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White House reversed more than 25 security clearance denials, says whistleblower – live Trump reportedly considering far-right candidates for 'border czar' role – live
(32 minutes later)
Some updates on the story of Tricia Newbold, the White House whistleblower who has told Congress that the Trump administration overturned more than two dozen denials for security clearances:
Part of the GOP’s response is that “only 4-5 of her unfavorable 25 adjudications were for ‘very serious reasons’”.
GOP pushback on WH security clearance whistleblower:"Ms. Newbold testified that only 4-5 of her unfavorable 25 adjudications were for 'very serious reasons.'" pic.twitter.com/RoopGmdXQO
Her lawyer told Politico that she is in constant fear of losing her job, saying, “She needs the income for her healthcare and her kids. She’s very concerned.”
Tricia Newbold is still a W.H. employee but she's no longer allowed to adjudicate security clearances amid a reorganization, her lawyer told POLITICO. She's in constant fear of losing her job. "She needs the income for her healthcare and her kids." https://t.co/z8nTgttuT8
Sam Levin here in California, taking over our live coverage for the rest of the day. My colleague Lauren Gambino has more background on Bernie Sanders’ comments today, saying he does not support expanding the number of justices who serve on the Supreme Court:Sam Levin here in California, taking over our live coverage for the rest of the day. My colleague Lauren Gambino has more background on Bernie Sanders’ comments today, saying he does not support expanding the number of justices who serve on the Supreme Court:
“My worry is that the next time the Republicans are in power , they’ll do the same thing,” Sanders said at the We The People forum in Washington DC.“My worry is that the next time the Republicans are in power , they’ll do the same thing,” Sanders said at the We The People forum in Washington DC.
The idea, known as court-packing, has gained traction in the wake of the confirmation of Brett Kavnauagh, whose appointment sealed a conservative majority on the nation’s highest court.The idea, known as court-packing, has gained traction in the wake of the confirmation of Brett Kavnauagh, whose appointment sealed a conservative majority on the nation’s highest court.
The issue does not fall along ideological lines. So far only one Democratic presidential hopeful has endorsed the move: South Bend mayor Pete Buttigieg. But several other candidates, including senators Kamala Harris, Kirsten Gillibrand and Elizabeth Warren, told the Washington Post that they are open to it.The issue does not fall along ideological lines. So far only one Democratic presidential hopeful has endorsed the move: South Bend mayor Pete Buttigieg. But several other candidates, including senators Kamala Harris, Kirsten Gillibrand and Elizabeth Warren, told the Washington Post that they are open to it.
Asked how he would reform the courts, Sanders said he is open to rotating judges from the Appellate Courts through the Supreme Court as a way to bring in “new blood”.Asked how he would reform the courts, Sanders said he is open to rotating judges from the Appellate Courts through the Supreme Court as a way to bring in “new blood”.
The controversial Kavanaugh confirmation was for many liberal Democrats a final straw in a process that began with a decision by Majority leader Mitch McConnell to block many of President Barack Obama’s nominees to lower courts and then his refusal to even hold a hearing on Obama’s nomination of Judge Merrick Garland. The Supreme Court vacancy helped rally conservatives around Trump, and he filled the seat with Justice Neil Gorsuch after he was elected.The controversial Kavanaugh confirmation was for many liberal Democrats a final straw in a process that began with a decision by Majority leader Mitch McConnell to block many of President Barack Obama’s nominees to lower courts and then his refusal to even hold a hearing on Obama’s nomination of Judge Merrick Garland. The Supreme Court vacancy helped rally conservatives around Trump, and he filled the seat with Justice Neil Gorsuch after he was elected.
There are currently nine justices on the court, a number that was set in law by 1869. But some liberal advocacy groups have called for an additional four justices to sit on the bench. The last president to embark on this effort was Franklin Roosevelt, who failed in his attempt to expand the court to 15 justices in 1937.There are currently nine justices on the court, a number that was set in law by 1869. But some liberal advocacy groups have called for an additional four justices to sit on the bench. The last president to embark on this effort was Franklin Roosevelt, who failed in his attempt to expand the court to 15 justices in 1937.
.@BernieSanders got applause, cheers and even a chant when he walked out at the We The People forum. That was by far the biggest reception, with @ewarren in a close second, receiving plenty of applause and cheering.@BernieSanders got applause, cheers and even a chant when he walked out at the We The People forum. That was by far the biggest reception, with @ewarren in a close second, receiving plenty of applause and cheering
Demand Justice, a progressive group that organizes around reforming the nation’s courts, said Sanders’ support for a panel of rotating judges shows that there is a “growing consensus in the Democratic Party now that the Supreme Court must be reformed. The only remaining debate is how to best reform it.”Demand Justice, a progressive group that organizes around reforming the nation’s courts, said Sanders’ support for a panel of rotating judges shows that there is a “growing consensus in the Democratic Party now that the Supreme Court must be reformed. The only remaining debate is how to best reform it.”
“No one is any longer defending the status quo of just letting the Roberts Court block progressive priorities for the next 30 years,” said the group’s executive director Brian Fallon, who was previously a spokesman for Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. “Progressive activists have awakened to the danger posed by Trump’s packing of the courts, and Democratic candidates for president now see they need a plan to respond to this crisis.”“No one is any longer defending the status quo of just letting the Roberts Court block progressive priorities for the next 30 years,” said the group’s executive director Brian Fallon, who was previously a spokesman for Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. “Progressive activists have awakened to the danger posed by Trump’s packing of the courts, and Democratic candidates for president now see they need a plan to respond to this crisis.”
McConnell on Monday dismissed the idea as a “radical proposal”:McConnell on Monday dismissed the idea as a “radical proposal”:
So out of the ash heap of history came this talk of “court-packing.” A radical proposal that had been dead and buried by bipartisan consensus for almost a century.So out of the ash heap of history came this talk of “court-packing.” A radical proposal that had been dead and buried by bipartisan consensus for almost a century.
Never a dull day, as they say... nonetheless, Sabrina Siddiqui signing off and handing over to my ace colleague Sam Levin, who will take you through the rest of the day.Never a dull day, as they say... nonetheless, Sabrina Siddiqui signing off and handing over to my ace colleague Sam Levin, who will take you through the rest of the day.
But first, a quick recap on what this day has brought us thus far:But first, a quick recap on what this day has brought us thus far:
Joe Biden, after facing scrutiny over his conduct toward women, is seeing some people come to his defense; Stephanie Carter, the wife of former defense secretary Ash Carter, said a widely shared photo of Biden whispering in her ear was an exchange between two close friends.Joe Biden, after facing scrutiny over his conduct toward women, is seeing some people come to his defense; Stephanie Carter, the wife of former defense secretary Ash Carter, said a widely shared photo of Biden whispering in her ear was an exchange between two close friends.
2020 Democrats are speaking to progressive activists in Washington; so far, Beto O’Rourke has vowed mandatory monthly town halls for cabinet officials and Bernie Sanders is not a fan of adding seats to the supreme court.2020 Democrats are speaking to progressive activists in Washington; so far, Beto O’Rourke has vowed mandatory monthly town halls for cabinet officials and Bernie Sanders is not a fan of adding seats to the supreme court.
Democrats in the Senate will introduce a constitutional amendment to do away with the electoral college, which is a long-shot, to say the least, but a sign of how the issue is picking up steam within the party.Democrats in the Senate will introduce a constitutional amendment to do away with the electoral college, which is a long-shot, to say the least, but a sign of how the issue is picking up steam within the party.
The White House is under fire over its security clearances process once again, after a whistleblower told Congress she knows of more than two dozen instances in which the Trump administration overruled intelligence officials and gave top-level clearance to individuals whose applications were denied.The White House is under fire over its security clearances process once again, after a whistleblower told Congress she knows of more than two dozen instances in which the Trump administration overruled intelligence officials and gave top-level clearance to individuals whose applications were denied.
Donald Trump is weighing a ‘border czar’ as he picks another fight over immigration; surprise, surprise ... both potential candidates are far-right immigration hawks.Donald Trump is weighing a ‘border czar’ as he picks another fight over immigration; surprise, surprise ... both potential candidates are far-right immigration hawks.
A showdown is looming in the Senate over disaster relief, as Trump resists efforts by congressional Democrats to secure more funding for hurricane-ravaged Puerto Rico.A showdown is looming in the Senate over disaster relief, as Trump resists efforts by congressional Democrats to secure more funding for hurricane-ravaged Puerto Rico.
Stay tuned for more...!Stay tuned for more...!
Bernie Sanders has said he is not in favor of adding more seats to the US supreme court, putting the Vermont senator at odds with some of his 2020 Democratic opponents.Bernie Sanders has said he is not in favor of adding more seats to the US supreme court, putting the Vermont senator at odds with some of his 2020 Democratic opponents.
“My worry is that the next time the Republicans are in power, they’ll do the same thing,” Sanders said at the We the People summit in Washington, a gathering of liberal activists.“My worry is that the next time the Republicans are in power, they’ll do the same thing,” Sanders said at the We the People summit in Washington, a gathering of liberal activists.
Sanders instead suggested “bringing in new blood” by rotating the justices, telling the crowd: “What may make sense is not term limits, but rotating them to the appeals court.”Sanders instead suggested “bringing in new blood” by rotating the justices, telling the crowd: “What may make sense is not term limits, but rotating them to the appeals court.”
More to come...More to come...
More people are coming for Joe Biden’s defense amid scrutiny over the former vice president’s conduct toward women.More people are coming for Joe Biden’s defense amid scrutiny over the former vice president’s conduct toward women.
USA Today has published an op-ed from Elizabeth Alexander, a former Biden aide, titled, I was with Joe Biden when no one was looking, and he was always a champion for women”.USA Today has published an op-ed from Elizabeth Alexander, a former Biden aide, titled, I was with Joe Biden when no one was looking, and he was always a champion for women”.
“I write not to discount the writings of any other women or question their right to be heard, but to add to the unwritten story of Joe Biden,” she writes.“I write not to discount the writings of any other women or question their right to be heard, but to add to the unwritten story of Joe Biden,” she writes.
Alexander cites Biden’s record on women’s issues, pointing out he was the original co-sponsor of the Violence Against Women Act and “took the rare step of paying staffers through their entire maternity leaves” while in the US Senate. She also details what Biden was like with female staffers behind closed doors, portraying him as a boss who was sympathetic and supportive.Alexander cites Biden’s record on women’s issues, pointing out he was the original co-sponsor of the Violence Against Women Act and “took the rare step of paying staffers through their entire maternity leaves” while in the US Senate. She also details what Biden was like with female staffers behind closed doors, portraying him as a boss who was sympathetic and supportive.
“Don’t get me wrong. No one is perfect, no legislative record is perfect,” Alexander adds.“Don’t get me wrong. No one is perfect, no legislative record is perfect,” Alexander adds.
“Joe Biden thrives on personal connections; he emotes and he empathizes like no other, and when he reaches out to you — man or woman — he’s reaching out to touch your heart. If that’s a failing, I’ll take it.”“Joe Biden thrives on personal connections; he emotes and he empathizes like no other, and when he reaches out to you — man or woman — he’s reaching out to touch your heart. If that’s a failing, I’ll take it.”
The rush in some corners to defend Biden sets him apart other politicians who have faced allegations of inappropriate behavior.The rush in some corners to defend Biden sets him apart other politicians who have faced allegations of inappropriate behavior.
It is not simply a sign of Biden’s reputation in Democratic circles, but also a moment of reckoning for the party as it attempts to draw a clear line in the #MeToo era that makes no excuses but also embraces nuance.It is not simply a sign of Biden’s reputation in Democratic circles, but also a moment of reckoning for the party as it attempts to draw a clear line in the #MeToo era that makes no excuses but also embraces nuance.
Whether or not the current Democratic primary electorate believes there are two sides to the issue is a separate, open-ended question...Whether or not the current Democratic primary electorate believes there are two sides to the issue is a separate, open-ended question...
Who said former FBI directors don’t have a sense of humor?Who said former FBI directors don’t have a sense of humor?
I’m in. We need someone in the middle. #2020 pic.twitter.com/IGt69bEQz1I’m in. We need someone in the middle. #2020 pic.twitter.com/IGt69bEQz1
In case you didn’t quite get it, that’s James Comey throwing his hat into the 2020 race. Except it’s April Fool’s Day, and really this day should just be banned entirely.In case you didn’t quite get it, that’s James Comey throwing his hat into the 2020 race. Except it’s April Fool’s Day, and really this day should just be banned entirely.
Senate Democrats plan to unveil a long-shot constitutional amendment on Tuesday to abolish the electoral college.Senate Democrats plan to unveil a long-shot constitutional amendment on Tuesday to abolish the electoral college.
Although the measure has no chance of becoming law in the near future, Democrats hope to draw more attention to a proposal that has also been championed by the party’s 2020 hopefuls. Democrats have long complained about the electoral college, the system by which the United States elects its president.Although the measure has no chance of becoming law in the near future, Democrats hope to draw more attention to a proposal that has also been championed by the party’s 2020 hopefuls. Democrats have long complained about the electoral college, the system by which the United States elects its president.
Senator Brian Schatz, a Democrat from Hawaii, will introduce the measure alongside Senator Dick Durbin, the second-ranking Senate Democrat, and Senator Dianne Feinstein, the top Democrat on the Senate judiciary committee.Senator Brian Schatz, a Democrat from Hawaii, will introduce the measure alongside Senator Dick Durbin, the second-ranking Senate Democrat, and Senator Dianne Feinstein, the top Democrat on the Senate judiciary committee.
Two of the last three presidents -- George W Bush and Donald Trump, both Republicans -- lost the popular vote but won the electoral college. Trump’s opponents have especially chafed at the fact that Hillary Clinton won the popular vote by more than two million votes, prompting renewed calls to do away with the current system.Two of the last three presidents -- George W Bush and Donald Trump, both Republicans -- lost the popular vote but won the electoral college. Trump’s opponents have especially chafed at the fact that Hillary Clinton won the popular vote by more than two million votes, prompting renewed calls to do away with the current system.
At least seven of the 2020 Democratic contenders have called for eliminating the electoral college, according to a Washington Post tracker of the candidates’ positions.At least seven of the 2020 Democratic contenders have called for eliminating the electoral college, according to a Washington Post tracker of the candidates’ positions.
The Trump administration is considering hiring a “border” or “immigration czar” to coordinate the president’s policies on immigration across various federal agencies, the Associated Press reports.The Trump administration is considering hiring a “border” or “immigration czar” to coordinate the president’s policies on immigration across various federal agencies, the Associated Press reports.
According to the AP, Trump is considering two potential candidates: former Kansas secretary of state Kris Kobach and former Virginia attorney general Ken Cuccinelli , both far-right conservatives with strong views on immigration.According to the AP, Trump is considering two potential candidates: former Kansas secretary of state Kris Kobach and former Virginia attorney general Ken Cuccinelli , both far-right conservatives with strong views on immigration.
It has yet to be decided whether the post would be housed within the department of homeland security or the White House.It has yet to be decided whether the post would be housed within the department of homeland security or the White House.
White House press aides, Kobach and Cuccinelli did not immediately respond to requests for comment.White House press aides, Kobach and Cuccinelli did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The discussion comes as Trump is threatening to close the US-Mexico border if Mexico doesn’t halt all illegal immigration.The discussion comes as Trump is threatening to close the US-Mexico border if Mexico doesn’t halt all illegal immigration.
My colleague Lauren Gambino is reporting from the We the People summit in Washington, where 2020 Democratic hopefuls are speaking to a gathering of liberal activists.My colleague Lauren Gambino is reporting from the We the People summit in Washington, where 2020 Democratic hopefuls are speaking to a gathering of liberal activists.
First up is Beto O’Rourke, the former Texas congressman who formally kicked off his campaign with a rally in his hometown of El Paso on Saturday:First up is Beto O’Rourke, the former Texas congressman who formally kicked off his campaign with a rally in his hometown of El Paso on Saturday:
If elected, Beto O’Rourke would require every member of his cabinet to hold monthly town halls.If elected, Beto O’Rourke would require every member of his cabinet to hold monthly town halls.
The former Texas congressman and presidential hopeful said he would sign an executive order requiring each member to commit to the meetings as a way to hold the executive branch more accountable.The former Texas congressman and presidential hopeful said he would sign an executive order requiring each member to commit to the meetings as a way to hold the executive branch more accountable.
“At a time when we face an extraordinary concentration of power and access, when our government does too little for too few, we must ensure that the people of this country can hold their government to account for the decisions it makes in their name,” O’Rourke said at the annual We the People forum in Washington.“At a time when we face an extraordinary concentration of power and access, when our government does too little for too few, we must ensure that the people of this country can hold their government to account for the decisions it makes in their name,” O’Rourke said at the annual We the People forum in Washington.
“It is only by listening to those we are sworn to serve and represent -- by gaining the full benefit of their ideas, their experiences, their creativity -- that we can come together to confront and overcome the very real challenges before us.”“It is only by listening to those we are sworn to serve and represent -- by gaining the full benefit of their ideas, their experiences, their creativity -- that we can come together to confront and overcome the very real challenges before us.”
O’Rourke launched his campaign last month with a roadtrip through the early voting states and the upper Midwest. At each stop, he held town hall-style meetings that began with him urging voters to “ask a question, make a comment, offer me some guidance or an idea. I am all ears”.O’Rourke launched his campaign last month with a roadtrip through the early voting states and the upper Midwest. At each stop, he held town hall-style meetings that began with him urging voters to “ask a question, make a comment, offer me some guidance or an idea. I am all ears”.
O’Rourke is a fan of town halls, which he believes are laboratories for innovative and consensus-building ideas that.O’Rourke is a fan of town halls, which he believes are laboratories for innovative and consensus-building ideas that.
As a candidate for Senate in Texas, O’Rourke held more than 350 town halls during the course of his campaign, during which he visited all of the state’s 254 counties.As a candidate for Senate in Texas, O’Rourke held more than 350 town halls during the course of his campaign, during which he visited all of the state’s 254 counties.
Vanessa Tyson, the professor who has accused Virginia’s lieutenant governor Justin Fairfax of sexual assault, detailed her allegations on Monday in her first televised interview.Vanessa Tyson, the professor who has accused Virginia’s lieutenant governor Justin Fairfax of sexual assault, detailed her allegations on Monday in her first televised interview.
Speaking with CBS This Morning, Tyson called on Fairfax to resign more than a month after going public with her accusation in early February.Speaking with CBS This Morning, Tyson called on Fairfax to resign more than a month after going public with her accusation in early February.
Recalling her encounter with Fairfax, as well as an allegation made by a second accuser, Tyson said: “I think the Virginia people, the voters of Virginia, have a right to know, you know, both my story and Meredith’s story.”Recalling her encounter with Fairfax, as well as an allegation made by a second accuser, Tyson said: “I think the Virginia people, the voters of Virginia, have a right to know, you know, both my story and Meredith’s story.”
Tyson accused Fairfax of forcing her to perform oral sex on him in a Boston hotel room during the 2004 Democratic National Convention.Tyson accused Fairfax of forcing her to perform oral sex on him in a Boston hotel room during the 2004 Democratic National Convention.
Tyson told CBS host Gayle King she connected with Fairfax through a mutual friend. What began as consensual kissing inside his hotel room, she added, quickly transformed into an assault.Tyson told CBS host Gayle King she connected with Fairfax through a mutual friend. What began as consensual kissing inside his hotel room, she added, quickly transformed into an assault.
“The next thing I know my head is like literally in his crotch and I’m choking and gagging and I couldn’t say anything because I’m choking and gagging,” Tyson said through tears.“The next thing I know my head is like literally in his crotch and I’m choking and gagging and I couldn’t say anything because I’m choking and gagging,” Tyson said through tears.
“I was just completely caught off guard. It was almost as if I was dumbstruck.”“I was just completely caught off guard. It was almost as if I was dumbstruck.”
Tyson went on to say she was too “ashamed” to tell anyone about the incident.Tyson went on to say she was too “ashamed” to tell anyone about the incident.
A second accuser, Meredith Watson, has alleged that Fairfax raped her in 2000 when the two were students.A second accuser, Meredith Watson, has alleged that Fairfax raped her in 2000 when the two were students.
Fairfax has vehemently denied both allegations and resisted calls from Democrats to resign.Fairfax has vehemently denied both allegations and resisted calls from Democrats to resign.
CBS is expected to air an interview with Watson on Tuesday.CBS is expected to air an interview with Watson on Tuesday.
In a statement to CBS, Fairfax reiterated his innocence:In a statement to CBS, Fairfax reiterated his innocence:
“I am, and have long been, a strong proponent of the rights of women in our society — among them equal rights, reproductive rights, economic rights, the right to be heard and respected, the right to fair access to the criminal justice system, and right to be free from disrespect, harassment, and assault,” he said. “At the same time, I also believe that we must find a way to ensure that our justice system and even the court of public opinion provide due process and fairness both to accusers and the accused. I, for one, stand accused of crimes that I did not commit.”“I am, and have long been, a strong proponent of the rights of women in our society — among them equal rights, reproductive rights, economic rights, the right to be heard and respected, the right to fair access to the criminal justice system, and right to be free from disrespect, harassment, and assault,” he said. “At the same time, I also believe that we must find a way to ensure that our justice system and even the court of public opinion provide due process and fairness both to accusers and the accused. I, for one, stand accused of crimes that I did not commit.”
A fight between Donald Trump and Democrats over hurricane relief for Puerto Rico is imperiling a widely backed disaster aid bill that’s a top priority for some of the president’s southern Republican allies, the Associated Press reports.A fight between Donald Trump and Democrats over hurricane relief for Puerto Rico is imperiling a widely backed disaster aid bill that’s a top priority for some of the president’s southern Republican allies, the Associated Press reports.
More from the AP:More from the AP:
The amount of money in dispute is relatively small, but Trump feels antipathy toward Puerto Rico’s government and Senate Republicans are taking a hard line — for now — in denying Democratic demands for more aid for the US territory, which was devastated by back-to-back hurricanes in 2017.The amount of money in dispute is relatively small, but Trump feels antipathy toward Puerto Rico’s government and Senate Republicans are taking a hard line — for now — in denying Democratic demands for more aid for the US territory, which was devastated by back-to-back hurricanes in 2017.
Democrats are poised to block the Republican bill in a showdown Senate vote on Monday afternoon. It’s a risky move, but top Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer of New York appears confident that a successful filibuster won’t kill the bill outright, but drive Trump and Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell toward compromise.Democrats are poised to block the Republican bill in a showdown Senate vote on Monday afternoon. It’s a risky move, but top Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer of New York appears confident that a successful filibuster won’t kill the bill outright, but drive Trump and Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell toward compromise.
Trump weighed in on Twitter Monday to preemptively attack Democrats for blocking the measure.Trump weighed in on Twitter Monday to preemptively attack Democrats for blocking the measure.
Democrats should stop fighting Sen. David Perdue’s disaster relief bill. They are blocking funding and relief for our great farmers and rural America!Democrats should stop fighting Sen. David Perdue’s disaster relief bill. They are blocking funding and relief for our great farmers and rural America!
The $13.5b Senate measure mostly mirrors a $14.2b measure passed by the House in January, combining aid to southern farmers, California communities devastated by last summer’s wildfire, and rebuilding help for hurricane-hit states such as Florida, Georgia and North Carolina. Hurricane-damaged military bases in Florida and North Carolina would receive rebuilding funds.The $13.5b Senate measure mostly mirrors a $14.2b measure passed by the House in January, combining aid to southern farmers, California communities devastated by last summer’s wildfire, and rebuilding help for hurricane-hit states such as Florida, Georgia and North Carolina. Hurricane-damaged military bases in Florida and North Carolina would receive rebuilding funds.
Democrats want to add almost $700m more to unlock further disaster aid for Puerto Rico and several states, including help to rebuild badly damaged water systems. Democrats are also seeking to force the administration to release billions of dollars in rebuilding funds that have already been approved.Democrats want to add almost $700m more to unlock further disaster aid for Puerto Rico and several states, including help to rebuild badly damaged water systems. Democrats are also seeking to force the administration to release billions of dollars in rebuilding funds that have already been approved.
Trump has yet to veto a spending bill despite some tough talk and he has signed off on $600m to ease food stamp cuts in Puerto Rico. But he poor-mouthed the island’s government at a meeting with Senate Republicans last week and suggested Puerto Rico has gotten too much disaster help compared with states such as Texas.Trump has yet to veto a spending bill despite some tough talk and he has signed off on $600m to ease food stamp cuts in Puerto Rico. But he poor-mouthed the island’s government at a meeting with Senate Republicans last week and suggested Puerto Rico has gotten too much disaster help compared with states such as Texas.
“I have taken better care of Puerto Rico than any man ever. We have $91b going to Puerto Rico. We have $29b to Texas and $12b to Florida for the hurricane,” Trump said Thursday. “They have to spend the money wisely. They don’t know how to spend the money and they’re not spending it wisely.”“I have taken better care of Puerto Rico than any man ever. We have $91b going to Puerto Rico. We have $29b to Texas and $12b to Florida for the hurricane,” Trump said Thursday. “They have to spend the money wisely. They don’t know how to spend the money and they’re not spending it wisely.”
From my colleague Lauren Gambino, an update on progressive superstar and perhaps the only member of Congress known by her initials, AOC:From my colleague Lauren Gambino, an update on progressive superstar and perhaps the only member of Congress known by her initials, AOC:
Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has raised more than $90,000 for progressive, swing-district Democrats less than 24 hours after she urged supporters to donate to their re-election campaigns.Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has raised more than $90,000 for progressive, swing-district Democrats less than 24 hours after she urged supporters to donate to their re-election campaigns.
As Ocasio-Cortez faces criticism over her left wing politics, the appeal shows how she can use her star-power to boost ideological allies and colleagues in her freshman class.As Ocasio-Cortez faces criticism over her left wing politics, the appeal shows how she can use her star-power to boost ideological allies and colleagues in her freshman class.
Ahead of the Sunday night fundraising deadline, Ocasio-Cortez asked her Twitter followers to donate to freshman representatives Jahana Hayes of Connecticut, Katie Hill of California, and Mike Levin of California. By 1pm EST, the New York congresswoman reported raising $92,800 for the three candidates.Ahead of the Sunday night fundraising deadline, Ocasio-Cortez asked her Twitter followers to donate to freshman representatives Jahana Hayes of Connecticut, Katie Hill of California, and Mike Levin of California. By 1pm EST, the New York congresswoman reported raising $92,800 for the three candidates.
“It isn’t easy being a progressive from a swing district, but these three candidates have stuck to their principles by supporting progressive bills like Medicare-for-all or a Green New Deal,” the donation page says. “Show them that you have their back — split a contribution to all three before the FEC deadline midnight tonight, March 31.”“It isn’t easy being a progressive from a swing district, but these three candidates have stuck to their principles by supporting progressive bills like Medicare-for-all or a Green New Deal,” the donation page says. “Show them that you have their back — split a contribution to all three before the FEC deadline midnight tonight, March 31.”
Official reports on fundraising for the first quarter of the year, a three-month period that went through Sunday March 31, are due on 15 April.Official reports on fundraising for the first quarter of the year, a three-month period that went through Sunday March 31, are due on 15 April.
Ocasio-Cortez’s colleagues took to Twitter to thank her for her help:Ocasio-Cortez’s colleagues took to Twitter to thank her for her help:
Last night @AOC helped raise 3 candidates in tough districts more than 30k each in a few hours. Corporate PACs can give candidates 5K - & it comes with strings. Grassroots $$ lets us stay accountable to the people. That’s the power of this movement — let’s keep building, togetherLast night @AOC helped raise 3 candidates in tough districts more than 30k each in a few hours. Corporate PACs can give candidates 5K - & it comes with strings. Grassroots $$ lets us stay accountable to the people. That’s the power of this movement — let’s keep building, together
Can’t thank my friend @AOC enough for helping me to reach my Q1 goal. We rise by lifting others. Onward!! https://t.co/AoI7PM2vC0Can’t thank my friend @AOC enough for helping me to reach my Q1 goal. We rise by lifting others. Onward!! https://t.co/AoI7PM2vC0
“The more we opt into small-$ giving, the less our system relies on corp lobbyists,” Ocasio-Cortez replied on Twitter. “In a few hrs, we changed the game for swing-district members who stayed strong under pressure.”“The more we opt into small-$ giving, the less our system relies on corp lobbyists,” Ocasio-Cortez replied on Twitter. “In a few hrs, we changed the game for swing-district members who stayed strong under pressure.”
In a statement, Corbin Trent, a spokesman for Ocasio-Cortez told The Guardian: “We are proud to stand with bold Democrats and excited to show that the grassroots will support Representatives who are willing to take a stand for progressive values.”In a statement, Corbin Trent, a spokesman for Ocasio-Cortez told The Guardian: “We are proud to stand with bold Democrats and excited to show that the grassroots will support Representatives who are willing to take a stand for progressive values.”
Trent said just under $90,000 was raised before the midnight deadline.Trent said just under $90,000 was raised before the midnight deadline.
The appeal comes a day after Ocasio-Cortez asked her supporters to donate directly to individual candidates instead of the party, escalating her opposition to a new policy instituted by the House Democrats’ campaign arm that favors incumbents.The appeal comes a day after Ocasio-Cortez asked her supporters to donate directly to individual candidates instead of the party, escalating her opposition to a new policy instituted by the House Democrats’ campaign arm that favors incumbents.
Ocasio-Cortez, who won her seat by upsetting a 10-term Democratic incumbent, is a vocal opponent of a new rule by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee that prohibits its vendors from working with candidates who challenge incumbent Democrats.Ocasio-Cortez, who won her seat by upsetting a 10-term Democratic incumbent, is a vocal opponent of a new rule by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee that prohibits its vendors from working with candidates who challenge incumbent Democrats.
The @DCCC’s new rule to blacklist+boycott anyone who does business w/ primary challengers is extremely divisive & harmful to the party.My recommendation, if you’re a small-dollar donor: pause your donations to DCCC & give directly to swing candidates instead.Some great ones:The @DCCC’s new rule to blacklist+boycott anyone who does business w/ primary challengers is extremely divisive & harmful to the party.My recommendation, if you’re a small-dollar donor: pause your donations to DCCC & give directly to swing candidates instead.Some great ones:
In that appeal, she asked supporters to give to Levin as well as Lauren Underwood of Illinois and Katie Porter of California.In that appeal, she asked supporters to give to Levin as well as Lauren Underwood of Illinois and Katie Porter of California.
The campaigns did not immediately return a request for comment on how much were raised after her appeal.The campaigns did not immediately return a request for comment on how much were raised after her appeal.
The DCCC has defended the policy, arguing that it’s part of chairwoman Cheri Bustos’s commitment to protecting the Democrat’s House majority, which is the most female, diverse class in history.The DCCC has defended the policy, arguing that it’s part of chairwoman Cheri Bustos’s commitment to protecting the Democrat’s House majority, which is the most female, diverse class in history.
“When Chairwoman Bustos was running to lead the DCCC, she stood up in front of her colleagues and made a promise to stand with and protect every member of the most diverse caucus in Congressional history as we work to defend and grow our Democratic majority,” said DCCC spokesman Cole Leiter. “This transparent policy follows through on that exact promise and will protect all Members of the Democratic Caucus - regardless of where they fall within our big tent.”“When Chairwoman Bustos was running to lead the DCCC, she stood up in front of her colleagues and made a promise to stand with and protect every member of the most diverse caucus in Congressional history as we work to defend and grow our Democratic majority,” said DCCC spokesman Cole Leiter. “This transparent policy follows through on that exact promise and will protect all Members of the Democratic Caucus - regardless of where they fall within our big tent.”
But progressives argue that it is in an effort to deter primary challenges.But progressives argue that it is in an effort to deter primary challenges.
The fact that I challenged an incumbent meant a lot of folks were told not to come anywhere near my campaign. But I was lucky to build a dynamic, innovative team of staff & consultants who understood the challenges our campaign faced, and who were willing to take a risk (4/x)The fact that I challenged an incumbent meant a lot of folks were told not to come anywhere near my campaign. But I was lucky to build a dynamic, innovative team of staff & consultants who understood the challenges our campaign faced, and who were willing to take a risk (4/x)
Joe Biden’s spokesman hit back at media coverage of the former vice president’s treatment of women, stating photos alleging to show inappropriate behavior on Biden’s part are a smear campaign led by “right wing trolls”.Joe Biden’s spokesman hit back at media coverage of the former vice president’s treatment of women, stating photos alleging to show inappropriate behavior on Biden’s part are a smear campaign led by “right wing trolls”.
These smears and forgeries have existed in the dark recesses of the internet for a while,” Bill Russo, Biden’s spokesman, said Monday. “And to this day, right wing trolls and others continue to exploit them for their own gain.These smears and forgeries have existed in the dark recesses of the internet for a while,” Bill Russo, Biden’s spokesman, said Monday. “And to this day, right wing trolls and others continue to exploit them for their own gain.
Russo’s new statement followed an essay by Stephanie Carter, the wife of former defense secretary Ash Carter, refuting claims that a photo featuring her and the vice president was an example of unwanted touching. Carter wrote that Biden, who was photographed in 2015 with his hands on her shoulders while whispering in her ears, was nothing more than an interaction with a close friend.Russo’s new statement followed an essay by Stephanie Carter, the wife of former defense secretary Ash Carter, refuting claims that a photo featuring her and the vice president was an example of unwanted touching. Carter wrote that Biden, who was photographed in 2015 with his hands on her shoulders while whispering in her ears, was nothing more than an interaction with a close friend.
“As the sole owner of my story, it is high time that I reclaim it – from strangers, Twitter, the pundits and the late-night hosts,” Carter wrote. “I won’t pretend that this will be the last of that picture, but it will be the last of other people speaking for me.”“As the sole owner of my story, it is high time that I reclaim it – from strangers, Twitter, the pundits and the late-night hosts,” Carter wrote. “I won’t pretend that this will be the last of that picture, but it will be the last of other people speaking for me.”
Read my full report here on the intense scrutiny surrounding Biden’s conduct with women, following an allegation by former Nevada state assemblywoman Lucy Flores that the former vice president violated her personal space at an event in 2014.Read my full report here on the intense scrutiny surrounding Biden’s conduct with women, following an allegation by former Nevada state assemblywoman Lucy Flores that the former vice president violated her personal space at an event in 2014.
Russo criticized the media for establishing a supposed pattern in Biden’s behavior by circulating images of his interactions with women without first confirming that the individuals in those photos were ever uncomfortable.Russo criticized the media for establishing a supposed pattern in Biden’s behavior by circulating images of his interactions with women without first confirming that the individuals in those photos were ever uncomfortable.
In addition to Carter, another widely shared image showed Biden leaning toward the 13-year-old daughter of Senator Chris Coons, at the latter’s swearing-in ceremony in 2015, and kissing the side of her head.In addition to Carter, another widely shared image showed Biden leaning toward the 13-year-old daughter of Senator Chris Coons, at the latter’s swearing-in ceremony in 2015, and kissing the side of her head.
Coons told the Washington Post his family is extremely close to the Bidens, and that his children view the former vice president as a grandfather figure.Coons told the Washington Post his family is extremely close to the Bidens, and that his children view the former vice president as a grandfather figure.
“She did not think of it as anything,” Coons said of Biden’s exchange with his daughter. “All three of my kids have known Joe their whole lives.”“She did not think of it as anything,” Coons said of Biden’s exchange with his daughter. “All three of my kids have known Joe their whole lives.”