2nd Democratic Debate Oddsmakers See Kamala Taking it all ... Face Time, Tweets & Biden

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Kamala Harris stands to win big during the second Democratic debate this week -- at least in the eyes of pro bookies who have her winning several key battles ... including owning Joe Biden.

The prop bets are set for Tuesday and Wednesday's debates, and according to cyber-gambling site SportsBetting.Ag ... folks are anticipating Senator Harris getting a lot of the spotlight, especially in comparison to the ex-Veep.

Kamala is expected to get the most speaking time on Wednesday (when she and Biden will share the stage) at 3/2 odds, compared to Biden's 2/1 odds. That means a $100 wager on Harris would pay out $150, whereas $100 for Biden would pay $200.

SportsBetting also predicts Kamala will get tweeted about the most, but only slightly over Biden at 2/3 against Biden's 11/10. Ditto for whether she calls Biden out by name -- bettors predict she WON'T at the same exact odds.

Considering Kamala called Joe out during the first round, and got a ton of attention for doing so ... we'd guess she dips back into that well again.

Other interesting bets -- whether Biden will get handsy with Kamala, Kirsten Gillibrand or Tulsi Gabbard onstage ... folks think he'll keep his hands to himself at 1/10. But, if he does touch 'em, it pays out 5/1. Beto's also expected to speak Spanish again, but a second microphone malfunction is not in the stars, according to oddsmakers.

As for Tuesday's debate, Elizabeth Warren is basically seen as the Kamala of her group. Place your bets ... but also make sure ya vote!!! One is definitely more important than the other.

Michelle Obama Shades Trump ... Here's Some Baltimore Magic

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Michelle Obama appears to be firing back at President Trump -- not by insulting him for his horrid rant about the city of Baltimore ... but by merely showcasing its talented citizens.

The former First Lady posted a video Saturday, which seems to be in response to Trump bashing Rep. Elijah Cummings and his constituents in Charm City, saying pretty nasty stuff ... calling Baltimore a "disgusting, rat and rodent infested mess" and a "dangerous & filthy place" -- all while suggesting Rep. Cummings tend to his own district instead of criticizing the situation at the southern border (people locked in cages, child separations, etc.).

Michelle didn't directly call out Trump for what many are calling racist smears against the city, but she did highlight some beauty from the community through the vehicle of sport and dance.

The clip shows off Baltimore's very own Lethal Ladies -- a local STEP team who Michelle says she saw perform in 2017. She wrote of them, "I'm so proud of you all -- and everyone who's dancing today!" Apparently, Saturday is #NationalDanceDay.

What's interesting about the video too is that the girls use Michelle's signature slogan, "When they go low, we go high!" in their dance routine. One of the girls even makes reference to bullying, saying, "we don't stoop to their level." It couldn't be a more clear shot at DT.

As if that wasn't enough of a denunciation, Barack also appeared to respond to Trump's vicious tweets with an op-ed in WaPo, in which he condemns Trump's "go back" attacks.

Battle lines are being drawn, it seems.

Mayor Pete Buttigieg Ugh, If I Had to Choose Trump Or Pence ....

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LESSER OF TWO EVILS

Mayor Pete Buttigieg is undeniably mentally agile, but he really had to think about this one ... who's worse -- Donald Trump or Mike Pence?

The South Bend Mayor appeared Friday on "TMZ Live," and we posed the question in the wake of renewed cries by some Dems to impeach Trump. Obviously, if he were to be impeached and then convicted by the Senate, Pence would become Prez.

For Buttigieg, the choice is distasteful, but he VERY reluctantly seems to pick the one he thinks is the lesser of 2 evils ... or maybe it's more accurate to say he doesn't choose the greater evil.

Check out "TMZ Live" today.

Pete Buttigieg Good that Trump's Trying to Free A$AP, BUT ...

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HE CAN'T UNDO THE DAMAGE

Pete Buttigieg is happy Donald Trump is trying to free A$AP Rocky from a Swedish jail, but he couldn't be clearer -- that doesn't cancel out the damage the Prez has done to the African-American community.

Mayor Pete stopped by TMZ for an appearance on Friday's "TMZ Live" ... and he bore in on Trump, saying he's done enormous damage to African-Americans, but you still take what you get when you get it.

We asked Buttigieg about all sorts of stuff ... what his "Veep" would look like, whether we can be sanctimonious about Russian interference in the 2016 election when we invaded countries and installed brutal dictators around the world, whether celebs help or hurt candidates and ... his most cherished object.

Check out "TMZ Live" today.

Tim Ryan Tie Choice Is Crucial at Next Debate ... I Gotta Pop!!!

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Congressman Tim Ryan knows what he wants to wear for next week's Democratic Presidential debate ... problem is, he doesn't remember where he left it!!!

The Ohio Rep. chatted with our guy on Capitol Hill Wednesday about how he plans to suit up for the big event. After tracking down the suit, and getting the green light from his wife, he'll still need to choose the all-important tie.

Tim might not want to go too dark with his outfit ... or he'll have to compete with Elizabeth Warren.

One thing's for sure for the congressman -- he won't be sporting a Nixon-esque five o'clock shadow.

As for what the candidates get treated to in the green rooms at the debates ... he says it's nothing special. Or, at least, it's nothing special compared to another TV show's green room spread ... which he says blows away the competition.

One more thing -- the most hilarious thing -- he had a candy bar in his pocket for the first debate, just in case!!!

Kim Kardashian West Looking Golden at White House ... Brings Daughter and Grandma for Private Tour

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Kim Kardashian West is back at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. looking like she still very much means business in D.C. ... and she brought a couple sidekicks with her for a very special tour.

Kim arrived at the White House front gates Thursday morning in an all-gold getup ... with a shiny top, shoes and purse to go with the suit.

She wasn't flying solo, though -- her oldest kid, North West, left the Four Seasons hotel with her mom and got to tag along.

Kim's been in the nation's capital the past couple days visiting jails to discuss prison reform -- and possibly shooting an Oxygen Network documentary -- and our sources say she had another meeting with President Trump on the issue.

During her visit, we're told she also surprised her grandmother -- who recently turned 85 -- with a tour of the White House.

As we reported ... she and Kanye lobbied President Trump last week to get involved in the A$AP Rocky case in Sweden, and she thanked him and Jared Kushner for trying to free the rapper.

Unfortunately ... it doesn't look like it's going to be a simple task. A$AP was charged with assault early Thursday morning.

President Trump Rips Sweden Over A$AP Rocky ... Congressman Calls BS

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UPDATE

4:40 PM PT -- We just got Congressman Andre Carson on Capitol Hill and he said Trump's tweets are just a play to get more votes in 2020.

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UPDATE

Rep. Carson says he's been working behind-the-scenes to free A$AP, while Trump is just trying to appeal to the African-American community ... and he thinks Sweden won't be swayed by the tweets.

President Trump is sticking up for A$AP Rocky by dressing down the Swedish Prime Minister ... the Prez says he's very disappointed Sweden's leader didn't step in to help A$AP skirt an assault charge.

POTUS just went on a Twitter tantrum against the European nation and its government ... demanding the Swedes give A$AP his freedom and telling Sweden to fix crime in their country.

Trump says he's "very disappointed" Sweden's Prime Minister was unable to act, and he says the inaction has let down the African-American community in the United States.

The Prez claims he's watched the video footage of A$AP's street brawl in Stockholm, which shows him trying to play peacemaker before finally losing his cool and absolutely pummeling his attacker, who has a criminal record.

Trump also rips Sweden for not treating Americans fairly ... and he slams the country for not doing anything to help our citizens when "we do so much for Sweden."

As we reported ... A$AP was officially charged with assault Thursday, and he will remain in a Swedish jail as he awaits next week's trial.

Trump and the State Dept. already tried to butt in on behalf of A$AP before the Harlem rapper was charged, but to no avail.

Maybe Trump's new Twitter salvo will move the needle.

Originally published -- 2:41 PM PT

Prez Candidate Tulsi Gabbard Sues Google ... Stop Censoring Me!!!

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Presidential candidate Tulsi Gabbard is outraged because she claims Google has silenced her ... so she says in a new lawsuit, but Google says not so fast.

Gabbard's campaign filed the lawsuit claiming in the hours after the first Democratic Presidential Debate last month, the tech giant suspended her Google ads without notice.

Gabbard says her campaign worked frantically to find out why, but she claims Google fed her BS answers and to date has "not provided a straight answer or let alone a credible one."

Gabbard -- an Iraq War veteran -- says the suspension came at the most crucial time in her campaign ... because immediately after her performance at the debate, Gabbard became the most searched candidate after entering relatively unknown.

Making matters worse ... Gabbard claims Google's sending campaign emails into people's spam folders. She says this is not happening with other candidates and calls it censorship.

Gabbard's suing because she says it's a violation of her First Amendment rights.

We've reached out to Google, and a spokeswoman tells TMZ ... the search engine has "automated systems that flag unusual activity on all advertiser accounts -- including large spending charges -- in order to prevent fraud and protect our customers."

The spokeswoman goes on to say, "In this case, our system triggered a suspension and the account was reinstated shortly thereafter."

Ruth Bader Ginsburg The Senator Who Predicted My Death is Dead!!! How 'Bout Them Apples?!?

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Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is alive and hilarious!!!

RBG appeared on NPR Wednesday and addressed the deep concerns millions of Americans have expressed over her health and the possibility Donald Trump will get another swing at stacking the court with ultra-conservative justices.

Justice Ginsburg, who was on the ropes late last year with another cancer bout, said, "There was a senator, I think it was after pancreatic cancer, who announced with great glee that I was going to be dead within six months ... that senator, whose name I have forgotten, is now himself dead, and I am very much alive."

BTW ... the politician was Kentucky Republican Senator Jim Bunning, who died in 2017.

Ginsburg has showed no signs of stepping down, and made it clear as long as she's able to do the job well she's not going anywhere.

Elizabeth Warren I'm Wearing Black to the Debate!!!

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Elizabeth Warren isn't taking any chances when it comes to visuals for the next week's Democratic Presidential debate ... she says she's wearing all black.

We got Sen. Warren, Tuesday, at Reagan National and our photog wanted to know if she's picked out her outfit yet. Warren outsources some fashion advice, then nixes it and says she's going with black pants, a black top and a jacket when she takes the stage next week in Detroit.

And, speaking of nixes ... when it comes to televised debates ... appearance matters.

If you paid attention in history class -- or are old enough to remember the 1960 election -- you've probably heard Richard Nixon's drab wardrobe choice cost him dearly in the first televised debate, when he faced off against a dapper looking John F. Kennedy. Some experts say Nixon's drab appearance even cost him The White House.

Warren's going the safe route after wearing purple to the first debate ... can't go wrong with black.

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OUTFIT PLANS?
UPDATE

7:57 AM PT -- We also got Bill de Blasio out and pressed him on what kind of suit and tie combo he'll be going with at the debate ... the NYC Mayor was mum.

Originally Published -- 12:40 AM PT

A$AP Rocky Won't Make Race an Issue ... In Swedish Assault Case

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A$AP Rocky says race is not an issue in his detention, TMZ has learned ... but the reality is, he has to say that.

There's certainly plenty of smoke ... as we reported, G-Eazy -- a white rapper -- was arrested in Sweden for assault and cocaine possession, yet he only spent a day-and-a-half in jail, pled guilty, coughed up $9k and he was on his merry way.

A$AP's been in jail going on 3 weeks and he hasn't even been charged, and when that happens it will only be for aggravated assault ... an assault that was provoked by the alleged victim.

That said, our A$AP sources say he has made it clear to all in contact with him ... he doesn't think he's being held because he's black. That's consistently been his story.

Here's the reality ... if A$AP or his team DARED suggest he's being held because he's a black rapper, there would be hell to pay with the prosecutor and probably the judge as well. We've spoken with Swedish Embassy and other officials, and they're all adamant ... they do not discriminate. If foreigners suggested otherwise in court, our sources say it would be a disaster.

We're told A$AP will be charged and will then face 6 years in prison. The best defense they got is provocation by the alleged victim.

One thing's clear by now ... all the work the State Dept. and President have done trying to lobby Swedish officials hasn't worked ... in fact, it may have been counterproductive because prosecutors may not like what they consider intermeddling, and the Prime Minister is siding with them.

Sweden ... who knew?

A$AP Rocky N.Y. Rep. Welcomes Trump's Help ... Kim K's Too For That Matter

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A$AP Rocky's hometown congressman isn't sure if President Trump is genuine in wanting to help free him -- but he says it doesn't matter ... as long as the end goal is achieved.

We got Rep. Adriano Espaillat in NYC Sunday -- where he represents A$AP's home borough of Harlem -- and asked what he made of Trump saying he'd guarantee Rocky's bail if need be.

As we reported ... Trump tweeted out an update on the legal sitch in Sweden -- where A$AP's been jailed for about three weeks now -- and said he spoke the Prime Minister, assuring him the rapper wasn't a flight risk, and that he'd even vouch for his bail.

Rep. Espaillat says Trump being willing to put his own rep on the line for A$AP's bail is somewhat irrelevant, 'cause as he points out ... money's not really the issue here.

Our guy asks if DT's just using this as a re-election tactic to tap into a new demographic of potential voters come 2020, but the congressman won't go there. He tells us he doesn't wanna speculate on potential motives -- but what he is sure about is that those wanting to get A$AP freed will take any help they can get at this point, including from 45.

Hard to tell if POTUS' involvement is going to help A$AP, because the Swedish PM says he made it clear that their judicial system is independent and won't be subject to outside lobbying.

Doesn't hurt to have the right people in your ear though. Speaking of that, we ask Rep. Espaillat if Kim K and Kanye's political power is worrisome. Watch ... the guy defends 'em.

Kamala Harris Star-Studded CA Event Crashed by Ari, Demi & Katy!!!

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Kamala Harris seems to have Hollywood squarely in her corner as she continues her campaign for POTUS -- and she's got manager-to-the-stars Scooter Braun to thank for it.

The California senator attended a fundraiser that Scooter threw for her on Saturday, which took place at his own home in Los Angeles. Some very famous faces dropped by as well, including Ariana Grande, Katy Perry and Demi Lovato ... two of whom are Scooter's clients.

It was an RSVP event, and was slugged as a "Fireside Chat" with the presidential hopeful.

Scooter posted his own photos of the event, where it appears he and Kamala were seated in front of a crowd of people in the backyard of his place, with microphones in each person's hand. He captioned his pics, "Such as incredible night of supporting our brilliant friend...candidate for President of the United States of America @KamalaHarris."

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He also posted pics of him, Ari and Demi at the shindig, and called them "Fam."

Now, here's where things get interesting -- beyond the celebs just being there, we mean. Scooter's feud with Taylor Swift is coming into the picture, and him hosting Kamala appears to have pissed off a lot of her fans, with tons of Swifties calling Kamala and co. sellouts, and some even vowing not to vote for her come primaries.

As you know ... Scooter now owns the master recordings to Taylor's old catalog of music, which she lashed out at him over last month.

Interestingly enough, Taylor seems to have been pretty down with Senator Harris in the past ... retweeting her here and there. But, she's been an even more vocal supporter of one of Kamala's Democratic rivals ... Cory Booker. Taylor shouted him out when he backed the Equality Act in June.

To make matters even more tangled ... Booker was out in L.A. this weekend as well, and had his own bundle of stars ... like girlfriend Rosario Dawson, Sophia Bush and Tiffany Haddish.

Worlds are definitely colliding.

Donald Trump President Shows Up and Kisses Bride ... At MAGA Wedding

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WEDDING CRASHER

Donald Trump made a surprise appearance at a wedding that had a theme -- Make America Great Again.

The wedding went down Saturday night at Trump National Golf Club Bedminster in Bedminster, New Jersey.

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There was no doubt about it ... there were chants "USA, USA, USA," and "Trump, Trump, Trump."

You see the President kiss the bride and wave hello to the crowd that is cheering him on.  At various points during the evening, various people from the wedding party wore "MAGA" hats and even posed with Trump.

We're told the bride and groom -- PJ Mongelli and Nicole Marie -- are huge Trump fans. His Facebook is laced with Trump support, including a pic of him with the President.

The couple got engaged in 2017 at the Trump National Golf Club Bedminster.

Nicole Marie actually sent Trump multiple invites to the wedding, including a booklet that showcased encounters that she had with him, including rallies and Trump parties.

There were flags in the reception hall that said, "Trump 2020."

Donald Trump I'll Guarantee Bail for A$AP Rocky

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Well this is a twist ... Donald Trump just said he's personally guaranteeing bail for A$AP Rocky if Swedish authorities release him ... meaning the President would be on the hook if Rocky skips out.

It's a bizarre turn in the case. Trump just tweeted, "Just had a very good call with @SwedishPM Stefan Lofven who assured me that American citizen A$AP Rocky will be treated fairly. Likewise, I assured him that A$AP was not a flight risk and offered to personally vouch for his bail ..."

Trump didn't use the word, but it sounds like he's saying he's willing to become a guarantor on Rocky's bail application.

As we reported, a judge ruled Friday A$AP is a flight risk and therefore can't be let out of jail while the case grinds on.

So, he's now spoken to the Swedish Prime Minister who really promised nothing ... especially if he views what's going on as fair. As we reported, A$AP has been jailed for more than 2 weeks and not a single criminal charge has been filed against him. Prosecutors say they need another week to investigate -- even though any lawyer out of school for a year could process this one quickly, since there's video -- and they convinced a judge to hold Rocky in custody while they figure it out.

And, by the way, prosecutors blew it by sending out a press release saying they plan to indict him ... so why the charade of pretending the investigation is continuing? When we contacted them they told us they mistakenly put that info in the press release and then removed it. The mistake was clearly just that they played their hand.

The reality is this ... Trump and his State Dept. have already made a full court press to get Rocky out and it fell on deaf ears. Good that he's trying, but Swedish authorities up to this point have been immovable.

As we reported, Kanye called Trump Friday and made a plea for the President to get involved.

Rocky faces 6 years in prison if he's charged and convicted of assaulting a man who assaulted him first.

Kanye West Line into the Oval Asked Trump to Help Free A$AP

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We now know how the Donald Trump/Kanye West phone call went down Friday ... Ye called the Prez.

Sources with first-hand knowledge of the convo tell TMZ, Kanye called Trump to express his frustration over the Swedish judge's decision to hold A$AP Rocky for another week while the prosecutor decides whether to charge him ... even though we know that decision has already been made.

Kanye told Trump he wanted to get personally involved in the fight to free A$AP, and the first step was calling the President. Kanye discussed the fact Trump could call the Prime Minister ... and we're told Trump was agreeable.

The call was quick. We're told Kanye has a direct line into the Oval Office.

Trump said earlier, he's gotten a lot of calls from people in the African-American community over the A$AP situation ... but then said African-Americans and everyone else are one.

Trump said Melania also brought the A$AP matter to him, although we know Kim Kardashian called Jared Kushner about A$AP, who then went to Trump and Trump then contacted Pompeo.

The bad news for A$AP ... the State Dept. -- at Trump's behest -- tried in a big way to get A$AP out today, and failed.