This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/live/2021/jan/25/donald-trump-impeachment-joe-biden-nancy-pelosi-kamal-harris-covid-coronavirus-live-updates

The article has changed 31 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 8 Version 9
Trump impeachment: Pelosi to formally send article of impeachment to Senate today – live Trump impeachment: Pelosi to formally send article of impeachment to Senate today – live
(32 minutes later)
Former president charged with ‘incitement of insurrection’ after assault on Capitol by pro-Trump mobFormer president charged with ‘incitement of insurrection’ after assault on Capitol by pro-Trump mob
Spike Lee has likened Donald Trump to Hitler in an acceptance speech at a film critics awards show, adding that “the whole world is laughing at the United States”.
The director made his comments when he accepted a special award from the New York Film Critics Circle for his short film New York, New York. The film was released in May 2020 and Lee described it as a “love letter to its people”.
Lee said the comments about Trump were recorded on 6 January, the day of the Capitol breach, which he said was “a very sad day in the history of America”.
“We are living in a very serious time in America,” said the director. “His president, President Agent Orange, will go down in history with the likes of Hitler … all his boys, they are going down on the wrong side of history.”
Lee has a history of sparring with Trump, including calling him a “motherfucker” over Trump’s response to the 2017 Charlotteville protests, during which activist Heather Heyer was murdered by white supremacist James Fields. Trump accused him of a “racist hit on your president” after an earlier acceptance speech by Lee at the 2019 Oscars.
I mentioned Sen. Josh Hawley briefly earlier. As well as using the front page of the New York Post to complain that cancel culture has silenced him, Hawley has used his position as a Senator of the United States to issue a letter today in which he is calling on the Senate Committee on Ethics to investigate seven Democratic party members of the Senate for filing what he describes as “an unprecedently frivolous and improper ethics complaint against me and Senator Cruz.”
He is requesting an investigation into the conduct of Sens. Whitehouse, Wyden, Smith, Blumenthal, Hirono, Kaine, and Brown “in preparing and filing this baseless and destructive complaint” and then asking the committee to take disciplinary action against them.
You can read Hawley’s complaint in full here, although I should warn you that if you click on the link and read his words you will be undermining his earlier claim to have been silenced.
One of the most familiar – and exasperated – voices in the media during the Donald Trump era was Glenn Kessler, whose duty it was to run the fact-checking blog at the Washington Post. He posted over the weekend a little bit about what it was like to maintain an operation like that in the face of Trump’s untruths.One of the most familiar – and exasperated – voices in the media during the Donald Trump era was Glenn Kessler, whose duty it was to run the fact-checking blog at the Washington Post. He posted over the weekend a little bit about what it was like to maintain an operation like that in the face of Trump’s untruths.
Read more here: Washington Post – Trump made 30,573 false or misleading claims as president. Nearly half came in his final yearRead more here: Washington Post – Trump made 30,573 false or misleading claims as president. Nearly half came in his final year
David Runciman, professor of politics at Cambridge University in the UK, offers us his thoughts today on what Joe Biden understood by “democracy” in his inaugural address, and whether that matched up to the ideas of the founding fathers:David Runciman, professor of politics at Cambridge University in the UK, offers us his thoughts today on what Joe Biden understood by “democracy” in his inaugural address, and whether that matched up to the ideas of the founding fathers:
The three words that stood out in Joe Biden’s powerful inaugural address, if only for the number of times he used them, were “democracy”, “unity” and “truth”. he founding fathers of the American republic, whose history and institutions Biden also repeatedly invoked, might have been surprised to hear him run the three together. They believed they were founding a state that was designed to keep democracy at arm’s length.The three words that stood out in Joe Biden’s powerful inaugural address, if only for the number of times he used them, were “democracy”, “unity” and “truth”. he founding fathers of the American republic, whose history and institutions Biden also repeatedly invoked, might have been surprised to hear him run the three together. They believed they were founding a state that was designed to keep democracy at arm’s length.
They viewed the voting public as notoriously fractious and prone to believe all sorts of nonsense. The point of establishing a republic rather than a democracy was to ensure there were safeguards against populism in all its forms.They viewed the voting public as notoriously fractious and prone to believe all sorts of nonsense. The point of establishing a republic rather than a democracy was to ensure there were safeguards against populism in all its forms.
Biden clearly meant something different by democracy than the people gone wild. He was invoking a different, and much later tradition, that sees democracy as defined by the peaceful transfer of power. In academic circles this is sometimes called the minimalist theory of democracy. It says that it is sufficient for democracy if incumbents, who control the armed forces, hand over that control to the people who defeat them at the ballot box. The guns change hands when the voters change sides.Biden clearly meant something different by democracy than the people gone wild. He was invoking a different, and much later tradition, that sees democracy as defined by the peaceful transfer of power. In academic circles this is sometimes called the minimalist theory of democracy. It says that it is sufficient for democracy if incumbents, who control the armed forces, hand over that control to the people who defeat them at the ballot box. The guns change hands when the voters change sides.
The trouble with this view is that it is so minimal, unity and truth are optional extras. There are many places around the world where democracy has failed even this test and defeated incumbents have refused to leave, leading to dictatorship or civil war. But when the test is passed it leaves unresolved most of the questions about how to do politics better.The trouble with this view is that it is so minimal, unity and truth are optional extras. There are many places around the world where democracy has failed even this test and defeated incumbents have refused to leave, leading to dictatorship or civil war. But when the test is passed it leaves unresolved most of the questions about how to do politics better.
Coming just two weeks after an attempt to storm the Capitol and prevent the certification of the election result, Biden’s inauguration took place in the shadow of the most serious threat to this minimal definition of democracy in recent American history. The country had come dangerously close to failing the test. What Biden could also have said, but didn’t, was that the founders were in part to blame.Coming just two weeks after an attempt to storm the Capitol and prevent the certification of the election result, Biden’s inauguration took place in the shadow of the most serious threat to this minimal definition of democracy in recent American history. The country had come dangerously close to failing the test. What Biden could also have said, but didn’t, was that the founders were in part to blame.
Read more here: David Runciman – Biden wants unity and democracy. But in the US these have always been in conflictRead more here: David Runciman – Biden wants unity and democracy. But in the US these have always been in conflict
President Joe Biden is set to issue an executive order to reverse a Pentagon policy that largely bars transgender individuals from joining the military, dumping a ban ordered by former president Donald Trump in a tweet during his first year in office, a person briefed on the decision has told the Associated Press.President Joe Biden is set to issue an executive order to reverse a Pentagon policy that largely bars transgender individuals from joining the military, dumping a ban ordered by former president Donald Trump in a tweet during his first year in office, a person briefed on the decision has told the Associated Press.
It is believed that the White House could announce the move as early as today. The move to reverse the policy has the support of Biden’s newly confirmed defense secretary, retired Army Gen. Lloyd Austin, who spoke of the need to overturn it during his Senate confirmation hearing last week.It is believed that the White House could announce the move as early as today. The move to reverse the policy has the support of Biden’s newly confirmed defense secretary, retired Army Gen. Lloyd Austin, who spoke of the need to overturn it during his Senate confirmation hearing last week.
“I support the president’s plan or plan to overturn the ban,” Austin said. “If you’re fit and you’re qualified to serve and you can maintain the standards, you should be allowed to serve.”“I support the president’s plan or plan to overturn the ban,” Austin said. “If you’re fit and you’re qualified to serve and you can maintain the standards, you should be allowed to serve.”
The decision comes as Biden plans to turn his attention to equity issues that he believes continue to shadow nearly all aspects of American life. The move to overturn the transgender ban is also the latest example of Biden using executive authority in his first days as president to dismantle Trump’s legacy.The decision comes as Biden plans to turn his attention to equity issues that he believes continue to shadow nearly all aspects of American life. The move to overturn the transgender ban is also the latest example of Biden using executive authority in his first days as president to dismantle Trump’s legacy.
It was unclear at present how quickly the Pentagon can put a new policy in effect, and whether it will take some time to work out details. Over the weekend Austin announced that he had ordered a comprehensive review of the sexual harassment prevention efforts within the US military.It was unclear at present how quickly the Pentagon can put a new policy in effect, and whether it will take some time to work out details. Over the weekend Austin announced that he had ordered a comprehensive review of the sexual harassment prevention efforts within the US military.
Biden is scheduled to hold a ceremonial swearing-in ceremony today at the White House for Austin, who became the nation’s first Black defense secretary.Biden is scheduled to hold a ceremonial swearing-in ceremony today at the White House for Austin, who became the nation’s first Black defense secretary.
Pressure is on the Biden administration to ramp up the administration of the Covid vaccines in the US, but Reuters have an exclusive report this morning on a setback – the world’s largest syringe maker does not have the capacity to substantially increase US supplies of specialty syringes needed to squeeze more doses from Pfizer vaccine vials in the coming weeks.Pressure is on the Biden administration to ramp up the administration of the Covid vaccines in the US, but Reuters have an exclusive report this morning on a setback – the world’s largest syringe maker does not have the capacity to substantially increase US supplies of specialty syringes needed to squeeze more doses from Pfizer vaccine vials in the coming weeks.
The vaccine made by Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech is shipped in vials initially indicated to hold five doses. Six doses can be drawn with special syringes, called low dead space, which minimize the amount of vaccine left in the syringe after use.The vaccine made by Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech is shipped in vials initially indicated to hold five doses. Six doses can be drawn with special syringes, called low dead space, which minimize the amount of vaccine left in the syringe after use.
If healthcare providers can reliably extract the sixth dose it would allow supplies to be stretched 20% further. The S government has begun giving healthcare providers new syringe kits to extract six shots from each vial. It said that three of the low dead space syringes in each six-needle kit would allow extraction, according to an email reviewed by Reuters. A CDC spokeswoman said the new kits would contain a “majority” of low dead space syringes.If healthcare providers can reliably extract the sixth dose it would allow supplies to be stretched 20% further. The S government has begun giving healthcare providers new syringe kits to extract six shots from each vial. It said that three of the low dead space syringes in each six-needle kit would allow extraction, according to an email reviewed by Reuters. A CDC spokeswoman said the new kits would contain a “majority” of low dead space syringes.
Syringe maker Becton Dickinson has contracted with the US government to provide 286 million syringes for use with COVID-19 vaccines, including around 40 million low dead space syringes, and is fully prepared to deliver on that agreement, Troy Kirkpatrick, the company’s senior director of public relations, told Reuters.Syringe maker Becton Dickinson has contracted with the US government to provide 286 million syringes for use with COVID-19 vaccines, including around 40 million low dead space syringes, and is fully prepared to deliver on that agreement, Troy Kirkpatrick, the company’s senior director of public relations, told Reuters.
“We are ready to support the US government but we are trying to make sure everyone understands that those devices are not something we have infinite capacity to produce and bringing up new lines does take time,” Kirkpatrick said.“We are ready to support the US government but we are trying to make sure everyone understands that those devices are not something we have infinite capacity to produce and bringing up new lines does take time,” Kirkpatrick said.
The Franklin Lakes, New Jersey-based company is the largest syringe and needle maker in the world and Kirkpatrick said it has boosted overall production capacity by about 1 billion syringes for 2021, with most of the capacity allocated.The Franklin Lakes, New Jersey-based company is the largest syringe and needle maker in the world and Kirkpatrick said it has boosted overall production capacity by about 1 billion syringes for 2021, with most of the capacity allocated.
A new production line for syringes will be functional by July but was not designed to produce additional low dead space syringes, he said.A new production line for syringes will be functional by July but was not designed to produce additional low dead space syringes, he said.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) told providers in an email reviewed by Reuters it has started giving healthcare providers packages including both types of needles. The email said early testing showed that three low dead space syringes used in combination with three standard syringes may yield the sixth dose.The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) told providers in an email reviewed by Reuters it has started giving healthcare providers packages including both types of needles. The email said early testing showed that three low dead space syringes used in combination with three standard syringes may yield the sixth dose.
“Every effort is being made to reconfigure the ancillary kits with syringes that enable the six dose draw without impacting the availability or slowing the delivery of supplies to jurisdictions,” the email said.“Every effort is being made to reconfigure the ancillary kits with syringes that enable the six dose draw without impacting the availability or slowing the delivery of supplies to jurisdictions,” the email said.
You have not been able to move on the internet since Joe Biden’s inauguration without encountering the Bernie Sanders’ mitten meme, and I’m delighted to tell you that I’ve just noticed that this morning we have published Ellie Violet Bramley’s guide to how to make your own.You have not been able to move on the internet since Joe Biden’s inauguration without encountering the Bernie Sanders’ mitten meme, and I’m delighted to tell you that I’ve just noticed that this morning we have published Ellie Violet Bramley’s guide to how to make your own.
Get your knitting started here: How to make Bernie Sanders’ inauguration mittensGet your knitting started here: How to make Bernie Sanders’ inauguration mittens
For Mitch McConnell, the top Republican in the Senate, the first few days of Joe Biden’s presidency has not been about fighting the new Democratic majority in government, it’s been about gaming out how much power he now has.For Mitch McConnell, the top Republican in the Senate, the first few days of Joe Biden’s presidency has not been about fighting the new Democratic majority in government, it’s been about gaming out how much power he now has.
McConnell, the leader of Senate Republicans for over a decade, now finds himself in the position every caucus leader dreads: out of power in the chamber, in charge of a somewhat unruly bunch of politicians, and under pressure over how to handle the impeachment of the last Republican president.McConnell, the leader of Senate Republicans for over a decade, now finds himself in the position every caucus leader dreads: out of power in the chamber, in charge of a somewhat unruly bunch of politicians, and under pressure over how to handle the impeachment of the last Republican president.
Just as McConnell became the Senate minority leader last week, he was confronted with two pressing concerns: retaining power through early negotiations with counterpart Chuck Schumer, the new Senate majority leader, and figuring out how to proceed on the impeachment trial of Donald Trump, which is set to begin in early February.Just as McConnell became the Senate minority leader last week, he was confronted with two pressing concerns: retaining power through early negotiations with counterpart Chuck Schumer, the new Senate majority leader, and figuring out how to proceed on the impeachment trial of Donald Trump, which is set to begin in early February.
It’s a unique predicament for a senator regarded by Republicans as a strategic mastermind of Senate procedure and one reviled by Democrats for obstructionism.It’s a unique predicament for a senator regarded by Republicans as a strategic mastermind of Senate procedure and one reviled by Democrats for obstructionism.
Democrats often point to McConnell’s vow to make then-president Barack Obama a “one term president” as the perfect encapsulation of him. Republicans like to highlight that McConnell was able to usher through over 230 conservative judges onto the federal judiciary. And all the while the ultra-savvy Kentucky Republican has staved off criticism from the insurrectionist elements of his party – like Senator Ted Cruz of Texas.Democrats often point to McConnell’s vow to make then-president Barack Obama a “one term president” as the perfect encapsulation of him. Republicans like to highlight that McConnell was able to usher through over 230 conservative judges onto the federal judiciary. And all the while the ultra-savvy Kentucky Republican has staved off criticism from the insurrectionist elements of his party – like Senator Ted Cruz of Texas.
McConnell, now once again in the minority, will have to deal with anti-establishment colleagues like Cruz and Missouri senator Josh Hawley. Those two senators led the challenge to certifying Joe Biden’s victory that resulted in a mob invading Capitol Hill. McConnell has butted heads with Cruz and allies before and emerged victorious while effectively isolating the Texas senator as punishment. As his caucus knows, losing in a fight with McConnell has its consequences.McConnell, now once again in the minority, will have to deal with anti-establishment colleagues like Cruz and Missouri senator Josh Hawley. Those two senators led the challenge to certifying Joe Biden’s victory that resulted in a mob invading Capitol Hill. McConnell has butted heads with Cruz and allies before and emerged victorious while effectively isolating the Texas senator as punishment. As his caucus knows, losing in a fight with McConnell has its consequences.
But the situation now is different. McConnell has been in ongoing negotiations with Schumer over rules for the Senate over the next two years and added protections for the filibuster, one of the most valuable and powerful stalling tools for the party in the minority in the Senate. The filibuster is a legislative maneuver that allows any senator to delay or even block legislation through ongoing debate unless 60 senators agree to end debate. The 60 senator threshold, especially in a partisan and evenly split Senate makes it especially difficult to advance legislation.But the situation now is different. McConnell has been in ongoing negotiations with Schumer over rules for the Senate over the next two years and added protections for the filibuster, one of the most valuable and powerful stalling tools for the party in the minority in the Senate. The filibuster is a legislative maneuver that allows any senator to delay or even block legislation through ongoing debate unless 60 senators agree to end debate. The 60 senator threshold, especially in a partisan and evenly split Senate makes it especially difficult to advance legislation.
Read more of Daniel Strauss’ analysis here: Mitch McConnell ‘plays the long game’ to retain some power as it slips awayRead more of Daniel Strauss’ analysis here: Mitch McConnell ‘plays the long game’ to retain some power as it slips away
Dominion Voting Systems have today filed a defamation lawsuit against Donald Trump’s personal attorney, Rudy Giuliani.Dominion Voting Systems have today filed a defamation lawsuit against Donald Trump’s personal attorney, Rudy Giuliani.
The 107-page filing with the Federal District Court in Washington seeks damages of more than $1.3 billion. It bases the claim on more than 50 statements made by Giuliani at legislative hearings, on his podcast, on his Twitter account and in the media.The 107-page filing with the Federal District Court in Washington seeks damages of more than $1.3 billion. It bases the claim on more than 50 statements made by Giuliani at legislative hearings, on his podcast, on his Twitter account and in the media.
As part of the lawsuit, Dominion cite the Capitol riot on 6 January as an example of the consequences of Giuliani’s claims. Thomas A. Clare, a lawyer representing Dominion, said: “From a defamation law perspective, it just demonstrates the depth to which these statements sink in to people. That people don’t just read them and tune them out. It goes to the core of their belief system, which puts them in a position to take action in the real world.”As part of the lawsuit, Dominion cite the Capitol riot on 6 January as an example of the consequences of Giuliani’s claims. Thomas A. Clare, a lawyer representing Dominion, said: “From a defamation law perspective, it just demonstrates the depth to which these statements sink in to people. That people don’t just read them and tune them out. It goes to the core of their belief system, which puts them in a position to take action in the real world.”
The company has previously begun legal proceedings against another lawyer associated with Donald Trump’s campaign to overturn the 2020 election result, Sidney Powell. Their lawsuit against Powell opened:The company has previously begun legal proceedings against another lawyer associated with Donald Trump’s campaign to overturn the 2020 election result, Sidney Powell. Their lawsuit against Powell opened:
A crucial part of today’s lawsuit notes that Giuliani never repeated his allegations about the Dominion voting machines in court, where he could have faced ramifications to his legal career for making false claims in court.A crucial part of today’s lawsuit notes that Giuliani never repeated his allegations about the Dominion voting machines in court, where he could have faced ramifications to his legal career for making false claims in court.
Last week a group of prominent lawyers asked New York’s judiciary to suspend Rudy Giuliani’s law licence for making false claims in post-election lawsuits and urging Donald Trump’s supporters to engage in “trial by combat” shortly before they stormed the US Capitol.Last week a group of prominent lawyers asked New York’s judiciary to suspend Rudy Giuliani’s law licence for making false claims in post-election lawsuits and urging Donald Trump’s supporters to engage in “trial by combat” shortly before they stormed the US Capitol.
Giuliani will not be representing Donald Trump at the former president’s impeachment trial in the Senate, since he has had to recuse himself as he also took part in the rally on the morning of the Capitol riot where Trump is accused of “incitement of insurrection”.Giuliani will not be representing Donald Trump at the former president’s impeachment trial in the Senate, since he has had to recuse himself as he also took part in the rally on the morning of the Capitol riot where Trump is accused of “incitement of insurrection”.
As expected, Sarah Sanders has launched her bid to become the next Governor of Arkansas.As expected, Sarah Sanders has launched her bid to become the next Governor of Arkansas.
Andrew DeMillo of the Associated Press reports that the former White House press secretary, who left the job in 2019 to return to her home state, has launched the bid less than a week after the end of Trump’s time in office and as the ex-president faces an impeachment trial.Andrew DeMillo of the Associated Press reports that the former White House press secretary, who left the job in 2019 to return to her home state, has launched the bid less than a week after the end of Trump’s time in office and as the ex-president faces an impeachment trial.
But her announcement reflected how much she expected voters in solidly red Arkansas to continue to embrace the former president and his rhetoric.But her announcement reflected how much she expected voters in solidly red Arkansas to continue to embrace the former president and his rhetoric.
“With the radical left now in control of Washington, your governor is your last line of defense,” Sanders said in a video announcing her bid. “In fact, your governor must be on the front line. So today I announce my candidacy for governor of Arkansas.”“With the radical left now in control of Washington, your governor is your last line of defense,” Sanders said in a video announcing her bid. “In fact, your governor must be on the front line. So today I announce my candidacy for governor of Arkansas.”
The daughter of former Gov. Mike Huckabee, Sanders had been widely expected to run for the office after leaving the White House and has been laying the groundwork for a candidacy, speaking to Republican groups around the state.The daughter of former Gov. Mike Huckabee, Sanders had been widely expected to run for the office after leaving the White House and has been laying the groundwork for a candidacy, speaking to Republican groups around the state.
Sanders joins a Republican primary that already includes two statewide elected leaders, Lt. Gov. Tim Griffin and attorney general Leslie Rutledge. The three are running to succeed current Gov. Asa Hutchinson, a Republican who is unable to run next year due to term limits. No Democrats have announced a bid to run for the seat.Sanders joins a Republican primary that already includes two statewide elected leaders, Lt. Gov. Tim Griffin and attorney general Leslie Rutledge. The three are running to succeed current Gov. Asa Hutchinson, a Republican who is unable to run next year due to term limits. No Democrats have announced a bid to run for the seat.
During her nearly two-year tenure as Trump’s chief spokesperson, daily televised briefings led by the press secretary ended. But Trump’s tumultuous exit from the presidency or the legacy of her actions in the White House may do little damage to Sanders in Arkansas. Republicans hold all of Arkansas’ statewide and federal seats, as well as a solid majority in both chambers of the Legislature.During her nearly two-year tenure as Trump’s chief spokesperson, daily televised briefings led by the press secretary ended. But Trump’s tumultuous exit from the presidency or the legacy of her actions in the White House may do little damage to Sanders in Arkansas. Republicans hold all of Arkansas’ statewide and federal seats, as well as a solid majority in both chambers of the Legislature.
Trump in November won the state by nearly 28 percentage points, and Sanders’ nearly 8-minute video prominently features photos of Trump, along with references to his favorite targets such as “cancel culture,” socialism and the Green New Deal.Trump in November won the state by nearly 28 percentage points, and Sanders’ nearly 8-minute video prominently features photos of Trump, along with references to his favorite targets such as “cancel culture,” socialism and the Green New Deal.
Sanders, who published a book last year and joined Fox News as a contributor after leaving the White House, enters the race with a much higher profile than any of the other candidates. She remains an unknown on many of the state’s biggest issues, though in her announcement she called for reducing state income taxes and cutting off funding for cities that violate immigration laws. The gubernatorial election is in November 2022.Sanders, who published a book last year and joined Fox News as a contributor after leaving the White House, enters the race with a much higher profile than any of the other candidates. She remains an unknown on many of the state’s biggest issues, though in her announcement she called for reducing state income taxes and cutting off funding for cities that violate immigration laws. The gubernatorial election is in November 2022.
NPR have a piece teeing up the second impeachment of Donald Trump from Barbara Sprunt this morning, and in it she reminds us of what Rep. Joaquin Castro told NPR yesterday. The Texas congressman from San Antonio will act as one of the House impeachment managers.NPR have a piece teeing up the second impeachment of Donald Trump from Barbara Sprunt this morning, and in it she reminds us of what Rep. Joaquin Castro told NPR yesterday. The Texas congressman from San Antonio will act as one of the House impeachment managers.
Read more here: NPR – House poised to transmit article of impeachment against Trump to SenateRead more here: NPR – House poised to transmit article of impeachment against Trump to Senate
Natalia Abrahams has an interesting piece for NBC News this morning looking at groups trying to keep young voters engaged in the political process post-election:Natalia Abrahams has an interesting piece for NBC News this morning looking at groups trying to keep young voters engaged in the political process post-election:
Read more here: NBC News – Looking ahead, liberal groups try to keep young voters engagedRead more here: NBC News – Looking ahead, liberal groups try to keep young voters engaged
By the way, in case you were wondering what Sen, Josh Hawley had been up to overnight, he was complaining about having been muzzled and canceled on *checks notes* the front page of the New York Post which was promoting *checks notes again* his lengthy column for them complaining that he had been silenced.By the way, in case you were wondering what Sen, Josh Hawley had been up to overnight, he was complaining about having been muzzled and canceled on *checks notes* the front page of the New York Post which was promoting *checks notes again* his lengthy column for them complaining that he had been silenced.
David Litt, former speechwriter for Barack Obama, writes for us today, warning that Republicans will try to create an ‘ethics’ trap for Democrats, and Democrats shouldn’t fall for it:David Litt, former speechwriter for Barack Obama, writes for us today, warning that Republicans will try to create an ‘ethics’ trap for Democrats, and Democrats shouldn’t fall for it:
The Biden administration has unveiled the strictest ethics pledge in history, building on president Obama’s lobbying bans by covering not just registered lobbying but also the so-called “shadow lobbying” that long served as an ethics loophole. It’s another big step forward. But it’s also a reminder that Democrats and Republicans are on two entirely different trajectories. If past is prologue, Biden will face more criticism if he fails to perfectly implement his high standards than Trump faced for having practically no standards at all. And rather than feel any political or moral obligation to follow Biden’s example, the next Republican administration will pick up right where the last president of their party left off.The Biden administration has unveiled the strictest ethics pledge in history, building on president Obama’s lobbying bans by covering not just registered lobbying but also the so-called “shadow lobbying” that long served as an ethics loophole. It’s another big step forward. But it’s also a reminder that Democrats and Republicans are on two entirely different trajectories. If past is prologue, Biden will face more criticism if he fails to perfectly implement his high standards than Trump faced for having practically no standards at all. And rather than feel any political or moral obligation to follow Biden’s example, the next Republican administration will pick up right where the last president of their party left off.
In other words, Democrats and Republicans are playing by different set of rules. And not just when it comes to ethics pledges and lobbying bans. We now know that many of the principles we once imagined were pillars of our democratic society – a respect for truth; a belief in the importance of a free press; the rejection of nepotism; a commitment to honor the results of elections not just in victory but in defeat – are propped up almost entirely by the good faith of politicians. And as we learned over the last four years, in American politics, bad faith is hardly in short supply.In other words, Democrats and Republicans are playing by different set of rules. And not just when it comes to ethics pledges and lobbying bans. We now know that many of the principles we once imagined were pillars of our democratic society – a respect for truth; a belief in the importance of a free press; the rejection of nepotism; a commitment to honor the results of elections not just in victory but in defeat – are propped up almost entirely by the good faith of politicians. And as we learned over the last four years, in American politics, bad faith is hardly in short supply.
That’s why it’s not enough to usher in an administration that models good behavior. We must ensure that we create high standards that apply to everyone.That’s why it’s not enough to usher in an administration that models good behavior. We must ensure that we create high standards that apply to everyone.
That starts with changing political incentives that currently punish leaders who try to act responsibly and reward those who don’t. Some members of the press will surely be tempted to return to their own version of normalcy – one where Obama’s tan suit is a scandal, Joe Biden’s Peloton is a political liability, and it’s generally assumed that Republicans will behave like arsonists while Democrats behave like adults. Yes, the press should hold the Biden administration accountable. But it would do the American public a disservice to pretend the last four years didn’t happen.That starts with changing political incentives that currently punish leaders who try to act responsibly and reward those who don’t. Some members of the press will surely be tempted to return to their own version of normalcy – one where Obama’s tan suit is a scandal, Joe Biden’s Peloton is a political liability, and it’s generally assumed that Republicans will behave like arsonists while Democrats behave like adults. Yes, the press should hold the Biden administration accountable. But it would do the American public a disservice to pretend the last four years didn’t happen.
Read more here: David Litt – Republicans will try to create an ‘ethics’ trap for Democrats. Don’t fall for itRead more here: David Litt – Republicans will try to create an ‘ethics’ trap for Democrats. Don’t fall for it
With Democrats controlling the Senate, progressives want to repeal the Trump administration’s Wall Street-friendly rules, but they may struggle to win enough votes in a thinly divided Congress and risk obstructing President Joe Biden’s agencies from writing stricter new rules, Pete Schroeder and Michelle Price report for Reuters.With Democrats controlling the Senate, progressives want to repeal the Trump administration’s Wall Street-friendly rules, but they may struggle to win enough votes in a thinly divided Congress and risk obstructing President Joe Biden’s agencies from writing stricter new rules, Pete Schroeder and Michelle Price report for Reuters.
Sherrod Brown, expected chair of the Senate Banking Committee, said this month he was drawing up a list of rules passed by Trump regulators that he hopes to kill using the Congressional Review Act (CRA), a 1996 law that allows Congress to reverse recently finalized federal regulations.Sherrod Brown, expected chair of the Senate Banking Committee, said this month he was drawing up a list of rules passed by Trump regulators that he hopes to kill using the Congressional Review Act (CRA), a 1996 law that allows Congress to reverse recently finalized federal regulations.
Since 2017, regulators have eased dozens of rules created following the 2009 financial crisis and in the decades before, arguing they were outdated and stymied economic growth. Opponents say the changes saved Wall Street tens of billions of dollars while increasing systemic risks and hurting consumers.Since 2017, regulators have eased dozens of rules created following the 2009 financial crisis and in the decades before, arguing they were outdated and stymied economic growth. Opponents say the changes saved Wall Street tens of billions of dollars while increasing systemic risks and hurting consumers.
Reversing rules through an agency’s internal process can take years whereas the CRA allows Congress to swiftly kill rules passed during the final 60 working days of the previous Congress with a simple majority and the president’s approval. However, with a wafer-thin Congress margin, Brown may struggle to win vital support from moderate Democrats, especially from those whom have publicly supported similar rule-changes in the past.Reversing rules through an agency’s internal process can take years whereas the CRA allows Congress to swiftly kill rules passed during the final 60 working days of the previous Congress with a simple majority and the president’s approval. However, with a wafer-thin Congress margin, Brown may struggle to win vital support from moderate Democrats, especially from those whom have publicly supported similar rule-changes in the past.
Additionally, issues related to bank capital requirements and liquidity may be too arcane to compete for limited Senate floor time with healthcare, labor and immigration measures, said Gregg Gelzinis, a senior policy analyst at liberal Washington think tank the Center for American Progress, which is discussing CRA issues with lawmakers.Additionally, issues related to bank capital requirements and liquidity may be too arcane to compete for limited Senate floor time with healthcare, labor and immigration measures, said Gregg Gelzinis, a senior policy analyst at liberal Washington think tank the Center for American Progress, which is discussing CRA issues with lawmakers.
Before Trump took office, the CRA had been used successfully once. Republicans subsequently used it to reverse 16 rules created by Barack Obama administration regulators, according to Daniel Perez, senior policy analyst at George Washington University’s Regulatory Studies Center.Before Trump took office, the CRA had been used successfully once. Republicans subsequently used it to reverse 16 rules created by Barack Obama administration regulators, according to Daniel Perez, senior policy analyst at George Washington University’s Regulatory Studies Center.
Democrats, however, have never successfully used the CRA, according to Perez, and may veer into novel legal territory where their ultimate goal is to make rules tougher rather than scrap them. That’s because once a rule is reversed using the CRA, agencies cannot write a “substantially” similar rule.Democrats, however, have never successfully used the CRA, according to Perez, and may veer into novel legal territory where their ultimate goal is to make rules tougher rather than scrap them. That’s because once a rule is reversed using the CRA, agencies cannot write a “substantially” similar rule.
“Where perhaps Democrats might want to do something more stringent, I think that might give them pause,” he said. Progressives may want to rewrite some rules but could risk legal challenges arguing the new rule is substantially similar.“Where perhaps Democrats might want to do something more stringent, I think that might give them pause,” he said. Progressives may want to rewrite some rules but could risk legal challenges arguing the new rule is substantially similar.
A year into the pandemic, more than 13,500 Covid-19 patients are languishing in hospitals across Texas. With only 586 ICU beds left statewide and some regions already running out of space, “hospitals can’t take much more”, the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) recently tweeted.A year into the pandemic, more than 13,500 Covid-19 patients are languishing in hospitals across Texas. With only 586 ICU beds left statewide and some regions already running out of space, “hospitals can’t take much more”, the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) recently tweeted.
Yet Covid is still raging: about one in six molecular tests in Texas comes back positive right now, well over the 10% threshold Greg Abbott, the state’s Republican governor, once viewed as a “warning flag” for high community spread.Yet Covid is still raging: about one in six molecular tests in Texas comes back positive right now, well over the 10% threshold Greg Abbott, the state’s Republican governor, once viewed as a “warning flag” for high community spread.
“The Covid-19 pandemic is at its worst in Texas,” DSHS wrote online earlier this month, and “it’s likely never been easier to catch”.“The Covid-19 pandemic is at its worst in Texas,” DSHS wrote online earlier this month, and “it’s likely never been easier to catch”.
Abbott has categorically rejected another lockdown, a successful but blunt instrument that would undoubtedly cause him political grief. And, though he has instituted business occupancy reductions and bar closures in regions with high hospitalizations, those restrictions have proven half-baked and mostly ineffective.Abbott has categorically rejected another lockdown, a successful but blunt instrument that would undoubtedly cause him political grief. And, though he has instituted business occupancy reductions and bar closures in regions with high hospitalizations, those restrictions have proven half-baked and mostly ineffective.
In fact, other than championing therapeutic treatments and boasting about the state’s vaccine rollout, Abbott’s administration has made shockingly little effort to mitigate the virus’s carnage in recent months, even as a new, highly contagious variant threatens further devastation.In fact, other than championing therapeutic treatments and boasting about the state’s vaccine rollout, Abbott’s administration has made shockingly little effort to mitigate the virus’s carnage in recent months, even as a new, highly contagious variant threatens further devastation.
“Republican politicians are acting like it’s business as usual,” said Abhi Rahman, communications director for the Texas Democratic party. “They’re acting like the pandemic never existed in the first place.”“Republican politicians are acting like it’s business as usual,” said Abhi Rahman, communications director for the Texas Democratic party. “They’re acting like the pandemic never existed in the first place.”
Last March, Dan Patrick, Texas’s lieutenant governor, stoked widespread backlash when he advocated for a swift reopening, insinuating that the nation’s elderly were willing to put their lives on the line to save the US economy. But despite Texas’s hasty emergence from lockdown in May, its struggling workforce has failed to bounce back, with the unemployment rate still lingering at 7.2% as of December, compared to 3.5% the year before.Last March, Dan Patrick, Texas’s lieutenant governor, stoked widespread backlash when he advocated for a swift reopening, insinuating that the nation’s elderly were willing to put their lives on the line to save the US economy. But despite Texas’s hasty emergence from lockdown in May, its struggling workforce has failed to bounce back, with the unemployment rate still lingering at 7.2% as of December, compared to 3.5% the year before.
Read more of Alexandra Villarreal’s report here: Texas governor’s hands-off approach to Covid-19 has allowed the virus to thriveRead more of Alexandra Villarreal’s report here: Texas governor’s hands-off approach to Covid-19 has allowed the virus to thrive
Yesterday there were 132,537 new coronavirus cases recorded in the US, and 1,775 further deaths. Numbers are often lower than average on Sunday due to different data collection practices around the US at the weekend. The total caseload, according to Johns Hopkins university figures is now over 25 million. The death toll stands at 418,887. There are still over 20 states showing a more than 5% week-on-week increase in cases.Yesterday there were 132,537 new coronavirus cases recorded in the US, and 1,775 further deaths. Numbers are often lower than average on Sunday due to different data collection practices around the US at the weekend. The total caseload, according to Johns Hopkins university figures is now over 25 million. The death toll stands at 418,887. There are still over 20 states showing a more than 5% week-on-week increase in cases.
There’s slightly better news on hospitalization levels, as according to the Covid Tracking Project the number of people in hospital in the US with Covid has fallen again to 110,628. While it is still true that at least 100,000 people have been in hospital with coronavirus every day since 2 December 2020, it marks the 11th consecutive day that the number has dropped.There’s slightly better news on hospitalization levels, as according to the Covid Tracking Project the number of people in hospital in the US with Covid has fallen again to 110,628. While it is still true that at least 100,000 people have been in hospital with coronavirus every day since 2 December 2020, it marks the 11th consecutive day that the number has dropped.
Mutated versions of the coronavirus are causing experts concern. “The best way to prevent the emergence of new variants is to do all of the things we’ve been talking about for months,” infectious disease expert Dr. Celine Gounder told CNN Sunday night. “The more you let the virus spread, the more it mutates, the more variants you’ll have.”Mutated versions of the coronavirus are causing experts concern. “The best way to prevent the emergence of new variants is to do all of the things we’ve been talking about for months,” infectious disease expert Dr. Celine Gounder told CNN Sunday night. “The more you let the virus spread, the more it mutates, the more variants you’ll have.”
It remains likely that it will be months until a vaccine is widely rolled out in the US. Gounder went on to say to CNN that “We’re looking at probably middle of the summer, end of the summer before the average, healthy, young American has access to vaccination.”It remains likely that it will be months until a vaccine is widely rolled out in the US. Gounder went on to say to CNN that “We’re looking at probably middle of the summer, end of the summer before the average, healthy, young American has access to vaccination.”