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Trump reportedly considering far-right candidates for 'border czar' role – live Trump reportedly considering far-right candidates for 'border czar' role – live
(32 minutes later)
We’re ending our live coverage for the day - thanks for following along! Here are some of the key events of the day:
Joe Biden faced renewed scrutiny over his conduct toward women and claims of inappropriate touching, prompting some prominent people to come to his defense.
Dianne Feinstein, Nancy Pelosi, Tom Carper and other Democrats brushed off questions about Biden, while some of their colleagues, including Kirsten Gillibrand and Mazie Hirono, were more critical.
Eight Democrats running for president spoke to progressive activists at a Washington DC forum.
Beto O’Rourke vowed mandatory monthly town halls for cabinet officials, and Bernie Sanders said he supported rotating judges onto the Supreme Court as a way to bring in “new blood”.
Democrats in the Senate announced they will introduce a constitutional amendment to do away with the electoral college.
The White House came under fire again over its security clearances process, 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.
A report suggested that Donald Trump is weighing a “border czar” as he picks another fight over immigration.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez raised more then $90,000 in 24 hours for progressive Democrats.
House speaker Nancy Pelosi has answered questions about the claims of inappropriate touching by Joe Biden, saying, “No. No, I do not,” when reporters asked her if the allegations would disqualify him from being president:House speaker Nancy Pelosi has answered questions about the claims of inappropriate touching by Joe Biden, saying, “No. No, I do not,” when reporters asked her if the allegations would disqualify him from being president:
I don’t think that this disqualifies him from being president ... Not at all.”I don’t think that this disqualifies him from being president ... Not at all.”
NEWS: PELOSI says pair of accusations vs Biden should not disqualify him from becoming president:"No. No, I do not ... I don’t think that this disqualifies him from being president. Not at all.”https://t.co/z3yAdEY6zBNEWS: PELOSI says pair of accusations vs Biden should not disqualify him from becoming president:"No. No, I do not ... I don’t think that this disqualifies him from being president. Not at all.”https://t.co/z3yAdEY6zB
Here’s Trump earlier today, saying son-in-law Jared Kushner “had a very easy life” that became much harder when he decided “to do peace in the Middle East”.Here’s Trump earlier today, saying son-in-law Jared Kushner “had a very easy life” that became much harder when he decided “to do peace in the Middle East”.
"Jared had a very easy life. He was doing phenomenally in New York and everything he touched has turned to gold. Then one day he came down and said 'I want to do peace in the Middle East,'" Trump says of Kushner, his son-in-law and senior adviser pic.twitter.com/nuotufv1uy"Jared had a very easy life. He was doing phenomenally in New York and everything he touched has turned to gold. Then one day he came down and said 'I want to do peace in the Middle East,'" Trump says of Kushner, his son-in-law and senior adviser pic.twitter.com/nuotufv1uy
The president made the remarks amid growing backlash to the reports that Trump personally intervened to grant Kushner, his senior advisor, a top-level security clearance, despite warnings from senior intelligence officials.The president made the remarks amid growing backlash to the reports that Trump personally intervened to grant Kushner, his senior advisor, a top-level security clearance, despite warnings from senior intelligence officials.
Senate Democrats have blocked an emergency aid bill for natural disaster victims, arguing that the proposed funding for relief in Puerto Rico for Hurricane Maria was inadequate.Senate Democrats have blocked an emergency aid bill for natural disaster victims, arguing that the proposed funding for relief in Puerto Rico for Hurricane Maria was inadequate.
Nationwide disaster relief bill stalls in Senate on 44 to 49 vote as Democrats demand more funding to help Puerto Rico https://t.co/EdOl2Aeab4Nationwide disaster relief bill stalls in Senate on 44 to 49 vote as Democrats demand more funding to help Puerto Rico https://t.co/EdOl2Aeab4
McConnell says that because the House-passed disaster aid bill does not include $$ for midwest flooding assistance, "it's a non-starter".The GOP alternative, which is an amendment to the House-passed bill, adds that money, but takes out money for Puerto Rico.McConnell says that because the House-passed disaster aid bill does not include $$ for midwest flooding assistance, "it's a non-starter".The GOP alternative, which is an amendment to the House-passed bill, adds that money, but takes out money for Puerto Rico.
Puerto Rico is also America so why can’t we have both?? I’m confused. https://t.co/Tlyq9kQYBtPuerto Rico is also America so why can’t we have both?? I’m confused. https://t.co/Tlyq9kQYBt
Dianne Feinstein, the Democratic senator from California, has defended Joe Biden in the face of a number of allegations of inappropriate conduct, reports the Wall Street Journal’s Natalie Andrews:Dianne Feinstein, the Democratic senator from California, has defended Joe Biden in the face of a number of allegations of inappropriate conduct, reports the Wall Street Journal’s Natalie Andrews:
Sen. Dianne Feinstein defends Joe Biden, on the allegations he’s facing: “He’s a warm, tactile person. He reaches out and touches, like this and that — it’s hardly sexy. It’s not his intention and it’s a new thing that people have been affronted by it.”Sen. Dianne Feinstein defends Joe Biden, on the allegations he’s facing: “He’s a warm, tactile person. He reaches out and touches, like this and that — it’s hardly sexy. It’s not his intention and it’s a new thing that people have been affronted by it.”
Some have noted that this stance is in contrast to other Democratic senators:Some have noted that this stance is in contrast to other Democratic senators:
Feinstein is in the minority here, most other Senate Democrats I’ve heard from today have put some distance between them and him https://t.co/gULYiQUxXkFeinstein is in the minority here, most other Senate Democrats I’ve heard from today have put some distance between them and him https://t.co/gULYiQUxXk
Tom Carper, a Democratic senator from Delaware, also offered a defense of Biden:Tom Carper, a Democratic senator from Delaware, also offered a defense of Biden:
Sen. Tom Carper defends Joe Biden, doesn’t believe the allegations are disqualifying: “Delaware is a very friendly state. It’s a state where its leaders hug people young and old. We kiss babies. We do it in public.”Sen. Tom Carper defends Joe Biden, doesn’t believe the allegations are disqualifying: “Delaware is a very friendly state. It’s a state where its leaders hug people young and old. We kiss babies. We do it in public.”
Mazie Hirono and Kirsten Gillibrand were more critical:Mazie Hirono and Kirsten Gillibrand were more critical:
Sen. @maziehirono on Joe Biden: “ “The focus isn’t on what his intentions were, it is how his behavior is experienced and one should not invade personal space. He needs to be a lot more aware of that.“Sen. @maziehirono on Joe Biden: “ “The focus isn’t on what his intentions were, it is how his behavior is experienced and one should not invade personal space. He needs to be a lot more aware of that.“
Sen. Gillibrand on Biden: “based on what I read, Lucy Flores felt demeaned. It’s not OK”Sen. Gillibrand on Biden: “based on what I read, Lucy Flores felt demeaned. It’s not OK”
More from Lauren Gambino on the We The People forum:More from Lauren Gambino on the We The People forum:
At the first 2020 cattle call for Democratic hopefuls, the candidates went back — sometimes all the way back to 1776.At the first 2020 cattle call for Democratic hopefuls, the candidates went back — sometimes all the way back to 1776.
At the We The People forum in Washington, co-hosted by a coalition of liberal organizations, Democrats and activists focused on sweeping democratic reforms to improve transparency and accountability. The ultimate goal, they said, was to create a government that moved toward the founders’ ideal of a “more perfect union”.At the We The People forum in Washington, co-hosted by a coalition of liberal organizations, Democrats and activists focused on sweeping democratic reforms to improve transparency and accountability. The ultimate goal, they said, was to create a government that moved toward the founders’ ideal of a “more perfect union”.
Pointing to the Trump administration as a “symptom and not the cause” of a government captured by corporate interests and carved up along partisan lines that don’t reflect the will of the majority, liberal activists peppered the candidates with questions about abolishing the electoral college, retiring voting rights and reforming the Supreme Court. The forum brought out eight of the Democratic candidates.Pointing to the Trump administration as a “symptom and not the cause” of a government captured by corporate interests and carved up along partisan lines that don’t reflect the will of the majority, liberal activists peppered the candidates with questions about abolishing the electoral college, retiring voting rights and reforming the Supreme Court. The forum brought out eight of the Democratic candidates.
Some came with their own ideas. Beto O’Rourke proposed an executive order that would require every member of his cabinet to hold monthly town halls. He also embraced ending the electoral college.Some came with their own ideas. Beto O’Rourke proposed an executive order that would require every member of his cabinet to hold monthly town halls. He also embraced ending the electoral college.
Hello from the #WeThePeople forum at the Warner Theater in D.C. Throughout the day, we’ll hear from 8 Democratic presidential candidates pic.twitter.com/fUHvxGhyT6Hello from the #WeThePeople forum at the Warner Theater in D.C. Throughout the day, we’ll hear from 8 Democratic presidential candidates pic.twitter.com/fUHvxGhyT6
Elizabeth Warren called for a constitutional amendment that would protect the right to vote. Bernie Sanders said he supported rotating judges onto the Supreme Court as a way to bring in “new blood”. He also called for making Election Day a federal holiday. Julián Castro said Congress should be subject to Freedom of Information Act requests in an effort to “shine a light” on the nation’s legislative body. And Amy Klobuchar said DC statehood was a “major priority” in the fight for voting rights.Elizabeth Warren called for a constitutional amendment that would protect the right to vote. Bernie Sanders said he supported rotating judges onto the Supreme Court as a way to bring in “new blood”. He also called for making Election Day a federal holiday. Julián Castro said Congress should be subject to Freedom of Information Act requests in an effort to “shine a light” on the nation’s legislative body. And Amy Klobuchar said DC statehood was a “major priority” in the fight for voting rights.
Democrats believe a focus on democratic reforms, as the Democratic-controlled House has done under Nancy Pelosi’s leadership, draws a stark contrast to what they have deemed the Trump administration’s “culture of corruption”. As evidence, they pointed to the cabinet secretaries and staffers who have resigned amid scandal and the lawsuits alleging that Donald Trump is using the office to enrich himself and his allies.Democrats believe a focus on democratic reforms, as the Democratic-controlled House has done under Nancy Pelosi’s leadership, draws a stark contrast to what they have deemed the Trump administration’s “culture of corruption”. As evidence, they pointed to the cabinet secretaries and staffers who have resigned amid scandal and the lawsuits alleging that Donald Trump is using the office to enrich himself and his allies.
Not every idea was fully embraced. Sanders did not support adding additional justices to the Supreme Court, an idea known as “court packing”. He said Republicans could simply do the same when they are in power. Cory Booker said he was skeptical to do away with the Senate filibuster, a tool that Republicans used to block much of President Obama’s agenda. He credited the filibuster with keeping in place Obamacare.Not every idea was fully embraced. Sanders did not support adding additional justices to the Supreme Court, an idea known as “court packing”. He said Republicans could simply do the same when they are in power. Cory Booker said he was skeptical to do away with the Senate filibuster, a tool that Republicans used to block much of President Obama’s agenda. He credited the filibuster with keeping in place Obamacare.
Kirsten Gillibrand was the final candidate to speak at the We The People forum today:Kirsten Gillibrand was the final candidate to speak at the We The People forum today:
.@SenGillibrand can read a room: ”I’m the only one standing between you and drinks, so I’m gonna keep my remakes short.”#WeThePeople19.@SenGillibrand can read a room: ”I’m the only one standing between you and drinks, so I’m gonna keep my remakes short.”#WeThePeople19
Kirsten Gillibrand on Donald Trump: "He is very small. He is weak, he is a coward. He is a leader who punches down."Kirsten Gillibrand on Donald Trump: "He is very small. He is weak, he is a coward. He is a leader who punches down."
“How about one big idea?" Gillibrand says. "How about telling any young person in America today: If you're willing to do a year of public service, you get 2 years of community college or state school free. If you're willing to do two years of public service, you get 4 years free”“How about one big idea?" Gillibrand says. "How about telling any young person in America today: If you're willing to do a year of public service, you get 2 years of community college or state school free. If you're willing to do two years of public service, you get 4 years free”
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand came right out from the top to slam Trump for his attack on LGBTQ people and specifically his attempted ban on transgender troops.Respect.#WeThePeople19Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand came right out from the top to slam Trump for his attack on LGBTQ people and specifically his attempted ban on transgender troops.Respect.#WeThePeople19
In big local news stories of the day, Baltimore mayor Catherine Pugh has announced she is taking an indefinite leave of absence amid a widening scandal surrounding her book deals:In big local news stories of the day, Baltimore mayor Catherine Pugh has announced she is taking an indefinite leave of absence amid a widening scandal surrounding her book deals:
BREAKING: Mayor Catherine Pugh is taking a leave of absence amid controversy over her “Healthy Holly” book deals. Baltimore City Council President Bernard C. “Jack” Young will take over temporarily as mayor. https://t.co/YGmeEJytPKBREAKING: Mayor Catherine Pugh is taking a leave of absence amid controversy over her “Healthy Holly” book deals. Baltimore City Council President Bernard C. “Jack” Young will take over temporarily as mayor. https://t.co/YGmeEJytPK
From the AP:From the AP:
Baltimore’s embattled mayor announced Monday she is taking an indefinite leave of absence, just as a political scandal described by critics as a “self-dealing” book-selling arrangement intensifies dramatically and threatens her political career.Baltimore’s embattled mayor announced Monday she is taking an indefinite leave of absence, just as a political scandal described by critics as a “self-dealing” book-selling arrangement intensifies dramatically and threatens her political career.
In a brief statement, Mayor Catherine Pugh’s office announced she feels unable to fulfill her obligations as mayor due to deteriorating health brought on by a recent bout of pneumonia.In a brief statement, Mayor Catherine Pugh’s office announced she feels unable to fulfill her obligations as mayor due to deteriorating health brought on by a recent bout of pneumonia.
The City Council president will take over Pugh’s day-to-day responsibilities.The City Council president will take over Pugh’s day-to-day responsibilities.
The mayor’s decision to go on leave came the same day that Maryland’s Republican governor called on the state prosecutor to investigate allegations of self-dealing by Pugh and the state’s comptroller, a Democrat, urged Pugh to step down immediately.The mayor’s decision to go on leave came the same day that Maryland’s Republican governor called on the state prosecutor to investigate allegations of self-dealing by Pugh and the state’s comptroller, a Democrat, urged Pugh to step down immediately.
In a letter to the state prosecutor released Monday, governor Larry Hogan said recent allegations facing Pugh and her questionable arrangements to sell her illustrated “Healthy Holly” books are “deeply disturbing”. Hogan said he was particularly concerned about a $500,000 sale to a university-based health care system “because it has significant continuing ties with the State and receives very substantial public funding.”In a letter to the state prosecutor released Monday, governor Larry Hogan said recent allegations facing Pugh and her questionable arrangements to sell her illustrated “Healthy Holly” books are “deeply disturbing”. Hogan said he was particularly concerned about a $500,000 sale to a university-based health care system “because it has significant continuing ties with the State and receives very substantial public funding.”
The officials’ calls came hours after Kaiser Permanente disclosed that it paid $114,000, between 2015 and 2018, for roughly 20,000 copies of Pugh’s self-published “Healthy Holly” illustrated paperbacks for children. And it came about two weeks after news broke that since 2011, Pugh has received $500,000 selling her illustrated books to the University of Maryland Medical System, a $4 billion hospital network that’s one of the largest private employers in the state.The officials’ calls came hours after Kaiser Permanente disclosed that it paid $114,000, between 2015 and 2018, for roughly 20,000 copies of Pugh’s self-published “Healthy Holly” illustrated paperbacks for children. And it came about two weeks after news broke that since 2011, Pugh has received $500,000 selling her illustrated books to the University of Maryland Medical System, a $4 billion hospital network that’s one of the largest private employers in the state.
Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has responded to Congresswoman Liz Cheney’s attacks on Twitter, saying it appeared she liked to get her news from “Facebook memes”:Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has responded to Congresswoman Liz Cheney’s attacks on Twitter, saying it appeared she liked to get her news from “Facebook memes”:
Hey Rep. Cheney,I see from your dead people comment that you get your news from Facebook memes, but the National Constitution Center + Newsweek are just two of many places where you can clarify your misunderstanding of the history of the 22nd Amendment: https://t.co/Je6mHFJ687 https://t.co/np1XtgLpm1Hey Rep. Cheney,I see from your dead people comment that you get your news from Facebook memes, but the National Constitution Center + Newsweek are just two of many places where you can clarify your misunderstanding of the history of the 22nd Amendment: https://t.co/Je6mHFJ687 https://t.co/np1XtgLpm1
The comments relate to attacks Ocasio-Cortez has faced from Fox News and others regarding her recent remarks on the the 22nd amendment. Newsweek has some background on the debate.The comments relate to attacks Ocasio-Cortez has faced from Fox News and others regarding her recent remarks on the the 22nd amendment. Newsweek has some background on the debate.
Another woman has come forward with an on-record claim of inappropriate touching against Joe Biden, saying he had “crossed” a line of “decency” during a 2009 interaction. The story signals that discussions about the former vice president’s conduct are going to continue dominating the news cycle:Another woman has come forward with an on-record claim of inappropriate touching against Joe Biden, saying he had “crossed” a line of “decency” during a 2009 interaction. The story signals that discussions about the former vice president’s conduct are going to continue dominating the news cycle:
Connecticut woman says Joe Biden inappropriately rubbed noses with her in 2009: “There’s absolutely a line of decency. There’s a line of respect. Crossing that line is not grandfatherly. It’s not cultural. It’s not affection. It’s sexism or misogyny.”https://t.co/8rxSIE6r80Connecticut woman says Joe Biden inappropriately rubbed noses with her in 2009: “There’s absolutely a line of decency. There’s a line of respect. Crossing that line is not grandfatherly. It’s not cultural. It’s not affection. It’s sexism or misogyny.”https://t.co/8rxSIE6r80
Earlier in the day, a spokesperson for Biden dismissed allegations of inappropriate conduct as a “smear”. The latest story, which the Guardian has not corroborated, comes via the Hartford Courant, a Connecticut paper.Earlier in the day, a spokesperson for Biden dismissed allegations of inappropriate conduct as a “smear”. The latest story, which the Guardian has not corroborated, comes via the Hartford Courant, a Connecticut paper.
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: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’”.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/RoopGmdXQOGOP 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.”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/z8nTgttuT8Tricia 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...!