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With two days to go before the transfer of power, it appears that Trump will assume the office without most of his Cabinet. He continues to hurl insults at the intelligence community, news outlets, and Congressman John Lewis (D-GA). President Obama is leaving office with a 60% approval rating, while 52% of Americans say they disapprove of the way the president-elect has handled his transition and preparations for the presidency. For perspective, Obama's approval rating was 71% before he took the oath of office in January 2009, George W. Bush's earliest approval rating was at 57%, and Bill Clinton's was 77% in December 1992. Friday’s weather is calling for rain, But we, the rising tide, stand ready to weather the storm. Here’s your midweek read...
Happening Today
President Obama will hold his last White House press conference today at 2:15P.
Meanwhile on the Hill
Congressman Tom Price (R-GA), Trump's pick for Health and Human Services Secretary, will testify before the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee today. Critics have raised concerns about investments Price made in medical companies that were affected by legislation he introduced in Congress. Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt, who is Trump's pick for EPA Director, will be questioned by senators on the Environment and Public Works Committee. Pruitt has a history of challenging the agency's legal authority. Billionaire investor Wilbur Ross, picked to become Secretary of Commerce, will testify before the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee. SC Gov. Nikki Haley, Trump's choice to be the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, will appear before the Foreign Relations Committee. More here.
RSVP Negative
More than 50 Democratic members of Congress have announced they will skip Donald Trump's Friday inauguration. While some of the 53 made their decision in previous weeks, several more have come forward in recent days, citing the president-elect's perceived insult of Congressman John Lewis (D-GA) as the final straw. More here.
Inauguration Guidance
But for the five of you who are going, here’s some guidance. The tickets and map were unveiled by Senator Roy Blunt (R-MO), chairman of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies. See here.
POTUS & FLOTUS on Inauguration Day
On Friday morning, President Obama and Michelle Obama will welcome President-elect Trump and Melania Trump to the White House for tea. The president and first lady will then attend Trump's inauguration at the Capitol. The Obamas will then proceed to Joint Base Andrews via helicopter where the president will deliver remarks to a group of staff gathered there to bid farewell, before departing on their last flight aboard the presidential plane. Sources say that at 2:45P they will leave Andrews on Special Air Mission 29,000, the plane that will take them to Palm Springs, CA for a brief vacation. It's the same plane that Obama used as president, but it won't be called Air Force One, a designation only a sitting president enjoys. President Obama's first meal on Air Force One was a cheeseburger, while Michelle likes the garden salad with chicken breast. More here.
CHC Inauguration Day Presser
On Friday, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) will hold a press conference following the presidential inauguration, where they will talk about the dangers of Trump’s anti-immigrant agenda and rhetoric, and they will introduce immigrant guests who will be impacted by the Trump administration's policies. Members expected to be in attendance include: CHC Chairwoman Michelle Luján Grisham (D-NM), House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), CHC First Vice Chair Joaquín Castro (D-TX), and Congressman Darren Soto (D-FL). You can watch it streamed live here.
From Hope to We The People
The artist behind Obama’s “Hope” image is creating diverse “We The People” posters for Inauguration Day protests. Shepherd Fairey created three specific portraits for the campaign, none of which will feature the incoming president. More here.
Obama Commutes Sentence of Puerto Rican Oscar López Rivera
President Obama has commuted the sentence of Oscar López Rivera, who has been in jail for 35 years after being convicted on conspiracy charges related to a series of bombings carried out by a Puerto Rican nationalist group. He has long denied any involvement in the bombings. He is scheduled to be freed in May. López Rivera, 73, was on a list of pardons and commutations Obama issued yesterday. Sources say the president will issue more pardons and commutations on Thursday, one day before leaving office. More from Patricia Guadalupe here.
From Valerie Jarrett to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, POTUS Announces More Administration Posts
POTUS announced the following individuals to key administration posts: Susan Rice and Valerie Jarrett -- General Trustee, Board of Trustees of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts; Anita Fineday and Russ McDonald -- Member, Alyce Spotted Bear and Walter Soboleff Commission on Native Children; Jason Collins -- Member and Co-Chair, President’s Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition; Gabrielle Douglas, Ibtihaj Muhammad, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar -- Member, President’s Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition; Roberto Rodríguez – Member, J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board; Adrienne Harris and Behnaz Kibria -- Member, Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations; Ann Marie Bledsoe Downes and Lawrence Roberts -- Member, Board of Trustees of the Institute of American Indian and Alaska Native Cultural and Arts Development.
Symone Sanders Joins Clinton Super PAC
Priorities USA Action, the main super PAC that supported Hillary Clinton’s White House bid, is accelerating its move to reposition itself as a hub of post-2016 Democratic activity. To help them do this they’re assembling a dream team. Former Bernie Sanders National Press Secretary Symone Sanders will assume the role of strategist for communications and political outreach. More here.
Rubio Opines on Trump’s Tantrum with Civil Rights Icon
Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) on Sunday praised Congressman John Lewis (D-GA) for his role in the civil rights movement, but said he disagrees with the congressman's view that President-elect Trump is not a “legitimate president.” He told the Tampa Bay Times: “I don’t agree with him that President-elect Trump is illegitimate. I also don’t agree with his decision not to attend the inaugural, though it certainly is his right. It’s not about President-elect Trump – it’s a peaceful transfer of power." More here.
DeVos’s Inexperience with Public Office and Education
A Michigan billionaire, Betsy DeVos -- Trump’s Education Secretary pick -- has lobbied for decades to expand charter schools and taxpayer-funded vouchers for private and religious schools, but she has no professional experience in public schools, never attended public schools nor sent her own children to public schools. She also has not held public office. Her outlook gives many on the left cause for concern. More here.
Fun Fact About Grizzlies
On a note completely unrelated to DeVos, grizzly bears can be up to 8 feet tall when they stand on their back feet. And although they are large animals, 75% of their diet is comprised of berries, leaves and nuts. They also like to eat fish, rodents and moose. You can learns facts like these and more in public schools when they are equitably funded and equipped with great educators. Moving on…
Chao Lands a Big Pay Day
Elaine Chao, Trump’s pick to lead the Department of Transportation, is in line to receive a “golden parachute” from Wells Fargo & Company worth between $1 million and $5 million. More from Intercept’s Lee Fang here.
Bob Johnson Teams with Senator Tim Scott
Robert L. Johnson, Founder and Chairman of The RLJ Companies and founder of Black Entertainment Television (BET), today is urging Congress to adopt a resolution by Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) to increase minority hiring and minority business opportunities. More here.
Schumer Wants Rooney Rule
Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is urging all Senate offices to adopt a version of the “Rooney rule,” to increase the number of people of color in key Senate staff positions. "Rooney" requires NFL teams to interview minority candidates for coaching positions. Schumer hired Lorenzo Olvera, who is Latino, as his Director of the Senate Democratic Diversity Initiative and Cietta Kiandoli, who is Black, for the new position in the Democratic leader’s office as Director of Engagement to expand minority hiring. Additionally, Schumer's new regional director for his Long Island, NY office is Garrett Armwood, one of retired Congressman Steve Israel’s Black staffers. More here.
Protesters Rejected
A federal court on Tuesday rejected a request from the political activist group Act Now to Stop War & End Racism (ANSWER), which was hoping to protest at a prime location along the Trump inaugural parade route. The coalition contested the National Park Service's decision to set aside Freedom Plaza -- a flat, mostly concrete area along Pennsylvania Avenue -- for bleachers during the parade. Those bleachers will be used Friday by ticketed members of the public. More here.
Through the Fire: The Legacy of Barack Obama
BET Networks bids farewell to President Obama with special tributes throughout the month. The original documentary “Through the Fire: The Legacy of Barack Obama” premieres January 19th, at 7P. It explores POTUS’ historic election and his seminal two terms in office. Blending archival footage interviews with the likes of Samuel L. Jackson, Common, Usher, Russell Simmons, Mellody Hobson, Van Jones, Valerie Jarrett, Questlove and many more, EMMY award winning filmmaker Stanley Nelson reveals the challenges and triumphs of Obama’s unique presidency and powerful legacy. It’s narrated by actor/activist Jesse Williams. More here.
Díaz-Balart Brothers Honored
The National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) announced that Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart (R-FL) and former Congressman Lincoln Díaz-Balart (R-FL) -- both brothers -- will be presented with the 2017 Edward R. Roybal Award for Outstanding Public Service. Both recipients will be honored at a NALEO reception in Miami, FL on February 9th, and at the organization’s annual Edward R. Roybal Legacy Gala in DC on March 7th. More here.
Mui Leaves WaPo and Heads for TV
Ylan Mui is leaving the Washington Post and joining CNBC, where she will be a DC correspondent. Mui has been a contributor to the network on issues including economic policy, the Fed, and financial regulation. Mui had been with the Washington Post for the last 10 years. More here.
NYT’s Alcindor’s Beat
The New York Times announces Yamiche Alcindor will cover social safety net issues and how Trump administration policies will affect everyday lives. The paper was recently criticized for announcing their White House team absent a single person of color. More about Yamiche here.
Khizr Khan Joins People For the American Way
People For the American Way (PFAW) and the PFAW Foundation announced that Khizr Khan, who inspired the nation with his speech at the Democratic National Convention last summer, has joined their boards of directors. Khan is a Gold Star father whose son, Army Capt. Humayun Khan, was killed serving in the Iraq war. The elder Khan, a Muslim American who immigrated to the United States from Pakistan, currently lives in Virginia with his wife, Ghazala Khan. The two rose to national prominence after their appearance at the convention, where they stood up against Trump for his anti-Muslim, un-American bigotry. More here.
Diversity Leadership at Annenberg
Professor Bill Celis will serve as the associate dean for diversity, inclusion and strategic initiatives at the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism. Celis has spent the past nearly 17 years working at Annenberg as a faculty member, after a 20-year journalism career that included reporting for The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. More here.
Thanks, Obama
On January 19th, at 3PM at the Mead Center for American Theater in DC, thousands will gather to say, “thanks, President Obama.” Thanks, Obama is an idea that has evolved into a movement. Conceptualized as a grassroots effort to show appreciation and gratitude to the nation’s 44th President on his last day in office, Thanks, Obama has now garnered the support of more than 100,000 people from across the world who wish to express their overwhelming support. RSVP here.
And Still We Dance!
On Thursday night, to recognize and honor the achievements of President Obama and celebrate the accomplishments of the LGBTQ community over the past eight years, a dance party and celebration will take place at the 9:30 Club in DC, and that seems both necessary and appropriate. It's called "And Still We Dance!" The Beat can confirm that the DJ will be dope. Get tickets here.
No Black Women Running Fortune 500s
As of Jan. 3rd, Ursula Burns officially stepped down from her role as CEO of Xerox. Her tenure was notable for many things, not the least of which is this dismal fact: she’s the only African American woman to have ever led a Fortune 500 company. Rosalind Brewer, the charismatic CEO of Sam’s Club, will be leaving her position next month. It all feels like a loss. More here.
Old Confronts New In A Gentrifying DC Neighborhood
In a city facing some of the most intense pressure on housing in the country, even neighborhoods with the highest concentrations of poverty and crime -- places once thought immune to the influx of newcomers -- are being eyed by developers. At Brookland Manor, a housing development in northeast DC that is home to about 1,200 mostly low-income residents, the landlord has stepped up evictions of poor tenants as the owners prepare to redevelop the property for young professionals, often filing lawsuits for late rent payments totaling less than $100. More here.
Spotted
Last night, around 350 people joined The Beat at The Blind Whino to celebrate the diversity that makes America great. Spotted: Spencer Overton, Angie Kelly, Larry González, Aisha Moodie-Mills, Francisco Bencosme, Don Bell, Cristóbal Alex, Dr. Nichole Turner Lee, Jamal Simmons, Chris Jenkins, Cleve Mesidor, Alethia Jackson, Estuardo Rodríguez, Broderick Johnson, Mayor Steve Benjamin, Heidi Nel, Samara Foxx, Emil Hill, Ameesha Sanpat, Nicol Turner Lee, Chris Comier, and around 20 people in The Beat social media VIP lounge that your Beat pooler couldn’t quite make out. Guests feasted on an array of hors d'oeuvres and lots of cotton candy that was lit (literally). It was actually served on flashing glow sticks. Fun! Thanks to all who came out. We are the rising tide!
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Videos of the Day
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In a series of interviews, several African American presidential appointees describe the thrills and challenges of working for a historic administration. | |
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POTUS and FLOTUS participating in a service project for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. | |
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Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA) said on Tuesday that she never intended to go to President-elect Trump’s inauguration, insisting that she doesn’t want anything to do with the reality TV star. | |
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CNN’s Athena Jones explores Obama's 'arc' on race relations. | |
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 | NUL's Don Cravins and the Joint Center's Spencer Overton discuss the push for Senate diversity. | |
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 | Senate Black Legislative Caucus President Don Bell discusses Senate diversity with NBC4 reporter Scott MacFarlane.
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Pic of the Day
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Last night, The Beat sponsored The Raben Group's Rising Tide: Celebrating What Makes America Great! | |
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Estuardo Rodríguez, Executive Director of the Friends of the National Museum of the American Latino, speaks to the crowd about #BuildMuseumsNotWalls. | |
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The crowd at last night's Rising Tide: Celebrating What Makes America Great at The Blind Whino in DC. | |
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 | The Beat made it rain last night at The Blind Whino. | |
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 | The Joint Center's Spencer Overton addresses the crowd at last night's We Are the Rising Tide. | |
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Top Five President Obama had lunch last week with five novelists he admires — Dave Eggers, Colson Whitehead, Zadie Smith, Junot Díaz and Barbara Kingsolver. He not only talked with them about the political and media landscape, but also talked shop, asking how their book tours were going and remarking that he likes to write first drafts in long hand on yellow legal pads. As the NYT takes a look at the president’s love of books, we highlight five great reads that are on POTUS’ list of favorites.
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Ylan Mui
New CNBC Correspondent
Twitter: @ylanmui
Facebook: facebook.com/ylanmui
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Today, 7:30P: A Salute to African American Leaders: Celebrating the 58th Presidential Inauguration will honor African Americans who have been appointed to Trump’s administration, the presidential transition team and the presidential Inaugural staff. The event will take place from 7:30P to 11:30P at The Watergate Hotel. RSVP here.
Thursday, January 19th, 6P: PETA hosts an inaugural celebration with actress Pamela Anderson.
Jan. 19th-22nd: The American Indian Society of Washington, DC is hosting the 13th American Indian Inaugural Celebration. RSVP here.
Friday, January 20th, 7P: The United States of Women along with Sara and Derek Lemke-von Ammon, Michele and Zoë Taylor, for the Empowerment Party host an evening of drinks, dancing and empowering women at Malmaison, 3401 Water St NW. Click here for ticket information.
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