politicalwire--2020-07-13--Giuliani Blows Up Trump’s Audit Excuse

Giuliani Blows Up Trump’s Audit Excuse

Rudy Giuliani said the Supreme Court ruling that President Trump must turn over his financial records to New York investigators @ @ @ @ @ ” the Daily Beast reports .
Said Giuliani : “ They have no reason to @ @ @ @ @ wrong with his tax returns .
All these tax returns have by and large—maybe not @ @ @ @ @ them have been audited , all of them have either been passed on or settled.
@ @ @ @ @ directly contradicted both Trump and his spokesperson ’ s excuse for not just releasing the @ @ @ @ @ .
”

Rudy Giuliani said the Supreme Court ruling that President Trump must turn over his financial records to New York investigators was “terribly decided,” the Daily Beast reports.
Said Giuliani: “They have no reason to believe that there is anything wrong with his tax returns. All these tax returns have by and large—maybe not the last one—but all of them have been audited, all of them have either been passed on or settled.”
“That last statement directly contradicted both Trump and his spokesperson’s excuse for not just releasing the returns to the public voluntarily.”


politicalwire--2020-07-13--How Russia Built a Channel to the Taliban

New York Times : “ In interviews , Afghan and American officials and foreign diplomats with years of experience in @ @ @ @ @ as a diplomatic channel between Russia and the Taliban just under a decade ago has @ @ @ @ @ mutually beneficial alliance that has allowed the Kremlin to reassert its influence in the region.
@ @ @ @ @ with increasing hostility between the United States and Russia over Syria ’ s civil war @ @ @ @ @ say , as well as Russia ’ s frustration with rising instability in Afghanistan and @ @ @ @ @ U.S. pullout… Russia ’ s covert efforts , officials and analysts say , are aimed @ @ @ @ @ United States as the troops leave rather than profoundly changing the course of the conflict @ @

New York Times: “In interviews, Afghan and American officials and foreign diplomats with years of experience in Kabul say that what began as a diplomatic channel between Russia and the Taliban just under a decade ago has more recently blossomed into a mutually beneficial alliance that has allowed the Kremlin to reassert its influence in the region.”
“The shift coincided with increasing hostility between the United States and Russia over Syria’s civil war and other conflicts, analysts say, as well as Russia’s frustration with rising instability in Afghanistan and the slow pace of the U.S. pullout… Russia’s covert efforts, officials and analysts say, are aimed at harassing and embarrassing the United States as the troops leave rather than profoundly changing the course of the conflict.”


politicalwire--2020-07-13--Trump Now Bypassing Kushner

Trump Now Bypassing Kushner

“ President Trump has built a network of loyal political operatives from key battleground states who he can call at @ @ @ @ @ to get a better handle on his re-election chances , an unusual arrangement that lets @ @ @ @ @ adviser Jared Kushner , ” Business Insider reports .
“ Trump has increasingly been talking @ @ @ @ @ with expertise in states critical if he ’ s going to win a second term @ @ @ @ @ , Ohio , Florida and New Hampshire .
”

“President Trump has built a network of loyal political operatives from key battleground states who he can call at a moment’s notice to get a better handle on his re-election chances, an unusual arrangement that lets him circumvent senior White House adviser Jared Kushner,” Business Insider reports.
“Trump has increasingly been talking directly with the senior advisers with expertise in states critical if he’s going to win a second term in November, including Pennsylvania, Ohio, Florida and New Hampshire.”


politicalwire--2020-07-13--Houston Mayor Calls for Shutdown

Houston Mayor Calls for Shutdown

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner ( D ) tweeted on Monday that he has proposed a two week city-wide shutdown to @ @ @ @ @ ( R ) as coronavirus infections and hospitalizations continue to surge .

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


politicalwire--2020-07-13--Ex-Gun Industry Lobbyist Finally Delivers from the Inside

New York Times : “ Michael B. Williams spent nearly two years helping to run a trade group focused on @ @ @ @ @ by American manufacturers .
But try as he might , he could not achieve one @ @ @ @ @ main goals : overturning a ban on sales to private foreign buyers enacted by the @ @ @ @ @ troops in Afghanistan and elsewhere.
” “ Then Mr. Williams joined the Trump administration .
@ @ @ @ @ , he pushed to overturn the prohibition , raising the issue with influential administration officials @ @ @ @ @ State Department , according to current and former government officials .
On Friday , the @ @ @ @ @ , and a longtime industry goal was realized .
The change paved the way for @ @ @ @ @ million a year in possible new overseas sales for companies that Mr. Williams had championed @ @ @ @ @ American Suppressor Association .
”

New York Times: “Michael B. Williams spent nearly two years helping to run a trade group focused on expanding sales of firearm silencers by American manufacturers. But try as he might, he could not achieve one of the industry’s main goals: overturning a ban on sales to private foreign buyers enacted by the State Department to protect American troops in Afghanistan and elsewhere.”
“Then Mr. Williams joined the Trump administration. As a White House lawyer, he pushed to overturn the prohibition, raising the issue with influential administration officials and creating pressure within the State Department, according to current and former government officials. On Friday, the State Department lifted the ban, and a longtime industry goal was realized. The change paved the way for as much as $250 million a year in possible new overseas sales for companies that Mr. Williams had championed as general counsel of the American Suppressor Association.”


politicalwire--2020-07-13--Castro Will Compete to Lead Foreign Affairs Panel

Rep. Joaquin Castro ( D-TX ) “ will announce this week that he will compete for the chairmanship of the @ @ @ @ @ , in an effort aimed at recapturing a key position for the party ’ s @ @ @ @ @ centrist leadership , ” the Washington Post reports .


politicalwire--2020-07-13--California and Oregon Move to Lockdown Again

Los Angeles Times : “ California is largely closing again amid a spike in coronavirus cases across the state , @ @ @ @ @ announced statewide restrictions Monday to again halt all indoor dining and close bars , family @ @ @ @ @ .
At the same time , 30 counties will be forced to shutter gyms , @ @ @ @ @ malls and other businesses.
” Oregonian : “ Oregon is banning indoor social gatherings of @ @ @ @ @ will require people to wear face coverings outdoors when they can not maintain a 6-foot @ @ @ @ @ households , Gov .
Kate Brown announced Monday morning .
”

Los Angeles Times: “California is largely closing again amid a spike in coronavirus cases across the state, as Gov. Gavin Newsom announced statewide restrictions Monday to again halt all indoor dining and close bars, family entertainment, zoos and museums. At the same time, 30 counties will be forced to shutter gyms, churches, hair salons, malls and other businesses.”
Oregonian: “Oregon is banning indoor social gatherings of more than 10 people and will require people to wear face coverings outdoors when they cannot maintain a 6-foot distance from people outside their households, Gov. Kate Brown announced Monday morning.”


politicalwire--2020-07-13--Pandemic Upends Trump’s Push to Cut Health Care

“ President Trump has moved forcefully to push unprecedented limits on government health assistance for the poor , trying to @ @ @ @ @ long-held goals for reshaping the health care safety net .
That ambition has slammed into @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus — with the help of Republican states wary of cutting back health coverage for @ @ @ @ @ pandemic , ” Politico reports .
“ Voters in even the reddest parts of the @ @ @ @ @ Medicaid expansions as the coronavirus tears through communities and historic levels of unemployment leave workers @ @ @ @ @ Republican governors aren ’ t lining up for Trump ’ s two major moves to @ @ @ @ @ for many adults and block grants to states instead of open-ended funding .
”

“President Trump has moved forcefully to push unprecedented limits on government health assistance for the poor, trying to follow through on conservatives’ long-held goals for reshaping the health care safety net. That ambition has slammed into a brick wall amid the coronavirus — with the help of Republican states wary of cutting back health coverage for their poorest residents during a pandemic,” Politico reports.
“Voters in even the reddest parts of the country are approving or weighing Medicaid expansions as the coronavirus tears through communities and historic levels of unemployment leave workers without health coverage. And Republican governors aren’t lining up for Trump’s two major moves to restrict Medicaid: work requirements for many adults and block grants to states instead of open-ended funding.”


politicalwire--2020-07-13--‘We’re Leading the World’

‘We’re Leading the World’

Joe Biden released a scathing video about President Trump ’ s response to the coronavirus pandemic .


politicalwire--2020-07-13--Judge In Roger Stone Case Wants More Info

“ U.S .
District Judge Amy Berman Jackson is seeking more information about the scope of President Trump ’ s @ @ @ @ @ of his longtime ally , Roger Stone , ” USA Today reports .
“ Jackson @ @ @ @ @ give her a copy of the executive order commuting Stone ’ s sentence and to @ @ @ @ @ covers supervised release , which the political operative would have had to serve after his @ @ @ @ @ Vance : “ Theoretically , even with commutation , if Stone violates the terms of @ @ @ @ @ judge could be able to consider revoking it and return him to custody .
An @ @ @ @ @ being commutation , not pardon .
”

“U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson is seeking more information about the scope of President Trump’s executive order commuting the sentence of his longtime ally, Roger Stone,” USA Today reports.
“Jackson on Monday ordered parties to give her a copy of the executive order commuting Stone’s sentence and to clarify if the clemency also covers supervised release, which the political operative would have had to serve after his prison sentence.”
Joyce White Vance: “Theoretically, even with commutation, if Stone violates the terms of his supervised release, the judge could be able to consider revoking it and return him to custody. An interesting possible implication of this being commutation, not pardon.”


politicalwire--2020-07-13--What Could Derail VP Whispers About Atlanta’s Mayor

“ Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms ’ impassioned plea for calm as her city descended into “ chaos ” last @ @ @ @ @ onto Joe Biden ’ s list of possible running mates – a seamless , rapid @ @ @ @ @ unexpected ascent to the national stage , ” ABC News reports .
“ Bottoms ’ @ @ @ @ @ in part by close political ties to her predecessor , Kasim Reed , who left @ @ @ @ @ shadow of a federal corruption investigation .
That relationship helped propel Bottoms to city hall @ @ @ @ @ several current and former city office-holders , but many of those officials now say it @ @ @ @ @ to join Biden on the Democratic ticket .
”

“Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms’ impassioned plea for calm as her city descended into “chaos” last month has helped catapult her onto Joe Biden’s list of possible running mates – a seamless, rapid, and for some, unexpected ascent to the national stage,” ABC News reports.
“Bottoms’ reputation locally has been shaped in part by close political ties to her predecessor, Kasim Reed, who left office in 2018 under the shadow of a federal corruption investigation. That relationship helped propel Bottoms to city hall in 2017, according to several current and former city office-holders, but many of those officials now say it could also jeopardize her bid to join Biden on the Democratic ticket.”


politicalwire--2020-07-13--Republicans Still Don’t Agree on Next Relief Bill

“ Senate Republicans and the Trump administration are working on their own proposal for a new round of pandemic relief @ @ @ @ @ dry and a resurgence of Covid-19 cases threatening a deeper recession , ” Bloomberg reports @ @ @ @ @ , who ’ ve already proposed an expansive $ 3.5 trillion plan , won ’ @ @ @ @ @ bill is complete… The Senate returns from a recess next week , and Congress then @ @ @ @ @ weeks to bridge the wide gap between the two parties on how much to spend @ @ @ @ @ .
”

“Senate Republicans and the Trump administration are working on their own proposal for a new round of pandemic relief with the last stimulus running dry and a resurgence of Covid-19 cases threatening a deeper recession,” Bloomberg reports.
“Negotiations with Democrats, who’ve already proposed an expansive $3.5 trillion plan, won’t begin until a GOP bill is complete… The Senate returns from a recess next week, and Congress then will have only a few weeks to bridge the wide gap between the two parties on how much to spend and where to spend it.”


politicalwire--2020-07-13--Donald Trump Jr.’s Arrest Records Now Public

Americablog has the arrest records for Donald Trump Jr. , who was charged with “ public intoxication ” in New @ @ @ @


politicalwire--2020-07-13--Prosecutors Say Epstein Confidante Tried to Flee

“ Federal prosecutors told a judge Monday that Ghislaine Maxwell , the British socialite charged with helping the late convicted @ @ @ @ @ his craving for underage girls , tried to flee apprehension from FBI agents right before @ @ @ @ @ month , ” CNBC reports .
“ Prosecutors revealed Maxwell ’ s effort as they @ @ @ @ @ to flee the United States if granted bail of $ 5 million , or even @ @ @

“Federal prosecutors told a judge Monday that Ghislaine Maxwell, the British socialite charged with helping the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein feed his craving for underage girls, tried to flee apprehension from FBI agents right before they arrested her earlier this month,” CNBC reports.
“Prosecutors revealed Maxwell’s effort as they argued that she is likely to flee the United States if granted bail of $5 million, or even more.”


politicalwire--2020-07-14--Justices Clear Way for First Federal Execution Since 2003

“ The first execution to be carried out by the federal government in more than 17 years appeared to be @ @ @ @ @ sharply-divided Supreme Court stepped in during the overnight hours to clear away a lower court @ @ @ @ @ administration ’ s plan , ” Politico reports .
“ Just after 2 A.M. Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ 5-4 decision overturning a lower-court order issued on Monday that halted the new federal lethal @ @ @ @ @ that it posed an unacceptable risk that the condemned prisoners would suffer severe pain or @ @ @

“The first execution to be carried out by the federal government in more than 17 years appeared to be nearing again Tuesday after a sharply-divided Supreme Court stepped in during the overnight hours to clear away a lower court injunction that blocked the Trump administration’s plan,” Politico reports.
“Just after 2 A.M. Tuesday, the justices issued a 5-4 decision overturning a lower-court order issued on Monday that halted the new federal lethal injection protocol on the grounds that it posed an unacceptable risk that the condemned prisoners would suffer severe pain or distress.”


politicalwire--2020-07-14--Ex-CDC Heads Say Trump Is Politicizing Science

Four former CDC directors write in the Washington Post : “ One of the many contributions the CDC provides our @ @ @ @ @ guidance that states and communities can adapt to their local context — expertise even more @ @ @ @ @ when uncertainty is the norm .
The four of us led the CDC over a @ @ @ @ @ years , spanning Republican and Democratic administrations alike .
We can not recall over our @ @ @ @ @ when political pressure led to a change in the interpretation of scientific evidence .
”

Four former CDC directors write in the Washington Post:
“One of the many contributions the CDC provides our country is sound public health guidance that states and communities can adapt to their local context — expertise even more essential during a pandemic, when uncertainty is the norm. The four of us led the CDC over a period of more than 15 years, spanning Republican and Democratic administrations alike. We cannot recall over our collective tenure a single time when political pressure led to a change in the interpretation of scientific evidence.”


politicalwire--2020-07-14--Mark Kelly Maintains Lead In Arizona

Mark Kelly Maintains Lead In Arizona

A new OH Predictive Insights poll in Arizona finds Mark Kelly ( D ) with a 9-point lead over Sen. @ @ @ @ @ in the U.S. Senate race , 52 % to 43 % .


politicalwire--2020-07-14--White House Urges Jobless to ‘Find Something New’

A new White House-backed ad campaign aims to encourage people who are unemployed or unhappy in their jobs or careers @ @ @ @ @ find something new , ” the AP reports .


politicalwire--2020-07-14--Tuberville Leads In Alabama

Tuberville Leads In Alabama

A new WPA Intelligence poll in Alabama shows Tommy Tuberville ( R ) leading Sen. Doug Jones ( D ) @ @ @ @ @ match up , 50 % to 40 % .


politicalwire--2020-07-14--Biden Running Ad In Texas

Biden Running Ad In Texas

CNN : “ The minute-long coronavirus-focused spot , titled ‘ Tough , ’ is part of a new mid-six figure @ @ @ @ @ , a Biden campaign official said , with state customized ads slated to run in @ @ @ @ @ Carolina , as well as Texas — all states that have seen recent rises in @ @ @ @


politicalwire--2020-07-14--House Revives Effort to Get Trump’s Tax Records

“ The House is planning to quickly revisit its effort to obtain President Trump ’ s personal financial records , @ @ @ @ @ Monday night to take its final formal steps on the matter so lawmakers can reignite @ @ @ @ @ courts , ” Politico reports .
“ In a filing late Monday , the House @ @ @ @ @ Douglas Letter , urged the justices to immediately effectuate their July 9 ruling on the @ @ @ @ @ Trump ’ s records .
Once the ruling is in force , the House can @ @ @ @ @ Court judge who initially heard the case and ask for renewed consideration .
”

“The House is planning to quickly revisit its effort to obtain President Trump’s personal financial records, urging the Supreme Court on Monday night to take its final formal steps on the matter so lawmakers can reignite the issue in the lower courts,” Politico reports.
“In a filing late Monday, the House’s top lawyer, Douglas Letter, urged the justices to immediately effectuate their July 9 ruling on the House’s subpoena for Trump’s records. Once the ruling is in force, the House can return to the U.S. District Court judge who initially heard the case and ask for renewed consideration.”


politicalwire--2020-07-14--Trump Slams Jeff Sessions In Robocall

Trump Slams Jeff Sessions In Robocall

President Trump recorded a robocall for Tommy Tuberville in today ’ s GOP primary runoff with Jeff Sessions : “ @ @ @ @ @ have a cold direct line into my office .
… We had the Jeff Sessions @ @ @ @ @ a shot , I had no idea it could be as bad as it was @ @ @ @ @ clue .
He just let it get away from him .
It ’ s really @ @ @ @

President Trump recorded a robocall for Tommy Tuberville in today’s GOP primary runoff with Jeff Sessions:
“He’s going to have a cold direct line into my office. … We had the Jeff Sessions thing, we gave it a shot, I had no idea it could be as bad as it was. But he had no clue. He just let it get away from him. It’s really a shame.”


politicalwire--2020-07-14--Small Business Owners Are Giving Up

Small Business Owners Are Giving Up

New York Times : “ The resurgence of the virus , especially in states such as Texas , Florida and California that had begun to reopen , has introduced a far darker reality for many small businesses : Their temporary closures might become permanent.
” “ Nearly 66,000 businesses have folded since March 1 , according to data from Yelp , which provides a platform for local businesses to advertise their services and has been tracking announcements of closings posted on its site .
From June 15 to June 29 , the most recent period for which data is available @ @ @ @ @ @ @ higher rate than in the previous three months , Yelp found .
During the same period , permanent closures increased by 3 percent overall , accounting for roughly 14 percent of total closures since March.
” “ Researchers at Harvard believe the rates of business closures are likely to be even higher .
They estimated that nearly 110,000 small businesses across the country had decided to shut down permanently between early March and early May , based on data collected in weekly surveys by Alignable , a social media network for small-business owners @ @

New York Times: “The resurgence of the virus, especially in states such as Texas, Florida and California that had begun to reopen, has introduced a far darker reality for many small businesses: Their temporary closures might become permanent.”
“Nearly 66,000 businesses have folded since March 1, according to data from Yelp, which provides a platform for local businesses to advertise their services and has been tracking announcements of closings posted on its site. From June 15 to June 29, the most recent period for which data is available, businesses were closing permanently at a higher rate than in the previous three months, Yelp found. During the same period, permanent closures increased by 3 percent overall, accounting for roughly 14 percent of total closures since March.”
“Researchers at Harvard believe the rates of business closures are likely to be even higher. They estimated that nearly 110,000 small businesses across the country had decided to shut down permanently between early March and early May, based on data collected in weekly surveys by Alignable, a social media network for small-business owners.”


politicalwire--2020-07-14--Tweet of the Day

Tweet of the Day

— Mary Trump , on Twitter , the day before her tell-all book on Donald Trump is released .


politicalwire--2020-07-15--Colorado Governor Stands By ‘Selfish Bastard’ Remark

Colorado Gov .
Jared Polis ( D ) is standing by a recent Facebook post calling anyone who refuses to @ @ @ @ @ mitigate the spread of coronavirus a “ selfish bastard , ” The Hill reports .
@ @ @ @ @ emerging scientific data is clear : wearing a mask doesn ’ t only protect others @ @ @ @ @ your own risk of getting Coronavirus .
So if you ’ re a selfish bastard @ @ @ @ @ protect others isn ’ t enough of a reason to do so , then maybe @ @ @ @ @

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis (D) is standing by a recent Facebook post calling anyone who refuses to wear a mask to help mitigate the spread of coronavirus a “selfish bastard,” The Hill reports.
Said Polis: “The emerging scientific data is clear: wearing a mask doesn’t only protect others, it also significantly reduces your own risk of getting Coronavirus. So if you’re a selfish bastard and wearing a mask to protect others isn’t enough of a reason to do so, then maybe protecting yourself is?”


politicalwire--2020-07-15--Tuberville Defeats Sessions In Runoff

Tuberville Defeats Sessions In Runoff

Former Auburn football coach Tommy Tuberville ( R ) defeated former Attorney General Jeff Sessions ( R ) in Alabama @ @ @ @ @ election on Tuesday , setting up a November match up with current Sen. Doug Jones @ @ @ @


politicalwire--2020-07-14--GOP Lawmaker Charged with Three Felonies

“ Rep .
Steve Watkins ( R-KS ) was charged Tuesday with three felonies and a misdemeanor related to an @ @ @ @ @ voted in a 2019 municipal election , ” the Kansas City Star reports .
“ @ @ @ @ @ with law enforcement by providing false information , voting without being qualified and unlawful advance @ @ @ @ @ a misdemeanor charge for failing to the notify the DMV of his change of address @ @

“Rep. Steve Watkins (R-KS) was charged Tuesday with three felonies and a misdemeanor related to an investigation into whether he illegally voted in a 2019 municipal election,” the Kansas City Star reports.
“The felony charges are interference with law enforcement by providing false information, voting without being qualified and unlawful advance voting. Watkins also faces a misdemeanor charge for failing to the notify the DMV of his change of address.”


politicalwire--2020-07-14--Ruth Bader Ginsburg Hospitalized

Ruth Bader Ginsburg Hospitalized

Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has been taken to the hospital and treated for a possible infection , CNN reports .


politicalwire--2020-07-14--Bonus Quote of the Day

Bonus Quote of the Day

“ Biden has had a lot of personal tragedy , so I will never say a bad word about Joe @ @ @ @ @ I just don ’ t think he ’ s the right guy to be president.He @ @ @ @ @ view , a figurehead of the most radical movement in American history that ’ s @ @ @ @ @ crowd .
And so my differences with Joe Biden are political , and they ’ @ @ @ @ @ re wide and they ’ re deep , but he ’ s a fine man @ @

“Biden has had a lot of personal tragedy, so I will never say a bad word about Joe Biden as a person, I just don’t think he’s the right guy to be president.He’s, in my view, a figurehead of the most radical movement in American history that’s coming from AOC and that crowd. And so my differences with Joe Biden are political, and they’re real, they’re wide and they’re deep, but he’s a fine man.”
— Sen. Lindsey Graham, quoted by NBC News.


politicalwire--2020-07-14--Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day

“ I do think the fall and the winter of 2020 and 2021 are going to be the probably one @ @ @ @ @ that we experienced in American public health .
”

“I do think the fall and the winter of 2020 and 2021 are going to be the probably one of the most difficult times that we experienced in American public health.”
— CDC director Robert Redfield, quoted by CNN.


politicalwire--2020-07-14--Ilhan Omar’s Primary Challenger Takes Big Money Lead

“ Millions of dollars are pouring into the primary race for Minnesota ’ s Fifth Congressional District , where opposition @ @ @ @ @ D-MN ) is fueling an unprecedented surge in donations to her top Democratic opponent , @ @ @ @ @ D ) , ” the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports .

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


politicalwire--2020-07-14--Trump Bristles at Question on Police Killing Blacks

President Trump told CBS News the killing of George Floyd was “ terrible ” but appeared to bristle when asked @ @ @ @ @ still dying at the hands of law enforcement in this country.
” Said Trump : @ @ @ @ @ .
So are White people .
What a terrible question to ask .
So are @ @ @ @ @ people , by the way .
More White people.
” He also said the Confederate @ @ @ @ @ speech issue : “ All I say is freedom of speech .
It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ is freedom of speech .
Very strong views on the Confederate flag .
With me @ @ @ @ @ of speech .
Very simple .
Like it , don ’ t like it , @ @ @ @ @ speech .
”

President Trump told CBS News the killing of George Floyd was “terrible” but appeared to bristle when asked why Black Americans are “still dying at the hands of law enforcement in this country.”
Said Trump: “So are White people. So are White people. What a terrible question to ask. So are White people. More White people, by the way. More White people.”
He also said the Confederate flag was a freedom of speech issue: “All I say is freedom of speech. It’s very simple. My attitude is freedom of speech. Very strong views on the Confederate flag. With me, it’s freedom of speech. Very simple. Like it, don’t like it, it’s freedom of speech.”


politicalwire--2020-07-14--Hospitals Ordered to Bypass CDC for Reporting

“ The Trump administration has ordered hospitals to bypass the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and , beginning on @ @ @ @ @ patient information to a central database in Washington — a move that has alarmed public @ @ @ @ @ data will be distorted for political gain , ” the New York Times reports .
@ @ @ @ @ HHS , and not the CDC , will collect daily reports about the patients that @ @ @ @ @ how many beds and ventilators are available , and other information vital to tracking the @ @ @

“The Trump administration has ordered hospitals to bypass the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and, beginning on Wednesday, send all coronavirus patient information to a central database in Washington — a move that has alarmed public health experts who fear the data will be distorted for political gain,” the New York Times reports.
“From now on, HHS, and not the CDC, will collect daily reports about the patients that each hospital is treating, how many beds and ventilators are available, and other information vital to tracking the pandemic.”


politicalwire--2020-07-14--Trump Abandons Plan to Strip Student Visas

“ The U.S. backed down from a high-profile confrontation with Harvard and MIT over visas for foreign students who take @ @ @ @ @ tense standoff that could have sent thousands of students back to their home countries and @ @ @ @ @ for the fall , ” Bloomberg reports .

“The U.S. backed down from a high-profile confrontation with Harvard and MIT over visas for foreign students who take online-only classes, ending a tense standoff that could have sent thousands of students back to their home countries and left colleges scrambling to plan for the fall,” Bloomberg reports.


politicalwire--2020-07-14--Dunford Withdraws as Pick to Oversee Relief Funds

“ Retired Gen. Joseph Dunford , former chairman of the joint chiefs of staff , has withdrawn from consideration to @ @ @ @ @ with overseeing the Trump administration ’ s implementation of a $ 500 billion coronavirus relief @ @ @ @ @ .
It ’ s now gone four months without a permanent chair .

“Retired Gen. Joseph Dunford, former chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, has withdrawn from consideration to lead a congressional commission tasked with overseeing the Trump administration’s implementation of a $500 billion coronavirus relief fund,” Politico reports.
It’s now gone four months without a permanent chair.


politicalwire--2020-07-14--Top Illinois Republican Will Skip Convention

Illinois House Republican leader Jim Durkin said he ’ s skipping the GOP ’ s national convention celebration in Jacksonville @ @ @ @ @ over concerns about the coronavirus , the Chicago Tribune reports .
Said Durkin : “ @ @ @ @ @ to be a safe environment .
”

Illinois House Republican leader Jim Durkin said he’s skipping the GOP’s national convention celebration in Jacksonville, Florida, next month over concerns about the coronavirus, the Chicago Tribune reports.
Said Durkin: “It’s not going to be a safe environment.”


politicalwire--2020-07-14--Masks Could Get Virus Under Control In 4 to 8 Weeks

CDC director Robert Redfield said that if everyone in the U.S. wore a mask , the coronavirus pandemic could be @ @ @ @ @ four-to-eight weeks , Axios reports .
Said Redfield : “ If we could get everybody @ @ @ @ @ now I think in four , six , eight weeks we could bring this epidemic @ @ @ @

CDC director Robert Redfield said that if everyone in the U.S. wore a mask, the coronavirus pandemic could be “under control” within four-to-eight weeks, Axios reports.
Said Redfield: “If we could get everybody to wear a mask right now I think in four, six, eight weeks we could bring this epidemic under control.”


politicalwire--2020-07-14--Fauci Spat Suggests Directionless White House

“ The public spat unfolding this week between the White House and the nation ’ s respected top infectious disease @ @ @ @ @ of President Trump , whose visions for a highly focused reelection season have instead been @ @ @ @ @ obscure fixations , ” CNN reports .
“ After outcry , the White House appeared @ @ @ @ @ to Dr. Anthony Fauci , who sat for a lengthy meeting with chief of staff @ @ @ @ @ White House officials questioned his record in a statement to reporters.
” “ But with @ @ @ @ @ days until November 3 , the fight with Fauci illustrated what , to many supporters @ @ @ @ @ a disturbing pattern : ill-timed battles with little evident public support that do nothing to @ @ @ @ @ Joe Biden , articulate a rationale for another term in office or contain a pandemic @ @ @ @ @ nation and dooming his reelection chances .
”

“The public spat unfolding this week between the White House and the nation’s respected top infectious disease specialist has vexed some allies of President Trump, whose visions for a highly focused reelection season have instead been replaced with unpopular fights and obscure fixations,” CNN reports.
“After outcry, the White House appeared to be recalibrating its approach to Dr. Anthony Fauci, who sat for a lengthy meeting with chief of staff Mark Meadows on Monday after White House officials questioned his record in a statement to reporters.”
“But with a little more than 100 days until November 3, the fight with Fauci illustrated what, to many supporters of Trump, has been a disturbing pattern: ill-timed battles with little evident public support that do nothing to define the presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden, articulate a rationale for another term in office or contain a pandemic that is both crippling the nation and dooming his reelection chances.”


politicalwire--2020-07-14--Pompeo Heads to Iowa

Pompeo Heads to Iowa

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will visit Iowa on Friday , following months of speculation over his possible future political @ @ @ @ @ .


politicalwire--2020-07-14--Virginia Lawmaker Tests Positive

Virginia Lawmaker Tests Positive

Rep. Morgan Griffith ( R-VA ) announced he has tested positive for coronavirus , just days after participating in a @ @ @ @ @ to reopen schools .


politicalwire--2020-07-14--Mark Kelly Has a Huge War Chest

Mark Kelly Has a Huge War Chest

Arizona U.S. Senate candidate Mark Kelly ( D ) raised $ 12.8 million in the second quarter of 2020 , @ @ @ @ @ $ 24 million in the bank , according to Politico .


politicalwire--2020-07-14--Senator Tells School Reopening Opponents to ‘Kiss My Ass’

Sen. John Kennedy ( R-LA ) straight up told people to “ kiss my ass ” if they continue to @ @ @ @ @ reasons , Mediaite reports .
Said Kennedy : “ Maybe they just hate America .
@ @ @ @ @ the world burn .
I think some are liking the chaos because they think it @ @ @ @ @ .
”

Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA) straight up told people to “kiss my ass” if they continue to oppose reopening schools for political reasons, Mediaite reports.
Said Kennedy: “Maybe they just hate America. Maybe they just enjoy watching the world burn. I think some are liking the chaos because they think it gives them a political advantage.”


politicalwire--2020-07-14--Cuomo Expands Visitor Quarantine to 22 States

New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo ( D ) announced he is expanding the list of states on a travel @ @ @ @ @ 22 states that they must quarantine for 14 days upon arrival .
The states are @ @ @ @ @ , California , Florida , Georgia , Iowa , Idaho , Kansas , Louisiana , @ @ @ @ @ Carolina , New Mexico , Nevada , Ohio , Oklahoma , South Carolina , Tennessee @ @ @ @ @ Wisconsin .

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) announced he is expanding the list of states on a travel advisory, telling travelers from 22 states that they must quarantine for 14 days upon arrival.
The states are Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Mexico, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and Wisconsin.


politicalwire--2020-07-14--Biden Unveils Plan to Combat Climate Change

Joe Biden unveiled his energy and climate plans with a call for spending $ 2 trillion over four years on @ @ @ @ @ the campaign is casting as part of a wider economic recovery package .
Los Angeles @ @ @ @ @ is notably more aggressive than the one Biden campaigned on during his party ’ s @ @ @ @ @ overall move in which he has embraced some of the proposals of his more progressive @ @ @ @ @ unify the party for the general election .
”

Joe Biden unveiled his energy and climate plans with a call for spending $2 trillion over four years on climate-friendly infrastructure — a proposal the campaign is casting as part of a wider economic recovery package.
Los Angeles Times: “The plan is notably more aggressive than the one Biden campaigned on during his party’s primaries, part of an overall move in which he has embraced some of the proposals of his more progressive rivals in an effort to unify the party for the general election.”


politicalwire--2020-07-15--Ivanka Trump Violates Ethics Rules with Tweet

“ Ivanka Trump posted a photo of herself posing with Goya beans as people call for boycott of the brand @ @ @ @ @ violated government ethics rules by doing so , ” Business Insider reports .


politicalwire--2020-07-15--Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day

“ I think they ’ re not going to say , ‘ Hey , I ’ m for Trump , @ @ @ @ @ ’ — they don ’ t want to go through the process .
And I @ @ @ @ @ the process is not fair .
The media doesn ’ t treat us fairly .
@ @ @ @ @ perhaps they never will .
But maybe they will when we turn this around for @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s going to happen very quickly.
” — President Trump , quoted by @ @ @ @ @ “ a lot of people don ’ t want to talk about ” supporting him @

“I think they’re not going to say, ‘Hey, I’m for Trump, I’m for Trump’ — they don’t want to go through the process. And I fully understand that, because the process is not fair. The media doesn’t treat us fairly. They never have, and perhaps they never will. But maybe they will when we turn this around for a second term, and it’s going to happen very quickly.”
— President Trump, quoted by the Washington Post, arguing “a lot of people don’t want to talk about” supporting him.


politicalwire--2020-07-15--Trump’s Push to Open Schools a Political Loser

“ Republican strategists are warning that President Trump ’ s push to reopen schools will flop with critical suburban voters @ @ @ @ @ in check and confidence in his pandemic leadership revives , ” the Washington Examiner reports @


politicalwire--2020-07-15--Trump In Denial as Pandemic Consumes Presidency

Stephen Collinson : “ Rarely has a president shown himself to be so unequal to a tragic national emergency.
” “ Hundreds of Americans are dying daily and tens of thousands are getting infected from a once-in-a-century virus .
States and cities are closing down again , threatening to trigger a ruinous new economic slump .
Doctors and nurses lack sufficient protective gear as they battle the deadly pathogen .
And with testing swamped by waves of disease , one top official is warning of the ‘ the most difficult time ’ ever for US public health this winter.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Donald Trump ’ s mind : Joe Biden didn ’ t fix the country ’ s roads and bridges , crowds of bikers and boaters in MAGA hats prove that election polls are wrong , and the border wall is almost finished ( except it isn ’ t ) .
Oh , and by the way , where is Hunter Biden ?
” Jacqueline Alemany : “ He invoked his opponent ’ s name nearly 30 times on a range of topics , and despite his claims otherwise , sounded like an underdog @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wall to find a new message that might stick .
”

Stephen Collinson: “Rarely has a president shown himself to be so unequal to a tragic national emergency.”
“Hundreds of Americans are dying daily and tens of thousands are getting infected from a once-in-a-century virus. States and cities are closing down again, threatening to trigger a ruinous new economic slump. Doctors and nurses lack sufficient protective gear as they battle the deadly pathogen. And with testing swamped by waves of disease, one top official is warning of the ‘the most difficult time’ ever for US public health this winter.”
“Yet this is what is on Donald Trump’s mind: Joe Biden didn’t fix the country’s roads and bridges, crowds of bikers and boaters in MAGA hats prove that election polls are wrong, and the border wall is almost finished (except it isn’t). Oh, and by the way, where is Hunter Biden?”
Jacqueline Alemany: “He invoked his opponent’s name nearly 30 times on a range of topics, and despite his claims otherwise, sounded like an underdog on shaky ground throwing spaghetti at the wall to find a new message that might stick.”


politicalwire--2020-07-15--Florida Republicans Doctor Trump’s Tweet

“ President Trump ’ s harsh rhetoric against mail-in voting is causing a big problem for Florida Republicans , who @ @ @ @ @ , ” Politico reports .
“ So the state GOP came up with a solution @ @ @ @ @ Trump ’ s tweets on the issue to remove the stigma.
” “ In a @ @ @ @ @ interest in registering to vote by mail , the Republican Party of Florida featured a @ @ @ @ @ that praised absentee ballots but that had his opposition to mail-in voting strategically edited out @ @

“President Trump’s harsh rhetoric against mail-in voting is causing a big problem for Florida Republicans, who once dominated the practice here,” Politico reports.
“So the state GOP came up with a solution: They doctored one of Trump’s tweets on the issue to remove the stigma.”
“In a mass-solicitation designed to boost flagging interest in registering to vote by mail, the Republican Party of Florida featured a Trump tweet from June 28 that praised absentee ballots but that had his opposition to mail-in voting strategically edited out.”


politicalwire--2020-07-15--Trump Confronts a Campaign Without Rallies

Politico : “ In the days after President Trump ’ s poorly attended rally in Tulsa , Okla. , senior campaign aides repeatedly assured their optics-obsessed boss it was a one-off debacle .
They demoted a longtime staffer who had managed logistics for the failed campaign comeback .
They went to work locating the perfect site for a do-over MAGA rally large enough to quell suggestions of declining enthusiasm among Trump ’ s base .
And they quickly settled on New Hampshire , the state that jump-started Trump ’ s political movement four years ago and managed to dodge the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across the Northeast this spring.
” “ Then it all fell apart with a Friday afternoon phone call from campaign manager Brad Parscale .
The abrupt cancellation of the airport-hangar event — which the Trump team blamed on an incoming tropical storm that never materialized , but three officials privately attributed to concerns about attendance — underscored the recurring challenge Trump aides face : Recreate the president ’ s marquee campaign rallies amid a once-in-a-century health crisis without upsetting a boss who views crowd size as a leading metric for evaluating his campaign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ raised questions about the fate of down-ballot Republicans if the coattail effect — an incumbent president ’ s ability to attract votes for other candidates in his party — is no longer guaranteed .
”

Politico: “In the days after President Trump’s poorly attended rally in Tulsa, Okla., senior campaign aides repeatedly assured their optics-obsessed boss it was a one-off debacle. They demoted a longtime staffer who had managed logistics for the failed campaign comeback. They went to work locating the perfect site for a do-over MAGA rally large enough to quell suggestions of declining enthusiasm among Trump’s base. And they quickly settled on New Hampshire, the state that jump-started Trump’s political movement four years ago and managed to dodge the brunt of Covid-19 during its rapid spread across the Northeast this spring.”
“Then it all fell apart with a Friday afternoon phone call from campaign manager Brad Parscale. The abrupt cancellation of the airport-hangar event — which the Trump team blamed on an incoming tropical storm that never materialized, but three officials privately attributed to concerns about attendance — underscored the recurring challenge Trump aides face: Recreate the president’s marquee campaign rallies amid a once-in-a-century health crisis without upsetting a boss who views crowd size as a leading metric for evaluating his campaign’s success.”
“It also raised questions about the fate of down-ballot Republicans if the coattail effect — an incumbent president’s ability to attract votes for other candidates in his party — is no longer guaranteed.”


politicalwire--2020-07-15--Banks Ready for Wave of Coronavirus Defaults

Wall Street Journal : “ JPMorgan Chase & Co. , Citigroup Inc. and Wells Fargo & Co. said Tuesday they @ @ @ @ @ second-quarter profits to collectively stockpile $ 28 billion to cover losses as consumers and businesses @ @ @ @ @ loans.
” “ The provisions amount to a sharp increase above what they put away @ @ @ @ @ of the year , reflecting a shift in their assumptions about the length and severity @ @ @ @ @ economic toll .
JPMorgan , the largest U.S. bank by assets , said it put @ @ @ @ @ an unemployment rate that remains at double digits well into next year and a slower @ @ @ @ @ than the bank ’ s economists assumed three months ago .
”

Wall Street Journal: “JPMorgan Chase & Co., Citigroup Inc. and Wells Fargo & Co. said Tuesday they took large hits to their second-quarter profits to collectively stockpile $28 billion to cover losses as consumers and businesses start to default on their loans.”
“The provisions amount to a sharp increase above what they put away in the first three months of the year, reflecting a shift in their assumptions about the length and severity of the pandemic’s economic toll. JPMorgan, the largest U.S. bank by assets, said it put aside extra to prepare for an unemployment rate that remains at double digits well into next year and a slower recovery in gross domestic product than the bank’s economists assumed three months ago.”


politicalwire--2020-07-15--Virus Surging In Poor Countries and the United States

Washington Post : “ Poorer nations throughout Latin America , the Middle East , South Asia and Africa are bearing @ @ @ @ @ caseload , even as wealthier countries in Western Europe and East Asia enjoy a relative @ @ @ @ @ the worst effects through rigorously enforced lockdowns.
” “ And then there ’ s the @ @ @ @ @ the world in new cases and , as with many nations that possess far fewer @ @ @ @ @ sign of being able to regain control .
”

Washington Post: “Poorer nations throughout Latin America, the Middle East, South Asia and Africa are bearing a growing share of the caseload, even as wealthier countries in Western Europe and East Asia enjoy a relative respite after having beaten back the worst effects through rigorously enforced lockdowns.”
“And then there’s the United States, which leads the world in new cases and, as with many nations that possess far fewer resources, has shown no sign of being able to regain control.”


politicalwire--2020-07-15--Trump’s Meandering News Conference

Trump’s Meandering News Conference

“ In theory , President Trump summoned television cameras to the heat-baked Rose Garden early Tuesday evening to announce new @ @ @ @ @ it for its oppression of Hong Kong .
But that did not last long , @ @ @ @ @ reports .
“ What followed instead was an hour of presidential stream of consciousness as @ @ @ @ @ random from one topic to another , often in the same run-on sentence .
Even @ @ @ @ @ sticks to the script and wanders from thought to thought , it was one of @ @ @ @ @ his presidency.
” “ At times , it was hard to understand what he meant.
@ @ @ @ @ dictionary : Rose Garden campaign .

“In theory, President Trump summoned television cameras to the heat-baked Rose Garden early Tuesday evening to announce new measures against China to punish it for its oppression of Hong Kong. But that did not last long,” the New York Times reports.
“What followed instead was an hour of presidential stream of consciousness as Mr. Trump drifted seemingly at random from one topic to another, often in the same run-on sentence. Even for a president who rarely sticks to the script and wanders from thought to thought, it was one of the most rambling performances of his presidency.”
“At times, it was hard to understand what he meant.”
Trending on the political dictionary: Rose Garden campaign.


‘Wrong About Everything’

“ Dr .
Anthony Fauci has a good bedside manner with the public , but he has been wrong about @ @ @ @ @ him on .
”

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


politicalwire--2020-07-16--Exploding the Myth that Liberals Don’t Like Joe Biden

This piece is only available to Political Wire members .
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Join today for @ @ @ @ @ and get exclusive analysis , new features and no advertising .
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This piece is only available to Political Wire members.
Convention wisdom suggests liberal Democrats don’t really like Joe Biden, who ran as a moderate in the Democratic presidential primaries. Some have even suggested Biden needs to pick a more progressive running mate to appeal to that side of the party.


politicalwire--2020-07-16--Justices Deal Blow to Florida Felons Seeking to Vote

“ The U.S. Supreme Court declined on Thursday to weigh in on a federal appeals court ’ s decision that @ @ @ @ @ eligibility to participate in elections — a major blow to efforts to restore voting rights @ @ @ @ @ million people in the battleground state , ” the Washington Post reports .


politicalwire--2020-07-16--Use of the N-Word Was Normal In Trump Family

Mary Trump told the Washington Post that President Trump is “ clearly racist ” and that racial slurs were common @ @ @ @ @ family as she growing up .
She said that she got used to “ a @ @ @ @ @ racism , ” and added : “ Growing up , it was sort of normal @ @ @ @ @ n-word or use anti-Semitic expressions .
”

Mary Trump told the Washington Post that President Trump is “clearly racist” and that racial slurs were common around her father’s family as she growing up.
She said that she got used to “a knee-jerk anti-Semitism, a knee-jerk racism,” and added: “Growing up, it was sort of normal to hear them use the n-word or use anti-Semitic expressions.”


politicalwire--2020-07-16--Coronavirus Data Already Disappears from CDC Website

“ Previously public data has already disappeared from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ’ s website after the @ @ @ @ @ of the information to the Department of Health and Human Services , ” CNBC reports @


politicalwire--2020-07-16--Trump’s New Campaign Manager Takes the Helm

“ President Trump ’ s outgoing campaign manager and his successor gathered staffers at the Trump campaign ’ s Arlington @ @ @ @ @ for a ‘ pass the torch ’ ceremony , after Trump abruptly replaced Brad Parscale @ @ @ @ @ reelection effort Wednesday night , ” Politico reports .
“ Two attendees described the 20-minute @ @ @ @ @ campaign leaders trying to push the idea that the change represented continuity for Trump ’ @ @ @ @ @ thanked the 200 or so assembled staffers and praised Stepien for his political skills .
@ @ @ @ @ what he described as a media-driven narrative that Trump was losing to Joe Biden , @ @ @ @ @ ramp up its efforts for the final stretch of the campaign .
”

“President Trump’s outgoing campaign manager and his successor gathered staffers at the Trump campaign’s Arlington, Va. headquarters Thursday morning for a ‘pass the torch’ ceremony, after Trump abruptly replaced Brad Parscale with Bill Stepien atop his reelection effort Wednesday night,” Politico reports.
“Two attendees described the 20-minute meeting as emotional, with campaign leaders trying to push the idea that the change represented continuity for Trump’s reelection bid. Parscale thanked the 200 or so assembled staffers and praised Stepien for his political skills. Stepien urged aides to ignore what he described as a media-driven narrative that Trump was losing to Joe Biden, and he told them to ramp up its efforts for the final stretch of the campaign.”


politicalwire--2020-07-16--Game Show Host Announces Son Tested Positive

“ Former game show host Chuck Woolery announced his son has tested positive for COVID-19 , just days after Woolery @ @ @ @ @ of lying about the virus in an effort to hurt the economy and President Trump @ @ @ @ @ ” The Hill reports .
“ Woolery has since deleted his Twitter account following the @ @ @ @ @ ”

“Former game show host Chuck Woolery announced his son has tested positive for COVID-19, just days after Woolery accused medical professionals and Democrats of lying about the virus in an effort to hurt the economy and President Trump’s reelection chances,” The Hill reports.
“Woolery has since deleted his Twitter account following the announcement about his son.”


Fighting Alone

Maryland Gov .
Larry Hogan ( R ) offers a blistering assessment of President Trump ’ s handling of the @ @ @ @ @ Post : “ So many nationwide actions could have been taken in those early days @ @ @ @ @ While other countries were racing ahead with well-coordinated testing regimes , the Trump administration bungled @ @ @ @ @ used by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention early on was fraught with @ @ @ @ @ hindered the nation ’ s private labs .
The resulting disorganization would delay mass testing @ @ @ @ @ leave the nation largely in the dark as the epidemic spread.
” “ Meanwhile , @ @ @ @ @ own public health experts , the president was talking and tweeting like a man more @ @ @ @ @ market or his reelection plans .
”

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (R) offers a blistering assessment of President Trump’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic in the Washington Post:
“So many nationwide actions could have been taken in those early days but weren’t. While other countries were racing ahead with well-coordinated testing regimes, the Trump administration bungled the effort. The test used by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention early on was fraught with inaccuracies, and onerous regulations hindered the nation’s private labs. The resulting disorganization would delay mass testing for almost two months and leave the nation largely in the dark as the epidemic spread.”
“Meanwhile, instead of listening to his own public health experts, the president was talking and tweeting like a man more concerned about boosting the stock market or his reelection plans.”


politicalwire--2020-07-16--Party Preferences Swing Sharply Toward Democrats


politicalwire--2020-07-16--Extra Bonus Quote of the Day

Extra Bonus Quote of the Day

“ Observing his behavior , I have concluded that he is like the man who refuses to ask for directions @ @


politicalwire--2020-07-16--Military Leaders Pressure Esper to Ban Confederate Flag

“ The leaders of the armed forces are pressuring their boss , Defense Secretary Mark Esper , to ban the @ @ @ @ @ flag at Defense Department facilities , amid opposition from the White House , ” Politico @ @


‘He’s Not Demoted’

Trump campaign press secretary Hogan Gidley insisted to Fox News that former campaign manager Brad Parscale ’ s ouster was @ @ @ @ @ Gidley : “ Let ’ s be clear what happened here .
The only thing @ @ @ @ @ simply asked Bill to steer the ship and Brad to man the guns.
” He @ @ @ @ @ s not demoted .
What Brad is focusing on is the digital strategy .
”

Trump campaign press secretary Hogan Gidley insisted to Fox News that former campaign manager Brad Parscale’s ouster was not a demotion.
Said Gidley: “Let’s be clear what happened here. The only thing that shifted was Donald Trump simply asked Bill to steer the ship and Brad to man the guns.”
He added: “He’s not demoted. What Brad is focusing on is the digital strategy.”


politicalwire--2020-07-16--Republicans Alarmed by Democratic Senate Hopefuls

“ Republicans are sounding alarms after Democratic Senate candidates outraised their GOP opponents in the first six months of the @ @ @ @ @ largely by small-dollar online contributions , ” the Wall Street Journal reports .
“ Democratic @ @ @ @ @ competitive Senate races collectively raised $ 67.3 million in the second quarter of the year @ @ @ @ @ than their Republican counterparts , according to fundraising reports filed Wednesday with the Federal Election @ @ @ @ @ two Republicans who gave almost $ 6.5 million to their own campaigns.
” Said one @ @ @ @ @ We ’ re scared to death by what we see .
”

“Republicans are sounding alarms after Democratic Senate candidates outraised their GOP opponents in the first six months of the year, a gulf driven largely by small-dollar online contributions,” the Wall Street Journal reports.
“Democratic candidates in the 11 most competitive Senate races collectively raised $67.3 million in the second quarter of the year, $20.5 million more than their Republican counterparts, according to fundraising reports filed Wednesday with the Federal Election Commission. The total includes two Republicans who gave almost $6.5 million to their own campaigns.”
Said one Senate GOP strategist: “We’re scared to death by what we see.”


politicalwire--2020-07-16--Mary Trump’s Book Sets Sales Record

Mary Trump’s Book Sets Sales Record

After just two days .
Mary Trump ’ s tell-all book sold 950,000 copies , setting a sales record for @ @ @ @ @


politicalwire--2020-07-16--Bonus Quote of the Day

Bonus Quote of the Day

“ It is officially official .
Governor Kemp does not give a damn about us .
Every man and woman @ @ @ @ @ Ignore the science and survive the best you can .
”


politicalwire--2020-07-16--A Democratic Senate Is Looking More Likely

Jessica Taylor notes that in the five U.S. Senate races the Cook Political Report currently rates as Toss Ups — Arizona , Colorado , Maine , Montana and North Carolina — Democrats outraised Republicans by about $ 42.6 million to $ 24.1 million in the second quarter — a difference of $ 18.5 million .
Jonathan Bernstein : “ The longer this election cycle goes on , the better the prospects for Democrats have looked .
Right now , they not only have raised more money , but actually have an apparent polling lead in all five of those toss-up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , although several states ( especially Montana ) have had limited surveys so far.
” “ The Cook Report lists five more contests , including Alabama , as leaning Republican .
If Trump really is down by nine points or so nationally , then it ’ s possible Democrats could pick off one or two of them… ” “ The real blowout possibilities start to kick in if Trump slips a little more .
Then it starts to look possible for Democrats to win four of the five lean-Republican seats , or even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republican contests .
In that case , the possibility of an aggressive legislative agenda starts to look much more likely .
“

Jessica Taylor notes that in the five U.S. Senate races the Cook Political Report currently rates as Toss Ups — Arizona, Colorado, Maine, Montana and North Carolina — Democrats outraised Republicans by about $42.6 million to $24.1 million in the second quarter — a difference of $18.5 million.
Jonathan Bernstein: “The longer this election cycle goes on, the better the prospects for Democrats have looked. Right now, they not only have raised more money, but actually have an apparent polling lead in all five of those toss-up races, according to the RealClearPolitics averages, although several states (especially Montana) have had limited surveys so far.”
“The Cook Report lists five more contests, including Alabama, as leaning Republican. If Trump really is down by nine points or so nationally, then it’s possible Democrats could pick off one or two of them…”
“The real blowout possibilities start to kick in if Trump slips a little more. Then it starts to look possible for Democrats to win four of the five lean-Republican seats, or even one or two of the four likely Republican contests. In that case, the possibility of an aggressive legislative agenda starts to look much more likely. “


politicalwire--2020-07-16--U.K. Says Russians Trying to Steal Vaccine Research

The U.K. accused Russian state intelligence of hacking international pharmaceutical and academic research in a bid to win the race @ @ @ @ @ Covid-19 , Bloomberg reports .


Trump’s 50% Problem

First Read says President Trump has a 50 % problem : • 50 % of all registered voters in our @ @ @ @ @ of the president .
• 50 % say there is no chance at all they @ @ @ @ @ • 50 % say they ’ re “ very uncomfortable ” about his candidacy .
@ @ @ @ @ Joe Biden in the horserace , versus 40 % for Trump .
“ One of @ @ @ @ @ politics used to be that an incumbent ( for any office ) needs to be @ @ @ @ @ safe for re-election — otherwise there ’ s a majority of voters who exist that @ @ @ @ @ or her .
But Trump has a different problem at hand : He ’ s @ @ @ @ @ more ) of the national electorate saying they strongly oppose him .
”

First Read says President Trump has a 50% problem:
50% of all registered voters in our poll “strongly” disapprove of the president.
50% say there is no chance at all they will vote for him.
50% say they’re “very uncomfortable” about his candidacy.
51% are backing Joe Biden in the horserace, versus 40% for Trump.
“One of the old maxims of American politics used to be that an incumbent (for any office) needs to be at 50% to be safe for re-election — otherwise there’s a majority of voters who exist that don’t support him or her. But Trump has a different problem at hand: He’s got 50% (or more) of the national electorate saying they strongly oppose him.”


politicalwire--2020-07-16--U.S. Has Become Like Trump’s Dysfunctional Family

Mary Trump told the Washington Post that watching the country ’ s leadership devolve into “ a macro version of @ @ @ @ @ was one of the factors that compelled her to write her book , Too Much @ @ @ @ @ My Family Created the World ’ s Most Dangerous Man .
Mary Trump said she @ @ @ @ @ ” her grandfather , Fred Trump — the family patriarch whom she describes as a @ @ @ @ @ 214-page memoir of sorts — for creating the conditions that led to Trump ’ s @ @ @ @ @ what she views as his dangerous presidency .

Mary Trump told the Washington Post that watching the country’s leadership devolve into “a macro version of my incredibly dysfunctional family” was one of the factors that compelled her to write her book, Too Much and Never Enough: How My Family Created the World’s Most Dangerous Man.
Mary Trump said she blames “almost 100 percent” her grandfather, Fred Trump — the family patriarch whom she describes as a “sociopath” in her 214-page memoir of sorts — for creating the conditions that led to Trump’s rise and, ultimately, what she views as his dangerous presidency.


politicalwire--2020-07-16--Republicans Dramatically Scale Back Convention

“ The Republican Party will hold a scaled-back convention in Jacksonville next month that includes a mix of outdoor and @ @ @ @ @ Washington Post reports .
“ The Thursday letter from Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel @ @ @ @ @ to only regular delegates for the first three days of the convention — or about @ @ @ @ @ final day , when the president attends , delegates will get a guest , and @ @ @ @ @ — or 6,000 to 7,000 people .
”

“The Republican Party will hold a scaled-back convention in Jacksonville next month that includes a mix of outdoor and indoor venues,” the Washington Post reports.
“The Thursday letter from Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel said admittance will be limited to only regular delegates for the first three days of the convention — or about 2,500 people. For the final day, when the president attends, delegates will get a guest, and alternate delegates can also attend — or 6,000 to 7,000 people.”


politicalwire--2020-07-17--Republicans See Trump Falling Into an Abyss

“ A sudden shake-up of President Trump ’ s campaign was an attempt to refocus a reelection effort cratering under @ @ @ @ @ pandemic , a stalled economy and a national reckoning on racial injustice , ” the @ @ @ @ @ But numerous Republicans and Trump allies said Thursday that the personnel overhaul — demoting Brad @ @ @ @ @ Bill Stepien as campaign manager — does little to address the main problem facing the @ @ @ @ @ president himself and his chronically self-destructive behavior.
” “ In Trump ’ s orbit and @ @ @ @ @ growing unease and even panic over Trump ’ s conduct as allies fret that the @ @ @ @ @ presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden in both public and private polling , is free-falling into @ @ @ @ @

“A sudden shake-up of President Trump’s campaign was an attempt to refocus a reelection effort cratering under the weight of a deadly pandemic, a stalled economy and a national reckoning on racial injustice,” the Washington Post reports.
“But numerous Republicans and Trump allies said Thursday that the personnel overhaul — demoting Brad Parscale and replacing him with Bill Stepien as campaign manager — does little to address the main problem facing the struggling Trump campaign: the president himself and his chronically self-destructive behavior.”
“In Trump’s orbit and Republican circles, there is growing unease and even panic over Trump’s conduct as allies fret that the president, who lags behind presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden in both public and private polling, is free-falling into a political abyss.”


politicalwire--2020-07-16--White House Report Suggests Harsher Restrictions

“ A 359-page unpublished report by the White House Coronavirus Task Force dated Tuesday suggests that at least 18 states @ @ @ @ @ — including mandating masks , limiting gatherings to less than 10 people and ramping up @ @ @ @ @ cases have spiked , ” the Washington Post reports .
“ The document recommends that @ @ @ @ @ Florida , Georgia , Oklahoma and Texas — toughen rules in hot spots and increase @ @ @ @ @ task force also advises that several counties should shut down bars , nightclubs and gyms @ @

“A 359-page unpublished report by the White House Coronavirus Task Force dated Tuesday suggests that at least 18 states enact stricter public health measures — including mandating masks, limiting gatherings to less than 10 people and ramping up testing in areas where coronavirus cases have spiked,” the Washington Post reports.
“The document recommends that states — including California, Florida, Georgia, Oklahoma and Texas — toughen rules in hot spots and increase ‘community-led testing.’ The task force also advises that several counties should shut down bars, nightclubs and gyms.”


politicalwire--2020-07-16--Georgia Governor Sues Atlanta Over Mask Mandate

Georgia Gov .
Brian Kemp ’ s ( R ) administration “ went to court Thursday seeking to block Atlanta @ @ @ @ @ requiring residents to wear masks , setting up a legal showdown between the state and @ @ @ @ @ contain the disease , ” the Atlanta Journal Constitution reports .


politicalwire--2020-07-16--Florida Shuts Down Emergency Operations Center

Florida officials shut down the state ’ s emergency operations center after 12 staffers tested positive for the coronavirus in @ @ @ @ @ Bay Times reports .


politicalwire--2020-07-16--‘Hey Karen. Watch Your Mouth’

‘Hey Karen. Watch Your Mouth’

After White House press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany called Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot “ the derelict mayor of Chicago ” and @ @ @ @ @ help in combatting the coronavirus and gun violence , Lightfoot shot back on Twitter with @ @ @ @ @ woman who harasses a person of color : “ Hey Karen .
Watch your mouth @ @


politicalwire--2020-07-16--Biden Cuts Deep Into Trump’s Cash Advantage

“ Joe Biden has nearly closed the once-yawning cash gap between him and President Donald Trump , with big donors @ @ @ @ @ Democratic National Committee with money in recent months , ” Politico reports .
“ Trump @ @ @ @ @ have spent years building a formidable war chest , starting soon after he was elected @ @ @ @ @ money in their own primary in 2019 and early 2020 .
The Trump campaign and @ @ @ @ @ June with $ 295 million in the bank .
But Biden and the Democratic National @ @ @ @ @ and the RNC for two consecutive months , has rapidly cut down that advantage to @ @ @ @ @ ”

“Joe Biden has nearly closed the once-yawning cash gap between him and President Donald Trump, with big donors flooding his campaign and the Democratic National Committee with money in recent months,” Politico reports.
“Trump and the Republican National Committee have spent years building a formidable war chest, starting soon after he was elected and continuing as Democrats burned money in their own primary in 2019 and early 2020. The Trump campaign and its affiliated groups closed out June with $295 million in the bank. But Biden and the Democratic National Committee, which outraised Trump and the RNC for two consecutive months, has rapidly cut down that advantage to just $53 million.”


politicalwire--2020-07-16--Trump Claims Biden Wants to ‘Abolish Our Suburbs’

President Trump used some barely coded language to make Joe Biden ’ s fair housing plan seem like an attack @ @ @ @ @ Week reports .
Trump claimed “ our entire economy and our very way of life @ @ @ @ @ s plans ” to “ subjugate our communities ” to regulations .
He added that @ @ @ @ @ our beautiful and successful suburbs ” through zoning laws , which will then mean “ @ @ @ @ @ in value and crime rates will rapidly rise .
”

President Trump used some barely coded language to make Joe Biden’s fair housing plan seem like an attack on white Americans, The Week reports.
Trump claimed “our entire economy and our very way of life are threatened by Biden’s plans” to “subjugate our communities” to regulations.
He added that Democrats “want to abolish our beautiful and successful suburbs” through zoning laws, which will then mean “your home will go down in value and crime rates will rapidly rise.”


politicalwire--2020-07-16--Trump Adviser Appears on Kremlin-Backed TV

Trump campaign adviser Jenna Ellis recently appeared on the Russian-government funded TV network RT , which U.S. intelligence agencies have @ @ @ @ @ the Kremlin ’ s plans to undermine American democracy , the Daily Beast reports .


politicalwire--2020-07-16--20,000 People Attend NASCAR Race

20,000 People Attend NASCAR Race

Roughly 20,000 people appeared to attend the Bristol Motor Speedway in Tennessee as NASCAR held its All-Star Race , the @ @ @ @ @ state banned large crowds four months ago in response to the coronavirus pandemic , WBIR @ @ @ @ @ moved from Charlotte because North Carolina would not authorize spectators for the race .

Roughly 20,000 people appeared to attend the Bristol Motor Speedway in Tennessee as NASCAR held its All-Star Race, the largest in-person event since the state banned large crowds four months ago in response to the coronavirus pandemic, WBIR reports.
The event was moved from Charlotte because North Carolina would not authorize spectators for the race.


politicalwire--2020-07-16--‘Science Should Not Stand in the Way’

‘Science Should Not Stand in the Way’

White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany told reporters that President Trump wants schools to open “ and when he says @ @ @ @ @ and full , kids being able to attend each and every day.
” Said McEnany @ @ @ @ @ not stand in the way of this , ” before quickly adding , “ the @ @ @ @ @ here .
”

White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany told reporters that President Trump wants schools to open “and when he says open, he means open and full, kids being able to attend each and every day.”
Said McEnany: “The science should not stand in the way of this,” before quickly adding, “the science is on our side here.”


politicalwire--2020-07-16--Scaramucci Wants to See Trump ‘Humiliated’

“ Merely beating Donald Trump in November won ’ t be enough for Anthony Scaramucci , who briefly served as @ @ @ @ @ chief but is now seeking to oust his former boss and help elect Democrat Joe @ @ @ @ @ .
Said Scaramucci : “ He has a chance here to really get humiliated , @ @ @ @ @ .
The economy ’ s in shambles as a direct result of his decision making @ @ @ @ @ health-care crisis .
And so for all those reasons , he ’ s obviously incompetent @ @ @ @ @ got to seek his removal .
”

“Merely beating Donald Trump in November won’t be enough for Anthony Scaramucci, who briefly served as the president’s communications chief but is now seeking to oust his former boss and help elect Democrat Joe Biden,” Bloomberg reports.
Said Scaramucci: “He has a chance here to really get humiliated, which I hope he will. The economy’s in shambles as a direct result of his decision making and the politicization of a health-care crisis. And so for all those reasons, he’s obviously incompetent and so we’ve got to seek his removal.”


politicalwire--2020-07-17--McConnell Holds Small Lead In Kentucky

McConnell Holds Small Lead In Kentucky

A new Garin-Hart-Yang ( D ) poll in Kentucky finds Sen. Mitch McConnell ( R ) leading challenger Amy McGrath @ @ @ @ @ U.S. Senate race , 45 % to 41 % .
In the presidential race , @ @ @ @ @ , 53 % to 41 % .

A new Garin-Hart-Yang (D) poll in Kentucky finds Sen. Mitch McConnell (R) leading challenger Amy McGrath (D) in the U.S. Senate race, 45% to 41%.
In the presidential race, Donald Trump leads Joe Biden, 53% to 41%.


politicalwire--2020-07-17--‘The Third Hour of AM Talk Radio’

‘The Third Hour of AM Talk Radio’

E.J .
Dionne : “ The display on Tuesday simultaneously violated all norms about presidents eschewing the rankest form of @ @ @ @ @ and shredded all rules for speaking comprehensible English .
Trump has supported English-only policies .
@ @ @ @ @ to presidents who claim to be using that language.
” “ I won ’ t @ @ @ @ @ check out the transcript for the blocky paragraphs of cascading sentences with little connection to @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Matt Viser nicely captured the vibe when he observed that Trump ’ s @ @ @ @ @ feel of the third hour of AM talk radio . '
”

E.J. Dionne: “The display on Tuesday simultaneously violated all norms about presidents eschewing the rankest form of politicking from the White House and shredded all rules for speaking comprehensible English. Trump has supported English-only policies. Maybe we should apply them to presidents who claim to be using that language.”
“I won’t waste space here, but check out the transcript for the blocky paragraphs of cascading sentences with little connection to each other. The Post’s Matt Viser nicely captured the vibe when he observed that Trump’s comments had ‘the stream-of-consciousness feel of the third hour of AM talk radio.'”


politicalwire--2020-07-17--Trump’s Refusal to Lead Is Making Pandemic Worse

Stephen Collinson : “ Trump ’ s refusal to use his full powers of his office and the government to @ @ @ @ @ since World War II is looking more negligent , callous and politically self-defeating with each @ @ @ @ @ ” “ Not only is Trump refusing to act in a manner appropriate to the @ @ @ @ @ he is using the country ’ s loudest megaphone in a way almost guaranteed to @ @ @ @ @ presiding over a White House campaign to discredit the lifelong work of Dr. Anthony Fauci @ @ @ @ @ his war on science and truth — to undermining efforts by local officials to convince @ @ @ @ @ slow the spread of the disease .
”

Stephen Collinson: “Trump’s refusal to use his full powers of his office and the government to confront the worst domestic threat since World War II is looking more negligent, callous and politically self-defeating with each virus ravaged day that passes.”
“Not only is Trump refusing to act in a manner appropriate to the magnitude of the emergency, he is using the country’s loudest megaphone in a way almost guaranteed to make it worse, from presiding over a White House campaign to discredit the lifelong work of Dr. Anthony Fauci — a new front in his war on science and truth — to undermining efforts by local officials to convince people to wear masks to slow the spread of the disease.”


politicalwire--2020-07-17--Feinstein Seeks to Tie Relief Funds to Mask Mandates

Sen. Dianne Feinstein ( D-CA ) said in a statement Thursday that she will introduce an amendment to the Senate @ @ @ @ @ bill that would withhold federal relief funds from states that do not require people to @ @ @ @ @ Axios reports .

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


Operation Grant

John Weaver and Bill Kristol announce in the Cleveland Plain Dealer they are launching “ Operation Grant ” in Ohio @ @ @ @ @ this decision are simple .
For President Trump , there is a narrowing electoral map @ @ @ @ @ to re-election .
None of those paths exist without Ohio .
And so Operation Grant @ @ @ @ @ American general ’ s home turf to put the nail in the coffin of today @ @ @ @ @ “ During battle , General Grant said , ‘ no terms except an unconditional and @ @ @ @ @ ’ We offer the same terms to President Trump today .
”

John Weaver and Bill Kristol announce in the Cleveland Plain Dealer they are launching “Operation Grant” in Ohio.
“The politics of this decision are simple. For President Trump, there is a narrowing electoral map that gives him few paths to re-election. None of those paths exist without Ohio. And so Operation Grant aims to use the great American general’s home turf to put the nail in the coffin of today’s Neo-Confederate president…”
“During battle, General Grant said, ‘no terms except an unconditional and immediate surrender can be accepted.’ We offer the same terms to President Trump today.”


politicalwire--2020-07-17--Huckabee’s Company Accused of Scamming Parents

Former Arkansas Gov .
Mike Huckabee ’ s education company is giving away its educational booklets — such as “ @ @ @ @ @ Trump ” — for free , or just $ 1 per item , in a @ @ @ @ @ , the HuffPost reports .
“ But the offer is far from free .
Parents @ @ @ @ @ bait-and-switch scheme that they said duped them into signing up for $ 20-per-month subscriptions without @ @ @ @ @ that Learn Our History ignored their repeated requests to cancel the subscriptions , leaving them @ @ @ @ @ that they never wanted in the first place — all so their children can learn @ @ @ @ @ history , which critics described as ‘ pretend , ’ ‘ kiddie propaganda ’ and @ @ @ @ @ revisionism and right-wing political propaganda . '
”

Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee’s education company is giving away its educational booklets — such as “The Kids Guide to President Trump” — for free, or just $1 per item, in a “patriotic bundle” special, the HuffPost reports.
“But the offer is far from free. Parents across the country described a bait-and-switch scheme that they said duped them into signing up for $20-per-month subscriptions without their knowledge. Many said that Learn Our History ignored their repeated requests to cancel the subscriptions, leaving them locked into payments for products that they never wanted in the first place — all so their children can learn Huckabee’s version of history, which critics described as ‘pretend,’ ‘kiddie propaganda’ and ‘full of Christian nationalist revisionism and right-wing political propaganda.'”


politicalwire--2020-07-17--Republicans Tell Trump to Change Tune on Mail Ballots

“ Republican officials throughout the country are reacting with growing alarm to President Donald Trump ’ s attacks on mail-in @ @ @ @ @ claims of mass voting fraud are already corroding the views of GOP voters , who @ @ @ @ @ vote at all if they can ’ t make it to the polls come November @ @ @ @ @ “ Behind the scenes , top Republicans are urging senior Trump campaign officials to press @ @ @ @ @ messaging and embrace mail-in voting , warning that the party could lose the battle for @ @ @ @ @ White House if he doesn ’ t change his tune… Trump officials , sources said @ @ @ @ @ the concerns .
”

“Republican officials throughout the country are reacting with growing alarm to President Donald Trump’s attacks on mail-in ballots, saying his unsubstantiated claims of mass voting fraud are already corroding the views of GOP voters, who may ultimately choose not to vote at all if they can’t make it to the polls come November,” CNN reports.
“Behind the scenes, top Republicans are urging senior Trump campaign officials to press the President to change his messaging and embrace mail-in voting, warning that the party could lose the battle for control of Congress and the White House if he doesn’t change his tune… Trump officials, sources said, are fully aware of the concerns.”


politicalwire--2020-07-17--Trump Faces Widespread Distrust on Coronavirus

A new Washington Post-ABC News poll finds Americans ’ views of President Trump ’ s handling of the coronavirus pandemic @ @ @ @ @ rise across the country and personal fears of becoming infected persist .
Key finding : @ @ @ @ @ the public — 52 % — now disapproves ‘ strongly ’ of Trump ’ s @ @ @ @ @ roughly double the percentage who say they strongly approve of his efforts and an increase @ @ @ @ @ disapproval since March .
”

A new Washington Post-ABC News poll finds Americans’ views of President Trump’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic have deteriorated significantly as cases rise across the country and personal fears of becoming infected persist.
Key finding: “More than half of the public — 52% — now disapproves ‘strongly’ of Trump’s handling of the outbreak, roughly double the percentage who say they strongly approve of his efforts and an increase from 36% in strong disapproval since March.”


politicalwire--2020-07-17--Federal Officers Respond to Portland Protests

“ Portland demonstrators reacted Thursday to a wave of national attention from President Donald Trump and his administration by once @ @ @ @ @ to decry police violence against Black Americans , ” the Oregonian reports .
“ Federal @ @ @ @ @ demonstrations downtown by using gas , smoke and impact munitions to press protesters away from @ @ @ @ @

“Portland demonstrators reacted Thursday to a wave of national attention from President Donald Trump and his administration by once again amassing throughout the city to decry police violence against Black Americans,” the Oregonian reports.
“Federal officers responded to one late-night demonstrations downtown by using gas, smoke and impact munitions to press protesters away from two federal buildings.”


politicalwire--2020-07-17--Democrats Tell Lawmakers, Delegates to Skip Convention

New York Times : “ Democratic officials are instructing House and Senate members and party delegates to skip attending their @ @ @ @ @ a sign of the ever-shrinking aspirations for their big campaign event in the face of @ @ @ @ @ United States .
”


politicalwire--2020-07-17--Trio of GOP Political Heirs Push Back on Trump

New York Times : “ Even as Mr. Trump ’ s takeover of his party is largely complete , a trio of heirs to the old guard have been among the most prominent dissenting voices .
A high-profile club of elected Republicans — all descendants of the Republican establishment of the past , whether rebellious or resolute — has emerged as a kind of shadow conscience of the party during these days of turmoil.
” “ Gov .
Larry Hogan of Maryland has been a leading voice of frustration over Mr. Trump ’ s management of the Covid-19 outbreak .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republican governors to say , in 2016 , that he would not support his party ’ s nominee .
Instead he wrote in the name of his late father , Representative Lawrence J. Hogan , the only Watergate-era Republican in the House who voted to recommend all three articles of impeachment against President Richard M. Nixon.
” “ Rep .
Liz Cheney , Republican of Wyoming and daughter of former Vice President Dick Cheney , has been perhaps her party ’ s most persistent critic of Mr. Trump ’ s national security program @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Republican presidential nominee in 2012 , has made plain his disgust for Mr. Trump on a variety of occasions .
( The feeling is mutual . )
His father , George Romney , was a three-term governor of Michigan and a Republican presidential candidate who repeatedly ran afoul of the party ’ s orthodoxy on civil rights and Vietnam .
”

New York Times: “Even as Mr. Trump’s takeover of his party is largely complete, a trio of heirs to the old guard have been among the most prominent dissenting voices. A high-profile club of elected Republicans — all descendants of the Republican establishment of the past, whether rebellious or resolute — has emerged as a kind of shadow conscience of the party during these days of turmoil.”
“Gov. Larry Hogan of Maryland has been a leading voice of frustration over Mr. Trump’s management of the Covid-19 outbreak. He was also one of the few Republican governors to say, in 2016, that he would not support his party’s nominee. Instead he wrote in the name of his late father, Representative Lawrence J. Hogan, the only Watergate-era Republican in the House who voted to recommend all three articles of impeachment against President Richard M. Nixon.”
“Rep. Liz Cheney, Republican of Wyoming and daughter of former Vice President Dick Cheney, has been perhaps her party’s most persistent critic of Mr. Trump’s national security program. … Senator Mitt Romney of Utah, the Republican presidential nominee in 2012, has made plain his disgust for Mr. Trump on a variety of occasions. (The feeling is mutual.) His father, George Romney, was a three-term governor of Michigan and a Republican presidential candidate who repeatedly ran afoul of the party’s orthodoxy on civil rights and Vietnam.”


politicalwire--2020-07-17--Justin Amash Won’t Seek Re-Election

Justin Amash Won’t Seek Re-Election

“ When Rep. Justin Amash ( I-MI ) ended his exploratory bid for the presidency , Libertarian activists held out @ @ @ @ @ re-election to his seat in the U.S. House , where he is the first and @ @ @ @ @ Congress , ” the Detroit News reports .
“ It seems they are about to @ @ @ @

“When Rep. Justin Amash (I-MI) ended his exploratory bid for the presidency, Libertarian activists held out hope he would run for re-election to his seat in the U.S. House, where he is the first and only Libertarian to serve in Congress,” the Detroit News reports.
“It seems they are about to be disappointed.”


politicalwire--2020-07-17--U.S. Shatters Single-Day Record for Infections

“ As clashes over face-covering mandates and school reopening plans intensified throughout the United States , the country shattered its @ @ @ @ @ on Thursday — more than 74,000 with some numbers still to be announced , ” @ @ @ @ @ .
“ This was the 11th time in the past month that the record had @ @ @ @ @ of Wednesday the country ’ s seven-day average case number exceeded 63,000 , up from @ @ @ @ @ .
”

“As clashes over face-covering mandates and school reopening plans intensified throughout the United States, the country shattered its single-day record for new cases on Thursday — more than 74,000 with some numbers still to be announced,” the New York Times reports.
“This was the 11th time in the past month that the record had been broken, and as of Wednesday the country’s seven-day average case number exceeded 63,000, up from about 22,200 a month before.”


politicalwire--2020-07-18--Trump Rips Niece Over Her Book

Trump Rips Niece Over Her Book

President Trump tore into his niece Mary Trump after days of silence about her recently published book , which is @ @ @ @ @ his family , calling her “ a mess ” and alleging she wrote “ untruthful @ @ @ @ @ .
Said Trump : “ I am the ultimate member of The Book of the @ @ @ @ @ have lowlife dummy John Bolton , a war mongering fool , violating the law ( @ @ @ @ @ Classified Information ) and an NDA in order to build badly needed credibility and make @ @ @ @ @ will all end up going to the government anyway.
” He added : “ Next @ @ @ @ @ a seldom seen niece who knows little about me , says untruthful things about my @ @ @ @ @ ’ t stand her ! )
and me , and violated her NDA .
She @ @ @ @ @ giving out my Tax Returns .
She ’ s a mess !
”

President Trump tore into his niece Mary Trump after days of silence about her recently published book, which is critical of the President and his family, calling her “a mess” and alleging she wrote “untruthful things,” CNN reports.
Said Trump: “I am the ultimate member of The Book of the Month Club. First I have lowlife dummy John Bolton, a war mongering fool, violating the law (he released massive amounts of Classified Information) and an NDA in order to build badly needed credibility and make a few dollars, which will all end up going to the government anyway.”
He added: “Next up is Mary Trump, a seldom seen niece who knows little about me, says untruthful things about my wonderful parents (who couldn’t stand her!) and me, and violated her NDA. She also broke the Law by giving out my Tax Returns. She’s a mess!”


politicalwire--2020-07-18--Trump Moves Portraits of Bush and Clinton

“ The official portraits of former Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush were removed from the Grand Foyer of @ @ @ @ @ last week and replaced by those of two Republican presidents who served more than a @ @ @ @ @ reports .
“ White House tradition calls for portraits of the most recent American presidents @ @ @ @ @ prominent placement , in the entrance of the executive mansion , visible to guests during @ @ @ @

“The official portraits of former Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush were removed from the Grand Foyer of the White House within the last week and replaced by those of two Republican presidents who served more than a century ago,” CNN reports.
“White House tradition calls for portraits of the most recent American presidents to be given the most prominent placement, in the entrance of the executive mansion, visible to guests during official events.”


politicalwire--2020-07-18--St. Louis Gun Couple to Join Trump Event

“ The St. Louis couple at the center of a firestorm over their armed confrontation with a crowd of Black @ @ @ @ @ an official Trump campaign event on Friday night , ” the Washington Beacon reports .


politicalwire--2020-07-18--Rancor Between Scientists and Trump Grows

“ This week ’ s remarkable character assault by some top White House advisers on Anthony Fauci , the nation @ @ @ @ @ , signified President Trump ’ s hostility toward medical expertise and has produced a chilling @ @ @ @ @ and public health professionals laboring to end the pandemic , according to administration officials and @ @ @ @ @ Washington Post reports .
“ As novel coronavirus cases surge out of control coast to @ @ @ @ @ between the scientific community and a White House determined above all to resuscitate the economy @ @ @ @ @ for Trump threatens to further undermine the U.S. response , which already lags behind those @ @ @ @ @ .
”

“This week’s remarkable character assault by some top White House advisers on Anthony Fauci, the nation’s leading infectious-disease expert, signified President Trump’s hostility toward medical expertise and has produced a chilling effect among the government scientists and public health professionals laboring to end the pandemic, according to administration officials and health experts,” the Washington Post reports.
“As novel coronavirus cases surge out of control coast to coast, the open rancor between the scientific community and a White House determined above all to resuscitate the economy and secure a second term for Trump threatens to further undermine the U.S. response, which already lags behind those of many other developed nations.”


politicalwire--2020-07-17--Tillis Claims Hispanics Less Likely to Wear Masks

Sen. Thom Tillis ( R-NC ) suggested Hispanics are less likely to wear masks and social distance amid the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ Said Tillis , who is up for reelection this year , was caught on audio @ @ @ @ @ mask out of respect .
Now I will tell you I ’ m not a @ @ @ @ @ not a statistician , but one of the concerns that we ’ ve had more @ @ @ @ @ population now constitutes about 44 % of the positive cases , and we do have @ @ @ @ @ Hispanic population we ’ ve seen less consistent adherence to social distancing and wearing a @ @ @

Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) suggested Hispanics are less likely to wear masks and social distance amid the coronavirus pandemic, CNN reports.
Said Tillis, who is up for reelection this year, was caught on audio: “Just wear the mask out of respect. Now I will tell you I’m not a scientist and I’m not a statistician, but one of the concerns that we’ve had more recently is that the Hispanic population now constitutes about 44% of the positive cases, and we do have some concerns that in the Hispanic population we’ve seen less consistent adherence to social distancing and wearing a mask.”


politicalwire--2020-07-17--U.S. Attorney Calls For Probe Into Portland Arrests

The U.S. attorney in Oregon wants an investigation into “ constitutionally questionable arrests in Portland ” by officers from U.S. @ @ @ @ @ according to Oregon Public Broadcasting .


politicalwire--2020-07-17--White House Won’t Let Officials Testify on Opening Schools

The White House has blocked CDC officials from testifying in a House Education and Labor Committee hearing scheduled next week @ @ @ @ @ Daily Beast reports .


politicalwire--2020-07-17--Block on Fauci TV Interviews Lifted

Block on Fauci TV Interviews Lifted

The White House has apparently “ lifted the block ” on Dr. Anthony Fauci ’ s television appearances , CNN @ @ @ @ @ appear tonight for an interview with Judy Woodruff on the PBS Newshour and a senior @ @ @ @ @ expect him to be doing more national television in the coming days .
”

The White House has apparently “lifted the block” on Dr. Anthony Fauci’s television appearances, CNN reports.
He’ll appear tonight for an interview with Judy Woodruff on the PBS Newshour and a senior administration official says “to expect him to be doing more national television in the coming days.”


politicalwire--2020-07-17--Trump Fact Checked In Real Time

Trump Fact Checked In Real Time

President Trump interrupted a Fox News interview so his staff could show proof that Joe Biden had proposed defunding the @ @ @ @ @ Wallace later told his audience that Trump “ couldn ’ t find any indication , @ @ @ @ @ any , that Joe Biden has sought to defund and abolish the police .
”

President Trump interrupted a Fox News interview so his staff could show proof that Joe Biden had proposed defunding the police.
Fox host Chris Wallace later told his audience that Trump “couldn’t find any indication, because there isn’t any, that Joe Biden has sought to defund and abolish the police.”


politicalwire--2020-07-17--Is Ohio In Play?

Is Ohio In Play?

New York Times : “ Ohio offers Democrats the possibility of seizing on suburban gains they have made in the @ @ @ @ @ parts of the old Obama coalition… .
In a state where decades of deindustrialization have @ @ @ @ @ , the reality behind Mr. Trump ’ s unmet promises to restore steel , coal @ @ @ @ @ trade wars is also being put to the test — a dynamic that could extend @ @ @ @ @ Midwest.
” “ For all the optimism of Democrats , though , the Buckeye State @ @ @ @ @ in the mists .
… Mr. Biden hasn ’ t named an Ohio state director @ @ @ @ @ .
The Ohio Democratic Party is so financially stretched it sought over $ 333,000 from @ @ @ @ @ to help meet its payroll.
” The consensus electoral map has Ohio as a Toss @ @

New York Times: “Ohio offers Democrats the possibility of seizing on suburban gains they have made in the Trump era, while restoring parts of the old Obama coalition…. In a state where decades of deindustrialization have created long-term anxiety about jobs, the reality behind Mr. Trump’s unmet promises to restore steel, coal and other industrial sectors through trade wars is also being put to the test — a dynamic that could extend to other states across the Midwest.”
“For all the optimism of Democrats, though, the Buckeye State just might be an illusion in the mists. … Mr. Biden hasn’t named an Ohio state director, frustrating local Democratic officials. The Ohio Democratic Party is so financially stretched it sought over $333,000 from the federal coronavirus relief package to help meet its payroll.”
The consensus electoral map has Ohio as a Toss Up.


politicalwire--2020-07-17--Mnuchin Suggests Not Verifying How Funds Were Spent

“ Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin suggested Friday that the government should consider forgiving all taxpayer-backed small loans under the federal @ @ @ @ @ how the funds were used , a decision that could wipe away debt for millions @ @ @ @ @ also substantially increase the risk of fraud , ” the Washington Post reports .

“Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin suggested Friday that the government should consider forgiving all taxpayer-backed small loans under the federal Paycheck Protection Program without verifying how the funds were used, a decision that could wipe away debt for millions of small businesses but would also substantially increase the risk of fraud,” the Washington Post reports.


politicalwire--2020-07-17--Trump Campaign Probes Spending Overseen by Parscale

President Trump ’ s reelection campaign is conducting an internal review of spending irregularities overseen by Brad Parscale , the @ @ @ @ @ Business Insider reports .
“ Trump ’ s anger at Parscale has been building since @ @ @ @ @ his campaign manager was living a lavish lifestyle built off riches he ’ d made @ @ @ @ @ ”

President Trump’s reelection campaign is conducting an internal review of spending irregularities overseen by Brad Parscale, the recently-demoted 2020 campaign manager, Business Insider reports.
“Trump’s anger at Parscale has been building since last year after he learned his campaign manager was living a lavish lifestyle built off riches he’d made working for the president.”


politicalwire--2020-07-17--How Trump’s New Campaign Manager Rose from Exile

Bergen Record : “ In some ways , it ’ s a remarkable ascent for Stepien… who initially seemed to @ @ @ @ @ suspect in the plot to paralyze the streets of Fort Lee with traffic jams by @ @ @ @ @ the bridge… ” “ He emerged from the Bridgegate scandal relatively unscathed… In documents and @ @ @ @ @ as a detail-oriented , hardworking operative who delighted in the cut and thrust of Jersey @ @ @ @ @ , doling out gifts to supporters and meting out punishment to those put in the @ @ @ @ @ ”

Bergen Record: “In some ways, it’s a remarkable ascent for Stepien… who initially seemed to have been a top inner-circle suspect in the plot to paralyze the streets of Fort Lee with traffic jams by closing two access lanes to the bridge…”
“He emerged from the Bridgegate scandal relatively unscathed… In documents and testimony, Stepien came across as a detail-oriented, hardworking operative who delighted in the cut and thrust of Jersey politics in the Christie era, doling out gifts to supporters and meting out punishment to those put in the ‘penalty box.’”