politicalwire--2020-12-31--Britain Braces for Not-So-Special Relationship with Biden

Politico : “ Boris Johnson has a problem named Joe Biden .
Although the U.K. has now sealed a trade @ @ @ @ @ , covering $ 900 billion in tariff-free goods and services annually , the British prime @ @ @ @ @ a new arrangement with the United States are confronting the reality of a transatlantic relationship @ @ @ @ @ special.
” “ Johnson allies fear his courtship of Donald Trump is now a liability @ @ @ @ @ along with his advocacy for a break with the EU against the advice of Trump @ @ @ @ @ while Biden ’ s tight-lipped transition team won ’ t reveal its plans for the @ @ @ @ @ officials and former officials on both sides of the Atlantic make clear that Brexit has @ @ @ @ @

Politico: “Boris Johnson has a problem named Joe Biden. Although the U.K. has now sealed a trade deal with the European Union, covering $900 billion in tariff-free goods and services annually, the British prime minister’s hopes for a new arrangement with the United States are confronting the reality of a transatlantic relationship that is now anything but special.”
“Johnson allies fear his courtship of Donald Trump is now a liability in a Democratic Washington, along with his advocacy for a break with the EU against the advice of Trump’s predecessor. And while Biden’s tight-lipped transition team won’t reveal its plans for the U.K., interviews with 16 officials and former officials on both sides of the Atlantic make clear that Brexit has changed the dynamic.”


politicalwire--2020-12-31--U.S. Sets New Record for Daily Covid-19 Deaths

“ As 2020 nears its end , the US reported a record death toll for the second day in a @ @ @ @ @ 3,740 Covid-19 fatalities Wednesday , ” CNN reports .
“ And the outlook is grim @ @ @ @ @ 80,000 Americans could die of Covid-19 over the next three weeks , a new Centers @ @ @ @ @ ensemble forecast projects — offering a stark reminder the nation is still facing challenging times @ @

“As 2020 nears its end, the US reported a record death toll for the second day in a row, with more than 3,740 Covid-19 fatalities Wednesday,” CNN reports.
“And the outlook is grim for January. More than 80,000 Americans could die of Covid-19 over the next three weeks, a new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ensemble forecast projects — offering a stark reminder the nation is still facing challenging times.”


politicalwire--2020-12-31--Biden Will Freeze Trump’s Midnight Regulations

At noon ET on Jan. 20 , after President-elect Joe Biden is inaugurated , he will issue a memo to @ @ @ @ @ and actions taken by the Trump administration that have not gone into effect by Inauguration @ @ @ @ @ .

At noon ET on Jan. 20, after President-elect Joe Biden is inaugurated, he will issue a memo to stop or postpone midnight regulations and actions taken by the Trump administration that have not gone into effect by Inauguration Day, The Week reports.


politicalwire--2020-12-31--Pence Seeks Dismissal of Case to Expand His Power

“ Vice President Pence late Thursday asked for a lawsuit that aimed to expand his power to use a congressional @ @ @ @ @ election be rejected , arguing that he was not the right person to sue over @ @ @ @ @ Washington Post reports .
“ The filing will come as a disappointment to supporters of @ @ @ @ @ that Pence would choose to set aside some of President-elect Joe Biden ’ s electoral @ @ @ @ @ next week to certify the November election .
”

“Vice President Pence late Thursday asked for a lawsuit that aimed to expand his power to use a congressional ceremony to overturn the presidential election be rejected, arguing that he was not the right person to sue over the issue,” the Washington Post reports.
“The filing will come as a disappointment to supporters of President Trump, who hoped that Pence would choose to set aside some of President-elect Joe Biden’s electoral college votes when Congress meets next week to certify the November election.”


politicalwire--2020-12-31--McConnell Calls Certification His ‘Most Consequential’ Vote

“ In an extraordinary conference call this morning with fellow Senate Republicans , Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said his Jan. @ @ @ @ @ ’ s victory in the 2020 election will be ‘ the most consequential I have @ @ @ @ @ Axios reports .
Said a source : “ The context was McConnell saying we ’ @ @ @ @ @ the results after a guy didn ’ t get as many electoral votes and lost @ @ @ @ @ ” “ Many Republican senators are furious at Sen. Josh Hawley ( R-MO ) for @ @ @ @ @ Trump is setting up as the ultimate loyalty test on January 6th .
”

“In an extraordinary conference call this morning with fellow Senate Republicans, Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said his Jan. 6 vote certifying Joe Biden’s victory in the 2020 election will be ‘the most consequential I have ever cast,'” Axios reports.
Said a source: “The context was McConnell saying we’re being asked to overturn the results after a guy didn’t get as many electoral votes and lost by 7 million popular votes.”
“Many Republican senators are furious at Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) for forcing them to take what Trump is setting up as the ultimate loyalty test on January 6th.”


politicalwire--2020-12-31--Perdue to Quarantine Ahead of Runoff

Perdue to Quarantine Ahead of Runoff

New York Times : “ Throughout late summer and fall , in the heat of a re-election campaign that he @ @ @ @ @ , and in the face of mounting evidence of…

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


politicalwire--2020-12-31--A Failure to Rise to the Moment

A Failure to Rise to the Moment

New York Times : “ Throughout late summer and fall , in the heat of a re-election campaign that he would go on to lose , and in the face of mounting evidence of a surge in infections and deaths far worse than in the spring , Mr. Trump ’ s management of the crisis — unsteady , unscientific and colored by politics all year — was in effect reduced to a single question : What would it mean for him ?
” “ The result , according to interviews with more than two dozen current and former administration officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ House , was a lose-lose situation .
Mr. Trump not only ended up soundly defeated by Joseph R. Biden Jr. , but missed his chance to show that he could rise to the moment in the final chapter of his presidency and meet the defining challenge of his tenure.
” “ Efforts by his aides to persuade him to promote mask wearing , among the simplest and most effective ways to curb the spread of the disease , were derailed by his conviction that his political base would rebel against anything that would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Even his own campaign ’ s polling data to the contrary could not sway him .
”

New York Times: “Throughout late summer and fall, in the heat of a re-election campaign that he would go on to lose, and in the face of mounting evidence of a surge in infections and deaths far worse than in the spring, Mr. Trump’s management of the crisis — unsteady, unscientific and colored by politics all year — was in effect reduced to a single question: What would it mean for him?”
“The result, according to interviews with more than two dozen current and former administration officials and others in contact with the White House, was a lose-lose situation. Mr. Trump not only ended up soundly defeated by Joseph R. Biden Jr., but missed his chance to show that he could rise to the moment in the final chapter of his presidency and meet the defining challenge of his tenure.”
“Efforts by his aides to persuade him to promote mask wearing, among the simplest and most effective ways to curb the spread of the disease, were derailed by his conviction that his political base would rebel against anything that would smack of limiting their personal freedom. Even his own campaign’s polling data to the contrary could not sway him.”


politicalwire--2020-12-31--Just 3 Million Vaccine Doses Administered

Americans received just over 3 million initial doses of coronavirus vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech in the 19 days following @ @ @ @ @ .
Axios : “ It ’ s far below Operation Warp Speed ’ s goal @ @ @ @ @ by the end of the year , raising concerns about how long it may be @ @ @ @ @ in the U.S. for life to return to normal .
”

Americans received just over 3 million initial doses of coronavirus vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech in the 19 days following first shipments, Bloomberg reports.
Axios: “It’s far below Operation Warp Speed’s goal of administering 20 million doses by the end of the year, raising concerns about how long it may be until enough people are vaccinated in the U.S. for life to return to normal.”


politicalwire--2020-12-31--Democrats Are Actually Running More Ads In Georgia

Despite being vastly outspent in the Senate runoffs by Republicans overall , Inside Elections found the Democratic candidates were actually @ @ @ @ @ Georgia than the Republicans .
“ Because candidates have access to lower rates , that @ @ @ @ @ advantage for Democrats in the overall number of broadcast TV ads run so far , @ @ @ @ @ According to Kantar , Ossoff , Warnock , and their outside allies have run 135,962 @ @ @ @ @ and their outside allies have run 113,018 .
”

Despite being vastly outspent in the Senate runoffs by Republicans overall, Inside Elections found the Democratic candidates were actually running more total ads in Georgia than the Republicans.
“Because candidates have access to lower rates, that imbalance translates into a slight advantage for Democrats in the overall number of broadcast TV ads run so far, despite being outspent overall. According to Kantar, Ossoff, Warnock, and their outside allies have run 135,962 spots while Loeffler, Perdue and their outside allies have run 113,018.”


politicalwire--2020-12-31--The Unbearable Weakness of Trump’s Minions

Peter Wehner : “ Those hoping for a quick snapback to sanity for the Republican Party once Donald Trump is no longer president should temper those hopes.
” “ The latest piece of evidence to suggest the enduring power of Trumpian unreality is yesterday ’ s announcement by Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri that he will object next week when Congress convenes to certify the Electoral College vote.
” “ Hawley knows this effort will fail , just as every other effort to undo the results of the lawful presidential election will fail .
( A brief reminder for those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defeated Trump by more than 7 million popular votes and 74 Electoral College votes . )
Every single attempt to prove that the election was marked by fraud or that President-elect Biden ’ s win is illegitimate—an effort that now includes about 60 lawsuits—has flopped .
In fact , what we ’ ve discovered since the November 3 election is that it was ‘ the most secure in American history , ’ as election experts in Trump ’ s own administration have declared .
But this immutable , eminently provable fact doesn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allies from trying to overturn the election ; perversely , it seems to embolden them .
”

Peter Wehner: “Those hoping for a quick snapback to sanity for the Republican Party once Donald Trump is no longer president should temper those hopes.”
“The latest piece of evidence to suggest the enduring power of Trumpian unreality is yesterday’s announcement by Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri that he will object next week when Congress convenes to certify the Electoral College vote.”
“Hawley knows this effort will fail, just as every other effort to undo the results of the lawful presidential election will fail. (A brief reminder for those with faulty short-term memories: Joe Biden defeated Trump by more than 7 million popular votes and 74 Electoral College votes.) Every single attempt to prove that the election was marked by fraud or that President-elect Biden’s win is illegitimate—an effort that now includes about 60 lawsuits—has flopped. In fact, what we’ve discovered since the November 3 election is that it was ‘the most secure in American history,’ as election experts in Trump’s own administration have declared. But this immutable, eminently provable fact doesn’t deter Trump and many of his allies from trying to overturn the election; perversely, it seems to embolden them.”


politicalwire--2020-12-31--No Explanation Given for Trump’s Early Return

“ President Trump is cutting his Florida vacation short and traveling back to Washington on Thursday , but the White @ @ @ @ @ why he was ending the holiday trip to his private resort a day earlier than @ @ @ @ @ reports .


politicalwire--2020-12-31--Trump Appointee Attempts Power Grab of Media Agency

Michael Pack , the CEO of the U.S. Agency for Global Media , is attempting to maintain control of Radio @ @ @ @ @ Asia despite the fact that President-elect Biden has already indicated he will be ousting him @ @ @ @ @ NPR reports .
Pack has proposed binding agreements that will make it impossible to remove @ @ @ @ @ the two entities ’ boards for at least two years .

Michael Pack, the CEO of the U.S. Agency for Global Media, is attempting to maintain control of Radio Free Europe and Radio Free Asia despite the fact that President-elect Biden has already indicated he will be ousting him when he takes office, NPR reports.
Pack has proposed binding agreements that will make it impossible to remove him or his allies from the two entities’ boards for at least two years.


politicalwire--2020-12-31--Make 2021 a Green New Year

Make 2021 a Green New Year


politicalwire--2020-12-31--Graham Wants Separate Vote on $2,000 Checks


politicalwire--2020-12-31--Let Josh Hawley Put Republicans on Record

Ruth Marcus on Sen. Josh Hawley ’ s attempt to challenge the Electoral College tally : “ It is doomed @ @ @ @ @ perhaps , at its scarcely disguised purpose of winning Hawley favor in the eyes of @ @ @ @ @ of it as the first act of Hawley ’ s all-but-inevitable 2024 presidential campaign .
@ @ @ @ @ it is : a stunt.
” “ Yet while irresponsible , Hawley ’ s move @ @ @ @ @ development .
It forces a vote that will have the salutary effect of requiring his @ @ @ @ @ and to put on the record —whether their loyalty is to President Trump or to @ @ @ @ @ know than to guess .
Better to inflict some accountability rather than to enable dodging.
@ @ @ @ @ How Many Republicans Will Keep Up the Fight ?

Ruth Marcus on Sen. Josh Hawley’s attempt to challenge the Electoral College tally:
“It is doomed to fail — except, perhaps, at its scarcely disguised purpose of winning Hawley favor in the eyes of the Trumpian base. Think of it as the first act of Hawley’s all-but-inevitable 2024 presidential campaign. Think of it as what it is: a stunt.”
“Yet while irresponsible, Hawley’s move is not necessarily a terrible development. It forces a vote that will have the salutary effect of requiring his Republican colleagues to decide — and to put on the record —whether their loyalty is to President Trump or to the Constitution. Better to know than to guess. Better to inflict some accountability rather than to enable dodging.”
Related for members: How Many Republicans Will Keep Up the Fight?


politicalwire--2020-12-31--Trump’s Embarrassing Electoral College Hustle

“ Republicans should be embarrassed by Mr. Trump ’ s Electoral College hustle .
Mr. Trump is putting his loyal @ @ @ @ @ , and what do Republicans think would happen if Mr. Pence pulled the trigger , @ @ @ @ @ electoral votes , and the House chose Mr. Trump as President ?
Riots in the @ @ @ @ @ of it.
” “ Mr .
Pence is too much of a patriot to go @ @ @ @ @ to overturn the will of the voters tarnishes Mr. Trump ’ s legacy and undermines @ @ @ @ @ running in 2024 .
Republicans who humor him will be giving Democrats license to do @ @ @ @ @ , and then it might matter .
”

A Wall Street Journal editorial argues President Trump is setting a destructive precedent:
“Republicans should be embarrassed by Mr. Trump’s Electoral College hustle. Mr. Trump is putting his loyal VP in a terrible spot, and what do Republicans think would happen if Mr. Pence pulled the trigger, Mr. Biden was denied 270 electoral votes, and the House chose Mr. Trump as President? Riots in the streets would be the least of it.”
“Mr. Pence is too much of a patriot to go along, but the scramble to overturn the will of the voters tarnishes Mr. Trump’s legacy and undermines any designs he has on running in 2024. Republicans who humor him will be giving Democrats license to do the same in the future, and then it might matter.”


politicalwire--2020-12-31--The Big Lesson of 2020

The Big Lesson of 2020

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

This piece for members is by David T.S. Jonas.
There was no shortage of lessons to be learned from American politics in 2020, but the biggest was this: what voters say and what voters do are very, very different things.


politicalwire--2020-12-31--Congresswomen-Elect to Miss Swearing In Ceremony

“ Congresswoman-elect María Elvira Salazar ( R ) of Florida announced Thursday that she will miss the swearing-in ceremony for @ @ @ @ @ Sunday in Washington after testing positive for the coronavirus , ” NBC News reports .
@ @ @ @ @ from the Miami area who defeated Democratic Rep. Donna Shalala in one of the biggest @ @ @ @ @ year , was admitted to the hospital overnight on Dec. 23 with heart arrhythmia and @ @ @ @ @ .
”

“Congresswoman-elect María Elvira Salazar (R) of Florida announced Thursday that she will miss the swearing-in ceremony for new members of Congress on Sunday in Washington after testing positive for the coronavirus,” NBC News reports.
“Salazar, a Republican from the Miami area who defeated Democratic Rep. Donna Shalala in one of the biggest House upsets of the election year, was admitted to the hospital overnight on Dec. 23 with heart arrhythmia and later tested positive for Covid-19.”


politicalwire--2020-12-31--It’s Been a Truly Insane Year

It’s Been a Truly Insane Year

We ’ re at the end of a year that brought a presidential impeachment trial , a global pandemic that @ @ @ @ @ Americans , a nationwide social movement for racial justice , the election of a new @ @ @ @ @ who still refuses to accept the results of that election even though the final tally @ @ @ @ @ .
Political Wire documented all of it — in 14,358 posts , so far — @ @ @ @ @ last night “ will be a boon to future historians.
” It ’ s all @ @ @ @ @ .
If you ’ re not yet a member , sign up today and you @ @ @ @ @ , new features and no advertising .
Thank you for reading !

We’re at the end of a year that brought a presidential impeachment trial, a global pandemic that has killed more than 340,000 Americans, a nationwide social movement for racial justice, the election of a new president and an outgoing president who still refuses to accept the results of that election even though the final tally wasn’t even close.
Political Wire documented all of it — in 14,358 posts, so far — an archive Rick Perlstein said last night “will be a boon to future historians.”
It’s all possible because of our members. If you’re not yet a member, sign up today and you’ll get exclusive analysis, new features and no advertising.
Thank you for reading!


politicalwire--2020-12-31--Sasse Denounces Effort To Overturn Electoral Vote

Sen. Ben Sasse ( R-NE ) wrote on Facebook that the effort in Congress to reverse President-elect Joe Biden ’ @ @ @ @ @ a “ dangerous ploy.
” Said Sasse : “ All the clever arguments and rhetorical @ @ @ @ @ ’ t change the fact that this January 6th effort is designed to disenfranchise millions @ @ @ @ @ voted for someone in a different party .
We ought to be better than that.
@ @ @ @ @ has yet to accept election results , months after Republicans said he would .

Sen. Ben Sasse (R-NE) wrote on Facebook that the effort in Congress to reverse President-elect Joe Biden’s electoral college victory was a “dangerous ploy.”
Said Sasse: “All the clever arguments and rhetorical gymnastics in the world won’t change the fact that this January 6th effort is designed to disenfranchise millions of Americans simply because they voted for someone in a different party. We ought to be better than that.”
Washington Post: Trump has yet to accept election results, months after Republicans said he would.


politicalwire--2020-12-31--Young People Are Getting Out the Vote In Georgia

“ From messaging potential voters on dating apps to helping pay for Uber rides to the polls , young people @ @ @ @ @ a role in the Georgia Senate runoff elections from afar , and they ’ re @ @ @ @ @ while doing so , ” CNN reports .
“ Youth turnout was high across the @ @ @ @ @ national organizers are hoping to re-energize young voters ahead of the crucial Georgia elections that @ @ @ @ @ the US Senate .
”

“From messaging potential voters on dating apps to helping pay for Uber rides to the polls, young people across the country are playing a role in the Georgia Senate runoff elections from afar, and they’re getting creative with digital techniques while doing so,” CNN reports.
“Youth turnout was high across the country on Election Day and national organizers are hoping to re-energize young voters ahead of the crucial Georgia elections that will determine which party controls the US Senate.”
Los Angeles Times: Georgians can’t escape political ads.


politicalwire--2020-01-31--Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day

“ I ’ m not going to lose in this state .
I don ’ t think I ’ m @ @ @ @ @ other state.
” — President Trump , quoted in Iowa by the Des Moines Register @

“I’m not going to lose in this state. I don’t think I’m going to lose in any other state.”
— President Trump, quoted in Iowa by the Des Moines Register.


politicalwire--2020-01-31--Trump Lawyer Blurs Line Between Profit and Charity

“ Jay Sekulow , one of President Donald Trump ’ s lead attorneys during the impeachment trial , is being @ @ @ @ @ through a rented $ 80-a-month mailbox a block away from the White House , ” @ @ @ @ @ The Pennsylvania Avenue box appears to be the sole physical location of the Constitutional Litigation @ @ @ @ @ for-profit corporation co-owned by Sekulow .
The firm has no website and is not listed @ @ @ @ @ The District of Columbia Bar has no record of it , and no attorneys list @ @ @ @ @ ”

“Jay Sekulow, one of President Donald Trump’s lead attorneys during the impeachment trial, is being paid for his legal work through a rented $80-a-month mailbox a block away from the White House,” the AP reports.
“The Pennsylvania Avenue box appears to be the sole physical location of the Constitutional Litigation and Advocacy Group, a for-profit corporation co-owned by Sekulow. The firm has no website and is not listed in national legal directories. The District of Columbia Bar has no record of it, and no attorneys list it as their employer.”


politicalwire--2020-01-31--Sanders and Biden Lead Democratic Field

Sanders and Biden Lead Democratic Field

A new NBC News/Wall Street Journal national poll finds Bernie Sanders and Joe Biden statistically tied at the top of @ @ @ @ @ leads with 27 % support , followed by Biden at 26 % and Elizabeth Warren @ @ @ @ @ Bloomberg at 9 % , Pete Buttigieg at 7 % and Amy Klobuchar at 5 @ @

A new NBC News/Wall Street Journal national poll finds Bernie Sanders and Joe Biden statistically tied at the top of the Democratic field.
Sanders leads with 27% support, followed by Biden at 26% and Elizabeth Warren at 15%, Michael Bloomberg at 9%, Pete Buttigieg at 7% and Amy Klobuchar at 5%.


politicalwire--2020-01-31--Bolton Defends Those Who Testified In Impeachment Probe

Speaking at a private event in Austin Thursday , Former National Security Advisor John Bolton defended government officials who testified @ @ @ @ @ House impeachment inquiry , KXAN reports .
Bolton defended former diplomatic and state department officials @ @ @ @ @ , Alex Vindman , Bill Taylor , and Marie Yovanovitch .
Said Bolton : “ @ @ @ @ @ the best interest of the country as they saw it and consistent to what they @ @ @ @ @ ”

Speaking at a private event in Austin Thursday, Former National Security Advisor John Bolton defended government officials who testified in front of the U.S. House impeachment inquiry, KXAN reports.
Bolton defended former diplomatic and state department officials Fiona Hill, Tim Morrison, Alex Vindman, Bill Taylor, and Marie Yovanovitch.
Said Bolton: “All of them acted in the best interest of the country as they saw it and consistent to what they thought our policies were.”


politicalwire--2020-01-31--Alexander Will Vote Against New Witnesses

Sen. Lamar Alexander ( R-TN ) announced that he will not support calling new witnesses in President Trump ’ s @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s worth , Sen. Susan Collins ( R-ME ) will vote in favor @ @ @ @ @ It ’ s possible that Sens .
Mitt Romney ( R-UT ) and Lisa Murkowski @ @ @ @ @ Collins , resulting in a 50-50 tie .

Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-TN) announced that he will not support calling new witnesses in President Trump’s impeachment trial.
For what it’s worth, Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) will vote in favor of calling new witnesses. It’s possible that Sens. Mitt Romney (R-UT) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) will join Collins, resulting in a 50-50 tie.


politicalwire--2020-01-31--Biden Argued Against Impeachment Witnesses In 1999

“ In January 1999 , then-Sen. Joe Biden argued strongly against the need to depose additional witnesses or seek new @ @ @ @ @ to fellow Democrats ahead of President Bill Clinton ’ s impeachment trial , ” Politico @ @

“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--2020-01-31--Buttigieg’s Spanish Website Is Mostly In English

BuzzFeed News : “ The majority of the Spanish-language links to issues on Pete Buttigieg ’ s campaign website lead @ @ @ @ @ of the actual plans — except for the links to donate and caucus for the @ @ @ @ @ into Spanish .
”


politicalwire--2020-01-31--Biden Criticizes Sanders for Not Being a Democrat

When asked to identify the contrast between himself and Sen. Bernie Sanders , Joe Biden told the Wall Street Journal @ @ @ @ @ a Democrat.
” Asked if he was inferring that Sanders was not a Democrat , @ @ @ @ @ , he says he ’ s not .
He ’ s not a registered Democrat @ @

When asked to identify the contrast between himself and Sen. Bernie Sanders, Joe Biden told the Wall Street Journal: “I’m a Democrat.”
Asked if he was inferring that Sanders was not a Democrat, Biden responded: “Well, he says he’s not. He’s not a registered Democrat.”


politicalwire--2020-01-31--This Impeachment Is All About Corruption

George Conway : “ Corruption , for all the Trump lawyers ’ attempt to muddy the waters with tortured interpretations @ @ @ @ @ what this impeachment is all about .
Trump acted with corrupt intent to damage a @ @ @ @ @ former national security adviser John Bolton seems certain to underscore that point.
” “ Which @ @ @ @ @ seem so desperate not to hear it and so willing to entertain a false reading @ @ @ @ @ effectively render the impeachment clause a nullity .
Should they do that , they will @ @ @ @ @ to protect their own electoral prospects , and the country and the Constitution will have @ @ @ @ @ precedent .
The Senate will have told Trump that , indeed , he can do @ @ @ @ @

George Conway: “Corruption, for all the Trump lawyers’ attempt to muddy the waters with tortured interpretations of the Constitution, is what this impeachment is all about. Trump acted with corrupt intent to damage a political opponent. Testimony from former national security adviser John Bolton seems certain to underscore that point.”
“Which is precisely why Republican senators seem so desperate not to hear it and so willing to entertain a false reading of the Constitution that would effectively render the impeachment clause a nullity. Should they do that, they will have sacrificed their own oaths to protect their own electoral prospects, and the country and the Constitution will have been saddled with a terrible precedent. The Senate will have told Trump that, indeed, he can do whatever he wants.”


politicalwire--2020-01-31--Extra Bonus Quote of the Day

Extra Bonus Quote of the Day

“ It ’ s more than frustrating—it ’ s pathetic .
If you had any regard at all for the @ @ @ @ @ , to allow the White House to stonewall the House of Representatives in a completely @ @ @ @ @ accept a set of rules … that are just a cover up for what the @ @ @ @ @ think demonstrates a complete lack of regard for what this institution is supposed to be @ @ @ @ @ Bennet ( D-CO ) , quoted by the Daily Beast , on the GOP ’ @ @ @ @ @ impeachment .

“It’s more than frustrating—it’s pathetic. If you had any regard at all for the prerogatives of the legislative branch, to allow the White House to stonewall the House of Representatives in a completely unprecedented way, and then accept a set of rules … that are just a cover up for what the President has done, I think demonstrates a complete lack of regard for what this institution is supposed to be about.”
— Sen. Michael Bennet (D-CO), quoted by the Daily Beast, on the GOP’s refusal to budge on impeachment.


politicalwire--2020-01-31--Alexander Will Make Decision on Witnesses Tonight

Sen. Lamar Alexander ( R-TN ) will announce later tonight his decision on whether to call new witnesses in President @ @ @ @ @ .


politicalwire--2020-02-03--The Stakes for Biden In Iowa Are Enormous

First Read : “ No one has more at stake tonight than Joe Biden .
A first-place finish in the @ @ @ @ @ him the driver ’ s seat to win the Democratic nomination ; a fourth-place finish @ @ @ @ @ ” “ No other Top 4 Democrat has that wide range of possibilities .
”

First Read: “No one has more at stake tonight than Joe Biden. A first-place finish in the Iowa caucuses here could put him the driver’s seat to win the Democratic nomination; a fourth-place finish could end his political career.”
“No other Top 4 Democrat has that wide range of possibilities.”
Two more questions: “Are there really only two tickets out of Iowa — with Michael Bloomberg purchasing the third? Think about it: The only realistic third-place finish that would be a positive story for that candidate is Amy Klobuchar’s.”
“And if Sanders really does win Iowa, does he start acting like a front-runner? How he declares victory, if he wins, will matter.”


politicalwire--2020-02-03--Sanders Opens Wide Lead In New Hampshire

The first of a continuous eight-day 7 News/ Emerson College Polling tracking poll of New Hampshire Democratic voters finds Bernie @ @ @ @ @ in the Granite State at 29 % support , followed by Joe Biden at 14 @ @ @ @ @ 13 % , and Elizabeth Warren with 12 % .


politicalwire--2020-02-03--Susan Collins Finds It Lonely In the Middle

Washington Post : “ Here in Maine , where the famously independent Collins is locked in a tight reelection campaign @ @ @ @ @ wintry mix of cold shoulders and icy glares.
” “ Republicans quietly counseled that Collins @ @ @ @ @ inciting a rebellion from the party ’ s Trump-loving base — perhaps even a primary @ @ @ @ @ , heaped scorn on the senator for making gestures toward standing up to the president @ @ @ @ @ it counts .
”

Washington Post: “Here in Maine, where the famously independent Collins is locked in a tight reelection campaign, the choice elicited a wintry mix of cold shoulders and icy glares.”
“Republicans quietly counseled that Collins could go no further without inciting a rebellion from the party’s Trump-loving base — perhaps even a primary challenge. Democrats, meanwhile, heaped scorn on the senator for making gestures toward standing up to the president but not doing so when it counts.”


politicalwire--2020-02-03--Book Agents Refute Whisper Campaign Against Official

“ The agents for the senior Trump administration official who penned an anonymous New York Times op-ed and best-selling book @ @ @ @ @ swat down a whisper campaign pinning the unnamed writings on a top National Security Council @ @ @ @ @ bizarre circumstances ’ that forced their hand , ” Politico reports .


politicalwire--2020-02-03--Bernie Thought to Have Edge In Iowa

Bernie Thought to Have Edge In Iowa

New York Times : “ The cancellation on Saturday night of a final pre-caucus poll from The Des Moines Register @ @ @ @ @ a survey error , frustrated campaigns that had come to depend on the poll as @ @ @ @ @ results .
But strategists for several campaigns said there was a deepening sense that Senator @ @ @ @ @ an advantage ahead of Monday ’ s contest.
” Playbook : “ If Bernie Sanders @ @ @ @ @ pulling in huge money online , and Joe Biden does worse than expected , establishment @ @ @ @ @ out .
”

New York Times: “The cancellation on Saturday night of a final pre-caucus poll from The Des Moines Register and CNN, because of a survey error, frustrated campaigns that had come to depend on the poll as a reliable omen of caucus results. But strategists for several campaigns said there was a deepening sense that Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont had an advantage ahead of Monday’s contest.”
Playbook: “If Bernie Sanders wins convincingly tonight and is pulling in huge money online, and Joe Biden does worse than expected, establishment Dems are going to freak out.”


politicalwire--2020-02-03--Trump Congratulates Wrong State for Super Bowl Win

President Trump deleted a tweet after congratulating Kansas , not Missouri , for the Kansas City Chiefs ’ Super Bowl @ @ @ @ @ .


politicalwire--2020-02-03--Sanders and Warren Have Different Closing Pitches

Politico : “ In the final hours before Iowa ’ s caucuses , the two leading progressive presidential candidates are @ @ @ @ @ voters : Sanders ’ campaign is leaning hard into their anti-establishment bonafides , while Warren @ @ @ @ @ candidate who can bring together a fractured Democratic Party.
” “ Warren ’ s message @ @ @ @ @ and mainstream Democrats who have fretted for months about the need to bring the party @ @ @ @ @ Trump won the election partly because the party was divided .
Sanders ’ pitch is @ @ @ @ @ and disillusioned caucus-goers who are exhausted and furious with the status quo , and who @ @ @ @ @ on an anti-establishment mood throughout the nation .
”

Politico: “In the final hours before Iowa’s caucuses, the two leading progressive presidential candidates are making diametrically opposed pitches to voters: Sanders’ campaign is leaning hard into their anti-establishment bonafides, while Warren is selling herself as a candidate who can bring together a fractured Democratic Party.”
“Warren’s message is aimed toward more traditional and mainstream Democrats who have fretted for months about the need to bring the party together; many believe President Trump won the election partly because the party was divided. Sanders’ pitch is pointed at young, infrequent and disillusioned caucus-goers who are exhausted and furious with the status quo, and who think Trump rode to victory on an anti-establishment mood throughout the nation.”


politicalwire--2020-02-03--Trump Campaign Promotes Bernie’s Rise

Trump Campaign Promotes Bernie’s Rise

Jonathan Swan : “ Bernie Sanders has surged to the front of the polls ahead of Monday ’ s Iowa @ @ @ @ @ Trump ’ s political advisers say they are doing their best to help him stay @ @ @ @ @ adviser : “ We ’ re trying to promote the rise .
The campaign has @ @ @ @ @ messaging behind Bernie , pushing out fundraising emails .
When you attack his policies , @ @ @ @ @ talk about him.
” “ The adviser said that highlighting Sanders , a self-described democratic @ @ @ @ @ the whole field of Democrats under a socialist umbrella .
”

Jonathan Swan: “Bernie Sanders has surged to the front of the polls ahead of Monday’s Iowa caucuses. And some of Trump’s political advisers say they are doing their best to help him stay there.”
Said a Trump adviser: “We’re trying to promote the rise. The campaign has been pumping up the national messaging behind Bernie, pushing out fundraising emails. When you attack his policies, it gets the media to talk about him.”
“The adviser said that highlighting Sanders, a self-described democratic socialist, helps Trump put the whole field of Democrats under a socialist umbrella.”


politicalwire--2020-02-02--New Poll Shows Sanders Leading In Iowa

New Poll Shows Sanders Leading In Iowa

The final Emerson College/7 News Iowa poll finds Bernie Sanders with a solid lead going into Monday ’ s caucus @ @ @ @ @ by Joe Biden follows with 21 % , Pete Buttigieg at 15 % , Elizabeth @ @ @ @ @ and Amy Klobuchar at 11 % .


politicalwire--2020-02-02--Rivals Warn Sanders Plans to Game Iowa Results

“ Rival campaigns are sounding the alarm that Bernie Sanders could be planning to claim victory on Monday night — @ @ @ @ @ , ” Politico reports .
“ It ’ s a move , they say , @ @ @ @ @ effect on the outcome.
” “ Sanders and his team have made clear their intention @ @ @ @ @ the first round of caucus voting Monday , even though the Iowa Democratic Party stresses @ @ @ @ @ matters is the final delegate count .
”

“Rival campaigns are sounding the alarm that Bernie Sanders could be planning to claim victory on Monday night — before the caucuses are concluded,” Politico reports.
“It’s a move, they say, that could have a significant effect on the outcome.”
“Sanders and his team have made clear their intention to tout the results of the first round of caucus voting Monday, even though the Iowa Democratic Party stresses that the only number that matters is the final delegate count.”


politicalwire--2020-02-02--Trump’s Sense of Invincibility

Trump’s Sense of Invincibility

Jonathan Swan : “ President Trump often says he ’ s the smartest person in the room on virtually every @ @ @ @ @ taking several risks on what he privately calls ‘ big shit ’ and avoiding catastrophe @ @ @ @ @ inner circle convey supreme self-confidence , bordering on a sense of invincibility.
” “ Three @ @ @ @ @ presidency , their view is the naysayers are always wrong .
They point to Iran @ @ @ @ @ peace .
Every day , Trump grows more confident in his gut and less deterrable @ @ @ @ @ , 10 senior administration officials have described this sentiment to me .
Most of them @ @ @ @

Jonathan Swan: “President Trump often says he’s the smartest person in the room on virtually every topic. Now, after taking several risks on what he privately calls ‘big shit’ and avoiding catastrophe, Trump and his entire inner circle convey supreme self-confidence, bordering on a sense of invincibility.”
“Three years into Trump’s presidency, their view is the naysayers are always wrong. They point to Iran, impeachment, Middle East peace. Every day, Trump grows more confident in his gut and less deterrable. Over the last month, 10 senior administration officials have described this sentiment to me. Most of them share it.”


politicalwire--2020-02-02--John Kerry Overheard Discussing 2020 Bid

Former Secretary of State John Kerry — one of Joe Biden ’ s highest-profile endorsers — was overheard Sunday on @ @ @ @ @ Moines hotel explaining what he would have to do to enter the presidential race amid @ @ @ @ @ Sanders taking down the Democratic Party — down whole , ” NBC News reports .
@ @ @ @ @ maybe I ’ m fucking deluding myself here ” and explaining that in order to @ @ @ @ @ have to step down from the board of Bank of America and give up his @ @ @ @ @ .
Kerry added that donors like venture capitalist Doug Hickey would have to “ raise @ @ @ @ @ ” adding that such donors “ now have the reality of Bernie .
”

Former Secretary of State John Kerry — one of Joe Biden’s highest-profile endorsers — was overheard Sunday on the phone at a Des Moines hotel explaining what he would have to do to enter the presidential race amid “the possibility of Bernie Sanders taking down the Democratic Party — down whole,” NBC News reports.
Kerry was overheard saying “maybe I’m fucking deluding myself here” and explaining that in order to run, he’d have to step down from the board of Bank of America and give up his ability to make paid speeches.
Kerry added that donors like venture capitalist Doug Hickey would have to “raise a couple of million,” adding that such donors “now have the reality of Bernie.”


politicalwire--2020-02-02--Ernst Says Biden Will Be Impeached If Elected

Sen. Joni Ernst warned that Republicans would immediately push to impeach Joe Biden over his work in Ukraine as vice @ @ @ @ @ White House , Bloomberg reports .
Said Ernst : “ I think this door of @ @ @ @ @ .
Joe Biden should be very careful what he ’ s asking for because , @ @ @ @ @ have a situation where if it should ever be President Biden , that immediately , @ @ @ @ @ after he would be elected would be saying , ‘ Well , we ’ re @ @ @ @ @ ’ ”

Sen. Joni Ernst warned that Republicans would immediately push to impeach Joe Biden over his work in Ukraine as vice president if he win the White House, Bloomberg reports.
Said Ernst: “I think this door of impeachable whatever has been opened. Joe Biden should be very careful what he’s asking for because, you know, we can have a situation where if it should ever be President Biden, that immediately, people, right the day after he would be elected would be saying, ‘Well, we’re going to impeach him.’”


politicalwire--2020-02-02--Trump Worried Labor Secretary Related to CNN Reporter

The New Yorker reports that before choosing Alexander Acosta to be his Secretary of Labor , President Trump was worried @ @ @ @ @ the CNN reporter Jim Acosta , so he told his staff , “ Do me @ @ @ @ @ the family tree .
”

The New Yorker reports that before choosing Alexander Acosta to be his Secretary of Labor, President Trump was worried that he was related to the CNN reporter Jim Acosta, so he told his staff, “Do me a favor—go back and check the family tree.”


politicalwire--2020-02-02--Trump and Bloomberg Exchange Barbs

Trump and Bloomberg Exchange Barbs

President Trump was asked by Fox News what he thinks of Michael Bloomberg .
His response : “ Very little @ @ @ @ @ little .
You know , now he wants a box for the debates to stand @ @ @ @ @ s OK.
There ’ s nothing wrong .
You can be short .
Why should @ @ @ @ @ stand on .
He wants a box for the debates .
Why should he be @ @ @ @ @ everyone else gets a box ?
” It was unclear what Trump was referencing in @ @ @ @ @ box to stand on during an upcoming Democratic debate .
The Bloomberg campaign responded to @ @ @ @ @ president is lying .
He is a pathological liar who lies about everything : his @ @ @ @ @ , and his spray-on tan .
”

President Trump was asked by Fox News what he thinks of Michael Bloomberg.
His response: “Very little. I just think of little. You know, now he wants a box for the debates to stand on. OK. It’s OK. There’s nothing wrong. You can be short. Why should he get a box to stand on. He wants a box for the debates. Why should he be entitled? Does that mean everyone else gets a box?”
It was unclear what Trump was referencing in regards to Bloomberg requesting a box to stand on during an upcoming Democratic debate.
The Bloomberg campaign responded to NBC News: “The president is lying. He is a pathological liar who lies about everything: his fake hair, his obesity, and his spray-on tan.”


politicalwire--2020-02-02--Biden and Sanders Tied In Iowa

Biden and Sanders Tied In Iowa

A new CBS News poll in Iowa finds Bernie Sanders and Joe Biden even in first-choice support at 25 % @ @ @ @ @ close behind at 21 % , and Elizabeth Warren at 16 % , also in @ @ @ @ @ delegates .
Amy Klobuchar is at 5 % , and all other candidates are under @ @ @

A new CBS News poll in Iowa finds Bernie Sanders and Joe Biden even in first-choice support at 25% each, Pete Buttigieg very close behind at 21%, and Elizabeth Warren at 16%, also in position to accrue some national delegates.
Amy Klobuchar is at 5%, and all other candidates are under 5%.


politicalwire--2020-02-02--Biden Plays Down Iowa

Biden Plays Down Iowa

“ Top advisers to Joe Biden sought to temper expectations for his performance in Monday ’ s Iowa caucuses , @ @ @ @ @ insisting that any outcome won ’ t doom the former vice president ’ s campaign @ @ @ @ @ “ Biden ’ s team has long played down the importance of Iowa to its @ @ @ @ @ later in February in Nevada and South Carolina , followed quickly by Super Tuesday on @ @ @ @ @ to demonstrate that a candidate is capable of defeating President Trump .
”

“Top advisers to Joe Biden sought to temper expectations for his performance in Monday’s Iowa caucuses, projecting a close result and insisting that any outcome won’t doom the former vice president’s campaign,” Bloomberg reports.
“Biden’s team has long played down the importance of Iowa to its strategy, arguing that contests later in February in Nevada and South Carolina, followed quickly by Super Tuesday on March 3, are critical to demonstrate that a candidate is capable of defeating President Trump.”


politicalwire--2020-02-02--Most Say Trump Abused His Power

Most Say Trump Abused His Power

A new Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll finds a majority of voters — 52 % — say they believe Trump @ @ @ @ @ office by asking a foreign government to investigate a political opponent to influence the upcoming @ @ @ @ @ % who disagree .
And another majority of voters — 53 % — believe the @ @ @ @ @ cooperating with the impeachment investigation and by directing government employees not to comply with subpoenas @ @ @ @ @ he did not obstruct Congress .

A new Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll finds a majority of voters — 52% — say they believe Trump abused the power of his office by asking a foreign government to investigate a political opponent to influence the upcoming election, compared with 41% who disagree.
And another majority of voters — 53% — believe the president obstructed Congress by not cooperating with the impeachment investigation and by directing government employees not to comply with subpoenas. Just 37% say he did not obstruct Congress.


politicalwire--2020-02-02--GOP Lawmaker Says Its Legal to Shoot Socialists

Montana State Rep. Rodney Garcia ( R ) said he believes the U.S. Constitution calls for the shooting or jailing @ @ @ @ @ socialists , the Billings Gazette 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--2020-02-02--Michael Moore Rips DNC Rule Change

Michael Moore Rips DNC Rule Change

Michael Moore , a surrogate for Bernie Sanders ’ presidential campaign , lashed out at the DNC for changing its @ @ @ @ @ that will allow Michael Bloomberg to qualify , according to Deadline Hollywood .
Said Moore @ @ @ @ @ t have to show he has any support amongst the American people .
He can @ @ @ @ @ the debate stage , and I got to tell you what is so disgusting about @ @ @ @ @ debate in Iowa two weeks ago — the all white debate .
And the fact @ @ @ @ @ allow Cory Booker on that stage .
Will not allow Julian Castro on that stage @ @ @ @ @ to allow Mike Bloomberg on that stage because he ’ s got a billion fucking @ @ @

Michael Moore, a surrogate for Bernie Sanders’ presidential campaign, lashed out at the DNC for changing its debate rules in a way that will allow Michael Bloomberg to qualify, according to Deadline Hollywood.
Said Moore: “He doesn’t have to show he has any support amongst the American people. He can just buy his way onto the debate stage, and I got to tell you what is so disgusting about this. I watched the debate in Iowa two weeks ago — the all white debate. And the fact that the DNC will not allow Cory Booker on that stage. Will not allow Julian Castro on that stage. But they are going to allow Mike Bloomberg on that stage because he’s got a billion fucking dollars.”


politicalwire--2020-02-03--Majority of Iowa Democrats Seek Fundamental Change

A new AP Votecast survey finds roughly two-thirds of Iowa caucus-goers said supporting a candidate who would fundamentally change how @ @ @ @ @ was important to their vote .
That compares to about a third of caucus-goers who @ @ @ @ @ to support a candidate who would restore the political system to how it was before @ @ @ @ @ in 2016 .

A new AP Votecast survey finds roughly two-thirds of Iowa caucus-goers said supporting a candidate who would fundamentally change how the system in Washington works was important to their vote.
That compares to about a third of caucus-goers who said it was more important to support a candidate who would restore the political system to how it was before President Trump’s election in 2016.


politicalwire--2020-02-03--Manchin Calls for Censuring Trump

Manchin Calls for Censuring Trump

Sen. Joe Manchin ( D-WV ) , a moderate who is friendly with the White House , asked his colleagues @ @ @ @ @ as it concludes the Senate impeachment trial , the Washington Post reports .
“ Manchin @ @ @ @ @ for fellow senators to consider in the coming days , which would be a less @ @ @ @ @ office for Trump ’ s efforts in pressuring Ukraine to investigate his domestic political rival @ @

Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV), a moderate who is friendly with the White House, asked his colleagues to consider censuring President Trump as it concludes the Senate impeachment trial, the Washington Post reports.
“Manchin has prepared a censure resolution for fellow senators to consider in the coming days, which would be a less severe rebuke than removal from office for Trump’s efforts in pressuring Ukraine to investigate his domestic political rival.”


politicalwire--2020-02-03--That Spiked Iowa Poll Is Still Influencing What You Read

Some political reporters who had early numbers for the Des Moines Register Iowa poll that was abruptly canceled on Saturday @ @ @ @ @ the polls has still influenced their stories about the Iowa caucuses .
Said one reporter @ @ @ @ @ t help it affecting how you ’ re thinking.
” Those leaked numbers — which @ @ @ @ @ wrong — showed Bernie Sanders leading with 22 % , followed by Elizabeth Warren at @ @ @ @ @ at 16 % and Joe Biden at 13 % .

Some political reporters who had early numbers for the Des Moines Register Iowa poll that was abruptly canceled on Saturday night told BuzzFeed News that the polls has still influenced their stories about the Iowa caucuses.
Said one reporter: “You can’t help it affecting how you’re thinking.”
Those leaked numbers — which were unreleased and very possibly wrong — showed Bernie Sanders leading with 22%, followed by Elizabeth Warren at 18%, Pete Buttigieg at 16% and Joe Biden at 13%.
FiveThirtyEight confirms that these are the correct final findings of the unreleased Iowa poll.


politicalwire--2020-02-03--Video Shows Trump Fidgeting During National Anthem

“ President Trump has repeatedly said all Americans should ‘ stand proudly ’ during the national anthem , and publicly @ @ @ @ @ t as disrespectful of the troops , ” the Miami Herald reports .
“ But @ @ @ @ @ his own Super Bowl watch party Sunday night , a brief video posted to Instagram @ @ @ @ @ adjusting his chair , and straightening his suit jacket as other attendees — including first @ @ @ @ @ teenage son — stand with their hands over their hearts .
”

“President Trump has repeatedly said all Americans should ‘stand proudly’ during the national anthem, and publicly chastises those who don’t as disrespectful of the troops,” the Miami Herald reports.
“But during the national anthem at his own Super Bowl watch party Sunday night, a brief video posted to Instagram shows Trump greeting guests, adjusting his chair, and straightening his suit jacket as other attendees — including first lady Melania Trump and their teenage son — stand with their hands over their hearts.”


politicalwire--2020-02-03--Capitalism Trounces Socialism, Sanders Still Beats Trump

The Week : “ In an NBC News/Wall Street Journal survey released Sunday , 53 % of voters said they @ @ @ @ @ socialism , compared to 19 % who have a positive view .
The poll found @ @ @ @ @ , which 52 % of voters said they have a positive view of , compared @ @ @ @ @ they have a negative view of it .
This finding came ahead of the caucuses @ @ @ @ @ has been surging.
” “ But the poll still found Sanders , who describes himself @ @ @ @ @ with a lead over Trump , earning 49 % support in a head-to-head matchup compared @ @ @ @ @ % .
Former Vice President Joe Biden , Sen. Elizabeth Warren , and Pete Buttigieg @ @ @ @ @

The Week: “In an NBC News/Wall Street Journal survey released Sunday, 53% of voters said they have a negative view of socialism, compared to 19% who have a positive view. The poll found the opposite result for capitalism, which 52% of voters said they have a positive view of, compared to 18% who said they have a negative view of it. This finding came ahead of the caucuses in Iowa, where Sanders has been surging.”
“But the poll still found Sanders, who describes himself as a democratic socialist, with a lead over Trump, earning 49% support in a head-to-head matchup compared to Trump’s 45%. Former Vice President Joe Biden, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, and Pete Buttigieg also led Trump.”


politicalwire--2020-02-03--Iowa Precinct Chairs Report Issues with Caucus App

“ Precinct chairs across Iowa said that some of them are struggling to use the new phone application for reporting @ @ @ @ @ results , potentially delaying the counting of the first votes in the 2020 Democratic race @ @ @ @ @ “ The app was created to improve the efficiency of reporting of results… The final @ @ @ @ @ a few hours because the chairs will have to call the hotline and read the @ @ @ @ @ electronically .
”

“Precinct chairs across Iowa said that some of them are struggling to use the new phone application for reporting Monday night’s caucus results, potentially delaying the counting of the first votes in the 2020 Democratic race,” Bloomberg reports.
“The app was created to improve the efficiency of reporting of results… The final tally could be delayed by a few hours because the chairs will have to call the hotline and read the results instead of submitting them electronically.”


politicalwire--2020-02-03--Rush Limbaugh Has Advanced Lung Cancer

Rush Limbaugh Has Advanced Lung Cancer

Rush Limbaugh announced during his nationally-syndicated radio show that he had been diagnosed with advanced lung cancer , WBEN reports @


‘It’s Payback Time’

Gabriel Sherman : “ With Senate Republicans on track to acquit Donald Trump on Wednesday , Washington is bracing for @ @ @ @ @ next .
Republicans briefed on Trump ’ s thinking believe that the president is out @ @ @ @ @ ” “ Names that came up in my conversations with Republicans included Adam Schiff , @ @ @ @ @ , and John Bolton .
Several sources said Bolton is at the top of the @ @ @ @ @ against Bolton has already begun .
On January 23 , the White House sent a @ @ @ @ @ Bolton ’ s lawyer demanding that Bolton ’ s publisher , Simon & Schuster , @ @ @ @ @ March without removal of certain information .
Trump intends to ratchet up the pressure , @ @ @ @ @ the White House fear how far Trump will take things after he ’ s gotten @ @ @ @ @ .
”

Gabriel Sherman: “With Senate Republicans on track to acquit Donald Trump on Wednesday, Washington is bracing for what an unshackled Trump does next. Republicans briefed on Trump’s thinking believe that the president is out for revenge against his adversaries.”
Said one prominent Republican: “It’s payback time.”
“Names that came up in my conversations with Republicans included Adam Schiff, Jerry Nadler, Mitt Romney, and John Bolton. Several sources said Bolton is at the top of the list.”
“The campaign against Bolton has already begun. On January 23, the White House sent a cease and desist letter to Bolton’s lawyer demanding that Bolton’s publisher, Simon & Schuster, not release the book in March without removal of certain information. Trump intends to ratchet up the pressure, and some Republicans close to the White House fear how far Trump will take things after he’s gotten off for a second time.”


politicalwire--2020-02-03--GOP Senators Want Trump to Avoid Impeachment Talk

“ Republican senators are expected to vote on Wednesday afternoon to acquit President Trump in the third presidential impeachment trial @ @ @ @ @ CNN reports .
“ They would prefer the President not draw attention to that fact @ @ @ @ @ he commands the country ’ s attention with his State of the Union address .
@

“Republican senators are expected to vote on Wednesday afternoon to acquit President Trump in the third presidential impeachment trial in U.S. history,” CNN reports.
“They would prefer the President not draw attention to that fact on Tuesday night, when he commands the country’s attention with his State of the Union address.”


politicalwire--2020-02-03--Political Wire by Email

Political Wire by Email

There are now four different options to receive Political Wire in your inbox .
Sign up for the one you @ @ @ @ @ unsubscribe at any time .

There are now four different options to receive Political Wire in your inbox.
Sign up for the one you want. You can easily unsubscribe at any time.


politicalwire--2020-02-03--‘Just Don’t Ruin My Career’

‘Just Don’t Ruin My Career’

Video from the inside of a police car shows Michigan state Rep. Rebekah Warren ( D ) extremely worried about @ @ @ @ @ driving arrest last month , WDIV reports .
“ She told officers that she ’ @ @ @ @ @ She failed multiple field sobriety tests and then refused a breathalyzer .
She was arrested @ @ @ @ @ sample .
Blood tests showed Warren ’ s blood alcohol count at .21 .
Once @ @ @ @ @ the squad car , Warren repeatedly went on about how the arrest will ruin her @ @ @ @ @ made public.
” Said Warren : “ Do you understand there ’ s going to @ @ @ @ @ ’ re both going to be on TV , and it ’ s gon na @ @ @ @ @ Senator from Ann Arbor ’ s career ’ s over , ’ ?
I just @ @ @ @ @ on the camera for my future .
Just don ’ t ruin my career .
@

Video from the inside of a police car shows Michigan state Rep. Rebekah Warren (D) extremely worried about her career after a drunken driving arrest last month, WDIV reports.
“She told officers that she’s an elected official. She failed multiple field sobriety tests and then refused a breathalyzer. She was arrested and taken for a blood sample. Blood tests showed Warren’s blood alcohol count at .21. Once in the back seat of the squad car, Warren repeatedly went on about how the arrest will ruin her career once the video is made public.”
Said Warren: “Do you understand there’s going to be a moment where we’re both going to be on TV, and it’s gonna be, like, ‘Senator from Ann Arbor’s career’s over,’? I just don’t want this on the camera for my future. Just don’t ruin my career.”


politicalwire--2020-02-03--Biden’s Support Ebbs to Lowest Point of 2020 Cycle

A new Morning Consult national poll finds Joe Biden ’ s support falling to 28 % among Democratic primary voters @ @ @ @ @ measured since in early 2019 .
He ’ s trailed by Bernie Sanders at 24 @ @ @ @ @ Michael Bloomberg has pulled even with Elizabeth Warren in third place at 14 % each @

A new Morning Consult national poll finds Joe Biden’s support falling to 28% among Democratic primary voters nationwide — the lowest share measured since in early 2019. He’s trailed by Bernie Sanders at 24%.
Also interesting: Michael Bloomberg has pulled even with Elizabeth Warren in third place at 14% each.


politicalwire--2020-02-03--The Road to Milwaukee

The Road to Milwaukee

With the Iowa caucuses finally here , Kyle Kondik has an excellent overview of the Democratic presidential primary race .
@ @ @ @ @ , with the heart of the action coming from March 3-17 .
• If there @ @ @ @ @ by St. Patrick ’ s Day , and especially by the end of April , @ @ @ @ @ actually be able to crown a clear winner .


politicalwire--2020-02-03--Biden Allies Play Down Iowa Expectations

“ Joe Biden ’ s campaign team is setting expectations low for the Iowa caucuses on Monday night , ” @ @ @ @ @ While some campaign aides were unsure how the results would turn out hours before the @ @ @ @ @ expressed some apprehension about the outcome.
” Said one longtime Biden ally : “ Most @ @ @ @ @ going to be great ”

“Joe Biden’s campaign team is setting expectations low for the Iowa caucuses on Monday night,” The Hill reports.
“While some campaign aides were unsure how the results would turn out hours before the caucuses would begin, they expressed some apprehension about the outcome.”
Said one longtime Biden ally: “Most feel it’s not going to be great”


politicalwire--2020-02-03--Heitkamp Sitting on $4.5 Million War Chest

“ It ’ s been more than a year since Heidi Heitkamp lost her Senate re-election campaign to Kevin Cramer @ @ @ @ @ her most recent filing with the Federal Election Commission , she still has millions of @ @ @ @ @ ” the Fargo Forum reports .
“ How has Heitkamp been spending her campaign money @ @ @ @ @ Booze , fine dining , and luxury travel make up a big chunk of it… @ @ @ @ @ how Heitkamp has been spending the money .
Now let ’ s talk about how @ @ @ @ @ It is a potential game-changer for North Dakota Democrats this cycle if Heitkamp decides to @ @ @ @ @ use some of those millions to promote statewide and local candidates .
”

“It’s been more than a year since Heidi Heitkamp lost her Senate re-election campaign to Kevin Cramer. However, according to her most recent filing with the Federal Election Commission, she still has millions of dollars in her campaign,” the Fargo Forum reports.
“How has Heitkamp been spending her campaign money over the last year? Booze, fine dining, and luxury travel make up a big chunk of it…”
“That’s how Heitkamp has been spending the money. Now let’s talk about how she could spend it. It is a potential game-changer for North Dakota Democrats this cycle if Heitkamp decides to play kingmaker. She could use some of those millions to promote statewide and local candidates.”


politicalwire--2020-02-03--Bonus Quote of the Day

Bonus Quote of the Day

“ I ’ m not running against the other Democratic candidates .
I ’ m running to beat Donald Trump @ @


politicalwire--2020-02-03--National Storylines Dominate Iowa

National Storylines Dominate Iowa

Michael Kruse : “ Due to the sheer scale of the field , an around-the-clock , screen-scrolling amount of attention @ @ @ @ @ national media and social media , and a pervasive , almost debilitating trepidation about picking @ @ @ @ @ to challenge Trump , how people perceive the candidates elsewhere is influencing how people are @ @ @ @ @ storylines are crowding out local issues .
And in the last few fraught , fluid @ @ @ @ @ s first-in-the-nation caucuses , national chatter about who can win in November was weighing down @ @ @ @ @ should win now.
” “ I ’ ve heard it again and again of late @ @ @ @ @ , so many Iowans wracked by indecision , practically paralyzed by dread that a choice @ @ @ @ @ irrevocably alter the arc of an election they suspect could be the most consequential of @ @ @ @ @ they might pick wrong , they are searching desperately for the comfort of a national @ @ @ @ @ because it doesn ’ t exist .
”

Michael Kruse: “Due to the sheer scale of the field, an around-the-clock, screen-scrolling amount of attention paid to national polls, national media and social media, and a pervasive, almost debilitating trepidation about picking the ‘right’ person to challenge Trump, how people perceive the candidates elsewhere is influencing how people are perceiving them here. National storylines are crowding out local issues. And in the last few fraught, fluid weeks heading into Monday’s first-in-the-nation caucuses, national chatter about who can win in November was weighing down Iowans’ brooding about who should win now.”
“I’ve heard it again and again of late, all over this state, so many Iowans wracked by indecision, practically paralyzed by dread that a choice they once relished might somehow irrevocably alter the arc of an election they suspect could be the most consequential of their lives. Spooked that they might pick wrong, they are searching desperately for the comfort of a national consensus that’s elusive because it doesn’t exist.”


politicalwire--2020-02-03--Veteran’s Affairs Deputy Secretary Fired

The White House confirmed that Byrne is no longer with the administration .


politicalwire--2020-02-03--New Poll Suggests Iowa Will Be a Nail-Biter to the End

A new Focus on Rural America poll in Iowa finds Pete Buttigieg leading the Democratic presidential race with 19 % @ @ @ @ @ at 17 % , Elizabeth Warren at 15 % , Joe Biden at 15 % @ @ @ @ @ % .
“ Our biggest takeaway… The top four candidates are in a virtual dead @ @ @ @ @ ’ t that far off .
That means precinct by precinct delegate counts and realignments @ @ @ @ @ a nail-biter to the very end .
”

A new Focus on Rural America poll in Iowa finds Pete Buttigieg leading the Democratic presidential race with 19%, followed by Bernie Sanders at 17%, Elizabeth Warren at 15%, Joe Biden at 15% and Amy Klobuchar at 11%.
“Our biggest takeaway… The top four candidates are in a virtual dead heat, and Klobuchar isn’t that far off. That means precinct by precinct delegate counts and realignments are going to make this a nail-biter to the very end.”


politicalwire--2020-02-03--Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day

“ Bernie has said this , I absolutely believe this : whoever gets the nomination , we have to rally @ @ @ @ @ who it is .
And I would hope that everybody would do so if Bernie @ @ @ @ @ ” — Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez ( D-NY ) , in an interview with Time .

“Bernie has said this, I absolutely believe this: whoever gets the nomination, we have to rally behind them, no matter who it is. And I would hope that everybody would do so if Bernie is the nominee as well.”
— Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), in an interview with Time.


The Iowa Debacle

Axios : “ The Iowa caucus machinery melted down last night , leaving nervous campaigns and exhausted voters with not @ @ @ @ @ Iowa Democratic Party hopes to release numbers Tuesday.
” “ The debacle overshadowed the winners-losers @ @ @ @ @ opened Democrats to accusations of incompetence by the Trump campaign and reignited the debate about @ @ @ @ @ predominately white state should keep its lock on first-in-the-nation status.
” David Yepsen quoted by @ @ @ @ @ means the end of the caucuses as a significant American political event .
The rest @ @ @ @ @ losing patience with Iowa anyway and this cooks Iowa ’ s goose .
Frankly , @ @ @ @ @ winner tonight was Donald Trump , who got to watch his opponents wallow in a @ @ @ @ @ good Democratic candidates and people who fought their hearts out here for … nothing.
” @ @ @ @ @ the Iowa caucuses melted down .

Axios: “The Iowa caucus machinery melted down last night, leaving nervous campaigns and exhausted voters with not a single result. The Iowa Democratic Party hopes to release numbers Tuesday.”
“The debacle overshadowed the winners-losers story of the night, opened Democrats to accusations of incompetence by the Trump campaign and reignited the debate about how long this small, predominately white state should keep its lock on first-in-the-nation status.”
David Yepsen quoted by Politico: “This fiasco means the end of the caucuses as a significant American political event. The rest of the country was already losing patience with Iowa anyway and this cooks Iowa’s goose. Frankly, it should, The real winner tonight was Donald Trump, who got to watch his opponents wallow in a mess. A lot of good Democratic candidates and people who fought their hearts out here for … nothing.”
New York Times: How the Iowa caucuses melted down.


politicalwire--2020-02-04--2020 Democratic Host Committee Under Investigation

“ The two top officials overseeing Milwaukee ’ s host committee for the 2020 Democratic National Convention were sidelined Monday @ @ @ @ @ work culture , ” the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports .
“ The abrupt move comes @ @ @ @ @ the start of the Democratic National Convention .
The host committee — the civic , @ @ @ @ @ — is responsible for raising $ 70 million to stage the July event at Fiserv @ @ @ @ @ volunteers .
”

“The two top officials overseeing Milwaukee’s host committee for the 2020 Democratic National Convention were sidelined Monday amid allegations of a toxic work culture,” the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.
“The abrupt move comes less than six months before the start of the Democratic National Convention. The host committee — the civic, nonpartisan arm of the convention — is responsible for raising $70 million to stage the July event at Fiserv Forum and recruit some 15,000 volunteers.”


politicalwire--2020-02-04--Sanders Leads In New Hampshire

Sanders Leads In New Hampshire

A new Boston Globe/WBZ-TV/Suffolk University poll of likely New Hampshire Democratic primary voters finds Bernie Sanders leads with 24 % @ @ @ @ @ at 18 % , Elizabeth Warren at 13 % and Pete Buttigieg at 11 % @ @ @ @ @ field was in single digits .

A new Boston Globe/WBZ-TV/Suffolk University poll of likely New Hampshire Democratic primary voters finds Bernie Sanders leads with 24%, followed by Joe Biden at 18%, Elizabeth Warren at 13% and Pete Buttigieg at 11%.
The rest of the field was in single digits.


politicalwire--2020-02-04--Iowa Democrats Blame ‘Quality Control’ for Delay

“ The lack of results in the Iowa caucuses so far has led to confusion online and on television networks @ @ @ @ @ having some reported results by this point in the night , ” the New York @ @ @ @ @ officials said that the delay was largely because of a party effort to do ‘ @ @ @ @ @ results before they were made public .
This could include comparing final results to presidential @ @ @ @ @ as final results to check-in numbers.
” Politico quotes one Iowa official : “ The @ @ @ @ @ ”

“The lack of results in the Iowa caucuses so far has led to confusion online and on television networks, which are used to having some reported results by this point in the night,” the New York Times reports.
“Democratic officials said that the delay was largely because of a party effort to do ‘quality control’ on the results before they were made public. This could include comparing final results to presidential preference cards, as well as final results to check-in numbers.”
Politico quotes one Iowa official: “The whole system largely broke.”


Iowa Caucus Results

The Iowa caucuses begin at 8 p.m .
ET at most locations and the first results are expected within the @ @ @ @ @ Register is tracking results as they come in .
And if you can take the @ @ @ @ @ Times has live dials .
Leave your reactions in the comments .

The Iowa caucuses begin at 8 p.m. ET at most locations and the first results are expected within the hour.
The Des Moines Register is tracking results as they come in.
And if you can take the stress, the New York Times has live dials.
Leave your reactions in the comments.


politicalwire--2020-02-04--Democrats Brace for Emboldened Trump

Democrats Brace for Emboldened Trump

“ Democrats are bracing for a more emboldened President Trump now that his acquittal is at hand , beginning with @ @ @ @ @ the Union address before a nationally televised audience , ” the Washington Post reports .
@ @ @ @ @ unify Congress and the nation with remorse , Democrats expect Trump to ratchet up his @ @ @ @ @ eve of Senate impeachment votes that are all but certain to acquit him for abuse @ @ @ @ @ .
”

“Democrats are bracing for a more emboldened President Trump now that his acquittal is at hand, beginning with Tuesday’s State of the Union address before a nationally televised audience,” the Washington Post reports.
“Rather than seeking to unify Congress and the nation with remorse, Democrats expect Trump to ratchet up his rhetoric of grievance on the eve of Senate impeachment votes that are all but certain to acquit him for abuse of power and obstructing Congress.”


politicalwire--2020-02-04--Trump Campaign Ejects Bloomberg News Reporter

“ President Trump ’ s re-election campaign escorted a Bloomberg News reporter from an event in Iowa , following a @ @ @ @ @ credentials for the news organization , ” the Wall Street Journal 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--2020-02-04--Trump Will Award Limbaugh Medal of Freedom

“ President Trump told network anchors during a private lunch Tuesday that he will award Rush Limbaugh with the Medal @ @ @ @ @ after the prominent political radio host announced he has advanced lung cancer , ” CNN @ @


politicalwire--2020-02-04--First Iowa Caucus Results

First Iowa Caucus Results

After 20 hours of waiting , the Iowa Democratic party finally released caucus results — but from just 62 % @ @ @ @ @ The results based on state delegates awarded : Pete Buttigieg at 26.9 % , Bernie @ @ @ @ @ Elizabeth Warren at 18.3 % , Joe Biden at 15.6 % and Amy Klobuchar at @ @ @ @ @ of popular vote , Sanders holds a slight lead over Buttigieg .
Important takeaway : @ @ @ @ @ of the vote for a network projection .
There was no time frame given for @ @ @ @ @

After 20 hours of waiting, the Iowa Democratic party finally released caucus results — but from just 62% of precincts across Iowa.
The results based on state delegates awarded: Pete Buttigieg at 26.9%, Bernie Sanders at 25.1%, Elizabeth Warren at 18.3%, Joe Biden at 15.6% and Amy Klobuchar at 12.6%.
In terms of popular vote, Sanders holds a slight lead over Buttigieg.
Important takeaway: This is probably not enough of the vote for a network projection. There was no time frame given for releasing the full results.


politicalwire--2020-02-04--Inside Bloomberg’s Strategy After the Iowa Meltdown

Vanity Fair : “ The order of finish , whenever it arrives , matters to Bloomberg ’ s long-shot prospects @ @ @ @ @ for Joe Biden and the stronger the numbers for Bernie Sanders and for Elizabeth Warren @ @ @ @ @ , who is positioning himself as a moderate with deep governing experience and a bottomless @ @ @ @ @ the Iowa muddle is already allowing Bloomberg to emerge as a perceptual victor : The @ @ @ @ @ has been a high-profile success in both private business and public office .
A campaign @ @ @ @ @ is ‘ immediately increasing ad spending in current markets and adding new markets , with @ @ @ @ @ doubling from 1,200 to 2,400.
’ In civilian language : You won ’ t be @ @ @ @ @ TV or a computer without seeing a Bloomberg ad .
”

Vanity Fair: “The order of finish, whenever it arrives, matters to Bloomberg’s long-shot prospects: The weaker the results for Joe Biden and the stronger the numbers for Bernie Sanders and for Elizabeth Warren, the better for Bloomberg, who is positioning himself as a moderate with deep governing experience and a bottomless bank account.”
“But the Iowa muddle is already allowing Bloomberg to emerge as a perceptual victor: The candidate of cold-blooded competence who has been a high-profile success in both private business and public office. A campaign aide says that today Bloomberg is ‘immediately increasing ad spending in current markets and adding new markets, with our total gross ratings points doubling from 1,200 to 2,400.’ In civilian language: You won’t be able to turn on a TV or a computer without seeing a Bloomberg ad.”


politicalwire--2020-02-04--Susan Collins Will Vote to Acquit Trump

Susan Collins Will Vote to Acquit Trump

Sen. Susan Collins ( R-ME ) — seen as a swing vote in President Trump ’ s impeachment trial — @ @ @ @ @ , the Los Angeles Times reports .
While Colllins said Trump ’ s actions were @ @ @ @ @ poor judgment , ” she concluded they did not meet the threshold for removal from @ @ @ @ @ “ I do not believe that the House has met its burden of showing that @ @ @ @ @ , however flawed , warrants the extreme step of immediate removal from office , nor @ @ @ @ @ assertion by the House managers that the president must not remain in office one moment @ @ @ @ @ News : “ I believe that the president has learned from this case .
The @ @ @ @ @ That ’ s a pretty big lesson .
”

Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) — seen as a swing vote in President Trump’s impeachment trial — said Tuesday she supports acquittal, the Los Angeles Times reports.
While Colllins said Trump’s actions were “improper and demonstrated very poor judgment,” she concluded they did not meet the threshold for removal from office.
Said Collins: “I do not believe that the House has met its burden of showing that the president’s conduct, however flawed, warrants the extreme step of immediate removal from office, nor does the record support the assertion by the House managers that the president must not remain in office one moment longer.”
Collins to CBS News: “I believe that the president has learned from this case. The president has been impeached. That’s a pretty big lesson.”


politicalwire--2020-02-04--Giuliani Urges Trump to Investigate Biden

Rudy Giuliani told NPR that President should not back away from investigating Joe Biden even after the president ’ s @ @ @ @ @ Senate .
Said Giuliani : “ Absolutely ; 100 % .
I would have no @ @ @ @ @ .
In fact , I ’ d have a problem with him not doing it @ @ @ @ @ be saying that Joe Biden can get away with selling out the United States , @ @ @ @ @ the Ukraine .
”

Rudy Giuliani told NPR that President should not back away from investigating Joe Biden even after the president’s expected acquittal by the U.S. Senate.
Said Giuliani: “Absolutely; 100%. I would have no problem with him doing it. In fact, I’d have a problem with him not doing it. I think he would be saying that Joe Biden can get away with selling out the United States, making us a fool in the Ukraine.”


politicalwire--2020-02-04--Rand Paul Outs Whistleblower on Senate Floor

“ Sen .
Rand Paul ( R-KY ) used the Senate floor to read aloud the name of an intelligence @ @ @ @ @ the whistleblower who first raised alarms about President Donald Trump ’ s conduct toward Ukraine @ @ @ @ @


politicalwire--2020-02-04--Behind the Scenes of Trump’s Secret Birther Implosion

Vanity Fair excerpts Sinking in the Swamp by Lachlan Markay and Asawin Suebsaeng : “ The 2016 campaign wanted Trump @ @ @ @ @ statement renouncing birther conspiracy theories and declaring once and for all that baby Barack was @ @ @ @ @ .
His aides asked him for a short and sweet statement… ” “ This kicked @ @ @ @ @ the call independently described as a seven‐minute , meandering spat of word vomit during which @ @ @ @ @ to say that his birther crusade was , in fact , necessary , good , @ @ @ @ @ echoed his past comments on the matter… Really , Trump reasoned , what he did @ @ @ @ @ warranted no apology , and he was happy he helped settle one of the great @ @ @ @ @ “ Had this soliloquy been made public , it would have spanned two pages , @ @ @ @

Vanity Fair excerpts Sinking in the Swamp by Lachlan Markay and Asawin Suebsaeng: “The 2016 campaign wanted Trump to release an official written statement renouncing birther conspiracy theories and declaring once and for all that baby Barack was born in the United States. His aides asked him for a short and sweet statement…”
“This kicked off what two people on the call independently described as a seven‐minute, meandering spat of word vomit during which Trump kept finding new ways to say that his birther crusade was, in fact, necessary, good, and proper. He repeatedly echoed his past comments on the matter… Really, Trump reasoned, what he did was a smashing success that warranted no apology, and he was happy he helped settle one of the great questions of our time.”
“Had this soliloquy been made public, it would have spanned two pages, single spaced.”


politicalwire--2020-02-04--The Democratic Party’s Crisis of Legitimacy

Jonathan Chait : “ We are living in an era of what political scientists describe as ‘ strong partisanship and @ @ @ @ @ , alternatively , as ‘ negative partisanship.
’ The electorate is polarized into opposing camps @ @ @ @ @ is driven by hostility to the other party rather than trust in their own.
” @ @ @ @ @ s solution to this predicament has been to fashion itself as a cult of personality @ @ @ @ @ The Democratic Party ’ s solution has been a series of technocratic fixes intended to @ @ @ @ @ But the Iowa caucus is the latest indication that the effort is collapsing .
”

Jonathan Chait: “We are living in an era of what political scientists describe as ‘strong partisanship and weak parties’ — or, alternatively, as ‘negative partisanship.’ The electorate is polarized into opposing camps, but their emotional impetus is driven by hostility to the other party rather than trust in their own.”
“The Republican Party’s solution to this predicament has been to fashion itself as a cult of personality devoted to Donald Trump. The Democratic Party’s solution has been a series of technocratic fixes intended to increase its own legitimacy. But the Iowa caucus is the latest indication that the effort is collapsing.”


politicalwire--2020-02-04--CNN Retracts Story About Biden Blocking Iowa Results

Hours after claiming that Joe Biden ’ s presidential campaign could file an injunction to block the Iowa Democratic Party @ @ @ @ @ , CNN anchor John King issued an apology on Twitter .
Said King : “ @ @ @ @ @ my discussing , even skeptically , incoming from rival campaigns was , in a word @ @ @ @

Hours after claiming that Joe Biden’s presidential campaign could file an injunction to block the Iowa Democratic Party from releasing the caucus results, CNN anchor John King issued an apology on Twitter.
Said King: “In the breaking news rush my discussing, even skeptically, incoming from rival campaigns was, in a word, stupid.”


politicalwire--2020-02-04--Bloomberg Plans to Double Ad Spending After Iowa

New York Times : “ Encouraged by the murky outcome , Mr. Bloomberg authorized his campaign team to double his @ @ @ @ @ every market where he is currently advertising and expand his campaign ’ s field staff @ @ @ @ @ people.
” Said Bloomberg : “ It ’ s much more efficient to go to @ @ @ @ @ go to the swing states .
The others chose to compete in the first four @ @ @ @ @ do it , they wanted to do it .
I think part of it is @ @ @ @ @ ‘ oh you can ’ t possibly win without them.
’ Those are old rules @ @

New York Times: “Encouraged by the murky outcome, Mr. Bloomberg authorized his campaign team to double his spending on television commercials in every market where he is currently advertising and expand his campaign’s field staff to more than two thousand people.”
Said Bloomberg: “It’s much more efficient to go to the big states, to go to the swing states. The others chose to compete in the first four. And nobody makes them do it, they wanted to do it. I think part of it is because the conventional wisdom is ‘oh you can’t possibly win without them.’ Those are old rules.”


politicalwire--2020-02-04--The Audacity of Pete

The Audacity of Pete

The Atlantic : “ Maybe it ’ s his calculated manner , or the way he waves at a crowd @ @ @ @ @ the British royal family , or his Midwestern aw-shucks niceness .
But more than a @ @ @ @ @ , despite all the attention paid to his candidacy , people still miss how aggressive @ @ @ @ @ ’ s what the victory-without-a-victory speech he gave last night was about .
”

The Atlantic: “Maybe it’s his calculated manner, or the way he waves at a crowd like an animatronic member of the British royal family, or his Midwestern aw-shucks niceness. But more than a year into his presidential campaign, despite all the attention paid to his candidacy, people still miss how aggressive Buttigieg is.”
“That’s what the victory-without-a-victory speech he gave last night was about.”


politicalwire--2020-02-04--Iowa Results Should Be Ready by End of Day

Iowa Democratic Party officials told campaigns they plan to release “ the majority of the results ” from yesterday ’ @ @ @ @ @ .
ET today , Bloomberg reports .


politicalwire--2020-02-04--The Only Safe Election Is a Low-Tech Election

Kevin Roose : “ Basically , we should be begging for the most analog election technology possible .
Because what @ @ @ @ @ a long and confusing delay in vote counting , due in part to a mobile @ @ @ @ @ and inadequately tested before being deployed in one of America ’ s most important elections @ @ @ @ @ .
It caused distress and confusion , set off innumerable conspiracy theories , and started @ @ @ @ @ undermining trust in the democratic process.
” “ And all because Iowa Democrats wanted a @ @ @ @

Kevin Roose: “Basically, we should be begging for the most analog election technology possible. Because what happened on Monday night — a long and confusing delay in vote counting, due in part to a mobile app that was hastily designed and inadequately tested before being deployed in one of America’s most important elections — was an inexcusable failure. It caused distress and confusion, set off innumerable conspiracy theories, and started the 2020 election season by undermining trust in the democratic process.”
“And all because Iowa Democrats wanted a new app.”


politicalwire--2020-02-04--Melania Trump Will Host Campaign Fundraisers

“ Melania Trump is slated to headline a pair of spring fundraisers for her husband ’ s reelection campaign , @ @ @ @ @ dramatic step into the political spotlight for the famously private first lady , ” Politico @ @


politicalwire--2020-02-04--The Real State of the Union

The Real State of the Union

Michael Bloomberg is out with a new ad tied to tonight ’ s State of the Union address : “ @ @ @ @ @ union : a nation divided by an angry , out of control president .
A @ @ @ @ @ , chaos and corruption .
An administration that has failed the American people .
It @ @ @ @ @ be this way .
Next year we can have a leader who brings people together @ @ @ @ @ results .
Mike Bloomberg will get it done .
”

Michael Bloomberg is out with a new ad tied to tonight’s State of the Union address:
“The real state of the union: a nation divided by an angry, out of control president. A White House beset by lies, chaos and corruption. An administration that has failed the American people. It doesn’t have to be this way. Next year we can have a leader who brings people together, solves problems and gets results. Mike Bloomberg will get it done.”


politicalwire--2020-02-04--The Most Important Iowa Result Is In

The Most Important Iowa Result Is In

Karen Tumulty : “ Even as the Iowa Democratic Party was trying to sort out the chaos in its reporting @ @ @ @ @ announced that turnout was ‘ on pace ’ with what they had seen in 2016.
@ @ @ @ @ , it was mediocre .
About 170,000 people participated in the 2016 Iowa Democratic caucuses @ @ @ @ @ unprecedented 240,000 voters who turned out in 2008 and launched Barack Obama on his way @ @ @ @ @ What was so exciting a dozen years ago was not only how many Iowans showed @ @ @ @ @ were : young people , first-time caucusgoers , an ethnically diverse mix of voters in @ @ @ @ @ ”

Karen Tumulty: “Even as the Iowa Democratic Party was trying to sort out the chaos in its reporting system, a party official announced that turnout was ‘on pace’ with what they had seen in 2016.”
“In other words, it was mediocre. About 170,000 people participated in the 2016 Iowa Democratic caucuses, far short of the unprecedented 240,000 voters who turned out in 2008 and launched Barack Obama on his way to the White House. What was so exciting a dozen years ago was not only how many Iowans showed up, but who they were: young people, first-time caucusgoers, an ethnically diverse mix of voters in an overwhelmingly white state.”


politicalwire--2020-02-04--A Bad Night for Biden

A Bad Night for Biden

James Hohmann : “ Joe Biden ’ s core message was electability , but the former vice president failed to @ @ @ @ @ of Iowa caucus-goers who said choosing a candidate who can beat President Trump was their @ @ @ @ @ preliminary entrance polls conducted Monday night.
” “ Just under one-quarter of electability-focused voters supported @ @ @ @ @ percentage backed Pete Buttigieg .
Amy Klobuchar , Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren each drew @ @ @ @ @ this group.
” “ By contrast , Biden received only 5 % support among caucus-goers @ @ @ @ @ important to nominate a candidate they agree with .
Sanders led among this group with @ @ @ @ @

James Hohmann: “Joe Biden’s core message was electability, but the former vice president failed to consolidate support among the majority of Iowa caucus-goers who said choosing a candidate who can beat President Trump was their first priority, according to preliminary entrance polls conducted Monday night.”
“Just under one-quarter of electability-focused voters supported Biden, while a similar percentage backed Pete Buttigieg. Amy Klobuchar, Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren each drew about 15% support among this group.”
“By contrast, Biden received only 5% support among caucus-goers who said it was most important to nominate a candidate they agree with. Sanders led among this group with 36% support.”


politicalwire--2020-02-04--Here’s What We Know About Iowa

Here’s What We Know About Iowa

Nate Cohn : “ We don ’ t know the result , but I ’ m pretty sure that entrance @ @ @ @ @ sample precinct results ( not perfectly representative ! )
, and it looks like a @ @ @ @ @ or so with Warren/Biden back at 16 % , Klobuchar at 13 % .
” @ @ @ @ @ whatever sample precincts aren ’ t perfect , and don ’ t account for realignment/SDEs @ @ @ @ @ probably the best measure we have.
” David Wasserman : “ Based on Sanders/Buttigieg memos @ @ @ @ @ no question Sanders won the most caucus support in terms of initial preference .
The @ @ @ @ @ closer but leans Sanders ; the race for most SDEs closer yet.
“

Nate Cohn: “We don’t know the result, but I’m pretty sure that entrance polls were adjusted to match sample precinct results (not perfectly representative!), and it looks like a Sanders/Buttigieg race around 22.5% or so with Warren/Biden back at 16%, Klobuchar at 13%.”
“Anyway, 50 or whatever sample precincts aren’t perfect, and don’t account for realignment/SDEs. But it’s probably the best measure we have.”
David Wasserman: “Based on Sanders/Buttigieg memos, there’s virtually no question Sanders won the most caucus support in terms of initial preference. The race for final preference seems closer but leans Sanders; the race for most SDEs closer yet.“


politicalwire--2020-02-04--Trump Could Declare Victory Before Ballots Counted

Rick Hasen : “ As President Trump plans a triumphant State of the Union address anticipating his likely acquittal by @ @ @ @ @ House is reportedly awash in a sense of invincibility.
” “ Trump ’ s certainty @ @ @ @ @ lose could have a real impact on this year ’ s election .
Since assuming @ @ @ @ @ Trump has made at least 27 references to staying in office beyond the constitutional limit @ @ @ @ @ often follows up with a remark indicating he is ‘ joking , ’ ‘ kidding @ @ @ @ @ to drive the ‘ fake ’ news media ‘ crazy.
’ Even if Trump thinks @ @ @ @ @ ‘ joking , ’ the comments fit a broader pattern that raises the prospect that @ @ @ @ @ quietly in the event he ’ s on the losing end of a very close @ @ @ @ @ possibility is only one of a number of potential election meltdowns we may face in @ @ @

Rick Hasen: “As President Trump plans a triumphant State of the Union address anticipating his likely acquittal by the Senate, the White House is reportedly awash in a sense of invincibility.”
“Trump’s certainty that he simply cannot lose could have a real impact on this year’s election. Since assuming office in January 2017, Trump has made at least 27 references to staying in office beyond the constitutional limit of two terms. He often follows up with a remark indicating he is ‘joking,’ ‘kidding,’ or saying it to drive the ‘fake’ news media ‘crazy.’ Even if Trump thinks that he’s only ‘joking,’ the comments fit a broader pattern that raises the prospect that Trump may not leave office quietly in the event he’s on the losing end of a very close election. And unfortunately this possibility is only one of a number of potential election meltdowns we may face in November.”


politicalwire--2020-02-04--Trump Approval Hits New High

Trump Approval Hits New High

A new Gallup poll finds President Trump ’ s job approval rating has risen to 49 % , his highest @ @ @ @ @ The new poll finds 50 % of Americans disapproving of Trump , leaving just 1 @ @ @ @ @

A new Gallup poll finds President Trump’s job approval rating has risen to 49%, his highest since he took office.
The new poll finds 50% of Americans disapproving of Trump, leaving just 1% expressing no opinion.


politicalwire--2020-03-30--House Democrat Sick After Being Near Pelosi

Rep. Nydia Velazquez ( D-NY ) said Monday she ’ s been “ diagnosed with presumed coronavirus infection , ” @ @ @ @ @ on the House floor and stood near 80-year-old House Speaker Nancy Pelosi during the signing @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus stimulus bill , NBC News 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--2020-03-30--Two Ways to Look at Recent Election Polls

First Read says there are two ways to look at the latest general-election numbers between President Trump and likely Democratic @ @ @ @ @ # 1 : “ With his approval rating inching up in the past couple of @ @ @ @ @ the gap with Biden ( the president trails Biden by 2 points among registered voters @ @ @ @ @ though his deficit is 9 points in Fox News ’ s survey ) .
” @ @ @ @ @ Despite the country rallying around Trump — at least more than at any time since @ @ @ @ @ s still trailing Biden between 2 and 9 points , especially at a time when @ @ @ @ @ moved to the back burner during this coronavirus crisis .
”

First Read says there are two ways to look at the latest general-election numbers between President Trump and likely Democratic nominee Joe Biden:
Way #1: “With his approval rating inching up in the past couple of weeks, Trump is closing the gap with Biden (the president trails Biden by 2 points among registered voters in the WaPo/ABC poll, though his deficit is 9 points in Fox News’s survey).”
Way #2: “Despite the country rallying around Trump — at least more than at any time since his inauguration — he’s still trailing Biden between 2 and 9 points, especially at a time when Biden’s profile has moved to the back burner during this coronavirus crisis.”


politicalwire--2020-03-30--Trump to Unveil Biggest Environmental Rollback Yet

“ The Trump administration is expected on Tuesday to announce its final rule to roll back Obama-era automobile fuel efficiency @ @ @ @ @ limit climate-warming tailpipe pollution and virtually undoing the government ’ s biggest effort to combat @ @ @ @ @ New York Times reports .
“ The new rule would allow vehicles on American roads @ @ @ @ @ tons more carbon dioxide over the lifetime of the cars than they would have under @ @ @ @ @ of millions of tons more than will be emitted under standards being implemented in Europe @ @ @ @

“The Trump administration is expected on Tuesday to announce its final rule to roll back Obama-era automobile fuel efficiency standards, relaxing efforts to limit climate-warming tailpipe pollution and virtually undoing the government’s biggest effort to combat climate change,” the New York Times reports.
“The new rule would allow vehicles on American roads to emit nearly a billion tons more carbon dioxide over the lifetime of the cars than they would have under the Obama standards and hundreds of millions of tons more than will be emitted under standards being implemented in Europe and Asia.”


politicalwire--2020-03-30--Virginia Orders Residents to Stay-at-Home Thru June 10

Virginia Gov .
Ralph Northam issued a statewide stay-at-home order that ’ s effective immediately and will remain in place @ @ @ @ @ the governor rescinds it , the Richmond Times-Dispatch reports .


politicalwire--2020-03-30--Unemployment Rate Could Hit 32%

Unemployment Rate Could Hit 32%

Economists at the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis project total employment reductions of 47 million , which would translate @ @ @ @ @ rate , CNBC reports .


politicalwire--2020-03-30--Which Country Has the World’s Best Health Care?

A timely book : Which Country Has the World ’ s Best Health Care ?
by Ezekiel Emanuel .
“ @ @ @ @ @ world ’ s healthcare systems in pursuit of the best or at least where excellence @ @ @ @ @ a unique comparative structure , the book allows healthcare professionals , patients , and policymakers @ @ @ @ @ perform well , and why , and which face endemic problems .
”

A timely book: Which Country Has the World’s Best Health Care? by Ezekiel Emanuel.
“Emanuel profiles 11 of the world’s healthcare systems in pursuit of the best or at least where excellence can be found. Using a unique comparative structure, the book allows healthcare professionals, patients, and policymakers alike to know which systems perform well, and why, and which face endemic problems.”


politicalwire--2020-03-30--Meadows Resigns to Become Trump’s Chief of Staff

Rep. Mark Meadows will resign from Congress on Monday as he prepares to officially become White House chief of staff @ @ @ @ @ ’ resignation is expected to be effective at 5 p.m .
ET .

Rep. Mark Meadows will resign from Congress on Monday as he prepares to officially become White House chief of staff, CNN reports.
Meadows’ resignation is expected to be effective at 5 p.m. ET.


politicalwire--2020-03-30--What Happens if One Side Doesn’t Accept the Results?

Rick Hasen : “ The November 2020 presidential election won ’ t be run perfectly—we have never had a perfect @ @ @ @ @ or elsewhere—but the unique challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic add special stress to what @ @ @ @ @ a difficult election and underline the need to insure that it is run in a @ @ @ @ @ access and integrity.
” “ Even before the current crisis I had been deeply concerned @ @ @ @ @ 2020 ‘ election meltdown , ’ in which the 47 percent or more of the @ @ @ @ @ would not accept the results as legitimate .
I am even more worried now because @ @ @ @ @ that will be necessary to successfully run November ’ s tally amidst a pandemic .
@ @ @ @ @ to do to minimize the chances of a November meltdown .
”

Rick Hasen: “The November 2020 presidential election won’t be run perfectly—we have never had a perfect election conducted in this country or elsewhere—but the unique challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic add special stress to what was already going to be a difficult election and underline the need to insure that it is run in a way that maximizes both voter access and integrity.”
“Even before the current crisis I had been deeply concerned about the chances of a 2020 ‘election meltdown,’ in which the 47 percent or more of the population on the losing side would not accept the results as legitimate. I am even more worried now because of the changes and shortcuts that will be necessary to successfully run November’s tally amidst a pandemic. Here is what we need to do to minimize the chances of a November meltdown.”