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Twenty states move to block funding for Trump's border wall – live Joe Biden jokes about inappropriate touching complaints – live
(32 minutes later)
Former vice president Joe Biden, answering questions about his ideological orientation, declared, “I’m an Obama-Biden Democrat, and I’m proud of it.”
Biden says his views are in line with the mainstream of the party, despite the recent attention paid to leftist insurgents. Essentially, he’s a traditional liberal, he said.
“I wish I had been labeled in Delaware the seven times I ran as a moderate. I was never labeled as a moderate,” Biden told reporters, according to footage aired on CNN.
The definition of progressive, Biden said, seems to be shifting - now, it’s “are you a socialist?” Which he is not.
“The vast majority of the members of the Democratic party are still basically liberal to moderate Democrats in the traditional sense,” he said, asking to be defined by his views on race, women’s rights, gay rights and civil liberties. “I’ll stack my record on those things against anyone who has ever run.”
Most of the candidates who successfully defeated Republicans have been from his wing of the party, Biden said.
“Show me the really left, left, left wingers who beat a Republican,” he said. “So the idea the Democratic party is kinda stood on its head, I don’t get.”
Joe Biden faced questions about complaints from women who say he touched them in a way that made them uncomfortable.
“I’m sorry I didn’t understand more,” he told reporters when asked about requests that he apologize, according to footage aired on CNN. “I’m not sorry for any of my intentions. I’m not sorry for anything that I have ever done. I’ve never been disrespectful intentionally to a man or a woman.”
Biden answered questions after appearing at a union event where he joked about the allegations, hugging the union president and noting that he had permission to hug him. The comment has already been criticized as tone deaf but Biden said he was sincere.
“I literally think it is incumbent upon me and I think everybody else to make sure that if you embrace someone, if you touch someone, it’s with their consent - regardless of your intentions, if you’re trying to bring solace, if you’re trying trying to welcome them,” Biden said.
He said he wasn’t surprised to see Donald Trump post a video mocking him about the allegations. “It doesn’t surprise me. He doesn’t have time to do his job. But look, everybody knows how Donald Trump is,” he said.
Biden said the criticism from some women will change the way he interacts with people on the campaign trail. “I think it’s going to have to change,” he said.
Attorney General William Barr will testify before Congress on Tuesday, the Hill reports.
He’ll be there to testify about the Justice Department’s fiscal year 2020 budget request, but is likely to face questions about special counsel Robert Mueller’s Russia report, which he faces increasing pressure to release.
The hearing is set for the House Appropriations Committee at 9:30 am Tuesday, according to the Hill.
Joe Biden has been spotted in his hometown of Scranton, Pennsylvania with a camera crew, CNN reports. It could be a sign he’s preparing for a presidential campaign launch.Joe Biden has been spotted in his hometown of Scranton, Pennsylvania with a camera crew, CNN reports. It could be a sign he’s preparing for a presidential campaign launch.
A very unfavorable book review in the Washington Post for “Healthy Holly,” the book by Baltimore Mayor Catherine Pugh that has sparked scandal and led to the mayor taking a leave of absence.A very unfavorable book review in the Washington Post for “Healthy Holly,” the book by Baltimore Mayor Catherine Pugh that has sparked scandal and led to the mayor taking a leave of absence.
In "Healthy Holly," the godawful children's book by the Baltimore Mayor, random street lamps and clocks come to life, nothing ever goes wrong, and characters say things like "You are jumping rope!"(The mayor still sold thousands of copies. B/c it ain't about the book). https://t.co/WLzxqqYHSuIn "Healthy Holly," the godawful children's book by the Baltimore Mayor, random street lamps and clocks come to life, nothing ever goes wrong, and characters say things like "You are jumping rope!"(The mayor still sold thousands of copies. B/c it ain't about the book). https://t.co/WLzxqqYHSu
A new poll finds that most voters say uncomfortable touching allegations against former Vice President Joe Biden should not disqualify him from being president.A new poll finds that most voters say uncomfortable touching allegations against former Vice President Joe Biden should not disqualify him from being president.
In the Hill-HarrisX poll, 56% said Biden’s conduct should not be viewed as disqualifying, while 23% said it should be and 21% were unsure.In the Hill-HarrisX poll, 56% said Biden’s conduct should not be viewed as disqualifying, while 23% said it should be and 21% were unsure.
Former Vice President Joe Biden kicked off his appearance at a union event with a crack about the criticism of his touchy tendencies.Former Vice President Joe Biden kicked off his appearance at a union event with a crack about the criticism of his touchy tendencies.
He came on stage and hugged IBEW President Lonnie Stephenson, BuzzFeed reports. “I just want you to know I had permission to hug Lonnie,” he said.He came on stage and hugged IBEW President Lonnie Stephenson, BuzzFeed reports. “I just want you to know I had permission to hug Lonnie,” he said.
Biden comes on stage and hugs IBEW President Lonnie Stephenson."I just want you to know I had permission to hug Lonnie," Biden says, to uproarious applause from the (mostly male) crowd.Biden comes on stage and hugs IBEW President Lonnie Stephenson."I just want you to know I had permission to hug Lonnie," Biden says, to uproarious applause from the (mostly male) crowd.
This is Biden’s first public event since several women said he has touched them in a way that made them feel uncomfortable.This is Biden’s first public event since several women said he has touched them in a way that made them feel uncomfortable.
Putting his arm around a young boy in footage aired on CNN, Biden also said, “By the way, he gave me permission to touch him.”Putting his arm around a young boy in footage aired on CNN, Biden also said, “By the way, he gave me permission to touch him.”
.@JoeBiden now inviting kids up onstage from the crowd. "All those kids, you want to come up on the stage, you can come up, it’s okay.” Gives them handshakes before putting an arm around the nearest boy. “He gave me permission to touch him.".@JoeBiden now inviting kids up onstage from the crowd. "All those kids, you want to come up on the stage, you can come up, it’s okay.” Gives them handshakes before putting an arm around the nearest boy. “He gave me permission to touch him."
In addition to her proposal to end the filibuster, Senator Elizabeth Warren in her remarks at the National Action Network is touting her plan for universal childcare - highlighting the disproportionate impact lack of child care access has on women of color while recounting her own struggles, according to several reporters covering the speech.In addition to her proposal to end the filibuster, Senator Elizabeth Warren in her remarks at the National Action Network is touting her plan for universal childcare - highlighting the disproportionate impact lack of child care access has on women of color while recounting her own struggles, according to several reporters covering the speech.
so far, Warren is the only 2020 Dem speaking at National Action Network who talked about extensive policy specifics (Harris gave some, but not nearly as much), tying it to her own life experiences (others touched on their biographies)--and explaining where the $ would come fromso far, Warren is the only 2020 Dem speaking at National Action Network who talked about extensive policy specifics (Harris gave some, but not nearly as much), tying it to her own life experiences (others touched on their biographies)--and explaining where the $ would come from
This story from Warren, connecting personal hardship, a warm anecdote and public policy is some rather remarkable politics pic.twitter.com/tfr0R2jlmZThis story from Warren, connecting personal hardship, a warm anecdote and public policy is some rather remarkable politics pic.twitter.com/tfr0R2jlmZ
“Without childcare, millions and millions of families won’t make it at all,” @ewarren tells @NationalAction, says childcare is “even further out of reach for African-Americans struggling to make ends meet”“Without childcare, millions and millions of families won’t make it at all,” @ewarren tells @NationalAction, says childcare is “even further out of reach for African-Americans struggling to make ends meet”
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, appearing on the Brian Lehrer show on WNYC, defended his latest controversial fundraising moves as he mulls a presidential bid.New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, appearing on the Brian Lehrer show on WNYC, defended his latest controversial fundraising moves as he mulls a presidential bid.
"We have to start coming to grips with how politics in America works," the Mayor says, defending his secret Boston fundraiser with a company trying to do business with NYC that no one would have known about had The Times not written about it. This is some answer."We have to start coming to grips with how politics in America works," the Mayor says, defending his secret Boston fundraiser with a company trying to do business with NYC that no one would have known about had The Times not written about it. This is some answer.
Senator Bernie Sanders, like other Democratic hopefuls, has told Rev. Al Sharpton he would sign a bill to study reparations, and attacked Donald Trump as a racist. More highlights of his speech from reporters covering the National Action Network convention:Senator Bernie Sanders, like other Democratic hopefuls, has told Rev. Al Sharpton he would sign a bill to study reparations, and attacked Donald Trump as a racist. More highlights of his speech from reporters covering the National Action Network convention:
“It gives me no pleasure to tell you that we have a president today who is a racist,” @BernieSanders tells @NationalAction, also calls POTUS a sexist, a homophobe, a xenophobe, adds to applause that that’s the “damn truth”“It gives me no pleasure to tell you that we have a president today who is a racist,” @BernieSanders tells @NationalAction, also calls POTUS a sexist, a homophobe, a xenophobe, adds to applause that that’s the “damn truth”
.@BernieSanders gets a very warm reception at the National Action Network in NY, including from @TheRevAl, who recalls Sanders' promises in 2016:"I want you to know that he has done what he said. … The term’s not over, this is not the finals. But so far you get a passing grade".@BernieSanders gets a very warm reception at the National Action Network in NY, including from @TheRevAl, who recalls Sanders' promises in 2016:"I want you to know that he has done what he said. … The term’s not over, this is not the finals. But so far you get a passing grade"
Sanders at National Action Network: "Trump is a man who has said he believes Nazis & white supremacists are 'very fine ppl.' I am the son of an immigrant whose family was murdered by the Nazis&so, from a very young age, I knew that we must stand up to bigotry wherever it exists"Sanders at National Action Network: "Trump is a man who has said he believes Nazis & white supremacists are 'very fine ppl.' I am the son of an immigrant whose family was murdered by the Nazis&so, from a very young age, I knew that we must stand up to bigotry wherever it exists"
Sanders also: "When Donald Trump was promoting the racist so-called birther conspiracy theory against Pres Obama, I was campaigning for Pres Obama’s reelection." Sanders in 2011 said an Obama primary challenge would be "a good idea for our democracy and for the Democratic Party"Sanders also: "When Donald Trump was promoting the racist so-called birther conspiracy theory against Pres Obama, I was campaigning for Pres Obama’s reelection." Sanders in 2011 said an Obama primary challenge would be "a good idea for our democracy and for the Democratic Party"
Sanders to Sharpton on if he supports the reparations study bill: "If the House and the Senate pass that bill, of course I would sign it. There needs to be a study. But I think what we need to do is to pay real attention to the most distressed communities in America.”Sanders to Sharpton on if he supports the reparations study bill: "If the House and the Senate pass that bill, of course I would sign it. There needs to be a study. But I think what we need to do is to pay real attention to the most distressed communities in America.”
“How ugly was that?” Sanders asks the crowd about Trump and bitherism“How ugly was that?” Sanders asks the crowd about Trump and bitherism
.@TheRevAl asks Sanders the questions he’s asked everyone here so far. On Sheila Jackson Lee’s bill, he says “If the House and Senate pass that bill, of course I would sign it.”.@TheRevAl asks Sanders the questions he’s asked everyone here so far. On Sheila Jackson Lee’s bill, he says “If the House and Senate pass that bill, of course I would sign it.”
Next up is Senator Elizabeth Warren, who is making a pitch today for abolishing the filibuster.Next up is Senator Elizabeth Warren, who is making a pitch today for abolishing the filibuster.
Senator Kamala Harris, speaking at the National Action Network, vowed to sign a bill to create a commission to study reparations for slavery, Newsday reports. She also touted her plan to increase pay for teachers.Senator Kamala Harris, speaking at the National Action Network, vowed to sign a bill to create a commission to study reparations for slavery, Newsday reports. She also touted her plan to increase pay for teachers.
.@TheRevAl asks @KamalaHarris whether she will sign bill to form committee to study reparations IF elected president.“WHEN I’m elected president, I will sign that bill,” she responds to cheers from @NationalAction crowd pic.twitter.com/Yykx32D2Y2.@TheRevAl asks @KamalaHarris whether she will sign bill to form committee to study reparations IF elected president.“WHEN I’m elected president, I will sign that bill,” she responds to cheers from @NationalAction crowd pic.twitter.com/Yykx32D2Y2
Harris also called for doubling the size of the Justice Department’s civil rights division and was greeted with a standing ovation, per reporter Celeste Katz.Harris also called for doubling the size of the Justice Department’s civil rights division and was greeted with a standing ovation, per reporter Celeste Katz.
We need to double the size of the Civil Rights division of @TheJusticeDept , @KamalaHarris tells #NANCONV19We need to double the size of the Civil Rights division of @TheJusticeDept , @KamalaHarris tells #NANCONV19
#NANconv2019 on its feet for ⁦@KamalaHarris⁩: “I feel this is an inflection moment in the history of our country” pic.twitter.com/TDvKY676wY#NANconv2019 on its feet for ⁦@KamalaHarris⁩: “I feel this is an inflection moment in the history of our country” pic.twitter.com/TDvKY676wY
Governor John Hickenlooper also said he would sign the reparations bill, though it apparently took some prodding.Governor John Hickenlooper also said he would sign the reparations bill, though it apparently took some prodding.
#NANCONV19 crowd spoke up when it looked like @Hickenlooper was being evasive to @TheRevAl on the question of supporting reparations — he yelled that of course he’d sign that bill#NANCONV19 crowd spoke up when it looked like @Hickenlooper was being evasive to @TheRevAl on the question of supporting reparations — he yelled that of course he’d sign that bill
Donald Trump lies all the time because “it’s fun,” his former communications director Anthony Scaramucci said this morning.Donald Trump lies all the time because “it’s fun,” his former communications director Anthony Scaramucci said this morning.
“He does it because it’s fun:" Former White House communications director Anthony @Scaramucci explains President Trump’s thinking while discussing his recent lies https://t.co/5pO5r2Bt6O pic.twitter.com/dD7jAPkiQq“He does it because it’s fun:" Former White House communications director Anthony @Scaramucci explains President Trump’s thinking while discussing his recent lies https://t.co/5pO5r2Bt6O pic.twitter.com/dD7jAPkiQq
“He does it because he thinks it’s fun. And he also does it because he likes the fact that you guys are talking about it,” Scaramucci told CNN. “He’s figured out that there’s a very large group of people inside of our population that when he does it and the media talks about it, they laugh.”“He does it because he thinks it’s fun. And he also does it because he likes the fact that you guys are talking about it,” Scaramucci told CNN. “He’s figured out that there’s a very large group of people inside of our population that when he does it and the media talks about it, they laugh.”
“That’s a cop-out,” @johnberman tells former White House communications director Anthony @Scaramucci when he says all politicians lie “when their lips are moving.” https://t.co/5pO5r2T4vo pic.twitter.com/G0TNAd80qo“That’s a cop-out,” @johnberman tells former White House communications director Anthony @Scaramucci when he says all politicians lie “when their lips are moving.” https://t.co/5pO5r2T4vo pic.twitter.com/G0TNAd80qo
Scaramucci said he has urged Trump not to “tell these fables,” but he has lied habitually since his days in real estate and “finds it amusing.”Scaramucci said he has urged Trump not to “tell these fables,” but he has lied habitually since his days in real estate and “finds it amusing.”
Here’s the motion filed today to block the Trump Administration’s attempt to divert $1.6 billion in federal funds to build a border wall.Here’s the motion filed today to block the Trump Administration’s attempt to divert $1.6 billion in federal funds to build a border wall.
The states filed a lawsuit in January to challenge Trump’s emergency declaration, which he is using to get federal money for a wall without congressional approval. The new motion, filed in the Northern District of California, asks for an immediate injunction to stop Trump from using $1.6 billion in funding that Congress intended for state and local law enforcement agencies.The states filed a lawsuit in January to challenge Trump’s emergency declaration, which he is using to get federal money for a wall without congressional approval. The new motion, filed in the Northern District of California, asks for an immediate injunction to stop Trump from using $1.6 billion in funding that Congress intended for state and local law enforcement agencies.
More from the office of New York Attorney General Letitia James:More from the office of New York Attorney General Letitia James:
In the motion, the coalition asserts that with his unlawful executive actions President Trump has disregarded the will of Congress and separation of powers principles engrained in the U.S. Constitution. The Trump Administration is attempting to ultimately divert up to $6.7 billion in funding through the Department of Treasury’s Forfeiture Fund, the Department of Defense’s counterdrug account, and military construction projects through its declaration of an emergency. These unlawful actions pose significant harm to the states, who have relied on Treasury Forfeiture Funds to purchase needed law enforcement equipment, staffing, and support of ongoing operations. In addition, any diversion of funds and resources toward the construction of a border wall will cause environmental harm to New Mexico and other border states.In the motion, the coalition asserts that with his unlawful executive actions President Trump has disregarded the will of Congress and separation of powers principles engrained in the U.S. Constitution. The Trump Administration is attempting to ultimately divert up to $6.7 billion in funding through the Department of Treasury’s Forfeiture Fund, the Department of Defense’s counterdrug account, and military construction projects through its declaration of an emergency. These unlawful actions pose significant harm to the states, who have relied on Treasury Forfeiture Funds to purchase needed law enforcement equipment, staffing, and support of ongoing operations. In addition, any diversion of funds and resources toward the construction of a border wall will cause environmental harm to New Mexico and other border states.
The coalition also argues that the Trump Administration’s actions to divert funding:The coalition also argues that the Trump Administration’s actions to divert funding:
Lack statutory authority because the federal government cannot satisfy the criteria it relies on for diversion of the funds and resources;Lack statutory authority because the federal government cannot satisfy the criteria it relies on for diversion of the funds and resources;
Violate the U.S. Constitution’s bedrock separation of powers principles by attempting to usurp Congress’s appropriation powers;Violate the U.S. Constitution’s bedrock separation of powers principles by attempting to usurp Congress’s appropriation powers;
Disregard the National Environmental Policy Act by proceeding with construction plans in New Mexico without preparing the required environmental impact statement; andDisregard the National Environmental Policy Act by proceeding with construction plans in New Mexico without preparing the required environmental impact statement; and
Pose imminent environmental harm to environmentally sensitive areas on the border of New Mexico where construction of the border wall is imminent.Pose imminent environmental harm to environmentally sensitive areas on the border of New Mexico where construction of the border wall is imminent.
After Democrats formally requested his tax returns from the IRS, Donald Trump said the decision on whether to release them is “up to whoever handles it.”After Democrats formally requested his tax returns from the IRS, Donald Trump said the decision on whether to release them is “up to whoever handles it.”
“From what I understand, the law’s 100% on my side,” said Trump, who has refused to release his taxes, claiming once again that “I’m under audit.”“From what I understand, the law’s 100% on my side,” said Trump, who has refused to release his taxes, claiming once again that “I’m under audit.”
There is no known law prohibiting the release of a president’s tax returns if he is under audit. It’s IRS policy to audit all returns filed by a sitting president, but past presidents have nonetheless released theirs.There is no known law prohibiting the release of a president’s tax returns if he is under audit. It’s IRS policy to audit all returns filed by a sitting president, but past presidents have nonetheless released theirs.
House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Richard Neal formally requested Trump’s taxes Wednesday, under a law that allows the head of that committee to obtain the returns of any citizen.House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Richard Neal formally requested Trump’s taxes Wednesday, under a law that allows the head of that committee to obtain the returns of any citizen.
Donald Trump said he withdrew the nomination of Ron Vitiello to head Immigrations and Customs Enforcement because he wants someone who will be “tougher” on immigrants.Donald Trump said he withdrew the nomination of Ron Vitiello to head Immigrations and Customs Enforcement because he wants someone who will be “tougher” on immigrants.
“We’re going in a different direction,” Trump told reporters as he departed the White House.“We’re going in a different direction,” Trump told reporters as he departed the White House.
“Ron’s a good man,” he said. “We want to go in a tougher direction.”“Ron’s a good man,” he said. “We want to go in a tougher direction.”
Donald Trump claims to be a “very good messenger” for criticism of former Vice President Joe Biden’s handsy behavior, despite a slew of accusations of sexual assault against Trump.Donald Trump claims to be a “very good messenger” for criticism of former Vice President Joe Biden’s handsy behavior, despite a slew of accusations of sexual assault against Trump.
Trump has pinned at the top of his Twitter feed a doctored video mocking Biden over statement by several women that he touched them in a way that made them feel uncomfortable.Trump has pinned at the top of his Twitter feed a doctored video mocking Biden over statement by several women that he touched them in a way that made them feel uncomfortable.
“I think I’m a very good messenger, and people got a kick out of it,” Trump told reporters outside the White House Friday. “You’ve got to sort of smile a little bit.”“I think I’m a very good messenger, and people got a kick out of it,” Trump told reporters outside the White House Friday. “You’ve got to sort of smile a little bit.”
I see that you are on the job and presidential, as always. https://t.co/j7wh3opXOvI see that you are on the job and presidential, as always. https://t.co/j7wh3opXOv
Trump went on to say he doesn’t see Biden’s candidacy as a threat.Trump went on to say he doesn’t see Biden’s candidacy as a threat.
“I think he’s only a threat to himself. I just don’t see him as a threat. He’s been there a long time. His record’s not good,” Trump said, adding of the Democratic presidential candidates, “I’d be happy with any of them, to be honest.”“I think he’s only a threat to himself. I just don’t see him as a threat. He’s been there a long time. His record’s not good,” Trump said, adding of the Democratic presidential candidates, “I’d be happy with any of them, to be honest.”
Biden is scheduled to speak later this morning at the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, his first public event since the allegations emerged.Biden is scheduled to speak later this morning at the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, his first public event since the allegations emerged.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo says he is “confident” there will be a third summit between Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.Secretary of State Mike Pompeo says he is “confident” there will be a third summit between Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
Pompeo told CBS This Morning he hoped the next summit would happen “soon.” A recent meeting between the two leaders in Hanoi collapsed without a deal on the North Korean nuclear program.Pompeo told CBS This Morning he hoped the next summit would happen “soon.” A recent meeting between the two leaders in Hanoi collapsed without a deal on the North Korean nuclear program.
“We didn’t get as far as the world is demanding,” Pompeo said, but added Trump and Kim gained a “deeper understanding of each other.”“We didn’t get as far as the world is demanding,” Pompeo said, but added Trump and Kim gained a “deeper understanding of each other.”