Mar 11, 2020 - Politics & Policy

Trump endorses Jeff Sessions' rival for Alabama Senate race

Rebecca Falconer

President Trump talks to reporters at the Capitol on Tuesday. Photo: Samuel Corum/Getty Images

President Trump declared via Twitter Tuesday night that Tommy Tuberville, who is challenging former Attorney General Jeff Sessions for the Republican nomination for the Alabama Senate, has his "Complete and Total Endorsement."

Why it matters: Sessions touted his Trump ties as he was forced into a March 31 runoff in his bid to challenge Sen. Doug Jones (D) in the election and regain his former Senate seat. The president criticized Sessions on Twitter afterward, but he hadn't endorsed Tuberville until now.

What he's saying: "Tommy was a terrific head football coach at Auburn University. "He is a REAL LEADER who will never let MAGA/KAG, or our Country, down!" Trump tweeted, in reference to his "Make America Great Again" and "Keep America Great Again" slogans.

  • "Tommy will protect your Second Amendment (which is under siege), is strong on Crime and the Border, and truly LOVES our Military and our Vets," he continued. "He will be a great Senator for the people of Alabama. Coach Tommy Tuberville, a winner, has my Complete and Total Endorsement. I love Alabama!"

Go deeper: The history of how Trump turned on Sessions

Go deeper

Fadel Allassan

Alabama postpones Republican Senate runoff due to coronavirus

Photos: Kirk Irwin/Getty Images; JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images

Alabama is postponing its March 31 GOP primary runoff election between former Attorney General Jeff Sessions and former Auburn University football coach Tommy Tuberville, Gov. Kay Ivey announced on Wednesday.

What’s happening: The runoff will now take place on July 14, with the winner taking on incumbent Sen. Doug Jones (D) in November.

Why it matters: The news comes as states scramble to contain the coronavirus during an election season. U.S. officials have warned against gatherings of more than 10 people.

  • Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland and Ohio have also postponed their primaries.
Keep ReadingArrowMar 18, 2020 - Politics & Policy
Fadel Allassan

Trump campaign demands Sessions stop campaigning on ties to president

Photos: SAUL LOEB, NICHOLAS KAMM/AFP via Getty Images

The Trump campaign sent a letter to former Attorney General Jeff Sessions on Tuesday demanding that he stop touting his support of the president during his run for his old Senate seat in Alabama, the New York Times reports.

Why it matters: Trump has had a rift with Sessions dating back to the former attorney general's recusal from the Russia investigation — a decision the president relentlessly attacked him for publicly. Trump has endorsed Sessions' opponent, former college football coach Tommy Tuberville, in the GOP primary runoff election.

Go deeperArrowApr 2, 2020 - Politics & Policy
Jeff Tracy

Mets pitcher Noah Syndergaard opts for Tommy John surgery

L to R: Bartolo Colon, Matt Harvey, Noah Syndergaard, Jacob deGrom, Steven Matz and Zack Wheeler in 2015. Photo: Marc Serota/Getty Images

Mets flamethrower Noah Syndergaard (aka "Thor") has a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his pitching elbow and will undergo Tommy John surgery tomorrow, effectively shelving him for the next 12–15 months.

Why it matters: Tommy John surgery is hardly a death sentence, but it's no walk in the park, either. Recovery generally lasts more than a year, and the first season back typically comes with pitch- and innings-limits.

Go deeperArrowMar 25, 2020 - Sports