Ballotpedia's Daily Presidential News Briefing - February 25, 2019

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February 25, 2019

Inslee could announce presidential candidacy this week   February 25, 2019: President Donald Trump (R) leads all candidates in spending on Facebook ads. Washington Gov. Jay Inslee (D) could announce candidacy this week. Share the latest from the campaign trail.             Notable Quote of the Day “[Democratic National Committee Chairman Tom] Perez says these campaign spectacles will provide ‘unprecedented opportunity for candidates and voters to get to know each other.’ The only thing that will be unprecedented about these events is the shallowness and sensationalism of having 20 candidates verbally brawl in fake, soundbite exchanges.” – Jeffrey McCall, DePauw University professor, on primary debates Democrats Sen. Cory Booker is scheduled to give the keynote speech in Selma, Alabama, marking the commemoration of Bloody Sunday on March 3, when hundreds of civil rights activists were assaulted during a march. South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg campaigned in Indianapolis, Indiana, as part of his 10-city book tour. Former Rep. John Delaney commented on a New York Times article proposing that forms of automation that replace a worker be taxed. He tweeted, “It actually makes sense to tax the robots.  If a robot takes a person's job that person still needs Medicare and Social Security, which is funded by taxes on pay.  The robot tax would support the safety net.” Rep. Tulsi Gabbard tweeted her support for a peace dividend, referring to a decrease in defense spending to support infrastructure, education, and other programs, instead. Sally Susman, a top bundler for Barack Obama’s 2012 presidential campaign, will host a fundraiser for Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand on March 31. Gillibrand and former U.S. Secretary of Housing Julián Castro appeared on Insiders with David Price, where they discussed Medicare for All. Sen. Kamala Harris commented on the crisis in Venezuela, saying, “The U.S. must immediately condemn Maduro’s violence against his own people. There is no excuse for this. The Venezuelan military and security forces must demonstrate restraint. Venezuelans deserve a free and fair election and a peaceful transition of power.” Harris also defined her political identity in an interview Sunday, saying, “I'm a progressive Democrat. I am a Democrat, I'm a proud Democrat. I'm not a socialist." Sen. Amy Klobuchar released the following statement on marijuana legalization Friday: “I support the legalization of marijuana and believe that states should have the right to determine the best approach to marijuana within their borders.” Klobuchar also campaigned in Georgia, where she met with former President Jimmy Carter and 2018 Democratic gubernatorial nominee Stacey Abrams. Sen. Bernie Sanders tweeted, “The people of Venezuela are enduring a serious humanitarian crisis. The Maduro government must put the needs of its people first, allow humanitarian aid into the country, and refrain from violence against protesters.” Earlier in the week, Sanders declined to call Maduro a dictator, prompting criticism from some Florida Democrats. Sen. Elizabeth Warren said that conversations about reparations should include not only black Americans but also Native Americans. Warren said she would not make phone calls or attend fundraisers, dinners, or receptions with wealthy donors. “For every time you see a presidential candidate talking with voters at a town hall, rally, or local diner, those same candidates are spending three or four or five times as long with wealthy donors -- on the phone, or in conference rooms at hedge fund offices, or at fancy receptions and intimate dinners -- all behind closed doors,” she said. Entrepreneur Andrew Yang campaigned in Cleveland, Ohio, where he promoted his plan for universal basic income. Republicans President Donald Trump is focusing his early campaign on digital outlets. “Trump's campaign has already spent more than $3.5 million in small, targeted ads on Facebook, while an allied group has spent over $6 million, making him the biggest U.S. political spender since Facebook began tracking ad spending in May 2018,” The Hill reported. On the Cusp: Tracking Potential Candidates New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio traveled to Iowa, where he said the United States is "waiting to be unified." Washington Gov. Jay Inslee said a decision on his presidential candidacy could come as soon as this week. He added that “people do want a president that will act on a real emergency, which is climate change." What We’re Reading Associated Press: Expanding the map: 2020 Dems push past early voting states Newsday: 2020 race will fall into the wealth gap Politico: Trump's Secret to Victory in 2020: Hispanic Voters Flashback: February 25, 2015 The Kansas State Senate Ethics and Elections Committee held a hearing on whether to again cancel the state primary. State Senate President Susan Wagle (R) said she opposed the proposal because primaries would bring attention to the state and allow for more voter engagement. Primaries have been cancelled in the state since 1992 due to costs.