politicalwire--2020-12-27--Extend an Olive Branch?

Extend an Olive Branch?

Frank Bruni : “ Like President-elect Biden , I believe in common ground , in comity , in identifying where @ @ @ @ @ we diverge .
I was drawn to him , as were a critical mass of @ @ @ @ @ represented the calm after the storm , the sense after the sensation.
” “ But @ @ @ @ @ Is normalcy obsolete ?
In the many weeks since it became clear that he lost @ @ @ @ @ has successfully marketed an outrageous alternate reality , so that 70 percent of registered Republican @ @ @ @ @ Quinnipiac poll this month , believe that Biden ’ s victory was illegitimate .
Trump @ @ @ @ @ concede to historic , previously unthinkable lengths .
And an overwhelming majority of Republican members @ @ @ @ @ , actively or passively , many of them knowing better , all of them traitors @ @ @ @ @ cowardice.
” “ To this crew Biden is supposed to extend an olive branch ?
@

Frank Bruni: “Like President-elect Biden, I believe in common ground, in comity, in identifying where we intersect rather than where we diverge. I was drawn to him, as were a critical mass of other Americans, because he represented the calm after the storm, the sense after the sensation.”
“But is calm a mirage? Is normalcy obsolete? In the many weeks since it became clear that he lost the election, Donald Trump has successfully marketed an outrageous alternate reality, so that 70 percent of registered Republican voters, according to a Quinnipiac poll this month, believe that Biden’s victory was illegitimate. Trump has taken his refusal to concede to historic, previously unthinkable lengths. And an overwhelming majority of Republican members of Congress have played along, actively or passively, many of them knowing better, all of them traitors to democracy and profiles in cowardice.”
“To this crew Biden is supposed to extend an olive branch?”


politicalwire--2020-12-28--Trump Signs Relief Bill

Trump Signs Relief Bill

Playbook : “ In the past , he turned on Congress when they ignored him — see the shutdown after @ @ @ @ @ when they left out money for his border wall… .

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


politicalwire--2020-12-28--Trump Announces Campaign Rally In Georgia


politicalwire--2020-12-28--Trump’s Plans to Sign Relief Bill Were Scrapped

“ On Christmas Eve , staff at Mar-a-Lago made preparations for President Trump to sign the Covid-19 relief package and @ @ @ @ @ holiday gift of relief to millions of Americans suffering in the wake of the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ .
“ But the plan was scrapped at the last minute.
” One source said @ @ @ @ @ his mind.
” Meanwhile , the New York Times reports Trump appeared to suggest that @ @ @ @ @ on the pandemic relief bill , writing on Twitter , “ Good news on Covid @ @ @ @ @ follow !
”

“On Christmas Eve, staff at Mar-a-Lago made preparations for President Trump to sign the Covid-19 relief package and government funding bill, a holiday gift of relief to millions of Americans suffering in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic,” CNN reports.
“But the plan was scrapped at the last minute.”
One source said that Trump had “changed his mind.”
Meanwhile, the New York Times reports Trump appeared to suggest that he would be taking action on the pandemic relief bill, writing on Twitter, “Good news on Covid Relief Bill. Information to follow!”


politicalwire--2020-12-27--Lawmakers Urge Trump to Sign or Veto Relief Bill

“ A bipartisan group of lawmakers from both chambers of Congress on Sunday reissued their call for President Trump to @ @ @ @ @ trillion COVID-19 relief package – or to immediately veto it , ” The Hill reports @ @ @ @ @ continues to refuse to take any action on the relief package , it would cause @ @ @ @ @ the start of the new legislative session in January.
” Earlier for members : How @ @ @ @ @ ’ the Relief Bill

“A bipartisan group of lawmakers from both chambers of Congress on Sunday reissued their call for President Trump to sign a nearly $1 trillion COVID-19 relief package – or to immediately veto it,” The Hill reports.
“If the president continues to refuse to take any action on the relief package, it would cause the legislation to die upon the start of the new legislative session in January.”
Earlier for members: How Trump Could ‘Pocket Veto’ the Relief Bill


politicalwire--2020-12-27--Pence Breaks CDC Guidelines for Ski Vacation


politicalwire--2020-12-27--Trump Trying to Inflict Pain on Congress

A source briefed by White House officials on the relief bill told the Washington Post that President Trump — who @ @ @ @ @ election loss and the fallout from the coronavirus pandemic — is “ just angry at @ @ @ @ @ as much pain on Congress as possible .
”

A source briefed by White House officials on the relief bill told the Washington Post that President Trump — who has been frustrated by his election loss and the fallout from the coronavirus pandemic — is “just angry at everybody and wants to inflict as much pain on Congress as possible.”


politicalwire--2020-12-27--Ocasio-Cortez Warned Against Challenging Schumer

The chairman of the New York State Democratic Committee said Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez ( D-NY ) should not challenge Senate @ @ @ @ @ D-NY ) in the 2022 Democratic primary , according to the New York Post .
@ @ @ @ @ I think it would be a primary driven by ambition more than by need .
@

The chairman of the New York State Democratic Committee said Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) should not challenge Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-NY) in the 2022 Democratic primary, according to the New York Post.
Said Jay Jacobs: “I think it would be a primary driven by ambition more than by need.”


politicalwire--2020-12-27--CNN Anchor Won’t Book Trump Spokespeople

CNN ’ s Jake Tapper said he won ’ t interview certain pro-Donald Trump people because they ’ ve established @ @ @ @ @ president with “ no value ” being aired on TV , Mediaite reports .
Said @ @ @ @ @ there are some people that are so mendacious , I just wouldn ’ t put @ @ @ @ @ McEnany , I never booked her .
Jason Miller from the Trump campaign , I @ @ @ @ @ These are just people who tell lies the way that most people breathe .
There @ @ @ @ @ .
”

CNN’s Jake Tapper said he won’t interview certain pro-Donald Trump people because they’ve established themselves as liars for the president with “no value” being aired on TV, Mediaite reports.
Said Tapper: “Well, there are some people that are so mendacious, I just wouldn’t put them on air. Kayleigh McEnany, I never booked her. Jason Miller from the Trump campaign, I would never book him. These are just people who tell lies the way that most people breathe. There was no value in that.”


politicalwire--2020-12-27--Washington Barrels Toward Shutdown

Washington Barrels Toward Shutdown

“ As President Trump rapidly approached a Monday deadline to avert a government shutdown , aides and lawmakers appeared flummoxed @ @ @ @ @ to interpret musings from his Twitter feed while he golfed and otherwise remained out of @ @ @ @ @ Washington Post reports .
“ A large spending bill that Congress passed last week must @ @ @ @ @ midnight on Monday in order to prevent many federal agencies from dramatically scaling back their @ @ @ @ @ the bill , Trump posted a video on Twitter announcing his objections to it , @ @ @ @ @ small and that foreign aid was too excessive.
” New York Times : Lawmakers push @ @ @ @ @ bill .

“As President Trump rapidly approached a Monday deadline to avert a government shutdown, aides and lawmakers appeared flummoxed about his strategy, left to interpret musings from his Twitter feed while he golfed and otherwise remained out of public view,” the Washington Post reports.
“A large spending bill that Congress passed last week must be signed into law by midnight on Monday in order to prevent many federal agencies from dramatically scaling back their operations. After Congress passed the bill, Trump posted a video on Twitter announcing his objections to it, claiming stimulus benefits were too small and that foreign aid was too excessive.”
New York Times: Lawmakers push Trump to sign the relief bill.


politicalwire--2020-12-27--Runoffs Test Democrats in Turning Out Black Voters

Wall Street Journal : “ The November election reinforced a pattern showing that party affiliation is increasingly connected with where @ @ @ @ @ across the country overwhelmingly supported President Trump , while American cities remained Democratic strongholds , @ @ @ @ @ reliably Republican suburbs shifted to blue.
” “ Black Americans have bucked those trends by @ @ @ @ @ whether they live in big cities , suburbs or rural areas , according to voter @ @ @ @ @ demographic data and election results.
” “ That dynamic has taken on added importance in @ @ @ @ @ make up about a third of active voters in the Atlanta metropolitan area and about @ @ @ @ @ state .
The two Senate contests will likely come down to whether Republicans can run @ @ @ @ @ areas and hold off a surge of Democratic voters in the Atlanta metro area .
@

Wall Street Journal: “The November election reinforced a pattern showing that party affiliation is increasingly connected with where voters live. Rural voters across the country overwhelmingly supported President Trump, while American cities remained Democratic strongholds, and this year, once reliably Republican suburbs shifted to blue.”
“Black Americans have bucked those trends by largely supporting Democrats regardless of whether they live in big cities, suburbs or rural areas, according to voter surveys and a comparison of demographic data and election results.”
“That dynamic has taken on added importance in Georgia, where Black voters make up about a third of active voters in the Atlanta metropolitan area and about a quarter elsewhere in the state. The two Senate contests will likely come down to whether Republicans can run up the score in rural areas and hold off a surge of Democratic voters in the Atlanta metro area.”


politicalwire--2020-12-27--Two House Newcomers Won’t Say If They’ll Back Pelosi


politicalwire--2020-12-27--The Myth of a Stolen Election Lives On

The Myth of a Stolen Election Lives On

“ After bringing some 60 lawsuits , and even offering financial incentive for information about fraud , Mr. Trump and @ @ @ @ @ prove definitively any case of illegal voting on behalf of their opponent in court — @ @ @ @ @ an undocumented immigrant casting a ballot , a citizen double voting , nor any credible @ @ @ @ @ voting dead gave Mr. Biden a victory that wasn ’ t his , ” Politico @ @ @ @ @ are no signs that those defeats in the courts will change the trajectory of the @ @ @ @ @ that have been core to conservative politics since the disputed 2000 election , which coincided @ @ @ @ @ demographic shifts would favor Democrats in the popular vote .
”

“After bringing some 60 lawsuits, and even offering financial incentive for information about fraud, Mr. Trump and his allies have failed to prove definitively any case of illegal voting on behalf of their opponent in court — not a single case of an undocumented immigrant casting a ballot, a citizen double voting, nor any credible evidence that legions of the voting dead gave Mr. Biden a victory that wasn’t his,” Politico reports.
“Yet there are no signs that those defeats in the courts will change the trajectory of the ongoing efforts to restrict voting that have been core to conservative politics since the disputed 2000 election, which coincided with heightened party concerns that demographic shifts would favor Democrats in the popular vote.”


politicalwire--2020-12-27--Georgia Runoffs Unlikely to Split

Georgia Runoffs Unlikely to Split

Associated Press : “ One thing helping line voters up is the decision of the candidates in both races to @ @ @ @ @ joint appearances and advertisements.
” “ With the candidates running as tickets , it ’ @ @ @ @ @ split the seats .
Two wins would put Democrats in control of the U.S. Senate @ @ @ @ @ breaking a 50-50 tie .
A split or two GOP wins would keep Republicans in @ @ @

Associated Press: “One thing helping line voters up is the decision of the candidates in both races to run as tickets, with joint appearances and advertisements.”
“With the candidates running as tickets, it’s unlikely the parties will split the seats. Two wins would put Democrats in control of the U.S. Senate with Vice President-elect Kamala Harris breaking a 50-50 tie. A split or two GOP wins would keep Republicans in control.”


politicalwire--2020-12-27--The Least Logical Fight of Trump’s Presidency

Playbook : “ In the past , he turned on Congress when they ignored him — see the shutdown after @ @ @ @ @ when they left out money for his border wall .
Trump didn ’ t make @ @ @ @ @ deal was cut.
” “ And what about Steven Mnuchin , the eager-turned-scorned Treasury secretary @ @ @ @ @ in his prowess to make deals with Democrats .
What a humiliating episode for him @ @

Playbook: “In the past, he turned on Congress when they ignored him — see the shutdown after the 2018 midterm election, when they left out money for his border wall. Trump didn’t make this ask until after the deal was cut.”
“And what about Steven Mnuchin, the eager-turned-scorned Treasury secretary, who seemed to revel in his prowess to make deals with Democrats. What a humiliating episode for him.”


politicalwire--2020-12-27--Jobless Benefits Run Out as Trump Sits on Relief Bill

“ Millions of Americans lost their unemployment coverage on Saturday as President Trump resisted signing a sweeping $ 900 billion @ @ @ @ @ than tripled the size of relief checks , putting the fate of the measure in @ @ @ @ @ York Times reports .
“ Mr .
Trump ’ s resistance to signing the bill @ @ @ @ @ Americans without crucial benefits , jeopardizes other critical assistance for businesses and families set to @ @ @ @ @ the year and raises the possibility of a government shutdown on Tuesday.
” Playbook : @ @ @ @ @ run out .
But the president , comfortably enveloped at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm @ @ @ @ @ growing more indignant that the rescue package deal his treasury secretary cut with Congress is @ @ @ @ @ no signs whatsoever that he is going to sign it.
” “ The president ’ @ @ @ @ @ working to try to get him to reverse his stance , with evidently little success @ @

“Millions of Americans lost their unemployment coverage on Saturday as President Trump resisted signing a sweeping $900 billion aid package until lawmakers more than tripled the size of relief checks, putting the fate of the measure in limbo,” the New York Times reports.
“Mr. Trump’s resistance to signing the bill risks leaving millions of unemployed Americans without crucial benefits, jeopardizes other critical assistance for businesses and families set to lapse at the end of the year and raises the possibility of a government shutdown on Tuesday.”
Playbook: “Unemployment benefits have already run out. But the president, comfortably enveloped at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, seems to be growing more indignant that the rescue package deal his treasury secretary cut with Congress is insufficient. He is showing no signs whatsoever that he is going to sign it.”
“The president’s aides and allies are working to try to get him to reverse his stance, with evidently little success.”


politicalwire--2020-12-27--Sanders Calls Out Trump as ‘Unbelievably Cruel’

Sen. Bernie Sanders ( I-VT ) called out President Trump ’ s response to the $ 900 billion COVID-10 relief @ @ @ @ @ week “ unbelievably cruel ” in an ABC News interview .
Said Sanders : “ @ @ @ @ @ right now is unbelievably cruel .
Many millions of people are losing their extended unemployment @ @ @ @ @ going to be evicted from their apartments because the eviction moratorium is ending .
We @ @ @ @ @ to get the vaccine distributed to tens of millions of people .
There ’ s @ @ @ @ @ ”

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) called out President Trump’s response to the $900 billion COVID-10 relief bill passed in Congress last week “unbelievably cruel” in an ABC News interview.
Said Sanders: “What the president is doing right now is unbelievably cruel. Many millions of people are losing their extended unemployment benefits. They’re going to be evicted from their apartments because the eviction moratorium is ending. We are looking at a way to get the vaccine distributed to tens of millions of people. There’s money in that bill.”


politicalwire--2020-12-27--Toomey Says Trump Risks Legacy

Toomey Says Trump Risks Legacy

Sen. Pat Toomey ( R-PA ) expressed frustration with President Trump ’ s objections to the COVID-19 relief and government @ @ @ @ @ , USA Today reports .
Said Toomey : “ I understand he wants to be @ @ @ @ @ checks , but the danger is he ’ ll be remembered for chaos and misery @ @ @ @ @ ”

Sen. Pat Toomey (R-PA) expressed frustration with President Trump’s objections to the COVID-19 relief and government funding bill awaiting his signature, USA Today reports.
Said Toomey: “I understand he wants to be remembered for advocating for big checks, but the danger is he’ll be remembered for chaos and misery, and erratic behavior.”


politicalwire--2020-12-27--Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day


politicalwire--2020-12-28--Did Trump’s Hotel Concede His Defeat?

Did Trump’s Hotel Concede His Defeat?

1100 Pennsylvania : “ After having been blocked off on the reservation calendar for six months , over this past @ @ @ @ @ Hotel D.C. became available to book the week of the presidential inauguration .
”


politicalwire--2020-12-28--Trump Donors Funnel $10.5 Million Into His Businesses

“ President Trump ’ s donors — the vast majority of whom are working-class supporters and retirees contributing just a @ @ @ @ @ put $ 10.5 million into the erstwhile billionaire ’ s own personal businesses over the @ @ @ @ @ ” a HuffPost analysis found .
“ Some $ 8.5 million came from the Trump @ @ @ @ @ Trump controls directly .
Another $ 2 million came from other Republican candidates and committees @ @

“President Trump’s donors — the vast majority of whom are working-class supporters and retirees contributing just a few dollars a month — put $10.5 million into the erstwhile billionaire’s own personal businesses over the course of his presidency,” a HuffPost analysis found.
“Some $8.5 million came from the Trump campaign and related entities that Trump controls directly. Another $2 million came from other Republican candidates and committees.”


Trump Got Nothing

Playbook : “ That ’ s it ?
President Trump made all this noise about the Covid relief and government @ @ @ @ @ it and get nothing in return ?
” “ Trump got taken to the cleaners.
@ @ @ @ @ , embarrassing episode for the president .
He opposed a bill his administration negotiated .
@ @ @ @ @ and no hand to play — and it showed .
He folded , and got @ @ @ @ @ of attention and chaos .
People waiting for aid got a few days of frightening @ @ @ @ @ Zero .
Zilch .
If he was going to give up this easy , he @ @ @ @ @ quiet and signed the bill .
It would ’ ve been less embarrassing .
”

Playbook: “That’s it? President Trump made all this noise about the Covid relief and government funding bill only to sign it and get nothing in return?”
“Trump got taken to the cleaners.”
“What a bizarre, embarrassing episode for the president. He opposed a bill his administration negotiated. He had no discernible strategy and no hand to play — and it showed. He folded, and got nothing besides a few days of attention and chaos. People waiting for aid got a few days of frightening uncertainty.”
“Zip. Zero. Zilch. If he was going to give up this easy, he should’ve just kept quiet and signed the bill. It would’ve been less embarrassing.”


politicalwire--2020-12-28--America Is As Divided As Ever

America Is As Divided As Ever

Dan Balz : “ The year 2020 brought extraordinary and unexpected challenges that tested the strength of basic institutions , @ @ @ @ @ the face of a raging pandemic , underscored racial and economic inequities , and produced @ @ @ @ @ in the history of U.S. elections.
” “ In the end , America was as @ @ @ @ @ election itself resulted in significant change — or no change .
President Trump is on @ @ @ @ @ after a single , tumultuous term , to be replaced on Jan. 20 by President-elect @ @ @ @ @ the most important of all elected offices — an office that was the major focus @ @ @ @ @ bring a new tone , new faces and new initiatives to Washington and the country @ @

Dan Balz: “The year 2020 brought extraordinary and unexpected challenges that tested the strength of basic institutions, demanded courage and sacrifice in the face of a raging pandemic, underscored racial and economic inequities, and produced the biggest turnout of voters in the history of U.S. elections.”
“In the end, America was as divided as ever. The election itself resulted in significant change — or no change. President Trump is on his way out of office after a single, tumultuous term, to be replaced on Jan. 20 by President-elect Joe Biden. Turnover in the most important of all elected offices — an office that was the major focus of the election — will bring a new tone, new faces and new initiatives to Washington and the country.”


politicalwire--2020-12-28--Meet the GOP Freshmen Taking on The Squad

Politico : “ On the first day of Congress ’ freshman orientation , four incoming GOP members realized they shared @ @ @ @ @ had first- or second-hand experience living in communist or socialist countries .
The crew quipped @ @ @ @ @ brutal dictatorships and their aversion to Big Government basically made them the opposite of the @ @ @ @ @ has surged to political stardom in the House.
” “ Taking a page from their @ @ @ @ @ took to Twitter to share the name of their own counterrevolution .
And the Republican @ @ @ @ @ .
”

Politico: “On the first day of Congress’ freshman orientation, four incoming GOP members realized they shared a special connection: All had first- or second-hand experience living in communist or socialist countries. The crew quipped that their family histories with brutal dictatorships and their aversion to Big Government basically made them the opposite of the liberal ‘Squad’ that has surged to political stardom in the House.”
“Taking a page from their social media-savvy rivals, they took to Twitter to share the name of their own counterrevolution. And the Republican ‘Force’ was born.”


politicalwire--2020-12-28--Putin Rumors Run Wild

Putin Rumors Run Wild

“ Vladimir Putin has surrounded himself with such a thick fog of secrecy that it ’ s now unclear where @ @ @ @ @ many children or lovers he has , if his health is failing , or whether @ @ @ @ @ stay in power , ” the Daily Beast reports .
“ The old KGB man @ @ @ @ @ has long boosted rumors and conspiracy theories that would race quietly around Moscow .
But @ @ @ @ @ rumors span out of control .
Encouraged by the omnipotence of the online rumor mill @ @ @ @ @ now daring to commit them to publication .
”

“Vladimir Putin has surrounded himself with such a thick fog of secrecy that it’s now unclear where he is living, how many children or lovers he has, if his health is failing, or whether he’s planning to stay in power,” the Daily Beast reports.
“The old KGB man’s love of secrecy has long boosted rumors and conspiracy theories that would race quietly around Moscow. But 2020 was the year the rumors span out of control. Encouraged by the omnipotence of the online rumor mill, the Russian media is now daring to commit them to publication.”


politicalwire--2020-12-28--How Trump Caved on the Relief Bill

How Trump Caved on the Relief Bill

“ Getting a cranky , stubborn President Trump to belatedly sign the COVID relief bill , after unemployment benefits had @ @ @ @ @ being a hostage negotiator , or defusing a bomb , ” Axios reports .
“ @ @ @ @ @ a Sunday afternoon phone call with Trump , Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and House Republican @ @ @ @ @ Over many days , Mnuchin and McCarthy — aided by Sen. Lindsey Graham ( R-SC @ @ @ @ @ Trump in West Palm Beach on Friday — indulged the president ’ s rants , @ @ @ @ @ stuff in the bill , and gave him ‘ wins ’ he could announce , @ @ @ @ @ t change the bill.
” However , said GOP pollster Frank Luntz : “ It @ @ @ @ @ Too late for him , too late for the economy , too late for Covid @ @ @ @ @ the Georgia senators .
”

“Getting a cranky, stubborn President Trump to belatedly sign the COVID relief bill, after unemployment benefits had already lapsed, was like being a hostage negotiator, or defusing a bomb,” Axios reports.
“The deal was closed on a Sunday afternoon phone call with Trump, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy.”
“Over many days, Mnuchin and McCarthy — aided by Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), who golfed with Trump in West Palm Beach on Friday — indulged the president’s rants, told him there was great stuff in the bill, and gave him ‘wins’ he could announce, even though they didn’t change the bill.”
However, said GOP pollster Frank Luntz: “It may be too late. Too late for him, too late for the economy, too late for Covid, and too late for the Georgia senators.”


politicalwire--2020-12-28--New York Post Tells Trump to Concede

New York Post Tells Trump to Concede

A New York Post editorial tells President Trump to end his challenge of the election : “ Mr .
President @ @ @ @ @ to end this dark charade… ” “ If you insist on spending your final days @ @ @ @ @ it all down , that will be how you are remembered .
Not as a @ @ @ @ @ anarchist holding the match .
”

A New York Post editorial tells President Trump to end his challenge of the election: “Mr. President, it’s time to end this dark charade…”
“If you insist on spending your final days in office threatening to burn it all down, that will be how you are remembered. Not as a revolutionary, but as the anarchist holding the match.”


politicalwire--2020-12-29--Sanders to Delay Defense Bill Veto Override

“ Sen .
Bernie Sanders ( I-VT ) will filibuster an override of President Trump ’ s defense bill veto @ @ @ @ @ vote on providing $ 2,000 direct payments to Americans , ” Politico reports .
“ @ @ @ @ @ to expedite the override vote and I understand that .
But I ’ m not @ @ @ @ @ happen unless there is a vote , no matter how long that takes , on @ @ @ @ @ .
”

“Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) will filibuster an override of President Trump’s defense bill veto unless the Senate holds a vote on providing $2,000 direct payments to Americans,” Politico reports.
“McConnell and the Senate want to expedite the override vote and I understand that. But I’m not going to allow that to happen unless there is a vote, no matter how long that takes, on the $2,000 direct payment.”


politicalwire--2020-12-29--House Votes to Override Trump’s Veto of Defense Bill

“ The House of Representatives on Monday voted to override President Trump ’ s veto of the sweeping defense bill @ @ @ @ @ Authorization Act , delivering a bipartisan rebuke to the President , ” CNN reports .
@ @ @ @ @ both the House and Senate with veto-proof majorities , but amid Trump ’ s continued @ @ @ @ @ unclear if the override attempt would be successful or if the veto would be sustained @ @

“The House of Representatives on Monday voted to override President Trump’s veto of the sweeping defense bill known as the National Defense Authorization Act, delivering a bipartisan rebuke to the President,” CNN reports.
“The bill initially passed both the House and Senate with veto-proof majorities, but amid Trump’s continued opposition, it had been unclear if the override attempt would be successful or if the veto would be sustained.”


politicalwire--2020-12-28--‘Trumptalk’ May Outlast Trump

‘Trumptalk’ May Outlast Trump

“ President Trump ’ s brash communication style — combined with a societal shift towards streaming , where there are @ @ @ @ @ — has forced the entire media industry to present information in a more candid and @ @ @ @ @ Axios reports .
“ It ’ s no longer uncommon to hear cable anchors use @ @ @ @ @ or radio personalities to make indecent remarks on air .
Now that the standard has @ @ @ @ @ s hard to see how networks and news outlets could go back to their postured @ @ @ @ @ ”

“President Trump’s brash communication style — combined with a societal shift towards streaming, where there are no regulatory restrictions on speech — has forced the entire media industry to present information in a more candid and less polished way,” Axios reports.
“It’s no longer uncommon to hear cable anchors use foul language or for TV or radio personalities to make indecent remarks on air. Now that the standard has been set, it’s hard to see how networks and news outlets could go back to their postured presentations of the past.”


politicalwire--2020-12-28--Biden Accuses Trump of Obstructing Transition

“ President-elect Joe Biden on Monday accused President Trump and his political appointees of obstructing the transition of power to @ @ @ @ @ on national security issues , an escalation in tone after reports of isolated difficulties in @ @ @ @ @ , ” the Washington Post reports .
Said Biden : “ Right now , we @ @ @ @ @ all the information that we need from the outgoing administration in key national security areas @ @ @ @ @ short , in my view , of irresponsibility.
” He added : “ My team @ @ @ @ @ our force posture around the world and our operations to deter our enemies .
We @ @ @ @ @ budget planning underway at the Defense Department and other agencies in order to avoid any @ @ @ @ @ that our adversaries may try to exploit .
”

“President-elect Joe Biden on Monday accused President Trump and his political appointees of obstructing the transition of power to his incoming administration, particularly on national security issues, an escalation in tone after reports of isolated difficulties in the transition process last week,” the Washington Post reports.
Said Biden: “Right now, we just aren’t getting all the information that we need from the outgoing administration in key national security areas. It’s nothing short, in my view, of irresponsibility.”
He added: “My team needs a clear picture of our force posture around the world and our operations to deter our enemies. We need full visibility into the budget planning underway at the Defense Department and other agencies in order to avoid any window of confusion or catch-up that our adversaries may try to exploit.”


politicalwire--2020-12-28--Trump Hasn’t Called Nashville Mayor

Trump Hasn’t Called Nashville Mayor

Adrienne LaFrance : “ People tend to complain about Facebook as if something recently curdled .
There ’ s a @ @ @ @ @ was once useful , or at least that it could have…

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


politicalwire--2020-12-28--Democrats Will Ignore Trump’s Edits to Relief Bill

President Trump said he will send Congress a list of items in the coronavirus relief and spending bills that he @ @ @ @ @ reports .
Democrats immediately responded that they will ignore his request .

President Trump said he will send Congress a list of items in the coronavirus relief and spending bills that he would like rescinded, Bloomberg reports.
Democrats immediately responded that they will ignore his request.


politicalwire--2020-12-28--Group of Republicans Sue Mike Pence Over Election

“ A group of Republicans including Rep. Louie Gohmert of Texas and Kelli Ward of Arizona is suing Vice President @ @ @ @ @ , last-ditch attempt to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election , ” the @ @ @ @ @ The Electoral College is scheduled to certify the win on Jan. 6 , a procedural @ @ @ @ @ vice president—in this case , Pence , who has not yet publicly acknowledged the fact @ @ @ @ @ for a second term.
” Politico : “ Though the lawsuit itself is unlikely to @ @ @ @ @ does put Pence in the position of having to either contest the suit — putting @ @ @ @ @ of Trump and his GOP defenders — or support it and lay bare the intention @ @ @ @ @ the voters in the 2020 election .
”

“A group of Republicans including Rep. Louie Gohmert of Texas and Kelli Ward of Arizona is suing Vice President Mike Pence in a desperate, last-ditch attempt to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election,” the Daily Beast reports.
“The Electoral College is scheduled to certify the win on Jan. 6, a procedural task overseen by the sitting vice president—in this case, Pence, who has not yet publicly acknowledged the fact that Trump lost his bid for a second term.”
Politico: “Though the lawsuit itself is unlikely to gain legal traction, it does put Pence in the position of having to either contest the suit — putting him on the opposite side of Trump and his GOP defenders — or support it and lay bare the intention to subvert the will over the voters in the 2020 election.”


politicalwire--2020-12-28--Trump Looking for Homes Near Mar-a-Lago

Trump Looking for Homes Near Mar-a-Lago

The New York Post reports President Trump and Melania Trump are are talking to real estate brokers “ about buying @ @ @ @ @ , or nearby , as the living space at Mar-a-Lago isn ’ t big enough @ @ @ @ @ some potential conflicts.
” “ The Trumps have also been looking at Palm Beach-area private @ @ @ @ @ 14-year-old Barron .
”

The New York Post reports President Trump and Melania Trump are are talking to real estate brokers “about buying a house in Palm Beach, or nearby, as the living space at Mar-a-Lago isn’t big enough, and there could be some potential conflicts.”
“The Trumps have also been looking at Palm Beach-area private schools for their son, 14-year-old Barron.”


politicalwire--2020-12-28--Facebook Is a Doomsday Machine

Facebook Is a Doomsday Machine

Adrienne LaFrance : “ People tend to complain about Facebook as if something recently curdled .
There ’ s a @ @ @ @ @ was once useful , or at least that it could have been good , if @ @ @ @ @ few levers : some moderation and fact-checking here , a bit of regulation there , @ @ @ @ @ ” “ But that ’ s far too sunny and shortsighted a view .
Today @ @ @ @ @ Facebook chief among them , were built to encourage the things that make them so @ @ @ @ @ their very architecture .
”

Adrienne LaFrance: “People tend to complain about Facebook as if something recently curdled. There’s a notion that the social web was once useful, or at least that it could have been good, if only we had pulled a few levers: some moderation and fact-checking here, a bit of regulation there, perhaps a federal antitrust lawsuit.”
“But that’s far too sunny and shortsighted a view. Today’s social networks, Facebook chief among them, were built to encourage the things that make them so harmful. It is in their very architecture.”


politicalwire--2020-12-28--Trump Has Unfinished Business

Trump Has Unfinished Business

Fintan O ’ Toole : “ This is his legacy : he has successfully led a vast number of voters @ @ @ @ @ of government to contempt for rational deliberation to the inevitable endpoint : disdain for the @ @ @ @ @ In this end is his new beginning .
Stripped of direct power , he will @ @ @ @ @ jeopardy .
He will have every reason to keep drawing on his greatest asset : @ @ @ @ @ demons that have always haunted the American experiment – racism , nativism , fear of @ @ @ @ @ ” “ Trump has unfinished business .
A republic he wants to destroy still stands @ @ @ @ @ him , not goodbye but hasta la vista .
Instead of waving him off , @ @ @ @ @ American democracy will have to put a stake through his heart .
”

Fintan O’Toole: “This is his legacy: he has successfully led a vast number of voters along the path from hatred of government to contempt for rational deliberation to the inevitable endpoint: disdain for the electoral process itself.”
“In this end is his new beginning. Stripped of direct power, he will face enormous legal and financial jeopardy. He will have every reason to keep drawing on his greatest asset: his ability to unleash the demons that have always haunted the American experiment – racism, nativism, fear of ‘the government.'”
“Trump has unfinished business. A republic he wants to destroy still stands. It is, for him, not goodbye but hasta la vista. Instead of waving him off, those who want to rebuild American democracy will have to put a stake through his heart.”


politicalwire--2020-12-28--Air Travel Soars Despite Pandemic

Air Travel Soars Despite Pandemic

“ Nearly 1.3 million people went through U.S. airports on Sunday , the highest level of air travel in more @ @ @ @ @ fear that travel will lead to more cases of COVID-19 , ” the AP reports @


politicalwire--2020-12-28--House Will Vote to Boost Relief Payments

“ The House will vote on Monday on a standalone measure to increase direct payments from its coronavirus relief package @ @ @ @ @ , up from the $ 600 checks that Congress had previously approved , ” Axios @ @ @ @ @ does pass , the measure will head to the Republican-controlled Senate for a vote on @ @ @ @ @ has signaled opposition to increasing the size of the checks.
” Aaron Blake : “ @ @ @ @ @ that Trump effectively cast a spotlight on Republicans ’ refusal to provide more direct coronavirus @ @ @

“The House will vote on Monday on a standalone measure to increase direct payments from its coronavirus relief package to $2,000 per person, up from the $600 checks that Congress had previously approved,” Axios reports.
“If it does pass, the measure will head to the Republican-controlled Senate for a vote on Tuesday. Senate GOP leadership has signaled opposition to increasing the size of the checks.”
Aaron Blake: “The biggest takeaway here is that Trump effectively cast a spotlight on Republicans’ refusal to provide more direct coronavirus aid.”


politicalwire--2020-12-28--The Importance of Presidential Approval Ratings

Cook Political Report : “ A president ’ s job approval rating is one of the most consistent ( and @ @ @ @ @ performance .
Voters who think the president is doing a good job usually vote to @ @ @ @ @ who think that the president is doing a lousy job are almost certain to vote @ @ @ @ @

Cook Political Report: “A president’s job approval rating is one of the most consistent (and accurate) predictors of electoral performance. Voters who think the president is doing a good job usually vote to re-elect this president. Voters who think that the president is doing a lousy job are almost certain to vote against that person.”


politicalwire--2020-12-28--The Real Reason Trump Likely Vetoed the Defense Bill

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President Trump’s veto of the National Defense Authorization Act never made much sense. The bill has passed with huge bipartisan majorities for decades and presidents have always signed it. But Trump vetoed it on the grounds that it allows the renaming of U.S. military bases named for Confederate generals and did not strip social media companies of liability protections.


politicalwire--2020-12-28--Biden Will Use Defense Production Act to Boost Vaccine

“ President-elect Joe Biden plans to invoke the Defense Production Act after he takes office next month to boost production @ @ @ @ @ CNBC reports .
“ The wartime production law , which allows the president to compel @ @ @ @ @ national security , could help the U.S. secure components and specialized products that manufacturers need @ @ @ @ @ .
Biden ’ s team has been weighing whether to invoke the law for vaccine @ @ @

“President-elect Joe Biden plans to invoke the Defense Production Act after he takes office next month to boost production of coronavirus vaccines,” CNBC reports.
“The wartime production law, which allows the president to compel companies to prioritize manufacturing for national security, could help the U.S. secure components and specialized products that manufacturers need to produce the Covid vaccines. Biden’s team has been weighing whether to invoke the law for vaccine production.”


politicalwire--2020-12-28--Trump’s Approval Rating Collapses

Trump’s Approval Rating Collapses

A new Gallup poll finds Congress ’ job approval rating is at just 15 % , the lowest of the @ @ @ @ @ Trump ’ s job approval rating has fallen to 39 % — down seven percentage @ @ @ @ @ .
In contrast , nearly two-thirds of Americans approve of the way Joe Biden is @ @ @ @ @

A new Gallup poll finds Congress’ job approval rating is at just 15%, the lowest of the 116th Congress, and President Trump’s job approval rating has fallen to 39% — down seven percentage points from before the election.
In contrast, nearly two-thirds of Americans approve of the way Joe Biden is handling his presidential transition.


politicalwire--2020-12-28--Ossoff and Warnock Warn About Running Low on Funds

Eight days out from Election Day in Georgia ’ s crucial senate runoff races , Jon Ossoff ( D ) @ @ @ @ @ ) are “ sounding the alarm ” about their ability to keep pace with GOP @ @ @ @ @ “ significant increase ” in grassroots donations to prevent running out of money , NBC @ @ @


The Plague Year


politicalwire--2020-12-29--Loeffler Says She Supports $2,000 Checks

Sen. Kelly Loeffler ( R-GA ) told Fox News that she ’ ll support boosting stimulus checks to $ 2,000 @ @ @ @ @ to the Senate floor because President Trump supports it .
CNN : Mitch McConnell faces @ @ @ @ @ stimulus payments to $ 2,000 .

Sen. Kelly Loeffler (R-GA) told Fox News that she’ll support boosting stimulus checks to $2,000 per person if it comes to the Senate floor because President Trump supports it.
CNN: Mitch McConnell faces decision over vote to increase stimulus payments to $2,000.


politicalwire--2020-12-29--Donald Trump and Michelle Obama Are Most Admired

Gallup : “ Americans are most likely to name President Donald Trump and Michelle Obama as most admired man and @ @ @ @ @ Trump tied former President Barack Obama for the honor last year but edged out his @ @ @ @ @ ’ s first-place finish ends a 12-year run as most admired man for Obama , @ @ @ @ @ the most ever .
”

Gallup: “Americans are most likely to name President Donald Trump and Michelle Obama as most admired man and woman in 2020.”
“Trump tied former President Barack Obama for the honor last year but edged out his predecessor this year. Trump’s first-place finish ends a 12-year run as most admired man for Obama, tied with Dwight Eisenhower for the most ever.”


politicalwire--2020-12-29--Wall Street Journal Slams Trump

Wall Street Journal Slams Trump

A Wall Street Journal editorial accused President Trump of sabotaging Republicans ’ chances of winning the Georgia Senate runoffs with @ @ @ @ @ stimulus checks , calling it an “ in-kind contribution to Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and @ @ @ @ @ “ It ’ s another sharp criticism from a newspaper owned by Rupert Murdoch — @ @ @ @ @ executive chair of News Corp — that comes one day after the New York Post @ @ @ @ @ for an undemocratic coup ’ with his efforts to overturn the election he lost .
@

A Wall Street Journal editorial accused President Trump of sabotaging Republicans’ chances of winning the Georgia Senate runoffs with his push for $2,000 stimulus checks, calling it an “in-kind contribution to Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Joe Biden.”
Axios: “It’s another sharp criticism from a newspaper owned by Rupert Murdoch — co-chair of Fox Corp. and executive chair of News Corp — that comes one day after the New York Post said Trump is ‘cheering for an undemocratic coup’ with his efforts to overturn the election he lost.”


politicalwire--2020-12-29--Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day

“ What you have , I think , is a Democratic party driven by a cultural belief system that they @ @ @ @ @ drive through the school system so they can brainwash the entire next generation if they @ @ @ @ @ ” — Newt Gingrich , in an interview with The Guardian .

“What you have, I think, is a Democratic party driven by a cultural belief system that they’re now trying to drive through the school system so they can brainwash the entire next generation if they can get away with it.”
— Newt Gingrich, in an interview with The Guardian.


politicalwire--2020-12-29--Biden’s New COVID Warning

Biden’s New COVID Warning

“ President-elect Biden , who has vowed to be clear-eyed and straight about the pandemic , plans a renewed warning @ @ @ @ @ Wilmington today , ” Axios reports .
“ Echoing a CDC forecast from last week @ @ @ @ @ say that , tragically , the infection rates and the number of deaths are expected @ @ @ @ @ weeks .
”

“President-elect Biden, who has vowed to be clear-eyed and straight about the pandemic, plans a renewed warning in remarks on COVID-19 in Wilmington today,” Axios reports.
“Echoing a CDC forecast from last week, Biden is expected to say that, tragically, the infection rates and the number of deaths are expected to increase in the coming weeks.”


politicalwire--2020-12-29--Judge Blocks Voter Purge In Two Georgia Counties

“ A federal judge in Georgia on Monday ordered two counties to reverse a decision removing more than 4,000 voters @ @ @ @ @ the Jan. 5 runoff elections that will decide control of the U.S. Senate , ” @ @ @ @ @ judge , Leslie Abrams Gardner — the sister of former gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams , @ @ @ @ @ Joe Biden who has led voter registration efforts across the state — concluded that the @ @ @ @ @ relied on unverified change-of-address data to invalidate registrations in the two counties .
”

“A federal judge in Georgia on Monday ordered two counties to reverse a decision removing more than 4,000 voters from the rolls ahead of the Jan. 5 runoff elections that will decide control of the U.S. Senate,” Politico reports.
“The judge, Leslie Abrams Gardner — the sister of former gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams, a prominent ally of President-elect Joe Biden who has led voter registration efforts across the state — concluded that the counties appeared to have improperly relied on unverified change-of-address data to invalidate registrations in the two counties.”


politicalwire--2020-12-29--A Day of Golf Helped Change Trump’s Mind

Washington Post : “ With other key Republicans waylaid , it fell to Sen. Lindsey O. Graham ( R-S.C. ) @ @ @ @ @ .
So Graham raced to Trump ’ s Florida golf club and worked the problem @ @ @ @ @ assuage Trump without forcing Congress to reopen negotiations ?
‘ We ’ d hit a @ @ @ @ @ call .
Hit a shot , take a phone call .
Hit a shot , @ @ @ @ @ a good deal , ’ Graham said in an interview Monday .
‘ It was @ @ @ @ @ ’ ” “ Graham was far from alone .
Republicans across Washington had blanched at @ @ @ @ @ to kill the coronavirus relief package — especially with the Georgia runoffs and the Senate @ @ @ @ @ .
”

Washington Post: “With other key Republicans waylaid, it fell to Sen. Lindsey O. Graham (R-S.C.) to talk the president down. So Graham raced to Trump’s Florida golf club and worked the problem: What possible solution could assuage Trump without forcing Congress to reopen negotiations? ‘We’d hit a shot, take a phone call. Hit a shot, take a phone call. Hit a shot, talk about what’s a good deal,’ Graham said in an interview Monday. ‘It was a very intense Christmas Day.’”
“Graham was far from alone. Republicans across Washington had blanched at Trump’s shocking threat to kill the coronavirus relief package — especially with the Georgia runoffs and the Senate majority hanging in the balance.”


politicalwire--2020-12-29--Trump’s Veto Threat of Relief Bill Did Little

New York Times : “ As an exercise in raw presidential power , it was a flop .
As a @ @ @ @ @ .
And as a coda to his final weeks in office , President Trump ’ @ @ @ @ @ $ 900 billion Covid relief and government funding bill merely underscored his tumultuous tenure in @ @ @ @ @

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


politicalwire--2020-12-30--Pence Refused Plan to Overturn Election

Pence Refused Plan to Overturn Election

“ His mood darkened as soon as he walked into his members-only club Mar-a-Lago , three days before Christmas , @ @ @ @ @ The changes to his private quarters , many of which…


politicalwire--2020-12-30--The Trümperdämmerung Is a Fitting End to 2020

Susan Glasser : “ As the awful year of 2020 and the awful tenure of Donald Trump both come to an end , the President has partied with the unmasked in Palm Beach and taken credit for a vaccine against a virus that he once counseled could be beaten with bleach .
He has pardoned mercenary child-killers and Paul Manafort .
He has golfed .
He has raged .
He has vetoed the annual defense bill and threatened to shut down the government over the holidays .
He has turned against even some of his most loyal henchmen , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flipped on him .
‘ Mr .
President .
.
.
STOP THE INSANITY , ’ the New York Post blared on Monday , after four years of relentless cheerleading.
” “ But , of course , the President did not , and he will not .
He continues to refuse to accept his defeat in the election , and just the other day he retweeted a claim that ‘ treason ’ kept him from winning .
Injecting still more political drama into the most ministerial of constitutional processes , Trump and his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ refuse to confirm Joe Biden ’ s Electoral College win on January 6th—which is both pointless , in that it will not happen , and incredibly destructive .
Meanwhile , more than a hundred thousand Americans have died of the coronavirus just since the election , and only two million Americans—not the hundred million he once promised—have so far received the vaccine.
” “ The Trümperdämmerung is finally here , and it is every bit the raging dumpster fire that we , the unlucky audience for this drama , have come to expect @ @

Susan Glasser: “As the awful year of 2020 and the awful tenure of Donald Trump both come to an end, the President has partied with the unmasked in Palm Beach and taken credit for a vaccine against a virus that he once counseled could be beaten with bleach. He has pardoned mercenary child-killers and Paul Manafort. He has golfed. He has raged. He has vetoed the annual defense bill and threatened to shut down the government over the holidays. He has turned against even some of his most loyal henchmen, and some, in turn, have finally flipped on him. ‘Mr. President . . . STOP THE INSANITY,’ the New York Post blared on Monday, after four years of relentless cheerleading.”
“But, of course, the President did not, and he will not. He continues to refuse to accept his defeat in the election, and just the other day he retweeted a claim that ‘treason’ kept him from winning. Injecting still more political drama into the most ministerial of constitutional processes, Trump and his most fanatical supporters now want Congress to refuse to confirm Joe Biden’s Electoral College win on January 6th—which is both pointless, in that it will not happen, and incredibly destructive. Meanwhile, more than a hundred thousand Americans have died of the coronavirus just since the election, and only two million Americans—not the hundred million he once promised—have so far received the vaccine.”
“The Trümperdämmerung is finally here, and it is every bit the raging dumpster fire that we, the unlucky audience for this drama, have come to expect.”


politicalwire--2020-12-30--Pompeo Mulls Placing Cuba on Terrorism Sponsor List

“ State Department officials have drawn up a proposal to designate Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism , a @ @ @ @ @ would complicate plans by the incoming Biden administration to relax increased American pressure on Havana @ @ @ @ @ Times reports .
“ With three weeks left until Inauguration Day , Secretary of State @ @ @ @ @ to sign off on the plan , according to two U.S. officials , a move @ @ @ @ @ a thank-you to Cuban-Americans and other anti-communist Latinos in Florida who strongly supported President Trump @ @ @ @ @ the November election .
”

“State Department officials have drawn up a proposal to designate Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism, a final-hour foreign policy move that would complicate plans by the incoming Biden administration to relax increased American pressure on Havana,” the New York Times reports.
“With three weeks left until Inauguration Day, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo must decide whether to sign off on the plan, according to two U.S. officials, a move that would also serve as a thank-you to Cuban-Americans and other anti-communist Latinos in Florida who strongly supported President Trump and his fellow Republicans in the November election.”


politicalwire--2020-12-30--Trump Asks Supreme Court to Overturn Wisconsin

“ President Trump asked the U.S. Supreme Court to reverse Wisconsin ’ s high court , set aside the state @ @ @ @ @ allow Republicans who control the Legislature to decide how to cast the state ’ s @ @ @ @ @ the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports .
“ It ’ s the latest in a string @ @ @ @ @ the Republican president and his allies to overturn the Nov. 3 election he lost to @ @ @ @ @ and his supporters have failed to make headway in the courts .
”

“President Trump asked the U.S. Supreme Court to reverse Wisconsin’s high court, set aside the state’s presidential election and allow Republicans who control the Legislature to decide how to cast the state’s 10 electoral votes,” the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.
“It’s the latest in a string of dozens of challenges by the Republican president and his allies to overturn the Nov. 3 election he lost to Democrat Joe Biden. Trump and his supporters have failed to make headway in the courts.”


politicalwire--2020-12-30--Biden Adviser Slams Pentagon Obstruction

Incoming national security adviser Jake Sullivan told NPR the outgoing Trump administration still isn ’ t providing information in the @ @ @ @ @ s lieutenants feel is appropriate for a team poised to take the reins of power @ @ @ @ @ It kind of comes back to the lack of visibility that we have right now @ @ @ @ @ issues relating to military operations because of DoD ’ s obstruction and roadblocks , and @ @ @ @ @ are going to have to take time at the beginning of the administration after Jan. @ @ @ @ @ look at how we ’ re postured , and what threats we ’ re up @ @ @ @ @ the drawdowns look like in the way of risk to force and other considerations .
@

Incoming national security adviser Jake Sullivan told NPR the outgoing Trump administration still isn’t providing information in the way President-elect Joe Biden’s lieutenants feel is appropriate for a team poised to take the reins of power.
Said Sullivan: “It kind of comes back to the lack of visibility that we have right now into a number of critical issues relating to military operations because of DoD’s obstruction and roadblocks, and that will mean that we are going to have to take time at the beginning of the administration after Jan. 20 to take a hard look at how we’re postured, and what threats we’re up against, and what continuing the drawdowns look like in the way of risk to force and other considerations.”


politicalwire--2020-12-29--New Coronavirus Variant Found In Colorado

“ The first reported U.S. case of the COVID-19 variant that ’ s been seen in the United Kingdom has @ @ @ @ @ ” the AP reports .
“ The new strain could be as much as 70 @ @ @ @ @ Post : “ Researchers have now detected the more transmissible variant in viral samples in @ @ @ @ @ the United Kingdom , including as far away as Australia and South Korea , as @ @ @ @ @

“The first reported U.S. case of the COVID-19 variant that’s been seen in the United Kingdom has been discovered in Colorado,” the AP reports.
“The new strain could be as much as 70% more transmissible.”
Washington Post: “Researchers have now detected the more transmissible variant in viral samples in at least 17 countries outside the United Kingdom, including as far away as Australia and South Korea, as of Tuesday afternoon.”


politicalwire--2020-12-29--Prosecutor Hires Forsenic Accountants for Trump Case

“ The Manhattan District Attorney ’ s Office has retained forensic accounting specialists to aid its criminal investigation of President @ @ @ @ @ , as prosecutors ramp up their scrutiny of his company ’ s real estate transactions @ @ @ @ @ reports .
“ District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance Jr. opened the investigation in 2018 to @ @ @ @ @ to two women who , during Trump ’ s first presidential campaign , claimed to @ @ @ @ @ years earlier .
The probe has since expanded , and now includes the Trump Organization @ @ @ @ @ .
”

“The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office has retained forensic accounting specialists to aid its criminal investigation of President Trump and his business operations, as prosecutors ramp up their scrutiny of his company’s real estate transactions,” the Washington Post reports.
“District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance Jr. opened the investigation in 2018 to examine alleged hush-money payments made to two women who, during Trump’s first presidential campaign, claimed to have had affairs with him years earlier. The probe has since expanded, and now includes the Trump Organization’s activities more broadly.”


politicalwire--2020-12-29--January 6 Is Not an Election Do-Over

January 6 Is Not an Election Do-Over

Edward Foley : “ President Trump and his supporters are trying to turn the Jan. 6 congressional session for counting @ @ @ @ @ that it is not and was never intended to be : a forum for litigating @ @ @ @ @ voter fraud.
” “ Never mind that Trump has no evidence to support his assertion @ @ @ @ @ caused Joe Biden to win the popular vote in enough states for an electoral college @ @ @ @ @ is this : Even if there were such proof , the Jan. 6 session is @ @ @ @ @ it.
” For members : How Many Republicans Will Keep Up Their Fight ?

Edward Foley: “President Trump and his supporters are trying to turn the Jan. 6 congressional session for counting electoral college votes into something that it is not and was never intended to be: a forum for litigating Trump’s claims of voter fraud.”
“Never mind that Trump has no evidence to support his assertion that massive fraud is what caused Joe Biden to win the popular vote in enough states for an electoral college victory. The critical point is this: Even if there were such proof, the Jan. 6 session is not the place to present it.”
For members: How Many Republicans Will Keep Up Their Fight?


politicalwire--2020-12-29--Los Angeles Hospitals Turn Away Ambulances

“ The crisis at Los Angeles County hospitals hit new levels as patients continued to stream in during the holiday @ @ @ @ @ system is bracing for a new wave of coronavirus spread arising from Christmas travel and @ @ @ @ @ Angeles Times reports .
“ Hospitals are so inundated that they ’ ve resorted to @ @ @ @ @ and gift shops .
But even so , many facilities are running out of space @ @

“The crisis at Los Angeles County hospitals hit new levels as patients continued to stream in during the holiday weekend, and the medical system is bracing for a new wave of coronavirus spread arising from Christmas travel and gatherings,” the Los Angeles Times reports.
“Hospitals are so inundated that they’ve resorted to placing patients in conference rooms and gift shops. But even so, many facilities are running out of space.”


politicalwire--2020-12-29--Biden Condemns Trump’s Pandemic Response

President-elect Joe Biden once again warned Americans that the worst of the coronavirus pandemic — “ maybe the toughest of @ @ @ @ @ remained ahead of them , despite vaccinations that are underway , the Washington Post reports @ @ @ @ @ of those vaccinations had fallen far behind what President Trump promised : “ Turning this @ @ @ @ @ time .
We might not see improvement until well into March .
”

President-elect Joe Biden once again warned Americans that the worst of the coronavirus pandemic — “maybe the toughest of this entire pandemic” — remained ahead of them, despite vaccinations that are underway, the Washington Post reports.
He said the pace of those vaccinations had fallen far behind what President Trump promised: “Turning this around is going to take time. We might not see improvement until well into March.”


politicalwire--2020-12-29--Federal Judge Slams Trump Pardons

Federal Judge Slams Trump Pardons

U.S. District Judge Robert Pratt told the Associated Press that , “ It ’ s not surprising that a criminal @ @ @ @ @ ” He added : “ Apparently to get a pardon , one has to be @ @ @ @ @ convicted child murderer or a turkey .
”

U.S. District Judge Robert Pratt told the Associated Press that, “It’s not surprising that a criminal like Trump pardons other criminals.”
He added: “Apparently to get a pardon, one has to be either a Republican, a convicted child murderer or a turkey.”


politicalwire--2020-12-29--Georgia Already Breaks Turnout Record for Runoffs

NBC News : “ More than 2.3 million voters have cast their ballots , with more than 800,000 voting absentee @ @ @ @ @ voting early , in person , according to the Georgia Secretary of State ’ s @ @ @ @ @ turnout record was set in 2008 , when Georgians cast 2.137 million total ballots in @ @ @ @ @ More than 78,000 Georgians who did not vote in the general election have already voted @ @ @ @ @ ”

NBC News: “More than 2.3 million voters have cast their ballots, with more than 800,000 voting absentee by mail and 1.5 million voting early, in person, according to the Georgia Secretary of State’s office. The previous runoff turnout record was set in 2008, when Georgians cast 2.137 million total ballots in the entire election.”
“More than 78,000 Georgians who did not vote in the general election have already voted in the runoff race.”


politicalwire--2020-12-29--Michael Flynn Now Selling QAnon Merchandise

“ Former Trump national security adviser Michael Flynn is going all in on the QAnon conspiracy theory , promoting an @ @ @ @ @ hats and T-shirts , the proceeds of which will benefit his partnership with a prominent @ @ @ @ @ Daily Beast reports .
“ Flynn ’ s drawn-out legal battle with former Special Counsel @ @ @ @ @ a hero for QAnon believers .
Many QAnon supporters , who rely on mysterious online @ @ @ @ @ where the Democratic Party and other institutions are controlled by a cabal of pedophile-cannibals , @ @ @ @ @ , the anonymous figure behind the conspiracy theory .
”

“Former Trump national security adviser Michael Flynn is going all in on the QAnon conspiracy theory, promoting an online store to sell QAnon hats and T-shirts, the proceeds of which will benefit his partnership with a prominent QAnon booster,” the Daily Beast reports.
“Flynn’s drawn-out legal battle with former Special Counsel Robert Mueller turned him into a hero for QAnon believers. Many QAnon supporters, who rely on mysterious online clues to construct a worldview where the Democratic Party and other institutions are controlled by a cabal of pedophile-cannibals, claim that Flynn is Q, the anonymous figure behind the conspiracy theory.”


politicalwire--2020-12-29--Bonus Quote of the Day

Bonus Quote of the Day

“ I still hold that being a Republican in general means supporting national defense and smaller government .
What does @ @ @ @ @ mean , in the state we ’ re in , I really don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ Kinzinger ( R-IL ) , in an interview with the Chicago Tribune .

“I still hold that being a Republican in general means supporting national defense and smaller government. What does it mean today? I mean, in the state we’re in, I really don’t know.”
— Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-IL), in an interview with the Chicago Tribune.


politicalwire--2020-12-29--Trump Angered by Mar-a-Lago Renovations

Trump Angered by Mar-a-Lago Renovations

“ His mood darkened as soon as he walked into his members-only club Mar-a-Lago , three days before Christmas , @ @ @ @ @ The changes to his private quarters , many of which were overseen by his wife @ @ @ @ @ , were not to President Trump ’ s liking , and he was mad about @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Several weeks in the works , the renovations , undertaken to make the @ @ @ @ @ and updated in preparation for the Trumps post-White House life , didn ’ t appeal @ @ @ @ @ , according to his reaction .
Trump was also displeased with other renovations at the @ @ @ @ @ , not just in the living space .
”

“His mood darkened as soon as he walked into his members-only club Mar-a-Lago, three days before Christmas, according to multiple sources. The changes to his private quarters, many of which were overseen by his wife, first lady Melania Trump, were not to President Trump’s liking, and he was mad about it,” CNN reports.
“Several weeks in the works, the renovations, undertaken to make the approximately 3,000-square-foot space feel larger and updated in preparation for the Trumps post-White House life, didn’t appeal to Trump’s aesthetics, according to his reaction. Trump was also displeased with other renovations at the property, the source said, not just in the living space.”


politicalwire--2020-12-29--Inaugural Luncheon Is Scrapped

Inaugural Luncheon Is Scrapped

“ The century-old tradition of the post-inauguration lunch is the latest pandemic casualty as COVID-19 continues to upend the ceremonies @ @ @ @ @ of President-elect Joe Biden , ” Roll Call reports .
“ The Inaugural Luncheon tradition @ @ @ @ @ since the late 1800s , has evolved into a three-course meal and musical performance in @ @ @ @ @ Hall for the new Cabinet , the Supreme Court and congressional leadership .
The hall @ @ @ @ @ quiet after this January ’ s scaled-back inauguration , the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural @ @ @ @ @

“The century-old tradition of the post-inauguration lunch is the latest pandemic casualty as COVID-19 continues to upend the ceremonies around the Jan. 20 swearing-in of President-elect Joe Biden,” Roll Call reports.
“The Inaugural Luncheon tradition, which has been around since the late 1800s, has evolved into a three-course meal and musical performance in the Capitol’s Statuary Hall for the new Cabinet, the Supreme Court and congressional leadership. The hall, however, will be quiet after this January’s scaled-back inauguration, the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies announced Tuesday.”


politicalwire--2020-12-29--McConnell Blocks $2,000 Checks

McConnell Blocks $2,000 Checks

“ Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Tuesday stymied Democrats ’ long-shot bid to immediately increase direct stimulus payments to @ @ @ @ @ fate of bigger checks in limbo as this Congress comes to a close at the @ @ @ @ @ ” Politico reports .
Bloomberg : “ McConnell objected to a motion by Senate Minority @ @ @ @ @ by unanimous consent a stimulus-checks bill that passed the House on Monday .
He also @ @ @ @ @ Bernie Sanders to vote on the stimulus checks immediately after the Senate votes on overriding @ @ @ @ @ a key defense policy bill.
” “ Floor requests to immediately pass legislation are frequently @ @ @ @ @ this episode highlights how unlikely it is that the Senate will pass a bill increasing @ @ @ @ @ Sunday.
” Meanwhile , Trump slammed Republicans saying they had a “ death wish ” @ @ @ @ @

“Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Tuesday stymied Democrats’ long-shot bid to immediately increase direct stimulus payments to $2,000, leaving the fate of bigger checks in limbo as this Congress comes to a close at the end of the week,” Politico reports.
Bloomberg: “McConnell objected to a motion by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to approve by unanimous consent a stimulus-checks bill that passed the House on Monday. He also blocked a motion by Senator Bernie Sanders to vote on the stimulus checks immediately after the Senate votes on overriding Trump’s veto of a key defense policy bill.”
“Floor requests to immediately pass legislation are frequently criticized as stunts, but this episode highlights how unlikely it is that the Senate will pass a bill increasing the payments before Congress adjourns Sunday.”
Meanwhile, Trump slammed Republicans saying they had a “death wish” blocking the increased payments.


politicalwire--2020-12-29--Marco Rubio Continues His Transformation

Christian Schneider : “ In the course of his young political career , Marco Rubio has been a Tea Partier @ @ @ @ @ a neoconservative .
Now he ’ s auditioning for the role of MAGA FAN # @ @ @ @ @ Anthony Fauci as the real villain of the pandemic .
His strategy seems to be @ @ @ @ @ completely that they adopt him as their new king.
” “ It ’ s adorable @ @ @ @ @ leaving your husband in hopes of catching the eye of pharma bro Martin Shkreli .
@

Christian Schneider: “In the course of his young political career, Marco Rubio has been a Tea Partier, a Reformicon, and a neoconservative. Now he’s auditioning for the role of MAGA FAN #7 by trying to paint Anthony Fauci as the real villain of the pandemic. His strategy seems to be: Dazzle the Trumpenproletariat so completely that they adopt him as their new king.”
“It’s adorable. The political equivalent of leaving your husband in hopes of catching the eye of pharma bro Martin Shkreli.”


politicalwire--2020-12-29--Kamala Harris Receives First Dose of Vaccine

“ His mood darkened as soon as he walked into his members-only club Mar-a-Lago , three days before Christmas , @ @ @ @ @ The changes to his private quarters , many of which…

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


politicalwire--2020-12-29--How Many Republicans Will Keep Up Their Fight?

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politicalwire--2020-12-30--Strong Early Voting Gives Democrats Hope In Georgia

Politico : “ Democrats are buoyed by the strong early vote numbers , which show Black voters making up a @ @ @ @ @ than in November and higher early turnout in Democratic congressional districts in the state .
@ @ @ @ @ Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock , the two challengers , easing fears that the typical @ @ @ @ @ Democrats in past years would doom the party ’ s chances with control of the @ @ @ @ @ “ Meanwhile , early-vote turnout has lagged in Republican-held congressional districts , likely leaving GOP @ @ @ @ @ David Perdue with a larger deficit heading into Election Day than they had to make @ @ @ @ @ with early voting concluding this week leading up to the New Year ’ s holiday @ @

Politico: “Democrats are buoyed by the strong early vote numbers, which show Black voters making up a larger percentage of the electorate than in November and higher early turnout in Democratic congressional districts in the state. Both are positive signs for Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock, the two challengers, easing fears that the typical voter dropoff that has plagued Democrats in past years would doom the party’s chances with control of the Senate on the line.”
“Meanwhile, early-vote turnout has lagged in Republican-held congressional districts, likely leaving GOP Sens. Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue with a larger deficit heading into Election Day than they had to make up on Nov. 3, with early voting concluding this week leading up to the New Year’s holiday.”
The Washington Post reports President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris “will both travel to Georgia in the closing days before its pair of Senate runoff elections, underscoring the importance of contests that will determine which party controls the chamber next year.”


politicalwire--2020-12-30--GOP Seeks to Roll Back Mail-In Voting

GOP Seeks to Roll Back Mail-In Voting

“ As President Trump continues to level baseless claims of voter fraud almost two months after his Nov. 3 election @ @ @ @ @ states Trump contested are pushing new voting restrictions for future elections , ” USA Today @ @ @ @ @ proposals to roll back laws in Georgia and Pennsylvania that allowed all registered voters to @ @ @ @ @ that civil rights and voting advocates say could suppress turnout .
”

“As President Trump continues to level baseless claims of voter fraud almost two months after his Nov. 3 election loss, Republican lawmakers in states Trump contested are pushing new voting restrictions for future elections,” USA Today reports.
“That includes proposals to roll back laws in Georgia and Pennsylvania that allowed all registered voters to vote by mail – moves that civil rights and voting advocates say could suppress turnout.”


politicalwire--2020-12-30--China Clamps Down In Hidden Hunt for Virus Origins

Associated Press : “ More than a year since the first known person was infected with the coronavirus , an @ @ @ @ @ government is strictly controlling all research into its origins , clamping down on some while @ @ @ @ @ it could have come from outside China.
” “ The government is handing out hundreds @ @ @ @ @ grants to scientists researching the virus ’ origins in southern China and affiliated with the @ @ @ @ @ their findings and mandating that the publication of any data or research must be approved @ @ @ @ @ managed by China ’ s cabinet , under direct orders from President Xi Jinping , @ @ @ @ @ by The AP .
A rare leak from within the government , the dozens of @ @ @ @ @ what many have long suspected : The clampdown comes from the top .
”

Associated Press: “More than a year since the first known person was infected with the coronavirus, an AP investigation shows the Chinese government is strictly controlling all research into its origins, clamping down on some while actively promoting fringe theories that it could have come from outside China.”
“The government is handing out hundreds of thousands of dollars in grants to scientists researching the virus’ origins in southern China and affiliated with the military… But it is monitoring their findings and mandating that the publication of any data or research must be approved by a new task force managed by China’s cabinet, under direct orders from President Xi Jinping, according to internal documents obtained by The AP. A rare leak from within the government, the dozens of pages of unpublished documents confirm what many have long suspected: The clampdown comes from the top.”


politicalwire--2020-12-30--U.S. Hits Record Daily Covid-19 Deaths

U.S. Hits Record Daily Covid-19 Deaths

“ The first reported U.S. case of the COVID-19 variant that ’ s been seen in the United Kingdom has @ @ @ @ @ ” the AP reports .
“ The new strain could be as…


politicalwire--2020-12-30--How Congress Could Quash Trump’s Electoral Vote Gambit

Politico : “ The law that guides the proceedings , the Electoral Count Act — passed in 1887 to address the disastrous election of 1876 — is vaguely written and full of gaps that have perplexed constitutional scholars for a century .
Now , Trump and his allies are working to exploit those gaps to try to muscle their way to a second term .
There ’ s little doubt that Biden will be certified as president by the end of the day on Jan. 6 or in the wee hours of Jan. 7 , but Trump ’ s allies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — grinding it to a halt , attempting to force votes on alternate slates of Trump-supporting electors and raising untold objections to the proceedings that could disrupt the traditionally ceremonial event.
” “ But the lack of clarity also creates enormous opportunities for those who wish to limit or prevent the day-long spectacle that Trump ’ s allies are promising .
That could include both Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , who has been working to tamp down GOP support for challenges in recent days — drawing Trump ’ @ @ @ @

Politico: “The law that guides the proceedings, the Electoral Count Act — passed in 1887 to address the disastrous election of 1876 — is vaguely written and full of gaps that have perplexed constitutional scholars for a century. Now, Trump and his allies are working to exploit those gaps to try to muscle their way to a second term. There’s little doubt that Biden will be certified as president by the end of the day on Jan. 6 or in the wee hours of Jan. 7, but Trump’s allies could cast a cloud over the process — grinding it to a halt, attempting to force votes on alternate slates of Trump-supporting electors and raising untold objections to the proceedings that could disrupt the traditionally ceremonial event.”
“But the lack of clarity also creates enormous opportunities for those who wish to limit or prevent the day-long spectacle that Trump’s allies are promising. That could include both Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who has been working to tamp down GOP support for challenges in recent days — drawing Trump’s fury.”


politicalwire--2020-12-30--No Absentee Ballot Fraud Found In Georgia


politicalwire--2020-12-30--Newly-Elected Congressman Dies of Covid-19


politicalwire--2020-12-31--Ossoff Slams Loeffler for ‘Campaigning with a Klansman’

Jon Ossoff ( D ) shut down Sen. Kelly Loeffler ’ s ( R-GA ) criticism of her opponent Rev @ @ @ @ @ ) telling Fox News that she had been “ campaigning with a Klansman.
” Said @ @ @ @ @ stooping to these vicious personal attacks to distract from the fact that she ’ s @ @ @ @ @ member of the Ku Klux Klan .
I mean we deserve better than that here @ @ @ @

Jon Ossoff (D) shut down Sen. Kelly Loeffler’s (R-GA) criticism of her opponent Rev. Raphael Warnock (D) telling Fox News that she had been “campaigning with a Klansman.”
Said Ossoff: “She is stooping to these vicious personal attacks to distract from the fact that she’s been campaigning with a former member of the Ku Klux Klan. I mean we deserve better than that here in Georgia.”
Earlier: Loeffler took photo with KKK leader.


politicalwire--2020-12-31--America’s Vaccine Rollout Is Already a Disaster

David Wallace-Wells : “ It ’ s happening all over again .
For months , Americans who despaired about the @ @ @ @ @ looked desperately to the arrival of a vaccine for a kind of pandemic deliverance .
@ @ @ @ @ , miraculously fast , we are failing utterly to administer it with anything like the @ @ @ @ @ requires — and , perhaps most maddeningly , failing in precisely the same way as @ @ @ @ @ year .
That is , out of apparent , near-total indifference.
” New York Times @ @ @ @ @ version of the coronavirus may alter the course of the pandemic in the United States @ @ @ @ @

David Wallace-Wells: “It’s happening all over again. For months, Americans who despaired about the country’s coronavirus-suppression efforts looked desperately to the arrival of a vaccine for a kind of pandemic deliverance. Now that it has arrived, miraculously fast, we are failing utterly to administer it with anything like the urgency the pace of dying requires — and, perhaps most maddeningly, failing in precisely the same way as we did earlier in the year. That is, out of apparent, near-total indifference.”
New York Times: “A more contagious version of the coronavirus may alter the course of the pandemic in the United States, researchers said.”


politicalwire--2020-12-31--Trump Will Return to White House Early

Trump Will Return to White House Early

“ President Trump is expected to return to Washington earlier than anticipated ahead of a planned disruption by Republicans when @ @ @ @ @ certify President-elect Joe Biden ’ s win , ” CNN reports .
“ Trump is @ @ @ @ @ Beach before his annual New Year ’ s Eve party , even though guests had @ @ @ @ @ Florida club and were told Trump would be in attendance… The President typically relishes appearing @ @ @ @ @ front of the press and his friends , but is skipping the event altogether this @ @ @ @ @ an unusual move .
”

“President Trump is expected to return to Washington earlier than anticipated ahead of a planned disruption by Republicans when Congress meets next week to certify President-elect Joe Biden’s win,” CNN reports.
“Trump is now slated to leave Palm Beach before his annual New Year’s Eve party, even though guests had already gathered at his south Florida club and were told Trump would be in attendance… The President typically relishes appearing on the red carpet in front of the press and his friends, but is skipping the event altogether this year in what will be an unusual move.”


politicalwire--2020-12-31--Secret Service to Make Changes to Biden’s Detail

“ The Secret Service is making some staff changes in the presidential detail that will guard President-elect Joe Biden , @ @ @ @ @ that some current members were politically aligned with President Trump , ” the Washington Post @ @ @ @ @ readies his new administration , the Secret Service plans to bring back to the White @ @ @ @ @ senior agents whom Biden knows well from their work more than four years ago guarding @ @ @ @ @ he was vice president .
”

“The Secret Service is making some staff changes in the presidential detail that will guard President-elect Joe Biden, amid concerns from Biden allies that some current members were politically aligned with President Trump,” the Washington Post reports.
“As Biden readies his new administration, the Secret Service plans to bring back to the White House detail a handful of senior agents whom Biden knows well from their work more than four years ago guarding him and his family when he was vice president.”


politicalwire--2020-12-31--Census To Miss Year-End Deadline for Redistricting

“ Saddled with delays caused by the coronavirus pandemic and last-minute changes by the Trump administration , the first set @ @ @ @ @ not be ready for release by Thursday ’ s year-end deadline for numbers that determine @ @ @ @ @ Electoral College for the next decade , ” NPR reports .

“Saddled with delays caused by the coronavirus pandemic and last-minute changes by the Trump administration, the first set of 2020 census results will not be ready for release by Thursday’s year-end deadline for numbers that determine representation in Congress and the Electoral College for the next decade,” NPR reports.


politicalwire--2020-12-31--Trump Declassifies Unconfirmed Intel on China

“ The Trump administration is declassifying as-yet uncorroborated intelligence , recently briefed to President Trump , that indicates China offered @ @ @ @ @ Afghanistan to attack American soldiers , ” Axios reports .
“ The disclosure of this @ @ @ @ @ before the end of Trump ’ s presidency , after he has vowed to ratchet @ @ @ @ @ and months after news reports indicated that the Russians had secretly offered bounties for Taliban @ @ @ @ @ in Afghanistan .
”

“The Trump administration is declassifying as-yet uncorroborated intelligence, recently briefed to President Trump, that indicates China offered to pay non-state actors in Afghanistan to attack American soldiers,” Axios reports.
“The disclosure of this unconfirmed intelligence comes 21 days before the end of Trump’s presidency, after he has vowed to ratchet up pressure on China, and months after news reports indicated that the Russians had secretly offered bounties for Taliban militants to kill U.S. troops in Afghanistan.”


Reaganland

“ Saddled with delays caused by the coronavirus pandemic and last-minute changes by the Trump administration , the first set @ @ @ @ @ not be ready for release by Thursday ’ s…


politicalwire--2020-12-30--100 Republicans Could Challenge Electoral Votes

Rep. Adam Kinzinger ( R-IL ) told The Bulwark he thinks as many as 100 Republicans could challenge the Electoral @ @ @ @ @ to count the votes on Jan. 6 .
The Hill lists those Republicans who have @ @ @ @ @ the electoral tally .

Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) told The Bulwark he thinks as many as 100 Republicans could challenge the Electoral College results when Congress convenes to count the votes on Jan. 6.
The Hill lists those Republicans who have already said they will challenge the electoral tally.


politicalwire--2020-12-30--Sununu Cancels Inauguration Over Armed Protesters

New Hampshire Gov .
Chris Sununu ( R ) announced that his outdoor inauguration ceremony scheduled for next week is @ @ @ @ @ over armed protesters , WMUR reports .
Said Sununu : “ My first responsibility is @ @ @ @ @ family and our citizens .
For weeks , armed protesters have increasingly become more aggressive @ @ @ @ @ protesting outside my private residence and trespassing on my property — an outdoor public ceremony @ @ @ @ @ .
We do not make this decision lightly , but it is the right thing @ @ @ @

New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu (R) announced that his outdoor inauguration ceremony scheduled for next week is being canceled because of concerns over armed protesters, WMUR reports.
Said Sununu: “My first responsibility is ensuring the safety of my family and our citizens. For weeks, armed protesters have increasingly become more aggressive, targeting my family, protesting outside my private residence and trespassing on my property — an outdoor public ceremony simply brings too much risk. We do not make this decision lightly, but it is the right thing to do.”


politicalwire--2020-12-30--Biden Plans to Nominate New Judges Quickly

“ President-elect Joe Biden is signaling that he ’ s ready to move quickly with nominating judges once he ’ @ @ @ @ @ ” the HuffPost reports .
“ And he specifically wants Democratic senators to recommend nominees @ @ @ @ @ , not just in terms of race or gender , but professionally ― something progressives @ @ @ @ @ years .
”

“President-elect Joe Biden is signaling that he’s ready to move quickly with nominating judges once he’s sworn into office,” the HuffPost reports.
“And he specifically wants Democratic senators to recommend nominees to him who are diverse, not just in terms of race or gender, but professionally ― something progressives have been clamoring for for years.”


politicalwire--2020-12-30--U.S. Flies Bombers Over Persian Gulf

U.S. Flies Bombers Over Persian Gulf

“ The United States flew strategic bombers over the Persian Gulf on Wednesday for the second time this month , @ @ @ @ @ to deter Iran from attacking American or allied targets in the Middle East , ” @ @ @ @ @ Nichols : Trump could still start a last ditch war in Iran .

“The United States flew strategic bombers over the Persian Gulf on Wednesday for the second time this month, a show of force meant to deter Iran from attacking American or allied targets in the Middle East,” the AP reports.
Tom Nichols: Trump could still start a last ditch war in Iran.


politicalwire--2020-12-30--McConnell Won’t Be ‘Bullied’ Into Passing $2,000 Checks

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell ( R-KY ) said that a proposal from Democrats to approve $ 2,000 stimulus checks @ @ @ @ @ quickly pass the Senate , ” the Washington Post reports .
McConnell said Republicans would @ @ @ @ @ into passing the bill quickly despite intensifying pressure from Democrats and President Trump .

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) said that a proposal from Democrats to approve $2,000 stimulus checks “no realistic path to quickly pass the Senate,” the Washington Post reports.
McConnell said Republicans would not be “bullied” into passing the bill quickly despite intensifying pressure from Democrats and President Trump.
For members: McConnell Cuts Trump Loose


politicalwire--2020-12-30--Man Hospitalized After GOP Christmas Party

A New York man is in the hospital with COVID-19 after attending an indoor Christmas party thrown by a local @ @ @ @ @ Queens Daily Eagle reports .
James Trent attended the December 9 party , which went @ @ @ @ @ showed guests participating in a Conga line .

A New York man is in the hospital with COVID-19 after attending an indoor Christmas party thrown by a local Republican Party group, the Queens Daily Eagle reports.
James Trent attended the December 9 party, which went viral after a Twitter video showed guests participating in a Conga line.


politicalwire--2020-12-30--70,000 More Americans Will Die Before Inauguration Day

Jonathan Last wrote on December 4 : “ Well , we have had 3.4 million new cases in the 21 @ @ @ @ @ If Trevor ’ s 1.6 % CFR still holds , you end up with 54,000 @ @ @ @ @ days .
Merry Christmas.
” Here ’ s his update : “ Our reported death @ @ @ @ @ span from December 3 to December 24 was 52,584 .
Pretty close to the pin.
@ @ @ @ @ projection by using a Case Fatality Rate of 1.6 percent and applying it to the @ @ @ @ @ preceding three weeks .
Now do the math looking three weeks out from here : @ @ @ @ @ we ’ ve had 4.38 million new cases .
So we should expect roughly 70,000 @ @ @ @ @ January 20 .
”

Jonathan Last wrote on December 4: “Well, we have had 3.4 million new cases in the 21 days since 12 November. If Trevor’s 1.6% CFR still holds, you end up with 54,000 deaths over the next 21 days. Merry Christmas.”
Here’s his update: “Our reported death total for that 21 day span from December 3 to December 24 was 52,584. Pretty close to the pin.”
“We got that projection by using a Case Fatality Rate of 1.6 percent and applying it to the new case count of the preceding three weeks. Now do the math looking three weeks out from here: Over the last 21 days we’ve had 4.38 million new cases. So we should expect roughly 70,000 more deaths between now and January 20.”


politicalwire--2020-12-30--White House Budget Office Not Cooperating with Biden

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


politicalwire--2020-12-30--Pelosi Will Seat Iowa Republican

Pelosi Will Seat Iowa Republican

Speaker Nancy Pelosi ( D-CA ) said she will seat Rep.-elect Mariannette Miller-Meeks ( R-IA ) this weekend as Rita @ @ @ @ @ the results of their race , The Hill reports .
Results show Hart having been @ @ @ @ @ votes after a recount .

Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) said she will seat Rep.-elect Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA) this weekend as Rita Hart (D) contests the results of their race, The Hill reports.
Results show Hart having been defeated by Miller-Meeks by six votes after a recount.


politicalwire--2020-12-30--Appeals Court Bumps Lawsuit Over Trump Tax Records

“ A federal appeals court Wednesday kicked a legal battle over President Trump ’ s financial statements back to a @ @ @ @ @ House Democrats ’ efforts to obtain years of the president ’ s personal and business @ @ @ @ @ .
“ In its ruling , a panel of three judges for the U.S. Court @ @ @ @ @ .
Circuit vacated a prior district court judgment and aligned itself with a Supreme Court @ @ @ @ @ ordered lower courts to more carefully consider questions about the separation of powers in the @ @ @

“A federal appeals court Wednesday kicked a legal battle over President Trump’s financial statements back to a lower court, further delaying House Democrats’ efforts to obtain years of the president’s personal and business records,” CNBC reports.
“In its ruling, a panel of three judges for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit vacated a prior district court judgment and aligned itself with a Supreme Court ruling over the summer that ordered lower courts to more carefully consider questions about the separation of powers in the case.”


politicalwire--2020-12-30--Hawley Will Challenge Electoral College Results

Sen. Josh Hawley ( R-MO ) said that he will object during Congress ’ s counting of the Electoral College @ @ @ @ @ becoming the first GOP senator to back the effort by House conservatives , The Hill @ @ @ @ @ Hawley would ensure a debate and vote in the House and Senate on the Electoral @ @ @

Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) said that he will object during Congress’s counting of the Electoral College vote on January 6, becoming the first GOP senator to back the effort by House conservatives, The Hill reports.
The decision by Hawley would ensure a debate and vote in the House and Senate on the Electoral College results.


politicalwire--2020-12-30--Many Believe QAnon and Other Conspiracy Theories

A new NPR-Ipsos poll finds 40 % of Americans believe the coronavirus was made in a lab in China even @ @ @ @ @ for this .
And one-third of Americans believe that voter fraud helped Joe Biden win @ @ @ @ @ the fact that courts , election officials and the Justice Department have found no evidence @ @ @ @ @ have changed the outcome .
This one is particularly bonkers : The poll asked respondents @ @ @ @ @ a group of Satan-worshipping elites who run a child sex ring are trying to control @ @ @ @ @ — the false allegation at the heart of QAnon .
While only 17 % said @ @ @ @ @ 37 % said they didn ’ t know .

A new NPR-Ipsos poll finds 40% of Americans believe the coronavirus was made in a lab in China even though there is no evidence for this.
And one-third of Americans believe that voter fraud helped Joe Biden win the 2020 election, despite the fact that courts, election officials and the Justice Department have found no evidence of widespread fraud that could have changed the outcome.
This one is particularly bonkers: The poll asked respondents whether they believe that “a group of Satan-worshipping elites who run a child sex ring are trying to control our politics and media” — the false allegation at the heart of QAnon. While only 17% said it was true, another 37% said they didn’t know.


politicalwire--2020-12-31--Sasse Denounces Trump’s Effort To Overturn Election

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

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


politicalwire--2020-12-31--Pelosi Vote for Speaker Might Require High Wire Act

“ There ’ s little doubt that Nancy Pelosi will be reelected House speaker when the new Congress convenes Sunday @ @ @ @ @ high-wire act for her to get there , largely thanks to the pandemic , ” @ @ @ @ @ The full House elects the speaker , and Democrats will have the chamber ’ s @ @ @ @ @ in a vote in which Republicans are certain to vote unanimously against her , joined @ @ @ @ @ will have a 222-211 edge , with one race still undecided and one vacancy after @ @ @ @ @ ) died Tuesday after battling COVID-19 .
”

“There’s little doubt that Nancy Pelosi will be reelected House speaker when the new Congress convenes Sunday. It could take a high-wire act for her to get there, largely thanks to the pandemic,” the AP reports.
“The full House elects the speaker, and Democrats will have the chamber’s smallest majority in 20 years in a vote in which Republicans are certain to vote unanimously against her, joined by Democratic defectors. Democrats will have a 222-211 edge, with one race still undecided and one vacancy after Rep.-elect Luke Letlow (R-LA) died Tuesday after battling COVID-19.”
Roll Call: House prepares for an opening day unlike any other.


politicalwire--2020-12-31--Biden Will Hold Memorial for Covid-19 Victims

“ President-elect Joe Biden ’ s scaled-back inaugural activities will include a nationwide memorial service ahead of his swearing-in to @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus , ” the Washington Post reports .
“ The Presidential Inaugural Committee said @ @ @ @ @ ceremony at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool late in the afternoon on Jan. 19 , @ @ @ @ @ ’ s swearing-in at the Capitol .
The committee said it is also inviting cities @ @ @ @ @ to light buildings and ring church bells at the same time .
”

“President-elect Joe Biden’s scaled-back inaugural activities will include a nationwide memorial service ahead of his swearing-in to honor the lives lost to the coronavirus,” the Washington Post reports.
“The Presidential Inaugural Committee said it would host a lighting ceremony at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool late in the afternoon on Jan. 19, a day ahead of Biden’s swearing-in at the Capitol. The committee said it is also inviting cities and towns around the country to light buildings and ring church bells at the same time.”


politicalwire--2020-12-31--Boris Johnson’s Father Seeks French Citizenship


politicalwire--2020-12-31--Trump Fears That His Influence Is Waning

“ As his days in office come to a close , President Donald Trump has hinted to those close to @ @ @ @ @ worried his influence within Republican circles may be waning , ” the Daily Beast reports @ @ @ @ @ stalwarts growing comfortable crossing him , the president has pushed to keep up the pressure @ @ @ @ @ against potential turncoats .
”

“As his days in office come to a close, President Donald Trump has hinted to those close to him that he’s worried his influence within Republican circles may be waning,” the Daily Beast reports.
“Fearful of party stalwarts growing comfortable crossing him, the president has pushed to keep up the pressure and plot possible revenge scenarios against potential turncoats.”