newsweek--2020-12-02--South Dakota Governor Mocks Joe Biden's Message as COVID Deaths Rise by 47% in 2 Weeks

South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem mocked President-elect Joe Biden 's message reassuring struggling Americans on Twitter while COVID-19 deaths in South Dakota reach new heights .
Biden tweeted on Wednesday a message of hope for Americans undergoing the hardships of a global pandemic—now approaching the ninth month in the U.S.—writing that `` help is on the way '' as he prepares to take the presidential role next month .
Noem mocked his message with a quoted phrase , `` ' I 'm from the government , and I 'm here to help , '' which then-President Ronald Reagan called `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ English language '' during a 1986 news conference .
Noem 's tweet comes as South Dakota continues to see a surge in coronavirus deaths and hospitalizations , a trend the state has observed over the past two months .
On Wednesday , South Dakota reported 47 new COVID-19 deaths , bringing its death toll to a total of 995 across the state .
South Dakota saw a 47 percent increase in deaths over the past two weeks , remaining consistent with the data from two weeks prior , which came to a 46 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 deaths per 100,000 people—ninth in the nation—and the daily average deaths in the state over the past week was 18 percent , according to data compiled by The New York Times .
South Dakota also has the highest rate of hospitalizations per capita in the nation—with Indiana in second place—based on data from the COVID Tracking Project .
The state 's 41 percent testing positivity rate is also one of the nation 's highest , according to Johns Hopkins University .
Fortunately , the number of weekly new cases has been steadily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ past week compared with nearly 10,000 just two weeks prior .
As South Dakota continues grappling with COVID-19 deaths and hospitalizations , Noem has consistently opposed a statewide mask mandate despite the state having the worst COVID-19 spikes in the nation .
In a press conference on November 18 , Noem said that her powers as governor do n't allow her to impose a statewide mask mandate .
She also claimed that she 's `` getting more concerned about how neighbors are treating neighbors '' rather than the benefits of a statewide mask @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my refusal to mandate masks is a reason why our cases are rising here in South Dakota , and that is not true , '' Noem said .
`` I 've consistently said people that want to wear masks should wear masks and people who do n't should not be shamed because they choose not to , '' she added .
Meanwhile , neighboring states like North Dakota , Iowa and Minnesota have imposed statewide mask mandates to combat the rapid spread of the virus .
Last week , the White House Coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ specific recommendations for controlling the coronavirus pandemic .
The task force recommended that South Dakota require face coverings in public settings and proposed implementing `` aggressive measures '' to slow the spread .
`` Given the extraordinarily high test positivity and incidence , among the highest in the world , aggressive measures to limit additional hospital overruns and preventable mortality are warranted and strongly recommended , '' the report said .
In a Tuesday news conference , Biden introduced top advisers in his administration that he says will help rebuild the U.S. economy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ result of the coronavirus pandemic .
He also took the opportunity to deliver a message of hope to Americans , stating , `` I know times are tough , but I want you to know that help is on the way . ''
Biden said that he chose a `` first-rate team '' of liberal advisers , who are `` tested and experienced '' at addressing economic inequality and tackling the current economic crisis .
`` From the most unequal economic and job crisis in modern history , we can build a new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , not just some , '' he said during his speech in Wilmington , Delaware .

South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem mocked President-elect Joe Biden's message reassuring struggling Americans on Twitter while COVID-19 deaths in South Dakota reach new heights.
Biden tweeted on Wednesday a message of hope for Americans undergoing the hardships of a global pandemic—now approaching the ninth month in the U.S.—writing that "help is on the way" as he prepares to take the presidential role next month. Noem mocked his message with a quoted phrase, "'I'm from the government, and I'm here to help," which then-President Ronald Reagan called "the nine most terrifying words in the English language" during a 1986 news conference.
“I’m from the government, and I’m here to help.” https://t.co/GHjWPjwFcR pic.twitter.com/brznNkmcDh — Governor Kristi Noem (@govkristinoem) December 2, 2020
Noem's tweet comes as South Dakota continues to see a surge in coronavirus deaths and hospitalizations, a trend the state has observed over the past two months. On Wednesday, South Dakota reported 47 new COVID-19 deaths, bringing its death toll to a total of 995 across the state. South Dakota saw a 47 percent increase in deaths over the past two weeks, remaining consistent with the data from two weeks prior, which came to a 46 percent increase. It currently has 112 COVID-19 deaths per 100,000 people—ninth in the nation—and the daily average deaths in the state over the past week was 18 percent, according to data compiled by The New York Times.
South Dakota also has the highest rate of hospitalizations per capita in the nation—with Indiana in second place—based on data from the COVID Tracking Project. The state's 41 percent testing positivity rate is also one of the nation's highest, according to Johns Hopkins University. Fortunately, the number of weekly new cases has been steadily decreasing, with 6,053 reported in the past week compared with nearly 10,000 just two weeks prior.
As South Dakota continues grappling with COVID-19 deaths and hospitalizations, Noem has consistently opposed a statewide mask mandate despite the state having the worst COVID-19 spikes in the nation. In a press conference on November 18, Noem said that her powers as governor don't allow her to impose a statewide mask mandate. She also claimed that she's "getting more concerned about how neighbors are treating neighbors" rather than the benefits of a statewide mask order.
"Some have said that my refusal to mandate masks is a reason why our cases are rising here in South Dakota, and that is not true," Noem said.
"I've consistently said people that want to wear masks should wear masks and people who don't should not be shamed because they choose not to," she added. Meanwhile, neighboring states like North Dakota, Iowa and Minnesota have imposed statewide mask mandates to combat the rapid spread of the virus.
South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem speaks as U.S. President Donald Trump listens during a meeting about the Governors Initiative on Regulatory Innovation in the White House on December 16, 2019 in Washington, D.C. Noem has consistently opposed a statewide mask mandate despite the state having the worst COVID-19 spikes in the nation. Drew Angerer/Getty Images/Getty
Last week, the White House Coronavirus Task Force provided all 50 states with specific recommendations for controlling the coronavirus pandemic. The task force recommended that South Dakota require face coverings in public settings and proposed implementing "aggressive measures" to slow the spread.
"Given the extraordinarily high test positivity and incidence, among the highest in the world, aggressive measures to limit additional hospital overruns and preventable mortality are warranted and strongly recommended," the report said.
In a Tuesday news conference, Biden introduced top advisers in his administration that he says will help rebuild the U.S. economy, which continues to suffer as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. He also took the opportunity to deliver a message of hope to Americans, stating, "I know times are tough, but I want you to know that help is on the way."
Biden said that he chose a "first-rate team" of liberal advisers, who are "tested and experienced" at addressing economic inequality and tackling the current economic crisis.
"From the most unequal economic and job crisis in modern history, we can build a new American economy that works for all Americans, not just some," he said during his speech in Wilmington, Delaware.


newsweek--2020-12-02--Trump Dismisses John Durham's Russia Report, NYSD Investigation as Effort to Take 'Us' Down

President Donald Trump said in a Wednesday speech that investigators who `` failed to get me '' in Washington , D.C. , are now sending information to investigators in New York as part of an ongoing effort to take `` us '' down .
The president 's comments on ongoing investigations came amid a 46-minute video speech shared on his social media platforms on Wednesday .
The speech primarily focused on election fraud allegations , which have been widely debunked , but also touched upon the investigations Trump has faced in the nation 's capital and in his birth city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of two impeachment charges earlier this year that were approved by the U.S. House of Representatives , separate investigations remain ongoing in New York .
`` I hear that the same people that failed to get me in Washington have sent every piece of information to New York so that they can try to get me there , '' Trump said .
`` It 's all been gone over .
Over and over again . ''
Trump criticized Robert Mueller , who led the investigation into Russia 's interference in the 2016 election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ involved in the ongoing investigation into how the Federal Bureau of Investigation 's Russia inquiry originated .
`` Robert Mueller spent $ 48 million of taxpayer money investigating me for two-and-a-half years , issued over 2,800 subpoenas , executed nearly 500 search warrants , issued 230 orders for communications records , and conducted 500 witness interviews , all looking to take me down , '' Trump said .
`` There was no collusion in the end .
None whatsoever . ''
Trump briefly mentioned Letitia James , the New York attorney general who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ New York 's investigations into the Trump Organization would continue whether Trump won re-election or not .
According to a report last month by the Associated Press , the legal inquiries Trump is facing in New York could last long after he leaves office on January 20 .
Trump , who has yet to concede the presidential election despite major networks calling the race for Joe Biden on November 7 , said investigators are determined to continue their work `` anyplace else '' they can find traction .
`` All it 's been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ New York and anyplace else that can investigate , because that 's what they want to do : They want to take , not me , but us , down .
And we can never let them do that , '' Trump said .
Newsweek reached out to James for comment but did not receive a response in time for publication .
The president then directed his attention to Durham , whom U.S. Attorney General Bill Barr first appointed in May of 2019 and more recently appointed earlier this week to serve as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We caught Comey cold , we caught McCabe cold , we caught them all , '' Trump said , referring to former FBI Director James Comey and Andrew McCabe , the former acting FBI director after Comey 's dismissal .
`` They can go after me before the election as much as they want , but unfortunately Mr. Durham did n't want to go after these people or have anything to do with going after them before the election .
So who knows if he is ever going to even do a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the lies and the leaks and the illegal acts and behavior done by so many people in their desire to hurt the president of the United States , something should happen . ''
This story has been updated with additional information and background .

President Donald Trump said in a Wednesday speech that investigators who "failed to get me" in Washington, D.C., are now sending information to investigators in New York as part of an ongoing effort to take "us" down.
The president's comments on ongoing investigations came amid a 46-minute video speech shared on his social media platforms on Wednesday. The speech primarily focused on election fraud allegations, which have been widely debunked, but also touched upon the investigations Trump has faced in the nation's capital and in his birth city.
While the U.S. Senate acquitted Trump of two impeachment charges earlier this year that were approved by the U.S. House of Representatives, separate investigations remain ongoing in New York.
"I hear that the same people that failed to get me in Washington have sent every piece of information to New York so that they can try to get me there," Trump said. "It's all been gone over. Over and over again."
President Donald Trump said in a speech posted online Wednesday that investigators in New York are trying to take him "down." In the photo above, Trump speaks in the Diplomatic Room of the White House on Thanksgiving on November 26, 2020, in Washington, D.C. Erin Schaff - Pool/Getty
Trump criticized Robert Mueller, who led the investigation into Russia's interference in the 2016 election, and John Durham, who is involved in the ongoing investigation into how the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Russia inquiry originated.
"Robert Mueller spent $48 million of taxpayer money investigating me for two-and-a-half years, issued over 2,800 subpoenas, executed nearly 500 search warrants, issued 230 orders for communications records, and conducted 500 witness interviews, all looking to take me down," Trump said. "There was no collusion in the end. None whatsoever."
Trump briefly mentioned Letitia James, the New York attorney general who told Spectrum News in early November that New York's investigations into the Trump Organization would continue whether Trump won re-election or not. According to a report last month by the Associated Press, the legal inquiries Trump is facing in New York could last long after he leaves office on January 20.
Trump, who has yet to concede the presidential election despite major networks calling the race for Joe Biden on November 7, said investigators are determined to continue their work "anyplace else" they can find traction.
"All it's been is a big investigation in Washington and New York and anyplace else that can investigate, because that's what they want to do: They want to take, not me, but us, down. And we can never let them do that," Trump said.
Newsweek reached out to James for comment but did not receive a response in time for publication.
The president then directed his attention to Durham, whom U.S. Attorney General Bill Barr first appointed in May of 2019 and more recently appointed earlier this week to serve as special counsel for the same investigation.
"We caught Comey cold, we caught McCabe cold, we caught them all," Trump said, referring to former FBI Director James Comey and Andrew McCabe, the former acting FBI director after Comey's dismissal.
"They can go after me before the election as much as they want, but unfortunately Mr. Durham didn't want to go after these people or have anything to do with going after them before the election. So who knows if he is ever going to even do a report. But if you look at the lies and the leaks and the illegal acts and behavior done by so many people in their desire to hurt the president of the United States, something should happen."
This story has been updated with additional information and background.


newsweek--2020-12-02--At Pro-Trump Georgia Rally, Lawyer Lin Wood Says Don't Vote for GOP Senators in 'Rigged' Runoffs: 'T

At Pro-Trump Georgia Rally, Lawyer Lin Wood Says Don't Vote for GOP Senators in 'Rigged' Runoffs: 'They've Not Earned It'

At a `` Stop the Steal '' rally in Georgia on Wednesday , attorney Lin Wood encouraged supporters of President Donald Trump not to vote for Republican Senators Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue in the state 's upcoming runoff elections .
The two crucial Georgia runoff elections—which will be held on January 5 with early voting starting December 14—will determine control of the Senate , meaning President-elect Joe Biden 's ability to push through his agenda .
Democrats , who narrowly control the House , need to win both seats for a 50-50 split .
In that scenario , Vice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vote .
Recent election boycott calls driven by Trump supporters , inspired by the president 's allegations of widespread voter fraud , could hinder the GOP 's chances of retaining their majority in the upper chamber .
During the pro-Trump protest rally , Wood said to the crowd , `` Where 's Kelly Loeffler ?
Where 's David Perdue ?
They outta be standing right here . ''
`` They have not earned your vote , '' he said .
`` Do n't you give it to them .
Why would you go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for god 's sake !
Fix it !
You got ta fix it ! ''
Most media outlets and news stations called the election for Biden three weeks ago .
With 306 Electoral College votes , the Democrat has surpassed the 270 needed to win , but Trump has refused to concede .
Over the past month , the president has repeatedly alleged that widespread voter fraud cost him the election while filing nearly 3 dozen lawsuits in swing states seeking to overturn his loss to Biden .
The contents and claims of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's public claims of a stolen election , and so far , routinely tossed out of court .
Wood 's remarks come after some pro-Trump Republicans took to Parler , the `` free speech '' social media network , to encourage members of their own party to sit out the Georgia runoffs .
Some users cited conspiracy theories about `` rigged '' ballot machines to justify their decision .
`` Do n't vote !
Do n't be part of the corruption '' one post read .
Another post read : `` DO NOT @ @ @ @ @ @ @ DEEP STATE WILL BE COLLECTING EVERYONE 'S INFO .
THIS IS A CHARADE , MEANT TO IDENTIFY PEOPLE WHO DO N'T VOTE DEMOCRAT .
STAY HOME .
OSSOFF AND WARNOCK ARE A SMALL PRICE TO PAY . ''
As his supporters threatened a boycott , Trump on Thanksgiving Day said he will travel to Georgia to campaign for Loeffler and Perdue .
`` Maybe I 'll go twice , '' he said , before a White House spokesperson confirmed that the president will visit on December 5 .
Newsweek reached out to the @ @ @ @ @ @

At a "Stop the Steal" rally in Georgia on Wednesday, attorney Lin Wood encouraged supporters of President Donald Trump not to vote for Republican Senators Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue in the state's upcoming runoff elections.
The two crucial Georgia runoff elections—which will be held on January 5 with early voting starting December 14—will determine control of the Senate, meaning President-elect Joe Biden's ability to push through his agenda. Democrats, who narrowly control the House, need to win both seats for a 50-50 split. In that scenario, Vice President Kamala Harris would cast the tie-breaking vote.
Recent election boycott calls driven by Trump supporters, inspired by the president's allegations of widespread voter fraud, could hinder the GOP's chances of retaining their majority in the upper chamber. During the pro-Trump protest rally, Wood said to the crowd, "Where's Kelly Loeffler? Where's David Perdue? They outta be standing right here."
"They have not earned your vote," he said. "Don't you give it to them. Why would you go back and vote in another rigged election for god's sake! Fix it! You gotta fix it!"
Here's Lin Wood telling Georgia Republicans NOT to vote for Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue next month.
"They have not earned your vote. Don't you give it to them. Why would you go back and vote in another rigged election for god's sake! Fix it! You gotta fix it!" pic.twitter.com/Uvj1QIpqFL — Justin Baragona (@justinbaragona) December 2, 2020
Most media outlets and news stations called the election for Biden three weeks ago. With 306 Electoral College votes, the Democrat has surpassed the 270 needed to win, but Trump has refused to concede. Over the past month, the president has repeatedly alleged that widespread voter fraud cost him the election while filing nearly 3 dozen lawsuits in swing states seeking to overturn his loss to Biden. The contents and claims of the suits have been narrower than Trump's public claims of a stolen election, and so far, routinely tossed out of court.
Wood's remarks come after some pro-Trump Republicans took to Parler, the "free speech" social media network, to encourage members of their own party to sit out the Georgia runoffs. Some users cited conspiracy theories about "rigged" ballot machines to justify their decision.
"Don't vote! Don't be part of the corruption" one post read.
Another post read: "DO NOT VOTE IN THE GEORGIA RUNOFFS, THE DEEP STATE WILL BE COLLECTING EVERYONE'S INFO. THIS IS A CHARADE, MEANT TO IDENTIFY PEOPLE WHO DON'T VOTE DEMOCRAT. STAY HOME. OSSOFF AND WARNOCK ARE A SMALL PRICE TO PAY."
As his supporters threatened a boycott, Trump on Thanksgiving Day said he will travel to Georgia to campaign for Loeffler and Perdue. "Maybe I'll go twice," he said, before a White House spokesperson confirmed that the president will visit on December 5.
Newsweek reached out to the Georgia Republican Party for comment.


newsweek--2020-12-02--Ex-Bernie Sanders Official Goes After Joe Biden's Cabinet Pick as 'Openly Antagonistic' to Progressi

Ex-Bernie Sanders Official Goes After Joe Biden's Cabinet Pick as 'Openly Antagonistic' to Progressives

Briahna Gray , the former national press secretary for Senator Bernie Sanders , called out President-elect Joe Biden for not appointing more progressive figures to his Cabinet—individuals she argued many Americans hoped to see selected when they cast their votes for the former vice president .
Gray singled out Neera Tanden , who Biden said on Sunday he would nominate as the next director of the Office of Management and Budget .
The announcement has been met with widespread backlash from Bernie supporters who see Tanden , the president of think tank Center for American Progress ( CAP ) , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country .
Gray suggested Biden 's Cabinet pick was a slap in the face to the progressive wing of the Democratic Party , a group the president-elect has been tasked with unifying alongside the party 's more moderate members .
`` Neera Tanden is someone in particular who is very notorious with being openly antagonistic of Senator Sanders , who , again , represented the largest coalition of progressive voters in this country , '' Gray told nonprofit Democracy Now !
on Wednesday .
`` Perhaps most notorious for physically assaulting Bernie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an employee , en editor at ThinkProgress , a vertically integrated media institution under CAP . ''
Tanden , a Hillary Clinton loyalist , punched Sanders ' 2000 campaign manager Faiz Shakir `` in the chest '' when he worked at ThinkProgress , according to a report from The New York Times .
Leaked emails have also showed Tanden in opposition to progressive Democrats like Sanders .
WikiLeaks has released emails in which she called Think Progress staffers `` crazy leftists '' and advised against supporting $ 15 minimum wage , a top @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I do n't know anyone personally in Bernie world who is happy about this choice , '' Gray told Politico .
While Tanden would be the first woman of color and the first South Asian–American in the position , Gray pointed out that Biden 's picks have predominantly focused on the identity of the individuals and away from their policies beliefs .
`` What you 've seen in [ Biden 's ] latest slate of picks is a lot of emphasis on the identity of the individuals picked .
A lot of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with less , shall we say , more attenuated relationships to traditional identity characters have gone as far as to talk about the struggles of their stepfather 's family , right ? ''
Gray told Democracy Now !
.
`` I think that 's very intentional because substantively , several of these individuals have real problems and none of them truly represent a progressive in the mindset of most Americans , especially those who identified with Bernie Sanders , '' she added .
Biden 's transition team has defended Tanden and her legislative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Budget .
During his announcement of the nomination , Biden referred to Tanden 's upbringing , saying `` She was raised by a single mom on food stamps , an immigrant from India who struggled , worked hard , and did everything she could for her daughter to live out her American dream . ''
`` She understands the struggles that millions of Americans are facing .
And she will be the first woman of color and first South Asian American to lead the OMB , '' Biden said .
While Gray @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her nomination , current staff and Sanders himself have remained silent .
On the other hand , other progressive figures , including Senator Elizabeth Warren , Senator , Senator Cory Booker and former gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams have supported Biden 's pick .
Tanden 's nomination is not without disapproval from the right , who have vowed to vote against her confirmation in the Senate .
On Monday , Senator John Cornyn called her `` radioactive '' while Senator Lindsey Graham described her as a `` nutjob '' during an appearance on Fox @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chimed in on Wednesday , telling Fox & Friends that Tanden has `` no chance of being confirmed . ''

Briahna Gray, the former national press secretary for Senator Bernie Sanders, called out President-elect Joe Biden for not appointing more progressive figures to his Cabinet—individuals she argued many Americans hoped to see selected when they cast their votes for the former vice president.
Gray singled out Neera Tanden, who Biden said on Sunday he would nominate as the next director of the Office of Management and Budget.
The announcement has been met with widespread backlash from Bernie supporters who see Tanden, the president of think tank Center for American Progress (CAP), as an obstacle to progressive change in the country.
Gray suggested Biden's Cabinet pick was a slap in the face to the progressive wing of the Democratic Party, a group the president-elect has been tasked with unifying alongside the party's more moderate members.
"Neera Tanden is someone in particular who is very notorious with being openly antagonistic of Senator Sanders, who, again, represented the largest coalition of progressive voters in this country," Gray told nonprofit Democracy Now! on Wednesday. "Perhaps most notorious for physically assaulting Bernie Sanders' campaign manager when he was an employee, en editor at ThinkProgress, a vertically integrated media institution under CAP."
Tanden, a Hillary Clinton loyalist, punched Sanders' 2000 campaign manager Faiz Shakir "in the chest" when he worked at ThinkProgress, according to a report from The New York Times.
Leaked emails have also showed Tanden in opposition to progressive Democrats like Sanders. WikiLeaks has released emails in which she called Think Progress staffers "crazy leftists" and advised against supporting $15 minimum wage, a top priority for Sanders and his campaign.
"I don't know anyone personally in Bernie world who is happy about this choice," Gray told Politico.
Neera Tanden was announced to be President-elect Joe Biden's pick to lead the Office of Management and Budget. Tanden speaks at a Nobody Is Above the Law rally protesting President Trump's interference in the Mueller investigation on November 8, 2018 in Washington, D.C. Larry French/Stringer
While Tanden would be the first woman of color and the first South Asian–American in the position, Gray pointed out that Biden's picks have predominantly focused on the identity of the individuals and away from their policies beliefs.
"What you've seen in [Biden's] latest slate of picks is a lot of emphasis on the identity of the individuals picked. A lot of firsts in the group. Even folks with less, shall we say, more attenuated relationships to traditional identity characters have gone as far as to talk about the struggles of their stepfather's family, right?" Gray told Democracy Now!.
"I think that's very intentional because substantively, several of these individuals have real problems and none of them truly represent a progressive in the mindset of most Americans, especially those who identified with Bernie Sanders," she added.
Biden's transition team has defended Tanden and her legislative experience to lead the Office of Management and Budget.
During his announcement of the nomination, Biden referred to Tanden's upbringing, saying "She was raised by a single mom on food stamps, an immigrant from India who struggled, worked hard, and did everything she could for her daughter to live out her American dream."
"She understands the struggles that millions of Americans are facing. And she will be the first woman of color and first South Asian American to lead the OMB," Biden said.
While Gray and other ex-Bernie staffers have loudly criticized her nomination, current staff and Sanders himself have remained silent.
On the other hand, other progressive figures, including Senator Elizabeth Warren, Senator , Senator Cory Booker and former gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams have supported Biden's pick.
I’ve known @neeratanden for over 2 decades. She's brilliant and laser-focused on making our country a fairer place for all. I'm excited to work with her as she does the vital work of rebuilding our government. https://t.co/jVtSFGQYtG — Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) November 30, 2020
Congratulations to my friend, @neeratanden on her nomination as OMB Director! I worked for OMB in grad school, evaluating grantees of the Telecommunications & Information Infrastructure Assistance Program (TIIAP). Very proud of her & sad for @amprog. But mostly very proud of her. — Stacey Abrams (@staceyabrams) November 29, 2020
Tanden's nomination is not without disapproval from the right, who have vowed to vote against her confirmation in the Senate.
On Monday, Senator John Cornyn called her "radioactive" while Senator Lindsey Graham described her as a "nutjob" during an appearance on Fox News' Hannity. Senator Tom Cotton chimed in on Wednesday, telling Fox & Friends that Tanden has "no chance of being confirmed."


newsweek--2020-12-02--Democratic Senator Suggests Trump Will Fire AG Bill Barr for Telling the Truth

Democratic Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen implied Tuesday that Attorney General William Barr could be fired by President Donald Trump for his comments about election fraud .
President-elect Joe Biden has been widely projected to win the 2020 U.S. presidential election .
Trump has also claimed victory and refused to concede , citing allegations of widespread election manipulation .
Attorneys have filed litigation in several states seeking to overturn election results , but many of those lawsuits have been tossed out by judges .
Breaking with some of Trump 's allegations , Barr said Tuesday that no evidence of fraud @ @ @ @ @ @ @ results of the election .
During an appearance on MSNBC on Tuesday , Van Hollen suggested that Barr could face retribution from Trump for being honest .
`` The pattern in this administration seems to be anybody who tells the truth gets fired , '' Van Hollen said .
`` Attorney General Barr is awfully late in stating the obvious here , '' Van Hollen added .
`` He obviously fueled a lot of the misinformation early on , but the statement is still welcome , and I 'm sure it will not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Barr told the Associated Press on Tuesday that while the Department of Justice had been working on specific leads involving alleged election improprieties , `` to date , we have not seen fraud on a scale that could have effected a different outcome in the election . ''
Newsweek reached out to the Department of Justice for comment .
Trump 's personal attorney Rudy Giuliani and legal adviser Jenna Ellis criticized Barr 's assessment in a Tuesday joint statement , claiming that Barr 's opinion `` appears to be without any knowledge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ evidence of systemic fraud . ''
White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany said during a Wednesday press conference that she was not aware of Trump had spoken to Barr directly about his fraud investigation comments .
Despite his allegations of fraud being widely regarded as unsubstantiated , Trump has continued to claim that the election was `` stolen '' from him and he lashed out at those who disagree .
In November , Trump fired Cyberstructure and Infrastructure Security Agency head Christopher Krebs after Krebs described the election as `` the most secure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interview with 60 Minutes after his firing , Krebs called Trump 's allegations of voting machine manipulation `` nonsense . ''
`` There 's no evidence that any machine that I 'm aware of has been manipulated by a foreign power , '' Krebs said .
`` Period . ''
Trump 's legal team has also filed lawsuits in some states where Biden won seeking to decertify election results and declare Trump the winner .
All states must certify their election results before the Electoral College convenes on December 14 to officially declare @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Associated Press , Biden has received 306 electoral votes to Trump 's 232 electoral votes , giving Biden more than the required number of votes to become president .

Democratic Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen implied Tuesday that Attorney General William Barr could be fired by President Donald Trump for his comments about election fraud.
President-elect Joe Biden has been widely projected to win the 2020 U.S. presidential election. Trump has also claimed victory and refused to concede, citing allegations of widespread election manipulation. Attorneys have filed litigation in several states seeking to overturn election results, but many of those lawsuits have been tossed out by judges.
Breaking with some of Trump's allegations, Barr said Tuesday that no evidence of fraud had been uncovered that would alter the results of the election. During an appearance on MSNBC on Tuesday, Van Hollen suggested that Barr could face retribution from Trump for being honest.
"The pattern in this administration seems to be anybody who tells the truth gets fired," Van Hollen said.
"Attorney General Barr is awfully late in stating the obvious here," Van Hollen added. "He obviously fueled a lot of the misinformation early on, but the statement is still welcome, and I'm sure it will not be welcome at the White House."
Barr told the Associated Press on Tuesday that while the Department of Justice had been working on specific leads involving alleged election improprieties, "to date, we have not seen fraud on a scale that could have effected a different outcome in the election."
U.S. Attorney General William Barr said on Tuesday that the Department of Justice had found no notable evidence of election fraud despite President Donald Trump's claims to the contrary. Jeff Roberson-Pool/Getty
Newsweek reached out to the Department of Justice for comment.
Trump's personal attorney Rudy Giuliani and legal adviser Jenna Ellis criticized Barr's assessment in a Tuesday joint statement, claiming that Barr's opinion "appears to be without any knowledge or investigation of the substantial irregularities and evidence of systemic fraud."
White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany said during a Wednesday press conference that she was not aware of Trump had spoken to Barr directly about his fraud investigation comments.
Despite his allegations of fraud being widely regarded as unsubstantiated, Trump has continued to claim that the election was "stolen" from him and he lashed out at those who disagree.
In November, Trump fired Cyberstructure and Infrastructure Security Agency head Christopher Krebs after Krebs described the election as "the most secure in American history."
In an interview with 60 Minutes after his firing, Krebs called Trump's allegations of voting machine manipulation "nonsense."
"There's no evidence that any machine that I'm aware of has been manipulated by a foreign power," Krebs said. "Period."
Trump's legal team has also filed lawsuits in some states where Biden won seeking to decertify election results and declare Trump the winner. All states must certify their election results before the Electoral College convenes on December 14 to officially declare who won the election.
According to the Associated Press, Biden has received 306 electoral votes to Trump's 232 electoral votes, giving Biden more than the required number of votes to become president.


newsweek--2020-12-02--Austin Mayor Told Residents to 'Stay Home' While Vacationing in Cabo San Lucas

Austin , Texas , Mayor Steve Adler vacationed for a week in Cabo San Lucas , Mexico , in early November , even though he told residents of his city to stay home and `` not relax '' because of the coronavirus pandemic .
Adler had gone to Cabo San Lucas with seven other people following his daughter 's outdoor wedding and reception with 20 guests at an Austin hotel , the Austin American-Statesman first reported .
One night during the trip , Adler addressed the virus 's spread in a video on Facebook and asked Austin residents to continue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to stay home if you can .
This is not the time to relax .
We are going to be looking really closely , '' he said , adding that `` we may have to close things down if we are not careful . ''
But the mayor did not mention he was traveling abroad at the time .
At that point , Austin was operating under its Stage 3 recommendations , with less than 4 percent of the population testing positive for the virus .
People were asked to avoid gathering in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an interview with the American-Statesman , Adler said he and his family spent hours deliberating how to safely hold an intimate wedding and vacation .
His preparations included consulting Austin-Travis County 's interim health director , Dr. Mark Escott , before the wedding ; requiring rapid coronavirus tests for all those in attendance ; and maintaining social distancing .
`` At that point , I am with my family group and people who just tested , '' he said .
`` It is not perfect .
Obviously , there are infections that could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us should be minimizing risks as best we can . ''
Adler added that there was no recommendation for people to not travel at that time .
While the pandemic has prompted many countries , including most of Europe , to restrict travelers from America , air travel to Mexico had not been limited .
`` Someone could look at me and say , 'He traveled . '
But what they could not say is that I traveled at a time when I was telling other people not to travel , '' Adler @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Only at our most trying moments , like around Thanksgiving , have I asked people not to travel as part of extra precautions .
It is safest to stay home .
However , we are n't asking people to never venture out .
We ask everyone to be as safe as possible when they do , '' he added .
On November 19 , a week after Adler 's return , health officials raised Austin 's alert level to Stage 4 , which included a recommendation that all people avoid travel that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ record-breaking levels of coronavirus cases throughout the past month .
On November 11 , the state became the first in the country to surpass 1 million recorded cases .
As of Wednesday , Travis County , where Austin is located , has seen a total of 38,757 coronavirus cases and 484 deaths , according to a New York Times database .
Adler is one of many elected officials that have come under scrutiny across the U.S. for avoiding their own COVID-19 precautions .
Last week , Denver Mayor Michael Hancock boarded a flight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ residents to avoid travel .
And California Governor Gavin Newsom said he made a `` bad mistake '' by attending a dinner party with over a dozen people at a time when the state had banned gatherings of individuals from three or more households .
Newsweek reached out to Adler for additional comment but did not receive a response in time for publication .

Austin, Texas, Mayor Steve Adler vacationed for a week in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, in early November, even though he told residents of his city to stay home and "not relax" because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Adler had gone to Cabo San Lucas with seven other people following his daughter's outdoor wedding and reception with 20 guests at an Austin hotel, the Austin American-Statesman first reported.
One night during the trip, Adler addressed the virus's spread in a video on Facebook and asked Austin residents to continue taking necessary precautions.
COVID-19 trends and the election.
"We need to stay home if you can. This is not the time to relax. We are going to be looking really closely," he said, adding that "we may have to close things down if we are not careful."
But the mayor did not mention he was traveling abroad at the time. At that point, Austin was operating under its Stage 3 recommendations, with less than 4 percent of the population testing positive for the virus. People were asked to avoid gathering in groups of 10 or more.
In an interview with the American-Statesman, Adler said he and his family spent hours deliberating how to safely hold an intimate wedding and vacation. His preparations included consulting Austin-Travis County's interim health director, Dr. Mark Escott, before the wedding; requiring rapid coronavirus tests for all those in attendance; and maintaining social distancing.
"At that point, I am with my family group and people who just tested," he said. "It is not perfect. Obviously, there are infections that could happen, but I think all of us should be minimizing risks as best we can."
Adler added that there was no recommendation for people to not travel at that time. While the pandemic has prompted many countries, including most of Europe, to restrict travelers from America, air travel to Mexico had not been limited.
Austin, Texas, Mayor Steve Adler in Paris during an event called "CityLab 2017" on October 22, 2017. PHILIPPE LOPEZ/AFP/Getty
"Someone could look at me and say, 'He traveled.' But what they could not say is that I traveled at a time when I was telling other people not to travel," Adler said in the newspaper's interview.
"Only at our most trying moments, like around Thanksgiving, have I asked people not to travel as part of extra precautions. It is safest to stay home. However, we aren't asking people to never venture out. We ask everyone to be as safe as possible when they do," he added.
On November 19, a week after Adler's return, health officials raised Austin's alert level to Stage 4, which included a recommendation that all people avoid travel that is not necessary.
Texas has hit record-breaking levels of coronavirus cases throughout the past month. On November 11, the state became the first in the country to surpass 1 million recorded cases.
As of Wednesday, Travis County, where Austin is located, has seen a total of 38,757 coronavirus cases and 484 deaths, according to a New York Times database.
Adler is one of many elected officials that have come under scrutiny across the U.S. for avoiding their own COVID-19 precautions. Last week, Denver Mayor Michael Hancock boarded a flight to Houston for Thanksgiving after urging city residents to avoid travel.
And California Governor Gavin Newsom said he made a "bad mistake" by attending a dinner party with over a dozen people at a time when the state had banned gatherings of individuals from three or more households.
Newsweek reached out to Adler for additional comment but did not receive a response in time for publication.


newsweek--2020-12-02--Powerball Drawing For 12/02/20, Wednesday Jackpot is $231 Million

The Powerball jackpot for 12/02/20 is $ 231 million .
The Wednesday night drawing will be shortly after 11 p.m .
This page can be bookmarked and refreshed to see if you hold the winning numbers .
Tonight 's 12/02/20 Powerball jackpot is estimated at $ 231 million , with a cash option of $ 180.0 million .
The jackpot could increase if sales further lottery projections , according to officials .
The winning numbers on Saturday ( 11/28/20 ) for the $ 216 million Powerball jackpot were : 08-12-18-44-51 with a Powerball of 18 .
The Power Play was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ winner on Saturday , nor was there a ticket sold that matched all five white balls , and just missing out on the red Powerball , for the game 's second prize of $ 1 million .
The last winning Powerball ticket was sold on August 12 , 2020 for a jackpot worth $ 169 million .
That ticket was sold in Florida .
Normally , the game would reset to a $ 40 million minimum , but the COVID-19 pandemic forced Powerball officials to cut the minimum jackpot in half , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ previous winning ticket was sold on June 10 , 2020 .
The previous winning ticket sold was purchased in New Jersey for the 04/08/20 jackpot worth $ 190 million .
The previous grand prize won before that was $ 70 million in the 02/12/20 drawing with a ticket purchased in Michigan .
The grand prize winner before that was on 01/29/20 .
That ticket was sold at a 7-Eleven store in Bonita Springs , Florida , for the $ 394 million grand prize , which had a cash option of $ 274.6 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prize jackpot are 1 in 292,201,338 , regardless of the jackpot size—according to Powerball 's website .
Powerball is a multi-state lottery played every Wednesday and Saturday , and one of America 's two biggest lottery jackpot games .
Powerball jackpots start at $ 20 million , and other prizes pay from $ 1 million to $ 2 million with a Power Play .
Tickets are $ 2 .
You can check the numbers for tonight , or any past winning numbers , on the official Powerball website .
The other multi-state lottery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Tuesdays and Fridays .
Like Powerball , the jackpot is reset at $ 20 million after a jackpot is won , and one line of numbers is $ 2 , with a $ 1 option to multiply their winnings with a Megaplier .
Here is the Mega Millions website for more information , or to check any potential past numbers .
There are nine ways to win money during the Powerball .
Just getting the powerball with no other numbers pays out $ 4 , and even more if the power play @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The same payout goes for one ball plus the powerball , and $ 7 is the payout for two correct numbers with the powerball , or three correct numbers and no powerball .
If all five white , numbered balls are chosen but the red powerball is not correct , then the payout is $ 1 million , with an even higher payout if the power play is chosen .
Wednesday night we will post the Powerball 12/02/20 drawing payouts and tell if there was a winner and where that winner came from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all-time top Powerball jackpot prizes Two winning tickets were drawn , one sold in Iowa and one sold in New York Two winning tickets were drawn , one sold in Missouri and one sold in Arizona

The Powerball jackpot for 12/02/20 was $231 million. Here are the numbers from the Wednesday night drawing.
First Five: 28-31-40-41-46
Powerball: 04
Power Play: 3x
Wednesday night's 12/02/20 Powerball jackpot was estimated at $231 million, with a cash option of $180.0 million. The jackpot could increase if sales further lottery projections, according to officials.
The winning numbers on Saturday (11/28/20) for the $216 million Powerball jackpot were: 08-12-18-44-51 with a Powerball of 18. The Power Play was 2x.
There was no grand prize winner on Saturday, nor was there a ticket sold that matched all five white balls, and just missing out on the red Powerball, for the game's second prize of $1 million.
A Powerball ticket sold in Texas during September 2019. Scott McDonald/Newsweek
The last winning Powerball ticket was sold on August 12, 2020 for a jackpot worth $169 million. That ticket was sold in Florida.
Normally, the game would reset to a $40 million minimum, but the COVID-19 pandemic forced Powerball officials to cut the minimum jackpot in half, which began with the 04/11/20 jackpot.
The previous winning ticket was sold on June 10, 2020. The previous winning ticket sold was purchased in New Jersey for the 04/08/20 jackpot worth $190 million. The previous grand prize won before that was $70 million in the 02/12/20 drawing with a ticket purchased in Michigan. The grand prize winner before that was on 01/29/20. That ticket was sold at a 7-Eleven store in Bonita Springs, Florida, for the $394 million grand prize, which had a cash option of $274.6 million.
The odds of hitting the grand prize jackpot are 1 in 292,201,338, regardless of the jackpot size—according to Powerball's website.
Powerball is a multi-state lottery played every Wednesday and Saturday, and one of America's two biggest lottery jackpot games. Powerball jackpots start at $20 million, and other prizes pay from $1 million to $2 million with a Power Play. Tickets are $2. You can check the numbers for tonight, or any past winning numbers, on the official Powerball website.
The other multi-state lottery is Mega Millions, which is played on Tuesdays and Fridays. Like Powerball, the jackpot is reset at $20 million after a jackpot is won, and one line of numbers is $2, with a $1 option to multiply their winnings with a Megaplier. Here is the Mega Millions website for more information, or to check any potential past numbers.
There are nine ways to win money during the Powerball. Just getting the powerball with no other numbers pays out $4, and even more if the power play is bought for an extra dollar. The same payout goes for one ball plus the powerball, and $7 is the payout for two correct numbers with the powerball, or three correct numbers and no powerball.
If all five white, numbered balls are chosen but the red powerball is not correct, then the payout is $1 million, with an even higher payout if the power play is chosen.
Here are the all-time top Powerball jackpot prizes
1. $1.586 billion (01/13/2016)
Winning tickets sold in California, Florida and Tennessee
2. $768.4 million (03/27/2019)
Single ticket sold in Wisconsin
3. $758.7 million (08/23/2017)
Single ticket sold in Massachusetts
4. $687.8 million (10/27/2018)
Two winning tickets were drawn, one sold in Iowa and one sold in New York
5. $590.5 million (05/18/2013)
Single ticket sold in Florida
6. $587.5 million (11/28/2012)
Two winning tickets were drawn, one sold in Missouri and one sold in Arizona
7. $564.1 million (02/11/2015)
Winning tickets sold in Texas, North Carolina and Puerto Rico


newsweek--2020-12-02--What Was Heaven's Gate? True Story of the 'Cult of Cults' Featured in HBO Max Docuseries

`` Two individuals say they were sent from the level above human and will return to that level in a space ship ( UFO ) within the next few months . ''
This line from a 1975 informational poster , which was shared around San Francisco , sparked one of America 's most infamous cults : Heaven 's Gate .
Chances are , you 've heard of the wild beliefs of the group , but HBO is here to introduce you to former members and the wild inner-workings of the west coast , new age group .
HBO is known @ @ @ @ @ @ @ welcoming I 'll Be Gone In The Dark and The Vow , to name a few .
But Heaven 's Gate : The Cult of Cults combines a fascination with otherworldly beings , cult-fueled manipulation and utter devastation like no other .
The docuseries will take a look inside the Heaven 's Gate cult which operated on America 's West Coast for around 22 years until the members took part in the largest mass suicide in American history .
Led by founders Ti and Do ( pronounced Tee and Doe , and inspired @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the members of Heaven 's Gate were attempting to achieve a level of higher mindfulness by shedding their earthly possessions .
Ti and Do apparently preached that a UFO would come to collect them when they achieved their goal level of being .
Oh , and the leaders claimed to truly believe they were aliens sent to corral a handful of humans and prepare them for the next level of intelligence .
From its inception in 1975 , Heaven 's Gate numbers fluctuated .
Unlike some cults , Heaven 's Gate allowed people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the mission without intimidation to stay .
For some time , the cult just served as a group of people with similar wishes .
They left behind their families , friends and human possessions to become nomads with the intent of achieving a higher level of humanity .
Media around the country claimed the UFO-inspired group was `` kidnapping '' participants .
In time , the group evolved to induce more controlling methods of practice .
All members were renamed and had to abstain from all forms of sex , one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cult began to focus on a classroom format to teach the doctrines , some members left .
The people who stayed were Heaven 's Gate 's most dedicated followers .
In 1997 , the cult imploded with a tragic mass suicide that left 39 people dead , including leader Do ( real name Marshall Applewhite .
Leader Ti , real name Bonnie Nettles , died 12 years before the group suicide of cancer . )
The members killed themselves by ingesting poison as the Hale-Bopp comet approached Earth .
The reasoning appeared to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UFO Heaven 's Gate had been waiting for , and each person 's death would allow them to enter a new kind of consciousness .
Some of the details that remain in the public 's mind after the mass suicide is the odd nature of the deaths .
Each member was dressed exactly the same , wearing all black and black Nike tennis shoes with a white swoosh .
Laid on a twin mattress , each member was also covered with a purple sheet .
Photos of the burial tactic are widely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the cult story .
While Heaven 's Gate has certainly been mentioned as a joke and disbelief from American media and citizens since its inception , Heaven 's Gate : The Cult of Cult serves to erase how the cult conversation has demeaned the deaths of each member .
Conversations about the manipulation of cult members rise to the forefront , instead of just revealing the details of the cult 's beliefs and death .
It serves as a way to reflect on why religious organizations have such a hold on people worldwide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cause people to attempt truly unique things under a charismatic leader or idea .

"Two individuals say they were sent from the level above human and will return to that level in a space ship (UFO) within the next few months." This line from a 1975 informational poster, which was shared around San Francisco, sparked one of America's most infamous cults: Heaven's Gate. Chances are, you've heard of the wild beliefs of the group, but HBO is here to introduce you to former members and the wild inner-workings of the west coast, new age group.
HBO is known for creating compelling true-crime series, 2020 welcoming I'll Be Gone In The Dark and The Vow, to name a few. But Heaven's Gate: The Cult of Cults combines a fascination with otherworldly beings, cult-fueled manipulation and utter devastation like no other.
The docuseries will take a look inside the Heaven's Gate cult which operated on America's West Coast for around 22 years until the members took part in the largest mass suicide in American history. Led by founders Ti and Do (pronounced Tee and Doe, and inspired by The Sound of Music), the members of Heaven's Gate were attempting to achieve a level of higher mindfulness by shedding their earthly possessions. Ti and Do apparently preached that a UFO would come to collect them when they achieved their goal level of being. Oh, and the leaders claimed to truly believe they were aliens sent to corral a handful of humans and prepare them for the next level of intelligence.
Marshall Herff Applewhite speaks on videotape. Applewhite, who founded the organization known as Heaven's Gate, lead 38 others in a mass suicide near San Diego. Brooks Kraft LLC/Sygma via Getty Images/Getty
From its inception in 1975, Heaven's Gate numbers fluctuated. Unlike some cults, Heaven's Gate allowed people to leave as they became less interested in the mission without intimidation to stay. For some time, the cult just served as a group of people with similar wishes. They left behind their families, friends and human possessions to become nomads with the intent of achieving a higher level of humanity. Media around the country claimed the UFO-inspired group was "kidnapping" participants.
In time, the group evolved to induce more controlling methods of practice. All members were renamed and had to abstain from all forms of sex, one of the many strict rules. When the cult began to focus on a classroom format to teach the doctrines, some members left.
The people who stayed were Heaven's Gate's most dedicated followers. In 1997, the cult imploded with a tragic mass suicide that left 39 people dead, including leader Do (real name Marshall Applewhite. Leader Ti, real name Bonnie Nettles, died 12 years before the group suicide of cancer.) The members killed themselves by ingesting poison as the Hale-Bopp comet approached Earth. The reasoning appeared to be that the comet would bring along the UFO Heaven's Gate had been waiting for, and each person's death would allow them to enter a new kind of consciousness.
Some of the details that remain in the public's mind after the mass suicide is the odd nature of the deaths. Each member was dressed exactly the same, wearing all black and black Nike tennis shoes with a white swoosh. Laid on a twin mattress, each member was also covered with a purple sheet. Photos of the burial tactic are widely available online and are often associated with the cult story.
While Heaven's Gate has certainly been mentioned as a joke and disbelief from American media and citizens since its inception, Heaven's Gate: The Cult of Cult serves to erase how the cult conversation has demeaned the deaths of each member. Conversations about the manipulation of cult members rise to the forefront, instead of just revealing the details of the cult's beliefs and death. It serves as a way to reflect on why religious organizations have such a hold on people worldwide, and how looking for salvation can cause people to attempt truly unique things under a charismatic leader or idea.


newsweek--2020-12-02--Barack Obama Floats Taking COVID-19 Vaccine Live on Television

Former President Barack Obama has said that he would take the COVID-19 vaccine if Dr. Anthony Fauci deems it safe—and he might do it live on television to show Americans that he trusts the science .
In a pre-taped interview with SiriusXM on Wednesday , obtained by Newsweek , Obama told host Joe Madison that he trusts Fauci completely and would `` absolutely '' take the vaccine if the top scientist says it 's `` safe and can immunize you from getting COVID . ''
`` I promise you that when it 's been made for people who are less @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it , '' Obama said .
`` I may end up taking it on TV or having it filmed , just so that people know that I trust this science , and what I do n't trust is getting COVID . ''
The former president acknowledged vaccine skepticism among the African American community and stressed the importance of changing their opinion .
`` African Americans , Hispanics , Native Americans have the highest death rates from this thing , and are most exposed and most vulnerable , in part because we have a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` The fact of the matter is that vaccines are why we do n't have polio anymore , '' Obama continued .
`` And they 're the reason why we do n't have a whole bunch of kids dying from measles , and smallpox , and diseases that used to decimate entire populations and communities .
So , you know , I think it is important for people to follow the guidelines that are going to be issued . ''
Later in the interview , the Democrat also lashed out at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic response `` blueprint '' set by his administration following H1N1 .
`` They completely ignored it , '' he said .
Fauci warned this week that the pandemic wo n't end unless the `` overwhelming majority '' of people get vaccinated .
He explained that the U.S. needs to vaccinate between 75 and 85 percent of the entire population for effective protection against the virus and he would like to see that happen `` before we get to the end of the second quarter of [ 2021 ] . ''
On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Practices ( ACIP ) decided that health care workers and long-term care facility residents should be given the vaccine first when one is made available in America .
The committee will next bring their recommendation to the CDC director for approval .
No COVID-19 vaccine has been approved domestically , but Pfizer and Moderna applied for emergency use authorizations through the Food and Drug Administration ( FDA ) in November .
The FDA is set to meet December 10 to decide whether to approve Pfizer 's emergency use request .
Newsweek reached out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Former President Barack Obama has said that he would take the COVID-19 vaccine if Dr. Anthony Fauci deems it safe—and he might do it live on television to show Americans that he trusts the science.
In a pre-taped interview with SiriusXM on Wednesday, obtained by Newsweek, Obama told host Joe Madison that he trusts Fauci completely and would "absolutely" take the vaccine if the top scientist says it's "safe and can immunize you from getting COVID."
"I promise you that when it's been made for people who are less at risk, I will be taking it," Obama said. "I may end up taking it on TV or having it filmed, just so that people know that I trust this science, and what I don't trust is getting COVID."
Former President Barack Obama speaks in support of Joe Biden during a drive-in rally in Miami, Florida on November 02, 2020. Joe Raedle/Getty
The former president acknowledged vaccine skepticism among the African American community and stressed the importance of changing their opinion.
"African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans have the highest death rates from this thing, and are most exposed and most vulnerable, in part because we have a lot of preexisting conditions," he said.
"The fact of the matter is that vaccines are why we don't have polio anymore," Obama continued. "And they're the reason why we don't have a whole bunch of kids dying from measles, and smallpox, and diseases that used to decimate entire populations and communities. So, you know, I think it is important for people to follow the guidelines that are going to be issued."
Later in the interview, the Democrat also lashed out at President Donald Trump for failing to follow the pandemic response "blueprint" set by his administration following H1N1. "They completely ignored it," he said.
Fauci warned this week that the pandemic won't end unless the "overwhelming majority" of people get vaccinated. He explained that the U.S. needs to vaccinate between 75 and 85 percent of the entire population for effective protection against the virus and he would like to see that happen "before we get to the end of the second quarter of [2021]."
On Tuesday, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) decided that health care workers and long-term care facility residents should be given the vaccine first when one is made available in America. The committee will next bring their recommendation to the CDC director for approval.
No COVID-19 vaccine has been approved domestically, but Pfizer and Moderna applied for emergency use authorizations through the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in November. The FDA is set to meet December 10 to decide whether to approve Pfizer's emergency use request.
Newsweek reached out to Obama's representatives for further comment.


newsweek--2020-12-02--What We Know About the Trump TV Show Produced by the Obamas

Barack and Michelle Obama are back in action , and coming to your Netflix queue sooner than you think !
According to Vanity Fair , the power couple is developing a Netflix series `` based on the chaotic transition of power when Donald Trump became president in 2016 . ''
The show 's title is The G Word With Adam Conover , and it will be `` part documentary , part comedy sketch , '' which could perhaps have a Documentary Now !
vibe .
The `` g word '' is government , and Deadline noted that the series will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dirty word or a trusted institution . ''
The G Word will be a collaboration between comedian Conover ( host of truTV 's Adam Ruins Everything ) and the Obamas ' production company Higher Ground Productions .
Michael Lewis 's 2018 book The Fifth Risk serves as source material for the comedy .
The book details the messy presidential transition between presidents Obama and Trump , namely in the Energy , Agriculture and Commerce departments .
The Obamas acquired the rights to the book in 2018 .
Lewis told Katie Couric that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lesson , '' via Deadline .
`` I did three departments , because it would be the work of many lifetimes to do the whole government , but you could do this in a fun way across the entire government , '' he explained .
This is n't the first book-to-screen adaptation for Lewis ; his books Moneyball and The Big Short both got the Hollywood treatment in 2011 and 2015 , respectively .
Production is expected to begin in early 2021 .
Casting details have yet to be announced .
The Obamas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , signed a massive deal with Netflix in 2018 , as per Variety .
The multi-year deal included scripted and unscripted series as well as docu-series , documentary films , and features .
`` We hope to cultivate and curate the talented , inspiring , creative voices who are able to promote greater empathy and understanding between peoples , and help them share their stories with the entire world , '' Barack Obama said at the time .
The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed .
According to Elle , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ include the film American Factory , the fashion series Bloom , a film adaptation of the novel Frederick Douglass : Prophet of Freedom , and an anthology series about New York Times obituaries called Overlooked .
`` We created Higher Ground to harness the power of storytelling .
That 's why we could n't be more excited about these projects , '' Obama said in a statement , when announcing the upcoming slate of projects .
`` Touching on issues of race and class , democracy and civil rights , and much more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wo n't just entertain , but will educate , connect , and inspire us all . ''

Barack and Michelle Obama are back in action, and coming to your Netflix queue sooner than you think!
According to Vanity Fair, the power couple is developing a Netflix series "based on the chaotic transition of power when Donald Trump became president in 2016." The show's title is The G Word With Adam Conover, and it will be "part documentary, part comedy sketch," which could perhaps have a Documentary Now! vibe.
The "g word" is government, and Deadline noted that the series will explore whether it is a "a dirty word or a trusted institution."
ATTN @adamconover hive: get ready for an original series that pulls back the curtain on the government. The G Word with Adam Conover is coming to Netflix! pic.twitter.com/V43dmUgh3b — Netflix Is A Joke (@NetflixIsAJoke) November 19, 2020
The G Word will be a collaboration between comedian Conover (host of truTV's Adam Ruins Everything) and the Obamas' production company Higher Ground Productions.
President-elect Donald Trump(C)is greeted by US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama(L) as he arrives at the White House in Washington, DC January 20, 2017 JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images
Michael Lewis's 2018 book The Fifth Risk serves as source material for the comedy. The book details the messy presidential transition between presidents Obama and Trump, namely in the Energy, Agriculture and Commerce departments. The Obamas acquired the rights to the book in 2018.
Read more Obama Says DNC Should Give AOC A Bigger Platform as Feud Within Party Grows Obama Says DNC Should Give AOC A Bigger Platform as Feud Within Party Grows
Lewis told Katie Couric that the series would serve as "a civics lesson," via Deadline. "I did three departments, because it would be the work of many lifetimes to do the whole government, but you could do this in a fun way across the entire government," he explained.
This isn't the first book-to-screen adaptation for Lewis; his books Moneyball and The Big Short both got the Hollywood treatment in 2011 and 2015, respectively.
Production is expected to begin in early 2021. Casting details have yet to be announced.
The Obamas and their company, Higher Ground Productions, signed a massive deal with Netflix in 2018, as per Variety. The multi-year deal included scripted and unscripted series as well as docu-series, documentary films, and features. "We hope to cultivate and curate the talented, inspiring, creative voices who are able to promote greater empathy and understanding between peoples, and help them share their stories with the entire world," Barack Obama said at the time.
The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
According to Elle, the projects the Obamas will be involved in include the film American Factory, the fashion series Bloom, a film adaptation of the novel Frederick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom, and an anthology series about New York Times obituaries called Overlooked.
"We created Higher Ground to harness the power of storytelling. That's why we couldn't be more excited about these projects," Obama said in a statement, when announcing the upcoming slate of projects. "Touching on issues of race and class, democracy and civil rights, and much more, we believe each of these productions won't just entertain, but will educate, connect, and inspire us all."


newsweek--2020-12-02--White House Defends Holiday Parties, Despite CDC Guidelines, Past Superspreader Events

The White House is moving forward with plans to host nearly two dozen large holiday gatherings in the coming weeks , despite CDC recommendations against doing so as coronavirus cases surge across the country .
`` If you can loot businesses , burn down buildings , engage in protests , you can also go to a Christmas party , '' White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany told reporters Wednesday .
`` You can celebrate the holiday of Christmas , and you can do it responsibly . ''
The White House is known for its extravagant annual holiday decorations and celebrations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , staffers and other VIPs .
But this year 's holiday season comes as health experts , including those in the Trump administration , have warned against large indoor gatherings because of the threat of spreading COVID-19 , which has already killed more than 270,000 people in the United States .
There have been nearly 14 million cases across the country .
A recent acceleration of cases has prompted the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to again sternly warn against large gatherings or travel for the holidays .
According to the CDC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is difficult for individuals to remain spaced at least 6 feet apart and attendees travel from outside the local area '' are considered at the highest risk .
It also strongly encourages anyone attending in-person gatherings to wear masks whenever indoors .
The White House has already been the site of two suspected `` superspreader '' events , where multiple attendees later tested positive for COVID-19 , including President Donald Trump .
More than 200 mostly maskless guests packed into the White House Rose Garden in September for a reception celebrating the nomination @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Supreme Court .
Shortly after the event , Trump , first lady Melania Trump , two U.S. senators , former Trump adviser Kellyanne Conway , former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and several other attendees tested positive for coronavirus .
An election night watch party held in the White House East Room also featured hundreds of mostly maskless guests mingling together .
In less than two weeks , a number of attendees , including Housing Secretary Ben Carson , Trump chief of staff Mark Meadows and Trump political adviser Corey Lewandowski tested positive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said that health guidelines will be followed .
The White House will encourage attendees to wear masks and maintain social distance .
Hand sanitizing stations will also be installed , she added .
`` We will engage in the celebration of Christmas , and there will be a Hanukkah celebration as well , '' she said .

The White House is moving forward with plans to host nearly two dozen large holiday gatherings in the coming weeks, despite CDC recommendations against doing so as coronavirus cases surge across the country.
"If you can loot businesses, burn down buildings, engage in protests, you can also go to a Christmas party," White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany told reporters Wednesday. "You can celebrate the holiday of Christmas, and you can do it responsibly."
The White House is known for its extravagant annual holiday decorations and celebrations, with guests lists that include insiders, staffers and other VIPs.
But this year's holiday season comes as health experts, including those in the Trump administration, have warned against large indoor gatherings because of the threat of spreading COVID-19, which has already killed more than 270,000 people in the United States. There have been nearly 14 million cases across the country.
A recent acceleration of cases has prompted the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to again sternly warn against large gatherings or travel for the holidays. According to the CDC, "large in-person gatherings where it is difficult for individuals to remain spaced at least 6 feet apart and attendees travel from outside the local area" are considered at the highest risk. It also strongly encourages anyone attending in-person gatherings to wear masks whenever indoors.
The White House has already been the site of two suspected "superspreader" events, where multiple attendees later tested positive for COVID-19, including President Donald Trump.
More than 200 mostly maskless guests packed into the White House Rose Garden in September for a reception celebrating the nomination of Amy Coney Barrett to the U.S. Supreme Court. Shortly after the event, Trump, first lady Melania Trump, two U.S. senators, former Trump adviser Kellyanne Conway, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and several other attendees tested positive for coronavirus.
An election night watch party held in the White House East Room also featured hundreds of mostly maskless guests mingling together. In less than two weeks, a number of attendees, including Housing Secretary Ben Carson, Trump chief of staff Mark Meadows and Trump political adviser Corey Lewandowski tested positive.
McEnany, who also contracted COVID-19, said that health guidelines will be followed. The White House will encourage attendees to wear masks and maintain social distance. Hand sanitizing stations will also be installed, she added.
"We will engage in the celebration of Christmas, and there will be a Hanukkah celebration as well," she said.


newsweek--2020-12-02--'Pokémon Go' Kyurem and Mega Abomasnow Raids: Counters and Everything You Need to Know

The Kalos event and Season of Celebration has shifted the Raids in Pokémon Go adding Pokémon from the Kalos region as well as a brand new Mega .
Mega Abomasnow , the Grass and Ice-type Pokémon from the Unova region , will now be arriving in Pokémon Go .
The list of Mega Evolved Pokémon in Pokémon Go is growing with this addition , but it 's not the only thing trainers should be excited about .
Kyurem , the Legendary Pokémon , will return to Level 5 Raids giving trainers another chance at catching it .
Kyurem is an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Fairy , Steel , Dragon , Rock and Fighting-type attacks .
If you 're looking to bring a Mega Pokémon into battle with Kyurem , there are n't many options that will help you or your team .
Mega Charizard X and its Dragon typing will help power up other Dragon-type Pokémon .
However , Kyurem 's Ice and Dragon-type attacks can decimate the Dragon types on your team .
Luckily for trainers , there are plenty of Rock , Steel and Fighting-type Pokémon that will help .
The best Fairy-type attacker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will make it weak to Kyurem 's Ice-type attacks so it 's best if you leave it for another battle .
Here are some examples of Pokémon that you 'll want to take into battle against Kyurem : • Rhyperior with Smack Down and Rock Wrecker • Rampardos with Smack Down and Rock Slide • Tyranitar with Smack Down and Rock Slide Mega Abomasnow is an Ice and Grass-type Pokémon , making it weak to Flying , Bug , Poison , Steel , Rock , Fighting and Fire-type attacks .
Abomasnow is four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's what trainers will want to focus on when going up against this Mega Evolved Pokémon .
If you 're looking to bring your own Mega Pokémon into battle , Mega Charizard ( X or Y ) and Mega Houndoom will give trainers a huge boost in the Fire department .
Mega Beedrill and Mega Gengar are also great options if you 're looking to boost your team 's Poison-type capabilities .
Trainers should stay away from Mega Pidgeot , as Mega Abomasnow 's Ice-type attacks will take out Flying types easily .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ great Steel and Fighting-type Pokémon that trainers should consider to take on Mega Abomasnow .
Here 's a list of possible options to take into battle against Mega Abomasnow : • Rampardos with Smack Down and Rock Slide The latest Raid update in Pokémon Go adds Kalos region Pokémon for the first time .
Catch Fletchling , Litleo and Espurr for the first time in Raids moving forward .
The latest raid update also brings a lot of Steel and Fighting-type Pokémon that will help trainers take on Kyurem and Mega Abomasnow so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ What Pokémon are you taking into battle against Kyurem and Mega Abomasnow ?
Let us know in the comments section .

The Kalos event and Season of Celebration has shifted the Raids in Pokémon Go adding Pokémon from the Kalos region as well as a brand new Mega.
Mega Abomasnow, the Grass and Ice-type Pokémon from the Unova region, will now be arriving in Pokémon Go. The list of Mega Evolved Pokémon in Pokémon Go is growing with this addition, but it's not the only thing trainers should be excited about.
Kyurem, the Legendary Pokémon, will return to Level 5 Raids giving trainers another chance at catching it.
The Pokemon Company/NewsGeek
KYUREM COUNTERS
Kyurem is an Ice and Dragon-type Pokémon making it weak to Fairy, Steel, Dragon, Rock and Fighting-type attacks.
If you're looking to bring a Mega Pokémon into battle with Kyurem, there aren't many options that will help you or your team. Mega Charizard X and its Dragon typing will help power up other Dragon-type Pokémon. However, Kyurem's Ice and Dragon-type attacks can decimate the Dragon types on your team.
Luckily for trainers, there are plenty of Rock, Steel and Fighting-type Pokémon that will help. The best Fairy-type attacker is Togekiss, but its Flying typing will make it weak to Kyurem's Ice-type attacks so it's best if you leave it for another battle.
Here are some examples of Pokémon that you'll want to take into battle against Kyurem:
Metagross with Bullet Punch and Meteor Mash
Lucario with Counter and Aura Sphere
Conkeldurr with Counter and Dynamic Punch
Dialga with Dragon Breath and Draco Meteor
Rhyperior with Smack Down and Rock Wrecker
Rampardos with Smack Down and Rock Slide
Tyranitar with Smack Down and Rock Slide
MEGA ABOMASNOW COUNTERS
Mega Abomasnow is an Ice and Grass-type Pokémon, making it weak to Flying, Bug, Poison, Steel, Rock, Fighting and Fire-type attacks.
Abomasnow is four times weak to Fire-type attacks so that's what trainers will want to focus on when going up against this Mega Evolved Pokémon. If you're looking to bring your own Mega Pokémon into battle, Mega Charizard (X or Y) and Mega Houndoom will give trainers a huge boost in the Fire department.
Mega Beedrill and Mega Gengar are also great options if you're looking to boost your team's Poison-type capabilities. Trainers should stay away from Mega Pidgeot, as Mega Abomasnow's Ice-type attacks will take out Flying types easily.
However, Pokémon Go has plenty of great Steel and Fighting-type Pokémon that trainers should consider to take on Mega Abomasnow.
Here's a list of possible options to take into battle against Mega Abomasnow:
Mega Charizard X/Y with Fire Spin/Air Slash and Blast Burn
Mega Houndoom with Fire Fang and Flamethrower
Mega Beedrill with Poison Jab and Sludge Bomb
Mega Gengar with Shadow Punch and Sludge Bomb
Metagross with Bullet Punch and Meteor Mash
Machamp with Counter and Dynamic Punch
Conkeldurr with Counter and Dynamic Punch
Lucario with Counter and Aura Sphere
Dialga with Metal Claw and Iron Head
Rampardos with Smack Down and Rock Slide
POKEMON GO RAID UPDATE
The latest Raid update in Pokémon Go adds Kalos region Pokémon for the first time. Catch Fletchling, Litleo and Espurr for the first time in Raids moving forward.
The latest raid update also brings a lot of Steel and Fighting-type Pokémon that will help trainers take on Kyurem and Mega Abomasnow so consider going into battle against them.
Level 1
Timburr
Fletchling
Litleo
Espurr
Level 3
Machamp
Alolan Marowak
Mawile
Aggron
Excadrill
Hariyama
Level 5
Kyurem
Mega Raids
Mega Charizard X
Mega Gengar
Mega Abomasnow
What Pokémon are you taking into battle against Kyurem and Mega Abomasnow? Let us know in the comments section.


newsweek--2020-12-03--Every Mayor, Governor Accused of Breaking COVID Restrictions—and Why

A vacation in Mexico , Thanksgiving dinners and an election party .
These are just some of the reasons why officials have apologized for breaking lockdown rules in recent months .
Governors and mayors have been announcing restrictions aimed to help stop the spread of coronavirus throughout the pandemic .
Some , however , appear to maybe not to have been playing by their own rules .
Republican governors have faced fewer accusations , largely because they have not implemented as many of the restrictions that public health experts have called for .
One , Oklahoma Gov .
Kevin Stitt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he had taken his family to a `` packed '' restaurant in March—a day before announcing a state of emergency .
These well-known figures have all been accused of breaching anti-COVID guidelines .
Some have issued apologies , others have stood by their actions .
Here 's the rundown ...
In early November , as coronavirus case counts , hospitalizations and death counts rose , Adler urged residents in Austin , Texas , to stay home and `` not relax '' about the pandemic .
However , Adler—it later emerged—had issued his rallying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in , Mexico .
He had gone to Cabo San Lucas with seven other people , the Austin American-Statesman first reported , following his daughter 's outdoor wedding and reception with 20 guests at an Austin hotel .
At that time , people in Austin were being asked to avoid gathering in groups of 10 or more , but there were no travel bans .
Adler told the local newspaper : `` It is safest to stay home .
However , we are n't asking people to never venture out .
We ask @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when they do . ''
Mexico was not the only controversial destination of choice for mayors this Thanksgiving .
`` Pass the potatoes , not COVID ... Avoid travel , '' Hancock wrote last week as he sat in an airport en route to a family get-together in Mississippi .
Moments before boarding the plane , he also told his followers to `` avoid travel , if you can , '' `` stay home as much as you can , '' and `` host virtual gatherings instead of in-person dinners . ''
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decision as a husband and father , and for those who are angry and disappointed , I humbly ask you to forgive decisions that are borne of my heart and not my head , '' he said .
His spokesperson said Hancock would be self-isolating for 14 days after he returns .
California Governor Newsom apologized last month after being photographed at an up-market restaurant in Napa Valley , with a group of prominent lobbyists .
The pictures , first published in the San Francisco Chronicle , showed no-one , including California Medical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Michelin-starred French Laundry where some plates cost $ 450 .
State guidelines limited private gatherings to three households outdoors , however , those for restaurants were less defined .
They said owners should `` limit the number of patrons at a single table to a household unit or patrons who have asked to be seated together . ''
`` As soon as I sat down at the larger table I realized it was a little larger group than I had anticipated and I made a bad mistake , '' Newsom said of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Instead of sitting down , I should have stood up and walked back , got in my car and drove back to my house . ''
The governor has been self-quarantining recently after a student at his child 's school tested positive for COVID .
Bowser was accused of violating her own travel rules to congratulate President-elect Joe Biden on his election victory last month .
The Democrat made a roughly 90-mile trip to Delaware , where Biden was based , in order to celebrate .
At the time , Delaware was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ D.C. , meaning residents who have traveled to one should limit daily activities and self-monitor for 14 days .
However , the guideline exempts essential travel .
Bowser declined to quarantine and defended the trip , saying it was `` essential travel . ''
Texan mayor Sam Liccardo apologised this week for attending a Thanksgiving dinner , which was attended by seven other family members .
In total , five households were present at the dinner—more than the rules allowed .
Earlier this month California ordered that social gatherings be limited to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Liccardo celebrated Thanksgiving with his elderly parents at their Saratoga house along with an unknown group of people .
Following the revelations , the Californian mayor said : `` I apologize for my decision to gather contrary to state rules , by attending this Thanksgiving meal with my family .
I understand my obligation as a public official to provide exemplary compliance with the public health orders , and certainly not to ignore them .
I commit to do better . ''
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot , defended her decision to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ April while salons were shutting down under the state 's stay-at-home order .
The Democrat had previously said that `` getting your roots done is not essential . ''
Speaking a few days after the controversy arose , she said : `` I 'm the public face of this city .
I 'm on national media and I 'm out in the public eye . ''
He did not break the rules .
But , some would argue , he came mightily close .
Ahead of Thanksgiving , the governor was warning his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be dangerous amid growing case counts across the U.S .
Yet his interview with radio station WAMC shortly before the holidays caused a stir .
`` My mom is going to come up and two of my girls , '' he said .
That is his 89-year-old mother , Matilda , and two of his daughters , one of whom lives in Chicago .
His comments were met by a backlash , and Cuomo canceled his plans .

A vacation in Mexico, Thanksgiving dinners and an election party. These are just some of the reasons why officials have apologized for breaking lockdown rules in recent months.
Governors and mayors have been announcing restrictions aimed to help stop the spread of coronavirus throughout the pandemic.
Some, however, appear to maybe not have been playing by their own rules.
Republican governors have faced fewer accusations, largely because they have not implemented as many of the restrictions that public health experts have called for.
One, Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt, did face backlash after tweeting that he had taken his family to a "packed" restaurant in March—a day before announcing a state of emergency.
These well-known figures have all been accused of breaching anti-COVID guidelines. Some have issued apologies, others have stood by their actions. Here's the rundown...
Austin Mayor, Steve Adler
Austin Mayor Steve Adler vacationed in Mexico in early November, as he told residents of the city to "stay home" amid the COVID-19 pandemic. In this photo, Adler is pictured on October 22, 2017 in Paris, France, during an event called "CityLab 2017." PHILIPPE LOPEZ/AFP/Getty
In early November, as coronavirus case counts, hospitalizations and death counts rose, Adler urged residents in Austin, Texas, to stay home and "not relax" about the pandemic.
However, Adler—it later emerged—had issued his rallying call while he vacationed for a week in, Mexico.
He had gone to Cabo San Lucas with seven other people, the Austin American-Statesman first reported, following his daughter's outdoor wedding and reception with 20 guests at an Austin hotel.
At that time, people in Austin were being asked to avoid gathering in groups of 10 or more, but there were no travel bans.
Adler told the local newspaper: "It is safest to stay home. However, we aren't asking people to never venture out. We ask everyone to be as safe as possible when they do."
Denver Mayor, Michael Hancock
Denver Mayor Michael Hancock participates in a panel discussion during the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's 'Infrastructure Week' program May 15, 2017 in Washington, DC. Hancock boarded a fight on Wednesday despite warning Denver residents to avoid traveling over Thanksgiving. Chip Somodevilla/Getty
Mexico was not the only controversial destination of choice for mayors this Thanksgiving.
"Pass the potatoes, not COVID... Avoid travel," Hancock wrote last week as he sat in an airport en route to a family get-together in Mississippi.
Moments before boarding the plane, he also told his followers to "avoid travel, if you can," "stay home as much as you can," and "host virtual gatherings instead of in-person dinners."
He later apologized. "I made my decision as a husband and father, and for those who are angry and disappointed, I humbly ask you to forgive decisions that are borne of my heart and not my head," he said. His spokesperson said Hancock would be self-isolating for 14 days after he returns.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom
California Gov. Gavin Newsom (R) looks on as California Department of Public Health Director and State Health Officer Dr. Sonia Angell (L) speaks during a news conference at the California Department of Public Health in Sacramento, California. n February 27, 2020. Newsom apologised in November after being photographed dining with a group of people in Napa Valley. Justin Sullivan/Getty
California Governor Newsom apologized last month after being photographed at an up-market restaurant in Napa Valley, with a group of prominent lobbyists.
The pictures, first published in the San Francisco Chronicle, showed no-one, including California Medical Association representatives, wearing face masks at the Michelin-starred French Laundry where some plates cost $450.
State guidelines limited private gatherings to three households outdoors, however, those for restaurants were less defined. They said owners should "limit the number of patrons at a single table to a household unit or patrons who have asked to be seated together."
"As soon as I sat down at the larger table I realized it was a little larger group than I had anticipated and I made a bad mistake," Newsom said of the dinner at the French Laundry. "Instead of sitting down, I should have stood up and walked back, got in my car and drove back to my house."
The governor has been self-quarantining recently after a student at his child's school tested positive for COVID.
Washington D.C. Mayor, Muriel Bowser
Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser speaks to members of the press after she visited art installation "In America How Could This Happen..." at the DC Armory parade ground on November 2, 2020 in Washington, DC. Bowser defended her trip to Delaware after the presidential election. Alex Wong/Getty
Bowser was accused of violating her own travel rules to congratulate President-elect Joe Biden on his election victory last month. The Democrat made a roughly 90-mile trip to Delaware, where Biden was based, in order to celebrate.
At the time, Delaware was one of 42 states deemed high-risk by D.C., meaning residents who have traveled to one should limit daily activities and self-monitor for 14 days. However, the guideline exempts essential travel.
Bowser declined to quarantine and defended the trip, saying it was "essential travel."
San Jose Mayor, Sam Liccardo
Mayor of San Jose, Sam Liccardo is seen backstage at the Watermark Conference for Women 2018 at San Jose Convention Center on February 23, 2018 in San Jose, California. Liccardo has apologized for breaking COVID-19 guidelines by celebrating Thanksgiving with extended family members. Marla Aufmuth//Getty
Texan mayor Sam Liccardo apologised this week for attending a Thanksgiving dinner, which was attended by seven other family members.
In total, five households were present at the dinner—more than the rules allowed. Earlier this month California ordered that social gatherings be limited to a maximum of three.
NBC first reported that Liccardo celebrated Thanksgiving with his elderly parents at their Saratoga house along with an unknown group of people.
Following the revelations, the Californian mayor said: "I apologize for my decision to gather contrary to state rules, by attending this Thanksgiving meal with my family. I understand my obligation as a public official to provide exemplary compliance with the public health orders, and certainly not to ignore them. I commit to do better."
Chicago Mayor, Lori Lightfoot
Chicago mayor Lori Lightfoot arrives at Wrigley Field on April 16, 2020 in Chicago Illinois. She has defended her decision to get a haircut in April, when many others could not. Jonathan Daniel/Getty
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot, defended her decision to get a haircut from a professional stylist in April while salons were shutting down under the state's stay-at-home order.
The Democrat had previously said that "getting your roots done is not essential."
Speaking a few days after the controversy arose, she said: "I'm the public face of this city. I'm on national media and I'm out in the public eye."
New York Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo
New York state Gov. Andrew Cuomo speaks at a news conference on September 08, 2020 in New York City. Spencer Platt/Getty
He did not break the rules. But, some would argue, he came mightily close.
Ahead of Thanksgiving, the governor was warning his fellow New Yorkers that family gatherings could be dangerous amid growing case counts across the U.S.
Yet his interview with radio station WAMC shortly before the holidays caused a stir.
"My mom is going to come up and two of my girls," he said. That is his 89-year-old mother, Matilda, and two of his daughters, one of whom lives in Chicago.
His comments were met by a backlash, and Cuomo canceled his plans.