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New government shutdown looms as negotiations break down – live news New government shutdown looms as negotiations break down – live news
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CNN will host another town hall next week with Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar.
The three-term Democrat announced Sunday that she would be running for president.
The town hall will take place next Monday in New Hampshire. It has previously hosted town halls with Senator Kamala Harris and coffee mogul Howard Schultz.
Justin Fairfax has taken a leave of absence from his job as a lawyer for the prominent firm of Morrison Foerster.
The leave comes as the firm investigates allegations of sexual assault against Fairfax, the Lieutenant Governor of Virginia. His official position is only a part time job and those holding it often have outside sources of income.
Kamala Harris endorsed marijuana legalization in an interview on Monday.Kamala Harris endorsed marijuana legalization in an interview on Monday.
The Democratic senator from California became the latest 2020 presidential candidate to call for legalization, saying “listen, I think it gives a lot of people joy. And we need more joy.”The Democratic senator from California became the latest 2020 presidential candidate to call for legalization, saying “listen, I think it gives a lot of people joy. And we need more joy.”
Former Republican strategist Steve Schmidt stormed off a podcast last week when asked about his work consulting for Howard Schultz.Former Republican strategist Steve Schmidt stormed off a podcast last week when asked about his work consulting for Howard Schultz.
Schmidt, a top advisor to John McCain’s 2008 campaign who left the GOP in reaction to Donald Trump, reacted angrily when pressed about his work for Schultz who is contemplating a third party run and whether the Starbucks mogul would serve as a spoiler to re-elect Trump.Schmidt, a top advisor to John McCain’s 2008 campaign who left the GOP in reaction to Donald Trump, reacted angrily when pressed about his work for Schultz who is contemplating a third party run and whether the Starbucks mogul would serve as a spoiler to re-elect Trump.
In her presidential announcement yesterday, Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar took a tough stance on big tech companies.In her presidential announcement yesterday, Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar took a tough stance on big tech companies.
As the Washington Post reports:As the Washington Post reports:
Klobuchar’s decision to make privacy and Internet connectivity a central focus of her campaign could elevate tech policy issues during the Democratic primary. By touting these issues during her first major speech as a 2020 contender, Klobuchar is making a big bet that privacy and other digital concerns are increasingly important to American voters.Klobuchar’s decision to make privacy and Internet connectivity a central focus of her campaign could elevate tech policy issues during the Democratic primary. By touting these issues during her first major speech as a 2020 contender, Klobuchar is making a big bet that privacy and other digital concerns are increasingly important to American voters.
It’s especially striking since tech policy is not generally an issue that drives voters’ feet to the polls. In a survey about voter priorities ahead of the 2018 midterm elections, Gallup listed health care, the economy and immigration as the top concerns among voters. Technology wasn’t even included in the 12 issues on the list. Yet if Klobuchar shows Democratic voters — especially key demographics like millennials — are paying attention, other politicians may start to prioritize issues like privacy and net neutrality in campaigns.It’s especially striking since tech policy is not generally an issue that drives voters’ feet to the polls. In a survey about voter priorities ahead of the 2018 midterm elections, Gallup listed health care, the economy and immigration as the top concerns among voters. Technology wasn’t even included in the 12 issues on the list. Yet if Klobuchar shows Democratic voters — especially key demographics like millennials — are paying attention, other politicians may start to prioritize issues like privacy and net neutrality in campaigns.
“Way too many politicians have their heads stuck in the sand when it comes to the digital revolution,” she said. “Hey guys, it’s not just coming, it’s here. And if you don’t know the difference between a hack and Slack, it’s time to pull off the digital highway.”“Way too many politicians have their heads stuck in the sand when it comes to the digital revolution,” she said. “Hey guys, it’s not just coming, it’s here. And if you don’t know the difference between a hack and Slack, it’s time to pull off the digital highway.”
A wave of Democrats have condemned Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar’s use of anti-Semitic tropes yet again on Twitter.A wave of Democrats have condemned Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar’s use of anti-Semitic tropes yet again on Twitter.
"In this fragile moment in our nation’s history, we must all redouble our efforts to engage in policy debates in ways that respect the dignity and humanity of all people." -- Read my statement on the comments made by Rep. Ilhan Omar. pic.twitter.com/srHL49WUBN"In this fragile moment in our nation’s history, we must all redouble our efforts to engage in policy debates in ways that respect the dignity and humanity of all people." -- Read my statement on the comments made by Rep. Ilhan Omar. pic.twitter.com/srHL49WUBN
My support for Israel is based on shared values and US nat’l security, not money. I’m disappointed that @IlhanMN is again tweeting dangerous and hurtful tropes.My support for Israel is based on shared values and US nat’l security, not money. I’m disappointed that @IlhanMN is again tweeting dangerous and hurtful tropes.
Congresswoman Omar’s statements are deeply hurtful to Jews, including myself. pic.twitter.com/u3f2JHESFACongresswoman Omar’s statements are deeply hurtful to Jews, including myself. pic.twitter.com/u3f2JHESFA
Prominent never-Trumper Erick Erickson announced today that he would back Trump’s re-election bid.Prominent never-Trumper Erick Erickson announced today that he would back Trump’s re-election bid.
An ardent conservative, Erickson was motivated in part by character concerns about Trump in deciding not to vote for him in 2016 but he has changed his tune.An ardent conservative, Erickson was motivated in part by character concerns about Trump in deciding not to vote for him in 2016 but he has changed his tune.
As he writes on The Resurgent:As he writes on The Resurgent:
At this point I can head into 2020 knowing several things. First, the behaviors this President routinely engages in are not going to change. He is who he is. Second, the pretty smiles and calm demeanors the other side will probably work through the media to contrast with the President will not hide the fact they think children can be killed at birth, Christians should be removed from policy making positions, and the economy should be bankrupted to implement environmental policies that will not actually mitigate climate change.At this point I can head into 2020 knowing several things. First, the behaviors this President routinely engages in are not going to change. He is who he is. Second, the pretty smiles and calm demeanors the other side will probably work through the media to contrast with the President will not hide the fact they think children can be killed at birth, Christians should be removed from policy making positions, and the economy should be bankrupted to implement environmental policies that will not actually mitigate climate change.
My friends in the center-right coalition who are flirting with Democrats are, more often than not, not really socially conservative. But I am. That party offers me no home and is deeply hostile to people of faith. The President has shown himself to not share my faith convictions any more than the other side, but the President has shown he is willing to defend my faith convictions and is supportive of them.My friends in the center-right coalition who are flirting with Democrats are, more often than not, not really socially conservative. But I am. That party offers me no home and is deeply hostile to people of faith. The President has shown himself to not share my faith convictions any more than the other side, but the President has shown he is willing to defend my faith convictions and is supportive of them.
I could stay home or vote third party as I did in 2016. But what will that get me? The ability to say “not my problem” or the self-assurance that I didn’t get dirty in having to choose? I have many Christian friends who, when I have discussed this, tell me I should just stay home and turn my back. Both parties, they tell me, are profoundly corrupt. And they’re right. But I am not looking for a messiah in politics and don’t have some religious sentiment tied to my vote. While I understand and accept the sincere conviction of some of my friends who have decided they will just sit out the process, I have decided otherwise. In 2016, we knew who the Democrats were and were not sure of who Donald Trump was. Now we know both and I prefer this President to the alternative.I could stay home or vote third party as I did in 2016. But what will that get me? The ability to say “not my problem” or the self-assurance that I didn’t get dirty in having to choose? I have many Christian friends who, when I have discussed this, tell me I should just stay home and turn my back. Both parties, they tell me, are profoundly corrupt. And they’re right. But I am not looking for a messiah in politics and don’t have some religious sentiment tied to my vote. While I understand and accept the sincere conviction of some of my friends who have decided they will just sit out the process, I have decided otherwise. In 2016, we knew who the Democrats were and were not sure of who Donald Trump was. Now we know both and I prefer this President to the alternative.
I will vote for Donald Trump and Mike Pence. And, to be clear, it will not be just because of what the other side offers, but also because of what the Trump-Pence team has done. They’ve earned my vote.I will vote for Donald Trump and Mike Pence. And, to be clear, it will not be just because of what the other side offers, but also because of what the Trump-Pence team has done. They’ve earned my vote.
Ohio Congressman Tim Ryan has also yet to rule out a presidential bid.Ohio Congressman Tim Ryan has also yet to rule out a presidential bid.
Ryan, who represents a traditional Democratic stronghold in Ohio’s Mahoning Valley that shifted heavily towards Trump in 2016, is making visits to both Iowa and New Hampshire in the coming weeks.Ryan, who represents a traditional Democratic stronghold in Ohio’s Mahoning Valley that shifted heavily towards Trump in 2016, is making visits to both Iowa and New Hampshire in the coming weeks.
The Ohio Democrat, who challenged Nancy Pelosi to be the Democratic leader in the House in 2016, was first elected to Congress in 2002.The Ohio Democrat, who challenged Nancy Pelosi to be the Democratic leader in the House in 2016, was first elected to Congress in 2002.
Congressman Seth Moulton of Massachusetts is still mulling over a presidential campaign.Congressman Seth Moulton of Massachusetts is still mulling over a presidential campaign.
The three-term Democrat, who was a vocal critic of Nancy Pelosi and served in Iraq, told Buzzfeed:The three-term Democrat, who was a vocal critic of Nancy Pelosi and served in Iraq, told Buzzfeed:
“I’m thinking about running for president. I’m not definitely running, but I’m going to take a very hard look at it. A very serious look at it. Because I believe it’s time for a new generation of leadership, and we gotta send Donald Trump packing.”“I’m thinking about running for president. I’m not definitely running, but I’m going to take a very hard look at it. A very serious look at it. Because I believe it’s time for a new generation of leadership, and we gotta send Donald Trump packing.”
Justin Fairfax, the Virginia Lieutenant Governor, will preside over the state senate on Monday.Justin Fairfax, the Virginia Lieutenant Governor, will preside over the state senate on Monday.
Despite a second allegation of sexual assault, the embattled Virginia Democrat will be back at work in the state capitol on Monday. Fairfax has maintained his innocence.Despite a second allegation of sexual assault, the embattled Virginia Democrat will be back at work in the state capitol on Monday. Fairfax has maintained his innocence.
In interview,, @LGJustinFairfax says he's not stepping down, will preside in Senate Monday. https://t.co/eKSw4umksNIn interview,, @LGJustinFairfax says he's not stepping down, will preside in Senate Monday. https://t.co/eKSw4umksN
The source who leaked Jeff Bezos’s texts to the National Enquirer was the brother of his mistress, Lauren Sanchez.The source who leaked Jeff Bezos’s texts to the National Enquirer was the brother of his mistress, Lauren Sanchez.
The Daily Beast reports Michael Sanchez, who has ties to a number of people in Donald Trump’s orbit, was the source of the leaked messages.The Daily Beast reports Michael Sanchez, who has ties to a number of people in Donald Trump’s orbit, was the source of the leaked messages.
No one who spoke to The Daily Beast implied that Michael Sanchez in any way hacked his sister’s phone, and he has not been charged with any crime. In fact, three people familiar with the Bezos-funded probe told The Daily Beast in late January that it had found no evidence of a hack. However, Bezos’ investigators have strongly suspected Sanchez was the leaker since at least last week, according to two people familiar with the investigation. “There is no one inside this inquiry process who doesn’t believe he’s ground zero,” one of those sources said.No one who spoke to The Daily Beast implied that Michael Sanchez in any way hacked his sister’s phone, and he has not been charged with any crime. In fact, three people familiar with the Bezos-funded probe told The Daily Beast in late January that it had found no evidence of a hack. However, Bezos’ investigators have strongly suspected Sanchez was the leaker since at least last week, according to two people familiar with the investigation. “There is no one inside this inquiry process who doesn’t believe he’s ground zero,” one of those sources said.
The Republican tax bill of 2017 is going to have a major impact on whether Americans receive refunds this year.The Republican tax bill of 2017 is going to have a major impact on whether Americans receive refunds this year.
Although the legislation cut taxes, it may have reduced tax refunds as well.Although the legislation cut taxes, it may have reduced tax refunds as well.
The Washington Post reports:The Washington Post reports:
While the vast majority of Americans received a tax cut in 2018, refunds are a different matter. Some refunds have decreased because of changes in the law, such as a new limit on property and local income tax deductions, and some have decreased because of how the IRS has altered withholding in paychecks.While the vast majority of Americans received a tax cut in 2018, refunds are a different matter. Some refunds have decreased because of changes in the law, such as a new limit on property and local income tax deductions, and some have decreased because of how the IRS has altered withholding in paychecks.
The average tax refund check is down 8 percent ($170) this year compared to last, the IRS reported Friday, and the number of people receiving a refund so far has dropped by almost a quarter.The average tax refund check is down 8 percent ($170) this year compared to last, the IRS reported Friday, and the number of people receiving a refund so far has dropped by almost a quarter.
Donald Trump has some advice for Democrats.Donald Trump has some advice for Democrats.
The Democrats are so self righteous and ANGRY! Loosen up and have some fun. The Country is doing well!The Democrats are so self righteous and ANGRY! Loosen up and have some fun. The Country is doing well!
Congressman Walter Jones died Sunday at the age of 76.Congressman Walter Jones died Sunday at the age of 76.
The iconoclastic North Carolina Republican had been in hospice care.The iconoclastic North Carolina Republican had been in hospice care.
Although Jones started out his career on Capitol Hill in 1994, he took increasingly heterodox stances in the aftermath of the Iraq War. An initial supporter of the conflict, Jones led the effort to rename french fries as “freedom fries” in Capitol Hill after France refused to join the U.S. led coalition in the conflict. However, he eventually became a vocal opponent of it and became a consistent gadfly to Republican leadership of a number of issues.Although Jones started out his career on Capitol Hill in 1994, he took increasingly heterodox stances in the aftermath of the Iraq War. An initial supporter of the conflict, Jones led the effort to rename french fries as “freedom fries” in Capitol Hill after France refused to join the U.S. led coalition in the conflict. However, he eventually became a vocal opponent of it and became a consistent gadfly to Republican leadership of a number of issues.
The son of a longtime Democratic congressman, Jones was first elected to serve his coastal North Carolina district in 1994.The son of a longtime Democratic congressman, Jones was first elected to serve his coastal North Carolina district in 1994.
Articles of impeachment will not be brought against Virginia lieutenant governor Justin Fairfax this morning.Articles of impeachment will not be brought against Virginia lieutenant governor Justin Fairfax this morning.
Delegate Patrick Hope, a Democrat from Northern Virginia, who initially promised to start the impeachment process today after Fairfax faced two allegations of sexual assault, is now holding back.Delegate Patrick Hope, a Democrat from Northern Virginia, who initially promised to start the impeachment process today after Fairfax faced two allegations of sexual assault, is now holding back.
Yesterday I sent draft language to my colleagues on the first step of an impeachment action regarding the Lt. Governor. There has been an enormous amount of sincere and thoughtful feedback which has led to additional conversations that need to take place before anything is filed.Yesterday I sent draft language to my colleagues on the first step of an impeachment action regarding the Lt. Governor. There has been an enormous amount of sincere and thoughtful feedback which has led to additional conversations that need to take place before anything is filed.
We owe it to all parties involved- especially the victims- to make sure that we have thought through every option the General Assembly has. That's what these conversations are for- so we can build more consensus on a path forward.We owe it to all parties involved- especially the victims- to make sure that we have thought through every option the General Assembly has. That's what these conversations are for- so we can build more consensus on a path forward.
I believe Dr. Vanessa Tyson and Meredith Watson. I promise that my work on this issue will be tireless until we have a process and outcome that treats these women with the respect they deserve going forward.I believe Dr. Vanessa Tyson and Meredith Watson. I promise that my work on this issue will be tireless until we have a process and outcome that treats these women with the respect they deserve going forward.
Good morning,Good morning,
A government shutdown is less than a week away as congressional negotiators have reached an impasse, a Democratic member of Congress is facing heavy criticism after once again tweeting anti-Semitic tropes and Donald Trump is holding a rally in El Paso this evening.A government shutdown is less than a week away as congressional negotiators have reached an impasse, a Democratic member of Congress is facing heavy criticism after once again tweeting anti-Semitic tropes and Donald Trump is holding a rally in El Paso this evening.
It’s Monday in American politics.It’s Monday in American politics.