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Biden has ‘complete confidence’ in top general after Woodward revelations – live Biden has ‘complete confidence’ in top general after Woodward revelations – live
(32 minutes later)
Biden salutes his leadership, patriotism and fidelity to constitution after general reportedly took steps to stop Trump starting a warBiden salutes his leadership, patriotism and fidelity to constitution after general reportedly took steps to stop Trump starting a war
Joe Biden has framed Gavin Newsom’s defeat of attempts to recall him from his California governorship and replace him with a Republican as a victory for a firm, nonpartisan approach to getting the coronavirus pandemic under control.
Despite Newsom’s mixed record and notable embarrassments over the pandemic, Biden issued congratulations on Wednesday and focused on Covid-19.
Biden’s statement reads: “This vote is a resounding win for the approach he and I share to beating the pandemic: strong vaccine requirements, strong steps to reopen schools safely and strong plans to distribute real medicines - not fake treatments - to help those who get sick.”
“The fact that votes in both traditionally Democratic and traditionally Republican parts of the state rejected the recall shows that Americans are unifying behind taking these steps to get the pandemic behind us.”
Here’s where the day stands so far:Here’s where the day stands so far:
Joe Biden still has “complete confidence” in Gen Mark Milley, the White House said. Press secretary Jen Psaki was asked to respond to revelations from Bob Woodward and Robert Costa’s new book that the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff took steps to prevent Donald Trump from starting a nuclear war or launching an attack on China during his final days in office. “The president has complete confidence in his leadership, his patriotism, and his fidelity to our constitution,” Psaki said of Milley.Joe Biden still has “complete confidence” in Gen Mark Milley, the White House said. Press secretary Jen Psaki was asked to respond to revelations from Bob Woodward and Robert Costa’s new book that the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff took steps to prevent Donald Trump from starting a nuclear war or launching an attack on China during his final days in office. “The president has complete confidence in his leadership, his patriotism, and his fidelity to our constitution,” Psaki said of Milley.
Celebrated gymnasts Simone Biles, McKayla Maroney, Maggie Nichols and Aly Raisman testified before the Senate judiciary committee on the FBI’s failings to properly investigate sexual abuse allegations against Larry Nassar. Getting emotional while delivering her opening statement, Biles told members of the committee, “To be clear, I blame Larry Nassar and I also blame an entire system that enabled and perpetrated his abuse.”Celebrated gymnasts Simone Biles, McKayla Maroney, Maggie Nichols and Aly Raisman testified before the Senate judiciary committee on the FBI’s failings to properly investigate sexual abuse allegations against Larry Nassar. Getting emotional while delivering her opening statement, Biles told members of the committee, “To be clear, I blame Larry Nassar and I also blame an entire system that enabled and perpetrated his abuse.”
California governor Gavin Newsom easily defeated an effort to remove him from office. With about 70% of ballots counted, only 36% of California voters supported recalling Newsom, well short of the 50% needed to remove the governor from his post.California governor Gavin Newsom easily defeated an effort to remove him from office. With about 70% of ballots counted, only 36% of California voters supported recalling Newsom, well short of the 50% needed to remove the governor from his post.
The blog will have more coming up, so stay tuned.The blog will have more coming up, so stay tuned.
A spokesperson for Gen Mark Milley defended his actions in the final days of Donald Trump’s presidency, saying the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff had acted “within his authority”.A spokesperson for Gen Mark Milley defended his actions in the final days of Donald Trump’s presidency, saying the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff had acted “within his authority”.
“The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs regularly communicates with Chiefs of Defense across the world, including with China and Russia. These conversations remain vital to improving mutual understanding of U.S. national security interests, reducing tensions, providing clarity and avoiding unintended consequences or conflict,” spokesperson Dave Butler said.“The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs regularly communicates with Chiefs of Defense across the world, including with China and Russia. These conversations remain vital to improving mutual understanding of U.S. national security interests, reducing tensions, providing clarity and avoiding unintended consequences or conflict,” spokesperson Dave Butler said.
“His calls with the Chinese and others in October and January were in keeping with these duties and responsibilities conveying reassurance in order to maintain strategic stability. All calls from the Chairman to his counterparts, including those reported, are staffed, coordinated and communicated with the Department of Defense and the interagency.”“His calls with the Chinese and others in October and January were in keeping with these duties and responsibilities conveying reassurance in order to maintain strategic stability. All calls from the Chairman to his counterparts, including those reported, are staffed, coordinated and communicated with the Department of Defense and the interagency.”
Butler concluded, General Milley continues to act and advise within his authority in the lawful tradition of civilian control of the military and his oath to the Constitution.”Butler concluded, General Milley continues to act and advise within his authority in the lawful tradition of civilian control of the military and his oath to the Constitution.”
White House press secretary Jen Psaki has taken multiple questions about the revelations in Bob Woodward and Robert Costa’s new book, again expressing confidence in Gen Mark Milley, the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff.White House press secretary Jen Psaki has taken multiple questions about the revelations in Bob Woodward and Robert Costa’s new book, again expressing confidence in Gen Mark Milley, the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff.
Psaki drew a sharp distinction between the chairman’s relationship with Donald Trump, who incited a deadly insurrection at the US Capitol, and his relationship with Joe Biden.Psaki drew a sharp distinction between the chairman’s relationship with Donald Trump, who incited a deadly insurrection at the US Capitol, and his relationship with Joe Biden.
“This current president, who follows the constitution, who’s not fomenting an insurrection, who follows the rule of law, has complete confidence in Chairman Milley and him continuing to serve in his role,” Psaki said.“This current president, who follows the constitution, who’s not fomenting an insurrection, who follows the rule of law, has complete confidence in Chairman Milley and him continuing to serve in his role,” Psaki said.
Regarding Republican criticism of Milley, Psaki said, “I don’t think the president is looking for the guidance of members of Congress who stood by while the president of the United States and the leader of their party fomented an insurrection and many of them were silent.”Regarding Republican criticism of Milley, Psaki said, “I don’t think the president is looking for the guidance of members of Congress who stood by while the president of the United States and the leader of their party fomented an insurrection and many of them were silent.”
White House press secretary Jen Psaki is now holding her daily briefing, and she was asked about the revelations in Bob Woodward and Robert Costa’s new book on the final days of Donald Trump’s presidency.White House press secretary Jen Psaki is now holding her daily briefing, and she was asked about the revelations in Bob Woodward and Robert Costa’s new book on the final days of Donald Trump’s presidency.
According to Woodward and Costa, Gen Mark Milley, the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, took steps to prevent Trump from starting a nuclear war or launching an attack on China in the days before Joe Biden was sworn in.According to Woodward and Costa, Gen Mark Milley, the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, took steps to prevent Trump from starting a nuclear war or launching an attack on China in the days before Joe Biden was sworn in.
The revelations have led some Republicans to call for Milley’s resignation, accusing him of undermining the constitution by trying to put guardrails on Trump’s behavior during his final days in office.The revelations have led some Republicans to call for Milley’s resignation, accusing him of undermining the constitution by trying to put guardrails on Trump’s behavior during his final days in office.
“The president has complete confidence in his leadership, his patriotism, and his fidelity to our constitution,” Psaki said of Milley.“The president has complete confidence in his leadership, his patriotism, and his fidelity to our constitution,” Psaki said of Milley.
The press secretary urged Americans to consider the “key context” in which Milley allegedly took these steps, referring to Trump’s efforts to overturn the results of a free and fair election.The press secretary urged Americans to consider the “key context” in which Milley allegedly took these steps, referring to Trump’s efforts to overturn the results of a free and fair election.
Simone Biles and McKayla Maroney exited the Capitol together after testifying about the FBI’s failures to properly investigate the sexual abuse allegations against Larry Nassar.Simone Biles and McKayla Maroney exited the Capitol together after testifying about the FBI’s failures to properly investigate the sexual abuse allegations against Larry Nassar.
The two Olympic gymnasts held hands as they walked away from the room where the Senate judiciary committee is holding its hearing.The two Olympic gymnasts held hands as they walked away from the room where the Senate judiciary committee is holding its hearing.
FBI director Christopher Wray and DOJ inspector general Michael Horowitz are now testifying before the panel.FBI director Christopher Wray and DOJ inspector general Michael Horowitz are now testifying before the panel.
Olympic gymnast Aly Raisman told the Senate judiciary committee about the systemic failures that allowed Larry Nassar’s sexual abuse to continue even after young women came forward with their allegations.Olympic gymnast Aly Raisman told the Senate judiciary committee about the systemic failures that allowed Larry Nassar’s sexual abuse to continue even after young women came forward with their allegations.
“Over the past few years, it has become painfully clear how a survivor’s healing is affected by the handling of their abuse,” Raisman said in her testimony. “And it disgusts me that we are still fighting for the most basic answers and accountability over six years later.”“Over the past few years, it has become painfully clear how a survivor’s healing is affected by the handling of their abuse,” Raisman said in her testimony. “And it disgusts me that we are still fighting for the most basic answers and accountability over six years later.”
She later added, “My reports of abuse were not only buried by USAG and USOPC, but they were also mishandled by federal law enforcement officers who failed to follow their most basic duties.”She later added, “My reports of abuse were not only buried by USAG and USOPC, but they were also mishandled by federal law enforcement officers who failed to follow their most basic duties.”
Follow the Guardian’s separate live blog for more updates from the hearing:Follow the Guardian’s separate live blog for more updates from the hearing:
Pope Francis warned bishops against allowing politics to determine who is offered communion, as Catholic leaders in the US debate whether Joe Biden should be reprimanded for supporting abortion rights.Pope Francis warned bishops against allowing politics to determine who is offered communion, as Catholic leaders in the US debate whether Joe Biden should be reprimanded for supporting abortion rights.
The AP reports from “aboard the papal plane,” per the outlet’s dateline:The AP reports from “aboard the papal plane,” per the outlet’s dateline:
Biden himself has downplayed the possibility that he may be denied communion, saying in June, “That’s a private matter, and I don’t think that’s going to happen.”Biden himself has downplayed the possibility that he may be denied communion, saying in June, “That’s a private matter, and I don’t think that’s going to happen.”
The US treasury department released a report today that said the country’s childcare system fails to serve families because of market failures that make it too expensive for families and force providers to keep costs low, leaving workers barely able to make ends meet.The US treasury department released a report today that said the country’s childcare system fails to serve families because of market failures that make it too expensive for families and force providers to keep costs low, leaving workers barely able to make ends meet.
The report found that the average family with at least one child under age 5 would need to devote about 13% of their income to pay for child care. It also highlighted the burden on people who work in early childhood education and care - one in every 110 US workers and one in every 55 working women.The report found that the average family with at least one child under age 5 would need to devote about 13% of their income to pay for child care. It also highlighted the burden on people who work in early childhood education and care - one in every 110 US workers and one in every 55 working women.
“While the benefits of child care and early childhood education are myriad and well-documented, the United States invests woefully little in early childhood education and care,” the report said.“While the benefits of child care and early childhood education are myriad and well-documented, the United States invests woefully little in early childhood education and care,” the report said.
Treasury secretary Janet Yellen is holding an event with Kamala Harris at 4pm ET today to discuss how the proposed $3.5tn spending bill could help alleviate burdens like the cost of child care.Treasury secretary Janet Yellen is holding an event with Kamala Harris at 4pm ET today to discuss how the proposed $3.5tn spending bill could help alleviate burdens like the cost of child care.
Senator Kyrsten Sinema met with Joe Biden for about an hour at the White House to discuss the $3.5tn spending package, according to CNN.Senator Kyrsten Sinema met with Joe Biden for about an hour at the White House to discuss the $3.5tn spending package, according to CNN.
Biden is also expected to meet later today with Senator Joe Manchin, who (like Sinema) has expressed concerns about the price tag of the reconciliation bill.Biden is also expected to meet later today with Senator Joe Manchin, who (like Sinema) has expressed concerns about the price tag of the reconciliation bill.
Because of the 50-50 split in the Senate, majority leader Chuck Schumer needs every member of the Democratic caucus to support the bill in order to get it passed.Because of the 50-50 split in the Senate, majority leader Chuck Schumer needs every member of the Democratic caucus to support the bill in order to get it passed.
Simone Biles was the first gymnast to deliver her opening statement at the Senate judiciary committee hearing on the FBI’s failures in investigating sexual abuse allegations against Larry Nassar.Simone Biles was the first gymnast to deliver her opening statement at the Senate judiciary committee hearing on the FBI’s failures in investigating sexual abuse allegations against Larry Nassar.
The Olympic gymnast accused the FBI of having “turned a blind eye to us” as Nassar abused hundreds of girls in his role as the doctor for the national USA women’s gymnastics team.The Olympic gymnast accused the FBI of having “turned a blind eye to us” as Nassar abused hundreds of girls in his role as the doctor for the national USA women’s gymnastics team.
“To be clear, I blame Larry Nassar and I also blame an entire system that enabled and perpetrated his abuse,” Biles said.“To be clear, I blame Larry Nassar and I also blame an entire system that enabled and perpetrated his abuse,” Biles said.
“USA Gymnastics and the United States, Olympic and Paralympic Committee knew that I was abused by their official team doctor long before I was ever made aware of their knowledge.”“USA Gymnastics and the United States, Olympic and Paralympic Committee knew that I was abused by their official team doctor long before I was ever made aware of their knowledge.”
Biles concluded, “I am a strong individual and I will persevere, but I never should have been left alone to suffer the abuse of Larry Nassar. And the only reason I did was because of the failures that lie at the heart of the abuse that you are now asked to investigate.”Biles concluded, “I am a strong individual and I will persevere, but I never should have been left alone to suffer the abuse of Larry Nassar. And the only reason I did was because of the failures that lie at the heart of the abuse that you are now asked to investigate.”
For more updates on the hearing, follow the Guardian’s separate live blog:For more updates on the hearing, follow the Guardian’s separate live blog:
White House press secretary Jen Psaki confirmed that she met with actress Angelina Jolie this morning to discuss the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act.White House press secretary Jen Psaki confirmed that she met with actress Angelina Jolie this morning to discuss the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act.
“Met briefly this morning with the tireless and committed #AngelinaJolie this morning to talk about the importance of reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act and the importance of continuing to fight for women, children and families around the world,” Psaki said on Twitter.“Met briefly this morning with the tireless and committed #AngelinaJolie this morning to talk about the importance of reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act and the importance of continuing to fight for women, children and families around the world,” Psaki said on Twitter.
Jolie also met with lawmakers on Capitol Hill yesterday to discuss reauthorizing the VAWA.Jolie also met with lawmakers on Capitol Hill yesterday to discuss reauthorizing the VAWA.
Celebrity sighting: actor Angelina Jolie stopped by the White House briefing room this morning, a day after meeting with lawmakers on Capitol Hill.Celebrity sighting: actor Angelina Jolie stopped by the White House briefing room this morning, a day after meeting with lawmakers on Capitol Hill.
Jolie is in Washington to participate in discussions about reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act.Jolie is in Washington to participate in discussions about reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act.
As reporters threw questions at Jolie in the briefing room, she joked, “I like that I’ve walked into a press conference.”As reporters threw questions at Jolie in the briefing room, she joked, “I like that I’ve walked into a press conference.”
Olympic gymnasts Simone Biles and Aly Raisman will testify on Wednesday about the sexual abuse they suffered at the hands of disgraced USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar, as the US Senate examines why the FBI failed to investigate his crimes sooner.Olympic gymnasts Simone Biles and Aly Raisman will testify on Wednesday about the sexual abuse they suffered at the hands of disgraced USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar, as the US Senate examines why the FBI failed to investigate his crimes sooner.
Biles and Raisman will appear before the Senate Judiciary Committee alongside their fellow former Olympic teammate McKayla Maroney and former gymnast Maggie Nichols, who was the first victim to report the abuse to USA Gymnastics.Biles and Raisman will appear before the Senate Judiciary Committee alongside their fellow former Olympic teammate McKayla Maroney and former gymnast Maggie Nichols, who was the first victim to report the abuse to USA Gymnastics.
The hearing comes after the justice department’s inspector general, Michael Horowitz, in July issued a scathing report which blasted the FBI for botching its investigation in a series of errors that allowed the abuse to continue for months.The hearing comes after the justice department’s inspector general, Michael Horowitz, in July issued a scathing report which blasted the FBI for botching its investigation in a series of errors that allowed the abuse to continue for months.
Horowitz will also testify on Wednesday as will the FBI director, Chris Wray, who is expected to face sharp bipartisan questioning about why the agents who botched the probe were never prosecuted for their misconduct.Horowitz will also testify on Wednesday as will the FBI director, Chris Wray, who is expected to face sharp bipartisan questioning about why the agents who botched the probe were never prosecuted for their misconduct.
For more updates on the hearing, follow the Guardian’s separate live blog:For more updates on the hearing, follow the Guardian’s separate live blog:
Joe Biden will meet with Democratic Senators Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema today to discuss the $3.5tn spending package, according to the Washington Post.Joe Biden will meet with Democratic Senators Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema today to discuss the $3.5tn spending package, according to the Washington Post.
The meeting comes as Manchin and Sinema have both indicated they will not support a bill with a price tag of $3.5tn, enraging progressives who view the current cost as a compromise.The meeting comes as Manchin and Sinema have both indicated they will not support a bill with a price tag of $3.5tn, enraging progressives who view the current cost as a compromise.
Given the 50-50 split in the Senate, all Senate Democrats must support the reconciliation bill in order to get it passed through the upper chamber.Given the 50-50 split in the Senate, all Senate Democrats must support the reconciliation bill in order to get it passed through the upper chamber.
The bill includes much of Biden’s economic agenda, so his administration is heavily invested in ensuring the legislation makes it to the president’s desk.The bill includes much of Biden’s economic agenda, so his administration is heavily invested in ensuring the legislation makes it to the president’s desk.
The blog will have more details on the meeting once they become available. Stay tuned.The blog will have more details on the meeting once they become available. Stay tuned.
Celebrated gymnasts Simone Biles, McKayla Maroney, Maggie Nichols and Aly Raisman have arrived on Capitol Hill to testify before the Senate judiciary committee.Celebrated gymnasts Simone Biles, McKayla Maroney, Maggie Nichols and Aly Raisman have arrived on Capitol Hill to testify before the Senate judiciary committee.
The group will be testifying about the failings in the FBI’s investigation into numerous sexual assault allegations against Larry Nassar, the former team doctor for the US women’s gymnastics team.The group will be testifying about the failings in the FBI’s investigation into numerous sexual assault allegations against Larry Nassar, the former team doctor for the US women’s gymnastics team.
The gymnasts will be testifying alongside Michael Horowitz, the inspector general of the justice department, and FBI director Christopher Wray.The gymnasts will be testifying alongside Michael Horowitz, the inspector general of the justice department, and FBI director Christopher Wray.
The hearing comes after Horowitz’s office released a report on the FBI investigation in July, which concluded that the bureau “failed to respond to the Nassar allegations with the utmost seriousness and urgency that they deserved and required, made numerous and fundamental errors when they did respond to them, and violated multiple FBI policies”.The hearing comes after Horowitz’s office released a report on the FBI investigation in July, which concluded that the bureau “failed to respond to the Nassar allegations with the utmost seriousness and urgency that they deserved and required, made numerous and fundamental errors when they did respond to them, and violated multiple FBI policies”.
The blog will have more updates on the hearing coming up, so stay tuned.The blog will have more updates on the hearing coming up, so stay tuned.
The Guardian’s Dani Anguiano and agencies report:The Guardian’s Dani Anguiano and agencies report:
California’s governor Gavin Newsom may have resoundingly defeated a recall attempt, but that didn’t stop a Republican challenger from attempting to sow doubt about the outcome even before polls closed.California’s governor Gavin Newsom may have resoundingly defeated a recall attempt, but that didn’t stop a Republican challenger from attempting to sow doubt about the outcome even before polls closed.
Larry Elder, the rightwing radio host who lead the pack in the effort to defeat Newsom, had been spreading conspiracy theories to falsely imply that the election was rigged against him.Larry Elder, the rightwing radio host who lead the pack in the effort to defeat Newsom, had been spreading conspiracy theories to falsely imply that the election was rigged against him.
Elder told reporters there might be “shenanigans” in the election and has a link on his website to a website encouraging users to “fight California election fraud” by submitting reports of “irregularities, interference, or intimidation”. There’s no proof of widespread election fraud.Elder told reporters there might be “shenanigans” in the election and has a link on his website to a website encouraging users to “fight California election fraud” by submitting reports of “irregularities, interference, or intimidation”. There’s no proof of widespread election fraud.
Elder’s conspiracy theories echo efforts by Donald Trump to falsely claim the 2020 election was stolen and rigged against him. The language on the website the Elder site linked to appears lifted from a petition circulated to help Trump’s effort to overturn the results of last year’s presidential election.Elder’s conspiracy theories echo efforts by Donald Trump to falsely claim the 2020 election was stolen and rigged against him. The language on the website the Elder site linked to appears lifted from a petition circulated to help Trump’s effort to overturn the results of last year’s presidential election.
California’s governor, Gavin Newsom, has prevailed in a historic recall election that had him battling for his political life.California’s governor, Gavin Newsom, has prevailed in a historic recall election that had him battling for his political life.
Newsom’s most popular challenger was Larry Elder, a rightwing radio host who drew comparisons to Donald Trump over his efforts to sow baseless doubts about the election process.Newsom’s most popular challenger was Larry Elder, a rightwing radio host who drew comparisons to Donald Trump over his efforts to sow baseless doubts about the election process.
Newsom did not hold a watch party or election night celebration. Instead, he struck a somber tone speaking to reporters on Tuesday night, saying: “Tonight I’m humbled, grateful, but resolved.”Newsom did not hold a watch party or election night celebration. Instead, he struck a somber tone speaking to reporters on Tuesday night, saying: “Tonight I’m humbled, grateful, but resolved.”
Speaking in Sacramento, Newsom said that in voting no on the Republican-led recall, Californians said “Yes to science, we said yes to vaccines.Speaking in Sacramento, Newsom said that in voting no on the Republican-led recall, Californians said “Yes to science, we said yes to vaccines.
Greetings from Washington, live blog readers.Greetings from Washington, live blog readers.
California governor Gavin Newsom has easily defeated an effort to remove him from office, after voters overwhelmingly opposed the proposal in yesterday’s recall election.California governor Gavin Newsom has easily defeated an effort to remove him from office, after voters overwhelmingly opposed the proposal in yesterday’s recall election.
“We rejected cynicism and bigotry and chose hope and progress,” Newsom said once the AP called the race, about 45 minutes after polls closed last night.“We rejected cynicism and bigotry and chose hope and progress,” Newsom said once the AP called the race, about 45 minutes after polls closed last night.
As of now, with approximately 68% of votes reported, 64% of California voters opposed removing Newsom, while 36% supported the idea. Newsom’s opponents needed to attract at least 50% of the vote to remove him from office.As of now, with approximately 68% of votes reported, 64% of California voters opposed removing Newsom, while 36% supported the idea. Newsom’s opponents needed to attract at least 50% of the vote to remove him from office.
The victory will provide a boost for Democrats in California and across the nation, as the party looks ahead to the gubernatorial races in Virginia and New Jersey this November.The victory will provide a boost for Democrats in California and across the nation, as the party looks ahead to the gubernatorial races in Virginia and New Jersey this November.
And the results may also spark more questions about reforming California’s recall system, which has already attracted intense criticism over the months leading up to the election.And the results may also spark more questions about reforming California’s recall system, which has already attracted intense criticism over the months leading up to the election.
The blog will have more coming up, so stay tuned.The blog will have more coming up, so stay tuned.