newsweek--2020-12-14--Leftists Get Seattle-Area City To Ditch Police Chief for Being White | Opinion

Let us begin with a jarring dose of reality .
A waterfront city just 20 minutes north of Seattle ditched its initially preferred choice for police chief simply because he is white .
Instead , the city hired a less qualified person , who happens to be non-white , to take on the position .
Normally , I would join you in dismissing the preceding sentences as shamefully bigoted commentary based upon flawed assumptions .
But in this case , it 's not just tendentious commentary .
Officials in Edmonds , Washington are n't even bothering to hide their motives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ framing their hiring decision on race , rather than qualifications .
It reflects the odious nature of progressivism , wherein privileged white liberals declaring their `` anti-racism '' are the very ones conscientiously acting according to race .
Back in April , Edmonds Mayor Mike Nelson announced via press release that 25-year police veteran Jim Lawless would become chief .
With a quarter-century of experience , Lawless holds a master 's degree and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy .
At the time , Nelson said of Lawless , `` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for this job . ''
But then political winds changed—and so did the mayor 's mind .
Earlier this December , the mayor announced he would now appoint Sherman Pruitt to the position .
Pruitt is the current police chief of a small Indian reservation of just 400 people near the small town of Darrington , Washington .
`` I was really disappointed and I have a lot of questions , '' retired Edmonds police chief Al Compaan told a local TV station .
`` What changed , all of a sudden ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to `` anti-racism . ''
After the death of George Floyd , the Edmonds community took to the streets to demand change .
When some residents pushed back at the political positions of Black Lives Matter ( BLM ) , Nelson and members of the all-white city council responded in kind .
Edmonds City Council President Adrienne Fraley-Monillas participated in a BLM protest imploring anyone who stood in opposition to the activist group 's messages to better educate themselves .
Nelson promised to continue `` the work to create an anti-racist climate here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ludicrously pursuing the vandalism as a felony hate crime ( the local prosecutor rejected the case ) .
Five months later , amid increasingly urgent statements signaling Nelson 's support for BLM , it seems that the optics of hiring a white police chief was too much for Nelson and the council .
Pruitt was confirmed in a four to three vote .
Supportive of the switch , Fraley-Monillas implied that it was Pruitt 's race that made him qualified to hold the position .
`` In this time frame in Edmonds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pruitt , '' she told KING 5 .
`` With all the racism in Edmonds , we have somebody who has had that experience in their life .
I think that 's important . ''
Nelson , who declined interviews on the topic , released a statement on Facebook defending his choice .
You do n't have to read between the lines for subtext .
Nelson cited `` social justice , and equity and accountability to the community '' as the impetus for the selection .
He praised Pruitt 's work on `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well-qualified , diverse candidates . ''
It read like it was crafted by the very BLM activists Nelson has been seeking to impress .
To be clear , Pruitt is qualified to be a police chief in a city the size of Edmonds .
But on paper , any reasonable person would conclude that he is less qualified than Lawless .
Consider how local politicians framed this hire .
They seem to be turning Pruitt into a human prop to signal their own virtue—that they 're sending a message about their stance against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It 's unfair to Pruitt to be treated like this .
It 's not just racist and demeaning .
As someone who 's personally been tokenized , I find the behavior outright insufferable .
I 'm gay and Jewish .
I ca n't begin to tell you how annoyed I get when people transparently seek my approval simply because it makes them feel progressive to have a gay friend .
The same mindset extends to hiring decisions—that your value to them is n't your character or skillset , but the social currency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ careers .
( In fairness , outing myself as a conservative usually sends them running ; they 're only tolerant of minorities as long as you ideologically identify with them . )
On the national stage , the issue is playing out with Joe Biden .
He 's awkwardly celebrating the identities of his diverse Cabinet selections , rather than highlighting their unique skills .
In California , this manifested itself in a law that affirmatively mandates corporate diversity .
More broadly , privileged white liberals often exploit social justice movements as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` enlightened . ''
Some of it is borne out of guilt , but much of it is based in narcissism .
These progressives involve themselves in such social justice causes to boast about their `` enlightenment '' on social media—not to actually help communities they claim to support .
You may not ask , but they 'll nonetheless tell you all the things they 've done to fight bigotry , like buy White Fragility for their racist uncle or exclusively order takeout from black-owned restaurants on UberEats .
Yet , the very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ systematically beaten up in New York .
And of course , they say nothing around the treatment of the Uyghur Muslim minority in Xinjiang , China .
Progressives do n't consider Jews minorities and Uyghur is too hard to pronounce , so I guess they 're not worth defending .
If there 's not a national movement to attach themselves to , and a group they 're looking to befriend for gain , white progressives stay silent .
I wish they 'd stay silent .
Phony allyship means these progressives partner with fringe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to pursue far-left legislation like defunding the police .
In Edmonds , it means pushing out a more qualified candidate for a job .
Jason Rantz is a frequent guest on Fox News and is the host of the Jason Rantz Show on KTTH Seattle , heard weekday afternoons .
You can subscribe to his podcast here and follow him on Twitter : @ jasonrantz .
The views expressed in this article are the writer 's own .

Let us begin with a jarring dose of reality.
A waterfront city just 20 minutes north of Seattle ditched its initially preferred choice for police chief simply because he is white. Instead, the city hired a less qualified person, who happens to be non-white, to take on the position.
Normally, I would join you in dismissing the preceding sentences as shamefully bigoted commentary based upon flawed assumptions. But in this case, it's not just tendentious commentary.
Officials in Edmonds, Washington aren't even bothering to hide their motives; they're embracing condescending tokenism and framing their hiring decision on race, rather than qualifications. It reflects the odious nature of progressivism, wherein privileged white liberals declaring their "anti-racism" are the very ones conscientiously acting according to race.
Back in April, Edmonds Mayor Mike Nelson announced via press release that 25-year police veteran Jim Lawless would become chief. With a quarter-century of experience, Lawless holds a master's degree and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy. At the time, Nelson said of Lawless, "I can't imagine a person better suited for this job."
But then political winds changed—and so did the mayor's mind.
Earlier this December, the mayor announced he would now appoint Sherman Pruitt to the position. Pruitt is the current police chief of a small Indian reservation of just 400 people near the small town of Darrington, Washington.
"I was really disappointed and I have a lot of questions," retired Edmonds police chief Al Compaan told a local TV station. "What changed, all of a sudden?"
What changed was a new commitment to "anti-racism."
After the death of George Floyd, the Edmonds community took to the streets to demand change. When some residents pushed back at the political positions of Black Lives Matter (BLM), Nelson and members of the all-white city council responded in kind.
Edmonds City Council President Adrienne Fraley-Monillas participated in a BLM protest imploring anyone who stood in opposition to the activist group's messages to better educate themselves. Nelson promised to continue "the work to create an anti-racist climate here in Edmonds." Even Lawless reacted, ludicrously pursuing the vandalism as a felony hate crime (the local prosecutor rejected the case).
Five months later, amid increasingly urgent statements signaling Nelson's support for BLM, it seems that the optics of hiring a white police chief was too much for Nelson and the council. Pruitt was confirmed in a four to three vote.
Supportive of the switch, Fraley-Monillas implied that it was Pruitt's race that made him qualified to hold the position.
"In this time frame in Edmonds, I think we could use Chief Pruitt," she told KING 5. "With all the racism in Edmonds, we have somebody who has had that experience in their life. I think that's important."
Nelson, who declined interviews on the topic, released a statement on Facebook defending his choice. You don't have to read between the lines for subtext.
Seattle skyline in 2015 George Rose/Getty Images
Nelson cited "social justice, and equity and accountability to the community" as the impetus for the selection. He praised Pruitt's work on "police accountability, transparency and recruiting of well-qualified, diverse candidates." It read like it was crafted by the very BLM activists Nelson has been seeking to impress.
To be clear, Pruitt is qualified to be a police chief in a city the size of Edmonds. But on paper, any reasonable person would conclude that he is less qualified than Lawless.
Consider how local politicians framed this hire. They seem to be turning Pruitt into a human prop to signal their own virtue—that they're sending a message about their stance against racism by hiring a black police chief.
It's unfair to Pruitt to be treated like this. It's not just racist and demeaning. As someone who's personally been tokenized, I find the behavior outright insufferable.
I'm gay and Jewish. I can't begin to tell you how annoyed I get when people transparently seek my approval simply because it makes them feel progressive to have a gay friend. The same mindset extends to hiring decisions—that your value to them isn't your character or skillset, but the social currency you bring to their lives or political careers. (In fairness, outing myself as a conservative usually sends them running; they're only tolerant of minorities as long as you ideologically identify with them.)
On the national stage, the issue is playing out with Joe Biden. He's awkwardly celebrating the identities of his diverse Cabinet selections, rather than highlighting their unique skills. In California, this manifested itself in a law that affirmatively mandates corporate diversity.
More broadly, privileged white liberals often exploit social justice movements as a means to declare themselves heroes for being "enlightened." Some of it is borne out of guilt, but much of it is based in narcissism.
These progressives involve themselves in such social justice causes to boast about their "enlightenment" on social media—not to actually help communities they claim to support. You may not ask, but they'll nonetheless tell you all the things they've done to fight bigotry, like buy White Fragility for their racist uncle or exclusively order takeout from black-owned restaurants on UberEats.
Yet, the very same folks were silent when Jews were systematically beaten up in New York. And of course, they say nothing around the treatment of the Uyghur Muslim minority in Xinjiang, China. Progressives don't consider Jews minorities and Uyghur is too hard to pronounce, so I guess they're not worth defending.
If there's not a national movement to attach themselves to, and a group they're looking to befriend for gain, white progressives stay silent. I wish they'd stay silent.
Phony allyship means these progressives partner with fringe activists and use that partnership as cover to pursue far-left legislation like defunding the police. In Edmonds, it means pushing out a more qualified candidate for a job.
Jason Rantz is a frequent guest on Fox News and is the host of the Jason Rantz Show on KTTH Seattle, heard weekday afternoons. You can subscribe to his podcast here and follow him on Twitter: @jasonrantz.
The views expressed in this article are the writer's own.


newsweek--2020-12-14--Fire Kills 'All Reptiles' at Florida Snake Enclosure

A fire broke out at a Florida animal park on Sunday morning , destroying a snake enclosure and killing all the animals inside .
The blaze at Wild Florida Airboats & Gator Park is thought to have started after a heating device malfunctioned , co-owner of the park Sam Haught told Spectrum News .
`` Unfortunately , none of the reptiles survived the fire , '' he said in an email .
`` It breaks our heart to lose these animals . ''
Fire crews from Osceola County Fire Rescue ( OCFR ) and St .
Cloud Fire Department responded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extinguishing the fire at the snake enclosure before flames spread to other areas , OCFR spokesperson Andrew Sullivan said .
The park is closed to the public on Sundays and so there were visitors a the site .
While numerous reptiles were killed , no people were in injured in the blaze .
Despite the incident , Haught said the park plans to open as normal on Monday .
`` We plan to rebuild and continue to provide a safe , educational experience for our guests , '' Haught said .
Wild Florida @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gator Park and a drive-through safari experience , while also providing airboat tours of the Everglades .
The park 's mission statement is to `` provide an unforgettable Everglades experience that promotes a connection with animals while inspiring education and conservation . ''
The Gator Park features more than 200 native and exotic animals , including alligators , zebras , sloths and lemurs .
The Everglades is a subtropical wetland ecosystem that stretches across two million acres of central and southern Florida .
This ecosystem is home to an array of wildlife and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bottlenose dolphins , the rare Florida panther , more than 360 species of birds and around 30 species of snakes , according to the National Wildlife Federation .
The Everglades also provides crucial ecosystem services to humans , who live all around this region , including in the cities of Miami and Fort Lauderdale .
For example , the Everglades provides drinking water for around a third of Florida residents , as well as irrigation for far most of the state 's farmland .
The ecosystem also helps to improve the state 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In addition , the Everglades also reduces the risk of flooding during storms .
But the Everglades has decreased dramatically in size in the face of agricultural and urban development , threatening the health of this ecosystem .
The Everglades is also threatened by numerous invasive plant and animals species , including the Burmese python , Cuban tree frogs , the Brazilian peppertree , Chinese privet , the broad-leaved paperbark tree or and Old World climbing fern .

A fire broke out at a Florida animal park on Sunday morning, destroying a snake enclosure and killing all the animals inside.
The blaze at Wild Florida Airboats & Gator Park is thought to have started after a heating device malfunctioned, co-owner of the park Sam Haught told Spectrum News.
"Unfortunately, none of the reptiles survived the fire," he said in an email. "It breaks our heart to lose these animals."
Fire crews from Osceola County Fire Rescue (OSCFR) and St. Cloud Fire Department responded to the incident at the attraction, extinguishing the fire at the snake enclosure before flames spread to other areas, OSCFR spokesperson Andrew Sullivan said.
The park is closed to the public on Sundays and so there were visitors a the site. While numerous reptiles were killed, no people were in injured in the blaze.
Despite the incident, Haught said the park plans to open as normal on Monday.
"We plan to rebuild and continue to provide a safe, educational experience for our guests," Haught said.
Wild Florida, located in Kenansville, features a Gator Park and a drive-through safari experience, while also providing airboat tours of the Everglades.
The park's mission statement is to "provide an unforgettable Everglades experience that promotes a connection with animals while inspiring education and conservation."
The Gator Park features more than 200 native and exotic animals, including alligators, zebras, sloths and lemurs.
The Everglades is a subtropical wetland ecosystem that stretches across two million acres of central and southern Florida.
This ecosystem is home to an array of wildlife and plants, including alligators, crocodiles, bottlenose dolphins, the rare Florida panther, more than 360 species of birds and around 30 species of snakes, according to the National Wildlife Federation.
The Everglades also provides crucial ecosystem services to humans, who live all around this region, including in the cities of Miami and Fort Lauderdale. For example, the Everglades provides drinking water for around a third of Florida residents, as well as irrigation for far most of the state's farmland.
The ecosystem also helps to improve the state's water quality by filtering out pollutants. In addition, the Everglades also reduces the risk of flooding during storms.
But the Everglades has decreased dramatically in size in the face of agricultural and urban development, threatening the health of this ecosystem.
The Everglades is also threatened by numerous invasive plant and animals species, including the Burmese python, Cuban tree frogs, the Brazilian peppertree, Chinese privet, the broad-leaved paperbark tree or and Old World climbing fern.


newsweek--2020-12-14--Family Kicked Off United Flight For Toddler Not Wearing Mask in Viral Video

A family was removed from a United flight to New Jersey after their two-year-old daughter refused to wear a mask .
According to United 's website , the airline requires `` all customers over the age of 2 and employees to wear a face covering on board , '' amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic .
Twitter user @ elizfulop noted : `` Today we got kicked off of a United flight going from Denver to Newark because our 2yo [ two-year-old ] would not 'comply ' and keep her mask on , '' in a post on December 12 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ flight because our two-year-old would not put on a mask .
I mean we tried ... and we 're banned off United forever because a two-year-old would not put on a mask , '' the user said in a video of the incident shared on Twitter .
The video has had at least 4.8 million views since it was first posted , and the tweet has had more than 22,900 likes and 10,400 retweets since it was first shared .
In the video , the girl 's father ( who was wearing a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to put a mask over her face as she refused to comply and turned her head away .
Later in the video , the child was seen laying in her father 's lap without wearing a face mask as a flight crew member announced the plane was nearly ready for take-off .
The video then cut to a shot of the child in the arms of her masked father who had his hand on his daughter 's face .
The child was not wearing a mask when a masked flight attendant approached the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I 'm going to have to ask you to grab your belongings and exit the aircraft .
The father noted : `` You 've got to be kidding me .
Why ?
We 're over here holding this mask on her face , '' as he appeared to hold a face covering over the child 's face . ''
The flight attendant said : `` I 'm sorry sir .
I gave you another opportunity , '' to which the father replied : `` And I took that opportunity and ran with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'm literally covering her face .
The flight attendant said : `` I 've got ta ask you to get off this plane . ''
When the father asked : `` Do you guys do this all the time ? ''
the flight attendant replied : `` When there 's non-compliance , yes . ''
The father replied : `` This is compliance .
I 'm literally holding it [ face covering ] over my daughter 's face .
This is compliance right here . ''
The attended adds : `` I 'm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be the girl 's mother , was heard saying : `` They ca n't force her .
She 's literally holding it and she 's crying , '' before the family was seen exiting the aircraft while the child 's face was not covered .
In a statement back in June , United announced it will `` strengthen mandatory mask policies to further mitigate against the spread of COVID-19 and help continue to keep passengers and crew safe .
`` While the overwhelming majority of passengers are complying with United 's mandatory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any passenger that does not comply when onboard a United flight will be placed on an internal travel restriction list .
Customers on this list will lose their travel privileges on United for a duration of time to be determined pending a comprehensive incident review .
`` Under this new policy , if a flight attendant notices or is informed of a customer onboard who is not wearing a face covering and that passenger does not fall within an exception , the flight attendant will proactively inform the customer that for the health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are mandatory for all customers and crew on board .
`` If a customer continues to not comply , the flight attendant will file a report of the incident , which will initiate a formal review process .
Any final decision or actions regarding a customer 's future flight benefits will not occur onboard but instead take place after the flight has reached its destination and the security team has investigated the incident , '' the statement said .
The carrier joined other Airlines for America ( A4A ) members—including Alaska Airlines , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hawaiian Airlines , JetBlue Airways and Southwest Airlines—in `` vigorously enforcing face covering policies , putting rigor around rules requiring passengers and customer-facing employees to wear facial coverings over their nose and mouth , '' A4A announced in June .
`` Passengers who do not wear face coverings could have flying privileges revoked .
`` Each carrier will determine the appropriate consequences for passengers who are found to be in noncompliance of the airline 's face covering policy up to and including suspension of flying privileges on that airline , '' the A4A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across different airlines earlier this year amid the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak .
Three major U.S. airlines—Delta , United and JetBlue—were reported last week to have banned a combined total of more than 1,200 passengers from future flights for refusing to wear a mask on board .
The novel coronavirus has infected more than 72.3 million people , including over 16.2 million in the U.S. , since it was first reported in Wuhan , China .
More than 1.6 million people have died worldwide and over 47.3 million have recovered as of Monday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ graphic below , provided by Statista , shows the spread of COVID-19 cases in the U.S .
The graphic below , produced by Statista , shows the distribution of COVID-19 deaths among the U.S. population .

A family was removed from a United flight to New Jersey after their two-year-old daughter refused to wear a mask. According to United's website, the airline requires "all customers over the age of 2 and employees to wear a face-covering on board," amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Twitter user @elizfulop noted: "Today we got kicked off of a United flight going from Denver to Newark because our 2yo [two-year-old] would not 'comply' and keep her mask on," in a post on December 12.
"We just got kicked off the flight because our two-year-old would not put on a mask. I mean we tried... and we're banned off United forever because a two-year-old would not put on a mask," the user said in a video of the incident shared on Twitter.
The video has had at least 4.8 million views since it was first posted, and the tweet has had more than 22,900 likes and 10,400 retweets since it was first shared.
In the video, the girl's father (who was wearing a face-covering) was seen repeatedly attempting to put a mask over her face as she refused to comply and turned her head away.
Later in the video, the child was seen laying in her father's lap without wearing a face mask as a flight crew member announced the plane was nearly ready for take-off.
The video then cut to a shot of the child in the arms of her masked father who had his hand on his daughter's face.
The child was not wearing a mask when a masked flight attendant approached the father to say: "Hey sir. I'm going to have to ask you to grab your belongings and exit the aircraft.
The father noted: "You've got to be kidding me. Why? We're over here holding this mask on her face," as he appeared to hold a face-covering over the child's face."
The flight attendant said: "I'm sorry sir. I gave you another opportunity," to which the father replied: "And I took that opportunity and ran with it. You see this, I'm literally covering her face.
The flight attendant said: "I've gotta ask you to get off this plane."
Today we got kicked off of a United flight going from Denver to Newark because our 2yo would not “comply” and keep her mask on. Go see the full IGTV on my Instagram @elizfulop 😷 pic.twitter.com/KXCICsBSMj — Eliz Orban (@elizfulop) December 12, 2020
When the father asked: "Do you guys do this all the time?" the flight attendant replied: "When there's non-compliance, yes."
The father replied: "This is compliance. I'm literally holding it [face-covering] over my daughter's face. This is compliance right here." The attendant adds: "I'm sorry."
A woman, understood to be the girl's mother, was heard saying: "They can't force her. She's literally holding it and she's crying," before the family was seen exiting the aircraft while the child's face was not covered.
In a statement to Newsweek, United said: "We are investigating this specific incident and have made contact with the family. We also refunded their tickets and returned their car seat and bags.
"The health and safety of our employees and customers is our highest priority, which is why we have a multi-layered set of policies, including mandating that everyone onboard two and older wears a mask. These procedures are not only backed by guidance from the CDC [U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] and our partners at the Cleveland Clinic, but they're also consistent across every major airline."
In a statement back in June, United announced it will "strengthen mandatory mask policies to further mitigate against the spread of COVID-19 and help continue to keep passengers and crew safe.
"While the overwhelming majority of passengers are complying with United's mandatory policy, starting on June 18, any passenger that does not comply when onboard a United flight will be placed on an internal travel restriction list. Customers on this list will lose their travel privileges on United for a duration of time to be determined pending a comprehensive incident review.
"Under this new policy, if a flight attendant notices or is informed of a customer onboard who is not wearing a face-covering and that passenger does not fall within an exception, the flight attendant will proactively inform the customer that for the health and safety of everyone, face-coverings are mandatory for all customers and crew on board.
"If a customer continues to not comply, the flight attendant will file a report of the incident, which will initiate a formal review process. Any final decision or actions regarding a customer's future flight benefits will not occur onboard but instead take place after the flight has reached its destination and the security team has investigated the incident," the statement said.
The carrier joined other Airlines for America (A4A) members—including Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue Airways and Southwest Airlines—in "vigorously enforcing face-covering policies, putting rigor around rules requiring passengers and customer-facing employees to wear facial coverings over their nose and mouth," A4A announced in June.
"Passengers who do not wear face-coverings could have flying privileges revoked.
"Each carrier will determine the appropriate consequences for passengers who are found to be in noncompliance of the airline's face-covering policy up to and including suspension of flying privileges on that airline," the A4A statement noted.
Mask requirements were introduced across different airlines earlier this year amid the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak.
Three major U.S. airlines—Delta, United and JetBlue—were reported last week to have banned a combined total of more than 1,200 passengers from future flights for refusing to wear a mask on board.
This article has been updated with comment from United.
A masked passenger seated on a flight from San Francisco, California to Newark, New Jersey on October 27. A family was kicked off a United Airlines flight to Newwark after their toddler refused to wear a face mask. Michael Loccisano/Getty Images
The wider picture
The novel coronavirus has infected more than 72.3 million people, including over 16.2 million in the U.S., since it was first reported in Wuhan, China.
More than 1.6 million people have died worldwide and over 47.3 million have recovered as of Monday, according to John Hopkins University.
The graphic below, provided by Statista, shows the spread of COVID-19 cases in the U.S.
STATISTA
The graphic below, produced by Statista, shows the distribution of COVID-19 deaths among the U.S. population.


newsweek--2020-12-14--Watch: Florida Man Snatches Golf Ball From Atop Alligator's Tail

It 's no secret that Florida has lots of alligators , and that there 's no shortage of golf courses in the state .
Put the two together , and it has the recipes to give `` Florida Man '' stories a whole new twist , like this one from Cape Coral over the weekend .
A video surfaced in Fort Myers that showed a man approach an alligator , gently reach out to grab a golf ball from the reptile 's tail , and then split away like he 'd just toilet paper-rolled the high school principal 's house @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it went flailing excitedly , or nervously , into the nearby golf course pond .
Here 's the video of a Florida man sneaking up on a gator to snatch a golf ball that somehow landed there .
`` He 's gon na whip you with that tail , dude , '' a man behind the video could be heard as another man approached the alligator , with a golf ball clearly resting upon its tail .
This event happened Sunday at the Coral Oaks Golf Course in Cape Coral , a southwest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just a few miles from the Gulf of Mexico .
The area has sub-tropical climate all year long , which lures golfers and northerners on a yearly basis .
Gators on Florida golf courses ?
Well , that 's nothing new , even this time of year .
Just last month , a gigantic alligator was seen strolling across a Naples golf course—about 45 minutes south of Fort Myers— in this video .
The mammoth-sized gator at the Valencia Golf & Country Club during Tropical Storm Eta was so large that viewers , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was even real .
David Steen of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said the Naples gator was typical in size when it came to Florida 's well-known reptile .
`` It 's an iconic species and conservation success story , '' Steen told WCVB in November 2020 as Eta moved through the area .
`` But in short , there 's nothing unusual about this alligator or the video . ''
Then there was this time in 2017 when Cody Gribble , at the Arnold Palmer Invitational in Orlando , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it on the tail , startling the 8-foot reptile into the nearby water .
`` I did n't even realize it was on video , '' Gribble said that day .
`` Gator looked like he needed some exercise , I do n't know .
He was sitting right there in the way and I guess I was struggling today , I wanted to get some adrenaline going somehow . ''
Gribble said back then that it might be `` frowned upon , '' but that he needed a jolt .
`` It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't too worried about it at the time , '' Gribble said .
`` It 's like a jolt , it 's quick , you know , they 're not going to catch you a couple steps down . ''

It's no secret that Florida has lots of alligators, and that there's no shortage of golf courses in the state. Put the two together, and it has the recipes to give "Florida Man" stories a whole new twist, like this one from Cape Coral over the weekend.
A video surfaced in Fort Myers that showed a man approach an alligator, gently reach out to grab a golf ball from the reptile's tail, and then split away like he'd just toilet paper-rolled the high school principal's house.
The gator looked surprised, and it went flailing excitedly, or nervously, into the nearby golf course pond.
Here's the video of a Florida man sneaking up on a gator to snatch a golf ball that somehow landed there.
"He's gonna whip you with that tail, dude," a man behind the video could be heard as another man approached the alligator, with a golf ball clearly resting upon its tail.
This event happened Sunday at the Coral Oaks Golf Course in Cape Coral, a southwest Florida city that abuts Fort Myers, just a few miles from the Gulf of Mexico.
The area has sub-tropical climate all year long, which lures golfers and northerners on a yearly basis.
Gators on Florida golf courses? Well, that's nothing new, even this time of year.
Just last month, a gigantic alligator was seen strolling across a Naples golf course—about 45 minutes south of Fort Myers— in this video.
The mammoth-sized gator at the Valencia Golf & Country Club during Tropical Storm Eta was so large that viewers, and locals, questioned whether or not it was even real.
David Steen of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said the Naples gator was typical in size when it came to Florida's well-known reptile.
"It's an iconic species and conservation success story," Steen told WCVB in November 2020 as Eta moved through the area. "But in short, there's nothing unusual about this alligator or the video."
An alligator lies near the third fairway as Patrick Cantlay plays a shot during the final round of the Valspar Championship at Innisbrook Resort Copperhead Course on March 12, 2017 in Palm Harbor, Florida. Photo by Mike Lawrie/Getty Images
Then there was this time in 2017 when Cody Gribble, at the Arnold Palmer Invitational in Orlando, walked gingerly toward an alligator and tapped it on the tail, startling the 8-foot reptile into the nearby water.
"I didn't even realize it was on video," Gribble said that day. "Gator looked like he needed some exercise, I don't know. He was sitting right there in the way and I guess I was struggling today, I wanted to get some adrenaline going somehow."
Gribble said back then that it might be "frowned upon," but that he needed a jolt.
"It's probably frowned upon but I wasn't too worried about it at the time," Gribble said. "It's like a jolt, it's quick, you know, they're not going to catch you a couple steps down."


newsweek--2020-12-14--Viewers of Biden's Post-Electoral Vote Speech Concerned About His Coughing

President-elect Joe Biden coughed and cleared his throat multiple times during a Monday speech about his victory in the electoral college , leading some social media users to comment about the interruptions .
Biden obtained 306 votes in the electoral college on Monday , more than the 270 votes needed to be certified as the next U.S. President .
Biden at times sounded hoarse and excused himself after a few small audible coughs during his address acknowledging his victory .
`` Jeez !
Somebody hand him a glass of water ! ''
tweeted filmmaker and activist Michael Moore .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his speech with a throat problem , '' tweeted conservative journalist Bill O'Reilly .
`` He would have been wise to say he will look into election fraud allegations to reassure angry voters .
He did not .
Lost opportunity . ''
`` To the main theme of the Twitterverse right now : Biden regularly clears his throat and coughs in speeches - especially at the beginning of remarks , '' wrote NPR political correspondent Scott Detrow .
`` That 's the most sustained coughing I 've heard though . ''
Writer Terry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sniffles dozen of times during his speeches .
At least Biden did n't use illegal dugs to lead to his throat clearing . ''
Some Twitter users argued that the attention focused on Biden 's cough was unwarranted .
`` Biden cleared his throat at least 17 times tonight in his 14 minute speech ! ''
tweeted Twitter user @ luckymama_wife .
Newsweek reached out to the Biden transition team for comment .
During his address , the president-elect congratulated Americans for voting amid the pandemic .
`` In America , '' he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ power—the people grant power to them .
The flame of democracy was lit in this nation a long time ago .
And we now know that nothing , not even a pandemic or an abuse of power , can extinguish that flame . ''
Biden encouraged his supporters to cast mail-in ballots for him in order to avoid busy polling places , where the risk of community transmission of COVID-19 could be greater .
Trump , who had warned that wide use of mail-in ballots could open the door for widespread voter fraud @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vote in person on election day .
Despite Trump 's claims that election results had been tainted by the illegal counting of mail-in ballots , evidence of widespread fraud was not discovered .
Attorney General William Barr said during a December interview that his investigators had not unveiled `` fraud on a scale that could have effected a different outcome in the election . ''

President-elect Joe Biden coughed and cleared his throat multiple times during a Monday speech about his victory in the electoral college, leading some social media users to comment about the interruptions.
Biden obtained 306 votes in the electoral college on Monday, more than the 270 votes needed to be certified as the next U.S. President. Biden at times sounded hoarse and excused himself after a few small audible coughs during his address acknowledging his victory.
"Jeez! Somebody hand him a glass of water!" tweeted filmmaker and activist Michael Moore.
Jeez! Somebody hand him a glass of water! — Michael Moore (@MMFlint) December 15, 2020
"Joe Biden had a hard time delivering his speech with a throat problem," tweeted conservative journalist Bill O'Reilly. "He would have been wise to say he will look into election fraud allegations to reassure angry voters. He did not. Lost opportunity."
Joe Biden had a hard time delivering his speech with a throat problem. He would have been wise to say he will look into election fraud allegations to reassure angry voters. He did not. Lost opportunity. Best news analysis on https://t.co/rryWmyXe7C. — Bill O'Reilly (@BillOReilly) December 15, 2020
"To the main theme of the Twitterverse right now: Biden regularly clears his throat and coughs in speeches - especially at the beginning of remarks," wrote NPR political correspondent Scott Detrow. "That's the most sustained coughing I've heard though."
To the main theme of the Twitterverse right now: Biden regularly clears his throat and coughs in speeches - especially at the beginning of remarks. That's the most sustained coughing I've heard though. — Scott Detrow (@scottdetrow) December 15, 2020
Writer Terry J. Richard pointed out that "Trump sniffles dozen of times during his speeches. At least Biden didn't use illegal dugs to lead to his throat clearing."
Trump sniffles dozens of times during his speeches. At least Biden didn't use illegal dugs to lead to his throat clearing. — Terry J. Richard (@trichardpdx) December 15, 2020
Some Twitter users argued that the attention focused on Biden's cough was unwarranted.
"Biden cleared his throat at least 17 times tonight in his 14 minute speech!" tweeted Twitter user @luckymama_wife.
"Omg, breaking news: Biden cleated his throat multiple times," @silkie_izzy sarcastically tweeted in response.
Omg, breaking news: Biden cleated his throat multiple times https://t.co/7P1u0GEp16 — Michelle (@silkie_izzy) December 15, 2020
Newsweek reached out to the Biden transition team for comment.
During his address, the president-elect congratulated Americans for voting amid the pandemic.
"In America," he said, "politicians don't take power—the people grant power to them. The flame of democracy was lit in this nation a long time ago. And we now know that nothing, not even a pandemic or an abuse of power, can extinguish that flame."
Biden encouraged his supporters to cast mail-in ballots for him in order to avoid busy polling places, where the risk of community transmission of COVID-19 could be greater. Trump, who had warned that wide use of mail-in ballots could open the door for widespread voter fraud, expressed a preference for people to vote in person on election day.
Despite Trump's claims that election results had been tainted by the illegal counting of mail-in ballots, evidence of widespread fraud was not discovered. Attorney General William Barr said during a December interview that his investigators had not unveiled "fraud on a scale that could have effected a different outcome in the election."


newsweek--2020-12-14--Biden Takes Sharp Aim at Trump's Failed Efforts to Undermine His Victory After Electoral Vote

After winning the Electoral College vote on Monday , President-elect Joe Biden addressed the efforts of President Donald Trump to overturn the results of the election .
Biden won 306 electoral votes , more than the 270 votes required to win the Electoral College .
Trump has repeated baseless conspiracy theories that alleged widespread voter fraud .
In some battleground states , Trump 's legal team filed lawsuits attempting to reverse his defeat .
During his Monday speech , Biden called his Electoral College win a `` clear victory . ''
`` Together , Vice President Harris and I earned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ electoral votes needed to secure victory , '' Biden said .
`` 306 electoral votes is the same number of electoral votes that Donald Trump and Vice President [ Mike ] Pence received when they won in 2016 . ''
`` At the time , President Trump calls the Electoral College tally a landslide , '' Biden continued .
`` By his own standards , these numbers represented a clear victory then , and I respectfully suggest they do so now . ''
Newsweek reached out to the Trump campaign for comment .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to vote during the COVID-19 pandemic .
`` Many were wondering how many Americans would actually vote at all .
But those fears proved to be unfounded .
We saw something very few predicted or even thought possible—the biggest voter turnout in the history of the United States of America , '' he said .
With over 81 million votes , more Americans voted for Biden than any other candidate in American history .
Trump received over 74 million votes , a record for the most votes received in an election by a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attempts to take his cases of election fraud to state and supreme courts , including the U.S. Supreme Court , the highest court in the country .
`` Every single avenue was made available to President Trump to contest the results , '' Biden said .
`` He took full advantage of each and every one of those avenues . ''
On Friday , the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear a lawsuit brought by the state of Texas which alleged election fraud in four other states .
Trump called the decision a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' in a Saturday tweet .
`` The people of the United States were cheated , and our Country disgraced .
Never even given our day in court ! ''
he added .
Biden 's electoral college win paves the way for a final tally of the votes by Congress in January .
Pence is expected to preside over the count .
After Congress confirms Biden 's victory , Biden is expected to be sworn in as president on January 20 .

After winning the Electoral College vote on Monday, President-elect Joe Biden addressed the efforts of President Donald Trump to overturn the results of the election.
Biden won 306 electoral votes, more than the 270 votes required to win the Electoral College. Trump has repeated baseless conspiracy theories that alleged widespread voter fraud. In some battleground states, Trump's legal team filed lawsuits attempting to reverse his defeat. During his Monday speech, Biden called his Electoral College win a "clear victory."
"Together, Vice President Harris and I earned 306 electoral votes while exceeding the 270 electoral votes needed to secure victory," Biden said. "306 electoral votes is the same number of electoral votes that Donald Trump and Vice President [Mike] Pence received when they won in 2016."
"At the time, President Trump calls the Electoral College tally a landslide," Biden continued. "By his own standards, these numbers represented a clear victory then, and I respectfully suggest they do so now."
Newsweek reached out to the Trump campaign for comment.
President Donald Trump's legal counsel has attempted to overturn the results of the U.S. election by filing lawsuits in some battleground states. Al Drago/Getty
Biden praised Americans for exercising their right to vote during the COVID-19 pandemic. "Many were wondering how many Americans would actually vote at all. But those fears proved to be unfounded. We saw something very few predicted or even thought possible—the biggest voter turnout in the history of the United States of America," he said.
With over 81 million votes, more Americans voted for Biden than any other candidate in American history. Trump received over 74 million votes, a record for the most votes received in an election by a sitting president.
Biden cited Trump's attempts to take his cases of election fraud to state and supreme courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court, the highest court in the country. "Every single avenue was made available to President Trump to contest the results," Biden said. "He took full advantage of each and every one of those avenues."
On Friday, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear a lawsuit brought by the state of Texas which alleged election fraud in four other states. Trump called the decision a "great and disgraceful miscarriage of justice" in a Saturday tweet.
"The people of the United States were cheated, and our Country disgraced. Never even given our day in court!" he added.
Biden's electoral college win paves the way for a final tally of the votes by Congress in January. Pence is expected to preside over the count. After Congress confirms Biden's victory, Biden is expected to be sworn in as president on January 20.


newsweek--2020-12-14--US Vows 'Swift Action' if Defense Networks Hit by Alleged Russia Hack

The U.S. military 's cyberwarfare branch has promised a quick response if the nation 's defense networks were found to have been infiltrated in a major hack that has rocked the federal government .
As of Monday afternoon , the Department of Commerce and the Department of the Treasury have acknowledged that their communications were affected by a yet unidentified perpetrator exploiting a vulnerability in an update to Orion products offered by software company SolarWinds .
A third agency , the Department of Homeland Security , is also believed to have been affected , according to Reuters .
The full @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be identified , but SolarWinds ' extensive customer list includes a range of other U.S. government agencies , including all five branches of the military .
Contacted by Newsweek , the Defense Department 's cyber-focused combatant command said it was prepared to act immediately if its communications were determined to have been impacted .
`` U.S. Cyber Command is postured for swift action should any defense networks be compromised , '' a spokesperson for the command told Newsweek .
`` We are in close coordination with our interagency , coalition , industry , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this issue .
As is our mission , we will continue to conduct cyberspace operations in defense of our Nation . ''
A Pentagon spokesperson referred Newsweek to the Department of Homeland Security 's Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency ( CISA ) —which on Sunday issued an emergency directive in response to the breach—and the White House 's National Security Council .
`` The Department of Homeland Security is aware of reports of a breach , '' DHS spokesperson Alexei Woltornist said in a statement sent to Newsweek .
`` We are currently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bureau of Investigation ( FBI ) also referred Newsweek to the National Security Council , which issued a statement earlier Monday .
`` The NSC is working closely with @ CISAgov , @ FBI , the intelligence community , and affected departments and agencies to coordinate a swift and effective whole-of-government recovery and response to the recent compromise , '' the National Security Council tweeted in a statement attributed to spokesperson John Ulliyot .
Two other U.S. entities , the Central Intelligence Agency and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ SolarWinds has yet to identify the culprit , nor has the U.S. government or the scores of other affected agencies and companies , which include 425 firms of the Fortune 500 and all top-10 U.S. telecommunications networks .
News of the intrusion comes days after leading cybersecurity firm FireEye revealed in a blog post by CEO Kevin Mandia that it had been `` attacked by a highly sophisticated threat actor , one whose discipline , operational security , and techniques lead us to believe it was a state-sponsored attack . ''
No actor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country as `` a nation with top-tier offensive capabilities . ''
A follow-up post published Sunday by the company and a separate post that same day by Microsoft revealed that the hack on SolarWinds , which also admitted the attack , is believed to have led to the FireEye breach .
SolarWinds is believed to have first been breached by trojanized updates dated between March and May of this year .
Reuters and the Associated Press have cited unnamed sources tying Russia to the operation , but Moscow 's embassy in Washington denied @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to another unfounded attempt of the U.S. media to blame Russia for hacker attacks on U.S. governmental bodies , '' the embassy said in a statement Monday .
`` We declare responsibly : malicious activities in the information space contradict the principles of the Russian foreign policy , national interests and our understanding of interstate relations .
Russia does not conduct offensive operations in the cyber domain . ''
The embassy said that the Kremlin had tried in vain to bolster cybersecurity cooperation between the U.S. and Russia , including through a September @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We have received no reply from Washington , '' the embassy added .
`` Many of our other suggestions to start constructive and equal dialogue with the U.S. remain unanswered . ''
For decades , dating back to the Cold War , Washington has accused Moscow of attempting to subvert U.S. information networks .
Attention to such allegations increased exponentially when the U.S. intelligence community accused the Kremlin of a concerted effort to influence the 2016 U.S. presidential election in favor of President Donald Trump .
The Justice Department charged six Russian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russian military 's Main Directorate of the General Staff , also called the Main Intelligence Directorate ( GRU ) , for computer intrusions and attacks on targets across a number of countries .
Russian officials deny any connection to such operations , and have repeatedly denied media reports regarding alleged ties between the Russian government and the SolarWinds operation .
`` I reject these statements , these accusations once again , '' Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Monday , according to the state-run Tass Russian News Agency .
`` Even if it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many months and the Americans managed to do nothing about them , possibly it is wrong to groundlessly blame Russians right away .
We have nothing to do with this . ''
Regardless of the offender in the SolarWinds hack , experts have warned the scope of the damage could be devastating .
`` Given the breadth of customers that use Solar Winds , the extent of the breach and information available could be astronomical , '' Randy Watkins , Chief Technology Officer at cybersecurity company CRITICALSTART , whose partners include FireEye , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government agencies , branches of the Armed Forces , and government contractors all using SolarWinds software , '' he said , `` this breach could absolutely compromise national security , and could result in leaked information on everything from policy decisions to military strategy and weapons development . ''
Watkins argued the goals behind state-sponsored espionage have n't changed in more than half a century .
But he said how data is stored and used is a product of our time , one in which the stakes have never been higher for protecting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ looking for any information that can give them leverage on the world stage , including military strategy , policy and sanction information , '' he said , `` or even intel that other nation 's may possess . ''

The U.S. military's cyberwarfare branch has promised a quick response if the nation's defense networks were found to have been infiltrated in a major hack that has rocked the federal government.
As of Monday afternoon, the Department of Commerce and the Department of the Treasury have acknowledged that their communications were affected by a yet unidentified perpetrator exploiting a vulnerability in an update to Orion products offered by software company SolarWinds. A third agency, the Department of Homeland Security, is also believed to have been affected, according to Reuters.
The full extent of the breach has yet to be identified, but SolarWinds' extensive customer list includes a range of other U.S. government agencies, including all five branches of the military. Contacted by Newsweek, the Defense Department's cyber-focused combatant command said it was prepared to act immediately if its communications were determined to have been impacted.
"U.S. Cyber Command is postured for swift action should any defense networks be compromised," a spokesperson for the command told Newsweek. "We are in close coordination with our interagency, coalition, industry, and academic partners to assess and mitigate this issue. As is our mission, we will continue to conduct cyberspace operations in defense of our Nation."
A Pentagon spokesperson referred Newsweek to the Department of Homeland Security's Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)—which on Sunday issued an emergency directive in response to the breach—and the White House's National Security Council.
"The Department of Homeland Security is aware of reports of a breach," DHS spokesperson Alexei Woltornist said in a statement sent to Newsweek. "We are currently investigating the matter."
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) also referred Newsweek to the National Security Council, which issued a statement earlier Monday.
"The NSC is working closely with @CISAgov, @FBI, the intelligence community, and affected departments and agencies to coordinate a swift and effective whole-of-government recovery and response to the recent compromise," the National Security Council tweeted in a statement attributed to spokesperson John Ulliyot.
Two other U.S. entities, the Central Intelligence Agency and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, declined Newsweek's request for comment.
A sailor with 553 Cyber Protection Team opens a network monitoring program during I Marine Expeditionary Force Large Scale Exercise 2016 involving U.S. Cyber Command at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, August 22, 2016. Corporal Garrett White/I Marine Expeditionary Force
SolarWinds has yet to identify the culprit, nor has the U.S. government or the scores of other affected agencies and companies, which include 425 firms of the Fortune 500 and all top-10 U.S. telecommunications networks.
News of the intrusion comes days after leading cybersecurity firm FireEye revealed in a blog post by CEO Kevin Mandia that it had been "attacked by a highly sophisticated threat actor, one whose discipline, operational security, and techniques lead us to believe it was a state-sponsored attack."
No actor was named, though Mandia described the country as "a nation with top-tier offensive capabilities."
A follow-up post published Sunday by the company and a separate post that same day by Microsoft revealed that the hack on SolarWinds, which also admitted the attack, is believed to have led to the FireEye breach. SolarWinds is believed to have first been breached by trojanized updates dated between March and May of this year.
Reuters and the Associated Press have cited unnamed sources tying Russia to the operation, but Moscow's embassy in Washington denied any culpability.
"We paid attention to another unfounded attempt of the U.S. media to blame Russia for hacker attacks on U.S. governmental bodies," the embassy said in a statement Monday. "We declare responsibly: malicious activities in the information space contradict the principles of the Russian foreign policy, national interests and our understanding of interstate relations. Russia does not conduct offensive operations in the cyber domain."
The embassy said that the Kremlin had tried in vain to bolster cybersecurity cooperation between the U.S. and Russia, including through a September 25 proposal from President Vladimir Putin.
"We have received no reply from Washington," the embassy added. "Many of our other suggestions to start constructive and equal dialogue with the U.S. remain unanswered."
For decades, dating back to the Cold War, Washington has accused Moscow of attempting to subvert U.S. information networks. Attention to such allegations increased exponentially when the U.S. intelligence community accused the Kremlin of a concerted effort to influence the 2016 U.S. presidential election in favor of President Donald Trump.
The Justice Department charged six Russian hackers suspected to be affiliated with the Russian military's Main Directorate of the General Staff, also called the Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU), for computer intrusions and attacks on targets across a number of countries.
Russian officials deny any connection to such operations, and have repeatedly denied media reports regarding alleged ties between the Russian government and the SolarWinds operation.
A partial list of SolarWinds customers as per the company's website as seen on December 14. SolarWinds
"I reject these statements, these accusations once again," Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Monday, according to the state-run Tass Russian News Agency. "Even if it is true there have been some attacks over many months and the Americans managed to do nothing about them, possibly it is wrong to groundlessly blame Russians right away. We have nothing to do with this."
Regardless of the offender in the SolarWinds hack, experts have warned the scope of the damage could be devastating.
"Given the breadth of customers that use Solar Winds, the extent of the breach and information available could be astronomical," Randy Watkins, Chief Technology Officer at cybersecurity company CRITICALSTART, whose partners include FireEye, told Newsweek.
"With organizations including government agencies, branches of the Armed Forces, and government contractors all using SolarWinds software," he said, "this breach could absolutely compromise national security, and could result in leaked information on everything from policy decisions to military strategy and weapons development."
Watkins argued the goals behind state-sponsored espionage haven't changed in more than half a century. But he said how data is stored and used is a product of our time, one in which the stakes have never been higher for protecting sensitive information.
"Nation states are looking for any information that can give them leverage on the world stage, including military strategy, policy and sanction information," he said, "or even intel that other nation's may possess."


newsweek--2020-12-14--Some Republicans Suggest Trump Still has 'Legal Avenues' Despite Electoral College Win, SCOTUS Loss

Thirty-seven days after Joe Biden was projected the winner of the 2020 election , Republican senators were finally prepared to acknowledge the Democrat as president-elect , as members of the Electoral College met across the country on Monday to affirm Biden 's victory .
However , several Senate Republicans suggested President Donald Trump still had potential legal routes to subvert the election , despite dozens of election lawsuit losses and the Supreme Court handing him a fatal blow last week by refusing to consider a suit seeking to toss out millions of legal ballots in pivotal swing states .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loss , declined to close the door entirely on the notion that the president could somehow still use the courts to overturn an election based on baseless claims of rampant fraud .
`` It 's a very , very narrow path for the president .
I do n't see how it gets there from here , given what the Supreme Court did , '' Sen. Lindsey Graham ( R-S.C. said , as he conceded Biden is now president-elect .
`` But having said that , I think we 'll let those legal challenges @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( R-N.C. ) said Biden is `` presumptive president '' — '' subject to any pending lawsuits that could change it . ''
`` If you go through the Electoral College , he 's presumptive president , '' Tillis continued .
`` But I do n't want to discount valid , legal disputes that 'll be settled over the next couple weeks . ''
Sen. Rand Paul ( R-Ky. ) questioned whether `` all the legal avenues have played out yet . ''
`` There 's an inauguration that will swear somebody in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president of the United States , '' said Sen. Kevin Cramer ( R-N.D. ) .
`` But whether you call it [ president-elect ] or not , there are legal challenges that are ongoing—not very many , probably not a remedy that would change the outcome . ''
The Supreme Court ruled Friday evening that a Texas-led lawsuit supported by 17 Republican state attorneys general and 126 House Republicans had no legal standing and declined to consider the litigation .
The case sought to toss out millions of ballots in four states that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pennsylvania and Wisconsin .
`` Once the president 's legal arguments that he wants to make between now '' and when Congress certifies the Electoral College count on Jan. 6 `` are exhausted , '' Sen. John Cornyn ( R-Texas ) said , `` certainly Joe Biden 's on a path to be president of the United States . ''
By and large , Republicans did acknowledge the fact that Monday 's Electoral College vote sealed the deal , and it was time to move on , including some of Trump 's most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republicans have known since the election that Biden was the true victor .
Still , the vast majority refused to cross Trump 's refusal to concede until now , aware of the immense power that he and his conservative allies yield among the GOP 's base .
Republican leadership in the Senate has advised its members against signing onto a last-ditch Hail Mary attempt gaining steam among House Republicans to challenge the Electoral College result .
`` I understand there are people who feel strongly about the outcome of this election , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you have to face the music , '' Senate Majority Whip John Thune ( R-S.D . )
said .
`` I think once the Electoral College settles the issue today , it 's time for everybody to move on . ''
But although many responded in the affirmative when prompted about Biden being president-elect , several Republicans deflected and declined to answer directly .
Their answers nodded toward a realization that Trump had officially lost but still avoided explicitly stating that such was the case .
`` That 's like the gotcha question @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after laughing when asked whether Biden was president-elect .
`` I know what the Constitution says .
I know that the Electoral College has voted today , so that tells us a lot . ''
`` I follow the Constitution , '' Barrasso repeated when pressed further .
He later told another Capitol Hill reporter that it was a `` gotcha question '' because the government transition process formally began weeks ago .
Sen. Steve Daines ( R-Mont . )
would only go so far as to say : `` Montana cast three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we 'll wait and see now , and Congress will certify that in January . ''
Sen. Cramer offered a lengthy explanation , eventually nodding toward the notion that Biden 's win was official .
`` It seems to me that being elected by the Electoral College is a threshold where a title like that is probably most appropriate , and I suppose you can say official , if there is such a thing as official president-Elect , or anything else-elect , '' Cramer said .
`` I do n't know how a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As of Monday evening , Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell had yet to make any public remarks about Biden .
The Kentucky Republican 's Democratic counterpart , Minority Leader Chuck Schumer ( D-N.Y. ) , criticized GOP lawmakers for their refusal to accept the results and efforts to subvert the will of American voters .
`` Will he change his tune now that the Electoral College has once again confirmed his victory ?
Will the rest of my Republican Senate colleagues do the same ? ''
Schumer questioned on the Senate floor .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to keep up this charade , which has become a national embarrassment ? ''

Thirty-seven days after Joe Biden was projected the winner of the 2020 election, Republican senators on Monday were finally prepared to acknowledge the Democrat as president-elect, as members of the Electoral College met across the country to affirm Biden's victory.
However, several Senate Republicans suggested President Donald Trump still had potential legal routes to subvert the election, despite dozens of election lawsuit losses and the Supreme Court handing him a fatal blow last week by refusing to consider a suit seeking to toss out millions of legal ballots in pivotal swing states.
The GOP lawmakers, although recognizing Trump's loss, declined to close the door entirely on the notion that the president could somehow still use the courts to overturn an election based on baseless claims of rampant fraud.
"It's a very, very narrow path for the president. I don't see how it gets there from here, given what the Supreme Court did," Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said, as he conceded Biden is now president-elect. "But having said that, I think we'll let those legal challenges play out."
Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) said Biden is the "presumptive president"—"subject to any pending lawsuits that could change it."
"If you go through the Electoral College, he's presumptive president," Tillis continued. "But I don't want to discount valid, legal disputes that'll be settled over the next couple weeks."
Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) questioned whether "all the legal avenues have played out yet."
Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) walks through the Senate Subway at the U.S. Capitol on December 11 in Washington, DC. Photo by Stefani Reynolds/Getty
"There's an inauguration that will swear somebody in, and that person will be the president of the United States," said Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.). "But whether you call it [president-elect] or not, there are legal challenges that are ongoing—not very many, probably not a remedy that would change the outcome."
"Once the president's legal arguments that he wants to make between now" and when Congress certifies the Electoral College count on Jan. 6 "are exhausted," Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) said, "certainly Joe Biden's on a path to be president of the United States."
The Supreme Court ruled on Friday said that a Texas-led lawsuit supported by 17 Republican state attorneys general and 126 House Republicans had no legal standing and declined to consider the litigation. The case sought to toss out millions of ballots in four states that Biden won: Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.
In addition, the Trump campaign and his conservative allies have lost upwards of 50 election-related lawsuits due to a lack of evidence to support the claims that there was widespread voter irregularities.
By and large, Republicans did acknowledge the fact that Monday's Electoral College vote sealed the deal, and it was time to move on, including some of Trump's most loyal congressional allies like Graham. Most Republicans have known since the election that Biden was the true victor and would admit as much privately.
Still, the vast majority of GOP lawmakers refused to cross Trump's decision not to concede until now, aware of the immense power that he and his conservative allies yield among the GOP's base. Republican leadership in the Senate has advised its members against signing onto a last-ditch Hail Mary attempt gaining steam among House Republicans to challenge the Electoral College result when Congress will need to certify the outcome on Jan. 6.
"I understand there are people who feel strongly about the outcome of this election, but in the end, at some point you have to face the music," Senate Majority Whip John Thune (R-S.D.) said. "I think once the Electoral College settles the issue today, it's time for everybody to move on."
But although many responded in the affirmative when prompted about Biden being president-elect, several Republicans deflected and declined to answer directly. Their answers nodded toward a realization that Trump had officially lost but still avoided explicitly stating that such was the case.
Sen. John Barrasso, (R-Wyo.), a top Senate Republican, chided Newsweek for asking a "gotcha question" about whether he believed Biden was president-elect based on the Electoral College certification.
Sens. John Barrasso (R-WY), Todd Young (R-IN) and Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) attend at a press conference after the weekly Republican Senate conference meeting in the Mansfield Room at the U.S. Capitol December 1 in Washington, DC. Photo by Tom Williams-Pool/Getty
"That's like the gotcha question of the day," Barrasso responded after laughing. "I know what the Constitution says. I know that the Electoral College has voted today, so that tells us a lot."
"I follow the Constitution," Barrasso repeated when pressed further. He later told another Capitol Hill reporter that it was a "gotcha question" because the government transition process formally began weeks ago.
Sen. Steve Daines (R-Mont.) would only go so far as to say: "Montana cast three electoral votes for President Trump, and we'll wait and see now, and Congress will certify that in January."
Sen. Cramer offered a lengthy explanation, eventually nodding toward the notion that Biden's win was official.
"It seems to me that being elected by the Electoral College is a threshold where a title like that is probably most appropriate, and I suppose you can say official, if there is such a thing as official president-Elect, or anything else-elect," Cramer said. "I don't know how a politician refers to another politician."
As of Monday evening, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell had yet to make any public remarks about Biden. The Kentucky Republican's Democratic counterpart, Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), directly criticized McConnell and GOP lawmakers for their refusal to acknowledge the results, as well as Trump's efforts to subvert the will of American voters.
"Will he change his tune now that the Electoral College has once again confirmed his victory? Will the rest of my Republican Senate colleagues do the same?" Schumer questioned on the Senate floor. "Just how long are Republicans going to keep up this charade, which has become a national embarrassment?"


newsweek--2020-12-14--Twitter Reacts to Bill Barr's Resignation Letter: 'Sounds Like Someone Needs a Pardon'

Following the Monday resignation of now-former U.S. Attorney General William Barr , Twitter users criticized or joked about Barr leaving the White House .
One commenter even suggested that the tone of Barr 's resignation letter suggested that he was seeking a pardon from President Donald Trump .
Barr 's resignation letter praised Trump for his `` many successes and unprecedented achievements '' accomplished `` in the face of relentless , implacable resistance '' , including Trump 's immigration policies , his appointment of numerous conservative judges and support of a rapid developed COVID-19 vaccine under Operation Warp Speed .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ podcaster and co-founder of The Democratic Coalition , an anti-Trump Democratic group in Washington D.C. , wrote , `` Let 's be real .
Barr was fired .
And then likely forced to sign that weird resignation letter/love letter to Trump . ''
Rumors of Barr 's imminent resignation followed Barr 's December 1 statement that evidence did n't support Trump 's repeated claims of widespread voter fraud in the presidential election .
The rumors intensified following Trump 's criticism on Twitter on Saturday that Barr should 've done more before the election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dealings of President-elect Joe Biden 's son , Hunter .
Former Labor Secretary Robert Reich wrote , `` Why did Trump announce Barr is stepping down , when all of Trump 's shameful cabinet is stepping down in 6 weeks ?
Because Trump wants to show his vindictiveness is undiminished -- extending even to small displays of loyalty to the Constitution over loyalty to himself . ''
GQ writer Julia Ioffe noted the timing of Trump 's announcement of Barr 's resignation .
`` Minutes after the Electoral College certified Biden 's win @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Barr , '' she wrote .
`` Much of Biden 's victory speech was about Trump , who has toyed with the idea of having an event during Biden 's inauguration .
Trump just ca n't stand not being the center of attention . ''
Political writer Aaron Rupar commented , `` This Bill Barr letter is fawning by Pyongyang standards . ''
Pyongyang is the capital of North Korea , and North Korea 's leader Kim Jong-un is known for imprisoning and executing those who are seen as disloyal to him , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Watch .
Longtime gay political blogger John Aravosis wrote , `` Wow , Bill Barr 's resignation letter sounds like someone needs a pardon .
He actually praised Trump for developing the coronavirus vaccine !
He 's the Attorney General , that 's not his area .
But it is a clear effort to pander to Trump . ''
The American Civil Liberties Union ( ACLU ) wrote , `` Reminder : Bill Barr was behind the decision to resume federal executions for the first time in 17 years — during a pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happen . ''
Democratic California Representative Mark DeSaulnier wrote , `` Throughout his time as Attorney General , William Barr used his position to act as the President 's personal lawyer , misled the American public , & stood by as @ POTUS damaged our rule of law .
Time to restore independence & integrity to the Justice Department . ''
D.C. Attorney General Karl Racine used his Twitter account to release a four-part statement which said , in part , `` AG Barr 's resignation tonight should be viewed as a five-alarm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the president 's actions will only get worse and more dangerous . ''
Racine then said that individuals who have served under Trump should all speak out against Trump 's continued efforts to overturn the election .
`` Now is the time to tell President Trump , in no uncertain terms , that he must immediately cease and desist from his undemocratic and dangerous conduct , '' Racine continued .
Actor Zach Braff wrote , `` Well at least everyone hates Barr .
We can agree on some things .
# ChristmasMiracle .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the creative film studio Intertheory , wrote , that comedian `` Patton Oswalt will play the shit out of that smug ol ' treason weasel Bill Barr .
Please make it happen .
# PattonOswaltToPlayBillBarrOnSNL @ pattonoswalt '' , and posted a side-by-side image of Oswalt and Barr making angry faces . ''

Following the Monday resignation of now-former U.S. Attorney General William Barr, Twitter users criticized or joked about Barr leaving the White House. One commenter even suggested that the tone of Barr's resignation letter suggested that he was seeking a pardon from President Donald Trump.
Barr's resignation letter praised Trump for his "many successes and unprecedented achievements" accomplished "in the face of relentless, implacable resistance", including Trump's immigration policies, his appointment of numerous conservative judges and support of a rapid developed COVID-19 vaccine under Operation Warp Speed.
In response, Scott Dworkin, a podcaster and co-founder of The Democratic Coalition, an anti-Trump Democratic group in Washington D.C., wrote, "Let's be real. Barr was fired. And then likely forced to sign that weird resignation letter/love letter to Trump."
Rumors of Barr's imminent resignation followed Barr's December 1 statement that evidence didn't support Trump's repeated claims of widespread voter fraud in the presidential election. The rumors intensified following Trump's criticism on Twitter on Saturday that Barr should've done more before the election to highlight the investigations into the business dealings of President-elect Joe Biden's son, Hunter.
Let’s be real. Barr was fired. And then likely forced to sign that weird resignation letter/love letter to Trump. — Scott Dworkin (@funder) December 15, 2020
Former Labor Secretary Robert Reich wrote, "Why did Trump announce Barr is stepping down, when all of Trump's shameful cabinet is stepping down in 6 weeks? Because Trump wants to show his vindictiveness is undiminished -- extending even to small displays of loyalty to the Constitution over loyalty to himself."
Why did Trump announce Barr is stepping down, when all of Trump's shameful cabinet is stepping down in 6 weeks? Because Trump wants to show his vindictiveness is undiminished -- extending even to small displays of loyalty to the Constitution over loyalty to himself. — Robert Reich (@RBReich) December 15, 2020
GQ writer Julia Ioffe noted the timing of Trump's announcement of Barr's resignation. "Minutes after the Electoral College certified Biden's win, Trump announced he'd ousted Bill Barr," she wrote. "Much of Biden's victory speech was about Trump, who has toyed with the idea of having an event during Biden's inauguration. Trump just can't stand not being the center of attention."
Minutes after the Electoral College certified Biden’s win, Trump announced he’d ousted Bill Barr. Much of Biden’s victory speech was about Trump, who has toyed with the idea of having an event during Biden’s inauguration. Trump just can’t stand not being the center of attention. — Julia Ioffe (@juliaioffe) December 15, 2020
Political writer Aaron Rupar commented, "This Bill Barr letter is fawning by Pyongyang standards." Pyongyang is the capital of North Korea, and North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un is known for imprisoning and executing those who are seen as disloyal to him, according to the international organization Human Rights Watch.
This Bill Barr letter is fawning by Pyongyang standards https://t.co/mM8dW7Z6zC — Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) December 14, 2020
Longtime gay political blogger John Aravosis wrote, "Wow, Bill Barr's resignation letter sounds like someone needs a pardon. He actually praised Trump for developing the coronavirus vaccine! He's the Attorney General, that's not his area. But it is a clear effort to pander to Trump."
Wow, Bill Barr’s resignation letter sounds like someone needs a pardon. He actually praised Trump for developing the coronavirus vaccine! He’s the Attorney General, that’s not his area. But it is a clear effort to pander to Trump. — John Aravosis 🇺🇸🇬🇷🏳🌈 (@aravosis) December 14, 2020
Twitter users have criticized and made jokes about the Monday resignation of U.S. Attorney General William Barr from the Trump Administration. In this May 1, 2019 photo, Barr gestures as he testifies before the Senate Judiciary Committee May 1, 2019 in Washington, DC. Barr testified on the Justice Department's investigation of Russian interference with the 2016 presidential election. Win McNamee/Getty
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) wrote, "Reminder: Bill Barr was behind the decision to resume federal executions for the first time in 17 years — during a pandemic. None of these executions had to happen."
Reminder: Bill Barr was behind the decision to resume federal executions for the first time in 17 years — during a pandemic.
None of these executions had to happen. — ACLU (@ACLU) December 15, 2020
Democratic California Representative Mark DeSaulnier wrote, "Throughout his time as Attorney General, William Barr used his position to act as the President's personal lawyer, misled the American public, & stood by as @POTUS damaged our rule of law. Time to restore independence & integrity to the Justice Department."
Throughout his time as Attorney General, William Barr used his position to act as the President’s personal lawyer, misled the American public, & stood by as @POTUS damaged our rule of law. Time to restore independence & integrity to the Justice Department.https://t.co/5nZhTBQVFq — Mark DeSaulnier (@RepDeSaulnier) December 15, 2020
D.C. Attorney General Karl Racine used his Twitter account to release a four-part statement which said, in part, "AG Barr's resignation tonight should be viewed as a five-alarm fire. It is a warning that the president's actions will only get worse and more dangerous."
Racine then said that individuals who have served under Trump should all speak out against Trump's continued efforts to overturn the election. "Now is the time to tell President Trump, in no uncertain terms, that he must immediately cease and desist from his undemocratic and dangerous conduct," Racine continued.
My statement on AG Barr’s resignation⬇
1/ pic.twitter.com/7eVGFyxuBH — AG Karl A. Racine (@AGKarlRacine) December 15, 2020
Actor Zach Braff wrote, "Well at least everyone hates Barr. We can agree on some things. #ChristmasMiracle."
Well at least everyone hates Barr.
We can agree on some things. #ChristmasMiracle — Zach Braff (@zachbraff) December 15, 2020
Kim Sherrell, a producer with the creative film studio Intertheory, wrote, that comedian "Patton Oswalt will play the shit out of that smug ol' treason weasel Bill Barr. Please make it happen. #PattonOswaltToPlayBillBarrOnSNL@pattonoswalt", and posted a side-by-side image of Oswalt and Barr making angry faces."


newsweek--2020-12-14--Electoral College Cements Joe Biden's Victory With Zero Faithless Electors

The 538 members of the Electoral College met Monday to cast ballots for president and vice president , officially formalizing Joe Biden and Kamala Harris ' victory .
Biden was awarded 306 electoral votes , exceeding the 270 votes needed to clinch victory in the state-by-state Electoral College .
He also led in the national popular vote by more than 7 million votes .
Trump got 232 electoral votes .
In some states , electors are legally bound to vote for the candidate who won their state—a requirement that the Supreme Court upheld earlier this year .
But in other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and vote for someone other than the popular vote winner .
But faithless electors are rare and have never swung an election .
In 2016 , there were seven faithless electors .
Five turned against Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton and two turned against Trump .
This year , there were no faithless electors .
`` This has been a moment long time coming , '' said Democrat Stacey Abrams , a former gubernatorial candidate , who presided over the electors meeting in Georgia .
Abrams ' organizing efforts are credited with helping flip @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We made it , '' Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers said after reading his state 's results .
His comment was met with applause .
Biden 's success has been evident since November 7 , when he was projected the winner of the 2020 election by multiple media organizations .
Since then , all 50 states have certified their presidential results and the General Services Administration allowed the presidential transition to begin by giving Biden access to key funding , classified intelligence briefings and agency access .
But Trump has refused to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republican allies have launched dozens of lawsuits in key battleground states challenging the vote count , nearly all of which have failed .
The post-election litigation reached a peak last week when Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton appealed directly to the Supreme Court to throw out election results in four states—Georgia , Michigan , Pennsylvania and Wisconsin—that went for Biden over Trump .
Paxton accused the states of exploiting the COVID-19 pandemic to ignore federal and state election laws , specifically questioning the legality of mail-in ballots .
Nineteen states , 126 Republican @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump himself joined the Texas lawsuit , but the Supreme Court swiftly rejected the attempt to overturn election results in a 7-to-2 decision on December 11 .
`` Texas has not demonstrated a judicially cognizable interest in the manner in which another State conducts its elections .
All other pending motions are dismissed as moot , '' the court wrote .
Ahead of Monday 's certification , state and local officials reported threats .
Michigan Senate and House offices had to close because of `` credible threats of violence '' as electors met @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also had to increase security for the Electoral College vote .
In Wisconsin , electors were told to enter the building through an `` unmarked side door '' to avoid protesters .
On Monday morning , Trump aide Stephen Miller told Fox News that `` an alternate slate of electors '' in key states Trump will also be voting and `` we are going to send those results up to Congress . ''
Miller asserted that doing so would `` ensure that all of our legal remedies will remain open '' and that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Trump electors .
The next major step in the electoral process will happen on January 6 , when Congress is expected to hold a joint session with the House of Representatives and the Senate to count the electoral votes and officially declare the winner of the election .

The 538 members of the Electoral College met Monday to cast ballots for president and vice president, officially formalizing Joe Biden and Kamala Harris' victory.
Biden was awarded 306 electoral votes, exceeding the 270 votes needed to clinch victory in the state-by-state Electoral College. He also led in the national popular vote by more than 7 million votes. Trump got 232 electoral votes.
In some states, electors are legally bound to vote for the candidate who won their state—a requirement that the Supreme Court upheld earlier this year. But in other states, so-called faithless electors can stray and vote for someone other than the popular vote winner.
But faithless electors are rare and have never swung an election. In 2016, there were seven faithless electors. Five turned against Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton and two turned against Trump.
This year, there were no faithless electors.
"This has been a moment long time coming," said Democrat Stacey Abrams, a former gubernatorial candidate, who presided over the electors meeting in Georgia. Abrams' organizing efforts are credited with helping flip the traditionally red state blue for Biden.
"We made it," Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers said after reading his state's results. His comment was met with applause.
Biden's success has been evident since November 7, when he was projected the winner of the 2020 election by multiple media organizations. Since then, all 50 states have certified their presidential results and the General Services Administration allowed the presidential transition to begin by giving Biden access to key funding, classified intelligence briefings and agency access.
But Trump has refused to concede the race. His campaign and Republican allies have launched dozens of lawsuits in key battleground states challenging the vote count, nearly all of which have failed.
The post-election litigation reached a peak last week when Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton appealed directly to the Supreme Court to throw out election results in four states—Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin—that went for Biden over Trump. Paxton accused the states of exploiting the COVID-19 pandemic to ignore federal and state election laws, specifically questioning the legality of mail-in ballots.
President-elect Joe Biden announces the members of his health team, including his pick for secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra, at the Queen Theater December 08, 2020 in Wilmington, Delaware. The Electoral College voted on Monday to formalize Biden's win. Chip Somodevilla/Getty
Nineteen states, 126 Republican members of the House of Representatives and Trump himself joined the Texas lawsuit, but the Supreme Court swiftly rejected the attempt to overturn election results in a 7-to-2 decision on December 11.
"Texas has not demonstrated a judicially cognizable interest in the manner in which another State conducts its elections. All other pending motions are dismissed as moot," the court wrote.
Ahead of Monday's certification, state and local officials reported threats. Michigan Senate and House offices had to close because of "credible threats of violence" as electors met at the state capitol. Arizona officials also had to increase security for the Electoral College vote. In Wisconsin, electors were told to enter the building through an "unmarked side door" to avoid protesters.
On Monday morning, Trump aide Stephen Miller told Fox News that "an alternate slate of electors" in key states Trump will also be voting and "we are going to send those results up to Congress."
Miller asserted that doing so would "ensure that all of our legal remedies will remain open" and that either state legislatures or Congress could accept the Trump electors.
The next major step in the electoral process will happen on January 6, when Congress is expected to hold a joint session with the House of Representatives and the Senate to count the electoral votes and officially declare the winner of the election.


newsweek--2020-12-14--When Is 'The Bachelorette' Finale? Tayshia Adams' Final Pick Is Coming Soon

Prepare yourselves , Bachelor Nation .
Before you open your gifts from Santa on Christmas morning , you 'll know who Tayshia Adams ended up with on The Bachelorette .
This accelerated season of the dating show will come to a close next week , with a two-night finale .
There are four episodes of The Bachelorette left this season .
That includes the `` Men Tell All '' special that 's airing Monday night .
It will all conclude with the finale on Tuesday , December 22 , just a few days before Christmas .
Here 's a breakdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is expected to look like .
On Monday night , 10 of the men from this season of The Bachelorette will face Adams in a studio environment .
There , they 'll be encouraged to ask her questions about why she decided to let them go .
There wo n't be any reveal about Adams ' own happiness , though she will likely be shown choosing her final four men .
That almost has to be the case , as last week still featured some of the `` Men Tell All '' stars @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get very real on Tuesday when Adams meets the families of her final four men .
Heartbreak is undeniably on the horizon as feelings grow and families get involved , and Adams will be asked to let one man go after the family time .
At this point , the remaining men are widely beloved by viewers , which means that every dismissal moving forward will be controversial .
When Adams is down to three men , then it 's time for fantasy suites .
Adams will get a one-on-one date with each @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be allowed overnight time free of cameras .
This is usually the week when feelings get serious .
We 're expecting lots of love confessions , mostly from the men .
Though , we would n't be surprised to hear an `` I love you '' from Adams , too .
Crazier things have happened !
The finale will likely show Adams ' own family meeting her final two men as she tries to decide which one to give her heart to .
The season 's final episode will also reveal who Adams @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Typically , there 's an `` After the Final Rose '' segment that 's filmed live , which updates viewers on where the Bachelorette and her chosen man are now .
This has n't been announced for Adams , and with COVID , it 's unclear if the live format would even work .
We still expect there to be some sort of update on Adams and her final rose recipient , but we would n't be shocked if it 's under different circumstances , considering the 2020 of it all .

Prepare yourselves, Bachelor Nation. Before you open your gifts from Santa on Christmas morning, you'll know who Tayshia Adams ended up with on The Bachelorette. This accelerated season of the dating show will come to a close next week, with a two-night finale.
There are four episodes of The Bachelorette left this season. That includes the "Men Tell All" special that's airing Monday night. It will all conclude with the finale on Tuesday, December 22, just a few days before Christmas.
Here's a breakdown of what the rest of the season is expected to look like.
Bachelorette Tayshia Adams (L) sits next to former Bachelorette and stand-in host JoJo Fletcher on a Season 16 group date. Craig Sjodin/ABC
Monday - "Men Tell All"
On Monday night, 10 of the men from this season of The Bachelorette will face Adams in a studio environment. There, they'll be encouraged to ask her questions about why she decided to let them go. There won't be any reveal about Adams' own happiness, though she will likely be shown choosing her final four men. That almost has to be the case, as last week still featured some of the "Men Tell All" stars as possible rose recipients.
Tuesday - "Hometown" Dates
Things will get very real on Tuesday when Adams meets the families of her final four men. Heartbreak is undeniably on the horizon as feelings grow and families get involved, and Adams will be asked to let one man go after the family time. At this point, the remaining men are widely beloved by viewers, which means that every dismissal moving forward will be controversial.
Monday, December 21 - Fantasy Suites
When Adams is down to three men, then it's time for fantasy suites. Adams will get a one-on-one date with each of the remaining men, and then be allowed overnight time free of cameras. This is usually the week when feelings get serious. We're expecting lots of love confessions, mostly from the men. Though, we wouldn't be surprised to hear an "I love you" from Adams, too. Crazier things have happened!
Tuesday, December 22 - Finale
The finale will likely show Adams' own family meeting her final two men as she tries to decide which one to give her heart to. The season's final episode will also reveal who Adams picked and whether they got engaged. Typically, there's an "After the Final Rose" segment that's filmed live, which updates viewers on where the Bachelorette and her chosen man are now. This hasn't been announced for Adams, and with COVID, it's unclear if the live format would even work. We still expect there to be some sort of update on Adams and her final rose recipient, but we wouldn't be shocked if it's under different circumstances, considering the 2020 of it all.