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12.28pm GMT
The Electoral College will meet in state capitols on Monday to cast their votes, setting Joe Biden on his path to the White House. Not, of course, if Donald Trump has anything to do with it. He’s still peddling baseless claims of voter fraud and backing court challenges that are attempting to subvert American democracy and overturn the election result. Amber Phillips writes for the Washington Post that the Texas lawsuit to overturn the 2020 election may be the most outlandish effort yet:
Trump has become enamored with the suit. He, through a personal lawyer rather than the administration, has joined in. He talks to his advisers about it; he’s tweeted about it. Republican attorneys general from 17 other states have already joined in.
Not all Republicans, however, are on board. Sen Ben Sasse (R-Neb.), an occasional Trump critic, singled out Paxton’s own legal troubles back home and said this, in part, in a statement about the lawsuit: “It looks like a fella begging for a pardon filed a PR stunt.” (Paxton is facing indictment on securities fraud charges and says he has not discussed a pardon with the White House).
12.08pm GMT
In 2016, white evangelical Christians were all in for Donald Trump. No voting bloc was more committed to him. In that year he got 81% of the white evangelical vote. And they stood by him again in 2020. Last month his support among that group was 75%. Down a bit, but still huge.
So, how come?
Related: Why did white evangelicals vote for Trump? Politics Weekly Extra podcast
Continue reading…Approval for emergency use could come within hours, allowing vaccinations of healthcare workers to start within daysFDA advisory panel recommends approval of Pfizer Covid vaccineStates targeted in election fraud lawsuit condemn ‘bogus claims’Susan Rice tapped for top domestic policy role in Biden administrationSign up to receive First Thing – our daily briefing by email 12.28pm GMTThe Electoral College will meet in state capitols on Monday to cast their votes, setting Joe Biden on his path to the White House. Not, of course, if Donald Trump has anything to do with it. He’s still peddling baseless claims of voter fraud and backing court challenges that are attempting to subvert American democracy and overturn the election result. Amber Phillips writes for the Washington Post that the Texas lawsuit to overturn the 2020 election may be the most outlandish effort yet:Trump has become enamored with the suit. He, through a personal lawyer rather than the administration, has joined in. He talks to his advisers about it; he’s tweeted about it. Republican attorneys general from 17 other states have already joined in.Not all Republicans, however, are on board. Sen Ben Sasse (R-Neb.), an occasional Trump critic, singled out Paxton’s own legal troubles back home and said this, in part, in a statement about the lawsuit: “It looks like a fella begging for a pardon filed a PR stunt.” (Paxton is facing indictment on securities fraud charges and says he has not discussed a pardon with the White House). 12.08pm GMTIn 2016, white evangelical Christians were all in for Donald Trump. No voting bloc was more committed to him. In that year he got 81% of the white evangelical vote. And they stood by him again in 2020. Last month his support among that group was 75%. Down a bit, but still huge.So, how come? Related: Why did white evangelicals vote for Trump? Politics Weekly Extra podcast Continue reading…