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| Trump impeachment: Pelosi says 'I know exactly when' to send articles to Senate – live | Trump impeachment: Pelosi says 'I know exactly when' to send articles to Senate – live |
| (32 minutes later) | |
| The House speaker said she won’t publicly set a deadline to send the articles of impeachment while a growing chorus of lawmakers say it’s time | The House speaker said she won’t publicly set a deadline to send the articles of impeachment while a growing chorus of lawmakers say it’s time |
| Trump just left for his Ohio campaign rally without stopping to talk to reporters who were gathered at the White House to pose questions about impeachment and Iran. | |
| The president and vice president are hosting a campaign rally tonight in Toledo, Ohio, where Trump is scheduled to speak at 7 p.m. ET. | |
| Congressman Adam Schiff, the Democratic chairman of the House intelligence committee, said his panel has no plans of calling John Bolton to testify before the Senate impeachment trial. | |
| Bolton, Trump’s former national security adviser, has said he would testify in a Senate trial if he were subpoenaed, but it’s unclear whether the Republican-controlled Senate would issue a subpoena. | |
| House Democrats previously decided against issuing a subpoena to Bolton because the former official signaled he would join a lawsuit seeking a judge’s ruling on whether to comply with a congressional subpoena or the White House guidance not to cooperate with the impeachment inquiry. | |
| Nancy Pelosi delivered a floor speech in favor of the War Powers Resolution, which would limit Trump’s military actions in Iran. | Nancy Pelosi delivered a floor speech in favor of the War Powers Resolution, which would limit Trump’s military actions in Iran. |
| The House speaker criticized the administration for not seeking congressional authorization before the Suleimani strike, which she called “provocative and disproportionate.” | The House speaker criticized the administration for not seeking congressional authorization before the Suleimani strike, which she called “provocative and disproportionate.” |
| Democratic lawmakers are racing to backtrack on their earlier comments suggesting the time had come for Nancy Pelosi to submit the articles of impeachment to the Senate. | Democratic lawmakers are racing to backtrack on their earlier comments suggesting the time had come for Nancy Pelosi to submit the articles of impeachment to the Senate. |
| Congressman Adam Smith already walked by his comments about the House speaker, and now senator Dianne Feinstein has abandoned her criticism of Pelosi. | Congressman Adam Smith already walked by his comments about the House speaker, and now senator Dianne Feinstein has abandoned her criticism of Pelosi. |
| The California senator had previoulsy said, “If we’re going to do it, she should send them over. I don’t see what good delay does.” | The California senator had previoulsy said, “If we’re going to do it, she should send them over. I don’t see what good delay does.” |
| Feinstein already started to backtrack on those comments earlier today, but this statement underscores her change of heart. In it, the senator says she believes Pelosi is acting out of a “sincere desire to ensure a fair process that allows the Senate to consider available evidence -- a goal that all of us should share.” | Feinstein already started to backtrack on those comments earlier today, but this statement underscores her change of heart. In it, the senator says she believes Pelosi is acting out of a “sincere desire to ensure a fair process that allows the Senate to consider available evidence -- a goal that all of us should share.” |
| Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell has signed on as a co-sponsor of a resolution from Republican senator Josh Hawley, which would make it possible to dismiss impeachment charges even if the House does not transmit the articles. | Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell has signed on as a co-sponsor of a resolution from Republican senator Josh Hawley, which would make it possible to dismiss impeachment charges even if the House does not transmit the articles. |
| Hawley’s resolution would change Senate rules to allow senators to render a verdict on impeachment charges starting 25 calendar days after the House has impeached, even if the speaker has not yet submitted the paperwork or named impeachment managers. | Hawley’s resolution would change Senate rules to allow senators to render a verdict on impeachment charges starting 25 calendar days after the House has impeached, even if the speaker has not yet submitted the paperwork or named impeachment managers. |
| But it would require two-thirds of the Senate to break a filibuster on the proposal, which seems unlikely given Republicans’ narrow majority. | But it would require two-thirds of the Senate to break a filibuster on the proposal, which seems unlikely given Republicans’ narrow majority. |
| Eric Garcetti, the mayor of Los Angeles, reportedly plans to endorse Joe Biden tomorrow as the former vice president visits the city. | Eric Garcetti, the mayor of Los Angeles, reportedly plans to endorse Joe Biden tomorrow as the former vice president visits the city. |
| The endorsement comes as polls have shown Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren leading in the crucial state, which awards nearly 500 delegates at the nominating convention. | The endorsement comes as polls have shown Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren leading in the crucial state, which awards nearly 500 delegates at the nominating convention. |
| Garcetti toyed with the idea of launching his own White House bid before ultimately deciding against entering the field. | Garcetti toyed with the idea of launching his own White House bid before ultimately deciding against entering the field. |
| Congressman Adam Smith, the Democratic chairman of the House armed services committee, said he was not “threatened” to walk back his earlier comments about it being time for Nancy Pelosi to transmit the articles of impeachment. | Congressman Adam Smith, the Democratic chairman of the House armed services committee, said he was not “threatened” to walk back his earlier comments about it being time for Nancy Pelosi to transmit the articles of impeachment. |
| Smith said on CNN this morning, “I think it was perfectly advisable for the speaker to leverage that, get a better deal. At this point, it doesn’t look like that’s going to happen, and yes, I think it is time to send the impeachment to the Senate.” | Smith said on CNN this morning, “I think it was perfectly advisable for the speaker to leverage that, get a better deal. At this point, it doesn’t look like that’s going to happen, and yes, I think it is time to send the impeachment to the Senate.” |
| But Smith quickly walked that back in a pair of tweets, saying, “I misspoke this morning, I do believe we should do everything we can to force the Senate to have a fair trial.” | But Smith quickly walked that back in a pair of tweets, saying, “I misspoke this morning, I do believe we should do everything we can to force the Senate to have a fair trial.” |
| The Washington Democrat claimed he did not communicate with the speaker’s office before walking back the comments, but he added that his staff may have spoken to Pelosi’s team. | The Washington Democrat claimed he did not communicate with the speaker’s office before walking back the comments, but he added that his staff may have spoken to Pelosi’s team. |
| Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said his country and others have gathered intelligence indicating the Ukrainian passenger jet that crashed yesterday was shot down by an Iranian missile. | Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said his country and others have gathered intelligence indicating the Ukrainian passenger jet that crashed yesterday was shot down by an Iranian missile. |
| At least 63 Canadians were among the 176 people on board, all of whom died in the crash. | At least 63 Canadians were among the 176 people on board, all of whom died in the crash. |
| Trudeau said the attack may have been “unintentional,” echoing earlier reports that the plane may have been targeted by mistake. | Trudeau said the attack may have been “unintentional,” echoing earlier reports that the plane may have been targeted by mistake. |
| As reports emerged that she would transmit the articles of impeachment as soon as tomorrow, Nancy Pelosi dodged reporters’ questions about the timing of her next steps, saying she stood by her earlier statement. | As reports emerged that she would transmit the articles of impeachment as soon as tomorrow, Nancy Pelosi dodged reporters’ questions about the timing of her next steps, saying she stood by her earlier statement. |
| The House speaker told reporters earlier today that she did not intend to hold the articles indefinitely. “I’ll send them over when I’m ready,” Pelosi said at her weekly press conference. “And that’ll probably be soon.” | The House speaker told reporters earlier today that she did not intend to hold the articles indefinitely. “I’ll send them over when I’m ready,” Pelosi said at her weekly press conference. “And that’ll probably be soon.” |
| Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell reportedly expects House speaker Nancy Pelosi to transmit the articles of impeachment as soon as tomorrow, clearing the way for a trial to begin early next week. | Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell reportedly expects House speaker Nancy Pelosi to transmit the articles of impeachment as soon as tomorrow, clearing the way for a trial to begin early next week. |
| Politico reports: | Politico reports: |
| The House has now taken up the War Powers Resolution, which is aimed at limiting Trump’s military actions in Iran. | The House has now taken up the War Powers Resolution, which is aimed at limiting Trump’s military actions in Iran. |
| Members will debate for two hours before taking a vote, which will not be binding but will force lawmakers to take a position on the issue. | Members will debate for two hours before taking a vote, which will not be binding but will force lawmakers to take a position on the issue. |
| Joe Biden’s campaign manager lashed out against Facebook after the social media company announced it would continue to allow political candidates to advertise on its platform without policing content for accuracy. | Joe Biden’s campaign manager lashed out against Facebook after the social media company announced it would continue to allow political candidates to advertise on its platform without policing content for accuracy. |
| The Biden team has previously criticzed Facebook for allowing Trump’s reelection campaign to air an ad that includes falsehoods about Biden’s record on Ukraine. | The Biden team has previously criticzed Facebook for allowing Trump’s reelection campaign to air an ad that includes falsehoods about Biden’s record on Ukraine. |
| “Donald Trump’s campaign can (and will) still lie in political ads,” Biden’s deputy communications director said in a statement. “Facebook can (and will) still profit off it. Today’s announcement is more window dressing around their decision to allow paid misinformation.” | “Donald Trump’s campaign can (and will) still lie in political ads,” Biden’s deputy communications director said in a statement. “Facebook can (and will) still profit off it. Today’s announcement is more window dressing around their decision to allow paid misinformation.” |
| Meanwhile, the Trump campaign celebrated the news as a victory for democracy. “Our ads are always accurate so it’s good that Facebook won’t limit political messages because it encourages more Americans to be involved in the process,” said Trump campaign spokesman Tim Murtaugh. | Meanwhile, the Trump campaign celebrated the news as a victory for democracy. “Our ads are always accurate so it’s good that Facebook won’t limit political messages because it encourages more Americans to be involved in the process,” said Trump campaign spokesman Tim Murtaugh. |
| Congressman Max Rose, a freshman Democrat from New York, has said he will oppose the War Powers Resolution aimed at limiting Trump’s military actions in Iran. | Congressman Max Rose, a freshman Democrat from New York, has said he will oppose the War Powers Resolution aimed at limiting Trump’s military actions in Iran. |
| “Unfortunately, today’s War Powers Resolution is a non-binding resolution that simply restates existing law and sends the message that war is imminent,” Rose said in a statement explaining his vote. “I refuse to play politics with questions of war and peace.” | “Unfortunately, today’s War Powers Resolution is a non-binding resolution that simply restates existing law and sends the message that war is imminent,” Rose said in a statement explaining his vote. “I refuse to play politics with questions of war and peace.” |
| Trump has already encouraged Republicans to oppose the resolution, which faces an uncertain future in the Senate. | Trump has already encouraged Republicans to oppose the resolution, which faces an uncertain future in the Senate. |
| Another Democratic lawmaker who had said it was time for Nancy Pelosi to transmit the articles of impeachment is now changing her tune. | Another Democratic lawmaker who had said it was time for Nancy Pelosi to transmit the articles of impeachment is now changing her tune. |
| Senator Dianne Feinstein, a fellow California Democrat, previously said, “If we’re going to do it, she should send them over. I don’t see what good delay does.” | Senator Dianne Feinstein, a fellow California Democrat, previously said, “If we’re going to do it, she should send them over. I don’t see what good delay does.” |
| Earlier today, another Democratic lawmaker, congressman Adam Smith, had to walk back comments he made indicating he believed it was time to send the articles to the Senate. | Earlier today, another Democratic lawmaker, congressman Adam Smith, had to walk back comments he made indicating he believed it was time to send the articles to the Senate. |
| Avenatti set for trial(s) | Avenatti set for trial(s) |
| Former thorn in Donald Trump’s side and very much ex-omnipresence on our television screens and at the side of former client and alleged past-Trumpian paramour Stormy Daniels - attorney Michael Avenatti - had a bad day in court today. | Former thorn in Donald Trump’s side and very much ex-omnipresence on our television screens and at the side of former client and alleged past-Trumpian paramour Stormy Daniels - attorney Michael Avenatti - had a bad day in court today. |
| A New York judge rejected Avenatti’s bid to dismiss a criminal charge that he defrauded a client whom he said knew about improper payments that sportswear giant Nike allegedly made to families of college basketball recruits. | A New York judge rejected Avenatti’s bid to dismiss a criminal charge that he defrauded a client whom he said knew about improper payments that sportswear giant Nike allegedly made to families of college basketball recruits. |
| US district judge Paul Gardephe in Manhattan ruled three days after refusing to dismiss two extortion charges accusing Avenatti of threatening a news conference about the payments unless Nike paid him up to $25 million.Nike has denied wrongdoing. | US district judge Paul Gardephe in Manhattan ruled three days after refusing to dismiss two extortion charges accusing Avenatti of threatening a news conference about the payments unless Nike paid him up to $25 million.Nike has denied wrongdoing. |
| “When the actual evidence is heard at trial rather than the baseless allegations in the indictment, I will be fully cleared because I did nothing wrong,” Avenatti, 48, said in a text message. “I am innocent,” Reuters reports. | “When the actual evidence is heard at trial rather than the baseless allegations in the indictment, I will be fully cleared because I did nothing wrong,” Avenatti, 48, said in a text message. “I am innocent,” Reuters reports. |
| The fraud count and one extortion count carry maximum 20-year prison terms, with the trial scheduled for January 21. | The fraud count and one extortion count carry maximum 20-year prison terms, with the trial scheduled for January 21. |
| Avenatti also faces an April 21 trial in Manhattan for allegedly cheating StormyDaniels out of proceeds from a book contract, and a May 19 trial in Santa Ana, California for allegedly defrauding clients out of millions of dollars and lying to the Internal Revenue Service. Avenatti denies all the charges. | Avenatti also faces an April 21 trial in Manhattan for allegedly cheating StormyDaniels out of proceeds from a book contract, and a May 19 trial in Santa Ana, California for allegedly defrauding clients out of millions of dollars and lying to the Internal Revenue Service. Avenatti denies all the charges. |
| Here’s where the day stands so far: | Here’s where the day stands so far: |
| Nancy Pelosi said she would “soon” transmit the articles of impeachment to the Senate, but the House speaker declined to provide a specific timeline for her next steps. | Nancy Pelosi said she would “soon” transmit the articles of impeachment to the Senate, but the House speaker declined to provide a specific timeline for her next steps. |
| US officials are confident the Ukrainian passenger jet that crashed on Wednesday was accidentally shot down by Iran. | US officials are confident the Ukrainian passenger jet that crashed on Wednesday was accidentally shot down by Iran. |
| Trump claimed Iranian general Qassem Suleimani was “looking to blow up our embassy” when he was killed in a US drone strike, but he did not provide evidence for that. | Trump claimed Iranian general Qassem Suleimani was “looking to blow up our embassy” when he was killed in a US drone strike, but he did not provide evidence for that. |
| The blog will have more coming up, so stay tuned. | The blog will have more coming up, so stay tuned. |
| A newly released poll found former Indiana mayor Pete Buttigieg, former vice president Joe Biden and Vermont senator Bernie Sanders leading the Democratic presidential primary in New Hampshire. | A newly released poll found former Indiana mayor Pete Buttigieg, former vice president Joe Biden and Vermont senator Bernie Sanders leading the Democratic presidential primary in New Hampshire. |
| According to the Monmouth University poll, Buttigieg is attracting the support of 20% of New Hampshire Democrats, putting him 1 point ahead of Biden and 2 points ahead of Sanders. Considering the margin of error of 4.9 points, the three candidates are in a statistical tie for the lead, while Massachusetts senator Elizabeth Warren trails slightly at 15%. | According to the Monmouth University poll, Buttigieg is attracting the support of 20% of New Hampshire Democrats, putting him 1 point ahead of Biden and 2 points ahead of Sanders. Considering the margin of error of 4.9 points, the three candidates are in a statistical tie for the lead, while Massachusetts senator Elizabeth Warren trails slightly at 15%. |
| New Hampshire will hold its primary on February 11, eight days after Iowa holds the first caucuses of the race. | New Hampshire will hold its primary on February 11, eight days after Iowa holds the first caucuses of the race. |
| Although the two states are viewed as critically important for helping presidential candidates to build momentum, they are both much whiter than the broader Democratic Party, raising questions about whether the results there will indicate the eventual nominee. | Although the two states are viewed as critically important for helping presidential candidates to build momentum, they are both much whiter than the broader Democratic Party, raising questions about whether the results there will indicate the eventual nominee. |
| The poll also does not help any additional candidates qualify for the next debate, which will be held Tuesday in Des Moines. Currently, only five candidates -- Biden, Sanders, Warren, Buttigieg and Minnesota senator Amy Klobuchar -- have qualified. | The poll also does not help any additional candidates qualify for the next debate, which will be held Tuesday in Des Moines. Currently, only five candidates -- Biden, Sanders, Warren, Buttigieg and Minnesota senator Amy Klobuchar -- have qualified. |
| Asked about John Bolton’s potential testimony during the impeachment trial, Trump again said the question of whether to subpoena his former national security adviser would be left up to the Senate. | Asked about John Bolton’s potential testimony during the impeachment trial, Trump again said the question of whether to subpoena his former national security adviser would be left up to the Senate. |
| “I always got along with him,” Trump said. “He didn’t get along with some of our people, but that’s really going to be up to the Senate.” | “I always got along with him,” Trump said. “He didn’t get along with some of our people, but that’s really going to be up to the Senate.” |
| But the US president interestingly noted he would confer with his lawyers to determine how to “protect presidential privilege,” indicating the White House might seek to limit Bolton’s testimony. | But the US president interestingly noted he would confer with his lawyers to determine how to “protect presidential privilege,” indicating the White House might seek to limit Bolton’s testimony. |
| “We have to protect presidential privilege for me but for future presidents,” Trump told reporters attending his environmental regulation event. | “We have to protect presidential privilege for me but for future presidents,” Trump told reporters attending his environmental regulation event. |