BORDER/CONGRESS/DEMS/IMMIGRATION/TRUMP AS PRESIDENT/WALL: “Congressional Democratic leaders Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi strongly rebuffed President Donald Trump’s nationally televised call Tuesday [1-8-19] night for billions in funding for an ‘ineffective, unnecessary’ border wall. Shortly after Trump argued for the wall, both Democrats not only denounced the wall but also blasted what they called the president’s sharp rhetoric and constant mistruths that have led to a partial government shutdown now in its third week. ‘Sadly, much of what we have heard from President Trump throughout this senseless shutdown has been full of misinformation and even malice,’ Pelosi said as Schumer, the Democratic Senate leader, stood next to her. ‘The President has chosen fear.’ In his roughly nine-minute address, Trump called the situation ‘a growing humanitarian and security and crisis in our southern border … All Americans are hurt from uncontrolled illegal migration.’ The exchange suggests the shutdown could last a while given how both sides appear dug in although Trump invited bipartisan congressional leaders to the White House for further talks Wednesday [1-9-18].”
–Ledyard King, “Trump speech: Democrats blast president for ‘malice’ and ‘fear’ in his border wall appeal,” USA Today, January 8, 2019 9:47 pm