Notable Quote of the Day

“In the industrial Midwestern states that unexpectedly flipped to Trump in 2016, Democrats have more cause than ever to believe they can win back states such as Wisconsin and Michigan. In Arizona and Georgia, traditionally red states, party officials see the virus’ disproportionate effect on communities of color enhancing conditions for victory.

At the same time, the widespread disruption has presented the president with an opportunity to improve his standing in competitive states such as Nevada and New Hampshire, where Trump was presumed to be at a slight disadvantage.

The only certainty about the fall election, it seems, is more uncertainty about the state of the post-coronavirus political landscape.”

– David Siders, Politico

Election Updates

• The Commission on Presidential Debates said on Tuesday that it “will continue to monitor and assess developments regarding public health and safety as debate planning proceeds.” The first general election debate is scheduled for Sep. 20, 2020, at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana.  

• Joe Biden and his surrogates are expected to hit Donald Trump on his handling of the coronavirus using “four Cs” to structure the attacks—coverup, chaos, corporate favoritism, and caving to lobbyists—according to a campaign memo obtained by Axios.

• The Biden campaign is debating whether to build an in-house digital team or use an outside firm, like the Mike Bloomberg-favored Hawkfish, to strengthen Biden’s online presence, Politico reported.

• During an interview on The Late Late Show with James Corden, Biden said he will name the advisers on his vice presidential selection panel on May 1. “The first the most important quality is someone who — if I walked away immediately from the office for whatever reason — that they can be president,’’ Biden said of his future running mate.

• The Lincoln Project, a group of anti-Trump Republicans and conservatives, released an ad on Tuesday praising Biden as a bipartisan leader ready to become president. The clip is airing in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Grand Rapids, Michigan.

• Trump announced his new executive order on immigration will halt most green cards for 60 days. The order will not affect visas for temporary workers in agricultural and related industries. The order is also expected to include exemptions for essential employees and immigrants coming into the country through immediate family members.

• Trump spoke with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Tuesday about U.S.-U.K. coordination on the coronavirus response.

Flashback: April 22, 2016

The Associated Press reported on which companies and organizations paid Hillary Clinton for speaking engagements between 2013 and 2015.