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US stocks surge as Trump announces meeting with China to talk trade – live US stocks surge as Trump announces meeting with China to talk trade – live
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Rudy Giuliani seemed skeptical of the possibility that Lev Parnas and Igor Fruman would testify against him to secure leniency in their campaign-finance case.
when I asked Rudy about prospect of the FBI flipping Parnas and Fruman to get to him, he replied “Good luck.”
But Giuliani’s work with Parnas and Fruman, who helped connect him to Ukrainian prosecutors whom he pressured to investigate Joe Biden, has raised the question of what Trump’s personal lawyer knew about the campaign-finance allegations against the two men.
Another poll has found that more than half of Americans support House Democrats’ impeachment inquiry against Trump.
According to the PBS NewsHour/NPR/Marist poll, 52 percent of American support the inquiry, while 43 percent oppose it.
But Americans are evenly split on whether Trump should be removed from office. Forty-eight percent of poll respondents said they would support such a move, while 48 percent said they would not.
Among the critical bloc of independent voters, 54 percent support the inquiry, but only 45 percent support removing Trump from office.
The results underscore how polling has shifted in recent weeks. While support for impeachment has increased, there’s been no sign of a major change in public opinion, as some Democrats surely expected.
Trend — The Ukraine issue hasn't had any perceivable impact on Trump's job approval rating, but it seems to have moved significant numbers of voters who disapprove of him from NO to YES on an impeachment inquiry.
Senator Cory Gardner, a Republican of Colorado, repeatedly refused to answer reporters’ hypothetical question about whether it would be acceptable for a president to request election assistance from a foreign power.Senator Cory Gardner, a Republican of Colorado, repeatedly refused to answer reporters’ hypothetical question about whether it would be acceptable for a president to request election assistance from a foreign power.
Breaking: @SenCoryGardner refuses to answer question whether it is appropriate for the President to ask a foreign leader to investigate a rival. Quite the exchange in Denver #copolitics #kdvr pic.twitter.com/5Y0EYOcKjMBreaking: @SenCoryGardner refuses to answer question whether it is appropriate for the President to ask a foreign leader to investigate a rival. Quite the exchange in Denver #copolitics #kdvr pic.twitter.com/5Y0EYOcKjM
Another Republican senator, Joni Ernst of Iowa, repeatedly refused to answer the same question yesterday.Another Republican senator, Joni Ernst of Iowa, repeatedly refused to answer the same question yesterday.
Question: "Is it appropriate for a president to ask a foreign power to investigate a domestic political rival - yes or no?"Sen. Joni Ernst: "Well, again, I think that we're going to have to go back, just as I said last week, we'll have to wait." pic.twitter.com/j7mYa7R45xQuestion: "Is it appropriate for a president to ask a foreign power to investigate a domestic political rival - yes or no?"Sen. Joni Ernst: "Well, again, I think that we're going to have to go back, just as I said last week, we'll have to wait." pic.twitter.com/j7mYa7R45x
Reporters will likely try to pose this same “yes or no” question to Republican lawmakers in the weeks to come – particularly those, like Gardner and Ernst, who face tough re-elections next year.Reporters will likely try to pose this same “yes or no” question to Republican lawmakers in the weeks to come – particularly those, like Gardner and Ernst, who face tough re-elections next year.
Rudy Giuliani reportedly had lunch with Lev Parnas and Igor Fruman the same day that they were arrested on campaign-finance charges.Rudy Giuliani reportedly had lunch with Lev Parnas and Igor Fruman the same day that they were arrested on campaign-finance charges.
The Wall Street Journal reports:The Wall Street Journal reports:
Since late 2018, Mr. Fruman and Mr. Parnas have introduced Mr. Giuliani to several current and former senior Ukrainian prosecutors to discuss the Biden case, acting as key conduits of information.Since late 2018, Mr. Fruman and Mr. Parnas have introduced Mr. Giuliani to several current and former senior Ukrainian prosecutors to discuss the Biden case, acting as key conduits of information.
The two had lunch with Mr. Giuliani at the Trump International Hotel in Washington on Wednesday, according to a person who was in the hotel and saw the three together.The two had lunch with Mr. Giuliani at the Trump International Hotel in Washington on Wednesday, according to a person who was in the hotel and saw the three together.
Parnas and Fruman were arrested hours later at Dulles International Airport trying to flee the country, prosecutors said.Parnas and Fruman were arrested hours later at Dulles International Airport trying to flee the country, prosecutors said.
In their short statement on the arrest of Lev Parnas and Igor Fruman, federal prosecutors said the investigation into the actions of the foreign-born Republican donors was “continuing.”In their short statement on the arrest of Lev Parnas and Igor Fruman, federal prosecutors said the investigation into the actions of the foreign-born Republican donors was “continuing.”
NEW: U.S. attorney details charges against two men with ties to Giuliani for allegedly "using straw donors and foreign money.""The defendants broke the law to gain political influence while avoiding disclosure of who was actually making the donations." https://t.co/Abcdr95Im9 pic.twitter.com/Nqj8GYJOl4NEW: U.S. attorney details charges against two men with ties to Giuliani for allegedly "using straw donors and foreign money.""The defendants broke the law to gain political influence while avoiding disclosure of who was actually making the donations." https://t.co/Abcdr95Im9 pic.twitter.com/Nqj8GYJOl4
According to CNN, prosecutors were forced to disclose the charges today because of the pair’s attempt to leave the country.According to CNN, prosecutors were forced to disclose the charges today because of the pair’s attempt to leave the country.
CNN reports:CNN reports:
US prosecutors were not intending to unseal the indictment against the Giuliani associates and two others Thursday, according to three US officials. Their hand was forced by an attempt by Fruman and Parnas to leave the country.US prosecutors were not intending to unseal the indictment against the Giuliani associates and two others Thursday, according to three US officials. Their hand was forced by an attempt by Fruman and Parnas to leave the country.
Attorney General William Barr, who visited the Manhattan US Attorney’s office Thursday in what officials said was a routine stop, was briefed on the investigation into Parnas and Fruman in February after he took office, and he supported the prosecution, according to a US Justice Department official.Attorney General William Barr, who visited the Manhattan US Attorney’s office Thursday in what officials said was a routine stop, was briefed on the investigation into Parnas and Fruman in February after he took office, and he supported the prosecution, according to a US Justice Department official.
Prosecutors from the Southern District of New York, the office that filed campaign-finance charges against Lev Parnas and Igor Fruman, just held a press conference on the indictment.Prosecutors from the Southern District of New York, the office that filed campaign-finance charges against Lev Parnas and Igor Fruman, just held a press conference on the indictment.
They said the pair were arrested for coordinating an “illegal straw-donor scheme,” working “on behalf of a Ukrainian government official” to have the US ambassador to Ukraine recalled.They said the pair were arrested for coordinating an “illegal straw-donor scheme,” working “on behalf of a Ukrainian government official” to have the US ambassador to Ukraine recalled.
The prosecutors said Parnas and Fruman were attempting to leave the country when they were arrested at Dulles International Airport just outside of Washington.The prosecutors said Parnas and Fruman were attempting to leave the country when they were arrested at Dulles International Airport just outside of Washington.
US Attorney just now said Parnas and Fruman had one way international tickets.US Attorney just now said Parnas and Fruman had one way international tickets.
Chuck Schumer delivered remarks condemning Trump’s “reckless” decision to withdraw US troops from northern Syria, allowing Turkey to launch a military operation in the region.Chuck Schumer delivered remarks condemning Trump’s “reckless” decision to withdraw US troops from northern Syria, allowing Turkey to launch a military operation in the region.
Sen. Chuck Schumer says Pres. Trump's decision to withdraw U.S. forces from northern Syria "is another example of how Pres. Trump's reckless foreign policy mirrors his reckless domestic policy."He even deserts his friends, both at home and abroad." https://t.co/gdjTaEgcHl pic.twitter.com/9t550fG2mSSen. Chuck Schumer says Pres. Trump's decision to withdraw U.S. forces from northern Syria "is another example of how Pres. Trump's reckless foreign policy mirrors his reckless domestic policy."He even deserts his friends, both at home and abroad." https://t.co/gdjTaEgcHl pic.twitter.com/9t550fG2mS
The Senate minority leader said: “Republicans in Congress, by repeatedly demonstrating that they’re unwilling to hold President Trump accountable when he does something wrong, have established a permission structure for President Trump’s reckless actions in Syria.”The Senate minority leader said: “Republicans in Congress, by repeatedly demonstrating that they’re unwilling to hold President Trump accountable when he does something wrong, have established a permission structure for President Trump’s reckless actions in Syria.”
The New York Democrat argued in a tweet earlier today that Trump’s policy could lead to the escape of thousands of Isis militants and put the country at risk.The New York Democrat argued in a tweet earlier today that Trump’s policy could lead to the escape of thousands of Isis militants and put the country at risk.
President @realDonaldTrump's complained Guantanamo shouldn't be closed as 40 prisoners might be releasedBy pulling U.S. troops out of Northern Syria & letting Turkey attack the Kurds, reports say as many as 10,000 ISIS fighters could be releasedHe's putting America in dangerPresident @realDonaldTrump's complained Guantanamo shouldn't be closed as 40 prisoners might be releasedBy pulling U.S. troops out of Northern Syria & letting Turkey attack the Kurds, reports say as many as 10,000 ISIS fighters could be releasedHe's putting America in danger
Another Democratic presidential candidate, Amy Klobuchar, said she would request information on the campaign-finance charges laid out in the indictment of Lev Parnas and Igor Fruman.Another Democratic presidential candidate, Amy Klobuchar, said she would request information on the campaign-finance charges laid out in the indictment of Lev Parnas and Igor Fruman.
Criminal arrests on campaign finance charges of two Giuliani associates big deal and what I’ve been saying all along. Now the question of Justice Department is this: why is what the President did not worse.Criminal arrests on campaign finance charges of two Giuliani associates big deal and what I’ve been saying all along. Now the question of Justice Department is this: why is what the President did not worse.
The Minnesota senator said in a statement: “Today’s arrests show that two associates of Rudy Giuliani, the President’s personal lawyer, worked to undermine our democracy by setting up fake corporations to launder foreign money and funnel it into our election system.The Minnesota senator said in a statement: “Today’s arrests show that two associates of Rudy Giuliani, the President’s personal lawyer, worked to undermine our democracy by setting up fake corporations to launder foreign money and funnel it into our election system.
“It is illegal for foreign nationals to donate to U.S. campaigns. In today’s indictment, the President’s own Department of Justice specifically states that the purpose of our campaign finance laws is to prevent foreign influence from shaping American elections.“It is illegal for foreign nationals to donate to U.S. campaigns. In today’s indictment, the President’s own Department of Justice specifically states that the purpose of our campaign finance laws is to prevent foreign influence from shaping American elections.
“As the lead Democrat on the Senate Rules Committee, I have requested information from the FEC regarding this Administration’s potential campaign finance violations, and I will continue to push the Department of Justice and the FEC to follow the money and uphold the law.”“As the lead Democrat on the Senate Rules Committee, I have requested information from the FEC regarding this Administration’s potential campaign finance violations, and I will continue to push the Department of Justice and the FEC to follow the money and uphold the law.”
Democratic presidential candidate Elizabeth Warren weighed in on the arrest of two Republican donors connected to Rudy Giuliani, arguing that their campaign-finance charges indicate the depth of corruption in Trump’s political world.Democratic presidential candidate Elizabeth Warren weighed in on the arrest of two Republican donors connected to Rudy Giuliani, arguing that their campaign-finance charges indicate the depth of corruption in Trump’s political world.
In addition to abusing and manipulating our diplomatic relationships for Trump's political gain, we can add corruption and campaign finance violations to the list. https://t.co/b57uGfVl3lIn addition to abusing and manipulating our diplomatic relationships for Trump's political gain, we can add corruption and campaign finance violations to the list. https://t.co/b57uGfVl3l
Here’s a midday summary of today’s news, which is slightly belated given the many developments the blog is tracking:Here’s a midday summary of today’s news, which is slightly belated given the many developments the blog is tracking:
Two foreign-born Republican donors, who helped Rudy Giuliani with his efforts to pressure Ukraine to investigate Joe Biden, were arrested on campaign-finance charges.Two foreign-born Republican donors, who helped Rudy Giuliani with his efforts to pressure Ukraine to investigate Joe Biden, were arrested on campaign-finance charges.
US stocks jumped after Trump announced he would meet with the Chinese vice premier tomorrow to discuss trade negotiations.US stocks jumped after Trump announced he would meet with the Chinese vice premier tomorrow to discuss trade negotiations.
A group of prominent conservative lawyers issued a joint statement calling for an “expeditious” impeachment inquiry as a Fox News poll showed a majority of American voters support removing Trump from office.A group of prominent conservative lawyers issued a joint statement calling for an “expeditious” impeachment inquiry as a Fox News poll showed a majority of American voters support removing Trump from office.
The blog will have more details on those stories and many others, so stay tuned.The blog will have more details on those stories and many others, so stay tuned.
In a bit of news shockingly unrelated to impeachment or Syria: Nita Lowey, a Democrat who has served in Congress for more than three decades, announced she would not seek re-election next year.In a bit of news shockingly unrelated to impeachment or Syria: Nita Lowey, a Democrat who has served in Congress for more than three decades, announced she would not seek re-election next year.
Here’s my full statement: https://t.co/V6B1dJtxEr pic.twitter.com/H81Tr70hmyHere’s my full statement: https://t.co/V6B1dJtxEr pic.twitter.com/H81Tr70hmy
Lowey said in a statement announcing her decision: “I am honored that my colleagues in Congress elected me as the first Chairwoman of the House Appropriations Committee and will fight vigorously for House Democratic priorities as I negotiate spending bills for fiscal years 2020 and 2021.”Lowey said in a statement announcing her decision: “I am honored that my colleagues in Congress elected me as the first Chairwoman of the House Appropriations Committee and will fight vigorously for House Democratic priorities as I negotiate spending bills for fiscal years 2020 and 2021.”
Lowey is the sixth House Democrat to announce she would not seek re-election next year. Guesses have already started about who might seek to replace Lowey in representing her district, which covers some of the New York suburbs.Lowey is the sixth House Democrat to announce she would not seek re-election next year. Guesses have already started about who might seek to replace Lowey in representing her district, which covers some of the New York suburbs.
Chelsea Clinton on a political future in 2018: "I think if someone were to step down or retire and I thought I could do a good job and it matched my talents, I’d have to think if it’s the right choice for me." https://t.co/NYsH8Ekieo https://t.co/lrppQdrZKRChelsea Clinton on a political future in 2018: "I think if someone were to step down or retire and I thought I could do a good job and it matched my talents, I’d have to think if it’s the right choice for me." https://t.co/NYsH8Ekieo https://t.co/lrppQdrZKR
An outgoing Republican congressman, John Shimkus of Illinois, said he no longer supports Trump because of the president’s decision to withdraw US troops from northern Syria.An outgoing Republican congressman, John Shimkus of Illinois, said he no longer supports Trump because of the president’s decision to withdraw US troops from northern Syria.
Outgoing Republican Congressman @RepShimkus, who is not seeking re-election, says he is “shocked, angered and embarrassed” and no longer supports @realDonaldTrump after the President gave Turkey a green light to invade Syria. https://t.co/CDR5Tu1BRnOutgoing Republican Congressman @RepShimkus, who is not seeking re-election, says he is “shocked, angered and embarrassed” and no longer supports @realDonaldTrump after the President gave Turkey a green light to invade Syria. https://t.co/CDR5Tu1BRn
Shimkus has previously voiced criticism of Trump’s “style,” but this is still a noteworthy message of censure from a Republican congressman as the president seeks to consolidate the party in opposition to House Democrats’ impeachment inquiry.Shimkus has previously voiced criticism of Trump’s “style,” but this is still a noteworthy message of censure from a Republican congressman as the president seeks to consolidate the party in opposition to House Democrats’ impeachment inquiry.
Michael Pillsbury, an informal adviser to Trump, said in an interview that China gave him information about Hunter Biden’s business activities.Michael Pillsbury, an informal adviser to Trump, said in an interview that China gave him information about Hunter Biden’s business activities.
The Financial Times reports:The Financial Times reports:
‘I got a quite a bit of background on Hunter Biden from the Chinese,’ Mr Pillsbury told the Financial Times.‘I got a quite a bit of background on Hunter Biden from the Chinese,’ Mr Pillsbury told the Financial Times.
Mr Trump came under heavy criticism last week after publicly urging China to investigate the Bidens in a move that mirrored his request to the Ukraine’s president in a July phone call that has sparked an impeachment inquiry.Mr Trump came under heavy criticism last week after publicly urging China to investigate the Bidens in a move that mirrored his request to the Ukraine’s president in a July phone call that has sparked an impeachment inquiry.
Mr Pillsbury’s comments to the FT came after he revealed on Fox Business that he had raised the issue of the Bidens during a visit to China a week ago.Mr Pillsbury’s comments to the FT came after he revealed on Fox Business that he had raised the issue of the Bidens during a visit to China a week ago.
‘I tried to bring up the topic in Beijing,’ Mr Pillsbury told the television channel. ‘I’ve never seen them get so secretive in my entire life. They would discuss ICBM warheads sooner than talk about what Hunter Biden was doing in China with [former] vice-president Biden.’‘I tried to bring up the topic in Beijing,’ Mr Pillsbury told the television channel. ‘I’ve never seen them get so secretive in my entire life. They would discuss ICBM warheads sooner than talk about what Hunter Biden was doing in China with [former] vice-president Biden.’
But Pillsbury then seemed to backtrack, telling CNN that Chinese officials gave him “nothing news” on the younger Biden.But Pillsbury then seemed to backtrack, telling CNN that Chinese officials gave him “nothing news” on the younger Biden.
Pillsbury tells @Kevinliptakcnn he was given "nothing new," mainly newspaper stories. "I have never had any conversation with President Trump about this at anytime. The information the Chinese gave me is just from the newspaper stories — nothing new." https://t.co/XACRqTlsd8Pillsbury tells @Kevinliptakcnn he was given "nothing new," mainly newspaper stories. "I have never had any conversation with President Trump about this at anytime. The information the Chinese gave me is just from the newspaper stories — nothing new." https://t.co/XACRqTlsd8
Okay, well, the blog called this one wrong: House Democrats are indeed subpoenaing Lev Parnas and Igor Fruman to testify for their impeachment inquiry, despite the pair’s arrest on campaign-finance charges.Okay, well, the blog called this one wrong: House Democrats are indeed subpoenaing Lev Parnas and Igor Fruman to testify for their impeachment inquiry, despite the pair’s arrest on campaign-finance charges.
House Dems subpoena Giuliani associates Fruman and Parnas for documents by October 16, undeterred by their arrests today over an alleged campaign finance scheme https://t.co/sElwwjXTJdHouse Dems subpoena Giuliani associates Fruman and Parnas for documents by October 16, undeterred by their arrests today over an alleged campaign finance scheme https://t.co/sElwwjXTJd
Democrats are looking for more information about how Parnas and Fruman connected Rudy Giuliani to Ukrainian prosecutors, whom the president’s personal lawyer pressured to investigate false corruption claims against Joe Biden.Democrats are looking for more information about how Parnas and Fruman connected Rudy Giuliani to Ukrainian prosecutors, whom the president’s personal lawyer pressured to investigate false corruption claims against Joe Biden.
Joe Biden has put out a statement slamming Trump’s decision to withdraw US troops from northern Syria and mocking the president’s criticism of America’s Kurdish allies for not participating in the 1944 D-Day invasion.Joe Biden has put out a statement slamming Trump’s decision to withdraw US troops from northern Syria and mocking the president’s criticism of America’s Kurdish allies for not participating in the 1944 D-Day invasion.
Biden said: “Donald Trump sold out the Syrian Democratic Forces – the courageous Kurds and Arabs who fought with us to smash Isis’s caliphate – and he betrayed a key local ally in the fight against terrorism. But that’s not all – he betrayed our brave troops, who sacrificed alongside them. He betrayed our word as a nation – raising doubts among our allies around the world about America’s security commitments. And he betrayed our security by green lighting a Turkish incursion that will create chaos and destruction, setting conditions for Isis to regrow.Biden said: “Donald Trump sold out the Syrian Democratic Forces – the courageous Kurds and Arabs who fought with us to smash Isis’s caliphate – and he betrayed a key local ally in the fight against terrorism. But that’s not all – he betrayed our brave troops, who sacrificed alongside them. He betrayed our word as a nation – raising doubts among our allies around the world about America’s security commitments. And he betrayed our security by green lighting a Turkish incursion that will create chaos and destruction, setting conditions for Isis to regrow.
“His sad attempt to excuse the betrayal – saying that the Kurds didn’t fight with us at Normandy 75 years ago in World War II – adds insult to very real injury. By that standard, only Canada, a handful of European allies, and others could ever hope for America to come to their defense – and even they might have doubts after Trump’s performance. Especially when Trump said he wasn’t worried about Isis regrouping and fleeing Syria because they would only go to Europe ...“His sad attempt to excuse the betrayal – saying that the Kurds didn’t fight with us at Normandy 75 years ago in World War II – adds insult to very real injury. By that standard, only Canada, a handful of European allies, and others could ever hope for America to come to their defense – and even they might have doubts after Trump’s performance. Especially when Trump said he wasn’t worried about Isis regrouping and fleeing Syria because they would only go to Europe ...
“This is not about keeping forces in northern Syria indefinitely. That was never the plan. It’s about consolidating our hard-fought gains against Isis, and preventing it from regenerating – which it is already trying to do. Managing this complex environment requires smart and sustained diplomacy, which President Trump has demonstrated he has neither the patience nor the wisdom to conduct. Every day, President Trump’s incompetent policies make us less safe.”“This is not about keeping forces in northern Syria indefinitely. That was never the plan. It’s about consolidating our hard-fought gains against Isis, and preventing it from regenerating – which it is already trying to do. Managing this complex environment requires smart and sustained diplomacy, which President Trump has demonstrated he has neither the patience nor the wisdom to conduct. Every day, President Trump’s incompetent policies make us less safe.”
Jay Sekulow, an attorney for the president, denied that the president had any connection to Lev Parnas and Igor Fruman as the two Republican donors faced campaign-finance charges.Jay Sekulow, an attorney for the president, denied that the president had any connection to Lev Parnas and Igor Fruman as the two Republican donors faced campaign-finance charges.
Sekulow in a brief comment says case involving Giuliani associates not connected to Trump: “Read the indictment. Neither the candidate nor the campaign have anything to do with the scheme these guys were involved inSekulow in a brief comment says case involving Giuliani associates not connected to Trump: “Read the indictment. Neither the candidate nor the campaign have anything to do with the scheme these guys were involved in
But Parnas and Fruman donated to a pro-Trump super PAC and have been working with Rudy Giuliani, the president’s personal lawyer, in recent months.But Parnas and Fruman donated to a pro-Trump super PAC and have been working with Rudy Giuliani, the president’s personal lawyer, in recent months.
Counterpoint from one John Dowd, former Trump lawyer (via @kyledcheney) https://t.co/CGuD90HK3Y pic.twitter.com/et6Fl1uiepCounterpoint from one John Dowd, former Trump lawyer (via @kyledcheney) https://t.co/CGuD90HK3Y pic.twitter.com/et6Fl1uiep
And Trump has previously been photographed with Parnas and Fruman, who reportedly met with the president last year.And Trump has previously been photographed with Parnas and Fruman, who reportedly met with the president last year.
Fruman, Parnas, Trump and Giuliani. Via the @MiamiHerald https://t.co/Fg2FWnKhPB pic.twitter.com/nUjxrtdan9Fruman, Parnas, Trump and Giuliani. Via the @MiamiHerald https://t.co/Fg2FWnKhPB pic.twitter.com/nUjxrtdan9