Politico - 08 01 2020

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VOL. 13 • NO. 109 | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2020 | POLITICO.COM
Sense of foreboding Rep. Hunter’s Congress’ health agenda Matt
darkens Democratic primary resignation set barrels toward 2020 buzz saw Wuerker
Many early state Democrats are gripped California representive Efforts to deliver on high-profile The cartoonist’s
by dread over recent headlines. will step down from issues are colliding with the broader daily take on the
The candidates are making it worse. Congress on Jan. 13. partisan battle over health care. world of politics.
PAGE 9 PAGE 4 PAGE 16 PAGE 18
IMPEACHMENT
Trial to start
with partisan
power play
McConnell has the votes to ignore Schumer’s
demands for witnesses and new evidence
BY BURGESS EVERETT McConnell told reporters. “All
AND MARIANNE LeVINE we’re doing here is saying, ‘We’re
Senate Majority Leader Mitch going to get started in exactly the
McConnell is moving forward on same way that 100 senators agreed
a set of impeachment trial rules to 20 years ago.’”
without Democratic support. The GOP leader added that the
The Kentucky Republican Senate will “get around to the dis-
said Tuesday that he has locked cussion of witnesses,” but not be-
down sufficient backing from his fore the Senate trial begins.
53-member caucus to pass a blue- Schumer reiterated his pledge to
print for the trial that leaves the force votes on witnesses and docu-
J. SCOTT APPLEWHITE/AP question of seeking witnesses and ments and offered his own warning
Mitch McConnell’s exercise of raw power stings Democrats, who had pressured the GOP to allow witnesses documents until after opening ar- to Senate Republicans on Tuesday
and new evidence to be introduced but had little leverage because the GOP conference stuck together. guments are made. afternoon: “You can run, but you
That framework would mir- can’t hide.”
ror the contours of President Bill “Large numbers of Republicans
McConnell’s trial procedure
Clinton’s trial and ignore Senate have refused to say whether they
Minority Leader Chuck Schumer’s are for witnesses and documents
demands for witnesses and new and that’s why Leader McConnell
win was months in the making evidence at the outset. came up with this kick-the-can
“We have the votes once the im- down the road theory,” Schumer
peachment trial has begun to pass said. “McConnell will never go for
a resolution essentially the same it but will four of his Republican
How the Senate majority leader kept his caucus
— very similar — to the 100-to- colleagues?”
in line at a crucial impeachment moment nothing vote in the Clinton trial,” TRIAL on page 10
BY JOHN BRESNAHAN adversary. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, and
AND BURGESS EVERETT It took just a few hours for Mc- Mitt Romney of Utah — have New Ukraine revelations
Chuck Schumer demanded Connell and Senate GOP leaders agreed to the majority leader’s
Tuesday morning that Senate to clinch a final whip count in proposal, according to senators hang over impeachment
Republicans allow witnesses to support of moving forward with involved in the process.
testify during President Donald a trial framework that ignores McConnell had spent months
Trump’s impeachment trial. But Democratic requests. And all 53 cultivating his caucus to get to
Mitch McConnell already knew Republicans — even moderates this point. And after McConnell BY KYLE CHENEY
he had the votes to roll over his such as Susan Collins of Maine, McCONNELL on page 11 AND ANDREW DESIDERIO
The House impeached President
Donald Trump three weeks ago,
but a gusher of evidence related
to the case has continued to flow
Trump’s House warriors likely sidelined
— threatening to intensify a scan-
dal that has consumed the Trump
presidency.
BY MELANIE ZANONA people familiar with the situa- Instead, Trump’s top defend- New witnesses are volunteering
AND ANITA KUMAR tion, despite having played a key ers are more likely to help out in a evidence that the House was un-
President Donald Trump’s attack role defending the president during public relations capacity — includ- able to obtain in its three-month
dogs in the House are unlikely to be the House’s public impeachment ing the media appearances that investigation, which resulted in
unleashed in the Senate impeach- hearings. the TV-obsessed president loves charges that Trump abused his
ment trial. “They’re not needed,” said a — though the White House has power and obstructed Congress.
GOP lawmakers like Reps. Mark friend of the president who spoke made no final decision as it waits And a series of lawsuits and dis-
Meadows, Jim Jordan and John to him recently. And on a scale of for lawmakers to set the timing and closures has yielded new docu- ALEX WONG/GETTY IMAGES
Ratcliffe aren’t expected to serve 1 to 10, one GOP lawmaker pegged parameters of the trial. Senate Ma- ments and emails that the Trump The case against President Donald
on Trump’s official impeachment the likelihood of House allies join- jority Leader Mitch McConnell said administration initially withheld. Trump has continued to evolve
defense team, according to three ing the defense team at a 2. DEFENDERS on page 13 EVIDENCE on page 12 since the House impeached him.
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2 | POLITICO | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2020
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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2020 | POLITICO | 3
FORTY FIVE
A daily diary of the Trump presidency
Defense secretary insists U.S.
that it was the regime of Iranian
isn’t withdrawing from Iraq
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali
after PM calls for timetable
Khamenei, not the U.S., that
The U.S. military has made no has “done damage to the Persian
decision to withdraw from Iraq, culture,” which he described as
Defense Secretary Mark Esper “rich and steeped in history and
insisted Tuesday, dismissing intellect.”
a letter Iraq’s prime minister “They’ve denied the capacity
says he received from the U.S. for that culture to continue,”
headquarters in Baghdad as Pompeo said, concluding: “The
merely “a draft ” that wasn’t real risk to Persian culture does
intended for delivery. not come from the United States
The comments marked Esper’s of America. There is no mistake
second attempt to defuse the about that.”
situation, fi rst when the draft — Quint Forgey
letter surfaced on Monday and
O’Brien says Soleimani
more recently aft er reports that
was conspiring to attack
Prime Minister Adil Abdul-
U.S. facilities
Mahdi considers the letter an
offi cial policy of the U.S. to National security adviser Robert
withdraw. O’Brien on Tuesday defended the
“Our policy has not changed. intelligence the administration
We are not leaving Iraq, and a used to justify its killing of
draft , unsigned letter does not Iranian Maj. Gen. Qassem
constitute a policy change,” Soleimani, claiming Tehran’s top
Esper said in a televised briefi ng military commander had been
at the Pentagon. devising attacks on U.S. facilities
On Sunday, Iraq’s parliament that endangered the lives of
passed a nonbinding measure American diplomats and service
calling for the U.S. military to members.
be expelled from the country “The president has always
aft er last week’s lethal U.S. drone made it his fi rst priority to
strike against Iranian Quds Force protect American citizens,
commander Qassem Soleimani. and the intel that we had, the
On Monday, an unsigned copy information we had — which we
of a letter to an Iraqi military believe was very strong — shows
command from the Marine that Soleimani and those he was
brigadier general who heads the plotting with were looking to kill
U.S. presence in Iraq surfaced American diplomats and soldiers
on social media. It said U.S. The repercussions of snow SUSAN WALSH/AP in signifi cant numbers in the
forces were repositioning within coming days,” O’Brien told “Fox
Iraq in anticipation of “onward & Friends.”
movement” out of the country in Snow falls at the White House on Tuesday. Th e Offi ce of Personnel Management closed federal agencies in Administration offi cials have
the wake of Sunday’s vote. the Washington metropolitan area at 1 p.m. Tuesday because of the anticipated snow in the forecast and thus far off ered only vague
Esper and Joint Chiefs many schools in the region also closed early. “A cheer for the snow — the drift ing snow! Smoother and purer details about the classifi ed
Chairman Gen. Mark Milley than beauty’s brow!” — Eliza Cook. evidence that precipitated
scrambled to respond. President Donald Trump’s
The letter was only a draft and order last week to launch a U.S.
“should not have been sent,” drone strike near Baghdad’s
Milley told reporters Monday, international airport targeting
adding that the general who were preparing in collaboration they described as temporary and the Islamic Republic attacked Soleimani, the leader of Iran’s
sent it was merely coordinating with Iraqi Shiite militia allies related to security concerns over American interests. elite paramilitary Quds Force.
the message with his Iraqi were only “days” from being an anticipated Iranian response. Congressional Democrats and Secretary of State Mike
counterparts ahead of an offi cial carried out. “We are doing some of that international leaders ranging Pompeo said Friday that
notifi cation. On Tuesday, “I think it’s more fair to say as well,” Esper said of the from Iran’s foreign minister to Soleimani “was actively plotting
the prime minister said those days,” he answered when asked precautionary movements. “It British Prime Minister Boris in the region to take actions
comments didn’t matter and that whether the attacks were days does not mark or signal any Johnson have warned that such — big action, as he described
he was expecting a timetable or weeks away. “He was clearly withdrawal from Iraq.” an assault would represent it — that would have put dozens
laying out the withdrawal. on the battlefi eld. He was — Wesley Morgan a violation of international if not hundreds of American
“They said it’s a draft ,” Abdul- conducting, preparing, planning conventions of warfare and lives at risk.” The intelligence
Mahdi said, according to The military operations. We reached Pompeo says U.S. will abide by constitute a war crime by the U.S. community assessed that
Washington Post. “OK, it’s a the point where we had to act in laws of war after Trump suggests government. “the risk of doing nothing was
draft — but we received it. … If self-defense.” targeting Iranian cultural sites Trump defended his suggestion enormous,” he added.
I don’t trust you and you don’t Esper wouldn’t describe Secretary of State Mike Pompeo Sunday, telling reporters aboard O’Brien reiterated the
trust me, how are we supposed to the intelligence that led the on Tuesday insisted that any Air Force One: “They’re allowed administration’s position
proceed?” Pentagon to that conclusion, retaliatory measures by U.S. to kill our people. They’re Tuesday, insisting Soleimani
But Esper said that aft er asking though, saying only that it forces against Iran would abide allowed to torture and maim our “was in the midst of that
aides whether a signed copy of was “exquisite” and will be by the laws of war, aft er President people. They’re allowed to use plotting” at the time of his
the letter had been delivered to shared Tuesday aft ernoon Donald Trump suggested roadside bombs and blow up our demise.
the Iraqi government, he had with the congressional “Gang he might target the Islamic people. And we’re not allowed “That’s why he was traveling
been told no. “There is no signed of Eight” — the Democratic Republic’s cultural sites — a move to touch their cultural site? It in the region to Damascus
letter as far as I know — I’ve and Republican leaders of the critics said could amount to a war doesn’t work that way.” and Beirut and Baghdad:
asked the question,” he said. Senate and House, along with crime. Defense Secretary Mark Esper To conspire with people to
And despite Sunday’s vote, the chairs and ranking minority “Every target that’s being broke with the president over attack American facilities that
the Pentagon hasn’t received any members of the intelligence reviewed, every eff ort that’s his proposal Monday, asserting contained diplomats, soldiers,
formal withdrawal request from committees — but won’t be being made will always that the Pentagon would “follow sailors, airmen, Marines, coast
Abdul-Mahdi, Esper said. included in broader briefi ng to be conducted inside the the laws of armed confl ict” in its guardsmen,” O’Brien said.
“I haven’t received any lawmakers on Wednesday due to international laws of war,” response to Iran. Democratic lawmakers have
communication from him or its classifi cation. Pompeo told reporters during Asked Tuesday by NBC News’ expressed skepticism toward the
the Iraqi government about the Esper also downplayed the a news conference at the State Andrea Mitchell whether he intelligence behind the airstrike
legislation or about a request to importance of departures of Department. I’ve “seen it, I’ve would “also push back” against against Soleimani and the
withdraw U.S. forces,” he said, some allied troops from Iraq, worked on this project, and I’m the targeting of culturally administration’s assertion that
adding that the parliamentary saying that in one case, an allied very confi dent of that.” signifi cant sites, Pompeo replied he posed an imminent threat to
resolution was “nonbinding” and contingent was temporarily Amid rapidly escalating indignantly. American interests.
that “there’s a few procedural repositioned only because of the tensions between Washington “You’re not really wondering, The White House is working to
mechanisms — hurdles if you need “to move additional U.S. and Tehran aft er the killing of Andrea. You’re not really schedule a briefi ng on the strike
will — that the Iraqi government forces into a confi ned space” that Iran’s top military commander wondering,” he said, adding that Wednesday for the so-called
would need to go through, and we the allied troops were occupying last week in a U.S. drone strike, “every action we take will be Gang of Eight congressional
remain in constant contact with on an Iraqi base. Trump tweeted Saturday that his consistent with the international leaders and other members of
them on that.” Germany and Canada on administration had homed in on rule of law, and the American Congress, who were largely kept
Esper spoke briefl y about Tuesday announced that they 52 Iranian sites — including some people can rest assured that in the dark regarding Trump’s
the strike on Soleimani, saying are relocating some of their “important to … the Iranian that’s the case.” decision to authorize the assault.
attacks that the Iranian general forces from Iraq, moves that culture” — in the event that Pompeo went on to argue — Quint Forgey
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4 | POLITICO | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2020
Trump will attend rally
for Van Drew on Jan. 28
BY MATT FRIEDMAN David Richter, Brian Fitzherbert
President Donald Trump will be and Bob Patterson — have so far
in New Jersey on Jan. 28 for a rally refused to drop out of the race.
in the district represented by the Six Democratic candidates have
newly minted Republican Rep. Jeff either said they’re running or have
Van Drew. filed paperwork to declare their
According to the Trump cam- candidacies. On Monday, Amy
paign, the rally is scheduled for 7 Kennedy — the wife of former U.S.
p.m. at the Wildwoods Convention Rep. Patrick Kennedy of Rhode Is-
Center. land — became the latest Democrat
Van Drew is not mentioned on to join the race.
the invitation, but he has told local The 2nd District, which spans
media outlets he expected Trump all or parts of eight counties from
to come to the 2nd District. the Delaware River to the Atlantic
Michael Glassner, chief operat- Ocean, includes Philadelphia sub-
ing officer for the Trump campaign, urbs, farmland, beaches and Atlan-
said in a statement that “President tic City. It voted for Barack Obama
Trump looks forward to returning in 2008 and 2012 and for Trump in
to the Garden State to celebrate his 2016. Moderate Republican Frank
message of ‘Promises Made, Prom- LoBiondo represented it for 24 years
ises Kept.’” before retiring in 2019.
Trump is the reason Van Drew, The district is also unique for
a longtime ally of the South Jersey New Jersey, where backlash to
Democratic machine, became a Trump’s style and policies helped
Republican. The freshman House fuel a Democratic wave in 2018 that
member, who as a conservative flipped several congressional seats SANDY HUFFAKER/GETTY IMAGES
Democrat served nearly two de- from Republican to Democratic The resignation of Rep. Duncan Hunter (center) is the end of an era for his family, a political dynasty in Southern
cades in the New Jersey Legislature control. Van Drew won his seat as California politics. Hunter or his dad have held the San Diego congressional seat since 1980.
before being elected to Congress in part of that wave, defeating by a
2018, was one of only two Demo- relatively narrow margin an un-
Rep. Duncan Hunter to resign
cratic House members to oppose derfunded pro-Trump Republican
impeaching the president. who posted white supremacist pro-
Van Drew’s friendly stance paganda on social media.
toward Trump caused support from Congress on Jan. 13
for him among Democrats in the
South Jersey district to collapse,
according to internal polling. Party
The California Republican had pleaded guilty
leaders across the state also began could remain vacant for the rest
abandoning him. to conspiracy to misuse campaign funds of 2020.
At a White House event with “The people of the 5oth Congres-
Trump to announce his switch to sional District deserve their voice
the GOP, Van Drew pledged his BY MELANIE ZANONA cash to pursue extramarital af- in Congress restored,” DeMaio said
“undying support” to the president. Rep. Duncan Hunter will step fairs with lobbyists and congres- in a statement. “Leaving the 50th
Van Drew has three Republican down from Congress next week, sional aides. Congressional District vacant for
opponents in the June primary, but EVAN VUCCI/AP more than a month after the Cali- The Hunters, who have three a full year is wholly unacceptable,
some GOP leaders in the district Rep. Jeff Van Drew, now a fornia Republican pleaded guilty children, face recommended prison and I urge Gov. Gavin Newsom to
have signaled a willingness to back Republican, was one of two to conspiracy to misuse campaign sentences of 8 to 14 months in the call a Special Election as soon as
Van Drew after Trump endorsed House Democrats who opposed funds. agreements worked out by their possible.”
him. The three GOP opponents — impeaching the president. Hunter had said he would leave lawyers and the Justice Depart- Hunter’s resignation represents
Congress after the holidays. His ment, although the court is not the end of an era for his family,
resignation will take effect Jan. bound to abide by those plea deals. who have been a political dynasty
13, according to a copy of a letter Hunter is set to be sentenced on in Southern California politics for
he sent to Speaker Nancy Pelosi on March 17. decades. Hunter or his father, Dun-
Tuesday. The legal cloud that has hung can Hunter Sr., have held that San
“Perhaps the contribution I am over Hunter has prompted other Diego seat since 1980.
Robert L. Allbritton most proud of is giving a voice to Republicans to seek his seat in the When he first came to Congress
our men and women in uniform,” solidly conservative district in in 2009, the younger Hunter was
PUBLISHER & EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN wrote Hunter, a Marine veteran. Southern California. Both former seen as something as a young ris-
Patrick Steel “It has been an honor to serve the San Diego City Councilman Carl ing star in the GOP. But he devel-
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER people of California’s 50th district, DeMaio and former Rep. Darrell oped a reputation on Capitol Hill
and I greatly appreciate the trust Issa are running for the seat, and for drinking heavily and carousing,
Matthew Kaminski
they have put in me over these last Issa said he jumped into the race and after his indictment, he was
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF 11 years.” under the assumption that Hunter stripped of his committee assign-
Carrie Budoff Brown Hunter, 43, and his wife, Mar- would not be on the ballot in No- ments, essentially making him a
garet, were indicted in August vember. Democrats are also heavily pariah on Capitol Hill.
EDITOR
2018 for diverting $250,000 in targeting the district. But despite being arrested for
NEWSPAPER STAFF campaign funds for personal use, California Gov. Gavin Newsom misusing campaign funds, Hunter
BILL KUCHMAN NEWSPAPER EDITOR SUSHANT SAGAR COPY DESK CHIEF including to pay for lavish fam- does not have to call a special elec- — one of Trump’s earliest con-
M. SCOTT MAHASKEY DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY ANDY GOODWIN, JUDAH TAYLOR, ily vacations and their children’s tion because the nomination period gressional supporters — went
MATT WUERKER EDITORIAL CARTOONIST ROBIN TURNER COPY EDITORS school tuition. Prosecutors also has closed and it’s an election year, on to win reelection in the 2018
CONGRESSIONAL STAFF accused Hunter of using campaign raising the prospect that the seat midterms.
BEN WEYL CONGRESS EDITOR HEATHER CAYGLE, KYLE CHENEY,
DAVID KIHARA SENIOR EDITOR ANDREW DESIDERIO, BURGESS EVERETT,
JOHN BRESNAHAN CONG RESSIONAL BUREAU CHIEF SARMAEHL AFNERIER ZISA,N MOANRAI ARENPNOER LTeEVRISNE, Grassley: Impeachment could delay
For corrections or questions regarding the newspaper,
email [email protected], [email protected] or [email protected]. Senate vote on USMCA by a month
POLITICO serves the United States Senate and JANUARY’S PUBLISHING SCHEDULE
House of Representatives, the White House
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interest groups, the media, airline and rail passengers, paid Senate Finance Chairman Chuck agreement. that would require the bill to be re-
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recess for one week or less, by POLITICO LLC. Subscriptions are He said he is still hopeful that said before a committee markup “That’s something I wasn’t
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Printing and Publishing Co. Inc., Bellmawr, N.J. POSTMASTER: PHONE [phone] • FAX [phone] Pelosi on sending over the articles U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement. think that’s going to be a problem,”
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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2020 | POLITICO | 5
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6 | POLITICO | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2020
Is Mike Pompeo acting as de facto Defense secretary?
Secretary of State has
military training appears to in-
assumed an outsize fluence his willingness to defend
role on the president’s Trump in public and implement
whatever the president — the com-
national security team mander in chief — wants.
In his first major address to his
workforce after he became secre-
BY NAHAL TOOSI tary of State in 2018, Pompeo raised
In recent days, one aide to Presi- the military concept of “com-
dent Donald Trump has blitzed the mander’s intent” in pledging to
media to talk about troop deploy- craft a vision for what he wanted
ments, deterrence and the likeli- to achieve. The concept describes
hood of American bombs raining the end state a commander seeks
down on Iranian soil. so that his troops can do what they
It’s not the man who leads the need to get there.
Pentagon. Some in the military world
Instead, Secretary of State Mike downplayed questions about
Pompeo has seized the spotlight whether, in staying below the ra-
amid the escalating U.S. confronta- dar, Esper and the Pentagon were
tion with Iran. While doing so, he’s ceding anything to Pompeo.
come across to some observers as Pentagon officials are busy deal-
an unofficial secretary of Defense, ing with the technicalities of ramp-
overshadowing the actual Defense ing up the U.S. troop presence in the
secretary. Middle East amid threats of repri-
Pompeo’s omnipresence illus- sal from Iran. Esper needs to focus
trates the extraordinary influence more on that than public relations,
he wields in Trump’s inner circle they argued.
three years into the Republican “It goes more to the relation-
president’s tenure. ship between Pompeo and Trump
His prestige within the admin- than any sort of emasculation of the
istration has been enhanced by Pentagon,” said Peter Mansoor, a
multiple leadership changes at retired U.S. Army colonel. “The
the Pentagon and National Se- Pentagon leaders realize they need
curity Council. It has continued to stay under the radar and get on
despite questions about his role with their business.”
in the Ukraine scandal that led to JACQUELYN MARTIN/AP Another former Pentagon official
Trump’s impeachment and amid Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has taken a top role in the Iran confrontation, not just as the administration’s pointed to critiques that over the
questions about his political aspi- face on the Sunday shows but by meeting with leaders of Central Command and Special Operations Command. past two decades — especially af-
rations. And it has raised eyebrows ter the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks – the
at the Defense Department, which Department of Defense has taken
is led by Mark Esper, a former West published. The official noted that dermined by a presidential tweet startled Pentagon officials. an outsize role in setting the U.S.
Point classmate of Pompeo’s who under his leadership, the Penta- moments later. On June 18, in an odd move for a foreign policy agenda.
has kept a relatively low profile in gon “flawlessly” carried out the Plus, Esper, a former Capitol secretary of State, Pompeo traveled He acknowledged that the State
his six months on the job. strike against the Iranian general Hill staffer and lobbyist for de- to Florida to meet with leaders of Department remains a weak insti-
Pompeo is “first among equals and said the secretary’s low profile fense contractor Raytheon, took U.S. Central Command and Special tution under Trump, who views it
in the national security team, and over the past several days has been over as Defense secretary with a Operations Command. The meet- with suspicion as stronghold for
others defer to him,” said Tom intentional. thinner executive branch résumé ings focused in part on Iran, which Democrats. But the former official
Wright, a Brookings Institution “The administration chose to put than many of his predecessors. And the U.S. was accusing of attacking said it was refreshing to see the top
scholar who has been tracking Secretary Pompeo, the chief dip- while he can point to his time as an international oil tankers. U.S. diplomat out front on an issue
the Trump team’s dynamics. “He lomat, out to de-escalate tensions infantry officer and at West Point, But the visit also came the same of international relations.
doesn’t have a competing center of and make room for negotiations,“ some Pentagon watchers wonder day the president withdrew the “Isn’t this more of a restoration
power.” the official said, speaking on condi- whether even that is helping Pom- nomination of acting Defense Sec- of the way the system is supposed
Pompeo appeared on all the ma- tion of anonymity. “Secretary Es- peo overshadow him. retary Patrick Shanahan to serve to work?” he asked.
jor talk shows on Sunday to field a per has worked diligently to keep Several people from the 1986 in the role on a permanent basis. Pompeo’s willingness to be so in
slew of tough questions about the [the Department of Defense] out West Point class hold key admin- Shanahan’s nomination was public also might have to do with
Trump administration’s decision of politics. Your metric — Sunday istration positions. Because he shelved after some family troubles politics as much as policy.
to kill Qassem Soleimani, a power- show appearances — uses the most was first in that class, Pentagon came to light. His withdrawal was The former Kansas congressman
ful Iranian general whom U.S. offi- political media metric available to observers say it’s possible that oth- another low point for the Penta- is believed to have ambitions to run
cials blame for attacks against U.S. judge influence. It is the exact op- ers from that class take a back seat gon, which had already seen Jim for office again someday, though
troops in Iraq and terrorist opera- posite of what DOD does.“ to Pompeo. Mattis quit as Defense secretary the latest indications are that he
tions elsewhere around the world. The secretary of Defense did ap- “The worry at the Pentagon is after the president in late 2018 won’t make a run for the Senate
A longtime Iran hawk, Pompeo pear in the media in the hours ahead that [Esper] defers to Pompeo,” ordered the withdrawal of troops this year. Republicans view him as a
fiercely defended the strike, which of last week‘s strike on Soleimani. said Mark Perry, author of “The from Syria. potential White House contender in
took out Soleimani as he was visit- He told reporters on Thursday that Pentagon’s Wars: The Military’s Pompeo said the purpose of his 2024. Getting face time on national
ing Baghdad, even as it has led to the United States “will take pre- Undeclared War Against America’s Florida visit was to “make sure that television helps, especially when
vows of Iranian revenge and calls emptive action as well to protect Presidents.” He said there were the State Department and the De- he can sound tough on a country
from Iraqi politicians for U.S. American forces,” warning Iran other reasons for that beyond the partment of Defense were deeply loathed by many in the GOP base.
forces to withdraw. Pompeo, who that “the game has changed.” West Point dynamics, including coordinated across a whole broad Also unusual for a secretary of
graduated first in the class of 1986 And he popped up on Monday that “Pompeo has the president’s range of issues.” But, according to State, Pompeo often takes indirect
at West Point, sounded more like to clarify that U.S. troops were ear and Esper doesn’t.” Perry, the visit “still roils” some partisan shots.
a swaggering military leader than not planning to leave Iraq, despite Pompeo is one of the few Trump military officials. For instance, he has used his re-
America’s top diplomat. an unsigned letter suggesting oth- aides able to deal with tough me- A former senior Pentagon official cent platform to blame the Obama
“We took a bad guy off the battle- erwise on the letterhead of a U.S. dia questions without showing called the visit to POLITICO “a very administration for the challenges
field. We made the right decision. Marine Corps brigadier general. any personal differences with the unusual way for a secretary of State in dealing with Iran today. On Sun-
There is less risk today to Ameri- But otherwise, Esper, who served president — even if that means his to spend an entire day,” not least day, he described it as the “Obama-
can forces in the region as a result in the 101st Airborne Division dur- answers are sometimes mislead- because he could have gotten simi- Biden” administration, referring to
of that attack,” Pompeo said on ing the first Gulf War, has largely ing. And Trump clearly trusts him. lar briefings at the Pentagon itself. former vice president Joe Biden, a
CNN’s “State of the Union.” vanished from sight. “I argue with everyone,” Trump While he was in Florida, some leading contender against Trump
“Previous administrations had Given the dangerous situation said in a 2018 account in New York in the Washington foreign policy in this year’s presidential race.
allowed Shiite militias to take shots in the Middle East, his absence has magazine. “Except Pompeo. … I establishment wondered whether Pompeo also stressed the scope of
at us, and at best, we responded in led to griping among some military don’t think I’ve had an argument he was auditioning to be the next his relationship with the president.
theater, trying to challenge and at- reporters, who’ve also long com- with Pompeo!” secretary of Defense. (Pompeo’s “I’ve been with President Trump
tack everybody who was running plained about the dearth of news A senior Trump administration first job with Trump was as CIA through the entire strategic plan-
around with an AK-47 or a piece of briefings at the Pentagon. official confirmed that it was the director.) ning process related to our entire
indirect artillery,” he said on ABC’s Former military officials and White House that requested Pom- Even at the State Department, campaign — diplomatic, economic
“This Week.” “We’ve made a very others who track the Defense De- peo appear on the Sunday shows. Pompeo, who served as an Army and military,” he said on CNN,
different approach.” partment say Esper appears to have Because he is passionate about the cavalry officer after West Point, of- adding later: “The American peo-
Aides to Pompeo did not re- made the calculation that it’s best issue of Iran — U.S. diplomats say ten takes a military-style approach. ple should know that we will not
spond to a request for comment. to stay behind the scenes in an ad- he gets deep into the weeds on the He refers to his diplomats’ having a waiver.”
But a Trump administration offi- ministration in which few people topic — he requires little prep work. “mission set” and tells his “team”
cial defended Esper in comments have Trump’s ear, and where any- But the latest Iran crisis isn’t the to “keep crushing it.” Wesley Morgan contributed to this
offered after this story was first thing you say could be easily un- first time Pompeo’s actions have People who know him say his report.
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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2020 | POLITICO | 7
Can the news media manage the Iran narrative?
Outlets vow to make
icans and others safer or less safe.”
up for errors of 2003, In a quadruple-bylined story of
but U.S. still controls its own Sunday night, the Post re-
ported that Pompeo urged Trump
too much information last summer to strike Iran, which
the president opted not to do, and
more specifically spoke to him
BY MICHAEL CALDERONE about killing Soleimani several
CNN’s Jake Tapper says he thinks months ago. “Some defense of-
often of the Bush administration’s ficials said Pompeo’s claims of an
much-discredited admonition, imminent and direct threat were
“We can’t wait for the smoking gun overstated,” according to the Post,
to be a mushroom cloud.” “and they would prefer that he
Washington Post editor Marty make the case based on the killing
Baron says flatly, “Most of the of the American contractor and
press wasn’t aggressive enough previous Iranian provocations.”
in questioning the premise for the Pompeo did mention the killing
Iraq War.” of the contractor, which has been
John Walcott, the onetime blamed on an Iranian-backed mi-
Knight-Ridder bureau chief cred- litia, on the Sunday news shows,
ited for ordering skeptical coverage while asserting that Soleimani
of U.S. claims of Iraqi weapons of posed an imminent threat, a con-
mass destruction programs, says tention that hosts drilled down on.
he believes the media has finally “When will the American people
learned the lessons of 2003. know why President Trump de-
But even if memories of the cided to do what he did?” asked
run-up to the Iraq War have led to Margaret Brennan of “Face The
heightened vigilance in some news- Nation” on CBS.
rooms, it’s unclear whether the me- “Fox News Sunday” host Chris
dia’s efforts to fact-check the Trump Wallace asked, “Don’t the Ameri-
administration’s claim that an “im- ERFAN KOUCHARI/TASNIM NEWS AGENCY VIA AP can people have the right to some
minent threat” justified its decision The president’s claims without offering evidence that Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani posed an “imminent threat” understanding of what it was, why
to order the killing of Iranian Maj. so angered columnist Paul Krugman that he urged the media to dismiss the claims until facts are provided. it was so urgent to take out Solei-
Gen. Qassem Soleimani are making mani now?”
an impact. A lot has changed since “When you say the attacks were
2003. The government’s power to The fact that the administration of the Times’ initial accounts on the involvement in wars. That’s what imminent, how imminent were
frame the public debate has been has argued that it has intelligence killing, according to statistics pro- a democracy looks like … The high- they?” Tapper asked Pompeo on
only strengthened by the advent of to back up its assertions – but just vided by social media monitoring est responsibility of the press is to “State of the Union.” “Are we
social media and the rise of ideologi- hasn’t shared it with the public – is service NewsWhip. report thoroughly, vigorously and talking about days? Are we talk-
cal outlets, while the media’s abil- one clear parallel with 2003. That Several of the biggest stories on probingly when this country’s ing about weeks?”
ity to control and sustain a narrative means that even if news organiza- Facebook since the killing have fo- leaders take actions that can put Tapper acknowledged the next
has diminished accordingly. tions are quick to point to the lack cused on troop deployments, while the lives of American troops and day that “it’s not fun when people
Officials’ claims are often ampli- of evidence, they still feel obliged a story from British outlet The Mir- others at risk.” insinuate you don’t love your coun-
fied in headlines and cable chyrons to give voice to the administration’s ror about an “unidentified eulogist” And Walcott — whose former try because your job is to question
— “Pompeo: Soleimani Was Not claims. at Soleimani’s funeral putting an Knight Ridder team was lionized our leaders, but that’s the job.”
In Baghdad On A Peace Mission,” Secretary of State Mike Pompeo $80 million bounty on Trump’s in the 2018 film “Shock and Awe” While journalists are press-
read a Tuesday Fox News graphic — offered confident assurances of the head had the most interactions. — believes he’s detected a shift in ing the government for answers,
even if they are challenged later in strength of Trump’s argument (Fact-checking site Snopes notes the right direction. James Risen, a Pulitzer Prize-
greater detail. The president’s mes- that the attack on Soleimani was that the bounty “is not yet known to “I think that although that was winning journalist who notably
sage was splashed across MSNBC defensive in nature — not an “as- have been authorized by, or repre- nearly two decades ago, a lot of clashed with his former editors at
hours later — “Trump: We Saved sassination,” as some reporters and sent the official position of, Iranian reporters at the Times, the Post The New York Times in trying to get
Lives By Killing Soleimani,” read analysts argue — while appearing authorities.”) and elsewhere now recognize that more skeptical pre-Iraq reporting
a chryon — during a segment with on six networks on Sunday, barely Despite the signs of faltering at- our job as reporters is not to ac- in the paper, said he still worries
an analyst expressing fears about flinching under often-critical tention by readers, news leaders in- cept what the government says that the Trump administration is
the U.S. being led to war. questioning. Both the Times and sist they will continue to pursue the about matters of war and peace — setting the agenda.
And Trump can also circumvent the Post have run stories quoting truth about the alleged “imminent or anything else — at face value,” “You can see it already when
any questioning from the White White House sources as suggest- threat” and will not shift focus as he wrote in an email to POLITICO. Trump and the people around him
House press corps, which hasn’t ing the evidence of the threat posed events unfold, as they say happened Indeed, governments of both kept saying there was an imminent
had a formal briefing with the press threat and that’s why they had to go
secretary in more than 300 days. after Soleimani,” Risen said in an
The president defended the killing interview. “That’s the kind of thing
to millions on Monday on Rush Lim- “The media and the public are far less gullible now than they were [in 2003], that they kept saying before the war
baugh’s radio show and has wielded in Iraq. It’s always difficult to fight
his Twitter megaphone to his nearly but even now there’s a tendency to take administration claims at face value, or back against that.”
70 million followers to make addi- at least semi-seriously. Don’t do this. Lies don’t stop at the water’s edge.” Risen — who is currently a se-
tional unchecked claims about Iran nior national correspondent at The
and further threats. “Without Twit- — New York Times columnist Paul Krugman Intercept, where he and others re-
ter, I think we’d be lost,” Trump told cently revealed secret files show-
Limbaugh. “We wouldn’t be able to ing Iran’s strong influence in Iraq
get the truth out.” — said the broader issue for the me-
The president’s ability to shape dia to grapple with is why the U.S.
public opinion without offering any by Soleimani was, in the words of a in 2003. parties have misled the public dur- government “is murdering a foreign
evidence of an “imminent threat” tweet by the Times’ Rukmini Cal- “With a few rare exceptions,” ing wartime, as the “Pentagon Pa- government official at a time when
so angered New York Times colum- limachi, “razor thin.” Tapper said ruefully in a POLITICO pers” revealed during the Vietnam there’s still an assassination ban on
nist Paul Krugman that he urged But their reporters continue to interview, “the media drank the War or as the “Afghanistan Papers” the books.”
the media to dismiss Trump’s quote the official line, as well. Kool-Aid in the buildup to the war reiterated just last month. The Iran Some news organizations, like
claims entirely until he provides In a quadruple-bylined story in Iraq and too many people didn’t crisis presents a unique dilemma in The Associated Press, acknowl-
more facts. leading Sunday’s issue, the Times do their jobs.” terms of trusting information from edged mostly refraining from de-
“The media and the public are reported that “some officials voiced In case anyone wondered wheth- the government as the president scribing the killing of Soleimani as
far less gullible now than they were private skepticism about the ratio- er there were any red-rimmed Di- has made more than 15,000 false an “assassination because it would
[in 2003], but even now there’s a nale for a strike on General Solei- xie cups in the CNN newsroom this or misleading claims in office. require that the news service de-
tendency to take administration mani, who was responsible for the time around, the network high- Since the killing of Soleimani, cide that the act was a murder,
claims at face value, or at least deaths of hundreds of American lighted Pompeo’s lack of specifics there has been a push in the news and because the term is politically
semi-seriously,” Krugman wrote troops over the years.” One U.S. Tuesday morning with a chyron: media “to find out if there’s any freighted.”
in his newsletter. “Don’t do this. official told the newspaper that the “Pompeo Defends Soleimani Kill- credible intelligence to support the Risen said avoiding that word is
Lies don’t stop at the water’s edge. Trump administration’s new intel- ing; Trump Admin Yet To Offer Trump administration’s claim that “cowardly” and likened it to news
Administrations that are dishon- ligence was essentially “business Evidence of ‘Imminent Threat.’” another, larger attack on Americans organizations using descriptions
est about domestic policy tend to be as usual” for Soleimani and didn’t Baron said in a statement to in Iraq was ‘imminent,’” said Wal- like “enhanced” or “harsh” inter-
dishonest about foreign policy too. suggest an imminent threat. POLITICO that “Throughout the cott, now a contributing editor at rogation when covering Bush-era
And while the Bush administration That deeply reported follow-up history of this country, there has Time, “as well as the extensive ex- torture techniques.
lied a lot, Trump and company lie story, however, appeared to receive been vigorous public debate about aminations of whether escalating “It’s a silly debate,” Risen said.
about everything.” less Facebook interactions than two our foreign policy, especially our tensions with Iran will make Amer- “It’s an assassination.”
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8 | POLITICO | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2020
Trump kicks off 2020 with $10M Super Bowl ad buy
The president and the
RNC raised $493M in
2019 and are ready
to put it to use in 2020
BY ALEX ISENSTADT
President Donald Trump’s re-
election campaign is planning to
drop $10 million to advertise during
the Super Bowl, the start of a mas-
sive election-year spending spree
that will intensify over the coming
months, according to four people
briefed on the plans.
The campaign has purchased 60
seconds of commercial time dur-
ing the Feb. 2 Super Bowl, which
is likely to be the most-watched
television event of the year. The ad
or ads — it’s unclear whether there
will be a single 60-second spot or
a pair of 30-second commercials
— are expected to run early in the
game, when viewership is likely to
be at its highest.
With the investment, the Trump
campaign is dipping into a deep war
chest it has amassed over the past
year. The reelection effort and the
Republican National Committee
announced last week that they
raised a combined $463 million in
2019 and had nearly $200 million
on hand.
The Super Bowl advertising,
coming a day before the Iowa
Democratic caucuses, is part of a
broader spending effort. Starting
this month, campaign aides say,
the campaign intends to increase its
TV, radio and digital advertising.
It also has plans to spend millions
of dollars to reach key voting blocs, JOE RAEDLE/GETTY IMAGES
including women, evangelicals, La- President Donald Trump’s Super Bowl ad or ads — it’s unclear whether he will have a single 60-second spot or a pair of 30-second commercials — are
tinos and African Americans. The expected to run early in the game, when viewership is likely to be at its highest. Mike Bloomberg also has purchased $10 million in Super Bowl ad time.
Trump campaign recently launched
an aggressive effort to woo black
voters, taking out ads on African referring to the president’s an- campaign advertises during a ma- million in Super Bowl advertising ning on rolling out the ad via text
American-owned radio stations nouncement within days of his 2017 jor sporting event. The reelection time, an aide to the billionaire message to supporters in the days
and newspapers. inauguration that he would seek re- campaign ran commercials during Democratic candidate said. The before the game, with the hopes of
“The president’s decision to stay election. “Now, 300 days out, we last year’s World Series declaring spots are expected to go after the building their supporter list.
aggressive and keep the campaign are throttling up. The president that Trump is “no Mr. Nice Guy, but president’s. The New York Times The Trump campaign has been in
open after his first election gave has built an awesome, high-per- sometimes it takes a Donald Trump first reported Bloomberg’s plans. talks with Fox, which is airing the
us a huge head start on his reelec- formance, omnichannel machine to change Washington.” Trump aides said they’re still de- game, since the fall and reserved
tion,” Trump campaign manager and it’s time to give it some gas.” Former New York Mayor Mike termining the content of the Super the advertising time in December.
Brad Parscale said in a statement, This won’t be the first time the Bloomberg has also purchased $10 Bowl advertising. They are plan- It will be paying for it this month.
DNC to reschedule debate if it conflicts with impeachment trial
BY QUINT FORGEY nation, who will act as Trump’s all the candidates to accommodate
The chairman of the Democratic jurors and therefore be sidelined them.”
National Committee, Tom Perez, from their campaigns during the The DNC had declined to com-
said Tuesday it would reschedule proceedings less than a month be- ment when asked whether the
next week’s presidential primary fore the first-in-the-nation Iowa qualification deadline on Friday
debate in Iowa if the televised event caucuses. would be pushed back if the de-
conflicts with President Donald But the Democratic candidates bate were postponed because of
Trump’s impeachment trial in the vying to challenge the president the trial.
Senate. in November “are very agile, just Although House Speaker Nancy
“Democrats and our sena- as the American people are agile,” Pelosi has yet to send to the Sen-
tors can walk and chew gum,” Perez said. ate the articles of impeachment
Perez told MSNBC. “Obviously, “You know, families across this charging Trump with abuse of
if there’s a trial on the 14th, then country walk and chew gum every power and obstruction of Con-
we’ll move the debate. If there’s day,” he said. “They take care of gress, Senate Majority Leader
not, then we’re going to have the their kids. They feed the family. Mitch McConnell has secured
debate. At the moment, all systems They pay the bills. And they want sufficient support from his GOP
are go, and so we’re going to move to make sure that their Congress caucus to approve a framework
forward.” is doing the same thing, and of rules governing a trial in the
Three of the five presidential our candidates will do the same chamber.
candidates to have qualified thus M. SCOTT MAHASKEY/POLITICO thing.” House Democrats had with-
far for the debate next Tuesday at “Democrats and our senators can walk and chew gum,” DNC Chairman The remarks from the party held the impeachment articles
Drake University in Des Moines, co- Tom Perez (center) said. “At the moment, all systems are go.” chairman break with a less defini- in an attempt to add leverage to
hosted by CNN and The Des Moines tive statement from Xochitl Hino- Senate Minority Leader Chuck
Register, are senators: Amy Klobu- josa, the DNC’s communications Schumer’s negotiations with Mc-
char of Minnesota, Bernie Sanders former Vice President Joe Biden ing impeachment trial has com- director, who previously said that Connell over the trial’s rules and
of Vermont and Elizabeth Warren and former Mayor Pete Buttigieg plicated the plans of the Demo- if “a conflict with an impeachment because of concerns about bias
of Massachusetts. of South Bend, Ind. cratic senators competing for trial is unavoidable, the DNC will toward the White House among
Also slated to participate are The potential for a forthcom- their party’s presidential nomi- evaluate its options and work with Senate Republicans.
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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2020 | POLITICO | 9
STEPHEN MATUREN/GETTY IMAGES
Decorative balloons forming “SOS” at a Bernie Sanders rally in Des Moines exemplify the downbeat message Iowa voters are hearing from Sanders and other Democratic candidates a month
before the state’s caucuses. Voters still jam coffee shops and other venues to hear the candidates, but their sense of urgency is now tinged with anguish.
Sense of foreboding darkens Democratic primary
Recent headlines inspire dread in early state rible will happen if they don’t. This followed by Warren at 16 percent, “Are we too wide of a field still
Dems. The candidates are making it worse year, in the 2020 election, we actu- according to the most recent CBS that people are turned off by that?”
ally have both.” News poll. Freese asked. “Or are we so fired up
He said, “I fear that our democ- In addition, Iowans still aren’t because of things like impeachment
BY DAVID SIDERS Trump, the imperative to remove racy will not survive four more sure — after more than a year and Iran, now … are we so fired up
DAVENPORT, IOWA — The new year him from office has remained high years of the imperial Trump presi- watching candidates here — that that we will turn out even harder
is taking the presidential primary since the minute he won election dency with his lack of understand- any of them can beat Trump. Asked to caucus? I have no idea.”
to a dark place in the nation’s first in 2016. ing and respect for the Constitu- to describe the candidates’ chances At least some of the electorate’s
caucus state. But many Democrats did not tion.” He said he feared the planet of defeating the Republican presi- shifting mood can be attributed to
President Donald Trump’s im- suspect a year ago that the final might not survive, either. dent, pluralities of Democrats said the calendar. Iowans become more
pending impeachment trial and stage of the campaign would begin The turn of the calendar — and Sanders, Biden, Warren and But- serious about the caucuses as they
fear of war with Iran — as well as with open conversations about the the abrupt reminder of what Cro- tigieg can “maybe” win the gen- draw closer every election cycle,
the Australia wildfires and their prospect of World War III. Or an eral election, according to the poll. said Roxanne Conlin, a former
implications for climate change impeached president. Fewer than 40 percent of Demo- United States attorney and former
— quickly cast a pall over a con- Standing in the photo line at a crats say any of those candidates candidate for governor and Senate
test in which Democrats are al- raucous Warren event Sunday, a “I fear that our “probably would win.” in Iowa. And the “mortal danger”
ready wracked with uncertainty high school senior said he worried democracy will not “I think [Trump] has an excel- posed by Trump, she said, has long
about which candidate has the best about his friends being deployed to lent chance of being reelected, no been on Democrats’ minds.
chance of defeating Trump. the Middle East. The Iowa Starting survive four more matter what,” said Tracy Freese, Still, said Conlin, a Klobuchar
All across Iowa hangs an air of Line news site reported that during Democratic Party chairwoman in supporter: “The Iran decision, if
years of the imperial
heightened distress, which the a single day campaigning with Sen. Grundy County, where she intro- you can call it that — oh, my God.”
candidates are readily leaning into. Amy Klobuchar recently, attendees Trump presidency.” duced Sanders at a town hall over Biden frequently warns audi-
“I tell you all these things not at three separate events had “com- the weekend. “There are plenty of ences that eight years of Trump will
to get you nervous, but to get you pared Trump to Adolf Hitler’s rise — Ken Croken Democrats who are realistic.” “fundamentally change the char-
depressed,” Sen. Bernie Sanders, in Germany.” Scott County, Iowa, supervisor The darkening mood has not acter of the nation.” In the audi-
speaking about climate change, At a Biden event at the minor changed enthusiasm for the elec- ence at one of his recent events, the
said at a town hall meeting in league baseball stadium in Daven- tion itself — even if it is tinged man who asked whether the United
Grundy Center, Iowa, over the port, a man asked, “Can America with anguish. Crowds in recent States could survive a second term
weekend. survive Trump in office for another days were still jamming into cof- of Trump’s presidency suggested
Hours later in Des Moines, it was year?” ken called Iowa’s “truly awesome fee shops, community centers and that recognizing the urgency of re-
Joe Biden describing the state of A collection of answers rang out responsibility” of caucusing — has high school gymnasiums to cheer placing him isn’t the problem — and
Trump’s presidency more broadly from around the room: “No.” And done little to improve the state’s their candidates. never has been.
as “extremely, extremely worri- before Biden addressed the crowd, mood. In fact, impeachment and But even energetic caucusgo- “People sense that urgency, but
some.” Sen. Elizabeth Warren ad- Scott County Supervisor Ken Cro- the developments in Iran appear to ers can have frayed nerves. Some they don’t know the solution,” said
monished supporters in Davenport ken cast the weight of the upcoming have exacerbated voters’ anxiety Democrats worry an escalating Bruce Peterson, a canoe builder.
that “this is a time of crisis in this caucuses in equally somber terms. about their indecisiveness on an conflict with Iran could help Trump He said he didn’t know the solu-
country.” “It’s my experience that people alternative to Trump. politically. And despite projections tion, either. But more than ever be-
Democrats have fretted for more act for one of two reasons,” he said. Sanders, Biden and Pete Butti- for record caucus turnout, some fore during Trump’s presidency, he
than a year about how to choose a “One, something good will happen gieg are locked in a three-way tie in party officials remain unsure what said, “These last two months make
nominee. And for those who loathe if they do, or two, something ter- Iowa, each with 23 percent support, to expect. me apprehensive.”
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10 | POLITICO | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2020
CHIP SOMODEVILLA/GETTY IMAGES
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer reiterated his pledge to force votes on witnesses and documents ahead of the upcoming impeachment trial, but his demands so far have been
spurned by Mitch McConnell. The majority leader says the Senate will “get around to the discussion of witnesses,” but not before the Senate trial begins.
McConnell pushes to set impeachment trial rules
TRIAL from page 1
to occur after opening arguments,” for moving forward without them kicked off Clinton’s trial. Those and Susan Collins of Maine said
The move is the latest exercise of said Utah Sen. Mitt Romney. and without making any promise circumstances were in some ways they are comfortable with follow-
blunt political power by McCon- Speaker Nancy Pelosi has with- to hear from witnesses. different: The Senate had much ing the Clinton model and deciding
nell, who since becoming major- held the articles of impeachment “That’s not how you run a coun- more information about Clinton’s whether to call witnesses later.
ity leader has found myriad ways since the House voted in Decem- try. That’s not how you run the impeachment inquiry than it has Schumer and Democrats will still
to sideline Democrats and move ber to charge Trump with abuse United States Senate,” said Sen. on Trump given this administra- have opportunities to try to shape
his agenda with narrow majori- of power and obstruction of Con- Jon Tester (D-Mont.). tion’s all-out effort to block witness the trial. They can force votes on
ties. And the partisan impeachment gress, in part to push Republicans “That’s regrettable. If I thought testimony and documents from the their preferred trial structure,
road isn’t without risk: Republicans to agree to fair rules for the trial. McConnell’s offer to bring wit- House. which they believe will put vul-
are doing little to distance them- The GOP used the delay from the nesses … was in good faith, I could But McConnell needs only a bare nerable Republicans in a bind.
selves from the president even on House to get ready to start the probably vote to proceed with im- majority to ignore Democrats’ de- And they could in theory succeed
process questions, let alone the clock on the impeachment trial peachment inquiry. I don’t believe mands to subpoena witnesses and if more senators like Romney decide
ultimate decision of whether to as soon as possible. that,” said Sen. Chris Murphy (D- documents and instead kick that they need to hear new evidence.
remove Trump from office. “I know that I’ll want to hear
Yet Republicans say Democrats from witnesses,” Romney said.
offered them little alternative: Most Pelosi could deliver the articles of
scoffed at the idea that Schumer “If I thought McConnell’s offer to bring witnesses … was in good impeachment as soon as this week.
could determine what evidence is While she did not secure any con-
heard in the Senate. And McCon- faith, I could probably vote to proceed with impeachment inquiry. cessions from McConnell — who
nell’s strategy has key backing from I don’t believe that. … I think this is all a whitewash.” said Democrats were grasping onto
the handful of Republican swing “mythical leverage” — the party did
votes heading into the trial, though — Sen. Chris Murphy briefly win new scrutiny on GOP
many senators, like Lisa Murkows- vows to coordinate closely with the
ki of Alaska, had hoped Schumer White House.
and McConnell could come to an Now after the long holiday break
agreement. and still no additional response
“We’ve gotten so snarled up with “What we’re aspiring to do is to Conn.). “I don’t think he’s going to decision until later in the trial. from Pelosi, Republicans are eager
debate over witnesses that the two get this process moving forward bring witnesses. I think this is all a Schumer has sought to put pres- to get moving.
leaders haven’t been able to come to and indicate to the Democrats that whitewash.” sure on McConnell’s vulnerable The House “wasn’t pushing for
terms on this first phase, so it looks as soon as they send those articles McConnell and Schumer have senators by raising the question the witnesses like they should. So
like we’ll go forward with a Repub- over here, we’re ready to go. Quit been unable to reach a deal on how of witnesses and pointing to new why the heck did they expect we’re
lican [package],” said Murkowski, stalling,” said Senate Majority to run the impeachment trial. And emails that have been released going to jump all over it now?” said
who said she would support Mc- Whip John Thune (R-S.D.). their efforts at negotiations were showing the president’s involve- Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), who is up
Connell’s proposal. Following McConnell’s an- anemic, boiling down to a 20-min- ment in the Ukraine scandal. for reelection. Pelosi is playing a
“I’d like to hear from John Bolton nouncement, the Senate is in a ute conversation on December that Trump’s former national security political game right now and she’s
and other witnesses to provide in- position to quickly begin the trial — got them no closer to a bipartisan adviser John Bolton said Monday losing.”
formation. That process will ac- even if it requires steamrolling the result. that he would testify before the
commodate that. The Clinton pro- 47-member minority. Democrats That impasse squashes hopes Senate if subpoenaed. But mod- John Bresnahan contributed to this
cess allows for a vote on witnesses immediately criticized McConnell of repeating the 100-0 vote that erate Republicans like Murkowski report.