newsweek--2020-11-23--GSA Chief Says She Faced Threats to Family, Staff and Pets for Holding Up Biden Transition

General Services Administration ( GSA ) chief Emily Murphy claimed on Monday to have received threats for prohibiting the transition of President-elect Joe Biden 's administration into the White house .
Murphy , who was appointed as Administrator of the GSA by President Donald Trump in 2017 , had held off on allowing official administrative transition efforts to begin for weeks .
After the election , Murphy indicated that an `` ascertainment '' of Biden 's victory had not been made .
Her delay in allowing the transition to move forward prevented Biden 's transition teams from obtaining access to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ federally-owned office spaces .
On Monday , Murphy allowed the transition to proceed .
In a Monday letter , Murphy said she had received threats designed to push her towards allowing the transition to begin .
`` To be clear , I did not receive any direction to delay my determination , '' Murphy wrote .
`` I did , however , receive threats online , by phone , and by mail directed at my safety , my family , my staff , and even my pets in an effort to coerce me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the face of thousands of threats , I always remained committed to upholding the law . ''
The GSA pointed Newsweek to the administrator 's letter of ascertainment when reached out to for comment .
Murphy had previously served in the GSA as Chief Acquisition Officer from 2005-2007 during the George W. Bush administration .
According to her GSA bio , Murphy also spent nine in the U.S. House of Representatives working with the House Committee on Small Business and the House Armed Services Committee .
Some lawmakers called on Murphy to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ news outlets projected Biden the winner of the election .
On Friday , members of the Committee on Oversight and Reform and the Committee on Appropriations sent a letter to the GSA asking for an explanation of the delay in Biden 's transition .
`` Your actions in blocking transition activities required under the law are having grave effects , '' the letter said , `` including the orderly transfer of power , impairing the incoming Administration 's ability to respond to the coronavirus pandemic , hampering its ability to address our nation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our national security . ''
In her Monday letter , Murphy denied that her decision to allow the transition to begin was based on any undue pressure .
`` Contrary to media reports and insinuations , '' Murphy wrote , `` my decision was not made out of fear or favoritism .
Instead , I strongly believe that the statute requires that the GSA Administrator ascertain , not impose , the apparent president-elect . ''
While Trump has thus far refused to concede the election pending the result of lawsuits filed in some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` in the best interest of our Country , I am recommending that Emily and her team do what needs to be done with regard to initial protocols , and have told my team to do the same . ''

General Services Administration (GSA) chief Emily Murphy claimed on Monday to have received threats for prohibiting the transition of President-elect Joe Biden's administration into the White house.
Murphy, who was appointed as Administrator of the GSA by President Donald Trump in 2017, had held off on allowing official administrative transition efforts to begin for weeks. After the election, Murphy indicated that an "ascertainment" of Biden's victory had not been made. Her delay in allowing the transition to move forward prevented Biden's transition teams from obtaining access to information, federal funding and access to federally-owned office spaces. On Monday, Murphy allowed the transition to proceed. In a Monday letter, Murphy said she had received threats designed to push her towards allowing the transition to begin.
"To be clear, I did not receive any direction to delay my determination," Murphy wrote. "I did, however, receive threats online, by phone, and by mail directed at my safety, my family, my staff, and even my pets in an effort to coerce me into making this determination prematurely. Even in the face of thousands of threats, I always remained committed to upholding the law."
The GSA pointed Newsweek to the administrator's letter of ascertainment when reached out to for comment.
General Services Administration chief Emily Murphy allowed President-elect Joe Biden's teams to begin the transition between presidential administrations on Monday, almost three weeks after election day. Alex Edelman/CNP/Getty
Murphy had previously served in the GSA as Chief Acquisition Officer from 2005-2007 during the George W. Bush administration. According to her GSA bio, Murphy also spent nine in the U.S. House of Representatives working with the House Committee on Small Business and the House Armed Services Committee.
Some lawmakers called on Murphy to allow the transition to begin as many news outlets projected Biden the winner of the election. On Friday, members of the Committee on Oversight and Reform and the Committee on Appropriations sent a letter to the GSA asking for an explanation of the delay in Biden's transition.
"Your actions in blocking transition activities required under the law are having grave effects," the letter said, "including the orderly transfer of power, impairing the incoming Administration's ability to respond to the coronavirus pandemic, hampering its ability to address our nation's dire economic crisis, and endangering our national security."
In her Monday letter, Murphy denied that her decision to allow the transition to begin was based on any undue pressure.
"Contrary to media reports and insinuations," Murphy wrote, "my decision was not made out of fear or favoritism. Instead, I strongly believe that the statute requires that the GSA Administrator ascertain, not impose, the apparent president-elect."
While Trump has thus far refused to concede the election pending the result of lawsuits filed in some battleground states, Trump tweeted Monday that "in the best interest of our Country, I am recommending that Emily and her team do what needs to be done with regard to initial protocols, and have told my team to do the same."


newsweek--2020-11-23--GOP Senator Urges Trump to Help Biden Admin Succeed, Says 'People Remember the Last Thing You Do'

Senator Lamar Alexander ( R-Tenn. ) has urged a still-defiant President Donald Trump to help President-elect Joe Biden 's incoming administration `` succeed '' while warning that `` people remember the last thing you do . ''
Alexander made the remarks in a statement issued Monday .
He had previously urged Trump to allow the formal process to move forward , saying that Biden `` looks like he has a very good chance '' to win the election on Friday , almost two weeks after it was called for the president-elect by nearly every major media outlet .
`` The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ formal end .
Recounts are being completed .
Courts are resolving disputes , '' Alexander said Monday .
`` Most states will certify their votes by December 8 .
Since it seems apparent that Joe Biden will be the president-elect , my hope is that President Trump will take pride in his considerable accomplishments , put the country first and have a prompt and orderly transition to help the new administration succeed . ''
`` When you are in public life , people remember the last thing you do , '' added Alexander @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Alexander as was one of 21 GOP senators who `` have privately expressed their disdain for Trump '' repeatedly while questioning his `` fitness '' to hold office .
Trump has continued to dispute the result of the election .
Although dozens of legal challenges by the Trump campaign and allies have fallen flat , the president has persisted in promoting evidence-free claims of widespread election fraud .
Pending further legal challenges and recounts , all of which are nearly certain to not alter the election outcome , Biden won 306 Electoral College @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 270 votes need to win the presidency .
Biden also won close to 80 million votes nationally , over 6 million more than Trump .
Members of both parties have recently expressed concern that delays in allowing Biden to begin the formal transition process could cause national security issues and potentially worsen the impact of the escalating COVID-19 pandemic .
After weeks of stalling , Trump appointee Emily Murphy , who heads the General Services Administration , issued a `` letter of ascertainment '' declaring Biden the `` apparent president-elect '' on Monday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the decision , which is normally a routine formality to begin the transition between presidential administrations , was reached `` independently '' and had not been influenced by Trump or anyone else at the White House .
However , Trump took credit for the decision on Twitter shortly after the letter was sent to Biden , tweeting that he recommended the transition move forward `` in the best interest of our country '' while vowing that he would `` keep up the good fight '' and eventually be declared the winner of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the White House for comment .

Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) has urged a still-defiant President Donald Trump to help President-elect Joe Biden's incoming administration "succeed" while warning that "people remember the last thing you do."
Alexander made the remarks in a statement issued Monday. He had previously urged Trump to allow the formal process to move forward, saying that Biden "looks like he has a very good chance" to win the election on Friday, almost two weeks after it was called for the president-elect by nearly every major media outlet.
"The presidential election is rapidly coming to a formal end. Recounts are being completed. Courts are resolving disputes," Alexander said Monday. "Most states will certify their votes by December 8. Since it seems apparent that Joe Biden will be the president-elect, my hope is that President Trump will take pride in his considerable accomplishments, put the country first and have a prompt and orderly transition to help the new administration succeed."
"When you are in public life, people remember the last thing you do," added Alexander.
Journalist Carl Bernstein on Monday identified Alexander as was one of 21 GOP senators who "have privately expressed their disdain for Trump" repeatedly while questioning his "fitness" to hold office.
Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) leaves the Senate chamber during the recess of an impeachment trial hearing for President Donald Trump in Washington, D.C. on January 31, 2020. Drew Angerer/Getty
Trump has continued to dispute the result of the election. Although dozens of legal challenges by the Trump campaign and allies have fallen flat, the president has persisted in promoting evidence-free claims of widespread election fraud.
Pending further legal challenges and recounts, all of which are nearly certain to not alter the election outcome, Biden won 306 Electoral College votes to Trump's 232, with 270 votes need to win the presidency. Biden also won close to 80 million votes nationally, over 6 million more than Trump.
Members of both parties have recently expressed concern that delays in allowing Biden to begin the formal transition process could cause national security issues and potentially worsen the impact of the escalating COVID-19 pandemic.
After weeks of stalling, Trump appointee Emily Murphy, who heads the General Services Administration, issued a "letter of ascertainment" declaring Biden the "apparent president-elect" on Monday.
Murphy insisted that the timing of the decision, which is normally a routine formality to begin the transition between presidential administrations, was reached "independently" and had not been influenced by Trump or anyone else at the White House.
However, Trump took credit for the decision on Twitter shortly after the letter was sent to Biden, tweeting that he recommended the transition move forward "in the best interest of our country" while vowing that he would "keep up the good fight" and eventually be declared the winner of the election regardless.
Newsweek reached out to the White House for comment.


newsweek--2020-11-23--Read GSA Administrator Emily Murphy's Full Letter Telling Biden Formal Transition Can Begin

After delaying for weeks following the election , on Monday evening , Emily Murphy , Chief of the General Services Administration ( GSA ) , finally issued a letter to President-elect Joe Biden granting him access to federal transition resources after winning the 2020 Presidential election .
As the administrator of the U.S. General Services Administration , I have the ability under the Presidential Transition Act of 1963. as amended , to make certain post-election resources and services available to assist in the event of a presidential transition .
See 3 U.S.C .
§ 102 note ( the `` Act @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seriously and , because of recent developments involving legal challenges and certifications of election results , am transmitting this letter to make those resources and services available to you .
I have dedicated much of my adult life to public service , and I have always strived to do what is right .
Please know that I came to my decision independently , based on the law and available facts .
I was never directly or indirectly pressured by any Executive Branch official—including those who work at the White House or GSA—with regard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decision .
To be clear , I did not receive any direction to delay my determination .
I did , however , receive threats online , by phone , and by mail directed at my safety , my family , my staff , and even my pets in an effort to coerce me into making this determination prematurely .
Even in the face of thousands of threats , I always remained committed to upholding the law .
Contrary to media reports and insinuations , my decision was not made out of fear or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the statute requires that the GSA Administrator ascertain , not impose , the apparent president-elect .
Unfortunately , the statute provides no procedures or standards for this process , so I looked to precedent from prior elections involving legal challenges and incomplete counts .
GSA does not dictate the outcome of legal disputes and recounts , nor does it determine whether such proceedings are reasonable or justified .
These are issues that the Constitution , federal laws , and state laws leave to the election certification process and decisions by courts of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that an agency charged with improving federal procurement and property management should place itself above the constitutionally based election process .
I strongly urge Congress to consider amendments to the act .
As you know , the GSA administrator does not pick or certify the winner of a presidential election .
Instead , the GSA Administrator 's role under the Act is extremely narrow ; to make resources and services available in connection with a presidential transition .
As stated , because of recent developments involving legal challenges and certifications of election results @ @ @ @ @ @ @ access the post-election resources and services described in Section 3 of the Act upon request .
The actual winner of the presidential election will be determined by the electoral process , detailed in the Constitution .
Section 7 of the Act and Public Law , 116-159 , dated October , 1 2020 , which provides continuing appropriations until December 11 , 2020 makes $ 6,300,000 available to you to carry out the provisions of Section 3 of the Act .
In addition , $ 1,000,000 is authorized , pursuant to Public Law 116-159 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a transition directory .
I remind you that Section 6 of the Act imposes reporting requirements on you as a condition for receiving services and funds from the GSA .
If there is anything we can do to assist you , please contact , Ms. Mary D. Gilbert , the Federal transition coordinator .

After delaying for weeks following the election, on Monday evening, Emily Murphy, Chief of the General Services Administration (GSA), finally issued a letter to President-elect Joe Biden granting him access to federal transition resources after winning the 2020 Presidential election.
Read the full letter below:
Dear Mr. Biden,
As the administrator of the U.S. General Services Administration, I have the ability under the Presidential Transition Act of 1963. as amended, to make certain post-election resources and services available to assist in the event of a presidential transition. See 3 U.S.C. § 102 note (the "Act"). I take this role seriously and, because of recent developments involving legal challenges and certifications of election results, am transmitting this letter to make those resources and services available to you.
Emily Murphy, Chief of the General Services Administration (GSA), finally issued a letter to President-elect Joe Biden, granting him access to federal transition resources after winning the 2020 Presidential election. In this September 30, 2020 , Biden gestures during a campaign stop in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Alex Wong/Getty
I have dedicated much of my adult life to public service, and I have always strived to do what is right. Please know that I came to my decision independently, based on the law and available facts. I was never directly or indirectly pressured by any Executive Branch official—including those who work at the White House or GSA—with regard to the substance or timing of my decision. To be clear, I did not receive any direction to delay my determination. I did, however, receive threats online, by phone, and by mail directed at my safety, my family, my staff, and even my pets in an effort to coerce me into making this determination prematurely. Even in the face of thousands of threats, I always remained committed to upholding the law.
Contrary to media reports and insinuations, my decision was not made out of fear or favoritism. Instead, I strongly believe that the statute requires that the GSA Administrator ascertain, not impose, the apparent president-elect. Unfortunately, the statute provides no procedures or standards for this process, so I looked to precedent from prior elections involving legal challenges and incomplete counts. GSA does not dictate the outcome of legal disputes and recounts, nor does it determine whether such proceedings are reasonable or justified. These are issues that the Constitution, federal laws, and state laws leave to the election certification process and decisions by courts of competent jurisdiction. I do not think that an agency charged with improving federal procurement and property management should place itself above the constitutionally based election process. I strongly urge Congress to consider amendments to the act.
As you know, the GSA administrator does not pick or certify the winner of a presidential election. Instead, the GSA Administrator's role under the Act is extremely narrow; to make resources and services available in connection with a presidential transition. As stated, because of recent developments involving legal challenges and certifications of election results, I have determined that you may access the post-election resources and services described in Section 3 of the Act upon request. The actual winner of the presidential election will be determined by the electoral process, detailed in the Constitution.
Section 7 of the Act and Public Law, 116-159, dated October, 1 2020, which provides continuing appropriations until December 11, 2020 makes $6,300,000 available to you to carry out the provisions of Section 3 of the Act.
In addition, $1,000,000 is authorized, pursuant to Public Law 116-159, to provide appointee orientation sessions and a transition directory. I remind you that Section 6 of the Act imposes reporting requirements on you as a condition for receiving services and funds from the GSA.
If there is anything we can do to assist you, please contact, Ms. Mary D. Gilbert, the Federal transition coordinator.
Sincerely,
Emily W. Murphy
Administrator U.S. General Services Administration
CC: The Honorable Edward Kaufman
The Honorable Jeffrey Zients
The Honorable Mark Meadows
The Honorable Chris Liddell


newsweek--2020-11-23--GSA Tells Biden Transition Can Formally Begin As Trump Vows to Continue Election Lawsuits

General Services Administration ( GSA ) Administrator Emily Murphy informed President-elect Joe Biden on Monday that she has ascertained that Biden 's teams may begin the formal transition for his incoming administration .
Because of Murphy 's delay in recognizing Biden as the winner of the election against President Donald Trump , Biden 's transition teams were prohibited from receiving federal money , workspace and information .
With the GSA 's announcement , Biden 's transition may begin in earnest .
`` As the Administrator of the U.S. General Services Administration , I have the ability under the Presidential Transition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to make certain post-election resources and services available to assist in the event of a presidential transition , '' Murphy wrote .
`` I take this role seriously and , because of recent developments involving legal challenges and certifications of election results , am transmitting this letter today to make those resources and services available to you . ''
Biden 's transition teams will have access to over $ 6 million in federal funds for transition efforts , along with $ 1 million for orientation sessions .
While Trump said he would continue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ victory , he tweeted Monday that he would comply with the GSA 's recommendations .
`` I want to thank Emily Murphy at GSA for her steadfast dedication and loyalty to our Country .
She has been harassed , threatened , and abused – and I do not want to see this happen to her , her family , or employees of GSA , '' Trump tweeted .
`` Our case STRONGLY continues , we will keep up the good ... fight , and I believe we will prevail !
Nevertheless , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I am recommending that Emily and her team do what needs to be done with regard to initial protocols , and have told my team to do the same . ''
In a Monday statement sent to Newsweek , the Biden-Harris transition teams called Murphy 's decision `` a needed step to begin tackling the challenges facing our nation , including getting the pandemic under control and our economy back on track . ''
`` In the days ahead , '' the statement continued , transition officials will begin meeting with federal officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a full accounting of our national security interests , and gain complete understanding of the Trump administration 's efforts to hollow out government agencies . ''
Some members of the GOP have been encouraging Trump to concede , an action Trump has been reticent to undertake .
Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie told ABC News on Sunday that `` elections have consequences , and we can not continue to act as if something happened here that did n't happen . ''
Most media outlets have projected a victory for Biden in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Press , Biden received 51.1 percent of the popular vote to Trump 's 47.2 percent .
Along with a majority of the popular vote , Biden received 306 electoral votes to Trump 's 232 electoral votes .
However , not all votes have been tabulated .
Trump has alleged widespread fraud during the election .
Several lawsuits were filed by Republicans hoping to prevent ballots from being counted .

General Services Administration (GSA) Administrator Emily Murphy informed President-elect Joe Biden on Monday that she has ascertained that Biden's teams may begin the formal transition for his incoming administration.
Because of Murphy's delay in recognizing Biden as the winner of the election against President Donald Trump, Biden's transition teams were prohibited from receiving federal money, workspace and information. With the GSA's announcement, Biden's transition may begin in earnest.
"As the Administrator of the U.S. General Services Administration, I have the ability under the Presidential Transition Act of 1963, as amended, to make certain post-election resources and services available to assist in the event of a presidential transition," Murphy wrote. "I take this role seriously and, because of recent developments involving legal challenges and certifications of election results, am transmitting this letter today to make those resources and services available to you."
Biden's transition teams will have access to over $6 million in federal funds for transition efforts, along with $1 million for orientation sessions.
President-elect Joe Biden was given formal permission to proceed with the presidential transition process after being granted access by the General Services Administration on Monday. Mark Makela/Getty
While Trump said he would continue with his legal challenges to Biden's victory, he tweeted Monday that he would comply with the GSA's recommendations.
"I want to thank Emily Murphy at GSA for her steadfast dedication and loyalty to our Country. She has been harassed, threatened, and abused – and I do not want to see this happen to her, her family, or employees of GSA," Trump tweeted. "Our case STRONGLY continues, we will keep up the good...fight, and I believe we will prevail! Nevertheless, in the best interest of our Country, I am recommending that Emily and her team do what needs to be done with regard to initial protocols, and have told my team to do the same."
...fight, and I believe we will prevail! Nevertheless, in the best interest of our Country, I am recommending that Emily and her team do what needs to be done with regard to initial protocols, and have told my team to do the same. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 23, 2020
In a Monday statement sent to Newsweek, the Biden-Harris transition teams called Murphy's decision "a needed step to begin tackling the challenges facing our nation, including getting the pandemic under control and our economy back on track."
"In the days ahead," the statement continued, transition officials will begin meeting with federal officials to discuss the pandemic response, have a full accounting of our national security interests, and gain complete understanding of the Trump administration's efforts to hollow out government agencies."
Some members of the GOP have been encouraging Trump to concede, an action Trump has been reticent to undertake. Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie told ABC News on Sunday that "elections have consequences, and we cannot continue to act as if something happened here that didn't happen."
Most media outlets have projected a victory for Biden in the presidential election. According to the Associated Press, Biden received 51.1 percent of the popular vote to Trump's 47.2 percent. Along with a majority of the popular vote, Biden received 306 electoral votes to Trump's 232 electoral votes. However, not all votes have been tabulated. Trump has alleged widespread fraud during the election. Several lawsuits were filed by Republicans hoping to prevent ballots from being counted.


newsweek--2020-11-23--Most Voters Don't Want Democrats to Control the Senate and House As Stimulus Deadlock Continues: Pol

Most Voters Don't Want Democrats to Control the Senate and House As Stimulus Deadlock Continues: Poll

While partisan disagreements continue to stall a new stimulus bill amid the COVID-19 pandemic , a majority of Americans want the government to remain divided along party lines with Republicans retaining control of the Senate , according to a new poll .
Early data from a Harvard CAPS-Harris poll found that 56 percent of respondents want Republicans to keep control of the Senate following crucial Georgia runoff elections in the new year , while 44 percent would prefer Democrats have full control of Congress along with the White House , according to a Monday report from The Hill .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ divided government and their votes for the Senate and House indicate that as well , '' Harvard CAPS-Harris polling director Mark Penn told the outlet .
`` This is a strong headwind for Democrats in the special election though [ President ] Trump 's continued failure to concede could muddy the waters here . ''
Full results from the poll , which was conducted among 2,205 registered voters between November 17 and November 19 , are expected to be released later this week .
Almost eight months after the Coronavirus Aid , Relief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Act was passed by Congress and signed by President Donald Trump , disputes between Democratic and Republican leaders has repeatedly blocked movement on a follow-up bill .
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi ( D-Calif. ) and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell ( R-Ky. ) have both joined with partisan colleagues to accuse the opposing party of obstructing any potential legislation .
Meanwhile , COVID-19 has continued to spread throughout the country at a record-breaking pace , with well over 12.2 million cases and more than 256,000 deaths recorded as of Monday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Senate remains in GOP control after President-elect Joe Biden takes office on January 20 , Republicans are likely to make it difficult for Democrats to achieve any of their legislative goals .
McConnell could block bills coming from the Democratic-controlled House from even being voted on by the Senate .
However , it is not clear which party will control the chamber .
If Democrats were to win both seats in the Georgia runoffs , set to take place on January 5 , the party would effectively control the Senate with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ having the ability to cast tie-breaking votes .
Republicans only need to win one of the two races to retain control , but recent polls have suggested that both contests are close , with incumbent GOP Sens .
David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler both statistically tied with Democratic challengers Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock .
Newsweek reached out to the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee and the National Republican Senatorial Committee for comment .

While partisan disagreements continue to stall a new stimulus bill amid the COVID-19 pandemic, a majority of Americans want the government to remain divided along party lines with Republicans retaining control of the Senate, according to a new poll.
Early data from a Harvard CAPS-Harris poll found that 56 percent of respondents want Republicans to keep control of the Senate following crucial Georgia runoff elections in the new year, while 44 percent would prefer Democrats have full control of Congress along with the White House, according to a Monday report from The Hill.
"As of now, the voters want divided government and their votes for the Senate and House indicate that as well," Harvard CAPS-Harris polling director Mark Penn told the outlet. "This is a strong headwind for Democrats in the special election though [President] Trump's continued failure to concede could muddy the waters here."
Full results from the poll, which was conducted among 2,205 registered voters between November 17 and November 19, are expected to be released later this week.
Almost eight months after the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was passed by Congress and signed by President Donald Trump, disputes between Democratic and Republican leaders has repeatedly blocked movement on a follow-up bill.
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) are pictured outside the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C. on July 29, 2020. Brendan Smialowski-Pool/Getty
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) have both joined with partisan colleagues to accuse the opposing party of obstructing any potential legislation.
Meanwhile, COVID-19 has continued to spread throughout the country at a record-breaking pace, with well over 12.2 million cases and more than 256,000 deaths recorded as of Monday, according to Johns Hopkins University.
If the Senate remains in GOP control after President-elect Joe Biden takes office on January 20, Republicans are likely to make it difficult for Democrats to achieve any of their legislative goals. McConnell could block bills coming from the Democratic-controlled House from even being voted on by the Senate.
However, it is not clear which party will control the chamber. If Democrats were to win both seats in the Georgia runoffs, set to take place on January 5, the party would effectively control the Senate with a 50-50 split and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris having the ability to cast tie-breaking votes.
Republicans only need to win one of the two races to retain control, but recent polls have suggested that both contests are close, with incumbent GOP Sens. David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler both statistically tied with Democratic challengers Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock.
Newsweek reached out to the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee and the National Republican Senatorial Committee for comment.


newsweek--2020-11-23--With NFC East Historically Bad, Here Are The Worst Teams to Make NFL the Playoffs

The NFC East has historically been one of the best divisions in the NFL with decades-old rivalries .
This season , it 's one of the historically worst the league has ever seen .
Each team has played 10 games , and each team has won just three games .
One of these teams will eventually win the division and host a playoff game .
The other three will have good draft picks next spring .
Philadelphia actually leads the division with a 3-6-1 record , thanks to a tie with the Cincinnati Bengals , who are just 2-7-1 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ York Giants and Washington Football Team—are each 3-7 .
The Philadelphia Eagles may have the toughest road ahead of them with their next three games being : vs Seattle ( 7-3 ) , at Green Bay ( 7-3 ) and vs New Orleans ( 8-2 ) , who are all leading their respective divisions and battling for the NFC 's top spot , which means a bye week in the playoff 's first round .
The Eagles then travel to play a much-improved Arizona Cardinals team that is 6-4 .
The Giants go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team that will be using its backup quarterback after starter Joe Burrow got knocked out for the season , and then the Giants finish the season with games against the Seahawks , Cardinals , Browns , Ravens and Cowboys .
Washington still has games against the Pittsburgh Steelers , San Francisco 49ers , Seattle Seahawks and Carolina Panthers .
The Cowboys get to play three NFC East teams ( Washington this Thursday and the Eagles and Giants to end the season ) , and they have the Ravens , Bengals and 49ers in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ path to win the division .
Dallas could theoretically win half of their remaining games and clinch the division with a 6-10 record .
No team has lost 10 games and made the NFL playoffs .
The Seahawks made the playoffs with nine losses in the 2010 season .
But this is 2020 .
Here are the teams with the worst records to make the NFL playoffs since 2002 , when the current structure was implemented ( division champions host at least one game ) : 2010 Seattle Seahawks ( 7-9 ) Beat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lost to Chicago in Divisional Round 2014 Carolina Panthers ( 7-8-1 ) Beat Arizona in Wild Card Round , lost to Seattle in Divisional Round 2011 Denver Broncos ( 8-8 ) Beat Pittsburgh in Wild Card Round , lost to New England in Divisional Round 2008 San Diego Chargers ( 8-8 ) Beat Indianapolis in Wild Card Round , lost to Pittsburgh in Divisional Round 2016 Houston Texans ( 9-7 ) Beat Oakland in Wild Card Round , lost to New England in Divisional Round 2011 New York Giants ( 9-7 ) Beat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Green Bay in Divisional Round , beat San Francisco in NFC Championship , beat New England in Super Bowl XLVI 2008 Arizona Cardinals ( 9-7 ) Beat Atlanta in Wild Card Round , beat Carolina in Divisional Round , beat Philadelphia in NFC Championship , lost to Pittsburgh in Super Bowl XLIII 2007 Tampa Bay Buccaneers ( 9-7 ) Lost to New York Giants in Wild Card Round 2006 Seattle Seahawks ( 9-7 ) Beat Dallas in Wild Card Round , lost to Chicago in Divisional Round 2002 New York Jets ( 9-7 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , lost to Oakland in Divisional Round

The NFC East has historically been one of the best divisions in the NFL with decades-old rivalries. This season, it's one of the historically worst the league has ever seen. Each team has played 10 games, and each team has won just three games. One of these teams will eventually win the division and host a playoff game.
The other three will have good draft picks next spring.
Philadelphia actually leads the division with a 3-6-1 record, thanks to a tie with the Cincinnati Bengals, who are just 2-7-1. The other three teams—Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants and Washington Football Team—are each 3-7.
The Philadelphia Eagles may have the toughest road ahead of them with their next three games being: vs Seattle (7-3), at Green Bay (7-3) and vs New Orleans (8-2), who are all leading their respective divisions and battling for the NFC's top spot, which means a bye week in the playoff's first round. The Eagles then travel to play a much-improved Arizona Cardinals team that is 6-4.
The Giants go to Cincinnati this weekend to play a team that will be using its backup quarterback after starter Joe Burrow got knocked out for the season, and then the Giants finish the season with games against the Seahawks, Cardinals, Browns, Ravens and Cowboys.
Washington still has games against the Pittsburgh Steelers, San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks and Carolina Panthers.
The Cowboys get to play three NFC East teams (Washington this Thursday and the Eagles and Giants to end the season), and they have the Ravens, Bengals and 49ers in between. They have perhaps the easiest path to win the division. Dallas could theoretically win half of their remaining games and clinch the division with a 6-10 record.
No team has lost 10 games and made the NFL playoffs. The Seahawks made the playoffs with nine losses in the 2010 season. But this is 2020.
Here are the teams with the worst records to make the NFL playoffs since 2002, when the current structure was implemented (division champions host at least one game):
2010 Seattle Seahawks (7-9)
Beat New Orleans in Wild Card Round, lost to Chicago in Divisional Round
2014 Carolina Panthers (7-8-1)
Beat Arizona in Wild Card Round, lost to Seattle in Divisional Round
2011 Denver Broncos (8-8)
Beat Pittsburgh in Wild Card Round, lost to New England in Divisional Round
2008 San Diego Chargers (8-8)
Beat Indianapolis in Wild Card Round, lost to Pittsburgh in Divisional Round
2013 Green Bay Packers (8-7-1)
Lost to San Francisco in Wild Card Round
2019 Philadelphia Eagles (9-7)
Lost to Seattle in Wild Card Round
2016 Houston Texans (9-7)
Beat Oakland in Wild Card Round, lost to New England in Divisional Round
2015 Washington Football Team (9-7)
Lost to Green Bay in Wild Card Round
2015 Houston Texans (9-7)
Lost to Kansas City in Wild Card Round
Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants throws a pass against the New England Patriots during Super Bowl XLVI at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 5, 2012 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Giants, who won their division with a 9-7 record that season, got hot in the playoffs and beat New England, 21-17, in the Super Bowl. Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images
2011 New York Giants (9-7)
Beat Atlanta in Wild Card Round, beat Green Bay in Divisional Round, beat San Francisco in NFC Championship, beat New England in Super Bowl XLVI
2008 Arizona Cardinals (9-7)
Beat Atlanta in Wild Card Round, beat Carolina in Divisional Round, beat Philadelphia in NFC Championship, lost to Pittsburgh in Super Bowl XLIII
2007 Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-7)
Lost to New York Giants in Wild Card Round
2006 Seattle Seahawks (9-7)
Beat Dallas in Wild Card Round, lost to Chicago in Divisional Round
2004 Seattle Seahawks (9-7)
Lost to St. Louis Rams in Wild Card Round
2002 New York Jets (9-7)
Beat Indianapolis in Wild Card Round, lost to Oakland in Divisional Round


newsweek--2020-11-23--Liberals Finally Get Their Wish: Dianne Feinstein Says She's Out as Top Democrat on Judiciary Panel

Senator Dianne Feinstein , a California Democrat who is the upper chamber 's oldest member at 87 years old , announced Monday that she will soon no longer be the top Democrat on the powerful Judiciary Committee .
`` After serving as the lead Democrat on the Judiciary Committee for four years , I will not seek the chairmanship or ranking member position in the next Congress , '' Feinstein said in a statement .
Party control of the Senate will be decided after two runoff races in Georgia on Jan. 5 .
The revelation comes the month after the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Amy Coney Barrett .
Feinstein faced swift calls from progressive groups to step down from her ranking member post—or even retire from Congress altogether—after praising Chairman Lindsey Graham ( R-S.C. ) for how he conducted the hearing , even embracing him with a handshake and a maskless hug .
The GOP-controlled chamber moved at breakneck pace to confirm the Trump nominee before Election Day , causing Democrats to erupt in anger and accuse Republicans of hypocrisy for confirming a justice mere days before an election when they previously blocked an Obama nominee months @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's hearing , Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer ( D-N.Y. ) told reporters he had a `` long and serious '' talk with Feinstein .
However , he offered little insight into whether he 'd lost confidence in her as the top Democrat on the committee .
In a statement , Schumer said he is `` deeply grateful for Senator Feinstein 's leadership and contributions '' to the party and as ranking member . ''
Feinstein has served as ranking member since 2017 and will continue to serve on the panel .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ existential threats—wildfire and drought—that are only getting worse with climate change , '' Feinstein said .
`` In the next Congress , I plan to increase my attention on those two crucial issues . ''
`` Based on seniority , Minority Whip Dick Urban ( D-Ill. ) would replace Feinstein , who said he has intentions to do so .
`` I have served on the committee for 22 years , and I am its most senior member who does not currently serve atop another Senate committee , '' Durbin said in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and were to pass , the position would go to Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse ( D-R.I. ) .

Senator Dianne Feinstein, a California Democrat who is the upper chamber's oldest member at 87 years old, announced Monday that she will soon no longer be the top Democrat on the powerful Judiciary Committee.
"After serving as the lead Democrat on the Judiciary Committee for four years, I will not seek the chairmanship or ranking member position in the next Congress," Feinstein said in a statement.
Party control of the Senate will be decided after two runoff races in Georgia on Jan. 5. Judiciary and the Senate will be key in confirming President-elect Joe Biden's administration officials.
The revelation comes a month after the contentious confirmation process for Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett. Feinstein faced swift calls from progressive groups to step down from her ranking member post—or even retire from Congress altogether—after praising Chairman Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) for how he conducted the hearing, even embracing him with a handshake and a maskless hug.
"Let's be clear, there's no way that would have [stepped aside] without our movement," said Evan Weber, the political director of the climate activist group Sunrise Movement. "But our demand is and has been for Senator Feinstein to not just step down, but resign."
The GOP-controlled chamber moved at breakneck pace to confirm the Trump nominee before Election Day, causing Democrats to erupt in anger and accuse Republicans of hypocrisy for confirming a justice mere days before an election when they previously blocked an Obama nominee months before the 2016 contest.
After Barrett's hearing, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) told reporters he had a "long and serious" talk with Feinstein. However, he offered little insight into whether he'd lost confidence in her as the top Democrat on the committee.
Ranking member Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-CA, Chairman Lindsey Graham, R-SC and Sen. Dick Durbin(R), D-IL attend the fourth day of US Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Judge Amy Coney Barrett on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, October 15. Photo by TOM WILLIAMS/POOL/AFP/Getty
In a statement, Schumer said he is "deeply grateful for Senator Feinstein's leadership and contributions" to the party and as ranking member.
Feinstein has served as ranking member since 2017 and will continue to serve on the panel.
"California is a huge state confronting two existential threats—wildfire and drought—that are only getting worse with climate change," Feinstein said. "In the next Congress, I plan to increase my attention on those two crucial issues."
Based on seniority, Minority Whip Dick Urban (D-Ill.) would replace Feinstein. He said he intends to do so.
"I have served on the committee for 22 years, and I am its most senior member who does not currently serve atop another Senate committee," Durbin said in a statement.
This story was updated to include a statement from the Sunrise Movement.


newsweek--2020-11-23--Nearly Half of Americans Support Trump Running in 2024 As His Campaign Lawsuits Unravel: Poll

While President Donald Trump 's legal efforts to remain in the White House appear to be failing , a poll released Monday indicates that more than half of Americans are in favor of Trump running for president again in 2024 .
Trump has claimed victory in the 2020 election although many media outlets have projected a win for President-elect Joe Biden .
Trump has thus far refused to concede the election and has filed lawsuits in some battleground states alleging widespread electoral manipulation .
For the most part , those lawsuits have been dismissed by judges .
Some observers believe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2024 .
According to a Hill-HarrisX daily poll published Monday , many Americans think Trump should follow through with those alleged plans .
According to the poll , 47 percent of registered voters support Trump running again in 2024 .
Republicans comprised a majority of that number with 75 percent backing a second Trump campaign .
While only 24 percent of Democrats supported the idea , 47 percent of Independent voters gave the idea their support .
Voters who did not support a second Trump presidential run numbered 53 percent .
Most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 25 percent of those who did not think Trump should run again were Republicans .
A majority of Independent voters were also against the idea , with 53 percent saying they were in opposition to the idea .
The Hill-HarrisX poll was conducted November 17-19 from a pool of 1,873 registered voters and carried a margin of error of plus or minus 2.26 percentage points .
According to the U.S. Constitution , a president can not serve any more than two terms of four years each .
However , there is nothing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ serving non-consecutive terms as president .
Former President Grover Cleveland served twice non-consecutively as the 22nd and 24th president , from 1885-1889 and 1893-1897 .
Trump 's legal team has attempted to delegitimize the election results by claiming widespread voter fraud and election tampering .
However , those allegations have widely been described as unsubstantiated .
According to NBC News , at least 36 lawsuits have been filed by Republicans over the election results but roughly 24 have been unable to go forward .
In Pennsylvania , where Biden was projected to have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump 's 48.8 percent , a federal judge dismissed a lawsuit from Trump 's legal team on Saturday which sought to block the state 's vote certification .
In his ruling , U.S. District Judge Matthew Brann compared the lawsuit to the Frankenstein monster , `` haphazardly stitched together . ''
`` Plaintiffs seek to remedy the denial of their votes by invalidating the votes of millions of others , '' Brann wrote .
`` Rather than requesting that their votes be counted , they seek to discredit scores of other votes , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is simply not how the Constitution works . ''
While the White House has not confirmed that Trump will run again in the next election , some observers believe it is a distinct possibility .
Former acting White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney said during a November interview that he `` expected the president to stay involved in politics and would absolutely put him on the shortlist of people who are likely to run in 2024 . ''
Newsweek reached out to Biden 's transition team for comment .

While President Donald Trump's legal efforts to remain in the White House appear to be failing, a poll released Monday indicates that more than half of Americans are in favor of Trump running for president again in 2024.
Trump has claimed victory in the 2020 election although many media outlets have projected a win for President-elect Joe Biden. Trump has thus far refused to concede the election and has filed lawsuits in some battleground states alleging widespread electoral manipulation. For the most part, those lawsuits have been dismissed by judges. Some observers believe that Trump could mount another presidential campaign in 2024. According to a Hill-HarrisX daily poll published Monday, many Americans think Trump should follow through with those alleged plans.
According to the poll, 47 percent of registered voters support Trump running again in 2024. Republicans comprised a majority of that number with 75 percent backing a second Trump campaign. While only 24 percent of Democrats supported the idea, 47 percent of Independent voters gave the idea their support.
Voters who did not support a second Trump presidential run numbered 53 percent. Most of those voters—76 percent—were Democrats. However, 25 percent of those who did not think Trump should run again were Republicans. A majority of Independent voters were also against the idea, with 53 percent saying they were in opposition to the idea.
The Hill-HarrisX poll was conducted November 17-19 from a pool of 1,873 registered voters and carried a margin of error of plus or minus 2.26 percentage points.
According to the U.S. Constitution, a president cannot serve any more than two terms of four years each. However, there is nothing in the constitution prohibiting an individual from serving non-consecutive terms as president. Former President Grover Cleveland served twice non-consecutively as the 22nd and 24th president, from 1885-1889 and 1893-1897.
President Donald Trump could run for a second term as president in 2024. Tasos Katopodis/Getty
Trump's legal team has attempted to delegitimize the election results by claiming widespread voter fraud and election tampering. However, those allegations have widely been described as unsubstantiated. According to NBC News, at least 36 lawsuits have been filed by Republicans over the election results but roughly 24 have been unable to go forward.
In Pennsylvania, where Biden was projected to have won 50 percent of the vote to Trump's 48.8 percent, a federal judge dismissed a lawsuit from Trump's legal team on Saturday which sought to block the state's vote certification.
In his ruling, U.S. District Judge Matthew Brann compared the lawsuit to the Frankenstein monster, "haphazardly stitched together."
"Plaintiffs seek to remedy the denial of their votes by invalidating the votes of millions of others," Brann wrote. "Rather than requesting that their votes be counted, they seek to discredit scores of other votes, but only for one race. This is simply not how the Constitution works."
While the White House has not confirmed that Trump will run again in the next election, some observers believe it is a distinct possibility. Former acting White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney said during a November interview that he "expected the president to stay involved in politics and would absolutely put him on the shortlist of people who are likely to run in 2024."
Newsweek reached out to Biden's transition team for comment.


newsweek--2020-11-23--John Tesh Made Good on His Promise to Quit Twitter for Parler; Other Celebs, Not So Much

In recent weeks , `` follow me on Parler '' has been something of a rallying cry by conservative celebrities who feel Twitter and Facebook are too restrictive in their commenting policies .
Rather than have their messages censored -- or labeled as containing inaccurate statements -- they said Parler allowed them to share their thoughts unfiltered .
Thus , the pledge to deactivate Twitter accounts and start an exodus to Parler .
Except , for the most part , it has n't really happened .
John Tesh , the New Age musician , radio host and presenter , made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Twitter in favor of Parler , and he stayed true on his word .
His former Twitter account is deactivated , and he kicked off his Parler activity with a video in which he speaks of a `` world of divine healing '' as a combative for COVID .
`` Why not pause for a moment to hear my report on what God says about healing all your sicknesses .
This does not involve Dr Fauci or the Dominion software , '' he captioned the video .
`` Just FYI . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jones was an early devotee of Parler , where he has been posting regularly since joining more than a year ago .
However , he was left with little choice in terms of social media platforms ; he was banned permanently from Twitter in 2018 .
He joins David Duke , the white supremacist and former Ku Klux Klan grand wizard , who took to Parler after Twitter kicked him off its service .
Other high profile Parler users include Donald Trump Jr. , Eric Trump , Lara Trump , Rudy Giuliani , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Scott Baio , Gina Carano , and conservative author Candace Owens .
Everyone listed still continues to use Twitter , even though they tried to persuade all their followers to Parler in past tweets .
Nunes has been a lot less active on Twitter than Parler lately , but still tweets on occasion , while others like Owens and Cruz seemingly made good on their pledges to leave Twitter for Parler , only to later return to using both platforms after brief periods of Twitter inactivity .
While Fox personalities like Maria @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Parler , they also continue actively using Twitter .
Their colleague Tucker Carlson still occasionally tweets , though he 's much more active on Parler as of late .
Meanwhile , there are some celebrities , like Duck Dynasty star and outspoken conservative Phil Robertson , who have been active on Parler , yet have n't bothered with deactivating their Twitter accounts .
Mark Levin , a conservative author and podcast host , repeatedly writes he 's leaving Twitter -- often tacked on to other messages -- but has yet to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allow its users to speak freely , the service 's more famous users may not feel as if it speaks to a big enough audience as Twitter -- at least not yet .

In recent weeks, "follow me on Parler" has been something of a rallying cry by conservative celebrities who feel Twitter and Facebook are too restrictive in their commenting policies. Rather than have their messages censored--or labeled as containing inaccurate statements--they said Parler allowed them to share their thoughts unfiltered. Thus, the pledge to deactivate Twitter accounts and start an exodus to Parler.
Except, for the most part, it hasn't really happened.
John Tesh, the New Age musician, radio host and presenter, made news recently when he announced his departure from Twitter in favor of Parler, and he stayed true on his word. His former Twitter account is deactivated, and he kicked off his Parler activity with a video in which he speaks of a "world of divine healing" as a combative for COVID. "Why not pause for a moment to hear my report on what God says about healing all your sicknesses. This does not involve Dr Fauci or the Dominion software," he captioned the video. "Just FYI."
John Tesh, a man of his word, in March, 2020. Paul Archuleta/Getty
The conspiracy theorist and InfoWars founder Alex Jones was an early devotee of Parler, where he has been posting regularly since joining more than a year ago. However, he was left with little choice in terms of social media platforms; he was banned permanently from Twitter in 2018. He joins David Duke, the white supremacist and former Ku Klux Klan grand wizard, who took to Parler after Twitter kicked him off its service.
Other high profile Parler users include Donald Trump Jr., Eric Trump, Lara Trump, Rudy Giuliani, Rep. Devin Nunes, Sen. Rand Paul, Scott Baio, Gina Carano, and conservative author Candace Owens. Everyone listed still continues to use Twitter, even though they tried to persuade all their followers to Parler in past tweets. Nunes has been a lot less active on Twitter than Parler lately, but still tweets on occasion, while others like Owens and Cruz seemingly made good on their pledges to leave Twitter for Parler, only to later return to using both platforms after brief periods of Twitter inactivity.
While Fox personalities like Maria Bartiromo and Sean Hannity are prominent figures on Parler, they also continue actively using Twitter. Their colleague Tucker Carlson still occasionally tweets, though he's much more active on Parler as of late. Meanwhile, there are some celebrities, like Duck Dynasty star and outspoken conservative Phil Robertson, who have been active on Parler, yet haven't bothered with deactivating their Twitter accounts. Mark Levin, a conservative author and podcast host, repeatedly writes he's leaving Twitter--often tacked on to other messages--but has yet to do so.
So, while Parler may allow its users to speak freely, the service's more famous users may not feel as if it speaks to a big enough audience as Twitter--at least not yet.


newsweek--2020-11-23--Rush Limbaugh Criticizes Trump Campaign for Hyping Up 'Blockbuster' Voter Fraud Evidence: 'Nothing H

Rush Limbaugh Criticizes Trump Campaign for Hyping Up 'Blockbuster' Voter Fraud Evidence: 'Nothing Happened… Not Good'

On Monday , conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh criticized the re-election campaign legal team of President Donald Trump for not delivering its promised `` massive bombshells '' of alleged voter fraud that swung the election in favor of President-elect Joe Biden .
`` They promised blockbuster stuff , and then nothing happened , '' Limbaugh said of the days following the legal team 's much-discussed November 19 press conference .
`` And that 's just , that 's not—well , it 's not good . ''
`` You call a gigantic press conference like that , one that lasts an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and you announce massive bombshells , then you better have some bombshells , there better be something at that press conference other than what we got . ''
Among the claims made in the November 19 press conference , Sidney Powell , said that two large election software manufacturers—Dominion Voting Systems and Smartmatic—were used by `` Venezuela , Cuba and likely China '' to switch votes from Trump to Biden .
These countries , Powell claimed , were additionally paid by individual candidates , both Democratic and Republican , to switch votes and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disavowed any such connections to the aforementioned countries .
Despite promising to `` release the Kraken '' of evidence proving her claims , Powell refused to provide any at the press conference and then refused to provide any to Fox News host Tucker Carlson because she considered him `` insulting , demanding and rude . ''
`` She never demonstrated that a single actual vote was moved illegitimately by software from one candidate to another .
Not one , '' Carlson said on the Friday installment of his program .
On Saturday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Newsmax , claiming she had evidence that 7 million votes were fraudulently cast for Biden 's benefit .
She also accused Georgia 's Republican Governor Brian Kemp and its Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger of accepting bribes to participate in the alleged vote-switching scheme .
`` Sidney Powell accusing Governor Brian Kemp of a crime on television yet being unwilling to go on TV and defend and lay out the evidence that she supposedly has , this is outrageous conduct , '' former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie , a Republican supporter of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Week '' on Sunday , adding , `` Quite frankly , the conduct of the president 's legal team has been a national embarrassment . ''
Powell 's claim of Kemp and Raffensperger 's corruption potentially undermined Republicans ' chances in two key , upcoming runoff elections that will determine party control of the U.S. Senate .
By Sunday , Trump 's re-election campaign said that Powell had no formal role as a campaign attorney , despite being introduced as such at the November 19 press conference .

On Monday, conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh criticized the re-election campaign legal team of President Donald Trump for not delivering its promised "massive bombshells" of alleged voter fraud that swung the election in favor of President-elect Joe Biden.
"They promised blockbuster stuff, and then nothing happened," Limbaugh said of the days following the legal team's much-discussed November 19 press conference. "And that's just, that's not—well, it's not good."
"You call a gigantic press conference like that, one that lasts an hour," Limbaugh said, "and you announce massive bombshells, then you better have some bombshells, there better be something at that press conference other than what we got."
Radio personality Rush Limbaugh criticized the Trump re-election campaign saying, "They promised blockbuster stuff, and then nothing happened.... well, it's not good." In this February 4, 2020 photo, Limbaugh pumps his fist as he is acknowledged by U.S. President Donald Trump while Trump he delivered the State of the Union address at the US Capitol in Washington, DC. Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty
Among the claims made in the November 19 press conference, Sidney Powell, said that two large election software manufacturers—Dominion Voting Systems and Smartmatic—were used by "Venezuela, Cuba and likely China" to switch votes from Trump to Biden. These countries, Powell claimed, were additionally paid by individual candidates, both Democratic and Republican, to switch votes and get them elected.
Both companies have disavowed any such connections to the aforementioned countries.
Despite promising to "release the Kraken" of evidence proving her claims, Powell refused to provide any at the press conference and then refused to provide any to Fox News host Tucker Carlson because she considered him "insulting, demanding and rude."
"She never demonstrated that a single actual vote was moved illegitimately by software from one candidate to another. Not one," Carlson said on the Friday installment of his program.
On Saturday, Powell appeared on the right-wing conservative network Newsmax, claiming she had evidence that 7 million votes were fraudulently cast for Biden's benefit. She also accused Georgia's Republican Governor Brian Kemp and its Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger of accepting bribes to participate in the alleged vote-switching scheme.
"Sidney Powell accusing Governor Brian Kemp of a crime on television yet being unwilling to go on TV and defend and lay out the evidence that she supposedly has, this is outrageous conduct," former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, a Republican supporter of Trump, told ABC's "This Week" on Sunday, adding, "Quite frankly, the conduct of the president's legal team has been a national embarrassment."
Powell's claim of Kemp and Raffensperger's corruption potentially undermined Republicans' chances in two key, upcoming runoff elections that will determine party control of the U.S. Senate.
By Sunday, Trump's re-election campaign said that Powell had no formal role as a campaign attorney, despite being introduced as such at the November 19 press conference.
Newsweek contacted Limbaugh for comment.


newsweek--2020-11-23--Democrats Urge Pelosi to Accept Smaller Stimulus Package to Ensure Relief By End of Year

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has faced mounting pressure from within her party to accept a smaller stimulus package so Americans can receive much-needed financial assistance by the end of the year .
Negotiations for another stimulus package have been ongoing for five months with no deal in sight .
President-elect Joe Biden has stressed the importance of reaching a deal by the end of December and Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia believes that lawmakers should help the incoming administration .
`` I think the Senate races in Georgia kind of put a premium on 'we ought to try to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two sitting senators kind of have to go out and ... have something , '' the Democrat said .
`` Biden wants something by the end of December , we ought to be able to find it . ''
House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer on Friday indicated that party leaders should compromise for speedy relief amid the worsening pandemic .
`` I just hope that we can get agreement .
It may not be everything that everybody wants but at least if we can get some significant relief to people , '' he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we 're going to be here next year .
If we need to do other things , we 'll do other things . ''
Senator Dick Durbin echoed his congressional colleagues ' remarks , urging Pelosi to `` get something done that is significant , do what we can achieve now . ''
Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer recently stood by their insistence of a $ 2.2 trillion starting point , but Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has been reluctant to budge from his $ 500 billion position .
Democratic Senator @ @ @ @ @ @ @ McConnell 's offer is adequate to address the economic fallout caused by COVID-19 , but encouraged Pelsoi and Schumer to focus on the contents of the bill rather than the price tag .
`` I think we ought to be doing a broad package that provides support to small businesses through another round of PPP , to schools , to public health agencies to prepare for vaccine distribution , '' he said .
`` To me it 's less about what is the top-line dollar though I would like it to be as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as possible , than it is about how broad it is . ''
Newsweek reached out to Pelosi 's representatives for comment .
With eight months passing since President Donald Trump 's signing of the CARES ACT , both sides of the political aisle have blamed each other for their inability to bring additional relief to Americans struggling to pay for food amid a third wave of COVID-19 .
Democrats have criticized the GOP for refusing to allow for sufficient funding and Republicans have accused Pelosi of using the pandemic to advance her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are still looking at something dramatically larger , '' McConnell said earlier this month , standing firm on a targeted stimulus bill .
`` That 's not a place I think we 're willing to go . ''
Last Wednesday , Biden suggested that Republicans wo n't compromise because they fear retribution from Trump .
`` Hopefully , when he 's gone , they 'll be more willing to do what they know should be done , has to be done , in order to save the communities they live in , '' @ @ @

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has faced mounting pressure from within her party to accept a smaller stimulus package so Americans can receive much-needed financial assistance by the end of the year.
Negotiations for another stimulus package have been ongoing for five months with no deal in sight. President-elect Joe Biden has stressed the importance of reaching a deal by the end of December and Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia believes that lawmakers should help the incoming administration.
"I think the Senate races in Georgia kind of put a premium on 'we ought to try to get something.' Because I think the two sitting senators kind of have to go out and ... have something," the Democrat said. "Biden wants something by the end of December, we ought to be able to find it."
House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer on Friday indicated that party leaders should compromise for speedy relief amid the worsening pandemic. "I just hope that we can get agreement. It may not be everything that everybody wants but at least if we can get some significant relief to people," he told Roll Call. "And then we're going to be here next year. If we need to do other things, we'll do other things."
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) speaks during her weekly news conference on Capitol Hill November 20, 2020 in Washington, DC. Drew Angerer/Getty
Senator Dick Durbin echoed his congressional colleagues' remarks, urging Pelosi to "get something done that is significant, do what we can achieve now."
Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer recently stood by their insistence of a $2.2 trillion starting point, but Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has been reluctant to budge from his $500 billion position.
Democratic Senator Chris Coons of Delaware doesn't think McConnell's offer is adequate to address the economic fallout caused by COVID-19, but encouraged Pelsoi and Schumer to focus on the contents of the bill rather than the price tag.
"I think we ought to be doing a broad package that provides support to small businesses through another round of PPP, to schools, to public health agencies to prepare for vaccine distribution," he said. "To me it's less about what is the top-line dollar though I would like it to be as close to $2 trillion or above as possible, than it is about how broad it is."
Newsweek reached out to Pelosi's representatives for comment.
With eight months passing since President Donald Trump's signing of the CARES ACT, both sides of the political aisle have blamed each other for their inability to bring additional relief to Americans struggling to pay for food amid a third wave of COVID-19. Democrats have criticized the GOP for refusing to allow for sufficient funding and Republicans have accused Pelosi of using the pandemic to advance her political agenda.
"[They] are still looking at something dramatically larger," McConnell said earlier this month, standing firm on a targeted stimulus bill. "That's not a place I think we're willing to go."
Last Wednesday, Biden suggested that Republicans won't compromise because they fear retribution from Trump. "Hopefully, when he's gone, they'll be more willing to do what they know should be done, has to be done, in order to save the communities they live in," he said.


newsweek--2020-11-23--Biden Admin to Feature 1st Women VP, Defense Sec, Treasury Sec and National Intel Director

Although appointments to key positions within President-elect Joe Biden 's administration are not yet confirmed , those professionals slated to assume chief roles after January 's inauguration will make for an unprecedented leadership roster in Washington .
The next administration will likely become the first in U.S. history to see women serve as vice president , defense secretary , treasury secretary and national intelligence director .
All four roles have been filled exclusively by men .
California Senator Kamala Harris will become the first woman to serve as vice president when Biden takes office .
In addition to becoming the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be the first Asian-American and first Black vice president .
Harris is both a politician and licensed attorney and established her career in California , where she was born .
Prior to joining the U.S. Senate in 2017 , she served as San Francisco 's district attorney , and later as California 's attorney general .
The Biden-Harris transition team has not formally announced its selection for treasury secretary , although reports circulated Monday that said economist Janet Yellen is due to assume the role .
Yellen , who formerly chaired the Federal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shortlisted to take on the position , alongside Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren and Federal Reserve Board of Governors member Lael Brainard .
Front-running contenders for defense secretary are former national security official Michele Flournoy and Illinois Senator Tammy Duckworth .
Flournoy , who served as under secretary of defense for policy for former President Barack Obama and as deputy assistant secretary of defense for strategy for former President Bill Clinton , is expected to assume the role .
Biden unveiled his picks for several additional positions on Monday , including former Obama administration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Haines , also an attorney , served as the deputy national security adviser during Obama 's presidency .
Earlier , she was the first woman elected to serve as deputy director of the CIA .
`` Today , I 'm announcing the first members of my national security and foreign policy team .
They will rally the world to take on our challenges like no other—challenges that no one nation can face alone , '' Biden wrote on Twitter Monday afternoon , alongside a video that introduced his latest appointees .
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Alejandro Mayorkas as secretary of state and secretary of homeland security .
• Linda Thomas-Greenfield , a diplomat and former assistant secretary of state for African affairs , as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations .
• Former Secretary of State John Kerry as climate evoy .
Mayorkas will become the first Latino and first immigrant to serve as homeland security secretary upon his anticipated confirmation .
Newsweek reached out to the Biden-Harris transition team for comments but did not receive a reply in time for publication .

Although appointments to key positions within President-elect Joe Biden's administration are not yet confirmed, those professionals slated to assume chief roles after January's inauguration will make for an unprecedented leadership roster in Washington. The next administration will likely become the first in U.S. history to see women serve as vice president, defense secretary, treasury secretary and national intelligence director. All four roles have been filled exclusively by men.
California Senator Kamala Harris will become the first woman to serve as vice president when Biden takes office. In addition to becoming the highest-ranking female elected official, she will be the first Asian-American and first Black vice president. Harris is both a politician and licensed attorney and established her career in California, where she was born. Prior to joining the U.S. Senate in 2017, she served as San Francisco's district attorney, and later as California's attorney general.
The Biden-Harris transition team has not formally announced its selection for treasury secretary, although reports circulated Monday that said economist Janet Yellen is due to assume the role. Yellen, who formerly chaired the Federal Reserve, was one of three women shortlisted to take on the position, alongside Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren and Federal Reserve Board of Governors member Lael Brainard.
Vice President-elect Kamala Harris and President-elect Joe Biden speak on November 19 in Wilmington, Delaware. The incoming administration is expected to see female officials assume four critical leadership roles for the first time in history. Joe Raedle/Getty
Front-running contenders for defense secretary are former national security official Michele Flournoy and Illinois Senator Tammy Duckworth. Flournoy, who served as under secretary of defense for policy for former President Barack Obama and as deputy assistant secretary of defense for strategy for former President Bill Clinton, is expected to assume the role.
Biden unveiled his picks for several additional positions on Monday, including former Obama administration official Avril Haines as national intelligence director. Haines, also an attorney, served as the deputy national security adviser during Obama's presidency. Earlier, she was the first woman elected to serve as deputy director of the CIA.
"Today, I'm announcing the first members of my national security and foreign policy team. They will rally the world to take on our challenges like no other—challenges that no one nation can face alone," Biden wrote on Twitter Monday afternoon, alongside a video that introduced his latest appointees.
Today, I’m announcing the first members of my national security and foreign policy team. They will rally the world to take on our challenges like no other—challenges that no one nation can face alone.
It’s time to restore American leadership. I trust this group to do just that. pic.twitter.com/uKE5JG45Ts — Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) November 23, 2020
Other appointees announced today are:
Former federal security officials Antony Blinken and Alejandro Mayorkas as secretary of state and secretary of homeland security.
Linda Thomas-Greenfield, a diplomat and former assistant secretary of state for African affairs, as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.
Former State Department deputy chief Jake Sullivan as national security adviser.
Former Secretary of State John Kerry as climate evoy.
Mayorkas will become the first Latino and first immigrant to serve as homeland security secretary upon his anticipated confirmation.
Newsweek reached out to the Biden-Harris transition team for comments but did not receive a reply in time for publication.


newsweek--2020-11-23--'Transhood' Documentary Prompts HBO Boycott Calls From Conservatives

A new HBO documentary was championed for its representation of transgender youth in reviews , but not everyone is happy about it .
On Monday , some Twitter users called for TV lovers to boycott HBO for showing Transhood , stating it showed parents `` brainwashing '' their children to become transgender .
The film follows four children who identify as transgender .
Filmed over five years , each of the four children grows in their identity as they face conflicts with family and how American culture defines gender .
Matt Walsh , host of The Matt Walsh Show podcast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Walsh is a notably conservative commentator , who often dives into cultural topics and politics .
`` A mother puts her 4 year old [ sic ] son in a dress and reads him LGBT propaganda , '' Walsh tweeted on Monday .
`` You 're literally watching her brainwash the child into thinking he 's a girl .
It 's no mystery how children end up 'trans . '
This is it .
Right here . ''
In the tweet , Walsh added the hashtag # BoycottHBO , and some other Twitter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ retweeted Walsh 's point mentioned the bible or a personal belief .
A few compared Transhood to the widely controversial film Cuties , a fictional French film that was uploaded to Netflix this year .
The film was slammed by viewers who claimed it sexualized the underage girls in the film .
The idea of sexualizing children was thrown around by those opposing Transhood , too .
Another side chimed in with support for the Transgender youth in the film and everywhere else .
One claimed not allowing a child to embrace the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ abusive .
Some of the opposition to the film appears to be reflected in Transhood 's Rotten Tomatoes score .
Critics gave the film 83 percent approval while audience reviews only have the film with a 17 percent standing .
Reviews surrounding the film appeared as early as summer 2020 after Transhood aired at AFI Docs Festival in June .
It was then released on HBO Max on November 12 , causing the recent outcry from conservative viewers .
A review from Variety claims the documentary film is `` empathetic , ' in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the cause , Transhood is n't just a work of blandly cheery activism : [ Director Sharon ] Liese frankly observes the practical obstacles and psychological swings endured by its four young subjects and their families , sometimes to upsetting effect , '' the publication explained .
Transhood is available to stream now with an HBO subscription .

A new HBO documentary was championed for its representation of transgender youth in reviews, but not everyone is happy about it. On Monday, some Twitter users called for TV lovers to boycott HBO for showing Transhood, stating it showed parents "brainwashing" their children to become transgender.
The film follows four children who identify as transgender. Filmed over five years, each of the four children grows in their identity as they face conflicts with family and how American culture defines gender.
Matt Walsh, host of The Matt Walsh Show podcast, spearheaded the conversation on Twitter. Walsh is a notably conservative commentator, who often dives into cultural topics and politics. "A mother puts her 4 year old [sic] son in a dress and reads him LGBT propaganda," Walsh tweeted on Monday. "You're literally watching her brainwash the child into thinking he's a girl. It's no mystery how children end up 'trans.' This is it. Right here."
Leena is one of four kids featured in HBO's documentary "Transhood." HBO
This is from HBO's "Transhood" documentary. A mother puts her 4 year old son in a dress and reads him LGBT propaganda. You're literally watching her brainwash the child into thinking he's a girl. It's no mystery how children end up "trans." This is it. Right here. #BoycottHBO pic.twitter.com/WCVb0BpkYi — Matt Walsh (@MattWalshBlog) November 23, 2020
In the tweet, Walsh added the hashtag #BoycottHBO, and some other Twitter users followed. Many of those who retweeted Walsh's point mentioned the bible or a personal belief.
The transing of children is the most indefensible thing I can imagine. Those who promote it cannot defend it. They know they can’t. So they rely on you to keep silent. Don’t. #BoycottHBO — Matt Walsh (@MattWalshBlog) November 23, 2020
This is sickening. Children should not be subjected to this crap at such a young and impressionable age. Get this sweet BOY a counselor! #boycotthbo https://t.co/FzSZbysGcl — Sarah Woodard (@woodard_sarah) November 23, 2020
Such a horrific video, transing children is a crime and people involved in this should be held accountable for their actions. #BoycottHBO.... https://t.co/z68qJjJpzr — Alex (@johnbongoi) November 23, 2020
#BoycottHBO what is up with streaming services and sexualizing children this year? I was excited for the snyder cut but I cannot support you — Philip is ready for thanksgiving, gobble gobble (@TechPhilip) November 23, 2020
A few compared Transhood to the widely controversial film Cuties, a fictional French film that was uploaded to Netflix this year. The film was slammed by viewers who claimed it sexualized the underage girls in the film. The idea of sexualizing children was thrown around by those opposing Transhood, too.
Another side chimed in with support for the Transgender youth in the film and everywhere else. One claimed not allowing a child to embrace the gender they identify with would be considered abusive.
If you don’t allow your child to transition to the gender they want to be you should lose parental rights. It is empirically child abuse. #BoycottHBO #hbo https://t.co/jafKc1n61a — Lefthandedlunatic 🍋 (@Lefthandedluni) November 23, 2020
Some of the opposition to the film appears to be reflected in Transhood's Rotten Tomatoes score. Critics gave the film 83 percent approval while audience reviews only have the film with a 17 percent standing.
Reviews surrounding the film appeared as early as summer 2020 after Transhood aired at AFI Docs Festival in June. It was then released on HBO Max on November 12, causing the recent outcry from conservative viewers.
A review from Variety claims the documentary film is "empathetic,' in a headline. "While wholly sympathetic to the cause, Transhood isn't just a work of blandly cheery activism: [Director Sharon] Liese frankly observes the practical obstacles and psychological swings endured by its four young subjects and their families, sometimes to upsetting effect," the publication explained.
Transhood is available to stream now with an HBO subscription.


newsweek--2020-11-23--Pennsylvania Becomes First State to Suspend Alcohol Sales Ahead of Thanksgiving

Pennsylvania on Monday became the first U.S. state to suspend the sale of alcohol at bars and restaurants before Thanksgiving amid a surge in COVID-19 cases .
During a press conference , Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Rachel Levine said , `` I have issued an order to suspend alcohol sales at all bars and restaurants at 5 p.m. on just one night , Wednesday , November 25 , until 8 a.m. on Thursday , November 26 . ''
Levine continued , `` That 's a one-night suspension of alcohol sales at all bars and restaurants . ''
During the press @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the night before Thanksgiving is one of the biggest drinking nights of the year , and said , `` When people get together in that situation , it leads to an increase in the exchange of the fluids that leads to increased infection . ''
`` This is one of the many steps we 're taking to say , if we all do this together , we 're going to defeat this virus .
That 's what we should be focused on , '' Wolf said in regard to the alcohol suspension .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ are facing greater strain , we need to redouble our efforts to keep people safe .
If our health-care system is compromised , it is n't only COVID-19 patients who will suffer .
If we run out of hospital beds , or if hospital staff are over-worked to the breaking point , care will suffer for every patient—including those who need emergency care for illnesses , accidents , or chronic conditions unrelated to COVID-19 . ''
Wolf also announced a new statewide stay-at-home advisory , urging residents to stay home unless for essential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ indoor venues must stay below 10 percent occupancy while outdoor venues are allowed 15 percent occupancy for events with 2,000 people or less .
Pennsylvania 's announcement makes it the first state to suspend alcohol sales statewide amid surging cases of the novel coronavirus .
The new mitigation effort announced on Monday comes as Pennsylvania has continued to see an increase in coronavirus cases .
`` In the past week , the number of COVID-19-attributable deaths has quadrupled , and the average daily case count is seven times higher than it was two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrote in a press release .
According to data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health , there are currently over 293,000 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus , as well as at least 9,870 deaths .
During Monday 's press conference , Wolf 's administration also noted that COVID-19 projections for December show the state possibly seeing daily case counts reach 22,000 .
Newsweek reached out to Wolf 's office for comment but did not receive a response in time for publication .

Pennsylvania on Monday became the first U.S. state to suspend the sale of alcohol at bars and restaurants before Thanksgiving amid a surge in COVID-19 cases.
During a press conference, Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Rachel Levine said, "I have issued an order to suspend alcohol sales at all bars and restaurants at 5 p.m. on just one night, Wednesday, November 25, until 8 a.m. on Thursday, November 26."
Levine continued, "That's a one-night suspension of alcohol sales at all bars and restaurants."
During the press conference, Governor Tom Wolf noted that the night before Thanksgiving is one of the biggest drinking nights of the year, and said, "When people get together in that situation, it leads to an increase in the exchange of the fluids that leads to increased infection."
"This is one of the many steps we're taking to say, if we all do this together, we're going to defeat this virus. That's what we should be focused on," Wolf said in regard to the alcohol suspension. "As our hospitals and health-care system are facing greater strain, we need to redouble our efforts to keep people safe. If our health-care system is compromised, it isn't only COVID-19 patients who will suffer. If we run out of hospital beds, or if hospital staff are over-worked to the breaking point, care will suffer for every patient—including those who need emergency care for illnesses, accidents, or chronic conditions unrelated to COVID-19."
Wolf also announced a new statewide stay-at-home advisory, urging residents to stay home unless for essential school and work. He added that indoor venues must stay below 10 percent occupancy while outdoor venues are allowed 15 percent occupancy for events with 2,000 people or less.
Pennsylvania's announcement makes it the first state to suspend alcohol sales statewide amid surging cases of the novel coronavirus.
The new mitigation effort announced on Monday comes as Pennsylvania has continued to see an increase in coronavirus cases.
"In the past week, the number of COVID-19-attributable deaths has quadrupled, and the average daily case count is seven times higher than it was two months ago," Wolf's office wrote in a press release.
According to data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, there are currently over 293,000 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus, as well as at least 9,870 deaths.
The Theatre of the Living Arts is closed to the public due to the coronavirus outbreak on March 17 in Philadelphia. On Monday Pennsylvania became the first state to suspend alcohol sales ahead of Thanksgiving. Gilbert Carrasquillo/Getty
During Monday's press conference, Wolf's administration also noted that COVID-19 projections for December show the state possibly seeing daily case counts reach 22,000.
Newsweek reached out to Wolf's office for comment but did not receive a response in time for publication.


newsweek--2020-11-23--Great Scott: A Gift Guide for the 'Back to the Future' Fan in Your Life

If you 've had a hard time finding past holiday gifts for the big-time Back to the Future fanatics in your life , then you 're in luck this year .
There 's a plethora of new and unique gifts available due to the fact that 2020 marks the 35th anniversary of the popular time-traveling film .
There 's also the recent celebration of # BacktotheFutureDay on October 21 that 's also added to this year 's excitement .
( As fans know , that is the date that Marty McFly travels to in the future in Back to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ never been a better time to be a fan , as the merchandise available now offers something for every style of collector .
Here are some of the unique gifts we think any true fan would love to get this holiday season .
ReAction figures from Super7 always make a great gift or stocking stuffer .
They 're like little pieces or art that you may not want to open and destroy the package .
Choose between Marty McFly , Doc Brown , Biff or Griff Tannen .
Back to the Future : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ definitely no other cookbook that travels through different timelines like this one .
Each period from all three films is represented , with over 65 recipes featuring wonderful images influenced by moments in the movies .
Hot Wheels has released an exclusive diecast DeLorean for the 35th Anniversary .
Even in 1:64-scale , the true-to-film details in deco are pretty amazing with a metal chassis and body .
This features two exclusive Funko Pop !
Figures that you can combine with other Funkoverse strategy games to create massive battles .
Each character plays @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with other characters to discover different scenarios .
Intimidate your friends with the most intense bottle opener ever , the Pit Bull .
It 's heavy duty with a magnet and after they see it in use , all the neighborhood kids are going to want one .
Start your season off with the Hill Valley courthouse and the clock tower and you reveal 24 accessories and figures from both timelines , including Marty , Doc , Biff and even Jennifer Parker .
Get ready to recreate your favorite moments from the film @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which comes in at a 1/32-scale .
It includes a remote control and is capable of making left and right turns , as well as accelerating and reversing .
Back to the Future : Dice Through Time Game Team up with friends to play out events from all three movies to return stolen items .
You must take control of your DeLorean to repair a rift in the space-time continuum before you 're out of time .
Back to the Future Soundtrack on Vinyl Expect all your film favorites , including Chuck Berry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , of course , Alan Silvestri 's amazing score .
Even the fictional band Marvin Berry and the Starlighters are a part of the 10-track album .
This vinyl exclusive really pops with its neon-orange coloring .
We hope our guide makes it easy for you to shop for your big Back to the Future fan this year .
Which gift do you think will be best for the continued celebration of the 35th Anniversary ?
Which one do you want for yourself ?
Let us know in the comments below .

If you've had a hard time finding past holiday gifts for the big-time Back to the Future fanatics in your life, then you're in luck this year. There's a plethora of new and unique gifts available due to the fact that 2020 marks the 35th anniversary of the popular time-traveling film.
Thanks to the 35th Anniversary of 'Back to the Future,' there's plenty of gifts for the special fan in your life to say, "Great Scotts!" Newsgeek
There's also the recent celebration of #BacktotheFutureDay on October 21 that's also added to this year's excitement. (As fans know, that is the date that Marty McFly travels to in the future in Back to the Future Part II.) There has never been a better time to be a fan, as the merchandise available now offers something for every style of collector. Here are some of the unique gifts we think any true fan would love to get this holiday season.
Back to the Future Part II ReAction Figures Wave 1
ReAction figures from Super7 always make a great gift or stocking stuffer. They're like little pieces or art that you may not want to open and destroy the package. Choose between Marty McFly, Doc Brown, Biff or Griff Tannen.
Super 7
Back to the Future: The Official Hill Valley Cookbook
There is definitely no other cookbook that travels through different timelines like this one. Each period from all three films is represented, with over 65 recipes featuring wonderful images influenced by moments in the movies.
Insight Editions
Hot Wheels 1:64-scale Back to the Future DeLorean Time Machine
Hot Wheels has released an exclusive diecast DeLorean for the 35th Anniversary. Even in 1:64-scale, the true-to-film details in deco are pretty amazing with a metal chassis and body.
Mattel
POP! Funkoverse: Back to the Future
This features two exclusive Funko Pop! Figures that you can combine with other Funkoverse strategy games to create massive battles. Each character plays differently, so be sure to combine with other characters to discover different scenarios.
Funko Games
Pitbull Bottle Opener
Intimidate your friends with the most intense bottle opener ever, the Pit Bull. It's heavy duty with a magnet and after they see it in use, all the neighborhood kids are going to want one.
Factory Entertainment/Anderson W-M Promo
Back to the Future Advent Calendar
Start your season off with the Hill Valley courthouse and the clock tower as you reveal 24 accessories and figures from both timelines, including Marty, Doc, Biff and even Jennifer Parker.
Playmobil
RC DeLorean Time Machine
Get ready to recreate your favorite moments from the film with NECA's first RC Vehicle, which comes in at a 1/32-scale. It includes a remote control and is capable of making left and right turns, as well as accelerating and reversing.
NECA
Back to the Future: Dice Through Time Game
Team up with friends to play out events from all three movies to return stolen items. You must take control of your DeLorean to repair a rift in the space-time continuum before you're out of time.
Ravensburger
Back to the Future Soundtrack on Vinyl
Expect all your film favorites, including Chuck Berry, Huey Lewis and the News and, of course, Alan Silvestri's amazing score. Even the fictional band Marvin Berry and the Starlighters are a part of the 10-track album. This vinyl exclusive really pops with its neon-orange coloring.
Anderson W-M Promo
We hope our guide makes it easy for you to shop for your big Back to the Future fan this year. Which gift do you think will be best for the continued celebration of the 35th Anniversary? Which one do you want for yourself? Let us know in the comments below.