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Diocese of Covington evacuated after reports of suspicious package The Washington Post - Duration: 2:44.
Diocese of Covington evacuated after reports of suspicious package The Washington Post
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The Diocese of Covington, at the center of last week, was evacuated Wednesday afternoon following reports of a suspicious package.
The evacuation, first reported by local media, was confirmed by an on duty firefighter at Covingtons Firehouse 1, a short distance from the Catholic basilica, which houses the diocese.
The chief and the assistant fire chief are on the run, the firefighter said, and this is an active, ongoing situation.
, Cincinnati Bomb Squad and emergency management was on the scene in central Covington. Local TV stations showed emergency vehicles responding.
The diocese has been responding to a nationwide controversy that erupted over the Martin Luther King Day weekend after a video went viral showing a group of Covington Catholic High School boys on steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, where students travel annually for the antiabortion March for Life.
One of the student was shown standing in front of Nathan Phillips, a Native American elder, who was beating a drum during the Indigenous Peoples March. A larger group of Covington Catholic students stood nearby, laughing and gesturing.
The diocese and school were both closed Tuesday because of threats and a planned protest by Native Americans, according to a statement on the diocese web site.
Due to threats of violence and the possibility of large crowds the Diocese was advised to close Covington Catholic High School, the Diocesan Curia and neighboring Covington Latin School, the statement said.
The protest outside the diocese Tuesday morning attracted about 70 people, including many members of the media, and passed off peacefully.
On Wednesday morning, Covington Catholic High School reopened with a heavy police presence at its entrances along Dixie Highway and with white vans blocking a neighboring parking lot that offered an overview of the sprawling campus of the all boys school.
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Meet the Washington D.C. Justice: An Overview of the Players on the New Overwatch League Team - Duration: 4:31.
So you're ready to be a fan of the new Overwatch League expansion team from Washington D.C.,
but you don't know who's on our roster.
We've got you covered—it's time to meet your Washington Justice.
Joining the Atlantic division under the ownership of Mark Ein,
D.C. has been flying under the radar in preseason projections.
Nevertheless, the Justice already have a dedicated fanbase excited about seeing esports come
to the DMV region.
They're ready to back the team through thick and thin.
The inaugural roster of the Washington Justice is comprised of eight players, three of which
played in the first season of the Overwatch League.
The remaining five are coming up from Overwatch Contenders both in North America and South Korea.
Only two have played on a team together before.
Five of our players come from Korea, and the other three, from Pennsylvania.
With ages ranging from 24 to 17, we have three DPS, three support, and two tanks.
But who are the Washington Justice?
Janus is probably the most famous player on the team, having played on the extremely successful
New York Excelsior last year.
Janus led the NYXL into all four stage finals in season 1, finishing 1st in match records
together with 3rd/4th in final playoffs.
Known for a creative playstyle, Janus will be holding down the main tank position.
This year, the Justice will be looking to Janus to lead them to victory.
Our front line is rounded out by off-tank Sansam.
Last year, Sansam played for Meta Athena in Contenders Korea.
Although finishing low in the rankings, Justice Manager Kate Mitchell said that they saw special
things in him in tryouts, especially synergy with Janus.
Moving on to DPS, we have another familiar name with Ado.
One of the bright points for the Shanghai Dragons in their 0-40 run last year, he made
a name for himself with his fantastic Tracer play and memorable dragonblades on Genji.
Outside of the game, he is always making his teammates laugh.
Corey is Washington's resident sniper, holding down the Widowmaker and other hitscan heroes.
Last year, he played for the Gladiators Legion, the academy team of the Los Angeles Gladiators.
They placed 5th through 8th in NA Contenders Season 2.
When Corey's not popping heads, he can be found enjoying anime.
Our third DPS player is Stratus, who is actually still 17 and not yet able to play.
He will turn 18 on February 27th, so he will be cheering on the team from the sidelines
for the first two games.
Stratus played on NRG last year, the academy team for the San Francisco Shock.
Stratus is one quarter Japanese, and also vegetarian.
Stratus' teammate on NRG, Fahzix, is our second support and one of the key pieces of the roster.
When it comes to Fahzix, it's not mechanics you're looking for, but his extremely big
brain.
He specializes in shotcalling and serving as the in-game-leader.
Fahzix also streams often and brings to the team a following of his own.
Hyeonu is another new talent coming up from Contenders Korea, picking up the third support spot.
He previously played for Meta Bellum and World Game Star H2.
He can often be found streaming Lucio gameplay or drawing fantastic digital artwork.
The final player on our team is Gido, who comes from the Seoul Dynasty.
Gido is not only an A-tier off-healer, he also has a pocket Tracer pick that rivals
some of the best DPS in the league.
He recently turned 19 on January 13th.
The coaching staff is led by WizardHyeong, Janus' old coach from NYXL.
Joining him is AVALLA, the league's first female coach, who is coming from Meta Bellum.
Kate Mitchell is our Assistant General Manager and will be the chief decision maker for the team.
And that is your Washington Justice!
We hope you learned something about the all-new team, and have a better understanding of who
they are and what you'll be rooting for.
This video has been brought to you by the Washington Justice League fan club.
For everything Washington Justice, subscribe to our channel to get all the latest news.
If you're interested in joining forces with other Justice fans, join the fan Discord via
the invite link in the description, where you can find awesome resources for following
the players and staff on social media, as well as gamenights, giveaways, and tons of hype.
Go Justice!
-------------------------------------------
Welcome Home – Washington Island - Duration: 1:11.
Washington Island is a very peaceful and special place because of the unique
geography, our seclusion. Getting here you got to take the ferry and then once
you're here you can you feel you feel a little freer like you can
kind of do what you want and it's gonna be alright. And then of course there's
Schoolhouse Beach you have to check out
Schoolhouse there's only a few beaches
like it in the world. Very special it does like a horseshoe and with the way
the limestone is as the cliffs recede the rocks fall into the water and over
thousands millions of years they tumble and they become polished. For most people
it's this magical escape. For someone who is a true local it's all about
service and taking care of the people coming up here. We do have a saying north
tension line and that's what we're going for we want people to come here
and relax and we got really unique food you can't get fish fresher anywhere.
We're in a very modern world right now and it's nice to kind of break away from
that and check out some nature and walk some trails and forget about life for a while.
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Gritty mania: How a new mascot won the Internet — and his city's support - Duration: 7:12.
For more infomation >> Gritty mania: How a new mascot won the Internet — and his city's support - Duration: 7:12. -------------------------------------------
Air traffic controllers warn of 'risks' to travel as shutdown drags on - Duration: 1:59.
For more infomation >> Air traffic controllers warn of 'risks' to travel as shutdown drags on - Duration: 1:59. -------------------------------------------
Public Health Emergency Issued After Measles Outbreak In Washington State | NBC Nightly News - Duration: 1:26.
For more infomation >> Public Health Emergency Issued After Measles Outbreak In Washington State | NBC Nightly News - Duration: 1:26. -------------------------------------------
Bennet slams 'ludicrous' border wall - Duration: 3:44.
For more infomation >> Bennet slams 'ludicrous' border wall - Duration: 3:44. -------------------------------------------
Trump officials keep making tone-deaf comments about furloughed workers - Duration: 1:48.
For more infomation >> Trump officials keep making tone-deaf comments about furloughed workers - Duration: 1:48. -------------------------------------------
El cierre del gobierno ha perjudicado a muchos negocios en Washington DC | Noticias Telemundo - Duration: 2:18.
For more infomation >> El cierre del gobierno ha perjudicado a muchos negocios en Washington DC | Noticias Telemundo - Duration: 2:18. -------------------------------------------
Denver Mayor Michael Hancock Attends Winter Meeting Of Mayors In Washington - Duration: 2:29.
For more infomation >> Denver Mayor Michael Hancock Attends Winter Meeting Of Mayors In Washington - Duration: 2:29. -------------------------------------------
Trump signals openness to 3-week CR for 'down payment' on wall - Duration: 4:54.
For more infomation >> Trump signals openness to 3-week CR for 'down payment' on wall - Duration: 4:54. -------------------------------------------
Sudans president must resign The Washington Post - Duration: 1:38.
Sudans president must resign The Washington Post
Opinion Interpretation of the news based on evidence, including data, as well as anticipating how events might unfold based on past events
THE on the streets of Sudan sends an unmistakable signal to President Omar Hassan al Bashir, who has ruled for 30 years. He has presided over alleged crimes against humanity in Darfur, for which he is wanted by the International Criminal Court, as well as massive graft and mismanagement. He should spare his country further misery and exit.
The latest protests began Dec. 19 in the town of Atbara, about 200 miles from the capital, Khartoum. Triggered by athat caused the price of bread to triple, demonstrations spread to more than two dozen other towns and cities, including Khartoum and Omdurman, the countrys economic center. The protests are increasingly fueled not by any specific constituency but by general fury at living conditions and Mr. Bashirs regime. Over the past five weeks, security forces have fired into crowds. Amnesty International 37 people have been killed. The International Crisis Group that security forces have not gone as far as they did in 2013 when militias indiscriminately killed almost 200 protesters. But nervous about the uprising, the regime seized print runs of covering the events, attempted to shut down the Internet and detained journalists.
Sudans kleptocracy under Mr. Bashir has led the nation to ruin. Part of the trouble stems from the loss of substantial oil revenue after in 2011. But much of the misery is the result of excessive spending on the military and security services. A deeper began last year when the government cut wheat subsidies without helping the hardest hit poor, while simultaneously devaluing the currency. Inflation has skyrocketed to more than 60 percent. While Mr. Bashir has survived protests before, this time looks worse. He has the protesters traitors, mercenaries, agents and heretics but also has cautioned police not to use excessive force, which would inflame the uprising more.
The United States against Sudan in October 2017, saying it had begun addressing about terrorism as well as human rights abuses against civilians in Darfur. Other nations had whether to lift sanctions. But no such action is appropriate now. On Wednesday, that a better U.S. relationship with Sudan requires meaningful political reform and clear, sustained progress on respect for human rights. That is a standard other nations, such as those in the Arab League and African Union, should adopt.
As the Crisis Group points out, Mr. Bashir is facing unpalatable alternatives, including that crimes against humanity, genocide and war crimes. If he cracks down violently against protesters, Sudan will be further isolated. An internal coup seems unlikely and in any event might result in unhelpful instability. The best alternative for Mr. Bashir is to relinquish power to a new government that could qualify for international aid. The writing is on the wall, and Mr. Bashir should heed it.
Read more:
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US NEWS | Jared Kushner thrusts himself into middle of shutdown talks The Washington Post - Duration: 7:18.
US NEWS | Jared Kushner thrusts himself into middle of shutdown talks The Washington Post
Jared Kushner spoke up at a recent Oval Office meeting about cutting a deal to end the government shutdown, which has been the latest project for President Trumps son in law and senior adviser.
After listening to Kushner expound on policy and possible areas of compromise with Democrats, Trump glanced at the others in the room.
Apparently, Jared has become an expert on immigration in the last 48 hours, Trump said, according to three people familiar with the exchange who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly.
The remark, described by one White House official as playful, underscored the latest power shift inside the White House: Kushner has emerged as an omnipresent and assertive player in the now 33 day impasse, despite deep skepticism on Capitol Hill about his political abilities and influence, according to more than a dozen Trump associates, lawmakers and others involved in the discussions.
Repeatedly assuring Trump that he can personally strike a deal with Democrats, Kushner has overshadowed other advisers in a largely empty West Wing this month. He usually huddles to discuss strategy each morning with the president, Vice President Pence and a few others, White House aides said.
Kushners role has been fueled by a burst of self confidence following his help in passing criminal justice legislation, his assistance on trade negotiations and the departure of former chief of staff John F. Kelly, who curbed his role and accused Kushner of playing government. But the efforts carry risks for both him and the president, whose boasts of being a savvy dealmaker are at the heart of his political appeal.
Convinced that Senate Democrats will eventually crack and that there are votes for a bipartisan agreement, Kushner has urged the president to dig in while also adjusting his position as his popularity suffers in public polls, according to a person close to him and White House officials.
Kushner, who referred a request for comment to the White House, has told Trump advisers that he has solid relationships with several Democrats, such as Senate Minority Whip Richard J. Durbin Ill. , and that he can sell a compromise to moderate Democrats and Republicans with whom he built a rapport while working on the criminal justice bill.
But a number of key Senate Democrats, including Sen. Joe Manchin III W.Va. , havent heard from Kushner in weeks, according to aides. And aides to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi D Calif. and Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer D N.Y. say he has played no role in their discussions to reopen the government.
He is totally a nonentity, one senior Democratic aide said.
White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said Kushner "has already successfully helped negotiate deals" such as the proposed trade agreement with Mexico and Canada and criminal justice reform, "so its no wonder the President asked him to join the negotiating team to work on a deal to open the government and secure our border."
Trumps offer in a speech last weekend — to trade temporary protections for young undocumented immigrants and others for dollar 5.7 billion in border wall funding — had Kushners imprint, White House officials said, reflecting his push for a big deal to end the shutdown. The proposal is expected to fail in a Senate vote Thursday.
Sen. Lisa Murkowski R Alaska , a key moderate who has called for the government to reopen, said Wednesday that Kushner doesnt have the experience of Pence, a former House member, and others involved in the discussions.
That doesnt mean hes not helpful or hes not effective, but there is a difference there, Murkowski said, adding, Its really hard to understand the dynamics unless youve really been immersed in this.
Rep. Hakeem Jeffries N.Y. , the chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, said Kushners role in criminal justice discussions was constructive but that the shutdown is a far more difficult situation for him.
To the extent he can build upon that, perhaps he can be helpful, Jeffries said. But hes going to have to move off the notion that Democrats are going to pay a dollar 5.7 billion ransom note.
Yet Trump, who often tires of advisers, has continued to give a great deal of control to Kushner, according to a senior White House official.
Kushner has been a constant at the Capitol, ducking into meetings with party leaders and attempting to shepherd talks. He has mostly avoided speaking publicly, instead working from his sparsely decorated West Wing office where Reeses candy is on the table, a Kanye West poster is above the door and photos of his wife, Ivanka Trump, are on his desk.
Kushner speaks frequently with Republican leaders, such as Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell Ky. and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy Calif. along with some rank and file lawmakers, officials said.
Last week, Kushner told several moderates who were considering sending Trump a letter calling for the government to reopen that they should hold off on doing so because a bipartisan pact was still possible. Kushners message was to save the postage because Trump would not support a short term plan, GOP and White House officials said — and the letter went unsent.
Kushner has also been willing to consider a number of suggestions from Democrats that others in the White House have blanched at considering, adding to conservative anxiety.
Former House speaker Newt Gingrich, a Trump and Kushner ally who presided over an unpopular shutdown during the Clinton administration, said there is tension between what Jared is trying to accomplish and what some people in the White House are trying to block.
For Jared to succeed, hes going to have to get control to make sure the legislative language of what comes out from the White House reflects the commitments that are being made, Gingrich said.
A person familiar with Kushners strategy said he has been focused on targeting Democrats who may want to break from leadership and has had positive conversations with many of them. The person declined to say whom Kushner had spoken to, citing the sensitivity of the negotiations.
Democrats have shown skepticism about Kushner in the past. When members of Congress visited Tel Aviv last April, some chuckled aloud when the U.S. ambassador talked about Kushners extensive progress on Middle East peace, according to a person present for the meeting. Trump put Kushner in charge of drafting a peace proposal, yet to be proposed, for Israel and the Palestinians at the start of his presidency.
Kushner, aware of the suspicions in some GOP quarters, has reached out to conservatives and assured them that his commitment to a border wall is as strong as Trumps and that he wants to make sure they support a bipartisan deal if one emerges.
I love the Cush, Rep. Matt Gaetz R Fla. , a conservative Trump ally, said. Ill tell you what, hes turned out to be a master negotiator and a competent force on the Hill. Jared has really deployed private sector dealmaking to this process and brought that to Trump world.
Ken Kurson, a longtime Kushner friend, said he could teach a master class in getting to yes.
When he first began serving in the Trump administration, many Twitter tough guys took shots at his lack of experience, Kurson said. Now that hes helped the president put together a series of wins that many of those same pundits said were impossible … I think everyone in America, on all political sides, is glad Jared Kushner is in the room.
Over the last year, Kushner has had a dramatic stretch of highs and lows, including scrutiny from the ongoing special counsels Russia probe and for his work to build a relationship with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, whom intelligence officials have connected to the gruesome killing of Jamal Khashoggi, a Saudi journalist who had been living in the U.S. and wrote columns for The Washington Post.
They cant jam Pelosi. They never will. They think Nancy Pelosi will have to eat something. Shes not going to have to eat anything, said one senior administration official who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they are not authorized to speak publicly.
Kushner has also kept others out of the deliberations, determined to avoid leaks to the news media, White House officials said. A person close to Kushner said he doesnt trust many of his colleagues in the White House.
Shahira Knight, the legislative affairs director, has expressed unease with the White Houses operation during the shutdown. Another senior White House official called Kushners positioning delusional.
At a meeting last Thursday, Kushner spoke at length about why his proposed compromise could work. McConnell offered his reservations but said he was willing to support it to jump start negotiations, according to people familiar with the matter. Others present said Kushner was the main speaker from the White House, even though Pence and Mulvaney were present.
After Trump spoke over the weekend, conservatives who are aligned with Trumps immigration stance, from Rep. Steve King R Iowa to commentator Ann Coulter, denounced the new proposal as amnesty and a political mistake. Democrats, meanwhile, rejected the offer before it was announced.
As the shutdown enters its second month, there is little confidence among White House aides that a deal is near. Morale has plummeted, according to five White House officials. Many desks in the building sit idle due to the shutdown.
But Kushner has told others in the White House that Democrats are coming along — and that a deal will be done. For his part, Trump has told advisers he could still declare a national emergency, a route Kushner has cautioned against.
Trumps patience with Kushners involvement could become strained if Democrats continue to wave off Trumps offer and hold firm, officials said.
Im glad hes involved, Rep. Tom Cole R Okla. said. Is it a tough issue? Yes. Is it different than criminal justice? Yes. But hes trying to get people together, and for that, there is appreciation.
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Golden State Warriors at Washington Wizards: Game Preview, How to Watch NBA Online, TV Channel, Live - Duration: 2:50.
The Dubs road trip rolls into Washington DC On Thursday night. The defending champions are in the nation's capital for an East-West matchup
Warriors are looking for their ninth-straight victory tonight against the Wizards
Tune in at 8pm ET and stream live online. Warriors at Wizards 8PM ET Live Stream: fuboTV (watch for free) TV Channel: TNT, NBC Sports Bay Area This will be the second and final regular season matchup between the two teams, and the third contest in a five-game road trip for Golden State
Last time these two teams met, Steph Curry had 18 straight points for the Warriors
Boogie Cousins has had two outstanding games since he's back in the lineup. The champs look scary good as they continue to rack up wins in the last few weeks
With Boogie back, the Warriors are completely healthy right now, which means they're in the perfect position to stretch their win streak and go into the All-Star break comfortably at the top of the West
The Washington Wizards sit at 20-26 on the season and must finish the season without five-time all-star point guard John Wall while he recovers from left ankle surgery
Though missing three key players, Washington has come on strong as of late; the Wizards have won two in a row and are 7-3 in their last 10 games
Golden State will have to keep their eye on Bradley Beal, who is averaging almost 25 points on over seven 3-point shot attempts per game
The Wizards are 7-3 in their last 10 games thanks to Beal 's scoring surge. Both teams have built a lot of momentum coming into this one, which should make for a fun game to watch
How to Watch More NBA with fuboTV You can watch every marquee NBA game with fuboTV, including nationally televised games on TNT and NBA TV as well as nearly every regional network, such as NBC Sports Washington for Wizards games and NBC Sports Bay Area for Warriors games
Sign up today for a free trial so you don't miss any key games – no contracts required
You'll also get access to the NFL, College Basketball, MLB, and much more. fuboTV is available on all of your devices, including web, iPhone, Android, Roku, Apple TV, Google Chromecast, and Amazon Fire TV
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911 calls released from night of Jason Washington's death - Duration: 0:54.
For more infomation >> 911 calls released from night of Jason Washington's death - Duration: 0:54. -------------------------------------------
TREND | Jared Kushner thrusts himself into middle of shutdown talks The Washington Post - Duration: 7:11.
TREND | Jared Kushner thrusts himself into middle of shutdown talks The Washington Post
Jared Kushner spoke up at a recent Oval Office meeting about cutting a deal to end the government shutdown, which has been the latest project for President Trumps son in law and senior adviser.
After listening to Kushner expound on policy and possible areas of compromise with Democrats, Trump glanced at the others in the room.
Apparently, Jared has become an expert on immigration in the last 48 hours, Trump said, according to three people familiar with the exchange who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly.
The remark, described by one White House official as playful, underscored the latest power shift inside the White House: Kushner has emerged as an omnipresent and assertive player in the now 33 day impasse, despite deep skepticism on Capitol Hill about his political abilities and influence, according to more than a dozen Trump associates, lawmakers and others involved in the discussions.
Repeatedly assuring Trump that he can personally strike a deal with Democrats, Kushner has overshadowed other advisers in a largely empty West Wing this month. He usually huddles to discuss strategy each morning with the president, Vice President Pence and a few others, White House aides said.
Kushners role has been fueled by a burst of self confidence following his help in passing criminal justice legislation, his assistance on trade negotiations and the departure of former chief of staff John F. Kelly, who curbed his role and accused Kushner of playing government. But the efforts carry risks for both him and the president, whose boasts of being a savvy dealmaker are at the heart of his political appeal.
Convinced that Senate Democrats will eventually crack and that there are votes for a bipartisan agreement, Kushner has urged the president to dig in while also adjusting his position as his popularity suffers in public polls, according to a person close to him and White House officials.
Kushner, who referred a request for comment to the White House, has told Trump advisers that he has solid relationships with several Democrats, such as Senate Minority Whip Richard J. Durbin Ill. , and that he can sell a compromise to moderate Democrats and Republicans with whom he built a rapport while working on the criminal justice bill.
But a number of key Senate Democrats, including Sen. Joe Manchin III W.Va. , havent heard from Kushner in weeks, according to aides. And aides to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi D Calif. and Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer D N.Y. say he has played no role in their discussions to reopen the government.
He is totally a nonentity, one senior Democratic aide said.
White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said Kushner "has already successfully helped negotiate deals" such as the proposed trade agreement with Mexico and Canada and criminal justice reform, "so its no wonder the President asked him to join the negotiating team to work on a deal to open the government and secure our border."
Trumps offer in a speech last weekend — to trade temporary protections for young undocumented immigrants and others for dollar 5.7 billion in border wall funding — had Kushners imprint, White House officials said, reflecting his push for a big deal to end the shutdown. The proposal is expected to fail in a Senate vote Thursday.
Sen. Lisa Murkowski R Alaska , a key moderate who has called for the government to reopen, said Wednesday that Kushner doesnt have the experience of Pence, a former House member, and others involved in the discussions.
That doesnt mean hes not helpful or hes not effective, but there is a difference there, Murkowski said, adding, Its really hard to understand the dynamics unless youve really been immersed in this.
Rep. Hakeem Jeffries N.Y. , the chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, said Kushners role in criminal justice discussions was constructive but that the shutdown is a far more difficult situation for him.
To the extent he can build upon that, perhaps he can be helpful, Jeffries said. But hes going to have to move off the notion that Democrats are going to pay a dollar 5.7 billion ransom note.
Yet Trump, who often tires of advisers, has continued to give a great deal of control to Kushner, according to a senior White House official.
Kushner has been a constant at the Capitol, ducking into meetings with party leaders and attempting to shepherd talks. He has mostly avoided speaking publicly, instead working from his sparsely decorated West Wing office where Reeses candy is on the table, a Kanye West poster is above the door and photos of his wife, Ivanka Trump, are on his desk.
Kushner speaks frequently with Republican leaders, such as Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell Ky. and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy Calif. along with some rank and file lawmakers, officials said.
Last week, Kushner told several moderates who were considering sending Trump a letter calling for the government to reopen that they should hold off on doing so because a bipartisan pact was still possible. Kushners message was to save the postage because Trump would not support a short term plan, GOP and White House officials said — and the letter went unsent.
Kushner has also been willing to consider a number of suggestions from Democrats that others in the White House have blanched at considering, adding to conservative anxiety.
Former House speaker Newt Gingrich, a Trump and Kushner ally who presided over an unpopular shutdown during the Clinton administration, said there is tension between what Jared is trying to accomplish and what some people in the White House are trying to block.
For Jared to succeed, hes going to have to get control to make sure the legislative language of what comes out from the White House reflects the commitments that are being made, Gingrich said.
A person familiar with Kushners strategy said he has been focused on targeting Democrats who may want to break from leadership and has had positive conversations with many of them. The person declined to say whom Kushner had spoken to, citing the sensitivity of the negotiations.
Democrats have shown skepticism about Kushner in the past. When members of Congress visited Tel Aviv last April, some chuckled aloud when the U.S. ambassador talked about Kushners extensive progress on Middle East peace, according to a person present for the meeting. Trump put Kushner in charge of drafting a peace proposal, yet to be proposed, for Israel and the Palestinians at the start of his presidency.
Kushner, aware of the suspicions in some GOP quarters, has reached out to conservatives and assured them that his commitment to a border wall is as strong as Trumps and that he wants to make sure they support a bipartisan deal if one emerges.
I love the Cush, Rep. Matt Gaetz R Fla. , a conservative Trump ally, said. Ill tell you what, hes turned out to be a master negotiator and a competent force on the Hill. Jared has really deployed private sector dealmaking to this process and brought that to Trump world.
Ken Kurson, a longtime Kushner friend, said he could teach a master class in getting to yes.
When he first began serving in the Trump administration, many Twitter tough guys took shots at his lack of experience, Kurson said. Now that hes helped the president put together a series of wins that many of those same pundits said were impossible … I think everyone in America, on all political sides, is glad Jared Kushner is in the room.
Over the last year, Kushner has had a dramatic stretch of highs and lows, including scrutiny from the ongoing special counsels Russia probe and for his work to build a relationship with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, whom intelligence officials have connected to the gruesome killing of Jamal Khashoggi, a Saudi journalist who had been living in the U.S. and wrote columns for The Washington Post.
They cant jam Pelosi. They never will. They think Nancy Pelosi will have to eat something. Shes not going to have to eat anything, said one senior administration official who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they are not authorized to speak publicly.
Kushner has also kept others out of the deliberations, determined to avoid leaks to the news media, White House officials said. A person close to Kushner said he doesnt trust many of his colleagues in the White House.
Shahira Knight, the legislative affairs director, has expressed unease with the White Houses operation during the shutdown. Another senior White House official called Kushners positioning delusional.
At a meeting last Thursday, Kushner spoke at length about why his proposed compromise could work. McConnell offered his reservations but said he was willing to support it to jump start negotiations, according to people familiar with the matter. Others present said Kushner was the main speaker from the White House, even though Pence and Mulvaney were present.
After Trump spoke over the weekend, conservatives who are aligned with Trumps immigration stance, from Rep. Steve King R Iowa to commentator Ann Coulter, denounced the new proposal as amnesty and a political mistake. Democrats, meanwhile, rejected the offer before it was announced.
As the shutdown enters its second month, there is little confidence among White House aides that a deal is near. Morale has plummeted, according to five White House officials. Many desks in the building sit idle due to the shutdown.
But Kushner has told others in the White House that Democrats are coming along — and that a deal will be done. For his part, Trump has told advisers he could still declare a national emergency, a route Kushner has cautioned against.
Trumps patience with Kushners involvement could become strained if Democrats continue to wave off Trumps offer and hold firm, officials said.
Im glad hes involved, Rep. Tom Cole R Okla. said. Is it a tough issue? Yes. Is it different than criminal justice? Yes. But hes trying to get people together, and for that, there is appreciation.
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