politicalwire--2020-09-07--The Stock Market Isn’t the Economy

The Stock Market Isn’t the Economy

Paul Krugman : “ But the stock market isn ’ t the economy : more than half of all stocks @ @ @ @ @ percent of Americans , while the bottom half of the population owns only 0.7 percent @ @ @ @ @ Jobs and G.D.P.
, by contrast , sort of are the economy .
But they @ @ @ @ @ ’ s point .
What some economists and many politicians often forget is that economics @ @ @ @ @ data , it ’ s about people .
I like data as much as , @ @ @ @ @ the next guy .
But an economy ’ s success should be judged not by @ @ @ @ @ whether people ’ s lives are getting better.
” “ And the simple fact is @ @ @ @ @ weeks the lives of many Americans have gotten much worse .
”

Paul Krugman: “But the stock market isn’t the economy: more than half of all stocks are owned by only 1 percent of Americans, while the bottom half of the population owns only 0.7 percent of the market.”
“Jobs and G.D.P., by contrast, sort of are the economy. But they aren’t the economy’s point. What some economists and many politicians often forget is that economics isn’t fundamentally about data, it’s about people. I like data as much as, or probably more than, the next guy. But an economy’s success should be judged not by impersonal statistics, but by whether people’s lives are getting better.”
“And the simple fact is that over the past few weeks the lives of many Americans have gotten much worse.”


politicalwire--2020-09-07--Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day

“ I was skeptical that all the different threads amounted to anything more than bumbling incompetence , a confederacy of @ @ @ @ @ to collude .
In my view , they were most likely a collection of grifters @ @ @ @ @ their own money- and power-driven agendas.
” — Ex-FBI agent Peter Strzok , writing in @ @ @ @ @ : Counterintelligence and the Threat of Donald J. Trump .

“I was skeptical that all the different threads amounted to anything more than bumbling incompetence, a confederacy of dunces who were too dumb to collude. In my view, they were most likely a collection of grifters pursuing individual personal interests: their own money- and power-driven agendas.”
— Ex-FBI agent Peter Strzok, writing in his new book, Compromised: Counterintelligence and the Threat of Donald J. Trump.


politicalwire--2020-09-07--Trump Campaign Has Money Problems

Trump Campaign Has Money Problems

“ Money concerns are very real for President Trump ’ s campaign — an unusual predicament for a sitting president @ @ @ @ @ veteran Republican operatives , with Trump so far behind in swing states as the race @ @ @ @ @ .
“ The campaign ’ s view is that Trump will get his message out @ @ @ @ @ on paid media than normal politicians .
But the number of states Trump has to @ @ @ @ @ , and Joe Biden ’ s massive August fundraising haul has given his campaign a @ @ @ @ @ ” The AP reports the Trump campaign had pulled most TV ads over the previous @ @ @ @ @ to Biden , who was outspending Trump by more than 10 to 1 .
New @ @ @ @ @ light television spending and advertising blackouts in some key states have mystified allies .
”

“Money concerns are very real for President Trump’s campaign — an unusual predicament for a sitting president, and one that worries veteran Republican operatives, with Trump so far behind in swing states as the race climaxes,” Axios reports.
“The campaign’s view is that Trump will get his message out, and he depends less on paid media than normal politicians. But the number of states Trump has to worry about has actually grown, and Joe Biden’s massive August fundraising haul has given his campaign a lift as early voting begins.”
The AP reports the Trump campaign had pulled most TV ads over the previous week, ceding the airwaves to Biden, who was outspending Trump by more than 10 to 1.
New York Times: “The light television spending and advertising blackouts in some key states have mystified allies.”


politicalwire--2020-09-07--Russian Opposition Leader Out of Coma

Russian Opposition Leader Out of Coma

“ I ’ m not saying the military ’ s in love with me , the soldiers are .
The @ @ @ @ @ probably aren ’ t , because they want to do nothing but fight wars so…

“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--2020-09-07--‘It’s Cool That I Slept With a Porn Star’

The Wall Street Journal has this from Michael Cohen ’ s new book : “ In his book , Mr. @ @ @ @ @ approved the payment to Stormy Daniels in 2016 , saying $ 130,000 ‘ is a @ @ @ @ @ have to pay Melania.
’ Mr. Cohen also recounts Mr. Trump musing that , if @ @ @ @ @ supporters might ‘ think it ’ s cool that I slept with a porn star @ @ @

The Wall Street Journal has this from Michael Cohen’s new book:
“In his book, Mr. Cohen says Mr. Trump personally approved the payment to Stormy Daniels in 2016, saying $130,000 ‘is a lot less than I would have to pay Melania.’ Mr. Cohen also recounts Mr. Trump musing that, if it got out, his supporters might ‘think it’s cool that I slept with a porn star.’”


politicalwire--2020-09-07--Rich Americans Keep Getting Richer

Rich Americans Keep Getting Richer

Politico : “ The path toward economic recovery in the U.S. has become sharply divided , with wealthier Americans earning @ @ @ @ @ while the poorest struggle to pay their bills and put food on the table.
” @ @ @ @ @ splintered economic picture characterized by high highs — the stock market has hit record levels @ @ @ @ @ : Nearly 30 million Americans are receiving unemployment benefits , and the jobless rate stands @ @ @ @ @ that dichotomy , economists fear , could obscure the need for an additional economic stimulus @ @ @ @ @ needed .
”

Politico: “The path toward economic recovery in the U.S. has become sharply divided, with wealthier Americans earning and saving at record levels while the poorest struggle to pay their bills and put food on the table.”
“The result is a splintered economic picture characterized by high highs — the stock market has hit record levels — and incongruous low lows: Nearly 30 million Americans are receiving unemployment benefits, and the jobless rate stands at 8.4 percent. And that dichotomy, economists fear, could obscure the need for an additional economic stimulus that most say is sorely needed.”


politicalwire--2020-09-07--Mexico Running Out of Death Certificates


politicalwire--2020-09-07--Trump May Fire Defense Secretary

Trump May Fire Defense Secretary

“ President Trump has long been unhappy with Defense Secretary Mark Esper , and White House officials have talked to @ @ @ @ @ about taking the top Pentagon job should Trump decide to fire Esper , ” NBC @ @ @ @ @ senior administration officials said Trump discussed the position directly with Wilkie at the White House @ @ @ @ @ senior administration officials said Wilkie had senior-level discussions with the White House about becoming Trump @ @ @ @ @ .
”

“President Trump has long been unhappy with Defense Secretary Mark Esper, and White House officials have talked to Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert Wilkie about taking the top Pentagon job should Trump decide to fire Esper,” NBC News reports.
“Two senior administration officials said Trump discussed the position directly with Wilkie at the White House last month. Two other senior administration officials said Wilkie had senior-level discussions with the White House about becoming Trump’s next defense secretary.”


politicalwire--2020-09-08--What It’s Like to Work with Joe Biden

What It’s Like to Work with Joe Biden


politicalwire--2020-09-08--Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day

“ I describe Mr. Trump as a cult leader , and I was in this cult .
While I was @ @ @ @ @ was really refusing to acknowledge that the actions I was performing for my boss were @ @ @ @ @ Michael Cohen , in an interview with NBC News .

“I describe Mr. Trump as a cult leader, and I was in this cult. While I was in the cult, I was really refusing to acknowledge that the actions I was performing for my boss were morally wrong,”
— Michael Cohen, in an interview with NBC News.


politicalwire--2020-09-08--Biden Presses Two-Front War Against Trump

Ron Brownstein : “ Exactly eight weeks before Election Day , Biden has strong opportunities to recapture states that President @ @ @ @ @ both in the Rust Belt and the Sun Belt .
But public and private polls @ @ @ @ @ running slightly better in the former group of battlegrounds — centered on Michigan , Pennsylvania @ @ @ @ @ latter , which include North Carolina , Florida and Arizona.
” “ That ’ s @ @ @ @ @ because Trump has focused his message and agenda so precisely on the priorities and resentments @ @ @ @ @ and non-college Whites who dominate the electorate in Rust Belt states , while the Sun @ @ @ @ @ more of the younger non-White voters who increasingly compose the Democrats ’ base .
”

Ron Brownstein: “Exactly eight weeks before Election Day, Biden has strong opportunities to recapture states that President Donald Trump won in 2016 both in the Rust Belt and the Sun Belt. But public and private polls consistently show that Biden is running slightly better in the former group of battlegrounds — centered on Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin — than the latter, which include North Carolina, Florida and Arizona.”
“That’s something of a surprise, because Trump has focused his message and agenda so precisely on the priorities and resentments of the older, rural and non-college Whites who dominate the electorate in Rust Belt states, while the Sun Belt states are adding many more of the younger non-White voters who increasingly compose the Democrats’ base.”


politicalwire--2020-09-08--Where the Election Will Be Decided

Where the Election Will Be Decided

Politico profiles eight critical battlegrounds where the 2020 election will be won or lost : Arizona , Florida , Georgia @ @ @ @ @ North Carolina , Pennsylvania and Wisconsin .
“ The selection of these swing states is @ @ @ @ @ factors — polling , demography , past and recent election history , voter registration , @ @ @ @ @ party officials , strategists and pollsters .
The individual campaigns have also revealed the places @ @ @ @ @ , resource allocation , TV and radio advertising and candidate visits.
” Every one of @ @ @ @ @ currently leans to Democrats on the consensus electoral map .

Politico profiles eight critical battlegrounds where the 2020 election will be won or lost: Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.
“The selection of these swing states is based on a variety of factors — polling, demography, past and recent election history, voter registration, interviews with state and local party officials, strategists and pollsters. The individual campaigns have also revealed the places they are prioritizing through staffing, resource allocation, TV and radio advertising and candidate visits.”
Every one of these states except Florida, Georgia and North Carolina currently leans to Democrats on the consensus electoral map.


politicalwire--2020-09-08--Senate Returns with No Path on Relief Bill

“ The Senate returns from its August recess Tuesday with no signs of progress on a new coronavirus relief package @ @ @ @ @ reach a deal before lawmakers head back home to campaign , ” Politico reports .
@ @ @ @ @ talks between the White House and Democratic congressional leaders , a bipartisan compromise is increasingly @ @ @ @ @ as millions of Americans remain unemployed and the coronavirus ’ death toll continues to rise @ @

“The Senate returns from its August recess Tuesday with no signs of progress on a new coronavirus relief package — and only days to reach a deal before lawmakers head back home to campaign,” Politico reports.
“Despite weeks of high-level talks between the White House and Democratic congressional leaders, a bipartisan compromise is increasingly unlikely before the election even as millions of Americans remain unemployed and the coronavirus’ death toll continues to rise.”


politicalwire--2020-09-08--War on Terror Has Displaced 37 Million

War on Terror Has Displaced 37 Million

“ At least 37 million people have been displaced as a direct result of the wars fought by the United @ @ @ @ @ 2001 , according to a new report from Brown University ’ s Costs of War @ @ @ @ @ York Times reports .
“ That figure exceeds those displaced by conflict since 1900 , @ @ @ @ @ the exception of World War II .
”

“At least 37 million people have been displaced as a direct result of the wars fought by the United States since Sept. 11, 2001, according to a new report from Brown University’s Costs of War project,” the New York Times reports.
“That figure exceeds those displaced by conflict since 1900, the authors say, with the exception of World War II.”


politicalwire--2020-09-08--Bible Signed by Trump on Sale for $37,500


politicalwire--2020-09-08--Trump Suggests ‘Decoupling’ U.S. Economy from China


politicalwire--2020-09-08--Trump Mulls Putting $100 Million Into His Campaign

“ President Trump has discussed spending as much as $ 100 million of his own money on his re-election campaign @ @ @ @ @ beat Democratic nominee Joe Biden , ” Bloomberg reports .
“ The billionaire president has @ @ @ @ @ multiple people , though he hasn ’ t yet committed to any self-funding , according @ @ @ @ @ deliberations .
Though Trump personally contributed $ 66 million to his 2016 campaign , it @ @ @ @ @ incumbent president to put his own money toward winning a second term .
”

“President Trump has discussed spending as much as $100 million of his own money on his re-election campaign, if necessary, to beat Democratic nominee Joe Biden,” Bloomberg reports.
“The billionaire president has talked about the idea with multiple people, though he hasn’t yet committed to any self-funding, according to people briefed on internal deliberations. Though Trump personally contributed $66 million to his 2016 campaign, it would be unprecedented for an incumbent president to put his own money toward winning a second term.”


politicalwire--2020-09-08--Federal Government Runs Out of Money In 22 Days

Playbook : “ The government is slated to shut down in 22 days , and color us skeptical of all the ‘ we-decided-not-to-shut-it-down ’ talk from Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin .
Does anyone actually actively plan to shut down the government ?
If the two sides don ’ t get an agreement , are we to believe that after all of the back and forth and calls for a Covid relief deal , Democrats are just gon na fold and agree to a clean government funding bill ?
And Republicans are going to give up on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before an election ?
We ’ re not predicting a shutdown .
We ’ re just saying that we don ’ t think we ’ ve seen the last frame of this movie yet — nor do many in the Capitol and White House.
” “ As of right now , Senate Republicans are working behind the scenes to see if they can get 51 votes for a “ skinny ” Covid bill that they hope to release this week .
That bill will include an extension of the PPP , more enhanced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care .
The inability to get 51 GOP votes would be a big defeat for the White House and Senate GOP leadership .
At this moment , the leadership is trying to find a sweet spot in policy that would get them 51 votes — and there ’ s no guarantee that will happen .
”

Playbook: “The government is slated to shut down in 22 days, and color us skeptical of all the ‘we-decided-not-to-shut-it-down’ talk from Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin. Does anyone actually actively plan to shut down the government? If the two sides don’t get an agreement, are we to believe that after all of the back and forth and calls for a Covid relief deal, Democrats are just gonna fold and agree to a clean government funding bill? And Republicans are going to give up on their priorities, too? Just weeks before an election? We’re not predicting a shutdown. We’re just saying that we don’t think we’ve seen the last frame of this movie yet — nor do many in the Capitol and White House.”
“As of right now, Senate Republicans are working behind the scenes to see if they can get 51 votes for a “skinny” Covid bill that they hope to release this week. That bill will include an extension of the PPP, more enhanced unemployment and money for schools and day care. The inability to get 51 GOP votes would be a big defeat for the White House and Senate GOP leadership. At this moment, the leadership is trying to find a sweet spot in policy that would get them 51 votes — and there’s no guarantee that will happen.”


politicalwire--2020-09-08--House to Probe DeJoy’s Campaign Contributions

“ House Democrats are launching an investigation of Postmaster General Louis DeJoy and called for his immediate suspension following accusations @ @ @ @ @ campaign contributions they made to his preferred GOP politicians , an arrangement that would be @ @ @ @ @ Post reports .
“ Rep .
Carolyn B. Maloney ( D-N.Y. ) said in a @ @ @ @ @ House Committee on Oversight and Reform , which she chairs , would begin an investigation @ @ @ @ @ have lied to her committee under oath .
Maloney also urged the Board of Governors @ @ @ @ @ Service to immediately suspend DeJoy , whom ‘ they never should have hired in the @ @ @ @ @ said .
A spokesman for the Postal Service did not immediately respond to a request @ @ @ @

“House Democrats are launching an investigation of Postmaster General Louis DeJoy and called for his immediate suspension following accusations that he reimbursed employees for campaign contributions they made to his preferred GOP politicians, an arrangement that would be unlawful,” the Washington Post reports.
“Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney (D-N.Y.) said in a statement late Monday that the House Committee on Oversight and Reform, which she chairs, would begin an investigation, saying that DeJoy may have lied to her committee under oath. Maloney also urged the Board of Governors of the U.S. Postal Service to immediately suspend DeJoy, whom ‘they never should have hired in the first place,’ she said. A spokesman for the Postal Service did not immediately respond to a request for comment.”


politicalwire--2020-09-08--The Most Powerful Governor In America

The Most Powerful Governor In America

“ New Jersey endows its governors with the most executive power in the nation .
Chris Christie knew it and @ @ @ @ @ become a hero of the Republican Party — a state-level strongman who forced Democrats to @ @ @ @ @ his wrath , ” Politico reports .
“ Few thought Phil Murphy , his Democratic @ @ @ @ @ power even further .
Murphy struggled early on to move his progressive agenda through the @ @ @ @ @ factions formed to oppose him .
His signature proposal — a new tax on millionaires @ @ @ @ @ “ Now , six months into a global pandemic that ’ s shattered the state @ @ @ @ @ roughly 16,000 residents , Murphy has become one of the most popular governors in New @ @ @ @ @ just how much say he has over the state and its government .
”

“New Jersey endows its governors with the most executive power in the nation. Chris Christie knew it and used that broad authority to become a hero of the Republican Party — a state-level strongman who forced Democrats to do his will or face his wrath,” Politico reports.
“Few thought Phil Murphy, his Democratic successor, would consolidate that power even further. Murphy struggled early on to move his progressive agenda through the solidly Democratic Legislature. Rival factions formed to oppose him. His signature proposal — a new tax on millionaires — was rejected twice.”
“Now, six months into a global pandemic that’s shattered the state’s economy and killed roughly 16,000 residents, Murphy has become one of the most popular governors in New Jersey history — and discovered just how much say he has over the state and its government.”


politicalwire--2020-09-08--GOP Lawmaker Spent $70K in Campaign Funds on Meals

Rep. Mike Turner ( R-OH ) has used campaign funds for hundreds of trips to restaurants — and occasionally to @ @ @ @ @ according to a Politico analysis of the Ohio Republican ’ s campaign-finance filings over the @ @ @ @ @ The individual receipts are fairly modest in most cases — typically ranging from $ 12 @ @ @ @ @ .
But together , ethics watchdogs say , they suggest a consistent pattern : Turner @ @ @ @ @ his personal dining costs , expensing an average of two meals a week .
”

Rep. Mike Turner (R-OH) has used campaign funds for hundreds of trips to restaurants — and occasionally to stay at lavish hotels — according to a Politico analysis of the Ohio Republican’s campaign-finance filings over the past 3½ years.
“The individual receipts are fairly modest in most cases — typically ranging from $12 to a few hundred dollars. But together, ethics watchdogs say, they suggest a consistent pattern: Turner uses his donors to subsidize his personal dining costs, expensing an average of two meals a week.”


politicalwire--2020-09-08--Trump Calls Himself ‘the Great Environmentalist’

“ President Trump signed a largely symbolic proclamation Tuesday urging Congress to expand a moratorium on oil and gas drilling @ @ @ @ @ coastline , touting his controversial environmental record in a state in the crosshairs of climate @ @ @ @ @ ” the Los Angeles Times reports .
“ Since taking office , Trump has shredded @ @ @ @ @ dismissed the scientific consensus on climate change and tapped energy lobbyists to lead the agencies @ @ @ @ @ ’ s natural resources , but he dramatically recast his record in an effort to @ @ @ @ @ Said Trump : “ Number one since Teddy Roosevelt .
Who would have thought ?
@ @ @ @ @ .
”

“President Trump signed a largely symbolic proclamation Tuesday urging Congress to expand a moratorium on oil and gas drilling off America’s southeastern coastline, touting his controversial environmental record in a state in the crosshairs of climate change and electoral politics,” the Los Angeles Times reports.
“Since taking office, Trump has shredded dozens of environmental protections, dismissed the scientific consensus on climate change and tapped energy lobbyists to lead the agencies entrusted with safeguarding the country’s natural resources, but he dramatically recast his record in an effort to woo environmentally minded voters.”
Said Trump: “Number one since Teddy Roosevelt. Who would have thought? Trump is the great environmentalist.”


politicalwire--2020-09-08--Trump Campaign Events Damaged White House Lawn

“ President Trump ’ s reelection campaign is paying to replace sod on the White House South Lawn and Rose @ @ @ @ @ greenery late last month from large crowds and heavy equipment used for Republican National Convention @ @ @ @ @ Post reports .
“ Trump ’ s unprecedented decision to stage overtly political events on @ @ @ @ @ complaints that the Trumps were overtly using ‘ the people ’ s house ’ for @ @ @ @ @ reverberate nearly two weeks later , as work crews re-sod grass and make other repairs @ @

“President Trump’s reelection campaign is paying to replace sod on the White House South Lawn and Rose Garden after damage to the greenery late last month from large crowds and heavy equipment used for Republican National Convention festivities,” the Washington Post reports.
“Trump’s unprecedented decision to stage overtly political events on public property — which drew complaints that the Trumps were overtly using ‘the people’s house’ for personal gain — continues to reverberate nearly two weeks later, as work crews re-sod grass and make other repairs.”


politicalwire--2020-09-08--Vaccine Trials Halted In United Kingdom

Vaccine Trials Halted In United Kingdom

“ A large , Phase 3 study testing a Covid-19 vaccine being developed by AstraZeneca and the University of Oxford @ @ @ @ @ the U.S. has been put on hold due to a suspected serious adverse reaction in @ @ @ @ @ Kingdom , ” Stat reports .
“ The nature of the adverse reaction and when @ @ @ @ @ known , though the participant is expected to recover .
”

“A large, Phase 3 study testing a Covid-19 vaccine being developed by AstraZeneca and the University of Oxford at dozens of sites across the U.S. has been put on hold due to a suspected serious adverse reaction in a participant in the United Kingdom,” Stat reports.
“The nature of the adverse reaction and when it happened was not immediately known, though the participant is expected to recover.”


politicalwire--2020-09-08--Biden Leads In Michigan

Biden Leads In Michigan

“ I don ’ t think we ’ re going to go back to a traditional convention… I don ’ @ @ @ @ @ back to four days in one city now that the rest 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--2020-09-08--U.S. Seeks to Provide Trump Defense In Defamation Case

The U.S. Justice Department is seeking to take over the defense of President Trump in a defamation suit brought by @ @ @ @ @ , who claims Trump raped her two decades ago , Bloomberg reports .
In a @ @ @ @ @ Justice Department said Trump was acting “ within the scope ” of his job as @ @ @ @ @ lied about the incident , prompting her lawsuit .

The U.S. Justice Department is seeking to take over the defense of President Trump in a defamation suit brought by advice columnist E. Jean Carroll, who claims Trump raped her two decades ago, Bloomberg reports.
In a court filing Tuesday, the Justice Department said Trump was acting “within the scope” of his job as president when he said Carroll lied about the incident, prompting her lawsuit.


politicalwire--2020-09-08--Trump to Spend More In Minnesota Than Wisconsin

“ President Trump ’ s campaign is currently planning to spend more money on advertising in Minnesota than in either @ @ @ @ @ final stretch of the 2020 race , a significant shift in strategy as its path @ @ @ @ @ , ” McClatchy reports .
“ Trump ’ s campaign is slated to pour more @ @ @ @ @ Minnesota between the beginning of September through Election Day , compared to $ 12.6 million @ @ @ @ @ million in Wisconsin , according to Advertising Analytics , a media tracking firm .
The @ @ @ @ @ run on TV , radio and online.
” “ It ’ s a reversal from @ @ @ @ @ when the president ’ s campaign had devoted more money to Michigan and Wisconsin , @ @ @ @ @ Trump surprisingly carried in 2016 , but where he has seen his standing slip .
@

“President Trump’s campaign is currently planning to spend more money on advertising in Minnesota than in either Wisconsin or Michigan during the final stretch of the 2020 race, a significant shift in strategy as its path to 270 electoral votes narrows,” McClatchy reports.
“Trump’s campaign is slated to pour more than $14 million into Minnesota between the beginning of September through Election Day, compared to $12.6 million in Michigan and $8.3 million in Wisconsin, according to Advertising Analytics, a media tracking firm. The sums include ads booked to run on TV, radio and online.”
“It’s a reversal from the previous three months, when the president’s campaign had devoted more money to Michigan and Wisconsin, two Upper Midwest battlegrounds that Trump surprisingly carried in 2016, but where he has seen his standing slip.”


politicalwire--2020-09-08--Peter Strzok Has a Warning About Russia — and Trump

Garrett Graff has an excellent review of Peter Strzok ’ s new book , Compromised .
“ I ’ ve @ @ @ @ @ the FBI , written multiple books about the bureau and dozens of magazine articles , @ @ @ @ @ evidence technicians and analysts to six of its eight directors—and probably spoken to FBI personnel @ @ @ @ @ 2008 .
And part of what ’ s so surprising about Strzok ’ s unique @ @ @ @ @ in intelligence tradecraft , and part-cri de couer—is just how utterly typical an FBI agent @ @ @ @ @ “ Far from a conniving villain or Deep State plant , Strzok—who by the summer @ @ @ @ @ assistant director of the bureau ’ s counterintelligence division , the number-two job in one @ @ @ @ @ most important missions—was widely regarded in the bureau as one of the most promising counterintelligence @ @ @ @ @ ”

Garrett Graff has an excellent review of Peter Strzok’s new book, Compromised.
“I’ve spent a dozen years covering the FBI, written multiple books about the bureau and dozens of magazine articles, interviewed hundreds of its employees—from evidence technicians and analysts to six of its eight directors—and probably spoken to FBI personnel more days than not since 2008. And part of what’s so surprising about Strzok’s unique and engaging book—part-memoir, part-lesson in intelligence tradecraft, and part-cri de couer—is just how utterly typical an FBI agent he appears to be.”
“Far from a conniving villain or Deep State plant, Strzok—who by the summer of 2018 was the deputy assistant director of the bureau’s counterintelligence division, the number-two job in one of the FBI’s most important missions—was widely regarded in the bureau as one of the most promising counterintelligence agents of his generation.”


politicalwire--2020-09-08--Trump Reverses Himself on Offshore Drilling

President Trump announced a 10-year ban on oil drilling off the coasts of Florida , Georgia and South Carolina — @ @ @ @ @ meant to help shore up his support in swing states , Politico reports .
Said @ @ @ @ @ “ It ’ s a complete ambush .
Nobody knows where this came from .
@ @ @ @ @ campaign sort of thing .
”

President Trump announced a 10-year ban on oil drilling off the coasts of Florida, Georgia and South Carolina — in a political reversal likely meant to help shore up his support in swing states, Politico reports.
Said one energy industry official: “It’s a complete ambush. Nobody knows where this came from. It totally seems like a campaign sort of thing.”


politicalwire--2020-09-08--Bonus Quote of the Day

Bonus Quote of the Day

“ I don ’ t think we ’ re going to go back to a traditional convention… I don ’ @ @ @ @ @ back to four days in one city now that the rest of the country has @ @ @ @ @ .
This new convention playbook is going to get another round in 2024 .
It @ @ @ @ @ pass up.
” — Former DNC chairperson Donna Brazile , quoted by the New York @ @ @ @ @ of party conventions .

“I don’t think we’re going to go back to a traditional convention… I don’t know how you go back to four days in one city now that the rest of the country has had a part of it. This new convention playbook is going to get another round in 2024. It’s too good to pass up.”
— Former DNC chairperson Donna Brazile, quoted by the New York Times, on the future of party conventions.


politicalwire--2020-09-08--Biden Ahead in Most Swing States

Biden Ahead in Most Swing States


politicalwire--2020-09-08--Biden’s Very Efficient Fundraising

Biden’s Very Efficient Fundraising

New York Times : “ Biden ’ s Zoom fundraisers typically took less than 90 minutes of the candidate ’ @ @ @ @ @ millions of dollars and cost almost nothing… Trump has almost entirely refused to hold such @ @ @ @ @ doesn ’ t like them .
”


politicalwire--2020-09-08--Trump Slams Pandemic Restrictions

Trump Slams Pandemic Restrictions

“ As the presidential campaign entered the post-Labor Day sprint to the finish line , President Trump returned to a @ @ @ @ @ minimizing the threat posed by the coronavirus , sometimes in ways that contradict the advice @ @ @ @ @ ” the New York Times reports .
“ Mr .
Trump took to Twitter on @ @ @ @ @ ‘ New York City must stop the Shutdown now ‘ and then to claim that @ @ @ @ @ were ‘ only being done to hurt the economy prior to the most important election @ @ @ @ @ history . '
”

“As the presidential campaign entered the post-Labor Day sprint to the finish line, President Trump returned to a familiar theme this week: minimizing the threat posed by the coronavirus, sometimes in ways that contradict the advice of federal health authorities,” the New York Times reports.
“Mr. Trump took to Twitter on Tuesday morning to insist that ‘New York City must stop the Shutdown now‘ and then to claim that virus restrictions in other states were ‘only being done to hurt the economy prior to the most important election, perhaps, in our history.'”


politicalwire--2020-09-08--Bill Clinton to Launch a Podcast

Bill Clinton to Launch a Podcast


politicalwire--2020-09-08--Trump Using Same Playbook That Didn’t Work In 2018

New York Times : “ President Trump is using a fear-based playbook that is as familiar to him as it @ @ @ @ @ Republicans get elected in recent years .
Some of the players have changed — instead @ @ @ @ @ migrant caravans , now there are rioters and looters — but the target audience and @ @ @ @ @ Suburban communities that he claims Democrats won ’ t keep safe .
The president is @ @ @ @ @ from 2018 , with slogans like ‘ jobs not mobs ’ and ads showing Democratic @ @ @ @ @ during the national anthem.
” “ Democrats can point to the 41 House seats they @ @ @ @ @ show that the Republican strategy did not work then , and that voters were more @ @ @ @ @ havoc .
Even Republicans say there is no solid evidence in their polling that proves @ @ @ @ @ are helping him today.
” Washington Post : Trump employs images of violence as political @ @ @ @ @

New York Times: “President Trump is using a fear-based playbook that is as familiar to him as it is questionable in actually helping Republicans get elected in recent years. Some of the players have changed — instead of MS-13 gang members and migrant caravans, now there are rioters and looters — but the target audience and themes are the same: Suburban communities that he claims Democrats won’t keep safe. The president is even reusing phrases and imagery from 2018, with slogans like ‘jobs not mobs’ and ads showing Democratic politicians and liberal figures kneeling during the national anthem.”
“Democrats can point to the 41 House seats they picked up in 2018 to show that the Republican strategy did not work then, and that voters were more concerned about health care than havoc. Even Republicans say there is no solid evidence in their polling that proves the president’s tactics are helping him today.”
Washington Post: Trump employs images of violence as political fuel for reelection fight.


politicalwire--2020-09-08--Dead Heat In Florida

Dead Heat In Florida

A new NBC News/Marist poll in Florida finds Joe Biden tied with Donald Trump , 48 % to 48 % @ @ @ @ @ that Biden is underperforming among Latinos ( vs. Hillary Clinton four years ago ) , @ @ @ @ @ seniors .
The poll is more confirmation that Florida is a Toss Up .

A new NBC News/Marist poll in Florida finds Joe Biden tied with Donald Trump, 48% to 48%.
The key takeaway is that Biden is underperforming among Latinos (vs. Hillary Clinton four years ago), while Trump is underperforming among seniors.
The poll is more confirmation that Florida is a Toss Up.


politicalwire--2020-09-08--Trump Confirms He Might Use His Own Money

President Trump took to Twitter to defend against allegations his campaign may be running out of money : “ Because @ @ @ @ @ my Campaign , which has raised a lot of money , was forced to spend @ @ @ @ @ Fake News reporting about the way we handled it ( China Ban , etc. )
@ @ @ @ @ are doing , a GREAT job , and have a lot of money left over @ @ @ @ @ Like I did in the 2016 Primaries , if more money is needed , which @ @ @ @ @ , I will put it up !
”

President Trump took to Twitter to defend against allegations his campaign may be running out of money:
“Because of the China Virus, my Campaign, which has raised a lot of money, was forced to spend in order to counter the Fake News reporting about the way we handled it (China Ban, etc.). We did, and are doing, a GREAT job, and have a lot of money left over, much more than 2016… Like I did in the 2016 Primaries, if more money is needed, which I doubt it will be, I will put it up!”


politicalwire--2020-09-08--Eight Weeks Until Election Day

Eight Weeks Until Election Day

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This piece is only available to Political Wire members.
Conventional wisdom holds that most Americans don’t pay much attention to politics until after Labor Day. I’m not sure that’s true anymore, but let’s look at where the race stands with exactly eight weeks until Election Day.


politicalwire--2020-09-08--McConnell May Force Vote on ‘Skinny’ Relief Bill

“ Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell announced Tuesday he might try to force his chamber to cast a test vote @ @ @ @ @ version of his party ’ s economic recovery plan , putting pressure on Republicans to @ @ @ @ @ to serve as an election-year contrast with Democrats , ” CNN reports .
Bloomberg : @ @ @ @ @ to feature some of the aspects of a $ 1 trillion proposal put forth by @ @ @ @ @ is expected to cost $ 500 billion to $ 700 billion .
”

“Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell announced Tuesday he might try to force his chamber to cast a test vote this week on a new version of his party’s economic recovery plan, putting pressure on Republicans to get behind a measure meant to serve as an election-year contrast with Democrats,” CNN reports.
Bloomberg: “The bill, expected to feature some of the aspects of a $1 trillion proposal put forth by Republicans a month ago, is expected to cost $500 billion to $700 billion.”


politicalwire--2020-09-09--Falwell Denies Quid Pro Quo for Trump Endorsement

Jerry Fallwell Jr. told Reuters he did not endorse President Trump in return for Michael Cohen keeping racy photos of @ @ @ @ @ .
Said Falwell : “ Someone stole some pictures I took of my wife in @ @ @ @ @ .
Big deal .
OK ?
” He added : “ It was no quid @ @ @ @ @ no me supporting Trump because of whatever Michael was doing .
”

Jerry Fallwell Jr. told Reuters he did not endorse President Trump in return for Michael Cohen keeping racy photos of his wife from being published.
Said Falwell: “Someone stole some pictures I took of my wife in the back yard. Topless. Big deal. OK?”
He added: “It was no quid pro quo. There was no me supporting Trump because of whatever Michael was doing.”


politicalwire--2020-09-09--Zuckerberg ‘Hopes’ Facebook Won’t Destroy Society

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg was asked by Axios if he was at all concerned that history will remember Facebook as @ @ @ @ @ destruction.
” He responded : “ I have a little more confidence in democracy than @ @ @ @ @ my confidence isn ’ t misplaced.
” He added added : “ What we do @ @ @ @ @ lot of what the internet does overall , is gives individuals more power .
”

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg was asked by Axios if he was at all concerned that history will remember Facebook as “an accelerant of social destruction.”
He responded: “I have a little more confidence in democracy than that. And I hope my confidence isn’t misplaced.”
He added added: “What we do, and I think a lot of what the internet does overall, is gives individuals more power.”


politicalwire--2020-09-09--Trump Nominated for Nobel Peace Prize

Trump Nominated for Nobel Peace Prize

Fox News broke an “ exclusive ” that President Trump had been nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize .
Daily @ @ @ @ @ didn ’ t mention was that hundreds of people are nominated every year , and @ @ @ @ @ his role in the new Israel-United Arab Emirates agreement—came from one of Norway ’ s @ @ @ @ @ ”

Fox News broke an “exclusive” that President Trump had been nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize.
Daily Beast: “What it didn’t mention was that hundreds of people are nominated every year, and that Trump’s nomination—for his role in the new Israel-United Arab Emirates agreement—came from one of Norway’s most well-known anti-immigration cranks.”


politicalwire--2020-09-09--Trump Will Announce Troop Reduction In Iraq

President Trump urged his supporters to gather at polling places in November and take it upon themselves to monitor the @ @ @ @ @ to expect “ thieving , and stealing and…


politicalwire--2020-09-09--Trump Orders Supporters to Act as ‘Poll Watchers’

President Trump urged his supporters to gather at polling places in November and take it upon themselves to monitor the @ @ @ @ @ to expect “ thieving , and stealing and robbing ” at the polls .
Said @ @ @ @ @ .
Be poll watchers when you go there .
Watch all the thieving and stealing @ @ @ @ @ Because this is important .
We win North Carolina , we win .
”

President Trump urged his supporters to gather at polling places in November and take it upon themselves to monitor the election.
He warned them to expect “thieving, and stealing and robbing” at the polls.
Said Trump: “Watch it. Be poll watchers when you go there. Watch all the thieving and stealing and robbing they do. Because this is important. We win North Carolina, we win.”


politicalwire--2020-09-09--Trump Running Out of Time

Trump Running Out of Time

“ The door isn ’ t closed on President Trump ’ s reelection , but time is running short .
@ @ @ @ @ start of concerted general-election campaigning , but it comes with a far greater sense of @ @ @ @ @ .
Because of coronavirus-related changes in election administration across the country , more Americans than @ @ @ @ @ their ballots early this year , whether by mail or in person , ” Politico @ @ @ @ @ , who didn ’ t get the election-changing convention bounce he hoped for , still @ @ @ @ @ significant margin among voters nationally — and by varying , but mostly smaller , gaps @ @ @ @ @ battleground states .
”

“The door isn’t closed on President Trump’s reelection, but time is running short. Labor Day once marked the start of concerted general-election campaigning, but it comes with a far greater sense of urgency this year for Trump. Because of coronavirus-related changes in election administration across the country, more Americans than ever are expected to cast their ballots early this year, whether by mail or in person,” Politico reports.
“And Trump, who didn’t get the election-changing convention bounce he hoped for, still trails Joe Biden by a significant margin among voters nationally — and by varying, but mostly smaller, gaps in many of the key battleground states.”
Politico: Trump’s lost summer.


politicalwire--2020-09-09--Trump’s Raucous Crowds vs. Biden’s Distanced Gatherings

“ When the announcer at President Trump ’ s recent rally here urged a packed airplane hangar of supporters to don their masks , a cacophonous round of boos erupted , followed by defiance .
No matter that the attendees ’ chairs were inches apart , their temperatures had not been taken and masks were required by the state , ” the Washington Post reports .
“ Joe Biden , meanwhile , has barely left his home without a mask for months , and he makes a point of keeping voters — when he encounters any — at a distance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at drive-in theaters have been kept under 50 — people , not cars — to respect state guidelines.
” “ This contrast continued Tuesday , when Trump flew to Florida and North Carolina , addressing crowds in both places , while Biden ’ s camp announced by 9:30 a.m. he would make no public appearances all day .
It ’ s a likely snapshot of the race ’ s final eight weeks : one campaign fueled by in-person events , raucous gatherings and defiant crowds flouting health rules ; the other driven by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and spaced apart .
”

“When the announcer at President Trump’s recent rally here urged a packed airplane hangar of supporters to don their masks, a cacophonous round of boos erupted, followed by defiance. No matter that the attendees’ chairs were inches apart, their temperatures had not been taken and masks were required by the state,” the Washington Post reports.
“Joe Biden, meanwhile, has barely left his home without a mask for months, and he makes a point of keeping voters — when he encounters any — at a distance from himself and one another. Events at drive-in theaters have been kept under 50 — people, not cars — to respect state guidelines.”
“This contrast continued Tuesday, when Trump flew to Florida and North Carolina, addressing crowds in both places, while Biden’s camp announced by 9:30 a.m. he would make no public appearances all day. It’s a likely snapshot of the race’s final eight weeks: one campaign fueled by in-person events, raucous gatherings and defiant crowds flouting health rules; the other driven by quiet, small-bore events with everyone masked and spaced apart.”


politicalwire--2020-09-09--Trump Will Lose a Race About Him

Trump Will Lose a Race About Him

Wall Street Journal editorial : “ If Mr. Trump is going to stage a comeback , and not become only the fourth incumbent in a century to be denied a second term , he will have to make the race about policy differences and Mr. Biden ’ s indulgence to the Democratic left.
” “ If the race comes down to a character contest , Mr. Trump will lose .
… Mr. Trump ’ s job approval rating rests at about 43 % -44 % , and his personal approval is lower .
He hasn ’ t been able to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was on Inauguration Day .
Unlike Richard Nixon or George W. Bush , who won with pluralities the first time but majorities the next , Mr. Trump has failed to expand his coalition.
” “ Mr .
Trump has narrowed his deficit somewhat since the GOP convention , but he trails Mr. Biden in the polling averages in every battleground state .
It seems unlikely Mr. Trump can win the nationwide popular vote , so he will have to eke out another victory in the Electoral College.
” “ After the surprises of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this can ’ t be done .
But if Mr. Trump is going to do it , he will have to make the election about more than himself , or even his first-term record .
He has to make the election a choice about two futures , rather than two men .
”

Wall Street Journal editorial: “If Mr. Trump is going to stage a comeback, and not become only the fourth incumbent in a century to be denied a second term, he will have to make the race about policy differences and Mr. Biden’s indulgence to the Democratic left.”
“If the race comes down to a character contest, Mr. Trump will lose. … Mr. Trump’s job approval rating rests at about 43%-44%, and his personal approval is lower. He hasn’t been able to sustain his job approval above what it was on Inauguration Day. Unlike Richard Nixon or George W. Bush, who won with pluralities the first time but majorities the next, Mr. Trump has failed to expand his coalition.”
“Mr. Trump has narrowed his deficit somewhat since the GOP convention, but he trails Mr. Biden in the polling averages in every battleground state. It seems unlikely Mr. Trump can win the nationwide popular vote, so he will have to eke out another victory in the Electoral College.”
“After the surprises of 2016, only a fool would say this can’t be done. But if Mr. Trump is going to do it, he will have to make the election about more than himself, or even his first-term record. He has to make the election a choice about two futures, rather than two men.”


politicalwire--2020-09-09--Biden Leads In Pennsylvania

Biden Leads In Pennsylvania

“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--2020-09-09--Darrell Issa’s Comeback In Trouble

Darrell Issa’s Comeback In Trouble


politicalwire--2020-09-09--How Political Sources Play the Anonymity Game

Tom DeFrank writes that years ago , an anonymous source gave him incredible insights on the 1988 presidential election on @ @ @ @ @ that when the story came out , he ’ d have to publicly deny it @ @ @ @ @ ”


politicalwire--2020-09-10--A Window Into Trump’s Mind?

A Window Into Trump’s Mind?

“ Readers who pick up Bob Woodward ’ s new book , Rage , and are tantalized by the promise @ @ @ @ @ ‘ an utterly vivid window into Trump ’ s mind , ’ will quickly get @ @ @ @ @ apartment hunters in New York often have to learn : A window can only be @ @ @ @ @ out onto an air shaft .
”

From a New York Times review:
“Readers who pick up Bob Woodward’s new book, Rage, and are tantalized by the promise on its dust jacket of ‘an utterly vivid window into Trump’s mind,’ will quickly get schooled in a lesson that apartment hunters in New York often have to learn: A window can only be so vivid if it looks out onto an air shaft.”


politicalwire--2020-09-10--Trump Thought He Could Spin Bob Woodward

CNN : “ So confident was Trump he could generate a favorable depiction that he provided Woodward with his personal @ @ @ @ @ speak with a man whose long record of interviewing his predecessors has not exactly produced @ @ @ @ @ phone calls late at night from the White House residence , Trump spun his tenure @ @ @ @ @ and unparalleled victory… ” “ While Trump conducted two interviews for the book in the @ @ @ @ @ his subsequent conversations were often only him and Woodward on the phone.
” “ Trump @ @ @ @ @ communications office and staff for several of the 16 phone interviews he did with Woodward… @ @ @ @ @ also call Trump directly without going through the communications office.
” Politico : How Trump @ @ @ @ @ .

CNN: “So confident was Trump he could generate a favorable depiction that he provided Woodward with his personal cellphone number, eager to speak with a man whose long record of interviewing his predecessors has not exactly produced flattering results.”
“In phone calls late at night from the White House residence, Trump spun his tenure as one of historic successes and unparalleled victory…”
“While Trump conducted two interviews for the book in the Oval Office surrounded by aides… his subsequent conversations were often only him and Woodward on the phone.”
“Trump went around the White House communications office and staff for several of the 16 phone interviews he did with Woodward… The official said Woodward would also call Trump directly without going through the communications office.”
Politico: How Trump fell into the Woodward trap.


politicalwire--2020-09-09--Everyone Knows It’s True

Everyone Knows It’s True

David Frum : “ One of the most striking things about Trump is how seldom , if ever , anybody @ @ @ @ @ and compassion about him .
Not even his own children have much to say… Few @ @ @ @ @ administration praise him as a boss .
Few business partners speak of his honesty .
@ @ @ @ @ have anything good to say about the homes he supposedly built .
Few officials of @ @ @ @ @ to celebrate any contribution to urban life .
Few beneficiaries of any Trump philanthropy.
” @ @ @ @ @ has lived in the public eye for half a century , supposedly one of the @ @ @ @ @ figures , and when in trouble he struggles to summon credible or trustworthy witnesses from @ @ @ @ @ .
There ’ s just a gaping zero where goodness should be .
”

David Frum: “One of the most striking things about Trump is how seldom, if ever, anybody tells a story of kindness and compassion about him. Not even his own children have much to say… Few former employees of the Trump administration praise him as a boss. Few business partners speak of his honesty. Few tenants of Trump buildings have anything good to say about the homes he supposedly built. Few officials of any city have been willing to celebrate any contribution to urban life. Few beneficiaries of any Trump philanthropy.”
“Imagine a man who has lived in the public eye for half a century, supposedly one of the country’s leading business figures, and when in trouble he struggles to summon credible or trustworthy witnesses from outside the Fox Cinematic Universe. There’s just a gaping zero where goodness should be.”


politicalwire--2020-09-09--Woman Votes Topless After Anti-Trump T-Shirt Disallowed

David Frum : “ One of the most striking things about Trump is how seldom , if ever , anybody @ @ @ @ @ and compassion about him .
Not even his own children…


politicalwire--2020-09-09--Biden Says Trump’s Handling of Virus ‘Almost Criminal’

Joe Biden told CNN it is “ disgusting ” and “ almost criminal ” that President Trump knew of the @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus in February and then downplayed its threat in March .
Said Biden : “ @ @ @ @ @ .
And what did he do the whole time ?
He acknowledged this — you @ @ @ @ @ s in the air — and he won ’ t put on a mask .
@ @ @ @ @ , ‘ It ’ s ridiculous to put on a mask , what do you @ @ @ @ @ Why have any of these rules ? '
”

Joe Biden told CNN it is “disgusting” and “almost criminal” that President Trump knew of the serious risk posed by the coronavirus in February and then downplayed its threat in March.
Said Biden: “This caused people to die. And what did he do the whole time? He acknowledged this — you breathe it, it’s in the air — and he won’t put on a mask. He’s talking about, ‘It’s ridiculous to put on a mask, what do you need social distancing for? Why have any of these rules?'”


politicalwire--2020-09-09--GOP Lawmaker Tweets Against Wearing Masks

Rep. Andy Biggs ( R-AZ ) “ is neither a physician nor a scientist but he continues to attack public @ @ @ @ @ on COVID-19 , ” the Arizona Republic reports .
“ In his latest tweets , @ @ @ @ @ national and local public health guidance on COVID-19… He ’ s also been urging members @ @ @ @ @ unmask . '
”

Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ) “is neither a physician nor a scientist but he continues to attack public health advice and scientific evidence on COVID-19,” the Arizona Republic reports.
“In his latest tweets, Biggs urges Arizonans to flout national and local public health guidance on COVID-19… He’s also been urging members of the public to ‘unmask.'”


politicalwire--2020-09-09--Talking to Woodward Was Kushner’s Idea

Talking to Woodward Was Kushner’s Idea

White House officials warned President Trump that talking to Bob Woodward was a bad idea , CNN reports .
But @ @ @ @ @ hours of interviews anyway .
A source , who has direct knowledge of discussions , @ @ @ @ @ thought Woodward interviews were a good idea .
Kushner is “ quoted extensively ” in @ @ @ @ @ Post reports .

White House officials warned President Trump that talking to Bob Woodward was a bad idea, CNN reports.
But Trump went forward with the hours of interviews anyway. A source, who has direct knowledge of discussions, said Trump and Jared Kushner thought Woodward interviews were a good idea.
Kushner is “quoted extensively” in the book, the Washington Post reports.


Think About That!

President Trump tweeted this exactly six months ago : “ So last year 37,000 Americans died from the common Flu @ @ @ @ @ and 70,000 per year .
Nothing is shut down , life and the economy go @ @ @ @ @ there are 546 confirmed cases of Coronavirus , with 22 deaths .
Think about that @ @ @ @ @ , there are nearly 200,000 dead from the coronavirus .

President Trump tweeted this exactly six months ago:
“So last year 37,000 Americans died from the common Flu. It averages between 27,000 and 70,000 per year. Nothing is shut down, life and the economy go on. At this moment there are 546 confirmed cases of Coronavirus, with 22 deaths. Think about that!”
Six months later, there are nearly 200,000 dead from the coronavirus.


politicalwire--2020-09-09--Woodward Has 9 Hours of Trump Recordings

Bob Woodward will appear on 60 Minutes to discuss the revelations in his new book about President Trump , CBS @ @ @ @ @ reported from interviews Woodward was allowed with the president totaling an unprecedented nine hours — @ @ @ @ @ .
Viewers will be able to hear Trump in audio excerpts .

Bob Woodward will appear on 60 Minutes to discuss the revelations in his new book about President Trump, CBS News reports.
Rage was reported from interviews Woodward was allowed with the president totaling an unprecedented nine hours — all of which were recorded.
Viewers will be able to hear Trump in audio excerpts.


politicalwire--2020-09-09--Trump Adds Cotton and Cruz as Possible Justices


politicalwire--2020-09-09--Trump Orders End to Virus Screenings at Airports


politicalwire--2020-09-09--Trump Told Woodward About Secret Nuclear Program

President Trump told Bob Woodward for his book , Rage , about a new nuclear program USA Today reports .
@ @ @ @ @ have built a nuclear — a weapons system that nobody ’ s ever had in @ @ @ @ @ have stuff that you haven ’ t even seen or heard about .
We have @ @ @ @ @ have never heard about before .
There ’ s nobody — what we have is @ @ @ @ @ other unnamed sources confirmed the program ’ s existence , though details on it are @ @ @ @

President Trump told Bob Woodward for his book, Rage, about a new nuclear program USA Today reports.
Said Trump: “I have built a nuclear — a weapons system that nobody’s ever had in this country before. We have stuff that you haven’t even seen or heard about. We have stuff that Putin and Xi have never heard about before. There’s nobody — what we have is incredible.”
“Woodward said other unnamed sources confirmed the program’s existence, though details on it are not included.”


politicalwire--2020-09-09--Emails Show Health Official Trying to Muzzle Fauci


politicalwire--2020-09-09--Pence to Attend Event Hosted by QAnon Backers


politicalwire--2020-09-09--Woodward Book Roils White House

Woodward Book Roils White House

Maggie Haberman of the New York Times tweets that excerpts of the new Bob Woodward book , Rage , have @ @ @ @ @ : “ There is an epic amount of finger-pointing going on at the White House @ @ @ @ @ s to blame for a group of grown adults in serious positions in government — @ @ @ @ @ president — talking to Woodward .
”

Maggie Haberman of the New York Times tweets that excerpts of the new Bob Woodward book, Rage, have stirred up the White House:
“There is an epic amount of finger-pointing going on at the White House right now about who’s to blame for a group of grown adults in serious positions in government — and in one case the president — talking to Woodward.”


politicalwire--2020-09-09--Top Official Undercuts Trump’s Comments on Vaccine

“ Dr .
Francis Collins , the director of the National Institutes of Health , took issue on Wednesday with @ @ @ @ @ that a coronavirus vaccine would be available by Election Day , ” the New York @ @ @ @ @ : “ Certainly , to try to predict whether it happens on a particular week @ @ @ @ @ date in early November is well beyond anything that any scientist right now could tell @ @ @ @ @ know what they are saying .
”

“Dr. Francis Collins, the director of the National Institutes of Health, took issue on Wednesday with President Trump’s suggestion that a coronavirus vaccine would be available by Election Day,” the New York Times reports.
Said Collins: “Certainly, to try to predict whether it happens on a particular week before or after a particular date in early November is well beyond anything that any scientist right now could tell you and be confident they know what they are saying.”


politicalwire--2020-09-09--DHS Official Told to Stop Providing Intelligence on Russia

The House Intelligence Committee received a whistleblower complaint from a former senior Department of Homeland Security official who alleges he @ @ @ @ @ providing intelligence assessments on the threat of Russian interference in the United States ” because @ @ @ @ @ look bad , ” the Washington Post reports .
New York Times : “ Brian @ @ @ @ @ of the intelligence branch of the Homeland Security Department , said in a whistle-blower complaint @ @ @ @ @ was directed by Chad Wolf , the acting secretary of the department , to stop @ @ @ @ @ ” “ The department ’ s second highest ranked official , Kenneth Cuccinelli , also @ @ @ @ @ assessments to make the threat of white supremacy ‘ appear less severe ’ and include @ @ @ @ @ ’ groups .
”

The House Intelligence Committee received a whistleblower complaint from a former senior Department of Homeland Security official who alleges he was instructed to “cease providing intelligence assessments on the threat of Russian interference in the United States” because it “made the president look bad,” the Washington Post reports.
New York Times: “Brian Murphy, the former head of the intelligence branch of the Homeland Security Department, said in a whistle-blower complaint filed on Tuesday that he was directed by Chad Wolf, the acting secretary of the department, to stop producing assessments on Russian interference.”
“The department’s second highest ranked official, Kenneth Cuccinelli, also ordered him to modify intelligence assessments to make the threat of white supremacy ‘appear less severe’ and include information on violent ‘left-wing’ groups.”


politicalwire--2020-09-09--Pro-Trump Super PAC Launches $22 Million Ad Blitz

“ A super PAC backing President Trump is unleashing a wave of new ads against Democratic nominee Joe Biden as @ @ @ @ @ in nationwide polls and the campaign appears to be in need of air cover , @ @ @ @ @ The PAC , America First Action , is announcing a $ 22 million spending spree @ @ @ @ @ that will target the battleground states of Florida , Pennsylvania , Wisconsin and Ohio.
” @ @ @ @ @ to spending more than $ 200 million in the 2020 election cycle to assist Trump @ @ @ @ @ .
”

“A super PAC backing President Trump is unleashing a wave of new ads against Democratic nominee Joe Biden as the commander in chief struggles in nationwide polls and the campaign appears to be in need of air cover,” CNBC reports.
“The PAC, America First Action, is announcing a $22 million spending spree on digital and TV ads that will target the battleground states of Florida, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Ohio.”
“The group is committed to spending more than $200 million in the 2020 election cycle to assist Trump’s bid for reelection.”


politicalwire--2020-09-09--Biden Keeps Lead In Wisconsin

Biden Keeps Lead In Wisconsin


politicalwire--2020-09-09--Spy Chief Thought Putin ‘Had Something’ on Trump

Former director of national intelligence Dan Coats could not shake his “ deep suspicions ” that Russian President Vladimir Putin @ @ @ @ @ President Trump , seeing “ no other explanation ” for the president ’ s behavior @ @ @ @ @ ’ s new book Rage , which was obtained by CNN .
Coats and his @ @ @ @ @ Trump ’ s ties to Russia “ as carefully as possible ” and that he @ @ @ @ @ ” between Trump and Putin despite the apparent absence of intelligence proof .

Former director of national intelligence Dan Coats could not shake his “deep suspicions” that Russian President Vladimir Putin “had something” on President Trump, seeing “no other explanation” for the president’s behavior, according to Bob Woodward’s new book Rage, which was obtained by CNN.
Coats and his staff examined the intelligence regarding Trump’s ties to Russia “as carefully as possible” and that he “still questions the relationship” between Trump and Putin despite the apparent absence of intelligence proof.


politicalwire--2020-09-10--Wildfires Rage Across Western States

Wildfires Rage Across Western States


politicalwire--2020-09-10--Postal Service Removed 711 Sorting Machines

“ The United States Postal Service removed 711 mail-sorting machines from postal facilities — the highest level in at least @ @ @ @ @ new court testimony from top-ranking agency officials , ” CNN reports .
“ Many postal @ @ @ @ @ removal of outdated machines was routine , but raised concerns of doing so in an @ @ @ @ @ Americans are expected to vote by mail .
”

“The United States Postal Service removed 711 mail-sorting machines from postal facilities — the highest level in at least four years — according to new court testimony from top-ranking agency officials,” CNN reports.
“Many postal service employees confirmed that the removal of outdated machines was routine, but raised concerns of doing so in an election year where millions of Americans are expected to vote by mail.”


politicalwire--2020-09-10--Meadows Would Not Have Advised Talking to Woodward

White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows told Fox News he wouldn ’ t have recommended that Bob Woodward gain @ @ @ @ @ the journalist did for his interviews with President Trump .
Meadows added he wasn ’ @ @ @ @ @ Woodward and Trump had spoken on the phone at great lengths because it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ president to do so as he “ believes that he has nothing to hide ” @ @ @ @ @ talk to anybody about any subject no matter how difficult.
” Daily Beast : Trump @ @ @ @ @ talking to Woodward .

White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows told Fox News he wouldn’t have recommended that Bob Woodward gain the extensive White House access the journalist did for his interviews with President Trump.
Meadows added he wasn’t surprised to learn that Woodward and Trump had spoken on the phone at great lengths because it’s “typical” of the president to do so as he “believes that he has nothing to hide” and is “willing to talk to anybody about any subject no matter how difficult.”
Daily Beast: Trump was “ecstatic” about talking to Woodward.


politicalwire--2020-09-10--Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day

“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--2020-09-10--Kim ‘Tells Me Everything’

Kim ‘Tells Me Everything’


politicalwire--2020-09-10--McConnell Struggles to Maintain Control of Senate

Asked if he thinks Donald Trump is a net positive for Senate Republican candidates on the ticket , Senate Majority @ @ @ @ @ tell CNN : “ We ’ ll find out .
That ’ s something that @ @ @ @ @ the day after the election.
” McConnell said it ’ s “ just a hugely @ @ @ @ @ ” the majority and said it ’ s a “ 50-50 situation , ” arguing @ @ @ @ @ Colorado , Arizona , Iowa , North Carolina , Maine and Georgia are far too @ @ @ @ @ added : “ That ’ s why I describe it like a knife fight in @ @ @ @ @ s slugging it out .
”

Asked if he thinks Donald Trump is a net positive for Senate Republican candidates on the ticket, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell would only tell CNN: “We’ll find out. That’s something that we’ll only know the day after the election.”
McConnell said it’s “just a hugely challenging cycle to hold onto” the majority and said it’s a “50-50 situation,” arguing that races in Montana, Colorado, Arizona, Iowa, North Carolina, Maine and Georgia are far too close to call.
He added: “That’s why I describe it like a knife fight in an alley. Everybody’s slugging it out.”


politicalwire--2020-09-10--Virus Relief Talks Appear Finished

Virus Relief Talks Appear Finished

Washington Post : “ White House officials have discussed efforts to unilaterally provide support for the flagging airline industry while @ @ @ @ @ White House has also discussed moving without Congress to direct more money for school vouchers @ @ @ @ @ s recent payroll tax changes to make it more effective .
”


politicalwire--2020-09-10--Trump Is at War with the Shallow State

Trump Is at War with the Shallow State

John Harris : “ For years , President Donald Trump and his allies have warned about his adversaries in the @ @ @ @ @ phrase evokes images of anonymous officials with hidden motives buried deep in the government.
” @ @ @ @ @ it clearer than ever that the real hazard to Trump is actually the Shallow State @ @ @ @ @ things about Trump aren ’ t lurking in the shadows .
They are well-known names @ @ @ @ @ by his side .
Their motives aren ’ t mysterious .
They are obvious : @ @ @ @ @ behavior in his midst .
These sources have shocking stories to tell , but no @ @ @ @ @ .
”

John Harris: “For years, President Donald Trump and his allies have warned about his adversaries in the ‘Deep State.’ The phrase evokes images of anonymous officials with hidden motives buried deep in the government.”
“Recent days have made it clearer than ever that the real hazard to Trump is actually the Shallow State. The people saying mean things about Trump aren’t lurking in the shadows. They are well-known names whom Trump recruited to work by his side. Their motives aren’t mysterious. They are obvious: A transactional president encourages transactional behavior in his midst. These sources have shocking stories to tell, but no longer any genuinely surprising ones.”


politicalwire--2020-09-10--Trump Says He’s Too Busy to Read Woodward’s Book

President Trump defended his decision to talk to Bob Woodward but said he doesn ’ t have time to read @ @ @ @ @ reports .
Said Trump : “ don ’ t know if the book is good @ @ @ @ @ no idea .
Probably — almost definitely won ’ t read it , because I @ @ @ @ @ to read it .
But I gave it a little bit of a shot .
@ @ @ @ @ not going to be good .
”

President Trump defended his decision to talk to Bob Woodward but said he doesn’t have time to read the book, The Hill reports.
Said Trump: “don’t know if the book is good or bad. I have no idea. Probably — almost definitely won’t read it, because I don’t have time to read it. But I gave it a little bit of a shot. Sounds like it’s not going to be good.”


politicalwire--2020-09-11--Democrats Build Big Edge In Early Voting

“ A visibly agitated and angry President Trump on Thursday defended his decision to intentionally mislead the public about the @ @ @ @ @ by saying he had an obligation…


politicalwire--2020-09-11--Trump Engulfs Himself in Chaotic News Cycles

New York Times : “ For much of the Trump presidency , days and controversies have run together until they @ @ @ @ @ blur : a bombshell revelation from a former aide , or a self-sabotaging news conference @ @ @ @ @ one .
Time has seemed to pass quickly or not at all , as the @ @ @ @ @ resignations , tell-all books and racist or sexist tweets has created its own political ecosystem.
@ @ @ @ @ than eight weeks left until the election , and with early voting beginning in some @ @ @ @ @ number of days Mr. Trump can afford to burn is dwindling… Nevertheless , Mr. Trump @ @ @ @ @ playing defense.
” Said GOP strategist Mike Murphy : “ Even though the calendar says @ @ @ @ @ s really more like 40 days .
And so every day , Trump is burning @ @ @ @ @ ’ t create more of , which is time — which is a disaster for @ @ @

New York Times: “For much of the Trump presidency, days and controversies have run together until they’ve become an indistinguishable blur: a bombshell revelation from a former aide, or a self-sabotaging news conference, canceling out the last one. Time has seemed to pass quickly or not at all, as the constant churn of scandals, resignations, tell-all books and racist or sexist tweets has created its own political ecosystem.”
“But with less than eight weeks left until the election, and with early voting beginning in some states this month, the number of days Mr. Trump can afford to burn is dwindling… Nevertheless, Mr. Trump has spent the last week playing defense.”
Said GOP strategist Mike Murphy: “Even though the calendar says 54 days, it’s really more like 40 days. And so every day, Trump is burning the one thing he can’t create more of, which is time — which is a disaster for him.”


politicalwire--2020-09-11--Republicans Worry as Trump Pulls Back TV Ads

“ Fearing a coming cash crunch , President Trump ’ s campaign has pulled back from television advertising over the @ @ @ @ @ Democratic nominee Joe Biden a huge advantage in key states and sparking disagreements over strategy @ @ @ @ @ senior team , ” the Washington Post reports .
“ Republican officials have been inundated @ @ @ @ @ and donors who complain about constant Biden ads in their local media markets , with @ @ @ @ @ Some Republicans close to Trump have been baffled at the decision to sharply curb advertising @ @ @ @ @ he should change course .
”

“Fearing a coming cash crunch, President Trump’s campaign has pulled back from television advertising over the last month, ceding to Democratic nominee Joe Biden a huge advantage in key states and sparking disagreements over strategy among the president’s senior team,” the Washington Post reports.
“Republican officials have been inundated with calls from worried activists and donors who complain about constant Biden ads in their local media markets, with very few paid Trump responses… Some Republicans close to Trump have been baffled at the decision to sharply curb advertising and have told the president he should change course.”


politicalwire--2020-09-11--Trump Again Claims He Misled to Instill Calm

“ A visibly agitated and angry President Trump on Thursday defended his decision to intentionally mislead the public about the @ @ @ @ @ by saying he had an obligation as the nation ’ s leader to prevent panic @ @ @ @ @ reports .
“ Staring down reporters at a White House news conference in the wake @ @ @ @ @ ’ s new book , Rage , Trump cast his deception as a virtue — @ @ @ @ @ protect the people.
” Said Trump : “ I don ’ t want to jump @ @ @ @ @ screaming ‘ Death !
Death !
’ because that ’ s not what it ’ @ @ @ @ @ have to lead a country .
There has to be a calmness.
” “ Trump @ @ @ @ @ same presidential obligation to imbue serenity a few hours earlier , however , when he @ @ @ @ @ about a number of other topics .
”

“A visibly agitated and angry President Trump on Thursday defended his decision to intentionally mislead the public about the lethality of the novel coronavirus by saying he had an obligation as the nation’s leader to prevent panic,” the Washington Post reports.
“Staring down reporters at a White House news conference in the wake of revelations from Bob Woodward’s new book, Rage, Trump cast his deception as a virtue — a president instilling calm to protect the people.”
Said Trump: “I don’t want to jump up and down and start screaming ‘Death! Death!’ because that’s not what it’s all about. We have to lead a country. There has to be a calmness.”
“Trump evidently did not feel the same presidential obligation to imbue serenity a few hours earlier, however, when he sounded the alarm on Twitter about a number of other topics.”


politicalwire--2020-09-10--Court Blocks Trump on Undocumented Immigrants

“ A federal court on Thursday blocked a memorandum signed by President Trump seeking to exclude undocumented immigrants from being @ @ @ @ @ apportionment , saying such action would violate the statute governing congressional apportionment , ” the @ @ @ @ @ A special three-judge panel out of New York wrote that the president ’ s argument @ @ @ @ @ be counted runs afoul of a statute saying apportionment must be based on everyone who @ @ @ @ @ United States .
The judges found that all residents must be counted for apportionment purposes @ @ @ @ @ .
”

“A federal court on Thursday blocked a memorandum signed by President Trump seeking to exclude undocumented immigrants from being counted in the census for apportionment, saying such action would violate the statute governing congressional apportionment,” the Washington Post reports.
“A special three-judge panel out of New York wrote that the president’s argument that undocumented immigrants should not be counted runs afoul of a statute saying apportionment must be based on everyone who is a resident of the United States. The judges found that all residents must be counted for apportionment purposes regardless of their legal status.”


politicalwire--2020-09-10--Nebraska Ends All Coronavirus Restrictions


politicalwire--2020-09-10--Wisconsin Halts Mailing of Absentee Ballots for Now

The Wisconsin Supreme Court told election officials that absentee ballots should not be mailed for now while the court determines @ @ @ @ @ Green Party ’ s presidential ticket , the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports .
The 4-3 @ @ @ @ @ , with the conservatives in the majority and the liberals in dissent .

The Wisconsin Supreme Court told election officials that absentee ballots should not be mailed for now while the court determines whether they should include the Green Party’s presidential ticket, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.
The 4-3 order fell along ideological lines, with the conservatives in the majority and the liberals in dissent.


politicalwire--2020-09-10--What Trump Did Last Night

What Trump Did Last Night


politicalwire--2020-09-10--A Miserable Human Being

A Miserable Human Being

David Remnick : “ Trump ’ s Presidency has been appalling––but not unpredictably so .
That he would bring misery @ @ @ @ @ should have been obvious from the start .
Flagrantly corrupt and instinctually autocratic , he @ @ @ @ @ values and the rule of law , while encouraging autocrats abroad and white nationalists at @ @ @ @ @ hatred for the free press and slimed the patriotism of everyone from John McCain to @ @ @ @ @ is a painful thing to say , but the evidence assaults us daily : Trump @ @ @ @ @ .
Ask his sister , a retired federal judge ; in a taped conversation with @ @ @ @ @ , she refers to him as “ cruel.
” It is the rare adviser or @ @ @ @ @ House and does not hasten to write a memoir or speak to the press with @ @ @ @ @ common alarm , that Trump poses a threat to national security even more profound than @ @ @ @ @ .
”

David Remnick: “Trump’s Presidency has been appalling––but not unpredictably so. That he would bring misery and division to this country should have been obvious from the start. Flagrantly corrupt and instinctually autocratic, he immediately set about threatening democratic values and the rule of law, while encouraging autocrats abroad and white nationalists at home. He has aroused hatred for the free press and slimed the patriotism of everyone from John McCain to John Lewis.”
“It is a painful thing to say, but the evidence assaults us daily: Trump is a miserable human being. Ask his sister, a retired federal judge; in a taped conversation with the President’s niece, she refers to him as “cruel.” It is the rare adviser or satrap who leaves the White House and does not hasten to write a memoir or speak to the press with the intention of sounding a common alarm, that Trump poses a threat to national security even more profound than the news-weary public can imagine.”


politicalwire--2020-09-10--Trump Mulls Another Campaign Event at White House

“ Trump campaign aides are weighing another event on White House grounds around Election Day , despite criticism over the @ @ @ @ @ a political prop during the Republican convention , ” NBC News reports .
“ There @ @ @ @ @ the logistics of pulling off an political event there in the closing days or hours @ @ @ @ @ President Trump ’ s satisfaction with his convention address on the White House South Lawn @ @

“Trump campaign aides are weighing another event on White House grounds around Election Day, despite criticism over the venue’s use as a political prop during the Republican convention,” NBC News reports.
“There have been serious discussions about the logistics of pulling off an political event there in the closing days or hours of the race, following President Trump’s satisfaction with his convention address on the White House South Lawn.”


politicalwire--2020-09-10--Democratic Candidate Apologizes for Racist Joke

U.S. Senate candidate Mark Kelly ( D ) apologized for an offensive comment he made two years ago while joking @ @ @ @ @ twin brother experienced after spending a year in space , the Arizona Republic reports .
@ @ @ @ @ think the word hasn ’ t gotten out how bad it is for him .
@ @ @ @ @ s gotten so bad , that we recently had to release him back into the @ @ @ @ @ to a laughing crowd .
He added : “ He ’ s like halfway between @ @ @ @ @ Monkey .
We ’ ve even changed his name to Rodrigo .
He lives in @ @ @ @

U.S. Senate candidate Mark Kelly (D) apologized for an offensive comment he made two years ago while joking about the physiological changes his twin brother experienced after spending a year in space, the Arizona Republic reports.
Said Kelly: “I think the word hasn’t gotten out how bad it is for him. You know, it’s gotten so bad, that we recently had to release him back into the wild,” he continued to a laughing crowd.
He added: “He’s like halfway between an orangutan and a Howler Monkey. We’ve even changed his name to Rodrigo. He lives in the woods.”


politicalwire--2020-09-10--Trump Claims We’re In ‘Final Turn’ of the Pandemic

President Trump again tried to deflect responsibility for the country ’ s exploding coronavirus death toll by blaming China for @ @ @ @ @ confidence that the U.S. was in the final stretch of its crisis .
Said Trump @ @ @ @ @ rounding the final turn , and a lot of good things are happening .
”

President Trump again tried to deflect responsibility for the country’s exploding coronavirus death toll by blaming China for the pandemic, but expressed confidence that the U.S. was in the final stretch of its crisis.
Said Trump: “We’re rounding the final turn, and a lot of good things are happening.”


politicalwire--2020-09-10--Microsoft Issues Warning Over Russian Hackers

“ The Russian military intelligence unit that attacked the Democratic National Committee four years ago is back with a series @ @ @ @ @ hacks aimed at campaign staff , consultants and think tanks associated with both Democrats and @ @ @ @ @ York Times reports .
“ That warning was issued on Thursday by the Microsoft Corporation @ @ @ @ @ is far more detailed than any yet made public by American intelligence agencies .
”

“The Russian military intelligence unit that attacked the Democratic National Committee four years ago is back with a series of new, more stealthy hacks aimed at campaign staff, consultants and think tanks associated with both Democrats and Republicans,” the New York Times reports.
“That warning was issued on Thursday by the Microsoft Corporation, in an assessment that is far more detailed than any yet made public by American intelligence agencies.”


politicalwire--2020-09-10--Trump Bragged He ‘Saved’ MBS

Trump Bragged He ‘Saved’ MBS

President Trump bragged to Bob Woodward that he protected Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman after the assassination and dismembering @ @ @ @ @ Khashoggi , Business Insider reports .
Said Trump : “ I saved his ass .
@ @ @ @ @ Congress to leave him alone .
I was able to get them to stop.
” @ @ @ @ @ he doesn ’ t believe MBS ordered Khashoggi ’ s murder , despite the fact @ @ @ @ @ foreign intelligence services concluded he personally ordered the attack .

President Trump bragged to Bob Woodward that he protected Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman after the assassination and dismembering of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi, Business Insider reports.
Said Trump: “I saved his ass. I was able to get Congress to leave him alone. I was able to get them to stop.”
The president also told Woodward he doesn’t believe MBS ordered Khashoggi’s murder, despite the fact that the US and other foreign intelligence services concluded he personally ordered the attack.


politicalwire--2020-09-10--Misleading Senate Ad Uses Out-of-Context Quotes

“ Party operatives playing fast and loose with the facts is commonplace in campaign ads , but a recent TV @ @ @ @ @ race is stretching the norms , ” Inside Elections reports .
“ A recent ad @ @ @ @ @ R ) is intended to paint Marshall ’ s opponent , state Sen. Barbara Bollier @ @ @ @ @ a typical left-wing politician… But the advertisement itself is highly misleading , taking Bollier ’ @ @ @ @ @ context and making it seem as if she ’ s commenting on hot-button issues when @ @ @ @ @ unrelated topics .
”

“Party operatives playing fast and loose with the facts is commonplace in campaign ads, but a recent TV spot in the Kansas Senate race is stretching the norms,” Inside Elections reports.
“A recent ad from Rep. Roger Marshall (R) is intended to paint Marshall’s opponent, state Sen. Barbara Bollier (D), as a typical left-wing politician… But the advertisement itself is highly misleading, taking Bollier’s own words out of context and making it seem as if she’s commenting on hot-button issues when in reality she is discussing unrelated topics.”


politicalwire--2020-09-10--Senate Republicans to Force Vote on ‘Skinny’ Relief Bill

“ Senate Republicans plan to force a vote Thursday on their substantially scaled-back stimulus plan , in a maneuver all @ @ @ @ @ opposition by Democrats who call the measure inadequate , ” the New York Times reports @ @ @ @ @ struggling to overcome deep internal divisions over the scope of another relief measure , Republicans @ @ @ @ @ front in support of their latest plan .
They can then try to blame the @ @ @ @ @ who are expected to oppose it en masse , denying it the 60 votes it @ @ @ @ @ Update : The bill was defeated 52 to 47 , with all Democrats and Sen. @ @ @ @ @ Sen. Kamala Harris missed the vote .

“Senate Republicans plan to force a vote Thursday on their substantially scaled-back stimulus plan, in a maneuver all but guaranteed to fail amid opposition by Democrats who call the measure inadequate,” the New York Times reports.
“After months of struggling to overcome deep internal divisions over the scope of another relief measure, Republicans hope to present a near-united front in support of their latest plan. They can then try to blame the continuing impasse on Democrats, who are expected to oppose it en masse, denying it the 60 votes it would need to advance.”
Update: The bill was defeated 52 to 47, with all Democrats and Sen. Rand Paul voting against. Sen. Kamala Harris missed the vote.


politicalwire--2020-09-10--Twitter Sets Up Showdown with Trump

Twitter Sets Up Showdown with Trump

“ Twitter announced Thursday that it is expanding its policies against election-related misinformation , setting new rules that will likely @ @ @ @ @ aggressively fact-check President Donald Trump during the final months of the 2020 campaign , ” @ @ @ @ @ will either add fact-check labels to or hide altogether tweets that contain “ false or @ @ @ @ @ ” about election rules , or posts with “ unverified information about election rigging .
@

“Twitter announced Thursday that it is expanding its policies against election-related misinformation, setting new rules that will likely force the platform to more aggressively fact-check President Donald Trump during the final months of the 2020 campaign,” CNN reports.
The company will either add fact-check labels to or hide altogether tweets that contain “false or misleading information that causes confusion” about election rules, or posts with “unverified information about election rigging.”


politicalwire--2020-09-10--Trump Ad Touting ‘American Comeback’ Uses Foreign Clips

“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…


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politicalwire--2020-09-10--Why Bob Woodward’s Book Matters

Why Bob Woodward’s Book Matters

Washington Post : “ The president ’ s top political advisers , including campaign manager Bill Stepien , have long @ @ @ @ @ president ’ s biggest albatross and have argued for Trump to address it more forcefully @ @ @ @ @ with the audio , could be a potent attack area for Biden ’ s campaign @ @ @ @ @ said , with internal and public polling consistently showing a majority of voters do not @ @ @ @ @ s response to the pandemic.
” Said one campaign adviser : “ Our problem is @ @ @ @ @ focused on something other than defining Joe Biden as a liberal is a bad day @ @ @ @

Washington Post: “The president’s top political advisers, including campaign manager Bill Stepien, have long viewed the coronavirus as the president’s biggest albatross and have argued for Trump to address it more forcefully. The book, particularly with the audio, could be a potent attack area for Biden’s campaign, Republicans close to Trump said, with internal and public polling consistently showing a majority of voters do not agree with the president’s response to the pandemic.”
Said one campaign adviser: “Our problem is that every day we are focused on something other than defining Joe Biden as a liberal is a bad day for us.”


politicalwire--2020-09-11--A Snapshot of the World, Before It Changed Forever

The innocence of the front page of the New York Times on September 11 , 2001 is heartbreaking .
I @ @ @ @ @ that morning and saw the twin towers burn and then fall .
I ’ ll @ @ @ @ @ anger I felt that day .
But I ’ ll forever be energized by the @ @ @ @ @ the aftermath of that attack .

The innocence of the front page of the New York Times on September 11, 2001 is heartbreaking.
I was in New York City that morning and saw the twin towers burn and then fall. I’ll never forget the sadness and anger I felt that day.
But I’ll forever be energized by the resilience of New Yorkers in the aftermath of that attack.


politicalwire--2020-09-11--NIH Director ‘Disheartened’ by Maskless Trump Rally

Francis Collins , director of the National Institutes of Health , told CNN he was “ pretty puzzled ” and @ @ @ @ @ President Trump ’ s crowded campaign rally in Michigan — at which few of the @ @ @ @ @ seen wearing face masks and virtually none appeared to be practicing social distancing .
Said @ @ @ @ @ we get here ?
Imagine you were an alien who landed on planet Earth , @ @ @ @ @ planet was afflicted by an infectious disease and that masks were an effective way to @ @ @ @ @ yet , when you went around , you saw some people not wearing them and @ @ @ @ @ And you tried to figure out why , and it turned out it was their @ @ @ @ @ : “ You would scratch your head and think , ‘ This is just not @ @ @ @ @ promise for the future , if something that is so straightforward can somehow get twisted @ @ @ @ @ no sense . '
”

Francis Collins, director of the National Institutes of Health, told CNN he was “pretty puzzled” and “rather disheartened” by President Trump’s crowded campaign rally in Michigan — at which few of the several thousand attendees could be seen wearing face masks and virtually none appeared to be practicing social distancing.
Said Collins: “How did we get here? Imagine you were an alien who landed on planet Earth, and you saw that our planet was afflicted by an infectious disease and that masks were an effective way to prevent the spread. And yet, when you went around, you saw some people not wearing them and some people wearing them. And you tried to figure out why, and it turned out it was their political party.”
He added: “You would scratch your head and think, ‘This is just not a planet that has much promise for the future, if something that is so straightforward can somehow get twisted into decision-making that really makes no sense.'”


politicalwire--2020-09-11--Last Stand of the Baby Boomers

Last Stand of the Baby Boomers

The Economist : “ 2020 will be a year of the young in one more important respect .
Electorally , @ @ @ @ @ stand of the baby-boomers ( born between 1946 and 1964 ) and the first poll @ @ @ @ @ dominated by generations younger than 40 , especially millennials , defined here as those born @ @ @ @ @ ”

The Economist: “2020 will be a year of the young in one more important respect. Electorally, it will be the last stand of the baby-boomers (born between 1946 and 1964) and the first poll in which voting will be dominated by generations younger than 40, especially millennials, defined here as those born between 1981 and 1996.”


politicalwire--2020-09-11--Wildfires Grow In Oregon as 500K Flee

Wildfires Grow In Oregon as 500K Flee

“ Deadly wildfires in heavily populated northwest Oregon were growing , with hundreds of thousands of people told to flee @ @ @ @ @ the south tearfully assessed their losses , ” the AP reports .
“ People evacuated @ @ @ @ @ climbed to an estimated 500,000 — more than 10 percent of the 4.2 million people @ @ @ @ @ Oregon Office of Emergency Management reported late Thursday .
”

“Deadly wildfires in heavily populated northwest Oregon were growing, with hundreds of thousands of people told to flee encroaching flames while residents to the south tearfully assessed their losses,” the AP reports.
“People evacuated statewide because of fires had climbed to an estimated 500,000 — more than 10 percent of the 4.2 million people in the state, the Oregon Office of Emergency Management reported late Thursday.”


politicalwire--2020-09-11--Reporter Removed from Trump Rally

Reporter Removed from Trump Rally

The Economist : “ 2020 will be a year of the young in one more important respect .
Electorally , @ @ @ @ @ stand of the baby-boomers ( born between 1946 and 1964 ) …


politicalwire--2020-09-11--Trump Steps Up Attacks on Kamala Harris

Trump Steps Up Attacks on Kamala Harris

Associated Press : “ Trump said this week that “ nobody likes ” Harris , feeding into a standard of @ @ @ @ @ women in leadership far more often than men .
He told voters in North Carolina @ @ @ @ @ insult to our country ’ if Harris became the first female president .
And Trump @ @ @ @ @ Harris ’ first name , a pattern her supporters say amounts to a deliberate effort @ @ @ @ @ immigrants as someone who does not belong at the top ranks of politics.
” “ @ @ @ @ @ as he has sometimes struggled to land on a consistent , coherent attack against Biden @ @ @ @ @ reputation as a bipartisan deal maker rather than a progressive ideologue .
And the racism @ @ @ @ @ s critique of the first Black woman and person of Asian descent on a major @ @ @ @ @ an aggressive strategy to appeal to white suburban voters .
”

Associated Press: “Trump said this week that “nobody likes” Harris, feeding into a standard of likability that is applied to women in leadership far more often than men. He told voters in North Carolina it would be ‘an insult to our country’ if Harris became the first female president. And Trump and his allies repeatedly mispronounce Harris’ first name, a pattern her supporters say amounts to a deliberate effort to portray the daughter of immigrants as someone who does not belong at the top ranks of politics.”
“Trump is focusing on Harris as he has sometimes struggled to land on a consistent, coherent attack against Biden, who has built a reputation as a bipartisan deal maker rather than a progressive ideologue. And the racism and sexism underlying Trump’s critique of the first Black woman and person of Asian descent on a major party ticket are part of an aggressive strategy to appeal to white suburban voters.”


politicalwire--2020-09-11--Trump Campaign Played Song About Dodging Draft

“ President Trump disembarked Air Force One on Thursday to Creedence Clearwater Revival ’ s Fortunate Son , a song @ @ @ @ @ who were able to avoid the Vietnam War draft , ” Business Insider reports .
@ @ @ @ @ those people : he received military draft deferments five times in the 1960s and 1970s @ @ @ @ @ one for citing a medical condition called bone spurs .
”

“President Trump disembarked Air Force One on Thursday to Creedence Clearwater Revival’s Fortunate Son, a song about children of influential families who were able to avoid the Vietnam War draft,” Business Insider reports.
“Trump was one of those people: he received military draft deferments five times in the 1960s and 1970s, four for college and one for citing a medical condition called bone spurs.”


politicalwire--2020-09-11--Florida Schools Defy Governor

Florida Schools Defy Governor

“ Florida ’ s school districts are defying Gov .
Ron DeSantis and publicly reporting new Covid-19 cases among students @ @ @ @ @ government considers confidential , ” Politico reports .
“ The state Department of Health has @ @ @ @ @ on the virus in some instances , after DeSantis said K-12 testing data ‘ needs @ @ @ @ @ right context .
’ ”

“Florida’s school districts are defying Gov. Ron DeSantis and publicly reporting new Covid-19 cases among students and staff that the state government considers confidential,” Politico reports.
“The state Department of Health has tried to directly quash reporting on the virus in some instances, after DeSantis said K-12 testing data ‘needs to be put in the right context.’”


politicalwire--2020-09-11--Police Who Killed George Floyd Turn on Each Other

Washington Post : “ The four former Minneapolis police officers charged in George Floyd ’ s killing appear to be @ @ @ @ @ with each offering significantly different versions of the infamous arrest that acknowledge Floyd should not @ @ @ @ @ that day but also deflect the blame to others .
”

Washington Post: “The four former Minneapolis police officers charged in George Floyd’s killing appear to be turning on each other, with each offering significantly different versions of the infamous arrest that acknowledge Floyd should not have been allowed to die that day but also deflect the blame to others.”


politicalwire--2020-09-11--What Did Trump Know and When Did He Know It?

Politico : “ New revelations from Trump ’ s interviews with Woodward early in the crisis are raising a new @ @ @ @ @ threatening to swamp his administration and campaign just over 50 days from the November election @ @ @ @ @ to turn attention toward his favorite issues — culture wars , law and order or @ @ @ @ @ like potential conservative judicial appointees — Woodward ’ s book and the timeline it presents @ @ @ @ @ into precisely the position it ’ s wanted to avoid : litigating the early stages @ @ @ @ @ pandemic that has now killed more than 190,000 Americans.
” “ Some White House aides @ @ @ @ @ wasted month .
Democrats and other critics say the delay in giving out timely and @ @ @ @ @ those fateful days in early February — caused untold thousands more deaths than necessary and @ @ @ @ @ U.S. might have endured if it had responded earlier .
”

Politico: “New revelations from Trump’s interviews with Woodward early in the crisis are raising a new set of questions that are threatening to swamp his administration and campaign just over 50 days from the November election. While Trump keeps trying to turn attention toward his favorite issues — culture wars, law and order or new promises to his base like potential conservative judicial appointees — Woodward’s book and the timeline it presents has forced the Trump administration into precisely the position it’s wanted to avoid: litigating the early stages of its response to a pandemic that has now killed more than 190,000 Americans.”
“Some White House aides privately acknowledge it was a wasted month. Democrats and other critics say the delay in giving out timely and clear information — especially after those fateful days in early February — caused untold thousands more deaths than necessary and deeper economic wreckage than the U.S. might have endured if it had responded earlier.”