Aug 2, 2017

Michael Clemente joins Definers, firm trying to evolve D.C. model

Carolyn Kaster / AP

Michael Clemente, the former Fox News and ABC News executive, is joining Definers Public Affairs, the consulting firm founded by next-generation GOP operatives Matt Rhoades and Joe Pounder, as a senior adviser.

  • Definers, based in Arlington, Va., aims to evolve the D.C. model by adapting the techniques of political campaigns to corporate clients.
  • Key quote, from Matt Rhoades, Mitt Romney's 2012 campaign manager: "Just like political campaigns, the private sector is adjusting to the evolving communication tactics brought on by the rise of social media ... Simply put, info flow matters more than ever."

Clemente is adding Definers to his suite of clients. He most recently was Fox's EVP in charge of hard news programming, breaking news, political coverage, debates and hard news specials. At ABC News, he was writer/producer for Peter Jennings and executive producer of "20/20," and launched one of the first 24/7 digital channels, ABC News Now.

Colin Reed, executive director of the allied America Rising PAC during the 2016 cycle, was named a senior vice president, with a focus on strategic communications and business development. The firm recently added a California Bay Area office led by Tim Miller, one of the firm's partners, and launched an affiliate in London.

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World coronavirus updates

Data: The Center for Systems Science and Engineering at Johns Hopkins; Map: Axios Visuals

Japan's economy minister outlined plans on Monday to end the nationwide state of emergency as the number of new novel coronavirus cases continues to decline to less than 50 a day, per Bloomberg. Japan has reported 16,550 cases and 820 deaths.

By the numbers: Over 5.4 million people have tested positive for the virus as of Monday, and more than 2.1 million have recovered. The U.S. has reported the most cases in the world (over 1.6 million from 13.7 million tests). The U.K. is reporting over 36,800 deaths from the coronavirus — the most fatalities outside the U.S.

Go deeper (2 min. read)ArrowUpdated 1 hour ago - Health

Coronavirus dashboard

Illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios

  1. Global: Total confirmed cases as of midnight ET: 5,401,701 — Total deaths: 345,060 — Total recoveries — 2,149,407 — Map.
  2. U.S.: Total confirmed cases as of midnight ET: 1,643,238 — Total deaths: 97,720 — Total recoveries: 366,736 — Total tested: 14,163,195 — Map.
  3. World: White House announces travel restrictions on Brazil, coronavirus hotspot in Southern Hemisphere — Over 100 coronavirus cases in Germany tied to single day of church services — Boris Johnson backs top aide amid reports that he broke U.K. lockdown while exhibiting symptoms.
  4. Public health: Officials are urging Americans to wear masks headed into Memorial Day weekend — Report finds "little evidence" coronavirus under control in most states — Hurricanes, wildfires, the flu could strain COVID-19 response
  5. Economy: White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett says it's possible the unemployment rate could still be in double digits by November's election — Public employees brace for layoffs.
  6. Federal government: Trump attacks a Columbia University study that suggests earlier lockdown could have saved 36,000 American lives.
  7. What should I do? Hydroxychloroquine questions answered — Traveling, asthma, dishes, disinfectants and being contagious — Masks, lending books and self-isolating — Exercise, laundry, what counts as soap — Pets, moving and personal health — Answers about the virus from Axios experts — What to know about social distancing — How to minimize your risk.
  8. Other resources: CDC on how to avoid the virus, what to do if you get it, the right mask to wear.

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Updated 2 hours ago - Politics & Policy

U.S. coronavirus updates

Data: The Center for Systems Science and Engineering at Johns Hopkins; Map: Andrew Witherspoon/Axios. This graphic includes "probable deaths" that New York City began reporting on April 14.

President Trump doubled down on his push to reopen schools, tweeting late Sunday: "Schools in our country should be opened ASAP."

Zoom in: Trump pushed back on NIAD Director Anthony Fauci cautioning against the move earlier this month, calling his concerns "not an acceptable answer."

Go deeper (2 min. read)ArrowUpdated 3 hours ago - Health