@20:15, 8/9/19

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1

Can Anyone Catch Joe Biden?

Lisa Lerer, Sydney Ember and Reid J. Epstein at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 47 minutes ago

The Democratic candidates descend on Iowa to give it a try — and sample the best food on a stick the state fair has to offer.

If Joe Biden wins the nomination the Democrats should lose the election.

2 

Fraud Case Against Bus Maker Shows Risks of Pay Promises in City Contracts

Noam Scheiber at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 4 hours ago

A lawsuit over a Los Angeles bus deal highlights the challenges of ensuring compliance with job and wage commitments that help win government work.

There will be a settlement.  There may be a trial.

The resolution should be reported.

3 

Four Democratic Candidates Call on Walmart to Stop Selling Guns

Thomas Kaplan at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 7 hours ago

Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders were among the candidates to speak out after the mass shooting at a Walmart store in El Paso last weekend.

The law should change first.

Walmart must follow the rules.

4 

Trump Wants ‘Intelligent Background Checks’ and Says McConnell Is ‘On Board’

Eileen Sullivan at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 8 hours ago

President Trump said there was “tremendous” support to expand background checks, though he has resisted such legislation in the past.

Believe it when you see it.

This would be a bad law.

The dangerous people have clean records.

5 

Joe Biden Says ‘Poor Kids’ Are Just as Bright as ‘White Kids’

Matt Stevens at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 8 hours ago

Mr. Biden was speaking at a town hall hosted by the Asian & Latino Coalition in Des Moines when he made the remark, which he quickly sought to recover from.

An interesting slip.  He should have difficulty recovering. 

6

Trump’s Opponents Want to Name His Big Donors. His Supporters Say It’s Harassment.

Katie Rogers and Annie Karni at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 8 hours ago

Calling out campaign donors isn’t a new political tactic, but the question of how much should be publicly disclosed about them has been an issue repeatedly raised by Republicans in recent years.

I would like to know who supports Trump. 

7

‘We Don’t Want Guns in the Hands of the Wrong People,’ Trump Says

Eileen Sullivan at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 8 hours ago

President Trump said there was “tremendous” support to expand background checks, though he has resisted such legislation in the past.

Trump must define his words.  

Who are his wrong people? 

How would his agents know?

8

Joe Biden Says ‘Poor Kids’ Are Just as Bright as ‘White Kids’

Matt Stevens at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 10 hours ago

Mr. Biden was speaking at a town hall hosted by the Asian & Latino Coalition in Des Moines when he made the remark, which he quickly sought to recover from.

I will remember and listen more.

9

On Politics: McConnell Might Consider Background Check Bill

NYT > U.S. > Politics - 18 hours ago

The Senate majority leader did not back the legislation, but he said the chamber would consider it when lawmakers come back into session next month.

Such a bill would not be a good idea.

10

Trump’s Opponents Want to Name His Big Donors. His Supporters Say It’s Harassment.

Katie Rogers and Annie Karni at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 22 hours ago

Calling out campaign donors isn’t a new political tactic, but the question of how much should be publicly disclosed about them has been an issue repeatedly raised by Republicans in recent years.

I want to know who influences Trump.

11

Trump Names an Acting Spy Chief as No. 2 Intelligence Official Steps Down

Charlie Savage and Maggie Haberman at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 22 hours ago

The abrupt decision to install Joseph Maguire as director of national intelligence comes after the resignation of Sue Gordon, the No. 2 spy chief.

A blinded inteligence section will be real trouble. 

12

Why Is the Iowa State Fair So Important?

Lisa Lerer at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 day ago

Skipping the fair would be seen as a huge insult to Iowans in the crucially important first primary state, but what do voters really want to see?

Potential candidates should attend the fair and engage with the public.

It must be with a big section of the public.

13

They Paid $42 for a SoulCycle Ride, Not for Trump

Katherine Rosman at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 day ago

A look at what happens when politics enters every spandex-clad corner of life, especially in the Hamptons.

This is bad tactics.

Leave fashion out of national politics.

14

Trump Weighs New Stance on Guns as Pressure Mounts After Shootings

Sheryl Gay Stolberg, Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Martin at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 day ago

The president is consulting allies about supporting expanded background checks. Mitch McConnell said the idea would be “front and center” when the Senate reconvenes.

Trump will try to dither until attention shifts away from him.

15

Andrew McCabe, Former F.B.I. Deputy Director, Sues Over His Dismissal

Katie Benner at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 day ago

The Justice Department engaged in a “politically motivated and retaliatory demotion in January 2018 and public firing in March 2018,” Mr. McCabe said in his lawsuit.

Andrew McCabe should win his suit.

16 

The Next Front in the Fight Over Gun Control? Virginia

Reid J. Epstein at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 day ago

The state’s elections in November will test the potency of gun rights as a voting issue. Democrats are looking to take power and enact gun control legislation next year.

Guns in Virginia will be a stretch for the Democrats.

17

Help for the Economy? Despite Grumbling, Trump Has Had Plenty

Jim Tankersley, Jeanna Smialek and Ben Casselman at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 day ago

The Fed and Congress have given President Trump the most growth-friendly climate in decades. But the trade war may test its limits.

https://twitter.com/paulkrugman/status/1159887168116051968

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/07/opinion/tariff-tantrums-and-recession-risks.html

18 

Wife of American Imprisoned in Iran Cites ASAP Rocky in Plea for Trump’s Help

Lara Jakes at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 day ago

“I believe the ordeal of my husband and other unjust detention cases deserve the same level of attention,” said Hua Qu. Her husband has been imprisoned for three years in Iran.

Trump does not do diplomacy.

19 

‘Comrade de Blasio’ Enters the Fox News Den to Spar With Sean Hannity

Jeffery C. Mays at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 day ago

Mayor Bill de Blasio, a fierce critic of the network, became the first Democratic presidential candidate to go on Mr. Hannity’s show.

It probably does not matter.

I would like to have seen de Blasio triumph.

20 

Twitter Unlocks Mitch McConnell’s Campaign Account After Pressure

Matt Stevens at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 day ago

The campaign posted a video of people making violent threats against the majority leader. Twitter said the video violated its policy, but restored the tweet after a review.

This was not a good thing.