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Trump wishes new administration 'success' as Pence reveals he will skip president's farewell event – live Biden and Harris hold memorial for 400k US coronavirus victims – live
(32 minutes later)
White House releases Trump farewell address amid preparations for Biden inauguration – follow live Event at the Lincoln Memorial will be a ‘national moment of unity’ to honor the lives lost to Covid-19, tweeted Jill Biden – follow live
More than a dozen civil rights groups are calling for a Republican election official in Georgia to resign after she called on state lawmakers to change voting rules so that Republicans “at least have a shot at winning.”
The official, Alice O’Lenick, is one of two Republicans on the 5-member board of election and registration in Gwinnett County, which is just outside of Atlanta. O’Lenick, who is currently serving as the board’s chair, said she backs getting rid of no-excuse absentee voting in Georgia, a process Republicans put in place in 2005, and getting rid of ballot drop boxes. Her comments come after Georgia saw record turnout both in the November election and two US senate runoffs, all of which Democrats won in an upset.
“I was on a Zoom call the other day and I said, ‘I’m like a dog with a bone. I will not let them end this session without changing some of these laws,’ “ O’Lenick said, according to the Gwinnett Daily Post. “They don’t have to change all of them, but they’ve got to change the major parts of them so that we at least have a shot at winning.”
The coalition of civil rights groups said it was clear O’Lenick was pushing partisan interests and that she needed to resign.
“Alice O’Lenick isn’t even trying to hide her bias against Democratic voters and voters of color in Gwinnett County,” the coalition said in a statement.
“She has made clear that her only motivation in her position is pure partisanship, engaging openly in rhetoric that is more suited for a political party hack than an elections official. County election board members and chairs should celebrate high voter turnout, regardless of outcome, not advocate laws that will benefit one party over the other.
Republicans in the Georgia legislature have pledged to reexamine the state’s voting laws this year. In addition to weighing whether to get rid of no-excuse absentee voting, they are also reportedly weighing implementing a new requirement to have voters provide a copy of their ID when they submit an absentee ballot. Voting rights groups say this would be an unnecessary hurdle - there was no evidence of fraud in 2020, and voters may not be easily able to submit a copy of their ID.
O’Lenick also said she wants to examine the voter rolls in Gwinnett county to make sure only eligible voters are on them. Georgia has faced criticism in recent years for moving aggressively to remove voters from the rolls.
The memorial included a rendition of “Amazing Grace” by Lori Marie Key, a nurse who works at the Saint Joseph Mercy Health System in Michigan.
A video of Key, 29, singing at the hospital where she works became an online sensation last year. “When I’m at work, I sing – it gives me strength during difficult times and. I believe it helps heal,” she said at the memorial event.
Joe Biden, Kamala Harris and their spouses Jill Biden and Douglas Emhoff have gathered at the reflecting pool of the Lincoln Memorial. “To honor the nearly 400,000 lives lost in the United States to this pandemic”, the memorial will “include illuminating 400 lights around the reflection pool”, the inauguration team said.
In an email to Republican colleagues, Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell indicated that he will fight to keep the legislative filibuster in the Senate. Under Senate rules, at least 60 votes are needed in order to bring a bill to a vote, giving the minority party power in indefinitely delaying bills it opposes.In an email to Republican colleagues, Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell indicated that he will fight to keep the legislative filibuster in the Senate. Under Senate rules, at least 60 votes are needed in order to bring a bill to a vote, giving the minority party power in indefinitely delaying bills it opposes.
Democrats have a very slim advantage over Republicans in the Senate with 50 Senate seats and vice-president-elect Kamala Harris to be the tie-breaking vote as Senate president, so it’s no surprise that McConnell wants to preserve the filibuster as a check on Democrats.Democrats have a very slim advantage over Republicans in the Senate with 50 Senate seats and vice-president-elect Kamala Harris to be the tie-breaking vote as Senate president, so it’s no surprise that McConnell wants to preserve the filibuster as a check on Democrats.
“Having an equally divided Senate means that we have to work together to get anything done and the spirit of true bipartisan compromise is possible only when each side realizes they must come to the table together,” McConnell wrote in his email, which was obtained by the National Review.“Having an equally divided Senate means that we have to work together to get anything done and the spirit of true bipartisan compromise is possible only when each side realizes they must come to the table together,” McConnell wrote in his email, which was obtained by the National Review.
Of course McConnell happily did away with the filibuster to get Donald Trump’s supreme court nominee confirmed without a supermajority, but it’s clear McConnell is hoping to maintain as much influence in the Senate as possible.Of course McConnell happily did away with the filibuster to get Donald Trump’s supreme court nominee confirmed without a supermajority, but it’s clear McConnell is hoping to maintain as much influence in the Senate as possible.
While some Democrats like Elizabeth Warren have been vocal advocates of eliminating the filibuster, some Democrats, including Joe Manchin of West Virginia, who is considered the most conservative Democrat, oppose the move.While some Democrats like Elizabeth Warren have been vocal advocates of eliminating the filibuster, some Democrats, including Joe Manchin of West Virginia, who is considered the most conservative Democrat, oppose the move.
McConnell and incoming Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer met this afternoon to discuss, among other things, how they plan to divide power in the Senate. After the meeting, Schumer declined to comment on how the meeting went, telling reporters “we discussed a whole lot of issues”.McConnell and incoming Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer met this afternoon to discuss, among other things, how they plan to divide power in the Senate. After the meeting, Schumer declined to comment on how the meeting went, telling reporters “we discussed a whole lot of issues”.
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:
The US coronavirus death toll surpassed 400,000, representing the highest death toll of any country in the world. Joe Biden will soon participate in a service at the Lincoln Memorial to honor the 400,000 Americans lost in the pandemic.The US coronavirus death toll surpassed 400,000, representing the highest death toll of any country in the world. Joe Biden will soon participate in a service at the Lincoln Memorial to honor the 400,000 Americans lost in the pandemic.
Donald Trump shared his farewell address to the nation. The president, who is leaving Washington before Biden’s inauguration tomorrow, wished the new administration success but did not utter the name of his successor.Donald Trump shared his farewell address to the nation. The president, who is leaving Washington before Biden’s inauguration tomorrow, wished the new administration success but did not utter the name of his successor.
Mike Pence confirmed he will not attend the president’s farewell event tomorrow. The vice-president’s office released his schedule for tomorrow, and it includes only one event: the inauguration of Biden and Kamala Harris.Mike Pence confirmed he will not attend the president’s farewell event tomorrow. The vice-president’s office released his schedule for tomorrow, and it includes only one event: the inauguration of Biden and Kamala Harris.
Mitch McConnell acknowledged the violent mob that attacked the Capitol earlier this month was “provoked by the president”. The Senate Republican leader said in a floor speech this afternoon, “The mob was fed lies. They were provoked by the president and other powerful people.”Mitch McConnell acknowledged the violent mob that attacked the Capitol earlier this month was “provoked by the president”. The Senate Republican leader said in a floor speech this afternoon, “The mob was fed lies. They were provoked by the president and other powerful people.”
Two National Guard troops were removed from inauguration duty due to ties to far-right militia groups, according to the AP. The FBI has been vetting the thousands of National Guard troops sent to provide security for Biden’s inauguration.Two National Guard troops were removed from inauguration duty due to ties to far-right militia groups, according to the AP. The FBI has been vetting the thousands of National Guard troops sent to provide security for Biden’s inauguration.
Maanvi will have more coming up, so stay tuned.Maanvi will have more coming up, so stay tuned.
Joe Biden and his family arrived at Joint Base Andrews, just outside of Washington, moments ago after a short flight from Delaware.Joe Biden and his family arrived at Joint Base Andrews, just outside of Washington, moments ago after a short flight from Delaware.
The president-elect, who will be sworn in tomorrow, will soon participate in a service at the Lincoln Memorial to honor the Americans who have died of coronavirus.The president-elect, who will be sworn in tomorrow, will soon participate in a service at the Lincoln Memorial to honor the Americans who have died of coronavirus.
The US coronavirus death toll surpassed 400,000 earlier today, representing the highest death toll of any country in the world.The US coronavirus death toll surpassed 400,000 earlier today, representing the highest death toll of any country in the world.
Donald Trump concluded his farewell address by nodding at his possible political future, even as he awaits the start of his second Senate impeachment trial.Donald Trump concluded his farewell address by nodding at his possible political future, even as he awaits the start of his second Senate impeachment trial.
“Now, as I prepare to hand power over to a new administration at noon on Wednesday, I want you to know that the movement we started is only just beginning,” Trump said, again avoiding saying Joe Biden’s name. “There’s never been anything like it.”“Now, as I prepare to hand power over to a new administration at noon on Wednesday, I want you to know that the movement we started is only just beginning,” Trump said, again avoiding saying Joe Biden’s name. “There’s never been anything like it.”
If the Senate votes to convict Trump, the chamber can block him from seeking federal office again. However, it’s unclear whether two-thirds of the Senate, which will soon be split evenly between Democrats and Republicans, would support conviction.If the Senate votes to convict Trump, the chamber can block him from seeking federal office again. However, it’s unclear whether two-thirds of the Senate, which will soon be split evenly between Democrats and Republicans, would support conviction.
Trump ended his address by saying, “I go from this majestic place with a loyal and joyful heart, an optimistic spirit, and a supreme confidence that for our country and for our children, the best is yet to come. Thank you, and farewell. God bless you. God bless the United States of America.”Trump ended his address by saying, “I go from this majestic place with a loyal and joyful heart, an optimistic spirit, and a supreme confidence that for our country and for our children, the best is yet to come. Thank you, and farewell. God bless you. God bless the United States of America.”
Trump is set to leave Washington tomorrow morning, before Biden takes the oath of office. He has less than a day left in his presidency.Trump is set to leave Washington tomorrow morning, before Biden takes the oath of office. He has less than a day left in his presidency.
Donald Trump celebrated his controversy-laden presidency in his farewell address to the American people.Donald Trump celebrated his controversy-laden presidency in his farewell address to the American people.
“I did not seek the path that would get the least criticism,” Trump said of his lone term as president.“I did not seek the path that would get the least criticism,” Trump said of his lone term as president.
“I took on the tough battles, the hardest fights, the most difficult choices – because that’s what you elected me to do.”“I took on the tough battles, the hardest fights, the most difficult choices – because that’s what you elected me to do.”
The result of that leadership style is that Trump is leaving office with his lowest approval rating since becoming president.The result of that leadership style is that Trump is leaving office with his lowest approval rating since becoming president.
Donald Trump used his farewell address to tout the success of his administration, saying, “We did what we came here to do – and so much more.”Donald Trump used his farewell address to tout the success of his administration, saying, “We did what we came here to do – and so much more.”
According to PolitiFact, the president has broken more than half of the promises that he made to the American people.According to PolitiFact, the president has broken more than half of the promises that he made to the American people.
The president also celebrated his administration for overseeing the production of coronavirus vaccines, even as the US coronavirus death toll surpassed 400,000 earlier today.The president also celebrated his administration for overseeing the production of coronavirus vaccines, even as the US coronavirus death toll surpassed 400,000 earlier today.
In his farewell address, Donald Trump thanked the American people for the “extraordinary privilege” of having been elected president.In his farewell address, Donald Trump thanked the American people for the “extraordinary privilege” of having been elected president.
The outgoing president also offered a message of encouragement to his successor, but Trump avoided saying Joe Biden’s name.The outgoing president also offered a message of encouragement to his successor, but Trump avoided saying Joe Biden’s name.
“This week, we inaugurate a new administration and pray for its success in keeping America safe and prosperous,” Trump said.“This week, we inaugurate a new administration and pray for its success in keeping America safe and prosperous,” Trump said.
“We extend our best wishes, and we also want them to have luck – a very important word.”“We extend our best wishes, and we also want them to have luck – a very important word.”
The White House has released Donald Trump’s farewell address, a 20-minute pre-recorded video of the president touting his accomplishments in office.The White House has released Donald Trump’s farewell address, a 20-minute pre-recorded video of the president touting his accomplishments in office.
The release of the video comes one day before the inauguration of Joe Biden, which Trump does not plan to attend.The release of the video comes one day before the inauguration of Joe Biden, which Trump does not plan to attend.
“My fellow Americans, four years ago, we launched a great national effort to rebuild our country, to renew its spirit and to restore the allegiance of this government to its citizens,” Trump said in the video.“My fellow Americans, four years ago, we launched a great national effort to rebuild our country, to renew its spirit and to restore the allegiance of this government to its citizens,” Trump said in the video.
“In short, we embarked on a mission to make America great again for all Americans.”“In short, we embarked on a mission to make America great again for all Americans.”
Mike Pence will not attend Donald Trump’s farewell event tomorrow, the vice-president’s office just confirmed.Mike Pence will not attend Donald Trump’s farewell event tomorrow, the vice-president’s office just confirmed.
Pence’s office released his schedule for tomorrow, and it includes only one event: the inauguration of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. (Trump intends to leave Washington before the inauguration.)Pence’s office released his schedule for tomorrow, and it includes only one event: the inauguration of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. (Trump intends to leave Washington before the inauguration.)
Pence also offered a farewell message to the country, sending a tweet that thanked Americans for “the privilege of serving as your Vice President these past four years”.Pence also offered a farewell message to the country, sending a tweet that thanked Americans for “the privilege of serving as your Vice President these past four years”.
The tweet included several photos from Pence’s time as vice-president. Trump appeared in none of them.The tweet included several photos from Pence’s time as vice-president. Trump appeared in none of them.
Senator Josh Hawley is blocking Joe Biden’s nominee to lead the department of homeland security from quick consideration, over concerns about the incoming administration’s immigration agenda.Senator Josh Hawley is blocking Joe Biden’s nominee to lead the department of homeland security from quick consideration, over concerns about the incoming administration’s immigration agenda.
Hawley released a statement about his plans after the homeland security secretary nominee, Alejandro Mayorkas, testified at a Senate confirmation hearing.Hawley released a statement about his plans after the homeland security secretary nominee, Alejandro Mayorkas, testified at a Senate confirmation hearing.
“Mr. Mayorkas has not adequately explained how he will enforce federal law and secure the southern border given President-elect Biden’s promise to roll back major enforcement and security measures,” Hawley said in a statement.“Mr. Mayorkas has not adequately explained how he will enforce federal law and secure the southern border given President-elect Biden’s promise to roll back major enforcement and security measures,” Hawley said in a statement.
Biden’s team has indicated he plans to release an immigration bill tomorrow, shortly after taking the oath of office.Biden’s team has indicated he plans to release an immigration bill tomorrow, shortly after taking the oath of office.
Hawley said, “Given this, I cannot consent to skip the standard vetting process and fast-track this nomination when so many questions remain unanswered.”Hawley said, “Given this, I cannot consent to skip the standard vetting process and fast-track this nomination when so many questions remain unanswered.”
Democrats have called on the Senate to rapidly confirm some of Biden’s cabinet nominees, and while Hawley’s maneuver will slightly delay Mayorkas’ confirmation, Democrats will still be able to confirm him after tomorrow, when they take control of the chamber.Democrats have called on the Senate to rapidly confirm some of Biden’s cabinet nominees, and while Hawley’s maneuver will slightly delay Mayorkas’ confirmation, Democrats will still be able to confirm him after tomorrow, when they take control of the chamber.
Since the violent riot at the Capitol, Hawley has come under intense criticism for objecting to the certification of Biden’s victory in the presidential election, and some of his Democratic colleagues have called for his resignation.Since the violent riot at the Capitol, Hawley has come under intense criticism for objecting to the certification of Biden’s victory in the presidential election, and some of his Democratic colleagues have called for his resignation.