Sep 20, 2018

Kavanaugh plans to testify on Monday

Michael Sykes

Brett Kavanaugh. Photo: Melina Mara/The Washington Post via Getty Images

Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh said Thursday that he still plans to testify in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee on Monday, despite uncertainty over whether Christine Blasey Ford, who has accused Kavanaugh of sexually assaulting her in high school, will testify as well, reports ABC.

Why it matters: Both Kavanaugh and Ford were initially expected to testify publicly on Monday. However, Ford has been hesitant to agree to a hearing following backlash over her accusation. Ford's lawyer most recently said she would be willing to testify, but only if the committee ensures her safety.

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Zachary Basu

Pence aide says intel report of Russia helping Trump is "false information"

Marc Short. Screenshot: Fox News

Marc Short, chief of staff to Vice President Mike Pence, claimed on "Fox News Sunday" that the White House has not received intelligence that Russia is seeking to help President Trump win re-election, calling it "false information" that has been selectively leaked by Democrats on the House Intelligence Committee.

The big picture: Short and national security adviser Robert O'Brien both dismissed reports published in the Washington Post and New York Times last week about a briefing provided by top election security official Shelby Pierson, an aide to outgoing acting director of national intelligence Joseph Maguire.

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Mike Allen

Bernie's juggernaut

Sen. Bernie Sanders speaks in San Antonio last night with his wife, Jane. Photo: Eric Gay/AP

Sen. Bernie Sanders won so big in the Nevada caucuses that Democrats are hard-pressed to sketch a way he's not their nominee.

Driving the news: With 60% of precincts counted (slow, but better than Iowa!), Sanders is running away with 46% of delegates — crushing Joe Biden's 20%, Pete Buttigieg's 15%, Sen. Elizabeth Warren's 10% and Sen. Amy Klobuchar's 5%.

Go deeperArrow2 hours ago - Politics & Policy
Jacob Knutson

Clyburn: Sanders' "socialist" label will be "extra burden" in House races

Jim Clyburn with Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Photo: Mario Tama/Getty Images

House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.) said on ABC's "This Week" Sunday that Sen. Bernie Sanders' identification as a democratic socialist may be an "extra burden" in down-ballot House races if he were to win the Democratic nomination.

Why it matters: Clyburn's comments echo fears from many establishment Democrats, who worry the House majority they won in 2018 by taking moderate seats carried by President Trump could be at risk with Sanders at the top of the ticket.

Go deeperArrow2 hours ago - Politics & Policy