Here’s what’s happening Wednesday in Election 2020.
TODAY’S TOP STORIES:
‘AMERICA IS BACK’: President-elect Joe Biden introduced his national security team, his first substantive offering of how he’ll shift from Trump-era “America First” policies by relying on experts from the Democratic establishment to be some of his most important advisers. Biden’s Washington veterans all have ties to the Obama administration as the president-elect has sought to deliver a clear message about his desire to reestablish a more predictable engagement from the United States on the global stage.
BIDEN'S TEAM: Biden’s first wave of Cabinet picks and choices for his White House staff have prized staying power over star power, with a premium placed on government experience and proficiency as he looks to rebuild a depleted and demoralized federal bureaucracy. With an eye in part toward making selections who may have to seek approval from a Republican-controlled Senate, Biden prioritized choosing qualified professionals while eschewing flashy names.
SENATE SWAY: As Biden has started rolling out his administrative team, one voice has been notably silent: Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. Senate Republicans will hold great sway in confirming or denying Biden’s Cabinet nominees, regardless of which party controls the narrowly split Senate after runoff elections in Georgia. But key Republican senators, including the GOP leader, are keeping quiet for now.
TRUMP VENTS: President Donald Trump insists that he is not giving up his fight to overturn the election results, but across the federal government preparations are beginning in earnest to support Biden’s incoming administration. Career federal officials opened the doors of agencies to hundreds of transition aides ready to prepare for Biden's Jan. 20 inauguration. And Trump signed off on allowing Biden to receive highly classified national intelligence briefings.
GOP SUES: Republicans have filed a lawsuit asking the Wisconsin Supreme Court to block certification of the presidential election results. A recount pertaining to Biden’s win over Trump is ongoing. The lawsuit echoes many of the arguments Trump is making in trying, unsuccessfully, to have tens of thousands of ballots discounted during the recount. At least 10 cases have been filed across the country seeking to halt certification in parts or all of key battleground states. None has been successful.
QUOTABLE: “The contrast between Biden’s selections and Trump’s selections are like night and day: Biden’s picks are capable, sensible and play well in the sandbox together. Biden prefers people he has known for decades. Trump picked Rex Tillerson because he thought he looked like a secretary of state.” — Steve Rattner, a former Obama economic adviser, after Biden introduced his national security team.
ICYMI:
Q&A: Will Twitter, Facebook crack down on Trump?
Disastrous first debate is one rerun Fox’s Wallace avoids
Find AP’s full election coverage at APNews.com/Election2020.