newsweek--2020-12-18--Vaccination Priority? Government Officials Should Wait Their Turn | Opinion

For most of the past year , Americans have been asked to sacrifice in the name of public health .
To stay home , remote school our children , postpone weddings , skip holidays , and even miss funerals .
But we 've watched as the same rules did n't seem to apply to those in positions of power .
The White House and Trump campaign repeatedly held large indoor gatherings without social distancing or masks , the president and his staff did n't quarantine after coming in close contact with infected people , and even after becoming infected himself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to protect others .
Meanwhile , members of Congress have had shouting matches over masking rules , planned and hosted in-person welcome receptions for new members , and left Americans languishing for months under the financial burdens of the pandemic without reaching agreement on an aid package .
Then came the December 13th announcement that senior officials across all three branches of government were slated to receive COVID-19 vaccinations `` pursuant to continuity of government protocols established in executive policy . ''
The details were scarce , but the plan seemed to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Congress , and Supreme Court to get first dibs , just as state and local policymakers and hospital leaders struggle to decide which health care workers and residents of long-term care facilities will be offered the first wave of shots .
The outcry was swift .
Here we had yet another brazen display of line-cutting and self-interest at the expense of others , after failing to take basic precautions , seen time and again as Trump and members of his administration have gotten access to COVID-19 treatments unavailable to the vast majority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of good judgment , the president reversed the plan within a few hours , tweeting that `` [ p ] eople working in the White House should receive the vaccine somewhat later in the program , unless specifically necessary . ''
Good , but we 'll see how long it sticks .
So the question stands : should the country 's top officials get special access to scarce COVID-19 vaccines ?
Where should they fall in the queue – and should their irresponsible behaviors bump them down the list ?
Various reasons were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials , including promoting public trust , protecting staffers , and continuing essential government operations .
It 's true that having trusted , highly visible leaders get their shots publicly to encourage others to get vaccinated could be helpful given the reported numbers of Americans who say they definitely or probably wo n't do so .
Vice President Pence is slated to get his first shot as this piece is posted , although whether he counts as 'highly trusted ' depends on who you ask .
But in any event , we need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ play that performative role .
Those outside the beltway , from pop stars to local religious and community leaders may be even more critical to this effort .
Besides , it goes a long way to see those in power wait their turn .
Of course , continuing government operations is key , but the past several months have shown that the government can carry on during the pandemic .
There are plenty of ways to govern while remaining vigilant .
Skip the holiday parties and wear a mask .
Do n't cut @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workers who ca n't avoid patient contact and vulnerable nursing home residents who 've been devastated by this virus , both in terms of deaths and separation from their loved ones .
It 's not that those in the highest echelons of government are n't important .
Of course they are – especially when they have life-time appointments ( RIP RBG ) .
And Dr. Fauci is right to suggest that unique national security considerations may call for vaccinating Biden and Trump immediately .
But outside a few special cases , it 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their importance to society .
Many agree that we have to protect those health care professionals working tirelessly to care for patients with COVID-19 and other ailments , as well as those responsible for food , janitorial , and other critical hospital services , especially as wards again reach capacity around the country .
Yet as vaccine supply increases but remains inadequate , we 're going to have to figure out who else counts as `` essential '' – and who is more essential than whom .
Already , the lobbying has begun @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officers , food and agricultural workers , and others all making legitimate claims .
Most government leaders , on the other hand , should be expected to keep Zooming for a while longer .
They should wait till their number is called for vaccination because they 're over 65 or otherwise at high risk of severe COVID-19 , or until there are enough vaccines to go around for the rest of us .
As for officials who 've routinely flouted public health guidance , they clearly breached their heightened obligations as leaders and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as decent human beings who care about the well-being of others .
They should volunteer now to step aside so that others may be vaccinated first .
But it would n't be right to force them to do so .
For one thing , allocation will be complicated enough without adding this additional wrinkle .
How much should they be docked for each violation ?
Should we go down the list a certain number of slots for each time they failed to wear a mask or participated in a crowded event ?
Who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ever be enforced ?
Should we do the same for others who 've refused to follow the rules ?
Perhaps more importantly , we move onto dangerous ground when we start considering withholding beneficial medical interventions on the basis of moral judgments about an individual 's behaviors and choices .
Let these officials get their vaccines when their group is up , but by all means , let them know they should have done better .
Washington 's leaders have n't experienced the pandemic in the same way as many of their constituents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us , masked and six feet apart , in line as we await our vaccines .
Holly Fernandez Lynch , JD , MBE , is the John Russell Dickson , MD Presidential Assistant Professor of Medical Ethics at the University of Pennsylvania 's Perelman School of Medicine .
The views expressed in this article are the author 's own .

For most of the past year, Americans have been asked to sacrifice in the name of public health. To stay home, remote school our children, postpone weddings, skip holidays, and even miss funerals. But we've watched as the same rules didn't seem to apply to those in positions of power.
The White House and Trump campaign repeatedly held large indoor gatherings without social distancing or masks, the president and his staff didn't quarantine after coming in close contact with infected people, and even after becoming infected himself, Trump failed to take recommended steps to protect others. Meanwhile, members of Congress have had shouting matches over masking rules, planned and hosted in-person welcome receptions for new members, and left Americans languishing for months under the financial burdens of the pandemic without reaching agreement on an aid package.
Then came the December 13th announcement that senior officials across all three branches of government were slated to receive COVID-19 vaccinations "pursuant to continuity of government protocols established in executive policy." The details were scarce, but the plan seemed to be for top officials at the White House, Congress, and Supreme Court to get first dibs, just as state and local policymakers and hospital leaders struggle to decide which health care workers and residents of long-term care facilities will be offered the first wave of shots.
The outcry was swift. Here we had yet another brazen display of line-cutting and self-interest at the expense of others, after failing to take basic precautions, seen time and again as Trump and members of his administration have gotten access to COVID-19 treatments unavailable to the vast majority of patients. In a surprising display of good judgment, the president reversed the plan within a few hours, tweeting that "[p]eople working in the White House should receive the vaccine somewhat later in the program, unless specifically necessary."
Good, but we'll see how long it sticks. So the question stands: should the country's top officials get special access to scarce COVID-19 vaccines? Where should they fall in the queue – and should their irresponsible behaviors bump them down the list?
Various reasons were offered for the initial announcement prioritizing federal officials, including promoting public trust, protecting staffers, and continuing essential government operations. It's true that having trusted, highly visible leaders get their shots publicly to encourage others to get vaccinated could be helpful given the reported numbers of Americans who say they definitely or probably won't do so. Vice President Pence is slated to get his first shot as this piece is posted, although whether he counts as 'highly trusted' depends on who you ask. But in any event, we need only a handful of Washington politicians to play that performative role. Those outside the beltway, from pop stars to local religious and community leaders may be even more critical to this effort. Besides, it goes a long way to see those in power wait their turn.
Of course, continuing government operations is key, but the past several months have shown that the government can carry on during the pandemic. There are plenty of ways to govern while remaining vigilant. Skip the holiday parties and wear a mask. Don't cut the line in front of health care workers who can't avoid patient contact and vulnerable nursing home residents who've been devastated by this virus, both in terms of deaths and separation from their loved ones.
It's not that those in the highest echelons of government aren't important. Of course they are – especially when they have life-time appointments (RIP RBG). And Dr. Fauci is right to suggest that unique national security considerations may call for vaccinating Biden and Trump immediately. But outside a few special cases, it's tricky business to prioritize people based on their importance to society.
Many agree that we have to protect those health care professionals working tirelessly to care for patients with COVID-19 and other ailments, as well as those responsible for food, janitorial, and other critical hospital services, especially as wards again reach capacity around the country. Yet as vaccine supply increases but remains inadequate, we're going to have to figure out who else counts as "essential" – and who is more essential than whom. Already, the lobbying has begun, with teachers, firefighters, police officers, food and agricultural workers, and others all making legitimate claims. Most government leaders, on the other hand, should be expected to keep Zooming for a while longer. They should wait till their number is called for vaccination because they're over 65 or otherwise at high risk of severe COVID-19, or until there are enough vaccines to go around for the rest of us.
As for officials who've routinely flouted public health guidance, they clearly breached their heightened obligations as leaders and role models – and their basic obligations as decent human beings who care about the well-being of others. They should volunteer now to step aside so that others may be vaccinated first. But it wouldn't be right to force them to do so. For one thing, allocation will be complicated enough without adding this additional wrinkle. How much should they be docked for each violation? Should we go down the list a certain number of slots for each time they failed to wear a mask or participated in a crowded event? Who would keep track and how could this ever be enforced? Should we do the same for others who've refused to follow the rules? Perhaps more importantly, we move onto dangerous ground when we start considering withholding beneficial medical interventions on the basis of moral judgments about an individual's behaviors and choices. Let these officials get their vaccines when their group is up, but by all means, let them know they should have done better.
Washington's leaders haven't experienced the pandemic in the same way as many of their constituents. But they should stand side-by-side with us, masked and six feet apart, in line as we await our vaccines.
Holly Fernandez Lynch, JD, MBE, is the John Russell Dickson, MD Presidential Assistant Professor of Medical Ethics at the University of Pennsylvania's Perelman School of Medicine.
The views expressed in this article are the author's own.


newsweek--2020-12-18--'Grey's Anatomy' Season 17, Episode 7 Release Date: When The Show Returns

Grey 's Anatomy Season 17 's cast of characters have had a difficult few episodes , with the doctors trying to fight the ever-growing coronavirus pandemic .
Lucky for them , however , they are getting a long break before Episode 7 of the season will air .
This is not such good news , however , for ABC viewers , who have to wait until spring for another episode of the long-running medical drama .
When will Grey 's Anatomy Season 17 return from hiatus ?
The as-yet-untitled next episode of Grey 's Anatomy is set to return on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in this season 's timeslot of 9 p.m .
ET / 8 p.m. CT. As usual , the episode will air on ABC and then shortly after be made available to watch on both the ABC website and app as well as Hulu .
This means that fans have a full 11 weeks to find out whether Meredith Grey ( played by Ellen Pompeo ) will be able to turn things around again after seeming to finally recover from her battle with COVID-19 , only to be put on a ventilator .
Per @ @ @ @ @ @ @ star Kelly McCreary , this is the show 's way of highlighting the dangers of the coronavirus , which can affect anyone—even one of network TV 's most beloved characters , played by the highest-paid actress on scripted TV .
McCreary said : `` I think that the idea that Meredith 's life is kind of hanging in the balance right now is really symbolic of a lot of things going on right now .
`` A lot of people 's lives are hanging in the balance , whether they 're intubated on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a family member who was meaningful to them and supported them ... the takeaway is that in the face of uncertainty and really high stakes situations for people , how can we still have hope , how can we still come together ? ''
Especially after Pompeo made comments recently suggesting that her time on Grey 's may be coming to a close , fans are concerned that Meredith could die in Grey 's Anatomy Season 17 , Episode 7 or later in the season .
Speaking to Entertainment Tonight , Grey 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` It 's not something that we take lightly and we do n't want to feel like Meredith is being let off the hook too easily .
The virus keeps everyone guessing and it 's relentless , so it 's going to take relentlessness to fight it . ''
Speaking about what fans can expect from Episode 7 of the current season , meanwhile , EP Meg Marinis said : `` We do n't know what 's going to happen , but if Meredith has caught the thing , we 're hoping that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As to whether we will see her on the beach again reunited with McDreamy , Reaser said : `` You hear the sound of the ventilator and we 're not sure , going into this specific moment in the season , how capable Meredith is of imagining herself being on the beach .
It will come back in ways that it has not yet , that we have n't seen yet . ''

Grey's Anatomy Season 17's cast of characters have had a difficult few episodes, with the doctors trying to fight the ever-growing coronavirus pandemic. Lucky for them, however, they are getting a long break before Episode 7 of the season will air. This is not such good news, however, for ABC viewers, who have to wait until spring for another episode of the long-running medical drama.
When will Grey's Anatomy Season 17 return from hiatus?
The as-yet-untitled next episode of Grey's Anatomy is set to return on Thursday, March 4, 2021, in this season's timeslot of 9 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. CT.
As usual, the episode will air on ABC and then shortly after be made available to watch on both the ABC website and app as well as Hulu.
This means that fans have a full 11 weeks to find out whether Meredith Grey (played by Ellen Pompeo) will be able to turn things around again after seeming to finally recover from her battle with COVID-19, only to be put on a ventilator.
Per an interview between People and Grey's star Kelly McCreary, this is the show's way of highlighting the dangers of the coronavirus, which can affect anyone—even one of network TV's most beloved characters, played by the highest-paid actress on scripted TV.
Ellen Pompeo as Meredith Grey in 'Grey's Anatomy.' ABC/Kelsey McNeal
McCreary said: "I think that the idea that Meredith's life is kind of hanging in the balance right now is really symbolic of a lot of things going on right now.
"A lot of people's lives are hanging in the balance, whether they're intubated on a COVID table or they've lost a family member who was meaningful to them and supported them...the takeaway is that in the face of uncertainty and really high stakes situations for people, how can we still have hope, how can we still come together?"
Especially after Pompeo made comments recently suggesting that her time on Grey's may be coming to a close, fans are concerned that Meredith could die in Grey's Anatomy Season 17, Episode 7 or later in the season.
Speaking to Entertainment Tonight, Grey's Anatomy executive producer Andy Reaser said: "It's not something that we take lightly and we don't want to feel like Meredith is being let off the hook too easily. The virus keeps everyone guessing and it's relentless, so it's going to take relentlessness to fight it."
Speaking about what fans can expect from Episode 7 of the current season, meanwhile, EP Meg Marinis said: "We don't know what's going to happen, but if Meredith has caught the thing, we're hoping that she's going to fight."
As to whether we will see her on the beach again reunited with McDreamy, Reaser said: "You hear the sound of the ventilator and we're not sure, going into this specific moment in the season, how capable Meredith is of imagining herself being on the beach. It will come back in ways that it has not yet, that we haven't seen yet."
Grey's Anatomy Season 17, Episode 7 airs on Thursday, March 4, 2021 on ABC.


newsweek--2020-12-18--Immigration Politics Went Away During COVID-19. It's Coming Back. | Opinion

Donald Trump famously sought the presidency in 2016 on a platform that elevated the immigration issue to the singular political forefront .
He was right to do so .
There is a very strong case that immigration , both legal and illegal , represents the indispensable issue facing the United States .
No other political issue so broadly affects virtually every other—whether it is economics , national security , foreign policy , culture and religion , crime and law and order , or congressional apportionment—as that most foundational issue of any legitimate self-governing politics : who we quite literally are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
For the first three years of his presidency , Trump attempted intermittently to implement the broad contours of his immigration agenda .
While he wasted precious political capital on other legislative pursuits , such as a milquetoast tax cut and a misbegotten jailbreak initiative , Trump galvanized executive branch authority to slowly build the border wall , reform visa abuses , rescind President Barack Obama 's unconstitutional Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals amnesty , end the destructive Obama-era illegal immigration magnet of interior `` catch and release , '' and more generally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ law .
Border hawks were certainly left wanting far more .
And the Left , with its dutiful `` resistance '' judges dispersed throughout the federal courts , did its best to condemn and stymie Trump 's agenda .
But overall , his agenda was fairly successful .
Trump 's innovative `` Remain in Mexico '' policy for prospective Central American asylum seekers helped quell the nightmarish 2019 border surge , and evidence suggests that working-class wages particularly increased in the U.S. metropolitan areas that saw the largest immigration declines ( both legal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Trump 's consistent scorched-earth rhetoric on the topic was itself enough to deter smugglers and families alike from attempting the journey north .
Then came COVID-19 .
Almost instantly , domestic quarantines sprang up , and cross-country travel bans proliferated .
International travel became almost impossible .
The infamous Mexican drug cartels and human trafficking rings were even affected , and U.S.-Mexico border crossings plummeted .
According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection statistics , Border Patrol in April 2020 reported a mere 17,106 combined apprehensions/deemed inadmissibles—compared with a record-breaking 109,415 one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The result was that the immigration issue , the hallmark of Trump 's insurgent 2016 campaign , receded in importance as an electoral issue .
Trump sometimes spoke on the stump about building a fuller border wall in a second term , but the contrast between his 2020 re-election campaign and his inaugural 2016 campaign was striking .
With COVID-19 lockdowns , dire need for fiscal relief to struggling or laid-off workers , midsummer urban anarchy and a harrowing rise of violent crime , and the ever-ascendant rise of Communist China , there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voters ' minds to pay heed to an issue that COVID-19 had largely taken out of play .
But as the election neared , illegal border crossings rose again .
Border Patrol combined apprehensions/inadmissibles in September , October and November 2020 were all higher than their corresponding months one year prior .
The timing , as the widely assumed impending presidential ascension of immigration dove Joe Biden neared , was impossible to ignore .
And as John Daniel Davidson recently noted in the New York Post , a brand-new mass of migrant `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with its eyes set on the U.S. border .
With the Trump administration 's days in office waning , we are set for the messy and divisive politics of immigration to return to national preeminence .
Many of the old fights of the Obama era are due for a reprise , and the very nearly evenly divided House and Senate will both feature many immigration votes .
It is incumbent upon Republicans , who have largely coalesced around a pro-worker , pro-borders platform , to do their best to peel off the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the labor unions of old on labor inflows .
Some still exist , though they are now overwhelmingly outnumbered by `` intersectional '' democratic socialists who peddle the calamitous lunacy of open borders .
Senate Republicans will also have to use every constitutional tool at their disposal , including the power of the purse , to check Biden 's imminent opening up of our border , indiscriminate flooding of the nation with cheap labor , and failure to enforce basic immigration laws .
The next four years will see many an immigration fight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be similar to the Trump presidency .
Only this time , the roles are reversed .
Here 's hoping conservatives are ready for the fight .
Josh Hammer is Newsweek opinion editor , a syndicated columnist and a research fellow with the Edmund Burke Foundation .
The views expressed in this article are the writer 's own .

Donald Trump famously sought the presidency in 2016 on a platform that elevated the immigration issue to the singular political forefront. He was right to do so. There is a very strong case that immigration, both legal and illegal, represents the indispensable issue facing the United States. No other political issue so broadly affects virtually every other—whether it is economics, national security, foreign policy, culture and religion, crime and law and order, or congressional apportionment—as that most foundational issue of any legitimate self-governing politics: who we quite literally are, as a polity and a citizenry.
For the first three years of his presidency, Trump attempted intermittently to implement the broad contours of his immigration agenda. While he wasted precious political capital on other legislative pursuits, such as a milquetoast tax cut and a misbegotten jailbreak initiative, Trump galvanized executive branch authority to slowly build the border wall, reform visa abuses, rescind President Barack Obama's unconstitutional Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals amnesty, end the destructive Obama-era illegal immigration magnet of interior "catch and release," and more generally seek a robust enforcement of extant immigration law.
Border hawks were certainly left wanting far more. And the Left, with its dutiful "resistance" judges dispersed throughout the federal courts, did its best to condemn and stymie Trump's agenda. But overall, his agenda was fairly successful. Trump's innovative "Remain in Mexico" policy for prospective Central American asylum seekers helped quell the nightmarish 2019 border surge, and evidence suggests that working-class wages particularly increased in the U.S. metropolitan areas that saw the largest immigration declines (both legal and illegal). And of course, Trump's consistent scorched-earth rhetoric on the topic was itself enough to deter smugglers and families alike from attempting the journey north.
Then came COVID-19. Almost instantly, domestic quarantines sprang up, and cross-country travel bans proliferated. International travel became almost impossible. The infamous Mexican drug cartels and human trafficking rings were even affected, and U.S.-Mexico border crossings plummeted. According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection statistics, Border Patrol in April 2020 reported a mere 17,106 combined apprehensions/deemed inadmissibles—compared with a record-breaking 109,415 one year prior, in April 2019.
U.S.-Mexico border in Arizona ARIANA DREHSLER/AFP via Getty Images
The result was that the immigration issue, the hallmark of Trump's insurgent 2016 campaign, receded in importance as an electoral issue. Trump sometimes spoke on the stump about building a fuller border wall in a second term, but the contrast between his 2020 re-election campaign and his inaugural 2016 campaign was striking. With COVID-19 lockdowns, dire need for fiscal relief to struggling or laid-off workers, midsummer urban anarchy and a harrowing rise of violent crime, and the ever-ascendant rise of Communist China, there were simply too many other things on voters' minds to pay heed to an issue that COVID-19 had largely taken out of play.
But as the election neared, illegal border crossings rose again. Border Patrol combined apprehensions/inadmissibles in September, October and November 2020 were all higher than their corresponding months one year prior. The timing, as the widely assumed impending presidential ascension of immigration dove Joe Biden neared, was impossible to ignore. And as John Daniel Davidson recently noted in the New York Post, a brand-new mass of migrant "caravans" is now forming in Honduras, with its eyes set on the U.S. border.
With the Trump administration's days in office waning, we are set for the messy and divisive politics of immigration to return to national preeminence. Many of the old fights of the Obama era are due for a reprise, and the very nearly evenly divided House and Senate will both feature many immigration votes. It is incumbent upon Republicans, who have largely coalesced around a pro-worker, pro-borders platform, to do their best to peel off the few remaining like-minded Democrats who agree with the labor unions of old on labor inflows. Some still exist, though they are now overwhelmingly outnumbered by "intersectional" democratic socialists who peddle the calamitous lunacy of open borders. Senate Republicans will also have to use every constitutional tool at their disposal, including the power of the purse, to check Biden's imminent opening up of our border, indiscriminate flooding of the nation with cheap labor, and failure to enforce basic immigration laws.
The next four years will see many an immigration fight. In that sense, this term will be similar to the Trump presidency. Only this time, the roles are reversed. Here's hoping conservatives are ready for the fight.
Josh Hammer is Newsweek opinion editor, a syndicated columnist and a research fellow with the Edmund Burke Foundation.
The views expressed in this article are the writer's own.
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newsweek--2020-12-18--Second Stimulus Check Delay Weaponized by Democrats in Georgia Runoffs

Democrats Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff have weaponized the delay in stimulus check payments against incumbent Republican Senators Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue as they look to oust the pair in the Georgia runoffs .
Polling has shown the Republicans with slight leads , with the race thus far having seen harsh words traded by all involved as they angle for an advantage .
With lawmakers continuing to wrangle over a further COVID-19 relief package , Warnock and Ossoff have taken aim at the two sitting senators—tying them to the continued delay over a further round of stimulus checks being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days since Congress passed the first round of stimulus checks , '' Warnock tweeted Thursday .
`` Kelly Loeffler has let families struggle without any more relief for 265 days . ''
`` David Perdue has opposed direct economic relief to working people throughout this entire pandemic , '' he tweeted .
In a video , he shared clips of speeches he has given on the campaign trail criticizing Perdue on this point .
`` He 's holding up another round of stimulus for the people now because he does n't care about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The topic joins the pair 's previous attack lines in the race , in which they have branded Loeffler and Perdue corrupt .
Meanwhile , the Republicans have persistently countered by attempting to label the pair as radical and framing themselves as a firewall to such politics .
While Warnock and Ossoff have looked to bring the point of stimulus into the debate , President-elect Joe Biden also recently raised the issue when expressing support for the pair .
Biden insisted that from day one in office he would look to launch a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needing the pair to win in order to do so .
`` I need Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff in the United States Senate to get this done , '' Biden said , in an ad released Thursday .
`` There are folks in Congress threatening to do everything in their power to block our efforts . ''
Victory for the Democrats in the runoffs would split the Senate 50/50 , with 50 Republicans and 48 Democrats , who have two independents who caucus with them .
Tiebreaker votes would then go down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ situation .
Early voting has begun for the runoffs , with the main election day scheduled for January 5 .
Newsweek has contacted Warnock , Ossoff , Loeffler and Perdue 's campaigns for comment .

Democrats Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff have weaponized the delay in stimulus check payments against incumbent Republican Senators Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue as they look to oust the pair in the Georgia runoffs.
Polling has shown the Republicans with slight leads, with the race thus far having seen harsh words traded by all involved as they angle for an advantage.
With lawmakers continuing to wrangle over a further COVID-19 relief package, Warnock and Ossoff have taken aim at the two sitting senators—tying them to the continued delay over a further round of stimulus checks being distributed.
"It's been 265 days since Congress passed the first round of stimulus checks," Warnock tweeted Thursday.
"Kelly Loeffler has let families struggle without any more relief for 265 days."
It's been 265 days since Congress passed the first round of stimulus checks.
Kelly Loeffler has let families struggle without any more relief for 265 days. — Reverend Raphael Warnock (@ReverendWarnock) December 17, 2020
Loeffler responded to this on Twitter, shifting blame for the delay to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA).
"You misspelled @SpeakerPelosi," she wrote.
Referring to small business loan programs in the pandemic, she added: "But @ me next time you want to talk about how our efforts helped 174k Georgia small businesses and saved 1.5 million jobs."
Her messaged referenced the Payment Protection Program, which was in the CARES Act.
In further comments shared to Newsweek, Warnock said it was "unacceptable that for seven months Senator Loeffler has opposed giving Georgians the support they need to get through this pandemic."
"Getting relief out the door as quickly as possible is critical and it is essential that something is passed," he added. On what is needed, Warnock referenced federal unemployment relief, support for small businesses, and relief for state and local governments. Warnock also mentioned rental assistance and an extension of the eviction moratorium.
Ossoff previously shared a similar message aimed at his opponent on the point of stimulus.
"David Perdue has opposed direct economic relief to working people throughout this entire pandemic," he tweeted.
In a video, he shared clips of speeches he has given on the campaign trail criticizing Perdue on this point.
"He's holding up another round of stimulus for the people now because he doesn't care about ordinary people," he said.
David Perdue has opposed direct economic relief to working people throughout this entire pandemic. pic.twitter.com/Q6IEkwu6v6 — Jon Ossoff (@ossoff) December 17, 2020
The topic joins the pair's previous attack lines in the race, in which they have branded Loeffler and Perdue corrupt. Meanwhile, the Republicans have persistently countered by attempting to label the pair as radical and framing themselves as a firewall to such politics.
While Warnock and Ossoff have looked to bring the point of stimulus into the debate, President-elect Joe Biden also recently raised the issue when expressing support for the pair.
Biden insisted that from day one in office he would look to launch a COVID-19 relief package, but spoke of needing the pair to win in order to do so.
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"I need Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff in the United States Senate to get this done," Biden said, in an ad released Thursday.
"There are folks in Congress threatening to do everything in their power to block our efforts."
Victory for the Democrats in the runoffs would split the Senate 50/50, with 50 Republicans and 48 Democrats, who have two independents who caucus with them.
Tiebreaker votes would then go down to the vice president in such a situation.
Early voting has begun for the runoffs, with the main election day scheduled for January 5.
Newsweek has contacted Warnock, Ossoff, Loeffler and Perdue's campaigns for comment.
Democratic Candidate for U.S. Senate Jon Ossoff and Rev. Raphael Warnock speak at a campaign event to encourage people to vote on December 14, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. The pair have criticized their Republican opponents over a second round of stimulus checks having not been signed off. Megan Varner/Getty Images
Update 12/18/2020: This page was updated with comment from Loeffler. This page was also updated with further comments from Warnock.


newsweek--2020-12-18--QAnon Lawyer Fuels Unproven Link Between Justice Roberts and Jeffrey Esptein

QAnon supporting lawyer Lin Wood helped fuel unsubstantiated claims linking Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts to Jeffrey Epstein while alleging he once vowed to make sure that Donald Trump would never be re-elected .
In a series of tweets , Wood made serious allegations , without providing evidence , suggesting Roberts worked with Justice Stephen Breyer to make sure that Trump lost the election during a phonecall in August 2019 .
Woods also claimed that Roberts referred to Trump as a `` motherf****r '' during the call .
Wood , who is working alongside fellow QAnon-supporting lawyer Sidney Powell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not elaborate or provide any evidence as to how he was made aware of the phone call .
`` This may be most important tweet of my life , '' Wood tweeted .
`` Chief Justice John Roberts is corrupt & should resign immediately .
Justice Stephen Breyer should also resign immediately .
They are 'anti-Trumpers ' dedicated to preventing public from knowing TRUTH of @ realDonaldTrump re-election . ''
He added : `` In discussing @ realDonaldTrump in phone conversation in 8/19 , Justice John Roberts stated that he would make sure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re-elected . '
`` Roberts engaged in phone conversations with Justice Stephen Breyer discussing how to work to get Trump voted out . ''
Wood , who has an abbreviation of the QAnon slogan `` where he go one we go all '' in his Twitter bio , carried on his attacks against Roberts by again suggesting he is the `` John Roberts '' which appears in the court-released documents containing flight logs for Epstein 's private jet , a connection he had made previously .
`` I have long had questions about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ private jet flight logs .
I suspected it was our Chief Justice .
MSM has shown no interest in investigating the issue to find TRUTH , '' Wood tweeted .
`` America is now entitled to know the answer .
Every lie will be revealed . ''
Wood then demanded that Roberts answer whether it is him on the Epstein flight logs and if he called Trump a `` motherf****r. '' '' Answers to 2 simple questions below will tell We The People ALL we need to know about Chief Justice John Roberts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The People are entitled to answers .
You work for us , Justice Roberts .
Answer these questions .
They will not go away .
You can not fly TRUTH away on Epstein jet . ''
Despite there being a John Roberts listed on Epstein 's flight log , there is no other suggestion that it is the Supreme Court judge and Roberts has never felt the need to deny the claims .
However supporters of QAnon , the radical conspiracy theory that claims that there is a secret satanic pedophile ring containing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unsubstantiated claims that Roberts is linked to Epstein .
Others also claim that he has been compromised and is currently being blackmailed to work for the `` deep state '' —the conspiracy theory that there is a secret layer of government featuring unofficial individuals that actually influence key policies—because of his ties to Epstein and therefore is working against Trump .
The baseless conspiracy theories were brought back up as the Supreme Court recently rejected a bid from Texas ' attorney general—supported by Trump—to block the ballots of millions of voters that voted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ move was the strongest indication that Trump has no chance of overturning the election result despite his repeated but unproven cries of widespread voter fraud .
`` Today we learned of another Deep State operative : Chief Justice John Roberts , '' tweeted Twitter user @ ButchJocson , who has QAnon slogans in his Twitter bio .
`` The other day AG Bill Barr !
Deep State/DC Swamp operatives are exposing themselves on a daily basis !
Prison is where these corrupt traitors belong ! ''
`` It 's beyond belief that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ liberal justice JOHN ROBERTS who is nothing more than a corrupt deep state traitor , '' added another account @ Fillyhol .
`` He is also a coward and hung out with Jeffrey Epstein !
WE THE PEOPLE Will not stand for this ! ''
Many have also tweeted a photo which they claim shows Roberts swimming with former president Bill Clinton on Epstein 's island .
However , the actual photo is one from January 2017 showing Clinton 's visit to the Dominican Republic , where Roberts was not present .
There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Roberts had any relationship with Epstein .
The billionaire convicted child sex offender , who died by suicide in August 2019 , was known for having a number of high-profile friends , some of whom visited him on his private Caribbean island in the U.S. Virgin Islands , Little St James .
Little St James , dubbed `` Pedophile Island , '' is alleged to have been a location where Epstein trafficked and sexually abused young women and girls .
Britain 's Royal Family 's Prince Andrew is one of those who denies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ frequently visiting him at Little St James .
The Supreme Court has been contacted for comment about Wood 's claims .

QAnon supporting lawyer Lin Wood helped fuel unsubstantiated claims linking Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts to Jeffrey Epstein while alleging he once vowed to make sure that Donald Trump would never be re-elected.
In a series of tweets, Wood made serious allegations, without providing evidence, suggesting Roberts worked with Justice Stephen Breyer to make sure that Trump lost the election during a phonecall in August 2019. Woods also claimed that Roberts referred to Trump as a "motherf****r" during the call.
Wood, who is working alongside fellow QAnon-supporting lawyer Sidney Powell to overturn several election results, did not elaborate or provide any evidence as to how he was made aware of the phone call.
"This may be most important tweet of my life," Wood tweeted.
"Chief Justice John Roberts is corrupt & should resign immediately. Justice Stephen Breyer should also resign immediately. They are 'anti-Trumpers' dedicated to preventing public from knowing TRUTH of @realDonaldTrump re-election."
He added: "In discussing @realDonaldTrump in phone conversation in 8/19, Justice John Roberts stated that he would make sure 'the motherf#*ker would never be re-elected.'
"Roberts engaged in phone conversations with Justice Stephen Breyer discussing how to work to get Trump voted out."
Wood, who has an abbreviation of the QAnon slogan "where he go one we go all" in his Twitter bio, carried on his attacks against Roberts by again suggesting he is the "John Roberts" which appears in the court-released documents containing flight logs for Epstein's private jet, a connection he had made previously.
"I have long had questions about 'the John Roberts' on Jeffrey Epstein private jet flight logs. I suspected it was our Chief Justice. MSM has shown no interest in investigating the issue to find TRUTH," Wood tweeted.
"America is now entitled to know the answer. Every lie will be revealed."
Wood then demanded that Roberts answer whether it is him on the Epstein flight logs and if he called Trump a "motherf****r."
"Answers to 2 simple questions below will tell We The People ALL we need to know about Chief Justice John Roberts," Wood tweeted. "We The People are entitled to answers. You work for us, Justice Roberts. Answer these questions. They will not go away. You cannot fly TRUTH away on Epstein jet."
Despite there being a John Roberts listed on Epstein's flight log, there is no other suggestion that it is the Supreme Court judge and Roberts has never felt the need to deny the claims.
However supporters of QAnon, the radical conspiracy theory that claims that there is a secret satanic pedophile ring containing high-profile names, continued to push the unsubstantiated claims that Roberts is linked to Epstein.
Others also claim that he has been compromised and is currently being blackmailed to work for the "deep state"—the conspiracy theory that there is a secret layer of government featuring unofficial individuals that actually influence key policies—because of his ties to Epstein and therefore is working against Trump.
The baseless conspiracy theories were brought back up as the Supreme Court recently rejected a bid from Texas' attorney general—supported by Trump—to block the ballots of millions of voters that voted in favor of Joe Biden. The move was the strongest indication that Trump has no chance of overturning the election result despite his repeated but unproven cries of widespread voter fraud.
"Today we learned of another Deep State operative: Chief Justice John Roberts," tweeted Twitter user @ButchJocson, who has QAnon slogans in his Twitter bio.
"The other day AG Bill Barr! Deep State/DC Swamp operatives are exposing themselves on a daily basis! Prison is where these corrupt traitors belong!"
"It's beyond belief that the highest court in the land has a liberal justice JOHN ROBERTS who is nothing more than a corrupt deep state traitor," added another account @Fillyhol. "He is also a coward and hung out with Jeffrey Epstein! WE THE PEOPLE Will not stand for this!"
Many have also tweeted a photo which they claim shows Roberts swimming with former president Bill Clinton on Epstein's island. However, the actual photo is one from January 2017 showing Clinton's visit to the Dominican Republic, where Roberts was not present.
There is no evidence to back claims that Roberts had any relationship with Epstein.
The billionaire convicted child sex offender, who died by suicide in August 2019, was known for having a number of high-profile friends, some of whom visited him on his private Caribbean island in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Little St James.
Little St James, dubbed "Pedophile Island," is alleged to have been a location where Epstein trafficked and sexually abused young women and girls. Britain's Royal Family's Prince Andrew is one of those who denies all knowledge of Epstein's defending despite frequently visiting him at Little St James.
The Supreme Court has been contacted for comment about Wood's claims.


newsweek--2020-12-18--Civility Isn't What America Needs | Opinion

It 's almost 2021 , and it seems that president-elect Joe Biden captured the wishes of most Americans , even those who did n't vote for him , when he promised a return to civility .
I say this not because I favor the Twitter school of public communication , which holds that each exchange must be nasty , brutish and short .
Such a noxious style has served us very poorly these four years , and we 'd do well to lay off the bloviations and the insults .
But if you believe , like me , that politics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sacred duty of making our collective future better , you ought to recognize that being perfectly civil is about the worst thing we can do .
To understand this baffling statement , consider the Talmud .
Compiled roughly 1,400 years ago , this essential Jewish text is a collection of arguments between some of the wisest men who ever lived .
To make sense of the world , of their faith and of each other , they argued over everything—from how to judge a murder case to how to properly tie their shoes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such esteemed and holy rabbis would be conducted in hushed , respectful tones .
Instead , the ancient sages cracked jokes , traded vicious puns and insulted each other 's appearances .
In one particularly memorable instance , a sage grumbled hyperbolically to a disagreeing colleague that had he been anyone else , `` I would have cut off your legs with an iron saw . ''
They fought so hard because , as people of faith , they knew the stakes of their debates could not be higher .
They believed wholeheartedly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ divine and ultimate good , and believed just as passionately that nothing , not even feelings or friendships , should be spared in the search for virtue .
If you think this is all ancient history , all you need to do is walk into any traditional house of Jewish study in America .
There you 'll encounter what will seem like a bunch of unhinged lunatics screaming at each other over matters of religious thought and practice .
When given a tour of Yeshiva University 's study hall , columnist George Will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he encountered that he exclaimed , `` How does anyone get any thinking done amid all this shouting ?
! ''
But of course , this culture of study has been so successful for thousands of years not despite the shouting but because of it .
When it comes to the most important things in life , you should toss civility aside and fight for what 's right with everything you have .
Now more than any other time in recent history , the world needs an America that believes so passionately in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ willing to shout about them .
So what 's really wrong with our public discourse these days ?
It 's not that we 're no longer nice and polite , but that we are increasingly losing faith in our deepest , truest values .
We no longer believe that ours is an exceptional nation dedicated to fulfilling a God-given mission to promote human liberty and dignity worldwide .
If we ca n't unite around that fundamental and ancient idea , any attempt to restore civility would be like putting a band-aid on a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , seek inspiration in our earliest and most majestic founders , people who both shared a grand vision and were never above bickering and trading pointed barbs .
Consider , for example , our second and third presidents : John Adams and Thomas Jefferson .
Their relationship in the realm of public affairs was so bitter and contentious , it makes our contemporary political spats look like a charmed romantic comedy .
Because of this , people today may feel shocked to discover that these two sworn enemies spent the last decades of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up until dying within hours of each other on July 4 , the birthday of the nation they were so instrumental in building .
If we wish to restore American society to its greatness , let 's be more like Jefferson and Adams .
Instead of masking our crisis of confidence in our core values behind the thin veil of civility , let 's fight like titans , ferociously and whole-heartedly .
Let us remember that the true aim of politics is n't to score points for our side , but to advance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , at every turn , fortify our strong , rowdy commitment to these ideas , by again dedicating ourselves to studying not trendy and toxic theories but our founding political document , the Constitution , or our founding moral document , the Hebrew Bible .
If we do that , we 'll discover 2021 to be as miraculous as 2020 was grim—a year of shouting that leads to much greater unity and progress than any attempt at milquetoast civility could ever muster .
Rabbi Dr. Ari Lamm is the founder of The Joshua @ @ @ @ @ @ @ youngest leaders of a major Jewish organization in the U.S. , serving as chief executive of Bnai Zion , which has supported educational and humanitarian projects in the United States and Israel for over 112 years .
Rabbi Lamm is a Princeton-trained historian of religion .
The views expressed in this article are the writer 's own .

It's almost 2021, and it seems that president-elect Joe Biden captured the wishes of most Americans, even those who didn't vote for him, when he promised a return to civility.
That's a terrible idea.
I say this not because I favor the Twitter school of public communication, which holds that each exchange must be nasty, brutish and short. Such a noxious style has served us very poorly these four years, and we'd do well to lay off the bloviations and the insults. But if you believe, like me, that politics is not a contact sport but the sacred duty of making our collective future better, you ought to recognize that being perfectly civil is about the worst thing we can do.
To understand this baffling statement, consider the Talmud. Compiled roughly 1,400 years ago, this essential Jewish text is a collection of arguments between some of the wisest men who ever lived. To make sense of the world, of their faith and of each other, they argued over everything—from how to judge a murder case to how to properly tie their shoes. One might imagine that discussions among such esteemed and holy rabbis would be conducted in hushed, respectful tones. Instead, the ancient sages cracked jokes, traded vicious puns and insulted each other's appearances. In one particularly memorable instance, a sage grumbled hyperbolically to a disagreeing colleague that had he been anyone else, "I would have cut off your legs with an iron saw." They fought so hard because, as people of faith, they knew the stakes of their debates could not be higher. They believed wholeheartedly that their shared cause was deciphering the divine and ultimate good, and believed just as passionately that nothing, not even feelings or friendships, should be spared in the search for virtue.
If you think this is all ancient history, all you need to do is walk into any traditional house of Jewish study in America. There you'll encounter what will seem like a bunch of unhinged lunatics screaming at each other over matters of religious thought and practice. When given a tour of Yeshiva University's study hall, columnist George Will was so taken aback by the ferocity he encountered that he exclaimed, "How does anyone get any thinking done amid all this shouting?!" But of course, this culture of study has been so successful for thousands of years not despite the shouting but because of it. When it comes to the most important things in life, you should toss civility aside and fight for what's right with everything you have.
An American Flag flies over the entrance to a disaster morgue where refrigerated morgue trailers believed to be holding the bodies of people who died of COVID-19 are at South Brooklyn Marine Terminal on November 23, 2020 in New York City. Spencer Platt/Getty
Now more than any other time in recent history, the world needs an America that believes so passionately in its grand founding ideals that it's willing to shout about them. So what's really wrong with our public discourse these days? It's not that we're no longer nice and polite, but that we are increasingly losing faith in our deepest, truest values. We no longer believe that ours is an exceptional nation dedicated to fulfilling a God-given mission to promote human liberty and dignity worldwide. If we can't unite around that fundamental and ancient idea, any attempt to restore civility would be like putting a band-aid on a bullet wound.
Let us, then, seek inspiration in our earliest and most majestic founders, people who both shared a grand vision and were never above bickering and trading pointed barbs. Consider, for example, our second and third presidents: John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. Their relationship in the realm of public affairs was so bitter and contentious, it makes our contemporary political spats look like a charmed romantic comedy. Because of this, people today may feel shocked to discover that these two sworn enemies spent the last decades of their lives embraced in friendship, right up until dying within hours of each other on July 4, the birthday of the nation they were so instrumental in building.
If we wish to restore American society to its greatness, let's be more like Jefferson and Adams. Instead of masking our crisis of confidence in our core values behind the thin veil of civility, let's fight like titans, ferociously and whole-heartedly. Let us remember that the true aim of politics isn't to score points for our side, but to advance our shared ideals. And let us, at every turn, fortify our strong, rowdy commitment to these ideas, by again dedicating ourselves to studying not trendy and toxic theories but our founding political document, the Constitution, or our founding moral document, the Hebrew Bible.
If we do that, we'll discover 2021 to be as miraculous as 2020 was grim—a year of shouting that leads to much greater unity and progress than any attempt at milquetoast civility could ever muster.
Rabbi Dr. Ari Lamm is the founder of The Joshua Project. He is one of the youngest leaders of a major Jewish organization in the U.S., serving as chief executive of Bnai Zion, which has supported educational and humanitarian projects in the United States and Israel for over 112 years. Rabbi Lamm is a Princeton-trained historian of religion.
The views expressed in this article are the writer's own.


newsweek--2020-12-18--U.S. Says Russia Rejected Nuclear Treaty Talks Five times Despite Putin's Push for Deal

President Donald Trump 's arms control envoy has said Russia has rejected several U.S. offers for New START arms control treaty talks , suggesting Moscow is looking to the incoming Biden administration to make progress on the deal which expires in February .
The comment by Marshall Billingslea came as Moscow pushes for a restart to talks on the bilateral deal signed in 2010 by the Obama administration Arms control groups fear the lapse of the treaty , which limits which strategic nuclear warheads , missiles , and bombers both countries can deploy , could trigger a new nuclear arms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ called for an unconditional five-year extension but negotiations stalled in October .
Moscow at one point proposed a one-year extension and a strategic and tactical warhead freeze , also for one year .
However , there was an impasse after Washington demanded strict verification measures , which Moscow opposed .
Billingslea responded to a tweet from the Putin 's office which suggested that the U.S. was reluctant to kickstart negotiations .
`` The New START will expire in February .
We are ready to continue dialogue with the US , but for that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Kremlin account tweeted .
But Billingslea said the U.S. was ready for talks now : `` We already responded , repeatedly .
5 times we offered , incl .
in writing , to meet to finalize the freeze/extension deal to which Putin agreed , '' he tweeted .
`` All we need to do is define what we are freezing , the cap level & start verification talks , '' Billingslea added .
Daryl Kimball , head of the advocacy group the Arms Control Association told Reuters that Billingslea 's response signalled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden takes power and that the Kremlin tweet `` was aimed at Biden . ''
Putin 's comments during his annual news conference on Thursday showed how he is eyeing the incoming U.S. administration to strike a deal .
Although Putin blamed the U.S. for the new arms race and for forcing Moscow to develop hypersonic weapons , he did express optimism that he could work with Biden .
`` I know that the newly elected President , Mr. Biden , said that , well , it sounded like ... a readiness to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fundamental document , '' Putin said .
Tony Blinken , Biden 's nominee to be secretary of state suggested Biden backed a five-year extension , The New York Times reported , although Reuters reported that the president 's advisers may be pushing for a shorter period , such as one or two years .
Both sides will have just 16 days between Inauguration Day and the treaty 's expiration on February 5 , 2021 , to come to an agreement .
Former national security adviser John Bolton , who was fired by Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Henry Jackson Society that the new START `` will be a test of Biden to see if he can get beyond the Russia collusion rhetoric of the Democrats for four years and really strategically think in politico-military terms , '' of how to protect the U.S. against Russia .
The graphic below from Statista outlines President Vladimir Putin 's time in power .

President Donald Trump's arms control envoy has said Russia has rejected several U.S. offers for New START arms control treaty talks, suggesting Moscow is looking to the incoming Biden administration to make progress on the deal which expires in February.
The comment by Marshall Billingslea came as Moscow pushes for a restart to talks on the bilateral deal signed in 2010 by the Obama administration
Arms control groups fear the lapse of the treaty, which limits which strategic nuclear warheads, missiles, and bombers both countries can deploy, could trigger a new nuclear arms race.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has called for an unconditional five-year extension but negotiations stalled in October. Moscow at one point proposed a one-year extension and a strategic and tactical warhead freeze, also for one year. However, there was an impasse after Washington demanded strict verification measures, which Moscow opposed.
.@KremlinRussia_E, we already responded, repeatedly. 5 times we offered, incl. in writing, to meet to finalize the freeze/extension deal to which Putin agreed. @RussiaMFA rejected all mtgs. All we need to do is define what we are freezing, the cap level & start verification talks https://t.co/shVdHFtckg — Presidential Envoy Marshall S. Billingslea (@USArmsControl) December 17, 2020
Billingslea responded to a tweet from the Putin's office which suggested that the U.S. was reluctant to kickstart negotiations. "The New START will expire in February. We are ready to continue dialogue with the US, but for that our partners need to respond," the Kremlin account tweeted.
But Billingslea said the U.S. was ready for talks now: "We already responded, repeatedly. 5 times we offered, incl. in writing, to meet to finalize the freeze/extension deal to which Putin agreed," he tweeted.
"All we need to do is define what we are freezing, the cap level & start verification talks," Billingslea added.
Daryl Kimball, head of the advocacy group the Arms Control Association told Reuters that Billingslea's response signalled there would be no further talks until Biden takes power and that the Kremlin tweet "was aimed at Biden."
Putin's comments during his annual news conference on Thursday showed how he is eyeing the incoming U.S. administration to strike a deal.
Although Putin blamed the U.S. for the new arms race and for forcing Moscow to develop hypersonic weapons, he did express optimism that he could work with Biden.
"I know that the newly elected President, Mr. Biden, said that, well, it sounded like... a readiness to continue the dialogue, to preserve this fundamental document," Putin said.
The Yars mobile intercontinental ballistic missile launcher is shown off in the Victory Day military parade in Red Square on June 24. The U.S. arms envoy says Moscow has rejected talks on the New START arms deal. Iliya Pitalev/Getty Images
Tony Blinken, Biden's nominee to be secretary of state suggested Biden backed a five-year extension, The New York Times reported, although Reuters reported that the president's advisers may be pushing for a shorter period, such as one or two years. Both sides will have just 16 days between Inauguration Day and the treaty's expiration on February 5, 2021, to come to an agreement.
Former national security adviser John Bolton, who was fired by Trump, said in a video conference with the Henry Jackson Society that the new START "will be a test of Biden to see if he can get beyond the Russia collusion rhetoric of the Democrats for four years and really strategically think in politico-military terms," of how to protect the U.S. against Russia.
The graphic below from Statista outlines President Vladimir Putin's time in power.


newsweek--2020-12-18--Billie Eilish Fans Wish Singer a Happy 19th Birthday

Billie Eilish is being showered with birthday wishes from fans as the `` Bad Guy '' singer turns 19 .
The famous Sagittarius—whose full name is Billie Eilish O'Connell—updated her Instagram bio to read `` 19 '' to mark the occasion .
Having risen to fame as a teenager , many of Eilish 's dedicated fans are growing up with her , with legions of followers bestowing birthday wishes on the singer .
`` Dear , precious Billie ... do n't ever change , '' one fan tweeted .
`` We love you , you crazy , llama-faced angel .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ sweetheart . ''
While another added : `` Happy 19th birthday @ billieeilish you truly deserved our hearts . ''
`` happy birthday to the cutest person in the world Billie Eilish @ billieeilish # HappyBirthdayBillieEilish , '' tweeted another .
Another fan tweeted a fancam of the singer with the caption : `` Happy birthday to this beautiful human being . ''
Earlier this month , Eilish sat down for her annual interview with Vanity Fair where she discussed everything from coronavirus to politics .
`` I have made and created things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have ever created , '' she said of the pandemic .
`` I learned so much more about the way people are living that I was n't aware of before .
The climate crisis and social injustice and all the bad things made me think differently . ''
`` I will never stop fighting for all the Black and brown people who have lost their lives to police brutality , '' she added .
Eilish has been promoting her upcoming documentary , Billie Eilish : The World 's a Little Blurry .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ things and then we 're always looking forward to the next thing when everything is about what 's happening right now , '' she narrates in the trailer .
`` And this is happening right now .
We are never going to be in this moment ever again .
So why do n't we be in the moment , yeah ? ''
Earlier this year , Eilish unfollowed every single person on Instagram in a move that confused fans .
The singer has a staggering 72.2 million followers on the platform and is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she was actively supporting the Black Lives Matter movement in the wake of George Floyd 's death , which seemed to be the reason for her to disengage from the social media platform somewhat .
Eilish posted a message on her Instagram stories that read : `` If I am following your abuser , DM me and I will unfollow them .
I will support you . ''
A short while later , she deleted it from her stories and unfollowed everyone on Instagram .

Billie Eilish is being showered with birthday wishes from fans as the "Bad Guy" singer turns 19.
The famous Sagittarius—whose full name is Billie Eilish O'Connell—updated her Instagram bio to read "19" to mark the occasion.
Having risen to fame as a teenager, many of Eilish's dedicated fans are growing up with her, with legions of followers bestowing birthday wishes on the singer.
"Dear, precious Billie... don't ever change," one fan tweeted. "We love you, you crazy, llama-faced angel. You fucking icon. Happy birthday, sweetheart."
While another added: "Happy 19th birthday @billieeilish you truly deserved our hearts."
"happy birthday to the cutest person in the world Billie Eilish @billieeilish #HappyBirthdayBillieEilish," tweeted another.
Billie Eilish poses in the press room during the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards at Staples Center on January 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. Amanda Edwards/Getty Images
Another fan tweeted a fancam of the singer with the caption: "Happy birthday to this beautiful human being."
Earlier this month, Eilish sat down for her annual interview with Vanity Fair where she discussed everything from coronavirus to politics.
"I have made and created things that I don't think I would have ever created," she said of the pandemic. "I learned so much more about the way people are living that I wasn't aware of before. The climate crisis and social injustice and all the bad things made me think differently."
"I will never stop fighting for all the Black and brown people who have lost their lives to police brutality," she added.
Eilish has been promoting her upcoming documentary, Billie Eilish: The World's a Little Blurry.
"In life, we tend to do things and then we're always looking forward to the next thing when everything is about what's happening right now," she narrates in the trailer. "And this is happening right now. We are never going to be in this moment ever again. So why don't we be in the moment, yeah?"
Earlier this year, Eilish unfollowed every single person on Instagram in a move that confused fans.
The singer has a staggering 72.2 million followers on the platform and is an active poster.
During the summer she was actively supporting the Black Lives Matter movement in the wake of George Floyd's death, which seemed to be the reason for her to disengage from the social media platform somewhat.
Eilish posted a message on her Instagram stories that read: "If I am following your abuser, DM me and I will unfollow them. I will support you."
A short while later, she deleted it from her stories and unfollowed everyone on Instagram.


newsweek--2020-12-18--'Border Wall' Built Around Seattle's CHOP As City Vows to Clear Occupants

A `` border wall '' barricade has been erected around Seattle 's Capitol Hill Organized Protest ( CHOP ) after the city vowed to push ahead with plans to clear the encampment .
The self-declared autonomous zone was established by racial justice protesters in the summer and has been at the center of an ongoing dispute between residents , businesses , police and Seattle lawmakers .
Photos shared on social media on Thursday showed the block surrounded by wooden pallets forming a makeshift wall .
CHOP residents were also appealing to members of the public to donate food and other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ denied a request from resident Ada Yeager—who had been living at Cal Anderson Park—to halt a clear-out by Seattle police and park workers of the encampment , located in the city 's Capitol Hill district .
In court papers Yeager argued that removing the site would violate the constitutional rights of those who had been living there .
Seattle officials have said their goal is to provide homes for those living in the camp and return the park to its former use , while the city 's mayor , Jenny Durkan , has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ occupation . ''
Action to clear the area had been due to take place earlier this week but was postponed after Yeager 's lawsuit was filed .
The city said in a statement released to the Seattle Times : `` Mayor Durkan believes our city can have mutually shared values : individuals experiencing homelessness should be in safer shelters and spaces , and our parks should not be places with illegal fires , barricades , and individuals who are threatening city workers .
`` The City 's goal remains the same—to bring individuals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hotels and partner with community to reopen the park . ''
Newsweek contacted the Seattle Police Department and mayor 's office for further comment .
The CHOP zone was first established in June after officers abandoned the Seattle Police Department 's ( SPD ) East Precinct in an effort to de-escalate a week 's worth of conflicts between racial justice protesters and police .
Afterwards , CHOP 's occupiers demanded that Seattle release all arrested protesters and slash its $ 409 million police budget in half in order to donate the other half @ @ @ @ @ @ @ communities .
In October , a federal district court judge allowed a lawsuit brought by 21 businesses against Seattle to proceed , despite the city 's attempt to have it dismissed .
The lawsuit accused the city of harming local business owners by allowing the existence of the CHOP .

A "border wall" barricade has been erected around Seattle's Capitol Hill Organized Protest (CHOP) after the city vowed to push ahead with plans to clear the encampment.
The self-declared autonomous zone was established by racial justice protesters in the summer and has been at the center of an ongoing dispute between residents, businesses, police and Seattle lawmakers.
Photos shared on social media on Thursday showed the block surrounded by wooden pallets forming a makeshift wall.
Man walks by barricades surrounding homeless encampment on Nagle Pl. Seattle, WA 12/17/20 pic.twitter.com/g4UR5wR5pE — Nikki West (@Nikki__West) December 18, 2020
CHOP residents were also appealing to members of the public to donate food and other supplies.
Donation requests at the #CalAndersonSweep Border Wall pic.twitter.com/sq3rPFxP6M — Nikki West (@Nikki__West) December 18, 2020
It comes after a judge denied a request from resident Ada Yeager—who had been living at Cal Anderson Park—to halt a clear-out by Seattle police and park workers of the encampment, located in the city's Capitol Hill district.
In court papers Yeager argued that removing the site would violate the constitutional rights of those who had been living there.
Seattle officials have said their goal is to provide homes for those living in the camp and return the park to its former use, while the city's mayor, Jenny Durkan, has described the CHOP as a "political occupation."
Action to clear the area had been due to take place earlier this week but was postponed after Yeager's lawsuit was filed.
The city said in a statement released to the Seattle Times: "Mayor Durkan believes our city can have mutually shared values: individuals experiencing homelessness should be in safer shelters and spaces, and our parks should not be places with illegal fires, barricades, and individuals who are threatening city workers.
"The City's goal remains the same—to bring individuals experiencing homelessness inside into safer spaces including hotels and partner with community to reopen the park."
Newsweek contacted the Seattle Police Department and mayor's office for further comment.
A sign reads "Capitol Hill Occupied Protest" in an area that has been referred to by protesters by that name as well as "Capitol Hill Organized Protest, or CHOP, on June 14, 2020 in Seattle, Washington. Black Lives Matter protesters have continued demonstrating in what was first referred to as the Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone, which encompasses several blocks around the Seattle Police Departments vacated East Precinct, but what protesters are now calling the "Capitol Hill Organized Protest." David Ryder/Getty Images
The CHOP zone was first established in June after officers abandoned the Seattle Police Department's (SPD) East Precinct in an effort to de-escalate a week's worth of conflicts between racial justice protesters and police.
Afterwards, CHOP's occupiers demanded that Seattle release all arrested protesters and slash its $409 million police budget in half in order to donate the other half to services within the city's Black communities.
In October, a federal district court judge allowed a lawsuit brought by 21 businesses against Seattle to proceed, despite the city's attempt to have it dismissed.
The lawsuit accused the city of harming local business owners by allowing the existence of the CHOP.


newsweek--2020-12-18--Arizona Billboard Shows Donald Trump Behind Bars in Prison Jumpsuit

A new billboard in Phoenix shows President Donald Trump behind bars wearing a prison jumpsuit and a badge that read `` Don the Con '' .
The anti-Trump billboard was created by Santa Monica artist Karen Fiorito , according to local news reports and social media posts , who was commissioned by the billboard 's owner Beatrice Moore .
A ticker below the image displays the increasing number of COVID-19 deaths across the country .
Fiorito yesterday posted images to her Facebook account of the artwork being installed on the billboard with a message asking : `` What should we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Con 2 .
Lock Him Up 3 .
Bye Don !
4 .
Trump for Prison 2020 . ''
Moore posted images of the billboard to her Facebook account , which lists her occupation as Director at the Grand Avenue Billboard Project .
This is the third political message carried on the billboard , located on Grand Avenue near 11th Avenue , over the last four years .
The project 's Facebook page states : `` Artists are commissioned to create an image for this privately funded billboard project . ''
The latest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ longstanding artwork that had adorned the billboard since the project 's inception , with the addition of prison bars , prison jumpsuit and inmate badge .
Known as 'Trumpocalypse ' , the original artwork was replaced temporarily in June with a message that read : `` Vote .
Free and fair elections .
Human rights .
Believe science .
No more corporate welfare .
People and planet over profit .
Affordable healthcare .
Votesaveamerica.com . ''
There was much speculation in the run up to , and since , November 's election about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should he lose , as he will no longer be granted presidential immunity .
The New York District Attorney is pursuing an investigation into whether Trump or one of his companies or family members committed fraud , following the release of his tax return during the campaign showed he had paid minimal contributions .
The new artwork was announced yesterday on Fiorito and Moore 's Facebook accounts .
The billboard has become a local landmark in Phoenix .
Last November , a flat red nose was added to the president 's face , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nose in February .
On Facebook , Moore wrote of the new billboard , `` Good photo-op ; up until the last week of January . ''

A new billboard in Phoenix shows President Donald Trump behind bars wearing a prison jumpsuit and a badge that read "Don the Con".
The anti-Trump billboard was created by Santa Monica artist Karen Fiorito, according to local news reports and social media posts, who was commissioned by the billboard's owner Beatrice Moore.
A ticker below the image displays the increasing number of COVID-19 deaths across the country.
Fiorito yesterday posted images to her Facebook account of the artwork being installed on the billboard with a message asking: "What should we call it? 1. Don the Con 2. Lock Him Up 3. Bye Don! 4. Trump for Prison 2020."
The original artwork on the anti-Trump billboard displayed swastika-like dollar signs. The billboard has stood on Grand Avenue since March 2017. Artist Karen Fiorito created this original piece, and the updated version showing Trump behind bars in a prison jumpsuit Christian Petersen/Getty
Moore posted images of the billboard to her Facebook account, which lists her occupation as Director at the Grand Avenue Billboard Project.
This is the third political message carried on the billboard, located on Grand Avenue near 11th Avenue, over the last four years.
The project's Facebook page states: "Artists are commissioned to create an image for this privately funded billboard project."
The latest work is an altered version of the longstanding artwork that had adorned the billboard since the project's inception, with the addition of prison bars, prison jumpsuit and inmate badge.
Known as 'Trumpocalypse', the original artwork was replaced temporarily in June with a message that read: "Vote. Free and fair elections. Human rights. Believe science. No more corporate welfare. People and planet over profit. Affordable healthcare. Votesaveamerica.com."
There was much speculation in the run up to, and since, November's election about whether President Trump may face criminal charges should he lose, as he will no longer be granted presidential immunity. The New York District Attorney is pursuing an investigation into whether Trump or one of his companies or family members committed fraud, following the release of his tax return during the campaign showed he had paid minimal contributions.
The new artwork was announced yesterday on Fiorito and Moore's Facebook accounts.
The billboard has become a local landmark in Phoenix. Last November, a flat red nose was added to the president's face, in turn replaced by a 3D clown nose in February.
On Facebook, Moore wrote of the new billboard, "Good photo-op; up until the last week of January."


newsweek--2020-12-18--Congress Should Invest in Internet Connectivity for Underserved Students | Opinion

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted disparities throughout our country in issues from health care to education .
As we seek to address these disparities , we need to prioritize closing existing gaps in access to high-speed internet , particularly for rural and underserved communities .
When it comes to education , far too many of our nation 's students are living without basic broadband internet connections .
Today , this lack of access adversely impacts more than 20 million Americans , including 600,000 in my home state of South Carolina .
After the onset of COVID-19 closed schools and libraries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 40,000 students in the Palmetto State faced academic challenges due to at-home connectivity issues .
While my state tried numerous solutions , including setting up hot spots in rural areas and using public access television to deliver lesson plans in certain locations , we clearly need to do more as a nation to strengthen connectivity for Americans from all regions and walks of life .
According to one report , 16.9 million American children lack the home internet access needed to learn remotely , opening a nationwide `` homework gap . ''
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rural and economically disadvantaged communities throughout the country .
With many students in these areas still learning virtually full-time , the problem has been compounded .
This is simply unacceptable in 21st-century America .
Our society , especially during the ongoing pandemic emergency , is being forced to harness its agility more than ever before .
From the acceleration of the gig economy to the explosive growth of telehealth and the advent of 5G , rapid advancements in technology are fundamentally transforming the way Americans live , work and play .
Unfortunately , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how we learn .
It is tragic—given all of the technological and financial resources at our disposal—that so many students still lack access to working devices .
As one of the most developed countries in the world , it is crucial that we have the infrastructure to provide internet connectivity .
Although there is always more work to be done , we have made progress in closing the digital divide .
Thanks to the leadership of Federal Communications Commission ( FCC ) chairman Ajit Pai , the federal government is investing billions of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to broadband in rural and other technologically underserved communities .
The private sector 's response has also been overwhelming , as more than 800 telecommunications providers took the FCC 's `` Keep Americans Connected Pledge , '' in response to the COVID-19 pandemic .
Additionally , state governments have made efforts to expand access to broadband in communities with the greatest needs .
The effort to ensure that every American can one day participate in the digital economy must be a collective one .
It is , however , critical that we invest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health crisis has laid bare our remaining technological shortcomings .
Earlier this year , I joined our state 's entire congressional delegation in urging House and Senate leadership to do just that , as we continue to address our country 's urgent pandemic needs .
I 've also introduced two rural broadband access bills , one of which would create a pilot program to provide grants to historically Black colleges and universities , tribal colleges and universities and Hispanic-serving institutions to expand digital access and broadband in their communities .
Internet access is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ equitable economic opportunities .
Without broadband , an entire array of career opportunities are unavailable .
This is work that requires partnerships with businesses and incentives provided from federal leadership .
There are 8,700 opportunity zones across the country supported by $ 75 billion in private investment .
These dollars are improving communities and transforming lives by providing well-paying jobs and affordable homes .
My colleagues and I are working now to ensure that schools in or near these zones become part of the equation , especially given their potential to provide career @ @ @ @ @ @ @ funding and internet access , we must not lose sight of the fact that education is ultimately about improving outcomes for students .
Growing up in a single-parent household with limited resources taught me the value of a quality education in unlocking someone 's full potential .
Today , it starts with ensuring that every child has access to broadband .
At a time when the rising tide of technology and innovation is improving the lives of so many , not all boats have been lifted .
We can and must do better @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a world that is becoming increasingly virtual .
Tim Scott has represented South Carolina in the U.S. Senate since 2013 and was a keynote speaker at the 2020 Reagan Institute Summit on Education .
The views expressed in this article are the writer 's own .

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted disparities throughout our country in issues from health care to education. As we seek to address these disparities, we need to prioritize closing existing gaps in access to high-speed internet, particularly for rural and underserved communities.
When it comes to education, far too many of our nation's students are living without basic broadband internet connections. Today, this lack of access adversely impacts more than 20 million Americans, including 600,000 in my home state of South Carolina. After the onset of COVID-19 closed schools and libraries that typically provide free internet access, 40,000 students in the Palmetto State faced academic challenges due to at-home connectivity issues.
While my state tried numerous solutions, including setting up hot spots in rural areas and using public access television to deliver lesson plans in certain locations, we clearly need to do more as a nation to strengthen connectivity for Americans from all regions and walks of life. According to one report, 16.9 million American children lack the home internet access needed to learn remotely, opening a nationwide "homework gap." This widespread problem disproportionately impacts those living in rural and economically disadvantaged communities throughout the country. With many students in these areas still learning virtually full-time, the problem has been compounded.
This is simply unacceptable in 21st-century America.
Our society, especially during the ongoing pandemic emergency, is being forced to harness its agility more than ever before. From the acceleration of the gig economy to the explosive growth of telehealth and the advent of 5G, rapid advancements in technology are fundamentally transforming the way Americans live, work and play. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for how we learn.
It is tragic—given all of the technological and financial resources at our disposal—that so many students still lack access to working devices. As one of the most developed countries in the world, it is crucial that we have the infrastructure to provide internet connectivity.
Abigail Previlon, 13, takes part in remote distance learning with her special education teacher Diane Gamse on October 28, 2020 in Stamford, Connecticut. John Moore/Getty
Although there is always more work to be done, we have made progress in closing the digital divide. Thanks to the leadership of Federal Communications Commission (FCC) chairman Ajit Pai, the federal government is investing billions of dollars to speed up and expand access to broadband in rural and other technologically underserved communities. The private sector's response has also been overwhelming, as more than 800 telecommunications providers took the FCC's "Keep Americans Connected Pledge," in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, state governments have made efforts to expand access to broadband in communities with the greatest needs.
The effort to ensure that every American can one day participate in the digital economy must be a collective one. It is, however, critical that we invest even more, especially since an unforeseen health crisis has laid bare our remaining technological shortcomings.
Earlier this year, I joined our state's entire congressional delegation in urging House and Senate leadership to do just that, as we continue to address our country's urgent pandemic needs. I've also introduced two rural broadband access bills, one of which would create a pilot program to provide grants to historically Black colleges and universities, tribal colleges and universities and Hispanic-serving institutions to expand digital access and broadband in their communities.
Internet access is deeply interconnected to our ability to provide equitable economic opportunities. Without broadband, an entire array of career opportunities are unavailable. This is work that requires partnerships with businesses and incentives provided from federal leadership. There are 8,700 opportunity zones across the country supported by $75 billion in private investment. These dollars are improving communities and transforming lives by providing well-paying jobs and affordable homes. My colleagues and I are working now to ensure that schools in or near these zones become part of the equation, especially given their potential to provide career readiness and job training instruction. Beyond funding and internet access, we must not lose sight of the fact that education is ultimately about improving outcomes for students.
Growing up in a single-parent household with limited resources taught me the value of a quality education in unlocking someone's full potential. Today, it starts with ensuring that every child has access to broadband. At a time when the rising tide of technology and innovation is improving the lives of so many, not all boats have been lifted.
We can and must do better to level the playing field, especially in a world that is becoming increasingly virtual.
Tim Scott has represented South Carolina in the U.S. Senate since 2013 and was a keynote speaker at the 2020 Reagan Institute Summit on Education.
The views expressed in this article are the writer's own.