politicalwire--2020-03-06--Biden Now Heavy Favorite to Win Nomination

The FiveThirtyEight forecast was updated with Super Tuesday results and now shows Joe Biden with an 88 % chance to @ @ @ @ @ while Bernie Sanders has just a 2 % chance .


politicalwire--2020-03-06--Extra Bonus Quote of the Day

Extra Bonus Quote of the Day

“ People don ’ t like her .
She ’ s a very mean person .
And people don ’ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t want that .
They like a person like me , that ’ @ @ @ @ @ President Trump , quoted by the New York Times , on why Sen. Elizabeth Warren @ @ @ @ @ nomination .

“People don’t like her. She’s a very mean person. And people don’t like her. People don’t want that. They like a person like me, that’s not mean.”
— President Trump, quoted by the New York Times, on why Sen. Elizabeth Warren failed to win the Democratic nomination.


politicalwire--2020-03-06--Shortage of Coronavirus Tests Causes Chaos at Hospitals

Los Angeles Times : “ Federal officials said nearly 1 million tests were expected to be available by the end @ @ @ @ @ in California , one of the country ’ s hardest-hit regions with 60 cases , @ @ @ @ @ limited to only 7,400 through the weekend , according to the California Department of Public @ @ @ @ @ to test widely and swiftly for the novel coronavirus has impeded the country ’ s @ @ @ @ @ spread of the virus , experts say .
Without testing , public health officials don @ @ @ @ @ virus is spreading and where to target efforts to contain it .
”

Los Angeles Times: “Federal officials said nearly 1 million tests were expected to be available by the end of this week. But in California, one of the country’s hardest-hit regions with 60 cases, the total testing capacity is limited to only 7,400 through the weekend, according to the California Department of Public Health.”
“The inability to test widely and swiftly for the novel coronavirus has impeded the country’s ability to beat back the spread of the virus, experts say. Without testing, public health officials don’t know where the virus is spreading and where to target efforts to contain it.”


politicalwire--2020-03-06--Bonus Quote of the Day

Bonus Quote of the Day

“ We have been willing to fight , and , when necessary , we left plenty of blood and teeth @ @ @ @ @ I can think of one billionaire who has been denied the chance to buy this @ @ @ @ @ Warren , on a conference call with her staff .

“We have been willing to fight, and, when necessary, we left plenty of blood and teeth on the floor. And I can think of one billionaire who has been denied the chance to buy this election.”
— Sen. Elizabeth Warren, on a conference call with her staff.


politicalwire--2020-03-06--Sporting Events Without Fans

Sporting Events Without Fans

“ It is the option that nobody in the Olympic movement wants to talk about , but it is the @ @ @ @ @ face : a Tokyo Games this summer with no fans , just 10,000 athletes competing @ @ @ @ @ empty seats , ” the New York Times reports .
“ As the coronavirus continues @ @ @ @ @ than 3,000 deaths and 90,000 documented cases worldwide , sporting events without fans are edging @ @ @ @ @ new normal .
”

“It is the option that nobody in the Olympic movement wants to talk about, but it is the one staring everyone in the face: a Tokyo Games this summer with no fans, just 10,000 athletes competing in front of seas of empty seats,” the New York Times reports.
“As the coronavirus continues to spread, with more than 3,000 deaths and 90,000 documented cases worldwide, sporting events without fans are edging toward becoming a kind of new normal.”


politicalwire--2020-03-06--Trump Trip to CDC May Be Back On

Trump Trip to CDC May Be Back On

Asked about abruptly cancelling his visit today to the CDC , President Trump said he may now be going there @ @ @ @ @ He said “ there was a problem with CDC with somebody who had the virus @ @ @ @ @ was tested and it came out negative .
As a result , he said , @ @ @ @ @ ” Earlier the White House had told the New York Times “ that the president @ @ @ @ @ did not want to interfere with the work at the centers as its staff scrambled @ @ @ @ @ the virus .
”

Asked about abruptly cancelling his visit today to the CDC, President Trump said he may now be going there, CBS News reports.
He said “there was a problem with CDC with somebody who had the virus,” but the person was tested and it came out negative. As a result, he said, “I may be going.”
Earlier the White House had told the New York Times “that the president canceled the visit because he did not want to interfere with the work at the centers as its staff scrambled to get a grip on the virus.”


politicalwire--2020-03-06--North Carolina Senate Race Moves to Toss Up

Cook Political Report : “ The bottom line is that Tillis has struggled to regain his footing among conservatives in @ @ @ @ @ cross Trump last year on emergency funding for the border wall before relenting to side @ @ @ @ @ Carolina is going to be a closely-fought race at the presidential level too and has @ @ @ @ @ race .
This Senate contest could well end up deciding the balance of power in @ @ @ @ @ are encouraged that primary turnout was up over 2016.
” “ We are moving this @ @ @ @ @ Toss Up .
”

Cook Political Report: “The bottom line is that Tillis has struggled to regain his footing among conservatives in the state after starting to cross Trump last year on emergency funding for the border wall before relenting to side with the president. North Carolina is going to be a closely-fought race at the presidential level too and has a competitive governor’s race. This Senate contest could well end up deciding the balance of power in the chamber, and Democrats are encouraged that primary turnout was up over 2016.”
“We are moving this race from Lean Republican to Toss Up.”


politicalwire--2020-03-06--Trump Administration to Collect DNA From Immigrants

“ The Trump administration plans to begin taking DNA samples from migrants crossing the border or held in detention for @ @ @ @ @ database , a significant expansion of immigration laws that is certain to raise privacy concerns @ @ @ @ @ Journal reports .

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


politicalwire--2020-03-06--U.S. Employers Added 273,000 Jobs in February

“ Employers added 273,000 jobs in February and the jobless rate was 3.5 % , signs of labor-market strength before @ @ @ @ @ in the U.S. , ” the Wall Street Journal reports .


politicalwire--2020-03-06--Warren Calls Out ‘Nastiness’ of Sanders Supporters

Sen. Elizabeth Warren called out Sen. Bernie Sanders for not taking steps to control the “ organized nastiness ” of @ @ @ @ @ the presidential campaign , the Washington Post reports .
Said Warren : “ It ’ @ @ @ @ @ .
I think that ’ s a real problem with this online bullying and sort @ @ @ @ @ m talking about some really ugly stuff that went on .
”

Sen. Elizabeth Warren called out Sen. Bernie Sanders for not taking steps to control the “organized nastiness” of some of his supporters during the presidential campaign, the Washington Post reports.
Said Warren: “It’s not just about me. I think that’s a real problem with this online bullying and sort of organized nastiness… I’m talking about some really ugly stuff that went on.”


politicalwire--2020-03-07--A Possible Twist for Georgia’s Senate Election

Just for members : A packed new edition of Inside Elections .
This issue includes a deep dive into the @ @ @ @ @ Republicans are facing an intra-party battle with a special election twist that could push the @ @ @ @ @ and after the next Senate is sworn in .
The edition also includes a spotlight @ @ @ @ @ battleground , updated House analysis after the Alabama , North Carolina , and Texas primaries @ @ @ @ @ a potential major rating change in Montana , if Gov .
Steve Bullock enters the @ @ @ @ @ re not yet a member , sign up for an Annual or Monthly membership for @ @ @ @ @ benefits .
And don ’ t forget : Gift Memberships are also available for those @ @ @ @ @ .

Just for members: A packed new edition of Inside Elections.
This issue includes a deep dive into the Georgia Senate race, where Republicans are facing an intra-party battle with a special election twist that could push the final result until January, and after the next Senate is sworn in.


politicalwire--2020-03-07--Will Elizabeth Warren Endorse?

Will Elizabeth Warren Endorse?

Washington Post : “ As Sen. Elizabeth Warren unwinds her presidential campaign , she faces one more decision that will @ @ @ @ @ play in coming months and years : Will she endorse one of the major Democrats @ @ @ @ @ and if so , which ?
” “ The choice at hand — between former @ @ @ @ @ Sen. Bernie Sanders — is in a sense the latest version of a choice Warren @ @ @ @ @ career , whether to align with the establishment and its leaders or join forces with @ @ @ @

Washington Post: “As Sen. Elizabeth Warren unwinds her presidential campaign, she faces one more decision that will shape the role she will play in coming months and years: Will she endorse one of the major Democrats still running for president, and if so, which?”
“The choice at hand — between former vice president Joe Biden and Sen. Bernie Sanders — is in a sense the latest version of a choice Warren has confronted throughout her political career, whether to align with the establishment and its leaders or join forces with the outsiders.”


politicalwire--2020-03-07--Taliban Do Not Intend to Honor Peace Deal

“ The U.S. government has collected persuasive intelligence that the Taliban do not intend to honor the promises they have @ @ @ @ @ deal with the United States , three American officials tell NBC News , undercutting what @ @ @ @ @ talk by President Donald Trump and his top aides .
”

“The U.S. government has collected persuasive intelligence that the Taliban do not intend to honor the promises they have made in the recently signed deal with the United States, three American officials tell NBC News, undercutting what has been days of hopeful talk by President Donald Trump and his top aides.”


politicalwire--2020-03-07--Barr Appears Focused on Undermining Mueller Probe

“ Attorney General William Barr testified before Congress last spring that ‘ it ’ s time for everybody to move @ @ @ @ @ counsel investigation into whether Trump associates conspired with Russia ’ s 2016 election interference , @ @ @ @ @ reports .
“ Nearly a year later , however , it is clear that Mr. @ @ @ @ @ from the investigation at all .
Rather , he increasingly appears to be chiseling away @ @ @ @

“Attorney General William Barr testified before Congress last spring that ‘it’s time for everybody to move on’ from the special counsel investigation into whether Trump associates conspired with Russia’s 2016 election interference,” the New York Times reports.
“Nearly a year later, however, it is clear that Mr. Barr has not moved on from the investigation at all. Rather, he increasingly appears to be chiseling away at it.”


politicalwire--2020-03-07--Trump Boasts He’s a Medical Expert

Trump Boasts He’s a Medical Expert

“ President Trump likes to say that he fell into politics almost by accident , and on Friday , as @ @ @ @ @ nation gripped with fears over coronavirus , he suggested he would have thrived in another @ @ @ @ @ ” the Washington Post reports .
Said Trump : “ I like this stuff .
@ @ @ @ @ He added : “ People are really surprised I understand this stuff .
Every one @ @ @ @ @ ‘ How do you know so much about this ?
’ Maybe I have a @ @ @ @

“President Trump likes to say that he fell into politics almost by accident, and on Friday, as he sought to calm a nation gripped with fears over coronavirus, he suggested he would have thrived in another profession — medical expert,” the Washington Post reports.
Said Trump: “I like this stuff. I really get it.”
He added: “People are really surprised I understand this stuff. Every one of these doctors said, ‘How do you know so much about this?’ Maybe I have a natural ability.”


politicalwire--2020-03-07--Trump Ousts Mick Mulvaney as Chief of Staff

“ President Trump said Friday that Rep. Mark Meadows , Republican of North Carolina and a stalwart conservative ally , @ @ @ @ @ of staff , replacing Mick Mulvaney , who has served as the acting chief for @ @ @ @ @ ” the New York Times reports .
“ He said that Mr. Mulvaney will become @ @ @ @ @ for Northern Ireland , shaking up his battle-weary team as he leaves impeachment behind him @ @ @ @ @ campaign that will test whether he can defy the odds once again to win a @ @ @ @

“President Trump said Friday that Rep. Mark Meadows, Republican of North Carolina and a stalwart conservative ally, will become White House chief of staff, replacing Mick Mulvaney, who has served as the acting chief for more than a year,” the New York Times reports.
“He said that Mr. Mulvaney will become the United States special envoy for Northern Ireland, shaking up his battle-weary team as he leaves impeachment behind him and faces a high-octane election campaign that will test whether he can defy the odds once again to win a second term.”


politicalwire--2020-03-07--Trump Calls Inslee a ‘Snake’

Trump Calls Inslee a ‘Snake’

President Trump called Washington Gov .
Jay Inslee “ a snake ” for criticizing his administration ’ s response to @ @ @ @ @ reports .
Speaking in Atlanta at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , Trump @ @ @ @ @ saying that he wanted Trump to stick to the science when discussing the outbreak .
@ @ @ @ @ downplay the gravity of the outbreak and floated his own hunches on matters of science @

President Trump called Washington Gov. Jay Inslee “a snake” for criticizing his administration’s response to the coronavirus outbreak, Politico reports.
Speaking in Atlanta at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Trump went off on Inslee for saying that he wanted Trump to stick to the science when discussing the outbreak. Trump has repeatedly tried to downplay the gravity of the outbreak and floated his own hunches on matters of science.


politicalwire--2020-03-07--CPAC Attendee Has Coronavirus

CPAC Attendee Has Coronavirus

The American Conservative Union announced they have learned “ that one of our CPAC attendees has unfortunately tested positive today @ @ @ @ @ “ this attendee had no interaction with the President or the Vice President and never @ @ @ @ @ main hall.
” Nearly 20,000 attendees were at the conference this year .

The American Conservative Union announced they have learned “that one of our CPAC attendees has unfortunately tested positive today for coronavirus.”
They added “this attendee had no interaction with the President or the Vice President and never attended the events in the main hall.”
Nearly 20,000 attendees were at the conference this year.


politicalwire--2020-03-07--Senate Candidate Ran Over Wife’s Foot

Senate Candidate Ran Over Wife’s Foot

The Rev .
Raphael Warnock , a Democrat running for U.S. Senate , was accused by his wife of running @ @ @ @ @ car during a heated argument days before he filed paperwork to officially seek the office @ @ @ @ @ report obtained by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution .

The Rev. Raphael Warnock, a Democrat running for U.S. Senate, was accused by his wife of running over her foot with his car during a heated argument days before he filed paperwork to officially seek the office, according to a police report obtained by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.


politicalwire--2020-03-07--U.S. Has Tested Fewer Than 6,000 Virus Samples

“ The U.S. has tested fewer than 6,000 samples from Americans suspected of the coronavirus infection , the top drug @ @ @ @ @ health officials struggled to explain the government ’ s difficulty creating a diagnostic tool to @ @ @ @ @ Bloomberg reports .


politicalwire--2020-03-07--Debate Raged Over What to Tell Public

Debate Raged Over What to Tell Public

New York Times : “ From the beginning , the Trump administration ’ s attempts to forestall an outbreak of a virus now spreading rapidly across the globe was marked by a raging internal debate about how far to go in telling Americans the truth .
Even as the government ’ s scientists and leading health experts raised the alarm early and pushed for aggressive action , they faced resistance and doubt at the White House — especially from the president — about spooking financial markets and inciting panic.
” “ Health experts say that telling people to remain calm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But from Mr. Trump ’ s first comments on the virus in January to rambling remarks at the C.D.C .
on Friday , health experts say the administration has struggled to strike an effective balance between encouraging calm , providing key information and leading an assertive response .
The confused signals from the Trump administration , they say , left Americans unprepared for a public health crisis and delayed their understanding of a virus that has reached at least 28 states , infected more than 300 people and killed at least 17 .
@

New York Times: “From the beginning, the Trump administration’s attempts to forestall an outbreak of a virus now spreading rapidly across the globe was marked by a raging internal debate about how far to go in telling Americans the truth. Even as the government’s scientists and leading health experts raised the alarm early and pushed for aggressive action, they faced resistance and doubt at the White House — especially from the president — about spooking financial markets and inciting panic.”
“Health experts say that telling people to remain calm is an effective message in an epidemic… But from Mr. Trump’s first comments on the virus in January to rambling remarks at the C.D.C. on Friday, health experts say the administration has struggled to strike an effective balance between encouraging calm, providing key information and leading an assertive response. The confused signals from the Trump administration, they say, left Americans unprepared for a public health crisis and delayed their understanding of a virus that has reached at least 28 states, infected more than 300 people and killed at least 17.”


politicalwire--2020-03-07--Dallas County Asks for Super Tuesday Recount

“ Dallas County officials are seeking a recount of the March 3 primary results after discovering that an unknown number @ @ @ @ @ counted , ” the Texas Tribune reports .


politicalwire--2020-03-07--Biden Pours $12 Million Into Ad Buys

Biden Pours $12 Million Into Ad Buys

“ Joe Biden is taking his recent influx in money and pouring more into TV , radio and digital ads @ @ @ @ @ campaign is investing $ 12 million in total paid media in Michigan , Missouri , @ @ @ @ @ and Ohio — states that all vote within the next two weeks , ” NBC @ @ @

“Joe Biden is taking his recent influx in money and pouring more into TV, radio and digital ads than ever before. The campaign is investing $12 million in total paid media in Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, Florida, Illinois and Ohio — states that all vote within the next two weeks,” NBC News reports.


politicalwire--2020-03-07--Constituent Dies After Gaetz Made Light of Crisis

Days after Rep. Matt Gaetz ( R-FL ) wore an enormous gas mask during a House floor vote on an @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus response , the congressman announced that a resident in his northwestern Florida district had @ @ @ @ @ Washington Post reports .


politicalwire--2020-03-07--Italy to Lock Down Milan Region

Italy to Lock Down Milan Region

“ The Italian government is set to dramatically restrict movement and activity for a quarter of its population , or @ @ @ @ @ ” according to a draft decree seen by Bloomberg .
“ The decision to lock @ @ @ @ @ several other northern areas , is the latest step to fight Europe ’ s worst @ @ @ @ @ as cases surged to 5,883 with 233 deaths , and on the day Nicola Zingaretti @ @ @ @ @ of the two major government parties , announced he had contracted the illness .
”

“The Italian government is set to dramatically restrict movement and activity for a quarter of its population, or about 16 million people,” according to a draft decree seen by Bloomberg.
“The decision to lock down the Milan region and several other northern areas, is the latest step to fight Europe’s worst coronavirus outbreak. They come as cases surged to 5,883 with 233 deaths, and on the day Nicola Zingaretti, the leader of one of the two major government parties, announced he had contracted the illness.”


politicalwire--2020-03-07--How Trump Lost Control of Coronavirus

How Trump Lost Control of Coronavirus

Washington Post : “ Infighting quickly materialized among agencies that have long had poor relationships — feuding was especially intense @ @ @ @ @ Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response — and when the situation went @ @ @ @ @ .
Public health officials and experts also struggled to find an uneasy equilibrium between doing @ @ @ @ @ while trying to manage a mercurial president , who griped about what he viewed as @ @ @ @ @ the media.
” “ At the White House , Trump and many of his aides @ @ @ @ @ how serious the coronavirus threat was , while the president often seemed uninterested as long @ @ @ @ @ ” Vox : Trump ’ s visit to CDC shows why there ’ s concern @ @ @ @ @

Washington Post: “Infighting quickly materialized among agencies that have long had poor relationships — feuding was especially intense between the CDC and the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response — and when the situation went awry, recriminations were swift. Public health officials and experts also struggled to find an uneasy equilibrium between doing their jobs honestly and transparently while trying to manage a mercurial president, who griped about what he viewed as overheated rhetoric by officials and the media.”
“At the White House, Trump and many of his aides were initially skeptical of just how serious the coronavirus threat was, while the president often seemed uninterested as long as the virus was abroad.”
Vox: Trump’s visit to CDC shows why there’s concern about his coronavirus response.


politicalwire--2020-03-07--Judge Says Amazon ‘Likely to Succeed’ In Bid Dispute

“ A federal judge has concluded that a bid protest lawsuit brought by Amazon over President Trump ’ s intervention @ @ @ @ @ computing contract ‘ is likely to succeed on the merits ’ of one of its @ @ @ @ @ a court document made public Friday , ” the Washington Post reports .


politicalwire--2020-03-07--Erik Prince Infiltrated Liberal Groups

Erik Prince Infiltrated Liberal Groups

Erik Prince , the security contractor with close ties to the Trump administration , has in recent years helped recruit @ @ @ @ @ for secretive intelligence-gathering operations that included infiltrating Democratic congressional campaigns , labor organizations and other @ @ @ @ @ Trump agenda , the New York Times reports .


politicalwire--2020-03-07--Why the U.S. Is So Vulnerable to Coronavirus

“ As the number of coronavirus cases mount in the US , experts are warning that the country is unusually @ @ @ @ @ the disease , ” the Financial Times reports .
“ Public health officials and academics @ @ @ @ @ of high numbers of uninsured people , a lack of paid sick leave and a @ @ @ @ @ the threat could mean it spreads more quickly than in other countries.
” “ The @ @ @ @ @ fuelled by patients reluctant to seek care because of the expense of the US healthcare @ @ @

“As the number of coronavirus cases mount in the US, experts are warning that the country is unusually vulnerable to the spread of the disease,” the Financial Times reports.
“Public health officials and academics are concerned that a mix of high numbers of uninsured people, a lack of paid sick leave and a political class that has downplayed the threat could mean it spreads more quickly than in other countries.”
“The spread of coronavirus could be fuelled by patients reluctant to seek care because of the expense of the US healthcare system.”


politicalwire--2020-03-07--2020 Becomes the Dementia Campaign

2020 Becomes the Dementia Campaign

John Harris : “ Now that the 77-year-old Biden is the Democratic frontrunner over the 78-year-old Bernie Sanders to take @ @ @ @ @ questions about age-related infirmity are taking on a new volume and centrality.
” “ The @ @ @ @ @ attack-oriented character of modern political culture .
Genuine concerns about the capacities of people who @ @ @ @ @ most powerful job mingle bizarrely with insults , jokes , and self-confident pronouncements from people @ @ @ @ @ be speculating publicly about other people ’ s neurological health.
” “ Trump himself — @ @ @ @ @ maxim — in recent days has upped the ante in what is becoming the senility @ @ @

John Harris: “Now that the 77-year-old Biden is the Democratic frontrunner over the 78-year-old Bernie Sanders to take on the 73-year-old Trump, questions about age-related infirmity are taking on a new volume and centrality.”
“The debate reflects the raucous, attack-oriented character of modern political culture. Genuine concerns about the capacities of people who want the world’s most powerful job mingle bizarrely with insults, jokes, and self-confident pronouncements from people with no evident qualifications to be speculating publicly about other people’s neurological health.”
“Trump himself — seemingly indifferent to the glass-houses maxim — in recent days has upped the ante in what is becoming the senility sweepstakes.”


politicalwire--2020-03-07--Trump Interrupts Briefing to Ask About His Ratings

“ President Trump interrupted a Friday press conference on the 2019 novel coronavirus to ask a Fox News reporter whether @ @ @ @ @ Fox on Thursday night had good ratings , ” the Daily Beast reports .
“ @ @ @ @ @ bordered on bizarre , Trump also said coronavirus testing kits were almost as ‘ perfect @ @ @ @ @ call with the Ukrainian president and he didn ’ t want infected cruise ship passengers @ @ @ @ @ because it would increase the U.S. tally of COVID-19 cases.
” Said Trump : “ @ @ @ @ @ where they are .
I don ’ t need to have the numbers double because @ @ @ @ @

“President Trump interrupted a Friday press conference on the 2019 novel coronavirus to ask a Fox News reporter whether his town hall show on Fox on Thursday night had good ratings,” the Daily Beast reports.
“In a rambling briefing that bordered on bizarre, Trump also said coronavirus testing kits were almost as ‘perfect’ as his infamous phone call with the Ukrainian president and he didn’t want infected cruise ship passengers to come ashore in California because it would increase the U.S. tally of COVID-19 cases.”
Said Trump: “I like the numbers being where they are. I don’t need to have the numbers double because of one ship.”


politicalwire--2020-03-07--Mulvaney Out of Town When Trump Ousted Him

“ Acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney was in Las Vegas on an annual trip with his brother @ @ @ @ @ President Trump decided the time had come to replace him with Mark Meadows , ” @ @ @ @ @ had vented about Mulvaney being out of town during the coronavirus crisis… One White House @ @ @ @ @ Mulvaney ’ s absence to pull the trigger on a change he had long been @ @ @ @ @ Said one source : “ Anybody who knows Donald Trump knows that if you ’ @ @ @ @ @ you shouldn ’ t leave town .
”

“Acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney was in Las Vegas on an annual trip with his brother and friends on Thursday when President Trump decided the time had come to replace him with Mark Meadows,” Axios reports.
” Trump had vented about Mulvaney being out of town during the coronavirus crisis… One White House official said the president used Mulvaney’s absence to pull the trigger on a change he had long been contemplating but had resisted.”
Said one source: “Anybody who knows Donald Trump knows that if you’re on a slippery slope you shouldn’t leave town.”


politicalwire--2020-03-08--Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day

“ Putin , sadly , has got all of our political class , every single one of us , including @ @ @ @ @ he wants us .
He ’ s got us feeling vulnerable…on edge , and he @ @ @ @ @ the legitimacy of our own systems .
”

“Putin, sadly, has got all of our political class, every single one of us, including the media, exactly where he wants us. He’s got us feeling vulnerable…on edge, and he’s got us questioning the legitimacy of our own systems.”
— Former White House Russia adviser Fiona Hill, quoted by CNN.


politicalwire--2020-03-08--Michigan Is Make-or-Break for Sanders

Michigan Is Make-or-Break for Sanders

Dan Balz : “ Sanders has been here before .
Four years ago , the senator from Vermont lost South Carolina to Hillary Clinton , lost the majority of states on Super Tuesday and fell behind in the delegate race .
But he won in enough places on Super Tuesday to give him the incentive to keep going — and he had a plan for regaining momentum in Michigan that included early television ads and a focus on trade in a state sensitive to the issue.
” “ The pre-primary polls showed Clinton with a substantial lead , but on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ margin was narrow — less than two percentage points — but the value of the upset was enormous .
The victory revived his campaign , and he took his fight all the way to the convention in Philadelphia , to the dismay of Clinton forces.
” “ That history makes Michigan the most crucial of the six states with contests this Tuesday , but Sanders could struggle to repeat his performance of four years ago .
He won ’ t be able to sneak up on Biden as he did with Clinton .
@

Dan Balz: “Sanders has been here before. Four years ago, the senator from Vermont lost South Carolina to Hillary Clinton, lost the majority of states on Super Tuesday and fell behind in the delegate race. But he won in enough places on Super Tuesday to give him the incentive to keep going — and he had a plan for regaining momentum in Michigan that included early television ads and a focus on trade in a state sensitive to the issue.”
“The pre-primary polls showed Clinton with a substantial lead, but on primary night, Sanders won. The margin was narrow — less than two percentage points — but the value of the upset was enormous. The victory revived his campaign, and he took his fight all the way to the convention in Philadelphia, to the dismay of Clinton forces.”
“That history makes Michigan the most crucial of the six states with contests this Tuesday, but Sanders could struggle to repeat his performance of four years ago. He won’t be able to sneak up on Biden as he did with Clinton.”


politicalwire--2020-03-08--White House Overruled CDC on Seniors Flying

“ The White House overruled health officials who wanted to recommend that elderly and physically fragile Americans be advised not @ @ @ @ @ because of the new coronavirus , ” the AP reports .
“ The Centers for @ @ @ @ @ the plan this week as a way of trying to control the virus , but @ @ @ @ @ air travel recommendation be removed.
” Politico : “ For six weeks behind the scenes @ @ @ @ @ public , Trump has undermined his administration ’ s own efforts to fight the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ plan for worst-case scenarios , overturning a public-health plan upon request from political allies and @ @ @ @ @ he chose to hear .
”

“The White House overruled health officials who wanted to recommend that elderly and physically fragile Americans be advised not to fly on commercial airlines because of the new coronavirus,” the AP reports.
“The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention submitted the plan this week as a way of trying to control the virus, but White House officials ordered the air travel recommendation be removed.”
Politico: “For six weeks behind the scenes, and now increasingly in public, Trump has undermined his administration’s own efforts to fight the coronavirus outbreak — resisting attempts to plan for worst-case scenarios, overturning a public-health plan upon request from political allies and repeating only the warnings that he chose to hear.”


politicalwire--2020-03-08--Florida Woman Changed Voters’ Party Affiliations

“ A Florida woman was charged on Thursday after officials said she filled out 10 voter registration forms with false @ @ @ @ @ of which enrolled Democratic and independent voters in the Republican Party without their consent , @ @ @ @ @ reports .

“A Florida woman was charged on Thursday after officials said she filled out 10 voter registration forms with false information, at least six of which enrolled Democratic and independent voters in the Republican Party without their consent,” the New York Times reports.


politicalwire--2020-03-08--Mulvaney Suggested Trump Was Mentally Ill

“ In his new book , Front Row at the Trump Show , Jonathan Karl , the chief White House @ @ @ @ @ reports the surprising fact that one of those calls on Trump derangement came from inside @ @ @ @ @ Maureen Dowd reports .
“ Karl recounts that when Mick Mulvaney became acting chief of @ @ @ @ @ White House staffers to Camp David for a weekend retreat .
He recommended they read @ @ @ @ @ First-Rate Madness : Uncovering the Links Between Leadership and Mental Illness , by Nassir Ghaemi @ @ @ @ @ disorders program at Tufts Medical Center.
” As Karl writes : “ The new acting @ @ @ @ @ be saying President Trump was mentally ill — and that this was a good thing @ @ @ @ @ theory : Don ’ t try to control the man in the Oval Office .
@ @ @ @ @ is actually genius .
”

“In his new book, Front Row at the Trump Show, Jonathan Karl, the chief White House correspondent for ABC News, reports the surprising fact that one of those calls on Trump derangement came from inside the White House,” Maureen Dowd reports.
“Karl recounts that when Mick Mulvaney became acting chief of staff, he took senior White House staffers to Camp David for a weekend retreat. He recommended they read a 2011 book, A First-Rate Madness: Uncovering the Links Between Leadership and Mental Illness, by Nassir Ghaemi, director of the mood disorders program at Tufts Medical Center.”
As Karl writes: “The new acting chief of staff seemed to be saying President Trump was mentally ill — and that this was a good thing. The corollary to that theory: Don’t try to control the man in the Oval Office. What you think is madness is actually genius.”
￼


politicalwire--2020-03-08--Coronavirus Continues Its Rapid Spread

Coronavirus Continues Its Rapid Spread

“ Efforts to contain the coronavirus outbreak showed signs of faltering Saturday as Florida reported the United States ’ first @ @ @ @ @ , Washington , D.C. , confirmed its first case , and Italian leaders were scrambling @ @ @ @ @ lock down an entire region including Venice and Milan after reporting 1,000 new cases in @ @ @ @ @ Washington Post reports .
Los Angeles Times : California man had coronavirus before he boarded @ @ @

“Efforts to contain the coronavirus outbreak showed signs of faltering Saturday as Florida reported the United States’ first deaths outside the West Coast, Washington, D.C., confirmed its first case, and Italian leaders were scrambling on a plan that could lock down an entire region including Venice and Milan after reporting 1,000 new cases in 24 hours,” the Washington Post reports.
“The virus’s exact reach remains unknown.”
Los Angeles Times: California man had coronavirus before he boarded Grand Princess.


politicalwire--2020-03-07--Senate Candidate Accused of Running Over Wife’s Foot

The Rev .
Raphael Warnock , a Democrat running for U.S. Senate , was accused by his wife of running @ @ @ @ @ car during a heated argument days before he filed paperwork to officially seek the office @ @ @ @ @ report obtained by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution .


politicalwire--2020-03-08--Sanders and Biden Clash on Debate Format

“ Bernie Sanders wants to stand up at the next debate — and his campaign is accusing Joe Biden of @ @ @ @ @ ” Politico reports .
“ After a private call Friday with CNN , which is @ @ @ @ @ with the Democratic National Committee , Sanders ’ team balked at a new proposed format @ @ @ @ @ gives his opponent Biden too much of a break in their first one-on-one face-off .
@ @ @ @ @ that it was pressing for a sit-down debate .
”

“Bernie Sanders wants to stand up at the next debate — and his campaign is accusing Joe Biden of wanting to sit down,” Politico reports.
“After a private call Friday with CNN, which is moderating the March 15 debate with the Democratic National Committee, Sanders’ team balked at a new proposed format for debate, saying it gives his opponent Biden too much of a break in their first one-on-one face-off. Biden’s camp denied that it was pressing for a sit-down debate.”


politicalwire--2020-03-08--How Trump Made Coronavirus Crisis Worse

How Trump Made Coronavirus Crisis Worse

Politico : “ For six weeks behind the scenes , and now increasingly in public , Trump has undermined his @ @ @ @ @ to fight the coronavirus outbreak — resisting attempts to plan for worst-case scenarios , overturning @ @ @ @ @ from political allies and repeating only the warnings that he chose to hear.
” “ @ @ @ @ @ top officials like Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar and Centers for Disease Control @ @ @ @ @ government ’ s biggest mistake : failing to secure enough testing to head off a @ @ @ @ @ States .
But many current and former Trump administration officials say the true management failure @ @ @ @ @ ”

Politico: “For six weeks behind the scenes, and now increasingly in public, Trump has undermined his administration’s own efforts to fight the coronavirus outbreak — resisting attempts to plan for worst-case scenarios, overturning a public-health plan upon request from political allies and repeating only the warnings that he chose to hear.”
“Members of Congress have grilled top officials like Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar and Centers for Disease Control Director Robert Redfield over the government’s biggest mistake: failing to secure enough testing to head off a coronavirus outbreak in the United States. But many current and former Trump administration officials say the true management failure was Trump’s.”


politicalwire--2020-03-08--Trump Skipping Bipartisan Lunch

Trump Skipping Bipartisan Lunch

Playbook : “ President Trump is scheduled to skip the annual St. Patrick ’ s Day lunch in the Capitol @ @ @ @ @ Washington ’ s oldest time-honored bipartisan traditions , Hill sources tell us .
This is @ @ @ @ @ has skipped the lunch since 2003 , when George W. Bush sat it out days @ @ @ @ @ Iraq.
” “ This luncheon is traditionally hosted by the speaker of the House — @ @ @ @ @ s Nancy Pelosi .
The taoiseach of Ireland travels to the U.S. each year for @ @ @ @ @ .
”

Playbook: “President Trump is scheduled to skip the annual St. Patrick’s Day lunch in the Capitol this Thursday, one of Washington’s oldest time-honored bipartisan traditions, Hill sources tell us. This is the first time a president has skipped the lunch since 2003, when George W. Bush sat it out days before the United States invaded Iraq.”
“This luncheon is traditionally hosted by the speaker of the House — this year, that’s Nancy Pelosi. The taoiseach of Ireland travels to the U.S. each year for a visit around the lunch.”


politicalwire--2020-03-08--Surgeon General Says Trump Healthier Than He Is

After Surgeon General Jerome Adams , who is in his mid-40s , told CNN that older Americans and those with @ @ @ @ @ think very carefully ” before taking long flights or going into big crowds , he @ @ @ @ @ men currently running for president—Joe Biden , Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump—fall into that at @ @ @ @ @ of those categories , the Daily Beast reports .
Asked host Jake Tapper : “ @ @ @ @ @ ?
Should they stop holding rallies ?
” Without answering that question directly , Adams @ @ @ @ @ reminding President Trump to wash his hands frequently , adding “ But speaking of being @ @ @ @ @ , he sleeps less than I do and he ’ s healthier than what I @ @ @

After Surgeon General Jerome Adams, who is in his mid-40s, told CNN that older Americans and those with underlying medical issues should “think very carefully” before taking long flights or going into big crowds, he was reminded that all three men currently running for president—Joe Biden, Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump—fall into that at least one if not both of those categories, the Daily Beast reports.
Asked host Jake Tapper: “Should those three stop traveling? Should they stop holding rallies?”
Without answering that question directly, Adams said that he has been reminding President Trump to wash his hands frequently, adding “But speaking of being at risk, the president, he sleeps less than I do and he’s healthier than what I am.”


politicalwire--2020-03-08--Newspaper Stops Negative Stories on Fox News

CNN : “ The people who spoke to CNN Business said that they believed the Washington Examiner ’ s editor @ @ @ @ @ , handed down the order because he was afraid such stories would lead to the @ @ @ @ @ Prior to January 1 , the Examiner had published some stories critical of Fox News @ @ @ @ @ the stories have been almost uniformly positive for the network , including several articles touting @ @ @ @ @ .
”

CNN: “The people who spoke to CNN Business said that they believed the Washington Examiner’s editor in chief, Hugo Gurdon, handed down the order because he was afraid such stories would lead to the network blacklisting Examiner staffers. Prior to January 1, the Examiner had published some stories critical of Fox News. But since then, the stories have been almost uniformly positive for the network, including several articles touting Fox News’ ratings success.”


politicalwire--2020-03-08--Biden Says He Must Earn Obama’s Endorsement

Joe Biden told ABC News that he doesn ’ t believe President Obama ’ s lack of endorsement hurt his @ @ @ @ @ I don ’ t think it is time .
He and I talked about this @ @ @ @ @ I have to earn this on my own .
”

Joe Biden told ABC News that he doesn’t believe President Obama’s lack of endorsement hurt his campaign, adding: “I don’t think it is time. He and I talked about this from the very beginning. I have to earn this on my own.”


politicalwire--2020-03-08--Sanders Says Buttigieg, Klobuchar Pressured Out

Sen. Bernie Sanders told NBC News that if Pete Buttigieg and Amy Klobuchar didn ’ t drop out , he @ @ @ @ @ Minnesota and Massachusetts on Super Tuesday .
Said Sanders : “ The establishment put a @ @ @ @ @ Pete Buttigieg , on Amy Klobuchar who ran really aggressive campaigns .
Well , I @ @ @ @ @ They work really , really hard .
But suddenly right before Super Tuesday they announced @ @ @ @ @ : “ If they had not withdrawn from the race before Super Tuesday , which @ @ @ @ @ to a lot of people , I suspect we would have won in Minnesota , @ @ @ @ @ Maine , we would have won in Massachusetts .
The turnout may have been a @ @ @ @ @

Sen. Bernie Sanders told NBC News that if Pete Buttigieg and Amy Klobuchar didn’t drop out, he would have won Maine, Minnesota and Massachusetts on Super Tuesday.
Said Sanders: “The establishment put a great deal of pressure on Pete Buttigieg, on Amy Klobuchar who ran really aggressive campaigns. Well, I know both of them. They work really, really hard. But suddenly right before Super Tuesday they announced their withdrawal.”
He added: “If they had not withdrawn from the race before Super Tuesday, which is kind of a surprise to a lot of people, I suspect we would have won in Minnesota, we would have won in Maine, we would have won in Massachusetts. The turnout may have been a little bit different.”


politicalwire--2020-03-08--Jesse Jackson to Endorse Sanders

Jesse Jackson to Endorse Sanders

Rev .
Jesse Jackson will endorse Bernie Sanders for President at a Michigan rally , ABC News reports .
“ @ @ @ @ @ 1988 presidential bid and helped Jackson score a primary win in Vermont .
Now , @ @ @ @ @ ability to garner the support of black voters , Jackson is returning the favor .
@

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


politicalwire--2020-03-08--Trump Again Says Primaries Rigged Against Bernie

President Trump again claimed Democrats were rigging their presidential primaries against Sen. Bernie Sanders .
Said Trump : “ Did @ @ @ @ @ Elizabeth Warren to wait ?
If so , they were deadly , the race would @ @ @ @ @ Bernie would have won.
” He added : “ Dirty double dealing ?
Nobody knows @ @ @ @ @ will be the judge .
But I say , here we go AGAIN , Bernie @ @

President Trump again claimed Democrats were rigging their presidential primaries against Sen. Bernie Sanders.
Said Trump: “Did the DNC & Dems tell Elizabeth Warren to wait? If so, they were deadly, the race would have been over, & Bernie would have won.”
He added: “Dirty double dealing? Nobody knows for sure, & history will be the judge. But I say, here we go AGAIN, Bernie!”


politicalwire--2020-03-08--Romanoff Says He Defeated Hickenlooper In Caucuses

“ Andrew Romanoff claimed to have won a grassroots victory Saturday as he led John Hickenlooper , his better-funded and @ @ @ @ @ Senate , in statewide caucuses of Colorado Democrats , ” the Denver Post reports .
@ @ @ @ @ determine the number of delegates that candidates have at upcoming county caucuses .
Results there @ @ @ @ @ an April 18 state assembly , where candidates will need at least 30 % support @ @ @ @ @ on June 30 primary ballots .
”

“Andrew Romanoff claimed to have won a grassroots victory Saturday as he led John Hickenlooper, his better-funded and better-staffed rival for the U.S. Senate, in statewide caucuses of Colorado Democrats,” the Denver Post reports.
“Precinct caucus results will determine the number of delegates that candidates have at upcoming county caucuses. Results there will determine delegate counts at an April 18 state assembly, where candidates will need at least 30% support to have their names placed on June 30 primary ballots.”


politicalwire--2020-03-08--Kamala Harris Endorses Biden

Kamala Harris Endorses Biden

Sen. Kamala Harris endorsed Joe Biden for president on Sunday , saying that he “ has served our country with @ @ @ @ @ now more than ever.
” Harris is the fifth former rival to endorse Biden since @ @ @ @ @ South Carolina primary , the Washington Post reports .

Sen. Kamala Harris endorsed Joe Biden for president on Sunday, saying that he “has served our country with dignity and we need him now more than ever.”
Harris is the fifth former rival to endorse Biden since his commanding victory in the South Carolina primary, the Washington Post reports.


politicalwire--2020-03-08--Top Saudi Royal Family Members Detained

Top Saudi Royal Family Members Detained

Wall Street Journal : “ Saudi Arabian authorities detained two of the kingdom ’ s most prominent figures for an @ @ @ @ @ consolidating the power of the king ’ s son , Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman @ @ @ @ @ rivals to the throne.
” “ The detentions occurred early Friday morning when guards from @ @ @ @ @ and dressed in black arrived at the homes of the two men , took them @ @ @ @ @ homes , according to people familiar with the matter .

Wall Street Journal: “Saudi Arabian authorities detained two of the kingdom’s most prominent figures for an alleged coup attempt, further consolidating the power of the king’s son, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and clearing away once-formidable rivals to the throne.”
“The detentions occurred early Friday morning when guards from the royal court wearing masks and dressed in black arrived at the homes of the two men, took them into custody and searched their homes, according to people familiar with the matter.


politicalwire--2020-03-08--Democrats Boosted Their Senate Hopes This Week

Politico ; “ Joe Biden surged to the top of the presidential primary , temporarily calming widespread fear about running @ @ @ @ @ the top of their ticket .
Candidates handpicked by the national party advanced in Senate @ @ @ @ @ Texas .
And their long , uphill quest to get Montana Gov .
Steve Bullock @ @ @ @ @ looking increasingly likely to pay off ahead of Monday ’ s filing deadline.
” “ @ @ @ @ @ significant challenge for Democrats to recapture the chamber , and they have to run the @ @ @ @ @ competitive races , many in red-leaning states President Donald Trump won in 2016 .
But @ @ @ @ @ target list , party officials are growing more upbeat about their chances .
”

Politico; “Joe Biden surged to the top of the presidential primary, temporarily calming widespread fear about running with Sen. Bernie Sanders at the top of their ticket. Candidates handpicked by the national party advanced in Senate primaries in North Carolina and Texas. And their long, uphill quest to get Montana Gov. Steve Bullock to run for Senate is looking increasingly likely to pay off ahead of Monday’s filing deadline.”
“It’s still a significant challenge for Democrats to recapture the chamber, and they have to run the table in a series of competitive races, many in red-leaning states President Donald Trump won in 2016. But with Montana potentially expanding the target list, party officials are growing more upbeat about their chances.”


politicalwire--2020-03-08--Bonus Quote of the Day

Bonus Quote of the Day

“ Well , that wasn ’ t her thoughts when I came here to help her get elected , as @ @ @ @ @ — Bernie Sanders , quoted by the New York Times , when asked about Michigan @ @ @ @ @ s endorsement of Joe Biden ’ s .

“Well, that wasn’t her thoughts when I came here to help her get elected, as a matter of fact.”
— Bernie Sanders, quoted by the New York Times, when asked about Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s endorsement of Joe Biden’s.


politicalwire--2020-03-08--Democrats Relive 2020 Primary All Over Again

Politico ; “ One top contender is struggling to make inroads with African Americans .
The other , establishment frontrunner @ @ @ @ @ away .
Michigan could bury a campaign — or revive it .
A messy national @ @ @ @ @ ” “ The 2020 Democratic primary is back where it was in 2016 .
Joe @ @ @ @ @ and Bernie Sanders is playing himself .
The dramatic differences between the early stages of @ @ @ @ @ faded , and as this year ’ s contest moves past Super Tuesday , it @ @ @ @ @ feel .
”

Politico; “One top contender is struggling to make inroads with African Americans. The other, establishment frontrunner is struggling to put him away. Michigan could bury a campaign — or revive it. A messy national convention looms in the distance.”
“The 2020 Democratic primary is back where it was in 2016. Joe Biden is Hillary Clinton, and Bernie Sanders is playing himself. The dramatic differences between the early stages of the two primaries have now faded, and as this year’s contest moves past Super Tuesday, it is taking on a familiar feel.”


politicalwire--2020-03-08--Mark Meadows Expected to Shake Up Top Staff

New York Times : “ Meadows ’ arrival almost surely signals more changes to follow , as most of Mr. @ @ @ @ @ others on his team are expected to leave , too , possibly including Emma Doyle @ @ @ @ @ and Joe Grogan , the domestic policy adviser .
”


politicalwire--2020-03-08--Do Trump Rallies Really Attract ‘Hidden Voters’?

Politico : “ In total , the campaign has identified more than 1.4 million potential voters from their events since @ @ @ @ @ the raucous Make America Great Again rallies .
But most importantly , the campaign says @ @ @ @ @ people who have failed to cast a ballot in recent years , people who aren @ @ @ @ @ , even people who say they are Democrats .
Nearly 10 percent of those registered @ @ @ @ @ not voted in at least three of the last four elections while up to a @ @ @ @ @ campaign claims.
” “ It might seem like a small slice of the overall electorate @ @ @ @ @ race that is likely to be decided in the margins , the Trump campaign thinks @ @ @ @ @ a few new voters and converting small pockets of traditionally Democratic voters .
”

Politico: “In total, the campaign has identified more than 1.4 million potential voters from their events since Inauguration Day 2017, primarily the raucous Make America Great Again rallies. But most importantly, the campaign says that dataset includes thousands of people who have failed to cast a ballot in recent years, people who aren’t traditional Republican voters, even people who say they are Democrats. Nearly 10 percent of those registered, for example, had not voted in at least three of the last four elections while up to a quarter are Democrats, the campaign claims.”
“It might seem like a small slice of the overall electorate, but in a 2020 race that is likely to be decided in the margins, the Trump campaign thinks it can succeed by mobilizing a few new voters and converting small pockets of traditionally Democratic voters.”
CBS News: Trump wont stop rallies over coronavirus.


politicalwire--2020-03-09--Coronavirus Is an Enemy Trump Can’t Tweet Away

New York Times : “ For a president who lives in the moment , rarely planning too far ahead , the coronavirus has proved to be a leadership challenge he was not prepared for either .
The outbreak that has rattled the nation does not respond to Mr. Trump ’ s favorite instruments of power : It can not be cowed by Twitter posts , it can not be shot down by drones , it can not be overcome by party solidarity , it can not be overpowered by campaign rally chants.
” “ Mr .
Trump , who is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a human enemy to attack , has seemed less certain of how to take on an invisible killer .
The role of calming natural leader is not one that has come easily as he struggles to find the balance between public reassurance and Panglossian dismissiveness .
He has predicted that the virus will ‘ miraculously ’ disappear on its own with warmer weather , suggested a vaccine will be available soon and insisted anyone who wants to be tested can be — all overstated or inaccurate.
” “ He has expressed an astonishing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time claiming to be a medical savant .
”

New York Times: “For a president who lives in the moment, rarely planning too far ahead, the coronavirus has proved to be a leadership challenge he was not prepared for either. The outbreak that has rattled the nation does not respond to Mr. Trump’s favorite instruments of power: It cannot be cowed by Twitter posts, it cannot be shot down by drones, it cannot be overcome by party solidarity, it cannot be overpowered by campaign rally chants.”
“Mr. Trump, who is at his strongest politically when he has a human enemy to attack, has seemed less certain of how to take on an invisible killer. The role of calming natural leader is not one that has come easily as he struggles to find the balance between public reassurance and Panglossian dismissiveness. He has predicted that the virus will ‘miraculously’ disappear on its own with warmer weather, suggested a vaccine will be available soon and insisted anyone who wants to be tested can be — all overstated or inaccurate.”
“He has expressed an astonishing lack of knowledge while at the same time claiming to be a medical savant.”


politicalwire--2020-03-09--Anxiety In an Aging Congress

Anxiety In an Aging Congress

NBC News : “ Members of Congress are becoming increasingly anxious about coronavirus , and there is growing pressure on @ @ @ @ @ protect lawmakers — even potentially recessing for a period of weeks — two Democratic congressional @ @ @ @ @


politicalwire--2020-03-09--Michigan Might Not Be So Kind to Bernie This Time

Tim Alberta : “ Sanders ’ s team has long trumpeted his Michigan triumph as evidence of his ability to @ @ @ @ @ defeat the Democratic establishment .
But a closer look at that contest , taken in @ @ @ @ @ ’ s primary results , suggests that Sanders ’ s own weaknesses are about to @ @ @ @ @ that , in turn , means winning Michigan will be far more difficult this time @ @ @ @ @ party insiders expect Democratic turnout will spike among groups unfavorable to him—blacks and suburbanites , @ @ @ @ @ an opponent in Joe Biden who comes into the state with a head of steam @ @ @ @ @ ’ desire to coalesce behind an alternative to Trump , and who will compete for @ @ @ @ @ a way Clinton never did .
”

Tim Alberta: “Sanders’s team has long trumpeted his Michigan triumph as evidence of his ability to assemble a unique coalition and defeat the Democratic establishment. But a closer look at that contest, taken in the context of this year’s primary results, suggests that Sanders’s own weaknesses are about to be exposed.”
“And that, in turn, means winning Michigan will be far more difficult this time around. Not only do party insiders expect Democratic turnout will spike among groups unfavorable to him—blacks and suburbanites, in particular—but he now faces an opponent in Joe Biden who comes into the state with a head of steam, who benefits from Democrats’ desire to coalesce behind an alternative to Trump, and who will compete for independents and working-class whites in a way Clinton never did.”


politicalwire--2020-03-09--James Biden’s Ventures Face Growing Legal Morass

Politico : “ A mysterious FBI raid .
New allegations from former executives .
Questions are swirling about the business @ @ @ @ @ s brother .
”


politicalwire--2020-03-09--White House and Fed at Odds Over Crisis

White House and Fed at Odds Over Crisis

Washington Post : “ As he concluded meetings in Saudi Arabia on Feb. 23 , Federal Reserve Chair Jerome H. @ @ @ @ @ his staff about the coronavirus .
The outbreak was escalating in South Korea , Italy @ @ @ @ @ central bank needed to intensify its response to the economic shock.
” “ While Fed @ @ @ @ @ scenarios of what could go wrong , senior White House officials both privately and publicly @ @ @ @ @ no reason for concern .
On Feb. 25 , as Powell began meeting with staff @ @ @ @ @ White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow said the U.S. had an almost ‘ airtight ’ @ @ @ @ @ a day after urging investors to ‘ buy these dips ’ in the stock market @ @

Washington Post: “As he concluded meetings in Saudi Arabia on Feb. 23, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome H. Powell sent urgent emails to his staff about the coronavirus. The outbreak was escalating in South Korea, Italy and Iran, and the central bank needed to intensify its response to the economic shock.”
“While Fed economists began to run through scenarios of what could go wrong, senior White House officials both privately and publicly maintained that there was virtually no reason for concern. On Feb. 25, as Powell began meeting with staff to prepare contingency plans, White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow said the U.S. had an almost ‘airtight’ containment on the outbreak, a day after urging investors to ‘buy these dips’ in the stock market.”


politicalwire--2020-03-09--CDC Warns Against Long Plane Trips and Cruises

“ New guidance from the CDC urges travelers , especially the elderly and those with compromised health , to avoid @ @ @ @ @ especially ’ cruises — a stark shift in rhetoric from an administration that had previously @ @ @ @ @ from moving around the globe , ” Politico reports .
CNN : How Trump was @ @ @ @ @ CDC .

“New guidance from the CDC urges travelers, especially the elderly and those with compromised health, to avoid long plane trips ‘and especially’ cruises — a stark shift in rhetoric from an administration that had previously appeared reluctant to discourage Americans from moving around the globe,” Politico reports.
CNN: How Trump was out of step with the CDC.


politicalwire--2020-03-09--Pompeo Switches Disease Name to ‘Wuhan Virus’

“ The U.S. and China appeared headed towards a fresh row on Friday after Washington ’ s top diplomat Mike @ @ @ @ @ running referred to the coronavirus as the ‘ Wuhan virus ’ – ignoring pleas from @ @ @ @ @ for the public to avoid using names for the Covid-19 disease that could incite racial @ @ @ @ @ China Morning Post reports .
“ Pompeo ’ s new nomenclature for the virus coincided @ @ @ @ @ criticism that President Trump ’ s administration is facing over its response to community transmission @ @ @ @ @ United States .
”

“The U.S. and China appeared headed towards a fresh row on Friday after Washington’s top diplomat Mike Pompeo for the second day running referred to the coronavirus as the ‘Wuhan virus’ – ignoring pleas from Beijing and world health officials for the public to avoid using names for the Covid-19 disease that could incite racial discrimination,” the South China Morning Post reports.
“Pompeo’s new nomenclature for the virus coincided with a rising tide of criticism that President Trump’s administration is facing over its response to community transmission of the virus in the United States.”


politicalwire--2020-03-09--Oil Price Declines Roil Global Markets

Oil Price Declines Roil Global Markets

“ Oil prices tumbled by roughly 20 % on the prospect of a Saudi-led energy glut , hammering global shares and fueling a fresh surge in demand for Treasurys and other safe assets .
U.S. stock futures fell by the maximum 5 % allowed in a single session , ” the Wall Street Journal reports .
“ Investors were responding to Saudi Arabia ’ s decision to cut most of its oil prices and boost output , despite existing threats to demand from the coronavirus epidemic .
Trading in futures tied to the S & P 500 was limited for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Donald Trump won the U.S. election in 2016.
” “ U.S .
government bonds , which have already rallied to unprecedented highs , extended gains .
The yield on the benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasury note fell 0.239 percentage points to 0.529 % and the equivalent 30-year yield declined to 1.028 % .
” Bloomberg : “ The entire Treasury yield curve tumbled , trading below 1 % for the first time in history as investors grappled with the worst global crisis in more than a decade .
A drop to 0 % is @ @ @ @ @ @ @

“Oil prices tumbled by roughly 20% on the prospect of a Saudi-led energy glut, hammering global shares and fueling a fresh surge in demand for Treasurys and other safe assets. U.S. stock futures fell by the maximum 5% allowed in a single session,” the Wall Street Journal reports.
“Investors were responding to Saudi Arabia’s decision to cut most of its oil prices and boost output, despite existing threats to demand from the coronavirus epidemic. Trading in futures tied to the S&P 500 was limited for the first time since shortly after President Donald Trump won the U.S. election in 2016.”
“U.S. government bonds, which have already rallied to unprecedented highs, extended gains. The yield on the benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasury note fell 0.239 percentage points to 0.529% and the equivalent 30-year yield declined to 1.028%.”
Bloomberg: “The entire Treasury yield curve tumbled, trading below 1% for the first time in history as investors grappled with the worst global crisis in more than a decade. A drop to 0% is now priced in swap markets.”


politicalwire--2020-03-09--Two GOP Lawmakers Will Self-Quarantine

Two GOP Lawmakers Will Self-Quarantine

Sen. Ted Cruz ( R-TX ) and Rep. Paul Gosar ( R-AZ ) separately said they will self-quarantine after interacting @ @ @ @ @ positive for the novel coronavirus at the recent Conservative Political Action Conference , CNN reports @


politicalwire--2020-03-09--Trump in the Time of the Coronavirus

Trump in the Time of the Coronavirus

David Remnick : “ The first official act of the Trump Administration was the Inauguration—and , within hours , a @ @ @ @ @ House press room about how this had been ‘ the largest audience to ever witness @ @ @ @ @ both in person and around the globe . '
” “ That episode seems so @ @ @ @ @ thousands of lies ago .
But as the world now faces a pandemic , it @ @ @ @ @ to recall that norm-setting performance and to admit what has been demonstrated on a daily @ @ @ @ @ who carries ultimate responsibility for the public safety of American citizens : Donald Trump is @ @ @ @ @ of science , and hostage to the demands of his insatiable ego .
”

David Remnick: “The first official act of the Trump Administration was the Inauguration—and, within hours, a lie delivered from the White House press room about how this had been ‘the largest audience to ever witness an Inauguration, period, both in person and around the globe.'”
“That episode seems so long ago, and many thousands of lies ago. But as the world now faces a pandemic, it has never been more essential to recall that norm-setting performance and to admit what has been demonstrated on a daily basis about the public official who carries ultimate responsibility for the public safety of American citizens: Donald Trump is incapable of truth, heedless of science, and hostage to the demands of his insatiable ego.”


politicalwire--2020-03-09--Trump Says He’ll Ask for Payroll Tax Cut

In response to economic turmoil caused by the coronavirus outbreak , President Trump said he will ask Congress for a @ @ @ @ @ relief ” during meetings with Republican leaders tomorrow , the Washington Post reports .
Said @ @ @ @ @ earners getting help … so that they don ’ t get penalized for something that @ @ @ @ @ .
It ’ s not their fault , it ’ s not our country ’ @ @ @ @ @ not address any public health solutions to the outbreak and would not take questions but @ @ @ @ @ news conference tomorrow .

In response to economic turmoil caused by the coronavirus outbreak, President Trump said he will ask Congress for a “payroll tax cut or relief” during meetings with Republican leaders tomorrow, the Washington Post reports.
Said Trump: “Hourly wage earners getting help … so that they don’t get penalized for something that’s not their fault. It’s not their fault, it’s not our country’s fault.”
Trump did not address any public health solutions to the outbreak and would not take questions but said he would hold a news conference tomorrow.


politicalwire--2020-03-09--Bloomberg Fires Staff Despite Promises

Bloomberg Fires Staff Despite Promises

“ Mike Bloomberg ’ s shuttered presidential campaign is firing staffers across the country and inviting them to reapply for @ @ @ @ @ committee — despite extending guarantees of being paid through the November election when they were @ @ @ @ @ .
“ The consolation prize : They get to keep their Bloomberg-issued iPhones and MacBooks @ @

“Mike Bloomberg’s shuttered presidential campaign is firing staffers across the country and inviting them to reapply for jobs on his new independent committee — despite extending guarantees of being paid through the November election when they were hired,” Politico reports.
“The consolation prize: They get to keep their Bloomberg-issued iPhones and MacBooks.”


politicalwire--2020-03-09--Gohmert Refusing to Quarantine Himself

Gohmert Refusing to Quarantine Himself

Rep. Louie Gohmert ( R-TX ) said he is refusing to quarantine himself despite interacting with someone at CPAC who @ @ @ @ @ .

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


politicalwire--2020-03-09--Trump Expected to Speak on Coronavirus

Trump Expected to Speak on Coronavirus

President Trump is expected to speak at the White House after 6 p.m. Vice President Mike Pence and members of @ @ @ @ @ also expected to be there .
The statement will be live streamed .
Please leave @ @ @ @ @ .

President Trump is expected to speak at the White House after 6 p.m. Vice President Mike Pence and members of the Coronavius Task Forces are also expected to be there.
The statement will be live streamed.
Please leave your reactions in the comments.


politicalwire--2020-03-09--Trump Administration Keeps Contradicting Itself on Virus

Washington Post : “ Over the past 30 days , Trump and members of his administration have contradicted other Trump @ @ @ @ @ on various parts of the coronavirus response .
”


politicalwire--2020-03-09--Bloomberg May Target Trump Family Business Dealings

Bloomberg adviser Tim O ’ Brien hinted on MSNBC that Mike Bloomberg may take aim at President Trump ’ s @ @ @ @ @ if Trump continues his allegations that Hunter Biden inappropriately made money in Ukraine while his @ @ @ @ @ Said O ’ Brien : “ If the Republicans really want to make an issue @ @ @ @ @ is going to be a scorched earth response aimed at all of the Trump children @ @ @ @ @ ’ ve experienced thus far in the media .
”

Bloomberg adviser Tim O’Brien hinted on MSNBC that Mike Bloomberg may take aim at President Trump’s family’s business dealings if Trump continues his allegations that Hunter Biden inappropriately made money in Ukraine while his father was vice president.
Said O’Brien: “If the Republicans really want to make an issue out of Hunter Biden… there is going to be a scorched earth response aimed at all of the Trump children that is unlike anything they’ve experienced thus far in the media.”


politicalwire--2020-03-09--Obama Fundraiser Calls on 700 Bundlers to Back Biden

Rufus Gifford , the architect of President Barack Obama ’ s 2012 fundraising juggernaut , has reached out to more @ @ @ @ @ bid to convince them to back Joe Biden ’ s candidacy as he rides momentum @ @ @ @ @ , CNBC reports .


politicalwire--2020-03-09--Italy Extends Lockdown to Entire Country

“ Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte announced Monday that the government has extended internal travel restrictions to the entire country @ @ @ @ @ the country ’ s northern region in an effort to contain the coronavirus , ” @ @ @ @ @ ’ s an extreme measure that effectively locks down 60 million people in one of @ @ @ @ @ Europe , where more people have tested positive for the coronavirus than any country outside @ @ @ @

“Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte announced Monday that the government has extended internal travel restrictions to the entire country, after initially locking down the country’s northern region in an effort to contain the coronavirus,” Axios reports.
“It’s an extreme measure that effectively locks down 60 million people in one of the most populated countries in Europe, where more people have tested positive for the coronavirus than any country outside of China.”


politicalwire--2020-03-09--Matt Gaetz Will Self-Quarantine

Matt Gaetz Will Self-Quarantine

Rep. Matt Gaetz ( R-FL ) , who made light of the coronavirus outbreak by wearing a gas mask , @ @ @ @ @ into contact with a person who tested positive for the coronavirus .
Gaetz was on @ @ @ @ @ Trump earlier today , CBS News reports .

Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL), who made light of the coronavirus outbreak by wearing a gas mask, is now self-quarantining after coming into contact with a person who tested positive for the coronavirus.
Gaetz was on Air Force One with President Trump earlier today, CBS News reports.


politicalwire--2020-03-09--Stocks Down 8% In Worst Day Since 2008

Stocks Down 8% In Worst Day Since 2008

“ U.S .
stocks careened lower Monday , pushing major indexes closer to bear-market territory as a price war for @ @ @ @ @ investors , ” the Wall Street Journal reports .
“ The selling was heavy across @ @ @ @ @ investors seeking shelter in government bonds and sending Treasury yields to new lows .
U.S. @ @ @ @ @ the open to trigger a 15-minute trading halt.
” “ As of 4 p.m. Eastern @ @ @ @ @ 2,014 points , or 7.8 % , its sharpest daily decline since 2008 .
”

“U.S. stocks careened lower Monday, pushing major indexes closer to bear-market territory as a price war for oil and coronavirus fallout frightened investors,” the Wall Street Journal reports.
“The selling was heavy across markets and geographies, with investors seeking shelter in government bonds and sending Treasury yields to new lows. U.S. stocks fell hard enough after the open to trigger a 15-minute trading halt.”
“As of 4 p.m. Eastern time, the Dow sank 2,014 points, or 7.8%, its sharpest daily decline since 2008.”


politicalwire--2020-03-09--Doug Collins Will Self-Quarantine

Doug Collins Will Self-Quarantine

Rep. Doug Collins ( R-GA ) announced that he would self-quarantine at his home after coming into contact with a @ @ @ @ @ for the novel coronavirus , The Hill reports .
Said Collins : “ This afternoon @ @ @ @ @ CPAC that they discovered a photo of myself and the patient who has tested positive @ @ @ @ @ feel completely healthy and I am not experiencing any symptoms , I have decided to @ @ @ @ @ the remainder of the 14-day period out of an abundance of caution.
” Collins was @ @ @ @ @ Trump before his CDC tour in Atlanta last Friday .

Rep. Doug Collins (R-GA) announced that he would self-quarantine at his home after coming into contact with a person who later tested positive for the novel coronavirus, The Hill reports.
Said Collins: “This afternoon, I was notified by CPAC that they discovered a photo of myself and the patient who has tested positive for coronavirus. While I feel completely healthy and I am not experiencing any symptoms, I have decided to self-quarantine at my home for the remainder of the 14-day period out of an abundance of caution.”
Collins was recently shaking hands with President Trump before his CDC tour in Atlanta last Friday.


politicalwire--2020-03-09--20% of Maine Republicans Wouldn’t Vote for Trump

“ Roughly one in five Republican voters in Maine ’ s largest towns left President Trump ’ s oval blank @ @ @ @ @ during Tuesday ’ s presidential primary , ” the Portland Press Herald reports .
“ @ @ @ @ @ , who could choose among 12 candidates listed on the ballot , Maine Republicans had @ @ @ @ @ their party ’ s nominee during the Super Tuesday primary : Donald Trump .
”

“Roughly one in five Republican voters in Maine’s largest towns left President Trump’s oval blank or wrote in another name during Tuesday’s presidential primary,” the Portland Press Herald reports.
“Unlike Democratic voters in Maine, who could choose among 12 candidates listed on the ballot, Maine Republicans had only one official option for their party’s nominee during the Super Tuesday primary: Donald Trump.”


politicalwire--2020-03-09--Biden Favored By Most Democrats for Nomination

A new Quinnipiac poll shows Joe Biden crushing Bernie Sanders among Democrats nationally in the race for the presidential nomination @ @ @ @ @ % .
Said pollster Tim Malloy : “ It ’ s down to two and @ @ @ @ @ Biden resurgence could be a fatal blow to the Sanders revolution.
” In a general @ @ @ @ @ leads President Trump by double-digits , 52 % to 41 % .
More from Malloy @ @ @ @ @ for the Trump camp in these numbers is the comparative assessment of which candidate can @ @ @ @ @ is Biden hands down .
Couple that with an approval rating frozen in the low @ @ @ @ @ on leadership , honesty , and empathy for fellow Americans , and team Trump has @ @ @ @ @ ”

A new Quinnipiac poll shows Joe Biden crushing Bernie Sanders among Democrats nationally in the race for the presidential nomination, 54% to 35%.
Said pollster Tim Malloy: “It’s down to two and looks very much like the Biden resurgence could be a fatal blow to the Sanders revolution.”
In a general election match up, Biden leads President Trump by double-digits, 52% to 41%.
More from Malloy: “Perhaps most troubling for the Trump camp in these numbers is the comparative assessment of which candidate can handle a crisis: it is Biden hands down. Couple that with an approval rating frozen in the low forties and comparatively terrible numbers on leadership, honesty, and empathy for fellow Americans, and team Trump has a formidable fight ahead.”


politicalwire--2020-03-09--Travelers Returning to Israel Will Enter Isolation

Jerusalem Post : “ All Israelis returning to the country from abroad will be required to enter into 14 days @ @ @ @ @ minister said .
The measure is effective immediately .
”


politicalwire--2020-03-09--Nationwide Coronavirus Testing Will Take 8 Weeks

Former Obama health care adviser Andy Slavit : “ Because we can ’ t get a straight answer from the @ @ @ @ @ checked with lab companies .
The best estimate is it will be 8 weeks before @ @ @ @ @ testing we need .
”

Former Obama health care adviser Andy Slavit: “Because we can’t get a straight answer from the Trump Administration, I have checked with lab companies. The best estimate is it will be 8 weeks before we have all the nationwide testing we need.”


politicalwire--2020-03-09--Trump Said to Be Terrified of Coronovirus

Gabriel Sherman : “ As Trump pushes a nothing-to-see-here message in public , sources said he ’ s privately terrified @ @ @ @ @ about Trump ’ s coronavirus fears have spread through the White House .
Last week @ @ @ @ @ s afraid journalists will try to purposefully contract coronavirus to give it to him on @ @ @ @ @ also said Trump has asked the Secret Service to set up a screening program and @ @ @ @ @ cough from the White House grounds.
” Said a source : “ He ’ s @ @ @ @ @ ” “ But thus far Trump ’ s private concerns haven ’ t affected his @ @ @ @

Gabriel Sherman: “As Trump pushes a nothing-to-see-here message in public, sources said he’s privately terrified about getting the virus… Stories about Trump’s coronavirus fears have spread through the White House. Last week Trump told aides he’s afraid journalists will try to purposefully contract coronavirus to give it to him on Air Force One… The source also said Trump has asked the Secret Service to set up a screening program and bar anyone who has a cough from the White House grounds.”
Said a source: “He’s definitely melting down over this.”
“But thus far Trump’s private concerns haven’t affected his public response.”


politicalwire--2020-03-09--Iran Has Far More Coronavirus Cases

Iran Has Far More Coronavirus Cases

The Atlantic : “ As of yesterday , according to Johns Hopkins University ’ s Coronavirus Resource Center , Iran @ @ @ @ @ , or about one in every 12,000 people in its population .
The first case @ @ @ @ @ Right now Iran is third behind China ( 80,695 ) and South Korea ( 7,314 @ @ @ @ @ of Italy ( 5,883 ) .
But the official Iranian number is almost certainly an @ @ @ @ @ the Iranian government ’ s attempt to hide a desperate situation for which it is @ @ @ @ @ the final history of the coronavirus epidemic of 2020 is written , it may go @ @ @ @ @ disease started in China , but it became finally and irrevocably uncontained in Iran .
@ @ @ @ @ is much higher than currently disclosed tells the rest of the world that the epidemic @ @ @ @ @ official statistics indicate .
”

The Atlantic: “As of yesterday, according to Johns Hopkins University’s Coronavirus Resource Center, Iran has reported 6,566 COVID-19 cases, or about one in every 12,000 people in its population. The first case appeared on February 19. Right now Iran is third behind China (80,695) and South Korea (7,314), and just ahead of Italy (5,883). But the official Iranian number is almost certainly an undercount, probably due to the Iranian government’s attempt to hide a desperate situation for which it is partially responsible.”
“When the final history of the coronavirus epidemic of 2020 is written, it may go something like this: The disease started in China, but it became finally and irrevocably uncontained in Iran. Knowing that the Iranian number is much higher than currently disclosed tells the rest of the world that the epidemic is even further along than official statistics indicate.”


politicalwire--2020-03-09--Bloomberg Bankrolls Effort to Register Black Voters

Mike Bloomberg has poured $ 2 million into efforts to boost turnout by African-American voters in eight key states , @ @ @ @ @ to continue bankrolling Democratic causes ahead of November ’ s elections , CBS News reports @


Trump’s Chernobyl

Brian Klass : “ On Saturday , April 26 , 1986 , the No .
4 reactor at Chernobyl power station exploded just outside the town of Pripyat in the Soviet Union .
During the crucial early hours of the disaster , a cascading series of mistakes exacerbated the emergency .
Subordinates who feared their superiors kept quiet .
Superiors who feared contradicting the prevailing mythology of the state — and its leader — bent and broke reality .
They made a series of smaller lies to protect the big lie : that the Soviet Union had everything under control.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Protecting myths , rather than people , is deadly.
” “ The rapidly worsening coronavirus outbreak is President Trump ’ s Chernobyl .
By putting dangerous myths above objective facts , Trump has turned the crucial early phases of government response into a disaster .
Some public health experts in government have undoubtedly kept quiet , having seen repeatedly what happens to those who publicly contradict this president .
And Trump himself , along with those who surround him , has tried to construct a reality that simply does not exist .
@

Brian Klass: “On Saturday, April 26, 1986, the No. 4 reactor at Chernobyl power station exploded just outside the town of Pripyat in the Soviet Union. During the crucial early hours of the disaster, a cascading series of mistakes exacerbated the emergency. Subordinates who feared their superiors kept quiet. Superiors who feared contradicting the prevailing mythology of the state — and its leader — bent and broke reality. They made a series of smaller lies to protect the big lie: that the Soviet Union had everything under control.”
“During crises, ideology kills. Protecting myths, rather than people, is deadly.”
“The rapidly worsening coronavirus outbreak is President Trump’s Chernobyl. By putting dangerous myths above objective facts, Trump has turned the crucial early phases of government response into a disaster. Some public health experts in government have undoubtedly kept quiet, having seen repeatedly what happens to those who publicly contradict this president. And Trump himself, along with those who surround him, has tried to construct a reality that simply does not exist.”


politicalwire--2020-03-09--Watching the Probable Demise of Trump in Real Time

Jonathan Chait : “ President Trump ’ s political career has consisted of a series of self-generated crises that he has improbably survived , from insinuating that John McCain was a coward for having been captured during the war that Trump himself dodged to the three-year-long high-crime ( and misdemeanor ) spree .
Throughout these disasters , Trump has maintained a floor of support that is apparently immutable and just high enough to give him a plausible chance of reelection .
Yet the pair of crises now enveloping the administration appear to be of a completely different political magnitude than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It may now really , finally , truly be over for him.
” “ The obvious factor distinguishing the coronavirus and the probable recession from the Access Hollywood tape , firing James Comey , and all the rest is that they have a tangible impact on the lives of Americans .
( Or , to put it more precisely , Americans who have voting representation , unlike Puerto Ricans . )
Trump ’ s continuous din of scandals and gaffes is unintelligible to many Americans who either do not follow the news @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and who have instead judged his presidency by the direct experience of peace and prosperity .
Trump has done one very big thing very well : He rebranded the economic expansion he inherited as his own creation , like the licensing deals he makes to splash the Trump name over hotels and resorts other people built .
Trump ’ s handling of the coronavirus turns his greatest strength into perhaps his greatest liability .
”

Jonathan Chait: “President Trump’s political career has consisted of a series of self-generated crises that he has improbably survived, from insinuating that John McCain was a coward for having been captured during the war that Trump himself dodged to the three-year-long high-crime (and misdemeanor) spree. Throughout these disasters, Trump has maintained a floor of support that is apparently immutable and just high enough to give him a plausible chance of reelection. Yet the pair of crises now enveloping the administration appear to be of a completely different political magnitude than anything that has faced Trump to date. It may now really, finally, truly be over for him.”
“The obvious factor distinguishing the coronavirus and the probable recession from the Access Hollywood tape, firing James Comey, and all the rest is that they have a tangible impact on the lives of Americans. (Or, to put it more precisely, Americans who have voting representation, unlike Puerto Ricans.) Trump’s continuous din of scandals and gaffes is unintelligible to many Americans who either do not follow the news closely, or follow Trump-controlled news organs, and who have instead judged his presidency by the direct experience of peace and prosperity. Trump has done one very big thing very well: He rebranded the economic expansion he inherited as his own creation, like the licensing deals he makes to splash the Trump name over hotels and resorts other people built. Trump’s handling of the coronavirus turns his greatest strength into perhaps his greatest liability.”


politicalwire--2020-03-10--Biden Shifts to Shorter Speeches

Biden Shifts to Shorter Speeches

Washington Post : “ As Joe Biden cradles a delegate lead through the handful of primary states that will vote @ @ @ @ @ a rarely used weapon in what has become a two-man battle for the Democratic presidential @ @ @ @ @ Biden ’ s event in St. Louis , framed by the Gateway Arch , clocked @ @ @ @ @ Saturday .
A short time later , at a windswept event in Kansas City , @ @ @ @ @ cars after Biden wrapped up in 12 minutes .
His longest speech of the weekend @ @ @ @ @ Tougaloo College in Jackson , Miss.
, didn ’ t quite make 15 minutes.
” @ @ @ @ @ shift for Biden , 77 , who in five decades of political office and three @ @ @ @ @ had a reputation for breviloquence .
It ’ s a habit perhaps nurtured in the @ @ @ @ @ on limitless debate and has a special term — filibuster — for talking endlessly .
@

Washington Post: “As Joe Biden cradles a delegate lead through the handful of primary states that will vote Tuesday, he has unleashed a rarely used weapon in what has become a two-man battle for the Democratic presidential nomination: Brevity.”
“Biden’s event in St. Louis, framed by the Gateway Arch, clocked in at around seven minutes Saturday. A short time later, at a windswept event in Kansas City, people were streaming for their cars after Biden wrapped up in 12 minutes. His longest speech of the weekend, in the gym of Tougaloo College in Jackson, Miss., didn’t quite make 15 minutes.”
“It is a seismic shift for Biden, 77, who in five decades of political office and three White House runs has never had a reputation for breviloquence. It’s a habit perhaps nurtured in the Senate, which prides itself on limitless debate and has a special term — filibuster — for talking endlessly.”


politicalwire--2020-03-10--Trump Mulls Declaring National Emergency

Washington Post : “ Members of Trump ’ s coronavirus task force have also discussed declaring a national emergency , @ @ @ @ @ 1988 Stafford Act to enable the Federal Emergency Management Agency to take disaster-level action , @ @ @ @ @ discussions remain preliminary .
”


politicalwire--2020-03-10--Trump’s New Chief of Staff Self-Quarantined

“ The incoming White House chief of staff , Rep. Mark Meadows of North Carolina , was among three Republican @ @ @ @ @ they were quarantining themselves because of suspected contact with a confirmed carrier of the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ reports .
“ Meadows learned this weekend that he “ may have come in contact @ @ @ @ @ attended the annual Conservative Political Action Conference in suburban Washington late last month .
Meadows @ @ @ @ @ and is not displaying symptoms but is remaining home in self-quarantine until Wednesday .
”

“The incoming White House chief of staff, Rep. Mark Meadows of North Carolina, was among three Republican congressmen who said Monday that they were quarantining themselves because of suspected contact with a confirmed carrier of the coronavirus,” the Washington Post reports.
“Meadows learned this weekend that he “may have come in contact” with the individual who attended the annual Conservative Political Action Conference in suburban Washington late last month. Meadows tested negative for the virus and is not displaying symptoms but is remaining home in self-quarantine until Wednesday.”


politicalwire--2020-03-09--Pence ‘Not Sure’ If Trump Has Been Tested

Vice President Mike Pence said at a press conference on Monday that he has not been tested for coronavirus , @ @ @ @ @ President Trump has been tested either , Business Insider reports .


politicalwire--2020-03-10--Where the Candidates Are Tonight

Where the Candidates Are Tonight

BuzzFeed News : “ Sanders plans to take off for his home of Burlington , Vermont , on Tuesday evening… @ @ @ @ @ reporters he would fly to speak to reporters in Philadelphia later in the night.
” @ @ @ @ @ they had heard no new guidance on whether Sunday ’ s CNN debate between Sanders @ @ @ @ @ be affected by the growing outbreak .
”

BuzzFeed News: “Sanders plans to take off for his home of Burlington, Vermont, on Tuesday evening… Biden’s campaign told reporters he would fly to speak to reporters in Philadelphia later in the night.”
“The Sanders campaign said they had heard no new guidance on whether Sunday’s CNN debate between Sanders and Biden in Arizona would be affected by the growing outbreak.”


politicalwire--2020-03-10--Democrats Weigh How to Get Sanders Out of Race

“ Democrats have started loose discussions about how to get Bernie Sanders out of the race if he gets steamrolled @ @ @ @ @ primaries , ” Politico reports .
“ But there ’ s disagreement within the party @ @ @ @ @ whether — to try to prod Sanders to clear the way for Joe Biden .
@ @ @ @ @ avoid a repeat of 2016 ’ s prolonged primary and risk turning over a bloodied @ @ @ @ @ off against President Trump .
Singed by the devastating general election loss four years ago @ @ @ @ @ refuse to go down that road again.
” “ But others say Sanders has signaled @ @ @ @ @ different — that he ’ s far more likely to jump than wait to get @ @ @

“Democrats have started loose discussions about how to get Bernie Sanders out of the race if he gets steamrolled in Tuesday night’s primaries,” Politico reports.
“But there’s disagreement within the party over how — or even whether — to try to prod Sanders to clear the way for Joe Biden. Democrats agree they want to avoid a repeat of 2016’s prolonged primary and risk turning over a bloodied and bruised nominee to face off against President Trump. Singed by the devastating general election loss four years ago, some Democrats say they refuse to go down that road again.”
“But others say Sanders has signaled that this time will be different — that he’s far more likely to jump than wait to get pushed.”
For members: Bernie’s Last Stand


politicalwire--2020-03-10--Ex-Trump Adviser Sounds Alarm on Coronavirus

Former White House homeland security adviser Thomas Bossert , who coordinated the U.S. response to global pandemics before his position @ @ @ @ @ News that time is running out to control the spread of coronavirus .
Said Bossert @ @ @ @ @ days from our hospitals getting creamed .
”

Former White House homeland security adviser Thomas Bossert, who coordinated the U.S. response to global pandemics before his position was cut, told NBC News that time is running out to control the spread of coronavirus.
Said Bossert: “We are 10 days from our hospitals getting creamed.”


politicalwire--2020-03-10--Trump Needs to Step Up on Coronavirus

Trump Needs to Step Up on Coronavirus

National Review : “ Trump so far hasn ’ t passed muster on any of these metrics .
He resisted making the response to the epidemic a priority for as long as he could — refusing briefings , downplaying the problem , and wasting precious time .
He has failed to properly empower his subordinates and refused to trust the information they provided him — often offering up unsubstantiated claims and figures from cable television instead .
He has spoken about the crisis in crude political and personal terms .
He has stood in the way of public understanding of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trafficking instead in dismissive clichés .
He has denied his administration ’ s missteps , making it more difficult to address them.
” “ This presidential behavior is all too familiar .
It is how he has gotten through scandals and fiascos for more than three years in office .
But those were all essentially political in nature , and most were self-created .
The country has been lucky in the Trump era , largely avoiding the sorts of major , unforeseen crises that make the greatest demands of the modern presidency .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and this demands a new level of seriousness from the president and those around him .
”

National Review: “Trump so far hasn’t passed muster on any of these metrics. He resisted making the response to the epidemic a priority for as long as he could — refusing briefings, downplaying the problem, and wasting precious time. He has failed to properly empower his subordinates and refused to trust the information they provided him — often offering up unsubstantiated claims and figures from cable television instead. He has spoken about the crisis in crude political and personal terms. He has stood in the way of public understanding of the plausible course of the epidemic, trafficking instead in dismissive clichés. He has denied his administration’s missteps, making it more difficult to address them.”
“This presidential behavior is all too familiar. It is how he has gotten through scandals and fiascos for more than three years in office. But those were all essentially political in nature, and most were self-created. The country has been lucky in the Trump era, largely avoiding the sorts of major, unforeseen crises that make the greatest demands of the modern presidency. That luck has now run out, and this demands a new level of seriousness from the president and those around him.”


politicalwire--2020-03-10--10% of Trump Voters Might Not Vote for Him In 2020

A new analysis of data from the 2019 Cooperative Congressional Election Study survey finds as many as one in 10 @ @ @ @ @ for somebody else in 2020 .
“ These voters are individuals who neither strongly approve @ @ @ @ @ job Trump is doing as president .
If Democrats want to win over these voters @ @ @ @ @ to choose their message wisely .
”

A new analysis of data from the 2019 Cooperative Congressional Election Study survey finds as many as one in 10 Trump voters is considering voting for somebody else in 2020.
“These voters are individuals who neither strongly approve nor strongly disapprove of the job Trump is doing as president. If Democrats want to win over these voters, they’ll have to choose their message wisely.”


politicalwire--2020-03-10--Alex Jones Arrested for Drunk Driving

Alex Jones Arrested for Drunk Driving

Conspiracy theorist Alex Jones was booked into the Travis County Jail on a charge of driving while intoxicated just after @ @ @ @ @ American Statesman reports .

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


politicalwire--2020-03-10--Sanders and Biden Cancel Rallies Over Coronavirus

Joe Biden and Sen. Bernie Sanders both canceled rallies planned for tonight due to concerns about the spread of the @ @


politicalwire--2020-03-10--Billionaire Secretly Recorded Bribing State Officials

A secret recording caught a billionaire bribing North Carolina officials with millions of dollars in political money — funneled through @ @ @ @ @ in return for the removal of a regulator who was responsible for overseeing his companies @ @ @ @ @ .


politicalwire--2020-03-10--The Inside Story of the Women Reshaping Congress

Just published : The Firsts : The Inside Story of the Women Reshaping Congress by Jennifer Steinhauer .
“ In @ @ @ @ @ number of women in American history entered Congress .
From Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and ‘ the @ @ @ @ @ Badasses ’ with national security backgrounds , from the first two Native Americans in Congress @ @ @ @ @ women , all were swept into office on a wave of grassroots support , diverse @ @ @ @ @ professional experience , and ideology .
”

Just published: The Firsts: The Inside Story of the Women Reshaping Congress by Jennifer Steinhauer.
“In November 2018, the greatest number of women in American history entered Congress. From Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and ‘the Squad’ to ‘the Badasses’ with national security backgrounds, from the first two Native Americans in Congress to the first two Muslim women, all were swept into office on a wave of grassroots support, diverse in background, age, professional experience, and ideology.”


politicalwire--2020-03-10--Gaetz Tested Negative for Coronavirus

Gaetz Tested Negative for Coronavirus

Rep. Matt Gaetz ( R-FL ) said he tested negative for the coronavirus after entering self-quarantine Monday due to contact @ @ @ @ @ who was confirmed to have the illness .


politicalwire--2020-03-10--Bonus Quote of the Day

Bonus Quote of the Day

“ It will go away , just stay calm .
Be calm .
It ’ s really working out .
@ @ @ @ @ things are going to happen.
” — President Trump , quoted by CNN , on @ @ @ @

“It will go away, just stay calm. Be calm. It’s really working out. And a lot of good things are going to happen.”
— President Trump, quoted by CNN, on the coronavirus pandemic.


politicalwire--2020-03-10--Trump Wants Payroll Taxes Waived Through Election

“ President Trump told Republican senators on Tuesday that he wants a payroll tax holiday through the November election so @ @ @ @ @ go back up before voters decide whether to return him to office , ” Bloomberg @ @ @ @ @ expressed reluctance about a tax cut to address the economic impact of coronavirus and several @ @ @ @ @ from endorsing the idea before Trump ’ s visit to the capitol .
”

“President Trump told Republican senators on Tuesday that he wants a payroll tax holiday through the November election so that taxes won’t go back up before voters decide whether to return him to office,” Bloomberg reports.
“Democrats have expressed reluctance about a tax cut to address the economic impact of coronavirus and several Republican senators also held back from endorsing the idea before Trump’s visit to the capitol.”


politicalwire--2020-03-10--Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day

“ We are the captains of the ship .
We are the last to leave.
” — Speaker Nancy Pelosi @ @ @ @ @ shutting down suggestions of allowing lawmakers to vote remotely .

“We are the captains of the ship. We are the last to leave.”
— Speaker Nancy Pelosi, quoted by Politico, shutting down suggestions of allowing lawmakers to vote remotely.