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Facebook reports Russia's 'well-resourced operation' to meddle in 2020 US election – as it happened Facebook reports Russia's 'well-resourced operation' to meddle in 2020 US election – as it happened
(about 13 hours later)
Live political reporting continues on Tuesday’s blog:
Trump calls impeachment inquiry a 'lynching' as key witness testifies – live
We’re wrapping up today’s politics coverage.We’re wrapping up today’s politics coverage.
Here’s an updated summary of what happened today:Here’s an updated summary of what happened today:
Facebook announced that it had already disrupted four efforts by Iran and Russia to meddle in the 2020 presidential election. (Here is my colleague Julia Carrie Wong’s full report on Facebook’s disclosure.)Facebook announced that it had already disrupted four efforts by Iran and Russia to meddle in the 2020 presidential election. (Here is my colleague Julia Carrie Wong’s full report on Facebook’s disclosure.)
Trump mocked allegations of self-dealing in connection to his canceled plans to host the June G7 summit at his Florida resort, falsely referring to the constitutional clause forbidding gifts from foreign states to federal officeholders as the “phony Emoluments Clause.”Trump mocked allegations of self-dealing in connection to his canceled plans to host the June G7 summit at his Florida resort, falsely referring to the constitutional clause forbidding gifts from foreign states to federal officeholders as the “phony Emoluments Clause.”
In impeachment news: Trump insisted that Republicans need to “get tougher” in combating the impeachment inquiry, even as some GOP lawmakers appear to be growing weary of constantly defending the president. Read the full story here. Nancy Pelosi released a “fact sheet” to her Democratic caucus members outlining what the House speaker considers to be the most pertinent allegations against Trump. House Democrats postponed some of this week’s scheduled depositions to allow members to attend funeral services for their late colleague, Elijah Cummings. They also defeated a Republican attempt to pass a resolution censuring House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff, the public face of the impeachment inquiry.In impeachment news: Trump insisted that Republicans need to “get tougher” in combating the impeachment inquiry, even as some GOP lawmakers appear to be growing weary of constantly defending the president. Read the full story here. Nancy Pelosi released a “fact sheet” to her Democratic caucus members outlining what the House speaker considers to be the most pertinent allegations against Trump. House Democrats postponed some of this week’s scheduled depositions to allow members to attend funeral services for their late colleague, Elijah Cummings. They also defeated a Republican attempt to pass a resolution censuring House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff, the public face of the impeachment inquiry.
Bernie Sanders defended fellow 2020 presidential contender Tulsi Gabbard, calling it “outrageous” that Hillary Clinton had suggested that Gabbard was being groomed by Russia for a third-party presidential run. Gabbard supported Sanders over Clinton in the 2012 race.Bernie Sanders defended fellow 2020 presidential contender Tulsi Gabbard, calling it “outrageous” that Hillary Clinton had suggested that Gabbard was being groomed by Russia for a third-party presidential run. Gabbard supported Sanders over Clinton in the 2012 race.
A state senator’s Facebook post falsely claiming that a 1978 Associated Press photograph depicts Muslim congresswoman Ilhan Omar (who was not yet born) in an Al-Qaida training camp has sparked outrage and renewed pressure on Facebook to reverse its stance on political misinformation.A state senator’s Facebook post falsely claiming that a 1978 Associated Press photograph depicts Muslim congresswoman Ilhan Omar (who was not yet born) in an Al-Qaida training camp has sparked outrage and renewed pressure on Facebook to reverse its stance on political misinformation.
A scandal over allegations of fake product reviews from high-end skincare brand Sunday Riley has renewed complaints that the Federal Trade Commission is doing almost nothing to protect American consumers.A scandal over allegations of fake product reviews from high-end skincare brand Sunday Riley has renewed complaints that the Federal Trade Commission is doing almost nothing to protect American consumers.
A Republican state senator from Nebraska posted a photo on Facebook that he falsely claimed was an image of Muslim congresswoman Ilhan Omar at an Al-Qaida training camp. In fact, according to an Associated Press fact-check, the photograph of a woman with a gun taken by The Associated Press on Feb. 25, 1978, before Omar was born.A Republican state senator from Nebraska posted a photo on Facebook that he falsely claimed was an image of Muslim congresswoman Ilhan Omar at an Al-Qaida training camp. In fact, according to an Associated Press fact-check, the photograph of a woman with a gun taken by The Associated Press on Feb. 25, 1978, before Omar was born.
Muslim Advocates, a civil rights groups, condemned state Sen. Oley Larsen for “spreading false, grossly anti-Muslim tropes that put a Muslim member of Congress who already regularly receives death threats in further danger.”Muslim Advocates, a civil rights groups, condemned state Sen. Oley Larsen for “spreading false, grossly anti-Muslim tropes that put a Muslim member of Congress who already regularly receives death threats in further danger.”
The group also argued that Larsen’s post provided fresh evidence of the danger of Facebook’s policy choice to allow politicians to spread lies and information in political advertisements on the platform.The group also argued that Larsen’s post provided fresh evidence of the danger of Facebook’s policy choice to allow politicians to spread lies and information in political advertisements on the platform.
“When politicians lie, it’s communities like American Muslims who suffer. This highlights why Facebook cannot let elected officials spread disinformation and hate without consequence,” Muslim advocates wrote in a statement.“When politicians lie, it’s communities like American Muslims who suffer. This highlights why Facebook cannot let elected officials spread disinformation and hate without consequence,” Muslim advocates wrote in a statement.
A Nebraskan political blogger wrote yesterday that Larsen had not responded to a request for comment but “it seems pretty clear he believes the photo is real.”A Nebraskan political blogger wrote yesterday that Larsen had not responded to a request for comment but “it seems pretty clear he believes the photo is real.”
Democrats in the House defeated a GOP-led resolution to censure House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff, the public face of the impeachment inquiry against Donald Trump, The Hill reported.Democrats in the House defeated a GOP-led resolution to censure House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff, the public face of the impeachment inquiry against Donald Trump, The Hill reported.
Trying to make sense of Hillary Clinton’s suggestion last week that Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard is being groomed by Russia to run for president as a third-party candidate?Trying to make sense of Hillary Clinton’s suggestion last week that Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard is being groomed by Russia to run for president as a third-party candidate?
This claim has prompted some of Gabbard’s 2020 rivals to defend her, with Bernie Sanders calling Clinton’s suggestion “outrageous,” and Pete Buttigieg saying that statements like Clinton’s “ought to be backed by evidence.”This claim has prompted some of Gabbard’s 2020 rivals to defend her, with Bernie Sanders calling Clinton’s suggestion “outrageous,” and Pete Buttigieg saying that statements like Clinton’s “ought to be backed by evidence.”
Questions about Gabbard’s relationship with Russia are not new. Here’s some context about what we know:Questions about Gabbard’s relationship with Russia are not new. Here’s some context about what we know:
-In January 2017, Gabbard personally met with Syrian president Bashar al-Assad. In the wake of the meeting, she dismissed the opposition against him as “terrorists,” and later “expressed skepticism that Assad’s government was behind a chemical weapons attack on the town of Khan Sheikhun – an attack that the UN, the US and many other countries determined Syria’s government was responsible for.”-In January 2017, Gabbard personally met with Syrian president Bashar al-Assad. In the wake of the meeting, she dismissed the opposition against him as “terrorists,” and later “expressed skepticism that Assad’s government was behind a chemical weapons attack on the town of Khan Sheikhun – an attack that the UN, the US and many other countries determined Syria’s government was responsible for.”
-In early 2019, NBC News analyzed key English-language news sites used by Russia in its 2016 meddling and reported that the Gabbard “has become a favorite of the sites Moscow used when it interfered in 2016.” NBC reported: “In articles on the Russian sites, Gabbard is described as a ‘rebel,’ who is ‘straight-talking’ and a ‘heroic’ candidate who will ‘shake up’ the establishment.-In early 2019, NBC News analyzed key English-language news sites used by Russia in its 2016 meddling and reported that the Gabbard “has become a favorite of the sites Moscow used when it interfered in 2016.” NBC reported: “In articles on the Russian sites, Gabbard is described as a ‘rebel,’ who is ‘straight-talking’ and a ‘heroic’ candidate who will ‘shake up’ the establishment.
-The Times noted that RT, the Kremlin-backed news agency, mentioned Gabbard “frequently for a candidate polling in single digits,” citing an analysis by the Alliance for Securing Democracy, an initiative of The German Marshall Fund.-The Times noted that RT, the Kremlin-backed news agency, mentioned Gabbard “frequently for a candidate polling in single digits,” citing an analysis by the Alliance for Securing Democracy, an initiative of The German Marshall Fund.
-During the second Democratic debate, when Gabbard attacked California Sen. Kamala Harris, there were questions about whether suspicious bots had amplified a #KamalaHarrisDestroyed hashtag. Vox concluded that the evidence “isn’t clear.”-During the second Democratic debate, when Gabbard attacked California Sen. Kamala Harris, there were questions about whether suspicious bots had amplified a #KamalaHarrisDestroyed hashtag. Vox concluded that the evidence “isn’t clear.”
- In part because of her views on Assad and Syria, Gabbard has been enthusiastically embraced by a range of prominent white nationalists, far-right activists, and Trump supporters, including former Trump strategist Steve Bannon, as the New York Times highlighted earlier this month. (Gabbard attacked the Times for this coverage during the last debate.)- In part because of her views on Assad and Syria, Gabbard has been enthusiastically embraced by a range of prominent white nationalists, far-right activists, and Trump supporters, including former Trump strategist Steve Bannon, as the New York Times highlighted earlier this month. (Gabbard attacked the Times for this coverage during the last debate.)
-Gabbard repeatedly referred to the war in Syria as a “regime change war” during the last Democratic debate. This phrase is “straight-up Kremlin terminology,” as journalist Miriam Elder, who previously reported from Moscow for The Guardian, tweeted during the debate.-Gabbard repeatedly referred to the war in Syria as a “regime change war” during the last Democratic debate. This phrase is “straight-up Kremlin terminology,” as journalist Miriam Elder, who previously reported from Moscow for The Guardian, tweeted during the debate.
Carlson’s show is a laundromat for white nationalist ideas and it’s bizarre that Gabbard thinks her positive reception on Fox News—and this show in particular—helps her in a Democratic primary. pic.twitter.com/81Vz3W29JH
“Regime change war” is straight-up Kremlin terminology. The US has not actually wanted to remove Assad for a long, long, long time.“Regime change war” is straight-up Kremlin terminology. The US has not actually wanted to remove Assad for a long, long, long time.
-To defend herself against Clinton’s suggestion that she is being groomed by Russia, Gabbard went on Fox News to be interviewed by host Tucker Carlson, who has repeatedly aired white nationalist talking points on his show.-To defend herself against Clinton’s suggestion that she is being groomed by Russia, Gabbard went on Fox News to be interviewed by host Tucker Carlson, who has repeatedly aired white nationalist talking points on his show.
Carlson’s show is a laundromat for white nationalist ideas and it’s bizarre that Gabbard thinks her positive reception on Fox News—and this show in particular—helps her in a Democratic primary. pic.twitter.com/81Vz3W29JHCarlson’s show is a laundromat for white nationalist ideas and it’s bizarre that Gabbard thinks her positive reception on Fox News—and this show in particular—helps her in a Democratic primary. pic.twitter.com/81Vz3W29JH
Bernie Sanders tweeted that it’s “outrageous for anyone to suggest” that Gabbard is “a foreign asset,” as Hillary Clinton implied in an interview last week.Bernie Sanders tweeted that it’s “outrageous for anyone to suggest” that Gabbard is “a foreign asset,” as Hillary Clinton implied in an interview last week.
New York Times political reporter Jonathan Martin suggested that Sanders’ support for Gabbard was a “message” to Tulsi supporters in Iowa, as well as an attempt to put pressure on rival 2020 contender Elizabeth Warren.New York Times political reporter Jonathan Martin suggested that Sanders’ support for Gabbard was a “message” to Tulsi supporters in Iowa, as well as an attempt to put pressure on rival 2020 contender Elizabeth Warren.
...and triples as a squeeze on @ewarren, knowing she will be asked if she’s w bernie and tulsi - or hillary....and triples as a squeeze on @ewarren, knowing she will be asked if she’s w bernie and tulsi - or hillary.
Teachers love Bernie Sanders, executives are excited by Pete Buttigieg, lawyers opt for Joe Biden, and the vast majority of retirees support Donald Trump.Teachers love Bernie Sanders, executives are excited by Pete Buttigieg, lawyers opt for Joe Biden, and the vast majority of retirees support Donald Trump.
That’s what The Guardian found when we we analyzed the professions of people who have donated to a presidential campaign this year.That’s what The Guardian found when we we analyzed the professions of people who have donated to a presidential campaign this year.
Teachers for Bernie, CEOs for Buttigieg, retirees for Trump – who's backing whom in 2020Teachers for Bernie, CEOs for Buttigieg, retirees for Trump – who's backing whom in 2020
Within Democratic donors, nurses are more likely to support Sanders, while doctors lean towards Buttigieg.Within Democratic donors, nurses are more likely to support Sanders, while doctors lean towards Buttigieg.
Among Democratic donors: Nurses overwhelmingly support Bernie Sanders Doctors lean more Pete Buttigieghttps://t.co/ppgMIXAIa2 pic.twitter.com/D36SHXE9CaAmong Democratic donors: Nurses overwhelmingly support Bernie Sanders Doctors lean more Pete Buttigieghttps://t.co/ppgMIXAIa2 pic.twitter.com/D36SHXE9Ca
Who do police officers support? Trump and then Sanders.Who do police officers support? Trump and then Sanders.
Military personnel? Trump and then Sanders.Military personnel? Trump and then Sanders.
Retirees? Overwhelmingly Trump.Retirees? Overwhelmingly Trump.
Support for 2020 candidates by profession.83% of retirees making donations are giving to Trump: https://t.co/ppgMIXAIa2 pic.twitter.com/llFDks2EKQSupport for 2020 candidates by profession.83% of retirees making donations are giving to Trump: https://t.co/ppgMIXAIa2 pic.twitter.com/llFDks2EKQ
Elizabeth Warren will be joining striking teachers in Chicago tomorrow, the Chicago Tribune reports.Elizabeth Warren will be joining striking teachers in Chicago tomorrow, the Chicago Tribune reports.
Presidential candidate Elizabeth Warren will join striking Chicago teachers on the picket line tomorrow morning, per her campaign.Presidential candidate Elizabeth Warren will join striking Chicago teachers on the picket line tomorrow morning, per her campaign.
The Chicago Teachers Union demands include higher wages for teachers; more funding to ease overcrowded classrooms; more nurses, social workers, librarians and “restorative justice” coordinators in schools; and investment in affordable housing for both teachers and students.The Chicago Teachers Union demands include higher wages for teachers; more funding to ease overcrowded classrooms; more nurses, social workers, librarians and “restorative justice” coordinators in schools; and investment in affordable housing for both teachers and students.
“The Chicago teachers’ strike shows how to go on offense against neoliberalism,” two supporters argued in The Guardian this weekend.“The Chicago teachers’ strike shows how to go on offense against neoliberalism,” two supporters argued in The Guardian this weekend.
Beto O’Rourke, the former Texas congressman and 2020 candidate, is “way behind” with fundraising and struggling in the polls. A recent poll of Iowa voters found that fewer than 1% (or 3 out of 500 voters) named Beto as their first choice.Beto O’Rourke, the former Texas congressman and 2020 candidate, is “way behind” with fundraising and struggling in the polls. A recent poll of Iowa voters found that fewer than 1% (or 3 out of 500 voters) named Beto as their first choice.
But O’Rourke pledged today that he’s staying in the race:But O’Rourke pledged today that he’s staying in the race:
Just now on @CNNSitRoom, Beto O’Rourke tells @wolfblitzer he will stay in the 2020 presidential race even if he does not qualify for the next Democratic debate.Just now on @CNNSitRoom, Beto O’Rourke tells @wolfblitzer he will stay in the 2020 presidential race even if he does not qualify for the next Democratic debate.
The Pentagon is making plans for what to do if President Donald Trump suddenly orders an immediate withdrawal of all U.S. troops from Afghanistan, NBC News reported.The Pentagon is making plans for what to do if President Donald Trump suddenly orders an immediate withdrawal of all U.S. troops from Afghanistan, NBC News reported.
On Monday, Trump told reporters: “I got elected on bringing our soldiers back home.”On Monday, Trump told reporters: “I got elected on bringing our soldiers back home.”
Two Americans who ran for president and lost are making jokes (??) in French.Two Americans who ran for president and lost are making jokes (??) in French.
Touché, Sénateur @MittRomney. J'approuve! https://t.co/wkHeXfwbL4Touché, Sénateur @MittRomney. J'approuve! https://t.co/wkHeXfwbL4
This is Lois Beckett taking over our live politics coverage from our California office.This is Lois Beckett taking over our live politics coverage from our California office.
A major scandal within the world of high-end skincare has reignited questions over whether the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is failing to protect American consumers.A major scandal within the world of high-end skincare has reignited questions over whether the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is failing to protect American consumers.
The FTC announced a settlement today with cult skincare brand Sunday Riley, over allegations that the company’s founder ordered employees to write fake product reviews in order to boost sales.The FTC announced a settlement today with cult skincare brand Sunday Riley, over allegations that the company’s founder ordered employees to write fake product reviews in order to boost sales.
Sunday Riley, known for its $105 “Good Genes” lactic acid treatment and its $105 “Luna” retinol night oil, had become a popular new high-end skincare brand, one touted by beauty influencers and regularly recommended among friends.Sunday Riley, known for its $105 “Good Genes” lactic acid treatment and its $105 “Luna” retinol night oil, had become a popular new high-end skincare brand, one touted by beauty influencers and regularly recommended among friends.
But last year, an anonymous Sunday Riley whistleblower went to Reddit with a troubling claim: that the company was asking employees, via official company e-mails, to create fake accounts on Sephora.com, a major beauty retailer, and post fake product reviews.But last year, an anonymous Sunday Riley whistleblower went to Reddit with a troubling claim: that the company was asking employees, via official company e-mails, to create fake accounts on Sephora.com, a major beauty retailer, and post fake product reviews.
Today’s allegations from the FTC back up that Reddit whistleblower’s account, and specify that brand founder Sunday Riley herself posted fake Sephora reviews to boost her products.Today’s allegations from the FTC back up that Reddit whistleblower’s account, and specify that brand founder Sunday Riley herself posted fake Sephora reviews to boost her products.
Wow. According to the @FTC, Sunday Riley *herself* posted fake reviews on @Sephora, and gave employees *detailed instructions* on how to post their own fake product reviews, including using a VPN. Why a VPN? Because @Sephora had tried to block their fake reviews! pic.twitter.com/qWGGH0bP0SWow. According to the @FTC, Sunday Riley *herself* posted fake reviews on @Sephora, and gave employees *detailed instructions* on how to post their own fake product reviews, including using a VPN. Why a VPN? Because @Sephora had tried to block their fake reviews! pic.twitter.com/qWGGH0bP0S
So what consequences are Sunday Riley and her brand facing for, in the FTC’s words, “making false or misleading claims” about beauty products that cost about $100 an ounce?So what consequences are Sunday Riley and her brand facing for, in the FTC’s words, “making false or misleading claims” about beauty products that cost about $100 an ounce?
Well, basically none, other than promising not to do it again. The proposed settlement, in the words of two dissenting Federal Trade Commissioners, includes “no redress, no disgorgement of ill-gotten gains, no notice to consumers, and no admission of wrongdoing.”Well, basically none, other than promising not to do it again. The proposed settlement, in the words of two dissenting Federal Trade Commissioners, includes “no redress, no disgorgement of ill-gotten gains, no notice to consumers, and no admission of wrongdoing.”
In short, the dissenters argue: “the proposed settlement is unlikely to deter other would-be wrongdoers.”In short, the dissenters argue: “the proposed settlement is unlikely to deter other would-be wrongdoers.”
@chopraftc dissented & @RKSlaughterFTC joined because the settlement doesn't require sunday riley to admit fault, provide redress or notice to consumers, or anything else that would fall in the "actual consequences for law-breaking" category https://t.co/5c9bx4R0kl pic.twitter.com/kQnoTUv12H@chopraftc dissented & @RKSlaughterFTC joined because the settlement doesn't require sunday riley to admit fault, provide redress or notice to consumers, or anything else that would fall in the "actual consequences for law-breaking" category https://t.co/5c9bx4R0kl pic.twitter.com/kQnoTUv12H
As well as raising questions over whether the FTC’s current level of enforcement will have any effect on the proliferation of fake reviews online, the settlement announcement has divided beauty consumers, with some saying they are frustrated and turned off by the brand’s alleged fraud, and others saying that they’ll still be buying Good Genes regardless.As well as raising questions over whether the FTC’s current level of enforcement will have any effect on the proliferation of fake reviews online, the settlement announcement has divided beauty consumers, with some saying they are frustrated and turned off by the brand’s alleged fraud, and others saying that they’ll still be buying Good Genes regardless.
I still stan Good Genes tho, a true miracle product https://t.co/kbW1ob00BkI still stan Good Genes tho, a true miracle product https://t.co/kbW1ob00Bk
That’s it from me today. My west coast colleague, Lois Beckett, will take over the blog for the next few hours.That’s it from me today. My west coast colleague, Lois Beckett, will take over the blog for the next few hours.
Here’s where the day stands so far:Here’s where the day stands so far:
Facebook announced that it had already disrupted four efforts by Iran and Russia to meddle in the 2020 presidential election. (Here is my colleague Julia Carrie Wong’s full report on Facebook’s disclosure.)Facebook announced that it had already disrupted four efforts by Iran and Russia to meddle in the 2020 presidential election. (Here is my colleague Julia Carrie Wong’s full report on Facebook’s disclosure.)
Trump mocked allegations of self-dealing in connection to his canceled plans to host the June G7 summit at his Florida resort, falsely referring to the constitutional clause forbidding gifts from foreign states to federal officeholders as the “phony Emoluments Clause.”Trump mocked allegations of self-dealing in connection to his canceled plans to host the June G7 summit at his Florida resort, falsely referring to the constitutional clause forbidding gifts from foreign states to federal officeholders as the “phony Emoluments Clause.”
Trump insisted that congressional Republicans need to “get tougher” in combating the impeachment inquiry, even as some GOP lawmakers appear to be growing weary of constantly defending the president’s most controversial actions.Trump insisted that congressional Republicans need to “get tougher” in combating the impeachment inquiry, even as some GOP lawmakers appear to be growing weary of constantly defending the president’s most controversial actions.
Nancy Pelosi released a “fact sheet” to her Democratic caucus members outlining what the House speaker considers to be the most pertinent allegations against Trump in the impeachment inquiry.Nancy Pelosi released a “fact sheet” to her Democratic caucus members outlining what the House speaker considers to be the most pertinent allegations against Trump in the impeachment inquiry.
House Democrats have postponed some of this week’s scheduled depositions in the impeachment investigation to allow members to attend funeral services for their late colleague, Elijah Cummings.House Democrats have postponed some of this week’s scheduled depositions in the impeachment investigation to allow members to attend funeral services for their late colleague, Elijah Cummings.
Lois will have more on the events of the day, so stay tuned.Lois will have more on the events of the day, so stay tuned.