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Impeachment: newly unredacted emails a 'devastating blow' to Trump allies, says Schumer – live Impeachment: newly unredacted emails a 'devastating blow' to Trump allies, says Schumer – live
(about 1 hour later)
Senate minority leader made remark on emails about the freeze on Ukraine’s military aidSenate minority leader made remark on emails about the freeze on Ukraine’s military aid
Administration officials said the freeze on Ukraine’s military aid was done under “clear direction” from Donald Trump according to newly unredacted emails showed administration officials.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and intelligence committee chair Adam Schiff called for a “fair” senate trial and emphasized the importance of the newly revealed documents that appear to incriminate the president.
Several 2020 presidential candidates released their fourth-quarter fundraising information. Joe Biden said he raised $22.7m in the final three months of 2019, falling short of Bernie Sanders (who raised $34.5m) and Pete Buttigieg (who raised $24.7m).
More than 200 members of Congress asked the Supreme Court to reconsider Roe v Wade, which legalized abortion in 1973.
Julián Castro dropped out of the Democratic presidential primary, and Marianne Williamson reportedly laid off her campaign staff nationally.
Warren released a sweeping plan that, among other things, would raise the hourly minimum wage to $15 and ending a program that allows employers to pay disabled workers much less.
“Building economic security for people with disabilities means rewriting the rules of the economy to foster inclusivity, value their labor, and end labor market discrimination and exploitation,” the 2020 presidential candidate said in a statement.
As a senator, Warren asked the US labor department to end a program that allows employers to seek waivers to pay employees with disabilities $7.25 per hour, and sometimes as little as 33 cents.
The board plan also promises to make more schools accessible and compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act and make tech work for people with disabilities by funding research to develop “affordable and life-changing supports for people with disabilities”.
Hillary Clinton has taken on a new role as a chancellor of Queen’s University Belfast.Hillary Clinton has taken on a new role as a chancellor of Queen’s University Belfast.
For the former US secretary of state, senator and first lady, the role will be mostly ceremonial.For the former US secretary of state, senator and first lady, the role will be mostly ceremonial.
Clinton and her husband the former president have strong ties to the university in Northern Ireland.Clinton and her husband the former president have strong ties to the university in Northern Ireland.
From the Washington Post:From the Washington Post:
The school awarded Hillary Clinton an honorary Doctor of Laws degree in October 2018 and has established a “Hillary Rodham Clinton Award for Peace and Reconciliation,” which the university describes as a full scholarship awarded each year to an “exceptional female student from the USA who wishes to pursue study in a field related to politics, conflict transformation or human rights.”The school awarded Hillary Clinton an honorary Doctor of Laws degree in October 2018 and has established a “Hillary Rodham Clinton Award for Peace and Reconciliation,” which the university describes as a full scholarship awarded each year to an “exceptional female student from the USA who wishes to pursue study in a field related to politics, conflict transformation or human rights.”
In 2011, it also established the William J. Clinton Leadership Institute, which offers courses for current and aspiring business leaders.In 2011, it also established the William J. Clinton Leadership Institute, which offers courses for current and aspiring business leaders.
Tulsi Gabbard, who kicked off her new year by surfing New Hampshire’s frigid waters, made less of a splash with her fundraising announcement. Gabbard reportedly raised $3.4m in the fourth quarter of 2019 — about 10% of Bernie Sanders’ $34.5m. It’s unlikely that Gabbard will meet the fundraising requirements to qualify for the next 2020 Democratic primary debates.Tulsi Gabbard, who kicked off her new year by surfing New Hampshire’s frigid waters, made less of a splash with her fundraising announcement. Gabbard reportedly raised $3.4m in the fourth quarter of 2019 — about 10% of Bernie Sanders’ $34.5m. It’s unlikely that Gabbard will meet the fundraising requirements to qualify for the next 2020 Democratic primary debates.
It seems she can command the waves, but can she conquer the New Hampshire primary?It seems she can command the waves, but can she conquer the New Hampshire primary?
A fake video edited so it appears that Joe Biden is making racist remarks has gained more than a million views on social media, according to the AP.A fake video edited so it appears that Joe Biden is making racist remarks has gained more than a million views on social media, according to the AP.
From the AP:From the AP:
In the edited clip, which was less than 20 seconds long, Biden says, “Our culture is not imported from some African nation or some Asian nation.” Social media users paired the video with comments like “It’s almost like Joe Biden is a Racist.” Posts with the video surfaced across social media platforms on Wednesday.In the edited clip, which was less than 20 seconds long, Biden says, “Our culture is not imported from some African nation or some Asian nation.” Social media users paired the video with comments like “It’s almost like Joe Biden is a Racist.” Posts with the video surfaced across social media platforms on Wednesday.
The clip, pilled ABC News coverage of Biden speaking on December 30 in New Hampshire, was distorted out of context. The 2020 Democratic candidate, in discussing the culture on college campuses of violence against women, said “Folks, this is about changing the culture, our culture, our culture, it’s not imported from some African nation or some Asian nation. It is our English jurisprudential culture, our European culture that says it is all right.”The clip, pilled ABC News coverage of Biden speaking on December 30 in New Hampshire, was distorted out of context. The 2020 Democratic candidate, in discussing the culture on college campuses of violence against women, said “Folks, this is about changing the culture, our culture, our culture, it’s not imported from some African nation or some Asian nation. It is our English jurisprudential culture, our European culture that says it is all right.”
Biden also spoke about the need to change an entrenched “cultural problem” that dates back to English common law, and back to the 1300s when men beat their wives without any legal repercussions.Biden also spoke about the need to change an entrenched “cultural problem” that dates back to English common law, and back to the 1300s when men beat their wives without any legal repercussions.
In a separate speech in March, Biden said: “It’s an English jurisprudential culture, a white man’s culture... It’s got to change.”In a separate speech in March, Biden said: “It’s an English jurisprudential culture, a white man’s culture... It’s got to change.”
Fake videos are now easier than ever to create and disseminate.Fake videos are now easier than ever to create and disseminate.
Adam Schiff, the head of the House intelligence committee who helped lead the impeachment against Trump has responded to information revealed in newly unredacted emails about the freeze on military aid to Ukraine.Adam Schiff, the head of the House intelligence committee who helped lead the impeachment against Trump has responded to information revealed in newly unredacted emails about the freeze on military aid to Ukraine.
Like House speaker Nancy Pelosi, Schiff reiterated the need for a fair Senate trial that takes into account these new documents. “If [the documents] are not produced, the Senate and the American people must ask, what else is the President hiding?” Schiff said in a statement.Like House speaker Nancy Pelosi, Schiff reiterated the need for a fair Senate trial that takes into account these new documents. “If [the documents] are not produced, the Senate and the American people must ask, what else is the President hiding?” Schiff said in a statement.
That’s it from me today. My west coast colleague, Maanvi Singh, will take over the blog for the next few hours.That’s it from me today. My west coast colleague, Maanvi Singh, will take over the blog for the next few hours.
Here’s where the day stands so far:Here’s where the day stands so far:
Newly unredacted emails showed administration officials saying the freeze on Ukraine’s military aid was a “clear direction” from Trump, prompting renewed calls from Democratic lawmakers to have some of the president’s advisers testify about alleged efforts to pressure Kyiv to investigate Joe Biden.Newly unredacted emails showed administration officials saying the freeze on Ukraine’s military aid was a “clear direction” from Trump, prompting renewed calls from Democratic lawmakers to have some of the president’s advisers testify about alleged efforts to pressure Kyiv to investigate Joe Biden.
The Republican senator Josh Hawley said he would introduce a measure Monday to dismiss the impeachment case for “lack of prosecution”, although it’s unclear whether such a proposal would succeed.The Republican senator Josh Hawley said he would introduce a measure Monday to dismiss the impeachment case for “lack of prosecution”, although it’s unclear whether such a proposal would succeed.
Joe Biden said he raised $22.7m in the final three months of 2019, marking the Democratic presidential candidate’s best quarter yet but still falling short of the totals posted by Bernie Sanders ($34.5m) and Pete Buttigieg ($24.7m).Joe Biden said he raised $22.7m in the final three months of 2019, marking the Democratic presidential candidate’s best quarter yet but still falling short of the totals posted by Bernie Sanders ($34.5m) and Pete Buttigieg ($24.7m).
Julián Castro dropped out of the Democratic presidential primary, while Marianne Williamson is laying off her campaign staff nationally, indicating the field will likely continue to narrow in the final month before the Iowa caucuses.Julián Castro dropped out of the Democratic presidential primary, while Marianne Williamson is laying off her campaign staff nationally, indicating the field will likely continue to narrow in the final month before the Iowa caucuses.
The FDA said it would ban certain e-cigarette flavors popular with younger users of the products, but the regulation allows for large exceptions that will prove beneficial for the industry’s manufacturers.The FDA said it would ban certain e-cigarette flavors popular with younger users of the products, but the regulation allows for large exceptions that will prove beneficial for the industry’s manufacturers.
Maanvi will have more coming up, so stay tuned.Maanvi will have more coming up, so stay tuned.
House speaker Nancy Pelosi reacted to news of the newly unredacted emails about the freeze on military aid to Ukraine, arguing the messages demonstrate the need to have a “fair trial” in the Senate.House speaker Nancy Pelosi reacted to news of the newly unredacted emails about the freeze on military aid to Ukraine, arguing the messages demonstrate the need to have a “fair trial” in the Senate.
One of the emails obtained by Just Security includes a message from a senior budget official telling a Pentagon staffer, “Clear direction from POTUS to continue to hold.”One of the emails obtained by Just Security includes a message from a senior budget official telling a Pentagon staffer, “Clear direction from POTUS to continue to hold.”
Pelosi and Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer are pressing majority leader Mitch McConnell to call White House officials to testify about the aid freeze in the impeachment trial, but the House speaker has not yet transmitted the articles of impeachment to the Senate.Pelosi and Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer are pressing majority leader Mitch McConnell to call White House officials to testify about the aid freeze in the impeachment trial, but the House speaker has not yet transmitted the articles of impeachment to the Senate.
Trey Gowdy has said he will not join Trump’s legal team, ending months of speculation about whether the former Republican congressman would help the president secure an acquittal in a Senate impeachment trial.Trey Gowdy has said he will not join Trump’s legal team, ending months of speculation about whether the former Republican congressman would help the president secure an acquittal in a Senate impeachment trial.
“The president has good lawyers and more importantly good facts,” Gowdy told McClatchy. “He does not need another lawyer added to his team. He needs the trial to begin and end.”“The president has good lawyers and more importantly good facts,” Gowdy told McClatchy. “He does not need another lawyer added to his team. He needs the trial to begin and end.”
Gowdy said when he left Congress last year that he was done with politics and would focus on private sector work in his home state of South Carolina, but he then appeared ready to join Trump’s team back in October.Gowdy said when he left Congress last year that he was done with politics and would focus on private sector work in his home state of South Carolina, but he then appeared ready to join Trump’s team back in October.
However, Gowdy changed his thinking when it became clear he would have to give up his law firm and his Fox News contributor contract to take on the new role.However, Gowdy changed his thinking when it became clear he would have to give up his law firm and his Fox News contributor contract to take on the new role.
Although he will not become one of the president’s lawyers, Gowdy played golf with Trump over the weekend, indicating he will continue to offer advice to Trump as the Senate moves toward an impeachment trial.Although he will not become one of the president’s lawyers, Gowdy played golf with Trump over the weekend, indicating he will continue to offer advice to Trump as the Senate moves toward an impeachment trial.
Former Vice President Joe Biden’s campaign manager stressed that January has to be the campaign’s “best fundraising month to date,” even as the campaign announced that it had a solid fundraising quarter.Former Vice President Joe Biden’s campaign manager stressed that January has to be the campaign’s “best fundraising month to date,” even as the campaign announced that it had a solid fundraising quarter.
In a memo distributed to Democratic donors and obtained by The Guardian, campaign manager Greg Schultz hailed the campaign’s recent $22.7 million haul, noting that it was a 50 percent increase over the last quarter.In a memo distributed to Democratic donors and obtained by The Guardian, campaign manager Greg Schultz hailed the campaign’s recent $22.7 million haul, noting that it was a 50 percent increase over the last quarter.
But in the two-page memo Schultz also stressed it’s “absolutely critical that January is our best fundraising month to date, so we can continue to make strategic investments throughout the country and perform well in the early states.”But in the two-page memo Schultz also stressed it’s “absolutely critical that January is our best fundraising month to date, so we can continue to make strategic investments throughout the country and perform well in the early states.”
The memo and Schultz’s appeal come as Biden, the Democratic frontrunner, continues to find himself in the middle of the fact on fundraising in yet another quarter and just before voting begins in the early primary states.The memo and Schultz’s appeal come as Biden, the Democratic frontrunner, continues to find himself in the middle of the fact on fundraising in yet another quarter and just before voting begins in the early primary states.
Only a few of the more than two dozen Democratic candidates have released their fundraising numbers so far but Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and former South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg, two of Biden’s chief rivals in the Democratic primary, have outraised him.Only a few of the more than two dozen Democratic candidates have released their fundraising numbers so far but Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and former South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg, two of Biden’s chief rivals in the Democratic primary, have outraised him.
Still, Schultz, in the memo, hailed the campaign’s most recent fundraising numbers as a positive sign for Biden. “Thanks to the hard work of many, we’re thrilled to announce that the fourth quarter was our best to date, raising $22.7 million, a 50% growth from last quarter. In addition, 57% of our donors were new this quarter, highlighting the new support our campaign is gaining daily,” Schultz wrote.Still, Schultz, in the memo, hailed the campaign’s most recent fundraising numbers as a positive sign for Biden. “Thanks to the hard work of many, we’re thrilled to announce that the fourth quarter was our best to date, raising $22.7 million, a 50% growth from last quarter. In addition, 57% of our donors were new this quarter, highlighting the new support our campaign is gaining daily,” Schultz wrote.
“In what is typically a difficult time of the year to raise money, the Vice President’s growing momentum translated directly into strong performances in both online and offline revenue, ensuring that we have the resources we need to enter the next critical phase of this campaign.”“In what is typically a difficult time of the year to raise money, the Vice President’s growing momentum translated directly into strong performances in both online and offline revenue, ensuring that we have the resources we need to enter the next critical phase of this campaign.”
Schultz added that Donald Trump’s repeated criticism at Biden has actually given the campaign a fundraising boost. “In fact, Trump’s attacks have majorly backfired, providing our campaign a fundraising boost and reminding Democratic primary voters what we have been saying all along — Trump does not want Biden to be the nominee because he knows Biden will flat out beat him in November,” Schultz wrote.Schultz added that Donald Trump’s repeated criticism at Biden has actually given the campaign a fundraising boost. “In fact, Trump’s attacks have majorly backfired, providing our campaign a fundraising boost and reminding Democratic primary voters what we have been saying all along — Trump does not want Biden to be the nominee because he knows Biden will flat out beat him in November,” Schultz wrote.
“He is so desperate to avoid the electoral defeat he would face against Biden that he got himself impeached soliciting a foreign government in the effort. During impeachment our average digital revenue per day more than doubled, up by 121%, where it was in the weeks preceding impeachment.”“He is so desperate to avoid the electoral defeat he would face against Biden that he got himself impeached soliciting a foreign government in the effort. During impeachment our average digital revenue per day more than doubled, up by 121%, where it was in the weeks preceding impeachment.”
The campaign would always be competing with other candidates on fundraising in the primary, Schultz said, alluding to Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Sanders, who both transferred money from their Senate accounts to their presidential campaigns.The campaign would always be competing with other candidates on fundraising in the primary, Schultz said, alluding to Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Sanders, who both transferred money from their Senate accounts to their presidential campaigns.
“Vice President Biden and Dr. Biden will be spending the vast majority of their time in the coming months where they are most effective — talking with voters in the early states,” Schultz concluded.“Vice President Biden and Dr. Biden will be spending the vast majority of their time in the coming months where they are most effective — talking with voters in the early states,” Schultz concluded.
“And, because we didn’t transfer tens of millions of dollars from other campaign accounts like our opponents, we will always be playing from behind in the cash race. It is absolutely critical that January is our best fundraising month to date, so we can continue to make strategic investments throughout the country and perform well in the early states.”“And, because we didn’t transfer tens of millions of dollars from other campaign accounts like our opponents, we will always be playing from behind in the cash race. It is absolutely critical that January is our best fundraising month to date, so we can continue to make strategic investments throughout the country and perform well in the early states.”
Although Democratic presidential candidate Marianne Williamson is laying off her staff nationally, the self-help author apparently has no plans to call it quits.Although Democratic presidential candidate Marianne Williamson is laying off her staff nationally, the self-help author apparently has no plans to call it quits.
According to one of her now-former advisers, Williamson will forge ahead with her longshot bid without any asssistance from staffers in the early voting states.According to one of her now-former advisers, Williamson will forge ahead with her longshot bid without any asssistance from staffers in the early voting states.
The president’s congressional allies appear to be zeroing in on a new talking point to undermine the Senate impeachment trial.The president’s congressional allies appear to be zeroing in on a new talking point to undermine the Senate impeachment trial.
As House speaker Nancy Pelosi continues to avoid transmitting the articles of impeachment, Republican lawmakers are arguing the delay indicates the case is not as “urgent” as Democrats previously claimed.As House speaker Nancy Pelosi continues to avoid transmitting the articles of impeachment, Republican lawmakers are arguing the delay indicates the case is not as “urgent” as Democrats previously claimed.
Senate Republican Josh Hawley said that he intends to introduce a measure Monday to dismiss the impeachment case for “lack of prosecution.”Senate Republican Josh Hawley said that he intends to introduce a measure Monday to dismiss the impeachment case for “lack of prosecution.”
Marianne Williamson, the self-help author and Democratic presidential candidate who captured the Internet’s fascination with her early debate performances, has reportedly laid off her campaign staff nationally.Marianne Williamson, the self-help author and Democratic presidential candidate who captured the Internet’s fascination with her early debate performances, has reportedly laid off her campaign staff nationally.
The ABC affiliate WMUR reports:The ABC affiliate WMUR reports:
The news comes hours after Julián Castro announced he was dropping out of the Democratic presidential primary, leaving 14 candidates in the race with a month to go until the Iowa caucuses.The news comes hours after Julián Castro announced he was dropping out of the Democratic presidential primary, leaving 14 candidates in the race with a month to go until the Iowa caucuses.
Congressman Mark Meadows, one of Trump’s closest congressional allies, criticized his Democratic colleagues as House leadership continues to delay transmitting the articles of impeachment against the president.Congressman Mark Meadows, one of Trump’s closest congressional allies, criticized his Democratic colleagues as House leadership continues to delay transmitting the articles of impeachment against the president.
It’s still unclear when a Senate impeachment trial might begin or what procedures will be adopted, but Mitch McConnell may address those issues tomorrow, when the majority leader is expected to speak on the Senate floor.It’s still unclear when a Senate impeachment trial might begin or what procedures will be adopted, but Mitch McConnell may address those issues tomorrow, when the majority leader is expected to speak on the Senate floor.
But McConnell has dismissed any notion that Democrats’ refusal to transmit the articles will have any effect on trial procedures.But McConnell has dismissed any notion that Democrats’ refusal to transmit the articles will have any effect on trial procedures.
Joe Biden appears to have changed the tagline for his Iowa bus tour, abandoning the “No Malarkey” slogan and adopting “Battle for the Soul of the Nation.”Joe Biden appears to have changed the tagline for his Iowa bus tour, abandoning the “No Malarkey” slogan and adopting “Battle for the Soul of the Nation.”
The “No Malarkey” slogan -- which was a play on the Biden-ism, “That’s a bunch of malarkey!” from the 2012 campaign -- had been mocked as confusing and uninspiring.The “No Malarkey” slogan -- which was a play on the Biden-ism, “That’s a bunch of malarkey!” from the 2012 campaign -- had been mocked as confusing and uninspiring.
The former vice president will be in Iowa through Sunday, hosting community events and kicking off phone banks across the first caucus state.The former vice president will be in Iowa through Sunday, hosting community events and kicking off phone banks across the first caucus state.