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Joe Biden to focus on economic recovery after publishing Covid strategy – live updates Joe Biden to focus on economic recovery after publishing Covid strategy – live updates
(32 minutes later)
Calls to delay Donald Trump impeachment trial as former president appoints defense lawyer BowersCalls to delay Donald Trump impeachment trial as former president appoints defense lawyer Bowers
A quick foreign policy snap from Reuters here – the Kremlin said this morning it welcomed the stated intention of president Joe Biden to extend the New Start arms control treaty with Russia, but said that Moscow wanted to see concrete proposals from Washington.
The White House said yesterday that Biden would seek a five-year extension of the arms control treaty that is due to expire in early February, in one of the first major foreign policy decisions of the new administration.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said it was important to see the detail of the US proposal. The Trump administration had sought to attach conditions to any renewal, something Moscow rejected.
Amanda Gorman, the 22-year-old poet who stole the show with her poem The Hill We Climb at the presidential inauguration on Wednesday, has landed yet another book deal, with her forthcoming debuts shooting straight to the top of the charts.
Hours after she stepped off the dais, publisher Penguin Children’s announced that it would be releasing Gorman’s poem as a hardcover book in spring, with plans to print 150,000 copies in the first run, unprecedented even for a whole poetry collection, “due to overwhelming demand”.
Days before Gorman’s reading, it was also announced that her debut collection, also titled The Hill We Climb, will be published on 21 September in the US. The national youth poet laureate’s first picture book, Change Sings, written as a children’s anthem, is due to come out the same day.
Both books shot to the top of Amazon’s charts within minutes of Gorman taking to the stage, with the poet sharing her reactions to her newfound fame on social media. “I’m dying!” she shouted in one Instagram story, as she watched a newsreader on television read a glowing tweet addressed to her from Lin-Manuel Miranda, the creator of the musical Hamilton, which inspired part of her poem. In another video, she was filmed staring at Amazon on a laptop, where The Hill We Climb and Change Sings reached No 1 and No 2 respectively on the overall book charts.
“Y’all my Instagram literally is broken, this is not a game, this is not a joke. I just looked up and had one million followers,” she said. “I can’t even post anything … there is so much love and support coming via the app, so thank you so much. This is wild.”
Joe Biden has opened his presidency with a flurry of executive orders aimed at targeting the economic and pandemic crises the Democrat has inherited from the previous Trump administration. However, for CNN, Zachary Wolf argues that executive orders aren’t a solution – they’re a symptom:Joe Biden has opened his presidency with a flurry of executive orders aimed at targeting the economic and pandemic crises the Democrat has inherited from the previous Trump administration. However, for CNN, Zachary Wolf argues that executive orders aren’t a solution – they’re a symptom:
Read more here: CNN – Executive orders aren’t a solution. They’re a symptomRead more here: CNN – Executive orders aren’t a solution. They’re a symptom
Joe Biden on Friday will sign a pair of executive orders aimed at providing immediate relief to American families grappling with the economic toll of the Covid-19 pandemic and expanding safety protections for federal workers.Joe Biden on Friday will sign a pair of executive orders aimed at providing immediate relief to American families grappling with the economic toll of the Covid-19 pandemic and expanding safety protections for federal workers.
The first action targets food insecurity, by expanding nutritional programs for low-income families and children. The order would also attempt to clarify a rule to ensure that jobless Americans would still qualify for unemployment insurance if they declined work that would jeopardize their health.The first action targets food insecurity, by expanding nutritional programs for low-income families and children. The order would also attempt to clarify a rule to ensure that jobless Americans would still qualify for unemployment insurance if they declined work that would jeopardize their health.
The second order is aimed at expanding protections for federal workers by restoring collective bargaining rights and promoting a $15 federal minimum wage. To do so, Biden will direct agencies to conduct a review of federal workers earning less than $15 an hour and develop recommendations for raising their wages.The second order is aimed at expanding protections for federal workers by restoring collective bargaining rights and promoting a $15 federal minimum wage. To do so, Biden will direct agencies to conduct a review of federal workers earning less than $15 an hour and develop recommendations for raising their wages.
“The American people can’t afford to wait,” Brian Deese, Biden’s top economic adviser, said on a call with reporters. “So many are hanging by a thread, they need help and we are committed to doing everything we can to provide that help as quickly as possible.”“The American people can’t afford to wait,” Brian Deese, Biden’s top economic adviser, said on a call with reporters. “So many are hanging by a thread, they need help and we are committed to doing everything we can to provide that help as quickly as possible.”
The latest executive actions come one day after a labor department report showed that unemployment claims remained at historically high levels, with 900,000 Americans filing for unemployment benefits last week. The figures reflected the magnitude of the economic challenges Biden inherited, amid a resurgence of the coronavirus this winter.The latest executive actions come one day after a labor department report showed that unemployment claims remained at historically high levels, with 900,000 Americans filing for unemployment benefits last week. The figures reflected the magnitude of the economic challenges Biden inherited, amid a resurgence of the coronavirus this winter.
Read more of Lauren Gambino’s report here: Biden executive orders target federal minimum wage and food insecurityRead more of Lauren Gambino’s report here: Biden executive orders target federal minimum wage and food insecurity
We know that Republicans in Congress had been complaining about having to go through metal detectors on their way to work, Matt Fuller at the Huffington Post reports on at least one reason why:We know that Republicans in Congress had been complaining about having to go through metal detectors on their way to work, Matt Fuller at the Huffington Post reports on at least one reason why:
Read more here: Huffington Post – Republican Rep. Andy Harris tries to bring gun into House chamberRead more here: Huffington Post – Republican Rep. Andy Harris tries to bring gun into House chamber
Overnight the Republican leader of the House of Representatives, Kevin McCarthy, angrily tweeted about soldiers protecting the US Capitol being forced to sleep out in an unheated parking lot.Overnight the Republican leader of the House of Representatives, Kevin McCarthy, angrily tweeted about soldiers protecting the US Capitol being forced to sleep out in an unheated parking lot.
As you can imagine, on social media there was a lot of pushback, reminding the Representative from California of the Republican party’s role in them being in the Capitol in the first place.As you can imagine, on social media there was a lot of pushback, reminding the Representative from California of the Republican party’s role in them being in the Capitol in the first place.
The outrage though has had its intended effect. The New York Times reports that:The outrage though has had its intended effect. The New York Times reports that:
With millions of Americans waiting for their chance to get the coronavirus vaccine, Associated Press report that a lucky few are getting bumped to the front of the line as clinics scramble to get rid of extra, perishable doses at the end of the day. It is often a matter of being in the right place at the right time.With millions of Americans waiting for their chance to get the coronavirus vaccine, Associated Press report that a lucky few are getting bumped to the front of the line as clinics scramble to get rid of extra, perishable doses at the end of the day. It is often a matter of being in the right place at the right time.
Sometimes people who just happen to be near a clinic at closing time are offered leftover shots that would otherwise be thrown away. Sometimes health workers go out looking for recipients. Some places keep waiting lists and draw names at random.Sometimes people who just happen to be near a clinic at closing time are offered leftover shots that would otherwise be thrown away. Sometimes health workers go out looking for recipients. Some places keep waiting lists and draw names at random.
“One of the nurses said I should go buy a lottery ticket right now,” said Jesse Robinson, outside a Nashville, Tennessee, clinic this week where the 22-year-old was picked from a 15,000-name list for a shot. “I’m not going to question it too much. Just glad it was me.”“One of the nurses said I should go buy a lottery ticket right now,” said Jesse Robinson, outside a Nashville, Tennessee, clinic this week where the 22-year-old was picked from a 15,000-name list for a shot. “I’m not going to question it too much. Just glad it was me.”
David MacMillan was grabbing ingredients for a coconut chickpea dish at a Giant grocery store in Washington when a woman in a lab coat from the in-store pharmacy came up to him and his friend.David MacMillan was grabbing ingredients for a coconut chickpea dish at a Giant grocery store in Washington when a woman in a lab coat from the in-store pharmacy came up to him and his friend.
“I got two doses of the Moderna vaccine. The pharmacy is closing in 10 minutes. Do you want them?” MacMillan, 31, recalled the woman saying. “I thought, ‘Let’s go for it.”’“I got two doses of the Moderna vaccine. The pharmacy is closing in 10 minutes. Do you want them?” MacMillan, 31, recalled the woman saying. “I thought, ‘Let’s go for it.”’
After MacMillan posted a video of his experience on TikTok, the supermarket chain was inundated for days with calls and people hanging around, hoping to score a shot. It has become one of the most unusual quirks in the often uneven, monthlong rollout of the Covid-19 vaccines.After MacMillan posted a video of his experience on TikTok, the supermarket chain was inundated for days with calls and people hanging around, hoping to score a shot. It has become one of the most unusual quirks in the often uneven, monthlong rollout of the Covid-19 vaccines.
Once a vial is thawed from the deep freeze and, even more so, once its seal is punctured and the first dose is drawn, those administering the vaccine are in a race to use it up before it spoils – even if it means giving shots to those who don’t fit into the priority list.Once a vial is thawed from the deep freeze and, even more so, once its seal is punctured and the first dose is drawn, those administering the vaccine are in a race to use it up before it spoils – even if it means giving shots to those who don’t fit into the priority list.
While it may be unsettling to see a 20-something getting a shot while an 90-year-old woman in a nursing home is still waiting, public health experts say getting a dose into someone’s arm, anyone’s arm, is better than throwing it away.While it may be unsettling to see a 20-something getting a shot while an 90-year-old woman in a nursing home is still waiting, public health experts say getting a dose into someone’s arm, anyone’s arm, is better than throwing it away.
Waste is common in global inoculation campaigns, with millions of doses of flu shots trashed each year. By one World Health Organization estimate, more than half of all vaccines are thrown away because they were mishandled, unclaimed or expired. The coronavirus rollout appears to have bucked the trend.Waste is common in global inoculation campaigns, with millions of doses of flu shots trashed each year. By one World Health Organization estimate, more than half of all vaccines are thrown away because they were mishandled, unclaimed or expired. The coronavirus rollout appears to have bucked the trend.
Though federal data is not available, health authorities in various jurisdictions contacted by The Associated Press reported very little waste beyond a few notable cases of doses that were accidentally or deliberately spoiled.Though federal data is not available, health authorities in various jurisdictions contacted by The Associated Press reported very little waste beyond a few notable cases of doses that were accidentally or deliberately spoiled.
In Chicago’s Cook County, Illinois, the health department reported just three of 87,750 doses were wasted, each accidentally spilled by staff. In Ohio, officials said 165 of 459,000 doses distributed as of last week were damaged or lost in transit, thrown away because of vaccine no-shows, or otherwise wasted. New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Houston and other cities and states all have similarly reported tiny fractions of waste.In Chicago’s Cook County, Illinois, the health department reported just three of 87,750 doses were wasted, each accidentally spilled by staff. In Ohio, officials said 165 of 459,000 doses distributed as of last week were damaged or lost in transit, thrown away because of vaccine no-shows, or otherwise wasted. New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Houston and other cities and states all have similarly reported tiny fractions of waste.
“As far as I’m concerned, vaccinate anyone but the dog,” said Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious-disease expert at Vanderbilt University.“As far as I’m concerned, vaccinate anyone but the dog,” said Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious-disease expert at Vanderbilt University.
Yesterday the US recorded 188,952 new coronavirus cases, taking the total pandemic caseload up to 24,611,203. The Johns Hopkins university figures showed there were 3,955 further deaths, meaning the total death toll is now at 410,024.Yesterday the US recorded 188,952 new coronavirus cases, taking the total pandemic caseload up to 24,611,203. The Johns Hopkins university figures showed there were 3,955 further deaths, meaning the total death toll is now at 410,024.
The Covid Tracking Project showed hospitalizations in the US with Covid at 119,927 people. It’s the ninth day in a row that the figure has fallen slightly.The Covid Tracking Project showed hospitalizations in the US with Covid at 119,927 people. It’s the ninth day in a row that the figure has fallen slightly.
Notwithstanding the supply problems, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that at least 37,960,000 vaccine doses have been distributed and at least 17,546,374 shots have been administered.Notwithstanding the supply problems, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that at least 37,960,000 vaccine doses have been distributed and at least 17,546,374 shots have been administered.
Public health experts yesterday blamed sudden Covid-19 vaccine shortages around the US in part on the Trump administration’s push last week to get states to vastly expand their vaccination drives to reach the nation’s estimated 54 million people age 65 and over.Public health experts yesterday blamed sudden Covid-19 vaccine shortages around the US in part on the Trump administration’s push last week to get states to vastly expand their vaccination drives to reach the nation’s estimated 54 million people age 65 and over.
The Associated Press report that push and change in emphasis from the White House has not been accompanied by enough doses to meet demand, according to state and local officials, leading to frustration and confusion and limiting states’ ability to attack the outbreak that has killed over 400,000 Americans.The Associated Press report that push and change in emphasis from the White House has not been accompanied by enough doses to meet demand, according to state and local officials, leading to frustration and confusion and limiting states’ ability to attack the outbreak that has killed over 400,000 Americans.
Over the past few days, authorities in California, Ohio, West Virginia, Florida and Hawaii warned that their supplies were running out. New York City began canceling or postponing shots or stopped making new appointments because of the shortages, which new president Joe Biden has vowed to turn around. Florida’s top health official said the state would deal with the scarcity by restricting vaccines to state residents.Over the past few days, authorities in California, Ohio, West Virginia, Florida and Hawaii warned that their supplies were running out. New York City began canceling or postponing shots or stopped making new appointments because of the shortages, which new president Joe Biden has vowed to turn around. Florida’s top health official said the state would deal with the scarcity by restricting vaccines to state residents.
The vaccine rollout so far has been “a major disappointment,” said Dr. Eric Topol, head of the Scripps Research Translational Institute. Problems started with the Trump administration’s “fatal mistake” of not ordering enough vaccine, which was then snapped up by other countries, Topol said. Then, opening the line to senior citizens set people up for disappointment because there wasn’t enough vaccine, he said. The Trump administration also left crucial planning to the states and didn’t provide the necessary funding.The vaccine rollout so far has been “a major disappointment,” said Dr. Eric Topol, head of the Scripps Research Translational Institute. Problems started with the Trump administration’s “fatal mistake” of not ordering enough vaccine, which was then snapped up by other countries, Topol said. Then, opening the line to senior citizens set people up for disappointment because there wasn’t enough vaccine, he said. The Trump administration also left crucial planning to the states and didn’t provide the necessary funding.
“It doesn’t happen by fairy dust,” Topol said. “You need to put funds into that.”“It doesn’t happen by fairy dust,” Topol said. “You need to put funds into that.”
Last week, before Biden took over as president, the US Health and Human Services Department suggested that the frustration was the result of unrealistic expectations among the states as to how much vaccine was on the way.Last week, before Biden took over as president, the US Health and Human Services Department suggested that the frustration was the result of unrealistic expectations among the states as to how much vaccine was on the way.
But some public health experts said that the states have not been getting reliable information on vaccine deliveries and that the amounts they have been sent have been unpredictable. That, in turn, has made it difficult for them to plan how to inoculate people.But some public health experts said that the states have not been getting reliable information on vaccine deliveries and that the amounts they have been sent have been unpredictable. That, in turn, has made it difficult for them to plan how to inoculate people.
“It’s a bit of having to build it as we go,” said Dr. George Rutherford, an epidemiologist at the University of California, San Francisco. “It’s a front-end supply issue, and unless we know how much vaccine is flowing down the pipe, it’s hard to get these things sized right, staffed, get people there, get them vaccinated and get them gone.”“It’s a bit of having to build it as we go,” said Dr. George Rutherford, an epidemiologist at the University of California, San Francisco. “It’s a front-end supply issue, and unless we know how much vaccine is flowing down the pipe, it’s hard to get these things sized right, staffed, get people there, get them vaccinated and get them gone.”
State health secretaries have asked the Biden administration for earlier and more reliable predictions on vaccine deliveries, said Washington state Health Secretary Dr. Umair Shah.State health secretaries have asked the Biden administration for earlier and more reliable predictions on vaccine deliveries, said Washington state Health Secretary Dr. Umair Shah.
Dr. Marcus Plescia of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials was also among those who said opening vaccinations to senior citizens was done too soon, before supply could catch up.Dr. Marcus Plescia of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials was also among those who said opening vaccinations to senior citizens was done too soon, before supply could catch up.
“We needed steady federal leadership on this early in the launch,” Plescia said. “That did not happen, and now that we are not prioritizing groups, there is going to be some lag for supply to catch up with demand.”“We needed steady federal leadership on this early in the launch,” Plescia said. “That did not happen, and now that we are not prioritizing groups, there is going to be some lag for supply to catch up with demand.”
One lawyer you might have expected to see plying his trade for the president at the impeachment trial is Rudy Giuliani, who has stood by the president through thick and thin.One lawyer you might have expected to see plying his trade for the president at the impeachment trial is Rudy Giuliani, who has stood by the president through thick and thin.
However, there are reports the two have fallen out over unpaid legal bills, and in any case Giuliani has recused himself from the impeachment process because he appeared at the same event where former president Donald Trump is accused of whipping up the mod that ransacked the US Capitol. Giuliani famously suggested in his speech that day that “trial by combat” should be used to settle the election, which he later claimed was a reference to Game of Thrones.However, there are reports the two have fallen out over unpaid legal bills, and in any case Giuliani has recused himself from the impeachment process because he appeared at the same event where former president Donald Trump is accused of whipping up the mod that ransacked the US Capitol. Giuliani famously suggested in his speech that day that “trial by combat” should be used to settle the election, which he later claimed was a reference to Game of Thrones.
Giuliani also has something else to deal with – calls for New York’s judiciary to suspend his law licence.Giuliani also has something else to deal with – calls for New York’s judiciary to suspend his law licence.
Lawyers Defending American Democracy is also calling for investigation of Giuliani, who served as a federal prosecutor and a New York City mayor before Trump hired him as personal attorney.Lawyers Defending American Democracy is also calling for investigation of Giuliani, who served as a federal prosecutor and a New York City mayor before Trump hired him as personal attorney.
“This complaint is about law, not politics,” said their letter to the attorney grievance committee for the New York supreme court. It was signed by more than 40 lawyers.“This complaint is about law, not politics,” said their letter to the attorney grievance committee for the New York supreme court. It was signed by more than 40 lawyers.
The grievance committee, part of New York state’s judiciary, has the power to censure and suspend lawyers and revoke their law licences.The grievance committee, part of New York state’s judiciary, has the power to censure and suspend lawyers and revoke their law licences.
Giuliani led the legal team that tried to overturn Trump’s election defeat but failed to produce any evidence of widespread fraud. The team lost dozens of court cases in battleground states and at the supreme court.Giuliani led the legal team that tried to overturn Trump’s election defeat but failed to produce any evidence of widespread fraud. The team lost dozens of court cases in battleground states and at the supreme court.
Read more here: Rudy Giuliani – lawyers call for Trump’s personal attorney to lose law licenceRead more here: Rudy Giuliani – lawyers call for Trump’s personal attorney to lose law licence
One of the reasons Mitch McConnell has given for trying to delay the trial of former president Donald Trump is to give him more time to prepare. Reuters this morning are reporting that Trump has at least taken the step of beginning to put together his legal defense team.One of the reasons Mitch McConnell has given for trying to delay the trial of former president Donald Trump is to give him more time to prepare. Reuters this morning are reporting that Trump has at least taken the step of beginning to put together his legal defense team.
Trump has hired South Carolina-based lawyer Butch Bowers to represent him at the Senate trial. While relatively unknown on the national stage, Bowers has represented former Republican governors in South Carolina and served in the US Justice Department under Republican former President George W. Bush.Trump has hired South Carolina-based lawyer Butch Bowers to represent him at the Senate trial. While relatively unknown on the national stage, Bowers has represented former Republican governors in South Carolina and served in the US Justice Department under Republican former President George W. Bush.
Republican Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, a Trump ally, recommended him, the source said.Republican Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, a Trump ally, recommended him, the source said.
In 2012, Bowers represented then-Governor Nikki Haley in an ethics hearing over allegations that she engaged in illegal lobbying while she was a state representative. Haley was cleared of wrongdoing.In 2012, Bowers represented then-Governor Nikki Haley in an ethics hearing over allegations that she engaged in illegal lobbying while she was a state representative. Haley was cleared of wrongdoing.
In 2009, Bowers represented then-Governor Mark Sanford in an ethics hearing over his use of a state aircraft for a secret five-day trip to Argentina to see a woman with whom he was having an extramarital affair. Sanford agreed to pay $74,000 to settle charges that his personal travel and campaign spending violated state ethics laws, but he continued to deny wrongdoing.In 2009, Bowers represented then-Governor Mark Sanford in an ethics hearing over his use of a state aircraft for a secret five-day trip to Argentina to see a woman with whom he was having an extramarital affair. Sanford agreed to pay $74,000 to settle charges that his personal travel and campaign spending violated state ethics laws, but he continued to deny wrongdoing.
Bowers, also known as Karl Smith Bowers Jr., is a graduate of Tulane University’s law school, has his own law firm and is associated with the Miller Law Group.Bowers, also known as Karl Smith Bowers Jr., is a graduate of Tulane University’s law school, has his own law firm and is associated with the Miller Law Group.
“I’ve always found him to be competent and ethical,” said South Carolina lawyer Jay Bender, a Democrat who has known Bowers professionally for over 20 years. But he said Trump would not be his first controversial representation. “I’ve found many of his clients to be objectionable,” Bender said.“I’ve always found him to be competent and ethical,” said South Carolina lawyer Jay Bender, a Democrat who has known Bowers professionally for over 20 years. But he said Trump would not be his first controversial representation. “I’ve found many of his clients to be objectionable,” Bender said.
Republican Senator Mike Braun, speaking to reporters on Thursday, put a mid-February date on the likely timing of the trial, in order to give Bowers time to prepare.Republican Senator Mike Braun, speaking to reporters on Thursday, put a mid-February date on the likely timing of the trial, in order to give Bowers time to prepare.
Yesterday Republican Mitch McConnell proposed delaying Donald Trump’s impeachment trial, and Democrat House speaker Nancy Pelosi decline to confirm when the article of impeachment will be sent from the House to the Senate. However, whenever it happens, Tom McCarthy reports that the verdict will rest in the hands of Republican Senators:Yesterday Republican Mitch McConnell proposed delaying Donald Trump’s impeachment trial, and Democrat House speaker Nancy Pelosi decline to confirm when the article of impeachment will be sent from the House to the Senate. However, whenever it happens, Tom McCarthy reports that the verdict will rest in the hands of Republican Senators:
A two-thirds majority of voting senators – 67 if all 100 members vote – is still required to convict the president, and the Democratic caucus will number only 50 senators. Thus they would need 17 Republicans to join them to convict Trump.A two-thirds majority of voting senators – 67 if all 100 members vote – is still required to convict the president, and the Democratic caucus will number only 50 senators. Thus they would need 17 Republicans to join them to convict Trump.
If convicted, Trump could be banned from ever again holding public office. If not, Trump, who won the votes of 74 million Americans just two months ago, might simply run for president again in 2024.If convicted, Trump could be banned from ever again holding public office. If not, Trump, who won the votes of 74 million Americans just two months ago, might simply run for president again in 2024.
The judgment facing Republicans is more political than constitutional, said Frank O Bowman III, author of High Crimes and Misdemeanors: A History of Impeachment for the Age of Trump and a professor at the University of Missouri school of law.The judgment facing Republicans is more political than constitutional, said Frank O Bowman III, author of High Crimes and Misdemeanors: A History of Impeachment for the Age of Trump and a professor at the University of Missouri school of law.
“If Republicans decide, as most of them will, maybe nearly all, to vote against this, it’s going to have nothing to do with their opinion about the behavior of Donald Trump,” he said.“If Republicans decide, as most of them will, maybe nearly all, to vote against this, it’s going to have nothing to do with their opinion about the behavior of Donald Trump,” he said.
“It will have everything to do with their narrow political calculation about balancing whatever allegiance they may feel to the constitution with concerns about being attacked from the Trumpist right, to, on the other side, a sense that I suspect many of them have that if they could rid themselves of this turbulent priest, and not have to suffer any major electoral consequences, they’d do it in a minute.”“It will have everything to do with their narrow political calculation about balancing whatever allegiance they may feel to the constitution with concerns about being attacked from the Trumpist right, to, on the other side, a sense that I suspect many of them have that if they could rid themselves of this turbulent priest, and not have to suffer any major electoral consequences, they’d do it in a minute.”
The most important Republican senator of all, minority leader McConnell has indicated that he might vote to convict Trump, whom he blasted on the floor of the Senate a day before Trump left office.The most important Republican senator of all, minority leader McConnell has indicated that he might vote to convict Trump, whom he blasted on the floor of the Senate a day before Trump left office.
“The mob was fed lies,” McConnell said. “They were provoked by the president and other powerful people. And they tried to use fear and violence to stop a specific proceeding of the first branch of the federal government which they did not like. But we pressed on.”“The mob was fed lies,” McConnell said. “They were provoked by the president and other powerful people. And they tried to use fear and violence to stop a specific proceeding of the first branch of the federal government which they did not like. But we pressed on.”
McConnell’s break with Trump is breathtaking for many political observers. The last time Trump faced an impeachment trial, McConnell promised “total coordination with the White House” on Trump’s defense, said there was “no chance” Trump would be convicted, and told Fox News, “the case is so darn weak coming from the House”.McConnell’s break with Trump is breathtaking for many political observers. The last time Trump faced an impeachment trial, McConnell promised “total coordination with the White House” on Trump’s defense, said there was “no chance” Trump would be convicted, and told Fox News, “the case is so darn weak coming from the House”.
This time, McConnell has announced: “I have not made a final decision on how I will vote, and I intend to listen to the legal arguments when they are presented to the Senate.”This time, McConnell has announced: “I have not made a final decision on how I will vote, and I intend to listen to the legal arguments when they are presented to the Senate.”
Read more of Tom McCarthy’s report here: Donald Trump’s second impeachment trial rests in the hands of Republican senatorsRead more of Tom McCarthy’s report here: Donald Trump’s second impeachment trial rests in the hands of Republican senators
Hi, and welcome to our live coverage of US politics on Friday. Here’s a quick catch-up on where we are, and what we might see today…Hi, and welcome to our live coverage of US politics on Friday. Here’s a quick catch-up on where we are, and what we might see today…
Joe Biden signed a series of executive orders aimed at tackling the coronavirus pandemic. The president asked the country to “mask up” for 100 days to limit the spread of the virus.Joe Biden signed a series of executive orders aimed at tackling the coronavirus pandemic. The president asked the country to “mask up” for 100 days to limit the spread of the virus.
Dr Anthony Fauci said it was “liberating” to “let the science speak” now that Biden has been sworn in. Appearing in the White House briefing room for the first time since the inauguration, Fauci criticized the Trump administration’s handling of the pandemic.Dr Anthony Fauci said it was “liberating” to “let the science speak” now that Biden has been sworn in. Appearing in the White House briefing room for the first time since the inauguration, Fauci criticized the Trump administration’s handling of the pandemic.
Yesterday the US recorded 188,952 new coronavirus cases, and 3,955 further deaths. For the 51st consecutive day there were over 100,000 people in US hospitals with Covid, though the number continues to drop slightly at 119,927.Yesterday the US recorded 188,952 new coronavirus cases, and 3,955 further deaths. For the 51st consecutive day there were over 100,000 people in US hospitals with Covid, though the number continues to drop slightly at 119,927.
Climate envoy John Kerry committed the US to the climate crisis fight, but warned the world is way off pace.Climate envoy John Kerry committed the US to the climate crisis fight, but warned the world is way off pace.
Nancy Pelosi declined to specify when she will transmit the article of impeachment to the Senate, instead simply saying she will do so “soon”. It could be today. Or maybe not. Whenever it happens, Donald Trump’s trial rests in the hands of Republican senators.Nancy Pelosi declined to specify when she will transmit the article of impeachment to the Senate, instead simply saying she will do so “soon”. It could be today. Or maybe not. Whenever it happens, Donald Trump’s trial rests in the hands of Republican senators.
Mitch McConnell has called for Trump’s trial to be delayed, as reports suggest the former president has appointed Butch Bowers as his defense attorney.Mitch McConnell has called for Trump’s trial to be delayed, as reports suggest the former president has appointed Butch Bowers as his defense attorney.
Lawyers have called for Trump’s personal attorney Rudy Giuliani to lose his law licence.Lawyers have called for Trump’s personal attorney Rudy Giuliani to lose his law licence.
It’s a busy day planned in the oval office. President Joe Biden and vice president Kamala Harris will get the daily briefing, and will lunch together. Later they’ll get a briefing on the state of the economy, and are expected to appear together when Biden makes remarks about his economic recovery plan.It’s a busy day planned in the oval office. President Joe Biden and vice president Kamala Harris will get the daily briefing, and will lunch together. Later they’ll get a briefing on the state of the economy, and are expected to appear together when Biden makes remarks about his economic recovery plan.