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Walmart to halt sale of some ammunition in stores across the US – live | |
(32 minutes later) | |
Further to Mitch McConnell’s statement early comes big news from Walmart, which has said it will discontinue sales of some ammunition in stores across the US, in response to recent mass shootings that have killed dozens. | |
On 3 August, a gunman killed 22 people and injured 24 at a Walmart in El Paso, Texas. Early the next day, nine people were killed and more than 20 injured in Dayton, Ohio. | |
“As a company, we experienced two horrific events in one week, and we will never be the same,” chief executive Doug McMillon said in a letter to Walmart’s associates. | |
Another mass shooting happened in Odessa, Texas on Saturday. Seven people were killed, keeping a political spotlight on the issue of gun control reform and legislative inaction in Washington. | |
Texas shooting: tributes flow as portraits of the victims emerge | |
Here’s a taste of Reuters’ report on the Walmart decision, which points out that this is a major switch from the retail giant’s past reactions to such shootings: | |
Walmart will stop selling short-barrel rifle ammunition such as the .223 caliber and 5.56 caliber after clearing current stock. While this type of ammunition is commonly used in some hunting rifles, they are also used in large capacity clips on military style weapons, the company said. | |
The largest US arms retailer also said it would discontinue handgun sales in Alaska, the only state where it sells these guns. Sales of handgun ammunition will also be discontinued, it said. | |
… Just last month, Walmart asked employees at its US stores to take down signs and playable demos of violent video games, but made no changes to its policy on selling firearms. | |
…The retailer, however, said it would continue to cater to hunting and sport shooting enthusiasts, selling long barrel deer rifles and shotguns. | |
Here’s where the day stands so far: | |
Trump once again attacked Sadiq Khan after the London mayor criticized the president’s handling of Hurricane Dorian. (Trump spent a few hours at one of his golf courses yesterday as he received briefings on the storm.) | |
Dorian has been downgraded to a Category 2 hurricane, but it has expanded in size, posing an increased threat to the Carolinas. | |
After yet another mass shooting, Mitch McConnell appeared noncommittal about taking up a gun bill in the Senate, saying any potential measure would have to have the pre-approval of Trump. | |
House Democrats intend to hold hearings as soon as next month on Trump’s alleged involvement in a scheme to pay for the silence of women who say they had affairs with the married president before he took office. | |
Joe Biden downplayed reports that he has repeatedly told a false war story on the campaign trail, arguing that “details are irrelevant” to one’s leadership abilities. | |
Senator Joe Manchin, a Democrat of West Virginia, said he would not run for governor and instead focus on how he can enact change in his current office. | |
The blog is covering all of Trump’s tweets toward political enemies and (much more importantly) the potentially catastrophic storm hurtling toward Florida, so stay tuned. | |
Two more Democratic presidential candidates, Cory Booker and Amy Klobuchar, have released their climate plans in advance of CNN’s town hall tomorrow. | Two more Democratic presidential candidates, Cory Booker and Amy Klobuchar, have released their climate plans in advance of CNN’s town hall tomorrow. |
We’re facing a dual crisis of climate change and economic inequality—and without immediate action, the toll is unimaginable. But this is a fight I know we can win.Read my plan to combat climate change here: https://t.co/xk15EskiLx | We’re facing a dual crisis of climate change and economic inequality—and without immediate action, the toll is unimaginable. But this is a fight I know we can win.Read my plan to combat climate change here: https://t.co/xk15EskiLx |
Booker called for spending $3 trillion to further develop clean energy and aid areas already affected by the climate crisis, with the hope of having a carbon neutral economy by 2045. | Booker called for spending $3 trillion to further develop clean energy and aid areas already affected by the climate crisis, with the hope of having a carbon neutral economy by 2045. |
Klobuchar said she would restore several of Barack Obama’s climate proposals, including the Clean Power Plan, and use her $1 trillion investment in infrastructure to help develop a green economy. She set a more modest timeline of 2050 for the US economy to become carbon neutral. | Klobuchar said she would restore several of Barack Obama’s climate proposals, including the Clean Power Plan, and use her $1 trillion investment in infrastructure to help develop a green economy. She set a more modest timeline of 2050 for the US economy to become carbon neutral. |
Both plans are less sweeping than some of their opponents’, such as Bernie Sanders’ proposal to spend $16 trillion to combat the climate crisis. But all three candidates, as well as seven others, will get the chance to defend their proposals during tomorrow’s seven-hour (yes, you read that right) town hall. | Both plans are less sweeping than some of their opponents’, such as Bernie Sanders’ proposal to spend $16 trillion to combat the climate crisis. But all three candidates, as well as seven others, will get the chance to defend their proposals during tomorrow’s seven-hour (yes, you read that right) town hall. |
In the wake of yet another mass shooting, Mitch McConnell said in an interview that he would only take up a gun bill in the Senate if Trump supports it. | In the wake of yet another mass shooting, Mitch McConnell said in an interview that he would only take up a gun bill in the Senate if Trump supports it. |
“Well, we’re in a discussion about what to do on the gun issue in the wake of these horrendous shootings. I said several weeks ago that if the President took a position on a bill so that we knew we would actually be making a law and not just having serial votes, I’d be happy to put it on the floor,” McConnell told radio host Hugh Hewitt. | “Well, we’re in a discussion about what to do on the gun issue in the wake of these horrendous shootings. I said several weeks ago that if the President took a position on a bill so that we knew we would actually be making a law and not just having serial votes, I’d be happy to put it on the floor,” McConnell told radio host Hugh Hewitt. |
He continued: “And the administration is in the process of studying what they are prepared to support, if anything. And I expect to get an answer to that next week. If the President is in favor of a number of things that he has discussed openly and publicly, and I know that if we pass it it’ll become law, I’ll put it on the floor.” | He continued: “And the administration is in the process of studying what they are prepared to support, if anything. And I expect to get an answer to that next week. If the President is in favor of a number of things that he has discussed openly and publicly, and I know that if we pass it it’ll become law, I’ll put it on the floor.” |
The Senate majority leader made the comments just three days after a mass shooting in Odessa, Texas, claimed seven lives. That attack came less than a month after the tragedies in Dayton, Ohio, and El Paso, Texas. | The Senate majority leader made the comments just three days after a mass shooting in Odessa, Texas, claimed seven lives. That attack came less than a month after the tragedies in Dayton, Ohio, and El Paso, Texas. |
Trump has repeatedly said he supports expanding background checks, but it’s unclear whether he would put his full political weight behind such a proposal. He has also reportedly been warned by his friends at the National Rifle Association that endorsing a background checks bill could alienate his base. | Trump has repeatedly said he supports expanding background checks, but it’s unclear whether he would put his full political weight behind such a proposal. He has also reportedly been warned by his friends at the National Rifle Association that endorsing a background checks bill could alienate his base. |
The Democratic-controlled House has already passed two gun-control bills, which Trump and McConnell have declared non-starters. House Democrats intend to hold hearings on additional gun legislation next week, but it still seems unlikely that any law will come from these three shootings that collectively claimed dozens of lives. | The Democratic-controlled House has already passed two gun-control bills, which Trump and McConnell have declared non-starters. House Democrats intend to hold hearings on additional gun legislation next week, but it still seems unlikely that any law will come from these three shootings that collectively claimed dozens of lives. |
A Trump appointee who started working at the Labor Department less than a month ago resigned just hours after Bloomberg Law raised questions about some anti-Semitic Facebook posts. | A Trump appointee who started working at the Labor Department less than a month ago resigned just hours after Bloomberg Law raised questions about some anti-Semitic Facebook posts. |
Bloomberg reports: | Bloomberg reports: |
[Leif] Olson, 43, started at the Labor Department’s Wage and Hour Division Aug. 12 as a senior policy adviser, after being cleared for the job by the White House. He was part of a team of political appointees working to finish a series of deregulatory actions that are pivotal to the White House employment agenda. They include rules that would narrow corporations’ shared liability with affiliated companies and clarify time-and-a-half overtime pay calculations. | [Leif] Olson, 43, started at the Labor Department’s Wage and Hour Division Aug. 12 as a senior policy adviser, after being cleared for the job by the White House. He was part of a team of political appointees working to finish a series of deregulatory actions that are pivotal to the White House employment agenda. They include rules that would narrow corporations’ shared liability with affiliated companies and clarify time-and-a-half overtime pay calculations. |
Olson, an unsuccessful GOP candidate in 2012 for a Texas district court judgeship, fired off a series of late-night posts on his personal Facebook page three years ago that started as a sarcastic quip about former House Speaker Paul Ryan’s blowout primary victory. They then devolved into an exchange referencing two anti-Semitic tropes: that Jews control the media and that they look out for members of their own faith. | Olson, an unsuccessful GOP candidate in 2012 for a Texas district court judgeship, fired off a series of late-night posts on his personal Facebook page three years ago that started as a sarcastic quip about former House Speaker Paul Ryan’s blowout primary victory. They then devolved into an exchange referencing two anti-Semitic tropes: that Jews control the media and that they look out for members of their own faith. |
‘It was sarcastic criticism of the alt-right’s conspiracy theories and anti-Semitic positions,’ Olson said in an interview. He declined to respond to other questions about his resignation and the Facebook post, including whether he wishes to apologize or if he regrets his actions. The remark remained on his Facebook feed through the end of August. | ‘It was sarcastic criticism of the alt-right’s conspiracy theories and anti-Semitic positions,’ Olson said in an interview. He declined to respond to other questions about his resignation and the Facebook post, including whether he wishes to apologize or if he regrets his actions. The remark remained on his Facebook feed through the end of August. |
Joe Manchin, West Virginia’s Democratic senator, has decided not to enter the gubernatorial race against incumbent Republican Jim Justice. | Joe Manchin, West Virginia’s Democratic senator, has decided not to enter the gubernatorial race against incumbent Republican Jim Justice. |
Justice has faced legal and political troubles since taking office, but he is banking on his close alliance with Trump to get him through a rocky re-election bid. | Justice has faced legal and political troubles since taking office, but he is banking on his close alliance with Trump to get him through a rocky re-election bid. |
Polls indicated that Manchin could defeat Justice if he entered the race. But the former governor, who was just re-elected to the Senate last year, announced this morning that he would not launch a bid to oust Justice. | Polls indicated that Manchin could defeat Justice if he entered the race. But the former governor, who was just re-elected to the Senate last year, announced this morning that he would not launch a bid to oust Justice. |
West Virginia is blessed with the resources and people to accomplish anything, and I am going to use every day I have left in the Senate to make sure West Virginians have that chance. https://t.co/GfoZnbNs6s | West Virginia is blessed with the resources and people to accomplish anything, and I am going to use every day I have left in the Senate to make sure West Virginians have that chance. https://t.co/GfoZnbNs6s |
“Serving as the Governor of this state was the greatest honor of my life. Nothing made my heart swell with pride more than bragging about the wonderful state I represented,” Manchin said in a statement. | “Serving as the Governor of this state was the greatest honor of my life. Nothing made my heart swell with pride more than bragging about the wonderful state I represented,” Manchin said in a statement. |
But he added: “I have always said that ‘public service is not self-service.’ So, when considering whether to run for Governor, I couldn’t focus just on which job I enjoyed the most, but on where I could be the most effective for the Mountain State. | But he added: “I have always said that ‘public service is not self-service.’ So, when considering whether to run for Governor, I couldn’t focus just on which job I enjoyed the most, but on where I could be the most effective for the Mountain State. |
“Ultimately, I believe my role as U.S. Senator allows me to position our state for success for the rest of this century.” | “Ultimately, I believe my role as U.S. Senator allows me to position our state for success for the rest of this century.” |
Meanwhile, Hurricane Dorian is decreasing in intensity but expanding in size, posing a threat to the Carolinas as the storm pushes northward. | Meanwhile, Hurricane Dorian is decreasing in intensity but expanding in size, posing a threat to the Carolinas as the storm pushes northward. |
Here are the #Dorian Key Messages for Sept 3rd 11 AM EDT: Many new #Hurricane Watches and Warnings have been issued for the Carolinas with multiple threats expected across the southeastern United States. More: https://t.co/tW4KeGdBFb pic.twitter.com/LepqRE983a | Here are the #Dorian Key Messages for Sept 3rd 11 AM EDT: Many new #Hurricane Watches and Warnings have been issued for the Carolinas with multiple threats expected across the southeastern United States. More: https://t.co/tW4KeGdBFb pic.twitter.com/LepqRE983a |
Our colleague Oliver Laughland is in Savannah, Georgia, which is “eerily quiet” despite many residents choosing not to evacuate. Follow the Guardian’s live blog to get the latest storm coverage. | Our colleague Oliver Laughland is in Savannah, Georgia, which is “eerily quiet” despite many residents choosing not to evacuate. Follow the Guardian’s live blog to get the latest storm coverage. |
Trump sent more than 120 tweets over Labor Day weekend as Hurricane Dorian battered the Bahamas and made its way toward Florida. | Trump sent more than 120 tweets over Labor Day weekend as Hurricane Dorian battered the Bahamas and made its way toward Florida. |
The New York Times reported yesterday: | The New York Times reported yesterday: |
Over the long weekend, President Trump monitored Hurricane Dorian from a golf cart at his club in Virginia, calling for regular updates from an aide trailing him around the course. By 8 p.m. Monday, as Dorian churned toward Florida and Mr. Trump’s boarded-up Mar-a-Lago resort, the president had golfed twice and since Saturday morning pelted the American public with 122 tweets. | Over the long weekend, President Trump monitored Hurricane Dorian from a golf cart at his club in Virginia, calling for regular updates from an aide trailing him around the course. By 8 p.m. Monday, as Dorian churned toward Florida and Mr. Trump’s boarded-up Mar-a-Lago resort, the president had golfed twice and since Saturday morning pelted the American public with 122 tweets. |
As he has done during other hurricanes, Mr. Trump awaited landfall by assuming the role of meteorologist in chief, adding weatherman-style updates to a usual weekend routine of attacking his enemies, retweeting bits of praise and critiquing the performance of his cable news allies. ... | As he has done during other hurricanes, Mr. Trump awaited landfall by assuming the role of meteorologist in chief, adding weatherman-style updates to a usual weekend routine of attacking his enemies, retweeting bits of praise and critiquing the performance of his cable news allies. ... |
As Dorian approached, Mr. Trump switched into town-crier mode, updating the public on what he had learned — or, what he thought he’d learned — from government officials as Dorian threatened the coast of the state of Florida, where he has owned property for decades. | As Dorian approached, Mr. Trump switched into town-crier mode, updating the public on what he had learned — or, what he thought he’d learned — from government officials as Dorian threatened the coast of the state of Florida, where he has owned property for decades. |
Trump has repeatedly clashed with Khan, whom the president has previously slammed as a “national disgrace” and “stone cold loser.” | Trump has repeatedly clashed with Khan, whom the president has previously slammed as a “national disgrace” and “stone cold loser.” |
Khan has dismissed those insults as childish, instead choosing to criticize Trump for emboldening violent extremists. | Khan has dismissed those insults as childish, instead choosing to criticize Trump for emboldening violent extremists. |
“Vulnerable, often minority, communities are being demonised and scapegoated for all society’s ills,” Khan wrote in a Saturday essay for the Observer. | “Vulnerable, often minority, communities are being demonised and scapegoated for all society’s ills,” Khan wrote in a Saturday essay for the Observer. |
He continued: “This comes as a new wave of extremist far-right movements and political parties are winning power and influence at alarming speed – fuelled by Donald Trump, the global poster-boy for white nationalism.” | He continued: “This comes as a new wave of extremist far-right movements and political parties are winning power and influence at alarming speed – fuelled by Donald Trump, the global poster-boy for white nationalism.” |
Trump spent a few hours at his Virginia golf course yesterday as millions of Americans prepared for the potentially catastrophic arrival of Hurricane Dorian. | Trump spent a few hours at his Virginia golf course yesterday as millions of Americans prepared for the potentially catastrophic arrival of Hurricane Dorian. |
Since my election, many trillions of dollars of worth has been created for our Country, and the Stock Market is up over 50%. If you followed the advice of the Failing New York Times columnist, Paul Krugman, you’d be doing VERY poorly - you’d be angry and hurt. He never got it! | Since my election, many trillions of dollars of worth has been created for our Country, and the Stock Market is up over 50%. If you followed the advice of the Failing New York Times columnist, Paul Krugman, you’d be doing VERY poorly - you’d be angry and hurt. He never got it! |
The White House said Trump received regular updates on the storm and that the president spoke to Florida’s governor, Ron DeSantis, about its progress. But Trump also spent part of Labor Day tweeting gripes about his political enemies and media organizations. | The White House said Trump received regular updates on the storm and that the president spoke to Florida’s governor, Ron DeSantis, about its progress. But Trump also spent part of Labor Day tweeting gripes about his political enemies and media organizations. |
Trump once again attacked Sadiq Khan after the London mayor criticized the US president for his handling of Hurricane Dorian. | Trump once again attacked Sadiq Khan after the London mayor criticized the US president for his handling of Hurricane Dorian. |
Khan attended a ceremony in Poland this weekend to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the country’s Nazi invasion, which Trump skipped ostensibly to focus on managing storm preparations. But the president also spent time at one of his golf courses this weekend. | Khan attended a ceremony in Poland this weekend to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the country’s Nazi invasion, which Trump skipped ostensibly to focus on managing storm preparations. But the president also spent time at one of his golf courses this weekend. |
“He’s clearly busy dealing with a hurricane out on the golf course,” Khan said of Trump’s absence. | “He’s clearly busy dealing with a hurricane out on the golf course,” Khan said of Trump’s absence. |
....”knife crime,” which is totally out of control in London. People are afraid to even walk the streets. He is a terrible mayor who should stay out of our business! | ....”knife crime,” which is totally out of control in London. People are afraid to even walk the streets. He is a terrible mayor who should stay out of our business! |
The president responded by attacking Khan as “incompetent,” originally misspelling the mayor’s first and last names in the process. | The president responded by attacking Khan as “incompetent,” originally misspelling the mayor’s first and last names in the process. |
Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg is expanding his campaign, hiring additional staffers in the early voting states of Iowa and New Hampshire as the Indiana mayor has stagnated in the polls. | Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg is expanding his campaign, hiring additional staffers in the early voting states of Iowa and New Hampshire as the Indiana mayor has stagnated in the polls. |
20 new offices in Iowa, 12 new offices in New Hampshire, 1 new Twitter account for you to get all the updates—and the latest campaign news. #PhaseThree is here. Follow along with @PeteForAmerica! https://t.co/LQhdTlgHxm | 20 new offices in Iowa, 12 new offices in New Hampshire, 1 new Twitter account for you to get all the updates—and the latest campaign news. #PhaseThree is here. Follow along with @PeteForAmerica! https://t.co/LQhdTlgHxm |
McClatchy reports: | McClatchy reports: |
The South Bend mayor’s campaign is expected to announce in the coming days a flurry of staffing hires and new office openings in Iowa and New Hampshire, as well as a director of African-American engagement, who will be crucial to outreach in South Carolina and other southern states that follow. | The South Bend mayor’s campaign is expected to announce in the coming days a flurry of staffing hires and new office openings in Iowa and New Hampshire, as well as a director of African-American engagement, who will be crucial to outreach in South Carolina and other southern states that follow. |
‘Labor Day for us is really going to be a turning point,’ said Mike Schmuhl, Buttigieg’s campaign manager. ‘It’s when we’ll flip the switch.’ | ‘Labor Day for us is really going to be a turning point,’ said Mike Schmuhl, Buttigieg’s campaign manager. ‘It’s when we’ll flip the switch.’ |
By the end of September, the campaign will have 100 staffers in Iowa alone, according to Schmuhl, meaning Buttigieg with have one of the largest 2020 teams there. His Labor Day visit marks his eighth to Iowa since July, signaling a more intense commitment to the state. | By the end of September, the campaign will have 100 staffers in Iowa alone, according to Schmuhl, meaning Buttigieg with have one of the largest 2020 teams there. His Labor Day visit marks his eighth to Iowa since July, signaling a more intense commitment to the state. |
The chief of staff to Mike Pence said that Trump made a “suggestion” that the vice president stay at his golf club in Doonbeg, Ireland, during an official trip to the country. | The chief of staff to Mike Pence said that Trump made a “suggestion” that the vice president stay at his golf club in Doonbeg, Ireland, during an official trip to the country. |
“I don’t think it was a request, like a command ... I think that it was a suggestion,” Marc Short said. “It wasn’t like a, ‘You must.’ ... Keep in mind, the Secret Service has protected that facility for him, too, so they sort of know the realities, they know the logistics around that facility.” | “I don’t think it was a request, like a command ... I think that it was a suggestion,” Marc Short said. “It wasn’t like a, ‘You must.’ ... Keep in mind, the Secret Service has protected that facility for him, too, so they sort of know the realities, they know the logistics around that facility.” |
Pence had originally planned to conclude his trip in Doonbeg, where he has familial ties. But now the vice president is traveling back and forth from Doonbeg to Dublin, which are more than an hour apart from each other by plane. | Pence had originally planned to conclude his trip in Doonbeg, where he has familial ties. But now the vice president is traveling back and forth from Doonbeg to Dublin, which are more than an hour apart from each other by plane. |
Short said Pence was not staying at Trump’s golf club for free but refrained from offering a cost estimate for the visit, raising concerns about the president personally profiting from his office. | Short said Pence was not staying at Trump’s golf club for free but refrained from offering a cost estimate for the visit, raising concerns about the president personally profiting from his office. |
Trump’s allies are trying to raise millions to bolster an effort aimed at exposing the alleged biases of mainstream journalists. | Trump’s allies are trying to raise millions to bolster an effort aimed at exposing the alleged biases of mainstream journalists. |
Axios reports: | Axios reports: |
The group claims it will slip damaging information about reporters and editors to ‘friendly media outlets,’ such as Breitbart, and traditional media, if possible. | The group claims it will slip damaging information about reporters and editors to ‘friendly media outlets,’ such as Breitbart, and traditional media, if possible. |
People involved in raising the funds include GOP consultant Arthur Schwartz and the ‘loose network’ that the N.Y. Times reported last week is targeting journalists. The operations are to be run by undisclosed others. ... | People involved in raising the funds include GOP consultant Arthur Schwartz and the ‘loose network’ that the N.Y. Times reported last week is targeting journalists. The operations are to be run by undisclosed others. ... |
The irony: The New York Times exposed an extremely improvisational effort that had outed a Times editor for past anti-Semitic tweets. This new group is now using the exposure to try to formalize and fund the operation. ... | The irony: The New York Times exposed an extremely improvisational effort that had outed a Times editor for past anti-Semitic tweets. This new group is now using the exposure to try to formalize and fund the operation. ... |
Under ‘Primary Targets,’ the pitch lists: ‘CNN, MSNBC, all broadcast networks, NY Times, Washington Post, BuzzFeed, Huffington Post, and all others that routinely incorporate bias and misinformation in to their coverage. We will also track the reporters and editors of these organizations.’ | Under ‘Primary Targets,’ the pitch lists: ‘CNN, MSNBC, all broadcast networks, NY Times, Washington Post, BuzzFeed, Huffington Post, and all others that routinely incorporate bias and misinformation in to their coverage. We will also track the reporters and editors of these organizations.’ |
Joe Biden again downplayed reports that he has repeatedly told a false war story on the campaign trail. | Joe Biden again downplayed reports that he has repeatedly told a false war story on the campaign trail. |
The Washington Post reported last week that a story the former vice president likes to tell about a Navy captain refusing to accept an award for his bravery actually combines the elements of at least three different events into one anecdote. | The Washington Post reported last week that a story the former vice president likes to tell about a Navy captain refusing to accept an award for his bravery actually combines the elements of at least three different events into one anecdote. |
But the Democratic presidential candidate dismissed any notion that the error reflected badly on his leadership. “That has nothing to do with judgment of whether or not you send troops to war, the judgment of whether you bring someone home, the judgment of whether you decide on a healthcare policy,” Biden told NPR. | But the Democratic presidential candidate dismissed any notion that the error reflected badly on his leadership. “That has nothing to do with judgment of whether or not you send troops to war, the judgment of whether you bring someone home, the judgment of whether you decide on a healthcare policy,” Biden told NPR. |
He added: “The details are irrelevant in terms of decision-making.” | He added: “The details are irrelevant in terms of decision-making.” |
And yet Biden just can’t seem to stop relaying anecdotes that are not corroborated by other related parties. A spokesman for George W. Bush told NPR in response to a story Biden shared about the events leading up to the Iraq War: “I’m sure it’s just an innocent mistake of memory, but this recollection is flat wrong.” | And yet Biden just can’t seem to stop relaying anecdotes that are not corroborated by other related parties. A spokesman for George W. Bush told NPR in response to a story Biden shared about the events leading up to the Iraq War: “I’m sure it’s just an innocent mistake of memory, but this recollection is flat wrong.” |
Good morning, live blog readers! | Good morning, live blog readers! |
Washington is back from its long weekend, and Congress will soon return from its August recess. But Democrats on the House judiciary committee are celebrating early by planning hearings on Donald Trump’s alleged role in arranging payments to silence Karen McDougal and Stormy Daniels, who claim they had affairs with the married president before he took office. | Washington is back from its long weekend, and Congress will soon return from its August recess. But Democrats on the House judiciary committee are celebrating early by planning hearings on Donald Trump’s alleged role in arranging payments to silence Karen McDougal and Stormy Daniels, who claim they had affairs with the married president before he took office. |
The Washington Post has more details: | The Washington Post has more details: |
The House Judiciary Committee is preparing to hold hearings and call witnesses involved in hush-money payments to ex-Playboy model Karen McDougal and adult-film star Stormy Daniels as soon as October, according to people familiar with the plans who spoke on the condition of anonymity to describe internal discussions. | The House Judiciary Committee is preparing to hold hearings and call witnesses involved in hush-money payments to ex-Playboy model Karen McDougal and adult-film star Stormy Daniels as soon as October, according to people familiar with the plans who spoke on the condition of anonymity to describe internal discussions. |
Democrats say they believe there is already enough evidence to name Trump as a co-conspirator in the episode that resulted in his former attorney, Michael Cohen, pleading guilty to two campaign finance charges. | Democrats say they believe there is already enough evidence to name Trump as a co-conspirator in the episode that resulted in his former attorney, Michael Cohen, pleading guilty to two campaign finance charges. |
Cohen, who is serving a three-year prison sentence for those counts and other crimes, testified under oath that Trump directed the payments that helped land him behind bars. Federal prosecutors in Manhattan also described Trump’s alleged role in the scheme, referring to him in court papers as ‘Individual-1.’ But they concluded their investigation this summer without bringing any additional charges. | Cohen, who is serving a three-year prison sentence for those counts and other crimes, testified under oath that Trump directed the payments that helped land him behind bars. Federal prosecutors in Manhattan also described Trump’s alleged role in the scheme, referring to him in court papers as ‘Individual-1.’ But they concluded their investigation this summer without bringing any additional charges. |
The news comes as more than half of the House Democratic caucus has announced their support for launching an impeachment inquiry against Trump. But Nancy Pelosi has repeatedly said she would not support such a move until she feels Democrats have the best possible case against the president. | The news comes as more than half of the House Democratic caucus has announced their support for launching an impeachment inquiry against Trump. But Nancy Pelosi has repeatedly said she would not support such a move until she feels Democrats have the best possible case against the president. |
The House speaker’s apparent approval of these hearings could accelerate an impeachment timeline. However, the White House will almost certainly try to block certain witnesses from testifying before the committee, as it has done with every other congressional investigation this year. So the true judgment of Trump’s conduct may still not come until Election Day 2020. | The House speaker’s apparent approval of these hearings could accelerate an impeachment timeline. However, the White House will almost certainly try to block certain witnesses from testifying before the committee, as it has done with every other congressional investigation this year. So the true judgment of Trump’s conduct may still not come until Election Day 2020. |
Here’s what else the blog is keeping its eye on: | Here’s what else the blog is keeping its eye on: |
Trump will meet with Mark Esper, the defense secretary, this afternoon as Hurricane Dorian makes its way toward Florida. (Follow the Guardian’s live coverage of the storm here.) | Trump will meet with Mark Esper, the defense secretary, this afternoon as Hurricane Dorian makes its way toward Florida. (Follow the Guardian’s live coverage of the storm here.) |
Trump’s former defense secretary, Jim Mattis, will speak in New York this morning as part of his book tour. | Trump’s former defense secretary, Jim Mattis, will speak in New York this morning as part of his book tour. |
The vice president, Mike Pence, is in Ireland. | The vice president, Mike Pence, is in Ireland. |
The blog is covering all of that, so stay tuned. | The blog is covering all of that, so stay tuned. |