POLITICO Playbook: Behind the president’s struggles with impeachment

WHY THE PRESIDENT SEEMS TO BE STRUGGLING WITH IMPEACHMENT …

-- HIS RHETORICAL TRICKS ARE WORN OUT. Everybody is aware of he thinks the media is crooked and corrupt, we all know he thinks Democrats are as much as no good and don’t operate on the extent, and he’s stated earlier than the government is rising up towards him. Every part he doesn’t like is a “hoax” or a “scam” or “phony.” AP’s Kevin Freking and Jonathan Lemire: “‘Are you talking to me?’ Trump’s anger on impeachment erupts”

TO BELIEVE THE PRESIDENT’S SPIN at this point is to consider that each single news story printed is incorrect.

-- REPORTERS ARE GETTING MORE ADEPT at sidestepping his strong-arming. See JEFF MASON’S interplay with him Wednesday. The president tried to redirect Mason’s inquiries, and the Reuters correspondent calmly stood his ground. NYT’s Mike Grynbaum on Mason’s exchange with Trump… Video

-- QUITE CURIOUSLY, TRUMP NO LONGER uses his White Home press secretary to drive day by day messaging. Ever. Consider how useful it may be to the White Home for reporters to listen to from the administration periodically, not just a president who's tweeting angrily from the residence or teeing off throughout pool sprays.

-- PEOPLE AROUND HIM ARE LEAKING LIKE CRAZY. At the moment, The Washington Publish has a story with details about VP MIKE PENCE’S involvement in all of the comings and goings with the Ukraine matter. When the individuals you rent need to knife you, you could have an issue.

-- MOST ELECTED REPUBLICANS are unwilling to go on tv to defend the president, because they don’t know where this story ends. THE SURROGATES who go on tv are usually not to be believed, because it’s been confirmed time and time again that the one word that issues is the president’s.

NYT’S MAGGIE HABERMAN and ANNIE KARNI: “Impeachment War Room? Trump Does It All Himself, and That Worries Republicans”

NEW … THE NRCC is going to release a brand new polling memo at present that, of their view, backs up the rivalry that impeachment is harmful for some Democrats.

-- THE MEMO says this: “Two-thirds (63%) of voters in NRCC goal seats and 66% of voters in Republican-held battleground seats agree that Democrats in Congress are too obsessive about impeaching the president and must be engaged on issues they marketing campaign on akin to funding our army, enhancing the nation’s infrastructure, decreasing the price of prescribed drugs, and caring for our nation’s veterans.”

-- REPUBLICANS TOLD US THIS is how they asked the query: “Under is a press release on the impeachment inquiry. After you’ve learn it, please choose whether you usually agree or disagree with that specific viewpoint: Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the Democrats in Congress are too obsessed with President Trump and as an alternative ought to be engaged on the issues they have been elected to do like funding our army, enhancing the nation’s infrastructure, decreasing value of prescribed drugs, or caring for our nation’s veterans.”

-- DETAILS: This can be a poll of 800 respondents across 253 House districts -- all GOP-held seats and 55 target seats. The polling memo

COOL TOOL: FiveThirtyEight has a brand new tracker for impeachment polls. The current breakdown: An common of 46.7% of People help impeachment, whereas 45.1% oppose it.

NOT BACKING DOWN -- SPEAKER NANCY PELOSI on a name Wednesday afternoon with Home Democrats: “I do assume that this is a moment beyond Donald Trump. He’s virtually not value it, to do an impeachment, because he is so what he's, but the Structure is value it, and our democracy is value it, and our ‘Republic, if we will maintain it’ is value it.”

-- MUCH OF THIS CALL was about H.R. three, the Democrats’ drug pricing bill.

Good Thursday morning. THE WASHINGTON NATIONALS are in Los Angeles for Recreation 1 of the NLDS tonight towards the Dodgers. First pitch is at eight:37 p.m.

SPOTTED: Mick Mulvaney shopping for yogurt Wednesday night time at the Streets Market on Massachusetts Avenue.

IMPEACHMENT CLIP PACKET …

-- WAPO: “Trump concerned Pence in efforts to strain Ukraine’s chief, although officers say vice chairman was unaware of allegations in whistleblower grievance,” by Greg Miller, Greg Jaffe and Ashley Parker: “President Trump repeatedly involved Vice President Pence in efforts to exert strain on the chief of Ukraine at a time when the president was using different channels to solicit info that he hoped can be damaging to a Democratic rival, current and former U.S. officials stated.

“Trump instructed Pence not to attend the inauguration of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Might — an occasion White House officers had pushed to placed on the vice chairman’s calendar — when Ukraine’s new leader was in search of recognition and help from Washington, the officers stated.

“Months later, the president used Pence to tell Zelensky that U.S. help was nonetheless being withheld while demanding more aggressive action on corruption, officers stated. At that time — following Trump’s July 25 telephone call with Zelenksy — the Ukrainians in all probability understood action on corruption to include the investigation of former vice chairman Joe Biden and his son Hunter Biden.” WaPo

-- WAPO: “Giuliani consulted on Ukraine with imprisoned Paul Manafort by way of a lawyer,” by Josh Dawsey, Tom Hamburger, Paul Sonne and Ros Helderman: “In his quest to rewrite the history of the 2016 election, President Trump’s personal lawyer has turned to an uncommon source of data: Trump’s imprisoned former marketing campaign chairman Paul Manafort.

“Rudolph W. Giuliani in current months has consulted several occasions with Manafort by way of the federal prisoner’s lawyer in pursuit of details about a disputed ledger that may bolster his principle that the actual story of 2016 just isn't Russian interference to elect Trump, but Ukrainian efforts to help Hillary Clinton.

“The connection, which Giuliani acknowledged in an interview this week with The Washington Publish, stems from a shared interest in a narrative that undermines the rationale for the particular counsel investigation. That inquiry led to Manafort’s imprisonment on tax and financial fraud allegations related to his work in Kiev for the political celebration of former president Viktor Yanukovych.” WaPo

-- BEN SCHRECKINGER: “Ukraine scandal ropes in the regular suspects”: “The Ukraine scandal engulfing Donald Trump’s presidency goes nicely beyond the core forged of characters on the heart of Democrats’ impeachment inquiry. It’s now drawing in a duo acquainted to anybody who has followed previous Washington imbroglios: conservative legal professionals and GOP operatives Joe diGenova and his wife, Victoria Toensing. And the scandal is beginning to reveal the opaque agendas of a pair of Ukrainian oligarchs whose legal troubles have led them to hunt favors in Washington.” POLITICO

-- HMM … WAPO: “Odd markings, ellipses fuel doubts about the ‘rough transcript’ of Trump’s Ukraine call,” by Carol Leonnig, Craig Timberg and Drew Harwell

-- CNN: “State Department inspector general gives Congress documents that Giuliani provided”

-- MARIANNE LEVINE: “Graham urges overseas leaders to help Barr with investigation into 2016 election”: “Senate Judiciary Chairman Lindsey Graham on Wednesday asked several overseas leaders to proceed to help Lawyer Basic William Barr together with his investigation into the 2016 election.

“In a letter to the prime ministers of Australia, Italy and Britain, the South Carolina Republican requested their ‘continued cooperation with Lawyer Basic Barr because the Division of Justice continues to research the origins and extent of overseas affect in the 2016 election.’” POLITICO

-- BURGESS EVERETT: “Schumer to Dems: Press McConnell on impeachment but don’t forget ‘legislative graveyard’”

ON THE ROAD, IMPEACHMENT EDITION … BOSTON GLOBE: “In a deep purple Tennessee district, impeachment elicits sighs, not anger,” by Laura Krantz in Rutledge, Tenn.: “Many people are already weary of this new round of accusations towards President Trump, who they say nonetheless deserves the good thing about the doubt. They sigh and name this newest controversy just one other signal of partisanship and dysfunction in the nation’s capital — a far cry from the outrage heard from Democrats over the Ukraine whistle-blower grievance or the Civil Conflict-type backlash that Trump has predicted from his supporters. …

“‘Individuals are just burnt out on it,’ stated U.S. Consultant Tim Burchett, a first-term Republican who represents the world.” Boston Globe

2020 WATCH … NATASHA KORECKI: “With Warren gaining, Biden builds a Super Tuesday fortress”: “Joe Biden’s campaign is ramping up its funding in the Super Tuesday states, anticipating a Democratic race that narrows to two candidates by early March.

“The rise in staffing throughout the 14 states that will vote March 3 comes as Biden’s polling numbers have declined and Elizabeth Warren’s have surged, notably in states like Iowa and New Hampshire where she’s heavily invested in subject organization.

“The former vice chairman’s campaign continues to be counting on robust finishes within the 4 early nominating states. But in the occasion of weaker-than-expected performances, a built-out Super Tuesday organization would offer a fail-safe for Biden.” POLITICO

THE JUICE …

-- NEW … CONVENTION 2020 WATCH: Veteran Republican operatives JEFF KIMBELL and JOHN GREEN have secured the Fillmore in Charlotte for the RNC Conference from Aug. 24-27. The duo, which have been placing on stay music occasions at GOP conventions since 2004 via Magnum Leisure Group Inc., have locked in “The Spazmatics” as their opening act for each night time.

HAPPENING TODAY: Former Ukraine envoy Kurt Volker, who stepped down last week, testifies behind closed doorways on Capitol Hill to members of the Home Intelligence, Oversight and Overseas Affairs committees. NPR preview … What he’ll say

TRUMP’S THURSDAY -- The president will depart the White House at 10 a.m. en route to Ocala, Fla. He will journey to The Villages, a sprawling retirement group outdoors of Orlando, the place he'll give a speech at 1:10 p.m. and sign an government order on well being look after seniors at the Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Middle. Afterward, Trump will take photographs with supporters. He will depart at 2:45 p.m. en route again to Washington.

GARY FINEOUT in Tallahassee: “In adult Disney World, Trump will escape critics”

CONWAY VS. CONWAY … GEORGE in THE ATLANTIC: “Unfit for Office: Donald Trump’s narcissism makes it inconceivable for him to carry out the duties of the presidency within the method the Constitution requires.”

IMMIGRATION FILES … NYT’S CAITLIN DICKERSON: “U.S. Authorities Plans to Gather DNA From Detained Immigrants”: “The Trump administration is shifting to gather DNA samples from lots of of hundreds of people booked into federal immigration custody annually and to enter the outcomes into a nationwide felony database, an immense enlargement of using know-how to enforce the nation’s immigration laws.

“Senior officers at the Division of Homeland Security stated Wednesday that the Justice Department was creating a federal regulation that might give immigration officers the authority to collect DNA in detention amenities throughout the nation which might be at present holding greater than 40,000 individuals.

“The move would funnel hundreds of latest data to the F.B.I., whose in depth DNA database has been restricted primarily to genetic markers collected from people who have been arrested, charged or convicted in reference to critical crimes.” NYT

TRADE WARS -- “Cheese, French wines, planes on Trump target record for $7.5B retaliation award,” by Jakob Hanke in Brussels and Doug Palmer: “President Donald Trump plans to slap punitive tariffs on about $7.5 billion value of European aircraft, agricultural and industrial items later this month after the United States gained an necessary victory in a ruling earlier than the global commerce body that handles trade disputes.

“The motion brings a 15-year-old case one step nearer to resolution whereas allowing Trump to impose tariffs with the official blessing of the World Trade Group. … Cheese and dairy products determine prominently on the retaliation of record to the delight of U.S. dairy producers who face substantial sales limitations within the EU.

“Imports of single-malt Scotch, Irish whiskey, liqueurs, French wines, sweaters, coffee, pipe cutters, numerous instruments, sweet biscuits, olives and pork will even be slapped with 25 % duties.” POLITICO Europe

POSTCARD FROM ROME … NYT’S JASON HOROWITZ: “First Barr, Now Pompeo: Italy Is Hub of Impeachment Intrigue for Trump Officers”: “As Washington seethes amid accusations of quid professional quos, conspiracy theories and abuses of power, Italy, with its sensible early autumn mild and amenable political leaders, has grow to be a current destination for 2 central officials within the Trump administration who are in the thick of the impeachment inquiry.

“Their comings and goings have provoked some consternation, and greater than just a little hypothesis, within the Italian media. The Italian authorities has thus far refused to say a word a few trip to the capital last week by Lawyer Basic William P. Barr to satisfy with Italian intelligence officers as half of President Trump’s efforts to discredit the investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 United States election.

“The Italian prime minister is Giuseppe Conte, whom Mr. Trump has referred to as ‘my good friend Giuseppe.’ In August, Mr. Trump endorsed Mr. Conte in a Tweet, albeit one that misspelled his identify, amid an Italian authorities crisis. … Whereas the Italian government has gone formally silent on the difficulty, Mr. Conte appeared to be serving to out, based on studies in the Italian information media.” NYT

HISTORY LESSON -- “GOP veterans of Clinton’s impeachment urge caution on Trump,” by AP’s Andrew Taylor: “Then there’s former Rep. Bob Inglis, a Republican from South Carolina who wasn’t an impeachment manager but pressured a Judiciary Committee dialogue on simply probably the most vulgar accusation levied towards Clinton for his conduct. He seemed virtually sheepish when encountered in the Capitol just lately.

“‘We made a mistake’ impeaching Clinton, Inglis stated, including that the substance of the matter ‘wasn’t so very consequential.’

“‘I can say that now, on reflection — I didn’t assume that at the time — however I feel that was as a result of I was in all probability kind of blinded by my dislike of President Clinton, you know, and eager to stop him,’ Inglis stated. ‘So there may be some similarities there in this state of affairs.’” AP

ALL NEWS IS LOCAL -- “Who is Gordon Sondland? Portland hotel magnate’s stunning climb to Trump inner circle lands him in impeachment scandal,” by The Oregonian’s Jeff Manning

VALLEY TALK -- “The FBI is operating Fb advertisements concentrating on Russians in Washington,” by CNN’s Donie O’Sullivan and David Shortell: “One ad seen by CNN contains a inventory photograph of a young lady at her graduation together with her family. Russian textual content overlaid on the image reads, ‘In your future, for the future of your family.’ One other exhibits an image of a chess set, with Russian text that interprets to, ‘Isn't it time for you to make your transfer?’’ CNN

MEDIAWATCH … MICHAEL CALDERONE: “Fox News emerges as Trump’s firewall”

-- QUOTE DU JOUR … CNN’S JAKE TAPPER: “A parental advisory for you: In this block, I’m going to be quoting from issues that the president of america has tweeted, so if you will have youngsters in the room, you may need to mute the tv.”

-- YES, THAT HAPPENED -- “Fox News Host Todd Starnes Out After Suggesting Democrats Worship Pagan God Moloch,” by The Wrap’s Lindsey Ellefson

-- Longtime overseas correspondent Michael Slackman is becoming a member of the NYT masthead as assistant managing editor for worldwide. He previously ran the international desk. Announcement

Ship tricks to Eli Okun and Garrett Ross at politicoplaybook@politico.com.

FIRST IN PLAYBOOK -- Rachel Millard shall be deputy director of public affairs on the CFTC, beginning next week. She at present is communications director for the Home Agriculture Committee Republicans.

OUT AND ABOUT -- RIGHTNOW held knowledgeable ladies’s velocity mentoring event at Edison Electric Establishment, sponsored by Maria Cino, Ashley Davis, Susan Neely and Beth Saunders. SPOTTED: Marlene Colucci, Lisa Spies, Shelley Hymes, Jean Card, Susan Hirschmann, Jane Adams, Lauren Maddox, Maddie Milam, Maura Gillespie.

TRANSITIONS -- Invoice McGinley is now a principal at the Vogel Group. He beforehand was assistant to the president and Cupboard secretary at the White Home. … Matt Mazzone is now artistic director at Ascent Media, a Republican promoting agency. He most lately was director of production at Poolhouse, and beforehand was director of film and visible media on the RNC in the course of the 2016 cycle. …

… Casey Clemmons is now Iowa deputy state director for Pete Buttigieg’s campaign. He beforehand was Iowa caucus director for Kirsten Gillibrand’s marketing campaign. … Miles Taylor is now head of national safety relations at Google. He previously was chief of employees at DHS.

BIRTHDAY OF THE DAY: Logan Dobson, managing director at Focused Victory. How he’s celebrating: “I’ll be celebrating with a trip to the fitness center and a few drinks at my favourite neighborhood bar with buddies tonight, and a bigger gathering over the weekend. The actual birthday spotlight shall be a visit with my sister to Las Vegas next month to see a serious boxing battle -- her present to me this yr. Chemical engineers make the actual dough.” Playbook Q&A

BIRTHDAYS: Rep. Karen Bass (D-Calif.) is 66 … Rev. Al Sharpton is 65 … Asawin “Swin” Suebsaeng, White Home reporter at The Day by day Beast … Cristóbal Alex, senior adviser for Joe Biden’s campaign … AP’s Darlene Superville and Verena Dobnik … former Sen. Jeff Bingaman (D-N.M.) is 76 … former Rep. Dave Obey (D-Wis.) is 81 … former Rep. Sean Duffy (R-Wis.) is 48 … former Rep. Charlie Melancon (D-La.) is 72 ... former Rep. Allyson Schwartz (D-Pa.) is 71 … POLITICO’s Eric Wolff and Emma Kinnucan … J. Toscano, companion at 76 Words … Katie Whelan, senior adviser at Dewey Sq. Group … Jonathan Lamy … Pam Gilbert, companion at Cuneo Gilbert and LaDuca … Sally Painter, co-founder and COO of Blue Star Strategies (hat ideas: Jon Haber) …

… Sarah Feinberg, principal and CEO of Feinberg Methods … Bradley Tusk, founder and CEO of Tusk Holdings … Betsey Apple … Beth Jones … Sean Gibbons … Kimberly Leonard of the Washington Examiner … Edie Emery … Laura Brown … CNN’s Maegan Vazquez ... Tim Albrecht, supervisor of strategic initiatives at Apple and a Kim Reynolds alum … Chelsea Radler … Maury Nolen ... DISCUS’ Eric Reller ... Deloitte’s Eden Joyner White ... Kevin Kelley … Chris Michel ... Mark Hamrick ... former Alabama Gov. Bob Riley is 75 ... Peter Stegner … Jennifer Bland ... Nancy Gabriner ... Scott Richardson … Ben Adler ... Josh Kinney is 31 ... Darrell Brock Jr. ... Joel Haubrich … Mariam Ehrari … Michael Medved

Article initially revealed on POLITICO Magazine

Src: POLITICO Playbook: Behind the president’s struggles with impeachment
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