Chopper pressers are the best pressers.  President Trump delivers impromptu remarks to the media as he departed the White House for North Carolina. [Video and Transcript]

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[Transcript] – THE PRESIDENT: So I just got this; it was just handed to me. This is the D.C. Circuit and we just won the big emoluments case. I think it was a unanimous decision. This was brought by Nancy Pelosi and her group. It just came out a few minutes ago. So I’ll be reading it on the helicopter. But it was a total win. This was brought by 230 Democrats in Congress on emoluments. It was another phony case and we won it three to nothing. We won it unanimously.
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Against the backdrop of massively consequential events, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin had an important interview today with Maria Bartiromo.
The interview covers multiple topics to include: China dropping tariffs; the overall status of the U.S. economy; potential economic impacts from the Coronavirus; an important legislative infrastructure program, and much more…  However, there’s a statement within the interview that subtle but highly important.  [Listen Carefully at 04:46]
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Long-term CTH readers may remember a key point, since we initially outlined the consequences of President Trump’s policy objectives in 2016, that everyone should carefully consider the scale of President Trump’s opposition.
We encapsulated by saying: “there are trillions at stake“.
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Rush Limbaugh is going to attempt to broadcast tomorrow (Thursday).  I would strongly urge all those who have listened and learned from El Rushbo to tune in.  Given the rapid nature of the cancer diagnosis our time with Rush is short. As a beacon when needed most, Rush Limbaugh has guided minds, inspired hearts and touched the lives of many.
Last night President Trump honored Mr. Limbaugh for his years of excellence in broadcasting, his unwavering love of country and his numerous charitable efforts.  Presenting Mr. Limbaugh with the Medal of Freedom was a very special moment in recognition of a very special man.

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President Trump will deliver his third State of the Union address tonight to a joint session of Congress.  The anticipated start time is 9:00pm Eastern.  Livestream links below:
UPDATE: Video Added

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Earlier today the White House announced special attendees for tonight’s State of the Union address as guests of the President.  The annual SoU address will take place at 9:10pm ET tonight and will be carried live on all networks.

From brave military families to hardworking local leaders, this year’s guests come from many walks of life. Each one represents the very best of America and people the world over.

♦ Stephanie and Janiyah Davis from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Janiyah is a 4th grade student from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She loves art and math, but for too long she has been assigned to low-performing schools. Her mom, Stephanie, is a hardworking single mother who tried to apply for a tax credit scholarship. But due to Pennsylvania’s governor recently vetoing school choice legislation, Janiyah remained among the estimated 50,000 students on a waitlist.
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President Trump’s 2020 Campaign Manager Brad Parscale along with the Trump family, Eric, Lara and Don Jr, hold a press conference in Iowa to kick off the 2020 primary campaign season.
Mr. Parscale explains the campaign is using Iowa 2020 as a testing ground for the operational aspects to the grassroots campaign structure that has been assembled.

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Even before the Coronavirus surfaced in China there was lower manufacturing factory activity within the Chinese economy.  The necessary response within China to control the spread of the Coronavirus has been to shut down most commerce.  Factories, schools &  businesses throughout China are empty as various containment measures are underway.

The direct result of this response is a severe drop in economic activity.  Many analysts are speculating about how this cessation of production might impact supply chains that use Chinese component goods.  Obviously, with manufacturing facilities closed any downstream multinational company relying on those products may have supply issues as soon as existing inventories deplete.
There is a natural lag before the manufacturing void hits the consumer market; however, the financial markets are forward looking and they are already reflecting severe drops in stock prices, depending on the dependency/exposure of the company and/or sector.

BEIJING/SHANGHAI (Reuters) – Chinese stock and commodity markets fell heavily on Monday as the death toll from a coronavirus epidemic in China rose to 361 and investors retreated into safe-haven assets in the first trading session after an extended Lunar New Year break.

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Early Sunday Morning Republican House Leader Kevin McCarthy appeared on Fox News with Maria Bartiromo to discuss the final stages of the impeachment and the 2020 race.
McCarthy highlights the internal dynamic within the DNC that is entering a phase of extreme emergency.  The DNC Club -vs- Bernie 2.0.   The Iowa caucuses will likely be very interesting… However, those caucuses are notoriously corrupt by deeply connected party officials, and the 2020 Iowa delegate rule changes may spark a serious battle.

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Fox News broadcasts a pre-Superbowl interview with President Trump. Sean Hannity notes the Iowa Caucuses on Monday, SoU Speech Tuesday and 4:00pm senate vote on impeachment Wednesday, then asks if President Trump considered a delay in the State of the Union.   President Trump replies: “no… we’re going to talk about the achievements that we’ve made; nobody has made achievements that we’ve made.”  WATCH:

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During a background call with media a Senior Administration Official gives a preview of what to expect and the five points President Trump will focus upon during his remarks to congress: (1) Blue collar boom; (2) Working families; (3) Healthcare affordability; (4) Immigration enforcement; (5) National security.

[Transcript] –  […] SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Hi, everyone. So, I’ll give you a topline, issues that will be talked about in the speech, a few key insights, talk about tone, and then take your questions.

I know there’s a lot going on, so I’ll try to be as brief as I can.

The topline: President Trump is looking forward to delivering his third State of the Union Address and his fourth address to a Joint Session of Congress next Tuesday.

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