politicalwire--2020-07-01--Fox News Surges Over Broadcast Networks

Fox News Surges Over Broadcast Networks

Fox News was the most-watched network in prime time , counting both broadcast and cable , for three out of @ @ @ @ @ the AP reports .
Axios : “ Before this month , that had never happened @ @ @ @ @ traditionally a slow month for broadcast television , with the schedule crammed with reruns and @ @ @ @ @ has been a busy news stretch .
”

Fox News was the most-watched network in prime time, counting both broadcast and cable, for three out of four weeks in June, the AP reports.
Axios: “Before this month, that had never happened. Ever. June is traditionally a slow month for broadcast television, with the schedule crammed with reruns and game shows. And it has been a busy news stretch.”


politicalwire--2020-07-01--Biden Leads In Every Battleground

Biden Leads In Every Battleground

New CNBC/Change Research polls in six key battleground states : Use the interactive electoral map to test your own election @ @

“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--2020-07-01--Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day

“ Locking down doesn ’ t work !
If it did , those two states would be doing better than @ @ @ @ @ that he ’ s concerned about states like Texas that skipped over certain things .
@ @ @ @ @ what he ’ s talking about !
We haven ’ t skipped over anything .
@ @ @ @ @ m skipping over is listening to him… He has been wrong every time on every @ @ @ @ @ t need his advice anymore .
”

“Locking down doesn’t work! If it did, those two states would be doing better than Texas. Fauci said today that he’s concerned about states like Texas that skipped over certain things. He doesn’t know what he’s talking about! We haven’t skipped over anything. The only thing I’m skipping over is listening to him… He has been wrong every time on every issue. I don’t need his advice anymore.”
— Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick (R), on Fox News.


politicalwire--2020-07-01--Hundreds of Ex-Bush Officials to Endorse Biden

“ Hundreds of officials who worked for former Republican President George W. Bush are set to endorse Democratic White House @ @ @ @ @ involved in the effort said , the latest Republican-led group coming out to oppose the @ @ @ @ @ ” Reuters reports .
“ The officials , who include Cabinet secretaries and other senior @ @ @ @ @ , have formed a political action committee – 43 Alumni for Biden – to support @ @ @ @ @ his Nov. 3 race .
”

“Hundreds of officials who worked for former Republican President George W. Bush are set to endorse Democratic White House hopeful Joe Biden, people involved in the effort said, the latest Republican-led group coming out to oppose the re-election of Donald Trump,” Reuters reports.
“The officials, who include Cabinet secretaries and other senior people in the Bush administration, have formed a political action committee – 43 Alumni for Biden – to support the former vice president in his Nov. 3 race.”


politicalwire--2020-07-01--Trump Claims Russian Bounty Story a Hoax

President Trump claimed that reports about suspected Russian bounties on coalition forces in Afghanistan were a “ hoax ” meant @ @ @ @ @ Said Trump : “ The Russia Bounty story is just another made up by Fake @ @ @ @ @ only to damage me and the Republican Party .
The secret source probably does not @ @ @ @ @ the story itself .
If the discredited New York Times has a source , reveal @ @ @ @ @ !
”

President Trump claimed that reports about suspected Russian bounties on coalition forces in Afghanistan were a “hoax” meant to damage him politically.
Said Trump: “The Russia Bounty story is just another made up by Fake News tale that is told only to damage me and the Republican Party. The secret source probably does not even exist, just like the story itself. If the discredited New York Times has a source, reveal it. Just another HOAX!”


politicalwire--2020-07-01--The GOP Under Trump

The GOP Under Trump

David Wasserman : “ When President Trump took office in January 2017 , there were 241 Republicans in the House @ @ @ @ @ ( 48 % ) have either retired , resigned , been defeated or are retiring @ @ @ @


politicalwire--2020-07-01--Democrats Set Sights on Colorado House Seat

Lauren Boebert ’ s ( R ) unexpected primary victory last night in Colorado “ will probably lead Democrats to @ @ @ @ @ race to try to snatch a Republican seat .
The winner of the Democratic primary @ @ @ @ @ D ) , a former State House member who lost to Mr. Tipton in 2018 @ @ @ @ @ Times reports .
“ Democrats immediately went on the attack against Ms. Boebert on Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ disavow the QAnon conspiracy theory movement , which holds that ‘ deep state ’ traitors @ @ @ @ @ ” Said Boebert last month of QAnon : “ I hope that this is real @ @ @ @ @ is getting stronger and better , and people are returning to conservative values , and @ @ @ @ @ am for .
”

Lauren Boebert’s (R) unexpected primary victory last night in Colorado “will probably lead Democrats to put more emphasis on the race to try to snatch a Republican seat. The winner of the Democratic primary was Diane Mitsch Bush (D), a former State House member who lost to Mr. Tipton in 2018,” the New York Times reports.
“Democrats immediately went on the attack against Ms. Boebert on Tuesday night for her refusal to disavow the QAnon conspiracy theory movement, which holds that ‘deep state’ traitors are plotting against Donald Trump.”
Said Boebert last month of QAnon: “I hope that this is real because it only means America is getting stronger and better, and people are returning to conservative values, and that’s what I am for.”


politicalwire--2020-07-01--Senility Becomes Issue In 2020 Campaign

Senility Becomes Issue In 2020 Campaign

“ Senility is becoming an overt line of attack for the first time in a modern U.S. presidential campaign , @ @ @ @ @ As President Trump ramps up insinuations that his general election rival is doddering , Joe @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday , saying Trump ‘ doesn ’ t seem to be cognitively aware of what @ @ @ @ @ with his own briefings about Russia and U.S. service members .
”

“Senility is becoming an overt line of attack for the first time in a modern U.S. presidential campaign,” Axios reports.
“As President Trump ramps up insinuations that his general election rival is doddering, Joe Biden turned the tables on Tuesday, saying Trump ‘doesn’t seem to be cognitively aware of what’s going on’ with his own briefings about Russia and U.S. service members.”


politicalwire--2020-07-01--Trump Fails to Tag Biden as Tool of Radical Left

“ President Trump ’ s campaign has been trying to paint Joe Biden as a stooge for the far left @ @ @ @ @ why it ’ s not working , ” Politico reports .
“ Only 17 % @ @ @ @ @ former vice president as more liberal than most Democrats , according to a Politico/Morning Consult @ @ @ @ @ see him as in line with or more conservative than the party at large .
@ @ @ @ @ a larger proportion of the electorate views Biden as moderate ( 23 % ) than @ @ @ @ @ 9 % ) .
”

“President Trump’s campaign has been trying to paint Joe Biden as a stooge for the far left. A new poll shows why it’s not working,” Politico reports.
“Only 17% of registered voters perceive the former vice president as more liberal than most Democrats, according to a Politico/Morning Consult survey, while nearly two-thirds see him as in line with or more conservative than the party at large. The survey also found that a larger proportion of the electorate views Biden as moderate (23%) than see Trump that way (9%).”


politicalwire--2020-07-01--Oklahoma Approves Medicaid Expansion

Oklahoma Approves Medicaid Expansion

“ Oklahoma voters on Tuesday narrowly approved a ballot measure to extend Medicaid to tens of thousands of poor adults @ @ @ @ @ first to expand government-backed health insurance during the pandemic , ” Politico reports .
Jonathan @ @ @ @ @ leave only 13 states that have failed to adopt it .
Obamacare is only moderately @ @ @ @ @ expansion is simply a great deal for states , and most importantly it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ state that has accepted it has since revoked it .
So the most likely outcome @ @ @ @ @ Wisconsin and North Carolina and Florida and even Texas will have some combination of circumstances @ @ @ @ @ And once they ’ ve added the expansion , the change will likely stick .
@

“Oklahoma voters on Tuesday narrowly approved a ballot measure to extend Medicaid to tens of thousands of poor adults, making their state the first to expand government-backed health insurance during the pandemic,” Politico reports.
Jonathan Bernstein: “This will leave only 13 states that have failed to adopt it. Obamacare is only moderately popular, but the Medicaid expansion is simply a great deal for states, and most importantly it’s a one-way street: No state that has accepted it has since revoked it. So the most likely outcome is that, eventually, Wisconsin and North Carolina and Florida and even Texas will have some combination of circumstances that make it happen. And once they’ve added the expansion, the change will likely stick.”


Trump Approval Slides

A new Politico/Morning Consult poll finds President Trump ’ s approval rate at 39 % to 59 % .
The @ @ @ @ @ as well , with only a quarter of voters responding that the country is headed @ @ @ @ @ while 75 percent said things had “ pretty seriously ” gotten off on the wrong @ @ @ @ @ for the Trump presidency .

A new Politico/Morning Consult poll finds President Trump’s approval rate at 39% to 59%.
The poll found sinking voter optimism as well, with only a quarter of voters responding that the country is headed in the right direction, while 75 percent said things had “pretty seriously” gotten off on the wrong track — a record high for the Trump presidency.


politicalwire--2020-07-02--Publisher Can Move Ahead with Tell-All Book on Trump

“ A New York appellate judge ruled on Wednesday that the publisher Simon & Schuster could go ahead with its @ @ @ @ @ book by Mary L. Trump , the niece of President Trump , reversing a lower @ @ @ @ @ this week that had temporarily halted publication , ” the New York Times reports .
@ @ @ @ @ on Tuesday , Simon & Schuster claimed that tens of thousands of copies of the @ @ @ @ @ , adding that it is a best seller on Amazon .
”

“A New York appellate judge ruled on Wednesday that the publisher Simon & Schuster could go ahead with its plans to release a tell-all book by Mary L. Trump, the niece of President Trump, reversing a lower court’s decision from this week that had temporarily halted publication,” the New York Times reports.
“In court papers filed on Tuesday, Simon & Schuster claimed that tens of thousands of copies of the book had already been printed, adding that it is a best seller on Amazon.”


politicalwire--2020-07-02--Fauci Advises Staying Away from Trump’s Fireworks

Dr. Anthony Fauci “ discouraged Americans from attending events like President Trump ’ s upcoming fireworks display at Mount Rushmore @ @ @ @ @ large gathering of people in close proximity goes against best practices for stopping the spread @ @ @ @ @ Politico reports .
“ Trump ’ s fireworks display on Mount Rushmore has already garnered @ @ @ @ @ for social-distancing measures .
More than 7,000 people are expected to attend .
”

Dr. Anthony Fauci “discouraged Americans from attending events like President Trump’s upcoming fireworks display at Mount Rushmore, pointing out that a large gathering of people in close proximity goes against best practices for stopping the spread of the coronavirus,” Politico reports.
“Trump’s fireworks display on Mount Rushmore has already garnered fierce backlash for its disregard for social-distancing measures. More than 7,000 people are expected to attend.”


politicalwire--2020-07-02--Record Cash Floods Democrats

Record Cash Floods Democrats

“ Online donors poured a record $ 392 million into campaigns and causes via ActBlue in June , a sign @ @ @ @ @ enthusiasm on the left that smashed the previous monthly high , from just before the @ @ @ @ @ whopping 50 percent , ” Politico reports .


politicalwire--2020-07-01--Trump Raised $131 Million Last Month

Trump Raised $131 Million Last Month

“ President Trump on Wednesday announced by far his biggest cash haul of the 2020 campaign in June , bringing @ @ @ @ @ his campaign and the Republican National Committee , showing that his money machine continues to @ @ @ @ @ slipped in the polls , ” the New York Times reports .
“ The monthly @ @ @ @ @ $ 57 million more than Mr. Trump had raised in May , which was the @ @ @ @ @ had outraised the president .
”

“President Trump on Wednesday announced by far his biggest cash haul of the 2020 campaign in June, bringing in $131 million between his campaign and the Republican National Committee, showing that his money machine continues to hum even as he has slipped in the polls,” the New York Times reports.
“The monthly haul represented a spike of $57 million more than Mr. Trump had raised in May, which was the first month that Joe Biden had outraised the president.”


politicalwire--2020-07-01--One Third of Toledo City Council Arrested

One third of Toledo City Council was arrested Tuesday on federal bribery and extortion charges , the Toledo Blade reports @


politicalwire--2020-07-01--Coronavirus Death Toll Is a Substantial Undercount

“ The number of confirmed U.S. deaths due to the coronavirus is substantially lower than the true tally , ” @ @ @ @ @ 781,000 total deaths in the United States in the three months through May 30 were @ @ @ @ @ 19 % higher , than what would normally be expected , according to the researchers @ @ @ @ @ deaths , 95,235 were attributed to Covid-19… Most of the rest of the excess deaths @ @ @ @ @ likely related to or directly caused by the coronavirus .
”

“The number of confirmed U.S. deaths due to the coronavirus is substantially lower than the true tally,” CNBC reports.
“The 781,000 total deaths in the United States in the three months through May 30 were about 122,300, or nearly 19% higher, than what would normally be expected, according to the researchers. Of the 122,300 excess deaths, 95,235 were attributed to Covid-19… Most of the rest of the excess deaths, researchers said, were likely related to or directly caused by the coronavirus.”


politicalwire--2020-07-01--Trump to Hold In-Person Fundraiser Next Week

“ President Trump is set to hold a high-dollar dinner at a private residence in Hillsboro Beach , Florida next @ @ @ @ @ his campaign and the Republican National Committee , ” the Washington Post reports .


politicalwire--2020-07-01--Richmond Mayor Orders Removal of Confederate Statues

“ Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney ordered the immediate removal of all Confederate statues on city land , saying he was @ @ @ @ @ speed up the healing process for the former capital of the Confederacy amid weeks of @ @ @ @ @ racial injustice , ” the AP reports .

“Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney ordered the immediate removal of all Confederate statues on city land, saying he was using his emergency powers to speed up the healing process for the former capital of the Confederacy amid weeks of protests over police brutality and racial injustice,” the AP reports.


politicalwire--2020-07-01--Does Biden’s Running Mate Matter?

Does Biden’s Running Mate Matter?

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


politicalwire--2020-07-01--Fed Sees Much Worse Recession If Virus Cases Spike

“ Federal Reserve officials raised concerns about additional waves of coronavirus infections disrupting an economic recovery and triggering a new @ @ @ @ @ worse economic downturn , ” the Washington Post reports .
“ Fed Chair Jerome H. @ @ @ @ @ the path out of this recession will depend on containing the virus and giving Americans @ @ @ @ @ work and spending habits .
But the notes from the two-day meeting reveal how interconnected @ @ @ @ @ economic recession with the pandemic ’ s continued spread — and why Powell often asserts @ @ @ @ @ do more to carry millions of Americans out of this crisis .
”

“Federal Reserve officials raised concerns about additional waves of coronavirus infections disrupting an economic recovery and triggering a new spike in unemployment and a worse economic downturn,” the Washington Post reports.
“Fed Chair Jerome H. Powell has repeatedly said that the path out of this recession will depend on containing the virus and giving Americans the confidence to resume normal work and spending habits. But the notes from the two-day meeting reveal how interconnected Fed officials view a prolonged economic recession with the pandemic’s continued spread — and why Powell often asserts that lawmakers will need to do more to carry millions of Americans out of this crisis.”


politicalwire--2020-07-01--Trump Is ‘All for Masks’ But No Mandate

Trump Is ‘All for Masks’ But No Mandate

President Trump said that he ’ s “ all for masks , ” but doesn ’ t think the U.S. @ @ @ @ @ people to wear them during the coronavirus pandemic , CNBC reports .
Said Trump : @ @ @ @ @ know if you need mandatory… But I ’ m all for masks , I think @ @ @ @ @

President Trump said that he’s “all for masks,” but doesn’t think the U.S. needs a national mandate for people to wear them during the coronavirus pandemic, CNBC reports.
Said Trump: “I don’t know if you need mandatory… But I’m all for masks, I think masks are good.”


politicalwire--2020-07-01--What Is the Tipping Point State?

What Is the Tipping Point State?

This piece is only available to Political Wire members.
Donald Trump won Wisconsin in 2016 — the “tipping point” state that got him to 270 electoral votes — by just one percentage point. He lost the popular vote by two points nationally, but won the election.


politicalwire--2020-07-01--Most Say Biden Has Better Experience to Be President

A new USA Today-Suffolk University poll asked whether people thought both President Trump and Joe Biden had “ the right @ @ @ @ @ Despite actually being president for three and a half years , just 37 % said @ @ @ @ @ , while a whopping 67 % said it was true of Biden .

A new USA Today-Suffolk University poll asked whether people thought both President Trump and Joe Biden had “the right experience to be president.”
Despite actually being president for three and a half years, just 37% said that was true of Trump, while a whopping 67% said it was true of Biden.


politicalwire--2020-07-01--The ‘Rocket Ship’ Economic Recovery Is Crashing

New York Times : “ After weeks of a pandemic-induced contraction , the economy had begun rebounding faster than many @ @ @ @ @ June , as infection rates stabilized or fell across much of the country and the @ @ @ @ @ dollars in the economy .
States began to reopen , shoppers increased their spending and @ @ @ @ @ furloughed workers.
” “ But there were signs in late May and early June that @ @ @ @ @ beginning to slow , even before another wave of infections swept through states that had @ @ @ @ @ on public gatherings .
In recent weeks , as that wave intensified , real-time economic @ @ @ @ @ economy moving backward as rising infection fears spooked consumers .
”

New York Times: “After weeks of a pandemic-induced contraction, the economy had begun rebounding faster than many economists expected from mid-April into June, as infection rates stabilized or fell across much of the country and the federal government injected trillions of dollars in the economy. States began to reopen, shoppers increased their spending and employers started to hire back furloughed workers.”
“But there were signs in late May and early June that the pace of recovery was beginning to slow, even before another wave of infections swept through states that had moved quickly to ease limits on public gatherings. In recent weeks, as that wave intensified, real-time economic data began to show the economy moving backward as rising infection fears spooked consumers.”


politicalwire--2020-07-01--Trump Revs Up for Another Culture War

Trump Revs Up for Another Culture War

Playbook : “ Well , here we are again .
The question hanging over Washington is whether President Trump will @ @ @ @ @ Act — the Pentagon policy bill that has been signed into law for 59 consecutive @ @ @ @ @ is whether the United States should consider stripping military bases of their Confederate namesakes .
@ @ @ @ @ looks like it will say yes , America should no longer honor these men .
@ @ @ @ @ the bill — which it will — the president says he ’ ll veto it.
@ @ @ @ @ , the president says he will side with deceased former Confederate generals over expected bipartisan @ @ @ @ @ ”

Playbook: “Well, here we are again. The question hanging over Washington is whether President Trump will veto the National Defense Authorization Act — the Pentagon policy bill that has been signed into law for 59 consecutive years.”
“At issue is whether the United States should consider stripping military bases of their Confederate namesakes. Trump says no. Congress looks like it will say yes, America should no longer honor these men. If it ends up in the bill — which it will — the president says he’ll veto it.”
“In other words, the president says he will side with deceased former Confederate generals over expected bipartisan majorities in the Congress.”


politicalwire--2020-07-01--Michael Flynn Embraces QAnon

Michael Flynn Embraces QAnon

Daily Beast : “ After years of silence , former Trump national security adviser Michael Flynn has started courting his @ @ @ @ @ conspiracy theory , sending out signals of support for the underground movement that the FBI @ @ @ @ @ threat .
“ Flynn , who won a legal victory last week after an appeals @ @ @ @ @ court judge to end the Justice Department ’ s case against him , recently added @ @ @ @ @ Twitter bio .
And he ’ s started writing an internet column filled with QAnon-style @ @ @

Daily Beast: “After years of silence, former Trump national security adviser Michael Flynn has started courting his devoted fans in the QAnon conspiracy theory, sending out signals of support for the underground movement that the FBI considers a potential domestic terror threat.
“Flynn, who won a legal victory last week after an appeals court panel ordered a federal court judge to end the Justice Department’s case against him, recently added a QAnon hashtag to his Twitter bio. And he’s started writing an internet column filled with QAnon-style imagery.”


politicalwire--2020-07-01--We Should Have Seen It Coming

We Should Have Seen It Coming

This looks really good : We Should Have Seen It Coming : From Reagan to Trump — A Front-Row Seat @ @ @ @ @ Gerald F. Seib .
A look at the astonishing rise , climax , and decline @ @ @ @ @ political movements in American history—the forty-year reign of the conservative movement , from the election @ @ @ @ @ Republican Party ’ s takeover by Donald Trump .

This looks really good: We Should Have Seen It Coming: From Reagan to Trump — A Front-Row Seat to a Political Revolution by Gerald F. Seib.
A look at the astonishing rise, climax, and decline of one of the great political movements in American history—the forty-year reign of the conservative movement, from the election of Ronald Reagan to the Republican Party’s takeover by Donald Trump.


politicalwire--2020-07-01--Drug Overdoses Are Soaring

Drug Overdoses Are Soaring

Washington Post : “ Nationwide , federal and local officials are reporting alarming spikes in drug overdoses — a hidden @ @ @ @ @ .
Emerging evidence suggests that the continued isolation , economic devastation and disruptions to the @ @ @ @ @ are fueling the surge .
”

“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--2020-07-01--The Blue Wave T-Shirt

The Blue Wave T-Shirt

Back by popular demand : The Blue Wave T-Shirt is for sale in a variety of t-shirt colors .
It @ @ @ @ @ a sweatshirt and hoodie .

Just in time for the election: The Blue Wave T-Shirt in a variety of styles.
It’s also available as a sweatshirt and hoodie.


politicalwire--2020-07-02--Trump Tries Again to Explain His Second Term Agenda

Eric Bolling of Sinclair asked President Trump to try again to explain his priorities for a second term after flubbing @ @ @ @ @ Hannity .
Here ’ s how Trump answered this time : “ Well I didn @ @ @ @ @ upset with it but I will tell you it ’ s very simple : We @ @ @ @ @ America great again .
We are doing things that nobody could have done .
We @ @ @ @ @ ; we have a ways to go .
We ’ ve done things for the @ @ @ @ @ ever seen .
We can do even more .
We did choice as you know @ @ @ @ @ What we ’ ve done nobody ’ s been able to do .
But we @ @ @ @ @ Economic development , jobs , trade deal… the trade deals I ’ ve made are @ @ @ @ @ great deal with China .
Of course , as I said , the ink wasn @ @ @ @ @ got hit with the China plague .
But we made the deal .
”

Eric Bolling of Sinclair asked President Trump to try again to explain his priorities for a second term after flubbing a similar question from Sean Hannity.
Here’s how Trump answered this time: “Well I didn’t hear anybody was upset with it but I will tell you it’s very simple: We’re gonna make America great again. We are doing things that nobody could have done. We’re rebuilt the military; we have a ways to go. We’ve done things for the vets like nobody’s ever seen. We can do even more. We did choice as you know. We did accountability. What we’ve done nobody’s been able to do. But we have more to do. Economic development, jobs, trade deal… the trade deals I’ve made are incredible. We made the great deal with China. Of course, as I said, the ink wasn’t dry before we got hit with the China plague. But we made the deal.”


politicalwire--2020-07-02--Is Another Blue Wave Forming?

Is Another Blue Wave Forming?

Larry Sabato ’ s Crystal Ball : “ Joe Biden ’ s currently strong lead in the presidential race is @ @ @ @ @ , which if it lasts could imperil Republicans in some of their formerly dark red @ @ @ @ @ special attention , where as many as 10 Republican-held House seats could become vulnerable if @ @ @ @ @ state.
” Key takeaway : “ We have 11 House rating changes , 10 of @ @ @ @ @

Larry Sabato’s Crystal Ball: “Joe Biden’s currently strong lead in the presidential race is being felt in the suburbs, which if it lasts could imperil Republicans in some of their formerly dark red turf.”
“Texas merits special attention, where as many as 10 Republican-held House seats could become vulnerable if Trump were to lose the state.”
Key takeaway: “We have 11 House rating changes, 10 of which benefit Democrats.”


politicalwire--2020-07-02--U.S. Lags Behind Many Rich Countries

U.S. Lags Behind Many Rich Countries

“ The United States is different .
In nearly every other high-income country , people have both become richer over @ @ @ @ @ been able to enjoy substantially longer lifespans , ” the New York Times reports .
@ @ @ @ @ United States .
Even as average incomes have risen , much of the economic gains @ @ @ @ @ — and life expectancy has risen only three years since 1990 .
There is no @ @ @ @ @ suffered such a stark slowdown in lifespans.
” “ Why has this happened ?
There @ @ @ @ @ one big one is a lack of political power among the bulk of the population @ @

“The United States is different. In nearly every other high-income country, people have both become richer over the last three decades and been able to enjoy substantially longer lifespans,” the New York Times reports.
“But not in the United States. Even as average incomes have risen, much of the economic gains have gone to the affluent — and life expectancy has risen only three years since 1990. There is no other developed country that has suffered such a stark slowdown in lifespans.”
“Why has this happened? There are multiple causes. But one big one is a lack of political power among the bulk of the population.”


politicalwire--2020-07-02--GOP Embraces Candidates Who Espouse Conspiracy Theories

“ For three years , President Trump has served as the Conspiracy-Theorist-in-Chief , elevating wild and outlandish ideas that once @ @ @ @ @ provinces of the internet , ” CNN reports .
“ Under his leadership , the @ @ @ @ @ embracing candidates of that same ilk — raising the possibility that those ideas will make @ @ @ @ @ of Congress .
”

“For three years, President Trump has served as the Conspiracy-Theorist-in-Chief, elevating wild and outlandish ideas that once only existed in the dark provinces of the internet,” CNN reports.
“Under his leadership, the Republican Party is now openly embracing candidates of that same ilk — raising the possibility that those ideas will make their way to the halls of Congress.”


politicalwire--2020-07-02--Democratic Ads Zero In On Trump’s Soft Spot

“ Donald Trump wasn ’ t halfway through his speech in Tulsa , Okla. , and Democratic ad makers in Washington and New York were already cutting footage for an air raid on the slumping president , ” Politico reports .
“ They didn ’ t focus on the president ’ s curious monologue about his difficulties descending a ramp or drinking water at West Point , the small crowd size of the Tulsa event or even his use of the racist term ‘ kung flu.
’ Instead , the ads zeroed in on Trump ’ s admission that he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down.
’ ” “ It ’ s a reflection of a growing consensus among Democrats about what kind of hits on Trump are most likely to persuade swing voters — and which ones won ’ t .
As in 2016 , ad makers are focusing on Trump ’ s character .
But unlike four years ago , they are no longer focusing on his character in isolation — rather they are pouring tens of millions of dollars into ads yoking his behavior to substantive policy issues surrounding the coronavirus , the economy and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ George Floyd .
”

“Donald Trump wasn’t halfway through his speech in Tulsa, Okla., and Democratic ad makers in Washington and New York were already cutting footage for an air raid on the slumping president,” Politico reports.
“They didn’t focus on the president’s curious monologue about his difficulties descending a ramp or drinking water at West Point, the small crowd size of the Tulsa event or even his use of the racist term ‘kung flu.’ Instead, the ads zeroed in on Trump’s admission that he urged officials to ‘slow the testing down.’”
“It’s a reflection of a growing consensus among Democrats about what kind of hits on Trump are most likely to persuade swing voters — and which ones won’t. As in 2016, ad makers are focusing on Trump’s character. But unlike four years ago, they are no longer focusing on his character in isolation — rather they are pouring tens of millions of dollars into ads yoking his behavior to substantive policy issues surrounding the coronavirus, the economy and the civil unrest since the death of George Floyd.”


politicalwire--2020-07-02--Daily Coronavirus Count Crosses 50,000

Daily Coronavirus Count Crosses 50,000

Wall Street Journal : “ New coronavirus cases in the U.S. rose above 50,000 , a single-day record , as @ @ @ @ @ course on reopenings and hospitals were hit by a surge of patients.
” “ The @ @ @ @ @ quarter of more than 10.6 million coronavirus cases world-wide , according to data compiled by @ @ @ @ @ nation ’ s death toll climbed above 128,000 .
Cases and hospitalizations are rising sharply @ @ @ @ @ ” Washington Post : “ Coronavirus infections in the United States surged nearly 50 percent @ @ @ @ @ quarantine rules and tried to reopen their economies , data compiled Wednesday showed , and @ @ @ @ @ restrictions on bars and recreation .
”

Wall Street Journal: “New coronavirus cases in the U.S. rose above 50,000, a single-day record, as some states and businesses reversed course on reopenings and hospitals were hit by a surge of patients.”
“The U.S. accounts for about a quarter of more than 10.6 million coronavirus cases world-wide, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University. The nation’s death toll climbed above 128,000. Cases and hospitalizations are rising sharply in a number of areas.”
Washington Post: “Coronavirus infections in the United States surged nearly 50 percent in June as states relaxed quarantine rules and tried to reopen their economies, data compiled Wednesday showed, and several states moved to reimpose restrictions on bars and recreation.”


politicalwire--2020-07-02--Biden Outraised Trump for Second Month In a Row

“ The Biden campaign and the Democratic National Committee late Wednesday reported that they together raised $ 141 million in @ @ @ @ @ cash haul of $ 282.1 million for the quarter , ” Politico reports .
“ @ @ @ @ @ and the Republican National Committee , which reported $ 131 million in June and $ @ @ @ @ @ fundraising quarter of the year .
The Trump campaign , however , reports it still @ @ @ @ @ bank , with $ 295 million cash on hand .
Democrats did not disclose that @ @ @ @ @

“The Biden campaign and the Democratic National Committee late Wednesday reported that they together raised $141 million in June, for a total cash haul of $282.1 million for the quarter,” Politico reports.
“Both figures best Donald Trump and the Republican National Committee, which reported $131 million in June and $266 million during the second fundraising quarter of the year. The Trump campaign, however, reports it still has plenty sitting in the bank, with $295 million cash on hand. Democrats did not disclose that figure on Wednesday.”


politicalwire--2020-07-02--Sessions Called Black Scholar ‘Some Criminal’

Former Attorney General Jeff Sessions referred to Henry Louis Gates Jr. , a celebrated Black Harvard University scholar , as @ @ @ @ @ the New York Times Magazine .
CNN notes Gates had been wrongfully arrested by a @ @ @ @ @ he tried to enter his own home .
After the incident , then-President Barack Obama @ @ @ @ @ officer to the White House for a “ beer summit.
” Said Sessions : “ @ @ @ @ @ .
There was all the Obama — there ’ s a riot , and he @ @ @ @ @ White House with some criminal , to listen to him .
”

Former Attorney General Jeff Sessions referred to Henry Louis Gates Jr., a celebrated Black Harvard University scholar, as “some criminal” in the New York Times Magazine.
CNN notes Gates had been wrongfully arrested by a police officer in 2009 as he tried to enter his own home. After the incident, then-President Barack Obama invited Gates and the arresting officer to the White House for a “beer summit.”
Said Sessions: “The police had been demoralized. There was all the Obama — there’s a riot, and he has a beer at the White House with some criminal, to listen to him.”


politicalwire--2020-07-02--RNC Paying Ex-Producer Who Has Dirt on Trump

Last year , the Republican National Convention began cutting checks to a former producer of NBC ’ s Celebrity Apprentice @ @ @ @ @ , as one contestant put it , “ all the dirt ” on Donald Trump @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Labella is not just a former Apprentice bigwig .
According to actor Tom @ @ @ @ @ contestant on the show and has since become a vociferous Trump critic , Labella was @ @ @ @ @ s ostensibly salacious—and , in political and media circles , long-sought—behind-the-scenes Apprentice outtakes.
” Said @ @ @ @ @ was there and knows all .
”

Last year, the Republican National Convention began cutting checks to a former producer of NBC’s Celebrity Apprentice who was accused of having, as one contestant put it, “all the dirt” on Donald Trump, the Daily Beast reports.
“Labella is not just a former Apprentice bigwig. According to actor Tom Arnold, who was a contestant on the show and has since become a vociferous Trump critic, Labella was in possession of Trump’s ostensibly salacious—and, in political and media circles, long-sought—behind-the-scenes Apprentice outtakes.”
Said Arnold: “Chuck LaBella was there and knows all.”


politicalwire--2020-07-03--Agents Preparing for Pence Trip Contracted Virus

“ Vice President Pence ’ s trip to Arizona this week had to be postponed by a day after several @ @ @ @ @ organize the visit either tested positive for coronavirus or were showing symptoms of being infected @ @ @ @ @ reports .
“ Pence was scheduled to go to Phoenix on Tuesday but went on @ @ @ @ @ agents could be deployed for his visit .
”

“Vice President Pence’s trip to Arizona this week had to be postponed by a day after several Secret Service agents who helped organize the visit either tested positive for coronavirus or were showing symptoms of being infected,” the Washington Post reports.
“Pence was scheduled to go to Phoenix on Tuesday but went on Wednesday instead so that healthy agents could be deployed for his visit.”


politicalwire--2020-07-03--Ambassadors Sold Stock as Trump Downplayed Virus

“ Several U.S. ambassadors actively shed their stock holdings as President Trump tried to downplay the coronavirus outbreak in its @ @ @ @ @ reports .
“ Ambassadors to Uruguay , France , Morocco and Italy sold shares in @ @ @ @ @ them millions of dollars… Much of their sales were in January and continued throughout February @ @ @ @ @ Their transactions line up with a timeline of federal and congressional announcements as the virus @ @ @ @ @ earlier this year .
”

“Several U.S. ambassadors actively shed their stock holdings as President Trump tried to downplay the coronavirus outbreak in its early stages,” CNBC reports.
“Ambassadors to Uruguay, France, Morocco and Italy sold shares in transactions that could have made them millions of dollars… Much of their sales were in January and continued throughout February, the records show. Their transactions line up with a timeline of federal and congressional announcements as the virus started sweeping across the globe earlier this year.”


politicalwire--2020-07-02--How Republicans Keep Appeasing Trump

How Republicans Keep Appeasing Trump

New York Times : “ Yet as demoralizing as June was for many Republicans , what was less visible were @ @ @ @ @ fruitless , attempts by top Republicans to soothe the president and steer him away from @ @ @ @ @ him to serve their own purposes.
” “ One Republican official who is in frequent @ @ @ @ @ incredulity at how some aides willfully distort the electoral landscape to mollify Mr. Trump , @ @ @ @ @ they assured him he was faring well in Maine , a state where private polling @ @ @ @ @ ” “ Interviews with almost four dozen Republican lawmakers , strategists and administration officials about @ @ @ @ @ bid paint a picture of a White House and a re-election effort adrift , at @ @ @ @ @ ’ s erratic behavior yet also dependent on him to execute his own Houdini-like political @ @ @

New York Times: “Yet as demoralizing as June was for many Republicans, what was less visible were the frenetic, and often fruitless, attempts by top Republicans to soothe the president and steer him away from self-sabotage, while also manipulating him to serve their own purposes.”
“One Republican official who is in frequent contact with the campaign expressed incredulity at how some aides willfully distort the electoral landscape to mollify Mr. Trump, recalling one conversation in which they assured him he was faring well in Maine, a state where private polling shows he’s losing.”
“Interviews with almost four dozen Republican lawmakers, strategists and administration officials about Mr. Trump’s re-election bid paint a picture of a White House and a re-election effort adrift, at once paralyzed by Mr. Trump’s erratic behavior yet also dependent on him to execute his own Houdini-like political escape.”


politicalwire--2020-07-02--Biden Assembles Massive Election Monitoring Team

“ Joe Biden ’ s campaign is assembling hundreds of lawyers nationwide to monitor potential voting issues as part of @ @ @ @ @ heading into the general election , ” CNN reports .


politicalwire--2020-07-02--Ousted U.S. Attorney to Testify Next Week

Geoffrey Berman , the former U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York , is scheduled to testify to @ @ @ @ @ week on the circumstances of his forced resignation , Politico reports .


politicalwire--2020-07-02--The War Over Kamala Harris’s Wikipedia Page

The Intercept : “ Presidential vetting operations have entire teams of investigators , but for the public , when the @ @ @ @ @ most common source for information about the person chosen is Wikipedia .
And there , @ @ @ @ @ over how to talk about Harris ’ s career.
” “ At least one highly @ @ @ @ @ scrubbing controversial aspects of Harris ’ s ‘ tough-on-crime ’ record from her Wikipedia page… @ @ @ @ @ the page history , have elicited strong pushback from Wikipedia ’ s volunteer editor brigade @ @ @ @ @ page into controversy , though it ’ s a fight the pro-Harris editor is currently @ @ @

The Intercept: “Presidential vetting operations have entire teams of investigators, but for the public, when the pick is announced, the most common source for information about the person chosen is Wikipedia. And there, a war has broken out over how to talk about Harris’s career.”
“At least one highly dedicated Wikipedia user has been scrubbing controversial aspects of Harris’s ‘tough-on-crime’ record from her Wikipedia page… The edits, according to the page history, have elicited strong pushback from Wikipedia’s volunteer editor brigade, and have drawn the page into controversy, though it’s a fight the pro-Harris editor is currently winning.”


politicalwire--2020-07-02--‘The President Himself Is a Hoax’

‘The President Himself Is a Hoax’

Speaker Nancy Pelosi ( D-CA ) needled President Trump on MSNBC over his assertion that allegations of Russian bounties on @ @ @ @ @ .
Said Pelosi : “ He ’ ll say this is a hoax , and @ @ @ @ @ that Russia is 24/7 trying to disrupt our elections like they did in 2016 .
@ @ @ @ @ a hoax .
The fact is , the president himself is a hoax .
”

Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) needled President Trump on MSNBC over his assertion that allegations of Russian bounties on American soldiers is a hoax.
Said Pelosi: “He’ll say this is a hoax, and it’s a hoax that Russia is 24/7 trying to disrupt our elections like they did in 2016. He says that coronavirus is a hoax. The fact is, the president himself is a hoax.”


politicalwire--2020-07-02--Texas Governor Orders Use of Face Masks

Texas Governor Orders Use of Face Masks

Texas Gov .
Greg Abbott ( R ) issued an executive order requiring all Texans to wear a face covering @ @ @ @ @ 20 or more positive coronavirus cases , Axios reports .
“ It ’ s a @ @ @ @ @ governor… On June 3 , Abbott issued an executive order banning local governments from imposing @ @ @ @ @ ’ t wear masks in public.
” Said Abbot in a video : “ In @ @ @ @ @ more to slow the spread without locking Texas back down .
”

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) issued an executive order requiring all Texans to wear a face covering in public in counties with 20 or more positive coronavirus cases, Axios reports.
“It’s a stark reversal for the Republican governor… On June 3, Abbott issued an executive order banning local governments from imposing fines on people who don’t wear masks in public.”
Said Abbot in a video: “In short, we must do more to slow the spread without locking Texas back down.”


politicalwire--2020-07-02--Soldiers Issued Bayonets for Washington, D.C. Unrest

Associated Press : “ The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff has confirmed a report by the Associated Press @ @ @ @ @ members who were mobilized to Washington , D.C. , last month in response to civil @ @ @ @ @ George Floyd were issued bayonets .
”

Associated Press: “The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff has confirmed a report by the Associated Press that some of the service members who were mobilized to Washington, D.C., last month in response to civil unrest over the killing of George Floyd were issued bayonets.”


politicalwire--2020-07-02--Ghislaine Maxwell Case Staffed by Public Corruption Unit

Elie Honig : “ SDNY just announced the Ghislaine Maxwell case — like the original Epstein case — is staffed @ @ @ @ @ ” “ I worked at SDNY and did sex trafficking cases .
They do not @ @ @ @ @ — unless there is some potential angle against a public official .
”

Elie Honig: “SDNY just announced the Ghislaine Maxwell case — like the original Epstein case — is staffed by the Public Corruption Unit.”
“I worked at SDNY and did sex trafficking cases. They do not run out of Public Corruption — unless there is some potential angle against a public official.”


politicalwire--2020-07-02--Extra Bonus Quote of the Day

Extra Bonus Quote of the Day

“ You got ta play the hand you ’ re dealt .
But yeah , we ’ ve been getting @ @ @ @ @ — Senate Majority Whip John Thune ( R-SD ) , quoted by Politico , on @ @ @ @ @ seem to catch a break .

“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--2020-07-02--Herman Cain Praised No Masks at July 4th Event

Less than 24 hours before Herman Cain was hospitalized with coronavirus , he tweeted about President Trump ’ s July @ @ @ @ @ Rushmore : “ Masks will not be mandatory for the event , which will be @ @ @ @ @ PEOPLE ARE FED UP !
”


politicalwire--2020-07-02--Senate Republicans Mull When to Break with Trump

Gabriel Sherman : “ Nervous Republicans worried about losing the Senate are now debating when to break from Trump .
@ @ @ @ @ Trump ’ s level of ‘ strong support ’ dropping from 21 to 17 points @ @ @ @ @ person briefed on the numbers said .
A source close to Iowa Republican Joni Ernst @ @ @ @ @ advisers are upset that a solid seat is now in play.
” Said one source @ @ @ @ @ campaign is pissed .
They should not be in a competitive race.
” “ A @ @ @ @ @ McConnell told me that Republicans have Labor Day penciled in as the deadline for Trump @ @ @ @ @ .
After that , he ’ s on his own .
”

Gabriel Sherman: “Nervous Republicans worried about losing the Senate are now debating when to break from Trump. Trump campaign internal polls show Trump’s level of ‘strong support’ dropping from 21 to 17 points since last week, a person briefed on the numbers said. A source close to Iowa Republican Joni Ernst’s campaign said Ernst advisers are upset that a solid seat is now in play.”
Said one source: “Joni’s campaign is pissed. They should not be in a competitive race.”
“A Republican strategist close to Mitch McConnell told me that Republicans have Labor Day penciled in as the deadline for Trump to have turned things around. After that, he’s on his own.”


politicalwire--2020-07-02--White House Directed Hiring of Conspiracy Theorist

“ The White House directed Defense Department officials to hire a former National Security Council staffer fired for circulating a @ @ @ @ @ Islamophobic tweets , ” Foreign Policy reports .
“ The move is part of an @ @ @ @ @ Pentagon with figures loyal to President Trump and with connections to ousted former National Security @ @ @ @ @ been met with resistance across the river .
”

“The White House directed Defense Department officials to hire a former National Security Council staffer fired for circulating a conspiratorial memo and known for Islamophobic tweets,” Foreign Policy reports.
“The move is part of an aggressive push to staff the Pentagon with figures loyal to President Trump and with connections to ousted former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn that has been met with resistance across the river.”


politicalwire--2020-07-02--Republicans Will Likely Cancel Convention Rally

Gabriel Sherman : “ With Donald Trump ’ s approval sinking to Jimmy Carter levels and coronavirus cases spiking across @ @ @ @ @ reluctantly waking up to the grim reality that , if the current situation holds , @ @ @ @ @ Republicans that have spoken with Trump in recent days describe him as depressed and ‘ @ @ @ @ @ ' ” “ This week , Jacksonville , Florida—where Trump moved the Republican National Convention @ @ @ @ @ 15,000-person rally next month—mandated that people wear masks indoors to slow the explosion of COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ Republican working on the convention , the campaign is now preparing to cancel the event @ @ @ @ @ t suffer another Tulsa–like humiliation.
” Said the source : “ They probably won ’ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s not going to be the soft landing Trump wanted .
”

Gabriel Sherman: “With Donald Trump’s approval sinking to Jimmy Carter levels and coronavirus cases spiking across the country, Trump is reluctantly waking up to the grim reality that, if the current situation holds, his reelection is gone. Republicans that have spoken with Trump in recent days describe him as depressed and ‘down in the dumps.'”
“This week, Jacksonville, Florida—where Trump moved the Republican National Convention so he could hold a 15,000-person rally next month—mandated that people wear masks indoors to slow the explosion of COVID-19 cases. According to a Republican working on the convention, the campaign is now preparing to cancel the event so that Trump doesn’t suffer another Tulsa–like humiliation.”
Said the source: “They probably won’t have it. It’s not going to be the soft landing Trump wanted.”


politicalwire--2020-07-02--Gun Sales Soar In the U.S.

Gun Sales Soar In the U.S.

“ A record 3.9m firearm background checks were conducted in June , according to new FBI figures that underscore the @ @ @ @ @ sales since the start of the coronavirus pandemic and civil unrest following the killing of @ @ @ @ @ Financial Times reports .

“A record 3.9m firearm background checks were conducted in June, according to new FBI figures that underscore the sharp rise in US gun sales since the start of the coronavirus pandemic and civil unrest following the killing of George Floyd,” the Financial Times reports.


politicalwire--2020-07-02--Carville Sees Trump Dropping Out

Carville Sees Trump Dropping Out

James Carville told MSNBC that he believes there ’ s a “ significant chance ” that President Trump will drop @ @ @ @ @ .
Said Carville : “ I think there is a significant chance he doesn ’ @ @ @ @ @ is going so poorly .
He ’ s so far back .
It doesn ’ @ @ @ @ @ him to run .
”

James Carville told MSNBC that he believes there’s a “significant chance” that President Trump will drop out of the presidential race.
Said Carville: “I think there is a significant chance he doesn’t run. This thing is going so poorly. He’s so far back. It doesn’t make much sense for him to run.”


politicalwire--2020-07-02--Bonus Quote of the Day

Bonus Quote of the Day

“ It ’ s closed for the bullshit cleaning that doesn ’ t do anything.
” — Rep. Peter DeFazio @ @ @ @ @ by Roll Call , after not being able to enter the House chamber .


politicalwire--2020-07-02--Wilbur Ross Blocking ‘Sharpiegate’ Report

“ The Department of Commerce is preventing the release of an investigation ’ s findings into whether it coerced the @ @ @ @ @ into supporting President Trump ’ s erroneous claim that Hurricane Dorian would hit Alabama last @ @ @ @ @ York Times reports .
“ In a memo to Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross , the @ @ @ @ @ , said that staff in his department had ‘ thwarted ’ the publication of her @ @ @

“The Department of Commerce is preventing the release of an investigation’s findings into whether it coerced the head of a federal agency into supporting President Trump’s erroneous claim that Hurricane Dorian would hit Alabama last year,” the New York Times reports.
“In a memo to Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, the inspector general, Peggy Gustafson, said that staff in his department had ‘thwarted’ the publication of her report.”


politicalwire--2020-07-02--Florida Breaks Another Daily Record for Coronavirus

Florida ’ s Department of Health confirmed 10,109 additional cases of COVID-19 , breaking another single-day record and pushing the @ @ @ @ @ cases to hit 169,106 , the Miami Herald reports .
There were also 67 new @ @ @ @ @ statewide death toll to hit 3,617 .

Florida’s Department of Health confirmed 10,109 additional cases of COVID-19, breaking another single-day record and pushing the state’s total confirmed cases to hit 169,106, the Miami Herald reports.
There were also 67 new deaths announced, bringing the statewide death toll to hit 3,617.


politicalwire--2020-07-03--Ex-Obama Adviser Calls for Mailing Masks to All

Former Obama economic advisor Jason Furman told CNBC that the U.S. government should consider mailing everyone a face covering to @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus .
Said Furman : “ A fiscal stimulus plan that would have incredibly @ @ @ @ @ would be for the government to print up masks … and mail them out to @ @ @ @ @ American to wear them.
” He added : “ It ’ s really not hard @ @

Former Obama economic advisor Jason Furman told CNBC that the U.S. government should consider mailing everyone a face covering to help slow the spread of the coronavirus.
Said Furman: “A fiscal stimulus plan that would have incredibly high bang for the buck would be for the government to print up masks … and mail them out to every American and tell every American to wear them.”
He added: “It’s really not hard.”


politicalwire--2020-07-03--U.S. Sets New Daily Record for Coronavirus Cases

The U.S. on Thursday set a record for daily new coronavirus cases with 55,220 , surpassing Wednesday ’ s record @ @ @ @ @ Hill reports .


politicalwire--2020-07-03--Virus Test Used by White House May Not Be Accurate

“ President Trump said part of the reason he doesn ’ t regularly wear a mask is ‘ everyone ’ @ @ @ @ @ see him , ” CNN reports .
“ But multiple studies have raised questions about @ @ @ @ @ test the White House has used , and the Food and Drug Administration has received @ @ @ @ @ problems with that test .
”

“President Trump said part of the reason he doesn’t regularly wear a mask is ‘everyone’s tested’ before they see him,” CNN reports.
“But multiple studies have raised questions about the accuracy of a coronavirus test the White House has used, and the Food and Drug Administration has received dozens of reports of potential problems with that test.”


politicalwire--2020-07-03--Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day

“ People are not wearing masks .
And I don ’ t think they ’ re not wearing masks because @ @ @ @ @ States is not wearing a mask .
They ’ re not wearing a mask because @ @ @ @ @ the mask on .
”


politicalwire--2020-07-03--Justices Block Alabama Measure to Make Voting Safer

The U.S. Supreme Court blocked a ruling that would have eased voting restrictions in Alabama during the raging coronavirus pandemic @ @ @ @ @ July 14 runoff election more safe , Reuters reports .


politicalwire--2020-07-03--Peter Thiel Thinks Trump Will Lose

Peter Thiel Thinks Trump Will Lose

Venture capitalist Peter Thiel has declined to take part in President Trump ’ s re-election campaign because he doesn ’ @ @ @ @ @ of a chance at winning , the Wall Street Journal reports .
One person in @ @ @ @ @ investor called Trump ’ s campaign the “ S.S .
Minnow ” in reference to @ @ @ @ @ ship that ran aground and stranded the show ’ s characters .

Venture capitalist Peter Thiel has declined to take part in President Trump’s re-election campaign because he doesn’t think Trump has much of a chance at winning, the Wall Street Journal reports.
One person in touch with Thiel said the investor called Trump’s campaign the “S.S. Minnow” in reference to the Gilligan’s Island ship that ran aground and stranded the show’s characters.


politicalwire--2020-07-03--Texas Mask Mandate Exempts Voting

Texas Mask Mandate Exempts Voting

“ Most Texans will now have to wear a mask to the grocery store , hair salon and bus stop @ @ @ @ @ voting booth during ongoing primary runoff elections , ” the Houston Chronicle reports .
Gov @ @ @ @ @ ( R ) mask order exempts “ any person who is voting , assisting a @ @ @ @ @ poll watcher , or actively administering an election , ” but he adds that “ @ @ @ @ @ strongly encouraged.
” Nate Cohn : Biden supporters are more worried about the health risks @ @ @

“Most Texans will now have to wear a mask to the grocery store, hair salon and bus stop — but not to the voting booth during ongoing primary runoff elections,” the Houston Chronicle reports.
Gov. Greg Abbott’s (R) mask order exempts “any person who is voting, assisting a voter, serving as a poll watcher, or actively administering an election,” but he adds that “wearing a face covering is strongly encouraged.”
Nate Cohn: Biden supporters are more worried about the health risks of voting.


Sick of Winning?

Donald Trump ’ s boast that the United States would “ win so much , you ’ re going to @ @ @ @ @ winning ” if he was president is turned against him in a new ad from @ @ @

Donald Trump’s boast that the United States would “win so much, you’re going to be sick and tired of winning” if he was president is turned against him in a new ad from Joe Biden.


politicalwire--2020-07-04--Memo Seeks to Foster Doubts About Russian Bounties

“ A memo produced in recent days by the office of the nation ’ s top intelligence official acknowledged that @ @ @ @ @ counterterrorism officials have assessed that Russia appears to have offered bounties to kill American and @ @ @ @ @ but emphasized uncertainties and gaps in evidence , according to three officials , ” the @ @ @ @ @ “ The memo is said to contain no new information , and both its timing @ @ @ @ @ suggested that it was intended to bolster the Trump administration ’ s attempts to justify @ @ @ @ @ assessment .
”

“A memo produced in recent days by the office of the nation’s top intelligence official acknowledged that the C.I.A. and top counterterrorism officials have assessed that Russia appears to have offered bounties to kill American and coalition troops in Afghanistan, but emphasized uncertainties and gaps in evidence, according to three officials,” the New York Times reports.
“The memo is said to contain no new information, and both its timing and its stressing of doubts suggested that it was intended to bolster the Trump administration’s attempts to justify its inaction on the months-old assessment.”


politicalwire--2020-07-03--White House Readies New Message on Coronavirus

“ After several months of mixed messages on the coronavirus pandemic , the White House is settling on a new @ @ @ @ @ with it , ” NBC News reports .
“ Administration officials are planning to intensify @ @ @ @ @ sharper , and less conflicting , message of the pandemic next week , after struggling @ @ @ @ @ a crippling surge in cases across the country .
On Thursday , the United States @ @ @ @ @ cases of coronavirus and infection rates were hitting new records in multiple states.
” “ @ @ @ @ @ message , officials said , is a recognition by the White House that the virus @ @ @ @ @ time soon — and will be around through the November election .
”

“After several months of mixed messages on the coronavirus pandemic, the White House is settling on a new one: Learn to live with it,” NBC News reports.
“Administration officials are planning to intensify what they hope is a sharper, and less conflicting, message of the pandemic next week, after struggling to offer clear directives amid a crippling surge in cases across the country. On Thursday, the United States reported more than 55,000 new cases of coronavirus and infection rates were hitting new records in multiple states.”
“At the crux of the message, officials said, is a recognition by the White House that the virus is not going away any time soon — and will be around through the November election.”


politicalwire--2020-07-03--Bonus Quote of the Day

Bonus Quote of the Day

“ I think he makes us look like geniuses every day for impeaching him.
” — Rep. Eric Swalwell ( @ @ @ @ @ interview with Yahoo News , on House Democrats impeaching President Trump last year .

“I think he makes us look like geniuses every day for impeaching him.”
— Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA), in an interview with Yahoo News, on House Democrats impeaching President Trump last year.


politicalwire--2020-07-03--Americans No Longer See U.S. as ‘Shining City on the Hill’

A new Yahoo News/YouGov Poll reveals that while 54 % of Americans believe that America was a “ shining city @ @ @ @ @ Ronald Reagan used that phrase in his final speech as president , 62 % of @ @ @ @ @ is no longer a model for the rest of the world .

A new Yahoo News/YouGov Poll reveals that while 54% of Americans believe that America was a “shining city on a hill” when Ronald Reagan used that phrase in his final speech as president, 62% of Americans now say the country is no longer a model for the rest of the world.


politicalwire--2020-07-03--Trump Pushes Ahead with Fireworks Despite Pandemic

New York Times : “ The vast majority of July 4th fireworks displays in big cities and small rural towns @ @ @ @ @ politicians , including Joe Biden , the presumptive Democratic nominee , are foregoing the traditional @ @ @ @ @ “ President Trump , however , has a different , discordant message : the sparkly @ @ @ @ @ on at all costs .
Mr. Trump is set to travel to South Dakota on @ @ @ @ @ fireworks display at the Mount Rushmore National Memorial , a made-for-TV patriotic display that he @ @ @ @ @ revive.
” “ He plans to follow up his trip with a ‘ Salute to @ @ @ @ @ day on the South Lawn at the White House , including a military flyover and @ @ @ @ @ the National Mall that Washington ’ s mayor , Muriel Bowser , has warned violates @ @ @ @ @

New York Times: “The vast majority of July 4th fireworks displays in big cities and small rural towns have been canceled. Most politicians, including Joe Biden, the presumptive Democratic nominee, are foregoing the traditional parades and flag-waving appearances.”
“President Trump, however, has a different, discordant message: the sparkly, booming show must go on at all costs. Mr. Trump is set to travel to South Dakota on Friday evening for a massive fireworks display at the Mount Rushmore National Memorial, a made-for-TV patriotic display that he has spent years lobbying to revive.”
“He plans to follow up his trip with a ‘Salute to America’ celebration the following day on the South Lawn at the White House, including a military flyover and a massive fireworks display on the National Mall that Washington’s mayor, Muriel Bowser, has warned violates local health guidelines.”


politicalwire--2020-07-03--Mary Trump Speaks Out About Tell-All Book

“ Mary Trump , whose pending tell-all memoir about her uncle President Trump has incited a court fight on the @ @ @ @ @ out for the first time publicly about the battle , saying that her book has @ @ @ @ @ and that the legal contract the family has sought to use this month to stop @ @ @ @ @ fraud , ” the New York Times reports .

“Mary Trump, whose pending tell-all memoir about her uncle President Trump has incited a court fight on the eve of publication, spoke out for the first time publicly about the battle, saying that her book has ‘deep national relevance’ and that the legal contract the family has sought to use this month to stop its release was based on fraud,” the New York Times reports.


politicalwire--2020-07-03--Trump’s Re-Election Message Is Clear

Trump’s Re-Election Message Is Clear

Michelle Goldberg : “ A lot of Republicans are acting puzzled about Donald Trump ’ s re-election pitch .
‘ @ @ @ @ @ ’ one Republican source told Reuters .
“ He needs to articulate why he wants @ @ @ @ @ said another .
Some have expressed hope that Trump would find a way to become @ @ @ @ @ polarization were not the raison d ’ être of his presidency.
” “ It ’ @ @ @ @ @ Republicans like this are truly naïve or if they ’ re just pretending so they @ @ @ @ @ admit what a foul enterprise they ’ re part of .
Because Trump does indeed @ @ @ @ @ a stark and obvious one .
It is ‘ white power . '
”

Michelle Goldberg: “A lot of Republicans are acting puzzled about Donald Trump’s re-election pitch. ‘He has no message,’ one Republican source told Reuters. “He needs to articulate why he wants a second term,” said another. Some have expressed hope that Trump would find a way to become less polarizing, as if polarization were not the raison d’être of his presidency.”
“It’s hard to know if Republicans like this are truly naïve or if they’re just pretending so they don’t have to admit what a foul enterprise they’re part of. Because Trump does indeed have a re-election message, a stark and obvious one. It is ‘white power.'”


politicalwire--2020-07-03--Black Lives Matter May Be Largest Movement Ever

“ The recent Black Lives Matter protests peaked on June 6 , when half a million people turned out in @ @ @ @ @ United States .
That was a single day in more than a month of protests @ @ @ @ @ , ” the New York Times reports .
“ Four recent polls — including one @ @ @ @ @ Analytics , a Democratic data firm — suggest that about 15 million to 26 million @ @ @ @ @ have participated in demonstrations over the death of George Floyd and others in recent weeks.
@ @ @ @ @ make the recent protests the largest movement in the country ’ s history .
”

“The recent Black Lives Matter protests peaked on June 6, when half a million people turned out in nearly 550 places across the United States. That was a single day in more than a month of protests that still continue to today,” the New York Times reports.
“Four recent polls — including one released this week by Civis Analytics, a Democratic data firm — suggest that about 15 million to 26 million people in the United States have participated in demonstrations over the death of George Floyd and others in recent weeks.”
“These figures would make the recent protests the largest movement in the country’s history.”


politicalwire--2020-07-03--Tucker Carlson In 2024?

Tucker Carlson In 2024?

Politico : “ Tucker Carlson ’ s audience is booming — and so is chatter that the popular Fox News @ @ @ @ @ perch into a run for president in 2024 .
”

“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--2020-07-03--‘I Would Have Done a Better Job’

‘I Would Have Done a Better Job’

“ We wouldn ’ t have been able to stop the pandemic at our borders the way that Trump claimed @ @ @ @ @ we sure could have done a better job saving lives , modeling better , more @ @ @ @ @ ’ t think we necessarily should have had as deep an economic assault on livelihoods @ @ @ @ @ .
So I know I would have done a better job .
”

The Hollywood Reporter speaks to Hillary Clinton:
“We wouldn’t have been able to stop the pandemic at our borders the way that Trump claimed in the beginning, but we sure could have done a better job saving lives, modeling better, more responsible behavior. I don’t think we necessarily should have had as deep an economic assault on livelihoods and jobs as we have. So I know I would have done a better job.”


politicalwire--2020-07-03--Is Steve Bannon Coming Back?

Is Steve Bannon Coming Back?

Politico : “ When Donald Trump had dinner with Home Depot cofounder Bernie Marcus at the White House Saturday night @ @ @ @ @ quickly reverberated across the president ’ s political sphere .
The 91-year-old billionaire is a @ @ @ @ @ House chief strategist Steve Bannon , and Trump operatives were suspicious that a move was @ @ @ @ @ populist back into the fold.
” “ Few seriously believe Bannon will return — while @ @ @ @ @ TV appearances , there is still deep anger within the president ’ s inner circle @ @ @ @ @ House mocking of first daughter Ivanka Trump .
But the post-meeting jitters illustrate how Trump @ @ @ @ @ suddenly gripped by uncertainty : With the election just four months away and Trump conceding @ @ @ @ @ behind , his advisers have spent the past week racing to get on track .
@

Politico: “When Donald Trump had dinner with Home Depot cofounder Bernie Marcus at the White House Saturday night, word of the get-together quickly reverberated across the president’s political sphere. The 91-year-old billionaire is a longtime backer of former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon, and Trump operatives were suspicious that a move was afoot to bring the smashmouth populist back into the fold.”
“Few seriously believe Bannon will return — while Trump has praised his recent TV appearances, there is still deep anger within the president’s inner circle over Bannon’s post-White House mocking of first daughter Ivanka Trump. But the post-meeting jitters illustrate how Trump’s political team is suddenly gripped by uncertainty: With the election just four months away and Trump conceding privately that he’s behind, his advisers have spent the past week racing to get on track.”


politicalwire--2020-07-03--Texas GOP to Hold In-Person Convention

Texas GOP to Hold In-Person Convention

“ The Republican Party of Texas will hold their state convention in-person with an expected attendance in the thousands , @ @ @ @ @ record numbers of new daily coronavirus cases and increased hospitalizations , ” CNN reports .
@ @ @ @ @ executive committee on Thursday night passed a resolution , 40-20 , in support of moving @ @ @ @ @ in Houston .
”

“The Republican Party of Texas will hold their state convention in-person with an expected attendance in the thousands, as the state is seeing record numbers of new daily coronavirus cases and increased hospitalizations,” CNN reports.
“The party’s executive committee on Thursday night passed a resolution, 40-20, in support of moving forward with its in-person convention in Houston.”


politicalwire--2020-07-04--The Theater of Kayleigh McEnany’s Scripted Walk-Offs

Washington Post : “ And with that , McEnany snapped her binder shut and strode out of the briefing room @ @ @ @ @ shouts and murmurs of the White House press corps.
” “ Such dramatic exits have @ @ @ @ @ ’ s brief tenure as press secretary .
Since taking the job in April , @ @ @ @ @ and spokeswoman for Trump ’ s reelection campaign has often waited until the briefing ’ @ @ @ @ @ , the moment when she determines the briefing is concluded — to unload on the @ @ @ @ @ excoriation is typically punctuated by a binder slam and a determined stride away from the @ @ @ @ @ slugger who doesn ’ t bother to watch the pitch he just swatted as it @ @ @ @ @ .
The unspoken message seems to be : Take that , hacks !
”

Washington Post: “And with that, McEnany snapped her binder shut and strode out of the briefing room, trailed by the unanswered shouts and murmurs of the White House press corps.”
“Such dramatic exits have become a signature of McEnany’s brief tenure as press secretary. Since taking the job in April, the former Trump-friendly CNN pundit and spokeswoman for Trump’s reelection campaign has often waited until the briefing’s conclusion — that is, the moment when she determines the briefing is concluded — to unload on the assembled reporters.”
“The excoriation is typically punctuated by a binder slam and a determined stride away from the lectern, almost like the slugger who doesn’t bother to watch the pitch he just swatted as it sails into the bleacher seats. The unspoken message seems to be: Take that, hacks!”


politicalwire--2020-07-04--Redskins, Indians Consider Changing Team Names

The Washington Redskins football team is conducting a “ thorough review ” of its name , an apparent break from @ @ @ @ @ longtime resistance to consider such a move , NPR reports .
A short time later @ @ @ @ @ s Cleveland Indians said it would consider the “ best path forward with regard to @ @ @ @ @

The Washington Redskins football team is conducting a “thorough review” of its name, an apparent break from the NFL franchise’s longtime resistance to consider such a move, NPR reports.
A short time later, Major League Baseball’s Cleveland Indians said it would consider the “best path forward with regard to our team name.”


politicalwire--2020-07-04--Trump Gives Divisive Speech at July 4th Fireworks

President Trump issued a fiery condemnation of a “ left-wing cultural revolution ” he said is mounting a “ radical @ @ @ @ @ in a speech steeped in historical hyperbole delivered against the stunning backdrop of Mount Rushmore @ @ @ @ @ July , ” Politico reports .
Said Trump : “ Angry mobs are trying to @ @ @ @ @ founders , deface our most sacred memorials and unleash a wave of violent crime in @ @ @ @ @ the American people are weak and soft and submissive.
” The Washington Post called it @ @ @ @ @ in which he “ sought to exploit the nation ’ s racial and social divisions @ @ @ @ @ law-and-order message that has become a cornerstone of his reelection campaign .
”

President Trump issued a fiery condemnation of a “left-wing cultural revolution” he said is mounting a “radical assault” on American democracy in a speech steeped in historical hyperbole delivered against the stunning backdrop of Mount Rushmore on the observed Fourth of July,” Politico reports.
Said Trump: “Angry mobs are trying to tear down statues of our founders, deface our most sacred memorials and unleash a wave of violent crime in our cities. They think the American people are weak and soft and submissive.”
The Washington Post called it a “dark speech” in which he “sought to exploit the nation’s racial and social divisions and rally supporters around a law-and-order message that has become a cornerstone of his reelection campaign.”


politicalwire--2020-07-04--GOP Convention Created Money Woes in Two Cities

New York Times : “ Organizers are trying to assuage vexed Republicans who collectively gave millions of dollars for a @ @ @ @ @ been scrapped .
The host committee there has spent virtually all of the $ 38 @ @ @ @ @ convention was moved , leaving almost nothing to return to donors , or to pass @ @ @ @ @ city.
” “ In Jacksonville , fund-raisers are describing the process as the most difficult @ @ @ @ @ Florida has been setting daily records for new virus cases , freezing money as donors @ @ @ @ @ safety risks of the pandemic .
”

New York Times: “Organizers are trying to assuage vexed Republicans who collectively gave millions of dollars for a Charlotte event that has mostly been scrapped. The host committee there has spent virtually all of the $38 million it raised before the convention was moved, leaving almost nothing to return to donors, or to pass on to the new host city.”
“In Jacksonville, fund-raisers are describing the process as the most difficult they have ever confronted: Florida has been setting daily records for new virus cases, freezing money as donors wait and worry about the safety risks of the pandemic.”


politicalwire--2020-07-04--Kimberly Guilfoyle Tests Positive for Coronavirus

Kimberly Guilfoyle has tested positive for coronavirus , the New York Times reports .
Guilfoyle , who is Donald Trump @ @ @ @ @ a top Trump campaign official , tested positive in South Dakota before she was set @ @ @ @ @ s event at Mount Rushmore .
CNN : “ Guilfoyle was not with the President @ @ @ @ @ so far tested negative… Guilfoyle had not had recent contact with the President , but @ @ @ @ @ was backstage for his rally there and was also at his event in Phoenix .
@

Kimberly Guilfoyle has tested positive for coronavirus, the New York Times reports.
Guilfoyle, who is Donald Trump Jr.’s girlfriend and a top Trump campaign official, tested positive in South Dakota before she was set to attend the President’s event at Mount Rushmore.
CNN: “Guilfoyle was not with the President and Donald Trump Jr. has so far tested negative… Guilfoyle had not had recent contact with the President, but she was in Tulsa and was backstage for his rally there and was also at his event in Phoenix.”


politicalwire--2020-07-05--Coronavirus Slams Houston Hospitals

Coronavirus Slams Houston Hospitals

New York Times : “ Like New York City in March , the Houston hospitals are experiencing a steep rise @ @ @ @ @ their beds , stretching their staffing , creating a backlog in testing and limiting the @ @ @ @ @ .
Attempts to buy more supplies — including certain protective gear , vital-sign monitors and @ @ @ @ @ by weeks of delays , according to hospital leaders .
”

New York Times: “Like New York City in March, the Houston hospitals are experiencing a steep rise in caseloads that is filling their beds, stretching their staffing, creating a backlog in testing and limiting the availability of other medical services. Attempts to buy more supplies — including certain protective gear, vital-sign monitors and testing components — are frustrated by weeks of delays, according to hospital leaders.”


politicalwire--2020-07-05--Trump’s Big Threat Is Now Other Americans

“ In his inaugural address , President Trump sketched the picture of ‘ American carnage ’ — a nation ransacked @ @ @ @ @ breached U.S. borders in pursuit of jobs and crime , lured its companies offshore and @ @ @ @ @ faraway conflicts , ” the Washington Post reports .
“ Nearly 3½ years later , @ @ @ @ @ telling , the carnage is still underway but this time the enemy is closer to @ @ @ @ @ racial identity and cultural beliefs are toppling the nation ’ s heritage and founding ideals.
@ @ @ @ @ “ He signaled even more clearly that he would exploit race and cultural flash points @ @ @ @ @ base of white supporters in an effort to win re-election .
As he has done @ @ @ @ @ resorted to exaggerated , apocalyptic language in broadly tarring the nationwide protests against entrenched racism @ @ @ @ @

“In his inaugural address, President Trump sketched the picture of ‘American carnage’ — a nation ransacked by marauders from abroad who breached U.S. borders in pursuit of jobs and crime, lured its companies offshore and bogged down its military in faraway conflicts,” the Washington Post reports.
“Nearly 3½ years later, in the president’s telling, the carnage is still underway but this time the enemy is closer to home — other Americans whose racial identity and cultural beliefs are toppling the nation’s heritage and founding ideals.”
New York Times: “He signaled even more clearly that he would exploit race and cultural flash points to stoke fear among his base of white supporters in an effort to win re-election. As he has done in the past, he resorted to exaggerated, apocalyptic language in broadly tarring the nationwide protests against entrenched racism and police brutality.”


politicalwire--2020-07-04--Money Pours Into the Presidential Campaigns

Joe Biden and Donald Trump “ combined with the Democratic and Republican Parties to raise well over a quarter-billion dollars @ @ @ @ @ high-water marks for both men in 2020 and obliterating June fund-raising records from previous presidential @ @ @ @ @ York Times reports .


politicalwire--2020-07-04--As U.S. Scales Back on Holiday, Trump Plans to Go Big

“ As coronavirus cases spike , public health officials are pleading with Americans to avoid large crowds and hold more @ @ @ @ @ but subdued is not President Trump ’ s style , and he aimed to go @ @ @ @ @ special evening ’ in Washington that could bring tens of thousands to the National Mall @ @ @ @ @ .
“ His participation in big gatherings comes as many communities have decided to scrap @ @ @ @ @ holiday traditions .
The goal is to try to prevent further spread of the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ spur .
”

“As coronavirus cases spike, public health officials are pleading with Americans to avoid large crowds and hold more muted Independence Day celebrations, but subdued is not President Trump’s style, and he aimed to go big, promising a ‘special evening’ in Washington that could bring tens of thousands to the National Mall,” the AP reports.
“His participation in big gatherings comes as many communities have decided to scrap fireworks, parades and other holiday traditions. The goal is to try to prevent further spread of the coronavirus, which large gatherings could spur.”


politicalwire--2020-07-04--Trump’s Push to Amplify Racism Unnerves GOP

“ President Trump ’ s unyielding push to preserve Confederate symbols and the legacy of white domination , crystallized by @ @ @ @ @ racial justice movement Friday night at Mount Rushmore , has unnerved Republicans who have long @ @ @ @ @ losing power and forever associating their party with his racial animus , ” the Washington @ @ @ @ @ amplifying racism and stoking culture wars have been mainstays of Trump ’ s public identity @ @ @ @ @ been particularly pronounced this summer as the president has reacted to the national reckoning over @ @ @ @ @ weaponize the anger and resentment of some white Americans for his own political gain .
@

“President Trump’s unyielding push to preserve Confederate symbols and the legacy of white domination, crystallized by his harsh denunciation of the racial justice movement Friday night at Mount Rushmore, has unnerved Republicans who have long enabled him but now fear losing power and forever associating their party with his racial animus,” the Washington Post reports.
“Although amplifying racism and stoking culture wars have been mainstays of Trump’s public identity for decades, they have been particularly pronounced this summer as the president has reacted to the national reckoning over systemic discrimination by seeking to weaponize the anger and resentment of some white Americans for his own political gain.”


politicalwire--2020-07-04--Florida Breaks Record for Coronavirus Cases Again

“ Florida reported 11,458 new coronavirus cases on Independence Day , shattering its record for daily reported cases in the @ @ @ @ @ , ” the Orlando Sentinel reports .
“ The single-day record was last broken on @ @ @ @ @ cases .
”

“Florida reported 11,458 new coronavirus cases on Independence Day, shattering its record for daily reported cases in the state since the pandemic began,” the Orlando Sentinel reports.
“The single-day record was last broken on Thursday with over 10,000 new cases.”


politicalwire--2020-07-04--Internal Polling Signals a Democratic Rout

Harry Enten : “ Whenever I hear an operative complain about public polling , I have just one thing to @ @ @ @ @ shut up .
Release your own numbers that show the race in a different place @ @ @ @ @ or let the public polling stand .
This is especially true in House races , @ @ @ @ @ and there ’ s a real chance to shape the conventional wisdom.
” “ Perhaps @ @ @ @ @ surprising then that when one party puts out a lot more internal polls than normal @ @ @ @ @ their side .
Parties tend to release good polling when they have it .
Since @ @ @ @ @ a near perfect correlation ( +0.96 on a scale from -1 to +1 ) between @ @ @ @ @ released by the Democrats and the November results.
” “ Right now , Democrats and @ @ @ @ @ lot more surveys than Republicans , which suggests the public polling showing Democrats doing well @ @ @ @ @ the parties are seeing in their own numbers .
”

Harry Enten: “Whenever I hear an operative complain about public polling, I have just one thing to say: Put up or shut up. Release your own numbers that show the race in a different place than the public polling, or let the public polling stand. This is especially true in House races, where public polling is limited and there’s a real chance to shape the conventional wisdom.”
“Perhaps, it’s not surprising then that when one party puts out a lot more internal polls than normal, it is good for their side. Parties tend to release good polling when they have it. Since 2004, there has been a near perfect correlation (+0.96 on a scale from -1 to +1) between the share of partisan polls released by the Democrats and the November results.”
“Right now, Democrats and liberal groups are releasing a lot more surveys than Republicans, which suggests the public polling showing Democrats doing well is backed up by what the parties are seeing in their own numbers.”


politicalwire--2020-07-04--Biden Is Way Ahead, But He Could Still Blow It

Politico : “ Biden might say the wrong thing at a debate , or have an awkward moment in an @ @ @ @ @ conference .
Trump ’ s massive advertising campaign might begin to resonate , hurting Biden @ @ @ @ @ Biden ’ s campaign might make poor decisions about spending allocations in the battleground states @ @ @ @ @ his campaign may sour if he loses even a percentage point or two in polls @ @ @ @ @ leads have all suffered from less .
”

Politico: “Biden might say the wrong thing at a debate, or have an awkward moment in an interview or at a press conference. Trump’s massive advertising campaign might begin to resonate, hurting Biden’s favorability ratings. Biden’s campaign might make poor decisions about spending allocations in the battleground states, or the coverage of his campaign may sour if he loses even a percentage point or two in polls. Presidential candidates with large leads have all suffered from less.”


politicalwire--2020-07-04--U.S. Sends Aircraft Carriers Into South China Sea

Financial Times : “ The US Navy has sent two aircraft carrier groups into the South China Sea for the @ @ @ @ @ China conducts exercises the contested waters .
The USS Nimitz and the USS Ronald Reagan @ @ @ @ @ and exercises in the South China Sea to support a free and open Indo-Pacific , @ @ @ @ @ Saturday .
”

Financial Times: “The US Navy has sent two aircraft carrier groups into the South China Sea for the first time since 2014 as China conducts exercises the contested waters. The USS Nimitz and the USS Ronald Reagan were conducting dual carrier operations and exercises in the South China Sea to support a free and open Indo-Pacific, the US Navy said on Saturday.”


politicalwire--2020-07-05--Donald Trump’s Shrinking Electoral Map

Donald Trump’s Shrinking Electoral Map

Politico : “ Publicly , the Trump campaign asserts their candidate is still competitive in each of the 30 states @ @ @ @ @ They say presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden faces an enthusiasm deficit among his party ’ @ @ @ @ @ public polling — much of which has shown the president trailing far behind Biden nationally @ @ @ @ @ battleground states — does not jibe with their own internal numbers.
” “ But privately @ @ @ @ @ administration officials and GOP donors have begun to acknowledge what they call a more plausible @ @ @ @ @ losses in the Rust Belt , most likely Michigan and Wisconsin .
That would mean @ @ @ @ @ some proven Trump-averse states to crack the 270-vote threshold needed to clinch a second term.
@ @ @ @ @ days of forecasting a landslide victory , said one person close to the Trump campaign @ @ @ @ @ team is now recasting its expectations to identify not where Trump can win more , @ @ @ @ @ less.
” The consensus electoral map shows six Toss Up states .

Politico: “Publicly, the Trump campaign asserts their candidate is still competitive in each of the 30 states he carried in 2016. They say presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden faces an enthusiasm deficit among his party’s likeliest voters and that public polling — much of which has shown the president trailing far behind Biden nationally, and more narrowly in battleground states — does not jibe with their own internal numbers.”
“But privately, campaign aides, senior administration officials and GOP donors have begun to acknowledge what they call a more plausible scenario: a pair of losses in the Rust Belt, most likely Michigan and Wisconsin. That would mean the president has to win some proven Trump-averse states to crack the 270-vote threshold needed to clinch a second term.”
“Gone are the days of forecasting a landslide victory, said one person close to the Trump campaign. The president’s team is now recasting its expectations to identify not where Trump can win more, but how he can lose less.”
The consensus electoral map shows six Toss Up states.


politicalwire--2020-07-05--We Interrupt Your Regularly Scheduled Convention

“ Forget the luxury-suite studios soaring above the convention stage .
Or the morning-show stars flown in for an on-scene @ @ @ @ @ of television crews and correspondents trawling the arena floor for rebellious delegates , ” the @ @ @ @ @ “ This year ’ s political conventions — a quintessential , quadrennial TV spectacle — @ @ @ @ @ face of the coronavirus .
And so are the coverage plans of the news networks @ @ @ @ @ usual media circus to resemble something closer to a county fair .
”

“Forget the luxury-suite studios soaring above the convention stage. Or the morning-show stars flown in for an on-scene dispatch. Or the armies of television crews and correspondents trawling the arena floor for rebellious delegates,” the New York Times reports.
“This year’s political conventions — a quintessential, quadrennial TV spectacle — are rapidly shrinking in the face of the coronavirus. And so are the coverage plans of the news networks, who are expecting the usual media circus to resemble something closer to a county fair.”


politicalwire--2020-07-05--Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day

“ Trump needs — or thinks he needs — fear of ‘ the other ’ to motivate his base and @ @ @ @ @ , people are fearful of Covid-19 , but that is inconvenient for Trump , so @ @ @ @ @ up fear about something he thinks will benefit his re-election : angry mobs of leftists @ @ @ @ @ — GOP pollster Christine Matthews , quoted by the New York Times .

“Trump needs — or thinks he needs — fear of ‘the other’ to motivate his base and create enthusiasm. Right now, people are fearful of Covid-19, but that is inconvenient for Trump, so he is trying to kick up fear about something he thinks will benefit his re-election: angry mobs of leftists tearing down American history.”
— GOP pollster Christine Matthews, quoted by the New York Times.


politicalwire--2020-07-05--Columbus Statue Torn Down in Baltimore

Columbus Statue Torn Down in Baltimore

A crowd of shouting protesters yanked down the Christopher Columbus statue near Little Italy , dragged it to the edge @ @ @ @ @ Harbor and rolled it with a splash into the water as fireworks went off around @ @ @ @ @ of the Fourth of July , the Baltimore Sun reports .

A crowd of shouting protesters yanked down the Christopher Columbus statue near Little Italy, dragged it to the edge of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor and rolled it with a splash into the water as fireworks went off around the city on the night of the Fourth of July, the Baltimore Sun reports.


politicalwire--2020-07-06--8 Supreme Court Cases Still Undecided

8 Supreme Court Cases Still Undecided

“ The Supreme Court is taking an unusually long time to complete its term this year , with decisions in @ @ @ @ @ days after the justices would have typically cleared out its docket for the season , @ @ @ @

“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--2020-07-06--How Trump Broke July 4th

How Trump Broke July 4th

Dan Balz : “ President Trump , with two speeches in two days , has turned the Fourth of July @ @ @ @ @ patriotic celebration of America ’ s founding values into a partisan political event .
The @ @ @ @ @ ” “ From near the base of Mount Rushmore on Friday night and from the @ @ @ @ @ House on Saturday night , Trump tried to write himself into the history of America @ @ @ @ @ .
His enemy , however , is not the Nazis of the 20th century or @ @ @ @ @ .
Instead , it appears to be those in America who disagree with him — @ @ @ @ @ ”

Dan Balz: “President Trump, with two speeches in two days, has turned the Fourth of July from a joyful and unifying patriotic celebration of America’s founding values into a partisan political event. The damage could outlast his presidency.”
“From near the base of Mount Rushmore on Friday night and from the South Lawn of the White House on Saturday night, Trump tried to write himself into the history of America as an implacable wartime president. His enemy, however, is not the Nazis of the 20th century or terrorists of the 21st century. Instead, it appears to be those in America who disagree with him — a caricatured blue America.”


politicalwire--2020-07-06--Duckworth Emerges as Strong Veep Contender

“ As Joe Biden pushes ahead with his search for a running mate , Sen. Tammy Duckworth ( D-Ill. ) @ @ @ @ @ serious contender , one of several developing dynamics as the search enters its final weeks @ @ @ @ @ reports .
“ Duckworth is a Purple Heart recipient and veteran of the Iraq War @ @ @ @ @ military combat experience — and as a woman of Thai and Chinese descent , one @ @ @ @ @ under consideration .
While she has a lower profile than some rivals , she is @ @ @ @ @ ’ s team , according to the people with knowledge of the search , one @ @ @ @ @ lately received strong consideration .
”

“As Joe Biden pushes ahead with his search for a running mate, Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) has quietly emerged as a serious contender, one of several developing dynamics as the search enters its final weeks,” the Washington Post reports.
“Duckworth is a Purple Heart recipient and veteran of the Iraq War, the only finalist with military combat experience — and as a woman of Thai and Chinese descent, one of several candidates of color under consideration. While she has a lower profile than some rivals, she is being taken seriously by Biden’s team, according to the people with knowledge of the search, one of whom said she has lately received strong consideration.”


Trump’s Tucker Mind-Meld

Jonathan Swan : “ If you want to understand the rhetorical roots of Trump ’ s Independence Day speech at @ @ @ @ @ and watch Tucker Carlson ’ s monologues for the past six weeks.
” “ Trump @ @ @ @ @ Stephen Miller — framed the president ’ s opposition to the Black Lives Matter protest @ @ @ @ @ Carlson has been laying out night after night on Fox .
”

Jonathan Swan: “If you want to understand the rhetorical roots of Trump’s Independence Day speech at Mount Rushmore, go back and watch Tucker Carlson’s monologues for the past six weeks.”
“Trump — or rather his speechwriter Stephen Miller — framed the president’s opposition to the Black Lives Matter protest movement using the same imagery Carlson has been laying out night after night on Fox.”


politicalwire--2020-07-05--John Bolton’s Hidden Aftershocks

John Bolton’s Hidden Aftershocks

The news media has largely moved on , but foreign government officials remain fixated on John Bolton ’ s memoir @ @ @ @ @ Happened , Axios reports .
Bolton ’ s detailed inside-the-Oval revelations have raised the blood @ @ @ @ @ already stressed about President Trump ’ s unreliability .
One example : “ European officials @ @ @ @ @ and a half years fretting that Trump would withdraw the U.S. from NATO , are @ @ @ @ @ of just how close Trump came to announcing he would do just that.
” “ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s team to stop that from happening suggest it ’ s still a real @ @ @

The news media has largely moved on, but foreign government officials remain fixated on John Bolton’s memoir, The Room Where It Happened, Axios reports.
Bolton’s detailed inside-the-Oval revelations have raised the blood pressure of allies who were already stressed about President Trump’s unreliability.
One example: “European officials, who have spent three and a half years fretting that Trump would withdraw the U.S. from NATO, are treated to a hair-raising account of just how close Trump came to announcing he would do just that.”
“The behind-the-scenes maneuverings from Trump’s team to stop that from happening suggest it’s still a real possibility.”


politicalwire--2020-07-05--Trump Campaign Will Encourage Masks at Rally

The Trump campaign will be providing face masks and hand sanitizer for all attendees at an upcoming rally Saturday in @ @ @ @ @ Axios reports .
The campaign said in an email on Sunday that attendees are “ @ @ @ @ @ the masks .

The Trump campaign will be providing face masks and hand sanitizer for all attendees at an upcoming rally Saturday in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Axios reports.
The campaign said in an email on Sunday that attendees are “strongly encouraged” to wear the masks.


politicalwire--2020-07-05--Extra Bonus Quote of the Day

Extra Bonus Quote of the Day

“ I think if you could clock the amount of time he ’ s spent actually in the Oval Office @ @ @ @ @ he spends in the little dining room off the Oval Office with the cable news @ @ @ @ @ another on — it would be a very interesting statistic.
” — Former national security @ @ @ @ @ about President Trump on CBS News .

“I think if you could clock the amount of time he’s spent actually in the Oval Office versus the amount of time he spends in the little dining room off the Oval Office with the cable news networks of one form or another on — it would be a very interesting statistic.”
— Former national security adviser John Bolton, talking about President Trump on CBS News.


politicalwire--2020-07-05--How Trump Plans to Stay In White House Even If He Loses

Former Sen. Timothy Wirth ( D-CO ) claims in Newsweek that President Trump scheming to retain power in the event @ @ @ @ @ November .
His theory is apparently inspired in-part by HBO ’ s adaptation of the @ @ @ @ @ Against America .
Wirth writes that — should Trump lose — he will claim the @ @ @ @ @ on a complicated gambit involving emergency powers and the compliance of Republican legislators to stay @ @ @ @ @

Former Sen. Timothy Wirth (D-CO) claims in Newsweek that President Trump scheming to retain power in the event of an electoral loss in November.
His theory is apparently inspired in-part by HBO’s adaptation of the Philip Roth novel The Plot Against America.
Wirth writes that — should Trump lose — he will claim the vote was rigged and rely on a complicated gambit involving emergency powers and the compliance of Republican legislators to stay in the White House.


politicalwire--2020-07-05--The Greek Connection to Watergate

The Greek Connection to Watergate

This looks great : The Greek Connection : The Life of Elias Demetracopoulos and the Untold Story of Watergate by @ @ @ @ @ non-fiction political thriller about abuse of power , dark money , foreign interference in elections @ @ @ @ @ .

This looks great: The Greek Connection: The Life of Elias Demetracopoulos and the Untold Story of Watergate by James H. Barron.
A non-fiction political thriller about abuse of power, dark money, foreign interference in elections, and intimidation of journalists.