News from the note…
A round up of the day’s news that might be of interest to you.
Consider this an OPEN THREAD, folks. Chat about any of the stories listed, share links to stories that caught your eye today, and generally have a good time discussing whatever you want.
Stormy Daniels files defamation lawsuit against Trump
From CNN
“By calling the incident a ‘con job,’ Mr. Trump’s statement would be understood to state that Ms. Clifford was fabricating the crime and the existence of the assailant, both of which are prohibited under New York law, as well as the law of numerous other states,” Daniels’ lawyer, Michael Avenatti, wrote in the lawsuit.
Exclusive: Democrats lose ground with millennials – Reuters/Ipsos poll
From Reuters
The online survey of more than 16,000 registered voters ages 18 to 34 shows their support for Democrats over Republicans for Congress slipped by about 9 percentage points over the past two years, to 46 percent overall. And they increasingly say the Republican Party is a better steward of the economy.
Although nearly two of three young voters polled said they do not like Republican President Donald Trump, their distaste for him does not necessarily extend to all Republicans or translate directly into votes for Democratic congressional candidates.
A new Clinton wave is coming this spring
From Axios
The Clinton family has made sporadic and often subdued appearances in the 18 months (538 days) since Hillary Clinton lost her presidential election. But we’re about to see a lot more of them this spring.
Trump-Allied National Enquirer Turns on Michael Cohen: ‘Secrets & Lies!’
From Mediaite
The National Enquirer has taken a swing at President Donald Trump‘s embattled attorney, Michael Cohen.
The tabloid has long had a reputation of serving as Trump’s media fixer, running salacious headlines such as “Hillary Framed Trump Family!” and “Proof! FBI Plot to Impeach Trump!” however, it is the first time it has turned on Trump’s legal fixer, Cohen.
Oppo researcher leaves White House
From Politico
Michael Roman, a longtime opposition researcher who worked in the White House counsel’s office, has left the Trump administration.
Roman served as a special assistant to the president and director of special projects and research. His last day was Friday, according to an email obtained by POLITICO.
Kasich denies leaving the GOP: ‘The Republican Party left me’
From The Hill
Ohio Gov. John Kasich (R) on Sunday dismissed rumors that he is considering running for president as an independent, telling CNN’s Jake Tapper that he is “still a Republican” and that he believes he can bring the party “back” to what it once was.
“I’m still a Republican,” Kasich said. “I didn’t leave the Republican Party. The Republican Party left me.”
“We should care about people from top to bottom, not just those at the top, but everybody,” he told Tapper. “I can bring that party back. That’s what I’m going to do in one way or another.”
Russian MMA fighter with links to Trump and Cohen questioned by FBI
From The Guardian
A Russian mixed martial arts fighter who has connections with Donald Trump, the president’s personal attorney Michael Cohen and Russian president Vladimir Putin was questioned this week by the FBI, his manager confirmed on Saturday.
Fedor Emelianenko was questioned by agents who met him in his hotel room on Tuesday, manager Jerry Millen said before Emelianenko’s Bellator MMA heavyweight fight against Frank Mir Millen declined to detail his client’s conversations with the agents.
Kelly thinks he’s saving U.S. from disaster, calls Trump ‘idiot,’ say White House staffers
From NBCNews
White House chief of staff John Kelly has eroded morale in the West Wing in recent months with comments to aides that include insulting the president’s intelligence and casting himself as the savior of the country, according to eight current and former White House officials.
The officials said Kelly portrays himself to Trump administration aides as the lone bulwark against catastrophe, curbing the erratic urges of a president who has a questionable grasp on policy issues and the functions of government. He has referred to Trump as “an idiot” multiple times to underscore his point, according to four officials who say they’ve witnessed the comments.
