Good morning! Here is your news briefing for Monday January 27, 2020.
THE DAILY SIGNAL
| Jan 27, 2020 |
| Good morning from Washington, where the defense of President Trump really gets going today in the Senate impeachment trial. To catch you up, Fred Lucas has main points from Saturday’s opening arguments. On the podcast, a California pastor outlines how churches can be part of the solution locally and globally. Plus: what the military could gain from black colleges and universities, and the left’s muzzling of straight talk on gender. Seventy-five years ago today, Soviet troops enter Auschwitz, Poland, and free the gaunt survivors of Nazi Germany’s horrific network of concentration camps for Jews. |
| NEWS5 Big Points by Trump’s Lawyers as Defense Opens in Impeachment TrialBy Fred Lucas White House counsel Pat Cipollone says Democrats’ impeachment effort seeks to “perpetrate the most massive interference in an election in American history.”MoreCOMMENTARYSocial Liberal Is Silenced Over Belief That There Are ‘Only 2 Sexes’By Nicole Russell “What seemed to be the last straw for my column was my insistence that there are only two sexes,” writes Jon Caldara.MoreNEWSHow Historically Black Colleges and Universities Aid Military PreparednessBy Jarrett Stepman Historically black colleges and universities do a particularly good job of preparing Americans to serve in the armed forces, Army Lt. Gen. Bruce Crawford says. Importantly, HBCUs give students important qualities that ready them for leadership.MoreANALYSISA California Pastor on Engaging Community, Culture, and Political DiscordBy Virginia Allen The “Bethel effect” is a term used to describe the community impact of Bethel Church in Redding, California. The congregation has gained national and international attention for its hands-on approach to serving the city.MoreCOMMENTARYRemembering the Holocaust Amid Rising Anti-SemitismBy David Closson Sadly, on this 75th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp, we cannot ignore the resurgent anti-Semitism in regions of Europe and North America.MoreCOMMENTARYWe Hear You: From Misery in San Francisco to Impeachment in SenateBy Ken McIntyre “Ideas have consequences, and bad ones have very bad consequences. When we see the fruit of some of our beliefs we would do well to reconsider the root rather than trying to hose off the sidewalks,” writes Heather Peterson.More | ||
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THE EPOCH TIMES
“When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it.” HENRY FORDGood morning, The United States is sending one charter flight to the central Chinese city of Wuhan to evacuate consular personnel and some American citizens. The city, which is at the epicenter of a deadly coronavirus outbreak, has been quarantined since last week. Cases have been confirmed in 12 other countries so far. Read the full story here. NBA Legend Kobe Bryant Dies in Fiery Helicopter Crash, Officials Confirm 4th Case of Chinese Coronavirus Confirmed in the US, Officials Say ‘Making Me Think About Things’: Sen. Manchin Says Trump Legal Team Doing a ‘Good Job’ Officials Remove Sick Passenger from Southwest Airlines Flight Over Coronavirus Concerns President Donald Trump’s attorneys dedicated the first day of their defense arguments to exposing what they described as omissions in the narrative presented by the Democratic impeachment managers, asking the senators at the trial to consider why crucial evidence had been left out. Read moreAround a dozen gun control bills have swiftly advanced through Virginia’s state legislature in recent weeks, while some of the more controversial measures, such as a ban on owning and selling “assault weapons,” have been struck down. Read moreThe Davos economic summit last week turned into a climate-change conference, as both political and business leaders felt real pressure to take the crisis seriously at this year’s gathering in the Alpine village. Read moreChinese authorities are struggling to contain the new coronavirus outbreak as the death toll and the number of confirmed cases continue to climb daily. Read moreWith the phase one trade deal with the United States signed and filed, China’s banking regulators have begun to ease restrictions on foreign banks to enter the Chinese market. Starting this year, foreign investment banks can take full ownership… Read more See More Top StoriesIs Beijing Hiding the Severity of the Coronavirus Threat? By James Gorrie According to official statistics, which are being updated several times per day, 41 people have died and over 800 are under observation or have fallen ill from the Wuhan coronavirus. That’s more than double the number of fatalities and three times… Read moreImpeachment: The Only Thing Democrats Proved Was That They Wanted to Politically Tar Trump, Republicans By Thomas Del Beccaro As the Democrats’ 24-hour impeachment case came to a close, it was rather obvious that impeachment wasn’t a focused attempt to legally prove something related to Ukraine. Read more See More OpinionsHong Kong Is Sinking By Valentin Schmid (February 24, 2015) The first time I worked and lived in Hong Kong, it was impossible to get a prepaid SIM card with an Internet connection. That was in 2009, and you can now get a China Mobile prepaid SIM card with fast Internet at every 7-Eleven store. Read moreThe deadly virus originating out of the central Chinese city of Wuhan is making headlines, and well it should. There is the potential for this new coronavirus to spread rapidly from China to the rest of Asia and the West. The virus attacks victims’ immune systems… Can America Stop Huawei’s Global Takeover? | OpinionCopyright © 2020 The Epoch Times, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted in to receive newsletter communications from The Epoch Times. Our mailing address is: The Epoch Times229 W. 28 St.Fl. 5New York, NY 10001 Add us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can unsubscribe from this list or remove my account. |
DAYBREAK
| Your First Look at Today’s Top Stories – Daybreak InsiderHaving trouble viewing this email? View the web version.SPONSORED BYDaybreakInsider.com @DaybreakInsiderMONDAY, JANUARY 27, 20201.Bolton Book Excerpts Leaked to NY Times With suspicious timing. From the story: The Times reported that the manuscript included a bombshell claim that Trump explicitly linked a hold on Ukraine aid to an investigation of Joe and Hunter Biden (Fox News). From Mollie Hemingway: This is obviously book promo coordinated with compliant media, yes. But an additional word of skepticism: these *particular* folks have a pattern of overpromising and underachieving with their “bombshell” anti-Trump book roll outs (Twitter). Trump responded with a series of tweets (Twitter). Meanwhile, what Adam Schiff called a Trump threat was merely what Pelosi said a few weeks ago (Daily Caller). 2.U.S. Has Five Confirmed Cases of Coronavirus The story notes they are “all among people who traveled to the city at the center of the outbreak” (Washington Times). Some are urging Trump to declare a formal public health emergency (ABC News). China’s death toll is at 80 and the disease is spreading to other parts of the country (NY Times). From Hugh Hewitt: “According to the CDC, it’s likely that there will be more cases reported in the U.S. in the coming days and weeks, likely including person-to-person spread.” So don’t tell people on what flights/airports through infected patients traveled and times? (Twitter). Orange County, California has a confirmed case (OC Health Info). From former Senator Jim Talent: It’s been apparent for years that a global biological pandemic is the biggest single threat, other than a strategic nuclear war, to the health and economy of the United States. The pandemic could occur naturally, or it could be the product of a terrorist attack or even a laboratory accident. One of the worst-case scenarios involves a virus that is contagious through the air, which has a potentially deadly effect, and for which no vaccine or therapeutic can quickly be developed (National Review). Why hospitals aren’t ready for this (WSJ). Advertisement3.Sanders Sits Atop Iowa Polls A nine-point lead, according to Emerson. Oddly, it has Klobuchar in third, ahead of Warren – who apparently hasn’t seen a bump from that New York Times endorsement (Emerson). An ABC News poll shows Sanders closing the gap nationally and Warren plummeting (ABC News). Meanwhile, from Katie Pavlich: Pete Buttigieg just told a pro-life, Democrat *woman* she has no place in today’s Democrat Party. All she asked for was a recognition there is diversity of thought on the issue and that it be put in the platform language. He said no and told her to deal with it (Twitter). One thing is certain among all Democrats in the race: They plan to raise taxes (WSJ). 4.Kobe Bryant Dies in Helicopter Accident Also on the helicopter, “Orange Coast College baseball coach John Altobelli, his daughter Alyssa Altobelli and wife Keri Altobelli” (Complex). From CNN: Weather conditions on Sunday morning did not meet the Los Angeles Police Department’s minimum standards for flying, a spokesman said. Due to foggy conditions, LAPD had grounded their helicopters in the morning (Twitter). From long time Los Angeles sportswriter Bill Plaschke: Kobe Bryant is gone, and those are the hardest words I’ve ever had to write for this newspaper, and I still don’t believe them as I’m writing them. I’m still crying, and go ahead, let it out. Don’t be embarrassed, cry with me, weep and wail and shout into the streets, fill a suddenly empty Los Angeles with your pain (LA Times). 5.HHS Tells California to Stop Forcing Churches to Pay for AbortionsThe letter gives them 30 days to show they have changed course or risk losing federal funding. ADF Advertisement6.CNN Claims Media are a Victim of Mike Pompeo Complaining in a tweet “Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has a track record of outbursts and outright hostility toward members of the news media.” 7.Thomas Jefferson Quoted on New British Coin Commemorating Brexit From the story: The 50 pence coin, unveiled on Sunday, bears the date of Jan. 31, 2020, on which the nation will leave the EU, and the inscription, “Peace, prosperity and friendship with all nations.” The quote echoes words President Thomas Jefferson included in his first inaugural address when he listed “peace, commerce, and honest friendship with all nations” as an essential principle for his administration. Washington Examiner 8.Trump is First President to Speak at March for Life Trump told the crowd “Unborn children have never had a stronger defender in the White House. … Every life brings love into this world. Every child brings joy to a family. Every person is worth protecting” (Fox News). A look at some of the signs people carried (The Federalist). On a tragic note, a bus carrying Covington Catholic High School students crashed, killing one (Townhall). Advertisement9.Millennials: Plants are the New PetsRemember when pets were the new child? Apparently, millennials are feeling stress trying to care for plants. Some day they will be in charge. NY Post Copyright © 2020 DaybreakInsider.comSUBSCRIPTION INFO This newsletter is never sent unsolicited. It is only sent to people who signed up from one of the Salem Media Group network of websites OR a friend might have forwarded it to you. We respect and value your time and privacy. Unsubscribe from The Daybreak Insider OR Send postal mail to: The Daybreak Insider Unsubscribe 6400 N. Belt Line Rd., Suite 200, Irving, TX 75063 Were you forwarded this edition of The Daybreak Insider? Get your own free subscription Copyright © 2020 Salem Media Group and its Content Providers. All rights reserved. |
POLITICO PLAYBOOK
POLITICO Playbook: What Bolton means for impeachment
By JAKE SHERMAN and ANNA PALMER
01/27/2020 05:58 AM EST
Presented by
DRIVING THE DAY
MAGGIE HABERMAN and MIKE SCHMIDT’S monster scoop in the NYT on Sunday night — that JOHN BOLTON has written in a draft of his book that President DONALD TRUMP ordered aid to Ukraine held until it investigated the Bidens — reminds the United States Senate and the American people of a reality that was, until now, easy to forget: BOLTON is going to tell his story, it’s just a question of what medium it appears in first — a book, a television segment or a sworn testimony. His lawyer’s letter to the White House, noting officials there have had the book since Dec. 30
IN SOME WAYS, THERE’S NOTHING NEW here. The revelation confirms what nearly two dozen associates and employees of TRUMP told House investigators. The only people who say the opposite are the president and his associates.
BUT LET’S BE PERFECTLY CLEAR HERE: MAGGIE and MIKE’S storyis as bad as can be for TRUMP. BOLTON is now contradicting the president’s claim that he did not tie the aid to investigating JOE BIDEN, and he is a direct eyewitness.It comes at the absolute worst time for this White House: as the Senate is days away from deciding whether to call witnesses in the impeachment trial.
BOLTON IS DANGEROUS because he’s unmoored from TRUMP. He clearly does not care what the president’s orbit thinks of him. His 528-page book is titled, “The Room Where It Happened,” with the words contained inside an oval (hint, hint). It is scheduled for release March 17 and, conveniently enough, is now available for pre-order on Amazon.
REPUBLICANS have done a good job during this process projecting confidence in their mastery of the situation, and their ability to deliver for the president.
BUT AS OF LATE SUNDAY, our GOP sources said they could not predict what was going to happen now with witnesses, and the Republican Conference lunch today will be key in determining the state of play. In other words, these top-level sources were allowing that things may have changed. We have yet to see if Republicans will brush off this new development, or whether it will push enough of them to vote for witnesses.
BOLTON IS NOT LEV PARNAS or one of these other characters who has sprouted up in the Trump era. He’s a through-and-through conservative who was so far to the right that George W. Bush had to wait for recess to make him his U.N. envoy. He’s known to members of the Senate. Not calling him to speak would be spurning one of their own in favor of TRUMP, whom many of them see as an interloper.
HERE’S THE DILEMMA FOR REPUBLICANS NOW: If you’re one of the Republicans who were already uncomfortable with this president, how do you vote to not call Bolton after seeing this? Remember: BOLTON is publishing an entire book, and so far we know only what he’s said on Ukraine — not everything else he’s seen.
A REMINDER OF THE TIMELINE: TRUMP’S attorneys are in the middle of their defense of the president. SENATORS then will have a chance to question both sides for a few days — Democrats are sure to use this opportunity to force the president’s team to address BOLTON. And after that, at some point later this week, we anticipate a vote on whether to allow witnesses and new documents.
THE TWEETS … TRUMP responded at 12:18 a.m.: “I NEVER told John Bolton that the aid to Ukraine was tied to investigations into Democrats, including the Bidens. In fact, he never complained about this at the time of his very public termination. If John Bolton said this, it was only to sell a book. With that being said, the… …transcripts of my calls with President Zelensky are all the proof that is needed, in addition to the fact that President Zelensky & the Foreign Minister of Ukraine said there was no pressure and no problems. Additionally, I met with President Zelensky at the United Nations… …(Democrats said I never met) and released the military aid to Ukraine without any conditions or investigations – and far ahead of schedule. I also allowed Ukraine to purchase Javelin anti-tank missiles. My Administration has done far more than the previous Administration.”
THE HOUSE MANAGERS’ STATEMENT: “There can be no doubt now that Mr. Bolton directly contradicts the heart of the President’s defense and therefore must be called as a witness at the impeachment trial of President Trump.
“SENATORS SHOULD INSIST that Mr. Bolton be called as a witness, and provide his notes and other relevant documents. The Senate trial must seek the full truth and Mr. Bolton has vital information to provide. There is no defensible reason to wait until his book is published, when the information he has to offer is critical to the most important decision Senators must now make — whether to convict the President of impeachable offenses.”
MEANWHILE … NANCY COOK: “President Donald Trump is already itching to broadcast the series finale of his impeachment. In recent days, he and top White House aides have been considering how he should celebrate his presumed acquittal by the Republican-controlled Senate and whether he should deliver a rare Oval Office address to mark the occasion, according to three senior administration officials.” POLITICO
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SECRETARY OF STATE MIKE POMPEO is going to Ukraine this week, Nahal Toosi reminds in this story, just days after reportedly saying, “Do you think Americans care about Ukraine?”
TOP-ED … BILL TAYLOR in the NYT: “Yes, Secretary Pompeo, Americans Should Care About Ukraine”
NEW … MUCH INK WAS SPILLED — in this newsletter, and elsewhere — about the massive fundraising by the CONGRESSIONAL LEADERSHIP FUND and AMERICAN ACTION NETWORK last cycle when the GOP was in the majority. But here’s a bit of a shock: The combined groups — the main House GOP outside orgs — pulled in a combined $68 million in 2019, their largest haul ever in an off year. This is so unexpected because House Republicans are in the minority, and conventional wisdom holds that they don’t have a pathway out.
— NOTABLY: CLF has $28 million on hand — the most it has ever had going into an election year and twice as much as ever before. They raised $32.6 million last year. The combined groups have raised $2 million more than their previous record.
— CONSIDER THIS: CLF/AAN had tax reform to raise off last cycle. That they are raising more money now, during a presidential cycle, is notable, and illustrates that donors believe Republicans have a decent chance of putting up a fight to win back the House. With the DCCC and Dem candidates mopping the floors with the NRCC and GOP candidates, CLF and AAN’s cash will be critical for the party.
Good Monday morning. CHIEF JUSTICE JOHN ROBERTS turns 65 today.
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L.A. TIMES’ BILL PLASCHKE ON KOBE: “Kobe Bryant is gone, and those are the hardest words I’ve ever had to write for this newspaper, and I still don’t believe them as I’m writing them. I’m still crying, and go ahead, let it out. Don’t be embarrassed, cry with me, weep and wail and shout into the streets, fill a suddenly empty Los Angeles with your pain. …
“Kobe does not die. Not now. Kobe lives into his golden years, lives long enough to see his statues erected outside Staples Center and his jerseys inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame. He lives long enough to sit courtside at Staples when he’s stooped and gray, keeping alive the memories of two decades of greatness with a wink, maybe even fooling everyone one last time by retiring in a community next to Shaq.”
JARED’S BIG MOMENT! … NETANYAHU TO THE W.H. … NYT’S MARK LANDLER: “Trump’s Mideast Plan Is Seen Mainly as an Election Lift for Netanyahu”: “The Israeli leader will return to the White House for meetings Monday and Tuesday, and Mr. Trump is expected at last to lay out the details of that long-awaited plan. Mr. Netanyahu said Sunday he hoped to ‘make history’ on the visit. …
“‘For him to do this in the middle of an Israeli election, without any Palestinian participation and with no intention to follow up with any of the participants, shows this is not a peace plan at all,’ said Martin S. Indyk, who served as special envoy for Israeli-Palestinian negotiations under President Barack Obama. ‘It is a farce from start to finish.’” NYT
SEVEN DAYS TO IOWA … BOSTON GLOBE: “‘Our phone rings from 7 in the morning until 10 at night.’ Life in Iowa’s political bombardment zone,” by Dugan Arnett in Waverly, Iowa
WAPO: “Bernie Sanders faces barrage of attacks from rivals as polls point to surge in early-voting states,” by Chelsea Janes and Sean Sullivan in West Des Moines: “Sen. Bernie Sanders faced a sudden barrage of attacks from his rivals Sunday amid signs that he was surging in the critical early-voting states of Iowa and New Hampshire and closing the gap nationally with the race’s longtime polling leader, Joe Biden.
“Sanders’s rise, with only days left before the Feb. 3 caucuses here, prompted urgent warnings from competing campaigns that the party is in jeopardy of nominating a self-identified democratic socialist whose far-left views would turn off the broad swath of voters required to defeat President Trump in the November general election.
“‘Bernie Sanders could be the nominee,’ the campaign of Pete Buttigieg declared in an ominous-sounding fundraising message to supporters Saturday. A pointed text message followed on Sunday: ‘We risk nominating a candidate who cannot beat Donald Trump in November. And that’s a risk we can’t take.’”
— FOR THE RECORD: Here’s a private plane that landed at DCA from Sioux City, Iowa, at 1 a.m.
ELENA SCHNEIDER in Des Moines: “Buttigieg takes his case to Fox News before Iowa”: “Pete Buttigieg shot into 2020 contention with a viral town hall last March. On Sunday, he turned back to that setting for one final pre-Iowa caucuses boost — this time on Fox News, seeking an audience of disaffected moderates and ‘future former Republicans’ to pitch on electability.
“Buttigieg, who is vying with Joe Biden, Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren for a win in the caucuses, isn’t expecting to draw in many Iowa Republicans with his appearance on Fox News Sunday night. But the platform jibed with Buttigieg’s closing message in the state: that the 38-year-old ex-mayor is best positioned to bring the party together to defeat President Donald Trump in November.
“‘This network is known for having a lot more conservative viewers, but I don’t think you have to be a Democrat to see what is wrong with this president,’ Buttigieg said, when asked about how he would appeal to Republican voters in the general election. ‘If you’re having trouble looking your kids in the eye and explaining this presidency to them, you have a choice.’”
BLOOMBERG IN FLORIDA — “Mike Bloomberg pitches himself to Jewish Americans, in a presidential race with two very different Jewish candidates,” by WaPo’s Julie Zauzmer
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THE PRESIDENT’S MONDAY — At 11 a.m., TRUMP is scheduled to welcome Israeli PM BENJAMIN NETANYAHU to the White House. They will meet at 11:10 a.m. At 12:30 p.m., TRUMP will meet separately with Netanyahu’s chief political rival, Benny Gantz. At 1:15 p.m, TRUMP will have lunch with the VP. At 3:30 p.m., THE PRESIDENT will participate in the swearing-in of Jovita Carranza as administrator of the SBA.
PLAYBOOK READS
CORONAVIRUS UPDATE … AP/BEIJING: “China on Monday expanded sweeping efforts to contain a viral disease by extending the Lunar New Year holiday to keep the public at home and avoid spreading infection as the death toll rose to 80.
“Hong Kong announced it would bar entry to visitors from the province at the center of the outbreak following a warning the virus’s ability to spread was growing. Travel agencies were ordered to cancel group tours nationwide, adding to the rising economic cost.
“Increasingly drastic anti-disease efforts began with the Jan. 22 suspension of plane, train and bus links to Wuhan, a city of 11 million people in central China where the virus was first detected last month. That lockdown has expanded to a total of 17 cities with more than 50 million people in the most far-reaching disease-control measures ever imposed.” AP
— ARIZONA REPUBLIC: “First case of novel coronavirus reaches Arizona, 5th person in U.S. infected”
BEZOS VS. MBS — “Saudi Prince Courted Amazon’s Bezos Before Bitter Split,” by WSJ’s Justin Scheck in New York, Bradley Hope in London and Summer Said in Dubai: “Through much of 2018, Amazon.com founder Jeff Bezos and tech-savvy Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman seemed to be hitting it off.
“Texting over WhatsApp about a plan for Amazon to build a huge data center in Saudi Arabia, the men forged a cordial and mutually beneficial relationship. ‘It is very important for me, my friend, that you come to Saudi during the future investment Forum and we announce this $2.8B Vision 2030 partnership,’ the prince messaged Mr. Bezos on Sept. 9, 2018, according to a review of texts by The Wall Street Journal and people familiar with the situation.
“Amazon stood to gain broader access to the Middle Eastern market. Prince Mohammed could be aided in his efforts to reform the Saudi economy as well as burnish his personal brand. Now, one of the world’s richest men and one of the most powerful princes are archenemies, each accusing the other of betrayal.” WSJ
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WATCH THIS SPACE … AP/BAGHDAD: “Nighttime rocket attack on U.S. Embassy in Baghdad injured 1”: “A nighttime rocket attack on the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad injured at least one embassy personnel member, staffers there said Monday. The two staff members, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to brief the media, did not specify the injured person’s nationality or the severity of their wounds. They said the rocket slammed into a restaurant inside the embassy compound.” AP
MEANWHILE, IN TEHRAN — “Iran’s Rouhani calls for unity, accuses Trump of exploiting rift,” by Reuters’ Parisa Hafezi in Dubai
MEDIAWATCH … HAPPENING THIS MORNING … POLITICO founder and publisher Robert Allbritton will announce the launch of “AgencyIQ,” a significant new POLITICO business line and product focused on tracking and interpreting federal regulatory agencies through research, technology and news.
NEW … THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA is launching a 50-state Election Cybersecurity Initiative, supported by Google. The goal is to educate campaigns, election workers, elected officials and the public about how to secure U.S. elections. Their events will focus on how to prevent cyberattacks, identify disinformation and misinformation, and respond to crises when they arise. The initiative is being run by executive director Adam Clayton Powell III, and Charlie Baker alum Justin P. Griffin serves as managing director. More details
PLAYBOOKERS
Send tips to Eli Okun and Garrett Ross at politicoplaybook@politico.com.
SPOTTED: Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) on Sunday at the Works Cafe in downtown Concord, N.H., and later on an American Airlines flight from Manchester to DCA. … Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) grocery shopping at the H Street NE Giant on Sunday afternoon.
TRANSITIONS — Eve Tahmincioglu is now communications director at the Economic Policy Institute. She previously was executive editor and digital director for Directors & Boards, Private Company Director and Family Business, and is an NBC alum. … Brennan Murray is now a public policy senior associate at VIPKid. He previously was a senior associate at McLarty Associates China.
BIRTHDAY OF THE DAY: Heather Nauert, senior fellow at the Hudson Institute and former State Department spokesperson and acting undersecretary for public affairs. A trend she thinks doesn’t get enough attention: “College students buying fake IDs from China that look exactly like real IDs, but what’s shocking is that some copies are so good that they can even fool police scanner technology! (Just ask your teenager!)” Playbook Q&A
BIRTHDAYS: WaPo’s Holly Bailey … Meredith Kelly, partner at Sena Kozar Strategies … Howard Mortman, C-SPAN’s comms director, is 53 … Ben Kramer … Raul Juste Lores … Jess Wood … Chelsea Patterson Sobolik … Jessica Fink, VP at Groundswell Communications … Kitty Bartels Di Martino … Circle’s Jared Favole is 37 … Keith Olbermann is 61 … Erin Lindsay of Precision Strategies … Emily Skor, CEO of Growth Energy (h/t Leigh Claffey) … CFR’s Kayla Ermanni … Jamal Ware … Nomiki Konst … CAP’s Matt Lee-Ashley … Connie Partoyan, president of Targeted Victory (h/t Blake Waggoner) … Matthew Simon, COS for Rep. Debbie Lesko (R-Ariz.) … Ben Owens, legislative assistant for Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick (D-Ariz.), is 25 (h/ts Henry Marcel and dad Steve) … Heath Clayton …
… Jay Hein, president of Sagamore Institute … Akin Gump’s Josh Teitelbaum (h/t wife Emily) … John Miyasato … Carter Wood … former Rep. Marilyn Musgrave (R-Colo.) is 71 … former Rep. Zack Space (D-Ohio) is 59 … former Rep. Dick Ottinger (D-N.Y.) is 91 … former Rep. John Mica (R-Fla.) is 77 … Jake Goldman … Morry Cater … Jessica DiRocco … Nick Swezey … Jennifer Bogdan, Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo’s communications director, is 34 … Julia Kimani Burnham … Brian Harvey Hogue … Seth Green is 4-0 … Swetha Ramakrishnan … Peter Long … Kurt Hauptman … Scott Backer … Judy Shapleigh … Christina Ciammaichelli … Nathaniel DiRenzo … Rick Ridder (h/t Teresa Vilmain) … Kendall Bianchi … Roxane Philson, ONE Campaign’s chief marketing officer … Saul Carlin … Will Rusche, COS at Vigilant
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- Jake Sherman @JakeSherman
SUNBURN
| Today’s Sunrise The House and Senate have each scheduled a floor session for Wednesday, where lawmakers will vote on bills overturning Key West’s ban on chemical sunscreens and a bill prohibiting insurance companies from using genetic information to set rates or deny coverage.Also, on today’s Sunrise:— Florida’s unemployment rate has reached a historic low … just don’t ask about why wages are still low.— The new conservative majority on the Florida Supreme Court upends the death penalty process. It could be a while before we know the real impact of this decision.— The state’s Agriculture Department wants to repay Lee County homeowners for citrus trees cut down to prevent the spread of citrus canker, but they say it can’t happen until lawmakers come up with the money.— Florida Man update, which includes someone who wears an Easter bunny costume as he tries to escape the law.To listen, click on the image below: |
| Situational awareness —@RealDonaldTrump: Kobe Bryant, despite being one of the truly great basketball players of all time, was just getting started in life. He loved his family so much, and had such strong passion for the future. The loss of his beautiful daughter, Gianna, makes this moment even more devastating … Melania and I send our warmest condolences to Vanessa and the wonderful Bryant family. May God be with you all!—@BarackObama: Kobe was a legend on the court and just getting started in what would have been just as meaningful a second act. To lose Gianna is even more heartbreaking to us as parents. Michelle and I send love and prayers to Vanessa and the entire Bryant family on an unthinkable day.—@RobertIger: Our company @Disney mourns the tragic loss of @kobebryant … one of the most respected & popular athletes of our time … a friend and a fan of ours, full of life and taken from us too soon.—@SHAQ: There’s no words to express the pain I’m going through with this tragedy of losing my niece Gigi & my brother @kobebryant I love u and u will be missed. My condolences goes out to the Bryant family and the families of the other passengers on board. I’M SICK RIGHT NOWTweet, tweet:—@RebeccaLobo: No @NBA player supported the @WNBA or women’s college basketball more than Kobe. He attended games, watched on TV, coached the next generation. We pray for his family.—@RepHastingsFL: I join so many in mourning the loss of NBA all-star Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna & the other victims of this tragedy. Kobe’s inspiring legacy reaches far beyond his legendary impact on sports & athletes across the globe. I offer my heartfelt condolences to his family.—@RepStephMurphy: Just heartbreaking. Kobe was more than a brilliant athlete. He was a larger-than-life figure who brought joy to so many. We mourn him, his young daughter, and the other passengers involved in this tragedy.Tweet, tweet:—@JuanPenalosa: I just heard that Kobe has died. I’m very sad. Sure, he was a peerless athlete. But, he was more. He was a role model and an advocate for justice. And he was one of the most relevant men fighting for a more fair system for women, for youth, for all of us. Rest in Power #Kobe.Tweet, tweet:—@AlanLevine14: My heart is broken at the loss of Kobe Bryant — an icon to so many young people. But his 13 year old daughter, Gianna, perishing with her young friend. it is devastating. God please give his family and all who loved them, peace. Terrible tragedy.—@SLRoss528: I’m going to be gratuitous on twitter. Yesterday I took my 6 year old to see @starwars and got to tell her about when I was 6 and my dad took me to see Empire Strikes Back. The events of today hit home and remind me how special these times are and how few opportunists we get.Tweet, tweet: |
| Days until Annual Red Dog Blue Dog Celebrity Bartender Benefit — 1; New Brexit deadline — 4; Super Bowl LIV in Miami — 6; Great American Realtors Day — 7; Iowa Caucuses — 7; Eighth Democratic presidential debate in Manchester — 11; Capitol Press Corps press skits — 14; New Hampshire Primaries — 15; Pitchers and catchers begin reporting for MLB Spring Training — 15; South Beach Wine and Food Festival — 23; Ninth Democratic presidential debate in Las Vegas — 23; Roger Stone’s sentencing — 24; Nevada caucuses — 26; “Better Call Saul” Season 5 premiers — 27; 10th Democratic presidential debate in Charleston — 29; South Carolina Primaries — 33; Super Tuesday — 36; Last day of 2020 Session (maybe) — 46; Florida’s presidential primary — 50; “No Time to Die” premiers — 70; Florida Chamber Summit on Prosperity and Economic Opportunity — 109; “Top Gun: Maverick” premiers — 151; Democratic National Convention in Milwaukee begins — 168; Christopher Nolan’s “Tenet” premiers — 172; 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo start — 179; Florida primaries for 2020 state legislative/congressional races — 204; First Presidential Debate in Indiana — 246; Republican National Convention begins in Charlotte — 210; First Vice Presidential debate at the University of Utah — 254; Second Presidential Debate scheduled at the University of Michigan — 262; Third presidential debate at Belmont — 269; 2020 General Election — 281. |
| Top story “Donald Trump tied Ukraine aid to inquiries he sought, John Bolton book says” via Maggie Haberman and Michael Schmidt of The New York Times — The President’s statement as described by Bolton could undercut a key element of his impeachment defense: that the holdup in aid was separate from Trump’s requests that Ukraine announce investigations into his perceived enemies, including former Vice President Joe Biden and his son Hunter Biden, who had worked for a Ukrainian energy firm while his father was in office. Bolton’s explosive account of the matter at the center of Trump’s impeachment trial was included in drafts of a manuscript he has circulated in recent weeks to close associates. He also sent a draft to the White House for a standard review process for some current and former administration officials who write books.In his new book, John Bolton says Donald Trump definitely tied Ukraine funds to the probe of Joe Biden. |
| Dateline: Tally Assignment editors — Gov. DeSantis will make a major announcement, 1 p.m., Omni Middle School, 5775 Jog Road, Boca Raton.Assignment editors — Lt. Gov. Jeanette Núñez and State Surgeon General Dr. Scott Rivkees will hold a news conference to highlight the role the Florida Department of Health has in identifying and helping victims of human trafficking, 10 a.m., Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County, Room 401, 1350 NW 14 Street, Miami.“Criminal investigation of CFO given to state attorney” via Lawrence Mower of the Tampa Bay Times — Lawyers for Leon County State Attorney Jack Campbell will now be the fourth agency to handle the investigation into whether CFO Jimmy Patronis illegally released a woman’s sexual harassment complaint for political reasons. Campbell said the Florida Department of Law Enforcement recently handed off its case to him to avoid the appearance of conflicts of interest with the Patronis. As a member of the Cabinet, Patronis is one of four votes to hire the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s boss. The decision was unusual, Campbell said.“José Oliva slammed ‘big pharma’ on day 1 — but on rising insulin prices, House won’t act” via Samantha Gross of the Miami Herald — In the Florida House, where Oliva slammed pharmaceutical companies in his opening day speech for “financially assault[ing]” patients and consumers, a bill to place $100 caps on co-payments for insulin will not pass this year. In fact, it won’t even get a hearing. Rep. Cary Pigman, chair of the Health Market Reform Subcommittee, said he won’t be putting it onto the agenda this year. And Oliva, despite his opening day comments, told reporters he doesn’t support the idea, either. When prices are capped, “someone has to pay,” he said, referring to the pharmaceutical companies.José Oliva slams ‘big pharma,’ but the House is doing nothing about skyrocketing insulin prices.“The slow grind for criminal justice reform in Florida” via Zac Anderson of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune — Few public policy issues have generated more buzz in recent years, as lawmakers around the nation have engaged in a wholesale rethinking of how the legal system deals with criminals, especially lower-level offenders. Top GOP leaders in the Florida Legislature have championed the issue, with several new proposals put forward for the 60-day Legislative Session. A bill that would change drug sentencing laws is close to passing the Florida Senate. The measure, sponsored by Sen. Rob Bradley, has advanced through three Senate committees with unanimous support. But similar legislation has yet to receive a committee hearing in the Florida House, illustrating a big divide between the chambers — and within the GOP — on the criminal justice issue.“At Capitol, Roe v. Wade anniversary marked by cheers and despair” via Claire McNeill of the Tampa Bay Times — Lauren Brenzel, a Planned Parenthood organizer, knelt down in the crowded Florida Senate committee room, where lawmakers would soon file in. Don’t be scared, she reassured. Her group had asked for enforced decorum at this hearing, the final stop for a controversial bill bound for the full Senate. It would require minors who want an abortion to get notarized parental consent or a judge’s approval to bypass it. It also happened to be the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, marking 47 years of legal abortions and attempts to curtail them. Last year, Florida had been the only conservative-led state in the South not to tighten abortion access. Its leaders did not plan to repeat the omission.“LGBTQ advocates to highlight need for statewide anti-discrimination protections” via Sarah Mueller of Florida Politics — Sen. Shevrin Jones and Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith, both openly gay Democrats, plan to speak out against a spate of bills filed at the last minute that could scale back protections for the LGBTQ community. Republican lawmakers proposed several bills hours before the 2020 Legislative Session filing deadline, which critics say could thwart anti-discrimination protections. The bill sponsors deny they are targeting people based on sexual orientation or gender identity and some have made changes to accommodate concerns. Two of the House bills have made it through initial committee stops, while others have yet to be heard.“Nick DiCeglie boasts banner week in Tallahassee” via Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics — In an email, the Indian Rocks Beach Republican touted several priorities that made progress. That includes an appropriations request (HB 2653) that would allocate $750,000 to the Central Florida Behavioral Network’s Pinellas County Marchman Act to provide 10 additional beds to individuals taken into custody under the Marchman Act, a policy that allows law enforcement officers to transport transient individuals under the influence to a facility in lieu of arresting them. “We still continue to have a serious opioid epidemic issue along with mental health issues and this is just one way for me to be in tune with the needs of our county. This kind of gives some help to these folks,” DiCeglie said.Pharmacists rally for PBM reform — More than a hundred pharmacists gathered at The Capitol for a rally to advocate for legislation that would reform Florida’s pharmacy benefit manager system. Supporters of the legislation say that the reforms are necessary to prevent PBMs from “steering” patients away from the pharmacy of their choice, forcing them to use chain pharmacies owned by the PBM. Sen. José Javier Rodriguez and Rep. Jackie Toledo spoke at the rally and shared the importance of bringing added transparency and accountability to the industry. Tallahassee oncologist Dr. Paresh Patel joined legislators and pharmacists and shared the impact PBMs have on patients, which often creates unnecessary treatment delays and denials. There are currently several PBM bills under consideration by state lawmakers.José Javier Rodriguez speaks at a rally about the need for transparency and PBM reform. |
| Legislation “Hillsborough teachers’ union leader: Jamie Grant bill would ‘cripple’ unions” via Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics — Stephanie Baxter-Jenkins is the executive director for the Hillsborough teacher’s union. She described the latest “union-busting” legislation as a clear indication certain lawmakers are targeting teachers’ unions. “This state has shown very clearly over time that it is very intent on privatizing the public-school system,” Baxter-Jenkins said. “If you cripple the FEA it allows us to have less voice and less power in other means and I think it’s very clear that they would like to see that happen.” At issue is a bill (HB 1) sponsored by Rep. Jamie Grant requiring public unions including teacher, police and fire unions, to collect signed authorization forms from employees indicating their desire to join the union and pay the required dues.James Grant’s bill would be devastating, says the head of the Hillsborough teachers’ union.“Lawmakers consider rules on naming college arenas” via Bobby Caina Calvan with The Associated Press — Florida’s public colleges and universities may have to ask permission from the Legislature before they can rename sports arenas and other facilities after companies who are willing to pay for the right. College officials came under sharp questioning by a House education panel looking into curbing the practice. Rep. Randy Fine, the chair of the Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee, questioned the practice. “We’re not talking about philanthropic motivations,” Fine said. “We’re not talking about donors. We are not talking about people who are trying to do the right thing. We are talking about commercial identity, business transactions that are driven by a desire for marketing.”“Florida weighs pet store rules that could toss out local ‘puppy mill’ bans” via Ryan Gillespie of the Orlando Sentinel — Fueled by lobbying and at least $160,000 in campaign contributions from a major pet retailer, Florida lawmakers could wipe from the books dozens of local laws that ban the sale of dogs and cats from high-volume “puppy mills.” Animal welfare groups say the bills — which bring forth regulations for animal care, documentation and socialization — are largely unenforceable since most animals come to stores from out of state. Miami Republicans Rep. Bryan Avila and Sen. Manny Diaz filed the bills — and have yet to have a hearing scheduled; welfare groups are vowing to kill the bill. Avila’s bill calls for stores to sell animals from qualified or hobby breeders, animal rescues and shelters, as well as other pet stores or brokers.“Bills would switch enforcement of Airbnb restrictions to Tallahassee” via Martin Vassolo of the Miami Herald — If the legislation passes in its current form, the state’s Department of Business and Professional Regulation would regulate most short-term rentals and take over local licensing and inspection powers that currently belong to local governments. The legislation includes a grandfather clause narrowly protecting local prohibitions of short-term rentals, but “expressly preempts the regulation of vacation rentals, including their inspection and licensing, to the state,” according to a summary analysis of Senate Bill 1128, sponsored by Sen. Diaz. |
| Today in Capitol The House Gaming Control Subcommittee meets to consider HB 991 from Rep. Will Robinson, which would require the Florida Lottery to place the message “PLAY RESPONSIBLY” on advertising and lottery tickets, 1 p.m., Room 212, Knott Building.The Senate Education Committee meets to consider SB 1688 from Sen. Gayle Harrell, which seeks to change voluntary prekindergarten and school-readiness programs, 1:30 p.m., Room 412, Knott Building.The Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee meets to consider SPB 7046, which seeks to make changes in the health-insurance program for state employees, 1:30 p.m., Room 301, Senate Office Building.The Senate Innovation, Industry and Technology Committee meets to consider SB 1256 from Sen. Ben Albritton, which seeks to eliminate rules about telegraph companies from state laws, 1:30 p.m., Room 110, Senate Office Building.The House Ways & Means Committee meets to consider HB 6057 from Chairman Bryan Avila, which seeks to repeal a program that outlines how state dollars become available to help build and renovate pro sports stadiums, 3:30 p.m., Morris Hall, House Office Building.The Senate Community Affairs Committee meets to consider SB 1336 from Sen. Keith Perry, which seeks to preempt local occupational licensing, 4 p.m., Room 301, Senate Office Building.The Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee meets to consider SB 1450 from Sen. Joe Gruters, which seeks to increase penalties for various environmental violations, 4 p.m., Room 37, Senate Office Building.The Senate Ethics and Elections Committee meets to consider a proposed constitutional amendment (SJR 1216), from Gruters, which would establish 12-year term limits for county school board members, 4 p.m., Room 412, Knott Building.The Senate Infrastructure and Security Committee meets to consider SB 1352 from Sen. Jeff Brandes, which seeks to allow digital advertising on vehicles in ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft, 4 p.m., Room 110, Senate Office Building.The Senate Special Order Calendar Group meets to set its special-order calendar, to determine which bills will be heard on the Senate floor, 15 minutes after committee meetings end.Happening today — United Way’s Children’s Week and Florida Senior Day events begin to raise awareness and educate about the legislative process, 8 a.m., Capitol Complex.Happening today — 2020 Caribbean Heritage Day Celebration, 8 a.m., 22nd floor, The Capitol.Happening today — The Department of State Florida Main Street program will host an exhibit table highlighting the achievements of its 47 main street communities. Representatives from each of the Main Street Districts will be in the Capitol to interact with their legislative delegation, 8 a.m., Capitol Plaza Rotunda.Happening today — The Florida Association of School Administrators’ welcome reception for members and legislators, 2 p.m., 22nd floor, The Capitol.Happening today — Florida Gulf Coast University President Mike Martin and members of the Tallahassee Alumni Chapter host the 2020 FGCU Day At The Capitol welcome reception, 5 p.m. — cocktail reception in the Senate Chamber of the Historic Capitol; 5:30 p.m., president’s remarks, and the Water School presentation. |
| Statewide “Florida death penalty experts concerned about court ruling” via Tamara Lush of The Associated Press — A Florida Supreme Court decision involving the death penalty has thrown between 100 to 150 cases into legal limbo. The court said it erred in 2016 when it ruled a jury must be unanimous in deciding a defendant convicted of murder should be sentenced to death. “No one knows how broadly the court will attempt to apply it,” said Robert Dunham of the Washington, D.C.-based Death Penalty Information Center. “And there are serious constitutional issues for all of the cases for which relief is being taken away.” Under current law, defendants still need a unanimous jury decision to receive the death penalty.“Ashley Moody ready to take on human traffickers as Florida hosts Pro Bowl, Super Bowl LIV” via Mike Synan of Florida Daily — Moody said Florida is about to see increased human trafficking. The key to cracking down on it will be enlisting the public’s help. In particular, law enforcement has been working with truckers. Moody said interstate highways are the main arteries to bring victims into the state. Law enforcement is reaching out to other groups as well. “We have partnered with Uber to train their drivers to be able to spot the signs of human trafficking because we have seen success stories where Uber drivers heard the conversation, later reported it to law enforcement and victims were saved,” Moody said.Attorney General Ashley Moody is ready to take on human trafficking during the Pro Bowl and Super Bowl.“Legislature hears from unions on impasse in state worker contract negotiations” via James Call of the Tallahassee Democrat — Union leaders seemed to convince one powerful Senate Republican on the Joint Select Committee on Collective Bargaining to back their effort for a salary increase of some kind. But despite garnering support from Sen. Ed Hooper, the Clearwater Republican who chairs the panel, workers still need to convince two of three key players to back a pay hike. Both House Speaker Oliva and GOP Gov. DeSantis have declined to support an across-the-board pay hike. And the strongest position Senate President Bill Galvano has taken is to say the issue is “on the table.” |
| The boy who loves sharks Friday was a quiet day in the Capitol, but a young man from Wisconsin was on hand to show support for a bill that would ban the sale, import, and export of shark fins.— The bill — HB 401, sponsored by Coconut Creek Democrat Rep. Kristin Jacobs, is one stop away from the House floor.— The deal — 13-year-old Lucas Dietzler read about sharks and wanted to help. His mother, Michelle Dietzler, told him that if he could raise $1,000, she would take him to Florida so he could make a charitable donation himself. Nearly $1,200 later, he’s still going.Lucas Dietzler is enlisting in the fight against selling shark fins.— The meetings — Lucas gave the money to Stefanie Brendl of Shark Allies, a global nonprofit dedicated to shark preservation. He also met with Jacobs. And he got a tour of the House and Senate chambers. Best of all: he got to sit in DeSantis’ chair.And he’s not done: Still raising money. Still selling T-shirts, which shark supporters can buy here: Sharks Are Misunderstood. |
| Mother Nature “Vern Buchanan urges Ron DeSantis to protect the Florida panther during Heartland Parkway construction” via Florida Daily — In a letter to DeSantis, Buchanan noted the 140-mile proposed highway from Polk to Collier Counties will run directly into the habitat of the panther. Construction is expected to begin by 2022. The greatest threat to the endangered animal is being run over by cars. Four panthers already have been killed in collisions so far this year. Buchanan urged DeSantis to instruct his state Department of Transportation to devise ways to avoid fatal disruptions to the panther’s habitat. One of the best ways to protect the animal would be to create overpasses or underpasses, a type of wildlife corridor, that provides a safe way for the animals to navigate a highway.Vern Buchanan called on Ron DeSantis to add protections for Florida panthers in the new Heartland Parkway project. |
| 2020 “Bernie Sanders seizes lead in volatile Iowa race, Times poll finds” via Jonathan Martin and Sydney Ember of The New York Times — Sanders gained six points since the last Times-Siena survey, in late October, and is now capturing 25 percent of the vote in Iowa. Pete Buttigieg and Biden have remained stagnant since the fall, with Buttigieg capturing 18 percent and Biden 17 percent. The rise of Sanders has come at the expense of fellow progressive Elizabeth Warren: she dropped from 22 percent in the October poll, enough to lead the field, to 15 percent in this survey. Amy Klobuchar, who is garnering 8 percent, is the only other candidate approaching double digits.Bernie Sanders takes the lead in a wildly volatile Iowa race.“Sanders supporters have weaponized Facebook to spread angry memes about his Democratic rivals” via Craig Timberg and Isaac Stanley-Becker of The Washington Post — The volume and viciousness of the memes reflect how Facebook identifies and rewards emotionally charged content to generate reactions from its billions of users. That serves the company’s ad-driven business model, which equates engagement with profit. But it also, in the view of experts who study Facebook’s effect on political speech, distorts democratic debate by confirming biases, sharpening divisions and elevating the glib visual logic of memes over a reasoned discussion. Facebook’s “algorithm not only aggregates people, it activates people in a way that accentuates extremism,” said George Washington University professor Steven Livingston, director of the university’s Institute for Data, Democracy and Politics. “It inflames passions. It inflames the nature of the discourse.”“Joe Biden’s confounding candidacy” via Walter Shapiro of The New Republic — The traditional justification for the privileged position of the Iowa caucuses is that, unlike primaries, they measure the enthusiasm of party activists. Crowd size is often overhyped in politics, but turnout at candidate events matters in Iowa and New Hampshire. The respected Iowa Poll, conducted earlier this month, found that 33 percent of Democrats say that an “extremely important” factor in making their decision is how a “candidate has engaged with caucusgoers at events.” Biden supporters would argue that turnout at town meetings represents a flawed gauge since Iowa voters know him so well. But Sanders is also a familiar political figure — and yet he still draws huge crowds. The Impeachment Factor also hangs over the Biden campaign.“Why a Parkland parent is cutting ads for Biden but not endorsing him” via Alex Daugherty of the Miami Herald — A week after his daughter, Jaime, was killed in the nation’s deadliest high school shooting, Fred Guttenberg got a call from Biden. Two years later, that conversation became the basis for a four-minute video released by the Biden campaign. Guttenberg said: “He is someone who did reach out, who engaged me on a personal level on how to go forward and get through grief, what days would look like and what to expect.” But, like many Democrats, he’s not willing to offer a formal endorsement of anyone in the 2020 presidential race. “What’s amazing about them putting this out there, he did that knowing I haven’t endorsed him.”“Mike Bloomberg heads to Florida in search of Jewish voters” via Sally Goldenberg of POLITICO — Bloomberg made a direct appeal to Florida’s active Jewish voting base, seeking to differentiate himself from both Sanders and Trump on the delicate issue of Mideast politics. “Now, I know I’m not the only Jewish candidate in the race. But I am the only one who doesn’t want to turn America into a kibbutz,” he quipped in a thinly-veiled jab at Sanders, who is Jewish and has emerged in recent years as the standard-bearer for the left flank of the Democratic Party. “As president, I will always have Israel’s back. I will never impose conditions on our military aid, including missile defense — no matter who is the prime minister. And I will never walk away from our commitment to guarantee Israel’s security.”Tweet, tweet:“Reggie Cardozo among new hires for Bloomberg presidential campaign” via Florida Politics — Cardozo will join the Bloomberg team as a Florida Senior Adviser. Cardozo served as a State Director for Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign in 2016. … The campaign is also adding Ron Bilbao as Deputy State Director, Caroline Rowland as Communications Director, Brandon Philipczyk as Operations Manager and Maria Bilbao as Digital Director.“Republican campaign presence in Florida to grow as part of expanded swing state plan” via David Smiley of the Miami Herald — No matter who Democrats nominate to run against Trump this summer, Republicans believe they have a better candidate and a better campaign operation — both of which were on display this week as the Republican National Committee held its annual winter conference in Doral. The GOP approved an expansion of the Republican ground game across 18 target states by the beginning of next month. “Our data-driven field operation is the largest in party history, and by February we will be up to 700 staff across our 18 target states and thousands of more trained volunteers,” RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel said.“Deadline approaching for presidential primary voter registration” via Timothy Fanning of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune — The last day to register or update your party affiliation to be eligible to vote in the presidential primary is Feb. 18, the Sarasota County Supervisor of Elections has announced. The primary is March 17. Voters should confirm before Feb. 18 that they are registered to vote and that their information is current, said Ron Turner, the supervisor of elections. Voters can check their eligibility at SarasotaVotes.com by clicking “voter information” in the main menu and then on “voter lookup” and following the instructions. Because Florida is a closed primary state, voters are eligible to vote only for candidates of their registered party in a primary election. |
| Peachy “Republicans decry impeachment as ‘boring’ in an attempt to swiftly dismiss charges against Trump” via Toluse Olorunnipa and Robert Costa of The Washington Post — “I’ve not heard anything new,” said Sen. Rick Scott. Scott was among 53 Republican Senators who voted 10 times last week to block new evidence and witness testimony, effectively stripping the proceedings of potential novelty and allowing Trump’s allies to publicly portray the trial as uninteresting and unimportant. It’s a defense strategy aimed at convincing the public that the third impeachment trial in U.S. history is not worth their time while avoiding substantive questions about Trump’s alleged misconduct, said Heather Cox Richardson, who teaches history at Boston College. “It’s definitely a strategy to try to get people to not pay attention. One of the reasons they’re saying ‘This is stupid and boring’ is because they don’t want people to watch.”Donald Trump’s personal attorney Jay Sekulow, center, stands with his son, Jordan Sekulow, left, and White House Counsel Pat Cipollone, at the Capitol during Trump’s impeachment trial.“Bill McCollum thinks Republican refusal of impeachment witnesses would be a mistake” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics — Republican former U.S. Rep. McCollum, who served as a House impeachment manager in the 1999 impeachment of President Bill Clinton, does not think witnesses would make any difference in the impeachment trial of Trump but Republicans would make a political mistake by refusing to allow them. McCollum, speaking at the Tiger Bay Club of Central Florida, said he does not believe Democrats have a winning legal case against Trump. “I just don’t think there is a case here. And if you were to ask me to vote on summary judgment or dismissal, and I was a Senator … I would vote to get rid of it right now simply because I don’t think it is there.” |
| D.C. matters “Adam Schiff ‘has not paid the price’ for impeachment, Donald Trump says in what appears to be veiled threat” via Felicia Sonmez and Elise Viebeck of The Washington Post — “Shifty Adam Schiff is a CORRUPT POLITICIAN, and probably a very sick man,” Trump tweeted. “He has not paid the price, yet, for what he has done to our Country!” Schiff, chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, is the lead impeachment manager in the Senate trial. Schiff responded in an interview on NBC News’s “Meet the Press,” saying he believes Trump’s remarks were intended as a threat. “This is a wrathful and vindictive president; I don’t think there’s any doubt about it,” Schiff said in the interview. “And if you think there is, look at the President’s tweets about me today, saying that I should ‘pay a price.’”In a not-so-veiled threat, Donald Trump suggests Adam Schiff will pay a ‘price’ for pushing impeachment.“’I am fighting for you’: Trump rallies anti-abortion activists in unprecedented appearance at the March for Life” via David Nakamura of The Washington Post — Trump became the first President to attend the March for Life event in Washington, expressing solidarity with tens of thousands of conservative and evangelical voters that his campaign considers a core constituency for his reelection bid. Trump made no mention of the ongoing Senate impeachment proceedings taking place just blocks away at the Capitol as he addressed throngs of anti-abortion activists on the Mall. But his relatively brief appearance offered an implicit split-screen for a President who has been consumed with the Democrats’ efforts to oust him. “Unborn children have never had a stronger defender in the White House. They are coming after me because I am fighting for you,” Trump declared. |
| Local “Council auditor: JEA didn’t tell the ‘entire story’ in presentation to city Council” via David Bauerlein of the Florida Times-Union — Even as JEA seeks to regain public trust, the City Council Auditor’s Office issued a memo that raised new questions about how JEA executives presented information Dec. 9 to a City Council committee when negotiations to potentially sell JEA were still going full-bore. Those questions will come up again when a newly created City Council investigative committee spends at least the next four months examining a host of issues swirling around JEA. “I think if we know anything, it’s that JEA leadership at the time was incredibly selective about what they shared with council and the (JEA) board,” said City Council member Rory Diamond.“Seminole Tax Collector Joel Greenberg accused of soliciting hacker to attack county computers” via Lauren Ritchie of the Orlando Sentinel — Greenberg, who gave $3.5 million in high-salary jobs and lucrative contracts to friends after his election, asked one of them to attack the county’s computers and demand a $500,000 ransom paid in Bitcoin, records from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement say. Brent Tyler, 30, a network security specialist on contract with Greenberg, told authorities the tax collector in mid-2017 offered to “tumble” the cryptocurrency through several Bitcoin wallets to hide its origin, then split it 50-50 with him — a quarter-million dollars each. Tyler gave a sworn account to agents of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, but they decided an investigation would be fruitless because it was Tyler’s word against Greenberg’s.Joel Greenberg is accused of calling on a hacker to help him manipulate bitcoin, and split the profits.“New St. Johns County administrator took an ‘unorthodox’ path to the top” via Sheldon Gardner of the St. Augustine Record — Hunter Conrad took the reins as interim county administrator and was offered the permanent position after about a month on the job. Conrad acknowledged that he’s had an “unorthodox” career thus far, one that led him from working at a church to taking over the top government position in St. Johns County. “I’m very appreciative for the opportunities that I’ve been given,” Conrad said. “But I believe 100% … that God has opened the doors for me and allowed me to be in positions. And now he can close those doors tomorrow. But that’s why I constantly use the word humbled and honored because I recognize that these are great positions of authority, and with great responsibility comes great expectation.”“Is there a better chance of avoiding the flu virus in South Florida? Yes, but …” via Kimberly Miller of the Palm Beach Post — In the subtropics, the same humidity-soaked air that clings to skin, also gloms onto virus particles, weighing them down so that they fall to the ground faster than in a cool, dry atmosphere where they float like dandelion seeds in a breeze. It’s a concept that works so well in the lab that University of Florida scientists use a machine to add water vapor to the air so they can increase their successes at collecting the bloated virus particles. However, for the general population of Florida who live and travel in artificially-controlled environments, the protection of a moisture-anchored virus particle may as well be flu folklore akin to tales of colds caught from having wet hair in a winter storm. |
| Brevard’s shady investments Brevard Public Schools inadvertently invested millions of taxpayer dollars in banks that made questionable investments, including laundering money for Mexican drug cartels and businesses that dealt with suspected terrorists to evade U.S. sanctions, according to a FLORIDA TODAY review.Handling the district’s investments were a third-party contractor, PFM Asset Management LLC, which fully complied with state law governing financial responsibilities of local and state agencies. The state of Florida requires school boards to manage its money responsibly; beyond that, however, there is little oversight on the ethics of individual investments.Findings show the money was not directly used for illicit activities. Still, school leaders issued a statement to Florida Today saying the district is discussing changes with the management company, “including divesting (from the banks) and updating the district’s investment policy.”BPS would “never knowingly” invest in banks whose practices could damage the credibility of the district, the statement said, and it is dedicated to the safety and welfare of its students.Although a quick online search revealed the issue, nobody previously investigated where the money was going. This illustrates a challenge for public agencies, which are pressured to find risk-free return investments while making sure those investments remain ethical.In the BSD’s most recent quarterly investment report, FLORIDA TODAY found that $7.5 million was used for short-term securities with the financial groups Cooperatieve Rabobank, HSBC Holdings PLC and BNP Paribas. Another $3.75 million was invested with Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group and U.S. Bancorp, the parent company of U.S. Bank.Each of those firms faced major fines in recent years — some in the billions of dollars — for shady deals such as with Mexican drug traffickers and money laundering. |
| Top opinion “Rick Scott and Marco Rubio, show some spine. Stop the stonewall on impeachment witnesses.” via the Palm Beach Post editorial board — Do the Senators wish to be part of a trial that genuinely seeks to get to the truth for the American people? Or do they want a show trial that lets Trump off the hook as quickly as they can plausibly claim to have exonerated a martyr to Democrats’ overreach? Over and over, Trump’s Republican defenders have derided the House Democrats’ impeachment case as thin because it contains no testimony from firsthand participants in Trump’s shakedown of Ukraine’s government to further his own personal ends. They neglect to mention that Trump barred all members of his administration from testifying or releasing any documents — a breathtaking snub of Congress. They’re not just protecting Trump. They’re keeping the American people in the dark. |
| More opinions “Trump’s lawyers are absolutely entitled to their own facts” via Dana Milbank of The Washington Post — The late Daniel Patrick Moynihan famously said that “everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not to his own facts.” Moynihan was wrong. Very likely a majority of Senators will, with their votes to acquit, conclude that Trump and his lawyers are perfectly entitled to their own facts. There was a familiar invective from Trump’s lawyers. But their arguments were surprisingly lawyerly, and they at least attempted to mount a serious defense of the president. “You’ve heard you’re not going to hear facts from the president’s lawyers,” White House Counsel Pat Cipollone said. “That’s all we’ve done.” This was true — if you subscribe to Kellyanne Conway’s “alternative facts” theory of epistemology.“Lori Berman: Screening kids now prevents vision problems later” via Florida Politics — Did you know that Amblyopia, more commonly known as “lazy eye,” is the number one cause of preventable, yet permanent, vision loss in children in the U.S.? To help provide resources for parents and guardians, the For-Eye Foundation, the charitable arm of the Florida Society of Ophthalmology, will host a free vision screening for children on Tuesday from 8 to 11 a.m. at the Florida Capitol. Parents and guardians can register their children for a screening, meet with the ophthalmologist providing the screenings, and learn more about the resolution to make August Amblyopia Awareness month on-site at the For-Eye Care Foundation table, located on the 2nd-floor Rotunda. |
| Movements “Nikki Fried names Erin Albury new Florida Forest Service director” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics — With Florida Forest Service Director Jim Karels set to retire, Fried has selected Karels’ second-in-command to serve as his replacement. Albury, who currently works as Karels’ Assistant Director, will take his place. Replacing Albury as Assistant Director will be Johnny Sabo, who serves as the agency’s Field Operations Bureau Chief. The FFS is a division of the Department of Agriculture, which Fried leads. The FFS is responsible for managing Florida’s timber and wildlife habitat and works to prevent and suppress wildfires on public land throughout the state.Nikki Fried selected Erin Albury as the next State Forester and Director of the Florida Forest Service. Johnny Sabo will succeed Albury as assistant director.New and renewed lobbying registrations:Doug Bell, Aimee Diaz Lyon, Metz Husband & Daughton: IBM Corporation, URACGreg Black, Waypoint Strategies: Astellas Pharma US, Health Diagnostic Management, Nicklaus Children’s Health SystemAlyssa Danielle Brown: Gainesville Area Chamber of CommerceRon Greenstein: Broward County, C3 Investment Group US, City of Oakland Park, EduTone, Emerald Coast Spa Academy, Florida First Kicks Foundation, Ohana Solutions, Seed & Bean Market, Storm Smart Industries, Warner Soccer, Whole Child LeonRobert Holroyd, Tripp Scott: Broward County Sheriff’s Office, Florida House ExperienceJohn MacIver: Division of Administrative HearingsDrew Medcalf: Florida Association of State TroopersScot Zajic: Safelite“Gary Ostrander, VP for research at Florida State, announces he’s stepping down in December” via Byron Dobson of the Tallahassee Democrat — Ostrander, vice president for research at Florida State University since May 2012, is stepping down at the end of the year. Ostrander, a noted researcher in biology, said he is returning to a faculty position at FSU’s College of Medicine. In his semester update to faculty, Ostrander noted 2020 was “a time to reflect on long-term goals and priorities,” adding he is entering his ninth year as vice president. “While this is a very rewarding and exciting position, I have always said that I would someday like to return to one of the very best jobs on this campus,” Ostrander said. |
| Aloe “The 34 best political movies ever made” via Ann Hornaday of The Washington Post — John Sayles — perhaps the greatest American political filmmaker of his or any generation — once wrote in Mother Jones that movies as disparate as “Rambo” and “Adventures in Babysitting” could be described as political, because “they served only to maintain the status quo, strengthen stereotyping, and push people apart.” He makes an excellent point: A political film can be great — or at least jarringly effective — even though it’s not political on purpose. 1. Mr. Smith Goes to Washington 2. All The President’s Men … 8. Mean Girls … 12. Wag the Dog … 14. A Face in the Crowd … 16. Election … 22. The Incredibles … 26. The Contender … 30. Milk … 34. The Queen.‘Mr. Smith Goes to Washington’ is ranked among the top political movies of all time. |
| Super Bowl’ing “’It’s a beautiful thing.’ Fans flock to Miami Beach for the Super Bowl Experience” via Isaiah Smalls of the Miami Herald — Fans representing their favorite teams journeyed to the Miami Beach Convention Center to get a first look at the Super Bowl Experience, complete with everything from NFL memorabilia to training camp-themed obstacle courses. “It’s a family-friendly environment,” said former Florida State wide receiver and Super Bowl 47 Champion Anquan Boldin. “I think there’s something for everybody to enjoy.” For the more seasoned NFL fans, the nostalgia was intoxicating. Blown-up images of past Super Bowls tickets lined the walls surrounding a stage where this year’s Vince Lombardi trophy sat. Cleats and jerseys from NFL players past and present adorned the booths. “Just seeing the history of football and interacting with everything, it’s been great,” said Shannon Napolitano.Fans are getting pumped up for Super Bowl LIV with the interactive Super Bowl Experience. |
| Six months to Tokyo “Tokyo enters final straight in Olympics preparations” via Jack Tarrant of Japan Today — Organizers are dealing with fewer issues than their counterparts did in the buildup to Rio four years ago. But a few challenges still remain before the opening ceremony on July 24 — including the city’s notoriously hot summer weather. Tokyo 2020 spokesman Masa Takaya told Reuters: “It has been a long journey, with some bumps here and there, but for the most part everything has gone well. Everything is where we wanted it to be with six months to go — sometimes in an even better place.” Noticeably different from Brazil is the weight of public support behind the Tokyo Games, with almost 4.5 million Olympics tickets having already been sold on the domestic market.Tokyo Olympics reach the 6-months-to-go mark with some fireworks.“Coronavirus spotlights Japan contagion risks as Olympics loom” via Rocky Swift of Reuters — The disease that has killed 17 people and infected almost 600 has already affected Olympics-related events in China, with the cancellation of boxing matches set for the city of Wuhan, seen as the epicenter of the outbreak, and women’s soccer qualifiers shifted to Nanjing. Although Japan has seen just one case, the outbreak highlights the risk of contagion given the millions of visitors expected for the Summer Games. “We have to be very careful about what kind of infectious diseases will appear at the Tokyo Olympics,” Kazuhiro Tateda, president of the Japanese Association for Infectious Diseases, told a briefing.“Surfing is coming to the Tokyo Olympics. For these women athletes, it’s the recognition they’ve been waiting for.” via Amanda Loudin of The Lily — Surfing will join karate, skateboarding, sport climbing and baseball/softball as debut sports when Japan lights the Olympic torch this summer. Surfing, which has a big following in Japan, will take place at Shidashita Beach, about 40 miles outside Tokyo. To ensure that the wave quality is where it needs to be, the Tokyo organizers have set aside a 16-day period, during which two days will be used for the event. While surfing has been a part of the American landscape for nearly 100 years, the spotlight has largely been devoid of women who surf. Its inclusion in the Olympics serves as the culmination of years of fighting for equality.“NBC partners with Snapchat on four daily shows for Tokyo Olympics” via Sarah Perez of TechCrunch — The companies had previously worked together during the Rio 2016 and Pyeongchang 2018 Olympics. The Pyeongchang Olympic Winter Games in 2018 reached over 40 million U.S. users, up 25% from the 2016 Rio Olympics. In addition, 95% of those users were under the age of 35. This younger demographic is getting harder to reach in the cord-cutting era, as many people forgo pay-TV subscriptions and traditional broadcast networks. That limits the reach of advertisers, impacting NBC’s bottom line. The Snap partnership helps to fix that, as it offers NBC Olympics a way to sell to advertisers who want to reach younger fans who don’t watch as much — or any — TV. |
| Happy birthday Belated best wishes to state Sen. Aaron Bean, Clearwater Mayor George Cretekos, Byron Dobson of the Tallahassee Democrat, one of our favorites, Jason Roth, Mark Sharpe, and Vinny Tafuro. Celebrating today is our dear friend Laura Boehmer of The Southern Group as well as Bryan Eastman, Cory Guzzo of Floridian Partners, and Deno Hicks. |
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THE FLIP SIDE
| View this email in your browser Monday, January 27, 2020March For Life“Donald Trump became the first U.S. president to attend the annual March for Life in Washington on Friday… the event [is] held annually around the anniversary of the Supreme Court’s landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that recognized a woman’s constitutional right to an abortion and legalized the procedure nationwide.” ReutersFrom the LeftThe left is critical of the pro-life movement’s embrace of Trump and opposed to further restrictions on abortion.“Just inside the security barricades, several groups of clipboard-toting campaign workers beseeched attendees to sign up for Trump’s mailing list. The Trump campaign also distributed signs to marchers that read ‘TEXT ‘LIFE’ TO 88022’; when I texted the number, the automated reply made no mention of abortion or ‘life,’ but asked me to ‘stand with President Trump against the FAKE NEWS!’… “For Trump, the demonstration functioned as a built-in rally—a captive audience of some of his most fervent, unconditional supporters just a few blocks from his house. It’s not hard to imagine why, in the middle of his impeachment trial, he’d want to spend a morning looking out on a beaming crowd of people in MAGA hats clutching posters with his face on them… It was hard to tell whether Trump or his fans got more out of his appearance on Friday.” Christina Cauterucci, Slate “The president has been claiming for some time that Democrats want to allow abortion ‘until the moment of birth.’ Trump also began claiming that Democrats want to legalize the killing of infants after they’re born, following confusing comments made by Gov. Ralph Northam of Virginia that some took as an endorsement of infanticide. In reality, no law in Virginia or anywhere else allows killing babies after they are born. No Democratic legislators support this. Doctors, meanwhile, say that patients do not request abortions during delivery or at ‘the moment of birth,’ nor do providers perform them.” Anna North, Vox “The moral message of [the pro-life movement] is simple and powerful: The fetus is a member of the human species from the time of conception; all members of the human species, no matter how small, weak, or dependent, possess innate dignity and hence a right to life… But a pro-life movement whose greatest political champion is Donald Trump has no hope for maintaining such a high-minded construal of its motives and priorities… [This is] a serial adulterer who’s repeatedly been accused of rape, who cheated on his wife with a porn star shortly after the birth of their son, and who has been caught on tape bragging about his facility at sexual assault… “The practical consequences for the movement are likely to be bad… as we’ve also seen with shifts in public opinion in favor of immigration over the past few years of nativist cruelty and xenophobia from the administration, Trump tends to turn people against the very causes he champions. By locking arms with a polarizing, deeply unpopular, and morally repulsive president, the pro-life movement is likely to end up losing at the very moment it feels closest to winning.” Damon Linker, The Week “Voters’ fury over Donald Trump’s agenda, which included rollbacks on abortion rights, combined with an influx of women and people of color running for office, led to Democratic wins in the midterm election. Democrats flipped seven governorships, six state legislative chambers, and more than 300 state House and Senate seats in 2018… “In 2019, more states passed proactive protections for abortion rights and expanded access than in any previous year. Ever. Illinois, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont all enacted laws that codify a fundamental right to make reproductive decisions, including abortion. Maine guaranteed both private and public insurance coverage for abortion, and Nevada repealed its pre-Roe abortion ban that made it a crime to provide an abortion or for a woman to self-manage her own… What we are learning—led by activists and advocates who are fighting the attacks on the front lines—is that we are more effective when we publicly proclaim our support for abortion access for all and stand strong to defend that position.” Andrea Miller, The Nation A Planned Parenthood medical director writes, “I recently took care of a West African patient who suffered many horrors as a political prisoner before fleeing her country, leaving behind her three children and sister. While trying to make her way to the United States, she endured additional horrors, including a rape that resulted in pregnancy… Despite all she had been through, she was determined to start her life over and, for her, ending the pregnancy was an integral part of that process… I understand fully the complexity that surrounds abortion care, but banning access to abortion and stigmatizing those who provide abortions hurts my patients and has lasting effects on the entire community’s health.” Serina Floyd, Washington PostFrom the RightThe right is encouraged by Trump’s appearance and supportive of increased restrictions on abortion.“The president has been a strong, unapologetic advocate for the unborn since the start of his term. In his first year alone, Trump reinstated the Mexico City policy preventing U.S. money sent abroad from going to abortion groups, nominated Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court, and directed the Department of Health and Human Services to recognize, for the first time ever in its four-year strategic plan, that life begins at conception… “Trump has [also] successfully appointed hundreds of pro-life judges to the federal bench, his administration has expanded the Obamacare contraception exemption, and due to changes the Trump administration made to Title X, Planned Parenthood withdrew from the program entirely. Trump may have been pro-choice earlier in life, but to say that he is a pro-life president is completely accurate.” Kimberly Ross, Washington Examiner “No president has ever attended the March for Life — not Ronald Reagan, not George H.W. Bush, not my old boss, George W. Bush. They all addressed the marchers remotely… The message to pro-life conservatives was clear: They were the black sheep of the Republican coalition. Their presence was tolerated because their votes were needed. But while Republican presidential candidates couldn’t win the nomination without declaring themselves pro-life, the GOP establishment not-so-secretly loathed pro-lifers… “Trump has done more than simply govern as a pro-life conservative; he has embraced pro-life conservatives without shame or hesitation. Want to know why so many Republicans don’t care about Trump’s ham-handed phone call with Ukraine’s president or his personal moral failings? Because he is an ally like no other in the fight to save innocent unborn lives.” Marc A. Thiessen, Washington Post “While most Democratic candidates for president have embraced extreme abortion positions, the majority of Americans haven’t… Support for limits on abortion cuts across party lines. Fewer than 4 in 10 Democrats support abortion at any time and for any reason, while 62% want some limitations on abortion and about half (49%) would limit abortion to the first three months of pregnancy at most. So would 69% of independents and 91% of Republicans.” Carl Anderson, Wall Street Journal Many argue that “Abortion is another social evil resulting from alienation… ending abortion will require us to make expectant mothers and the people in their lives not want to get an abortion and not feel the need to get an abortion… Pro-lifers need to work to make circumstances different for every pregnant woman considering abortion because of hardship… “Expectant mothers need medical care, they need money, they need housing, they need food. Those who choose to raise their children need cribs, diapers, money, and childcare. But we should think of these material needs as part of a bigger picture. If you have children, think of how you have gotten what you need. Many of the baby needs you got (a changing table, a diaper pail, onesies) probably came as gifts from a baby shower. Much of what you needed was wisdom and advice from your mother, your older sister, your neighbor. You may have relied on in-laws or next-door neighbors for free babysitting, especially in a pinch… It takes a village to save a child.” Timothy P. Carney, Washington Examiner “From the moment of conception, [the] unborn child possesses its own unique, human DNA. Whether it can be developmentally labeled as a zygote, an embryo or a fetus, it is scientifically, biologically distinct from the woman who carries it… Pro-choice advocates say the mother should decide whether she wants to allow her body to be used [to bear a child], and that she alone — in consultation with her doctor — should decide whether allowing this is in her physical or emotional interests… “Pro-lifers do not disagree with the moral premise of this argument insofar as it applies solely to the woman’s body. They do, however, take issue with the idea that the unborn child is simply part of the woman’s body. It is not; it is a separate — even if radically dependent — human being. Recognizing that there are two humans involved in this process is absolutely fundamental to making a fully informed moral decision about abortion’s legality.” Henry Olsen, Washington PostOn the bright side… German woman uses Tinder to find help after getting stuck at Europe’s most northern point.Fox NewsThe Flip Side team spends hours each night scanning the news, fact-checking, and debating one another, so your 5 minutes each morning can be well spent. If you’ve found value in our work, we welcome you to help sustain our efforts and expand our reach. Any support you can provide is greatly appreciated!Were you forwarded this by a friend? Sign up hereOur ArchivesShareTweetForwardCopyright © 2020 The Flip Side, All rights reserved. You can unsubscribe from this list here. |
THE WASHINGTON POST MORNING HEADLINES
| Sign up for this newsletterRead onlineThe morning’s most important stories, curated by Post editors. (NBAE via Getty Images)Monday’s Headlines: Kobe Bryant, a tireless competitor who became a global sports icon, dies at 41Bryant, known late in his career by the nickname “The Black Mamba,” was one of the smoothest and most dangerous shooters in the league. A five-time NBA champion and a two-time Olympic gold medalist, he was considered one of the greatest basketball players of his generation.By Kent Babb ● Read more » Bryant had left basketball behind. His daughter Gigi brought him back.The daughter of the former Lakers star wanted to carry on his hoops legacy.By Cindy Boren ● Read more » Bryant accomplished so much. It’s devastating to consider what he still had left to do.Bryant managed to achieve more than almost anyone could, and yet his story feels disturbingly incomplete.Perspective ● By Jerry Brewer ● Read more » Bryant’s death reverberates beyond sportsAthletes and fans were stunned as the death of someone who was larger than life in sports and culture began to register.By Rick Maese and Cindy Boren ● Read more » Democrats call for Bolton to testify in Trump trial after new report on aid to UkrainePresident Trump directly tied the holdup of nearly $400 million in military assistance to Ukraine to investigations of the Bidens, according to an unpublished manuscript of John Bolton’s forthcoming book, “The Room Where It Happened.”IMPEACHMENT TRIAL ● By Seung Min Kim, Felicia Sonmez and Josh Dawsey ● Read more » Keep your mouth shut, except to yawn: Oh, the trials of impeachmentThe days run together as senators doze, fidget and cough their way through history.IMPEACHMENT TRIAL ● By Avi Selk ● Read more » Emails support NPR host after Mike Pompeo calls her a liar in setting up contentious interviewThey indicate that the secretary of state’s press aide was aware that Mary Louise Kelly intended to ask him about several topics and the aide raised no objections, contrary to Pompeo’s characterization.By Paul Farhi ● Read more » Billie Eilish cleans up — but the Grammys are still a messPlagued by controversy, the Recording Academy recognized a new voice in Eilish, an 18-year-old pop phenom who won trophies for album of the year, song of the year, record of the year and best new artist.By Chris Richards ● Read more » Worries grow that China’s quarantine is not enough to stem increasingly virulent virusEven as the quarantine of more than 50 million people was being laid down, some 5 million people left Wuhan, the epicenter of the outbreak, according to the city’s mayor.By Gerry Shih and Simon Denyer ● Read more » Opinions Trump has created a global playbook to attack those who reveal uncomfortable truthsBy Edward Snowden ● Read more » The White House offers senators a false, and poisonous, choiceBy Fred Hiatt ● Read more » Trump’s selfishness harms you, tooBy E.J. Dionne ● Read more » We need to start paying attention to the fate of prisoners in Guantanamo BayBy Editorial Board ● Read more » America’s debt spree isn’t stopping. It might soon be too late.By Robert Samuelson ● Read more » Iowa is looking less like that clarifying moment Democrats had hoped forBy Karen Tumulty ● Read more » More NewsThree rockets crash into Baghdad’s U.S. Embassy compound, wounding oneThe attack highlighted the growing risks to U.S. missions in Iraq amid calls for an end to America’s military presence in the country.By Louisa Loveluck ● Read more » Bernie Sanders faces barrage of attacks from rivals as polls point to surge in early-voting statesOne competing campaign sent a message to supporters that the senator from Vermont could win the Democratic nomination, “a risk we can’t take.”Campaign 2020 ● By Chelsea Janes and Sean Sullivan ● Read more » In Iowa, a long and bruising hunt for a candidate to loveFor one mother and daughter, the search for caucus commitment took them through events, conversations and a weighing and reweighing of what mattered.Campaign 2020 ● By Jenna Johnson ● Read more » One of the biggest impacts of Brexit? An end to freedom of movement.E.U. citizens will need to apply to live and work in the United Kingdom.By Karla Adam and William Booth ● Read more » The Chiefs are bringing Native American imagery to the NFL’s biggest stageKansas City’s use of the “tomahawk chop” and other customs patterned after Native American traditions has attracted increased attention from Native American groups and indigenous rights advocates.Super Bowl LIV ● By Jacob Bogage ● Read more » Are hair dyes safe? Health worries are increasing interest in the go-gray style trend.New research raises some concerns about the possible risks from the chemicals.By Ronnie Cohen ● Read more » We think you’ll like this newsletterCheck out Lean & Fit for expert advice on how to eat right, get lean and stay fit, including curated healthy recipes every Wednesday. Sign up » |
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THE WASHINGTON TIMES
| Monday, January 27, 2020 |
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THE HILL
| © Getty Images Welcome to The Hill’s Morning Report. Happy Monday! Our newsletter gets you up to speed on the most important developments in politics and policy, plus trends to watch. Alexis Simendinger and Al Weaver are the daily co-creators, so find us @asimendinger and @alweaver22 on Twitter and recommend the Morning Report to your friends. CLICK HERE to subscribe! President Trump’s legal team today continues its defense in the ongoing Senate impeachment trial as Republicans weigh renewed calls to vote to subpoena witnesses and documents. After using only two of its allotted 24 hours on Saturday, Trump’s team will make a detailed case for acquittal over the next two days. Headlining the proceedings today will be legal scholar Alan Dershowitz, who is expected to lay out a constitutional argument in support of the president. Dershowitz’s presentation will take place as Trump’s team continues to push for a swift end to the trial, which could be wrapped up by the end of the week if senators decline to seek testimony from witnesses after posing trial questions in writing. A new report published Sunday night could complicate the issue of witnesses among a few Republican senators still teetering on the fence. The New York Times reported that former national security adviser John Bolton — among the most sought-after figures for the House managers and Senate Democrats — said in a draft of his forthcoming book that Trump resisted releasing nearly $400 million in aid to Ukraine unless the government promised an investigation into former Vice President Joe Biden and his son Hunter Biden. The claim contradicts the assertions by Trump, his legal team and his allies that the U.S. assistance authorized by Congress was temporarily withheld because of routine concerns about corruption in Ukraine. According to the Times, Bolton sent drafts of the manuscript to the White House for a standard review process. The reported allegation by Bolton may raise more questions for some GOP senators, including Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Mitt Romney (R-Utah), who have signaled an openness to hearing from witnesses. Others, including Sens. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), have said they wanted to keep an open mind about the possibility. The Hill’s Alexander Bolton reports that heading into the critical week, GOP leaders are confident they’ll hold the line against any vote for witnesses. While Collins and Romney may lean toward the idea, it’s doubtful Democrats could find four Republicans to get to a simple majority on such a motion. The Senate could vote on the question of debating additional witnesses and documents as soon as Wednesday. For now, Democrats have seized upon the news about Bolton. Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) again urged the GOP to call witnesses shortly after the news broke, as did the House managers, who called for Bolton to provide notes and relevant documents to senators. They added that there is “no defensible reason to wait until his book is published” to hear the information from Bolton (The Hill). “During our impeachment inquiry, the President blocked our request for Mr. Bolton’s testimony. Now we see why. The President knows how devastating his testimony would be, and, according to the report, the White House has had a draft of his manuscript for review. President Trump’s cover-up must come to an end,” the managers said in a statement. “Americans know that a fair trial must include both the documents and witnesses blocked by the President — that starts with Mr. Bolton.” Hours after the report about the manuscript emerged, Bolton’s book — titled “The Room Where It Happened” — appeared on Amazon with a release date set for March 17. The Hill: Trump denies telling Bolton Ukraine aid was tied to investigations. The Hill: Dershowitz: Democrats “completely failed” to meet constitutional standard. Sunday Shows: Spotlight shifts to Trump tweet, Senate trial witnesses. The Hill: Trump echoes impeachment team in assailing House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff (D-Calif.). Looking ahead, despite Bolton’s news, it remains virtually certain that the president will be acquitted of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, perhaps as early as this week. Politically, this would hand a fundraising gift to Republicans, who have said impeachment has been a winner for GOP campaign coffers. At the same time, it’s also been a boost for Democrats among progressive donors. The Washington Post: Trump wants a Senate Democrat to vote for acquittal. The White House eyes Democrat Joe Manchin of West Virginia, where voters backed Trump in 2016 by more than 40 points. The New York Times: “Get rid of her,” Trump told GOP donor associates of Rudy Giuliani in 2018, speaking about former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovich. A video recording was released on Saturday. NBC News: House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.) says he will miss the impeachment trial today to be with his wife, who is being treated for pancreatic cancer. © Getty Images LEADING THE DAYCAMPAIGNS & POLITICS: With the first-in-the-nation primary contest seen as up for grabs, the Democratic presidential field is wooing voters all over Iowa one week before the all-important caucuses. Candidates barnstormed through the weekend. But the national focus on the 2020 race was overshadowed last week by the impeachment trial, as three of the top contenders were confined to their Senate seats in Washington instead of shaking hands and posing for selfies in living rooms and coffee shops in wintery Iowa. As Niall Stanage writes in his latest memo, whoever takes home the Iowa prize next week will reshape the Democratic race instantaneously. As consequential as who wins will be how the non-winners fare, and in what order they follow. For example: If Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) defeats Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) heavily or vice versa, the victorious candidate will have the upper hand in being able to claim the mantle for progressives moving forward, especially with the New Hampshire primary taking place only eight days later. For centrists, Biden, who is still the national front-runner, would not be fatally damaged by a loss in Iowa, especially considering that progressives and insurgent candidates have fared well historically in the state. However, if he falls behind former South Bend, Ind., Mayor Pete Buttigieg or Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), it could be tough for him to climb out of that hole. According to the latest RealClearPolitics average, Biden and Sanders are in a statistical tie for the top spot at 21 percent and 20.6 percent, respectively. Buttigieg (17.6 percent) and Warren (16 percent) trail by only a couple points, while Klobuchar continues to sit in fifth place with 8 percent support. The Wall Street Journal: On day off from impeachment trial, senators campaign frantically in Iowa. The Associated Press: Who can topple Trump? Dems’ electability fight rages in Iowa. Politico: How record-high turnout in Iowa could upend the 2020 race. Of the front-runners, no one has been on more of a helium watch than Sanders, who has increasingly become a favorite to take home the Democratic nomination, according to The Hill’s Jonathan Easley. While Iowa remains anyone’s game, Sanders is the favorite to take home the New Hampshire primary on Feb. 11. With victories in both states, Sanders would cement himself as the front-runner for the nomination and send many within the Democratic Party running in search of Maalox. Sanders separated himself from the pack in a New York Times-Siena College poll of Iowa released over the weekend, one of the first to find a clear-cut leader in the Hawkeye State. In New Hampshire, a WBUR survey released this week found Sanders leading by 12 points over Buttigieg. At the national level, Sanders surpassed Biden in CNN’s latest nationwide survey — the first time Biden did not lead in that poll. While Sanders continues to trail Biden in Nevada and South Carolina, victories in the first two contests could put wins within reach in states that vote on Super Tuesday, where Sanders is positioned well. A new survey out of California, where more delegates are at stake than anywhere else, found Sanders with a 4-point lead over Biden, a sign of his popularity in a key Super Tuesday state. More than anything, Sanders seems to be on the upswing at the right time, having the most financial might of any non-billionaire in the race and a loud group of supporters, led by young voters, who are energized behind his candidacy. On the other hand, as Amie Parnes writes, Sanders could be facing a problem with women in his fight for the nomination, especially after high-profile tiffs with Warren and Hillary Clinton, his 2016 rival. Clinton slammed the Vermont Independent last week — a reminder of their long-simmering feud — raising questions about whether women disappointed that Clinton didn’t break the last glass ceiling in U.S. politics will hold a grudge against Sanders. “Securing votes from women will be an uphill struggle for Sanders,” said Democratic strategist Brad Bannon. “When there’s an argument between a male and female candidate, most voters will see the male candidate as a bully. So, his confrontation with Warren just before Iowa and New Hampshire comes at a bad time for Sanders.” The Associated Press: Biden’s “consensus” pitch faces the biggest test in Iowa. The New York Times: In crucial Pennsylvania, Democrats worry a fracking ban could sink them. With all eyes on the early voting states, it’s also worth noting that they are not the only places where voters will weigh in. Early voting has already started in two states and will take place in more than 10 states in February, including California (CBS News). The Washington Post: Michael Bloomberg pitches himself to Jewish Americans, in a presidential race with two very different Jewish candidates. The Wall Street Journal: Dems’ Iowa caucus voting app stirs security concerns. The New York Times: Bernie Sanders and his internet army. © Getty Images IN FOCUS/SHARP TAKESCHINA VIRUS: The alarming spread of a deadly coronavirus that has killed 81 people in China and sickened more than 2,700 in a single month is deepening fears of a pandemic (Reuters and The New York Times). In China, the virus is spreading rapidly, prompting new warnings from health officials and concern from President Xi Jinping as the nation of 1.4 billion people races to contain the outbreak. The government in Beijing is now enforcing a travel ban in 16 cities covering more than 50 million people, roughly equivalent to the population of Spain (The Washington Post). Complicating efforts to halt the spread is a medical assessment that unsuspecting patients may be without symptoms for as long as two weeks after being infected. The State Department consulate in China closest to the epicenter of the outbreak will evacuate its personnel and some private citizens to San Francisco aboard a charter flight on Tuesday (The Los Angeles Times). As of Sunday, five patients in the United States, all of whom traveled to Wuhan, China, have been diagnosed with the newly identified organism, which causes pneumonia and other respiratory illness. Health officials expect to see more cases in the United States but believe the virus has not spread from person to person here (The Associated Press). Travelers from the Hubei province in China where the outbreak began are barred as of today from traveling to Hong Kong as officials work to stop the spread (Reuters). U.S. colleges and universities that maintain study-abroad programs in China and enroll international students from Asia are weighing health risks and communicating with students and their parents (The Washington Post). ***WHITE HOUSE & ADMINISTRATION: Trump will meet today in separate bilateral sessions at the White House with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Gen. Benny Gantz, who is challenging Netanyahu in an unprecedented third Israeli election on March 2 (The New York Times). Trump’s long-awaited secret plan for Middle East peace is to be reviewed by the prime minister, now a scandal-hobbled leader at home, and by Gantz. Trump, working to gain the support of Jewish voters and allies of Israel, boasts that he is the contemporary American president who has done the most for Israel (The Hill). © Getty Images > IRS: The second tax filing season under the 2017 GOP tax law begins today with continued confusion among tax filers about the size of refunds, or worse, money they unexpectedly owed last time. Tax preparers are split over whether taxpayer anxiety and frustration over refunds will persist this season, and the administration is watching closely during an election year (The Hill). OPINIONIowa is looking less and less like that clarifying moment Democrats had hoped for, by Karen Tumulty, columnist, The Washington Post. https://wapo.st/36x2JXY Evangelicals’ political soul searching must transcend Trump, by Marik von Rennenkampff, opinion contributor, The Hill. https://bit.ly/2GqoQER WHERE AND WHEN📺 Hill.TV’s “Rising” program features Matt Karp, contributing editor at Jacobin; Toure, host of “The Toure Show”; and Kevin Sabet, president of Smart Approaches to Marijuana. Coverage at http://thehill.com/hilltv or on YouTube at 10:30 a.m. ET at Rising on YouTube. The House meets at 2 p.m. The Senate convenes today at 1 p.m. to continue the impeachment trial. The president this morning will welcome Netanyahu to the White House for bilateral meetings, accompanied by Vice President Pence and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Trump, Pence and Pompeo will separately hold a bilateral meeting with Gantz, chairman of Israel’s Blue and White Party. The president will have lunch with the vice president. In the afternoon, Trump will participate in the ceremonial swearing-in of the administrator of the Small Business Administration, Jovita Carranza. Pence hosts a “Lunar New Year celebration” and swears in new members of the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders at 2 p.m. in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. He will be joined by Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross and Labor Secretary Eugene Scalia. He’ll also join the president during Carranza’s swearing-in. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin is in Poland to lead the U.S. delegation at 9:30 a.m. ET to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau German death camp. You’re invited to The Hill’s Thursday newsmaker event, “A More Perfect Union?” from 8 to 11 a.m. in Washington. Speakers include Reps. Will Hurd (R-Texas), Veronica Escobar (D-Texas) and Greg Stanton (D-Ariz.). Information is HERE. ELSEWHERE➔ Kobe Bryant: The former NBA star, 41, who died in a helicopter crash with his 13-year-old daughter Gianna, and seven others on Sunday 30 miles northwest of Los Angeles, is being mourned by fellow athletes, sports fans, celebrities, politicians in his state, and the 44th and 45th presidents. The crash remains under investigation (NBC News). Bryant, who retired in 2016, had one of the greatest careers in recent pro basketball history and became one of the game’s most popular players as the face of the 16-time NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers franchise. He was the league MVP in 2008 and a two-time NBA scoring champion, and he earned 12 selections to the NBA’s All-Defensive teams (The Associated Press). © Getty Images ➔ State watch: Hundreds of counties and other localities are declaring themselves “Second Amendment sanctuaries” to protect their local governments from enforcing laws officials assert infringe on the Second Amendment (The Hill). … Virginia Democrats advanced gun control bills promoted by Gov. Ralph Northam (D) on Friday in the House of Delegates, voting to expand background checks on gun buyers and to reinstate the one-handgun-purchase-per-month-rule but did not consider a proposal for a ban on assault weapons (The Washington Post). ➔ Art: In major museums, when a particular exhibit becomes a huge hit, it goes on the road. Beginning in June 2021, the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery in Washington will send its portraits of former President Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama to five U.S. cities (Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, Atlanta and Houston). The popular works — painted by African American artists Kehinde Wiley (Obama) and Amy Sherald (Michelle) — are credited with drawing thousands of visitors to the Portrait Gallery (The Hill). © Twitter THE CLOSERAnd finally … Before we wrap up today, we have to add some winners to the long list of Morning Report Quiz aces from last week, when we asked about the coronavirus outbreak in China. Heaps more congratulations 👏👏👏 to puzzle masters William Chittam, Kenneth Fridsma, Helene Bon and Naomi Freeman. And one more Monday alert: As if Washington’s streets are not sufficiently nerve wracking, vehicle-choked and perilous for pedestrians, self-driving Uber vehicles arrived on Friday. Small blessing: They are not accepting riders. Yet (WTOP). © Twitter The Morning Report is created by journalists Alexis Simendinger and Al Weaver. We want to hear from you! Email: asimendinger@thehill.com and aweaver@thehill.com. We invite you to share The Hill’s reporting and newsletters, and encourage others to SUBSCRIBE! TO VIEW PAST EDITIONS OF THE HILL’S MORNING REPORT CLICK HERETO RECEIVE THE HILL’S MORNING REPORT IN YOUR INBOX SIGN UP HEREMORNING REPORT SIGN UPFORWARD MORNING REPORTPrivacy Policy | Manage Subscriptions | UnsubscribeEmail to a friend | Sign Up for Other NewslettersThe Hill 1625 K Street, NW 9th Floor, Washington DC 20006©2020 Capitol Hill Publishing Corp., a subsidiary of News Communications, Inc. |
AXIOS
Axios AMSubscribe
By Mike Allen
1 big thing: Republicans fear “floodgates” if Bolton testifies
Cover: Simon & Schuster
There may be enough new pressure on Senate Republicans to allow witnesses at President Trump’s impeachment trial, after the leak from a forthcoming book by former national security adviser John Bolton that contradicts what the White House has been telling the country.
- Bolton alleges in his book — “The Room Where It Happened,” out March 17 — that Trump explicitly told him “he wanted to continue freezing $391 million in security assistance to Ukraine until officials there helped with investigations into Democrats including the Bidens,” the N.Y. Times reported.
- Trump strongly denied Bolton’s claims on Twitter early today: “I NEVER told John Bolton that the aid to Ukraine was tied to investigations into Democrats, including the Bidens. … If John Bolton said this, it was only to sell a book.”
Why it matters, from Axios’ Jonathan Swan: This is a dramatic, 11th-hour inflection point for the trial, with an eyewitness rebuttal to Trump’s claim that he never tied the hold-up of Ukrainian aid to investigations into Joe Biden.
- GOP sources say the revelation could be enough to sway the four Republican senators needed for witnesses — especially since Sens. Mitt Romney of Utah and Susan Collins of Maine have already strongly signaled they’d vote for witnesses.
Republican sources tell me that party leaders and the White House will still try to resist witnesses because, as one top aide put it, “there is a sense in the Senate that if one witness is allowed, the floodgates are open.”
- “If [Bolton] says stuff that implicates, say Mick [Mulvaney] or [Mike] Pompeo, then calls for them will intensify,” the aide said.
What we can expect Trump’s defense lawyers to say as they make their case at the trial, beginning at 1 p.m. today and continuing tomorrow, per Axios’ Alayna Treene:
- They’ll say Bolton’s account doesn’t change any key facts, and reiterate that the aid, which was only briefly paused, was released without the announcement of any investigations.
- They’ll emphasize that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said there was no pressure, the call record shows no linkage between the two, and Zelensky got his meeting with Trump at the UN.
- They’ll also argue that Trump’s concerns about corruption in Ukraine were well-known: He questioned giving aid to the country for a number of reasons, just as he has done with other countries.
The intrigue: Bolton submitted the book to the White House on Dec. 30 for a standard prepublication security review for classified information.
- The Times notes: “The submission … may have given Mr. Trump’s aides and lawyers direct insight into what Mr. Bolton would say if he were called.”
- 🚨 “It also intensified concerns among some of his advisers that they needed to block Mr. Bolton from testifying.”
Between the lines: Trump’s defense team has the advantage of being able to do triage at the trial for the next two days, while the House managers listen silently.
- So Dems are making a public case, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer tweeting: “John Bolton has the evidence.”
Read the letter from Bolton’s lawyer to the White House.
2. Remembering Kobe Bryant — a transcendent, transformational star
Photo: Lenny Ignelzi/AP
Above, Gianna Bryant sat on the shoulders of her father, Kobe, at a women’s soccer match in San Diego in 2014.
- Kobe Bryant, 41 — an NBA legend who played all 20 of his pro seasons with the L.A. Lakers — and Gianna, 13, were among nine who died in a helicopter crash in dense morning fog, on a steep hillside in Southern California.
- “Bryant was scheduled to coach … in a game at his Mamba Sports Academy in Thousand Oaks and was en route there when the helicopter crashed,” the L.A. Times reports. “The tournament, called the Mamba Cup, featured boys’ and girls’ travel teams from fourth through eighth grade.”
“This is like our Princess Diana or our JFK,” Andre Iguodala of the Memphis Grizzlies, who was close to Kobe, told CNN. “One of those moments where for the rest of your life, you’ll know exactly what you were doing or where you were.”
Photos: Getty Images, AP
Why Kobe mattered:
- The NBA “is filled with players who grew up watching Bryant as he won five championships with the Lakers and scored 81 points in a single game. Fueled by a seemingly endless reservoir of self-confidence, Bryant was a mammoth figure almost from the moment he arrived, at age 17.” —N.Y. Times’ Marc Stein
- “Kobe Bryant was L.A. — our dreams, our sweat and the drive that unites a far-flung city … A guy who made us believe that with enough work and desire, winning is more than a distant dream.” —L.A. Times’ Steve Lopez
- “Bryant, who had four daughters with his wife, Vanessa, dedicated himself to boosting women’s sports in recent years, coaching and mentoring basketball players. Gianna, better known as Gigi, was a talented … player.” —Philly Inquirer
Kobe Bryant dunks in 2011. Photo: Harry How/Getty Images
The latest: The helicopter carrying Kobe and eight others, which crashed into a rugged hillside outside L.A., was flying in foggy conditions considered dangerous enough that local police agencies grounded their choppers (AP)
A man pays respects at a mural of Kobe Bryant in an alley in downtown L.A. Photo: Matt Hartman/AP
3. Big thaw on climate denial
The economics, politics and science of climate change are converging and catapulting this problem from a joke among critics to a prominent concern, Axios’ Amy Harder writes in her “Harder Line” column.
- Why it matters: If the world’s political and business leaders are going to seriously move to cut heat-trapping emissions, they first need to pay attention to it.
- They’re starting to, fueled by unrest from the world’s youth, cheaper renewable energy, more bouts of extreme weather and other evidence of global warming itself.
In Washington, congressional Republicans and even President Trump are scrambling to acknowledge the problem after years of denying it — and, in some cases, mocking it outright.
- In Davos last week, Trump announced the U.S. would support an initiative to plant trees — natural ways to capture carbon dioxide emissions — even as he slammed climate activists as “prophets of doom.”
- For the first time ever, the House GOP leadership is pushing policies to address the problem.
- Flat-out denialism of humans’ role in warming the planet has all but disappeared.
Among corporate executives and financial leaders, climate change is quickly becoming a concrete worry.
- In addition to climate being the sole official topic in Davos for the first time, pronouncements on the matter have come in the last several weeks from the IMF and most of the world’s central banks, including the Fed.
- And new goal and commitments keep rolling in from corporate America.
4. Survivors return to Auschwitz 75 years after liberation
Above, survivors carry a wreath today at the Auschwitz-Birkenau Nazi death camp in Oswiecim, Poland.
- More than 200 survivors are expected to mark the 75th anniversary of the Soviet army’s liberation of the camp, many of them elderly Jews who have traveled far from homes in Israel, the U.S., Australia, Peru, Russia, Slovenia and elsewhere, AP reports.
Many lost parents and grandparents in Auschwitz or other Nazi death camps, but today were being joined in their journey back by children, grandchildren and even great-grandchildren.
5. Xi admits “grave situation”
Data: The Center for Systems Science and Engineering at Johns Hopkins and CDC. Map: Andrew Witherspoon/Axios
The spread of a deadly new virus is accelerating, Chinese President Xi Jinping warned, telling senior officials that China faces a “grave situation,” per the BBC.
- The death toll rose to 81, with 2,744 cases reported.
- “[T]he government extended the Lunar New Year holiday and more big businesses shut down or told staff to work from home.” (Reuters)
The U.S. has confirmed cases in Washington state, Chicago, Southern California and Arizona, per AP:
- China’s worst health crisis in years has sparked fear and uncertainty for businesses from North America to Asia that depend on trade in the region.
6. 🇨🇳 Business doesn’t see China boom
63% of business economists in a survey out today expect the U.S.-China trade deal will have little to no impact on sales this year, even though President Trump championed it as a “sea change in international trade,” Axios’ Dion Rabouin reports.
- Last week, a Reuters poll of 100 economists found “a significant pickup in the U.S. economy was not on the cards” as a result of the “Phase 1” deal.
The National Association for Business Economics survey found economists more bullish about growth over the coming 12 months than they were in October.
7. 🥗 Stat du jour
“Nearly one in four Americans (23%) report eating less meat in the past year than they have previously, with the highest rates of reported meat consumption reduction among women, nonwhites and Democrats.” (Gallup)
8. Hillary headlines “Hillary” premiere
Hillary attends the “Hillary” reception at Sundance. Photo: Suzi Pratt/Getty Images
The four-part docuseries “Hillary” (Hulu beginning March 6, from Propagate and director Nanette Burstein) premiered at the Sundance Film Festival to a sold-out screening of 530, including Gloria Steinem and Martha Stewart, an attendee tells us.
- Spotted on the red carpet with Hillary Clinton were some of her closest aides, including Cheryl Mills, Huma Abedin, Philippe Reines and Nick Merrill — all featured prominently in the documentary.
Not present but appearing throughout the series were President Obama, Paul Begala, Capricia Marshall, Minyon Moore, Lisa Caputo, Mandy Grunwald, Jen Palmieri, Jake Sullivan and Robby Mook.
- Plus Bill Clinton, who talks about Monica Lewinsky in a deeply personal way never seen before.
9. 18-year-old wins top Grammys
Billie Eilish accepts the award for record of the year. Photo: Matt Sayles/Invision/AP
18-year-old Billie Eilish “became just the second artist in Grammy history — and the first woman — to take home the Big Four awards: album, record and song of the year plus best new artist” last night, per Billboard.
- “The first artist to do this was Christopher Cross, 39 years ago.”
10. 1 last pic
Photo: Susan Sterner/AP
In 1996, Kobe Bryant, 17, jokes with the media as he holds a Lakers jersey at the Great Western Forum in Inglewood, Calif.
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Morning Headlines
Impeachment trial’s Saturday session is a short one
President Donald Trump’s lawyers briefly laid out his defense Saturday at the Senate impeachment trial, focusing their attacks on what they called a lack of evidence, the actions of lead House manager Adam B. Schiff and a flawed House investigation. Read More…
View from the gallery: Hardly enough time to fidget
Although it was Saturday, nearly all 100 U.S. senators were in their workday suits and ties. The Kentucky delegation was one exception, with both Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Rand Paul wearing khakis and blazers. Few senators were at their desks at 10:01 a.m., when McConnell had to call for them to take their seats. Read More…
House managers focus on Trump’s ‘defiance’ in closing of impeachment presentation
House impeachment managers on Friday concluded their third and final day of arguments to remove President Donald Trump from office by focusing on the House investigation and appealing to authority and emotion. Read More…Click here to subscribe to Fintech Beat for the latest market and regulatory developments in finance and financial technology.
US ready for potential coronavirus outbreak, CDC assures lawmakers
Federal health officials told lawmakers Friday that they have the resources they need to address the spread of the virus originating from Wuhan, China, although senators acknowledged the potential need for supplemental funding down the road. Read More…
At March for Life, Trump gets an enthusiastic reception
President Donald Trump, seeking to court evangelical voters, addressed thousands of activists gathered Friday on the National Mall for the nation’s largest annual anti-abortion rally. Read More…
Comic Maz Jobrani is seriously funny about politics
In the latest Political Theater podcast, Ph.D. dropout and comic Maz Jobrani takes Heard on the Hill’s Kathryn Lyons “back to school” to talk Trump hecklers, his least favorite 2020 candidate and what it’s like to be in the fake West Wing. Listen here…
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CONSERVATIVE DAILY NEWS
| CDN’s Daily News Blast delivers the day’s news first!View this email in your browserCDN Daily News Blast01/27/2020Excerpts:President Donald Trump’s Schedule for Monday, January 27, 2020By R. Mitchell -President Donald Trump will greet and meet with the Prime Minister of Israel and then have lunch with Vice President Mike Pence and attend the swearing-in of the new administrator of the Small Business Administration. Keep up with Trump on Our President’s Schedule Page. President Trump’s Itinerary for 1/27/20 – …President Donald Trump’s Schedule for Monday, January 27, 2020 is original content from Conservative Daily News – Where Americans go for news, current events and commentary they can trust – Conservative News Website for U.S. News, Political Cartoons and more. Read on » In Secret Trump Recording, Lev Parnas Spoke Little, But Said A LotBy Chuck Ross -A lawyer for Lev Parnas on Saturday released an 84-minute audio recording of a private dinner held with President Trump on April 30, 2018. Parnas focuses on two main topics during the event. He mentions that he is starting an energy firm in Ukraine, and he tells Trump that then-U.S. …In Secret Trump Recording, Lev Parnas Spoke Little, But Said A Lot is original content from Conservative Daily News – Where Americans go for news, current events and commentary they can trust – Conservative News Website for U.S. News, Political Cartoons and more. Read on » Impeachment is Collapsing: Democrats Accidentally Prove Trump is Innocent By Promoting Alleged ‘Trump Tape’By James Ledbetter -The left makes themselves look foolish all the time. However, their latest gaffe actually proves President Donald Trump is innocent. As the impeachment trial for Donald Trump proceeds with no new information, the Democrats’ allies in the media seemed to have made a tactical error in bringing on Lev Parnas …Impeachment is Collapsing: Democrats Accidentally Prove Trump is Innocent By Promoting Alleged ‘Trump Tape’ is original content from Conservative Daily News – Where Americans go for news, current events and commentary they can trust – Conservative News Website for U.S. News, Political Cartoons and more. Read on » See all breaking news, conservative commentary, political cartoons and more posted to CDN at our Home Page. Follow on TwitterFriend on FacebookAdd on Google PlusCopyright © 2020 Conservative Daily News, All rights reserved. Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list |
BRIGHT
| Share with a friend you think would love this!Monday, January 27, 2020 Tragedy in Calabasas On Sunday afternoon, we learned the shocking news that a helicopter crashed in Calabasas, California, killing 9 people, including former Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant and his 13 year-old daughter, Gianna. From the AP: “The crash occurred several miles from Mamba Sports Academy, Bryant’s basketball training complex in Thousand Oaks, California. Bryant, who had four daughters with his wife, Vanessa, dedicated himself to boosting women’s sports in his retirement. …News of Bryant’s death inspired an outpouring of grief around the sports world and beyond. The NBA kept its games as scheduled when the news broke, but the San Antonio Spurs and Toronto Raptors both took voluntary 24-second shot clock violations at the start of their game in honor of Bryant, who wore No. 24 for the second half of his career.Along with his work boosting women’s sports, he opened a production company and entered the entertainment field in retirement. He won an Academy Award in 2018 for his contributions to “Dear Basketball,” an animated short about his relationship to the game. He also produced content for ESPN.Bryant had one of the greatest careers in recent NBA history and became one of the game’s most popular players as the face of the 16-time NBA champion Lakers franchise. He was the league MVP in 2008 and a two-time NBA scoring champion, and he earned 12 selections to the NBA’s All-Defensive teams.” Later Sunday evening, it was reported that one of passengers killed in the crash was Orange Coast College baseball coach John Altobelli, along with his wife and daughter. More: Kobe talking about watching Gianna play basketball (Twitter) His last interview was about his creative goals in publishing and movies (USA Today) Kobe talks about patriotism and the first time he got his USA Olympics uniform (Twitter) Sanders Leads in New Hampshire Poll We’re days away from the Iowa caucuses and the New Hampshire primary is only 15 days away. The Democratic presidential primary is tightening up and Bernie is in the lead with Mayor Pete close behind. From NBC News: “Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and former South Bend, Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg lead the Democratic presidential race in New Hampshire, while the top four Democratic candidates all enjoy early advantages against President Donald Trump in hypothetical general-election matchups in the Granite State.In the initial NBC News/Marist state poll of the 2020 presidential race, Sanders gets the support of 22 percent of likely Democratic primary voters in New Hampshire, with Buttigieg at 17 percent.Former Vice President Joe Biden follows at 15 percent, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., at 13 percent and Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., at 10 percent.” If you’re wondering what it would cost American taxpayers if an avowed socialist happened to beat Trump in 2020, don’t ask Bernie. From The Federalist: “On Friday’s edition of CBS Evening News, Democratic presidential candidate Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders admitted that he has no idea how much his package of progressive programs would cost the American taxpayer.“Your agenda has promised free health care for everybody, free college tuition, and to pay off peoples’ college loans. The price tag for that is estimated to be $60 trillion dollars over ten years. Is that correct?” asked Norah O’Donnell of CBS Evening News.“Well look, we have political opponents…” Sanders began before being cut off and pressed on the question.“You don’t know how much your plan costs?” O’Donnell responded.“You don’t know. Nobody knows. This is impossible to predict,” Sanders conceded, leaving O’Donnell stunned.“You’re going to propose a plan to the American people and you’re not going to tell them how much it costs?” O’Donnell exclaimed.” Odds and Ends Coronavirus cases in Arizona, California push US tally to 5 (Fox News) The Untalented Mr. Schiff and His Unwatchable Vanity (American Greatness) CNN Admits Trump Legal Team Success, But Argues a Lack of Diversity (The Political Insider) Joy Villa Shocks in Pro-Trump “Impeached and Re-elected” Gown at the Grammys (Hollywood Reporter) What I’m Reading This Week I love discovering a new (to me) and prolific author because I don’t have to wait for the next book! I’m continuing to read Kristan Higgins and on my list this week is On Second Thought. From the description: “Ainsley O’Leary is so ready to get married – she’s even found the engagement ring her boyfriend has stashed away. What she doesn’t anticipate is for Eric to blindside her with a tactless breakup he chronicles in a blog – which (of course) goes viral. Devastated and humiliated, Ainsley turns to her half sister, Kate, who’s already struggling after the sudden loss of her new husband. Kate has always been so poised, so self-assured, but Nathan’s death shatters everything she thought she knew – including her husband – and sometimes the people who step up aren’t the ones you expect. With seven years and a murky blended family dynamic between them, Ainsley and Kate have never been overly close, but their shared sorrow dovetails their faltering worlds into one. Despite the lifetime of history between them, the sisters must learn to put their differences aside and open their hearts to the inevitable imperfection of family – and the possibility of one day finding love again.” In case you missed it, here’s my list of January 2020 favorites, which includes Higgins’ book, Life and Other Inconveniences. A Case of the Monday Let’s do this again, BRIGHT readers! You came through on Valentines for this WWII hero, now let’s get thank you cards to other veterans! Send letters and cards to Stars and Stripes Honor Flight, Attn: Generic Mail, PO Box 547, Pewaukee, WI 53072 (Stars and Stripes via Twitter) Beware of dog… (Good Doggos on Twitter) Bald eagle smashes window at Virginia tax office, flies off (AP)Last week, the President and First Lady celebrated their 15th wedding anniversary. From Yahoo News: “The couple tied the knot in a very high-profile wedding in January 2005, held at Episcopal Church of Bethesda by the Sea in Palm Beach. Melania reportedly wore a $100,000 gown designed by Dior for the ceremony, which included over 550 hours of embroidery. She later changed into a body-hugging Vera Wang gown for the celebrations. Katie Couric, Heidi Klum, Mayor Rudy Giuliani, Matt Lauer, Billy Joel and Kelly Ripa, as well as Bill and Hillary Clinton, were among the 500 guests at the star-studded nuptials. The reception, of course, was held at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort, with Elton John and Tony Bennett serenading the couple over the course of the evening. “If I didn’t have a great woman, I would be much more nervous,” Trump told People at the time. “I think it will be very successful.” Mondays with Melania is a weekly feature that highlights what the First Lady is doing and wearing. BRIGHT is brought to you by The Federalist.Copyright © BRIGHT, All rights reserved. www.GetBRIGHTemail.com Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list Note: By using some of the links above, Bright may be compensated through the Amazon Affiliate program and Magic Links. However, none of this content is sponsored and all opinions are our own. |
THE WASHINGTON POST MORNING MIX
| Sign up for this newsletterRead onlineStories from all over. (Harry How/Getty Images)‘Time to say goodbye’: Kobe Bryant’s poetic farewell to basketball is unbearably heartbreaking now“This has been absolutely beautiful,” Bryant said after his final game in April 2016. “I can’t believe it’s come to an end. You guys will always be in my heart.”By Allyson Chiu and Katie Shepherd ● Read more » ‘My story began in this town’: Kobe Bryant mourned in Italy, where he learned to play basketballA look back at Kobe Bryant’s childhood in Italy, where “my dream began.”By Meagan Flynn ● Read more » John Altobelli, coach killed with family in helicopter crash, was ‘Kobe of the junior college baseball world’A celebrated sports figure in his own right, the longtime baseball coach of the Orange County College Pirates had grown close to Kobe Bryant as their daughters played basketball together.By Teo Armus ● Read more » Trump denies telling Bolton that Ukraine aid was tied to investigations as explosive book claiming otherwise leaksThe president’s tweet, just after midnight Monday, was his first reaction to an explosive report about the manuscript of his former national security adviser’s forthcoming book.By Fred Barbash ● Read more » Democrats have a new impeachment hero: Fox News analyst Andrew Napolitano“What is required for removal of the president?” Napolitano wrote in an op-ed. “A demonstration of presidential commission of high crimes and misdemeanors, of which in Trump’s case the evidence is ample and uncontradicted.”By Allyson Chiu ● Read more » We think you’ll like this newsletterCheck out Must Reads for a curated selection of our best journalism in your inbox every Saturday, plus a peek behind the scenes into how one story came together. Sign up » |
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THE BLAZE
THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
| Washington Examiner’s Examiner Today NewsletterView this as website ADVERTISEMENT HIGHLIGHTSThree rockets make ‘direct hit’ on US Embassy in Baghdad: ReportNBA legend Kobe Bryant and 13-year-old daughter killed in helicopter crashNadler to miss portion of impeachment trial as wife undergoes cancer treatment Democrats argue ‘explosive’ details from Bolton book demand his impeachment testimony Democrats seized on “explosive” details from John Bolton to increase pressure on the GOP-led Senate to call President Trump’s former national security adviser as a witness in the impeachment trial. Bolton lawyer blames book leak on ‘corrupted’ review process A lawyer for John Bolton slammed the leak of details from the former national security adviser’s upcoming book that have quickly rocked the impeachment case against President Trump. GOP senator gives Democrats ‘credit’ and says trial should be ‘instructive’ to future Trump behavior Sen. Mike Braun complimented Democrats on making their case so far in President Trump’s impeachment trial and argued that the process “ought to be instructive” to the president’s future behavior. Editorial: Conservatives root for Bernie Sanders at their own riskWith no serious primary challenge to President Trump having emerged, Republicans are naturally looking with curiosity upon the opposition. One week away from the Iowa caucuses, there is a lot of speculation on the Right about who to pull for as the Democratic nominee. Conservative commentator Hugh Hewitt has gone as far as announcing he would be voting for Sen. Bernie Sanders in the Virginia Democratic primary, arguing it would be better to run against the more “authentic” socialist. ADVERTISEMENT Biden: Kobe Bryant’s death ‘makes you realize that you gotta make every day count’DES MOINES, Iowa — Joe Biden touched on his own experience with personal tragedy while honoring the life of NBA great Kobe Bryant. Biden on minority support: ‘I was raised in the black church’Joe Biden spoke of his connection to black voters at an NAACP event Sunday afternoon and claimed his “political identity” was molded by minorities in his home state of Delaware. ‘Badmouthing the president’: Tom Cotton says Trump had good reason to oust Yovanovitch President Trump was justified in removing former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch from her post, Sen. Tom Cotton said. Fifth coronavirus patient diagnosed in US as officials investigate more potential cases A mysterious virus that was first reported in China has now infected five people in the United States. Pompeo privately admitted Giuliani claims about Ukraine ambassador were phony: Bolton book Secretary of State Mike Pompeo doubted Trump lawyer Rudy Giualini’s claims that former United States Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch was corrupt, according to a draft of former national security adviser John Bolton’s book. ‘Didn’t answer the second part of my question’: Buttigieg grilled by anti-abortion Democrat Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg faced sharp questioning at a Fox News town hall from an anti-abortion Democrat about his position on the issue and whether he thinks those who oppose abortion have a home in the Democratic Party. Pete Buttigieg mocked for noting Kobe Bryant achievements ‘on the field’ and ‘off the field’ Democratic presidential hopeful Pete Buttigieg said “field” instead of “court” when addressing the death of basketball legend Kobe Bryant, drawing criticism online. THE ROUNDUPA ‘battle’ that could humble China’s strongmanBryant had left basketball behind. His daughter Gigi brought him backButtigieg takes his case to Fox News before IowaADVERTISEMENT |
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THE DISPATCH
The Morning Dispatch: A Bolton Bombshell
What it means for the fight over whether to have witnesses in the Senate.
Happy Monday. This is gearing up to be another monumental week in the nation’s capital, for reasons we’ll get into soon.
But first, some unbearably tragic news.
Quick Hits: Today’s Top Stories
- NBA legend Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna died in a helicopter crash yesterday in Calabasas, California.
- As of Sunday morning, the mysterious coronavirus has claimed at least 80 lives in China, with 2,744 confirmed cases across the country. There are now five confirmed cases in the United States.
- The Pentagon announced Friday that 34 American service members suffered traumatic brain injuries as a result of Iranian airstrikes earlier this month. Prior to the Defense Department’s announcement, President Trump had described the injuries as “not very serious.”
- The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad was hit by three rockets on Sunday, resulting in a “minor” injury to one service member who has since returned to duty.
- Just over a week out from the Iowa caucuses. The Des Moines Register’s editorial board endorsed Elizabeth Warren. The New Hampshire Union-Leader endorsed Amy Klobuchar. Bernie Sanders picked up an endorsement from comedian and podcast host Joe Rogan, in a move that has divided Democrats.
- Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister indicted in November on charges of bribery and fraud, is arriving in Washington later today, announcing he will “make history” unveiling an Israeli-Palestinian peace plan with President Trump later this week.
- Teen phenom Billie Eilish cleaned up at the Grammy Awards last night, winning Record of the Year, Album of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best New Artist. Lizzo and Lil Nas X took home some hardware as well.
What Witness Vote?
At 6 p.m. Sunday, the New York Times’ Maggie Haberman and Michael Schmidt dropped a bombshell: A draft manuscript of former National Security Adviser John Bolton’s upcoming book, The Room Where It Happened, which alleges that President Trump told Bolton “he wanted to continue freezing $391 million in security assistance to Ukraine until officials there helped with investigations into Democrats including the Bidens.”
Before the news, Senate Republicans seemed poised to move quickly to wrap up the impeachment inquiry into President Trump after the president’s lawyers started their defense over the weekend. But the Bolton news complicates those plans. The president’s supporters have offered a variety of defenses, but common among them was the claim that none of the impeachment witnesses had firsthand knowledge of the alleged quid pro quo. Bolton does. And if the new reporting is accurate, his own firsthand account is consistent with the testimony provided under oath by several top Trump national security officials who had told the House of Representatives that Bolton was troubled by Trump’s behavior on Ukraine.
House Democrats didn’t subpoena Bolton during their impeachment inquiry last fall, wanting to move quickly after he refused to testify voluntarily. But since he announced on January 6 that he was prepared to testify if subpoenaed as part of the Senate trial, calls for his deposition among Democrats have grown deafening. Sunday’s revelations will amplify those calls.
“There can be no doubt now that Mr. Bolton directly contradicts the heart of the President’s defense,” Democratic impeachment managers wrote in a statement following the report. “Senators should insist that Mr. Bolton be called as a witness, and provide his notes and other relevant documents. The Senate trial must seek the full truth and Mr. Bolton has vital information to provide. There is no defensible reason to wait until his book is published, when the information he has to offer is critical to the most important decision Senators must now make—whether to convict the President of impeachable offenses.”
In a recent ABC News/Washington Post poll, 66 percent of respondents—including 45 percent of Republicans and 65 percent of independents—think the Senate should request additional witnesses.
But that doesn’t guarantee the Republican-led Senate will request any. Assuming Democrats vote as a bloc (and all indications are they will), they will need to peel off four Republican senators to subpoena Bolton. To date, only two—Sen. Mitt Romney and Sen. Susan Collins—have voiced concrete support for the idea. But last night’s news will make it more difficult for senators to vote “no” later this week.
We’ve heard in recent days that a vote on witnesses will either fail to gain a majority, or it will pass with room to spare. No single senator wants to be the deciding vote and incur the wrath of the White House. But if enough GOP senators—not wanting to appear complicit in a cover-up—go to Sen. Mitch McConnell and tell him they want Bolton to testify, the majority leader will have little choice but to hold the vote. Keep an eye on what he says today. A senior House Republican source tells The Dispatch that with the Bolton revelations out in the open, it’ll be difficult for GOP senators to pretend they don’t matter. One Senate GOP source, looking ahead to possible next steps, told us the Times’ story “certainly seems to make a Bolton for [Hunter] Biden deal more viable.”
There’s a final reason Republicans will have difficulty dismissing Bolton’s story if it echoes the one laid out in the New York Times: He’s got impeccable conservative credentials and, having been a fixture for years on Fox News, has credibility with the president’s supporters that other witnesses don’t. The president’s defenders have had some success depicting earlier fact witnesses as avatars of the so-called Deep State, even when the facts didn’t support this portrayal. Ambassador Bill Taylor, for instance, had been hand-picked to return to government by the Trump administration. Ambassador Gordon Sondland, a Trump donor close to Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin, was chosen by the White House to represent the United States in Europe.
Bolton has been a top GOP national security official for decades. He’s a movement conservative who made a living throughout the Obama years in part by explaining foreign and national security policy to audiences on Fox News, building credibility with the audience on Trump’s favorite channel. Will Trump stick to the story as described in the New York Times? Fox News’ very good national security reporter, Gillian Turner, says there’s no indication he’s backing off.Gillian Turner@GillianHTurner#BREAKING (4) Bolton’s team is not denying that his book manuscript says President Trump was planning to freeze aid to #Ukraine until their govt agreed to announce they were launching an investigation into the Bidens.January 27th 2020212 Retweets897 Likes
If he does, the president’s defenders will come after him aggressively. Indeed, in the hours after the story broke, some Trump’s loyalists in the conservative media launched their attacks. By Monday morning, Rudy Giuliani was taking his shots:Rudy Giuliani@RudyGiuliani@LouDobbs There is no way in the world President Trump would say this to John Bolton. It’s a shame that a man will sacrifice his integrity to make a few bucks on a book. No wonder he accomplished so little as National Security Advisor.January 27th 2020724 Retweets1,841 Likes
Did Trump’s Legal Team Know About Bolton’s Allegations?
The former national security advisor’s lawyer, Charles Cooper, told Axios he gave the White House a copy of his client’s book on December 30 so officials could review it for any classified information. “The pre-publication review process has been corrupted,” Cooper said. “Information has been disclosed by persons other than those properly involved in reviewing the manuscript.”
In his December 30 letter to the White House, Cooper wrote that Bolton was “relying” on the understanding that “the contents of [his] manuscript will not be reviewed by or otherwise disclosed to any persons not regularly involved” in ensuring “classified information is not publicly disclosed.”
We asked Jack Goldsmith, former head of the Office of Legal Counsel during the Bush administration, about the likelihood Bolton’s manuscript was provided only to those in the White House with an official reason to review it, as Cooper requested.
“There is no way to know for sure,” he told us. “But if past practice is any guide, the likelihood is high that the manuscript circulated to political officials who were interested in it for reasons having nothing to do with classified information. I know of many prepublication submissions, including my own (The Terror Presidency), where DoJ and the White House ignored the regulations and circulated the manuscript widely to officials who had no formal role in classified information review, and then asked the author to remove passages from the manuscript that had nothing to do with preventing disclosure of classified information. This happened not infrequently during the Bush and Obama administrations, which were more respectful of norms than the Trump administration. It is hard to imagine the Trump administration would be restrained here, especially given the potential explosiveness of the Bolton manuscript in the current context.”
Bolton aide Sarah Tinsley told Axios that, aside from the White House, “the ambassador has not passed the draft manuscript to anyone else. Period.”
The obvious question: Did Trump’s legal team know what Bolton’s book alleged — and thus, what he would likely testify if given the opportunity — when they presented their defense of the president this weekend?
What Does This Mean for the Rest of the Cabinet?
The biggest takeaway from Bolton’s book is, of course, the apparent confirmation of Trump’s desire to hold up congressionally approved aid to Ukraine in exchange for an investigation into the Bidens. But the former national security advisor reportedly also shares some private conversations with some of his former peers within the administration.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, according to Bolton, privately acknowledged that Rudy Giuliani’s “claims about [former ambassador to Ukraine Marie] Yovanovitch had no basis and that Mr. Giuliani may have wanted her removed because she might have been targeting his clients who had dealings in Ukraine as she sought to fight corruption.”
Bolton allegedly writes that he raised concerns about Giuliani and Trump’s “perfect” phone call with Attorney General William Barr in July, despite the Justice Department saying Barr only learned about the call in mid-August.
Mick Mulvaney, acting chief of staff, was in the room for at least one conversation between Trump and Giuliani about Ambassador Yovanovitch, Bolton claims.
These revelations will be difficult for Pompeo, in particular. On Friday, ABC News published a recording from April 2018 in which you can hear President Trump tell Lev Parnas, “get rid of her,” referring to Yovanovitch. “Get her out tomorrow. Take her out. Okay? Do it.” The audio further disputes President Trump’s claim that he doesn’t know Parnas.
Pompeo was asked by NPR’s Mary Louise Kelly on Friday if he owes Yovanovitch an apology, as the head of the State Department. “You know, I agreed to come on your show today to talk about Iran,” Pompeo said, claiming to have defended State Department employees.
Kelly: … Where have you defended Marie Yovanovitch?
Pompeo: I’ve defended every single person on this team. I’ve done what’s right for every single person on this team.
Kelly: Can you point me toward your remarks where you have defended Marie Yovanovitch?
Pompeo: Mary, I’ve said all I’m going to say today. Thank you. Thanks for the repeated opportunity to do so. I appreciate that.
But the fireworks were only beginning. After the interview, according to Kelly, she was brought to Pompeo’s private living room where, upset he was asked about Ukraine, he “shouted at [her] for about the same amount of time as the interview itself had lasted,” dropping F-bombs and demanding she point to Ukraine on a map, which she did.
Pompeo released a statement the suggesting that Kelly had pointed to Bangladesh, not Ukraine, and further criticizing her.
Worth Your Time
- Farnaz Fassihi has an incredible piece of reporting in the New York Times on how Iran tried to cover up its role in the shooting down of a Ukrainian plane. “Within minutes, the top commanders of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards realized what they had done,” she writes. “And at that moment, they began to cover it up.”
- Sen. Ben Sasse wrote a long essay in The Atlantic on the role America should play in countering China’s ambition, arguing that public and private-sector leaders haven’t developed a strategy to deal with the world’s fastest-rising power. “The future is never settled,” he argues. “China’s rise is not fated, nor is the United States’ success.”
- Much will be written about Kobe Bryant in the coming days, and you can bet we’ll be reading it all. Growing up in the late-90s and early-2000s cemented Kobe’s name in our minds as synonymous with success, determination, winning, and the stepback jumper. But Kobe was so much more than a five-time NBA champion, 18-time All Star, and the fourth-leading scorer of all time. Drafted out of high school in 1996, Kobe grew up in front of the world, inspiring millions of young boys and girls to dream of following in his footsteps. He made significant mistakes—both on and off the court—but he learned and grew from them, leaving a legacy as a father, creator, and ambassador for the game he loved.
There are plenty of Kobe highlight reels you can (and should) watch this week, but before you do, read the first page of his book and watch him talk about how proud he was of his daughter.
Nicholas Thompson@nxthompson“The sound of life and light.” The opening of Kobe’s book. January 26th 20201,017 Retweets4,299 LikesRob Dauster@RobDausterThis is just gutting. January 26th 20204,501 Retweets16,627 LikesRobert Mays@robertmaysThis is all I can think about right now. January 26th 202011,499 Retweets47,627 Likes
Presented Without Comment
Something Fun
Jimi Hendrix’s “All Along the Watchtower,” Johnny Cash’s “Hurt,” Jeff Buckley’s “Hallelujah.” Sometimes the cover is better than the original. This is one of those times.
Toeing the Company Line
- Much like a parent tells their children, we love all of Jonah’s G-Files equally. But last Friday’s—on “Trump Derangement Syndrome”—is truly special. Be sure to give it a read here, and then join the lively conversation going on in the comment section.
- David went to a Kanye West Sunday Service in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee last week. In yesterday’s French Press, he wrote about it. “there are times when the greatest ambassadors for the Gospel are those people who’ve struggled and fallen and then risen again only by the grace of God: people like Kanye West.”
- Jonah had friend-of-The Dispatch Yuval Levin on The Remnant podcast to discuss Levin’s new book, A Time to Build, and the decay of America’s institutions. You can check out their conversation here.
- Andrew went to the March for Life and talked to attendees about how they felt about Donald Trump and whether pro-life policy gains and conservative judges are enough to earn their support.
Let Us Know
In the wake of Planters Peanuts’ viral Mr. Peanut gimmick last week, we asked you to send us some of your favorite (and least favorite) ad campaigns in recent memory. Some of your best responses below:
Favorite:
- The United States Postal Service
- Bud Light: Swear Jar and Bud Light: Spuds McKenzie
- Reebok: Terry Tate, Office Linebacker
Least Favorite:
- Nationwide: 2015 Super Bowl Commercial
- Charmin Toilet Paper: “I never need to see another heinie wiping Charmin shilling bear. It’s not cute, it’s creepy.”
- Mountain Dew: Puppy Monkey Baby
Reporting by Declan Garvey (@declanpgarvey), Andrew Egger (@EggerDC), Sarah Isgur (@whignewtons), and Steve Hayes (@stephenfhayes).
Photograph by Alex Wong/Getty Images.
Top posts
- The Upcoming SCOTUS Term Is Going to Be NutsPlus, an early look at the new book ‘A Very Stable Genius.’The Dispatch StaffJan 201714
- Iran AttacksPlus, how we got to this point and a quick look at 2020 fundraising numbers.The Dispatch StaffJan 81611
- A Clunker of a Democratic DebatePlus, Justin Amash asks: “Is there any better time to have a president who might be not from either party?”The Dispatch StaffJan 151813
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REALCLEARPOLITICS
01/27/2020Share: Carl Cannon’s Morning NoteThe Odds in Iowa; Schiff’s Words; Clear Lake Losses Good morning. It’s Monday, Jan. 27, 2020. A week from today, Democrats in Iowa will brave the winter weather to cast the first votes in the presidential nominating process. As I mentioned in Friday’s Morning Note, my first presidential campaign — and first reporting trip to Iowa — was 36 years ago this month. A young regional reporter from California, I was covering Alan Cranston’s bid in another crowded Democratic field.There wasn’t much suspense in the Hawkeye State in 1984. Front-running Walter Mondale, who hailed from neighboring Minnesota, won nearly half the caucus-goers’ votes, with Gary Hart a distant second. My guy, Sen. Cranston, finished far up the track, and would be out of the race the day after the New Hampshire primary the following week. I did experience a bit of personal suspense, however.I had broken away from the campaign trail for a night to write about a concert at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake. Organized by a charismatic local deejay whose on-air handle was “The Mad Hatter,” it was a 25th anniversary tribute to a fateful concert that took place in 1959 — the last show played by Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson.But the night of dancing and nostalgia was cut short when State Police announced the weather had taken a turn for the worse. Everyone was urged to find shelter immediately. When I got outside, the conditions were perilous: Wind was blowing snow so hard you could hardly see your hand in front of your face. I made it to my hotel after a short, but harrowing drive, and the whiteout stranded thousands of people and cost one young woman her life.It was, in its way, a fittingly grim remembrance of the night the music died. I’ll have more on that in a moment. First, I’d point you to RealClearPolitics’ front page, which presents our poll averages, videos, breaking news stories, and aggregated opinion pieces spanning the political spectrum. We also offer original material from our own reporters, columnists, and contributors, including the following:* * *Can Any of These Candidates Win the Democratic Nomination? Sean Trende has this pre-Iowa assessment.Lies, Damned Lies and Adam Schiff’s Moving Lips. Frank Miele writes that the impeachment manager’s invoking of Alexander Hamilton cuts two ways.Measuring a Trump-Size Mark on the Cable News Universe. Kalev Leetaru analyzes data from the Television News Archive.“If Trump Wasn’t Trump, He’d Be Reagan.” Myra Adams examines GOP voters’ love for the president, and why women’s diminished affection may keep him from following in the Gipper’s reelection footsteps.Why the U.S. Security State Can’t Stand Trump. Steve Cortes rips CIA, FBI and other government security leaders as self-serving elites who want power all to themselves. Remedying Polarization With Constitutionalism. Peter Berkowitz maintains America will mend its divisions only by rediscovering toleration and compromise.Iran-Backed Lobby Re-exerts Its Influence in D.C. In RealClearInvestigations, Mark Hemingway spotlights the latest efforts of the National Iranian American Council.Congress’ Year-End Tax Trick. In RealClearEnergy, Nicole Kaeding assails the extension of the alternative fuel mixture credit.A Prescription for Health Care’s Sickly Status Quo. In RealClearPolicy, Chad Savage lauds a bill to reform health savings accounts.* * *The name of the venue in Clear Lake must have seemed a stretch to Ritchie Valens (ne Valenzuela). Ritchie was not a surfer, but he was from California, and the name “Surf Ballroom” and the concert hall’s beach motif — murals with swaying palm trees complemented the rattan furnishings — was utterly out of place in the wintry American heartland.In 1959, the Surf Ballroom didn’t even face the shore of Clear Lake anymore: The original edifice, built in 1934, had burned down a dozen years before Buddy Holly brought his band there. The new “Surf” was built across the street in the old parking lot.The venue was managed by a man named Carroll Anderson, a savvy music lover who had quickly embraced the new sound sweeping the country. Anderson booked the best bands and performers he could find: The Everly Brothers, Roy Orbison, Ricky Nelson, Jan and Dean. On Feb. 2, 1959, Anderson brought in the “Winter Dance Party.”The star of the tour was Buddy Holly, joined by talented cohorts: J.P. Richardson Jr., who performed under the name Big Bopper; Dion and the Belmonts; 17-year-old Valens, the Mexican-American prodigy from Southern California; and band members Tommy Allsup (lead guitar), Carl Bunch (drums), and Waylon Jennings (bass guitar).The first show was Jan. 23, 1959, in Milwaukee. Six thousand teenagers braved temperatures of 17 below zero to converge on George Devine’s Million Dollar Ballroom. For the next 10 days, the musicians crisscrossed Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa, seemingly without any geographical logic, on poorly heated buses that sometimes broke down.Sixty-one years ago tonight, they played the Fiesta Ballroom in the western Minnesota town of Montevideo. A local rocker named Bob Bunn, who revered Buddy Holly, wanted to have his idol sign his guitar. So after the show ended, Bunn drove to the Highway Cafe, where he heard the band was eating. Approaching the table, he found Holly friendly — but chilled to the bone.“Is it always this damn cold in Minnesota?” Holly asked.“No,” Bunn replied. “It gets a lot colder.”Buddy Holly was not cheered by that news. He’d already been contemplating the idea of chartering a plane. One issue was who would fly with him — they couldn’t all fit — and the capriciousness of that question would haunt the survivors for years.After their show in Clear Lake, Holly found a pilot with a four-seat Beechcraft B35 Bonanza who would take them to Fargo, N.D. Holly tapped Jennings and Allsup to ride with him, but neither ended up making the trip. Jennings graciously gave his seat to J.P. Richardson because the Bopper was coming down with the flu. When beseeched by Ritchie Valens, who didn’t even own a winter coat, Tommy Allsup agreed to flip a coin for the last seat on the plane. Ritchie won.The airport in Fargo was closed because of a blizzard, but 21-year-old pilot Roger Peterson apparently didn’t know that. It would cost $108 for the trip, he told Holly, who agreed instantly. “He was,” Allsup said later, “determined to fly.”As every mid-20th-century music aficionado knows, Waylon Jennings later gravitated back to country music, and performed into his 60s before passing away in 2002. The youngest star on the tour was Valens, who played his great hit, “Oh, Donna,” at that last show. When he climbed aboard the little plane at the Mason City airport just after midnight on Feb. 3, 1959, Ritchie had not yet turned 18. He never would. Carl M. Cannon Washington Bureau chief, RealClearPolitics @CarlCannon (Twitter) ccannon@realclearpolitics.com Having trouble viewing this email? | [Unsubscribe] | Update Subscription Preferences Copyright © 2020 RealClearHoldings, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email becuase you opted in at our website. 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AMERICAN THINKER
| View this email in your browserRecent ArticlesThe Deep State Tapestry of Deceit is Beginning to UnravelJan 27, 2020 01:00 am This is gross and deliberate abuse of power, a coup to undermine and remove a duly elected president. All done with intent, knowingly. The fallout is far and wide and all as bogus as the predication of this entire hoax. Read More… Schiff Hides Transcript to Protect ‘Whistleblower’Jan 27, 2020 01:00 am Adam Schiff and the committee staff had a copy of the whistleblower letter before it was submitted to the IG. Read More… What caused the Australian fires? Global warming? Obstruction of fire prevention burns? Arson?Jan 27, 2020 01:00 am Look less to global warming as reason for Australia’s bushfires, and more to greenie-mandated uncleared brush and arson-minded leftists. Read More… The Radical Dems: Masters of ProjectionJan 27, 2020 01:00 am What the Democrats have actually done, they unsuccessfully accuse Trump of doing. Read More… The Mass Media’s Campaign of Moral PanicJan 27, 2020 01:00 am The impeachment of President Donald J. Trump is Moral Panic Theory 101. Read More… Fighting the Evil of AntisemitismJan 27, 2020 01:00 am Perhaps it is utopian to believe that sin can ever be removed, but malevolence must not be allowed to stand or triumph. Read More… Recent Blog Posts Schiff’s reaction to Trump’s lawyers turns heads Jan 27, 2020 01:00 am The walls close in on the Human Lemur. Read more… Chavista San Francisco: Chesa Boudin lets the first one out Jan 27, 2020 01:00 am And the remainder of San Francisco’s Thug-American community get the message. Read more… Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.’s new policy of open discrimination is a giant leap backward Jan 27, 2020 01:00 am Is Goldman Sachs really in any position to make demands of its clients and “impose” a standard that they have boards of directors with a specific makeup when it comes to race, gender, or sexual-orientation? Read more… Harry has a ‘Ticket to Ride’ … to submission Jan 27, 2020 01:00 am Meghan is a demanding vixen but perhaps the real story is she was Harry’s ticket out of an unbearable situation Read more… Hit piece in USA Today attacks Fox News as hate speech Jan 27, 2020 01:00 am The real target is President Trump and his supporters. Conservative critics of Fox News should take note of what’s going on here. Read more… Dems’ impeachment strategy isn’t to win over the Senate, but defeat the Senate Jan 27, 2020 01:00 am This impeachment has become about flipping the Senate Read more… At the Grammys, Ricky Rebel wears red lace, with a strong pro-Trump message Jan 27, 2020 01:00 am Rebel, a very out gay man, and a proud Trump supporter wore a strange lace and leather outfit and shared a surprising message with viewers. Read more… Kobe Bryant’s death, along with 8 others, is a terrible tragedy Jan 27, 2020 01:00 am The Twitter response to Kobe’s death, however, reveals again how social media provides a platform for a malevolent strain in American discourse. Read more… The Obama-Clinton-induced mess in Libya continues to grow Jan 27, 2020 01:00 am Libya has now become a battleground for proxies motivated by Libya’s oil wealth and fighting for geopolitical influence and over ideological differences. Read more… Are we seeing the end of Biden or more crazy polls? Jan 27, 2020 01:00 am Bernie Sanders is surging in Iowa. Read more… Joe Biden ups the ante in the woke sweepstakes with his latest about transgenderism Jan 27, 2020 01:00 am When you’re competing with Warren, Castro, and Booker, you have to go pretty far to beat them on transgenderism, but Joe did just that in his fight against Bernie. Read more… Saturday Night Live slimes Alan Dershowitz for representing unpopular Trump Jan 27, 2020 01:00 am In an apparent effort to help out the House Democrats, SNL’s cold-open sketch treated Dershowitz, a Trump impeachment attorney, as a hell-bound publicity hound. Read more… The newest issue arising from the secretly recorded Trump conversation: Pot Jan 27, 2020 01:00 am It shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone to learn that Trump, a lifelong teetotaler, doesn’t think much of pot either. Read more… Trump to meet with Netanyahu and Gantz about his proposed peace plan Jan 27, 2020 01:00 am Even as Trump, the out-of-the-box thinker prepares to unveil a new Middle East peace plan, the Palestinians make their own plans to reject it. Read more… Smelling defeat, the impeachment Democrats’ united front is showing signs of breaking apart Jan 26, 2020 01:00 am The stench of impeachment is starting to overpower Democrats, who now know something’s gone rotten on them. Read more… View this email in your browserAmerican Thinker is a daily internet publication devoted to the thoughtful exploration of issues of importance to Americans. |
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THE FEDERALIST
| Your daily update of new content from The Federalist Be lovers of freedom and anxious for the fray January 27, 2020 Trump Is Right. Adam Schiff Has Not Paid For Damaging The Country With Years Of LiesBy Mollie Hemingway Schiff was not telling the truth when he kept dripping out lies to compliant reporters. Because he helped them accomplish their political goals against their nemesis Trump, however, they have not held him accountable. Full articleFederal Judges Could Be Banned From Joining The Federalist SocietyBy Erielle Davidson In the Federalist Society, we debate ideas with the nuance we wish existed in other corners of the legal realm. It’s distressing to see some so eager to destroy that under the alleged auspices of impartiality. Full articleWorld Mourns Basketball Star Kobe Bryant And Daughter’s Loss In Helicopter CrashBy Britt McHenry Saying goodbye to Kobe Bryant at just 41 years old, and his daughter Gianna at just age 13, will never make sense. Full articleMeet The Man Who Saved 62,000 People During The HolocaustBy Amy Lutz This International Holocaust Remembrance Day, take time to remember the victims, remember the survivors, and remember Carl Lutz, the man responsible for the largest civilian rescue mission of the entire Holocaust. Full articleWill Any 2020 Democrat Align With Americans On Abortion? ‘In A Word, No’By Kylee Zempel Supreme Knight Carl Anderson of the Knights of Columbus told The Federalist that majority anti-abortion public opinion will affect the 2020 election ‘big time.’ Full articleMarch For Life Antagonists Reveal The Reason Abortion Will Continue To Divide AmericaBy Krystina Skurk The contrast between the two groups could not be more stark. While one group mourned the 60 million babies who have been aborted, the other sang and danced. Full articleSaying ‘Never Again’ Means Nothing If It’s Not Backed Up With ActionsBy Melissa Langsam Braunstein In the case of the Holocaust and its obvious evil, it’s easy for anyone living today to insist he would’ve fought on the side of justice. But how many people flatter themselves? Full articlePro-Life Democrat Voter Confronts Pete Buttigieg At Fox News Town HallBy Emily Jashinsky A self-described pro-life Democratic voter confronted former South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg during a Fox News town hall on Sunday night. Full articleThe Best Outfits Of The 2020 Grammy AwardsBy Libby Emmons What the Grammys showed us, oddly, is a culture in crisis. No matter how much fame or adulation, how many award nominations and costume changes, meaning is missing. Full articleIf Bernie Sanders Is a Sexist, So Is Everyone ElseBy Caroline D’Agati Is civil conversation possible—or even worth having—when words like ‘sexist’ have lost all their meaning? A recent Fifth Column podcast has us asking. Full articleAs He Sits In El Chapo’s Jail Cell, Michael Avenatti’s Many Court Woes EscalateBy Caroline Court The wildest court filing was one on Friday by Michael Avenatti’s attorneys, who want to prevent the government from using Avenatti’s web history. You’ll never guess why. Full articleRashida Tlaib Retweets Modern-Day ‘Blood Libel’ And Media Remains SilentBy Erielle Davidson This past weekend, Michigan Rep. Rashida Tlaib retweeted a story that falsely accused Israelis of killing a Palestinian child in Jerusalem. Full articleAt Impeachment Trial, A Special Species Goes On Rare DisplayBy Christopher Jacobs Hopefully, the copious notes I took while watching the Senate’s impeachment trial will allow future generations to benefit from these important scientific insights. Full articleThe Charges Against Glenn Greenwald Are GarbageBy Erielle Davidson At a time we hear perennially of how the American media is under attack by President Trump’s tweets, Greenwald’s case reminds us that there are journalists facing actual and serious abuse. Full articleSorry Critics: Dave Chappelle Wins Grammy For Best Comedy AlbumBy Emily Jashinsky It’s funny, it’s smart, and the Grammys were right to recognize Dave Chappelle for his work. Full articleWATCH: Hours After His Death, Kobe Bryant Honored At GrammysBy Emily Jashinsky “We are literally standing here, heartbroken, in the house that Kobe Bryant built.” Full article40 Faces We Saw At The 2020 Washington DC March For LifeBy Jayme Metzgar Like any political gathering numbering in the tens of thousands, the March for Life is a fascinating intersection of backgrounds, cultures, and faith traditions. Full articleLiberal Hacks Compete For 2020’s Top (Or Worst?) Pundit AwardBy Jeremy Senderowicz The other matchup that jumps out at me is the possibility of Jennifer Rubin matching up with her Washington Post teammate Max Boot with the Final Four on the line. Full article IMPEACHMENT AS PERFORMANCE ART It seems so odd that the strongest motivating political factors for those sitting in the Senate today largely go unmentioned by any of the cable news outlets covering the events. Have you noticed? You can be forgiven if you haven’t. The largest motivating political factor for Adam Schiff is to gain what he views as rightfully his: the much desired Senate seat of Dianne Feinstein, oldest member of the Senate (who departed from the trial early last night by almost an hour). When it seemed like Feinstein was going to retire, Schiff stood up a fundraising operation and was clearly going to run for the seat in what would be a crowded and fractious primary – but then she decided to return, and he was rebuffed. Now, Schiff wants to use the impeachment process to gain enough popularity that he is Gov. Gavin Newsom’s selection for the plum job, with unanimous backing from the Democratic base as the hero who led the charge against Trump. Read more of The Transom by signing up for a free trial today. follow on Twitter | friend on Facebook | forward to a friend Copyright © 2020 The Federalist, All rights reserved. unsubscribe from this list | update subscription preferences |
NBC
| From NBC’s Chuck Todd, Mark Murray and Carrie Dann. FIRST READ: Here’s why Sanders is rising — and how he could winTwo developments help explain Bernie Sanders’ slight frontrunner status in Iowa and New Hampshire. Development No. 1: Elizabeth Warren’s overall decline, which has enabled to Sanders to solidify his dominance of the Democrats’ progressive lane. (It shouldn’t be a surprise that Sanders’ numbers have increased while Warren’s have gone down.) Development No. 2: Pete Buttigieg has been holding steady in the first two states, which means that the pragmatic/moderate lane is being split among two viable candidates – with Amy Klobuchar also hitting or nearing double digits. AP Photo/John LocherIndeed, you could argue that Sanders’ best asset right now is Buttigieg. Just take a look inside our NBC News/Marist poll of New Hampshire, which shows Sanders leading in the Granite State: Sanders outperforms his rivals among self-described progressive voters, who make up 54 percent of the Democratic electorate. He gets support from 36 percent of these progressives, versus 20 percent for Warren and 12 percent for Buttigieg. Among more moderate Democratic primary voters (42 percent of the electorate), Biden gets 26 percent to Buttigieg’s 24 percent. By age, Sanders laps the field with voters under 45 (getting 39 percent support), while Biden and Buttigieg are essentially tied among those 45 and older (19 percent and 18 percent, respectively). So with seven days to go until Iowa, maybe the biggest question is this one: Does Pete Buttigieg’s support hold – or grow? Or does the moderate/pragmatic/older lane solidify around one candidate – most likely Biden? The answer will probably determine the outcome of Iowa and New Hampshire. DATA DOWNLOAD: And the number of the day is… 76 percent76 percent. That’s the share of Bernie Sanders backers in New Hampshire who say they support him “strongly,” according to the latest NBC News/Marist poll of likely Democratic primary voters in the Granite State. That’s compared with 56 percent of Biden backers who say the same of their candidate, 53 percent of Warren supporters and just 44 percent of Buttigieg’s backers.Can I get a witness?Turning to the impeachment trial, it’s absolutely devastating for President Trump’s lawyers to have argued on Saturday that no single witness has been able to testify that TRUMP HIMSELF tied Ukraine’s security aid to an investigation into the Bidens – and then have this bombshell drop the very next day. “President Trump told his national security adviser in August that he wanted to continue freezing $391 million in security assistance to Ukraine until officials there helped with investigations into Democrats including the Bidens, according to an unpublished manuscript by the former adviser, John R. Bolton,” the New York Times writes. What’s even more potentially damning, Bolton said he sent his manuscript to the White House a month ago so it could be reviewed for classified information, which means Trump and his lawyers most likely KNEW about Bolton’s account – as they’ve been arguing for no new witnesses in the impeachment trial. Last night, Trump denied telling Bolton Ukraine aid was tied to any Biden investigation. (Then again, Trump also said he didn’t know Lev Parnas, but now we know Trump had dinner with him.) On “Meet the Press” yesterday, Rep. Adam Schiff argued that if Democrats are unable to get witnesses like Bolton to testify, Trump will never be exonerated – at least not politically. “If [Republicans are] successful in depriving the country of a fair trial, there is no exoneration. There is no exoneration,” he said. But also on “Meet” yesterday, GOP Sen. Mike Braun of Indiana explained why it’s going to be so hard for GOP senators to vote for witnesses like Bolton: Their pro-Trump voters won’t allow it. “For many of us, depending on where you’re from — and this also is not only your own conscience you have to measure here. It is what your constituents [want].” Braun also said, “So I think when it comes to witnesses, each senator will have to ask with the political exigencies within their own area and the fairness factor.”TWEET OF THE DAY: The White House has had Bolton’s manuscript for almost a month Impeachment trial update: Day 2 for the defense President Trump’s lawyers will continue their arguments beginning at 1:00 pm ET, per NBC’s Kasie Hunt and the NBC Capitol Hill team. Where are we? Last Tuesday: procedural jousting over the organizing resolution; rules passed around 2:00 am ET Last Wednesday: prosecution opening arguments, 8 hours Last Thursday: prosecution, 8 hours Last Friday: prosecution, 8 hours Last Saturday: White House defense Sunday: off Today: White House defense Tomorrow: White House defense Wednesday: Senators’ questions Thursday: Senators’ questions Friday: Deliberations? Saturday: Vote on witnesses? Sunday: off Monday: Iowa caucuses Tuesday: State of the Union 2020 VISION: Look at who’s in in Iowa – and who has to remain in DCOn the campaign trail today: With one week to go before the Iowa caucuses, the main activity is in the Hawkeye State – for the non-senators at least: Joe Biden stumps in Cedar Falls, Marion and Iowa City… Pete Buttigieg is in Boone, Iowa Falls, Vinton and North Liberty… And Andrew Yang hits Orange City, Le Mars and Council Bluffs, while Tom Steyer travels to Ames… Outside of Iowa, Michael Bloomberg campaigns in Vermont and Maine… And Tulsi Gabbard stumps in New Hampshire.Dispatches from NBC’s campaign embeds: Elizabeth Warren changed up her campaign’s message in the final stretch of Iowa, NBC’s Deepa Shivaram reports, now focusing on “Women Win.” Shivaram asked Warren what her strategy will be if her message doesn’t get her ahead of Bernie Sanders in the Iowa caucuses: SHIVARAM: Senator if you don’t win Iowa, is that a reason to change your strategy going forward to Super Tuesday? WARREN: Look, we have not yet had the caucuses. I am here to be with people, to talk about why I’m in this race. We got a country that works great for billionaires. A country that works great for giant corporations. A country that works great for lobbyists. I think it’s time to make this country work great for everybody else. That’s why I’m in this fight. SHIVARAM: No reason to change your strategy? WARREN: You know, as I said, I’m running a campaign based on a lifetime of fighting for working families. I’m running a campaign from the heart. That’s what it’s all about for me. SHIVARAM: Do you have a backup plan if you don’t place well in Iowa? WARREN: This is who I am.THE LID: Strange bedfellows? Or a natural alliance? Don’t miss the pod from Friday, when we looked at the reporting that Kamala Harris might endorse Joe Biden.ICYMI: News clips you shouldn’t miss Pete Buttigieg is going on the attack by talking about the “risk” of nominating Bernie Sanders. Amy Klobuchar says she “should be leading the ticket.” Biden backers want to be talking about their candidate’s electability, not about his Social Security spat with Bernie Sanders. If you missed our New Hampshire poll over the weekend, check it out here. And don’t miss the Des Moines Register’s endorsement of Elizabeth Warren from Saturday night. Back in 2016, Trump attorney Alan Dershowitz called Trump “destabilizing and unpredictable.” Thanks for reading. If you’re a fan, please forward this to a friend. They can sign up here. We love hearing from our readers, so shoot us a line here with your comments and suggestions. Thanks, Chuck, Mark and Carrie. |
NOQ REPORT
- Democrats and mainstream media have turned impeachment into ‘The Bachelor’
- John Bolton: ‘If I had to say something I knew was false to protect American national security, I would do it’
- Ray Recommends Netflix’s Messiah
- Mark Dice calls out anti-Trump Tweets about Kobe Bryant’s death. Many delete their hateful posts.
- Kobe Bryant’s death shocks the world
- Poll used to pressure Susan Collins into voting for impeachment witnesses is questionable
- Paula White is a fraud and heretic who should be removed from the White House
- Coronavirus: Take precautions, but let’s not freak out just yet, folks
- Americana is dying: Why ‘Ford v. Ferrari’ isn’t getting the attention it deserves
| Democrats and mainstream media have turned impeachment into ‘The Bachelor’Posted: 27 Jan 2020 05:29 AM PSTPerhaps it is cosmic irony that the impeachment trial in the Senate kicked off at roughly the same time as the new season of ABC’s “The Bachelor”. Both ask their audiences to suspend disbelief to an extent that would make a confirmed fabulist grind his or her teeth.Consider the way that vapid 20-somethings on The Bachelor and The Bachelorette constantly make obviously false statements. “I’m already developing feelings for you,” said in week 3 by some dental hygienist or “marketing executive” who met the titular character a few days earlier…along with 20 other suitors. Or the common laments of emotional anguish from people like Bachelor Pete, who is already bemoaning how “confused” he is because he’s not sure if everyone on the show is there “for the right reasons”. (Again – week 3.) Sure, Pete, all these ladies signed up for this gig because of their deep, abiding affection for you as a person. If I thought this was sincere, I would avoid Delta flights where Pilot Pete might be confronted with a perplexing situation like… weather.That said, the things being said about impeachment by Democrats and their sycophants in the national media are equally vapid. Witness Adam Schiff and Jerry Nadler, who perverted the process in the House of Representatives as brazenly as possible. Along with other charlatans like Chuck Schumer, they now insist that additional witnesses must be allowed. Mind you, they couldn’t be bothered to get the witnesses they now crave when they had complete control of the process in the House. Rather than challenge the White House in court when it refused to provide requested witnesses, the House took a pass. Why, you ask? Because according to these same people, this “somber”, “prayerful” process had to be rushed so that Trump could not “steal another election”. But now they want to take the extra time to subpoena, depose and call these witnesses in the Senate? Has the timing of the November election been changed?If the House of Representatives wanted to challenge the White House’s refusal to provide witnesses, the courts would have been the appropriate place to do that. By definition, the judiciary is the branch that is supposed to settle disputes between the legislative and the executive. But Schiff et al couldn’t be bothered to do that – the fate of the republic hung in the balance! (they said). However, now that there’s an opportunity to score political points by saying Senate Republicans are engaging in a “cover-up”, we have all the time in the world? Mind you, only Democrat witness should be subpoenaed according to the left. GOP witnesses would only serve as an attempt at distraction and a “media circus”.Do Congressional Democrats think people are this stupid? Do they believe that independents and swing voters do not recognize this for what it is? Apparently, they do. But speaking as a non-Trump supporter and non-Republican, I find it all insultingly transparent and self-serving.The clear point of their efforts is not the truth, or the republic, or anything that Alexander Hamilton may have said on the subject. Regardless of how many slobbering Twitter love letters Schiff’s performance got from the Paul Begalas and “conservative” Jennifer Rubins of the world, the performances being offered by the Democrats are naked, brazen political theater whose only purpose is to score points in advance of the 2020 election.If you want to support this behavior because you want to hurt Trump/Republicans by any means possible, so be it. But don’t embarrass yourself by pretending that you believe the lofty rhetoric being offered by politicos feigning noble intent. Doing so will make you seem gullible.One of the reasons why I hate-watch The Bachelor is because I get a laugh as I listen to these buffoonish seekers of “love” plod around beautiful, exotic locations saying ridiculously unbelievable things – “I just know my spouse is in the crowd of 20 strangers.” When such nonsense is being offered by silly reality TV shows, there’s a pleasurable infuriation that it provides. But when brazen lies and absurd assertions come from the national “news” media, our elected officials and the federal government… not so much.Given the way that they are trying to gaslight the public, and the minimal effort they put into making it seem plausible, I’m beginning to wonder if Schiff, Schumer and the national media are doing this… for the right reasons.American Conservative MovementJoin fellow patriots as we form a grassroots movement to advance the cause of conservatism. We have two priorities until election day: Stopping Democrats and supporting strong conservative candidates. We currently have 7500+ patriots with us in a very short time. If you are interested, please join us to receive updates.First Name Last Name Email Address Comments SubmitMixi.Media NewsThe post Democrats and mainstream media have turned impeachment into ‘The Bachelor’ appeared first on NOQ Report – Conservative Christian News, Opinions, and Quotes. |
| John Bolton: ‘If I had to say something I knew was false to protect American national security, I would do it’Posted: 27 Jan 2020 03:08 AM PSTJohn Bolton has a long history of lying to the American people when he feels national security is at stake. This may be normal in Washington DC and especially normal in the “Deep State,” but it doesn’t make us feel secure in trusting someone who on multiple occasions has used his personal (and often demonstrably wrong) perspectives as his lodestar for foreign policy.Case-in-point: Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs) in Iraq. As Jon Schwarz at The Intercept noted in 2016, John Bolton “is arguably the man most responsible for hiding the truth about Iraq’s nonexistent WMDs.” Lest we forget, Bolton was pushing President Bush to invade Iraq BEFORE 9/11.Now, Bolton is saying President Trump told him personally he was withholding aid for Ukraine over favors he had requested from them. As the former National Security Adviser, his comments would normally hold weight. But this is John Bolton, a man who clearly has a grudge against the President, a man who is currently trying to sell his new book. As the video above demonstrates, he’s a man who’s willing to lie to achieve his goals.According to President Trump, Bolton is lying now as he has done many times in the past.I NEVER told John Bolton that the aid to Ukraine was tied to investigations into Democrats, including the Bidens. In fact, he never complained about this at the time of his very public termination. If John Bolton said this, it was only to sell a book. With that being said, the…— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 27, 2020…(Democrats said I never met) and released the military aid to Ukraine without any conditions or investigations – and far ahead of schedule. I also allowed Ukraine to purchase Javelin anti-tank missiles. My Administration has done far more than the previous Administration.— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 27, 2020Before the news of his book leak broke, I offered him what I believed to be a clear path to prevent him from destroying his legacy. By siding with Democrats and the Deep State, he would be a catalyst for the potential destruction of our nation. It wasn’t hyperbole, but it would appear Bolton’s personal goals supersede the various oaths he’s sworn to this nation and the Constitution.There are two things John Bolton has mastered over the years: Lying and getting us into unprovoked wars. His penchant for saying whatever he feels is necessary to prove himself right is concerning as he attempts to boost book sales.American Conservative MovementJoin fellow patriots as we form a grassroots movement to advance the cause of conservatism. We have two priorities until election day: Stopping Democrats and supporting strong conservative candidates. We currently have 7500+ patriots with us in a very short time. If you are interested, please join us to receive updates.First Name Last Name Email Address Comments SubmitMixi.Media NewsThe post John Bolton: ‘If I had to say something I knew was false to protect American national security, I would do it’ appeared first on NOQ Report – Conservative Christian News, Opinions, and Quotes. |
| Ray Recommends Netflix’s MessiahPosted: 27 Jan 2020 01:41 AM PSTNetflix debuted it’s Messiah series to much controversy globally. This comes after Netflix had a “gay Jesus” movie and produces a lot of socialist propaganda. But Messiah is produced by the same people who made the Bible miniseries on the History Channel. Ray gives a review of Netflix’s Messiah from a youthful non-PC Christian perspective, ultimately recommending it as a high quality depiction of an antichrist like figure in film. If you are a discerning Christian, this show is for you.American Conservative MovementJoin fellow patriots as we form a grassroots movement to advance the cause of conservatism. We have two priorities until election day: Stopping Democrats and supporting strong conservative candidates. We currently have 7500+ patriots with us in a very short time. If you are interested, please join us to receive updates.First Name Last Name Email Address Comments SubmitMixi.Media NewsThe post Ray Recommends Netflix’s Messiah appeared first on NOQ Report – Conservative Christian News, Opinions, and Quotes. |
| Mark Dice calls out anti-Trump Tweets about Kobe Bryant’s death. Many delete their hateful posts.Posted: 26 Jan 2020 03:08 PM PSTMedia analyst Mark Dice noticed something on Twitter in the flood of posts following the tragic death of NBA legend Kobe Bryant, his daughter GiGi, and seven others in a helicopter accident this morning in Calabasas, California. The popular LA Laker and fourth most prolific scorer in NBA history had millions of fans worldwide. Some of those fans used this tragedy to lash out at President Trump.Dice called them out.The Bryant family would be ashamed to learn how many of Kobe’s fans are such heartless degenerates if they saw how many were tweeting that it “should have been Trump” instead of Kobe. America is in a moral crisis that’s getting worse by the day.The Bryant family would be ashamed to learn how many of Kobe’s fans are such heartless degenerates if they saw how many were tweeting that it “should have been Trump” instead of Kobe. America is in a moral crisis that’s getting worse by the day.— Mark Dice (@MarkDice) January 26, 2020He comment-retweeted 21 of these heinous Tweets following the theme of replacing Bryant for President Trump. As of the posting of this article, 16 had deleted their original Tweets following Dice’s rebuke and his followers’ subsequent comments towards them.The “It should have been Trump instead of Kobe” tweets are endless. Moral bankruptcy is rampant. America is in trouble. https://t.co/yIQtWMbHbw pic.twitter.com/Q8M601w6z7— Mark Dice (@MarkDice) January 26, 2020Way to tarnish Kobe’s legacy by using this accident to wish death on the President of the United States. https://t.co/r1mTf73f7D— Mark Dice (@MarkDice) January 26, 2020Your favorite basketball playing dying isn’t an excuse to wish death on the President of the United States. https://t.co/ZMZJb0QpfV— Mark Dice (@MarkDice) January 26, 2020Basketball star dies…man wishes death on entire Trump family… https://t.co/R5n43fkOOv— Mark Dice (@MarkDice) January 26, 2020Stage 4 Trump Derangement Syndrome. https://t.co/00SVhm05r6— Mark Dice (@MarkDice) January 26, 2020God hates you. https://t.co/3rQmih4fsm— Mark Dice (@MarkDice) January 26, 2020A basketball star dies, and the first thing you think of is wishing death the Donald Trump? #Deranged https://t.co/jWWV02TLod— Mark Dice (@MarkDice) January 26, 2020“Shoulda had Trump” instead… https://t.co/5BqMV9nS64— Mark Dice (@MarkDice) January 26, 2020Bro…you just did exactly that. https://t.co/w6OJ1WiggN— Mark Dice (@MarkDice) January 26, 2020Stage 4 TDS https://t.co/AM0qnLM74Q— Mark Dice (@MarkDice) January 26, 2020Major Trump Derangement Syndrome outbreak today. https://t.co/VyXXlEQ7av— Mark Dice (@MarkDice) January 26, 2020He was a human who played basketball, he wasn’t an immortal God. Why are you using this tragedy to wish death on the President of the United States? https://t.co/w7ef0fhTy7— Mark Dice (@MarkDice) January 26, 2020Major Trump Derangement Syndrome outbreak today. https://t.co/ZLAwl1xGTv— Mark Dice (@MarkDice) January 26, 2020It never ends…. https://t.co/L928kWYZRb— Mark Dice (@MarkDice) January 26, 2020Huge sports star dies…fan worried about a Trump tweet. https://t.co/QNabs11xPZ— Mark Dice (@MarkDice) January 26, 2020Your brain is too damaged to make sense of our modern world. https://t.co/Kh30w78dwu— Mark Dice (@MarkDice) January 26, 2020The “Trump not Kobe” tweets are endless. Deranged lunatics are everywhere. https://t.co/6Wrq1scCXS— Mark Dice (@MarkDice) January 26, 2020Lunatic. https://t.co/ExWcMfCazc— Mark Dice (@MarkDice) January 26, 2020Lunatic. https://t.co/XjBtFeBuZq— Mark Dice (@MarkDice) January 26, 2020Deranged. https://t.co/OlT28mcehx— Mark Dice (@MarkDice) January 26, 2020All roads lead to Trump in the minds of the deranged Left. https://t.co/rKOZXW5WUr— Mark Dice (@MarkDice) January 26, 2020People deal with tragedy in different ways, but there’s never an excuse for wishing President Trump (or anyone else) had been in the helicopter instead of Kobe Bryant. There’s no reason to taint Bryant’s memory with hideous Tweets, as Mark Dice called out.American Conservative MovementJoin fellow patriots as we form a grassroots movement to advance the cause of conservatism. We have two priorities until election day: Stopping Democrats and supporting strong conservative candidates. We currently have 7500+ patriots with us in a very short time. If you are interested, please join us to receive updates.First Name Last Name Email Address Comments SubmitMixi.Media NewsThe post Mark Dice calls out anti-Trump Tweets about Kobe Bryant’s death. Many delete their hateful posts. appeared first on NOQ Report – Conservative Christian News, Opinions, and Quotes. |
| Kobe Bryant’s death shocks the worldPosted: 26 Jan 2020 12:53 PM PSTUpdate:UPDATE: @LACoSheriff Alex Villanueva says 9 people (pilot and 8 passengers) were on board helicopter crash that killed Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna.https://t.co/RKQxkGw3bd— LAist (@LAist) January 26, 2020Original Story:For nearly his entire adult life, Kobe Bryant was a Los Angeles Laker. The flamboyant basketball player was among five people killed in a helicopter accident in Calabasas, California, now confirmed by law enforcement.TMZ broke the story. They updated it to include that his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna Maria, was also killed in the accident, but other outlets are disputing this. Fans of the 5-time world champion reacted on Twitter:I’m a Bostonian. Celtics fans are taught to hate anything Lakers related. But you just couldn’t w/ Kobe. Too much respect for how he worked on his craft.No one worked harder. He was up for every challenge.Any athlete could learn a lot from him. pic.twitter.com/TqQ4d3WvMK— Alex Goldberg (@AlexGoldberg_) January 26, 2020Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of @kobebryant, as well as to the entire Lakers family. This is a horrible tragedy. Kobe was one of the best to ever play the game of basketball. May he Rest In Peace.— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) January 26, 2020Damn Kobe… R.I.P. pic.twitter.com/dGDEAVvCwf— QAnon (@Qanon76) January 26, 2020Kobe Bryant 2008 “Have a good time. Life is too short to get bogged down and be discouraged”Can’t believe this is real. RIP to an absolute legend. pic.twitter.com/6Jrk3KfGql— White Bball Pains (@WhiteBballPains) January 26, 2020Kobe Bryant was a good friend of Micheal Jackson, when he passed away in 2009 he gave such an inspiration speech at his memorial.Rest in peace Kobe, hopefully Micheal and many others are waiting for you in heaven. pic.twitter.com/zF5YT5yvUL— Pixelbuster (@Nitomatta) January 26, 2020“He defined more than basketball in Los Angeles.”@sportsreiter reflects on the legacy of Kobe Bryant. pic.twitter.com/DZStWjlyRg— CBS Sports HQ (@CBSSportsHQ) January 26, 2020Rest In Peace Kobe Bryant.Thank you for inspiring us all, one of the greatest athletes ever. A legend.— Luminosity Gaming (@Luminosity) January 26, 2020Kobe was a fighter and an optimist. He’d want us to be inspired by his life. He gave a lot.— FERRARI SHEPPARD (@stopbeingfamous) January 26, 2020Just got back into Dallas and heard the news about Kobe. My heart just dropped and I feel empty.— Emmitt Smith (@EmmittSmith22) January 26, 2020Kobe really took Brandy to prom when he was in high school, which at the time was pretty much the coolest thing in the world. Forever a legend. pic.twitter.com/gSnHaifpGn— Andrew Barber (@fakeshoredrive) January 26, 2020Kobe’s passing will absolutely be hard for sports fans around the world, but as someone who grew up in & around LA all my life, it hurt to my core to learn the news. He was such a critical part of this town, learning where he came from & what he accomplished was the dream. #RIP— Maximilian Dood (@maximilian_) January 26, 2020Kobe forever pic.twitter.com/3WMMF1ZAUD— New Branches (@new_branches) January 26, 2020Rest in Peace Kobe pic.twitter.com/PIMjFatfHx— Mr. Clutch (@ClutchNBA_) January 26, 2020There will never be another Kobe Bryant Rest in Paradise. pic.twitter.com/aBaBHvrx0O— Religion of Sports (@religionofsport) January 26, 2020So heartbroken for Kobe’s family, whose tragedy is now a publicly marketable and consumable news story. Grief is so terrible and impossible to fully understand. Now the whole world is reacting to it in their own ways. I pray for their family and their ability to mourn peacefully.— Cam Kasky (@cameron_kasky) January 26, 2020Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of those killed as well as Kobe Bryant’s fans who are saddened by this event. He was one of the greatest of all time, a truly dominating figure on the court.American Conservative MovementJoin fellow patriots as we form a grassroots movement to advance the cause of conservatism. We have two priorities until election day: Stopping Democrats and supporting strong conservative candidates. We currently have 7500+ patriots with us in a very short time. If you are interested, please join us to receive updates.First Name Last Name Email Address Comments SubmitMixi.Media NewsThe post Kobe Bryant’s death shocks the world appeared first on NOQ Report – Conservative Christian News, Opinions, and Quotes. |
| Poll used to pressure Susan Collins into voting for impeachment witnesses is questionablePosted: 26 Jan 2020 11:36 AM PSTSenator Susan Collins faces a tough reelection in November. She has been struggling to maintain support among Independents in a state that Hillary Clinton won in 2016. But as precarious as her situation seems now, it will become exponentially worse if she decides to vote with Democrats to call for impeachment trial witnesses.Some have been touting a poll that shows 71% of Maine voters want witnesses testifying and documents released. But research into Garin Hart Yang Research Group, the pollsters who produced the data, reveals that they are not some neutral, bipartisan organization that simply seeks the facts. It seemed obvious from their questions that this was more of a “push poll” than a fact-finding inquiry into the heartbeat of Maine.The group’s list of clients is even more telling. Of the 13 Senators they list as clients, all 13 are Democrats, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and presidential candidate Bernie Sanders. They have 18 labor unions as clients as well. Their “advocacy” client list includes the ACLU, Climate Action Campaign, Center for American Progress, National Sikh Campaign, and Planned Parenthood Federation of America.If their poll is to be believed and a modest 80% of Republicans opposed her voting with Democrats, that would mean nearly 100% of all of the state’s Democrats AND Independents would want her to side with Democrats. The state is left-leaning with Clinton beating President Trump by nearly 3%, but this poll’s lopsided conclusions seem questionable at best.Collins has an opportunity to make amends with Republican and centrist-Independent voters by treating this impeachment debacle as the partisan political hit-job that it is. She learned through the Brett Kavanaugh hearings that she could maintain Republican support by being on the right side of history. This impeachment offers her another chance to score important points while simultaneously doing what’s best for American.It doesn’t take a keen detective to realize the poll the left is using to pressure Susan Collins is clearly tilted and derived from a progressive source. The people of Maine are just as eager to see the impeachment charade end as the rest of America.American Conservative MovementJoin fellow patriots as we form a grassroots movement to advance the cause of conservatism. We have two priorities until election day: Stopping Democrats and supporting strong conservative candidates. We currently have 7500+ patriots with us in a very short time. If you are interested, please join us to receive updates.First Name Last Name Email Address Comments SubmitMixi.Media NewsThe post Poll used to pressure Susan Collins into voting for impeachment witnesses is questionable appeared first on NOQ Report – Conservative Christian News, Opinions, and Quotes. |
| Paula White is a fraud and heretic who should be removed from the White HousePosted: 26 Jan 2020 10:07 AM PSTFor all intents and purposes, Paula White is a scam artist. The popular female televangelist has made a career out of spreading a false doctrine, from what I’ve been told by trusted allies. One might wonder why I haven’t done more research on her. It’s simple. She’s unbearable to watch on video as it’s clear within seconds she doesn’t understand the Bible.Her latest escapades are just a reminder that she’s not a proper leader of Christians and doesn’t belong anywhere near the White House. She called for all “satanic pregnancies” to miscarry, and while technically one can argue that at face value the comment was sound (who wants truly “satanic pregnancies” to be successful?), the implication is misleading at best. What does she define as a “satanic pregnancy”?“We command all satanic pregnancies to miscarry right now” — Special Adviser to the White House Faith and Opportunity Initiative Paula White pic.twitter.com/gtdZyGfkxy— Guthrie Graves-Fitzsimmons (@GuthrieGF) January 25, 2020President Trump (and all of us) need sound doctrine to be flowing into his ears. There will be populists and secularists who don’t consider White’s heretical teachings to be a big concern as the President likely doesn’t take much of her advise very seriously, but the optics are horrible and the attachment to a rich televangelist con-artist does not help make the case for most evangelicals to vote for him. Thankfully, there is a much better case for that, a case that means most evangelicals will vote for him in November in spite of Paula White.We must pray for our President and our nation. In doing so, we should pray that he is not misled by this charlatan he has allowed into his White House, even giving her the lofty responsibility of advising him on spiritual issues. There are literally thousands of people who would be better advisers on issues of the spirit than Paula White, and I’m being conservative with my estimate. It could be millions, as I’d rather he sought spiritual advise from my 13-year-old than from his current spiritual adviser. My 13-year-old likely has a better understanding of the true Gospel based on the little I’ve heard from Paula White.If there’s one complaint we can make about the President, it’s that he often doesn’t surround himself with the best people. Rex Tillerson. H.R. McMaster. Michael Cohen. Anthony Scaramucci. Omarosa Manigault. But Paula White as a “spiritual adviser” is the worst.American Conservative MovementJoin fellow patriots as we form a grassroots movement to advance the cause of conservatism. We have two priorities until election day: Stopping Democrats and supporting strong conservative candidates. We currently have 7500+ patriots with us in a very short time. If you are interested, please join us to receive updates.First Name Last Name Email Address Comments SubmitMixi.Media NewsThe post Paula White is a fraud and heretic who should be removed from the White House appeared first on NOQ Report – Conservative Christian News, Opinions, and Quotes. |
| Coronavirus: Take precautions, but let’s not freak out just yet, folksPosted: 26 Jan 2020 07:53 AM PSTSome are trying to downplay it. Others are pushing the panic button. Most Americans seem oblivious despite ongoing coverage on most major news outlets. But awareness is about to escalate dramatically now that a third case has been confirmed in the United States and as usual, western media will try to blow it out of proportions.We should be aware and practice sensible virus avoidance procedures just like many Americans do during and flu season. That doesn’t mean it’s time to “go prepper” and quarantine yourself and your family. The new case confirmed in Orange Country, California, means we stand by our belief of taking appropriate precautions at this time. Unfortunately, western media loves stoking a good panic even if doing so is dangerous.Not sure I quite understand this. I see people panicking over the coronavirus which has killed 56 people, all in China. Meanwhile the flu killed 1000 times that many in the US last year and nobody freaked out. Stop letting the media control what you worry about.— Matt Walsh (@MattWalshBlog) January 26, 2020The other thing I remember from the Ebola panic is how angry people got when you didn’t participate in the panic. It’s happening again in the comments on this thread. Very strange psychological phenomenon. I’m more fascinated by it than annoyed.— Matt Walsh (@MattWalshBlog) January 26, 2020Why is it dangerous for the media to stir up panic during medical circumstances like these? Because when the boy cried wolf too many times, his people stopped believing him. There may come a time when a serious medical situation requires the full attention and rapid response of Americans. The coronavirus itself may even get there, but at this early stage it’s simply not that big of a deal.As The Daily WIre’s Matt Walsh noted, this is a tiny scale compared to how the flu spreads throughout our population. The difference, of course, is that millions of Americans get their flu shot. There are no comparable preventative treatments at this time for the coronavirus, and the media is playing on that. When Americans feel unprotected, we often act irrationally. Unless your plans included traveling to China in the near future, there’s really no need to change anything at this point other than practicing basic protective measures.Don’t let breathless mainstream media stir you up into a coronavirus frenzy. Monitor it. Wash your hands. Cancel plans to visit China. But otherwise, let’s not turn a new confirmed case of the virus into a fake national emergency.American Conservative MovementJoin fellow patriots as we form a grassroots movement to advance the cause of conservatism. We have two priorities until election day: Stopping Democrats and supporting strong conservative candidates. We currently have 7500+ patriots with us in a very short time. If you are interested, please join us to receive updates.First Name Last Name Email Address Comments SubmitMixi.Media NewsThe post Coronavirus: Take precautions, but let’s not freak out just yet, folks appeared first on NOQ Report – Conservative Christian News, Opinions, and Quotes. |
| Americana is dying: Why ‘Ford v. Ferrari’ isn’t getting the attention it deservesPosted: 26 Jan 2020 06:07 AM PSTFord v. Ferrari is the best racing movie of all time. It isn’t even close. It did well at the box office, earned a 92% on Rotten Tomatoes, and was nominated for Best Picture at the upcoming Academy Awards. But it’s better than that. Of the six nominated movies I’ve seen so far, it’s the best one yet.It’s better than Roman Polanksi’s daydream tribute by Quentin Tarantino, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. It’s better than fan-favorite Joker. It’s on par from a film making perspective as Parasite and much more enjoyable. It’s even better than the big buzz machine, The Irishman. While I haven’t seen three of the movies, the only one that has a realistic chance of being better based on what I know already is 1917.But Ford v. Ferrari will not win for Best Picture. It may pick up one of the editing or sound mixing Oscars, but the big prize is out of reach. James Mangold did not get nominated for Best Director. Neither Christian Bale nor Matt Damon were nominated for acting Oscars. It didn’t even get a nod for Best Screenplay. This movie was given one of nine nominations for Best Picture because not giving them one would be a travesty, but it was otherwise dismissed among the major categories.Why? Is there a Hollywood-favorites angle that often comes into play in which internal strife in Tinseltown detracts from a movie’s appeal with the Academy? No. Did it take too many creative liberties diverting itself from the true story of Carroll Shelby and Ken Miles? Not more than usual, with the only two notable changes being Enzo Ferrari’s presence at Le Mans ’66 (he wasn’t there) and the omission of Miles’ loss at Le Mans ’65.No, this movie didn’t suffer from standard Hollywood setbacks. It was tremendously produced, well-acted, and extremely entertaining. But it was missing something. It didn’t check off any of the modern day Hollywood’s required virtue-signalling boxes. In fact, the nature of the story as a celebration of American spirit and innovation is practically anathema in today’s Hollywood. If the movie wasn’t exceptional but merely very good, it would have been passed over by lesser movies for all of the four nominations it received.There was a time when patriotism and American exceptionalism were bonuses for movies during award season. Today, Hollywood has a preference for rooting for anyone other than the United States. European progressivism is particularly appealing.Then, there’s the lack of diversity. It’s a movie about a bunch of white men competing with each other. There are no speaking parts for people of color and the only woman with a significant role is Caitriona Balfe. But that’s the story. It’s mid-1960’s racing in America and Europe, long before Danica Patrick won a race and people like Wendell Scott were rare. Adding people of color would have been forced.There are many reasons why Ford v. Ferrari won’t win the Best Picture Oscar, but there are plenty of reasons why it should. But it won’t. It’s just not “woke” enough for Hollywood despite being the best racing movie of all time.American Conservative MovementJoin fellow patriots as we form a grassroots movement to advance the cause of conservatism. We have two priorities until election day: Stopping Democrats and supporting strong conservative candidates. We currently have 7500+ patriots with us in a very short time. If you are interested, please join us to receive updates.First Name Last Name Email Address Comments SubmitMixi.Media NewsThe post Americana is dying: Why ‘Ford v. Ferrari’ isn’t getting the attention it deserves appeared first on NOQ Report – Conservative Christian News, Opinions, and Quotes. |
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NATIONAL REVIEW
| WITH JIM GERAGHTYJanuary 27 2020What Does It Mean to ‘Stand Together’?On the menu today: a lot of reporting from the winter meeting of the political and philanthropic groups backed by Charles Koch; an argument for all the requested witnesses during impeachment; and an unexpected figure argues in favor of President Trump’s reelection.‘Every Person Has Value,’ but Few People in Politics Act As If That Is True.Indian Wells, Calif. — One of the recurring rallying cries at the winter meetings of the network of groups tied to billionaire Charles Koch is that no one should be written off as hopeless, dismissed as a waste, or left behind. Almost every speaker offers some version of this message: “Every person has value.” “Every single person has something to contribute.” “Every person has some extraordinary talent.” “Every person has potential and ability to rise.”One of the points I try to emphasize in my coverage of these meetings is the particular philosophy that guides these exceptionally deep-pocketed donors. They’re generally right of center, and many have donated to GOP candidates, but they’re extremely enthusiastic about “social entrepreneurs” — those who create nonprofits and for-profit businesses … READ MORE |
| ADVERTISEMENTTRENDING ON NATIONAL REVIEW1. Sweet freedom of conscience, &c.2. In Spain, Compulsory Sex Education for Primary-School Children3. Populism of the ElitesTOP STORIESNR PLUS KEVIN D. WILLIAMSONA Nation of BarbersA public-school system beset by conformism, in Texas and across the country. NEWSThree Rockets Fired at U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, One Person InjuredThree rockets struck the embassy, including one that apparently hit a dining area. A U.S. official told CNN the …NEWSPro-Life Dem Confronts Buttigieg over Party’s Commitment to Abortion: ‘We Have No Part in…The exchange happened two days after President Trump became the first U.S. president in history to address the …WHAT NR IS READINGThe Case for Nationalism: How It Made Us Powerful, United, and FreeBY RICHARD LOWRY“Makes an original and compelling case for nationalism . . . A fascinating, erudite—and much-needed—defense of a hallowed idea unfairly under current attack.” — Victor Davis HansonLEARN MOREPODCASTSEpisode 250: The Sestercentennial… Episode 2: Little-Known Facts about… PHOTOSCoronavirus Outbreak Lunar New Year VIDEOPompeo Accuses NPR… Polls: Sanders Has Narrow… NRPLUS ARTICLESTo the 1619 Project: Use More Art,… Fleabag: Vulgar,… Ready for Election Season?National Review subscribers get the most out of National Review. Don’t miss out.SEE MY OPTIONSADVERTISEMENTFollow Us & Share19 West 44th Street, Suite 1701, New York, NY, 10036, USA Your Preferences | Unsubscribe | Privacy View this e-mail in your browser. |
MANHATTAN INSTITUTE
| January 27, 2020Featuring the latest analysis, commentary, and research from Manhattan Institute scholarsURBAN POLICYPhoto: Loren Elliott/Getty ImagesIs Houston Really Less Affordable Than New York?“Texas Monthly told a story that a lot of people wanted to hear: loosely regulated housing markets like Houston have long embarrassed ideological opponents of free markets who insist that only rent controls and massive public subsidies can provide affordable housing.” By Connor Harris Economics21 January 25, 2020 ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTPhoto: audioundwerbung/iStockOld Energy, New BoomDigital traffic will fuel the next dramatic economic expansion—but digital machines need the reliable and affordable energy that only hydrocarbons can provide. By Mark P. Mills City Journal Online January 24, 2020 Based on a new book NEW YORK CITY & STATEPhoto: Drew Angerer/Getty ImagesVeto the Cashless Store Ban, Mayor: This Innovation Is Good for New York“The New York City Council just passed a bill banning ‘cashless stores,’ and Mayor de Blasio should veto it. … [The] new law is an unjustified imposition on business owners, who are in the best position to decide how to accept payment.” By Alex Armlovich New York Daily News January 24, 2020 Photo: Spencer Platt/Getty ImagesNYC Pols Freak Out Over NYPD’s Mild ‘Tough Love’ for Homeless Subway Law-Breakers“As winter grips the city in its frozen claws, the presence of the homeless has intensified … After years of ignoring the problem — and in response to Gov. Cuomo’s promise to hire 500 new MTA cops to deal with disorder underground — Mayor de Blasio has ordered the NYPD to address the issue.” By Seth Barron New York Post January 27, 2020 EDUCATIONPhoto: SolStock/iStockThe ‘Secret Sauce’ That Helps Catholic Schools Over-Achieve“Schools play a unique role in a child’s development, and education reformers shouldn’t shy away from pursuing values that will make their communities stronger.” By Kathleen Porter-Magee New York Post January 27, 2020 Based on a recent report POLITICSPhoto: urbazon/iStockEquity WarriorsViewing discrimination as deeply rooted, municipal and school officials are pushing controversial new programs to boost minority outcomes. By Steven Malanga City Journal Winter 2020 Issue Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty ImagesAmerica UnraveledChristopher Caldwell’s new book argues that, for the past half-century, the U.S. has been effectively living under two competing constitutional regimes. By Seth Barron City Journal Online January 24, 2020 IN MEMORIAMPhoto: Manhattan Institute/YouTubeRemembering Clayton ChristensenClayton Christensen, renowned professor at the Harvard Business School, died on January 23 at age 67. In 2011, Christensen delivered the Manhattan Institute’s William E. Simon Lecture, where he spoke about “disruptive innovation” in the nonprofit sector. PODCASTPhoto: adrian825/iStockHow Risk Fuels a Healthy EconomyAllison Schrager joins Brian Anderson to discuss how risk propels economic growth and why government efforts that go too far to mitigate risk undermine America’s economic vitality. CIVIL SOCIETY AWARDSNominations are open for the Manhattan Institute’s 2020 Civil Society Awards. This fall, four winners will each receive a $25,000 award for their efforts to keep our social fabric from fraying, assist those who need it most, and help people change the course of their lives. Nominate an outstanding nonprofit by March 20, 2020. Learn more at civilsocietyawards.com.SUBMIT A NOMINATIONCITY JOURNALCity Journal Winter 2020 Our new issue explores the needless panic over disposable plastic, Los Angeles’s epidemic of drug addiction, how the incarceration of fathers affects children, the promise of next-generation nuclear power, ideological purity tests for artists, and more. Get your print copy today! FEATURED BOOKPhoto: Manhattan InstituteDigital CathedralsToday’s global Cloud is society’s first foundationally new infrastructure in nearly a century. It is comprised of thousands of warehouse-scale computers and history’s biggest network of “information superhighways.” Powering this data behemoth consumes more energy than all global aviation. Yet, as disruptive as the Cloud has already become, we are only at the end of the beginning of what digital masons are building for the 21st century. In Digital Cathedrals, Mark Mills explores this new infrastructure through the lens of energy demand, and the implications for policymakers and regulators, who will be increasingly tempted—or enjoined—to engage issues of competition, fairness, and even social disruptions, along with the challenges of abuse of market power, both valid and trumped up.Buy NowManhattan Institute is a think tank whose mission is to develop and disseminate new ideas that foster greater economic choice and individual responsibility. 52 Vanderbilt Ave. New York, NY 10017 (212) 599-7000SUPPORT MICopyright © 2020 Manhattan Institute, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: Manhattan Institute52 Vanderbilt Ave.New York, NY 10017 Add us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list View this email in your browser |
CENTER FOR SECURITY POLICY
| Highlighted Articles/InterviewsPutin picks the man to build Russia’s high-tech police statePoland and Israel’s loss of diplomatic wisdomWurmser to head new Center program on global anti-SemitismTrump defense team should file 3 preliminary impeachment trial motionsFleitz on Fox: Trump clearly named the radical Islam enemy that Obama deniedLIVE STREAM TODAY at 11:00am EST: Committee on the Present Danger: China Threat Briefing The Committee on the Present Danger: China will host a threat briefing today at 11:00am EST on Secure Freedom Facebook and YouTube. New report says radical Islam driving rise in Christian persecutionChristians are facing an alarming rise in persecution this year, according to Open Doors’ 2020 World Watch List report. For decades, this non-profit group has systematically and meticulously produced annual reports which serve as the world’s largest investigative research available on Christian persecution. Read the article by Maya Carlin here.Support American innovation, not Huawei’sThe Trump Department of Defense has reportedly objected to a proposal advanced by the Trump Department of Commerce aimed at denying the sale of American technology to Huawei, the Chinese Communist Party’s favorite instrument for its worldwide digital hegemonism.Evidently, the Pentagon has bought the bizarre argument made by some U.S. suppliers of chips, microprocessors and other sophisticated electronic gear that they won’t be able to afford to do the research and development to beat Huawei’s fifth-generation wireless networks unless they help the Chinese make theirs better.Fortunately, there’s an alternative to such an obviously self-defeating gambit. We can free up ample financing to underwrite the patriotic innovation and production needed to support superior American 5G systems – and other industries – by redirecting the trillions of dollars Wall Street has been investing in Chinese companies, many of which are engaged in malevolent activities.This is Frank Gaffney.With Arthur HermanARTHUR HERMAN, Senior Fellow at the Hudson Institute, Author of 1917: Lenin, Wilson and the Birth of the New World Disorder(2017):How do we assure the future competitiveness of the US?Why America needs an industrial policyWhy sustaining economic growth is significant to our interests(PART TWO):We must preserve the US as a leader in key sectors of the economyThe reality of the threat we face from ChinaImplications of the atrophy of our defense-industrial base(PART THREE):Assessing the current US nuclear deterrentWhy the US should be on high alert with respect to the Russian nuclear arsenal(PART FOUR):What should the US be doing to prepare for 5G?Differences between Chinese and US 5GHow a Chinese quantum-computer could be devastating for US National SecurityLIVE STREAM Thursday, January 30: Socialism and American National SecurityTWEET OF THE DAYRetweet, like, and comment!DONATEView this email in your browser Copyright © 2020 Center for Security Policy, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: 2020 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Suite 189 Washington, D.C. 20006 (202) 835-9077 Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list. |
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AMERICAN INSTITUTE FOR ECONOMIC RESEARCH
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| View as WebpageJanuary 27, 2020The Bad Economics of Non-economists By Donald J. Boudreaux | The science of economics began in earnest in the mid-18th century largely as a response to the prevailing understanding of international trade. Most notably, two Scottish philosophers – David Hume and Adam Smith -… Read more www.aier.org Share this: Must Government Save Us from the Coronavirus? By Jeffrey A. Tucker | In the spring of 2014, when awareness of Ebola was just beginning to dawn, a case of infection appeared in the town of Harbel, Liberia. The biggest employer in the area is Firestone. The company immediately set up a… Read more www.aier.org FDR and Stalin Planned the Future of the World By Richard M. Ebeling | Seventy-five years ago, during the week of February 4-11, 1945, the most important Allied conference during the Second World War was held at Yalta on the Crimean Peninsula in the Soviet Union, between U.S. president,… Read more www.aier.org Maybe It Will Be the Battle of the Billionaires By Jeffrey A. Tucker | Who is favored to win the Democratic nomination? The presidency? Here’s my ridiculously unsubstantiated prediction: Michael Bloomberg. Crazier things have happened. The previous front runner, not exactly an inspiration to… Read more www.aier.org Should I Keep Fighting the Ex-Im Bank or Give Up? By Veronique de Rugy | This week, I was invited to testify before the Board of Advisors of The United States Export-Import Bank (EXIM). Whatever their reasons, I commend them for having me for a stimulating conversation. As many of you know, I… Read more www.aier.org Reciprocity in Occupational Licensure Might Be a Bad Idea By Charles Baird | On April 10, 2019 Arizona Governor Doug Ducey signed into law HB 2569, a bill to create “guaranteed recognition” of occupational licenses in other states. This was hailed as a great victory by libertarians and classical liberals… Read more www.aier.org Support AIERUpcoming EventsOpportunities at AIERJoin Our Email ListsOur Planned Giving programs pay three generations of beneficiaries while supporting AIER’s mission. LEARN MORE AIER Coffee Mug – BlueIt’s the small things that we use daily in life that reveal our loyalties. This is precisely why we made an AIER coffee mug. It suggests stability, dignity, and determination. It has personalized a matte-finish exterior with a shiny lip and interior. It has a 17-oz capacity and a flat handle for comfort. It says everything it needs to say!SHOP NOWFeatured PublicationA classic of the American Institute for Economic Research, How To Invest Wisely was first written and published in 1947, just as American society was being put back together again following the ghastly upheaval of war and its command economy. The first edition was prepared by our founder, Edward C. Harwood. Other writers and editors through the years include Richard W. Radcliffe, Stanley D. Ryals, C. Russell Doane, and Lawrence S. Pratt. This edition adds consultation by Edward Stringham and Peter C. Earle.SHOP NOWAIER on AmazonAIER StoreVisit AIER.orgFollow AIER |
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GATEWAY PUNDIT
| Web version Kobe Bryant: Final Moments Before Fatal Crash Captured on Flight Scanner (VIDEO) Kobe Bryant with daughter Gianna Basketball great Kobe Bryant died on Sunday morning in a helicopter crash in Calabasas. TMZ reported that everyone on board… Read more… WaPo Reporter Suspended For Tweeting Out 2016 Story About Kobe Bryant’s Rape Case Hours After Fatal Helicopter Crash Felicia Sonmez, a political reporter for The Washington Post, has been suspended from her post after she posted on Twitter a link to a 2016… Read more… Dem Lawmakers in CT Propose New Police Dept. Specifically for Fighting ‘Far Right Extremism’ — Says Freedom of Speech is ‘Unfortunate’ Accident or crime scene cordon tape, police line do not cross. It is nighttime, emergency lights of police cars flashing blue,… Read more… Dark and Dirty FBI Agent Joe Pientka Is Under Protective Order – Is He Talking Or Being Protected from Talking? We reported how dirty cop Joe Pientka who is reportedly still at the FBI, and his wife, who we have uncovered is connected to the… Read more… US Flags and Statues Vandalized at Massachusetts Cemetery and Veterans Memorial Park A vandal badly damaged and destroyed American flags and statues at a cemetery and veteran memorial park in Stoughton, Massachusetts, last week. The vandal destroyed… Read more… BREAKING EXCLUSIVE: Christopher Wray’s FBI Caught in Another LIE and Cover Up – FBI EMAILS ON SETH RICH UNCOVERED Christopher Wray’s FBI lied again. His FBI claimed that Seth Rich’s DNC computer and emails were investigated upon his death but then his FBI backtracked… Read more… Alicia Keys Sings About Trump Being Impeached, Calls for Cardi B to Enter Politics at Grammy Awards Grammy host Alicia Keys sang about President Donald Trump being impeached and called for rapper Cardi B to enter politics at the end of the… Read more… Hundreds of Localities Across the Nation Join Virginians in Declaring Their Counties ‘Second Amendment Sanctuaries’ The “Second Amendment Sanctuary” movement that began in Virginia has gone national — with hundreds of counties and localities across the nation now declaring themselves… Read more… Lauren Trager: Back Alley “Journalist” Behind the Greitens Set-Up Guest post by Eugene G. Bernat More than two years ago, KMOV investigative reporter, Lauren Trager, broke the story that then Gov. Eric Greitens had… Read more… You Might Like Advertisement Copyright © 2019 All rights reserved. | Privacy Policy This email was sent to rickbulow74@live.com. You are receiving this email because you asked to receive information from The Gateway Pundit. We take your privacy and your liberty very seriously and will keep your information in the strictest confidence. Your name will not be sold to or shared with third parties. We will email you from time to time with relevant news and updates, but you can stop receiving information from us at any time by following very simple instructions that will be included at the bottom of any correspondence you should receive from us. Our mailing address is: 16024 Manchester Rd. | St. Louis, MO 63011 Unsubscribe |