newsweek--2020-12-08--Is Car Glamping the More Accessible Alternative to Van Life?

Ever since photographer and road-tripper Foster Huntington unknowingly spearheaded the `` van life '' movement in 2011 by living out of an '87 Volkswagen Syncro , many restless travelers have been inspired to follow in his footsteps .
Foster 's Instagram hashtag # vanlife , which has now been used over 8.5 million times , has fueled this idealistic outdoor lifestyle of freedom on the open road .
And this was all before COVID-19 's travel restrictions inspired 2020 's year of the road trip .
Like other city dwellers , I have fantasized about jumping on the # vanlife @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the realities of the van life dream .
With family and home obligations , most of us simply ca n't drop everything to live out of a van , and purchasing and converting a van to a mobile dwelling space is a costly undertaking , with estimates ranging from $ 10K– $ 100K .
Fortunately , there 's another road-tripping trend out there in which people have forgone RVs and vans , and simply use gear to camp inside their cars—a movement that I 've dubbed `` Car Glamping '' after having invested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ writer , I used to fly off to faraway places , but the pandemic has forced me , and many other travelers , to seek adventures closer to home .
For me , the concept of car glamping has been a continual work in progress , researching the multitude of equipment on the market , and acquiring each component in piecemeal under the circumstances of this problematic year .
I 've managed to test all this gear through experience , having set up camp out of my Kia Telluride in coastal Maine , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of New York on extended weekends .
So far , I 've come to discover what others have , that investing in camping gear fit for a car is a very viable substitute to a van conversion .
`` Take the vehicle you already own and with a few thousand dollars , you can get pretty darn close the same experience you get with van life , '' says Sam Gross , CEO and founder of the Berkeley-based Nomad Kitchen Company , which manufactures mobile kitchen units fitted for SUVs .
Gross ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the growing car glamping market , have transformed the car to be less of a mere storage and transport vehicle parked on the side of a campsite , but rather the heart of the camp itself .
Much of this gear has been invented out of a desire to elevate the car camping experience , by those who have already become aware of this van life alternative .
Since roadtrips will continue to be trendy until a vaccine is widely distributed , you might as well camp out of your car with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Sleeping in a Car is No Longer an Act of Desperation One existing option for using a car as the base of camp is a rooftop tent , so the interior cargo space can be used for storage .
However , the issue with rooftop tents is that many car roofs are n't exactly designed to support a heavy load , and so , I simply sleep inside my car on an inflated mattress .
I keep my gear in a rooftop cargo box , allowing me to fold the back seats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make room for it , fitted with sheets , a blanket , and compressible pillows .
I 'm not the first person to make a bed in a car .
A quick search online reveals that there are plenty of inflatable car mattresses on the market , feeding the existing demand of people who have already come to realize what I have : sleeping in a car is no longer an act of desperation , but rather an easy , cost-effective solution for spending the night .
However , I 've learned over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comfortable or durable , just as the founders of car mattress company Luno have .
`` We all shared the experience of sleeping somewhat crammed in the back of our SUVs with thin sleeping pads , imagining that the experience could be a whole lot better than it was , '' says Allie Vaughn , Head of Product at the Santa Barbara-based company .
The results of their research to upgrade the car sleeping experience is now their line of durable car mattresses made of 300D Oxford Nylon , with a stock tailored @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vehicles .
Their goal is to deliver a better night 's sleep to many car campers , no matter what make or model they have .
Since the bed consumes most of the available area of my car 's interior , I 've had to explore ways to expand the dwelling space outwards—thus , converting my SUV into a makeshift `` micro RV . ''
There are packable awnings and tailgate tents , but I decided to augment my basecamp by opening the trunk 's hatch door upward to help support a CARSULE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down to a 5-inch thick capsule , just 34 inches in diameter .
`` With this design , you can reach places that are off limits to big RVs , '' says industrial designer Ack Lin of Singapore/Taiwan-based operation Mogics , CARSULE 's creator , in their Kickstarter video .
Lin shares that his infatuation with van life inspired him to invent a less expensive alternative to a van conversion .
For about $ 300 USD , his CARSULE provides a rain- and UV-protected mobile hut , which addresses issues he found with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Current SUV tent assembly takes too long , and the view is not good enough , '' says Ivy Chen , spokesperson for the CARSULE .
I 've had frustrating experiences setting up packable canopies with too many parts , but now I just place the CARSULE pack on the ground and pop it up with support poles in about five minutes .
Installed , it becomes a relatively spacious shelter with maximized headroom and large mosquito net windows on three sides .
It creates a `` living room '' for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work remotely , project movies onto one of the walls ( with a window zipped closed ) , or enjoy meals that I prepare with the mobile kitchen unit that conveniently slides out from the trunk .
Everything and the Kitchen Sink Cooking in camp for me used to be a disorderly task with propane bottles , camp stoves , and the many parts of a mess kit , plus all the ingredients—let alone having to clean up everything afterwards .
Others have felt this frustration , including Sam Gross of the Nomad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taking down before and after each meal was alright , but it was a hassle , '' Gross says .
`` It took up time that I would have rather been hiking or enjoying time with friends .
My trunk was a constant mess , and I never felt like my dishes were as clean as I 'd have liked .
As an engineer , I knew there was a better solution . ''
The outcome of his goal to elevate the road trip cooking experience is the Indiegogo-crowdfunded Nomad Kitchen , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ easily mounted into an SUV without tools .
Supported by ratchet straps hooked onto existing cargo or carseat loops , the unit slides out to reveal a stainless-steel washbasin for a spigot-compatible water jug , a cutting board , a drying rack/storage bin , and a platform for a two-burner stove with a strap to support a propane bottle .
No kitchen is complete without a refrigerator , so next to Gross ' invention I have the ICECO GO20 refrigerator/freezer , one of many vehicle-specific refrigerators on the market—another indicator of the growing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ designed to pull power from a standard 12V lighter socket—that is , when the engine is running .
However , for those long durations idle in camp , there 's a whole market of portable power sources .
Gas-powered electric generators are a thing of the past now that there 's an entire competitive industry of portable power stations—yet another solution in making mobile life more convenient .
They 're essentially Lithium ion battery-powered inverter generators with no emissions , and thus can be used safely indoors , vehicle or otherwise .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which can power my fridge for over four days on a single charge , while still recharging my phone , tablet , and camera batteries .
It also powers the other gadgets of my car glamping life : a blender/coffee bean grinder , a cell signal booster , and a projector for movie nights .
My power station allows me to get off the grid for days , if not longer ; I 've also invested in a Renogy solar panel that can continually provide me with renewable energy for as long as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I can extend my time out on the road almost indefinitely , just like a dedicated van lifer .
Pack It Up , Pack It In All the gear of my car glamping life packs extremely well—and relatively quickly if all the dishes are already washed .
With a little teamwork , it only takes roughly half an hour to get the mattress deflated and rolled , the CARSULE transformed back into a capsule , the Nomad Kitchen slid closed , and everything put away in my storage boxes .
And when all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and stored , my car blends in as any ordinary SUV on the road .
`` SUVs are discrete , not calling attention to yourself and belongings all the time .
All the camping essentials can fit inside the car , or on roof storage , and you can still strap or latch bicycles to the back of a car , '' says John Devine , an outdoor enthusiast from Denver .
`` This is more realistic than a van life because not everyone has a van , but everyone has an SUV @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I simply gave a name to—along with the eponymous hashtag # carglamping—was nothing new to him ; he had already been camping out of his Chevy Equinox for over a year and a half , like many others in their own cars .
`` I think those people are increasingly realizing the vehicle they currently own is enough to provide an awesome experience and a comfortable space to sleep , '' says Allie Vaughn .
My car glamping journey will continue to evolve with new destinations and new gadgets—all of it chronicled on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after a vaccine is widely available .
Currently , the only necessity I 'm missing is a bathroom solution , but for now , I 'm content with using a campground 's facilities for its toilet and shower .
However , my initial research has revealed that there already exist various toilet solutions , and that someone has even invented a portable hot water heater , so that you have access to a hot shower , even in the middle of nowhere .
It 's yet another example of necessity being the mother @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the camping experience .
Van not required .
Erik Trinidad is a food and travel lifestyle writer who once lived out of a backpack while traveling around the world for a year and a half , years before he started camping out of his Kia Telluride on long weekends .
Follow his # CarGlamping journey on CarGlamping.com and on Instagram @ carglamping .

Ever since photographer and road-tripper Foster Huntington unknowingly spearheaded the "van life" movement in 2011 by living out of an '87 Volkswagen Syncro, many restless travelers have been inspired to follow in his footsteps. Foster's Instagram hashtag #vanlife, which has now been used over 8.5 million times, has fueled this idealistic outdoor lifestyle of freedom on the open road. And this was all before COVID-19's travel restrictions inspired 2020's year of the road trip.
Like other city dwellers, I have fantasized about jumping on the #vanlife bandwagon, but have been inhibited by the realities of the van life dream. With family and home obligations, most of us simply can't drop everything to live out of a van, and purchasing and converting a van to a mobile dwelling space is a costly undertaking, with estimates ranging from $10K–$100K.
Fortunately, there's another road-tripping trend out there in which people have forgone RVs and vans, and simply use gear to camp inside their cars—a movement that I've dubbed "Car Glamping" after having invested in it myself. As a travel writer, I used to fly off to faraway places, but the pandemic has forced me, and many other travelers, to seek adventures closer to home.
An ordinary SUV can be converted into a micro RV. Erik Trinidad
For me, the concept of car glamping has been a continual work in progress, researching the multitude of equipment on the market, and acquiring each component in piecemeal under the circumstances of this problematic year. I've managed to test all this gear through experience, having set up camp out of my Kia Telluride in coastal Maine, the Adirondacks, and the Catskill Mountains of New York on extended weekends. So far, I've come to discover what others have, that investing in camping gear fit for a car is a very viable substitute to a van conversion.
"Take the vehicle you already own and with a few thousand dollars, you can get pretty darn close the same experience you get with van life," says Sam Gross, CEO and founder of the Berkeley-based Nomad Kitchen Company, which manufactures mobile kitchen units fitted for SUVs.
Gross' vehicle-mounted kitchen, along with other gadgets in the growing car glamping market, have transformed the car to be less of a mere storage and transport vehicle parked on the side of a campsite, but rather the heart of the camp itself. Much of this gear has been invented out of a desire to elevate the car camping experience, by those who have already become aware of this van life alternative. Since roadtrips will continue to be trendy until a vaccine is widely distributed, you might as well camp out of your car with some comfort, convenience, and style.
Sleeping in a Car is No Longer an Act of Desperation
One existing option for using a car as the base of camp is a rooftop tent, so the interior cargo space can be used for storage. However, the issue with rooftop tents is that many car roofs aren't exactly designed to support a heavy load, and so, I simply sleep inside my car on an inflated mattress. I keep my gear in a rooftop cargo box, allowing me to fold the back seats down from the rear cargo space to make room for it, fitted with sheets, a blanket, and compressible pillows.
A bed is made, even in a car. Erik Trinidad
I'm not the first person to make a bed in a car. A quick search online reveals that there are plenty of inflatable car mattresses on the market, feeding the existing demand of people who have already come to realize what I have: sleeping in a car is no longer an act of desperation, but rather an easy, cost-effective solution for spending the night. However, I've learned over time that not all car beds are comfortable or durable, just as the founders of car mattress company Luno have.
"We all shared the experience of sleeping somewhat crammed in the back of our SUVs with thin sleeping pads, imagining that the experience could be a whole lot better than it was," says Allie Vaughn, Head of Product at the Santa Barbara-based company.
The results of their research to upgrade the car sleeping experience is now their line of durable car mattresses made of 300D Oxford Nylon, with a stock tailored to maximize the spaces of over 1,800 vehicles. Their goal is to deliver a better night's sleep to many car campers, no matter what make or model they have.
From SUV to Micro RV
Since the bed consumes most of the available area of my car's interior, I've had to explore ways to expand the dwelling space outwards—thus, converting my SUV into a makeshift "micro RV." There are packable awnings and tailgate tents, but I decided to augment my basecamp by opening the trunk's hatch door upward to help support a CARSULE, a 6-ft. cube-shaped tent that packs down to a 5-inch thick capsule, just 34 inches in diameter.
Car glamping with a view. Erik Trinidad
"With this design, you can reach places that are off limits to big RVs," says industrial designer Ack Lin of Singapore/Taiwan-based operation Mogics, CARSULE's creator, in their Kickstarter video. Lin shares that his infatuation with van life inspired him to invent a less expensive alternative to a van conversion. For about $300 USD, his CARSULE provides a rain- and UV-protected mobile hut, which addresses issues he found with many tailgate tents on the market.
"Current SUV tent assembly takes too long, and the view is not good enough," says Ivy Chen, spokesperson for the CARSULE.
I've had frustrating experiences setting up packable canopies with too many parts, but now I just place the CARSULE pack on the ground and pop it up with support poles in about five minutes. Installed, it becomes a relatively spacious shelter with maximized headroom and large mosquito net windows on three sides. It creates a "living room" for a table and chairs so that I can work remotely, project movies onto one of the walls (with a window zipped closed), or enjoy meals that I prepare with the mobile kitchen unit that conveniently slides out from the trunk.
The CARSULE pop-up cabin can be a remote workspace. Erik Trinidad
Everything and the Kitchen Sink
Cooking in camp for me used to be a disorderly task with propane bottles, camp stoves, and the many parts of a mess kit, plus all the ingredients—let alone having to clean up everything afterwards. Others have felt this frustration, including Sam Gross of the Nomad Kitchen Company.
"Setting up and taking down before and after each meal was alright, but it was a hassle," Gross says. "It took up time that I would have rather been hiking or enjoying time with friends. My trunk was a constant mess, and I never felt like my dishes were as clean as I'd have liked. As an engineer, I knew there was a better solution."
The outcome of his goal to elevate the road trip cooking experience is the Indiegogo-crowdfunded Nomad Kitchen, a low profile storage box that can be easily mounted into an SUV without tools. Supported by ratchet straps hooked onto existing cargo or carseat loops, the unit slides out to reveal a stainless-steel washbasin for a spigot-compatible water jug, a cutting board, a drying rack/storage bin, and a platform for a two-burner stove with a strap to support a propane bottle.
The complete Nomad Kitchen extends out of an SUV's trunk. Erik Trinidad
No kitchen is complete without a refrigerator, so next to Gross' invention I have the ICECO GO20 refrigerator/freezer, one of many vehicle-specific refrigerators on the market—another indicator of the growing car glamping trend. They're all designed to pull power from a standard 12V lighter socket—that is, when the engine is running. However, for those long durations idle in camp, there's a whole market of portable power sources.
Power Up
Gas-powered electric generators are a thing of the past now that there's an entire competitive industry of portable power stations—yet another solution in making mobile life more convenient. They're essentially Lithium ion battery-powered inverter generators with no emissions, and thus can be used safely indoors, vehicle or otherwise. I invested in the Jackery Explorer 1000, which can power my fridge for over four days on a single charge, while still recharging my phone, tablet, and camera batteries. It also powers the other gadgets of my car glamping life: a blender/coffee bean grinder, a cell signal booster, and a projector for movie nights.
Renogy's 175-watt flexible monocrystalline solar panel on a Thule roof cargo box can perpetually provide renewable energy. Erik Trinidad
My power station allows me to get off the grid for days, if not longer; I've also invested in a Renogy solar panel that can continually provide me with renewable energy for as long as there are sunny days. Ultimately, I can extend my time out on the road almost indefinitely, just like a dedicated van lifer.
Pack It Up, Pack It In
All the gear of my car glamping life packs extremely well—and relatively quickly if all the dishes are already washed. With a little teamwork, it only takes roughly half an hour to get the mattress deflated and rolled, the CARSULE transformed back into a capsule, the Nomad Kitchen slid closed, and everything put away in my storage boxes. And when all my gadgets are compressed, folded, and stored, my car blends in as any ordinary SUV on the road.
"SUVs are discrete, not calling attention to yourself and belongings all the time. All the camping essentials can fit inside the car, or on roof storage, and you can still strap or latch bicycles to the back of a car," says John Devine, an outdoor enthusiast from Denver. "This is more realistic than a van life because not everyone has a van, but everyone has an SUV."
Car glamping in the Woods. Erik Trinidad
The car camping trend that I simply gave a name to—along with the eponymous hashtag #carglamping—was nothing new to him; he had already been camping out of his Chevy Equinox for over a year and a half, like many others in their own cars.
"I think those people are increasingly realizing the vehicle they currently own is enough to provide an awesome experience and a comfortable space to sleep," says Allie Vaughn.
My car glamping journey will continue to evolve with new destinations and new gadgets—all of it chronicled on my web series and site, CarGlamping.com—even after a vaccine is widely available. Currently, the only necessity I'm missing is a bathroom solution, but for now, I'm content with using a campground's facilities for its toilet and shower.
However, my initial research has revealed that there already exist various toilet solutions, and that someone has even invented a portable hot water heater, so that you have access to a hot shower, even in the middle of nowhere. It's yet another example of necessity being the mother of invention when it comes to elevating the camping experience. Van not required.
---
Erik Trinidad is a food and travel lifestyle writer who once lived out of a backpack while traveling around the world for a year and a half, years before he started camping out of his Kia Telluride on long weekends. Follow his #CarGlamping journey on CarGlamping.com and on Instagram @carglamping.


newsweek--2020-12-08--Progressives Are Wrong To Oppose the Electoral College | Opinion

With the presidential electoral clock inexorably ticking down—today , states must send their votes to Washington , D.C. to receive a presumption of legality—progressives might finally admit to the virtues of the Electoral College .
While progressives wish to discard the Constitution 's two centuries-old method for choosing presidents , they should concede that its dispersed , state-based system deters the type of widespread electoral fraud alleged by Donald Trump and his lawyers .
Liberals should drop their efforts to unconstitutionally evade the Electoral College ; they should fight their battles within the original ground rules set out by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Constitution creates a peculiar system for choosing presidents .
During the adoption of our national charter , the Framers rejected several obvious methods .
They rejected congressional selection because they wanted an independent , energetic executive to check the legislature .
They spurned national popular election because they worried that a demagogue might seize power .
But they also wanted the people to enjoy the primary voice , as mediated through the most important governments of the day , the states .
In the very definition of compromise , the Founders created a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , equal to the combined number of House members and senators , who would meet in their states and vote for president and vice president .
Although all states now choose their electors by popular vote , the Constitution provides that the power of selecting electors is `` in such Manner as the Legislature [ of each state ] shall select . ''
In the 2020 election , the Electoral College did not make a difference .
President-elect Joseph Biden won the national vote , 81,271,124 to 74,209,247 , and the electoral vote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Electoral College remains open to attack because it can select a president who lacks the support of the majority of the American people .
A number of candidates have won the Oval Office with only a minority or plurality of the electorate , such as George W. Bush and Richard Nixon—almost guaranteeing that progressives would blame the Electoral College for much of America 's ills .
Progressive outcry against the Electoral College did not reach such a fever pitch before , when it produced victories for Democrats such as Bill Clinton , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1996 , John F. Kennedy in the 1960s , or Harry Truman in the 1940s .
However , the Electoral College finally crossed the line into the progressive rogues ' gallery the moment it elevated Donald Trump to the presidency .
Even though Hillary Clinton won the popular vote by 48 to 46 percent , Trump won the electoral vote 304 to 227 .
The New York Times immediately called the system `` antiquated '' and called for its replacement with a direct national vote .
The Electoral College , it argued , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Founding era ; it is a living symbol of America 's original sin '' because it originally advantaged slave states .
Hillary Clinton agreed that the system `` needs to be eliminated '' —as did Al Gore , who won the popular vote in 2000 by 500,000 but lost the Electoral College vote to Bush by a count of 271 to 266 .
Progressives are doing more than complain .
They have pushed something called the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact ( NPV ) , in which states have agreed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who wins a majority of the nationwide vote , regardless of who wins the popular vote among their own citizens .
While the agreement does not go into effect until the number of states representing enough votes to pick a president have agreed to it ( i.e.
, states adding up to 270 electoral votes ) , many blue states have signed up , including not just the largest—California , New York and Illinois—but also some of the smallest—Delaware , Hawaii and Rhode Island .
Apparently , partisan allegiance can overcome constitutional self-interest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to give up their Senate seats next ) .
While the NPV arguably violates the Constitution 's prohibition on interstate treaties , progressives ought to drop their efforts against the Electoral College for more profound reasons .
The Electoral College may have initially given Southern slave states an advantage in presidential elections ( because of the notorious Three-Fifths Clause that counted a slave as three-fifths of a white person , for counting population ) , but the Civil War and the Reconstruction Amendments eliminated that grievous flaw .
If progressives oppose the Electoral @ @ @ @ @ @ @ simple majoritarian democracy , they have a lot more to worry about .
The Senate , which treats each state as equal , violates pure majoritarianism in almost every major federal act—from enacting new laws , confirming Cabinet appointments and judges , to approving treaties and even constitutional amendments .
Progressives should favor such super-majority procedures , which generally promote more reason and less passion in government , demand greater consensus throughout society for public policy , and protect minority rights .
Another reason to favor the Electoral College became far more apparent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ perhaps at the time of the Founding itself .
Our system for picking presidents does not depend on the agreement of the current resident of the White House ; indeed , the federal government has little role in the operation of the Electoral College .
The Constitution instead disperses the power to choose the president to the states—which themselves , under state law , further delegate the operation of elections to the county level .
Unlike other countries , no single national agency supervises elections in the United States .
Some might find @ @ @ @ @ @ @ institutional feature much sought after in an age of pandemics , economic instability and terrorist attacks : resilience .
Our Constitution creates a dispersed , decentralized electoral system that becomes tougher to hack or defraud .
In 2016 , the claim that the Russians had helped Trump steal the election foundered on the fact that they would have had to influence numerous voters across multiple counties and states , without knowing in advance which ones would prove decisive .
Similarly , Trump 's claim four years later that Democrats stole the 2020 election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can not show that Biden supporters committed election fraud in sufficient numbers , across several counties , in multiple states such as Wisconsin , Michigan , Pennsylvania , Georgia and Arizona , at the same time .
Progressives often see Washington , D.C. as the solution to society 's problems .
But after four years of Republican-led government , they came to appreciate the benefits of federalism as they made the states the loci of their `` resistance . ''
The 2020 election should reinforce this foundational lesson of our constitutional order , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden presidency to undermine the roles of the Electoral College , the Senate , the Supreme Court and of the limited nature of our national government itself .
John C. Yoo is Emanuel S. Heller Professor of Law at UC Berkeley School of Law , a visiting fellow at the American Enterprise Institute , a visiting scholar at the Hoover Institution and the author of the new book , Defender in Chief : Donald Trump 's Fight for Presidential Power .
The views expressed in this article are the writer 's own .

With the presidential electoral clock inexorably ticking down—today, states must send their votes to Washington, D.C. to receive a presumption of legality—progressives might finally admit to the virtues of the Electoral College. While progressives wish to discard the Constitution's two centuries-old method for choosing presidents, they should concede that its dispersed, state-based system deters the type of widespread electoral fraud alleged by Donald Trump and his lawyers. Liberals should drop their efforts to unconstitutionally evade the Electoral College; they should fight their battles within the original ground rules set out by the Founders.
No one doubts that the Constitution creates a peculiar system for choosing presidents. During the adoption of our national charter, the Framers rejected several obvious methods. They rejected congressional selection because they wanted an independent, energetic executive to check the legislature. They spurned national popular election because they worried that a demagogue might seize power. But they also wanted the people to enjoy the primary voice, as mediated through the most important governments of the day, the states. In the very definition of compromise, the Founders created a system where each state would select electors, equal to the combined number of House members and senators, who would meet in their states and vote for president and vice president. Although all states now choose their electors by popular vote, the Constitution provides that the power of selecting electors is "in such Manner as the Legislature [of each state] shall select."
In the 2020 election, the Electoral College did not make a difference. President-elect Joseph Biden won the national vote, 81,271,124 to 74,209,247, and the electoral vote by 306 to 232. But the Electoral College remains open to attack because it can select a president who lacks the support of the majority of the American people. A number of candidates have won the Oval Office with only a minority or plurality of the electorate, such as George W. Bush and Richard Nixon—almost guaranteeing that progressives would blame the Electoral College for much of America's ills. Progressive outcry against the Electoral College did not reach such a fever pitch before, when it produced victories for Democrats such as Bill Clinton, who won only pluralities in both 1992 and 1996, John F. Kennedy in the 1960s, or Harry Truman in the 1940s.
However, the Electoral College finally crossed the line into the progressive rogues' gallery the moment it elevated Donald Trump to the presidency. Even though Hillary Clinton won the popular vote by 48 to 46 percent, Trump won the electoral vote 304 to 227. The New York Times immediately called the system "antiquated" and called for its replacement with a direct national vote. The Electoral College, it argued, "is more than just a vestige of the Founding era; it is a living symbol of America's original sin" because it originally advantaged slave states. Hillary Clinton agreed that the system "needs to be eliminated"—as did Al Gore, who won the popular vote in 2000 by 500,000 but lost the Electoral College vote to Bush by a count of 271 to 266.
Progressives are doing more than complain. They have pushed something called the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact (NPV), in which states have agreed to award their electoral votes to the candidate who wins a majority of the nationwide vote, regardless of who wins the popular vote among their own citizens. While the agreement does not go into effect until the number of states representing enough votes to pick a president have agreed to it (i.e., states adding up to 270 electoral votes), many blue states have signed up, including not just the largest—California, New York and Illinois—but also some of the smallest—Delaware, Hawaii and Rhode Island. Apparently, partisan allegiance can overcome constitutional self-interest (maybe these small states will try to give up their Senate seats next).
U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images
While the NPV arguably violates the Constitution's prohibition on interstate treaties, progressives ought to drop their efforts against the Electoral College for more profound reasons. The Electoral College may have initially given Southern slave states an advantage in presidential elections (because of the notorious Three-Fifths Clause that counted a slave as three-fifths of a white person, for counting population), but the Civil War and the Reconstruction Amendments eliminated that grievous flaw. If progressives oppose the Electoral College because it does not hew to simple majoritarian democracy, they have a lot more to worry about. The Senate, which treats each state as equal, violates pure majoritarianism in almost every major federal act—from enacting new laws, confirming Cabinet appointments and judges, to approving treaties and even constitutional amendments. Progressives should favor such super-majority procedures, which generally promote more reason and less passion in government, demand greater consensus throughout society for public policy, and protect minority rights.
Another reason to favor the Electoral College became far more apparent in the last two Trump elections than perhaps at the time of the Founding itself. Our system for picking presidents does not depend on the agreement of the current resident of the White House; indeed, the federal government has little role in the operation of the Electoral College. The Constitution instead disperses the power to choose the president to the states—which themselves, under state law, further delegate the operation of elections to the county level. Unlike other countries, no single national agency supervises elections in the United States.
Some might find that chaotic, but it produces an institutional feature much sought after in an age of pandemics, economic instability and terrorist attacks: resilience. Our Constitution creates a dispersed, decentralized electoral system that becomes tougher to hack or defraud. In 2016, the claim that the Russians had helped Trump steal the election foundered on the fact that they would have had to influence numerous voters across multiple counties and states, without knowing in advance which ones would prove decisive. Similarly, Trump's claim four years later that Democrats stole the 2020 election runs smack into the same problem—his lawyers cannot show that Biden supporters committed election fraud in sufficient numbers, across several counties, in multiple states such as Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Georgia and Arizona, at the same time.
Progressives often see Washington, D.C. as the solution to society's problems. But after four years of Republican-led government, they came to appreciate the benefits of federalism as they made the states the loci of their "resistance." The 2020 election should reinforce this foundational lesson of our constitutional order, even as progressives hope to use the Biden presidency to undermine the roles of the Electoral College, the Senate, the Supreme Court and of the limited nature of our national government itself.
John C. Yoo is Emanuel S. Heller Professor of Law at UC Berkeley School of Law, a visiting fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, a visiting scholar at the Hoover Institution and the author of the new book, Defender in Chief: Donald Trump's Fight for Presidential Power.
The views expressed in this article are the writer's own.


newsweek--2020-12-08--Is Lamar Jackson Playing Today? Ravens QB Could Return Against Cowboys

The Baltimore Ravens should have Lamar Jackson available for their game against the Dallas Cowboys on Tuesday night after the reigning MVP cleared the NFL 's coronavirus protocols .
The Ravens officially activated Jackson off the reserve/COVID-19 list on Monday after the quarterback completed his 10-day quarantine and he is expected to start when the Ravens welcome the Cowboys at M & T Bank Stadium on Tuesday night .
Jackson tested positive for coronavirus on November 26 and was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list the following day .
However , while he has n't played since the Ravens ' 30-24 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Titans on November 22 , Jackson has only missed one game—last week 's 19-14 defeat in Pittsburgh against the Steelers .
Jackson 's return comes as the Ravens continue to whittle down the reserve/COVID-19 list after suffering a major outbreak last month , which affected at least a dozen players .
The cluster of coronavirus cases forced the NFL to postpone the Ravens ' trip to Pittsburgh three times , moving it from its original primetime slot on Thanksgiving to last Wednesday afternoon .
As a result , the game against the Cowboys @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thursday Night Football matchup for Week 13 , was also rescheduled twice .
The Ravens now have only six players on the reserve/COVID-19 list , marking the first time since November 25 that the team has had fewer than 10 players on the list .
Along with Jackson , Baltimore also activated fullback Patrick Ricard , defensive tackle Justin Madubuike and long-snapper Morgan Cox after defensive ends Calais Campbell and Jihad Ward , running backs J.K. Dobbins and Mark Ingram II were both activated over the past week .
Centers Matt Skura and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has outside linebacker Pernell McPhee , with tight end Mark Andrews , wide receiver Willie Snead and outside linebacker Matthew Judon expected to follow suit ahead of next week .
`` I know there are going to be questions about the guys who are coming off the COVID list and whether they 'll play or not , '' Ravens coach John Harbaugh told the media on Monday .
`` It 's a medical decision .
It 's really premature for me to comment on any of that at this point .
I do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made finally .
We do n't talk about who comes off that list ever until the transactions are official on the NFL wire .
That 's our policy . ''
Jackson 's return comes at a very opportune time for the Ravens , who have slipped to third in the AFC North after losing four of their last five games and have no room for error if they 're to mount a late playoff rally .
At 6-5 , Baltimore is currently ninth in the AFC and trails the Indianapolis Colts by two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wild card spot in the conference , with the 7-5 Las Vegas Raiders also in the mix following their dramatic win against the New York Jets on Sunday .
The silver lining for the Ravens is that they have the easiest remaining strength of schedule of any NFL team .
Baltimore travels to Cleveland to take on the 9-3 Browns on Monday Night Football next week in a matchup with huge playoff ramifications , but its AFC North rivals are the only team with a wining record left on the Ravens ' schedule @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Browns , Baltimore faces consecutive home games against the Jacksonville Jaguars and the New York Giants , before a trip to Cincinnati in Week 17 .
If the Ravens have looked like a pale imitation of the team that finished with an NFL-best record 14-2 last season , Jackson has also failed to replicate the form that earned him the MVP award 12 months ago .
The 23-year-old threw for 3,127 yards and a league-best 36 touchdowns and just six interceptions last season , setting an NFL record for rushing yards by a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this season , Jackson has passed for 1,948 yards , 15 touchdowns and has already thrown as many interceptions—six—as he did in the whole of the 2019 campaign .
He has rushed for just 575 yards , less than a half of his tally from a year ago , while his quarterback rating has dropped from an NFL-best 83 to 61.8 , which ranks him 21st in the league .
The good news for Jackson is that he comes up against the NFL 's worst defense in terms of points allowed .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ game and have conceded at least 20 points in each of its 11 games this season , the longest such streak in franchise history , as per NFL Research .
In its most recent game , Dallas suffered an embarrassing 41-16 shellacking at home against the Washington Football Team , dropping to the bottom of the NFC East with a 3-8 record .

The Baltimore Ravens should have Lamar Jackson available for their game against the Dallas Cowboys on Tuesday night after the reigning MVP cleared the NFL's coronavirus protocols.
The Ravens officially activated Jackson off the reserve/COVID-19 list on Monday after the quarterback completed his 10-day quarantine and he is expected to start when the Ravens welcome the Cowboys at M&T Bank Stadium on Tuesday night.
Jackson tested positive for coronavirus on November 26 and was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list the following day. However, while he hasn't played since the Ravens' 30-24 overtime loss at home against the Tennessee Titans on November 22, Jackson has only missed one game—last week's 19-14 defeat in Pittsburgh against the Steelers.
Jackson's return comes as the Ravens continue to whittle down the reserve/COVID-19 list after suffering a major outbreak last month, which affected at least a dozen players.
The cluster of coronavirus cases forced the NFL to postpone the Ravens' trip to Pittsburgh three times, moving it from its original primetime slot on Thanksgiving to last Wednesday afternoon.
As a result, the game against the Cowboys, which was originally scheduled as the Thursday Night Football matchup for Week 13, was also rescheduled twice.
The Ravens now have only six players on the reserve/COVID-19 list, marking the first time since November 25 that the team has had fewer than 10 players on the list.
Along with Jackson, Baltimore also activated fullback Patrick Ricard, defensive tackle Justin Madubuike and long-snapper Morgan Cox after defensive ends Calais Campbell and Jihad Ward, running backs J.K. Dobbins and Mark Ingram II were both activated over the past week.
Centers Matt Skura and Patrick Mekari have also been activated as has outside linebacker Pernell McPhee, with tight end Mark Andrews, wide receiver Willie Snead and outside linebacker Matthew Judon expected to follow suit ahead of next week.
"I know there are going to be questions about the guys who are coming off the COVID list and whether they'll play or not," Ravens coach John Harbaugh told the media on Monday.
"It's a medical decision. It's really premature for me to comment on any of that at this point. I don't know until the medical decisions are made finally. We don't talk about who comes off that list ever until the transactions are official on the NFL wire. That's our policy."
Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens rushes with the ball against the Tennessee Titans at M&T Bank Stadium on November 22 in Baltimore, Maryland. The reigning MVP should return against the Dallas Cowboys on Tuesday. Patrick Smith/Getty
Jackson's return comes at a very opportune time for the Ravens, who have slipped to third in the AFC North after losing four of their last five games and have no room for error if they're to mount a late playoff rally.
At 6-5, Baltimore is currently ninth in the AFC and trails the Indianapolis Colts by two games in the race for the last wild card spot in the conference, with the 7-5 Las Vegas Raiders also in the mix following their dramatic win against the New York Jets on Sunday.
The silver lining for the Ravens is that they have the easiest remaining strength of schedule of any NFL team. Baltimore travels to Cleveland to take on the 9-3 Browns on Monday Night Football next week in a matchup with huge playoff ramifications, but its AFC North rivals are the only team with a wining record left on the Ravens' schedule.
Following the road game against the Browns, Baltimore faces consecutive home games against the Jacksonville Jaguars and the New York Giants, before a trip to Cincinnati in Week 17.
If the Ravens have looked like a pale imitation of the team that finished with an NFL-best record 14-2 last season, Jackson has also failed to replicate the form that earned him the MVP award 12 months ago.
The 23-year-old threw for 3,127 yards and a league-best 36 touchdowns and just six interceptions last season, setting an NFL record for rushing yards by a quarterback with 1,206.
In 10 games this season, Jackson has passed for 1,948 yards, 15 touchdowns and has already thrown as many interceptions—six—as he did in the whole of the 2019 campaign.
He has rushed for just 575 yards, less than a half of his tally from a year ago, while his quarterback rating has dropped from an NFL-best 83 to 61.8, which ranks him 21st in the league.
The good news for Jackson is that he comes up against the NFL's worst defense in terms of points allowed. The Cowboys allow a league-worst 32.6 points per game and have conceded at least 20 points in each of its 11 games this season, the longest such streak in franchise history, as per NFL Research.
In its most recent game, Dallas suffered an embarrassing 41-16 shellacking at home against the Washington Football Team, dropping to the bottom of the NFC East with a 3-8 record.


newsweek--2020-12-08--Fauci Says He Would Take COVID Vaccine Publicly, After Similar Pledges by Biden, Obama, Bush

Dr. Anthony Fauci has said he would be `` more than happy '' to take a COVID vaccine publicly , stressing it will be safe if approved .
The pledge from the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases comes after former U.S. presidents Barack Obama , George W. Bush and Bill Clinton said they would be vaccinated in a public setting or on camera in an attempt to assure the public that it can be trusted .
President-elect Joe Biden said during an interview with CNN on December 3 that he too would be `` happy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taking a vaccine .
`` You know as well as I do , people have lost faith in the ability of the vaccine to work .
It matters what a president and vice president do .
I think my three predecessors have set the model as to what should be done , '' he said .
A Gallup poll released in November suggested that 42 percent of U.S. adults would not take a COVID vaccine even if it was made available immediately at no cost , some citing concerns about a rushed development @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told CBS News anchor Norah O'Donnell during the Milken Institute Future of Health Summit on Monday : `` I would be more than happy to do it publicly . ''
As COVID infections continue to surge across the country , promising vaccine candidates have been developed by multiple firms , including Pfizer/BioNTech , Moderna , and AstraZeneca .
Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna have applied to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ( FDA ) for Emergency Use Authorizations ( EUA ) to roll-out their vaccines , in the hope that distribution will start before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is set to discuss EUA applications for the Pfizer-BioNTech candidate on December 10 , and the Moderna vaccine candidate on December 17 .
In the interview , Fauci said the approval process for any potential vaccine in the U.S. is independent and transparent .
Fauci said : `` When I see the FDA with their career scientists say that a [ COVID ] vaccine is safe and effective , I will take it myself when my time comes and will recommend it to all people , including my friends President Clinton , Obama @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vaccine , because I would feel comfortable taking it . ''
Obama said in an interview with SiriusXM on December 2 that he would trust the COVID vaccine as long as Fauci believes it to be safe and effective .
The former president said : `` I promise you that when it 's been made for people who are less at risk , I will be taking it .
I may end up taking it on T.V .
or having it filmed , just so that people know that I trust this science @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is getting COVID . ''
Freddy Ford , President George W. Bush 's chief of staff , told CNN on December 3 : `` First , the vaccines need to be deemed safe and administered to priority populations .
Then , President Bush will get in line for his , and will gladly do so on camera . ''
Angel Urena , Clinton 's press secretary , said : `` [ Clinton ] will definitely take a vaccine as soon as available to him , based on the priorities determined by public health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a public setting if it will help urge all Americans to do the same . ''

Dr. Anthony Fauci has said he would be "more than happy" to take a COVID vaccine publicly, stressing it will be safe if approved.
The pledge from the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases comes after former U.S. presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton said they would be vaccinated in a public setting or on camera in an attempt to assure the public that it can be trusted.
President-elect Joe Biden said during an interview with CNN on December 3 that he too would be "happy" to join the ex-presidents by publicly taking a vaccine.
"You know as well as I do, people have lost faith in the ability of the vaccine to work. It matters what a president and vice president do. I think my three predecessors have set the model as to what should be done," he said.
A Gallup poll released in November suggested that 42 percent of U.S. adults would not take a COVID vaccine even if it was made available immediately at no cost, some citing concerns about a rushed development and others potential safety issues.
Fauci told CBS News anchor Norah O'Donnell during the Milken Institute Future of Health Summit on Monday: "I would be more than happy to do it publicly."
As COVID infections continue to surge across the country, promising vaccine candidates have been developed by multiple firms, including Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna, and AstraZeneca. Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna have applied to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for Emergency Use Authorizations (EUA) to roll-out their vaccines, in the hope that distribution will start before the end of 2020.
The FDA is set to discuss EUA applications for the Pfizer-BioNTech candidate on December 10, and the Moderna vaccine candidate on December 17.
In the interview, Fauci said the approval process for any potential vaccine in the U.S. is independent and transparent.
Fauci said: "When I see the FDA with their career scientists say that a [COVID] vaccine is safe and effective, I will take it myself when my time comes and will recommend it to all people, including my friends President Clinton, Obama, Bush and others to take the vaccine, because I would feel comfortable taking it."
Obama said in an interview with SiriusXM on December 2 that he would trust the COVID vaccine as long as Fauci believes it to be safe and effective.
The former president said: "I promise you that when it's been made for people who are less at risk, I will be taking it. I may end up taking it on T.V. or having it filmed, just so that people know that I trust this science, and what I don't trust is getting COVID."
Freddy Ford, President George W. Bush's chief of staff, told CNN on December 3: "First, the vaccines need to be deemed safe and administered to priority populations. Then, President Bush will get in line for his, and will gladly do so on camera."
Angel Urena, Clinton's press secretary, said: "[Clinton] will definitely take a vaccine as soon as available to him, based on the priorities determined by public health officials. He will do it in a public setting if it will help urge all Americans to do the same."


newsweek--2020-12-08--Sex Party Shut Down by Police for Breaking COVID Restrictions, Participants Fined $300

A sex party in Belgium was broken up by police for breaking COVID regulations for the second time in a week .
The private party at a house in Paal , in the province of Limburg , was shut down on Friday after officers were called to the scene around 9:30 p.m. All ten participants were fined €250 for breaking coronavirus restriction rules , La Derniere Heure reports .
Several cars were parked outside the home , where police were able to see `` several scantily clad men and women through the window , '' according to the publication and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were initially unable to obtain entry after multiple rings of the doorbell were ignored .
It was not until firefighters arrived at the scene to force open the door that they were able to enter .
Officers immediately found six people in the home , and four more after a search—one of whom was hiding in a closet .
It is the second time in one week that police have had to break up a private lockdown party in the European nation .
An illegal private party in the center of Brussels saw @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hungarian MEP was spotted fleeing the scene on December 1 .
The men were interrupted by police after neighbors made a noise complaint on Friday night coming from the rue des Pierres , in the city 's gay district .
A senior member of parliament from Hungary 's ruling Fidesz party has since admitted that he took part in a `` lockdown party , '' calling his actions a `` misstep '' .
József Szájer confirmed in a statement to Politico that he was present at the `` private party '' after he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` A passer-by reported to the police that he had seen a man fleeing along the gutter ; he was able to identify the man , '' a press release from the public prosecutor 's office as seen by the publication read .
`` The man 's hands were bloody .
It is possible that he may have been injured while fleeing .
Narcotics were found in his backpack .
The man was unable to produce any identity documents .
He was escorted to his place of residence , where he identified @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) by means of a diplomatic passport . ''
`` I was present at this party in Brussels , '' the European representative later told La DH in a press release , as translated by Google Translate .
`` I did not consume drugs , I offered to the police on the spot to do a screening test , but they did not do it .
Police said an ecstasy pill was found .
I have nothing to do with this pill , I do n't know who placed it or how .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on this subject .
I 'm sorry I violated the assembly rules , it was irresponsible of me and I will bear the penalties for it . ''
Szájer said he was `` sorry '' and that he `` deeply '' regretted breaking COVID restrictions .
`` It was irresponsible on my part .
I am ready to stand for the fine that occurs , '' he said in the press release .
He said he was given an `` official verbal warning '' by police and taken home .
The senior MEP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' as `` strictly personal . ''
`` I ask everyone not to extend it to my homeland , or to my political community , '' he added .
Belgium is currently in the midst of a second lockdown , with curfews in place and restrictions on gatherings of no more than four people .

A sex party in Belgium was broken up by police for breaking COVID regulations for the second time in a week.
The private party at a house in Paal, in the province of Limburg, was shut down on Friday after officers were called to the scene around 9:30 p.m.
All ten participants were fined €250 for breaking coronavirus restriction rules, La Derniere Heure reports.
Several cars were parked outside the home, where police were able to see "several scantily clad men and women through the window," according to the publication and as translated by Google Translate.
Police were initially unable to obtain entry after multiple rings of the doorbell were ignored. It was not until firefighters arrived at the scene to force open the door that they were able to enter.
Officers immediately found six people in the home, and four more after a search—one of whom was hiding in a closet.
It is the second time in one week that police have had to break up a private lockdown party in the European nation.
An illegal private party in the center of Brussels saw 25 naked men arrested as a senior Hungarian MEP was spotted fleeing the scene on December 1.
The men were interrupted by police after neighbors made a noise complaint on Friday night coming from the rue des Pierres, in the city's gay district.
A senior member of parliament from Hungary's ruling Fidesz party has since admitted that he took part in a "lockdown party," calling his actions a "misstep".
József Szájer confirmed in a statement to Politico that he was present at the "private party" after he was spotted and recognised by a passerby.
"A passer-by reported to the police that he had seen a man fleeing along the gutter; he was able to identify the man," a press release from the public prosecutor's office as seen by the publication read.
"The man's hands were bloody. It is possible that he may have been injured while fleeing. Narcotics were found in his backpack. The man was unable to produce any identity documents. He was escorted to his place of residence, where he identified himself as S. J. (1961) by means of a diplomatic passport."
"I was present at this party in Brussels," the European representative later told La DH in a press release, as translated by Google Translate.
"I did not consume drugs, I offered to the police on the spot to do a screening test, but they did not do it. Police said an ecstasy pill was found. I have nothing to do with this pill, I don't know who placed it or how. I made a statement to the police on this subject. I'm sorry I violated the assembly rules, it was irresponsible of me and I will bear the penalties for it."
Szájer said he was "sorry" and that he "deeply" regretted breaking COVID restrictions.
"It was irresponsible on my part. I am ready to stand for the fine that occurs," he said in the press release.
He said he was given an "official verbal warning" by police and taken home. The senior MEP later resigned, describing his "misstep" as "strictly personal."
"I ask everyone not to extend it to my homeland, or to my political community," he added.
Belgium is currently in the midst of a second lockdown, with curfews in place and restrictions on gatherings of no more than four people.


newsweek--2020-12-08--No Deal Until Qatar Stops Financing Terrorism | Opinion

A reconciliation is only as great as its specific terms and implementation .
With normalization deals proliferating across the Middle East , one of the biggest might soon resolve an ongoing proxy war between Qatar and the `` Quartet , '' an alliance composed of Saudi Arabia , Bahrain , the United Arab Emirates ( UAE ) and Egypt .
There are many rumors surrounding the supposedly impending deal .
One source predicts Saudi Arabia will end its years-long blockade in return for Qatar dropping its related lawsuits against it .
Another source predicts a deal honing coexistence , rather @ @ @ @ @ @ @ received 13 demands , including ultimatums to shed its ties to the Muslim Brotherhood and to close its Al Jazeera Network .
The U.S. also has a stake , hoping to resolve a feud that has compromised efforts to counter the Iranian regime .
As promising as reconciliation would be , the Quartet must refuse any deal that excludes Qatar 's unequivocal promise to cease its profligate terrorism financing .
While Qatar 's ties to Iran might be tolerated , given its geographic realities , its financial support for terrorist organizations and Islamist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Quartet 's blockade will have gone on three and a half years for naught , compromising regional security and the integrity of the Quartet 's possible future efforts to contain Iran .
Since the Arab Spring , an era of revolution engulfing the Middle East , the Quartet has countered Qatar , its terrorism financing and its Iran ties .
Qatar has since funneled $ 1.1 billion to Hamas , a terrorist organization that has incited multiple wars while aspiring for Israel 's destruction .
Qatar has also gifted billions of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's forebear , the Muslim Brotherhood , a terrorist organization per the Quartet , while also financing Islamists and their civil wars across Libya , Syria and Yemen .
With actions come consequences .
In 2014 , three of the Quartet 's members withdrew their ambassadors from Doha after discovering Qatari financial and weaponry aid to Ahrar al-Sham , a group that coordinated attacks with Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham , the successor of Al-Qaeda offshoot Jabhat al Nusra .
In 2017 , the Quartet blockaded Qatar as a consequence of its terror financing and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regional competitor .
The blockade persists and has inconvenienced Qatar 's state-run airline .
Qatar is now suing for $ 5 billion in compensation .
Amidst rumors that a Kuwait-U.S. brokered deal could reconcile the Arabian Gulf , the Quartet must not compromise its blockade 's fundamental purpose : not necessarily opposition to Qatar 's Iran ties , but opposition to Qatar 's backing of Islamism .
This purpose becomes apparent when juxtaposing the Quartet 's relations with Qatar and Oman—countries that share ties with Iran , but differ in their stances regarding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Iran , which threaten the region via its aspiring nuclear program , are problematic but not dispositive .
The Quartet can forgive relations predicated on geographic necessity , such as Qatar 's with Iran , an inevitability given the two nations ' sharing of the world 's largest natural gas field .
However , the Quartet can not forgive terrorism financing that destabilizes an entire region .
It is why the Quartet enjoys relations with terrorism-combating Oman—a country that also has `` strong ties '' to Iran , with which it shares control @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which one-third of the world 's oil supply passes—but not with terrorism-financing Qatar .
As a matter of precedent and legitimacy , the Quartet must not deal with Qatar unless it stops its terrorism financing , which manifests both economically and diplomatically .
Restoring previous ties at any other cost would convey a renewed tolerance—and thus victory—for Islamism and its leading financiers .
It would undermine regional security , restoring impunity for regimes to finance terrorist organizations that have , at minimum , exacerbated violence—and , at maximum , incited wars .
Cheap @ @ @ @ @ @ @ signify a concession of wrongdoing on the Quartet 's part , evidenced by departing from its fundamental objective—its fight against Islamism .
A quick deal at any other cost would thus compromise the Quartet 's legitimacy , which is needed now more than ever , especially if it is to address Iran and its nuclear program—whose uranium stockpile now exceeds 12 times the limit afforded by the 2015 nuclear deal .
As a nuclear Iran nears reality , so too does the likelihood of intervention .
Thus , last month , President Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Israel and Saudi Arabia secretly met to discuss their common foe .
Support for any such intervention is best forged through international consensus , aided by the Quartet 's current anti-Islamism campaign .
If the Quartet 's members are to condemn Iran 's Islamism and sponsorship of terrorist proxies throughout the Middle East , it must likewise do so for Qatar 's .
Doing anything otherwise could create an impression of hypocrisy , transforming perception of the Quartet from one forged by a mission of shared principles to one grounded in ulterior @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Quartet should proceed patiently—it has little to lose in maintaining its blockade .
Indeed , a vengeful and flailing Qatar has sued the Quartet , but the International Court of Justice notoriously lacks enforcement power , and thus the ability to cajole Quartet compliance .
Qatar also lacks the military might to preempt any alternative reality .
It ranks 90th out of 138 surveyed countries in terms of military power , posing little threat to the Quartet , whose least mighty member , Bahrain , ranks 93rd , while its mightiest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Quartet capable of calling the shots , it must command Qatar to end its terrorism financing that has inflamed the Middle East .
The Quartet must do so unflinchingly , demonstrating to Iran its resolve against Islamism , while also vindicating the integrity of its invaluable anti-Islamism campaign .
Jordan Cope is the Qatari finance fellow at the Middle East Forum .
Follow him on Twitter .
The views expressed in this article are the writer 's own .

A reconciliation is only as great as its specific terms and implementation. With normalization deals proliferating across the Middle East, one of the biggest might soon resolve an ongoing proxy war between Qatar and the "Quartet," an alliance composed of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Egypt.
There are many rumors surrounding the supposedly impending deal. One source predicts Saudi Arabia will end its years-long blockade in return for Qatar dropping its related lawsuits against it. Another source predicts a deal honing coexistence, rather than reconciliation. Speculation abounds after Doha received 13 demands, including ultimatums to shed its ties to the Muslim Brotherhood and to close its Al Jazeera Network. The U.S. also has a stake, hoping to resolve a feud that has compromised efforts to counter the Iranian regime.
As promising as reconciliation would be, the Quartet must refuse any deal that excludes Qatar's unequivocal promise to cease its profligate terrorism financing. While Qatar's ties to Iran might be tolerated, given its geographic realities, its financial support for terrorist organizations and Islamist insurrections cannot be accepted.
Otherwise, the Quartet's blockade will have gone on three and a half years for naught, compromising regional security and the integrity of the Quartet's possible future efforts to contain Iran.
Since the Arab Spring, an era of revolution engulfing the Middle East, the Quartet has countered Qatar, its terrorism financing and its Iran ties. Qatar has since funneled $1.1 billion to Hamas, a terrorist organization that has incited multiple wars while aspiring for Israel's destruction.
Qatar has also gifted billions of dollars to regimes bearing semblance to Hamas's forebear, the Muslim Brotherhood, a terrorist organization per the Quartet, while also financing Islamists and their civil wars across Libya, Syria and Yemen.
With actions come consequences. In 2014, three of the Quartet's members withdrew their ambassadors from Doha after discovering Qatari financial and weaponry aid to Ahrar al-Sham, a group that coordinated attacks with Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham, the successor of Al-Qaeda offshoot Jabhat al Nusra.
In 2017, the Quartet blockaded Qatar as a consequence of its terror financing and ties to Iran, Saudi Arabia's regional competitor. The blockade persists and has inconvenienced Qatar's state-run airline. Qatar is now suing for $5 billion in compensation.
Amidst rumors that a Kuwait-U.S. brokered deal could reconcile the Arabian Gulf, the Quartet must not compromise its blockade's fundamental purpose: not necessarily opposition to Qatar's Iran ties, but opposition to Qatar's backing of Islamism.
This purpose becomes apparent when juxtaposing the Quartet's relations with Qatar and Oman—countries that share ties with Iran, but differ in their stances regarding terrorism financing.
Qatar's ties to Iran, which threaten the region via its aspiring nuclear program, are problematic but not dispositive. The Quartet can forgive relations predicated on geographic necessity, such as Qatar's with Iran, an inevitability given the two nations' sharing of the world's largest natural gas field. However, the Quartet cannot forgive terrorism financing that destabilizes an entire region.
It is why the Quartet enjoys relations with terrorism-combating Oman—a country that also has "strong ties" to Iran, with which it shares control over the Strait of Hormuz, through which one-third of the world's oil supply passes—but not with terrorism-financing Qatar.
As a matter of precedent and legitimacy, the Quartet must not deal with Qatar unless it stops its terrorism financing, which manifests both economically and diplomatically. Restoring previous ties at any other cost would convey a renewed tolerance—and thus victory—for Islamism and its leading financiers.
Doha, Qatar skyline TF-Images via Getty Images
It would undermine regional security, restoring impunity for regimes to finance terrorist organizations that have, at minimum, exacerbated violence—and, at maximum, incited wars.
Cheap reconciliation with an Islamist Qatar would also signify a concession of wrongdoing on the Quartet's part, evidenced by departing from its fundamental objective—its fight against Islamism.
A quick deal at any other cost would thus compromise the Quartet's legitimacy, which is needed now more than ever, especially if it is to address Iran and its nuclear program—whose uranium stockpile now exceeds 12 times the limit afforded by the 2015 nuclear deal.
As a nuclear Iran nears reality, so too does the likelihood of intervention. Thus, last month, President Trump inquired about a strike on Iran, and Israel and Saudi Arabia secretly met to discuss their common foe. Support for any such intervention is best forged through international consensus, aided by the Quartet's current anti-Islamism campaign.
If the Quartet's members are to condemn Iran's Islamism and sponsorship of terrorist proxies throughout the Middle East, it must likewise do so for Qatar's. Doing anything otherwise could create an impression of hypocrisy, transforming perception of the Quartet from one forged by a mission of shared principles to one grounded in ulterior national interests—quelling regional threats and asserting influence.
The Quartet should proceed patiently—it has little to lose in maintaining its blockade. Indeed, a vengeful and flailing Qatar has sued the Quartet, but the International Court of Justice notoriously lacks enforcement power, and thus the ability to cajole Quartet compliance.
Qatar also lacks the military might to preempt any alternative reality. It ranks 90th out of 138 surveyed countries in terms of military power, posing little threat to the Quartet, whose least mighty member, Bahrain, ranks 93rd, while its mightiest, Egypt, ranks 9th.
With the Quartet capable of calling the shots, it must command Qatar to end its terrorism financing that has inflamed the Middle East. The Quartet must do so unflinchingly, demonstrating to Iran its resolve against Islamism, while also vindicating the integrity of its invaluable anti-Islamism campaign.
Jordan Cope is the Qatari finance fellow at the Middle East Forum. Follow him on Twitter.
The views expressed in this article are the writer's own.


newsweek--2020-12-08--Post Malone x Crocs 2020 Collaboration Release Date, Price, Where to Buy

Post Malone and Crocs are launching their fifth collaboration today ( December 8 ) at 12 p.m .
ET .
The limited-edition release is sure to be in high demand with the previous collaborations between the musician and footwear brand selling out almost immediately , then listed for hundreds of dollars on websites like eBay and StockX .
The Post Malone x Crocs Duet Max Clog II comes in two colorways , black and pink , and features an exaggerated chunky outsole , pivotable backstraps with adjustable hook and loop closures , Post Malone-branded rivets and lanyard clips .
As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Crocs are also launching a PostyCo Pink 3 Pack and PostyCo Black 3 Pack of Jibbitz charms , featuring grapes , a heart , a rubber duck and representations of his tattoos .
How much do the Post Malone Crocs cost ?
The Post Malone Crocs will cost $ 59.99 and The PostyCo Pink 3 Pack and PostyCo Black 3 Pack of Jibbitz charms will cost $ 11.99 each .
They will be available to purchase separately .
Post Malone and Crocs celebrated the launch by surprising 5,000 fans across New York @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Austin , Salt Lake City , Toronto , London , Sydney , Tokyo , Paris and Berlin , with the shoes .
In a news release , Post Malone said : `` Giving away 5,000 pairs of shoes is how I 'm saying 'thank you ' to my fans .
`` Each time Crocs and I partner , we make something better than before and I 'm excited about what we came up with this time around .
Drop 5 is going to be one my fans remember . ''
On December @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the giveaway on Twitter by using the hashtag # pmgiveaway .
Heidi Cooley , head of Global Marketing for Crocs , added : `` This is our biggest and most impactful Post Malone x Crocs drop to date , and in more ways than one .
`` In addition to surprising some of Post Malone 's biggest fans with free shoes , we , for the first time , are offering consumers two styles to choose from , plus special Jibbitz charms .
`` We 're thrilled by how [ the ] partnership @ @ @ @ @ @ @ look forward to sharing in the excitement that this drop will undoubtedly generate . ''
The Post Malone x Crocs will be available to purchase at Crocs.com and select partner retail and e-commerce channels from 12 p.m .
ET on December 8 .
Newsweek has affiliate partnerships .
If you make a purchase using our links , we may earn a share of the sale .

Post Malone and Crocs are launching their fifth collaboration today (December 8) at 12 p.m. ET. The limited-edition release is sure to be in high demand with the previous collaborations between the musician and footwear brand selling out almost immediately, then listed for hundreds of dollars on websites like eBay and StockX.
The Post Malone x Crocs Duet Max Clog II comes in two colorways, black and pink, and features an exaggerated chunky outsole, pivotable backstraps with adjustable hook and loop closures, Post Malone-branded rivets and lanyard clips.
As well as the shoes, Post Malone and Crocs are also launching a PostyCo Pink 3 Pack and PostyCo Black 3 Pack of Jibbitz charms, featuring grapes, a heart, a rubber duck and representations of his tattoos.
The Post Malone x Crocs collaboration comes in two color ways and features Post Malone-branded rivets. Kristen Jan Wong/Fooji, Inc
How much do the Post Malone Crocs cost?
The Post Malone Crocs will cost $59.99 and The PostyCo Pink 3 Pack and PostyCo Black 3 Pack of Jibbitz charms will cost $11.99 each. They will be available to purchase separately.
Post Malone and Crocs celebrated the launch by surprising 5,000 fans across New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, Austin, Salt Lake City, Toronto, London, Sydney, Tokyo, Paris and Berlin, with the shoes.
In a news release, Post Malone said: "Giving away 5,000 pairs of shoes is how I'm saying 'thank you' to my fans.
"Each time Crocs and I partner, we make something better than before and I'm excited about what we came up with this time around. Drop 5 is going to be one my fans remember."
On December 4, fans were invited to enter the giveaway on Twitter by using the hashtag #pmgiveaway.
Heidi Cooley, head of Global Marketing for Crocs, added: "This is our biggest and most impactful Post Malone x Crocs drop to date, and in more ways than one.
"In addition to surprising some of Post Malone's biggest fans with free shoes, we, for the first time, are offering consumers two styles to choose from, plus special Jibbitz charms.
"We're thrilled by how [the] partnership with Post Malone continues to evolve and look forward to sharing in the excitement that this drop will undoubtedly generate."
The Post Malone x Crocs will be available to purchase at Crocs.com and select partner retail and e-commerce channels from 12 p.m. ET on December 8.
Newsweek has affiliate partnerships. If you make a purchase using our links, we may earn a share of the sale.


newsweek--2020-12-08--PS5 Restock Updates As Walmart Removes Sony PlayStation 5 Console From Website

The PS5 console was in stock at certain Walmart stores yesterday , meaning some lucky gamers finally got their hands on the long-awaited platform .
Others were n't so fortunate , however , and were told that the store did not have stock or could not sell the PlayStation 5 consoles in-store .
As some gamers report being told that the PS5 console is only available to order online , the PlayStation 5 appears to have been removed from the Walmart website .
Find out the latest PS5 restock updates below before trying to purchase a console today .
Walmart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , following a previous restock on Monday .
Some gamers are already camping out in the early hours of the morning in the hopes of purchasing the PlayStation 5 console when Walmart stores open .
Many gamers were successful in buying the PlayStation 5 in-store at Walmart yesterday , though others reported being turned away from stores that were out of stock .
If you plan to try your luck at a Walmart store today , remember to follow social distancing guidelines and be respectful to staff .
Be aware that some stores @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or have been instructed not to sell the PS5 in-store .
However , it seems that Walmart has removed the PS5 from its website , at least in some areas of the U.S .
When clicking on the product , shoppers are told : `` Oops !
This item is unavailable or on backorder . ''
Newsweek has contacted Walmart for comment and will update this article when we hear back .
BrickSeek , an inventory checker website , has been instrumental in helping some gamers buy a PS5 .
However , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ misusing the site .
BrickSeek has the following warning on its website , which shoppers trying to purchase the PS5 should bear in mind : `` BrickSeek is a third party application .
Retail stores will not honor inventory or pricing discrepancies between their store and BrickSeek .
`` Theft , loss , and other circumstances at the store level can cause inventory inaccuracies .
Please do not use BrickSeek as a point of reference when talking to retailers . ''
The website also says : `` Inventory numbers for the PS5 are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ listed below might be reserved for future online-only orders .
Not all locations may be willing to sell them in-store . ''
Therefore , it may be helpful to use BrickSeek as a guide but remember that the numbers may not reflect how many PS5 consoles are available to purchase in-store at Walmart .
BrickSeek is not affiliated with Walmart and shoppers should not use the website as an indication of stock when speaking to Walmart employees .
When trying to shop for a PS5 at Walmart , be polite and respectful to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to them whether or not they can sell the consoles in-store—if they even have stock .

The PS5 console was in stock at certain Walmart stores yesterday, meaning some lucky gamers finally got their hands on the long-awaited platform. Others weren't so fortunate, however, and were told that the store did not have stock or could not sell the PlayStation 5 consoles in-store.
As some gamers report being told that the PS5 console is only available to order online, the PlayStation 5 appears to have been removed from the Walmart website. Find out the latest PS5 restock updates below before trying to purchase a console today.
Walmart PS5 Update
Walmart is expected to restock the PS5 today, following a previous restock on Monday. Some gamers are already camping out in the early hours of the morning in the hopes of purchasing the PlayStation 5 console when Walmart stores open.
Many gamers were successful in buying the PlayStation 5 in-store at Walmart yesterday, though others reported being turned away from stores that were out of stock. If you plan to try your luck at a Walmart store today, remember to follow social distancing guidelines and be respectful to staff.
Be aware that some stores may not have the console in stock or have been instructed not to sell the PS5 in-store.
However, it seems that Walmart has removed the PS5 from its website, at least in some areas of the U.S. When clicking on the product, shoppers are told: "Oops! This item is unavailable or on backorder."
Newsweek has contacted Walmart for comment and will update this article when we hear back.
Sony's Playstation 5 logo is seen at an electronics store in Tokyo on November 10, 2020, ahead of the gaming console's release scheduled for November 12. Gamers managed to purchase the PS5 console from Walmart stores on December 7, though the console has now been removed from the website. Charly Triballeau/Getty
BrickSeek PS5 Update
BrickSeek, an inventory checker website, has been instrumental in helping some gamers buy a PS5. However, it seems as though some shoppers have been misusing the site.
BrickSeek has the following warning on its website, which shoppers trying to purchase the PS5 should bear in mind: "BrickSeek is a third party application. Retail stores will not honor inventory or pricing discrepancies between their store and BrickSeek.
"Theft, loss, and other circumstances at the store level can cause inventory inaccuracies. Please do not use BrickSeek as a point of reference when talking to retailers."
The website also says: "Inventory numbers for the PS5 are for reference only. The available quantities listed below might be reserved for future online-only orders. Not all locations may be willing to sell them in-store."
Therefore, it may be helpful to use BrickSeek as a guide but remember that the numbers may not reflect how many PS5 consoles are available to purchase in-store at Walmart. BrickSeek is not affiliated with Walmart and shoppers should not use the website as an indication of stock when speaking to Walmart employees.
When trying to shop for a PS5 at Walmart, be polite and respectful to employees as it may not be up to them whether or not they can sell the consoles in-store—if they even have stock.


newsweek--2020-12-08--Bank Robber Threatens to Infect Everyone in Branch With COVID Unless They Hand Over Money: Police

A Georgia man arrested over an attempted bank robbery allegedly said he would infect everyone with coronavirus if tellers did n't hand over cash .
Victor Hardley Crawley was taken into custody following the incident at a Chase Bank in Riverdale , Georgia last month .
In a news release , the Clayton County Sheriff 's Office said a white male suspect had entered the Chase Bank located at 7185 Highway 85 on November 28 and passed a note to a teller demanding cash .
But instead of brandishing a weapon , the suspect claimed to be infected with coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a weapon , but stated he had tested positive for COVID-19 , and that if the bank did not comply with his demands , he would began to infect everyone in the branch , '' the sheriff 's office said .
`` As the employees notified police , the suspect fled the scene empty handed . ''
Detectives with the Riverdale Police Department responded to the bank .
The sheriff 's office said that after an `` intensive '' investigation , detectives identified the suspect in the attempted robbery as 51-year-old Crawley .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ warrants for Crawley , the task of bringing him in was given to the elite Fugitive Squad , '' the sheriff 's office added .
Members of the squad arrived at Crawley 's residence in Social Circle in Georgia 's Walton County , and around 50 miles from Riverdale , last week .
They took Crawley into custody without incident .
The sheriff 's office said Crawley told detectives he was struggling financially and had needed around $ 2,000 to catch up on his bills .
Online records show he remains held at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ set after being booked in the early hours of Friday morning .
He is facing one charge of criminal attempt .
Chase and the sheriff 's office have been contacted for comment .
After the news of Crawley 's arrest was shared on Facebook by the sheriff 's office , one person slammed the suspect for traveling so far during the pandemic .
`` So now they are using COVID-19 to rob banks ?
!
!
Why did he have to come all the way from social circle to clayco to rob a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the state are soaring .
Georgia has almost 450,000 confirmed infections and more than 9,000 confirmed deaths from COVID-19 , according to the Georgia Department of Health .
Clayton County has 10,436 confirmed coronavirus cases—around 3,423 cases per 100,000 people—and almost 200 deaths , according to the health department 's figures .

A Georgia man arrested over an attempted bank robbery allegedly said he would infect everyone with coronavirus if tellers didn't hand over cash.
Victor Hardley Crawley was taken into custody following the incident at a Chase Bank in Riverdale, Georgia last month.
In a news release, the Clayton County Sheriff's Office said a white male suspect had entered the Chase Bank located at 7185 Highway 85 on November 28 and passed a note to a teller demanding cash.
But instead of brandishing a weapon, the suspect claimed to be infected with coronavirus.
"The suspect did not display a weapon, but stated he had tested positive for COVID-19, and that if the bank did not comply with his demands, he would began to infect everyone in the branch," the sheriff's office said.
"As the employees notified police, the suspect fled the scene empty handed."
Victor Hardley Crawley was arrested after an attempted robbery at a Chase Bank in Riverdale, Georgia. Clayton County Sheriff's Office
Detectives with the Riverdale Police Department responded to the bank. The sheriff's office said that after an "intensive" investigation, detectives identified the suspect in the attempted robbery as 51-year-old Crawley.
"After Riverdale Police obtained attempted robbery warrants for Crawley, the task of bringing him in was given to the elite Fugitive Squad," the sheriff's office added.
Members of the squad arrived at Crawley's residence in Social Circle in Georgia's Walton County, and around 50 miles from Riverdale, last week. They took Crawley into custody without incident.
The sheriff's office said Crawley told detectives he was struggling financially and had needed around $2,000 to catch up on his bills.
Online records show he remains held at the Clayton County Jail without a bond set after being booked in the early hours of Friday morning. He is facing one charge of criminal attempt.
Chase and the sheriff's office have been contacted for comment.
After the news of Crawley's arrest was shared on Facebook by the sheriff's office, one person slammed the suspect for traveling so far during the pandemic.
"So now they are using COVID-19 to rob banks?!! Why did he have to come all the way from social circle to clayco to rob a bank?"
Coronavirus cases and hospitalizations in the state are soaring. Georgia has almost 450,000 confirmed infections and more than 9,000 confirmed deaths from COVID-19, according to the Georgia Department of Health.
Clayton County has 10,436 confirmed coronavirus cases—around 3,423 cases per 100,000 people—and almost 200 deaths, according to the health department's figures.
Walton County has 3,167 cases—around 3,305 cases per 100,000 people–and 78 deaths.


newsweek--2020-12-08--Rebekah Jones Says Florida Gov. DeSantis Trying to 'Intimidate Scientists' By Raiding Her Home

Data scientist Rebekah Jones accused Florida Governor Ron DeSantis of trying to `` intimidate scientists and get back at me , while trying to get to my sources '' following an armed raid on her home .
Jones , who has been embroiled in an argument with the governor over the alleged under-reporting of COVID death figures , shared video footage of the raid on Monday and said she was shown a warrant based on a Florida Department of Health complaint .
Florida officials have said the action was related to a recent computer hack at DOH , which resulted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them to `` speak out . ''
According to an affidavit by an investigator with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement , the message was traced to an IP address connected to Jones ' house .
Jones denies any involvement .
Speaking to CNN after the raid , Jones said she had not improperly accessed any communication system , that she no longer had access to her state accounts after being removed from her role in May , and that she is `` not a hacker . ''
Jones told Cuomo Prime Time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ computers and cellphone .
`` On my phone is every communication I 've ever had with someone who works at the state who has come to me in confidence and told me things that could get them fired or in trouble like this .
And I just want to say to all those people right now—if he does n't already , DeSantis will know soon enough that you 've been talking to me—so be careful . ''
The raid is the latest escalation of a dispute between the governor and Jones , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Florida 's DOH Division of Disease Control and Health Protection .
She has claimed that she lost her position in May for refusing to manipulate COVID-19 data in order to make the state outbreak seem less severe as leaders moved to lift restrictions for businesses and reopen its economy .
Official daily case counts had been relatively low in Florida , with 819 cases reported on May 4 , the day the restrictions were eased .
However , a sharp uptick in June and July peaked with the state setting a nationwide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ July 12 .
Daily death counts also spiked in August , according to data collated by The New York Times .
Jones ' removal came shortly after the data scientist wrote an op-ed in the Miami Herald in which she called on DOH employees to call out officials `` bungling '' coronavirus data .
Following her removal , DeSantis criticized Jones during a press conference he held with Vice President Mike Pence .
The governor questioned her credentials , saying : `` She 's not a data scientist , '' but somebody with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' He accused Jones of using invalid data , adding : `` She is not involved in collating any data , she does not have the expertise to do that . ''
On Monday , before the raid , Florida Department of Health said someone had hacked into a messaging system to send a note to emergency responders on November 10 .
The message , obtained by the Tampa Bay Times , called on them to `` speak up before another 17,000 people are dead .
You know this is wrong .
You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of this .
Be a hero .
Speak out before it 's too late . ''
Florida officials had reported 17,460 COVID deaths at that time .
Jones told CNN that she had not seen that memo until Monday , that the language used was `` not the way I talk , '' and said the number of unreported deaths mention later in the message was `` under by about 430 . ''
`` This is just a very thinly veiled attempt of the governor to intimidate scientists and get back at me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' she said .
`` [ DeSantis has ] been firing DOH sources left and right . ''
The data scientists has accused the governor of allowing officials to fudge COVID figures , in moves which she told CNN `` did get people killed . ''
She added that : `` DeSantis needs to worry less about what I 'm writing about and more about people who are sick and dying in his state . ''
The Florida governor 's office and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement have been contacted for @ @

Data scientist Rebekah Jones accused Florida Governor Ron DeSantis of trying to "intimidate scientists and get back at me, while trying to get to my sources" following an armed raid on her home.
Jones, who has been embroiled in an argument with the governor over the alleged under-reporting of COVID death figures, shared video footage of the raid on Monday and said she was shown a warrant based on a Florida Department of Health complaint.
Florida officials have said the action was related to a recent computer hack at DOH, which resulted in staff receiving an unauthorised message urging them to "speak out." According to an affidavit by an investigator with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the message was traced to an IP address connected to Jones' house.
Jones denies any involvement. Speaking to CNN after the raid, Jones said she had not improperly accessed any communication system, that she no longer had access to her state accounts after being removed from her role in May, and that she is "not a hacker."
Jones told Cuomo Prime Time host Chris Cuomo that officers took her computers and cellphone.
"On my phone is every communication I've ever had with someone who works at the state who has come to me in confidence and told me things that could get them fired or in trouble like this. And I just want to say to all those people right now—if he doesn't already, DeSantis will know soon enough that you've been talking to me—so be careful."
Gov. "DeSantis needs to worry less about what I'm writing about and more about the people who are sick and dying... doing this to me will not stop me from reporting the data. Ever."
- FL data scientist Rebekah Jones on having her home raided as part of a cybercrime investigation. pic.twitter.com/ztbqdKjwYv — Cuomo Prime Time (@CuomoPrimeTime) December 8, 2020
The raid is the latest escalation of a dispute between the governor and Jones, who is a former geographic information systems manager for Florida's DOH Division of Disease Control and Health Protection.
She has claimed that she lost her position in May for refusing to manipulate COVID-19 data in order to make the state outbreak seem less severe as leaders moved to lift restrictions for businesses and reopen its economy.
Official daily case counts had been relatively low in Florida, with 819 cases reported on May 4, the day the restrictions were eased. However, a sharp uptick in June and July peaked with the state setting a nationwide record of 15,299 new daily cases on July 12. Daily death counts also spiked in August, according to data collated by The New York Times.
Jones' removal came shortly after the data scientist wrote an op-ed in the Miami Herald in which she called on DOH employees to call out officials "bungling" coronavirus data.
Following her removal, DeSantis criticized Jones during a press conference he held with Vice President Mike Pence. The governor questioned her credentials, saying: "She's not a data scientist," but somebody with "a degree in journalism communication."
He accused Jones of using invalid data, adding: "She is not involved in collating any data, she does not have the expertise to do that."
On Monday, before the raid, Florida Department of Health said someone had hacked into a messaging system to send a note to emergency responders on November 10.
The message, obtained by the Tampa Bay Times, called on them to "speak up before another 17,000 people are dead. You know this is wrong. You don't have to be a part of this. Be a hero. Speak out before it's too late."
Florida officials had reported 17,460 COVID deaths at that time.
'Intimidate scientists'
Jones told CNN that she had not seen that memo until Monday, that the language used was "not the way I talk," and said the number of unreported deaths mention later in the message was "under by about 430."
"This is just a very thinly veiled attempt of the governor to intimidate scientists and get back at me while trying to get to my sources," she said. "[DeSantis has] been firing DOH sources left and right."
The data scientists has accused the governor of allowing officials to fudge COVID figures, in moves which she told CNN "did get people killed."
She added that: "DeSantis needs to worry less about what I'm writing about and more about people who are sick and dying in his state."
The Florida governor's office and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement have been contacted for comment.