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Mornings on the Mall

Thursday, September 3, 2015

Hosts: Brian Wilson and Larry O’Connor

Executive Producer: Heather Smith

5am – A/B/C Sources: GOP seeks pledge to avert Trump third-party run. RNC Chairman Reince Priebus to Meet with Donald Trump to Discuss ‘Loyalty Pledge.’ (Breitbart) — A source with knowledge of these matters has confirmed to Breitbart News exclusively that RNC Chairman Reince Priebus will meet with Donald Trump “at Trump Tower in Midtown Manhattan tomorrow afternoon to discuss the ‘loyalty pledge.’” Politico reported earlier today that the RNC plans to ask candidates to sign a pledge that they will support whoever is nominated by the Republican Party and not oppose them in the general election. The political magazine speculated that the pledge is designed to “force the front-runner’s [Trump’s] hand.”

5am – D         New report could put speed cameras on fast track. A new report could put speed cameras on the fast track. (CBS News) — The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) believes that if the nation had a speed camera program like Montgomery County, Maryland, 21,000 deaths or serious injuries could be prevented every year, reports CBS News correspondent Kris Van Cleave. Traffic deaths have been decreasing nationwide, but this reports estimates Montgomery County cameras have saved between 400-500 lives since 2007. As of last month, only 138 communities in the U.S. use the cameras. More than 355,000 times in the last year, speeders in the Maryland county were caught by one of the its 92 speed cameras, but what got the attention of the IIHS was what the cameras didn’t see: a 59 percent decrease in the likelihood of a driver breaking the speed limit by 10 mph or more, compared to nearby communities in Virginia without cameras. “These are 25- and 30-mile-an-hour roads where children walk to and from school that we can prevent deaths and serious injuries on those roads,” IIHS president Adrian Lund said. The new report credits the cameras with a 19 percent drop in the likelihood a crash would result in a death or serious injury. It praised the D.C. suburb’s use of special speed camera corridors with multiple mobile cameras along the same stretch of road. Because those cameras move, police believe it lowers speed along the entire corridor and further reduced the likelihood of a deadly or serious injury crash.

5am – E         State Dept. staffer who worked on Clinton’s private e-mail server faces subpoena, vows to plead Fifth. (Carol D. Leonnig/Washington Post) — A former State Department staffer who worked on Hillary Rodham Clinton’s private e-mail server tried this week to fend off a subpoena to testify before Congress, saying he would assert his constitutional right not to answer questions to avoid incriminating himself. The move by Bryan Pagliano, who had worked on Clinton’s 2008 presidential campaign before setting up the server in her New York home in 2009, came in a Monday letter from his lawyer to the House panel investigating the 2012 attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi, Libya. The letter cited the ongoing FBI inquiry into the security of Clinton’s e-mail system, and it quoted a Supreme Court ruling in which justices described the Fifth Amendment as protecting “innocent men . . . ‘who otherwise might be ensnared by ambiguous circumstances.’ ” The FBI is investigating whether Clinton’s system — in which she exclusively used private e-mail for her work as secretary of state — may have jeopardized sensitive national security information.

6am – A/B/C Florida Police Officer Refused Service At Arby’s Just Because He’s A Cop. (Daily Caller) — A Florida police department is outraged after an Arby’s employee refused to serve one of their officers simply because the officer was a cop. A Pembroke Pines police officer went through the drive-through of a local Arby’s around 7 p.m. Tuesday evening, but when the officer pulled up, one employee refused service. “I don’t have the exact quote, but something was said to the effect of ‘We don’t want to serve you because you’re a police officer’” Pembroke Pines Major and Public Information Officer Carlos Bermudez told The Daily Caller News Foundation.

Arby’s apologizes after officer is denied service for being a cop. (Fox News) — A Florida Police Department had a beef with Arby’s after a cop was denied service Tuesday evening by a worker at the fast food franchise – simply because the customer was a police officer. Top corporate officials at roast beef mecca Arby’s quickly apologized after the Pembroke Pines Police Department tweeted on Wednesday about the incident, which Chief Dan Giustino called “unacceptable.” “I am offended and appalled that an individual within our community would treat a police officer in such a manner,” Giustino said in a statement. “We are very proud of the partnerships we have built within our city, and for an incident like this to have happened is very disappointing for everyone.”

6am – D         INTERVIEW — ELI LAKE – Bloomberg View columnist

• Obama secures Iran nuclear deal with Barbara Mikulski vote. Washington (CNN) In a major victory for President Barack Obama, Democratic Sen. Barbara Mikulski of Maryland announced support for the Iran nuclear deal Wednesday, providing the White House the votes it needs to prevent Republicans from scuttling the agreement. The announcement means that at least 34 senators — the number required by the Constitution to sustain a veto — will back Obama’s expected veto of a Republican resolution to disapprove of the deal. Mikulski is retiring at the end of her term. While majorities of both the GOP-controlled House and Senate are poised to vote against the agreement, supporters of the multinational accord that aims to curb Iran’s nuclear weapons program are also hoping to get the 41 votes needed to filibuster the bill and prevent it from even getting to a final vote in the Senate. Secretary of State John Kerry said the administration will continue to try and push support for the deal past the 34 votes they now have “until the last moment.” “Thirty-four votes are obviously enough votes for the president’s veto to be upheld,” Kerry told CNN’s Christiane Amanpour. “That is not satisfactory for us. We do want to try to go further. We’ll continue to persuade.”
• ELI LAKE scoop this morning: FBI Scours Clinton Server for Evidence of Spying
• ELI LAKE column last Friday: Congressional Fight on Iran Deal Is All But Over

6am – E         President Obama is wandering around Alaska with a selfie stick. (Mashable) – There’s now another reason for the Republicans to dislike Barack Obama. The leader of the free world, the president of these United States, has been spotted with a selfie stick during his trip to Alaska. Obama was seen with the device during his three-day trip to the Alaskan Arctic, in hopes of highlighting climate change issues. The White House has been busy documenting his adventure, even giving Obama a selfie stick and GoPro (he’s reached peak Millennial) to share his point-of-view.

Obama visits receding glacier in Alaska to highlight climate change. SEWARD, Alaska — President Obama has often complained that Congress moves at a glacial pace, and on Tuesday saw a glacier that might be moving a bit faster than some pieces of legislation.

Standing near the foot of the Exit Glacier, which has receded 1.25 miles since 1815 and 187 feet last year alone, Obama said “this is as good of a signpost of what we’re dealing with it comes to climate change as just about anything.” It was the second day of a trip melding a warning message about climate change and visits to some of the nation’s most beautiful spots. In front of a gravelly creek bed, he said that when glaciers retreat, the water runs down and raises sea levels, altering the flora and fauna of the park. “It is spectacular though,” he said, sporting his aviator sunglasses. “We want to make sure that our grandkids can see this.” Earlier he said it “beats being in the office.” The president traveled here by helicopter from Anchorage and, dressed in hiking shoes, black slacks and a greenish-gray Under Armour jacket, he went on to take a short hike up to the face of Exit Glacier, a massive two-mile-long ice block that flows down from the larger Harding Icefield.

7am – A         INTERVIEW — STEVEN CAMAROTA – director of research at the Center for Immigration Studies and author of the report

• Report: More than half of immigrants on welfare. (USA Today) — More than half of the nation’s immigrants receive some kind of government welfare, a figure that’s far higher than the native-born population’s, according to a report to be released Wednesday. About 51% of immigrant-led households receive at least one kind of welfare benefit, including Medicaid, food stamps, school lunches and housing assistance, compared to 30% for native-led households, according to the report from the Center for Immigration Studies, a group that advocates for lower levels of immigration. Those numbers increase for households with children, with 76% of immigrant-led households receiving welfare, compared to 52% for the native-born. The findings are sure to fuel debate on the presidential campaign trail as Republican candidates focus on changing the nation’s immigration laws, from calls for mass deportations to ending birthright citizenship.

7am – B        Critter News:

• Kermit the Frog says new pig is just a ‘close friend.’ Kermit the Frog may have a new lady friend after split with Miss Piggy. Does Kermit the Frog have a replacement for Miss Piggy? It appears the famous frog has a new lady friend. A photo was published on Tuesday of Kermit hanging out with a new pig named Denise. The new photo comes less than a month after Kermit and longtime love Miss Piggy announced they were no longer a couple. The famous frog took to Twitter to say he is dating, but Denise is simply a close friend.
• Why did the chicken cross the road? Chickens run afoul at Bay Bridge Toll Plaza, slows commute. OAKLAND, Calif — The fowl that played chicken with commuters at the Bay Bridge toll plaza has been caught by CHP. Drivers reported multiple chickens running through the lanes during Wednesday morning’s commute, explained CHP Officer Sean Wilkenfeld. The first calls came in around 9 a.m. CHP Oakland @CHPoakland The felonious fowl that was captured on I-80 near the @BayBridgeInfo Toll Plaza this morning. #CantMakeThisStuffUp 1:32 PM – 2 Sep 2015 / Traffic was congested, but Wilkenfeld said it was not necessarily because of the roaming birds. “It’s already backed up in the mornings,” he said. CHP warned drivers remain in their cars and not get out to try to catch the chickens. “Let #CHP find out why the chickens crossed the road, it’s not worth getting hit!” the agency tweeted.
• US: Surviving panda cub starts to get black and white markings. The surviving baby panda born at Smithsonians National Zoo is starting to show the black and white markings typical for pandas. According to keepers, the 10-day-old cub looks great and is healthy, active and nursing. It had gained 27.9g in the previous 72 hours and and the zoo has announced that both this cub and the deceased twin were male. The baby pandas were fathered by the zoos male giant panda, Tian Tian, using artificial insemination. The cubs mother, Mei Xiang, ate for the first time on 31 August, giving panda cam watchers a good view of the baby while she was munching on sugar cane. The new arrival is still without a name because panda cubs are traditionally named when they are 100 days old.

7am – C        AG Mark Herring to run for re-election instead of governor. (Richmond Times-Dispatch) — Attorney General Mark R. Herring announced Wednesday that he is running for re-election in 2017, avoiding a divisive fight with Lt. Gov. Ralph S. Northam for the Democratic nomination for governor. “Our future progress as a commonwealth requires an attorney general who is fiercely and fearlessly committed to promoting justice, equality and opportunity for all Virginians,” Herring told reporters at a news conference on Capitol Square. Northam said in a statement that Herring, whom he calls “a good friend,” has his full support. “In just 20 months, Mark has changed the course of our history by fighting for marriage equality, Dreamers, the Chesapeake Bay, and a host of other important issues,” Northam said. “Virginia is stronger with Mark Herring as attorney general, and I am proud to stand with Mark and endorse him in his run for re-election.” Herring is the first attorney general to seek re-election since Democrat Mary Sue Terry. She won re-election in 1989 and then lost the 1993 contest for governor to Republican George Allen.

7am – D         Redskins GM’s Wife Tweets ESPN Reporter Used Oral Sex to Get Scoops. Jessica McCloughan apologizes for tweets aimed at ESPN’s Dianna Russini. (ESPN) — The wife of the Washington Redskins’ general manager publicly apologized to ESPN’s Dianna Russini on Wednesday evening for posting vulgar tweets directed at Russini. In a statement, Jessica McCloughan, wife of Redskins GM Scot McCloughan, said: “I deeply apologize for the disparaging remarks about an ESPN reporter on my personal Twitter account. The comment was unfounded and inappropriate, and I have the utmost respect for both the reporter and ESPN. I regret that my actions have brought undeserved negative attention to the Redskins organization and its leadership. My comments in no way reflect the opinions or attitudes of the organization and I regret that my behavior has in any way negatively impacted the team and its loyal fan base.” The apology came after Jessica McCloughan on Sunday posted tweets directed at Russini, who broke the story of Kirk Cousins replacing Robert Griffin III as the Redskins’ starting quarterback. Jessica McCloughan’s Twitter account was taken down Wednesday afternoon. ESPN issued the following statement Wednesday evening: “Dianna is an excellent reporter who should never have to be subjected to such vulgar comments. We are obviously extremely disappointed by today’s developments.”

7am – E         Stephen Colbert Mocks Jeb Bush Fundraiser With His Own Contest. (TIME) — For $3, supporters will be entered to win tickets to the taping of ‘The Late Show With Stephen Colbert.’ Jeb Bush will be one of the first guests on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, and the Republican presidential candidate has already capitalized on his slated appearance by sending out an email to supporters asking for a $3 minimum donation for the chance to attend a VIP ticket for a taping on Tuesday. The contest includes dinner with the Bush campaign’s national finance co-chair, Woody Johnson. Colbert called out Bush’s strategy in a “pre-show web video,” where the comedian smirked, “If you can’t afford $3, you’re probably not voting for Jeb Bush.” “I think the contest is a great idea,” he continued. “But here’s the thing: No one from Jeb’s campaign asked if this was okay with me to raise money off my first show. Where’s my cut of that sweet three bucks, Governor? Huh?”

Jeb Trolls ‘Germaphobe’ Trump with ‘Which Candidate Are You?’ Quiz. (Mediaite) — Jeb Bush’s social media war with Donald Trump is getting creative. After trading attack ads on Instagram and Twitter, the Bush campaign has upped its game with a new BuzzFeed-style quiz titled, “Which Candidate Are You?”:

@JebBush Which candidate are you? http://whichcandidateareyou.com/ cc @realDonaldTrump 7:22 AM – 2 Sep 2015

The quiz presents a series of questions on the Iran deal, abortion, guns, Obamacare and more. But the last question is the personal kicker: “Would you rather support a candidate who A) Strives to shake every hand everywhere or B) Is a germaphobe when it comes to shaking hands.” The latter is a reference to Trump’s refusal to shake hands with supporters on the campaign trail. “One of the curses of American society is the simple act of shaking hands, and the more successful and famous one becomes the worse this terrible custom seems to get,” he wrote in his 1997 book The Art of the Comeback. “I happen to be a clean hands freak. I feel much better after I thoroughly wash my hands, which I do as much as possible.”

8am – A         INTERVIEW – KATIE PHANG – Fox News legal analyst, trial attorney, former prosecutor and Partner at Berger Singerman, based in Miami, FL.

• Judge denies motions to dismiss charges, recuse Mosby in Freddie Gray case. In three key rulings issued from the bench, he refused to dismiss the charges or recuse Mosby and decided that the case should be split to ensure that each officer gets a fair trial.
• What you need to know for the Freddie Gray hearing yesterday

8am – B         Entertainment News:

• Cate Blanchett to star in Lucille Ball biopic written by Aaron Sorkin. Lucille Ball is getting the biopic she deserves. The legendary actress and comedian will be brought to life in a new project starring Cate Blanchett and written by Aaron Sorkin, EW confirmed. The movie will be produced by Ball’s two children, Lucie Arnaz and Desi Arnaz Jr., and will track Ball’s life over the course of her 20-year marriage with I Love Lucy costar Desi Arnaz. Two TV movies have been about Ball: Lucy (2003), starring Rachel York, and Lucy & Desi (1991) with Frances Fisher and Maurice Bernard as the leads.
• Dean Jones Dead: ‘The Love Bug’ Star Dies at 84. Actor Dean Jones, best known for his acting work in such Disney films as “The Love Bug” and “That Darn Cat,” died of Parkinson’s disease Tuesday in Los Angeles. He was 84. In addition to his appearances in films such as “Under the Yum-Yum Tree,” “The Shaggy D.A.,” “The Million Dollar Duck,” “Snowball Express,” “Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo” and “Beethoven,” Jones also had roles in five Broadway shows and appeared in numerous television series and specials. He appeared in 46 films over the course of his career. The actor made his Broadway debut in “There Was a Little Girl” with Jane Fonda in 1960, and went on to star in Broadway’s “Under the Yum-Yum Tree” that same year, before starring in the 1963 film adaptation with Jack Lemmon. Jones’ other Broadway credits include the original role of “Bobby” in Harold Prince/Stephen Sondheim’s “Company,” and Cap’n Andy in a national tour of “Showboat.” MGM signed Jones to a contract, and he began with a small role in “Somebody Up There Likes Me.” He later played a DJ in 1957 Elvis Presley movie “Jailhouse Rock.”

8am – C         Attempted Toddler Kidnapping on Metro Foiled by Passengers. (Washington City Paper) — During this morning’s commute, a woman allegedly tried to kidnap a two-year-old girl from another woman on an Orange Line train heading to New Carrollton as it approached the Foggy Bottom–GWU Metro station. A group of passengers subdued the aggressor and held her down until Metro Transit Police arrived. Richard Jordan, a spokesperson for Metro, confirmed that the suspect is being held in custody but hasn’t yet been charged with a crime. The woman, he says, attempted to remove the young girl from a stroller before witnesses intervened; the train was offloaded, and the victims are okay. “It all happened really fast,” says Matt Paolillo, who was riding on the first car of the train and was able to witness the incident, at the front of the second car, through glass windows. “I’ve been living in the District for about five years. I feel like I’ve seen your normal ruckus—drunken altercations, people acting high or weird [on Metro]—but I’ve never seen something like this.” Paolillo adds that he missed the first few seconds of the incident but saw three to four passengers sitting on “a large African-American person” next to the first doors of the second car.

8am – D         Sources: GOP seeks pledge to avert Trump third-party run. RNC Chairman Reince Priebus to Meet with Donald Trump to Discuss ‘Loyalty Pledge.’ (Breitbart) — A source with knowledge of these matters has confirmed to Breitbart News exclusively that RNC Chairman Reince Priebus will meet with Donald Trump “at Trump Tower in Midtown Manhattan tomorrow afternoon to discuss the ‘loyalty pledge.’” Politico reported earlier today that the RNC plans to ask candidates to sign a pledge that they will support whoever is nominated by the Republican Party and not oppose them in the general election. The political magazine speculated that the pledge is designed to “force the front-runner’s [Trump’s] hand.

 Monday: Guest host Austin Hill