Rep. Hakeem Jeffries </3 William Barr
What should we make of the Justice Department rolling back the sentencing recommendations for Roger Stone? Today, a look at William Barr, the nation's top law enforcement officer.
Brian Lehrer: A Daily Politics Podcast
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Show Notes
Attorney General William Barr told ABC News that the President's tweets about cases in the Justice Department's docket "make it impossible for me to do my job". The question was apparently prompted by a presidential tweet celebrating the department's decision to recommend a more lenient sentence for Trump ally Roger Stone. Stone was found guilty in November of seven charges, including lying to Congress, obstructing official proceedings, and witness tampering. Several assistant U.S. attorneys have resigned or recused themselves from the case in the wake of the reduced sentencing recommendation.
After a disappointing showing in Iowa and New Hampshire, Elizabeth Warren is reportedly taking a more aggressive posture on the campaign trail, and going after her opponents in order to highlight what distinguishes her from the pack. Her campaign is counting heavily on Super Tuesday states to deliver her the delegates she needs to win the nomination. Going into that pivotal March 3 contest, in which a third of the total delegates are at play, candidates will need to build their coffers big enough to transition from state-by-state to nationwide campaigns. Their ability to fundraise will depend largely on their performance in the two states before Super Tuesday, Nevada and South Carolina.
After purging some members of the administration who testified in Donald Trump's impeachment proceedings, the White House is undergoing some staffing changes. Hope Hicks, an old confidante of the President who resigned as communications director in March, 2018, is returning as a senior advisor, reporting to Jared Kushner. White House sources told POLITICO that the staffing changes reflected an administration gearing up for a tough election and potential second term.
On Today's Show:
Hakeem Jeffries, U.S. Representative (NY-8), Judiciary Committee member and House Democratic caucus chairman.