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Biden tells Netanyahu he ‘expects significant de-escalation today on path to ceasefire’ – live Biden tells Netanyahu he ‘expects significant de-escalation today on path to ceasefire’ – live
(32 minutes later)
US president speaks to Israeli PM and has ‘detailed discussion on the state of events in Gaza’ – follow all the day’s politics newsUS president speaks to Israeli PM and has ‘detailed discussion on the state of events in Gaza’ – follow all the day’s politics news
According to a new book, in conversations with advisers and donors during the Trump administration and the 2020 election, Barack Obama called Donald Trump a “madman”, a “racist, sexist pig”, “that fucking lunatic” and a “corrupt motherfucker”.
The remarks are reported in Battle for the Soul: Inside the Democrats’ Campaigns to Defeat Donald Trump by Edward-Isaac Dovere, a staff writer at the Atlantic, which will be published next week. The Guardian obtained a copy.
Extracts of Dovere’s candid reporting have been published elsewhere – including a passage in which the now first lady, Jill Biden, is quoted as saying now Vice-President Kamala Harris should “go fuck herself” after a memorable debate-stage attack.
The reported remarks by Obama about Trump seem likely to prompt an angry reaction from the 45th president. Trump’s loathing for Obama is well-known and oft-expressed, beginning with his championing of the racist birther conspiracy which said Obama was not qualified to be president.
Obama’s feelings are well-known, but have rarely been reported in such blunt detail.
“He’s a madman,” Dovere reports Obama telling “big donors looking to squeeze a reaction out of him in exchange for the big checks they were writing to his foundation”.
Obama’s strongest remark, Dovere reports, was prompted by reports Trump was speaking to foreign leaders – including Vladimir Putin, amid the investigation of Russian election interference and links between Trump and Moscow – without aides on the call.
“‘That corrupt motherfucker,’ he remarked.”
Some Republican lawmakers are admitting that they do not support the creation of a commission to study the Capitol insurrection because they worry the panel’s findings could hurt them in next year’s midterms.
“I want our midterm message to be on the kinds of things that the American people are dealing with: That’s jobs and wages and the economy and national security, safe streets and strong borders -- not relitigating the 2020 elections,” Senate Republican whip John Thune told CNN.
“A lot of our members, and I think this is true of a lot of House Republicans, want to be moving forward and not looking backward. Anything that gets us rehashing the 2020 elections I think is a day lost on being able to draw a contrast between us the Democrats’ very radical left-wing agenda.”
The bipartisan bill to create a January 6 commission is expected to pass the House later today, but it’s unclear whether the legislation can make it through the evenly divided Senate.
Donald Trump has responded to reports today that the attorney general’s office in New York has opened a criminal investigation into his business activities and those of other Trump family members.Donald Trump has responded to reports today that the attorney general’s office in New York has opened a criminal investigation into his business activities and those of other Trump family members.
The attorney general, Letitia James, had been conducting a civil inquiry into the Trump Organization and, according to the Washington Post, in April informed the former president’s lawyers that the investigation had expanded.The attorney general, Letitia James, had been conducting a civil inquiry into the Trump Organization and, according to the Washington Post, in April informed the former president’s lawyers that the investigation had expanded.
Her office confirmed last night that it was joining a sweeping criminal investigation being conducted in parallel by Manhattan’s district attorney, Cyrus Vance.Her office confirmed last night that it was joining a sweeping criminal investigation being conducted in parallel by Manhattan’s district attorney, Cyrus Vance.
Trump is accused of falsely manipulating the value of Trump Organization properties in order to secure bank loans and lucrative tax breaks.Trump is accused of falsely manipulating the value of Trump Organization properties in order to secure bank loans and lucrative tax breaks.
Trump said in a statement on Wednesday: “There is nothing more corrupt than an investigation that is in desperate search of a crime.”Trump said in a statement on Wednesday: “There is nothing more corrupt than an investigation that is in desperate search of a crime.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared to dismiss Joe Biden’s calls for a de-escalation of the violence in Gaza, as Israel and Hamas continue to exchange attacks.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared to dismiss Joe Biden’s calls for a de-escalation of the violence in Gaza, as Israel and Hamas continue to exchange attacks.
Netanyahu applauded the efforts of Israeli forces after a visit to the country’s military headquarters earlier today.Netanyahu applauded the efforts of Israeli forces after a visit to the country’s military headquarters earlier today.
The prime minister said Israel is “determined to continue this operation until its aim is met.” He pledged that the military will work “to return the calm and security to you, citizens of Israel”.The prime minister said Israel is “determined to continue this operation until its aim is met.” He pledged that the military will work “to return the calm and security to you, citizens of Israel”.
Netanyahu also said he “greatly appreciates the support of the American president,” even though his latest statement appears to clash with Biden’s requests.Netanyahu also said he “greatly appreciates the support of the American president,” even though his latest statement appears to clash with Biden’s requests.
The US president spoke to Netanyahu earlier today, and he “conveyed to the Prime Minister that he expected a significant de-escalation today on the path to a ceasefire,” according to a White House readout of the call.The US president spoke to Netanyahu earlier today, and he “conveyed to the Prime Minister that he expected a significant de-escalation today on the path to a ceasefire,” according to a White House readout of the call.
Here’s where the day stands so far:Here’s where the day stands so far:
Joe Biden told Benjamin Netanyahu he expects a “significant de-escalation today on the path to a ceasefire,” according to a White House readout of the latest call between the US president and the Israeli prime minister. The call comes as Israeli forces and Hamas continue to exchange attacks in Gaza, where more than 200 people, most of them Palestinian, have already died as a result of the violence.Joe Biden told Benjamin Netanyahu he expects a “significant de-escalation today on the path to a ceasefire,” according to a White House readout of the latest call between the US president and the Israeli prime minister. The call comes as Israeli forces and Hamas continue to exchange attacks in Gaza, where more than 200 people, most of them Palestinian, have already died as a result of the violence.
Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell announced he opposes the bipartisan bill to form a commission to study the Capitol insurrection. The Democratic-controlled House is expected to pass the bill later today, but McConnell’s stance indicates the hurdles the legislation will face in the evenly divided Senate.Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell announced he opposes the bipartisan bill to form a commission to study the Capitol insurrection. The Democratic-controlled House is expected to pass the bill later today, but McConnell’s stance indicates the hurdles the legislation will face in the evenly divided Senate.
Survivors of the 1921 Tulsa race massacre testified before a House committee, as lawmakers consider whether to compensate the massacre survivors and their descendants. One survivor, 107-year-old Viola Fletcher, told the committee, “I am here seeking justice. I am here asking my country to acknowledge what happened in Tulsa in 1921.”Survivors of the 1921 Tulsa race massacre testified before a House committee, as lawmakers consider whether to compensate the massacre survivors and their descendants. One survivor, 107-year-old Viola Fletcher, told the committee, “I am here seeking justice. I am here asking my country to acknowledge what happened in Tulsa in 1921.”
The blog will have more coming up, so stay tuned.The blog will have more coming up, so stay tuned.
Mary Tuma reports for the Guardian from Austin, Texas:Mary Tuma reports for the Guardian from Austin, Texas:
Today, the Texas Republican governor, Greg Abbott, signed into law one of the most extreme six-week abortion bans in the US, despite strong opposition from the medical and legal communities, who warn the legislation could topple the state’s court system and already fragile reproductive healthcare network.Today, the Texas Republican governor, Greg Abbott, signed into law one of the most extreme six-week abortion bans in the US, despite strong opposition from the medical and legal communities, who warn the legislation could topple the state’s court system and already fragile reproductive healthcare network.
“This bill ensures that every unborn child who has a heartbeat will be saved from the ravages of abortion,” said Abbott, flanked by several members of the Texas legislature this morning.“This bill ensures that every unborn child who has a heartbeat will be saved from the ravages of abortion,” said Abbott, flanked by several members of the Texas legislature this morning.
Senate Bill 8 (SB 8), passed by both chambers of the Republican-dominated Texas legislature, bars abortion at six weeks of pregnancy with no exception for rape or incest, amounting to a near-total ban as most women are not aware they are pregnant at this stage.Senate Bill 8 (SB 8), passed by both chambers of the Republican-dominated Texas legislature, bars abortion at six weeks of pregnancy with no exception for rape or incest, amounting to a near-total ban as most women are not aware they are pregnant at this stage.
While a dozen states have passed similar so-called “heartbeat” bills – bans on abortion once embryonic cardiac activity is detected – none have yet been enforced due to court challenges.While a dozen states have passed similar so-called “heartbeat” bills – bans on abortion once embryonic cardiac activity is detected – none have yet been enforced due to court challenges.
Unlike those measures, the Texas version absolves the state from enforcing the law. Instead it allows any private citizen the extraordinary authority to sue an abortion provider – they do not need to be connected to the patient or even reside in the same state, opening up the floodgates to harassing and frivolous civil lawsuits that could shut down clinics statewide.Unlike those measures, the Texas version absolves the state from enforcing the law. Instead it allows any private citizen the extraordinary authority to sue an abortion provider – they do not need to be connected to the patient or even reside in the same state, opening up the floodgates to harassing and frivolous civil lawsuits that could shut down clinics statewide.
“This law is so broadly written it could target not just abortion clinics and staff but anyone that volunteers or donates to an abortion fund or activist organization like ours,” says Aimee Arrambide, executive director of reproductive rights advocacy group, Avow Texas.“This law is so broadly written it could target not just abortion clinics and staff but anyone that volunteers or donates to an abortion fund or activist organization like ours,” says Aimee Arrambide, executive director of reproductive rights advocacy group, Avow Texas.
Joe Biden closed his remarks at the Coast Guard commencement by telling the graduates that the country needs them.Joe Biden closed his remarks at the Coast Guard commencement by telling the graduates that the country needs them.
The president said members of the youngest generation, such as the graduating cadets, make him optimistic about America’s future.The president said members of the youngest generation, such as the graduating cadets, make him optimistic about America’s future.
“You’re the most progressive, best educated, least prejudiced, most open generation in American history,” Biden said. “We need you badly.”“You’re the most progressive, best educated, least prejudiced, most open generation in American history,” Biden said. “We need you badly.”
Joe Biden told the Coast Guard cadets that they will be graduating into a changing world.Joe Biden told the Coast Guard cadets that they will be graduating into a changing world.
“We’re at a significant inflection point in world history,” the president said at the commencement ceremony.“We’re at a significant inflection point in world history,” the president said at the commencement ceremony.
Biden also delivered some criticism of Russian President Vladimir Putin for his recent actions in the Arctic and Chinese President Xi Jinping for his maneuvers in the South China Sea.Biden also delivered some criticism of Russian President Vladimir Putin for his recent actions in the Arctic and Chinese President Xi Jinping for his maneuvers in the South China Sea.
“The United States must demonstrate our leadership and engagement,” Biden said.“The United States must demonstrate our leadership and engagement,” Biden said.
Joe Biden is now delivering the keynote address at the US Coast Guard Academy’s 140th commencement exercises in Connecticut.Joe Biden is now delivering the keynote address at the US Coast Guard Academy’s 140th commencement exercises in Connecticut.
The president applauded the cadets’ commitment and perseverance, noting they chose a “more difficult path” than many of their high school classmates.The president applauded the cadets’ commitment and perseverance, noting they chose a “more difficult path” than many of their high school classmates.
“This past year, there can be no doubt the class of ‘21 is ready for whatever its mission may be,” Biden said.“This past year, there can be no doubt the class of ‘21 is ready for whatever its mission may be,” Biden said.
The president also asked the cadets to stand up and salute their parents to thank them for making this day possible.The president also asked the cadets to stand up and salute their parents to thank them for making this day possible.
It is also worth noting that there were 10 congressional investigations into the 2012 attack on US government facilities in Benghazi, Libya, as an NBC News editor points out.It is also worth noting that there were 10 congressional investigations into the 2012 attack on US government facilities in Benghazi, Libya, as an NBC News editor points out.
But Republican leaders are now arguing that the two existing congressional investigations into the Capitol insurrection make a bipartisan commission unnecessary.But Republican leaders are now arguing that the two existing congressional investigations into the Capitol insurrection make a bipartisan commission unnecessary.
Republicans used the findings of the Benghazi investigations to denounce Hillary Clinton’s leadership as secretary of state while she ran for president in 2016.Republicans used the findings of the Benghazi investigations to denounce Hillary Clinton’s leadership as secretary of state while she ran for president in 2016.
It’s worth comparing Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell’s comments today to what he said about the Capitol insurrection in January.It’s worth comparing Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell’s comments today to what he said about the Capitol insurrection in January.
McConnell voted against convicting Donald Trump for inciting the insurrection, but he made clear that he held the former president directly responsible for the violence of January 6.McConnell voted against convicting Donald Trump for inciting the insurrection, but he made clear that he held the former president directly responsible for the violence of January 6.
“The mob was fed lies,” McConnell said shortly after Trump’s second impeachment trial concluded.“The mob was fed lies,” McConnell said shortly after Trump’s second impeachment trial concluded.
“They were provoked by the president and other powerful people, and they tried to use fear and violence to stop a specific proceeding of the first branch of the federal government which they did not like.”“They were provoked by the president and other powerful people, and they tried to use fear and violence to stop a specific proceeding of the first branch of the federal government which they did not like.”
And yet, McConnell is opposing the bipartisan bill to form a commission to study the Capitol insurrection because he claims it is unnecessary considering other ongoing investigations into the attack.And yet, McConnell is opposing the bipartisan bill to form a commission to study the Capitol insurrection because he claims it is unnecessary considering other ongoing investigations into the attack.
Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell has announced that he will oppose the bipartisan bill to form a September 11-style commission to study the Capitol insurrection when it comes up for a Senate vote.Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell has announced that he will oppose the bipartisan bill to form a September 11-style commission to study the Capitol insurrection when it comes up for a Senate vote.
“After careful consideration, I’ve made the decision to oppose the House Democrats’ slanted and unbalanced proposal for another commission to study the events of January 6,” McConnell said on the Senate floor moments ago.“After careful consideration, I’ve made the decision to oppose the House Democrats’ slanted and unbalanced proposal for another commission to study the events of January 6,” McConnell said on the Senate floor moments ago.
Echoing comments from House minority leader Kevin McCarthy yesterday, McConnell argued that the existing investigations into the insurrection rendered the commission unnecessary.Echoing comments from House minority leader Kevin McCarthy yesterday, McConnell argued that the existing investigations into the insurrection rendered the commission unnecessary.
It is worth noting that the bill the House will be voting on today is not the original Democratic proposal but rather a compromise measure crafted by Democrat Bennie Thompson and John Katko.It is worth noting that the bill the House will be voting on today is not the original Democratic proposal but rather a compromise measure crafted by Democrat Bennie Thompson and John Katko.
Katko, the Republican ranking member of the House homeland security committee, won some key concessions in the negotations over the bill. For example, the commission would be evenly divided between the two parties, whereas Democrats’ original proposal gave them a slight advantage on the panel.Katko, the Republican ranking member of the House homeland security committee, won some key concessions in the negotations over the bill. For example, the commission would be evenly divided between the two parties, whereas Democrats’ original proposal gave them a slight advantage on the panel.
The House is expected to pass the commission bill later today. However, McConnell’s stance indicates it will likely be difficult to get the bill through the evenly divided Senate, which would require 10 Republicans to support the proposal.The House is expected to pass the commission bill later today. However, McConnell’s stance indicates it will likely be difficult to get the bill through the evenly divided Senate, which would require 10 Republicans to support the proposal.
Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer denounced House Republicans voting against the bipartisan bill to form a commission to study the Capitol insurrection.Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer denounced House Republicans voting against the bipartisan bill to form a commission to study the Capitol insurrection.
“Shame on the Republicans for choosing the ‘big lie’ over the truth -- not all Republicans, but the majority who seem to be doing it,” Schumer said on the Senate floor moments ago.“Shame on the Republicans for choosing the ‘big lie’ over the truth -- not all Republicans, but the majority who seem to be doing it,” Schumer said on the Senate floor moments ago.
“Shame on them for defending the mob over our Capitol police officers and shame on the House Republican leadership for punishing Republicans who tell the truth, instead of those who poisoned faith in our democracy.”“Shame on them for defending the mob over our Capitol police officers and shame on the House Republican leadership for punishing Republicans who tell the truth, instead of those who poisoned faith in our democracy.”
That final comment appeared to be a reference to both Republican congressman John Katko, who helped craft the commission bill, and congresswoman Liz Cheney, who was recently ousted as House GOP conference chair because of her criticism of Donald Trump.That final comment appeared to be a reference to both Republican congressman John Katko, who helped craft the commission bill, and congresswoman Liz Cheney, who was recently ousted as House GOP conference chair because of her criticism of Donald Trump.
Schumer reiterated his pledge that the Senate will hold a vote on the commission bill, despite Republican opposition.Schumer reiterated his pledge that the Senate will hold a vote on the commission bill, despite Republican opposition.
“The only way to stop these lies is to respond with the truth, with facts, with an honest objective investigation,” Schumer said.“The only way to stop these lies is to respond with the truth, with facts, with an honest objective investigation,” Schumer said.