| | | | | |  | | By Gary Fineout | Presented by The Great Courses Plus | Good Thursday morning. The daily rundown — Between Tuesday and Wednesday, the number of Florida coronavirus cases increased by 9,592 (nearly 0.9 percent), to 1,083,362; active hospitalizations went up by 1, to 4,559; deaths rose by 84 (0.4 percent), to 19,462. All over but the shouting — The election is over. Really. Every state has certified its vote totals. But Florida's Republicans — including its top legal official who once served as a judge — are in an alternate reality. Voters, what voters? — The sway of President Donald Trump's continued insistence that he won the election despite a lack of evidence and a lack of success in the courts prompted GOP attorneys general in 17 states, including Florida, on Wednesday to throw their support behind a last-minute and unprecedented legal challenge from Texas. Why do this? — Florida AG Ashley Moody, who ran on a pledge to keep politics out of her office, didn't need to go along with this to avoid a primary challenge in 2022. She's shown her steadfast support for the president and already backed a legal effort that questioned the vote in Pennsylvania but here we are. What's fascinating is that her supporters have insisted for months now that she is just interested in following the law and that her actions aren't all about politics. Yet someone in Moody's orbit apparently convinced her this was a good idea. Disconnect — The legal filing touches on the risks of mail-in voting. (Oh, Florida just had 4.85 million votes cast by mail.) The Texas lawsuit touches on voting machines manufactured by Dominion Voting Systems Inc. (Oh, in Florida, Trump won 15 of 17 counties that use Dominion machines.) Part of the crowd — Moody is just one of countless GOP politicians in the state who won't accept that Joe Biden won the presidential election. Rep. John Rutherford, a Republican who represents the Jacksonville area, was one of nearly 30 members of Congress who signed a letter to President Trump asking to get Attorney General Bill Barr to investigate "irregularities in the 2020 election." Rep. Bill Posey wants the inspector general for the U.S. Post Office to look into fraud involving mail-in ballots. On an island — Former Gov. Jeb Bush — who obviously isn't running for anything again — is one of the few Republicans publicly pushing back. On Wednesday evening, he applauded Texas Sen. John Cornyn for questioning the Texas lawsuit and said on Twitter that "there is no legal theory and the conservative Supreme Court will reject it out of hand." — WHERE'S RON? — Gov. DeSantis is scheduled to be in Tallahassee. Have a tip, story, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget for the Playbook? Get in touch: gfineout@politico.com | | | | A message from The Great Courses Plus: Don't be stagnant, keep your mind active with The Great Courses Plus . Learn at your own pace with the ability to stream lectures like the Art of Investing anytime, anywhere. Tap into an expansive selection of over 13,000 video streaming lectures from some of the world's greatest minds. Learning should be enjoyable, so start learning today with The Great Courses Plus! | | |
|  | TRAIL MIX | | DOESN'T LIKE MATH — "Moody joins other attorneys general in bid to overturn the presidential election," by POLITICO's Gary Fineout: "The integrity and resolution of the 2020 election is of paramount importance," [Attorney General Ashley] Moody wrote on Twitter. "The United States Supreme Court should weigh the legal arguments of the Texas motion and all pending matters so that Americans can be assured the election was fairly reviewed and decided." The brief is the latest move by Moody to boost President Donald Trump and his unsuccessful reelection campaign. In November, she joined attorneys general from Missouri and others states to support a lawsuit challenging Pennsylvania's decision to allow mail-in ballots to be received up to three days after Election Day. Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried, the state's top elected Democrat, called Moody's actions "embarrassing." | 
Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody speaks during a roundtable discussion with President Donald Trump and law enforcement officials, Monday, June 8, 2020, at the White House in Washington. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky) | ALSO JOINING IN — "Trump looks to jump into Texas case to overturn election," by POLITICO's Zach Montellaro, Kyle Cheney and Josh Gerstein: President Donald Trump is seeking to intervene in a Supreme Court case brought by the Texas attorney general that tries to toss the results in a handful of battleground states that Trump lost — the president's latest, and potentially last, long-shot legal avenue to overturn President-elect Joe Biden's victory. After weeks of sowing misinformation about the results of the election, Trump argues in a 39-page filing that the ensuing division among Americans is comparable to the climate in the U.S. on the eve of the Civil War. | | | | TRACK THE TRANSITION & NEW ADMINISTRATION HEADING INTO 2021: President-elect Biden is pushing full steam ahead on putting together his Cabinet and White House staff. These appointments and staffing decisions send clear-cut signals about Biden's priorities. What do these signals foretell? Transition Playbook is the definitive guide to one of the most consequential transfers of power in American history. Written for political insiders, it tracks the appointments, people, and the emerging power centers of the new administration. Track the transition and the first 100 days of the incoming Biden administration. Subscribe today. | | | | |
| | CORONAVIRUS UPDATES | | DONATIONS POUR IN — "After police raid, data analyst's GoFundMe grows by $200,000," by Miami Herald's Mary Ellen Klas and Ana Ceballos: "The raid by state police of the Tallahassee home of Florida data analyst Rebekah Jones has helped her raise more than $200,000 in two days in a new GoFundMe account and revived her national celebrity. Jones, who was fired from her role running the COVID dashboard at the Florida Department of Health in May after accusing Gov. Ron DeSantis' administration of trying to manipulate state data to downplay the severity of the coronavirus, has spent much of the week appearing on national cable shows and talking with her lawyers, which now includes Tallahassee criminal defense lawyer Stephen Dobson." — "South Florida Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz calls for investigation into raid of fired COVID-19 analyst," by CBS Miami ACTION REQUESTED — "Crist calls on DeSantis to investigate nursing home after Tampa Bay Times report ," by Tampa Bay Times' Kavitha Surana: "U.S. Rep. Charlie Crist on Wednesday called for an investigation into 'horrific mismanagement' at Freedom Square retirement complex in Seminole, days after a Tampa Bay Times report revealed failures that contributed to one of the deadliest coronavirus outbreaks in Pinellas County. 'The article details outrageous abuses that must be investigated and prosecuted if confirmed,' Crist wrote in letters to Gov. Ron DeSantis and U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar. The former governor, a Democrat, requested a second investigation into 'inadequate' regulation and oversight of Florida's long-term care facilities, which, he argued, led to 'preventable deaths.'" FALLOUT — "Covid-19 pandemic puts squeeze on pension plans," by Wall Street Journal's Heather Gillers: "Covid-19 added urgency to longstanding concerns about low interest rates, according to Ash Williams, executive director and chief investment officer of the State Board of Administration of Florida. 'We could come back and say we told you this last year, we told you this the year before…and in addition to those factors we're now in a pandemic,' said Mr. Williams. In October, the Florida Retirement System lowered its expected investment return to 7% from 7.2%, despite having made a similar cut last year. It now expects to collect about $380 million more from the state and other participating employers next year, a spokesman said." COMING UP — "DeSantis describes COVID-19 vaccination plan at White House summit," by News Service of Florida's Christine Sexton: "Participating in a White House vaccine summit on Tuesday, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis outlined what appeared to be the state's final COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan. DeSantis said the state's proposal calls for vaccinating seniors in nursing homes before the end of December, while also getting vaccines into the hands of "high-contact" front line health-care workers in five urban areas by the end of next week." NEW NORMAL? — " DeSantis wants 'normal' government meetings. This village is meeting at a dog park," by Miami Herald's Aaron Leibowitz: "As temperatures dipped into the low 50s Tuesday evening — a frigid night by Florida standards — officials in North Bay Village gathered under a small open tent on a waterfront grassy knoll behind a local dog park for a meeting. One commissioner wore a winter hat. Another draped a blanket over her body. A handful of residents stood or sat on lawn chairs outside the tent, gravitating toward heat lamps for warmth. Hot chocolate and cookies were available at a table nearby… The strange scene reflected one local effort to protect against the spread of COVID-19, at a time when the tools to do so in Florida are severely limited. North Bay Village has now held two meetings next to the dog park at 7903 East Drive, the first on Nov. 23, in order to comply with Gov. Ron DeSantis' demand that local governments return to in-person meetings." — "Pasco coronavirus cases on rise, with 'no end in sight,' officials learn," by Tampa Bay Times' Barbara Behrendt — " Hillsborough to give away free face masks," by Tampa Bay Times C.T. Bowen — "Nearly 4,000 new cases of COVID-19 related to FL schools during the week following Thanksgiving break," by Florida Phoenix's Danielle J. Brown | | | | A message from The Great Courses Plus:   | | |
| | TRUMPLANDIA AND THE SWAMP | | RUBIO'S VERDICT — Sen. Marco Rubio went on Fox News on Wednesday night where he sharply criticized the idea of former South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg serving as U.S. Ambassador to China in the Biden administration. Rubio said that Buttigieg "frankly doesn't have the breadth and depth of experience interacting with China." Rubio, who chairs the Senate intelligence committee, added that the former presidential candidate may be qualified to be an ambassador for another nation. But he said, "I just personally believe that you are dealing with the second largest economy in the world, the second most powerful military in the world, a near-peer competitor to the United States, the county with whom the relationship we have will define the rest of the 21st century. I think it's important that we send someone to that post that has some depth of understanding about all the issues related to that country and our relationship with them." TRANSITIONS — McKinley Lewis, who once worked for then-Gov. Rick Scott, is moving from the Panhandle to Washington, D.C., where he will become communications director for Sen. Scott in January. Lewis is replacing Chris Hartline , who is moving over to become communications director for the National Republican Senatorial Committee. Scott is now chairman of the NRSC, the campaign arm for Senate Republicans. Scott called Lewis "a valued member of the team for years and will bring all of his skills, talents and energy to this new role." Lewis had been working for On 3 Public Relations after leaving state government. Christina Johnson, founder on On 3, said she was sure Lewis would serve "Senator Scott and our state very well." Scott's office is also making two other changes: Sarah Schwirian (currently press secretary) will become deputy communications director and Clare Lattanze (currently deputy press secretary) will be press secretary. A MOST EXCLUSIVE ADDRESS — "Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump are moving to Indian Creek Island. Meet their neighbors ," by Miami Herald's Rene Rodriguez, Rob Wile, and Rebecca San Juan: "When Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump start building their new home on the 1.8-acre lot at 4 Indian Creek Island Road that they purchased for $30 million, they'll have plenty of equally famous neighbors to get to know. Will the Kushners fit in to the exclusive community? Probably. The 53 presidential votes cast by residents of the island skewed heavily toward President Donald J. Trump, 79% versus 21% for Joe Biden. Indian Creek Island, sometimes called "Miami's Billionaire Bunker," is home to an eclectic group of some of the world's wealthiest, from singers to hedge fund managers, inventors to developers — even the founder of a company dedicated to collecting blood donations." ECHO CHAMBER — "As Trump loyalists look for comforting TV, Palm Beach County's Newsmax scores a ratings win," by Sun Sentinel's Anthony Man: "As supporters of President Donald Trump continue searching for an information source that gives credence to the idea that he won re-election, upstart Newsmax scored a brief ratings victory over Fox News, the longtime favorite go-to channel for Republicans. Newsmax, which is based in Boca Raton, had more viewers among a key demographic group for an hour Monday evening." ASSISTANCE — " Rubio seeks additional care for CIA and State employees suffering the 'Havana syndrome,'" by El Nuevo Herald's Nora Gamez Torres: "Following the publication of a report by the National Academies of Sciences concluding that directed microwave energy may have harmed U.S. officials in Cuba and China, Republican senators Marco Rubio and Susan Collins filed a bill Tuesday that would ensure the victims receive proper health coverage. The legislation would authorize additional compensation for CIA and State Department officials, and their dependents, who suffer brain injuries resulting from those mysterious incidents. Though widely reported, this is the first official acknowledgment that CIA agents were also harmed after traveling to Cuba and China." | | | | JOIN FRIDAY - A PATH TO CLEANER SKIES: Before the pandemic, increased demand for air travel resulted in rising global emissions. Then, Covid-19 changed everything. As airlines start to recover from the resulting financial fallout, what is happening with the use of cleaner jet fuel, investments in technology, and international pacts to cut the airline industry's carbon footprint? Join POLITICO for a conversation on the future of air travel, climate change, and sustainability, as well as an executive conversation between POLITICO CEO Patrick Steel and United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby. REGISTER HERE. | | | | |
| | ... DATELINE TALLAHASSEE ... | | IN THE RUNNING — "Pete Antonacci finalist to become top Florida administrative law judge," by News Service of Florida's Jim Turner: "Outgoing Broward County Supervisor of Elections Pete Antonacci and an administrative law judge who successfully challenged his suspension over alleged insubordination are among six finalists to become chief judge of the state Division of Administrative Hearings." DIFFICULTIES — "FL Council on social status of Black males and boys faces challenges," by Florida Phoenix's Isaac Morgan: "A council for Black males in Florida faces potential roadblocks ahead in its mission to improve the lives of Black men and boys, with issues arising over funding — a $150,000 veto by the governor — and the ability to fill a full slate of board members. The Florida Council on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys began a virtual meeting on Tuesday, but it was canceled due to what has been described as technical difficulties and issues surrounding public meetings laws." | | PENINSULA AND BEYOND | | UNSOCIAL MEDIA — "Florida joins 45 states and U.S. in suing Facebook, saying it's an illegal monopoly," by News Service of Florida's Dara Kam: "In a prepared statement outlining the lawsuit, [Florida Attorney General Ashley] Moody chided Facebook 'for its unlawful, anticompetitive business practices' and called on the court to end the social media giant's 'monopoly control.' 'One of the greatest benefits to owning a business in the United States is having the ability to operate and innovate in a free and fair marketplace,' Moody said in a prepared statement. 'The stifling of competition and predatory actions of Facebook are inexcusable, and as a result, its users, innovation and competition have all suffered.'" RIGHT STUFF — "First woman, next man on moon will come from these NASA 18," by Associated Press's Marcia Dunn: "NASA has named the 18 astronauts — half of them women — who will train for its Artemis moon-landing program. The first woman and next man on the moon will come from this elite group. Vice President Mike Pence introduced the astronauts Wednesday at the close of his final meeting as chairman of the National Space Council. The announcement was made at Florida's Kennedy Space Center, beneath one of only three remaining Saturn V moon rockets from the 1960s and 1970s Apollo program." DISCONNECT? — "Obamacare enrollment at all-time high in Florida," by Palm Beach Post's Wendy Rhodes: "Despite the fact that Floridians turned out in droves to help President Donald Trump and Republicans sweep the Nov. 3 elections, Obamacare enrollment in the state is at an all-time high. With just under a week to go before this year's open enrollment period for the Affordable Care Act ends on Dec. 15, sign-ups in Florida are already up 32% over last year with nearly a million more individuals registering, according to the group Get America covered. The explosive growth in enrollment could be a result of the coronavirus pandemic, and the ensuing economic crisis, as more jobless Floridians seek health insurance coverage." 'IT'S STILL HAPPENING' — 'You're possessing our history': Seminole Tribe could get back remains of ancestors taken by Smithsonian," by WLRN's Daniel Rivero: "Tina Osceola takes a few deep breaths, preparing herself emotionally, before she walks into the National Museum of Natural History's collections in Washington. The building is the size of a football field and three stories high, holding millions of objects. In past visits, Osceola has found bones and other remains of her ancestors inside. 'As a Seminole woman, this is one of the most tragic events that is ongoing to our people,' she said. 'I get challenged all the time about, 'Oh my God, that was so long ago, can't you guys get over it?' Are you kidding me? You know, get over it. It's still happening. Our people are still being victimized.'" DIVIDED — "Do you trust cops? In Miami-Dade, new poll finds big gaps along race, ethnic and age lines," by Miami Herald's Charles Rabin: "There's a striking discrepancy in how Miami-Dade County's Black population views police when compared to whites and Hispanics, according to findings from a new poll commissioned by a group of academics at one of the largest public colleges in the country. Though more than 80 percent of Black respondents questioned for the poll were worried about police brutality, less than half the white and Hispanics who took part said it was a major concern. And though almost three-quarters of whites and Hispanics approve of police performance overall, the Black community finds law enforcement performs at a much lower rate, with even fewer young Black males, 43 percent, giving police a positive review." — "Jacksonville Navy officer's wife gets time-served sentence in Chinese smuggling case," by Florida Times-Union's Steve Patterson — " 5 arrested in connection to 2016 Fort Myers Club Blu shooting that killed 2, injured at least 14," by Fort Myers News-Press Kaitlin Greenockle — "Central Florida's homeless coalition gets $2.5 million grant from Jeff Bezos's Day 1 fund," by Orlando Sentinel's Kate Santich — "NFL star Tom Brady, Gisele Bundchen's home broken into; Martin County man charged," by Treasure Coast Newspapers Will Greenlee | | | | A message from The Great Courses Plus: Are you an inquisitively curious individual that loves learning? Join a community of life-long learners, and learn more about any topic with The Great Courses Plus. Stream thousands of videos by some of this world's brightest minds. From the Art of Investing to the Theory of Everything, quench your thirst for knowledge with courses designed for the endlessly curious cat. With The Great Courses Plus, you'll enjoy being able to learn anytime, anywhere at your own pace. Now there's nothing keeping you from starting your educational journey. Learn now with The Great Courses Plus! | | |
| | ODDS, ENDS AND FLORIDA MEN | | — "Marcus Garvey Jr., son of Jamaican national hero, dies in Wellington at 90," by Sun Sentinel's David Lyons: "Marcus Garvey Jr., the eldest son of Marcus Mosiah Garvey, the late leader of the Pan-Africanism movement who rose to hero status in his native Jamaica, has died in Wellington at the age of 90. He died on Tuesday after a multi-year battle with Alzheimer's, according to The Gleaner newspaper of Jamaica, which first reported his death." BIRTHDAYS: Jeff Greene, real estate investor and Democratic candidate for governor in 2018, is 66
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