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Democrats to subpoena ambassador blocked from testifying by Trump – live Democrats to subpoena ambassador blocked from testifying by Trump – live
(30 minutes later)
The White House has sent an eight-page letter to speaker Nancy Pelosi and the House democrats pursuing an impeachment inquiry.
The full eight-page letter from WH to Pelosi, Schiff, Engel and Cummings https://t.co/gEpWHWAXta
“As you know, you have designed and implemented your inquiry in a manner that violates fundamental fairness and constitutionally mandated due process,” the letter reads, addressing Pelosi, Adam Schiff, Eliot Engel and Elijah Cummings — the democratic representatives leading the impeachment investigation.
That’s it from me today. My west coast colleague, Maanvi Singh, will take over the blog for the next few hours.
Here’s where the day stands so far:
House Democrats intend to subpoena Gordon Sondland after the Trump administration blocked the US ambassador to the EU from testifying for the impeachment inquiry.
A White House official who listened to the call between Trump and the Ukrainian president described it as “crazy” and “frightening,” according to a memo reportedly written by the whistleblower.
The Senate judiciary committee has invited Rudy Giuliani to come speak before the panel, but the president’s personal lawyer said he did not intend to comply with a subpoena from the House intelligence committee.
Two newly released polls showed that a majority of Americans support the impeachment inquiry, with one poll putting the figure at 58 percent and another at 53 percent.
The Senate intelligence committee released its bipartisan report on Russian operatives’ use of social media to interfere in the 2016 presidential election. Like the intelligence community, the committee concluded that the Kremlin meddled in the race to benefit Trump and hinder Hillary Clinton’s bid.
Maanvi will have more on the news of the day, so stay tuned.
The White House is expected to issue a letter today effectively declaring war on House Democrats’ impeachment inquiry, per a New York Times reporter.The White House is expected to issue a letter today effectively declaring war on House Democrats’ impeachment inquiry, per a New York Times reporter.
Letter is expected to stop short of calling for a formal vote on opening inquiry for impeachment, something someHouse Republicans weren’t comfortable with, per person briefed.Letter is expected to stop short of calling for a formal vote on opening inquiry for impeachment, something someHouse Republicans weren’t comfortable with, per person briefed.
Rudy Giuliani alluded to such a letter earlier today when he said he would not comply with a subpoena from House Democrats.Rudy Giuliani alluded to such a letter earlier today when he said he would not comply with a subpoena from House Democrats.
The president’s personal lawyer told the Washington Post that he expected the White House to soon issue a letter arguing the committees are illegitimate.The president’s personal lawyer told the Washington Post that he expected the White House to soon issue a letter arguing the committees are illegitimate.
The Quinnipiac poll also found that Elizabeth Warren is slightly ahead of Joe Biden in the Democratic presidential primary.The Quinnipiac poll also found that Elizabeth Warren is slightly ahead of Joe Biden in the Democratic presidential primary.
According to Quinnipiac, Warren attracts the support of 29 percent of Democratic voters across the country, compared to Biden’s 26 percent.According to Quinnipiac, Warren attracts the support of 29 percent of Democratic voters across the country, compared to Biden’s 26 percent.
Bernie Sanders is the only other candidate with a double-digit level of support, receiving the backing of 16 percent of Democrats.Bernie Sanders is the only other candidate with a double-digit level of support, receiving the backing of 16 percent of Democrats.
With the latest results, Warren is just barely ahead of Biden in the RealClearPolitics national polling average of the race.With the latest results, Warren is just barely ahead of Biden in the RealClearPolitics national polling average of the race.
ALERT — Elizabeth Warren has overtaken Joe Biden for front-runner status in the RealClearPolitics national average of 2020 Democratic polls. pic.twitter.com/ED0ahkuG3gALERT — Elizabeth Warren has overtaken Joe Biden for front-runner status in the RealClearPolitics national average of 2020 Democratic polls. pic.twitter.com/ED0ahkuG3g
The Quinnipiac poll on impeachment shows Republicans are clearly opposed to the impeachment inquiry against Trump, contradicting the results of the Washington Post-Schar School poll released earlier today.The Quinnipiac poll on impeachment shows Republicans are clearly opposed to the impeachment inquiry against Trump, contradicting the results of the Washington Post-Schar School poll released earlier today.
According to Quinnipiac, 88 percent of Republicans consider House Democrats’ inquiry to be a “witch hunt,” compared to just 8 percent who view it as a legitimate investigation.According to Quinnipiac, 88 percent of Republicans consider House Democrats’ inquiry to be a “witch hunt,” compared to just 8 percent who view it as a legitimate investigation.
In comparison, the Post poll found that almost 3 in 10 Republicans supported the impeachment inquiry, with almost a fifth of Republicans saying they would back removing Trump from office.In comparison, the Post poll found that almost 3 in 10 Republicans supported the impeachment inquiry, with almost a fifth of Republicans saying they would back removing Trump from office.
The whistleblower who raised concerns about Trump’s call with the Ukrainian president wrote in a memo that a White House official described the conversation as “crazy” and “frightening.”The whistleblower who raised concerns about Trump’s call with the Ukrainian president wrote in a memo that a White House official described the conversation as “crazy” and “frightening.”
ABC News reports:ABC News reports:
ABC News has learned that the two-page memo, written by the whistleblower a day after Trump’s call, suggests that at least one close aide to the president feared that Trump’s own words in the call were damning. ...ABC News has learned that the two-page memo, written by the whistleblower a day after Trump’s call, suggests that at least one close aide to the president feared that Trump’s own words in the call were damning. ...
The notes were based on a brief conversation between the whistleblower and the White House official and described ‘highlights’ from the president’s call. The document was later provided to the intelligence community’s inspector general, who reviewed the whistleblower’s complaint.The notes were based on a brief conversation between the whistleblower and the White House official and described ‘highlights’ from the president’s call. The document was later provided to the intelligence community’s inspector general, who reviewed the whistleblower’s complaint.
Tech entrepreneur Andrew Yang has now qualified for the November debate thanks to a national Quinnipiac poll showing him attracting the support of 3 percent of Democratic voters.Tech entrepreneur Andrew Yang has now qualified for the November debate thanks to a national Quinnipiac poll showing him attracting the support of 3 percent of Democratic voters.
New Quinnipiac NATIONAL poll (counts for the November debate)Warren 29%Biden 26%Sanders 16%Buttigieg 4%Harris 3%Yang 3%Everyone else at or below 2 percent https://t.co/2skJmUGBSDNew Quinnipiac NATIONAL poll (counts for the November debate)Warren 29%Biden 26%Sanders 16%Buttigieg 4%Harris 3%Yang 3%Everyone else at or below 2 percent https://t.co/2skJmUGBSD
Yang is the eighth Democratic candidate to qualify for the November debate – joining Joe Biden, Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders, Pete Buttigieg, Kamala Harris, Cory Booker and Tom Steyer.Yang is the eighth Democratic candidate to qualify for the November debate – joining Joe Biden, Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders, Pete Buttigieg, Kamala Harris, Cory Booker and Tom Steyer.
But what’s perhaps even more notable about the poll is that it shows Yang either tied with or pulling ahead of more establishment candidates like Harris, Booker and Beto O’Rourke.But what’s perhaps even more notable about the poll is that it shows Yang either tied with or pulling ahead of more establishment candidates like Harris, Booker and Beto O’Rourke.
Hillary Clinton responded to Trump’s attempt to resurrect the issue of her private email server by joking that he should not “tempt” her to run for president again.Hillary Clinton responded to Trump’s attempt to resurrect the issue of her private email server by joking that he should not “tempt” her to run for president again.
Don’t tempt me. Do your job.Don’t tempt me. Do your job.
The former secretary of state and presidential candidate has already voiced support for House Democrats’ impeachment inquiry and has previously mocked Trump as a “corrupt human tornado.”The former secretary of state and presidential candidate has already voiced support for House Democrats’ impeachment inquiry and has previously mocked Trump as a “corrupt human tornado.”
The White House is reaching out to external lawyers to discuss helping with the impeachment response, CNN reports.The White House is reaching out to external lawyers to discuss helping with the impeachment response, CNN reports.
According to CNN, one of the lawyers the White House has contacted is Trey Gowdy, the former Republican congressman who gained nationwide attention for his investigation into the 2012 attack in Benghazi, Libya.According to CNN, one of the lawyers the White House has contacted is Trey Gowdy, the former Republican congressman who gained nationwide attention for his investigation into the 2012 attack in Benghazi, Libya.
It was that investigation that first uncovered evidence of Hillary Clinton’s private email server, which Trump used to repeatedly attack the former secretary of state during the 2016 presidential campaign.It was that investigation that first uncovered evidence of Hillary Clinton’s private email server, which Trump used to repeatedly attack the former secretary of state during the 2016 presidential campaign.
The Supreme Court heard arguments today in a case meant to determine whether the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects LGBT people from discrimination in employment based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.The Supreme Court heard arguments today in a case meant to determine whether the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects LGBT people from discrimination in employment based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.
The AP reports:The AP reports:
With the court’s four liberal justices likely to side with workers who were fired because of their sexual orientation or transgender status, the question in two highly anticipated cases that filled the courtroom was whether one of the court’s conservatives might join them.With the court’s four liberal justices likely to side with workers who were fired because of their sexual orientation or transgender status, the question in two highly anticipated cases that filled the courtroom was whether one of the court’s conservatives might join them.
Justice Neil Gorsuch, President Donald Trump’s first Supreme Court appointee, said there are strong arguments favoring the LGBT workers. But he wondered whether the justices should take into account ‘the massive social upheaval’ that might follow a ruling in their favor.Justice Neil Gorsuch, President Donald Trump’s first Supreme Court appointee, said there are strong arguments favoring the LGBT workers. But he wondered whether the justices should take into account ‘the massive social upheaval’ that might follow a ruling in their favor.
Two other conservatives, Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Brett Kavanaugh did not squarely indicate their views, although Roberts also questioned how employers with religious objections to hiring LGBT people might be affected by the outcome.Two other conservatives, Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Brett Kavanaugh did not squarely indicate their views, although Roberts also questioned how employers with religious objections to hiring LGBT people might be affected by the outcome.
Bernie Sanders addressed his recent heart attack, telling reporters in Vermont that he was “dumb” to ignore symptoms over the past two months as he campaigned for the Democratic presidential nomination.Bernie Sanders addressed his recent heart attack, telling reporters in Vermont that he was “dumb” to ignore symptoms over the past two months as he campaigned for the Democratic presidential nomination.
“I must confess that I was dumb,” @BernieSanders tells reporters outside his home. The senator says that while maintaining a rigorous camping scheduled, he bagan to feel particularly fatigued the past two months. “I should have listened to those symptoms.”“I must confess that I was dumb,” @BernieSanders tells reporters outside his home. The senator says that while maintaining a rigorous camping scheduled, he bagan to feel particularly fatigued the past two months. “I should have listened to those symptoms.”
The heart attack, which Sanders did not disclose for almost three days, has raised questions about whether the Vermont senator will continue with his presidential bid.The heart attack, which Sanders did not disclose for almost three days, has raised questions about whether the Vermont senator will continue with his presidential bid.
But so far, Sanders has shown no sign of calling it quits, telling staffers in a phone call he would use the experience to emphasize the principles of his candidacy.But so far, Sanders has shown no sign of calling it quits, telling staffers in a phone call he would use the experience to emphasize the principles of his candidacy.
Almost immediately after Trump concluded his call with the Ukrainian president, White House aides rushed to contain the potential damage of his comments, according to CNN.Almost immediately after Trump concluded his call with the Ukrainian president, White House aides rushed to contain the potential damage of his comments, according to CNN.
CNN reports:CNN reports:
The scramble and fallout from the call, described by six people familiar with it, parallels and expands upon details described in the whistleblower complaint.The scramble and fallout from the call, described by six people familiar with it, parallels and expands upon details described in the whistleblower complaint.
The anxiety and internal concern reflect a phone conversation that deeply troubled national security professionals, even as Trump now insists there was nothing wrong with how he conducted himself. And it shows an ultimately unsuccessful effort to contain the tumult by the administration’s lawyers.The anxiety and internal concern reflect a phone conversation that deeply troubled national security professionals, even as Trump now insists there was nothing wrong with how he conducted himself. And it shows an ultimately unsuccessful effort to contain the tumult by the administration’s lawyers.
At least one National Security Council official alerted the White House’s national security lawyers about the concerns, three sources familiar with the matter said, a detail that had not been previously disclosed. Those same lawyers would later order the transcript of the call moved to a highly classified server typically reserved for code-word classified material.At least one National Security Council official alerted the White House’s national security lawyers about the concerns, three sources familiar with the matter said, a detail that had not been previously disclosed. Those same lawyers would later order the transcript of the call moved to a highly classified server typically reserved for code-word classified material.
Rudy Giuliani said that he would not comply with a subpoena from the House intelligence committee. The president’s personal lawyer added that he “can’t imagine” other Trump administration officials would do so either.Rudy Giuliani said that he would not comply with a subpoena from the House intelligence committee. The president’s personal lawyer added that he “can’t imagine” other Trump administration officials would do so either.
“The position I’m stating is now the position of the administration,” Giuliani told the Washington Post, claiming that the White House has written a letter asserting the congressional committee is illegitimate.“The position I’m stating is now the position of the administration,” Giuliani told the Washington Post, claiming that the White House has written a letter asserting the congressional committee is illegitimate.
Giuliani said: “I wouldn’t testify in front of that committee until there is a vote of Congress and [chairman Adam Schiff] is removed. ...Giuliani said: “I wouldn’t testify in front of that committee until there is a vote of Congress and [chairman Adam Schiff] is removed. ...
“Let them hold me in contempt. We’ll go to court. We’ll challenge the contempt.”“Let them hold me in contempt. We’ll go to court. We’ll challenge the contempt.”
Giuliani was initially given until Oct. 15 to hand over materials relevant to the impeachment inquiry. If he does not comply, Democrats will likely argue that it is further evidence of obstruction by the Trump White House.Giuliani was initially given until Oct. 15 to hand over materials relevant to the impeachment inquiry. If he does not comply, Democrats will likely argue that it is further evidence of obstruction by the Trump White House.
Representative Mark Pocan, a Democrat of Wisconsin and a co-chair of the progressive caucus, is now suggesting that whoever decided to block the testimony of Gordon Sondland should have their salary suspended.Representative Mark Pocan, a Democrat of Wisconsin and a co-chair of the progressive caucus, is now suggesting that whoever decided to block the testimony of Gordon Sondland should have their salary suspended.
Rep. POCAN, a member of the Appropriations Committee, suggests that Pompeo -- or whoever directed Sondland not to testify -- should have their salary suspended until he does. pic.twitter.com/3E6YVCwNz8Rep. POCAN, a member of the Appropriations Committee, suggests that Pompeo -- or whoever directed Sondland not to testify -- should have their salary suspended until he does. pic.twitter.com/3E6YVCwNz8
Sondland said that the State Department had “directed” him not to appear before Congress, but Trump appeared to take responsibility for the decision in a morning tweet.Sondland said that the State Department had “directed” him not to appear before Congress, but Trump appeared to take responsibility for the decision in a morning tweet.
I would love to send Ambassador Sondland, a really good man and great American, to testify, but unfortunately he would be testifying before a totally compromised kangaroo court, where Republican’s rights have been taken away, and true facts are not allowed out for the public....I would love to send Ambassador Sondland, a really good man and great American, to testify, but unfortunately he would be testifying before a totally compromised kangaroo court, where Republican’s rights have been taken away, and true facts are not allowed out for the public....
Of course, Trump has donated his government salary every quarter since taking office, so Pocan’s suggestion may not carry the same weight with him.Of course, Trump has donated his government salary every quarter since taking office, so Pocan’s suggestion may not carry the same weight with him.
The Senate intelligence committee also interestingly concluded that African Americans were targeted by Russian trolls more than any other demographic in the 2016 election.The Senate intelligence committee also interestingly concluded that African Americans were targeted by Russian trolls more than any other demographic in the 2016 election.
The panel’s bipartisan report reads: “The Committee found that no single group of Americans was targeted by IRA information operatives more than African-Americans. By far, race and related issues were the preferred target of the information warfare campaign designed to divide the country in 2016.”The panel’s bipartisan report reads: “The Committee found that no single group of Americans was targeted by IRA information operatives more than African-Americans. By far, race and related issues were the preferred target of the information warfare campaign designed to divide the country in 2016.”
And the committee noted that the Kremlin actually escalated its disinformation campaign after the 2016 election concluded.And the committee noted that the Kremlin actually escalated its disinformation campaign after the 2016 election concluded.
The report says: “The data reveal increases in IRA activity across multiple social media platforms, post-Election Day 2016: Instagram activity increased 238 percent, Facebook increased 59 percent, Twitter increased 52 percent, and YouTube citations went up by 84 percent.”The report says: “The data reveal increases in IRA activity across multiple social media platforms, post-Election Day 2016: Instagram activity increased 238 percent, Facebook increased 59 percent, Twitter increased 52 percent, and YouTube citations went up by 84 percent.”
The Senate intelligence committee has released its bipartisan report on Russia’s use of social media to interfere in the 2016 presidential election, which concludes that the Kremlin sought to help Trump’s campaign by spreading disinformation.The Senate intelligence committee has released its bipartisan report on Russia’s use of social media to interfere in the 2016 presidential election, which concludes that the Kremlin sought to help Trump’s campaign by spreading disinformation.
The report reads: “The Committee found, that the IRA sought to influence the 2016 U.S. presidential election by harming Hillary Clinton’s chances of success and supporting Donald Trump at the direction of the Kremlin.”The report reads: “The Committee found, that the IRA sought to influence the 2016 U.S. presidential election by harming Hillary Clinton’s chances of success and supporting Donald Trump at the direction of the Kremlin.”
The committee also concluded that Russian operatives similarly targeted Republican presidential candidates, including Marco Rubio and Jeb Bush.The committee also concluded that Russian operatives similarly targeted Republican presidential candidates, including Marco Rubio and Jeb Bush.
The lawmakers recommended that “social media companies work to facilitate greater information sharing between the public and private sector” and specifically called on the Executive Branch to “reinforce with the public the danger of attempted foreign interference in the 2020 election.”The lawmakers recommended that “social media companies work to facilitate greater information sharing between the public and private sector” and specifically called on the Executive Branch to “reinforce with the public the danger of attempted foreign interference in the 2020 election.”
That last point implicitly criticizes the president, who has repeatedly cast doubt on the intelligence community’s finding that Russia meddled in the 2016 election to Trump’s benefit.That last point implicitly criticizes the president, who has repeatedly cast doubt on the intelligence community’s finding that Russia meddled in the 2016 election to Trump’s benefit.
Here’s where the day stands so far:Here’s where the day stands so far:
The White House has blocked Gordon Sondland, the US ambassador to the EU, from testifying before three House committees leading the impeachment inquiry.The White House has blocked Gordon Sondland, the US ambassador to the EU, from testifying before three House committees leading the impeachment inquiry.
House Democratic leaders have now said they will subpoena Sondland for his testimony and documents that are relevant to the Ukraine controversy.House Democratic leaders have now said they will subpoena Sondland for his testimony and documents that are relevant to the Ukraine controversy.
The Senate judiciary committee has invited Rudy Giuliani to appear before the panel, but it’s unclear whether the president’s personal lawyer will accept the offer.The Senate judiciary committee has invited Rudy Giuliani to appear before the panel, but it’s unclear whether the president’s personal lawyer will accept the offer.
A new poll found that nearly 6 in 10 Americans now support House Democrats’ impeachment inquiry, and almost half of the country backs removing Trump from office.A new poll found that nearly 6 in 10 Americans now support House Democrats’ impeachment inquiry, and almost half of the country backs removing Trump from office.
The blog will have more of the latest impeachment news, so stay tuned.The blog will have more of the latest impeachment news, so stay tuned.
Meanwhile, tech entrepreneur Andrew Yang hopes he will get his fourth qualifying poll today to participate in the November debate.Meanwhile, tech entrepreneur Andrew Yang hopes he will get his fourth qualifying poll today to participate in the November debate.
New November debate qualifying poll coming out in a couple hours or so. Yang is the only candidates who is within one poll of qualifying https://t.co/hDziajUSguNew November debate qualifying poll coming out in a couple hours or so. Yang is the only candidates who is within one poll of qualifying https://t.co/hDziajUSgu
Seven Democratic presidential candidates have qualified for the debate so far: Joe Biden, Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders, Pete Buttigieg, Kamala Harris, Cory Booker and Tom Steyer.Seven Democratic presidential candidates have qualified for the debate so far: Joe Biden, Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders, Pete Buttigieg, Kamala Harris, Cory Booker and Tom Steyer.
No other candidate is close to qualifying, with Beto O’Rourke and Amy Klobuchar both still needing three more polls to make the cut.No other candidate is close to qualifying, with Beto O’Rourke and Amy Klobuchar both still needing three more polls to make the cut.
It’s quite possible the November event will feature a significantly smaller field of candidates than the October debate, which is taking place in Ohio next week. Twelve candidates have qualified for that face-off.It’s quite possible the November event will feature a significantly smaller field of candidates than the October debate, which is taking place in Ohio next week. Twelve candidates have qualified for that face-off.