politicalwire--2020-03-19--GOP Senator Dumped Stock Before Coronavirus Crisis

ProPublica : “ Soon after he offered public assurances that the government was ready to battle the coronavirus , the @ @ @ @ @ Intelligence Committee , Richard Burr , sold off a significant percentage of his stocks , @ @ @ @ @ $ 1.56 million of his holdings on Feb. 13 in 29 separate transactions.
” “ @ @ @ @ @ intelligence committee , Burr , a North Carolina Republican , has access to the government @ @ @ @ @ information about threats to America ’ s security .
His committee was receiving daily coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ according to a Reuters story.
” “ A week after Burr ’ s sales , @ @ @ @ @ sharp decline and has lost about 30 % since.
” “ On Thursday , Burr @ @ @ @ @ obtained a secret recording from Feb. 27 , in which the lawmaker gave a VIP @ @ @ @ @ club a much more dire preview of the economic impact of the coronavirus than what @ @ @ @ @ .
”

ProPublica: “Soon after he offered public assurances that the government was ready to battle the coronavirus, the powerful chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, Richard Burr, sold off a significant percentage of his stocks, unloading between $582,029 and $1.56 million of his holdings on Feb. 13 in 29 separate transactions.”
“As the head of the intelligence committee, Burr, a North Carolina Republican, has access to the government’s most highly classified information about threats to America’s security. His committee was receiving daily coronavirus briefings around this time, according to a Reuters story.”
“A week after Burr’s sales, the stock market began a sharp decline and has lost about 30% since.”
“On Thursday, Burr came under fire after NPR obtained a secret recording from Feb. 27, in which the lawmaker gave a VIP group at an exclusive social club a much more dire preview of the economic impact of the coronavirus than what he had told the public.”


politicalwire--2020-03-19--Clyburn Urges Biden to Adopt Proposals from Sanders

Rep. James Clyburn ( D-SC ) , whose endorsement ahead of the South Carolina primary helped fuel Joe Biden ’ @ @ @ @ @ Wall Street Journal that Biden “ should incorporate as much of the efforts being proposed @ @ @ @ @ can .
”

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


politicalwire--2020-03-19--Top Counterterrorism Official Fired

Top Counterterrorism Official Fired

“ The acting director of the National Counterterrorism Center was fired Wednesday night in what insiders fear is a purge @ @ @ @ @ career professionals at an organization set up after 9/11 to protect the nation from attacks @ @ @ @ @ reports .


politicalwire--2020-03-19--Montana’s Senate Race Has Third Party Candidate

Susan Good Geise , a Republican county commissioner in Montana , told KTVH she ’ ll be the Libertarian Party @ @ @ @ @ Montana ’ s U.S. Senate race – replacing a last-minute withdrawal .
Geise ’ s @ @ @ @ @ of the race between Sen. Steve Daines ( R ) and Gov .
Steve Bullock @ @ @ @

Susan Good Geise, a Republican county commissioner in Montana, told KTVH she’ll be the Libertarian Party’s new candidate in Montana’s U.S. Senate race – replacing a last-minute withdrawal.
Geise’s entry could change the dynamics of the race between Sen. Steve Daines (R) and Gov. Steve Bullock (D).


politicalwire--2020-03-19--Warren Says Bernie ‘Needs Space’ to Decide

Sen. Elizabeth Warren ( D-MA ) told The View that she ’ s withholding her presidential endorsement because she is @ @ @ @ @ .
Said Warren : “ Actually , I ’ ve been focused on this crisis… @ @ @ @ @ to decide what he wants to do next , and he should be given the @ @ @ @ @ ”

Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) told The View that she’s withholding her presidential endorsement because she is focused on the coronavirus outbreak.
Said Warren: “Actually, I’ve been focused on this crisis… I think Bernie needs space to decide what he wants to do next, and he should be given the space to do that.”


politicalwire--2020-03-19--Trump Lobbied Against Direct Payments In Relief Bill

Sen. Lindsey Graham ( R-SC ) told his Republican colleagues that he is trying to convince President Trump to oppose @ @ @ @ @ the Phase Three Senate bill in response to the coronavirus pandemic , Politico reports .
@ @ @ @ @ staff Mark Meadows is also opposed to direct payments .

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) told his Republican colleagues that he is trying to convince President Trump to oppose direct payments to families in the Phase Three Senate bill in response to the coronavirus pandemic, Politico reports.
New White House chief of staff Mark Meadows is also opposed to direct payments.


politicalwire--2020-03-19--Trump Changed Notes to Refer to ‘Chinese Virus’

A close up photo of President Trump ’ s notes at his news conference today shows where he crossed out @ @ @ @ @ it with “ Chinese ” virus .


politicalwire--2020-03-19--Lawmakers Press Leaders for Remote Voting

“ Members of Congress are pressing to change the rules to allow remote voting during the coronavirus pandemic , despite @ @ @ @ @ , signaling that the outbreak sweeping the globe may not only require an unprecedented response @ @ @ @ @ change the essential nature of how it operates , ” CNN reports .

“Members of Congress are pressing to change the rules to allow remote voting during the coronavirus pandemic, despite the resistance from their leaders, signaling that the outbreak sweeping the globe may not only require an unprecedented response from the Capitol but also change the essential nature of how it operates,” CNN reports.


politicalwire--2020-03-19--Coronavirus Hits at Worst Possible Time for Trump

Joshua Green : “ The timing of the crisis couldn ’ t be worse for Trump ’ s political hopes @ @ @ @ @ found that voters judge incumbent presidents based on the state of the economy in an @ @ @ @ @ of economic performance solidify over the spring , which means now.
” “ That bodes @ @ @ @ @ force and scale of the crisis , exacerbated by the president ’ s initial denial @ @ @ @ @ paint an ugly picture of the economic effects soon to come .
Forecasters are sharply @ @ @ @ @ the brunt of the economic damage to land in the second quarter .
In recent @ @ @ @ @ that U.S. gross domestic product would fall 4 percent in the second quarter ; Goldman @ @ @ @ @ drop ; and Pantheon Macroeconomics , a 10 percent drop .
”

Joshua Green: “The timing of the crisis couldn’t be worse for Trump’s political hopes. Academic research has consistently found that voters judge incumbent presidents based on the state of the economy in an election year—and that their impressions of economic performance solidify over the spring, which means now.”
“That bodes ill for Trump. The force and scale of the crisis, exacerbated by the president’s initial denial and slow federal response, paint an ugly picture of the economic effects soon to come. Forecasters are sharply downgrading growth estimates and expect the brunt of the economic damage to land in the second quarter. In recent days, Morgan Stanley forecast that U.S. gross domestic product would fall 4 percent in the second quarter; Goldman Sachs forecast a 5 percent drop; and Pantheon Macroeconomics, a 10 percent drop.”


politicalwire--2020-03-19--Hospitals Seek $100 Billion from Congress

“ U.S .
hospitals and medical professionals are asking for $ 100 billion in direct financial assistance from Congress to @ @ @ @ @ , with some hospitals already running short of supplies for both patients and health care @ @ @ @ @ like Seattle , ” NBC News reports .

“U.S. hospitals and medical professionals are asking for $100 billion in direct financial assistance from Congress to respond to the coronavirus pandemic, with some hospitals already running short of supplies for both patients and health care workers in virus hot spots like Seattle,” NBC News reports.


politicalwire--2020-03-19--How Democrats Can Navigate Pandemic Politics

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politicalwire--2020-03-20--McConnell Defends Keeping Democrats Out

McConnell Defends Keeping Democrats Out

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Thursday defended the Senate Republicans coming up with a proposed $ 1 trillion economic @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus without any input from Democrats , saying bipartisan negotiations were skipped in favor of @ @ @ @ @ Said McConnell : “ Actually , it ’ s speeding it up .
We just @ @ @ @ @ it was written in the Democratic House of Representatives.
” He added : “ The @ @ @ @ @ in the Senate .
We wanted to put forward our proposal .
We feel like @ @ @ @ @ do that as a majority and the Democrats , of course , need to be @ @ @ @ @ to it and that all begins tomorrow .
So don ’ t create controversy where @ @ @ @ @ .
”

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Thursday defended the Senate Republicans coming up with a proposed $1 trillion economic stimulus plan to battle the coronavirus without any input from Democrats, saying bipartisan negotiations were skipped in favor of speed, CNN reports.
Said McConnell: “Actually, it’s speeding it up. We just passed yesterday a bill, it was written in the Democratic House of Representatives.”
He added: “The Republicans are in the majority in the Senate. We wanted to put forward our proposal. We feel like we have an obligation to do that as a majority and the Democrats, of course, need to be given an opportunity to react to it and that all begins tomorrow. So don’t create controversy where there isn’t controversy.”


politicalwire--2020-03-20--Goldman Sachs Predicts 2.25 Million New Unemployed

A new Goldman Sachs report will show 2.25 million Americans filed for their first week of unemployment benefits this week @ @ @ @ @ of people who filed last week and the highest level on record .


politicalwire--2020-03-20--Trump Pushes Right-Wing Policies Under Virus’s Cloak

“ The White House , under the guise of its coronavirus response , is quietly advancing policies that President Trump @ @ @ @ @ tougher border controls to an assault on organized labor to the stonewalling of congressional oversight @ @ @ @ @ Times reports .
“ And across the government , departments have been citing the “ @ @ @ @ @ to the pandemic as they push through the same policies they sought before the crisis @ @ @ @ @ a coronavirus briefing , Mr. Trump said his administration would use authority granted to the @ @ @ @ @ away those who crossed the border illegally .
”

“The White House, under the guise of its coronavirus response, is quietly advancing policies that President Trump has long advocated, from tougher border controls to an assault on organized labor to the stonewalling of congressional oversight,” the New York Times reports.
“And across the government, departments have been citing the “whole of government” response to the pandemic as they push through the same policies they sought before the crisis. Just this week during a coronavirus briefing, Mr. Trump said his administration would use authority granted to the surgeon general to immediately turn away those who crossed the border illegally.”


politicalwire--2020-03-20--Trump Asks States to Keep Quiet About Jobless Figures

“ The Trump administration asked states to abstain from releasing unemployment-claims figures prior to the publication of a national compilation @ @ @ @ @ , ” the Wall Street Journal reports .
“ The official cited an email sent @ @ @ @ @ , an administrator at the U.S. Labor Department .
The message , sent as states @ @ @ @ @ surges in claims tied to the coronavirus pandemic , said jobless claims are closely watched @ @ @ @ @ markets during a time of fast-changing economic conditions .
The emailed message asked states to @ @ @ @ @ the national claims figures are released each Thursday .
”

“The Trump administration asked states to abstain from releasing unemployment-claims figures prior to the publication of a national compilation of weekly U.S. jobless claims,” the Wall Street Journal reports.
“The official cited an email sent on Wednesday from Gay Gilbert, an administrator at the U.S. Labor Department. The message, sent as states across the nation started reporting surges in claims tied to the coronavirus pandemic, said jobless claims are closely watched by policy makers and financial markets during a time of fast-changing economic conditions. The emailed message asked states to keep the numbers embargoed until the national claims figures are released each Thursday.”


politicalwire--2020-03-20--Most Approve of Trump Response to Crisis

A new ABC News-Ipsos poll finds 55 % of Americans approve of the President Trump ’ s management of the @ @ @ @ @ 43 % who disapprove .
Trump ’ s approval on this issue is up from @ @ @ @ @ numbers were nearly reversed .

A new ABC News-Ipsos poll finds 55% of Americans approve of the President Trump’s management of the coronavirus crisis, compared to 43% who disapprove.
Trump’s approval on this issue is up from last week, when the numbers were nearly reversed.


politicalwire--2020-03-20--A Lost School Year

A Lost School Year

Politico : “ The coronavirus outbreak could close down many U.S. classrooms for the rest of the school year , @ @ @ @ @ ’ math and reading skills , tanking test scores for years to come and making @ @ @ @ @ to even finish high school .
”

Politico: “The coronavirus outbreak could close down many U.S. classrooms for the rest of the school year, blowing a hole in kids’ math and reading skills, tanking test scores for years to come and making it a scramble for some to even finish high school.”


politicalwire--2020-03-20--Party Leaders Want Biden to Pick Former Rival

New York Times : “ In discussions with The Times since Mr. Biden ’ s big primary victories on Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ members and congressional and party leaders most frequently proposed three former rivals of Mr. Biden @ @ @ @ @ Senator Kamala Harris of California , Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and Senator Amy Klobuchar @ @ @ @ @ was Stacey Abrams , a former state House leader whose defeat in 2018 Georgia governor @ @ @ @ @ by many in the party.
” “ Other popular suggestions included Senator Catherine Cortez Masto @ @ @ @ @ Demings of Florida .
The Democrats interviewed also proposed seven other women , including Govs @ @ @ @ @ and Michelle Lujan Grisham of New Mexico .
”

New York Times: “In discussions with The Times since Mr. Biden’s big primary victories on Tuesday, 60 Democratic National Committee members and congressional and party leaders most frequently proposed three former rivals of Mr. Biden as his running mate — Senator Kamala Harris of California, Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota. Next up was Stacey Abrams, a former state House leader whose defeat in 2018 Georgia governor’s race remains disputed by many in the party.”
“Other popular suggestions included Senator Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada and Representative Val Demings of Florida. The Democrats interviewed also proposed seven other women, including Govs. Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan and Michelle Lujan Grisham of New Mexico.”


politicalwire--2020-03-20--Newsom Orders All Californians to Stay Home

California Gov .
Gavin Newsom has issued an immediate order for all Californians to stay home to help stop an @ @ @ @ @ , CBS San Francisco reports .


politicalwire--2020-03-20--Another GOP Senator Sold Stock After Briefing

Sen. Kelly Loeffler ( R-GA ) “ sold off seven figures worth of stock holdings in the days and weeks @ @ @ @ @ meeting on the novel coronavirus that subsequently hammered U.S. equities , ” the Daily Beast @ @


politicalwire--2020-03-20--Frantic Days for Restaurants Are Just Beginning

Pete Wells : “ I see two possible futures for restaurants .
In one , state and local governments across @ @ @ @ @ help them survive the closings and get going again when that ’ s safe .
@ @ @ @ @ cascade across the economy , and people are out of work in numbers this country @ @ @ @ @ 1930s.
” “ Will a country that is still bitter about bailing out banks and @ @ @ @ @ crisis be ready to bail out ramen-yas , pupuserias , vegan sandwich counters , dosa @ @ @ @ @ ?
It depends on whether politicians and the public see the money as handouts to @ @ @ @ @ decisions ( beginning , I suppose , with the decision to get into the restaurant @ @ @ @ @ triage measure that will save the life of a national industry with sales of more @ @ @ @ @ year .
”

Pete Wells: “I see two possible futures for restaurants. In one, state and local governments across the country move rapidly to help them survive the closings and get going again when that’s safe. In the other, bankruptcies cascade across the economy, and people are out of work in numbers this country has not seen since the 1930s.”
“Will a country that is still bitter about bailing out banks and airlines in the last financial crisis be ready to bail out ramen-yas, pupuserias, vegan sandwich counters, dosa vendors and natural wine bars? It depends on whether politicians and the public see the money as handouts to people who made bad business decisions (beginning, I suppose, with the decision to get into the restaurant business) or as a triage measure that will save the life of a national industry with sales of more than $800 billion last year.”


politicalwire--2020-03-20--Biden Plans Shadow Coronavirus Briefings

“ Joe Biden is planning a regular shadow briefing on coronavirus to start as early as Monday to show how @ @ @ @ @ and address what he calls the lies and failures of President Trump , ” Politico @ @ @ @ @ a preview of what ’ s to come in a conference call with reporters Friday @ @ @ @ @ litany of false and misleading statements from Trump , who has been holding regular White @ @ @ @ @ preparedness and response that have been broadcast live on all major networks .
”

“Joe Biden is planning a regular shadow briefing on coronavirus to start as early as Monday to show how he would handle the crisis and address what he calls the lies and failures of President Trump,” Politico reports.
“Biden gave a preview of what’s to come in a conference call with reporters Friday, where he listed a litany of false and misleading statements from Trump, who has been holding regular White House press conferences concerning coronavirus preparedness and response that have been broadcast live on all major networks.”


politicalwire--2020-03-20--Pence Staffer Tests Positive for Coronavirus

A staff member in Vice President Mike Pence ’ s office has tested positive for coronavirus , CBS News reports @ @ @ @ @ neither President Trump nor Pence had “ close contact ” with the individual , but @ @ @ @ @ testing for the vice president ’ s office are yet unclear .
”


politicalwire--2020-03-20--Trump Organization Fires Resort Workers

Trump Organization Fires Resort Workers

“ Reeling from the global fallout of the coronavirus pandemic , President Trump ’ s family business has cut back @ @ @ @ @ golf courses and restaurants and shed dozens of workers — all while pushing to keep @ @ @ @ @ them on social media , ” the New York Times reports .
“ In recent @ @ @ @ @ cut staff from hotels in New York and Washington , halted new reservations at a @ @ @ @ @ Strip and closed golf courses in Los Angeles and the Miami area… It also closed @ @ @ @ @ , which normally would be at a peak right now , with regular seasonal visits @ @ @ @ @ ”

“Reeling from the global fallout of the coronavirus pandemic, President Trump’s family business has cut back hotel operations, closed some golf courses and restaurants and shed dozens of workers — all while pushing to keep other properties open and promote them on social media,” the New York Times reports.
“In recent days, the Trump Organization cut staff from hotels in New York and Washington, halted new reservations at a hotel overlooking the Las Vegas Strip and closed golf courses in Los Angeles and the Miami area… It also closed the Mar-a-Lago club in Florida, which normally would be at a peak right now, with regular seasonal visits by Mr. Trump himself.”


politicalwire--2020-03-20--Running for President During a Pandemic

Running for President During a Pandemic

Chris Riback speaks to former Rep. Steve Israel ( D-NY ) , director of Cornell ’ s Institute of Politics @ @ @ @ @ the incredibly quick end to the Democratic presidential race and how well Joe Biden is @ @ @ @ @ Trump in an election during a pandemic .

Chris Riback speaks to former Rep. Steve Israel (D-NY), director of Cornell’s Institute of Politics and Global Affairs, about the incredibly quick end to the Democratic presidential race and how well Joe Biden is positioned to take on President Trump in an election during a pandemic.
 .


politicalwire--2020-03-20--Trump’s Words on Pandemic Used Against Him

This new ad from a Democratic super PAC is brutal .
Greg Sargent : “ The group is set to @ @ @ @ @ , Michigan and Wisconsin — the three ‘ blue wall ’ states Trump cracked in @ @ @ @ @ extensive array of times that Trump minimized coronavirus , falsely downplayed the threat it posed @ @ @ @ @ handling of it .
”

This new ad from a Democratic super PAC is brutal.
Greg Sargent: “The group is set to air digital spots in Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin — the three ‘blue wall’ states Trump cracked in 2016 — that document an extensive array of times that Trump minimized coronavirus, falsely downplayed the threat it posed and absurdly hyped his own handling of it.”


politicalwire--2020-03-20--Ambassador Exposed to Virus at Mar-a-Lago

Washington Post : “ The U.S. ambassador to South Africa attended a dinner at President Trump ’ s Mar-a-Lago Club @ @ @ @ @ tested positive for the novel coronavirus .
But she told her State Department employees she @ @ @ @ @ risk because the dinner was outside and she believed the virus could not withstand the @ @ @ @

Washington Post: “The U.S. ambassador to South Africa attended a dinner at President Trump’s Mar-a-Lago Club with Brazilian officials who later tested positive for the novel coronavirus. But she told her State Department employees she did not consider herself at risk because the dinner was outside and she believed the virus could not withstand the Florida heat.”


politicalwire--2020-03-20--Laid-off Bloomberg Staffers Exposed to Coronavirus

“ Mike Bloomberg ’ s shuttered presidential campaign alerted staffers on Thursday night that two floors of its New York @ @ @ @ @ novel coronavirus , ” Politico reports .
“ On Friday morning , the campaign then @ @ @ @ @ across the country , including at least several dozen in the New York office who @ @ @ @ @ are now being asked to finish their employment working from home .
While staffers in @ @ @ @ @ until the end of April , the dismissed Bloomberg employees in the New York City @ @ @ @ @ after March 31 .
”

“Mike Bloomberg’s shuttered presidential campaign alerted staffers on Thursday night that two floors of its New York headquarters were exposed to the novel coronavirus,” Politico reports.
“On Friday morning, the campaign then laid off hundreds of staffers across the country, including at least several dozen in the New York office who are potentially at risk and are now being asked to finish their employment working from home. While staffers in battleground states have health coverage until the end of April, the dismissed Bloomberg employees in the New York City headquarters will lose health insurance after March 31.”


politicalwire--2020-03-20--Bloomberg Spent Nearly $1 Billion

Bloomberg Spent Nearly $1 Billion

Per a new FEC filing , Mike Bloomberg spent $ 936,225,041 on his failed presidential campaign for the Democratic nomination @

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


politicalwire--2020-03-20--Trump Lies His Way Through a Pandemic

Trump Lies His Way Through a Pandemic

Frank Rich : “ The president who is leading this country into battle cares about no one but himself , @ @ @ @ @ daily about the most basic imperatives of a public-health catastrophe , and presides over an @ @ @ @ @ third-tier bootlickers and grifters .
And I am not just talking about Mike Pence , @ @ @ @ @ Ross .
There are now three college seniors serving in White House positions , thanks @ @ @ @ @ ostensibly disloyal staffers being conducted by Trump ’ s former body man , the 29-year-old @ @ @ @ @ as director of the Presidential Personnel Office.
” “ Trump calls himself a ‘ wartime @ @ @ @ @ only previous wartime experience was partying during Vietnam , when he was spared military service @ @ @ @ @ ’ Those bone spurs long ago migrated to his brain .
If America rises to @ @ @ @ @ be despite him , not because of him .
”

Frank Rich: “The president who is leading this country into battle cares about no one but himself, continues to lie to Americans daily about the most basic imperatives of a public-health catastrophe, and presides over an administration staffed with incompetent, third-tier bootlickers and grifters. And I am not just talking about Mike Pence, Jared Kushner, and Wilbur Ross. There are now three college seniors serving in White House positions, thanks to a new purge of ostensibly disloyal staffers being conducted by Trump’s former body man, the 29-year-old John McEntee, recently installed as director of the Presidential Personnel Office.”
“Trump calls himself a ‘wartime president,’ but his only previous wartime experience was partying during Vietnam, when he was spared military service because of ‘bone spurs.’ Those bone spurs long ago migrated to his brain. If America rises to the occasion, it will be despite him, not because of him.”


politicalwire--2020-03-20--Now Is the Time to Become a Member

Now Is the Time to Become a Member

If you ’ re a regular Political Wire reader , become a member today .
You ’ ll get exclusive @ @ @ @ @ no ads .
Advertising revenue has already been cut in half and is projected to @ @ @ @ @ coming months .
As I ’ ve written before , subscription revenue is a much @ @ @ @ @ site .
Sign up for an annual or monthly membership today .
Or buy a @ @ @ @ @ .
Thanks for your support !

If you’re a regular Political Wire reader, become a member today. You’ll get exclusive analysis, new features and no ads.
Advertising revenue has already been cut in half and is projected to fall much further in the coming months. As I’ve written before, subscription revenue is a much better way to support a site.
Sign up for an annual or monthly membership today. Or buy a gift membership for a friend.
Thanks for your support!


politicalwire--2020-03-20--White House Brings Back Ex-Economic Adviser

“ The Trump administration is bringing back former chief economist Kevin Hassett , whose grim public comments about the potential @ @ @ @ @ stand in sharp contrast with some of the rosier predictions floated by current White House @ @ @ @ @ .


politicalwire--2020-03-20--Senate Majority May Hinge on Montana

Senate Majority May Hinge on Montana

Just for members : A packed new edition of Inside Elections .
This issue includes a deep dive into the @ @ @ @ @ Gov .
Steve Bullock ’ s decision to run made Democrats ’ path to the @ @ @ @ @ The edition also includes a look at nine key House races in California now that @ @ @ @ @ as well as conversations with candidates running in Nevada and Georgia .
If you ’ @ @ @ @ @ , sign up for an Annual or Monthly membership for instant access and many more @ @ @ @ @ t forget : Gift Memberships are also available for those political junkies in your life @


politicalwire--2020-03-20--Bonus Quote of the Day

Bonus Quote of the Day

“ When we hear about these deaths , most of the time we won ’ t know the individual .
@ @ @ @ @ , but we must remember that when we hear about a death , it was @ @ @ @ @ someone who wanted to live longer.
” — Ohio Gov .
Mike DeWine ( R @ @ @ @ @ ’ s first death from the coronavirus pandemic .

“When we hear about these deaths, most of the time we won’t know the individual. It will be another number, but we must remember that when we hear about a death, it was someone who was loved, someone who wanted to live longer.”
— Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine (R), announcing his state’s first death from the coronavirus pandemic.


politicalwire--2020-03-20--Illinois Governor to Issue Stay-at-Home Order

Illinois Gov .
J.B. Pritzker ( D ) plans to issue a “ shelter-in-place ” order for the entire state @ @ @ @ @ residents to stay in their homes as the officials take drastic measures to slow the @ @ @ @ @ the Chicago Tribune reports .


politicalwire--2020-03-20--Congressman Says Country Is Overreacting to Virus

Rep. Ken Buck ( R-CO ) believes the country is panicked and overreacting to the coronavirus outbreak due to a @ @ @ @ @ major political parties , the Denver Post reports .
Said Buck : “ You don @ @ @ @ @ for 30 days.
” He added : “ I have no problem with stopping sporting @ @ @ @ @ ’ t impact our civil liberties and don ’ t impact everyday life .
Those @ @ @ @ @ we can suspend for a period of time .
But it ’ s just craziness @ @ @ @ @ parts of the economy that are absolutely necessary .
”

Rep. Ken Buck (R-CO) believes the country is panicked and overreacting to the coronavirus outbreak due to a lack of leadership from both major political parties, the Denver Post reports.
Said Buck: “You don’t shut restaurants down for 30 days.”
He added: “I have no problem with stopping sporting events or things that don’t impact our civil liberties and don’t impact everyday life. Those are things that I think we can suspend for a period of time. But it’s just craziness to shut down businesses or parts of the economy that are absolutely necessary.”


politicalwire--2020-03-20--Mnuchin Says GOP Stimulus Bill Is Too Small

“ Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin sees the proposed Senate Republican stimulus measure as too small in some areas and wants @ @ @ @ @ to more individuals to mitigate the economic consequences of the coronavirus outbreak , ” Bloomberg @ @


politicalwire--2020-03-20--Trump Will Use Defense Act Powers for Medical Supplies

“ President Trump said that he would start using his powers under a Korean War-era law to try to increase @ @ @ @ @ masks , as hospitals around the country warn of shortages , ” the Wall Street @ @ @ @ @ : “ I invoked the Defense Production Act , and last night we put it @ @ @ @ @ no details .
He later refused to name any companies he claims were asked to @ @ @ @ @ .

“President Trump said that he would start using his powers under a Korean War-era law to try to increase the production of ventilators and masks, as hospitals around the country warn of shortages,” the Wall Street Journal reports.
Said Trump: “I invoked the Defense Production Act, and last night we put it into gear.”
He provided no details. He later refused to name any companies he claims were asked to produce the needed medical equipment.


politicalwire--2020-03-20--Trump Downplays Senators Dumping Stock

Trump Downplays Senators Dumping Stock

President Trump ’ s former press secretary , Sean Spicer , asked the president about reports of U.S. senators dumping @ @ @ @ @ received private briefings on the scope of the coronavirus pandemic , Vox reports .
Said @ @ @ @ @ m not aware of it .
I find them all to be very honorable people @ @ @ @ @ did nothing wrong .
”

President Trump’s former press secretary, Sean Spicer, asked the president about reports of U.S. senators dumping stock last month as they received private briefings on the scope of the coronavirus pandemic, Vox reports.
Said Trump: “I’m not aware of it. I find them all to be very honorable people, and they said they did nothing wrong.”


politicalwire--2020-03-20--Exchange of the Day

Exchange of the Day

At today ’ s briefing by the coronavirus task force , Peter Alexander of NBC News asked President Trump : @ @ @ @ @ you say to Americans that are scared ?
Garrett Graff : “ This is a @ @ @ @ @ softball question .
The fact that the president doesn ’ t realize it is deeply @ @ @ @ @ sees himself in all this .
”

At today’s briefing by the coronavirus task force, Peter Alexander of NBC News asked President Trump:
NBC NEWS: What do you say to Americans that are scared?
TRUMP: I say you’re a terrible reporter.
Garrett Graff: “This is a actually a super basic and softball question. The fact that the president doesn’t realize it is deeply troubling. He really only sees himself in all this.”


politicalwire--2020-03-20--Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day

“ If help doesn ’ t come , we ’ re going to lose people who should not die .
@ @ @ @ @ federal government ?
” — New York City Mayor Bill DeBlasio , quoted by the @ @ @

“If help doesn’t come, we’re going to lose people who should not die. Where the hell is the federal government?”
— New York City Mayor Bill DeBlasio, quoted by the Daily Beast.


politicalwire--2020-03-21--Senate Hasn’t Reached Deal Yet on Stimulus

“ Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell ( R-KY ) established midnight Friday as the deadline for getting a deal on @ @ @ @ @ package as Congress tried to move at ‘ warp speed ’ amid growing concern about @ @ @ @ @ , ” The Hill reports .
“ But senators and administration officials emerged from closed-door @ @ @ @ @ that there were too many unresolved issues and that the talks would carry over into @ @ @

“Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) established midnight Friday as the deadline for getting a deal on the broad contours of the package as Congress tried to move at ‘warp speed’ amid growing concern about the spread of the coronavirus,” The Hill reports.
“But senators and administration officials emerged from closed-door meetings on Friday night conceding that there were too many unresolved issues and that the talks would carry over into Saturday.”


politicalwire--2020-03-21--U.S. Economy Deteriorating Rapidly

U.S. Economy Deteriorating Rapidly

“ The U.S. economy is deteriorating more quickly than was expected just days ago as extraordinary measures designed to curb @ @ @ @ @ Americans penned in their homes and cause the near-total shutdown of most businesses , ” @ @ @ @ @ “ The resulting economic meltdown , which is sending several million workers streaming into the @ @ @ @ @ the federal government ’ s efforts to respond .
”

“The U.S. economy is deteriorating more quickly than was expected just days ago as extraordinary measures designed to curb the coronavirus keep 84 million Americans penned in their homes and cause the near-total shutdown of most businesses,” the Wsshington Post reports.
“The resulting economic meltdown, which is sending several million workers streaming into the unemployment line, is outpacing the federal government’s efforts to respond.”


politicalwire--2020-03-21--Trump’s Embrace of Unproven Drugs Defies Science

“ At a long-winded White House briefing on Friday , President Trump enthusiastically and repeatedly promoted the promise of two @ @ @ @ @ still unproven against the coronavirus , but being tested in clinical trials , ” the @ @ @ @ @ Said Trump : “ I ’ m a smart guy .
I feel good about @ @ @ @ @ re going to see .
You ’ re going to see soon enough.
” “ @ @ @ @ @ leading infectious disease expert , Dr. Anthony S. Fauci , delicately — yet forcefully — @ @ @ @ @ stage , explaining that there was only anecdotal evidence that the drugs , chloroquine and @ @ @ @ @ .
”

“At a long-winded White House briefing on Friday, President Trump enthusiastically and repeatedly promoted the promise of two long-used malaria drugs that are still unproven against the coronavirus, but being tested in clinical trials,” the New York Times reports.
Said Trump: “I’m a smart guy. I feel good about it. And we’re going to see. You’re going to see soon enough.”
“But the nation’s leading infectious disease expert, Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, delicately — yet forcefully — pushed back from the same stage, explaining that there was only anecdotal evidence that the drugs, chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine, may be effective.”


politicalwire--2020-03-21--U.S. Intelligence Warned About Likely Pandemic

“ U.S .
intelligence agencies were issuing ominous , classified warnings in January and February about the global danger posed @ @ @ @ @ Trump and lawmakers played down the threat and failed to take action that might have @ @ @ @ @ pathogen , ” the Washington Post reports .
“ The intelligence reports didn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ land on U.S. shores or recommend particular steps that public health officials should take , @ @ @ @ @ the intelligence agencies .
But they did track the spread of the virus in China @ @ @ @ @ countries , and warned that Chinese officials appeared to be minimizing the severity of the @ @ @ @ @ , the reports and warnings painted an early picture of a virus that showed the @ @ @ @ @ that could require governments to take swift actions to contain it .
But despite that @ @ @ @ @ Trump continued publicly and privately to play down the threat the virus posed to Americans @ @

“U.S. intelligence agencies were issuing ominous, classified warnings in January and February about the global danger posed by the coronavirus while President Trump and lawmakers played down the threat and failed to take action that might have slowed the spread of the pathogen,” the Washington Post reports.
“The intelligence reports didn’t predict when the virus might land on U.S. shores or recommend particular steps that public health officials should take, issues outside the purview of the intelligence agencies. But they did track the spread of the virus in China, and later in other countries, and warned that Chinese officials appeared to be minimizing the severity of the outbreak.”
“Taken together, the reports and warnings painted an early picture of a virus that showed the characteristics of a globe-encircling pandemic that could require governments to take swift actions to contain it. But despite that constant flow of reporting, Trump continued publicly and privately to play down the threat the virus posed to Americans.”


politicalwire--2020-03-21--You Can’t Compare This To Anything

You Can’t Compare This To Anything

Katharine Miller : “ One of the more surreal aspects of this is that everything defies comparison.
” “ There @ @ @ @ @ living memory in American life : a self-imposed stop to the economy and a soft @ @ @ @ @ ’ s no fixed point toward which we ’ re supposed to be enduring , @ @ @ @ @ reduce the systemic strain of COVID-19 on people and hospitals .
What compares ?
”

Katharine Miller: “One of the more surreal aspects of this is that everything defies comparison.”
“There’s no one-to-one in living memory in American life: a self-imposed stop to the economy and a soft, country-wide quarantine. There’s no fixed point toward which we’re supposed to be enduring, except to stay away to reduce the systemic strain of COVID-19 on people and hospitals. What compares?”


politicalwire--2020-03-21--Trump Denies He Had Early Warnings of Pandemic

President Trump on Saturday insisted that his administration didn ’ t act late in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic following @ @ @ @ @ Post that said the White House ignored early warnings from the intelligence community , The @ @ @ @ @ : “ I think the Washington Post covers us very inaccurately .
I saw the @ @ @ @ @ ’ s a disgrace , but it ’ s the Washington Post , and I @ @ @ @ @ with it .
It ’ s a very inaccurate story .
”

President Trump on Saturday insisted that his administration didn’t act late in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic following a report from the Washington Post that said the White House ignored early warnings from the intelligence community, The Hill reports.
Said Trump: “I think the Washington Post covers us very inaccurately. I saw the story. I think it’s a disgrace, but it’s the Washington Post, and I guess we have to live with it. It’s a very inaccurate story.”


politicalwire--2020-03-21--The Best Case Scenario Is Pretty Terrible

Mike Allen : “ Some readers tell us they think virus coverage has been overly dramatic .
So we wanted @ @ @ @ @ consensus of what the most clear-eyed , serious , optimistic people are saying , as @ @ @ @ @ minds.
” “ Tens of thousands of Americans die , we have double-digit unemployment for @ @ @ @ @ , retirements are wiped out , and the nation is saddled with once unimaginable debt.
@ @ @ @ @ , is the best case scenario we ’ re facing .
”

Mike Allen: “Some readers tell us they think virus coverage has been overly dramatic. So we wanted to share with you the consensus of what the most clear-eyed, serious, optimistic people are saying, as a way to focus our minds.”
“Tens of thousands of Americans die, we have double-digit unemployment for months, countless businesses die, retirements are wiped out, and the nation is saddled with once unimaginable debt.”
“That, folks, is the best case scenario we’re facing.”


politicalwire--2020-03-21--Choosing a President Under Siege

Choosing a President Under Siege

Jon Meacham : “ As we enter a prolonged period of disease , death and economic pain , we must @ @ @ @ @ — about what we need , what we want and what we must demand .
@ @ @ @ @ of his empathy , his life experience , his faith in America and his insistence @ @ @ @ @ .
We are almost certainly facing a choice in November between Donald Trump and former @ @ @ @ @ So , it ’ s time to ask : Which of these men is more @ @ @ @ @ 20th-century crisis president ?
” “ Donald Trump won ’ t be the last American @ @ @ @ @ ancient and recent — tells us that , come November , we ought to make @ @ @ @ @ .
”

Jon Meacham: “As we enter a prolonged period of disease, death and economic pain, we must think hard about presidential leadership — about what we need, what we want and what we must demand. Roosevelt met the moment because of his empathy, his life experience, his faith in America and his insistence on the centrality of fact. We are almost certainly facing a choice in November between Donald Trump and former vice president Joe Biden. So, it’s time to ask: Which of these men is more likely to approximate our greatest 20th-century crisis president?”
“Donald Trump won’t be the last American president. But history — ancient and recent — tells us that, come November, we ought to make Joe Biden the next one.”


politicalwire--2020-03-21--Fauci Was Ready Even If Trump Was Not

Fauci Was Ready Even If Trump Was Not

Washington Post : “ Seventy-nine-year-old Anthony S. Fauci has become the grandfatherly captain of the coronavirus crisis .
Through unrelenting @ @ @ @ @ and onstage with the president and his lieutenants , the longtime head of the National @ @ @ @ @ Diseases has been a reliable constant in a time of uncertainty .
”

Washington Post: “Seventy-nine-year-old Anthony S. Fauci has become the grandfatherly captain of the coronavirus crisis. Through unrelenting appearances both in the media and onstage with the president and his lieutenants, the longtime head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has been a reliable constant in a time of uncertainty.”


politicalwire--2020-03-21--Best and Worst Case Scenarios for the Pandemic

Nick Kristof examines the best and worst case scenarios for the coronavirus pandemic .
“ So where is the United @ @ @ @ @ endure the worst case , with 2.2 million deaths ?
Or will we manage to @ @ @ @ @ help from summer ?
” “ No one knows , so the optimal path forward @ @ @ @ @ best while preparing for the worst… Outcomes depend in part on us — and my @ @ @ @ @ concerned that we still are not doing enough .
”

Nick Kristof examines the best and worst case scenarios for the coronavirus pandemic.
“So where is the United States headed? Will we endure the worst case, with 2.2 million deaths? Or will we manage to turn things around, with help from summer?”
“No one knows, so the optimal path forward is to hope for the best while preparing for the worst… Outcomes depend in part on us — and my conversations with experts leave me concerned that we still are not doing enough.”


politicalwire--2020-03-21--Why More Presidents Have Been Governors

Why More Presidents Have Been Governors

Dan Balz : “ There ’ s a reason Americans have often turned to governors when they elect presidents , @ @ @ @ @ on display almost every day recently .
As the coronavirus pandemic has been spreading across @ @ @ @ @ have moved faster and more decisively than federal leaders .
”

Dan Balz: “There’s a reason Americans have often turned to governors when they elect presidents, and it’s been on display almost every day recently. As the coronavirus pandemic has been spreading across the country, top governors have moved faster and more decisively than federal leaders.”


politicalwire--2020-03-21--Pandemic Puts Elections In Limbo

Pandemic Puts Elections In Limbo

Associated Press : “ U.S .
elections have been upended by the coronavirus pandemic .
At least 13 states have @ @ @ @ @ are possible as health officials warn that social distancing and other measures to contain the @ @ @ @ @ for weeks , if not months.
” “ The states that have yet to hold @ @ @ @ @ a seemingly impossible situation as they look to balance public health concerns with the need @ @ @ @ @ election officials routinely prepare for natural disasters such as hurricanes and wildfires , the virus @ @ @ @ @ .
”

Associated Press: “U.S. elections have been upended by the coronavirus pandemic. At least 13 states have postponed voting and more delays are possible as health officials warn that social distancing and other measures to contain the virus might be in place for weeks, if not months.”
“The states that have yet to hold their primaries find themselves in a seemingly impossible situation as they look to balance public health concerns with the need to hold elections. While election officials routinely prepare for natural disasters such as hurricanes and wildfires, the virus outbreak poses a unique challenge.”


politicalwire--2020-03-21--Trump Confronts a Crisis Unlike Any Before

New York Times : “ Mr .
Trump is no stranger to crisis .
He has spent a lifetime grappling @ @ @ @ @ creditors , evading tax collectors , defending lawsuits , deflecting regulators , spinning reporters and @ @ @ @ @ usually coming out ahead , at least as he defines it .
But these were @ @ @ @ @ involving human adversaries he knew how to confront .
Nothing in his background in business @ @ @ @ @ prepared him for the coronavirus pandemic now threatening America ’ s health and wealth.
” @ @ @ @ @ s performance on the national stage in recent weeks has put on display the traits @ @ @ @ @ consider so jarring — the profound need for personal praise , the propensity to blame @ @ @ @ @ human empathy , the penchant for rewriting history , the disregard for expertise , the @ @ @ @ @ impatience with scrutiny or criticism .
For years , skeptics expressed concern about how he @ @ @ @ @ threatening the nation , and now they know .
”

New York Times: “Mr. Trump is no stranger to crisis. He has spent a lifetime grappling with bankruptcy, fending off creditors, evading tax collectors, defending lawsuits, deflecting regulators, spinning reporters and dueling with estranged wives, usually coming out ahead, at least as he defines it. But these were crises of his own creation involving human adversaries he knew how to confront. Nothing in his background in business, entertainment or multiple marriages prepared him for the coronavirus pandemic now threatening America’s health and wealth.”
“Mr. Trump’s performance on the national stage in recent weeks has put on display the traits that Democrats and some Republicans consider so jarring — the profound need for personal praise, the propensity to blame others, the lack of human empathy, the penchant for rewriting history, the disregard for expertise, the distortion of facts, the impatience with scrutiny or criticism. For years, skeptics expressed concern about how he would handle a genuine crisis threatening the nation, and now they know.”


politicalwire--2020-03-21--Justice Department Seeks Emergency Powers

“ The Justice Department has quietly asked Congress for the ability to ask chief judges to detain people indefinitely without @ @ @ @ @ of a push for new powers that comes as the coronavirus spreads through the United @ @ @ @ @ .
“ The move has tapped into a broader fear among civil liberties advocates and @ @ @ @ @ — that the president will use a moment of crisis to push for controversial policy @ @ @ @ @ has cited the pandemic as a reason for heightening border restrictions and restricting asylum claims @ @

“The Justice Department has quietly asked Congress for the ability to ask chief judges to detain people indefinitely without trial during emergencies — part of a push for new powers that comes as the coronavirus spreads through the United States,” Politico reports.
“The move has tapped into a broader fear among civil liberties advocates and Donald Trump’s critics — that the president will use a moment of crisis to push for controversial policy changes. Already, he has cited the pandemic as a reason for heightening border restrictions and restricting asylum claims.”


politicalwire--2020-03-21--Rural Hospitals May Be Hit Hardest

Rural Hospitals May Be Hit Hardest

“ Rural hospitals may not be able to keep their doors open as the coronavirus pandemic saps their cash , @ @ @ @ @ as communities most need them , ” NPR reports .
“ Well before the COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ ’ s profitability had collapsed nationwide due to a combination of narrowing Medicare reimbursements , @ @ @ @ @ lacking high-paying private insurance and the hollowing out of rural America .
Given such pressures @ @ @ @ @ hospitals have been forced to close over the past decade .
”

“Rural hospitals may not be able to keep their doors open as the coronavirus pandemic saps their cash, their CEOs warn, just as communities most need them,” NPR reports.
“Well before the COVID-19 threat, rural health care’s profitability had collapsed nationwide due to a combination of narrowing Medicare reimbursements, a larger share of patients lacking high-paying private insurance and the hollowing out of rural America. Given such pressures, more than 120 rural hospitals have been forced to close over the past decade.”


politicalwire--2020-03-21--Job Losses Could Exceed 5 Million

Job Losses Could Exceed 5 Million

Wall Street Journal : “ The fallout from the coronavirus outbreak is expected to have a significant negative impact on @ @ @ @ @ predictions emerging for losses of up to five million jobs this year and a drop @ @ @ @ @ much as $ 1.5 trillion .
”

Wall Street Journal: “The fallout from the coronavirus outbreak is expected to have a significant negative impact on U.S. economic prospects, with predictions emerging for losses of up to five million jobs this year and a drop in economic output of as much as $1.5 trillion.”


politicalwire--2020-03-21--FEMA Declares New York a ‘Major Disaster’

“ The Trump administration has issued a Major Disaster Declaration for the state , meaning more federal aid is coming @ @ @ @ @ of coronavirus show no sign of abating , ” the New York Times reports .
@ @ @ @ @ , more than 8,300 New York state residents had tested positive for the virus .
@ @ @ @ @ U.S. population , the state now accounts for nearly half of the 18,000 cases in @ @ @ @ @ designation by the Federal Emergency Management Agency gives New York access to billions of dollars @ @ @ @ @ Relief Fund .
”

“The Trump administration has issued a Major Disaster Declaration for the state, meaning more federal aid is coming to New York as cases of coronavirus show no sign of abating,” the New York Times reports.
“As of Saturday morning, more than 8,300 New York state residents had tested positive for the virus. With 6 percent of the U.S. population, the state now accounts for nearly half of the 18,000 cases in the country.”
“The designation by the Federal Emergency Management Agency gives New York access to billions of dollars in aid from the Disaster Relief Fund.”


politicalwire--2020-03-21--Now Is the Time to Become a Member

Now Is the Time to Become a Member

If you ’ re a regular Political Wire reader , become a member today .
You ’ ll get exclusive @ @ @ @ @ no ads .
Advertising revenue has already been cut in half and is projected to @ @ @ @ @ coming months .
As I ’ ve written before , subscription revenue is a much @ @ @ @ @ site .
Sign up for an annual or monthly membership today .
Or buy a @ @ @ @ @ .
Thanks for your support !

If you’re a regular Political Wire reader, become a member today. You’ll get exclusive analysis, new features and no ads.
Advertising revenue has already been cut in half and is projected to fall much further in the coming months. As I’ve written before, subscription revenue is a much better way to support a site.
Sign up for an annual or monthly membership today. Or buy a gift membership for a friend.
Thanks for your support!


politicalwire--2020-03-21--Trump Will Be Judged on One Thing Now

Trump Will Be Judged on One Thing Now

“ There ’ s a worldwide pandemic and many Americans are confined to their homes as the US government tries @ @ @ @ @ Covid-19.
” “ So come November , despite being the first impeached President to appear @ @ @ @ @ , Donald Trump will likely be judged by one thing : His response to the @ @ @

Zachary Wolf: “Remember impeachment? Me either.”
“There’s a worldwide pandemic and many Americans are confined to their homes as the US government tries to halt the spread of Covid-19.”
“So come November, despite being the first impeached President to appear on a presidential ballot afterward, Donald Trump will likely be judged by one thing: His response to the coronavirus.”


politicalwire--2020-03-21--Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day

“ I am at home , feeling about as sick as I ’ ve ever been.
” — Rep. Ben @ @ @ @ @ in an interview with CNN , after testing positive for coronavirus .

“I am at home, feeling about as sick as I’ve ever been.”
— Rep. Ben McAdams (D-UT), in an interview with CNN, after testing positive for coronavirus.


politicalwire--2020-03-21--Relief Package Could Be About $2 Trillion

“ The Trump administration ’ s top economic adviser estimated that a new financial package being assembled to blunt the @ @ @ @ @ pandemic would total more than $ 2 trillion , ” the Wall Street Journal reports @ @ @ @ @ “ The package is coming in at about 10 % of GDP.
” Playbook : @ @ @ @ @ administration seem to not care at all about the price tag of legislation — which @ @ @ @ @ sorts of interests .
We are in the midst of a dramatic expansion of government @ @ @ @ @ opportunity to bring back earmarks to help cities and counties rebuild after the coronavirus crisis @ @ @ @ @ be in the conversation .
”

“The Trump administration’s top economic adviser estimated that a new financial package being assembled to blunt the economic damage from the coronavirus pandemic would total more than $2 trillion,” the Wall Street Journal reports.
Said Larry Kudlow: “The package is coming in at about 10% of GDP.”
Playbook: “Congress and the Trump administration seem to not care at all about the price tag of legislation — which opens the door for all sorts of interests. We are in the midst of a dramatic expansion of government. Could this be the opportunity to bring back earmarks to help cities and counties rebuild after the coronavirus crisis? This is certain to be in the conversation.”


politicalwire--2020-03-21--U.S.-China Relations Hit Dangerous New Low

“ The coronavirus crisis has sent U.S.-China relations spiraling , alarming analysts who say the two countries are at their @ @ @ @ @ , ” Axios reports .
” Seeking to deflect blame for a pandemic that originated @ @ @ @ @ Chinese officials and propaganda outlets are pushing a conspiracy theory that the U.S. military planted @ @ @ @ @ a disinformation strategy not seen since at this intensity since the early days of the @ @ @ @ @ U.S. officials , including President Trump , have responded by dubbing the coronavirus a ‘ @ @ @ @ @ goes against World Health Organization naming conventions .
”

“The coronavirus crisis has sent U.S.-China relations spiraling, alarming analysts who say the two countries are at their most dangerous point in decades,” Axios reports.
” Seeking to deflect blame for a pandemic that originated within its borders, some Chinese officials and propaganda outlets are pushing a conspiracy theory that the U.S. military planted the virus in Wuhan — a disinformation strategy not seen since at this intensity since the early days of the Cold War.”
“Some U.S. officials, including President Trump, have responded by dubbing the coronavirus a ‘Chinese’ virus, which goes against World Health Organization naming conventions.”


politicalwire--2020-03-21--The Coming Tsunami of Unemployment Claims

Matthew Yglesias : “ The United States is facing an imminent surge in unemployment insurance claims that threatens to completely @ @ @ @ @ and paying benefits.
” “ The surge is so unprecedented in historical terms that it @ @ @ @ @ where the economy may go in the future , and underscores the extent to which @ @ @ @ @ completely different in its mechanics from the 2008 Great Recession but potentially even more severe @ @ @ @ @

Matthew Yglesias: “The United States is facing an imminent surge in unemployment insurance claims that threatens to completely swamp the system for claiming and paying benefits.”
“The surge is so unprecedented in historical terms that it essentially defies efforts to forecast where the economy may go in the future, and underscores the extent to which the looming coronavirus recession is completely different in its mechanics from the 2008 Great Recession but potentially even more severe in its impact.”


politicalwire--2020-03-21--Trump Begins General Election In Terrible Position

Harry Enten : “ Trump is the first incumbent president to be trailing at this point in the general election @ @ @ @ @ March in the election year ) since Harry Truman in 1948 .
”

“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…


Three Weeks

Josh Marshall reviews the last three weeks : February 26th , 2020 .
President Trump : “ When you have @ @ @ @ @ 15 within a couple of days is going to be down to close to zero @ @ @ @ @ pretty good job we ’ ve done.
” March 20th , 2020 .
Confirmed cases @ @ @ @ @ to 16,064 .
John Gruber : “ It ’ s not ‘ playing politics ’ @ @ @ @ @ regarding the Trump administration ’ s response to COVID-19 .
It is essential that we @ @ @ @ @ Trump is temperamentally unfit for the office .
”

Josh Marshall reviews the last three weeks:
February 26th, 2020. President Trump: “When you have 15 people, and the 15 within a couple of days is going to be down to close to zero, that’s a pretty good job we’ve done.”
March 20th, 2020. Confirmed cases in the United States rise to 16,064.
John Gruber: “It’s not ‘playing politics’ to point this stuff out regarding the Trump administration’s response to COVID-19. It is essential that we, collectively, see that Trump is temperamentally unfit for the office.”


politicalwire--2020-03-22--Pence Tests Negative for Coronavirus

Pence Tests Negative for Coronavirus

Vice President Mike Pence has tested negative for the novel coronavirus , a spokesperson said on Saturday .
Pence said @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 after a member his office tested positive on Friday .

Vice President Mike Pence has tested negative for the novel coronavirus, a spokesperson said on Saturday.
Pence said he elected to test for COVID-19 after a member his office tested positive on Friday.


politicalwire--2020-03-22--First Federal Inmate Tests Positive

First Federal Inmate Tests Positive

“ An inmate at a federal jail in New York City has tested positive for coronavirus , marking the first @ @ @ @ @ prison system , ” the AP reports .


politicalwire--2020-03-22--Stock Market Futures Plummet Again

Stock Market Futures Plummet Again

“ U.S .
stock futures opened sharply lower on Sunday night as Wall Street waits on Washington to agree to @ @ @ @ @ plan to combat the giant economic blow from the coronavirus outbreak , ” CNBC reports @ @ @ @ @ Average futures fell more than 900 points , or 5 % , to hit their @ @ @ @ @ .
”

“U.S. stock futures opened sharply lower on Sunday night as Wall Street waits on Washington to agree to an economic stimulus and rescue plan to combat the giant economic blow from the coronavirus outbreak,” CNBC reports.
“Dow Jones Industrial Average futures fell more than 900 points, or 5%, to hit their ‘limit down’ level.”


politicalwire--2020-03-22--Trump Offers to Help North Korea with Pandemic

President Trump has sent a letter to North Korea ’ s leader , Kim Jong-un , expressing his willingness to @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus , North Korea said on Sunday , the New York Times reports .


politicalwire--2020-03-22--Our 3 a.m. Crisis

Our 3 a.m. Crisis

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Hillary Clinton’s most important contribution to political advertising was a 2008 spot depicting children sleeping soundly in their beds late at night with a voice over saying that, at that moment, “something is happening in the world.”


politicalwire--2020-03-22--Trump Wants Control of Economic Rescue Funds

“ Congressional lawmakers are feuding over a central component of the massive economic relief package being debated by the Senate @ @ @ @ @ threaten the enormous emergency aid package while reprising one of the most bitter political fights @ @ @ @ @ ” the Washington Post reports .
“ The Trump administration and Senate Republicans have called @ @ @ @ @ the authority to disburse hundreds of billions of dollars in emergency federal loans to firms @ @ @ @ @ of the coronavirus.
” “ Congressional Democrats have demanded the legislation include guardrails to prevent @ @ @ @ @ aid from firing their workers or stripping them of their health care… They also are @ @ @ @ @ much authority to determine which firms receive the assistance .
”

“Congressional lawmakers are feuding over a central component of the massive economic relief package being debated by the Senate, a battle that may threaten the enormous emergency aid package while reprising one of the most bitter political fights of the last decade,” the Washington Post reports.
“The Trump administration and Senate Republicans have called for giving the Treasury Department the authority to disburse hundreds of billions of dollars in emergency federal loans to firms hurt by the economic impact of the coronavirus.”
“Congressional Democrats have demanded the legislation include guardrails to prevent firms who receive the emergency aid from firing their workers or stripping them of their health care… They also are balking at giving Mnuchin so much authority to determine which firms receive the assistance.”


politicalwire--2020-03-22--Trump Axed CDC Expert Job Months Before Outbreak

“ Several months before the coronavirus pandemic began , the Trump administration eliminated a key American public health position in @ @ @ @ @ disease outbreaks in China , ” Reuters reports .
“ The American disease expert , @ @ @ @ @ China ’ s disease control agency , left her post in July… The first cases @ @ @ @ @ have emerged as early as November , and as cases exploded , the Trump administration @ @ @ @ @ censoring information about the outbreak and keeping U.S. experts from entering the country to help @

“Several months before the coronavirus pandemic began, the Trump administration eliminated a key American public health position in Beijing intended to help detect disease outbreaks in China,” Reuters reports.
“The American disease expert, a medical epidemiologist embedded in China’s disease control agency, left her post in July… The first cases of the new coronavirus may have emerged as early as November, and as cases exploded, the Trump administration in February chastised China for censoring information about the outbreak and keeping U.S. experts from entering the country to help.


politicalwire--2020-03-22--Federal Reserve Official Warns of 30% Unemployment

“ Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis President James Bullard predicted the U.S. unemployment rate may hit 30 % in @ @ @ @ @ shutdowns to combat the coronavirus , with an unprecedented 50 % drop in gross domestic @ @ @ @ @ .


politicalwire--2020-03-22--Harvey Weinstein Tests Positive for Coronavirus

“ Oscar-winning movie producer Harvey Weinstein , now one of New York ’ s most notorious prison inmates after being @ @ @ @ @ has tested positive for the COVID-19 virus , ” the Niagra Gazette reports .


politicalwire--2020-03-22--Angela Merkel Goes Into Quarantine

Angela Merkel Goes Into Quarantine

“ German Chancellor Angela Merkel has gone into quarantine after being informed that a doctor who administered a vaccine to @ @ @ @ @ the new coronavirus , ” the AP reports .


politicalwire--2020-03-22--Economic Stimulus Talks Break Down

Economic Stimulus Talks Break Down

“ Top congressional leaders failed to reach agreement on a giant economic stimulus bill for the coronavirus Sunday , and @ @ @ @ @ appeared poised to chart separate courses on competing pieces of legislation , ” the Washington @ @ @ @ @ breakdown leaves Congress ’ response to the unfolding national crisis uncertain , though all sides @ @ @ @ @ Earlier from Andrew Taylor : “ There is a truism about Congress that you have @ @ @ @ @ before you have the good meeting .
I wouldn ’ t be surprised if that @ @ @ @ @ when the big four convene .
”

“Top congressional leaders failed to reach agreement on a giant economic stimulus bill for the coronavirus Sunday, and Senate Republicans and House Democrats appeared poised to chart separate courses on competing pieces of legislation,” the Washington Post reports.
“The breakdown leaves Congress’ response to the unfolding national crisis uncertain, though all sides vowed to continue working.”
Earlier from Andrew Taylor: “There is a truism about Congress that you have to have the bad meeting before you have the good meeting. I wouldn’t be surprised if that’s what happens today when the big four convene.”


politicalwire--2020-03-22--The Man Who Ran Washington

The Man Who Ran Washington

Coming soon : The Man Who Ran Washington : The Life and Times of James A. Baker III By Peter @ @ @ @ @ “ For a quarter-century , from the end of Watergate to the aftermath of the @ @ @ @ @ won the presidency without his help or ran the White House without his advice .
@

Coming soon: The Man Who Ran Washington: The Life and Times of James A. Baker III By Peter Baker and Susan Glasser.
“For a quarter-century, from the end of Watergate to the aftermath of the Cold War, no Republican won the presidency without his help or ran the White House without his advice.”


politicalwire--2020-03-22--Early Convention Adds Pressure on Democrats

“ When the Democratic National Committee decided to move its convention up to mid-July—roughly two weeks earlier than in 2016—it @ @ @ @ @ to give the party ’ s nominee more time to focus on President Trump and @ @ @ @ @ , ” the Wall Street Journal reports .
“ The coronavirus pandemic is making that @ @ @ @ @ , as Democrats face the possibility that much of the nation will be hunkered down @ @ @ @ @ come .
The earlier timetable is placing greater pressure on the party to decide whether @ @ @ @ @ as planned .
”

“When the Democratic National Committee decided to move its convention up to mid-July—roughly two weeks earlier than in 2016—it was billed as a way to give the party’s nominee more time to focus on President Trump and spend general election dollars earlier,” the Wall Street Journal reports.
“The coronavirus pandemic is making that move seem riskier in retrospect, as Democrats face the possibility that much of the nation will be hunkered down for weeks or months to come. The earlier timetable is placing greater pressure on the party to decide whether the convention will move forward as planned.”


politicalwire--2020-03-22--Rand Paul Tests Positive for Coronavirus

Sen. Rand Paul ( R-KY ) is the first senator to test positive for coronavirus .
Paul tweeted that he @ @ @ @ @ “ out of an abundance of caution due to his extensive travel and events .
@ @ @ @ @ any direct contact with any infected person.
” Axios : “ Paul , a notorious @ @ @ @ @ only senator to vote against a bipartisan $ 8 billion deal to provide emergency coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ ”

Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) is the first senator to test positive for coronavirus.
Paul tweeted that he is asymptomatic and was tested “out of an abundance of caution due to his extensive travel and events. He was not aware of any direct contact with any infected person.”
Axios: “Paul, a notorious deficit hawk, was the only senator to vote against a bipartisan $8 billion deal to provide emergency coronavirus funding earlier this month.”


politicalwire--2020-03-22--Italy Bans Movement Within Country

Italy Bans Movement Within Country

Italy banned any movement inside the country in its latest attempt to contain the coronavirus outbreak and reported another 651 @ @ @ @ @ reports .


politicalwire--2020-03-22--Where Are the Tests?

Where Are the Tests?

The Bulwark compiled all of President Trump ’ s false promises regarding the coronavirus testing in a video .


politicalwire--2020-03-22--Florida Official Urges Blowing Hair Dryer Up Your Nose

Florida Okeechobee County Commissioner Bryant Culpepper ( R ) referenced a program he said he saw on One American News Network on how to combat the coronavirus , the Lake Okeechobee News reports .
Said Culpepper : “ One of the things that was pointed out in this interview with one of the foremost doctors who has studied the coronavirus said that the nasal passages and the nasal membranes are the coolest part of the body .
That ’ s why the virus tends to go there until it then becomes healthy enough to go into the lungs.
” He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and it did to me too , but it works .
Once the temperature reaches 136 degrees Fahrenheit , the virus falls apart , it disintegrates .
I said how would you get the temperature up to 136 degrees ?
The answer was you use a blow dryer .
You hold a blow dryer up to your face and you inhale through your nose and it kills all the viruses in your nose.
” According to the World Health Organization website , hair dryers are not effective in killing the COVID-19 virus @

Florida Okeechobee County Commissioner Bryant Culpepper (R) referenced a program he said he saw on One American News Network on how to combat the coronavirus, the Lake Okeechobee News reports.
Said Culpepper: “One of the things that was pointed out in this interview with one of the foremost doctors who has studied the coronavirus said that the nasal passages and the nasal membranes are the coolest part of the body. That’s why the virus tends to go there until it then becomes healthy enough to go into the lungs.”
He added: “This sound really goofy, and it did to me too, but it works. Once the temperature reaches 136 degrees Fahrenheit, the virus falls apart, it disintegrates. I said how would you get the temperature up to 136 degrees? The answer was you use a blow dryer. You hold a blow dryer up to your face and you inhale through your nose and it kills all the viruses in your nose.”
According to the World Health Organization website, hair dryers are not effective in killing the COVID-19 virus.


politicalwire--2020-03-22--Fauci Explains Why He Contradicts Trump

Fauci Explains Why He Contradicts Trump

Dr. Anthony Fauci , the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases , told the New York @ @ @ @ @ be diplomatic when forced to contradict President Trump on the facts of the coronavirus outbreak @ @ @ @ @ I ’ ve been telling the president things he doesn ’ t want to hear @ @ @ @ @ to say something different with what he states .
It ’ s a risky business @ @ @ @ @ my style… I say it the way it is , and if he ’ s @ @ @ @ @ , he ’ s gon na get pissed off .
Thankfully , he is not @ @ @ @

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, told the New York Times that he tries to be diplomatic when forced to contradict President Trump on the facts of the coronavirus outbreak.
Said Fauci: “I’ve been telling the president things he doesn’t want to hear. I have publicly had to say something different with what he states. It’s a risky business. But that’s my style… I say it the way it is, and if he’s gonna get pissed off, he’s gonna get pissed off. Thankfully, he is not. Interestingly.”


politicalwire--2020-03-22--Johnson Warns Health System Will Be Overwhelmed

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the country ’ s National Health Service could be “ overwhelmed ” by the @ @ @ @ @ system in just two weeks , Reuters reports .
Said Johnson : “ The numbers @ @ @ @ @ they are accelerating .
We are only a matter of weeks – two or three @ @ @ @ @

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the country’s National Health Service could be “overwhelmed” by the coronavirus like the Italian health system in just two weeks, Reuters reports.
Said Johnson: “The numbers are very stark, and they are accelerating. We are only a matter of weeks – two or three – behind Italy.”


politicalwire--2020-03-22--Loeffler’s Husband Also Dumped Stock

Loeffler’s Husband Also Dumped Stock

Jeffrey Sprecher , the husband of Sen. Kelly Loeffler ( R-GA ) and the chairman of the New York Stock @ @ @ @ @ million in shares in late February just before the full impact of the new coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ reports .
Loeffler also dumped stock after receiving private briefings on the Coronavirus outbreak in @ @ @

Jeffrey Sprecher, the husband of Sen. Kelly Loeffler (R-GA) and the chairman of the New York Stock Exchange, sold $3.5 million in shares in late February just before the full impact of the new coronavirus became known, CBS News reports.
Loeffler also dumped stock after receiving private briefings on the Coronavirus outbreak in early February.


politicalwire--2020-03-22--Mark DeSaulnier in Critical Condition After Fall

Rep. Mark DeSaulnier ( D-CA ) is in critical condition after he was diagnosed with pneumonia due to complications from @ @ @ @ @ San Jose Mercury News reports .


politicalwire--2020-03-22--U.S. Coronavirus Cases Cross 25,000 Mark

As of Sunday , 26,747 has tested positive and 340 people had died , according to a Johns Hopkins tracker @ @ @ @ @ were in New York , which has quickly become the epicenter of coronavirus in America @ @ @ @ @ and California .
New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo cautioned on Saturday that the high @ @ @ @ @ state was due to more tests being done .
The state had done 45,000 tests @ @ @ @ @ 23,000 ) and Washington state ( 23,000 ) and more per capita than South Korea @ @ @

As of Sunday, 26,747 has tested positive and 340 people had died, according to a Johns Hopkins tracker.
Nearly half the infections were in New York, which has quickly become the epicenter of coronavirus in America, trailed by Washington State and California.
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo cautioned on Saturday that the high number of cases in the state was due to more tests being done. The state had done 45,000 tests, more than California (23,000) and Washington state (23,000) and more per capita than South Korea or China.


politicalwire--2020-03-23--Congressman Hospitalized After Testing Positive

Rep. Ben McAdams ( D-UT ) , who has a confirmed case of COVID-19 , said Sunday night that he @ @ @ @ @ Friday evening after suffering “ severe shortness of breath , ” the Salt Lake Tribune @ @ @ @ @ “ I was admitted and have been receiving oxygen as I struggled to maintain my @ @ @ @ @ .
Iam now off oxygen and feeling relatively better and expect to be released as @ @ @ @ @ it is appropriate .
”

Rep. Ben McAdams (D-UT), who has a confirmed case of COVID-19, said Sunday night that he was admitted to the hospital Friday evening after suffering “severe shortness of breath,” the Salt Lake Tribune reports.
Said McAdams: “I was admitted and have been receiving oxygen as I struggled to maintain my blood oxygen at appropriate levels. Iam now off oxygen and feeling relatively better and expect to be released as soon as the doctors determine it is appropriate.”


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

Exchange of the Day

Science Magazine ‘ s Jon Cohen has a fascinating interview with Dr. Anthony Fauci on the coronavirus pandemic : COHEN : What about the travel restrictions ?
President Trump keeps saying that the travel ban for China , which began 2 February , had a big impact and that he wishes China would have told us three to four months earlier and that they were “ very secretive.
” It just doesn ’ t comport with facts .
FAUCI : I know , but what do you want me to do ?
I mean , seriously Jon , let ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want me to do ?
COHEN : Most everyone thinks that you ’ re doing a remarkable job , but you ’ re standing there as the representative of truth and facts but things are being said that aren ’ t true and aren ’ t factual .
FAUCI : The way it happened is that after he made that statement , I told the appropriate people , it doesn ’ t comport , because two or three months earlier would have been September .
The next time they sit down with him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to say , they will say , by the way , Mr. President , be careful about this and don ’ t say that .
But I can ’ t jump in front of the microphone and push him down .
OK , he said it .
Let ’ s try and get it corrected for the next time .
COHEN : You have not said China virus .
COHEN .
And you never will , will you ?

Science Magazine‘s Jon Cohen has a fascinating interview with Dr. Anthony Fauci on the coronavirus pandemic:
COHEN: What about the travel restrictions? President Trump keeps saying that the travel ban for China, which began 2 February, had a big impact and that he wishes China would have told us three to four months earlier and that they were “very secretive.” It just doesn’t comport with facts.
FAUCI: I know, but what do you want me to do? I mean, seriously Jon, let’s get real, what do you want me to do?
COHEN: Most everyone thinks that you’re doing a remarkable job, but you’re standing there as the representative of truth and facts but things are being said that aren’t true and aren’t factual.
FAUCI: The way it happened is that after he made that statement, I told the appropriate people, it doesn’t comport, because two or three months earlier would have been September. The next time they sit down with him and talk about what he’s going to say, they will say, by the way, Mr. President, be careful about this and don’t say that. But I can’t jump in front of the microphone and push him down. OK, he said it. Let’s try and get it corrected for the next time.
COHEN: You have not said China virus.
FAUCI: Ever.
COHEN. And you never will, will you?
FAUCI: No.


politicalwire--2020-03-23--Coronavirus Upends Battle for the House

Coronavirus Upends Battle for the House

Politico : “ The impeachment furor that consumed Washington for nearly a year has dissipated amid a far more urgent @ @ @ @ @ outbreak .
Any trace of President Donald Trump ’ s impeachment has vanished from Capitol @ @ @ @ @ the campaign trail .
And long gone is the pervasive sense of anxiety that once @ @ @ @ @ votes to impeach Trump , which they feared could cost them their seats and possibly @ @ @ @ @ “ Instead , the battle for Congress is more likely to be redefined by a @ @ @ @ @ that has spread into every state , pulverized the economy and thrust lawmakers into a @ @ @ @ @ Great Depression .
”

Politico: “The impeachment furor that consumed Washington for nearly a year has dissipated amid a far more urgent political storm: the coronavirus outbreak. Any trace of President Donald Trump’s impeachment has vanished from Capitol Hill, cable news and the campaign trail. And long gone is the pervasive sense of anxiety that once gripped vulnerable Democrats after their votes to impeach Trump, which they feared could cost them their seats and possibly control of the House.”
“Instead, the battle for Congress is more likely to be redefined by a highly infectious and mysterious virus that has spread into every state, pulverized the economy and thrust lawmakers into a crisis-governing mode unseen since the Great Depression.”


politicalwire--2020-03-23--Trump Rewrites History In an Election Year

New York Times : “ After three years of Republicans ’ championing signs of financial prosperity that were to be @ @ @ @ @ re-election argument , the president has never needed a new message to voters as he @ @ @ @ @ mention luck .
At this point , the president has one clear option for how @ @ @ @ @ is hoping that an array of factors will break his way.
” “ The option @ @ @ @ @ pushed in recent days , is to cast himself as a ‘ wartime president ’ @ @ @ @ @ a nation under siege while his likely Democratic opponent , former Vice President Joseph R. @ @ @ @ @ out of sight hunkered down in Delaware .
This gambit , however , requires a @ @ @ @ @ Trump ’ s muted approach to the virus early on — and it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ voters will accept the idea of him as a wartime leader .
”

New York Times: “After three years of Republicans’ championing signs of financial prosperity that were to be Mr. Trump’s chief re-election argument, the president has never needed a new message to voters as he does now, not to mention luck. At this point, the president has one clear option for how to proceed politically, and is hoping that an array of factors will break his way.”
“The option, which he has brazenly pushed in recent days, is to cast himself as a ‘wartime president’ who looks in charge of a nation under siege while his likely Democratic opponent, former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr., is largely out of sight hunkered down in Delaware. This gambit, however, requires a rewriting of history — Mr. Trump’s muted approach to the virus early on — and it’s far from clear if many voters will accept the idea of him as a wartime leader.”


politicalwire--2020-03-23--How Coronavirus Is Rewiring the Political Parties

Politico : “ The 2008 financial crisis reshaped American politics , birthing a politics of outrage in the Tea Party on the right and an enduring strain of progressive populism on the left .
The coronavirus is already on a similar trajectory , triggering massive prospective bailouts and other policy proposals that stand to rewire the Republican and Democratic parties for a generation — or longer.
” “ Last week , Republicans joined Democrats — and in some cases got in front of them — in calling for direct payments to Americans to help cope with the economic fallout from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after laboring for years to repeal Obamacare , said it was considering creating a special enrollment period for the program due to the coronavirus .
When Donald Trump himself suggested the government could take equity stakes in private companies that receive federal aid , it was a Democratic governor , Colorado ’ s Jared Polis , who accused the president of being a socialist.
” “ The immediate effects of the pandemic on blurring the parties ’ ideological distinctions have been acute — and the virus ’ toll still remains far from reaching @ @ @ @

Politico: “The 2008 financial crisis reshaped American politics, birthing a politics of outrage in the Tea Party on the right and an enduring strain of progressive populism on the left. The coronavirus is already on a similar trajectory, triggering massive prospective bailouts and other policy proposals that stand to rewire the Republican and Democratic parties for a generation — or longer.”
“Last week, Republicans joined Democrats — and in some cases got in front of them — in calling for direct payments to Americans to help cope with the economic fallout from the pandemic. The Trump administration, after laboring for years to repeal Obamacare, said it was considering creating a special enrollment period for the program due to the coronavirus. When Donald Trump himself suggested the government could take equity stakes in private companies that receive federal aid, it was a Democratic governor, Colorado’s Jared Polis, who accused the president of being a socialist.”
“The immediate effects of the pandemic on blurring the parties’ ideological distinctions have been acute — and the virus’ toll still remains far from reaching its peak.”


politicalwire--2020-03-23--Germany Bans Meetings of More than Two People

“ Germany will ramp up efforts to control the spread of the coronavirus by banning meetings of more than two @ @ @ @ @ and mandating the closure of nonessential businesses , ” Politico reports .

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


politicalwire--2020-03-23--McConnell Sets Vote for Just After Market Open

“ Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell ( R-KY ) will try again on Monday to advance a mammoth coronavirus stimulus @ @ @ @ @ for shortly after the markets open , ” The Hill reports .
Said McConnell : @ @ @ @ @ way ahead , colleagues .
We ’ re going to vote at 9:45 in the @ @ @ @ @ we had at 6 p.m. tonight .
We ’ re going to vote at 9:45 @ @ @ @ @ minutes after the markets open , and see whether there ’ s a change of @ @ @ @ @ comes after the GOP stimulus package garnered 47 votes on Sunday , falling short of @ @ @ @ @ .
”

“Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) will try again on Monday to advance a mammoth coronavirus stimulus package, setting the vote for shortly after the markets open,” The Hill reports.
Said McConnell: “Here’s the way ahead, colleagues. We’re going to vote at 9:45 in the morning, the same vote we had at 6 p.m. tonight. We’re going to vote at 9:45 in the morning, 15 minutes after the markets open, and see whether there’s a change of heart.”
“His decision comes after the GOP stimulus package garnered 47 votes on Sunday, falling short of the three-fifths needed to advance.”


politicalwire--2020-03-23--Trump Predicts Pandemic Will Be Over Soon

“ As the number of coronavirus-related deaths in the U.S. soared past 400 on Sunday , President Trump reassured Americans @ @ @ @ @ and that it would all be over soon , ” Politico reports .
Said Trump @ @ @ @ @ gon na be a victory that , in my opinion , will happen much sooner @ @ @ @ @

“As the number of coronavirus-related deaths in the U.S. soared past 400 on Sunday, President Trump reassured Americans that everything would be OK and that it would all be over soon,” Politico reports.
Said Trump: “It’s gonna be a victory that, in my opinion, will happen much sooner than originally expected.”


politicalwire--2020-03-23--Mitch McConnell May Have an Attendance Problem

Playbook : “ Sens .
Rand Paul has Covid-19 .
Both Mike Lee ( R-UT ) and Mitt Romney ( @ @ @ @ @ coming into close proximity to Paul , and aren ’ t voting .
Sen. Rick @ @ @ @ @ Cory Gardner ( R-CO ) are already under self-quarantine — although they could be back @ @ @ @ @ ” “ The Senate on Sunday was 48 Republicans , 47 Democrats .
Leadership expects @ @ @ @ @ day or so .
Republicans could lose their majority at this rate .
”

Playbook: “Sens. Rand Paul has Covid-19. Both Mike Lee (R-UT) and Mitt Romney (R-UT) are self-quarantining after coming into close proximity to Paul, and aren’t voting. Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL) and Cory Gardner (R-CO) are already under self-quarantine — although they could be back in the Senate this week.”
“The Senate on Sunday was 48 Republicans, 47 Democrats. Leadership expects additional quarantines in the next day or so. Republicans could lose their majority at this rate.”


politicalwire--2020-03-23--Biden to Begin Vetting VP Shortlist

Biden to Begin Vetting VP Shortlist

Joe Biden has a shortlist of more than six women to be his running mate and will start the vetting @ @ @ @ @ of weeks , ” he said Sunday during a call with donors , Politico reports @


politicalwire--2020-03-23--Governors and Mayors In Growing Uproar

Governors and Mayors In Growing Uproar

“ President Trump ’ s response to the coronavirus pandemic sparked uproar and alarm among governors and mayors on Sunday @ @ @ @ @ ’ s top advisers continued to make confusing statements about the federal government ’ s @ @ @ @ @ , including whether he will force private industry to mass produce needed medical items , @ @ @ @ @ .
“ As deaths climbed and ahead of a potentially dire week , Trump — @ @ @ @ @ himself as a wartime leader — reacted to criticism that his administration has blundered with @ @ @ @ @ and searing grievances .
He tweeted that Illinois Gov .
J.B. Pritzker ( D ) @ @ @ @ @ t be blaming the Federal Government for their own shortcomings .
We are there to @ @ @ @ @ fail , and always will be ! '
”

“President Trump’s response to the coronavirus pandemic sparked uproar and alarm among governors and mayors on Sunday as Trump and his administration’s top advisers continued to make confusing statements about the federal government’s scramble to confront the crisis, including whether he will force private industry to mass produce needed medical items,” the Washington Post reports.
“As deaths climbed and ahead of a potentially dire week, Trump — who has sought to cast himself as a wartime leader — reacted to criticism that his administration has blundered with a torrent of soaring boasts and searing grievances. He tweeted that Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) and others ‘shouldn’t be blaming the Federal Government for their own shortcomings. We are there to back you up should you fail, and always will be!'”


politicalwire--2020-03-23--Trump Says He Hasn’t Consulted Past Presidents

President Trump that as he tackles the current national crisis , he doesn ’ t want to “ bother ” @ @ @ @ @ t think he ’ s “ going to learn much ” from them , Politico @ @ @ @ @ “ I think we ’ re doing an incredible job .
So I don ’ @ @ @ @ @ , bother them .
I don ’ t think I ’ m going to learn @ @ @ @ @ , I guess you could say that there ’ s probably a natural inclination not @ @ @ @

President Trump that as he tackles the current national crisis, he doesn’t want to “bother” his predecessors and doesn’t think he’s “going to learn much” from them, Politico reports.
Said Trump: “I think we’re doing an incredible job. So I don’t want to disturb them, bother them. I don’t think I’m going to learn much and, you know, I guess you could say that there’s probably a natural inclination not to call.”


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

Bonus Quote of the Day

— President Trump , when informed by a reporter that Sen. Mitt Romney ( R-UT ) was in isolation after @ @ @ @ @ who tested positive for coronavirus .


politicalwire--2020-03-23--Paul Stayed at Work Despite Coronavirus Test

A number of Senate aides and senators are angry Sen. Rand Paul ( R-KY ) did not go into isolation @ @ @ @ @ test , CNN reports .
Paul got the test six or seven days ago .
@ @ @ @ @ no symptoms , and did not think he had coronavirus .
He went about his @ @ @ @ @ with colleagues last week and going to the Senate gym this morning .

A number of Senate aides and senators are angry Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) did not go into isolation after he took the coronavirus test, CNN reports.
Paul got the test six or seven days ago. He felt fine, had no symptoms, and did not think he had coronavirus. He went about his daily life, including lunching with colleagues last week and going to the Senate gym this morning.


politicalwire--2020-03-22--Exchange of the Day

Exchange of the Day

From President Trump ’ s briefing tonight on the coronavirus pandemic : REPORTER : Will you commit that no money @ @ @ @ @ will go to your own properties ?
TRUMP : “ I have no idea what @ @ @ @ @ .
Everything is changing .
But I have no idea… let ’ s just see @ @ @ @

From President Trump’s briefing tonight on the coronavirus pandemic:
REPORTER: Will you commit that no money from the emergency stimulus bill will go to your own properties?
TRUMP: “I have no idea what they’re talking about. Everything is changing. But I have no idea… let’s just see what happens.”


politicalwire--2020-03-23--Trump Suggests Ending Social Distancing Soon

President Trump struck a new tone at Monday ’ s coronavirus press briefing , suggesting that social distancing restrictions will @ @ @ @ @ ” and that the U.S. has learned enough lessons to re-open the economy despite the @ @ @ @ @ .
Sid Trump : “ I ’ m not looking at months , I can @ @ @ @ @ .
”

President Trump struck a new tone at Monday’s coronavirus press briefing, suggesting that social distancing restrictions will be lifted “fairly soon” and that the U.S. has learned enough lessons to re-open the economy despite the ongoing pandemic, Axios reports.
Said Trump: “I’m not looking at months, I can tell you that right now.”


politicalwire--2020-03-23--Trump Struggles to Adjust to a Crisis Presidency

“ President Trump has never been known for his patience or long attention span , ” the AP reports .
@ @ @ @ @ coronavirus crisis threatens his presidency , and upends his campaign for reelection , Trump is @ @ @ @ @ medical professionals who have made the case day after day that the only way to @ @ @ @ @ life is to essentially shut down the country — to minimize transmission and ‘ flatten @ @ @ @ @ aren ’ t overwhelmed with critical patients.
” “ The president also has been furious @ @ @ @ @ the harrowing drop in the stock market have so far proven ineffective .
He has @ @ @ @ @ at all hours and berated aides and reporters who try to persuade him to recognize @ @ @ @ @ .
”

“President Trump has never been known for his patience or long attention span,” the AP reports.
“Now, as the coronavirus crisis threatens his presidency, and upends his campaign for reelection, Trump is rapidly losing patience with the medical professionals who have made the case day after day that the only way to prevent a catastrophic loss of life is to essentially shut down the country — to minimize transmission and ‘flatten the curve’ so hospitals aren’t overwhelmed with critical patients.”
“The president also has been furious that his efforts to halt the harrowing drop in the stock market have so far proven ineffective. He has been calling friends and economists at all hours and berated aides and reporters who try to persuade him to recognize the severity of the outbreak.”


The Trump Pandemic

The Chinese embassy in Paris is promoting the # TrumpPandemic hashtag in French .


politicalwire--2020-03-23--More Than 100 Died In the Last Day from Coronavirus

“ U.S .
states on Monday reported more than 100 deaths from the novel coronavirus , pushing the country ’ @ @ @ @ @ 500 and marking the first time single-day fatalities have risen into the triple-digits since the @ @ @ @ @ ” the Washington Post reports .


politicalwire--2020-03-23--Trump Reportedly Leaning Towards the Worst of All Worlds

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politicalwire--2020-03-23--Democratic Convention Planners Look at Options

New York Times : “ One person with knowledge of the discussions said Monday that ‘ intensive scenario-planning ’ was @ @ @ @ @ the Democratic National Committee , the convention committee and the Milwaukee host committee , who @ @ @ @ @ do about the convention , which is scheduled for July 13 to July 16 at @ @ @ @ @ ” “ Among the complicating factors are the uncertain nature of the professional basketball season @ @ @ @ @ convention is home to the Milwaukee Bucks , a top N.B.A .
team likely to @ @ @ @ @ if the league ’ s season were to restart — and how the party ’ @ @ @ @ @ .
Delegates in most states are elected to the national convention from state conventions , @ @ @ @ @ scheduled for late spring and early summer , are also being postponed .
”

New York Times: “One person with knowledge of the discussions said Monday that ‘intensive scenario-planning’ was taking place among officials from the Democratic National Committee, the convention committee and the Milwaukee host committee, who were all determining what to do about the convention, which is scheduled for July 13 to July 16 at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee.”
“Among the complicating factors are the uncertain nature of the professional basketball season — the arena hosting the convention is home to the Milwaukee Bucks, a top N.B.A. team likely to play deep into the playoffs if the league’s season were to restart — and how the party’s delegates will be selected. Delegates in most states are elected to the national convention from state conventions, but many state conventions, scheduled for late spring and early summer, are also being postponed.”


politicalwire--2020-03-23--Man Dies After Taking Drug Trump Recommended

A man has died and his wife is under critical care after the couple , both in their 60s , @ @ @ @ @ of the anti-malaria drugs that President Trump has mentioned in recent days , Axios reports @


politicalwire--2020-03-23--Texas Halts All Abortions

Texas Halts All Abortions

“ To preserve medical resources for COVID-19 patients , Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said Monday that abortions should not @ @ @ @ @ ’ s life is in danger , ” the Texas Tribune reports .
Said Paxton @ @ @ @ @ exempt from the governor ’ s executive order on medically unnecessary surgeries and procedures , @ @ @ @ @ who violate the governor ’ s order will be met with the full force of @ @ @ @

“To preserve medical resources for COVID-19 patients, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said Monday that abortions should not be performed unless the mother’s life is in danger,” the Texas Tribune reports.
Said Paxton: “No one is exempt from the governor’s executive order on medically unnecessary surgeries and procedures, including abortion providers. Those who violate the governor’s order will be met with the full force of the law.”