WASHINGTON — Shortly before the 2020 election was called for President Donald Trump's rival, the president's campaign manager told staff to "stay at the ready" and prepare for protests in battleground states "at a moment's notice."
But privately, people close to Trump acknowledged it was over, with one adviser telling McClatchy that only a "handful" of aides still believed that there was a way for Trump to win.
White House chief of staff Mark Meadows, who just tested positive for the coronavirus, was said to be walking a tightrope.
