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Trump claims 'Russian bounty' story is hoax as pressure for answers grows - live updates Trump claims 'Russian bounty' story is hoax as pressure for answers grows – live updates
(32 minutes later)
QAnon-linked Lauren Boebert defeats five-term Rep. Scott R. Tipton in Colorado Donald Trump is facing an increasingly-loud chorus demanding answers over his relationship with Vladimir Putin
Young people warned of increasing Covid-19 risks
CDC officials and the Trump administration are sending a stern warning to young people that their quest for bars and beaches is putting their lives at risk. Coronavirus task force leader Mike Pence urged young Americans to take the virus more seriously.
Later today, the Guardian reports how young people of color face a disproportionate risk of dying from Covid-19. Data from the Center for Diseases Control and Prevention have shown the majority of coronavirus hospitalizations among Black and Latino Americans are of those under the age of 50.
Donald Trump was not verbally briefed on a reported Russian effort to pay the Taliban to kill US soldiers in Afghanistan because the allegations were not corroborated at the time, White House national security adviser Robert O’Brien said moments ago.
O’Brien, however, declined to say whether the intelligence, which US ally Britain has said it was aware of, had been included in a written presidential briefing earlier this year, Reuters reports.
“The president’s career CIA briefer decided not to brief him because it was unverified intelligence,” O’Brien said on Fox News. He said the CIA briefer was an outstanding officer and he supported her decision.
The Republican president has faced a barrage of criticism after New York Times reports that a Russian military intelligence unit had offered bounties for US and allied soldiers and that Trump received a written briefing on the matter in February.
After Trump initially said he was not briefed on the matter, the White House said Trump was not “personally” briefed but did not address whether he had received a written report or read it, and why he had not responded more aggressively if so.
O’Brien told reporters later that Trump has now been briefed on the Russian bounty reports.“The president’s been fully briefed,” O’Brien said outside the White House, “We don’t get into written classified documents.”
Democrats on Tuesday called on Trump to consider imposing new economic sanctions on Russia if the information was confirmed.
Democratic lawmakers have asked for more in-depth briefings on the issue. O’Brien said the Gang of Eight - congressional leaders and intelligence committee lawmakers - would be briefed by intelligence officials, possibly later today.
Good morning!Good morning!
I’m reporter Kenya Evelyn taking over live blog for today. Here’s what we’re following:I’m reporter Kenya Evelyn taking over live blog for today. Here’s what we’re following:
The latest primary races including a shocking unseating of five-term Colorado congressman Scott TiptonThe latest primary races including a shocking unseating of five-term Colorado congressman Scott Tipton
Donald Trump holding tying defense spending to preserve Confederate-named military bases Donald Trump tying defense spending to preserving Confederate-named military bases, and mocking Massachusetts senator Elizabeth Warren with a familiar racial slur
The latest on the administration’s attempt to block an upcoming book from the president’s nieceThe latest on the administration’s attempt to block an upcoming book from the president’s niece
The US’s buyout of nearly the entire global stock of a potential Covid-19 treatment drug
Stay tuned for more throughout the day.Stay tuned for more throughout the day.
Here are the main points of the day so farHere are the main points of the day so far
Donald Trump twice insisted on Twitter that claims he did not act on intelligence about Russia offering a bounty for the deaths of US military personnel in Afghanistan were “a made up fake news media hoax started to slander me and the Republican Party”Donald Trump twice insisted on Twitter that claims he did not act on intelligence about Russia offering a bounty for the deaths of US military personnel in Afghanistan were “a made up fake news media hoax started to slander me and the Republican Party”
White House national security adviser Robert O’Brien has this morning confirmed that the president has now been fully briefed. He declined to say whether the information had been included in a written presidential briefing earlier this year as multiple reports have stated.White House national security adviser Robert O’Brien has this morning confirmed that the president has now been fully briefed. He declined to say whether the information had been included in a written presidential briefing earlier this year as multiple reports have stated.
Former US Navy helicopter pilot and New Jersey Democrat Rep. Mikie Sherrill had strong words over the issue on CNN, saying “We ask that the president come out and reassure us that he has our backs, that he will get to the bottom of this and that Russia will face repercussions. Whether or not he was told verbally about this, he knows now.”Former US Navy helicopter pilot and New Jersey Democrat Rep. Mikie Sherrill had strong words over the issue on CNN, saying “We ask that the president come out and reassure us that he has our backs, that he will get to the bottom of this and that Russia will face repercussions. Whether or not he was told verbally about this, he knows now.”
Acting Secretary of Homeland Security, Chad F. Wolf, has announced the formation of a “special task force to coordinate Departmental law enforcement agency assets in protecting…historic monuments, memorials, statues, and federal facilities”. Wolf said “As we approach the 4 July holiday, I have directed the deployment and pre-positioning of Rapid Deployment Teams across the country to respond to potential threats to facilities and property.”Acting Secretary of Homeland Security, Chad F. Wolf, has announced the formation of a “special task force to coordinate Departmental law enforcement agency assets in protecting…historic monuments, memorials, statues, and federal facilities”. Wolf said “As we approach the 4 July holiday, I have directed the deployment and pre-positioning of Rapid Deployment Teams across the country to respond to potential threats to facilities and property.”
Oklahoma voters narrowly decided to expand Medicaid health insurance to tens of thousands low-income residents, becoming the first state to amend its Constitution to do so.Oklahoma voters narrowly decided to expand Medicaid health insurance to tens of thousands low-income residents, becoming the first state to amend its Constitution to do so.
Former Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper won the Democratic nomination Tuesday to face Republican Sen. Cory Gardner in NovemberFormer Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper won the Democratic nomination Tuesday to face Republican Sen. Cory Gardner in November
Also in Colorado, Lauren Boebert, the owner of a gun-themed restaurant she refused to close under coronavirus restrictions, will be running for Congress. Boebert, who has spoken approvingly of the QAnon far-right conspiracy theory, beat five-term Rep. Scott Tipton in the Republican primary for the state’s third congressional districtAlso in Colorado, Lauren Boebert, the owner of a gun-themed restaurant she refused to close under coronavirus restrictions, will be running for Congress. Boebert, who has spoken approvingly of the QAnon far-right conspiracy theory, beat five-term Rep. Scott Tipton in the Republican primary for the state’s third congressional district
This is Martin Belam signing off in London - Kenya Evelyn will be taking over our coverage shortly. Have a great day.This is Martin Belam signing off in London - Kenya Evelyn will be taking over our coverage shortly. Have a great day.
One couple unexpectedly thrust into the spotlight in the last few days were the McCloskeys, who went viral on the internet after images emerged of them brandishing guns at Black Lives Matter protesters outside their St Louis home.One couple unexpectedly thrust into the spotlight in the last few days were the McCloskeys, who went viral on the internet after images emerged of them brandishing guns at Black Lives Matter protesters outside their St Louis home.
Mark McCloskey was talking to Tucker Carlson on Fox News late last night and said:Mark McCloskey was talking to Tucker Carlson on Fox News late last night and said:
Mark insisted that the actions of himself and his wife Patricia McCloskey had nothing to do with race.Mark insisted that the actions of himself and his wife Patricia McCloskey had nothing to do with race.
St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner is investigating the incident, which has spawned a whole series of memes on social media. She said in a statement on MondaySt. Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner is investigating the incident, which has spawned a whole series of memes on social media. She said in a statement on Monday
Protesters were marching to Mayor of St. Louis Lyda Krewson’s house to call for her resignation when the incident occurred.Protesters were marching to Mayor of St. Louis Lyda Krewson’s house to call for her resignation when the incident occurred.
While Donald Trump might be happy with those Pew Research Center numbers showing that he his holding onto his white evangelical base (see 7:57) the Politico/Morning Consult survey numbers out today make for grimmer reading.While Donald Trump might be happy with those Pew Research Center numbers showing that he his holding onto his white evangelical base (see 7:57) the Politico/Morning Consult survey numbers out today make for grimmer reading.
They find that Trump’s job approval sank to 39 percent, with 59 percent of voters disapproving of the way he is doing his job.They find that Trump’s job approval sank to 39 percent, with 59 percent of voters disapproving of the way he is doing his job.
There was also some pretty bleak news about the state of the country as a whole:There was also some pretty bleak news about the state of the country as a whole:
You can read the details here: Politico - Trump job approval dips as coronavirus fears riseYou can read the details here: Politico - Trump job approval dips as coronavirus fears rise
Donald Trump has now been fully briefed on a reported Russian effort to pay the Taliban to kill US soldiers in Afghanistan, White House national security adviser Robert O’Brien said moments ago.Donald Trump has now been fully briefed on a reported Russian effort to pay the Taliban to kill US soldiers in Afghanistan, White House national security adviser Robert O’Brien said moments ago.
O’Brien declined to say whether the information had been included in a written presidential briefing earlier this year, Reuters said - as multiple reports have stated.O’Brien declined to say whether the information had been included in a written presidential briefing earlier this year, Reuters said - as multiple reports have stated.
“The president’s been fully briefed,” O’Brien told reporters at the White House, adding, “We don’t get into written classified documents.”“The president’s been fully briefed,” O’Brien told reporters at the White House, adding, “We don’t get into written classified documents.”
Here’s our story from all the news on this yesterday:Here’s our story from all the news on this yesterday:
Donald Trump is facing an increasingly-loud chorus demanding answers over his relationship with Vladimir Putin and what he is going to do about reports that Russia paid bounties for the deaths of US soldiers in Afghanistan.Donald Trump is facing an increasingly-loud chorus demanding answers over his relationship with Vladimir Putin and what he is going to do about reports that Russia paid bounties for the deaths of US soldiers in Afghanistan.
There were calls yesterday for answers and action, after more denials from the White House that Trump had been personally briefed on the matter prior to very recent days, when reports came out details were included in his intelligence briefings perhaps as early 2019.There were calls yesterday for answers and action, after more denials from the White House that Trump had been personally briefed on the matter prior to very recent days, when reports came out details were included in his intelligence briefings perhaps as early 2019.
Mikie Sherrill, first term congresswoman and Democrat of New Jersey, former US Navy helicopter pilot and lieutenant commander (having graduated with the first class of women eligible for combat), spoke up on Wednesday morning about the issue on the minds of people in New Jersey.Mikie Sherrill, first term congresswoman and Democrat of New Jersey, former US Navy helicopter pilot and lieutenant commander (having graduated with the first class of women eligible for combat), spoke up on Wednesday morning about the issue on the minds of people in New Jersey.
As she was speaking, the president was tweeting, about TV ratings, Confederate monuments and the bounty scandal, in his own way, but not about the fourth day of record new coronavirus diagnoses in the US - 48,000 new cases yesterday, a new record in the US outbreak.As she was speaking, the president was tweeting, about TV ratings, Confederate monuments and the bounty scandal, in his own way, but not about the fourth day of record new coronavirus diagnoses in the US - 48,000 new cases yesterday, a new record in the US outbreak.
Sherrill told CNN: “I’m not expecting people in New Jersey to understand exactly what is going on [with the bounty story]. We have had one of the worst coronavirus outbreaks...we have some of the longest lines for food at our distribution centers.” She said paying attention to what was going on between the US and places like Russia, Afghanistan and Syria: “That’s my job.”Sherrill told CNN: “I’m not expecting people in New Jersey to understand exactly what is going on [with the bounty story]. We have had one of the worst coronavirus outbreaks...we have some of the longest lines for food at our distribution centers.” She said paying attention to what was going on between the US and places like Russia, Afghanistan and Syria: “That’s my job.”
Sherrill also serves on the House armed services committeeSherrill also serves on the House armed services committee
“We ask that the president come out and reassure us that he has our backs, that he will get to the bottom of this [the bounty scandal] and that Russia will face repercussions,” she said.“We ask that the president come out and reassure us that he has our backs, that he will get to the bottom of this [the bounty scandal] and that Russia will face repercussions,” she said.
“Whether or not he [Trump] was told verbally about this, he knows now.”“Whether or not he [Trump] was told verbally about this, he knows now.”
Sherrill has served overseas and said she and service families and military personnel currently overseas needed to know that the Trump administration, specifically the president was “looking out for them.”Sherrill has served overseas and said she and service families and military personnel currently overseas needed to know that the Trump administration, specifically the president was “looking out for them.”
“And we have not seen that,” she said.“And we have not seen that,” she said.
In the last few moments, Trump has doubled-down on this on Twitter, asking “Do people still not understand that this is all a made up Fake News Media Hoax started to slander me & the Republican Party”In the last few moments, Trump has doubled-down on this on Twitter, asking “Do people still not understand that this is all a made up Fake News Media Hoax started to slander me & the Republican Party”
We know that Donald Trump is very fond of poll numbers when they are favourable to him and he’ll be pleased to see a Pew Research Center poll being reported by Associated Press today that suggests about 7 in every 10 white evangelical Protestants is a Trump supporter.We know that Donald Trump is very fond of poll numbers when they are favourable to him and he’ll be pleased to see a Pew Research Center poll being reported by Associated Press today that suggests about 7 in every 10 white evangelical Protestants is a Trump supporter.
However, Trump’s 72% approval among white evangelicals in June represents a fall of six percentage points since a similar April survey.However, Trump’s 72% approval among white evangelicals in June represents a fall of six percentage points since a similar April survey.
The survey’s findings are in line with a fall in his general approval among all Americans, which declined from 44% in April to 39% in June. Despite the slight tick downward, Trump’s approval among white evangelicals has remained largely consistent over his presidency.The survey’s findings are in line with a fall in his general approval among all Americans, which declined from 44% in April to 39% in June. Despite the slight tick downward, Trump’s approval among white evangelicals has remained largely consistent over his presidency.
The survey also found a majority of two other Christian groups continuing to register approval of the president. Trump tallied 56% approval among non-evangelical white Protestants in June and 54% approval among white Catholics.The survey also found a majority of two other Christian groups continuing to register approval of the president. Trump tallied 56% approval among non-evangelical white Protestants in June and 54% approval among white Catholics.
In the numbers there’s an indication of how the widespread Black Lives Matter protests might impact on Trump’s November chances. Among Black Protestants, Trump’s approval ticked up from 10% in January to 21% in April, but fell back down to 12% in June in the aftermath of the killing of George Floyd and the president’s handling of the Covid-19 crisis which has disproportionately impacted minority communities.In the numbers there’s an indication of how the widespread Black Lives Matter protests might impact on Trump’s November chances. Among Black Protestants, Trump’s approval ticked up from 10% in January to 21% in April, but fell back down to 12% in June in the aftermath of the killing of George Floyd and the president’s handling of the Covid-19 crisis which has disproportionately impacted minority communities.
Acting Secretary of Homeland Security, Chad F. Wolf, has announced the formation of a “special task force to coordinate Departmental law enforcement agency assets in protecting…historic monuments, memorials, statues, and federal facilities”.Acting Secretary of Homeland Security, Chad F. Wolf, has announced the formation of a “special task force to coordinate Departmental law enforcement agency assets in protecting…historic monuments, memorials, statues, and federal facilities”.
In a statement issued Wednesday, Acting Secretary Wolf says:In a statement issued Wednesday, Acting Secretary Wolf says:
The DHS Protecting American Communities Task Force (PACT) will, according to the statement, “conduct ongoing assessments of potential civil unrest or destruction and allocate resources to protect people and property. This may involve potential surge activity to ensure the continuing protection of critical locations.”The DHS Protecting American Communities Task Force (PACT) will, according to the statement, “conduct ongoing assessments of potential civil unrest or destruction and allocate resources to protect people and property. This may involve potential surge activity to ensure the continuing protection of critical locations.”
Wolf says: “As we approach the 4 July holiday, I have directed the deployment and pre-positioning of Rapid Deployment Teams (RDT) across the country to respond to potential threats to facilities and property.”Wolf says: “As we approach the 4 July holiday, I have directed the deployment and pre-positioning of Rapid Deployment Teams (RDT) across the country to respond to potential threats to facilities and property.”
The president himself will be visiting one such monument on 3 July, in a controversial trip to Mount Rushmore, which has been heavily criticised and where protests are expected.The president himself will be visiting one such monument on 3 July, in a controversial trip to Mount Rushmore, which has been heavily criticised and where protests are expected.
Donald Trump has been on a tweeting spree this morning. Some of the things he has mentioned include the renaming of military bases named after Confederate figures who fought against the US in the civil war. He’s threatening to veto any action on that.Donald Trump has been on a tweeting spree this morning. Some of the things he has mentioned include the renaming of military bases named after Confederate figures who fought against the US in the civil war. He’s threatening to veto any action on that.
He’s also talking about his executive order to protect monuments and statues, most of which were already protected by state law anyway.He’s also talking about his executive order to protect monuments and statues, most of which were already protected by state law anyway.
He’s had a dig at CNN over their TV ratings.He’s had a dig at CNN over their TV ratings.
He has resolutely failed to mention coronavirus though - bearing in mind that yesterday the US recorded over 43,000 new cases of Covid-19.He has resolutely failed to mention coronavirus though - bearing in mind that yesterday the US recorded over 43,000 new cases of Covid-19.
But perhaps the most eye-catching claim this morning though is the president declaring that the ‘Russian bounty’ story is a “HOAX!”.But perhaps the most eye-catching claim this morning though is the president declaring that the ‘Russian bounty’ story is a “HOAX!”.
Given that over the last couple of days both senior Republican and Democratic politicians have been briefed on the existence of the intelligence in Capitol Hill, that does seem a stretch.Given that over the last couple of days both senior Republican and Democratic politicians have been briefed on the existence of the intelligence in Capitol Hill, that does seem a stretch.
Minority communities in the US have seen disproportionate rates of infection, hospitalisation and death throughout the coronavirus pandemic. A post from Caitlin Owens over at Axios shows that graphically this morning, with a chart indicating that counties populated by larger numbers of people of color tend to have more coronavirus cases than those with higher shares of white people. Owen says:Minority communities in the US have seen disproportionate rates of infection, hospitalisation and death throughout the coronavirus pandemic. A post from Caitlin Owens over at Axios shows that graphically this morning, with a chart indicating that counties populated by larger numbers of people of color tend to have more coronavirus cases than those with higher shares of white people. Owen says:
You can have a look at the bleak chart over here: Axios - Coronavirus cases skyrocketing among communities of colorYou can have a look at the bleak chart over here: Axios - Coronavirus cases skyrocketing among communities of color
Meat-processing plants have been at the centre of coronavirus outbreaks in several countries, and the US is no exception,Meat-processing plants have been at the centre of coronavirus outbreaks in several countries, and the US is no exception,
Lewis Kendall has been reporting for us in Durham, North Carolina, on what it is like to be working in an environment where coronavirus seems to spread so easily.Lewis Kendall has been reporting for us in Durham, North Carolina, on what it is like to be working in an environment where coronavirus seems to spread so easily.
Read it here: Revealed - Covid-19 outbreaks at US meat-processing plants are being kept quietRead it here: Revealed - Covid-19 outbreaks at US meat-processing plants are being kept quiet
Sean Murphy at the Associated Press has been reporting on how Oklahoma voters narrowly decided to expand Medicaid health insurance to tens of thousands low-income residents, becoming the first state to amend its Constitution to do so.Sean Murphy at the Associated Press has been reporting on how Oklahoma voters narrowly decided to expand Medicaid health insurance to tens of thousands low-income residents, becoming the first state to amend its Constitution to do so.
With 100% of precincts reporting unofficial results, State Question 802 passed by less than 1 percentage point. The question fared well in metropolitan areas, including Oklahoma City and Tulsa, but was overwhelmingly opposed in rural counties.With 100% of precincts reporting unofficial results, State Question 802 passed by less than 1 percentage point. The question fared well in metropolitan areas, including Oklahoma City and Tulsa, but was overwhelmingly opposed in rural counties.
Amending the Oklahoma Constitution will prevent the Republican-controlled Legislature, which has resisted Medicaid expansion for a decade, from tinkering with the programme or rolling back coverage.Amending the Oklahoma Constitution will prevent the Republican-controlled Legislature, which has resisted Medicaid expansion for a decade, from tinkering with the programme or rolling back coverage.
State Question 802 will extend Medicaid health insurance to those earning up to 138% of the federal poverty level, which is about $17,200 for an individual or $35,500 for a family of four. Oklahoma was one of 14 states that had not expanded Medicaid under the 2010 federal Affordable Care Act.State Question 802 will extend Medicaid health insurance to those earning up to 138% of the federal poverty level, which is about $17,200 for an individual or $35,500 for a family of four. Oklahoma was one of 14 states that had not expanded Medicaid under the 2010 federal Affordable Care Act.
Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt and his predecessor, Mary Fallin, have opposed expansion, citing uncertainty about future costs for the state. “We have a billion-dollar shortfall next year,” Stitt said recently at a forum hosted by Americans for Prosperity, a conservative political advocacy group that opposes the measure. The state would have to “either raise taxes or to cut services somewhere else like education, first responders, or roads and bridges.”Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt and his predecessor, Mary Fallin, have opposed expansion, citing uncertainty about future costs for the state. “We have a billion-dollar shortfall next year,” Stitt said recently at a forum hosted by Americans for Prosperity, a conservative political advocacy group that opposes the measure. The state would have to “either raise taxes or to cut services somewhere else like education, first responders, or roads and bridges.”
After years of legislative inaction on health insurance proposals, supporters of Medicaid expansion launched an initiative petition last year to get the measure on the ballot, and collected a record number of signatures.After years of legislative inaction on health insurance proposals, supporters of Medicaid expansion launched an initiative petition last year to get the measure on the ballot, and collected a record number of signatures.
Some Republican opposition to Medicaid expansion has eroded in recent years, particularly in rural areas where hospitals have suffered financial problems or closed.Some Republican opposition to Medicaid expansion has eroded in recent years, particularly in rural areas where hospitals have suffered financial problems or closed.
Kevin Penry, a Republican and retired pastor from Edmond, said that before going on Medicare last month he had to buy expensive insurance on the federal marketplace, which “really made me feel for folks who are in a difficult financial situation.” He said he voted for the expansion.Kevin Penry, a Republican and retired pastor from Edmond, said that before going on Medicare last month he had to buy expensive insurance on the federal marketplace, which “really made me feel for folks who are in a difficult financial situation.” He said he voted for the expansion.
The Oklahoma Health Care Authority has projected that about 215,000 residents would qualify for a Medicaid expansion, for a total annual cost of about $1.3 billion. The estimated state share would be about $164 million. But those numbers could be considerably higher given the number of Oklahomans who have lost their jobs and work-related health insurance because of the economic shutdown amid the coronavirus pandemic.The Oklahoma Health Care Authority has projected that about 215,000 residents would qualify for a Medicaid expansion, for a total annual cost of about $1.3 billion. The estimated state share would be about $164 million. But those numbers could be considerably higher given the number of Oklahomans who have lost their jobs and work-related health insurance because of the economic shutdown amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Missouri voters will also decide on a constitutional amendment on 4 August.Missouri voters will also decide on a constitutional amendment on 4 August.
Another result from Colorado is that former Governor John Hickenlooper won the Democratic nomination Tuesday to face Republican Sen. Cory Gardner in NovemberAnother result from Colorado is that former Governor John Hickenlooper won the Democratic nomination Tuesday to face Republican Sen. Cory Gardner in November
Hickenlooper’s main challenge was former Colorado House Speaker Andrew Romanoff, who was promising a Green New Deal and single-payer health care.Hickenlooper’s main challenge was former Colorado House Speaker Andrew Romanoff, who was promising a Green New Deal and single-payer health care.
But Hickenlooper had a financial edge in the campiagn, out-raising Romanoff by about 7-to-1. He also had a reservoir of goodwill to call upon after two terms in the governor’s mansion.But Hickenlooper had a financial edge in the campiagn, out-raising Romanoff by about 7-to-1. He also had a reservoir of goodwill to call upon after two terms in the governor’s mansion.
Senate Democrats recruited Hickenlooper, 68, to take on Gardner, who is widely seen as the most vulnerable Republican in the Senate. Democrats need to gain three seats in November to win control of the chamber, and they see Colorado as their most promising opportunity. Hickenlooper made an ill-fated bid for the White House last summer.Senate Democrats recruited Hickenlooper, 68, to take on Gardner, who is widely seen as the most vulnerable Republican in the Senate. Democrats need to gain three seats in November to win control of the chamber, and they see Colorado as their most promising opportunity. Hickenlooper made an ill-fated bid for the White House last summer.
“I’ve never lost an election in this state and I don’t intend to lose this one,” Hickenlooper said Tuesday night.“I’ve never lost an election in this state and I don’t intend to lose this one,” Hickenlooper said Tuesday night.
In an interview, Gardner previewed how he intends to fight back, calling Hickenlooper “the most corrupt governor in the history of Colorado.”In an interview, Gardner previewed how he intends to fight back, calling Hickenlooper “the most corrupt governor in the history of Colorado.”
Romanoff had quickly called Hickenlooper to congratulate him on the victory after polls closed Tuesday evening. “For all the differences that we had, and there were many in this race, I am equally committed to making sure Cory Gardner is a one-term senator,” Romanoff told supporters during a virtual victory party on Zoom.Romanoff had quickly called Hickenlooper to congratulate him on the victory after polls closed Tuesday evening. “For all the differences that we had, and there were many in this race, I am equally committed to making sure Cory Gardner is a one-term senator,” Romanoff told supporters during a virtual victory party on Zoom.
It will be Lauren Boebert who goes into the election in Colorado in November after her surprise primary victory last night.It will be Lauren Boebert who goes into the election in Colorado in November after her surprise primary victory last night.
The owner of a gun-themed restaurant where staff carry their weapons as they serve customers, Boebert won after a campaign in which she accused five-term Rep. Scott Tipton of not being sufficiently pro-Donald Trump, even though the president had endorsed Tipton.The owner of a gun-themed restaurant where staff carry their weapons as they serve customers, Boebert won after a campaign in which she accused five-term Rep. Scott Tipton of not being sufficiently pro-Donald Trump, even though the president had endorsed Tipton.
Boebert wrote in a recent Aspen Times column that “A sober look at the Tipton record shows a back-burner representative that has failed to live up to his conservative chops that he touted on his Tea Party-inspired campaign trail. If his record lived up to his campaign rhetoric, I wouldn’t feel so compelled to run.”Boebert wrote in a recent Aspen Times column that “A sober look at the Tipton record shows a back-burner representative that has failed to live up to his conservative chops that he touted on his Tea Party-inspired campaign trail. If his record lived up to his campaign rhetoric, I wouldn’t feel so compelled to run.”
She made made a name for herself after loudly protesting Democratic Gov. Jared Polis’ orders to close businesses to fight the coronavirus pandemic. She opened her Shooters Grill restaurant in defiance of closure orders - county officials ended up having to to obtain a cease-and-desist letter from a district judge to shut her restaurant down.She made made a name for herself after loudly protesting Democratic Gov. Jared Polis’ orders to close businesses to fight the coronavirus pandemic. She opened her Shooters Grill restaurant in defiance of closure orders - county officials ended up having to to obtain a cease-and-desist letter from a district judge to shut her restaurant down.
She’s also spoken approvingly of the QAnon far-right conspiracy theory saying during an appearance on QAnon-aligned web show Steel Truth: “Everything that I’ve heard of Q, I hope that this is real because it only means that America is getting stronger and better, and people are returning to conservative values.”She’s also spoken approvingly of the QAnon far-right conspiracy theory saying during an appearance on QAnon-aligned web show Steel Truth: “Everything that I’ve heard of Q, I hope that this is real because it only means that America is getting stronger and better, and people are returning to conservative values.”
Ann Vandersteel, who conducted the interview, tweeted in support of Boebert yesterdayAnn Vandersteel, who conducted the interview, tweeted in support of Boebert yesterday
Boebert will run in November’s general election against Diane Mitsch Bush, a former state lawmaker who won the Democratic nomination on Tuesday.Boebert will run in November’s general election against Diane Mitsch Bush, a former state lawmaker who won the Democratic nomination on Tuesday.
Tipton, who has been in office since 2011, conceded in an email “District Republicans have decided who they want to run against the Democrats this November. I want to congratulate Lauren Boebert and wish her and her supporters well.”Tipton, who has been in office since 2011, conceded in an email “District Republicans have decided who they want to run against the Democrats this November. I want to congratulate Lauren Boebert and wish her and her supporters well.”
Good morning, and welcome to our live coverage of US politics today. Here’s a quick catch-up and some of what we can expect from today:Good morning, and welcome to our live coverage of US politics today. Here’s a quick catch-up and some of what we can expect from today:
Dr Anthony Fauci has braced the country for worsening coronavirus numbers, saying the US could see 100,000 new coronavirus cases daily unless action is taken to reverse the epidemic. Yesterday Alaska, Arizona, California, Georgia, Idaho, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Texas all announced single-day highs for new cases. Experts say masks would help slow the spread - but the president is conspicuously continuing to refuse to wear one in public. The US administration has, though, bought up the world’s stock of Covid-19 drug, remdesivirDr Anthony Fauci has braced the country for worsening coronavirus numbers, saying the US could see 100,000 new coronavirus cases daily unless action is taken to reverse the epidemic. Yesterday Alaska, Arizona, California, Georgia, Idaho, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Texas all announced single-day highs for new cases. Experts say masks would help slow the spread - but the president is conspicuously continuing to refuse to wear one in public. The US administration has, though, bought up the world’s stock of Covid-19 drug, remdesivir
Colorado, Oklahoma and Utah held primaries yesterday. John Hickenlooper has held off Andrew Romanoff in the Colorado Democratic Senate Primary. Lauren Boebert has pulled off a surprise victory over five-term Representative Scott R. Tipton in Colorado’s Republican primary. She’s previously spoken approvingly about the QAnon conspiracy theory, and faced legal action after she refused to obey the state’s coronavirus restrictionsColorado, Oklahoma and Utah held primaries yesterday. John Hickenlooper has held off Andrew Romanoff in the Colorado Democratic Senate Primary. Lauren Boebert has pulled off a surprise victory over five-term Representative Scott R. Tipton in Colorado’s Republican primary. She’s previously spoken approvingly about the QAnon conspiracy theory, and faced legal action after she refused to obey the state’s coronavirus restrictions
Julian Bear Runner, the president of the Oglala Sioux tribal council, has told Donald Trump to stay away from Mount Rushmore. He warns that the president’s planned 3 July visit to the monument on ‘stolen’ Native land risks spreading coronavirus. South Dakota governor Kristi Noem has said the state won’t be enforcing social distancing at the independence day celebration eventJulian Bear Runner, the president of the Oglala Sioux tribal council, has told Donald Trump to stay away from Mount Rushmore. He warns that the president’s planned 3 July visit to the monument on ‘stolen’ Native land risks spreading coronavirus. South Dakota governor Kristi Noem has said the state won’t be enforcing social distancing at the independence day celebration event
Republican Governor Tate Reeves retired Mississippi’s 126-year-old flagRepublican Governor Tate Reeves retired Mississippi’s 126-year-old flag
The Oscars voting body invited in 819 new members in a campaign to diversify the AcademyThe Oscars voting body invited in 819 new members in a campaign to diversify the Academy
And if you fancy a bit of light relief before the day gets properly going, we’ve got a great piece where Martha Reeves discusses the making of and the political impact of her 60s Motown hit that became the unintentional soundtrack to another tumultuous time in American history - Dancing in the Street.And if you fancy a bit of light relief before the day gets properly going, we’ve got a great piece where Martha Reeves discusses the making of and the political impact of her 60s Motown hit that became the unintentional soundtrack to another tumultuous time in American history - Dancing in the Street.
I’ll be your lone warrior on the blog this morning - you can get in touch with me at martin.belam@theguardian.comI’ll be your lone warrior on the blog this morning - you can get in touch with me at martin.belam@theguardian.com