordinary circumstances .
”

“The liberal candidate in Wisconsin’s hard-fought State Supreme Court race this month prevailed in voting by mail by a significant margin, upending years of study showing little advantage to either party when a state transitions from in-person to mail voting,” the New York Times reports.
“The gap suggests that Democrats were more organized and proactive in their vote-by-mail efforts in an election conducted under extraordinary circumstances.”


politicalwire--2020-04-21--Trump’s Cold War With the Former Presidents

Vanity Fair excerpts Team of Five : The Presidents Club in the Age of Trump by Kate Anderson Brower : “ Given all of this , it is hard to imagine that , whenever he does leave the White House , Trump will receive a warm welcome into the club .
He has accused his immediate predecessor of wiretapping his office ahead of the 2016 election and called his most recent Republican predecessor ’ s foreign policy the worst in history .
He perpetually notes that his relationships with other world leaders are better than those of former presidents .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ spent in that awe-inspiring office given him empathy for what his predecessors went through ?
‘ No , ’ he replies flatly .
Unlike most of the men who came before him , who aged prematurely and struggled with insomnia while in office , often pacing the halls of the White House in the dead of the night , overwhelmed by the gravity of the position , Trump said he has no trouble sleeping.
” “ When I ask him whether he would go to Obama ’ s presidential-library opening , the question @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one another ’ s library openings as a sign of respect .
But : ‘ I don ’ t know , ’ he answers .
‘ He probably wouldn ’ t invite me.
’ Trump mulls it over for a moment and says , as though he had never thought of the far-reaching ramifications of his ostracism from the club , ‘ Why should he ?
’ It is an astonishing reminder of just how much has changed .
”

Vanity Fair excerpts Team of Five: The Presidents Club in the Age of Trump by Kate Anderson Brower:
“Given all of this, it is hard to imagine that, whenever he does leave the White House, Trump will receive a warm welcome into the club. He has accused his immediate predecessor of wiretapping his office ahead of the 2016 election and called his most recent Republican predecessor’s foreign policy the worst in history. He perpetually notes that his relationships with other world leaders are better than those of former presidents. But have the years he’s spent in that awe-inspiring office given him empathy for what his predecessors went through? ‘No,’ he replies flatly. Unlike most of the men who came before him, who aged prematurely and struggled with insomnia while in office, often pacing the halls of the White House in the dead of the night, overwhelmed by the gravity of the position, Trump said he has no trouble sleeping.”
“When I ask him whether he would go to Obama’s presidential-library opening, the question sounds preposterous. Presidents have always attended one another’s library openings as a sign of respect. But: ‘I don’t know,’ he answers. ‘He probably wouldn’t invite me.’ Trump mulls it over for a moment and says, as though he had never thought of the far-reaching ramifications of his ostracism from the club, ‘Why should he?’ It is an astonishing reminder of just how much has changed.”


politicalwire--2020-04-21--Extra Bonus Quote of the Day

Extra Bonus Quote of the Day

“ There are more important things than living , and that ’ s saving this country for my children and @ @ @ @ @ country for all of us.
” — Texas Lt. Gov .
Dan Patrick , on @ @ @ @ @ reopening of the country despite a pandemic .

“There are more important things than living, and that’s saving this country for my children and my grandchildren and saving this country for all of us.”
— Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, on Fox News, urging a reopening of the country despite a pandemic.


politicalwire--2020-04-21--Barr Will Consider Legal Action Against Governors

Attorney General William Barr told Hugh Hewitt that the Justice Department will consider taking legal action against governors who continue @ @ @ @ @ dealing with the coronavirus that infringe on constitutional rights once the crisis subsides in their @ @ @ @ @ “ We have to give businesses more freedom to operate in a way that ’ @ @ @ @ @ the extent that governors don ’ t and impinge on either civil rights or on @ @ @ @ @ common market that we have here — then we ’ ll have to address that @ @

Attorney General William Barr told Hugh Hewitt that the Justice Department will consider taking legal action against governors who continue to impose stringent rules for dealing with the coronavirus that infringe on constitutional rights once the crisis subsides in their states.
Said Barr: “We have to give businesses more freedom to operate in a way that’s reasonably safe. To the extent that governors don’t and impinge on either civil rights or on the national commerce — our common market that we have here — then we’ll have to address that.”


politicalwire--2020-04-21--Study Finds More Deaths from Drug Trump Touted

“ A malaria drug widely touted by President Trump for treating the new coronavirus showed no benefit in a large @ @ @ @ @ U.S. veterans hospitals , ” the AP reports .
“ There were more deaths among @ @ @ @ @ care , researchers reported .
”

“A malaria drug widely touted by President Trump for treating the new coronavirus showed no benefit in a large analysis of its use in U.S. veterans hospitals,” the AP reports.
“There were more deaths among those given hydroxychloroquine versus standard care, researchers reported.”


politicalwire--2020-04-21--Kentucky Lawmaker Charged With Strangulation

Kentucky state Rep. Robert Goforth ( R ) was arrested after allegedly trying to “ hog-tie ” a woman before @ @ @ @ @ cable until she passed out , the Lexington Herald Leader reports .
Gofrth was charged @ @ @ @ @ first-degree assault , and third-degree terroristic threatening .
”

Kentucky state Rep. Robert Goforth (R) was arrested after allegedly trying to “hog-tie” a woman before strangling her with an ethernet cable until she passed out, the Lexington Herald Leader reports.
Gofrth was charged with “first-degree strangulation, first-degree assault, and third-degree terroristic threatening.”


politicalwire--2020-04-21--Exchange of the Day

Exchange of the Day

Yamiche Alcindor of PBS Newshour asked President Trump at yesterday ’ s briefing on the coronavirus pandemic : ALCINDOR : @ @ @ @ @ virus maybe got some people sick ?
TRUMP : And a lot of people love @ @ @ @ @ I think we ’ re gon na win in a landslide .

Yamiche Alcindor of PBS Newshour asked President Trump at yesterday’s briefing on the coronavirus pandemic:
ALCINDOR: Are you concerned downplaying the virus maybe got some people sick?
TRUMP: And a lot of people love Trump, right? … I think we’re gonna win in a landslide.


politicalwire--2020-04-21--Bonus Quote of the Day

Bonus Quote of the Day

“ Governor , we will certainly do that… We will make a point today and going forward to continue to @ @ @ @ @ President Mike Pence to Michigan Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer ( D ) , quoted by @ @ @ @ @ the need to stay at home amid protests against stay-at-home orders , despite President Trump @ @ @

“Governor, we will certainly do that… We will make a point today and going forward to continue to reiterate that.”
— Vice President Mike Pence to Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D), quoted by CBS News, on emphasizing the need to stay at home amid protests against stay-at-home orders, despite President Trump encouraging protesters.


politicalwire--2020-04-22--Chinese Agents Spread Messages to Sow Virus Panic

“ The alarming messages came fast and furious in mid-March , popping up on the cellphone screens and social media @ @ @ @ @ grappling with the onset of the coronavirus pandemic , ” the New York Times reports @ @ @ @ @ , the messages said : The Trump administration was about to lock down the entire @ @ @ @ @ wave of panic , United States intelligence agencies have assessed that Chinese operatives helped push @ @ @ @ @ amplification techniques are alarming to officials because the disinformation showed up as texts on many @ @ @ @ @ tactic that several of the officials said they had not seen before .
”

“The alarming messages came fast and furious in mid-March, popping up on the cellphone screens and social media feeds of millions of Americans grappling with the onset of the coronavirus pandemic,” the New York Times reports.
“Spread the word, the messages said: The Trump administration was about to lock down the entire country.”
“Since that wave of panic, United States intelligence agencies have assessed that Chinese operatives helped push the messages across platforms… The amplification techniques are alarming to officials because the disinformation showed up as texts on many Americans’ cellphones, a tactic that several of the officials said they had not seen before.”


politicalwire--2020-04-22--Inside the Conservative Networks Backing Protests

Washington Post : “ A network of right-leaning individuals and groups , aided by nimble online outfits , has helped @ @ @ @ @ state capitals across the country .
The activism is often organic and the frustration deeply @ @ @ @ @ also being amplified , and in some cases coordinated , by longtime conservative activists , @ @ @ @ @ set up with help from Republican megadonors .
”

Washington Post: “A network of right-leaning individuals and groups, aided by nimble online outfits, has helped incubate the fervor erupting in state capitals across the country. The activism is often organic and the frustration deeply felt, but it is also being amplified, and in some cases coordinated, by longtime conservative activists, whose robust operations were initially set up with help from Republican megadonors.”


politicalwire--2020-04-22--First Death Came Weeks Before

First Death Came Weeks Before

New York Times : “ Officials in Santa Clara County , Calif. , announced late Tuesday that two residents there @ @ @ @ @ early and mid-February , making them the earliest known victims of the pandemic in the @ @ @ @ @ information may shift the timeline of the virus ’ s spread through the country weeks @ @ @ @ @ Washington Post : “ Tissue samples taken during autopsies of two individuals who died at @ @ @ @ @ County , Calif. , tested positive for the virus , local health officials said in @ @ @ @ @ died on Feb. 6 and Feb. 17 , respectively.
” “ Initially , the nation @ @ @ @ @ was believed to have occurred on Feb. 29 , in Kirkland , Wash. , a @ @ @ @ @ became a hotspot .
”

New York Times: “Officials in Santa Clara County, Calif., announced late Tuesday that two residents there died of the coronavirus in early and mid-February, making them the earliest known victims of the pandemic in the United States. The new information may shift the timeline of the virus’s spread through the country weeks earlier than previously believed.”
Washington Post: “Tissue samples taken during autopsies of two individuals who died at their homes in Santa Clara County, Calif., tested positive for the virus, local health officials said in a statement. The victims died on Feb. 6 and Feb. 17, respectively.”
“Initially, the nation’s earliest coronavirus fatality was believed to have occurred on Feb. 29, in Kirkland, Wash., a suburb of Seattle that rapidly became a hotspot.”


politicalwire--2020-04-22--How the Pandemic Might Widen the Electoral Map

Politico : “ The economic and political impact of the coronavirus crisis is beginning to reverberate across the presidential battleground @ @ @ @ @ opportunities for Joe Biden but also offering promise for Donald Trump in several Democratic-leaning states @ @ @ @ @ limited.
” “ Interviews with more than 30 political strategists , campaign advisers and officials @ @ @ @ @ portrait of an expanded swing state electoral map , upended by the coronavirus pandemic and @ @ @ @ @ caused .
”

Politico: “The economic and political impact of the coronavirus crisis is beginning to reverberate across the presidential battleground states, creating unforeseen red-state opportunities for Joe Biden but also offering promise for Donald Trump in several Democratic-leaning states where his prospects once seemed limited.”
“Interviews with more than 30 political strategists, campaign advisers and officials in both parties paint a portrait of an expanded swing state electoral map, upended by the coronavirus pandemic and the economic dislocation it has caused.”


politicalwire--2020-04-22--Trump Itches for a Coronavirus Road Show

“ President Trump is eager to hit the road .
As his own health officials continue to warn against non-essential @ @ @ @ @ urged aides over the past week to start adding official events back to his schedule @ @ @ @ @ site visits that would allow him to ditch Washington for a few hours , ” @ @ @ @ @ day trips would be similar to those Vice President Mike Pence has made visiting businesses @ @ @ @ @ according to three people familiar with the planning .
”

“President Trump is eager to hit the road. As his own health officials continue to warn against non-essential travel, Trump has privately urged aides over the past week to start adding official events back to his schedule, including photo ops and site visits that would allow him to ditch Washington for a few hours,” Politico reports.
“The day trips would be similar to those Vice President Mike Pence has made visiting businesses during the viral pandemic, according to three people familiar with the planning.”


politicalwire--2020-04-22--Earth Gets Cleaner as People Stay Home

Earth Gets Cleaner as People Stay Home

Associated Press : “ An unplanned grand experiment is changing Earth .
As people across the globe stay home to @ @ @ @ @ new coronavirus , the air has cleaned up , albeit temporarily .
Smog stopped choking @ @ @ @ @ the most polluted cities in the world , and India ’ s getting views of @ @ @ @ @ .
Nitrogen dioxide pollution in the northeastern United States is down 30 % .
Rome @ @ @ @ @ to mid-April were down 49 % from a year ago .
Stars seems more visible @ @ @ @

Associated Press: “An unplanned grand experiment is changing Earth. As people across the globe stay home to stop the spread of the new coronavirus, the air has cleaned up, albeit temporarily. Smog stopped choking New Delhi, one of the most polluted cities in the world, and India’s getting views of sights not visible in decades. Nitrogen dioxide pollution in the northeastern United States is down 30%. Rome air pollution levels from mid-March to mid-April were down 49% from a year ago. Stars seems more visible at night.”


politicalwire--2020-04-22--Why the U.S. Is Sending Checks to Dead People

Politico : “ The agency is under pressure to push the money out as quickly as possible — even as @ @ @ @ @ tens of thousands of people .
The IRS is supposed to check death records before @ @ @ @ @ the government does not have real-time information on who dies .
That data percolates up @ @ @ @ @ there is invariably a lag in reporting .
”

Politico: “The agency is under pressure to push the money out as quickly as possible — even as the coronavirus is simultaneously killing tens of thousands of people. The IRS is supposed to check death records before okaying the payments, but the government does not have real-time information on who dies. That data percolates up from the states, and there is invariably a lag in reporting.”


politicalwire--2020-04-22--Shalala Failed to Disclose Stock Sales In 2019

Rep. Donna Shalala ( D-FL ) , “ the lone House Democrat on the committee set up to oversee $ @ @ @ @ @ being used for coronavirus-related payouts to large businesses , violated federal law when she failed @ @ @ @ @ serving in Congress , ” the Miami Herald reports .
“ Shalala told the Miami @ @ @ @ @ a variety of stocks throughout 2019 to eliminate any potential conflicts of interest after she @ @ @ @ @ November 2018 .
But the transactions were not publicly reported as required by the STOCK @ @ @ @ @ that prohibits members of Congress and their employees from using private information gleaned from their @ @ @ @ @ and requires them to report stock sales and purchases within 45 days .
”

Rep. Donna Shalala (D-FL), “the lone House Democrat on the committee set up to oversee $500 billion in taxpayer money being used for coronavirus-related payouts to large businesses, violated federal law when she failed to disclose stock sales while serving in Congress,” the Miami Herald reports.
“Shalala told the Miami Herald on Monday she sold a variety of stocks throughout 2019 to eliminate any potential conflicts of interest after she was elected to Congress in November 2018. But the transactions were not publicly reported as required by the STOCK Act, a 2012 law that prohibits members of Congress and their employees from using private information gleaned from their official positions for personal benefit and requires them to report stock sales and purchases within 45 days.”


politicalwire--2020-04-22--Biden Campaign Rift Opens Over Digital Strategies

“ Joe Biden ’ s campaign leadership is clashing over the future of its digital operation — a rift that @ @ @ @ @ largely online and as Biden faces a yawning deficit against President Trump ’ s massive @ @ @ @ @ reports .
“ The disagreement among Biden ’ s top advisers centers on whether to @ @ @ @ @ team internally or to rely on the firm Hawkfish , which is backed financially by @ @ @ @ @ the digital operation for his presidential campaign.
” “ The outcome of the internal battle @ @ @ @ @ November as the coronavirus pandemic has made traditional campaigning — rallies with crowds and get-out-the-vote @ @ @ @ @ all but impossible , while pushing digital campaigning to the forefront .
”

“Joe Biden’s campaign leadership is clashing over the future of its digital operation — a rift that comes as campaigning has moved largely online and as Biden faces a yawning deficit against President Trump’s massive digital operation,” Politico reports.
“The disagreement among Biden’s top advisers centers on whether to hire most of its digital team internally or to rely on the firm Hawkfish, which is backed financially by billionaire Mike Bloomberg and ran the digital operation for his presidential campaign.”
“The outcome of the internal battle will have far-reaching consequences for November as the coronavirus pandemic has made traditional campaigning — rallies with crowds and get-out-the-vote efforts like door knocking — all but impossible, while pushing digital campaigning to the forefront.”


politicalwire--2020-04-23--Biden Makes End Run Around Trump

Biden Makes End Run Around Trump

Washington Post : “ Homebound at his estate in Wilmington , Del.
, Biden ’ s quarantined campaign is adjusting @ @ @ @ @ which the prime-time TV slots that would carry his rallies and speeches under normal conditions @ @ @ @ @ subjects other than the 2020 presidential campaign .
Making matters worse for Biden , President @ @ @ @ @ his coronavirus task force briefings , which mostly are carried live by cable and can @ @ @ @ @ daily campaign rally.
” “ That ’ s left Biden with little choice but to @ @ @ @ @ bracketing the president by offering himself to local newscasts in battleground states that run his @ @ @ @ @ Trump ’ s briefings and hamming it up on radio or late night ( or @ @ @ @ @ TV .
”

Washington Post: “Homebound at his estate in Wilmington, Del., Biden’s quarantined campaign is adjusting to a new reality in which the prime-time TV slots that would carry his rallies and speeches under normal conditions are now largely dedicated to subjects other than the 2020 presidential campaign. Making matters worse for Biden, President Trump dominates each evening with his coronavirus task force briefings, which mostly are carried live by cable and can have the feel of a daily campaign rally.”
“That’s left Biden with little choice but to spread his message around — bracketing the president by offering himself to local newscasts in battleground states that run his interviews while viewers wait for Trump’s briefings and hamming it up on radio or late night (or late, late night) TV.”


politicalwire--2020-04-23--Pence Believes Pandemic Will Be ‘In the Past’ By June

Vice President Mike Pence told the Wall Street Journal that the White House hopes the coronavirus epidemic can be “ @ @ @ @ @ by early June .
Said Pence : “ We truly do believe as we move @ @ @ @ @ to reopen the economy in state after state around the country , that by early @ @ @ @ @ at a place where this coronavirus epidemic is largely in the past .
”

Vice President Mike Pence told the Wall Street Journal that the White House hopes the coronavirus epidemic can be “largely in the past” by early June.
Said Pence: “We truly do believe as we move forward, with responsibly beginning to reopen the economy in state after state around the country, that by early June, we could be at a place where this coronavirus epidemic is largely in the past.”


politicalwire--2020-04-22--CDC Director Doesn’t Walk Back Statement

CDC Director Robert Redfield clarified comments he made in an interview with the Washington Post about the second wave of @ @ @ @ @ a press conference Wednesday that the winter outbreak won ’ t necessarily be “ worse @ @ @ @ @ more difficult ” because it will coincide with the seasonal flu , Axios reports .
@ @ @ @ @ in the Post — “ CDC director warns second wave of coronavirus is likely to @ @ @ @ @ — “ ridiculous ” and “ fake news.
” Redfield said he found the headline @ @ @ @ @ he was accurately quoted in the story .

CDC Director Robert Redfield clarified comments he made in an interview with the Washington Post about the second wave of the coronavirus, stating at a press conference Wednesday that the winter outbreak won’t necessarily be “worse,” but rather “more difficult” because it will coincide with the seasonal flu, Axios reports.
President Trump called the headline in the Post — “CDC director warns second wave of coronavirus is likely to be even more devastating” — “ridiculous” and “fake news.” Redfield said he found the headline “inappropriate” but that he was accurately quoted in the story.


politicalwire--2020-04-22--Trump Slams Kemp for Reopening Georgia

Trump Slams Kemp for Reopening Georgia

President Trump said he told Gov .
Brian Kemp ( R ) he “ totally ” disagreed with his decision @ @ @ @ @ and allow shuttered businesses such as nail salons and barber shops to reopen this week @ @ @ @ @ reports .
Said Trump : “ So do I agree with him ?
No .
@ @ @ @ @ I ’ ll let him make his decision .
Would I do that ?
No @ @ @ @ @ people ’ s lives .
But I ’ m going to let him to make @ @ @ @ @ told him I totally disagree.
” He added : “ They can wait a little @ @ @ @ @ to predominate .
”

President Trump said he told Gov. Brian Kemp (R) he “totally” disagreed with his decision to roll back coronavirus restrictions and allow shuttered businesses such as nail salons and barber shops to reopen this week, the Atlanta Journal Constitution reports.
Said Trump: “So do I agree with him? No. But I respect him and I’ll let him make his decision. Would I do that? No. I want to protect people’s lives. But I’m going to let him to make his decision. But I told him I totally disagree.”
He added: “They can wait a little bit longer. Safety has to predominate.”


politicalwire--2020-04-22--Biden Leads In Michigan

Biden Leads In Michigan

A new Fox News poll in Michigan finds Joe Biden leading President Trump in the presidential race , 49 % @ @ @ @

“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--2020-04-22--Biden Leads In Pennsylvania

Biden Leads In Pennsylvania

A new Fox News poll in Pennsylvania finds Joe Biden leading President Trump in the presidential race , 50 % @ @ @ @


politicalwire--2020-04-22--Pentagon Plans Military Flyovers Over U.S. Cities

“ The Pentagon is planning a multicity tour of the U.S. military ’ s top flight demonstration teams to ‘ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus pandemic , ” the Washington Post reports .
“ The Blue Angels and @ @ @ @ @ squadrons for the Navy and Air Force , will fly over some cities together and @ @ @ @ @ take place in the next several weeks ‘ to thank first responders , essential personnel @ @ @ @ @ as we collectively battle the spread of COVID-19 . '
”

“The Pentagon is planning a multicity tour of the U.S. military’s top flight demonstration teams to ‘champion national unity’ amid the coronavirus pandemic,” the Washington Post reports.
“The Blue Angels and the Thunderbirds, the demonstration squadrons for the Navy and Air Force, will fly over some cities together and others separately… The flyovers will take place in the next several weeks ‘to thank first responders, essential personnel, and military service members as we collectively battle the spread of COVID-19.'”


politicalwire--2020-04-22--Alex Azar Had Dog Breeder Lead Pandemic Task Force

In late January , Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar “ tapped a trusted aide with minimal public health @ @ @ @ @ ’ s day-to-day response to COVID-19 , ” Reuters reports .
“ The aide , @ @ @ @ @ the department after running a dog-breeding business for six years .
Five sources say some @ @ @ @ @ derisively called him ‘ the dog breeder . '
”

In late January, Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar “tapped a trusted aide with minimal public health experience to lead the agency’s day-to-day response to COVID-19,” Reuters reports.
“The aide, Brian Harrison, had joined the department after running a dog-breeding business for six years. Five sources say some officials in the White House derisively called him ‘the dog breeder.'”


politicalwire--2020-04-22--Mail Voting Expected to Explode In Florida

“ In Florida , a state where the steady rise of mail voting has dramatically transformed the campaign season over @ @ @ @ @ the novel coronavirus could fast-forward the evolution of elections , ” the Miami Herald reports @ @ @ @ @ Miami-Dade , Broward and Palm Beach counties — home to more than a quarter of @ @ @ @ @ voters — are preparing to send vote-by-mail registration forms to every voter in those counties @ @ @ @ @ will disrupt in-person voting this summer and fall .
”

“In Florida, a state where the steady rise of mail voting has dramatically transformed the campaign season over the last 20 years, the novel coronavirus could fast-forward the evolution of elections,” the Miami Herald reports.
“Elections offices in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties — home to more than a quarter of Florida’s 13.2 million voters — are preparing to send vote-by-mail registration forms to every voter in those counties amid worries that the virus will disrupt in-person voting this summer and fall.”


politicalwire--2020-04-22--Vaccine Expert Removed for Questioning Trump

“ The doctor who led the federal agency involved in developing a coronavirus vaccine said on Wednesday that he was @ @ @ @ @ he pressed for a rigorous vetting of a coronavirus treatment embraced by President Trump , @ @ @ @ @ reports .
Said Dr. Rick Bright : “ I am speaking out because to combat @ @ @ @ @ — not politics or cronyism — has to lead the way .
”

“The doctor who led the federal agency involved in developing a coronavirus vaccine said on Wednesday that he was removed from his post after he pressed for a rigorous vetting of a coronavirus treatment embraced by President Trump,” the New York Times reports.
Said Dr. Rick Bright: “I am speaking out because to combat this deadly virus, science — not politics or cronyism — has to lead the way.”


politicalwire--2020-04-22--U.S. Reels Toward a Meat Shortage

U.S. Reels Toward a Meat Shortage

Bloomberg : “ Tyson Foods said it ’ s idling its largest pork plant , making it at least the @ @ @ @ @ to shutter in the last few weeks .
Currently , about 15 % of hog-slaughtering @ @ @ @ @ , and there are also additional slowdowns at pork , beef and poultry companies across @ @ @ @

Bloomberg: “Tyson Foods said it’s idling its largest pork plant, making it at least the sixth major U.S. meat facility to shutter in the last few weeks. Currently, about 15% of hog-slaughtering capacity is completely off line, and there are also additional slowdowns at pork, beef and poultry companies across the nation.”


politicalwire--2020-04-22--A Growing Possibility of a W-Shaped Economy Recovery

Washington Post : “ Hopes of a quick bounce back for the economy — dubbed a V-shaped recovery — have @ @ @ @ @ of the nation reopen , many Americans will be afraid to venture out , and @ @ @ @ @ restaurants , stadiums and yoga classes are going to be operating at partial capacity , @ @ @ @ @ while.
” “ What isn ’ t getting as much attention is the possibility of @ @ @ @ @ scary scenario when the economy starts looking better and then there ’ s a second @ @ @ @ @ next .
The ‘ W ’ could be triggered by reopening the economy too quickly @ @ @ @ @ in deaths from covid-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus .
Businesses would have @ @ @ @ @ people would be even more afraid to venture out until a vaccine is found .
@

Washington Post: “Hopes of a quick bounce back for the economy — dubbed a V-shaped recovery — have faded. Even as parts of the nation reopen, many Americans will be afraid to venture out, and it looks increasingly likely that restaurants, stadiums and yoga classes are going to be operating at partial capacity, at best, for a while.”
“What isn’t getting as much attention is the possibility of a W-shaped recovery, the scary scenario when the economy starts looking better and then there’s a second downturn later this year or next. The ‘W’ could be triggered by reopening the economy too quickly and seeing a second spike in deaths from covid-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus. Businesses would have to shutter again, and people would be even more afraid to venture out until a vaccine is found.”


politicalwire--2020-04-22--Trump Tests Lines of Attack to Define Biden

Associated Press : “ The president ’ s reelection campaign has been thoroughly upended by the coronavirus .
But Trump @ @ @ @ @ a plan to quickly define Joe Biden , painting the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee as @ @ @ @ @ on his links to China and insinuating that he is not up to the job.
@ @ @ @ @ is fixated on the White House ’ s response to the pandemic , the Trump @ @ @ @ @ Biden rather than selling the president ’ s handling of the crisis .
Worried about @ @ @ @ @ battleground states , the campaign is using its financial war chest to try to drive @ @ @ @ @ by hammering his ties Beijing and , soon , reviving accusations that the former vice @ @ @ @ @ corrupt .
”

Associated Press: “The president’s reelection campaign has been thoroughly upended by the coronavirus. But Trump’s team has revived a plan to quickly define Joe Biden, painting the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee as a Washington lifer, focusing on his links to China and insinuating that he is not up to the job.”
“Though the nation is fixated on the White House’s response to the pandemic, the Trump campaign is prioritizing attacks on Biden rather than selling the president’s handling of the crisis. Worried about declines in support in several battleground states, the campaign is using its financial war chest to try to drive down Biden’s standing by hammering his ties Beijing and, soon, reviving accusations that the former vice president and his son are corrupt.”
“The playbook was written months ago.”


politicalwire--2020-04-22--Las Vegas Mayor Offers Her City as a ‘Control Group’

Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman told CNN that she offered the citizens of her city as “ control group ” @ @ @ @ @ die of the coronavirus without social distancing .
Said Goodman : “ We would love @ @ @ @ @ ” Jon Ralston : “ I have seen many Nevada officials stumble on national TV @ @ @ @ @ single most embarrassing thing I have seen by a Nevada pol in 35 years here @ @ @ @ @ the country she is unfit for office , and the commentary and shock and disgust @ @ @ @ @ My God .
”

Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman told CNN that she offered the citizens of her city as “control group” to see how many people die of the coronavirus without social distancing.
Said Goodman: “We would love to be that placebo!”
Jon Ralston: “I have seen many Nevada officials stumble on national TV. But that was the single most embarrassing thing I have seen by a Nevada pol in 35 years here. The mayor just showed the country she is unfit for office, and the commentary and shock and disgust here bears that out. My God.”


politicalwire--2020-04-22--Opening the Economy Won’t Save the Economy

Matthew Yglesias : “ This will be an experiment , of course , but the best available evidence casts doubt @ @ @ @ @ customers will return to make it possible for small businesses to stay viable without additional @ @ @ @ @ example , we know customers began abandoning America ’ s restaurants before they were ordered @ @ @ @ @ of states that have avoided broad lockdown orders are still feeling economic pain , and @ @ @ @ @ economy that have not been shut down are nonetheless experiencing a precipitous decline in sales.
@ @ @ @ @ booking service OpenTable has thoughtfully provided the public with data on reservation volume in every @ @ @ @ @ The conclusion : There are some reckless people , but the typical human being is @ @ @ @ @ her life for a dinner out .
”

Matthew Yglesias: “This will be an experiment, of course, but the best available evidence casts doubt on the idea that enough customers will return to make it possible for small businesses to stay viable without additional government assistance.”
“For example, we know customers began abandoning America’s restaurants before they were ordered closed, that the handful of states that have avoided broad lockdown orders are still feeling economic pain, and that huge swaths of the economy that have not been shut down are nonetheless experiencing a precipitous decline in sales.”
“The online reservation booking service OpenTable has thoughtfully provided the public with data on reservation volume in every city where they operate. The conclusion: There are some reckless people, but the typical human being is not that interested in risking her life for a dinner out.”


politicalwire--2020-04-22--Few Americans Support Easing Virus Restrictions

A new AP-NORC poll finds that only 12 % of Americans say the stay-at-home measures implement to control the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ twice as many people , 26 % , believe the limits don ’ t go @ @ @ @ @ of Americans — 61 % — feel the steps taken by government officials to prevent @ @ @ @ @ area are about right .

A new AP-NORC poll finds that only 12% of Americans say the stay-at-home measures implement to control the coronavirus go too far.
About twice as many people, 26%, believe the limits don’t go far enough. The majority of Americans — 61% — feel the steps taken by government officials to prevent infections of COVID-19 in their area are about right.


politicalwire--2020-04-22--Record-High 25% of U.S. Workers Say Job Loss Is Likely

Gallup : “ As the unemployment rate continues to rise sharply in the wake of the novel coronavirus , a @ @ @ @ @ U.S. adults think they are likely to be laid off in the next year .
@

Gallup: “As the unemployment rate continues to rise sharply in the wake of the novel coronavirus, a record-high 25% of employed U.S. adults think they are likely to be laid off in the next year.”


politicalwire--2020-04-22--Biden Has Small Lead In Florida

Biden Has Small Lead In Florida

A new Quinnipiac poll in Florida finds Joe Biden leading President Trump , 46 % to 42 % .
“ @ @ @ @ @ bases just about equally well , as Biden wins among Democrats 91 % to 4 @ @ @ @ @ Republicans 89 % to 7 % .
The race is close among the key swing @ @ @ @ @ Biden getting 44 % of the vote and Trump receiving 37 % .
” Said @ @ @ @ @ Even in the midst of an unprecedented health crisis , Florida delivers a familiar deja @ @ @ @ @ head presidential race .
It ’ s Biden , but it ’ s close as @ @ @ @ @ role .
Sound familiar ?
”

A new Quinnipiac poll in Florida finds Joe Biden leading President Trump, 46% to 42%.
“The candidates are holding their bases just about equally well, as Biden wins among Democrats 91% to 4% and Trump wins among Republicans 89% to 7%. The race is close among the key swing group, independents, with Biden getting 44% of the vote and Trump receiving 37%.”
Said pollster Tim Malloy: “Even in the midst of an unprecedented health crisis, Florida delivers a familiar deja vu in the head to head presidential race. It’s Biden, but it’s close as independents play a huge potential role. Sound familiar?”


politicalwire--2020-04-22--Supreme Court Arguments Will Be Broadcast Live

“ It took a worldwide pandemic for the court to agree to hear arguments over the telephone , with audio @ @ @ @ @ time .
C-SPAN plans to carry the arguments , ” the AP reports .
“ @ @ @ @ @ good for one month only , assuming the justices can return to courtroom arguments when @ @ @ @ @ October .
But several advocates of greater transparency hope the justices will allow simultaneous broadcasting @ @ @ @ @ pandemic is over .
”

“It took a worldwide pandemic for the court to agree to hear arguments over the telephone, with audio available live for the first time. C-SPAN plans to carry the arguments,” the AP reports.
“The new arrangement might be good for one month only, assuming the justices can return to courtroom arguments when their new term begins in October. But several advocates of greater transparency hope the justices will allow simultaneous broadcasting of arguments even after the pandemic is over.”


politicalwire--2020-04-22--Pelosi Postpones Change In House Voting

Pelosi Postpones Change In House Voting

Speaker Nancy Pelosi abruptly postponed plans to change the House rules this week to allow a form of remote voting @ @ @ @ @ the chamber ’ s 230-year history after Republicans raised objections to a plan meant to @ @ @ @ @ action with the ongoing coronavirus pandemic , the Washington Post reports .
Instead , Pelosi @ @ @ @ @ closely studied by a bipartisan group led by Majority Leader Steny Hoyer ( D-MD ) @ @ @ @ @ ( R-CA ) .
Playbook : “ This is a good illustration of just how @ @ @ @ @ to change the House rules .
”

Speaker Nancy Pelosi abruptly postponed plans to change the House rules this week to allow a form of remote voting for the first time in the chamber’s 230-year history after Republicans raised objections to a plan meant to reconcile the need for legislative action with the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the Washington Post reports.
Instead, Pelosi said the issue would be closely studied by a bipartisan group led by Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD) and Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA).
Playbook: “This is a good illustration of just how big a deal it is to change the House rules.”


politicalwire--2020-04-23--Biden Holds Wide Lead Among Young Voters

A new Harvard Institute of Politics poll of 18- to 29- year-olds finds that Joe Biden significantly leads President Trump @ @ @ @ @ % to 28 % , and his advantage among likely voters , 60 % to @ @ @ @ @ to what Sen. Bernie Sanders would have enjoyed at the top of the Democratic ticket @

A new Harvard Institute of Politics poll of 18- to 29- year-olds finds that Joe Biden significantly leads President Trump all young Americans, 51% to 28%, and his advantage among likely voters, 60% to 30%, is comparable to what Sen. Bernie Sanders would have enjoyed at the top of the Democratic ticket.


politicalwire--2020-04-23--Most Concerned About Lifting Lockdown Too Soon

A new CBS News poll finds 63 % of Americans are more worried about restrictions lifting too fast and worsening @ @ @ @ @ lifting restrictions too slowly and worsening the economy .
Key takeaway : “ Only 13 @ @ @ @ @ return to public places over the next few weeks if restrictions were lifted right now @ @ @ @ @ happened with the outbreak .
Almost half — 48 % — say they would not @ @ @ @ @ they were confident the outbreak was over .
”

A new CBS News poll finds 63% of Americans are more worried about restrictions lifting too fast and worsening the outbreak —than worry about lifting restrictions too slowly and worsening the economy.
Key takeaway: “Only 13% say they would definitely return to public places over the next few weeks if restrictions were lifted right now, regardless of what else happened with the outbreak. Almost half — 48% — say they would not return to public places until they were confident the outbreak was over.”


politicalwire--2020-04-23--‘Panic Buying’ Seen at North Korean Shops

“ ‘ Panic buying ’ sprees have been spotted taking place in some of Pyongyang ’ s stores and groceries @ @ @ @ @ sources told NK News , resulting in increasingly empty shelves and a growing shortage of @ @ @ @ @ ’ s unclear what ’ s led to the sudden surge in demand , with @ @ @ @ @ and a sudden absence of staples like vegetables , flour , and sugar .
”

“‘Panic buying’ sprees have been spotted taking place in some of Pyongyang’s stores and groceries since Monday, multiple informed sources told NK News, resulting in increasingly empty shelves and a growing shortage of key staples.”
“It’s unclear what’s led to the sudden surge in demand, with one source describing empty shelves and a sudden absence of staples like vegetables, flour, and sugar.”


politicalwire--2020-04-23--Mnuchin Says We Must Spend What It Takes

“ Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said he is sensitive to concerns about rising federal debt but emphasized that low interest @ @ @ @ @ helping the economy during the coronavirus outbreak cut in the other direction , ” the @ @ @ @ @ Said Mnuchin : “ This is a war , and we need to win this @ @ @ @ @ spend what it takes to win the war .
We are sensitive to the economic @ @ @ @ @ and that ’ s something that the president is reviewing with us very carefully .
@

“Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said he is sensitive to concerns about rising federal debt but emphasized that low interest rates and the urgency of helping the economy during the coronavirus outbreak cut in the other direction,” the Wall Street Journal reports.
Said Mnuchin: “This is a war, and we need to win this war and we need to spend what it takes to win the war. We are sensitive to the economic impacts of putting on debt and that’s something that the president is reviewing with us very carefully.”


politicalwire--2020-04-23--Social Security Could Run Out of Funds Next Year

Wall Street Journal : “ The coronavirus pandemic is expected to weigh on the financial condition of Social Security , @ @ @ @ @ pay benefits that exceed its income in 2021 for the first time in nearly 40 @ @ @

“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--2020-04-23--The Cold Calculations of Deciding to Reopen

New York Times : “ How many deaths are acceptable to reopen the country before the coronavirus is completely eradicated @ @ @ @ @ many , ’ President Trump insists , a politically safe formulation that any leader would @ @ @ @ @ that is not the reality of Mr. Trump ’ s reopen-soon approach .
Nor for @ @ @ @ @ the bottom line for even those governors who want to go slower .
Until there @ @ @ @ @ cure for the coronavirus , the macabre truth is that any plan to begin restoring @ @ @ @ @ away some lives .
The question is how far will leaders go to keep it @ @ @ @ @

New York Times: “How many deaths are acceptable to reopen the country before the coronavirus is completely eradicated? ‘One is too many,’ President Trump insists, a politically safe formulation that any leader would instinctively articulate.”
“But that is not the reality of Mr. Trump’s reopen-soon approach. Nor for that matter will it be the bottom line for even those governors who want to go slower. Until there is a vaccine or a cure for the coronavirus, the macabre truth is that any plan to begin restoring public life invariably means trading away some lives. The question is how far will leaders go to keep it to a minimum.”


politicalwire--2020-04-23--Oil Prices Rebound After Trump Threatens Iran

Financial Times : “ Analysts said the gains were due in part to U.S. president Trump ordering American warships to @ @ @ @ @ posed a threat .
Mr Trump said in a tweet on Wednesday that he had @ @ @ @ @ Navy to shoot down and destroy any and all Iranian gunboats if they harass our @ @ @ @ @ ”

Financial Times: “Analysts said the gains were due in part to U.S. president Trump ordering American warships to attack any Iranian vessels that posed a threat. Mr Trump said in a tweet on Wednesday that he had ‘instructed the United States Navy to shoot down and destroy any and all Iranian gunboats if they harass our ships at sea.’”


politicalwire--2020-04-23--Biden Leads In Key Rust Belt States

Biden Leads In Key Rust Belt States

A new Reuters/Ipsos poll in three key battleground states finds Joe Biden leading President Trump in all of them .
@ @ @ @ @ s vote share under performs his approval rate in all three states .

A new Reuters/Ipsos poll in three key battleground states finds Joe Biden leading President Trump in all of them.
Michigan: Biden 46%, Trump 38%
Pennsylvania: Biden 46%, Trump 40%
Wisconsin: Biden 43%, Trump 40%
Once again, Trump’s vote share under performs his approval rate in all three states.


politicalwire--2020-04-23--Banks Gave Rich Clients ‘Concierge Treatment’ for Aid

“ The federal government ’ s $ 349 billion aid program for small businesses devastated by the coronavirus pandemic was @ @ @ @ @ .
As many business owners found out , it was anything but , ” the @ @ @ @ @ “ That ’ s because some of the nation ’ s biggest banks , including @ @ @ @ @ U.S. Bank , prioritized the applications of their wealthiest clients before turning to other loan @ @ @

“The federal government’s $349 billion aid program for small businesses devastated by the coronavirus pandemic was advertised as first-come, first-served. As many business owners found out, it was anything but,” the New York Times reports.
“That’s because some of the nation’s biggest banks, including JPMorgan Chase, Citibank and U.S. Bank, prioritized the applications of their wealthiest clients before turning to other loan seekers.”


politicalwire--2020-04-23--Chyron of the Day

Chyron of the Day

If you missed President Trump ’ s daily briefing on the coronavirus pandemic , this CNN chyron pretty much tells @ @ @


politicalwire--2020-04-24--Trump Refuses to Mourn the 50,000 Dead

Trump Refuses to Mourn the 50,000 Dead

Susan Glasser : “ He has offered his opinion on matters small and large… Despite the flood of words , though , what has struck me the most this week is what Trump does not talk about : the mounting toll of those who have died in this crisis .
So voluble that he regularly talks well past dinnertime at his nightly briefings , the President somehow never seems to find time to pay tribute to those who have been lost… ” “ But the numbers are the numbers , and , notwithstanding Trump ’ s relentless happy talk , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this week , already produced some fifty thousand American dead .
This is not , needless to say , a best-case scenario , or anything close to it.
” “ You would think that no amount of Trumpian misdirection could disguise the awful fact that America has more confirmed coronavirus deaths than any country in the world , and that many of them might have been prevented by earlier , more decisive government action when the President was denying that the coronavirus even presented a threat to the United States .
But Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 deaths .
”

Susan Glasser: “He has offered his opinion on matters small and large… Despite the flood of words, though, what has struck me the most this week is what Trump does not talk about: the mounting toll of those who have died in this crisis. So voluble that he regularly talks well past dinnertime at his nightly briefings, the President somehow never seems to find time to pay tribute to those who have been lost…”
“But the numbers are the numbers, and, notwithstanding Trump’s relentless happy talk, the coronavirus epidemic has, as of this week, already produced some fifty thousand American dead. This is not, needless to say, a best-case scenario, or anything close to it.”
“You would think that no amount of Trumpian misdirection could disguise the awful fact that America has more confirmed coronavirus deaths than any country in the world, and that many of them might have been prevented by earlier, more decisive government action when the President was denying that the coronavirus even presented a threat to the United States. But Trump is trying his hardest to ignore the COVID-19 deaths.”


politicalwire--2020-04-24--Trump Suggests Injecting Patients with Disinfectants

President Trump suggested the possibility of an “ injection ” of disinfectant into a person infected with coronavirus , NBC @ @ @ @ @ : “ So supposing we hit the body with a tremendous — whether it ’ @ @ @ @ @ very powerful light — and I think you said that hasn ’ t been checked @ @ @ @ @ And then I said supposing you brought the light inside the body , which you @ @ @ @ @ skin or some other way and I think you said you ’ re going to @ @ @ @ @ added : “ I see the disinfectant that knocks it out in a minute , @ @ @ @ @ there a way we can do something like that by injection inside or almost a @ @ @ @ @ it gets in the lungs , it does a tremendous number on the lungs , @ @ @ @ @ to check that .
”

President Trump suggested the possibility of an “injection” of disinfectant into a person infected with coronavirus, NBC News reports.
Said Trump: “So supposing we hit the body with a tremendous — whether it’s ultraviolet or just a very powerful light — and I think you said that hasn’t been checked because of the testing. And then I said supposing you brought the light inside the body, which you can do either through the skin or some other way and I think you said you’re going to test that too.”
He added: “I see the disinfectant that knocks it out in a minute, one minute. And is there a way we can do something like that by injection inside or almost a cleaning. As you see it gets in the lungs, it does a tremendous number on the lungs, so it would be interesting to check that.”
The video is worth watching.


politicalwire--2020-04-24--A Sour President With TV His Constant Companion

“ President Trump arrives in the Oval Office these days as late as noon , when he is usually in @ @ @ @ @ morning marathon of television , ” the New York Times reports .
“ He has @ @ @ @ @ House master bedroom as early as 5 a.m. watching Fox News , then CNN , @ @ @ @ @ thrown in for rage viewing .
He makes calls with the TV on in the @ @ @ @ @ he first arrived at the White House .
But now there are differences.
” “ @ @ @ @ @ no matter which channel he clicks .
He is angry even with Fox , an @ @ @ @ @ not portraying him as he would like to be seen… Confined to the White House @ @ @ @ @ from the supporters , visitors , travel and golf that once entertained him .
”

“President Trump arrives in the Oval Office these days as late as noon, when he is usually in a sour mood after his morning marathon of television,” the New York Times reports.
“He has been up in the White House master bedroom as early as 5 a.m. watching Fox News, then CNN, with a dollop of MSNBC thrown in for rage viewing. He makes calls with the TV on in the background, his routine since he first arrived at the White House. But now there are differences.”
“The president sees few allies no matter which channel he clicks. He is angry even with Fox, an old security blanket, for not portraying him as he would like to be seen… Confined to the White House, the president is isolated from the supporters, visitors, travel and golf that once entertained him.”


politicalwire--2020-04-24--Biden’s Strength with Older Voters Threatens Trump

“ A string of recent polls shows troubling signs for President Trump with older voters , a group central to @ @ @ @ @ to be drifting away from him amid a pandemic that has been especially deadly for @ @ @ @ @ Washington Post reports .
“ Joe Biden , whose support from older voters helped him @ @ @ @ @ to be carrying over some of that appeal into the general election .
With Trump @ @ @ @ @ over his handling of the coronavirus crisis , Biden ’ s campaign is attempting to @ @ @ @ @ has traditionally leaned Republican .
”

“A string of recent polls shows troubling signs for President Trump with older voters, a group central to his reelection effort that appears to be drifting away from him amid a pandemic that has been especially deadly for senior citizens,” the Washington Post reports.
“Joe Biden, whose support from older voters helped him lead the primaries, appears to be carrying over some of that appeal into the general election. With Trump’s approval ratings sagging over his handling of the coronavirus crisis, Biden’s campaign is attempting to capitalize with a group that has traditionally leaned Republican.”


politicalwire--2020-04-23--Biden Has Small Lead In Florida

Biden Has Small Lead In Florida

A new Fox News poll in Florida finds Joe Biden leading President Trump in the presidential race , 46 % @ @ @ @


politicalwire--2020-04-23--House Approves $484 Billion Relief Bill

House Approves $484 Billion Relief Bill

“ The House overwhelmingly passed a $ 484 billion spending package Thursday as the unemployment crisis deepened , a stark @ @ @ @ @ continue trying to rescue an unraveling economy amid growing despair , ” the Washington Post @ @ @ @ @ , approved 388-5 , would restart a small-business loan program that was swamped by demand @ @ @ @ @ allocate more money for health-care providers and virus testing .
The vote was historic , @ @ @ @ @ on the House floor , some even speaking through face coverings as they delivered impassioned @ @ @ @ @ will now go to President Trump for enactment following Senate passage earlier this week .
@

“The House overwhelmingly passed a $484 billion spending package Thursday as the unemployment crisis deepened, a stark illustration of how policy makers continue trying to rescue an unraveling economy amid growing despair,” the Washington Post reports.
“The legislation, approved 388-5, would restart a small-business loan program that was swamped by demand during the coronavirus pandemic and allocate more money for health-care providers and virus testing. The vote was historic, as many lawmakers wore masks on the House floor, some even speaking through face coverings as they delivered impassioned remarks.”
“The legislation will now go to President Trump for enactment following Senate passage earlier this week.”


politicalwire--2020-04-23--Most Think Life Will Be Forever Changed

Most Think Life Will Be Forever Changed

A new CBS News poll finds 54 % of Americans think daily life – the way people interact with each @ @ @ @ @ work – will be permanently changed , while 46 % think things will eventually return @ @ @


politicalwire--2020-04-23--House Creates New Coronavirus Oversight Committee

“ The House voted Thursday to establish a new investigative committee to monitor President Trump ’ s implementation of nearly @ @ @ @ @ relief measures , a step they said would safeguard the massive sums flowing to businesses @ @ @ @ @ , ” Politico reports .
Said Speaker Nancy Pelosi : “ It will be laser-focused @ @ @ @ @ goes to workers paychecks and benefits and it will ensure that the federal response is @ @ @ @ @ science and guided by health experts — and that the money invested is not being @ @ @ @ @ gougers .
”

“The House voted Thursday to establish a new investigative committee to monitor President Trump’s implementation of nearly $3 trillion in coronavirus relief measures, a step they said would safeguard the massive sums flowing to businesses, hospitals and individual taxpayers,” Politico reports.
Said Speaker Nancy Pelosi: “It will be laser-focused on ensuring that taxpayer money goes to workers paychecks and benefits and it will ensure that the federal response is based on the best possible science and guided by health experts — and that the money invested is not being exploited by profiteers and price gougers.”


politicalwire--2020-04-23--Meghan McCain Endorses Biden for President

Meghan McCain , daughter of the late Sen. John McCain ( R-AZ ) , endorsed Joe Biden for president , @ @ @ @ @ : “ There ’ s one man who has made pain in my life a @ @ @ @ @ who has literally shepherded me through the grief process .
”


politicalwire--2020-04-23--Trump Seeks Bailout for Scottish Golf Courses

President Trump has asked the UK Government to bail out his golf courses in Scotland as they struggle to cope @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus crisis , The National reports .
In the United States , the president @ @ @ @ @ barred from seeking any government aid .

President Trump has asked the UK Government to bail out his golf courses in Scotland as they struggle to cope with the economic chaos of the coronavirus crisis, The National reports.
In the United States, the president’s company is legally barred from seeking any government aid.


politicalwire--2020-04-23--Ousted Vaccine Expert to File Complaint

Ousted Vaccine Expert to File Complaint

Attorneys for Dr. Rick Bright , who says he was removed from his post for pushing back against President Trump @ @ @ @ @ malaria drug to fight the coronavirus , told Politico thst he ’ ll be filing @ @ @ @ @ HHS inspector general .


politicalwire--2020-04-23--How Coronavirus Could Upend the Battleground States

Politico : “ Academic researchers writing in a little-noticed public administration journal — Administrative Theory & Praxis — conclude that @ @ @ @ @ the tens of thousands of deaths projected from the virus , demographic shifts alone could @ @ @ @ @ states to Joe Biden in the fall .
”

Politico: “Academic researchers writing in a little-noticed public administration journal — Administrative Theory & Praxis — conclude that when considering nothing other than the tens of thousands of deaths projected from the virus, demographic shifts alone could be enough to swing crucial states to Joe Biden in the fall.”


politicalwire--2020-04-23--GOP Chair Tries to Force Two Out of Kansas Senate Race

Kansas GOP chair Mike Kuckelman sent letters to two Republican candidates — Susan Wagle and Dave Lindstrom — asking them @ @ @ @ @ race for U.S. Senate for the good of the party , the Kansas City Star @ @ @ @ @ candidates that continuing their campaigns will endanger the party ’ s ability to hold the @ @ @ @ @ decades of dominance in Senate races .
Kuckelman ’ s warning is an indirect but @ @ @ @ @ Secretary of State Kris Kobach ( R ) , who lost to Laura Kelly ( @ @ @ @ @ race for governor after a historically close Republican primary that featured numerous candidates .
It @ @ @ @ @ endorsement of Rep. Roger Marshall for the nomination .

Kansas GOP chair Mike Kuckelman sent letters to two Republican candidates — Susan Wagle and Dave Lindstrom — asking them to drop out of the race for U.S. Senate for the good of the party, the Kansas City Star reports.
Kuckelman told the candidates that continuing their campaigns will endanger the party’s ability to hold the seat in November after eight decades of dominance in Senate races.
Kuckelman’s warning is an indirect but unmistakable reference to former Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach (R), who lost to Laura Kelly (D) in the 2018 race for governor after a historically close Republican primary that featured numerous candidates. It’s also an indirect endorsement of Rep. Roger Marshall for the nomination.


politicalwire--2020-04-23--Few Trust What Trump Says on Pandemic

Few Trust What Trump Says on Pandemic

A new AP-NORC poll finds just 23 % of Americans say they have high levels of trust in what President @ @ @ @ @ on the pandemic .
Another 21 % trust him a moderate amount .
“ But @ @ @ @ @ Trump ’ s credibility during the pandemic , the overwhelming majority — 82 % — @ @ @ @ @ how he ’ s doing .
That ’ s helped keep the president ’ s @ @ @ @ @ 42 % , about where it ’ s been for the past few months .
@

A new AP-NORC poll finds just 23% of Americans say they have high levels of trust in what President Trump is telling the public on the pandemic. Another 21% trust him a moderate amount.
“But even as many Republicans question Trump’s credibility during the pandemic, the overwhelming majority — 82% — say they still approve of how he’s doing. That’s helped keep the president’s overall approval rating steady at 42%, about where it’s been for the past few months.”


politicalwire--2020-04-23--Gordon Sondland Won Small Business Relief

Gordon Sondland , the former EU ambassador and high dollar donor who played a starring role in the Trump impeachment @ @ @ @ @ of the small-business relief package , Bloomberg reports .


politicalwire--2020-04-23--New HHS Spokesman Made Racist Tweets on Chinese

Michael Caputo , the new spokesman for the Department of Health and Human Services , in a series of now-deleted @ @ @ @ @ comments about Chinese people , said Democrats wanted the coronavirus to kill millions of people @ @ @ @ @ intentionally creating panic around the pandemic to hurt President Trump , CNN reports .
Caputo @ @ @ @ @ but they were recovered .

Michael Caputo, the new spokesman for the Department of Health and Human Services, in a series of now-deleted tweets made racist and derogatory comments about Chinese people, said Democrats wanted the coronavirus to kill millions of people and accused the media of intentionally creating panic around the pandemic to hurt President Trump, CNN reports.
Caputo tried to delete the tweets but they were recovered.


politicalwire--2020-04-23--Biden Leads In Four Swing States

Biden Leads In Four Swing States

Here are some new Public Policy Polling surveys in four key battleground states :


2020 Gubernatorial Outlook

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This issue includes an overview of this year ’ @ @ @ @ @ at the precise time that many of them are getting more exposure and scrutiny in @ @ @ @ @ .
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Just for members: A new edition of Inside Elections.
This issue includes an overview of this year’s races for governor, at the precise time that many of them are getting more exposure and scrutiny in their response to the coronavirus.


politicalwire--2020-04-23--Extra Bonus Quote of the Day

Extra Bonus Quote of the Day

“ OK folks , I implore you , please leave Confederate flags and/or AR15s , AK47s , or any other @ @ @ @ @ I well understand that the Confederacy was more about states rights than slavery .
But @ @ @ @ @ truth of how we should try to control the optics during the event.
” — @ @ @ @ @ Westrate , quoted by the New York Times , in a private Facebook group for @ @ @ @ @

“OK folks, I implore you, please leave Confederate flags and/or AR15s, AK47s, or any other long guns at home. I well understand that the Confederacy was more about states rights than slavery. But that does not change the truth of how we should try to control the optics during the event.”
— Wisconsin Republican party treasurer Brian Westrate, quoted by the New York Times, in a private Facebook group for organizers of stay-at-home protests.


politicalwire--2020-04-23--Trump Campaign Gamifies Voter Outreach

Trump Campaign Gamifies Voter Outreach

CNN : “ The new Trump campaign app uses gamification to drive voter outreach and valuable data collection .
It @ @ @ @ @ from the campaign as it tries to push its already sizeable digital advantage to a @ @ @ @ @ against presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden .
In doing so , it is building @ @ @ @ @ campaign ’ s successful and innovative effort to target voters through online platforms like Facebook @ @ @ @

CNN: “The new Trump campaign app uses gamification to drive voter outreach and valuable data collection. It’s the latest effort from the campaign as it tries to push its already sizeable digital advantage to a victory in the 2020 election against presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden. In doing so, it is building off Trump’s 2016 campaign’s successful and innovative effort to target voters through online platforms like Facebook and Twitter.”


politicalwire--2020-04-24--U.S. Will Hit 50,000 Deaths Today

U.S. Will Hit 50,000 Deaths Today

Wall Street Journal : “ Confirmed coronavirus cases world-wide Friday exceeded 2.7 million , with more than 190,000 dead , @ @ @ @ @ Hopkins University .
The U.S. accounted for nearly a third of the cases , exceeding @ @ @ @ @ a quarter of the deaths , at 49,963 , according to Johns Hopkins .
”

Wall Street Journal: “Confirmed coronavirus cases world-wide Friday exceeded 2.7 million, with more than 190,000 dead, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. The U.S. accounted for nearly a third of the cases, exceeding 869,000, and more than a quarter of the deaths, at 49,963, according to Johns Hopkins.”


politicalwire--2020-04-24--Face Masks Are Now Part of the Culture War

Politico : “ A group of at least a dozen House Republicans pointedly didn ’ t wear masks during the @ @ @ @ @ hundreds of their colleagues — and all but seemingly one Democrat — were doing so.
@ @ @ @ @ abstaining were flimsy .
‘ I didn ’ t want to take one from someone @ @ @ @ @ or ‘ I left mine in my office ’ were offered , if they didn @ @ @ @ @ the question posed by reporters.
” “ The culture war happening throughout the United States @ @ @ @ @ playing out on the House floor .
”

Politico: “A group of at least a dozen House Republicans pointedly didn’t wear masks during the House vote, even while hundreds of their colleagues — and all but seemingly one Democrat — were doing so.”
“Their excuses for abstaining were flimsy. ‘I didn’t want to take one from someone who needed it,’ or ‘I left mine in my office’ were offered, if they didn’t run away from the question posed by reporters.”
“The culture war happening throughout the United States over the coronavirus was also playing out on the House floor.”